《Outside Of Time》


 Chapter 1

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    March, the beginning of Spring.


    At a corner of the eastern part of Nanhuang* Continent.


    The hazy sky was a stretch of gray and black, emitting a heavy sense of oppression. It was as if someone had splattered ink on drawing paper, allowing the ink to soak the sky, smudging the clouds.


    The clouds folded over each other, merging together. After that, streaks of red lightning could be seen shooting out, accompanied by thunderous rumbling sounds.


    The sounds were akin to the low-sounding roars of Gods reverberating through the mortal world.


    The blood-colored rain emanated sorrow, falling onto mortal soil.


    In the vast land, there was a ruined city. It looked devoid of vitality as it sat silently under the hazy blood-colored rain.


    Within the fragmented city walls, desolation and dilapidation painted the scene bleak. Everything was withering, and collapsed houses could be seen everywhere. One could also find numerous greenish-black corpses and torn flesh around that resembled crumbling autumn leaves as they silently withered.


    The once-bustling streets were now in shambles.


    The sandy paths that were once crowded with people were now silent.


    The only things that remained were shredded flesh, dust, and paper mixed with blood-soaked mud to the extent that one was indistinguishable from another. It was an extremely shocking sight.


    Not far away, a broken carriage could be seen deep in the mud. Degrees of deterioration could clearly be seen on it, and the only thing there was an abandoned bunny puppet that was tied onto the carriage¡¯s shaft, gently swaying with the wind.


    Its white-colored fur was long dyed red, exuding a gloomy and eerie aura.


    Its cloudy eyes seemed to contain some resentment as it stared lonely at the mottled stones ahead.


    A figure could be seen lying there.


    This was a youth that seemed around 13 to 14 years old. His clothes were tattered and filled with dirt. Also, there was a damaged leather pouch tied to his waist.


    The youth squinted his eyes as he lay there unmoving. The bone-piercing chill seeped through the holes of his clothes from all directions, enveloping his entire body, gradually causing his body temperature to dip.


    But even when the rain fell onto his face, he didn¡¯t blink. He was coldly staring at a place far away like an eagle.


    If one followed his gaze, at a location roughly seven to eight zhang* away, there was a skinny vulture currently chewing the rotting corpse of a wild dog. It would occasionally cast a vigilant glance at its surroundings.


    It felt like in this ruined city where danger abounded, the moment a slight gust of wind caused the grass to sway, the vulture would instantly soar into the air.


    The youth was like a hunter, patiently waiting for his chance.


    A long time later, an opportunity came. The greedy vulture finally completely buried its head into the wild dog¡¯s stomach to feast.


    Hence, the youth instantly narrowed his eyes as a cold light could be seen gleaming within.


    His body shot forward like a fired arrow, dashing rapidly ahead for the vulture. His right hand stretched to the leather pouch on his waist and pulled a black-colored iron stick out.


    The tip of the iron stick glimmered with cold sharpness.


    Maybe it was the vulture¡¯s perception of killing intent, but at the moment the youth dashed forth, it immediately became aware. Due to fright, it flapped its wings and wanted to take off for the safety of the air.


    However, it was too late.


    The black iron stick¡ªas the youth with a face devoid of emotions lightly tossed it¡ªtransformed into a black line that erupted forth.


    Pu!


    The sharp iron stick instantly pierced into the vulture¡¯s head, breaking its skull and killing it in one strike.


    The powerful impact blasted the vulture back, finally pinning it onto the horse carriage not far away.


    As a result, the blood-soaked bunny puppet also moved due to the collision impact and began swaying.


    The youth showed a calm look. From the start until now, his speed didn¡¯t reduce at all. He dashed toward the horse carriage and grabbed the vulture¡¯s corpse and iron stick.


    His strength was great enough to break apart a small piece of the carriage at the location where the vulture was pinned earlier.


    After doing all these, he didn¡¯t even turn his head as he rapidly headed toward the streets.


    At this moment, the wind here seemed to blow even stronger. The blood-colored puppet on the carriage seemed to be observing the departing back of the youth as it swayed in the wind.


    He moved further and further.


    The wind indeed grew stronger. It brought along the chill in the rain and blew past the thin clothes that the youth was wearing.


    The youth involuntarily shivered. After that, he furrowed his brows slightly and wrapped his clothes tighter around him as the sound of breathing could be heard.


    He hated the cold.


    And the solution to resist the cold was to find a place that could block the wind and rain to rest. However, the currently running youth didn¡¯t reduce his speed at all as he passed by numerous tattered-looking shops.


    He didn¡¯t have much time left because the hunting of the vulture had taken too much time. He still had a place he had to go today.


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be far now,¡± the youth muttered to himself and continued sprinting in the streets.


    On his way, numerous greenish-black corpses could be seen everywhere. Their faces that were devoid of hope were filled with malice, causing them to emanate an aura of despair that threatened to taint the youth¡¯s spirit.


    However, the youth treated this as normal and didn¡¯t even bother to spare a glance at them.


    Some time passed. The youth would occasionally glance at the sky as anxiousness appeared on his face. It seemed like the darkening sky was more frightening to him compared to the corpses.


    Luckily, he saw a medical shop in the distance not long later. The youth then heaved a sigh of relief and rushed over there.


    The medical shop wasn¡¯t big and many medicine cabinets were lying on the ground, emitting the stench of mold. It was like a tomb that had been forced open by others, and everything in there was a mess.


    Also, there was the corpse of an old man in the corner. It was completely greenish-black and sat there with its back to the wall. The corpse¡¯s eyes were wide open as though the owner didn¡¯t die peacefully. It was listlessly staring at the world outside.


    The youth shot a glance at it when he entered, and he immediately began to search.


    The vast majority of the medicinal herbs had turned greenish-black like the corpses. Only a few were still normal.


    Among these normal medicinal herbs, the youth spent a long time identifying them.


    He seemed to be recalling his past experiences. Eventually, he picked a strand of golden-sore grass up and removed his thin clothes, revealing a large wound across his chest.


    The wound hadn¡¯t completely recovered, and one could see the sides of the wound already starting to turn black. There was even some blood seeping out of the wound.


    The youth lowered his head to glance at the wound. After crushing the grass, he inhaled deeply and gritted his teeth before lifting his hand to smear the grass paste on his wound.


    In an instant, intense pain akin to a surging tide gushed forth from the wound, causing the youth to involuntarily shudder. However, he forcibly endured it. Even so, there was no way for him to stop the sweat from emerging on his forehead. The droplets of sweat then began flowing down his face, dripping onto the dark ground.


    [1] Nanhuang ÄÏ»Ë can be literally translated as Southern Phoenix


    [2] 1 zhang = 3.3 meters

 Chapter 2

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    The tears formed small spots of water akin to ink on the dark ground.


    The entire process persisted for over ten breaths. After he finished smearing the medicinal herb paste over his wound completely, the youth seemed to have lost all his strength. He grabbed hold of a cabinet beside him and rested for quite some time before he exhaled deeply and slowly put on his clothes.


    He glanced at the sky outside again. After some contemplation, he took out a fragmented map from his leather pouch and opened it carefully.


    The map was very elementary, depicting the layout of this city.


    The medical shops¡¯ locations were all marked. In fact, in the northeastern area, many areas were crossed out by someone¡¯s fingernails. Only two areas on the map weren¡¯t crossed out yet.


    ¡°After searching for these few days, it should be inside one of these two remaining areas.¡± The voice of the youth was hoarse. He muttered in a low voice and was about to leave after putting the map away.


    However, before he left, he turned and glanced at the old man¡¯s corpse. His gaze then fell onto the clothes that it was wearing.


    That was a leather coat. Maybe it was because of some special quality of the leather, the degree of corrosion wasn¡¯t severe.


    The youth pondered and decided to walk over and remove the leather coat from the corpse before wearing it on his body.


    The coat was somewhat large, but after it enveloped his small and skinny frame, the youth finally felt a hint of warmth. Hence, he lowered his head and looked at the opened eyes of the old man and lifted his hand to gently brush across them, allowing the old man to close his eyes in death.


    ¡°Rest in peace,¡± said the youth lightly. He tore down the curtains of the shop and covered the old man¡¯s corpse before turning to depart the medical shop.


    When he walked out, a weak glint of light flashed before his feet. The youth lowered his head and saw a palm-sized fragmented mirror piece in the blood-coated mud.


    In the mirror, he saw the reflection of his face.


    Although the face in the mirror was covered in dirt, one could still faintly see an extremely exquisite-looking face under the layer of dirt.


    However, it lacked the juvenile aura of the other ordinary 13 to 14-year-olds. The immaturity was replaced by coldness.


    The youth silently looked at his reflection. A moment later, he lifted his foot and stomped down.


    Ka~


    Numerous cracks appeared on the fragmented mirror.


    After smashing the mirror, his body moved as he sped into the distance.


    On the ground, although the fragmented mirror had even more cracks now, it still reflected the sky. The reflected sky resembled half of a vast fragmented human face from the gods that seemed to cover the entire world and all lives.


    The fragmented face had its eyes closed with a cold and lofty expression. Strands of withered curly hair draped down below.


    This fragmented face was a natural existence akin to the sun and moon of this world.


    It was as though it was saying that all existences below the gods were ants and insects. The living habits and lifestyle of the myriad of creatures had no choice but to change under their influence.


    And at this moment, the sky also gradually lost its light under the ¡®face of gods¡¯ reflected in the mirror.


    The shadow of the setting sun was like a black mist that pervaded the ruins in the city, covering the entire land as though wanting to devour it.


    After that, the rain grew even heavier.


    As the dark night gradually ¡®devoured¡¯ everything, the wind was as strong as ever and would occasionally cause sharp whimpering sounds to ring out.


    The sounds resembled the howls of malicious ghosts, awakening all the bizarre existences in this city. The wind then continued making bone-chilling creepy noises one after another.


    Hearing this, the running youth ran even faster and his movements grew more hurried. He agilely passed through the streets, trying to outpace the descent of the night.


    Just as he passed a collapsed house and was about to continue speeding ahead, the eyes of the youth abruptly narrowed.


    From the corner of his eyes, he spotted someone amidst the rubble.


    From afar, the person¡¯s clothing was neat and there seemed to be no injuries on his body. That person was seated there with his back against the wall.


    The most important thing was that the revealed skin of that person was normal-colored and not greenish-black!


    In this city, unless one was alive, it was impossible for such a figure to appear!


    And people who were alive¡­during these few days, the youth had not met a second living person other than himself.


    This scene caused his mind to stir. Very soon, it seemed that he thought of something and his breathing grew hurried.


    He had the intention to go forward, but the darkness of night behind him akin to smog appeared and was about to engulf him.


    The youth hesitated a little. He then made a mental note about this location before he quickly left.


    He sprinted all the way and finally returned to his temporary dwelling in this city before the night caught up to him.


    This place was a cave with a very small interior, and it was filled with bird feathers.


    The gap that was the entrance wasn¡¯t large. Adults had no way to come in, and only youths might be able to enter forcibly if they squeezed.


    After entering, he blocked the entrance with miscellaneous items such as books and rocks with great familiarity.


    Right after the gap was completely blocked, the darkness of the night gushed over.


    At this moment, the youth didn¡¯t let go of his vigilance. His hand forcefully clutched the iron stick as he held his breath, squatting there to listen for a long time.


    Gradually, the roars of mutated beasts and a piercing sound rang out, occasionally mixed in with eerie laughter.


    After that, there was even a clearer-sounding roar that echoed out in reply. Because of the nervous state of the youth, he only relaxed and sat at the side after the voices passed him by and faded into the distance.


    The interior of the cave was covered in complete darkness. The youth silently sat there, and it felt as though time could stop at this moment.


    He then fell into a daze and calmed his frayed nerves. After that, he grabbed a water flask beside him and gulped down a few mouthfuls of water, ignoring the sounds outside as he took the vulture out from his pocket.


    In the darkness, he began to chew on the vulture bit by bit.


    A disgusting bloody and fishy stench then gushed forth from his throat, but he calmly chewed on and swallowed, forcing the food down to his stomach.


    And at this moment, his stomach was forcefully churning, trying to digest and alleviate the feeling of hunger.


    Very soon, he finished the entire vulture. The youth then drew in a deep breath as waves of fatigue flooded his body. His eyes also slowly closed.


    However, his hand still held the black-colored iron stick tightly, as though he was a lone wolf taking a nap.

 Chapter 3

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    It was as though he would open his eyes instantly the moment there was anything strange.


    At this moment in the outside world, darkness was like a curtain, enveloping the city, the land, and the sky.


    The world under the sky was extremely vast. The Nanhuang Continent, which was situated overseas, was just one of the continents.


    Only a few people knew exactly how large this world was. However, the imposing ¡®fragmented face¡¯ above the sky emanated intense intimidation, and everyone could see it by lifting their head.


    It was no longer known what was the exact time the fragmented face arrived in this world.


    Humans only knew that very long ago, from the descriptions recorded in some texts, this world that was filled with immortal qi was prosperous and flourishing with vitality, but it only lasted until this gigantic fragmented face, which brought with it destruction, was attracted over from the depths of the void.


    In the process of its arrival, all lives in this world used all their methods and attempted to stop it, but everyone failed. In the end, only a few ancient kings and sovereigns brought part of the human race to relocate, abandoning the rest of the lifeforms here.


    Not long later, the fragmented face arrived. It hung suspended in the sky and from then on, a nightmare descended.


    The aura from the face permeated the entire world. Mountains, seas, all objects, and the myriad of life¡­even cultivators and the spirit energy they used to cultivate were tainted.


    Everything withered, and all lives were extinguished. The survival rate was less than 1%.


    From then on, the humans who survived with great difficulty from this calamity referred to this fragmented face as¡­a god.


    They also termed this world as ¡®Endsoil¡¯. As for the places the ancient kings and sovereigns relocated to, they were known as holy lands.


    These terms of address had lasted through many eras and were passed down through each generation.


    Also, the disasters brought by the gods weren¡¯t just these. The fragmented face¡¯s imposing intimidation would oppress all sentient beings constantly¡­


    Every few years, a few decades, or even a few centuries, the fragmented face would open its eyes once for several breaths.


    Every time it opened its eyes, the area it was staring at would instantly be tainted heavily by its aura.


    After that, all lives in that area would perish, and it would become an eternal forbidden zone.


    For the past few centuries, the number of forbidden zones in this world was increasing, and the places where the living could stay had become increasingly fewer.


    And nine days ago, the god once again opened its eyes, and the location the fragmented face was staring at was none other than the area where the youth was staying.


    In this area, all species and over ten human cities¡ªregardless of their locations, including the slums inside or outside the cities¡ªwere instantly tainted heavily and became forbidden zones that prevented lives from existing.


    Under the terrifying taint, all lives directly dissolved into blood. Some of them mutated and became mutated beasts with no intellect. Meanwhile, the others turned into greenish-black corpses whose souls had thoroughly dispersed.


    Only very few humans and beasts managed to survive due to luck.


    The youth was one of these lucky survivors.


    At this moment, outside the dark cave, a shrill cry drifted from the distance and moved closer and closer to the cave. As a result, the youth who was asleep quickly opened his eyes.


    He instinctively lifted his hand that held the iron stick and stared at the blocked entrance gap warily.


    Only when the source of the shrill cry circled once in the vicinity and gradually moved further did the youth heave a sigh of relief.


    He had lost all desire for sleep. He then touched his leather pouch and removed a bamboo slip from within.


    In the darkness, he gingerly touched the words carved on the bamboo slip, and there seemed to be a gleam in his eyes. After that, he sat upright and closed his eyes to adjust his breathing.


    This youth¡¯s name was Xu Qing. He grew up alone and led an arduous life in the slums outside the city.


    Nine days ago, when the calamity suddenly appeared, he hid in this cave behind the gap between the rocks. Different from the frightened and crazed masses, he calmly looked at the fragmented face in the sky that was opening its eyes. From the god¡¯s gaze, he could see unique pupils that were in the shape of a cross. After that, he seemed to have lost the emotion of fear.


    It lasted until he saw a beam of purple light descending from the sky, landing in the northeastern area of the city.


    At the next moment, he slipped into unconsciousness.


    When he awoke, he became the only lucky survivor be it inside or outside of the city.


    However, he didn¡¯t leave immediately.


    This was because he knew that when the god opened its eyes, this area would become a forbidden zone. At the start, it would be shrouded by blood rain and a boundary would be formed.


    Because of it, the people inside couldn¡¯t get out, and the people outside couldn¡¯t enter until the forbidden zone was completely formed.


    And the sign for completion was when the blood rain stopped.


    This calamity was nothing much to Xu Qing who grew up in the slums.


    This was because, in the slums, everything¡ªbe it a vagrant, wild dogs, sickness, or a cold night¡ªcould easily cause one to lose their life. One could only survive with great difficulty.


    As long as he survived, nothing else mattered.


    Naturally, despite the cruelty in the slums, there would occasionally be a trace of warmth.


    For example, some scholars who were down on their luck would teach kids how to read for a living. Other than this, there were also the memories of his relatives.


    It was just that in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, the memories of his relatives faded as time passed. Despite him trying his best to remember, as he was afraid that he might forget, the memories he had of them gradually grew blurry.


    However, he knew that he wasn¡¯t an orphan and still had relatives somewhere. It was just that they had lost touch long ago.


    So, his dream was to continue surviving.


    If he could live slightly better, if he had the chance to meet with his kin, that would be for the best.


    Hence, he who had luckily survived chose to enter the city.


    He wanted to head to the dwellings of those rich men in the upper echelons of the city to find the things rumored in the slums: cultivation arts and methods that could strengthen one¡¯s body, as well as the beam of purple light that landed in the city.


    The shortcut to growing stronger had been circulating in the slums as rumors, and everyone thirsted for it. They called this practice ¡®cultivation¡¯, and those who grasped the methods of cultivation were known as cultivators.


    Hence, becoming a cultivator was Xu Qing¡¯s greatest wish other than meeting his relatives.


    Cultivators weren¡¯t a common sight. During these years at the slum, he had only seen cultivators entering the city once from afar.


    Cultivators had a typical characteristic. When ordinary people were observing them, their bodies would instinctively shiver.


    In fact, Xu Qing had even heard people saying that the city lord was a cultivator. Some of his guards were cultivators as well.


    Hence, after searching in the city for a long time, he finally found this bamboo slip on a corpse inside of the city lord¡¯s residence.


    However, that place was very dangerous. He suffered a wound on his chest at that time as well.


    Fortunately, the information recorded on the bamboo slip was the cultivation method he thirsted for.


    All its content had been memorized completely by him. In fact, he had begun attempting to cultivate during these few days.


    Xu Qing had never seen other cultivation arts before. This bamboo slip was his only gain. He also had no idea how to practice cultivation correctly.


    Luckily, the information on the bamboo slip was recorded in simple and easy-to-understand terms. It emphasized visualization and one¡¯s breathing.


    So, he proceeded step by step and had a few gains.


    This art was named the Mountains and Seas Art.


    The method of cultivation was to visualize the totem carved on the bamboo slip and combine that with a special way of breathing.


    The picture of the totem was very strange, looking like a mutant. It had a large head and a tiny body with only a single leg. Moreover, its entire body was black and its face was as malevolent as a malicious ghost.


    Xu Qing had never seen such a lifeform before. The bamboo slip termed it as a ¡®xiao*¡¯.


    At this moment, as he cultivated, the picture of the xiao appeared in his mind, and Xu Qing¡¯s breathing gradually changed. After that, undercurrents formed in the nearby air.


    The spirit energy in the surroundings flowed over and slowly entered his body, coursing through it. He also felt waves of bone-chilling coldness coursing through his body. Everywhere the cold feeling flowed, it felt like that body part was submerged in ice water.


    Xu Qing was afraid of the chill. However, he endured it and didn¡¯t give up, continuing to persevere.


    After a long time, when he finally ended this cultivation session after meeting the requirements on the bamboo slip, his body would be drenched in cold sweat.


    And despite having eaten a vulture not long ago, the sensation of hunger appeared once more in his stomach.


    Xu Qing wiped the cold sweat away and touched his stomach as determination flashed in his eyes.


    Ever since he cultivated this art, his appetite had evidently increased by a lot. His body was also more agile compared to the past.


    All of these allowed him to have a higher resistance to the icy chill that appeared during his cultivation.


    At this moment, he lifted his head and peered through the gap to look at the outside.


    In the outside world, it was pitch black. Only the sounds of terrifying roars that were sometimes weak and sometimes strong echoed in his ears.


    He didn¡¯t know why he became a lucky survivor. It might be due to luck or it might be due to the fact that¡­he saw that beam of purple light.


    So during these few days when he was searching for cultivation arts, he was also trying his best to find the location where the purple light fell in the northeastern area of the city. Sadly, he hadn¡¯t found anything.


    As he pondered, Xu Qing listened to the roars outside. His mind then involuntarily recalled the time before sunset when he saw the corpse that was leaning against the wall. His eyes slowly narrowed.


    The location of the corpse was in the northeastern area¡­and that body seemed like someone alive.


    ¡°Could it be that it has something to do with that purple light?¡±


    [1] a supernatural being from Chinese folklores

 Chapter 4

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    ¡°If that person is alive, it might really have something to do with the purple light¡­but it might also be a trap.¡±


    Xu Qing contemplated as he muttered to himself.


    During these few days in the ruined city, he deeply understood that those existences, who had transformed into mutated beasts due to the corruption by the gods¡¯ aura, were all incomparably savage and boundlessly strong.


    However, maybe because the forbidden zone hadn¡¯t completely formed, these mutated beasts would be sleeping during the day.


    Unless it was like back then when he had obtained the bamboo slip. He had barged into the external perimeter of the location where they were sleeping.


    If not, as long as one was slightly more careful, there wouldn¡¯t be much problem.


    As opposed to them, Xu Qing was warier of living humans because sometimes, the human heart was even more treacherous compared to savage beasts.


    After pondering, his gaze slowly turned cold and sharp. Regardless of whether it was a living person or a trap, he was prepared¡­to enter that area once again.


    But before he headed over, he had to be fully prepared.


    When he thought of this, Xu Qing clutched the cultivation bamboo slip in his hand tightly.


    During the cultivation these few days, the changes to his body allowed him to gain some confidence. The content of the bamboo slip involuntarily appeared in his mind. Other than the cultivation method, there was also an introduction to cultivation.


    Cultivation had been passed down from ancient times long before the god¡¯s fragmented face appeared.


    Now, although there were some changes, the overall system was still the same as in the past.


    It was categorized as Qi Condensation, Foundation Building, Core Formation, and Nascent Soul.


    As for the stages after Nascent Soul, maybe the cultivation realms were too high so the bamboo slip had no records. However, this clearly enlightened Xu Qing to the helplessness cultivators felt.


    This was because the gods¡¯ aura had contaminated spirit energy, causing spirit energy to be tainted. This taint was like poison to all living things.


    It was unknown when it began, and everyone referred to the gods¡¯ aura as anomalous substances.


    Xu Qing was very clear that the icy chill he felt during his cultivation earlier was actually due to the fact that the spirit energy he absorbed contained these anomalous substances.


    Once the anomalous substances were accumulated to a certain degree in the body, it would cause the cultivator to mutate. Either the cultivator would explode in a burst of blood or they would transform into a mutated beast with no intellect.


    As for the area the god gazed at when its eyes opened, the anomalous substances there would instantly increase explosively. In reality, it simply hastened the speed of the transformation.


    Danger existed in cultivation.


    If one didn¡¯t cultivate, the lifespan of humans in this Endsoil World that was polluted by gods¡¯ aura was more to the lower end. In addition, sicknesses and diseases were more prevalent. It was as though they were living in the nine levels of purgatory; almost no one could have a good ending.


    The so-called cultivation became the only path. There were no more choices left.


    Hence, for countless years, humans inferred the cultivation methods through the generations based on what was passed down.


    The knowledge that was currently being disseminated was that when one absorbed the spirit energy, they should also make use of their cultivation art to separate the anomalous substances that mixed into the spirit energy before compressing them inside a certain part of their bodies.


    This location was known as the mutation point.


    Thus, the degree of separation for anomalous substances also became an important criterion to judge whether a cultivation art was good or bad.


    In addition, all the cultivation arts that could provide high degrees of separation were controlled by huge forces or powerful clans. These were their important resources. For this point, things were the same regardless of whether the gods arrived in this world or not.


    Since people would practice various cultivation arts, the degree of separation for anomalous substances would be different as well. Naturally, the locations of their mutation points would differ as well.


    However, no matter what, as long as one cultivated, their bodies would contain anomalous substances, and they would slowly form their mutation points.


    In theory, the mutation couldn¡¯t be reversed. One could only cleanse it through some medicinal pills, but the pills could only treat the symptoms and not the root of the problem.


    As for the method to completely purify the mutation point, the bamboo slip did have a sentence about it.


    In Endsoil, other than the Nanhuang Continent, there was an even vaster continent named the Wanggu Continent.


    It was the place of origin for the human race. Although the gods¡¯ aura had also polluted that place, there seemed to be a way to completely cleanse the taint in the Wanggu Continent.


    But evidently, this solution couldn¡¯t be quantized. Only people of extremely noble statuses could enjoy it.


    Ordinary cultivators could only hope for it but never obtain it.


    To the rogue cultivators at the lowest level of the social ladder and also the class with the most number, it was even more impossible for them to obtain it.


    The cultivation arts practiced by rogue cultivators usually had an extremely low degree of anomalous substances¡¯ separation. In this case, not only was it difficult for them to cultivate, but their risk of mutation was also greater.


    However, despite the risk of cultivation being so great, the vast majority of people would still choose to become a cultivator.


    For example, Xu Qing knew that the current him could be considered a rogue cultivator.


    According to the records on the bamboo slip, the cultivators of the Endsoil were walking on a path of no return that was filled with difficulty and immense danger. They were akin to mortals swimming toward the other side of the deep sea, rushing toward the unreachable other shore.


    But no matter what, before they could even see the ¡®legendary¡¯ other shore, they would have died of exhaustion.


    However, for Xu Qing who had grown up in the slums, he deeply understood that every single conflict and illness could cause one to lose their life.


    ¡°So, rather than worrying about mutation in the future, I might as well be worried about my survival tomorrow.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. He gingerly touched the wound on his chest as he stared at the sky outside the entrance gap.


    At this moment, dawn was about to arrive in the outside world. The howls and mournful cries also became fewer in number.


    ¡°If the blood rain still continues and I haven¡¯t found the purple light, I have to consider leaving this place to search for medicinal herbs in other cities.¡± Xu Qing lowered his head and looked at the wound on his chest.


    Due to the gods¡¯ aura permeating the atmosphere and the continued falling of the blood rain, almost every item in the city was heavily polluted. The medicinal herbs were naturally among them and this place was very lacking in terms of resources.


    Xu Qing lifted his hand and pressed down at the wound on his chest, causing some blood to seep out.


    His countenance was somewhat pale. He drew in a deep breath and removed his inner shirt, wrapping it around his body to use as a bandage for his wound. After that, he drummed himself mentally and silently waited for dawn.


    Not long later, the roars and mournful cries outside became scarcer.


    This lasted for a while before all sounds vanished completely. Through the entrance gap, Xu Qing could see that the sky outside was starting to become bright.


    Time was tight. According to his past experiences, he could already head out now.


    However, he didn¡¯t move immediately. Rather, he stood up to flex his somewhat stiff body first.


    Only after his body was warmed up did he remove the stones and miscellaneous items blocking the gap. He borrowed the aid from the faint light seeping in through the gap to open his leather pouch for a search.


    A dagger covered with rust was then taken out and tied to his thigh.


    That black-colored iron stick was placed in a location where he could grab it freely.


    There was also a snake head that was wrapped by him in sackcloth. He carefully opened it to do a check before cautiously keeping it.


    After he finished doing all this, Xu Qing closed his eyes for a few breaths before opening them again. His gaze was now replaced by a cold calmness.


    He rapidly squeezed his way out of the cave and paused for a moment outside the entrance.


    After vigilantly surveying his surroundings and ensuring that there were no troubles, Xu Qing rushed ferociously ahead. As the sky gradually brightened, he arrived in the outside world.


    He then sprinted ahead.


    Because the blood rain was still falling, the dense clouds completely covered the sky. Hence, even in daylight, one wouldn¡¯t even be able to see the sun, let alone have any chance to experience intense sunlight.


    Dawn and dusk were like an aged old man filled with age spots and were heavily ill. Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s cloudy gaze contained the frost of the night.


    Also, the breaths he exhaled transformed into the clear wind that was filled with the stench of death. It was very cold and very frosty.


    If Xu Qing didn¡¯t warm his body up earlier, he would involuntarily shiver once the wind gusted past him.


    But to Xu Qing, because his body still retained the warmth earlier, he wasn¡¯t too affected.


    Hence, his speed didn¡¯t reduce as he sped toward the area where he saw the seemingly alive man yesterday.


    If one stared at him from afar, in this spacious city, Xu Qing¡¯s figure was like a leopard, leaping across broken walls and sprinting smoothly forward with no hesitation.


    There were also a bunch of birds flying through the air that accompanied him. It was just that their altitude was very high so it was tough to capture them.


    As he sprinted, Xu Qing lifted his head and stared at the soaring birds while licking his lips.


    He also had no idea why, but after the god opened its eyes, all lifeforms were tainted and almost everything died, including beasts. However, the bird species had the most survivors.


    Hence, these birds became the main solution for him to satisfy his hunger by hunting them during this period.


    At the same time, the birds were also trapped in the blood rain, but they seemingly could instinctively seek out a shelter with some modicum of safety. For example, the cave Xu Qing stayed in had been found by him by following the tracks of birds.


    This shelter also couldn¡¯t be considered completely safe; it was only safer comparatively. Also, it seemed easier for those mutated beasts and bizarre existences to neglect it.


    During this period, Xu Qing found two shelters. One was the stone cave and the other was a place outside the city lord¡¯s residence.


    Right now, he merely swept his gaze through the sky before retracting it. His eyes locked onto a certain area in the city as he moved closer and closer.


    Very soon, Xu Qing arrived at the area he saw yesterday. He didn¡¯t head over immediately but circled one round to look for a tall vantage point.


    After cautiously climbing up, he lay down unmoving as he squinted his eyes, trying not to reveal the light within as he slowly lowered his head to take a look.


    Xu Qing cast a gaze over and his pupils narrowed. Once again, he saw the person from yesterday!


    The other party was seated down with his back facing a wall. His clothes were tidy and his skin was normal.


    The most important thing was that¡­his demeanor, his body, and everything about him were exactly the same as what he saw yesterday.


    It was like during the entire night, he didn¡¯t move or wasn¡¯t moved in any way at all.


    This was extremely illogical.


    If the person was a living human, he couldn¡¯t possibly ignore the dangers that emerged during the night.


    If the person was dead, his undamaged body would be the favorite food for mutated beasts. So it was impossible for his body to have remained untouched until now.


    Xu Qing fell silent. After pondering, he decided to remain unmoving. He, who grew up in the slums, didn¡¯t lack patience.


    Just like this, under his careful observation, time slowly flowed. Even when afternoon arrived, he still remained immobile.


    Xu Qing who had waited for six hours slowly lifted his right hand now. He held a stone in his hand and tossed it toward the location the other party was in.


    The speed of the stone was very quick and the impact wasn¡¯t small. When the stone hit the person, there was a loud bang.


    That figure trembled from the impact before falling down to the side like a corpse.


    And at the instant he fell down, a flicker of purple light flashed. The source of the light was on the ground where the person sat down previously.


    The moment he saw the purple glow, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes immediately gleamed as his breathing grew hurried.


    He had been searching for so many days for no other reason than the purple beam of light that had fallen into the city.


    At this moment, he forcibly suppressed his impulse to rush over immediately. He waited for some more moments with great difficulty and only rushed out rapidly after confirming that it was safe.


    His speed was extremely quick as he erupted forth with all his strength. His entire person was like a hunting eagle, directly heading to the location of the purple light.


    After swiftly rushing over, he grabbed the source of the purple light and retreated far away immediately with no hesitation.


    The entire process happened extremely quickly. Xu Qing only stopped and panted after he had retreated for over ten zhangs. He then glanced at the item emitting purple light that was clutched in his hands.


    That was a shiny purple crystal that had a dazzling beauty.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart pounded rapidly. When he tilted his head, he saw that the corpse that had fallen to the side was currently rotting rapidly after losing the purple light¡¯s protection. Its skin instantly turned greenish-black.


    This scene caused Xu Qing to instinctively tighten his grasp on the purple crystal in his hand. He then turned in the direction of his cave and rushed there speedily.


    Not long after he sprinted, Xu Qing suddenly paused. A puzzled look appeared on his face.


    He lowered his head and undid the button on his coat to glance at his bandaged wound.


    Right now, there was no longer blood seeping out. On the contrary, he felt waves of itchiness from the wound.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze turned heavy. He removed the inner shirt that he used as a bandage, and the moment he saw his wound, he felt an intense shock.


    He clearly remembered that when he checked this morning, his wound hadn¡¯t healed yet and the blackening had increased by a certain degree. But now¡­


    More than half of the wound on his chest had healed. Only a very thin scar remained at the sides of the wound!


    ¡°This¡­¡± Xu Qing panted. After that, he fiercely stared at the purple crystal in his hand.


    [1] the words ¡®Wanggu¡¯ in more liberal translation can mean staring at the past, gazing back at ancient times, etc

 Chapter 5

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    ¡°This item¡­¡±


    An intense gleam appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The image of that perfectly undamaged corpse before he had taken the purple crystal away appeared in his mind.


    ¡°It can allow corpses to be undamaged and allow the living to heal quicker?¡±


    Xu Qing grabbed the purple crystal as he surveyed the surroundings rapidly with an increased heart rate.


    Although he knew that there shouldn¡¯t be other people alive in this area, he was still instinctively vigilant due to obtaining a treasure.


    At this moment, he couldn¡¯t stay here anymore. He swiftly sped off back to the cave where he stayed earlier.


    On the journey back, he faintly discovered that not only did his injuries heal at a rapid pace, but even the physical fatigue he felt was much lesser.


    In the past when he sprinted like this, he would have to slow down roughly an hour later. But now, despite having sprinted for over an hour, he still felt that his body was warm and he had an abundance of stamina.


    In fact, on his way back, he even casually caught a bird that landed on the ground.


    He didn¡¯t kill the bird but knocked it unconscious instead because the preservation period for living things was longer.


    Even after doing these, the amount of time he used to reach the cave was much quicker than before. There was still some time before nightfall, but he already saw his cave in the nearby distance.


    Xu Mo¡¯s mood was unprecedently good. However, he wasn¡¯t careless.


    Because he knew that maybe it was due to the god opening its eyes, or when the forbidden zone was initially formed, the nearby areas during the night would have other bizarre existences appearing other than the awakening of mutated beasts.


    When in the slums, he heard people saying that many places in the world where death gathered would eventually produce such bizarre existences.


    For example, the eerie laughter that rang out during the night from outside the cave was precisely from such an existence.


    With regards to such existences, everyone knew not to look, not to touch, and not to meet them.


    Although his past experiences told him that these existences only appeared at night, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t be sure whether they would occasionally appear during the day or not.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t reduce his speed in the slightest. He soon arrived at the cave and the moment he entered, he immediately blockaded the entrance.


    After that, he sat down cross-legged and opened his palm that was tightly clenched.


    The purple light spread from his palm, illuminating this tiny cave. Under the light, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and face seemed to be dyed purple as well.


    He stared at the purple crystal in his hand unblinkingly.


    This crystal was rectangular-shaped and roughly the size of his finger. There was some floccule in the crystal, and that was the source of the purple light.


    ¡°Healing wounds¡­?¡± Xu Qing observed for a long time. He then opened his shirt and glanced at the wound on his chest. He discovered that the wound was now 90% healed.


    Right now, the remaining wound seemed like it would heal completely after a short amount of time. In fact, even the scar at the edge of the wound was disappearing.


    He then thought back to his sprint and the feeling of being much less fatigued compared to the past. After that, Xu Qing roughly had an initial judgment of this purple crystal.


    The effect of this item was evidently recovery.


    It caused his wound and stamina to recover, including his vitality!


    ¡°I wonder if it has any other effects,¡± Xu Qing mumbled as contemplation shone in his gaze.


    He didn¡¯t know whether this purple crystal had a connection with the act of the god opening its eyes. But most probably, there should be one.


    No matter what, this was a supreme treasure. At the very least, ever since Xu Qing was young until now, he had never heard of any items that possessed such shocking recovery prowess.


    By having such an item on him, the help it provided was equivalent to him having a second life.


    However, Xu Qing was very clear that he was able to possess this item only because there was no one alive other than him in this city.


    Once the blood rain ended and he exited this place¡­he most probably wouldn¡¯t have the strength to protect such a treasure.


    So, the only solution was to hide this purple crystal¡­


    Xu Qing fell silent for a long while. He cast a glance at the unconscious bird he had caught and lifted his hand to grab it over.


    After squeezing its beak to ensure it couldn¡¯t make any sound, he then took out the dagger on his thigh and directly sliced open a wound on the bird¡¯s body.


    As the bird struggled, Xu Qing stuffed the purple crystal inside it.


    After that, he observed it with meticulous attention.


    He saw that at the start, the bird was still struggling. But very soon, undercurrents surged from all directions. It was as though spirit energy was being drawn over. In fact, the amount of spirit energy was even more in comparison to what Xu Qing had gathered when he cultivated. The spirit energy then gushed into the bird¡¯s body.


    And right now, the intensity of the bird¡¯s struggle grew stronger by many times. Despite Xu Qing using his full strength, he felt that he actually could no longer control the bird so easily.


    This scene caused the light in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to intensify.


    In the past, he could easily crush the neck of a bird with a gentle squeeze. But at this moment, he had to use the entirety of his strength to squeeze it several times before he managed to crush the bird¡¯s neck.


    He then swiftly took the purple crystal out and wiped it before closing his eyes to contemplate.


    ¡°The bird didn¡¯t die. On the contrary, spirit energy flooded its body and its strength suddenly became extremely great¡­There should be no worries.¡±


    A moment later, Xu Qing opened his eyes. His eyes now gleamed with determination, and he directly stuffed the purple crystal into his wound that had yet to recover fully.


    The process of stuffing it inside was somewhat painful, but Xu Qing endured the pain by gritting his teeth.


    There was no place safer than hiding something inside the body.


    Also, he did a simple test and it seemed that this item would have better effects by placing it within his body.


    As the purple crystal fused into his body and as his wound closed up, a rumbling sound echoed from within his body before Xu Qing could take a closer look.


    An even greater amount of spirit energy compared to what the bird had absorbed earlier began flooding forth directly from all directions, even seeping through the soil to reach him.


    The spirit energy was too shocking. Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s body instantly glowed with a faint blue color as an indescribable chill coursed through his entire body.


    This was due to the great amount of anomalous substances within the spirit energy.


    However, Xu Qing was long prepared. At this moment, he didn¡¯t hesitate to directly circulate his energy according to the Mountains and Seas Art.

 Chapter 6

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    As he circulated his energy according to the Mountains and Seas Art, the spirit energy flowing into his body suddenly filtered out a large amount of anomalous substances.


    After that, the cleansed spirit energy that remained coursed through his entire body through his energy channels, and this caused Xu Qing¡¯s body to emit popping noises at this moment.


    It was as though some previously congested areas in his body were now instantly opened. His blood and flesh were tempered and nourished at this moment.


    He visualized the xiao image in his mind. At this moment, the xiao seemed to come alive and was adopting all sorts of different postures.


    Although the Mountains and Seas Art was known as a cultivation art, it didn¡¯t cultivate laws. But rather, it was a type of body-refining method.


    There were a total of ten levels that matched the ten levels of the Qi Condensation Realm.


    The bamboo slip clearly introduced that every level a cultivator attained would grant them an additional tiger¡¯s worth of strength. Five tigers made up one xiao and two xiaos made up one kui*.


    The introduction continued to say that xiao could move mountains, while kui could shift seas. This was why the cultivation art was known as the Mountains and Seas Art.


    At this moment, the purple crystal that was buried in his chest was like a vortex that continuously absorbed spirit energy, and it flowed toward the crystal with absurd ease.


    As a result, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation speed greatly increased.


    After an unknown amount of time, the popping sounds in Xu Qing¡¯s body intensified and a lot of impurities within his body flowed out of the pores of his entire body.


    A pungent smell then permeated the cave.


    As the impurities flowed out, Xu Qing¡¯s body actually became more ¡®crystalline¡¯ than before. Even his dirt-covered face looked more exquisite now.


    The popping sounds and the spirit energy flowing in gradually ceased after some time. After that, Xu Qing opened his eyes.


    A hint of purple light flashed past his eyes.


    After he recovered, Xu Qing¡¯s mind turned sluggish for a moment.


    Right now, the dark cave actually looked somewhat clearer in his eyes. He then hurriedly lowered his head to survey his body, and a look of disbelief gradually appeared on his face.


    ¡°This feeling¡­¡±


    A trace of excitement flashed on Xu Qing¡¯s face. He stood up and punched out, actually creating the sharp gushing sound of wind from the blow.


    Because the cave was very small, he couldn¡¯t test his speed. But the feeling when he lifted his legs and punched out allowed him to know that there was a great improvement in all the various aspects of his body.


    After that, he immediately rolled up the sleeves on his left arm.


    When he saw a fingernail-sized black dot appearing there, Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and suppressed the excitement in his heart.


    ¡°So, this is the first level of Qi Condensation!¡±


    According to the description of the bamboo slip, this black dot was none other than a mutation point of someone who cultivated the Mountains and Seas Art. It was located on their left arm. Moreover, there would be an additional black dot for every level the cultivator attained.


    He touched the mutation point on his arm. At this moment, Xu Qing was evidently excited with regard to his sudden improvement in strength. He then lifted his head and glanced at the entrance gap, waiting in anticipation for dawn so he could go out and test his speed.


    But very soon, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was filled with suspicion. He moved closer to the entrance gap and listened attentively.


    The outside world was as dark as ever, but there were no strange sounds at all.


    This was something he had never encountered despite his many days here.


    In the past, even if dawn had broken, although there were no more sounds from the mutated beasts and strange existences, the sound of falling rain would still exist.


    However, right now, even the sound of falling rain was gone.


    ¡°Can it be that¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind was stirred as a conjecture rose in his heart.


    He silently waited until he saw a beam of resplendent light streaming through the entrance gap of the cave. The light reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s black pupils was as though it illuminated his entire world.


    The instant he saw the light, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled.


    He lifted his hand and slowly approached the ray of light before he basked his body with it. He felt a warmth in his palm. This sensation, which he had not felt for a long time, slowly awakened his spirit that had been sleeping.


    ¡°Sunlight¡­¡±


    A long time later, a bright luster appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, and he began to shift the blockage away. As more light streamed in, he slowly squeezed his way out of the gap.


    The instant he exited the cave, he lifted his head and what he saw was no longer the dense layer of dark clouds but the bright and resplendent sun.


    It was as though the old man in the morning suddenly regained his vitality after being ill for many days. The curtains of dark clouds finally parted, allowing ¡®freshness¡¯ to descend upon the world again.


    ¡°The rain has stopped.¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath of the air that contained the warmth of the sun as he silently gazed at the city under the shadow of the rising sun.


    Everything in the city seemed to shine with a different splendor under the resplendent red-tinged sky.


    The morning glow of the sky cascaded down from the gaps of the cloud. The rays of light were like countless whales spewing out golden waterfalls, cleansing away the darkness and mist in the city, revealing its mottled scars.


    The collapsed buildings everywhere, the numerous greenish-black corpses, the blood-colored puddles that constituted a shocking sight¡­everything seemed to be reminding Xu Qing that a calamity had happened here.


    A hint of complication appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s gaze. He had lived for six years in the slums outside the city, and he had also seen this city for six years.


    Although the number of times he entered was very few, this place was ultimately the place he had wanted to stay in the most for the past six years.


    ¡°I obtained a cultivation art here.¡±


    ¡°I obtained the purple crystal here.¡±


    ¡°I¡­survived here.¡± Xu Qing mumbled and fell silent.


    Only after a long time later did he sigh lightly and walk toward the greenish-black corpses. He lowered his head for some time and carried one of the corpses before he walked forward.


    He then headed to a public square nearby and placed the corpse down. After that, he turned and continued to carry the second corpse, the third, the fourth¡­


    Some of the corpses were at the end of the street, and some were even crushed underneath the rubble.


    Even so, he still carried all the corpses in the surrounding area to the public square. Right now, the corpses here were stacked up like a small mountain. Some were complete corpses, and others had parts of their bodies missing.


    Xu Qing stood there and started a fire. Maybe it was because of the anomalous substances, the flames grew increasingly intense the longer they burned, and thick smoke was soon emitted¡­


    Next to the thick smoke, Xu Qing gazed at the burning bodies for a very long time before he silently walked away to the second area. Very soon, another column of thick smoke spiraled upward, and the columns of thick smoke began to increase in number¡­


    Just like this, on the first day when the sunlight streamed into the city, other than the sunlight, there was only black smoke that arose from the burning corpses.


    The columns of black smoke rose to the skies, blotting out the sunlight. At this moment, the red morning glow was also filled with helplessness. The reddish hue darkened into a dark red, and it felt as though the sky was sighing.


    It also seemed that the columns of smoke had become the tears, and the shadow cast by the smoke on the ground transformed into tear stains.


    The last tear stain was at the location Xu Qing discovered the purple light.


    Over there, Xu Qing placed the corpse of the old man from the medical shop down. As he burned the body, heat waves gushed forth and he stood silently at the side. The roiling flames were reflected in his dark pupils as they flickered unceasingly.


    His disheveled and dried long hair also slowly curled from the heat. A long time later, Xu Qing¡¯s body bent as he lowered his head to pray.


    ¡°I wish¡­for you all to rest in peace.¡±


    At this moment, the flames suddenly flared intensely and the heat grew increasingly stronger. Sparks akin to dandelion seeds were generated, and they floated in the sky along with the wind.


    Only the spiraling smoke still contained reluctance and regret that was impossible to diffuse. Even the wind couldn¡¯t disperse the emotions.


    As the smoke rose higher, it felt like wounds had appeared in the sky.


    They were insignificant and filled with helplessness.


    ¡­


    A long time later, as the sounds of chaotic steps rang out, a strange voice drifted over behind the youth.


    ¡°I was saying why we didn¡¯t see any corpses when we were on our way here. So, there¡¯s a silly brat who didn¡¯t mind wasting his strength and stamina to cremate these corpses.¡±


    ¡°Might as well. Since your longing cannot be cut, I shall help you and toss you inside the fire to let you accompany them.¡±


    Xu Qing then abruptly turned his body to face these people.


    [1] Supernatural being from chinese folklores

 Chapter 7

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    The instant Xu Qing turned, he quickly observed the situation behind him.


    He saw that seven to eight zhangs* away, there were seven people in different locations moving closer to him.


    There were adults, males and females in this group of seven. They mainly wore deep gray leather coats, and they had many leather pouches attached to their waists.


    All of them possessed weapons as well, and they spread themselves out in different directions.


    Three of them had bows and two wielded blades, but none of them showed their backs to each other. It was as though they were wary for some reason.


    There was also another person who wore boxing gloves. He moved forward alone, standing in the center-most location.


    As for the person who had spoken in an eccentric way earlier, he was a tall and muscular dude.


    This man carried a gigantic ax, and his distance was the closest to Xu Qing.


    He had a sturdy frame, a full beard, and a malevolent-looking scar on his face. At this moment, his gaze shone with cruelty as he smiled maliciously while striding forward with huge steps toward Xu Qing.


    All of these were seen by Xu Qing in a single glance.


    His pupils narrowed as his mind instantly analyzed the fact that these people weren¡¯t a single entity. Rather, it seemed that they had grouped up on the spur of the moment.


    He could tell this from the locations they stood in and the wariness they exhibited toward the others.


    Besides, Xu Qing had guessed these people¡¯s identities. They were all¡­scavengers!


    The Nanhuang Continent didn¡¯t lack scavengers. The majority of them were cruel and didn¡¯t have any bottom lines. Everything was a case of the strong eating the weak.


    Evidently, now that the blood rain had stopped in the forbidden zone and the boundary had opened, the scavengers in the surroundings were all drawn here.


    To them, although the forbidden zone was dangerous, their lives were already balanced on the edge of a blade. Hence, the resources contained in an empty city were enough to make their eyes red with envy.


    Even if some items were tainted, they would still have some storage value.


    As Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts rapidly flitted across his mind, his body moved as he was about to leap to the side.


    However, that burly dude who was moving closer to him immediately rushed forward when he saw that Xu Qing wanted to flee. The cruelty in his eyes intensified, and his malevolent smile contained a hint of bloodthirst.


    ¡°Wanting to flee? I love abusing and killing brats like you the most. You should have plenty of items in your leather pouch, right? Captain Lei, let me handle this kid.¡±


    The burly dude¡¯s eyes flashed with cruelty. It felt like the cruelty within his eyes shot out and transformed into intimidation. Combining that with his tall, muscular figure and his battle-ax, the sense of oppression he exuded was exceedingly strong.


    At this moment, he rushed forward with large strides and leaped in the direction Xu Qing was in before tossing his battle-ax over.


    With a whooshing sound, the battle-ax whistled through the air and closed the distance between them, instantly approaching its target from the air.


    The muscular dude had great strength and his movements weren¡¯t slow either. However, Xu Qing¡¯s speed was even quicker. At that instant the battle-ax arrived, his body had fiercely sped up as he dodged to the side.


    The battle-ax harmlessly whistled past the area in front of him.


    However, the wind from the momentum blasted into Xu Qing¡¯s face, causing his disheveled hair to flutter a little, revealing his cold wolf-like gaze underneath his hair.


    At the next moment, Xu Qing¡¯s body borrowed the momentum of his dodge to roll onto the ground. However, he didn¡¯t choose to flee. Rather, he moved closer to the burly dude and lifted his right hand while a raven black-colored iron stick directly appeared in it.


    Borrowing the advantage that his height was shorter than the other party, Xu Qing furiously leaped, and the iron stick in his hand stabbed upward from down below, aiming to pierce the burly dude¡¯s chin.


    Everything happened too quickly. The skinny body of Xu Qing as well as his earlier act of fleeing was all to naturally mask his intention to attack. As for the burly dude, he also felt a sense of life-and-death crisis at this instant.


    After all, he was extremely experienced. At this moment, his upper body furiously leaned backward and his countenance drastically changed. He narrowly avoided the iron stick, but the iron stick still caused a wound on his chin.


    However, before he could fester the anger in his heart, Xu Qing swiftly pulled out the dagger from his thigh with his left hand, looking extremely cold.


    At the moment the upper body of the burly dude leaned back, Xu Qing directly stabbed the dagger into the instep of the burly dude¡¯s right foot.


    A plopping sound then echoed out as the dagger penetrated the straw sandals and the flesh, directly pinning the burly dude¡¯s foot into the soil.


    As a result, the expression of the burly dude contorted, and intense pain swept through his entire body. A tragic cry abruptly rang out. He was then about to counterattack, but Xu Qing was too nimble. After Xu Qing attacked, his body instantly shot toward a broken bunker for cover. He crouched there and was ready to attack again.


    When the flickering flames illuminated his face, it made his entire person look a little indistinct. His wolf-like gaze was something the flickering flame couldn¡¯t conceal. It was filled with wariness and ruthlessness as he stared at the scavengers.


    All of these happened too quickly. Xu Qing¡¯s young age and skinny body frame confused many of the scavengers, causing them to be careless. Hence, they didn¡¯t manage to react immediately.


    At this moment, a fierce glint flashed in the eyes of everyone. Particularly, the gazes of the three people with the bows turned even sharper.


    Xu Qing who was hiding behind the bunker didn¡¯t bother to glance at the burly dude not far away who was screaming tragically, struggling to pull out the dagger from his insole. His gaze swept through the three archers and eventually landed on the man with the boxing gloves in the center.


    This man was an old man. Although his clothing was similar to the others, his gaze was the sharpest. Also, Xu Qing could sense the hidden undercurrents of spirit energy from his body.


    From the old man¡¯s position as well as the way the gazes of others instinctively gathered on the old man, Xu Qing had a guess in his heart.


    This old man¡­probably was the temporary leader of these scavengers.


    Xu Qing looked at the old man and analyzed, while the old man also looked at him. There seemed to be a hint of strangeness in his gaze.


    Very soon, the old man shifted his eyes away. He only looked at the burning flames not far away and remained silent.


    At this moment, the burly dude who had removed the dagger had flames of anger in his eyes. He let out a loud roar and was about to rush at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Brat, watch how I make you die!¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes which were gleaming with sharpness. Just when he was about to act, an aged voice calmly rang out at this moment.


    [1] 1 zhang = 3.3333 meters

 Chapter 8

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    ¡°Enough!¡±


    This single word was filled with intimidation, causing the burly dude who was roaring to halt his steps. He then turned his head toward the speaker.


    The person who had spoken was none other than the old man wearing boxing gloves whom Xu Qing had seen earlier.


    ¡°Captain Lei¡­¡±


    ¡°That kid should be a lucky survivor from the slums outside. Since the gods have spared him, you shouldn¡¯t act against him. Let us leave.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± A strong reluctance could be seen in the eyes of the burly dude. He believed he was just careless earlier. If he really acted seriously, he was confident he could crush Xu Qing¡¯s neck in the span of a few breaths of time.


    Just when he was about to speak, the old man calmly glanced at him.


    ¡°Do you need me to repeat myself?¡±


    The burly dude¡¯s expression showed a struggle, but he ultimately lowered his head.


    It was just that when he lowered his head, he glanced at Xu Qing who was hiding in the bunker from the corner of his eyes, and killing intent flashed in his expression. After that, his countenance turned gloomy as he turned and limped in the old man¡¯s direction.


    Xu Qing sensed the killing intent. His eyes narrowed slightly as he warily gazed at this group of scavengers who were walking further away.


    However, just when they moved tens of zhang away, the old man in the center suddenly stopped. He turned his head, and it was unknown whether he was looking at Xu Qing or the flames from the pile of burning corpses as he suddenly spoke a long time later.


    ¡°Kid, are you willing to leave here with me?¡±


    Xu Qing started. He noticed the other party¡¯s tone. The old man said ¡®me¡¯ and not ¡®us¡¯.


    Hence, Xu Qing fell silent as his gaze swept through the crowd. The old man was also someone with patience, so he didn¡¯t rush Xu Qing. He stood far away and waited for Xu Qing¡¯s answer.


    Tens of breaths later, Xu Qing once again swept his gaze through these people. He then looked at the old man as well as the gloomy burly dude whom he injured.


    A strange light flashed in the youth¡¯s eyes.


    He slowly stood up and didn¡¯t speak, moving nearer to them.


    Upon seeing Xu Qing walking over, the old man smiled and turned to continue walking. The others also cast deep looks at Xu Qing as they departed together.


    Just like this, Xu Qing followed this group of scavengers and watched them search through and collect all the valuable items in the city.


    In the meantime, he also learned that the nickname of the burly dude was Broken Ox.


    This person had swept his sinister gaze many times toward Xu Qing.


    However, he was evidently suppressing his murderous urge. It seemed like he wasn¡¯t anxious and wanted to wait for a chance to act when the old man wasn¡¯t present.


    Also, it was like he was very sure that there would be such an opportunity appearing on their journey.


    Xu Qing contemplated for a while and thought of the burly dude¡¯s greed before coming up with a plan. Hence, with his familiarity with the city, he provided some aid to these scavengers.


    Xu Qing assumed a very humble demeanor and helped these scavengers to find more valuable items at an even quicker speed.


    As for Broken Ox, his greed was clear to all. Even though the load he was carrying was full and the weight had exceeded what he could bear, he still wanted to grab more items.


    Hence, he who was already injured searched more places than others and also carried an increased load due to having more items.


    At the start, this couldn¡¯t count for much. But as time flowed, the stamina of the burly dude was greatly exhausted. The sense of fatigue he felt also soon exceeded the others.


    As for the area around the city lord¡¯s residence, Xu Qing thought of how the old man named Captain Lei had helped him. So, he decided not to lure them over.


    They continued doing this until the night was about to descend. The group then finally left the city and set up a campsite in the slums outside the city.


    Their actions were very proficient, and they soon set up six tents.


    Other than the two people wielding blades sharing a single tent, the others were all solo. They lit up a stick of incense outside their tents, and some even took out some powder and sprinkled it in the surroundings.


    Seeing that the sky was growing darker and the various roars in the city started echoing out, these scavengers all entered their tents.


    Only Captain Lei swept his gaze toward the lonely Xu Qing. He took out a sleeping bag and tossed it over to him.


    ¡°Lighting the incense can dispel the mutated beasts, and the powder can stop the bizarre existences from coming nearer. Given your contribution today, Broken Ox won¡¯t dare to target you when I¡¯m here. This place can still be considered safe.¡±


    After the old man finished speaking, he no longer cared and entered his tent.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. He merely cast a deep glance at the old man¡¯s tent before opening the sleeping bag and snuggling inside.


    However, he didn¡¯t seal it completely, leaving a slight gap facing the direction of the scavengers¡¯ tent.


    During late-night, the roars and mournful cries outside grew even more intense, and an eerie crying sound also reverberated through the air. The terrifying atmosphere seemed to be inundated everywhere in the outside world.


    No one was willing to leave the safety of their current dwelling place.


    Except Xu Qing¡­


    In the sleeping bag, he opened his eyes and remained immobile as he silently waited.


    Time continued to flow and when it was deep in the night, when most people were soundly sleeping, Xu Qing slowly climbed out of his sleeping bag.


    His movements were very careful and he did his best not to make any sound.


    The roars and mournful cries inside the city echoed in his ears, but they didn¡¯t cause him the slightest bit of distraction.


    After Xu Qing climbed out carefully, he silently walked toward the tent that the burly dude nicknamed Broken Ox was in.


    He wouldn¡¯t allow a concealed danger near him that would threaten his life to exist. Even though it was a concealed danger, he had to think of a solution to resolve it immediately.


    This was a rule Xu Qing had learned by surviving in the slums through lessons paid in blood. This was the true reason why he had agreed to follow the old man.


    In fact, all the help he provided these scavengers during the day to allow them to have a greater harvest was because he saw Broken Ox¡¯s greed. He wanted the injured Broken Ox to be even more fatigued and lose his wariness.


    Hence, he intentionally adopted a humble demeanor to numb the other party, to make him unprepared.


    All of this was for the sake of taking action right now. Currently, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm as he softly approached the tent. He wasn¡¯t reckless at all. He first squatted there to listen attentively for a long while.

 Chapter 9

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    The breathing sounds that entered his ear had a regular rhythm and it didn¡¯t seem fake. After confirming this, Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and slowly took out his iron stick. He then softly opened the zip to the tent and slowly entered.


    The interior of the tent was dim, and Xu Qing could faintly see Broken Ox lying there. He was in a very deep sleep. Clearly, his exertions in the day, in addition to being injured, caused him to be incomparably fatigued.


    Besides, his mentality was that of an ¡®expert¡¯, and this caused Broken Ox to be unable to imagine in his wildest dreams that the cooperative youth during the day would dare to take the risk to enter his tent when all the other scavengers were present.


    So at this moment, he had no idea that there was an uninvited guest in his tent.


    Xu Qing stared at Broken Ox who was in a deep sleep. His cold gaze was as calm as the deep seas as he approached softly. When he finally arrived beside his target, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate. The dagger in his right hand glinted with cold light as he sliced the neck of the utterly ignorant Broken Ox ruthlessly.


    His strength was exceedingly great and the head of his target was almost cleanly separated from its body.


    Fresh blood instantly gushed forth.


    The intense pain caused the eyes of Broken Ox to snap open. When he saw Xu Qing¡¯s emotionless face, his expression became one of disbelief and dread. Just as he wanted to struggle, Xu Qing¡¯s left hand rapidly lifted and pressed down on his mouth, causing him to be unable to utter a single sound.


    His struggle grew increasingly intense. Broken Ox¡¯s eyes were wide open as his entire body twitched madly.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s arm was as though it was made of steel, pressing down on his target with a strength death would envy. He also lifted his right leg and directly stomped on Broken Ox¡¯s stomach. Xu Qing¡¯s body adopted the posture of a bow, and he borrowed the stance to stabilize his strength, causing Broken Ox¡¯s struggle to be futile.


    As blood continued gushing forth, Broken Ox was like a fish that was out of the water. Slowly, the look of despair flared intensely in his gaze; there was even a pleading expression.


    However, what he saw was still Xu Qing¡¯s calm face. As for the sounds his body produced during the struggle, it was completely masked under the roars and mournful cries of the outside world.


    Time slowly flowed and tens of breaths later, Broken Ox¡¯s struggles grew gradually weaker. Finally, his body trembled and completely relaxed into an immobile state. Only his eyes, which were still open, showed the terror and anger he felt before his death.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t release his grab immediately. He waited for a while more to confirm that the other party had really died before he released his hands. After wiping away the blood on his hands, he opened his leather pouch.


    He then cautiously took out the snake head wrapped in a sackcloth and carefully used the poisonous fangs of the snake head to pierce Broken Ox¡¯s skin.


    At the next instant, as the poison spread, green bubbles were generated from Broken Ox¡¯s corpse, and it slowly melted.


    After the amount of time it took for an incense stick to burn out, the corpse completely dissolved into a puddle of blood that seeped into the mud.


    Xu Qing silently watched everything. After that, he started to clean the scene up and cleared all of Broken Ox¡¯s belongings, creating an illusion that the other party had gone missing. Only then did he leave the tent.


    The cold wind blew at his face, blowing some of the smell of blood that lingered on his body away. Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the dark night. After that, he took a deep breath of cold air before slowly walking back to his sleeping bag.


    The moment he lay down in the sleeping bag, his heart state finally felt more solid. This was the sense of safety generated from removing the concealed danger, and it allowed him to close his eyes in peace and fall asleep. However, he still held the iron stick in his hand securely; his grip wasn¡¯t relaxed at all.


    The night was silent.


    On the next morning, when rays of the sun streamed down and illuminated the land, Xu Qing opened his eyes. He then quietly climbed out of his sleeping bag and casually glanced in the direction of Broken Ox¡¯s tent.


    At the next instant, his eyes narrowed slightly.


    Broken Ox¡¯s tent had actually vanished.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s heart sank as he grew even warier.


    Very soon, the other scavengers continuously exited their tents in the early morning and discovered this matter. All of them felt puzzled and some began searching the surroundings for clues.


    However, because Broken Ox had vanished thoroughly and his tent also disappeared, everyone eventually came to the conclusion that Broken Ox had left halfway through the night due to his greed for the items in the city, or he left for some other reasons that he didn¡¯t want to make public.


    In any case, in this forbidden zone, there were too many reasons why one would disappear.


    This group was originally a team that was formed temporarily. Moreover, Broken Ox was a loner, so a short time later, these scavengers no longer cared about this matter. Some of them glanced at Xu Qing, but somehow, they felt that it was impossible for this matter to have a connection with him. Besides, they had no obligation to investigate, so they retracted all their conjectures.


    Only the old man known as Captain Lei shot a glance filled with deep meaning at Xu Qing when he took Xu Qing¡¯s sleeping bag back. He then calmly spoke.


    ¡°Now, are you still willing to leave with me?¡±


    This sentence was inundated with many meanings, so Xu Qing fell silent.


    The old man didn¡¯t say anything more. He then called out to everyone to hurry since there was light from the sun.


    Qing Xu stood dumbfoundedly for a moment at his original location. He instinctively turned his head to look at the ruined city. Ultimately, he turned back to stare at the back view of the old man. After thinking for a moment, he strode forward and his footsteps gradually grew more determined.


    Six scavengers and a kid. Their shadows under the sunlight were lengthened¡­


    Far away, the wind gusted, blowing away their sighs and rueful emotions as they continued with their journey.


    ¡°This is a calamity of the gods. The entire city was annihilated.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s one more forbidden zone in this world¡­¡±


    ¡°This cannot be counted as anything much. Have you guys heard about this story before? About seven to eight years ago, there was a major city in the northern region. The god opened its eyes and glanced over there. After that, that area, including the city, directly vanished in a bizarre manner. It was as though they had never existed before.¡±


    The sound of conversation grew weaker and weaker. Under the sunlight, together with the figures trekking on a long journey, the youth remained silent. He quietly listened and continued to walk.


    Further and further into the distance.

 Chapter 10

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    The forbidden zone formed in this part of the eastern region of the Nanhuang Continent wasn¡¯t very big.


    The ruins that Xu Qing¡¯s group had left were at the edges of the forbidden zone.


    This was also why the scavengers were able to rush over to the city on the first day the sunlight came.


    Therefore, when the sky was gradually turning dark, they were almost out of the forbidden zone¡¯s perimeters.


    They had encountered some mutated beasts on the way, but the beasts were quickly taken care of by these scavengers.


    Xu Qing came to an assessment after observing them.


    He felt that if he were to make a move, amongst the six scavengers, he would have a chance against any of them other than Captain Lei.


    ¡°They aren¡¯t cultivators, but the viciousness when they fought, their grasp of timing, as well as their indifferent attitude toward death in critical moments allowed their killing prowess to be enhanced.¡±


    Xu Qing assessed these people and analyzed the situation. He reckoned that he could fight against any one of them in a one-on-one battle, other than Captain Lei.


    In fact, it might not be impossible for him to take on two of them at once. But he probably couldn¡¯t handle three in one go.


    Xu Qing became increasingly cautious after he made this judgment.


    At the same time, he was also sharp enough to notice that as the distance from the external world grew closer, those scavengers¡¯ expressions became a lot more relaxed.


    They even started to chat and joke with each other on the way.


    Only the old man who was called Captain Lei didn¡¯t say a word along the way.


    The others treated the old man with a lot of respect, and this made Xu Qing feel a little curious about his identity.


    However, this curiosity didn¡¯t reduce his wariness. Even though they were almost out of the forbidden zone, Xu Qing continued to be on his guard. So, even when he was following these scavengers, he didn¡¯t get close to them completely.


    Instead, he kept a suitable distance and followed cautiously as he listened to them talking.


    When the sky was almost completely dark, Xu Qing paused in his footsteps as a sensation of warmth gushed over him. He then turned and stared at the desolate land behind him, before looking at the world in front of him.


    Between heaven and earth, the place he was standing in seemed to have an invisible boundary.


    Within the boundary was a rudimentary forbidden zone that had just been formed. It was extremely cold.


    Outside the boundary was the normal world that was filled with vitality and warmth.


    They finally walked out of the forbidden zone.


    Although it was nighttime outside, the starry sky was dazzling and the bright moon hung high up in the sky.


    Although the land outside also reeked of desolation, it was a far cry from the coldness in the forbidden zone. There¡¯d also be occasional cries from ordinary birds and beasts.


    Xu Qing even saw a rabbit in the bushes far away, and it was looking at them warily.


    Everything here made Xu Qing feel a little in a daze.


    At this moment, those scavengers¡¯ expressions became completely relaxed. Even Captain Lei¡¯s brows were no longer knitted.


    ¡°We¡¯re finally out. This trip is considered quite smooth. If it¡¯s possible, I wouldn¡¯t want to take another step into the forbidden zones.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go to the forbidden zones? If you want to survive in this damned world, if you want to live a better life, you must risk your life in the forbidden zones. Sooner or later, I¡¯ll buy a residency right in a Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ branch city!¡±


    Now that they were out of the forbidden zone, these scavengers were clearly in a more relaxed mood and kept chatting with each other.


    Xu Qing kept quiet but listened attentively. From the conversations he had heard on the way, he had gained a lot of information that he wouldn¡¯t have heard of in the past.


    Take the Seven Blood Eyes for example. He had heard these scavengers mention them many times. They seemed to be a very powerful influence.


    Also, the name Purple Earth had been mentioned by them many times.


    ¡°You only have such a small ambition? There are many Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ branch cities. Antler City, which is nearby, is one of them. However, the qualifications there can¡¯t be bought with just spirit coins. You still need the recommendation of a Seven Blood Eyes¡¯s disciple. Residency rights? My goal is to obtain the qualifications to enter the Seven Blood Eyes and become a Seven Blood Eyes¡¯s disciple!¡±


    ¡°If you go to the Seven Blood Eyes, you won¡¯t be able to survive for more than three days. Who doesn¡¯t know how to boast? Why don¡¯t you say that your goal is to head to the Wanggu Continent overseas? The place of origin for the human race can be found there.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his heart skipped a beat. He had seen the name Wanggu on the bamboo slip.


    ¡°Wanggu? You think that I wouldn¡¯t go if I had the capability to ignore those forbidden creatures in the sea?¡±


    Two of the scavengers seemed to have some verbal conflict and started arguing.


    As Xu Qing perked his ears and was about to continue to listen to their conversation to obtain more information, the old man named Captain Lei threw a glance at them. He then spoke for the first time on the journey.


    ¡°It¡¯s not impossible if you want to go to the Wanggu Continent. There are four ways to do so, and you guys can give it some thought to see which method is suitable for you.¡±


    ¡°Firstly, achieve Foundation Building by the age of 15 years old, becoming a rarely-seen heaven chosen. Secondly, pay 300,000 jun* worth of spirit coins and purchase a migration quota from Purple Earth, Seven Blood Eyes, or the Litu Sect*.¡±


    ¡°Thirdly, make an outstanding contribution in alchemy for the human race. Fourthly, be taken in as a personal disciple by one of the great clans from Purple Earth, or by one of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯s peak lords*, or the Litu Sect¡¯s sect master.¡±


    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s a fifth way, which is to become a treasure-nurturer. Think about it. Which method is suitable for you?¡±


    All the scavengers fell silent, especially when they heard the fifth method. Their expressions became very unnatural and their gazes revealed horror.


    Xu Qing focused his gaze. He had heard of the term ¡®treasure-nurturers¡¯ before.


    Back when he was in the slums, he had a few close companions with him who were taken away by some people dressed in luxurious clothes.


    It was said that they wanted to nurture them into treasure-nurturers. Back then, the other children in the slums were very envious.


    Therefore, he hesitated a moment before looking at Captain Lei and asking softly.


    ¡°May I ask¡­ what are treasure-nurturers?¡±


    Captain Lei¡¯s gaze landed on Xu Qing and he slowly spoke.


    ¡°Using one¡¯s body to nourish magic treasure and cultivate unique techniques, using one¡¯s flesh and blood to dilute the anomalous substances in magic treasures. This will help to ease the anomalous substances increment with each use of the magic treasure. While it allows the continuous usage of the magic treasures, the treasure-nurturers¡¯ bodies will gradually wear out and they¡¯ll die.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed and he fell silent for a long while.


    Everyone seemed to have lost interest in chatting because of the words ¡®treasure-nurturers¡¯. They then continued to walk silently in the dark night.


    It was until they had left a distance away from the forbidden zone and arrived at a stretch of plains that Captain Lei chose to set up camp.


    Unlike how they had done things in the forbidden zone, when they set up camp in the external world, they not only set up tents but also started a campfire.


    As the flames burned, the warmth grew stronger. These scavengers then sat around the campfire, each taking out their food to roast. Fragrance gradually permeated the air out as they cooked.


    Xu Qing gulped when he saw their food. Meanwhile, he sat in the far distance and took out half a piece of tough meat jerky, putting it into his mouth and chewing it off with great effort.


    Captain Lei, who was next to the campfire, looked over. He then got up and went over to where Xu Qing was.


    As Xu Qing abruptly raised his head, Captain Lei tossed over a leather pouch. There were a few hot buns within.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened the instant he saw these buns. He held in his urge and spoke up in a low voice.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Captain Lei didn¡¯t say anything and returned to the side of the campfire. A scavenger next to him laughed and asked.


    ¡°Captain Lei, why are you treating this kid so well?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re all pitiful people. Since we met each other, we are fated. If I can help, then I¡¯ll help a little.¡±


    There were three buns in the bag and they felt very warm to the touch.


    Xu Qing hesitated for a moment. He saw that everyone next to the campfire was also eating the same buns. Therefore, he first pretended to take a bite while he continued to observe those scavengers. After noticing that they were all fine after a while, he continued to hold his impulse in for a very long time before he finally took a small bite, keeping the food in his mouth and waiting for a moment.


    Only after ascertaining that it was fine did he slowly chew it thoroughly and swallow it slowly.


    And after another long period of waiting and confirming again that it was fine, he completely relaxed and heaved a sigh of relief in his heart. He couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore and finished one of the buns in big bites.


    Then, he hesitated for a moment and finished the second one as well.


    Although he was still hungry, he still wrapped up the last bun and carefully placed it in his leather pouch, as if he was storing a precious treasure.


    As it quickly got later into the night, the scavengers returned to their tents in succession. After that, Captain Lei acted the same as yesterday and passed a sleeping bag to Xu Qing. He then said a sentence before he left.


    ¡°This is a gift for you.¡±


    Xu Qing raised his head and looked at Captain Lei before he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean why? Are you talking about the three buns and one sleeping bag¡­ There¡¯s no reason for that. If you feel grateful, just get me some food in the future.¡± Captain Lei turned and headed toward his tent.


    ¡°What do you like to eat?¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± Captain Lei stood next to his tent and thought about it.


    ¡°Snakes. Those things don¡¯t taste bad.¡± After saying that, he entered his tent.


    Xu Qing held onto the sleeping bag and looked at Captain Lei¡¯s tent for a very long time. He then nodded heavily in agreement before entering the sleeping bag and closing his eyes.


    However, he didn¡¯t fall asleep immediately. Instead, he quietly circulated the Mountains and Seas Art with his eyes closed. This had already become a habit of his.


    Even though it felt extremely chilly when cultivating, he didn¡¯t give up at all. He made use of all the time he had to work hard in his cultivation.


    This was especially so after Captain Lei had mentioned the point of achieving Foundation Building before the age of 15. Although he couldn¡¯t compare with those heaven chosens mentioned in books, he still had some hope.


    ¡°I¡¯m 14 this year¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled and then continued cultivating.


    Just like that, time slowly ticked on and very soon, five days passed.


    Xu Qing followed these scavengers to cross over mountains and travel across plains.


    Three people had left midway through the journey. This also verified Xu Qing¡¯s assessment previously that these people had grouped together on a temporary basis.


    By the seventh day, after the two blade-wielding scavengers left as well, only Xu Qing and Captain Lei remained.


    On this night, at the foot of a mountain, Captain Lei looked at Xu Qing. The latter took small bites of a bun next to the campfire while keeping some of the buns for later. After that, Captain Lei slowly spoke.


    ¡°Kid, we¡¯ll be able to reach our destination tomorrow at noon. That¡¯s the place I live at and it is also a campsite where scavengers gather.¡±


    Xu Qing looked up at the old man.


    The old man gazed into the far distance and continued speaking.


    ¡°Scavenger campsites tend to be set up next to forbidden zones. Therefore, the area on that side of the mountain next to the campsite is also a forbidden zone.


    ¡°Compared to the rudimentary forbidden zone you were in previously, this one has existed for a very long time. Not only do ferocious beasts exist there, but there are also dangerous places, and the density of anomalous substances is extremely high. If an ordinary person doesn¡¯t come out from there after one day, they¡¯ll definitely die. Even I can only hang on for seven days at most there.


    ¡°However, that place produces seven-leaf grass in abundance. It is a necessary ingredient in refining white pills.


    ¡°White pills are the foundational alchemy pills that cultivators use to neutralize the anomalous substances in their bodies. Therefore, many outsiders come to this place. They care for their lives and aren¡¯t familiar with the terrain, so they rarely go pick the seven-leaf grass themselves. They usually tend to spend spirit coins to get the native scavengers to enter the forbidden zone and pick the grass.¡±


    After saying this, the old man looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Do you understand what I mean?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re saying that the native scavengers in the campsite are people who can do anything for the sake of money.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard about the white pill and its effects, he squinted his eyes and said this after some thought.


    Captain Lei¡¯s gaze had a hint of surprise and he smiled.


    ¡°Your answer is partially correct. What I want to tell you is that the rule in scavenger campsites is simply the survival of the fittest. Strength is above everything else.


    ¡°However, it is still a place of residency at least. Moreover, it has a marketplace where one can purchase or sell living necessities. There¡¯d even be merchant groups who would come occasionally. Therefore, the housing at the campsite is quite valuable.


    ¡°As such, not everyone can enter as they please. For an unfamiliar face to gain residency rights, they must go through a beast fight. This was a rule decided by the camp leader.


    ¡°And if you pass it successfully, I can allow you to stay at my place for a fee,¡± said the old man slowly as he looked at Xu Qing.

 Chapter 11

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    The Nanhuang Continent was very vast.


    If one gazed down from above, one could see that the Nanhuang Continent looked like an irregular oval-shaped chess board that was surrounded by seas.


    It was separated by a boundless sea from the Wanggu Continent and appeared more like an island. However, its area was very vast, and many people wouldn¡¯t be able to finish traversing it even if they used their entire life.


    It was just that the vast majority of the places there were difficult for the human race to enter. They were separated by the Truth Mountain Range that ran obliquely through the entire Nanhuang Continent.


    Moreover, there was an extremely vast forbidden zone in the southwest region of the Truth Mountain Range.


    That place occupied almost 70% of the Nanhuang Continent. Hence, only the northeast region of the Truth Mountain Range had suitable places for the human race to stay in.


    But even so, the population of humans here wasn¡¯t small.


    In the northeast region, the minor and major cities were as densely-packed as stars in the sky. There were sturdy ones and simple ones.


    However, these cities were all built while avoiding the small-scaled forbidden zones that could be seen everywhere in the northeast region.


    If there was a choice, no one would be willing to live in the surroundings of a forbidden zone. Staying there meant that one would constantly be in danger. Only outlaws would gather near there as a last resort; their eyes were red with jealousy as they licked the edge of their blades while struggling to survive.


    Hence, scavenger camps were formed. In the surroundings of almost every forbidden zone, there would be such a campsite. From the perspective of the entire human race¡¯s territory, the location of the scavenger camps was very ¡®mixed¡¯.


    At this moment, such a campsite was perfectly reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he stood on a mountain peak.


    By staring from afar, the campsite wasn¡¯t considered very large. There were merely several hundreds of people living there.


    Maybe it was due to the time being in the early morning, the smoke that arose from cooking was thick. Although this place wasn¡¯t as prosperous as a city, it was still very lively.


    There were sounds of shouting, insults, peddlers¡¯ trade, and even unbridled laughter mixing together. These sounds were then transmitted to a very far distance.


    For the valuable housing Captain Lei had been talking about, Xu Qing could see that ranging from the inner part of the campsite to the outer part, the structure of the houses grew increasingly simpler. The houses at the external perimeter were basically tents.


    And at a distance not far away behind the campsite, there was a pitch-black jungle.


    That place was shrouded by mist as though it was hiding some terrifying existence.


    Even if the sky was filled with bright sunlight, the rays of the sun had no way to shine through there. It was as though there were gods and devils within, and they exuded cold intimidation in all directions.


    It looked like the black-colored mutation spots on the human body. It was a shocking sight and at the same time, it was isolated from the other parts as well.


    ¡°How do you feel after seeing it?¡± On the mountain peak, Captain Lei asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s about the same as the slums.¡± Xu Qing thought about it before answering honestly.


    Captain Lei smiled and didn¡¯t reply. He then continued to walk forward.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and followed behind Captain Lei. The two of them descended the mountain, and their distance to the campsite got nearer and nearer.


    On their way there, they encountered people in small teams of twos and threes who had exited or entered the campsite. Their clothes were all similar, and they mainly wore leather coats of a deep-gray color.


    Xu Qing noticed that after these people saw Captain Lei, they all revealed looks of reverence on their faces. The majority of their gazes also contained curiosity as they glanced at Xu Qing.


    This made Xu Qing have even more guesses about Captain Lei¡¯s identity.


    Just like this, when the sun was high in the sky, Xu Qing followed Captain Lei and entered the plains underneath the mountain. They then got to the scavenger campsite.


    The campsite had no walls and the layout was very chaotic. Clouds of dust, withered leaves, and garbage could be seen everywhere, and there was a feeling of smog and miasma.


    As Xu Qing went deeper, the sounds he heard from the mountain also grew clearer as they entered Xu Qing¡¯s ears.


    What then entered his vision were numerous simple-looking buildings and a multitude of scavengers.


    Some were like Broken Ox, muscular and incomparably sturdy, but there were also skinny scavengers who had sinister and venomous gazes. A portion of them were old people who were so advanced in age that they could barely open their eyes, yet no one dared to antagonize them.


    Other than them, Xu Qing could see youths like him cowering in a corner and listlessly staring at the sky.


    A portion of them were cripples.


    All in all, there were plenty of people here. After Xu Qing saw them, his eyes narrowed slightly. He could sense spirit energy fluctuations from their auras.


    There were people of all shapes and sizes. Some were trading, some were sparring, and some were lying on large rocks and basking in the sun.


    Some had just hoisted their pants up as they walked out of the tents with brightly-colored feathers on top. Their expressions were one of lust being satisfied.


    Xu Qing followed Captain Lei into the camp. From the perspective of an outsider, it was like walking into hell.


    However, other than the vigilance in his heart, he didn¡¯t wear any strange expression. In fact, he even felt a faint familiarity.


    ¡°Indeed, it resembles the slums a lot.¡± Xu Qing mused in his heart. His gaze swept past those tents with feathers hanging on them, and he saw the scantily-clad figures within.


    In fact, in one of the tents, a young woman even walked out half-naked. She had a lazy expression on her face as she smiled and waved her hands at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look randomly.¡± Captain Lei swept his gaze at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I know what sort of place that is,¡± answered Xu Qing as he retracted his gaze.


    The wrinkles on Captain Lei¡¯s face squeezed together into a half-smile. He didn¡¯t say anything and continued to lead Xu Qing to the campsite until he arrived at his destination.


    That place was a gigantic building constructed from wood at the center of the camp. It was ring-shaped and appeared to be a colosseum for fighting beasts.


    On the way here, Xu Qing had been observing. In his mind, half of the map of this campsite had already formed.


    This was his habit. Many times, familiarity with the surroundings could become an advantage to aid one in resolving a crisis.


    At this moment, he lifted his head and looked at the colosseum-like building. He noticed that other than the gigantic field in the center, there were many crudely-built tall chairs arranged around the field.


    Other than this, waves of roars from ferocious beasts could be heard from within the building.


    There were also rows of wooden sheds in the surroundings of the building. A few scavengers with clean clothes were faintly smiling and chatting outside the sheds.


    As Captain Lei arrived, a skinny middle-aged man soon walked out of the Beastfight Arena to greet him.


    This man¡¯s clothes were clearly different from scavengers. He had a three-stroke beard, and spirit energy fluctuations could similarly be felt from his body. After he arrived, his face showed a perfunctory smile as he glanced at Xu Qing before looking back at Captain Lei.


    ¡°Newbie?¡±


    ¡°He already knows the rules,¡± Captain Lei slowly spoke.


    ¡°What is his name?¡± asked the guy with the three-stroke beard* casually.


    ¡°He¡¯s just a brat, how would he have a name? Just call him Kid,¡± answered Captain Lei calmly.


    ¡°Follow me then. Kid, your luck isn¡¯t bad. There are already a few people before you. You should be able to fight in one of the matches tomorrow.¡±


    The guy with the three-stroke beard laughed as he turned and walked toward the wooden sheds.


    Now, Xu Qing looked at Captain Lei.


    ¡°Go. I will come and fetch you tomorrow.¡± Captain Lei looked at Xu Qing with some anticipation in his eyes.


    Xu Qing then cast a deep glance at Captain Lei before nodding. He didn¡¯t continue to speak and began to follow the guy with the three-stroke beard.


    When they arrived before the wooden shed, the guy with the three-stroke beard gave a few instructions to the scavengers at the side before turning around to depart.


    And as for Xu Qing, he was arranged to stay in one of the wooden sheds and was told that he couldn¡¯t leave here without getting permission.


    The moment he stepped into this wooden shed, four pairs of eyes from different locations inside the house gathered on him.


    These eyes belonged to four youths whose ages were similar to him. There were three guys and one girl.


    Two of the youths seemed to be a few years older than him. At this moment, their eyes swept over Xu Qing and surveyed him, but they didn¡¯t care too much.


    As for the girl, she was slightly younger than Xu Qing. She cowered in a corner and a large scar could be seen on her face.


    She nervously stared at everything in her surroundings warily, including the three male youths, as well as Xu Qing who had just arrived.


    As for the oldest youth here, he was originally a scavenger, but he changed to another campsite.


    So, after seeing Xu Qing, his lips curled as he felt some disdain. He then shifted his gaze. His eyes were filled with invasive intent as he stared at the girl while licking his lips.


    However,he who clearly hadn¡¯t obtained the residency right in this campsite didn¡¯t dare to be too impudent with his actions.


    Xu Qing ignored them. He found a location near the door and sat down cross-legged with his eyes closed as he quietly meditated.


    Time slowly passed. Maybe it was because Xu Qing¡¯s arrival was too quiet, gradually the three male youths in the shed neglected him and began to chat among themselves.


    Two of the youths clearly had hints of flattering in their tone when they chatted with the oldest youth.


    The content of their conversation was mostly about the martial training they had to go through this time around.


    Through their conversations, Xu Qing knew that this campsite would regularly organize a session of martial training when they had accumulated enough people who wanted to obtain residency rights here.


    The rules of the martial training were very simple.


    Because the camp leader of this campsite reared many mutated ferocious beasts, the martial training that would allow one to obtain a residency right would simply be a beast fight. The combatants would draw lots and fight against the ferocious beasts they drew.


    Either they lived, or they died to the monsters, becoming prey.


    Those who were alive could bring back their battle spoils and gain residency rights.


    Those who died would become food for raising the ferocious beasts.


    And every martial training would be organized in this place named the Beastfight Arena.


    At the same time, most of the scavengers here would purchase tickets to watch this bloody show, and while obtaining satisfaction from it, the camp leader would also start bets to make a profit.


    In this cruel world, human lives were worthless.


    If one wasn¡¯t qualified to enter the city and also couldn¡¯t enter the camp. They would have no choice but to live in the wilderness. Their risk of dying would then become even greater.


    Naturally, going to the slums was a choice. But evidently, those who had chosen to join a scavenger campsite had their own reasons and stories.


    Xu Qing sat at the side while he listened.


    When their conversation steered to the god opening its eyes many days ago, one of the youth suddenly asked.


    ¡°When I came here, I heard people saying that you are the lucky sole survivor from that calamity?¡±


    As these words rang out, Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes.


    When he glanced over, he noticed that the youth wasn¡¯t talking about him but the little girl at the corner instead.


    The girl¡¯s body trembled and she silently nodded.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the little girl.


    Everyone only heard about the story, but he had experienced everything. So, he deeply understood that those who could survive in the calamity and arrive here wouldn¡¯t be so simple or fragile even though their appearances indicated that they were so.


    The little girl seemed to have noticed Xu Qing¡¯s gaze. She then lifted her head and looked at Xu Qing.


    However, Xu Qing closed his eyes again and continued to meditate. He had to grasp all available time to cultivate. This was the only thing he could depend on to live a better life.


    Just like this, a night passed.


    The next morning, as the clamor and hooting of the outside world rang out, the door to the wooden shed was opened by someone.


    Sunlight streamed in. The scavenger who opened the door stood in the doorway, and his figure caused his shadow to be cast into the house, enveloping the figure of the little girl in the corner. This man then coldly spoke.


    ¡°Pack up and leave with me. The good show you guys are putting up will be shown soon.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve waited long enough.¡±


    The scavenger youth was the first to rise. He smiled and walked over, greeting the person at the door.


    The two other youths also hurriedly followed him. Xu Qing was the fourth person to go out, and the little girl was the last one.


    The scavenger at the door was acquainted with that scavenger youth. After they chatted for a while, he ignored the others and led the youth to the Beastfight Arena.


    The nearer they got, the louder the clamor. Hooting and cheering rose forth in waves, growing in intensity.


    This lasted until the group of them stepped into the Beastfight Arena. The moment they did so, the commotion thoroughly erupted.


    They could see that on the surrounding tall chairs inside the Beastfight Arena, there were currently over 100 people spectating. Males and females grouped together rowdily as they prepared themselves to watch a good show.


    Their voices were very loud. Upon seeing this scene, the little girl¡¯s body evidently shivered and the two youths also had pale expressions.


    The only exception was the scavenger youth whose eyes gleamed with excitement as he stared at the audience.


    Next was Xu Qing. His expression didn¡¯t change much, and he started observing the environment of the fighting area inside the Beastfight Arena.


    ¡°The space isn¡¯t very large, so it¡¯s unsuitable for kiting. Since there is no cover, it is also unsuitable for hiding.¡±


    ¡°The surrounding wooden fences are very tall, so it¡¯s unsuitable to draw the danger to the audience. But there are signs of a few gates, there should be tunnels there.¡±


    ¡°So..either I borrow the cheers and shouts of the audience to frighten the beast, while I find an opportunity to act, but that might end up backfiring as it could cause the ferocious beast to rage, or I end things as swiftly as possible as that would be the most advantageous.¡±


    [1] image of how a three-stroke beard looks like: https://www.163.com/ent/article/BAH277P500031H2L.html

 Chapter 12

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    While Xu Qing was observing the environment of the fighting area, the sounds of cheering from the crowd echoed out. The entrance, where Xu Qing and the others had walked into earlier, now let out a booming sound as a huge gate slammed down.


    It smashed heavily against the ground surface, causing clouds of dust and soil to kick up.


    This sound was like a bugle horn being blown and caused the surrounding scavengers to become even more excited.


    Xu Qing also noticed that on that tall platform right in front of him, there was a middle-aged man clad in cotton clothes. A group of people followed him, and he sat in the highest seat.


    Because the distance was very far, his appearance was somewhat blurry.


    Evidently, the status of this person was extraordinary.


    Despite the far distance, Xu Qing could sense that the spirit energy fluctuations from the other party were extremely dense, surpassing everyone he had ever seen before.


    This caused Xu Qing to feel wary. At the same time, he had a guess in his heart. This person was probably the camp leader of this campsite.


    This was because Xu Qing saw the guy with the three-stroke beard from yesterday bending beside him, carefully giving the latter a report.


    As the camp leader sat down, the guy with the three-stroke beard stood on a tall platform and made a gesture to those below.


    Very soon, at the boundary of the Beastfight Arena, a wooden gate was opened. Now, waves of roars from ferocious beasts sounded even clearer without the obstruction of the wooden gate.


    And as the sounds echoed out, a group of scavengers emerged.


    They were split into four teams of three, each carrying a large metal cage as they slowly walked out.


    Inside each metal cage, a ferocious beast could be seen roaring and prancing around, as though they wanted to tear the cage into pieces.


    Xu Qing rapidly glanced over and his gaze swept past the four metal cages.


    He saw that there were two giant wolves, one larger and one smaller. However, both their teeth were extremely sharp. Their bodies were pitch black, and their gazes were blood-colored.


    There were also large amounts of drool dripping from the corner of their mouths. As they stared at Xu Qing and the other four, they revealed savage expressions.


    There was also a red-furred bear. Its thick arms were even larger than the thigh of an adult human. As for its expression, it was filled with violence as it continued to rattle the cage.


    The small team of three scavengers carrying it evidently found it very strenuous to do so.


    As for the ferocious beast in the last metal cage, its aura was clearly much weaker in comparison.


    It was a gibbon.


    Its body was covered in pustules, which looked like they would explode with a single touch. This was especially so since the gibbon seemed to be in very great pain. It kept slamming itself against the metal cage, causing a number of pustules to keep breaking. It was a shocking sight.


    Their appearances sent the surrounding audience into another uproar.


    In just a moment, the expressions of the two youths beside Xu Qing paled. That little girl also had intense terror in her eyes. As for that youth who was originally a scavenger, he was also much more nervous at this moment.


    ¡°Why are there only four creatures?¡± Xu Qing was astonished as he glanced at the tunnel inside the wooden gate.


    At the moment he looked over, the four ferocious beasts in the cages who were struggling and roaring instantly fell silent. It was as though they were intimidated.


    And at the same time, a gigantic metal cage twice the size of the previous cages was slowly carried out by six scavengers from the wooden gate.


    As the gigantic metal cage appeared, the surrounding audience immediately exclaimed out loud.


    ¡°Giant-horn python!¡±


    ¡°This time around, the camp leader actually managed to capture a giant-horn python. But then again, in his eyes, this python can¡¯t be considered valuable at all.¡±


    ¡°To these brats, whoever draws this python will surely die. Even if we encounter it in the wilderness, we will require two people to stake their lives before we can kill it.¡±


    The ferocious beast inside was actually a gigantic python.


    The thickness of its body was comparable to the waist of a human adult, and the color of its body was a mix between gray and black. If one looked closely at the dark patterns, they looked like jagged mountain peaks.


    At this moment, it lay motionless in the cage. Its large head then slowly lifted, and its yellow vertical pupils shone with sinister coldness as it looked outside.


    Under its stare, regardless of the giant wolves or gibbon, they were all trembling.


    Only the red bear let out a low roar after being provoked. It looked like it didn¡¯t mind retaliating, but its body was actually slowly retreating. It retreated until it reached the back end of its metal cage.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t let me draw it, please don¡¯t let me draw it¡­¡±


    Behind Xu Qing, the two youths immediately shivered. When the two of them were praying in low voices, a sharp glint of light appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    He knew about giant-horn pythons. When he was in the slum, someone had hunted one and dragged the corpse back.


    At that time, he heard the experienced person saying that the strength of this python was very great. Once something was entangled by it, even giant logs of wood would be snapped. Besides, the python¡¯s skin was very thick.


    However, its body was clumsy and its speed comparatively couldn¡¯t be considered fast.


    In addition, its gallbladder contained very good medicinal potency. It would cleanse part of the taint in one¡¯s body. Also, the snake meat was very nutritious.


    When Xu Qing thought about this, he recalled that Captain Lei had told him that he liked eating snakes.


    Xu Qing had also caught plenty of snakes when he was younger. Hence, he couldn¡¯t help but lick his lips.


    Also, the mutation point on his body grew darker and darker the more he cultivated. Yesterday during his cultivation, he faintly felt some piercing pain radiating from it.


    Xu Qing was thinking that if he could eat the snake¡¯s gallbladder, much of the taint in the mutation point might be neutralized.


    While he was staring at the giant-horn python, the lot-drawing started.


    A scavenger arranged by the guy with the three-stroke beard carried five bamboo sticks with him as he walked over. Each of the bamboo sticks contained the names of the ferocious beast in this martial training session.


    The oldest youth was the first to draw. When he saw the bamboo stick he drew, he clearly heaved a sigh of relief.


    After that, it was the two other male youths and the little girl.


    The expressions of the two youths were slightly bitter as they prayed while drawing the lots. However, the gaze of the little girl was filled with despair when she looked at the lot she drew.


    The bamboo slip in her hand was none other than the one that corresponded with the giant-horn python. Hence, the last of the five bamboo sticks was the smaller wolf. This was also clearly the weakest ferocious beast among the five.


    Xu Qing took that bamboo slip and frowned as he pondered.


    Very soon, the scavenger departed. They, the combatants, were then arranged behind a corner barricade. As the cheering of the surrounding audience rang out, the first match began.

 Chapter 13

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    The person arranged to make an entrance was one of the two youths.


    He walked out shivering. The ferocious beast set against him was none other than that muscular red bear.


    The fighting process was very quick. That youth basically wasn¡¯t a match for the red bear. After barely clashing a few times, he was overpowered. Eventually, his body was directly torn apart while he was in despair.


    As a result, fresh blood splattered in four directions, causing a commotion in the surroundings. There was also the sound of cursing that was filled with regret.


    This scene caused the other youth to be so scared that his body shivered unceasingly. He, who was originally supposed to fight in the second round, suddenly shouted loudly that he wanted to give up the match.


    Hence, under the booing from the crowd, Xu Qing saw the youth being brought away by the scavengers. As for the youth¡¯s ending, it was clear even without thinking about it.


    The person arranged to go for the third match was the scavenger youth.


    He had managed to draw the larger black wolf, but his experience as a scavenger made him much more ruthless compared to an ordinary person.


    After a shocking life-and-death battle, he panted heavily and killed that wolf while suffering many injuries. He became the first case of success in martial training this time around.


    The gate opened. After that, he clutched his chest and left freely.


    The fourth match¡­was the little girl.


    When the cage of the giant-horn python was unlocked, the girl shivered and gritted her teeth. She was about to walk past Xu Qing in despair to fight the battle.


    But at this moment, Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Let us swap.¡±


    The girl started, but before she could react, Xu Qing already swapped the bamboo stick he had drawn with her.


    The moment he took the bamboo stick with the python¡¯s name, he no longer bothered with the look of gratitude the girl showed him. He directly walked toward the giant-horn python.


    As he entered, the surrounding scavengers immediately caused an uproar. Evidently, they had seen the sequence of matches earlier.


    However, other than the gamblers who betted on him and the girl, the other spectators wouldn¡¯t care about things like this. They wouldn¡¯t care and neither would the camp leader. Everyone was free to choose their life or death.


    In the Beastfight Arena, Xu Qing calmly moved toward the cage. At the same time, the giant-horn python within coldly stared at Xu Qing as it slowly crawled out.


    When its thick and muscular body emerged from the metal cage, its scales caused an ear-piercing grinding sound as they brushed across the metal poles of the cage.


    Its animalistic instinct felt that this youth before its eyes was different from the prey it usually met.


    So, after it crawled out, this giant-horn python didn¡¯t attack immediately. Rather, it coiled its body outside the metal cage and lifted its head high warily, staring at Xu Qing who was continuously moving closer to it.


    This scene caused the surrounding audience to be filled with excitement. The sounds of the commotion also reduced slightly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever, and he slowly moved nearer step by step. Maybe it was because he had entered the giant-horn python¡¯s attack range or maybe because it was provoked by his aura, the yellow vertical pupils of the giant-horn python flashed with a cold murderous intent, and its tail violently slammed against the ground, creating a loud bang.


    As this explosive sound rang out, its body borrowed the pushing force from the tail and ferociously charged forward. After that, the gigantic snake maw opened wide in the air, revealing malicious sharp fangs and letting out a pungent smell to the air. Its head wooshed through the air, wanting to devour Xu Qing.


    Seeing this scene, Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and coldly watched the giant-horn python rapidly charging over. The instant the snake got near, his body dodged to the side. However, he didn¡¯t choose to counterattack using this opportunity or care about the large snake head that passed by him. His gaze only gleamed coldly like a hunter as he attentively observed the belly of this python.


    From his observation, he saw the python missing its attack and letting out a low roar of annoyance. It then twisted its body, and its tail slammed the ground again, creating the ear-piercing whistling sound as it ferociously lunged at Xu Qing.


    Its hunting instincts made the python forcibly turn at this moment. Its head flexed toward its tail, as though they were about to join together, forming a circle as it charged at Xu Qing, wanting to entangle him in its coil.


    Xu Qing was silent. His gaze was still closely observing the belly of the giant-horn snake. When the snake¡¯s tail got close, his right hand suddenly clenched and punched out the instant the tail lashed over.


    Bang!


    Although his cultivation of the Mountains and Seas Art was only at the first level, the augmentation it provided Xu Qing¡¯s strength wasn¡¯t small. At this moment, when the snake¡¯s tail got blasted away, it folded backward directly, unable to coil toward its head. The giant-horn python clearly felt some pain, but it wasn¡¯t fatal, so it only caused its anger to surge greatly. Its eyes then turned red as its head rammed over, wanting to devour Xu Qing with a single bite.


    Xu Qing focused his eyes as sharpness gleamed within, having found the spot he was looking for. At this moment, he strode over, choosing to advance instead of retreating and directly climbing onto the middle section of the giant-horn python¡¯s body.


    After that, he exerted force and punched out ruthlessly with his right hand. One punch, two punches, three punches¡­


    His punches blasted out!


    The impact of Xu Qing¡¯s fists made the giant-horn python continuously retreat. Its roars grew even more intense as it attempted to coil around Xu Qing. However, the strength contained within Xu Qing¡¯s punches made it hard for it to coil around.


    As for the belly part that was being pummeled, due to the scales there being weaker, after several punches, cracks actually appeared and blood seeped out. This was the first time it got injured.


    After seeing this, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes flashed with a cold light, and he didn¡¯t wait for the giant-horn python to change its posture.


    His left hand immediately shot toward the dagger on his thigh. As the dagger glimmered coldly, he plunged it into the flesh of the giant-horn python in an incomparably ferocious manner.


    It instantly broke through the flesh and stabbed inside ruthlessly.


    As a result, blood splattered around. Amidst the mournful hisses of the giant-horn python, a shocking wound was torn through its belly, revealing a whole snake gallbladder.


    This snake was very large and clearly showed signs of mutation. However, the gallbladder was very small, only the size of an egg.


    Even so, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate. His right hand stretched into the wound, and he grabbed the gallbladder before pulling it out forcefully. Under the sharp cries of the python, he forcibly took the gallbladder out.


    Fresh blood then splattered on the sand and soil below.


    Xu Qing ignored the blood stains, and a strange light gleamed in his eyes as he held the gallbladder. Glancing at the surrounding scavengers who had a variety of expressions, he directly placed the gallbladder in his mouth and swallowed it.


    While he was calmly swallowing it, the giant-horn python whose gallbladder was forcibly removed was struggling madly from the pain. Its hisses grew increasingly mournful, and its body was whacking the ground heavily, causing clouds of sand and dust to kick up. It felt like the snake wanted to vent the intense pain it was feeling.


    After that, its head knocked toward Xu Qing even more ferociously. Its blood-red eyes now showed a hint of craziness as it widened its maw to the extreme limits as though wanting to swallow Xu Qing completely.


    However, Xu Qing only glared at it icily. The instant the snake got near, he suddenly leaped up and once again evaded the snake¡¯s head. He, who was now in mid-air, brandished his right hand, and the black-colored iron stick appeared.


    When he lowered his head, killing intent flashed in his eyes. His body heavily landed, and he borrowed the momentum to increase his strength, speed, and body weight to plunge the iron stick ruthlessly with the greatest impact he could muster into the heart area of the python.


    As a result, the snake scales in that area cracked under Xu Qing¡¯s monstrous strength, and he penetrated the snake¡¯s heart with a single blow.


    An explosive sound echoed out. This giant-horn snake¡¯s body then trembled intensely like it no longer had the strength to support its body. After that, its head and tail heavily landed on the ground, and its mournful hiss abruptly stopped. Only the weak sounds of its tail thrashing on the ground could be heard.


    A long time later, when the clouds of dust and soil had settled down, the scavengers spectating this battle were still badly shocked.


    Many people stood up and stared at the scene in the Beastfight Arena with heavy expressions. At this moment, the youth was plucking his iron stick out from the snake¡¯s corpse.


    If an adult killed the giant-horn python like this, it wouldn¡¯t cause them to have such expressions.


    However, for a small and skinny kid to do all these¡­ The kid had cleanly devoured the snake gallbladder after snatching it forcefully and killed it in a single blow the next moment with no changes to his cold expression¡­


    In the camp, such a scene was very rarely seen.


    The smaller wolf and red bear in the cage were evidently frightened as well, and they were both trembling.


    This wasn¡¯t martial training but a hunt.


    Under the stares of everyone, the youth put his iron stick away. One of his hands then grabbed onto the wounded part of the giant-horn python, and he walked toward the large gate of the Beastfight Arena.


    Behind him, the fresh blood of the giant-horn python left a red trail behind. It was truly a shocking sight.


    Standing next to the closed gate, Xu Qing turned his head and glanced at the high platform.


    The guy with the three-stroke beard only came back to his senses after some time. After that, he felt some lingering fear as he immediately showed a hand gesture. Very soon later¡­the huge gate rumbled as it opened.


    After Xu Qing exited, he saw Captain Lei with his arms crossed leaning against a wall. Clearly, Captain Lei had waited for a long time.


    He smiled as he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Can I stay at your place now?¡± Xu Qing dragged the snake corpse along as he inclined his head and looked at Captain Lei.


    ¡°You can.¡± Captain Lei smiled.


    Xu Qing nodded and tossed the snake corpse over.


    ¡°Since you like to eat snakes, this is my treat to you.¡±


    Captain Lei was stunned. After that, he laughed uproariously as he caught hold of the giant-horn python¡¯s corpse. As he laughed, he brought Xu Qing along and gradually walked away.


    Meanwhile, only after they had walked far away did the audience inside the Beastfight Arena erupt forth with an explosive uproar.


    Amidst the commotion, in a corner of the crowd, an old man wearing purple robes sat with an expressionless middle-aged man who seemed like a servant. The glabella of the middle-aged man had a five-point star totem.


    Regardless of their clothes or demeanor, they were clearly out of place when they sat there. However, no one seemed to be able to see their existence.


    Even the camp leader¡¯s vision couldn¡¯t detect their figures at all.


    The old man had a rosy face, and there seemed to be lightning concealed in his gaze. It felt like everything could be destroyed if he unleashed it. All in all, his entire being was extremely extraordinary. At this moment, he sat there and stared at the departing back of Xu Qing as he couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    ¡°This youth is pretty interesting.¡±

 Chapter 14

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    At the scavenger campsite, Captain Lei walked in front while Xu Qing followed. The sunlight was currently streaming down, landing on them.


    From afar, despite the sight of one being tall and one being short, one being old and one being young, there was actually a faint sense of harmony.


    It was as though in this cruel world, such a sense of harmony was very hard to find.


    Or maybe it was the python corpse in Captain Lei¡¯s hand that exuded a sense of threat, causing the passersby in the surroundings, who hadn¡¯t been to the Beastfight Arena, to not disturb them.


    Xu Qing liked this feeling very much. Regardless of whether they were eating the snake later or enjoying the sunlight at this moment, both made him feel very warm.


    He felt very comfortable and yearned for this.


    Every time his gaze landed on the python corpse that Captain Lei held, he could feel more saliva in his mouth.


    He was also fond of eating snakes.


    Captain Lei¡¯s house was located in the center-ring region of the campsite.


    Compared to the brick houses in the inner-ring region and the crude tents in the outer-ring region, the houses in the center-ring region were mostly constructed using stones and wood. In addition, three small houses would usually be built in a row together.


    Although the space within each house wasn¡¯t that wide, Xu Qing could see that it was much better compared to the place he had lived in in the slums.


    This was especially so considering the fact that Captain Lei¡¯s house still had a small courtyard. This was even rarer to come by.


    At this moment, he pushed the bamboo gate leading to the courtyard open. Under Xu Qing¡¯s observation, Captain Lei walked to the secondary room in his house. He then casually pointed to the second tiny house and spoke.


    ¡°Kid, you can stay here from now on. You should first get yourself familiarized with the surroundings. I will call for you once the meal is cooked.¡±


    After speaking, Captain Lei began his preparation and the sound of meat being chopped rang out later.


    Xu Qing gulped down his saliva. He first observed the tiny courtyard carefully before entering the second house. There was a bed, a quilt, a table and a chair there. Other than these things, there were no other objects.


    The ground was very clean, there was also no dust on the table and chair. Evidently, they were often cleaned by someone. Even the quilt was washed until it was very clean. There was the smell of it being dried by the sun.


    Everything made Xu Qing feel very satisfied.


    He didn¡¯t like a large house. What he liked was a house where he could see everything in one glance, a small house where he could project everything in his mind.


    This would make him feel safer.


    Hence, after a meticulous check, Xu Qing looked at the clean bed. He pondered for a moment but didn¡¯t go over, choosing to directly sit on the ground instead.


    He sat cross-legged and closed his eyes, beginning today¡¯s cultivation.


    During cultivation, as the spirit energy flowed into him, the sound of oil crackling could be heard from the house next door.


    Very soon, waves of fragrance flowed through the tiny gaps of stone and wood on the wall and permeated his small house. This also whetted Xu Qing¡¯s appetite, causing him to feel a sense of hunger as his stomach produced grumbling noises.


    It smelled very fragrant.


    Xu Qing¡¯s throat involuntarily moved as he opened his eyes and glanced in the direction of the secondary room.


    After living for so many years in the slums, he already couldn¡¯t remember when was the last time he smelled such fragrance.


    Hence, he suppressed the hunger in his stomach and closed his eyes to calm himself down before continuing with his cultivation.


    Just like this, time slowly passed. Very soon, the evening had arrived.


    When the voice of Captain Lei rang out from outside, asking him to come and eat, Xu Qing who had just ended a day of cultivation immediately opened his eyes.


    He stood up and swiftly exited the house. He then saw Captain Lei standing at the end room waving his hands to him.


    Beside Captain Lei, Xu Qing saw that there were seven to eight different snake dishes placed on the dining table. Some were deep-fried, some were braised, some were steamed, and there was even snake soup.


    Evidently, Captain Lei had extremely good cooking skills, and the dishes he prepared were excellent in their tastes, appearances, and smells.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t turn away his gaze after he took a look. Looking at this, Captain Lei laughed and turned to pick up sets of chopsticks and bowls.


    Xu Qing also moved closer and entered the end-room. The fragrance was even thicker here. However, he didn¡¯t sit down immediately. Rather, his gaze suddenly froze after he saw Captain Lei placing the sets of chopsticks and bowls.


    There were three sets of chopsticks and bowls.


    ¡°There¡¯s someone else?¡± Although the fragrance was very tempting, the appearance of the three sets of chopsticks and bowls caused Xu Qing to cast the temptation aside.


    He cautiously looked at Captain Lei and asked in a soft voice.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be nervous. This is a habit of mine. That¡­is for a person who would never come.¡±


    Captain Lei calmly spoke as recollection flashed in the depths of his eyes. However, that look of recollection soon disappeared, and he sat down on a chair.


    Xu Qing nodded and sat down as well. He couldn¡¯t control his urges anymore and directly took a piece of deep-fried snake meat. He then put it into his mouth and began to chew.


    It was very hot, but he was also extremely satisfied as he ate it. His mouth was full of grease.


    After he finished eating one piece, he licked the grease above his mouth and his hand stretched out to grab the braised snake meat. But at this moment, Captain Lei coughed lightly.


    ¡°Use the chopsticks.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Xu Qing clumsily took the chopsticks and after a period of getting used to it, he carried a piece of braised snake meat into his mouth and wolfed it down ravenously.


    During the entire process of the meal, both didn¡¯t speak. It was just that their eating appearances were completely not a match.


    Captain Lei chewed the meat slowly before he swallowed them, not looking like a scavenger. He only tried two to three pieces for every dish. As for Xu Qing, he was ravenously wolfing down the meat. His appetite far surpassed Captain Lei¡¯s.


    Seeing how Xu Qing ate, Captain Lei couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    ¡°Why was it so different back then when I gave you the bun? You ate the bun small mouthful by mouthful.¡±


    Xu Qing forcefully swallowed the piece of snake meat in his mouth. He then lifted his head and looked at Captain Lei as he seriously answered.


    ¡°The buns belonged to you, but this snake meat belongs to me.¡±


    One was food others treated him to. The other was food he was treating others to.


    The thinking process of this youth was very simple. Since this belonged to him, he naturally would eat it in a way that perfectly justified the fact.


    Captain Lei didn¡¯t know whether to laugh or cry. He then looked at Xu Qing who kept picking up pieces of snake meat to eat while also drinking the snake soup. However, he also noticed that the youth didn¡¯t eat from every snake dish. He only took meat from the dishes near him, and he also drank the snake soup with restraint.


    He only ate the portion that belonged to him in such a way.


    ¡°Your python is extremely huge, so it is enough for us to eat for half a month. In addition, its skin and bones have some value as well. So¡­¡± Captain Lei casually spoke.


    ¡°I will pay you rent. You don¡¯t have to deduct the rent from these,¡± Xu Qing suddenly said.


    The snake meat was to repay Captain Lei for the buns and sleeping bag. The value of the snake skin and snake bones was to pay back Captain Lei for helping him conceal the matter about Broken Ox.


    As for Captain Lei bringing him away from the ruins and to the campsite, that was a debt of gratitude.


    Xu Qing felt that it was somewhat inappropriate if he tried to repay the debt by giving material objects. So, he remembered the favor in his heart instead.


    Captain Lei cast a deep glance at Xu Qing and could see the seriousness in the youth¡¯s eyes as well as his personality of clearly separating grudges and kindness. Hence, he nodded. After he pondered, he spoke again.


    ¡°Kid, you probably had many guesses about my identity when we were on our way here.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak, but his eating action slowed slightly.


    ¡°The others call me Captain Lei. As for my name, it is not important. In the scavenger campsite, no one will use their real name.¡±


    Captain Lei picked up a piece of steamed snake meat and placed it into his mouth as he slowly chewed.


    ¡°As to why I have this title, it was because, in the scavenger camp, I met a few friends who were willing to share life-and-death with me.


    ¡°We form a small team, but the name of our small team is a little crude. It¡¯s known as Thunder.


    ¡°Usually, everyone will accept individual missions. If we encounter a mission with greater difficulty, our team will gather and complete it together. Including me, there are a total of four people. But the three of them are still out and have yet to return.


    ¡°After they return, I will introduce you to them. In the future, you can follow us and become a new member of Team Thunder. You will then be able to do missions to earn a living as well as cultivation resources.¡±


    Captain Lei seemed to be somewhat full. He put his chopsticks down and looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised by the words ¡®cultivation resources¡¯.


    Even Xu Qing could somehow sense that Captain Lei was a rogue cultivator. After having interacted with each other for such a long time, even if Xu Qing was in the Body Refinement Realm*, Captain Lei would naturally be able to sense it through his observation.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate as he nodded his head.


    This caused him to breathe a sigh of relief in his heart. He who grew up in the slums deeply knew that it was impossible for someone to show kindness and offer help while wanting nothing in return. There was a reason for everything.


    ¡°You can continue eating. I¡¯m already old and won¡¯t be able to digest the food if I eat too much.¡±


    Captain Lei coughed a few times and his face turned a little red. However, he soon recovered. He stood up and walked toward the outside as he spoke.


    ¡°The spirit energy in this world is like poison. If you keep cultivating so assiduously as you did on the way here, your body might not be able to last very long before the mutation overcomes it. Cultivation requires one to build a solid foundation. You must not be hasty.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and didn¡¯t speak.


    The old man who walked to the door turned and looked at Xu Qing as he shook his head.


    ¡°However, by cultivating like this, you are also correct.¡±


    ¡°The scavenger campsite lies beside a forbidden zone, and it is different from the one you were in previously. The items and objects within the forbidden zone cause many low-level rogue cultivators and fugitives to gather here.


    ¡°Since you are staying here, you will surely need to make a trip to the forbidden zone sooner or later. So, cultivating more is also good.¡±


    Captain Lei then left.


    Xu Qing sat here alone until he finished all the snake meat. However, he didn¡¯t leave immediately. He first cleaned and put the tableware down before he returned to his small house.


    Upon returning, he sat down cross-legged and continued to cultivate.


    Xu Qing was very clear that if he didn¡¯t want to struggle whilst on death¡¯s door and bend his back to survive, leaving the right of his life and death in the hands of others, his own strength would be the root of everything.


    This was especially so in the scavenger camp. There were plenty of rogue cultivators here, far more than the number he had seen in his six years in the slums. Not a single one of these people was a pushover.


    If the slums were a nest for dogs, this place was a den for wolves.


    If he didn¡¯t work hard, even before he mutated, he might have already died without a burial place because of a conflict or dispute.


    As for the anomalous substances in his body, Xu Qing learned from the bamboo slip that contained the Mountains and Seas Art that alchemy pills might be able to neutralize them.


    Although they could only treat the symptoms and not the root, the pills could still be used to cope with mutation. On the way here, he also learned the name of one of such pills from the conversations of the scavengers. The pill was named ¡®white pills¡¯.


    In the nearby forbidden zone, an important herb necessary for the concoction of white pills was produced there. So, there would surely be people selling white pills inside the campsite.


    After thinking of this, Xu Qing touched the location of the purple crystal in his chest.


    During this period, he clearly sensed that other than granting him a boost in recovery, it also provided a huge increase in his strength and speed.


    This had something to do with him achieving the first level of the Mountains and Seas Art. However, Xu Qing felt that his first level seemed to be somewhat different from the introduction of the first level described on the bamboo slip, where he would gain a tiger¡¯s worth of strength upon reaching the first level.


    ¡°I think I can beat many tigers to death.¡±


    Xu Qing mused silently as he sensed the spirit energy in his body. On the way here, he had been assiduously cultivating and he was soon about to break through to the second level.


    ¡°Today, I will attempt to break through to the second level.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s gaze revealed determination. He then closed his eyes and started his breathing exercise.


    Very soon, spirit energy fluctuations flooded over from all directions. The spirit energy outside forbidden zones had much fewer anomalous substances in comparison to the spirit energy within forbidden zones, and so it could increase the cultivators¡¯ cultivation speed by quite a bit.


    For this point, Xu Qing had discovered it yesterday when he was in the wooden shed of the Beastfight Arena.


    At this moment, he relaxed his body and exerted force to absorb the spirit energy in conjunction with his breathing. There was also a weak flash of purple light from his chest that was covered by the leather coat.


    Time flowed by. Gradually, light popping sounds echoed from Xu Qing¡¯s body, and his pores began to secrete black-colored impurities once again.


    The flesh and blood of his entire body seemed to be nourished and became more tenacious. It was like there was a greater strength within them that was gradually bursting out.


    And at the same time, in the darkness outside, the little girl whose bamboo stick got swapped by Xu Qing walked toward the courtyard Xu Qing was in.


    She stood there and hesitated. It was like she wanted to knock on the gate but also felt some trepidation.


    After a long time, she seemed to have gathered the courage and knocked lightly on the bamboo gate of the courtyard. It was just that the sound of such knocking was too weak. There was basically no way for it to be transmitted within.


    The moment the little girl knocked on the gate, the popping sounds from Xu Qing¡¯s body also reached their most intense moment.


    As a rumbling sound roared in his mind, Xu Qing opened his eyes. At this moment, purple light flashed in his eyes once again as joy appeared on his face. He then lowered his head and glanced at his arm. The second mutation point had appeared there.


    The second level of Qi Condensation.


    [1] The end-room seemed to be connected to the second house where Xu Qing is staying.


    [2] Xu Qing is in the Qi Condensation Realm, but the raws used here was Á¶Ìå ¡®Body Refinement¡¯. Might refer to the cultivation art Xu Qing practiced. The Mountains and Seas Art is said to be one that tempers and refine one¡¯s body. You can view the reference from Chapter 6 if you are interested.

 Chapter 15

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    ¡°I¡¯ve finally broken through.¡±


    Xu Qing stood up and punched out, producing a crisp sound echoing through the air. In fact, the blast of wind even caused the door to the house to shake a little.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to open wide. He sensed that the current him was simply much stronger compared to yesterday.


    If the current him fought against that giant-horn snake, Xu Qing believed that he could blast through the belly scales of the snake with a single punch.


    Not only that, but his senses were also sharper than before. His vision was clearer, and his hearing also became more sensitive. Hence, the sounds of knocking from outside the courtyard could now drift into Xu Qing¡¯s ears.


    Xu Qing started and walked to the side of the house¡¯s door. Under the moonlight, he peered through the gap and saw the figure of the little girl standing outside the courtyard¡¯s gate.


    It seemed that she had injuries on her body, and she was trembling slightly.


    Xu Qing frowned. He originally didn¡¯t want to bother about this, but the girl persisted and continued to knock lightly.


    Hence, a long time later, Xu Qing finally pushed the door of the house open and walked out.


    After seeing Xu Qing¡¯s figure, the girl evidently grew nervous. She bore the impulse to retreat and stared at Xu Qing through the bamboo gate.


    ¡°Is something the matter?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°I¡­I also obtained the residency right of the campsite a¡­and also found a job in the campsite.¡± The little stuttered a little as she spoke.


    ¡°Understood.¡± Xu Qing nodded and was about to turn and leave.


    ¡°Wait¡­Thank you. I came here to thank you,¡± said the girl hurriedly.


    ¡°No need to thank me. It was me who wanted to eat the snake. This has nothing to do with you.¡± After Xu Qing finished speaking, he returned to the house.


    The girl pursed her lips as she looked at Xu Qing¡¯s departing back. She suddenly spoke loudly.


    ¡°No matter what, I still have to thank you. This debt of gratitude¡­I will surely repay you in the future.¡± After she finished speaking, her figure ran away and vanished into the darkness.


    Xu Qing turned and glanced over, not minding this at all. He then returned to the house and drew in a deep breath, sensing the changes in his body. In his heart, he felt more confident about his thoughts of living a better life.


    However, the faint piercing pain that originated from his left arm made him guess that the anomalous substances in his body must have been concentrated to a very high degree. Even the snake gallbladder didn¡¯t manage to neutralize much.


    At this moment, it was in the dead of the night, and there were no roars from ferocious beasts outside. Xu Qing then walked to his bedside and saw the clean bedding there before he took another look at his clothes, which were filled with dirt and grime.


    He pondered a little before removing the clean bedding. After placing it to the side, he lay down on the wooden plank.


    His hand instinctively grabbed the black-colored iron stick as waves of sleepiness surfaced.


    This iron stick was the companion he trusted the most.


    Ever since he had found it after searching through the garbage many years ago, he had decided to bring it everywhere with him and use it as his own weapon after discovering how sharp and durable it was.


    ¡°I will search the campsite for a place that sells white pills tomorrow.¡±


    Xu Qing silently mused as he touched his leather pouch. Inside was his savings of these few years as well as a few valuable gems he had found inside the city.


    He didn¡¯t dare to take too many gems as he understood the logic of ¡®the weak possessing a jade ring becomes a crime¡¯. He had seen cases like that when he was younger.


    As he contemplated, the feeling of sleepiness slowly overcame him, and Xu Qing gradually closed his eyes.


    It was just that the iron stick in his hand was still clutched tightly, with no sign of relaxation.


    The calm night passed as the rays of the morning sun cascaded down.


    The next morning, Xu Qing, who woke up early, had already left the small house.


    Before he departed, he looked in the direction of Captain Lei¡¯s room. The other party wasn¡¯t in, so maybe he had gone out. Hence, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and went to wander around the campsite.


    Maybe it was due to the shock he had caused everyone when he forcibly harvested the gallbladder of the snake yesterday, when Xu Qing was walking in the camp, he could clearly feel the gazes of the scavengers in the surroundings. They were somewhat different when they looked at him now.


    They no longer felt that he was easy to bully because he was young. From this, one could see the evil of human nature.


    Now, there were more hints of recognition and vigilance. At the same time, the listless gaze of those youths around the same age as him, who were hiding in corners now, had a hint of envy when they looked at him.


    Dignity was something one had to obtain by themselves.


    Xu Qing silently mused in his heart.


    While he was searching for shops at the campsite, Xu Qing also familiarized himself with the surroundings.


    He discovered quite a lot of wild dogs in the camp. They were barking at each other and snatching goods. Most of them were thin, but some looked even more muscular and sturdy than some of the humans.


    After paying attention to these wild dogs, Xu Qing continued to observe the campsite.


    He did so until the map of the campsite was fully created in his mind. According to his mental map, he found a shop in the inner-circle area of the campsite.


    The shop wasn¡¯t small and there were streams of people leaving and entering. This looked like a lively place, and it seemed to sell everything within.


    Xu Qing observed it for a while from outside and noticed the little girl from yesterday with a staff attire in the shop. Clearly, she must be doing miscellaneous jobs here. She seemed very busy, and droplets of sweat covered her forehead.


    She only noticed Xu Qing after he walked into the shop. However, just when she was about to speak, she was dragged to the side by a scavenger who wanted to inquire about an item.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t immediately pay attention to the things for sale in the shop. Rather, he first took a look at the people in the surroundings who came to shop.


    There were a total of seven people. Some were browsing through the items for sale, some had their heads lowered as they contemplated, and some were bargaining. Two among them, one skinny and one fat, seemed to be part of a group.


    The fat guy had a rotund figure, while the skinny guy had a horse-like face. Evidently, their attitudes were unyielding, and spirit energy fluctuations that weren¡¯t weak radiated from them. One of them was currently scolding the little girl as though he was very unsatisfied with her answers.


    And as the little girl anxiously apologized, Xu Qing began to check out the merchandise in the shop.


    Things were the same as what he had guessed. This place was a general goods shop. There were alchemy pills, weapons, clothes, food, etc. They had everything.


    Hence, he retracted his gaze and walked to the counter. He then calmly spoke as he looked at the shopkeeper who had an indifferent expression when he smoked a pipe.

 Chapter 16

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    ¡°How are the white pills sold?¡±


    ¡°The white pills are limited, so we only sell five of them per day. There are still two pills remaining in the quota today. Each pill costs 10 spirit coins.¡±


    The shopkeeper lifted his brows and swept a glance at Xu Qing. Maybe it was because he recognized that Xu Qing was the youth who had fought against the beasts yesterday, his attitude was somewhat friendlier.


    However, after hearing the price, despite Xu Qing being mentally prepared, he still couldn¡¯t help but frown slightly.


    His savings after these few years were at most 20 to 30 spirit coins. However, the piercing pain from the mutation point on his arm didn¡¯t cause him to hesitate. He carefully took out 20 spirit coins from his leather pouch and handed them to the shopkeeper.


    The shopkeeper kept the spirit coins with his right hand and took out a sack from a cabinet, tossing it to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing grabbed it and opened the sack, revealing two white-colored alchemy pills within. However, his brows soon knitted again.


    Some parts of the surface layer of these two alchemy pills had turned greenish. Evidently, this was caused by a change in the quality, and they weren¡¯t very fresh. There was also no medicinal fragrance emitting from them. It looked like they were inferior pills.


    ¡°All white pills in the campsite are like this. We don¡¯t have any pills with good appearances here. For this item, even if it is rotted, it will still have some effect. You can rest assured and consume them.¡±


    After the shopkeeper saw Xu Qing¡¯s bewilderment, he couldn¡¯t help but speak while having an insincere smile on his face.


    Xu Qing was very cautious, so he didn¡¯t consume them immediately. He planned to ask Captain Lei after he returned. Hence, he packed them up and wanted to leave.


    But at this moment, a gleam of sharpness flashed in his eyes, and his body quickly moved to the side.


    Almost at the same time as he evaded, a hand landed at the location he had been in previously, grabbing the air.


    Xu Qing coldly looked over and saw the scavenger with a horse face, who was previously berating the little girl, standing there with his hand retracted and looking at him with an astonished expression.


    At the same time, the scavenger with a rotund body stood at the entrance to block the way out as he stared at Xu Qing. He then grinned, revealing yellow teeth.


    ¡°They are Fat Mountain and Horse-Four from the Bloodshadow Team!¡±


    ¡°This kid should be someone Captain Lei brought back. Thunder and Bloodshadow have always been against each other, so I won¡¯t participate in your matters. However, don¡¯t waste too much time as I¡¯m still running a business.¡±


    The others in the shop also had their attention drawn by the actions of the two. After they looked over, they began to whisper in low voices.


    The sentence spoken earlier was naturally from the indifferent-looking shopkeeper.


    At this moment, the pedestrians outside also noticed the commotion here. All of them looked inside with expressions of interest.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, this won¡¯t take long.¡± The guy with a horse face smiled. He then looked at Xu Qing as his eyes gleamed sinisterly.


    ¡°Kid, I¡¯ve killed plenty of giant-horn pythons, so I won¡¯t make things difficult for you. I only need the white pills. Give me the two white pills you just bought and I will let you leave here safely. If not, I will help slit your throat and take the white pills from your corpse.¡±


    These words caused Xu Qing¡¯s gaze to turn even colder. He looked at the other party¡¯s neck and the fatty blocking the entrance. Noticing that there were quite a lot of people outside, he started coming up with a plan.


    The spirit fluctuations from these two fellows weren¡¯t weak at all. They should be around the second level. He was confident to deal with one of them as he was sure he could finish the fight in the span of ten breaths.


    However, if the two of them cooperated, he would also be able to kill them, but it would take longer.


    In addition, this was the downtown area. Once the fight began, since the other parties were members of a team, they would surely have reinforcement.


    He didn¡¯t wish to put all his hope on praying that Captain Lei would arrive in time. This wasn¡¯t his personality. He didn¡¯t like putting hope in others as depending on himself was the best solution.


    Hence, Xu Qing expressionlessly swept his glance at the neck of the scavenger with a horse face again. His right hand then took out the sack containing the white pills and tossed it over with no hesitation. After the other party caught it, he turned his head back to glance at the fatty before he laughed complacently.


    His companion, Fat Mountain, also laughed and moved aside from the entrance. After that, Xu Qing didn¡¯t even turn his head and walked out immediately.


    The surrounding crowds, be it whether they were in the shop or outside, felt that this was very normal. Under the rules where the weak were eaten by the strong, the weak naturally had to know when to bow down. This was the path of survival.


    The little girl also heaved a sigh of relief. Earlier, she had been sweating profusely. Now that she saw that the crisis had been averted, she continued to busy herself.


    As for Fat Mountain and Horse-Four, they swaggered out of the shop while laughing uproariously as they walked into the distance.


    It was just that¡­no one noticed that a figure, which seemed as though it had vanished after walking a great distance away, was following them like a shadow patiently, not exposing itself in the slightest.


    Its eyes were like a wolf staring at prey, paying close attention to the two of them.


    This figure was none other than Xu Qing.


    Time flowed and the sky gradually darkened.


    Fat Mountain and Horse-Four went to many places in the campsite and even after an entire day had passed, they didn¡¯t notice that a figure had been following them from the start.


    The two of them finally separated when the moon was high in the sky.


    The place Fat Mountain went to had a bonfire, while Horse-Four showed an expression of lust as he headed to the dark area in the outer perimeters of the campsite, planning on entering one of the feathered tents.


    Just when Horse-Four was about to arrive at the dark area, he suddenly heard the sound of wind gushing behind him.


    Hence, Horse-Four turned around immediately with vigilance, but there was nothing behind him. He started and his expression couldn¡¯t help but change. It was already too late.


    An instant later, a small hand shot out beside him, tightly clamping his mouth. At the same time, a sharp dagger sliced forcefully across his throat without hesitation at all.


    Woosh~ Fresh blood spurted all around. As a result, Horse-Four¡¯s eyes were wide open and he wanted to struggle.


    However, the small hand that clamped down on his mouth possessed very great strength. Horse-Four¡¯s body was then dragged backward, and it was futile no matter how much he struggled.


    His feet could only helplessly tap on the ground, unable to stop him from being dragged into the darkness.


    Finally, his end was like that of a slain chicken, tossed into a corner.


    Even until now, the small hand clamped on his mouth didn¡¯t move away. The owner of the hand waited for a long time, and only after he was sure that Horse-Four had lost all resistance from suffocation and blood loss did he finally relax his hand. He then slammed Horse-Four¡¯s weak and shivering body onto the ground.


    Only now did the despairing Horse-Four see the expressionless face of the youth clearly with the aid of the dim moonlight.


    ¡°Wu, wu¡­¡±


    Horse-Four¡¯s gaze contained disbelief. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that the youth who had obediently handed the white pills to him in the morning would be so decisive and ruthless when he acted.


    He seemed as though he wanted to tell the youth that his words of slitting the youth¡¯s throat in the morning had been nothing but a threat. He wouldn¡¯t have really killed him¡­


    However, the blood gushing out of his throat made it impossible for him to speak. With despair, he could only whimper weakly and looked at the youth who was crouching down and emotionlessly searching through his pockets.


    When everything was taken out, Xu Qing found his white pills with an additional five more. Other than these, the other party also had some spirit coins and miscellaneous items.


    After Xu Qing kept them, as Horse-Four¡¯s terror reached an extreme limit, Xu Qing removed the sackcloth covering a snake head carefully and used the snake¡¯s fangs to pierce Horse-Four¡¯s body with great familiarity.


    As a result, Horse-Four¡¯s body instantly convulsed and started melting from the location of the wound. The pain and agony from being melted alive caused him to break down mentally.


    Only until Xu Qing lifted his hand and covered Horse-Four¡¯s eyes did Horse-Four¡¯s world lose its light forever.


    His body melted and became blood that seeped into the earth.


    Xu Qing had learned his lesson from his previous negligence. At this moment, he took out a prepared pouch and put Horse-Four¡¯s clothing and items away before he turned to leave.


    And after he left, two figures appeared from the darkness at the location of Horse-Four¡¯s death.


    They were none other than the two men no one could see yesterday in the Beastfight Arena. One of them was an extraordinary old man clad in purple and the other was his servant.


    The old man lowered his head to look at the pool of blood seeping into the ground before lifting his head to glance at Xu Qing¡¯s back in the distance. A hint of admiration could be seen in his eyes.


    ¡°This is a good seedling. He has great tolerance and is decisive when it comes to killing. What¡¯s even rarer is that although he¡¯s ruthless when he acts, he can still handle the aftermath cleanly. Not bad at all,¡± said the old man.


    The servant who was at the side revealed a surprised expression.


    He had followed this old man for many years, and it was very rare for him to hear the old man praising others as ¡®not bad¡¯. In addition, this youth had caught the attention of the old man twice. Hence, he also lifted his head to stare in the direction where Xu Qing vanished.


    ¡°An interesting little fellow.¡± The old man smiled before casually asking another question.


    ¡°When will Grandmaster Bai arrive again?¡±


    ¡°Old Master Seventh, according to Grandmaster Bai¡¯s schedule, he should arrive here in one or two days.¡± The servant withdrew his gaze and respectfully spoke.


    ¡°He¡¯s finally going to arrive. This time around, this old man has to properly persuade him. The stupid Purple Earth is full of stupid rules. What¡¯s there to miss? He might as well come and join my Seven Blood Eyes so he can be more relaxed and carefree.¡±


    The old man laughed and seemed like he was very happy. He then glanced in the direction Xu Qing left.


    ¡°Let us go take a look at what this little wolf cub wants to do next.¡±


    [1] The ¡®Lei¡¯ in Captain Lei¡¯s name stands for thunder.

 Chapter 17

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    During March, although spring had returned, the weather was still somewhat chilly.


    If Xu Qing had just exited the forbidden zone, the cold wouldn¡¯t matter to him. But if he was outside for too long, his body would still feel the bone-chilling cold.


    This was especially so during the night. The icy chill would feel heavier.


    As the cold wind gusted by, Xu Qing¡¯s figure didn¡¯t stop in the slightest. He merely wrapped his coat tighter around himself.


    He still had a mission he hadn¡¯t completed. Hence, he was carefully making his way through the campsite during the night.


    On his way, he saw some wild dogs that bared their teeth as they rushed at him. However, after he glared at them, it was like they could sense the smell of blood on him, so they ended up shutting up and hiding away.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze shifted away from the wild dogs as he continued on his way.


    After he arrived behind a house in the center-ring region, he crouched in the dark and remained motionless as he stared at a large house far away.


    There were signs of an extinguished bonfire there.


    Xu Qing remembered that Fat Mountain, who separated from Horse-Four, had gone there. So, he wanted to wait and see if the other party would travel out during the night.


    The icy chill invaded his body, but Xu Qing¡¯s body was as though it had been petrified, remaining completely motionless as he waited patiently.


    At this moment, behind him, on the rooftop of a building, Old Master Seventh and his servant had also followed over. When he saw Xu Qing crouching there, Old Master Seventh couldn¡¯t help but break into a smile.


    ¡°As per what I expected. This little wolf cub is going to weed out the roots.¡±


    ¡°This old man is now filled with great expectations. If this brat entered the forbidden zone beside our camp, what performance would he show?¡± Old Master Seventh squatted down, watching with interest while speaking to the servant beside him.


    The servant smiled and squatted beside Old Master Seventh, also surveying Xu Qing who was in the distance.


    Time flowed by, and after seeing an hour had passed, Xu Qing gradually frowned.


    After thinking about it, he turned and left, walking into the darkness. His entire person was like an apparition, coming and leaving silently.


    However, he didn¡¯t return to Captain Lei¡¯s residence but chose to circle the surroundings for a round.


    After confirming that no one was following him, Xu Qing headed back to Captain Lei¡¯s courtyard and quietly returned to his little house.


    After entering, he drew in a deep breath and rubbed his hands, wanting to dispel the chill in his body with the aid of this motion.


    He then wiped away the blood stains on his body. Only after that did he sit cross-legged on the bed with a look of pondering in his eyes.


    ¡°These scavengers would head out for missions at irregular timing. Luckily, Horse-Four was a horny individual so as long as not too much time has passed, no one would realize that he is dead. Fat Mountain probably wouldn¡¯t be on his guard because of this either.


    ¡°But for the sake of safety, it¡¯s best that I get rid of Fat Mountain as fast as possible.¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes.


    Just like how he had killed Broken Ox back then, he who was now in the scavenger campsite wouldn¡¯t permit any concealed danger that would threaten his life.


    He killed Horse-Four because the other party had snatched his item and threatened him. This was also the reason why he was preparing to deal with Fat Mountain.


    After a period of silence, Xu Qing took out Horse-Four¡¯s items from the pouch and carefully inspected them.


    Most were miscellaneous stuff. There was also a palm-size metal plate that looked ordinary, appearing like an ingredient.


    Other than these, there were about 70 plus spirit coins. To Xu Qing, this was already considered a huge sum of money.


    He meticulously counted them once before taking out the white pills. After comparing his white pills with Horse-Four¡¯s white pills, he discovered that these white pills were truly not of good quality and didn¡¯t look fresh.


    Hence, he began to believe 70% of the shop owner¡¯s words.


    After pondering for a while, Xu Qing took out one pill and swallowed it. After that, he closed his eyes to silently sense the effect.


    Very soon, he felt a current of warmth rising in his body. The current gathered on the mutation point on his left arm, and he began to feel a sense of comfort.


    After some time, this feeling disappeared. Xu Qing opened his eyes and immediately looked at his left arm. The two mutation points had grown slightly lighter in color, and the piercing pain was also reduced somewhat.


    ¡°It¡¯s effective.¡± Xu Qing revealed joy in his gaze and took out the second pill to consume.


    The same feeling emerged. As it vanished, the sensation of piercing pain also vanished with it.


    He felt a sense of coolness in his body. It was very comfortable as though his flesh and blood were being cleansed. This caused Xu Qing to sense that his speed and strength seemed to be enhanced by a little.


    As for the remaining white pills, he didn¡¯t continue to consume them. He placed them in his leather pouch and began to close his eyes to cultivate.


    The night was silent.


    The next morning, Xu Qing opened his eyes and rose to head out.


    Just when he pushed the house¡¯s door open, he saw Captain Lei sitting cross-legged in the courtyard, doing breathing exercises.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t disturb him. He then opened the courtyard gate softly and carefully closed it before setting off.


    The wind today seemed even colder than last night. When it blew on someone, they would involuntarily shiver. Even those wild dogs were hiding in their caves, rarely venturing out.


    When Xu Qing breathed out, he could see mist forming, and this caused his brain to recall some unpleasant memories from when he was in the slums.


    He hated the cold.


    To homeless vagrants, the cold wind was like a calamity. One had to forcefully struggle before they could survive.


    At this moment, Xu Qing, who passed by a clothing shop in the cold, involuntarily halted his steps and glanced at the thick and clean clothes hanging in the shop.


    He gingerly touched his leather pouch before turning to enter.


    The shop didn¡¯t have many customers. When Xu Qing entered, he cast his gaze on those clothes that were hanging on the wall, looking at them seriously.


    At the counter, the shopkeeper cast a glance at Xu Qing and wasn¡¯t too bothered as he continued instructing his staff at the side.


    ¡°Go and handle things at the back. Take the past month¡¯s custom-made clothes that the orderer failed to collect and hang them in front to sell.¡±


    ¡°But what if the person who ordered the custom-made clothes comes back to collect them in the future?¡± The staff hesitated, appearing to be someone new.


    ¡°Come back? There would be people going missing periodically in this campsite. Some died in the forbidden zone, and some vanished mysteriously. Only ghosts can return. Quickly go and follow my instructions.¡±

 Chapter 18

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    The shopkeeper impatiently waved his hands, and the assistant quickly ran into the back hall.


    Not long later, before Xu Qing had chosen his clothes, the assistant already returned with a large number of clothes in his arms. After he hung them up, Xu Qing immediately had his eyes on a deep-colored inner-fur leather jacket.


    This was something someone custom-made but had no way to return and buy it.


    After the amount of time it took to finish burning an incense stick, when Xu Qing walked out of the shop, the article of clothing he was wearing was none other than that deep-colored inner-fur jacket.


    This clothing could isolate the cold and wasn¡¯t thick or heavy. Moreover, the degree of warmth Xu Qing felt when he wore it was far greater compared to the clothes he had worn before.


    The only bad thing was that he was too small and skinny. So, this jacket looked like an overcoat on him. The sight of it wasn¡¯t very matching.


    However, Xu Qing was very happy. When he was walking on the road, he carefully avoided some places that were slightly dirty.


    Just when he was about to search for Fat Mountain, he noticed that there were sounds of a clamor from outside of the campsite. Also, many of the scavengers in the campsite walked out at the same time. There was a hint of anticipation in their eyes as they moved in the direction of the sounds.


    Xu Qing also lifted his head to look over.


    Gradually, under the sunlight, he saw a group of over ten horse carriages driving over here in a majestic manner.


    For those seated there, even the clothing of the guards was incomparably vibrant. Their faces were rosy, and their gazes were sharp. Also, shocking fluctuations of spirit energy could be sensed from them.


    As for the people inside the carriage, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see any, but he could guess that they were people with very important status.


    Xu Qing had also heard of such a convoy from Captain Lei before. It seemed that they would come to the campsite often for trading or to purchase the seven-leaf grass used to concoct white pills.


    Fat Mountain¡¯s silhouette also appeared among the crowd and after Xu Qing¡¯s focus was attracted, he no longer paid any attention to the convoy. Instead, he narrowed his eyes and stared at Fat Mountain, starting to follow him secretly.


    Maybe it was because of the convoy¡¯s arrival, but the campsite today was very lively and a bazaar was created. Hence, from the start until now, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t find an opportunity.


    This lasted all the way until late at night. He saw Fat Mountain returning to that big house again. Thus, he could only keep the dagger in his sleeves and turn to leave.


    Although he had no chance to act today, Xu Qing had plenty of patience. After he returned to the small house, he wore his newly-bought clothes and sat down to cultivate. Even when he was asleep, he didn¡¯t take off his new clothes.


    This lasted until the next morning when he was preparing to head out to find opportunities. Only then did he lovingly remove his inner-fur jacket, changing back to his tattered coat.


    Looking at his new clothes, Xu Qing felt that he had been somewhat too impulsive yesterday.


    At this moment, Xu Qing wore his tattered coat and walked around the campsite. As he passed by a crowded market, his gaze seemed to be surveying the passing carriages, but he was actually searching for Fat Mountain¡¯s figure.


    Far away, Old Master Seventh yawned and was with the servant on a rooftop. His gaze swept past the carriages and turned to Xu Qing. After that, he casually asked the servant beside him.


    ¡°Have you sent the invitation to Grandmaster Bai?¡±


    ¡°Old Master Seventh, I¡¯ve delivered it. But Grandmaster Bai said that he feels a little unwell recently¡­¡±


    ¡°Unwell? Isn¡¯t he a doctor? He really is¡­sigh. Anyway, I remember that this kid bought new clothes yesterday, but why did he change back to his old ones today?¡± As Old Master Seventh spoke halfway, he noticed what Xu Qing was wearing, so he couldn¡¯t help but be puzzled.


    While Old Master Seventh was puzzled, Xu Qing locked on to Fat Mountain in the crowd from the corner of his eyes.


    Just like this, an entire day passed as Xu Qing followed his target.


    As late-night came, Fat Mountain, who originally wanted to return to his residence, suddenly changed his direction for an unknown reason. He actually headed to the outer-ring region in the middle of the night.


    That place was comparatively more remote.


    ¡°Has he discovered me?¡± Xu Qing frowned and narrowed his eyes. His gaze gradually became colder.


    He didn¡¯t continue to follow but surveyed the surroundings instead. After confirming that the other party was indeed heading there alone, he circled around and continued advancing in the darkness, reaching the outer-ring in advance before Fat Mountain did.


    He ascertained that there were no ambushes here first. His eyes then gleamed with coldness as he hid in the darkness.


    And at this moment, Fat Mountain also arrived in the area, but his footsteps suddenly stopped.


    ¡°Brat, I already sensed someone following me yesterday. Just come out, this place is very remote and is suitable for burying your corpse. If you don¡¯t dare to come out now, I¡¯ll no longer be alone next time. Even if Captain Lei protects you, us Bloodshadows will still be able to make you pay a price.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. The other party had stated it this way, so there was no longer a need to hide. Hence, he walked out of the darkness.


    ¡°Horse-Four didn¡¯t secretly accept a mission and head out, right? He must have been killed by you. I have underestimated you.¡± Fat Mountain malevolently laughed and looked at Xu Qing who walked out.


    ¡°But no worries, I¡¯ve long since found him unpleasant to my eye. Even if you didn¡¯t kill him, I planned to finish him off in our next outing. So, I still have to thank you. Also, I don¡¯t care about his life or death, but there¡¯s something in his pouch that I want. It should be in your hands now, right?¡±


    Fat Mountain glanced at the leather pouch at Xu Qing¡¯s waist as a hint of greed flashed in his eyes. He didn¡¯t wait for Xu Qing to answer. His body shifted as his rotund figure actually erupted forth with a speed that exceeded the second level of Qi Condensation.


    The spirit energy fluctuations from him were much stronger than before. In fact, it even formed a layer of airflow around his body, bringing the cold wind along. His entire person was like an ice ball ramming toward Xu Qing.


    He wasn¡¯t at the second level of Qi Condensation. From the spirit energy fluctuations at this moment, he had reached the third level.


    It was also precisely because of this, in addition to the item he wanted from Horse-Four¡¯s pouch, that he decided to come out tonight alone.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. This was his first time fighting a head-on battle against another cultivator. To make it even worse, the airflow barrier around Fat Mountain¡¯s body was something formed by spirit energy. Fortunately, Xu Qing was confident in both his strength and speed.


    Hence, at the instant the other party came near, Xu Qing also rushed out ferociously. He erupted all his strength and unleashed his maximum speed, causing his movements to leave behind some afterimages.


    In the blink of an eye, he dodged Fat Mountain. When Fat Mountain was clearly startled, Xu Qing had already arrived behind him. After that, he lifted his right hand and erupted forth with the entirety of his strength in a single punch.

 Chapter 19

    Translator: Lordbluefire


    This was the first time Xu Qing used all his strength. This punch directly caused thunderous claps and created an explosive boom when it landed on Fat Mountain¡¯s body.


    As a result, Fat Mountain¡¯s entire body shuddered immensely. The air barrier formed outside his body then shattered inch by inch as his inner organs churned wildly.


    Pu! When the sound of coughing up a mouthful of fresh blood rang out, the killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes grew even more intense.


    After that, the iron stick appeared in his lifted right hand, and Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed as he brushed past Fat Mountain who was retreating in a hurried manner. The iron stick then followed with the flow and pierced toward Fat Mountain¡¯s head.


    But at the next moment, Xu Qing¡¯s expression drastically changed as he decisively retreated with explosive speed.


    The instant he retreated, Fat Mountain¡¯s eyes revealed a hint of ruthlessness.


    Two black lines abruptly drilled out from his ears and flew toward Xu Qing¡¯s face one after another, producing a whooshing sound through the air.


    These two black lines were none other than winged centipedes. Their speed was extremely fast, and they were about to reach Xu Qing in the blink of an eye. However, Xu Qing slashed out with his dagger using his left hand and directly sliced them apart.


    The last one was only seven inches away from Xu Qing¡¯s eyes when he finally killed it.


    This dangerous scene caused the killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to deepen as he charged over again.


    During the window of opportunity created when Xu Qing retreated, the churning of Fat Mountain¡¯s inner organs also recovered somewhat.


    At this moment, his rotund body continued to retreat rapidly. His hands performed a set of mudras, and his face instantly flushed red. A moment later, he spat out a mouthful of poison mist at Xu Qing.


    The mist churned with an exceedingly large radius, floating toward Xu Qing. Everywhere the cloud of mist passed by, crackling sounds could be heard. From this, one could see how intense the poison was.


    After he finished doing all this, Fat Mountain¡¯s countenance was pale, and his fat belly got reduced by an entire size. He retreated once more. There was ruthlessness in his gaze along with some lingering fear.


    Xu Qing¡¯s strength had exceeded his expectations.


    He didn¡¯t expect that despite him being at the third level of Qi Condensation, in addition to his poison attacks, he had actually failed to kill the other party in a single blow.


    Also, this poison mist was one of his ultimate killing techniques. If he could still do nothing to his opponent, he would have to shout for help and cause Xu Qing to feel trepidation.


    However, if he shouted for help, it most probably would be very difficult for him to obtain that item of Horse-Four.


    Actually, he still had a taboo item he didn¡¯t use. The side-effect of using this item was exceedingly great, but he still took it out. It was a piece of amber.


    As he hesitated in his heart, he glanced at the area that was covered in the poison mist where Xu Qing was in.


    However, the instant he glanced over, the poison mist suddenly started parting violently in all directions as Xu Qing¡¯s figure dashed out from it.


    His speed was so fast that Fat Mountain felt his eyes being dazzled. His heart pounded, and he wanted to crush the amber with his right hand and shout for help. But sadly, it was already too late.


    A raven-black iron stick shone with incomparable sharpness and instantly penetrated his head with the ease of a hot knife going through butter. As a result, fresh blood splattered out, landing on Xu Qing at the side.


    Fat Mountain¡¯s body stiffened. He wanted to turn his head but failed to do so. His corpse then slowly fell to the floor and became motionless.


    Not glancing at Fat Mountain¡¯s body, Xu Qing panted as he warily regarded the surroundings with vigilance.


    This place was a remote location. After ascertaining that he didn¡¯t attract any attention, he quickly moved toward Fat Mountain¡¯s corpse and took away his leather pouch.


    Just when he wanted to use the poison fang, Xu Qing suddenly noticed that Fat Mountain¡¯s right hand seemed to be holding something. Hence, he pried his fingers open and saw a piece of amber that was half-cracked.


    This item looked ordinary and there didn¡¯t seem to be anything miraculous about this safe for the fact that there was a scorpion tail encased within.


    Xu Qing carefully kept it. He then melted the corpse and only left speedily after the corpse had turned into a puddle of blood.


    As he departed, he wiped away the bloodstains on his body and vanished into the night.


    Old Master Seventh and the servant walked out from the darkness at this moment.


    He then gazed at the location where Xu Qing vanished. Old Master Seventh wasn¡¯t really concerned about the fight between Xu Qing and Fat Mountain. But after a moment of thought, he revealed a look of sudden realization.


    ¡°I understand why that brat didn¡¯t wear his new clothes. He must be afraid that it would be stained by blood. He must have been living in poverty and would feel heartache if the new clothes got stained.¡±


    The servant who was at the side also breathed a sigh of relief.


    Throughout this entire day, Old Master Seventh had been wondering why this brat refused to wear his new clothes. Right now, there was finally an answer. So, this meant that he didn¡¯t need to keep hearing and pondering over the reason why every time.

 Chapter 20 - Assemble (1)

    Chapter 20 Assemble (1)


    In the darkness of the night, Xu Qing¡¯s figure was like a cat. He proceeded forward nimbly and silently.


    His hand pressed against his mouth occasionally as he forcefully bore with the impulse to cough.


    During the first few times of this process, it was still tolerable. However, as Xu Qing continued moving, as well as with his many times suppressing the impulse, his lungs gradually felt like burning, and this caused his countenance to become paler and paler.


    Luckily, this place wasn¡¯t far from his residence. Besides, the campsite wasn¡¯t very large, so Xu Qing saw Captain Lei¡¯s courtyard not too long later.


    He didn¡¯t directly rush in. Instead, he stood at his original location and breathed deeply, trying his best to make himself seem somewhat more normal. Only then did he reduce his speed and proceed forth in a manner that was neither hasty nor slow.


    He pushed open the courtyard¡¯s gate. After that, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept through the surroundings, and he slowly entered the little house.


    The instant he entered, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t endure it anymore and directly coughed up a mouthful of blood. The blood was black in color, and when it landed on the ground, it actually emitted a sizzling sound.


    As he coughed up this mouthful of poisoned blood, Xu Qing¡¯s countenance turned somewhat more normal compared to the paleness earlier. He panted heavily and sat down cross-legged as he began to use his breathing technique.


    It was only a long time later that he opened his eyes. The color of his face had now recovered completely.


    ¡°What a fierce poison!¡± Xu Qing mumbled.


    That breath of poison mist unleashed by Fat Mountain at the end contained extremely high toxicity.


    However, in that situation, if Xu Qing had chosen to dodge, the other party would have surely fled immediately while calling for help to attract attention. At that time, things would become much more complicated if he wanted to handle things.


    Besides, even if he pretended he was injured, it would most probably be very hard to swindle the cunning Fat Mountain.


    Ever since Fat Mountain sensed he was being followed, everything he did was to mask his intentions. His only miscalculation was his wrong estimation of Xu Qing¡¯s strength.


    So, at that crucial moment, Xu Qing had chosen to believe in the recovery prowess brought about by his purple crystal. He forcibly endured the invasion of the poison mist as he decided to push ahead and finish the fight quickly, taking his target¡¯s life with a single blow.


    From the looks of things now, his choice wasn¡¯t wrong.


    The purple crystal indeed possessed a very strong recovery characteristic against the invasion of poison.


    On his way back, the burning feeling in his lungs and the impulse to cough were actually his recovery prowess taking effect.


    ¡°There are indeed no simple people among scavengers. Most probably, if it wasn¡¯t for me being quick enough during my attack on Horse-Four and not giving him time to retaliate, he was going to be very hard to handle as well.¡±


    Xu Qing silently mused as he started to analyze the aspects where he was insufficient during these two battles.


    A long time later, Xu Qing inhaled deeply and lowered his head to look at his leather pouch. A strange light then gleamed in his eyes.


    ¡°Fat Mountain was moving about alone because he wanted an item from Horse-Four. So, he was preparing to counter-hunt me and take away the item belonging to Horse-Four from me.¡±


    Xu Qing opened his leather pouch and poured everything belonging to Horse-Four out, including the spirit coins. He then arranged the items before him.


    His gaze swept through the items, and he examined them closely.


    Ultimately, he eliminated the possibility of all other objects and stared at the metal plate. He frowned and couldn¡¯t be sure.


    In reality, Horse-Four¡¯s items were all very common. Hence, this metal plate could be considered to be somewhat out of place and unknown when compared to the other items.


    ¡°Is it this item? But there doesn¡¯t seem to be anything marvelous about it. Could this be a very valuable ingredient?¡±


    Xu Qing pondered as he kept it carefully. He prepared to find a chance in the future to find out about the origin of this item.


    After that, he took out Fat Mountain¡¯s leather pouch and inspected it.


    There were no white pills inside, but there were plenty of spirit coins. Xu Qing also found many bottles of poison. However, since he didn¡¯t know the art of poison, he didn¡¯t dare to carelessly open them.


    Finally, he took out the amber that was filled with cracks, recalling the appearance of that fatty who was clutching it before he died.


    ¡°What¡¯s this item then¡­it seemed that the fellow was about to crush it before he died.¡± Xu Qing was puzzled. He felt that he lacked the relevant knowledge, so he put it away after thinking about it.


    After he finished doing all these, he closed his eyes and continued to cultivate.


    During these few days, Xu Qing discovered that after he broke through to the second level of Qi Condensation, the duration of his sleep didn¡¯t need to be as long as in the past. He would be able to regain his energy in just roughly two hours of sleep.


    So, he spent the vast majority of his time immersed in his cultivation.


    Moreover, because he didn¡¯t have any targets he needed to follow today, he cultivated even longer. In fact, he cultivated the whole day. However, when the night just descended, Xu Qing sensed something, so he opened his eyes and looked outside his house.


    The moment he glanced over, he heard Captain Lei¡¯s voice coming from there.


    ¡°Kid, come to the courtyard.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Xu Qing sat up and silently walked over as he looked at Captain Lei who was in the courtyard.


    There was a large table in the courtyard with some meat dishes and wine. Moreover, there were a total of six chairs and six sets of chopsticks and bowls. Captain Lei was sitting there, and he waved his hands at Xu Qing when he saw him.


    When Xu Qing swept his gaze across the table and sets of tableware, he had a guess in his heart. He then walked over lightly and sat beside Captain Lei.


    ¡°Have you gotten familiar with the campsite during these few days?¡± Captain Lei glanced outside the courtyard. His attitude was casual as he spoke to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Relatively so,¡± Xu Qing replied. His gaze then swept past the food on the table.


    Maybe it was because he had cultivated for an entire day, or maybe the fragrance of the food was too tempting, Xu Qing soon felt his stomach making grumbling sounds.


    Captain Lei who was at the side laughed when he heard it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush, wait for them.¡±


    ¡°Are we waiting for the people from the Thunder Team?¡± Xu Qing had long since guessed some things in the past. Hence, he took this opportunity to ask about it.


    The old man nodded and just when he was about to speak, he seemed to sense something and turned his gaze outside. At the same time, Xu Qing also sensed the same thing and followed his gaze.


    Outside the courtyard, in the dim streets, the figure of a burly man appeared.


    This burly man¡¯s muscular figure even surpassed Broken Ox. His entire person was like a small mountain, and the muscles of his body were extremely pumped, emitting a compelling aura. He carried a gigantic finesteel shield on his back and a mace that was even taller than Xu Qing in his hand. He was striding over with large steps.

 Chapter 21 - Assemble (2)

    Chapter 21 Assemble (2)


    The thumping sound resounded with every fall of his step, coming closer until he was outside the bamboo gate. When the bamboo gate was pushed aside, the shocking stature of a large man stepped into the courtyard.


    With his existence, the courtyard seemed to have shrunk a little, and the imposing aura of his tall silhouette spread even more. Xu Qing felt like he was facing a formidable mutated beast in a ruined city, and his pupils constricted.


    ¡°Leader, I¡¯m back.¡±


    The large man grinned at Captain Lei, his voice muffled. When his gaze caught the food on the table, his eyes lit up. As he came closer, he cast his shield aside and threw the mace on the ground. Thereafter, he sat down right away. A hair-raising creaking sound was then emitted from the chair, as though it could hardly support the weight. From the start to the end, he didn¡¯t look at Xu Qing. It was like he didn¡¯t care.


    Captain Lei laughed but said nothing. Meanwhile, the large man stared at the food but didn¡¯t lift a finger. He waited quietly.


    As for Xu Qing, he looked at the shield and mace on the ground.


    From the sounds earlier, he could make an elementary judgment that the weight of these two items probably¡­ far exceeded his weight.


    Not long after, amid the silence within the courtyard and the streets outside the bamboo gate, two silhouettes appeared; a man and a woman.


    The man was a youth with a longbow on his back. He had a tall and straight figure, but he had a scar in the shape of a cross on his face. It looked as though it was forcefully carved by someone. While it was a ghastly sight, his eyes were particularly sharp.


    As for the woman, she looked to be around thirty years old and had an ordinary appearance. However, with the full body of tight leather clothing, her figure was very hot, emitting a type of primeval temptation.


    The two of them walked into the courtyard and greeted Captain Lei before sitting on the seats. After that, the youth carrying the bow shot a glance at Xu Qing as though he was examining him.


    On the other hand, the woman by his side had a curious look. Her tone was a little coquettish when she smiled and spoke up.


    ¡°Leader, we were only out for a trip. How did you gain an extra child? You¡¯re old but strong, huh, leader? Don¡¯t tell the reason you called us here today is to let everyone know that you have an offspring but have kept it a secret from us?¡±


    ¡°The age isn¡¯t right,¡± the burly man muttered.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. He shifted his left leg slightly away, allowing a smooth retrieval of the dagger tied around his calf. He felt a little uneasy; each of these three people who came gave him a feeling that they were very strong.


    They felt even stronger than Fat Mountain from yesterday.


    This was especially so for that man with the bow. He gave Xu Qing a faint feeling of needles prickling on his back.


    ¡°Barbaric Ghost, the third level of Body Refinement*, innately born with godly strength.¡± Captain Lei didn¡¯t bother with her joke. He only looked at Xu Qing and pointed at the burly man.


    ¡°Luan Tooth*, the third level of Qi Condensation, able to communicate with ferocious beasts. The wild dogs you see at the campsite are mostly her spies.¡±


    ¡°Cross, the great circle of the fourth level of Qi Condensation, people within the same realm are hardly his match.¡± Captain Lei introduced them one after another and then pointed to Xu Qing in front of the three people.


    ¡°Kid, the second level of Body Refinement.¡±


    As Captain Lei spoke, the expressions of the three people on the team grew much more solemn. Xu Qing sat at the side and listened attentively.


    ¡°Eat first. We¡¯ll talk as we eat.¡± Captain Lei started flatly as he swept his gaze across the four of them. He then picked up a small piece of meat and ate it.


    ¡°I called you all back earlier because this year¡¯s spring harvest has been brought forward. The camp leader has issued a mission, and it is about the seven-leaf grass. Apart from the original purchase value, the party with the most harvest will receive three clear dust pills. Its effect far exceeds that of the white pill.


    ¡°We can start harvesting in advance from the piece of land we hid in the forbidden zone. What are your opinions?¡± The moment Captain Lei made his speech, there was a glimmer in the eyes of Barbaric Ghost and the other two. They looked at each other and then nodded.


    Xu Qing had never heard of clear dust pills, but it was clear from Captain Lei¡¯s words that they were better than white pills, with superior effects.


    ¡°Since you have all agreed, let us prepare. The kid will follow us on our trip into the forbidden zone this time around,¡± Captain Lei said slowly.


    ¡°Him?¡± The three team members turned toward Xu Qing.


    Cross furrowed his brows slightly.


    ¡°Leader, the second level of Body Refinement is too weak. It will be a little inappropriate for us to take care of him on top of completing the mission.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a first for everyone.¡± Captain Lei¡¯s gaze swept past Cross, and he looked toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°Kid, decide for yourself.¡±


    ¡°I can do it.¡± Xu Qing nodded.


    He still had five white pills in his pocket. Xu Qing didn¡¯t have a great need for the pills, but he understood that to live within the scavenger campsite, he would have to enter the forbidden zone sooner or later. If that was the case¡­ then he could learn more by going with a team with abundant experiences.


    Cross fell silent, not speaking anymore.


    ¡°Let¡¯s disperse after you are done eating. We will gather here tomorrow morning and set off!¡± Once Captain Lei was done, he got up and returned to the house.


    Xu Qing¡¯s fork stabbed into a large piece of meat. After consuming it, he took a look at the three people and then returned to his room quickly, not wanting to stay there. Xu Qing had always stayed vigilant toward strangers from the start.


    It was a night of silence as the preparatory work wasn¡¯t much for Xu Qing. Because of his habit, he was at the level where he could undertake a task at lightning speed, anytime and anywhere.


    As such, the next morning, the group of five walked around the campsite under Captain Lei¡¯s lead.


    Today, the sky was azure blue and the sun shined brightly.


    In the air, a single eagle circled the campsite as if it was staring, and their figures attracted the attention of scavengers all around.


    2


    This was seemingly because of Barbaric Ghost¡¯s abnormally large stature coupled with Luan Tooth¡¯s graceful figure. Some people from the group of carriages, which had arrived a few days ago, looked toward them as well.


    Today, there were even more scavengers around the carriages, and it was a rare occasion for them to stand in a queue. It looked as though they were waiting.


    As Xu Qing didn¡¯t head out at all yesterday, he had no idea what happened. As his gaze swept across, Luan Tooth smiled and spoke up from the side.


    ¡°I heard someone talking last night that these carriages were from Purple Earth. There seems to be a doctor with superior medical expertise there. Yesterday, he healed the leg injury of that old pervert, Lame Jackal. So, many people queued up to have their injuries checked.¡±


    ¡°That doctor must be earning quite a bit,¡± Barbaric Ghost muttered in envy as he heard this.


    Xu Qing was envious too as he glanced from afar. The moment he retracted his attention, his gaze hardened slightly.


    Not only him, but even Barbaric Ghost and Luan Tooth¡¯s eyes sharpened in that instant. Only Cross and Captain Lei maintained their usual expression. However, upon closer look, one would be able to see the coldness in their eyes.


    That was because of another team gathering members ahead.


    There were seven or eight of them in that team, men and women included. Every one of them emitted a savage aura.


    This was especially so for one member who was an old man like Captain Lei. People were clustering around him.


    His hair was disheveled, and he had a bloodthirsty look in his eyes. At this moment, he was sitting atop a stray dog¡¯s corpse and eating a raw dog leg. He then said some chilling words.


    ¡°Go find those two b*stards, Horse-Four and Fat Mountain! How dare they be late for set off. They must be sick of living.¡±


    It was none other than the Bloodshadow Team!


    That old man eating the raw meat appeared to be the captain of the Bloodshadow Team.


    His body released fluctuations of unrestrained spirit energy that caused Xu Qing, who heard these words, to squint slightly and cover the glint in his eyes.


    After Luan Tooth saw the meat in the Bloodshadow Team Captain¡¯s hand and the dog¡¯s corpse under his body, intense rage and murderous intent filled her eyes in an instant. That was her dog.


    At the same time, the Bloodshadow Team spotted the Thunder Team too. The old man sitting on top of the dog¡¯s corpse grinned and licked his lips, looking at Luan Tooth.


    ¡°Little coquettish hussy, the quality of your dog¡¯s flesh is not bad. I wonder what the flesh of your body will taste like.¡±


    [1] Body Refinement seemed to correspond with Qi Condensation, but it might be referring to the type of cultivation art they practiced. The raws the author used was ¡¯14¡¯ for Body Refinement, even when he introduced the MC¡¯s cultivation level. For example, the Mountains and Seas Art that MC is practicing is one that tempers and refines his body.


    [2] Luan (2) is a mythical bird related to the Chinese phoenix.

 Chapter 22 - Forbidden Zones Taboo (1)

    Chapter 22 Forbidden Zone¡¯s Taboo (1)


    Faced with the Bloodshadow¡¯s challenge, the killing intent in Luan Tooth¡¯s gaze grew even more intense. She then looked at Captain Lei.


    Captain Lei¡¯s expression was just like usual, and he spoke up calmly.


    ¡°Cross.¡±


    Hearing that, Cross picked up his bow without saying a word, instantly drawing it and shooting an arrow toward the air.


    He was so fast that a sharp sound was created, and the arrow instantly pierced through the eagle circling in the air like a bolt of lightning As a result, blood burst out and the eagle let out an agonizing cry, falling. With a bang, it landed on the ground between the two groups.


    At the same time, the body of someone in the Bloodshadow Team shook tremendously, and he spurted out a mouthful of blood. His countenance instantly turned extremely pale.


    That was his eagle. Unlike the dogs that Luan Tooth kept, he had integrated his spirit energy into this eagle to control it. Hence, because of the backlash effect, he received a severe injury. The other people in the Bloodshadow Team instantly sent out strong killing intent, but they were stopped by the Bloodshadow Team Captain. The latter slowly stood up from the dog¡¯s corpse and stared at Captain Lei instead of looking at Luan Tooth.


    Captain Lei also looked at him coldly.


    The two of them stared at each other for a very long time before both let out cold snorts.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Captain Lei said calmly and continued walking forward. Luan Tooth and the others followed behind him. Xu Qing was amongst them too.


    He felt the great hostility between the two teams and thus turned back to take a look at those people from the Bloodshadow Team. He could tell that they were waiting for Horse-Four and Fat Mountain, but it was a pity that the two of them would never appear again.


    Xu Qing withdrew his gaze silently and followed Captain Lei and the others, gradually leaving the campsite.


    The forbidden zone didn¡¯t seem far from the campsite, but it was still a bit of a distance to go there on foot.


    The group then walked for over an hour before they saw the pitch-black jungle from afar.


    From the outside, this stretch of forbidden zone jungle seemed to stretch on endlessly, and it was unknown how wide an area it covered.


    It was now late in the morning, and the sun was very strong. However, the jungle in the forbidden zone seemed to be a different world compared to the outside world.


    They could see a tempest gathering in the sky above the end of the jungle. The many bolts of lightning that could be seen by the naked eye were especially dazzling, giving the entire forbidden zone a mysterious and dangerous


    feeling


    Xu Qing observed everything and quietly followed the group. On the way, no one in the Thunder Team said a word. However, as they got closer and closer to the forbidden zone, Xu Qing sharply noticed that everyone¡¯s muscles were gradually tensed up. It was the same for him.


    This continued until the feeling of having stepped into a cold world appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s body, and all the warmth on his body was instantly removed. He had entered the forbidden zone.


    It felt as if all the scenes he saw in the normal world had been wiped out as well.


    The familiar bone-piercing chill awoke his memories of being in the abandoned city ruins and under the blood rain.


    Therefore, he took a deep breath and became extremely vigilant. He instinctively grabbed onto his iron stick tightly, just like he had done back in the ruins.


    What was different was that there were a lot of crumbling walls and ruined curbs in the city but here¡­


    The trees were warped so badly that they looked like vicious ghosts, and the muddy ground was so loose that they seemed to be from hell. Also, the branches and leaves of the trees permeated out like claws and teeth covering up the sky.


    However, the Thunder Team¡¯s members seemed to be very familiar with this place.


    They carried their weapons on their back, and the path they took was clearly one they had often taken, with each step taken very meticulously. Some places seemed normal, but they would jump past them, and there were places that seemed dangerous, but they just walked through them.


    There were also areas from which they made a detour for no reason. This continued on and they avoided all the dangers on the way.


    Xu Qing followed behind them and paid attention to remember all the details.


    However, he also noticed some strange things. Captain Lei didn¡¯t take the lead for the entire journey. Sometimes, it¡¯d be Barbaric Ghost and sometimes it¡¯d be Luan Tooth. They went in rotations.


    Although they didn¡¯t progress at a very fast pace, other than them hearing some ferocious beasts¡¯ roars in the far distance, it had been quite safe.


    There were some venomous bugs, but they didn¡¯t get close after Luan Tooth had lit an incense.


    After they walked for about two hours without saying a word, they finally stopped beside a muddy place with silt and let out a sigh of relief.


    Xu Qing noticed that Luan Tooth had taken out some medicinal powder and scattered it into the mud. Very soon, a bunch of hostile venomous bugs came out. However, Luan Tooth kept a normal expression as she swung her hand, scattering out another type of powder. After that, the venomous bugs quickly scattered off restlessly, and the muddy spot calmed down


    After completing all these, everyone squatted down and scooped up the silt with great familiarity, covering it all over their bodies.


    ¡°Did you remember the details on the way here?¡± Captain Lei gestured for Xu Qing to do the same while he was spreading the silt onto his body.


    Xu Qing nodded and started doing the same without any hesitation. At the same time, his gaze swept past Luan Tooth. He felt that she seemed to know a little about poison techniques.


    ¡°The reason we jumped across certain places was because the leaves looked seriously decomposed yet were intact. This means that no ferocious beasts passed by them, and there are unknown factors that exist.


    ¡°The areas we crossed through were because there were ferocious beasts¡¯ feces on the ground. Living creatures instinctively choose safe areas for excretion. Therefore, it means that there aren¡¯t any excessive dangers or mud swamps that devour humans.


    ¡°As for the areas we made a detour from, it¡¯s because of Barbaric Ghost¡¯s nose. His nose is sharp and can smell the scent of some dangerous mutated beasts. You¡¯ll learn many things on this journey, so just try to remember whatever you can.¡±


    Hearing this, Xu Qing looked at Barbaric Ghost. Barbaric Ghost also turned his head at this moment and bared his teeth to smile at Xu Qing.


    ¡°As for this silt, it¡¯s a place that our team found many years ago. It contains the shedded skin of night lizards. Not only will we be able to cover our scents after wiping them all over our bodies, but it¡¯ll also instill fear in other creatures to a certain degree.


    ¡°The place we¡¯re headed to is further forward. To the north is the Venomous Dragon Swamp. The different terrains in the forbidden zone jungle have been segregated into multiple areas by the scavengers. ¡°The Venomous Dragon Swamp is one of them, but this time around, we aren¡¯t going there.¡± As Captain Lei said all these, he had covered his entire body with the silt.

 Chapter 23 - Forbidden Zones Taboo (2)

    Chapter 23 Forbidden Zone¡¯s Taboo (2)


    Xu Qing was also done. When he got up, Cross, who walked past him, despite doubting whether it was a good decision for Xu Qing to tag along with them earlier, still chose to speak out albeit with an indifferent expression.


    ¡°Pay more attention to your mutation points. The density of anomalous substances in the forbidden zone is very dense, so you must pay constant attention to it. Once the mutation goes over the limit, no one can save you.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. He had noticed this point long ago.


    He could sense that the density of anomalous substances in this forbidden zone was extremely high, but it was a lot weaker when compared to the peak in the city ruins.


    However, he had now accumulated quite a lot of anomalous substances in his body, so even though he wasn¡¯t cultivating now, the mutation point on his arm was starting to give him a faint piercing pain just from him breathing


    Therefore, he took out a white pill and put it in his mouth. He didn¡¯t swallow it but kept it in his mouth to let it slowly melt.


    Very soon, everyone was done covering themselves with the silt. They checked out each other and then continued on their way.


    However, things were a little different from before. Their travel speed became even slower, and everyone had their weapons drawn.


    Xu Qing glanced at their weapons.


    Barbaric Ghost¡¯s weapons were a finesteel shield and a mace, Captain Lei¡¯s weapons were a pair of boxing gloves, Cross¡¯s was a longbow, and Luan Tooth took out a serrated dagger that shone with a cold gleam.


    When Xu Qing had gone out a few days ago to tail Fat Mountain, he had other gains too.


    Due to his sharp hearing, he had heard a lot of conversations between scavengers and learned a lot of information he didn¡¯t know of in the past.


    For example, he already knew that weapons were classified into magic treasures, runic treasures, and ordinary treasures.


    Amongst them, magic treasures were considered legendary and extremely rare.


    Rumor had it that each magic treasure had a different degree of anomalous substances within, and the amount of anomalous substances would increase with usage, being extremely hard to eliminate. Therefore, they were practically non-renewable resources. In addition, their might was exceptional, and thus they were considered extraordinarily precious.


    This led to the birth of unique existences like treasure-nurturers. They tended to be kept from a young age, using their bodies to dilute the magic treasures¡¯ anomalous substances.


    Captain Lei had mentioned this in the past.


    Apart from magic treasures, there were also runic treasures and ordinary treasures.


    Although runic treasures were also rare, they were more attainable compared to magic treasures. Last but not least, ordinary treasures were commonly seen.


    They tended to be weapons that were forged from unique materials and could be used by ordinary people as well.


    Xu Qing felt that his iron stick might be an ordinary treasure, and what these people were using was clearly of the same category.


    Time passed by slowly and Xu Qing followed the Thunder Team, entering deeper and deeper into the forbidden zone.


    They did encounter some troubles on their way, but the troubles were nothing major. Barbaric Ghost was enough to deal with them by himself.


    When they occasionally encountered some stronger ferocious beasts, Cross¡¯s bow would fire intensely.


    As for Luan Tooth, her attacks were mainly spells. She seemed to be able to perform some intimidating skills that caused the ferocious beasts to pause in their movements and become less agile.


    There was also once when Xu Qing attacked. He grabbed a venomous snake that shot out from behind them and crushed it.


    After Xu Qing had done this, Cross also noticed during their journey that Xu Qing was able to keep up with them without making any newbie mistakes. Hence, there was less judgment in his gaze when looking at Xu Qing. He also imparted to him some of his experience.


    ¡°Kid, this forbidden zone might seem dangerous, but to us people who are veterans here, as long as we don¡¯t encounter three types of situations, we¡¯re basically safe.


    ¡°You must remember these three situations.


    ¡°The first one is the encounter of unfamiliar mutated beasts from the depths of the forbidden zone heading to the outer area. Such situations aren¡¯t common and our activity areas are basically on the outer edges.


    ¡°However, the moment we encounter one, it¡¯ll be extremely dangerous. It¡¯s because we only understand the habits and abilities of the mutated beasts on the outer edges. Moreover, the forbidden zone is too big and there are various mutated beasts in it with different abilities. If we aren¡¯t careful, we¡¯ll die.


    ¡°The second type is singing voice.¡± At the mention of this, Cross revealed a wary expression.


    ¡°There¡¯s a saying that a singing voice appears in this place, and not a single person out of a hundred who heard the voice can survive. However, I have never heard it before. Among us, the only one in our team who has heard it is Captain Lei.¡±


    Xu Qing looked toward Captain Lei.


    Captain Lei didn¡¯t say anything but looked into the depths of the forbidden zone with a hint of complication in his eyes.


    ¡°Let me talk about the third one.¡± Luan Tooth, who was at the side, smiled and said. She took a look at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Kid, the third type of danger here is very commonly seen. It¡¯s labyrinth fog.¡±


    ¡°When labyrinth fog appears, it¡¯s like one is blinded and loses their way. Moreover, the labyrinth fog usually exists for a very long time. Once a person loses their way in here and can¡¯t find their way out, the anomalous substances in the fog will corrode them, causing the anomalous substances in their body to gradually rise. This also tends to represent that death is coming.


    ¡°However, there are two ways to deal with this. One is fire, while the other is coming from people who were either born with or cultivated to gain strong mental energy.


    ¡°The former doesn¡¯t tackle the problem from the roots. Although fire can drive the labyrinth fog away within a small range, allowing one to regain vision, the labyrinth fog is mysterious and it¡¯s hard for fire to sustain for long. As for the latter, they are very rare and there might only be one in the campsite in a few decades. People like these tend to leave very quickly as they have better room for growth elsewhere.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a fourth type of danger, and that is encountering malicious sneak attacks from hostile enemies.¡± Barbaric Ghost, who was leading the group, said gloomily.


    Luan Tooth was about to say something. However, Captain Lei, who was looking far away, suddenly changed his expression and let out a low bellow.


    ¡°Quiet!¡±


    At the next instant, Cross drew his bow, Luan Tooth¡¯s eyes revealed a cold gleam, and Barbaric Ghost¡¯s muscles tensed up. Xu Qing¡¯s hair instantly stood up. A strong sense of danger suddenly emitted out from the pitch-black jungle in the far distance.


    Very soon, streams of cold light appeared in the darkness. They were many pairs of eyes, which looked at them with indifference and coldness.


    There were exceptionally a lot of eyes.


    With the appearance of these eyes, many huge wolves with the size of water buffalos and black scales growing all over their bodies walked out slowly.


    There were at least several dozen of them. Moreover, there seemed to be even more of them in the far distance, and the numbers might be in the hundreds.


    Upon sensing that each wolf emitted the energy around the second level, Barbaric Ghost and the others¡¯ countenances changed.


    ¡°Black-scaled wolf pack!¡±


    ¡°They usually only live near the boundaries between the depths and the outer edges of the forbidden zone. Why did they come here?!¡±


    Cross¡¯s pupils contracted and Luan Tooth¡¯s face also turned a little pale.


    They were very clear that although one black-scaled wolf might not be much, wolves in such large numbers would be a harsh trial for them.


    Most importantly, the density of anomalous substances in the forbidden zone was very strong. If one were to deplete too much spirit energy in their bodies, they could only absorb spirit energy from the surroundings for replenishment. During the battle, they wouldn¡¯t be able to separate the anomalous substances. If that was the case, the anomalous substances in their bodies would accumulate extremely quickly and the risk of mutation would be magnified.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing also hastened slightly. The pressure coming from the wolf pack was tremendous.


    ¡°You guys, retreat first. I¡¯ll stay here and obstruct them.¡±


    Amidst everyone¡¯s shaken state, Captain Lei spoke up in a deep voice and walked out slowly.


    At this moment, a spirit energy wave that surpassed Cross¡¯s by at least a fold erupted as Captain Lei stepped forward.


    The wolf pack also paused in their footsteps, all of them staring at Captain Lei.

 Chapter 24 - Evil Shadow (1)

    Chapter 24 Evil Shadow (1)


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Cross¡¯s gaze swept across the Thunder Team and backed off decisively. Luan Tooth and Barbaric Ghost, who were next to him, also retreated rapidly.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and watched as Captain Lei walked toward the wolf pack. Spirit energy burst out from all over his body and created a sense of intimidation for the wolf pack.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t move his feet but raised his iron stick slightly as a cold glimmer flickered at the iron stick¡¯s tip.


    P.


    ¡°Kid, do you know why Captain Lei is the captain?¡± Cross¡¯s voice rang out from a distance after he had leaped away.


    ¡°It¡¯s not just because Captain Lei¡¯s sixth level of Qi condensation cultivation realm far surpasses ours, but even more so because of his ability to assume responsibilities and his decisive judgment in the face of danger.¡±


    The moment Cross¡¯s voice rang out, a loud boom echoed out as well.


    It was a big tree that was 200 zhangs away that was broken by Cross¡¯s bow and fell to the ground.


    Barbaric Ghost and Luan Tooth did the same thing as well. Many big trees now toppled over, forming a barrier. After leaving a space like an entryway, Cross and Luan Tooth didn¡¯t stop and started running once again.


    Only Barbaric Ghost, who held a shield and mace, stayed behind, leaning against a big tree. He resembled a small mountain as he guarded the small path.


    At the same time, Captain Lei abruptly erupted forth with strength, his hands releasing a piercing dazzle as he charged into the wolf pack.


    Every time he passed through and had contact with the wolf pack, there¡¯d definitely be flesh and blood breaking down and horrible deaths.


    However, the wolf pack was too large, and Captain Lei¡¯s figure was quickly engulfed. There were only sounds of explosions and wolf howls that kept ringing out. Cross, who was in the distance, also appeared at this moment as he let out a low bellow.


    ¡°Kid, come over and meet up with us! There¡¯ll be a time for you to fight!¡±


    Xu Qing made a call that this was the Thunder Team¡¯s battle plan and thus stopped hesitating and ran straight to where the Barbaric Ghost was at.


    Barbaric Ghost grinned and pointed to the entryway behind him. Xu Qing then took a look at him and darted through the gap, chasing after Cross and Luan Tooth who were far away.


    Very soon, he saw Luan Tooth, who was busy clearing up an area and using trees to put up blockage around it.


    She then took out a lot of powder and scattered them on the sides. After that, she even bit through her finger and drew a diagram that no outsiders would understand on the ground with her blood.


    After noticing Xu Qing, she didn¡¯t have the time to say anything and only used her gaze to gesture for him to hurry up and move.


    Xu Qing glanced over and passed by her quickly without any hesitation. He continued on until he was 200 zhangs away behind Luan Tooth, and he finally saw Cross who was crouching on top of a large tree.


    This tree was extremely large, as though it was a vantage point that could allow one to have complete vision over the entire battlefield. Cross, who was squatting there, watched as Xu Qing quickly got close before he spoke in a low and deep voice.


    ¡°You¡¯ll take charge of the area that is beyond 200 zhangs behind me!¡±


    Xu Qing nodded heavily, understanding the Thunder Team¡¯s battle plan.


    He swiftly moved over and when he reached the 200 zhangs range, he immediately scanned the surroundings. He didn¡¯t make any changes to the environment but hid in the slit beneath a shrub.


    This was like how he had been hunting in the city ruins back then, remaining completely immobile.


    At the instant he hid, an even more intense explosion rang out.


    With the trees covering his vision, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see the scene beyond 800 zhangs away. However, he could sense that the battle was very intense.


    In fact, this was how it was. At this moment, Captain Lei¡¯s figure charged out from the wolf pack 800 zhangs away from Xu Qing. Even though he was at the sixth level of Qi condensation, it was hard for him not to be in a bit of a battered state when he couldn¡¯t over-deplete himself.


    Thankfully, he had great control of his spirit energy. He saved half of his spirit energy and retreated toward where Barbaric Ghost was while being chased by the black-scaled wolves.


    Barbaric Ghost smiled sinisterly and raised the mace in his hand. The moment Captain Lei jumped past him, he smashed the mace fiercely toward the pursuing black-scaled wolves.


    Cross, who was at the highest spot, also focused his vision at this instant, suddenly drawing his strong bow.


    Many arrows formed from spirit energy whistled sharply, leaving wind marks as they landed on the wolf pack to support Barbaric Ghost.


    When the cries rang out once again, Captain Lei had left the place where Barbaric Ghost was and moved close to Luan Tooth. Behind him, Barbaric Ghost was alone, blocking everything like a mountain.


    Just like that, Xu Qing, who had hidden himself in the slit, saw that the first to return was Captain Lei, who had dashed past Luan Tooth and Cross.


    Captain Lei sped past Xu Qing and threw a glance at Xu Qing¡¯s hiding spot from the corner of his eyes. He didn¡¯t have any time to speak, so he just nodded. He then headed 200 zhangs away and sat down cross-legged as he swallowed a white pill to meditate. While reconditioning himself, he also made preparations for the next round of fighting.


    This was the Thunder Team¡¯s retreat plan.


    As the strongest one amongst them, Captain Lei was the first to stop the wolves while Barbaric Ghost was the second line of defense. When Barbaric Ghost was almost out of energy, he would retreat and the mission to stop the wolf pack would be left for Luan Tooth to continue, followed by Cross.


    The cycle would repeat like this. This would allow them each to have their own rest time.


    This was the most suitable cooperative battle method for teams in forbidden zones where the density of anomalous substances was very high.


    Out of which, the ones who felt the most fatigued were Captain Lei and Cross.


    The former had to spend the most time holding back the wolves and killing most of them, fighting for more time for his teammates at the back.


    As for the latter, other than having to do his part in the cycle, he also had to be the safety assurance from the highest point when his teammates were retreating.


    It could be said that everyone¡¯s position was very important, and the most important thing was their cooperation and trust!


    ¡°Is this what a scavengers¡¯ team is like¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was firm and he continued to hide without moving. As time passed, he soon saw Barbaric Ghost panting and moving nearer.


    A short moment later, he then saw Luan Tooth clutching her chest while having a pale countenance.


    The last one to pass by him was Cross.


    His countenance was cold and appeared normal, but Xu Qing still sensed that Cross¡¯s spirit energy had almost depleted. The densely-packed wolf pack howled and was giving chase behind him.


    When Cross passed Xu Qing by, he seemed a little hesitant.

 Chapter 25 - Evil Shadow (2)

    Chapter 25 Evil Shadow (2)


    ¡°I can do it.¡± Xu Qing saw the other party¡¯s unspoken meaning and said in a deep voice.


    Cross didn¡¯t say anything and left. An instant later, the wolf pack came surging over.


    The wind that kicked up blew past Xu Qing¡¯s face, bringing along a stench. The ten or so wolves who were at the very front had pitch-black bodies and crimson eyes that emitted viciousness and craziness.


    Clearly, the first cycle of Thunder Team¡¯s battle arrangement had caused these wolves to suffer quite a bit of casualties. Stimulated by the blood, these black-scaled wolves became incomparably berserk.


    At this moment, they seemed to not have noticed the hidden Xu Qing and wanted to chase after Cross.


    However, the instant they got near, a dagger suddenly flew out. With a whooshing sound, the dagger pierced into the forehead of the black-scaled wolf at the very front.


    It was with such great strength that the dagger instantly pierced through the wolf¡¯s head.


    This black-scaled wolf let out an agonizing cry and died instantly. As his corpse landed due to inertia, Xu Qing¡¯s figure shot out like a bolt of lightning


    The raven-black iron stick flashed with a cold gleam, fiercely piercing into the eyes of another black-scaled wolf, penetrating the head. After that, Xu Qing¡¯s body swung and he clenched his left hand into a fist, smashing it toward the third wolf at the back who was pouncing on him for a sneak attack.


    The wolf head was instantly smashed and blood splattered all over Xu Qing.


    After killing the third wolf, Xu Qing¡¯s figure moved once again.


    His speed was perfectly displayed at this moment.


    He was extremely agile, like a massacring rakshasa*. He was moving through the wolf pack with an icy gaze, attacking decisively.


    As the black iron stick gleamed, many black-scaled wolves¡¯ agonizing howls rang out and spread to the surroundings.


    Blood from more and more wolves got onto him and his hands were also dyed red. Although it felt sticky, his grip on the iron stick was still firm. At this moment, even the color of the iron stick had turned crimson.


    However, because the wolf pack was scattered, some still managed to pass by him.


    Some of their claws and fangs also left marks on his body.


    However, with Xu Qing¡¯s speed, he managed to charge out and somehow stopped the wolf pack. As for his injuries¡­ his purple crystal¡¯s terrifying recovery abilities displayed amazing effects during this battle.


    All of his external injuries quickly healed in a few breaths¡¯ worth of time. Even the wounds that were more serious stopped bleeding.


    Because his entire body was covered by wolves¡¯ blood, other people wouldn¡¯t be able to see this clearly.


    Compared to his wounds¡¯ recovery, his stamina recovery was even more terrifying. Hence, his battle prowess was sustained to a shocking extent.


    Gradually, his surroundings were covered by wolf corpses. At this moment, the coldness in his eyes deepened, and his battle duration exceeded everyone else¡¯s, causing the wolf pack to show a hint of being somewhat intimidated.


    When seen from afar, when the sunlight streamed through the densely-packed tree leaves and landed on his body that was covered in blood, the refracted light seemed to turn him into a blood glow.


    This scene was also seen by Captain Lei who was 200 zhangs away, as well as Cross who was at a vantage point.


    The two of them were shocked by Xu Qing¡¯s ruthlessness and tenacity.


    ¡°Kid, retreat!¡± Captain Lei suddenly said.


    Xu Qing still had some strength left, but he could also feel the serious depletion of his spiritual energy.


    Although the purple crystal could recover his stamina and heal his injuries, the consumption of spirit energy couldn¡¯t be compensated.


    Fortunately, he was a body refiner, unlike Luan Tooth who wouldn¡¯t be able to act the moment she exhausted her spirit energy.


    However, he was still affected somewhat, and this caused him to have no choice but to absorb the spirit energy from the surroundings that had dense anomalous substances in them. At this moment, the piercing pain in his arm¡¯s mutation points became increasingly intense.


    Therefore, after hearing Captain Lei¡¯s words, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate and immediately backed off.


    The instant he did so, a black-scaled wolf with eyes that weren¡¯t completely red but had one black eye instead, leaped up and pounced toward Xu Qing.


    Upon seeing this, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, and his iron stick transformed into a bloody arc that suddenly pierced through the wolf¡¯s head. He then wanted to continue retreating, but at this moment¡­


    Under the spotted sunlight, he had no idea if what he saw was an illusion, but the shadow of this fallen black-scaled wolf seemed to have become distorted.


    It then rapidly extended out of the ground toward where Xu Qing was at.


    Right now, the sunlight on the ground was mottled and not strong, so he was unable to ascertain what he was seeing at the first instant. At the next moment, that shadow came into contact with his body.


    After that, Xu Qing¡¯s body violently trembled.


    An evil intent that was hard to describe wanted to invade his entire body.


    However, at this moment, something happened to the purple crystal, which hadn¡¯t done anything thus far other than providing recovery abilities.


    At this moment, it suddenly vibrated and a cold stream erupted from it.


    With the eruption, the feeling of being invaded by evil intent instantly disappeared.


    This cold stream came quickly but also vanished equally quickly, disappearing without a trace in the blink of an eye. The purple crystal then returned to how it normally was, remaining completely motionless.


    Xu Qing was stunned, but he didn¡¯t have time to overthink it for now. After his body recovered, he quickly backed off. The scene earlier had happened in an instant, so neither Captain Lei nor Cross, who was far away, noticed anything amiss.


    Right now, as Xu Qing retreated, Captain Lei came over. His gaze still had hints of astonishment in them.


    ¡°You¡¯ve done a good job. Hurry up and go to the back to get some rest.¡±


    ¡°The black-scaled wolves prowl the depths of the forbidden zone. They like places with a high density of anomalous substances, and the outer areas have lower anomalous substance density in comparison. Therefore, no matter why they came here, they don¡¯t like this place. As long as they aren¡¯t able to win after a prolonged fight, they¡¯ll definitely leave.¡±


    After saying that, Captain Lei erupted forth with all of his spirit energy and charged out toward the black-scaled wolves that were chasing Xu Qing.


    Barbaric Ghost¡¯s figure also arrived rapidly. He had clearly been waiting at the back for a very long time, so he grew anxious. When he saw Xu Qing covered in blood as well as the countless wolf corpses not far away, he inhaled and went forward, wanting to help Xu Qing.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t let Barbaric Ghost help him but turned to take a look at Captain Lei instead. He then quickly left under Barbaric Ghost¡¯s respectful gaze.


    When he passed by Luan Tooth, she seemed to have received the news as well, and her gaze had a hint of shock in them when looking at Xu Qing. After giving it some thought, she took out a leather pouch and tossed it to him.


    Xu Qing took it and felt the shape of alchemy pills inside. He understood what they were and thus thanked Luan Tooth. He then quickly left under Luan Tooth¡¯s gaze until he saw Cross.


    Cross was on a tree and didn¡¯t make a sound. He nodded at Xu Qing with apparent recognition in his eyes.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything either and gently nodded as a gesture. After he went to the very back, he found a place to sit down. He then exhaled a breath of turbid air and took out three white pills to swallow.


    As the alchemy pills melted, he started to absorb spirit energy from the surroundings for replenishment.


    Time flowed by, and Xu Qing opened his eyes an hour later. His mental fatigue seemed to have eased a little, but he still had a hint of perplexity in his gaze. He noticed that the anomalous substances in his body¡­ didn¡¯t seem to be much.


    Therefore, he rolled up the sleeve of his left arm. Now, the perplexity in his eyes instantly turned into shock.


    To think that¡­ he had one fewer mutation point on his arm!


    However, his cultivation realm was clearly at the second level of Body Refinement. Moreover, after having experienced the killings earlier, not only was he not weakened, but he seemed to have become stronger after his recovery.


    He remembered very clearly that he had passively absorbed spirit energy during the slaughter, and he had felt piercing pain from the two mutation points on his arm.


    As for the white pills, it wasn¡¯t as if Xu Qing hadn¡¯t eaten them before. Their effects shouldn¡¯t be this amazing. However, there didn¡¯t seem to be any other explanations for his situation.


    Other than¡­ what had taken place in the instant the purple crystal released a cold stream.


    ¡°Shadow, evil intent, crystal erupting cold stream¡­¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and recalled the strange scene from earlier.


    He was certain that it wasn¡¯t his eyes playing tricks on him when he saw a shadow coming into contact with him. It wasn¡¯t an illusion from the scattered sunlight either.


    Therefore, he carefully thought back on the scene of the crystal erupting with a cold stream. It was as if at that instant, the evil intent that attacked him was washed off and absorbed into the crystal.


    ¡°Was it eaten up?¡± Xu Qing guessed, feeling a little surprised.


    Footnote:


    [1] Rakshasa is a type of demon or goblin in Hindu mythology.

 Chapter 26 - Danger lurks around every corner (1)

    Chapter 26 Danger lurks around every corner (1)


    ¡°What exactly is the purple crystal? And that shadow which possessed the intention of malicious invasion, what was that as well? Does it have something to do with the disappearance of my mutation point?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t understand. While he was muttering to himself and analyzing, Captain Lei and his comrades returned one after the other. All of them looked at him as they passed by.


    Xu Qing composed his thoughts, and there was a glimmer in his eyes.


    Regardless of what that was, it was not important right now.


    After reconditioning, it was his turn to continue fighting.


    Xu Qing stood up and wiped the iron stick on his body. Once the cold gleam returned, he rushed out the instant Cross passed him.


    His speed was quick, and he neared the pursuing wolf pack immediately.


    After that, the sound of fighting and blood-curdling screeches were mixed together, as though it was a baptism session for the youth.


    Under the scattered afterglow of the sunset, it made him, who had survived the opening of the god¡¯s eyes and the blood rain, display the sharpness gained after gradually improving.


    This time, he persisted for even longer.


    Time slowly slipped by with the Thunder Team¡¯s ceaseless retreat and rotational resistance.


    Now, the setting sun had disappeared and the bright moon hung up high. Night had fallen in the forbidden zone, but the sound of fighting continued.


    This lasted until¡­ their exhaustion reached an extreme and all the white pills had been consumed. Just when the concentration of anomalous substances in their body was about to reach the critical point of mutation, dawn arrived.


    The wolf pack finally began to retreat.


    Following the sprinkle of the first rays of the morning sun, the last black-scaled wolf in the jungle of the forbidden zone looked at them tiredly and disappeared in the distance. Their surroundings then quietened down slowly.


    At this moment, all of them were covered in a thick layer of blood and were lying on the ground, panting


    Xu Qing was no exception. Even with the restorative power from the purple crystal, the psychological tension still caused his entire body to be exhausted beyond comparison.


    ¡°Finally¡­ we survived.¡± At the side, Luan Tooth mumbled and struggled to sit up. When she looked at Xu Qing, she spoke softly.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Barbaric Ghost was also panting and flashed Xu Qing a thumbs up. During the night of fighting, the duration of Xu Qing¡¯s turn exceeded Captain Lei and Cross. It could even be said that without him, one of them might have already mutated before the wolf pack retreated.


    Now, Xu Qing lay looking at the sky. He was tired, but at the same time, he felt profound doubt from the bottom of his heart.


    The accumulation rate of anomalous substances in his body was slower by a lot compared to before.


    It even made him feel as though the anomalous substances in his body were disappearing on their own at times.


    While everyone was resting, Captain Lei rubbed the area between his brows. His serious gaze swept across Cross and the others before he said hoarsely.


    ¡°This incident couldn¡¯t have happened by chance. The continual pursuit of the black-scaled wolves seemed as though something was attracting them. So, you all, take out any external objects you have gained during this time. Let us inspect them carefully. I suspect that something¡­ or someone is the cause of this.¡±


    Listening to Captain Lei¡¯s words, Cross and the others thought that it could be true as well. Hence, all of them began taking out their items in succession and started checking themselves.


    Something clicked for Xu Qing as well. While he was considering if the reason behind this could be that metal plate in Horse-Four¡¯s belongings, Luan Tooth who was at the side suddenly let out a surprised cry and pointed toward Barbaric Ghost.


    Among the items that Barbaric Ghost had obtained was a wooden box.


    The wooden box was broken and seemed to be corroding on its own. Also, a wisp of faint scent emanated from it. As it was mixed with the scent from within the forbidden zone¡¯s jungle, they didn¡¯t take a closer sniff since it would be difficult to distinguish.


    ¡°How did this thing corrode on its own?¡± Barbaric Ghost was flabbergasted.


    Captain Lei immediately stepped forward and took the wooden box before passing it to Luan Tooth. Luan Tooth took a careful sniff and nodded with an unpleasant expression.


    ¡°How did you get this?¡± Captain Lei looked at Barbaric Ghost.


    ¡°I bought it on the day I came back to the campsite from one of the street vendors. It should contain insect repellent powder¡­¡± Barbaric Ghost scratched his head.


    ¡°This was made from the feces of butterfly rabbits. When in contact with the outside world, it would self-ignite and attract scale-type lifeforms¡­ the black-scaled wolf is also considered a type of scale-type lifeform.¡±


    Luan Tooth looked at Barbaric Ghost and said slowly.


    Barbaric Ghost was dumbfounded.


    All of a sudden, the atmosphere of their surroundings seemed to freeze. Even Xu Qing narrowed his eyes.


    After a long time, Captain Lei shook his head.


    ¡°Barbaric Ghost was deceived. To be able to lay such a trap for us within the campsite, it is easy to imagine who it could be.¡±


    ¡°Bloodshadow Team!¡± Cross spoke up coldly from the side.


    ¡°For the Bloodshadow Team to set such a trap, it would be hard to say that they didn¡¯t have a way to escape. And we are not in good shape right now¡­¡± Luan Tooth hesitated.


    ¡°Then, do we continue to the harvest point and complete the mission, or do we withdraw at this point? What do you all think?¡± Captain Lei lifted his head and gazed at a faraway place as he asked slowly.


    Xu Qing looked thoughtful but did not speak.


    The others also made eye contact with each other. Ultimately, it was Cross who spoke with difficulty.


    ¡°Leader, we are not far from our harvest point and everyone has lost too much this time around. If we return empty-handed¡­¡±


    Captain Lei was silent as he regarded Barbaric Ghost and Luan Tooth. The former lowered his head in guilt, while the latter seemed reluctant. After a while, he sighed softly.


    ¡°Continue forward. When we arrive at the harvest point, do your best to collect them as quickly as possible. Thereafter, everyone will spread out and take a different route. Everyone will leave on their own and meet back at the campsite.¡±


    Captain Lei made the final decision. After a simple reconditioning, everyone proceeded once more within the jungle of the forbidden zone.


    On their way, Xu Qing walked close to Luan Tooth. He then took out the amber he had obtained from Fat Mountain and sought her advice on what the object was.


    At the sight of the amber, Luan Tooth was surprised. She took it and inspected it carefully before informing Xu Qing that the item was the stinger of the ghostface scorpion.


    This scorpion was venomous, but it didn¡¯t mean that its poison couldn¡¯t be neutralized. It also had great medicinal properties. After being poisoned, it could cause the potential of the user¡¯s body to erupt in an instant, but it couldn¡¯t be sustained. After the eruption, the poison needed to be detoxified immediately. Hence, it was reared by people for the most part and was worth a considerable amount of value.

 Chapter 27 - Danger lurks around every corner (2)

    Chapter 27 Danger lurks around every corner (2)


    Xu Qing understood. After thanking Luan Tooth, he put away the item. Thereafter, everyone stayed vigilant. They observed their surroundings closely as they traveled swiftly forward.


    Compared to before, their journey this time around was a lot quieter.


    Perhaps because of the appearance of the black-scaled wolves yesterday, most of the other ferocious beasts in this area had dispersed.


    As such, the Thunder Team didn¡¯t encounter any danger on their way there. Just like that, they arrived at the boundary between the depths and the outer edges of the forbidden zone.


    The landform of this area wasn¡¯t just a jungle. There were a few hills and streams as well. However, the stream was black and non-potable.


    And at a part of the dense forest, there was a small hidden alley, and at the end of it was the beautiful scenery of a small canyon.


    When Xu Qing and the others stepped into the canyon, the sight that greeted him was like another world.


    The top of this place was covered with thick rattan, akin to a roof, so sunlight couldn¡¯t penetrate it at all. Also, there were no large trees, but plants and flowers were everywhere.


    Fist-sized flowers with a variety of different colors filled the whole canyon. They were accompanied by grass that was emitting blue shimmery light.


    Every stalk had seven pieces of leaves.


    They emitted lights that were like the constellations as if transforming the quiet canyon into a peaceful, starry sky. There was a kind of unique beauty to it.


    Team had discovered, and each of such harvest points was top secret. It was the foundation of the team¡¯s survival.


    When they arrived at the place, seeing that harvesting required a special technique, they didn¡¯t allow Xu Qing to participate. Instead, they spread out and began their own picking. This way, they would be quicker and more efficient.


    Xu Qing took note of their technique but didn¡¯t forcibly participate. Instead, he sat cross-legged and quietly practiced his breathing technique.


    After the experience of yesterday¡¯s battle, he realized that his cultivation base seemed to have increased by much from the ceaseless training. Now, it had reached the boundary point where he could try for a breakthrough.


    To prepare himself for even better survivability during the next crisis, Xu Qing didn¡¯t waste his time. Even if he was in the forbidden zone, he still circulated the Mountains and Seas Art in his body, absorbing the spirit energy from his surroundings.


    With the emergence of spirit energy, the wind within the canyon picked up.


    Captain Lei looked at Xu Qing, but he didn¡¯t stop him. He was well aware that the possibility of being ambushed on the way back was high. At such a time, any increase in strength was an additional chance of survival.


    It wasn¡¯t long before Xu Qing¡¯s body gradually emitted thumping sounds while they were picking. As a result, bursts of filth spilled out from the pores of his body and melted the blood on the outer layer. When combined with the expulsion of filth, the flesh and blood of his entire body absorbed the spirit energy rapidly, and they were growing increasingly tenacious by the nourishment.


    The sound became stronger and stronger, but it suddenly stopped after reaching the limit. At this moment, there was a roar in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    The blood vessels in his entire body suddenly swelled beneath his skin. At the same time, his flesh and blood were full of spirit energy as though it held even more astonishing strength and speed than before.


    All of it turned into a penetrating breath, pervading his body. After that, the spirit energy outside his body fluctuated and spread in all directions as well.


    The third level of Mountains and Seas Art.


    Xu Qing slowly lowered his head and opened his eyes.


    No one could see the fleeting purple light, but there was no joy of breakthrough in his eyes. Rather, it was replaced by profound doubt.


    What he saw when he looked down was the mottled shadow of himself under the scattered sunlight.


    He had felt something off when he had been cultivating just now. After the process of separation from the Mountains and Seas Art, the purified part of the spirit energy nourished his body.


    But unexpectedly, the anomalous substances¡­ didn¡¯t flow into the mutation point on his arm. Instead¡­ It had flowed into his shadow.


    It was as if the shadow had swallowed the part with the anomalous substances.


    It was only after a long while did Xu Qing lift his head and suppress all his doubts to the bottom of his heart.


    He looked at Captain Lei and the others who were done picking and then gazed into the distance, along the end of the canyon and into the depths of the jungle.


    Vaguely, he could see a building somewhere in the far distance ahead. It was like there was a group of several temples linked together into one, sitting silently during this time and emanating an ancient air.


    ¡°That¡¯s a building left from an unknown era and the farthest boundary we scavengers can go. You can¡¯t go past the building, but if you encounter any danger nearby, you can still choose to take shelter there for a while.¡±


    After harvesting his portion, Captain Lei came to Xu Qing¡¯s side and followed his gaze toward the cluster of temples, speaking slowly.


    ¡°Boundary?¡± Xu Qing nodded his head.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Someone said during that era, the reason this forbidden zone was formed was because the god looked at these temples. Some scavengers searched the place too, but there was nothing there except for a special kind of stone which appeared at times.¡±


    Captain Lei extracted a portion of the seven-leaf grass he picked and kept it in another leather bag.


    ¡°How are the stones special?¡± Xu Qing asked curiously.


    ¡°Grind it into powder and sprinkle it on top of a scar that isn¡¯t formed too long ago, and it can remove the scar. It will not leave the slightest mark. However, that¡¯s useless to scavengers like us. However, some important figures will want it occasionally.¡± After Captain Lei said this, he looked toward Cross and the others.


    At that moment, Cross, Barbaric Ghost, and Luan Tooth were done picking as well. Under Captain Lei¡¯s arrangement, each of them extracted a portion and placed it in the leather bag that Captain Lei was holding.


    In the end, the seven-leaf grass was portioned out into five. Captain Lei then passed the fifth bag to Xu Qing.


    ¡°This is yours. From now on, everyone will leave separately. By breaking up the team into individuals, there¡¯s a greater chance for some of us to make it out.¡± Once Captain Lei was done, he looked at Xu Qing and gave him a map.


    ¡°Kid, the target on me is too big and I¡¯m bound to be the focus that Bloodshadow is paying attention to. Also, with my role as the captain, I have to protect you all as well. You should get out as quickly as possible and wait for me at the campsite.¡±

 Chapter 28 - Danger Lurks Around Every Corner (3)

    Chapter 28 Danger Lurks Around Every Corner (3)


    Captain Lei spoke in a deep voice and walked out of the canyon under the other teammates¡¯ silent gazes, disappearing into the distance.


    Xu Qing wanted to say something, but before he could, Captain Lei had left far away.


    Cross then patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder and left as well.


    Barbaric Ghost and Luan Tooth were the last to leave. Both of them shared their experiences with him in detail and then left hurriedly.


    Xu Qing looked at them quietly, put away the seven-leaf grass, and then turned back to look at the temple cluster in the far distance.


    A short moment later, Xu Qing turned around and inhaled deeply. He then ran toward the canyon¡¯s entrance. His speed had clearly gotten faster after he had reached the third level of Body Refinement, and he disappeared from the entrance in an instant.


    Xu Qing moved agilely like a monkey, darting through the forbidden zone jungle endlessly. He didn¡¯t take the path they had used but followed the map and took a detour.


    He also made use of the experiences he had learned on their way here on how to differentiate dangers. Even though he encountered a few mutated beasts on the way, he managed to take care of them successfully.


    At the same time, he also paid attention to his shadow under the sunlight on many occasions. A strange glow then flashed in his eyes.


    He had tried things out. Regardless if it was to absorb spirit energy or when he inhaled deeply, all the anomalous substances would slowly gush into his shadow after they entered his body. This was just like how he had felt when he had broken through earlier!


    Thinking back, he realized that this started when the purple crystal released a cold stream.


    After he had reached the third level of the Mountains and Seas Art, it became even more apparent.


    It seemed that after the purple crystal consumed the black-scaled wolf¡¯s shadow¡­ his shadow had mutated.


    This strangeness caused Xu Qing to slowly squint his eyes.


    He rolled up his left sleeve and looked over. There was only one mutation point on his arm, and it had become extremely faint. If he didn¡¯t take a closer look at it, it would be hard to notice any traces.


    If this development continued, the anomalous substances in his body would get increasingly lesser until his body reached a stage of perfect purity.


    And this perfection¡­ Xu Qing had seen it on the Mountains and Seas Art¡¯s bamboo slip before. Only the extremely distinguished people in the Wanggu Continent, the place of origin for the human race, could enjoy this perfection.


    ¡°Is it the effect of the purple crystal?¡± Xu Qing mumbled. He squatted on a branch, looked at the sky, and went into a daze for a while.


    Very long later, he touched his chest where the purple crystal was embedded and fell silent for a moment. When he raised his head again, he suppressed all his doubt to the bottom of his heart. His body then swayed and he sped into the jungle, continuing on his way.


    Although the anomalous substances were no longer a threat to him for now, this was just one of the many dangers in the forbidden zone. Xu Qing still encountered other dangers as he went on his way.


    For example, he now saw two mutated bears whose auras surpassed that of Captain Lei¡¯s.


    Each of the bears¡¯ backs had a colorful huge spider lying on them, with countless threads coming out from the spiders¡¯ stomachs and digging into the bears¡¯ bodies. It was as though they were under the control of the spiders.


    This caused the two enraged bears to lose control over themselves as they ran.


    The trees were knocked down by them. When they encountered other mutated beasts that tried to stop them, the bears would also tear them up. They displayed great brutality.


    If it wasn¡¯t that the target they were chasing was a red tiger and they didn¡¯t pay any attention to Xu Qing, in addition to the fact that Xu Qing also quickly escaped at the first instant, the situation would probably be extremely dangerous.


    These weren¡¯t the only dangers in the forbidden zone.


    Two hours later, when Xu Qing was checking the surroundings warily on top of a tree, he saw a living creature from afar. It was a creature that didn¡¯t seem to belong to the forest.


    Its entire body emitted an icy chill, its size so massive that it looked like a mountain. It was a¡­ jellyfish.


    Its entire body emitted a glow, and it drifted in the air above the forbidden zone.


    When sunlight passed through its translucent body, one could see that there were countless rotting mutated beasts¡¯ corpses in it.


    A tremendous number of tentacles swayed, and each of them had many eerie eyes growing on it. However, half of these eyes were currently shut.


    At this moment, the jellyfish was flying leisurely toward the depths of the forbidden zone. Wherever it passed by, the part of the jungle below it would be instantly sealed in ice. All existences couldn¡¯t escape from the freezing calamity.


    The strength of its aura surpassed Xu Qing by many folds, to the point that even the two berserk bears that Xu Qing had encountered earlier felt extremely fragile before this jellyfish.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body stiffened up just by glancing at it from afar. He then felt an intense danger that rose from the depths of his soul.


    It was only until the jellyfish disappeared did Xu Qing heave a sigh of relief. His heart was filled with trepidation as he looked toward the far distance, at the jungle area that was sealed in ice. It looked like a straight line that extended to a great depth.


    ¡°If this jellyfish flew in my direction¡­¡± Xu Qing gasped.


    He understood that since his shadow could absorb anomalous substances, he had additional advantages in this forbidden zone forest which had dangers lurking around at every corner.


    However, this advantage could only allow him to stay longer in the forbidden zone.


    This was unless he became stronger one day. When that happened, this advantage would be magnified endlessly.


    A short moment later, when Xu Qing left, he became even warier inside the forbidden zone.


    Just like that, time flowed by slowly. Very soon, the sun was setting, leaving only a bit of remnant light illuminating the area.


    More roars started to ring out in the jungle. Xu Qing, who was running through the forest, silently estimated the direction stated on the map. He knew that if he were to travel through the night, he should be able to get out of the forbidden zone before daybreak.


    Just as he was in deep thought on whether he should travel through the night, a boom suddenly rang out from a far distance in the jungle. There was also a sharp agonizing cry that sounded very familiar.


    ¡°Barbaric Ghost?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he recognized that voice.


    He immediately leaped up and carefully got closer. His small and skinny figure was moving agilely in the jungle while concealing himself. It was hard for him to be discovered by others.


    Not long later, he arrived at the place where he had heard the cry and hid at the crown of a tree. He looked down and saw about six to seven corpses there. One of them¡­ Was Barbaric Ghost!


    His entire body was greenish-black, clearly from mutation. His head was broken off from his body, and his death state was extremely horrible.


    The huge finesteel shield was also broken into two, with one piece bigger than the other. As for the mace, it lay at the side, covered in blood.


    Clearly, he had gone all out before his death and then perished together with his enemies as he mutated.


    Xu Qing fell silent and grief rose in his heart. He then saw Captain Lei not far away, being surrounded and attacked by five people. His body was also turning a greenish color, and he was close to mutating!


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s pupils to contract. He then grabbed his iron stick firmly and sharp killing intent erupted forth instantly in his gaze.

 Chapter 29 - Blood-Colored Dusk (1)

    Chapter 29 Blood-Colored Dusk (1)


    He saw that the people attacking Captain Lei were from the Bloodshadow Team!


    The sun was slowly setting, being covered by the darkness in the far distance at a rate that could be seen by the n*ked eye.


    It seemed that it wouldn¡¯t be long before darkness would cover the entire land.


    Waves of coldness also gradually spread out from the darkness, spreading in all directions.


    The jungle that was amidst the glow from the setting sun was like a struggling old man, not willing to leave the stage. However, the light from the setting sun didn¡¯t seem to have much strength to put up a fight. It could only helplessly stream through the densely-packed tree leaves, seeming dull and sparse.


    However, Xu Qing, who was hidden on top of a tree, was different. He looked at the battlefield coldly and took in the entire scene with his ice-cold gaze.


    Out of the group of five from the Bloodshadow Team, two of them were the main attackers while the other three blocked off the escape paths, preventing Captain Lei from escaping.


    The three of them seemed to be of similar cultivation base as Luan Tooth ¨C at the third level.


    They didn¡¯t dare to get too near and only circled around. However, their existence caused Captain Lei to have no choice but to be distracted.


    As for the two people in front, one of them released spirit energy fluctuations that were only a little weaker than Captain Lei. He was clearly at the sixth level of Qi Condensation, and he was also an old man.


    His hair was disheveled and his gaze was fierce. There were cuts on his clothes, and it could be seen that his muscles were so pumped that they looked like they were going to explode. It was none other than the Bloodshadow Team¡¯s captain who had eaten raw dog meat.


    At this moment, this Bloodshadow Team Captain licked his lips and attacked rapidly while staring coldly at Captain Lei, whose body was turning increasingly green.


    ¡°Today, the Thunder Team will have its name removed from the campsite. Captain Lei, you might as well commit suicide. Otherwise, you¡¯d be like that Barbaric Ghost, unable to get a complete corpse even after fighting until you get mutated. That¡¯s too undignified. If you were to commit suicide, I¡¯ll take good care of your team members.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Captain Lei can be assured. After you die, we¡¯ll take good care of the other members of the Thunder Team. I¡¯ve wanted to have a taste of that Luan Tooth long ago. As for that kid you brought back, he should be worth some money if we were to sell him off as a treasure-nurturer.¡±


    The one who spoke up after the Bloodshadow Team Captain was the one attacking Captain Lei together with him.


    He was an ugly middle-aged man whose back was bulged up as if it was distorted. He was blinded in one eye, and his remaining eye gleamed with bloodthirst. Although his spirit energy wave wasn¡¯t as strong as his captain¡¯s, it surpassed Xu Qing¡¯s impression of the spirit energy that Cross had, reaching the fifth level of Qi Condensation.


    However, it wasn¡¯t very stable. He seemed to have just broken through recently.


    Faced with the duo¡¯s verbal challenge, Captain Lei was expressionless, but he seemed to have the intent to die and attacked even faster and more ferociously.


    The Bloodshadow duo, who had been unwilling to suffer serious injuries from killing Captain Lei, were forced to back off slightly, and they started guerrilla tactics.


    Clearly, they were very determined in succeeding today. Therefore, they were prepared to drag things out.


    SUC


    ere


    ¡°One at the sixth level, one at the fifth level, and three third levels!¡± The killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was strong. He could leave, but he viewed debts of gratitude very highly. Captain Lei had treated him quite well from the beginning, so Xu Qing wasn¡¯t planning on leaving. Instead, he quickly scanned the battlefield and the surrounding environment.


    This place wasn¡¯t very spacious. There were many trees and the light was dim, with more dark spots. It was suitable for him to take action.


    After making an assessment in his heart, killing intent erupted forth from Xu Qing¡¯s eyes instantly.


    His legs stomped the tree¡¯s top fiercely, borrowing the momentum to spring forward, moving closer and closer like an arrow that was released from the bowstring.


    rro


    The physical power brought by the third level of the Mountains and Seas Art together with the purple crystal was instantly displayed at this moment.


    He was so fast that a clear afterimage was left at the top of the tree. Before everyone on the battlefield could react to things, Xu Qing¡¯s figure had dashed into the battlefield in the blink of an eye.


    He appeared next to one of the trio who was blocking Captain Lei¡¯s escape routes.


    Xu Qing¡¯s target was a small and skinny youth, and the latter¡¯s triangular-shaped eyes reflected the image of Captain Lei who was being jointly attacked. He didn¡¯t notice Xu Qing¡¯s appearance at all.


    It was until he felt a cold wind blowing into his face did he start for a moment. And just when he was about to turn his head, at the next moment¡­ an iron stick pierced through his temple with horrifying force.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t wait for the corpse to fall over or for the agonizing cries to ring out. He then bent over and kicked out toward the back, erupting in speed and charging toward another person like a hunting leopard.


    Upon seeing this, the second scavenger¡¯s countenance changed drastically, and his pupils contracted with fear. He wanted to retreat, but Xu Qing had gotten too close. His fist displayed astonishing might from the third level of the Mountains and Seas Art, which instantly arrived at his target.


    With a boom, the second scavenger was hit in the chest. As a result, his chest caved in, and then a bloody hole was blown through his back. The sounds of bones cracking echoed out as well. After that, Xu Qing waved his left hand, and a dagger was thrown out with terrifying force, drawing a long arc in the air and shooting out with extreme speed at the third person.


    When the second scavenger¡¯s chest bone was smashed, his heart collapsed. And when his back burst open, only then did the third scavenger come to his senses.


    He was just about to take action when his vision blurred and a strong wind blew into his face. After that, his body instantly stiffened up and his eyes widened in surprise. With his last bit of strength, he raised his hand out of instinct and gingerly touched his glabella. An icy dagger had penetrated there.


    The great force from the dagger caused the area around his glabella to sink, shattering his skull!


    Everything happened at lightning speed.


    Xu Qing was too fast and his moves were extremely decisive. At this moment, as the first and third corpses fell to the ground, the second target, whose chest caved in and whose heart was damaged, also fell down, revealing Xu Qing¡¯s figure.


    Xu Qing¡¯s posture was stooped low, and his long black hair covered half of his face. However, this couldn¡¯t hide his cold and sharp gaze that was like that of a wolf.


    At this moment, he looked up and met the gazes of Captain Lei and the two other men from the Bloodshadow. They were all stunned by his interference.

 Chapter 30 - Blood-Colored Dusk (2)

    Chapter 30 Blood-Colored Dusk (2)


    The surrounding wind seemed to have frozen up at this moment.


    Captain Lei¡¯s eyes that were filled with death intent finally had a ripple in them. He took a long look at Xu Qing and then suddenly let out a low bellow.


    ¡°Kid, hurry up and go!¡±


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t listen to Captain Lei¡¯s request but stared at the Bloodshadow Team Captain with narrowed eyes.


    The Bloodshadow Team Captain also took a proper look at Xu Qing for the very first time. When he saw the three corpses next to the youth, his face twitched slightly. He had to admit that he had made a mistake in his assessment of the Thunder Team.


    Barbaric Ghost¡¯s fearlessness of death was one of them, and this kid who had suddenly appeared was another.


    ¡°Kill him!¡±


    The Bloodshadow Team Captain let out a cold snort and decided not to drag out the battle just to avoid injuries.


    As he spoke, his aura exploded forth and he punched out toward Captain Lei. Hence, he instantly got entangled in an intense battle with Captain Lei.


    On the other hand, the other middle-aged man at the fifth level of Qi Condensation let out a sinister smile as he turned and ran toward Xu Qing.


    As he moved forward, all of his spirit energy was released and he also cracked his knuckles, revealing a brutal expression.


    Even though this youth had astonishing speed and had instantly killed three of his comrades, he was still certain that given he had just made a breakthrough to the fifth level, it¡¯d be an easy feat for him to kill this kid.


    At this moment, Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and the cold light in them grew even more intense.


    Based on his judgment of his fights earlier, he felt that he¡¯d be able to kill someone at the fourth level of Qi Condensation, but as for the fifth level¡­ He hadn¡¯t fought against one before, so he wasn¡¯t sure.


    With a sway, Xu Qing charged out abruptly with great speed, heading straight for the middle-aged man. He then threw out a punch the instant he got close.


    The middle-aged cultivator¡¯s lips curled up into a disdainful smile.


    The instant Xu Qing arrived, the spirit energy fluctuations outside the middle-aged man¡¯s body turned into an invisible barrier that came into contact with Xu Qing¡¯s fist.


    As a result, a loud boom rang out, and cracks appeared on the barrier, but it didn¡¯t crumble.


    On the contrary, an intense counteracting force was emitted, causing Xu Qing¡¯s wrist that came into contact with the barrier to emit cracking sounds. It was directly dislocated.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed and he dodged to the side. At the same time, he swung out his right hand fiercely, forcibly connecting back his dislocated wrist. Viciousness flashed in his eyes. He didn¡¯t retreat but struck out another punch with all his power again.


    As a result, a rumbling sound rang out and the barrier that was covered in cracks finally broke down completely.


    However, the instant it broke into pieces, a crazy impact expanded out abruptly from within. The invisible force then kicked up soil while surging toward Xu Qing, enveloping his entire body.


    The invisible pieces from the shattered barrier seemed like many sharp blades that couldn¡¯t be seen, leaving behind many bloody marks on Xu Qing¡¯s body. It was a shocking sight.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled.


    His thin body then retreated unceasingly because of the impact, and many bloody wounds could be seen appearing on various parts of his body. Also, his wrist that had just recovered became dislocated once more and hung unnaturally by the side.


    ¡°Fool!¡±


    ¡°A mere body refiner isn¡¯t worthy to fight a spellcaster, let alone someone like you who is at the third level yet wanting to overestimate yourself to fight me who is at the fifth level.¡±


    As the soil landed, the disdain in the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s gaze became even more intense.


    However, he was also surprised. He didn¡¯t expect that his spirit energy barrier would collapse after the second punch.


    Thankfully, he had made a breakthrough to the fifth level not long ago, causing his spirit energy barrier to be able to explode despite shattering. Otherwise, he¡¯d be caught at a loss in the situation earlier.


    Xu Qing frowned. He was staring at the middle-aged man as if he couldn¡¯t feel the intense pain coming from his entire body and his arm. While staring, he placed his right hand on the ground and used it as a medium to slam his wrist into, returning the dislocated joint back to its original spot.


    The middle-aged cultivator, who was walking toward Xu Qing, saw the viciousness he displayed and couldn¡¯t help but pause in his footsteps as his eyes narrowed slightly. He then raised both hands and quickly performed a set of mudras.


    Spirit energy once again gathered outside of his body. After that, it transformed into a fireball the size of a human head and whistled toward Xu Qing.


    This fireball had astonishing power, causing distortion in the surroundings. This showed that its temperature was extremely high.


    After the fireball got near, Xu Qing shifted to the side and dodged it. However, the fireball continued to chase after him.


    The middle-aged man¡¯s eyes were now gleaming with killing intent. He didn¡¯t forget to erect another barrier outside his body as he simultaneously performed a set of mudras, manifesting the second and third fireball that also pursued Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes contracted as he watched the three fireballs coming for him, sealing up all his escape paths. He rolled over to one of the corpses he had killed earlier and threw it fiercely toward one of the fireballs.


    With a boom, the fireball and corpse came into contact and the corpse instantly burned up. The entire process lasted less than three breaths of time before the corpse turned into ashes.


    This gave Xu Qing a direct assessment of the fireball¡¯s might.


    At this moment, the air was radiating heat from the fireballs, and it caused his entire body to instantly turn red. Hence, he moved his body and wanted to dodge, but the second and third fireballs had already gotten close.


    Under the middle-aged man¡¯s sinister gaze, the fireballs exploded fiercely the instant they got close, not allowing Xu Qing to have a chance to escape.


    Boom!


    The flames spread to a very wide range, and the resulting high temperature had a shockingly high level of killing prowess.


    It was hard for Xu Qing to completely avoid the impact in this area. Although he had avoided half of the flames with his speed, he still ended up with a lot of blisters. Moreover, as the water vapor in the air evaporated, it felt as if even his internal organs were burning


    ¡°Fire Crow, hurry up!¡±


    The Bloodshadow Team Captain, who was engaging Captain Lei in the distance, let out a low bellow.


    ¡°Understood, Captain. This b*stard can at most take two more of my fireballs before he completely turns into a dry corpse!¡±


    The middle-aged man who was called Fire Crow laughed. As he looked toward Xu Qing, the cruelty in his gaze grew even more. After that, he raised his right hand and two more burning fireballs appeared next to him. When he swung his hand, the fireballs flew quickly toward Xu Qing.


    He was worried that Xu Qing would dodge, so he repeated what he had done earlier, controlling the two fireballs to suddenly explode when they got near Xu Qing. The explosions then permeated the surroundings, sealing up all of Xu Qing¡¯s escape routes.


    As a result, blazing heat spread and fire was burning on the ground. Many trees were then burned down into ashes, unable to cover the light from the sky. This caused the sunlight to shine upon the ground, merging with the light from the flames and temporarily obstructing Fire Crow¡¯s vision.


    However, he was very confident that there wouldn¡¯t be an issue for him to kill someone on the third level with his fireballs when he was at the fifth level.


    Therefore, he wiped his hands. Although he was a little out of breath, his gaze was still disdainful. He turned and walked toward where Captain Lei and the Bloodshadow Team Captain were fighting.


    ¡°Captain Lei, your subordinate is useless.¡±


    Fire Crow sneered coldly as he walked over. However, he didn¡¯t see any despair in Captain Lei¡¯s eyes. On the contrary, he saw a change in the Bloodshadow Team Captain¡¯s expression.


    Fire Crow¡¯s reaction was very fast as well, and he quickly dodged to the side.


    However, it was still too late. A small and skinny figure shot out from behind him, landing two consecutive punches to the spirit energy barrier outside Fire Crow¡¯s body.


    As a result, the barrier shuddered intensely and shattered a moment later. Under the impact eruption, although the small and skinny figure was forced to back off, a dagger and an iron stick flew forth ruthlessly in a sneak attack.


    Even so, the impact caused by the collapse of the barrier obstructed the weapons to a certain extent, causing the dagger¡¯s speed to be slower when moving closer to Fire Crow. This gave Fire Crow a chance to dodge.


    Fire Crow rapidly evaded, but the dagger still cut through one of his ears, sending blood splattering everywhere. As for the iron stick, it penetrated his chest, causing him to spurt out blood. It was a pity that he wasn¡¯t hit in critical spots, so the attacks weren¡¯t fatal.


    The intense pain caused Fire Crow¡¯s eyes to turn red and made him howl. After he miserably dodged the attacks, he stared furiously behind him.


    In his vision, he saw the wolf-like figure of the youth stomp the embers on the ground and retreat seven to eight zhangs away. He was half-crouching and looked ready to take action.


    His body was flushed red and still covered in blisters, but at this moment, the glow from the setting sun reflected in the youth¡¯s eyes. In his eyes¡­ there was a gleam as cold as ice. His killing intent hadn¡¯t diminished at all!

 Chapter 31 - You Asked When I Shall Return, I Have No Idea* (1)

    Chapter 31 You Asked When I Shall Return, I Have No Idea* (1)


    Under the twilight, the youth¡¯s figure caused Fire Crow¡¯s heart to be shaken.


    He was a well-experienced scavenger. If it was a newbie in his shoes, they¡¯d definitely be shocked despite the fact that their cultivation level clearly surpassed the other party.


    Even he felt shaken, but that was quickly suppressed by the viciousness and fury of being injured. At this moment, his eyes revealed intense killing intent.


    ¡°B*stard, I¡¯ll pluck out your teeth one by one as my spoils of war.¡±


    As Fire Crow spoke out in a deep voice, he tugged off his clothes and revealed a skinny upper body.


    Not paying any heed to the injury to his ear and chest, he performed a set of mudras with both hands. When his face flushed red, a fireball that was even larger than the ones earlier suddenly appeared.


    Upon seeing this, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed and he abruptly moved.


    ¡°Scatter!¡± Fire Crow let out a low bellow and the big fireball in his hand split into five smaller fireballs that headed straight for Xu


    Qing.


    After that, explosive sounds instantly resounded and flames covered the ground. Amidst all the burning, Xu Qing¡¯s figure dashed out once again. He launched two consecutive punches as he did before to shatter the barrier.


    Although his body would inadvertently be pushed back from the impact, in addition to suffering burns from the high-temperature flames, his speed didn¡¯t reduce at all. His killing intent also didn¡¯t slacken in the slightest.


    Just like that, using such a method that ignored his own injuries, he started a fierce battle in the jungle against Fire Crow.


    The battle became increasingly intense.


    It was true that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t a match for Fire Crow.


    Regardless of whether it was the spirit energy barrier or the fireballs, they were all very disadvantageous for Xu Qing. The former made it hard for him to perform close-range attacks, while the latter posed an extremely great threat to him.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s recovery ability was astonishing, and it allowed him to quickly recover after he got injured. His injuries didn¡¯t affect his battle prowess.


    Besides, his stamina was as abundant as at the start of the fight. Although the prolonged pain from his body would form a mental torment, he, who grew up in the slums, had nurtured a tolerance that surpassed that of ordinary people.


    The most important thing was¡­ the spirit energy that contained a high density of anomalous substances didn¡¯t have any influence on Xu Qing at all. However, to Fire Crow, it was completely different.


    It was still fine for the ear¡¯s injury, but the injury on his chest became increasingly aggravated. The most important thing was his spirit energy¡­


    Even though his cultivation base was at the fifth level of Qi Condensation, he was unable to withstand such a depletion. Hence, he could only passively absorb spirit energy to replenish his consumption.


    Moreover, the pressure Xu Qing brought him in the intense battle caused him to have no time to catch a breath at all. With that, the amount of anomalous substances in his body kept surging and accumulating.


    Very soon, the anger that Fire Crow felt in the beginning transformed into nervousness. In the end, anxiety actually appeared on his face.


    He had noticed that something was amiss with his body and that there was a problem with this young man!


    Anyone else at the third level of Qi Condensation, or even at the fifth level, wouldn¡¯t have been able to hang on for so long in the face of such fireball attacks. They would have turned into dried corpses long ago.


    He felt that even if he was in Xu Qing¡¯s shoes, he wouldn¡¯t be able to do what he did.


    However, this youth in front of him, despite his injuries increasing and looking serious, his speed and power didn¡¯t diminish in the least.


    This made the unsettled feelings in Fire Crow¡¯s heart grow increasingly intense.


    At this moment, the anomalous substances in Fire Crow¡¯s body kept on increasing, and he was getting close to mutation. This caused his breathing to become even more anxious.


    ¡°Fire Crow, you trash! Hurry up and end the battle!!¡±


    In the far distance, the Bloodshadow Team Captain who was fighting Captain Lei had no choice but to be distracted as he spared some attention to the situation here. When he looked at this scene right now, he roared angrily.


    He wanted to help, but Captain Lei suddenly exploded forth with attacks to obstruct him, making it hard for him to leave. Right now, he could only feel anxious.


    Moreover, Captain Lei could already tell that Xu Qing¡¯s battle plan was to drag out the battle until Fire Crow mutated.


    Although he didn¡¯t know why Xu Qing was confident nor why he was able to perform as usual amidst his injuries and pain, everyone had their own secrets. Captain Lei understood this point. He had his own secrets too.


    Therefore, he had no intention to probe further. What he could do was to not allow the Bloodshadow Team Captain before him to go over to help


    The battle continued.


    Fire Crow cast three other fireballs but was still helpless against Xu Qing. Hence, he, who was already anxious, now that he was scolded by his captain, the negative emotions in his heart completely erupted and turned into craziness.


    He abruptly raised his right hand and hammered his chest, spurting out a large mouthful of blood. After that, he quickly swung his left hand and caught some of the blood before the droplets fell onto the ground.


    As he chanted an incantation, the blood in his hand quickly turned black.


    At the sight of this, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes contracted and he felt an even more intense sense of crisis. He charged out and wanted to disrupt the other party¡¯s spell.


    However, this time around, Fire Crow¡¯s spell was cast extremely fast. At the instant Xu Qing moved, Fire Crow lifted his head abruptly and his expression became distorted. His gaze then flashed with cruelty as he waved his right hand.


    The black blood in his hand instantly swelled up to form a ball of blood that was the size of a human head.


    It seemed to be bubbling inside, and it flew toward Xu Qing with astonishing power.


    ¡°Die!¡± Fire Crow let out a low and sinister bellow.


    Perhaps because the spell this time was too exhausting and the anomalous substances in his body continued to increase, his legs were trembling weakly at this moment.


    On the other hand, the killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes abruptly intensified. Just like Captain Lei had thought, he was indeed prepared to drag out the battle until the other party mutated. However, it wasn¡¯t exactly correct either.


    Xu Qing had never given up on the thought of killing his opponent in his process of mutation.


    Although he was no longer holding onto the dagger and iron stick, he still kept on looking for an opportunity to deal the killing blow.


    This chance finally appeared now when Fire Crow showed his fragility.


    Almost at the instant the black-colored ball of blood fired over, Xu Qing¡¯s advancing figure hastened his speed.


    He didn¡¯t dash toward Fire Crow in a straight line but shifted his direction slightly to where Barbaric Ghost¡¯s corpse was at.


    Barbaric Ghost¡¯s corpse was covered in burn marks from Fire Crow¡¯s large area of effect fireball attacks. But in this place, other than the corpses, there were also¡­ Barbaric Ghost¡¯s weapons!


    Footnote:


    [1] A line from a poem by Li Shang. A translated version of the poem, ¡®To a Friend in the North on a Rainy Night¡¯ can be found here: https://28utscprojects.wordpress.com/2010/11 /23/2981

 Chapter 32 - You Asked When I Shall Return, I Have No Idea (2)

    Chapter 32 You Asked When I Shall Return, I Have No Idea (2)


    There was a mace and two pieces of broken finesteel shield.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s target was the bigger piece of the broken shield.


    His figure instantly got close, and he grabbed the heavy finesteel shield. After that, with his small and skinny body covered by the shield, he charged out instantly, heading straight for Fire Crow who was behind the black blood ball.


    A moment later, an explosive sound echoed out as Fire Crow¡¯s blood ball came into contact with Xu Qing, smashing onto the shield before transforming into endless jets of black blood that shot out.


    That finesteel shield also couldn¡¯t withstand the attack, instantly fragmenting. However, it still withstood most of the impact.


    This caused Xu Qing, who was behind the shield, to not suffer from a lethal attack despite being hit by some of the black blood. At this moment, he clenched his teeth tightly and didn¡¯t slow down, showing no hesitation at all as he sped forth like an arrow, closing onto Fire Crowd.


    Fire Crow¡¯s gaze revealed a look of mockery, and he didn¡¯t plan on dodging at all. As he performed a set of mudras with both hands, the scattered black blood behind Xu Qing quickly rose from the ground into the air. It seemed that it wouldn¡¯t be long before the blood would all levitate and transform into blood arrows that fired urgently at Xu Qing.


    All of this left Xu Qing with nowhere else to dodge, but he wasn¡¯t planning on dodging either.


    As he got close, his left hand clenched into a fist, but the punch being thrown out was done by his right hand instead.


    As a result, cracks appeared on the spirit energy barrier outside Fire Crow¡¯s body, and the inner part of Xu Qing¡¯s right fist became bloodied. Amidst the blood, there were also scaled pierces of flesh.


    Before Fire Crow could see clearly, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes turned bloodshot as he unleashed a second punch.


    With a bang, the barrier broke down into pieces and the tremendous impact wave spread out, pushing back Xu Qing¡¯s body. This was like what had happened previously, and he couldn¡¯t get close at all as the impact waves forced him back.


    The mockery in Fire Crow¡¯s eyes grew. However, at this moment¡­


    Xu Qing¡¯s body seemed to gain additional strength from nowhere.


    Amidst the impact from the shattering barrier, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t pushed back as he was previously.


    He charged out fiercely and withstood the pressure, stretching out his right hand as he fiercely grabbed at the bloody part of Fire Crow¡¯s chest, where the iron stick had pierced through previously.


    However, it was like the additional strength only allowed him to have enough energy to make this grab. Although he tore open Fire Crow¡¯s injury, he was unable to deal a lethal blow and could only choose to retreat rapidly at this moment.


    Fire Crow¡¯s countenance changed and he stumbled backward.


    After he discovered that Xu Qing¡¯s grab wasn¡¯t too much of a threat to him, he let out a sinister laugh and wanted to cast a spell to shoot the black blood.


    However, at the next instant, his countenance changed once again and he lowered his head abruptly.


    At the bloody part where his chest was¡­ there were some shards of broken fangs as well as mushy flesh with scales on them.


    Right now, the flesh part of the injury corroded, and venomous blood flowed out. Wherever they passed by, his skin would rot rapidly.


    Unbearable pain gushed forth intensely at this moment, causing Fire Crow to let out an agonizing cry. A look of unprecedented terror appeared on his face.


    He then retreated unceasingly and saw Xu Qing crouching in the far distance. The latter opened up his right palm and threw out some broken pieces of flesh and crushed fangs that looked similar to the one on him.


    If one pieced these broken pieces of flesh and crushed fangs together, they¡¯d form the shape of a snake head.


    It was the venomous snake head Xu Qing had used to deal with the corpses.


    Moreover, his left hand was shivering slightly and slowly opening up. As the shattered amber pieces fell, it revealed the ghostface scorpion¡¯s tail that pierced deeply into his palm!


    The former let his palm contain intense venom, while the latter caused him to have the additional strength to attack despite facing the barrier¡¯s impact!


    ¡°You¡­¡± Fire Crow trembled, unable to say a word amidst his howls, let alone cast a spell.


    His gaze revealed intense dread in the face of death, and he struggled to wipe off the venomous blood on him. However, a tremendous amount of venomous blood gushed out, causing his stamina and vitality to seep rapidly.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. The recovery effect shown by the purple crystal in his fight with Fat Mountain allowed him to know that he could neutralize poison.


    His right hand, which had been tainted by the snake venom, didn¡¯t corrode. This made everything clear.


    This was the killing blow he had prepared for use against Fire Crow.


    Right now, he stood up and ran straight for Fire Crow.


    After that, the horror in Fire Crow¡¯s gaze turned into despair as Xu Qing got closer. He struggled and retreated as he wailed in agony.


    ¡°Captain, save me!¡±


    This tragic scene caused the eyes of the Bloodshadow Team Captain, who was currently fighting with Captain Lei, to open wide. He wanted to go and save Fire Crow, but Captain Lei¡¯s attacks kept obstructing him, making it hard for him to go over.


    He could only watch as Xu Qing¡¯s figure rapidly closed in on Fire Crow.


    As Xu Qing moved closer, Fire Crow¡¯s injuries and the breakdown of his mental state caused the dense anomalous substances that had accumulated in his body to not be suppressed any longer.


    Before Xu Qing completely got close, Fire Crow¡¯s body stiffened up fiercely amidst his despair. After that, anomalous substances spread out in his entire body and with an


    Some people left behind greenish-black corpses when they mutated, while others exploded into blood mist.


    Xu Qing halted his steps and looked at the spot where Fire Crow had turned into blood mist. After that, he turned and looked coldly at the Bloodshadow Team Captain.


    The sun was setting, but the dusk in the sky was different compared to the past. The dark night didn¡¯t come, but instead, the sky had a strange red glow covering it.


    Under this redness, Xu Qing¡¯s figure was also dyed red. He stood there, covered in wounds, and his cold and sharp gaze emitted an indescribable pressure.


    This pressure caused the mentality of the Bloodshadow Team Captain, whose cultivation surpassed his, to tremble intensely.


    Fire Crow¡¯s death was too tragic and this dealt an extremely great blow to the Bloodshadow Team Captain¡¯s inner heart.


    He had failed to take down Captain Lei despite fighting for a long time, and in addition to how bizarre Xu Qing was, all of these factors caused the Bloodshadow Team Captain to feel great unease. At this moment, his gaze flickered, and the instant when Xu Qing glanced over, he blasted back Captain Lei with a punch and rapidly retreated with no hesitation.


    He didn¡¯t wish to continue with the fight any longer.

 Chapter 33 - You Asked When I Shall Return, I Have No Idea (3)

    Chapter 33 You Asked When I Shall Return, I Have No Idea (3)


    Captain Lei wanted to pursue, but when he raised his head and saw that smear of strange redness in the sky, his expression suddenly changed. His emotions then fluctuated, and he coughed out fresh blood as his body turned increasingly greenish-black. Clearly, he was on the verge of collapse.


    Xu Qing approached hastily and supported Captain Lei.


    As Captain Lei was panting, Xu Qing sat him under a large tree and looked up into the distant jungle where the Bloodshadow Team Captain was speeding away. His eyes flashed with murderous intent.


    ¡°You¡¯re alone, don¡¯t pursue him. With the Bloodshadow Team destroyed, he cannot amount to anything. In addition, this redness in the sky¡­ I think I have seen it before¡­¡±


    Captain Lei grabbed onto Xu Qing as he looked up and stared unwaveringly at the blue dome of the sky. ¡°He¡¯s a lurking peril,¡± Xu Qing said slowly.


    He didn¡¯t like any type of hidden perils and within this jungle of the forbidden zone, Xu Qing felt confident. Like how he had dragged Fire Crow to death, he would drag this Bloodshadow Captain to his death as well. However, he instinctively looked up at the blue dome upon hearing Captain Lei¡¯s words.


    At that moment¡­


    A wave of faint and ethereal-sounding singing drifted from within this jungle.


    All of the mutated beasts¡¯ roars in the forbidden zone¡¯s jungle disappeared at this instant.


    In the silent jungle, the singing became clearer.


    It sounded as though a woman was holding a hidden bitterness about her husband¡¯s departure. Following the reverberations, waves of faint red mist appeared from where the Bloodshadow Captain had sped toward.


    It swept up everything in the surroundings and filled the air.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled suddenly. Captain Lei, who was sitting below the large tree, also shuddered in that instant. Both of them instantly looked toward the origin of the singing voice.


    It was just that the former was incomparably vigilant, while the latter¡­ seemed to be in a trance.


    The singing continued to drift endlessly and when the voice entered Xu Qing¡¯s ears, it caused an indescribable coldness to fill his body. It felt as though he was under the icy blood rain in the ruined city from before.


    Even though he was currently at the third level of Body Refinement, he still couldn¡¯t handle it. His teeth started chattering and he lost the mobility of his body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind was in a rumble. He couldn¡¯t help but recall what Cross had said about the forbidden zone¡¯s taboos when they first entered.


    At the place they were staring at, the Bloodshadow Captain stopped as well. His body was shivering uncontrollably.


    It was as if there was something invisible approaching him at the moment, causing him to lose all strength to escape.


    Xu Qing personally saw wisps of white mist flowing out of the shivering Bloodshadow Captain¡¯s seven apertures, blending into the blood fog that pervaded the air. And in this process, the Bloodshadow Captain¡¯s body swiftly withered and decayed until it turned into a dried corpse and shattered into dust.


    The fog covered the ground where it was and started spreading through the air toward Xu Qing and Captain Lei.


    With the nearing of the fog, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. Finally, he saw the cause of the Bloodshadow Captain¡¯s death. It was¡­ a pair of bright red woman¡¯s boots, and they looked very tattered.


    ¡°This is¡­¡± Xu Qing panted and his eyes were wide open. He saw the pair of boots appearing in front of the distant fog, moving on its own on the soil and walking toward them step by step.


    m


    There was nothing above the boots¡­ Only the singing voice with hidden bitterness, coming closer and closer.


    It was as though there was an invisible body of a woman wearing this pair of red boots, singing as she walked over.


    The voice became increasingly clear. The blood-colored boots walking on the soil were heading toward Xu Qing.


    This strange scene made Xu Qing¡¯s pupils constrict intensely. His body wanted to move, but it couldn¡¯t do so.


    It was as if the cold had frozen his entire being, making even his teeth rattle. He could only watch helplessly as the pair of blood-colored boots stepped closer until it was half a zhang away from him¡­


    The threat of death covered all of Xu Qing¡¯s emotions in that instant. He wanted to step back, but he was powerless. Only the large amount of blood veins appearing in his eyes divulged his violent struggle at that moment.


    Just when the pair of blood-red boots was about to take another step nearer to him, at that very moment¡­ A trembling voice drifted over from beside Xu Qing. It was Captain Lei.


    ¡°Red Peach¡­ Is that you¡­¡± The voice was hoarse and trembling with a hint of uncertainty.


    At that moment he spoke these words, the strange singing came to an abrupt stop.


    At the side, the boot that was lifted in the air stopped for a moment before changing direction unexpectedly. It was like the woman who was standing there had turned her body at that moment and looked at Captain Lei.


    Upon seeing this scene, Captain Lei¡¯s body trembled, and his breathing became unprecedentedly hurried. But at that moment, his exhausted body burst forth with leftover energy. There was an unprecedented glimmer in his eyes as he stared unwaveringly at the space above the pair of boots.


    It was as if in his eyes, he could see someone incomparably important to him, a woman that was as important as his own life, standing there.


    She was separated from him by a void, by the world, by yin and yang, as they looked at each other.


    The strong Captain Lei had tears falling uncontrollably at that moment.


    ¡°You¡­ Have you returned¡­¡± His trembling body lifted a hand, as though he wanted to grab something. That pair of red boots slowly lifted as well and walked up to Captain Lei. They then bent over slightly.


    The invisible woman seemed to have squatted down gently in front of Captain Lei¡¯s body, letting his trembling hand touch her face.


    However, Captain Lei¡¯s hand swept across the void and couldn¡¯t touch anything. As his efforts proved futile, his tears¡­ fell even more.


    Only his murmurings existed, basking in this desolate sadness.


    After a long time, it was as though the sound of the woman¡¯s soft sigh came from nothingness. That pair of red boots then slowly straightened and gradually stepped back.


    It only adjusted its direction after it had retreated by three zhangs. It bypassed Xu Qing and walked into the distance with the red fog following


    ¡°You asked when I shall return, I have no


    idea.


    Asking about a return date which seems uncertain.


    The fog hid the cruelty of the situation and the fog of singing distanced itself.¡±


    The singing continued. With the hidden bitterness, the voice seemed to be filled with more agony and melancholy as it walked further away.


    Not only so, but the blood-colored fog also bypassed them. It seemed as though it was roiling and floated toward the distance.


    Only when the singing voice became weaker did the fog disappear completely. The voice then slowly dissipated as well.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body finally regained its mobility. He panted heavily and his eyes were filled with horror. The first thing he did was to turn around and look at Captain Lei who sat there.


    At that moment, Captain Lei was staring blankly into the distance. There was a dazed look in his eyes, and the tears still continued flowing silently.


    Xu Qing was silent. Whatever he wanted to ask, he couldn¡¯t get it out at that moment.


    After a long time, Captain Lei mumbled softly.


    ¡°Do you find it strange?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded quietly.


    ¡°Before, Cross told you that I¡¯m one of the few who have heard that singing voice.¡± Captain Lei looked into the distance and spoke slowly in a low voice.


    ¡°Do you know that the singing voice in this forbidden zone is really strange? Most of the people who heard it had died and only very few could survive.


    ¡°But if the person was able to survive it, then they would receive a ¡®gift¡¯ from this forbidden zone. The next time the person hears this singing voice, it will let them¡­ see the person they miss the most in their entire life.


    ¡°I originally thought this was just a legend, and it was because of this legend that I¡¯ve waited silently at the campsite for decades until my hair turned white¡­


    ¡°And today, I finally saw it.¡±


    When Captain Lei spoke to this point, his entire being seemed to age by a lot. The wrinkles on his face stacked, and there was a sense of fragility emanating from his body.


    ¡°Do you also have someone separated by yin and yang*, and have someone you want to see¡­ If you do, then don¡¯t learn from me, don¡¯t wait here¡­


    ¡°Even if you see them, it¡¯s still futile in the end¡­¡± Captain Lei muttered bitterly. He closed his eyes, and the tears streamed down the folds of his face ceaselessly, dripping on his lapels.


    Xu Qing was silent. He lifted his head toward the place where the voice disappeared to. In the depths of his eyes, recollection of his memory gradually emerged.


    There was someone he wanted to see too.


    Someone he really, really missed.


    [1] The yin and yang here refers to the separation between the yang realm (mortal world) and the yin realm (underworld)

 Chapter 34 - What Are You Exactly? (1)

    Chapter 34 What Are You Exactly? (1)


    Perhaps it was because of the singing voice, but within this jungle of the forbidden zone, the howling of the mutated beasts still didn¡¯t appear. It was as though the source of the singing voice was this forbidden zone¡¯s ruler.


    After its appearance, everything had to be silent.


    Captain Lei sat there quietly, still watching the faraway place. It was pitch-black and there was nothing there.


    Xu Qing had a complicated expression on his face. After a while, he swept his gaze across his surroundings, and it ultimately landed on Barbaric Ghost¡¯s mace and shattered shield fragments.


    Barbaric Ghost¡¯s corpse, like all the other corpses here, had turned into dust when the singing fog departed. It was as though they never existed in this world.


    And in many cases, scavengers didn¡¯t have many relatives. Hence, there might not be many who cared about their disappearance.


    Even if there were, they would eventually be forgotten with the passage of time. Thousands of years later¡­ nobody would know or remember.


    Xu Qing suddenly thought of the teacher who had treated him rather well back in the slums. During his latter days, before he died of sickness, he said something to a bunch of children.


    ¡°To have someone you can¡¯t forget is a kind of suffering, but to be remembered by someone else is a type of blessing.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t understand it at that time, but as he watched Captain Lei now, he could somewhat understand the meaning behind it. Hence, he didn¡¯t interrupt but walked quietly to the area where Barbaric Ghost¡¯s corpse had been previously. He then took his dagger and began digging the ground.


    Even if he didn¡¯t have a close relationship with Barbaric Ghost, or more accurately, they only knew each other for days and didn¡¯t speak much to each other, the other party still imparted his knowledge of the jungle to him. They had also fought and walked out of the life and death crisis against those wolves together. Ultimately, it was with the help of Barbaric Ghost¡¯s item that Xu Qing had stopped the black blood.


    So, Xu Qing thought he should do something.


    Just like how he had cremated the corpses of the entire city before he left the ruined city, he diligently dug a hole in the earth and deepened it into a pit eventually.


    He then buried the Barbaric Ghost¡¯s mace and shattered pieces of the shield.


    During the process, Xu Qing was very serious. He didn¡¯t notice that Captain Lei had retracted his gaze toward the jungle and was now watching him from behind.


    There was a hint of astonishment on his face, just like when he first saw Xu Qing in the ruined city previously. When he saw Xu Qing burying Barbaric Ghost¡¯s weapons and looked like he wanted to make a tombstone, Captain Lei spoke up.


    ¡°Scavengers don¡¯t need tombstones.


    ¡°Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. This is the life of a scavenger. While living, they struggled with the world, and after death¡­ there was no need to offer sacrifice either. Peace would suffice.¡±


    As Captain Lei said this, his breathing got weaker. With the serious injuries, the accumulation of anomalous substances, and the exhaustion of his mind, he was unable to hold on any longer. Gradually, the world turned fuzzy and he lost consciousness.


    Xu Qing stepped closer and took out some of the seven-leaf grass from his pocket before stuffing it into Captain Lei¡¯s mouth.


    He didn¡¯t know if it would be useful but thought that since the item was a necessary ingredient to make the white pills, it should have some effects in alleviating anomalous substances.


    After that, he carried Captain Lei on his back and used the clothes to tie them tightly together. Only then did he take a deep breath. In the night, he traversed the jungle at full speed.


    When he went past the spot where the Bloodshadow Captain had turned to dust, Xu Qing spotted a leather bag. He picked it up but didn¡¯t see any medicinal pills inside, only various miscellaneous items.


    As such, he took it and instantly sped away.


    When the weak Captain Lei regained his consciousness, an hour had already passed.


    He could vaguely feel himself being carried by a small body. With the motion of the movement, he slowly opened his eyes and saw the side of the youth¡¯s face in front of him.


    He fell silent.


    Xu Qing probably sensed that Captain Lei had awakened. Softly, he started to speak.


    ¡°Are you feeling better? There are a few hours to go, so you can continue sleeping. We should be able to get out of the forbidden zone before daybreak.¡±


    Captain Lei didn¡¯t say anything. His frail body wasn¡¯t able to mask his old age. He tried to lift his head to see the pitch-black sky, but his vision slowly grew fuzzy. Just as he sensed that he was about to pass out again, he muttered.


    ¡°Kid, do you know why I proposed to take you away twice in that ruined city?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s body didn¡¯t stop moving. He shook his head.


    ¡°Then, do you remember the scene when we first met?¡± Captain Lei¡¯s voice was a little weak.


    ¡°I remember.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s body moved and he leaped over a huge tree. After that, he lifted his right hand and grabbed the area next to him, capturing a mutated lizard that hid there and was rushing at them at great speed. Seizing the opportunity, he threw it toward the ground ahead.


    With the bang, following the lizard¡¯s descent, a large number of vines on the ground twisted and swiftly twined around it. During the struggle of the lizard, its leathery armor was punctured and its flesh was devoured.


    Xu Qing took this opportunity to leap up and avoid the danger before proceeding further ahead.


    At that moment, the mumbling of Captain Lei behind him was weak. Even with their close distance, it was difficult to hear him.


    ¡°I saw the silhouette of you cremating the corpses. At that time, the fire illuminated you while you were standing beside the blaze. You looked like you had fused with the fire. It made me feel as though I have seen¡­ a trace of warmth in this cruel world.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s footsteps then stopped in his tracks and he fell silent. At this moment, Captain Lei fell into unconsciousness once more.


    After a few breaths, Xu Qing quietly lifted his feet and continued speeding through the jungle, traversing past trees rapidly.


    Time went by and very soon, two hours passed.


    Xu Qing avoided all danger, and the distance toward the boundary of the jungle became shorter and shorter.


    At this moment, when the sky was at its darkest, the gloomy cold from the forbidden zone invaded the surroundings. Fortunately, Xu Qing was moving rapidly and the heat generated by his body instinctively resisted the cold slightly.


    However, as he moved forward, the cold became increasingly intense. After the amount of time it took for an incense stick to burn out, Xu Qing stopped abruptly. His expression was somber as he looked ahead.

 Chapter 35 - What Are You Exactly? (2)

    Chapter 35 What Are You Exactly? (2)


    In front of him, fog emerged from the jungle.


    The fog was extremely thick and had spread out into the distance. However, it wasn¡¯t the same as the blood fog Xu Qing had seen before. The sense of oppression didn¡¯t seem too intense.


    It was just that, as far as the eyes could see, everything within the area that was shrouded by the fog was blurry. It was impossible for Xu Qing to see anything in the surroundings clearly


    Especially since it was currently dark, it made the cover of the fog even more intense. Xu Qing wanted to avoid it, but after running for a long time, he saw that the fog was still approaching. He knew what this was.


    Cross and Luan Tooth had mentioned this when they just entered the forbidden zone. This was one of the dangers within; it was a type of fog known as the labyrinth fog.


    When engulfed by this fog, a person would lose their sense of direction and ultimately lose their way. And once the fog formed, it would usually take a long time for it to disperse on its own.


    Xu Qing felt that he might be able to endure until the fog dissipated, and the amount of anomalous substances in his body wouldn¡¯t skyrocket. However, the weak Captain Lei wouldn¡¯t be able to. If he was trapped in it, it wouldn¡¯t be long before he died from mutation.


    This gave Xu Qing no choice but to retreat, attempting to circle around the fog by going further out of its range.


    But¡­ the fog was too heavy. No matter how quick he was, he was still caught in the situation where the fog surrounded them in all directions. There was nowhere to hide as they were drowned by the fog.


    However, very soon, the fog that drowned the area around Xu Qing thinned out gradually until it ultimately revealed a bewildered Xu Qing once again.


    He lowered his head and looked under his feet.


    There were no shadows at night, but Xu Qing could feel the fog around him. It was rushing rapidly into the space beneath his feet at that moment.


    It was like the shadow that couldn¡¯t be seen had formed a vortex and devoured its surrounding fog.


    The speed of this devouring wasn¡¯t quick. It also seemed to have had its fill after a while and stopped absorbing. This allowed the fog to drown the silhouette of Xu Qing yet again.


    However, after the shadow was done swallowing, a force seemed to pour into Xu Qing¡¯s body, converging at his eyes. The thick fog as far as the eyes could see became transparent in his vision.


    Or perhaps it couldn¡¯t be described with sight but perception!


    The fog was clearly there and was incomparably thick. However, with his perception, it was only slightly fuzzy, far from the stage where it would obstruct sight and make someone lose their way.


    This caused Xu Qing¡¯s breath to hurry. He lowered his head and looked at the missing shadow.


    ¡°You, what exactly are you¡­¡± Xu Qing muttered.


    After a while, he lifted his head and sensed his surroundings. Following a moment of silence, his body started moving immediately without reducing speed. Within the fog, he was like a ghost speeding past.


    Not long later, as Xu Qing was speeding through the thick fog, he saw living people.


    It was two scavengers.


    Xu Qing could vaguely remember seeing them at the campsite. These two people were currently holding each other¡¯s hands. Within the thick fog, they were like blind people as they slowly probed and moved forward.


    CU


    However, with Xu Qing¡¯s perception, he could see that they were going in circles as they moved forward. It was evident that they had each realized it as well. The perspiration on their forehead and the heavy breaths revealed their anxiety and despair about their future.


    After taking a glance at the two persons, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and wanted to turn and depart.


    He didn¡¯t have an overflowing amount of sympathy. Living in this cruel world, he had seen too many examples of people saving others without motive, in exchange for backlash against themselves.


    However, for those whose vision had been obscured, their sense of hearing would be extremely sharp. As such, Xu Qing¡¯s footsteps as he was leaving were still detected by them.


    The two looked nervous immediately. They couldn¡¯t distinguish the sounds of a human from a beast. So, one of them bellowed to express savageness, as though wanting to intimidate a beast.


    The other shouted for help. To show their sincerity, they even took out the white pills and spirit coins from their leather bag, verbally promising to give them out for a chance of survival.


    Xu Qing paused for a moment, turning back to look at the white pills in the person¡¯s hand as he considered Captain Lei¡¯s poor health.


    After some thought, he rummaged through the leather bag and found a candle to light. It illuminated the surrounding with a glow. However, the fire was weak, and with the suppression of the fog, it was slowly becoming dimmer.


    Under the cover of the light from the candle, Xu Qing retreated some distance away and looked at the two people in the near distance. Then, he spoke slowly.


    ¡°Go right and walk straight for seven steps, then ten steps to the left¡­¡±


    As Xu Qing¡¯s voice came through, the two scavengers trembled. Their faces donned a look of ecstasy and with hastened breaths, they followed Xu Qing¡¯s instructions.


    Very soon, they circled left and right under Xu Qing¡¯s successive instructions and avoided the spots where there was danger. The fog in front of them thinned as they got nearer to the lit candle.


    It lasted until they walked into the range of the candle that was about to be extinguished. The path around here was illuminated by the flames. Like a blind man who had regained sight, they fell beside the candle in an instant. They were agitated, their emotions intensely boiling over.


    As for Xu Qing, he was hiding at the edge of somewhere dark. Even with the illumination of the fire, his figure was still blurry. Watching the agitation of the two persons with a poker face, he spoke flatly.


    ¡°Give me white pills.¡±


    One of them trembled. After surviving the calamity, he didn¡¯t have the slightest hesitation. He threw the leather bag containing the spirit coins and white pills to Xu Qing immediately and thanked him repeatedly.


    The other person was just about to take out his pills, but as his gaze swept across Xu Qing¡¯s silhouette, his excitement vanished.


    At the dark spot where Xu Qing was standing, the fog lingered thinly. Hence, in that person¡¯s eyes, although they couldn¡¯t make out Xu Qing¡¯s face, they could see his petite body and that he was carrying an unconscious person on his back.


    As such, there was a gleam in his eyes. However, he wore a smile on his face and displayed a sincere demeanor when he spoke.


    ¡°Little brother, I have eaten all the white pills that were on me, but don¡¯t worry, when the fog has cleared or if you have a way to escort me out, I will doubly repay you.¡±


    With that, there was a glint in his eyes as he looked toward where Xu Qing was, with an eagerness to try an idea out.


    The companion next to him grew a little annoyed at the moment, feeling as though he had given his pouch too quickly.


    Xu Qing then stared deeply at the scavenger who had yet to give the white pills, but he didn¡¯t speak.


    With a wave of his right hand, a gust of wind blew and extinguished the candle¡¯s light in that instant. The surrounding plunged into pitch-black darkness and labyrinth fog once more.


    As a result, a cry of surprise came from one of the two scavengers. Xu Qing then approached them in a flash and plucked the leather bag from them. Following that, a serene voice echoed all around.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need anymore. You can stay here.¡±


    ¡°Wait, wait. I was wrong, I was really wrong. I¡¯ll give you the white pills, I¡­¡±


    The man was suddenly in a hurry, seemingly wanting to grab onto something. However, his body tripped over a tree that was in the way, and he fell.


    When he got up, his calls were even more anxious, and the deep regret he felt filled his body and mind.


    ¡°Little brother, listen to my explanation, I¡­¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother about the man¡¯s shouts and approached the other scavenger who had given him the white pills.


    His expression was one of horror. Getting caught in the labyrinth fog once again filled him with panic. Without detecting it in the slightest, Xu Qing had passed by him and spoke quietly.


    ¡°Follow the sound of my footsteps.¡±


    With that, Xu Qing didn¡¯t turn back and continued walking. As for the person, when he heard Xu Qing¡¯s words, his breaths grew hurried and he immediately listened for the footsteps and followed. At that moment, in the depths of his heart, he was exceptionally grateful for the speed of his repayment earlier.


    It was especially so after he heard the anxious wailing behind him turning quickly into a frenzied cursing after failing to call for help. The despair in that tone made his heart tremble. Toward the owner of the footsteps ahead of him, he held them in greater awe.

 Chapter 36 - Grandmaster Bai

    Chapter 36 Grandmaster Bai


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay attention to the person following him. As Xu Qing walked with Captain Lei on his back, he took out the white pills from the leather bag and fed them to the latter.


    Perhaps it was the effect of the white pills, or maybe it was the efficacy of the seven-leaf grass, Captain Lei¡¯s complexion gradually stopped turning greenish-black.


    It was just that the anomalous substances in his body were too dense and even with Xu Qing¡¯s white pills, it couldn¡¯t be completely suppressed at this moment.


    As such, Captain Lei was still in a state of unconsciousness. It was apparent that what he experienced on this journey to the forbidden zone had affected him greatly.


    Hence¡­ On the way back during this dark night, when Xu Qing encountered more scavengers who were in despair from being trapped within the labyrinth fog, he allowed them to follow behind him at the expense of white pills. They would then follow the sound of his footsteps to move forward.


    Of course, among them, there were still some ¡®blind¡¯ people. However, they ultimately became a reference for the grateful followers behind Xu Qing and caused them to revere him even more.


    Most of them speculated that he must be one of those who were born innately with great mental energy.


    Because only such a person would not be confined by the labyrinth fog.


    And with regard to this type of people, Xu Qing had heard about them from Luan Tooth previously. It was also what he thought about when he saved the first person in exchange for white pills. Hence, it became a cover-up, and he didn¡¯t worry about exposing his secret.


    His accumulations soon surpassed ten white pills, and this finally caused Captain Lei¡¯s complexion to recover, turning from the greenish-black to merely green. His breathing was evidently smoother by a lot as well.


    At the same time, Xu Qing discovered that the feedback from his shadow couldn¡¯t be sustained for a long period.


    Following his journey forward right now, the perception of the fog ahead was less transparent than before and gradually turned fuzzy. It seemed like it wouldn¡¯t be too long before his sight became the same as others.


    It was fortunate that the remaining distance to the outside world wasn¡¯t that far.


    Hence, as his vision started to turn blurry, Xu Qing hastened his speed, and the darkness in the sky dissipated when the early sun rose. The first rays of the morning sun spilled over the ground at that moment. He, who was carrying Captain Lei on his back, finally passed through the small crack between the branches and leaves and saw the outside world in the near distance.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mood fluctuated. His body leaped toward the boundary in an instant and headed out of the jungle in strides.


    The moment he stepped across the cold boundary, the breeze from the outside world carried the warmth of the sunlight, falling onto Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    Because the sun rays were too bright, he couldn¡¯t help but squint his eyes. As he stood there, he took a deep breath of the air.


    At that moment, the followers behind him also regained their sight one after another when they neared the edge of the boundary.


    Each of them held the agitation of someone who had narrowly escaped death, and they rushed out.


    As they stepped past the boundary, they became incessantly spirited. An old man even knelt on the ground and gently kissed the soil of the Earth.


    At that moment, they could finally take in Xu Qing¡¯s appearance and Captain Lei whom he was carrying on his back.


    Not many people knew of Xu Qing, but there was no one who didn¡¯t know Captain Lei.


    Hence, when the sight of Xu Qing and Captain Lei reached their eyes, their recollection of Xu Qing surfaced one after another as well.


    ¡°Kid!¡±


    ¡°Captain Lei¡±


    The four or five followers were shaken, but as Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over them, they instinctively shut up.


    To be honest, the coldness Xu Qing had displayed toward those scavengers who harbored ill-intentions had long since intimidated them.


    After that, Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with them and retracted his gaze. He was about to make a beeline for the campsite when two figures whizzed over at that moment, approaching swiftly.


    It was Cross and Luan Tooth. They had returned but didn¡¯t wait at the campsite. Instead, they were anxiously waiting outside.


    They had discussed it among themselves that if Captain Lei and the others didn¡¯t return that day, they would head back in again to search and rescue them.


    Hence, when they saw Xu Qing¡¯s silhouette from a distance, the two of them swiftly approached him.


    And when Cross noticed Captain Lei on Xu Qing¡¯s back, his pupils narrowed intensely, but when his gaze landed on Xu Qing¡¯s body, it softened.


    There was a change in Luan Tooth¡¯s expression as well, with her murderous intent spreading immediately. She looked toward the people who followed Xu Qing out.


    As a result, the breathing of those people grew hurried one after another. They all grew alert.


    ¡°It has nothing to do with them. We were also fortunate because of them, or else Captain Lei might not have been able to press on.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke up, dissolving Luan Tooth¡¯s murderous intent. After that, those who followed him out let out a breath of relief. Now, when they looked at Xu Qing, it contained gratitude on top of awe. They then cupped their fist in the other hand as a sign of respect and left separately.


    After they left, Cross stepped forward to help Captain Lei off Xu Qing¡¯s back, but he was stopped by Xu Qing.


    ¡°Let Captain Lei sleep a while more. I can still carry on.¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath.


    ¡°Alright, let us return to the campsite first and bring the leader to the doctor.¡± Cross nodded and took a white pill to feed it to Captain Lei. With Luan Tooth, they escorted from each side, and the three of them sped toward the campsite.


    On the way, there were many times when Luan Tooth wanted to speak. But in the end, she still couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Barbaric Ghost? Are the Bloodshadow Team still pursuing and attacking?¡±


    Xu Qing stayed silent and spoke softly after a long while.


    ¡°Barbaric Ghost mutated and died in battle.¡±


    That sentence stopped Cross and Luan Tooth in their tracks. They were speechless. Even if they were mentally prepared, there was still an intense sadness growing. Luan Tooth was even a little despondent.


    It was Xu Qing¡¯s second sentence that shook them, making them look at Xu Qing in disbelief.


    ¡°Bloodshadow Team, completely annihilated.¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head and slowly said while walking


    ¡°Is that why leader¡¯s injuries and anomalous substances are so serious¡­¡±


    Luan Tooth muttered as though she had an answer. To their side, Cross¡¯s expression was a little odd; he thought perhaps that was not the case. As such, he stared deeply at Xu Qing but didn¡¯t ask about the details.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t explain nor mention the incident with the singing voice. That was Captain Lei¡¯s secret, so whether or not it should be divulged wasn¡¯t up to him.


    Just like that, the three of them dashed the whole way, and it wasn¡¯t long before they reached the campsite. They then headed immediately to the carriage convoy from outside, where the doctor who had gained much popularity during this time was located. The people in the queue felt the somberness of the Thunder Team¡¯s members from their appearance. Spotting the unconscious Captain Lei, the person at the front of the queue outside of the doctor¡¯s tent cleverly gave way.


    This allowed everyone from the Thunder Team to step into the tent very quickly.


    The tent was huge and filled with a strong medicinal scent. In addition to a few guards in iron armor, there was also an ill-looking scavenger visiting the doctor.


    The person who was attending to the sick was a meager old man. He wore a set of ordinary but cleanly-washed gray long robes. Although wrinkles scattered around his face, there was vigor in his eyes. It seemed wise and farsighted, like the stars, as if it could see through a person¡¯s heart.


    On either side of the old man sat a young man and a young lady respectively. The man was a youth who seemed similar in age to Xu Qing. He wore a blue-colored long gown from silk with a black-colored jade headband on his head. Moreover, there was a jade pendant engraved with a dragon figure hanging by his waist, with a gold tassel scattered at the edge of the round cushion.


    The young man was handsome with a well-kempt appearance, but it seemed like he was still not fully awake. One of his hands supported his chin and he held a medical book in the other. He didn¡¯t seem like he had the energy to read it and was yawning from time to time.


    On the other side was a young girl, about sixteen or seventeen years old, in a long dress. Her long hair cascaded down like a waterfall, and she had a standard oval face. Her skin was snow-white, and she appeared refined and elegant.


    She had a pair of bright eyes that were as clear and bright as the multitude of stars. At that moment, she noticed the young man dozing off beside her and cracked a faint smile. Then, she lowered her head toward the pharmacopeia in her hands.


    In that smile, her eyes curved like a crescent moon, and it seemed as if her charm was overflowing.


    And between this frown and a smile, she revealed her elegance naturally. One couldn¡¯t help but gasp at her sharp and elegant radiance.


    The pair of golden boy and jade maiden* had a clear spirit that scavengers rarely saw. It made Luan Tooth feel inferior and even Cross took a few glances.


    As for Xu Qing, he looked at the medical books in their hands and his expression revealed envy. Soon, however, he retracted his gaze and placed more focus on the doctor in front of him.


    At that moment, the doctor was giving the scavenger who visited some instructions. After the scavenger left in gratitude, he washed his hands with the copper basin by his side and lifted his head to look at Xu Qing and his companions.


    His gaze swept past them and landed first on Xu Qing. His eyes seemed to be filled with some deep meaning behind them. Then, he looked at Captain Lei who was on Xu Qing¡¯s back as he spoke slowly.


    ¡°Put him down.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know why, but under the old man¡¯s gaze, he felt a little nervous. It was like he was back in the slums and was facing the sir who had taught them.


    As such, with the help of Cross, the two of them put Captain Lei down carefully, letting him lay flat in front of the old man.


    And it was at that moment that Captain Lei slowly regained consciousness. He started when he saw the tent and also spotted the doctor, Xu Qing, and the others. Just as he was about to get up on his feet, the elderly doctor spoke indifferently.


    ¡°Lie down properly.¡±


    Those words made Captain Lei turn toward the doctor. As they looked at each other, Captain Lei still continued to get up without a word. After that, with Cross stepping forward to lend his arm as a support, Captain Lei bowed to the doctor.


    las


    ¡°It¡¯s just a few injuries, but they still sent me here. I won¡¯t trouble Grandmaster Bai. I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°You know who I am?¡± The elderly doctor was puzzled as he looked over at Captain Lei.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen Grandmaster Bai once from a distance, many years ago.¡± Captain Lei nodded respectfully.


    Grandmaster Bai stared deeply at Captain Lei and said slowly.


    ¡°Your recent injury isn¡¯t too serious, and the anomalous substances in your body are also suppressed, so it¡¯s not a major issue. As for the exhaustion of your state of mind, it is obvious that there was an undue fluctuation in your emotions lately, which hurt your heart meridian.


    ¡°Although the combination of all these is a little troublesome, it is still alright and treatable. But¡­ this is not the main point.


    ¡°The main point is that there is an internal injury to your body that was incurred many years ago. I¡¯m guessing someone crippled your foundation in your early years and your current cultivation was rebuilt from scratch. To be able to reach this level of cultivation after having your foundation crippled is not easy.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that, with all these mixed together, you¡¯ve overused everything. It is difficult to treat them with ordinary medication, so I am also powerless. I¡¯ll give you a set of medications. To what extent it would be able to heal, will depend on your fate.


    ¡°But you must remember at all costs that from now on, you cannot continue your cultivation breathing technique. Otherwise, when the anomalous substances increase and cause the internal injury to relapse, then¡­ you¡¯ll meet certain death.¡±


    Hearing Grandmaster Bai¡¯s words, Cross and Luan Tooth fell into silence. It was apparent that they knew Captain Lei¡¯s foundation had been crippled before. However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t know about it and looked toward Captain Lei, suddenly recalling the singing in the forbidden zone and that pair of red female shoes.


    ¡°Is there no other way?¡± Cross asked slowly.


    ¡°There is. If you can find the heavenfate flower, which belongs to the category of heavenly ingredients and earthly treasures, then you can naturally continue to cultivate for another generation. It was said that one of such stalks once appeared in the forbidden zone near here.¡±


    Cross went silent and Luan Tooth looked anxious. At this moment, Xu Qing looked at Captain Lei. Compared to them, Captain Lei looked calm and smiled slightly.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that serious. It¡¯s all chronic illnesses. We won¡¯t disturb Grandmaster Bai any longer,¡± Captain Lei said and bowed to Grandmaster Bai. After that, he called out for Xu Qing and the others to leave.


    The three people, including Xu Qing, respectfully thanked Grandmaster Bai in succession and left with the medication in hand.


    However, Xu Qing, who had something on his mind, wondered if he was imagining things. When he took his leave after expressing his gratitude, he felt that the gaze Grandmaster Bai held toward him was one of scrutiny.


    The Thunder Team stayed quiet the whole way.


    When they were back at Captain Lei¡¯s residence, Cross and Luan Tooth looked as though they had something to say, but they were sent away by Captain Lei.


    It was only after they had left that Captain Lei took out some tobacco from the residence and a pipe from the leather bag. After loading it, he lit it and sucked a deep breath from it.


    As he exhaled, he let out a long and relaxed sigh. Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s concerned expression, he waved the pipe and laughed.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think about smoking while in the forbidden zone, but taking a puff upon returning is truly comfortable. This thing is more effective than any medication.¡±


    Xu Qing was just about to speak.


    ¡°What do you feel like eating today? I will make a meal for you¡­ Accompany me for a drink.¡± Captain Lei didn¡¯t let Xu Qing speak, as though he didn¡¯t wish to listen. Hence, Xu Qing looked at him quietly and nodded his head after a long while.


    ¡°I want to eat snake.¡±


    [1] Golden boy and the jade maiden ( ) are from Chinese mythology. In novels, they are often used to describe attractive and well-matched couples.

 Chapter 37 - Fireworks in the human world

    Chapter 37 Fireworks in the human world


    Within the scavenger¡¯s campsite, apart from the necessities for survival, meat was the next thing they had in abundance.


    This was due to the proximity to the forbidden zone. Some scavengers headed there every day, which was why there were several stalls selling edible meat.


    Captain Lei¡¯s wrinkled face broke into a restrained laugh upon hearing that Xu Qing wanted to eat snake meat.


    He understood that the reason why Xu Qing said snake meat was because of what he said back then. It was obvious that the kid in front of him had committed it to memory.


    As such, he stopped Xu Qing when he was about to head out to buy the meat.


    ¡°Those bunch of people in the campsite are all deceitful. You are not that knowledgeable about the mutated beasts from the forbidden zone. It¡¯ll be easy for you to get scammed and find yourself in a situation where you are being coerced to buy. It¡¯s still better for me to go instead.¡± Captain Lei said as he stood up.


    Upon hearing the words, ¡®coerced to buy¡¯, Xu Qing subconsciously touched the iron stick and answered seriously after some thought.


    ¡°They won¡¯t.¡±


    Captain Lei glanced at the iron stick and couldn¡¯t help laughing. Without speaking, he walked out of the courtyard.


    Watching Captain Lei¡¯s figure, Xu Qing deliberated, then walked into the side room. He washed the pans and bowls meticulously, then arranged and cleaned the table. Finally, he prepared three sets of bowls and chopsticks and placed them on top. Looking at the additional set, Xu Qing suddenly understood something.


    ¡°That is for a person who would never come.¡± The words Captain Lei had once said surfaced in his mind. In his silence, he placed the third set of a bowl and chopsticks beside Captain Lei¡¯s set.


    He did the same for the chair.


    After doing these, Xu Qing turned his head and looked at the courtyard outside the house. At this moment, the sky had turned into dusk. There was a little chilliness in the breeze and within that, there were some indistinct snowflakes.


    During the end-of-March season for the eastern part of the Nanhuang Continent, while the weather was beginning to warm up again and everything was coming back to life, the winter days didn¡¯t seem to be resigned. From time to time, there would still be snowflakes falling, as though to tell all things that it hadn¡¯t left yet.


    At that moment, the snowflakes swayed in the overcast sky, blown down by the wind.


    They seemed to fall from Heaven to the human world. They then got scattered across the world, then swiftly melted from the warmth as well.


    Ultimately, you could see that it was just a land full of mud.


    No matter how prestigious a place it came from, no matter how clean it was, when it was in the human world, it would still be mixed with sludge. Blending together, indistinguishable from each other.


    There was no telling if it was the wind that held the snow, causing it to be icier. Or, was it the snow that infected the wind, causing it to be even more chilly?


    At the moment, as it was gusting through the earth, through the campsite, through the bamboo courtyard and residence, Xu Qing felt a little cold.


    Even though he was a cultivator, in the depths of his memory, there was still the fear of cold which had accumulated for years, and this made him feel somewhat uncomfortable in this freezing cold.


    It was until he saw an unsteady silhouette in this cold gust, shielding against the blizzard as they walked from afar and opened the door in the courtyard. The moment the figure was revealed, their voice which was laced with laughter penetrated the blizzard.


    ¡°Kid, you¡¯re in for a treat today. Look what I managed to buy. This is a redflower snake. The quality of meat on this snake can be regarded as premium. I¡¯ll show off my abilities for you in a while.¡±


    Captain Lei carried the body of the snake and walked into the side room in large strides.


    Noticing the tidiness within the side room, the arrangement of tables and chairs, the bowls and chopsticks, and especially the two sets which were placed side by side, Captain Lei¡¯s wrinkled-filled face broke into a smile and stared deeply at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Do you want to learn how to cook a snake?¡± Captain Lei asked.


    ¡°I do.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. He was thirsty for everything that he didn¡¯t possess the knowledge of, especially the snake that Captain Lei cooked. It was delicious.


    Captain Lei laughed and called Xu Qing to his side. He introduced as he made it.


    ¡°Logically, you¡¯d have to behead and remove the tail of this snake but those people don¡¯t know that the reason you must remove its tail was because of excretion. However, as long as you have removed the venom in the snake head, it could lift the flavor of the snake meat on a whole, enhancing its freshness.¡±


    Captain Lei was delighted when he spoke about cooking


    Xu Qing listened attentively from the side as well. Watched as Captain Lei cleaned the snake, skinned it then remove the internal organs and other junk from the body. He then chopped it into pieces before placing it to the side.


    ¡°Kid, you have to remember, whether there will be an aftertaste or not is still dependent on the soup.¡±


    With that, Captain Lei began to slow boil the soup in a clay pot and added many medicinal ingredients to it. At last, the snake head which had been treated previously was thrown into the mix as well.


    After doing these, following the aroma which permeated the whole place, Xu Qing gulped. Witnessing this, Captain Lei laughed out loud and retrieved a clean wok. He then began to stir-fry the snake meat at high heat. In that instant, the pitter-patter sounds of the oil reverberated. Wafts of heavy fragrance assaulted the senses in waves, spreading out in the side room as it drifted out.


    It was as though it had dispersed all of the cold, making Xu Qing¡¯s stomach rumble uncontrollably. Looking at the boiling snake meat, even his eyes became straight.


    Very soon, following Captain Lei¡¯s fire, the stir-fried snake meant was also added to the pot. As he covered the lid, he looked toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°Have you learned it?¡±


    Xu Qing stared at the clap pot and nodded his head vigorously. He watched the entire process and didn¡¯t think it too difficult.


    Captain Lei smiled a little and left the side room. When he returned, he carried two alcohol flasks. He threw one of it to Xu Qing and held onto the other, exclaiming with praises when he took a gulp.


    ¡°There is no lack of meat in the campsite but this alcohol is a rare commodity.¡± Xu Qing lifted the flask and looked into the turbid liquid. He had never drunk alcohol before.


    Just as Captain Lei said, this was considered a rare commodity. There was none of it in the slums, only some of the important figures in the cities would be able to taste it.


    But looking at the enjoyment on Captain Lei¡¯s face after drinking it, Xu Qing hesitantly placed it to the corner of his lips. After drinking a sip, his brows furrowed. He felt as though his entire mouth was filled with spiciness, but he still swallowed it.


    A stream of heat emerged from his throat as it flowed down his esophagus and into his stomach. Then, it exploded violently and heat spread throughout his entire body. It turned into a breath that gushed to his mouth, causing him to open it and let out an alcohol-laced breath.


    ¡°It¡¯s not pleasant.¡± Xu Qing looked at Captain Lei.


    Captain Lei burst out into laughter when he heard that and pointed to Xu Qing. ¡°You¡¯re still too young and can¡¯t taste the flavor of alcohol. When you¡¯ve grown older, you¡¯ll surely like it.¡±


    With that, Captain Lei was about to take the alcohol flask from Xu Qing¡¯s hands but the latter dodged it.


    ¡°I will try some more.¡± Xu Qing replied seriously and then took another sip. He was still frowning but at the same time, he got used to the strange taste.


    Not long after, under Captain Lei¡¯s good-natured teasing towards Xu Qing, the snake meat was done cooking.


    When he served the clay pot, the aroma diffused the moment he opened the lid. Xu Qing¡¯s adam apple involuntarily twitched and he put down the flask. He waited for Captain Lei to pick up a piece before he stabbed into one and wolfed it down.


    He still couldn¡¯t change the habit of wolfing down his food ravenously when eating.


    Just like that, while the wind and snow mingled outside, inside the residence, the old and young drank as they ate the meat, the feeling of warmth gradually suffused the atmosphere.


    Watching Xu Qing¡¯s awkward posture as he exerted his strength when using the chopsticks, Captain Lei¡¯s eyes revealed some gentleness behind them. He muttered in his heart.


    ¡°After all, he¡¯s still a child. It¡¯s a pity¡­ that he lived in such a cruel world.¡±


    When the blizzard gusted from outside, as there were gaps in the residence¡¯s structure, it managed to slip in through the cracks. Despite being covered in perspiration from eating the hot food, Xu Qing had some resistance to the cold wind as it landed on him causing him to merely curled his body slightly.


    That small gesture was caught by Captain Lei. He looked pensive but he didn¡¯t speak.


    After a long while, Xu Qing mimicked Captain Lei in taking another big gulp of alcohol and exhaling an alcohol-laced breath. The former watched the old man who brought him out of the ruined city and settled here, then spoke up abruptly.


    ¡°Your injuries¡­¡±


    ¡°No matter. I¡¯ve already lived with it for so many years, why would I die this easily? It¡¯s fine.¡±


    Xu Qing went silent. He wanted to question Captain Lei about the crippling of his foundation but when he recalled the scene in the forbidden zone, he didn¡¯t ask in the end.


    They ate the meal for a long time. Only after the alcohol flask in Captain Lei¡¯s hands was empty did he stand up. His eyes looked a little hazy as he returned to his room.


    Looking at his figure, Xu Qing could clearly feel that the vigor Captain Lei used to exude seemed to have dissipated a little after their return from the forbidden zone.


    Xu Qing was quiet and only got up after a while. He tidied up the dining table and cleaned the pots and bowls, before placing them neatly. Only then did he return to his room.


    Sitting on the bed plank, he raised his head towards the blizzard outside. He curled his body and retrieved the leather bag he picked up from the Bloodshadow Captain when he was in the forbidden zone.


    Even though there were no alchemy pills in it, there were a lot of spirit coins. There were also several miscellaneous items that Xu Qing checked through.


    Finally, he took out a black glove. The texture of it didn¡¯t feel like leather, more like metallic.


    When he tried it on, Xu Qing realized the item was very tough. It provided an impressive amount of protection. So, he struck a few punches with it on and thought it was not bad. Only then did he take it off and meditated with his eyes closed, starting his breathing technique.


    It was a night of silence.


    At dawn, the flurry of snow continued falling but it was warmer by much. After a night of freezing cold, the snowflakes which fell to the ground could finally exist for some time.


    Hence, when Xu Qing stepped out of the room, he saw traces on the snow.


    Xu Qing held his clothes tighter around him and glanced toward Captain Lei¡¯s residence. After exiting the courtyard, he thought he ought to do something. For example, buying some white pills for Captain Lei.


    As such, after heading out, the snow that Xu Qing stepped on let out a crunching sound as he walked toward the general store.


    When Xu Qing passed Grandmaster Bai¡¯s carriage fleet¡¯s tent, he could hear the faint sound of the young man and lady studying. That sound made him stop in his tracks and there was a look of envy in his eyes as he glanced over.


    After a while, he turned his head without speaking and continued towards the general store.


    As he neared, he could see the general store from afar as well as the little girl who was diligently clearing the snow tracks outside of it. Her garments were something thin, her tiny hands were red from the cold and there were clouds of vapor coming from her mouth.


    After days of not seeing her, the little girl seemed to have adapted a little to the life at the campsite. Though it was tiring, she was still earnest in cleaning up.


    Even though the snow was still falling, she still continued to sweep. It was just that the scar that ruined her face was a little obvious under the morning sun.


    When Xu Qing neared, the little girl seemed to sense it. Raising her head, her eyes lit up when she saw Xu Qing, revealing a joyful smile.


    ¡°Morning.¡±


    ¡°Morning¡­¡± Xu Qing was not used to such greetings. He nodded and then looked inside the general store.


    Perhaps it was because the sun had just come up, or maybe it was due to the weather, but there was no one inside. Not even the shop owner.


    ¡°What do you want to buy? I¡¯ll get it for you.¡± The little girl smiled.


    ¡°White pills.¡± Xu Qing looked at her.


    At the sound of that, the little girl leaned the broom in her hands against the wall to her side. After she brought Xu Qing into the store, she ran to the back of the counter and rummaged through some things. Very soon, she took out a few leather bags as she opened them, and put them back.


    It was quite a while later before she a bag out and handed it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°The boss dictated we can only sell five a day, so I can¡¯t sell you more.¡± The little girl was apologetic as she looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing could understand it. He took the leather bag and opened it to check. After that, his gaze froze slightly.


    He noticed that the white pill in this leather bag had a quality that was a lot better than what he bought previously. Among them, there were three which didn¡¯t have a smear of green and there was even a faint medicinal fragrance wafting from them.


    He thought back to the little girl¡¯s actions and then raised his head towards her.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. It¡¯s within my scope of authority.¡± The little girl blinked and smiled.


    Xu Qing stared deeply at the little girl.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me for such a trivial matter. I¡¯m the one who owes you my thanks. If it¡¯s not for you, I might not have survived until now.¡±


    The little girl¡¯s smile was radiant and there was a glimmer in her eyes. After saying that, she seemed to have remembered something and whispered to Xu Qing as she escorted him out.


    ¡°I heard the boss talking about it yesterday. Recently, there were a lot of young people disappearing from the campsite and according to his expression, it seems like he didn¡¯t think it was caused by the dangers of the forbidden zone. More like it was caused by humans¡­ Keep an eye out for yourself.¡±


    There was concern in the little girl¡¯s eyes and Xu Qing was not used to such a gaze. He retreated a few steps and nodded, leaving after saying his thanks.


    He didn¡¯t walk too far before he turned his head. He stared at the figure of the little girl who continued to sweep the snow, and at the scar on her face under the sunlight.


    He suddenly remembered what Captain Lei said before, that there was a stone that could remove scars in the temper cluster at the forbidden zone.


    ¡°If there¡¯s a chance, I¡¯ll go find one for her.¡± Xu Qing muttered in his heart then turned and left.


    The young man walked away, leaving a trail of tracks in the snow. The wind and snow behind him¡­ grew even heavie

 Chapter 38 - Home? (1)

    Chapter 38 Home? (1)


    Amidst the wind and snow, Xu Qing returned to the courtyard. However, before he could even enter, he already heard the joyous laughter of Captain Lei from outside.


    Following that were the sounds of dogs barking. Pushing aside the gate, Xu Qing saw more than ten wild dogs in the courtyard.


    They all lay there and stared coldly at Xu Qing. However, Xu Qing swept his gaze past them without any ferocity. It was just a simple look, but the fur of those wild dogs stood, and they retreated slowly.


    A soft cry of surprise echoed from Captain Lei¡¯s room.


    As the gate opened, Cross and Luan Tooth walked out. They looked from Xu Qing to the tens of dogs, and then Cross cracked a small smile.


    ¡°Kid, the dogs are saying that there¡¯s a really strong baleful air coming from you.¡± Luan Tooth squatted down and softly caressed the head of a wild dog by her side, smiling as she told him this.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything but looked at Captain Lei who had walked out of the room.


    Captain Lei was wearing a thick leather coat and carrying a tobacco pipe in his hand. When he stepped out, he pointed toward Luan Tooth and spoke exasperatedly.


    ¡°Luan Tooth, this girl, thinks I¡¯m injured and worries about my safety at the campsite. So, she insisted on sending these dogs to guard the house and protect the yard.¡±


    It was a simple sentence, but Xu Qing understood the meaning behind it.


    Captain Lei didn¡¯t tell them about the incident involving Xu Qing, just like Xu Qing didn¡¯t mention the singing voice. He let Captain Lei make his own decision, and Captain Lei also left the right to divulge that incident to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing nodded. He then retrieved the leather bag with the white pills and passed it to Captain Lei.


    Captain Lei took it and swept a glance. He then laughed and didn¡¯t stand on ceremony.


    ¡°Alright, I do need these things but don¡¯t buy them anymore in the future. I have a lot of them saved up. I even have enough to sell.¡± With that, he looked at Cross.


    ¡°Cross, the kid is back too. Whatever it is, you can talk about it now.¡±


    Cross stopped smiling and his expression turned solemn as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°I came here today for two matters.¡±


    ¡°The first is about Captain Lei¡¯s medicine. Luan Tooth and I have purchased them, and it is about a month¡¯s worth of medication. Afterward, we¡¯ll purchase again when you¡¯re done with it.¡± With that, he took down a leather bag by his waist and placed it to the side.


    ¡°Then, the second thing. Due to the elimination of the Bloodshadow Team, even though other scavengers also participated in the harvesting of seven-leaf grass, none of them harvested as many as ours.


    ¡°Luan Tooth and I handed it over to the camp leader yesterday and received the reward. However¡­ As per the camp leader¡¯s habitual deductions, he didn¡¯t give us three clear dust pills. There was only one.¡± As Cross said this, he looked at Luan Tooth.


    Luan Tooth took out four leather bags and placed them to the side. She retrieved a wooden box after that. In front of everyone, she opened it and revealed a green alchemy pill, the size of a pigeon¡¯s egg.


    The medicinal fragrance spread out. It was evident that this was much better than the white pill.


    ¡°Barbaric Ghost didn¡¯t have any relatives, so I took the liberty to distribute his share among us. These four leather bags contain our respective portion of spirit coins, and about this clear dust pill¡­¡±


    At that, Cross looked at Captain Lei and awaited his allocation.


    ¡°Let¡¯s give it to the kid,¡± Captain Lei said quietly. At that moment, some of the imposing manners he had as the leader of the Thunder Team returned.


    Cross nodded. Luan Tooth was stunned for a moment then fell into deep thoughts. When they asked Captain Lei about what had happened in the jungle earlier, he didn¡¯t reveal it. However, with this allocation, the answer was obvious.


    ¡°About Barbaric Ghost¡­ It was right to distribute his share. We are his relatives.¡±


    Captain Lei sighed softly and picked up his share. Cross and Luan Tooth then picked up their respective portions as well. Xu Qing didn¡¯t make a noise and similarly picked up the leather bag.


    Regarding the clear dust pill that Luan Tooth passed over, Xu Qing took a look at Captain Lei after taking it. There was a sternness in Captain Lei¡¯s eyes that made Xu Qing understand the meaning behind it. Hence, he quietly kept it.


    The four conversed for a while, mainly between Cross and the other two persons. As usual, Xu Qing was reticent and listened quietly from the side.


    Yet, regardless of Cross or Luan Tooth, none of them neglected Xu Qing¡¯s existence. They would occasionally ask for his opinion.


    Just like that, as the time passed, noon came quickly. Following the temporary halt of the wind and snow, Cross and Luan Tooth chose to leave. Before they left, Cross whispered to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Kid, Luan Tooth and I have accepted a mission and will need to head out for a trip. During this time¡­ the leader is in your care.¡± As he said this, he took out a dagger and passed it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Your dagger is full of rust. Use this instead, it¡¯s very sharp.¡±


    Luan Tooth passed him a whistle as well.


    ¡°Kid, although you are strong in combat, you¡¯ll still need eyes and helpers, right? This whistle can easily control the wild dogs on the campsite. If there¡¯s a need, you can blow it. They are very smart and will know what to


    do.¡±


    After a round of urging from the two of them, they cupped their fists with the other hand and took their leave.


    Looking at their silhouettes, Xu Qing kept the whistle and stuffed the dagger Cross gave into his boots. However, he didn¡¯t throw away the original dagger he had.


    Thereafter, he raised his head and stared at their figures until Cross and Luan Tooth disappeared from his vision. Xu Qing then turned his head and looked at Captain Lei¡¯s room.


    It was only after some time did he decide to walk through the wild dogs and into the residence.


    He then closed his eyes and sat cross-legged in meditation.


    The wind was strong outside and it made a whimpering noise. As it blew across the earth, the snow on the ground was mixed with the snow falling from mid-air. It then entered through all the gaps in the entrance of the tents and houses, alarming the people inside.


    It also reached the body of Captain Lei who was resting in the house. For someone who was long used to it, he didn¡¯t mind the cold wind.


    However, in his mind, the image of Xu Qing curling up in the cold surfaced. As such, he turned his head in the direction of Xu Qing¡¯s room, and after a moment of silence, he took his leather hat and left the residence.

 Chapter 39 - Home? (2)

    Chapter 39 Home? (2)


    Time flew by and it was three days in a blink of an eye.


    In those three days, it was like the blizzard was using up its last remaining power and scattered its leftover chill, causing snow to fall ceaselessly. The snow on the ground hadn¡¯t had time to melt before it accumulated a thick layer.


    Even though the weather was bad, for scavengers, survival was more important than the cold.


    As such, there were gradually more people at the campsite; some continued to seek treatment for their illnesses, while the others headed toward the forbidden zone.


    At the same time, as the Bloodshadow Team didn¡¯t return for a long time, it slowly led to discussions among the scavengers. It wasn¡¯t known where the rumors came from, but they said that the Bloodshadow Team had completely perished in the forbidden zone.


    Not many believed this at the start. After all, the members of the Bloodshadow Team couldn¡¯t be underestimated.


    Especially the Bloodshadow Captain, who was one of the strongest among the scavengers on the campsite. A person like that had visited the forbidden zone countless times, so the possibility of the entire team being wiped out was slim.


    However, two more days went by and there was still no sign of anyone from the Bloodshadow Team. This made the scavengers from the campsite believe in the rumors one after another.


    In addition, they recalled the day when Captain Lei returned in his unconscious state.


    And they also made the connection with Barbaric Ghost¡¯s disappearance. Everything seemed to have been answered.


    No matter if it was true or false, without Bloodshadow, the Thunder Team was now the strongest on the campsite.


    Hence, when Xu Qing headed out these days, what he saw most was the respectful gazes from the scavengers all around.


    He knew that what these people respected was the Thunder Team and not him personally. But he didn¡¯t mind it. Nowadays, he was puzzled about Captain Lei who always left early in the morning but returned late at night. He didn¡¯t know what the latter was busy with.


    However, Xu Qing understood that everyone was independent and so he didn¡¯t see a need to disturb him. Besides, there were a lot of things he had to do as well. For most of the time, Xu Qing stayed alone in the residence and cultivated quietly.


    With his diligence, his cultivation base improved slowly, and his strength and speed steadily increased.


    Regarding his shadow, Xu Qing looked into it many times as well.


    However, it seemed like the shadow still didn¡¯t have any changes apart from absorbing the anomalous substances. Everything was just like before, and it also caused the mutation point on Xu Qing¡¯s arm to vanish completely.


    The purity in his body caused Xu Qing to feel that his cultivation progress was evidently much faster than before.


    In the afternoon two days later, Xu Qing sat cross-legged and meditated. He prepared to first stabilize his cultivation from the past few days before attempting a breakthrough to the fourth level of Mountains and Seas Art. But at this moment, he frowned slightly and opened his eyes.


    The stray dogs were barking outside and someone was knocking on the bamboo gate.


    Xu Qing walked out of the residence and noted that Captain Lei wasn¡¯t back yet. He then looked to the other side of the bamboo gate and saw a scavenger with a look of hesitation on his face standing there.


    Xu Qing had seen that person before. He was one of the seven or eight people he had rescued before he returned from the forbidden zone.


    As the scavenger noticed the appearance of Xu Qing, he promptly clasped his hands.


    ¡°Brother Kid, it¡¯s me. I¡¯m Bone Blade.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Xu Qing donned a poker face and asked flatly.


    ¡°This¡­¡± Bone Blade had some reservations, but after a quick thought, he still gritted his teeth and then continued.


    ¡°Brother Kid, I wish to use five white pills in exchange for your insurance.¡± With that, he threw a leather bag toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t catch it and looked at Bone Blade suspiciously. Hence, the leather bag that the person threw landed on the ground. The stray dogs at the side went to take a look but didn¡¯t dare to approach it.


    Sensing Xu Qing¡¯s suspicion, Bone Blade, who was outside the bamboo gate, hurriedly gave his account of what he meant. And after listening to what he had to say, Xu Qing began to understand the meaning of this so-called insurance.


    According to Bone Blade, he wanted Xu Qing to head toward the forbidden zone¡¯s Venomous Dragon Swamp area if the former didn¡¯t return in three days and rescue him just like before.


    ¡°Brother Kid, I¡¯m not worried about the mutated beasts in the forbidden zone; it¡¯s my fate to die in their mouths. What I¡¯m worried most about is the labyrinth fog. I¡¯m truly not willing to die to it.¡±


    Xu Qing had a strange look on his face, not expecting the other person to make such a request. Hence, he thought about it and asked.


    ¡°What if there is no fog in those three days, or if you make an early return?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to return the alchemy pills then. I¡¯m just buying for peace of mind.¡± Bone Blade bowed lowly to Xu Qing with a pleading look.


    Xu Qing stayed silent as he regarded the leather pouch. With a hook of the tip of his foot, he picked it up and checked its contents.


    There were five white pills in it. Although he did not need it, this was the campsite¡¯s currency. And so, after some thought, he figured that this request was feasible.


    Hence, after pondering, Xu Qing nodded.


    Seeing as Xu Qing agreed, Bone Blade let out a breath of relief. With gratitude, he cupped his fist and left.


    Xu Qing took the leather bag and squinted his eyes. He was naturally vigilant, and it wasn¡¯t like he completely believed the person¡¯s words.


    However, he didn¡¯t think that there was a huge possibility of it being a trap.


    If the fog didn¡¯t rise, then he could choose not to go. And if the other person could accurately estimate the timing of the fog three days in advance, then with such an ability, there was no need for him to play tricks on others.


    Even so, Xu Qing remained vigilant and planned to make a decision only when the time came.


    Thus, he turned and returned to the residence and continued with his meditation. A night then passed.


    The next morning, Xu Qing had just completed his cultivation when he raised his head and looked out of the room. He heard the dogs outside barking.


    When he stepped out, he witnessed a strange scene. Captain Lei was currently packing up. He tied big bags and small parcels on the stray dogs¡¯ bodies one by one, causing them to stick out their tongues. Some of them were about to collapse on their stomachs from the weight.


    ¡°You¡¯re done cultivating? Let¡¯s go, I¡¯m bringing you somewhere.¡±


    Captain Lei wiped his perspiration and smiled as he spoke. After that, he patted the stray dogs by the side and opened the bamboo gate. He then waved to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was confused. He followed over with those stray dogs trailing behind. Just like that, the two people and a pack of dogs strode through the campsite.


    From the center-ring region to the inner-ring region. There were a lot of shops here, and the houses were largely made of bricks. All of them looked very solidly built.


    er


    They walked until they reached a huge courtyard with four independent brick houses in it. Each one of them was much better than all the places Xu Qing had resided before. They were much sturdier and denser in comparison.


    After he looked at this, Xu Qing turned toward Captain Lei.


    ¡°This will be our new home from now on,¡± Captain Lei said with a smile.


    ¡°New home?¡± Xu Qing was stunned. The word, ¡°home¡±, gave him a familiar sense of unfamiliarity.


    ¡°I have been busy for half my life and saved a lot. Since my body is giving way now, I might as well move to a bigger house and enjoy life.¡±


    Captain Lei laughed and walked ahead. After that, he took the baggage from the dogs and began to get busy.


    Xu Qing stood there and slowly began to enter only after a while. He looked at the bricks on the floor and at the houses in front of him as he fell into a trance. Even after Captain Lei called him to help out, he still hadn¡¯t gotten used to it.


    After that, it was half a day of hustle and bustle. When the night arrived once more, the cold wind still gusted outside. The blizzard was still there, and while the whistling sounds of the gale filled the atmosphere, Xu Qing and Captain Lei sat beside a stove in the house. The warmth gushed toward them and filled the air in the whole room.


    There were no cracks in the wall here, so the ice-cold wind couldn¡¯t enter at all. Xu Qing quickly realized this and felt his body was comfortably warm.


    ¡°Not cold anymore, right?¡± Captain Lei had a smile on his face.


    ¡°Mm. Not cold anymore.¡± Xu Qing nodded. Under the light of the stove, there seemed to be a glimmer in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes when he looked over at Captain Lei.


    He was indeed not cold anymore. In this warmth, Xu Qing even felt a fluttering in the depths of his heart.


    After a long time, when Captain Lei returned to his room, Xu Qing was sitting near the stove on his own and muttered.


    ¡°Home?¡±


    At that moment, in the house by the side, Captain Lei who returned to his room had the remnants of a smile on his face. However, his face soon turned somewhat red.


    He covered his mouth and coughed a few times. After a while, he swallowed the fishy taste down his throat. With a soft sigh, he stood beside the window and lifted his head as he looked toward the forbidden zone. Memories surfaced in his gaze as he mumbled.


    ¡°I really want to¡­ go there and take a look again.¡±

 Chapter 40 - Thirst For Knowledge

    Chapter 40 Thirst For Knowledge


    That very night, Xu Qing had a dream.


    This was the first time in over six years that he stayed in such a luxurious house and didn¡¯t feel the chill from outside. At the same time, it was also a rare night where he had dreams.


    In the dream, this world wasn¡¯t a cruel one. The sky didn¡¯t have the fragmented face of the god, and his parents were also beside him. He even had an elder brother.


    Also, he was living a worry-free life and going to school with a group of play companions. After school, he returned to his warm house and ate the piping hot dinner together with his loved ones, enjoying a beautiful sleep later at night. However, all his loved ones in the dream had somewhat blurry appearances.


    He really wanted to see them clearly, but there was always a layer of mist shrouding them. The dream lasted all the way until morning arrived. Xu Qing who was lying on his bed finally opened his eyes.


    He stared at the ceiling and rested for a moment as though he was completely awakening from the dream before he silently stared at the surroundings¡­


    Inside this grayish-black room constructed from bricks, not only were there a table, chairs, and a bed, but there was even a bathroom with lingering warmth on its floor. This warmth was something left behind by the heat of the stove last night.


    On the floor, there was a mat weaved from straw, and there was an empty bookshelf at the side.


    This place looked simple, but in Xu Qing¡¯s heart, it was already very luxurious.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and walked toward the bathroom. He then carefully stretched out his hands and placed them inside the water. As he watched his dirt-covered hands slowly reverting to their normal color from the water, he swiftly lifted


    them up.


    He lowered his head and stared for a moment before wiping them on his body and getting them dirty again. After that, he glanced up and looked at his reflection in the mirror.


    A large leather coat, a head full of messy raven-black hair, a dirt-covered little face, and that pair of clear eyes.


    After some time, Xu Qing turned and gazed toward the windows. The clarity in his eyes was then replaced by indifference.


    The wind and snow had stopped in the world outside the window, and sunlight streamed down. This was the final snow of winter, and the snow on the ground was slowly disappearing


    On the trees in the distance, as the remnants of snow melted, green buds could be seen. It was as though they were telling everyone that spring¡­had truly arrived.


    Xu Qing walked out of his room and habitually cast a glance at Captain Lei¡¯s residence. As for the over ten wild dogs in the courtyard, they didn¡¯t even lift their heads. They merely swept their tails across the ground in greeting.


    ¡°What should I do?¡± Xu Qing silently mused as a hint of determination appeared in his gaze.


    Hence, he pushed the courtyard gate open and walked out. His target was clear. It was none other than the tent where the doctor of the carriages was in.


    During the early morning, there weren¡¯t many scavengers at the campsite. As Xu Qing moved closer to the fleet of carriages, all the guards there swept their gazes over to him, and Xu Qing could faintly hear the sounds of studying drifting from the tent the doctor was in.


    He hesitated for a while before he quietly stood outside the tent, waiting in silence.


    The guards around the convoy all looked at him with scrutiny. After observing for some time, half of them retracted their gazes, but a few were still observing him closely.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t bothered by these. This was because he could hear the sounds of studying drifting out from within. As he listened, he gradually fell into a daze. He also discovered that there wasn¡¯t only the sound of people studying inside the tent; the teacher inside was testing his students too.


    ¡°Goldturn grass, also known as the three-leaf pearl or the coldscatter grass. It is the white water sedge that belongs to the cyperaceae-class of plants and would only be birthed after many years. It grows in forests under the hillsides and in spacious wet areas. They can be found in Lingyou, the southern part of Nanhuang, and the two continents of Guangling. Its effects consist of soothing the lungs and stopping coughs, mild detoxification, dispersion of bruises, and curing venomous snake bites or injuries from a fall. It can be matched with¡­¡±


    The young girl¡¯s voice that was originally filled with confidence started to have some hesitation as she continued speaking.


    ¡°Match with what?¡± In the tent, Grandmaster Bai¡¯s imposing voice was filled with strictness.


    ¡°It can be matched with the rhino-fire flower to be concocted in the medicine. Borrowing yang to transform yin, it can become a drop of poison-avoidance liquid, which is one of the basic ingredients for the Great Transformation Pill.¡± The young girl seemed to be a little afraid. Her speed of speaking increased by quite a lot, and she even heaved a sigh of relief after she finished speaking.


    Xu Qing stood outside the tent and grew increasingly serious as he listened to these.


    ¡°Whiteback root, also known as¡­eh. It belongs to the Euphorbiaceae-class, the root of a plant named ¡®turn-in-the-wind¡¯. Its taste is slightly bitter. It can be found in¡­and the effects are treating something of the five inner organs¡­¡± That youth began to hesitate as he spoke and at the end, he directly stopped. Evidently, he had forgotten it.


    Inside the tent, the youth who sat together with the young girl now had a look of nervousness on his face. He was very anxious, but he simply couldn¡¯t recall. Hence, he glanced pleadingly at the young girl.


    The young girl beside him clearly knew the answer, but she didn¡¯t remind him no matter what. In the end, the youth could only have a depressed look on his face.


    And in front of them was Grandmaster Bai. At this moment, he turned his head and glanced outside the tent. The guard there immediately looked over and immediately asked with his eyes if Grandmaster Bai had any requests.


    Grandmaster Bai thought about it before slightly shaking his head. After that, he coldly snorted at the stammering youth.


    ¡°Tonight, you shall copy the Grasswood Scripture ten times!¡±


    This time around, the youth really wanted to cry, but he didn¡¯t dare to make any rebuttal. Hence, he could only hang his head depressedly and silently wailed.


    After Grandmaster Bai finished testing his two disciples, he calmly continued and spoke about the lesson today. His voice was slightly louder than before and also much clearer.


    The youth didn¡¯t notice this, but the young girl was meticulous by nature. Hence, she felt a little puzzled and blinked her eyes while casting a glance at the tent entrance. As she looked over, she could see a small and skinny figure standing near the tent under the reflection of the sun.


    Xu Qing, who was outside the tent, listened even more seriously. Every word and sentence spoken by Grandmaster Bai was deeply remembered by him as he was afraid he might forget even the slightest bit. To him, knowledge was something extremely valuable that he thirsted for.


    ren


    Just like this, time slowly passed. Today, the duration of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s lesson also exceeded the norm by almost twice. Only after the sun was high up in the sky and there was a long line of scavengers waiting for treatment queuing up did Grandmaster Bai end his lesson. A hoarse-sounding voice then rang out. ¡°The youth outside, you can enter.¡±


    Xu Qing quivered and was awakened from his state of learning, which he didn¡¯t want to end. He then took a deep breath and carefully pushed the tent¡¯s flap open guiltily. After he entered, he stood silently at the side, feeling somewhat ill at ease.


    Originally, he wouldn¡¯t be like this, but he had come here to make an inquiry today and he had even eavesdropped for such a long time outside. In the slums, such behavior would easily inspire disgust from others.


    As though Grandmaster Bai could see the youth¡¯s nervousness, he slowed his pace of speaking and calmly spoke.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    As his voice rang out, the young girl at the side surveyed Xu Qing with curiosity.


    She had some recollection of this kid. She remembered that several days ago, this kid had carried an old man here for medical treatment.


    ¡°I greet Grandmaster Bai.¡± Xu Qing lowered his head and imitated what Captain Lei did, dipping into a deep bow toward Grandmaster Bai.


    After that, he hesitated for a while before saying that he wanted to inquire about the heavenfate flower.


    After he spoke, he took out five white pills from his pouch and placed them before Grandmaster Bai.


    The usual fee was a single white pill, but Xu Qing felt one white pill was insufficient given that he had listened to a lesson from the other party. In fact, even five white pills were not enough.


    He then took out another 10 spirit coins and placed them together with the white pills.


    Only after doing this did his heart settle down.


    Grandmaster Bai cast a deep glance at Xu Qing before turning to the young girl at the side as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°Yu Ting, you will answer his question.¡±


    The girl sat up straight and had a solemn look on her face as she confidently spoke.


    ¡°The heavenfate flower, also known as the life-extension blaze and the divine spirit grass. It is a mutated variant of the divine-class plant, compound wood. According to records, there are a total of 73 variants, but only the first variant can be used in medicine. It grows in any area within a forbidden zone, but there are no rules to dictate where it might be found. It is extremely rare.


    ¡°Its effects consist of allowing broken limbs to regenerate, even capable of reigniting one¡¯s lifeforce. Other than soul injuries, it can cure everything.¡± As she spoke, the young girl swiftly took out a book from the side. After flipping a few pages through it, she revealed the picture on the page.


    ¡°Its appearance looks like this.¡±


    What was seen in the picture was an ordinary stalk of herb that didn¡¯t seem to have any marvelous aspects about it. Only the jagged edges at the side of the grass were a little obvious. At the same time, there was a strange symbol formed by a silk thread in the middle.


    Xu Qing looked at it attentively. After memorizing it, he bowed deeply at both Grandmaster Bai and the young girl. He then turned and prepared to leave.


    Before he left, he heard the calm voice of Grandmaster Bai behind him.


    ¡°This herb can only be acquired by luck and not actively sought after. There are always powerful mutated beasts around it. You should know your limits.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Xu Qing bowed again. After he left the tent, he rapidly sped through the campsite.


    After he used his greatest speed to return to his residence, he immediately took out a piece of bamboo from his leather pouch and used a bamboo stick to engrave everything the young girl had spoken about the heavenfate flower as well as the picture down.


    After some contemplation, he also recorded the content of the lesson he had heard today.


    Finally, he glanced at the bamboo piece that was densely filled with countless tiny words as he felt very satisfied in his heart. He then kept it well carefully like it was a precious treasure.


    ¡°How good would it be if I could continue to listen,¡± Xu Qing muttered in a low voice. He started to think of ways to listen to the lessons. After some time, he refocused and started to cultivate.


    During that night, after Captain Lei returned, he told Captain Lei that he wished to make a trip to the forbidden zone. When Captain Lei heard this, he wanted to stop Xu Qing but hesitated.


    Eventually, Captain Lei still nodded and told Xu Qing about his experiences.


    Just like how the elderly at home would be worried about their own descendants venturing out, Captain Lei¡¯s stories were extremely detailed.


    He only finished telling Xu Qing about his experiences when dawn almost arrived. After Xu Qing remembered them, Captain Lei gave him another leather sack that contained the various types of medical powder Luan Tooth left behind.


    After understanding their specific uses, when morning came, Xu Qing bid farewell and left the campsite. He traveled rapidly through the wilderness and arrived outside the forbidden zone not long later.


    The instant he stepped into the boundary, the warmth of the sunlight outside seemed to be isolated, and a sinister chill drilled into his body. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed with vigilance as he ¡®transformed into a fleeting shadow as he sped into the jungle.


    His figure vanished completely after a few breaths of time.


    This was his second time entering the jungle in the forbidden zone. Xu Qing¡¯s familiarity with this place was already different from the past.


    But the more it was so, the more cautious he became. As he leaped forward, he also paid attention to the flowers and herbs in the surroundings. Very soon, he arrived at the location where the silt was found back then. He copied Luan Tooth¡¯s previous actions and smeared the silt onto his body before he continued to advance.


    Time flowed by and an entire day soon passed.


    When he arrived here this time around, Xu Qing didn¡¯t encounter the fog. And although there were powerful mutated beasts, due to Xu Qing¡¯s cautiousness, he managed to avoid them all.


    On his way, he also paid close attention to the flowers and herbs around him as he searched for the heavenfate flower.


    At this moment, he encountered the place where they had met the black-scaled wolf previously. He surveyed the surroundings, and he could still see traces of their previous arrangements. It was just that the majority of the wolf corpses on the ground then had now transformed into rotting bones.


    He attentively observed the rotting corpses and discovered that there were no signs of them being bitten, but they had rotted naturally. Xu Qing then heaved a sigh of relief.


    This indicated that most probably, no mutated beasts had come here.


    Hence, he found a nearby area in the surroundings and decided to spend the night there before continuing after the sky turned bright.


    Very soon, night descended and the jungle fell into darkness. Xu Qing was now hiding inside a tree crack and staring in the direction of the Seven-leaf Grass Canyon. Further down that direction was the group of temples.


    This time around, other than wanting to find the heavenfate flower in the forbidden zone, he had another thought. He also wanted to help the little girl find a stone that could remove scars.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go and take a look,¡± Xu Qing mumbled.

 Chapter 41 - Temple (1)

    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with the dark night of the forbidden zone.


    Regardless of whether it was the ruins of the city or this jungle.


    He lived in the former for over ten days and he has also experienced several nights in the latter.


    At that moment, he, who was hiding in the cracks of a giant tree, had his eyes half-squinted. While he was taking a nap, he silently cultivated the spirit energy in the forbidden zone that was mixed with dense anomalous substances.


    After the spirit energy entered his body, it was separated by the Mountains and Seas Art. The pure part nourished his entire body while the anomalous substances fused into his shadow.


    Xu Qing was already used to such changes.


    He even had a faint feeling that he cultivated in this forbidden zone because of his shadow, or it might be because this place was dangerous and so he was constantly on high alert.


    Under his high concentration, his cultivation speed also increased greatly.


    He wasn¡¯t far from the fourth level of the Mountains and Seas Art.


    ¡°It feels like sharpening a knife¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled.


    He didn¡¯t understand any great logic but he remembered that the blacksmith in the slums had once told people that a good saber needed a better whetstone to completely reveal its edge.


    At that moment, the dangerous forbidden zone seemed to have become Xu Qing¡¯s whetstone.


    During this day of tempering cultivation, Xu Qing silently opened his eyes after a long time.


    He lifted his head and stared at the darkness of the night outside through the crack in the tree. At night in the forbidden zone, the roars of mutated beasts rose and fell from afar, echoing through the jungle like the low-pitched cries of gods and demons.


    The cold intent was from the myriad of lifeforms that invaded this place also entered the cracks between the trees where Xu Qing was hiding and permeated his body.


    It was freezing.


    This scene made him feel as though he had returned to the ruined city. Slowly, a hint of loneliness permeated his body.


    However, Xu Qing was already very familiar with loneliness. After a long time, he closed his eyes again and continued cultivating.


    Just like that, time passed.


    Because the resting place he found was very correct, the night was considered safe. Only in the middle of the night did Xu Qing, who was cultivating, hear footsteps from the outside world.


    It was very messy, as though many people were moving forward in a line.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned serious as he narrowed his eyes and looked at the outside world. However, it was pitch-black outside the crack in the tree. There was nothing there.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s heart suddenly sank. This was because the moment the sound of footsteps rang out, the roars of the mutated beasts in the nearby jungle instantly disappeared. This caused Xu Qing¡¯s vigilance to rise abruptly.


    He recalled the singing footsteps he had encountered previously. However, the feeling it gave him now was somewhat different.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like the footsteps that sang that day. Also, there was no singing voice.¡±


    Xu Qing quickly analyzed and didn¡¯t act rashly. He forced himself to calm down and held his breath as he stared at the dark night outside.


    Gradually, the sound of footsteps became clearer, as though a group of people was lining up and gradually approaching.


    At the same time, waves of coldness that exceeded the possible scope of it, as if it could freeze one¡¯s body, also invaded fiercely at this instant.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with this coldness. Regardless of whether it was the singing voice back then or the strange existences that appeared at night in the ruins of the city, they all emitted this kind of temperature.


    However, the degree of coldness was different. Back then, the singing voice could freeze his soul but the cold now only made him feel unwell. It didn¡¯t cause him to lose his mobility.


    ¡°It¡¯s an existence similar to the bizarre existences in the ruins!¡± After Xu Qing made his judgment, he clutched the iron stick tightly and took a deep breath to control the fluctuations in his heart. He then forcefully closed his eyes, not wanting to open them.


    Don¡¯t look, don¡¯t touch, don¡¯t see.


    After Xu Qing closed his eyes, the sound of footsteps suddenly grew hurried, getting closer and closer. It was as though countless people were circling around the tree he was on.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled. He tried his best to control his impulse to open his eyes and see what the other party was like.


    After a long time¡­ when the sun rose in the sky, the chaotic footsteps finally stopped lingering and slowly moved away.


    The sky was bright.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t open his eyes immediately. He waited for a moment before he slowly opened his eyes. He then saw that there was a thick layer of ice at the entrance of the tree he was in, and his entire person was sealed within it.


    Through the layer of ice, the sunlight cascaded onto Xu Qing¡¯s body. He let out a breath and pressed his left hand on the ice. With a violent push, cracking sounds rang out as the ice layer shattered and fell to the ground.


    Xu Qing slowly emerged. He first observed his surroundings and saw that the wolf corpses still there yesterday had all disappeared. Also, there were¡­ a large number of footprints on the ground.


    They were human footprints.


    There were so many of them that it looked like hundreds of people had passed by.


    Xu Qing had never heard of hundreds of people entering the forbidden zone simultaneously.


    Especially since¡­ these footprints were really footprints and not shoe prints.


    Xu Qing fell silent and retracted his gaze after a long time. He could sense the strangeness of the forbidden zone even more deeply now. At this moment, he took advantage of the fact that the danger in the forbidden zone was lesser at dawn compared to the night. Xu Qing didn¡¯t give up on exploring and left in a flash.


    A few hours later, Xu Qing finally reached the furthest place they had gone previously, the small canyon where the Thunder Team plucked the seven-leaf grass.


    The interior of the canyon was the same as when they had left. The sunlight streamed down from the top of the vine tree and landed on the ground. The fragrance of flowers filled the air, isolating them from the dangers of the outside world. It was like a paradise.


    At that place, Xu Qing heaved a sigh of relief. He then lifted his head and looked at the other end of the canyon where the cluster of temples was located.


    After staring for a moment, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and rested for a while. His body then sped off, heading straight for the cluster of temples.


    The jungle outside the canyon was even lusher and there was less sunlight there.

 Chapter 42 - Temple (2)

    It was unknown if it was because this group of ancient temples still emitted the glory and authority of their era but there were very few dangers when he got close after exiting the canyon.


    The lush jungle seemed to be much gentler in terms of aura.


    In fact, the jungle closest to the cluster of temples wasn¡¯t much different from the trees Xu Qing saw in the outside world. It was no longer malevolent or pitch-black.


    There was also some seven-leaf grass here that was picked up by Xu Qing.


    Everything here made Xu Qing feel a little surprised but his vigilance didn¡¯t decrease. He cautiously approached.


    Two hours later, when dusk was about to arrive, he walked out of the jungle and arrived in front of the cluster of temples.


    There were very few trees here and the sunlight shone down on a large area, causing Xu Qing to feel a little dazed.


    What reflected into his eyes were huge domed buildings that were hundreds of feet tall.


    Even though it had collapsed, even though it was dilapidated, and even though it was covered in moss, the temple, which was piled up neatly with rocks that were much larger than his body, still felt vast.


    Walking inside and stepping on the broken bricks on the ground, Xu Qing felt as though he had arrived in a country of giants.


    Broken walls could be seen everywhere and each of them exuded an ancient feeling of age, as though they were telling Xu Qing about their experiences.


    Further ahead was a collapsed statue.


    The lower half of the statue was gone, turning into countless pieces that were hard to piece together. Its head was still intact but its appearance was already blurry.


    Even so, it was still over 300 feet tall. One could imagine that before it collapsed, it was at least 2000 feet tall.


    Standing in front of it, Xu Qing¡¯s existence was very insignificant.


    At that moment, a gust of wind blew over. It was like the sound of a flute, desolate and echoing. At the same time, it seemed to isolate space and time, causing the former glory to only be left with the gazes of future generations.


    Xu Qing quietly stared at the statue and fell silent for a long time.


    He thought of the ruins of the city outside the slums. He wondered if the people of the future would be like him, entering the forbidden zone carefully and looking at that city as though it was history.


    A long time later, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and searched the temple complex but he didn¡¯t find the special stone that Captain Lei mentioned.


    When he arrived at the residence, he had already asked around. This special stone would emit a rainbow-colored glow.


    It was as though it grew naturally and the timing of its appearance was irregular.


    After failing to find anything, Xu Qing felt some regret. His body agilely leaped up and with a few undulations, he arrived at the top of a temple. He then stood there and gazed at his surroundings.


    Behind him was the outer area of the forbidden zone¡¯s jungle. Although he couldn¡¯t see the end, he could still see part of it. Calculating the time, today was the fourth day mentioned by Bone Blade, who had bought insurance from him.


    Yesterday, when Xu Qing was in the jungle, he didn¡¯t see any fog. Today, there was still no fog, so he didn¡¯t need to save them.


    Hence, he turned his head and looked in another direction from the temple cluster. That place¡­ was the depths of the forbidden zone¡¯s jungle.


    After pondering for a while, Xu Qing lifted his head and noticed that it was getting late. He planned to explore a small area in the depths and rush back before the sky turned dark. He would rest here tonight and return tomorrow morning.


    With this plan in mind, Xu Qing immediately moved. He jumped down from the temple and headed toward the depths.


    The instant he stepped into the depths of the jungle, his nerves tensed up intensely and he became even more vigilant and cautious.


    This was because he knew that the degree of danger here was much greater than the outer perimeter.


    In reality, that was indeed the case. After an hour, Xu Qing¡¯s figure once again appeared within the range of the temple.


    His expression was gloomy and there was still lingering fear in his eyes.


    However, his leather pouch bulged as though it was filled to the brim.


    1


    Previously, he had only walked for less than a mile when he saw much aged seven-leaf grass. It seemed like it hadn¡¯t been picked for a long time. This surprised Xu Qing because those aged seven-leaf grass were very valuable.


    However, when he was picking them, he felt that the density of the anomalous substances had doubled. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that his shadow could absorb them, it would have been difficult for him or others to take a single step in.


    Also, he saw the strange jellyfish he had seen in the forbidden zone from afar again¡­


    There were over ten such jellyfish here but they were much smaller. However, the cold aura on their bodies was still very obvious.


    Fortunately, most of these jellyfish were sleeping on trees. After Xu Qing saw them, he carefully avoided them.


    However, as he moved forward, he had a very strong feeling. It was as though there were countless gazes in the depths of the jungle. They seemed to be corporeal and were filled with greed as they landed on him from an unknown location.


    All of this caused Xu Qing to feel like needles were pricking his back.


    This place was only the edge of the depths of this forbidden zone. The area inside was even larger and it was impossible to imagine how many terrifying existences there were.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t dare to continue forward and retreated safely.


    It was only when he retreated to the temple¡¯s boundary that the feeling of the needles pricking his back dissipated.


    It was as though this temple was a boundary that stopped the malice from the depths of the forbidden zone.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. Taking advantage of the fact that the sun was about to set, he found a temple that was barely intact and stepped into it.


    He found a stone crevice and crawled in, preparing to spend the night there.


    Captain Lei had said that this place could temporarily avoid danger.


    He had also checked the interior of the temple. This place was very spacious and exuded a strong sense of the passage of time. Regardless of whether it was the knife-wielding stone statue enshrined on the main seat or the numerous human statues carved on the surrounding walls, they all became blurry in the quicksand of time.


    At the same time, there weren¡¯t many traces of mutated beast feces in the temple.


    If there were none of them, or if there were many of them, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t have chosen the place.


    This was because neither was normal. Only when there were only a few traces of their existence would it be relatively safe.


    After all, although the temple was in the jungle, there were very few trees there. Therefore, it was reasonable for mutated beasts who were used to living in the jungle to not come here often.


    Very soon, night arrived.


    As the roars from the outside world rang out, Xu Qing silently cultivated.


    Time flowed by and it was in line with his judgment. There were very few mutated beasts in the temple group at night. Although the roars could be heard, they were mostly coming from afar.


    However, just like yesterday, when Xu Qing was cultivating in the middle of the night, the strange and chaotic sound of footsteps appeared once again!


    This time, it appeared outside the temple.


    ¡°Again?¡±


    Xu Qing frowned. He didn¡¯t know why the footsteps would appear at the location he was at twice. He felt a little uneasy. After some thought, he did what he did yesterday and didn¡¯t open his eyes.


    However, this time, the footsteps didn¡¯t gradually fade away like yesterday. Instead, there were more and more footsteps.


    As they continued to gather, waves of cold intent permeated the air. It was as though countless bizarre existences had gathered outside the temple and were about to invade it.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart sank as he gripped his iron stick tightly. His mind quickly constructed the environment of this temple as well as a way to deal with any dangers.


    At that moment, the sounds of footsteps converging outside suddenly disappeared and it became incomparably quiet.


    This silence didn¡¯t make Xu Qing heave a sigh of relief. On the contrary, it made him feel as though a storm was coming and all the hairs on his body stood on end. He could faintly sense that the strange aura that had gathered outside the temple seemed to be hesitating about entering.


    At the next instant, amidst the silence, the bizarre entity outside ultimately chose to step into the temple. Xu Qing then heard the sound of footsteps on the stone bricks as they entered the temple.


    Smack.


    This sound was like a huge rock that fell into Xu Qing¡¯s mind, causing his heart to sink. However, at this moment, waves of murmurs suddenly echoed in the temple, containing incomparable holiness.


    There were also strands of golden light that suddenly spread out from the walls of the temple, illuminating the entire temple and permeating the air around Xu Qing. This caused the world under his eyelids, which was originally pitch-black, to instantly shine with light.


    Under this golden light, Xu Qing felt a piercing pain in his eyes. This was the first time he opened his eyes after encountering such a strange situation.

 Chapter 43 - That Strike (1)

    He saw a golden light!


    It came from all the blurry human figures on the inner walls of the temple.


    Each of them was a small source of light. At this moment, the light gathered, causing the entire temple to become incomparably bright. However, the largest source of light wasn¡¯t them.


    It was the main statue enshrined in the temple, the stone statue that held the stone saber!


    Under the golden light, Xu Qing¡¯s mind trembled. He also saw a black foggy figure standing at the entrance of the temple. He couldn¡¯t see its appearance clearly but he could see a blurry human figure that was distorted in the golden light.


    Outside the temple behind him, there were hundreds of black fog figures that looked like blurry human figures. There were humans and beasts.


    At that moment, all of them emitted an astonishing chill that gathered together, transforming into a monstrous chill that seemed to be connected to the black fog that had seeped into the temple.


    This caused the only black shadow that entered the temple to slowly raise its head under the illumination of the golden light. It let out a roar that seemed to be able to shake souls and took another step forward.


    This step seemed to have offended someone and touched a taboo!


    On the instance he landed, Xu Qing was shocked to see that the saber-wielding stone statue that emitted boundless light seemed to come alive as it directly walked down from the ground.


    1


    With supreme dignity and an indescribable holiness, he was like a god that had descended to the mortal world. He strode forward and walked toward the black shadow amidst the rumbling sounds on the ground.


    He raised his hand and struck down with his blade.


    This strike was simple and unadorned. However, it seemed to contain a certain charm of the Great Dao, shocking the heavens and earth.


    One¡¯s ears couldn¡¯t hear it but one¡¯s soul could sense the mournful voice emanating from the black shadow.


    The fog instantly evaporated, revealing a rotting body in tattered clothes.


    He could tell that it was an old man with empty eye sockets.


    At the next moment, its body directly collapsed and evaporated like fog.


    As for the black shadows outside, they were also affected, one after another. The black fog around their bodies became somewhat blurry, allowing Xu Qing to see a familiar face among those figures with the help of the golden light.


    It was the Bloodshadow Team Captain!


    At that moment, he was within the group of black shadows. His skinny face had no expression at all. As the golden light spread out, his entire body seemed to have been purified and dissipated.


    A long time later, in the darkness outside, the figures that hadn¡¯t dissipated slowly retreated and finally disappeared completely.


    At the same time, the golden light in the temple gradually decreased. The imposing figure then turned around and returned to his original location with the light. As the light on his body completely dissipated, he seemed to have transformed back into a stone statue. He stood there and gazed in the direction of the gate, as though he was waiting and guarding it. He didn¡¯t move at all.


    After a long time, everything returned to normal. Only Xu Qing, who had seen all of this through the crack in the rocks, was panting heavily. Disbelief could be seen in his eyes.


    The Bloodshadow Team Captain who had clearly died in the singing fog and turned into dust still existed.


    It was just an ordinary temple but at night, it emitted boundless golden light.


    The motionless stone statue walked down like a god descending to the mortal world. That strike was incomparably profound.


    At that moment, sunlight appeared outside. A new day had arrived.


    It took a long time for Xu Qing to calm down. He then silently crawled out from the crevice.


    He looked at the light outside and then at the human statues on the surrounding walls. Finally, his gaze landed on the stone statue with the saber.


    He didn¡¯t know what kind of existence the other party was. Was he alive or had he passed away?


    It was unknown how old this cluster of temples was or how glorious they were.


    However, everything that happened last night shocked him greatly.


    This was especially so for the imposing aura contained in that profound saber strike. It caused Xu Qing to be deeply shocked, as though it had been carved into his soul and was impossible to forget.


    He couldn¡¯t imagine that in this forbidden zone that was filled with dangers, there was actually an area where darkness couldn¡¯t enter.


    Captain Lei hadn¡¯t told him about this matter. Perhaps even Captain Lei didn¡¯t know about it.


    The scene last night didn¡¯t appear very frequently. At the same time, no one could stay in the forbidden zone for a long time like him.


    Therefore, even if others had seen it, the number of people that did was extremely few. What was more likely was how this matter was turned into an unproven legend.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He then bowed deeply toward the stone statue and the surrounding people.


    After some thought, he took out a piece of candle from his leather pouch and placed it in front of the stone statue. He then lit it and bowed again.


    He turned and left the temple.


    Even after he walked out of the cluster of temples, he still turned his head back to look at the temple¡¯s direction from time to time, as though he wanted to engrave this place in his heart. At the same time, the scene of the strike kept appearing in his mind.


    This scene was incomparably clear in his mind, so much so that Xu Qing, who had left the range of the temples, raised his right hand when he was walking in the jungle. He instinctively wanted to imitate it.


    Every time he copied the move, he felt it deeply.


    If the cultivation of the Mountains and Seas Art was an imitation and visualization of the xiao diagram, then the current Xu Qing had replaced the xiao diagram with the image of the saber strike in his mind.


    During this imitation, his cultivation unknowingly broke through and his Mountains and Seas Art advanced to the fourth level!


    Perhaps it was because he had copied the saber strike but the increase this time not only increased his strength and speed by several folds, it also allowed him to make some mental breakthroughs.


    This kind of breakthrough caused Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts to be even sharper. At the same time, when he lifted and lowered his right hand, there was a faint hint of the feeling of a falling blade from a god statue.


    This made Xu Qing very surprised.


    Gradually, two days passed. Maybe it was because he was in the periphery, or maybe it was because of the intimidation from the temple, he didn¡¯t encounter any strange footsteps on the way back.

 Chapter 44 - That Strike (2)

    As for the mutated beasts, Xu Qing encountered some of them.


    However, the increase in his cultivation base allowed his ability to protect his life to increase. It could be considered successful if he was careful.


    Although he didn¡¯t find the heavenfate flower and scar-repelling stone, his harvest of the seven-leaf grass wasn¡¯t small. If he went back and sold them, he could exchange them for quite a lot of spirit coins.


    At this moment, when dusk was about to arrive, Xu Qing also saw the world outside the jungle. Just when he was about to walk out, his footsteps suddenly paused. He lowered his head and looked at a blade of grass beside him.


    The appearance of this grass was somewhat similar to the heavenfate flower. However, even with his meager knowledge of plants and vegetation, he could tell that this wasn¡¯t the heavenfate flower after taking a closer look.


    However, Xu Qing thought about it and looked around guiltily. After some hesitation, he still plucked it in the end and kept it in his leather pouch.


    He sprinted all the way out of the jungle and returned to the campsite at night.


    It wasn¡¯t late at night yet, so the campsite was still very lively. This was especially so for the areas with feathers on the tents. Amidst the lively atmosphere, one could hear bursts of unrestrained panting.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay attention to these. When he returned to his residence, he had just pushed open the courtyard gate when he saw Captain Lei walking out of the house.


    Captain Lei only felt relieved when he noticed that although Xu Qing was in a sorry state, there was nothing wrong with him.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡±


    ¡°I went to the temple.¡± Under the moonlight and the light from the house, Xu Qing saw the redness in Captain Lei¡¯s eyes and the fatigue on his face.


    He hadn¡¯t had a good rest during this period of time. As for the reason¡­ he had already realized it, so he felt some warmth in his heart.


    ¡°Temple?¡± Captain Lei was a little surprised. He didn¡¯t expect Xu Qing to have ran so far. At that moment, he called Xu Qing into the kitchen and rolled up his sleeves. As Xu Qing waited, he served the dishes that were already prepared.


    The food was still warm and there were no signs of it being touched. Xu Qing started.


    He was very clear that Captain Lei didn¡¯t know when he would be back. So, the fact that he was able to heat up the food right after he returned could only mean one thing.


    The other party¡­ had prepared food every day and was waiting for him.


    Xu Qing silently stood up and went to get the bowls and chopsticks. There were three sets of chopsticks lined up. After that, he sat down and started eating.


    It was very fragrant. There was a special taste that could only be experienced by the heart.


    Captain Lei ate very little. Most of the time, he was either drinking or looking at Xu Qing with a smile on his face.


    ¡°Eat more. You¡¯re still growing. If you don¡¯t eat more, you might not become tall in the future.¡±


    This sentence made Xu Qing lower his head. After a while, he hummed in agreement and obediently ate more. After that, he told Captain Lei about what he had seen and heard in the temple.


    Captain Lei was originally drinking mouthful after mouthful of wine but he was soon attracted by Xu Qing¡¯s tales. After Xu Qing finished speaking, he took a deep breath and slowly spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard people talking about this before but that was a long time ago. Some people seemed to have seen a similar scene but like the singing voice, it eventually became a legend.


    ¡°Now that I think about it, it seemed to have happened not long after the singing voice appeared.¡± Captain Lei muttered. He suddenly thought of something and sadness slowly appeared in his eyes as he reminisced.


    Looking at Captain Lei, Xu Qing knew what he was thinking about. He suddenly felt a little guilty and felt that he shouldn¡¯t have said this. Hence, he fell silent.


    After a while, Captain Lei regained his senses. He seemed to have seen the reason for Xu Qing¡¯s silence and smiled.


    ¡°You¡¯re too sensitive. I¡¯m not as fragile as you think.¡±


    As Captain Lei spoke, he drank a large mouthful of wine and changed the topic. He then told Xu Qing about the interesting things that had happened at the campsite recently.


    He chatted as he drank and Xu Qing listened as he ate.


    They were like each other¡¯s¡­ family.


    Late at night, Captain Lei sat there and drank his wine. After Xu Qing cleaned the table, Captain Lei smiled and got up, returning to his room.


    Xu Qing also returned to his room. After he entered, he saw that the bedding had been changed to a new one. Moreover, it had been rolled up earlier and was laid out properly. There was even a hint of a sun-dried smell on it.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at Captain Lei¡¯s room next door. After a long while, he walked over and wanted to sit on it. However, when he lowered his head and saw the dirt on his clothes and hands, he still rolled up the blanket and sat on the bed frame with his eyes closed as he cultivated.


    Early in the morning, Xu Qing opened his eyes.


    He was about to leave the room but after some thought, he went to the bathroom and endured the discomfort to wash his hands.


    After making his hands clean and white, he took a deep breath and walked out of the room, heading straight for the tent the doctor was in.


    He knew that he couldn¡¯t go too early, nor could he bear to go too late.


    As for the former, Grandmaster Bai hadn¡¯t started lessons yet. As for the latter¡­ he was worried that he wouldn¡¯t be able to hear the content at the start.


    Just like that, with Xu Qing¡¯s calculations, when he arrived outside Grandmaster Bai¡¯s tent, the sound of an assessment rang out.


    Xu Qing was very happy in his heart. He stood there silently and listened attentively.


    ¡°Green lotus flower dew, also known as green lotus dew. It¡¯s a flower bud from the water lily family¡¯s lotus. It¡¯s an aromatic water obtained by combining it with a special method of heating. It has the effect of flattening one¡¯s lungs and treating heat by coughing up blood¡­¡±


    The voice of the young girl in the tent was as usual. Xu Qing slowly fell into a trance as he listened, unaware of the passage of time. Very soon, more than two hours passed. It was until the tent suddenly opened that Grandmaster Bai stood there and looked at him.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Grandmaster Bai¡¯s gaze wasn¡¯t sharp but it was dignified. Xu Qing was very nervous. He braced himself and took out the medicinal herbs he had plucked on his way back. He then lowered his head and spoke softly.


    ¡°Grandmaster Bai, I¡­ I wanted to ask if this is a heavenfate flower.¡±


    As soon as he said this, Grandmaster Bai was stunned.


    After his gaze swept over, there was a hint of strangeness in his gaze. He then looked at the youth¡¯s hands which were much cleaner than before. After a long while, Xu Qing grew increasingly nervous and he slowly spoke.


    ¡°This one isn¡¯t.¡±


    Xu Qing hurriedly bowed and left. On the way, he heaved a sigh of relief but he still felt some trepidation in his heart. Hence, he turned his head to look at the tent and discovered that Grandmaster Bai was also standing there.


    Noticing the youth¡¯s gaze, Grandmaster Bai nodded.


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, he stopped in his tracks and bowed deeply once more before leaving.


    After watching Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappear into the distance, Grandmaster Bai turned and walked into the tent. At that moment, the guards, the young man and woman who were originally in the tent seemed to have been petrified and were motionless.


    At the place where Grandmaster Bai sat earlier, a table had been placed there at some point in time. On top of it were some delicacies and fine wine. Beside him was an old man in purple robes and behind him was a gray-robed old servant.


    Seeing Grandmaster Bai enter, the purple-robed old man laughed.


    ¡°Grandmaster Bai, how was it?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean how was it?¡±


    Grandmaster Bai didn¡¯t seem surprised by the sudden appearance of the purple-robed old man. He wasn¡¯t worried about the motionless crowd either. He sat opposite the purple-robed old man and took a sip from the flask.


    ¡°I¡¯m talking about that kid. I told you last time that I found a good seedling while waiting for you.¡± The purple-robed old man said with a smile.


    ¡°A good seedling? It¡¯s one thing for this kid to come here to eavesdrop for the first time but this time, to eavesdrop, he casually found a medicinal herb and asked me if it was the heavenfate flower. If this continues, I reckon he¡¯ll use the excuse of asking about medicinal herbs to eavesdrop every day. If you didn¡¯t talk to me about him, I would have chased him away long ago.¡±


    Grandmaster Bai glared and snorted at the purple-robed old man.


    The purple-robed old man laughed.


    ¡°You have a sharp tongue but a soft heart. With your bad temper, if you didn¡¯t sincerely think that he was a promising talent, it would be useless no matter who introduced him.¡±


    Grandmaster Bai let out a cold snort and didn¡¯t bother to defend himself.


    ¡°Are you planning to bring him back to the Seven Blood Eyes? Your place is filled with foul air. All you would do is waste a scholar¡¯s seedling!¡±


    ¡°How is it a waste? What¡¯s the use of being a scholar? Cultivation is the most important thing in this world!¡± The purple-robed old man raised his brows and replied.


    ¡°A scholar is useless? Why did you still come here to wait for a mortal like me? You kept inviting me to your Seven Blood Eyes.¡± Grandmaster Bai said angrily.


    ¡°You¡¯re different¡­¡± The purple-robed old man smiled awkwardly.


    ¡°How am I different?!¡± Grandmaster Bai glared at the purple-robed old man with a bad temper.


    The purple-robed old man helplessly slapped his forehead.


    ¡°Aiya, I just remembered that there¡¯s something I haven¡¯t done. Grandmaster Bai, I¡¯ll take my leave first. I¡¯ll come back to drink with you tomorrow.¡±


    With that, the purple-robed old man stood up and was about to leave. However, before he left, he turned back to look at Grandmaster Bai and spoke seriously.


    ¡°Grandmaster Bai, if you really think that that brat is a promising talent, then teach him some knowledge. Let him have a chance to become a scholar with cultivation in the Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    With that, the purple-robed old man left with the old servant beside him. After he left, the stillness in the tent instantly departed. However, no one noticed the abnormality earlier.


    The guard was still standing guard. The youth was still vexed and the girl was still smug.


    Only Grandmaster Bai lifted his head and looked in the direction Xu Qing had left earlier, his gaze pensive.

 Chapter 45 - Kid, You Answer

    At that moment, Xu Qing only heaved a long sigh of relief when he returned to his residence.


    He felt that it wasn¡¯t too good for him to do that but his thirst for knowledge left him with no other choice.


    He also understood that his little trick had probably been seen through.


    ¡°I have to repay you in the future.¡±


    The youth mumbled and remembered this matter in his heart. He didn¡¯t know how he could return the favor but that was what he thought in his heart. Maybe he would have this chance in the future.


    Worried that he might forget, Xu Qing took out a bamboo slip from his leather pouch and used an iron stick to carve the words ¡®Grandmaster Bai¡¯ on it.


    Upon closer inspection, other than Grandmaster Bai, there was also Captain Lei on the bamboo slip. There were also three other names on it.


    Those three names were all people who had helped him in the slums. Even if it was just a little, he remembered them by heart.


    Just like that, after carving the name, Xu Qing took out another bamboo slip and recalled the content he had heard during this lesson, recording it down bit by bit.


    He even took out the bamboo slip from the previous lesson and silently memorized it. After confirming that he had memorized everything, his expression revealed satisfaction.


    ¡°There are already twenty-seven types of herbs that I understand.¡±


    Xu Qing was very happy. This feeling lasted for an entire day and he was also in a good mood when he cultivated.


    Hence, he woke up very early the next day. After selling some seven-leaf grass, he bought a herb that was similar to the heavenfate flower and went to Grandmaster Bai¡¯s tent with great familiarity.


    It was still the same spot as yesterday. He stood there and silently waited while paying attention to the lesson inside. When the lesson ended and Grandmaster Bai walked out to ask, Xu Qing nervously took out the medicinal herbs and asked.


    Looking at the medicinal herbs, Grandmaster Bai coughed lightly. As he shook his head, he told Xu Qing about the medicinal herbs he had bought.


    This allowed Xu Qing to gain additional understanding of another type of medicinal herb. This caused his satisfaction and gratitude to deepen. After he bowed and left, he turned his head in the distance and saw Grandmaster Bai standing at the same spot as yesterday, nodding his head in acknowledgment.


    This scene was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and it was also engraved in his mind.


    Just like that, half a month passed.


    Xu Qing would take all kinds of medicinal herbs almost every day and ask Grandmaster Bai after he finished listening to the lesson outside his tent.


    He learnt more and more about herbs. He even heard a lot about the method to mix herbs.


    This allowed Xu Qing to gain a lot. He had recorded dozens of bamboo slips.


    As for Grandmaster Bai, he had never mentioned anything about Xu Qing stealing his skills. Every day, he would patiently answer his questions about the medicinal herbs.


    In the end, not only were the guards used to the appearance of this kid in a leather coat every morning but even the youths in the tent had a deep impression of him.


    He even came when it was raining heavily outside. Regardless of whether it was Grandmaster Bai or the young man and woman, they all thought that Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t come. However, Xu Qing walked over in the rain wearing a raincoat.


    No matter the weather.


    This left a deep impression on Grandmaster Bai and his two disciples.


    Hence, one day, when it was time for class and Xu Qing didn¡¯t show up on time, which was a rare occurrence, the young man and woman would frequently glance outside.


    They seemed to be surprised that the dirty little scavenger didn¡¯t come today.


    It was only when Xu Qing¡¯s fatigued figure appeared in the tent that the youth and young girl retracted their gazes.


    The reason why he was late was because other than attending Grandmaster Bai¡¯s lessons, Xu Qing would also enter the forbidden zone to search for heavenfate flowers and scar removal stones. At the same time, he was also tempering himself by hunting mutated beasts.


    However, the search process wasn¡¯t very smooth.


    He still hadn¡¯t found these two items and Xu Qing once again experienced the dangers of the forbidden zone.


    Even though he was at the fourth level of the Mountains and Seas Art, he still possessed the keen judgment and observation of an old scavenger. If he was careful in the outer edges of the jungle, he might be able to survive or even hunt but he would still encounter danger occasionally.


    That time, he was late because he had encountered a mutated beast that had walked out from the depths. He barely managed to escape death. After running for an entire night, he finally returned in the morning.


    After he returned, he didn¡¯t rest but quietly listened to the lecture.


    Other than that, during these few days, Xu Qing had another gain that wasn¡¯t too big or too small. That was the insurance that Bone Blade had mentioned.


    Bone Blade lived very well.


    Ever since Xu Qing bought insurance from him last time, he would come and buy it every time he entered the forbidden zone. Since the fog never appeared again, Xu Qing didn¡¯t make a move either.


    However, Bone Blade was still persistent. In fact, for some reason, more and more people came to buy insurance from him.


    Out of caution, Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with most of them. He only agreed for the people whom he had saved before.


    This caused Xu Qing¡¯s income to increase. Coupled with the harvest he obtained from hunting in the forbidden zone, his days slowly got better.


    Although Captain Lei couldn¡¯t continue with his mission, the rent money Xu Qing offered was extremely high. Even though Captain Lei didn¡¯t accept it, Xu Qing still insisted. In the end, Captain Lei could only accept it.


    Captain Lei spent most of the money on food. This allowed Xu Qing to have hot food every time he returned from the forbidden zone.


    Captain Lei even bought some clothes for Xu Qing.


    These clothes were all very new and Xu Qing couldn¡¯t bear to wear them. Every piece of clothing was neatly folded and placed in a cabinet. He would occasionally take them out to take a look, feeling happy whenever he did so.


    Mealtime every day was also the warmest moment for Xu Qing.


    This was because not only did he eat well but Captain Lei also liked to talk about the trivial matters on the campsite at this time, just like how the elders at home would talk about their neighbors when they were old.


    During this time, Cross and Luan Tooth also returned. They accompanied Captain Lei for a while before leaving again.


    It could be said that this period of time was the time when Xu Qing felt the most satisfied in the past six years.


    With hot meals, new clothes and Captain Lei¡¯s company, his cultivation base was also improving. His knowledge of plants and vegetation was also increasing.


    Hence, other than feeling satisfied, he cherished everything he had now. Every day, he would attend lessons outside the tent and was exceptionally serious.


    On this day, under the morning sun, Xu Qing, who was standing outside the tent, heard Grandmaster Bai¡¯s question to the youth.


    ¡°Chen Feiyuan, tell me about this medicinal herb, Night Corpse Leading Ox.¡±


    Chen Feiyuan was Grandmaster Bai¡¯s name for the youth. Xu Qing had learned about it during the past month or so and he also knew that the girl¡¯s name was Tingyu.


    Hearing Grandmaster Bai¡¯s question, the youth didn¡¯t know how to answer. He stuttered for a while before stopping.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see the tent but he could imagine that after the tent was opened many times, he would see the other party¡¯s mournful face from the corner of his eyes.


    ¡°Ignorant and incompetent. Tingyu, you will answer.¡± Grandmaster Bai¡¯s voice was very stern as he named the girl to answer.


    However, this time around, the girl was not prepared enough.


    ¡°Night Corpse Leading Ox, also known as Poison Mountain Root Spot¡­ Teacher, I, I forgot.¡± After the girl said this, she fell silent.


    The tent immediately fell silent. It was obvious that Grandmaster Bai was brewing with anger. At that moment, Grandmaster Bai¡¯s voice resounded with unconcealable anger.


    ¡°Kid, you answer.¡±


    Xu Qing, who was outside the tent, started and subconsciously spoke up.


    ¡°Night Corpse Leading Ox, also known as Poison Mountain Root Spotted Chrysanthemum. It is the root and stem of the vine of the chrysanthemum plant, the thin-veined Turtledove Chrysanthemum. It is a woody vine that grows in ravines with Yin energy, cold streams, or jungles. Its taste is astringent and slightly warm when it enters the mouth. It also has the feeling of rotting. It has the miraculous effect of reducing wind. However, it is excessively poisonous. It belongs in the typical extreme endpoint of yin and yang grass.¡± Xu Qing stopped here.


    ¡°What are the symptoms of an overdose?¡± In the tent, Grandmaster Bai asked again while the two of them were feeling slightly unconvinced.


    ¡°The symptoms of poisoning are abdominal pain, dizziness and hallucinations. If we don¡¯t save a person in 15 minutes, he will die.¡± Xu Qing, who was outside the tent, was nervous but he didn¡¯t stop at all and immediately answered.


    ¡°How to detoxify the poison.¡±


    ¡°You can use the method of vomiting and stomach lavage, supplemented by egg white and red-thorn stamen to treat the illness when the sun is strong at noon. The treatment time cannot exceed an hour and it can last for three consecutive days.¡±


    Following Xu Qing¡¯s answer, although Grandmaster Bai, who was in the tent, was expressionless, the eyes of the young man and woman beside him widened in surprise.


    ¡°What are the Yin-Yang Dual Polarity Plants?¡± Grandmaster Bai asked again.


    ¡°The two extremes of Yin and Yang, so-called the combination of good and evil, yang is medicine, yin is poison.¡± Xu Qing answered without hesitation. These were all the knowledge he had heard during this period of time and he had memorized them many times, so he was already very familiar with them.


    ¡°How will this plant perform?¡± Grandmaster Bai asked even faster.


    ¡°Using the Night Corpse Leading Ox as an example, when combined with the Inch Leaf, it can increase the yang effect by several times. It can also help soothe injury caused by anomalous substances to the soul. However, if it is combined with the Fleeceflower, the yin effect will increase greatly. The toxicity is so great that if an ordinary person accidentally eats it, they will die within thirty breaths of time.


    ¡°How do you deal with the Fleeceflowers?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the use of an inch root?¡± Grandmaster Bai asked faster and faster. The nervousness in Xu Qing¡¯s heart gradually lessened and he answered equally quickly.


    Just like that, the old man and the young man questioned and answered each other across the tent. Time flowed by and the time it took for an incense stick to burn passed.


    Grandmaster Bai asked a lot of questions and many of them were answers that could only be known after combining the content of the lecture that had been held many days ago. However, Xu Qing answered all of them fluently.


    As for the young man and woman, their previous shock had turned into extreme shock. They stared blankly at the figure projected in the tent.


    Finally, under the dumbfounded gazes of the young man and woman, Grandmaster Bai asked his last question.


    ¡°Three stalks of one-year-old night-corpse lead-ox, six stalks of three-year-old Past-cloud cluster, and nine stalks of ten-year-old random chosen sedge grass of the single-horn water centipede. What are the effects of the medicinal liquid concocted?¡±


    As soon as this question was asked, the expressions of the youth and the young girl changed rapidly and their breathing became hurried. This was because what was involved was no longer simple herbs but mixing them.


    This question was also the one that caused Xu Qing to remain silent for the longest time. He pondered for over thirty breaths before he took a deep breath and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard for evil to suppress good. The yang is stronger than the yin for the yin is weaker. Coupled with the effects of cloud grass, it can allow for the detoxification effect of the sedge grass of the single-horn water centipede to reach an astonishing level.¡± After Xu Qing finished speaking, his eyes widened as he vaguely realized something.


    ¡°This is 70% of the basic pill formula for the Great Transformation Pill among the detoxification pills. In addition to three other types of medicinal herbs, it can be refined after heating for 14 hours.¡± Grandmaster Bai¡¯s voice rang out faintly from within the tent.


    ¡°After testing you so much, do you have anything you want to ask?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind jolted and his breathing became hurried.


    In the past month or so, he indeed had many questions that he didn¡¯t understand. However, he was only eavesdropping after all. Although Grandmaster Bai was kind and didn¡¯t stop him, it wasn¡¯t good for him to disturb the other party¡¯s lesson and he couldn¡¯t ask about it.


    Upon hearing Grandmaster Bai¡¯s words, Xu Qing hurriedly organized his thoughts and asked.


    ¡°Grandmaster Bai, regardless of whether it¡¯s in terms of origin or effects, the flamethrower hemp and impotence spike have something in common. What¡¯s the difference between the two?¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t the Spirit Stopping Flower be picked during the day?¡±


    ¡°The sap of the Inch Leaf has the effect of warding off evil spirits. Why can¡¯t it be used together with the Life Eye Branch that is also warding off evil spirits?¡±


    ¡­


    Xu Qing asked one question after another and Grandmaster Bai answered them one after another. Every answer was very detailed.


    As for Xu Qing, it was as though he couldn¡¯t finish asking. It was only when the time passed far exceeded the duration of the lesson and the two youths looked at him as though they were looking at a monster that Xu Qing glanced at the sky with a hint of longing and had no choice but to end the questioning.


    He felt that he had gained an indescribable harvest from this day. Most of the questions in his heart had been answered and he even felt like he had mastered them.


    This made his thirst for knowledge even stronger. He was prepared to engrave everything when he returned.


    Just as he was about to leave, Grandmaster Bai¡¯s tired voice rang out from within the tent.


    ¡°From now on, you don¡¯t have to stand outside or take those messy medicinal herbs. From tomorrow onwards, you can enter the tent to listen to the lesson.¡±

 Chapter 46 - Poison Dao: Corpse Destruction Powder

    When Xu Qing heard this, his eyes abruptly widened.


    As his breathing hastened, he felt a rumbling in his mind. To be able to enter the tent and listen to the lecture was something he dreamed of. At that moment, in his excitement, he took a deep breath and bowed deeply toward the tent.


    ¡°Thank you, Grandmaster!¡±


    Xu Qing said these words very seriously.


    After a long time, he stood up and left the tent.


    On this day, he didn¡¯t see Grandmaster Bai when he turned his head but he heard Grandmaster Bai criticizing the young man and woman in the tent.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother about these. He was already overwhelmed by intense excitement.


    When he returned to his residence, he immediately informed Captain Lei of this matter. Captain Lei was also very surprised, especially when he saw Xu Qing¡¯s happy expression. His smile grew even wider and he felt rueful in his heart.


    Although he didn¡¯t tell him the reason why this kid frequently headed to the forbidden zone during this period of time, he knew that the other party was searching for the heavenfate flower that could extend his life.


    How could he not cherish such a loyal child who had saved his life in this cold world? However, he couldn¡¯t bear to see Xu Qing exhausted every time he returned.


    At that moment, seeing that Xu Qing was happy, Captain Lei was also very happy. Hence, on that day, Captain Lei cooked a rather sumptuous dinner for Xu Qing. During this time, he kept reminding Xu Qing to respect his teachers, respect Grandmaster Bai, and so on. Xu Qing seriously memorized everything.


    Even after Xu Qing finished eating and returned to his room, he was still in a state of excitement.


    He was excited at the thought that he could attend the lesson in the tent tomorrow. While Xu Qing was filled with anticipation, he also found it hard to sleep.


    As he was worried about personal gains and losses, he suddenly thought of the first time he and the other children met the teacher in the slums.


    Hence, he opened the leather bag and tidied it up. In the end, he took out a relatively new bag and placed half of his spirit coins inside. There were also many of his white pills.


    From Xu Qing¡¯s understanding, knowledge was priceless. It wasn¡¯t a big deal for him to give away all his savings.


    However, he had to consider Captain Lei¡¯s side, so he left half of it behind.


    After doing all this, he let out a long sigh of relief and silently closed his eyes. He then began to cultivate and cultivate, waiting for dawn.


    This night was a long one for Xu Qing.


    When the sun rose into the sky, Xu Qing changed into a new set of clothes and washed his hands clean before walking out of the room.


    Just as he was about to leave, he was stopped by Captain Lei who hadn¡¯t woken up early during this period of time.


    While giving Xu Qing detailed instructions, Xu Qing nodded patiently and listened attentively. In the end, Captain Lei helped Xu Qing tidy his clothes and passed him a leather bag.


    ¡°You can¡¯t enter the tent empty-handed for a lesson.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Xu Qing said softly.


    Captain Lei glared but he saw the determination in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Hence, he kept the leather bag and returned to his room to take out a flask of wine.


    ¡°I know Grandmaster Bai. He likes to drink. Bring this with you.¡±


    This time around, Xu Qing didn¡¯t refuse. After receiving the flask, he left the courtyard. After taking a few steps, he turned his head and waved at Captain Lei who was standing there. He then sprinted a few steps and headed straight for Grandmaster Bai¡¯s tent.


    Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s back view, Captain Lei smiled.


    ¡°This kid wasn¡¯t this happy when we were distributing the seven-leaf grass.¡±


    Mixed with happiness and nervousness, Xu Qing arrived at the place where he had been standing outside of for the past month. He then took a deep breath and knocked on the tent¡¯s door.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    Upon hearing Grandmaster Bai¡¯s voice, Xu Qing lowered his head and checked his clothes. He then tugged at his clothes forcefully to make them look tidier before he slowly pushed the door open. He then saw Grandmaster Bai and the youth sitting inside the tent with the guards.


    When Xu Qing looked at them, they were also looking at him.


    Compared to Grandmaster Bai¡¯s calm expression, the expressions of the youth and the young girl were much richer. Among them, the youth named Chen Feiyuan had an unconvinced expression, while the young girl, Tingyu, was more curious.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and bowed deeply to Grandmaster Bai. After that, he took out the leather pouch and alcohol flask he had prepared earlier. He then imitated what he did in the slums and handed them over with both hands.


    Xu Qing, who didn¡¯t lift his head, didn¡¯t see Grandmaster Bai at that moment. However, there was a hint of gentleness in his calm gaze.


    Grandmaster Bai didn¡¯t take the leather pouch. He only took the flask of wine and drank a mouthful in front of Xu Qing, as though it was some sort of ritual.


    ¡°Class has begun.¡± After putting down the flask, Grandmaster Bai slowly spoke.


    It was still the first round of assessment. Tingyu and Chen Feiyuan seemed to be on par with Xu Qing. It was obvious that they had done their homework last night and their answers were very straightforward. After answering, they immediately looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t look at them. Instead, he looked at Grandmaster Bai and answered all of his questions one by one. After that, Grandmaster Bai nodded and started the lesson formal.


    Xu Qing listened attentively. He cherished the opportunity to enter the tent very much and wasn¡¯t distracted at all during the entire process.


    It was the same for Chen Feiyuan and Tingyu. This made Grandmaster Bai feel a little amused.


    Just like this, another ten days passed. Xu Qing was used to the lessons in the tent. However, his seriousness didn¡¯t reduce in the slightest and the knowledge he gained became increasingly abundant.


    However, compared to him, Chen Feiyuan returned to his old self in just a few days. Only Tingyu was still comparing herself to Xu Qing. She was extremely serious.


    However, after class, the two of them chatted a little more. Most of the time, it was Tingyu asking about life on the campsite out of curiosity. Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak much and only gave a few simple answers.


    As for Chen Feiyuan, from the start to the end, he wasn¡¯t convinced by Xu Qing and didn¡¯t say much.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t mind this. He wasn¡¯t good at socializing to begin with, so he would leave for the forbidden zone as soon as possible after class. The reason why he went to the forbidden zone every day was because of the herbs.


    Before he understood about herbs, all the flowers and trees in the forbidden zone were no different to him. However, things were different now.


    Xu Qing would often discover some medicinal herbs that he knew of. Every time he discovered something like this, his understanding of plants and vegetation would deepen by quite a bit.


    However, Xu Qing also slowly discovered that the majority of the herbs in the forbidden zone were evil yin poisonous herbs. There weren¡¯t many medicinal yang herbs.


    Hence, his research on medicinal herbs focused on poison from the start.


    As he picked the poisonous grass, he also built a simple house in the small canyon and used it as a lab for studying poisonous grass.


    And with his body that could neutralize poison, Xu Qing was very bold in his research on poisonous grass. After trying out various combinations, he finally concocted an unknown venom.


    This venom was mixed with eight types of poisonous grass and added with snake venom, using these nine substances to concoct it.


    The poison contained intense corrosion. Xu Qing had tried it before. A single drop of the poison would cause the mutated beast¡¯s corpse to turn into blood within five breaths.


    However, it would only be so fast for corpses. For living creatures, for some reason, the time would increase by a lot.


    Even so, Xu Qing was already very satisfied with the first poison he concocted in his life.


    After he dried it into powder, he named it Corpse Destruction Powder.


    As for the Yang medicinal herbs, although there were very few of them, Xu Qing still managed to concoct some semi-finished medicinal liquids with the help of the Yin-Yang Extreme Art.


    A small portion of it was mixed with the seven-leaf grass and it had some effects of suppressing anomalous substances. Xu Qing had once asked Grandmaster Bai if he could cooperate on the prescription so it would have a better effect on Captain Lei.


    Grandmaster Bai told him that other than the heavenfate flower, everything else was useless. As for his prescription, it would eventually lose its effectiveness.


    That was indeed the case. Even though Captain Lei took his medicine on time every day, the weakness in his body could still be seen by the naked eye. When Xu Qing saw this, he fell silent.


    On this day, when the two of them were eating, Captain Lei wanted to say something but hesitated. In the end, he still told Xu Qing that he felt that it was unsuitable for him to continue staying at the scavenger campsite. He was prepared to buy residency rights in a nearby city in the near future.


    ¡°Kid, I know that your path will definitely not stop at this small campsite. Your future will be even further, so I won¡¯t ask you to retire with me.¡±


    The instant he heard this, Xu Qing, who was eating, paused. After a long while, he lowered his head and fell silent for a very long time before asking softly:


    ¡°Are you coming back?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll come back occasionally.¡± Captain Lei smiled and raised his hand. This was the first time he touched Xu Qing¡¯s head. He sighed with emotion in his heart. He didn¡¯t want Xu Qing to risk his life in the jungle of the forbidden zone for him again.


    Xu Qing instinctively wanted to avoid it but he glanced at Captain Lei and didn¡¯t move. This allowed Captain Lei¡¯s hand to land on his head smoothly. As he gently stroked it, Captain Lei laughed.


    ¡°Besides, you can come and visit me anytime.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he nodded heavily.


    That night, Xu Qing opened his eyes many times during his cultivation and looked toward Captain Lei¡¯s room.


    This emotion was only buried in the depths of Xu Qing¡¯s heart after a few days. Every day, other than attending lessons at Grandmaster Bai¡¯s place, he spent more time in the forbidden zone, trying his best to find the heavenfate flower.


    However, as Grandmaster Bai had said, this flower could only be chanced upon by luck.

 Chapter 47 - A Persons Dusk (1)

    The eastern part of the Nanhuang Continent.


    The season was now summer. As the rain gradually increased, the weather also slowly turned hot.


    ¡°It¡¯s May.¡± On this day, the sun was high in the sky. After Xu Qing left Grandmaster Bai¡¯s tent, he looked up at the blue sky and the dazzling sun as he mumbled.


    Unknowingly, two months had passed since he arrived at the campsite.


    He recalled his experience in Bloodrain City two months ago. It seemed like a long time had passed but it was still vivid in Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    However, compared to when he lived in the slums more than two months ago, the changes in his body were already extremely great.


    Regardless of whether it was the increase in his cultivation or the harvest from his knowledge of plants and vegetation, everything made Xu Qing feel that he was constantly growing.


    During this period of time, under Captain Lei¡¯s sumptuous meals, he ate a lot of meat. Hence, his body, which was originally small and skinny, became slightly more refined.


    Also, because he cultivated the Mountains and Seas Art, his masculine qi and blood were extremely exuberant. The aura he instinctively emitted gave off a sharp feeling.


    Maybe it was because he had copied the saber move in the temple but Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were much brighter than others. Also, the more he copied, the more he looked like that.


    This was especially so after he went to Grandmaster Bai¡¯s place for lessons. The accumulation of knowledge also gave him a scholarly temperament.


    All of this caused Xu Qing, whose hands were used to being clean, to be unable to conceal his delicate features even though the dirt on his face hadn¡¯t been washed off.


    This could be seen from the way the courtesans in the tents with feathers on them would often call out to him with their beautiful eyes.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about these. His mood had been somewhat gloomy these few days.


    On one hand, they hadn¡¯t found the heavenfate flower. On the other hand, Captain Lei¡¯s frailty and old age were becoming increasingly apparent.


    Hence, Xu Qing visited the jungle in the forbidden zone less and less. Every day, after Grandmaster Bai¡¯s lesson ended, he would instinctively head to his residence. Even though he spent most of his time cultivating alone, Xu Qing would feel much more at ease when he sensed Captain Lei next door.


    He cherished dinner time every night even more.


    Today was the same. Xu Qing, who was walking silently on the campsite, didn¡¯t bother with the scavengers in the surroundings. He first headed to the general store.


    When the busy little girl saw his figure, she immediately ran behind the counter and took out a flask of wine, passing it to Xu Qing.


    She was already used to this period of time. Every day, Xu Qing would come to buy alcohol at this time.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Xu Qing said softly and glanced at the scar on the little girl¡¯s face.


    Although she had a hideous scar, the little girl was very optimistic. She smiled at Xu Qing and was about to say something when she was called over by the other scavengers.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t mind. He took the flask and prepared to leave but his back view fell into the little girl¡¯s peripheral vision. She hurriedly exchanged a few words with the scavenger and ran to the gate. When she saw that Xu Qing was about to leave, she suddenly shouted.


    ¡°Brother Kid.¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks. When he turned his head, he saw the little girl running over quickly.


    After she got close to Xu Qing, she stretched out her right hand and opened it. There was a piece of candy inside.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why you¡¯ve been depressed recently but every time I¡¯m unhappy, my mother will give me candy. As I eat, I feel happier.¡±


    ¡°This is my last piece of candy. This is for you.¡±


    As the little girl spoke, she was afraid that Xu Qing would reject her, so she directly placed it in his hand and quickly ran toward the shop. When she reached the shop¡¯s entrance, she turned her head and looked at Xu Qing as she shouted loudly.


    ¡°Brother Kid, you have to be happy!¡±


    Xu Qing stood there in a daze as he watched the little girl¡¯s figure enter the shop. He lowered his head and looked at the candy in his hand. After a long time¡­ he carefully kept this piece of candy.


    On the way back, there was a commotion at the campsite. From afar, Xu Qing saw two carriages arriving one after another.


    Regardless of whether it was the carriage¡¯s brand-new nature or the horses¡¯ sturdiness, the number of carriages in front of him far exceeded what Xu Qing had seen in the past. Not only were there guards but there were also three to five middle-aged men among them. The spirit energy fluctuations emanating from their bodies were clearly powerful.


    They were not the core of the convoy.


    As the convoy arrived, a group of young men and women walked out. They were all around the age of 16 or 17 years old. They had tall and broad strides and were dressed in bright clothes. Their skin was fair and the men were handsome while the women were beautiful.


    Their identities and backgrounds were all extraordinary. At that moment, they seemed to despise the mess on the campsite, so they set up camp outside the campsite. The feeling of being bossy was very obvious.


    Moreover, each of them seemed to have a follower by their side. About a hundred people were serving these fifteen to sixteen youths.


    As for the second convoy behind them, although they weren¡¯t bad compared to the former, they were inferior.


    Also, it was obvious that they knew the identities of those young men and women. Hence, the second convoy wasn¡¯t willing to come into contact with the former and avoided them as they entered the campsite. Most of the people walking down were very low-key.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze across them.


    The convoy at the campsite would appear every few days. They would either issue missions or enter the forbidden zone alone. There were all kinds of people in there.


    This was also the foundation of the scavenger campsite¡¯s existence. Xu Qing was used to it.


    When he returned to his residence, he saw Captain Lei exercising in the courtyard. Under the sunlight, there was a hint of twilight on Captain Lei¡¯s body, causing Xu Qing¡¯s heart to sink even more.


    ¡°You bought me alcohol again. Not bad, not bad.¡± Captain Lei smiled and spoke when he noticed the alcohol flask in Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Alright, go and clean up the kitchen. I¡¯ll go out for a stroll and buy some ingredients back.¡± Captain Lei said and left with his hands behind his back.

 Chapter 48 - A Persons Dusk (2)

    This was the agreement he had made with Xu Qing. He had to buy the ingredients. Xu Qing didn¡¯t refuse but he paid even more rent.


    It was as though this was how he got along with Captain Lei.


    On this day, Captain Lei returned earlier than usual. Xu Qing had just finished cleaning up the kitchen when he returned with some meat. He smiled at Xu Qing and started cooking.


    Just like before, Xu Qing sat at the side and studied. However, as he watched, he felt that something was amiss¡­ If this continued, the time for dinner would be brought forward and it wouldn¡¯t be in the evening anymore.


    After realizing this, Xu Qing understood something in his heart. He looked at the busy Captain Lei and wanted to say something but hesitated. In the end, he fell silent.


    As usual, Captain Lei chatted as he cooked.


    During this short period of time, before dusk arrived, the dishes were already cooked. After placing them on the table, Captain Lei looked at the silent Xu Qing and patted his head.


    ¡°Kid, I¡¯ve already bought the right to enter Songtao City. I¡¯ll pack my luggage later. I¡¯ll be leaving tomorrow morning.¡± Captain Lei picked up the wine he had bought for him for a long time and took a big gulp.


    Xu Qing¡¯s movements were stiff. After a moment of silence, he lowered his head and spoke softly.


    ¡°So soon?¡±


    Captain Lei didn¡¯t speak. After a long time, he laughed.


    ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve bought it a long time ago but I didn¡¯t tell you. You don¡¯t have to be so reluctant. In this world, there¡¯s no banquet that doesn¡¯t end.¡± As Captain Lei spoke, he took another big gulp of alcohol.


    ¡°Come, let¡¯s eat.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the aged Captain Lei and silently picked up his chopsticks to eat. The food today should be very delicious but it no longer had any taste in Xu Qing¡¯s mouth.


    Captain Lei watched all of this and sighed softly in his heart. However, he still wore a smile on his face as he talked about the trivial matters on the campsite. After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn out, Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we going to wait for Cross and Luan Tooth? They should be back soon.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not waiting anymore. If I return, I¡¯ll probably end up like you, adding to my sadness. Besides, if you have time in the future, just come and visit me.¡±


    Captain Lei took out his pipe and took a puff. The smoke he exhaled covered his expression, making him look a little hazy.


    Captain Lei finished this meal very quickly.


    Even after he left to pack his luggage, Xu Qing still sat there silently. He looked at the food on the table and couldn¡¯t eat anymore. After a long while, he stood up. This was the first time he didn¡¯t wash the bowls and chopsticks. Instead, he went straight to Captain Lei¡¯s room.


    ¡°Are you really leaving?¡± Xu Qing asked softly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so sad. I¡¯m going to stay in the city. You should be happy for me.¡±


    Captain Lei laughed and called Xu Qing over to help him fold his clothes.


    Xu Qing walked over silently. He first washed his hands carefully before folding them neatly.


    With his help, Captain Lei¡¯s luggage was packed very quickly. He didn¡¯t want most of his stuff and left them for Xu Qing.


    ¡°This house is also yours.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay the rent.¡± Xu Qing said seriously.


    Captain Lei smiled when he heard that but he didn¡¯t talk about this topic. Instead, he pulled Xu Qing over and sat there. As time passed, he told Xu Qing about the characters of the scavengers at the campsite. He also emphasized on the camp leader.


    ¡°The camp leader of the campsite isn¡¯t a simple person. His background is the Diamond Sect.¡±


    ¡°As for the Diamond Sect, it is the number one faction in this large area. Dozens of cities and campsites are under their control. Their ancestor is even a Foundation Establishment expert. In the future, you have to be vigilant against him at all times when you are here.¡±


    At that point, it was already very late at night outside. Xu Qing noticed the fatigue on Captain Lei¡¯s face and silently stood up to leave.


    Looking at his figure, Captain Lei sighed softly after a long time.


    This night was also the first night Xu Qing didn¡¯t cultivate during this period of time.


    He sat there and stared blankly at the night sky outside until he saw the first rays of dawn.


    ¡°It passed so quickly.¡± As Xu Qing mumbled, a sense of melancholy filled his heart. He didn¡¯t leave the room at this time like he usually did. Instead, he waited until he heard the sound of Captain Lei opening the door before he slowly walked out.


    The first rays of the morning sun scattered down. The old and young people in the courtyard looked at each other.


    ¡°Kid, I¡¯m leaving.¡± After a long time, a smile appeared on Captain Lei¡¯s face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you off.¡±


    ¡°No need. Hurry up and go to class.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you off.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you off.¡± Xu Qing looked at Captain Lei and reiterated.


    Captain Lei looked at Xu Qing. After a long while, he revealed a helpless expression and nodded.


    Just like that, the two of them, one old and one young, left the campsite in the early morning while the other scavengers were still unconscious. When they passed by Grandmaster Bai¡¯s tent, Xu Qing ran over.


    Grandmaster Bai hadn¡¯t arrived yet, and the youth, Chen Feiyuan, wasn¡¯t around either. Only Tingyu was there, carrying the medical books on her back.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble you to help me apply for a day off.¡± After seeing Tingyu, Xu Qing quickly spoke up. He then bowed and turned to leave.


    Tingyu was a little surprised. When she walked out, she saw Xu Qing and Captain Lei¡¯s departing figures.


    The light of the rising sun shone on the ground, illuminating the area in front of Xu Qing and Captain Lei. It also enveloped their figures as they moved further and further away.


    On the way, Xu Qing took the baggage from Captain Lei and carried it on his back in silence.


    Captain Lei had mixed feelings as he looked at the stubborn youth. He wanted to talk about the trivial matters of the campsite¡¯s neighbors as usual but after a few sentences, he couldn¡¯t continue.


    In the silence, the two of them walked into the mountain where they had come from and to the place where they had once rested. At that time, it was also the two of them. Captain Lei stood tall and straight in front while Xu Qing cautiously followed behind.


    The former was as profound as a sword, while the latter was as reclusive as a wolf.


    Today, Xu Qing was at the front while Captain Lei was at the back.


    The former was tall and straight like a mountain peak, while the latter was in his twilight years.


    Here, under Xu Qing¡¯s insistence, he carried the old Captain Lei, just like back then in the jungle.


    Captain Lei sighed softly in his heart. He looked at the side profile of the youth in front of him and spoke softly after a moment of silence.


    ¡°After this, you have to pay more attention to those scavengers on the campsite.¡±


    ¡°I know that your combat strength is very strong now but you can¡¯t underestimate them. Scavengers are desperadoes. To them, unscrupulous means are a common occurrence¡­¡±


    ¡°At night, don¡¯t forget to feed those dogs. These little fellows are the most trustworthy ones on the campsite.¡±


    ¡°Also, you have to remember to eat. Don¡¯t eat cold food. Don¡¯t find cooking or heating troublesome. Eat it after it¡¯s hot¡­ You¡¯re still growing, so you can¡¯t be careless.¡±


    ¡°Otherwise, when you get older in the future, you¡¯ll know how tough it is. Oh right, don¡¯t sleep on the bed boards in the future. Don¡¯t be afraid of dirtying the bedding. Remember to bask in the sun after you¡¯re done bathing.¡±


    ¡°And¡­¡±


    Captain Lei spoke softly. His words were fragmented and contained deep concern.


    Xu Qing carried Captain Lei on his back and nodded lightly, memorizing the other party¡¯s words.


    As Captain Lei spoke, he fell into a deep sleep due to his weak body. As he listened to the snoring behind him, Xu Qing¡¯s footsteps also became gentler.


    He tried his best not to jump. Even if he had to take a detour, he would maintain a steady pace.


    Just like that, he walked through the wilderness with Captain Lei on his back and bypassed the basin. When dusk arrived, as the sky darkened, their silhouettes were elongated from the corner of his eyes. A city then appeared before Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    It was also at that moment that Captain Lei woke up. He looked at the city gate and spoke softly after a long time.


    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡±


    Xu Qing let out a soft ¡®uh-huh¡¯ and felt a tightness in his chest. Under Captain Lei¡¯s request, he gently put him down.


    After taking the baggage from Xu Qing, Captain Lei looked at the city gate and then at Xu Qing. After a moment of silence, he smiled and lifted his hand to stroke Xu Qing¡¯s head, messing up his hair a little.


    ¡°Kid, you can go back now. If you miss an old man like me in the future, you can come over anytime. I live in the southern part of the city, on Shuiqing Road, with the number ¡®Three¡¯.¡± With that, Captain Lei took his luggage and walked toward the city gate.


    Xu Qing stood there and looked at Captain Lei who was walking further and further away. He had so many things to say in his heart but he didn¡¯t know what to say. He could only stare blankly.


    It wasn¡¯t until he reached the city gate and submitted his entry permit that Captain Lei suddenly turned his head.


    He cast a deep glance at Xu Qing and waved his hand. Under the urging of the city guards, he walked into the city and disappeared.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was desolate. He waited for a very long time¡­ When dusk fell and the city gate closed, his heart instantly felt empty.


    ¡°Take care¡­¡± After a long while, Xu Qing mumbled and turned around bitterly. The feeling of loneliness once again filled his entire body.


    As night fell, his lonely figure was gradually covered.


    He walked toward the wilderness alone, toward the basin alone, and toward the mountains alone.


    Further and further¡­

 Chapter 49 - A Noblewoman Is Like Jade

    In the mountain forest at night, wolf howls echoed.


    However, this sound only appeared for a moment before gradually dissipating. It was as though an existence even more ferocious than them was walking over alone.


    As Xu Qing walked in the pitch-black darkness, the disappointment in his heart couldn¡¯t be quickly suppressed. He, who had grown up in the slums, was already used to parting ways. However, this time, it was exceptionally deep.


    That feeling of emptiness in his heart caused his mood to sink. In the silence, his figure grew increasingly bleak.


    When dawn was about to arrive, he, who had been walking the entire night, saw the campsite under the dawn.


    At the campsite, the lights were sparse.


    Xu Qing thought back to the past. No matter how late it was when he returned from the forbidden zone, he would still be able to see the lights of a residence lighting up for him.


    However, today, one lamp was forever missing in that direction.


    The feeling of loneliness grew even stronger. Xu Qing silently entered the campsite and walked to the pitch-black residence. He pushed the door open and saw the dozen or so wild dogs in the courtyard. They were also looking at him quietly.


    He lifted his head and saw that the three houses were completely black.


    There was no sign of human habitation, no lights, no breath.


    Yesterday¡¯s dinner was still lingering in the kitchen.


    Xu Qing walked in and looked at the three sets of chopsticks and bowls on the table. After being in a daze for a long time, he sat there silently and lowered his head to eat the cold food.


    One mouthful, one mouthful. After he slowly swallowed it, he washed the tableware and cleaned the kitchen. He then took a deep breath and returned to his room.


    He closed his eyes and started cultivating.


    At that moment, outside the courtyard, the purple-robed old man and his servant were standing there. Their gazes seemed to be able to penetrate everything and saw Xu Qing inside.


    They were all silent. After a long time, the purple-robed old man sighed softly.


    ¡°He¡¯s a loyal child.¡±


    ¡°Old Master Seventh, should we give him a token?¡± The servant looked at the purple-robed old man.


    ¡°Wait until we get the Cloud Dream Flower that Grandmaster Bai wants from the forbidden zone.¡± With that, the purple-robed old man¡¯s body slowly dissipated. The servant beside him nodded and also dissipated.


    ¡­


    Just like this, a night passed.


    The next morning, when Xu Qing walked out of his room, he instinctively glanced at Captain Lei¡¯s residence. However, he quickly retracted his gaze and silently headed to Grandmaster Bai¡¯s place for lessons before returning quietly.


    He cooked a meal by himself. There were still three sets of chopsticks and bowls on the table as he ate silently.


    From time to time, he would raise his head and look at the seat that Captain Lei used to be in. There¡­ was one less person there, as well as fewer voices.


    The entire meal was very quiet. The feeling of loneliness once again filled Xu Qing¡¯s heart but he forcefully suppressed it.


    1


    After he finished eating alone and cleared the table, he took out the food for the wild dogs and threw it in the courtyard.


    Xu Qing returned to his room and continued to meditate as he watched the pack of wild dogs eat.


    Days passed just like this. Very soon, it was the sixth day since Captain Lei left.


    Xu Qing had already buried the disappointment in his heart and regained his usual coldness. However, if one were to take a closer look, they would discover that his coldness had become even colder.


    Other than when he went to Grandmaster Bai¡¯s class, Xu Qing¡¯s sense of vigilance had always existed during other times. He wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with this state of vigilance because in the past six years, this¡­ was his normal state.


    Like a lone wolf.


    He cultivated more diligently than before. It was as though this was the only way he could find the loneliness he was familiar with as soon as possible. On the seventh night, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation broke through.


    He had broken through from the fourth level of the Mountains and Seas Art to the fifth level.


    As the thumping sounds echoed in his body, the wild dogs outside also felt the suppression and retreated while trembling. It was as though there was an aura in Xu Qing¡¯s room that caused them to revere in fear.


    This time around, the ringing in Xu Qing¡¯s body continued for a very long time.


    In fact, from the perspective of time, it surpassed the previous time.


    A full hour later, when the filth seeping out of the pores of Xu Qing¡¯s body had reached its limit, his eyes suddenly opened.


    At that moment, a flash of purple light appeared in the entire room.


    At the instant he opened his eyes, cracking sounds echoed out from Xu Qing¡¯s body. It was as though his bones were growing and his flesh and blood were being pulled. The feeling of being torn apart was also felt.


    However, to Xu Qing, all of this was still within his tolerance.


    Amidst his calm tolerance, another hour passed. When all of this slowly ended, Xu Qing stood up. The clothes he was wearing had shortened by a portion.


    His slender body didn¡¯t look like it had been reborn but there were major changes. It was very refined.


    This was especially so for his appearance. As there were no anomalous substances in his body, it was completely pure.


    This made his original delicate appearance even more obvious. Coupled with his coldness, there was a strange charm that even dirt couldn¡¯t conceal.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about this. He walked out of the house and tested his speed. After that, he threw a punch into the air and there seemed to be muffled thunder echoing. His strength was so great that it was more than twice that of the previous four levels!


    What was even more shocking was that when his fist landed, the spirit energy fluctuations were intense and there was a faint shadow of a wolf with fangs in its mouth. It looked like a malicious, powerful ghost!


    ¡°This is the power of one xiao?¡± As the surrounding wild dogs trembled, Xu Qing glanced at his fist and muttered.


    It was mentioned in the Mountains and Seas Art that for every level, one¡¯s strength would grow by that of a tiger¡¯s and the five tigers would form one xiao. Two xiaos would form one kui.


    However, after some thought, Xu Qing felt that his description didn¡¯t match the Mountains and Seas Art.


    Right now, his strength had probably reached the level of seven or eight tigers and his speed was the same. He was even confident that when he cultivated the Mountains and Seas Art to the sixth level, he would possess the strength of two xiaos in advance.


    ¡°It should be due to the effects of the purple crystal and the knife strike from the statue in the temple.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled in his heart and looked at his right hand. After a moment of silence, he slowly lifted his hand. The image of the divine statue striking out with its blade appeared in his mind and the airflow in the surroundings seemed to be gathering towards him.


    A long time later, Xu Qing didn¡¯t continue but instead, he lowered his right hand.


    ¡°Just a little more.¡±


    Xu Qing could sense that his attempt at copying wasn¡¯t enough. At this moment, he took a deep breath and was about to return to his room. However, under the moonlight, when he turned around, he lowered his head and saw his shadow.


    When he broke through earlier, all the anomalous substances had fused into his shadow as usual. At that moment, his entire body was pure from the inside out and there was no hint of anomalous substances at all.


    Staring at the shadow, Xu Qing suddenly had an idea.


    ¡°I wonder if I can control this shadow¡­¡±


    1


    After this thought appeared in his mind, it grew deeper and deeper, causing Xu Qing to keep staring at it. In his heart, he tried to make the shadow flick his fingers but after trying for a long time, he still couldn¡¯t do it.


    This made Xu Qing sigh softly. He felt that he was too greedy and was about to give up. However, at that moment¡­ the hand of the shadow suddenly trembled!


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to widen abruptly as his breathing grew hurried.


    He was sure that his eyes weren¡¯t playing tricks on him. Also, he didn¡¯t move his hand earlier, so he increased the intensity of his gaze and tried it out.


    A long time later, when Xu Qing didn¡¯t lift his hand, his shadow¡¯s hand¡­ lifted slightly!


    In just a moment, Xu Qing felt as though his head was about to explode. It was completely empty.


    It took him a long time to recover from the headache. As he panted, his eyes revealed an intense light.


    ¡°I can control it!¡± Xu Qing lowered his head and stared deeply at the shadow.


    He knew that although it was very difficult to control it now, the emptiness in his brain earlier and the headache now told him that this matter had consumed a lot of energy.


    However, he believed that as he became more proficient and his cultivation improved, sooner or later, he would be able to flexibly control his shadow.


    By that time, the shadow¡­ would become his unexpected weapon!


    ¡°I hope that day will come soon.¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath and rubbed his aching forehead. He then returned to his room and sat cross-legged in meditation.


    He only recovered halfway in the morning and his expression was somewhat dispirited.


    He forcefully pulled himself together and changed into a set of slightly larger old clothes before rushing to Grandmaster Bai¡¯s tent.


    Chen Feiyuan wasn¡¯t around and Grandmaster Bai wasn¡¯t here yet. Only Tingyu was there, carrying the medical book on her back. When she saw Xu Qing coming, she casually raised her hand to greet him before continuing to recite.


    It had been like this during this period of time. Xu Qing had heard from Tingyu that some time ago, among the young men and women who came from the outside world, there were friends of Chen Feiyuan. Hence, he often applied for leave to go over and play.


    As for Grandmaster Bai, it was unknown what he was busy with during this period of time. He would arrive later every day and would leave very quickly after the lesson ended.


    Xu Qing nodded and sat at the side. He then took out his bamboo slip and silently reviewed yesterday¡¯s homework. Tingyu, who had lowered her head after greeting him, suddenly lifted her head and looked at Xu Qing suspiciously.


    ¡°Why do I feel like there are some changes to your body?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t lift his head and continued revising.


    Tingyu¡¯s bright eyes widened as she carefully inspected it.


    Very soon, Grandmaster Bai arrived, so she could only give up. However, during the lesson today, she glanced at Xu Qing many times.


    If it was in the past, Grandmaster Bai would be strict. However, he seemed to have something on his mind today. After giving a few words of reprimand, he ignored it.


    After he finished his lesson and arranged the content for tomorrow¡¯s assessment, Grandmaster Bai left in a hurry.


    After the teacher left, Xu Qing got up and was about to leave when Tingyu¡¯s body moved and blocked the door.


    Xu Qing frowned slightly and looked at Tingyu.


    Tingyu wasn¡¯t willing to be outdone. She lifted her head and stared at Xu Qing with her large eyes that were like the stars and moon. Her beautiful eyes swept across his height and face as she spoke in a daze.


    ¡°I know it. You¡¯ve grown taller.¡±


    ¡°Yea.¡± Xu Qing nodded and bypassed Tingyu, wanting to leave. However, Tingyu¡¯s body swayed and stopped him once again. Her eyes which were as bright as the stars contained curiosity.


    ¡°Kid, your face is so dirty every day. I don¡¯t even know what you look like. You¡¯ve changed again today. No, I have to wipe your face for you and see what you look like.¡±


    1


    As Tingyu spoke, she took out her handkerchief and was about to act.


    Xu Qing was repulsed and was about to retreat when Tingyu snorted.


    ¡°Kid, I helped you apply for leave. This is a favor!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s movements paused. Taking advantage of the moment where he paused, Tingyu¡¯s body instantly arrived. The handkerchief in her hand fluctuated with spirit energy and became moist, gently wiping Xu Qing¡¯s face.


    His wiped cheeks instantly revealed his fair skin. Xu Qing grew impatient and wanted to forcefully leave.


    ¡°Kid, I¡¯m your senior sister!¡± Tingyu shouted again and the weight of the word ¡®senior sister¡¯ was clearly very heavy, causing Xu Qing¡¯s body to involuntarily stiffen.


    Tingyu¡¯s eyes were curved like crescent moons, hiding a hint of spirit and craftiness. This time, her speed was even faster. She took a handkerchief and wiped Xu Qing¡¯s face here and there.


    Although Xu Qing strongly rejected the term ¡®senior sister¡¯, he ultimately didn¡¯t dodge it.


    Just like that, as Tingyu wiped, Xu Qing¡¯s face was slowly revealed.


    Tingyu¡¯s movements also gradually slowed down. Her eyes were wide open as she stared blankly at Xu Qing¡¯s appearance. For some reason, sunlight appeared in her mind.


    This was the first time in six years that Xu Qing¡¯s face was clean. This made him feel extremely uncomfortable. Taking advantage of the fact that Tingyu was still in a daze, he immediately circled around and quickly exited the tent.


    As the sunlight shone on his face, Xu Qing¡¯s discomfort grew even more intense. He felt as though he was walking naked outside.


    Hence, he lowered his head and picked up the mud on the ground, smearing it on his face. Only then did he heave a sigh of relief. He felt much more comfortable in his heart and regained his indifference as he walked toward the forbidden zone.


    It was only after he left that Tingyu, who was in the tent, let out a long breath and muttered.


    ¡°Mm, he looks pretty good.¡±


    As she spoke, she subconsciously lifted the tent¡¯s door and looked at Xu Qing¡¯s back view which was far away. Her elegant and exquisite little face was slightly red as she looked around in confusion.


    ¡°He¡¯s much better looking than Chen Feiyuan. No, Chen Feiyuan is completely incomparable to him.¡±

 Chapter 50 - Walking in the Night Without Needing Light

    On that day, Tingyu, who had lived in Purple Earth since she was young, rarely knew the hardships of the human world, had a dream.


    In the dream, Chen Feiyuan was fiercely making things difficult for Xu Qing. She was very angry.


    It was early in the morning when Tingyu woke up from her dream. Her mood was a little different from the past. When she arrived at Grandmaster Bai¡¯s tent, she sat there and recited the pharmacopoeia, feeling a little distracted. From time to time, she would raise her head and look outside the tent.


    Until she saw¡­ Chen Feiyuan.


    Tingyu¡¯s eyelids fluttered as she recalled the dream from yesterday.


    Chen Feiyuan yawned and rubbed his eyes as he lifted the tent flap. Just as he was about to sit down beside Tingyu, the futon was moved away by her.


    Chen Feiyuan was stunned and looked at Tingyu.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Sit there.¡± Tingyu couldn¡¯t be bothered with Chen Feiyuan and pointed to where Xu Qing usually sat.


    ¡°Why?!¡± Chen Feiyuan instantly got annoyed and his eyes widened.


    ¡°Based on the fact that you don¡¯t work hard in your studies, based on the fact that you¡¯ve been taking leave frequently during this period of time, I¡¯m annoyed by you sitting here. Is that enough?¡±


    Tingyu glared at him with her almond-shaped eyes and spoke very quickly, causing Chen Feiyuan to be stunned once again. After a while, he mumbled a few words to himself as though he didn¡¯t dare to provoke the other party. He then sat at Xu Qing¡¯s seat gloomily.


    ¡°Sigh, Tingyu, you¡­¡± After sitting down, Chen Feiyuan was about to speak but before he could finish, Tingyu¡¯s eyes revealed hostility.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say the word ¡®sigh¡¯. What if someone hears it and misunderstands?¡±


    ¡°Ah? What¡¯s wrong with the word ¡®Sigh¡¯?¡± Just when Chen Feiyuan was at a loss, the tent¡¯s door opened and Xu Qing walked in.


    Upon seeing Xu Qing, two shallow dimples appeared on Tingyu¡¯s face. She then revealed a smile and patted the futon that originally belonged to Chen Feiyuan.


    2


    ¡°Junior Brother, sit here.¡±


    Xu Qing was stunned and so was Chen Feiyuan.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Teacher is coming. Hurry up and come over.¡± Tingyu urged.


    Xu Qing was a little hesitant. He looked at Tingyu and then at Chen Feiyuan who was sitting in his seat in a daze.


    At that moment, it was indeed time for Grandmaster Bai to arrive. Hence, Xu Qing could only walk to Tingyu¡¯s side and sit at the seat that used to belong to Chen Feiyuan.


    Chen Feiyuan was dumbfounded. He pointed at Xu Qing and was about to speak when Tingyu turned and glared fiercely at him.


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t even spoken yet.¡± Chen Feiyuan was about to cry. He felt that it was unfair and was about to continue speaking when the tent door opened and Grandmaster Bai walked in.


    Chen Feiyuan could only hold back what he wanted to say and sat there angrily. On the other hand, Tingyu seemed to be very comfortable. As for Xu Qing, he felt a little uncomfortable and felt like he was sitting on pins and needles.


    As for Grandmaster Bai, after he walked in and saw where Xu Qing was sitting, he then looked at Tingyu and Chen Feiyuan who looked like a punching bag. A hint of a smile appeared on his face but he didn¡¯t disturb them and started the assessment.


    As usual, Chen Feiyuan stuttered as he was reprimanded. As for Tingyu, she proudly completed the assessment and looked at Xu Qing with anticipation.


    Xu Qing¡¯s answer was even more perfect. He even asked some of his questions during the assessment.


    The entire process made Chen Feiyuan extremely depressed.


    So, when today¡¯s lesson ended, he was the first to run out of the tent. He felt that he had been discriminated against today.


    Xu Qing felt uncomfortable sitting there during class. At that moment, he stood up and bowed to Grandmaster Bai. Just when he was about to leave, Tingyu called out to him.


    ¡°Junior Brother, why is your face dirty again?¡±


    Tingyu took out her handkerchief and wanted to try wiping his face. However, Xu Qing frowned slightly and immediately dodged, leaving in a hurry.


    After he left, Tingyu¡¯s expression was a little aggrieved as she looked at Grandmaster Bai, who was watching the show.


    ¡°Teacher, why is this kid so dirty every day? I helped him out of goodwill.¡±


    Grandmaster Bai laughed and patted the girl¡¯s head dotingly.


    ¡°Because for people who live in misery and danger, it¡¯s not a good thing to attract too much attention.¡±


    Tingyu fell into deep thought and nodded.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hear Grandmaster Bai¡¯s words but his thoughts were the same as what Grandmaster Bai said.


    Growing up in the slums, he understood that the less attention he attracted, the safer he would be. Also, the people around him were mostly filthy. If he was different from the others, he would be like a torch in the dark night, adding to the danger.


    This was his rule of survival since he was young. As for those who didn¡¯t do so, unless their strength was extremely high, they wouldn¡¯t be able to live for long.


    It was precisely because of this that Xu Qing developed the habit of not cleaning. He needed to blend into the environment and make himself inconspicuous.


    For example, the hunter hiding would only show his edge when he attacked.


    At that moment, Xu Qing, who had left the campsite and arrived at the boundary of the forbidden zone was the same. He picked up some rotten leaves from the jungle, crushed them and smeared them on his body. He tried his best to blend into nature as he slowly stepped into the forbidden zone.


    Although Captain Lei had gone to the city to stay, Xu Qing didn¡¯t give up on searching for the heavenfate flower.


    Also, with the increase in his cultivation base and strength, coupled with his increasingly rich experience and knowledge about plants, as well as his usual vigilance, he encountered fewer dangers in the outer perimeter of the forbidden zone¡¯s jungle.


    Hence, the range of Xu Qing¡¯s exploration no longer stopped at the temple. Instead, he slowly probed deeper.


    Even though the danger was greater, this tempering also allowed his combat strength to continuously increase. His herbs harvest also became richer.


    However, just like the outer region, although there were more herbs in the depths, the majority of them were still evil yin poison grass.


    As there was a lot of poisonous grass, Xu Qing¡¯s knowledge of herbs was mostly on the concoction of poison. As he improved, he also gained a few more types of poison powder.


    For this reason, he specially went to a clothing shop and bought a jacket filled with pockets. Each pocket contained a different poison.


    As for the black gloves he had obtained from the Bloodshadow Team Captain¡¯s leather pouch, Xu Qing put them on as well. He gradually felt that they were more comfortable to wear.


    Not only could this glove increase the lethality of his punches but it also had a certain degree of anti-poisoning effects. Therefore, together with the dagger Cross had given him, it became a daily weapon like the iron stick on him.


    At that moment, as the sun was about to set, Xu Qing, who had ended a day of tempering and researching poison, walked out of the small lab in the canyon. After tidying up his weapons and poison powder, he bent down and headed straight for the temple.


    Every time before he left the forbidden zone, he would make a trip to the temple to search for the scar removal stone.


    Although he had failed many times before, he had inquired about this stone and knew that it was naturally formed. It was colorful and could occasionally be seen. Hence, he persisted until this time¡­


    When he arrived at the temple, under the afterglow of the setting sun, he saw that there seemed to be a flash of seven-colored light between the brows of the stone statue head in the distance.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he rapidly surveyed his surroundings. He then checked his hidden arrangements from before. After discovering that everything was fine, he jumped to the top of a temple and squatted down to observe again.


    After confirming that there was really no danger here, he headed straight for the stone statue¡¯s head.


    When he arrived, he saw a seven-colored stone growing in the crack between his brows.


    This stone should have been ordinary in the past but in this mysterious temple, it had changed over time.


    Xu Qing hurriedly took it down and quickly searched the entire temple cluster. He found six such stones.


    Looking at the stone in his hand, Xu Qing let out a long sigh of relief. He had finally found one of the two items, the scar removal stone.


    After Xu Qing carefully kept the six small stones, he cast a deep glance at the cluster of temples. After that, he bent down and bowed before quickly leaving, disappearing into the distant jungle.


    As he sped along, Xu Qing¡¯s figure leaped up and down on the tree crowns.


    As the night fell and the roars of the ferocious beasts echoed, his pace didn¡¯t change. His speed was sometimes fast and sometimes slow as he got closer and closer to the edge of the jungle.


    Not long later, when Xu Qing jumped onto a tree trunk and wanted to borrow the momentum to move forward, the silt on the ground at the side suddenly exploded. A giant-horn python suddenly rushed out and opened its mouth, wanting to devour him.


    Its body was even larger than what he had encountered back at the campsite.


    Faced with such a surprise attack, Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. He merely lifted his right hand and flicked out a finger, tapping on the head of the giant-horn python that was trying to devour him.


    With a bang, the giant-horn python couldn¡¯t endure it anymore. As soon as it let out a mournful roar, it abruptly stopped. Its tough skin was unable to block Xu Qing¡¯s strength and its head was torn apart, its flesh crumbling.


    This collapse spread throughout his body in the blink of an eye until he turned into a ball of blood mist.


    Only his gallbladder¡­ remained unscathed as it fell from the blood mist. Xu Qing then grabbed it and left.


    Just like this, at dawn, Xu Qing walked out of the jungle and returned to the campsite.


    At the pitch-black campsite, there were very few lights at this time. As Xu Qing walked, the happy mood that he had when he obtained the small stone also became gloomy as he got closer to his residence.


    His residence was also pitch-black. Only the dozen or so wild dogs lay on the ground and wagged their tails after sensing his return.


    After Xu Qing entered the courtyard, he habitually glanced at Captain Lei¡¯s room and silently walked into the kitchen.


    He heated the leftover food from yesterday and swallowed it as though it was to fill his stomach. After he was done, he returned to his room and sighed softly.


    ¡°I wonder how Captain Lei is doing in the city. He should be doing very well. If I still can¡¯t find the heavenfate flower in the end, I¡¯ll save up some spirit coins and buy a spot too.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and closed his eyes, allowing himself to sink into cultivation.


    The next day, Xu Qing went to class as usual.


    Tingyu returned to normal but the seat was still left for him. As for Chen Feiyuan, he had also resigned himself to fate and could only watch as Xu Qing sat in his original seat.


    As the lesson ended, Tingyu no longer spoke up to wipe his face. There was more understanding in her gaze.


    Xu Qing felt this understanding. He lowered his head slightly and bid farewell to Grandmaster Bai.


    When he left the tent, Xu Qing touched the small stone in his leather pouch and walked toward the general store where the little girl was at.


    However, before he could get close, he saw a group of strangers outside the general store from afar!


    Their clothes were very special. Their black robes were embroidered with blood-colored suns and a murderous and bloody aura was especially obvious on them.

 Chapter 51 - Eye Breaking Feihong

    These black-robed men were all tall and muscular. Their black robes covered their entire bodies and their heads, making it impossible to see their appearances.


    However, the occasional cold gaze from within the black robe caused the hearts of the surrounding scavengers and desperadoes to tremble.


    The gazes of these black-robed men carried indifference to life. They didn¡¯t have the slightest hint of humanity in them, as though they were just machines used for killing.


    Even as they stood there, the heat of June was also dispersed by an invisible force, causing the atmosphere outside the general store to be extremely cold.


    As for their identities, the moment Xu Qing arrived, he already knew from the whispers of the scavengers in the surroundings.


    ¡°It¡¯s the law enforcement team of the Litu Sect!¡±


    ¡°Litu Sect¡­ That¡¯s a bunch of lunatics. They rarely appear in scavenger camps. Why are they here this time?¡±


    ¡°I heard they¡¯re here to find someone. They have already searched through all the cities and scavenger campsites in this area.¡±


    As the sounds from the surroundings entered Xu Qing¡¯s ears, his eyes slowly narrowed. With a flip of his hand, an iron stick appeared and he stared coldly at the general store. At the same time, three people walked out of the general store.


    Two people were in front, one tall and one short.


    The tall man¡¯s figure was tall and straight, like a sharp sword that was stained with blood.


    His clothes were the exact opposite of the law enforcement team from the Litu Sect. His robe was blood-colored and the sun pattern on it was black. At that moment, his head wasn¡¯t covered, revealing a head of black hair and a well-defined face.


    It was a youth.


    The instant he walked out, everyone from the black-clothed law-enforcement team outside lowered their heads and knelt on one knee.


    Upon seeing this scene, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. The aura emitted by the other party made him feel as though he had encountered a powerful ferocious beast in the depths of the jungle.


    As for the shorter one beside the youth, it was the little girl.


    At that moment, an unprecedentedly happy smile appeared on her face as she forcefully grabbed the youth¡¯s hand.


    From his age, it seemed that the other party was her older brother. The coldness on the youth¡¯s body also became incomparably gentle when he lowered his head to look at the little girl. However, the sadness in his eyes that was difficult to melt was still very obvious.


    It was as though he was reminiscing about his loved ones who had passed away during the calamity.


    Behind them was the boss of the general store. He had a flattering look on his face as he carefully followed them and whispered.


    Looking at all of this, Xu Qing silently put away the iron stick. He then touched the small stone in his leather pouch, feeling a little hesitant.


    At the same time, the little girl who walked out of the shop also saw Xu Qing in the crowd.


    She hurriedly said a few words to the youth beside her. After that, when the youth¡¯s scrutinizing gaze landed on Xu Qing, the little girl let go and ran toward him.


    The scavengers beside Xu Qing instinctively retreated, allowing the little girl to successfully reach Xu Qing and bid him farewell.


    ¡°My brother is here to pick me up. Brother Kid, do you want to leave with me?¡±


    During this farewell, the little girl looked at Xu Qing with some anticipation.


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    After receiving the answer, the little girl felt a little disappointed. She glanced at Xu Qing before revealing a smile again.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. When I grow up, we can still meet. Brother Kid, I said that I would repay you for saving my life. I will definitely do it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving with my brother. My brother is very good to me. He gives me whatever I want. Do you have a brother too?¡±


    The little girl had a lot to say. As she spoke, the youth outside the general store called out to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving, Brother Kid.¡±


    The little girl looked at Xu Qing. During these two months at the campsite, the only person she was familiar with was the person in front of her. At that moment, she felt a little reluctant to part with him.


    Xu Qing glanced at the little girl and took out a small seven-colored stone from his leather pouch, passing it to her.


    ¡°This stone can remove scars. I¡¯m giving it to you.¡±


    The little girl was stunned. She held the stone and looked at Xu Qing, wanting to say something but hesitating. Her brother then called out again. In the end, the little girl cast a deep glance at Xu Qing and held the seven-colored stone in her hand. She then returned to the youth¡¯s side and left amidst the crowd of black-robed people.


    On the way, she turned her head once and waved at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing also waved his hand and watched as the little girl who always had a happy smile on her face walked away. He felt that it was right for her to leave this place.


    ¡°I wish you peace.¡±


    After saying that, Xu Qing turned and walked toward his residence.


    Life was the same as before. He silently cooked, ate, cleaned, meditated, and attended lessons.


    Time flowed by and seven days passed like this.


    Xu Qing had completely returned to his slum-like state. He also realized that Grandmaster Bai¡­ wouldn¡¯t be staying at the campsite for long.


    This was something that Xu Qing had guessed after Grandmaster Bai¡¯s convoy had started organizing in the past two to three days.


    Grandmaster Bai had once told him that he came from Purple Earth. Xu Qing had heard many people mention that it was the center of the Nanhuang Continent.


    On that morning, when Xu Qing arrived at Grandmaster Bai¡¯s tent, he didn¡¯t see any guards, nor did he see Chen Feiyuan or Tingyu.


    In the tent, there was only Grandmaster Bai.


    Xu Qing already had an answer in his heart.


    During this lesson, Grandmaster Bai¡¯s lecture was very detailed. Xu Qing listened attentively but time still flowed quickly. Very soon, it was time for the lesson to end. Looking at the silent Xu Qing, Grandmaster Bai sighed softly.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    ¡°Before I leave, I¡¯ll impart to you some knowledge that will truly help you in your future life. Due to the restrictions of the oath, I can¡¯t tell you directly. Whether you can grasp it or not will depend on you.¡± Grandmaster Bai cast a deep glance at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he looked at Grandmaster Bai.


    The moment their gazes met, Grandmaster Bai¡¯s weak voice echoed in the tent.


    ¡°Kid, take the herbs I taught you on the third day, the seventh day, the eleventh day, the fifteenth day, the seventeenth day, and the nineteenth day and put them together in the ratio of one to two to four, add the equivalent amount of seven-leaf grass and you will be able to refine the white pills that countless people in this world need¡­ which can be converted to spirit coins!¡±


    The moment he said this, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened and his breathing became hurried.


    At that moment, it wasn¡¯t like before when he didn¡¯t understand herbs. After almost two months of attending classes, he was very clear about the value of pill formulas in this world!


    That was an extremely precious resource in the hands of a large family or faction!


    This was especially so for the white pills that belonged to the category of basic hard currency. The value of the pill formula was so great that it was hard to describe. It couldn¡¯t be easily leaked.


    Now that he had grasped the method to make white pills, he didn¡¯t even need a high cultivation base. With this pill formula, he could live very well.


    This was a great kindness!


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled slightly as he looked at Grandmaster Bai in front of him. He then looked at the white hair on Grandmaster Bai¡¯s temples and his gentle gaze. The scenes from the past two months surfaced in his mind.


    From eavesdropping outside the tent to listening to the lesson in the tent, the other party¡¯s earnest teachings caused the thousands of words in his heart to transform into deep gratitude and reluctance.


    Finally, he lowered his head and bowed deeply to this seemingly stern but amiable old man.


    ¡°Thank you¡­ Teacher.¡±


    If it could be said that Captain Lei gave him the feeling of family, then this Grandmaster Bai in front of him was like a master, giving him an extremely important survival skill in this world.


    Grandmaster Bai looked at Xu Qing¡¯s bow and a smile appeared on his face. He also noticed Xu Qing¡¯s emotions and thus smiled.


    ¡°Kid, I¡¯m treating you like this because you¡¯re good at learning and have a good comprehension ability. I loathe those people in this world who have set rules that they can¡¯t divulge their pill recipes.¡±


    ¡°However, there are times when my identity gives me no choice. However, you¡¯re not the first person I¡¯ve taught the Dao of alchemy and pill formulas to. I have travelled to the Southern Phoenix and imparted many things to many people. The Dao of alchemy of our human race cannot decline because of the status barrier.¡±


    ¡°Finally, between us¡­ You have to know that the world is the guest house of all living beings. Time is a passerby from ancient times to now. As long as you don¡¯t die, we will meet again. I hope that the day I see you again will be the day you would have made use of your talent.¡±


    Grandmaster Bai¡¯s words were filled with deep meaning, especially the last part. It was the most profound sentence Xu Qing had heard in all these years. He firmly remembered it.


    On the same day, Grandmaster Bai¡¯s convoy left. Before they left, Grandmaster Bai left a thick herbal medicine book for Xu Qing to self-study.


    Xu Qing sent them all the way to the outside of the campsite and stared blankly at the departing convoy. He also saw Tingyu¡¯s figure in the convoy, constantly turning her head to look at him.


    In the dusk, they drifted further and further away.


    Under the setting sun, the youth¡¯s shadow was very long. He stood there for a very long time before slowly turning around and returning to the campsite.


    The campsite wouldn¡¯t be different because of the departure of a few people.


    There were no changes. It was still dirty. There were still all kinds of people from all walks of life. There were the shouts of old people, the cries of children, the laughter of burly men, and the low panting of women.


    Under the setting sun, the myriad of lives seemed to have transformed into a miniature version of the campsite.


    Xu Qing walked among them but didn¡¯t return to his residence immediately. Instead, he unknowingly walked to the general store and looked at the new assistant who had taken over as the little girl. He then bought a bottle of wine.


    After Xu Qing returned to his residence with the alcohol, he didn¡¯t eat that night.


    He looked at the empty room and sat there with his head lowered, staring at the alcohol flask. After a long while, he picked it up and took a big gulp.


    As the spiciness flowed down his throat and into his stomach, it exploded and spread throughout his body, Xu Qing suddenly felt that this wine, which wasn¡¯t very delicious back then, seemed to have some flavor today.


    Hence, he took another sip.


    Another sip.


    In his slightly tipsy mind, the scenes from the past six years in the slums surfaced. The image of Captain Lei¡¯s figure walking into the city gate, Grandmaster Bai¡¯s departing convoy, and the scene of the little girl walking far away appeared.


    The words the other party said before he left also surfaced.


    ¡°Do you have a brother too?¡±


    ¡°I also have an elder brother but I can¡¯t find him.¡± Xu Qing held the alcohol flask and leaned against the wall. He lifted his head and looked at the moon outside as he mumbled softly.


    Outside his room, the purple-robed old man and his servant stood there and listened quietly until the youth¡¯s murmur rang out from within the room.


    ¡°The world is the guest house of all living beings. Time is a passerby from ancient times until now.¡±


    ¡°As long as I don¡¯t die, we will meet again.¡±

 Chapter 52 - An Accidental Blessing (1)

    The stars couldn¡¯t be seen in the black sky and only wisps of dark clouds drifted past the bright moon.


    The wind was very strong but it didn¡¯t affect the flow of the moonlight.


    The bright moonlight poured down like flowing water.


    Some landed in the scavenger campsite, in the courtyard of Xu Qing¡¯s residence and on the two figures in front of the door.


    Old Master Seventh, who was wearing a purple robe, stood there for a long time with his hands behind his back. Under the moonlight, his aged face was filled with contemplation. No one knew what he was thinking about.


    The servant beside him didn¡¯t want to disturb him, so he waited silently.


    As for the wild dogs in the surroundings, it was as though these two people didn¡¯t exist in their eyes and they couldn¡¯t sense them. Hence, they lay there without any abnormalities.


    The surroundings were very quiet. Only the laughter and screams from the outer-ring area of the campsite echoed faintly.


    After those two sentences, the room fell into silence. Only the sound of breathing could be heard faintly.


    Time flowed by. After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Old Master Seventh, who was standing at the door, sighed softly. He didn¡¯t push the door open but turned and walked out.


    ¡°Give him a token.¡± Old Master Seventh, who had walked to the courtyard gate, spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°What color?¡± the servant asked.


    ¡°The most ordinary one. Also, you don¡¯t have to say much to him.¡± Old Master Seventh walked past the courtyard gate and gradually left.


    The servant¡¯s eyes narrowed as waves of emotions rose in his heart.


    During the time he had followed Old Master Seventh to the campsite, he had personally seen Old Master Seventh paying attention to that kid several times.


    After that, at Grandmaster Bai¡¯s place, Old Master Seventh also went to greet him. All of this allowed him to know that this kid¡¯s opportunity had arrived. That was why he asked if he should give the other party a token last time.


    The token was the qualification to enter the Seven Blood Eyes. Only those who possessed the token could participate in the assessment. If they succeeded, they could enter the sect.


    As for the tokens, they were also divided into different colors. Purple was the highest, which meant that the new disciples were core disciples. Yellow was the middle, which meant that the new disciples were inner sect disciples. As for white, it was the most ordinary and the new disciples were just ordinary disciples.


    According to the servant¡¯s feelings, Old Master Seventh would at least give him a yellow token. However, it was only white, and he even emphasized that there was no need to say more.


    Such an abnormal scene made him have no choice but to ponder. His heart couldn¡¯t help but race a few times.


    ¡°There¡¯s only one answer. Old Master Seventh thinks very highly of this kid. Not only does he want to take him into the sect but he also has the thought of taking him in as a disciple? So, he plans to inspect him? The first three princes all entered this way. Could it be that the seventh peak is going to have a fourth personal disciple?¡±


    The servant was very clear about the importance of the word ¡®personal¡¯. It could be said that once one became the personal disciple of Old Master Seventh, this person would instantly attract the attention of various forces in the Nanhuang Continent.


    However, he felt that the possibility of this happening wasn¡¯t very high. After all, it had been a long time since Old Master Seventh took in a disciple.


    No matter what, he had to pay close attention to this kid. At the thought of this, the servant took a deep breath and collected his thoughts. He then slowly knocked on Xu Qing¡¯s door.


    The instant the thumping sounds entered the room, the breathing sounds in the room instantly disappeared.


    At the next moment, the corners of the servant¡¯s mouth curled into a smile. His body then blurred and disappeared. When he reappeared, he was already behind the room!


    At the corner of the wall behind the room, there was a hole. It was very hidden and was covered by bricks. It seemed like it had been dug out for some time.


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s figure darted out rapidly. Just as he was about to take a detour to observe the person who knocked on the door, his body suddenly stopped when the servant appeared.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. His heart sank when he saw the figure who had suddenly appeared.


    The figure in front of him was a middle-aged man. He wore a gray robe and had an extremely ordinary face. The most eye-catching thing was the pentagonal pattern between his brows. This pattern was currently emitting a faint glow and the surrounding moonlight was affected, causing it to distort.


    An even more intense sense of oppression followed. Xu Qing¡¯s breathing became slightly hurried and he tightened his grip on the iron stick in his right hand. His left hand also grabbed a handful of poison powder without leaving a trace.


    The other party¡¯s appearance was too strange and the oppression he felt from him far surpassed that of the older brother of the young girl he saw a few days ago.


    This was especially so when the other party¡¯s gaze caused all the flesh and blood in his body to tremble. It was as though he was shouting at himself, telling him that the person in front of him was extremely dangerous!


    This caused Xu Qing¡¯s vigilance to reach the extreme. Also, the trembling of his flesh wasn¡¯t just a signal of danger. At the same time, it also told him that his body was prepared for all the next moves.


    Xu Qing had already simulated the dangers he would encounter in his residence several times in his mind. The most dangerous situation in his simulation was something that could make the wild dogs not bark and he didn¡¯t sense it at all.


    At this moment, he narrowed his eyes and attempted to slowly retreat.


    ¡°I have no ill intentions.¡± The servant smiled as he looked at the child in front of him who had metaphorically transformed into a wolf cub and could explode at any moment.


    Glancing at the hole in the wall behind Xu Qing, he could guess that this should be the escape route the kid had prepared to prevent himself from encountering danger in his residence.


    ¡°To be able to make such preparations early on and not panic when encountering a sudden change but wait for an opportunity to resist. No wonder Old Master Seventh thinks highly of this kid.¡±


    The scene of Xu Qing cutting Horse-Four¡¯s neck and killing Fat Mountain appeared in the servant¡¯s mind. A look of admiration appeared in his eyes as he took out a white token and tossed it toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t catch it. He instantly leaped up and retreated. At the same time, he threw out a handful of poison powder. Two cold daggers within the poison powder whistled toward the servant.

 Chapter 53 - An Accidental Blessing (2)

    However, at the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes abruptly widened. He saw his dagger piercing through the body of the gray-robed man and pinning him to the wall behind him. However, it was as though the other party didn¡¯t have a physical body. There was no change at all.


    The poison powder was the same. It penetrated his body and splattered all over the ground.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s nerves to instantly tense up. He paused for a moment and was about to continue retreating.


    At that moment, the gray-robed man laughed. His figure slowly disappeared from Xu Qing¡¯s sight.


    First, it was his legs, then his body. When his head was about to disappear, his voice echoed.


    ¡°Kid, someone asked me to give you this token. It¡¯s an entry qualification for the Seven Blood Eyes. On the map on the back, you can use the token to teleport to any branch city once for free.¡±


    After those words were spoken, the servant¡¯s figure completely vanished, as though he had never appeared. Xu Qing, who was standing there, fell silent for a very long time as he watched everything.


    He could sense the strangeness of the other party and the helplessness of being weak.


    A long time later, Xu Qing silently walked over and pulled out his dagger. He then lowered his head and looked at the token on the ground.


    The white token had its front facing up, and it was carved with complicated patterns. Under the moonlight, it seemed to be reflecting light and it was filled with an ancient feeling.


    Xu Qing fell silent and wore his gloves as he carefully picked it up to take a look.


    On the back of the token was a map. There were hundreds of bumps on it, indicating one city after another.


    ¡°Seven Blood Eyes¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled.


    He had heard of the Seven Blood Eyes from Captain Lei and knew that they were one of the few great and ruthless forces in the Nanhuang Continent. Every year, countless people wanted to join their sect.


    However, the entry requirements for the Seven Blood Eyes were very strict. It wasn¡¯t something that could be casually entered. One needed an entry token. However, the distribution of this token was extremely rare.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know why he had received it, nor did he know the gray-robed man or the authenticity of the token.


    However, after pondering for a while, he felt that with the other party¡¯s terrifying strength, there was no need for him to be fooled. Hence, there was a high chance that this token was real.


    ¡°Why are you giving it to me?¡± Xu Qing couldn¡¯t understand but he noticed how the other party addressed him.


    The word ¡®kid¡¯ had many meanings. There was a broad meaning and a special meaning.


    In this scavenger campsite, the term ¡®kid¡¯ was a name that only belonged to Xu Qing.


    To be able to call out his name at the scavenger campsite meant that the other party understood him very well.


    Moreover, the other party had mentioned in his words that someone had asked him to deliver the token. This meant that the gray-robed man had a companion, and this companion¡¯s status was much higher.


    ¡°Could it be Grandmaster Bai?¡± Xu Qing lowered his head and checked the token. After a while, he hesitantly kept it.


    At that moment, the sky was starting to brighten. Xu Qing stuffed the bricks on the wall at the back of the house back to their original state and fed the wild dogs in the courtyard.


    Although these fellows were very useless, after raising them for a long time, feeding them had become a habit.


    Xu Qing was about to head out for class when he saw over ten wild dogs fighting to eat their food. However, he stopped after taking a few steps and sat silently in the courtyard.


    ¡°I¡¯m also used to it¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled. He sat there until the sky was bright. He then stood up and walked out of the courtyard, entering the campsite.


    He was very familiar with the campsite but at that moment, he felt a sense of unfamiliarity. Cross and Luan Tooth hadn¡¯t returned for a long time as well. As Xu Qing walked, he suddenly missed the lab in the canyon.


    Although that place was a forbidden zone that was filled with dangers, the longing in his heart was still very strong.


    At the same time, Xu Qing also prepared to try concocting the white pills. Hence, he took a deep breath and was about to leave the campsite and head to the forbidden zone. However, before he could leave the campsite, someone shouted behind him.


    ¡°Kid, kid.¡±


    The voice was somewhat familiar. Xu Qing turned and saw a white-haired old man in a leather coat running toward him.


    This person was an old scavenger from the campsite.


    No one knew his exact name. Everyone called him Old Stone. He was also one of the five or six people Xu Qing saved when he carried Captain Lei back.


    Later on, just like Bone Blade, he often came to Xu Qing¡¯s place to buy insurance.


    ¡°Hey, kid, I took on a big job!¡± Old Stone said excitedly.


    As he quickly explained, Xu Qing understood.


    This old rock in front of him had used some unknown method during this period of time to successfully make the young men and women who had arrived a few days ago outside the campsite hire him as a guide to head to the cluster of temples in the forbidden zone¡¯s jungle.


    This time, he came to find him to buy insurance.


    ¡°As usual, five white pills. If I don¡¯t return in a week, I¡¯ll have to trouble you to come to the temple cluster to save me,¡± Old Stone said with a smile.


    ¡°A week?¡± Xu Qing was a little surprised.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. This group of pampered people in the Purple Earth insisted on staying there for a week. However, the remuneration is very generous, so I decided to give it my all. After I finish this job, I plan to retire.¡±


    Old Stone sighed. As an old scavenger, he was very clear that staying in the forbidden zone for a week would cause the risk and anomalous substances absorbed to increase exponentially. However, the reward was too much, enough for him to purchase the right to stay in a nearby city. Therefore, he wanted to risk it and prepared enough white pills.


    Xu Qing frowned slightly. He wasn¡¯t prepared to continue taking on such matters, especially since he needed time to study the white pills.


    Hence, he was just about to reject Old Stone when he saw Old Stone¡¯s white hair and expectant expression. Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but think of Captain Lei. After a moment of silence, he nodded.


    ¡°This is the last time.¡±


    With that, he accepted the white pills under Old Stone¡¯s gratitude and walked out of the campsite, heading straight for the forbidden zone.


    At that moment, the fog appeared in the forbidden zone, covering the area and spreading in all directions¡­


    Outside the range of the fog, near the forbidden zone¡¯s Poison Dragon Pool, there was a scavenger hiding in a gap in a tree with a look of horror on his face. His body was trembling.


    Surrounding him were four figures. Their gazes were cold as they searched.


    ¡°There¡¯s fog!! As long as I persist, the kid will definitely come and save me!¡± The person hiding was none other than Bone Blade, who had bought insurance from Xu Qing many times!


    ¡­


    ¡°There¡¯s fog.¡±


    The instant he entered the jungle of the forbidden zone, Xu Qing stopped in his tracks.


    He could feel his shadow distorting a little. He had encountered such a situation before. It was a sign that the fog had appeared in the forbidden zone.


    If one looked carefully, one could even see traces of very thin fog in the forest.


    Xu Qing was a little hesitant but after some thought, he still chose to enter the jungle.


    On one hand, he needed to go to the canyon lab. On the other hand, although the help from the shadow couldn¡¯t be sustained for too long, it was enough for him to head to the canyon.


    Moreover, when the fog appeared, it looked dangerous but it was the same for mutated beasts. So to a certain extent, it was safer than before.


    However, the prerequisite was that he wouldn¡¯t get lost in the inner area and the anomalous substances wouldn¡¯t increase either.


    Hence, Xu Qing sped up and shuttled through the jungle.


    Two hours later, when the fog slowly grew thicker, Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and arrived at the location where the night lizard¡¯s skin was located.


    He stood on a large tree at the side and tilted his head to look at the north.


    ¡°That¡¯s the area of the Poison Dragon Pool¡­¡± In the jungle of the forbidden zone, the scavengers had divided the terrain into several points and the Poison Dragon Pool was one of them.


    Regarding this Poison Dragon Pool, Xu Qing had heard of it many times. Most of the time, it was what Bone Blade had said. This was because every time the other party bought insurance, the designated rescue area would be the Poison Dragon Pool.


    Xu Qing thought about it. Bone Blade had bought insurance too many times. He remembered that the other party had bought it once two days ago.


    Although it wasn¡¯t time yet, since the fog had appeared and he was nearby, he might as well go over and take a look.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and he leaped up from the tree crown, moving closer to the location of the Poison Dragon Pool.


    As he got closer, Xu Qing slowly narrowed his eyes. His expression revealed vigilance and his movements became increasingly concealed.


    He saw someone.


    The other party wore a black leather coat and had a sinister mask on his face. He held a longsword that emitted a cold light and was searching.


    His body emitted extraordinary spirit energy fluctuations, giving Xu Qing the feeling that he had reached Fire Crow¡¯s level back then.


    Xu Qing observed for a moment before he nimbly moved away. However, it wasn¡¯t long before he saw a second person dressed similarly. Their cultivation levels were similar, and this caused Xu Qing to feel some doubt in his heart.


    ¡°He¡¯s not a scavenger.¡± After Xu Qing muttered to himself, he became even more cautious. After circling the perimeter of the Poison Dragon Pool, he saw Bone Blade!

 Chapter 54 - He Bought My Insurance

    At that moment, Bone Blade had lost all fighting abilities. His hands and feet were tied up and he had fainted. He was then carried on the shoulders of a tall and muscular man.


    Beside the burly dude was another person wearing a black leather coat. This person was an old man with a hunchback.


    Perhaps it was also because of this that he didn¡¯t wear a mask that concealed his identity. Under his messy gray hair was a face filled with wrinkles. His gaze was cold and he exuded a murderous aura.


    The fluctuations on his body were even more intense, surpassing that of Captain Lei and the Bloodshadow Team Captain back then. Clearly, he was at 70% of Qi Condensation.


    Xu Qing had never seen such a cultivation among the scavengers in the campsite.


    ¡°Manager, this fog came at a very bad time. What should we do about the other meat treasures that have been marked?¡± While Xu Qing was observing from afar, the burly dude carrying the bone saber asked in a muffled voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s all this meat treasure¡¯s fault. He kept dodging and wasting time.¡± The black-clothed old man coldly looked at the unconscious Bone Blade. After a moment of silence, he shook his head.


    ¡°Let the others come over. We¡¯ll go out first and wait for the fog to dissipate before we go look for those meat treasures.¡±


    ¡°Boss is really too much. Couldn¡¯t he just capture them at the campsite? Why did he have to wait for them to enter the forbidden zone before letting us capture them?¡± The burly dude grumbled unhappily. The old man at the side snorted coldly.


    ¡°What Boss wants is a steady flow. It¡¯s not something that a pig brain like you can understand. If we capture people in the campsite, how will the campsite continue operating?¡±


    When the burly dude heard this, he didn¡¯t think much of it but he didn¡¯t refute it. He followed the old man¡¯s instructions and took out a whistle to blow. Very soon, the two men in black whom Xu Qing saw earlier arrived swiftly.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop them, nor did he make a move. He squatted on the treetop in the distance and coldly watched everything.


    After confirming that there were indeed four people on the other side, Xu Qing glanced at the unconscious Bone Blade when he saw that they were about to leave.


    If he hadn¡¯t seen this, or if Bone Blade hadn¡¯t bought insurance, or if it had happened outside the jungle, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t have bothered. He wasn¡¯t a saint and didn¡¯t have the energy to save others.


    However, he had his own principles.


    Since you bought my insurance, I have to ensure that you leave the forbidden zone. As for whether they lived or died after leaving, he didn¡¯t care.


    In the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s body rushed out. His speed was so fast that he left behind an afterimage on the spot. He was like an arrow that left the bow, heading straight for the burly dude with Bone Blade on his back.


    His previous hiding spot was too well-hidden and his attacks were as quick as lightning. Therefore, the three men in black, including the burly dude, didn¡¯t notice him at all. Only the old man in black did.


    At that moment, his expression changed and he quickly turned around. He even raised his right hand and in an instant, numerous ice blades rapidly condensed and shot into the air.


    However, it was still too late. The ice blade missed and Xu Qing had already arrived beside the burly dude. As the wind blew wildly, his long hair fluttered in the wind. The sharpness in his eyes and the cold gleam of the dagger in his hand clashed together, revealing his killing intent!


    The saber slashed across the burly dude¡¯s throat with such great force that the fifth level of his Qi Condensation didn¡¯t have the slightest chance to resist or react. He didn¡¯t even have the time to scream before his head flew off.


    Blood splattered everywhere!


    At that moment, Bone Blade fell to the ground. Xu Qing grabbed onto his clothes and with a few steps, he appeared in the distance.


    After throwing Bone Blade to the side, Xu Qing turned and stared coldly at the other three like a hunter.


    At that moment, the burly dude¡¯s dazed head, his corpse and the old man¡¯s empty ice blade landed on the ground at the same time.


    The surroundings instantly fell silent. The shock caused by this scene was extremely great, causing the black-robed old man and his two companions to feel their hearts pounding. All of them looked at Xu Qing in unison.


    ¡°Kid!¡±


    One of the two men in black behind the old man widened his eyes when he saw Xu Qing and blurted out.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± The old man in black in front immediately growled.


    The man in black also realized that he had misspoken and stopped talking.


    Xu Qing cast a deep glance at the three of them. That sentence had already exposed everything.


    ¡°Kid, this matter has nothing to do with you. Scram immediately. I can treat it as though you never appeared.¡± The black-robed old man¡¯s expression was gloomy as he stared fixedly at Xu Qing. He didn¡¯t bother hiding it and spoke slowly.


    At that moment, a gust of wind blew over. When it passed by Xu Qing¡¯s location, it scattered some of his remnant sea water and blew it over to where the old man and the other two were. The wind stirred up the leaves on the ground and caused them to rustle.


    It was as though the fog had grown thicker in the wind.


    Xu Qing fell silent and didn¡¯t speak.


    Bone Blade had long regained consciousness but he had been pretending to be unconscious. Now that he heard the old man¡¯s words, he grew anxious. He was worried that Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t continue to save him, so he hurriedly opened his eyes.


    He felt that only by pulling Xu Qing to the point where he had to fight to the death would it be safe. There was only one way to do this. Hence, he shouted:


    ¡°Kid, don¡¯t listen to him. They are the camp leader¡¯s men. Over the years, many of the scavengers who went missing from the campsite were secretly captured by them and sold to the merchant group as treasure-nurturers. This is the camp leader¡¯s greatest secret!¡±


    His words caused the old man in black to narrow his eyes. He stared at Xu Qing and spoke again.


    ¡°I¡¯m giving you one last chance. Don¡¯t be a busybody!¡±


    Xu Qing ignored Bone Blade¡¯s words. The cause and effect of this matter had nothing to do with him. His thoughts were very simple and direct.


    After buying my insurance, I will ensure that you leave the forbidden zone. As for your life and death after leaving, it has nothing to do with me.


    ¡°He bought my insurance,¡± Xu Qing said seriously.


    The black-clothed old man¡¯s expression turned even colder. However, in the next instant, the corners of his mouth curled into a sinister smile as he abruptly raised his hands. Immediately, a gigantic red halo appeared beneath his feet.


    Waves of cold wind suddenly rose into the air from within the ring, as though it had transformed into a tornado. Its aura was extraordinary.


    ¡°Kid, your experience is still too shallow. You actually gave me time to cast a spell. In that case¡­ you can die.¡±


    The old man let out a low roar and his hands trembled fiercely. Immediately, the wind rings around him became even more majestic and countless blood-colored ice blades rapidly formed.


    At the same time, the two men in black beside him also let out a sinister laugh as they charged at Xu Qing from both sides.


    Bone Blade¡¯s gaze was filled with despair.


    Only Xu Qing¡¯s expression was very calm from the start to the end. When the two figures from the left and right approached and the ice-blade storm was about to erupt around the black-clothed old man, he spoke softly.


    ¡°I have to thank you too.¡±


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing spoke, the two men in black who were rushing toward him suddenly stopped in their tracks.


    Their expressions instantly turned ashen and their eyes widened in horror. Streams of black-colored blood actually flowed out of their seven orifices.


    It was as though their bodies were poisoned and they couldn¡¯t even breathe. The two of them were horrified to the extreme and instinctively wanted to escape.


    However, after taking a few steps back, the two of them spat out a large mouthful of black blood. Their bodies lost all their strength and they stumbled to the ground. Their bodies twitched violently and their expressions were filled with extreme pain. It was as though they were enduring torture from the human world. They let out a shrill and shocking cry of agony and died abruptly in the next moment.


    This scene caused Bone Blade to be overwhelmed with horror. The mind of the black-clothed old man who was casting the spell also rumbled and the storm that was maintained in the surroundings became unstable.


    At that moment, black blood flowed out of his eyes.


    ¡°You¡­¡± The old man¡¯s expression changed drastically. Unable to maintain the stability of the spell, he abruptly pushed it out, causing the ice blade to erupt in advance.


    However, due to the fluctuations in his mind, although the explosive power was great, there was a deviation in the area covered. Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed as he grabbed Bone Blade and easily dodged the attack. He then looked at the black-clothed old man who was rapidly retreating and wanted to escape.


    Seeing the other party continuously taking out medicinal pills and swallowing them as he retreated, Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop him. Instead, he mumbled softly amidst Bone Blade¡¯s terror.


    ¡°One, two, three¡­¡±


    The instant the word ¡®Three¡¯ left his mouth, the black-clothed old man coughed out a large mouthful of black blood. There were even rotting pieces of internal organs in it.


    His body staggered but he didn¡¯t fall to the ground. Although his face was pale, he seemed to still have some strength left and was about to flee quickly.


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, he frowned. His body instantly rushed out and directly caught up to the old man. Under the despair on the other party¡¯s face, he threw a punch at his chest.


    A malevolent-looking shadow instantly appeared on his fist. He then silently laughed sinisterly and pounced toward the old man.


    Boom!


    The old man¡¯s body trembled and the clothes on his chest instantly shattered into ashes. His heart collapsed and he died.


    His corpse fell to the ground and the flesh on his chest caved in, forming a ghastly face. It was a shocking sight.


    ¡°In theory, the seven types of poison powder that were spread through the wind should be used in a mixture. One would die after being poisoned for a few breaths. Why is he still able to persist¡­ It seems like I still need to improve.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and ignored Bone Blade who was scared silly. He began to organize the spoils and finally took out the Corpse Destroying Powder, scattering it on the three corpses.


    As sizzling sounds rang out in the silent jungle, the three corpses turned into blood.


    After doing this, Xu Qing looked at Bone Blade.


    Bone Blade was so frightened by Xu Qing¡¯s attack that his body and mind were trembling. In his eyes, the figure of the youth before him seemed to have become the most terrifying existence in this world.


    Hence, when Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over him, he immediately shivered.


    Amidst his shivering, he felt that it was somewhat difficult to breathe. The skin on his hands also turned green. This scene almost caused him to break down.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Kid, I, I¡­ I was poisoned too.¡±


    ¡°In this area with wind, all will be poisoned.¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    ¡°Antidote, give me the antidote¡­¡± Bone Blade was anxious. He felt a piercing pain all over his body.


    ¡°There¡¯s no antidote for my poison.¡± Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the approaching fog. Amidst Bone Blade¡¯s despair, he calmly spoke again.


    ¡°I came to save you because you bought insurance but this isn¡¯t something you can rely on to play tricks.¡±


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Kid, I was wrong. I know I was wrong. My body is starting to hurt. Look, I¡¯m bruised¡­¡±


    Bone Blade trembled and he saw that his hands were turning increasingly greenish-black. The scene of the two men in black bleeding from their seven orifices and dying tragically surfaced in his mind and the terror in his heart reached its peak.


    Xu Qing coldly glanced at him. With a wave of his right hand, a packet of medicinal powder was thrown over.


    Bone Blade hurriedly caught it and directly poured it into his mouth. He was afraid that he wouldn¡¯t be able to neutralize the poison if he ate too little. Very soon, the green color on his body dissipate but his face began to swell.


    ¡°What did you feed me? My swollen mouth feels a little numb¡­¡± Bone Blade felt that his face was very swollen and he couldn¡¯t speak properly. He looked at Xu Qing blankly.


    Xu Qing glanced at

 Chapter 55 - Life on the Left, Death on the Right (1)

    ¡°Also¡­ Also poison?¡±


    Bone Blade¡¯s eyes widened in despair. He wanted to say something but at the next moment, he felt his head spinning and he fainted.


    At this moment, the fog also enveloped them, engulfing Xu Qing and Bone Blade¡¯s figures.


    Four hours later, at the edge of the jungle in the forbidden zone, at a crossroad, Bone Blade felt a sharp pain in his body. He woke up and opened his eyes.


    The instant he opened his eyes, he looked around blankly. However, he quickly jumped up nervously.


    After confirming that the place he was at wasn¡¯t dangerous and that he didn¡¯t see Xu Qing¡¯s figure, he heaved a sigh of relief. At the same time, he also discovered that the swelling on his face had subsided and there weren¡¯t many changes to his body before he was poisoned.


    ¡°I¡¯m not dead?¡±


    Bone Blade¡¯s heart pounded rapidly as the feeling of surviving a calamity was extremely intense. At the same time, he also noticed a piece of bamboo beside him with a line of words carved on it.


    ¡°The insurance has been used.¡±


    Looking at these four words, Bone Blade felt complex emotions in his heart. He also felt a little ashamed of his little trick earlier. After a while, he sighed softly and bowed deeply toward the depths of the jungle.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    As he muttered, he turned and looked in two directions ahead. The one on the right was the path he had to take to return to the campsite and the one on the left was the path he had to take to leave the campsite and enter Songtao City.


    He stood there and didn¡¯t sense anyone around him. Hence, he fell silent for a long time.


    ¡°The camp leader is from the Diamond Sect. Their sphere of influence covers all the nearby cities. Even if I escape into Songtao City, I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to avoid the camp leader¡¯s anger, especially since his men are all dead.¡±


    Bone Blade struggled. He knew that there was a way for him to have a chance to survive and that was to go to the campsite and snitch on the matter of the kid killing the camp leader¡¯s subordinates. From there, he could throw everything onto the kid. With this, he should be able to survive.


    However, doing this went against his conscience. After all, the kid saved him. However, after pondering for a moment, the struggle in his heart turned into determination.


    ¡°In this chaotic world, surviving is the most important thing. I can¡¯t care about others anymore!¡± Thinking of this, he suppressed the guilt in his heart. With a sway of his body, he sped in the direction of the campsite.


    However, the instant his body stepped into the direction of the campsite, a cold beam of light whistled over at an astonishing speed from behind him, instantly penetrating his head.


    1


    With a bang, Bone Blade¡¯s entire body trembled and blood splattered everywhere. His eyes were wide open as he fell to the ground and twitched a few times. In his eyes, the world was covered by an approaching figure. It slowly turned pitch-black until it became eternal.


    He breathed his last and died.


    Xu Qing stood in front of Bone Blade¡¯s corpse and silently took out the iron stick.


    Xu Qing had a deep understanding of human nature. Hence, he didn¡¯t leave but gave Bone Blade a choice.


    1


    Life was on his left.


    Death was on his right.


    Bone Blade chose the right.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He took out the corpse-destroying powder and scattered it on the ground. As the Bone Blade¡¯s corpse melted, Xu Qing calmly turned around and sped into the depths.


    As for the camp leader¡¯s matter, he couldn¡¯t be bothered to participate.


    At that moment, he was speeding through the jungle. Although there was fog here, it didn¡¯t affect him too much. Hence, at dusk, Xu Qing had already passed through the fog and arrived at the lab in the canyon.


    Almost at the same time he entered, a weak wolf howl echoed out. Xu Qing didn¡¯t mind it.


    He first observed cautiously to make sure that there were no traces of tempering in the small arrangement he had left behind before he left. Only then did he push open the door of the lab and step in.


    The lab wasn¡¯t big and didn¡¯t have a bed to rest on. Only the surroundings were filled with small wooden grids and in each of the grids were different medicinal herbs and poison glands.


    Some of these medicinal herbs and poison glands had already been treated, while some remained intact. There were quite a lot of them and there were hundreds of them densely packed together.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and waves of satisfaction rose in his heart.


    These were what he had gathered in this forbidden zone ever since he started learning from Grandmaster Bai. Most of them came from the outer edges of the forbidden zone and a small portion came from the depths.


    There were a lot of poisons and very few medicinal herbs inside.


    Xu Qing first checked before he sat on the ground with a pondering look in his eyes.


    Although the white pill formula that Grandmaster Bai gave him was hidden in his daily lessons, Xu Qing had the habit of taking notes and had a good memory. Hence, he had sorted them out long ago. It was just that he didn¡¯t have all the medicinal herbs needed to refine white pills.


    ¡°Therefore, there¡¯s no way to refine it completely according to the pill formula. However, I should be able to replace or concoct it with other medicinal herbs based on their medicinal properties.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. He didn¡¯t know if this method would be useful but even if he failed, he could still increase his experience in concocting.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing waved his right hand and seven to eight types of medicinal herbs instantly flew out from different compartments and landed in front of him.


    After taking a closer look, Xu Qing thought about it and left the lab to head to the backyard. Other than all sorts of colorful flowers, there was also a small piece of soil field that had been planted with many medicinal herbs.


    These were all plants that had a time limit and couldn¡¯t be left behind for too long. After Xu Qing moved them here, they eventually became a small medicinal field.


    At that moment, as Xu Qing walked closer to the small medicinal field, the wolf howls not far away became even clearer.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression remained the same and he didn¡¯t bother with them. He plucked three types of medicinal herbs from the medicinal field and turned to leave.


    After returning to the pharmacy, he took out a stone basin and started mixing according to the knowledge he had learned.


    Regardless of whether it was plucking the leaves, extracting the juice, or flicking out the pollen, he did it very carefully. He strove to make sure that he didn¡¯t miss a single detail as he continued to mix. The medicinal liquid in the stone basin slowly turned pitch-black.

 Chapter 56 - Life on the Left, Death on the Right (2)

    ¡°I¡¯m missing five types of medicinal herbs¡­¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the small cubicles around him. After thinking about it, he took out some more and tried to concoct a satisfactory effect with the help of the Yin-Yang Extreme Art.


    However, it was obvious that this kind of things was very difficult. Hence, it was only when the night had passed and the sky was bright outside did he manage to barely match the medicinal herbs he needed.


    Looking at the black mucus in the stone basin, Xu Qing frowned.


    This was different from what he had imagined the white pills to be. However, since he had already done this, he couldn¡¯t give up.


    Hence, Xu Qing gritted his teeth and took out a large bunch of seven-leaf grass, mixing them according to the ratio.


    At the next moment, the medicinal liquid in the stone basin directly boiled and its color showed signs of changing. However, this change only lasted for three breaths of time before it stopped.


    When he looked over, the medicinal liquid in the stone basin was no longer pitch-black but brown.


    Xu Qing hesitated. He touched the purple crystal on his chest and considered the fact that his antibodies against poison were very strong. Hence, he felt a little more at ease. He then lifted his hand and carefully dipped it into the stone basin. After that, he grabbed some medicinal paste and kneaded it into the shape of a pill before bringing it to his nose to sniff.


    A stench spread out, causing Xu Qing to be a little afraid to eat it.


    ¡°Can it be eaten¡­¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was a little conflicted. After pondering for a while, he took the medicinal pills and walked out to the medicinal field.


    As soon as he got close, the wolf howls rang out once again. Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop walking. He passed through the medicinal field and headed straight for the source of the wolf howls.


    Very soon, among the weeds at the back of the medicinal field, a large cage made of iron vines and wood appeared in front of Xu Qing.


    In the cage, a skinny black-scaled wolf lay there weakly.


    After seeing Xu Qing, it immediately stood up, revealing its teeth as it let out a low growl. However, the terror in its eyes already showed its fear of Xu Qing.


    This black-scaled wolf was something Xu Qing had encountered when he was picking herbs in the depths of the jungle. At that time, the other party wanted to launch a sneak attack on him but he didn¡¯t manage to kill it after capturing it. Hence, he locked it up here and used it as a medicine-testing beast.


    Upon noticing the black-colored pill in Xu Qing¡¯s hand, the black-scaled wolf immediately trembled and retreated repeatedly.


    However, it was still too late. Xu Qing¡¯s left hand reached into the cage and grabbed the black-scaled wolf¡¯s neck. As it struggled, he forcefully dragged it in front of him.


    Xu Qing was expressionless as he stared coldly at the trembling black-scaled wolf. His right hand then took out the medicinal pill he had refined and placed it beside its mouth.


    The black-scaled wolf trembled even more. In the end, it submitted to the threat of death and obediently ate it.


    A long time later, the black-scaled wolf¡¯s entire body emitted black smoke and it started vomiting. A large bump then appeared on its head and very soon, it shattered with a bang. Its body then went limp and it lay there panting.


    Xu Qing frowned and threw a few pieces of meat in. He then turned and returned to the lab, sitting there and thinking hard.


    ¡°How can it be ineffective¡­ There are some problems with the final effects of the medicine. This isn¡¯t dissolving the anomalous substances but exploding them.¡±


    A moment later, Xu Qing felt that it should be because he lacked a primer. He needed a medicinal primer to purify the effects of these medicinal liquids.


    ¡°As for the primer, it can be mixed from snake venom.¡±


    With a wave of Xu Qing¡¯s hand, three different poison glands flew over. After he squeezed out the poison, the medicinal liquid in the stone basin immediately emitted a sizzling sound and green smoke.


    This smoke contained lethal poison. When Xu Qing saw this, he immediately lifted his right hand and waved it, stirring up a gust of wind to disperse the poisonous fog outside the room. He then placed the medicine basin at the side and waited for it to ferment.


    While waiting, Xu Qing sat cross-legged and closed his eyes to cultivate the Mountains and Seas Art.


    When the sky gradually darkened, Xu Qing opened his eyes and checked the medicinal liquid that was becoming increasingly viscous after fermentation. He then took out some and rubbed them before heading to the black-scaled wolf.


    A moment later, amidst a series of loud bangs, Xu Qing returned gloomily. He sat there and continued to ponder. He even took out the completed white pill and melted it before studying it bit by bit.


    Just like that, six days passed quickly.


    During these six days, Xu Qing seemed to have forgotten everything that happened outside and was immersed in the development of the white pills.


    He had used up more than half of the medicinal herbs in the small compartment in the lab and the medicinal field was almost empty. He had also improved the white pill liquid he refined more than ten times.


    As for the black-scaled wolf¡­


    After the last test, the anomalous substances in the other party¡¯s body instantly reached their limits. It even caused the anomalous substances in the surrounding spirit energy to gather and instantly turned into blood mist that collapsed.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that Xu Qing¡¯s shadow could absorb anomalous substances, the convergence of anomalous substances back then might have invaded his entire body.


    That scene made Xu Qing feel a little discouraged.


    However, he knew that the white pills weren¡¯t that easy to refine, especially since he didn¡¯t have all the medicinal herbs he needed to concoct them. This made it even more difficult.


    Even so, his experience in mixing still increased. At the same time, out of the ten or so modifications, although the last one couldn¡¯t be considered a success, it still had some effect.


    However, this effect was the complete opposite of the white pills.


    The white pill dissolved anomalous substances and the last pill Xu Qing improved was to rapidly attract anomalous substances over.


    At that moment, he lowered his head and looked at the stone basin in front of him.


    There was a layer of green membrane on the surface of the basin. It was formed from the melting of the seven-leaf grass. Under this membrane was an incomparably pitch-black medicinal liquid.


    The reason why the diaphragm was used was because once the diaphragm disappeared, the medicinal liquid wouldn¡¯t even need to be swallowed before it would automatically attract a dense concentration of anomalous substances.


    This was half of the reason why that black-scaled wolf died.


    Xu Qing sighed and rubbed the space between his brows. Only after he sensed the fluctuations in his cultivation did the feeling of defeat dissipate.


    Although the medicinal pills didn¡¯t go smoothly, his cultivation base had grown very quickly during this period of cultivation. Now, he had reached the perfected fifth level of the Mountains and Seas Art.


    ¡°I should be able to break through to the sixth level tonight.¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and put the matter of the medicinal pills aside. His eyes revealed anticipation as he focused all his efforts on breaking through his cultivation.


    In this chaotic world, the stronger one was, the greater the chance of survival.


    That night, when the bright moon hung high up in the sky, a loud boom rang out from Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    This time, the sound was much louder than before. Xu Qing, who originally thought that there was no filth in his body, once again released a large number of impurities.


    An unprecedented sense of transparency filled Xu Qing¡¯s body. At the same time, a faint roar rang out from behind him.


    The shadow that would only appear when he punched out previously also appeared behind him at this moment. Its body grew larger and its viciousness grew stronger. In fact, it no longer had a single leg but a pair of legs.


    This was especially so for¡­ the xiao shadow that appeared with a horn on its head!!


    This wasn¡¯t xiao, but an embryonic Kui!


    The instant it appeared, the soundless roars of embryonic Kui spread in all directions, causing the cries of many mutated beasts in the dark jungle to come to an abrupt halt.


    Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes and the purple light instantly illuminated the entire lab like a bolt of purple lightning.


    As the purple light filled the air and the roars of the young Kui behind him rang out, the expressionless Xu Qing sitting there actually gave off an unprecedented sense of oppression.


    A long time later, as the purple light in his eyes disappeared and the shadow behind him disappeared, Xu Qing mumbled.


    ¡°Sixth level of Mountains and Seas Art!¡±

 Chapter 57 - Eternal Darkness

    The Mountains and Seas Art was originally a very ordinary cultivation art and the degree of separation of anomalous substances was also very ordinary.


    There were many cultivation arts like this in the Nanhuang Continent. Most of them were cultivated by small families and small forces.


    Even if one cultivated it to the great circle of perfection, their combat strength wouldn¡¯t be very high. The content would often be exaggerated.


    For example, if a xiao could move a mountain, then Kui could move the sea. This sentence was a typical exaggeration.


    However, when it came to Xu Qing, the Mountains and Seas Art erupted with unprecedented might. Even the creator of this cultivation art might not have reached this level before.


    When he was at the fifth level, his shadow was comparable to the sixth or seventh level of those who cultivated the Mountains and Seas Art. Now that he was at the sixth level, it directly formed a kui shadow.


    Although it was only a fledgling, its might had far surpassed that of a Xiao.


    One could imagine that when Xu Qing¡¯s Mountains and Seas Art reached the seventh level, his shadow would probably undergo a complete transformation.


    At that time, the Mountains and Seas Art would be the end for all cultivators.


    However, he still had a long way to go.


    ¡°According to the description of the Mountains and Seas Art, only by reaching the tenth level can one form the Kui shadow. After reaching the great circle of perfection, the shadow will transform into an adult.¡±


    Xu Qing sat in the lab as a strange glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°According to my development, the seventh level should be able to transform into an adult. What about the eighth level? What about the ninth level, the tenth level, and even the perfected stage?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s anticipation was intense. He lowered his head and looked at his body.


    This time, he didn¡¯t need to test his speed and strength. He could clearly sense that the aura in his body now far surpassed the aura he had at the fifth level.


    The strength of this force surprised even him.


    His speed was the same. Xu Qing had a feeling that if he were to sprint at full speed, the wind would become his only obstacle.


    He didn¡¯t know what level he was at now at the campsite.


    However, he was very clear that he could kill two seventh-level Qi Condensation cultivators like the old man in black a few days ago.


    A long time later, Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and lowered his head to look at the ground around him.


    At this moment, it was night outside and the room was pitch-black. However, he could still faintly sense the shadow¡¯s existence.


    His breakthrough seemed to have affected the shadow as well, causing it to absorb even more anomalous substances. The connection between the shadow and him became even closer and more subtle.


    In the silence, Xu Qing stared at the ground. Time slowly flowed by and the sky outside gradually brightened. As the sunlight streamed in, a blurry shadow appeared beside Xu Qing in this simple pharmacy, becoming increasingly clear.


    The instant it appeared, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    He had been waiting for this moment. As his thoughts travelled, he could see his shadow contorting slightly.


    Gradually, the shadow¡¯s right hand slowly lifted.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing grew heavier as he stared at the shadow. He controlled the shadow¡¯s hand to move on the ground. When it reached the darkness, the shadow merged into the darkness and disappeared. However, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He could sense that the shadow still existed.


    This lasted until the hand he used to control the shadow reached the small compartment and slowly crawled over, grabbing a medicinal herb.


    The instant the shadow grabbed the medicinal herb, the anomalous substances on the herb instantly thickened and turned greenish-black.


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s control had also reached its limit. As his head rang out, the part of the shadow that extended out was instantly retracted and returned to its original state.


    After a long time, Xu Qing lifted his head. His eyes were a little bloodshot and he had a splitting headache. He immediately closed his eyes and regulated his breathing.


    Two hours later, Xu Qing opened his eyes and the throbbing pain in his head was gone.


    ¡°I still can¡¯t control it flexibly.¡±


    Xu Qing cast a deep glance at the shadow and retracted his thoughts.


    He wasn¡¯t in a hurry. At this rate, sooner or later, he would be able to completely control it.


    At that time, the shadow¡­ would become his most secret trump card.


    At this moment, he rested a little. Xu Qing then lifted his hand and grabbed it. Immediately, that mutated herb flew over. After it landed in his hand, Xu Qing lowered his head and observed it carefully.


    ¡°It¡¯s exactly the same as the herbs in the medicine shop when the gods tainted it and opened it.¡±


    ¡°So, the shadow¡¯s ability is to infiltrate anomalous substances into objects?¡± Xu Qing mumbled and attempted to control the shadow again.


    Just like this, time flowed by.


    Four hours later, Xu Qing had a rough understanding of the shadow¡¯s abilities.


    The other party couldn¡¯t release anomalous substances to invade and cover things at any time. Only under his control would the objects he touched mutate.


    This characteristic was unexpected and possessed astonishing lethality. However, Xu Qing was still on guard against the shadows.


    At this moment, he looked at the place where the purple crystal was buried in his chest. Xu Qing could sense that this purple crystal could restrict and suppress shadows.


    After a long time, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and put down the medicinal herbs in his hand. He then glanced at the small cubicles in the surroundings. Right now, less than 10% of the medicinal herbs were left, and all of them were now piled up in the stone basin.


    Glancing at the stone basin, Xu Qing sighed.


    He couldn¡¯t bear to throw it away. After some thought, he felt that this black-colored medicinal liquid was also a type of weapon if used well.


    Hence, after some thought, he kneaded the medicinal liquid in the stone basin into pills one by one. He then applied a layer of seven-leaf grass¡¯ juice on the surface to form a membrane.


    In the end, he produced dozens of pills with pitch-black inner quality and a green exterior.


    ¡°Let¡¯s call it black pills then.¡± Xu Qing kept them and walked out of the lab. He was prepared to head out and collect some medicinal herbs. At the same time, he had to think of a way to capture a black-scaled wolf.


    During this period of time, he had used the black-scaled wolf as a medicine-testing beast, so Xu Qing was very familiar with using it. After leaving the canyon, he headed straight for the cluster of temples. He arrived very quickly but didn¡¯t stop as he sped deeper into the forbidden zone.


    There were more herbs in the depths than the ones outside.


    Also, Xu Qing had explored the depths more than once or twice. Although he didn¡¯t cover a large area, he gained quite a lot each time.


    At the same time, not long after Xu Qing stepped into the depths of the forbidden zone, a group of people slowly explored the area at the edge of the forbidden zone.


    There were over a hundred people in this group. There were men and women among them and there were even a large number of guards surrounding them. There were even five to six middle-aged men with very powerful auras who were vigilant of their surroundings.


    The ones they were guarding were none other than the young men and women who had once been stationed outside the campsite. Their arrival was like they were having fun. One couldn¡¯t see the nervousness on their faces at all and their laughter continued to ring out.


    As for their guide, it was Old Stone. However, at this moment, his face was filled with helplessness. From time to time, he would glance at those young men and women. Looking at their relaxed appearances, he sighed in his heart.


    ¡°This is the forbidden zone¡­¡± Old Stone wanted to say something but hesitated. He knew that no one would listen to him. These people who had always lived in the city thought that they knew how dangerous the forbidden zone was, but in reality, they were far inferior to scavengers in understanding how terrifying the forbidden zone was.


    The former knew about the danger through books and conversations but the latter experienced the danger personally.


    ¡°I hope the journey will be smooth and there won¡¯t be any changes. After completing this mission, I¡¯ll retire and won¡¯t come to the forbidden zone anymore,¡± Old Stone muttered in his heart as he proceeded cautiously.


    No one noticed that among this group of youths, there was a beautiful young girl with long black hair wearing a green dress. As she chatted and laughed with the blue-clothed youth who was trying to curry favor with her, her right hand subtly scattered some medicinal powder.


    As the wind blew, the medicinal powder became colorless and odorless before dissipating. It was like some sort of primer that gradually caused some changes to occur in the depths of the forbidden zone.


    Xu Qing soon sensed this change.


    At that moment, he, who was moving carefully in the depths of the forbidden zone, clearly felt that there were much fewer mutated beasts in the forbidden zone today.


    He even saw a lizard whose aura was comparable to the sixth or seventh level of Qi Condensation and who was usually extremely aggressive, lying in the mud and hiding. Even when Xu Qing got close, it didn¡¯t attack. It seemed to be afraid of the outside world.


    This caused Xu Qing to be extremely vigilant as he surveyed the forbidden zone¡¯s jungle.


    An uneasy feeling rose in his heart. Hence, after picking some medicinal herbs, Xu Qing prepared to leave.


    However, just as he was about to retreat, a cold aura erupted from the depths of the jungle. This aura instantly spread out, causing the surrounding trees to be frozen.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed and he abruptly dodged. He then lifted his head and saw numerous translucent jellyfish flying out from the depths of the forbidden zone.


    Among these jellyfish, there were six with huge bodies and hundreds of small jellyfish followed behind them. They majestically flew toward the temple group.


    It was as though something in that direction was strongly attracting them.


    The instant he saw these jellyfish, Xu Qing¡¯s existence also attracted the attention of the group of jellyfish in the sky.


    One of the large jellyfish paused in mid-air. When it turned to face Xu Qing, half of the densely-packed eyes on its tentacles suddenly opened.


    At this instant, a sense of danger erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s heart. He could feel all the flesh and blood in his body trembling at this instant. Behind him, the kui shadow suddenly appeared and let out a soundless roar toward the jellyfish in the sky.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. At that moment, he was no longer at the third level of Qi Condensation. Facing the pressure of this jellyfish, he had no strength to resist.


    Right now, as the qi and blood in his body swelled, the jellyfish that was looking at him seemed to hesitate as the shadow behind him roared.


    Maybe it was because the attraction from the direction of the temple cluster was greater, or maybe it felt that Xu Qing was not a threat, it hesitated for a moment before turning around and drifting away.


    After the jellyfish left, Xu Qing also heaved a sigh of relief.


    He looked around the forbidden zone and felt that the place today was too strange. Hence, his body flickered and he quickly left.


    ¡°Is the place they¡¯re heading to the temple cluster? Or is it further away from the temple cluster? I hope it¡¯s not the temple cluster and that they¡¯re just passing by. Otherwise, I¡¯ll have to take a detour¡­¡±


    On the way, a look of contemplation appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes but his speed didn¡¯t decrease. He transformed into a long trail that shuttled through the jungle.


    Time slowly passed. Two hours later, following the rumbling sounds in the distance, Xu Qing leaped up and landed on the tree crown, looking at the cluster of temples in the distance.


    This place was still an hour away from the temple cluster, so he could see the general outline of the temple cluster from afar.


    The instant he looked over, Xu Qing¡¯s expression darkened. The scene he was worried about had appeared.


    At this moment, the group of jellyfish was in the air above the temple cluster. There seemed to be someone fighting against them and the rumbling sounds were faintly discernible.


    The distance was too far, so Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see the appearance of the person fighting. Hence, after pondering, he carefully approached.


    At the same time, within the cluster of temples, Old Stone¡¯s body trembled and his lips trembled as he looked around in despair.


    There were a large number of corpses around him. They were the followers and guards brought by the youths.


    As for those young men and women, they were no longer as carefree as before. All of them had pale faces and injuries. Amidst their sorry states, there was fear.


    The remaining guards and followers protected them as they moved out while fighting a bloody battle.


    The ones attacking them crazily were none other than the hundreds of small jellyfish. In the sky, the ones fighting against the five to six large jellyfish were the five middle-aged cultivators with powerful auras whom the young man and woman had brought with them.


    ¡°How could this be, how could this be¡­ It was clearly fine earlier¡­¡±


    Old Stone trembled as he followed the panicked movements of the youths. However, he was old and after taking a few steps, a small jellyfish passed through the guards and pounced on him.


    He didn¡¯t have time to dodge. In the next instant¡­ the jellyfish floated past Old Stone and swallowed his heart, heading straight for the youths.


    Old Stone¡¯s body collapsed, twitching uncontrollably.


    Fresh blood flowed down his chest and filled the surroundings of Old Stone. Blood also flowed out of his mouth uncontrollably as if it was quicksand engulfing him. He muttered the last sentence of his life in his heart.


    ¡°The qualifications to enter the city¡­ I can¡¯t buy them anymore¡­¡±


    Old Stone opened his eyes and his aura dissipated. He didn¡¯t move at all. Everything in front of him became eternal darkness.

 Chapter 58 - Unexpected Meeting

    Corpses were everywhere in the temple complex.


    There were guards, followers, and a few corpses who had an understanding of the dangers in the forbidden zone. The corpses of the youths retained the terror they had when they were alive as they stared blankly at the sky.


    Other than that, there were dead jellyfish.


    It was different from humans. After the jellyfish died, it would turn into a gray mud-like object that emitted waves of stench. It was completely different from the colorful scene when it was alive.


    At the same time, it emitted an extremely dense anomalous substance that invaded the surroundings and corroded everything.


    This sudden calamity was still ongoing.


    As the young men and women retreated in panic, the swarm of jellyfish howled as they pursued them. At the periphery of this jungle forbidden zone, slaughter and death continued to play out.


    When Xu Qing arrived at the temple cluster, it was already two hours later.


    As he walked through the cluster of temples, Xu Qing looked at the corpses strewn all over the ground. His expression didn¡¯t change much.


    He had seen too many corpses.


    When he passed by the corpses of guards and followers, Xu Qing kept some of the dead jellyfish and prepared to head back to study them.


    As for the items on these corpses, almost all of them were invaded by the dense anomalous substances formed after the jellyfish died. They were no longer usable.


    This continued until Xu Qing arrived beside a corpse. His footsteps then stopped.


    This was the corpse of an old man. There was a large hole in his chest and the blood that flowed out had already dried up. Within his dull eyes that were wide open, there seemed to be regret from when he was alive.


    Looking at this corpse, Xu Qing sighed softly.


    He wasn¡¯t a god, so even if the other party had bought his insurance, he couldn¡¯t guarantee his safety completely, especially when the fog hadn¡¯t appeared.


    After a moment of silence, Xu Qing squatted down and covered Old Stone¡¯s open eyes before burying him.


    There was no stele. Captain Lei had said before that scavengers didn¡¯t have any relatives when they were alive, so there was no need for them to pay their respects.


    Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.


    This was the life of a scavenger. When they were alive, they would struggle in the world. After they died¡­ they would be quiet.


    This kind of sad stories was normal for most scavengers.


    Standing in front of Old Stone¡¯s grave, Xu Qing looked in the direction of the campsite outside the forbidden zone and recalled his life over the past few months.


    It had been four months since he arrived at the scavenger campsite.


    The Bloodshadow Team Captain was dead, Fire Crow was dead, Fat Mountain and Horse-Four were dead, Barbaric Ghost was dead, Old Stone was dead, Captain Lei retreated into seclusion, Bone Blade escaped, and even more scavengers died silently.


    In this cruel chaotic world, human lives were worthless.


    ¡°Only by becoming stronger can I survive,¡± Xu Qing muttered. His expression slowly turned cold as he turned and left.


    At that moment, amidst the afterglow of the setting sun, a gust of wind blew over, causing the clothes of the distant youth to rustle.


    This sound seemed to contain a hint of coldness as it gradually grew weaker until it disappeared into the jungle along with his figure.


    As the afterglow scattered down, the light gradually weakened. However, it still forcefully passed through the dense tree leaves, wanting to cast the sparse light onto the running youth in the jungle.


    However, the youth¡¯s speed was too fast. Even the light seemed a little powerless to chase after him.


    Not long later, Xu Qing suddenly stopped in his tracks. After he stopped, he lowered his head and stared at the ground as doubt appeared in his eyes.


    Not long later, Xu Qing squatted down and sniffed carefully. Finally, his gaze landed on a blade of grass. There was a smear of powder on it that was hard to detect.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that Xu Qing had a more solid grasp of the poisonous grass and his understanding of the smell in this forbidden zone, it would probably be very difficult for him to detect any abnormalities.


    At that moment, it took him a long time to identify it before he picked up the leaf that had a layer of powder on it. After a moment of concentration, he muttered.


    ¡°The exact composition is unknown but there must be the blood of the Aged Centipede inside!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. In Grandmaster Bai¡¯s lesson, there was an introduction to the Aged Centipede Blood.


    This blood had a certain amount of medicinal properties but it was mostly a catalyst. Therefore, when combined with other medicines, it could be concocted into a medicinal catalyst that attracted specific beasts. It was often needed during hunting.


    ¡°Is the arrival of those jellyfish related to this?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He put down this leaf that contained a fatal danger and took out a bag of poison powder to sprinkle on his body.


    After using this to disperse the aura of the Old Centipede¡¯s blood that he had touched earlier, his body swayed and he moved in a different direction.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t plan to head to the place where the youths brought by Old Stone had retreated. This matter had nothing to do with him and he wasn¡¯t willing to participate.


    Even if Chen Feiyuan¡¯s friends were among these people, he had no obligation to help them. Moreover, these people had experts who could fight against the giant jellyfish. To Xu Qing, it was equally dangerous.


    Most importantly, among these young men and women, there was a high chance that someone had intentionally lured the jellyfish over for an unknown purpose.


    Hence, after sensing their location, Xu Qing changed his direction and circled around them. He then returned to the lab in the canyon when the sky was turning dark.


    After putting away the medicinal herbs he had picked, he continued to study the white pills.


    It was just that although Xu Qing didn¡¯t go to the place where the young men and women had retreated to, when the night arrived, Xu Qing, who was concocting medicinal herbs in the pharmacy, still heard the sounds of explosions and fighting in the distance. Moreover, it was getting closer and closer. This caused him to frown.


    After the sound of footsteps rang out, Xu Qing sighed silently.


    He stood up and walked out of the lab. Under the moonlight, he looked in the direction of the canyon¡¯s entrance. There were sounds of surprise coming from there.


    ¡°There¡¯s a path here!!¡±


    ¡°Everyone, come in quickly.¡±


    As the voice rang out, a few disheveled youths in tattered clothes appeared.


    Their faces were filled with horror. There were over ten people behind them and most of them were companions of similar age as them. There were also seven to eight guards who were covered in injuries.


    A total of more than 20 people ran into the canyon. When the few guards guarded the entrance with all their might, these young men and women who had survived the calamity heaved a sigh of relief. At the same time, they noticed the environment in the canyon.


    They soon saw Xu Qing¡¯s lab and also saw Xu Qing standing there.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s here!¡±


    The instant they saw Xu Qing, these young men and women were like birds startled by the twang of a bow. They cried out in alarm and immediately retreated. The three guards behind them also arrived quickly and looked at Xu Qing with vigilance and killing intent.


    This killing intent caused Xu Qing¡¯s gaze to turn a little cold. After he coldly swept his gaze past these guards, he then looked at the group of youths. There were two among them that he paid special attention to.


    One of them was a little older than him, about 16 or 17 years old. Although he was also in a sorry state, he was different from the others. There was very little panic on his face, and he was more vigilant.


    The other person was a young girl with a very sweet appearance. Although her clothes were dirty and there was fear in them, Xu Qing, who was used to seeing all kinds of people, could tell at a glance that this person¡¯s fear was fake.


    This was especially so since¡­ this woman was wearing a glove on her right hand. It looked like it was for the sake of cleanliness but to Xu Qing who used poison, the glove had many uses.


    For example, sprinkling medicinal powder.


    ¡°There are eight guards and their cultivation levels are between the sixth and seventh level of Qi Condensation. As for the others, their cultivation levels are below the fifth level and they are divided into three small teams.


    ¡°Only those two people. The man¡¯s cultivation level is at the seventh level and the woman¡­ should be the person who lured the jellyfish. As for the few experts who fought with the big jellyfish, they aren¡¯t among them either. There¡¯s a high chance that they lured the big jellyfish away.¡±


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s habit and those young men and women had no idea that Xu Qing could see so many details with just a glance.


    However, these guards were different from those young men and women. They could sense the coldness in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and glanced at the medicinal room. They were all extremely vigilant.


    To be able to find such a canyon in the forbidden zone and build houses in it, all of this meant that this youth was not only familiar with the forbidden zone but also lived here.


    Such a person was extremely dangerous.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist, is your lord here? We don¡¯t have any ill intentions. It¡¯s just that the mutated beasts are chasing us outside, so we¡¯re using this place to hide.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll leave at dawn. Please forgive us for disturbing you.¡±


    These guards instinctively spoke politely.


    Their words also made the young men and women behind them, who were still in a state of shock, feel that something was amiss. They all looked at Xu Qing.


    Among them, the oldest youth cast a few more glances at Xu Qing with a solemn expression. As for the young girl wearing gloves, she narrowed her eyes.


    She swept her gaze across the pharmacy and smelled the faint scent of herbs in the surroundings. She now had a better understanding of this youth before her.


    Xu Qing frowned and looked at them before looking at the entrance. He didn¡¯t speak for a long time and only tacitly acknowledged their existence. He then turned and walked toward the lab.


    His tacit agreement caused those guards to heave a sigh of relief. As for the young men and women behind them, they were mostly apprehensive.


    Only the young girl wearing gloves had a strange glint in her eyes. After that, she spoke in a low voice that was filled with caution and grievance.


    ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re so rude. We just want to hide here for a while. There are mutated beasts everywhere outside. We¡¯ll definitely die if we go out.¡±


    Her voice carried a sense of heartache and love, causing the surrounding youths who adored her to muster their courage and speak to Xu Qing one after another.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Why are you so cold-blooded?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have any ill intentions. We¡¯re just resting here.¡±


    ¡°The forbidden zone doesn¡¯t belong to his family. Why should we ask him?!¡±


    Their casual words caused some people to feel hostility toward Xu Qing. Although there wasn¡¯t much hostility, it still made the young girl feel a little smug.


    She wanted to make use of others to probe this youth¡¯s background.


    However, at the next instant, a cold light suddenly flashed from Xu Qing¡¯s body. A whistling sound then rang out as a dagger shot out like a bolt of lightning, approaching the proud young girl.


    Her expression changed and she was about to dodge when the dagger flew past her ear, cutting off some of her hair. With a bang, it stabbed deeply into the stone wall behind her, creating some sparks.


    The young girl¡¯s heart trembled. As her breathing hastened, she instinctively lifted her right hand. When she looked at Xu Qing, what she saw was the youth in front of her. His gaze was as cold as a wolf and contained killing intent.


    This gaze caused her heart to tremble. The surrounding guards and the other young men and women were all shocked. The former was extremely vigilant, while the latter made many alarmed cries.


    ¡°We met only by chance. Don¡¯t test me.¡± Xu Qing cast a deep glance at the young girl and suppressed the killing intent in his heart. He then slowly spoke and turned to walk toward the lab.


    Under the moonlight, his figure seemed to merge with the moonlight, revealing the coldness of the night. It flowed through the hearts of everyone in the canyon, causing them to slowly fall silent.


    To many people, the canyon seemed to be as dangerous as the jellyfish outside.


    In this silence, the instant Xu Qing reached the entrance of the lab, a mournful cry suddenly rang out from the entrance.


    A small jellyfish found the entrance and penetrated the body of a guard. After devouring his internal organs, it rushed into the canyon.


    Behind it, a group of jellyfish whistled over.

 Chapter 59 - Wrinkles from the Wind (1)

    Xu Qing frowned and turned to look.


    There were over a hundred small jellyfish in a large group. They whistled over from the entrance of the canyon and pounced toward the guards and the young man and woman.


    The expressions of these people changed drastically and they immediately resisted, especially the few guards who risked their lives to stop them.


    As for the slightly older youth whom Xu Qing had noticed earlier, the spirit energy fluctuations of the seventh level of Qi Condensation spread out and his attack was filled with multicolored light.


    However, there were too many jellyfish and these jellyfish seemed to have resistances to spells. When they landed on one¡¯s body, the damage would be greatly reduced.


    However, they were extremely fast, their attacks were sharp and their coordination was agile. This caused seven to eight people to die in an instant.


    A youth who was originally dressed in luxurious clothes now had a look of despair in his eyes. The instant a jellyfish pounced at him, he scrambled to his feet and retreated, calling out to his friend at the seventh level of Qi Condensation for help.


    ¡°Young Master Bai, save me!¡±


    As he spoke, a beam of light whistled over and landed in front of him, blocking the jellyfish for a moment. This caused the youth to dodge at the critical moment, still in shock.


    Although Xu Qing was quite far away, he was still targeted by some jellyfish.


    Three of them whistled toward him and were about to penetrate his body as usual.


    At the next instant, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He then lifted his right hand and punched out.


    With a boom, his fist landed on the body of a jellyfish. This jellyfish¡¯s entire body trembled, unable to withstand the impact and directly broke into pieces.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop. At the next moment, the dagger in his left hand appeared and he moved closer to the other two jellyfish.


    His speed was faster than the jellyfish and his body was more agile than the jellyfish. In the blink of an eye, the two-headed jellyfish¡¯s body was split into two halves.


    This scene was captured by most of the young men and women fighting against the jellyfish. As their hearts trembled, they instinctively moved closer to him.


    After consecutively killing the three jellyfishes, the other jellyfish also opened their demonic eyes and instantly pounced toward Xu Qing.


    This time, there were over ten of them.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He didn¡¯t retreat but rushed forward instead, transforming into an afterimage as he abruptly closed in. The dagger in his hand emitted a piercing cold light and wherever it passed, the jellyfish would collapse amidst popping sounds.


    Following their deaths, a large number of anomalous substances spread out, causing the vegetation in the canyon to turn greenish-black in an instant. This included those in Xu Qing¡¯s lab. As for those injured guards, their expressions were also tainted by the anomalous substances.


    Seeing how his canyon had become like this, the killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes intensified.


    His body charged out once again. This time, his speed was even faster. Wherever he passed, the dagger would be brandished and the jellyfish would collapse one after another. However, he soon frowned. Under the corrosion of this anomalous substance, the dagger in his hand gradually couldn¡¯t withstand the impact and began to shatter.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have the time to feel heartache. With a wave of his hand, he drew the iron stick across several jellyfish in succession. During this time, he also scattered poison powder.


    Although the resistance of these jellyfish¡¯s bodies to poison wasn¡¯t small and it was difficult for the poison powder that permeated the surroundings to act up against them, Xu Qing didn¡¯t give up. This was because the poison wasn¡¯t only used for killing but also for neutralizing odors.


    In terms of weapons, Xu Qing was also lacking. Although the penetrative power of his iron stick was strong, it couldn¡¯t be compared to a dagger. At this moment, a low cry rang out from behind Xu Qing.


    ¡°Friend, use my sword!¡±


    As he spoke, a sword that emitted a cold light was thrown over from behind Xu Qing and he caught it with his backhand. From the corner of his eyes, he saw that the person who gave him the sword was none other than the youth called Young Master Bai.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. After he held the longsword, he immediately felt that this sword was extraordinary.


    As he swung it, a sharp cold light instantly spread out from the sword. Although he didn¡¯t know how to use a sword, with its sharpness, Xu Qing still managed to slice through seven to eight jellyfish in an instant.


    As the number of jellyfish corpses on the ground increased, Xu Qing¡¯s body was covered in the blue blood released by the jellyfish. As for the three remaining guards and the young men and women, they were now behind Xu Qing. When they saw this scene, everyone¡¯s hearts pounded, and their eyes were filled with shock and disbelief.


    ¡°Too¡­ too strong!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a body refiner but what level is he at? Could he have reached the great circle of perfection?!¡±


    ¡°Judging from the spirit energy fluctuations, it doesn¡¯t seem like it¡¯s at the fifth or sixth level.¡±


    ¡°Cultivation isn¡¯t important. What¡¯s important is this person¡¯s ruthlessness.¡± At this moment, the hearts of the guards and the young men and women trembled intensely. They were shaken by Xu Qing¡¯s attack.


    Even Young Master Bai sucked in a breath of cold air. The young girl in the crowd also felt her heart racing at this moment. She could sense how terrifying Xu Qing was and put away all her thoughts.


    From Xu Qing, she could sense the same aura from those clansmen who were known as monsters from her family.


    The monsters in her family were all people who had killed many people. Every time she saw them, she would instinctively feel fear. At this moment, the feeling this youth gave her was the same.


    She didn¡¯t want to provoke such a person.


    This was especially so now that she had completed her mission and attracted a large number of jellyfish. Whether the people in the church could successfully obtain what they wanted from the jellyfish¡¯s nest in the depths of the jungle had nothing to do with her.


    After all, the danger this time had exceeded her expectations. Hence, her right hand reached into her clothes and grabbed a jade slip. It was a talisman treasure with the function of teleportation.


    This was also what she relied on.


    Just when she was hesitating on whether she should crush it or not, there was a boom at the entrance of the canyon. Dozens of jellyfish crawled out from there and charged over densely.


    This scene caused her to no longer hesitate. She directly crushed the teleportation jade slip in her hand and her figure instantly vanished.

 Chapter 60 - Wrinkles from the Wind (2)

    Her departure also caused the companions beside her to have confused expressions.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay attention to these. He stared at the jellyfish that were pouncing over and calculated the time. After that, he stood there as the blood and qi in his body suddenly erupted. He then opened his mouth and let out a roar at the jellyfish that was approaching.


    As his blood qi swelled and the Mountains and Seas Art circulated, the kui shadow immediately manifested behind him. Just like him, it let out a roar.


    The figure was sinister-looking with a single horn on its head. Its entire body was pitch-black and it looked as though it had crawled out of the netherworld. Purple light could be seen flickering faintly in its eyes, making it look bizarre and astonishing.


    Its roar was soundless but when combined with Xu Qing¡¯s roar, it seemed to contain astonishing intimidation, causing the jellyfish that were pouncing over to stop in their tracks. All their eyes opened and stared fixedly at Xu Qing.


    They weren¡¯t the only ones who were intimidated. The expressions of the young men and women behind Xu Qing also turned pale at this instant. When they saw the shadow behind Xu Qing, their eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Blood Qi Shadow Formation!¡±


    ¡°This¡­ this is¡­ this is a phenomenon that only appears when one¡¯s body temperament has reached the great circle of perfection!!¡±


    Shock surged intensely in their hearts.


    Those jellyfish could sense Xu Qing¡¯s savageness. In addition, his poison had taken effect at this moment, causing the aura from everyone¡¯s blood to dissipate.


    Hence, after the solemn confrontation, those jellyfish slowly retreated and left rapidly through the entrance.


    Watching the jellyfish¡¯s departing figure, Xu Qing heaved a sigh of relief in his heart. He then turned around and stared coldly at the group of youths.


    What he focused on was the place where the woman in gloves was previously.


    He didn¡¯t see it.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes.


    At the same time, as his gaze swept across the crowd, a few young girls among them were so frightened that they started crying.


    The current Xu Qing looked extremely murderous.


    Under the moonlight, his entire body was covered in blue blood. The coldness in his eyes made him feel as though he had just walked out of hell. Coupled with the kui shadow behind him, he looked like a malicious ghost!


    Only the youth surnamed Bai forcefully suppressed the reverence in his heart and cupped his fists toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°I¡¯m Bai Yundong. Thank you for your help, my friend. We will definitely repay your kindness!¡±


    As though he had noticed what Xu Qing was looking at earlier, Bai Yundong took a deep breath and explained.


    ¡°The one who teleported away was Li Ruolin. Her family is skilled in array formations, so the life-saving item they gave her was a teleportation talisman. It would allow her to escape danger at any time.¡±


    ¡°You guys don¡¯t have one?¡± Xu Qing looked at Bai Yundong.


    Bai Yundong smiled bitterly and the youths beside him fell silent as well.


    ¡°Although we¡¯re from a large Purple Earth family, we aren¡¯t direct descendants. We¡¯re just fresh on the surface.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and tossed the sword in his hand to Bai Yundong. As the other youths thanked him, he looked at Bai Yundong and suddenly asked.


    ¡°Who is Grandmaster Bai to you?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my third grandfather.¡± Bai Yundong was stunned. After answering, he asked another question.


    ¡°You know my third grandfather?¡±


    Xu Qing cast a deep glance at him and nodded without saying anything. He then turned and looked at the entrance of the canyon before glancing at the sky.


    ¡°The anomalous substances here are very dense. We can¡¯t stay here for long. I¡¯ll send you out of here.¡±


    After he finished speaking, Xu Qing walked toward the entrance of the canyon. Bai Yundong hesitated for a moment before he gritted his teeth and followed. The other young men and women also knew the pros and cons, so they followed him one after another.


    Hence, the group of youths walked out of the canyon and sped toward the edge of the jungle in the darkness.


    Although they were in a sorry state when facing the jellyfish, everyone had a cultivation base. After experiencing this life-and-death battle, it was a transformation for them.


    Hence, on the road at night, few people spoke. They all silently followed Xu Qing.


    Even though a few of the girls didn¡¯t have much stamina left, they gritted their teeth and persevered. Just like that, the group of them walked for an entire night.


    Finally, at dawn, he saw the world outside the jungle from afar.


    Waves of excitement rose and fell in their hearts and their exhausted bodies seemed to have the strength to spare. A whistling sound could be heard from afar.


    Xu Qing immediately looked over warily and saw three figures whistling over from the sky.


    They were the experts beside the group of youths.


    Xu Qing¡¯s previous judgment wasn¡¯t wrong. They were the ones who had lured away the largest jellyfish. At that moment, it was obvious that they had suffered some casualties. After they arrived, amidst the exciting narration of the youths, they cast a deep glance at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was vigilant and kept a certain distance from them. He then took the poison powder without leaving a trace.


    These three experts didn¡¯t approach Xu Qing. Instead, they nodded at him and led the way.


    Although this place didn¡¯t seem to be far from the outside world, the group still only walked out when it was almost noon.


    When the group of young men and women walked out of the jungle and stepped into the outside world, everyone who had survived the calamity could no longer suppress the excitement in their hearts. Many of them started crying.


    Xu Qing was the last to walk out. He looked at these people from afar and didn¡¯t speak.


    Very soon, the group of youths led by Bai Yundong arrived at Xu Qing¡¯s place. After they cupped their fists and thanked him sincerely, they introduced themselves.


    ¡°We came here to train at the last minute. Right now, we don¡¯t have anything too valuable on us and we¡¯ve used up everything in the forbidden zone. Also, because the anomalous substances in our bodies are very dense, we have to return to Purple Earth through the teleportation array in the nearby cities as soon as possible. We won¡¯t forget your great kindness. This sword is for you.¡±


    Bai Yundong bowed deeply and left his sword behind.


    Xu Qing watched them leave and picked up the sharp sword.


    This sword was filled with orchids and gleamed with a cold light. Although it had killed many jellyfish and tainted them with anomalous substances, it wasn¡¯t damaged at all. When one looked at it, one could sense the icy intent on it. It could be considered a top-grade treasure among treasures.


    Although it was a little long and not as convenient as the dagger, Xu Qing was still somewhat comfortable with using it previously. Hence, he wrapped it and hid the sharp edge behind his back.


    Looking at the sky, Xu Qing walked toward the campsite.


    He prepared to go back and buy a few daggers. After a few days, when the jellyfish swarm completely disappeared, he would head to the forbidden zone.


    After noon, as the afternoon sun shone lazily, Xu Qing arrived at the campsite. However, he only took a few steps before he frowned slightly. He felt that there was something wrong with the campsite¡­


    There were now some strangers at the campsite.


    As for the scavengers in the surroundings, their expressions were a little strange when they saw him. One of them was also someone he had saved back then. After seeing Xu Qing, he wanted to say something but hesitated.


    Although he didn¡¯t speak, he subtly pointed in the direction of Xu Qing¡¯s residence.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart skipped a beat. As he observed his surroundings, he quickened his pace.


    When he arrived at his residence, he immediately sensed many gazes on him, coldly staring at him.


    Xu Qing immediately recognized the owners of these gazes from their clothes. They were all guards from the camp leader¡¯s residence!


    At the entrance of an alley not far away, the man with the three-stroke beard under the camp leader smiled coldly at him.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and pushed open the gate to the courtyard. He saw Cross sitting there with an extremely unsightly countenance, as well as Luan Tooth, who seemed to be heavily injured and weak.


    The instant Xu Qing walked in, the two of them abruptly looked toward him.


    ¡°Kid, Captain Lei¡­ is in trouble.¡± Cross¡¯s right hand was simply bandaged and was still trembling at the moment. After seeing Xu Qing, he spoke in a low voice and coughed violently as he spat out a mouthful of blood.


    When these words landed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears, it was like a bolt of lightning had struck. As the rumbling echoed, his heart instantly tensed up and his breathing grew hurried.


    His heartbeat involuntarily sped up and his body stiffened a little. The bad premonition instantly erupted, transforming into an extremely dense and astonishing baleful aura that rose uncontrollably from Xu Qing¡¯s body. Even the surrounding temperature seemed to have turned cold.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Amidst the coldness, an even more bone-chilling voice that trembled slightly rang out from Xu Qing¡¯s mouth.

 Chapter 61 - Kill Them All

    Cross¡¯s hands were tougher than others as he drew the bowstring all year round. There were many calluses on them.


    Back then, when he encountered the black-scaled wolf pack and faced an entire day and night of slaughter, his hands didn¡¯t tremble as much as they did now. One could imagine what kind of fierce battle he had experienced before Xu Qing returned.


    Moreover, she must have encountered someone she couldn¡¯t resist, which was why her fingers were like this. At the same time, she was also heavily injured. From Luan Tooth¡¯s weak and exhausted expression, it was clear that she had used up all her strength.


    When he entered the campsite, everyone¡¯s reaction as well as those unfamiliar faces, as well as a large number of camp leaders outside the residence, as well as the cold gaze of the guy with the three-stroke beard were all telltale signs.


    All of this allowed Xu Qing to know who his enemy was.


    However, the more it was like this, the more uneasy he felt. Under his questioning, Cross and Luan Tooth also told him the reason in a low voice!


    In his early years, Captain Lei wasn¡¯t a scavenger but an ordinary man in a city far away from here.


    Due to his aptitude, he had once served as a guard in the city he lived in. It was also at that time that he obtained his cultivation method. He was also recognized by the city lord and had a fianc¨¦e who was his childhood sweetheart.


    Everything was beautiful but everything changed with the arrival of a convoy.


    Cross and Luan Tooth didn¡¯t know what exactly happened either. They only heard that Captain Lei got drunk once many years later and mumbled that everything was gone.


    His fianc¨¦e died and his cultivation was crippled after he completed his revenge. He barely survived and left his hometown, cultivating again with great difficulty and becoming a scavenger.


    Decades later, he became an old man with one foot in the grave.


    Captain Lei, who originally had the intention to retire, had let go of everything until¡­


    When he was at the campsite, he saw the foreign convoy and a person in it.


    The person who had destroyed everything he had didn¡¯t die and lived until now.


    However, Captain Lei didn¡¯t choose to continue taking revenge. He seemed to be worried that he would implicate others, so he bitterly chose to escape and hurried to Songtao City.


    However, he didn¡¯t know that his enemies were already aware of his existence. Hence, the camp leader arranged for people to capture Captain Lei from Songtao City a few days ago and gift him to his collaborator, who was also Captain Lei¡¯s enemy in his early years.


    ¡°I saved someone under the camp leader. Luan Tooth and I came back two days ago and he secretly told us about it. Only then did we know about it and immediately headed over to save them. However, we failed¡­


    ¡°At the camp leader¡¯s place, I saw Captain Lei¡¯s enemy. The other party¡¯s foundation had also collapsed before and he was able to rebuild his foundation like Captain Lei. Although his foundation was higher than Captain Lei¡¯s, it wasn¡¯t by much¡± Cross said through gritted teeth.


    ¡°We have also made some inquiries about this convoy. Behind them is a mysterious organization called Night Dove.


    ¡°This organization is very large and has scattered countless convoys. In the entire Nanhuang Continent, they travel through various scavenger campsites and small cities, trading with the camp leaders and city lords, buying people to be¡­ treasure-nurturers,¡± Luan Tooth said in a low voice.


    ¡°Camp leader, the convoy¡­¡± Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried and the killing intent in his eyes was extremely intense.


    He felt as though there was a ball of raging fire burning crazily in his body, causing his eyes to turn bloodshot. There was also overflowing anger in them as he turned and walked toward the main gate.


    Behind him, Cross and Luan Tooth were a little anxious and hurriedly advised:


    ¡°Kid, we have to consider this matter at length. We need to cooperate with the other scavengers. This involves missing people for many years. We¡­¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need!¡± The instant Xu Qing spoke, he raised his right hand and grabbed the longsword on his back, swinging it fiercely.


    The longsword instantly transformed into a cold beam of light that shot toward the gate of the courtyard like a rainbow. The instant it entered, the tremendous force contained within erupted with a bang.


    The gate of the courtyard shattered into pieces, revealing a camp leader¡¯s guard eavesdropping behind the gate.


    This person held a dagger in his hand and his eyes were wide open. His chest was directly penetrated by the longsword and he fell to the ground. As he spat out blood, his expression was filled with horror.


    As for that longsword, the power it contained was too great. After it pierced through the guard¡¯s body, it headed straight for the alley entrance in the distance. As the man with the three-stroke beard let out a tragic cry, it pierced into his thigh at lightning speed, nailing him deep into the ground.


    The two casualties caused the outside world to fall silent for a short period of time. After that, whistling and low roars immediately erupted. The seven to eight guards from the camp¡¯s main residence who were surrounding the area also got closer.


    As Cross and Luan Tooth¡¯s expressions changed, Xu Qing dashed out like a bolt of lightning.


    The moment he walked out of the gate, his right hand grabbed the dagger of the dead guard and he arrived in front of one of them with a single step.


    He didn¡¯t even bother to take a look. The instant he walked past him, Xu Qing lifted the dagger and slit open his neck. Fresh blood spurted out in all directions but the redness couldn¡¯t be compared to Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    In his bloodshot eyes, the image of Captain Lei in the campsite personally seeing his enemy from back then surfaced. However, he couldn¡¯t help but suppress the bitterness and grief in his heart.


    This caused Xu Qing¡¯s killing intent to grow even stronger. He abruptly turned and punched out, landing on the chest of the guard who was about to attack.


    With a muffled boom, the man¡¯s seven orifices bled and his internal organs collapsed. His body then rolled backwards like a kite with a broken string and landed on the ground.


    At the same time, three other people pounced over with killing intent.


    Among these three people, two were at the fifth level and one was at the sixth level. However, the moment they got close, Xu Qing waved his right hand and the black iron stick instantly flew out.


    It directly pierced through the person¡¯s skull and the dagger in his hand gleamed coldly as he crouched down. He then appeared in front of the sixth-level person and ruthlessly swung it toward the neck.


    There was a click sound.


    The sixth-level person¡¯s reaction was also very fast. A spirit energy barrier immediately manifested to block Xu Qing¡¯s dagger but it couldn¡¯t stop his strength.


    As Xu Qing¡¯s eyes turned red, he suddenly pushed the man, causing him to retreat continuously. Amidst the rumbling sounds, the man was directly pushed against the wall by Xu Qing and pressed down forcefully.


    Under the horrors, the dagger cut through the spirit energy barrier and stabbed into the neck, piercing through it in an instant. The force was so great that the wall behind the corpse also collapsed with a bang.


    Xu Qing, who was standing there, turned his head. The killing intent in his eyes seemed to have materialized.


    This caused the hearts of the remaining four to five camp leaders¡¯ guards to tremble and their eyes narrowed. Even though their cultivation levels were at the sixth level, they still trembled and retreated one after another.


    Even the agonizing cry of the guy with the three-stroke beard stopped for a moment. His countenance couldn¡¯t help but turn pale and anxious.


    However, the slaughter was far from over.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body suddenly charged forward. The three to five guards¡¯ minds were buzzing and they wanted to speed up their retreat but it was still too late.


    Xu Qing¡¯s speed was too fast. After he got close in an instant, his left hand directly struck the top of a guard¡¯s head. After the guard¡¯s head shattered with a bang, his body moved like a ghost and strangely appeared beside another person. As the dagger in his hand slashed past, he moved again and arrived in front of the third person.


    This person trembled and let out a cry of despair. He opened his arms and wanted to hug Xu Qing, wanting to perish together with him.


    However, what awaited him was a violent bump from Xu Qing¡¯s forehead.


    The roar came to an abrupt end and the guard¡¯s forehead caved in. The moment he breathed his last, Xu Qing¡¯s body suddenly retreated and knocked into another person.


    The dagger in his hand kept stabbing out behind him. One slash, two slashes, three slashes¡­


    He only lifted his head after he knocked the person into another wall.


    Banging sounds rang out as all the guards fell to the ground one after another. All of them had died and there were no complete corpses!


    After killing so many people in a row, blood splattered onto the ground. Under the sunlight that was nearing sunset in the afternoon, the bloodstains on the ground were a shocking sight.


    When the light landed on Xu Qing¡¯s body, it caused the blood intent in his body to fill the air. When combined with his blood qi, he looked like a demonic god.


    It was also because of the massacre here that many scavengers who lived nearby immediately walked out and gasped when they saw this scene.


    ¡°It¡¯s the kid!!¡±


    ¡°He¡­ Why is he so strong!¡±


    ¡°Those who died are all the camp leader¡¯s men. He¡¯s going to fight against the camp leader!¡±


    Cross and Luan Tooth also supported each other as they walked out. When they saw the corpses all over the ground and Xu Qing¡¯s figure and the blood on the ground under the sunlight, their hearts trembled intensely.


    Amidst the commotion, Xu Qing walked toward the trembling man with the three-stroke beard. On the way, he kept the dagger and iron stick until he was in front of the man with the three-stroke beard.


    The man with the three-stroke beard shivered as cold sweat continuously flowed down his back. It was as though the intense pain in his body couldn¡¯t surpass the terror in his heart. He wanted to struggle but the sword that was nailed to his thigh made it impossible for him to move at all. He could only let out a sharp cry with despair in his eyes.


    ¡°Kid, you are going to¡­¡±


    Xu Qing grabbed the longsword on his leg and slashed upward ruthlessly.


    The sharp blade slid down the man¡¯s thigh, past his stomach and chin. As fresh blood spurted out, the man¡¯s body convulsed violently as he let out a mournful cry and died!


    After doing all this, Xu Qing was expressionless. Only his killing intent rose. Under the blood light reflected by the sunlight, he walked forward step by step.


    The scavengers who were watching everything from the front also felt their hearts trembling. When they saw Xu Qing approaching, they immediately retreated to avoid him.


    They had seen ruthless people before but most of them were adults, and they were even desperadoes. For a fourteen or fifteen-year-old youth like Xu Qing to be able to kill so calmly and from the looks of it, he wasn¡¯t willing to give up, it was extremely rare.


    ¡°The direction he¡¯s going¡­ is the camp leader¡¯s residence!¡±


    As everyone saw the direction Xu Qing was heading in, the sound of heavy breathing instantly became a roar in their minds, causing all the scavengers to follow behind in unison.


    From afar, Xu Qing was walking at the very front, rushing toward the camp leader¡¯s residence.


    Behind him, a large group of scavengers quickly followed. When even more scavengers heard about this, they also gathered.


    Other than that, there were also guards and strangers from the caravan in the camp¡¯s main residence. They suddenly moved closer to Xu Qing and there were experts among them who wanted to kill him!


    At that moment, in the camp leader¡¯s residence, the camp leader was drinking tea as he chatted and laughed with an old man with a cold and arrogant expression who was wearing a brocade robe.


    ¡°Mr. Sun, you don¡¯t have to worry. The matter will be resolved in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. No matter how good scavengers are, they aren¡¯t a match for us Sect cultivators. I originally planned to nurture this kid well. If he¡¯s used well, I¡¯ll recommend him to the sect. However, since he¡¯s so blind, I¡¯ll just kill him.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s better if you can capture him alive.¡± The old man in brocade picked up the teacup and sipped. After he put it down, he calmly spoke.

 Chapter 62 - To Have Power over Life and Death

    The moment the teacup was placed down, the long street outside the camp leader¡¯s residence was covered in blood and corpses!


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure was like a ferocious tiger. Wherever he passed by, fresh blood would splatter out in all directions and the ground would be covered in blood stains. It was a shocking sight. As he walked, he killed!


    In front of him, the guards of the camp leader¡¯s residence rushed over from all directions. There were also tens of black-clothed strangers. They were cultivators from the convoy.


    Both parties had the same target: Xu Qing.


    As he got closer, a gust of wind blew over, blowing the hair in front of Xu Qing. He decided to carry the longsword he wasn¡¯t used to on his back and held the dagger in his hand. His entire person seemed to have melted into the wind as he rushed toward a sixth-level Qi Condensation cultivator in front of him.


    In that instant, their heads intertwined and flew up!


    As blood splattered, more black-clothed men and guards rushed over.


    Xu Qing looked at these convoy cultivators and was in a daze for a moment. He recalled that Captain Lei had indeed gone out to buy ingredients on the day the convoy arrived but he returned very quickly.


    It was obvious that he had seen his enemy that day, so he had to leave early.


    Xu Qing fell silent and his killing intent grew even more intense. His speed erupted completely and he didn¡¯t dodge but rushed forward instead.


    In the distance, two people stood on the roof.


    One of them was old while the other was middle-aged. The old man wore a blue Daoist robe while the middle-aged man was dressed in tight-fitting clothes. The former stood with his hands behind his back and coldly watched the scene on the street.


    The latter sat there with a tendon-shaped rope in his mouth. Upon closer inspection, it was Cross¡¯s bowstring.


    Cross¡¯s bowstring was extraordinary. Ordinary iron weapons wouldn¡¯t be able to break it at all but in this person¡¯s mouth, it was bitten off piece by piece.


    ¡°Interesting. He¡¯s also a body refiner like me but he¡¯s only at the sixth or seventh level. He should be more fun than that person with the scar on his face.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to do it or should I?¡± the old man asked calmly.


    ¡°This is the territory of your Diamond Sect and the camp leader is an elder of your Sect. Of course, it will be you, a newly-promoted elder of the Diamond Sect.¡± The middle-aged man spat out a mouthful of saliva that was laced with tendons and laughed sinisterly.


    As the two of them spoke, a loud boom rang out from the long street. There were even shrill cries echoing out as the seven or eight guards and men in black who surrounded Xu Qing retreated.


    All of them staggered and coughed up large mouthfuls of blood. Each of them had fatal injuries on their bodies as they fell to the ground one after another, revealing Xu Qing who had walked out from the encirclement of their corpses!


    He wore a fur coat that had been stained by countless amounts of blood, a pair of straw sandals that had been soaked black, long hair that swayed in the wind and a pair of¡­ eyes that were as cold as a lone wolf¡¯s.


    His right hand was hanging down and the dagger he was holding had blood flowing down the blade, dripping onto the soil.


    The seven to eight corpses beside him all died in miserable states. It wasn¡¯t that Xu Qing wanted to torture them to death but all the injuries to their vital parts were extremely tragic.


    As for Xu Qing¡¯s attacks, his main focus was to kill. He didn¡¯t make any unnecessary movements, so the scavengers who saw this scene were all shocked once again.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t look at the corpses. He was expressionless but the blood in his eyes was overflowing. He then stepped on the soil and moved forward rapidly.


    His target was the camp leader¡¯s residence which was over 3000 feet away from him.


    As he got closer, the remaining ten-odd black-clothed men and several camp leaders¡¯ guards in front of the camp leader¡¯s residence trembled in horror and instinctively retreated.


    After Xu Qing sped up, he lifted his head and looked at the two figures on the rooftop in the distance.


    The auras of these two people were the strongest he had sensed during his journey of killing. At the same time, they were also the two strongest enemies he had faced.


    Xu Qing was very clear that in today¡¯s situation, once he chose to make a move, he would have to¡­ kill his way to the end. Moreover, their current location was the only path they had to take to reach the camp¡¯s master residence.


    So, after he took a few steps, he raised his left hand and used it to provoke the two people on the roof.


    ¡°Arrogant!¡± The blue-robed old man narrowed his eyes as a cold glint flashed in them. With a sway of his body, the wind kicked up beneath his feet as he directly leaped from the roof toward Xu Qing!


    This scene caused the hearts of the guards, black-clothed men and the scavengers at the back to tremble violently. From what they knew, only Foundation Establishment experts could step on air.


    To them, Foundation Experts were basically like immortals in the sky.


    Many people had never seen one in their entire lives. It could even be said that a Foundation Building expert could become an ancestor of a small sect or family like the Diamond Sect.


    This blue-robed old man clearly couldn¡¯t be at the Foundation Realm. He had just stepped into the 80% of Qi Condensation.


    Him stepping through the air was just a trick. It had nothing to do with the wind technique he cultivated. It didn¡¯t have any practical value and couldn¡¯t be sustained for too long. It was just a gimmick.


    However, to others, the shock brought about by this scene was enough to shock them.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care. Almost at the instant the other party stepped through the air and arrived, he secretly scattered the poison powder and rushed out instantly.


    He was so fast that he left behind an afterimage on the ground. In an instant, when the blue-robed old man¡¯s expression changed drastically, Xu Qing had already appeared in front of him.


    He directly punched out and a shadow of a kui appeared on his fist, letting out a soundless roar. This caused the old man who was in mid-air to have no time to dodge. He could only hurriedly form a seal to form a defense.


    With a boom, the old man¡¯s defense shattered inch by inch. Even the old man¡¯s body was forced back repeatedly by Xu Qing¡¯s punch. There was also a sharp gleam from the black iron stick that chased after the old man.


    There was a bang.


    The black iron stick was blocked by a shield.


    As the shield shattered into pieces, the power of the iron stick dissipated as well, revealing the blue-robed old man who was in an extremely sorry state as he coughed out blood from behind the shield.


    The old man¡¯s expression was ugly and he was about to speak. However, the expressionless Xu Qing stomped his right foot on the ground and his body moved closer with a boom.


    The old man¡¯s eyes narrowed and anger filled the air. As he raised his hands, a violent wind instantly appeared in his surroundings, sweeping in all directions.


    He then fiercely inhaled, and the wind instantly gushed into his mouth, causing his face to flush red. His eyes also revealed a hint of cruelty and torture and he was just about to spit it out.


    However, at the next moment, his expression changed drastically and his eyes bulged. His skin turned pitch-black and showed signs of being poisoned. His body then trembled intensely.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Before he could finish speaking, Xu Qing, who didn¡¯t stop at all, instantly got close.


    With speed, the dagger in his hand turned red as though it was being burned. Like a soldering iron, it ruthlessly sliced through the old man¡¯s neck.


    Fresh blood gushed out as he let out a blood-curdling screech. His head was then grabbed by Xu Qing¡¯s left hand and directly separated from his body as he moved forward.


    Everything happened too quickly!


    At the next moment, Xu Qing threw the greenish-purple poisoned head in his hand to the side of the middle-aged man who was standing on the roof with an extremely ugly expression and intense fear in his eyes.


    After that, he raised his left hand and provoked him just like before.


    Time seemed to have stopped at this moment.


    Be it the scavengers, the guards, or the people in the carriages, all of them felt waves of emotions surging in their hearts. All of them were dumbfounded, and indescribable shivers ran through their bodies.


    ¡°Too¡­ too strong¡­¡±


    ¡°Is it poison¡­ What a strong poison!¡± Among the scavengers, someone muttered with a trembling voice.


    The middle-aged man on the roof panted heavily.


    ¡°Are the Diamond Sect¡¯s members all trash? They want to show off when fighting!!¡±


    He was very clear that the blue-robed old man couldn¡¯t be so weak. The other party¡¯s wind art was very astonishing but his mistake was that he had stepped on air to show off and lost the initiative. He also underestimated the existence of the enemy so he didn¡¯t notice the poison and actually took the initiative to absorb a bellyful of it.


    At the end of the day, it was the ease of the sect¡¯s cultivators that caused them to be far inferior to scavengers in terms of ruthlessness and quick-wittedness when it came to tempering themselves under the struggle to survive.


    At the thought of this, the middle-aged man immediately took out seven to eight antidote pills and swallowed them in one go.


    After that, he gritted his teeth and cracking sounds immediately rang out from his body.


    His originally burly body became even stronger at this moment. He directly leaped up from the roof with large strides and charged toward Xu Qing like an eagle.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and the black hair in front of him covered his eyes. His body also sped forward, getting closer and closer to the enemy.


    In the next instant, their figures erupted with speed at the same time and directly collided.


    With a boom, the middle-aged man¡¯s entire body trembled and an even more intense horror appeared on his face. The hair in front of Xu Qing was blown back by the impact, revealing the sharpness in his blood-colored eyes.


    He could sense the astonishing power coming from the other party but it was still inferior to his own. Moreover, his recovery was even stronger. At this moment, killing intent erupted from his eyes and the power in his body surged as he punched out again!


    The battle between body refiners was simple yet brutal.


    They kept bumping into each other on the long street.


    As the rumbling sound spread in all directions, the impact also caused many houses to collapse.


    Gradually, the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s breathing became hurried. His face was pale and his body trembled. The veins on his body bulged and his eyes were bloodshot. He couldn¡¯t hide the fear and despair in his heart.


    In terms of strength and speed, he was inferior to Xu Qing, let alone his recovery ability.


    Hence, the entire process only lasted for about thirty breaths before his fist broke down into a bloody mess.


    His arm couldn¡¯t withstand the immense force from Xu Qing either and it shattered into pieces. Fresh blood and shattered bones scattered in the air as Xu Qing let out a blood-curdling screech. Xu Qing then leaped up and ruthlessly slammed his knee into the middle-aged man¡¯s forehead.


    With a bang, the sound of flesh being crushed replaced the agonizing cry. The latter¡¯s voice then came to an abrupt stop and he died.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t even spare him a glance. The killing intent in his eyes was still as intense as ever. He stepped on the middle-aged man¡¯s corpse and leaped up, heading straight for¡­ the camp leader¡¯s residence!


    At this moment, the guards outside the camp leader¡¯s residence and the people in the carriages were already frightened out of their wits.


    When they saw Xu Qing, who was covered in blood and rushing over like a demonic god, their desire to live surpassed everything. It was unknown who was the first to flee in all directions but they all scattered in the blink of an eye.


    Hence, under the shocked gazes of the scavengers who had gathered at the campsite, Xu Qing¡¯s figure stirred up the whistling of the wind as he headed straight for¡­ the main gate of the camp leader¡¯s residence.


    The instant he got close, the gate collapsed with a bang. As the gate broke into pieces from the inside out, a fist stretched out and directly collided with Xu Qing.


    With a loud boom, Xu Qing retreated for the first time.


    He took three steps back and lifted his head. His hawk-like gaze coldly stared at the camp leader, who was wearing a golden robe and had an extremely ugly expression on his face.


    Behind him, there was a gloomy-looking old man in embroidered clothes who looked mean!


    The old man was holding a familiar figure in his hand!


    The instant he saw that figure, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled violently as indescribable emotions churned intensely in his heart.


    That was Captain Lei.


    He was dying.

 Chapter 63 - Kill Them All

    ¡°Ignorant brat!¡±


    The camp leader, who was dressed in a golden robe, had an extremely ugly expression. No matter what, he never expected that his men would be unable to take down this kid.


    This was especially so considering that he had boasted earlier that he would take care of it in the time it took for an incense stick to burn. Now, the time it took for an incense stick to burn had indeed arrived but the one who was taken care of was his guard.


    ¡°A bunch of trash!¡± A cold glint flashed in the camp leader¡¯s eyes. He stepped out of the gate and walked toward Xu Qing.


    As he moved forward, the spirit energy fluctuations outside his body grew increasingly intense and an astonishing amount of qi and blood burst forth from his body. His body under his robe swelled up, making his figure look like a mountain.


    There was even a faint golden light that spread out from his entire body.


    The camp leader was also a body refiner!


    However, it was obvious that the cultivation technique he cultivated wasn¡¯t a low-level technique like the Mountains and Seas Art. It was an ultimate technique from the Diamond Sect, the Diamond Technique.


    At this moment, under full circulation, his aura erupted and his footsteps instantly sped up. He transformed into a giant shadow and charged toward Xu Qing.


    His speed was extremely fast and he arrived in front of Xu Qing in the blink of an eye. He directly punched out and as he swung his fist, his entire body emitted a dazzling golden light that was filled with pressure.


    Xu Qing swept a glance at the old man in brocade robes and Captain Lei, who was standing at the threshold and observing the situation. He suppressed his anxiety and narrowed his eyes slightly.


    He was very clear that once he gained the upper hand, the other party would very likely threaten him with Captain Lei.


    This was something Xu Qing didn¡¯t wish to see. The only way to prevent this from happening was to act too suddenly!


    To be so sudden that the other party couldn¡¯t react in time.


    Hence, Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and similarly punched out, colliding directly with the camp leader.


    With a loud boom, Xu Qing¡¯s body staggered back seven to eight steps. However, he didn¡¯t move in a straight line but moved a few steps to the side.


    At this moment, the sunlight was behind him, reflecting the shadow on the ground. It also swayed as he moved.


    During the collision between the camp leader and Xu Qing, he could feel the power coming from Xu Qing. At this moment, his entire body trembled and he similarly retreated.


    However, when he lifted his head, a look of disdain appeared in his eyes. With a sway of his body, he charged toward Xu Qing once again. The cultivation base in his body circulated fully, forming a rumbling sound.


    His tone was disdainful and his gaze was filled with superiority. However, when he attacked¡­ he went all out.


    What he revealed on the surface was intentional. After all, to be able to become the camp leader and make a group of scavengers feel fear, he couldn¡¯t be underestimated although he was a sect member.


    ¡°Diamond First Art!¡± The camp leader let out a low roar. As he spoke, his body swelled up once more and his strength and speed soared explosively. In the blink of an eye, he arrived before smashing down ruthlessly.


    Xu Qing lowered his head, causing the camp leader to be unable to see his eyes. After that, he lifted his hands and blocked the attack fiercely. With a boom, he retreated once again, and the swaying of his shadow became a little more intense as he moved.


    However, no one discovered it.


    ¡°Diamond Second Art!¡± Seeing that Xu Qing had actually withstood two of his attacks, the camp leader, whose cultivation had reached the peak of the eighth level of Qi Condensation, felt even more murderous.


    His body expanded once again as he threw another punch at Xu Qing.


    The golden light that erupted from this punch was even stronger. However, the instant it landed, Xu Qing abruptly lifted his head.


    The killing intent in his eyes erupted intensely at this moment. The location he moved to many times finally caused his shadow to face the old man in the brocade robe at the entrance.


    With the help of movement, he concealed the distortion he created when controlling the shadow.


    As for the sun in the sky, due to the angle, its shadow was elongated at this moment and it arrived not far in front of the brocade-robed old man.


    As Xu Qing lifted his head, killing intent erupted from his body. He ignored the camp leader¡¯s fist and leaped up abruptly.


    The instant he ascended, his shadow also abruptly crossed the distance between him and the old man.


    Amidst the distortion, a portion of the shadow abruptly extended out and directly covered the right wrist of the old man who was holding Captain Lei!


    1


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure didn¡¯t fall behind at all on Captain Lei!


    This was also another important reason why he adjusted his pace earlier.


    In an instant, as Xu Qing let out a low roar, the shadow¡¯s strange power suddenly erupted.


    In that instant, the old man¡¯s expression changed. Intense pain and the eruption of anomalous substances caused his right hand to turn greenish-black.


    This sudden change caused him to instinctively release his grip on Captain Lei¡¯s body.


    The instant he let go, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body let out a rumbling sound. He endured the impact of the camp leader¡¯s punch and spurted out fresh blood as his speed completely erupted.


    His entire person transformed into an afterimage and directly disappeared from his original location, rushing toward the old man in the brocade robe.


    There was also an iron stick and a dagger that transformed into two streaks of cold light that were as fast as lightning. They whistled as they approached the old man in the brocade robe, forcing him, who was in the midst of having his right hand mutated, to retreat and dodge.


    As he dodged, Xu Qing rushed in and directly grabbed a hold of Captain Lei.


    He threw him out forcefully and Cross and Luan Tooth¡¯s figures quickly leaped out from the crowd. They caught it and quickly retreated.


    All of this happened in the blink of an eye. It was incomparably fast!


    ¡°Your shadow!!¡± The expression of the old man in the brocade robe changed as he abruptly looked at Xu Qing. Everything that happened earlier was too sudden and unexpected. He couldn¡¯t react at all.


    The camp leader¡¯s eyes narrowed at this moment as well. Xu Qing¡¯s series of actions truly shocked him.


    Xu Qing wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and stared coldly at the two of them. Under the setting sun, his figure was like a falcon as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Now, it¡¯s my turn.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, his body shot toward the old man in the brocade robe with a bang. Compared to body refinement, Xu Qing felt that the first person he wanted to kill should be someone who cultivated the Dao.


    At that moment, he charged out and instantly got close.


    The expression of the old man in the brocade robe was extremely ugly. He quickly retreated and performed a double-handed incantation gesture, pointing at Xu Qing. Immediately, fog rapidly condensed and transformed into the shadow of an evil ghost, charging ferociously toward Xu Qing.


    The camp leader also let out a low roar. His entire body erupted with golden light as he charged toward Xu Qing with a boom. Together with the old man¡¯s attack, they formed a pincer attack.


    Upon seeing the danger, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed coldly. At that moment, all the blood and qi in his body erupted.


    Amidst the rumbling, the power of his vital energy and blood swept out in all directions like a storm. A gigantic kui shadow materialized ferociously, letting out a soundless roar that shook the surroundings.


    Xu Qing raised both his hands and clenched them into fists at the same time. One on the left and one on the right, they landed simultaneously!


    When they landed, the shadow behind him split into two and pounced toward the camp leader and the old man in the brocade robe at the same time.


    ¡°Blood Qi Shadow Formation!! This¡­ This¡­¡±


    The camp leader¡¯s expression completely changed. After his fist came into contact with Xu Qing¡¯s left hand, the golden light on his body instantly dimmed under Kui shadow¡¯s sinister smile. His entire body then violently retreated by seventy to eighty feet.


    As for the old man in the brocade robe, he also had a look of horror on his face. The evil ghost that transformed from his spell was trembling in front of the kui shadow. After the ghost was devoured by the kui shadow with a sinister smile, the kui shadow didn¡¯t stop and charged straight at the old man.


    An explosive sound echoed in all directions and the old man in the brocade robe coughed up blood as he rapidly retreated.


    However, at that moment, a blue barrier of light appeared around his body, causing him to only vomit blood. His injuries weren¡¯t too serious.


    The source of the light barrier was a talisman!


    This was¡­ a talisman treasure!!


    Xu Qing¡¯s countenance was also pale. Although he was strong, when faced with the camp leader and this old man¡¯s pincer attack, his internal organs were also churning.


    At that moment, fresh blood flowed out but his viciousness didn¡¯t reduce in the slightest. Taking advantage of the camp leader being intimidated, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes erupted with killing intent as he charged toward the old man in brocade robes.


    He punched with all his might.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± The old man¡¯s countenance was pale and his eyes revealed a sinister glint.


    As he retreated, he maintained the protection of the talisman treasure. At the same time, he performed a series of hand seals with both hands and fiercely waved them. Immediately, seven to eight evil ghosts appeared.


    Each of them was comparable to the seventh level of Qi Condensation. They let out cold roars as they attempted to devour Xu Qing.


    A ruthless glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t dodge and allowed the evil ghosts to pounce over and tear at his body. His speed didn¡¯t decrease and his aura didn¡¯t weaken at all as he punched out.


    Amidst the rumbling, the talisman treasure¡¯s defense trembled.


    However, this item was a talisman treasure after all. Unless it was completely exhausted, it would be very difficult to destroy it.


    However, it was obvious that even this old man would find it difficult to obtain a second talisman treasure. Moreover, this talisman treasure had been used countless times and the words on it had become much dimmer and blurry.


    At that moment, under Xu Qing¡¯s bombardment, it was speeding up and becoming blurry.


    This caused the old man¡¯s expression to change drastically again.


    He could sense Xu Qing¡¯s ruthlessness and knew that he was in a life-and-death crisis. Hence, there was also madness in his eyes. He performed a series of hand seals and spat out a mouthful of blood, turning into a blood shadow that whistled sharply as it approached Xu Qing.


    However, at that moment, the blood and qi in Xu Qing¡¯s body were surging. He couldn¡¯t be bothered with the other party¡¯s spell at all. He risked being injured and threw out another punch!


    ¡°Captain Lei is already in his twilight years but you still won¡¯t let him off!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were red. At this moment, the kui shadow roared at the sky and fused with his fist before smashing down.


    Although the talisman treasure could resist it, the violent tremor still caused the old man in the brocade robe, whose foundation had once collapsed, to cough up blood. His body retreated abruptly and the madness in his eyes turned into panic.


    A feeling of impending death caused him to let out a sharp cry.


    ¡°Zhang Shiyuan, what are you waiting for? Continue attacking with me!!¡±


    Zhang Shiyuan was the camp leader¡¯s name. When he heard this from afar, he suppressed the shock in his heart and rushed over.


    At that moment, there was also a bloody hole in Xu Qing¡¯s stomach where the blood shadow had pierced through. However, Xu Qing no longer cared about the intense pain. The blood and qi in his entire body erupted once again and the anger and madness in his heart reached their limits.


    ¡°Captain Lei has already chosen to dodge but you still want to pester him!¡±


    ¡°Captain Lei¡¯s life has been miserable, yet you still want to be ruthless!!¡±


    Xu Qing seemed to have gone mad as he threw out punches after punches. The kui shadow roared at the sky and coordinated with his punches to continuously land on the old man¡¯s defense.


    The rumbling sounds echoed throughout the entire campsite. The words on the talisman treasure became increasingly blurry but it still didn¡¯t shatter. However, the old man in the brocade robe couldn¡¯t withstand the tremors from Xu Qing¡¯s strength anymore.


    Waves of indescribable terror rose in his heart and the feeling of death grew even more intense.


    His talisman treasure had miraculous effects on spells but against the resonance force formed by the bombardment of body refinement, his body, which had once had its foundation destroyed, couldn¡¯t last for too long.


    As the old man continuously spat out mouthfuls of blood, he was filled with anxiety and despair.


    He wanted to shout for help but the assault of the resonance spread through his entire body, causing him to be unable to make a sound. Amidst his horror, his entire body trembled to the extreme. He was also unable to cast any spells due to the tremors and could only howl miserably in his heart.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t want to die. I¡­¡±


    At the next instant, the veins on Xu Qing¡¯s forehead throbbed and his eyes turned red. He clenched his hands together and smashed them fiercely against the talisman treasure¡¯s protective barrier.


    ¡°Die!¡±


    An intense and astonishing power erupted. The talisman treasure¡¯s defense distorted but it still didn¡¯t collapse. However, the old man¡¯s body trembled intensely and his eyes bulged.


    At that moment, his body could no longer withstand the continuous tremors.


    His eyes instantly exploded and his internal organs collapsed. His flesh, blood, and bones directly shattered, turning into minced meat that became a blur!


    After doing all this, Xu Qing panted and turned his head abruptly. His right hand punched out and collided with the camp leader who was rushing over from behind.


    His injured body was instantly sent flying back by seventy to eighty feet. Many wounds on his body that had mostly healed opened up once again and fresh blood filled the air. At that moment, Xu Qing was covered in blood under the setting sun.


    As for the camp leader, his heart was also trembling intensely.


    He looked at his partner who had been blasted to pieces and then at Xu Qing, whose body was covered in blood but was still crouching there, maintaining his attacking stance. Xu Qing¡¯s gaze revealed killing intent as he stared fixedly at him and he felt a chill run down his spine.


    This scene also caused the scavengers in the surroundings to be shocked to the extreme. When they looked at Xu Qing, they revealed astonishment and¡­ reverence.

 Chapter 64 - A Song of Remnants of Love in the Red Dust

    After a short period of silence, the camp leader looked at Xu Qing and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Kid, let¡¯s forget about this matter. You¡¯ve saved Captain Lei and this person is dead. There¡¯s no need for us to continue fighting to the death.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, I¡¯m an elder of the Diamond Sect. If you fight to the death with me, it will be equivalent to starting a war with the Diamond Sect. My sect¡¯s ancestor is a Foundation Establishment expert!¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood. His body staggered as he lifted his right hand, wanting to wipe it away.


    At this moment, the camp leader who wanted to call a truce suddenly had a cold glint in his eyes.


    His entire person rushed toward Xu Qing with a boom. His speed was so fast that golden light erupted from his entire body at this moment. He seemed to have transformed into a Diamond¡¯s body.


    ¡°Diamond Third Art!¡±


    From afar, the camp leader¡¯s entire body was suffused with golden light. His aura was shocking and his killing intent was incomparably intense.


    On the other hand, Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. His original intention to stagger instantly vanished, as though everything was fake. His raised right hand wasn¡¯t wiping the blood but he lifted it above his head. His bloodshot eyes then closed slightly.


    The image of the god statue that walked down like a god in the temple back then appeared in his mind. When he lifted his hand, it was peerlessly stunning, as though it contained some kind of Great Dao blade.


    He had imitated this strike countless times but he had never used it before.


    Now, he felt that he could use it.


    A beam of purple light erupted from his body, covering his entire body and his raised right hand.


    It was different from the golden color of the statue. After Xu Qing copied it, it emitted a purple aura.


    Under this purple light, the instant the camp leader roared and got close, Xu Qing¡¯s right hand slowly descended in a seemingly casual manner.


    There was nothing strange about it. It was very ordinary and simple. However, there seemed to be some extraordinary charm contained in this ordinary look.


    This extraordinary charm caused all the purple light to instantly gather on Xu Qing¡¯s right hand. At the instant it landed, a blurry¡­ giant saber shadow appeared above his head!


    This figure was huge like a heavenly saber!


    Purple light rose and flickered, replacing the sunlight, replacing the golden light, replacing everything. As Xu Qing¡¯s right hand moved, it suddenly¡­ slashed down!


    Thunder rumbled in the sky and the ground of the campsite rumbled. The strong wind was accompanied by piercing light as it rumbled and exploded in all directions like a tide.


    All of the scavengers involuntarily retreated. The camp leader¡¯s speed then slowed down until he stopped ten feet away from Xu Qing.


    He stared at Xu Qing in a daze and slowly lowered his head to look at the ground beneath his feet.


    Under his feet, a straight crack appeared on the ground¡­ This crack was 70 to 80 feet long and it extended from under his body to his back.


    ¡°This strike¡­¡± the camp leader muttered. A bloody mark suddenly appeared on his forehead. This bloody mark instantly split open to his chin and then his chest. After that, fresh blood spurted out from his dantian. His body then directly split into two and fell to the ground.


    The surroundings were completely silent. Only the sounds of hurried breathing could be heard, revealing the disbelief and horror in everyone¡¯s hearts.


    Under the setting sun, the afterglow scattered on the blood-stained ground, reflecting the lonely face of the youth. Drops of blood flowed down from his fingers and landed on the blood pool on the ground, creating layers of ripples.


    The figure in the ripples was a little blurry and couldn¡¯t be seen clearly but the desolate intent and coldness in his eyes could be seen clearly.


    Xu Qing silently put away the dagger that was covered in blood and the pitch-black iron stick. After that, he took the talisman treasure with blurry words as well. He then turned and walked toward Cross and Luan Tooth, who were in the crowd.


    Cross and Luan Tooth had looks of awe on their faces as they watched Xu Qing walk over. They watched as he silently took the unconscious Captain Lei who was on the verge of death and carried him away.


    Hence, he lowered his head and followed him into the distance.


    Under the setting sun, Xu Qing¡¯s shadow was stretched very long. The fresh blood that covered the ground revealed an indescribable sadness.


    The scavengers in the surroundings couldn¡¯t help but look at his figure and the blood and corpses that filled the long street.


    Behind Xu Qing, the blood seemed to form a shocking bloody trail.


    Some people recalled the bloody marks Xu Qing had left behind when he dragged the giant-horn python through the Beastfight Arena during the entrance training.


    Two scenes and two blood trails seemed to overlap at this moment.


    ¡°Kid!¡± It wasn¡¯t just one person but all the scavengers who had gathered here quickly shouted.


    ¡°Kid!!¡±


    ¡°Kid!!!¡±


    The voice grew louder and louder. There were old people, children, middle-aged men, and women with feathers on their heads.


    Their eyes slowly revealed fanaticism and their roars gradually echoed through the sky.


    This was¡­ the unique salute of scavengers!


    ¡­


    At dusk, at the entrance of the campsite.


    Xu Qing carried Captain Lei on his back. When he arrived here, he turned his head and looked at Cross and Luan Tooth.


    The two of them also looked at Xu Qing. There was reverence in their eyes but there was also a hint of complexity. They had guessed something.


    ¡°Are we leaving?¡± Cross asked softly.


    ¡°I went to send Captain Lei on his last journey, and then¡­ I will leave.¡± Xu Qing nodded.


    Cross and Luan Tooth fell silent.


    Xu Qing felt a sense of farewell in his heart and cast a deep glance at them. After that, he shifted his gaze to the campsite that he had lived in for almost half a year.


    ¡°Take care.¡± Luan Tooth stared at Xu Qing and went forward to help him tidy his messy hair. She didn¡¯t mind the fresh blood on his body and gently hugged him.


    ¡°What about you guys?¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t reject Luan Tooth¡¯s hug and asked softly.


    ¡°We have to leave this place as well. Don¡¯t worry, Cross and I have our hands and feet and our strength isn¡¯t bad either. We can go to any campsite,¡± Luan Tooth said with a smile.


    Cross still didn¡¯t speak but he stepped forward and hugged Xu Qing tightly.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and waved to them. He then turned and strode out of the campsite¡¯s main gate, heading in the direction of the forbidden zone.


    Behind him, under the setting sun, Cross and Luan Tooth stood there silently as they watched him leave. When Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared at the end of the horizon, Luan Tooth mumbled.


    ¡°Cross, will we see him again in the future? Unfortunately, we still don¡¯t know his name.¡±


    ¡°I think so¡­ Names aren¡¯t important.¡± Cross said softly and grabbed Luan Tooth¡¯s hand.


    Xu Qing left the campsite and headed toward the forbidden zone.


    He carried Captain Lei on his back and moved forward silently. Just like how he had carried Captain Lei when he was heavily injured back then, just like how he had carried Captain Lei when they parted ways. It was the same path and the same person.


    However, he could sense that Captain Lei was getting lighter and lighter. The vitality in his body was also getting lesser and lesser and the aura of death was spreading uncontrollably.


    The sorrow in Xu Qing¡¯s heart grew increasingly intense.


    He silently stepped into the jungle and walked into the forbidden zone. He silently headed in a certain direction and continued walking. Time slowly passed. The sun had already set and night had fallen.


    However, he seemed to have sensed the blood qi and remnant killing intent on Xu Qing¡¯s body. No mutated beasts appeared in front of him on the way, allowing Xu Qing to continue moving forward sorrowfully.


    Two hours later, a weak voice rang out hoarsely from behind him.


    ¡°Kid, I just had a dream.¡±


    Captain Lei woke up with a dazed expression as he mumbled.


    He didn¡¯t ask why he was here, nor did he ask why Xu Qing appeared, nor did he tell him about his experiences.


    ¡°I dreamed of Red Peach and you.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were a little red and the sorrow in his heart grew even denser. He sped up but he tried his best to maintain a steady pace as he got closer and closer to his destination.


    ¡°In the dream, you were still very obedient. You always got first place in school.¡±


    Captain Lei wanted to laugh but it seemed that these few sentences had exhausted more than half of his strength. His voice gradually weakened as he muttered softly before he fainted.


    ¡°What a good dream.¡±


    ¡°Kid, I can¡¯t hold on much longer.¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head and sped at full speed. On the way, he tried to use his purple crystal to help Captain Lei but it was useless. It couldn¡¯t keep his life.


    Finally, an hour later, he arrived at the place where they had met the singing voice that day. It was still the same area and the same big tree.


    At that point, Xu Qing gently put Captain Lei down and supported him against a tree. His eyes were red and his nose felt sour as he looked at the wrinkled old man who was on the verge of death.


    ¡°Captain Lei.¡± Xu Qing said softly.


    The old man leaned against the tree and slowly opened his eyes.


    His eyes were cloudy as he stared blankly at the world in front of him. Only after a long time did he seem to recognize what this place was. He gradually smiled and there was a hint of light in his eyes.


    ¡°Kid, do you have alcohol?¡±


    Xu Qing silently nodded and took out a flask of wine from his leather pouch. He then placed it beside the old man¡¯s mouth and fed him a large mouthful.


    This sip of wine caused the light in the old man¡¯s eyes to become even brighter at this moment, like the final radiance of a candle.


    It was at this moment that he saw Xu Qing¡¯s reddened eyes clearly and laughed.


    ¡°Why are you crying?¡±


    Captain Lei seemed to have gained some strength. With Xu Qing¡¯s help, he struggled to sit up.


    Leaning against the big tree, he wanted to lift his hand to touch Xu Qing¡¯s head but he couldn¡¯t do it. However, the moment he gave up, Xu Qing slowly placed his hand on his head.


    The old man laughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m still quite lucky. At the very least, at this time, I have someone to accompany me. I have wine to drink and someone to bury me after I die.¡±


    ¡°And in this world, how many people died a lonely and desolate death, silently exposing their corpses in the wilderness?


    ¡°Death isn¡¯t scary. What¡¯s scary is that before I die, there isn¡¯t a single familiar person in front of me¡­¡±


    At this point, the light in Captain Lei¡¯s eyes slowly dimmed. He suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Kid, I want to take another sip.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart was filled with sorrow. He took the flask and gently placed it beside Captain Lei¡¯s mouth. As the alcohol flowed out, Captain Lei looked behind him with a dazed expression as he mumbled.


    ¡°Red Peach, are you here to pick me up¡­¡±


    The wine spilled on the old man¡¯s clothes and landed on the soil. He didn¡¯t drink it but the light in his eyes was extinguished along with the fire of life.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled as he lowered his head. He could no longer control the sorrow in his heart and it spread out from the bottom of his heart, enveloping his entire body.


    He gripped the alcohol flask tightly. Even though the alcohol flask had changed shape in his hands, he didn¡¯t notice it.


    A long time later, Xu Qing bit his lips and silently placed the alcohol flask to the side. He then lifted his head and looked at the old man who would never wake up.


    He couldn¡¯t help but recall the scene in the city ruins when the other party suddenly turned his head to look at him.


    ¡°Kid, are you willing to leave here with me?¡±


    Tears flowed down from the corners of Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    He removed the blood stains on his face, leaving two clear marks on his clothes.


    Growing up in the slums, he had stopped crying a long time ago.


    However, today, he couldn¡¯t hold it in. He looked at the old man¡¯s corpse until the sky turned bright again. He then silently buried the old man and the alcohol flask under a tree.


    Scavengers didn¡¯t need steles because no one would offer sacrifices.


    But the old man had a monument.


    Xu Qing stared blankly at the tombstone.


    After a long time, he took out a ball of sackcloth from his leather pouch and took out the only piece of candy inside.


    He silently placed it in his mouth, leaned against the tree and closed his eyes.


    Sugar. Very sweet.


    Someone had told Xu Qing that he would feel better after eating it when he was sad.

 Chapter 65 - Growing Up

    After a long time, the candy melted.


    The sunlight streamed through the gaps in the tree crown and landed on Xu Qing¡¯s face. It was as though the sunlight was like candy, melting into the depths of his heart.


    It soothed his grief.


    A long time later, Xu Qing silently opened his eyes and looked at the beam of light. He followed its source and looked at the sun in the sky before lowering his head to look at the old man¡¯s tombstone. He then sighed softly.


    ¡°Captain Lei, have a safe journey.¡±


    Xu Qing stood up and bowed deeply. When he turned around, he used all his strength to suppress all the fragility in the depths of his heart. At the same time, he also buried the last trace of immaturity in his heart here with Captain Lei, making it impossible for it to crawl out at all.


    Fate had given him a trace of warmth but now, it was mercilessly snatched away by this world. This was the helplessness of the human world but Xu Qing had no choice but to continue on this path of life.


    His eyes slowly turned sharp again and there was a deeper look in them.


    His aura gradually gained sharpness and a hint of richness.


    With a flash, Xu Qing sped toward the edge of the jungle under the sunlight.


    His figure was extremely fast as he shuttled through the light spots. However, if one took a closer look, one would still be able to see the bleakness that remained on his body. That was something that the light couldn¡¯t dispel in a short period of time.


    It was so intense that it felt lonely.


    It was getting deeper.


    It was also getting colder.


    He was like a wolf cub that lived in a cruel jungle. After growing up a little in loneliness, he gradually got closer to becoming a true lone wolf.


    Time flowed by and very soon, a day passed. Xu Qing¡¯s figure didn¡¯t stop in this jungle. When the afterglow of dusk fell, he had already stepped out of the forbidden zone and entered the human world.


    However, the area he stepped out of wasn¡¯t within the campsite but on the other side.


    He wasn¡¯t prepared to return to the campsite.


    The death of Captain Lei¡¯s enemy would surely cause future trouble.


    Since the other party¡¯s organization was able to roam the entire Nanhuang Continent, it could be seen that their influence was extremely great. Although an insignificant person had died, there was a high chance that there was still an investigation.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t gamble on this.


    The most important thing was the camp leader¡¯s death.


    Xu Qing had heard of the Diamond Sect from Captain Lei.


    Although the latter had great influence, he was only a powerful dragon, while the former was the local tyrant.


    They were the strongest faction in the vicinity.


    The dozens of cities and scavenger campsites here were more or less related to the Diamond Sect and were directly or indirectly controlled by them.


    The ancestors of the sect had even reached the Foundation Establishment Realm.


    To the people and scavengers who lived in this area,


    Foundation Building cultivators were like immortals. Although very few people had truly seen it, the pressure and intimidation from Foundation Building cultivators caused everyone to feel reverence in their hearts.


    Hence, Xu Qing was very clear that since he had killed two of the Diamond Sect¡¯s elders, the first thing he had to face was the Diamond Sect¡¯s fury. The solution to this problem was very simple.


    He needed an even stronger force to intimidate the Diamond Sect so that they wouldn¡¯t dare to act rashly.


    This force was the Seven Blood Eyes.


    To the nearby cities and campsites, the Diamond Sect was a colossus. However, to them, the Seven Blood Eyes were the true heaven-supporting existence.


    Even if the Diamond Sect had a hundred guts, they wouldn¡¯t dare to provoke the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Hence, Xu Qing was very clear that as long as he became the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciple, the crisis would be temporarily resolved.


    So, at this moment, when he walked out of the forbidden zone, he touched the Seven Blood Eyes token in his leather pouch and his eyes gleamed.


    He was prepared to make a trip to the Seven Blood Eyes!


    The Seven Blood Eyes was very far away from here. If an ordinary person wanted to go there, they would usually have to spend several years. During this time, not only would they have to cross the mountains but they would also have to experience various dangers.


    However, to a person with the token, everything was much simpler.


    On the back of the token, there was a map of the Seven Blood Eyes. At the same time, there were many bumps on it. Any one of them was the location of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ branch city.


    Anyone who entered any branch city with a token could enjoy a free teleportation.


    The closest one was Antler City, which was in the opposite direction from Songtao City.


    Unlike Songtao City, the entry permit to Antler City not only cost more spirit coins but also required the recommendation of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples. Therefore, Captain Lei couldn¡¯t enter back then.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing turned his head and cast a deep glance at the forbidden zone. After a long while, he turned around and sped away in the dusk. His target was none other than Antler City.


    ¡°Calculating the time, I should be able to reach Antler City in three days at most.¡± Xu Qing estimated.


    He had never been to Antler City before but the name wasn¡¯t unfamiliar. This was because Antler City was located not far from the city he had lived in for six years and was now in ruins.


    At this moment, taking advantage of the darkness, Xu Qing¡¯s speed in the wilderness grew increasingly faster.


    Time flowed by and two days passed.


    It was correct that Xu Qing didn¡¯t return to the campsite.


    Currently, there were dozens of disciples from the Diamond Sect waiting coldly at the scavenger campsite. There were even seven to eight of them who stepped into the jungle to search.


    The reason why they found out about this matter so quickly was that there was a mix of scavengers. There were all kinds of people with ulterior motives. Unless he killed all of them, there would be someone who would leak the information.


    Hence, when the news spread to the Diamond Sect, the entire sect was enraged.


    To them, the death of two elders was a huge matter, especially to their reputation. It was also a form of provocation. Therefore, not only did they have to resolve it as soon as possible but they also had to use this to establish their might.


    It was just that after waiting for a long time, Xu Qing still didn¡¯t appear. Moreover, the forbidden zone was too big, so they weren¡¯t sure if Xu Qing had entered or not. As for the vast wilderness outside, it was inevitable that the Diamond Sect¡¯s men would scatter.


    So, after two days, they didn¡¯t gain anything.


    However, this matter couldn¡¯t be controlled and spread out, causing all the cities and scavengers in the Diamond Sect¡¯s territory to hear about it. This made them, who had searched for a long time, even angrier.


    At this moment, an angry shout rang out from the peak of the Diamond Sect¡¯s mountain.


    The Sect¡¯s mountain gate wasn¡¯t too far from Songtao City. It was located on a mountain peak and was built in a very luxurious manner. There were hundreds of disciples in the sect and there were many experts among them.


    Right now, the furious roars that echoed through the entire sect came from the main hall on the mountain peak.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t found him yet?¡±


    In the main hall, a middle-aged man in golden robes sat at the head of the table. His expression was dignified and there was anger in his eyes. The spirit energy fluctuations on his body also spread out in all directions amidst his anger, filled with pressure.


    Two people stood below him.


    These two people were middle-aged and both wore golden robes. Their spirit energy fluctuations were very intense, surpassing that of the camp leader. At this moment, they were both frowning. After a long time, one of them spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Sect Master, the wilderness is too vast. Why don¡¯t we let the guards from those cities and the scavengers from the campsite head out to search together? This way, we¡¯ll be able to find them in three days at most.¡±


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s not enough of a joke? A kid killed two elders and massacred the campsite. If we let them help us in this matter, our Sect¡¯s reputation will be tarnished!!¡± The sect master said angrily.


    The two people below fell silent and didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    A long time later, the Sect Master took a deep breath. His gaze was filled with intense killing intent as he pointed to the two people below.


    ¡°Elder Li, Elder Chen, the two of you are at the peak of the ninth level of Qi Condensation. Either of you can easily kill that kid.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already asked the ancestor and am preparing to borrow two tracking talismans from him for you. After the ancestor agrees to it, you guys can head out personally. No matter what method you use, I want to see that kid¡¯s head in twenty-four hours at most!¡±


    When the two elders below heard that the patriarch knew about this, their expressions instantly turned solemn.


    The gaze of the Sect Master was cold. After he finished speaking, he took out a jade slip and was about to ask the ancestor about it. However, at this moment, a cold snort suddenly rang out from outside the main hall like thunder.


    The voice was too loud, causing the two elders¡¯ hearts to tremble intensely. Even the sect master¡¯s expression changed. He immediately stood up and quickly walked down. Outside the main hall, an old man wearing a golden-red double-colored robe walked over.


    This old man had a tall figure and a ruddy complexion. His white hair was disheveled and there seemed to be lightning in his eyes, covering the gloom in them. As he walked over, a powerful spirit energy that far surpassed Qi Condensation spread out in all directions.


    Wherever he passed, cracks would appear on the ground.


    The aura on his body formed a storm that surrounded him. If one were to take a closer look, one would see that his feet weren¡¯t on the ground but were stepping on air.


    He didn¡¯t rely on the wind technique to soar through the air. Rather, he truly soared through the air.


    Also, behind him, there was a faint illusory shadow that looked like an angry Diamond. It was as though once it erupted, even the main hall wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand its might.


    His arrival immediately made the three people in the hall kneel in unison.


    ¡°Greetings, Ancestor!¡±


    The Sect¡¯s ancestor didn¡¯t speak. After he walked to the seat of honor and sat down, he coldly looked at the three people below. Finally, his lightning-like gaze landed on the sect master.


    ¡°Yunwen, have you forgotten the purpose of our Sect?!¡±


    The sect master broke out in cold sweat and immediately spoke.


    ¡°Ancestor, I haven¡¯t forgotten that our Sect¡¯s motto has always been that it¡¯s fine if we don¡¯t make a move, but once we do, we have to use our sharp metal energy to deliver a single blow. Therefore, I arranged for the two great elders to head out at the same time.¡±


    ¡°Foolish!¡± The Sect Ancestor glared at the sect master.


    ¡°This old man has carefully studied that kid¡¯s resume just now. This kid rose from an ordinary person in a short period of time. He was originally a new member of the Thunder Team but he killed countless people when he first entered the forbidden zone. Not only did he defeat the powerful Bloodshadow but he also saved many scavengers!


    He¡¯s even good at poison. With his cultivation at the sixth level of Qi Condensation, he once again killed two of our sect¡¯s elders despite being weaker and our disciples but he still managed to escape unscathed, causing you to be unable to find him even now.¡±


    ¡°There are so many people on the campsite but there are only two scavengers who snitched on us. This shows how popular he is!¡±


    ¡°Based on this old man¡¯s many years of reading through countless ancient books and experiences, you can either neutralize such a person or use your full strength to kill him.¡±


    ¡°Arranging the actions of the two of them in the past like this is no different from sending them to their deaths for someone good at defeating the strong despite being weaker!¡± In the end, the Sect¡¯s ancestor almost roared angrily.


    The three people below could only lower their heads and tremble in anger.


    The Sect¡¯s ancestor took a deep breath and snorted coldly. He then continued to speak gloomily.


    ¡°I can conclude that after the two of them go there, it¡¯ll be fine if they can¡¯t find him but once they do, they¡¯ll definitely be killed by the other party.¡±


    ¡°After that, you will get angry and choose to head there personally. You will definitely be killed as well.¡±


    ¡°At that time, when I go again, this kid will have already fled far away. Once he returns in a few years, he will probably be able to kill me with a single palm strike.¡±


    1


    Hearing the old ancestor¡¯s words, the sect leader was stunned and more sweat appeared on his forehead. However, in his heart, he still felt that things wouldn¡¯t develop like this. However, in front of the old ancestor, he didn¡¯t dare to refute.


    Hence, he could only lower his head and ask.


    ¡°Ancestor, please instruct me.¡±


    The Sect¡¯s ancestor lifted his head and looked at the wilderness outside the great hall. His gaze was profound and he slowly spoke after a long time.


    ¡°Spread out all the disciples and search all the areas. At the same time, keep an eye on every city and scavenger campsite. The surrounding borders are the same.¡±


    ¡°The two elders will give me a flight talisman and a tracking talisman. Each of you will be responsible for half of the area and this old man will also participate personally. Once you discover something, immediately inform this old man to go over. Only then will it be considered a final blow.¡±


    ¡°This way, nothing will go wrong. I can also establish my might again and intimidate the thieves!¡±


    A moment later, the bell of the Sect rang out.


    A large number of disciples went out one after another. There was even the ancestor who brought the two great elders and flew into the sky.


    There were three shining runes in front of him that seemed to be guiding them, leading them into the wilderness. They split into three and sped away separately.

 Chapter 66 - Inescapable Net

    In the wilderness.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body was agile as he sped forward.


    He had been running for two days now. Because of his recovery ability, the fatigue caused by non-stop travelling didn¡¯t appear in Xu Qing.


    He even had a feeling that his body was completely active.


    During this time, he had also noticed the Diamond Sect cultivators who were dressed similarly to the camp leader from afar. However, with his careful dodging and speed, he managed to dodge them all.


    At that moment, he was only a day¡¯s journey away from his destination, Antler City. Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s path also reached a fork in the road.


    On the left was the city he had lived in for six years. That place had now become a forbidden zone. From afar, it was pitch-black in the dusk.


    The other direction was Antler City.


    Standing there, Xu Qing turned his head and glanced in the direction of the forbidden zone. After a few breaths of silence, his body swayed and he was about to rush toward Antler City. However, at that moment, his expression changed. He instantly crouched down and hid in the bushes.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and lifted his head to look at the distant sky.


    Over there, a golden rainbow was whistling past.


    Because the distance was too far, Xu Qing could only see the piercing golden light and couldn¡¯t see the figure inside clearly. However, the other party¡¯s spirit energy fluctuations were the same as the camp leader¡¯s but even more intense. This caused his mind to tremble.


    ¡°This pressure surpasses that of the camp leader¡­¡±


    Xu Qing only took a deep breath after the rainbow had left. A hint of hesitation appeared in his eyes.


    In these two days, he encountered three waves of Diamond Sect cultivators but he carefully avoided them all. However, it was obvious that this time around, he felt the most danger.


    ¡°If I continue forward, I¡¯ll be able to reach Antler City in a day¡­¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and fell into deep thought. He knew that his current advantage was that no one knew that he had the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ token on him.


    As such, it was very difficult to guess his destination.


    However, he still had an advantage. He didn¡¯t mind the dense anomalous substances in the forbidden zone. If he was careful, he could stay there for a long time.


    The other path¡¯s advantage was that if he acted quickly and caught the Diamond Sect off guard, there was a high chance that he could teleport away from Antler City.


    However, there were also drawbacks. Once he was discovered on his way to Antler City, this advantage would immediately be destroyed. It would be very easy for others to guess his destination and at the same time, his safety would be threatened.


    Going into the forbidden zone would allow him to stall for time.


    He would drag it out until the Diamond Sect was exhausted and relaxed. It would be convenient for him to do this and head to Antler City safely. Also, if he encountered any danger during this period of time, he would have some leeway to deal with them in the forbidden zone.


    ¡°Two methods, two choices¡­¡± Xu Qing muttered.


    While he was analyzing the pros and cons in his heart, the golden light that had flown far away earlier suddenly appeared again. This time, its speed was even faster.


    This abnormal scene caused Xu Qing to frown immediately. He hid himself and didn¡¯t move as he observed carefully. This lasted until the golden light flew past from afar. Its speed had clearly slowed down by a lot.


    This allowed Xu Qing to see the figure in the golden light clearly. It was a middle-aged cultivator.


    There was a rune on this person¡¯s right leg and it emitted spirit energy fluctuations as though it was supporting his body to fly.


    There was also a talisman in front of him and it was the source of the golden light.


    At that moment, the talisman light kept flickering and there was a blurry figure inside. Upon closer inspection, that figure was none other than the guard from the camp¡¯s leader¡¯s residence whom Xu Qing had killed.


    It was like a possessed body, sensing its surroundings like a hunting dog in the golden light.


    The middle-aged cultivator¡¯s speed became slower and slower, as though he was observing his surroundings. After a while, he changed his direction and continued searching until he was further away.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to skip a beat.


    ¡°Treasure talisman!¡±


    He recognized the two talismans. Although he didn¡¯t know the specifics, he could roughly guess their function.


    ¡°Using the person I killed to sense my existence? The range isn¡¯t very large and the sensing is also blurry¡­¡± Xu Qing drew in a deep breath as he deeply realized the magic and profundity of the spell. At this moment, the analysis of the pros and cons in his heart instantly had a tendency.


    ¡°I can¡¯t continue heading to Antler City. The probability of being discovered in an entire day is extremely high. Once I¡¯m discovered, not only will I be in a dangerous place, but my destination will also be exposed.¡± Xu Qing made a decision. While the other party was far away, he dashed in the direction of the forbidden zone.


    He was prepared to hide there for a while before making a decision.


    While Xu Qing was speeding, not long later, when he was only an incense stick¡¯s worth of time away from the forbidden zone, the golden light in the sky behind him appeared once again.


    Xu Qing immediately hid. When he turned his head, his eyes suddenly narrowed.


    At this moment, the golden light seemed to have locked onto him and its speed suddenly increased, heading straight for him. There was also a sword light that whistled over at an even faster speed.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s expression to change slightly. He no longer dodged and his body suddenly swayed.


    The instant he left, a boom rang out. The sword light abruptly landed at the place he had dodged earlier, causing the soil to splatter everywhere and creating a violent impact.


    At the same time, the golden light in the sky instantly arrived, and a cold snort echoed out.


    ¡°Little brat, I¡¯ve finally found you. So you wanted to come here!¡±


    As the voice rang out, the golden light approached and the middle-aged man¡¯s figure was clearly revealed.


    This person had a square face and wore a golden robe. His height was ordinary and his appearance was ordinary. Only his brows were extremely heavy, making him look very conspicuous.


    At this moment, under his thick brows, his eyes were filled with coldness and killing intent as he looked in the direction of Xu Qing.


    Almost at the instant he lowered his head to take a look, Xu Qing stomped the ground with his right foot and leaped up with a boom, charging toward the middle-aged man in the air.


    The middle-aged cultivator sneered. The first time he passed by this place, there was an abnormality with the tracking talisman. Hence, he searched carefully and finally locked onto Xu Qing¡¯s location. When he saw Xu Qing approaching, his body instantly rose.


    After reaching a height that Xu Qing couldn¡¯t reach, the moment Xu Qing¡¯s momentum dissipated and his body fell, the middle-aged cultivator lifted his right hand.


    As a storm appeared in the surroundings, he suddenly pointed.


    At that instant, the storm descended and directly drowned Xu Qing¡¯s figure.


    Amidst the rumbling, Xu Qing landed on the ground in a very sorry state. His body then swayed as he headed straight for the forbidden zone.


    The middle-aged cultivator wanted to give chase but at the next instant, a cold light flashed from Xu Qing, transforming into a dagger that flew toward the middle-aged cultivator at an astonishing speed.


    The middle-aged cultivator narrowed his eyes and soared into the air to dodge.


    ¡°Petty tricks!¡±


    On the ground, Xu Qing cast a deep glance at the middle-aged cultivator but didn¡¯t speak. He then unleashed his full speed and sped up.


    He had already realized that he was no match for this person.


    If the other party couldn¡¯t fly, he could still return the favor and drag the other party to death.


    However, against an opponent who could fly, Xu Qing didn¡¯t have much of a choice.


    One was in the sky while the other was on the ground. In such a fight, he didn¡¯t have any advantage.


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s speed erupted as he ran with all his might. Behind him, in the sky, the golden-robed middle-aged man sneered and directly took out a jade slip to transmit his voice to the ancestor. After that, he increased his speed and chased after Xu Qing. With a series of hand seals, rays of spell light blasted toward the ground.


    As a Great Elder at the ninth level of Qi Condensation, his spirit energy was very abundant and he had mastered many spells.


    From afar, one could see numerous wind blades and fireballs continuously bombarding him, causing Xu Qing, who was running on the ground, to be exhausted from dealing with them. Even if he dodged, he would still be affected by the shockwaves and blood slowly seeped out from the corner of his mouth.


    ¡°The old ancestor is too cautious. I don¡¯t need him to come. I can already kill you.¡± The middle-aged cultivator in the air sneered.


    Although he said this, he didn¡¯t land on the ground. Even though Xu Qing was in a sorry state many times, he still maintained a certain height. His hands formed a seal and a storm rose once again, blasting toward the ground.


    Killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Such a passive beating made the killing intent in his heart even stronger.


    However, he was very clear that although the other party seemed to be alone, he definitely had a way to contact the sect. If he didn¡¯t end the battle quickly and enter the forbidden zone, his situation would become even more dangerous as time passed. This was especially so when the other party mentioned the old ancestor, causing Xu Qing¡¯s heart to tremble.


    However, the other party didn¡¯t lower his altitude at all. This caused Xu Qing to be unable to retaliate. He had displayed weakness several times previously but he was still unable to lure the other party down.


    ¡°This person is too cautious. We can¡¯t wait any longer.¡±


    At the thought of this, purple light flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The instant the other party¡¯s storm descended and drowned him, a purple saber shadow suddenly appeared in the storm.


    In the storm, Xu Qing spat out fresh blood. He withstood the damage from the other party¡¯s spell and swung his right hand down.


    At that instant, the heavenly saber appeared once again and slashed down.


    An extremely intense life-and-death crisis directly erupted in the heart of the middle-aged cultivator in the air. His expression changed drastically as he rapidly retreated and used the flying talisman to fly into the air with all his might.


    The moment he rose into the air, the void beneath him rumbled with astonishing might. When the saber shadow arrived, it was as though it could cut through everything. It whistled past under his body with extreme danger.


    If he had been slightly slower in dodging, or if he had lowered his height earlier, he would probably have been slashed down by this saber with the momentum of thunder.


    At that moment, although he had dodged death, his left foot was still touched. It directly collapsed and his flesh was badly mangled.


    Enduring the intense pain, the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s breathing became hurried. The killing intent in his eyes was intense but the vigilance and lingering fear in his heart were even more intense. He was very clear that if he didn¡¯t have the flying talisman, he would definitely be heavily injured if he was slashed by that astonishing saber strike.


    ¡°The ancestor is right. This kid is strange!¡±


    On the ground, Xu Qing wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and coldly glanced at the middle-aged cultivator whose left foot was badly mangled. He suppressed the regret in his heart and turned to continue speeding toward the forbidden zone.


    At that moment, the middle-aged cultivator in the sky was in unbearable pain. After sealing his wound, he lowered his head and looked at Xu Qing. Although the killing intent in his heart was strong, he still hesitated for a moment and didn¡¯t dare to continue approaching. Instead, he increased his altitude and used a spell to interfere.


    He wasn¡¯t prepared to act alone. Compared to completing the sect¡¯s mission, his life was more important. Hence, he planned to drag it out. Even if the other party wanted to enter the forbidden zone, he would still allow it to happen.


    ¡°When the ancestor comes, this kid will die!¡±


    Hence, under the situation where he didn¡¯t dare to get close, although the spell also injured Xu Qing, Xu Qing¡¯s recovery speed was astonishing. Hence, the impact wasn¡¯t great and his speed became faster and faster.


    This lasted until Xu Qing saw the edge of the forbidden zone. His body then swayed and he quickly stepped in.


    Outside the forbidden zone, the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s figure paused in mid-air. Just as he was hesitating on whether he should chase after them, lightning suddenly appeared in the sky behind him. As it rumbled, two figures whistled over.


    The former wore a red robe and his white hair fluttered in the wind. He exuded a dignified aura.


    The shadow of Diamond on his back transformed into a storm that shook the surroundings. It was the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    The latter was another elder of the Sect. The two of them approached rapidly one after another.

 Chapter 67 - The Faceless Woman in White

    When Xu Qing, who had stepped into the forbidden zone, saw this scene, his eyes narrowed. An intense life-and-death crisis erupted in his mind and all the flesh and blood in his body trembled uncontrollably at this instant.


    All of this came from¡­ the tall old man in red robes who was rapidly approaching from the distant horizon!


    ¡°Foundation Building!¡±


    The name of this realm instantly appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    The might of this pressure was too great. Even though Xu Qing was still far away, the shock he felt was still astonishing.


    The other party¡¯s identity was self-evident.


    It was the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    This was especially so for the gigantic shadow behind the other party. That Diamond body that contained rage was like a heavenly soldier, causing Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to sting at this moment.


    This made him feel the same as when he saw those Qi Condensation rogue cultivators from afar in the slums back then.


    It was a similar feeling but the degree of it far exceeded it.


    In fact, with just a glance, he felt as though he had been locked onto by the other party. Even if he closed his eyes, he couldn¡¯t help but imagine the tall figure of the other party.


    This figure seemed to be burning, causing his head to ache faintly.


    From a certain perspective, this could already be considered a psychological injury.


    However, Xu Qing had controlled his shadow many times, so he wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with this feeling.


    At the same time, he had made some progress in his first strike of the God Statue and his mental fortitude had grown. Hence, although he felt a dull pain in his head at this moment, it didn¡¯t affect his movements. He sped up even more.


    As he ran into the forbidden zone, he lifted his right hand and took out a handful of black pills before tossing them behind him.


    The black pill landed on the ground and directly exploded. After the seven-leaf medicinal herb juice on the surface dissipated, the spreading black medicinal pill dust rapidly spread in all directions, forming a vortex that caused the anomalous substances in the forbidden zone to surge over instantly.


    From afar, it could be seen that Xu Qing had thrown out over ten black pills. All the anomalous substances that spread out were as dense as a tide, gushing over from all directions.


    The middle-aged man with thick eyebrows who was about to enter the forbidden zone couldn¡¯t help but pause. His expression changed and he didn¡¯t dare to get too close for a moment.


    This black pill was precisely the failed product of Xu Qing¡¯s white pill refinement. At that time, he felt that it was a pity to throw it away. After all, it wasn¡¯t completely useless. Hence, he kept it and used it at this moment. It was the perfect time.


    As the anomalous substances gushed over from the surroundings, the density of anomalous substances in the large area behind Xu Qing instantly became incomparably shocking. His figure then continued to gather the anomalous substances as he sprinted at full speed.


    Not long later, as the rumbling echoed out, outside the forbidden zone, the rainbow that was on the horizon earlier suddenly approached.


    After reaching the edge of the forbidden zone, the eyes of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor flashed with killing intent. He didn¡¯t stop at all and abruptly stepped in with a boom.


    The two Diamond Sect elders behind him also gritted their teeth and followed.


    Just like that, the three of them entered the dense anomalous substances. Although they rushed out very quickly, what awaited them was still the arrival of anomalous substances. There was even a large amount of poisonous fog contained within.


    ¡°Ancestor, this kid is very strange!¡± The middle-aged cultivator whose left foot was badly mangled hurriedly reminded the ancestor.


    The Sect¡¯s ancestor let out a cold snort and fiercely blew a breath forward. A storm instantly formed and rumbled as it spread out in all directions, instantly blowing away all the fog in the surroundings.


    His figure didn¡¯t stop at all. He grabbed the two elders beside him and suddenly rushed out, speeding up his pursuit in the direction Xu Qing had left in.


    However, at this moment, the sky was already past dusk and the darkness was rapidly descending. Amidst the increasing chill in the surroundings, the anomalous substances that permeated this place were also denser.


    If they continued to fly here, it would still be fine for the Sect¡¯s ancestor. However, that thick-browed elder was already injured and he would feel uncomfortable after some time.


    Hence, the Sect¡¯s ancestor coldly spoke.


    ¡°The two of you, follow behind me. I¡¯ll go capture this kid first!¡± As he spoke, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor circulated his cultivation. The Diamond behind him roared at the sky and his figure quickly expanded to a height of over 300 feet. He then strode forward like a giant and ran.


    Every step he took covered an area of hundreds of feet that was the same as his height. As for the Sect¡¯s ancestor, he was standing on top of the Diamond Giant¡¯s head.


    From afar, if one didn¡¯t have a certain amount of spirit energy, they wouldn¡¯t be able to see the shadow of Diamond. All they could see was the Sect¡¯s ancestor standing in the air as though he was floating, moving further and further away.


    ¡°Ancestor is mighty!¡±


    The two elders at the back had excited expressions at this moment. They had already determined that if the ancestor personally acted, that kid would die.


    ¡°I believe the ancestor will return with that brat¡¯s corpse very soon.¡±


    The two of them were certain.


    However, time slowly flowed by. Two hours later, the expressions of these two Vajra Sect elders changed. As they sped, they looked at each other and saw the bewilderment in each other¡¯s eyes.


    At the end of their vision, they could no longer see the figure of the ancestor. Clearly, the ancestor had chased far away.


    It was just that they couldn¡¯t understand how a body-refining Qi Condensation cultivator¡¯s speed and ability could make the ancestor unable to deal with it even now.


    They were puzzled but the Sect¡¯s ancestor was even more puzzled.


    At that moment, in a place far away from these two elders, the expression of the Sect¡¯s ancestor was extremely ugly. He looked at the figure of a youth in the distance who was currently running at an astonishing speed.


    Although the other party¡¯s speed was still inferior to his, the difference wasn¡¯t that great.


    Every time he punched out, the huge fist shadow formed by him would combine with the Diamond fist beneath him. After the fist passed through the air, Xu Qing¡¯s body in the distance would glow and transform into a defensive barrier.


    Amidst the rumbling, although the protective barrier trembled and cracked, the youth inside borrowed the force to increase his speed.


    At the same time, due to the descent of night, the anomalous substances here, which were already very dense, continued to gather on the way where the youth had left, causing the surroundings to feel even colder.


    All of this caused even the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to feel some fear. He wanted to make a detour from time to time. This inevitably caused his speed to be affected and it would take time for him to catch up.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± As the expression of the Sect¡¯s ancestor darkened, Xu Qing, who was in the distance, had a pale expression. A large number of blood vessels appeared in his eyes, and the veins on his forehead bulged as though they were about to explode.


    His left hand was clenched tightly and the blood vessels on it bulged. It was a shocking sight.


    There was a scorpion tail in his palm.


    After the battle with Fire Crow back then, there were still remnants of his scorpion tail. However, at that moment, even though all of the scorpion tail had pierced into the flesh of his palm, the little amount of poison left in it was still unable to provide him with a continuous overdraft.


    It could only boost his speed for a short period of time.


    In his right hand was an incomparably blurry talisman.


    It came from Captain Lei¡¯s enemy.


    However, the talisman was about to dissipate and Xu Qing was very clear that the enhancement from the scorpion tail poison was rapidly weakening. It was about to lose its effect.


    Fortunately, at such a speed, he could already see the familiar ruined city from afar.


    Closer and closer.


    Finally, at the instant the effects of the scorpion tail dissipated, Xu Qing¡¯s speed slowed down. However, he gritted his teeth and fiercely leaped into the air. On this dark night, under the demonic moonlight, his figure instantly landed on the city wall.


    This place¡­ was Xu Qing¡¯s target.


    He couldn¡¯t fight against the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and the two elders at the back. Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s plan needed the right timing and location!


    His timing was the anomalous substances in the forbidden zone.


    His geography was the familiar city.


    Humans were the reason for the strangeness in the city and the mutated beasts in the city lord¡¯s residence.


    With these, he felt that he had a chance of escaping.


    At that moment, the instant he landed on the ground, due to his speed being slightly slower, an ear-piercing whistling sound instantly rang out from behind him. A gigantic fist shadow appeared out of thin air, directly traversing the distance and appearing behind him. The fist then punched out fiercely from afar.


    Boom!


    The talisman defense suddenly collapsed.


    Xu Qing spat out a mouthful of blood as his internal organs trembled. Some of them even shattered and his injuries were extremely serious.


    The intense pain caused Xu Qing¡¯s vision to blur. However, he still gritted his teeth and charged forward, landing in the city. He then proceeded madly on the familiar streets.


    After a few ups and downs, his figure disappeared from the city.


    Not long later, the whistling sound outside the city neared. The red-robed Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor suddenly arrived.


    His expression was cold as he rotated his right wrist.


    That punch just now was the limit of the distance he could throw out. Although he had the talisman treasure to block it and it didn¡¯t completely crush the enemy, he was confident that as a Qi Condensation cultivator, he would be heavily injured even if he didn¡¯t die from the remaining force of his punch when the talisman treasure collapsed.


    Hence, with a sway of his body, he stepped into the city. However, the instant the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor stepped into the ruined city, his expression suddenly changed as he heard someone crying.


    A cold aura suddenly spread out from the street where Xu Qing had disappeared.


    On this dark night, under the demonic moonlight and amidst the cold, a woman¡¯s figure slowly walked over from the distant street.


    This figure looked very small from afar but as it moved forward, it grew larger and larger. It even exceeded the height of the surrounding houses but didn¡¯t slow down. In the end, it reached a height of over 100 feet.


    She wore a long white dress and had extremely long black hair. However¡­ she had no facial features.


    There was nothing on her empty face.


    Only the countless human faces on her long skirt were crying.


    After these cries gathered together, they turned into mournful cries that spread in all directions. At the same time, the white-clothed, faceless woman slowly walked toward the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    As they arrived, the crying grew louder.


    This scene caused the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to gasp. Even someone as powerful as him felt his heart tremble. He knew what this was but the more he knew, the more reverence he felt.


    Therefore, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He immediately changed directions and quickly dodged.


    However, he hadn¡¯t given up on pursuing Xu Qing, so he didn¡¯t leave the city. Instead, he entered the city from another direction.


    ¡°That brat is only at the Qi Condensation Realm. The possibility of him surviving after encountering danger here is extremely small. However, I won¡¯t be at ease until I see him die.¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s eyes revealed killing intent.


    His experience told him that his previous judgment was correct. A person like the kid¡­ Unless he resolved the conflict between them, if he couldn¡¯t kill him today and allowed the kid to live, then the future him would definitely be slapped to death by the kid one day.


    Hence, after changing directions and entering the city, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor immediately started searching carefully.


    He wanted to see the person alive and the corpse dead!


    At the same time, while the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was searching, Xu Qing had already returned to the cave he had hidden in. He sat cross-legged and meditated, his chest heaving. Only when he spat out mouthfuls of blood did his pale face regain some color.


    After wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, Xu Qing lifted his head and looked outside through the gap. His expression was gloomy. After a long while, he gritted his teeth and began to circulate the Mountains and Seas Art.


    After Xu Qing recovered, his cultivation that was about to break through finally reached the critical point.


    ¡°I have to break through to the seventh level of the Mountains and Seas Art!¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate and immediately attempted to break through.


    At the sixth level of the Mountains and Seas Art, he already possessed the kui shadow of a fledgling. For example, he could kill someone at the eighth level of Qi Condensation like the camp leader with all his strength, but it was a little difficult for him to kill someone at the ninth level.


    This made Xu Qing look forward to breaking through to the seventh level of the Mountains and Seas Art.


    ¡°For the Mountains and Seas Art to be so sharp with me, it should be related to the purple crystal. It¡¯s augmenting me!¡± Xu Qing had long realized this point.


    At that moment, he took a deep breath and endured the pain in his chest as he closed his eyes to cultivate.

 Chapter 68 - Kui Shadows Grand Formation

    In the ruined city, in the cave Xu Qing was in, the ground was covered in bird feathers, mixed with an unpleasant-smelling turbid air.


    The rocks and miscellaneous items that he had used to block the gap were now severely corroded by the anomalous substances.


    There was also more dust in the surroundings than when he left.


    Evidently, even if the forbidden zone was formed, there would still be scavengers coming to investigate. However, his shelter was too hidden, so no one came here after he left.


    Hence, the smell of dust and decay mixed together entered Xu Qing¡¯s nose continuously but he didn¡¯t mind.


    At that moment, Xu Qing was sitting cross-legged and meditating. The Mountains and Seas Art in his body was fully circulated. After accumulating strength, he was trying his best to break through to the seventh level.


    In the outside world, the roars and strange mournful sounds were mixed with cries that caused one¡¯s hair to stand on end. This caused Xu Qing to be in a trance for a moment, creating an illusion.


    It was as though he had returned to half a year ago.


    At that time, when the gods opened their eyes and the blood rain descended, he was struggling to survive in this city filled with bones.


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    After a long time, the past no longer surfaced in his mind. His mind was completely immersed in his cultivation. As the cultivation in his body continued to circulate, the spirit energy in the surroundings slowly gathered and flowed rapidly into the pores on his body.


    The thumping sounds gradually reverberated in his body. The sounds grew louder and louder and in the end, they turned into a rumbling sound that reverberated in his mind.


    Accompanying the rumbling were the black-colored impurities secreted from the pores all over his body. These impurities were increasing in number and density.


    As it was secreted, the body under Xu Qing¡¯s clothes also erupted with astonishing strength at that instant.


    All of his blood vessels bulged and his flesh and blood were constantly being torn and compressed. His bones also emitted sounds.


    Two hours later, as the thunderous sound in his mind exploded, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes abruptly opened. Purple light then erupted from his pupils.


    At this moment, the kui shadow appeared behind him once again.


    But this time¡­ his shadow was completely different from before!


    Its entire body was even darker and its body was even more muscular. There was no longer a single horn on its head but a pair of bull-like horns instead. Moreover, they were in the shape of a spiral and there was faint black lightning lingering at the tip.


    Its face was even more sinister. When its bloody mouth opened, it looked as though it could devour evil ghosts alive.


    This was especially so for its sharp claws. Coupled with its purple eyes, it exuded a soul-stirring viciousness.


    Powerful fluctuations spread out from the shadow, as though they could penetrate the cave and shock the surroundings.


    Kui Shadow, Grand Formation!


    This was a transformation that could only occur when one had perfected the Mountains and Seas Art. If it was anyone else, they would have already reached the peak of the Qi Condensation Realm after cultivating to this level. They wouldn¡¯t be able to improve further. However, Xu Qing was only at the seventh level.


    As for his body, it had also changed greatly at this moment. His body was longer and more refined. The purple light in his eyes also lasted longer than before.


    Especially his face¡­


    If it was said that he was incomparably handsome when he was at the sixth level of the Mountains and Seas Art, then at this moment, under the purple light in his eyes, even though his face was covered in dirt, he wasn¡¯t far from being demonic.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about these. What he cared about was the energy that was bursting forth from his body.


    Hence, he quickly lowered his head and looked at the bulging veins on his clenched fist as well as the veins on his arm.


    As the purple light in his eyes slowly dissipated, he could clearly sense his strength¡­


    It was more than double the amount from before!


    ¡°Strength of one kui?¡± Xu Qing mumbled as he surveyed his surroundings.


    It was pitch-black outside and there was no light in the cave either. Although Xu Qing could barely see everything, he couldn¡¯t see a shadow.


    However, with his perception, he could sense the existence of the shadow. Hence, after pondering, he attempted to control it.


    Five minutes later, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed a hint of excitement and wonder.


    His perception told him that his control over the shadow was much better than before. He could even control it slightly, allowing a portion of the anomalous substances contained in the shadow to return to his body.


    Although it was useless to do so, it could indirectly prove that his control over the shadow was more flexible.


    All of this made Xu Qing feel that with his current battle prowess if he were to encounter the camp leader again, he wouldn¡¯t even need the Divine Statue¡¯s Heavenly Saber. He only needed a single punch¡­ to shatter the arm of the camp leader who was at the eighth level of Body Refinement.


    ¡°Unfortunately, the gap between me and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor is still too great.¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head. Although he hadn¡¯t truly fought with the other party, his escape along the way and the fist shadows from the Sect¡¯s ancestor allowed him to clearly understand the gap between them.


    Hence, even with the shadow catching him off guard, Xu Qing was very clear that it was impossible for the current him to have the strength to fight against Foundation Establishment cultivators.


    ¡°However, if I encounter those two at the ninth level of Qi Condensation, I can still kill them.¡±


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he looked outside through the gap in the cave.


    The roars and strange sounds rang out one after another, sometimes near and sometimes far, forming a clear contrast with the silence in the cave.


    This scene caused Xu Qing to once again feel as though he had returned to half a year ago. He instinctively took out the iron stick and slowly held it in his hand, musing in his heart about what he should do next.


    If he left now, he felt that there was a high chance that he could successfully reach Antler City.


    However¡­ Xu Qing was a little unwilling. Killing intent flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t kill those people, this hidden danger will make me feel very uneasy.¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes as the map of the entire city appeared in his mind.


    He was very familiar with this city.


    At that moment, as the streets appeared one after another, be it the location where the mutated beasts were sleeping or the bird¡¯s shelter, everything appeared clearly in his mind as he began his analysis.


    ¡°City lord¡¯s residence!¡± A long time later, Xu Qing mumbled as the coldness in his eyes intensified.


    He planned to leave the city first. It would be fine if he didn¡¯t encounter anyone from the Diamond Sect on the way but if he did, he would counterattack according to the established method.


    Sensing the roars from outside, Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned decisive. He moved the miscellaneous items blocking the entrance away and slowly crawled out.


    The entrance to this spatial rift was narrow. Xu Qing¡¯s body had grown a little bigger now, so it was a little difficult for him to exit. However, his expression was as usual. After he squeezed his way out, even though his body was injured, his injuries would heal very quickly.


    After coming out, Xu Qing was on his guard. He looked at the pitch-black surroundings and directly rushed out. He proceeded carefully into this ruined city.


    This level of caution even exceeded that when he was in the depths of the jungle in the forbidden zone.


    Compared to that place, there were more mutated beasts and bizarre existences in the city at night.


    Fortunately, Xu Qing understood the structure of the city. Hence, although he encountered some dangers on the way, he mostly avoided them with his speed and familiarity.


    If he really couldn¡¯t avoid it, he would swiftly neutralize it and leave once again.


    Just like that, under the influence of the dense anomalous substances, Xu Qing carefully advanced through the city for over an hour. Just as he was about to reach the edge, he suddenly heard a rumbling sound in the distance.


    This voice caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to narrow.


    In the dark night, his gaze was like that of a lone wolf turned sharp as he moved closer to the source of the sound. After the time for an incense stick to burn, he saw two figures being chased by seven to eight mutated beasts.


    These two people were the elders of the Diamond Sect.


    They only arrived at the city after Xu Qing and the Old Ancestor entered the city for a period of time.


    When they arrived, it was already late at night. Hence, after some hesitation and weighing the pros and cons, they didn¡¯t choose to enter the depths. Instead, they hid at the edge and waited.


    It was just that there were too many mutated beasts and bizarre existences in the city and their hiding place wasn¡¯t a relatively safe shelter that they could find, so it was inevitable that they would encounter them.


    Because they didn¡¯t want to cause too much commotion and attract even more mutated beasts, the two of them avoided as much as they could. They only attacked when they really couldn¡¯t avoid it.


    Their cautious behavior, in addition to their extraordinary strength, made it so that even if they were attacked now, they would still be able to deal with it.


    At that moment, just as they were about to shake off the mutated beasts behind them, a cold light instantly shot over from afar.


    His speed was so fast that he was like an arrow released from a bow in the dark night. He whistled as he charged toward the Diamond Sect elder in front of him.


    This person wasn¡¯t the one who had fought against Xu Qing earlier. He was a latecomer who had followed the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    His expression immediately changed and he performed a series of hand seals with both hands before pushing forward. Immediately, the surrounding ice rumbled and spread out. His body also had a protective barrier that solidified, blocking the incoming cold light.


    However, the might of this cold light was astonishing. It instantly penetrated the ice and directly pierced through his defense.


    As the spirit energy fluctuations trembled intensely, traces of cracks appeared on his protective barrier. However, he still managed to block it in the end. This also allowed him to clearly see that what attacked him was a black-colored iron stick!


    This scene caused the eyes of this Diamond Sect elder to narrow. He abruptly turned his head to look at his companion behind him and was about to take action but it was still too late.


    The instant he was attacked, a black shadow had already transformed into a bolt of black lightning from the alley beside him, instantly approaching the other elder behind this person.


    This black shadow was Xu Qing.


    The iron stick from before was a cover-up. The first target Xu Qing wanted to deal with was the middle-aged man whom he had fought against before and whose left leg was destroyed by him!


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s speed completely erupted. He was much faster than when he was at the sixth level of the Mountains and Seas Art. As he sped, he created a sharp wind sound and instantly arrived beside the injured middle-aged cultivator.


    This middle-aged cultivator was injured and the anomalous substances in the forbidden zone were very dense. As such, he couldn¡¯t continue using the flight talisman to fly. As such, when he compared himself to his companions, his footsteps were a little unsteady.


    At that moment, in the face of danger, his eyes widened and an intense sense of life-and-death crisis rose in his heart. His body abruptly retreated, wanting to dodge but how could Xu Qing give him a chance? The instant he got close, his body instantly leaped up and his right hand clenched into a fist as he punched out ruthlessly.


    Regardless of speed or strength, Xu Qing used his full strength in this punch.


    At that moment, when he struck out, a malevolent kui shadow appeared behind him. When it let out a soundless roar that shook the surroundings, it gathered in Xu Qing¡¯s fist.


    At the instant the punch was thrown out, the air seemed as though it was about to explode. As waves of cracking sounds rang out, it seemed to contain a suppressive force as it landed on the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s chest amidst the ferocity of his shadow.


    The protective barrier in front of the middle-aged cultivator instantly shattered. Xu Qing¡¯s fist then smashed into his chest like a hot knife through butter.


    An earth-shattering boom suddenly reverberated through the silent city.


    Accompanied by a blood-curdling screech, the middle-aged cultivator who had lost his left foot spurted out a mouthful of blood as his chest caved in deeply. His internal organs were about to collapse and shatter at this moment and his figure was like a kite with a broken string, tumbling uncontrollably.


    However, he was still at the ninth level of Qi Condensation after all. At that moment, his expression was one of terror as he forcefully suppressed his injuries. The flight rune on his right leg suddenly flashed and the power of flight spread out, causing his falling body to twist as he tried to escape.


    However, at the next instant, a cold light flashed again as a longsword whistled over. It instantly got close and sliced through his right leg.


    Fresh blood spurted out as a mournful cry echoed in all directions. His right leg, which was stuck to the flying talisman, was instantly severed from his body.


    However, before the person who lost his right leg landed, Xu Qing exerted strength in his thigh and charged out once again. The instant he charged out, the ground he was on earlier was penetrated by a large number of ice blades formed by another person¡¯s spell.


    As they passed each other, Xu Qing didn¡¯t even glance behind him. He directly caught up to the falling middle-aged cultivator in the air. In his despair, his right hand punched out.


    The Kui shadow roared and fused into his fist, pouncing ferociously toward the middle-aged cultivator.


    It directly struck the person¡¯s forehead.


    With a bang, the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s body trembled violently and his head exploded. Fresh blood splattered everywhere as he died!


    When the corpse landed on the ground, the mutated beasts that were chasing pounced on it and tore it apart.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body didn¡¯t stop at all. He tore off the flight talisman on his broken leg and turned to look at the pale-faced Diamond Sect elder not far away.


    After licking his lips, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s wolf-like eyes as he quickly rushed toward the elder.


    Kill!

 Chapter 69 - Cause and Effect (1)

    As the tragic death of the middle-aged cultivator echoed in the air, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor who was searching for Xu Qing in the city suddenly lifted his head.


    As a Foundation Building cultivator, his five senses were extremely sharp. At that moment, when he heard the miserable cry in the distance, his expression instantly darkened. He leaped into the air and flew toward the source of the sound.


    Although there were mutated beasts in the surroundings, he was a Foundation Establishment expert after all. As long as he didn¡¯t encounter strange existences or a large group of mutated beasts, he didn¡¯t care.


    Even though the dense anomalous substances affected him, with his cultivation, as long as he didn¡¯t stay in the forbidden zone for more than a month, it wouldn¡¯t cause too much trouble.


    Therefore, after confirming the direction, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor roared and used the power of his cultivation to transmit his voice further.


    ¡°Hold that brat back and wait for me!¡±


    As he spoke, his figure in the air erupted with speed. From afar, he looked like a shooting star whistling through the air.


    At the same time, on the battlefield earlier, another Sect elder retreated without hesitation the instant Xu Qing got close.


    He heard the ancestor¡¯s roar but he didn¡¯t want to die pointlessly here.


    Even if he was punished by the Old Ancestor afterwards, he would still accept it. After all, Xu Qing¡¯s murderous aura was too strong. When he attacked ruthlessly, the killing intent in his eyes made him unwilling to take the risk.


    Hence, his speed of retreat was extremely fast at that moment. He even used his flying talisman and instantly retreated several thousand feet.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. He also heard the low roar of the Sect¡¯s ancestor coming from a very far distance. However, he didn¡¯t stop and chased after him fiercely. On the way, he picked up his iron stick and was about to use the flying talisman as well. However, in the next instant, his expression suddenly changed. His breathing paused for a moment before he turned around without hesitation and sped in the opposite direction.


    The instant Xu Qing turned around, the expression of the Sect¡¯s elder who was flying in the air instantly turned into one of horror. He felt a wave of coldness gushing toward him, and he also noticed a gigantic figure that had appeared beside him.


    That figure had no facial features. One could only see a head of long hair fluttering in the wind. It seemed to be a woman and the figure beneath the face was incomparably huge. She wore a long white dress.


    At that moment, a large number of faces appeared densely on the faceless woman¡¯s long dress. Waves of mournful cries instantly spread in all directions and endless strangeness pervaded the surroundings. Even the moon in the sky directly turned blood-colored.


    From afar, the figure of the Sect¡¯s elder was like an ant in front of the giant. It was insignificant. Under the countless crying faces of the faceless woman in the white dress, the Sect¡¯s elder¡¯s body trembled violently. His expression changed and he started crying slowly.


    However, amidst the crying, his eyes revealed extreme fear. It was as though his crying was uncontrollable.


    This lasted until the crying sound merged with the countless crying faces on the body of the faceless woman in the white dress. After that, waves of white aura spread out from the seven orifices of the Sect¡¯s elder and rapidly entered the body of the faceless woman in the white dress. At the next moment¡­


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s elder¡¯s body directly turned into a dried corpse and he lost all signs of life as he fell to the ground.


    At the same time, another face appeared on the faceless woman in the white dress. It was none other than the Diamond Sect elder.


    His face was expressionless as he floated above the white dress and let out a cry.


    This scene was seen by Xu Qing and also by the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor who had rushed over at this moment. Both of their bodies trembled.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and suppressed the shock in his heart. He then increased his speed and sped into the city.


    It was just that although Xu Qing could leave, the Sect¡¯s ancestor, who was rushing over from afar, felt his scalp go numb and didn¡¯t dare to move at all.


    This was because the faceless woman in the white dress was walking toward him.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was very clear that in the face of such an existence, he couldn¡¯t move rapidly. Otherwise, he would suffer the same fate as his own elder. Hence, amidst his terror and trepidation, the white-clothed faceless woman passed by him and gradually moved away.


    Only now did the Sect¡¯s ancestor heave a sigh of relief. However, for some reason, a trace of doubt appeared in his heart.


    ¡°I encountered this bizarre existence twice already¡­ Why do I have a feeling that it seems to be helping that brat¡­¡±


    ¡°Strange!¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor gritted his teeth and looked in the direction Xu Qing had left in. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that he had to get rid of the other party. At that moment, he rushed out rapidly in pursuit.


    In the dark night, all kinds of roars rose and fell, echoing in every corner of the city. The sounds of chewing, crying and cold laughter spread in all directions.


    Under the moonlight, there were broken walls everywhere, as though they had turned into demons. This caused the strange feeling in the city to become increasingly intense.


    Xu Qing, who was speeding inside, had long been familiar with the roars and strangeness of this place. However, his countenance was still pale. He felt as though he was being stared at by countless malicious gazes and those gazes turned icy cold, as though they were invading his body.


    When his entire body felt increasingly cold, Xu Qing passed by the place where he had hunted the vultures that day. When his gaze swept over it, his eyes instantly narrowed¡­


    Not far away, next to the abandoned carriage that had sunk into the mud, the blood-colored ragdoll that should have been hanging on the carriage¡¯s shaft had changed its position. It wasn¡¯t hanging there but was placed on the carriage with its back facing Xu Qing, so its front couldn¡¯t be seen.


    Xu Qing¡¯s scalp tightened and he quickly left this place.


    Not long later, the Sect¡¯s ancestor arrived at the place. When he swept his vigilant gaze across the surroundings, he saw the carriage and also the blood-colored puppet sitting on the carriage that was facing him.


    The eyes of this puppet were dim and its entire body was wet and red. It looked at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor sinisterly.


    1

 Chapter 70 - Cause and Effect (2)

    The pupils of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor contracted slightly and goosebumps rose in his heart. His footsteps instantly slowed down as he cautiously left this area step by step. Only then did he heave a sigh of relief and speed up again.


    However, he didn¡¯t pursue or get too close. He had already realized how strange this youth was. At the same time, he knew that the other party had a method to cause the anomalous substances to instantly thicken. Hence, he didn¡¯t plan to get too close and forcefully attack. Instead, he planned to rely on his cultivation base to keep an eye on the other party and wait for daybreak before attacking.


    Although he was a Foundation Building cultivator and had to be so careful when dealing with a Qi Condensation cultivator, this matter would damage his reputation as a Foundation Building cultivator. However, under such circumstances, the Sect¡¯s ancestor still decided to prioritize safety first.


    Hence, he slowed down and followed behind at a moderate pace.


    Xu Qing, who was at the front, also noticed this. He had originally simulated a counterattack method in his heart and he had also completed the preliminary preparations for shadow control. He also held the black pill in his hand, waiting for the other party to get close.


    He was confident that even though the other party wouldn¡¯t be killed by his methods, he would still be in a sorry state and wouldn¡¯t be able to escape for a short period of time. Also, although he would also be heavily injured by the other party, escaping after being heavily injured would be more realistic. It wouldn¡¯t be easy for him to arouse suspicion and make it easier for him to plan his next step of attraction.


    However, this old ancestor of the Diamond Sect was still so cautious despite being in the Foundation Establishment Realm. This made Xu Qing even more vigilant.


    However, although the other party didn¡¯t get close, Xu Qing felt that he still had to carry out his plan. Hence, he sped up and headed straight for the city lord¡¯s residence.


    Closer and closer.


    The location of the city lord¡¯s residence was at the center of the city. The anomalous substances here were denser than in other places but for some reason, the number of mutated beasts here was decreasing.


    This change caused the expression of the Sect¡¯s ancestor, who was chasing after them, to change slightly. The sense of danger in his heart was very intense at this moment.


    He lifted his head and looked at Xu Qing¡¯s back view before looking at the collapsed building at the side. His footsteps suddenly paused.


    He didn¡¯t continue to chase but started to retreat.


    This scene was something Xu Qing didn¡¯t expect. At this moment, he was still 1000 feet away from the city lord¡¯s residence but the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, who was chasing after him, wanted to retreat.


    ¡°It¡¯s still a little too late to retreat now!¡± Xu Qing gritted his teeth fiercely. He suddenly lifted his right hand and waved it fiercely, causing a large number of black pills to scatter in all directions.


    This time, to achieve his goal, Xu Qing directly used half of the black pills he had left. At this moment, they landed in the surroundings and exploded simultaneously!


    In that instant, this place seemed to have transformed into a gigantic vortex, causing the anomalous substances in all directions to surge over, affecting the void and distorting the surroundings, causing everything in sight to turn blurry.


    The density of anomalous substances had reached an astonishing level.


    This scene caused the expression of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, who was currently retreating, to change. However, he was even more puzzled because Xu Qing¡¯s body was also within the dense anomalous substances.


    If this continued, putting aside the problem of mutation, just the mutated beasts and bizarre creatures that were attracted by the anomalous substances would cause Xu Qing to die without a burial ground. This was equivalent to suicide.


    Just as the Sect¡¯s ancestor was struggling, the city lord¡¯s residence, which was a thousand feet away, suddenly trembled intensely. A series of earth-shattering and terrifying roars spread in all directions, abruptly spreading in all directions.


    The earth trembled and the blood moon in the sky turned blurry.


    The expression of the Sect¡¯s ancestor changed and the feeling of a life-and-death crisis instantly intensified. His pupils constricted and his body retreated rapidly. His eyes stared fixedly ahead as numerous figures flew out from a building that looked like a city lord¡¯s residence!


    These figures were all incomparably skinny but they had black flaming wings. The density of anomalous substances on their bodies was astonishing and wherever they passed, the void seemed to distort.


    This scene caused the Sect¡¯s ancestor to be even more alarmed. What made his countenance turn even paler as he gasped was that as the explosion rang out, the city lord¡¯s residence collapsed, revealing a gigantic hole in the ground.


    A withered figure that was a thousand feet tall crawled out of the cave with a roar that shook the sky!


    From afar, this figure was slender like a withered tree. The exposed part was already a thousand feet long but at that moment, it was obvious that it hadn¡¯t completely crawled out. It seemed to only have the upper body.


    Hence, it waved its arms and a large number of rotting vines instantly extended from its ten fingers, shooting out in all directions and piercing into the ground.


    The furthest ones even pierced into the ground in front of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    As though using this as a support, the gigantic withered tree-like figure sped up and climbed out.


    ¡°What the hell is this!!¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s heart trembled wildly as he cursed in horror. His expression changed drastically like never before as he erupted with all his speed and retreated frantically.


    However, what made him even more frenzied was the sight of those winged figures who were attracted by the anomalous substances and rushed out. After they rushed out of the city lord¡¯s residence, their target was the area with the concentrated anomalous substances formed by the kid using unknown means.


    However, for some reason, after these winged figures rushed into that area, they quickly crawled out and roared as they looked around. After that, they locked onto him and flew over.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on!! Where is the kid!!¡±


    All of this caused the Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s eyes to widen. Even though his speed was astonishing, he was still caught up to very quickly. Amidst the rumbling sounds, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was forced to make a move and he had no choice but to erupt in full force.


    Only then did those winged figures collapse. However, the strange thing was that they recovered in an instant and continued to pounce over. In the distance, in the huge cave where the city lord¡¯s residence was located, that terrifying existence was about to crawl out completely.

 Chapter 71 - Cause and Effect (3)

    The life-and-death crisis caused the King Kong Sect¡¯s ancestor to feel even more frenzied. At that moment, while he was being entangled, at the edge of the region with dense anomalous substances, there was a crack on the ground next to a wall.


    1


    At that moment, Xu Qing was carefully hiding in the crack, warily looking at the outside world through the gap.


    Back then, when he was in this ruined city, he followed the trail of the flying bird and discovered two safe shelters. One was his stone cave and the other¡­ was this gap!


    This gap was also the place where he had obtained the cultivation art from the city lord¡¯s residence. After his chest was heavily injured, he dodged the mutated beasts¡¯ pursuit.


    However, this place was too close to the city lord¡¯s residence, so Xu Qing didn¡¯t choose this place as a temporary residence back then.


    Under the calamity when the gods opened their eyes, it was difficult for all living beings to escape destruction. Only the birds¡­ For some reason, most of them survived.


    At the same time, they seemed to be able to find some locations instinctively. Although it wasn¡¯t absolutely safe, it was like a blind spot and it was easy for mutated beasts and bizarre creatures to overlook it.


    Of course, this was only relative. If the King Kong Sect¡¯s ancestor wasn¡¯t here to attract his attention, then Xu Qing¡¯s actions earlier would be akin to courting death.


    At that moment, when he saw the sorry state of the Sect¡¯s ancestor and noticed the gigantic figure struggling to climb out of the giant pit in the city lord¡¯s residence, Xu Qing also took a deep breath. However, he quickly gritted his teeth and rushed out with a sway of his body, throwing the black pill toward the Sect¡¯s ancestor who was being chased in the distance.


    He threw out another ten-odd pills in one go.


    The black pills landed on the ground and exploded one after another. The anomalous substances here were already astonishingly dense. At that moment, as the black pills exploded, they seemed to have broken through a certain critical point.


    In the blink of an eye, all the malicious gazes that had gathered on Xu Qing after he left the spatial rift shifted away. All of them looked toward the area with denser anomalous substances. At the same time, at many locations in the city, regardless of whether it was mutated beasts or bizarre creatures, they all stopped and looked over in unison.


    At the next moment, he sped off!


    He let out an extremely furious roar. At the same time, Xu Qing didn¡¯t even turn his head as he crouched down and sprinted. He wanted to make use of the opportunity when the mutated beasts and bizarre creatures were attracted by the anomalous substances to flee at full speed.


    The King Kong Sect¡¯s ancestor also wanted to flee but those winged figures were entangled with him. Even if he wanted to retreat, he would inevitably be slowed down. At that moment, anxiety filled his heart. The hatred in his heart for Xu Qing was incomparably intense.


    1


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s speed was getting faster and faster on the streets in the distance. Just as he was about to head in the direction of the city wall after pulling away from the city lord¡¯s residence, a cold and sinister aura gushed over him.


    In front of him, the sound of crying echoed. A faceless woman in a white dress walked over from afar.


    At the first glance, the other party was still far away. However, at a second glance, this strange figure had already appeared in front of Xu Qing.


    It was so fast that Xu Qing couldn¡¯t dodge at all. At that moment, his breathing was hurried and his pupils contracted. His body was instantly covered in ice and his mind instantly went blank as though it was frozen.


    As for the faceless woman who was walking over, densely-packed faces rapidly appeared on her body. All of them were crying mournfully and their cries transmitted into Xu Qing¡¯s mind, transforming into fluctuations. This caused Xu Qing¡¯s expression to be affected and change uncontrollably. He was about to cry like those faces.


    However, at that moment¡­ a portion of the faceless men¡¯s faces suddenly stopped crying. They looked at Xu Qing listlessly and their expressions gradually changed. They slowly revealed a smile and opened their mouths as though they were saying something but no sound came out.


    Very soon, more and more faces stopped crying. In the end, almost half of the faces of the faceless woman in the white dress stopped crying. They all looked at Xu Qing and revealed smiles, their expressions turning gentle.


    Their lips moved slightly as though they were speaking softly, saying two words that no one else could hear.


    As they smiled and mouthed the words, Xu Qing was completely stunned. He stared blankly at the many faces on the giant faceless woman.


    Before he could see it clearly, the faceless woman in the white dress moved her body away and walked past him. After she was far away, the sound of crying echoed again¡­


    Xu Qing¡¯s stiff body also recovered at this moment. His breathing hastened as he turned his head abruptly. He stared blankly at the faceless woman in the white dress who was walking further and further away. Her white figure was like a ball of burning fire in the dark night¡­


    Earlier, those smiling faces¡­ Xu Qing found them very familiar.


    It was as though he knew them¡­


    This was especially so for one of them. He recalled that it was the old man from the medicine shop whom he had carried and burned to allow him to rest in peace.


    Xu Qing was silent. He looked at the departing figure and vaguely understood something. After a long time, he lowered his head and bowed deeply as he muttered softly.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Those smiling faces from before also said the same word.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±

 Chapter 72 - Vengeful Look

    The arrival of the god¡¯s fragmented face was like the awakening of cicadas, affecting the growth of all things and forcing them to change.


    This change made the world cruel and cold.


    The formation of the forbidden zone caused the coldness to reach an extreme. However, at that moment¡­ Xu Qing stared at the white-clothed figure who had left. He suddenly thought of something Captain Lei had said back then.


    ¡°Do you know why I proposed to take you away twice from the ruins of the city?¡±


    ¡°I saw the silhouette of you cremating the corpses. At that time, the fire illuminated you while you were standing beside the blaze. You looked like you had fused with the fire. It made me feel as though I have seen¡­ a trace of warmth in this cruel world.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    At that moment, just like Captain Lei back then, he also felt a hint of warmth.


    It came from the faceless woman in the white dress and the many faces who smiled and thanked him.


    It came from¡­ the humanity that even this cruel world couldn¡¯t take away.


    After a long time, Xu Qing bowed deeply again.


    After that, he turned and sped toward the distant city wall.


    ¡­


    Perhaps it was because he had thrown too many black pills previously, the anomalous substances in the city lord¡¯s residence area became extremely dense and broke through the critical point. It was like flames in the night, attracting countless gazes and attention.


    Or maybe it was his karma with this city.


    Hence, Xu Qing, who was currently speeding away, didn¡¯t encounter much danger. He successfully arrived at the city wall.


    Standing there, Xu Qing turned his head and glanced at the city in the dark. He then heard roars and mournful cries from afar. He silently stared at them for a long time.


    ¡°I wonder when the next time will be¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled. He then cast his gaze toward the dark city before turning and leaping off the city wall, speeding into the distance.


    To increase his speed, he took out the flying talisman he had obtained and pasted it on his leg. After the spirit energy surged into his body, his speed erupted explosively and he directly soared into the air.


    He whistled through the air and left.


    As the wind blew onto his face, Xu Qing felt a little uncomfortable. This sudden burst of speed and flight also took him a long time to get used to. This was especially so for flying. It was the first time in his life.


    The feeling of flying in the sky, the feeling of lowering his head to look at the earth with the world under his feet made Xu Qing feel a little dazed.


    He felt as though he had become the surviving birds spreading their wings in the sky after the god opened its eyes.


    ¡°So this is what it feels like for a bird to fly in the sky.¡± Xu Qing mumbled, trying his best to control his body.


    As for him who had reached the seventh level of the Mountains and Seas Art, he could already control his body perfectly. Hence, Xu Qing quickly got used to this state of soaring in the air.


    Coupled with his speed and strength, he would step out fiercely from time to time after landing on the ground. He then punched backwards in the air, causing his speed to be even faster.


    From afar, he looked like a long rainbow as he sped through the air above the forbidden zone.


    If it was someone else, they would still have to worry about the influx of anomalous substances. However, to Xu Qing, he didn¡¯t have to worry about this. Hence, his speed could continue to increase.


    Not long later, he saw the boundary of the forbidden zone from afar. With a dash, his entire person charged out of the forbidden zone.


    The instant he arrived in the outside world, the warm wind blew on his body, dispelling the chill in the forbidden zone.


    Standing in mid-air, Xu Qing was silent. He lifted his head and looked in the direction of Antler City before turning his head to scan another direction.


    After living at the scavenger campsite for half a year, Xu Qing knew a lot of things. He also understood the area he lived in. This allowed him to know the names and locations of many nearby cities, including the King Kong Sect¡¯s mountain gate.


    At that moment, although the sky was still dark, the ground wasn¡¯t completely pitch-black under the illumination of the moonlight. One could faintly see the undulating mountains in the distance.


    Xu Qing, who was standing in the air, shifted his gaze several times between Antler City and the King Kong Sect.


    2


    ¡°I can¡¯t accept this.¡± Xu Qing mumbled.


    He didn¡¯t know what would happen to the King Kong Sect¡¯s ancestor who had fallen into the ruined city.


    1


    However, Xu Qing felt that there was a high chance that the other party wouldn¡¯t die. Nevertheless, it was inevitable for him to be in a sorry state and suffer heavy injuries. Also, the possibility of him escaping in a short period of time wasn¡¯t high.


    Right now, if he were to head to Antler City, everything should go smoothly. However, he felt very uncomfortable leaving just like that.


    Hence, after a few breaths of silence, a cold glint appeared in the youth¡¯s eyes. With a sway of his body, he unleashed his full speed. Amidst the intense fluctuations emitted by the flight talisman, he headed straight for¡­ the King Kong Sect.


    1


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t choose to head to Antler City immediately. He wanted to make a trip to the King Kong Sect.


    1


    He was prepared to take advantage of the fact that the King Kong Sect¡¯s ancestor was trapped and the two elders were dead. The entire Sect was in an unprecedented state of weakness, so he wanted to go there and take revenge on the other party¡¯s pursuit.


    1


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s personality.


    If it was anyone else, their first choice would probably be to leave. However, Xu Qing¡¯s experiences since he was young made him understand that the hidden danger had to be erased.


    Even if this hidden danger exceeded the scope of his solution and couldn¡¯t be erased in a short period of time, he still had to make the other party feel pain as much as possible.


    This pain could only become a form of deterrence when it reached a certain level.


    This was the law of survival in the slums and also the law of scavengers. As for whether it was the law of this chaotic world, Xu Qing didn¡¯t know but this was his law.


    After killing the two elders, Xu Qing felt that the deterrence wasn¡¯t enough.


    At that moment, Xu Qing was speeding toward the King Kong Sect. When the first rays of the sun rose into the sky and shone on the ground, Xu Qing saw his destination from afar.


    1


    The mountain gate of the King Kong Sect!


    1


    The Sect was built on top of a mountain peak, surrounded by numerous buildings. Under the sunlight, the main hall at the top of the mountain seemed to be emitting a glow. From afar, it looked extraordinarily imposing.


    It was just that most of the cultivators in the sect had gone out to search and hadn¡¯t returned yet. Hence, there weren¡¯t many disciples guarding the mountain gate. In the early morning, he occasionally saw figures.


    Their expressions were filled with arrogance, as though their presence here represented their supreme status. Among them, there were three to five disciples chatting and laughing beside the arched bridge at the mountain gate.


    Their talk was mostly related to the fact that the ancestor had gone out to search for the child. What they expressed was that they felt that the ancestor was making a mountain out of a molehill.


    Some were sitting cross-legged and cultivating in their respective residences.


    As for the sect master, he was currently sitting in the main hall. He held a book in his hand that recorded the accounts of the offerings in the nearby cities and campsites. His expression was indifferent as he flipped through it.


    Just like the disciples outside, he didn¡¯t think much of the ancestor¡¯s departure.


    ¡°He¡¯s just a scavenger. Even if he has some capabilities, the two elders are enough to suppress him. There¡¯s no need for the ancestor to personally take action. The sect is going to be empty now.¡±


    The Sect Master shook his head and thought to himself that there was nothing he could do about this. No one dared to disobey the words of the old ancestor.


    Just when the entire sect was in a state of laziness, Xu Qing, who was high up in the sky and nobody noticed, lowered his head and cast a cold glance.


    He first sensed the direction of the wind, then circled around to the area with the downwind to measure the wind speed and the distance it could travel.


    In the end, he chose a location and didn¡¯t give the King Kong Sect cultivators any chance to react. He then took out a large amount of poison powder and expressionlessly scattered them one by one.


    Xu Qing had a lot of poison powder on him. At that moment, he used 80% of it.


    With so much poison powder mixed together, the toxicity was already extremely shocking. At that moment, the poison powder drifted toward the King Kong Sect in the wind.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t act immediately but waited.


    Time flowed by bit by bit. Because there was too much poison powder, when it spread out in the wind, the sky slowly seemed to be dyed in color. At the moment when it vaguely turned into a black wind, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s about time.¡±


    The appearance of this black wind quickly attracted the attention of the King Kong Sect cultivators.


    The first people who saw were the few chatting disciples at the mountain gate. They lifted their heads in surprise and were stunned when they saw the Black Wind.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    However, at the next instant, when a wisp of black wind blew past a tree in the distance, causing it to instantly wither, the expressions of these few disciples changed drastically.


    ¡°Poison!!¡±


    As cries of surprise rang out, the disciples in the sect who discovered this scene were all shaken. One after another, figures rapidly walked out of the sect. All of their expressions changed and they were just about to cast a spell to disperse the poison wind.


    However, at that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s figure suddenly rushed out from the sky. His speed was so fast that he transformed into a bolt of lightning that sprinted toward the Sect¡¯s mountain gate.


    From afar, his figure was like a bolt of lightning that fell into the human world, directly charging into the Sect.


    Amidst the shock and anger of those King Kong Sect cultivators as the alarm bell of the entire sect rang out, the rumbling sound spread in all directions and Xu Qing suddenly landed on the ground.


    He was located halfway up the mountain of the King Kong Sect.


    A loud bang rang out from the ground and numerous cracks spread out. Xu Qing, who was inside, abruptly lifted his head. His gaze was filled with intense killing intent as he directly charged toward the many King Kong Sect cultivators who had shocked expressions on their faces!


    A loud bang erupted.


    Xu Qing¡¯s attacks were swift and fierce and his speed was astonishing. Everywhere he passed by, miserable cries would ring out and corpses would scatter everywhere.


    However, even though there weren¡¯t many disciples in the King Kong Sect, there were still some.


    Hence, very soon, amidst waves of furious roars, numerous figures gathered from all directions and rushed toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°Enemy attack!¡±


    ¡°Damn it, someone actually dared to attack our King Kong Sect!¡±


    Kill him!


    At that moment, the Sect Master in the main hall also sensed it. He quickly walked out in shock and anger. He saw the chaos in the sect and the poisonous wind that spread out.


    ¡°All disciples, consume the poison-repelling pills immediately and dispel the poison wind!¡± His expression suddenly changed as he quickly ordered the sect.


    At the same time, he locked onto the location of the explosion halfway up the mountain. His eyes were filled with coldness as he immediately rushed over.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s attack was incomparably fast. He didn¡¯t tangle with these King Kong Sect disciples but walked around and waved his hand, tossing out black pills one after another.


    Some of these black pills landed on the ground and some were still in the air. However, they exploded at the same time, forming a vortex that attracted anomalous substances. This caused the anomalous substances that were everywhere in the world to seem to have come alive and were instantly attracted over.


    ¡°Anomalous substances!!¡± When the surrounding King Kong Sect disciples who wanted to rush over sensed this scene, their expressions changed and they instinctively retreated. However, there were still a few people who were at the center of the vortex. Under these dense anomalous substances, their bodies quickly turned greenish-black.


    ¡°How dare you!!¡± A furious roar rang out from the direction of the main hall on the mountain peak. The figure of the King Kong Sect¡¯s Sect Master suddenly arrived.


    His cultivation fluctuations at the perfected Qi Condensation Realm surpassed the elder Xu Qing had killed. This was the second strongest expert in the King Kong Sect other than the old ancestor.


    At this moment, his golden robe was bulging and his expression was gloomy. The killing intent in his eyes was intense. However, after seeing Xu Qing¡¯s scavenger attire and age, his entire body trembled.


    ¡°It¡¯s you!¡± He didn¡¯t need to guess as he already had an answer in his heart.


    1


    The moment this answer appeared, a huge wave rose in the heart of the King Kong Sect¡¯s Sect Master.

 Chapter 73 - Burning the King Kong Sect Master (1)

    ¡°Why are you here?!¡± The eyes of the King Kong Sect¡¯s Sect Master suddenly narrowed. Waves of emotions surged violently in his heart and he felt disbelief.


    At that moment, the youth he was looking at was wearing a black leather coat. His hair was very messy and his face was dirty. It was just that¡­ the color of the leather coat revealed dried blood stains that carried a baleful aura.


    Although the messy hair and dirt on his face covered his face, the poison wind blew over and lifted his hair, revealing his eyes that couldn¡¯t be concealed.


    At that moment, the sharpness and indescribable coldness in his eyes were exceptionally obvious even in the fog with dense anomalous substances.


    The instant their gazes met, a chill rose in the heart of the King Kong Sect¡¯s Sect Master.


    ¡°Kid!!¡±


    Even though he had never seen Xu Qing¡¯s portrait before, at that instant, the nickname of the scavenger appeared in the mind of the King Kong Sect¡¯s Sect Master.


    He knew that the ancestor, two elders and a large number of disciples were chasing after this person. However, now¡­ the ancestor and elders didn¡¯t return but this kid who was being chased actually appeared in the sect.


    This scene caused the Sect Master to be filled with extreme terror. However, he didn¡¯t have time to think too much at this moment. He quickly performed a series of hand seals and in an instant, a storm swept out in all directions. As the poisonous wind was dispersed, the airwave formed by the storm also headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing coldly swept his gaze over and didn¡¯t bother with the Sect Master. His body retreated and dodged the attack in the blink of an eye. He then changed directions and sped off furiously, throwing out more black pills.


    A rumbling sound suddenly echoed out. The Sect Master sensed the strangeness of the black pill and his expression changed once again. He stomped his feet fiercely and chased after Xu Qing, wanting to stop him.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t fight with him and dodged once again. He borrowed the speed of the flying talisman and continued to move around the sect, forcing the Sect Master to use the flying talisman as well.


    From afar, the Sect Master and Xu Qing were one behind the other. Wherever they passed, rumbling sounds rang out incessantly.


    There were also black pills that were continuously thrown out by Xu Qing amidst the rumbling sounds.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± The Sect Master¡¯s anger rose and he wanted to stop him. However, the two of them had used their flying talismans so their speed was actually on par. This made it impossible for him to catch up quickly.


    Hence, very soon, amidst the rumbling sounds, more and more vortices formed by the black pills appeared. The density of anomalous substances also rapidly reached an astonishing level and they gradually approached the forbidden zone.


    When Xu Qing had very few black pills left, the entire King Kong Sect¡­ directly transformed into a gigantic vortex.


    This vortex continued to spin, causing endless anomalous substances to surge over. Even the sky was covered and when the anomalous substances became extremely dense, they formed a fog that churned more and more. It was as though the sky was blotted out, enveloping the surroundings.


    From afar, the King Kong Sect, which was covered in fog, was filled with roars and exclamations. All the disciples inside were incomparably shocked at this moment.


    At the same time, due to the lack of manpower, although a portion of the poison wind was dispersed, more poison powder followed the wind and completely arrived at this moment. It covered the heavens and the earth, blowing into the King Kong Sect¡¯s mountain gate and fusing with the fog.


    Everywhere it passed by, all plants and trees withered instantly. Even the mountain rocks emitted sizzling sounds as though they were being corroded.


    At this moment, a tragic cry echoed out.


    The entire King Kong Sect was incomparably tragic. Dense anomalous substances pervaded the air, polluting everything. The poisonous powder blended into the wind and covered all areas. Coupled with the anomalous substances, it formed a great terror.


    All of this happened in the span of a hundred breaths. The speed was so fast that it was hard for one to react. For a time, the King Kong Sect fell into chaos.


    A portion of the disciples scrambled to escape but the poison here was too intense. Even though they had consumed the antidote, it was still of little use. Very soon, blood flowed out of their seven orifices and they wailed miserably.


    There was also a portion that rapidly hid but it was useless.


    Other than that, the remaining ones chased after Xu Qing under the sect master¡¯s furious roar.


    However, at that moment, the sect was in chaos and Xu Qing¡¯s speed was very fast. He took advantage of the chaos and disappeared without a trace after a few shakes. The others were about to search for him but at that moment, flames shone not far away.


    This scene caused the scalps of everyone in the surroundings to turn numb. The Sect Master was even more shocked. He couldn¡¯t be bothered to chase after Xu Qing and immediately summoned his disciples to extinguish the fire.


    However¡­ the flames weren¡¯t coming from a single location. Very soon, one fire after another appeared in the sect and the raging flames began to burn.


    ¡°Kid!!¡± The King Kong Sect¡¯s Sect Master let out a mournful cry. His hatred had reached the extreme but he couldn¡¯t find it in a short period of time. He could only put out the fire with all his might.


    At the same time, Xu Qing¡¯s figure swiftly stepped into one of the luxurious buildings within the Sect¡¯s mountain gate. After he entered and took away all the items he could loot, he set the place on fire and left quickly.


    The entire process was very fast. Not long later, amidst the chaos, Xu Qing arrived before a building that was more luxurious. He then saw the words on the signboard.


    ¡°Treasure Pavilion?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. When he got close, he lifted his right hand and punched out.


    At that moment, the door of the treasure vault shattered and the poisonous fog from the outside world gushed in. Xu Qing then stepped in and saw rows of shelves inside.


    On the shelves were all sorts of medicinal pills, spirit coins, and treasures.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over and his heart pounded wildly. He immediately went up and took everything he could with him. After looting, he was about to leave.


    However, his eyes narrowed as he noticed that in the Treasure Pavilion, the poisonous fog had seeped into the walls through some invisible gaps, vaguely forming the shape of a door. It was as though there was a hidden door there.

 Chapter 74 - Burning the Diamond Sect Master (2)

    Hence, Xu Qing raised his brows and directly kicked out. With a boom, cracks appeared on the secret door but it didn¡¯t shatter.


    Xu Qing let out a soft cry of surprise as a cold glint flashed in his eyes. Cracking sounds then rang out from his body and the kui shadow behind him suddenly materialized. As he silently roared, it fused with his right hand, transforming into a full-powered punch.


    With a boom, the hidden door shattered into pieces, revealing a dark room.


    There weren¡¯t many items inside, only a palm-sized cloth bag.


    Xu Qing was a little surprised and wanted to grab it.


    However, at that moment, an intense light emitted from the bottom of the sack. Streaks of light drew complicated patterns on the ground. As they shone, they formed wind blades that spiralled into the air, blocking the hand he grabbed.


    Xu Qing immediately retracted his hand and looked at the cloth bag within the wind blades. A strange glint appeared in his eyes. He felt that this thing must be a treasure, so he glanced at the picture formed by the light under the cloth bag.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Xu Qing frowned. After sensing the spirit energy fluctuations on it, he let out a cold snort. He then took out his two remaining black pills and crushed them.


    Instantaneously, anomalous substances erupted and gushed in from all directions, engulfing the secret chamber. The pattern that lit up on the ground flickered intensely at this moment but it couldn¡¯t stop the corrosion. Eventually, it dimmed and was extinguished amidst cracking sounds.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate to grab the sack and leave the treasure vault.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was ice-cold as he looked at the Diamond Sect, which was currently in a state of chaos and filled with wails. It was filled with anomalous substances and poisonous wind and flames were rising from it. His flight talisman flashed as he soared into the air, wanting to leave.


    He was very clear that even if the Sect didn¡¯t have an ancestor now, he had only gained the advantage of a surprise attack. If this continued, there would be danger.


    His goal in coming here this time wasn¡¯t simply to kill but to destroy the Diamond Sect¡¯s mountain gate. He wanted to snatch as much as he could. Now that he had achieved his goal, his speed erupted as he rushed toward the sky.


    However, at that moment, a furious roar rang out. Within the fog, the Sect Master¡¯s hair was dishevelled as he rapidly rushed toward him.


    Xu Qing was in mid-air. He lowered his head and killing intent flashed in his eyes. The seventh level of the Mountains and Seas Art erupted from his body and the kui shadow appeared behind him. He then threw a punch toward the incoming Sect Master.


    A heaven-shattering sound rang out. The Sect Master roared as he retreated a few steps. Just when he was about to continue, a purple saber shadow formed behind Xu Qing in the next instant.


    The heavenly saber descended.


    It directly slashed at the Diamond Sect¡¯s Sect Master.


    The expression of the Sect Master changed drastically and his body suddenly retreated, returning to the poisonous wind and anomalous substances in the fog. At the same time, the purple blade light also chased after him.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t give chase. His gaze flickered as he immediately retreated, transforming into a beam of light that shot into the sky, heading toward the distant thunder.


    The instant he left, seven to eight figures rushed out of the fog that the Sect Master had retreated into. Each of them attacked fiercely with all their might.


    The power of this attack was so great that it seemed to cause the air to explode. A thunderous boom filled the sky and a depression was formed, comparable to the power of a Foundation Building.


    If Xu Qing hadn¡¯t left and continued to pursue, he would have been blasted into pieces.


    As for the seven or eight figures, they were all old men. At that moment, their faces were all pale and they spat out mouthfuls of blood. It was obvious that the attack earlier had been completed through their cooperation and secret arts.


    Now that they saw Xu Qing escaping, they hesitated on whether they should chase after him.


    ¡°Seven Guardians, don¡¯t chase after them.¡± Within the fog, the Sect Master staggered out. One of his arms was broken and as blood dripped down, his face was pale and his body was on the verge of collapse.


    ¡°That thief is too cautious. To think that he didn¡¯t pursue me. Right now, our main focus is to disperse the poisonous wind and anomalous substances from the mountain gate as soon as possible and wait for the ancestor to return!¡±


    The Sect Master was filled with grievances and gritted his teeth. He had risked being injured earlier to lure the other party but he had failed.


    The seven or eight old men fell silent. Someone stepped forward to support the sect master. Looking at the chaotic sect, their expressions were blank. They sighed and could only try their best to disperse the chaos.


    Time flowed and very soon, a day passed.


    When dusk arrived, more than half of the Diamond Sect¡¯s poison and anomalous substances had finally dissipated. The former consumed a large amount of the disciples¡¯ wind-element spells, while the lattera€| forced them to crush their spirit coins and dilute them with pure spirit energy.


    The consumption was tremendous.


    As for the entire secta€| it was in ruins. Even the main hall at the top of the mountain was in ruins. Most of the buildings had collapsed and there were traces of fire everywhere.


    If they wanted to recover, the consumption would be huge.


    What was in even more serious condition were the disciples of the Diamond Sect. The anomalous substances in the bodies of these people were all very dense. At that moment, most of their bodies were greenish-black and they needed a large number of white pills or even clear dust pills to neutralize them.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s sect master and a few protectors were all exhausted and aggrieved. In the distant horizon, a rainbow arrived.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had returned.


    He was also in a sorry state. There were many injuries on his body and his dishevelled hair suppressed his anger. After escaping from the forbidden zone, he had decided that he would do whatever it took to kill that kid.


    When he saw the mountain gate in the distance, he was stunned for a moment in mid-air. He instantly sped up and approached it. He lowered his head above the mountain gate and stared blankly at the ruins beneath his feet.


    ¡°Ancestora€|¡± When the disciples of the Diamond Sect saw the figure of the ancestor, they immediately cried out.


    ¡°Ancestor, that kid took advantage of your absence and caused chaos in our sect. Our disciples suffered heavy casualties.¡±


    ¡°Old Ancestor, our treasure vault was also robbed clean by that bastard. Those he couldn¡¯t take away were tainted by the anomalous substances.¡±


    ¡°Ancestor, that kid is too inhumane. Many of our disciples are poisoned and it¡¯s hard to neutralize.¡±


    Only the sect master, guardians and the others remained silent.


    Hearing the cries of the disciples, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor looked at the broken mountain gate, at the miserable disciples and then at the sect master who had lost his arm and the injured guardians. His body slowly trembled.


    His face turned from green to white, then from white to red and finally to extreme green. His body staggered and he couldn¡¯t help but spit out a large mouthful of blood.


    As his breathing hastened, he clenched his fists tightly. His eyes were bloodshot as though he wanted to eat someone. He then let out a mournful roar toward the sky.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you!¡±


    This roar reverberated in all directions like thunder but it couldn¡¯t reach the location of Antler City¡¯s teleportation array.


    In Antler City, Xu Qing stood in line beside the teleportation array.


    In front of him was a huge teleportation array.


    This formation was constructed on top of a magic altar in the shape of an octagon. Countless runes were engraved on it and it was extremely complicated. Every time it shone, it would radiate boundless light with an imposing aura.


    There were also some guards with extraordinary cultivation bases in the surroundings who coldly looked at the people queuing up. Their gazes were ice-cold, as though they would be instantly killed if they had the slightest intention of going against the rules.


    Very soon, as the person in front disappeared, it was Xu Qing¡¯s turn. He then walked toward the altar where the teleportation array was located.


    When he stepped onto the altar and entered the complicated teleportation array, Xu Qing turned and looked at the world he had lived in for many years.


    At that moment, the sun was setting and the afterglow spilled onto the ground. The July wind brought along heat as it blew over, blowing the hair in front of Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, allowing him to see this world more clearly.


    He looked in the direction of the ruins of the city, then at the scavenger campsite. Finally, he coldly glanced at the Diamond Sect¡¯s location.


    ¡°We¡¯ll meet again.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. His gaze grew colder and colder as the teleportation array beneath his feet shone brighter and brighter. This lasted until the sea of light erupted and drowned everything, including Xu Qing¡¯s figure.


    In the next instant, when the light from the teleportation array dissipated, Xu Qing, who was inside, disappeared.

 Chapter 75 - Seven Blood Eyes (1)

    August, summer.


    The scorching sun in the sky still wantonly integrated its body temperature into the wind, borrowing the flow of the wind to diffuse the heat on the ground. However, with the changes in the solar system, the heat inevitably came to an end.


    In the end, it could only stand in the sky and helplessly look at the ground, waiting for the swan goose to come, waiting for the black bird to return and waiting for the next white dew to appear.


    However, compared to the people on the ground, the location of the sun allowed it to see this island that was surrounded by the Endless Sea more clearly.


    The entire Nanhuang Continent was just an island.


    It looked like a slanted oval-shaped object and the interior was blocked by a vast mountain range that looked like a hidden dragon that traversed the north, south, and west.


    This mountain range was known as the Truth Mountain Range.


    The western part of the mountain range occupied 70% of the entire Nanhuang Continent. That was the largest forbidden zone in the Nanhuang Continent and it was known as the Phoenix Forbidden Zone.


    The interior was filled with a dark jungle and ancient ruins were buried everywhere. Fog lingered all year round and there were many mutated beasts. There were also countless bizarre creatures with extremely dense anomalous substances.


    As for the eastern part of the mountain range, it occupied 30% of the Nanhuang Continent. This was where the humans resided.


    Here, there was an extremely special location. It was located in the northern part of the Truth Mountain Range, the starting point that bordered the sea.


    This place was connected to the Phoenix Forbidden Zone in the west, the human race¡¯s territory in the east, the Endless Sea in the north, and the Truth Mountain Range in the south that extended to the other end.


    This landform made it the largest port on the entire Nanhuang Continent. There was an endless stream of gigantic cargo ships daily. Some came from the other islands in the surroundings and some came from¡­ the Wanggu Continent.


    As such a special and important strategic location, it was naturally not something that ordinary forces could control. And this place was where the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ mountain gate was located.


    From afar, the city where the port was located was divided into seven large regions. The port was only one of them. The city formed by these seven regions was shockingly vast and could be considered a majestic city.


    This was the main city of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Beside it were the seven mountain peaks at the northern end of the Truth Mountain Range. Each mountain peak had a 1000-foot-long statue of a giant eye. The color was different but they all exuded sharpness.


    Regardless of day or night, the piercing light would never dissipate, forming a large array that enveloped the surroundings.


    These seven giant eyes looked down at the ground like the eyes of a giant beast. They were cold and sinister, causing everyone who saw them to be shocked.


    This was also the origin of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ name.


    The main city where the port was located, together with these seven mountain peaks, was the entirety of the Seven Blood Eyes Mountain Gate.


    Among them, the Seventh Peak, which was close to the main city, and the First Peak which was far away, were the tallest. It was like two giants were standing there, causing the thieves and scoundrels of the Nanhuang Continent and many other forces to feel trepidation.


    After all, in the Nanhuang Continent, even the 30% of the human race¡¯s territory contained great dangers.


    The wilderness was filled with anomalous substances and all kinds of mutated beasts and fugitives lurked there.


    Although mutated beasts weren¡¯t as ferocious as those in the forbidden zone, to the vast majority of humans, leaving the city and encountering them often meant a life-and-death crisis. This was especially so for those who were fleeing for their lives¡­ In the wilderness where there wasn¡¯t much order, it was probably even more tragic than death.


    Therefore, for the vast majority of humans, living in a city was something they could only dream of.


    The main city of the Seven Blood Eyes was famous in the entire Nanhuang Continent. It wasn¡¯t only because of its prosperity but also because the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation could greatly isolate anomalous substances, allowing one¡¯s lifespan to greatly exceed the outside world.


    Hence, being able to enter the Seven Blood Eyes was the dream of too many people.


    Countless people yearned to come and countless people didn¡¯t want to leave after coming. It was as though they could pursue their dreams here. However¡­ the rules of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city were extremely harsh.


    It was like an invisible whip that lashed onto the bodies of everyone who arrived.


    The name of this whip was¡­ survival of the fittest.


    At that moment, in the main city of the Seven Blood Eyes Port, in the central area, three huge teleportation arrays were constantly shining.


    They were arranged in a triangular formation and there was an endless stream of people coming.


    In the third teleportation array, as the light flickered, the figure of a youth was revealed.


    The youth¡¯s upper body was covered in a dark-colored leather coat and he was wearing baggy pants. The ends of his pants were tied with grass ropes and they were covered in dried blood. His hair was very messy and his face was dirty.


    However, his eyes were abnormally bright like the stars.


    As soon as he appeared, he heard bustling noises and the sound of waves. There was also a hot and humid wind that brushed past his entire body, making him feel sticky.


    All of this transformed into a strong sense of unfamiliarity that surfaced in the youth¡¯s body and mind.


    The youth was none other than Xu Qing, who had teleported over from Antler City.


    ¡°Have we arrived¡­¡±


    After Xu Qing teleported here, his head felt a little painful. At that moment, he rubbed the space between his brows and didn¡¯t stay on the array for too long. When he quickly walked out, he lifted his head and glanced at his surroundings.


    Everything here was orderly.


    A large number of black-armored guards patrolled and guarded the area. Outside each teleportation array, there was a team that looked like a long dragon. There were both men and women in the team and they were packed densely together. At the same time, there were carriages as well.


    They were all people who had teleported here. Every one of them had the desire to stay in this city visible on their faces. It was obvious that the teleportation fee wasn¡¯t low, so the desire in their expressions was even more intense.


    After scanning the surroundings, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and followed the crowd outside.


    The teleportation array here was different from Antler City. One had to go through an inspection before leaving. While Xu Qing was queuing for the inspection, he lifted his head and looked at his surroundings. From afar, he could see the pitch-black sea.

 Chapter 76 - Seven Blood Eyes (2)

    On the other side of the mountain range, under the setting sun, seven mountain peaks were extremely conspicuous. This was especially so for the seven giant-eyed statues. The fluctuations they emitted seemed to be able to connect to the sky, causing the sky to form a huge vortex in the area of the seven mountain peaks.


    Within the vortex, there were clouds surrounding it and there seemed to be some gigantic ferocious beast within. As it moved about, it revealed a sense of divinity that intimidated all directions.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to tremble.


    It was only after the person in front of him finished his inspection and left with the jade slip that was given out that Xu Qing took a deep breath and retracted his gaze.


    ¡°Show me your travel pass and answer why you¡¯re here.¡± In front of Xu Qing, there was a table with two people sitting behind it, a man and a woman.


    The man was very handsome and wore a gray robe. At this moment, his eyes were closed as though he was resting but the spirit energy fluctuations from his body were very strong.


    The woman was also wearing a gray Daoist robe. She wasn¡¯t old and looked to be around 18 or 19 years old. Her small face was exquisite and her skin was fair.


    Her eyes were very spirited, like starlight. It was very easy for one to be immersed and unable to extricate themselves.


    1


    The person who spoke to Xu Qing was that woman.


    She lifted her head and cast a glance at Xu Qing, not caring about the dirt on his body and face.


    She had seen too many scavengers like Xu Qing here. As she spoke, she casually took out a jade slip as though she was waiting for an answer and recording it.


    Xu Qing sensed the spirit energy fluctuations in the other party¡¯s body. The fluctuations weren¡¯t strong but for some reason, they gave him a very clear sense of danger.


    However, he weighed the pros and cons and felt that if it was a life-and-death battle, he had the confidence to kill the other party. Hence, he calmly took out the token from his leather pouch and handed it over.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± A hint of surprise appeared in the woman¡¯s eyes. She took the token and inspected it. When she returned it to Xu Qing, her expression was no longer cold. Instead, she cast a deep glance at him.


    ¡°So you¡¯re a junior brother who wants to join the sect. I wish you joy in the Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    The other party¡¯s words were a little strange. Xu Qing took the token and glanced at the jade slip in the other party¡¯s hand.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need an ordinary person¡¯s contribution jade slip here. Just take the token. This is your qualification. Also, let me remind you that you have to complete the entry test as soon as possible and adapt to the life of the Seven Blood Eyes as soon as possible!¡±


    After saying that, the woman ignored Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was deep in thought. After he left the examination area, he noticed that the people in the queue behind him were looking at him with envy.


    This made Xu Qing lower his head and take a deep look at the token in his hand.


    After he left, the man beside the woman opened his eyes and smiled.


    ¡°Why are you suddenly so kind-hearted and even went to remind a newbie?¡±


    ¡°He has the token of my seventh peak. Although it¡¯s white, it¡¯s hard to say what will happen in the future. A word of blessing and reminder won¡¯t cost me any contribution points but once this person rises, it can be considered good karma.¡±


    2


    The woman calmly spoke and called the next person over for inspection.


    ¡°How can there be so many futures? One look and I can tell that this person is a scavenger. With the white token, I don¡¯t think he will have much luck. It¡¯s still unknown if he can pass the entrance test and obtain the status of a disciple. Even if he does, he will have to pay 30 spirit coins a day as well as expensive cultivation resources. I¡¯m betting that he won¡¯t be able to hold on for two months. He will either be expelled or die with a bang.¡±


    The man raised his hand and clenched it into a fist, then quickly stretched it out and gestured.


    Their voices were very soft, so Xu Qing, who had walked far away, didn¡¯t hear them.


    1


    At this moment, he had already left the teleportation zone and entered the city.


    As he walked in, waves of emotions slowly stirred in Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    What greeted his eyes was unprecedented prosperity and luxury.


    Under the afterglow, any building here was as gorgeous as the city lord¡¯s residence in his previous city.


    The green bricks and green plants that could be seen everywhere also made this place abnormally tidy.


    There were even more people in the city. There was an endless stream of people and everyone¡¯s clothes were very clean. Most of them were made of silk and it was rare for them to wear hemp. However, their expressions were cold and they seemed to be in a hurry.


    At that moment, the sun was about to set and the lights of thousands of houses on both sides of the street could be seen. Under the illumination of the light, the brightness of the land didn¡¯t seem any different from during the day. Only the houses were very quiet and not a single sound could be heard.


    On a small river in the distance, there was a small boat. On it was a woman wearing a Daoist robe and a veil. She was currently throwing medicinal pills into the river, causing countless fish to circle around it. They would occasionally jump up, creating ripples in the afterglow.


    Many young men on the shore jumped into the river and fought with the fish for the medicinal pills. It was very strange.


    All of this caused Xu Qing to feel both unfamiliar and wary.


    He felt that this city was different from the scavenger campsite. It was also different from the small city where he had lived in the slums back then.


    However, there was also something similar.


    On the streets of this city, Xu Qing would always smell a hint of a familiar scent.


    This smell was very light. If it wasn¡¯t for Xu Qing being used to the slums and scavenger camps, it would be very difficult for him to smell it so keenly.


    It was the smell of blood, the same as in the slums and scavenger camps.


    A long time later, Xu Qing cast a deep glance at the city as the wariness in his heart deepened.


    As he pondered, he walked on the road. He didn¡¯t walk to the center of the road but to the darker edges. This was Xu Qing¡¯s habit.


    At that moment, he was preparing to find an inn to rest. The stench of blood here made him not wish to stay on the streets.


    As for the source of the blood, Xu Qing didn¡¯t wish to find out either. He knew that what he needed to do now was to complete the entry test as soon as possible and enter the Seven Blood Eyes to alleviate the Diamond Sect¡¯s pursuit.


    At that moment, in the dusk, the afterglow of the setting sun slowly dimmed. Xu Qing, who had yet to find a suitable place, looked at his surroundings as his gaze gradually turned sharp.


    As the sky gradually darkened, the entire city became increasingly quiet. The people on the streets also quickened their pace as the sky darkened.


    Among the thousands of households, although there were still lights, the gates of every household were closed and it was deathly silent inside.


    This was the case for the residences and shops. Only a few were still open but there were no customers inside.


    When the last rays of the setting sun disappeared in the distance, the entire street was empty.


    All of this caused Xu Qing to squint his eyes. He quickly walked a few steps in the dark and surveyed his surroundings, searching for an inn.


    Time flowed by and after the time it takes for an incense stick to burn out, Xu Qing finally saw an inn that was open from afar. He was about to head over when he suddenly looked into the distance.


    On the dark and empty street in the distance, a figure was fleeing rapidly. Seven to eight burly men were chasing after her with sinister smiles on their faces.


    1


    ¡°You want to run? Let me see where you can run to!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve seen someone with such guts. To think that she actually dared to make a move on the contributor we have our eyes on!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s cold gaze swept over. The person fleeing in front was a woman. She seemed to be injured and her footsteps were a little unsteady. Under her dishevelled hair, one could barely see a fierce-looking face.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze. This matter had nothing to do with him, so he didn¡¯t bother with it and walked toward the inn that had opened for business.


    1


    At the same time, the fleeing woman also saw Xu Qing. Her eyes flickered slightly as she suddenly spoke loudly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve obtained the contribution points. Why are you still waiting here for help? Hurry up and escape.¡±


    A cold light gathered in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he looked at the woman who had spoken such clumsy words.


    1


    Being swept by Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the woman couldn¡¯t help but shiver. She felt as though her entire body had been plunged into winter. Her eyes narrowed and her heart pounded violently. Cold sweat broke out on her back and the intense sense of danger even surpassed the pursuit of the people behind her.


    She knew that the situation was bad but she couldn¡¯t take back her words. She could only grit her teeth and flee in another direction.

 Chapter 77 - Are You Selling Corpses?

    The sea breeze blew over, lifting Xu Qing¡¯s hair.


    He walked forward, allowing the wind to blow his hair and the hem of his pants. He was like a knife that was about to be unsheathed. His eyes gleamed coldly as he glanced at the woman who changed directions and left.


    Xu Qing hesitated for a moment. He didn¡¯t wish to kill on his first day here. Hence, he retracted his gaze and continued walking toward the inn.


    However, the wind didn¡¯t stop.


    At that moment, when the sea breeze reached the shore, the intent to attack became even stronger.


    Among the seven to eight burly men chasing after the woman, one of them had a scar on his face. He looked like the leader. When he saw this scene, he sneered.


    ¡°Regardless of whether it¡¯s true or false, capture this brat for me as well. With the fluctuations of the sixth or seventh level of Body Refinement, he must be someone with contribution points!¡±


    As they spoke, these seven to eight people immediately split into two groups. Four of them chased after the woman, while the remaining four headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing frowned and swept his gaze over the four people who were approaching. These four people weren¡¯t ordinary either. They were all cultivators and most of them were at the sixth level of Qi Condensation. Moreover, it seemed like they mainly cultivated body refinement.


    However, he really didn¡¯t want to kill someone as soon as he arrived in this city. Hence, he stepped back to avoid them and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know her.¡±


    ¡°Brat, I don¡¯t care if you know her or not. You¡¯re just unlucky!¡± The burly dude who pounced at him sneered. He waved his hand and punched out. The other three also attacked separately. One of them even had a saber in his hand as he laughed sinisterly.


    Under the moonlight, the blade gleamed coldly and was even smeared with poison.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyelids drooped.


    Some people in this world liked to linger around the gates of hell. He originally didn¡¯t want to make a move but since the other party had killing intent, Xu Qing silently moved his body and no longer retreated.


    Instead, he moved like lightning and instantly appeared in front of the person who threw the punch. His left hand then landed on the forehead of the person.


    His speed was so fast that it was astonishing.


    With a bang, the burly dude¡¯s head exploded under Xu Qing¡¯s astonishing strength that was comparable to the great circle of perfection in body refinement. Amidst the bloody mess, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He took a step forward and arrived in front of the saber-wielding person. Under the person¡¯s horror, he used his shoulder to knock him.


    Half of the saber-wielding person¡¯s body suddenly collapsed.


    After that, Xu Qing threw two punches through the air at the two remaining people whose eyes were wide open and whose expressions changed drastically.


    Just as the two of them were about to retreat, a fluctuation appeared in the air in front of them, instantly enveloping them. In that instant, the two of them trembled intensely and blood spurted out. Their chests caved in, completely shattering as they breathed their last.


    Everything happened in the span of two breaths and all four of them died.


    This scene caused the four burly men who were sent out not far away to stop in their tracks. They stared at the expressionless Xu Qing with dumbfounded expressions and each of them felt as though their scalps were about to explode.


    ¡°Mis¡­ misunderstanding¡­ we¡­¡± That leader¡¯s earlier arrogance completely vanished. His body trembled and he was about to speak when he saw the coldness in Xu Qing¡¯s gaze. His mind then rumbled as he frantically retreated.


    The instant he retreated, Xu Qing moved.


    In the next instant, other than this leader, the other three people all trembled and spat out mouthfuls of blood. Bloody holes could be seen on their temples as they fell to the ground and died.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared beside them. He retracted his blood-stained finger and walked toward the fleeing leader.


    Xu Qing had a habit of not killing but once he acted, he wanted to eliminate all hidden danger.


    At that moment, Xu Qing moved closer to the other party. With an indifferent expression, he lifted his right hand and was about to descend.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist, I¡¯m one of the Night King¡¯s men. Don¡¯t be rash¡­¡± The leader was shocked and hurriedly spoke with a look of despair.


    Xu Qing¡¯s right hand paused as he looked at the pale-faced burly dude who was trembling intensely.


    ¡°Seven Blood Eyes disciple?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not the Seven Blood Eyes but¡­¡± The burly dude started and subconsciously answered. However, before he could finish his sentence, Xu Qing¡¯s right hand had already landed on the burly dude¡¯s forehead.


    With a bang, blood splattered everywhere.


    Xu Qing bent down and wiped his hands on the corpse. After that, he lifted his head and stared into the pitch-black distance. He pondered for a moment. He wasn¡¯t familiar with the terrain here, so he didn¡¯t search for the fleeing woman.


    However, he remembered the other party¡¯s appearance.


    After that, he lowered his head and was about to deal with the corpse when he suddenly had a thought. Xu Qing abruptly turned his head and looked at the inn in the distance, his body forming an attacking stance.


    At the entrance of the inn, an old man appeared out of nowhere. This old man wore a shopkeeper¡¯s robe and had a hunchback. His face was covered in age spots and his complexion was sallow. He looked sickly.


    After noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, he grinned and revealed his yellowed teeth as he smiled.


    ¡°Kid, are you selling those corpses? How about eight corpses for ten spirit coins each?¡±


    Xu Qing started. This was the first time he had heard of someone wanting to buy a corpse. Hence, he cast a wary glance at the old man but didn¡¯t say anything. He lowered his head and began to deal with it.


    After being rejected, the old man shook his head helplessly.


    ¡°What a pity, what a pity. The corpses that just died are the freshest.¡±


    A long time later, Xu Qing was done with his business. He then looked at the inn, hesitating in his heart as to whether he should stay there or not.


    As though he could see Xu Qing¡¯s hesitation, the old man outside the inn smiled and spoke.


    ¡°You look like you¡¯ve just arrived here. In the vicinity, other than my shop, which is still open for business, the others are all closed. 80 spirit coins or 80 contribution points per night. I¡¯m not lying.¡±


    ¡°Contribution points?¡± Xu Qing looked at the old man. Previously, he had heard the woman who framed him mention contribution points.


    ¡°As expected of a newcomer. You¡¯ll know the value of contribution points in the future. It¡¯s the same as spirit coins.¡± The old man grinned.


    Xu Qing frowned. He felt that everything in this city was strange. The value of spirit coins and contribution points was the same. Someone wanted to buy a corpse and the property prices were so ridiculous.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think it¡¯s too expensive. The nights in the main city aren¡¯t too peaceful. The other inns aren¡¯t cheap either. I only have two rooms left.¡± the old man said with a fake smile.


    Xu Qing pondered for a while. He looked at the sky and then at the old man. As he pondered, he narrowed his eyes and glanced at the street. At that moment, there was a blood shadow rapidly approaching. Its target was this inn.


    When he got close, he saw the figure of a cultivator. Without saying a word, he threw out a leather bag filled with spirit coins and disappeared into the inn.


    ¡°There¡¯s only one room left now.¡± the old man said with a smile as he checked the leather bag in his hand.


    Xu Qing thought about it and decided to walk over. He handed over the spirit coins and booked the last room on the second floor. Before entering the room, he headed downstairs to the counter where the old man who was smoking a pipe asked.


    ¡°What¡¯s the point of buying those corpses?¡±


    The old man looked up and grinned.


    ¡°I have a little pet at home. They like it. What a pity, you still won¡¯t sell it to me. If you have such a thing in the future, remember to sell it to me. The price is negotiable.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and glanced at the old man before entering the room.


    Here, he checked carefully. After confirming that there was nothing wrong, Xu Qing pushed open the window and looked outside.


    In the darkness of the night, the city was pitch-black. The vast moonlight cascaded down, as though draping a mysterious veil over the black city.


    The whistling of the ship¡¯s flute on the distant sea was transmitted by the waves. Under the beam of the lighthouse, one could faintly see huge boats slowly approaching.


    Looking at these, Xu Qing recalled the words of the female disciple beside the teleportation array. He then realized in his heart that this city was like a deep pool, hiding too many dangers. He finally knew where the faint smell of blood came from. After all, he had added a hint of blood to this city earlier.


    This place was very different from the environment he had lived in before in terms of architecture and cleanliness. However, at the core, there didn¡¯t seem to be any difference.


    ¡°In the end, it¡¯s still the Chaotic Era¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled. He stopped thinking about these things and started to consider the entry test.


    ¡°Although there¡¯s a high chance that I¡¯ll be able to pass the test, I still have to be prepared. Once I fail, what should I do? Also, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor is currently my greatest threat. I have to improve myself as soon as possible and then kill him.¡±


    As these thoughts ran through his mind, the sky outside grew darker and darker. Although there were no roars or strange sounds from mutated beasts, as the wind blew in, the sounds of hooting and wanton laughter could be heard. It was the dark side of humanity.


    Xu Qing was used to this and didn¡¯t bother with it. He lowered his head and took out a sack.


    This item was something he had obtained from the Diamond Sect. He had also checked it on the way and was extremely shocked.


    This cloth bag looked very small, only the size of a palm. In reality, after opening it, it contained many things. There were so many items inside that it was the size of a bed.


    He had heard of such an item at the scavenger campsite. It was called a storage bag.


    A storage bag was an extremely rare item in the area Xu Qing had lived in previously. Its value was astonishing and it was very difficult to purchase.


    Just this storage bag was enough to make the Diamond Sect¡¯s heartache. Not to mention, there were many pill bottles inside that were filled with Clear Dust Pills.


    There were more than 30 of them.


    Compared to this, what made Xu Qing even more surprised was the 110 spirit stones inside!


    Xu Qing had never seen spirit stones before but Captain Lei had once imparted some knowledge to him during a meal and it included spirit stones.


    It was an item that was much more valuable than spirit coins. One piece was equivalent to 1,000 spirit coins and it was made from highly concentrated spirit energy. At critical moments, one could directly cultivate. Any piece of it was extremely valuable and Captain Lei had even described its appearance. That was why Xu Qing recognized it.


    These items were his greatest harvest from the Diamond Sect. As for the other miscellaneous items, they were nothing compared to his storage bag and spirit stones.


    Even though Xu Qing had checked many times on the way, he was still shocked by this windfall after he was done tidying up. This was the greatest fortune he had obtained since he was young.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t pass the test, then this sum of money should be enough for me to speed up my cultivation in this Seven Blood Eyes main city¡­¡± Xu Qing muttered and closed his eyes to begin cultivating.


    No matter where he was, no matter what the next test would be like, to Xu Qing, cultivation couldn¡¯t be stopped. This was the foundation of his existence in this world and it was also the best guarantee for his survival.


    After all, in this chaotic world, something that seemed eternal like the sunrise and sunset might change one day.


    Anything was possible.


    The only thing that didn¡¯t change was the survival of the fittest.


    Also¡­ in Xu Qing¡¯s experience, places with many people were even more dangerous than forbidden zones. This was because it was the most difficult to judge the viciousness of the human heart.


    This was especially so for this Seven Blood Eyes main city that clearly hid dangers and mysteries.


    To the youth, this place was also a forbidden zone.


    Another type of forbidden zone.

 Chapter 78 - Divine Blood (1)

    A night passed.


    Although the morning sun wasn¡¯t as strong as it was at noon, it still flowed domineeringly into the room through the window.


    It seemed that regardless of whether you were willing or not, as long as you didn¡¯t choose to hide under the eaves, it would land on the ground and land on you regardless of your objections.


    It wanted to use its warmth to awaken everyone who was sleeping.


    Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes.


    Looking at the light outside the window, his body seemed to have absorbed the summoning from the sunlight. As his blood and qi flowed, Xu Qing stood up.


    After stretching his body, he pushed open the door and cautiously surveyed his surroundings before disappearing into the distance.


    In the city, after daybreak, everything was different from the night.


    The breakfast shops opened one after another and it was the same for a large number of shops. The crowd slowly increased but it was still cold and hurried. It was as though everyone was surviving under immense pressure.


    However, occasionally, the sounds of children studying could be heard from the high walls. This seemed to represent that there was a certain level of order in this main city.


    Xu Qing, who was walking on the streets, thought of a medicinal herb called the Twin Flowers that Grandmaster Bai had introduced. It was a strange grass that coexisted with light and darkness. It was inseparable.


    ¡°Perhaps this is the norm in large cities?¡±


    Young people tend to accept new things faster than adults.


    This point was very well reflected by Xu Qing. It didn¡¯t take long for him to accept everything. After a simple breakfast, he also inquired about the time for the entry test.


    Regarding the entry test, the people in the city weren¡¯t unfamiliar with it. After learning that the daily test would be held at noon and at a certain location, Xu Qing spent the entire morning observing the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city. This was his habit.


    After some observation, Xu Qing gained some understanding of the structure of the main city. It was just that the time was too short and the main city was too big. It was the size of tens of thousands of scavenger campsites. At the same time, there were many areas that only the Seven Blood Eyes disciples could enter.


    Hence, it was difficult for him to observe everything at once.


    However, he also found a path that led to the city gate. After confirming the buildings on the way, Xu Qing looked at the sky and walked toward the test location he had inquired about.


    The location of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ entry test was located at the southern edge of the city, at the foot of the Truth Mountain Range.


    Further south were the seven giant peaks of the Seven Blood Eyes. From afar, seven winding mountain paths extended to different peaks amidst the greenery.


    In this place, there was a huge public square. At this moment, the surroundings of the public square were covered by a light screen, blocking out the people from the outside world. Only those with tokens could enter.


    When Xu Qing arrived, there were already dozens of people waiting in the surroundings of the square. These people were all around the age of 17 or 18 years old. Some of their clothes were plain, some were luxurious, some were clean, and some were covered in filth like Xu Qing.


    They were all people who had come from various places to participate in the test.


    At the center of the square, three middle-aged cultivators were standing there. The spirit energy fluctuations from each of them had reached a terrifying level. They seemed to be slightly stronger than the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    They chatted and laughed as they waited for the test to begin. However, their gazes would occasionally land on the surrounding disciples, as though they were weighing the pros and cons in their hearts.


    This scene made Xu Qing even more cautious.


    He wasn¡¯t good at socializing, so he quietly found a place. He wasn¡¯t too far away from the crowd, nor was he too close. As he stood there and waited, he also noticed that the people who were taking the test around him had a certain level of cultivation.


    This was especially so for a youth dressed in a long blue robe. He held a fan in his hand and while his clothes were luxurious, he was also very handsome. As he chatted and laughed, he attracted the attention of the other examinees in the surroundings.


    ¡°I¡¯ll share it with everyone.¡±


    ¡°The seven districts of the Seven Blood Eyes main city are divided into seven mountain peaks. These seven mountain peaks are all different in their expertise, so they each have their characteristics.


    ¡°For example, the Seventh Peak manages the port area. They have great authority and their cultivation arts are very special. Therefore, the combat strength of their disciples is astonishing. They travel far all year round and are accompanied by the Forbidden Sea.


    ¡°Another example is the First Peak. For example, the sharp swords of the sect are mostly used for training within the Phoenix Forbidden Land. Therefore, every single one of them is an incomparably cold-blooded battle cultivator. They rarely go out to sea and most of them use the forbidden zone as their tomb. They kill there and die there.


    ¡°These two peaks are the banners of the Seven Blood Eyes. Every year, too many people wanted to join them. However, these two peaks are very strict when it comes to accepting disciples. It¡¯s not that you chose them but that they chose you. Unless you have a specific token, you can¡¯t enter.¡±


    ¡°As for the other peaks, although they also require a token, it¡¯s a two-way choice. As long as one passes the test, one can register. Among them, the sixth summit has weapons refinement, the fifth summit has formations, the fourth summit has beast taming, the third summit has strange techniques, and the second summit specializes in alchemy.


    ¡°However, no matter which peak you join, before you reach the Foundation Establishment realm and have the right to gain benefits from the Seven Blood Eyes, your survival will be very cruel unless you are the owners of the core token. As for how cruel it is, you can experience it yourself after you pass the test.¡±


    The youth smiled as he introduced to the people around him. At the same time, he was also observing them. As for Xu Qing, who wasn¡¯t far away, after he heard these words, he noticed the cruelty in the other party¡¯s words as well as the seven-blood eyes¡¯ right to profit. He could understand the literal meaning of the former but he didn¡¯t understand the latter. His heart was filled with doubts, but now wasn¡¯t the time to think about these things.


    Right now, he was mainly analyzing which peak was more suitable for him.


    ¡°I¡¯m familiar with the forbidden zone.¡± Xu Qing felt that the First Summit was suitable for him but he didn¡¯t know if his token was qualified.

 Chapter 79 - Divine Blood (2)

    Just as he was pondering, the sound of a bell echoed from the seven distant mountain peaks.


    The three middle-aged cultivators in the square no longer laughed and chatted. Instead, they became solemn.


    One of them glanced at the dozens of testers outside and spoke calmly.


    ¡°Silence!¡±


    His voice wasn¡¯t loud but it sounded like thunder in everyone¡¯s ears.


    The blue-shirted youth immediately fell silent. The others also became nervous and looked at the middle-aged cultivator who spoke.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm as he lifted his head.


    ¡°The time for the test is now. There are a total of three tests. Those who pass all of them will be rewarded with 1,000 contribution points. If your overall ranking is first, the rewards are even greater. The first test is the mutation value in your bodies!¡±


    ¡°Now, everyone, step forward and hand over your tokens. Also, state your names. You can¡¯t hide it. Those who violate this will be severely punished!¡±


    As the middle-aged cultivator spoke, the blue-clothed youth rolled his eyes and was the first to walk onto the plaza. He handed over the token in his hand and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Disciple Zhou Qingpeng greets Senior.¡±


    His voice was loud and clear and when it fell into the ears of the three middle-aged cultivators, they all nodded.


    After that, the second person stepped forward. Very soon, when there were only six people left, Xu Qing walked onto the plaza and respectfully handed over his token. He hesitated for a moment before speaking in a deep voice.


    ¡°Disciple Xu Qing greets Senior.¡±


    After saying this, Xu Qing felt a little dazed. It had been a very, very long time since he had told others his name. To be precise, it had been almost seven years.


    After saying that, Xu Qing lowered his head and silently retreated.


    The three middle-aged men glanced at the token he handed over and didn¡¯t pay much attention to him.


    Just like that, when all the testers had completed this segment, the first test officially began.


    The first test was simple. As the middle-aged cultivator waved his hand, a ten-foot-tall green-colored mountain rock appeared out of thin air with a boom. It landed on the square and stirred up a cloud of dust.


    ¡°Follow the sequence just now and come up one by one. Just press your hand on them.¡±


    Zhou Qingpeng immediately went up.


    Xu Qing paid attention and saw that after the other party¡¯s hand pressed down on the stone, the green-colored stone instantly shone with light. A picture of a human body then appeared on its surface.


    More than 40 dots lit up in the pattern.


    ¡°42 points, not bad. Passed.¡± The middle-aged cultivator at the side nodded and called for the next person.


    Zhou Qingpeng¡¯s expression was a little smug as he took a few steps back and observed the others closely.


    Very soon, as everyone continued testing, Xu Qing also saw some clues.


    The higher the number of points, the greater the mutation value in one¡¯s body. Among them, many exceeded 100 points and were evaluated as unqualified.


    ¡°I should be someone who doesn¡¯t have¡­¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. He didn¡¯t wish to expose himself on the first day he was here without understanding the situation. This wasn¡¯t in line with his personality.


    However, being too mediocre might affect the sect¡¯s choice. Hence, Xu Qing lowered his head and looked at his shadow. He then slowly controlled it slightly, allowing it to fuse into his body.


    As he continued to extract anomalous substances, cries of surprise rang out from all directions.


    ¡°34 points, excellent!¡± The middle-aged cultivator¡¯s voice fluctuated slightly. Xu Qing immediately lifted his head and saw a girl who was about the same age as him standing beside the limestone.


    The girl¡¯s clothes were similar to his and her face was dirty. She was also a scavenger.


    She seemed to be very nervous and lowered her head, not daring to look at anyone. After bowing to the middle-aged cultivator, she quickly walked to the side.


    ¡°I think her name is Li Zimei.¡± Xu Qing recalled the other party¡¯s name and retracted his gaze before walking forward. When he reached the bluestone, he calmly lifted his hand and pressed it down.


    As the light shone, dozens of light spots slowly emerged from the human-shaped pattern. They seemed a little unstable and were still flickering.


    ¡°43 points. Not bad, passed.¡± The middle-aged cultivator swept his gaze over and nodded.


    Xu Qing hurriedly retracted his right hand and walked to the side. The anomalous substances in his body that he had suppressed earlier and prevented from being absorbed by the shadow quickly fused into the shadow and disappeared.


    43 points. This result couldn¡¯t be considered outstanding but it wasn¡¯t bad either. Xu Qing felt that it was enough.


    In reality, this was indeed the case. Out of the 60-odd participants, only 19 had a score below 50 and 20 had a score above 100.


    At that moment, these twenty people all had pale expressions.


    ¡°According to the comprehensive results of the three tests, the second test will test your will. Now, all of you, step forward and sit cross-legged.¡± The one who spoke was another of the three middle-aged men. This man had a horse-like face and a solemn expression. His voice was hoarse.


    As his voice rang out, everyone stepped forward and sat cross-legged. After Xu Qing sat down in the crowd, he lifted his head and looked at the long-faced middle-aged man. He wanted to know how his will was measured.


    The moment he looked over, the long-faced middle-aged man waved his hand and took out a small metal bottle. This bottle was silver in color and had a large number of runes carved on it. It looked very ancient and contained an extremely unique charm.


    After he took it out, his and the other two people¡¯s expressions became much more solemn.


    ¡°There¡¯s a drop of blood that has been diluted countless times. Once it¡¯s stimulated, it will form a deterrence. If you can¡¯t withstand it, you can bite the tip of your tongue and give up.¡±


    With that, he opened the bottle and poured the contents onto the bluestone.


    Xu Qing stared at it. Very soon, he saw a drop of golden liquid falling from the metal bottle. This liquid was very viscous and seemed to have formed its own body.


    The moment it landed on the huge green rock, the green rock immediately shone brightly. As the golden light spread in all directions, a roar that seemed to come from ancient times erupted from the place where the golden blood fell.


    As it erupted forth, it was as though a gigantic eye had manifested within.


    The vertical pupil of this eye had countless tentacles growing out of it, swaying as though they wanted to crawl out. It was extremely strange but at the same time, it also contained a hint of holiness.


    It was like a lofty god that looked down on all living beings, looking at everyone with incomparable coldness.


    All the examinees who were sitting cross-legged here felt a boom in their minds, as though heavenly lightning had exploded in their heads.


    All of their bodies trembled intensely, as though all the flesh and blood in their bodies had lost control and were about to separate from their bodies. At the same time that the feeling of being torn apart surfaced, their expressions changed rapidly.


    A tremor that originated from the depths of their souls, as well as an intense sense of crisis that originated from their instincts, erupted crazily in their hearts. This caused these testers to instantly lose their intelligence. Three of them even directly coughed out fresh blood and fell to the ground wailing.


    Even Zhou Qingpeng and Li Zimei¡¯s faces instantly turned pale. Their bodies trembled intensely and blood flowed from their noses. Their eyes were bloodshot.


    Only Xu Qing¡¯s body was trembling at this moment. However, the shock in his heart was even more intense.


    Because¡­ he was familiar with these eyes!


    It was exactly the same as what he saw when the god opened his eyes and looked at the sky. It couldn¡¯t be said that it was exactly the same but the feeling of deterrence was¡­


    The same!

 Chapter 80 - The Seventh Peak

    However, what was different was that the broken face of the god in the sky opened its eyes and its pupils turned into the shape of a cross.


    This illusory eye only had a vertical pupil.


    As for its might, it was like the difference between the blazing sun and a firefly. The former could instantly mutate an area into a forbidden zone, while the latter could only form a deterrence that could shake one¡¯s mind.


    Of course, this should have something to do with the illusory eye being formed by a drop of blood that had been diluted countless times. If it was pure blood, its might would be even more terrifying.


    However, no matter what, even if the real eye appeared, compared to the fragmented face of the god, there was still a world of difference.


    Even so, the shock Xu Qing felt was still incomparably intense. His body was only one aspect but what caused waves in his heart was that this matter had broken his understanding.


    ¡°Could it be that the Seven Blood Eyes can already extract the flesh and blood of gods?¡±


    ¡°This is impossible¡­ The two give me the same feeling but it¡¯s clearly not the same. In that case, there¡¯s a high chance that there are existences similar to gods in this world?¡±


    This guess caused Xu Qing¡¯s breathing to become even more hurried. He stared at the illusory eye on the limestone and a strong desire to learn more about this world arose in his heart.


    At the same time, as the pressure rumbled, the people on the plaza spat out mouthfuls of blood one after another. Half of them couldn¡¯t hold on and were sent out by the long-faced cultivator with a wave of his hand.


    Very soon, only three people persisted.


    Zhou Qingpeng wasn¡¯t among them. Among the three of them, there was Li Zimei and an ordinary-looking youth. Although the youth¡¯s clothes weren¡¯t like scavengers¡¯, they were plain and simple. He came from a small city.


    At that moment, his persistence had reached its limit. Very soon, blood gushed out and he had no choice but to give up. After that, it was Li Xiaomei¡¯s turn.


    As for the last of the three, it was naturally Xu Qing.


    Willpower could be faked.


    However, this time around, Xu Qing didn¡¯t wish to lie in front of such a god-like cold existence.


    He instinctively didn¡¯t want to submit to the other party.


    Hence, he stared at the illusory eye and his entire body tensed up. His heart pounded with unprecedented intensity as he cooperated with his will to fight against the illusory eye.


    ¡°Under the gaze of the god¡¯s fragmented face, I struggled to survive. At this moment, the pressure formed by this drop of blood that has been diluted countless times cannot make me submit!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes slowly turned bloodshot and his body trembled. At that moment, it was as though all the flesh and blood in his body were screaming. However, under the suppression of the powerful will he had tempered in the slums and the forbidden zone¡¯s jungle, he was firmly in control.


    At that moment, he was the only one still resisting in the entire plaza. This scene caused the hearts of all the examinees in the surroundings to tremble violently and they all looked at Xu Qing in shock.


    Even the long-faced middle-aged man and the other two cultivators turned their gazes to Xu Qing with astonished expressions.


    This was because Xu Qing had persisted for a very long time.


    This year¡¯s test had been carried out for a month. So far, there were only three people who had persisted for so long like Xu Qing.


    ¡°I wonder if this kid can survive the last wave of attacks.¡±


    ¡°No one has succeeded in this test this year.¡±


    As the three middle-aged cultivators transmitted their voices to each other, more than half of the golden liquid on the bluestone had dissipated. However¡­ at the instant when it was about to completely dissipate, the illusory eye on top of the bluestone suddenly moved. Its gaze then shifted from scattered to locked onto Xu Qing.


    An even more terrifying pressure gathered on Xu Qing¡¯s body at this instant. It was as though the gods wanted to make all things submit, suppressing them with an earth-shattering rumble.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled intensely and his head slowly lowered as though it was being pressed down by a mountain.


    This scene caused the expressions of the three cultivators to turn serious as they observed carefully.


    However, in the process of lowering his head, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled even more intensely. In the end, he slowly lifted his head again. The veins on his forehead bulged, and his blood-colored eyes revealed a wolf-like coldness that contained unyieldingness.


    The instant he looked at the illusory eye, the seventh level of the Mountains and Seas Art, Body Refinement, erupted from his body at this moment. It rapidly transformed behind him and quickly formed a pitch-black shadow.


    This figure was tens of feet tall and its entire body was pitch-black. It had two spiral horns on its head and a pair of purple eyes. Its bloody mouth suddenly opened and let out a soundless roar toward the illusory eye.


    ROAR!!!


    Xu Qing also let out a low roar and made contact with the illusory eye on the limestone.


    At the next moment, his entire body trembled as though a heavy hammer had smashed into his mind. As blood spurted out, the shadow behind him dissipated. However, the illusory eye on the limestone also turned blurry at this instant and finally dissipated.


    It was over.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried and he forcefully endured the headache. After a long time, he struggled to stand up and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. He then cupped his fists toward the three middle-aged cultivators who were standing there with deep gazes. After that, he turned and silently walked down the plaza.


    In the surroundings of the plaza, everyone who couldn¡¯t hold on earlier all looked at Xu Qing as though they were looking at a monster. Their faces were filled with disbelief and horror.


    ¡°Qi and blood¡­ Blood and Qi Shadow Formation? This only appears when one¡¯s body is at the great circle of perfection in Body Refinement. It¡¯s comparable to the great circle of Qi Condensation!¡± An uncertain voice echoed out.


    At the next moment, gasps rang out one after another.


    Only Xu Qing stood there silently with his eyes closed. He could sense that the pain in his mind was slowly dissipating at this moment. There seemed to be an even stronger perception growing.


    It was like forging. After repeated tempering, one¡¯s edge would be revealed.


    In reality, the second test was also like this, containing good fortune. However, those who could obtain it were as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns.


    This caused Xu Qing to be stunned. After a careful examination, he discovered that his perception seemed to be much sharper than before. It was as though his will had become more tenacious. He had no way to prove the latter but his senses couldn¡¯t be wrong.


    ¡°Very good!¡±


    On the square, the three middle-aged cultivators who were in charge of the test revealed looks of admiration as they looked at Xu Qing. The long-faced cultivator even nodded at him.


    ¡°Your name is Xu Qing, right? The ultimate suppressor who can survive the second test will have a great increase in his mental strength. By using the blood of a divine creature as a whetstone, the tempered will will be incomparably tenacious!¡±


    ¡°A divine creature?¡± Xu Qing looked at the long-faced cultivator.


    The other party didn¡¯t explain. He retracted his gaze and stopped talking. At that moment, the third test began.


    The person presiding over the third test was one of the three.


    This person had a round face and small eyes but the sharpness in his gaze was very sharp. After he walked out, he swept his gaze across everyone and spoke calmly.


    ¡°The third test is actual combat. Fight against mutated beasts in an illusion array.¡±


    After saying this, the round-faced middle-aged man pointed at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you don¡¯t have to participate. Your body refinement has reached the level where your qi and blood can turn into shadows. You already possess the combat strength of the great circle of perfection. There¡¯s no difference if you participate in the third round of the test or not. I¡¯ll allow you to pass the first round.¡±


    As soon as he spoke, the other examinees in the surroundings were filled with envy but they could say nothing. Just now, the shadow behind Xu Qing had completely intimidated them.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior.¡± Xu Qing lowered his head when he heard this. He then cupped his fists and bowed deeply.


    He wasn¡¯t good with words but he knew that he had to be polite when facing good intentions.


    Very soon, the third test began. As he watched the others entering the square one after another, Xu Qing decided to sit down cross-legged and recuperate his spirit. By the time the third test ended, his spirit had mostly recovered.


    Through this recovery, Xu Qing deeply understood that his perception seemed to have doubled compared to before.


    Specifically, it showed that he could instantly sense the movement of the wind and grass within a certain range. This scene caused his heart to race and his eyes to shine.


    ¡°To think that there¡¯s such feedback from tempering my will¡­ I have to test out my control over the shadow when I get back. It should be more agile now.¡±


    While Xu Qing was in deep thought, the third test ended very quickly.


    Everyone returned to their original positions and nervously waited for the results. Xu Qing also stood up and looked at the three middle-aged cultivators who were communicating with each other.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that the first peak requires a specific token¡­¡± Xu Qing lowered his head and looked at the token in his hand. He didn¡¯t know which peak he would be arranged to enter next.


    Not long later, the announcement for the start of the competition was made. Among the 60-odd people, half of them were eliminated.


    Those who were eliminated all had pale expressions. Those who didn¡¯t pass the entry test were told that they had to leave the Seven Blood Eyes within two hours. After that, they would be killed by the array formation.


    The word ¡°kill¡± caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to narrow. It also caused those eliminated to have extremely bitter expressions.


    However, leaving wasn¡¯t the only option.


    They were told that if they had enough spirit stones to purchase contribution points, they could also stay in the main city. However, the cost would be the same as the commoners, 30 spirit coins or 30 contribution points a day.


    As for the disciples who passed the test, although they would also consume 30 contribution points a day, they would gain an additional right to purchase the cultivation resources of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Xu Qing was a little ignorant about this and didn¡¯t understand it very well. However, he believed that he would be able to clarify everything very soon.


    Not long later, the remaining people who passed the assessment were told one after another that they belonged to the mountain peak.


    ¡°Zhen Han, First Peak.¡±


    ¡°Zhao Chungang, Third Peak.¡±


    ¡°Zhou Qingpeng, Seventh peak.¡±


    ¡­


    Among them, five people went to the first peak, three to the seventh peak, and six to seven people to the remaining five peaks.


    As the long-faced cultivator¡¯s voice rose and fell, Xu Qing waited silently. He didn¡¯t hear his name.


    Not long later, Xu Qing lifted his head and his gaze froze.


    ¡°Xu Qing, Seventh Peak.¡±


    After the long-faced cultivator called out Xu Qing¡¯s name, he swept his gaze across the youths in front of him and calmly spoke.


    ¡°All of you who passed the test will be rewarded with 1,000 contribution points each. The person ranked first is Xu Qing. He will be rewarded with 10,000 contribution points.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he heaved a sigh of relief. He felt that the Seventh Peak was also very good. At the same time, he was also shocked by the amount of reward money.


    He secretly did some calculations. The contribution points and spirit coins were equal in value. 10,000 contribution points equaled 10,000 spirit coins. If he counted them as spirit stones, it would be 10 spirit stones.


    ¡°So many!¡± Xu Qing was a little surprised.


    At this moment, after the long-faced cultivator finished speaking, he took out the jade slip and operated it. Very soon, Xu Qing felt his token trembling. When he lowered his head to take a look, the pattern on the front of the token automatically distorted and transformed into an ancient text that represented 10,000 words.


    But very soon, the number changed to 9999, a little less.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    The other disciples who passed the test also sensed the changes in their tokens one after another. All of them had rueful expressions on their faces. As the long-faced cultivator summoned them, they were taken away in batches.


    The round-faced cultivator beside him walked toward Xu Qing. After he got close, he glanced at Xu Qing¡¯s token and smiled.


    ¡°Stop looking. I¡¯ll introduce them to you later.¡±


    With that, he summoned the other disciples who had joined the Seventh Peak and called out to Xu Qing as they walked toward the mountain path that led to the Seventh Peak.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll bring you guys to the Seventh Peak¡¯s mountain gate. You guys have to cherish it because this might be your only time going up the mountain!¡±

 Chapter 81 - Making a Living from Boats (1)

    At that moment, under the setting sun, the afterglow scattered on the mountain path, as though it was draping a layer of orange-yellow gauze over the stone steps, adding a hint of holiness.


    It was as though walking on it and stepping on the sunlight could lead one to glory.


    On both sides of the mountain path, green leaves, flowers, and grass could be seen everywhere. The fragrance and the smell of soil blended into the mountain breeze that blew past. As the humidity gushed into his face, it seeped into his mind and permeated his entire body.


    The surrounding trees provided shade and the crisp chirping of birds could be heard from time to time. It was as though they were composing a tune for the future of everyone who had walked through this mountain path, including the group of people here.


    Among the group of five, the one at the front was the round-faced middle-aged man. He had his hands behind his back and introduced the sect to Xu Qing and the others as he walked.


    ¡°Since you guys have successfully entered the Seven Blood Eyes, let me explain the sect to you. Actually, in my opinion, the Seven Blood Eyes isn¡¯t a sect.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s more like a hugely profitable business in the name of the sect!¡±


    The round-faced middle-aged man spoke calmly. When his words fell into the ears of the four people behind him, it caused the hearts of these newly-joined youths to tremble.


    Among the four people, other than Xu Qing, the other three were Zhou Qingpeng, Li Zimei, and a young girl.


    The girl¡¯s name was Xu Xiaohui. She had a ponytail and wore ordinary clothes. Clearly, she wasn¡¯t from a wealthy family but she was much better off than scavengers. She should have come from a small city.


    1


    On the way, she expressed her goodwill to Xu Qing. However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t good at socializing and didn¡¯t like people getting too close to him. Hence, he only nodded. Very soon, this young girl started to curry favor with Zhou Qingpeng.


    Zhou Qingpeng¡¯s smile was gentle, contrary to Xu Qing¡¯s reticence. This caused the young girl to feel closer to him. The two of them would occasionally whisper to each other on the way.


    As for Li Xiaomei, she seemed to be very reserved and felt a little inferior. Hence, she was at the end of the group and kept a certain distance from everyone.


    1


    However, Zhou Qingpeng paid a lot of attention to her and Xu Qing. Hence, he would occasionally take the initiative to reveal a smile, causing Li Zimei to feel less reserved.


    At that moment, the mountain breeze blew past, lifting everyone¡¯s hair. It also transmitted the words of the round-faced middle-aged man.


    ¡°The Seven Blood Eyes are divided into the top of the mountain and the bottom of the mountain. You can see them as two different worlds which is indeed the case. You people¡­ are people from the bottom of the mountain.


    ¡°Only those who have reached the Foundation Building Realm are qualified to ascend the mountain and have the right to distribute the benefits of the Seven Blood Eyes. As for the people at the foot of the mountain, they live in cruelty and hardship and can only struggle.


    ¡°So to the people at the foot of the mountain, going up the mountain is the greatest desire in their lives. Do you know how many people are in the main city at the foot of the mountain?¡± The round-faced middle-aged man glanced at the four youths behind him.


    ¡°Three million people!¡± He raised his right hand and extended three fingers.


    ¡°These three million people include the commoners and all the low-level disciples of the various peaks. You will also be one of them. You need to survive under the rules of the Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    ¡°The rules of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city are very simple. They are contribution points. For everyone at the foot of the mountain, be it commoners or disciples, the fee for staying in the main city every day is 30 contribution points, which is 30 spirit coins.


    ¡°It will be deducted every day. Once the number on the jade slip token reaches zero, one will be expelled from the Seven Blood Eyes. It¡¯s the same for commoners and disciples.¡±


    ¡°If you forcefully stay, you will be killed by the array formation in two hours.¡±


    The round-faced cultivator¡¯s words caused the expressions of Xu Qing and the other three to change. Even though Zhou Qingpeng had some understanding of this, when he heard this rule again, fear still appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°This is only the basic residency fee. As for food and accommodation, it¡¯s up to you. Survival of the fittest. The prices of goods in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city are extremely high but the highest of them all is still cultivation resources.¡±


    Hearing the round-faced cultivator¡¯s words, Xu Qing fell silent. The other three were also intimidated by this harsh statement. Xu Xiaohui hesitated for a moment before asking in a low voice.


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, why are there still so many commoners here? 30 spirit coins a day¡­ that¡¯s one spirit stone a month. This is too expensive. Besides, we have obtained the status of disciples and we have to pay contribution points as well. What¡¯s the use of being a disciple?¡±


    The round-faced middle-aged man glanced at Xu Xiaohui.


    ¡°The commoners who were able to teleport here at such a high price are all capable people. The reason why they fought to be the first to arrive was that the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city protects the commoners. Disciples can¡¯t slaughter the innocent. Also¡­ there¡¯s a formation here that isolates anomalous substances, allowing one¡¯s lifespan to increase.¡±


    ¡°Compared to the anomalous substances pervading the outside world and ferocious beasts causing people to flee for their lives everywhere, the main city of the Seven Blood Eyes is naturally the place of their dreams.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the use of becoming a disciple?¡±


    ¡°Firstly, the cultivation resources are only open to those who have obtained the qualifications to become a disciple. Others can¡¯t buy them and it¡¯s strictly forbidden for them to be circulated outside. Once caught, they will definitely die.


    ¡°Secondly, only disciples who cultivate the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ cultivation method can have the right to ascend the mountain and obtain the right to distribute benefits after cultivating the Seven Blood Eyes to the Foundation Establishment Realm. Therefore, you all have to work harder in the future. Although the sect doesn¡¯t allow internal strife on the surface, every month¡­ there are still quite many disciples who mysteriously disappear from the city. Regarding this, the sect mostly turns a blind eye. After all, it¡¯s normal for deaths and injuries to occur when cultivating Gu.


    ¡°However, once an external Foundation Building cultivator makes a move against you Qi Condensation disciples, the person who makes a move will be severely punished. This is considered breaking the rules of the Seven Blood Eyes. Of course, the sect doesn¡¯t care about external Qi Condensation cultivators.¡±


    The round-faced cultivator smiled meaningfully.


    When Xu Qing heard these words, he heaved a sigh of relief. This was one of the reasons he came to the Seven Blood Eyes.

 Chapter 82 - Making a Living from Boats (2)

    At this moment, Li Xiaomei hesitated before asking.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then how can the sect make the disciples who grew up in such an environment feel a sense of belonging? How can the sect itself be cohesive?¡±


    The round-faced cultivator laughed.


    ¡°Cohesion? What is cohesion? Friendship is one type, gratitude is another type, and reverence is another type. However, these aren¡¯t firm. In this cruel chaotic world, true belonging and true cohesion are benefits!¡±


    1


    ¡°As long as a Seven Blood Eyes disciple breaks through to the Foundation Establishment realm with the Seven Blood Eyes cultivation technique, they will be able to obtain the qualifications to ascend the mountain. They can also obtain the right to distribute the profits of the Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    ¡°The monthly income of the Seven Blood Eyes is public. It comes from the living expenses of everyone, the trading of cultivation resources, as well as the exchange of goods at the port. About 500 million spirit coins are entering the account every day. If it¡¯s converted to spirit stones, it¡¯ll be 500,000 spirit stones and the monthly income will be 15 million spirit stones.


    ¡°These benefits will be distributed according to the rights and interests of different cultivation levels. Other than the sect keeping a portion of the daily expenses, the rest will be distributed to all disciples at the Foundation Establishment realm and above.¡±


    ¡°The higher one¡¯s cultivation level is, the more they will be allocated. Early-stage Foundation Building disciples can receive about 5,000 spirit stones a month. If they reach the Core Formation Realm, they will receive at least tens of thousands of spirit stones a month.


    ¡°This is why I said that the Seven Blood Eyes is more like an industry. All the Foundation Establishment disciples who have been promoted to the mountain are equivalent to investing in this industry. As long as the Seven Blood Eyes exists, there will be a day of profit!¡±


    ¡°So, do you think that when an external enemy wants to plunder your assets, you will watch helplessly as your interests are taken away and not take action?¡±


    As the round-faced cultivator¡¯s voice rang out, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed a deep light. He now had a thorough understanding of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The cohesiveness in troubled times. Perhaps it was really as the other party said. Benefits could bind everything.


    Li Xiaomei fell silent as well.


    The round-faced cultivator smiled faintly. He had brought many batches of new disciples with him. Just like what he had said earlier, he had said it many times. In this chaotic world, benefits were something that had never changed. At this moment, at the foot of the mountain.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you guys about the prosperity of the Seven Blood Eyes. Look over there. That¡¯s the largest port in the entire Nanhuang Continent. There is an endless stream of ships coming and going on normal days. No matter which power in the outside world transports goods, or if the disciples of the other peaks head out to the sea to complete their missions, most of them have to pass through us. The seventh peak controls this port area.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, boats are the key to the cultivation of the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples. We call them magic boats.¡±


    Xu Qing followed the direction of his finger. At that moment, under the glow of the setting sun, he could see the main city¡¯s port below.


    Near the sea, many horseshoe-shaped harbors were dug out. Each of them was very large and seemed to be able to accommodate a large number of boats. There were quite a lot of such harbors, numbering in the hundreds.


    It was majestic and spread far away. At the same time, the overall color was also different. Half of it was white and there were many huge merchant ships inside. There was also half a harbor and the buildings inside were mostly purple.


    From afar, the boats in the purple zone were all very small and densely packed.


    Other than that, every harbor had a gate and a tall lighthouse.


    ¡°Outside the white zone, the purple zone is the residence of the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples.¡±


    ¡°The boat inside is the magic boat I mentioned earlier!¡± The round-faced cultivator¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°My Seventh Peak¡¯s magic boat is famous in the entire Nanhuang Continent. It is also the core and soul of our disciples¡¯ cultivation.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your cave abode, your mount, your companion in battle, and a necessity for obtaining resources. You can completely treat the magic boat as a magic treasure!¡±


    When the round-faced cultivator said this, Li Zimei and Xu Xiaohui¡¯s eyes widened. It was obvious that they knew about the existence of magic treasures. Zhou Qingpeng¡¯s eyes also shone with a strange light, filled with intense anticipation.


    Xu Qing was the same. His heart trembled. He was very clear about the value and rarity of magic treasures. Hence, he looked at the purple area at the harbor again. However, the densely-packed boats there made him feel that they were somewhat in conflict with the rarity of magic treasures.


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s not a magic treasure with a true meaning. However, the magic boats of my Seventh Peak have the potential to grow. As your cultivation realm increases and you continue to refine them, sooner or later, they can become magic treasures.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, having one¡¯s own magic boat is the greatest dream and pursuit for every disciple who has just entered the Seventh Peak.¡±


    ¡°However, the most basic magic boat also needs to be exchanged. It requires 100,000 contribution points, which is 100 spirit stones.¡±


    ¡°In addition, only disciples with magic boats are qualified to be randomly assigned to work and cultivate in the harbor.¡±


    ¡°As for disciples who don¡¯t have a magic boat, they can only search for ways to earn money on their own. The limit is three years. If they can¡¯t accumulate enough contribution points to exchange for a magic boat within three years, their cultivation will be taken back and they will be expelled.


    ¡°That¡¯s because the cultivation technique of my Seventh Peak is related to the sea. By combining it with the cultivation of the magic boat and borrowing the spirit-gathering array within, it will yield twice the result with half the effort. Oh right, cultivation techniques are free. You can obtain them by becoming a disciple.¡±


    Hearing the words of the round-faced middle-aged man, Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred. While he was attracted by the Seventh Peak¡¯s special magic boat, he also gradually gained a better understanding of the Seventh Peak.


    The magic boat was a crucial item for the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples.


    Disciples who owned a magic boat would have their responsibilities assigned to them and they had the right to stay in the harbor¡¯s purple-colored sea area. Therefore, the round-faced middle-aged man had previously said that the boat was a cave abode. However, it seemed that living there would require contribution points.

 Chapter 83 - Making a Living from Boats (3)

    As for the disciples who didn¡¯t have a boat, they could only do odd jobs on the shore. They struggled to cultivate and had to work hard to accumulate contribution points every day.


    It was also because the other summits and even the entire Nanhuang Continent had to travel through this place when they went out to sea. Hence, there were many times when they had to rent a boat from the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples. This was also a way to earn contribution points.


    In the entire Seventh Peak, the vast majority of disciples were like this. Everyone was working hard to survive, wanting to break through to the Foundation Establishment realm and obtain the right to distribute the benefits of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°Therefore, the magic boat and cultivation base are the keys to whether one can survive on the seventh peak before reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm.¡±


    ¡°I have to exchange for a magic boat as soon as possible!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he felt an intense sense of urgency.


    1


    Just like that, under the introduction of the round-faced cultivator, Xu Qing and the others followed him to the middle of the mountain. This was the place where all the functions of the identity token were unlocked for new disciples. At the same time, there were also cultivation arts and Daoist robes.


    There was only one type of Daoist robe and that was the gray one.


    The gray-colored Daoist robe was the basic clothing of all Seven Blood Eyes¡¯s peak disciples. As long as a disciple unlocked their identity token, they would be given it for free.


    However, opening the token required 1,000 contribution points. After opening it, the token recorded everyone¡¯s basic information and contribution points. It could also be used for communication.


    As everyone obtained their cultivation arts and activated their identity tokens one after another, they obtained a gray Daoist robe. Xu Qing held it in his hand and sensed the weak spirit energy fluctuations emitted from it. He knew that the material of this Daoist robe was extraordinary.


    It felt very soft and wouldn¡¯t easily crease. If it was placed in the outside world, the value of this Daoist robe would probably be quite high.


    Li Xiaomei, who was at the side, was similar to Xu Qing. She was also stroking her Daoist robe and her eyes revealed determination. Beside her, Xu Xiaohui looked at Zhou Qingpeng.


    Zhou Qingpeng blinked. After his gaze swept past the round-faced cultivator and the sect senior who was distributing the supplies, he suddenly spoke softly.


    ¡°Senior, I want to buy a magic boat.¡±


    The round-faced cultivator smiled when he heard this. The person distributing the supplies was a skinny old man. He rolled his eyes and glanced at Zhou Qingpeng as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°100,000 contribution points, or 100 spirit stones.¡± As soon as the skinny old man spoke, both Li Xiaomei and Xu Xiaohui sucked in a breath. To them, 100 spirit stones was an unimaginable sum of money.


    At that moment, Zhou Qingpeng hurriedly stepped forward and took out a golden note, respectfully handing it over.


    ¡°The second peak¡¯s spirit ticket? Sure.¡± The old man took it and looked at it. After that, he took out a purple brocade box and pushed it over. After that, he raised his head and looked at the others.


    ¡°Do any of you still want to exchange?¡±


    Li Xiaomei and Xu Xiaohui lowered their heads. After some thought, Xu Qing endured the pain and stepped forward to take out 100 spirit stones from his leather pouch, placing them in front of the skinny old man.


    The old man didn¡¯t say a word. Under the envy of Li Zimei and Xu Xiaohui and the sidelong glance of Zhou Qingpeng, he also gave him a brocade box.


    Xu Qing took it and opened it. There were only two items in the brocade box: a jade slip and a small transparent bottle.


    The small bottle was very strange. It was only the size of a palm and half of it was filled with a liquid that looked like seawater. Above the seawater, there was a small boat with a black canopy!


    This small boat was completely black and looked simple. However, upon closer inspection, one would discover that every plank on the boat was filled with a large number of runes. Even though the entire boat was separated by a bottle, it still emitted waves of extraordinary pressure.


    It could be said that whether it was the bottle itself or the small boat, their value far exceeded 100 spirit stones. As for the jade slip, it recorded information about the small boat.


    ¡°Alright, you guys can leave the mountain now. Remember not to spread the cultivation arts and magic boats to outsiders. Otherwise¡­ you¡¯ll end up in a very miserable state.¡± The round-faced middle-aged man¡¯s voice interrupted Xu Qing¡¯s observation.


    ¡°Xu Xiaohui and Li Zimei, the two of you should work harder. Take care of yourselves and strive to obtain the magic boat as soon as possible. As for Zhou Qingpeng and Xu Qing, your identity tokens contain information about your roles. You can go on your own.¡±


    The four of them immediately cupped their fists toward the round-faced cultivator. Just as Xu Qing was about to leave, he was stopped by the round-faced cultivator.


    ¡°Xu Qing.¡±


    Xu Qing turned his head and looked respectfully at the round-faced cultivator.


    ¡°Among low-level cultivators, you¡¯re very strong. You¡¯re clearly at the seventh level of Body Refinement but you managed to form the qi and blood shadow that only those at the great circle of Body Refinement have. It can be seen that your talent isn¡¯t bad. It can be said that among low-level cultivators, you¡¯re already an expert. Killing some miscellaneous cultivators, as well as those at the ninth or tenth level of Qi Condensation, is also an easy feat.¡±


    ¡°However, body refinement is relatively simple. It¡¯s just the accumulation of speed, strength, and recovery. This isn¡¯t the Great Dao.¡±


    ¡°The Great Dao of us cultivators is to cultivate laws! I advise you to re-cultivate laws in the future. The spirit energy in your body is too weak. It¡¯s fine when you face miscellaneous cultivators but if you face a large sect¡¯s disciple, you¡¯ll be at a disadvantage!¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his heart trembled.


    ¡°Also, I don¡¯t know where you lived before but I believe that danger lurked in every corner, so you developed some instinctive habits of yours.


    ¡°Habits?¡± Xu Qing was stunned.


    ¡°Seeing that this is a test I performed for you, let me remind you. For example, when you walk, your right hand hardly moves and your index and middle fingers are always on guard. I¡¯m guessing that in the leather pouch on your right, there¡¯s a needle-shaped or throwing-knife-type weapon that can be clamped between two fingers. It¡¯ll be convenient for you to take it out at any time.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression froze. This was the first time someone had seen through him so clearly.


    ¡°However, I advise you not to treat habits as nature. If that¡¯s the case, it¡¯ll be very easy for others to see through you and you¡¯ll be at a disadvantage. You have to know that there are no traces. Hiding a needle in cotton is the way of our generation.¡±


    The round-faced middle-aged man smiled as he spoke. He didn¡¯t look sharp at all. This time, he reminded this disciple in front of him. To him, it was just a small investment.


    However, Xu Qing felt a chill down his spine. He stood there and took a deep breath before bowing deeply to the other party.


    Even when he was far away, Xu Qing¡¯s heart was still echoing with the other party¡¯s words. He lowered his head and looked at his right hand, trying his best to control it and make it more natural.


    Under this attempt at control, his right hand slowly changed. It was no longer stiff but a little more natural. However, if one took a closer look, they would be able to see that there seemed to be sharpness hidden in every shake of this nature.


    On his way down the mountain, he kept trying. In the wilderness far away from the Seven Blood Eyes, in an unfamiliar scavenger campsite, Old Master Seventh was squatting on a rooftop. He looked with interest at a youth not far away who was fighting a wild dog. The youth¡¯s mouth was stained with the flesh and blood of the dog and his expression seemed to be bloodthirsty.


    Seeing this scene, admiration appeared in Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes.


    Beside him, the servant was also squatting there. At that moment, he took out the jade slip and checked it before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°Old Master Seventh, the kid has reached the Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    ¡°What kid?¡± Old Master Seventh looked at the youth in front of him and casually asked.


    The servant smiled bitterly and explained in a low voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s that youth who couldn¡¯t bear to wear his new clothes before he killed. You even helped him speak to Grandmaster Bai to teach him the way of plants and vegetation. After that, you gave him a white token.¡±


    Old Master Seventh had a dazed look on his face as he nodded. When he recalled Xu Qing, his eyes once again revealed admiration.


    ¡°I remember now. That was a good and loyal kid.¡±


    ¡°Do you need to give him special care?¡± the servant asked.


    Old Master Seventh waved his hand.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need. In this chaotic world, if you want to survive, you have to rely on yourself to work hard. If he can finally rely on himself and reach me, I¡¯ll give him a piece of good fortune.¡± As he spoke, Old Master Seventh pointed at the youth fighting with the wild dogs not far away.


    ¡°Do you think this youth or that kid is more like a wolf cub?¡±


    The servant looked at the youth Old Master Seventh was referring to and smiled bitterly. He had answered similar questions several times. This was the ninth child Old Master Seventh had taken a liking to since he was a child.


    ¡°They¡¯re all about the same.¡±


    When Old Master Seventh heard this, he turned his head to glance at the servant and suddenly laughed.


    ¡°I helped the kid speak to Grandmaster Bai and gave him the white token. This was originally a favor from me but this doesn¡¯t mean that I have to accept him as my disciple. I don¡¯t owe him anything. I¡¯m just giving him a chance.¡±


    ¡°While it¡¯s true that I wanted to take in a fourth disciple, when I took in my third back then, I only managed to get him after giving out over 50 white tokens. You haven¡¯t spent much time with me, so you don¡¯t know my


    5

 Chapter 84 - Colleagues (1)

    At that moment, the setting sun was approaching dusk.


    The afterglow scattered on the mountain path and gradually dimmed.


    Xu Qing carried the brocade box on his back and looked at the sky. His mind recalled the words of the round-faced cultivator and his understanding of the Seven Blood Eyes became clear.


    He knew that this main city looked orderly but in reality, it hid tremendous dangers. This was especially so at night, where the malice from all directions was even more intense. There would always be people who chose to bare their fangs to others to better survive.


    There was no right or wrong in this.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t wish to become nourishment for others to better survive. Hence, he touched the brocade box on his back and prepared to find a dark place to store it in his storage bag without anyone noticing.


    Hence, he quickened his pace.


    Not long later, he descended the mountain path and saw two figures who had changed into gray Daoist robes at the foot of the mountain.


    The man and woman were Zhou Qingpeng and Xu Xiaohui.


    Xu Xiaohui had a beautiful appearance. Although the gray robe hid her graceful figure, regardless of whether it was her chest or the slight bulge on her butt, it made the gray robe give her an additional seductive charm.


    As for Zhou Qingpeng, he was handsome to begin with. At that moment, with his gray Daoist robe on, he looked very elegant, causing Xu Xiaohui¡¯s gaze to turn blurry.


    She just didn¡¯t know if it was Zhou Qingpeng or his magic boat that she was in a daze about.


    Seeing Xu Qing¡¯s figure appear, Zhou Qingpeng laughed and walked toward him.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you¡¯re finally down. I¡¯ve been waiting for you for a while.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as usual but his heart was filled with vigilance. He didn¡¯t get close and only lifted his head to look at Zhou Qingpeng¡¯s neck from 70 to 80 feet away. His right hand casually rested beside the pocket where the black iron stick was hidden.


    ¡°We are all disciples of the Seventh Peak and entered the sect in the same batch. Moreover, we aren¡¯t very familiar with each other in the sect, so I think we should get closer.¡±


    ¡°This way, if anything happens in the future, I¡¯ll have one more friend and one more connection.¡± Zhou Qingpeng¡¯s attitude was sincere as he cupped his fists at Xu Qing.


    When Xu Qing heard this, his vigilance didn¡¯t decrease. However, he felt that what the other party said made sense, so he nodded.


    The smile on Zhou Qingpeng¡¯s face was still the same and he simply said a few words. He saw that Xu Qing didn¡¯t like to speak, so he exchanged communications information from afar before bidding farewell and leaving with Xu Xiaohui.


    Looking at their departing figures, Xu Qing lowered his head and looked at the identity token in his hand. The communication information that the other party had exchanged earlier was using this token as a medium.


    ¡°I can speak with this?¡± Xu Qing curiously sized it up. As the spirit energy in his body gushed in, the information within the token instantly appeared in his mind.


    This made him feel very strange, so he continued to study it as he moved forward.


    When he entered the city, he found a corner and placed the brocade box on his back into his storage bag. He didn¡¯t change into a gray Daoist robe. He was still wearing that dirty leather coat.


    If it was during the day, his scavenger attire would be very eye-catching in this clean and tidy main city. However, it was nighttime now, so it was more convenient for him to hide. At the same time, he felt that this attire could also avoid some troubles that he couldn¡¯t resolve.


    After all, most scavengers were very poor. Those who could target him naturally wouldn¡¯t be experts, so he could handle them.


    At the same time, he also studied the effects of the identity token and knew how to transmit his voice. He also saw the information about the department he was in.


    ¡°The Homicide Department?¡± Xu Qing mumbled. Although he didn¡¯t understand the functions of the department, he could guess a thing or two from its name. This department seemed very savage and dangerous.


    As for the registration time, the information stated that it would be tomorrow. At the same time, in this identity token, there was also the location of his small boat.


    For disciples who owned a magic boat, the sect would allocate their own berths and give them a month¡¯s rent-free period. After a month, they would have to pay a fee. The price was 30,000 contribution points per month, which was 30 spirit stones. If they didn¡¯t pay, their berths would be automatically cancelled.


    ¡°The 79th Port, ¡®Xuan¡¯ No. 33?¡± Xu Qing lifted his head and looked in the direction of the sea. His figure flashed in the darkness as he moved forward rapidly with deep vigilance, trying his best not to reveal his tracks.


    Just like that, time flowed by. Very soon, dusk was far away and night fell.


    Thousands of households in the city closed their doors one after another. The commotion during the day turned into silence at this moment.


    The darkness of the night also completely concealed Xu Qing¡¯s figure. He slowly narrowed his eyes and quickened his pace. Gradually, he noticed the ferocity of the night in this dark city.


    He saw slaughter, he saw people fleeing for their lives, he saw the coldness in the pursuit and he also saw robbery.


    Regarding this, Xu Qing, who was hiding in the dark, merely swept his gaze over before retracting it. He didn¡¯t participate and continued on his way.


    In the darkness, his figure was like a ghost.


    Other than that, he also saw some casinos. At the railings, the lights were brightly lit, revealing the prosperity on the other side of the city.


    Perhaps it was because Xu Qing was even more cautious and stealthy this time around, he didn¡¯t encounter anyone who attacked him on the way.


    However, occasionally, he could still feel gazes from the darkness that contained coldness and malice. However, after noticing his scavenger attire, most of them ignored him as though he didn¡¯t exist.


    Xu Qing fell silent and sped away. After another two hours, he was getting closer and closer to the harbor.


    There were over a hundred ports here and the place Xu Qing wanted to go was the 79th port in the purple zone.


    However, just as he was searching, Xu Qing¡¯s expression suddenly changed. He hid at the entrance of an alley and looked ahead.


    Waves of footsteps and whistling sounds rang out from afar. Very soon, Xu Qing saw a group of gray-robed cultivators. Each of them had a murderous look on their face, and their bodies emitted a cold aura as they sped over.

 Chapter 85 - Colleagues (2)

    Some were on the road and some were on the surrounding buildings, seemingly searching.


    On their Daoist robes, there was a badge with a blood-colored ¡®Constable¡¯ character on it.


    This scene caused Xu Qing to squint his eyes. He could sense the spirit energy fluctuations from these Seven Blood Eyes disciples and many of them were filled with baleful auras.


    ¡°The Homicide Department?¡± Xu Qing guessed.


    At that moment, some of these Seven Blood Eyes cultivators discovered Xu Qing who was in the corner. Even though he hid very well, there were many of them and they were filled with vigilance. Hence, he couldn¡¯t avoid them.


    Among them, there was a youth with phoenix eyes. After he coldly glanced at Xu Qing, he quickly walked over.


    As the other party got closer, a wave of fiendish intent gushed over. Xu Qing¡¯s body instantly tensed up. He could sense an incomparably intense sense of danger from the other party. Before the other party arrived, his aura had already permeated the surroundings like a cold wind.


    Only those who had killed a lot of people would possess such killing intent.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. He knew that if he were to flee now, under the influence of his aura, the other party would definitely attack. Hence, he stood there and didn¡¯t retreat. Instead, he looked at the other party. At the same time, his right hand landed on the leather bag containing the black iron stick, ready to be taken out at any moment.


    ¡°Identity token!¡± After the youth arrived, he sized up Xu Qing and his gaze landed on his right hand.


    Many of the disciples at the side also moved closer, surrounding Xu Qing from all directions. Their expressions were ice-cold, as though they would immediately act if Xu Qing showed the slightest hint of abnormality.


    Xu Qing noticed the gaze of the other party and became even more determined to change his habit. At that moment, he swept his gaze across the surroundings and cautiously took out his identity token before passing it over.


    The youth took it and looked at it. The coldness on his face faded a little and he felt a little surprised. He then smiled at his companion beside him.


    ¡°I actually met a newbie who is supposed to report to our Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department.¡±


    ¡°Alright, everyone, restrain yourselves. Don¡¯t let the little kid be scared to the point that he doesn¡¯t dare to report back even though he wasn¡¯t killed by the murderer.¡± As his voice rang out, most of the auras in the surroundings retracted. However, there were still a few who locked onto Xu Qing.


    ¡°As expected of the Homicide Department.¡± Xu Qing felt that the locked-on aura on his body was reduced by more than half. As for the youth with phoenix eyes, he returned the token to Xu Qing and sized him up.


    ¡°Kid, you¡¯re a little interesting. Hurry up and leave. The city is very dangerous tonight.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he nodded and took back his identity token. Just as he was about to leave, at that moment, in the distant night, a mournful cry pierced through the air.


    This voice was sharp and echoed with roars.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned serious and he immediately turned his head. He instantly saw a black shadow spewing out blood as it sped through the air on top of a building in the distance.


    Although the spirit energy fluctuations on his body were a little chaotic, his Foundation Building aura caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to tremble.


    Behind him was a middle-aged man in a purple Daoist robe. He had a dignified expression and an imposing aura. Even though the spirit energy fluctuations were far away, they still rose like flames and were even more powerful.


    As the sky whistled closer, the purple-robed middle-aged man directly raised his hand. A spear suddenly appeared in his hand and he ruthlessly threw it forward.


    The void seemed to have exploded, creating a huge shockwave that spread out in all directions. The spear seemed to burn from the friction and transformed into a fire dragon that charged straight for the fleeing black shadow.


    From afar, it looked like the sky was about to be torn apart, causing the fire dragon¡¯s light to be dazzling and extremely gorgeous.


    Its speed was so fast that it instantly tore through the air. Under the even sharper whistling sound, it penetrated the black shadow¡¯s chest like a hot knife through butter. With a bang, its body was nailed to the green bricks on the street. The impact it caused was like a storm that swept in all directions.


    It was clean and efficient!


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s mind to tremble intensely. From what Xu Qing felt, the black shadow killed by the other party was similar to the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    As for the purple-robed middle-aged man¡¯s spear, it was incomparably powerful. He felt that if he were to encounter it, he wouldn¡¯t have the slightest chance to dodge it and would die.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Director!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    At that moment, the expressions of those disciples from the Homicide Department beside him were filled with excitement. They no longer bothered Xu Qing and instead, they all charged toward the battlefield at full speed.


    Even after they had walked far away, the shock in Xu Qing¡¯s heart as well as the graceful bearing of that spear still filled his mind. After a long while, he drew in a deep breath, and his gaze revealed a hint of desire.


    ¡°I wonder when I¡¯ll be able to do the same!¡± Xu Qing mumbled. He cast a deep glance in the direction the purple-robed middle-aged man had disappeared in before turning and walking away quickly.


    He sensed that the night wasn¡¯t peaceful. At that moment, he sped up. After an hour, he finally found Port 79.


    The harbor was different from the inside of the city. The light here was even dimmer. Although guards were patrolling and although they were vigilant, when they saw pedestrians, they would choose to avoid them. Clearly, their vigilance wasn¡¯t for order but to prevent themselves from being harmed.


    After seeing Xu Qing, they acted the same way. After taking a glance, they didn¡¯t ask any questions and immediately walked far away.


    Xu Qing warily looked at the patrolling cultivators who had walked far away and fell silent. He now had a better understanding of the dangers of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    At that moment, he slowly approached the harbor. Here, the humidity of the sea breeze was even clearer. As the sound of waves rose and fell, one could see the 79th harbor forming the shape of a horse¡¯s hoof. The seawater was swaying within, constantly hitting the shore.


    The boats inside were mostly separated by a certain distance, as though they were on guard against each other. Their sizes were about the same but their shapes were slightly different. However, upon closer inspection, the basic appearance of the boats was that of the small boats in Xu Qing¡¯s bottle. There were over 200 of them.


    However, this 79th Bay was too big. The number of ships docked here took up less than 20% of the space.


    Although there were some lights inside, it was very quiet. There was no sign of any disciples heading out either. To everyone, the descent of night was the highest peak of vigilance.


    At the same time, Xu Qing also discovered that the spirit energy here was very dense, and so were the anomalous substances. They seemed to be emanating from the sea.


    The pitch-black seawater blocked one¡¯s vision, making it impossible to see what was at the bottom of the sea.


    This unknownness made one feel uneasy. At the same time, the bottom of the sea seemed to be hiding a great danger. Xu Qing only took a glance and felt all the hairs on his body standing up. It felt like a forbidden zone.


    ¡°If I cultivate here, my improvement will be very fast. Also, I¡¯ll be tempering myself at all times¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled and quickly walked a few steps to find the ¡®Xuan¡¯ No.33.


    The location was a little remote and the surroundings were empty. There weren¡¯t many boats there.


    At this point, Xu Qing cautiously observed his surroundings. After confirming that there was nothing wrong, he took out a small bottle from the brocade box and opened it. A light flashed within the small bottle and the small boat inside flew out. When it landed on the water surface, it automatically enlarged.


    After the boat landed on the sea with a bang and created waves of ripples, what appeared before Xu Qing was a boat that was ten feet wide and thirty feet long.


    Its entire body was pitch-black and a large number of runes were carved on every plank. As it emitted a dark glow, it also emitted spirit energy fluctuations. It was very extraordinary.


    The black tent seemed to be made from the skin of some mutated beast. Its scales were clear and looked very sturdy. There was also a statue at the bow of the boat.


    This statue had the head of a gigantic crocodile. It opened its ghastly mouth and revealed sharp teeth. Amidst its ferocity, there was intense cruelty.


    From afar, this small boat looked like a giant crocodile floating on the sea.

 Chapter 86 - Using the Sea as Cultivation Base (1)

    The moonlight cascaded down, covering the giant crocodile¡¯s body in a layer of moonlight. From afar, it looked like the ship was alive and was absorbing the essence of the moon, as though it was breathing.


    This caused the moonlight to be even more intense as it was absorbed. Amidst the flowing light, the cold light was revealed.


    Xu Qing stared at it for a long time.


    Whether it was his life in the slums or the scavenger campsite, other than the new house that Captain Lei had given him, the places he lived in were mostly crude.


    As for this crocodile-like boat, it was clean and tidy under the moonlight. There was a sharpness to it and Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but squat down and touch it.


    It was cold and hard.


    The most important thing was how it was his.


    ¡°This is mine,¡± Xu Qing said softly. Just when he was about to step forward, he paused for a moment. A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he sensed a gaze filled with malice staring at him from the surroundings.


    However, the other party had hidden himself very well and Xu Qing wasn¡¯t able to find him in a short period of time. Hence, he retracted the cold glint in his eyes and maintained his calmness from before, pretending to look down at his shoes.


    The straw shoes were very worn-out and were mixed with a large amount of mud and dried blood. His dirty toes could be seen through the gap.


    After a moment of silence, Xu Qing took off his shoes and looked at his feet which were covered in dirt. He then sat at the side and stretched his hands into the seawater, rinsing his feet until his fair skin was revealed.


    Throughout the entire process, he seemed calm but he was secretly observing the surroundings, waiting for the person with malicious intent to appear. However, the other party seemed to be very cautious. Even when Xu Qing sat there and revealed a hint of laziness, the person didn¡¯t appear.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He got up and stepped onto the boat, glancing at the black canopy.


    The space inside the black tent wasn¡¯t big and the interior was very simple. There was only a bed, a futon, and a bathroom.


    In addition, the roof of the black tent was a little short. Ordinary people wouldn¡¯t be able to stand completely but it should be very suitable for sitting down.


    After Xu Qing swept his gaze across the surroundings, he didn¡¯t step into it. Instead, he sat on the deck of the boat outside the black tent and listened to the clear waves outside. He could feel the small boat swaying with the waves.


    In this relative silence, his gaze seemed to drift, as though his thoughts were slowly dispersing.


    Xu Qing thought of his struggling life in the slums back then. He thought of the cold nights he spent hiding in his little nest. Every winter, he would be in the cold, wondering if he could see the sun the next day.


    This was because someone would freeze to death every winter.


    Therefore, he was very afraid of the cold. Perhaps what he was afraid of wasn¡¯t the cold in his body but his memories.


    At that moment, he sat silently on the boat. Xu Qing looked at the dark night outside and the bright moon in the sky. He recalled the first person he killed many years ago.


    That person wanted to eat him. In the end, he laboriously cut off his head and placed it at the entrance of his little nest. From then on, the way everyone looked at him changed.


    The boat was still swaying.


    The thoughts in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes seemed to be drifting away but he was mumbling in his heart.


    ¡°Should I place one here as well?¡±


    1


    The instant the voice rang out in his heart, Xu Qing¡¯s body abruptly leaned back as a cold light whistled past him.


    The instant he dodged the cold light, the fleeting light in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes vanished. It was as though everything was fake and the coldness that was truly hidden within broke out at this moment!


    ¡°He finally showed himself!¡±


    At the next moment, the seawater beside the boat suddenly splashed up as a figure suddenly rushed out, heading straight for Xu Qing. There was also a sharp cold glint that flashed from the right hand of this figure.


    It was a dagger that glowed blue under the moonlight. It had been smeared with poison.


    With the help of the moonlight, Xu Qing could see who it was. It was a disciple wearing a gray Daoist robe. He didn¡¯t cover his face and looked to be in his thirties. He was only at the fifth level of Qi Condensation but he gave Xu Qing a sense of threat.


    At that moment, this disciple¡¯s expression was malevolent and killing intent filled his eyes.


    His speed was so fast that he got close in an instant. The dagger in his hand then stabbed fiercely toward Xu Qing¡¯s chest.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was ice-cold. He ignored the other party¡¯s dagger and stretched out his right hand at an even faster speed, grabbing the incoming person¡¯s arm. As the body-refining energy in his body erupted, he abruptly rotated his body, instantly lifting the body of the cultivator who was rushing over.


    Under the shock and disbelief of this person, his body was smashed onto the ship¡¯s deck by Xu Qing.


    With a boom, blood splattered everywhere as a tentacle made of flesh and blood suddenly drilled out from the man¡¯s body. The tentacle then rapidly lashed out at Xu Qing with mucus trailing behind it. The aura it contained surpassed the fifth level of Qi Condensation, reaching the sixth level.


    Xu Qing¡¯s face was expressionless. The shadow behind him suddenly appeared and directly suppressed it.


    With a boom, the tentacle was instantly paralyzed and collapsed.


    After losing the tentacle, the cultivator spat out a mouthful of blood. His countenance instantly turned pale and he still wanted to struggle. However, in the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s left hand grabbed a dagger and pressed it against the cultivator¡¯s neck.


    The dagger was very cold and it sliced through his skin. He only needed to exert a little force to slit his throat.


    This scene caused the cultivator¡¯s body to tremble. When he looked at Xu Qing, his gaze was filled with terror.


    ¡°How did you hide yourself? Also, what were the tentacles on your body earlier?¡± Xu Qing coldly looked at the cultivator in front of him and asked.


    ¡°This is the Seal of the Sea¡¯s Hand that I¡¯ve transplanted into my body. It can increase my combat strength and also allow me to hide my aura in the sea. Many people in the sect do this. Junior Brother, I can think of a way to make up for my actions this time. I don¡¯t have enough contribution points but I¡¯ve accepted a mission. Tomorrow-¡± The cultivator hurriedly spoke but before he could finish speaking, the dagger in Xu Qing¡¯s hand slashed fiercely.

 Chapter 87 - Using the Sea as Cultivation Base (2)

    Immediately, the eyes of this cultivator widened. Before he could let out a blood-curdling scream, he was pressed down by Xu Qing. As his body twitched, fresh blood gushed out, dying the spirit boat red.


    A few breaths later, his body remained motionless.


    Xu Qing looked at the dirty magic boat and frowned. He then took out the corpse-destroying powder and scattered it. Even after the corpse had turned into blood water, there were still no disciples from the Seventh Peak in the surroundings.


    It was as though everyone was used to this.


    At that moment, the sea breeze blew over, bringing with it the stench of the sea and blood, permeating the surroundings of Xu Qing. He then picked up the other party¡¯s bag. It was very empty and didn¡¯t contain any valuable items.


    ¡°This person has his eyes on me because I have a magic boat.¡± Xu Qing recalled what the round-faced cultivator had said during the day. Every month, there would be disciples who would mysteriously disappear.


    Hence, he touched his sharp iron stick and a cold glint flashed in his eyes. After that, he took out the brocade box he had brought back and opened it. He found the jade slip that introduced boats and began to read it carefully.


    After a long time, Xu Qing slowly put down the jade slip. He then lowered his head and stared at the ship with a strange glint in his eyes.


    ¡°This boat is very astonishing.¡± As he muttered, Xu Qing lifted his right hand and patted the deck of the boat beside him. The spirit energy in his body spread out and according to the method on the jade slip, he transformed his spirit energy into a mark and imprinted it on the boat.


    The entire ship trembled as though some device had been activated, emitting a soft buzzing sound.


    Xu Qing immediately bit his finger and squeezed out a drop of blood. After that, he seriously drew a simple rune on the ship¡¯s deck. As the rune was drawn, the entire ship trembled with a bang. A mysterious connection instantly appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    This was the method recorded in the jade slip for the ship to recognize its master. After he finished operating it, Xu Qing could clearly feel that he and the ship had become one.


    With a thought, a protective light barrier instantly appeared on the ship. After enveloping the entire ship, Xu Qing finally felt a sense of security.


    Hence, he lowered his head and continued to look at the jade slip regarding the ship. After he repeated the contents of the jade slip many times, he firmly imprinted them in his heart.


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ boat indeed contained extremely high growth potential.


    Disciples could strengthen it according to their needs in the four aspects of speed, defense, attack, and uniqueness. They could either strengthen it individually or have it bloom in all aspects. It depended on the level of their resources and their preferences.


    The first three directions were simple and easy to understand. As for what was unique, it referred to special abilities other than spells. For example, it could allow a boat to dive to the bottom of the sea or allow it to leave the surface of the sea and fly in the sky.


    Or perhaps, there were some changes where his form was different from the ship.


    However, regardless of whether it was the uniqueness or the other three directions, there was only one thing that determined them and that was the material of the ship.


    Generally speaking, there were two directions for the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples to choose the ship¡¯s material. The first direction was having the boat be man-made.


    They would constantly put higher-level materials, allowing them to withstand more powerful array formations, allowing the ship to advance and become more powerful.


    This path required one to cooperate with the Second Peak¡¯s formation training. In the future, there would be human limitations but it was still the first choice for a considerable portion of disciples.


    This was because this path wasn¡¯t too dangerous. It was a step-by-step method that followed the rules.


    ¡°As for the second direction¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s using the body materials of mutated creatures as the material for the ship. There¡¯s no need for an array formation to be added.¡± Xu Qing had some understanding. Through the jade slip on the ship, he knew that all the materials on mutated creatures contained natural array formations.


    It could also be said that its talent and might were extraordinary. This type of array formation was known as a restriction.


    Different mutated beasts¡¯ bodies contained different restrictions and different abilities.


    ¡°No matter which direction I go, it will consume a lot of resources.¡± Xu Qing lowered his head and looked at the jade slip in his hand. He once again realized how terrifying the Seven Blood Eyes were.


    This was because as a new disciple, the boat he exchanged for was only a Level One boat.


    As for the boats of the Seventh Peak, they were divided into four major levels: Canoe, Boat, Fleet and Wheel. Each level was divided into ten smaller layers.


    In fact, after the wheel, the jade slip even stated the existence of an extreme level.


    It was called Big Wings.


    ¡°Under the layers of improvement, the resources required¡­¡± Xu Qing couldn¡¯t make any concrete calculations. His initial judgment was enough to make him gasp.


    Hence, he put down the jade slip and fell into a daze. He then lowered his head and looked at his pocket. Regardless of whether it was the leather pouch or the storage pouch, the remaining resources inside were simply too little.


    ¡°I have to think of a way to earn money. There¡¯s still a month before I have to pay a fee for a berth.¡± Xu Qing muttered to himself. After a while, he took out another jade slip and started studying it.


    This jade slip recorded a cultivation art that the Seventh Peak didn¡¯t impart to outsiders. It was called the Sea Transformation Art.


    1


    As a top-notch faction in the Nanhuang Continent, the cultivation arts of the various peaks were extremely valuable, be it the degree of separation of anomalous substances or their might. In terms of might, it was even more astonishing. It wasn¡¯t something that other small factions and families could compare to.


    It could be said that with the same cultivation, the difference was as great as the difference between fireflies and torches.


    After studying them carefully, Xu Qing let out a deep breath. He finally understood why all the Seven Blood Eyes disciples he saw after he came here gave him a sense of crisis despite their cultivation not being very high.


    The level of the cultivation technique determined everything.


    For example, this Sea Transformation Art had a total of ten levels, corresponding to the ten levels of Qi Condensation. When cultivating, one had to be near the sea. It would be even better if one was in the sea.


    For every level of cultivation, one would absorb the aura from the sea, forming a 100-foot-wide spirit sea in one¡¯s body. After cultivating to the tenth level, one would reach the great circle of Qi Condensation and the spirit sea could reach the upper limit of 1000 feet.

 Chapter 88 - Using the Sea as Cultivation Base (3)

    This caused the cultivators who cultivated the Sea Transformation Art to have an extremely long lifespan. The spirit energy in their bodies surpassed their peers by several times. Coupled with the endless variations of spells, their combat strength could naturally suppress the surroundings.


    What was even stranger was that when he attacked, the aura of the forbidden sea contained in his spirit sea could also form mental pressure, causing his opponent to be weakened.


    The Qi Condensation Realm was the accumulation of spirit energy in one¡¯s body. Moreover, the aura of the forbidden sea in the Huahai Scripture could cause all people with inferior spirit energy to be intensely intimidated.


    ¡°The Mountains and Seas Art is a body-refining cultivation art. When one has mastered the Kui Shadow Art, it¡¯s equivalent to the great circle of perfection in body-refining. It¡¯s the same as the great circle of Qi Condensation. However, due to the level of the cultivation art, when compared to other high-level cultivation arts, the same great circle of perfection is much weaker.¡±


    ¡°However, because I don¡¯t have anomalous substances in my body and I have the support of the purple crystal, the seventh level of the Mountains and Seas Art gave me the shadow of a great circle of perfection. My battle prowess is comparable to a person in the great circle of perfection.¡±


    ¡°At the end of the day, the level of the Mountains and Seas Art can¡¯t be compared to this Sea Transformation Art. One is a body-refining technique, while the other is a cultivation technique¡­¡± Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred as he recalled what the round-faced cultivator had said on the mountain earlier.


    A long time later, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze revealed determination. He also noticed that the upper limit of the spirit sea formed by the Sea Transformation Art wasn¡¯t fixed.


    Everyone¡¯s physique was different and so was the degree of mutation.


    The lesser the mutation, the greater the upper limit of the spirit sea¡¯s range. So far, the highest record in the Seven Blood Eyes was 60 years ago when someone reached the great circle of Qi Condensation and formed a spirit sea of 2,700 feet.


    This person was the current peak master of the seventh peak of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Upon seeing this, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He knew that there were no anomalous substances in his body¡­


    ¡°Then, when I cultivate this Sea Transformation Art, how big of a spirit sea will be formed after I reach perfection?¡±


    At this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s heart was filled with intense anticipation. He felt that if the mutation no longer stopped the upper limit, then his upper limit should be the greatest limit he could endure.


    Moreover, his body¡¯s recovery was very terrifying, so the extent of his endurance would naturally be extremely great.


    This caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to shine with unprecedented brilliance.


    At the same time, he also noticed that the Sea Transformation Art cultivated spells and not body refinement. After the battle with the Diamond Sect, Xu Qing deeply realized the flaw of pure body refinement.


    Therefore, at this moment, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. After carefully memorizing the cultivation technique, he immediately closed his eyes and began to cultivate the Sea Transformation Art.


    1


    As he cultivated, the wind started blowing around the small boat. The surface of the sea sparkled as countless spirit energy that contained the aura of the forbidden sea mixed with dense anomalous substances headed straight for Xu Qing¡¯s small boat.


    The protective light barrier could block spells but it wouldn¡¯t block the spirit energy. As the spirit energy gushed in, it drilled into the hair on Xu Qing¡¯s body, forming threads.


    After his body that didn¡¯t have any anomalous substances was refined many times, all of his meridians became incomparably clear. This allowed the influx of spirit energy to have no obstruction at all and it became increasingly violent.


    His body was like a dried sponge, instantly absorbing the spirit energy and slowly gathering it at his dantian.


    During this cultivation, Xu Qing faintly sensed that his Mountains and Seas Art seemed to be attracted by the Sea Transformation Art and instinctively wanted to circulate it. However, because the flowing meridians were different, he suppressed them.


    A long time later, as the urge to circulate the Mountains and Seas Art grew increasingly intense, Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred. After a moment of silence, he decided not to control it anymore.


    At the next instant, the unsealed Mountains and Seas Art circulated and the spirit energy that gushed in from all directions suddenly soared by several times.


    The spirit sea that gathered in his dantian instantly became majestic.


    This discovery made Xu Qing feel somewhat incredulous.


    It was as though these two cultivation arts had fused at this moment. Among them, the Mountains and Seas Art wasn¡¯t fighting against the Sea Transformation Art but was a supporting art.


    Hence, he decided to expand the vital energy and blood in his entire body and the shadow appeared outside his body.


    The moment it appeared, the shadow let out a soundless roar toward the sky. It then stretched out its hands as though it was moving the sea, causing the spirit energy in the forbidden sea to erupt like a surging tide.


    In that instant, as Xu Qing¡¯s mind trembled, the spirit sea in his dantian directly reached a hundred feet.


    The first level of the Sea Transformation Art was perfected.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. He didn¡¯t have time to think too much and immediately cultivated the second level. Not long later, the second level of the Sea Transformation Art was perfected.


    ¡°So fast!¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate and immediately cultivated to the third level.


    The spirit sea in his body continued to expand. 210 feet, 220 feet, 230 feet¡­


    Under this continuous eruption, even the spirit energy outside his small boat gradually formed a vortex, causing the wind here to be even stronger. Waves appeared on the surface of the sea, attracting the attention of the guards on the shore.


    They all stared at it and their expressions changed.


    ¡°Which monstrous disciple is cultivating?¡±


    ¡°This speed of absorbing spirit energy¡­¡±


    The instant they looked over in shock, the vortex suddenly rumbled and expanded once again, causing the surface of the harbor to undulate even more. A large number of boats swayed along with it and many disciples frowned as they walked out. They looked over coldly, and very soon, all of them had astonished expressions.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on!¡±


    The vortex was still expanding!


    In the boat, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body was trembling intensely. At that moment, the spirit sea in his body had broken through 300 feet and reached 370 feet.


    It continued.


    380 feet, 390 feet, up to 400 feet!


    Xu Qing abruptly opened his eyes. The piercing purple light within drowned out the shock in his eyes.


    ¡°Sea Transformation Art, the fourth level!¡±

 Chapter 89 - : Butterfly Transformation

    In the middle of the night, Xu Qing cultivated the Sea Transformation Art and broke through all the way to the fourth level.


    This speed was extremely exaggerated and it also caused the hearts of the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples outside to tremble. However, most of the people on the Seventh Peak liked to hide their emotions.


    Hence, they noticed that Xu Qing¡¯s boat was a new one. After understanding that Xu Qing was a newly-promoted disciple, most of them returned to their boats. On the surface, they didn¡¯t pay attention to him anymore. Everything was normal but in reality, they had already begun to secretly probe.


    It was only when the sun slowly rose in the distant horizon and the sunlight landed on the surface of the sea, forming a piercing light that spread in all directions, that Xu Qing, who was in the small boat, opened his eyes.


    This time, the purple light in his eyes lasted for more than ten breaths of time before it slowly dissipated, revealing astonishment.


    Although his cultivation speed in the latter half of the night was much slower, he still managed to break through from the fourth level of the Sea Transformation Art to the fifth level.


    However, to reach such a level in a single night was also beyond Xu Qing¡¯s expectations.


    ¡°The Mountains and Seas Art and the Sea Transformation Art can complement each other.¡± Xu Qing found it unbelievable.


    At this moment, he, who was sitting there, looked different from yesterday. His sharp edges and corners had become gentler.


    In fact, there was even a faint otherworldly temperament that was slowly developing.


    This was the aura brought about by the Sea Transformation Art.


    After sensing the 500-foot-long spirit sea in his body, Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and recalled the words of the Mountains and Seas Art.


    A xiao could move mountains, while a Kui could move seas.


    However, he carefully analyzed and judged in his heart. In the end, he felt that the reason for this was partly because of the Mountains and Seas Art but more so because the meridians in his body were clear and there were no abnormalities at all.


    It was like an incomparably sturdy container that had been forged. It wasn¡¯t something that a cultivator¡¯s body could compare to.


    That was why it was able to contain a large amount of spirit energy during the early stages. This also explained why the cultivation speed had decreased during the latter half of the night.


    The capacity of the container wasn¡¯t infinite.


    ¡°However, from the fact that I still managed to break through one level in the latter half of the night, although my cultivation speed has decreased, it can still support me to continue improving rapidly.


    Xu Qing thought about it and his eyes gleamed. That night, not only did he improve his Sea Transformation Art but his Mountains and Seas Art also improved by quite a bit.


    At that moment, he wasn¡¯t far from the eighth level.


    The most important thing was that every level of the Sea Transformation Art recorded spells. Hence, he lowered his head and looked at his right hand.


    With a thought, a drop of seawater rapidly formed in his palm. In an instant, it transformed into a water ball the size of a human head. It kept transforming, sometimes into a throwing knife, sometimes into a small shield, and sometimes into a bird.


    In his hand, the water ball was constantly changing. According to the different distribution of seawater, the focus of each item was different. Naturally, there were differences in their might.


    In the Sea Transformation Art¡¯s jade slip, there were no less than a hundred such changes recorded from the first level to the tenth level.


    At the same time that it emitted a chill, there was also an aura that belonged to the Forbidden Sea that could intimidate the enemy¡¯s mind. At the same time, in terms of might, Xu Qing could sense it slightly.


    The explosive power of this water ball was enough to intimidate all the fifth-level Qi Condensation cultivators he had seen on the scavenger campsite.


    Xu Qing weighed the situation. If he hadn¡¯t come to the Seven Blood Eyes, he would have been able to quickly kill all of them with less than 40 water balls.


    However, after sensing the 500-foot-long spirit sea in his body, he analyzed that he could release about 50 water balls. With such a number, if he was good at transformation, he would have to be extremely vigilant. Although he could still kill them, it would take a longer time.


    This was already very exaggerated. Xu Qing¡¯s Mountains and Seas Art seemed to be at 70% completion but compared to other people who cultivated the Mountains and Seas Art, his combat strength was equivalent to the tenth level. After all, he had mastered the Kui Shadow Grand Formation.


    In other words, those who cultivated the Mountains and Seas Art to the tenth level wouldn¡¯t be able to instantly kill a disciple at the fifth level of the seventh peak¡¯s Sea Transformation Art.


    All of this allowed Xu Qing¡¯s understanding of the Seven Blood Eyes to increase once again. He now had a deeper judgment of the endurance and strength of the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples.


    ¡°The difference between rogue cultivators and sect disciples is too great.¡±


    ¡°At that moment, I¡¯m confident that I can kill my past self within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.¡± Xu Qing muttered as his expression slowly lit up.


    Although his cultivation level didn¡¯t increase significantly, the increase in his combat strength made him feel that he was on the right path.


    At that moment in the morning, the sun¡¯s rays streamed into the cabin through the black canopy, forming Xu Qing¡¯s shadow on the deck. He then lowered his head and looked at the shadow.


    After a night of cultivation, all the anomalous substances were absorbed by the shadow. This caused his shadow to look even darker than before. If one were to take a closer look, it was as though the places it covered contained an abyss.


    At that moment, under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the shadow suddenly moved. As it swayed left and right, it stretched out its hands. After it clenched its fists, it spread out its fingers. This cycle repeated again and again and its speed became faster and faster.


    It even rapidly lengthened and shrunk, looking extremely strange.


    A long time later, as a hint of fatigue appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s face, the shadow instantly returned to its original state and stopped moving.


    ¡°After going through the second round of assessment and the breakthrough in the Sea Transformation Scripture, my control over my shadow has improved by leaps and bounds.¡± Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the sun outside.


    A long time later, he slowly stood up. After tidying up his belongings, he took out the gray Daoist robe and placed it on the table before touching it gently.


    After that, he waved his right hand, and a drop of seawater was formed. After it swelled into a water ball, it flattened out and eventually turned into a water mirror that reflected Xu Qing¡¯s figure.


    The face in the water mirror had a hint of immaturity and was incomparably delicate, containing a unique charm. Although it was dirty, the spirit in its eyes was like the stars, very dazzling.


    Looking at his reflection in the water mirror, Xu Qing fell silent for a moment before a look of determination appeared on his face. He then removed his scavenger clothes, revealing his refined and perfectly proportioned body after cultivating the Mountains and Seas Art.


    1


    He raised his left hand and grabbed at the water mirror. Immediately, the water mirror headed straight for Xu Qing. When it got close, it transformed into a large amount of water vapor that directly covered his entire body. As it was continuously rinsed, black-colored sewage flowed down his slender body and spread to the ground beneath his feet.


    Xu Qing calmly stood there. This was the first time in seven years that he had cleansed his body so thoroughly.


    This was because he knew that the current environment had changed. In the slums and scavenger camps, he, who was covered in dirt, was just like everyone else, so he wasn¡¯t conspicuous.


    However, here, if he was still the same as before, he would attract too much unnecessary attention. Although scavengers dressed like that would give people a feeling of poverty, the fact that he had a magic boat wasn¡¯t a secret. Anyone with a keen eye would know at a glance. So, if he still pretended to conceal it, it wouldn¡¯t mean much.


    Therefore, there was no change in his expression at all. He allowed the water vapor to wash over him and his fair skin was gradually exposed to a large area. This was the case for his face and hair.


    A moment later, when the last trace of dirt on his body dissipated, Xu Qing opened his eyes.


    The sunlight streamed into the black tent, falling on his black hair and his face. It was as though he was reluctant to leave and wanted to gently flow through his entire body. Xu Qing felt a little uncomfortable and took a few steps back, allowing his body to fall into the darkness.


    The shadow in the darkness had a head of shiny black hair.


    He looked to be about 16 or 17 years old. He had slanted handsome brows, slender and sharp black eyes, thin and lightly pursed lips, well-defined facial features and a slender figure. He was like an eagle that wanted to spread its wings in the dark night.


    He was cold, arrogant, and lonesome, yet he also exuded an imposing aura. He stood there alone and when combined with the remaining immaturity on the youth¡¯s face, it caused his entire body to emit astonishing charm.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and looked at his hands. He then took out the inner parts of the gray Daoist robe and wore them one by one.


    Finally, he changed into the shoes given by the sect and put on the Daoist robe. After that, he waved his hand and water droplets appeared once again, washing away the blood stains from last night until it was completely clean. After Xu Qing walked out of the boat, under the sunlight, his entire person glowed with an indescribable vigor.


    It was like a gem covered in dust had its dust wiped away, revealing a dazzling light.


    This caused many of the patrolling guards on the shore to glance over.


    Xu Qing stood on the boat and narrowed his eyes, as though he wanted to block out the gazes from the outside world. When the sunlight shone directly on his skin, it also made him feel a little uncomfortable. However, he understood that this was a necessary experience for him. Hence, Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes and forced himself to adapt.


    A long time later, he took a deep breath and turned to get off the small boat.


    With a wave of his hand, he kept the small boat into a bottle and slowly walked away under the gaze of the patrolling guards.


    Today was the day he was to report to the Homicide Division.


    At the same time, he also planned to head to the medicine shop at the port to buy some medicinal herbs used to refine white pills and poison powder. The medicinal pills he had on him were now empty.


    The port in the morning was very lively.


    The merchant ships from the outside world and the disciples of the Seventh Peak that came and went filled over a hundred harbors and caused the port to be bustling with activity. There were also many people coming and going. Most of the shops were also opening at this moment and the pedestrians on the streets also began their busy day.


    Xu Qing¡¯s arrival attracted some attention due to his appearance. However, to cultivators, looks were just appearances. Hence, most of them only took a glance before retracting their gazes.


    Xu Qing slowly got used to it. However, as he walked on the streets, he was still used to moving in the shadows. At the same time, on the way to the Homicide Division, Xu Qing also noticed that other than medicine shops, there were also some blacksmithing workshops and array carving shops.


    Through the jade slip of the magic boat, Xu Qing knew that not every disciple could refine a boat on their own. To the vast majority of disciples, they would usually send the materials and magic boats to the shops opened by the Sixth Peak¡¯s disciples or the array carving shops opened by the Fifth Summit¡¯s disciples to request for refinement.


    After paying attention to these shops, Xu Qing asked around and found out the location of Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Division. He then quickly walked over.


    Not long later, a magnificent building appeared before Xu Qing.


    The gate of this building was very similar to the city lord¡¯s residence he had seen before but the area inside was even larger. There were dozens of small buildings lined up and waves of pressure also spread out, suppressing the surroundings.


    This was especially so for the pitch-black statues. The two stone statues in front of the gate looked sinister, as though they were a combination of a human and a beast. They looked like rakshasas, and it was a shocking sight.


    It was cold and cheerless in front of the gate. Pedestrians would usually take a detour and avoid the area, not daring to get close.


    At that moment, at the entrance, there were two young cultivators dressed in gray Daoist robes. One was a man and the other was a woman. Both of them were in their twenties and had ordinary appearances. They were currently lazily leaning against the gatepost and yawning, as though they hadn¡¯t woken up. However, the instant Xu Qing walked over, the two of them immediately lifted their heads. Their gazes were like lightning as they landed on Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm as he walked over under the gazes of the two people. He wasn¡¯t too close and stopped at the entrance. He then cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°Disciple of the Seventh Peak, Xu Qing, is here to report for duty.¡±


    ¡°Newbie?¡± The young man¡¯s eyes gleamed darkly as he swept his gaze over Xu Qing. However, his eyes soon narrowed slightly as though he could sense the extraordinary fluctuations from Xu Qing. Just when he was about to speak, his female companion beside him pushed him aside and rushed to Xu Qing¡¯s side. She then revealed a gentle and beautiful smile when she saw Xu Qing¡¯s face.


    ¡°Junior Brother, what are you here for?¡±


    ¡°He already said that he¡¯s here to report. Why are you still asking?¡± The young man smiled faintly.


    The female cultivator didn¡¯t seem to hear this and continued to look at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing instinctively took a few steps back. He didn¡¯t like to be too close to others, so he habitually observed the two of them. This was especially so when he instinctively cast a few more glances at the necks of the man and woman.


    2

 Chapter 90 - The Strange Captain (1)

    Sensing that the cultivation of these two people was at the sixth level of Qi Condensation, Xu Qing felt that they weren¡¯t a threat after some analysis. His current combat strength could allow him to kill them so his heart was calm.


    The youth seemed to have sensed Xu Qing¡¯s gaze and instinctively rubbed his neck. His expression then turned a little solemn. He felt that this newbie before him was different from the others.


    The female cultivator beside him also sensed it. Her eyes narrowed and revealed interest. She licked her lips and said to the youth:


    ¡°Watch the door. I¡¯ll bring this little junior brother in.¡± As she spoke, she revealed a sweet smile and personally led Xu Qing into the Homicide Department.


    ¡°Junior Brother, follow me.¡±


    Xu Qing thanked her.


    The youth at the door shook his head slightly when he saw this scene.


    ¡°This flirt, is she going to ever change? Although this kid is a little different from the other newbies, it¡¯s hard to say if he can survive for more than three months in a place like the Homicide Department.¡±


    At that moment, Xu Qing maintained a certain distance from the people in the Homicide Department. He followed the woman in front of him and walked into the courtyard. All he saw were disciples wearing gray Daoist robes like him.


    All of them were at least at the fifth or sixth level of Qi Condensation. Among them, there were cultivators at the seventh or eighth level of Qi Condensation. Some were cold, some looked gentle, some smelled of blood, and some carried miscellaneous items in their hands, looking very ordinary.


    On the whole, it was hard to see any uniform aura despite belonging to the same division. Moreover, there was some distance between them, as though they were very resistant to getting close to each other.


    Xu Qing silently observed his surroundings. His gaze swept past the necks of every cultivator who passed by and he made a judgment in his heart about their combat strength and whether he could kill them.


    This was his instinct.


    Very soon, Xu Qing became even more vigilant because he discovered that many people were hard to kill. There were even a few who made him feel an intense threat.


    At the same time, he also began to pay attention to the structure of the Homicide Department and quickly sketched it out in his mind.


    At the same time, the woman in front suddenly retreated and moved closer to him as she laughed lightly.


    ¡°Junior Brother, why do you always like to look at other people¡¯s necks?¡±


    As she spoke, the woman had already arrived beside Xu Qing. She lifted her right hand and was about to touch Xu Qing¡¯s chest when her expression changed at the next instant. She retreated abruptly and took out a few medicinal pills before swallowing them. When she lifted her head and looked at Xu Qing, her expression froze.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like others getting close to me.¡± Xu Qing calmly looked at the woman in front of him.


    The woman cast a deep glance at Xu Qing and nodded, putting away the thoughts in her heart. At that moment, she had already realized that this newbie in front of her wasn¡¯t simple.


    ¡°Interesting. A person like you might be able to live longer here.¡± After saying that, the woman continued to lead the way. This time, it wasn¡¯t that Xu Qing wanted to keep a distance between them but the woman took the initiative to keep a certain distance from him and didn¡¯t continue to speak.


    Not long later, under the guidance of the woman, they made their way through seven to eight pavilions and a few small paths. Very soon, Xu Qing was brought to a large hall. The interior of the hall was pitch-black and it was a clear contrast to the sunlight outside.


    ¡°Director, a newcomer has come to report. His name is Xu Qing.¡± When the woman arrived, her expression became even more solemn. After she spoke loudly, she lowered her head and stood there motionlessly.


    Xu Qing also had a solemn expression as he lowered his head and waited.


    A long time later, in the pitch-black hall, it was as though two bright lights had instantly lit up. That was a pair of eyes. Its gaze penetrated the void and shot out from the hall, landing on Xu Qing.


    Being stared at by this gaze, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled as he felt an intense pressure descend on his entire body. It was as though there was a ferocious beast that was so powerful that it made one feel suffocated in this hall.


    Xu Qing¡¯s hair stood on end and his breathing was hurried. His right hand subconsciously moved to his side and his body bent slightly.


    Fortunately, he quickly retracted his gaze. However, at that moment, before Xu Qing could catch his breath, the token in his left hand was instantly entangled by a strong force and broke free.


    With a whoosh, it headed straight for the palace.


    The force was so great that Xu Qing was unable to resist. He even felt that if the pulling force didn¡¯t land on the token but on him he would probably be directly dragged into the main hall.


    Xu Qing¡¯s forehead was covered in sweat. A long time later, a cold voice rang out from the main hall.


    ¡°Go and report to the Black Team Six.¡±


    As his voice echoed, Xu Qing¡¯s identity token and badge shot out from the main hall at an extremely fast speed, instantly approaching Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he raised his hand and grabbed it. The impact from the token and badge was extremely great and gushed into his entire body, causing his upper body to involuntarily sway a few times. However, his legs were very stable and he didn¡¯t take half a step back.


    This scene caused the gaze in the hall to light up again. It didn¡¯t speak and it slowly closed its eyes again.


    The female disciple at the side narrowed her eyes when she saw Xu Qing¡¯s performance after receiving the token and badge.


    ¡°His level of vigilance is comparable to the elders in the sect and he also has such strengtha€|¡± The woman blinked. Initially, after she sensed that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t someone to be trifled with, she had planned to not interact with him anymore. However, now that her thoughts had changed, she wanted to form a good relationship with him. Hence, she spoke up.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, I¡¯m familiar with Team Six. I¡¯ll bring you there.¡± As she spoke, she gestured for Xu Qing to wear the badge.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and wore the badge. He then cupped his fists toward the main hall and thanked the female disciple.


    Although he was young, his many years of experience made him very sensitive to the human heart.


    The attitude of this female disciple kept changing and he guessed the reason.


    In reality, that was indeed the case. On the way, the female disciple took the initiative to introduce herself to Xu Qing.

 Chapter 91 - The Strange Captain (2)

    ¡°Junior Brother, my name is Xu Yanhong. I¡¯m from Team Nine of the Earth Division. It just so happens that I¡¯m on duty today. It¡¯s also fate between us.¡±


    Xu Yanhong brought Xu Qing along as they walked through the Homicide Department. She then attentively pointed to various buildings and introduced them to him.


    ¡°This is the deputy director¡¯s office. There¡¯s one there too.¡±


    ¡°Senior Sister Xu, may I know how many deputy directors there are?¡± Xu Qing asked after some thought.


    ¡°We have one director and four deputy directors in our Homicide Department. We are divided into the Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow Divisions. Each division has nine patrol teams under them. You are going to the Black Team Six.¡±


    1


    ¡°Your luck isn¡¯t bad. Your Black Division¡¯s deputy director is in closed-door cultivation all year round and we rarely encounter him. That way, you¡¯ll have a lot more free time.¡± Hearing Xu Qing calling her senior sister, the female disciple smiled again and explained.


    Not long later, under her lead, Xu Qing was brought to the location of the Black Division. The entire Black Division was located in the southwest direction of the Homicide Department. There were more than ten small buildings there and many cultivators were entering and exiting them busily.


    It seemed that there were some taboos between the various branches, so Xu Yanhong didn¡¯t enter. After she sent Xu Qing over, she exchanged voice transmissions and left.


    Here, Xu Qing met the captain of Team Six.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time he had seen this person. He was none other than the youth he had encountered on the way last night who had given him a sense of crisis. This coincidence caused Xu Qing to be on his guard once again.


    When the young man saw Xu Qing, he first swept his gaze across Xu Qing¡¯s face a few times before quickly recognizing him. However, he didn¡¯t seem surprised by Xu Qing¡¯s arrival.


    This scene caused Xu Qing to fall into deep thought. He then calmly took a few steps back.


    ¡°I was the one who talked to the director this morning and specifically asked you to come over. I didn¡¯t expect that after you wiped your face clean, there would be such a huge difference from yesterday.¡± The captain of Team Six didn¡¯t hide anything and directly exposed him.


    ¡°Greetings, Captain.¡± Xu Qing glanced at the captain as he grew even more vigilant.


    ¡°You¡¯re not surprised?¡± The captain of Team Six smiled faintly.


    ¡°I am surprised.¡± Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°Why are you so calm then?¡± The captain of Team Six asked in surprise.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t good with words but he felt that what the other party said made sense. Hence, he thought about it and squeezed out a surprised expression.


    2


    ¡°¡­¡± The captain of Team Six was silent for a long time before he spoke.


    1


    ¡°The reason why I asked for you is because quite a few of my team members have died in the past few days and we are short of manpower. Also, the following missions are very heavy.¡± After saying this, the captain of Team Six looked at Xu Qing.


    When Xu Qing heard that several of his comrades had died, his heart sank. However, he didn¡¯t ask about it. Instead, he looked at the captain and waited for him to continue.


    Seeing Xu Qing like this, the captain of Team Six smiled in satisfaction.


    ¡°Not bad. You¡¯re stronger than those newcomers from before. Xu Qing, this is your first time here today, so you¡¯re still not familiar with it. How about this, I¡¯ll bring you on a patrol and tell you in detail about the duties of the Homicide Department.¡±


    The captain was also a decisive person. After he finished speaking, he didn¡¯t introduce the other team members to Xu Qing and directly left with him, walking on the streets.


    On the bustling streets, the captain led Xu Qing as they strolled forward. From time to time, they would greet the shops in the surroundings, appearing very gentle. However, Xu Qing had seen the viciousness in the other party¡¯s eyes last night and knew that this person wasn¡¯t as gentle as he seemed on the surface. Hence, he maintained a certain distance and was on guard.


    He also made a judgment about the captain¡¯s cultivation level. He felt that the captain should be at the ninth or tenth level of Qi Condensation.


    The strength of the disciples at the ninth or tenth level of Qi Condensation from the Seven Blood Eyes had already surpassed that of Xu Qing¡¯s.


    ¡°Don¡¯t keep a straight face all day. Here, you have to learn to have two faces. Otherwise, you won¡¯t live long.¡± The captain of Team Six looked at Xu Qing.


    1


    Xu Qing fell silent and pondered for a moment. He felt that these words made sense, so he tried his best to adjust his appearance. However, after seven years of experience, it was hard for him to change completely in a short period of time.


    ¡°Forget it, you can take your time to adjust.¡± The captain of Team Six smiled helplessly. He felt that he had recruited a freak, so he bought a few apples from the side but didn¡¯t give them to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing took a look and bought two as well.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you about the responsibilities of our Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department. We only do one thing and that is to kill people.¡± As he spoke, the captain of Team Six saw a homeless man by the roadside.


    He casually tossed two spirit coins over. The homeless man was very grateful.


    Xu Qing glanced at the homeless man. The other party wasn¡¯t a cultivator. Hence, he recalled the captain¡¯s words and asked.


    ¡°Kill people?¡±


    The captain of Team Six took a bite of the apple and swallowed it with a crunch. He looked very sweet as he casually spoke.


    1


    ¡°Protecting civilians from the invasion of disciples and evil forces and making them work hard to earn money and pay residency fees to maintain basic public security is what the Patrol Department has to do. However, when they encounter things that they can¡¯t handle, such as facing fugitives and savage cultivators who have crossed the line, they will require our Homicide Department to act.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why the missions we face are all extremely dangerous missions that cause us to suffer great losses. In front of you, the team has changed countless times. Some died on missions and some were secretly killed. So, you have to be careful from now on.¡±


    ¡°However, there are also benefits to being here. The treatment is not bad and it¡¯s the only department that can exchange wanted criminals for money.¡± After saying that, the captain took another bite of the apple.


    Xu Qing looked at the apple in his hand and fell silent for a moment before asking seriously:


    ¡°What about the ownership of the other party¡¯s items after killing them?¡±


    1


    ¡°Hmm?¡± The captain of Team Six turned his head and sized up Xu Qing seriously for the first time. A smile then appeared on his face.

 Chapter 92 - The Strange Captain (3)

    ¡°Interesting. You¡¯re the first newbie to ask such a question after hearing my introduction. In that case, I¡¯ll talk a little more with you. After you kill a desperado and a savage, the spoils of war will be yours. If everyone attacks together, the spoils will naturally be distributed.¡±


    ¡°Also, if you see some people in the main city, it¡¯s best to avoid them. You can¡¯t afford to offend them.¡± As the captain spoke, he pointed to the distant street. There was a youth wearing a light purple Daoist robe there. He was walking proudly through the crowd and stepped into a shop. The shopkeeper of the shop respectfully went out to welcome him.


    When everyone in the surroundings saw the Daoist robe he was wearing, they all had respectful expressions and lowered their heads. Even some of the patrolling disciples were the same.


    It was as though this person¡¯s appearance was like a divine son who had entered the mortal world. No one dared to look at him directly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°You have to remember that in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city, the people in dark-colored Daoist robes and those in light-colored Daoist robes cannot be provoked. The former¡­ are Foundation Building seniors on the mountain and you can¡¯t afford to offend them. As for the latter, they are core disciples who can stay on the mountain. Their cultivation levels aren¡¯t at the Foundation Building realm but they are lucky.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal if a hundred of us die but it¡¯s a big deal if one of these lucky core disciples dies.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and lifted his head to look at the seven peaks of the Seven Blood Eyes in the distance.


    ¡°Just be envious. Live well and cultivate well. When you advance to the Foundation Building Stage, these core disciples will have to lower their heads when they see you.¡± The captain chewed on an apple with a normal expression.


    ¡°Also, let me remind you again. On the surface, the sect doesn¡¯t allow us gray-robed disciples to kill each other but it¡¯s only on the surface. So, you have to learn how to deal with corpses. It¡¯s best if you take the other party¡¯s contribution points and spirit stones and let him return to zero to be expelled by the array formation¡­¡± The captain coughed and gestured with his chin toward the street on the other side.


    ¡°Just like that person.¡±


    Xu Qing followed the captain¡¯s gaze and saw a gray-robed youth lying there. This youth was on the verge of death and his entire body was covered in injuries. At this moment, his eyes were filled with resentment and grief.


    However, his mouth was smashed and his limbs were broken. He couldn¡¯t say a word, let alone move. The identity token on his chest had returned to zero.


    Very soon, Xu Qing witnessed with his own eyes that the time limit for the youth to leave had passed. As a beam of black light descended from the sky, his figure twitched intensely and his body and spirit were destroyed, turning into ashes.


    His vitality seemed to be sucked away, merging into nothingness and disappearing.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to narrow. As for the pedestrians in the surroundings, they seemed to be used to this. They didn¡¯t even take a look and continued to leave in a hurry with indifference.


    ¡°This person has committed many acts of murder and robbery against fellow disciples. It¡¯s normal for him to be killed by someone now.¡± The captain smiled and was about to continue speaking when his expression suddenly froze as he looked not far away.


    Xu Qing, who was at the side, turned his head almost at the same time as him and looked at the alley not far away. There were fluctuations of anomalous substances there.


    The place they were at was considered a bustling city but this alley was very dark and out of place. Most of the people on the road avoided it.


    ¡°How dare this happen in broad daylight.¡± The captain of Team Six sighed.


    ¡°Junior Brother, wait for me for a while.¡± With that, he took the apple that was almost finished and walked toward the alley not far away. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he watched the captain enter the alley. In just over ten breaths of time, the figure of the captain of Team Six walked out of the alley while eating an apple.


    A faint smell of blood permeated the air.


    Xu Qing glanced at the alley.


    ¡°There¡¯s an unlucky fellow who had a problem with his mutated beast organ transplant and turned into a mutated beast. I advise you not to take this path in the future. Although it can quickly increase your cultivation, there will be endless trouble in the future.¡± The captain of Team Six smiled gently with a harmless expression as he continued walking.


    Xu Qing fell silent. The person he killed last night also had mutated beast organs transplanted. Before this, Xu Qing didn¡¯t know that this could be done.


    At that moment, he nodded and looked at his captain eating the apple happily. Hence, he picked up the portion he bought and took a bite as well. It was indeed very fragrant.


    Just like that, the two of them ate the apple as they walked through the city. Time slowly flowed by. The captain of Team Six ate quickly while Xu Qing ate slowly.


    At the back, the captain looked at the other apple in Xu Qing¡¯s hand many times.


    Xu Qing also looked at him and took another bite.


    The captain rubbed his nose and took out an orange from his pocket to eat.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you about the recent missions. Our main goal these days is to search for the remnants of Night Dove.¡±


    ¡°Night Dove?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Night Dove is a very mysterious and huge organization in the Nanhuang Continent. They specialize in selling children and cultivators to be treasure-nurturers. It¡¯s fine if they do such dirty things outside but they actually came to my Seven Blood Eyes to do such a thing recently, causing the commoners to be anxious. If this continues, those big shots on the mountain will be unhappy when they see that their income is low.¡±


    ¡°You saw it last night as well. One of their leaders has been killed by the director. The remaining survivors need our Homicide Department to move out together and eliminate the root of the problem.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. He immediately thought of the old man from the convoy whom he had killed. His eyes slowly narrowed as he nodded lightly.


    The captain of Team Six was a smart person. He swept a glance at Xu Qing and seemed to have seen something. However, he didn¡¯t ask about it. Instead, he brought Xu Qing around the city and introduced him to the patrol team.


    On the way, Xu Qing saw a wandering child. Hence, he thought of his captain¡¯s previous actions and gave him a spirit coin.


    ¡°Eh, is this also your informant?¡± The captain blinked and looked at Xu Qing with a spurious smile.


    Xu Qing started and understood. He didn¡¯t say anything but he felt like he had been played.


    1


    Soon, when the sun was about to set, they arrived at the harbor.


    As they walked in, an honest voice rang out from afar at a place where a large number of goods were being transported and piled up into small mountains.


    ¡°If you say another word, I¡¯ll tear your mouth apart.¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked over. He immediately saw a Seventh Peak¡¯s disciple squatting beside a pile of goods not far away. This person was a middle-aged man. He looked ordinary and honest.


    He was the one who said those words.


    In front of him was an old man dressed in luxurious clothes. At that moment, his expression was filled with anger. Clearly, he had gotten into an argument with the middle-aged man earlier.


    ¡°Whose mouth do you want to tear apart? Zhang San.¡± The captain of Team Six finished the orange in his hand and took out another pear. After taking a bite, he walked over.


    Upon seeing the captain of Team Six, the expression of the old man changed and he hurriedly left. As for the middle-aged disciple who was sitting there, he turned his head and smiled foolishly at the captain. After greeting him, he smiled foolishly at Xu Qing as well.


    ¡°This is Xu Qing, a new member of our Homicide Department.¡± The captain of Team Six introduced with a smile. After that, he pointed at the middle-aged disciple and spoke to Xu Qing.


    ¡°His name is Zhang San. He used to be a member of ours. Later on, he was afraid of death and was transferred to the Transportation Department. Don¡¯t be fooled by his simple and honest appearance. The pirate rogue cultivators who died in his hands¡­¡±


    ¡°You can fill this place up.¡± The captain of Team Six gestured toward the majestic goods.


    Xu Qing immediately became vigilant. What made him even more focused was that he didn¡¯t sense any strong fluctuations from the other party¡¯s body. If what the Team Six captain said was true, then there was clearly something strange about this ordinary-looking Zhang San.


    ¡°How could that be? It¡¯s all rumors. I only killed a few petty thieves. Sigh, I still feel pity for them even now.¡± Zhang San helplessly rubbed his hands and continued to smile foolishly.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He didn¡¯t see any hint of pity on the other party¡¯s face.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, don¡¯t listen to the captain¡¯s nonsense. Please take care of me in the future.¡± As Zhang San spoke, he flipped his body and handed Xu Qing a piece of beast bone.


    ¡°A meeting gift.¡±

 Chapter 93 - Newbie of the Homicide Department (1)

    The shape of this beast bone was like a hook. It was the size of a palm and was completely red in color. It shone with a strange light.


    Upon closer inspection, one could see some natural patterns on the surface.


    These patterns seemed to contain some Dao accumulations and could absorb the spirit energy from all directions on their own. They then transformed into wisps of wind that surrounded Zhang San¡¯s palm.


    ¡°The Immortal Fish Bone of the Flying-Winged Fish? With the help of the array formation, this thing can boost the speed of the magic boat quite well. Zhang San, why are you so generous today?¡± The captain of Team Six ate the pear in his hand and squatted beside Zhang San. He nudged Zhang San with his shoulder and smiled.


    ¡°It¡¯s Junior Brother Xu Qing¡¯s first time here. No matter what, I have to show my gratitude.¡± Zhang San said honestly.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t accept the gift. Instead, he looked at the captain and sought his opinion. He felt that the reason why Zhang San acted this way wasn¡¯t because of him but because of the captain.


    Seeing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the captain smiled.


    ¡°Take it. He gave you this to tell you that you should stop coming here to hunt for criminals in the future.¡±


    1


    When Xu Qing heard this, he glanced at Zhang San, who smiled honestly.


    Xu Qing nodded. He took the fishbone and examined it curiously before putting it into his pocket.


    After thinking about it, he imitated his captain and squatted at the side but he maintained a certain distance.


    Seeing Xu Qing like this, Zhang San¡¯s smile became even more sincere.


    ¡°Zhang San, have there been any abnormalities here recently?¡± The captain finished the pear in his hand and took out another peach to eat.


    Xu Qing immediately paid attention and looked at Zhang San.


    Zhang San took out a pipe and placed it in his mouth to smoke. After that, he tapped it on the ground. After the ash fell, it transformed into a picture of a human face and a line of words on the ground.


    ¡°There are many new faces at the south pier recently.¡±


    The captain of Team Six fell into deep thought. He then patted Zhang San¡¯s shoulder and smiled at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you can go back first. You¡¯re off duty today. Remember not to be late tomorrow.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he knew that these two people had something to say. Hence, he nodded and cupped his fists toward the captain and Zhang San before turning to leave.


    At that moment, it was the setting sun. The orange sunlight scattered on his body, illuminating the dazzling colors of his gray Daoist robe. As he left, the two people squatting behind him raised their heads and stared at him.


    The captain smiled and spoke after Xu Qing had walked far away.


    ¡°How is this newbie? It¡¯s rare for you to be so generous today.¡±


    ¡°Newbie? Where did you find such a fellow? When this kid saw me, his first reaction was to look at my neck. How can I not be magnanimous when facing such a person?!¡±


    When the captain heard this, he laughed out loud.


    ¡°You¡¯re still laughing? What kind of habit would develop the instinct to look at someone¡¯s neck?¡±


    1


    Zhang San smiled bitterly and touched his neck. He still felt a little uncomfortable and took a deep puff of his pipe.


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s someone who¡¯s used to cutting throats.¡± The captain of Team Six smiled happily. After he finished the peach in his hand, he took out another peach and took a big bite.


    ¡°This kid is beautiful but his murderous aura is too strong. Although he tried his best to hide it, I can still sense it, especially his eyes.¡± Zhang San¡¯s expression was somewhat solemn.


    ¡°Have you noticed? That¡¯s a pair of eyes with a vengeful personality. It seems that to him, there¡¯s nothing he can¡¯t kill as long as it conforms to his principlesa€|¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you use such a person well but if you don¡¯t, be careful of backlash. I can faintly sense that many people have died in his hands and he also gives me a very dangerous feeling.¡±


    ¡°If I encounter them at sea, I definitely won¡¯t provoke him easily. I don¡¯t want to die.¡± Zhang San looked at the captain of Team Six seriously.


    ¡°An interesting little junior brother.¡± The captain of Team Six smiled as he looked in the direction Xu Qing had gone. It seemed that the more Zhang San said this, the happier he was.


    Zhang San sighed helplessly at the side, thinking to himself that he had forgotten about this fellow. He was just as abnormal and his actions were incomparably treacherous.


    While the captain and Zhang San were talking about Xu Qing, Xu Qing was already walking on the streets of the harbor. At that moment, it was almost dusk and the crowd on the streets was slowly thinning. Most of the pharmacies were closed, so Xu Qing returned to his berth.


    After he returned, he didn¡¯t immediately take out the magic boat. Instead, he carefully inspected it.


    Yesterday, someone had come here with killing intent. Hence, when Xu Qing returned today, he did a detailed check and even sprinkled some poison powder into the sea. After confirming that there was nothing wrong, he took out his magic boat and stepped onto it.


    As the magic boat¡¯s protective barrier instantly rose, Xu Qing, who had entered the cabin, felt a little more at ease.


    After he sat down cross-legged, he didn¡¯t cultivate immediately but pondered over everything that had happened today.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see through the captain but he remembered everything he said. His intuition told him that what the other party said should be true.


    On Zhang San¡¯s side, Xu Qing could faintly sense that the other party seemed to be hiding some sort of emotion, as though he was a little afraid of him.


    There was also the disciple who had lost all his contribution points and couldn¡¯t leave on his own. He looked at the sky in despair and was eventually killed.


    What he saw today made Xu Qing realize that the majority of the disciples who could survive in the savage environment of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city weren¡¯t simple. One couldn¡¯t just look at the surface.


    For example, if the captain or Zhang San were to be thrown into the scavenger campsite, they would probably be able to toy with them and take their lives.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, the entire Seven Blood Eyes was like another forbidden zone. Hence, he needed to work harder in his cultivation.


    1


    This was especially so when he thought of the young man in the light purple Daoist robe he had seen earlier in the day. The other party was only at the Qi Condensation Realm, but his noble status and the way the people around him lowered their heads caused Xu Qing to feel a familiar difference in their statuses.

 Chapter 94 - Newbie of the Homicide Department (2)

    He had seen many similar class differences since he was young and knew how to handle them.


    Also, due to his vigilance, Xu Qing didn¡¯t ask the captain about the specific information regarding the person who gave him the token.


    If the other party wanted to appear, he would naturally appear. If he didn¡¯t want to appear, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t force the answer.


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be because of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s care.¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath, closed his eyes and began to cultivate.


    Two hours later, the sky outside had completely darkened. In the silence, Xu Qing opened his eyes, revealing a hint of hesitation.


    He could sense that his cultivation speed was much slower than yesterday and he also knew the reason.


    If his body was compared to a container, then most of the containers yesterday were empty. Hence, he didn¡¯t have to expend any effort to absorb more spirit energy. However, now that the container was filled to the brim, he had no choice but to increase his absorption ability during his cultivation to absorb spirit energy from the outside world.


    ¡°Unless I don¡¯t have to expend any effort to absorb it and allow spirit energy to flow in. However, this requires the density of spirit energy in the outside world to be high.¡± Xu Qing lowered his head and muttered to himself. After that, his right hand formed a seal and he pointed to the deck at the side.


    Immediately, wherever he pointed to, rays of light would appear and fill the entire boat. It was like an array formation.


    At that moment, the array formation was clearly in operation, causing the spirit energy from the outside world to flow over continuously despite being slow. This was also the reason why one¡¯s cultivation speed would be faster when cultivating on the magic boat compared to the outside world.


    This was because this array formation was the Spirit Energy Gathering Array.


    ¡°I have to increase my power source.¡± Xu Qing seemed to be in deep thought. Through the jade slip on the magic boat, he knew that other than the enhancement from biological materials, there was another important point to the boat¡¯s improvement.


    That was the power source.


    That was the core of a ship. Like a heart, it determined the power of the ship. It could climb endlessly and was the most expensive part of the exchange.


    At the start, the power source of all the Seventh Peak disciples¡¯ spirit boats was only a spirit energy gathering array. They could slowly absorb the spirit energy in the surroundings and store it as a substitute power source.


    If a disciple felt that the power wasn¡¯t enough, they could also place spirit stones on their own to increase the motivation and the might of the array formation.


    Other than that, the hearts of some powerful mutated beasts were often the best materials for power sources. The stronger the power, the greater the might of the spirit energy gathering array. At the same time, regardless of whether it was the speed of the ship or its defense, they could be released to the greatest extent.


    Otherwise, if the power source level wasn¡¯t high enough, no matter how good the external configuration was, it would be very difficult to unleash its full potential.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing gritted his teeth and took out one of the ten spirit stones he had and placed it on the array formation. The next moment, the spirit stone disappeared and Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat vibrated.


    As the light from the array formation dazzled, the spirit boat seemed to have turned into a vortex. The spirit energy was denser than before and was forcefully absorbed from all directions.


    Xu Qing immediately cultivated. This time around, his cultivation speed was clearly much faster.


    When dawn broke, Xu Qing abruptly opened his eyes and the purple light in his eyes flickered.


    ¡°Sea Transformation Art, the sixth level!¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath and sensed the 600-foot-long spirit sea in his body. Although it only seemed to be 100 feet longer than before, this 100-foot-long spirit sea covered way more area and contained an even greater depth.


    Hence, in terms of quantity, it was much larger. The most important thing was that there were many more species and their might that could be transformed.


    ¡°If this continues, in a few more days, the Sea Transformation Art will be able to reach the same realm as the Mountains and Seas Art.¡± Xu Qing was very satisfied with this speed. The only thing he sighed about was that the consumption of cultivation was too great.


    In just one night, one spirit stone was used up.


    At that moment, the sky was already bright outside. Xu Qing tidied himself up and walked out of the magic boat to head to the Homicide Department to begin his work for the next day.


    Working in the Homicide Department was both a responsibility and a salary. According to the information on the identity token, one would be rewarded with 3,000 contribution points every month.


    Hence, Xu Qing was very serious. Not long after the sun rose, he arrived at the Homicide Department. He walked all the way to the Black Division and saw the captain and team members of Team Six.


    There were more than 20 people in the entire team. There were men and women and they all had different appearances. Every one of them had extraordinary cultivation fluctuations. They also saw Xu Qing but most of them were cold and wary of each other.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t good at socializing. Hence, he remained silent at the side and maintained a distance from everyone. Very soon, the captain of Team Six walked out of the room lazily while eating an apple.


    ¡°Today¡¯s mission is still to go out and search for the remnants of Night Dove.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, you all shouldn¡¯t keep an eye on those wanted criminals. Although there are many rewards, Night Dove is the key to us in the near future. Remember, if you find any clues, don¡¯t alert the enemy. When you return, inform the department. The department will arrange for others to investigate the authenticity of the information and make a comprehensive plan.¡±


    ¡°Now, everyone, get to work!¡±


    After the captain finished speaking, the members of Team Six dispersed. This time, the captain didn¡¯t bring Xu Qing along. Instead, he gave him a jade slip that recorded the wanted criminals and allowed him to act alone. Xu Qing didn¡¯t have any objections to this arrangement, so he quickly left the Homicide Department. He checked the jade slip as he patrolled the city.


    He didn¡¯t know where to patrol, so he imitated what his captain had done yesterday and walked through the port area. He was still vigilant the entire way and even took off his badge. Most of the time, he would appear in dark and inconspicuous locations.


    In the dark, he looked at the people on the streets who were in a hurry and the various shops that were filled with people. Xu Qing also gained a deeper understanding of the prosperity of the main city.


    It was only when he saw someone selling candied hawthorns on the way that Xu Qing recalled the yearning he had when he was young. Hence, he went forward and bought a stick of candied hawthorns. After confirming that it was normal, he then ate in the dark while moving forward.


    He had finished reading all the wanted criminal¡¯s jade slips and understood why the captain had reminded the members of Team Six not to keep targeting the wanted criminal. The rewards inside were extremely generous. The lowest reward was ten spirit stones and the highest reward was several hundred spirit stones.


    It was late in the morning when it was already noon. Xu Qing, who was eating very slowly and had yet to finish his candied fruits, suddenly stopped and looked at the crowd in the distance.


    As far as the eye could see, there was a woman in very plain clothes but it couldn¡¯t hide her graceful figure. She was skillfully taking two bags from the passing crowd.


    She seemed to be very confident in her skills. After walking out of the crowd, the corners of this woman¡¯s mouth curled up as she revealed a complacent smile.


    However, when she saw Xu Qing¡¯s expressionless face in a corner not far away, her smile froze slightly.


    Very soon, she put on a shy expression and lowered her head while blushing. She was about to leave when she noticed from the corner of her eyes that Xu Qing was walking toward her.


    This made her very vigilant but she still couldn¡¯t recognize Xu Qing. However, the instinctive sense of danger caused her to quicken her pace and sway, wanting to enter the crowd to avoid him.


    However, Xu Qing recognized her.


    This woman was the one who framed him a few nights ago and took the opportunity to escape.


    This caused him to have no choice but to kill on the first day.


    Hence, Xu Qing finished the last bite of the candied fruit in his hand. With a swing of his right hand, the bamboo stick instantly shot out like a bolt of lightning, whistling through the air as it headed straight for the woman.


    It was so fast that the woman¡¯s expression changed drastically and she couldn¡¯t dodge in time. Before her body could enter the crowd, her right foot was pierced by the bamboo stick. With a bang, her delicate body was pinned to the ground.


    A blood-curdling scream immediately rang out from the pale-faced woman¡¯s mouth. Accompanied by cries for help, the weak-looking woman seemed to have been bullied by a bully. This caused the surrounding crowd to be overwhelmed with horror and quickly dispersed.


    At the same time, Xu Qing¡¯s cold voice entered the ears of the trembling woman.


    ¡°If you shout one more time, I¡¯ll tear your mouth apart.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s learning and imitation abilities were just as good as his memorya?|

 Chapter 95 - Giving One Spirit Coin

    What happened that night made Xu Qing very angry. He didn¡¯t want to kill on the first day he arrived at the Seven Blood Eyes but the other party had forcefully framed him.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation and combat strength were sufficient, if it was anyone else, they might have died during the framing that night.


    1


    Hence, at that moment, his attack was incomparably swift. As his voice rang out, the woman who was screaming suddenly fell silent. Her entire body was trembling but she knew the advantage of being a woman.


    She also understood that to a man, a frightened woman would more or less cause others to feel pity for her. Hence, she exaggerated her fear.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. As he chewed on the last candied fruit in his mouth, he walked toward the other party. At the same time, he didn¡¯t forget to be vigilant of the surroundings to see if the other party had accomplices. As he walked over, the passersby in the surroundings had already distanced themselves.


    Even a few cultivators among them wanted to interfere when they saw the miserable state the woman was in. However, after noticing that Xu Qing¡¯s aura wasn¡¯t ordinary, they quickly dispelled the thought.


    Seeing Xu Qing walking over, the woman who felt intense pain from having her foot penetrated intentionally trembled even more. Sweat covered her forehead as she recognized Xu Qing¡¯s voice.


    In reality, ever since she framed Xu Qing that day and sensed the other party¡¯s gaze as well as the viciousness of his attacks, she had been very vigilant. She was very clear that she had provoked a terrifying existence.


    Hence, she had been hiding for the past few days and didn¡¯t go out. Today, she felt that the limelight should have passed. That terrifying existence most probably left. It shouldn¡¯t dare to act rashly during the day.


    That was why she came out. However, no matter what, she didn¡¯t expect to meet the other party.


    It was fine if she encountered him since she was confident that she could escape. After all, she was a commoner. With the Patrol Department in charge of public security, she was safe under the rules.


    However, at this moment, as she looked at the figure who squatted down beside her, she suddenly had a feeling that she might die here before the Patrol Department arrived.


    Hence, she fully displayed the pity she felt as a woman amidst the trembling of her body and the fear in her eyes. She wanted to stall for time.


    ¡°Stop pretending.¡± Xu Qing squatted in front of the woman and removed the bamboo stick from her footboard.


    The intense pain and the fact that the other party had seen through her thoughts caused the terror in the woman¡¯s eyes to become real. She also noticed that the other party was very close to her at this moment. She struggled for a moment in her heart and her clenched right hand moved but she still didn¡¯t dare to spill the poison powder in her hand.


    At that moment, whistling sounds could be heard from the distant streets. A group of patrolling cultivators seemed to have noticed the situation here and were rushing over at high speed.


    Hope instantly appeared in the woman¡¯s eyes.


    However, very soon, as Xu Qing took out the badge of the Homicide Department, the group of patrolling cultivators turned their heads and left. The hope in the woman¡¯s eyes was replaced by despair and she suddenly spoke in a low voice while trembling.


    ¡°What happened last time was my fault. I¡¯m willing to make amends. Ia€| I know a clue about a wanted criminal!¡±


    She didn¡¯t bargain with Xu Qing. As someone who walked in the dark all year round, she knew very well that she didn¡¯t have the qualifications to bargain with someone who was stronger than her and could crush her. Obedience was the only way to survive.


    Hence, she didn¡¯t wait for Xu Qing to speak and quickly revealed the clues.


    ¡°That wanted criminal is the abandoned disciple of the Spirit Cloud Sect, Qing Yunzi. He has been staying at Panquan Road for the past few days, in the inn we met last time.¡±


    ¡°Wanted criminal?¡± Xu Qing took out the jade slip his captain had given him. After checking it, he found Qing Yunzi¡¯s name. After a glance, the reward was around 20 spirit stones.


    ¡°Also, I heard that your Homicide Department has been investigating the Night Dove. I also know of a Night Dove stronghold.¡± In this huge crisis, the woman had given it her all in order to save her life. She hurriedly continued to speak and told him the location of the stronghold.


    After Xu Qing heard this, he cast a meaningful glance at the woman and thought of the captain¡¯s informant. Hence, he took out a spirit coin and passed it to her.


    ¡°If there are such clues in the future, wait for me here.¡±


    The woman was stunned and hesitated for a moment. She was very clear about the meaning of this sentence. Very soon, she gritted her teeth and nodded fiercely. She then took the spirit coins and limped away rapidly under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze.


    1


    After the woman¡¯s figure disappeared from the crowd, Xu Qing stood up. He didn¡¯t verify the authenticity of what the other party said about Night Dove¡¯s stronghold. He only needed to report it to the higher-ups and someone would verify it.


    Hence, after another round of patrolling in the city, Xu Qing went to the inn he stayed at when the sun was setting.


    During the day, the inn was also open but almost no one entered.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze from afar and recalled how strange the old man from the inn was. However, he didn¡¯t act rashly. Instead, he returned to the Homicide Department and reported the clues he had obtained before leaving.


    As for whether the woman would agree on the surface and disappear afterward, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care. This was because she had accepted the spirit coin and ita€|was poisonous.


    Three days later, he needed to detoxify the poison.


    On the way, he met a few members of Team Six. When they saw Xu Qing, they coldly swept their gazes over him but didn¡¯t say anything. Only a middle-aged member laughed and invited Xu Qing to join them for a drink.


    On the surface, it was forbidden for the Seven Blood Eyes to kill each other but they were secretly plundering each other. Such an invitation was a little abrupt and it made Xu Qing even more vigilant. He calmly rejected it.


    Today was a special day. He didn¡¯t want to kill anyone and wanted to be alone.


    Also, he planned to make a trip to the medicinal shop.


    He wanted to buy some medicinal herbs that could be used to refine white pills. After attempting to refine them, he would sell them for money. At the same time, he didn¡¯t have much poison and black pills left, so he needed to replenish them. Also, he had even more ideas regarding poison that he wanted to verify.


    According to the map in his mind, Xu Qing soon found a medical shop.


    This medical shop was very large and there were many people coming and going. They were all dressed in gray Daoist robes.


    The disciples of the various peaks needed items like medicinal pills.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entrance attracted the attention of some people due to his handsome appearance. However, most of them only glanced at him. Their expressions wouldn¡¯t be obvious.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He also swept his gaze across the crowd in the shop and silently walked toward the counter.


    At the counter, other than a shopkeeper-like old man, there was also a little fatty.


    This little fatty had an ordinary appearance. His gray Daoist robe was very tight on his body, making him look round. His fair and chubby face had some freckles, and he looked to be around 16 or 17 years old. He was also a customer.


    At that moment, he was yawning as he placed the medicinal herbs piled up on the counter into the huge pockets he carried with him.


    There was no pattern to his movements. Outsiders might not be able to tell but Xu Qing could tell at a glance that the other party didn¡¯t understand medicinal herbs.


    There were some that couldn¡¯t be placed together that he casually stuffed into his pocket.


    ¡°Shopkeeper, the amount of medicinal herbs this time is a little low. Is that all?¡± As Xu Qing got closer, he heard the little fatty¡¯s dissatisfied voice.


    ¡°You come here every day and you¡¯ve bought everything. How about tomorrow? The goods from the boss will arrive tomorrow.¡± The shopkeeper was clearly very familiar with the little fatty. After he took out all the medicinal herbs the other party had bought, he looked at Xu Qing who was walking over.


    ¡°Junior Brother, what medicinal pills do you want?¡±


    ¡°I need ten-year-old butterfly bone flowers, 30 stalks of golden-winged leaves, 10 stalks of exquisite branches, 10 stalks of seven-leaf grass of any age, and 100 stalks of golden-button grass,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    ¡°I also need a rhinoceros fire flower with roots, as well as spirit condensation leaves. Add 10 stalks of white roots to that.¡±


    ¡°Also, do you have any decomposing cloud soil and black rose thorns?¡± After some thought, Xu Qing added a few more snake venoms and poisonous grass. After he finished speaking, he looked at the shopkeeper.


    The shopkeeper¡¯s eyes narrowed as he carefully looked at Xu Qing. The people he usually met here were all disciples who bought pills. Occasionally, he would meet some disciples who bought herbs but most of them were from the Second Peak. There were also those like Little Fatty who didn¡¯t know anything.


    As for the youth in front of him, he spoke so clearly and he also looked unfamiliar. It was very rare to see someone who wasn¡¯t a cultivator from the Second Peak.


    This was especially so when the other party¡¯s medicinal herbs were mostly used for white pills. This caused the shopkeeper to be lost in thought. He cast a deep glance at Xu Qing before shaking his head.


    ¡°Everything else is available. There¡¯s a total of 380 spirit coins but he bought the last 100 portions of spirit condensation leaves. You¡¯ll have stock when you come over tomorrow.¡± The shopkeeper pointed at the little fatty who was packing.


    Xu Qing nodded. Although spirit condensation leaves were important, it didn¡¯t matter if it was just one more day. As for the price of the herbs, it was reasonable. If he succeeded, he would be able to refine about a hundred white pills and a few pieces of poison powder.


    Just when he was about to purchase it, the little fatty at the side lifted his head and surveyed Xu Qing before asking curiously.


    ¡°Spirit Condensation Leaf? You want this thing too? What¡¯s the use of this thing? I asked the shopkeeper several times but he didn¡¯t tell me.¡±


    ¡°You ask a lot of questions every time. If I told you every one of them I wouldn¡¯t be able to do business with othersa€|¡± The shopkeeper sighed helplessly.


    Xu Qing glanced at the little fatty and thought of how he had once thirsted for knowledge as well. Hence, he spoke softly.


    ¡°There are two main uses for spirit condensation leaves. One of them is to catalyze other medicinal herbs, causing them to mutate in the direction they want. The other is to nourish the skin very well.¡±


    When the little fatty heard this, he came to a realization and generously took out a bunch of spirit condensation leaves. There were about seven to eight stalks and he generously placed them in front of Xu Qing.


    ¡°Thank you, brother. These are for you.¡± After saying that, the little fatty carried the bag and walked out happily. To him, giving some herbs to others was just a trivial matter.


    Xu Qing was stunned. He hesitated for a moment and was about to refuse but the little fatty had already rushed out of the door. He even took out a jade slip and seemed to be transmitting his voice.


    The shopkeeper smiled and spoke.


    ¡°This little fatty¡¯s name is Huang Yan. He¡¯s a disciple of the Seventh Peak and is also an infatuated weirdo. I don¡¯t know which female disciple charmed him but he came to my place to buy medicinal herbs for many years. If he continues to buy like this, the money he spent all these years will be enough for him to become my boss. However, this kid isn¡¯t simple either. He¡¯s so high-profile yet he can still live until now.¡±


    Xu Qing cast a deep glance in the direction that the little fatty left in but didn¡¯t say anything. He then left after purchasing the remaining medicinal herbs in the medicine shop.


    He returned to his berth and checked that there were no problems as usual. After that, Xu Qing walked into the magic boat and immediately activated the protective barrier. Only when the protective barrier appeared did he heave a sigh of relief.


    Compared to the outside world, the magic boat gave Xu Qing a greater sense of security. At this moment, he entered the cabin and sat down. He then took out the medicinal herbs he had bought and sorted them into different categories before placing them properly. The formula for the white pills then surfaced in his mind.


    Although he hadn¡¯t managed to gather all the medicinal herbs needed for the white pills previously, Xu Qing didn¡¯t slow down in concocting the medicinal pills. Hence, after he had completed the concoction of these medicinal herbs, he pondered for a moment and began to refine them.


    Time slowly passed and midnight arrived.

 Chapter 96 - A Persons Birthday

    At that moment, the night wind blew and the seawater flowed gently, patting the surroundings of the small boat and squeezing out a lot of grayish-black water foam.


    It also caused the small boat to sway slightly and emit creaking sounds.


    In the black tent, Xu Qing was seriously refining pills.


    As he took out the medicinal herbs one by one, he either plucked the leaves, squeezed the juice, or extracted the stamens. He cooked them skillfully and gradually and there was more and more medicinal liquid in the stone bowl.


    After checking the ratio and adjusting it, Xu Qing began to put in the seven-leaf grass. Just like that, when midnight arrived, Xu Qing carefully dripped the juice of the spirit condensation leaf into the black medicinal liquid.


    Waves of ear-piercing sounds rang out as green smoke spread out. Xu Qing waved his sleeve and dispersed it. The medicinal liquid in the stone bowl directly turned into a white semi-solid state and there was a faint stream of light within.


    It was a one-time success.


    After a careful inspection, Xu Qing took out these medicinal liquids and kneaded them one by one, turning them into medicinal pills. He then placed them at the side and dried them. Looking at these medicinal pills, his eyes revealed satisfaction.


    ¡°I¡¯ve finally refined a white pill!¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled as scenes of him learning from Grandmaster Bai appeared in his mind. The scene of the scavenger campsite was also reflected in his heart.


    All of this caused the youth¡¯s heart to slowly become restless on this special day.


    After a long time, Xu Qing sighed softly and looked out of the ship. It was pitch-black.


    Only the bright moon hanging high above the sea shone brightly.


    The surroundings were silent. The sea breeze blew over and there was a hint of shade in the humidity, causing his hair to flutter.


    ¡°Grandmaster Bai should have returned to Purple Earth long ago.¡±


    ¡°Cross and Luan Tooth, I wonder how they are now¡­¡±


    ¡°Also, could there be weeds at Captain Lei¡¯s grave¡­¡± Xu Qing whispered softly.


    ¡°As for me, I haven¡¯t found the heavenfate flower yet.¡±


    Even though he was used to being alone and had adapted to his new environment, Xu Qing was still a youth after all. He sat there silently and in his memory, he returned to the residence of the scavenger camp and ate snake meat with a familiar old man.


    He listened to the other party talk about the trivial matters in the scavenger campsite and watched as the other party smoked a pipe and drank wine.


    The image of the memory was very clear.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyelids drooped.


    ¡°The teacher in the slums said that when a person starts to recall the past, it means that his age is growing¡­¡± Xu Qing muttered and took out a flask of wine from his leather pouch.


    He had bought this during his patrol during the day.


    Holding the wine pot, Xu Qing raised his head and looked at the bright moon in the sky. After a long time, he slowly raised it and toasted the bright moon before drinking it in one gulp.


    From afar, the youth on the boat drank one cup to the bright moon and the other cup to himself.


    The wine in the main city was even stronger than the scavenger campsite. When it entered his mouth, it was extremely hot. When it fused into his stomach, it was as though there was a flame burning his entire body, causing Xu Qing¡¯s breathing to become slightly hurried. After a long time, he drank another large mouthful.


    ¡°I wish Captain Lei a safe journey in heaven.¡±


    ¡°I wish Grandmaster Bai good health and longevity.¡±


    ¡°I wish myself¡­ Happy birthday.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and drank it again.


    Today was a special day. It was his birthday.


    Xu Qing, who looked to be 16 or 17 years old, had actually just turned 15. However, compared to his peers who had grown up safely, his experiences forced him to mature.


    Today, just like every other day for many years, he silently blessed himself.


    However, this year, there was more alcohol.


    Hence, after drinking the entire pot, Xu Qing thought of his family.


    With his memories, even though he tried his best to recall them, they were still blurry. This blurriness made Xu Qing feel very uncomfortable. He didn¡¯t want it to be blurry but¡­ there were some things that couldn¡¯t be controlled.


    A long, long time passed.


    ¡°Are you guys alright¡­¡± Xu Qing lowered his head and asked.


    The sea breeze blew over, lifting his hair and blowing it on his face, scattering everything. That trace of shade also gradually pulled Xu Qing back from his memories, causing his eyes to become sharp again and the expression on his face to become cold again.


    ¡°Live.¡±


    ¡°If I can live a little better and have the chance to see my parents¡­ that would be even better.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, I have to become stronger!¡± Xu Qing slowly lifted his head. The figure of the youth under the moonlight was like a lone wolf as he stared into the distance.


    After a long time, he turned and walked back to the cabin. He sat cross-legged and began to cultivate.


    Time passed.


    After his birthday, Xu Qing¡¯s life was on the right track. In the next few days, other than patrolling, he spent his time refining pills and cultivating.


    Although the cultivation of the Sea Transformation Art was enhanced by spirit stones, his cultivation still gradually slowed down. Now, he had just broken through from the sixth level to the seventh level.


    The further he went, the slower his cultivation became. However, this was only in comparison. In reality, compared to others, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation speed was already extremely astonishing.


    At the same time, after reaching the seventh level of the Sea Transformation Art, Xu Qing could clearly sense that his combat strength was almost the difference between heaven and earth. Now, he was 100% confident that he could kill him within thirty breaths of time before he came to Seven Blood Eyes.


    Although there was still a gap between him and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, Xu Qing was confident that he could deal with him head-on.


    ¡°When I¡¯m stronger, I¡¯ll go and kill the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.¡± If he didn¡¯t kill the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, Xu Qing would have a thorn in his heart and would always feel uneasy. He felt that although the other party couldn¡¯t personally deal with him because of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ rules, it was inevitable that he would use others to kill him. Hence, he had to hurry up and increase his cultivation to eliminate this threat.


    In addition, Xu Qing¡¯s research on the magic boat was also extremely thorough. He analyzed the contents of the jade slip very thoroughly. After he completely understood it, his control over the magic boat also reached an extremely agile level.


    As for the direction, he also made a decision and chose Fortitude!


    He wanted to start with sturdiness and defense to increase the level of the magic boat. The reason for this was on one hand, it was to increase sturdiness and defense so that it wouldn¡¯t be easily depleted. If it wasn¡¯t depleted, it meant that there was no need to repair it and the expenditure would be reduced.


    On the other hand, in this Seven Blood Eyes main city that was filled with danger, the magic boat was Xu Qing¡¯s only relatively safe place. He needed such a place to cultivate, rest, and refine pills.


    Therefore, such a place had to have sufficient protection.


    At the same time, Xu Qing had also refined quite a number of medicinal pills these few days. This was the case for white pills and black pills.


    According to his previous method, not only did he refine black pills but he also refined a lot of poison powder that he had used before.


    Every time he refined pills, Xu Qing would be extremely focused. Herbs and medicine were survival skills that he had learned very seriously back then. He cherished what he had learned and had long engraved it into his bones.


    As for the remaining medicinal herbs after each refinement, he carefully sorted them out and placed them in the cabin. This caused his small boat to be densely packed with various medicinal herbs.


    Among them, because there were too many people in the main city, it wasn¡¯t convenient for him to try to innovate. Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t refine a new poison but he had accumulated a lot of materials.


    He planned to find an opportunity to go out and find a secret place to refine it together.


    As for the work of the Homicide Department, as Xu Qing continued to head there for a few days, he gradually became familiar with it. Over the past few days, the entire Homicide Department was still searching for Night Dove¡¯s stronghold. Every day, a large number of clues would be reported.


    Xu Qing could sense that the department wasn¡¯t far from closing the net.


    Today wasn¡¯t supposed to be his night shift but Xu Qing chose to take the initiative to apply and swap places with someone else.


    The duty of the Homicide Department included patrolling at night. Every disciple would have their turn. However, every time they were on duty at night, everyone would be extremely vigilant.


    Hence, when the sky gradually darkened in the outside world, Xu Qing tidied his clothes and placed the poison powder in his sleeve pocket. He then placed the dagger and iron stick down and walked out of the magic boat.


    Outside, the sun had already set and dusk was about to disperse. The sky was dark and the ground had also lost its light. Drops of rain slowly sprinkled down on the main city.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure moved in the darkness. In the rain, his entire person seemed to have fused with the night as he sped forward.


    At that moment, the wind blew over and landed on Xu Qing¡¯s long robe, causing it to rustle. This wind was cold and when one took a breath, it would make one feel very refreshed.


    It also dispersed the heat in the city but it couldn¡¯t disperse some special smells in the air.


    As he sped along, his clean boots stepped on the bluestone tiles that were sprinkled with rain, producing a series of hurried tata sounds. From afar, it seemed that with every step he took, the water stains on the ground would ripple like flowers, as though lotuses would bloom with every step he took.


    Very soon, the sky turned completely dark and the rain became even heavier. Xu Qing¡¯s figure quickly passed through various alleys and closed shops, avoiding some killing scenes. He arrived at Panquan Road at midnight.


    Looking at the inn in the distance, Xu Qing stood in a corner under the eaves in the rain and waited silently.


    Many days ago, his informant had mentioned a wanted criminal named Qing Yunzi.


    The wanted jade slip stated that this person came from a small sect called the Azure Cloud Sect. He was at the ninth level of Qi Condensation and was ruthless and lascivious. In the sect he was from, he killed several female fellow disciples and was chased all the way. He even slaughtered many villages and raped and plundered.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t choose to capture him because he had no feud with him.


    In this cruel chaotic world, everyone had their own way of living. Xu Qing couldn¡¯t care less.


    However, the other party had done something wrong.


    Xu Qing¡¯s informant should have appeared two days ago at the bustling city where the two of them had met for the second time, looking for him to detoxify the poison. However, she hadn¡¯t appeared.


    Hence, Xu Qing went to search during the day.


    Although the wind was strong, it couldn¡¯t disperse the unique smell of the poison powder on the spirit coins. Hence, Xu Qing easily found the woman¡¯s residence and also saw the traces of fighting inside. Following the traces of the poison powder, he found this inn.


    After waiting for an entire afternoon, he saw someone who was tainted by the strong smell of poison powder enter the inn.


    The other party¡¯s appearance was identical to the wanted jade slip. It was Qing Yunzi.


    Hence, Xu Qing swapped the night shift with someone else and came here to wait silently.


    He naturally had to take care of his informant.

 Chapter 97 - Lonely Night in the Rain (1)

    As time passed, the wind and rain grew heavier.


    The howling wind sounded like it was crying as it reverberated in the main city of the Seven Blood Eyes. It roamed every street and alley, meeting the rain in the sky time and time again and hugging each other.


    It also landed on the Panquan Road and around Xu Qing.


    The rain knocked on the bricks at the side, producing a tata sound. The wind wasn¡¯t to be outdone either, blowing his long robe and causing it to flutter.


    As for Xu Qing, who was standing under the roof, it was as though he wouldn¡¯t be disturbed by the wind and rain. His entire person melted into the darkness like a hunter, not moving at all as he coldly stared at his prey.


    He was very patient. His breathing was even and unhurried.


    Just like that, another two hours passed. When the lights of thousands of households were extinguished, the entire city fell into darkness and silence. Only the rustling of the rain could be heard. In the inn, a figure slowly revealed his head.


    It was a middle-aged cultivator in a red robe. His body under the robe seemed to be very muscular and his shoulders were extremely wide. Standing there, he gave off an oppressive feeling. It was Qing Yunzi.


    The spirit energy fluctuations on his body were also very extraordinary. He seemed to have reached the ninth level of Qi Condensation and seemed to be very strong.


    However, this kind of strength was only relative to small sects and small forces. To the disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes, the difference in cultivation techniques had already increased the foundation of both sides. To be able to grow in the cruel environment of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city, one only needed to be at the seventh level of Qi Condensation to suppress a ninth level cultivator like him.


    Hence, this made him very cautious in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city.


    At that moment, at the inn¡¯s door, he first stuck his head out and scanned his surroundings. After confirming that there was no danger, he tried to take a step forward. The instant he stepped out of the inn, his entire body suddenly swayed and he was about to leave in the rainy night.


    However, after taking less than five steps, Qing Yunzi¡¯s expression changed. It was as though he had a talent for identifying danger. Although he didn¡¯t see Xu Qing, he seemed to have sensed danger. He suddenly turned around and headed straight for the inn.


    Xu Qing frowned slightly. He originally planned to wait for the other party to run a little further before attacking. However, the other party¡¯s vigilance was too high. At that moment, a cold glint flashed in his eyes as he walked out.


    His speed was so fast that he was like a bolt of lightning, shuttling through the rain.


    The falling rain became incomparably slow in front of him. At that moment, a sonic boom rang out in the entire street.


    As the rain continued to dissipate, Xu Qing¡¯s figure was like an arrow that had left the bow, heading straight for Qing Yunzi outside the inn with irresistible force.


    Qing Yunzi¡¯s expression changed drastically. He saw Xu Qing and sensed the terrifying speed. He also sensed the aura of the forbidden sea from the spirit energy in the other party¡¯s body, suppressing his entire body and causing his spirit energy to stop circulating. His heart instantly trembled violently as a life-and-death crisis erupted at this moment.


    His eyes instantly turned red. He bit the tip of his tongue and seemed to have activated a secret technique. He forcefully circulated his cultivation and caused his speed to increase explosively. He was about to rush into the inn¡¯s door.


    At that moment, the old man smoking a pipe appeared at the entrance of the inn. Under the illumination of the fireworks, he looked at Xu Qing who was rushing over.


    In the next instant, Qing Yunzi¡¯s eyes were bloodshot and he was only half a step away from the inn¡¯s entrance. Just as he lifted his right foot and was about to step in, a black light approached at an even faster speed. With a cold light and dense sea-restricting spirit energy, it broke through Qing Yunzi¡¯s cultivation protection and suddenly passed through his raised right calf.


    The speed and impact were so fast that Qing Yunzi let out a miserable cry in the silent night.


    He couldn¡¯t land his right foot and his body was knocked to the side by the impact. As he staggered, he found it difficult to steady himself. When he had no choice but to take a step back, a second black light whistled over. It was a dagger.


    There was a bang.


    The speed of this dagger was astonishing. In an instant, it pierced into Qing Yunzi¡¯s left arm. Terrifying spirit energy erupted in his body. As it destroyed his meridians, it ruthlessly nailed his body to the ground. His face landed on the ground and he was only an arm¡¯s length away from the inn¡¯s entrance.


    As he screamed, the veins on Qing Yunzi¡¯s forehead bulged. He struggled to pull out his dagger and crawl toward the inn but it was too late. Xu Qing¡¯s figure had already closed in and he stepped on Qing Yunzi¡¯s back.


    This kick was extremely powerful. With a crack, the spine on his back broke. The intense pain caused Qing Yunzi¡¯s entire body to tremble violently and his screams became even more miserable.


    Amidst his misery, the old man in the inn put down the pipe in his hand. At that moment, he seemed to emit a dangerous aura as he coldly looked at Xu Qing who had appeared at the door.


    ¡°Are you going to break my rules?¡±


    His two eyes had turned yellow. One could see tentacles burrowing out from them and cracks appeared between his brows. It was as though there was something in his body that was about to crawl out. It was a shocking sight.


    At the same time, in his inn, a strange sound rang out. A huge python as thick as three people actually hung down from the roof beam of the inn. Its vertical pupils revealed coldness and bloodlust as it stared at Xu Qing.


    Not only that but a large number of centipedes also crawled out from the ground. All of them were incomparably pitch-black and contained extreme poison. They all assumed an attacking posture and sharp auras spread out from the surrounding houses. When they locked onto Xu Qing, ropes hung down from the roof.


    These ropes seemed to have a life of their own. At this moment, they were spinning slightly, as though they could wrap around Xu Qing in the next instant. An endless aura of death exuded from them, as though countless people had died on these ropes.


    They were staring at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing stood at the door and stepped on the back of the person who was screaming. He then raised his head and looked at the old man in the inn.

 Chapter 98 - Lonely Night in the Rain (2)

    Their gazes met.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t seem to notice the mutated beasts in the inn, the auras from the surroundings, or the ropes. He only looked at the old man.


    The shadow behind him transformed into a pitch-black ghost that was ready to attack.


    At the same time, Xu Qing circulated the Mountains and Seas Art at full force. Every single part of his flesh and blood was prepared to completely erupt at this moment.


    The Sea Transformation Art was the same. The rain in the surroundings stopped in midair at this moment and surrounded Xu Qing, resonating with the spirit sea in his body.


    It seemed like he could form a killing technique at any time.


    It was the same for the poison and his shadow. At that moment, it was silent and undetectable. It had already spread to the inn and reached the feet of the strange old man.


    This was especially so when an illusory long saber surrounded by water droplets appeared above his head. It was faintly discernible and seemed to contain vast might. Now that it was compressed, it could slash the ground like a heavenly saber at any time.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and looked at the old man in front of him. He wasn¡¯t intimidated by the tentacles in his eyes and his forehead that was about to split open. He knew that the other party was very strong but he also had a way to escape unscathed. Hence, his expression was calm as he spoke seriously.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t step in. It¡¯s not considered breaking the rules.¡±


    The old man¡¯s eyes flickered with a dark light. After staring at Xu Qing for a long time, he suddenly smiled.


    ¡°You have a point.¡±


    The moment he smiled and his words echoed, all the auras that were locked onto Xu Qing outside the inn instantly disappeared. The pythons in the inn also retreated into the roof beams. The centipedes on the ground rustled and dissipated into the ground.


    As for the ropes, they were also blurry and soon disappeared. As for the old man himself, the tentacles in his eyes and the crack on his forehead disappeared completely. He returned to his ordinary-looking old man appearance and picked up the pipe to smoke.


    ¡°Are you selling the corpse?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head and grabbed Qing Yunzi¡¯s hair. As the other party trembled, he spoke calmly:


    ¡°Where¡¯s the woman you captured two days ago?¡±


    Qing Yunzi¡¯s hair was disheveled and his face was covered in blood. He was in an extremely sorry state.


    At that moment, he was trembling. However, he seemed to want to be stubborn and wanted to vomit blood at Xu Qing. However, Xu Qing pressed his head to the ground and wiped it seriously.


    When the screams became even more mournful, Xu Qing raised his hand and pressed it on Qing Yunzi¡¯s right arm, crushing all the bones bit by bit. He then switched to his other arm. This intense pain caused Qing Yunzi to tremble and he couldn¡¯t cry out.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm as he carefully checked. He then punched Qing Yunzi¡¯s dantian and destroyed his cultivation. After confirming that the other party was no longer a threat, he stood up and kept his dagger and black iron stick. He then grabbed Qing Yunzi¡¯s leg with one hand and dragged him forward.


    When his flesh and blood touched the ground, even with the rain as a buffer, the feeling of his flesh slowly shattering and rolling caused Qing Yunzi¡¯s screams to become even sharper.


    As Xu Qing moved forward, the screams continued. A trail of blood slowly appeared on the ground. Although it was rapidly washed away by the rain, traces could still be seen.


    This scene caused the old man¡¯s eyes to narrow fiercely. He looked at the youth who left in the rainy night and listened to Qing Yunzi¡¯s inhuman screams. After a long time, he muttered.


    ¡°This kid is ruthlessa€|¡±


    Just like that, Qing Yunzi¡¯s screams continued all the way. When everyone who was walking in the dark saw this scene, their hearts trembled. They had an extremely deep impression of the expressionless youth.


    Even some of the patrolling disciples rushed over when they heard the commotion. After seeing it, they recognized Qing Yunzi¡¯s identity and their expressions changed as they looked at Xu Qing.


    To be able to kill or capture alive or torture someone at the ninth level of Qi Condensation, although he was only a miscellaneous cultivator from a small sect, was impressive. From this, one could see his combat strength and ruthlessness. No one was willing to rashly provoke such a person.


    This battle allowed Xu Qing to gain some fame in the main city.


    As for Qing Yunzi, after persisting for two hours, he completely lost his will. While he was unconscious, he told Xu Qing a location and also told Xu Qing about the secret of that informant.


    That informant was actually a spy raised by Qing Yunzi. He didn¡¯t know that the other party had told Xu Qing about his whereabouts but he had a habit. Any spy would cripple him after some time.


    This time, it was the spy¡¯s turn.


    According to the address provided by Qing Yunzi, after Xu Qing went there, he carefully checked to ensure that there were no ambushes before he truly stepped in. Finally, he saw the informant who was on the verge of death in a sealed dungeon that was mixed with countless smelly auras.


    After losing the spirit coins, the smell of the remaining poison powder on his body was mixed up. Moreover, it was sealed in this sealed place, so Xu Qing couldn¡¯t find it.


    However, she wasn¡¯t dead yet. She was surrounded by rotting corpses. There were men and women.


    The way these people died was extremely miserable. Clearly, they had been cruelly tortured when they were alive. Moreover, there seemed to be an array formation drawn on the ground, as though their deaths were some kind of ritual.


    Xu Qing¡¯s arrival caused this informant to weakly open her eyes. When she saw the unconscious Qing Yunzi at the side, she suddenly had the strength to go crazy. She didn¡¯t care that Xu Qing was at the side and pounced on him like a wild beast, biting him until the unconscious Qing Yunzi woke up. He let out a shrill cry and in the end, she bit Qing Yunzi¡¯s neck again and again.


    It was only when Qing Yunzi¡¯s body was badly mangled and his body convulsed that he stopped breathing. Only then did she stand there in a daze. She instinctively lifted her head and looked at the expressionless Xu Qing.


    In her eyes, Xu Qing, who was dressed in a gray robe, had a tall and straight figure. His handsome face revealed a coldness that was difficult for her to grasp. The aura he emitted also made her feel a little suffocated.


    Hence, the madness on her face was slowly suppressed. After she calmed down, she gradually revealed an obedient expression under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze. Her body instinctively trembled as she seemed to have thought of something and hurriedly rummaged through the room.


    In the end, she found a jade slip and lifted her head to look at Xu Qing. She then slowly knelt down and handed it to Xu Qing with both hands as though she was submitting.


    Xu Qing took the jade slip. There was an evil array recorded in it. It described that after the ritual was activated, an inconceivable power would descend.


    However, the conditions to activate this array formation required the emotions of living beings, including joy, anger, sorrow, and other extreme emotions.


    He silently looked at the miserable state of the human world in the dungeon. After a long silence, Xu Qing dragged Qing Yunzi¡¯s corpse and left. Before he left, his voice echoed in the woman¡¯s ears.


    ¡°You have to be my informant seriously in the future.¡±


    Following the voice was another spirit coin and an antidote.


    The woman took the spirit coins and antidote and stared blankly at the departing Xu Qing. His back view was gradually engraved in her soul as she lowered her head and agreed.


    At that moment, it wasn¡¯t far from dawn outside. Xu Qing took out a black paper umbrella and dragged Qing Yunzi¡¯s broken corpse along the streets silently.


    The layers of clouds in the sky seemed to reflect some of his emotions. After he sent Qing Yunzi¡¯s corpse back to the department and left under the shock of his colleagues, Xu Qing looked at the rising sun in the sky and the remnant face of the gods in the distance. His eyes revealed tenacity.


    ¡°In this cruel chaotic world, only by becoming stronger can we avoida€| becoming meat on someone¡¯s chopping block!¡±

 Chapter 99 - Dont Enter Unless Youre Invited

    Heavenly lightning exploded!


    A rumbling sound echoed through the world. The layers of clouds in the sky were thick and heavy, as though there were living beings from outer space constantly bombarding each other.


    Sometimes, there was a muffled thunder and sometimes, there was a series of loud bangs, causing all the residents in the main city to wake up from their sleep.


    Bolts of lightning tore through the sky and shockingly tore through the night. The sun that was covered by the clouds seemed to have a chance to catch its breath at this moment. It tried its best to bring the light along with the rain and surge towards the human world.


    In the morning, the rain was even heavier.


    The wind outside was also much more violent than at night. It was like the roar of a giant that spread in all directions, as though it was fighting against the lightning in the sky. It echoed in the sky and didn¡¯t dissipate for a long time.


    On the street in the rain, the figure moving under the black paper umbrella gradually blurred.


    One could only see the rain pouring down outside the umbrella. As for the part that hit the umbrella paper, it let out crackling sounds. At the same time, it seemed like the mission wasn¡¯t completed and it wasn¡¯t willing to be blocked. Hence, it flowed along the edge of the umbrella and turned into rain.


    They scrambled to land and gathered together with their companions on the ground.


    The ripples formed by their reunion completely washed away the blood on the ground last night but it couldn¡¯t wash away the sins of humanity in this cruel world.


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s heart is locked with sin. It¡¯s just that the chaotic era made this lock very easy to open.¡± This was what Captain Lei said with emotion during a meal.


    Xu Qing felt that it made sense.


    The rain became more and more ferocious and the heavenly lightning rumbled more and more. Xu Qing¡¯s emotions slowly calmed down under the roar of the heavenly lightning and wind.


    Unknowingly, he returned to Port 79. On the violently churning sea, he habitually checked and put down his magic boat.


    After stepping in, as the protective barrier rose and the magic boat swayed greatly, Xu Qing sat cross-legged in the black tent.


    The activation of the protective barrier prevented the rain from falling. As for the swaying ship, Xu Qing, who had already adapted to all of this, didn¡¯t feel any discomfort.


    On the contrary, under the shaking, the rumbling outside and the rain that filled the sky, his heart became increasingly calm. He lowered his head and began to refine pills.


    During this period of time, Xu Qing had gone to the medicine shop many times to buy medicinal herbs. The number of white pills he refined also increased. Not only that but the number of black pills and poison powder also rose.


    As for the small compartments in his black-canopied cabin, there were also more of them. In the dense crowd, one could see a large number of medical herbs and evil herbs.


    ¡°I have to find a time to go out and search for a place to refine poison.¡± Xu Qing swept his gaze across those small squares. He then raised his right hand and grabbed. A bunch of medicinal herbs flew over and he continued refining amidst the wind and rain in the outside world.


    Just like that, time slowly flowed by. During the entire day, the rain became heavier and heavier, as though it was about to turn into a storm that would set off astonishing waves.


    Countless waves crashed onto the shore of the port, causing a large number of boats to shake violently. Fortunately, the boats in the port were all magic boats. After the protective barrier was activated, they could resist the waves. However, from afar, they were like fallen leaves on the surface of the sea, constantly swaying.


    It was also because the wind and rain were so heavy that there were no foreign boats entering the port, let alone those who went out. Hence, most of the departments stopped operations and the disciples also stayed in their respective residences.


    The entire Seven Blood Eyes Port District stopped operating in this increasingly shocking storm.


    Only the killing¡­ was still ongoing.


    When the next night arrived, when the wind and rain in the outside world became even stronger and the heavenly lightning completely fused into the wind, Xu Qing suddenly opened his eyes from the cabin of the magic boat that was shaking violently.


    A sense of danger surfaced in his mind.


    This crisis didn¡¯t come from the weather outside but from the shore outside the boat.


    Although the wind and rain were violent and blew away many of the poisonous powder that Xu Qing had set up in the surroundings, there was always the aura of some poisonous powder that could last longer in the wind and rain. This was the first warning Xu Qing had prepared for himself.


    Once someone got close and was tainted by the aura of his poison powder, if they stepped onto his magic boat, they would fuse with the other poisonous gasses that Xu Qing had set up in the magic boat and turn them into fatal poison.


    Other than that, the increase in his mental strength during the entry test and the continuous improvement in the Sea Transformation Art during this period of time had caused his perception to far surpass his peers and be even sharper.


    Hence, under this double vigilance, Xu Qing knew that outside¡­ someone was approaching. Furthermore, this person was outside the magic boat.


    The cold glint in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was restrained. He didn¡¯t wait in the magic boat but directly walked out of the cabin. He stood on the deck and looked at the outside world from within the protective barrier.


    Outside, the wind and rain were heavy and lightning flashed. On the shore of his berth, a figure in a raincoat stood with a wine flask in his hand.


    He looked at Xu Qing and Xu Qing looked back at him.


    After a long time, the figure in the raincoat lifted his bamboo hat slightly, revealing a middle-aged face. He then smiled at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, you don¡¯t have to be so vigilant. It¡¯s me. I went out to buy wine and passed by here. I wanted to ask if you want to drink together? In this damn weather, wouldn¡¯t it be better to drink together?¡±


    This person was a disciple of the Homicide Department and was in the same team as Xu Qing. One day, he even invited Xu Qing to drink.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak and coldly looked at the middle-aged cultivator in front of him.


    Seeing Xu Qing like this, the middle-aged cultivator smiled helplessly.


    ¡°Forget it. The environment of this damn sect makes it difficult for people to trust each other but I don¡¯t have any ill intentions. Junior Brother Xu, I just want to make friends with you. Many people in the team have drunk my wine. Since you don¡¯t like it, I¡¯ll take my leave.¡±


    The middle-aged cultivator shook his head and turned to leave.


    However, at that moment, Xu Qing suddenly spoke:


    ¡°Alright, get on the boat.¡±


    The middle-aged cultivator stopped in his tracks and looked at Xu Qing in surprise before looking at his boat. A dark glint flashed in the depths of his eyes before he shook his head again.


    ¡°Forget it, I won¡¯t force others.¡±


    As he spoke, his footsteps quickened. However, he had just taken five to six steps when a sharp whistling sound suddenly sounded. A dagger broke through the wind and rain at an astonishing speed and headed straight for him.


    In an instant, the middle-aged cultivator moved his body to dodge. His expression changed and he was about to turn back when Xu Qing¡¯s figure rushed out of the magic boat. With the black iron stick in his hand, he rushed over in the wind and rain.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, what are you doing?¡±


    The middle-aged cultivator¡¯s eyes narrowed and he hurriedly retreated. He formed a hand seal with one hand and the rainwater in the surroundings instantly stopped. They then whistled toward Xu Qing. However, before they could get close, Xu Qing waved his hand and the rainwater that was approaching him instantly trembled. Xu Qing actually controlled it and changed its direction, shooting it at the middle-aged cultivator.


    This scene caused the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s heart to tremble as he felt an intense sense of danger. He hurriedly bit the tip of his tongue and spat out a mouthful of blood, forming a blood mist that spread out to resist the incoming rain arrows. His body suddenly retreated, wanting to escape.


    However, it was still too late. He had misjudged Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation. In an instant, Xu Qing¡¯s figure was like a hot knife through butter as he directly approached. The iron stick in his hand shone brightly as lightning flashed past, emitting a cold light that headed straight for his forehead.


    The chill was bone-chilling.


    The middle-aged cultivator¡¯s eyes turned red as he let out a loud roar. His cultivation erupted completely and several layers of protective light barriers instantly appeared around his body. A sinister-looking bloody mouth also rapidly appeared on his chest, tearing through his clothes as it let out a sharp roar and charged towards Xu Qing.


    With a boom, several layers of light barriers collapsed. However, the black iron stick was still slightly paused by the impact of the sound waves from the ferocious mouth on the other party¡¯s chest.


    Taking advantage of this time, the middle-aged cultivator waved his right hand and the wine pot in his hand headed straight for Xu Qing. His body then erupted with all his might as he unleashed his speed to escape.


    As soon as the wine pot appeared, it automatically shattered in midair. What was contained in it wasn¡¯t wine but dense venom. As it exploded and spread in all directions, it carried intense corrosion, as though the magic boat¡¯s protective barrier could instantly melt.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Previously, he had sensed that something was amiss but he wasn¡¯t sure. However, on this stormy night, the other party¡¯s arrival was already strange. Hence, under his vigilance, Xu Qing decided to make the first move.


    At that moment, killing intent flashed in his eyes. He raised his head and looked at the fleeing middle-aged cultivator. He didn¡¯t chase after him but raised his right hand and grabbed fiercely at him.


    The Sea Transformation Art in his body erupted.


    Immediately, the rainwater in the surroundings trembled and gathered crazily towards the middle-aged cultivator. It vaguely transformed into a large hand formed by the rainwater. No matter how the middle-aged cultivator struggled and was shocked, it was useless. He grabbed fiercely.


    There was a boom.


    The middle-aged man¡¯s body was frozen by the large hand for a long time. His face was pale and fear appeared in his eyes. Just as he was about to speak, Xu Qing¡¯s figure had already whistled over. He instantly arrived and the dagger in his right hand slashed across the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s neck.


    The force was so great that his head flew up.


    As blood splattered everywhere, the large mouth on the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s chest suddenly bulged out and bit fiercely at Xu Qing¡¯s right hand.


    Xu Qing suddenly circulated the Mountains and Seas Art in his body. The kui shadow materialized on his arm and he roared silently at the huge mouth, resisting it directly. There was also a huge hand that formed from the surrounding rain that suddenly crushed down forcefully.


    With a loud bang, the headless corpse of the middle-aged cultivator collapsed, turning into flesh and blood. The large mouth on his chest also shattered into pieces. Only Xu Qing stood on the spot, his chest heaving slightly.


    This battle seemed fast but in reality, this middle-aged man¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t ordinary. His combat strength was very astonishing and was comparable to Xu Qing¡¯s strength before he entered the sect.


    Even Qing Yunzi, who was killed by Xu Qing yesterday, was far from being a match for this person. After all, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Sea Transformation Art cultivator¡¯s combat strength far surpassed that of the other small sects.


    At that moment, Xu Qing quickly scanned his surroundings, searching for any accomplices. In the wind and rain, the entire harbor was pitch-black. Only the violence of the wind and the light from the lightning could be seen.

 Chapter 100 - Beautiful Figure Under the Umbrella (1)

    After checking the surroundings, Xu Qing lowered his head and picked up the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s blood-stained bag. He then scattered the corpse-destroying powder on the corpse. Under the washing of the rain, the mangled corpse that had its flesh and blood crumbling turned into blood water that fused with the accumulated rain on the ground.


    After doing this, Xu Qing returned to the magic boat and sat cross-legged in the cabin. He opened the other party¡¯s pocket and frowned after sweeping through it. Other than some miscellaneous items, there were no spirit stones or cultivation resources in this pocket.


    He didn¡¯t have a magic boat either. There was only a blood-colored jade slip and an identity token. However, as this person died, the identity token lost its luster. Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see the exact number of contribution points inside and couldn¡¯t transfer them.


    This item required one to take the initiative.


    ¡°His items should have been placed elsewherea€|¡± Xu Qing sighed. Previously, when he attacked, he was used to killing. It was very difficult for the other party to transfer his contribution points over.


    ¡°Next time, if there¡¯s a chance, I have to heavily injure them first?¡± Xu Qing thought about it and still felt that this wasn¡¯t safe. Hence, he picked up the blood-colored jade slip and after checking it, his eyes suddenly lit up.


    ¡°Wanted?¡± This wasn¡¯t a normal wanted jade slip. It was more like a private release. There was a series of character information inside. They were all disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes and the price was even marked at the back.


    One of them was labeled with Xu Qing¡¯s name and even pointed out his nickname in the scavenger camp. The price at the back was 50 spirit stones.


    ¡°The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor!¡± A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. To be able to know his information and offer a reward of 50 spirit stones, the person could only be the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    Clearly, the other party had already found his traces and found information about him in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    After all, although Antler City was a branch of the Seven Blood Eyes, the Diamond Sect also had connections in that area. It wasn¡¯t too difficult to find them.


    ¡°For the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to know this information so quickly, it means that he has a certain amount of connections in the Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    ¡°However, due to the rules of the Seven Blood Eyes, he didn¡¯t dare to do it himself, so he issued a bounty!¡±


    Xu Qing pondered and looked at the blood-colored jade slip. After some manipulation, he simply accepted the mission to kill himself.


    ¡°I have to hurry up and cultivate. Then, I have to kill the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor as soon as possible!¡±


    In the blink of an eye, several days passed.


    This rain lasted for four days.


    On the third day, it turned into a huge storm, raising huge waves that seemed to want to sweep through the entire harbor.


    However, under the suppression of the main city¡¯s array formation, no matter how astonishing the storm was, the harbor was like a boulder and didn¡¯t move at all. On the morning of the fifth day, the storm that couldn¡¯t wreak havoc reluctantly chose to retreat and the wind and rain gradually lessened.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the sky outside. Although it was early in the morning, the sky was gray and filled with oppression.


    He tidied up his medicinal pills and walked out of the magic boat. Just as he stepped onto the shore, the stench of the sea filled the air in the wind and rain outside. There was also a faint blood intent mixed in, faintly discernible.


    Although a storm had been brewing in the past four days, to the Homicide Department, it didn¡¯t matter if it was rain or shine. However, apart from searching for clues about Night Dove, there was another job every day.


    That was to capture criminals.


    In the Seven Blood Eyes, every time a storm arrived, due to the harsh weather and the shutdown of the various departments, coupled with the fact that most cultivators didn¡¯t go out, the plundering and killing of each other in the dark would skyrocket.


    In just four days, according to the statistics obtained by the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department, there were a total of more than 80 disciples who died in the port area. Among them, seven disciples of the Homicide Department died.


    As for the number of deaths in the other six districts, outsiders didn¡¯t know but it was obvious that it couldn¡¯t be much less.


    In a storm, it was very difficult to find any clues. Moreover, such matters weren¡¯t considered much in the Seven Blood Eyes and wouldn¡¯t attract much attention. The Homicide Department was also used to it and only investigated on the surface.


    Even though an old member of Team Six had died, no one asked about it.


    Over the past few days, Xu Qing had also found an opportunity to ask the captain about the old man from the inn on Panquan Road. He was told that the other party wasn¡¯t a human and had used his relationship with the First Peak to obtain the right to stay in the main city.


    It was usually peaceful. As for the hidden filth in the inn, on account of the First Peak, as long as they didn¡¯t cross the line, the Homicide Department wouldn¡¯t care much.


    Because of this, Xu Qing knew that the human race wasn¡¯t the only race in this world. There were also many non-human races.


    However, he had only seen the old man from the inn once, so he kept this matter in his heart.


    At that moment, after he went to the police station to pick his targets, Xu Qing held an umbrella and walked on the streets.


    He planned to make a trip to the medicine shop and sell the white pills he had refined these few days in exchange for more medicinal herbs. It was also because he had a large number of white pills on him that Xu Qing¡¯s vigilance became even stronger.


    Perhaps it was because the rain had lessened but there were more people in the city today than a few days ago. Under Xu Qing¡¯s vigilance, not long later, he arrived at the medicinal shop he often went to.


    There weren¡¯t many people in the shop but Xu Qing saw a familiar figure. It was Zhou Qingpeng, who had entered the sect in the same batch as him.


    Zhou Qingpeng also saw Xu Qing. He hesitated for a moment but didn¡¯t recognize him immediately. He only felt that the person in front of him was a little familiar. After all, Xu Qing was covered in dirty scavenger clothes during the test that day.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. The old shopkeeper at the side smiled when he saw him enter. He had a deep impression of Xu Qing. After all, he wasn¡¯t a disciple of the Second Peak but he knew so much about medicinal herbs. That was rare.


    ¡°You came at the right time. I have something good here today.¡± The shopkeeper smiled and took out a secret leather bag from behind him. After opening it, five dried-up blue insect corpses were revealed.

 Chapter 101 - Beautiful Figure Under the Umbrella (2)

    The blue insect had a malevolent appearance. Its mouthpart was very long, had four pairs of legs, and there were even natural patterns on its back that looked like ghost faces. Moreover, each ghost face was different. Some looked like they were crying, some looked like they were laughing, and some looked like they were angry.


    Although it was only the size of a palm, it was covered in sharp spikes. This was especially so for its tail, which actually had a mouth.


    The tiny teeth in the mouth were incomparably sharp.


    At this moment, although the corpses had dried up, when one swept their gaze over, they would still be shocked by the malevolent appearance of the insect.


    ¡°Ghost Desire!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed slightly. He quickly walked forward and observed the corpses carefully. Back then, he had heard Grandmaster Bai talk about this Ghost Desire. It only existed in the deep sea and was rarely seen on the market. It was considered a very obscure venomous insect.


    Its blood was blue in color and extremely poisonous. However, with some special concoctions, it could be made into a holy medicine that could heal injuries.


    Zhou Qingpeng, who was checking the medicinal pills in the shop, also took a glance when he heard this.


    ¡°As expected, you do recognize it.¡± The shopkeeper smiled. At the same time, his opinion of Xu Qing grew even more. He was very clear that even the disciples of the Second Peak did not know many of these obscure venomous arthropods.


    Hence, he became even more curious. Where did this handsome youth in front of him learn such extraordinary medical knowledge?


    ¡°How much are you selling it for?¡± Xu Qing was tempted and asked the shopkeeper.


    ¡°I don¡¯t dare to sell it.¡± The shopkeeper coughed and kept the bag. When he saw that Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was still on the leather bag containing the venomous bug, he smiled and explained.


    ¡°My boss had someone spend a lot of effort to get this. It was only delivered today. My boss will come and collect it in a while. How would I dare to sell it¡­ I only took it out for you to admire. After all, this thing is a rare item.¡±


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze with some regret. He didn¡¯t take out the white pills immediately but waited for a while until Zhou Qingpeng paid the bill and left. Only then did Xu Qing take out the leather bag that contained the white pills and place it on the counter.


    ¡°I¡¯m not buying herbs today. I¡¯m selling pills.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± The shopkeeper¡¯s eyes narrowed. He immediately opened the leather bag and swept his gaze across it. His expression instantly changed.


    ¡°So many white pills?¡± He didn¡¯t inspect them immediately but washed his hands carefully at the side. After that, he put on a pair of gloves and signaled to Xu Qing that the gloves were dust-free. He then opened the leather bag and took out the white pills inside.


    As he placed them on the counter, his eyes revealed a hint of surprise. There were simply too many white pills. There were over 500 pills, and each of them was almost perfectly round. The medicinal fragrance gushed forth and permeated the entire medicinal shop.


    Many of the customers smelled the scent and looked over. Xu Qing frowned slightly, and his right hand naturally landed beside the leather bag containing the black iron stick.


    At this moment, the shopkeeper had finished examining the pills and was very surprised. He took a deep look at the youth in front of him. He originally thought that the other party¡¯s knowledge of flora and fauna was already excellent. However, he now knew that the other party¡¯s alchemy technique was even more outstanding.


    These medicinal pills were naturally formed, and it was obvious at a glance that they had been refined successfully on the first try. There were no mistakes in the refinement process. Moreover, every single one of them was white and translucent, and they also contained some natural medicinal oil, like mutton fat.


    Not everyone in the Second Peak¡¯s disciples possessed such skill. Hence, after taking inventory, the shopkeeper pondered for a moment before giving a price.


    ¡°How about ten spirit stones?¡±


    Xu Qing was aware of the prices in the main city. White pills were usually sold for around 30 spirit coins, and the value of a spirit stone was around 1,000 spirit coins.


    Hence, after some thought, he nodded in agreement.


    The shopkeeper hurriedly took out spirit stones and passed them to Xu Qing. After that, he put away the medicinal pills on the counter. Xu Qing swept his gaze across the crowd before turning to leave.


    When he reached the entrance, he saw a young girl walking over from the outside. Before she got close, the medicinal fragrance assaulted his senses first.


    This young girl looked to be about seventeen or eighteen years old. She held a white umbrella and wore a light orange Daoist robe!


    One had to know that in the entire Seven Blood Eyes, the piedmont disciples wore gray Daoist robes. Only core disciples could wear colored robes.


    For example, the light purple color of the Seventh Peak.


    These Daoist robes represented noble status!


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he dodged to the side and swept his gaze over.


    Under the white paper umbrella, the young girl¡¯s jet-black mid-length hair casually draped over her shoulders. A slanted fringe just happened to brush past her eyelids.


    Under her long eyelashes was a pair of glistening eyes. Her light orange Daoist robe seemed to have become a long skirt on her body.


    Her waist was slender, and her face was flawless, as though she did not belong to the mortal world.


    This was especially so when the rain and wind blew over at this moment, causing the two strands of hair by her cheeks to flutter gently in the wind, revealing her skin that was as fine and smooth as jade.


    She also saw Xu Qing. After her gaze swept past his face, she didn¡¯t have the arrogance of a core disciple. Instead, she smiled elegantly and let him pass first.


    Xu Qing nodded and retracted his gaze before he left. After he left, the fragrance of the young girl who had entered the medicinal shop quietly spread out in the entire shop, slowly spreading to the hearts of everyone.


    ¡°Boss, you¡¯re here. Actually, there¡¯s no need for you to come personally. I would have sent it over.¡± The shopkeeper hurriedly ran over with a respectful expression.


    ¡°Uncle Peng, you don¡¯t have to be so polite. I¡¯m tired from refining pills in the mountains, so I came out to relax.¡± The girl smiled and followed the shopkeeper to the counter.


    ¡°It is my duty.¡± The shopkeeper was as respectful as ever. He quickly followed and took out the leather bag containing the Ghost Desires from the counter, handing it to the young girl.


    Seeing that the shopkeeper was still so polite, the young girl helplessly shook her head. She was about to leave when her gaze suddenly swept over and landed on the white pills that had yet to be completely put away.


    She exclaimed softly.


    She lifted her jade-like white right hand and gently picked up a pill. She held it in front of her pure and flawless face and looked at it carefully. A hint of surprise appeared in her eyes.


    ¡°Boss, is there anything wrong with this pill?¡± When the shopkeeper saw her expression, he asked cautiously.


    ¡°There¡¯s no problem.¡± The girl sniffed it.


    ¡°This pill is very good and its purity is extremely high. Such a pill is rarely seen.¡±


    When the shopkeeper heard this, he was even more surprised.


    ¡°Boss, you¡¯re a core disciple of the Second Peak and a heaven¡¯s chosen in alchemy. Even you think the purity of this pill is rare? But no matter how high the purity of a white pill is, it¡¯s still a white pill.¡±


    The girl chuckled.


    ¡°Uncle Peng, you¡¯re right. White pill is only a basic pill. Although the higher the purity, the better, you can just eat a few more for the same effect.¡±


    ¡°However, purity represents the refinement method. That is what I¡¯m interested in.¡± The young girl sized up the pill in her hand again.


    She got the shopkeeper to take out all the white pills in this batch. After checking them one by one, the surprise in her eyes grew increasingly intense.


    ¡°To think that every pill is of the same quality. There are so many of them, and judging from the temperature of the pills, they were refined in batches. The earliest they were refined should be yesterday.¡±


    ¡°This means the refiner already refined them to the extreme at the medicinal liquid stage. Every pill is exactly the same.¡± The young girl muttered and got the shopkeeper to store all the white pills in this batch. She was going to take them back and study them carefully.


    Before she left, she thought of something and asked.


    ¡°Uncle Peng, where did you get this batch of white pills?¡±


    ¡°A disciple from an unknown peak. He just left. Boss, you should have seen him when you came in.¡± After the shopkeeper finished speaking, he looked outside the medicinal shop. Xu Qing¡¯s figure was long gone.


    The young girl recalled for a moment, and the image of the handsome youth from earlier appeared in her mind. she nodded.


    ¡°Uncle Peng, if that person comes to sell pills again, please keep them for me.¡±


    The shopkeeper hurriedly agreed while being shocked inwardly. At the same time, he became even more curious about Xu Qing.

 Chapter 102 - Pervert (1)

    At this moment, Xu Qing, who had left the medicinal shop, was walking toward Port 79.


    Although the job of the Homicide Department required him to report for duty every day and occasionally head out to assist in patrolling, in reality, he was mostly free when there were no missions. Hence, Xu Qing planned to return to his berth and continue cultivating.


    He habitually walked along the edges of the path, trying his best to blend into the darkness as he moved forward silently.


    Due to the storm, many cargo ships and the boats of the sect¡¯s disciples couldn¡¯t enter the harbor in time, and were trapped in the sea.


    The storm ended today. Although it was still raining, there were still many boats entering the harbor.


    Xu Qing walked at the harbor, pondering over his alchemy and cultivation.


    ¡°The cost of refining one white pill is about three spirit coins. This is a long term business that will net me huge profits as time goes by.¡± Xu Qing touched the spirit stones he had gotten for the white pills.


    ¡°The expenditure of cultivation is too great. If I want to maintain my previous speed, I¡¯ll need one pill every day. Also, it is almost time to pay the fee for the berth.¡±


    ¡°The refinement of the magic boat will cost even more.¡± Xu Qing sighed in his heart. He somewhat regretted that he had been too decisive in his killing earlier and missed the opportunity to obtain the other party¡¯s items and contribution points.


    He started to ponder over the idea of capturing more wanted criminals or making a trip to the forbidden zone. Otherwise, if this continued, he would be lacking in resources if he wanted to upgrade his magic boat.


    In the entire main city, the prices of goods were very high, but cultivation resources were still the most expensive. The commoners could accept the prices of the former, but for the latter, forget about not having the qualifications to purchase them, even the disciples who had the qualifications to purchase them could rarely purchase them wantonly.


    To the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples, the expenditure of 30 spirit coins per day wasn¡¯t much. What really made them secretly kill and plunder each other was the cultivation resources of their target.


    If they wanted to advance, they could either accept missions and head out to complete them, or they could secretly kill and plunder. There was no other choice.


    On this point, only those core disciples with the core disciple token and the qualifications to reside on the mountain, but did not have the right to obtain a share of the benefits from the sect, would be in a much better situation.


    Xu Qing had heard many things about the Seven Blood Eyes over this period of time. He also understood that the so-called core disciples were those who had entered the sect with the tokens of the various peaks.


    For example, the Seventh Peak had purple tokens.


    As long as one held such a token, they would be able to stay on the mountain after entering the sect. Their robes were all light-colored, like the light purple-robed youth on the streets back then, or the light orange-robed girl from before.


    They were usually the juniors of the higher-ups of the various peaks. When they purchased any item, they only needed to pay 50% of what piedmont disciples had to pay. However, the sect restricted them from reselling the items for profit. If they were caught doing so, their identities would be revoked, so they rarely took the risk.


    The difference between the core disciples and the piedmont disciples was unfair, but this was the fate of humans. As for the dark-colored robes, only Foundation Building and above cultivators could possess them. They had already surpassed the core disciples and possessed the right to obtain the distribution of benefits from the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°I have to think of a way to earn money as soon as possiblea€|¡± As Xu Qing mused, a commotion rang out in the distance, interrupting his thoughts.


    Xu Qing looked at the source of the commotion. From afar, he saw many disciples gathered on the shore, seemingly waiting for something.


    Even the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples on the magic boats at the harbor moved out one after another.


    In fact, behind him, whistling sounds could be heard as at least a hundred Seventh Peak disciples quickly gathered from all directions.


    All of their expressions were filled with eagerness as they gazed at the harbor in the distance.


    Xu Qing was bewildered. Hence, he also looked toward the harbor. Not long later, a gigantic ship slowly appeared at the end of his vision.


    This ship was at least 1,700 to 1,800 feet long. It was completely golden and extremely luxurious. Under the setting sun, it shone with a gorgeous light. At the bow of the ship was a huge statue of a human-faced spider.


    The human face only had one eye socket which seemed to be embedded with gems. It was extremely showy.


    From afar, the boat looked like a giant beast that was breaking through the sea.


    There was an even more luxurious pavilion built on the large ship. Among the carved railings and steps, one could see a large number of guards.


    At this moment, the humming sound echoed as the ship got closer and closer to the port.


    ¡°Third highness.¡±


    ¡°Third highness is back!¡±


    The crowd instantly broke into an uproar.


    ¡°Third highness?¡± Xu Qing curiously looked at the incomparably luxurious ship that was slowly entering the harbor. As it got closer, the fishy smell of the sea permeated the surroundings.


    An even more intense pressure spread out from the ship, shocking one¡¯s mind.


    After Xu Qing sensed it, his eyes narrowed.


    The might of this pressure gave him a sense of extreme danger. It was like those terrifying existences he had encountered in the depths of the forbidden zone¡¯s jungle.


    This was especially so when he got closer. He could clearly see that other than the pavilions and guards on this luxurious ship, there were also many sharp spikes that flickered with cold light.


    Each of these sharp spikes was over ten feet long. There were complicated runes on them that revealed astonishing lethality.


    This ship was the most terrifying one Xu Qing had seen in the past few days.


    Just this ship alone made Xu Qing feel that he couldn¡¯t resist it. This allowed him to have a deeper understanding of the Seventh Peak¡¯s magic boats. As his heart trembled, respectful voices rose and fell in the surroundings. Xu Qing saw several people walking out of the pavilion on the majestic and imposing ship.


    The person in the lead was a tall and skinny youth in a purple Daoist robe!


    The purple robe he wore wasn¡¯t the light-colored one Xu Qing had seen in the past, but dark-colored!!


    When he saw the dark-colored purple robe worn by this youth, the identity represented by this scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s expression to turn solemn. He was clear that this youth¡¯s cultivation base was definitely at the Foundation Building realm.

 Chapter 103 - Pervert (2)

    Moreover, from the respectful looks from the surrounding people, it could be seen that this person¡¯s identity was not as simple as an ordinary Foundation Building cultivator.


    However, this youth¡¯s complexion was sallow, and there were thick dark circles under his eyes. His body was skinny, and he looked like he had been hollowed out by alcohol and sex. There was also a hint of lasciviousness in his eyes.


    He stood at the bow of the ship, wearing a white hat with the character ¡®½û¡¯ embroidered on it.


    This character was very strange and emitted an indescribable pressure.


    The dark purple Daoist robe that caused countless people to go crazy was extremely large on him. When the wind blew past him, the robe would make a whooshing sound as though it would blow away with him.


    He seemed to know how weak he was, so when he walked out, he was enjoying the respect from the disciples on the shore while hugging two cloaked women as support.


    One of the women was holding a crystal bottle that contained various nourishing substances. She was feeding them to him one mouthful at a time.


    These two women weren¡¯t old, and their appearances were quite beautiful. Their green eyes revealed a seductive charm. As the sea breeze blew, their long hair fluttered in the wind, revealing their tall and curvy figures under their cloaks.


    Their large breasts, plump butt, and ridiculously thin waists coupled with their pure faces caused them to emit waves of primal urges.


    Their clothing style was very bold. Their hot curves and fair skin that looked extremely soft and delicate were revealed to all the disciples, causing them to subconsciously neglect the glands on their cheeks.


    They let the youth hold them. Amidst their shyness, laughter echoed.


    ¡°We pay our respects to the third highness!¡± The respectful voices on the shore grew even louder.


    Xu Qing stared at the youth on the ship. He felt that without the support of the two women, the youth would collapse. This made him feel very strange and incredulous.


    He looked at the two beautiful women again and his gaze narrowed slightly. He could sense danger from these two women, so his gaze quickly swept past them. He saw that other than the guards on the ship, there were many people in black robes.


    The faces of these people were the same as the two women. They had green eyes and glands on their cheeks. All of them gave off extraordinary cultivation fluctuations.


    Other than them, there was also a young man who was about the same age as Xu Qing. His clothes were very luxurious, and his green eyes contained a hint of coldness as he glanced at the shore.


    He also had glands on his cheeks.


    Xu Qing looked at these features. This was the second time he had seen creatures that were similar to humans but different. However, from the reactions of the other disciples in the surroundings, they didn¡¯t seem to be surprised. Clearly, this species of non-humans wasn¡¯t rare.


    He quickly retracted his gaze and stopped looking. Just as he was about to leave, the youth who was being supported by the two women laughed as the ship got closer.


    ¡°Although we encountered a storm on our trip this time around, our harvest wasn¡¯t bad. Junior brothers and sisters, you will get a share.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, a large number of followers on the ship immediately leaped up. With a wave of their hands, palm-sized scales flew toward everyone on the shore.


    One flew towards Xu Qing as well. When he saw the scale flying over, he raised his hand and caught it. The first thing he felt was that it was slippery and cold. After that, he squeezed it slightly but was unable to crush it. His eyes slightly narrowed.


    He realized that these scales should be very extraordinary. At the same time, he understood why so many people had gathered on the shore.


    ¡°If every day was like this, there would be no need to worry about money.¡± Xu Qing looked at the scale. After he kept it, he thanked the third highness on the distant ship just like everyone else.


    Amidst the thanks, the large ship docked at its berth. The third highness first waved his hand at his fellow disciples on the shore, before slapping the butts of the two nonhuman race women heavily without worrying about others.


    The two women let out coquettish cries and the skinny third highness started laughing evilly.


    The disciples saw this scene and lowered their heads one after another. Not many dared to boldly fix their gazes on the two nonhuman race women in front of the third highness.


    Xu Qing originally felt that there was nothing much to see, but he noticed that the expressions of the nonhuman race young man behind the two women seemed to contain some disdain.


    The third highness continued to flirt with the women and his attention seemed to be completely on their figures, and he didn¡¯t notice the expression of the nonhuman race young man behind him.


    ¡°Little fairies, wait for me here. Don¡¯t leave the ship carelessly. Otherwise, if my master sees it, he¡¯ll scold me again¡­ But I wonder if master has returned. How about this, I¡¯ll go take a look first. If he hasn¡¯t returned, I¡¯ll come and play with you guys tonight.¡±


    The two women seemed to be very fond of the third highness. They smiled charmingly and continued to flirt. Shortly after, the third highness coughed and took the crystal bottle with nourishing substances before telling the guards on the ship.


    ¡°Take everything down. Be careful when moving them.¡±


    Following his order, a large number of followers and guards carried out large boxes from the cabin. They were all sealed, so no one could see what was inside.


    ¡°Be careful when you move them. Also, record the video for me. This is prepared for the Eldest Senior Brother who is in seclusion. He¡¯s a petty person. I won¡¯t let him try to extort me by saying that the item has been damaged.¡±


    While laughing, the third highness cupped his fists at the surrounding disciples and walked down the ship in a majestic manner, heading in the direction of the Seventh Peak.


    As he left, the disciples on the shore retreated rapidly while being on guard against each other. An oppressive atmosphere permeated the air.

 Chapter 104 - : Pervert (3)

    Everyone who obtained the scales was extremely vigilant. Many malicious gazes were hidden among them, filled with greed.


    They obtained the item, but it was hard to say if they could keep it.


    Soon, as everyone spread out rapidly, many disciples were targeted. Some gazes swept at Xu Qing too, but perhaps because he had gained some fame after killing Qing Yunzi a few days ago, those gazes hesitated and didn¡¯t act rashly.


    Xu Qing coldly watched all of this and left this place. He then warily returned to his berth. After confirming that it was safe, he took out his magic boat.


    While staring at it, he thought of the third highness¡¯ gigantic ship.


    The difference between the two was too great. Xu Qing fell silent for a moment but didn¡¯t step onto the magic boat to cultivate. Instead, he kept the magic boat and turned to walk toward the shops opened by the Sixth Peak¡¯s disciples.


    He was prepared to refine his magic boat.


    After he found a shop, he took out the scale and the fish bone that Zhang San had given him, and paid the refining fee.


    The Sixth Peak¡¯s disciple who was going to refine it told him that it would be finished in the time it took an incense stick to burn.


    While waiting, Xu Qing looked at the various miscellaneous items displayed in the shop. Most of them were materials from living creatures, and each of them was extremely valuable.


    Among them, Xu Qing saw a piece of lizard skin and asked the staff at the side. He learned that it actually cost 150 spirit stones per piece.


    ¡°So expensive!¡± Although he was mentally prepared and knew that cultivation resources were expensive, Xu Qing was still surprised by the price.


    ¡°This is the shed skin of a fifth level Qi Condensation sea lizard. Such complete skin is hard to come by. It¡¯s quite strong.¡± The shop assistant glanced at Xu Qing from the corner of his eyes and explained.


    Xu Qing silently retracted his gaze. After scanning through all the items, his gaze landed on a heart the size of a human head.


    This heart was contained in a crystal bottle and was still beating slowly.


    ¡°This is the heart of a Dragon Beard Beast. Although it can¡¯t reach the level of powering Foundation Building realm magic boats, it¡¯s enough to act as the power source for normal magic boats.¡±


    The staff explained, but Xu Qing didn¡¯t ask about the price. He knew very well that such a power source was usually exaggeratedly expensive.


    In short, the prices of all the biological materials were extremely ridiculous.


    Xu Qing sighed inwardly as he felt that his savings were insignificant. By the time he finished looking at the items, his spirit boat had been refined.


    When the shopkeeper passed the small bottle to him, Xu Qing immediately saw that the magic boat in the bottle was somewhat different from before. Not only was it larger, but there was also a scale-like totem on it.


    He infused his spirit energy into it and sensed it. He realized that not only was there a change in its outer appearance, but the sturdiness of the magic boat had also increased by a level. Xu Qing nodded in satisfaction and left after expressing his gratitude, heading straight for the harbor.


    He planned to test it.


    As Xu Qing neared the harbor and returned to his berth, he released the magic boat after confirming that the surroundings were safe.


    As the light shone, a boat with a length of 70 to 80 feet and a width of over 10 feet appeared in front of Xu Qing. The boat was densely covered with clear-looking scale totems.


    Compared to before, the current magic boat was even more savage, and the feeling of being a giant crocodile was even more intense. This was especially so for the crocodile-headed statue. The fish bone embedded in it formed gusts of wind that continued to circle it.


    One could imagine that once it erupted, its speed would be much faster than before.


    All of this caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to glow.


    ¡°If I have a large number of spirit stones and materials, what will my magic boat become?¡±


    ¡°I need to earn money!¡± Xu Qing mumbled.


    1

 Chapter 105 - The Diligent Xu Qing (1)

    Cultivation required resources.


    In particular, the arrival of the god¡¯s fragmented face caused all things to be invaded by anomalous substances. This made it extremely difficult to obtain resources, and the process was usually bloody.


    A look of contemplation appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The number of spirit stones and materials he needed was extremely large, and the profits from selling white pills was far from enough.


    ¡°The Homicide Department gives three spirit stones a month. As for the white pills¡­ if I work hard, I should be able to earn twenty spirit stones a month. If I calculate it this way, I¡¯ll earn twenty-three spirit stones a month.¡±


    Xu Qing frowned.


    Right now, if he wanted to maintain his cultivation speed, he would have to consume one spirit stone every day. When he thought about the refining materials he had seen in the Sixth Peak¡¯s disciple¡¯s shop, even the cheapest item cost tens of spirit stones.


    ¡°The renting of a berth costs 30 spirit stones a month. In that case, I¡¯ll have to earn at least 60 spirit stones a month to barely maintain my cultivation. If I want to refine the magic boat, the demand will be even greater.¡± Xu Qing opened his storage bag to take a look.


    He still had 20 spirit stones in his storage bag. This was the reward he had received from the Homicide Department after killing Qing Yunzi.


    ¡°If I want to obtain more spirit stones, there are three ways. One is to hunt in the forbidden zone, the other is to kill wanted criminals, and the last is to head out to sea to gather the materials.


    Xu Qing thought about it. The first method needed him to make a trip to the First Peak. This was because one had to obtain a travel permit from the First Peak to enter the forbidden zone next to the sect. In addition, disciples from other peaks would have to pay a certain fee to enter.


    As for the third method, hunting at sea was naturally the most suitable. However, besides the cultivation requirement, there was also a requirement for the magic boat. If it didn¡¯t have a certain level of strength, it might be destroyed.


    Xu Qing felt that his cultivation was okay, but the level of his magic boat was too low. Also, the magic boat needed spirit stones and materials to upgrade. This was an endless cycle.


    ¡°The fastest way is still to kill the wanted criminals or plunder other disciples. Like this, I can quickly increase the level of my magic boat and cultivation base. After that, I can head out to sea to hunt. This will allow everything to snowball and become unstoppable!¡±


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Compared to plundering his fellow sect members who didn¡¯t provoke him, he felt that killing wanted criminals was more suitable.


    After making his decision, Xu Qing sat cross-legged in his level two magic boat and added a spirit stone to the spirit energy gathering array before he began his cultivation.


    However, not long after he started cultivating, Xu Qing opened his eyes and took out his identity token in confusion. A voice transmission message appeared on it.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, I¡¯m Zhou Qingpeng. Was it you I saw at the medical shop last time? You¡¯ve changed so much. I thought about it for a long time before figuring out that it should be you. I see that you seem to be very interested in that Ghost Desire. I know this thing. My family is in the business of medicinal herbs. If you need it, I can get someone to help you get it. It¡¯s just that it will be a little expensive.¡±


    After Xu Qing finished listening, he fell into deep thought. He could tell that Zhou Qingpeng wanted to earn some spirit stones from him, and he really wanted a Ghost Desire to study its poison. Hence, he agreed.


    Time flowed and very soon, six days passed.


    During these six days, when Xu Qing went to the Homicide Department to report for duty every day, he would pay attention to the wanted list. His informant also paid more attention to this aspect at his request.


    It was just that¡­ there were quite a lot of people in the Homicide Department who used this method to earn money. Most of these types of information were kept secret. Hence, when there were occasionally some good tasks, Xu Qing would usually end up with nothing when he reached there.


    This forced Xu Qing to change his method.


    At the same time, after Xu Qing, a newbie came to the Homicide Department.


    However, this newbie clearly had a background and wasn¡¯t in the same division as Xu Qing. After he arrived, he did not become an ordinary member but was directly appointed as the captain of Team Three of the Earth Division.


    Moreover, this person seemed to have some tricks up his sleeves. He had only taken his post for less than two days, but the twenty or so team members under him were all obedient.


    However, because of different deputy directions, the four divisions of the Homicide Department usually acted independently and only worked together in large-scale missions. Sometimes, there would even be disputes.


    The other divisions knew that Team Three of the Earth Division had a new captain. Originally, they wouldn¡¯t have cared much, but the appointment of this newcomer caused some waves.


    This was because¡­ the newly appointed captain of Team Three wasn¡¯t a human.


    Xu Qing had seen him once from afar and immediately recognized this new captain of Team Three of the Earth Division. He was none other than the nonhuman race youth who had returned with the third highness many days ago.


    That day, when the young man from the nonhuman race saw the third highness hugging the two girls from the same race, his gaze revealed disdain, and Xu Qing had noticed it.


    As for his identity, it was quickly dug out by the various people who were paying attention to the Homicide Department. Xu Qing had heard from the members of Team Six that the other party was a merfolk.


    Although the merfolk race was a nonhuman race, they were allies with Seven Blood Eyes and had many business dealings with each other. It was said that this person had a distinguished status in the merfolk race.


    After he was brought back by the third highness, he decided to join the Seven Blood Eyes, and came to the Homicide Department under the third highness¡¯ arrangement.


    As for the identity of the third highness, Xu Qing had his own guesses. He also asked the others to confirm his thoughts.


    The peak leader of the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes had three personal disciples, two men and one woman.


    Every one of these three people was like the crown prince and eldest princess in the Seventh Peak. A single sentence from them could make countless disciples of the Seventh Peak lower their heads. In fact, it was the same in the entire Seven Blood Eyes.


    Also, because the Seventh Peak¡¯s peak lord himself had outstanding talent, his fame spread throughout the entire Nanhuang Continent. His battle prowess was monstrous, and his authority was the same. As his personal disciples, their rankings in the Seven Blood Eyes was extremely high.


    Among them, the eldest prince was in closed-door cultivation all year round to break through his bottleneck. It had been many years since anyone had seen him. However, Xu Qing heard from his teammates that this eldest prince was extremely mysterious and his combat strength was terrifying.

 Chapter 106 - : The Diligent Xu Qing (2)

    Back when he was in the Foundation Building realm, the first highness had killed many people of the same realm and slaughtered several small nonhuman races. In the entire Seven Blood Eyes, the first highness was ranked second among the personal disciples of the various peaks.


    During the discussion, the captain of Team Six, who was eating an apple, pointed out precisely.


    ¡°Generally speaking, such people aren¡¯t bloodthirsty. It¡¯s just that their personalities have their own extreme points. Once their reverse scale is touched, they naturally will carry out a massacre.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he deeply agreed.


    As for the Second Senior Sister, when her teammates mentioned her, all of them had a look of fear on their faces. Compared to the mysterious first highness that very few people had seen in the past few years, there were too many people who had seen the second highness.


    She would usually stroll around the harbor. Her personality was very domineering, and her actions were even more decisive. She was known for being overbearing in her actions, but she also had monstrous strength. Once she was enraged, even the elders of the Seventh Peak would have a headache.


    ¡°Hers is an illness. It needs to be treated,¡± the captain said softly.


    Among the Peak Master¡¯s disciples, the most popular one would be the third highness.


    Other than being lecherous, the third highness had almost no shortcomings. He usually had a smile on his face and didn¡¯t put on any airs when facing other disciples. Moreover, he was extremely generous.


    He did his best to resolve the requests for help from the disciples. This was especially so for their relationship with the nonhuman races on the sea. He had made a lot of contributions in this and many disciples even called him the diplomatic ambassador of the Seventh Peak.


    And his romantic affairs were also a hot topic among the disciples.


    The captain of Team Six took another bite of the apple and seemed like he wanted to comment as well. However, he seemed to have thought of something and ultimately didn¡¯t speak. He only continued to eat the apple and looked at everyone with a smile on his face.


    Although Xu Qing was seriously listening to his team members¡¯ discussion, he didn¡¯t pay too much attention to it. Regardless of whether it was the merfolk youth or the three highnesses of the Seventh Peak, none of them had anything to do with him.


    Xu Qing¡¯s main focus during this period of time was the wanted criminals. As for the method to find them, he made a change.


    He just needed to wait for the prey.


    On this night, Xu Qing was on duty.


    The night was dark and the wind was strong. The moonlight was sparse, and the sea breeze brought moisture to every corner of the city. It was as though they wanted to witness the various dark events that happened in the city during the night.


    The gambling dens and brothels were also bustling with activity. There was an endless stream of people coming and going, and from time to time, one could see figures in dark clothes walking on the roofs and walls of various buildings.


    Spirit energy fluctuations could be felt occasionally from the alleys. It was as though all sorts of demons and ghosts were slowly descending into the human world under the moonlight.


    However, as a figure walked past, all the noise became lower.


    Only after the figure left did everything return to normal.


    This figure was none other than Xu Qing.


    Ever since he dragged Qing Yunzi¡¯s corpse across half of the city, it was like this every time he was on night duty.


    There were no secrets to speak of in the main city. To be able to capture Qing Yunzi, who was at the ninth level of Qi Condensation, alive, even if the other party was only a Qi Condensation cultivator of a small sect, the fact that he couldn¡¯t escape and was in an incomparably miserable state still showcased Xu Qing¡¯s strength.


    Moreover, he was able to leave safely after confronting the shopkeeper outside the inn on Panquan Road. All of this was enough to show that this newbie from the Homicide Department could not be easily provoked.


    This was also one of the reasons why Xu Qing did not encounter other wanted criminals after that.


    However, it did not matter. Xu Qing felt that he had found a new solution. At this moment, he was walking in the darkness of the city and arrived at Panquan Road. He looked at the inn that was open not far away and stood motionlessly in a corner under the eaves.


    His body seemed to have fused with the night as he silently waited.


    Since he couldn¡¯t find any clues or wanted criminals, he might as well wait patiently.


    Xu Qing was fully equipped with patience. As for the possibility of offending the old man from the inn by waiting here, Xu Qing had considered it. However, spirit stones were more important. Moreover, Xu Qing felt that with his current combat strength, it wasn¡¯t impossible for him to fight.


    Just like that, time passed. Four hours later¡­ before dawn, a figure silently sped over from afar. His target was none other than the inn.


    This person was a skinny middle-aged man. His eyes were small and his beard was very long, making his sharp chin look even stranger. He looked like a rat.


    At this moment, his small eyes were filled with vigilance. Seeing that he was getting closer and closer to the inn¡¯s entrance, his heart relaxed and he sighed with relief as he quickly moved toward the inn.


    ¡°The main city of the Seven Blood Eyes is truly wonderful, especially the inns that are open at night. They follow the rules and provide shelter. It¡¯s very perfect, but it¡¯s too damn expensive.¡±


    ¡°80 on the first day, 160 on the second day, double the amount every day¡­ Looks like I¡¯ll have to go to a small city in a few days. It¡¯s a pity that the commoners in those small cities don¡¯t have any savings and can only cry out in pain,¡± the skinny middle-aged man mumbled. He was only 20 feet away from the inn and was about to leap over.


    However, at this moment, a gust of cold wind suddenly blew behind him, and a cold voice entered his ears.


    ¡°Daoist Rat?¡±


    The skinny middle-aged man¡¯s eyes narrowed, and all the hairs on his body stood on end. Without any hesitation, he waved his right hand behind him, scattering some kind of powder. His body then erupted with power as he sped forward.


    However, it was still too late. The instant he lifted his right hand, a dagger appeared in front of his neck and ruthlessly sliced through it!


    As blood gushed out, the skinny middle-aged man¡¯s entire body trembled. His limbs twitched and he let out a series of whooshing sounds. However, he couldn¡¯t speak. He struggled to turn around and saw the expressionless Xu Qing behind him.


    That powder was useless against Xu Qing.


    ¡°Daoist Rat is from the Litu Sect. He specializes in bewitching medicines and has a twisted personality. He enjoys slaughtering mortals for fun. Half a year ago, he was wanted by Purple Earth for 15 spirit stones and the notice was spread throughout the Nanhuang Continent.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t look at Daoist Rat, who had lost his breath. Instead, he recited the contents of the wanted jade slip while looking at the old man who was standing in front of the inn with a gloomy expression.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to continue. I know he¡¯s a wanted criminal,¡± said the old man gloomily.


    Xu Qing fell silent and cut off Daoist Rat¡¯s head. He then took his leather pouch and kicked the corpse.


    The corpse landed loudly at the entrance of the inn.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t enter the inn. I didn¡¯t break your rules. You don¡¯t have to pay for the corpse. It¡¯s a gift for you.¡±


    With that, Xu Qing took a few steps back until he was a safe distance away. He then quickly left with Daoist Rat¡¯s head.


    ¡°I still lack 45 spirit stones for this month¡­¡±

 Chapter 107 - Gurgle Gurgle

    Staring at Xu Qing¡¯s departing figure, the eyes of the old man in the inn gleamed with killing intent. However, even until Xu Qing disappeared from the streets, he didn¡¯t choose to act.


    In the silence, the killing intent in his eyes slowly faded.


    A huge python head hung down from the roof beam above and landed beside the old man. Its mouth emitted waves of gurgling sounds as though it was talking.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t I kill him?¡± The old man rolled his eyes.


    ¡°This kid is a little strange. He gives me a very dangerous feeling. Unless I use my trump card¡­¡±


    ¡°Gurgle, gurgle.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re trash, your entire family is trash! Eat, eat, eat, you only know how to f*cking eat. Alright, eat.¡± The old man muttered. The python suddenly rushed out and bit Daoist Rat¡¯s corpse, swallowing it immediately before slowly returning to the beam.


    Xu Qing headed straight for the Homicide Department in the darkness. After he handed the head over with great familiarity, he received 15 spirit stones and arrived at a small breakfast shop owned by a commoner in the early morning.


    After drinking a bowl of warm soy milk and eating a few pancakes, under the enthusiastic recommendation of the shopkeeper, Xu Qing ordered three eggs extravagantly after some hesitation. He finished them all before cautiously returning to his berth and entering his magic boat.


    The harvest from this trip wasn¡¯t just the 15 spirit stones on the surface. In Daoist Rat¡¯s leather pouch, there was also a spirit stone and miscellaneous items. Xu Qing calculated according to the price at the port and discovered that he could sell them for two or three spirit stones.


    ¡°This method is still the most profitable.¡± Xu Qing mumbled and began to cultivate.


    Very soon, a day passed. When night fell, Xu Qing opened his eyes. Today wasn¡¯t his night shift duty, but Xu Qing still walked out of the magic boat under the moonlight and headed toward Panquan Road.


    Since he could earn money by lying in wait, Xu Qing planned to do it more.


    Just like that, at midnight, Xu Qing¡¯s figure once again appeared on Panquan Road. After walking one round, he didn¡¯t stop at the place from yesterday. Instead, he changed his location and stared at the inn motionlessly.


    However, this time around, it didn¡¯t take long for a wanted criminal to arrive. However, Xu Qing managed to see the old man from the inn.


    The old man walked out of the inn and stopped ten feet away from Xu Qing. His expression was gloomy as he stared at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Kid, you keep provoking me. Do you really think I won¡¯t attack?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Xu Qing calmly replied.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Seeing Xu Qing act like this, the old man didn¡¯t know what to say. After a long time, he gritted his teeth and spoke.


    ¡°What exactly do you want to do? Wait here every day?¡±


    Xu Qing was silent. A few breaths later, he glanced at the old man and spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°I want to earn money.¡±


    ¡°I want to earn money too!¡± The tentacles in the old man¡¯s eyes began to crawl out, and another crack appeared between his brows. A cold and gloomy aura spread out.


    ¡°If you continue like this, no one will dare to come to my inn. You have already affected my business.¡± Amidst the pervading aura, the old man stared at Xu Qing and spoke word by word.


    ¡°Leave this place right now!¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He felt that what the other party said made sense. If this continued, no one would dare to come to the inn. Hence, he nodded and left this location to head to the other side of the street.


    That place was even more hidden.


    The old man thought that Xu Qing was about to leave, but when he saw that the other party had actually changed to an even more concealed location, his veins bulged and he laughed out of extreme anger. He decided not to speak anymore and waved his hand, causing the space between his brows to completely split open. His head then split into two halves, tilting to the side.


    And at the location where his head originally was, a red light appeared. This red light emitted a bloody intent, and within it was a lump of bloody flesh that was filled with tentacles.


    It was a shocking sight. As those tentacles continued to extend, the old man walked toward Xu Qing with a malevolent expression.


    As waves of dangerous fluctuations spread out, the giant python in the inn also revealed its head. The ropes in the surroundings materialized out of thin air and hung down in many places on the streets, enveloping Xu Qing within.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and slowly spoke as he looked at the old man walking over.


    ¡°This place is on the streets and not your inn. I respect your rules and won¡¯t touch anything in the inn. However, if you tyrannically demand that I can¡¯t touch your guests after they leave, you¡¯re being too unreasonable.¡±


    ¡°Could it be that staying at your place also includes protection when going out?¡± Xu Qing looked at the old man. He felt that the other party could be reasoned with.


    The old man stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°So what if it is included!¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and took out a bag of spirit coins from his leather pouch. There were more than 200 spirit coins in it, and he tossed them over.


    The old man was stunned.


    ¡°Since it includes outside protection too, I¡¯ll pay two days of rent. You can protect me now,¡± Xu Qing said seriously.


    The old man held onto the bag of spirit coins and was in a daze for a long time before he looked at Xu Qing. After a while, he let out an aggrieved sigh. His head, which had been split into two, closed again, revealing a helpless expression.


    ¡°Gurgle, gurgle¡­¡± In the inn not far away, the head of a python that was exposed emitted a sound.


    ¡°Shut up, I know what he said makes sense!¡± The old man glared at the python.


    He was indeed a reasonable person, and what Xu Qing said made sense. He couldn¡¯t find a place to refute.


    The other party indeed didn¡¯t break his rules and even gave him spirit coins. If he insisted on what he said earlier, then logically speaking, the other party was under his protection now¡­


    All of this caused the old man to feel a strong helplessness. He stood there and looked at Xu Qing. Xu Qing also looked at him.


    The two of them stared at each other. After a while, the old man sighed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you clues about two wanted criminals. You can investigate the clues to capture them. Don¡¯t come to my place anymore.¡±


    The old man took out a jade slip and imprinted some information before tossing it to Xu Qing. He didn¡¯t return the spirit coins and walked toward the inn without turning back.


    As he left, the ropes in the surroundings dissipated. The python in the inn lifted its head and nodded at Xu Qing from afar as though it was greeting him before disappearing as well.


    1


    Xu Qing glanced at the jade slip in his hand. There were two locations listed as well as the names of the wanted criminals. After he kept them, he lowered his head and kept the powder that was hard to detect on the walls around him. He then scattered some neutralizing agent on the ground to neutralize the poison.


    After that, he walked through the streets and headed to the place where he had hidden earlier. On the way, he kept waving his right hand lightly, neutralizing all the poisonous powder on the ground and in the air. After that, he did the same thing to the place he was originally at.


    Finally, he dug out seven to eight green plants at the side.


    Those green plants contained five types of poison.


    The change in his location earlier was something he had made preparations for. Regardless of his original location or the hidden corner on the other side of the street, he had arranged poison powder beforehand.


    ¡°To think that the poison did not immediately break out even after he was poisoned by thirty seven poisons¡­¡± After dealing with the poison, Xu Qing turned his head and looked at the inn. His eyes narrowed as he turned and left rapidly.


    After he left, the calm expression of the old man in the inn instantly vanished. As his breathing hastened, he immediately rummaged through the medicinal pills and swallowed over ten types of antidote pills. After that, he quickly performed a series of hand seals and burned the bag Xu Qing had given him.


    1


    The spirit coins inside also dissipated under the flames.


    ¡°This brat is too sinister. He spread poison everywhere, and even the spirit coins he gave me were smeared with poison!¡± The old man gritted his teeth. In reality, the reason why he had compromised earlier was partly because Xu Qing¡¯s words made sense, and partly because¡­ at that time, he was almost unable to control the poison that was about to break out.


    That was the main reason.


    ¡°At such a young age, his actions are already like this¡­ When he grows up in the future, he¡¯ll be a living, breathing calamity of the human race.¡± The old man panted as he mumbled.


    ¡°You like him?¡±


    ¡°He likes you too. Didn¡¯t you notice that when he saw you, the part he looked at was where your gallbladder was.¡± The old man sneered.


    1


    The gurgling stopped abruptly.


    The sky was still dark. Xu Qing sped through the streets at an extremely fast speed. Naturally, he wouldn¡¯t completely believe the locations given by the old man. Hence, after some thought, he took out his identity token and transmitted his voice. After that, he kept the token and pondered for a moment before continuing on his way.


    The first location was a little remote. After Xu Qing reached the location, he waited for a long time, observing very carefully. Finally, he confirmed that although there were people living here before, they didn¡¯t seem to have returned for a long time.


    Hence, he gave up and went to the second location.


    The second location was a gambling den. There were many people here, and all sorts of voices spread in all directions. Xu Qing observed from an empty house not far away.


    According to the old man¡¯s jade slip, a wanted criminal named Sun Dewang had come ashore recently and gambled here every day.


    This person was nonhuman. He was in the ninth level of Qi Condensation which was quite high. He was usually active on the Forbidden Sea and was involved in piracy. He was quite famous and the wanted poster on the jade slip stated that he belonged to an organization called Sea Ghost.


    This organization was one of the few active pirate forces on the Forbidden Sea.


    The bounty on Sun Dewang¡¯s head was extremely high, reaching 40 spirit stones. As for the source of the bounty, there were a lot of them. There were a total of over ten merchant ships that had added to the bounty.


    One could see how savage this person was at sea.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t act rashly. He observed for more than an hour and watched the various gamblers entering and exiting. He listened to their conversations. Some were embarrassed, some were forthright, some were high-spirited, and some were bitter and at a loss.


    After confirming that there weren¡¯t too many spirit energy fluctuations in the vicinity, Xu Qing thought about it but didn¡¯t choose to enter to take a look. He continued to wait outside.


    Just like this, time slowly passed. Four hours later, when the sky was about to turn bright, Xu Qing finally found his target.


    It was a fat man in a brocade robe who looked like a landlord. He walked out of the casino, but after taking a few steps, he warily lifted his head. His gaze then landed on the place where Xu Qing was hiding. His eyes instantly narrowed, revealing a hint of danger.


    ¡°Today is truly a strange day. I¡¯ve already f*cking lost the money I made a few days ago, and now, I¡¯ve even met someone who wants to hunt me down. A mere seventh level of Qi Condensation dares to hunt others? Tired of living? I will use this chance to recover some of my losses!¡± As he spoke, the fatty strode forward and rushed toward where Xu Qing was.


    Dawn wasn¡¯t far away. A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he also rushed out.

 Chapter 108 - The Secret Worth 100 Spirit Stones (1)

    In an instant, the two of them neared each other outside the gambling house. Xu Qing circulated the Sea Transformation Art and Mountains and Seas Art in his body at the same time. He was prepared to end the battle quickly, so he used his full strength and punched.


    Amidst the rumbling sounds, the fatty¡¯s body trembled and his expression clearly changed. Clearly, he had misjudged Xu Qing¡¯s strength earlier. At this moment, when he came into contact with Xu Qing, he immediately sensed the terrifying power coming from Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    He abruptly retreated. However, his speed was still slower compared to Xu Qing. In the blink of an eye, Xu Qing¡¯s fist landed on his stomach.


    The fatty¡¯s body shook, but he didn¡¯t retreat from the impact. Instead, he turned into a piece of skin like he had hollowed out his insides and moved toward Xu Qing.


    The fatty¡¯s skin was very large and wide, covering everything like an octopus. It was about to wrap around Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing frowned slightly. A large number of water droplets instantly appeared outside his body and rapidly transformed into rhombuses that shot out like arrows, piercing through the skin with popping sounds.


    A sinister figure crawled out of the tattered skin and retreated.


    It was a humanoid creature covered in mucus. Its hair was green, and its body was covered in scales. Its eyes revealed a ferocious glint, and a forked tongue protruded from its sharp fangs.


    It cast a deep glance at Xu Qing but didn¡¯t continue attacking. Instead, it tried to flee.


    Xu Qing coldly stared at it and waved his right hand. A water curtain appeared out of thin air and blocked the nonhuman nonhuman cultivator. This caused the nonhuman cultivator to have no choice but to step back a little, and the viciousness in its eyes grew even more intense.


    1


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡±


    The nonhuman cultivator charged toward Xu Qing. It waved its hands and a large amount of black gas drifted out, forming resentful spirits that let out mournful cries as they pounced toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s face was expressionless. The qi and blood in his body spread out, and an even more mournful cry rang out from the mouths of those resentful spirits. After the spirits were dispersed, Xu Qing took a step forward and arrived in front of the nonhuman cultivator whose expression had completely changed. He then grabbed forward.


    This nonhuman cultivator¡¯s breathing became hurried, and its eyes revealed madness.


    At this moment of crisis, all the scales on its body fell off at the same time and swept toward Xu Qing like a storm of sharp blades.


    After doing this, it actually didn¡¯t flee. Instead, it viciously stabbed toward Xu Qing¡¯s neck with its sharp fingernails.


    ¡°Die!¡±


    However, in the next instant, the nonhuman cultivator¡¯s eyes narrowed abruptly, revealing disbelief and horror.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about his scale storm at all. No matter how the scales attacked, it couldn¡¯t stop his unstoppable palm. It directly penetrated the scale vortex and grabbed the nonhuman cultivator¡¯s hand.


    With a cracking sound, it was broken ruthlessly, causing it to twist exaggeratedly.


    His body took advantage of the momentum to move closer, and his forehead ruthlessly smashed into the head of the nonhuman cultivator. A blood-curdling screech rang out. The nonhuman cultivator wanted to retreat, but its hand was grabbed by Xu Qing.


    The feeling of being clamped by iron pincers caused its breathing to become hurried. It was extremely terrified but was unable to break free no matter what it did.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist, I am¡­¡±


    Before it could finish speaking, Xu Qing calmly twisted its hand again and forced its sharp fingers to pierce into its brow.


    The sound of bones and flesh breaking rang out. The nonhuman cultivator let out a cry of despair. Its voice was extremely miserable, and its eyes revealed intense fear.


    However, its body structure was different from humans, so this wasn¡¯t fatal to it.


    However, it was still heavily injured. As its blood continued to flow out, its aura rapidly weakened till it fainted. Xu Qing grabbed it by the neck and dragged it into the distance.


    The gambling den was completely silent. Regardless of the gamblers or guards, all of them were trembling at this moment. The sounds of Xu Qing and Sun Dewang fighting earlier were very loud and had attracted their attention. However, Xu Qing¡¯s attacks were too ruthless and the entire battle finished too quickly.


    This was especially so after they recognized the identity of the nonhuman cultivator outside. After realizing how powerful he was, they became even clearer about how terrifying Xu Qing was.


    No one dared to speak. Amidst the suffocating atmosphere, Xu Qing, who was about to walk away, suddenly stopped in his tracks and looked into the distance.


    On the empty and pitch-black street in the distance, a person walked over.


    As he got closer and stepped into the area illuminated by the lights outside the gambling house, his figure became clearer. A light purple Daoist robe gradually entered Xu Qing¡¯s vision.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    The person in front was a youth with long black hair. He had an extraordinary appearance, a tall and slender figure. The arrogance in his walk and expression was obvious. In particular, his Daoist robe revealed his high status.


    There was also the eighth level Qi Condensation fluctuation of the Sea Transformation Art on his body, causing a large number of water droplets to form in the surroundings. Every single drop carried sharpness as they locked onto Xu Qing.


    ¡°Which division of the Homicide Department are you from? Let him go, and I can pretend I didn¡¯t see this!¡±


    The person¡¯s words were cold and unquestionable.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He had seen this youth before. Some time ago, when he was on his first patrol with his team captain, he had seen the scene of the youth walking among the crowd like a god that had descended to the mortal world.


    He knew very well that this person was a core disciple of the Seventh Peak.


    Xu Qing frowned slightly. Although he had made some arrangements previously to prevent any accidents, they would probably not be of much use against a core disciple. Xu Qing felt that it wasn¡¯t worth it to have a conflict with a core disciple for 40 spirit stones unless the benefits were greater.

 Chapter 109 - The Secret Worth 100 Spirit Stones (2)

    However, at this moment, a cold voice rang out faintly from behind the light purple-robed youth.


    ¡°Wow, such an amazing core disciple, to directly interfere with law enforcement in front of us, the Homicide Department.¡±


    As the voice rang out, the light purple-robed youth abruptly turned around. Xu Qing also looked toward the source and immediately saw a figure walking over unsteadily from afar. This figure was eating an apple as he walked. He was none other than the captain of Team Six.


    The eyes of the light purple-robed youth narrowed, and Xu Qing also showed a hint of surprise in his eyes. However, what surprised him wasn¡¯t the captain¡¯s arrival, but the fact that the captain actually chose to reveal himself at this moment.


    In reality, it was impossible for Xu Qing to completely believe the clues given by the old man from Panquan Road. In this Seven Blood Eyes main city where the human heart was dark and sinister, it was very likely that the other party had intentionally given him the clue that led to a deep pit.


    This was especially so for a business like the gambling den. Since it was able to start its business in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city, it must have some background. Hence, on the way here, Xu Qing thought about it and sent a voice transmission to the captain, promising to give him half of the profits. The captain would step in when necessary to resolve an unexpected dispute.


    Regardless of whether this dispute would occur or not, he would still get his share of spirit stones.


    The clue to the first wanted criminal was outdated, so the captain didn¡¯t appear. Now that the second clue had drawn out a core disciple, Xu Qing originally thought that the captain wouldn¡¯t appear.


    Sensing the surprise on Xu Qing¡¯s face, the captain took a bite of the apple and winked at Xu Qing. After that, he looked at the light purple-robed youth whose expression was somewhat unsightly.


    ¡°According to the third rule of the Homicide Department, those who obstruct the Homicide Department when they are carrying out law enforcement will be heavily punished.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a wanted criminal. We¡¯re enforcing the law. This is official business.¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to obstruct us?¡± The captain smiled at the light purple-robed youth.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s view, the captain was clearly wearing a gray Daoist robe, but the domineering tone of his voice and the unsightly expression of the light purple-robed youth made Xu Qing feel as though the two of them had changed identities.


    He was truly shocked.


    As for the light purple-robed youth, after hearing the captain¡¯s words, his breathing quickened slightly and his mind raced. In reality, Sun Dewang had given him a lot of presents. This casino was also one of his businesses, so he couldn¡¯t allow anyone to obstruct his benefits.


    However, the light purple-robed youth was a little wary of the captain of Team Six. He knew of this person and had heard of him before. From what he remembered, this person had a conflict with another core disciple about two years ago. Not long after that¡­ that core disciple went missing.


    This matter made him extremely vigilant. What shocked him even more was that there was no follow-up investigation by those on the mountain. Moreover, the ones who knew of this matter kept their mouths shut, so not many people were aware about this.


    One had to know that the disappearance of the core disciple was a very big deal in the Seven Blood Eyes. However, it just so happened that the matter was left unsettled.


    After a moment of silence, the light purple-robed youth let out a cold snort and left without saying a word.


    This dramatic scene caused great waves in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. When he looked at the captain, many guesses surfaced in his heart.


    ¡°My spirit stones.¡± The captain looked at Xu Qing and smiled.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and directly handed over 20 spirit stones.


    After taking the spirit stones, the captain revealed a satisfied expression and glanced at the distant light purple-robed youth.


    ¡°This person¡¯s name is Zhao Zhongheng. He¡¯s a good-for-nothing. If his grandfather wasn¡¯t an elder of the Seventh Peak, he would have been killed long ago. How could he still have a core disciple identity?¡±


    ¡°However, I heard that he was arranged by his grandfather to take up a post as a captain in the Dispatch Department. He probably wants to let him gain some experience there.¡±


    The captain spoke while walking ahead. Xu Qing followed him silently, heading to the Homicide Department together.


    On the way, Xu Qing looked at the captain many times. When they were about to reach the Homicide Department, the captain tilted his head and looked at Xu Qing as he asked in surprise.


    ¡°Kid, you¡¯re really patient. Why aren¡¯t you asking me why I¡¯m so amazing and why I could make the core disciple retreat?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    The captain looked at Xu Qing and felt his interest go away.


    ¡°You¡¯re very boring¡­ Forget it, seeing that you¡¯re my team member, I¡¯ll tell you. Two years ago, I offended a core disciple and was planning to escape from the Seven Blood Eyes. But guess what, hahaha.¡±


    ¡°That core disciple died due to an accident when he was out at sea. After the sect investigated and discovered that it was indeed an accident, the matter was left unsettled. After that, for some reason¡­ some of the core disciples on the mountain felt that I was quite mysterious.¡±


    ¡°So, most of them avoid me when they see me.¡± The captain smiled at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°You really believe it?¡± The captain was surprised.


    ¡°No.¡± Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°Then why did you nod¡­¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    The captain sighed and seemed to lose his interest once again. A while later, when the two of them saw the entrance of the Homicide Department from afar, he spoke softly from the darkness.


    ¡°The truth is that I killed him. This is my secret. Xu Qing, this secret is worth¡­ 100 spirit stones!¡±


    After the captain finished speaking, he winked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t take out 100 spirit stones.


    The captain sighed and mumbled a few words. Only after he got Xu Qing to personally admit that he owed him a hundred spirit stones did he stretch his back and head to the Homicide Department¡¯s Black Division.


    Xu Qing rubbed his forehead and looked at the departing captain. He didn¡¯t feel helpless about the spirit stones he had been forced to owe. Instead, he heaved a sigh of relief.


    On the way here, the reason why he didn¡¯t speak was because he intuitively sensed a hint of killing intent faintly appearing on the captain¡¯s body. Also, the captain¡¯s cultivation seemed to be the same as the ninth or tenth level of Qi Condensation that Xu Qing had judged before. However, Xu Qing could faintly sense that the other party was hiding something. His true battle prowess was definitely stronger.

 Chapter 110 - The Secret Worth 100 Spirit Stones (3)

    However, the other party¡¯s killing intent didn¡¯t erupt. After he agreed to owe the spirit stones, it quickly dissipated.


    Xu Qing was finally relieved. He turned his head and looked in the direction of Panquan Road in the distance. A cold glint flashed in his eyes.


    He quickly retracted his gaze and stepped into the Homicide Department. He then handed Sun Dewang over to the collection office of the department and took the bounty.


    Before he left, he gave some spirit coins to the fellow sect member in charge of collecting the wanted criminals and politely asked him about Zhao Zhongheng.


    The disciple in charge of the collection kept the spirit coins with a fake smile and told Xu Qing about what he knew.


    His words were roughly the same as the captain¡¯s, but it wasn¡¯t as detailed. Xu Qing left after thanking him.


    On the way to his berth, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed contemplation as he recalled the events of the night.


    ¡°The captain is very strong and also evil. He seems to treat me a little differently. What¡¯s his motive?¡±


    After pondering for a while, Xu Qing returned to his berth. A sense of vigilance rose in his heart as he took out a bamboo slip from his pocket. This item was very old and seemed to have been used for a very long time.


    On it was a densely-packed row of names that had been crossed out. There was one that hadn¡¯t been crossed out, and that was the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    Xu Qing picked up the iron stick and began to carve the words ¡®Panquan Road¡¯s Old Man¡¯.


    After that, he wrote the word ¡®captain¡¯. He thought about it and added a question mark after the word ¡®captain¡¯.


    He had carved the name because of the captain¡¯s previous killing intent. The question mark was because the killing intent had been neutralized by a hundred spirit stones.


    Xu Qing threw this matter to the back of his mind. He didn¡¯t want to probe into the captain¡¯s secrets, so he took out Sun Dewang¡¯s leather pouch and opened it.


    Looking at the content, he sank into silence.


    He thought of what the other party had said when he walked out of the gambling den.


    As expected, there was nothing valuable left in the leather pouch. Xu Qing frowned and tossed the leather pouch to the side. He then sat cross-legged and began to cultivate.


    Time passed by just like this, and Xu Qing, who had obtained 20 spirit stones, didn¡¯t head to Panquan Road again. That old man from the inn was suspected of trying to get rid of him through someone else, and Xu Qing had already started planning how he could quietly get rid of him.


    However, this matter was a little difficult, so Xu Qing didn¡¯t plan to act rashly and alert the enemy.


    During this period of time, other than cultivating, he used spirit stones to buy expensive materials to improve his magic boat.


    This allowed his level two magic boat to increase by two levels, reaching level four sturdiness.


    The appearance of the magic boat had changed drastically. Not only did its length and width increase by a lot, but the most important thing was that its body was covered not only with the scale totem from before but also with real scales.


    With such a dense amount of scales, the entire magic boat looked no different from a real crocodile on the surface of the sea. The feeling of cruelness it gave off was even more intense. This was especially so for the crocodile head, which seemed to have gained sentience. Its carved eyes revealed a hint of life.


    That was because Xu Qing had bought two pieces of spiral rock that enhanced sturdiness and replaced its eyes, allowing the defense of this boat to be more comprehensive.


    The original black canopy also became a hut. With the boat and the hut, Xu Qing felt even more sense of security.


    Not everyone in the harbor had such a level-four boat. Although the materials Xu Qing chose were all low-grade, they still attracted some attention in Port 79.


    There was nothing he could do about this. Even though he requested the shopkeeper to conceal the matter of refining, the effect wasn¡¯t great. Hence, Xu Qing could only be more cautious and vigilant.


    Fortunately, after so many years, being cautious and vigilant was already a part of his life.


    The rapid improvement of the magic boat sped up his plan to go out to sea.


    All of these made Xu Qing have more expectations for the magic boat. Although the expenditure was a lot, he felt that it was worth it.


    As for Zhao Zhongheng, he did not come to trouble him. He seemed to have been intimidated by the captain.


    At the same time, the Homicide Department no longer searched for Night Dove on the surface. However, the atmosphere inside had clearly become tense. This made Xu Qing feel that the time to reel in the net spread around Night Dove was almost here.


    Two days later, Xu Qing, who was already off duty, received a notice before he could leave the Homicide Department. No one was allowed to leave the Homicide Department today. They were to stay in their respective teams and wait for orders.


    Their voice transmission jade slips were also restricted.


    Xu Qing understood that they were going to draw the net tonight.


    This was indeed the case. Two hours later, just as dusk fell, Xu Qing, who was waiting with the team, saw the captain¡¯s figure.


    ¡°The department has decided that today, all the seven regions will draw the net on Night Dove. From the confirmed news, there are a total of 17 Night Dove¡¯s hiding spots in the port area. All teams from the Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow Divisions will be dispatched together.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, the location you handed over is correct. This time, our team is moving together with Team Three of the Earth Division. Our target is this location.¡± The captain smiled at Xu Qing. After that, his expression turned solemn as he swept his gaze across all the team members.


    ¡°In this stronghold, there are two people at the perfected Qi Condensation Realm, four people at the ninth level of Qi Condensation, seven people at the eighth level, and 25 others!¡±


    ¡°The department attaches great importance to this matter. Every team member of the team who kills the enemy leader at any stronghold will be rewarded with ten spirit stones. The person who kills the enemy leader will be rewarded with another eighty spirit stones!¡±


    ¡°Other than that, every head of Night Dove¡¯s members is worth ten spirit stones. Brothers, it¡¯s time to earn some extra money!¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his eyes suddenly narrowed. If he wanted to upgrade his level-four magic boat to level six, he only needed a dozen spirit stones if he chose low quality materials. However, if he wanted to choose the mid quality ones, he would need around eighty spirit stones. As for the high quality ones, Xu Qing didn¡¯t consider them. They were ridiculously expensive.


    During these few days, he was still worrying about how to obtain spirit stones. Now, when he heard his captain¡¯s words, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    1

 Chapter 111 - Snatching My Credit? (1)

    The reward this time was shocking.


    It could be seen that the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ upper echelons hated Night Dove to the core.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t the only one who was tempted. At this moment, the eyes of everyone in Team Six lit up. Some of them chuckled, while others licked their lips. There were even quite a few who revealed looks of desire in their eyes.


    To the disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes, the acquisition of cultivation resources determined everything for them.


    Normally, everyone would have to use all sorts of methods to capture wanted criminals to earn extra money. There weren¡¯t many opportunities for such large-scale operations. But now, everyone realized that once they completed this mission, they wouldn¡¯t be lacking in resources in the near future.


    Hence, everyone¡¯s breathing slowly quickened as they looked at their captain.


    ¡°Captain, when are we setting off?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, let¡¯s go!¡±


    Hearing the team members¡¯ anxious voice, the captain smiled and took a bite of the apple in his hand. He then took out a jade slip and distributed it to everyone.


    ¡°Our target isn¡¯t big. The two enemy leaders at the perfected Qi Condensation Realm must be ours!¡±


    ¡°When we reach our destination later, we¡¯ll infiltrate and behead them. When we act, I¡¯ll deal with one of them first. As for the other one, once you see him, besiege him immediately. If you can kill him, kill him. If you can¡¯t, drag it out until I arrive. I hope that when this mission ends, all of you will still be alive.¡±


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s go!¡±


    The entire Homicide Department was instantly mobilized.


    From afar, one could see numerous figures rushing out of the Homicide Department¡¯s government office under the moonlight, heading toward various directions in the city.


    The speed was so fast and the killing intent was so intense that every single figure was like a thorny tentacle of the Homicide Department. As they continued to spread out, the entire Homicide Department was like an ancient giant beast that had awakened and was stretching its entire body. Its domineering pressure instantly erupted.


    This caused all the evil characters in the city to be horrified.


    ¡°Each person can obtain ten spirit stones if we kill the enemy leader. There are two enemy leaders¡­ If they are killed by Team Six, each of us will gain at least 20 spirit coins.¡±


    Xu Qing was moving with the members of Team Six. As he sped forward, he muttered inwardly as anticipation appeared in his eyes.


    He quickly scanned through the jade slip distributed by the captain. It contained information about everyone in the stronghold. It was extremely comprehensive. The enemies¡¯ appearances and their specialty techniques were all recorded. It could be seen that the department had investigated Night Dove thoroughly during this period of time.


    As everyone neared their targets, they stopped talking as they followed their team captains. The speed was getting faster and faster and their killing intent boiled and intensified.


    In the darkness of the night, killing intent towered into the sky. The mobilization of the Homicide Department was completely out of the blue, causing everyone who saw them to feel their hearts pounding. Their eyes were filled with terror as they instantly hid.


    Those noisy betting booths and gambling dens also swiftly quieted down. The people inside were dumbfounded and immediately closed the main gate in fear.


    All the evil characters were clearly aware that since the Homicide Department had made such a move, it meant that tonight¡­


    The entire main city was going to bleed!


    Countless people would die tonight. It was as though lightning had streaked across the sky, wanting to dispel all the evil!


    In fact, many of the inns that did business at night also chose to close today. It was the same for Panquan Road¡­


    At this moment, Team Six passed by Panquan Road. Xu Qing watched as the old man from the inn quickly closed the gate. Their gazes met for a moment.


    ¡°He¡¯s afraid¡­¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and noticed the hint of wariness in the old man¡¯s eyes. He lowered his head and looked at the badge on his clothes.


    At least, tonight, the badge on his gray Daoist robe represented the dignity of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    No matter what faction it was, be it small gangs or big forces, they would have to lower their heads tonight and hide!


    If they even made the slightest bit of interference, they would be instantly crushed.


    ¡°There is light and darkness everywhere, and it¡¯s the same here. Although the sect is allowing darkness to flourish in the main city, there are rules. One, they can¡¯t lay their hands on commoners. Two, outsiders who have reached Foundation Building can¡¯t kill our sect¡¯s Qi Condensation cultivators. These are two red lines. If they cross this boundary¡­ they have to pay the price.¡±


    The captain at the front calmly spoke. He then assigned tasks before continuing onwards.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred. Although he had realized this earlier, he was now involved in it. After experiencing it personally, he had a deeper understanding of the domineeringness of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    He was following his team members. Their target was clear. An hour later, they saw their destination from afar.


    It was a manor.


    The bright moon hung high in the sky, and the land was pitch-black. Although there were lights in the manor, in the darkness of the night, these lights flickered and seemed about to extinguish.


    Outside the manor, with the arrival of Team Six, a few disciples from the Homicide Department who were hiding in the dark immediately walked out.


    They were arranged by the department to be in charge of keeping an eye out. After cupping their fists to the captain, they quickly left.


    ¡°Follow the plan, the infiltration begins!¡± A cold glint flashed in the captain¡¯s eyes as his body flashed into the manor. As for the members of Team Six, eight of them surrounded the manor and formed a blockade. The remaining dozen or so people then spread out and sneaked into the manor from various locations.


    Xu Qing was among them. Right now, he moved extremely fast with his back arched.


    From afar, the members of Team Six looked like a gigantic hand that grabbed at the light.


    At the same time, the figures of a Homicide Department team appeared in the distance. The person leading in front was none other than the youth from the Merfolk race. They were Earth Team Three, and they would be fighting together with Team Six tonight.

 Chapter 112 - Snatching My Credit? (2)

    When the merfolk youth saw that Team Six had already rushed into the manor, disdain appeared in his eyes. He sneered and waved his hand, and a black circular object immediately flew out. It landed in the manor and exploded, emitting a loud bang.


    The members of his team all laughed sinisterly and threw out similar items. Immediately, loud sounds rang out throughout the manor.


    This sudden sound instantly woke up Night Dove¡¯s members in the manor. Their expressions changed and they quickly spread out, causing Team Six¡¯s plan to sneak in and assassinate to fail.


    Xu Qing frowned. Team Three¡¯s actions were very obvious. They wanted to use this method to interfere with Team Six¡¯s mission.


    One of the self-detonating items landed not far away from him. At this moment, amidst the intense sounds of explosions, the Night Dove cultivators in the manor scattered in all directions. Some of them even set up fires and activated their traps, causing the entire manor to be instantly engulfed in flames. A large amount of smoke also spread in all directions.


    The smoke and fire affected the vision, and the sounds of fighting, shouts, and explosions instantly rang out.


    A good assassination plan was now destroyed, and even caused casualties.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, but he didn¡¯t bother with Team Three. As dense smoke spread out, his body swayed and killing intent appeared. He fiercely waved his dagger toward the side. A blood-curdling scream rang out as a Night Dove cultivator¡¯s neck was slit.


    This person was a middle-aged man with a cultivation base at the sixth level of Qi Condensation. His head was decapitated and fresh blood spurted out of his neck. His eyes looked horrified.


    After taking the leather pouch from the man¡¯s body and tossing his corpse to the side, Xu Qing sped through the smoke. The dagger in his hand shone with a black light as he approached another Night Dove cultivator and sliced his throat open.


    Throughout the entire process, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He allowed the cultivator who was clutching his neck to gasp for air and convulse on the ground. He kept the other party¡¯s leather pouch and quickly left to search for another target.


    The shouts and miserable cries continued to grow intense as time flew by. After the time it took for an incense stick to burn out, Xu Qing, who was advancing, abruptly dodged. A wind blade whistled past him.


    The wind lifted Xu Qing¡¯s hair, revealing a wolf-like gaze. His speed instantly erupted as he headed straight for the source of the wind blade. There were two disciples from the Homicide Department there. One was from Team Six, and the other was from Team Three. They were currently fighting against one person.


    The Team Three¡¯s expression changed when he saw Xu Qing, while the Team Six disciple revealed pleasant surprise. This joyous expression was rarely seen and was very sincere. This was because tonight, they were acting as a team.


    ¡°Xu Qing, he is an eighth level Qi Condensation cultivator!¡±


    There were two corpses on the ground that were badly mutilated. As for the Night Dove cultivator who was fighting against the two, he quickly turned to leave when he saw Xu Qing.


    However, it was too late. Xu Qing abruptly charged forward, and his speed was so fast that it created a sonic boom. Amidst the astonishment of the disciples from Team Three and Six, he had already arrived in front of this Night Dove cultivator and slashed the cultivator¡¯s neck with his dagger.


    Fresh blood spurted out. When he landed on the ground, the Night Dove cultivator had already been decapitated and was as dead as a dodo.


    The face of the Team Three disciple turned pale, and his eyes revealed intense fear. He had seen the strong ones from the same realm before, but it was rare to see someone who could kill an eighth level Qi Condensation cultivator with a single slash.


    He didn¡¯t dare to stay any longer and quickly retreated. As for the Team Six disciple, he also drew in a deep breath. The gaze he used to look at Xu Qing was also filled with shock. After bowing deeply, he vanished into the fog.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and glanced at the three corpses on the ground. He then calmly and slowly took out the leather pouches one by one. Throughout the entire process, his expression didn¡¯t change at all. He even rummaged through the leather pouches and put their contents into his own leather pouch.


    When he finished looting the last badly mutilated corpse, Xu Qing rubbed his hands and turned to leave. However, the dagger in his hand stabbed toward the center of the corpse¡¯s brows at lightning speed.


    His movements were so sudden and fast that there were no signs at all.


    At the next instant, the corpse moved as though it was sliding away, dodging Xu Qing¡¯s dagger.


    The corpse floated up and its eyes suddenly opened, revealing a cold glint as it stared fixedly at Xu Qing.


    ¡°How did you find out?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen many corpses that died tragically. Your disguise isn¡¯t good.¡± Xu Qing looked at the ¡®corpse¡¯ and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Is that so? You can consider yourself unlucky then.¡± The corpse wiped his face, revealing the appearance of a middle-aged man. He then exploded forth, heading straight for Xu Qing. His cultivation at the perfected Qi Condensation Realm spread.


    This person was one of the enemy leaders of this stronghold. He had a cautious personality and had planned to pretend to be a corpse and leave quietly. He didn¡¯t expect to be discovered here.


    However, he was a ruthless and decisive person. He knew that he couldn¡¯t delay, so he decided to go all out.


    The spirit energy in his body fluctuated, and numerous fire snakes manifested outside his body, hissing ferociously at Xu Qing.


    There were a total of nine fire snakes.


    Each of them could instantly tear apart a body at the ninth level of Qi Condensation. Now that there were nine of them, their might was so great that it was the peak Xu Qing had seen in the Qi Condensation realm.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change much. With a wave of his hand, countless water droplets appeared outside his body. As the aura of the Forbidden Sea spread out, the water droplets distorted and gathered together in the blink of an eye, forming the shape of a crocodile.


    The crocodile¡¯s body was covered in scales, and it looked extremely sinister. When it opened its large mouth, its sharp teeth gleamed with a cold light. It also seemed to have some intelligence. After it appeared, it let out a roar and charged toward the nine fire snakes.


    They instantly collided with each other. Xu Qing¡¯s Sea Transformation Art¡¯s divine ability was completely displayed. It directly devoured five of the fire snakes. Although the remaining ones were putting up a fight, it was obvious that the Sea Transformation Art could resist them.


    What shocked the perfected Qi Condensation cultivator even more was that Xu Qing was moving toward him. The blood and qi shadow behind him transformed into a malicious ghost. As it growled, it followed Xu Qing¡¯s body and shot out like an arrow, heading straight for him.


    ¡°You¡¯re not an ordinary disciple of the Seven Blood Eyes!!¡± The eyes of this Night Dove¡¯s enemy leader abruptly narrowed. He sensed an intense sense of danger from Xu Qing. He retreated, and with a wave of his hand, he tossed out a talisman that flickered with blue light.


    He didn¡¯t even look at the result as he retreated even faster.


    This blue-colored talisman seemed to have been used too many times. Its color was rather dull, and its might had decreased by quite a bit. Although it instantly erupted and transformed into a blue-colored ghost hand with some Foundation Building aura, its might was still far inferior to a true Foundation Building cultivator.


    Although Xu Qing sensed that this talisman treasure was ordinary, he still dodged it. However, the large hand continued to chase after him, making it impossible for him to continue pursuing the enemy leader. However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t in a hurry. While dodging the large hand, he coldly stared at the fleeing enemy leader.


    ¡°The poison has not broken out yet?¡±


    The instant Xu Qing¡¯s words rang out, the expression of Night Dove cultivator drastically changed. His state of mind fluctuated, speeding up the relapse of the poison. He then spat out a mouthful of black blood, and a greenish-black color appeared on his face.


    ¡°Poison!¡±


    All of a sudden, his body staggered as he felt the violence of the poison in his body. His internal organs felt like they were about to melt, and his eyes revealed madness. It was unknown what secret art he used, but he slammed his chest with his hands, and at the next moment, his body burned with flames. It was as though all his potential had been stimulated at this moment. The poison in his body was actually suppressed, and the greenish-black color on his face also rapidly dissipated.


    However, the price was clearly huge. At this moment, his consciousness was a little fuzzy. It was as though there was only one thought in his mind, and that was to escape.


    He tried to flee with an even faster speed.


    Amidst this delay, Xu Qing once again dodged the attack from the large hand and sped forward at full speed, rushing out like a bolt of lightning. His speed was so fast that he instantly got close to the Night Dove cultivator. He then reached out to grab him.


    However, at this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed as he sensed a life-and-death crisis. His pupils contracted as he forcefully shifted his body to move back. Almost at the instant he retreated, a sharp-edged flying wheel whistled past the area he was at.


    It tore through the air, emitting an ear-piercing sound. If he had dodged a little slower, his body would have been torn apart.


    As he retreated, a person rushed over from the direction the flying wheel came from. He didn¡¯t bother with Xu Qing but headed straight for the enemy leader. The person who came¡­ was the captain of Team Three, the cold-looking youth from the merfolk race.


    ¡°Snatching my credit?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s gaze instantly turned sharp.

 Chapter 113 - Past the Red Line! (1)

    He could obtain 80 spirit stones from killing the enemy leader. One could even imagine that he would gain a lot of contribution points.


    If Xu Qing hadn¡¯t met this enemy leader and didn¡¯t fight with him, it would have been fine.


    However, he had already seriously injured the other party. Just when he was about to go for the finishing blow, the merfolk youth attacked him to snatch the credit. This matter caused killing intent to fill Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    However, it was too late to give chase now. Moreover, the large blue hand formed by the talisman was also whistling over from behind him.


    Seeing that the merfolk youth was about to succeed, Xu Qing instantly performed a series of hand seals. Immediately, a large number of water droplets appeared beside the merfolk youth, forming a gigantic jellyfish that whistled through the air.


    ¡°Petty tricks!¡±


    The merfolk youth sneered. He didn¡¯t stop in the slightest, and a light flashed outside his body, forming a layer of defense. The jellyfish got close and bombarded it, but the defense was so strong that the jellyfish collapsed upon itself.


    However, he had clearly underestimated Xu Qing¡¯s jellyfish.


    As it collapsed, the jellyfish¡¯s body transformed into countless water droplets, but they didn¡¯t dissipate. Instead, they rapidly gathered and formed a large net, enveloping the merfolk youth and pinning him in place.


    The merfolk youth frowned. He couldn¡¯t help but slow down for a moment which caused him to miss the chance to grab the enemy leader, allowing the latter to escape more than thirty feet away.


    Xu Qing took advantage of this opportunity and charged out fiercely. He didn¡¯t dodge the large hand that whistled over from behind at all, allowing the large hand transformed from the talisman to attack him.


    There was a loud boom.


    Xu Qing¡¯s blood gushed out, but with the help of the impact from this large hand, his speed was further boosted, and he charged out even faster. In the blink of an eye, he surpassed the merfolk youth, turning into an afterimage as he charged toward the enemy leader.


    The instant he got close, he quickly lifted his right hand, and the black iron stick gleamed coldly.


    However, at this moment, the merfolk youth broke free of his bindings. His eyes gleamed with a cold light, and the corners of his lips curled into a cold smile. With a wave of his hand, the sharp-edged flying wheel that had flown toward Xu Qing earlier moved toward the enemy leader with shocking speed.


    It was about to reach¡­


    At the critical moment, the black iron stick turned into a black light and moved even faster. Like a bolt of black lightning, it pierced through the back of the enemy leader¡¯s head before the flying wheel could reach it, revealing its tip that had broken out of the enemy¡¯s forehead!


    As a shrill cry rang out, the flying wheel whistled through the air and sliced open the enemy leader¡¯s neck, causing the head to fly into the air. Fresh blood gushed out!


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the flying wheel and didn¡¯t slow down at all. He leaped over and grabbed the enemy leader¡¯s head before stopping. He then coldly looked at the young merfolk whose expression was incomparably ugly.


    ¡°Who do you think you are? How dare you steal my credit?¡± Before Xu Qing could speak, the merfolk youth gritted his teeth and spoke.


    The killing intent in his eyes was extremely intense. He lifted his hand and caught the sharp-edged flying wheel that had flown back. His entire body was filled with killing intent, and his green eyes revealed a sinister look as he walked toward Xu Qing step by step.


    Xu Qing, who was holding the head of the enemy leader, similarly had killing intent in his eyes. He didn¡¯t speak, but he was already prepared to attack. He even secretly crushed a poison pill and scattered it with the wind.


    At the same time, the shadow under his feet quietly and quickly spread to the front of the other party. This merfolk only needed to take another step forward and he would step on the shadow.


    Once he stepped in, the shadow would immediately erupt forth, and Xu Qing would attack as well.


    He was confident that he could kill the other party in an extremely short period of time.


    However, just as this merfolk youth lifted his right foot and was about to land, just as the killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was about to erupt, a cold laugh rang out from the fog.


    ¡°Who the hell do you think you are? How dare you try to steal my Team Six¡¯s credit?¡±


    As his voice echoed, the figure of the captain of Team Six, who was eating an apple, walked out of the fog. He ate while walking, and behind him were some of the members of Team Six. There were four people missing, and the remaining people were all holding human heads in their hands. Their aura was very aggressive.


    This was especially so for the captain. The stench of blood on his body was extremely strong, and the cold glint in his eyes seemed to be able to materialize, causing the surrounding air to freeze.


    The merfolk youth¡¯s body paused, but his footsteps didn¡¯t stop. Instead, he returned to his original position and turned to look at the members of Team Six. After a few breaths of silence, the members of Team Three also rushed over one after another.


    The atmosphere on both sides was very tense. This merfolk youth sneered and turned his head to coldly glance at Xu Qing. His killing intent was still there.


    ¡°You managed to stay alive for now, but I¡¯ll remember this.¡± With that, he flicked his sleeve and left with his men.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was reserved as he stood there with a calm expression. He didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°Not bad.¡± After the merfolk youth left, the captain of Team Six smiled and walked to Xu Qing¡¯s side. He circled around him and looked at the human head in his hand and spoke with a smile.


    He passed an apple to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Here, my treat.¡±


    Xu Qing took it with his left hand and took a bite. The taste was sweet, but there was an additional taste of blood. After Xu Qing swallowed it, he lifted his head and glanced in the direction the merfolk youth had left in.


    At this moment, the members of Team Six were all excited.


    ¡°The captain killed an enemy leader, and Xu Qing killed one as well. We¡¯re going to be rich this time!¡±


    ¡°With 20 spirit coins as the minimum amount, haha, this is worth it!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, we¡¯ve already collected the heads of those you killed. The Night Dove cultivators you killed are very easy to identify. The ones whose necks were slit are yours.¡±


    The teammates, who were usually cold to each other, were sincerely happy today. The feeling of being a team made the captain very satisfied. He waved his hand as if he had forgotten about the few people who had died.

 Chapter 114 - Past the Red Line! (2)

    ¡°Withdraw!¡±


    As the group chatted and laughed, they brought their spoils of war and left the manor. In the darkness of the night, they headed toward the Homicide Department. On the way, the gazes that the team members looked at Xu Qing with contained some respect.


    Not just anyone could have the same strength as the captain to kill the enemy¡¯s leader. Also, not just anyone would dare to fight for credit with the captain of another team.


    Therefore, no matter whose contribution it was, it wasn¡¯t important. Being able to capture the head already showed how powerful Xu Qing was.


    Xu Qing was used to walking at the back, and the captain also walked beside him. The captain passed him a blue-colored talisman. It was the ghost hand talisman that the dead Night Dove cultivator had thrown out earlier, transforming into a large hand that attacked Xu Qing.


    Following the Night Dove cultivator¡¯s death, this ghost-hand talisman became a battle trophy. However, it was torn in many areas, so it could only be used once or twice.


    ¡°Take it. You deserve it.¡±


    Xu Qing was a little surprised. He silently took it and looked at the captain. At this moment, the captain¡¯s expression looked deep.


    ¡°Did I come too early just now?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°There are too many people there, not people from from the Homicide Department, but hidden protectors of the nonhuman races. It¡¯s not impossible to kill them, but they are still allies after all. The merfolk race is fickle natured. I heard that their plan to rebel was discovered by the old fellows on the mountain many years ago. Hence, they used the opportunity of the competition to suppress them. However, we are still allies after all, so it¡¯s not good to act directly.¡±


    ¡°I wonder what that fish is up to. Occasionally, it likes to leave all the protectors behind and head out alone¡­¡± The captain¡¯s smile was very sunny.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He then kept the ghost-hand talisman and took out two pears from his leather pouch. He passed one to the captain and ate the other before asking.


    ¡°Captain, is the body structure of the nonhuman races different from our human race?¡±


    The captain was a little surprised that Xu Qing would actually give him a fruit. He accepted it with a smile and tossed it in his hand.


    ¡°There are some differences. For example, poison. Many poisons that our human race can¡¯t withstand have no effect on the nonhuman races. It¡¯s the same for the opposite. Some tonics to the human race are fatal to them.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain, and the latter also glanced at him. They didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    As he moved forward, a hint of coldness brewed in Xu Qing¡¯s calm eyes. There was a red line in his personality. Once it was touched, he would definitely think of a way to nip the danger in the bud. If the conditions and strength didn¡¯t allow it, he would firmly remember it. It was like a fishbone was stuck in his throat, and he would feel uneasy if he didn¡¯t eliminate the danger.


    This red line was his life safety.


    1


    This was the case in the slums, the scavenger camp, and it was the same in the Seven Blood Eyes as well.


    To Xu Qing, the only difference was that he had to be more cautious when searching for an opportunity here and be more decisive when he went for the kill.


    That merfolk youth had crossed his red line, and it was even more serious than the old man from Panquan Road. It was already on the same level as the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    Therefore, he wanted to kill the other party as soon as possible.


    Xu Qing followed the members of Team Six in silence and handed his mission alongside the others. After the team dispersed, he didn¡¯t return to the magic boat immediately. Instead, he hid near the Homicide Department and waited silently.


    Two hours later, he saw the merfolk youth.


    However, the other party wasn¡¯t alone. Under Xu Qing¡¯s careful observation, he could see wisps of concealed auras in the surroundings. The largest strand gave Xu Qing the feeling of someone at the Foundation Building Realm. This made him even more cautious.


    He also noticed that the merfolk youth indeed didn¡¯t show any signs of being poisoned.


    Xu Qing was certain that he had released the poison. This meant that the captain¡¯s words were correct. In addition, the other party had experts protecting him. Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t rashly follow. Instead, he judged the approximate location and left.


    The operation of the Seventh Peak to capture Night Dove was a complete success. All 17 strongholds in the port areas were captured in one fell swoop. Even the other forces that had connections with Night Dove were also captured and uprooted by the members of the Homicide Department.


    A few deputy directors also personally took action and killed many of Night Dove¡¯s experts. It was the same for the other regions.


    In this operation, nearly 2,000 Night Dove members had died, and the number of deaths of those related to them was even higher. All of their heads were hung on the city walls the next day, and the stench of blood permeated the air.


    However, the casualties suffered by the Homicide Department weren¡¯t small either. Over 300 disciples had died, including the man and woman whom Xu Qing had met at the entrance when he first reported to the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department.


    1


    Overall, their battle results were glorious, and the various evil forces in the main city were also purged. In the following days, most of the people were in awe of this, and the plundering among the disciples also subsided by quite a bit.


    Also, the rewards for this mission were distributed very quickly. Xu Qing obtained a total of 130 spirit coins and was unprecedentedly wealthy. This made him even more vigilant against the greedy people in the surroundings, and killing intent rose in his heart.


    He would kill whoever came to snatch it.


    With such a large sum of spirit stones in hand, Xu Qing felt that the quality of the refining materials he had his eyes on earlier was a little inferior. He pondered whether he should buy better materials to upgrade his boat.


    He also paid a lot of attention to that merfolk youth during these two days. He had followed him many times, but the other party¡¯s protectors were always around, so Xu Qing didn¡¯t find an opportunity.


    But he wasn¡¯t in a hurry and was patient.


    Three days later, in the afternoon. Xu Qing took a break and was cultivating on the magic boat when someone sent him an invitation through his voice transmission jade slip.


    The person who sent the invitation was none other than Zhou Qingpeng, the son of a wealthy family who had entered the Seventh Peak with him.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, I¡¯ve finally obtained the Ghost Desire, but there are only two of them. Also, after everyone entered the sect, they distanced themselves from each other. Tonight, I¡¯ve invited Li Zimei and Xu Xiaohui. How about we have a meal together? I¡¯ll bring the Ghost Desires as well.¡±


    His words were sincere.


    Xu Qing fell silent. After knowing that the merfolk youth wasn¡¯t poisoned, he really wanted Ghost Desires to attempt refining a new poison. Hence, he checked his work shift and agreed before continuing to cultivate.


    Very soon, dusk fell. Xu Qing opened his eyes from his cultivation. After calculating the time, he got up and walked out of the magic boat, heading toward the restaurant that Zhou Qingpeng had decided on.


    The restaurant that Zhou Qingpeng chose wasn¡¯t far from the harbor. It was a luxurious-looking two-story building and was very famous in the harbor.


    Xu Qing had never entered this place before, but the Homicide Department had records of all the shops. Xu Qing had looked through all of them before and knew the background of this restaurant. It was opened by the port¡¯s Coast Guard Department.


    The Coast Guard Department was different from the Homicide Department, but it was somewhat similar to the Patrol Department. It was just that the former mainly patrolled the sea, while the latter was in charge of the city.


    When he neared the restaurant, Xu Qing cautiously swept his gaze across the surroundings and only stepped into the restaurant after confirming that there was no danger.


    As soon as he entered, the shop assistant inside noticed Xu Qing and greeted him warmly. After learning that Xu Qing was going to a reserved room, the shop assistant became even more enthusiastic and brought Xu Qing to the second floor.


    The room Zhou Qingpeng booked was at the end of the second floor, and the second floor of this restaurant was actually not open to commoners. Only the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples were qualified.


    As he got closer to the room, Xu Qing could hear the laughter of Zhou Qingpeng and the others coming from the private room.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhou, this is my first time here. I heard that this restaurant is extremely difficult to book and doesn¡¯t care about ordinary disciples at all. Moreover, there are three special dishes here. It¡¯s said that they all provide a certain amount of boost to one¡¯s cultivation.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing much. This is a property of my Coast Guard Department. To the disciples of the Coast Guard Department, we can make reservations whenever we want. If you need to reserve a room in the future, let me know and I¡¯ll help you with it.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll thank Senior Brother Zhou. Senior Brother Zhou, let me toast you.¡±


    As the coquettish voice echoed, Xu Qing had already arrived at the entrance. The assistant opened the door of the private room and Xu Qing saw a table filled with dishes and three people sitting there.


    There were two women and one man. The man was none other than Zhou Qingpeng. His face was filled with joy as he held a wine glass. Beside him was the petite and charming Xu Xiaohui.


    The last person was Li Zimei. She was still as reserved as before. She sat there nervously and helplessly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s appearance caused the two other people other than Zhou Qingpeng to be stunned for a moment.


    ¡°Senior Brother, you are?¡± Xu Xiaohui¡¯s eyes lit up as she looked at Xu Qing¡¯s face. There were waves in her eyes and she could sense the astonishing spirit energy fluctuations from Xu Qing.


    Seeing that Xu Qing had arrived, Zhou Qingpeng smiled and stood up. However, before he could speak, Li Zimei, who was at the side, looked at Xu Qing and spoke softly with some hesitation.


    ¡°Is it Senior Brother Xu Qing?¡±


    She actually recognized him at a glance.

 Chapter 115 - Each Has Their Own Difficulties (1)

    As Li Zimei¡¯s soft voice echoed, Xu Xiaohui¡¯s eyes involuntarily widened as she looked at Xu Qing.


    She couldn¡¯t be blamed for not recognizing him. In her memory, Xu Qing was covered in dirt.


    But now, the person standing at the entrance of the private room had a slender and tall figure. His long black hair casually draped over his shoulders, revealing an indescribable elegance. This was especially so for that face that was enough to cause one to be mesmerized.


    1


    He was peerlessly handsome.


    He had a face that looked like it had been sculpted. Under his sword-like brows was a pair of slender cold eyes that were dark and deep. The radiance that emitted inadvertently from him and the spirit energy on his body made one not dare to underestimate him.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Xu Qing nodded.


    Xu Xiaohui¡¯s pretty face was slightly red. She picked up the wine glass and drank it to conceal the fluctuations in her heart.


    At the side, Zhou Qingpeng laughed and went forward to welcome him.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, take a seat.¡±


    Looking at them, Xu Qing politely cupped his fists and sat at the side. His gaze also swept past the three of them. Compared to the coldness and cruelty contained in the sect, these three disciples who entered the sect in the same batch as him clearly still had some warmth in them.


    However, it was also obvious that the environment of the sect had changed them. For example, although Zhou Qingpeng looked radiant, Xu Qing could still see the fatigue hidden in his expression.


    In particular, there was a hint of vicissitudes on his body. This was the growth he had gained after experiencing some things.


    As for Xu Xiaohui, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t describe the changes in her. He only felt that she seemed more and more like the woman in the feather tent at the scavenger campsite.


    Only Li Zimei didn¡¯t change much. It was just that amidst her feeling of self-consciousness and inferiority, there was more vigilance and caution in her gaze. It was as though to her, anyone who appeared in the surroundings made her wary.


    Time slowly passed. As everyone conversed, although Xu Qing was mostly silent, the atmosphere in the room still became lively. After all, to them, the time they had spent in the sect was still too short.


    However, most of the liveliness came from Zhou Qingpeng and Xu Xiaohui chatting and laughing. Like Xu Qing, Li Zimei remained silent. Occasionally, she would look at Xu Qing with an expression that clearly showed her feelings of inferiority.


    Very soon, Zhou Qingpeng, who had drunk a few more cups, sighed with emotion.


    ¡°Actually, before I entered the sect, I more or less knew some things about the sect. However, only after I entered did I understand that hearing it was different from personally experiencing it. In the Seven Blood Eyes¡­ it¡¯s too difficult to live a good life. If we are just a little careless, we might die.¡±


    ¡°You guys should have a similar realization¡­ Junior Brother Xu Qing, may I know which department you went to work in? I am in the Coast Guard Department. Xiaohui is also very capable. She managed to exchange for a magic boat in such a short period of time and was arranged to work in the Dispatch Department.¡±


    When Xu Xiaohui heard this, her smile was a little complicated as she nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯m at the Homicide Department,¡± Xu Qing said softly. He was not used to the atmosphere here. He felt it was a contrast to the coldness and cruelty of the people outside.


    ¡°The Homicide Department?¡± Xu Xiaohui¡¯s eyes lit up again.


    At the side, Li Zimei¡¯s eyes revealed a bit of envy. Compared to Xu Xiaohui, although she was no longer dressed like a dirty scavenger, she was still very ordinary. Hence, she lowered her head even more.


    To her, out of the four people from the same batch, three of them already had a magic boat. Only she was still ordinary. This made her feel a lot of pressure sitting here.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, you actually went to the Homicide Department. A few days ago, your Homicide Department made a big move. Thousands of Night Dove members¡¯ heads were hung on the city wall. Everyone has been discussing it these few days. Oh right, regarding that operation of yours, with your strength of qi and blood turning into shadows during the entrance test, did you also participate in it?¡±


    When Zhou Qingpeng heard where Xu Qing was working, his expression changed slightly. He had seen Xu Qing before and sensed the spiritual energy fluctuations from his body. And now, he sensed that Xu Qing seemed to have grown stronger. Hence, he probed further.


    ¡°However, such a large-scale mission is very risky. Junior Brother Xu Qing, although your body refinement isn¡¯t bad, spells are the sharpest after all. As newcomers who have just entered the sect, the most important thing is to work hard to survive and cultivate. There will be plenty of opportunities for us to display our abilities in the future.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at Zhou Qingpeng and could tell that the other party was probing him. In reality, he felt that these three people from the same batch all had good natures and didn¡¯t have many bad intentions. This was also another reason why he was willing to come here other than his desire for Ghost Desire.


    He nodded and didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°The Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department is the same as our Coast Guard Department. There are many ferocious people there. Oh right, Junior Brother Xu Qing, I heard that there was an extraordinary character in your operation this time around.¡±


    ¡°I heard that this powerful person is in the Black Division of your Homicide Department. I don¡¯t know his name, but I heard that this person actually killed the enemy leader who was in the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm. He¡¯s the only one in this operation who isn¡¯t at the captain level and killed the enemy leader. I think this is only possible if he has raised his Sea Transformation Art to the peak proficiency. It¡¯s said that he might be promoted because of this.¡±


    Zhou Qingpeng sighed with emotion and admiration. This was not a probe, but true envy.


    From what he knew, this matter couldn¡¯t possibly have anything to do with Xu Qing. Although Xu Qing¡¯s body refinement was very strong and his qi and blood transformed into shadows, after cultivating the Sea Transformation Art, Zhou Qingpeng had already realized how sharp the Sea Transformation Art¡¯s spells were. It would be easy to kill a body refinement expert, especially for a place like the Homicide Department where there were many experts.


    Even though he had sensed that Xu Qing¡¯s spirit energy fluctuations were very strong when he was at the medical shop, he still didn¡¯t associate it with the fact that Xu Qing was able to stand out among the experts in the Homicide Department and kill an enemy leader at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm.

 Chapter 116 - Each Has Their Own Difficulties (2)

    ¡°I also heard about this. There have been a lot of rumors about Black Team Six going around these few days.¡± Xu Xiaohui, who was at the side, helped Xu Qing and Zhou Qingpeng to their food while saying with a smile.


    Over the past few days, the disciples from the various departments of the Seventh Peak were indeed discussing the operation to capture Night Dove. This was especially so for the powerful figures in this operation. Most of them had discussed it before.


    Xu Qing was a little surprised. For the past few days, he had been focusing on finding an opportunity to kill the merfolk youth and didn¡¯t pay attention to these things. This was the first time he heard of the rumors in the outside world and the first time he heard that he was going to be promoted.


    ¡°It has nothing to do with us. To us¡­ survival is the key.¡±


    Zhou Qingpeng sighed and touched his leg. There was a scar there that hadn¡¯t completely healed. He looked at Xu Qing who had been silent the entire time, and spoke earnestly.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, you can¡¯t always be too solitary. You have to change your personality. You have to learn to be flexible and give some gifts to your superiors. Only then will you have a chance to obtain protection and survive better.¡±


    Xu Qing simply nodded. He wasn¡¯t good with words and didn¡¯t know what to say, so he mostly just listened. Zhou Qingpeng also slowly regained the vigor he had when he hadn¡¯t entered the sect. Sometimes, he would raise his glass amidst his laughter, affecting the atmosphere.


    Zhou Qingpeng had clearly drunk too much and showed off his accomplishments.


    For example, how he had a good relationship with his current superior in the Coast Guard Department, how he made many friends and obtained many benefits. He even took the initiative to help Xu Xiaohui increase her social circle.


    Of course, he didn¡¯t forget to persuade Xu Qing many times to change his temper. He also told Li Zimei that he could ask if the Coast Guard still needed handymen and would recommend her if she wanted.


    ¡°My boss has promised me that as long as my results are slightly better this time around, he will introduce me to Senior Brother Ding Xiaohai. You guys know Senior Brother Ding, right? He is known as the number one person in our Seventh Peak in Qi Refinement.¡± Zhou Qingpeng was very pleased with himself. Xu Xiaohui also smiled and flattered him, causing the atmosphere in the private room to become increasingly harmonious.


    Xu Qing also smiled and raised his cup to congratulate him.


    He didn¡¯t hate Zhou Qingpeng. Everyone had their own way of living. Since Xu Xiaohui was able to obtain the magic boat so quickly, she must have her own capabilities as well. As for Li Zimei, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t good at communicating, but he felt that since she could recognize him at first glance, her observation skills must be extremely sharp.


    This meal lasted for almost two hours.


    After three rounds of drinking, it was already late at night outside. Zhou Qingpeng continued to get more drunk. After everyone was done with the meal and drinks, Zhou Qingpeng passed the Ghost Desires to Xu Qing. However, before Xu Qing could pay, Zhou Qingpeng waved his hand.


    ¡°My family is well off. This little thing can be considered a gift between friends.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the bag that contained the Ghost Desires and noticed the sincerity on Zhou Qingpeng¡¯s face. He was really planning to gift them to him. After some thought, he didn¡¯t force the payment and cupped his fists in thanks.


    The four of them walked out of the private room and arrived at the entrance of the restaurant. Zhou Qingpeng looked at Xu Qing and smiled.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, I¡¯m from the Coast Guard Department¡¯s Kun Department. I still don¡¯t know which division of the Homicide Department you¡¯re from. Let¡¯s interact more in the future. When I¡¯m free, I¡¯ll look for you to reminisce about the past. We¡¯re from the same batch, so we must interact more. In this cold and detached sect, we can trust each other the most. We have to move forward together.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded when he heard this.


    ¡°I¡¯m from the Mystical Division.¡±


    ¡°Xuan department? The same department as that fierce man. He¡¯s from Team Six. Brother Xu Qing, which team are you from?¡± When Zhou Qingpeng heard this, he sobered up a little. Xu Xiaohui was also surprised.


    Xu Qing looked at Zhou Qingpeng and Xu Xiaohui, as well as Li Zimei, who was staring at him. He hesitated.


    ¡°I¡¯m also from Team Six¡­¡±


    Zhou Qingpeng¡¯s eyes widened and he was stunned for a moment.


    A look of disbelief appeared on Xu Xiaohui¡¯s face as she asked in surprise.


    ¡°He¡¯s in the same department and team as that fierce person? I think that fierce person¡¯s surname is also Xu¡­¡±


    Before he finished speaking, no matter how slow Xu Xiaohui¡¯s reaction was, she still thought of something and was instantly stunned.


    ¡°It seems that each team only has 20-odd people¡­¡± Zhou Qingpeng said in a low voice. At this moment, he was completely sober.


    Only when Li Zimei looked at Xu Qing, her gaze was filled with shock and realization. In reality, when she saw Xu Qing for the first time earlier, she had keenly sensed that there was still the stench of blood on him.


    The surrounding atmosphere instantly fell silent. After a long while, Zhou Qingpeng laughed and cupped his fists toward Xu Qing to hide the horror in his heart.


    As for Xu Xiaohui, she had a dazed look on her face. She looked at Xu Qing and wanted to say something, but she didn¡¯t in the end.


    Very soon, everyone left in a hurry with their thoughts.


    However, after Zhou Qingpeng left, his body trembled. His eyes were filled with disbelief and a hint of anticipation. He immediately took out his identity token and inquired about the rumors. He wanted to know how many people with the surname Xu were in Team Six of the Profound Division¡­


    Xu Qing glanced at the departing figures of his peers and was about to turn and leave in the darkness. However, after taking a few steps, he seemed to have discovered something and turned back to look at the restaurant.


    There was a small and skinny figure at the entrance of the restaurant. He seemed to be discussing something with the staff, and the staff looked a little impatient.


    ¡°No matter what, you¡¯re still a sect disciple. Don¡¯t make things difficult for me. I¡¯ve already taken all the food you guys ate earlier. If you wanted to pack them up, you should have said so earlier.¡±


    This small and skinny figure was none other than Li Zimei. She had returned after leaving, and her expression was somewhat bitter as she listened to the staff¡¯s words.


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, he fell silent before walking over. As he got closer, Li Zimei immediately sensed it. When she turned her head and saw Xu Qing, her face instantly flushed red before turning pale in the next instant. She stood there in a daze, her pride causing her body to tremble faintly.


    ¡°They probably won¡¯t accept it so quickly, right?¡± Xu Qing walked closer and looked at the staff as he calmly spoke.


    The shop assistant swept a glance at Xu Qing. He had seen many disciples in the restaurant and faintly felt that this person in front of him wasn¡¯t someone to be trifled with. Hence, his attitude became respectful.


    ¡°It should be confiscated.¡± With that, he hurriedly entered and came out not long later with a packed box in his hand. He then passed it to Li Zimei.


    Li Zimei thanked him in a low voice and stood there in an incomparably reserved manner. The reason why she left and returned was because she didn¡¯t want others to see her. Her pride made her bite her lip so hard that it felt like it would bleed.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Food shouldn¡¯t be wasted in the first place. When I was young, I ate too much of other people¡¯s leftovers. Sometimes, we have to fight over food together before there¡¯s food,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    Li Zimei lifted her head and looked at Xu Qing. She opened her mouth but couldn¡¯t utter a word. Under the moonlight, the wind gusted and lifted Li Zimei¡¯s hair, revealing a deep scar on her neck that was usually covered up.


    Looking at Li Zimei, Xu Qing didn¡¯t know why, but he thought of the little girl at the scavenger campsite. He also sensed the dense anomalous substances on her body.


    Although the income of the disciples who didn¡¯t exchange for the magic boats wasn¡¯t much, that was only when compared to the magic boats.


    Compared to commoners, it was still very good. Hence, Li Zimei¡¯s condition shouldn¡¯t be like this. Unless it was to purchase a magic boat and use all her income to exchange for contribution points, she should be extremely frugal.


    Hence, after Xu Qing fell silent, he took out a few white pills he had refined and placed them in Li Zimei¡¯s hands.


    ¡°All the best. I want to see the day you exchange for the magic boat.¡±


    With that, Xu Qing turned and left.


    Everyone had their own way of living. There wasn¡¯t much he could help with. Everything was his own choice.


    Li Zimei stared at Xu Qing¡¯s back in a daze. After a long time, she lowered her head and looked at the white pill in her hand. An indescribable warmth surfaced in the depths of her heart. In this cold world, in this cruel sect, such warmth surfaced for the first time.


    Hence, she fell silent for a long time. When she lifted her head again, her eyes were filled with gratitude.


    She was grateful for the white pills he had given her, but she was even more grateful for his words of encouragement.


    Her self-esteem made it so that she didn¡¯t need sympathy or any pity, but she needed encouragement.


    ¡°Thank you, I will definitely exchange for a magic boat!¡±


    2

 Chapter 117 - Fair and Reasonable (1)

    Time flowed by, and it was halfway through October.


    It should have been the season of cold dew. However, due to the location of the Seven Blood Eyes, it was still hot during the day.


    Only at night did it turn cold. This was the case for the sea as well. It was as though the gloominess buried at the bottom of the sea permeated the air with the moonlight, seeping out of the surface of the sea and enveloping the world. It seeped into the bodies of everyone who cultivated at night, allowing them to experience the malice of winter in advance.


    At this moment, the night wind gusted, and the moonlight cascaded onto the harbor, covering every inch of the bluestone road. It also landed on Xu Qing, who had ended his day¡¯s work and was walking toward his berth with vigilance.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure was tall and straight as he stepped under the moonlight. His gray robe swayed as he moved, and it seemed to be dancing with his long hair. From afar, it looked like a painting of a lone figure under the moonlight.


    Only the cold wind at night made Xu Qing instinctively feel a little cold.


    What was cold wasn¡¯t his body, but the memories left behind from the slums.


    It was just like the marks on the painting that were caused by the smoke from the fire. Even if the entire painting was completed, even if the marks were covered with ink and framed so that outsiders couldn¡¯t see it, the painting itself knew that the marks still existed.


    In the cold wind, Xu Qing exhaled and quickened his pace.


    It had been half a month since the gathering with Zhou Qingpeng and the others.


    During this half a month, Xu Qing worked at the Homicide Department as usual. He didn¡¯t get the promotion that Zhou Qingpeng mentioned, nor did he care.


    To Xu Qing, cultivation was his current focus.


    His Sea Transformation Art had reached the peak of the seventh level, and he wasn¡¯t far from breaking through.


    It was the same for the Mountains and Seas Art. He was about to reach the eighth level.


    Xu Qing was looking forward to the breakthrough.


    He felt that with his current battle prowess, after he broke through to the eighth level of both the Sea Transformation Art and Mountains and Seas Art, there was a high chance that he would be able to instantly kill him from when he had not joined the Seven Blood Eyes without suffering any injuries.


    In fact, if he encountered the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor again, Xu Qing felt that although he still couldn¡¯t defeat the other party even after reaching the eighth level, if he cooperated with the shadow and went all out in the preemptive strike, he would have a certain chance of resisting a few moves.


    ¡°Soon.¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. The enemy he was most anxious to kill now, other than the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, was that merfolk youth.


    He felt that it wouldn¡¯t be long before he would have the strength to kill the former. As for the latter, he was already looking for an opportunity.


    It was just that he felt some regret. During this half a month, he would cautiously follow the merfolk youth almost every day and search for an opportunity to kill him. However, the other party always had protectors by his side, so it was hard for him to make a move.


    Occasionally, when the other party went out alone like the captain had said, he would use a treasure that concealed his aura and figure, causing him to disappear without a trace.


    Xu Qing had not found an opportunity yet, but he was still patient. After some analysis, he realized that he had to think of a way to leave some marks on the other party.


    ¡°If I encounter such an opponent in the future, I have to leave a mark in advance.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. Just like how he had learned how to deal with corpses back then, he committed this matter to memory and continued on his way.


    Very soon, he arrived at the berth at Port 79.


    On the way, Xu Qing didn¡¯t encounter any malicious gazes, and no one came to disturb him.


    Although it hadn¡¯t been a long time since Xu Qing had arrived at the Seven Blood Eyes, he had gradually gained some fame through killing. Such fame caused the number of people who had designs on him to be greatly reduced, and most of them were extremely cautious.


    At this moment, as Xu Qing released the magic boat, a gigantic boat instantly appeared out of thin air. When it landed on the surface of the sea, the sound of waves crashing against the surface of the sea could be heard.


    The boat was over 200 feet long and 30 feet wide, and gave off a frightening aura.


    Under the moonlight, the pitch-black deck emitted a black glow that seemed to have fused together with the cold light from the densely-packed scales on the outside. Coupled with the huge and sinister crocodile head at the bow, it made this magic boat seem like it had really transformed into a giant crocodile.


    This was especially so when the crocodile¡¯s mouth was wide open. The countless sharp teeth and the eerie glint in its eyes added to the feeling of intimidation.


    Upon closer inspection, one could see that the scales on the outer side of the boat were of a higher level than before. In fact, even the inner side, which was not visible to outsiders, was covered in scales.


    There was also a special bone that penetrated the entire ship, forming a support that was stronger than before.


    There was still wind circling the surroundings, causing this giant beast-like magic boat to emit waves of intimidating aura. The cabin was much larger now, and the rooms inside were the same. There were places to rest and places to cultivate. Xu Qing even built an exclusive medicine room.


    Other than that, one could occasionally see a wisp of green flowing light swimming around the ship like a living creature. Wherever it passed, it would strengthen the sturdiness of the magic boat.


    The most important thing was that there was a huge groove on the ship¡¯s deck. Although there was nothing inside, there were many densely-packed formations. Clearly, it was left there specifically.


    This was the level six magic boat that Xu Qing had used up over a hundred spirit stones to forge using mid quality materials!


    And the groove cost him another ten spirit stones.


    This was because he had his eyes on a material. It was a small piece of a giant whale¡¯s skull. Once it was added, it would allow his magic boat to break through from level six to the peak of level seven in terms of sturdiness.


    However, the pieces of the skull of this giant whale were too expensive. It was one of the inferior high quality materials for the magic boat.


    The price was naturally astonishing. It required a total of 200 spirit stones.


    This price was extremely exaggerated. Xu Qing had gone to take a look many times in the past few days, but could only leave while gritting his teeth as he decided to save some money to buy it.


    ¡°When I buy the giant whale¡¯s skull and make the magic boat reach level seven, and when my cultivation breaks through to eighth level, I¡¯ll head out to sea!¡±


    1

 Chapter 118 - Fair and Reasonable (2)

    Xu Qing mumbled. After making the decision, he stepped onto the magic boat and entered his cultivation room. He then sat cross-legged on a mat and closed his eyes to cultivate.


    The sea breeze blew for the entire night. In the early morning, it gradually dissipated like it was exhausted. As the sunlight fell, Xu Qing opened his eyes and began his day of work.


    After the operation to search for Night Dove was over, the work of the Homicide Department was very idle most of the time. Only occasionally would the Patrol Department apply for assistance when there was something they couldn¡¯t handle.


    For example, today, when Xu Qing had just arrived at the Homicide Department and reported for duty in Black Team Six¡¯s courtyard, they received an application for assistance from the Patrol Department.


    Not many people were dispatched. Including the captain, there were a total of six people.


    After they walked out of the division, Xu Qing and the other team members also found out that the target of this mission was the Dispatch Team after the captain¡¯s introduction.


    The Dispatch Department and the Pilotage Department were considered to be major forces in the entire port area. The former was in charge of arranging the transportation of the ships, while the latter was like the arm of the dispatcher, responsible for guiding the ships from the outside world into the harbor.


    Therefore, they had branches in every port. The location for the task was Port 96.


    Recently, there had been an intense conflict between the Pilotage Department and Dispatch Department branches in Port 96. Right now, over a hundred people from the Pilotage Department were gathered in the Dispatch Department. They seemed to be in a standoff, so the Dispatch Department reported to the Patrol Department to mediate. The Patrol Department felt that it was troublesome, so they applied for the help of the Homicide Department.


    After hearing the mission introduction from the captain, one of the team members spoke with a mocking expression.


    ¡°The main point of the contradiction seems to be the additional reward that should have been given to Port 96¡¯s Pilotage Department branch this month. Port 96¡¯s Dispatch Department only gave 10% of what it used to be. No one would agree to this.¡±


    ¡°Other than their daily pay, Pilotage disciples often helped out the Dispatch Department. As income from the dispatches was a lot more, the Dispatch Department had to give additional bonus to Pilotage on time.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he roughly understood what had happened.


    ¡°This matter was caused by Port 96¡¯s Dispatch branch. Some time ago, the person-in-charge was changed. It is that core disciple, Zhao Zhongheng.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°As soon as this core disciple took the post, he forcefully changed the rules. It¡¯s said that the bonus given to the Pilotage Department every month went from a 50-50 ratio to a 90-10 ratio. This is the reason the Pilotage Department¡¯s disciples are enraged.¡±


    As Xu Qing listened to everyone¡¯s discussion, he fell into deep thought. The group of them arrived at the Dispatch Department of Port 96. From afar, the design of the Dispatch Department looked like a sail laid out on the ground. There were many buildings of various sizes, and there were many magic boats parked at the side.


    At this moment, more than a hundred people had blocked the entrance of the Dispatch Department and were confronting the Dispatch Department¡¯s disciples. The sounds of quarrels rang out incessantly, and the hostility between them grew increasingly intense. There were even more disciples spectating from the surroundings.


    There were also disciples from the Patrol Department mediating the situation. However, both sides refused to back down, so it was extremely difficult to mediate.


    With just a small spark, it was very likely that the two sides would directly fight in this tense atmosphere.


    So, when they saw the arrival of the Homicide Department, the Patrol Department¡¯s disciples all heaved a sigh of relief. The spectators outside also made way for the Homicide Department.


    The captain, who was eating an apple, didn¡¯t look at the two parties who were at daggers drawn and the Patrol Department who was struggling to mediate. Instead, he found a corner not far away and sat down to watch the show.


    The mission of the Homicide Department was to quell the commotion after both sides started fighting. Since they hadn¡¯t started fighting yet, there was no need to bother about it.


    The other team members were the same. Xu Qing followed everyone and sat down as well. After his gaze swept past both parties, he didn¡¯t see Zhao Zhongheng, but he saw a familiar face.


    This person stood at the very front of the group from the Pilotage Department. He was a little fatty.


    It was Huang Yan who had generously given him the spirit condensation leaves in the medicinal shop that day.


    ¡°Bastards from the Dispatch Department, you¡¯re cutting off the path of survival for us Pilotage Department¡¯s disciples. Without that bonus, the speed of our cultivation and refining of our boats will slow down. How are we supposed to survive in this city that is filled with danger? You are trying to kill us by doing this. Since we¡¯ll die no matter what, we¡¯ll kill you first!¡±


    Huang Yan seemed to be the representative of Port 96¡¯s Pilotage disciples. Although he was wearing a gray robe, he held his head high and puffed out his chest. He didn¡¯t look anxious at all, and his expression even had ferocity. His voice was sharp, and his face was red as he shouted.


    The cultivator standing in front of him at the entrance of the Dispatch Department was a middle-aged man. This person was also wearing a gray Daoist robe. He wasn¡¯t a Dispatch member of Port 96 but Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s retainer.


    This matter was suggested by Zhao Zhongheng. Now that there was a problem with the other party¡¯s identity, he naturally wouldn¡¯t come out personally to resolve it. Hence, he arranged for his retainer to come and handle it.


    At this moment, the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s eyes revealed a cold glint, and there was even a deep sense of displeasure. He had followed Zhao Zhongheng for a very long time. Although he was a retainer, most of the piedmont disciples would greet him with respect. He had also seen many other core disciples, so he had long forgotten his identity. He didn¡¯t care much about these gray-robed disciples.


    This was especially so since he knew that it was impossible for his master to change the rules. So, he put on a strong front.


    ¡°Scram within the next 30 minutes if you don¡¯t want to die!¡±


    As soon as he spoke, killing intent filled the air among the Pilotage Department¡¯s disciples. When the people from the Dispatch Department saw this, their eyes gleamed coldly.


    The disciples of various departments in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city, who had fought their way out of the wolf¡¯s den and didn¡¯t rely on others to gain a foothold, were no strangers to slaughter.


    ¡°You want us to scram? F*ck you!¡± Huang Yan glared and directly charged over. He was heavy but very fast. His movements caused explosive sounds.


    At the next moment, the disciples of both departments who had long been in a tense atmosphere started fighting at the entrance.


    Rumbling sounds echoed out, and spell fluctuations spread in all directions. The chaotic battle between hundreds of people directly unfolded before Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Blood splattered everywhere along with mournful cries.


    The Patrol Department in charge of mediation retreated one after another. As for Xu Qing and the others, they remained seated.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain at the side. The captain was eating an apple and seemed very interested in the chaotic battle ahead. He would even cheer occasionally.


    ¡°There are too many of them, and it¡¯ll be a little dangerous if we meddle now. We¡¯ll wait until they are mostly killed before we go and calm them down. Besides, the sect doesn¡¯t want to see two departments fighting each other. There¡¯s a high chance that they¡¯ll step out to stop it.¡±


    After the captain cheered, he whispered to his team members.


    Casualties had already appeared on both sides of the chaotic battle. Amidst the roars and explosions that grew even more intense, Xu Qing saw that Huang Yan, who was in the crowd, was attacking crazily with bloodshot eyes. His cultivation base was at the seventh level of Qi Condensation, allowing his explosive strength to possess a very strong lethality.


    And at this moment, Xu Qing saw that among the people from the Dispatch Department, the middle-aged man who was confronting Huang Yan earlier was rapidly retreating. The gaze he used to look at Huang Yan was filled with malice. Taking advantage of the fact that Huang Yan was not on guard, he waved his hand, and a lancet knife instantly flew out from his sleeve.


    The material of this knife was special. It was somewhat transparent and extremely fast. There was a faint blue glow on it like it was smeared with poison as it flew toward Huang Yan¡¯s neck.


    Huang Yan was in the midst of the chaotic battle and didn¡¯t notice the knife immediately. Seeing that the knife was about to reach Huang Yan, Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and flicked his right hand lightly. A drop of water instantly formed out of thin air and flew out at an astonishing speed, landing directly on the lancet knife.


    The force of the water droplet was extremely great. With a bang, the throwing knife deviated in its direction and flew past Huang Yan.


    Huang Yan¡¯s expression changed. He first looked at Xu Qing and nodded. After that, his malevolent gaze landed on the middle-aged cultivator as he let out a low roar and charged over.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± The middle-aged cultivator immediately retreated, but it was still too late. Huang Yan caught up to him with a few leaps and ruthlessly slammed into him.


    The cracking sounds were drowned out by the chaotic battle in the surroundings. One could only see the distorted expression of the middle-aged cultivator as he quickly counterattacked.


    The chaotic battle continued with even more casualties.


    The captain at the side cast a glance at Xu Qing with a spurious smile.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and retracted his gaze from Huang Yan. The reason why he interfered was because Huang Yan had generously given him spirit condensation leaves before.


    Very soon, as the battle between the two branches became increasingly intense, a low bellow rang out from afar like thunder.


    ¡°All of you, stop!¡±


    Amidst the sound, a figure approached from afar while stepping on the air. A powerful and terrifying aura descended from the sky, suppressing the surroundings, causing all the disciples on the ground to be mentally shaken and stop fighting.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to work,¡± the captain said in a low voice. He then stood up and assumed the appearance of a law enforcer with a solemn expression. Xu Qing and the other team members also stood up.


    The instant they stood up, the figure in the sky rapidly closed in and stopped in mid-air, transforming into a youth wearing a dark purple Daoist robe.


    This youth didn¡¯t have an outstanding appearance, and his expression didn¡¯t fluctuate much. However, the aura he emitted was astonishing. He stood in the air and coldly looked at the disciples from both sides who had stopped fighting.

 Chapter 119 - : Ill Treat You To An Egg

    ¡°Greetings, Deacon Li.¡±


    With the appearance of the youth, the Dispatch and Pilotage disciples all stopped. All of them had looks of awe on their faces. Someone among them recognized the identity of the newcomer and immediately bowed to him.


    At the same time, from within the Dispatch Department, Zhao Zhongheng quickly walked out. His expression was slightly unnatural as he hurriedly bowed toward the air.


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, his eyes narrowed. He could sense the astonishing fluctuations from the person in the air. Compared to the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor in his memories, Xu Qing felt that this person seemed to be stronger.


    While Xu Qing was observing, Deacon Li, who was in mid-air, spoke with a cold expression.


    ¡°On the elder¡¯s orders, the Dispatch Department and the Pilotage Department disciples who participated in this fight will have three months¡¯ salary cut off. As for the bonus to the Pilotage Department, it will be divided as usual!¡±


    ¡°And Zhao Zhongheng, the elder has summoned you. Come with me!¡±


    Deacon Li¡¯s gaze landed on Zhao Zhongheng. Although his expression didn¡¯t change, there was some disappointment in his heart.


    He knew that the reason for all of this was because the grandson of the elder had committed a foolish act. He was clearly a core disciple with an extremely high status, yet he caused such a large-scale incident just by taking up a post.


    ¡®Elder is such a wise person. How could he have such a foolish grandson?¡¯


    Deacon Li retracted his gaze and raised his hand to grab. After hearing his words, Zhao Zhongheng, whose face was pale with terror in his eyes, was grabbed by him and taken toward the distant Seventh Peak.


    After he left, the matter between the Dispatch Department and the Pilotage Department was immediately resolved. However, the blood and dead bodies that covered the ground made it clear that the conflict between the two sides was only temporarily suppressed. The viciousness in each other¡¯s eyes was very obvious.


    ¡°Alright, the show is over. Let¡¯s go. That person just now was Elder Zhao¡¯s favorite, Li Diling, Deacon Li. Since he personally took Zhao Zhongheng away, Zhao Zhongheng is in for it.¡±


    The captain took out an apple. After taking a bite, he stood up and walked away.


    Team Six followed. Xu Qing glanced at Huang Yan who was surrounded by the Pilotage Department¡¯s disciples and discussing something with each other. He then retracted his gaze and slowly walked away.


    At this moment, the sea breeze blew over, causing the long hair covering Xu Qing¡¯s forehead to flutter, revealing his slender eyes. It also revealed the charm of being able to clearly distinguish gratitude and grudges.


    Today¡¯s patrolling duty gradually finished with the setting sun and dusk.


    After Xu Qing finished his shift at dusk, he followed the merfolk youth stealthily. However, it was a pity that he still didn¡¯t find an opportunity, so he returned to his boat and started cultivating.


    His days at the Seven Blood Eyes were far more colorful than those at the scavenger campsite. However, Xu Qing¡¯s diligence in cultivation didn¡¯t change at all. He was very clear that this was his foundation.


    Moreover, his plan to head out to sea was about to reach a breakthrough soon.


    ¡°It¡¯s not difficult to make a breakthrough in cultivation, but I still can¡¯t afford the materials needed to upgrade my magic boat to level seven.¡± Xu Qing mumbled. He then took out a wine flask from his leather pouch and took a sip.


    He didn¡¯t know when it started, but he had fallen in love with the taste of alcohol. As he drank, he wondered if he should make another trip to Panquan Road to earn money. However, after thinking about it, he felt that before he had the confidence to kill the old man, he couldn¡¯t act rashly.


    Xu Qing drank another mouthful of wine and found that the wine was finished.


    However, it was dark now, and he didn¡¯t feel like going out to buy alcohol. He simply placed the flask at the side and closed his eyes to meditate.


    Time flowed by, and very soon, the bright moon hung high up in the sky. The moonlight scattered onto the surface of the sea, refracting the seawater in the harbor like a mirror in the dark night. It emitted a mysterious sense of beauty.


    In the darkness, Xu Qing, who was sitting cross-legged and meditating, suddenly opened his eyes and looked outside the cabin.


    Not long later, the sound of footsteps rang out from the shore. After they gradually got closer to the magic boat, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. At this moment, a familiar voice rang out from outside.


    ¡°Is Brother Xu Qing here? I¡¯m Huang Yan from the Pilotage Department.¡±


    Upon hearing this voice, the sharp light in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes dimmed. He then stood up and walked out of the cabin. Under the moonlight, he saw the little fatty standing on the shore, wearing a long gray robe that had folds on his stomach part.


    Upon seeing Xu Qing, a smile appeared on the little fatty¡¯s face. After the matter with the Dispatch Department was settled, he encountered something extremely joyous on his way back. He was excitedly drinking some alcohol and recalled the scene during the day when he was slightly tipsy. He made some inquiries and found out Xu Qing¡¯s name and berth before coming over to thank him.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, thank you for your help today.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the little fatty and nodded. His expression was calm as he spoke.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me. You gave me spirit condensation leaves in the medicine shop that day.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Huang Yan started. After thinking about it, he seemed to recall something. He scratched his head and asked curiously.


    ¡°Because I gave you some spirit condensation leaves that day, you helped me today?¡±


    ¡°Not just some, but seven stalks,¡± Xu Qing said seriously.


    Huang Yan blinked and carefully sized up Xu Qing. After a while, he started laughing. Originally, he came here to express his gratitude and didn¡¯t plan on having much interaction with Xu Qing. At most, he would give him enough gifts.


    But now, he suddenly felt that this Xu Qing was a little interesting.


    He took out two palm-sized eggs from his leather pouch. The shells of these two eggs were bluish-white, and they shone with a crystalline glow under the moonlight.


    ¡°Brother, you¡¯re a very interesting person. Let me treat you to some eggs.¡±


    As he spoke, he threw one over. This egg was strange and actually passed through the magic boat¡¯s protective barrier.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. With a wave of his hand, a large number of water droplets appeared, enveloping the egg densely and holding it in the air. After taking a closer look, he discovered that the egg was intact and didn¡¯t have the slightest damage. He looked at Huang Yan.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°A little toy.¡±


    Huang Yan chuckled as he licked his right index finger. He then pressed it against the egg and the egg broke. His finger then circled the inside of the egg once. He placed the egg next to his mouth and took a sip, looking intoxicated.


    As the eggshell broke, a fragrance spread out. Even through the protective barrier, Xu Qing could faintly smell it. His cultivation base circulated on its own as though it was attracted by it. A feeling that originated from his life instinct made him realize that this egg was extraordinary.


    After hesitating for a moment, he thought about it and used his finger to poke the egg. He discovered that the eggshell was extremely hard. In fact, even if he exerted some force, he still couldn¡¯t break it open at all.


    Xu Qing was surprised inwardly and his eyes gleamed.


    ¡°You have to get saliva on it. This thing is very strange. If you don¡¯t get saliva on it and use too much force, it will directly explode.¡± The little fatty burped.


    Xu Qing hesitated for a moment. He then put his finger in his mouth and used the finger to easily break a small hole in the egg. Immediately, an even richer fragrance spread out, causing the cultivation base in his body to suddenly circulate. In fact, even his flesh and blood seemed to emit a thirst for life at this moment.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing became slightly heavier. He took a deep sip of the egg content. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the egg before taking another deep sip.


    The little fatty sat at the side with anticipation. He looked at Xu Qing as though he was waiting for Xu Qing¡¯s evaluation.


    However, after waiting for a long time, Xu Qing still remained silent.


    ¡°Um, how¡¯s the egg? Does it taste good?¡± Huang Yan couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°Quite good.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. He felt a warm current flowing through his body, and his forehead was slightly covered in sweat.


    ¡°Of course. I spent a lot of effort to get these eggs. My senior sister really loves it. I gave it to you to have a taste.¡±


    Huang Yan had a smug look on his face as he glanced at Xu Qing. In his heart, he somewhat understood Xu Qing¡¯s personality. Hence, he took a big sip and didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    Xu Qing also didn¡¯t say anything and continued drinking silently.


    Time flowed by, and the two of them were very quiet. One was on the shore while the other was on the boat. There was a faint feeling of not disturbing each other.


    This feeling was very novel to Huang Yan, and his body and mind couldn¡¯t help but slowly relax. At this moment, the drunkenness silently blinded his eyes, causing his vision to gradually turn hazy. Under the moonlight, he swept his gaze across Xu Qing¡¯s peerlessly handsome face and couldn¡¯t help but comment.


    ¡°Xu Qing, with your looks, it won¡¯t be beneficial for you when you pursue the person you like in the future. It will make the girl feel insecure. Only a person like me will make girls feel at ease.¡±


    2


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He sat there and sucked on the eggs, not letting go of a single drop.


    Ignoring Xu Qing¡¯s silence, Huang Yan simply lay at the side with his hands behind his head, using the moonlight as a pillow. He looked at the bright moon in the sky and seemed to have thought of someone in his heart as he sighed.


    ¡°Xu Qing, do you have someone you like?¡±


    By now, Xu Qing had a faint understanding of Huang Yan¡¯s way of speaking. The other party should have a very casual and friendly personality. He shook his head.


    ¡°Look, I knew it. With your looks, it¡¯s very difficult for you to woo a woman. I¡¯m different. Let me tell you, I¡¯m very happy today. It¡¯s not because the Pilotage Department was able to get back the bonus, but because I realized that my senior sister cares about me, so I drank a little more tonight.¡±


    ¡°Do you know, Xu Qing? All these years, I¡¯ve been constantly giving Senior Sister different things. Today, she finally has something she wants and even specially asked me to bring it to her as soon as possible. I¡¯m especially touched. I realize that I like her even more now.¡±


    Xu Qing hesitated for a moment. He didn¡¯t have anyone he liked, and he didn¡¯t know how people expressed when they liked someone. However, he faintly felt that there was something wrong with the fatty¡¯s words.


    He swept a puzzled glance at the intoxicated Huang Yan. After confirming that the other party wasn¡¯t being sarcastic, he fell silent.


    In his mind, he recalled what the shopkeeper said about the other party bitterly pursuing a female disciple for seven to eight years.


    A long time later, Xu Qing felt that he should say something. He took a sip of the egg and spoke seriously.


    ¡°Congratulations.¡±


    Hearing this, Huang Yan became even happier and patted his stomach.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I can tell that your words are sincere. You¡¯re different from others!¡±


    ¡°I, Huang Yan, repay the kindness shown to me. You¡¯ve helped me today, so I won¡¯t let it be in vain.¡± Huang Yan rummaged through his body and took out a leather pouch, handing it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°There are a few magic boat materials here. Take them as a greeting gift.¡±


    ¡°I am leaving now, see you later.¡±


    Huang Yan got up but almost fell because of dizziness. As he walked out, he took out a jade slip and began to transmit his voice non-stop¡­


    Xu Qing wanted to speak but hesitated. Looking at the other party¡¯s silly smile as he transmitted his voice, he felt that it was best not to disturb him at this moment. Hence, after watching Huang Yan leave, Xu Qing walked toward the cabin.


    At this moment, the sea breeze blew over, caressing his body and passing through his black hair. It carried the scent of his body and drifted toward the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city under the night sky.


    As the wind blew past the buildings and the streets, it bore witness to the different kinds of prosperity in the night. After that, the lingering wind dissipated a little. Finally, on the Sixth Peak in the south of the city, it landed on the body of a person who was currently climbing the mountain. It lifted a few strands of long hair on his forehead, revealing an aged face.


    If the wind had a spirit and could bring this scene back to Xu Qing, Xu Qing could recognize at a glance that this person was none other than the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    At this moment, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was silently walking on the mountain steps.


    The wrinkles on his face seemed to have increased.


    It was as though every crease contained deep sorrow. After it was piled up, it made the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor look extremely bitter.


    He walked silently until he reached halfway up the Sixth Peak and stopped beside a cave abode.


    The stone door of the cave abode was arched and closed. There was green grass surrounding it, and above the door, there were two words written in flamboyant calligraphy.


    Leisure Doorway.


    From the name, it could be guessed that the person who lived in this cave should be a calm and elegant person.


    Outside the cave, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor took a deep breath and cupped his fists.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Leisure Cloud, an old friend has come to visit. Can we meet?¡±

 Chapter 120 - The Weird Ancestor (1)

    In the night sky, the moonlight was bright, and there were a few clouds in the sky.


    However, outside the cave abode on the Sixth Peak, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, who was standing with his back facing the moonlight, looked a little gloomy.


    In this darkness, the worry on his face seemed to be even more intense.


    Actually, he didn¡¯t feel too bad about losing his belongings. Back then, the reason why he vomited blood was because he was angry about the destruction of the mountain gate.


    As for those spirit stones, they were only what he had placed on the surface.


    What he was truly worried about was that his enemy would become increasingly powerful in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    At this moment, he was extremely anxious. He looked at the cave abode in front of him. It was completely silent and there was no response.


    After the time it took for half an incense stick to burn out, a sigh finally came from the cave abode.


    ¡°You Lingzi, long time no see.¡±


    The dao name of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was You Lingzi. However, in the area he was in, regardless of whether it was inside or outside the sect, everyone referred to him as Ancestor. Hence, it had been a long time since he heard his dao name from others.


    The expression of the Vajra Sect¡¯s ancestor revealed some recollection as he sighed softly.


    ¡°Long time no see.¡±


    As his voice echoed, the closed stone door slowly rose with a rumbling sound, revealing the darkness within. A figure slowly walked out from the darkness.


    This figure¡¯s footsteps were a little strange, and every step he took seemed to be measured. After he walked out of the cave, one could see that he was an old man. He wore a dark blue Daoist robe, and under his gray hair was a stern and rigid face.


    He walked in front of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and stopped. At this moment, the mountain breeze blew over, blowing up a corner of his robe, revealing his legs that weren¡¯t made of flesh and blood¡­


    That pair of legs was actually forged from refining materials. They emitted a blue glow, and under the moonlight, the blue glow seemed to carry coldness.


    ¡°Since we haven¡¯t seen each other for a long time, what are you here for?¡± The old man in blue looked up at the clouds in the night sky and asked calmly.


    He and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor were clearly standing together, but the feeling he gave off was that the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was a level lower than him.


    The expression of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was somewhat bitter. After a moment of silence, he still spoke about Xu Qing.


    ¡°My sect encountered an unexpected calamity¡­ Before that thief left, he plundered my sect¡¯s resources and maliciously set fire to the sect, burning it to ashes.¡±


    ¡°If this kid was just an ordinary person, I wouldn¡¯t have taken it to heart. However, I spent a lot of money to investigate and found out that he had become a disciple of the Seven Blood Eyes and has even gained a foothold here. This made me feel uneasy, and I kept thinking about the ancient books I¡¯ve read over the years.


    ¡°According to the experience I gained from reading countless ancient books, after comparing them, I discovered that most of the people like him in the ancient books possessed great fortune. Back then, I was muddle-headed. I shouldn¡¯t have acted with just myself and two sect elders. I should have used the entire sect¡¯s strength and spared no expense to kill him. Or perhaps, I should have turned hostility into friendship and given him an apology gift¡­¡±


    ¡°Sigh, it¡¯s a pity that I missed the opportunity. According to my analysis, if I can¡¯t suppress him before he completely matures¡­ then I¡¯ll definitely die in the future!¡±


    ¡°I have a strong feeling that once this person rises, he will definitely bring about a storm of blood for your Seven Blood Eyes, causing your sect to face the danger of annihilation. This is what is written in the ancient books. At that time, with just a casual sentence from this person, my Diamond Sect will be eliminated.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor finished speaking and lowered his head bitterly.


    The expression of the dark blue-robed ancestor standing in front of him slowly turned strange. He looked at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and shook his head after a long while.


    ¡°You Lingzi, so many years have passed. You¡­ Why are you still so immersed in fantasies? In your eyes, a small fry has become a person with great luck who can even bring about a bloody storm for the Seven Blood Eyes? He can destroy your Diamond Sect with a single sentence? You can even fantasize about such a thing¡­¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand. I believe in my own feelings¡­¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor also sighed.


    2


    Seeing the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor like this, the dark blue-robed old man shook his head slightly. He didn¡¯t have a deep relationship with the other party, but they had interacted a few times many years ago. At this moment, he was somewhat unconcerned.


    ¡°Which peak did this kid enter?¡±


    ¡°The Seventh Peak¡­ According to my investigation, his name is Xu Qing. He entered the Homicide Department.¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor knew that he couldn¡¯t hide it and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°What department isn¡¯t important? It¡¯s just that although the sect treats piedmont disciples as rearing Gu, allowing them to kill each other to survive, there are some rules in the sect that cannot be broken¡­¡±


    At this point, the dark blue-robed old man saw that the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s expression was gloomy, so he sighed.


    ¡°Forget it. The most I can do for you is beat this kid up and make him spit out the things he took from your Diamond Sect. If he doesn¡¯t have enough, I¡¯ll make him use all his belongings to offset it.¡±


    He took out a jade slip and transmitted some instructions. He then pointed at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    ¡°Alright, the arrangements have been made. However, you should cultivate properly when you have the time. You¡¯re still at the early-stage Foundation Building Realm after so many years and haven¡¯t improved. Don¡¯t keep reading those nonsensical ancient books. You are too immersed in those fantasies. If you continue reading, I¡¯m worried that you¡¯ll develop inner demons.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor wanted to say something but hesitated. This wasn¡¯t the result he wanted. However, seeing that the other party had already decided, he could only sigh. In the end, he cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡­


    It was a night of silence.


    The next morning, Xu Qing opened his eyes from his cross-legged state and looked at the leather pouch beside him.


    This was what Huang Yan had given him last night. There were three mutated beast materials inside.

 Chapter 121 - The Weird Ancestor (2)

    Two diamond-shaped bones and a feather.


    There was a red glow on each of them, as though they belonged to the same source. They gave off extraordinary auras, but it was a pity that it had nothing to do with sturdiness. It was more about the augmentation of spells and speed.


    ¡°I wonder how many spirit stones I can sell them for.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also my white pills. I¡¯ve accumulated another thousand¡­¡± Xu Qing counted his assets and walked out of the magic boat to the breakfast stall he visited every day.


    The boss of the restaurant was a middle-aged man with no cultivation. He was an ordinary resident of the main city and looked honest. When he saw Xu Qing, he grinned.


    He had a very deep impression of this handsome youth from the Homicide Department. The other party didn¡¯t have the viciousness of a Seven Blood Eyes disciple and was very polite. Xu Qing did not even need to order, the boss soon served a few buns and steamed eggs, as well as a plate of side dishes.


    Xu Qing thanked him and sat there, picking up his chopsticks and eating slowly. Right now, he was already used to using chopsticks. After he finished eating, he placed a spirit coin on the table before getting up and walking to the Homicide Department.


    Reporting for duty was very easy in the Homicide Department. One only needed to touch the bluestone in the courtyard of the Black Division with their identity token.


    Xu Qing, who was familiar with all of this, finished checking in and used the excuse of being on duty to walk on the streets under the morning sun.


    On the way, he encountered some disciples from the Homicide Department. Most of them greeted him politely. After the battle with Night Dove, Xu Qing had gained some amount of fame in the Homicide Department.


    Xu Qing bought a few pears on the streets. He walked toward the medicinal shop while eating the pears. He planned to sell the white pills first and then sell the materials given by Huang Yan yesterday before he went to see how much more he needed to exchange for the giant whale skull


    The medicinal shop was soon within Xu Qing¡¯s sight. It was still the shop where he bought herbs and alchemy pills. It was very lively with people coming and going.


    Xu Qing could be considered a regular here. His appearance was immediately noticed by the busy shopkeeper. The shopkeeper¡¯s eyes lit up and he walked out of the counter with a smile.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you in a while. Are you here to buy herbs or to sell pills?¡±


    ¡°Selling pills.¡±


    The shopkeeper¡¯s enthusiasm grew even more. As for the medicinal pills that Xu Qing took out, he merely swept his gaze over them and happily handed over 20 spirit stones.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to take a look?¡± Xu Qing looked at the shopkeeper.


    ¡°There is no need to check your pills.¡± The shopkeeper smiled and waved his hand.


    Xu Qing nodded. He was confident that the quality of each of his pills was top-grade. He cupped his fists and walked out of the shop.


    Seeing that Xu Qing had left, the shopkeeper hurriedly took out a jade slip. After sending a voice transmission to his boss, he called over a staff member and placed Xu Qing¡¯s pills in a box, asking the staff member to send them to the Second Peak immediately.


    This shop assistant was very quick-witted. He knew that the boss seemed to value these pills very much. After leaving the shop, he quickly ran and took a shortcut to the Second Peak.


    Not long later, the box was sent to a cave abode on the Second Peak and placed in front of a young girl.


    The young girl looked to be around 16 or 17 years old. She wore a light orange Daoist robe and sat there with no makeup on. She took out a pill from the box and held it before her eyes to observe.


    Under the sunlight, her skin was as fair as snow, and her eyes were like a pool of clear water. Her jet-black hair was tied up in a princess bun, and there was a beaded hairpin with tassels hanging from it.


    This young girl was none other than the owner of the medicinal shop. She was also the person Xu Qing had met at the entrance of the medicinal shop before.


    As she observed the pill, she let out a soft cry of surprise. Her brows were slightly raised, and her eyes revealed surprise.


    ¡°The purity has actually increased?¡±


    She had previously studied Xu Qing¡¯s alchemy pills and discovered that although she could also achieve the same purity, she couldn¡¯t do it every time. Hence, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a little competitive.


    ¡°Since a disciple of the Seventh Peak can do it, as an alchemy cultivator, there¡¯s no reason for me to be unable to!¡±


    The young girl waved her jade-like hand, and stalks of medicinal herbs flew over from all directions. With a serious expression, she began refining.


    While she was about to compete with Xu Qing in alchemy, Xu Qing was currently walking on the streets and looking at the weapon refinement workshops of the Sixth Peak¡¯s disciples in the surroundings. His brows furrowed imperceptibly and a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.


    He didn¡¯t know if it was an illusion, but when he passed by these shops today, a few of the Sixth Peak¡¯s shopkeepers seemed to be intentionally or unintentionally glancing at him, as though they were confirming something.


    It wasn¡¯t like this in the past.


    ¡°Are they observing me?¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. This abnormal scene made him even more vigilant, so he simply gave up on staying around.


    He didn¡¯t enter any of the shops to sell his ingredients. Instead, he returned to his berth at Port 79 and began his cultivation with great vigilance.


    Several days passed, but nothing major happened. Xu Qing was hesitant, but he was still cautious. Every day, he would pass by the shops of the Sixth Peak while on duty and secretly check them out.


    That kind of observation never appeared again, but Xu Qing was still worried. He decided to wait for a few more days. After confirming that everything was normal, he found a shop that hadn¡¯t observed him from the start and prepared to head over.


    If he wanted to upgrade his magic boat, he would ultimately have to go to the Sixth Peak¡¯s shops to trade for materials. Almost all of the Sixth Peak¡¯s shops that were related to magic boats were located in the port area. It was like a monopoly. The Sixth Peak shops in the other areas did not do business of magic boat materials.


    Hence, even though there was a trace of uncertainty, Xu Qing was still prepared to give it a try.


    Xu Qing warily walked on the streets with quick steps. However, just when he was about to reach the shop he chose, a familiar voice suddenly rang out from behind him.

 Chapter 122 - The Weird Ancestor (3)

    ¡°Xu Qing.¡±


    Xu Qing turned his head and saw the figure of the little fatty, Huang Yan, not far behind him.


    Huang Yan had seen Xu Qing from afar, and was waving his hands enthusiastically while running forward. As he ran, the flesh on his body trembled. When he got close, he spoke proudly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, do you know that my senior sister sent me a message again? Haha, let¡¯s go. I¡¯m in a good mood today. I¡¯ll treat you to the egg.¡±


    After he finished speaking, he wanted to pull Xu Qing away. However, Xu Qing stepped back and avoided him. But when he thought about the strange egg and the fact that the other party had given him materials, he hesitated for a moment.


    ¡°I want to sell materials.¡±


    ¡°Selling materials? What do you lack? I can give them to you,¡± Huang Yan said generously.


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll accompany you to sell the ingredients, then you¡¯ll accompany me to drink the eggs. It¡¯s settled then.¡± Huang Yan had a happy expression on his face. It was obvious that he was anxious to share his joy with others. After he finished speaking, he looked around and pointed to the shop at the side.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to this place. I¡¯ve been to this place a few times. It¡¯s not bad.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the shop that Huang Yan was referring to. This shop was also the destination of his trip. There were many disciples buying and selling here. Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and saw a familiar face. It was none other than Zhang San.


    He was also purchasing materials. When he noticed Xu Qing outside, he smiled and greeted him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s hurry up and sell them all. Drinking eggs is the most important thing.¡± Huang Yan spoke.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept across the shopkeeper in the shop. He no longer hesitated and entered.


    This shop was very large and had a total of two floors. There were all sorts of mutated beast materials hanging inside, and each of them was extremely valuable. As they got closer, the shopkeeper at the counter raised his head.


    This shopkeeper had a mustache and looked very shrewd. He looked at Xu Qing and smiled.


    ¡°Two fellow disciples, what would you like to buy?¡±


    ¡°Selling materials.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke and walked to the counter. Under the gaze of the shopkeeper, he took out the materials from the leather pouch. Not only were there items given by Huang Yan, but there were also some loot from killing wanted criminals.


    The shopkeeper looked at Xu Qing and then swept his gaze across the materials placed on the counter. After pondering for a while, he picked up a few items. He took a closer look for a while before casting a meaningful glance at Xu Qing.


    His expression gradually turned gloomy, and the light in his eyes sharpened.


    ¡°Little friend, there¡¯s something wrong with these items of yours.¡±


    ¡°A few days ago, the Diamond Sect reported to my Sixth Peak that their sect had a theft and lost a lot of resources. These items of yours¡­ are all recorded in the records. They are items that the Diamond Sect lost. Little friend, what is the meaning of taking out the stolen goods and selling them to us?¡±


    ¡°Could it be that the Diamond Sect¡¯s theft is related to you?¡±


    ¡°As a disciple of the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes, could it be that you stole from the Diamond Sect?¡±


    The shopkeeper was clearly doing this on purpose. His voice grew louder and louder, spreading through the entire shop. In an instant, all the disciples from the various peaks in the shop fell silent and looked over in unison.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised, but he sighed softly in his heart. He felt that he was already cautious enough, but he still couldn¡¯t avoid it. However, he also knew that it had something to do with the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. Killing intent instantly surfaced in his mind, and the sense of danger was intense. He could tell that the person who helped the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was definitely a major character from the Sixth Peak.


    He swept his gaze across the shopkeeper¡¯s neck and the various materials placed on the surrounding shelves. He then looked in the direction of the sea, and a cold glint appeared in his eyes. Inwardly, he was considering whether he should make a big move and leave or fight for what was right.


    However, just when Xu Qing was weighing the pros and cons in his heart, the eyes of the little fatty, Huang Yan, immediately widened. His body then leaped up and fiercely slammed the counter, creating a loud bang.


    ¡°Stolen goods? Is this also a stolen good?¡±


    The little fatty picked up the mutated beast bone that he had given to Xu Qing. His eyes were filled with unprecedented anger, as though he had suffered a great humiliation.


    ¡°This is my f*cking item. You dare to say that my item is stolen goods?¡±


    The little fatty furiously threw the bone in his hand at the shopkeeper¡¯s face.

 Chapter 123 - The Terrifying Huang Yan (1)

    Huang Yan¡¯s voice was extremely loud, and his eyes revealed intense anger. It was as though the shopkeeper wasn¡¯t humiliating Xu Qing but him.


    After all, among the items on the counter, there were three that he had given to Xu Qing.


    Faced with Huang Yan¡¯s anger, the shopkeeper¡¯s expression turned increasingly gloomy. He grabbed the bone the other party threw at him.


    Holding the bone, he coldly glanced at Huang Yan.


    He thought to himself, ¡®You didn¡¯t leave the Pilotage Department for the past eight years just to chase after a senior sister who might be a village girl from the countryside. You gave her so many gifts that everyone knows about it, becoming a joke. Since you¡¯re looking for trouble now, don¡¯t blame me.¡¯


    He spoke slowly, ¡°You¡¯re right. This is stolen goods. It seems that you are also an accomplice in the Diamond Sect¡¯s theft case. Men, go and report this to the Homicide Department. The criminals in the Diamond Sect¡¯s theft case have walked right into the trap.¡±


    The shop assistant pretended to take out a voice transmission jade slip. He looked at the shopkeeper and understood what he should do. He started to slowly send a message and report the case.


    The eyes of the disciples from the various peaks in the shop gleamed as they watched this scene.


    To be able to enter the Seven Blood Eyes and survive in such an environment, most of the disciples had highly active minds. They naturally saw through such a simple trick. They also understood that the main point of this matter wasn¡¯t the Diamond Sect¡¯s theft, but that someone from the Sixth Peak wanted to find trouble with Xu Qing and Huang Yan.


    As for whether it was both of them or just one of them, it was hard for them to tell. However, they felt that there was a high chance that it was targeted at Xu Qing who took out the items.


    No one spoke. They just watched from the side. Zhang San was the same.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the gazes of the others. Right now, he was very surprised by Huang Yan¡¯s reaction. Although the relationship between the two of them wasn¡¯t bad, it wasn¡¯t deep after all. The other party¡¯s reaction somewhat puzzled him.


    At the same time, Xu Qing was even more puzzled that the shopkeeper wanted to report the matter to the Homicide Department and the pretentiousness of the staff at the side. It seemed that this trap wasn¡¯t like what he had thought earlier, where they wanted him dead.


    This was because if they really wanted to kill him, they could have just attacked him. There was no need to involve the Homicide Department and complicate things. The important figures would not cause a scene to kill piedmont disciples. This was unreasonable.


    This matter seemed more like they wanted to make use of this opportunity to beat him up and give the Diamond Sect an explanation.


    Moreover, before he entered the shop, he had also sensed that there weren¡¯t any overly powerful fluctuations in the surroundings. Even now, it was still the same. It didn¡¯t seem like there were any experts present.


    Just when Xu Qing was deep in thought, Huang Yan glared angrily when he heard the shopkeeper reporting to the Homicide Department.


    ¡°The Homicide Department? Xu Qing is one of them!¡±


    ¡°Oh? Since you know the law and broke it, the severity of your crime will be increased by one level!¡± The shopkeeper looked at Huang Yan and frowned as he slowly spoke.


    Huang Yan was so angry that he started laughing. Xu Qing was feeling increasingly puzzled about this matter. He lifted his hand and stopped him from rushing as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Huang Yan, this matter has nothing to do with you. You can leave first.¡±


    After that, he looked at the shopkeeper¡¯s neck with a calm expression and slowly spoke.


    ¡°These are the spoils of war I obtained from wanted criminals. You don¡¯t have to slander me. If you have anything to say, just say it.¡±


    The shopkeeper immediately became vigilant. Xu Qing¡¯s reaction made him realize that this person was indeed not simple. In fact, after the higher-ups made the arrangements for this matter, they could have directly gone to Xu Qing and asked him to hand the items over. However, the disciples who knew about this, including him, wanted to take this opportunity to make a fortune. Hence, they resorted to slander.


    But now, the other party had clearly seen through his tricks. In reality, he also had some understanding of Xu Qing. He knew that someone who could rise to prominence in the Homicide Department was naturally not a simple person.


    As a shopkeeper, he had someone protecting him from the back, so he wasn¡¯t among those who had to kill and loot each other to survive. Generally speaking, no piedmont disciple would dare to touch someone like him.


    However, the feeling of chill on his neck still made him decide to change his mind at this moment. He didn¡¯t want to have too many conflicts with Xu Qing. In addition, he felt that he had already used the stick enough and it was time to show the carrot. He was just about to speak up to ease the tension and state the conditions for resolving this matter.


    But at this moment, Huang Yan, who was stopped by Xu Qing, let out a furious roar.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you don¡¯t have to help me shoulder this matter. This matter has nothing to do with you. This is clearly targeted at me, Huang Yan. I know, it must be Zhao Zhongheng. He holds a grudge against me and knows that I come here often, so he colluded with this shop to slander me!¡±


    As soon as Huang Yan¡¯s words came out, the shopkeeper¡¯s expression instantly turned strange. He cast a deep glance at Huang Yan as though he was looking at a weirdo. Xu Qing also looked at Huang Yan with narrowed eyes. He wanted to solve the problem, but Huang Yan seemed to want to shift the blame to himself.


    Huang Yan slammed the counter loudly. Just when he was about to continue bellowing, footsteps rang out from outside the shop, and a cold voice rang out.


    ¡°Who dares to cause a scene?¡± A few figures stepped into the shop.


    Xu Qing turned his head and narrowed his eyes.


    These figures wore gray-colored Daoist robes with the emblem of the Homicide Department on it. They were members of the Homicide Department, and the person in the lead was the captain of the Earth Division¡¯s Team Three, the merfolk youth whom Xu Qing had followed for more than half a month.


    Behind him were four members of Team Three. As they entered, the merfolk youth cast an indifferent glance at Xu Qing.


    ¡°So it¡¯s you.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything, but the vigilance in his heart had risen to the extreme. The person who responded to the case so quickly was the merfolk youth who had a deep conflict with him. Something did not smell right.


    1

 Chapter 124 - The Terrifying Huang Yan (2)

    Xu Qing felt that today¡¯s event was extremely complicated. There were three reasons buried within. The first one was that the shopkeeper wanted to teach him a lesson, but it was clearly just a lesson that could be resolved.


    The second was that Huang Yan seemed to have intentionally dragged the matter onto himself. His motive was unknown.


    For the third reason, the merfolk youth¡¯s arrival could hardly be considered a coincidence.


    Before he understood the entire situation, Xu Qing didn¡¯t wish to act rashly.


    The merfolk youth who entered the shop swept his gaze across the others in the shop with a hint of disdain in his eyes.


    In reality, joining the Seven Blood Eyes wasn¡¯t his original intention. Although the merfolk race wasn¡¯t large, his status in the race was extremely high which had caused him to develop an arrogant personality. This was especially so when he faced the human race. He looked down on them from the bottom of his heart.


    1


    As for today¡¯s matter, after the department received the report, the Black Division should have been the one in charge. However, because it involved a member of the Black Division, the case was handed to the Earth Division to avoid the whole Black Division from being suspected. After the merfolk youth found out that the case was about Xu Qing, he recalled the fight for credit and disgust he felt back then, so he personally accepted the task and led the team over.


    He pointed at Xu Qing and Huang Yan.


    ¡°Since they are the main culprits in the Diamond Sect¡¯s theft case and have all the stolen goods, and one of them is a member of my Homicide Department, let¡¯s bring them to the division for interrogation.¡±


    When Huang Yan, who was at the side, saw that the people of the Homicide Department still couldn¡¯t distinguish right from wrong, his anger completely erupted. He ran between Xu Qing and the merfolk youth and glared at the merfolk youth as he let out a low bellow.


    ¡°Are you blind? Are my things stolen goods?¡±


    As he spoke, he took out his storage bag and shook it in front of everyone. Immediately, one material after another poured out, piling up into a small mountain of several hundred items.


    Most of the various mutated beasts¡¯ materials in the pile came from the same source as the bones and feathers. Clearly, they were obtained from a mutated beast.


    When the surrounding people saw this, they all sucked in a breath of air and their eyes widened. They were all people who knew their stuff and knew that the value of these materials was probably several thousand spirit stones. This was especially so when they noticed that Huang Yan actually had a storage bag. As such, all of their eyes revealed a strange glint.


    ¡°You guys said that my things are stolen goods. Are these all stolen goods? Can the Diamond Sect afford them? This is an entire f*cking windrun beast. I gave its most precious part, the skull, to my senior sister, but you guys actually said that my things are stolen goods!!¡±


    As soon as the little fatty spoke, the gazes of everyone in the surroundings flickered. Xu Qing also looked at those items and instinctively took a deep breath.


    He knew that Huang Yan was rich, but he was still shocked by the materials in his storage bag.


    The merfolk youth glanced at the shopkeeper.


    The shopkeeper felt a headache coming on. He didn¡¯t expect the Homicide Department to be so fast and disrupt his rhythm. At this moment, he had a look of hesitation on his face, but since the arrow was already on the bowstring, he had no choice but to shoot. He braced himself and spoke.


    ¡°The Diamond Sect¡¯s report mentioned this wind beast!¡±


    Seeing that the situation was developing in an unbelievable direction, Xu Qing fell silent and calmly observed.


    ¡°The skull is also stolen goods. Did you give it to your Senior Sister? So there¡¯s a female criminal who helped to fence the stolen goods. Why aren¡¯t you guys capturing them? Take them back and interrogate them carefully. Capture that female criminal as well and bring her to justice.¡±


    The merfolk youth calmly spoke. The four team members behind him immediately walked toward Xu Qing and Huang Yan. One of them moved closer to Huang Yan while the other three headed straight for Xu Qing.


    ¡°You¡¯re the criminal, your entire family are criminals!¡± Huang Yan jumped up, rolled up his sleeves, and rushed over angrily.


    1


    Xu Qing stared coldly at the three people walking over. He originally didn¡¯t want to act rashly before he understood the entire situation. But now that the other party was being overbearing¡­ He lifted his right hand and waved it.


    Immediately, the droplets of water in the surroundings erupted with intense pressure. They formed a suppressive force, causing the expressions of the members of the three approaching people to change drastically. Shock appeared in their eyes, and their bodies trembled violently, unable to take a single step forward.


    Although they had worked with Team Six to capture Night Dove members back then, they hadn¡¯t seen Xu Qing make a move with their own eyes. They had only heard a little about it from others. Now that they had personally experienced it, their hearts were in turmoil.


    ¡°Resisting law enforcement.¡± The merfolk youth smiled, revealing a mouth full of sharp teeth. He then took a step forward, and his speed directly caused a sonic boom in the shop. In an instant, he appeared in front of Xu Qing and lifted his right hand to grab Xu Qing¡¯s neck.


    His fingernails were sharp and emitted a cold light. If it was someone else, it would be very difficult for them to react at this speed. However, the instant he got close, a black iron stick appeared in front of his palm.


    Although his speed was fast, Xu Qing was even faster. As he waved the iron stick in his hand, he bent his right knee and ruthlessly kicked at the merfolk youth.


    Amidst the rumbling, the mermaid youth¡¯s right hand quickly retracted, and his right foot bent, using his knee to strike Xu Qing¡¯s knee.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed slightly. As for the merfolk youth, he retreated five steps. When he lifted his head, his eyes revealed a bloodthirsty excitement.


    ¡°Interesting.¡± A rumbling sound came from his body, and the fluctuations of the ninth level of Qi Condensation spread out. Behind him, a malevolent-looking merfolk phantom holding a black fork appeared.


    This wasn¡¯t the transformation of qi and blood into shadows, but the innate power of his bloodline. At this moment, as he erupted forth with power, his body charged out once more, instantly approaching Xu Qing. He then directly clashed with Xu Qing in the shop.


    The two of them exchanged blows seven or eight times in an instant. Every time, there would be a loud bang and the impact echoed, causing the shop to be affected. Fortunately, there was an array formation here, so it didn¡¯t collapse.


    However, this scene still caused the expressions of the people who were dodging left and right to reveal intense light.


    ¡°They¡¯re so strong!¡±


    ¡°As a member of the merfolk race, the leader of Team Three possesses the innate bloodline power of the merfolk race. From the looks of it, his combat strength is comparable to a disciple at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm of a large sect. As for this Xu Qing¡­ he¡¯s also so astonishing!¡±


    ¡°Previously, there were rumors that an ordinary member of the Black Division killed an enemy leader of the Night Dove. I think it must be Xu Qing!¡±


    Hearing everyone¡¯s words, Huang Yan, who was dodging at the side, blinked. There was a hint of a smile that didn¡¯t look like a smile on his face, but it quickly dissipated and turned into a furious appearance as he roared.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you can do it! Kill this fish! He dares to frame us, kill him! We¡¯ll eat fish meat tonight!¡±


    At this moment, the merfolk youth retreated once again. There was a smear of blood at the corner of his mouth, and the bloodthirsty glint in his eyes grew even more intense. Fresh blood made him even more excited. Moreover, he still had trump cards that he hadn¡¯t used yet. He grinned and raised his hands to perform a series of hand seals.


    However, he didn¡¯t notice Xu Qing¡¯s shadow under his feet.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression had been calm from the start. At this moment, he narrowed his eyes and killing intent flashed in them. Just when he was about to attack, a few powerful auras suddenly spread out and locked onto this place.


    ¡°You guys just watch.¡± As the merfolk youth laughed sinisterly, the auras quieted down. However, an even more terrifying aura appeared outside the shop.


    With a boom, it directly suppressed the few auras that had locked onto this place earlier.


    This scene caused the merfolk youth to be stunned. When he turned his head to take a look, his expression instantly changed drastically. Xu Qing also lifted his head. When he sensed the aura outside, his eyes abruptly narrowed.


    The figure appeared in everyone¡¯s sight and a cold female voice rang out from outside the shop.


    ¡°Just now, who said that my things were stolen goods?¡±


    Her voice was like a cold wind, instantly freezing everyone in the shop. Regardless of whether it was the merfolk youth or the shopkeeper of the Sixth Peak, all of them couldn¡¯t help but tremble when they heard this sentence. They couldn¡¯t help but look at the person walking over.


    It was a woman. Her body was tall and muscular with bronze-colored skin that exuded a sense of toughness. Her long hair fluttered in the wind, but there was no grace to it. Instead, there was a hint of wildness.


    She wore a dark purple Daoist robe and was dragging a huge black sword that was five feet long. As she walked over, the tip of the sword drew sparks on the ground, cutting open the floor tiles and the threshold.


    This scene caused everyone to gasp. It was unknown who was the first to bend over. At the next moment, everyone lowered their heads and cupped their fists respectfully.


    ¡°Greetings, Second Highness!¡±


    ¡°Greetings, Second Highness!¡±


    ¡°Greetings, Second Highness!¡±


    The person who came was someone who was like the eldest princess of the Seventh Peak. She had the right to decide the life and death of the piedmont disciples. She even had the right to remove the title of core disciple. She was the second personal disciple of the Peak Lord!


    ¡°Senior Sister, you¡¯re finally here.¡± Huang Yan excitedly crawled out from his hiding spot and ran over.

 Chapter 125 - The Domineering Second Highness (1)

    Among the three personal disciples of the Seventh Peak¡¯s Peak lord, if you were to talk about the disciple with a forthright personality, tactful, and had a wide range of friends, it would be the third disciple.


    However, if you were to talk about who among them had a fiery temper and was feared by their fellow disciples, Second Senior Sister would take the lead without a doubt. Not only did the disciples of the Seventh Peak feel this way, but the other peaks also felt the same.


    Most of them knew that the second highness of the Seventh Peak had an explosive temper and had an even more exaggerated strength. If there was the slightest disagreement, she would make a move. Moreover, the number of Foundation Building cultivators from the various peaks she had beaten up over the years was too many.


    With her astonishing strength and a heaven-defying background, there was no reasoning with her. Her domineeringness was as famous as her reputation in the entire Seven Blood Eyes.


    Usually, even some elders would have a headache when they faced her, let alone ordinary disciples.


    This was especially so for her reputation. Not only did it spread in the sect, but it was also illustrious at sea. Countless pirates had died in her hands, and some small clans would tremble when they heard her name.


    At this moment, she stood there with a terrifying aura that suppressed the surroundings, causing everyone to feel immense pressure. Xu Qing was the same. An intense sense of danger rose in his heart, as though he was facing a peerless ferocious beast in the forbidden zone¡¯s jungle.


    The feeling was even stronger than when he saw Deacon Li.


    The old ancestor of the Diamond Sect was much weaker in comparison.


    Xu Qing¡¯s vigilance reached its peak. He instinctively took a few steps back, and his breathing grew hurried.


    The vicious intent coming from Second Senior Sister was too intense and terrifying.


    In fact, from the gap beside him, he could see that the streets outside were empty¡­ It was as though no one was willing to appear in the vicinity at this moment.


    Only the little fatty, Huang Yan, didn¡¯t feel any pressure. He even looked excited as though his scheme had succeeded.


    He arrived beside Second Senior Sister and spoke with an aggrieved expression.


    ¡°Senior Sister~ It¡¯s the shopkeeper of this shop and that stinky fish. They said that the things I gave you were stolen from the Diamond Sect. Senior Sister, I, Huang Yan, am an upright and honest person. I¡¯m incomparably sincere, honest, loyal, gentle, and considerate. I only love you, Senior Sister. It¡¯s fine if they slander me, but they can¡¯t slander the gifts I gave you!¡±


    ¡°Slandering my gifts to Senior Sister. This is slandering my eight years of feelings for Senior Sister!¡± The little fatty stood beside Second Senior Sister, looking a little out of place. Regardless of height or thickness, he was like a child standing beside an adult.


    Fortunately, his stomach was very big. To a certain extent, they didn¡¯t seem completely incompatible.


    However, his words caused everyone in the shop to be stunned for a moment. They all took a deep breath and their expressions were filled with incomparable shock.


    These disciples of the various peaks who had been watching the commotion earlier now widened their eyes in disbelief. There were even some who found it unbelievable. Zhang San was the same.


    As for the shopkeeper, his expression was completely dull as he muttered.


    ¡°Second Highness¡­ is your senior sister?¡±


    These words were said awkwardly, but it revealed the inner world of the shopkeeper, where countless emotions were surging.


    Everyone here knew of Huang Yan. After all, he was considered quite famous in the Seventh Peak. However, most of his fame came from his ¡®infatuation¡¯.


    Everyone had more or less discussed Huang Yan in private. They knew that he had pursued a certain senior sister for eight years, and the gifts he gave her could buy several shops¡­


    When they talked about this in the past, most of them could guess that this Huang Yan wasn¡¯t ordinary. That was why he was able to keep his wealth and not die until now. However, most of their discussions about him contained a hint of mockery. They thought how could a man bend his back and curry favor with a woman to such a degree?


    However, at this moment, regardless of whether it was Zhang San, the shopkeeper, or the other disciples here, all of them looked at the little fatty with unprecedented admiration in their gazes amidst their astonishment. Some even revealed intense envy in their eyes.


    Clearly, if the senior sister was such a person, then they wanted to give her gifts too.


    Let alone eight years, they could continue giving gifts for even 18 or 28 years.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart also pounded wildly. He looked at the little fatty and then at the second highness. His gaze was a little dazed. He really didn¡¯t expect that the person the little fatty had been pursuing for eight years was actually the second highness of the Seventh Peak.


    And now, he also had an answer to the reason why the little fatty had forcibly taken the blame for this matter. The fatty had intentionally blown things up to attract his senior sister over to relieve the pain of lovesickness.


    Xu Qing looked at the incomparably complacent little fatty and then at the domineering and terrifying second highness. He fell silent.


    In the face of Huang Yan¡¯s grievance, the second highness raised her brows slightly and walked forward. When she passed by the merfolk youth who had his head lowered, she didn¡¯t say anything but her eyes clearly revealed some disdain.


    Huang Yan, who was at the side, also showed disdain. He lifted his chin and snorted.


    The gaze from the second highness greatly stimulated the merfolk youth. His body trembled as though he was trying his best to control it. However, the paleness on his face still revealed the terror in his heart.


    His mind instinctively recalled the massacre on Merfolk Island thirty years ago. That figure that was filled with bloodlust during that massacre.


    That was a competition of the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes. Due to the evilness of the human race and the unyielding nature of the great merfolk race, the Seventh Peak¡¯s competition was arranged in the merfolk race¡¯s territory.


    At the same time, this was also a suppression. It was also after that incident that the two sides became ¡®allies¡¯ once again.


    Although Seven Blood Eyes was the one who managed to resolve the crisis of the merfolk¡¯s extermination in time and provided them with many resources, in the eyes of all the merfolk, this was what they should do. They felt that becoming allies with the human race was a humiliation in itself.


    Countless emotions surged in his heart, but he still lowered his head deeply and didn¡¯t dare to lift it up. He only roared inwardly. He swore that the merfolk race would make the Seven Blood Eyes pay the price sooner or later.


    Seeing that the other party kept on bowing, the disdain in the second highness¡¯ eyes deepened. She walked up to Xu Qing and stared at him coldly.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. His expression was solemn as he cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°Greetings, Second Highness.¡±


    ¡°Senior Sister, this is Xu Qing, my brother. He was also implicated by me this time around.¡± Huang Yan put away the items he had taken out earlier. When he introduced them, there was a hint of pride in his expression.


    1


    The second highness nodded and ignored Xu Qing. She then walked toward the counter. When she got there, she swung the large sword in her hand. The shopkeeper trembled as the sword landed heavily on the counter.


    This large black sword was too heavy. Even though the wooden counter was quite sturdy, it still caved in with a cracking sound when the large sword landed. This caused the tip of the sword to directly press against the shopkeeper¡¯s stomach. The cold chill it emitted caused sweat to stream down the shopkeeper¡¯s forehead. His face was extremely pale as he spoke in a trembling voice.


    ¡°Second Highness, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you saying that my items are stolen goods?¡± The second highness calmly asked.


    More sweat covered the shopkeeper¡¯s body, and his back was drenched. His face was filled with bitterness, and he wailed in his heart. He originally wanted to make a fortune from today¡¯s matter, but the little fatty appeared out of nowhere. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that the little fatty had such a great god backing him.


    He couldn¡¯t afford to offend this person in front of him. In fact, he felt that even the deacon who arranged for him to do this wouldn¡¯t be willing to easily offend this second highness who was like a living dinosaur.


    After all, this was the Seventh Peak¡¯s eldest princess, who was doted on by Old Master Seventh.


    He stammered and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Mis-misunderstanding. This is a misunderstanding. I saw it wrongly. How could they be stolen goods¡­¡±


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, a deep glint appeared in his eyes. He understood strength was the eternal and unchanging principle of this world. This was especially so after he heard the second highness¡¯ following words, which allowed him to understand what was called domineering.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t see wrongly. These are indeed stolen goods. I was the one who robbed the Diamond Sect. Do you have any objections?¡± Second Senior Sister coldly spoke. The sword in her hand pushed forward and instantly pierced the shopkeeper¡¯s clothes, touching his stomach.


    1


    The shopkeeper¡¯s body trembled, and more sweat seeped out of his forehead. He could only continue to agree and didn¡¯t know how to respond.


    ¡°Tell the person behind you that I was the one who robbed the Diamond Sect. Also, tell the Diamond Sect to come and apologize to me in three days. They have to give me a gift that satisfies me.¡±


    1


    There was clearly no threat in Second Senior Sister¡¯s words, but after everyone heard it, they deeply understood that if the Diamond Sect didn¡¯t come to apologize or if the value of the gift wasn¡¯t enough, then¡­ the Diamond Sect would cease to exist in this world.


    This sentence fully displayed the second highness¡¯ domineeringness. She then swept her gaze across the items scattered on the ground.


    ¡°Are you going to take these?¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll take them¡­¡± The shopkeeper spoke up immediately. He didn¡¯t dare to breathe loudly as he hurriedly took out 100 spirit stones. But when he saw that Second Senior Sister¡¯s brows were raised, he trembled and took out another 100 spirit stones while gritting his teeth.


    He placed the 200 spirit stones at the side and squeezed out a smile at Huang Yan and Xu Qing, his gaze filled with pleading.


    Second Senior Sister did not continue to frighten the shopkeeper. She picked up the large sword that was smashed on the counter and walked out. When she passed by the merfolk youth, she spoke with disgust.


    ¡°Scram, you¡¯re in my way. Stinky fish.¡±


    The merfolk youth¡¯s body trembled even more, but in the end, he still silently took a few steps back.


    ¡°Goodbye, Second Highness!¡±


    As the second highness walked to the entrance, everyone in the shop cupped their fists and spoke with great respect.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and stared deeply at Second Senior Sister¡¯s back. He then cupped his fists as well.


    Right now, Huang Yan¡¯s expression was filled with pride. He swept his gaze across the silent crowd and patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°See, this is my senior sister, my goddess. Let¡¯s see who dares to slander us in the future.¡±


    ¡°However, you¡¯re really something, kid. You didn¡¯t hesitate to help me because of my matter, and you even wanted to help me shoulder the burden. I¡¯ll remember this matter. Let me tell you, I¡¯m someone who repays kindness with kindness. Right now, I don¡¯t have anything good on me. When I see something good later, I¡¯ll give it to you as a gift.¡±


    1


    Huang Yan¡¯s expression was extremely smug. After he finished speaking, he waved his hand at Xu Qing. Without waiting for Xu Qing to speak, he ran out in a hurry and chased after the second highness.


    ¡°Senior Sister, wait for me¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was still in a daze. After a while, he retracted his gaze from the door and casually glanced at the corner of his shirt. He then glanced at the gloomy-looking merfolk youth. A hint of eerie intent flashed in his eyes, but it quickly returned to normal.


    He took the 200 spirit stones that the shopkeeper had given. Under the other party¡¯s bitter and fearful gaze, he walked out of the shop and didn¡¯t even glance at the merfolk youth.


    When he walked out of the shop, Xu Qing tidied his clothes and swept his gaze across the corner of his shirt. His gaze then turned gloomy.


    At the same time, the merfolk youth in the shop looked at Xu Qing¡¯s departing back with an ugly expression. His mood today was extremely bad, and there was a hint of disgust in his eyes.


    ¡°Those who fought with me, even if they managed to escape, very few would be able to survive. It¡¯s a pity that I can¡¯t see the scene of their deaths.¡±


    Snorting coldly in his heart, the youth retracted his gaze. He flicked his sleeves and walked out of the shop.


    To him, Xu Qing was just an ant. If it wasn¡¯t for Huang Yan, he would have definitely killed Xu Qing today.


    ¡°Everyone from the Seven Blood Eyes deserves death. This kid stole my credit, so he deserves death even more. He¡¯ll die sooner or later.¡±


    1

 Chapter 126 - Road to the Underworld

    The sunlight was scorching in the noon. Before the sun reached the god¡¯s fragmented face, it emitted a piercing light, making it difficult for mortals to raise their heads and look straight at it.


    The god behind the sun was high and mighty. To all living beings, He was an existence that surpassed time and space. Regardless of day or night, regardless of reality or dreams, regardless of the past or future, He would always be eternal.


    Witnessing the changes in this world, witnessing life and death, and also witnessing this chaotic world that had become cruel because of His appearance.


    As for the remaining heat in the sunlight, it seemed to be affected by the ferociousness of the god¡¯s fragmented face and became filled with malice. It was as though it was unwilling to comply with the Heavenly Dao in this season and leave silently.


    It started to crazily release all its heat and invaded every corner of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city, wanting to vaporize all life.


    This invisible poison invaded even the shade of the trees and under the eaves. Even when the sea breeze blew over, it couldn¡¯t disperse it. It was like poison that seeped into the marrow and bones.


    Just like the corner of Xu Qing¡¯s Daoist robe.


    That place looked normal, but if one took a closer look, they would see that there was some powder on it, and most of the powder had disappeared by now .


    The aura it emitted was similar to the heat that was affected by the god¡¯s fragmented face. It carried malice and malevolence as it invaded Xu Qing¡¯s flesh and bones under his Daoist robe.


    The speed of this invasion was extremely fast and revealed avarice.


    From its appearance to its invasion, it only took a few breaths of time.


    Xu Qing calmly glanced at the corner of the clothes. His eyes narrowed as he walked toward the berth.


    The powder on the corner of his shirt was something that the merfolk youth had secretly left behind during the fight earlier. If it was someone else, it would probably be very difficult for them to detect it even now.


    After all, this poison was colorless and odorless. To a certain extent, this might not even be poison.


    However, Xu Qing was proficient in the Dao of Medicine. This characteristic caused at least seven to eight similar medicinal primers to appear in his mind. As for which one it was, he needed to go back and analyze it.


    However, no matter what, after coming into contact with him several times, Xu Qing¡¯s killing intent toward this merfolk youth rose even more.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to kill the fish.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled as he walked to the harbor¡¯s berth. The instant he stepped onto the magic boat, he immediately activated his protective barrier, isolating all sounds from the outside world and causing the inside of the magic boat to be completely silent.


    He sat cross-legged in the cabin and directly tore off the corner of his Daoist robe.


    He held it in his hand and took a closer look. His left hand then formed a seal, and a ball of flames instantly floated up from Xu Qing¡¯s palm.


    Although the Sea Transformation Art focused on water, it was normal for spell cultivators to cultivate many types of spells as support.


    There were many introductions on the cultivation art jade slip.


    Xu Qing waved his left hand, and the fireball flew toward the corner of his shirt, enveloping it and starting to burn it.


    The sizzling sounds continued, and faint smoke drifted out.


    The flickering light from the fire illuminated Xu Qing¡¯s face.


    He watched as the burning corner of his shirt continued to twist, and the red lines from the burning edges rapidly filled the entire cloth. Wherever they passed, the gray corner of his shirt would turn into ashes.


    A few breaths later, the corner of his shirt was completely burned, and the flames slowly extinguished.


    Xu Qing looked at the ashes in his palm and smelled the smoke coming from them as he mumbled.


    ¡°This is the blood of Ghost Desire. It¡¯s poison, but not poison.¡±


    The pharmacopeia Grandmaster Bai had left behind mentioned Ghost Desire. These creatures that lived in the deep sea were very rare. Xu Qing also had two of them, but he didn¡¯t find any supplementary herbs, so he didn¡¯t touch them.


    He knew that after its blood was treated, it would become a holy medicine that could heal injuries. However, if he used other methods to mix it, under the two extremes of yin and yang, the aura emitted by its blood would be loathed by the vast majority of mutated beasts.


    ¡°There are also the characteristics of the Enlightenment Grass.¡± Xu Qing closed his eyes. After coming to a conclusion, he opened his eyes again. His gaze was like a pitch-black deep pool, incomparably cold.


    Although Grandmaster Bai¡¯s pharmacopeia didn¡¯t mention what would happen after the two types of medicinal ingredients were mixed together, according to medicinal knowledge, the latter could greatly magnify this disgust.


    A slight disgust would make the mutated beasts avoid the source, but if it was serious, it would be equivalent to attracting the killing intent of the mutated beasts.


    Because extreme dislike was evil.


    Hence, after these two were mixed, they would form a special medicinal liquid.


    Those who came into contact with it would be tainted and invaded by its aura.


    This was because it wasn¡¯t poison and wouldn¡¯t act up. In fact, it even had a slight nourishing effect on the body, so it was almost impossible for it to be detected. It was even more difficult to dispel it, and it could last for at least several years.


    As for its effect, it was to attract intense disgust of mutated beasts. Like when Xu Qing first participated in the Thunder Team¡¯s operation in the forbidden zone in the scavenger campsite, the small vial of medicinal catalyst in Barbaric Ghost¡¯s leather pouch was this type of medicine.


    Barbaric Ghost¡¯s medicinal catalyst was the same as the aura that invaded Xu Qing. However, the ingredients couldn¡¯t be compared. The difference between the two was like heaven and earth.


    ¡°While I¡¯m in the sect, I won¡¯t be in too much danger from this aura. But if I go out to sea¡­¡± Xu Qing was very clear that once he brought this aura out to sea, he would definitely not be able to return.


    This method of killing left no corpse or bones at all. It was sinister like a venomous snake and was effective for an extremely long time. If it wasn¡¯t for Xu Qing¡¯s Dao of Medicine, it would be very difficult for others to guess who the enemy was even after death.


    ¡°I wonder if you have the ability to sense my poison.¡± A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The merfolk youth had poisoned him, but in reality, just like the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind, when Xu Qing attacked earlier, he had also poisoned the other party!


    This poison was also harmless and also a mark.


    However, the merfolk youth¡¯s mark on him attracted the evil intent of unknown mutated beasts in the sea, while his mark on the other party was the footsteps of the Grim Reaper on the shore.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. He kept the burning ashes and opened his storage bag. He glanced at the medicinal pills inside before looking at the surrounding medicine cabinets.


    He wasn¡¯t good at detoxifying poison, especially with this kind of aura that wasn¡¯t really poison, so the recovery ability the purple crystal provided wouldn¡¯t be of any effect.


    But he was good at poison.


    Xu Qing calmly took out some poison powder and poison pills and swallowed them expressionlessly. He then mixed seven to eight types of poison powder and scattered them. He then inhaled deeply and absorbed them all into his body.


    At the next moment, his body trembled violently, and sweat slowly appeared on his forehead. However, he still sat there cross-legged, silently enduring the pain of the poison burning in his body. He was brewing the killing intent in his heart, while his mind was as calm as the calm before the storm.


    His poison burned his internal organs, bones, and flesh.


    Since he couldn¡¯t get rid of the aura of the Ghost Desire and the Enlightenment Grass, he might as well use poison to invade them. After that, he would use his own recovery abilities to recover.


    This process lasted for a full four hours.


    When it was dusk outside, Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes. His eyes were bloodshot, and the poison in his body had been completely expelled due to the astonishing recovery rate of his body. At the same time, the aura of Ghost Desire was also expelled.


    After carefully checking and confirming, Xu Qing looked at the setting sun outside the cabin. His gaze was deep as he mumbled.


    ¡°Very soon, I¡¯ll be able to have a good sleep.¡±


    He silently stood up and washed his body before closing his eyes to rest.


    A while later, the sun in the sky seemed to have given way to the moon. The sky started getting dark.


    The sparse stars in the sky were like fireflies in the cemetery. They were insignificant and only served as embellishment.


    This night was suitable for killing.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and quietly placed the black iron stick in his sleeve. He then sharpened the dagger and stuffed it into his shoe.


    After that, he checked his poison inventory and calmly arranged them. Only then did he walk out of the magic boat. His speed erupted and disappeared in an instant.


    The moonlight scattered on the ground, giving off a cold feeling. It shone on the cats that were moving forward in dark areas. It also shone on the figure of the youth who was like the wind and his lone wolf-like eyes, making his gaze look even colder.


    The sea breeze blew over, bringing with it a chill. It landed beside the youth and lifted his long robe, causing his black hair to flutter. However, it couldn¡¯t disperse the unique aura that permeated the main city that came from his mark.


    In the end, it turned into a whistling sound in the youth¡¯s ears, like a horn of killing intent.


    He was going to kill.

 Chapter 127 - Kill the Fish! (1)

    The night wind was like a blood-stained sickle, bringing with it a fishy smell and moisture. The messenger of death carried it as it wandered to every corner of the city.


    In the darkness, the messenger of death advanced without restraint. Under the horn of killing intent, it seemed to fuse with all the shadows in the city, continuously gathering and dispersing. It was enough to make all lives despair.


    Until¡­ in the midst of this pervasion, it encountered a person in a dark and distant corner.


    It was a figure dressed in a gray robe. In the dark night, his back view seemed as though it couldn¡¯t be cut by a blade or pierced by a needle. The chill he emitted seemed to block the starlight from the sky.


    It was suffocating.


    At this moment, it was as though the flowing river met the sea, as though the greedy jackals had met the wolf king.


    Its footsteps stopped, and its invisible pervading body fell silent. In the silence, it seemed to be observing until the gray figure slowly turned its head. His cold eyes revealed a calmness that was like a dark pool.


    It laughed.


    It was as though it had found its faith, as though it had found its kindred spirit. It carried the scythe of death and cheered around the gray figure, lifting his long hair and swaying his robe.


    ¡°The wind tonight is a little strong,¡± Xu Qing muttered softly. He then turned his head and continued to stare at a house in the darkness.


    The house in his eyes was like a coffin, emitting a deep and heavy sensation. That was the residence of the merfolk youth he had found during his investigation.


    The other party was different from the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples. He didn¡¯t seem to have the qualifications to own a magic boat. Hence, he could only choose to stay on the shore with his entourage.


    Xu Qing calmly stared at the house. He wasn¡¯t in a hurry. In this dark night, his even and light breathing was like ice water meandering, long and deep.


    He was waiting.


    The aura of the mark accurately told Xu Qing that the person he was waiting for was here.


    Also, judging from the pattern of the fish going out alone last time, this fish should head out in the next few days. And today, the fish was in a very bad mood.


    Xu Qing felt that there was a high chance he would get the opportunity tonight.


    Time flowed by. Two hours later, when the moon was once again covered by the dark clouds, a gust of night wind blew over. From the house that was already buried in the darkness, the sound of wind gusting could be heard.


    This sound caused this coffin-like house to feel even more desolate. It was like a low, hoarse moan before death, echoing in the quiet night sky.


    A figure appeared on the tall wall of the house.


    His gray Daoist robe couldn¡¯t hide the fishy smell that emanated from his body. His green gem-like eyes also didn¡¯t seem to be able to change his sinister nature.


    His loose robe that moved with the wind was like a silhouette, giving off a false sense of grandeur. However, it was only a thin layer, and it looked more like human skin that had been peeled off.


    He was none other than the merfolk youth.


    His mood was extremely bad. What happened during the day made him feel that he had suffered a great humiliation.


    ¡°So what if you¡¯re the Seventh Peak¡¯s Eldest Princess? Sooner or later, I¡¯ll cripple you and use your body to feed the spirits and maggots!¡± The merfolk youth gritted his teeth. Due to his bad mood, he chose to head out now which was a few days early. He felt that he had to vent his anger.


    As for the way to vent his anger, he had already gotten his two elder sisters to make arrangements. His enjoyment was not girls but children.


    This was a hobby he couldn¡¯t let too many people know about. He got joy from torturing children from other races.


    1


    His body swayed and he moved into the night.


    As he moved forward, his figure slowly blurred and eventually disappeared. Regardless of sight or perception, others would lose track of him. It was as though he no longer existed.


    However, the scent of the mark wouldn¡¯t disappear.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and watched as the other party¡¯s figure disappeared. His expression was calm as he silently walked into the night.


    The wind grew even stronger, like the clash between blades and air, echoing endlessly in this quiet night.


    An hour later, in a corner of an alley, the void distorted and the merfolk youth¡¯s figure reappeared. The instant his figure appeared, he sensed danger and retreated abruptly.


    However, it was still too late. A thick water curtain instantly formed behind him and even in the surroundings, directly enveloping the entire alley. The instant the alley was completely sealed off, a low roar rang out from the water curtain.


    A gigantic whale formed from a spell protruded from the water curtain and rapidly took shape.


    It exuded coldness and killing intent. It opened its mouth wide at the merfolk youth, revealing its sharp teeth. With an incomparably ferocious aura, it pounced over.


    The merfolk youth¡¯s gaze was sharp.


    ¡°Interesting. Since I¡¯m in a bad mood today, I¡¯ll play with you.¡±


    As he spoke, he raised his hands and was about to perform hand seals. However, at this moment, the shadows that had fused with the darkness instantly dispersed into numerous strands like ropes. They rapidly arrived from all directions and coiled around the arm of the merfolk youth, preventing him from completing his hand seals.


    At the same time as his palm was enveloped by the shadow ropes, the shadows also rapidly spread toward his neck.


    Regardless of whether it was his hands or the skin that was touched by the shadows, they all emitted a piercing pain as though they were rapidly corroding. This scene was too sudden, and the expression of the merfolk youth changed drastically for the first time.


    The intense life-and-death crisis and the intense piercing pain caused his breathing to become hurried. As he struggled, the whale formed by the water screen in front of him had already arrived in front of him. It directly swallowed him.


    However, the instant the whale swallowed, the merfolk youth let out a roar and a blue light erupted from his body. The beam of light was like a sharp thorn, attempting to chase away the shadows on his body while shooting out in all directions.

 Chapter 128 - : Kill the Fish! (2)

    The light beam directly collided with the incoming whale. The whale collapsed loudly, but it didn¡¯t scatter. Its remaining strength was still like waves crashing down with a boom.


    The merfolk youth¡¯s body trembled and he retreated, spurting out fresh blood. Taking advantage of the time when the blue light slowed down the strange shadow, he revealed a savage expression and was about to open his storage bag.


    However, at this moment, the shadow that pervaded his body erupted forth once again, wrapping around his hands once more. After stopping his movements, it continued to rapidly spread throughout his body.


    This scene completely shocked the merfolk youth. Right then, a black-colored cold light whistled over from the darkness and headed straight for his forehead.


    Behind this cold light, he saw a figure, a gray figure charging from the water screen ahead!


    The figure was as fast as a bolt of dark lightning.


    The figure was a young man. His black hair fluttered in the wind and he had no expression on his face. Only the light in his eyes revealed incomparable coldness amidst the calmness.


    Around him, the wind swirled as though it had turned into a sickle and there was an emissary of death beside him. With a sinister smile, the emissary lifted its black cloak and followed the young man.


    ¡°It¡¯s you!!¡± The merfolk youth recognized Xu Qing. In this life-and-death crisis, he suddenly spat out a stream of silver light.


    This silver light grew and instantly transformed into a huge flying wheel that whistled toward the black iron stick. The loud sound of weapons colliding rang out.


    Because the force contained was too great, both the flying wheel and the black iron stick were deflected during the collision. The collision and the deflection of the weapons couldn¡¯t stop the exchange of gazes between the merfolk youth and Xu Qing.


    The instant their gazes met, Xu Qing directly approached. At the same time, the cheeks of the merfolk youth swelled up abruptly, transforming into sharp thorns that seemed to grow on his face. This made him look sinister. He then quickly spat out a blue pearl.


    ¡°Die!¡± The merfolk youth let out a low roar. The blue pearl instantly erupted with an even more astonishing beam of light, directly enveloping the nearby Xu Qing.


    He was very confident that under his innate divine ability, unless one was a Foundation Building cultivator, even if they were at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm, very few people would be able to survive. The corners of his mouth curled into a sinister smile and he was about to continue suppressing the strange shadow on his body.


    However, at the next moment, his expression changed drastically following the rumbling from the blue beam of light ahead. He even looked horrified.


    Ahead, a gigantic figure stood up facing the light.


    That figure¡¯s entire body was pitch-black, and it had a single horn on its head. It was as diabolic as a malicious ghost, and its entire body was covered in rows of sharp spikes, looking like the leader of ghosts.


    It faced the blue light and let out a soundless roar. It then lifted its large hand and grabbed the light.


    It was¡­ kui shadow!


    Under the shadow of this gigantic black-colored kui, Xu Qing continued to charge toward the merfolk youth with an expressionless face.


    There were many wounds on his body that were caused by the beam of light, but they were healing at a speed visible to the naked eye. The killing intent in his eyes completely erupted at this moment.


    Be it when the merfolk youth tried to snatch the credit or the fight in the shop, Xu Qing didn¡¯t go all out. His shadow didn¡¯t move, his shadow didn¡¯t transform, and his recovery ability didn¡¯t appear.


    His true power and lethality was only revealed at the instant he went in for the kill.


    ¡°Qi and blood turning into shadow! And your cultivation! Impossible, your recovery ability, this¡­¡± The merfolk youth¡¯s expression revealed unprecedented horror. The life-and-death crisis transformed into horror in his eyes, and his words became incoherent.


    He wanted to open the storage bag and take out the jade slip to send a voice transmission for help. However, at this moment, the shadow seemed to be alive and could sense his thoughts. It bound his hands tightly, causing him to be unable to lift them or take out any items. Also, Xu Qing didn¡¯t waste any time and was already approaching. A cold light flashed in his right hand and a dagger appeared.


    Looking at the dagger, the merfolk youth let out a crazed roar. He couldn¡¯t care less about the shadow wrapping around his neck at this moment, nor did he have the time to care that the areas that were covered by the shadow were being corroded intensely. At this critical moment, his body suddenly swayed.


    He quickly lifted his legs, and they turned blurry in an instant, transforming into a black fishtail that blasted out with all its might toward the incoming Xu Qing. At this moment, his bloodline talent erupted completely, and an illusory merfolk figure formed outside his body, merging with his tail to form a powerful attack.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all, and his speed also didn¡¯t slow down. He instantly closed the distance and punched out with his left hand. The shadow behind him roared and also fused into it, landing at the same time.


    Skin ruptured and flesh broke.


    The huge fishtail directly shattered into pieces, and the mermaid phantom also exploded from the impact.


    The ground in the surroundings trembled violently, and a mournful cry came out from the mouth of the merfolk youth. However, the water curtain in the surroundings was too thick, and his voice was firmly sealed within the alley.


    ¡°Curse!!¡± Amidst the blood-curdling screeches, the eyes of the merfolk youth who had lost the lower half of his body turned red. As he roared, the flesh and blood of his broken fishtail seemed to have gained life and started burning. They then gathered from all directions toward where Xu Qing was at an extremely fast speed, enveloping him in an instant.


    Although the speed of convergence was fast, it wasn¡¯t faster than Xu Qing¡¯s speed. Almost at the instant the flesh and blood enveloped him, his body left behind an afterimage that was enveloped by the mermaid¡¯s blood and flesh curse due to his extreme speed.


    As for his true body, it appeared behind the merfolk youth. Before the flesh and blood of the fish tail could catch up, a cold dagger had already landed in front of the merfolk youth¡¯s neck while he was still in shock.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡­¡±


    The merfolk youth trembled, and his voice was sharp and hurried. However, he didn¡¯t have the chance to continue speaking. After he said those three words, the coldness on the dagger spread¡­


    Xu Qing ruthlessly sliced. He didn¡¯t have the habit of listening to last words.


    The familiar sound of cutting echoed.


    Fresh blood instantly gushed out, and the merfolk youth¡¯s body twitched intensely. He was like a fish whose neck had been chopped off on a chopping board.


    His eyes were wide open and he wanted to turn his head, but he was unable to do so. After a few breaths of air, before his consciousness dissipated, he finally saw Xu Qing¡¯s face above him.


    ¡°My clothes got dirty because of you,¡± Xu Qing said softly. This was the only thing he said from the start to the end.


    1


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Fresh blood was still seeping out of the merfolk youth¡¯s neck. He slowly stopped breathing. His eyes, which were still open, contained lingering longing for the world as well as disbelief. It was as though he had never expected that he, who was like heaven¡¯s chosen, would actually die here.


    He breathed his last.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He removed the runic treasure on his leg that boosted his speed and picked up the storage bag that the merfolk youth had no chance to open. He turned and walked out of the alley. The shadow on the merfolk youth¡¯s corpse quickly retreated and returned below Xu Qing¡¯s feet.


    Even when he reached the entrance of the alley, Xu Qing¡¯s footsteps didn¡¯t stop, nor did he turn his head to take a look. He merely lifted his right hand and grabbed backward.


    The water curtain that sealed the alley trembled intensely and began to move.


    From big to small, from the outside to the inside, with the merfolk¡¯s corpse as the center, it compressed at an astonishing speed. Finally, with a bang, all the pressure from the surrounding water curtains gathered on the merfolk youth¡¯s corpse.


    Amidst this sound, the merfolk¡¯s corpse and the minced meat in the alley completely disintegrated. There was nothing left, and his body and soul were destroyed.


    Xu Qing walked away.


    The water curtain slowly cascaded down, turning into water droplets that landed in this quiet alley, washing away everything.


    It cleaned the ground of all the blood and dirt. The rising sun in the distance shone on the puddles which refracted a dazzling light.


    From dusk until dawn, it was only an instant to the sky. It was the same for humans.


    It was like life and death.

 Chapter 129 - Ba Burns All Life (1)

    The morning wind blew at the harbor, causing the sails to flutter.


    However, there would always be a few strands of the wind that weren¡¯t satisfied with the swaying of the sails and attempted to lift the surface of the sea, causing the blue sea to slightly ripple. However, the sea was too deep, and the wind could only move past powerlessly. In fact, if it wasn¡¯t careful, some of the waves might even swallow it.


    It would be like a fish that overestimated itself and provoked an opponent it shouldn¡¯t have.


    1


    On the other hand, the light of dawn was much more composed than the wind. There wasn¡¯t much desire in it, and it quietly scattered onto the numerous boats, landing on Xu Qing who was calmly walking back.


    Whether it was killing someone or killing a fish, to Xu Qing, the moment the other party revealed his killing intent, the outcome was already decided.


    He wanted to survive, so any existence that threatened his safety would touch his red line.


    He knew life was inherently different between different beings while alive.


    The teacher from the slums had laughed at himself about this difference as he told the children, including Xu Qing, that if it was a prosperous time, those in power would cover it up. However, in troubled times, this was a deeply-rooted understanding.


    But Xu Qing also knew that to a certain extent, this world was fair.


    This was because after death, everything was removed. The final result was the same direction.


    Dying in an unknown alley was no different from dying in a wine pool piled with precious stones.


    ¡°Second highness was right. He is indeed stinky.¡± Xu Qing retracted his gaze from the sunrise and walked into the cabin. He then washed his body and lay down after the fishy smell was gone.


    It was his off day today, so he didn¡¯t need to go to the Homicide Department. Right now, he felt a sense of comfort from having fewer thorns in his heart. He felt that he could have a good sleep.


    However, before he slept, Xu Qing sat down cross-legged and took out the bamboo slip, crossing out the words ¡®merfolk youth¡¯ on it. He then glanced at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor who was ranked first, and killing intent rose in the depths of his eyes.


    ¡°Soona€|¡±


    As he mumbled, Xu Qing took out the storage bag of the merfolk youth.


    He was very curious as to what items were inside.


    After holding it for a while, Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and muttered for a moment. The spirit energy in his body instantly erupted and gushed into the storage bag. It wasn¡¯t as difficult as he had imagined. After the death of its owner, the mark on the storage bag had long since dissipated.


    This allowed Xu Qing¡¯s spirit energy to enter smoothly and check the items inside.


    A long time later, Xu Qing involuntarily inhaled.


    ¡°He¡¯s that rich?¡± Xu Qing mumbled. Although there were only slightly more than a hundred spirit stones in the storage bag, there were a total of twelve spirit tickets with the Sixth Peak¡¯s mark on them.


    Each of them was worth 100 spirit stones.


    Such a stroke of fortune caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to race. After all, this was a fortune he had never possessed before.


    However, he understood that for the sake of safety, he couldn¡¯t exchange these spirit tickets in the short term.


    Xu Qing calmed down and checked the other items. Other than spirit stones, there were three to five other treasures in the storage bag. As he waved his right hand, two talismans appeared before him.


    One was yellow, and the other was blue.


    The appearance of these two types of talismans shocked Xu Qing. Also, from the looks of the imprints on them, they were still mostly new. Evidently, they hadn¡¯t been used many times.


    Xu Qing sensed them and confirmed that the blue talisman was for protection and yellow for offense.


    ¡°If that fish managed to open his storage baga€|¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. He could imagine that if such a situation really happened, although he could still kill it, he would have to pay a huge price to end the battle quickly.


    ¡°So, the usage of shadows can actually be even more varied.¡± Xu Qing lowered his head and glanced at his own shadow. A faint light flashed in the depths of his eyes as he recalled the scene when the merfolk youth was entangled by the shadow. The shadow seemed to have come alive for a moment.


    ¡°Is it an illusion?¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and stared deeply at the shadow. He then touched his chest where the purple crystal was buried. A cold glint flashed in his eyes. He had sensed it many times and knew that the purple crystal had a restraining and suppressing effect on the shadow.


    Regardless of whether the shadow was alive or not, Xu Qing felt that he should try suppressing it first.


    He attempted to pour the spirit energy into the purple crystal. The process was a little rough, and Xu Qing only succeeded after several tries. The instant he succeeded, purple light shone from his entire body, forming a suppressive force that rumbled toward the shadow on the ground.


    The shadow instantly distorted and dimmed a little.


    Xu Qing took a closer look and was satisfied.


    He didn¡¯t want to waste his energy guessing whether the other party was alive or not. Even if his guess was wrong and there was no possibility of the shadow coming to life, doing this would only waste some spirit energy. He repeated this a few more times and suppressed it continuously before he stopped.


    Finally, he restrained his gaze and lifted his head as though nothing had happened. He then stored the two talismans.


    Next, he checked the storage bag again and took out two items. One was a nautical chart, and the markings on it were very detailed. It was much more comprehensive compared to the standard nautical chart of the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples.


    Even the location of Merfolk Island was marked on it. After Xu Qing checked, he felt that the value of this item was probably no less than a talisman.


    After all, for a disciple who cultivated the sea, the more comprehensive the nautical chart, the lesser the risk and the greater the harvest.


    Information was often more valuable than spirit stones.


    As for the last item, the degree of attention he paid to it even surpassed that of the talismans. This was because he had seen this item before, and he had one as well.

 Chapter 130 - Ba Burns All Life (2)

    It was a metal plate the size of a palm. It looked like a box but wasn¡¯t one.


    Looking at the metal plate in front of him, Xu Qing opened his storage bag and took out one as well.


    He had obtained the metal plate from the scavenger campsite¡¯s Horse-Four. Later on, Fat Mountain was also greedy for this item and intentionally gave Xu Qing a chance to make a move. However, he died with resentment.


    After placing the two pieces of metal together, Xu Qing observed them carefully and discovered that no matter how he looked at them, they were exactly the same.


    ¡°What exactly is this?¡± Xu Qing was very curious, and his eyes slowly narrowed.


    During this period of time, he had been to most of the shops at the port, but he hadn¡¯t seen such an item. However, be it Fat Mountain¡¯s greed back then or the storage bag of the young merfolk now, it showed that this metal piece wasn¡¯t as ordinary as it looked.


    ¡°I have to find an opportunity to find out what this item is used for.¡± Xu Qing muttered to himself, then he put everything away and looked at the sky outside. He then lay on the small bed and rested.


    He didn¡¯t rest for too long. Four hours later, when it was noon outside, Xu Qing opened his eyes and stretched his body. He was in good spirits and his body was in a rather full state.


    Most importantly, after the fight last night and today¡¯s relaxation, he had a strong feeling that his Mountains and Seas Art was very close to breaking through.


    ¡°I¡¯m already at the perfected seventh level. What will happen after I reach the eighth level¡­ I wonder if I¡¯ll have the combat strength to kill the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor then.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed anticipation. He felt that it had taken an extremely long time for his Mountains and Seas Art to go from the seventh level to the eighth level.


    It was as though the Mountains and Seas Art had been brewing some sort of transformation. It was only today that he sensed the aura of a breakthrough.


    Xu Qing sat down cross-legged and opened the spirit-gathering array on the magic boat. After he replaced the spirit stone, he closed his eyes and began to cultivate.


    Time flowed by. As he immersed himself in cultivation, the afternoon slowly passed. When night fell, Xu Qing, who was meditating, suddenly felt his body tremble. At this moment, all the flesh and blood in his body suddenly tensed up as though they were contracting.


    The cracking sounds of the bones growing rang out in his body, and blood vessels bulged out throughout his refined body. They were like numerous ferocious pythons spreading out. It was a shocking sight, but at the same time, there was a majestic power of qi and blood in his body that continued to flourish with each heartbeat.


    With every beat, his qi and blood grew stronger by a notch. As the power of qi and blood grew denser and denser, Kui shadow manifested above Xu Qing¡¯s head. It faced the sky and let out a soundless roar. Its expression was distorted as though it was enduring a tremendous tempering and was going through a transformation!


    When an ordinary person cultivated the Mountains and Seas Art to the great circle of perfection in body refinement, Kui shadow would be completely matured. However, Xu Qing¡¯s Mountains and Seas Art had already reached the great circle of perfection in advance when he was at the seventh level. After that, he cultivated according to the cultivation art, but he didn¡¯t know what would happen, nor did he know what would happen after he broke through to the eighth level of Mountains and Seas Art.


    However, he could sense that during this period of time when he was in the Seven Blood Eyes, as he cultivated the Mountains and Seas Art, his physical strength was increasing. Therefore, he also wanted to see what would happen when it grew to the extreme.


    After all, the cultivation of body refinement was the accumulation of strength, speed, and recovery.


    In reality, even the creator of the Mountains and Seas Art had probably never thought that there would be someone like Xu Qing, achieving perfection in advance, so even he would not know.


    After all, a low-level cultivation art like the Mountains and Seas Art was prepared for people with anomalous substances in their bodies. No one had ever cultivated the Mountains and Seas Art without any anomalous substances in their bodies like Xu Qing.


    As time flowed by, the veins on Xu Qing¡¯s body bulged more and more, and cracks seemed to appear on his skin inch by inch. A large amount of blood flowed out, and the qi and blood became even denser, as though they wanted to burst his body!


    It was as though Xu Qing¡¯s body had turned into a ceramic pot at this moment. The qi and blood in it erupted, and it looked like it was about to shatter.


    However, at this moment, for the first time, a purple light bloomed in advance. It spread out from his chest and filled his entire body. As it rapidly repaired the wound, it was also doing its best to compress it.


    This caused his body to be even more refined. At the same time, an intense pain that couldn¡¯t be described with words spread out in Xu Qing¡¯s body and mind.


    His bones were shattering, his flesh and blood were crumbling, and his entire body seemed like it couldn¡¯t hold on any longer. However, the light from the purple crystal continued to repair him.


    As the cycle repeated, the qi and blood became even stronger. Even the array in the cabin couldn¡¯t conceal it, causing quite a bit of it to spread out. From afar, the magic boat Xu Qing was on seemed to have been dyed red.


    As the dense blood and qi spread out in all directions, it also attracted the attention of the Port 79¡¯s disciples. Amidst their astonishment, Xu Qing abruptly opened his bloodshot eyes on the magic boat.


    The instant he opened his eyes, a heaven-shaking boom that contained a syllable of a character exploded in Xu Qing¡¯s mind like thunder. This earth-shattering sound caused Xu Qing¡¯s entire body to tremble violently. The Kui shadow above his head let out an even more intense roar at this moment. Its illusory body then directly tore apart, revealing¡­ a newborn body!


    Its tall body was completely green and exuded a sense of violence, as well as an incomparably strange feeling. All of its visible skin was dry and cracked, and there were clear cracks that looked like dry land. It had a head of disheveled dry hair that draped over its shoulders, and its pair of crimson eyes were filled with madness.


    Its mouth was filled with fangs, and the black horn on its head was coiled with lightning. Everything revealed its savageness and cruelty. As it roared at the sky, it seemed as though it wanted to tear apart the sky that enveloped all living beings.


    It was as though the two poles had reversed. What appeared around it was no longer water vapor but a black flame that burned in all directions, as though it could burn everything.


    To be precise, it wasn¡¯t fire, but a state where everything dried up after the moisture was absorbed to the extreme.


    ¡°Ba1!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he mumbled. This word was the syllable that echoed in his mind earlier. It was also the qi and blood shadow that appeared on its own after the Mountains and Seas Art broke through its original level!


    It had surpassed Kui!


    Xiao could move mountains, Kui could overturn seas, and Ba could burn all lives.


    As Xu Qing spoke, a surge of energy that was much more exuberant than before erupted in his body and spread through his entire body.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and abruptly stood up. The refined physical strength contained in his slender body broke through the shackles and reached a realm that surpassed the Qi Condensation Realm!


    At this moment, the magic boat¡¯s protective barrier couldn¡¯t hold on any longer and shattered. Even the hold of the ship was in a similar state, with many pieces of it shattered.


    This caused the expressions of the disciples in Port 79 who were paying attention to this to change completely. Their eyes widened and their hearts pounded in fear. A rumbling sound rang out in their minds as they all looked toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He didn¡¯t expect that his breakthrough in the Mountains and Seas Art would cause such a commotion. Also, he could sense that his Sea Transformation Art was circulating in his body with the eruption of the Mountains and Seas Art. It seemed like it was about to break through as well.


    ¡°Congratulations, Senior Brother Xu Qing!¡±


    ¡°Congratulations, Senior Brother!¡±


    Under Xu Qing¡¯s silence, the surrounding disciples on the magic boats breathed heavily and cupped their fists respectfully at Xu Qing.


    Respect was due to one¡¯s strength.


    It was the same for the title of Senior Brother.


    To be able to cause such a commotion during cultivation and even cause the defense of the level-six magic boat to collapse, one could imagine how powerful Xu Qing was. This was especially so for Xu Qing at this moment. In the disciples¡¯ eyes, the pressure he emitted was so intense that it caused their bodies and minds to tremble intensely!


    That was a kind of pressure that came from an expert!

 Chapter 131 - Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale (1)

    The moonlight scattered onto the surface of the sea, landing on the magic boat with the collapsed protective array. It also landed on Xu Qing¡¯s side. He listened to the respectful voices of the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples outside with a dazed expression.


    Although the breakthrough this time was within his expectations, the dangers in the process made his heart palpitate at this moment. This was especially so when he thought of the feeling of his body wanting to shatter when he broke through with the Mountains and Seas Art. Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but take a deep breath.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the recovery ability of the purple crystal, his body would probably have collapsed and died before the Ba shadow could appear. However, the increase in strength from such a dangerous situation was equally shocking.


    The Ba shadow above his head was slowly dissipating and the terrifying power surging forth from it caused Xu Qing to reveal a hint of anticipation.


    A long time later, Xu Qing walked out of the cabin. Under the moonlight, he stood tall and straight like a pine tree. His handsome face had a hint of coldness to it, as though it was carved from stone. There was a mystical charm to it that vaguely hinted a breakthrough in the Mountains and Seas Art.


    ¡°Thank you, fellow disciples.¡± Standing in the boat, Xu Qing calmly cupped his fists and bowed to the surrounding disciples.


    Immediately, the surrounding disciples on the magic boats returned the greeting. It was as though they could tell that the fluctuations from Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation hadn¡¯t dissipated. Hence, most of them guessed that this breakthrough wasn¡¯t the outcome of simply tonight¡¯s cultivation.


    After returning the greeting, everyone sensibly returned to their cabins and didn¡¯t disturb Xu Qing.


    This scene would have been inconceivable if it was a few months ago when Xu Qing had just arrived at the Seven Blood Eyes. But now, it had appeared.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and returned to the cabin. He sat down cross-legged and glanced at the spirit stone that was filled with cracks in the spirit gathering array. He then glanced at the dilapidated cabin and frowned slightly.


    He knew that the collapse of the protective barrier was due to the huge fluctuation that erupted in that instant. As the core of the barrier, the spirit stones couldn¡¯t withstand it and shattered.


    ¡°I wonder if the next breakthrough of the Mountains and Seas Art will still be like this¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. His heart still palpitated, but he felt even more heartache. After all, repairing the magic boat required money.


    However, when he thought of the harvest he gained from killing the merfolk youth, he felt slightly better.


    Now wasn¡¯t the time to care about these. Xu Qing calmed the palpitations in his heart from breaking through with the Mountains and Seas Art. He could sense that his Sea Transformation Art was rumbling and churning in his body, as though it was about to break through as well.


    He took a deep breath and replaced the useless spirit stone in the spirit gathering array with a new one.


    At the next moment, the protective barrier on the magic boat was activated again.


    Looking at the moonlight falling from the damaged cabin, Xu Qing pondered for a moment before deciding to put in another spirit stone. As he performed a series of hand seals, the magic boat rumbled. With the two spirit stones as the core, the protective barrier was even thicker. It was so thick that even the moonlight was obscured.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes. He then sensed that the amount of boundless energy bursting forth from his body at this moment was several times greater than before.


    One had to know that Xu Qing¡¯s previous strength was already at the level of perfection in the Mountains and Seas Art. Now that he had broken through, it was like he had broken some sort of shackles, allowing his physical strength to reach an even higher level.


    This power was so strong that Xu Qing had a feeling that even without using the Sea Transformation Art¡¯s spell, he would be able to frighten Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor with just a full-strength punch from the Mountains and Seas Art.


    After all, he was the first person in history to cultivate the Mountains and Seas Art to such an extent.


    Before him, Kui shadow was already the limit. Now that the Kui shadow had transformed into an unprecedented Ba, not only did it contain the aura of the mountains and seas, but it also contained endless scorching flames.


    The madness that wanted to evaporate all moisture and burn all living beings was still lingering in Xu Qing¡¯s perception.


    And this was only the eighth level. The Ba shadow was only newborn and hadn¡¯t reached the complete state. Xu Qing couldn¡¯t imagine what it would look like after the ninth level. Also, when the art reached the tenth level, would the Ba shadow transform?


    No one could guide him on the path of the Mountains and Seas Art. Even the person who created this cultivation art couldn¡¯t do it.


    Xu Qing fell silent. After a long time, a glint flashed in his eyes. He closed his eyes again and began to circulate the Sea Transformation Art.


    Time slowly passed. Two hours later, the wind stirred in Port 79¡­


    This wind blew across the surface of the sea and gathered on Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat, forming a vortex. It was like a black hole that swept the spirit energy from all directions over with rumbling sounds.


    The surface of the sea swayed, and all the boats were swaying. The Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples also focused their attention on the source of all this, as though they wanted to witness Xu Qing¡¯s rise.


    Boundless spirit energy rushed into Xu Qing¡¯s boat from all directions and into his body. The spirit sea formed by the Sea Transformation Art in his body soared in all directions.


    The increase in each level of the Sea Transformation Art seemed to only increase the spirit sea by 100 feet, but in reality, this increase was in all aspects. Regardless of length or depth, it was like the difference between a small circle and a large circle.


    The depth was even more so. Xu Qing already had the foundation to break through and now that the spirit energy that contained the aura of the forbidden sea arrived, his body instantly rumbled. Waves of cracking sounds echoed in his mind and the spirit sea in Xu Qing¡¯s body expanded abruptly.


    The spirit sea directly broke through the last ten feet and reached 800 feet.


    The instant it reached 800 feet, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled violently. Endless spirit energy quickly filled up the additional ten feet and it wasn¡¯t over. It was still expanding.


    820 feet, 830 feet, 840 feet¡­


    Only when it reached 870 feet did the spirit sea in Xu Qing¡¯s body feel saturated. As Xu Qing opened his eyes, amidst the dazzling purple light, there was an increasingly obvious extraordinariness.

 Chapter 132 - Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale (2)

    ¡°Dragonwhale.¡± Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and mumbled as he waved his right hand. Immediately, a dragon roar rang out from his body and a gigantic head that looked like a dragon or a whale drilled out of Xu Qing¡¯s chest.


    It was completely black and gave off an extremely profound feeling. At the same time, it emitted a shocking aura.


    It roared and rushed out of Xu Qing¡¯s body and grew larger and larger. It broke through the protective barrier and charged into the sky. As it roared at the sky, its entire body was revealed!


    Its huge body that was 800 feet long emitted a soul-stirring aura. Each of its fluttering tentacles emitted a blue fluorescent light.


    With its appearance, the surface of the sea instantly rumbled, as though it was attracted by it and formed a huge wave. As for this dragonwhale, even if it only slammed down, it was enough to cause earthquakes and floods.


    The disciples on the surrounding magic boats were all shocked.


    ¡°Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale!¡±


    ¡°This is a special spell of the eighth level of the Sea Transformation Art. However, not everyone can form a Dragonwhale at the eighth level. This requires extreme mastery!¡±


    ¡°The physical strength Xu Qing emitted earlier was already shocking. Now, his spell has actually reached the eighth level¡­¡±


    ¡°Such combat strength¡­¡±


    Everyone gasped.


    Xu Qing was still sitting cross-legged on the magic boat. He looked at the dragonwhale moving in the sky, his eyes revealing an intense light. He had been waiting for this day.


    According to the records in the Sea Transformation Art, when one cultivated it to the eighth level, one¡¯s 800-foot-high spirit sea could transform into a Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale. This dragonwhale was formed by a spell and would exist forever.


    It would swim in the sea and accompany the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciple¡¯s boat.


    This allowed the disciples of the Seventh Peak to obtain even greater help when they went out to sea.


    However, to form the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale, the cultivator needed extreme mastery over the art, not all eighth level disciples could accomplish it.


    ¡°I¡¯ve finally reached this level.¡± As Xu Qing mumbled, with a thought, the dragonwhale that was growling in the air suddenly swayed and landed on the surface of the sea, stirring up a large amount of seawater. Its figure also fused into the sea and disappeared.


    Only Xu Qing could condense its figure in the sea with a thought.


    The existence of the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale was actually a watershed for the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples!


    ¡°If I encounter the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor at sea now, there¡¯s a high chance that I can kill him!¡± A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Even if the battle is not on the sea, I will have a chance of heavily injuring the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor if I spare no expense!¡±


    ¡°Now, I have to head out to sea first. I have to temper my cultivation and gather resources. When I return, I will think of ways to kill the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor as soon as possible!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go and increase the level of my magic boat at dawn. If it is refined quickly, I¡¯ll set off tomorrow. If it is late, I¡¯ll head out to sea the day after tomorrow!¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath. He could sense that his shadow had become more agile with the double breakthrough in his cultivation and body.


    This made him even more confident.


    At the same time as Xu Qing¡¯s Dragonwhale formed and roared, its roar spread throughout the ports, so many disciples from the other ports also heard it.


    This sound was very special. Outsiders might not be able to tell but to the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples, they were familiar with it.


    ¡°Someone else has reached the eighth level and even formed the dragonwhale. This aura isn¡¯t ordinary¡­ Interesting.¡±


    In Port 32, in the Coast Guard Department, a huge departmental battleship was slowly sailing out of the harbor. Unlike the magic boats of the other disciples, the battleship of the Coast Guard Department was specially made by the sect.


    A gray-robed youth stood on the battleship. This youth¡¯s entire body emitted powerful fluctuations. Under his blue hair were golden eyes. He stared into the distance and muttered.


    ¡°Senior Brother Ding, do you need us to make some inquiries?¡± Seven to eight Coast Guard Department disciples followed behind him. At that moment, one of them spoke in a low voice.


    Zhou Qingpeng was among them. He was at the back, wearing a cautious expression.


    Clearly, he had accomplished what he had said at the gathering that day and was introduced to the heaven chosen of the Coast Guard Department. It was the blue-haired youth, he was none other than Ding Xiaohai, who was known as the number one Qi Condensation cultivator on the Seventh Peak. Even some core disciples had to treat him as a fellow Daoist.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it after we return,¡± Ding Xiaohai said calmly and retracted his gaze.


    At the same time, in the Homicide Department, the captain of Team Six was lying comfortably on a chair. He held a rare pentagon-shaped fruit in his hand and was happily eating a corner. He seemed to have sensed something as he looked toward the direction of Port 79 and smiled.


    ¡°This is because his mood is clear, so he broke through. It¡¯s simple and direct. This kid¡­ I like him, but he¡¯s still a little weak. How can my team member be so weak? Should I find him a few more people to kill?¡±


    The captain of Team Six was indeed the pervert that Zhang San had mentioned. He actually put down the fruit and seriously pondered over this question.


    On this night, Xu Qing¡¯s dragonwhale attracted the attention of many people on the Seventh Peak, causing people to have mixed feelings. Some were filled with anticipation, some were envious, and some were jealous.


    However, there were also people who were extremely angry and sad but couldn¡¯t find an outlet to vent their anger.


    They were the cultivators of the merfolk race.


    At this moment, in the alley where the merfolk youth died, several figures appeared. The two people in front, one tall and one short, were none other than the older sisters of the merfolk youth, and were also the third highness¡¯ lovers.


    Among them, the elder sister seemed very calm, but the younger sister beside her was trembling. Her breathing was hurried and the glands on her face were standing up. Her eyes revealed monstrous killing intent.


    At the side, there was an old man from the merfolk race. He stood there bitterly and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°His Highness¡¯ aura disappeared here, but the traces have all been dealt with. However, with His Highness¡¯ strength and identity, there¡¯s a high chance that he isn¡¯t dead. He just disappeared, I wonder if his life slip in the clan¡­¡±


    ¡°His Highness¡¯ life slip has¡­ shattered.¡± Before the old man could finish speaking, the younger sister of the two merfolk women gritted her teeth and spoke.


    The old man fell silent and his face gradually turned pale.


    As a Dao Protector, he knew what his end would be. However, it was His Highness¡¯ request that he was strictly not allowed to follow, and he also had roughly guessed His Highness¡¯ hobby.


    However, no matter what, he never expected such a thing to happen¡­


    ¡°Could it be the higher-ups of the Seven Blood Eyes?¡± The old man hesitated.


    ¡°If the higher-ups of the Seven Blood Eyes wanted to kill, do they need to hide it?¡±


    ¡°Continue investigating, especially since His Highness has a wish box in his storage bag. This item is extremely important and can¡¯t fall into the hands of others.¡± Among the merfolk women, the elder sister took a deep breath and coldly spoke.


    ¡°Sister, His Highness has fallen, we must take revenge for His Highness. Why are you still paying attention to the wish box!!¡± The younger sister glared at her angrily.


    ¡°You should know the importance of the wish box. That¡¯s a gift from the previous era.¡±


    ¡°I only know that His Highness has fallen. We have to find the murderer!¡±


    The two sisters¡¯ gazes met. After a long time, the older sister calmly spoke.


    ¡°You take revenge and I¡¯ll take the box. We can do this both. As a member of the royal family, His Highness has the Bloodline Mark on him. If we encounter a killer at close range, we will sense it.¡±


    1


    ¡°Now, go and search for everyone who had conflicts with His Highness during this period of time, including the families of the people he killed. We have to search and investigate them one by one. I really want to know who has the guts to kill my race¡¯s young master!¡±


    ¡°After I find him, I¡¯ll torture him and make him and his entire family wish they were dead. They¡¯ll wail in pain and their souls will be stuffed into the fish and prawns. I¡¯ll bite them into pieces and swallow them alive!!¡± The younger sister gritted her teeth and revealed madness in her eyes.


    1

 Chapter 133 - Zhang Sans Investment (1)

    To most people in the Seven Blood Eyes, this night was no different from usual. However, to some people, it was a little different.


    Some sighed with emotion. They envied him for being extraordinary.


    Some were furious and swore to tear him into pieces.


    Someone was sitting in a rocking chair, and the fruit pits beside him had piled like a hill.


    Someone in the inn felt bitter and panicked.


    Sometimes, to judge whether a person had integrated into the environment, you didn¡¯t have to look at their achievements or actions, but look at how many people¡¯s emotions they could stir.


    The envious disciples in Port 79, the hysterical merfolk cultivators, the captain of Team Six who had a mountain of fruit pits piled beside him, and the flustered Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    However, no matter what, when the morning light scattered down, the thoughts of the night also slowly faded. It was like people left the scene after dancing merrily the whole night.


    Hence, when the morning light scattered down from the dilapidated cabin and reflected outside Xu Qing¡¯s eyelids, he opened his eyes and fused the energy in his eyelids with the brightness of the outside world.


    His eyes, which were revealed under the sunlight, were sparkling. Just like the morning sun outside, they were filled with anticipation for the future.


    ¡°I wonder if the morning on the sea will have a different charm,¡± Xu Qing mumbled softly. There was yearning in the depths of his eyes as he stood up.


    He had many things to do today.


    Firstly, he had to make a trip to the Homicide Department to apply for a long leave for the trip out to sea. This process wasn¡¯t complicated in the Homicide Department. Most of the time, the disciples of the Seventh Peak weren¡¯t at the port. Since they cultivated the sea, they naturally had to go out to sea.


    After he came to the Homicide Department to report, Xu Qing completed a series of procedures and obtained a 40-day leave. If he returned early, he could cancel the remaining leave. If the time was delayed, he could also make up for it later.


    It was still early when he finished all these, but Xu Qing¡¯s pace didn¡¯t slow down. He went to the shops of the Sixth Peak. Although the previous event was not likely to happen again, he had no choice but to be wary. Hence, he spent some effort searching for a shop.


    However, in the end, Xu Qing still hesitated. He looked at a shop and was about to enter when the captain¡¯s voice transmission came in his identity token.


    ¡°Xu Qing, have you forgotten something?¡±


    Xu Qing started as he pondered.


    ¡°Forget it, I¡¯ll make it clear. Xu Qing, when are you going to return the 500 spirit stones you owe me?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he replied.


    ¡°100 spirit stones!¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright. I won¡¯t argue with you so much. 300 it is. When are you going to give it to me?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and took out the bamboo slip with the enemy¡¯s names engraved on it. He then crossed out the question mark behind the word ¡®captain¡¯.


    1


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything? I saw that you , kid, applied for leave from the department. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re going out to sea to escape your debt? Forget it, forget it. It¡¯s very dangerous to go out to sea and it demands a lot from the magic boat. In order to not let you die outside and cause my 500 spirit stones to go down the drain, let me remind you that you should look for Zhang San to refine the magic boat!¡±


    ¡°Zhang San?¡± Xu Qing was a little puzzled.


    When he spoke of Zhang San, the captain seemed to have gotten more interested. He gave some pointers in the voice transmission and even told Xu Qing how to react and speak before ending the voice transmission.


    Xu Qing stood and pondered for a long time. In the end, he looked for Zhang San from the Transportation Department with doubts.


    When he arrived at the Transportation Department, Zhang San was squatting on a pile of goods and smoking a pipe. Like an old man, his expression was tranquil as he enjoyed the flavor of tobacco and sunlight. From time to time, he would shout a few times to instruct the handymen of the Transportation Department to work.


    When he saw Xu Qing¡¯s figure, Zhang San¡¯s eyelids narrowed slightly. After sizing him up carefully, his eyes lit up.


    ¡°Ah, how is Junior Brother Xu so free to come to my place today?¡±


    Xu Qing walked closer and looked at Zhang San, who was squatting on the goods. He then leaped onto the goods as well. However, this time, before he could approach a certain distance, Zhang San quickly moved further away.


    Xu Qing glanced at Zhang San and squatted down.


    Zhang San smiled as he looked at Xu Qing under the sunlight, especially his side profile that was enough to make the opposite sex infatuated. He couldn¡¯t help but mutter a few words in his heart but his expression didn¡¯t reveal it at all.


    ¡°It¡¯s better to squat down.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang, I want to refine and upgrade my magic boat.¡±


    ¡°Refining a magic boat? Who told you to look for me? Your captain?¡± Zhang San was stunned.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He took out two apples and gave one to Zhang San.


    Zhang San instinctively took the apple. After he held it in his hand, he suddenly regretted it and wanted to return it. However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t take it.


    Zhang San smiled bitterly, and a hint of contemplation slowly appeared in his eyes. After weighing the apple in his hand, he looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing tilted his head and looked at him.


    A long time later, Zhang San suddenly laughed.


    ¡°Promise me one thing and I¡¯ll help you refine it.¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang, please speak.¡± Xu Qing noticed the words in the other party¡¯s words. He wasn¡¯t going to look for someone to refine the magic boat, but was personally refining it.


    ¡°When you look at me in the future, can you not stare at my neck? It¡¯s such a hot day, but I feel cold.¡± Zhang San winked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing thought about it and shifted his gaze to look into Zhang San¡¯s eyes.


    1


    Zhang San patted his head and sighed.


    ¡°Your gaze always makes me feel strange. It¡¯s as though the area you look at will be injured. Forget it, forget it. It¡¯s very rare for you to change your gaze. I¡¯ll help you refine it. However, I¡¯ll say this in advance. My refinement is very expensive¡­¡± As he spoke, Zhang San jumped down from the goods and waved at Xu Qing.

 Chapter 134 - Zhang Sans Investment (2)

    Xu Qing stood up and cupped his fists as he followed. Very soon, the two of them arrived at the back of the Transportation Department. There was a huge warehouse there. When he pushed open the door of the warehouse, the light formed by countless refining materials spread out resplendently.


    Xu Qing was stunned. He noticed that the types and quality of the materials inside were extraordinary, especially when he saw seven to eight broken magic boats. There was even a half-baked battleship from the Coast Guard Department that was being assembled in the distance¡­


    There were also boats from other races scattered in all directions. All of this made him involuntarily gasp. In a daze, he felt as though he had gone to the shops on the Sixth Peak.


    He couldn¡¯t help but look at the smug Zhang San.


    ¡°How is it? Let me tell you, among the entire Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples, I¡¯m not good at fighting and my cultivation level is average. However, when it comes to refining boats, hmph, there aren¡¯t many Sixth Peak¡¯s disciples who are better at it than me. The items in the dozen or so warehouses in the surroundings are all my works.¡± Zhang San placed his hands behind his back and spoke proudly.


    ¡°Also, no one dares to snatch them!¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang is really a disciple of the Seventh Peak?¡± Xu Qing hesitated for a moment and recalled the captain¡¯s words. Hence, he tried his best to widen his eyes and put on a stunned expression as he asked.


    1


    ¡°Your captain asked the same question back then. Hahaha, it¡¯s a pity that I discovered my talent too late. Otherwise, I would be a core disciple of the Sixth Peak now.¡± Zhang San enjoyed Xu Qing¡¯s expression very much and felt very comfortable.


    ¡°Let me see your magic boat.¡±


    Respect appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He took out the small bottle which contained his magic boat and handed it over. After Zhang San took it and swept his gaze over it, he frowned slightly but didn¡¯t say anything. Just as he was about to take it to refine, Xu Qing hesitated for a moment. He then thought of the words his captain had imparted to him and spoke.


    ¡°Third Senior Brother Zhang, I think my magic boat is not bad. Many places inside have reached a high standard.¡±


    ¡°Not bad? High standard?¡± Zhang San stopped in his tracks and his brows furrowed, forming an inverted ¡®°Ë¡¯ shape.


    ¡°Your boat is a mess. Forget about the materials, the technique is extremely bad. Also, there are flaws in the array formation on both sides of the ship.¡±


    ¡°The scales are not stuck properly either. They have destroyed the structure of the magic boat. This will definitely affect the spirit gathering array. One look and I can tell that it was refined by those trash disciples of the Sixth Peak.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also the bow and stern of the boat. This is a level six boat, not level one. The focus isn¡¯t on the shape but the internal substance¡­ Why is it made so gorgeously? To attract the enemy?!¡±


    ¡°Practicality is the best choice.¡±


    ¡°Trash, the refinement is too trashy. It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t go out to sea, but once you take it to sea and encounter a storm or a large sea monster, it won¡¯t have enough strength, firmness, stability, and reliability. It¡¯s already the limit if it can maintain a certain watertightness.¡±


    Zhang San looked at the magic boat in the small bottle and criticized.


    When Xu Qing heard this, his heart trembled. He felt that the other party¡¯s words were very professional. He became even more respectful and cupped his fists and bowed to Zhang San.


    Seeing Xu Qing like this, Zhang San felt smug and very comfortable. He liked to see those fellow disciples who were usually respected by others admire him in his profession. Back then, the captain was like this, although he had lost a lot of spirit stones after the incident¡­


    He originally didn¡¯t want to criticize this time around and only planned to refine it simply. However, Xu Qing¡¯s ¡®not bad¡¯ remark made him unable to hold his words in.


    Zhang San didn¡¯t have any ill intentions. What he said was correct. For ordinary disciples, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem to take such a magic boat to sea. However, Xu Qing¡¯s combat strength determined that he would challenge stronger sea beasts and head to more dangerous areas. In that case, such a magic boat was naturally not suitable.


    ¡°Judging from what you want, it should be sturdiness. Let me help you with it. I guarantee that when you take the magic boat to the sea, even if you encounter an impact from a giant beast, as long as the giant beast hasn¡¯t reached the Foundation Building realm, your magic boat will be able to withstand it multiple times. Even if it shatters, it will be very difficult for it to disintegrate!¡± Zhang San waved his hand proudly.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn. After that, he took out the spirit stones from his pouch.


    ¡°I have 200 spirit stones here and I need to reserve some for my trip to the sea. I wonder¡­¡± Xu Qing was a little hesitant. He felt that his spirit stones shouldn¡¯t be enough.


    Zhang San¡¯s eyes swept over and then looked at Xu Qing. The words of the captain of Team Six and what he had seen and heard in the Sixth Peak¡¯s shop surfaced in his mind. He then thought of the dragonwhale¡¯s cry last night and the spirit energy fluctuations he had sensed from the other party earlier. Finally, he thought of the straightforward criticism he had given earlier and the comfort he had obtained. Hence, he endured his heartache and pretended to be relaxed.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. You might have a bright future. Back then, I invested in your captain. Let me consider this as an investment too. Come and collect it tonight.¡± As Zhang San spoke, he began to get busy.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and cast a deep glance at Zhang San before thanking him solemnly. He then cupped his fists and bowed deeply before leaving.


    It was only after Xu Qing had walked far away that Zhang San let out a long sigh and muttered with a frown.


    ¡°I¡¯ve made a loss. Every time I see these people who cultivate quickly, why can¡¯t I stop myself from showing off my skills? I could have casually refined it, but now¡­ I have to live up to my words.¡±


    ¡°Eh, that¡¯s not right. Why does this kid¡¯s demeanor look a little similar to his captain¡¯s¡­ However, his captain is petty. Back then, he didn¡¯t give a single spirit stone. This kid has a more conscience than his captain.¡±


    However, at the end of the day, he knew that he did this because of the captain¡¯s recommendation. Secondly, he trusted the captain¡¯s judgment.


    ¡°This investment shouldn¡¯t be a loss!¡±


    Over the years, he was able to go from being truly unknown to being deliberately unknown now. Moreover, he had such wealth and controlled the Transportation Department. The reason why no one came to snatch his wealth was because he had refined a boat for the captain back then.


    After Xu Qing left the Transportation Department, his expression was strange. He took out the voice transmission jade slip and hesitated for a moment before transmitting his voice to the captain.


    ¡°Captain, is this okay?¡±


    ¡°You followed what I told you, right?¡±


    ¡°I did¡­¡±


    ¡°Haha, that¡¯s good then. Zhang San is one of us. This guy is a big shot. If you think you have taken advantage of him, help him more in the future.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded seriously. He took out the bamboo slip and wrote Zhang San¡¯s name on the other side. After that, he flipped it over and looked at the side with the enemy engraved on it. He then added a question mark behind the captain again.


    1


    At this moment, in the Homicide Department, the captain of Team Six was smiling as he ate the strange fruits that couldn¡¯t be bought in the main city. They were only produced on islands of the nonhuman races in the sea.


    After he finished eating, he put down the voice transmission jade slip and picked up a document that reported Zhang San. It mentioned that when Zhang San was out on a mission, he was bloody and brutal and had killed too many people. He also robbed foreign merchant ships. There was strong protest against Zhang San in the document and requested for severe punishment.


    Glancing at the document, the captain chuckled. With a wave of his hand, the document burned and turned into ashes.


    ¡°My friend, as long as you don¡¯t betray me, no one can touch you.¡±

 Chapter 135 - Newbie Goes Out to Sea

    It was noon and the sun was scorching.


    Xu Qing walked on the streets and told himself that when he could help in the future, he had to help Zhang San to repay the favor he owed him for refining the boat this time. Also, he would repay Zhou Qingpeng for the Ghost Desires when the time was right.


    Although he hadn¡¯t seen the appearance of the magic boat after refining, Xu Qing felt that the spirit stones Zhang San used to refine the magic boat must have far exceeded 200.


    After memorizing this matter, Xu Qing observed the crowd in the surroundings. He didn¡¯t see any difference from the past.


    It seemed that the death of the merfolk youth didn¡¯t cause any waves in the main city. It was the same for the Homicide Department. Of course, it was also possible that not many people knew about it right now.


    Xu Qing pondered as he walked toward the Sea Records Library in the city.


    The Sea Records Library was a place every disciple had to go to before they went out to sea for the first time.


    This was because the Sea Records Library stored extremely precious information. It was a comprehensive record of all sorts of strange things that countless Seven Blood Eyes disciples had experienced when they went out to sea over the years, as well as countless information about sea beasts.


    Its value was immeasurable.


    Therefore, the books could not be copied. If someone wanted to check them, they could only personally go over and spend some fees to read the records.


    Other than that, if a disciple went out to sea and encountered a strange thing or a new sea beast, they could also report it to the Sea Records Library. If it was confirmed to be true, they would be rewarded handsomely. The more precious the information, the richer the reward.


    However, if there was no conclusive evidence and it was only one-sided information, the review period would usually be extremely long because it was impossible to determine if it was true or false. It wasn¡¯t impossible for the review period to last for hundreds of years. This also prevented the occurrence of disciples trying to fabricate stories to get rewards.


    Unproven information would not be registered in the library.


    The records that could be listed in the library were all true and had been confirmed many times.


    Xu Qing read the records very seriously. He knew that any piece of information here might save his life at a critical moment.


    He was also certain of the direction he should head to in the sea.


    The nautical chart he found in the merfolk youth¡¯s storage bag was very comprehensive and detailed. After Xu Qing studied it, he decided that his ultimate goal for this trip to the sea was an island marked on the map.


    This island was behind an archipelago called the Western Reef. That place was filled with hidden reefs and was very dangerous. Because it was the place where the nearby sea lizards shed their skin, it was known as Sea Lizard Island.


    Sea lizards were ferocious and rarely seen. They were social creatures and were mostly in the deep sea. They would only come out of sea when they shed their skin. Moreover, the skin they shed had to be obtained in an extremely short period of time for it to be of value. After a while, their spirituality would dissipate and they would be worthless.


    Hence, it was extremely difficult for outsiders to obtain it.


    Moreover, because its defense far surpassed that of similar materials, it was considered a high-tier material among the magic boat materials. It couldn¡¯t be compared to mid-tier and low-tier materials. Xu Qing had seen it in the Sixth Peak¡¯s shop before. It was just the skin of a sea lizard at the third level of Qi Condensation, but it cost 30 spirit stones per piece.


    Moreover, the price would skyrocket along with the cultivation of the sea lizard. The fifth level Qi Condensation sea lizard skin already cost 150 spirit stones. Xu Qing had even seen an eighth level Qi Condensation sea lizard skin that was priced at 500 to 600 spirit stones.


    Such astonishing value caused this Sea Lizard Island to attract the ferocious cultivators of the nonhuman races on the forbidden sea all year round. It was extremely dangerous.


    If one didn¡¯t have a certain level of strength, they would only have a slim chance of survival if they headed there.


    Xu Qing¡¯s target was this Sea Lizard Island.


    Time slowly passed by as he flipped through the records. Unknowingly, it was already dusk. Xu Qing finally remembered all the contents of the thick book. He closed his eyes and recalled before turning to leave.


    ¡°Everything is ready. I just need to wait for the magic boat.¡± Walking on the streets at dusk, Xu Qing looked at the sea. The sound of waves rang out in his ears and his eyes revealed anticipation.


    Finally, when dusk was far away and the bright moon rose, Xu Qing arrived at the Transportation Department.


    The handymen who had been busy for the entire day were leaving in groups. When Xu Qing walked over, he saw Zhang San squatting on the goods and smoking a pipe from afar.


    Under the dim light, Zhang San¡¯s figure was a little blurry. Only the fatigue on his face was revealed through the smoke from the pipe that alternated between dense and thin.


    Xu Qing felt a little apologetic. Just as he was about to approach, his gaze swept across the surroundings. Among the servant disciples who had become restrained because of his appearance, there was a familiar small and skinny figure.


    That figure was a girl. It was Li Zimei, who was in the same batch as him. She also saw Xu Qing. Although she was still reserved, a smile still appeared on her face.


    This smile was very sincere.


    Xu Qing smiled encouragingly. After watching her leave, he walked to Zhang San¡¯s side.


    ¡°You know her?¡± Zhang San asked curiously.


    ¡°I do. Her name is Li Zimei. She entered the sect in the same batch as me and has a very strong personality.¡± Xu Qing glanced at Li Zimei¡¯s back and said softly.


    Zhang San nodded.


    ¡°Not a bad girl. Since you know her, I¡¯ll take care of her later.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Xu Qing looked at Zhang San and said solemnly.


    ¡°It¡¯s a small thing. Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll bring you to see your magic boat.¡± As Zhang San spoke, his eyes revealed spirit. He jumped down from the pile of goods and brought Xu Qing to the back. This time, they went to another large warehouse.


    As they walked in, a gigantic boat with an astonishing aura entered Xu Qing¡¯s vision, causing him to involuntarily stop in his tracks.


    Even though he was already mentally prepared and knew that the appearance of his boat would change drastically this time around, Xu Qing was still shocked by the magic boat in front of him.


    The giant crocodile head at the bow of the ship had changed. It was no longer slender but much flatter. However, there was a black horn hidden in its forehead, as though it could pierce through everything once it popped out.


    This change caused the original ostentatiousness to be restrained. It looked more restrained under which lied cruelty.


    The changes to the boat were even greater. It was no longer in the shape of a willow leaf that was more than 200 feet long. Instead, its length was reduced and width increased. Overall, it looked like a diamond-shaped turtle shell.


    Every plank of the boat was covered in scales and densely-packed array patterns.


    Four huge wheeled legs appeared on both sides. They seemed to be retractable and would allow the boat to move on the shore. There were also sharp thorns hidden on them.


    At the same time, the changes in the cabins weren¡¯t small either. It now looked like a two-story house. This allowed more space for array formations to be carved.


    Other than these, what was most eye-catching were the huge saber sails.


    There were a total of eight of them, four in the front, and four in the back. From afar, they looked like wings but also like sharp blades.


    As for the bottom of the ship, there was a huge groove that seemed to be able to accommodate sea beasts.


    The entire magic boat looked like a giant beast in this warehouse. Its aura was heavy and filled with intimidation.


    ¡°Wha¡­¡± Xu Qing was a little dazed. The changes to the magic boat were so great that his mind was buzzing at this moment.


    Upon seeing Xu Qing¡¯s appearance, Zhang San¡¯s exhausted face revealed joy and pride as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Your previous magic boat was too badly refined, so I made a major modification for you this time. The main modifications are the bottom structure, shipboard structure, deck structure, bulkhead structure, bow-and-stern structure, the storeyed building, and so on.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve replaced the keel for you. This way, the stability will be better. The structural adjustment can allow the strength and sturdiness to reach the extreme. Also, I¡¯ve left some space for you to upgrade.¡±


    Zhang San leaped onto the magic boat.


    ¡°In the black horn at the bow of the ship, I added the bone marrow of the devouring beast and pierced it into the body of the sea beast. It can devour the target¡¯s spirit energy and store it in the deck¡¯s formation.¡±


    ¡°There are also these four legs. Each of them contains 3,600 sharp fragments. If you encounter danger, you can shoot them out.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t touch the spirit gathering array but I increased the groove for you. It can add 50 spirit stones at once. If there are extreme situations, this magic boat can be broken down and the excess parts can be turned into a fishing boat. Its speed will be at least twice as fast.¡±


    ¡°And these sails.¡± Zhang San pointed at the sails with a proud expression.


    ¡°I created them myself. Take a good look.¡± As Zhang San spoke, he took out a spirit stone and placed it into the array formation under his feet. With a stomp of his foot, the array formation activated. The eight blade-like sails instantly gathered together, forming a protective shell.


    The magic boat was like a huge alligator turtle that could attack and defend at the same time.


    ¡°In addition to the boat¡¯s own defense, these sails can make the boat even sturdier. When they are unfurled, they can be used as sharp blades with extraordinary lethality.¡±


    ¡°The groove at the bottom of the boat can better lock on the dragonwhale in the Forbidden Sea. Under special circumstances, you can control the dragonwhale to soar and lift the magic boat, allowing it to take off for a short period.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, this is a true level-seven boat. How is it? Are you satisfied?¡± Zhang San jumped off the magic boat and stood in front of Xu Qing with his hands behind his back. He then lifted his chin and calmly spoke.


    Waves surged in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. After a long time, he took a deep breath and took a few steps back. He then cupped his fists toward Zhang San and bowed deeply.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother Zhang. This boat¡­ I¡¯m very satisfied!¡±


    ¡°When your magic boat is upgraded to a magic ship later, I¡¯ll help you design it according to your power source. A magic ship is a true weapon!¡±


    Zhang San spoke calmly with the demeanor of an expert. Xu Qing¡¯s attitude made him feel very comfortable, but the rush of fatigue still made him involuntarily yawn.


    When Xu Qing saw this, he respectfully bade farewell and placed the spirit stones at the side. He then kept the magic boat and left the Transportation Department.


    Only after he left did Zhang San sigh with a dispirited expression.


    ¡°I¡¯ve lost money. I couldn¡¯t hold it in and actually refined it so well¡­ I¡¯ve made a huge loss this time.¡±


    ¡°I hope this kid will be promising in the future¡­¡± Zhang San endured the pain and picked up the spirit stones, shaking his head as he left the warehouse. Before he left, he thought of Xu Qing¡¯s fellow disciple from the same batch. He took out the voice transmission jade slip and made arrangements.


    ¡°Since I¡¯m already investing, I might as well invest more. I have no choice.¡±


    As Zhang San sighed with emotion, Xu Qing returned to Port 79 and released his magic boat in its berth. As the water rumbled, he looked at the heavy giant object in front of him and his heart stirred. He leaped onto it and studied it carefully.


    The night slowly passed.


    That night, Xu Qing thoroughly studied the interior and exterior of his magic boat. He also felt a high admiration for Zhang San¡¯s refinement. When the sun rose and shone down, Xu Qing took a deep breath and stood at the bow of the boat. He looked at the sun in the distance and slowly narrowed his eyes.


    A long time later, he lifted his right hand and performed a series of hand seals.


    ¡°Set sail!¡±


    Immediately, the magic boat rumbled. As the seawater in the surroundings churned, his level-seven magic boat slowly moved from its berth and turned its bow. Under the attention of the other magic boat disciples in the surroundings, it sailed in the direction of the harbor¡¯s gate.


    It was like a giant majestic beast was released from its cage.


    As for the handsome youth standing on the deck, his long hair fluttered in the sea breeze. His figure was tall and straight like a pine tree, and the sleeves of his gray Daoist robe fluttered in the wind, reflecting the morning sun in the sky, causing the sunlight on his body to pass through his hair and refract into dazzling colors.

 Chapter 136 - Bronze Dragon Carriage

    The sun emitted a dazzling light that pierced into the wild Forbidden Sea, stirring up waves that surged toward the sky and let out low roars.


    Before the sound dissipated, the waves fell, splashing up a large amount of black water foam that scattered high into the air, landing on the protective barrier of Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat.


    Xu Qing stood at the bow of the boat and looked at the sea warily. He then performed a series of hand seals. As the protective spirit energy fluctuated, the seawater that contained dense anomalous substances slowly dissipated from the surface of the barrier.


    Just like the god¡¯s fragmented face in the sky, this Forbidden Sea that surrounded the entire Nanhuang Continent would always be a domain of awe and veneration. Not only was it vast and far-reaching, but it was also an eternal mystery in everyone¡¯s hearts.


    This mysteriousness caused Xu Qing to lift his head and stare at the distant sky and the Forbidden Sea. In his eyes, the two seemed to have fused together at an unknown point.


    Compared to the vast sea, the boats that passed through the Seven Blood Eyes were like a few feathers that floated gently and leisurely, insignificant.


    As for the people on the magic boat, it was even more so.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He looked into the endless distance and the boundless Forbidden Sea as a feeling of insignificance surfaced in his heart.


    ¡°According to the sea record, most disciples who go out to sea for the first time will feel that they are insignificant. This is a normal change in their hearts. At the same time, they will also produce the thought of conquering the sea.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the endless black sea. This was his first time going out to sea and also his first time truly seeing the great sea.


    However, he didn¡¯t have the thought of conquering it.


    He didn¡¯t have any great ideals or vast ambitions. He only wanted to survive in this chaotic world.


    It would be even better if he could live a little better.


    Hence, the vigilance in Xu Qing¡¯s heart was very intense. Even though he was sitting cross-legged and cultivating, some of his attention was still on guard against his surroundings.


    Just like that, time flowed amidst the echoing sounds of the waves. This lasted until noon when waves of commotion rang out from behind, attracting Xu Qing¡¯s attention.


    A hint of sharpness flashed in his eyes as he turned his head.


    It was seven to eight magic boats that came from the direction of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ harbor. They whistled as they approached, causing a commotion.


    Other than the one at the front, most of them were at level five or six.


    As for the magic boat at the front, judging from the spirit energy fluctuations, it was about level eight or nine. It looked rather luxurious. Its entire body was golden and golden feathers were stuck on it that shone brightly.


    In the black Forbidden Sea, it was exceptionally dazzling. It was ostentatious and tacky like a pheasant trying to learn to fan its tail like a peacock.


    The bow of the phoenix boat should have contained elegance, but under the golden color and luxury, it lost its soul. It revealed a flaunting aura like it was afraid that others wouldn¡¯t be able to see.


    Looking at all of this, Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and drew his dagger.


    Although the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city was dangerous and cruel, there were at least some rules. For example, Foundation Building cultivators rarely attacked Qi Condensation cultivators in the main city. However, Xu Qing knew that at sea, the strong preyed on the weak.


    The dangers came from everywhere be it the nonhuman races, the human race, fellow sect members, or the Forbidden Sea itself. If one was unlucky and encountered a nonhuman Foundation Building cultivator with malicious intent, their life and death would be decided with a single thought.


    Anyone could instantly become an enemy.


    This was especially so when the arrival of these magic boats was too ostentatious, and the voice of the person he hated came from the phoenix boat.


    The wind on the sea was a little strong, so the voice did not spread clearly.


    ¡°Senior Sister, many people are curious about how many spirit stones I spent on this phoenix boat. I¡¯m actually not very willing to answer this question because my answer will cause them to feel defeated. After all, you should have sensed it too. Since I was young, spirit stones have been a worry that could never be spent completely.¡±


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s so-so. For some reason, I have been asked for my opinion many times on boat rankings in the sect. They insisted on raising my boat to 17th place. Anyway, I have never cared about these.¡±


    ¡°To me, I don¡¯t care how many spirit stones I have to spend on this phoenix boat. What I care about is that it carries my dream. My dream is to be like the phoenix and soar in the sky one day.¡±


    ¡°Senior Sister, I hope that there will be a beautiful figure accompanying me who will accompany me to see the scenery, pursue dreams, and share our worries.¡±


    The source of the voice was none other than the good-for-nothing Zhao Zhongheng that the captain had mentioned.


    He stood on the golden phoenix boat with a young woman in a light purple Daoist robe beside him.


    This woman was in her twenties and had a moving appearance. From afar, she looked slender and elegant, and her purple clothes were like flowers.


    However, in the face of Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s words, her beautiful brows furrowed slightly and there was already impatience on her pretty face.


    At that moment, the sea breeze blew over, and her purple dress fluttered in the wind. She seemed to have noticed Xu Qing, who was on the magic boat in the distance.


    Under the sunlight, between the boats on both sides, a baleen whale broke through the water surface and soared into the air.


    A low cry that seemed to come from ancient times rang out from its mouth. It echoed like the sound of a flute, as though it would make everything ethereal.


    As it landed, water vapor drifted, blocking one¡¯s vision.


    In the woman¡¯s eyes, the sunlight seemed to have been separated into seven colors. The colorful beam of light showed a moment of beauty, reflecting on Xu Qing¡¯s Daoist robe and making it impossible to see his face.


    However, that charm left a deep impression on this woman.


    This lasted until their magic boats slowly left.


    Xu Qing stared at them for a long time. After confirming that they were indeed just passing by, he kept the dagger and continued cultivating.


    Time flowed by. Gradually, as the magic boat continued to move deeper, the eeriness and strangeness of the Forbidden Sea were also slowly reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s perception.


    He saw groups of rotting fish. They seemed to have retained their will when they were alive and turned into black pollution that spread under the magic boat.


    He also saw the terrifying figure of the megalodon. With incomparable savageness, it tore through its prey.


    Other than that, when Xu Qing passed by some areas, he could sense the deterrence from the bottom of the sea. It was as though it was spreading out at all times, lingering in those areas and permeating Xu Qing¡¯s heart, causing him to be even more vigilant.


    Even though he had read about this in the sea record and knew that this was the norm when going out to sea, his vigilance was still high.


    As for the anomalous substances, they were even denser on the Forbidden Sea. It was as though the entire sea was formed from anomalous substances. This caused Xu Qing¡¯s shadow to become even darker than before, as though it had turned into ink that flowed on its owna€|


    After noticing this scene, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate. He directly circulated the suppression power of the purple crystal and suppressed it several times in a row. After that, he calmly stopped and felt slightly more at ease with regards to the shadow.


    Just like that, the sun was about to set. The first night on sea was about to arrive for Xu Qing.


    Perhaps it was because this sea area was very close to the Seven Blood Eyes, Xu Qing didn¡¯t encounter too many dangers during the day.


    Only at this moment, under the setting sun, did some aggressive swordfish appear on the surface of the sea. They leaped up in groups and transformed into arcs before falling into the sea again.


    Under the afterglow, their green bodies emitted a white glow, giving them a different kind of beauty.


    Perhaps it was because the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale was following the boat, most of these swordfish didn¡¯t get too close to Xu Qing. However, occasionally, a few of them would bump into the magic boat¡¯s protective barrier and bounce back into the sea with popping sounds.


    When the swordfishes crashed into the protective barrier, Xu Qing saw them even more clearly.


    These swordfish had ghastly sharp teeth and looked very sinister. Their eyes emitted a red glow and were filled with cruelty.


    Xu Qing waved his hand expressionlessly. Drops of water formed and seeped out of the protective barrier, turning into a buffer so that the swordfish wouldn¡¯t be killed by the collision.


    The sea records warned all the disciples who went out to sea that when sailing in the Forbidden Sea, it was best not to kill too many sea beasts unless necessary. This was because the more they killed, the more they would attract the attention of some strange existences in the Forbidden Sea.


    As for what kind of strange existence they were, the sea records didn¡¯t mention it. However, on the first night he went out to sea, Xu Qing didn¡¯t cultivate. All his attention was on the outside of the magic boat. Any movement made him incomparably vigilant.


    According to the sea record¡¯s description, the danger level of the sea at night was much more dangerous than during the day.


    On the sea, anything was possible.


    The sea record also mentioned that because the Forbidden Sea was vast, although danger lurked everywhere, it mostly depended on luck. Some people were unlucky and died in the sea on the first day. Some were lucky and were safe even after being out at sea for a few months.


    Xu Qing¡¯s luck wasn¡¯t bad. On the first night, other than the sound of the waves and the whimpering of the sea breeze, nothing strange happened.


    When dawn was about to arrive, he closed his eyes slightly and prepared to rest his mind. However, at this moment, an extremely intense palpitation suddenly rumbled in his mind like a volcano erupting.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body suddenly tensed up and his eyes abruptly opened. The magic boat¡¯s defense was instantly activated to the greatest extent.


    As he opened his eyes, the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale below the boat also opened its eyes.


    The dragonwhale¡¯s eyes were an extension of Xu Qing¡¯s senses. The instant it opened its eyes, there was nothing at the pitch-black bottom of the sea. However, there were faint sounds of grinding teeth.


    Krrkk, krrkkk, krkkk!


    As this sound echoed, the intense palpitations caused Xu Qing¡¯s breathing to become slightly hurried. It was the same as when he heard the singing voice in the forbidden zone¡¯s jungle back then. The chill seemed to have spread from the depths of the sea to the surface of the sea.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s expression to freeze and his entire body to tense up. He circulated his cultivation base and the magic boat instantly assumed a defensive posture.


    With the help of the dragonwhale¡¯s gaze, he saw a gigantic humanoid creature in the depths of the pitch-black seabed from afar.


    This creature¡¯s entire body was covered in tentacles that kept swaying. On his shoulder was a thick iron chain that extended into the distance. One could vaguely see a bronze dragon carriage at the end.


    This dragon carriage was dilapidated and covered in verdigris, filled with the traces of time. However, the tall carriage was exquisite and didn¡¯t lack majestic carvings, causing it to emit the aura of an emperor.


    At that moment, the giant pulled the bronze dragon carriage and strode away at the bottom of the sea. With every step he took, the sea would stir up and cause waves to spread.


    It was as though it was only passing through. Also, because the distance was too far, everything Xu Qing saw was very hazy. However, the feeling of palpitations and the sound of grinding teeth still clearly echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind even though he was so far away, causing his entire body to instinctively tremble. His pupils contracted and he was extremely vigilant.


    It was only when this huge humanoid creature slowly left that the trembling gradually weakened and the palpitations in his heart slowly disappeared.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Xu Qing abruptly lifted his head. His face was pale as he took a deep breath and walked out of the cabin. He stood at the bow of the ship and looked at the sea.


    In the gaze of the dragonwhale, the huge figure at the bottom of the sea had already left, leaving only a blurry outline.


    At this moment, the darkness before dawn gradually receded between sky and earth, and a hint of light slowly seeped out from the sky.


    It was like a lit torch that burned the pitch-black seawater, forming clouds that grew increasingly intense and continued to spread.


    In the end, the entire sky was burned and there was a red glow.


    This was the light of dawn.

 Chapter 137 - Fair Price

    The light of dawn illuminated the sea. It also landed on Xu Qing¡¯s solemn figure.


    Xu Qing let out a long breath. That terrifying existence at the bottom of the sea had completely disappeared from his vision as dawn broke.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what that giant was, let alone whose carriage it was. The sea record didn¡¯t mention it either. However, just now, he had only glanced at that giant from afar and he already felt an intense intimidation. One could imagine how terrifying this huge existence at the bottom of the sea must be.


    To be able to make such a powerful existence pull the carriage, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t imagine how mighty the owner of the dragon carriage was in the past.


    Fortunately, this giant didn¡¯t seem to have any ill intentions. Or rather, in the eyes of such existences, Xu Qing seemed to be of no significance.


    ¡°Forbidden Sea¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled, his eyes revealing deep vigilance.


    He knew and personally felt that this Forbidden Sea was filled with endless dangers. In the following voyage, he became even more cautious and strictly followed the nautical chart, not deviating from his route at all.


    In the blink of an eye, several days passed.


    During these few days, Xu Qing didn¡¯t see anyone but he was getting more and more familiar with the Forbidden Sea. He encountered more sea beasts and also took action several times.


    Every time he attacked, he would obtain some biological materials. His Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale made a lot of contributions in this. Moreover, these fights allowed him to become more and more familiar with fighting on the sea.


    As for terrifying existences like the giant, Xu Qing did not encounter them again.


    The afternoon sun was scorching hot, and the sea breeze carried high temperatures. Xu Qing, who had ended his cultivation, opened his eyes and looked into the distance through the protective barrier, frowning slightly.


    His destination was the direction of the Western Reef Archipelago, and Sea Lizard Island was just behind the archipelago. According to the nautical chart, he still needed seven days to reach it.


    As for the area he was currently in, according to the nautical chart, it was a relatively safe route to the Western Reef Archipelago. However, as he got closer, Xu Qing felt a little puzzled.


    In the sea area in front of him, there were a large number of vines that extended out of the surface of the sea. There were more vines further inside the area. At the end, there seemed to be some boats trapped.


    However, the distance was too far, so he couldn¡¯t see it clearly.


    As for the edge of this sea area, there were relatively fewer vines.


    It was as though something had attracted it to extend out from the bottom of the sea earlier. At this moment, it was slowly shrinking, as though it wouldn¡¯t be long before it sank again.


    However, the arrival of Xu Qing¡¯s boat caused these slowly sinking vines to find a new target. They rapidly approached Xu Qing¡¯s boat at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    Xu Qing¡¯s vigilance increased. He stood at the bow of the boat and performed a series of hand seals with both hands. He then controlled the magic boat to retreat, trying to avoid the approaching vines.


    However, the speed of the vines was very fast. Although Xu Qing didn¡¯t go deep into the sea area, nor did he waste time retreating immediately, there were still a few vines that got close and entangled the boat.


    These vines were pitch-black in color and as thick as an arm. They looked very sinister with their sharp spikes. The most astonishing thing was that these sharp spikes contained some kind of suction force. As they coiled around the boat, the consumption of the magic boat instantly increased.


    Fortunately, there weren¡¯t many vines and these little numbers couldn¡¯t affect the speed of the magic boat. However, Xu Qing could still clearly sense that this consumption was to some extent similar to spirit energy being sucked away.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. With a wave of his right hand, a dagger appeared and he instantly leaped up. A cold light flashed and the vines were cut one after another. Coupled with the power of the magic boat, he gradually left this area.


    After he was far away, Xu Qing looked at the distant sea area. He then lowered his head and his gaze landed on the planks.


    There were a few vines that he had cut off there that were twisting like sea snakes. Green, extremely acidic, liquid flowed out of the cuts and emitted sizzling sounds as drops of them fell on the plank.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned somewhat unsightly. When he had cut the vines earlier, he had felt that the vines were extremely tenacious. Even with his physical strength, he still needed to use his full strength.


    After pondering for a moment, he formed a seal. Immediately, the array formation under his feet shone, revealing the core of the spirit gathering array.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over and discovered that three of the spirit stones on it showed signs of dimming, as though they had been sucked dry.


    ¡°As expected, it absorbs spirit energy.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s heart ached a little.


    There were over a hundred records of vines in the sea record, and most of them looked similar, so it was very difficult for Xu Qing to accurately judge them immediately.


    This was especially so in this sea area. Regardless of whether it was the sect¡¯s nautical chart or the nautical chart he had obtained from the merfolk youth, there were no vines labeled.


    ¡°If there were not any before, it should be a vine that can move on its own and it also likes spirit energy, and there is only the spirit devouring vine that fits the bill.¡± Xu Qing recalled the content in the sea record and frowned.


    ¡°The spirit devouring vine loves spirit energy. It can¡¯t be damaged by spells and can only be broken by brute force. It can devour the power of magic boats and the spirits of cultivators. If they are entangled, they will die an extremely miserable death. This thing is sensitive to anomalous substances and wanders the Forbidden Sea. Its location is often a place with relatively few anomalous substances.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and lifted his head to look into the distance.


    This was the shortest route to the Western Reef Archipelago. If he took a detour, the time he would need to spend would increase by a lot.


    This was especially so since he didn¡¯t know the exact range of these vines. According to the sea record¡¯s description, these spirit-devouring vines would often drift in groups and their range was extremely vast.


    ¡°It will take too long if I detour. It¡¯s not like I can¡¯t neutralize this spirit devouring vine.¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it and narrowed his eyes. He touched his storage bag and a black-colored pill appeared in his hand.


    This pill was none other than the black pill that contained dense anomalous substances.


    With the black pill in hand, Xu Qing stood at the bow of the ship and controlled the magic boat to move closer to the vine area.


    Very soon, the surface of the sea churned and a large number of vines broke out of the sea. They greedily rushed toward Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat.


    However, the instant they got close, Xu Qing calmly threw the black pill to the surface of the sea in front of him. As the black pill fell into the sea and dissolved, the anomalous substances suddenly became denser.


    In an instant, the vines that were spreading over in the surroundings all trembled in unison, as though they had encountered something they hated the most. They instantly retreated and distanced themselves, allowing Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat to move unhindered.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression relaxed slightly as he controlled the magic boat to move at full speed. Although the area was filled with vines, as he threw out black pills one after another, all the vines that were about to near him revealed intense rejection and moved away one after another.


    Just like that, Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat continued forward. As he threw more black pills, the surroundings of the boat were filled with dense anomalous substances. Gradually, there was no need for him to continue throwing black pills. The vines in the surroundings would instinctively retreat.


    Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat got closer and closer to the boats that were trapped by the vines in the distance. The sea breeze also transmitted some human voices.


    Although it was faint, cultivators could still hear it clearly.


    ¡°Zhao Zhongheng, what kind of path did you lead us to!!¡±


    ¡°Senior Sister Ding, please calm down¡­ There were no vines in this area previously. They must have migrated here in the past few days. There¡¯s nothing I can do about it. However, I¡¯ve already asked my grandfather for help. I believe someone will come and help us escape soon¡­¡±


    The person who spoke was none other than Zhao Zhongheng. At this moment, his phoenix boat was completely trapped here. With a large number of vines entangling it, the boat could only move forward with difficulty.


    His followers¡¯ boats were also trapped in the surroundings. All of them had anxious expressions but they had no choice but to do their best to continuously cut the vines.


    Zhao Zhongheng was also vexed. The vines in this area had truly exceeded his expectations. At this moment, he was trying his best to control the phoenix boat to break out of here. Facing the dissatisfied expression of his senior sister beside him, he could only apologize. On one hand, he was pursuing the other party. On the other hand, it was also because this Senior Sister Ding¡¯s background was extraordinary.


    He hurriedly took out a jade box and handed it over.


    ¡°Senior Sister Ding, don¡¯t be angry. Believe me, there¡¯s no problem. I¡¯ll definitely bring you to the Western Reef Archipelago. This clarity pill is a rare medicine that can nourish the soul. My grandfather gave it to me. I¡¯ll give it to you as an apology gift.¡±


    The beautiful woman in the light purple Daoist robe at the side seemed to have lost most of her patience. She frowned and looked at the jade box in Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s hand. After taking it, she forced herself to calm down and was about to speak.


    However, at that moment, the whistling sound of a magic boat came from afar. She instinctively looked over and saw a magic boat in the distance. It was riding the wind and breaking the waves as it sped over.


    There was a person standing straight on the magic boat like a pine tree. His gray Daoist robe fluttered in the wind, and the sunlight streamed through his long hair, forming a colorful halo.


    Under the halo was a cold face that was enough to make the hearts of the opposite sex race. It was so flawless that even the vines seemed to be moved by it. It was as though his handsome face turned them into a mimosa as they automatically retreated around him.


    This scene caused the woman¡¯s eyes to flicker. A sweet smile appeared on her face as she called out to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother, what method did you use to make the vines retreat? Can you help me?¡±


    Her smile was sweet and her voice was sweet. She seemed to have transformed into a sweet lady, causing Zhao Zhongheng, who was also looking at Xu Qing, to feel very uncomfortable.


    He had shown a lot of interest and care countless times on the way but he had never seen the other party smile or speak like this¡­


    This discomfort caused Zhao Zhongheng to be unhappy. There was some hostility in his heart as he looked at Xu Qing.


    At a glance, he felt that the face was a little familiar and immediately recognized it.


    ¡°It¡¯s you!¡± Zhao Zhongheng recognized Xu Qing. If it was anyone else, he might have forgotten about it long ago. However, very few people would forget Xu Qing¡¯s face after seeing it.


    Now that he recognized Xu Qing, Zhao Zhongheng immediately sensed the spirit energy fluctuations on the other party¡¯s body. It seemed to be much stronger than the last time he met him. However, to him, as a core disciple, his status was noble enough for him to ignore the vast majority of piedmont disciples.


    After a cold glance, Zhao Zhongheng calmly spoke.


    ¡°Come here and use your method to open a path for us.¡±


    He would usually be bossy to the gray-robed piedmont disciples and it was the same now. From what he knew, when the gray-robed piedmont disciples saw him, they would fear and obey him.


    Xu Qing had noticed the phoenix boat earlier and also saw the two core disciples in light purple Daoist robes on it. However, he didn¡¯t bother with them and his magic boat whistled past them without any change in speed.


    ¡°Hm? Are you deaf? Can¡¯t you hear me?!¡± Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s expression was gloomy. With a wave of his hand, a large number of water droplets appeared in front of him, forming a water sword that headed straight for Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat.


    However, the instant it got close, a water curtain appeared out of thin air and blocked it.


    With a boom, the water sword collapsed.


    The magic boat under Xu Qing suddenly stopped. He turned around and coldly looked at Zhao Zhongheng. In the distance, the waves of the sea churned and the surface of the sea suddenly exploded. A huge Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale leaped up from within, revealing half of its body in the air. Under the sunlight, it was extremely dazzling.


    It let out a heart-shaking roar and heavily slammed into the sea, sinking again. However, its violent aura spread out.


    This scene instantly caused Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s expression to change drastically. The eyes of the followers beside him also widened, and huge waves rose in their hearts. Even that senior sister¡¯s expression changed.


    ¡°Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale!¡±


    Zhao Zhongheng took a deep breath. When he looked at Xu Qing, his expression was filled with disbelief. Although he was a core disciple and had a crushing advantage over the piedmont disciples in terms of status¡­ this wasn¡¯t absolute.


    Among the piedmont disciples, if they could cultivate the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale at the eighth level of the Sea Transformation Art, it meant that their aptitude was astonishing and they had a high chance of advancing to Foundation Building in the future.


    Even the core disciples didn¡¯t want to provoke such a person. They would often try to befriend him. After all, once he advanced to the Foundation Building realm, his status would immediately rise. Even they would have to respectfully greet him.


    Xu Qing coldly looked at Zhao Zhongheng whose expression had changed and slowly spoke.


    ¡°20 spirit stones for a boat. As for your boat, it will be 100 spirit stones.¡±

 Chapter 138 - A Hundred Sounds Become Yin (1)

    Xu Qing had done this many times in the scavenger campsite. Although he had asked for an exaggerated amount this time, he didn¡¯t think that it was anything wrong. Helping wasn¡¯t a responsibility in the first place, so he naturally needed to be paid. If the other party¡¯s attitude wasn¡¯t good, it was reasonable for him to increase the price.


    As soon as he spoke, Senior Sister Ding fell into deep thought. As for Zhao Zhongheng, his expression was gloomy. He wanted to say something but didn¡¯t.


    If it was in the past, he would definitely mock him. However, he was a little hesitant now.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze across these people and saw that they didn¡¯t seem to have any intention of paying. He didn¡¯t say anything else and was about to control the magic boat to leave. At that moment, Senior Sister Ding looked at the side of Xu Qing¡¯s face and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°No problem!¡±


    As she spoke, she waved her hand and took out her magic boat, landing on the surface of the sea. She then leaped onto the magic boat and controlled it to get closer to Xu Qing.


    Zhao Zhongheng was stunned and immediately became a little anxious.


    ¡°Senior Sister, you¡­¡±


    Senior Sister Ding didn¡¯t even turn her head. It was as though she didn¡¯t even see Zhao Zhongheng. Her magic boat was like a willow leaf. It was very beautiful but at the same time, it was filled with liveliness. As she got closer, the vines in the surroundings instantly twined over. It was obvious that she was in danger.


    Xu Qing waved his hand and a black pill instantly landed in front of Senior Sister Ding¡¯s magic boat. As it landed, the vines immediately retreated, allowing her magic boat to pass successfully. After she neared Xu Qing¡¯s boat, she hurriedly put away her magic boat and leaped onto Xu Qing¡¯s boat.


    Due to the existence of the protective barrier, she stood on it unsteadily.


    Xu Qing frowned and looked at Senior Sister Ding.


    ¡°Thank you for helping me, Junior Brother. My name is Ding Xue. I should be older than you, so you can call me Senior Sister. My magic boat isn¡¯t good at sailing here. I¡¯ll give you another 20 spirit stones. I¡¯ll stay with you for the time being in this area.¡±


    Senior Sister Ding could faintly sense Xu Qing¡¯s personality. She smiled sweetly and directly took out a spirit ticket from the Sixth Peak worth 40 spirit stones. Outside the protective barrier, she gestured to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze across the spirit ticket and observed Senior Sister Ding¡¯s cultivation base. Only after his gaze swept past her neck did he open a gap in the barrier, allowing Senior Sister Ding to land on the deck. After that, he lifted his hand and grabbed the air to take the spirit ticket for inspection.


    After confirming that it was real, he didn¡¯t say anything else. He carefully placed the spirit ticket into his pocket and controlled the magic boat to move. He wasn¡¯t afraid that the other party had ill intentions on his magic boat. The moment the other party arrived, she was already struck by his poison.


    However, this poison required him to mix other poisons before it could erupt.


    Under the light of the setting sun, Xu Qing looked exceptionally handsome. At the side, Senior Sister Ding had a graceful figure and a sweet smile. Her beautiful hair fluttered in the sea breeze and her brows carried a moving charm. This expression was something she didn¡¯t have when she was with Zhao Zhongheng previously.


    As the sea breeze blew over, Senior Sister Ding¡¯s gentle voice could be heard.


    ¡°Junior Brother, how should I address you?¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, this magic boat of yours is very special. I¡¯ve never seen such a boat before.¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, which department are you from?¡±


    Seeing this scene, Zhao Zhongheng became anxious. The senior sister he had painstakingly invited had boarded someone else¡¯s boat. This made him extremely anxious and annoyed. He gritted his teeth and took out a red talisman.


    This was a runic treasure.


    Looking at Xu Qing and Senior Sister Ding who were about to leave, Zhao Zhongheng endured his heartache and directly blasted the talisman into the sea. Immediately, the talisman burned, forming a shocking air wave that spread in all directions.


    The vines around the Phoenix were instantly enveloped. Most of them instantly shattered into pieces, and the remaining ones rapidly contracted.


    Using this opportunity to retreat, Zhao Zhongheng shouted.


    ¡°Senior Sister, wait for me.¡±


    As he spoke, he used all his strength to control the Phoenix. He didn¡¯t care about its expenditure as he made it erupt with speed and rushed out. His followers behind him hurriedly shouted for help.


    ¡°You guys wait here. I have already informed grandfather. The sect will send someone to save you soon.¡± Zhao Zhongheng didn¡¯t have the time to care about them and quickly moved forward.


    However, there were too many vines in this area and very soon, his ship was entangled again. In his anxiety, Zhao Zhongheng endured his heartache and continued to bombard the sea with the talisman.


    Just like that, he chased all the way and gradually broke through the vines, closing the distance between him and Xu Qing.


    The rumbling behind her finally diverted Senior Sister Ding¡¯s attention from Xu Qing. She frowned and looked behind her. She immediately saw the Phoenix and Zhao Zhongheng.


    Looking at the other party¡¯s runic treasure bombardment, Senior Sister Ding glared and sneered.


    ¡°Zhao Zhongheng, I originally didn¡¯t want to follow you. You were the one who took the initiative to send me to the Western Reef Archipelago. I said that we shouldn¡¯t take this path but you insisted on putting on a brave front. It¡¯s fine if we were trapped here. Although I¡¯m anxious to reach my destination, I can understand your helplessness. However, you actually had a way to escape but you didn¡¯t use it!¡±


    Zhao Zhongheng felt bitter. At this moment, his posture when he had started this journey was long gone. He hurriedly explained.


    ¡°Senior Sister, you¡¯ve misunderstood me. This¡­ this is something my grandfather gave me to save my life. There aren¡¯t many uses left¡­¡±


    Senior Sister Ding snorted coldly and turned her head, ignoring him.


    Zhao Zhongheng became even more anxious and didn¡¯t dare to blame Senior Sister Ding. Hence, he put the blame on Xu Qing. The more he looked at Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat, the more he disliked it.


    However, the other party was clearly very strong, so he had no choice but to suppress his anger and use the talisman a few more times. After the talisman collapsed and dissipated, he finally broke free and caught up to Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat.


    ¡°Senior Sister, come back. I know I was wrong¡­¡±


    Senior Sister Ding didn¡¯t seem to hear him. She smiled sweetly and looked at the side of Xu Qing¡¯s face as she spoke softly.


    ¡°Junior Brother, are you hungry? I have some snacks here.¡± As she spoke, Senior Sister Ding took out a small box from her storage bag.


    1

 Chapter 139 - A Hundred Sounds Become Yin (2)

    Xu Qing shook his head and expressionlessly looked at Senior Sister Ding.


    ¡°Senior Sister Ding, we¡¯ve left the vine area. Please get off the boat.¡±


    Hearing Xu Qing¡¯s words, Zhao Zhongheng was instantly excited. He thought to himself that this kid was still tactful, and looked at Senior Sister Ding expectantly.


    ¡°Junior Brother, which direction are you going in? Maybe it¡¯s on the way,¡± Senior Sister Ding said with a sweet smile.


    Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s expression turned ugly.


    Xu Qing frowned.


    Seeing Xu Qing frown, Senior Sister Ding¡¯s bright eyes moved slightly. After some thought, she spoke.


    ¡°Junior Brother, the place I¡¯m going to is the Western Reef Archipelago. It¡¯s only a five-day sea journey from here. If it¡¯s not on the way, I¡¯ll leave now. If it¡¯s on the way, I¡¯m willing to pay another 200 spirit stones as a fee. Junior Brother, what do you think?¡±


    As Senior Sister Ding spoke, she took out two spirit tickets and stared at Xu Qing with her beautiful eyes.


    Xu Qing looked at the spirit tickets and was extremely tempted.


    He didn¡¯t expect that it would be so easy to earn spirit stones after going out to sea.


    The Sea Lizard Island he was going to was located in the depths of the Western Reef Archipelago, so it naturally was on the way. If the other party wanted to ride for free, he would definitely not agree. However, if she were to give 200 spirit stones¡­


    After Xu Qing thought about it, he felt that it was very reasonable.


    200 spirit stones might seem astonishing, but after all, she had boarded his boat. According to the sect¡¯s tradition, he had the responsibility of protecting her. It could be considered a temporary mission.


    Moreover, the sea was so dangerous and the mission was a little urgent. Hence, it was normal for her to give more spirit stones. At the thought of this, Xu Qing nodded.


    The smile on Senior Sister Ding¡¯s face became even sweeter as she placed the spirit tickets in Xu Qing¡¯s hand. As for Zhao Zhongheng, his expression turned from ugly to bitter. When he looked at Xu Qing, even though he knew that the other party wasn¡¯t ordinary, he still couldn¡¯t control the anger in his eyes.


    Xu Qing directly ignored Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s gaze and controlled the magic boat to move forward rapidly.


    He was in a good mood. He thought about how he could earn 200 spirit stones by just taking someone along with him. He felt that this was very worth it. The only thing that made him feel a little uncomfortable was that Senior Sister Ding had a lot to say. She seemed to have endless questions to ask, and most of them were related to him.


    Also, her gaze was always fixed on his face. This made Xu Qing very annoyed and he just kept silent.


    However, the more silent he was, the more enthusiastic Senior Sister Ding became. This caused Xu Qing to involuntarily speed up the magic boat, wanting to complete this journey as soon as possible.


    As for Zhao Zhongheng, his mentality was about to explode on the way. The flames in his eyes fused with the fire in his heart and seemed to have materialized. This was especially so when he thought about how much effort he had put in this time. In fact, his grandfather had even stepped forward to communicate with the other party¡¯s elders before he obtained this chance to be alone with her and perform. He didn¡¯t expect¡­ that his plan would actually be hijacked by a piedmont disciple.


    He was going crazy and his entire body trembled. His countless grievances seemed like they could erupt out of his chest at any moment.


    ¡°This b*tch, she didn¡¯t even come to my boat for free and insisted on spending money to board that gigolo¡¯s boat. She clearly has her eyes on him. Is she blind? I, Zhao Zhongheng, am countless times stronger than that kid!¡±


    ¡°In terms of spirit stones, my net worth is countless. In terms of status, I¡¯m a core disciple. In terms of background, my grandfather is an elder of the Seventh Peak. How can this kid compare to me? He can¡¯t even compare to a single strand of hair on me!!¡±


    ¡°What does he have? Other than the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale, he¡¯s useless in everything else. He¡¯s just a pauper at the foot of the mountain. Isn¡¯t he just handsome? Can beauty be eaten!!¡±


    As Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s jealousy rose and fell intensely, the sun set and dusk passed.


    The sea in the evening was even more mysterious. The setting sun was still burning, illuminating the undulating waves and dyeing them red. It was as though flames were spreading, flickering and rolling, each wave higher than the last.


    This lasted until the fire in the sky slowly extinguished and the flames of the sea gradually dimmed. The world then turned pitch-black.


    From afar, the dim surface of the sea was covered in layers of scales, and the sea breeze was also a little lighter. It was as though the entire world was gradually calming down.


    It was not possible to sail at night. The degree of danger was much greater than during the day. Hence, Xu Qing chose to anchor the boat. Senior Sister Ding, who was at the side, sat beside Xu Qing and took out food. Her smile was still sweet as she passed it to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t eat. After thanking her, he returned to the cabin and activated the inner protective barrier to enter seclusion.


    ¡°Junior Brother, are you going to cultivate? I¡¯ll guard you.¡± Senior Sister Ding didn¡¯t mind Xu Qing¡¯s coldness at all. After she smiled and spoke, she really sat cross-legged outside the cabin.


    This scene caused Zhao Zhongheng, who was on the Phoenix, to go crazy again. However, looking at Senior Sister Ding¡¯s beautiful face, he still endured it and said from the Phoenix.


    ¡°Senior Sister, I have some sea fish here. We¡­¡±


    ¡°Not interested,¡± Senior Sister Ding said calmly.


    ¡°Senior Sister, I¡­¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Please be quiet. Don¡¯t disturb Junior Brother¡¯s cultivation.¡± Senior Sister Ding lifted her head and glanced at Zhao Zhongheng impatiently.


    Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s face darkened. He gritted his teeth and stared fixedly at the cabin where Xu Qing was cultivating. He was going crazy to the extreme in his heart but he was helpless. He could only meditate to calm his anger.


    Just like that, time slowly passed and very soon, it was late at night.


    While Xu Qing and the other two were meditating, under the night sky, an abnormal change slowly occurred in the deep seawater that no one noticed.


    In the sea, specks of starlight gathered and gradually transformed into wisps of shadows that slowly floated to the surface of the sea¡­ These shadows seemed to be the mysterious and deep dreams that the black Forbidden Sea weaved for the travelers.


    However, as the shadows rose into the air, they continuously transformed into all kinds of sinister appearances, transforming into malicious ghosts, drowned humans, and rotting beasts. At the next instant, their original silence turned mournful. Waves of sharp cries that shook the soul tore through the air and spread in all directions.


    These sounds were abnormally tragic and frightening.


    Immediately, the dream¡­ became a nightmare!


    Xu Qing and the other two instantly opened their eyes. Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s pupils contracted, and Senior Sister Ding¡¯s expression was solemn. Her right hand was placed on her storage bag.


    Xu Qing walked out of the cabin and his gaze froze.


    As far as the eye could see, countless evil ghosts rose into the air and flew crazily toward the end of the pitch-black sky as though they had been summoned.


    They formed a group, then a crowd.


    It was sinister and paranormal.


    This was¡­ the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and stared at everything. He watched as the malicious ghosts rose into the air while emitting sharp cries. In his mind, the description of the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts appeared.


    ¡°There are wonders in the Endless Sea that mortals haven¡¯t heard of. With the Golden Crow Chi Yang as a companion, a hundred sounds form a tune ¨C Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon.¡±


    ¡°God was delighted. When He closed his eyes and looked, the Endless Sea became Forbidden. The hundred sounds became Yin1.¡±


    ¡°If my sect¡¯s disciples encounter them, don¡¯t move, don¡¯t touch, don¡¯t disturb¡­¡±


    The words on the sea record mentioned a story.


    The story told all the Seven Blood Eyes disciples who were going out to sea that this sea that surrounded the Nanhuang Continent was originally called the Endless Sea.


    In the past, before the fragmented face of the god appeared in the sky, there would occasionally be strange music echoing in the Endless Sea. This music was extraordinary. Ordinary people wouldn¡¯t be able to hear it even if they went out to sea.


    Only cultivators could hear a thing or two amidst the drifting music on the sea.


    The story also introduced the origins of this piece of music.


    The sun in the sky wasn¡¯t a star but a huge Golden Crow Divine Bird. Its name was Chi Yang. Every morning, it would fly out of its bedroom in the depths of the Endless Sea and return at night. This cycle repeated endlessly as though it had a mission.


    Every time it returned to its bedroom at night, musicians would play a tune for it. This tune contained a hundred notes, forming a dreamy meaning. As for the name of the musical piece, it was called Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon.


    Every time the tune rang out, the bright moon would rise into the air and patrol the world on behalf of Chi Yang.


    Until one day when the god¡¯s fragmented face arrived. He, who was floating outside the sky of the world, was very happy when he heard this tune. He narrowed his eyes and looked over.


    The instant his gaze landed, the Endless Sea boiled. The density of anomalous substances exceeded imagination, causing the Endless Sea to become a Forbidden Sea filled with dense anomalous substances.


    As for the hundred notes that formed the tune, they were also invaded. The sounds turned into yin, and as if they had died, they turned into ghosts.


    The Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts.

 Chapter 140 - Deep Sea Dragon Shadow (1)

    The story told all the Seven Blood Eyes disciples that once they went out to sea and encountered this strange scene, they shouldn¡¯t move, touch it, or disturb it.


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    As the contents of the record in the Sea Records Library appeared in his mind, he sat cross-legged on the magic boat and looked up at the countless ferocious ghosts in the surroundings. They let out waves of ear-piercing roars and rose into the air in huge groups.


    ¡°The main point mentioned in the record isn¡¯t the story itself.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the sky and mumbled inwardly amidst the coldness of the surroundings.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­ its description of everything uses the word ¡®story¡¯, not ¡®legend¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Compared to legends, the term ¡®story¡¯ often represents a scene that really happened.¡± Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and stared at his surroundings.


    Countless malicious ghosts filled the sky and sea, and their voices became increasingly mournful. This scene was enough to intimidate the timid and make them shiver in horror.


    However, to Xu Qing, he was used to it.


    He had seen the eyes of the god before. He had lived in a dead city filled with ferocious beasts and strange things for more than half a month. He had also seen too much life and death in the slums that were shrouded in the darkness of human nature since he was young.


    After experiencing tempering and baptism in the jungle of the forbidden zone and the Seven Blood Eyes, to him, these strange things weren¡¯t the only things that killed people. Anything in this world could kill.


    Such a scene might cause others to feel fear but to Xu Qing, it was not significant.


    Due to his calm state, Xu Qing could faintly hear the lingering sounds of music amidst the cries of these malicious ghosts rising into the air.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and didn¡¯t move at all, as though he was trying to listen to the music.


    From afar, regardless of whether it was him or this magic boat, they were insignificant in the sea. As the boat swayed, they were gradually covered by the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts.


    Only the lingering sound beside Xu Qing¡¯s ear became clearer and clearer¡­


    Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts, Night Dance of a Hundred Ghosts, Night Song of a Hundred Ghosts.


    Time slowly passed under Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s nervousness, Xu Qing¡¯s concentrated listening, and Senior Sister Ding¡¯s curiosity toward Xu Qing¡¯s state.


    As morning arrived and the night music dissipated, Xu Qing opened his eyes. There were still faint echoes of the music lingering in his mind.


    Senior Sister Ding¡¯s beautiful eyes landed on Xu Qing and she couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, were you listening the entire night? Did you hear anything?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother. He didn¡¯t want to be disturbed at this moment. He continued to immerse himself in the lingering sound in his mind without even blinking his eyes.


    This made Senior Sister Ding even more curious. She looked at Xu Qing and patted her storage bag with her right hand. She immediately took out a jade box and handed it over.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, there¡¯s a clarity pill in here. It has a very good effect of nourishing the soul. I¡¯ll give it to you. Can you tell me the answer?¡±


    On the Phoenix, Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s eyes instantly widened and his breathing became hurried. The flames in his eyes almost couldn¡¯t be suppressed. This pill was a gift he had given Senior Sister Ding when he saw her impatient expression earlier¡­


    Now, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t happy and Senior Sister Ding was giving him the same gift¡­


    5


    This scene caused him to go completely crazy.


    ¡°Clarity pill?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s attention was instinctively attracted. He knew about the clarity pill and also knew that the value of this rare pill wasn¡¯t small.


    Hence, he was a little surprised. He took the jade box and opened it. After taking a look and confirming that there were no problems, he placed it in his pocket.


    Seeing that Xu Qing had accepted it, Senior Sister Ding was very happy. She smiled at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, tell me. I know that the sea record mentioned the Night Song of a Hundred Ghosts. Only those with sharp senses can hear it.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded as a hint of reminiscence appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°I heard the sound of teacher guiding me when he taught me about herbs and medicine.¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, you actually know the Dao of plants. How impressive.¡± Senior Sister Ding¡¯s face was filled with admiration. As for Zhao Zhongheng, who was on the Phoenix, his face revealed disdain. He curled his lips and said in a low voice.


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know how to brag!¡±


    Senior Sister Ding didn¡¯t bother with the jealous Zhao Zhongheng. She eagerly asked Xu Qing about the Dao of plants.


    On account of the clarity pill, although Xu Qing felt a little impatient, he still forced himself to reply.


    On the way, Zhao Zhongheng was clearly even more anxious. In order to pull his senior sister back to his side, he began to curry favor and frequently gave her gifts.


    However, Senior Sister Ding mostly rejected him coldly. Occasionally, when she really had no choice, she would reluctantly accept the gifts. However, she didn¡¯t have the slightest intention of changing boats. Instead, on Xu Qing¡¯s boat, bell-like laughter would often ring out. This caused Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s internal organs to be burned by anger.


    This was especially so for the next few days on the road. Senior Sister Ding¡¯s laughter could be heard even more than when she was with him for a year. Many times, he even saw that it was Senior Sister Ding who took the initiative to find a topic to talk about with Xu Qing, asking about plants and medicinal herbs. However, Zhao Zhongheng clearly knew that Ding Xue usually didn¡¯t have the slightest interest in herbs.


    If Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak, she would give him gifts as consultation fees. Those gifts were all from him.


    This scene caused Zhao Zhongheng to be in a daze many times. Vaguely, he felt that everything was so familiar. He and Senior Sister Ding seemed¡­ somewhat similar.


    This discovery caused Zhao Zhongheng to feel sorrow from the bottom of his heart. However, he was unwilling to give up. He could only force himself to be in good spirits and try his best to keep up.


    In fact, in order to attract Senior Sister Ding¡¯s attention, Zhao Zhongheng simply erupted with his cultivation along the way and kept capturing all kinds of sea beasts to invite her to taste them. This method indeed had some effect, and this made Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s heart come alive again.

 Chapter 141 - Deep Sea Dragon Shadow (2)

    On the afternoon of the third day, when Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat and the Phoenix were advancing on the surface of the sea, a sharp cry rang out from the sky.


    Xu Qing, who was meditating on the magic boat, opened his eyes and saw a pseudotooth bird spinning in the sky. Its huge and slender wings were more than 20 feet long and its green body had some mud spots on it. What was most eye-catching was its astonishing beak that was like two huge iron pincers. One could imagine how terrifying its bite force was.


    At this moment, the sea was calm like a huge black mirror, and seabirds showed up frequently.


    The pseudotooth bird was only one of them. Many small black dots could be seen in the distance. They were different types of seabirds searching for prey at noon.


    The pseudotooth bird circling in the sky seemed to have determined that its prey was Xu Qing and the others as it kept close to them. However, it also seemed to have sensed danger, so it circled a few times and was about to leave.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the pseudotooth bird in the sky before lowering his head to look at the calm sea. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes but he didn¡¯t bother with it.


    However, Zhao Zhongheng, who was on the Phoenix, revealed a look of joy in his eyes. He smiled and shouted at Senior Sister Ding, who had noticed this scene in the sky.


    ¡°Senior Sister Ding, the sea record mentioned this kind of pseudotooth bird. It seems to taste quite good. I¡¯ll get it and we can eat it for lunch.¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, do you want to eat the pseudotooth bird for lunch?¡± Senior Sister Ding looked at the pseudotooth bird in the sky and smiled sweetly at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing still had a good impression of Senior Sister Ding. The other party¡¯s eagerness to learn reminded him of his past self. Although she asked a lot of questions about herbs, she paid him as well. The value of the items she gave was almost 200 spirit stones.


    At the same time, after interacting with them for the past few days, Xu Qing had a deeper impression of the two core disciples of the Seventh Peak. However, he wouldn¡¯t carelessly judge all the core disciples just because of these two¡¯s performances.


    Core disciples were also humans, and as long as one was a human, it was impossible for them to have the same personality. Some were smart, some were stupid, some were vigilant, and some were rash.


    Among the core disciples, some were innocent, but there would definitely be those who emitted the same baleful aura as the gray-robed disciples who moved up from the savage environment at the foot of the mountain. Xu Qing felt that he had not seen them because he had come into contact with very few core disciples.


    As for Zhao Zhongheng, he wasn¡¯t bad either. He was just very stupid. As the captain had said, he was a good-for-nothing.


    Senior Sister Ding also wasn¡¯t stupid. She was just too well protected and didn¡¯t match this chaotic world. However, it was precisely this that further proved the strength of her background.


    This point could also be verified from Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s attitude.


    This was especially so when he thought of how her hand had been on her storage bag during the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts. Xu Qing was sure that she must have astonishing life-saving methods and was the reason her elders were at ease letting her go out to sea.


    Hence, Xu Qing reminded her.


    ¡°The surface of the sea is too calm. Something is wrong.¡±


    ¡°Coward!¡± Zhao Zhongheng sneered. He waved his hands, preparing to cast a spell to capture the pseudotooth bird.


    The pseudotooth bird that was leaving seemed to have sensed Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s intentions and stopped; its aggressive nature was stimulated. After circling in the air, it suddenly sped up and descended from the sky like a shooting star, shooting toward the magic boats.


    Its figure tore through the air, creating waves of sonic booms.


    ¡°Good.¡± Zhao Zhongheng laughed loudly. With a sway of his body, he leaped up from the boat and was about to attack.


    Xu Qing became vigilant. He looked at the surface of the sea behind the magic boat. He saw that the area of hundreds of feet there was actually churning intensely as the pseudotooth bird approached.


    It was as though something was rapidly approaching the surface from the bottom of the sea!


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he quickly performed a series of hand seals. In an instant, his magic boat went into defensive mode.


    The instant the defensive mode was formed, through the eyes of his dragonwhale, he saw a gigantic creature approaching at an astonishing speed from behind the magic boat. In the blink of an eye, it arrived from the bottom of the sea and broke through the surface of the sea.


    Boom!


    About an area of hundreds of meters of the sea¡¯s surface directly exploded.


    A gigantic head that was pitch-black and covered in scales like a dragon or crocodile broke out of the sea with unprecedented ferocity and cruelty.


    The fishy smell instantly spread in all directions, and the waves churned intensely. The head opened its mouth and directly swallowed the incoming pseudotooth bird!


    The pseudotooth bird looked very large but compared to the beast¡¯s open mouth, it was like a small snack. It was instantly swallowed by the dragon crocodile-like mouth. With a boom, the beast¡¯s head fell back into the sea.


    The waves surged into the sky and spread in all directions, causing Xu Qing¡¯s boat and Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s Phoenix to be like leaves on the sea, involuntarily tumbling backward. However, the former was orderly, while the latter was on the verge of losing control.


    Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s expression changed drastically and horror appeared on his face.


    At that moment, he was already in the air. Fortunately, his speed wasn¡¯t very fast. Otherwise, if he had gotten close to the pseudotooth bird just now, the bird wouldn¡¯t be the only one devoured.


    The intense palpitations brought about by the line between life and death made him unable to block the seawater from soaking him. His face was pale as he retreated rapidly to the Phoenix. Even when his feet landed on the deck, he was still trembling.


    It was as though he was afraid that if he retreated too slowly, that terrifying mouth would appear again.


    However, as a disciple of the Seventh Peak, his intrinsic quality still allowed him to instinctively control the magic boat, allowing it to gradually regain control.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ the plesiosaur. Senior Sister Ding, come here quickly. We have to leave this area immediately!¡±


    As the waves churned, Zhao Zhongheng, who was standing on the swaying Phoenix, spoke anxiously as he controlled the magic boat.


    ¡°Shut up. If it wasn¡¯t for your stupid idea to agitate the pseudotooth bird, it would have flown away. Why would it attack! The sea record mentioned that the pseudotooth bird is the favorite meat of the plesiosaur. It¡¯s obvious that the plesiosaur was attracted by the pseudotooth bird. If you didn¡¯t act recklessly, this plesiosaur would definitely have left with it.¡±


    Senior Sister Ding¡¯s expression was ugly. Although plesiosaurs weren¡¯t the strongest among the predators in the Forbidden Sea, being able to survive among the endless anomalous substances meant that they were ferocious. Moreover, it was very difficult to judge the strength of each of them by their cultivation.


    After all, with its huge body, unless the difference in combat strength was obvious, there was a high chance that the victory would belong to it.


    Zhao Zhongheng wanted to defend himself, but he couldn¡¯t say anything. He could only reply bitterly.


    ¡°Maybe it will leave in a while¡­¡±


    Senior Sister Ding¡¯s intrinsic quality was clearly much better than Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s. At this moment, even though her emotions were in turmoil, she still circulated all her cultivation and took out a green longsword.


    At the same time, she placed her right hand on her storage bag, ready to take out her trump card at any time. She then looked at the sea warily.


    Compared to the two of them, Xu Qing was much calmer. He had sensed that something was wrong with this sea area earlier, so he got the magic boat to use the defensive state in advance.


    The huge waves rolled over like a giant¡¯s large hand, ruthlessly slapping Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat, causing it to keep moving away in the waves.


    However, overall, the magic boat¡¯s stability was very good, so it didn¡¯t lose control. Instead, it retreated in an orderly manner with the help of the waves.


    His calmness also calmed Senior Sister Ding¡¯s emotions. Her gaze slowly turned sharp.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t leave!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he spoke in a low voice.

 Chapter 142 - Using the Sea Enlightenment Art (1)

    Through the dragonwhale in the sea, Xu Qing could clearly see that the terrifying existence at the bottom of the sea had yet to leave.


    Instead, it twisted its body and stopped in the distance. Its dragon or crocodile-like head was facing them.


    Its cold gaze revealed a killing intent as it locked onto Xu Qing¡¯s boat and the dragonwhale below. It seemed to be weighing the strength of its prey before it moved for the kill.


    Its body was like a huge penguin, more than 2,000 feet tall. Its four majestic dragon fins swayed slightly, and barnacles grew all over them, emitting countless tiny tentacles. The most astonishing thing was its exaggerated and slender neck, which had a row of sharp black spikes.


    It was indeed a plesiosaur!


    This was one of the common hunters in the Forbidden Sea that had been mentioned in the sea record.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly but he still maintained his composure. His experience in the forbidden zone¡¯s jungle allowed him to know that unless there was no possibility of fighting against a powerful ferocious beast, he couldn¡¯t show any fear.


    This was especially so for the plesiosaur that the sea record had described. It was cautious by nature, so once it felt that the enemy wasn¡¯t someone to be trifled with, it would leave.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°The two of you, spread out your cultivation bases and form a deterrence!¡±


    Senior Sister Ding didn¡¯t say a word and immediately did as she was told. Her cultivation base erupted even more intensely, forming fluctuations. Although Zhao Zhongheng was stupid, he wasn¡¯t hopelessly stupid. He hurriedly spread out his cultivation and even controlled the Phoenix to assume an attacking posture.


    All of this caused the plesiosaur to be a little restless. Its body slowly moved, but it clearly didn¡¯t want to give up.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and let out a cold snort. He then performed a one-handed seal and the eight-winged sail on the magic boat immediately contracted. At the same time that the protective barrier was fully activated, the cultivation base in his body circulated at full force.


    Amidst the rumbling, the aura of the eighth level of the Mountains and Seas Art erupted. A shadow appeared behind him.


    It had dry and cracked skin, green body, spiral horn, and red crazed eyes. The moment Ba appeared, it let out a ferocious roar toward the bottom of the sea.


    An astonishingly high temperature spread out fiercely.


    This high temperature was strange, like it couldn¡¯t be extinguished. Water vapor appeared on the surrounding sea, causing the surroundings to be a little hazy. The plesiosaur immediately became restless, as though it was very uncomfortable with this sudden change. It began to retreat, but the extent wasn¡¯t great.


    This scene caused Senior Sister Ding¡¯s eyes to widen, revealing intense light. Zhao Zhongheng even gasped. The gaze he used to look at Xu Qing once again revealed astonishment.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the two of them. At that moment, all his attention was on the plesiosaur. After using the Mountains and Seas Art, he also circulated his Sea Transformation Art with all his might without hesitation. Immediately, the seawater in the surroundings of the magic boat transformed into wild undercurrents. There was also the violent aura of the dragonwhale that locked onto the plesiosaur.


    Not only that, but the horn and four legs of Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat also emitted a resplendent light that carried intense deterrence as it spread out.


    The devouring power contained in the horn and the 3,000 blades in each leg were all prepared to erupt at this moment. The chill was astonishing, causing the plesiosaur¡¯s entire body to tremble. The spikes on its neck swayed rapidly. Clearly, it felt an intense threat and was in a standoff with Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze fused with the dragonwhale¡¯s eyes as he stared coldly.


    Just like that, the time it took for an incense stick to burn passed.


    The plesiosaur sensed that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t someone to be trifled with. It circled around and slowly retreated. In the end, it gave up on hunting, disappearing into the distance.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t let down his guard. He maintained a fully armed state and controlled the magic boat to move. Only after the magic boat had completely left this sea area for a long while did he let out a deep breath.


    At the side, Senior Sister Ding and Zhao Zhongheng on the Phoenix heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡°The sea record said that this sea beast doesn¡¯t like to take risks and will only attack when it is 100% confident. As expected.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the sea in front of him.


    He knew that this place was actually just the coastal area. It was far from the deep sea area.


    However, even so, it was already so dangerous. One could imagine that the entire sea must be extremely strange and dangerous.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the fragmented-face of the god in the sky.


    Everything was because of His arrival.


    His appearance changed all living beings, making everything even more ferocious and terrifying.


    Xu Qing looked at the sea silently. The image of the plesiosaur from earlier slowly emerged in his mind and a look of contemplation appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Its appearance seems to be more suitable for survival in the Forbidden Sea.¡±


    Xu Qing pondered. After he sat down cross-legged, he performed a series of hand seals with both hands. Immediately, the appearance of the dragonwhale under his magic boat slowly changed under his attempts.


    At the same time, Senior Sister Ding and Zhao Zhongheng, who had escaped danger, heaved a sigh of relief. They also looked at Xu Qing. The former¡¯s expression became brighter, while the latter¡¯s bitterness and horror still lingered.


    Although they didn¡¯t see Xu Qing attack, the might of his aura, the terror of the Ba shadow, and the existence of the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale made the two of them very clear that Xu Qing was even stronger than they had imagined.


    ¡°Blood and Qi turning into shadow. Not only did this Xu guy form the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale with the Sea Transformation Art, but his body refinement has also reached the great circle of perfection. How can he be so strong!!¡±


    ¡°Not only is this Junior Brother Xu good-looking, but his cultivation level is even deeper than what I judged previously. Moreover, he might have some hidden cards that he hasn¡¯t used yet. There¡¯s a high chance that such a person can reach the Foundation Building realm in the future¡­¡±


    Just when they were thinking of different things, the changes in the dragonwhale under Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat were getting bigger and bigger.

 Chapter 143 - Using the Sea Enlightenment Art (2)

    Its neck gradually became slender, and a row of sharp spikes appeared on it. Four flippers extended from its body, and it looked more and more like a plesiosaur.


    The feeling of cruelty it gave off grew increasingly intense as it changed.


    Before he saw the plesiosaur, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t make microscopic changes. However, now that he had seen it, he felt that the other party¡¯s appearance would increase the dragonwhale¡¯s speed and increase its agility and attack power in hunting.


    At the same time, in the dragonwhale¡¯s surroundings, as the Sea Transformation Art circulated, swordfish formed and pseudotooth birds also appeared. There was even a small giant figure that slowly formed amidst the gathering of water droplets.


    At the next instant, as the surface of the sea rumbled, the dragonwhale that had its appearance changed by Xu Qing broke through the surface of the sea and flew out. It let out a roar in the air and swordfishes followed it, forming rainbows under the sunlight.


    Senior Sister Ding and Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s eyes widened. After sensing the spirit energy fluctuations that belonged to the Seventh Peak¡¯s Sea Transformation Art, they were stunned.


    Not all disciples at the eighth level of the Sea Transformation Art could possess extreme control to form a dragonwhale.


    Not all disciples who formed the dragonwhale could grasp extreme control over it and change its form.


    All of this caused Senior Sister Ding and Zhao Zhongheng, who were already shocked, to be even more shaken.


    Regardless of whether it was the plesiosaur or the swordfishes, these weren¡¯t the spell patterns recorded in the Sea Transformation Art but Xu Qing¡¯s comprehension from this trip to the sea.


    The sea was like a Dao teacher.


    At the same time, it was profound and supernatural. When one was beside it, some insightful people could silently achieve enlightenment.


    Time slowly passed just like that. On the way, Zhao Zhongheng felt even more bitter and dejected. He had completely realized that he couldn¡¯t afford to offend this Xu Qing. The probability of Xu Qing reaching the Foundation Building realm in the future was extremely high. Once he reached the Foundation Building realm, he would have to respectfully greet him.


    He didn¡¯t even have the thought of asking his grandfather for help. It wasn¡¯t like he hadn¡¯t encountered similar situations in the past. However, although the other party ended up in a miserable state, he also ended up in an equally miserable state. There were a few times when he thought that his grandfather would beat him to death.


    He could only pray in his heart that the journey would end early and Xu Qing would leave.


    As if his prayers were answered, the sea was calm for the next few days and the three of them didn¡¯t encounter any danger. The magic boats gradually got closer and closer to the Western Reef Archipelago until the outline of the archipelago could be seen in the distance.


    As for Senior Sister Ding¡¯s enthusiasm, it continued to rise on the way. Ever since she boarded the ship, the materials she had given in order to obtain knowledge were worth more than 300 spirit stones.


    This allowed Xu Qing to see Senior Sister Ding¡¯s thirst for knowledge. He felt that the other party was a good person. After all, if his hunt at sea wasn¡¯t smooth, his gains might not even be that much¡­


    However, when he thought about how he had spent a large amount of cultivation time to guide the other party and clear her doubts about herbs, and how he had the responsibility to protect her along the way, Xu Qing weighed the pros and cons in his heart and felt that the transaction was very reasonable.


    In the last half a day, Xu Qing still patiently answered Senior Sister Ding¡¯s questions. However, he didn¡¯t accept any more materials from her. He admired Senior Sister Ding¡¯s eagerness to learn.


    When Zhao Zhongheng saw this scene, he sighed in despair in his heart. He felt that if a gigolo started to not take money, it was because the latter had developed feelings¡­


    1


    He looked at the distant Western Reef Archipelago and wished they could reach there immediately and end the voyage so that Xu Qing could leave.


    Just like that, dusk gradually passed. As the three of them sailed, no matter how reluctant Senior Sister Ding was, the Western Reef Archipelago became clearer and clearer in their eyes.


    When they arrived at the destination of Senior Sister Ding¡¯s trip, Zhao Zhongheng was extremely excited. He looked expectantly at Senior Sister Ding.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, are you really not coming with us? I am here to visit an elder. It¡¯s my aunt. Her cultivation is profound and she likes to guide the younger generation. If you come, you will definitely gain a lot.¡± Before Senior Sister Ding got off the boat, she tried to persuade Xu Qing.


    Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s heart instantly skipped a beat. His heart was in his throat as he stared fixedly at Xu Qing, afraid that Xu Qing would agree.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going. I still have other things to deal with. Senior Sister Ding, take care.¡±


    A polite smile appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s face. After Senior Sister Ding slowly got off the magic boat while turning around to look at Xu Qing again and again, Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat let out a muffled sound and slowly retreated. It then changed directions and sailed toward the distance.


    On the shore of the island behind him, Senior Sister Ding¡¯s Daoist robe and hair fluttered in the wind. She lifted her beautiful face and her bright eyes looked at Xu Qing who was on the magic boat. She suddenly spoke loudly.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, take care. After this voyage ends and we return to the sect, I¡¯ll continue to seek guidance from you.¡±


    Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s heart skipped a beat again and his face fell.


    Xu Qing nodded slightly and waved his hand. He then controlled the magic boat and gradually sailed into the sea.


    As he left the island and the magic boat returned to peace, Xu Qing¡¯s expression also became sharp amidst the calmness.


    Standing on the magic boat, he slowly seemed to have transformed into a sharp sword that was about to be unsheathed. His gaze turned cold as he stared at the Forbidden Sea behind the distant archipelago.


    That direction was his destination, the location of the Sea Lizard Island.


    At his current speed, he would be able to reach it in two days at most. As a public resource point that produced sea lizard skin, there must be killings and fights there.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. After many days at sea, he was even more familiar with the Forbidden Sea. At the same time, he was also prepared to make a move.


    ¡°I have to be more vigilanta€|¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and waved his right hand. Immediately, the magic boat erupted with speed again and whistled forward on the surface of the sea. According to the nautical chart, it was getting closer and closer to the Sea Lizard Island.


    On the way, he began to organize his dagger, put on his boxing gloves, sharpened the black iron stick, and checked his poison.


    One day, two daysa€|


    On the third day, dusk filled the sky and the afterglow of dusk shone through the gaps in the dark clouds onto the sea. The wind on the sea was clearly much more violent as an island appeared before Xu Qing.


    The entire island was pitch-black, as though it was enveloped in dark clouds, as though there were ferocious beasts hidden there. Rot and humidity lingered around it, revealing desolation and death.


    Hundreds of boats were floating in the surroundings. Each of them had their own differences, but they weren¡¯t the Seventh Peak¡¯s magic boats.


    There were also some human and beast corpses that had died for an unknown period of time on the beach, giving off a cold feeling.


    Looking further up, the island was surrounded by a black-colored mountain jungle and mountains. The murderous aura in the air carried a sense of oppression. Just like the black clouds in the dusk at this moment, it pressed down deeply and filled the surroundings.


    As Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat got closer, many gazes that were hiding in the mountains and jungle instantly opened and coldly locked onto Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing could clearly sense the hostility in the gazes. He slowly narrowed his eyes. His expression was calm but his body emitted an aura as sharp as a blade.


    It was as though he had transformed into a fierce wolf, causing those gazes to stop and retract one after another.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. With a sway of his body, he stepped onto the beach and kept the magic boat. He flicked the dust off his body and walked toward the jungle. When he passed by the corpses that were everywhere, he would glance at them

 Chapter 144 - Demon Lands on the Island (1)

    The grayish-brown broken bones were scattered on the black beach. Some of them had weathered and were rough like sand. Some of them didn¡¯t seem to have died for long and there were still pieces of rotting flesh hanging on them.


    The sea breeze blew over, stirring up the gravel on the ground. It then piled up in the human and beast skulls and curled up.


    The entire Sea Lizard Island was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. It was filled with gloom and cruelty. Only the setting sun that was like a red fallen leaf falling onto the beach seemed to have covered their deaths with a pall.


    Unfortunately, this pall was also red.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze from the broken bones in the surroundings. As the world gradually darkened, he calmly walked toward the jungle. As he got closer, his figure disappeared.


    The moment he stepped into the jungle, the dark night covered him like a pair of large hands. The sky was pitch-black and the sun had stepped aside.


    In the jungle, Xu Qing¡¯s figure was like a ghost. His speed was extremely fast as he moved on the large trees. His gaze was like a pseudotooth bird¡¯s. As he moved forward, he calmly observed his surroundings.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with the jungle.


    Although this was an island and not the forbidden zone back then, the experience of surviving in the jungle would work here as well. This was especially so for the vegetation on the ground. There were also some common medicinal herbs which were familiar to Xu Qing. At the same time, his figure was like a fish in water in the jungle, his movements incomparably agile.


    However, he also gradually discovered some special places.


    In this jungle, many trees had collapsed, and the collapsed areas were mostly connected to the sea.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. He arrived at a place where trees had collapsed. Standing there, he first observed his surroundings as well as the locations where the trees had broken and the direction they had fallen in. After that, he lowered his head and swept his gaze across the ground and the broken trees.


    ¡°There are scale fragments on the treesa€|¡± Xu Qing picked up a palm-sized grayish-black fragment from the broken wood on the ground. There was a faint fishy smell lingering on it.


    ¡°It¡¯s the skin of a sea lizard, and it¡¯s been some time.¡± Xu Qing had already made a judgment in his mind. Clearly, the sea lizard had crawled out of the sea and walked toward the jungle. Wherever it passed, trees would be knocked down.


    ¡°There are many such locations. This means that every sea lizard that comes here to shed their skin will take a different path. This is reasonable.¡±


    ¡°I wonder if the final location chosen by the sea lizards to shed their skin is random ora€| there¡¯s a general area.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and decided to follow the path the sea lizard had taken a long time ago to see what was going on. After making a decision, he sped up while following the traces on the path.


    However, his vigilance grew increasingly intense.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know if there were any cultivators here who had surpassed the Qi Condensation Realm. He had analyzed on the way here that although the sea lizard skin was expensive, Foundation Building cultivators most likely wouldn¡¯t fancy it.


    However, he had no choice but to be wary. After all, many things couldn¡¯t be ignored based on a simple judgment.


    The wind from the forest blew over, bringing with it the smell of rotting vegetation. Xu Qing took a deep breath but didn¡¯t smell any other auras. He didn¡¯t stop and continued forward.


    An hour later, when the sky was getting darker, Xu Qing leaped up and squatted on a tree crown near the mountain range. There was a dark glint in his eyes as he stared not far away.


    In front of him, there was a piece of broken sea lizard skin. It was grayish-black and very dry. Clearly, it had been there for a long time, as though it had shattered from fighting.


    When Xu Qing came, he had checked the information and knew that the sea lizard skin could only be preserved in a special way when it was just shed. Otherwise, once it was shed for too long and its spirituality dissipated, it would have no value.


    This was also the reason why the competition for the sea lizard skin was bound to be bloody. This was because everyone who came to this island like Xu Qing had to wait and fight for it the moment the sea lizard skin shed.


    Xu Qing left the tree crown, expanding the scope of his exploration in the surroundings.


    This lasted until he scouted the surroundings of the mountain range and followed the mountain range for a distance. He saw many sea lizard skins. At the same time, he discovered that the places where the sea lizards shed their skin were mostly near the mountain range. Moreover, it was obvious that the higher the mountain range, the greater the number of broken skins.


    All of this gave him an answer.


    ¡°The molting of sea lizards is done in a specific area and they yearn for higher places?¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the tallest mountain among the several mountains on the Sea Lizard Island. His gaze then turned sharp.


    ¡°That place should be the true treasure land on this island. Only the powerful sea lizards would be able to head there. Their skins are the most valuable!¡±


    Xu Qing no longer hesitated and headed toward the highest mountain peak at full speed. He didn¡¯t stop at all on the way. As he nimbly shuttled through, he also noticed the figures of cultivators waiting on other mountain peaks.


    These people were basically rogue cultivators. Their cultivation levels were around the fifth level of Qi Condensation. Although they weren¡¯t very strong, the ruthlessness in their eyes was clearly visible.


    They clearly knew their limits and chose the shorter mountain ranges. All of them stared warily at Xu Qing¡¯s arrival and only heaved a sigh of relief when they noticed that he was only passing by.


    Xu Qing also heaved a sigh of relief. He felt that with so many low-level cultivators gathered here, it meant that his previous judgment shouldn¡¯t be wrong. The chances of Foundation Building existence here weren¡¯t very high.


    However, he didn¡¯t let his guard down. This was because if there was really a Foundation Building cultivator, there was a high chance that they would be at the place he was going to now.


    Just like that, not long later, with Xu Qing¡¯s speed, he traversed through many mountains and finally arrived at the tallest mountain on Sea Lizard Island. As he arrived, strands of qi instantly erupted from the mountain peak and locked onto him.

 Chapter 145 - Demon Lands on the Island (2)

    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks. After sensing carefully, his expression was a little strange. He still didn¡¯t discover the aura of a Foundation Building cultivator.


    Hence, he walked forward with a calm expression. At the same time, he noticed a large number of broken sea lizard skins on this mountain peak.


    The auras emitted by these sea lizards¡¯ skins were at least at the fifth or sixth level of Qi Condensation. This allowed Xu Qing to confirm his judgment. When sea lizards shed their skin, they indeed moved toward higher places.


    As for the auras that were probing him, Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with them. He headed straight for the top of the mountain and soon arrived at his destination.


    At the top of the mountain was a huge basin surrounded by trees. Many cultivators were scattered around. Their cultivation levels were clearly much stronger than the cultivators from the other mountain peaks. Most of them were at the eighth or ninth level of Qi Condensation and there were even a few who were at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm.


    There indeed wasn¡¯t a Foundation Building cultivator!


    As for the cultivators here, their gazes were either savage or cold and filled with bloodthirst. They were clearly fugitives.


    Moreover, the human race wasn¡¯t the majority here. On the contrary, the nonhuman races occupied the majority. Among them, there were lone wolves and those who moved in groups.


    There were also some who clearly smelled strongly of the sea. Clearly, they were pirates who were at sea all year round.


    They were all staring at Xu Qing.


    When Xu Qing walked over, his gaze swept past them and he immediately recognized three to five people on the wanted list. A strange glint appeared in his eyes.


    However, he didn¡¯t attack. Instead, he found a large tree and sat on it to rest.


    Although he had some guesses about the fact that there were no Foundation Building cultivators here, Xu Qing still felt that if there wasn¡¯t even a Foundation Building cultivator, the reason might not be what he thought.


    Xu Qing pondered. At the same time, he retracted his gaze from his surroundings. He wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with the malice of the cultivators. Regardless of whether it was the slums or the scavenger campsite, it was all similar.


    He sat there calmly and was about to cultivate when he frowned slightly. He coldly looked at the few pirates who were still looking over.


    These pirates were a small group of eight cultivators. Among them, there were two humans and six nonhumans. The latter had different appearances. Some had tentacles on their bodies, some had three eyes, and one had wings on his back.


    They looked at Xu Qing with unfriendly gazes that contained vicious intent. The winged nonhuman among them whispered to his companions. After that, Xu Qing saw the three-eyed nonhuman walking toward him.


    ¡°This place doesn¡¯t welcome the disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes, so you can either scram or stay here as nourishment.¡± The three-eyed nonhuman approached and said sinisterly. At the same time, the spiritual fluctuations of the eighth level of Qi Condensation were released unscrupulously, forming a deterrence.


    Xu Qing seriously sized up the nonhuman in front of him, wanting to determine if his neck was a vital point. He then looked at the other party¡¯s companions not far away. He knew very well that this was a test from this group. If he was easy to bully, he would become their target for plunder.


    Xu Qing suddenly lifted his right hand and grabbed behind him.


    A translucent figure that suddenly appeared behind him was grabbed tightly by the neck.


    Amidst the intense struggle, this translucent figure rapidly became clear, revealing a blue-haired nonhuman with scales all over its face. From its clothes, it was obvious that it was in the same group as this group of pirates.


    At that moment, terror appeared in the nonhuman¡¯s eyes. Just as he was about to counterattack, Xu Qing ruthlessly clenched his right hand. The nonhuman¡¯s neck shattered audibly.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. The power of the Sea Transformation Art gushed in and in the blink of an eye, the blood in the nonhuman¡¯s body was controlled by Xu Qing to directly break through its body, causing the nonhuman¡¯s body to collapse and explode.


    A pile of flesh and blood scattered on the ground but none of them tainted Xu Qing¡¯s clothes.


    The organs of the nonhuman races were different from humans. Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to waste time identifying the vital parts. If he completely destroyed them, they would still be dead.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t fluctuate at all when killing the nonhuman. It was as though he was simply crushing an ant to death. He continued to coldly stare at the three-eyed nonhuman in front of him.


    The three-eyed nonhuman¡¯s body trembled slightly and his breathing was clearly hurried. The expressions of his companions behind him also changed one after another. All of them were incomparably vigilant and solemn.


    ¡°Misunderstanding.¡± The three-eyed nonhuman took a deep breath and sensed that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t someone to be trifled with. He spoke in a low voice and slowly retreated.


    However, he didn¡¯t know Xu Qing and didn¡¯t know that Xu Qing¡¯s principle was to do his best to kill any existence that threatened his life. Hence, the instant the three-eyed nonhuman retreated, Xu Qing moved.


    His speed erupted, and his entire person transformed into an afterimage. The instant the three-eyed nonhuman¡¯s expression changed drastically and he waved his hand to form a spirit energy defense, Xu Qing had already closed in and punched out.


    Amidst the rumbling, the three-eyed nonhuman¡¯s spirit energy defense directly shattered into pieces. The eyes of the three-eyed nonhuman narrowed to the extreme and he was about to speak when Xu Qing¡¯s fist smashed into his chest like a hot knife through butter.


    The three-eyed nonhuman¡¯s body trembled intensely as his chest caved in. All the organs in his body directly collapsed.


    The expressions of the pirates not far away changed drastically. All of them stood up with low shouts and were about to attack. However, Xu Qing¡¯s speed was even faster than them. In reality, when he killed the first pirate, he had already decided to eliminate this group of pirates completely.


    Xu Qing¡¯s speed was astonishing. Under the gazes of the many rogue cultivators and nonhuman races in the surroundings, he charged into the group of pirates almost instantly. Miserable cries and the sounds of spells colliding instantly rang out.


    In the blink of an eye, six pirates were killed or injured. The expression of the remaining winged nonhuman was filled with unprecedented horror. He soared into the air and was about to escape. However, at the next moment, a sharp dagger whistled over and pierced between his brows, causing his body to fall from the air.


    It was over.


    Gasps rang out in the surroundings. At this moment, the surrounding cultivators¡¯ gazes became extremely solemn. All of them looked at the expressionless Xu Qing, who was walking beside the pirates¡¯ corpses, with fear.


    Xu Qing ignored the gazes from the surroundings and used his dagger to cut off the heads of the pirates¡¯ corpses one by one. He then walked all the way to his resting place and hung the pirates¡¯ heads on the tree as a sign.


    After doing all this, Xu Qing sat down cross-legged and looked at the other end of the basin. There was a large boulder there. Behind the boulder, a gigantic snake head was revealed, as well as a familiar figure under the snake head.


    ¡°He¡¯s here too!¡± Xu Qing was vigilant. He knew that the other party was strange. He narrowed his eyes and glanced at the huge snake behind the other party.


    This figure was none other than the old man from the inn on Panquan Road. When he saw Xu Qing at this moment, he felt depressed.


    ¡°Why is this kid here too!¡±


    The two of them looked at each other across the basin but quickly retracted their gazes.


    ¡°Unlucky.¡± The old man said in a low voice, but the eyes of the large snake clearly lit up.


    ¡°Gurgle, gurgle.¡±


    ¡°Why are you greeting him? He doesn¡¯t understand your gurgle.¡± The old man glared at the snake angrily.


    ¡°Gurgle, gurgle.¡±


    ¡°What? You want to ask him if he likes snakes or if he likes to eat snake gallbladders? Are you crazy? Is there a need to ask? Didn¡¯t you notice just now? He glanced at your gallbladder again.¡±


    ¡°Gurgle!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± The old man was speechless.


    ¡°Gurgle.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t help you ask. Didn¡¯t you secretly register to join the Seventh Peak¡¯s Intelligence Department behind my back? Go back and check how many snakes this kid killed.¡±


    The old man couldn¡¯t be bothered with the huge snake beside him. He felt that ever since this snake saw that kid, Xu Qing, it seemed to have been possessed and its brain was damaged.


    2


    ¡°Keep on insisting that he was looking at your figure. Hehe.¡±

 Chapter 146 - Dont Provoke Me

    Xu Qing sat cross-legged on the tree crown and glanced at the location of the old man from Panquan Road. He was extremely vigilant.


    At the same time, killing intent flashed in his heart. The other party was someone who was listed on his bamboo slip. It was just that Xu Qing had not been too confident of his success, so he didn¡¯t go to Panquan Road.


    Now that he encountered him again¡­ Xu Qing narrowed his eyes.


    However, considering the gains were more important this time around and that the other party wouldn¡¯t be killed so easily, he suppressed his killing intent and looked around.


    Every single one of the people here was extraordinary, especially among the lone wolves. A few of them even made Xu Qing feel a little threatened. This was also the reason why he wanted to kill the pirates who provoked him immediately.


    Growing up in the slums, he deeply understood that there were pros and cons to hiding one¡¯s abilities. Many times, hiding something might cause unnecessary trouble.


    Hence, acting decisively and using the bloody baleful aura to intimidate everyone was what Xu Qing had thought after he arrived. It was also what he had done when he was struggling in the slums.


    When the time was right, he had to reveal his fangs to warn everyone.


    Don¡¯t provoke me!


    The reason why he cut off their heads was partly to intimidate and partly because¡­ their heads were valuable.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and flicked his right hand lightly. Immediately, poison powder scattered around him.


    After doing this, he closed his eyes and silently meditated, waiting for the sea lizard to arrive.


    Xu Qing indeed achieved his goal. Everyone in the surroundings was extremely wary of him. While they acknowledged his qualifications to come here, they were also vigilant. This caused the situation to return to equilibrium.


    Just like that, amidst this wonderful balance, time slowly flowed by. A night passed. The next day, when the first rays of dawn scattered down, Xu Qing suddenly opened his eyes and looked down the mountain.


    Almost at the same time he looked over, seven to eight gazes also looked over at the same time.


    There was a rumbling sound coming from the foot of the mountain, as though there was a colossus moving forward with great difficulty. This sound also attracted the attention of more cultivators, and a murderous intent rapidly spread out.


    Very soon, in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, a lizard that was 70 to 80 feet long revealed its figure in the mountain jungle.


    This lizard¡¯s entire body was black, and its bark-like skin revealed traces of age. Under the sunlight, the skin reflected a black glow, and there seemed to be a gap between it and the body as it was being removed bit by bit.


    Its four claws were even sharper. At this moment, it was crawling over while panting. It was as though every step it took would bring some pain, but it didn¡¯t stop at all.


    Although its aura was weak, the fluctuations from its body that were comparable to the eighth level of Qi Condensation still caused everyone¡¯s breathing to freeze slightly. It was impossible for the sea lizard not to sense that there was someone here, but it didn¡¯t care at all.


    As it crawled toward the top of the mountain with great difficulty, the rumbling behind it didn¡¯t stop. One could see trees collapsing one after another. The second, third, fourth¡­


    A total of six sea lizards appeared one after another.


    ¡°Six pieces of eighth level Qi Condensation sea lizard skin!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly. He was very clear that the selling price of this skin in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ port was as high as 500 to 600 spirit stones.


    At that moment, he looked at these lizards with a sharp glint in his eyes. It was as though he wasn¡¯t looking at mutated beasts but spirit stones.


    However, no one, including Xu Qing, acted rashly.


    When the rumbling sounds got closer and closer, the six sea lizards gradually climbed to the top of the mountain with great difficulty. When they arrived at the basin where everyone was at, they ignored all the cultivators in the surroundings and stepped into the basin under the gaze of everyone.


    After these six sea lizards stepped into the basin, all of them immediately let out roars. Their bodies trembled intensely, as though they were using all their strength to shed their skin.


    Their roars echoed in all directions, causing the hearts of all the cultivators who were paying attention to them to tremble.


    The light in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes grew sharper and sharper. He saw that these sea lizards were struggling at this moment. Their skins, which already had a different degree of gap from their bodies, were rapidly detaching.


    The entire process lasted for an hour.


    The first sea lizard successfully shed its skin and recovered its aura before leaving. From the start to the end, it didn¡¯t even glance at the surrounding cultivators.


    The molt of the lizard that was left in the basin was no longer black but emitted a green light. The patterns on it were clearly visible and even had a hint of translucence. It seemed to be shining with treasure light and looked like a sea lizard of the same size.


    However, no one made a move.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and didn¡¯t move either.


    He waited for a moment until the second, third, and fourth sea lizards finished molting and left one after another. The moment the last sea lizard shed its skin, someone moved.


    The person who made a move was none other than the old man from Panquan Road. His speed was so fast that he was like an arrow that had left the bow, heading straight for the basin.


    The other cultivators in the surroundings also rushed out. Their killing intent erupted explosively at this moment.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body also swayed, leaving behind an afterimage on the tree crown. His speed was astonishing that it created whistling noise as he rushed into the basin.


    In an instant, more than 30 cultivators entered the basin. Their target was none other than the six sets of lizard skins. In the blink of an eye, they began to mercilessly fight and kill each other.


    Rumbling sounds echoed through the sky. Xu Qing¡¯s entire person was like a sword that had left its sheath, revealing its sharpness. After he got close, he directly grabbed at a lizard skin. Beside him, a nonhuman race cultivator in a straw rain cape had a cold glint in his eyes as he blocked him.


    ¡°Scram!¡± As he spoke, the nonhuman waved his hand. Immediately, a wave of spirit energy at the ninth level of Qi Condensation spread out from his body, forming a pressure that headed toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was expressionless and didn¡¯t even turn his gaze. He clenched his left hand into a fist, directly punching out at the nonhuman.


    The instant he punched out, the qi and blood in his body erupted with a bang, revealing the Ba shadow behind him. A malevolent intent spread in all directions and soundless roars rang out as Xu Qing¡¯s punch blasted toward the enemy.


    The expression of the nonhuman changed drastically. Previously, he had already determined that the cultivation base of this Seven Blood Eyes disciple in front of him was extraordinary. However, now that the latter had attacked, his heart skipped a beat the instant he saw the Ba shadow.


    ¡°Blood Qi turning into shadow, your body refinement has reached the perfected realm!¡±


    He resolutely retreated. However, it was still too late. As Xu Qing¡¯s fist landed, a rumbling sound rang out. The body of the nonhuman in the straw rain cape trembled violently and fresh blood spurted out.


    However, he wasn¡¯t ordinary either. It was unknown what method he used but his body blurred and he appeared in the distance in the next instant. He spat out another mouthful of blood and half of his straw rain cape collapsed, revealing his blue skin. When he lifted his head, he looked at Xu Qing with unprecedented fear in his eyes.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have the time to care about the other party. At that moment, he grabbed the lizard skin in front of him and was about to snatch the second set. However, just as he was about to get it, a low roar rang out from afar.


    ¡°You want to kill us?!¡±


    Xu Qing abruptly turned his head, and saw a rogue cultivator in the distance who was not able to reach the basin in time and had focused his attention on the last sea lizard that was about to leave.


    However, he was stopped angrily by a burly nonhuman whose nose was as long as an elephant¡¯s.


    ¡°You damn fellow, do you know that once a sea lizard dies here, we¡¯ll all die?¡±


    The burly dude was filled with anger and blasted the rogue cultivator away. At this moment, the surrounding people also looked at the rogue cultivator with intense killing intent in their eyes.


    The rogue cultivator¡¯s expression changed and he quickly spoke as he retreated.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just a sea lizard? How could it cause our deaths?!¡±


    ¡°Are you new here? Do you know why there are no Foundation Building cultivators here and why no Foundation Building cultivators dare to pass by the nearby sea area? Do you really think that we¡¯re just standing on an island? Let me tell you, this island is just a small protruding part on the back of a huge sea lizard!¡± The elephant-nosed nonhuman¡¯s eyes were filled with killing intent.


    ¡°Why are there so many sea lizards here? It¡¯s because they are all the descendants of this giant sea lizard. In order to protect its descendants, it doesn¡¯t allow any foreign cultivators above the Qi Condensation Realm to appear in the surroundings. It doesn¡¯t allow any cultivators here to attack the sea lizards. You¡¯re on its body now and you want to kill its descendants? Have you lived enough? If it¡¯s angered, we¡¯ll all die!!¡±


    ¡°As for us Qi Condensation cultivators, the only reason we can arrive is because such existences don¡¯t care about us!¡±


    As he spoke, the elephant-nosed nonhuman had already attacked. There were also other rogue cultivators who didn¡¯t manage to snatch the sea lizard skins. Their gazes were filled with greed as they attacked together.


    In an instant, a blood-curdling scream rang out. The rogue cultivator died miserably under the siege and all the items on his body were instantly divided up by everyone.


    After Xu Qing heard their words, he took a deep breath and finally understood why he didn¡¯t see any Foundation Building cultivators on his way here. He lowered his head and looked at the ground. He then silently rushed out and headed straight for the group of cultivators fighting for the lizard skins.


    A cold light flashed as he took out the dagger. He would instantly kill anyone who obstructed him. The cold wind blew and lifted Xu Qing¡¯s hair, revealing the sharpness in his eyes.


    In the end, he snatched the second lizard skin from three cultivators. By that time, the other four skins also found their owners. Moreover, each of them was incomparably bloody. They had gained a foothold from the slaughter and intimidated others.


    Among them, the one who obtained two sets like Xu Qing was the old man from Panquan Road. As for the other two sets, one was snatched away by a lone nonhuman and the other was obtained by a group of five people.


    Killing intent permeated the air, but they restrained themselves from continuing to attack.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze across the surroundings and exchanged glances with the old man from Panquan Road. He then noticed the large snake behind the other party.


    When the giant snake saw Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, it hurriedly nodded at him.


    2


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care. His gaze dissipated at the first contact and he gave up on attacking. He suddenly retreated and returned to the tree crown, sitting cross-legged.


    The other three parties clearly heaved a sigh of relief and retreated.


    The surroundings of the basin slowly returned to calm. However, one could faintly see numerous unfriendly gazes sweeping past Xu Qing and the others from the eyes of those cultivators who didn¡¯t manage to snatch the lizard skins.


    The old man was resting behind the boulder. He picked up the pipe and took a puff, looking very satisfied. However, he quickly thought of something and hurriedly rummaged through his pocket to take out an antidote before swallowing it.


    He ignored the gurgling sounds at the side.


    Only after the large snake knocked into his body did the old man speak in an impatient low voice.


    ¡°Remind my ass. That¡¯s a wolf who eats people and kills without batting an eyelid. Does he need me to remind him? You think he doesn¡¯t know that someone will attack at night?¡±


    ¡°I say, you white-eyed snake, why are you so concerned about him? Sigh, I¡¯ve treated you so well and raised you. Why aren¡¯t you concerned about me, an old bag of bones? I think I should have been poisoned just now.¡±


    1


    While the old man was feeling dissatisfied, Xu Qing, who was on the treetop in the distance, slowly narrowed his eyes. There was a cold glint in them as he sized up those people with unfriendly gazes. His focus was on the pockets on their bodies.


    He licked his lips and scattered more poison powder to the surroundings.


    The day slowly passed.


    Night fell.


    The pale moonlight shone on the ground. Under the illumination of the moonlight, the desolate bushes produced countless mysterious shadows that swayed in the wind. From afar, they looked like demons, ghosts, and monsters dancing under the eerie moonlight.


    The cold night slowly couldn¡¯t hide the killing intent that permeated the air.


    The dim moonlight gradually couldn¡¯t contain the greed of all living beings.


    Hence, the desolate sea breeze started the funeral song in advance.

 Chapter 147 - Poisonous Night

    Dark clouds gradually covered the moon and the surroundings became pitch-black.


    Even the burial song slowly didn¡¯t dare to disturb the scene and hurriedly left the venue. The quiet mountain peak seemed to be tainted by an oppressive aura.


    This lasted until a mournful wail filled with sharpness tore through the night and the silence.


    Everyone¡¯s hearts skipped a beat.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes.


    He saw figures whistling up from all directions. Their target was none other than the cultivators who had obtained the lizard skins during the day. A massacre had erupted.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay attention to the cultivators who were attacking the other three parties who had obtained the lizard molt. He stared at the seven figures rushing toward him.


    The hazy moonlight couldn¡¯t hide the cold glint in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The dim night couldn¡¯t dispel the killing intent in his expression. Almost at the instant these figures arrived, Xu Qing moved.


    The dark night was a cover for the attackers. However, they didn¡¯t know that Xu Qing liked the dark night more than them.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared from the tree crown.


    Among the seven cultivators who arrived at the same time, three of them suddenly trembled the instant they got close. The forehead of one was directly shattered and a black iron stick pierced through with cruelty and coldness.


    There was also someone who spurted out blood and vaguely saw Xu Qing¡¯s figure flashing past him.


    The third person was the most miserable. This was a bloated nonhuman. The instant he got close to the tree crown, a sharp dagger actually stretched out from behind him and ruthlessly slit his neck.


    The force was so great that its head was separated and blood spurted out like a fountain.


    It was only at this moment that an ear-piercing scream rang out from the other two.


    After neatly killing three of them, Xu Qing suddenly retreated and collided with the fourth figure who was casting a spell. This person was a human cultivator. As a rumbling sound rang out, his chest caved in and he fell to the ground with blood gushing out.


    The remaining three cultivators gasped in horror.


    ¡°You guys cast your spells, I¡¯ll hold him back!¡±


    A low roar rang out from one of the nonhuman members. This nonhuman was short, like a five-year-old child. However, at this moment, his body suddenly swelled up as he took a step forward. He directly grew to more than ten feet tall and charged toward Xu Qing with a furious roar.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He didn¡¯t care about the giant nonhuman who was approaching him or the two nonhuman cultivators who were performing hand seals behind him. Instead, he raised his right hand and clenched.


    Immediately, the surroundings buzzed. Drops of dew suddenly rose from the vegetation in all directions, instantly gathering into threads that formed a ring-shaped water net.


    Under the moonlight, the water threads gleamed coldly. As they enveloped the three cultivators, they suddenly shrank with Xu Qing as the center.


    Whooshing sounds instantly rang out and the expressions of the two cultivators who were casting the spell changed drastically. When their bodies were touched by the water net, their spirit energy defense couldn¡¯t resist at all and directly shattered. After their bodies were rapidly penetrated by the water net, they were cut into pieces and turned into minced meat.


    As for the giant nonhuman cultivator who was rushing toward Xu Qing, his face was pale and his eyes revealed horror. Just as he was about to speak, his entire body turned black and green at the next moment. He clutched his throat and staggered to the ground, twitching a few times before he died.


    The water net covered him and dismembered him. At the same time, it also dismembered the corpses in the surroundings.


    Among them, the bloated nonhuman whose throat had been slit was clearly dead, but he let out a mournful cry as he was dismembered. An existence like an imp flew out of his body. Clearly, nonhuman races had too many life-saving methods that outsiders didn¡¯t know about.


    He used some unknown method and his body became slender. He quickly crawled out of the water net and was about to escape.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t chase after him. He stared coldly and counted inwardly.


    ¡°One, two, three¡­¡±


    At the next instant, this imp-like cultivator¡¯s body trembled intensely and he abruptly turned his head to look at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Spare me¡­¡±


    He only had time to say these two words before his body began to melt. The first to dissolve was his tongue.


    Even though he had lost his tongue, the intense pain still caused him to let out mournful cries that pierced the surroundings and even suppressed the sounds of battle from the other three parties.


    This attracted the attention of everyone present.


    They watched with their own eyes as the small black person screamed and rolled on the ground in pain. In the end, its body melted alive and turned into blood. It couldn¡¯t say anything else even until its death.


    Gasps rang out from all directions before quickly retracting. Almost everyone took out antidotes immediately and ate them.


    Only the old man from the inn was very calm.


    In reality, when Xu Qing arrived yesterday, he had already started taking antidotes. After all, he had experienced Xu Qing¡¯s poison before.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the actions of the surrounding cultivators. He calmly kept the dagger and black iron stick and picked up the leather pouches of these people one by one. Finally, he returned to the top of the tree and sat cross-legged, closing his eyes to cultivate.


    Perhaps it was because this island was on the back of the terrifying giant sea lizard, so the spirit energy and anomalous substances were very dense.


    To other cultivators, since they could be active at sea for a long time, they were naturally used to such an environment. They had their own cultivation methods that could separate the anomalous substances. However, they often had to go ashore to use medicinal pills or other methods to expel part of the anomalous substances they absorbed after going out for a period of time.


    However, to Xu Qing, he didn¡¯t have such a need, so he didn¡¯t have any worries when cultivating. Moreover, the aura of the Forbidden Sea here was also helpful to his cultivation of the Sea Transformation Art.


    Although Xu Qing, who was cultivating, had his eyes closed, no one in the surroundings dared to have any designs on him. Most of them stayed far away from him, afraid that they would be poisoned.


    The exchange of blows between them was also clearly affected, and the battle gradually ended.


    Just like this, a night passed.


    In the sky, Dawn bit through Night¡¯s lips, leaving a bloody stain in the sky. This blood stain slowly flowed and grew fainter until it spread through the entire sky.


    Around the mountain basin, the lone nonhuman who had snatched the lizard skin yesterday was still there. There was also another one beside him. It seemed that they had reached some agreement.


    The additional person was none other than the cultivator in the straw rain cape who fought with Xu Qing yesterday.


    As for the other side, the group of five cultivators clearly weren¡¯t able to keep the lizard skin and were turned into corpses. They were replaced by seven to eight people led by the elephant-nosed burly nonhuman.


    Only Xu Qing and the old man from Panquan Road were still the same.


    However, the difference was that Xu Qing¡¯s surroundings were covered in minced meat, and the latter¡­ did not have even a corpse in his surroundings.


    Xu Qing glanced at the large snake beside the old man. After the other party sensed him, it immediately looked at him and nodded repeatedly, as though it was greeting him.


    1


    Xu Qing felt that it was a little strange but he didn¡¯t think too much about it. He retracted his gaze and continued to meditate with his eyes closed.


    Behind the boulder where the old man from Panquan Road was, he kicked the large snake beside him and snorted.


    ¡°Did you see that? He is ignoring you, so don¡¯t keep thinking about that kid. I¡¯m your only family in this world.¡±


    ¡°Gurgle, gurgle.¡±


    The large snake felt a little aggrieved. It stared eagerly at Xu Qing in the distance, and its expression gradually became listless. The old man saw this scene and sighed.


    ¡°Why are you crying again? You, sigh, that brat doesn¡¯t understand snake language, so he ignored you¡­¡± After saying that, the old man felt some regret, and the snake¡¯s eyes instantly lit up again.


    ¡°When a girl grows, she can¡¯t be kept. Even a silly snake can¡¯t be kept.¡±


    1


    The old man was helpless. He wondered if he should find an opportunity to kill Xu Qing here. However, when he thought of the other party¡¯s ruthlessness, he still dispelled this thought.


    Just like that, ten days passed slowly.


    In these ten days, some of the cultivators on the mountain peak left while others arrived. When there were a lot of people, there were over a hundred cultivators in the surroundings of the basin, and when there were few, there were dozens .


    Some were lone wolves, some were pirates, and some were nonhumans from other islands. Battles and slaughters continued to occur.


    During this time, the sea lizards appeared three times. Each time, it was a massacre. Xu Qing¡¯s attacks were ruthless and decisive. Not only did he snatch some sea lizard skins, but he also piled up everyone he killed around the tree.


    From afar, the large tree seemed to be dyed red with blood. It was a shocking sight.


    As the intimidation continued to accumulate, the place Xu Qing was in was already a forbidden zone to others.


    There were also a few like Xu Qing. Regardless of whether it was the old man from Panquan Road, the cultivator in the straw rain cape and his companion, or the elephant-nosed burly nonhuman, they all kept their gains and didn¡¯t choose to leave. It was as though they were waiting for something.


    Xu Qing also sensed this. Hence, he didn¡¯t leave but cultivated silently in these ten days.


    The spirit energy here was vigorous and the anomalous substances were dense. And this environment where he had to be in a highly focused state made him feel as though he had returned to the jungle in the forbidden zone. His cultivation speed clearly increased by a lot.


    Right now, he wasn¡¯t far from the ninth level of the Sea Transformation Art.


    ¡°I should be able to break through in three days at most.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and continued to cultivate. Traces of spirit energy gushed in from all directions and entered his body. While nourishing his entire body, it also fused the anomalous substances into his shadow, causing the 870-foot-high spirit sea in his body to continue expanding.


    880 feet, 890 feet¡­


    Two days passed. When the third day arrived, at noon, the spirit sea fluctuations in Xu Qing¡¯s body were already infinitely close to 900 feet. Once it reached 900 feet, it meant that his Sea Transformation Art had stepped into the ninth level.


    Disciples who cultivated this Seven Blood Eyes cultivation art to the ninth level could basically sweep through most of the same realm opponents from the human sects in the Nanhuang Continent. They might even be able to fight Foundation Building cultivators from small sects with inferior cultivation arts.


    Needless to say, Xu Qing¡¯s body refinement from the Mountains and Seas Art had also reached an unprecedented level, forming the terrifying Ba shadow. It could be said that once he broke through to the Sea Transformation Art, Xu Qing¡¯s combat strength would erupt once again.


    At that time, he would be an existence that surpassed the peak of Qi Condensation. He could completely be considered a Foundation Building expert. For example, Xu Qing was confident that he could suppress the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor regardless of whether it was on the sea or land. As for killing him, he would definitely be able to do it with some effort.


    ¡°I can break through tonight!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed anticipation. Just as he was about to continue cultivating, dense footsteps and whistling sounds suddenly rang out from the foot of the mountain.


    Before the people arrived, waves of cold and savage intent spread out, enveloping the entire basin. This caused the expressions of everyone here to change as they looked down the mountain.


    The ones who came¡­ weren¡¯t sea lizards but a group of cultivators!


    A group of malevolent figures in disheveled clothes, shockingly savage and filled with extreme killing intent.


    There were a total of 16 of them, and every one of them emitted powerful cultivation fluctuations. The intensity of the murderous aura on each of them was astonishing.


    ¡°Sea Ghost!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the Sea Ghost Organization!¡±


    ¡°Damn it, why are they here!!¡±


    Exclamations immediately rang out in the surroundings.

 Chapter 148 - Xu Qings Laws

    A dark glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    He wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with this Sea Ghost Organization.


    When he was in the Seven Blood Eyes, he lacked spirit stones and had killed many wanted criminals. Among them was Sun Dewang from the Sea Ghost Organization.


    The other party had lost completely in Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s gambling den, causing Xu Qing to have no gains other than the bounty on his head after killing him.


    It was also at that time that Xu Qing knew that there were a large number of pirate organizations on the Forbidden Sea. They were mostly made up of people who were expelled from the various sects, islands, and races.


    Most of them had no choice but to join the pirate organizations and were active on the Forbidden Sea.


    There were many large pirate organizations, and one of them was Sea Ghost.


    The dozen or so figures walking over from the foot of the mountain emitted the same cultivation fluctuations as Sun Dewang. There were even four among them who clearly emitted stronger fluctuations.


    The feeling Xu Qing got was that they were at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm.


    Moreover, since they were all people who lived on the edge of a knife, their murderous aura was very intense, much more intense than the people Xu Qing had seen in the scavenger campsite.


    Xu Qing stared at the 16 figures of the Sea Ghost Organization. He watched as they rapidly approached. When they reached the basin, a sense of intimidation spread out from all the surrounding cultivators.


    Clearly, the reputation and strength of the Sea Ghost Organization caused everyone to instinctively feel a sense of rejection.


    However, these cultivators from the Sea Ghost Organization didn¡¯t seem to care about the cultivators here at all. Most of their expressions were cold and sinister, and there were even some who couldn¡¯t be bothered to hide their malice.


    They even swept their gazes over Xu Qing and the old man from Panquan Road coldly.


    It was as though no one here was worthy of their attention.


    However, they didn¡¯t attack immediately. Instead, they found an area and sat down. One of them raised his head and coldly looked around before speaking slowly.


    ¡°You guys can scram now. If you don¡¯t, then from now on, you can only watch and not fight for the sea lizard skins. Otherwise¡­ you¡¯ll die.¡±


    His voice was filled with dense killing intent that spread in all directions. Everyone fell silent.


    This scene caused Xu Qing to fall into deep thought. He had already made some guesses from the behaviors of the others. Now that he combined it with the Sea Ghost that had arrived, he realized that something special was going to happen on Sea Lizard Island.


    ¡°Should I leave first?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. After sensing the cultivation fluctuations in his body, he made the decision. He directly stood up and left.


    His speed was so fast that he almost instantly arrived in the distance.


    His departure caused the surrounding cultivators to cast sidelong glances at him. The old man from Panquan Road was even more surprised.


    ¡°Did this kid really leave?¡±


    Many cultivators from the Sea Ghost Organization also glanced at Xu Qing¡¯s back but didn¡¯t mind.


    Just like that, Xu Qing descended the mountain at full speed and stepped into the jungle without stopping at all. An hour later, his figure appeared on the beach.


    With a wave of his hand, the magic boat appeared and fell into the sea. He leaped up and stepped on the magic boat.


    The instant he landed on the magic boat, Xu Qing took a deep breath and sat down cross-legged. His hands formed a seal and the magic boat¡¯s protective barrier was activated. As the sea surface churned, the plesiosaur formed by his spell also swam at the bottom of the sea and was on guard.


    Xu Qing then glanced at the Sea Lizard Island. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.


    His vigilance and wit didn¡¯t decrease because of the smooth harvest on the island, nor did it weaken because of the increase in his cultivation base and strength. His personality was as usual.


    Therefore, when he was about to break through, he didn¡¯t arrogantly choose to stay on the island to advance.


    There was a high chance that it was safe to do that and he had a lot of poison powder that could give a miserable death to those who got close to him. Moreover, he himself was very strong.


    However, there was no need for that.


    He had seen some similar things in the slums. There were too many examples of people giving opportunities to their enemies because of their momentary arrogance and negligence.


    Similar to how he wanted to destroy everything that threatened his life, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t create an opportunity for others to attack him.


    This was the law of survival in this chaotic world.


    Some people would slowly forget this point because of their strength. However, Xu Qing¡¯s experiences since he was young were engraved in his bones, so he wouldn¡¯t.


    Now that he was in a safe environment, Xu Qing closed his eyes and his cultivation base erupted as he began to break through.


    At the same time, beside the basin at the top of the mountain on Sea Lizard Island, as Xu Qing left, the poison here decreased a little. This caused many cultivators to heave a sigh of relief in their hearts.


    However, the words of the Sea Ghost Organization when they arrived became a strong threat, causing all the rogue cultivators here to feel stifled. However, they didn¡¯t seem to be willing to leave and were hesitating to make a choice.


    There were also some who chose to leave after some hesitation.


    Very soon, dusk arrived.


    The instant the sunset descended, fog slowly appeared between the sea and the sky in the distance.


    This fog was thin and permeated the surroundings. It was as though an invisible god was breathing. It lingered above the Forbidden Sea and rolled in all directions.


    Fog wasn¡¯t rare in the Forbidden Sea, so even if someone saw it, they wouldn¡¯t pay too much attention to it. It was only when an astonishing fluctuation suddenly spread out from the surface of the sea in the direction of the shore that many cultivators quickly looked over.


    The instant they looked into the distance, the spirit energy on the shore emitted even stronger fluctuations.


    Endless spirit energy churned in all directions at this instant and surged toward a magic boat on the surface of the sea.


    The range was so large that it covered a total of 600 feet in the blink of an eye. Moreover, it continued to expand and instantly reached 890 feet.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Due to the sudden influx of spirit energy, a huge vortex formed on the sea with Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat as the center.


    The vortex rumbled and the seawater churned like a lantern in the dark night, attracting the attention of everyone on the many mountain peaks on Sea Lizard Island.


    Numerous gazes gathered over, and the sound of sharp inhaling could be heard from every mountain.


    ¡°Someone actually broke through here?¡±


    ¡°The feeling of breaking through¡­ is a little strong!¡±


    As for the cultivators at the basin, regardless of whether they were rogue cultivators or the Sea Ghost members, they were all shocked at this moment. They stared at the vortex on the distant sea and their hearts trembled.


    ¡°It¡¯s that Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciple who left earlier!¡±


    ¡°He actually broke through!¡±


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t hear the discussions of the cultivators. At that moment, his entire body was shaking. The spirit sea in his body was the same as the vortex outside, 890 feet high.


    It was as though there was another world in his body that overlapped with the world outside his body.


    Under the overlapping, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled even more intensely. His entire body emitted a piercing purple light and his breathing became hurried. As his cultivation base circulated, the instant the spirit sea in his body broke through the last ten feet and reached 900 feet, the vortex in the outside world also expanded abruptly to 900 feet.


    At this moment, the inner and outer seas synchronized and transformed into rumbling thunder that continuously erupted in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Boom boom boom!


    He broke through to the eighth level of the Sea Transformation Art and stepped into the ninth level!


    It wasn¡¯t over yet!


    Under this eruption, the spirit sea vortex in his surroundings expanded again. 910 feet, 920 feet, 930 feet¡­


    The expansion of the spirit sea vortex outside guided the spirit sea in his body to expand as well.


    This scene was something Xu Qing hadn¡¯t encountered when he was cultivating previously. This was because his current breakthrough was in the Forbidden Sea. It was different from when he cultivated on land before. The spirit energy here was even denser.


    The range was still expanding.


    940 feet, 950 feet, 960 feet¡­


    When the vortex in the outside world reached a range of 970 feet, the spirit sea in Xu Qing¡¯s body also erupted and synchronized to a range of 970 feet. In an instant, the fluctuations of the ninth level of Qi Condensation completely erupted from his body.


    The surface of the sea within 970 feet of him was affected and instantly churned, rising high into the air.


    It was a shocking sight.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly opened.


    The purple light continued to linger in his pupils for a few breaths. Just when it was about to dim, an even stronger fluctuation emitted from Xu Qing¡¯s body once again.


    The shadow of the Ba appeared behind him, and it roared at the sky like a malicious ghost with violence and cruelty, causing the nearly 1000-foot-long surface of the sea that was churning intensely to show signs of burning.


    It turned into a sea of fire.


    When this roar spread in all directions, the Ba shadow behind Xu Qing sucked forcefully like a whale swallowing. Immediately, the 970-foot-long vortex of fire headed straight for the Ba shadow¡¯s mouth.


    It instantly swallowed them all.


    As it swallowed the vortex of fire, the Ba shadow trembled intensely. Under its dry and cracked skin, a red glow flickered and continued to deepen. It was as though it was filled with magma.


    Finally, the light spread out, forming a dazzling light that enveloped the surroundings. At the same time, a dense fire power also rose from Xu Qing¡¯s body!


    This wasn¡¯t a strange transformation of water into fire. This was a bizarre fusion of water and fire because within the flames, there was also a stream of water formed by the aura of the Forbidden Sea!


    It was only at this moment that Xu Qing¡¯s breakthrough was truly completed.


    The purple light in his eyes disappeared and he slowly stood up, standing on the magic boat. The strength of his aura and the sharpness of his gaze caused the hearts of everyone who saw it to tremble fiercely.


    This was especially so for the cultivators around the mountain peak basin. All of them were panting as though they were facing a great enemy.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breakthrough was too astonishing and this gave them immense pressure. The shock was even greater for those cultivators who had seen Xu Qing make a move earlier.


    One had to know that Xu Qing was already very powerful to begin with. Now that he had broken through, they could imagine that with such an existence, everyone¡¯s harvest this time around would probably be very little.


    The old man from Panquan Road also widened his eyes. He was stunned for a moment before he suddenly whispered to the large snake beside him.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go and seduce this kid? I think this kid isn¡¯t simple. Why does the ninth level of Qi Condensation give me the feeling that he¡¯s even more ferocious than a Foundation Building cultivator!¡±


    1


    These cultivators¡¯ breathing suddenly paused. This was because¡­ they saw Xu Qing step onto the island again. His speed was faster than before and he transformed into a ray of light, returning once again!


    Xu Qing had once again appeared outside the basin, carrying with him a fiery aura.


    He ignored everyone and expressionlessly returned to the tree crown. Just like before, he sat cross-legged.


    However, this time, his figure attracted the attention of all the cultivators of the Sea Ghost Organization. Their expressions were solemn and there was faint fear in their eyes.


    Although the manifestation of strength had pros and cons, in the current environment, the pros clearly outweighed the cons.


    Xu Qing was using his actions to tell the Sea Ghost not to provoke him.


    Your words about forbidding others from snatching the sea lizard¡¯s skin¡­ are ineffective against me.

 Chapter 149 - Indestructible Alliance

    Some words didn¡¯t need to be spoken. Actions could represent one¡¯s standpoint.


    Xu Qing sat cross-legged on the tree crown. He was no different from before he left. Regardless of his movements or expression, there was no difference at all. However, the feelings of the cultivators in the surroundings of the basin were already worlds apart from before.


    Those who were wary of him before became afraid.


    Those who ignored him before were now paying extreme attention to him.


    All of this caused the atmosphere around the basin to become increasingly oppressive. It was only late at night when a rumbling sound rang out from the foot of the mountain and two sea lizards comparable to the eighth level of Qi Condensation staggered over that things changed.


    Their appearance attracted the attention of all the cultivators present. However, even after the sea lizards crawled into the basin and finished molting, no one dared to snatch them. They could only watch as five people from the Sea Ghost Organization entered the basin, as though they wanted to collect the skins.


    Only Xu Qing was different.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes. The instant the two sea lizards finished molting, he stood up.


    His rise immediately attracted the attention of everyone in the surroundings.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the gazes on him. He calmly leaped down from the tree crown and transformed into an afterimage, heading straight for the basin at an extremely fast speed.


    Even though there were cultivators from the Sea Ghost Organization in the basin, Xu Qing didn¡¯t even glance at them. He headed straight for a lizard skin. At that moment, beside this lizard skin, there was a nonhuman cultivator from the Sea Ghost Organization. When he saw Xu Qing approaching, his expression darkened.


    As his gaze flickered, he suddenly lifted his right hand. Immediately, his fingernails extended rapidly like sharp blades as he swung them fiercely at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Friend, this lizard molt is my Sea¡­¡±


    Before the nonhuman cultivator finished speaking, Xu Qing grabbed the other party¡¯s palm. He then abruptly pulled it toward him and his knee ruthlessly smashed into the nonhuman cultivator¡¯s chest.


    The chest of the nonhuman cultivator instantly caved in. Cracks rapidly spread throughout his body and finally, with a boom, he shattered into pieces and collapsed on the ground.


    However, what collapsed wasn¡¯t flesh and blood but wooden blocks.


    This nonhuman cultivator wasn¡¯t a real person but a puppet.


    The expressions of the cultivators from the Sea Ghost Organization in the basin changed one after another. While they were on guard, Xu Qing had already taken away the lizard skin and was coldly looking at them.


    At that moment, not far away, all the cultivators of the Sea Ghost Organization, who were sitting cross-legged, stood up one after another. While they were afraid, a sense of cruelty also filled the air.


    Both sides looked at each other for a long time.


    In the middle of the Sea Ghost Organization was a tall and burly man with a bare upper body. Right now, flesh and blood squirmed on his chest, revealing a sinister face.


    This face was like a newborn baby. Although it was filled with wrinkles, it was faintly filled with vitality. Its red eyes stared at Xu Qing and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Friend, you destroyed my toy but this is nothing. This sea lizard¡­ my Sea Ghost wants half of it. It¡¯s not too much, right?¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at this face but didn¡¯t say anything. He then took the lizard skin he had obtained and returned to the tree crown, continuing to meditate.


    His goal was very clear. He had come to the Sea Lizard Island for the sea lizard skins, not to kill. Of course, if there were any obstructions during the process of obtaining the skin, it would be a different matter.


    Also, he wasn¡¯t overly greedy.


    Xu Qing was very clear that this current state was actually more beneficial to him. After all, the Sea Ghost had intimidated others, causing other rogue cultivators to not dare to fight for the skins. This way, he would gain more.


    Although his combat strength was sufficient, these desperadoes who had struggled between life and death definitely had some trump cards. Hence, Xu Qing felt that there was no need to kill.


    Since his goal could be achieved, he naturally agreed with the other party.


    Just like that, three days passed.


    During these three days, Xu Qing directly took away half of the sea lizard skins without any obstructions. However, he still had doubts about the arrival of the Sea Ghost and the reason why the other cultivators hadn¡¯t left yet.


    On the third night, when a huge boat appeared on the distant sea, Xu Qing¡¯s suspicion reached a certain height.


    This boat was a thousand feet in size and completely pitch-black. It was different from the style of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ magic boat. It was more like the shape of a maple leaf. The most strange thing was that when one¡¯s gaze landed on this boat, they couldn¡¯t help but feel a chill in their hearts. It was as though there was a strange forbidden zone hidden in this boat.


    And the reason for all of this was the boat¡¯s paint.


    The pitch-black color wasn¡¯t natural but was some kind of blood. It was this blood that gave Xu Qing that eerie feeling.


    ¡°Litu Sect!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re actually here too!¡±


    The location of the basin allowed the people here to see the sea in a more comprehensive manner. At that moment, just like Xu Qing, they all noticed the black boat that was rapidly approaching. Immediately, someone exclaimed in a low voice, their voice filled with deep fear.


    The over ten cultivators from the Sea Ghost Organization had solemn expressions as well. They chatted in low voices as though they were facing a great enemy.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. He wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with the Litu Sect.


    Back then, the little girl at the scavenger campsite had a brother who was the captain of the Litu Sect¡¯s law enforcement team. She was taken away by her brother.


    At that time, outside the general store, he heard some scavengers discussing the Litu Sect. Their words were all expressing the meaning of the other party being a group of lunatics.


    It was only when he entered the Seven Blood Eyes and flipped through the information in the Homicide Department that Xu Qing gained a better understanding of the Litu Sect.


    The Litu Sect was one of the four largest forces of the human race in the Nanhuang Continent. It was on par with Purple Earth, the Seven Blood Eyes, and the True Words. Its doctrine was to follow the ancient kings and sovereigns and stay away from the Endsoil World.


    Their doctrine kept proclaiming that the holy lands established by the ancient kings and sovereigns were a paradise. There was no famine, no cold, no killing, and spirit energy was pure.


    They also proclaimed that the holy lands would open the gate to the Endsoil World and guide all those who believed in them over.


    This was the faith of the Litu Sect. At the same time, to everyone who didn¡¯t agree with this faith, they were all heretical existences in the eyes of the Litu Sect. They would be punished and their right to life would be stripped.


    And this extreme doctrine naturally brought about a group of lunatics.


    ¡°I wonder how she is now.¡±


    Xu Qing muttered inwardly. He recalled the piece of candy the little girl had once given him. However, Xu Qing quickly returned from his memories and stared at the Litu Sect¡¯s boat that was getting closer and closer.


    ¡°What exactly will happen on this Sea Lizard Island?¡±


    Just as Xu Qing¡¯s doubts grew deeper and deeper, the old man from Panquan Road, who was behind the boulder in the basin, sighed when he saw that the Litu Sect had arrived.


    ¡°It¡¯s over. This time, the Sea Ghost and the Litu Sect came one after another. They should have the same goal as me.¡±


    The old man slapped his forehead. Just as he was feeling very vexed, the large snake at the side gurgled. The old man glanced at the large snake and pondered for a moment.


    ¡°What you said makes sense.¡±


    With that, the old man¡¯s body swayed and he suddenly stood up, heading straight for the tree where Xu Qing was at. The large snake followed excitedly. However, very few people could recognize this excitement.


    His movement immediately attracted the attention of the cultivators around the basin.


    The Sea Ghost cultivators also looked over, but the Litu Sect was about to arrive, so they weren¡¯t in the mood to stop him.


    Very soon, as Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and stared at the other party¡¯s neck, the old man brought the large snake to a place 100 feet away from him.


    ¡°Kid, let¡¯s discuss this. Don¡¯t release poison. Disperse the poison powder here and I¡¯ll tell you something.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the old man and roughly guessed his motive. He waved his hand, as though he was dissipating the poisonous gas.


    When the old man saw Xu Qing¡¯s actions, he heaved a sigh of relief and stepped into the range of 100 feet.


    After taking a few steps, he carefully stopped when he was 30 feet away from Xu Qing.


    ¡°Kid, are you wondering why the Sea Ghost and the Litu Sect are here?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t waste my breath and will tell you directly. According to the calculations of the seasons, there¡¯s a high chance that a Foundation Building sea lizard will shed its skin during this period of time. The value of a Foundation Building sea lizard¡¯s skin is astonishing. It¡¯s worth 2,000 spirit stones at the early stage, 5,000 spirit stones at the middle stage, and at least 10,000 spirit stones at the late stage.¡±


    ¡°This old man is alone and weak, so I came to form an indestructible alliance with you. You and I will join forces to snatch the resources and we will give our trust to each other. We¡¯ll split the gains 50-50.¡±


    The old man from Panquan Road spoke passionately and quickly. After he finished speaking, he looked at Xu Qing. However, his expression quickly changed. He hurriedly took out a large number of medicinal pills and swallowed them. He then pointed at Xu Qing and cursed angrily.


    ¡°Brat, didn¡¯t you say that you wouldn¡¯t release poison!!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t release poison. It permeated this place earlier.¡± Xu Qing pondered over the information in the other party¡¯s words and casually explained.


    ¡°F*ck, then why did you wave your hand just now?!¡± The old man was even angrier.


    ¡°You were the one who made me dissipate the poison gas.¡± Xu Qing frowned.


    ¡°¡­Then did you dissipate it?¡± The old man glared.


    ¡°My poison can¡¯t be dispelled.¡± Xu Qing felt a little impatient. The other party was someone who was listed on his bamboo slip. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the forces here were chaotic and it was inconvenient for him to make a move, he would have wanted to kill the other party immediately.


    The old man was speechless. He looked at Xu Qing and let out a long sigh.


    ¡°I feel that I can¡¯t communicate with you! You mean that you can¡¯t dissipate the poison but in order to comfort me, you feigned it?¡±


    Xu Qing coldly looked at the old man and didn¡¯t speak.


    The veins on the old man¡¯s forehead bulged. When the huge snake saw this scene, it hurriedly gurgled.


    The old man gritted his teeth and swallowed another handful of medicinal pills as he glared at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Alliance, yes or no.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Xu Qing replied without hesitation.


    Seeing that Xu Qing agreed so quickly, the old man sighed and was about to speak. However, at that moment, the Litu Sect¡¯s boat in the distance had already arrived at the shore.


    One figure after another walked out of the boat. There were about seven to eight of them and they stepped into the jungle.


    Under the moonlight, these people¡¯s appearances couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. One could only see that their robes were black and even their heads were covered. A murderous and bloody aura were being emitted by them. After they stepped into the jungle, they headed straight for the mountain peak where the basin was located.


    ¡°The Litu Sect is filled with lunatics. There have always been rumors on the sea that they secretly control some islands and seem to be conducting some strange research. However, the locations are hidden and until now, very few outsiders have been able to reach them.¡± The old man¡¯s expression was ugly as he spoke gloomily.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he narrowed his eyes and looked over.

 Chapter 150 - The Bewitching Golden Light (1)

    Not long later, the group of people from the Litu Sect walked out of the jungle and arrived at the mountain basin.


    There were a total of eight of them, and all of them wore black robes embroidered with blood-colored sun. It looked bizarre, but the coldness from their bodies was especially obvious.


    This was especially so for their eyes that were covered by the robe. They would occasionally reveal cold gazes that had no emotions in them, as though the lives here were meaningless.


    That sense of indifference to death caused these rogue cultivators and nonhumans in the basin to be on high alert. Even though the Sea Ghost Organization had always been known for their cruelty, all of them were extremely wary now.


    Cruelty was also a part of human nature, but these people from the Litu Sect were simply emotionless killing machines.


    As they walked over, the cold intent spread out and filled the entire basin. Many rogue cultivators¡¯ expressions changed and they ultimately chose to leave.


    The Litu Sect didn¡¯t even glance at the rogue cultivators who had left. After they arrived, they sat down and didn¡¯t move at all.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past these people from Litu Sect. He didn¡¯t see the older brother of the little girl in the scavenger campsite back then, so he retracted his gaze and closed his eyes to meditate.


    As for the old man from Panquan Road, he didn¡¯t return to the boulder. He found a place to avoid the poisonous gas and sat there. He was vigilant against Xu Qing as well as against the other cultivators in the surroundings. At the same time, he was muttering inwardly.


    ¡°This kid agreed so quickly. He is definitely up to no good.¡±


    Just like that, ten days passed amidst the stifling atmosphere in the basin.


    In these ten days, no sea lizards came.


    This phenomenon caused all the cultivators here to have a faint premonition. The waves on the surrounding sea also gradually decreased and became increasingly calm.


    It was as though a great storm was coming.


    It was the same for the cultivators around the basin. Everyone was in silence. Only the large snake beside the old man would often look at Xu Qing and make gurgling sounds.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t understand and didn¡¯t bother with it. Instead, he kept himself at his peak state.


    He had cleaned the dagger and sharpened the iron stick. As for the alliance, he had only casually agreed. Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t trust the old man and knew that the old man also wouldn¡¯t believe him.


    The stifling atmosphere changed at dusk on the eleventh day.


    The sea rumbled. After ten days of peace, the waves seemed to have awakened from their slumber, stirring up violent waves.


    Waves of terrifying aura surged out of the sea and spread in all directions. When it filled the entire island, Xu Qing saw several vortexes appearing on the surface of the sea in the distance, rapidly approaching the island.


    Many cultivators noticed this scene and most of them remained silent. However, their cultivation bases were all circulating and they were ready to make a move at any time.


    Very soon, the first vortex approached the shore. As the seawater rumbled and splashed in all directions, a huge purple-black creature that looked to be 500 feet in length emerged from the surface of the sea and stepped onto the beach.


    The afterglow shining on it made it look like its body was covered in a layer of treasure armor. This treasure armor emitted a dark light and looked extremely tenacious. At the same time, a pressure that far exceeded Qi Condensation erupted from its body.


    The aura was so strong that the surrounding sand danced and spread in all directions.


    It was a Foundation Building sea lizard!


    Regardless of whether it was the treasure armor on its body, the sharp claws on its limbs, or the vertical pupils of its eyes, they all gave off an endless killing intent.


    Moreover, it clearly had intelligence. After it got ashore, it shook its body and swept its cold gaze across the island. Finally, it looked at the basin at the top of the tallest mountain. A hint of disdain appeared in its eyes as it strode over.


    The aura was so strong that all the cultivators on the mountain peaks on the island felt their hearts tremble and their breathing became hurried. Their faces turned pale as though they were being suppressed.


    And there was more than one Foundation Building sea lizard.


    After the first sea lizard, as the vortexes got closer and closer, the second Foundation Building sea lizard also landed on the shore and stepped into the jungle.


    Next was the third sea lizard.


    As for the third lizard, its aura was even stronger. Its body was a thousand feet long. As it stepped onto the beach, it roared at the sky. Immediately, a storm appeared in the surroundings, sweeping in all directions, causing the trees in the jungle to shake violently.


    Even the cultivators in the basin could sense the fishy stench from so far away.


    The suppression of the cultivation base was even more intense now.


    Even Xu Qing¡¯s pupils constricted as he sensed the terror of these three Foundation Building sea lizards.


    From what he could sense, the first two were already very strong. As for the last one, he felt a faint piercing pain in his eyes just by looking at it.


    He gasped. His mind quickly compared the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to them. The answer after the comparison was that even the first two relatively weaker sea lizards could tear the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to pieces.


    ¡°Two mid-stage Foundation Building creatures, and the last one is actually at the late-stage Foundation Building realm! The first two are worth ten thousand spirit stones, and the last onea€| can be casually sold for 15,000 to 16,000 spirit stones! Xu Qing, let¡¯s really form an alliance this time!¡± The eyes of the old man from Panquan Road shone as he spoke rapidly.


    The gazes of the cultivators around the basin also shone. Regardless of whether it was the Sea Ghost or the nonhuman races, their greed was stimulated. The temptation of tens of thousands of spirit stones was too great for cultivators like them.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was also solemn. He looked at the three Foundation Building sea lizards walking over one after the other and felt an intense sense of danger. All the hairs on his body stood up at this moment and the skin on his body shivered slightly.

 Chapter 151 - The Bewitching Golden Light (2)

    This was caused by the suppression of his aura. At the same time, his body was telling Xu Qing that it was ready to attack.


    ¡°If I can obtain the skin of a Foundation Building sea lizard, this trip would be extremely fruitful. Moreover, the profit is enough to support the advancement of both my magic boat and my own cultivation. I won¡¯t have to worry about spirit stones for some time!¡±


    A cold glint rose in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    The sea lizard skins he had obtained previously added up to about 2,000 spirit stones. Including the items on the people he killed and Senior Sister Ding¡¯s inquiries on the way, his gains now reached about 4,000 spirit stones.


    ¡°Get a Foundation Building sea lizard skin and leave this place!¡±


    The moment Xu Qing made up his mind, a loud bang rang out from the foot of the mountain. The three Foundation Building sea lizards were already approaching the top of the mountain.


    They didn¡¯t choose to fly. Instead, they charged forward recklessly, making use of the broken trees to make it easier for them to shed their skin.


    They directly rushed to the top of the mountain. Ignoring everyone, they then strode into the basin amidst the rumbling sounds of their footsteps.


    Because their bodies were too large, when the three of them were in the basin together, they instantly occupied more than half of the basin. Observing the Foundation Building creatures at such a close distance caused all the cultivators here to feel as though their breathing was about to stop.


    Shortly after, they roared at the sky. The roars of the three Foundation Building sea lizards contained lethality.


    As the sound spread out, it was as though the world was rumbling. The impact formed by the sound waves directly swept in all directions.


    Some cultivators, whose bodies weren¡¯t strong enough or couldn¡¯t dodge in time, trembled fiercely and spat out a large mouthful of blood.


    The surrounding trees couldn¡¯t withstand the sound waves and were all shattered.


    The roars of the three Foundation Building sea lizards continued to spread in all directions, causing the nearby mountains to be affected as well. Trees were destroyed, and some people with low cultivation levels didn¡¯t even have a chance to escape. One by one, they screamed and fell.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body also trembled intensely but his body was strong enough. He wasn¡¯t too affected by the sound waves but the tree beneath him was reduced to dust.


    Xu Qing landed on the ground with no care about the destruction of the tree. He stared at the basin like an eagle, waiting for the moment when the molting was completed.


    As for the old man from Panquan Road, he was also completely focused. The Sea Ghost in the surroundings and the nonhuman race cultivators who had withstood the sound waves were all the same.


    Just like that, as everyone waited, the time it took for an incense stick to burn passed. Among the three Foundation Building sea lizards in the basin, two mid-stage Foundation Building sea lizards completed their molting after some difficulty.


    The moment the lizard molts landed, amidst everyone¡¯s pained gazes, they bit off a large piece of their lizard molt and swallowed it. Only then did they jump up and directly rise into the air from the basin, letting out a low roar.


    Although the shed skins had large portions missing, they were still filled with bizarreness. They actually shrank on their own and became the size of a palm in the blink of an eye.


    At this moment, more than ten Sea Ghost members rushed out. The other rogue cultivators and nonhumans in the surroundings were the same. No one cared about the threat that the Sea Ghost had once posed. The huge benefits were enough to make their eyes red with greed.


    The old man from Panquan Road was the same. He charged forward fiercely.


    Xu Qing was even faster. In an instant, other than the Litu Sect who didn¡¯t move, all the cultivators here rushed over.


    There were more than ten people fighting over the two Foundation Building sea lizard skins.


    Xu Qing chose the one closest to him. It was the same for the old man from Panquan Road. Although the two of them didn¡¯t like each other, they still chose to join forces to a certain extent. Of course, they were still vigilant against each other.


    The two of them instantly approached the lizard skin along with other competitors and the killing intent erupted.


    Xu Qing circulated all his cultivation base and with a wave of his hand, droplets of water spread out in all directions. He even took out his dagger and brandished it coldly, clashing against a nonhuman cultivator from the Sea Ghost Organization.


    This cultivator from the Sea Ghost Organization had a cultivation base at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm and was very powerful. However, Xu Qing was stronger. He clenched his left hand into a fist and punched the other party¡¯s chest. The Ba shadow behind him roared and suppressed the enemy.


    The nonhuman cultivator let out a low roar as he counterattacked. He even took out a talisman. However, he still suffered injuries and spat out blood. The talisman almost collapsed and his body was knocked back by 70 to 80 feet.


    The old man from Panquan Road was equally ferocious. Ropes suddenly appeared around his body and all the rogue cultivators and nonhumans who were fighting with him were instantly bound by the ropes. Some of them even extended toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing knocked back several of them in a row and was about to grab the lizard¡¯s skin when the ropes in the surroundings instantly wrapped around him. However, Xu Qing was already prepared. He let out a cold snort and the qi and blood in his entire body spread out.


    With a boom, all the ropes around him shattered. Just as his hand was about to grab the lizard skin, four cultivators from the Sea Ghost Organization rushed toward him with reddened eyes. All of them performed hand seals and activated lethal spells.


    The old man from Panquan Road was also surrounded and stopped by rogue cultivators.


    There were also two Sea Ghost cultivators who went straight for the lizard skin. Just when they were about to succeed, the void beside the lizard skin suddenly distorted and a huge snake head appeared in the air. It directly held the skin in its mouth.


    Its expression seemed to be filled with excitement. The giant snake looked at Xu Qing and the old man and was about to go help Xu Qing¡­ However, the old man¡¯s eyes lit up and he laughed loudly. A runic treasure light appeared around his body, forcing everyone back as he headed straight for the giant snake.


    1


    After hugging it, the old man said with excitement.


    ¡°Good girl, well done.¡±


    The Ba shadow behind Xu Qing roared and the sea of fire scattered in all directions, causing the few Sea Ghost cultivators beside him to scream and vomit blood as they retreated. Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with them and turned to look at the old man. A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he rushed over.


    However, at this moment, the thousand-foot-long sea lizard in the basin that no one had dared to disturb roared at the sky.


    The lizard skin on its body directly split open and its new body crawled out. It seemed to have no time to devour its lizard skin as it headed straight for the sky immediately.


    Its blood and qi continued to swell, as though it was about to surpass Foundation Building!!


    The aftershock of the roar spread out like a violent wind, causing everyone¡¯s minds to be in turmoil. While many of the cultivators were bleeding from their seven orifices from the shock, the lizard skin of the late-stage Foundation Building sea lizard suddenly shrunk and split into three pieces that scattered around.


    The aura emitted by these three lizard molts was astonishing, far surpassing the two from before. There was even a faint golden glow on them.


    As soon as this golden light appeared, rumbling sounds rang out in all directions. Even the clouds surged on their own and a hint of divinity spread out, giving Xu Qing the feeling that it was the same as when he entered the Seven Blood Eyes and faced the pressure test of the divine creature¡¯s blood!


    ¡°This¡­ I misjudged. This late-stage Foundation Building lizard actually has a trace of divinity in its body. This lizard¡¯s molts contain the aura of divinity, and its value is much higher!!¡± The old man¡¯s eyes were wide open as he exclaimed involuntarily.


    Right at this moment, everyone from the Litu Sect opened their eyes, revealing a cold glint. They were waiting for these!

 Chapter 152 - Killing and Stealing Treasures

    According to the scale of the Litu Sect¡¯s forces, it was unlikely that they were mobilizing in small teams for spirit stones. After all, to them, something like desire had already been sacrificed to their mission.


    They had come here for a mission, and the mission assigned to them by the sect was to obtain this lizard skin that contained a trace of divinity!


    The instant they saw the appearance of the lizard skin, the eight people from the Litu Sect suddenly stood up. A murderous aura erupted from them and every one of them emitted the fluctuations of the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm, heading straight for the basin.


    Their speed was extremely fast.


    What was even more shocking was that although they looked like eight people, they were moving like one. Even their footsteps were synchronized with no flaws. They were like eight sharp blades that were stabbing at once.


    Some rogue cultivators in their way didn¡¯t have time to dodge at all. The instant they were touched, they were like plants under a flood, instantly destroyed.


    The strength of the Litu Sect caused the eyes of the Sea Ghost who had been watching them to erupt with cold light.


    Previously, when they were fighting for the two mid-stage Foundation Building lizard skins, the Sea Ghost had only dispatched ten people. There were still seven to eight who stayed behind. At this moment, these seven to eight cultivators rushed out at the same time, and the fluctuations they emitted were all at the great circle of perfection.


    This was especially so for the burly dude with the face of an evil ghost on his chest. The fluctuations from his body surpassed the others and there was a faint hint of Foundation Building.


    The two sides instantly clashed in the basin. Amidst the rumbling sounds, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. His cultivation base rotated in full speed as he rushed over as well.


    Although the lizard skin from before had been taken away by the old man from Panquan Road, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care too much, that was if the other party didn¡¯t return to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Otherwise, if the old man returned and wanted to devour the portion that belonged to him, then¡­ he would make that old man spit it out with interest.


    Hence, Xu Qing directly ignored the old man and didn¡¯t even say a word. His speed created whistling sounds as he approached the place where the Litu Sect and Sea Ghost were fighting. He clenched his fists and the blood and qi in his body moved explosively.


    The Ba shadow behind him was unprecedentedly clear. Its tall body and cracked surface seemed to contain the red light emitted by magma.


    Also, the extremely violent aura that surpassed Qi Condensation allowed Xu Qing¡¯s two punches to possess strength that went beyond Qi Condensation Realm.


    Boom!


    One punch hit the Litu Sect and the other hit the Sea Ghost.


    Xu Qing had gone all out and unleashed his full combat strength. The might of his punches caused the entire basin to rumble intensely and even create a storm.


    In this storm, the expressions of everyone from the Sea Ghost changed. The eight people from the Litu Sect also retreated and fiercely looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡±


    ¡°Seven Blood Eyes¡­¡±


    The Litu Sect and the Sea Ghost Organization attacked at the same time. They fought against each other while also splitting some of their strength to suppress Xu Qing, not allowing him to snatch the three portions of divine lizard skin that were floating in the center of everyone.


    Xu Qing¡¯s savageness was completely revealed at this moment.


    To him, who had grown up in the slums and experienced the scavenger campsite, he was no stranger to snatching.


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were filled with ferocity. With a wave of his hand, droplets of water formed in the surroundings and whistled in all directions.


    As the water droplets shot out like rain, Xu Qing¡¯s body ruthlessly collided with a nonhuman cultivator of the Sea Ghost. Immediately after, he slashed the nonhuman¡¯s neck with his dagger, causing hot streams of blood to spray out.


    Xu Qing suddenly retreated and punched the chest of a Litu Sect cultivator behind him, shattering it.


    The Daoist robe on his body was dyed red with blood, and his handsome face was cold and emotionless.


    After killing two people in a row, Xu Qing immediately formed a seal with his left hand and the Ba shadow behind him roared, causing the water droplets that shot in all directions to instantly turn into fuel that burned on its own.


    From afar, it looked like countless fire arrows were shooting in all directions.


    Under the light of the flames, everyone¡¯s shadows looked like they were dancing like demons. No one noticed that there was a shadow moving forward in this chaos, heading straight for the lizard skins.


    Taking advantage of the spreading flames, Xu Qing abruptly retreated. The instant he retreated, a shadow suddenly leaped up from the ground beside the three lizard skins that were surrounded by everyone.


    At the same time, the void beside the lizard skins distorted and the figure of the old man from Panquan Road strangely appeared. His eyes were filled with fanaticism as he borrowed the chaos caused by Xu Qing¡¯s flames to grab at the three lizard skins.


    However, he was clearly a step too late as the skins were swept away by the shadow.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± The old man got nothing and retreated rapidly. The others also sensed this scene and their anger soared. They no longer chased after Xu Qing but rushed toward the old man.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He took advantage of this opportunity to rapidly retreat. He also secretly kept the lizard skins he had snatched with the shadow and headed straight for the foot of the mountain.


    Just as he was about to leave the basin, the old man who was being chased by everyone suddenly roared.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t take it. I only have this storage bag on me. Look carefully.¡± As the old man from Panquan Road spoke, he directly took out his storage bag and threw it toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°Kid, everything is inside. Keep it safe.¡±


    The old man was also a decisive person. He knew that his words couldn¡¯t convince everyone here. At this moment, there was a loud sound as he actually shamelessly shattered all his clothes in front of everyone, leaving only a pair of underwear. After he appeared naked in front of everyone, he even circled around to prove that he had nothing on him.


    After that, he hugged the huge snake that was watching not far away and quickly fled down the mountain.


    Although not many people believed him, there were still some who chased after him. Sea Ghost and the Litu Sect were among them. However, the instant they got close to Xu Qing, the cultivators of both sides suddenly changed directions and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    ¡°No matter how secretive you are, it¡¯s useless. Others can¡¯t sense the aura of the lizard molts but to me, it¡¯s like a torch in the night!¡±


    ¡°Hand over the lizard skins!¡±


    Both parties¡¯ spells were lethal and fast.


    Xu Qing retreated, dodging the attacks of the Sea Ghost and the Litu Sect. Killing intent surfaced in his eyes. He didn¡¯t bother with the storage bag the old man threw over. He didn¡¯t believe that the other party had left anything good there.


    Moreover, Xu Qing didn¡¯t have much hope that this matter could be hidden from the cultivators here. It was just that the old man¡¯s attack just now gave him some expectation.


    However, since he had been discovered, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t be afraid. As the killing intent appeared in his eyes again, he performed a series of hand seals with both hands and quickly pushed forward. Immediately, a blue-colored talisman appeared in front of him.


    As spirit energy surged in, the talisman was activated and transformed into a huge statue.


    This statue was like the symbol of the death god of a certain nonhuman race. It had three heads and six arms and its entire body emitted a cold aura of death. It suppressed the Sea Ghost and the cultivators of the Litu Sect.


    This talisman came from the dead merfolk youth. As it was rarely used, the Foundation Building strike it contained was relatively complete. At this moment, under the suppression, the Litu Sect and the Sea Ghost Organization immediately used their runic treasures to resist it.


    A huge impact spread out, causing both sides to retreat.


    Although Xu Qing was strong, there were too many cultivators here and blood flowed out of the corner of his mouth. However, the purple crystal¡¯s recovery ability instantly healed him.


    His gaze became deeper as he coldly stared at the surrounding people.


    Xu Qing licked his lips. The blood at the corner of his mouth was very fishy and carried a hint of familiarity. It was as though he had returned to the slums and the scavenger campsite.


    He didn¡¯t like complicated things. Now that he had obtained the lizard skins and everyone here didn¡¯t want him to leave, things would become simple.


    ¡°Just kill them all.¡±


    As Xu Qing muttered in his heart, his gaze caused the hearts of the surrounding cultivators to tremble slightly.


    They had seen ruthless people before, but the killing intent in the eyes of this Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciple in front of them caused their hearts to skip a beat. However, the temptation from the divine lizard¡¯s molt was so great that they had no thoughts to retreat.


    Only a few rogue cultivators and nonhuman cultivators who had watched Xu Qing attack from the start knew how ruthless he was. Hence, they watched from afar as they waited for an opportunity.


    Among them were the nonhuman in the straw rain cape and the elephant-nosed burly man.


    After a short confrontation, the first to make a move was the Litu Sect. One of the members of the Litu Sect had died earlier. At this moment, the remaining seven people attacked at the same time. Spears appeared in their hands as they headed straight for Xu Qing with an overwhelming force.


    The Sea Ghost cultivators also moved. Some scattered rogue cultivators and nonhuman cultivators also rapidly approached.


    However, right at this moment, someone suddenly let out a blood-curdling scream. His body turned blackish-green and he spat out black blood, falling to the ground as the poison acted up.


    ¡°Poison!¡±


    There were quite a few of such cases. In the blink of an eye, seven to eight of the cultivators bled from their seven orifices one after another, causing the hearts of the others to tremble. Xu Qing then made his move.


    He instantly got close to the Litu Sect. He fiercely swung the dagger in his right hand to block the spear in front of him and moved his body to dodge the spear coming from the side. The dagger in his hand left his hand and directly pierced into the neck of the person beside him.


    As fresh blood gushed out, Xu Qing¡¯s right hand grabbed the leather pouch and the black iron stick instantly appeared. He didn¡¯t retreat but advanced instead, directly fighting against everyone who pounced over.


    The shadow of the Ba appeared once again. It let out a monstrous roar, causing the sea of fire to spread and increasing Xu Qing¡¯s physical strength.


    Instantly, the basin at the top of the mountain was filled with slaughter!


    At the same time, as the ground rumbled, the old man in the distance finally shook off the pursuers behind him. He carried the huge snake and turned his head to take a look, immediately cursing angrily.


    ¡°Brat, so it was you who took them!¡±


    Amidst the cursing, his speed became even faster. As for the giant snake, it was very unwilling and struggled as though it wanted to help. It let out an anxious gurgle.


    1


    The old man glared.


    ¡°That brat is too treacherous, you silly girl.¡±


    As he spoke, he knocked out the snake with a palm strike and fled rapidly with it. Very soon, he arrived at the shore and directly jumped into the sea to escape.

 Chapter 153 - Blood Dyeing the Sea Lizard Island (1)

    The weather was different in the sea at night; it was as profound and unpredictable as the sea.


    In the surroundings of Sea Lizard Island, thunder rumbled in the sky and bolts of lightning flashed.


    A storm was about to descend.


    Under the illumination of the lightning, at the top of the highest mountain on Sea Lizard Island, the mad slaughter continued.


    The value of the three lizard skins with divinity was enough to make rogue cultivators risk their lives.


    The loud sounds of the battle and thunder overlapped. The killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was so dense that it was about to overflow. His body ruthlessly collided with the body of a Litu Sect cultivator, and the huge impact pushed the other party¡¯s body back.


    Xu Qing ignored this person¡¯s counterattack and the incoming spells as he stabbed the other party¡¯s chest and heart six times in a row with the black iron stick.


    Every strike caused the Litu Sect cultivator¡¯s body to tremble. At the next instant, as the spells from the surroundings arrived, Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and he dodged. Amidst the rumbling sounds, the corpse of the dead Litu Sect cultivator broke into pieces.


    The instant Xu Qing retreated, four nonhuman body refinement Sea Ghost cultivators surrounded him and attacked recklessly.


    There was also the burly Sea Ghost cultivator with the sinister face on his chest. He performed a series of hand seals and a gigantic blood ball formed which transformed into a blood-colored bat that flew toward Xu Qing. It had sharp teeth, as though once bitten by it, even if the target didn¡¯t die, they would be heavily injured.


    Seeing that he was in danger, Xu Qing waved his talisman to form a protective barrier. After resisting the attacks of the blood-colored bat and the few Sea Ghost cultivators, he borrowed the momentum to retreat and headed straight for the three Litu Sect cultivators who were rushing over.


    His goal was very clear. He had to kill the Litu Sect first!


    The reason why he chose the Litu Sect was because the other party posed the greatest threat to him.


    The Litu Sect¡¯s indifference to life wasn¡¯t only targeted at outsiders but also at themselves. This allowed their combat strength to be extremely high.


    Xu Qing¡¯s retreat was accompanied by the Ba shadow¡¯s sea of flames. However, the expressions of the three Litu Sect cultivators didn¡¯t change at all. They continued to rush over and instantly collided with Xu Qing, attempting to exchange death for injury.


    When they collided, one of the three Litu Sect cultivators¡¯ chest caved in but he still held onto Xu Qing¡¯s waist. The other¡¯s forehead was penetrated by the iron stick but he firmly grabbed onto it, not giving Xu Qing a chance to retract it.


    The eyes of the last person revealed emotions for the first time ¨C fanaticism.


    ¡°Litu!¡± He shouted and his body instantly burned, transforming into a dazzling spear of light that headed straight for Xu Qing at an astonishing speed.


    It arrived in an instant and was about to pierce through.


    A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The 900-foot-high spirit sea in his body erupted and transformed outside his body, sweeping in all directions.


    The two corpses of the Litu Sect¡¯s dead cultivators were instantly crushed. Even the cultivators who were rushing in couldn¡¯t dodge and were sent flying in all directions.


    Taking advantage of this opportunity, Xu Qing moved to the side. The approaching light spear that carried heat and destructive intent slashed past his chest.


    Although he wasn¡¯t pierced, just that graze caused his flesh to be badly mangled.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried as he continued to retreat fifty feet away. After that, he stopped and crouched down like a cat. His right foot stomped fiercely on the ground and he charged out like an arrow leaving the bow.


    He left afterimages as he arrived in front of another Litu Sect cultivator. This Litu Sect cultivator¡¯s eyes also emitted fanaticism.


    ¡°Litu!¡± He let out a low roar and actually chose to self-destruct.


    Now, there were only three people left in the Litu Sect.


    Among these three people, other than the one in the middle who didn¡¯t move, the other two quickly rushed out and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Their eyes under their robes were also burning with passion. They also chose to self-destruct.


    The Sea Ghost became anxious. The remaining 11 or 12 people immediately attacked. As they unleashed their trump cards, three talismans formed killing intent that suppressed Xu Qing.


    Not only that, but the eyes of the rogue cultivators in the surroundings who were originally watching and those who rushed over from the other mountain peaks also revealed fervor. They moved closer one after another and some even started attacking.


    Xu Qing seemed to have fallen into an intense crisis. At the next instant, as the three Litu Sect cultivators self-destructed, the Sea Ghost attacked, and the talismans activated, the place where Xu Qing was at was instantly drowned by rumbling sounds and dust.


    However, before the dust could settle, Xu Qing rushed out like lightning.


    The yellow light barrier around his body flickered. It was formed from the power of another talisman.


    He also had a flight talisman on his leg.


    All of this caused Xu Qing¡¯s speed to surpass its previous limit. He instantly arrived in front of a rogue cultivator holding a dagger and slammed into him.


    Amidst the mournful cries, the rogue cultivator¡¯s body collapsed. Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop. He caught the dagger the other party released and sped through the surrounding crowd.


    There was still blood at the corner of his mouth and his Daoist robe was torn in many places. However, the coldness in his eyes didn¡¯t melt at all.


    Everywhere he passed, miserable cries rang out and corpses fell to the ground. Blood flowed in all directions, causing the soil on the mountaintop to emit an intense stench of blood.


    There were also a few Sea Ghost cultivators whose heads flew up as Xu Qing passed by them.


    This savage slaughter lasted until the last person from the Litu Sect and the burly man with a face on his chest from the Sea Ghost Organization acted together to stop Xu Qing. Only then did Xu Qing¡¯s killing spree halt.

 Chapter 154 - Blood Dyeing the Sea Lizard Island (2)

    Xu Qing forcefully endured the bombardment of the two people¡¯s spells and pierced his hand into the chest of a rogue cultivator. He then retreated and landed on a large rock. He squatted slightly and lifted his head, panting a little as he coldly looked at the remaining cultivators in the surroundings.


    There was one person left from the Litu Sect, the leader.


    There were still four people from the Sea Ghost Organization, including the burly man.


    As Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over, blood dripped down the edge of his dagger, merging with the blood on the ground.


    With the flight talisman on him, Xu Qing could actually attempt to fly out of here. However, everyone here wanted to kill him.


    Xu Qing¡¯s principles made him stay. He had to do his best to kill all the threats here.


    By now, there were over 40 corpses in the surroundings. Dense aura of death filled the area. The rogue cultivators shivered and didn¡¯t dare to continue as they retreated one after another.


    Xu Qing frowned slightly.


    He didn¡¯t want to let go of anyone who had attacked him. Even though their cultivation was low, Xu Qing still felt that they could be a hidden danger.


    Just as he was about to chase them, the remaining member of the Litu Sect suddenly spoke.


    ¡°I only want a lizard skin. Give it to me. After I report this matter, you can obtain the friendship of my Litu Sect!¡±


    ¡°I only want one too. Otherwise, with your current state, it¡¯s hard to say if you¡¯ll survive.¡± A sharp voice rang out from the face on the burly Sea Ghost cultivator¡¯s chest, and the red light in his eyes grew even more intense.


    Xu Qing ignored them. The flight talisman activated once again as he headed straight for the rogue cultivators who had attacked him in the distance. His speed was so fast that he instantly got close to them. Heads instantly started flying.


    Just as he was about to continue killing, the Litu Sect and the Sea Ghost directly chose to join forces and rushed over together.


    Among them, the black robe of the team leader of the Litu Sect spread out, revealing the face of a middle-aged man. His eyes were cold and his body emitted a shocking aura.


    This aura surpassed the Perfected Qi Condensation and wasn¡¯t far from Foundation Building.


    With a wave of his hand, a thick black fog appeared behind him. The fog churned and formed a huge tombstone.


    This tombstone was filled with cracks and countless souls were struggling in the cracks. However, upon closer inspection, it was still very blurry. Clearly, with this person¡¯s strength, he couldn¡¯t display it more clearly and could only borrow illusions.


    The foggy tombstone headed straight for Xu Qing.


    As for the burly Sea Ghost cultivator, he let out a sharp roar; his body withered, but the face on his chest was filled with more color and the red light in its eyes spread out. Its entire face turned red until it spat out a mouthful of blood.


    As soon as the blood appeared, it transformed into a blood-colored flying sword with a baleful aura that sped toward Xu Qing.


    The remaining Sea Ghost cultivators were the same. They all used their trump cards.


    At this critical moment, Xu Qing suddenly lifted his right hand and pointed at the sky. Immediately, purple light flickered from his body and rapidly gathered above his head, forming a huge long saber.


    This saber was 100 feet long and 30 feet wide. Its entire body shone with purple light and the coldness of the blade was oppressive!


    It was like a heavenly saber that stood in mid-air and emitted an indescribable rhythm of Dao. It seemed to contain the laws of the world and emitted an earth-shattering aura.


    1


    As soon as this saber appeared, the expression of the burly Sea Ghost cultivator changed and he cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°He comprehended a Dao Art in Qi Condensation?? F*cking hella€| Is this something that can be comprehended by a Qi Condensation cultivator!!!¡± As he spoke, he retreated, trying to escape.


    The leader of the Litu Sect¡¯s team also trembled violently and his face turned pale.


    Xu Qing¡¯s face was expressionless as his palm moved down.


    A rumbling sound shook the heavens and the earth. The purple saber in the sky slashed down and landed in the basin. Everything in its path was slashed!


    The blood-colored flying sword shattered into pieces.


    The black tombstone collapsed and exploded.


    The ground rumbled, leaving behind a huge saber mark that cut the basin in half. The leader of the Litu Sect¡¯s team was also cut in half.


    He stared at Xu Qing in a daze. At the next moment, his body was torn apart and fresh blood spurted out.


    The body of the burly Sea Ghost cultivator in the distance trembled violently and despair appeared in his eyes. He wanted to lower his head and look at his waist, but before he could do so, his body directly split into two from the waist. The face on his chest was also covered with an aura of death.


    At the same time, the remaining few Sea Ghost cultivators¡¯ bodies broke apart.


    The entire battlefield fell silent. Only the sky rumbled and the raina€| finally fell.


    The gushing rain splattered on the ground, but it was difficult for it to wash away the blood stains here.


    Xu Qing stood in the rain and panted. There were many injuries on his body. Although most of them were already healing, there were still some serious injuries that couldn¡¯t be healed immediately.


    This battle wasn¡¯t simple for him either. There were too many enemies.


    He turned his head and looked at the trembling nonhuman in the straw rain cape and the elephant-nosed burly man not far away.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t attack!¡±


    ¡°We didn¡¯t get involved from the start!!¡± The two of them trembled uncontrollably when Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past them.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. He shifted his gaze and looked at the fleeing rogue cultivators in the distance. They had attacked Xu Qing before and dispersed when they saw that the situation wasn¡¯t good.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t chase after them. As he stared coldly, those rogue cultivators and nonhumans screamed miserably before they could leave the island. Their bodies turned greenish-black and they died from poison.


    This scene caused the bodies of the nonhuman in the straw rain cape and the elephant-nosed burly man to tremble even more.


    Ignoring the two of them, Xu Qing turned and grabbed into the distance with his right hand. Immediately, the black iron stick flew over. After it landed in his hand, he waved it again. This black iron stick was incomparably agile and shuttled rapidly through the corpses in the surroundings.


    To prevent some people from pretending to be dead, Xu Qing dealt the final blows.


    As for the nonhuman in the straw rain cape and the elephant-nosed burly man, they tried to retreat. Only when they retreated far away and discovered that Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay attention to them and seemed to have let them go did the two of them relax. However, they still used all their strength and frantically fled for a distance. Only when they descended the mountain and entered the jungle did they truly heave a sigh of relief.


    However, the greed hidden in their hearts wasn¡¯t extinguished. They each secretly took out jade slips, wanting to transmit their voices to the great cultivator leader outside. They were afraid that if they were too late, Xu Qing would escape.


    However, before they could transmit their voices, two cold lights whistled over from behind them and passed through their necks.


    They instantly died.


    Xu Qing calmly retracted his gaze. He knew that although there were no Foundation Building cultivators on Sea Lizard Island, it didn¡¯t mean that there weren¡¯t any in the sea. As for the two people who had escaped, it was extremely suspicious for them to try to send a voice transmission at this moment. There was a high chance that they were trying to send a message to someone.


    Normal people wouldn¡¯t think of sending messages at this moment.


    Xu Qing dealt the finishing blow while organizing his gains on the battlefield.


    Not long later, he looked at the corpses on the ground. Suddenly, the shadow under his feet spread out and grabbed the necks of the three rogue cultivators who were pretending to be dead and lifted them up.


    Before the three of them could beg for mercy, their necks shattered and they instantly died.


    At the same time that Xu Qing attacked, the dead face on the chest of the burly Sea Ghost cultivator who had been split into two opened its eyes abruptly and rushed out, transforming into a blood-colored imp.


    It was unknown what method it used but it didn¡¯t hesitate to expend its energy to fly into the air. Its speed was so fast that it instantly left the island and was already on the sea, fleeing crazily into the distance.


    Xu Qing coldly looked over and spoke for the first time since the battle started.


    ¡°Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the sea beside the Sea Lizard Island suddenly erupted. Waves surged into the sky and a thousand-foot-long plesiosaur broke out of the sea and devoured the blood-colored imp!


    Its figure covered the moonlight, and its huge body left behind the stench of the sea. After devouring the red figure, it slammed back into the sea.


    The sea rumbled and waves surged.


    The rain became heavier.

 Chapter 155 - Like a Phoenix or an Eagle (1)

    A long time later, Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared on the beach under the rain.


    He walked past the skeletons buried in the sand and washed out by the rain, and looked at the sea from the shore.


    The waves rose and fell in the sea, as though it hid endless danger.


    Xu Qing recalled the Litu Sect¡¯s boat. It was already gone.


    He knew that no Foundation Building cultivators dared to set foot on this island, nor did they dare to stay nearby. However, Xu Qing felt that if there was really a Foundation Building cultivator with malicious intent, the greatest possibility was that they would be waiting in the outer perimeter.


    They were waiting for the Qi Condensation cultivators, who had returned from the Sea Lizard Island with heavy harvests, and kill them for the sea lizard skins, or were waiting for the people they had sent.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t sure if the people from the Sea Ghost Organization and the Litu Sect had Foundation Building cultivators following them. However, if they did, there was a high chance that they had already obtained the information. After all, it was impossible for him to block all the information during the chaotic battle just now.


    After some thought, Xu Qing decided not to leave immediately. He sat down and silently meditated here, recuperating his cultivation and recovering his energy.


    When he had mostly recovered, he opened his eyes in the rain and looked at the distant sea. The coldness in his eyes intensified.


    ¡°If there¡¯s really a Foundation Building cultivatora€|¡± Xu Qing weighed the pros and cons and suppressed his killing intent.


    He wasn¡¯t sure how many Foundation Building cultivators there were, so he didn¡¯t want to continue fighting unless it was absolutely necessary.


    He walked to the seaside and took out the magic boat. With a wave of his right hand, cracking sounds rang out from the magic boat. Its appearance was still the same but a very small boat had fallen out from below.


    This swift boat was set up by Zhang San in case there was danger and the magic boat collapsed.


    It wasn¡¯t the sect¡¯s standard magic boat, and its structure was also different. It was extremely poor in defense and attack. However, under Zhang San¡¯s refinement, its speed was emphasized. The speed it could erupt with was more than twice the speed of the magic boat within a certain period of time.


    However, it was very dangerous to sail it for a long time.


    Xu Qing stared at it for a moment and determination appeared in his eyes. He took down the control jade slip of the magic boat and adjusted it so that the magic boat could sail on its own. After that, he set the route for it and fully activated its defense before sending it off.


    Looking at the departing magic boat, Xu Qing suppressed his heartache and turned to step into the swift boat at the side.


    The moment he stood on the swift boat and was ready to leave Sea Lizard Island, Xu Qing looked back at this island.


    The island in the rain was a scene of darkness. The vegetation inside rustled in the wind and rain, as though they were whispering and discussing this blood-stained battle.


    The wind blew and the rain fell, the mountains were moving but the people were quiet.


    Xu Qing looked at all of this. After a long time, he bowed deeply toward the island.


    ¡°Sorry for disturbing you, Senior.¡±


    With that, he controlled the swift boat to sink into the sea without any hesitation.


    The instant the swift boat entered the sea, Xu Qing retracted all his aura. Moreover, the dragonwhale arrived and enveloped the boat.


    In the night rain, Xu Qing rode the boat and sped forward.


    This was the method Xu Qing thought of. One of the two boats was in the open and the other was in the dark. They moved in different directions to avoid the possibility of Foundation Building cultivators locking onto them.


    As he left, this island that was silent in the rain suddenly trembled and slowly sanka€| The seawater rolled over, instantly washing away the bloodstains that couldn¡¯t be cleared by the rain.


    A moment later, when the island surfaced again, there was no longer any blood on it. As for the collapsed trees and shattered mountain rocks, they strangely returned to normal.


    Only in the depths of the sea under the island, a pair of gigantic eyes slowly opened. They looked indifferently at the swift boat that was far away. After a long timea€| they closed again.


    An hour later.


    In the swift boat that was moving with astonishing speed, Xu Qing suddenly opened his eyes. He took out the jade slip that controlled the magic boat and slowly narrowed his eyes.


    The jade slip shattered.


    This meant that the magic boat that was sailing by itself had been destroyed.


    ¡°As expected, there¡¯s a Foundation Building cultivator.¡±


    ¡°Then should I dive deeper and hide, wait for the Foundation Building cultivators to leave after failing to find me, or should I speed up my escape?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and chose the latter.


    He didn¡¯t want to stay here and wait for death. After all, the danger under the sea was equally terrifying. If the other party did not leave this area for a long time, he would be in an extremely passive state.


    He didn¡¯t want to place his life on other people¡¯s decisions.


    While controlling the swift boat to speed up, he also restrained his aura to a greater extent.


    Fortunately, the seawater helped in concealing his aura as well. In addition, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t afraid of anomalous substances. This allowed him to dive deeper, causing the concealment of his aura to be even greater.


    The only thing he had to consider was whether the swift boat could withstand the pressure.


    However, Xu Qing knew that now wasn¡¯t the time to think about this problem. Under his control, the swift boat sped forward at the bottom of the sea. Not long later, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    He sensed danger coming from the direction of the sea, as though it was probing and searching.


    Xu Qing silently controlled the boat to sink deeper and continued forward.


    However, that sense of danger still existed. The swift boat was also showing signs of being unable to withstand the pressure and invasion of anomalous substances under the sea. Seeing that it would be damaged if this continued, Xu Qing simply put away the swift boat and immersed himself in the body of the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale before moving forward again.


    Just like that, time flowed by and a night passed.


    The sense of danger from the sea gradually decreased but there were still a few strands that remained. It was as though they had used some unknown method to lock onto Xu Qing.


    This made Xu Qing not dare to be careless at all. He gritted his teeth and was about to rush deeper into the sea, wanting to avoid being locked onto.

 Chapter 156 - Like a Phoenix or an Eagle (2)

    Right at this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s mind suddenly trembled. An indescribable pressure descended from the sky, enveloping the sea in all directions.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see the situation on the surface of the sea but he could sense how terrifying this pressure was.


    This wasn¡¯t something that could be formed by a Foundation Building cultivator. It was more like a certain colossus spreading its aura. At the same time that this pressure appeared, the auras that seemed to have locked onto him instantly became chaotic, as though they were fleeing in panic.


    While he was shocked, Xu Qing still knew to use this chance to speed up. After he moved far away and couldn¡¯t sense the lock on his aura, he hesitated for a moment before continuing to move forward.


    However, he was clear that he couldn¡¯t do this for long. The danger under the sea had not appeared, but it would definitely be more dangerous if he continued to move under the sea.


    Hence, after confirming repeatedly that he sensed no danger on the surface, Xu Qing carefully ascended. The moment half of his head appeared on the surface of the sea, he quickly looked around. However, at the next instant, he was attracted by the scene in the sky.


    It should have been morning but the sky had turned pitch-black.


    The reason why the sky was pitch-black was because of a majestic black cloud.


    The range of this black cloud was too large, covering hundreds of kilometers and blotting out the sky.


    The sea area Xu Qing was in was currently enveloped in its shadow.


    The sound of wind and lightning, as well as rumbling sounds came out from the black clouds. There were even bolts of astonishing lightning swimming within like there was a calamity brewing in the sky.


    Wherever it passed, the sea would stir up a storm, as though it was kowtowing to this existence in the sky!


    If that was all, it would be fine. What shocked Xu Qing was that within this moving black cloud, there was an unimaginable existence. A portion of its body that was revealed seemed to possess the power to suppress lifeforms, causing Xu Qing¡¯s flesh and blood to stiffen. His soul was rumbling and his mind was blank.


    Only his eyes could move, allowing him to see the blurry appearance of the terrifying existence in the black cloud clearly.


    It was a gigantic creature that looked like a phoenix or an eagle with its entire body burning with black flames!


    Phoenix head, snake neck, swallow chin, turtle back, fish tail!


    Within the black flames, its entire body was shining with five colors and was so dazzling that the black flames couldn¡¯t hide it at all. It was soaring in the black clouds in the sky and was filled with divinity.


    In fact, it even had some faint resemblance to the aura of the god¡¯s fragmented face.


    Clearly, it was its appearance that caused those unknown cultivators who had ill intentions toward Xu Qing to have no choice but to give up on pursuing him and retreat.


    The world rumbled. As the black clouds sped away, they slowly left the sky, revealing the bright sky behind the clouds. Xu Qing also gradually recovered his mobility and he instinctively inhaled.


    However, the instant he inhaled, the extremely terrifying existence in the black clouds in the distant sky suddenly turned its head and glanced at the distant sea.


    With just this glance, a large area of the sea dozens of kilometers away from Xu Qing instantly rose. Waves surged into the sky like a tsunami. The anomalous substances became denser, as though they were being pulled into a spot.


    Even though Xu Qing was very far away and couldn¡¯t see clearly, his body still swayed with the waves and his mind rumbled.


    That phoenix-eagle retracted its gaze and entered the black clouds again. Amidst the rumbling thunder, it disappeared into the distant horizon.


    After a long time, when the waves of the sea calmed down, Xu Qing let out a long breath. His face was pale as he looked at the distant horizon, his mind in chaos.


    The feeling this divine bird gave him was unprecedented. Even the giant pulling the bronze dragon carriage at the bottom of the sea seemed to be weaker in Xu Qing¡¯s perception.


    ¡°What is it? It is flying toward the Nanhuang Continent¡­¡± As Xu Qing mumbled, he suddenly realized something.


    ¡°Nanhuang Continent¡¯s ¡®phoenix1¡®¡­¡±


    Xu Qing had read many books and dossiers in the Homicide Department. He thought of the name of the forbidden zone on the other side of the Truth Mountain Range that occupied 70% of the Nanhuang Continent.


    ¡°The largest forbidden zone in the Nanhuang Continent, the Phoenix Forbidden Zone¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart shook as he made a guess. A moment later, he took a deep breath and suppressed this guess. He was going to inquire and search for information to confirm it when he returned.


    With this thought in mind, Xu Qing sank back into the sea. After speeding for several hours, he sensed that no one was pursuing him. Only then did he return to the surface of the sea. He took out the swift boat and leaped onto it, controlling it to speed up his escape.


    Very soon, three days passed. Xu Qing was extremely careful on the way. He probed many times and finally confirmed that those pursuing auras had really disappeared. Only then did he heave a long sigh of relief.


    He guessed that the phoenix¡¯s appearance had imperceptibly given him some help, causing those malicious cultivators to be unable to clearly investigate his location and lose track of him.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t dare to let his guard down. Although he no longer moved under the sea, he still controlled the boat to move at its full speed. He didn¡¯t hesitate to spend spirit stones.


    During these three days, more than half of his injuries had healed. His face was no longer pale and the fatigue from the slaughter had dissipated.


    Recalling the massacre earlier, even though his cultivation and combat strength were extraordinary, he still felt a fatigue he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. Fortunately, the benefits this time could be said to be astonishing which caused him to reveal a satisfied expression.


    Other than the three divine molts, he also obtained more than ten eighth or ninth level Qi Condensation lizard molts. As for low-level lizard molts, he had even more of them.


    Other than that, there were also a number of treasures.


    He even obtained three talismans. Although the runes on them were already blurry and he couldn¡¯t use them many times, they were still valuable.

 Chapter 157 - : Like a Phoenix or an Eagle (3)

    As for spirit stones¡­ Xu Qing calculated that there were about 4,000.


    Most rogue cultivators were poor. The reason why Xu Qing had gained so much was because he had killed everyone on the island and looted them. Among them, the main contributor of the spirit stones was the Sea Ghost Organization.


    As for the Litu Sect, Xu Qing had checked their pockets, but they were really poor for some reason.


    He was regretful about that but when he thought of his gains this time, he didn¡¯t care about the low gains from the Litu Sect.


    ¡°Even if I don¡¯t include the divine sea lizard molts, I still have a harvest of almost 20,000 spirit stones.¡± Xu Qing sat and counted the spoils of war while navigating the swift boat to move in the direction of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The increase in his cultivation and the benefits he obtained from this trip allowed Xu Qing to not care about the consumption of spirit stones by the swift boat.


    From this trip, Xu Qing¡¯s reverence for the sea deepened.


    Now that his pockets were full, he only had one thought, and that was to return as soon as possible.


    With the enhancement of a large number of spirit stones, the swift boat continued to operate at its limit. His returning speed was more than twice as fast. According to his judgment, he would be able to return to the sect in three days at most.


    For the rest of the journey, Xu Qing didn¡¯t encounter much danger because he was close to the coast of the Nanhuang Continent. When he was only half a day away from the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ port, he saw a boat from the sect.


    It was a battleship speeding toward him.


    Although this battleship looked like it belonged to the Seventh Peak¡¯s Coast Guard Department, Xu Qing was still on guard. His plesiosaur at the bottom of the sea swam around and was prepared to fight at any time. At the same time, he noticed that there were five dragonwhales under the battleship.


    Moreover, one of them looked a little different. It looked like a dragonwhale but it was actually somewhat similar to the megalodon.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart shook and he became even more vigilant.


    Not long later, the battleship gradually got closer and was clearly reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    The huge ship was engraved with array formations that emitted terrifying fluctuations. There were also more than 80 magic spikes that seemed to be able to stimulate astonishing power around the ship. As for the deck, one could see more than 30 Seventh Peak disciples.


    All of this meant that this battleship possessed formidable combat strength.


    ¡°Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Seventh Peak¡¯s Coast Guard Department on duty. Boat in front, state your identity.¡± A dignified voice rang out from the Coast Guard Department¡¯s battleship as it got closer.


    ¡°Xu Qing from the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department.¡± Xu Qing looked at the Coast Guard Department¡¯s battleship and calmly spoke.


    There were over 30 cultivators on the battleship and it was clear they were surrounding a single person. The person they were surrounding was a youth in a gray Daoist robe. His gaze was like lightning and carried intense pressure. The fluctuations of the Perfected Qi Condensation from his body were quite extraordinary.


    He looked at Xu Qing in the swift boat and a hint of sharpness flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°Xu Qing?¡± After Xu Qing reported his name, a familiar voice rang out from behind the thirty-odd people on the Coast Guard Department¡¯s battleship. Very soon, a person walked out from behind the crowd. It was none other than Zhou Qingpeng.


    His expression was filled with surprise. After greeting Xu Qing, he turned and respectfully whispered a few words to the youth.


    The youth nodded expressionlessly.


    Zhou Qingpeng cupped his fists and leaped up from the battleship with joy. He landed on Xu Qing¡¯s swift boat and smiled.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I didn¡¯t expect us to meet at sea. Did you return from the sea?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been out for some time. I¡¯m returning to the sect.¡± Xu Qing looked at the youth on the battleship.


    ¡°That¡¯s my boss, Ding Xiaohai from the Coast Guard Department,¡± Zhou Qingpeng said proudly. After that, he glanced at Xu Qing¡¯s swift boat.


    ¡°What happened to you? Why has your boat become so shabby¡­ The Coast Guard Department has the right to inspect all the boats, but looking at your boat, we can forget about it.¡± Zhou Qingpeng smiled and exchanged a few more pleasantries with Xu Qing. Under Xu Qing¡¯s congratulations, he cupped his fists and prepared to return.


    Before he left, he seemed to have thought of something and spoke to Xu Qing in a low voice.


    ¡°By the way, Xu Qing, don¡¯t go out to sea again for some time after you return. Our Coast Guard Department has received a notice that the seabed has been a little chaotic recently. I heard from my boss that some terrifying existences have appeared for some reason.¡±


    Zhou Qingpeng¡¯s expression was filled with palpitations. He didn¡¯t say anything else and turned to return to the battleship.


    ¡°Terrifying existences?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed and his expression was solemn. He cupped his fists and thanked Zhou Qingpeng.


    Very soon, the Coast Guard Department¡¯s battleship made honking sounds and changed directions, gradually leaving into the distance.


    While Xu Qing was looking at the battleship, Ding Xiaohai tilted his head and looked at Xu Qing¡¯s swift boat in the distance. He then looked at the faintly discernible plesiosaur in the sea below the swift boat and calmly spoke to Zhou Qingpeng, who was reporting to him.


    ¡°Zhou Qingpeng, your peer isn¡¯t simple.¡±


    Zhou Qingpeng was stunned and whispered.


    ¡°Senior Brother Ding, when the Night Dove operation was carried out, it was rumored that someone killed the enemy leader as an ordinary member¡­¡±


    ¡°He is that person.¡± There was a deeper meaning in Ding Xiaohai¡¯s gaze.


    1


    When Zhou Qingpeng heard this, he couldn¡¯t help but be in a daze. He turned his head and looked at Xu Qing¡¯s boat in the distance.


    One could faintly see the figure of the youth on the magic boat standing there. The wind and waves rose and fell but they could not shake him at all.

 Chapter 158 - Gu Muqing

    The day passed in the blink of an eye.


    As the bright moon reappeared in the sky, the quiet sea gradually fell asleep. Starlight scattered the ground, covering the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ bay with a mysterious veil.


    From afar, the seven mountain peaks and the seven blood-colored giant eyes at the top of the mountains looked like they were protecting as well as intimidating.


    What they protected was the prosperity of the Seven Blood Eyes, causing the commoners to yearn for it and be willing to come here. They would create their value here and provide a vast amount of residency fees, allowing the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ industries to continue earning profits.


    What they intimidated was the outside world, the nonhuman races, and those with ill intentions, telling them not to cross the line.


    As for the cruelty between their disciples, it was the same concept as nurturing Gu. They wanted to nurture wolves that could survive in chaotic times.


    Only such a wolf was worthy of truly joining the Seven Blood Eyes and enjoying the right to its benefits.


    By now, Xu Qing had a complete understanding of the rules of the Seven Blood Eyes. He looked at the harbor in front of him and lowered the speed of the swift boat, slowly entering the harbor.


    The magic boats of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples were floating on the sea. Beams of strong light from the lighthouse swept in all directions, causing the sparkling sea water under the moonlight to appear dazzling for an instant when the light passed by.


    This lasted until one of the lighthouse beams landed outside Port 79¡¯s harbor gate. It stopped for a moment on a swift boat that looked like it was about to fall apart.


    The light quickly gathered in front of Xu Qing, who was standing on the boat.


    The strong light was piercing. Xu Qing covered his eyes with his hand and took out his token.


    A gentle light emitted from the token, as though an invisible array had swept past it, confirming Xu Qing¡¯s identity. Very soon, a small gate slowly opened at the entrance of Port 79.


    The beam of light that was focused on Xu Qing also moved away, causing the world in front of Xu Qing to turn pitch-black for a moment. However, it quickly returned to normal.


    As his swift boat entered the harbor through the small gate, a familiar wind blew over from the shore, blowing Xu Qing¡¯s hair. He looked at the harbor in front of him and heaved a sigh of relief.


    No matter how harsh and savage the environment in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city was, it was still better compared to the sea.


    After all, here, the enemies he met among the piedmont disciples wouldn¡¯t surpass his cultivation by a major realm.


    ¡°I¡¯m back.¡± Xu Qing mumbled and controlled the swift boat to head straight for his berth.


    His late-night return attracted the attention of some disciples from Port 79.


    If it was anyone else, they might have let it go after taking a glance. However, after noticing that it was Xu Qing, many disciples walked out of their magic boats and cupped their fists in goodwill.


    Xu Qing¡¯s previous breakthrough and the appearance of the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale had made him very famous in Port 79.


    When these disciples who walked out of the magic boats swept their gazes across Xu Qing, they also noticed his broken swift boat. They knew that the other party had encountered great danger at sea.


    However, most of the piedmont disciples knew their limits and understood that they shouldn¡¯t ask what should not be asked. Hence, they pretended not to see the damage to Xu Qing¡¯s swift boat.


    Facing the greetings of his fellow disciples, Xu Qing cupped his fists and returned the greeting. After his swift boat arrived at its berth, Xu Qing looked around and entered the cabin before starting his meditation.


    It was just like before he went out to sea.


    As he closed his eyes, Xu Qing¡¯s heart completely calmed down from the massacre earlier. However, his vigilance had already been engraved into his soul, especially now that he had returned with a heavy harvest. Although there was a high chance that with his current reputation, no one would dare to rob him, he still had to be vigilant.


    Xu Qing scattered even more poison powder around the berth, regardless of whether it was in the sea or on the shore.


    At the same time, Xu Qing didn¡¯t forget that he had killed the merfolk youth before he left. Moreover, the other party had Dao Protectors.


    ¡°I wonder how the matter with that dead fish is now.¡± Xu Qing fell silent. He didn¡¯t inquire about it and continued to cultivate warily.


    The night passed.


    The next morning, the wind was gentle and the sun was bright.


    The morning light seemed to have transformed into a graceful woman who walked over gently, scattering gentleness everywhere, calling all living beings to wake up and dispelling the coldness of the night from the world.


    As the light landed on the cabin, Xu Qing opened his eyes and walked out, staring at the port area.


    What greeted Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was the familiar world, the familiar light, the familiar figures, and everything familiar.


    Regardless of whether it was the patrolling disciples, the fellow disciples who woke up early, the commoners who were bustling about, or the fragrance of food, all of them made Xu Qing feel very good.


    He didn¡¯t care about the tattered Daoist robe on his body. He leaped off the swift boat and put it away. He first went to the breakfast shop he used to go to every day. Under the enthusiastic greeting of the shopkeeper, he ate a full meal.


    The shopkeeper didn¡¯t pay much attention to his somewhat tattered Daoist robe after sweeping his gaze across it. He had seen such scenes many times.


    The familiar taste caused Xu Qing to eat double the amount he would normally eat. After he paid the bill, he didn¡¯t head to the Homicide Department to cancel his leave immediately. Instead, he went to the main city¡¯s disciple administration office, where he bought a new set of Daoist robes.


    After changing, Xu Qing thought about it and walked all the way to the location of Zhang San¡¯s Transportation Department. He felt that the swift boat could still be used after repairing it. As for the magic boata€| he would have to refine it again. However, when he thought of his harvest, Xu Qing felt that it was not a problem to refine it again.


    ¡°Also, I took advantage of Senior Brother Zhang last time. I have to make up for it this time.¡± Xu Qing touched his pouch and quickly walked forward.


    Not long later, when the sun was high in the sky, Xu Qing saw the Transportation Department from afar. He also saw that other than the members of the Transportation Department, there were also some unfamiliar disciples.


    There were seven to eight of these disciples and they were all women. All of them had graceful figures that even their Daoist robes couldn¡¯t conceal. They were curvy and graceful.


    Their appearances were equally beautiful and they had a unique alchemy temperament that belonged to the Second Peak.


    They were all disciples of the Second Peak.


    At that moment, they were clustered around a core disciple. She wore a light orange Daoist robe and was especially eye-catching among the many disciples. Her appearance was the same. She looked exquisite and her appearance was radiating. She was a peerless beauty.


    She looked to be about 16 or 17 years old. Her features were clear and filled with charm.


    Her nature seemed to be very gentle. Although she was surrounded, she didn¡¯t emit the superiority of a core disciple. She stood there quietly and looked very elegant.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and he slowly walked closer. He then saw Zhang San surrounded by these Second Peak disciples.


    Compared to those extraordinary-looking Second Peak disciples, Zhang San, who was squatting on the sandbag and rubbing his hands, looked ordinary. His farmer-like appearance looked simple and ordinary.


    Zhang San saw Xu Qing¡¯s arrival immediately. He greeted Xu Qing and patted his chest at the Second Peak disciples beside him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, there¡¯s no problem this time. When I, Old Zhang, go out to sea, the various races will give me some face.¡±


    Noticing that Zhang San seemed to be discussing business, Xu Qing didn¡¯t disturb him. Instead, he walked to a dark corner and waited silently.


    Xu Qing, who was wearing a gray Daoist robe, had a handsome appearance and a gentle expression. However, the darkness he was in formed a sharp contrast with the sunlight outside.


    Under the sunlight, they would see that the gentleness on Xu Qing¡¯s face was just a mask. Under that mask was an indifferent expression that had fused with the shadow. There was a hint of coldness that kept people away for thousands of miles.


    Added with his long hair and tall figure, it formed a unique aura.


    This attracted the attention of the Second Peak¡¯s disciples and most of them glanced at him.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He didn¡¯t care about these gazes and waited silently.


    Not long later, Zhang San finished talking to the Second Peak¡¯s disciples and arrived in front of Xu Qing.


    ¡°Kid, you¡¯re finally back. How was your harvest on this trip?¡±


    ¡°Not bad.¡± Looking at Zhang San, Xu Qing smiled.


    ¡°It¡¯s good as long as you gained something. Do you see those Second Peak disciples?¡± Zhang San had a smug expression on his face as he raised his chin at the group of Second Peak disciples who were about to leave.


    ¡°Do you see the prettiest chick among them? That¡¯s the core disciple of the Second Peak, Gu Muqing. I wonder how many people have dreamt of her as their Dao companion. Cough, it is my dream as well.¡±


    ¡°They want to go out to sea to train. This is a big job. I competed with many of my fellow disciples at our port to obtain the qualifications to lead them out to sea. Even your captain could not win against me.¡±


    Zhang San looked at Xu Qing expectantly, as though he wanted to see his envy.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    Zhang San was a little depressed.


    ¡°I saya€| Junior Brother Xu Qing, shouldn¡¯t you congratulate me? Maybe after this, I¡¯ll have a Dao companion.¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it and felt that what the other party said made sense. Hence, he squeezed out an envious expression and spoke seriously.


    ¡°Congratulations.¡±


    Zhang San was speechless and gave up on the thought of seeing envy from Xu Qing.


    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s hard for you to do thata€| You came here to inspect and repair the magic boat, right?¡±


    Xu Qing retracted his expression and took out a piece of sea lizard skin of acceptable quality from his pouch.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang, I did come to repair the boat and I hope to use this sea lizard skin to make the refined magic boat stronger.¡± Just as Xu Qing said this, he suddenly paused and lifted his head to look at the Second Peak¡¯s disciples not far away.


    These Second Peak disciples were originally about to leave but at this moment, the Second Peak¡¯s heaven chosen, Gu Muqing, whom Zhang San mentioned, noticed the sea lizard skin Xu Qing took out. Her footsteps paused and her eyes lit up.


    ¡°Fellow disciple, is the sea lizard skin in your hand of an eighth level Qi Condensation sea lizard?¡±


    Gu Muqing¡¯s voice had the unique immaturity of a young girl. It was delicate and graceful as it scattered under the sunlight, merging with the pill fragrance on her body. It was like a soft singing voice that made one feel good.


    However, when it entered Xu Qing¡¯s ears, he frowned slightly and instinctively kept the sea lizard skin. He then looked at Gu Muqing warily.


    At the same time, his heart was filled with vigilance. He also reminded himself that he couldn¡¯t carelessly take out the sea lizard skins just because he had gained a lot of them and they could be sold in the sect¡¯s shops.


    He should have waited for the other party to leave before taking it out.


    Gu Muqing also sensed the change in Xu Qing¡¯s expression and hurriedly walked over to explain.


    ¡°I want to refine a pill and require a large number of sea lizard skins. The better the quality, the better. I¡¯ve bought all the sea lizard skins in the city. This is also the reason why I am making a trip to the sea this time, but I don¡¯t know if my harvest will be enough. So, if you have any left, I¡¯m willing to buy them at a high price.¡±


    After saying that, Gu Muqing looked at Xu Qing. Her clear and bright pupils, curved willow brows, and long eyelashes trembled slightly, emitting deep anticipation.


    Xu Qing fell silent. It wasn¡¯t impossible to sell it to the other party, but he first had to consider if he would have enough left to upgrade his magic boat.


    Zhang San, who was at the side, was stunned for a moment. He stood between the two of them and looked at Xu Qing, who was seriously thinking, then at Gu Muqing, who was staring fixedly at him. He suddenly felt that this trip to sea looked like it was not going to happen.


    In fact, he even got a faint feeling that he seemed to be an extra there.


    He coughed and was about to speak when Gu Muqing, who was staring at Xu Qing¡¯s face, suddenly thought of something and her eyes lit up again.


    ¡°I remember now. You¡¯re Xu Qing!¡±


    2

 Chapter 159 - Creditors Visit

    It was noon and the sunlight was intense. It was hard for mortals to look directly at the sun hanging high in the sky.


    Just like Gu Muqing, who was standing under the sunlight. She was extremely radiant, like a fairy.


    Although the light orange Daoist robe covered her figure, the excellence of her body wasn¡¯t something that the robe could completely conceal. The curves were prominent and one could imagine what kind of delicate figure was hidden under the robe.


    That soft jade-like arm that was exposed outside her sleeve, her beautiful and smooth neck, and her long black hair that was like a waterfall. Coupled with her exquisite, smooth, and tender jade-like skin, she was like the embodiment of beauty.


    When this beautiful scene fell into Zhang San¡¯s eyes, his expression became a little dazed and his face turned red. However, Xu Qing, who was standing in the dark, didn¡¯t have any changes in his expression. His gaze coldly sized up the woman¡¯s neck.


    Whether this woman was beautiful or not wasn¡¯t important to Xu Qing. This wasn¡¯t the first time he had seen her. He hadn¡¯t seen many core disciples in the main city, so he could tell at a glance that she was the girl he had met outside the medical shop a few months ago.


    Back then, they had only brushed past each other but the other party had now called out his name. This caused Xu Qing to be extremely vigilant. He had to confirm if the other party had the strength to threaten his life.


    After sweeping his gaze over, Xu Qing made a judgment in his heart. If he really attacked, he was confident that he could kill the other party quickly. The other party¡¯s cultivation was alright but regardless of whether it was her standing posture or vigilance, she was far inferior to the rogue cultivators of the Sea Lizard Island.


    As for the other party¡¯s identity as a core disciple of the Second Peak, considering that the Second Peak focused on alchemy, Xu Qing instinctively scanned his surroundings to see if there were any traces of poison.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, you don¡¯t have to be surprised. I learned of your name by accident.¡± Gu Muqing smiled sweetly. Her voice was clear and pleasant to the ears.


    Zhang San¡¯s heartbeat sped up. He felt that this woman was indeed worthy of being the publicly acknowledged heavenly maiden of the Second Peak. Such a person calling him senior brother made him feel extremely comfortable.


    He laughed and was about to say something when Xu Qing¡¯s calm voice rang out.


    ¡°I¡¯m not surprised.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Zhang San glanced at Xu Qing and sighed inwardly. ¡®Xu Qing, oh Xu Qing. She is already so proactive, but why don¡¯t you have any reaction?¡¯ If it were him, he would definitely go forward and chat with her immediately. Wouldn¡¯t it be like fate?


    Gu Muqing smiled lightly and took out a pill, handing it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, all of your white pills were sold to my shop. I¡¯ve studied your pills for a long time and am very curious why the purity of these pills is so high.¡±


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over and recognized that these were indeed his alchemy pills. After some thought, he didn¡¯t answer the other party¡¯s question, but took out a few sets of sea lizard skin.


    ¡°Eighth level of Qi Condensation sea lizard skin, 530 spirit stones; ninth level of Qi Condensation sea lizard skin, 960 spirit stones; and 1,430 spirit stones for the perfected Qi Condensation sea lizard skin. How many do you want?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s offer was the selling prices of the shops. He felt that he probably wouldn¡¯t be able to get such a price if he sold it to the shops. Since Gu Muqing wanted to buy it, selling it to her was more profitable.


    Gu Muqing looked at the sea lizard skins and her eyes lit up. However, she didn¡¯t buy them immediately. Instead, she continued to ask about what she had said earlier. It was as though her interest had shifted from the sea lizard skins after she recognized Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing frowned slightly. However, when he thought about how the other party¡¯s shop had accepted a lot of his white pills and was about to buy his sea lizard skins, he patiently spoke.


    ¡°During the concoction stage, add some Night Corpse Leading Ox. It will increase some purity.¡±


    The young girl revealed a look of contemplation. After a long time, she questioned politely. However, the impatience in Xu Qing¡¯s heart rose. From what he knew, one couldn¡¯t obtain knowledge for free.


    The other party¡¯s actions were a little too much.


    Senior Sister Ding understood this very well. Every time she asked, she would give him something of a certain value.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he asked about the Dao of medicine.


    ¡°Is there a way to increase the toxicity and preserve the blue blood of the Ghost Desires for a longer time?¡±


    Gu Muqing thought about it and spoke seriously.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never thought about this. What Master taught me is all about healing medicine. Let me think¡­ If it was me, I would add the living tea and use its depth to increase the toxicity of the Ghost Desire.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. After pondering for a moment, his state of mind fluctuated slightly. The other party¡¯s words opened up some ideas for him, so he asked again.


    ¡°The living tea itself is a neutralization agent but it also contains a certain amount of poison. How can I turn the poison into a medicinal catalyst?¡±


    ¡°Ah? Poison again? Let me think¡­ Maybe you can use the golden button grass to force it out?¡± Gu Muqing said uncertainly but her words still inspired Xu Qing.


    This caused Xu Qing¡¯s interest to increase. He began to communicate with Gu Muqing about the Dao of Medicine. The conversation between the two of them was a little strange. Xu Qing mostly asked about the Dao of Poison, and Gu Muqing mostly asked about the Dao of Medicine.


    However, it didn¡¯t affect anything, instead, there was a faint sense of corroboration between them. In fact, the more they communicated, the more they understood. In the end, Gu Muqing simply walked into the shade and continued to communicate with Xu Qing.


    Time passed.


    Under the sunlight, the two people in the darkness -the handsome man and the exquisite woman- made a beautiful scene. Only Zhang San, who looked like a farmer, seemed to be a little out of place in this scene.


    At this moment, Zhang San was dumbfounded as he stared blankly at the two of them. After a long while, he let out a long sigh and thought to himself that being handsome was really too much of an advantage.


    His heart skipped a beat again as he wondered if this business would be ruined. However, when he thought about how Xu Qing had just returned from the sea and there was a high chance that he wouldn¡¯t go out again, he heaved a sigh of relief. However, he still couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    ¡°Um¡­ Junior Brother Xu Qing, why don¡¯t you give me the magic boat first? I¡¯ll refine it for you. I think your conversation will last for a while.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he cupped his fists toward Zhang San and took out the swift boat.


    Zhang San subconsciously raised his hand and took the small bottle containing the flying ship. His eyes suddenly widened as he stared blankly at the thin and broken swift boat in the bottle. He was stunned for a moment.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the magic boat? Isn¡¯t this the swift boat I placed in your magic boat?¡±


    ¡°It shattered,¡± Xu Qing calmly said. He then continued to ask Gu Muqing about the Dao of Poison.


    Zhang San took a deep breath and looked at the small bottle in his hand. He already realized that Xu Qing had probably encountered a life-and-death situation on this trip to the sea.


    Just like that, four hours passed.


    The afterglow of the setting sun scattered down and the darkness on the ground blended with the light from the outside world. Under Gu Muqing¡¯s unsatisfied gaze, Xu Qing ended the conversation and completed the transaction of the sea lizard skins with the other party.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, thank you for clearing my doubts. It¡¯s a little late today, so I¡¯ll take my leave first. I¡¯ll go back and try the method you mentioned. However, I feel that there¡¯s a high chance that it will still be very difficult to succeed. In reality, I¡¯ve tried many times before but I can only occasionally reach that purity.¡±


    Gu Muqing said in distress.


    Xu Qing thought about it. On one hand, he felt that this should be related to the concoction method taught by Grandmaster Bai. On the other hand, it might also be related to the fact that his body didn¡¯t have any anomalous substances.


    When he was refining pills, he didn¡¯t emit any impure aura that fused into the pills.


    However, he naturally wouldn¡¯t say this.


    Gu Muqing shook her head and left with a pondering expression.


    Xu Qing bowed slightly with a serious expression. He had benefited greatly from this exchange and had gained a deeper understanding of the Dao of Poison. A faint idea of how to refine poison appeared in his mind.


    Seeing that Gu Muqing had left, Zhang San came to Xu Qing¡¯s side and sighed with a worried expression.


    ¡°Xu Qing, that boat of yours¡­ isn¡¯t easy to refine. I can¡¯t put that many spirit stones on it. It will be the same as building another one. It¡¯s too expensive.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He looked around and took out one of the three pieces of divine lizard skin.


    Zhang San only glanced at the lizard skin from the corner of his eyes before his entire body trembled. In that instant, all his worries disappeared. His eyes widened as he looked at the golden light on the lizard skin, and gasped.


    ¡°What¡­¡± Just as he said this, he grabbed Xu Qing and headed straight for his warehouse. After entering the warehouse, he shakily took Xu Qing¡¯s lizard skin.


    After examining it carefully as though it was a treasure, his breathing became increasingly hurried. After a while, he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Divine lizard skin!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s even a Foundation Building lizard skin. Moreover, it contains a trace of the aura of Golden Core. The value of this thing is too high. If this matter is revealed, it will definitely cause a large number of fights and killings. How did you obtain it?!¡±


    ¡°I snatched it. Is it enough to forge a new magic boat?¡± Xu Qing calmly asked.


    Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s expression, Zhang San¡¯s eyes narrowed. He could hear the thick bloodlust in those words and finally understood why he went out on a magic boat and returned on the swift boat.


    ¡°It is more than enough. The magic boat forged from this thing will reach an astonishing level. I need some time to prepare. Come and collect it tomorrow!¡±


    Zhang San turned his head to look at the divine lizard skin, and his eyes revealed an intense light. He felt that the magic boat forged from this item would be his most outstanding work in the past few years.


    Xu Qing nodded and took out some spirit tickets worth about 5,000 spirit stones. After placing them to the side, he thought about it and took out the spirit stones in his storage bag. Altogether, there were 10,000 spirit stones.


    Many of those spirit stones were stained with blood.


    These spirit stones caused Zhang San¡¯s eyes to narrow again. His heart skipped a beat and his expression became increasingly strange. He couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°How many people did you kill this time?¡±


    ¡°Not much.¡± Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°If you use all your spirit stones to refine the magic boat, what will happen to your cultivation needs? Also¡­ do you trust me that much?¡± Zhang San looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Someone still owes me a few thousand spirit stones. I¡¯ll go and ask for them tonight. As for trust, I feel Senior Brother¡¯s things here add up to more than my harvest.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke seriously and cupped his fists at Zhang San. He then turned and left cleanly.


    It was dusk outside and the world was getting dark. Zhang San looked at Xu Qing¡¯s back view as he walked away, his heart filled with emotions.


    ¡°There¡¯s actually someone who dares to owe this person spirit stones? Also¡­ since you trust me so much, it won¡¯t be good for me to secretly take some of it. Since I¡¯ve invested in you, I¡¯ll persevere to the end!¡±


    At the same time, in an inn on Panquan Road, the old man was happily smoking a pipe with a smug expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m rich this time. The mid-stage Foundation Building lizard skin is worth 5,000 spirit stones. It¡¯s a pity that I didn¡¯t manage to obtain the divine lizard skin.¡±


    ¡°However, that poisonous brat probably won¡¯t have it easy either. He might even end up empty-handed.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so happy when I think about how he didn¡¯t gain anything. Haha, I haven¡¯t opened for business for many days. There will definitely be many people coming to stay today. Double joy.¡±


    Just as the old man was feeling smug, a huge force rushed over.


    It was that large snake. At that moment, it ruthlessly slammed into the old man¡¯s body and let out an indignant gurgling sound.


    The old man glared and was about to teach it a lesson when he saw the large snake¡¯s sad expression. His heart softened and he sighed.


    ¡°Sigh, that kid is very cunning. Seeing that the situation isn¡¯t good, how can he not run? He won¡¯t die, he won¡¯t die.¡±


    When the snake heard this, its emotions eased a little. However, it was still a little dispirited and curled up in a corner.


    The old man¡¯s heart ached and he comforted it. When the sky outside completely darkened, the figures of guests in the distance could be seen.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get you some snacks later. Let¡¯s not talk about it for now. We¡¯re going to open for business.¡±


    The old man hurriedly walked out and looked at the guests who had arrived in the distance. A smile appeared on his face but at the next instant, his expression suddenly changed.


    A dagger that shone with a cold light whistled over like lightning from afar the instant the night fell. It directly pierced through the neck of the wanted criminal who was about to enter the inn and nailed him to the wall at the side.


    The force was so great that the wall let out a loud sound and blood splattered everywhere.


    A mournful cry rang out before stopping abruptly!


    Only the sound of footsteps could be heard from afar.

 Chapter 160 - Bizarre Inn (1)

    In the dark night, the wind blew and the moonlight felt cold.


    The thick night was like a hand that represented death holding the brush of the Life and Death Book, painting everything in hazy ink and forming a picture of death.


    Everything was grayish-black.


    Only the blood dripping from the wound on the wanted criminal¡¯s neck became the most shocking color in this grayish-black world.


    This lasted until the gentle footsteps echoed and a gray figure slowly walked into the painting. It replaced the glare of the blood and became the most intense cold outside the inn on Panquan Road.


    This cold seemed to cause the dripping blood to freeze for a moment. It also made the eyes of the old man at the entrance of the inn narrow as he looked at the figure walking over.


    His black hair draped over his shoulders and his slender figure was tall and straight. His cold gaze coupled with his well-defined face was like a blade that was slowly being unsheathed.


    It was Xu Qing.


    His expression was calm. Under the gaze of the old man from Panquan Road, he walked step by step to the side of the corpse. He removed the corpse¡¯s leather pouch and expressionlessly slashed out his dagger. He caught the head of the corpse and kicked the decapitated body lightly.


    The corpse landed at the old man¡¯s feet.


    The old man¡¯s expression was gloomy but the sound of wind could be heard from behind him. The head of the large snake whistled out. The moment it saw Xu Qing, its eyes clearly revealed some light.


    ¡°Gurgle, gurgle.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my treat.¡± Xu Qing glanced at the snake and calmly spoke.


    The large snake was very happy. It swallowed the corpse in one gulp and nodded at Xu Qing.


    1


    ¡°Xu Qing, don¡¯t go too far!¡± The old man from Panquan Road stared fixedly at Xu Qing as he coldly spoke.


    Xu Qing also looked at the old man but his right hand suddenly waved. Immediately, the dagger in his hand shot into the distance, breaking through the wind and emitting a sharp whistling sound. It replaced the screams and nailed the space between the brows of another wanted criminal who was speeding over.


    The tremendous force caused this person¡¯s skull to shatter. As red and white splattered down at the same time, his body was swept back by the force by twenty feet and landed heavily on the ground.


    The old man¡¯s brows twitched. He could sense that the Xu Qing in front of him seemed to be even more powerful than when he was on the Sea Lizard Island. He felt worried.


    ¡°What exactly do you want?!¡± The old man glared at Xu Qing angrily, and the veins on his face bulged. A sense of danger spread out from his body, and ropes appeared out of thin air in the surroundings.


    However, at the instant they appeared, a fiery force erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s body, forming a high temperature that swept in all directions. Immediately, the ropes bent one after another, not daring to get close.


    A tragic cry suddenly rang out from not far away.


    That was the third wanted criminal who came here. Just by approaching this place, his entire body turned greenish-black and he died from the poison.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with these dead wanted criminals. He looked at the old man¡¯s neck and weighed whether he could kill him. His aura gradually became colder and colder.


    The old man stared at Xu Qing and felt stifled. He naturally knew the other party¡¯s motive for coming here but his heart really ached at the thought of giving away a few thousand spirit stones. When he asked earlier, he planned to use the excuse that he had given him a storage bag as a reason to not give spirit stones.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t say a word. The old man understood that it was useless for him to speak, especially since the other party¡¯s aura already contained killing intent. The old man¡¯s heart began to thump as he felt a life-and-death crisis.


    ¡°Xu Qing, don¡¯t be rash. I have a trump card!! The trump card is this inn. It only looks like an inn but in reality, it¡¯s a bizarre1 entity. It¡¯s currently in a deep sleep. Once it wakes up, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ First Peak will immediately come to suppress it. At that time, you¡¯ll be finished as well!!¡±


    The old man spoke extremely quickly. After he finished speaking, the entire inn rumbled. A terrifying fluctuation spread out from the tables, chairs, and all the bricks of the inn. It was as though the inn had become a monster and was about to awaken.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. The sense of danger he felt at this moment was extremely intense and he instantly took a few steps back.


    As for the large snake, it had been lying in the distance the entire time and watching curiously. It did not help anyone as though it believed that the two of them wouldn¡¯t fight. It sensed the changes in the inn but its expression seemed to reveal a hint of intimacy. Its head rubbed against the ground as though it was greeting the inn.


    However, after sensing that Xu Qing was looking at it, it hurriedly gurgled and nodded continuously, as though it was telling Xu Qing that the old man was speaking the truth.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯m not a human. This inn isn¡¯t just an inn. It¡¯s a bizarre entity, and my race has the ability to put bizarre entities to sleep.¡±


    ¡°Many years ago, I brought the sleeping entity to the Seven Blood Eyes to sell it to the First Peak. However, the First Peak didn¡¯t give me money immediately and asked me to guard this bizarre entity for ten years. I had no choice. The amount they promised me was too much, so I agreed. However, I¡¯m still poor and I still have to spend my own resources to cultivate.¡±


    ¡°Also, Huang Yan and I are good friends. I saved Zhang San¡¯s life and the captain of Team Six and I are life-and-death friends. Xu Qing, don¡¯t be rash. We can also become good friends. The clues I gave you about the wanted criminals before were real. I didn¡¯t want to harm you.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. He looked at the old man who was quickly explaining and then at the inn. In the darkness of the night, the inn seemed to have transformed into a ghastly mouth that could devour everything.


    He knew that this old man wasn¡¯t simple and definitely had a life-saving method which was why he didn¡¯t make a move previously. However, he still didn¡¯t expect that the old man¡¯s trump card would be the inn itself!

 Chapter 161 - Bizarre Inn (2)

    Xu Qing didn¡¯t believe the old man¡¯s words about selling it to the First Peak.


    However, the feeling earlier was very real. Xu Qing felt that it wasn¡¯t worth it to take the risk to kill him.


    He had a vigilant personality and decided not to make a move. He was going to observe this place for some time. He glanced at the old man and restrained his killing intent as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Give me the spirit stones!¡±


    Sensing that Xu Qing¡¯s killing intent had disappeared, the old man quickly took out three spirit tickets from his pocket. They were worth a total of 3,000 spirit stones. He threw these three spirit tickets to Xu Qing. Xu Qing caught them and checked them. After that, he cut off the heads of the wanted criminals¡¯ corpses and left with them.


    From the start to the end, he only said two sentences.


    At that moment, as it watched Xu Qing¡¯s departing figure, the large snake hurriedly stuck its head out and began to gurgle like it was calling him. Its voice seemed to contain a hint of joy.


    Xu Qing slowly walked away without looking back.


    ¡°Stop calling, you white-eyed snake. Our spirit stones are all gone, but not only do you not feel heartache, you¡¯re even siding with him. He really wanted to kill me just now, and the inn almost woke up!¡± The old man was filled with grief and indignation as he hurriedly took out an antidote and ate it.


    ¡°Gurgle!¡±


    ¡°You are actually saying that I deserved ita€|¡± When the old man heard this, he became even more indignant. He flicked his sleeve and sat there smoking his pipe fiercely. Inwardly, he was a little shocked by the killing intent he had sensed earlier.


    ¡°The murderous aura on this kid¡¯s body has become even stronger. I wonder what happened on the Sea Lizard Island. I have to ask around!¡±


    Xu Qing moved forward silently. The scene at the inn earlier appeared in his mind. The strangeness of this world made him unable to confirm if what the other party said was true or false. However, the danger emitted by the inn felt very real.


    After walking far away, Xu Qing looked back at Panquan Road. After a while, he retracted his gaze and completely restrained his killing intent.


    Because the magic boat hadn¡¯t finished refining yet, Xu Qing decided to go to the Homicide Department. He wanted to cancel his leave, and planned to stay for the night. In the Homicide Department, Xu Qing saw his captain who had just finished his work and was about to leave.


    The captain was walking out while eating an apple. When he saw Xu Qing and the three heads in his hand, he narrowed his eyes and smiled before tossing an apple over.


    ¡°You¡¯re so hardworking. You went to capture someone as soon as you returned. Didn¡¯t you gain much from this trip?¡±


    Xu Qing caught the apple and took out a spirit ticket worth 100 spirit stones before passing it over.


    ¡°The harvest was not bad.¡±


    ¡°I heard that there¡¯s an island near the Western Reef Archipelago where many people died. You didn¡¯t go there, right?¡± The captain received the spirit ticket happily. He squatted on a stone chair at the side and asked with interest.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and shook his head.


    The captain continued to eat his apple and smiled. He didn¡¯t continue the topic but started speaking in a deliberately mystifying way.


    ¡°Let me tell you something earth-shattering. After you left, a major case happened here and it caused a heated discussion among many disciples in the city. It was a really tragic death.¡±


    The captain then looked at Xu Qing as though he was waiting for Xu Qing to ask.


    Xu Qing also looked at the captain but didn¡¯t speak.


    After a long time, the captain sighed.


    ¡°Xu Qing, when others speak to you in such a tone, you have to show some curiosity. This way, others won¡¯t feel awkward and can continue. This is politeness.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought and curiosity appeared on his face.


    Only then did the captain feel comfortable. After looking around, he whispered.


    ¡°The captain of Team Three of the Earth Division, that fish, was killed by someone.¡±


    ¡°The Homicide Department investigated this matter. But the guy is from a nonhuman race, so there was only a superficial investigation. But the other party still has Dao Protectors, especially his two sisters. They¡¯re searching for the murderer everywhere like crazya€|¡±


    ¡°This world is too chaotic. How could the young master of our ally die just like that? This is a big deal, right? Let¡¯s not talk about it anymore, I¡¯m going on night patrol.¡±


    The captain stood up and patted his clothes before walking away. However, when he walked past Xu Qing, he spoke softly.


    ¡°The merfolk race and the Seven Blood Eyes are allies, so we are letting them search. I heard thata€| the merfolk race has a spell that can allow the two sisters to sense the tracks of the murderer. They have been searching for more than a month and have investigated everyone who has anything to do with that fish. They should be able to find the murderer soon.¡±


    ¡°Everyone is watching. This matter is quite interesting.¡± The captain glanced at Xu Qing with a spurious smile and didn¡¯t say anything else before leaving the Homicide Department.


    Xu Qing stood on the spot and pondered.


    A long time later, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. He turned around and handed over the heads of the three wanted criminals to exchange for rewards. He then meditated in the Homicide Department for the night.


    The next morning, Xu Qing left the Homicide Department and walked on the streets as usual. When he passed by a candied fruit stall, he bought a stick and took a few bites. He then walked into an alley and stopped in his tracks.


    Very soon, a woman quickly walked over from behind him and knelt down behind Xu Qing.


    ¡°Master.¡±


    This woman had a graceful figure and looked very seductive. She was his informant back then. Later on, Xu Qing didn¡¯t need any more information, so he didn¡¯t summon her.


    ¡°Has anything major happened recently?¡± Xu Qing turned and calmly looked at the woman in front of him.


    Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s candied fruits, the woman¡¯s heart trembled. However, very soon, her gaze became fanatical again.


    ¡°Recently, there have been two things that everyone has been discussing the most. One is that the once in 30 years competition between the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples is approaching. Every time the Seventh Peak¡¯s competition is held, there will be a storm of blood. It¡¯s said that the location that was chosen last time was the merfolk race¡¯s island. Their island was covered in blood and later on, they became the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ally.¡±

 Chapter 162 - Bizarre Inn (3)

    ¡°The second matter is also related to the merfolk race. The young master of their race died and his two sisters have the port for more than a montha€|¡±


    There was a lot of news in the port, and the people who understood them the most were people from all walks of life. After becoming Xu Qing¡¯s informant, the woman clearly had key points to focus on investigating the news. Hence, what she said made Xu Qing very satisfied. He thought about it and asked.


    ¡°Anything else?¡±


    The informant thought about it and spoke again.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing major. Oh right, some time ago, a small sect moved out of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ territory. Such a thing is rare. I think it was called the Dia something sect.¡±


    ¡°The Diamond Sect?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, it¡¯s Diamond Sect.¡± The informant nodded.


    Xu Qing fell silent. A moment later, he gave the other party five spirit stones and turned to leave.


    To the woman, five spirit stones was a heavy sum. Her breathing was hurried and when she looked at Xu Qing¡¯s back view, she became even more fanatical.


    After leaving the alley, Xu Qing walked on the streets, pondering about the Diamond Sect¡¯s migration.


    ¡°Left?¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and then thought of the merfolk race¡¯s matter. From the captain and his informant, he had verified the authenticity of this matter. Killing intent slowly surfaced in his heart.


    ¡°These two things are hidden dangers.¡±


    Xu Qing muttered inwardly but his expression didn¡¯t reveal the slightest killing intent. He calmly ended the day¡¯s duty and even made a trip to the Sea Records Library to report the matter of the giant and the dragon carriage.


    According to the rules of the library, after an information that wasn¡¯t recorded was reported and it was confirmed to be true, there would be a reward. However, it would take time to confirm it. Hence, Xu Qing left after reporting it and arrived at Zhang San¡¯s Transportation Department at dusk.


    Over there, he saw Zhang San, who looked exhausted but his gaze contained madness.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, your magic boat this time is the most satisfactory work I, Zhang San, have done so far!¡± Zhang San brought Xu Qing to the warehouse and pushed the door open.


    As the gate opened, an astonishing magic boat was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    The thousand-foot-long ship was covered in sea lizard skin. As the black light circulated, an aura of the perfected Qi Condensation Realm assaulted his face. The level of its defense could be seen with the naked eye.


    1


    The original structure didn¡¯t change but two huge curved horns extended out from both sides of the ship. It was extremely sinister and at the same time, the sharpness it emitted caused even Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to narrow when he sensed it.


    What was even more astonishing was that the eight sails from before had more than doubled in size. Their structure had also changed. Their color was pitch-black, like the wings of a ferocious beast.


    Not only that, but the interior of the ship was also covered in Foundation Building sea lizard skin. This caused the sturdiness of this magic boat to exceed what it looked like from the outside. This way, it could create confusion and decide life and death at critical moments.


    ¡°As for the divinity, I¡¯ve already extracted it for you and fused it into the eight sails of your magic boat. Once it¡¯s activated, your magic boat will possess the power to fly and dive into the sea.¡±


    ¡°The most important thing is that I¡¯ve connected the divinity to all of your ship. With the help of its life force, your magic boat has a certain level of self-healing ability. This is an extremely precious attribute among all the magic boats of the entire Seven Blood Eyes!¡±


    ¡°In addition, this divinity can also be stimulated and transformed into a shocking attack. Its might is extremely great. It¡¯s hard to say if a Foundation Building cultivator can withstand it, but there¡¯s a high chance that they will be heavily injured even if they can. However, I don¡¯t recommend you do this. It¡¯s too wasteful. After a few times, the divinity will be completely exhausted. Once the divinity is gone, the performance of your ship will also decrease greatly.¡±


    ¡°It can be said that although your magic boat hasn¡¯t advanced to the level of a Foundation Building ship, it¡¯s not inferior at all. As long as you add in a Foundation Building core, it will be a true Foundation Building ship and it will be extraordinary!¡±


    ¡°Therefore, don¡¯t rashly put a Foundation Building core in. The best core would be the heart of a powerful ferocious beast. If you can put the heart of a divine creaturea€| then your magic boat won¡¯t be much different from a divine creature in the Foundation Building realm!¡±


    ¡°However, I know that you don¡¯t like to show off, so I arranged a cover for you. It can make your boat look the same as before. You can change its appearance at any time!¡± Zhang San looked at the magic boat with a fanatical expression and introduced it to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing gasped. Looking at the colossus in front of him, his heart was filled with shock.


    Even after a long time, when he left the Transportation Department and returned to Port 79, Xu Qing¡¯s mood was still surging.


    At this moment, in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city, there were five figures. Two of them were moving in the front and three in the back, and they were speeding through the night.


    The two in front were women, and the three people at the back looked like followers. Their eyes were filled with sharpness. These two were the elder sisters of the merfolk youth and also the third highness¡¯ lovers.


    Among them, the younger sister¡¯s expression was filled with intense killing intent. As for the older sister, there was a strange look in her eyes. Their thoughts were different but their goals were the same.


    ¡°We searched for more than a month and found everyone who had friction with our brother and marked them out one by one. Only this person is left because he went out to sea!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. As long as we take a closer look, we¡¯ll be able to determine through our bloodline if this kid is the murderer!¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s really this kid, I¡¯ll definitely skin him alive and let him feel the pain of being born in this world. I¡¯ll devour his flesh every day and let him die miserably. After that, I¡¯ll extract his soul and put it into the merfolk lamp to burn for the rest of its life!¡± The younger sister gritted her teeth resentfully.


    1


    The night wind blew, as though the asura was about to claim lives!

 Chapter 163 - Finally Meeting the Murderer

    The night wind was strong. It landed on Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat at Port 79 and spread out on the protective barrier, but was unable to pass through.


    If it could penetrate the protective barrier and blow into the cabin of the magic boat, it would discover that¡­ there was no one there.


    Far away from the magic boat, in a dark corner under a house, Xu Qing silently leaned against the wall. He crossed his arms and stared coldly at his magic boat.


    When he closed his eyes and opened them again, a sharpness filled them.


    ¡°Will someone come tonight?¡± Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the pitch-black sky.


    ¡°It is a night of killing.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled softly. However, he kept recalling the image of the vast black cloud and the phoenix eagle in it.


    When he had gone to retrieve the magic boat, he had asked Zhang San about this. Zhang San didn¡¯t know much about it and only told him that this existence was related to the largest forbidden zone in the Nanhuang Continent, the Phoenix Forbidden Zone.


    It was the emperor of that forbidden zone, named Flame Phoenix!


    The origin of the term Phoenix Forbidden was also because of it.


    Its existence was supreme. Not only did it suppress that forbidden zone, but it also suppressed the entire Nanhuang Continent. In fact, the name of the Nanhuang1 Continent was also because of it!


    Located south of the Wanggu Continent, on the Forbidden Sea, there was a divine creature whose might caused the sky to darken and all living beings to revere it. It was known as the Flame Phoenix and lived on an island. Hence, it was named the Nanhuang1.


    As for the details, Zhang San didn¡¯t know much either.


    ¡°Flame Phoenix.¡± Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. As he cultivated and came into contact with many things, he gained a greater understanding of this world.


    The sea breeze blew over. Amidst the wind, there was the sound of clothes fluttering. When it entered Xu Qing¡¯s ears, it instantly pulled him back from his reverie. Xu Qing stopped thinking about the Flame Phoenix and looked at the harbor in the distance.


    Very soon, five figures entered Xu Qing¡¯s vision.


    There were three men and two women.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with the two women in front. Regardless of whether it was the fishy smell from the wind or their figures, Xu Qing recognized them at a glance. These two were the elder sisters of the merfolk youth.


    Their cultivation was extraordinary. One was at the ninth level of Qi Condensation and the other was at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm.


    As for the three followers at the back, they were also merfolk cultivators. They looked to be the eighth level of Qi Condensation. The moonlight revealed their faces which were filled with malevolence and killing intent.


    Xu Qing coldly looked at them and slowly narrowed his eyes. However, he didn¡¯t attack immediately. Instead, he looked behind them.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t those Foundation Building Dao Protectors appear?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. Very soon, the five figures avoided the patrolling disciples and approached Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat.


    Perhaps it was because they felt that they had the backing of the third highness, or perhaps it was because of the arrogance of the merfolk race, the moment they got close to Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat, the speed of the younger sister of the two merfolk women suddenly increased as she tried to rush over.


    However, she was stopped by her big sister. The elder sister was clearly much more rational and didn¡¯t act rashly. She took out a talisman.


    The talisman¡¯s effect seemed to be probing and not offensive.


    A few breaths later, the two merfolk women sensed that there was no one on the boat and turned back, looking like they were about to leave.


    The coldness in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes dissipated. The reason why he left the boat was because he didn¡¯t want to kill in his boat. Once he killed in his magic boat, the traces would be too obvious and there would be many future troubles.


    Naturally, if these few people really barged in, Xu Qing would adapt to it. He stared at the five merfolk and waited for them to leave. His plan was to secretly follow them and assassinate them one by one and destroy their corpses.


    However, just as the five of them were about to leave and Xu Qing was about to take a step in the dark, the expression of the older sister of the two merfolk women changed. She abruptly looked at Xu Qing¡¯s hiding place.


    ¡°There¡¯s the bloodline curse fluctuation of brother¡¯s death there!¡±


    As soon as the woman spoke, her younger sister also looked over. Her green eyes were filled with killing intent as she charged toward Xu Qing. The three followers in the surroundings also showed intense killing intent as they sped over.


    ¡°I was discovered?¡± Xu Qing frowned slightly. The other party was the third highness¡¯ men. If he started a fight here, it would attract attention. In addition, he also had to consider these merfolk people sending messages to others.


    Hence, the instant the other party rushed over, Xu Qing rapidly retreated while restraining his aura. He put on a panicked expression to numb the other party and let them be certain of their victory so that they wouldn¡¯t transmit messages to others immediately.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t plan to delay for too long. He was going to find a remote place before he made a move.


    The five merfolk cultivators chased after him at high speed.


    The younger sister was at the front with a ferocious glint in her eyes. With a wave of her hand, black bubbles appeared beside her. She threw them toward Xu Qing, who was fleeing in panic, with killing intent.


    These bubbles that emitted fluctuations of spells and anomalous substances rapidly approached Xu Qing, as though they wanted to taint Xu Qing.


    ¡°So it is you who killed my clan¡¯s younger brother. I¡¯ll make you wish you were dead!¡±


    As she spoke, the three merfolk followers behind her each took out their weapons with sinister expressions.


    One held a bone sword, one¡¯s hands were covered in scales that transformed into poisonous spikes, and the other had sarcomas growing on his back that tore his clothes apart, emitting a dense poisonous fog that transformed into the shadow of a malicious ghost which chased after Xu Qing.


    The elder sister was at the back. She was cautious by nature, so she didn¡¯t chase too closely. She even habitually took out her talisman to protect herself.


    Xu Qing ignored the spells behind him and sped up.


    When those spells were about to reach him, he had already arrived at a remote corner. Only then did he stop moving forward. He suddenly turned around and his eyes revealed killing intent. His speed instantly erupted, several times faster than before as he directly slammed behind him.


    His figure was so fast that he arrived in front of the furious merfolk sister in the blink of an eye. He ignored the anomalous substances in the bubbles and before the other party¡¯s expression could change, Xu Qing ruthlessly slammed into the woman¡¯s chest.


    Even though this woman was at the ninth level of Qi Condensation and had the talent of the merfolk race, in the face of Xu Qing¡¯s physical strength that surpassed Qi Condensation and his powerful spirit energy, her body was like paper. The instant Xu Qing touched her¡­


    the woman¡¯s eyes widened. Before she could even let out a scream, her body collapsed.


    Flesh and blood splattered everywhere as her entire body was smashed into pieces. Only her head flew up and was enveloped by a ball of blue light. It seemed to have retained her life force and was retreating rapidly.


    Xu Qing took a look and with a wave of his hand, the black iron stick flew out, heading straight for the head. He didn¡¯t stop at all as he appeared in front of the follower who was holding the bone sword.


    At the same time that the follower¡¯s expression changed, Xu Qing had already grabbed his bone sword and broke it.


    Xu Qing flipped the broken end of the sword blade and stabbed it into the follower¡¯s neck, slashing it open.


    This follower at the eighth level of Qi Condensation died instantly with blood spurting out of his neck.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Xu Qing took a step forward and arrived beside another follower whose sarcomas were emitting poisonous gas.


    1


    This follower was already retreating with panicked breathing. However, after taking a few steps back, his body trembled and his entire body turned greenish-black. He spat out a mouthful of blood and died from the poison.


    Compared to Xu Qing¡¯s poison, his poison was insignificant.


    At the same time, the last follower¡¯s mind also rumbled with shock. His body trembled intensely in fright. Just as he was about to let out a scream, countless water droplets suddenly appeared in the surroundings and enveloped his entire body. They then pressed him from all sides, turning him into a blood mist.


    The black iron stick also caught up to the younger merfolk sister¡¯s head that was enveloped by the blue light and stabbed it.


    However, this blue light runic treasure was astonishing. It flickered rapidly and actually resisted the power of the iron stick. However, the impact still caused half of the head to collapse.


    However, because of her nonhuman innate talent, this merfolk woman didn¡¯t die immediately. She let out a blood-curdling cry and borrowed the force of the impact to fly toward her big sister.


    All of this happened in the blink of an eye. Xu Qing¡¯s attacks were extremely ruthless and decisive. As he killed three people in a row, there was also a dagger that emitted a cold light that whistled through the air, heading straight for the elder merfolk sister in the distance.


    It was already near her.


    The expression of this elder merfolk sister completely changed to that of unprecedented horror that she even felt the deaths of her companions earlier were not real.

 Chapter 164 - : Emerging Above the 50 (1)

    The night was as quiet as stagnant water.


    The wind was as sharp as a blade.


    In this silent night, Xu Qing¡¯s figure pierced through the night like a blade.


    Since he had already made the move, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t care less. These merfolk cultivators had taken the initiative to find him, so he could only kill him!


    Even though the other party was the third highness¡¯ men, since they had attacked him, Xu Qing was prepared to offend the third highness.


    If the worst comes to the worst¡­ he would head out to sea overnight after killing everyone and leave the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Although it was a pity, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate much at this point.


    He got closer and closer to the fleeing merfolk woman.


    However, this merfolk woman¡¯s cultivation base wasn¡¯t ordinary and she had many talismans. She didn¡¯t even hesitate to burn her cultivation base. In fact, after sensing that Xu Qing was about to reach her, she used three talismans that looked like flight talismans in fear of her life.


    This allowed her speed to reach an extremely astonishing level.


    In an instant, the distance between her and Xu Qing widened greatly and she arrived at the harbor.


    Although she had distanced herself, this small gap wasn¡¯t enough to make her relax. Her mental capacity had long reached its limit with the death of her followers and her sister in a dying state.


    Xu Qing¡¯s ruthlessness caused her to feel an unprecedented sense of danger. The coldness in his eyes made her tremble intensely.


    It was only when she saw the familiar magic boat in front of her at the harbor that the crisis in her heart eased and hope appeared in her eyes.


    She no longer thought about why the Dao Protectors didn¡¯t come. At this moment, all she wanted to do was to step onto the magic boat ahead as soon as possible and be under the protection of her lover.


    ¡°You killed my clan brother and my clansmen, and caused me to be in such a sorry state. Xu Qing¡­ I¡¯ll definitely get the third highness to expel you from the Seven Blood Eyes. That will be my time to take revenge!¡±


    The merfolk woman gritted her teeth and her eyes turned red. She even began to burn her bloodline and her speed soared again.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze grew increasingly cold. He knew the direction the other party was heading in. That was where the third highness¡¯ magic boat was anchored. Even from afar, Xu Qing could see the third highness¡¯ huge and luxurious magic boat.


    It was brightly lit and the sound of singing and dancing could be heard.


    The killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes intensified. He didn¡¯t care about the expenditure, as he burned the flight talismans in exchange for an even faster speed. However, he was still a little slow in the end.


    Ten breaths later, the merfolk woman finally got close to the third highness¡¯ magic boat under the speed boost of her bloodline and cultivation burning. She immediately jumped onto the boat. As she landed on the boat, her body staggered and she let out a miserable cry for help.


    ¡°Sir Li, save me!!¡±


    As the voice rang out, many of the third highness¡¯ followers immediately rushed out of the magic boat and guarded the surroundings.


    The third highness also quickly walked out of the cabin and arrived beside the merfolk woman.


    ¡°Honey, why are you crying? Who bullied you?¡±


    The third highness looked at his pitiful lover who was in a sorry state. His heart ached as he gently helped her up and saw her sister¡¯s dying head at the side.


    ¡°What happened?¡± The third highness¡¯ face revealed anger.


    At the same time, Xu Qing caught up and arrived outside the third highness¡¯ magic boat. He stood on the sea with a cold expression as he looked at the merfolk woman who was being helped up by the third highness.


    ¡°It¡¯s this person! Sir Li, it¡¯s Xu Qing who killed my clan brother. My sister and I went to reason with him, but this villain cruelly destroyed my sister¡¯s body and killed many of my clansmen. Even I had no choice but to burn my bloodline to escape this calamity.¡±


    ¡°Sir Li, you have to uphold justice for me. Be it from an individualistic perspective or the alliance perspective, my merfolk race won¡¯t let this matter rest, especially for my sister. Look at what state she has fallen into.¡± The merfolk woman was filled with grief and indignation. She gritted her teeth and pointed at Xu Qing on the surface of the sea.


    At this moment, the younger sister¡¯s head in her hand slowly woke up. She looked at the third highness with her dying breath and cried.


    ¡°Such nerves, you¡¯re really courting death!¡± When the third highness heard this, his expression turned cold and he slowly spoke.


    The surrounding followers also emitted murderous intent.


    Xu Qing fell silent. At that moment, the sea breeze blew over, causing his Daoist robe to rustle. His long hair also fluttered in the wind. He looked at the third highness and then at the sea outside the harbor, making a decision in his heart.


    The merfolk woman finally heaved a sigh of relief in her heart. When she looked at Xu Qing, her eyes revealed intense resentment.


    She had already thought of how to deal with the other party next. She even felt that her sister¡¯s words back then were a little soft-hearted. She wanted to inflict on him a punishment ten times worse than her sister had said and make this person regret coming to this world.


    ¡°Thank you, Sir Li. Please¡­¡± The merfolk woman¡¯s eyes were filled with viciousness. Before she finished speaking, the third highness gently interrupted.


    ¡°Honey, you¡¯re mistaken. I was saying, how dare you, honey.¡±


    ¡°Sir Li, you¡­¡± The merfolk woman was stunned. She lifted her head and looked at the third highness. What she saw was still that familiar face. It was no different from before. In fact, his expression still contained the heartache from earlier. His gaze was also extremely gentle, seemingly containing deep love.


    This made her think that she had heard wrongly. Just when she was about to speak again, the third highness gently lifted his left hand and patted the top of her head as usual.


    The merfolk woman¡¯s entire body trembled and her head shattered into pieces.

 Chapter 165 - Emerging Above the 50 (2)

    Her squashed eyes, that were covered in blood and flesh, drowned out her gaze. She fell to the ground and her life was extinguished.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to narrow. He was extremely surprised.


    As for the younger merfolk sister who was dying and crying, she was completely stunned.


    The remaining weakness on her face was instantly replaced by an intense expression of confusion, as though she couldn¡¯t believe what she was seeing.


    This was especially so since the gentleness and love on the third highness¡¯ face did not change at all as he wiped the blood on his hands.


    The younger merfolk sister was extremely confused.


    She couldn¡¯t imagine that the man who had once hugged them in his arms and was very close to them would actually smack her sister to death with such gentleness.


    Had his expression changed when he attacked or showed coldness, she could accept it.


    However, the expression of this man in front of her was filled with love from the start. This caused the younger merfolk sister to feel an unprecedented wave of feelings.


    ¡°Sir Li¡­¡± The younger merfolk sister¡¯s eyes were filled with horror.


    As the third highness wiped his hands, he smiled gently at the younger merfolk sister. He then looked at Xu Qing, his expression gentle as usual.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Junior Brother. Is there anything else?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s hair stood on end. He looked at the gentle and smiling third highness and shifted his gaze to the corpse on the deck before looking at the head of the younger sister who was terror-struck.


    This merfolk woman¡¯s head was clearly deeply poisoned and she wouldn¡¯t live for long.


    Xu Qing fell silent. A deep chill rose in his heart. The third highness¡¯ actions and words really made Xu Qing feel a chill run down his spine. He had never seen such a person.


    This outcome was something he hadn¡¯t expected. In fact, Xu Qing was even prepared to escape from the Seven Blood Eyes earlier. He looked at the third highness¡¯ genial face in silence. After a long time, he cupped his fists and bowed to the third highness.


    He then left with intense vigilance.


    After he reached far away, he looked back at the third highness who was standing on the deck. The scene of the other party smacking the merfolk woman to death with a gentle expression appeared in his mind.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He felt that the third highness was an extremely dangerous person!


    The third highness still had a gentle smile on his face. It was only after he watched Xu Qing leave that he turned to look at the head of the younger merfolk sister on the ground. His gaze was filled with gentleness and deep love as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Honey, you two sisters are so obedient. Not only did you help me complete my Master¡¯s mission, but you also made that little fiend owe me one. Not bad, not bad, I like you guys even more.¡±


    The third highness¡¯ voice was gentle but when his words entered the ears of the younger sister¡¯s head, her expression changed and there was even deeper horror in her eyes. Just as she was about to speak, the third highness lifted his foot and stepped on the head.


    Kichhh, the head shattered.


    ¡°Sigh, in the future, I can only reminisce about your softness.¡± The third highness revealed a regretful expression. The followers in the surroundings lowered their heads, not daring to look at the third highness. They quickly cleaned the flesh and blood on the deck.


    Very soon, after the entire deck was clean again, a retainer brought a crystal bottle to the third highness and respectfully spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Third highness, those few Dao Protectors of the merfolk race have been captured along with the stolen goods.¡±


    ¡°Very good.¡± The third highness smiled.


    ¡°Go and deliver a message to the merfolk race. I¡¯ve helped them suppress the matter of stealing the design of our sect¡¯s magic boat, and in return, I need an ancient tear of the merfolk royal family. Tell them to send it to me as soon as possible.¡±


    With that, he took the crystal bottle and drank a mouthful of the nourishing water inside. After handing it back, he stepped forward and walked in the air. His entire person transformed into a rainbow that headed straight for the Seventh Peak.


    Not long later, his figure appeared at the top of the Seventh Peak.


    In the main hall at the top of the mountain, Old Master Seventh was sitting in front of a chessboard, thinking hard. His opponent was a servant.


    ¡°You made the wrong move!¡± After a long while, Old Master Seventh looked up at the servant solemnly. When the servant heard this, he lowered his head and picked up the chess piece, placing it on the other side.


    ¡°Why are you taking back your move? Do you know that taking back your move counts as a loss? You lost!¡± After Old Master Seventh finished speaking, he waved his hand and disrupted the chess pieces. His gaze then landed on the third highness who had arrived.


    ¡°Greetings, Master.¡± The third highness¡¯ expression was completely different from before. At this moment, he was extremely respectful as he knelt on the ground and bowed deeply.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter!¡± Old Master Seventh said calmly.


    ¡°Master, I¡¯ve investigated the merfolk race. Although there was an accident in the process, it still went smoothly at the end of the day.¡±


    ¡°They were trying to steal the refining design of our Seventh Peak¡¯s magic boat for the Sea Corpse Race. While we caught them red-handed, I also confirmed that the merfolk race secretly built a skeleton tower to curry favor with our mortal enemy, the Sea Corpse Race.¡±


    ¡°This is the evidence. In addition, there are four deacons in the sect who were bribed by the merfolks. The name list is also here.¡± The third highness took out a jade slip and respectfully handed it over with both hands.


    Old Master Seventh grabbed the jade slip from the distance and scanned through it. He then looked at his disciple below. His expression turned colder.


    The third highness¡¯ body started to tremble. After a while, he said in a low voice.


    ¡°There¡¯s also a matter that this disciple wishes to apologize for. That merfolk race¡¯s son tortured and killed the children of commoners of my Seven Blood Eyes. His sisters cooperated in this. This disciple misjudged this matter previously. Master, please punish me.¡±


    ¡°The rules can¡¯t be broken. Enter closed-door cultivation in the Candle Bone Cave for seven days.¡± Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression softened as he slowly spoke.


    Upon hearing the words ¡®Candle Bone Cave¡¯, the third highness¡¯ heart trembled. He lowered his head and nodded before bidding farewell.


    After watching his disciple leave, Old Master Seventh stood up and looked at the harbor at the foot of the mountain. He seemed to be looking at Port 79 as he fell deep in thought.


    A long time later, he lifted his head and looked into the distance in the direction of the sea.


    The servant at the side spoke softly.


    ¡°The merfolk race isn¡¯t stupid. It¡¯s probably impossible for them to brazenly send people to steal the blueprint of the magic boat¡­¡±


    ¡°The youngest is greedy. I naturally know what he¡¯s doing, but he would not dare to falsify the evidence of the skeleton tower,¡± Old Master Seventh slowly said.


    ¡°The merfolk race has been so close to our Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ mortal enemy, the Sea Corpse Race, all these years. Their wolfish ambitions are already very obvious. The deaths of our disciples, who sacrificed their lives to resolve the crisis of their race years ago, were not worth it.¡±


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, we have to take back everything with interest.¡± A cold glint appeared in Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes.


    * * *


    Chapter title explanation.


    Old Master Seventh had given out fifty white tokens to disciples he thought highly of. In the cruel environment at the foot of the mountain where schemes and killings were common, he stood out from these 50 wolf cubs.


    1


    He was the ever gentle third highness.

 Chapter 166 - Trip to the Red Plains (1)

    Old Master Seventh retracted his gaze after a long time.


    ¡°Come, let¡¯s continue.¡±


    The servant nodded. After setting up the chessboard, he hesitated for a moment before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°Old Master Seventh, about the third highness and that kid¡­¡±


    Old Master Seventh glanced at the servant and calmly spoke.


    ¡°You are paying a lot of attention to the kid.¡±


    The servant lowered his head and didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°It¡¯s the youngest¡¯s nature to be unscrupulous. He usually looks gentle but in reality, he doesn¡¯t have any feelings. This is how he stood out from the crowd and became my disciple. It¡¯s also what I think highly about him.¡±


    ¡°As for the kid, whether he can see through the youngest¡¯s thoughts or whether he can figure out something from here will depend on his wisdom. In this chaotic world, fools won¡¯t be able to live for long.¡±


    After Old Master Seventh finished speaking, he looked at the sky. Dawn was about to arrive.


    In Port 79, Xu Qing sat on the deck of his magic boat with a contemplative look. As the sun rose and the first rays of the morning dissipated the night sky, the moment they landed on him, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze became deep.


    ¡°Firstly, 30 years ago, the competition was held on the merfolk race¡¯s island. After that, the merfolk race became allies and the relationship between the two sides was naturally one of dubious unity. Moreover, that day in the Sixth Peak¡¯s store, when the merfolk youth saw the second highness, his expression was filled with fear. This means that there¡¯s a high chance that the second highness killed a lot of merfolks in the competition 30 years ago.¡±


    ¡°Secondly, the disciples of the seven peak lords would probably not openly go against their masters¡¯ intentions. The second highness¡¯ attitude towards the merfolk youth clearly shows the problem. In that case, the third highness¡¯ action of killing the merfolks can be understood!¡±


    ¡°If so, why did the third highness invite the merfolks to the Seven Blood Eyes? Bringing them here and killing them¡­ and doing it in front of me.¡±


    ¡°Third highness has other motives. If I were the third highness, why would I do this? In what kind of situation would I kill someone in front of others?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed in focus. After a long time, he got an answer.


    ¡°There¡¯s only one situation where I would do this. I want to use the evidence against the merfolk race to blackmail them. If I don¡¯t have any evidence, I¡¯ll create it! At the same time, the reason I¡¯ll kill them in front of someone is to increase the value of killing. While extorting the merfolk race, I will also be selling a favor to that person.¡±


    ¡°The prerequisite is that this person has value.¡±


    Xu Qing recalled the scene when his captain told him about the incident on Sea Lizard Island with a spurious smile. The other party clearly had some information channels he didn¡¯t know about.


    If the captain had it, the third highness might have it too.


    Xu Qing recalled that when he escaped from Sea Lizard Island, there were auras that had locked onto him. Back then, he was at the bottom of the sea and couldn¡¯t see who they were. At this moment, his eyes gleamed as he had more guesses.


    ¡°Since the Seven Blood Eyes allowed this to happen, it can only mean that¡­ they are going to battle the merfolk race!¡±


    ¡°No matter what, I have to leave for some time!¡±


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t sure if his analysis was completely correct. He planned to leave for some time and see if there was a follow-up to this matter. If everything was really calm, it wouldn¡¯t be too late for him to return.


    He was only one step away from becoming a tenth level Qi Condensation cultivator. If he broke through to the Foundation Building realm in the future, he would have the qualifications to ascend the mountain and the right to gain the benefits of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    He would earn at least 5,000 spirit stones a month. Moreover, as long as the Seven Blood Eyes existed, he could continue to obtain them. This had tempted Xu Qing for a long time. Of course, compared to this, survival was more important.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate and chose to leave first and observe.


    Moreover, he felt that he could make use of this time to do something major that had been buried in his heart for a long time.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He wanted to completely remove the thorn in his flesh.


    That was¡­ the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    If he didn¡¯t kill this person, it would be difficult for Xu Qing to get a good sleep.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t waste any time. When dawn broke, he stored the magic boat and headed straight for the Homicide Department.


    ¡°The Diamond Sect is a sect after all. Even though they are relatively weak, it¡¯s very difficult to hide their whereabouts when they migrate. To the Seven Blood Eyes, all the movements in its sphere of influence are no secret.¡±


    As a member of the Homicide Department, Xu Qing had the right to read the records in the department. He knew that a large portion of them recorded the changes within the range of influence of Seven Blood Eyes.


    Although the details weren¡¯t as detailed as the Intelligence Department, it was easier for Xu Qing to check the records here than to go check them in the Intelligence Department.


    After he arrived at the Homicide Department, he headed straight for the archives.


    His reputation in the Homicide Department was even greater than the outside world. Other than his outstanding performance in the Night Dove operation, this reputation was built from the heads of one wanted criminal after another.


    Hence, the disciple in the archives was very polite and allowed Xu Qing to check the records alone. Not long later, Xu Qing finally found the clues he wanted from some messy news that the Seven Blood Eyes didn¡¯t value.


    ¡°Joined the Litu Sect?¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the record in front of him and his eyes slowly narrowed. The people of the Litu Sect were all crazy people. The attitudes of the other forces toward the Litu Sect were one of disgust and wariness. They would often stay far away and not interact much with them.


    ¡°This shouldn¡¯t be because of me. It should be because the compensation gift that the second highness wanted back then was too heavy, so much so that after the Diamond Sect paid the price, their foundation was greatly damaged and their future was bleak, so they didn¡¯t dare to stay in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ territory.¡±


    Xu Qing stroked his chin and memorized the movements of the Diamond Sect recorded in the file. He then left the Homicide Department.

 Chapter 167 - Trip to the Red Plains (2)

    Xu Qing silently walked on the streets of the port. He went to a few shops and sold the miscellaneous items and a portion of the sea lizard skins he had obtained on Sea Lizard Island. He also bought some items he needed for the trip and even bought a lot of poisonous herbs.


    Finally, he stood outside a shop that specialized in selling talismans. After some thought, he suppressed his heartache for the spirit stones and stepped in.


    A moment later, when he walked out, he had a special talisman on him. This talisman could change a person¡¯s aura and appearance. Although it wasn¡¯t perfect, it was enough for Xu Qing to use on this trip.


    It was noon. Although winter had arrived, the geographical location of the Seven Blood Eyes caused the winter here to be warm. The sunlight was still hot and slightly dazzling.


    Under this sunlight, Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared into a corner of an alley. When he came out from the other end, his appearance had changed. He was no longer delicate and handsome but a long-faced youth with a sallow complexion. The Daoist robe he wore had also been changed to an ordinary long robe.


    The cultivation fluctuations on his body also changed to the third level of Qi Condensation.


    He was very clear about the outside world. Most people at the ninth level of Qi Condensation had statuses and were very conspicuous. Only scavengers at the third level of Qi Condensation had a certain level of deterrence and wouldn¡¯t attract attention.


    After sensing the transformation power of the talisman, Xu Qing became vigilant of his surroundings. However, his face was expressionless as he walked toward the teleportation array.


    He didn¡¯t use his identity token, but paid directly with the spirit stones. Not long later, Xu Qing, who was standing in the teleportation array and warily checking the surroundings, was drowned by the sea of light and disappeared.


    The eastern part of the Nanhuang Continent was at least tens of thousands of kilometers away from the former Diamond Sect¡¯s territory. This was an area with a vast land and few people.


    Because a type of red dentate grass grew in this wilderness, it was known as the Red Plains.


    From afar, the entire land seemed to be dyed in blood. At the same time, the anomalous substances permeating the air here were also slightly denser than in the other wildernesses in the Nanhuang Continent which resulted in the ferocious beasts here becoming even more violent and powerful.


    There were naturally not many cities in this harsh environment. There might only be one within hundreds of miles. Moreover, the buildings and styles were mostly primitive and crude. The slums here were also mostly made up of scavengers.


    Regardless of whether it was the terrain or the population, the Red Plains was a rather abominable place. Hence, the various families of Purple Earth didn¡¯t fancy it, and the Seven Blood Eyes didn¡¯t care either. Only the Litu Sect preferred to develop in such abominable areas because of their doctrines.


    Hence, the Red Plains became the territory of the Litu Sect.


    At the edge of the Red Plains, in the center of a crude city, the only teleportation array in the Red Plains that was jointly set up by Purple Earth and the Seven Blood Eyes shone.


    A sallow-faced middle-aged cultivator in a long black robe appeared in the teleportation array.


    He was none other than Xu Qing, who had used the disguise talisman to transform his appearance.


    As soon as he arrived, a rotting and nauseous stench assailed his nose. If it was someone who hadn¡¯t experienced much hardship, they would feel somewhat uncomfortable with this smell.


    However, to Xu Qing, this was the norm in the place he was once in. It was just that the rotting smell here was a little stronger.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. Under the indifferent gazes of the few lazy guards in the surroundings, he walked out of the teleportation array.


    All the buildings in the city were grayish-black and dilapidated. The ground was filled with all kinds of trash and feces.


    There were very few people in the city and most of them were very vigilant toward each other.


    There were very few women, and they all had fierce expressions. There were also children hiding in some corners of alleys. There was no innocence in their eyes, only a dying aura and coldness.


    From time to time, screams and curses rang out in the city.


    ¡°It feels more like a scavenger campsite.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept across the surroundings as he walked forward.


    On the way, Xu Qing ignored the gazes that were filled with caution and fawning. He didn¡¯t stay long in this city either. After leaving the city, he sped toward the wilderness.


    The location of the Diamond Sect¡¯s migration was on the Red Plains. However, it was somewhat far from the city Xu Qing had teleported to.


    Before coming here, Xu Qing had observed the map of this place in the Homicide Department. Now, he locked onto a direction and ran.


    His speed was very fast. The wind that blew across his face carried a bone-piercing chill, and there seemed to be some snowflakes mixed in. There were even some small hills in the distance that were covered by thin snow.


    While it was a warm winter in the Seven Blood Eyes, it was a cold winter here.


    This coldness awakened many of the memories in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, especially when he saw many ferocious beasts and human bones on the way.


    ¡°Chaotic world.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was calm as he sped up.


    Time flowed by and the night arrived. As the night chill permeated the air, the wind grew stronger and the snow became fiercer. Xu Qing, who had left the city and entered the Red Plains, suddenly stopped in his tracks and looked into the distance.


    The wind blew over, bringing with it a hint of malevolence and bloody stench.


    He could see corpses on the distant ground amidst the snow, along with scattered goods and shattered carriages.


    This was clearly a convoy heading to the city.


    There were more than ten desperadoes with tattered clothes and disheveled hair beside the corpses. Their expressions and gazes were savage and bloodthirsty. Most of them emitted fluctuations of the second or third level of Qi Condensation.


    Some of them were making sure the corpses were completely dead, some were rummaging for items, and some were dragging the corpses into the distance. There were also a few who were lying on top of a few naked female corpses to vent their bestial nature.


    1


    Further away, there was a glow of fire and it looked like food was being cooked. There was also some lingering heat following the wind.


    Clearly, this convoy had encountered a group of fugitives and died tragically.


    Xu Qing¡¯s arrival immediately aroused the vigilance of these desperadoes. They all stopped what they were doing and glared at Xu Qing.


    After sensing Xu Qing¡¯s third level of Qi Condensation cultivation, these desperadoes laughed sinisterly. Their ferocity erupted and they charged toward Xu Qing without saying a word.


    They felt that Xu Qing was a prey.


    Xu Qing coldly looked at these desperadoes. To him, he had seen too many massacres since he was young.


    His experience as a scavenger allowed him to know that the so-called convoys that dared to travel in the wilderness had very few good people. When they encountered the weak, they could transform into plunderers at any time.


    This was how the chaotic world was. Killing and being killed were very common. He didn¡¯t have that much sympathy to investigate who was good and who was evil.


    However¡­ since these people were attacking him, he was not going to stay still.

 Chapter 168 - The Worried Ancestor

    In the black sky, a crescent moon hung high up. The cold moonlight was like a sharp blade that slashed down on the ground, stirring up the wind as it whistled past.


    This wind blew up some of the snow on the ground, merging with the blade light falling from the sky. It swept in all directions, causing the grass in the Red Plains to bend slightly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure moved forward like a ghost. As the cold light from the dagger shone in the night, boiling blood splattered everywhere from the desperadoes¡¯ bodies, landing on the red grass that was bent by the wind.


    However, the evil contained in this blood was not qualified to melt the cold nor lower the temperature of the wind on this winter night. It was despised by even the red grass; they used the wind to bend down and shake the blood off their bodies drop by drop.


    Corpses fell one after another.


    The dagger in Xu Qing¡¯s hand became the last light in their lives.


    As the dagger blade flashed, the neck of the last outlaw was sliced open by Xu Qing¡¯s saber. Xu Qing stood there with corpses strewn all over the ground.


    Everyone was killed with a single strike.


    All the attacks were on the neck.


    This was because cutting the neck was the most convenient and fastest. The only flaw was that the blood that splattered everywhere dyed his robe which caused Xu Qing to frown slightly.


    1


    However, the killing intent in his gaze didn¡¯t decrease because of the blood on his clothes. Since he had made a move, he would kill them all.


    Even if the fugitives here might not have the ability to take revenge, Xu Qing didn¡¯t like to be careless and didn¡¯t like to leave any hidden dangers.


    It was fine if he didn¡¯t make a move, but since he did, he didn¡¯t want to expose any traces of himself.


    Xu Qing held the dagger and walked toward the place where there was an uproar due to the massacre here.


    In front of him was the place where the remaining warmth from cooking drifted over. There were seven to eight desperadoes surrounding a large pot. They were originally drinking soup but after seeing the massacre, they stood up in horror and looked at Xu Qing fearfully.


    Xu Qing also looked at them.


    The snowflakes on the ground were covered in traces left behind from dragging corpses. However, there were no corpses, only some clothes that had been removed.


    Xu Qing knew very well where the corpses went.


    He wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with the fragrance of meat that was drifting in the wind. When he was in the slums, he had smelled it from afar. Back then, the first person he killed was because the other party wanted to eat him.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past the large pot beside these seven to eight desperadoes and he continued walking.


    In that instant, the expressions of the seven to eight desperadoes changed as they rapidly retreated. They wanted to escape, but the one who escaped the fastest didn¡¯t manage to run far before a black iron stick arrived at lightning speed. It pierced through the back of his head.


    At the next moment, Xu Qing quickened his pace and suddenly rushed over. The dagger in his hand shone with the moonlight and seemed even colder in the wind and snow. He slit open the neck of a desperado and caught up to the second person.


    ¡°Friend, don¡¯t be rash¡­¡±


    Heads flew up!


    ¡°We made a mistake. We were blind. We¡¯re willing to apologize!!¡±


    A blood line appeared on his neck!


    ¡°I¡¯ll fight it out with you!!¡±


    The head collapsed!


    The entire massacre lasted for only five breaths of time before the world fell silent. The wind blew and snow continued to fall amidst the lonely moonlight. The corpses on the ground completely dyed the soil red, turning it into a true Red Plains.


    Looking at the corpses in the surroundings, Xu Qing wiped his dagger on one of them and began to deal with it.


    Very soon, the corpses here turned into blood and fused into the ground. Xu Qing glanced at the huge pot and silently extinguished the fire.


    He suddenly understood why there was an endless stream of people who wanted to stay in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city despite having to pay expensive contribution points every day in exchange for residency.


    In this chaotic world, human lives were worthless.


    Xu Qing turned and continued his journey.


    The blizzard grew even heavier that night. Snowflakes fell from the sky and rapidly slid down in front of Xu Qing, who was running. A cold wind blew over, lifting his long hair as it attempted to enter through his clothes.


    Xu Qing frowned slightly and tightened his clothes. He then exhaled a mouthful of white fog and lowered his head slightly before continuing forward.


    Just like this, a night passed.


    When the morning arrived, Xu Qing, who had been rushing for the entire night, finally saw a mountain in the distance.


    As a plain, Red Plains didn¡¯t have many mountains. Most of them were rather short and didn¡¯t look like mountains. Only the one in front of him was somewhat okay. However, compared to the mountain that Diamond Sect was located on back then, the difference was extremely great.


    Regardless of whether it was in terms of elegance or solemnity, they were on different levels.


    Some newly built halls could be seen on the peak. However, they were clearly desolate as though there weren¡¯t many disciples in the sect and the entire sect seemed to emit bleakness.


    ¡°Diamond Sect?¡± Xu Qing pondered.


    According to the clues he had checked, this mountain was the new location of the Diamond Sect.


    Clearly, not everyone could adapt to the changes in the environment, especially when they moved to the Red Plains, which was even more harsh and barren than their previous location. Naturally, fewer people could accept it.


    In addition, they hadn¡¯t been here for long, so the desolate atmosphere of the Diamond Sect could be explained.


    However, Xu Qing was very cautious. He wouldn¡¯t let down his guard just because he saw that the Diamond Sect was in decline. He wasn¡¯t clear about the internal situation of the sect and didn¡¯t know if it was really as he saw.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t plan to rush over and attack immediately. He wanted to observe first.


    Just like a hunter hunting, he couldn¡¯t be anxious.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze from the Diamond Sect and left this place. He continued until he was 50 kilometers away and found the scavenger campsite closest to the Diamond Sect.


    Compared to the Diamond Sect, which was 50 kilometers away, the campsite was clearly much livelier. Xu Qing could hear the commotion from afar.


    When he was about to get close, he suddenly thought of something and took out the leather coat he used to wear from his storage bag. He then picked up some soil and smeared it on his face. The vigilance in his eyes and his attire caused him to instantly become a scavenger.


    After checking and confirming that there was nothing wrong, Xu Qing crouched down and moved forward. He gradually arrived outside the scavenger campsite. As he got closer, the commotion became even more intense. Although there were guards here, they only glanced at Xu Qing and didn¡¯t care, allowing him to enter.


    Xu Qing¡¯s disguise as a scavenger couldn¡¯t be described as similar. He was originally a scavenger.


    He had the same aura, the same gaze, and the same cruelty.


    When he entered the scavenger campsite, Xu Qing retracted his gaze from the surrounding tents and looked into the distance. Over a hundred scavengers were gathered there and all of them were shouting excitedly. The commotion he heard earlier came from this group of people.


    What they were surrounding in excitement was a cruel scene.


    It was a competition.


    Like a dog race, seven to eight skinny figures in ragged clothes were running with all their might. The bodies of these seven to eight people were greenish-black due to the dense anomalous substances in their bodies, and they were not far from mutation.


    Their eyes were filled with despair and madness. As for the racing track they were running on, it was a path filled with sharp pebbles and blade fragments.


    The intense pain and blood from stepping on them could make one go crazy.


    At the end of the racetrack was a white pill covered in spots.


    To people with such a serious mutation, one white pill might not be able to save their lives but it could at least prolong their normal lives for some time. This time might give them a chance to obtain other white pills.


    Hence, even though they were running on such a treacherous track and the ground was covered in blood and all of them were trembling, their desire to survive still made them race crazily. This was a dog race as well as a horse race.


    Waves of excited and cruel shouts rang out from the scavengers in the surroundings. There was clearly betting involved.


    Xu Qing watched all of this. Finally, one of the runners dragged his bloody body to the end. After he snatched the white pill and swallowed it, the remaining participants fell into despair. They were then dragged to the starting point and a new white pill was placed back on the goal. The competition continued.


    As for the scavengers in the surroundings, some were happy, while others cursed non-stop. However, very soon, as the competition started again, they placed their bets one after another.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked in the direction of the Diamond Sect.


    At the same time, in the Diamond Sect¡¯s main hall on the mountaintop 50 kilometers away from the campsite, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was sitting there with an ugly expression. With some anger, he waved away the sect master who wanted to say something but hesitated.


    ¡°Do you really think this old man was willing to come to this godforsaken place? But what could we do if we didn¡¯t migrate here?!¡±


    ¡°That b*tch from the Seventh Peak is too vicious. I had to take out more than half of my life savings as an apology to her!!¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had a look of grief and indignation as he sat there and muttered.


    ¡°There¡¯s also that kid. He has gained a foothold in the Seven Blood Eyes. If we didn¡¯t migrate, should I have waited for him to slap me to death after he reaches the Foundation Building realm?!¡±


    ¡°According to this old man¡¯s countless experiences from reading ancient books, this matter is my life-and-death calamity¡­¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor felt even more grief and indignation. When he thought of how the Diamond Sect had been reduced to such a miserable state in such a short period, his heart couldn¡¯t help but ache.


    The impact of the migration was huge. After all, not everyone was willing to migrate. During this period, there were many disciples who secretly escaped. Although he killed some, he couldn¡¯t kill them all.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. My alchemy pill is about to be completed. As long as I swallow this pill, I¡¯ll finally be able to break through my 30th magic aperture and form my first ball of life fire. Once my life fire is formed, I¡¯ll be able to activate the Mystic Brilliance form of Foundation Building!


    ¡°Under the Mystic Brilliance form, my combat strength will instantly increase greatly. At that time, I won¡¯t have to be afraid of that kid¡­¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor gritted his teeth. However, when he thought of this, his expression suddenly changed.


    ¡°That¡¯s not right. According to the ancient books I¡¯ve read, accidents often happen at such critical moments¡­¡± At the thought of this, the expression of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor changed drastically. It was only when he took out a token and held it in his hand that he heaved a sigh of relief.


    1


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible for the kid to make a breakthrough so quickly. Besides, I¡¯ve joined the Litu Sect now and can be considered a follower. The Litu Sect is also a giant like the Seven Blood Eyes. With this backer, I should be safe for the time being. Besides, Fellow Daoist Tu Yun was also invited by me and is still a guest in the sect¡­¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor muttered. As he looked at the token, bitterness rose in his heart. For this token, he had paid a huge price. It could be considered as selling his body and he could not forsake it for the rest of his life.


    At the same time, he was worried about the danger. Basically, after he moved over, he had been inviting his friends over as guests every few days. Every time he invited someone over, he would give them gifts.


    So far, regardless of whether he was familiar with them or not, he had invited almost everyone he knew.


    ¡°One wrong step and every step will be wrong¡­¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor let out a long sigh and looked at the distant sky, slowly feeling a little dazed.


    At that moment, the sunlight landed on his body. From afar, he looked old and weak.

 Chapter 169 - What Is Destined Cannot Be Avoided

    Xu Qing naturally couldn¡¯t see the emotions nor hear the sighs of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    Xu Qing bought a residence in the scavenger campsite with great familiarity for his temporary rest.


    Although the scavenger campsite had a certain requirement for the residency rights of outsiders, if one had considerable strength, the rules could be bent.


    After Xu Qing dispersed his spirit energy at the third level of Qi Condensation, he bought a wooden hut. At the same time, due to the display of his purchasing ability, he attracted two scavengers with ill intentions.


    Their heads were quickly hung by Xu Qing at the gate.


    Just like that, everyone in the scavenger campsite accepted Xu Qing¡¯s arrival. Although there were people paying attention to him at the start, as the days passed, Xu Qing¡¯s performance was no different from that of a scavenger.


    Whether it was killing, going out to do missions, buying white pills, or even walking in the campsite with instinctive vigilance that was carved in his soul, all proved that he was a true scavenger.


    Gradually, no one paid too much attention to an outsider like him. After all, there were many unfamiliar scavengers in the wilderness. There would always be people who stayed outside for too long and wanted to find a residence to recuperate.


    In this kind of concealment, Xu Qing would head out to the vicinity of the Diamond Sect to observe every day. During this period, he also saw some Diamond Sect disciples who came down from the mountain to the scavenger campsite to have fun.


    Their appearance caused the scavengers to be angry but they didn¡¯t dare to speak up. Most of them revealed fawning expressions.


    Among them, Xu Qing found a few of the disciples a little familiar.


    He should have seen them when he went to set the fire.


    Although all of them had arrogant expressions when they entered the scavenger campsite, the worry and helplessness hidden in their hearts were still sensed by Xu Qing through their eyes.


    As time passed, Xu Qing gradually found more information about the Diamond Sect. As a sect that had relocated not long ago, their every move was observed by the scavengers.


    Hence, in half a month, Xu Qing already had a lot of understanding of the Diamond Sect¡¯s recent situation.


    ¡°There are less than a hundred people left in the sect.¡±


    ¡°Four of the seven elders left. Other than the three elders, there¡¯s also the sect master, so there are four experts under the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor now.¡±


    ¡°They have attached themselves to the Litu Sect and receive their protection¡­¡±


    Xu Qing sat down in his residence and analyzed the information he had obtained in the past half a month. He was very patient, especially when the opponent was a Foundation Building expert. Even though he felt that he could defeat him with his current combat strength, he had never fought a Foundation Building cultivator before.


    Hence, Xu Qing remained cautious. Even though he had analyzed these clues, he still didn¡¯t make a move. Instead, he continued to wait. Half a month later, he inadvertently found out a piece of news from the conversation between the two Diamond Sect disciples.


    ¡°The ancestor is really making a mountain out of a molehill¡­ Every time a person he invited comes, he¡¯ll make us descend the mountain every few days and pretend to unintentionally spread some information about the sect to the surrounding scavenger campsites. Why bother?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s been half a year but I haven¡¯t seen the kid taking the bait. Sigh, the ancestor frequently invites friends, another one usually comes a few days after one leaves, so we have to keep leaving the sect frequently to spread the news.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no choice¡­ Who dares to disobey the ancestor¡¯s orders?¡±


    Xu Qing had secretly followed the two Diamond Sect disciples. When they were about to ascend the mountain, he heard this conversation. After hearing this, Xu Qing calmly returned to the campsite. In the next few days, he became even more cautious and his observation became more meticulous.


    It was only after he stayed in this scavenger campsite for a month and a half that Xu Qing, who was secretly investigating the vicinity of the Diamond Sect at dusk on this day, saw a ray of light stepping into the air and leaving.


    Vaguely, there seemed to be someone sending the person off at the top of the mountain.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze narrowed slightly as he retracted the sharpness in his eyes. He then turned and returned to his residence in the campsite. He began to organize his weapons and poison powder. After that, he looked at the sky outside and waited silently.


    At the same time, outside the main hall at the top of the mountain, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor looked at the departing fellow daoist and sighed in his heart. After all, it wasn¡¯t good for him to keep them here for a long time. When he walked back to the main hall, he began to think about who he should invite next.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be long before the pill takes shape. After I eat it, I¡¯ll break through my 30th magic aperture and form the first ball of life fire. I¡¯ll then be able to activate the Mystic Brilliance Form. Only then will I be able to heave a sigh of relief.¡±


    As he muttered, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor disappeared into the main hall.


    The sky outside gradually darkened. The cold wind whistled and swept past the scavenger campsite, growing larger and larger.


    Due to the cold weather, the dust on the ground was frozen hard and couldn¡¯t be lifted. Only some trash moved in the wind. At the same time, the cold wind landed on some children who were hiding in the campsite.


    It was as though they had transformed into sharp blades that wanted to slash everything weak.


    Not long later, snowflakes also fell from the sky, not to be outdone. They scattered across the entire Red Plains and filled the land.


    Tonight, the snow was very heavy.


    The snowflakes soon covered the ground layer by layer, causing the people in the scavenger campsite who didn¡¯t have houses and could only sleep outside to shiver intensely. Their eyes were filled with death and numbness.


    This winter seemed colder than before and would freeze even more people to death.


    In the wind and snow, Xu Qing, who had organized everything, walked out of the wooden hut.


    He looked at the snow in the sky and felt the cold. He tightened his clothes and swept his gaze across the shivering children in the campsite. He was silent for a moment before he continued to walk, but he didn¡¯t close the door.


    There was still the lingering warmth of the fire inside the hut. The contrast with the temperature outside caused white fog to spread, attracting the attention of the nearby children. Their expressionless eyes showed hope at this instance.


    Xu Qing walked further and further away, faster and faster. In the end, his entire person seemed to have fused into the wind, transforming into an afterimage as he continued to approach the Diamond Sect¡¯s territory.


    The blood and qi in his body were boiling and his Sea Transformation Art was circulating. Purple light flowed throughout his body and gathered above his head, faintly forming a faint shadow of the heavenly saber.


    When he reached near, Xu Qing lifted his head and glanced at the Diamond Sect in the heavy snow.


    The moonlight was torn apart by the snow and should have formed mottled spots that scattered onto the Diamond Sect. However, the surrounding snow refracted the moonlight as though it was pieced together again. This caused the sect to be visible clearly.


    The clear image of the sect entered Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and transformed into killing intent and sharpness. At the next instant, Xu Qing suddenly flew up!


    The flight talisman on his leg flickered as his figure shot into the sky like a saber beam, breaking through the wind and snow toward the main hall on the mountain peak. His speed continued to rise till he arrived in the air above the main hall.


    Without any hesitation, he raised his right hand and slashed at the main hall on the mountain peak.


    The instant he slashed down, the world behind him rumbled and the shadow of a huge heavenly saber appeared in the sky. Although the wind and snow were strong, they couldn¡¯t shake the heavenly saber at all. Following Xu Qing¡¯s hand gesture, the heavenly saber slashed through the wind and snow, falling toward the main hall on the mountain peak.


    The heavenly saber that was hundreds of feet long emitted even more violent aura when it slashed. It was as though everything that existed in front of it would be cut into two.


    Its speed was so fast that it landed on the main hall in the blink of an eye. A loud explosive sound rang out and the entire mountain trembled. The main hall collapsed under the saber light and shattered from the middle, directly splitting into two.


    In the shattered gap, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, who was retreating after resisting the saber strike, was revealed.


    He saw Xu Qing but before he could speak, Xu Qing, who was standing in the air, slashed down a second time!


    The increase in his cultivation allowed Xu Qing to use this saber strike he had comprehended from the temple many times. This was especially so since he had long accumulated strength on the way here. At this moment, he didn¡¯t stop at all. The second heavenly saber shadow manifested behind him and landed on the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor again.


    An earth-shattering explosion rang out as the purple heavenly saber descended again. Under the deep shout of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, it directly collided with him again.


    The main hall on the mountaintop completely collapsed. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor roared as he resisted the second saber strike. The qi and blood in his body also churned and his body suddenly retreated by 1000 feet. With a wave of his hand, the angry guardian warrior shadow under him appeared and his aura rose.


    However, his hair was disheveled and there was a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth. Clearly, Xu Qing¡¯s two slashes had not been easy to fend off!


    ¡°Fellow Daoist, you¡­¡± Although the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had already made a guess, he still couldn¡¯t believe the strength of the person in front of him. Hence, he quickly spoke up, trying to confirm his guess.


    However, before he could finish speaking, his expression changed drastically. He retreated with all his might but it was still a little too late. No one on the ground noticed that the shadow that was hidden in the night had already rapidly approached under Xu Qing¡¯s control. In the blink of an eye, it landed on the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and was about to shrink.


    Although the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor reacted extremely quickly and dodged, his arm was still touched. In an instant, the anomalous substances on his arm became dense and turned greenish-black. This caused him to be extremely shocked.


    At the same time, Xu Qing, who was in the air, looked coldly at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. He didn¡¯t say anything and slashed down the third strike he had accumulated.


    In an instant, purple light overflowed into the sky and the saber shadow formed, cutting through the wind and snow in all directions. It landed again on the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor who was retreating from the shadow


    The guardian warrior shadow let out a roar and raised its hands to block the saber strike. With a loud collision, the arms of the shadow collapsed. Blood flowed out of the corner of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s mouth and his body was continuously blasted back.


    However, as a Foundation Building cultivator, even if he didn¡¯t advance through a powerful cultivation art, Foundation Building was still Foundation Building. His combat strength was still extremely strong. After suffering three saber strikes and the shadow¡¯s sneak attack, he was only injured. As he continuously retreated, he suddenly lifted his head and his eyes were bloodshot as he spoke through gritted teeth.


    ¡°You¡¯re the kid!¡±


    The disciples of the Diamond Sect were all shocked. The sect master, elders, and the others all rushed out. All of their expressions changed drastically as they looked at the sky.


    In the sky, Xu Qing¡¯s long hair fluttered, and his scavenger attire added to his killing intent. Under the moonlight and in the wind and snow, he looked like the Hades, in charge of life and death.

 Chapter 170 - Eternal Damnation

    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak.


    He didn¡¯t have the habit of chatting too much during a battle. Almost at the instant the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor retreated, the flight talisman on his leg suddenly shone.


    At the next instant, his figure was like a rainbow as he tore through the air and rushed toward the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. He instantly got close. As he got close, the Ba shadow behind him manifested.


    Its sinister appearance was so chapped that it seemed to contain magma. The instant it appeared, heat spread in all directions, causing the snowflakes in a large area to melt into rain and fog.


    His qi and blood were stimulated to the extreme. He circulated the Mountains and Seas Art with all his might, causing his body refinement technique to be maintained at its peak at this moment. He arrived in front of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and punched ruthlessly.


    Killing intent flashed in the eyes of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. With a wave of his hand, the guardian warrior shadow under him roared at the sky and punched back.


    This confrontation between the two sides that didn¡¯t hold anything back caused a booming explosion to ring in all directions. Xu Qing was pushed back and blood flowed from the corner of his mouth.


    In terms of pure body refinement, he was still inferior to the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s Foundation Building body.


    However, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor didn¡¯t feel good either. The qi and blood in his body churned and he similarly retreated. His expression was ferocious but it hid deep horror. He had completely recognized Xu Qing but the more he recognized him, the more intense the shock in his heart.


    Although he had guessed that the kid would become stronger quickly, he still didn¡¯t expect that in less than a year, the other party had gone from being chased by him to attacking his sect.


    Moreover, the changes in his strength before and after were too great.


    ¡°You¡­¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s breathing was hurried. He wanted to say something but what awaited him was the cruelty in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he suddenly rushed over.


    Booming sounds erupted once again. Xu Qing¡¯s attacks were too fast and he didn¡¯t slow down or pause at all. When he got close, he punched out again and again. In fact, it was the same for his legs. They would occasionally sweep out and his forehead was also his weapon which he used to slam the ancestor if he was close enough..


    The vicious attacks did not give the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor time to take a breath. He was suppressed and was being pushed back. This increased his shock even more. The guardian warrior shadow under him even showed signs of collapse.


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor let out a low roar and quickly performed a series of hand seals with both hands. Immediately, the magic aperture in his body circulated and the aura of a Foundation Building cultivator rose again, forming a pressure that suppressed Xu Qing. As he performed a series of hand seals, a dazzling golden light appeared behind him.


    This golden light transformed into a whip that lashed out fiercely at Xu Qing. Even the space seemed to explode at the touch of this whip.


    The Ba shadow behind Xu Qing roared and emitted a large amount of fiery aura. When it came into contact with the whip, an astonishing sound rang out. Although the Ba shadow didn¡¯t collapse when it came into contact with the whip and even grabbed it, the impact formed by the Foundation Building magic power still caused Xu Qing¡¯s entire body to tremble and he spat out a mouthful of blood.


    His body flew back and fell toward the sect gate.


    The eyes of the sect master and the three elders revealed killing intent. The other disciples were the same. Their gazes were filled with hatred as they all rushed in the direction Xu Qing had fallen and quickly attacked.


    ¡°Die!¡± The eyes of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor in the air were also red and filled with killing intent. He quickly performed a series of hand seals with both hands.


    Another Foundation Building spell formed. It was a huge Daoist seal that manifested in the sky.


    It was a few hundred feet in size and the wind and snow moved away from it on their own. It carried an astonishing aura as it pressed down on the falling Xu Qing!


    The commotion was so great that even the Diamond Sect¡¯s sect gate trembled. The surrounding snowflakes shattered into powder and scattered in all directions.


    A cold glint flashed in the eyes of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. His hands formed a seal and he waved them out. In an instant, two phantoms that were similar to the guardian warrior beneath him appeared around him and punched out at the same time.


    Three guardian warrior shadows punched toward Xu Qing from three directions.


    If it was any other Qi Condensation cultivator, even if they were at the great circle of perfection, they wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand all of this. Foundation Building spells themselves possessed powerful strength, and the magic apertures also had a powerful effect.


    To a certain extent, this was equivalent to seven to eight talismans being used at the same time.


    Just as the attacks of the Diamond Sect disciples, the punches of the three guardian warrior shadows, and the large seal above were about to land on the falling Xu Qing, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.


    He performed a series of hand seals with both hands and an astonishing spirit energy fluctuation erupted from his body. This fluctuation continued to expand outwards and in the blink of an eye, it reached nearly a thousand feet and transformed into a spirit sea!


    It suddenly exploded outwards with an astonishing aura. As it exploded, it directly formed a terrifying force that swept in all directions.


    The cultivation levels of the Sect Master, elders, and disciples below were no different under Xu Qing¡¯s spirit energy bombardment. In an instant, their bodies trembled violently and they collapsed in unison!


    Wherever the spirit energy force swept by, mountains rumbled and buildings shattered. Everyone¡­ was destroyed in body and spirit!


    As for the spell cast by the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, under the eruption of the spirit sea, rumbling sounds filled the sky.


    The three guardian warrior shadows instantly blurred, like afterimages flowing through the wind, dissipating quickly. It was the same for the large seal in the sky. As it landed, it seemed to have encountered a violent wind and gradually disappeared.


    The expression of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor changed drastically. He had retreated far away but he was still affected. Fresh blood flowed out of the corner of his mouth again and the injuries in his body worsened. At the same time, his left arm was covered by the shadow again.


    Although he barely dodged it, his entire left arm was greenish-black and the anomalous substances that invaded it were extremely dense. There was also a black iron stick that whistled over and directly pierced through his right shoulder.


    Other than that, what caused his heart to tremble even more at this moment was that he sensed that his blood and qi were unstable and signs of poisoning appeared in his body. His expression turned extremely gloomy. He quickly took out a medicinal pill and swallowed it. He immediately retreated further away.


    However, his gaze was fixed on Xu Qing, who had landed in the shattered Diamond Sect, revealing intense killing intent.


    ¡°The spirit sea formed by the Seventh Peak¡¯s Sea Transformation Art can indeed shake a Foundation Building cultivator when it erupts in one go. However, it can only be done once. You¡¯re dead meat now!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. There was a talisman shining outside his body, but he still spat out a large mouthful of blood. However, there was no surprise on his face. He was already very clear about how powerful Foundation Building cultivators were when he arrived.


    And, he still felt that he could kill him!


    Hence, the moment he attacked, he used his strongest killing move. Regardless of whether it was the heavenly saber, shadow, or Ba Shadow, even the spirit sea in his body, he used all of them ruthlessly.


    This was especially so for poison. From the moment he attacked until now, he had used a total of 73 types!


    At this moment, everything was in line with his plan. Hence, the instant the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s expression turned cold, Xu Qing lifted his right hand and grabbed fiercely at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor who was retreating in the sky.


    The eyes of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor suddenly narrowed. The countless snowflakes in his surroundings suddenly turned into water droplets.


    At a glance, the range of these water droplets had reached a thousand feet.


    ¡°You! Why do you still have spirit energy!!!¡± The instant the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor lost his voice in horror, the water droplets in an area of 1,000 feet rapidly fused and directly transformed into a large hand that grabbed fiercely at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor spat out a mouthful of blood and his body retreated rapidly. While great waves were churning in his heart, the thousand-foot-long hand formed by the water droplets changed their form and transformed again¡­ into the appearance of a plesiosaur!


    This was none other than Xu Qing¡¯s Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale. It roared at the sky and ruthlessly bit at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor!


    The expression of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor completely changed as he cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale!¡±


    He had some understanding of the Seven Blood Eyes and knew that after cultivating the Seventh Peak¡¯s Sea Transformation Art to the eighth level, some outstanding people could form the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale. The dragonwhale was equivalent to the cultivator¡¯s second vessel that stored spirit energy!


    However, such people were rare!


    He had also seen Forbidden Sea Dragonwhales before. However, although the aura of Xu Qing¡¯s dragonwhale was the same, regardless of its appearance or the power of the Forbidden Sea contained in it, it gave him a completely different feeling.


    Amidst his drastic change in expression, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor retreated once again. He didn¡¯t want to fight anymore. The anomalous substances in his body were now dense and he was unable to neutralize the poison in his body immediately. Moreover, the poison outbreak was becoming more severe, causing his internal organs to feel a piercing pain. When he spat out blood, it carried a black stench, as though his internal organs were corroding and melting.


    ¡°If I can activate the Mystic Brilliance Form¡­¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor let out a low roar in his heart, filled with unwillingness and helplessness. As for the bizarre shadow hidden in the surroundings, they caused his heart to skip a beat. If he wasn¡¯t careful, the amount of anomalous substances would increase again after coming into contact with them.


    This was especially so when just the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale and Xu Qing¡¯s body refinement power were enough to make him feel an intense life-and-death crisis.


    ¡°I¡¯m a follower of the Litu Sect. I¡­¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor shouted. However, before he could finish speaking, the flight talisman on Xu Qing¡¯s body flickered. Once in the air, Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°It¡¯s about time.¡±


    This was the first thing he said since the battle began.


    Before the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor could react, Xu Qing waved his hand coldly. Immediately¡­ his magic boat rumbled out!


    The boat that was hundreds of feet tall had a sinister appearance like the black tortoise. There were also sails that were like wings, causing the magic boat that appeared in the air to reveal indescribable cruelty.


    As the golden light on the ship flashed and gathered on the sharp spike at the bow, a divine intent actually erupted from the magic boat and locked onto the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    This divine intent was like a god, causing the wind and snow in the surroundings to instantly dissipate.


    An astonishing pressure descended.


    As for Xu Qing, who was standing on the magic boat, he was like the ruler who controlled the god. He looked coldly at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and lifted his right hand. As he lifted his hand, the convergence of divinity became increasingly intense. Clearly, as long as he put down his hand, the divine power attack would erupt.


    Divine attack. This was his magic boat¡¯s strongest move. Originally, Xu Qing planned to use it immediately, but he was worried that he wouldn¡¯t be able to kill a Foundation Building cultivator who was at his peak and uninjured with a single strike.


    That was why he personally took action and waited until now. He finally felt that the time was ripe and took it out to ensure that he could kill in one strike!


    The expression of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was unprecedentedly pale. His scalp felt like it was about to explode and his eyes revealed extreme disbelief as he cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°Divinity!!¡±


    The bitterness in the Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s heart also churned endlessly, transforming into horror. At this moment, the life-and-death crisis had already become infinitely intense¡­ Every part of his flesh and blood seemed to be trembling and screaming under the power of divinity, constantly reminding him of the arrival of death.


    ¡°I can¡¯t escape. If I was in my peak state, I might have a chance. Now¡­¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was in despair. He looked at Xu Qing, who was standing on the magic boat, and recalled the ancient books he had read before. He hurriedly shouted.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist, wait a moment. Listen to me. I¡¯m willing to be your slave. I¡¯m willing to be your slave for the rest of my life. You will be my master. I¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was cold and he didn¡¯t bother with it. He didn¡¯t have the hobby of taking in slaves. He suddenly lowered his right hand!


    1

 Chapter 171 - Surviving From a Perilous Situation

    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have the habit of listening to others¡¯ last words, nor did he have any thoughts of accepting a slave. After all, the human heart was unpredictable. Rather than worrying about backlash in the future, it was better to directly kill the enemy.


    Towards enemies, his only thought from the start was¡­ that a dead enemy was the safest.


    The faster he killed them, the safer he would be.


    This was more so when he was in the unfamiliar Red Plains. He had been lying low for over a month and had observed extremely carefully; he knew that because this place was too barren and the environment was harsh, even the Litu Sect would only come here occasionally to spread its teachings.


    At the same time, the nearest scavenger campsite in the vicinity was also 50 kilometers away. This caused the battle between Xu Qing and the Diamond Sect to be drowned in the snowstorm. There was a high chance that no one would notice it.


    Moreover, he had changed his appearance with a talisman, and his magic boat had been in a disguised form the entire time in the sect. The only person who had seen the real appearance of his magic boat was Zhang San.


    To be able to do all of this was already the limit that Xu Qing could reach in a short period. Although it wasn¡¯t perfect and there were still flaws, Xu Qing was clear that the reason why his trip could go smoothly was because the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had misjudged the time he would arrive.


    The latter had also underestimated the speed of his growth.


    More importantly, the other party would never have thought that he possessed a divine attack that could seriously threaten Foundation Building cultivators!


    After all, divine creatures were rare to begin with and their value was astonishing. In order to build this magic boat, Xu Qing not only used the divine lizard skin but also spent ten thousand spirit stones.


    How could such preparation be lacking!


    The snowstorm roared, sweeping through every direction.


    The divine power from the magic boat gathered to the extreme. As Xu Qing lowered his right hand, the sharp spike at the front of the magic boat instantly shone with a piercing light that was suffused with golden light.


    Although the heavy snowflakes were like a curtain falling from the sky, they couldn¡¯t hide the holiness contained in the golden light.


    That holiness that seemed to be able to suppress souls and all living beings caused the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s heart to beat rapidly. The fear in his eyes materialized and covered his thoughts, controlling his body and mind.


    Seeing that Xu Qing didn¡¯t give him the slightest chance to speak and the divine attack was about to destroy his body and soul, determination appeared in the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s eyes. He suddenly roared and did something that Xu Qing never thought of even in his dreams.


    He actually¡­ attacked himself just when Xu Qing¡¯s divine attack was about to erupt!


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor quickly slapped his forehead with his right hand in front of Xu Qing.


    He seemed to be afraid that he wouldn¡¯t be killed by a single palm strike, so he took out a saber with his left hand and stabbed it into his heart.


    He struck with such strength that the blade shattered as it pierced his heart.


    Countless sharp fragments carried his Foundation Building magic power and erupted crazily in his body.


    His forehead also shattered. Everything above his neck was gone.


    All of this happened in the blink of an eye. In the next moment, the headless and half-broken corpse of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor fell from the sky¡­


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened at this ridiculous scene.


    ¡°Nonhuman? Playing dead?¡±


    He looked at the corpse that had landed on the ground and felt that the aura on it was completely gone, as well as its dilapidated appearance. It clearly didn¡¯t have any life force.


    Xu Qing had never seen a situation where a human could still pretend to be dead after losing their head and having only half their body left.


    Moreover, the feeling he got from the other party wasn¡¯t that of a nonhuman race.


    This was the first time Xu Qing hesitated in a battle. He didn¡¯t know if he should waste the limited and precious divinity on the corpse¡­


    Even though he had killed many people since he was young, this was the first time he had encountered such a thing. As a result, he restrained the divine attack that was already prepared.


    Even so, he still waved his hand and water droplets appeared, heading straight for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s fragmented corpse and instantly squeezing it to make sure it was completely dead.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s broken corpse shattered even more and scattered all over the ground.


    An illusory soul shadow crawled out of the corpse that had landed on the ground. This soul shadow wasn¡¯t very clear and was a little shaky, as though it could dissipate at any moment.


    Upon closer inspection, even though it was very blurry, it still vaguely revealed the appearance of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. However, this soul shadow didn¡¯t look like it was dying. Instead, it had a hint of spiritedness.


    This was very contradictory. It was clearly blurry but it gave off a feeling of life in Xu Qing¡¯s perception.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. The instant the killing intent in his eyes rose again, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s soul shadow suddenly headed straight for¡­ the black iron stick that had landed on the ground not far away.


    In that instant, it was as though it had shuttled through the void as it directly appeared beside the iron stick. Its expression was filled with anxiety, as though it was in a race against life. It was afraid that it would be killed by Xu Qing before it could get close to the iron stick.


    In the blink of an eye, the soul shadow completely fused into the iron stick. The black iron stick shook intensely. The black light on it became even denser and an even more intense chill erupted from it.


    In fact, there were even faint streaks of light flowing in all directions, as though an ordinary item had turned into a treasure!!


    This was the second time Xu Qing was stunned since the battle started.


    After he entered the Seven Blood Eyes, he no longer had a partial understanding of cultivation like he did back then. At this moment, when he looked at his black iron stick, his breathing became slightly hurried. He could tell at a glance what the change in his iron stick was.


    ¡°It gained an artifact spirit?¡±


    In this world, there were many differences between ordinary treasures and magic treasures. One of the differences was that¡­ ordinary treasures didn¡¯t have spirits, and magic treasures had spirits.


    Of course, it didn¡¯t mean that an ordinary treasure with a spirit was a magic treasure. However, once it had an artifact spirit, it had the possibility of becoming a magic treasure!


    Xu Qing grabbed at the air. Immediately, the black iron stick whistled over to his hand. He stared at it coldly for a long time. His right hand sometimes exerted force and sometimes let go. After a few times, he fell even more silent.


    He could sense that his black iron stick indeed had an artifact spirit, and this artifact spirit¡­ was the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    The other party had used some unknown method to take the initiative to kill himself and transform his soul into an artifact spirit, and then entered the iron stick¡­


    ¡°Get out here!¡± Xu Qing shouted in a slightly frustrated voice.


    Immediately, the iron stick trembled and the illusory shadow of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor appeared. Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s expression, his body trembled and he hurriedly smiled apologetically.


    ¡°Master, what¡¯s the matter?¡±


    1


    His words were very proficient and his expression was filled with flattery. There was no hint of unfamiliarity at all, as though he had practiced for a long time. In reality, that was indeed the case¡­ The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had been cautious all his life and did things steadily. He also liked to read ancient books. In the eyes of others, the thoughts he had were considered abnormal.


    However, he didn¡¯t think so. He was very clear that in this chaotic world, someone who couldn¡¯t even activate his Mystic Brilliance Form wasn¡¯t much. Moreover, his sect was too small, so it was very easy for him to become the first whetstone for those people with great luck.


    As for such a whetstone, in the countless ancient books the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had read, all of them died miserably without exception. Not a single one of them survived. Hence, other than being horrified, he was also worried about his future.


    However, he couldn¡¯t bear to give up on everything and retire.


    Hence, many years ago, although he felt that there was a high chance that he wouldn¡¯t be so unlucky, in order to guard against the unexpected, he still made preparations. He secretly cultivated the incomplete technique he had obtained in a ruin when he was young.


    Ordinary people wouldn¡¯t cultivate this incomplete technique.


    This was because it only had one use, and that was to sacrifice oneself to become an existence like an artifact spirit.


    Moreover, the failure rate was extremely high. Once one failed, their soul would dissipate.


    However, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor attached great importance to this incomplete technique. He felt that this would be the key to saving his life.


    He never stopped cultivating it, and he seemed to have some talent in this aspect¡­


    He felt that if there was a day in the future when he was really going to be killed, then it would probably be very difficult for him to convince the enemy by verbally promising to recognize them as his master or swearing a Dao oath.


    However, this was not safe. It was likely that the enemy would use some life controlling talismans or treasures to control him and use him as a cannon fodder.


    The safest thing was to become the artifact spirit of the other party¡¯s weapon.


    After all, the vast majority of cultivators still cared a lot about artifact spirits.


    As he read more ancient books, this thought became increasingly firm¡­


    Today, the Artifact Spirit Technique he had cultivated for his entire life was finally put to use. It allowed him to obtain a chance of survival from a situation where he couldn¡¯t survive.


    Facing his flattery, Xu Qing felt increasingly frustrated. This was the first time he had encountered such a situation and he was a little hesitant about killing it. Artifact spirits were truly precious¡­


    ¡°How did you become an artifact spirit?¡± Xu Qing asked coldly.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor hurriedly said loudly with a fawning expression.


    ¡°I had a dream many years ago. In the dream, I saw my future self meeting the Lord of Fate. He would give this desolate and cruel world a gentle baptism. In the dream, I was touched and swore to follow him. Hence, I spent my money to buy an incomplete spell that could allow me to become an artifact spirit.¡±


    ¡°I was always prepared for this!¡±


    ¡°Speak in human language.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s gaze turned cold and killing intent rose in his eyes. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor shivered and thought to himself that it was fortunate that he was smart and decisive. He quickly slapped himself to death before this vengeful kid could.


    3


    After that, he took advantage of the other party¡¯s surprise and took the initiative to transform into an artifact spirit. Only then was he able to escape death.


    He really had no choice. This little wolf cub in front of him had no intention of accepting a slave at all. He was really determined to destroy him. If he had hesitated a little, he would probably be dead now.


    To be able to find such a path of survival in such a desperate situation, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was truly mentally exhausted. He felt that it had really not been easy for him.


    1


    He hurriedly told the truth. After he finished speaking, he even cast a spell and split out a wisp of his life soul, handing it to Xu Qing. This was the sign of recognizing a master.


    After Xu Qing heard this, he swept his gaze across the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s life soul and then looked at the black iron stick. The killing intent in his eyes sometimes rose and sometimes fell. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor felt his heart skip a beat as he hurriedly expressed his loyalty.


    ¡°Master, my life isn¡¯t worth much. Right now, I¡¯m an artifact spirit. Although I can help Master¡¯s magic tools become sharper and possess unlimited growth, although I¡¯m a Foundation Building artifact spirit and the ordinary treasure with me will become even sharper under my enhancement, although I still have many, many uses, Master can destroy me with just one word.¡±


    ¡°Master, there¡¯s no need to be in a hurry to kill me. I still have a pill that¡¯s about to take shape on my corpse. It¡¯s a good thing. Master¡¯s cultivation will increase by a lot after eating it.¡±


    ¡°Also, Master, there¡¯s a treasure vault under my sect. There¡¯s an array crossbow specially used on the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes. I don¡¯t have a magic boat and can¡¯t use it. I originally planned to give it as a gift¡­¡±


    ¡°Also, Master, we have to leave quickly. A fellow Daoist I invited a few days ago will arrive tomorrow. Also, there will be an envoy from the Litu Sect coming soon.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was very clear that since he had chosen to kneel, he had to kneel completely. Only then could he survive.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He waved his hand and kept the other party¡¯s life soul. He then grabbed the air and took out the storage bag on the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s corpse. Just as he was about to destroy the corpse and erase all traces, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor hurriedly stopped him.


    ¡°Master, Master, um¡­ this storage bag is a cover. It¡¯s not real. I still have one on me that I hid with a talisman.¡±


    Xu Qing cast a deep glance at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.

 Chapter 172 - Ancient King Mystic Nether

    With the help of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, Xu Qing found a storage bead hidden on the ancestor¡¯s corpse. This item was buried inside the body of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. There weren¡¯t many items inside, only three.


    The first item was a spirit ticket that was worth 500 spirit stones.


    The second item was a jade box which seemed to have the effect of nurturing medicinal pills. Xu Qing could see a purple-colored medicinal pill being nurtured inside.


    The third item was three jade slips that recorded the Diamond Sect¡¯s cultivation art and the artifact spirit incomplete technique the ancestor had mentioned earlier.


    As for the storage bag used as a cover, it was filled with miscellaneous items that were worth about 100 spirit stones.


    As though he was worried that Xu Qing would be dissatisfied, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor hurriedly spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°The second highness wanted too much last time, so there isn¡¯t much left now.¡±


    ¡°Your storage bag from the sect¡¯s treasure vault was also a cover-up?¡± Xu Qing slowly asked.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s body trembled as he whispered.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. After destroying the corpse, he went to the ruins of the Diamond Sect and searched. He found the secret chamber that the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had mentioned. It was also empty and there was only an array crossbow that looked like a magic tool.


    It was indeed as the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had said. This item was specially used on magic boats and could only be activated by a specific array formation. Xu Qing took a look and kept it.


    He continued to plunder the Diamond Sect. However, this place was too poor and the dead disciples didn¡¯t have anything valuable on them. Only the sect master, elders, and the others had slightly better things.


    ¡°Master, it was good that you killed them. These traitorous bastards had been secretly joining forces recently and were preparing to betray the sect when I went to seclusion. I originally planned to personally deal with them after some time.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the authenticity of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s words. He left after plundering, gradually disappearing into the snowstorm.


    Countless snowflakes fell from the sky, covering the entire Red Plains. The original red color of the ground had already disappeared and turned white.


    The wind was even more bone-piercing, sweeping up the snow as though it wanted to seep the cold into every corner of the ground.


    This winter, many people would die.


    Xu Qing tightened his collar and sped through the wilderness. He didn¡¯t return to the scavenger campsite but hurried through the night to the city at the edge of the Red Plains.


    ¡°I have to return to the Seven Blood Eyes as soon as possible. I can¡¯t stay here for long,¡± Xu Qing muttered. As he spoke, a dark glint flashed in his eyes as he glanced at the leather pouch containing the black iron stick.


    Xu Qing had still not decided whether he should completely destroy the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor who had transformed into an artifact spirit. As he sped, he weighed the pros and cons in his heart while calmly asking about the Litu Sect.


    Sensing that his life was still not safe, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor felt bitter and nervous. At the same time, he didn¡¯t dare to hide anything and told him everything he knew truthfully.


    ¡°The Litu Sect is a giant faction in the Nanhuang Continent that is on par with the Seven Blood Eyes, Purple Earth, and True Words. Moreover, they are also based in the Wanggu Continent. This branch in the Nanhuang Continent is its branch sect.¡±


    ¡°Their base is in Wanggu?¡± Xu Qing glanced at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. Although he knew about the forces in the Nanhuang Continent now, he clearly didn¡¯t know as much as the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, who was a Foundation Building cultivator.


    Hearing the hint of doubt in Xu Qing¡¯s voice, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor immediately felt that it was time to show his value. Hence, he quickly spoke.


    ¡°Master, among the four major forces in the Nanhuang Continent, other than Purple Earth, which is a true native force, the foundations of the other three aren¡¯t in the Nanhuang Continent.¡±


    ¡°Among them, the Seven Blood Eyes you¡¯re in is the best example of this. The seven mountain peaks seem to be one but in reality, most of the mountain peaks are autonomous. It¡¯s just that they all identify with the rules of the Seven Blood Eyes and act under these rules. After many years, they gradually fused together.¡±


    ¡°The reason why this is the case is because the seven mountain peaks of the Seven Blood Eyes are actually the seven members of the Seven Sects Alliance in the Wanggu Continent¡¯s human territory that joined forces to build a branch in the Nanhuang Continent!¡±


    ¡°Such branches are also established on other islands in the Endless Sea where the human race lives. However, the Nanhuang Continent is one of the largest islands in the Endless Sea, so the branch here is very powerful.¡±


    ¡°As for the True Words, it¡¯s extremely mysterious. I¡¯m not too sure either.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. This was the first time he had heard of these things.


    ¡°The Wanggu Continent¡¯s Seven Sects Alliance?¡±


    ¡°The Wanggu Continent is too big. The human race only has a tiny space in it. However, even so, this space is extremely vast. I don¡¯t know how big it is because I haven¡¯t been there before, but I heard that the Seven Sects Alliance is only a relatively good super force in the human race¡¯s inland coastal area. However, I think¡­ compared to the entire human race forces, it shouldn¡¯t be the strongest group.¡±


    ¡°Of course, this is only relative. To me, one of the peaks of the Nanhuang Continent¡¯s Seven Blood Eyes is already a colossus¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart was in turmoil. He lifted his head and looked at the distant sky. His understanding of this world had increased again.


    ¡°However, I know about the Litu Sect. It has believers in countless races in the entire world and its influence is extremely vast. All of this is because of its doctrine¡­¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor continued.


    ¡°The doctrine of the Litu Sect is to stay away from this cruel world. They fanatically believe in the ancient kings and sovereigns who left during the ancient times when the fragmented face of the god arrived. They believe that one day, the holy lands established by the ancient kings and sovereigns will bring them away.¡±


    ¡°The reason why the Litu Sect has many branches is because in their sect record, it recorded that a total of nine ancient kings and sovereigns left in ancient times to create holy lands.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, the Litu Sect itself is divided into nine major factions. They believe in different ancient kings and sovereigns. The various factions don¡¯t get along and think that the supreme being they believe in is the one who can truly bring them away.


    ¡°As for those great ancient kings and sovereigns, not only do they include humans but there are also nonhumans. This is also the reason why the believers of the Litu Sect are spread over the various races.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart shook when he heard these words. As he rapidly digested them, he asked.


    ¡°What kind of existences are the ancient kings and sovereigns?¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was stunned. He didn¡¯t know either but he didn¡¯t want to reveal his ignorance when Xu Qing was still weighing his life and death. Hence, after thinking hard, he spoke.


    ¡°I can¡¯t estimate the realm of the ancient kings and sovereigns, but I¡¯ve seen descriptions in some ancient books¡­ The existences who once unified the Wanggu Continent and suppressed all races were known as the ancient kings.¡±


    ¡°The experts who could fight against the ancient kings were known as sovereigns. Although they didn¡¯t unify Wanggu, their forces were heaven-defying.¡±


    A look of fascination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes but he didn¡¯t speak.


    Seeing Xu Qing like this, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor heaved a sigh of relief. In reality, he didn¡¯t know if this was true or false. After all, the ancient books he read were mostly storybooks¡­


    He hurriedly changed the topic and continued to introduce the Litu Sect.


    ¡°The highest existence in the Litu Sect is called Fate Arbiter. Legend has it that they aren¡¯t a cultivator of this world but came from a holy land. They are the spiritual leader of the Litu Sect and are extremely mysterious.¡±


    ¡°As for the leaders of the nine major factions, they call themselves Saints.¡±


    ¡°This sect in the Nanhuang Continent is only a branch of the Mystic Nether Faction. The true base of the Mystic Nether Faction is in Wanggu. They believe in the human ancient king, Ancient King Mystic Nether!¡±


    ¡°There are records in ancient books that before the god¡¯s fragmented face descended, there was an era called the Mystic Nether Era. It was founded by the Ancient King Mystic Nether who had led the human race to unify Wanggu.¡±


    Hearing the words of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts fluctuated. He sped all the way until the dawn broke. As the sun rose, Xu Qing saw his destination from afar.


    The city that was filled with filth and chaos, the only city in the Red Plains that had a teleportation array.


    At this point, Xu Qing had already made a decision about how to deal with the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    ¡°What pill is that pill of yours?¡±


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s a spirit whale pill. The method of consumption is quite special and you can¡¯t consume it immediately. You need to nurture it in a jade box for a hundred days and wait for it to melt. Calculating the time, there are still three days left.¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor looked at the distant city and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°I like silence.¡± Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor shivered. Just as he was about to speak, a suppression from his life soul suddenly arrived and covered the black iron stick, directly injuring him, who was an artifact spirit, before sealing him.


    After the first layer of seal, Xu Qing was still not convinced. He increased the strength of his perception and suppressed the spirit layer by layer. Only then did he feel that it was safe.


    Under these layers of suppression seals, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor turned extremely weak and was on the verge of dissipating, falling into a deep sleep.


    In the end, Xu Qing didn¡¯t choose to kill the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. The value of the artifact spirit made him decide to keep it and perfect his black iron stick.


    However, before he had more methods to keep it in check and before his cultivation broke through to Foundation Building, Xu Qing didn¡¯t plan to let it wake up. He was also prepared to erase it if it disobeyed.


    He took a deep breath after doing all this. He didn¡¯t enter the city ahead. Instead, he turned and sped in another direction.


    The reason why he muttered that he was going to return to the Seven Blood Eyes back at night was for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to hear. Although the other party had transformed into an artifact spirit and had been honest the entire time, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t believe him easily.


    The question about the medicinal pill was a verification, while returning to the Seven Blood Eyes was misdirection.


    For the former, if the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor lied about the medicinal pill, Xu Qing would kill him. As for the latter¡­ If the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had some special methods to divulge his tracks, it would be useless after being misdirected.


    This was because Xu Qing didn¡¯t plan to return to the Seven Blood Eyes for a while.


    Xu Qing continued to speed up. He even used a flight talisman.


    It was only when the night arrived that he finally looked for a hidden cave to rest in. He scattered poison powder at the entrance and covered it up. Only then did he sit down and take out the jade box where the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had stored the medicinal pill.


    ¡°Whether you live or die will depend on whether this pill is as you said!¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the jade box. He then placed it in the distance and took a few steps back to observe his surroundings. After that, he pointed through the air.


    Immediately, the jade box slowly opened with a cracking sound and a dense medicinal fragrance assaulted his senses.

 Chapter 173 - 2,700

    The medicinal pill in the jade box was melting. The medicinal fragrance instantly enveloped the cave.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what the spirit whale pill was but he understood vegetation. After taking a sniff, his thoughts immediately spun as he identified the ingredients inside.


    ¡°Semiliquidambar cathayensis, hundred grass leaves, cynanchum¡­ plumed cockscomb, trumpet vine¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled. He lifted his right hand and seemed to have grabbed a wisp of fragrance. He brought it to his nose and sniffed it carefully.


    ¡°And climbing fern!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze turned deep as he looked at the jade box not far away and analyzed it inwardly.


    The composition of this pill was extremely complicated. It was very difficult for him to know all the medicinal ingredients from the fragrance. He could only determine the main ingredients.


    However, with his attainments in the Dao of Poison and his knowledge of vegetation, he could still sense that the general effect of this item was mainly nourishing. After all, everything contained a certain amount of spirit energy, especially plants.


    The principle of tonics was actually to extract the spirit energy in the plants in a special way and transform it into cultivation power that could be absorbed by cultivators.


    ¡°There are also a few medicinal herbs in this pill that contain a hint of blood. I do not know what creature¡¯s blood it is. The name of the pill has ¡®whale¡¯ in it. Could it be the blood of a sea beast?¡± Xu Qing pondered for a moment before grabbing the air. Immediately, the jade box flew over and landed in his hand.


    ¡°Although I don¡¯t know what it is, I can speed up its melting.¡± Xu Qing took out some medicinal herbs from his storage bag. He began to concoct them and added them to the jade box.


    Time flowed by. Several hours later, night fell again. The snowstorm seemed to be even heavier than yesterday, drowning out all traces of the ground. It also completely covered the cave Xu Qing had chosen.


    Only the whimpering sound of the wind couldn¡¯t be completely blocked by the snow. It faintly rang out from the entrance and when it echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears, he opened his eyes and looked at the jade box in front of him.


    The medicinal pill that had completely melted, turning into medicinal liquid. This medicinal liquid was clear. The dense medicinal fragrance was clear and looked transparent. The dense medicinal fragrance also became lighter.


    Xu Qing picked the box up and drank the medicinal liquid in one gulp.


    The instant the medicinal liquid flowed down his throat and into his stomach, an indescribable heatwave spread in his body. This heatwave became a clear contrast to the coldness outside. At that moment, it seemed to have exploded and directly spread to every meridian in Xu Qing¡¯s body, entering his flesh and blood.


    It was as though his whole body was breathing, trying its best to absorb the spirit energy in the medicinal liquid.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and a strange glint appeared in his eyes. He could sense the astonishing medicinal effect of this medicinal pill, and he now believed 30% of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s words.


    He no longer hesitated and circulated the Sea Transformation Art with all his might. In an instant, the 970-foot-high spirit sea that he had reached when he broke through to the ninth level outside the Sea Lizard Island erupted at this moment.


    It expanded from 970 feet to 980 feet!


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Under the support of the spirit energy of the medicinal liquid, his spirit sea continued to expand. In an instant, it reached 999, until¡­ 1,000 feet!


    The instant it reached 1,000 feet, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes erupted with a piercing purple light. His breathing became slightly hurried. The 1,000 feet high spirit sea directly allowed his Sea Transformation Art to break through and advance from the ninth level to the tenth level!


    It had reached the limit of the Sea Transformation Art for the vast majority of disciples!


    The Sea Transformation Art was divided into ten levels. Each level contained more spirit energy changes and an even more powerful Forbidden Sea¡¯s aura. Its might and foundation far surpassed that of the arts of small sects. It could be said to be one of the upper-level cultivation arts.


    This was also the reason why the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples were so powerful.


    However, it also had a limit. One layer was equal to 100 feet high spirit sea, ten layers meant 1000 feet high spirit sea. This was the limit of this cultivation art but this limit wasn¡¯t fixed!


    In reality, there would occasionally be disciples who could break through this limit and increase their spirit sea to an even more majestic level. However, there were very few such people. Even if there were, most of them would only be able to increase their spirit sea by 300 to 500 feet.


    However, even so, those who could break through the limit were all extraordinary talents.


    Back then, Xu Qing had analyzed that what formed the limit of the Sea Transformation Art were anomalous substances!


    When cultivators cultivated, the anomalous substances in their bodies would continue to increase. Over time, even if they used medicinal pills to expel them, it would only treat the symptoms and not the root cause.


    After a long time, there would still be deep-rooted anomalous substances. Xu Qing judged that the more anomalous substances there were, the harder it was to break the limit of the Sea Transformation Art.


    However, he¡­ didn¡¯t have any anomalous substances in his body.


    ¡°What affects the range of my spirit sea isn¡¯t the anomalous substances but the limits of my endurance.¡±


    A purple glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He sensed the medicinal spirit energy that was still erupting in his body and was a little surprised by the medicinal pill prepared by the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    ¡°To the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, this medicinal pill must be an extremely precious item¡­¡±


    When Xu Qing thought of this, determination appeared in his eyes. Regardless of whether it was the possible dangers in the sect or his own desire, he really wanted to know how far his spirit sea could advance.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and circulated the Sea Transformation Art again, absorbing the spirit energy from the medicinal pills with all his might. His body was the same. Even the Ba shadow behind him manifested and breathed with all its might.


    The outside world couldn¡¯t hear the rumbling sounds that echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind like huge waves. At this moment, the spirit sea in his body expanded again.


    1010, 1,310, 1,610¡­


    The expansion of the spirit sea was extremely terrifying. As time passed, it slowly reached 2,300 feet and it was still not over.


    This astonishing breakthrough caused the pressure emitted by Xu Qing to be much stronger than before.


    It even formed a vortex, causing the snowstorm outside to distort when they got close. Upon closer inspection, the area of distortion was the same as the area of Xu Qing¡¯s spirit sea. It was 2,300 feet wide.


    2,400 feet, 2,500 feet, 2,600 feet¡­


    The medicinal properties in his body finally began to dissipate.


    Within an area of over 2,000 feet, hurricanes swept in all directions.


    Fortunately, the place he chose wasn¡¯t the Red Plains anymore and was very remote. There was no one in the surroundings, especially since the snowstorm was quite heavy today.


    Hence, no one saw this scene.


    ¡°According to the records of the Sea Transformation Art, since ancient times, the highest someone on the Seventh Peak has achieved is a Qi Condensation spirit sea of 2,700 feet¡­¡±


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and performed a series of hand seals with both hands before waving them to the sides. The medicinal properties in his body that were gradually dissipating were squeezed dry by him with all his might. And with the spell he used, the mixed spirit energy from the wilderness also crazily surged in.


    Since it was mixed, very few parts could be absorbed. However, it was still enough for support at this moment.


    As the spirit energy in the surroundings gushed in, the instant the medicinal effects in his body dissipated, the spirit sea in Xu Qing¡¯s body erupted once again.


    2,630, 2,660, 2,690¡­


    This lasted until 2,700 feet!


    The entire cave rumbled and the area of 2,700 feet trembled in unison. The snowstorm was destroyed and the ground directly collapsed. It then exploded in all directions, revealing a huge deep pit and Xu Qing who was sitting there!


    Terrifying spirit energy fluctuations circulated around his body, and the wind and snow in the surroundings didn¡¯t dare to get close at all. There was also the Ba shadow behind him. It roared at the sky, and the fiery power in its body became even more violent. It had clearly grown.


    One could see that there were even more cracks on the Ba shadow¡¯s body and the magma inside was even redder. Hot airwaves swept in all directions, causing the surrounding snowstorm to directly turn into rain. They then instantly evaporated into white fog that surged into the air.


    Vaguely, it was as though two bumps had appeared behind the Ba shadow. It was as though there were wings struggling inside, wanting to grow out.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes. As the purple light flickered in them, he looked at his body. He sensed the spirit sea in his body and an aura that even he was shocked by spread out from his body.


    Gradually, his eyes gleamed.


    ¡°Perfected Qi Condensation!¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. He compared himself to the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. After making his judgment, he felt that the current him didn¡¯t need a divine attack. Coupled with his spells, heavenly saber, and poison path, he could still suppress the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    Xu Qing pointed his right hand at the sky. Immediately, the plesiosaur formed by his Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale transformed and expanded abruptly in the air. After it reached the size of 2,700 feet, it rapidly shrank to 1000 feet.


    At the same time, the spirit sea in his body was also compressed.


    Xu Qing was used to revealing his sharpness only at the instant he erupted.


    After putting on the disguise, Xu Qing stood up. His eyes revealed sharpness and deep anticipation.


    He felt that his spirit sea still hadn¡¯t reached its limit and seemed to have some space left to grow.


    ¡°I¡¯ll know in the future!¡±


    Xu Qing instantly rushed out like a bolt of lightning, leaving this place far behind. In the darkness of the night, he headed straight for the distance.


    He wanted to go to another city and return to the Seven Blood Eyes through there.


    He had been out for more than a month. Now that everything had been resolved and his cultivation had increased, he was prepared to return and see if the matter between the merfolk race and the third highness was really calm or not.


    Just like that, Xu Qing used the flight talisman to speed all the way. Three days later, he finally arrived at his destination. It was the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ branch city outside the Red Plains.


    He didn¡¯t waste time in the city and headed straight for the teleportation array.


    He paid the fee and stepped in the array. Before being teleported, he looked in the direction of the Red Plains in the distance. He heaved a long sigh of relief in his heart.


    After such a long time, Xu Qing finally removed the thorn in his heart. Although the outcome of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor wasn¡¯t death, Xu Qing felt that he could accept the outcome.


    ¡°Now, if everything is normal in the sect, I¡¯ll really be able to have a good sleep.¡± Xu Qing muttered inwardly. The teleportation array shone and a sea of light spread from the edges and covered him.


    As the sea of light dissipated, Xu Qing¡¯s figure in the teleportation array was already gone.


    The snowstorm continued to blow, covering the ground over and over again, turning it into white paper that revealed a hint of clarity.


    It was very clean.


    The cold permeated the surroundings, invading the wilderness inch by inch before turning into killing intent that revealed a hint of ruthlessness.


    It was very cruel.

 Chapter 174 - Little Mute

    Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city.


    In the coastal area, the winter wind carried a gentleness that blew to every corner of the streets.


    Different from the cold in the Red Plains, it was delicate and damp which made it difficult to detect it at first. It was only when it seeped into one¡¯s bones and gradually turned cold from the inside out that one would feel it.


    By then, it would be too late to resist.


    Just like the piedmont disciple of the Seven Blood Eyes, the cruelty hidden under their smiling faces was like needles hidden in cotton.


    This was more prominent in the Seventh Peak.


    The disciples of the Seventh Peak seemed to have some talent in this aspect. They were good at concealing their true thoughts. They place their interests above everything else and could abandon their superficial dignity. Xu Qing knew this very deeply.


    He had already integrated into the main city environment of the Seven Blood Eyes and as his cultivation level increased, he relied on ruthless methods to gain a foothold in the Seven Blood Eyes. The danger he encountered was reduced and he gained some reputation.


    However, his caution and vigilance never decreased at all.


    This was because Xu Qing was very clear that among the Qi Condensation disciples of the Seventh Peak, there were often traces of low-level cultivators killing each other. As for high-level cultivators, especially those who had reached the ninth or tenth level of Qi Condensation, most of them were scheming and shrewd.


    They were good at pretending and even better at enduring. They were like venomous snakes hiding in the dark. Once one was targeted by them, they might die without knowing who killed them.


    In reality, it wasn¡¯t just these people. Those cultivators who had climbed up through the struggles in the main city and broken through to the Foundation Building realm would be even better at this.


    For example, the third highnessa€|


    Xu Qing was walking in the main city of the Seven Blood Eyes. His expression looked calm but he was inwardly vigilant. He was still in disguise.


    He had been walking in the main city for more than half a day. The places he went to were mostly places with a lot of people. He kept paying attention to his surroundings and listened to everything.


    He was searching for some clues that might verify if anything happened between the third highness and the merfolk race. He was extremely patient and walked from day to night.


    When night fell, Xu Qing still didn¡¯t return to his original identity. In fact, he didn¡¯t use his token when he returned but an anonymous jade slip.


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ anonymous jade slip had already formed an industry chain. There was a lot of demand for it and it became the first choice for wanted criminals and people who didn¡¯t want to reveal their identities.


    It was extremely expensive but the corresponding advantages were great. Among them, the most attractive benefit was concealment.


    The Seven Blood Eyes turned a blind eye to this. Although they would occasionally screen those with anonymous jade slips, they would ignore it most of the time. Of course, the prerequisite was that one didn¡¯t touch the rules and bottom line of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Xu Qing had killed too many wanted criminals and had some such jade slips on him. He found an inn that was open and stayed there.


    Just like that, time flowed by and very soon, three days passed.


    During these three days, Xu Qing investigated many times and understood everything through various methods. He even spent some spirit coins to buy some information about the Seven Blood Eyes but he didn¡¯t find any clues.


    It was as though there was no follow-up to the merfolk race¡¯s matter and the third highness also really didn¡¯t pursue the matter.


    During this time, the most discussed topic among the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples was the competition of the Seventh Peak.


    Xu Qing had heard of this many times in the past three days. Most of the information he bought was about the competition.


    It seemed like the attention of all the disciples in the Seven Blood Eyes was on this.


    After Xu Qing thought about this, a deep look appeared in his eyes.


    The Seventh Peak¡¯s competition was held once every 30 years. It was very special. Most of the time, the choice of the battlefield was in a certain area in the outside world and the process was extremely bloody and cruel.


    For example, 30 years ago, they had chosen the merfolk island as the battlefield.


    After a suppressive competition there, the merfolk race became the allies of the human race.


    The target for this time was also set. It was a small nonhuman race on the Western Reef Archipelago. This nonhuman race was called the Northern Spirit Race. Most of their people were cruel and bloodthirsty, and their entire race was made up of pirates.


    They relied on many larger nonhuman races to provide them with resources in exchange for protection. At the same time, they were also active on the Forbidden Sea.


    They were a great threat to the merchant ships, especially the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ merchant ships. Recently, some of them had been hijacked by them.


    This matter infuriated the Seven Blood Eyes. Hence, even though the other party returned the stolen goods very quickly, it just so happened that it was the Seventh Peak¡¯s Grand Competition. Hence, the location of this competition was arranged to be the Northern Spirit Island.


    This attracted a lot of attention in the Seven Blood Eyes, and the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples were already grinding their fists. Everyone who was qualified to participate was preparing. In an instant, the prices of cultivation resources at the port had increased by about 20%.


    Moreover, the sect also issued the qualifications and rules for participation.


    There were a total of 13 departments on the Seventh Peak. Each department would choose about 400 people, so there would be more than 5,000 cultivators as the candidates for this competition.


    To these 13 departments, it was difficult to choose 400 people. It wasn¡¯t an issue about the number.


    In reality, there were many disciples in each department. There were thousands in the big departments and the smaller ones also had about a thousand.


    The difficulty was because too many people wanted to participate.


    The rewards for the competition were extremely generous. One would obtain 10,000 contribution points for every cultivator they killed. This was only the base reward. The higher the cultivation of the enemy they killed, the more rewards they would receive.


    The identity tokens would automatically record the points which would then be distributed after the competition ended. Such a sum of wealth was enough to make the eyes of many disciples who were struggling with cultivation resources red with envy.


    What made people gasp and even go crazy was the reward for the first place in this competition.


    Core disciple identity!


    To countless piedmont disciples of the Seventh Peak, core disciples who could wear light purple Daoist robes were all as high and mighty as divine children. Their statuses were extremely noble.


    Just like what the captain had said back then, the sect wouldn¡¯t care if a hundred piedmont disciples died, but if even one core disciple died, it would be a huge matter.


    Hence, the madness of the disciples of the various departments could be understood.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t have much desire for the status of a core disciple.


    If it was when he had just arrived at the Seven Blood Eyes, the status of a core disciple would still be tempting to him. However, now that his cultivation had reached the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm, to Xu Qing, breaking through to the Foundation Building Realm as soon as possible was his priority.


    In addition, Xu Qing felt that this competition wasn¡¯t that simple. The venue of the competition that was announced, Northern Spirit Island, seemed to be to delude the outside world. When he thought of his previous analysis, Xu Qing felt that the true battlefield might be on the territory of the merfolk race.


    With this thought in mind, Xu Qing cautiously observed for a few more days while the other disciples were doing their best to fight for the qualifications.


    After confirming that there was indeed no follow-up regarding the merfolk race in the sect and it was the same for the third highness, Xu Qing simply changed back to his identity. He remained vigilant for a few more days before his heart calmed down.


    Unless it was absolutely necessary, Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to leave the Seven Blood Eyes at this moment. This was because he wasn¡¯t far from the Foundation Building. He really wanted to obtain the benefit of 5,000 spirit stones every month that was given to Foundation Building disciples.


    Now that everything was normal, Xu Qing returned to his usual life with vigilance. A few days later, he received a notice from his captain.


    The second reward for Night Dove¡¯s operation had been given.


    He was appointed as the deputy captain of the Black Team Six of the Homicide Department.


    His salary also increased, from 3,000 contribution points a month to 6,000.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you have to thank me for this. If I hadn¡¯t fought for you with all my might, how could you have a day where you are promoted?¡± In the Homicide Department, the captain sat at the side and smiled at Xu Qing as he ate an apple.


    His gaze sized him up. Clearly, he had sensed the fluctuations of Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation base. However, his smile was still there and he was eating the apple deliciously.


    ¡°Thank you, Captain.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he revealed a smile. Ever since he came to the Seven Blood Eyes, he had learned some control over his expression. However, it was still a little unnatural.


    ¡°So, don¡¯t forget the thousand spirit stones you owe me,¡± the captain said happily.


    Xu Qing¡¯s smile instantly froze.


    ¡°It¡¯s 100, and I¡¯ve returned it to you!¡±


    ¡°Ah? Have you returned it? Aiya, my memory is too bad. I remember now. You returned 100 to me. Alright, alright. You still owe me 900 spirit stones then.¡±


    The captain slapped his forehead and sighed. Seeing that Xu Qing¡¯s expression seemed to be unnatural and his right hand was even instinctively placed beside the leather bag at his side, he blinked.


    ¡°Are you going to participate in the competition?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°Xu Qing, let me tell you this. With my understanding of the sect¡¯s habits, there¡¯s a high chance that the competition this timea€| won¡¯t be targeting the Northern Spirit Race!¡±


    The captain¡¯s expression was a little excited. He squatted on the chair and took out two tangerines. After tossing one to Xu Qing, he peeled it as he spoke.


    Xu Qing caught the tangerine and looked at the captain.


    ¡°I reckon it should be a much larger nonhuman island. Moreover, this nonhuman race must be very rich, so the sect released smoke to confuse the outside world. Recently, I¡¯ve been observing a few famous sinister people in the other departments and found that they have all secretly registered!¡±


    The more the captain spoke, the more excited he became. His eyes even seemed to shine.


    ¡°In reality, these vicious people have long saved up enough spirit stones to buy the Foundation Building Pill and can break through at any time. However, they suppressed their cultivation and didn¡¯t break through. Clearly, they were all waiting for this opportunity. They all have dog noses and their sense of smell is extremely sharp. Since they are willing to give up the benefits of breaking through to the Foundation Building realm for the past few months, their target is naturally even higher. Therefore, this competition should be an excellent opportunity to snatch cultivation resources.¡±


    ¡°You have to know that in that competition 30 years ago, many people made a fortune because of this. I heard that that woman, the second highness, rose up through this. It¡¯s said that even some elders were envious of the wealth she plundered. Just counting the Foundation Building Pills, she snatched eight of them!!¡±


    ¡°In addition, many people in the sect who are close to breaking through but don¡¯t have enough spirit stones are all staring at this competition to accumulate spirit stones.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to participate in such an opportunity to make a fortune?¡± The captain looked at Xu Qing with a smile.


    Xu Qing still didn¡¯t speak. His judgment of the location of the competition was the same as the captain¡¯s. Moreover, he had even guessed where the final battlefield was.


    ¡°So this time, you must go and make a fortune. You just need to get the resources needed for Foundation Building.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also a newbie in the team. I will call him over for you.¡± As the captain spoke, he took out his token and transmitted his voice. Not long later, light footsteps rang out from outside the room the captain and Xu Qing were in.


    Very soon, the door opened, revealing the figure of a youth.


    This youth¡¯s hair was a little disheveled and his small face was dirty. Although he was wearing a gray Daoist robe, it was bulging. Under the Daoist robe was a black dog skin coat.


    The most eye-catching thing was the youth¡¯s eyes. His eyes were filled with sharpness and cruelty, as if the person standing there wasn¡¯t a person but a ferocious little wolfhound.


    The baleful aura on his body was extremely heavy, as though it could erupt and devour the enemy at any moment. When he saw the captain and Xu Qing in the room, he grinned, buta€| he had no tongue.


    He was a mute.


    However, as Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on him, the mute youth¡¯s smile suddenly paused. His eyes abruptly widened as he looked at the shadow under Xu Qing¡¯s seat. His expression changed drastically like he had seen an extremely terrifying existence.


    His body started trembling, and his breathing became rough. It was like a mortal meeting the god.


    The room instantly fell into dead silence!

 Chapter 175 - Junior Brother Xu Qing, Are You Here?

    The mute youth shivered and the captain looked curious.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes, but didn¡¯t speak. However, he noticed that the thing that caused the other party to be horrified was the shadow under him.


    As he fell under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the mute youth¡¯s body trembled even more. He clenched his fists tightly and sweat soaked his entire body. Anyone here could hear the cracking sounds coming from his legs.


    It was the sound of bones and muscles clashing.


    It was as though his instincts were fighting intensely with his mind.


    If this continued, the passing of every second would be an unimaginable torture for him.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze. He stood up and cupped his fists toward the captain before turning to walk to the door.


    As he got closer, the fear in the mute youth¡¯s eyes grew even more. However, he didn¡¯t seem to dare to retreat. It was similar to Xu Qing¡¯s state when he had seen the bizarre entity in the forbidden zone in the past.


    When Xu Qing walked to his side, the terror rose to the extreme in the mute youth¡¯s mind. His mind seemed to have been taxed to the extreme as his body twitched violently and he started foaming.


    Xu Qing frowned. He didn¡¯t release any pressure or reveal any killing intent. After casting a meaningful glance at the youth, he walked out of the room and left.


    As he left, the mute youth¡¯s fear dissipated like the falling tide. Very soon, his body stopped trembling and his expression mostly recovered. However, the lingering fear in his eyes still made him not dare to turn his head to look at Xu Qing¡¯s departing back.


    When the captain saw this scene, his eyes revealed a strange glint. He bit the apple and walked to the mute youth¡¯s side. He walked around him while holding the apple and spoke in surprise.


    ¡°You know him?¡±


    The mute youth shook his head.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know him? Then why are you afraid of him?¡±


    The captain became even more curious. It had been half a month since this mute youth joined the Homicide Department. In this half a month, he was just like Xu Qing back then, killing many wanted criminals.


    Moreover, he was like a wolfhound; he was savage, and looked at everyone with hostility and vigilance.


    Today was the first time the captain saw this mute youth so frightened.


    The mute youth heard the captain¡¯s words but he kept his mouth tightly shut.


    The more he didn¡¯t speak, the more the captain wanted to know. He even forgot to eat the apple. After taking a few glances at the mute youth, his eyes suddenly flashed and a terrifying baleful aura instantly erupted from his body.


    It didn¡¯t spread out but locked onto the mute youth.


    This baleful aura caused the mute youth¡¯s entire body to be extremely tense. His face was pale and his body was trembling. However¡­ there was no fear in his eyes like before, only unyielding intent.


    Very soon, the captain retracted his killing intent and sighed.


    ¡°Tell me why you¡¯re so afraid of him. How about I get the director to promote you?¡±


    The mute youth still didn¡¯t say a word.


    ¡°I forgot that you can¡¯t speak. Then write it down.¡±


    The mute youth shook his head with determination. It was as though he wouldn¡¯t dare to say it even if he died.


    The captain was helpless and could only wave his hand to let the mute youth leave. He sat on the chair and ate an apple as he started pondering.


    At the same time, Xu Qing, who had walked out of the Homicide Department, turned his head and glanced in the direction of the Black Division. He then lowered his head and glanced at his shadow.


    What he felt earlier, what the mute youth was afraid of, was the shadow.


    ¡°He can sense my shadow?¡± Xu Qing mumbled, his gaze cold.


    He retracted his gaze and thought about what the captain had said about him still owing him spirit stones. He took out the bamboo slip and crossed out the question mark behind the captain¡¯s name.


    1


    On the bamboo slip, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had already been crossed out and the merfolk youth had also been crossed out. The old man from the inn was still there, but behind the word captain, there were several question marks that had been crossed out.


    Looking at the question marks on the bamboo slip that had been carved and crossed out, Xu Qing fell silent. After that, he added the third highness in the list and put a question mark beside the name.


    A moment later, he stored the bamboo slip and went to a medical shop in the city.


    It wasn¡¯t the one he used to frequent but an even larger shop. Here, he saw the Foundation Building Pill.


    The price was so exaggerated that even Xu Qing, who was considered wealthy now, took a deep breath.


    ¡°100,000 spirit stones¡­¡± Xu Qing silently returned to his berth.


    Although his cultivation and combat strength had reached an astonishing level, Xu Qing¡¯s vigilance didn¡¯t decrease at all. Before he took out the magic boat, he checked his surroundings as usual.


    After confirming that there were no problems, he released the magic boat and quickly stepped in. As the protective barrier was activated, Xu Qing walked into the medicinal herb room. The moment he sat down, a purple light shone on his chest.


    He drew out the suppressive power of the purple crystal and suppressed the shadow that looked normal.


    Xu Qing only stopped after suppressing it three times in a row. This was his usual habit.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what this shadow was but this wasn¡¯t important. He just had to suppress it regularly.


    After doing this, Xu Qing began to refine poison.


    ¡°The Seventh Peak¡¯s competition¡­¡± As he refined poison, Xu Qing pondered over the competition.


    His cultivation had reached the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm. Although he felt that his spirit sea could still continue to expand, Xu Qing understood that he had to prepare the items he needed to reach the Foundation Building Realm as soon as possible.


    He didn¡¯t know much about Foundation Building. He only knew that he needed the Foundation Building Pills to increase the success rate of breaking through, and just one pill wasn¡¯t enough insurance.


    As for the principles of Foundation Building, the sect withheld this knowledge. It required an extremely exaggerated amount of contribution points to check it.


    If one didn¡¯t want to spend contribution points, they could also buy it from others.


    After some thought, Xu Qing decided to find a time to awaken the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    ¡°The Foundation Building Pill is too expensive and I can¡¯t afford it. In that case, I can only participate in the competition to snatch it.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was reserved and decisive. As dusk approached, his poison refinement came to an end and he began to cultivate.


    The setting sun outside shone on the harbor, like spreading a layer of orange gauze over the entire harbor. All the buildings seemed to be dyed red by it. Even the clouds in the sky were red.


    In this sunset, a beautiful woman wearing a light purple Daoist robe and carrying an ancient bronze sword on her back was walking toward Port 79.


    She was tall and had a beautiful appearance. With her ponytail and the ancient sword on her back, she looked valiant and heroic. Coupled with her identity as a core disciple, she gave off a unique charm.


    On the way, all the disciples who saw her lowered their heads and greeted. Many disciples even had a strange feeling in their hearts.


    She seemed to be in a very good mood as she nodded toward the disciples she met on the way. It was only when she entered Port 79 that she stopped in her tracks. Her pretty face was slightly red and her heartbeat seemed to be a little faster.


    She stood there and took a few deep breaths before taking another step forward, heading straight for¡­ Xu Qing¡¯s berth.


    Very soon, she arrived in front of the berth. She looked at the somewhat familiar magic boat and her expression was filled with happy memories as she spoke loudly.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, are you there?¡±


    Although Port 79 wasn¡¯t too lively usually, there were many people coming and going. Hence, her light purple Daoist robe was conspicuous here. Almost the instant this woman entered, she attracted the attention of many people.


    When the disciples saw her calling Xu Qing¡¯s name, their eyes widened.


    Under the setting sun, the black hair of the woman standing on the shore fluttered in the wind. Her Daoist robe was blown back by the wind, outlining the very moving graceful curves of her body.


    As the light landed on her beautiful and flawless face, it was unknown if it was because she was blushing or if it was dyed by the sunset, but she looked rosy. Even her eyes seemed to be glowing.


    ¡°It¡¯s the core disciple, Senior Sister Ding Xue!¡±


    ¡°Why is she looking for Senior Brother Xu Qing? Sigh, if only she came to look for me.¡±


    As everyone in the surroundings more or less felt a little sour, Xu Qing, who was cultivating in the magic boat, frowned slightly when he heard the voice. He stood up and walked out, looking at the woman on the shore.


    ¡°Senior Sister Ding.¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke. He didn¡¯t like it when others disturbed his cultivation.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, I returned some time ago, but you weren¡¯t around when I came before. I know this is a little abrupt, but I have a lot of questions about vegetation, so I want to ask Junior Brother to clear my doubts.¡±


    Ding Xue looked at Xu Qing and hurriedly spoke. As she spoke, she lifted her right hand and a spirit ticket instantly appeared in her hand.


    ¡°Sorry for having to trouble you.¡±


    Xu Qing originally wanted to refuse, but after seeing the spirit ticket, he pondered for a moment. Although he had enough now, there were many things needed for Foundation Building and they were all very expensive. Moreover, 100 spirit stones wasn¡¯t a small sum.


    He nodded and took a few steps back, opening the protective barrier.


    Xu Qing would not be able to relax outside the magic boat. His magic boat, with the enhancement of divinity and the complex poison, was the safest for him.


    Seeing that Xu Qing had opened the magic boat¡¯s protective barrier, Ding Xue was very happy. She gracefully leaped up and landed on the magic boat, standing in front of Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, where were you before? I heard that you returned long ago.¡± Ding Xue looked at Xu Qing and smiled.


    ¡°Senior Sister Ding, if you have any questions about plants and herbs, please speak.¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t answer her question. He didn¡¯t hate Ding Xue. After all, she was very diligent and eager to learn. However, he still instinctively kept a certain distance from Ding Xue and spoke in a heavy voice.


    Senior Sister Ding didn¡¯t mind Xu Qing¡¯s wariness. She hurriedly asked the questions she had prepared about herbs.


    When Xu Qing heard her questions, he pondered and replied seriously.


    He felt that 100 spirit stones was worth it for him to explain in detail.


    At that moment, the sea breeze blew over. The rouge-like sunset light and the wind permeated the magic boat, causing the man and woman inside to seem to be bathing in the sunset light, giving off a magical charm.


    This scene caused the other disciples in the surroundings and the patrolling cultivators on the shore to feel even more sour in their hearts.


    At the same time, on the streets of the main city, a youth in a light purple Daoist robe didn¡¯t care about his image as a core disciple and was running frantically toward Port 79 with an anxious expression.


    ¡°Senior Sister, how can you be so muddle-headed? We were fine a few days ago. You, you, you¡­ Why did you go look for him again?¡±


    This person was Zhao Zhongheng.


    He was extremely anxious. This was especially so when he thought of the way his senior sister looked at Xu Qing back on the sea and Xu Qing not taking money at the end.


    This was clearly the rhythm of romantic feelings, causing him to be incomparably flustered.


    ¡°No, I have to go over quickly!!¡±

 Chapter 176 - Ammonite (1)

    Time slowly passed.


    The sunset today was even brighter than before. In fact, after looking at it for a long time, one would feel an indescribable strangeness. It was as though someone was painting with blood and smearing the sky.


    And in the blood, there seemed to be strands of golden threads. This scene even attracted the attention of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ seven mountain peaks. Many cultivators who lived on the mountain walked out of their cave abodes and looked at the horizon with strange gazes.


    Many disciples from the various ports noticed this as well.


    As for Xu Qing, who was on his magic boat, he also noticed the abnormality of the red glow on the horizon. After observing many times, he sped up his explanation of the questions Senior Sister Ding asked and kept the spirit ticket of 100 spirit stones in his pocket. He then looked at the horizon again.


    ¡°I seem to have seen this scene described somewhere before.¡± Xu Qing recalled the sea record he had seen and searched for the source of that familiarity.


    The red glow didn¡¯t last long and slowly dissipated, as though it wanted to use its beauty to retain the setting sun. However, the sun continued to set. Senior Sister Ding noticed that it was getting late and could only bid farewell.


    However, before she left, she carefully sized up Xu Qing a few times. Her gaze suddenly froze. Previously, she didn¡¯t pay much attention to Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation. After observing him now, her expression changed slightly and she immediately spoke.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, your cultivation¡­ Have you reached the great circle of perfection?¡± Senior Sister Ding¡¯s face revealed disbelief.


    Although Xu Qing had concealed his aura, it was obvious that the cultivation art Ding Xue cultivated was a little different. It seemed to be able to sense other people¡¯s spirit energy more clearly. Hence, after she sensed Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation fluctuations, her mind was in turmoil.


    She knew that Xu Qing was very strong but the feeling her senses gave now had exceeded her expectations. The light in her eyes lit up.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, since you are about to reach Foundation Building, do you have any understanding of it?¡±


    Xu Qing swept a glance at Senior Sister Ding. He was a little vigilant about his cultivation being seen through. After shaking his head, he instinctively circulated the magic boat¡¯s defense, causing it to silently gain a hint of spirituality.


    ¡°I understand.¡± Senior Sister Ding smiled with joy.


    ¡°My aunt has mentioned these things to me countless times.¡± As she spoke, Ding Xue searched her storage bag and took out three jade slips, handing them to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was stunned. He knew that the price of anything related to Foundation Building was extremely expensive in the sect. As he looked at the three jade slips in front of him, although he was extremely tempted, he understood that nothing in this world was free for no reason. In essence, everything was an exchange.


    ¡°How many spirit stones?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    Ding Xue smiled when she heard this.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, you¡¯re treating me like an outsider. Back then, if it wasn¡¯t for you at sea, it would have been very difficult for me to reach the Western Reef Archipelago so smoothly. With our shared experience at sea, this little thing is nothing.¡±


    ¡°Besides, you also taught me a lot about vegetation. Also, with your cultivation, if it was any other core disciple, they would also try to be your friends. I just took the initiative. If you feel uneasy with this, then if I encounter danger one day in the future, how about you help me once?¡± As she spoke, Senior Sister Ding placed the jade slips in her hand to the side.


    She didn¡¯t continue to disturb him and smiled.


    ¡°Like this, I will be the one taking advantage. Junior Brother Xu, I¡¯ll take my leave first.¡±


    With that, Senior Sister Ding left the magic boat after Xu Qing opened the protective barrier.


    When she stepped on the shore, she was in a very good mood. At this moment, she was anxious to share this matter. She took out her voice transmission jade slip as she walked and chatted happily with a few of her close friends from the sect.


    Unlike men, women¡¯s desire to share was very strong, especially when they met someone of the opposite sex who made their eyes light up.


    This was uncommon among the people who were struggling in the hardships of the human world. However, to core disciples who had been well protected since they were young, it was the norm.


    Just like the winter at the port was different from the winter in the Red Plains, the world was also different for different people.


    In reality, after she returned, she had long told her best friends about meeting Xu Qing when she went out. Her arrival this time was only because of the instigation of her best friends.


    ¡°You guys wait and see. I¡¯ll definitely take down this Little Xu.¡±


    While Senior Sister Ding was proudly transmitting her voice, Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s figure finally appeared in Port 79 and ran toward her.


    ¡°Senior Sister Ding¡­ That Xu fellow didn¡¯t do anything to you, right? Let me help you!¡±


    Before he arrived, his voice had already entered Ding Xue¡¯s ears.


    Ding Xue frowned and glanced at Zhao Zhongheng. Her face was filled with impatience as she walked into the distance.


    Zhao Zhongheng hurriedly chased after her. Although Ding Xue ignored him, he still followed behind with determination.


    ¡°Ding Xue, sooner or later, you¡¯ll know that many people in your life are passersby like birds.¡±


    ¡°Only I, Zhao Zhongheng, will be like the sea, accompanying you without abandoning you. Once you¡¯re used to my company, you¡¯ll understand how important I am. So what if there are many passersby? I¡¯m different from those passersby!¡±


    Zhao Zhongheng had a determined expression. He looked at the magic boat Xu Qing was on. The jealousy he felt was intense. However, when he thought of how powerful the other party¡¯s cultivation was and how terrifying the captain of Team Six was, he didn¡¯t dare to completely expose this expression. He could only grit his teeth inwardly.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t his face the only thing he has? Compared to my persistence and companionship, it¡¯s nothing. Time will prove everything!¡±

 Chapter 177 - Ammonite (2)

    While various emotions were surging in Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s heart, and the red glow in the sky dissipated and the sun set, the pitch-black surface of the sea that had lost its light suddenly underwent a strange change.


    Countless gorgeous lights flickered on the sea outside the harbor, and they seemed to be illuminating the sky as well. The magnificence was even more obvious, attracting the attention of all the ports of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Gradually, uproars rang out everywhere. One figure after another walked out of the magic boats at the various ports. Many people on the shore who saw this scene quickly flew over.


    Outside the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ harbor, the gorgeous lights turned into threads that flowed rapidly on the surface of the sea. They continued to swim and gradually formed dense groups.


    It was as though the entire surface of the sea outside the harbor was filled with these beams of light like the sea had turned into a starry sky with meteors streaking past.


    Soon, countless beams of light drifted past the entrance of the harbor and filled all the ports.


    This scene caused the Seven Blood Eyes cultivator to be even more shocked. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint as he stood on the magic boat and looked over.


    He noticed that the things that emitted the beams of light were palm-sized spiral creatures.


    Their extended bodies seemed to possess nerves that could form light sources. Their flickering formed this peerlessly beautiful scene.


    ¡°Ammonites¡­¡±


    Xu Qing recalled the description on the sea record.


    There wasn¡¯t much description of the ammonite in the sea record. It only pointed out that if the red clouds at sunset contained hints of gold, this phenomenon would occasionally appear in the sea after the sunset. It didn¡¯t say much specifically and only said that this phenomenon was harmless.


    However, Xu Qing knew from the thick book of herbs that Grandmaster Bai had left behind that ammonites were a type of precious medicinal ingredient. They had miraculous effects when it came to harmonizing and reducing the violentness of the medicinal effects.


    Senior Sister Ding and Zhao Zhongheng, who had yet to leave Port 79, also noticed this scene. Senior Sister Ding looked at the gorgeous sea in a daze.


    Zhao Zhongheng hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Senior Sister, I know what this phenomenon is. It is caused by ammonites which are also known as star shells. They occasionally float above the sea behind the red clouds. They are useless and only know how to shine. Other than being beautiful, they don¡¯t have any uses.¡±


    Zhao Zhongheng glanced at Xu Qing in the distance and spoke loudly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He didn¡¯t have the time to care about Zhao Zhongheng who was implying something. He didn¡¯t even listen to the latter, all his attention was on the surface of the sea.


    As the seawater undulated, the ammonites that emitted resplendent beams of light intertwined and separated. Some lights seemed to have synchronized while others appeared chaotic.


    Those who were synchronized would entangle together and no longer separate. Those who were chaotic would leave after coming into contact with each other slightly, as though they were searching for those that could synchronize with them.


    What Xu Qing was paying attention to was the latter.


    The knowledge that Grandmaster Bai had imparted to him appeared in his mind. He looked at the ammonites that were moving around chaotically and silently waited for an opportunity.


    Not all ammonites could become medicinal herbs. What he was waiting for was the male ammonites that couldn¡¯t find a companion even after a long time. Only this type of ammonite would eventually mutate due to some changes in its body and turn into medicinal materials that were helpful for cultivation!


    Xu Qing¡¯s silence made Zhao Zhongheng even more smug. He lifted his chin high.


    ¡°This thing is recorded in the sect and isn¡¯t of much use. Moreover, this phenomenon lasts only for a short time before disappearing.¡±


    Senior Sister Ding looked at the ammonites. Her expression revealed some disgust at Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s words as she calmly spoke.


    ¡°It¡¯s also good to be able to emit light. The magnificence it forms can not only illuminate itself but also those who are watching. It¡¯s better than some ravens with no light at all.¡±


    Zhao Zhongheng raised his eyebrows and was about to speak.


    However, at this moment, Xu Qing, who had been ignoring the conversation between the two, suddenly narrowed his eyes. He lifted his right hand and grabbed at the surface of the sea.


    Immediately, the water vapor in the surroundings transformed into water droplets and gathered together. In the blink of an eye, they transformed into a large hand which moved toward the countless ammonites on the surface of the sea.


    The hand grabbed one and then returned to Xu Qing. As the large hand dissipated, the ammonite landed in Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    The palm-sized ammonite was covered in spiral patterns. The light on the body that extended out of the mouth of the shell was gradually dimming.


    The instant it was about to completely dim, Xu Qing¡¯s right hand suddenly emitted a chill. This chill directly enveloped the ammonite, instantly freezing it into an ice cube.


    It completely retained its state before it dimmed.


    Looking at the ice cube in his hand, a smile appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s face. After he carefully kept it, he continued to observe the sea.


    At the same time, in Port 79, there were some people who acted like Xu Qing. These people clearly knew the medicinal value of the ammonites, so they quickly captured those who met the requirements.


    They weren¡¯t the only ones. Some disciples from the other ports also made a move. There were even some figures who flew out from the mountain and headed straight for the ports to capture them.


    Most of them were cultivators from the Second Peak.


    This scene was like an invisible slap to the face of Zhao Zhongheng, who had just said that this thing was useless. He was stunned and puzzled about this.


    Senior Sister Ding also saw all of this. She was curious and hurriedly moved closer to Xu Qing. When she reached the berth where Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat was at, she hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, why are you and some others capturing these ammonites?¡± As she spoke, she, who was used to Xu Qing¡¯s personality, directly took out a spirit ticket and handed it over.


    ¡°The moment before the male ammonite dies, it will transform into a rare medicinal ingredient which is quite helpful for cultivation.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t accept the spirit ticket but still explained for Ding Xue.


    This was mainly because he thought of the Foundation Building jade slips the other party had given him for free earlier. Hence, he spoke in detail.


    ¡°Ammonites, also known as the star shell, is a mollusk. It is a spiritual medicinal catalyst that likes to stay in the cracks of the undersea mountains. It will only go out to sea during the mating season. Every time it goes out, it will cause the red clouds to be tainted with gold. This phenomenon can happen anywhere in the Forbidden Sea of the Nanhuang Continent. Its timing is uncertain and it¡¯s difficult to find traces of it. Hence, it¡¯s rarely seen above the inland.¡±


    ¡°Its attributes are sweet, cold, and slightly poisonous. It can calm the mind. Coupled with the Yin-Yang Polarization Technique and the shell water, it can be refined into a Spirit Ascension Pill.¡±


    ¡°However, many new pharmacological techniques use the ammonite as a parasitic body and take advantage of its special spirit. By turning it into a natural furnace, they can raise good pills. It is even better in harmonizing and neutralizing violent medicinal effects.¡±


    1


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, he continued to stare at the sea, searching for ammonites that could be captured.


    Senior Sister Ding didn¡¯t understand but she vaguely felt that Xu Qing¡¯s words were very impressive. Hence, she looked at Xu Qing and her beautiful eyes revealed an intense expression as she quickly asked.


    ¡°Then why are they glowing?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because during the reproduction season, the ammonites surface and use their bodies to emit different lights to attract the opposite sex.¡±


    ¡°This is also why their lights appear. After touching each other, if the light of both parties is synchronized, they can mate. If the male ammonite¡¯s light can¡¯t be synchronized, it will be despised by the female ammonite. In the end, if it can¡¯t find a female companion, it will dissipate and die.¡±


    2


    As Xu Qing spoke, he grabbed another ammonite that met the requirements.


    Senior Sister Ding¡¯s face was filled with admiration. She knew that Xu Qing was busy now, so she didn¡¯t ask anymore. Instead, she observed and studied.


    Every time Xu Qing made a move, she would pay attention. It didn¡¯t take long for her to see the trick and begin to help.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t need any help. However, on account of the Foundation Building jade slips, although he felt that she was a burden, he didn¡¯t say anything and let Senior Sister Ding busy herself.


    Time flowed by. As more and more disciples took action, a night passed.


    When the morning gradually brightened, all the ammonites that were entangled on the surface of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ harbor left one after another and returned to the bottom of the sea. Only the dull and dead male ammonite corpses floated. After rotting at a speed visible to the naked eye, they transformed into a part of the Forbidden Sea.


    Senior Sister Ding, who had been busy the entire night but was clearly happier, also chose to bid farewell and leave.


    Behind her beautiful figure, Zhao Zhongheng followed with a bitter expression.


    He looked at Senior Sister Ding¡¯s back view in front of him. His eyes revealed desire as he silently swore in his heart.


    ¡°Just watch, Ding Xue. Sooner or later, you¡¯ll be moved by me.¡±


    3

 Chapter 178 - Life Fire, Mystic Brilliance, Illuminating the Heavenly Palace

    That night, Xu Qing gained a lot.


    He had grabbed a total of about 700 ammonites.


    As he looked at the ammonites sealed in ice in his storage bag, six to seven poison recipes that matched this item appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. The might of each of them was extraordinary.


    ¡°There are also my Ghost Desires. If I combine them with the ammonites, and add some medicinal herbs transformed from the two extremes of yin and yang¡­ Perhaps I can make poison powder that will cause even Foundation Building cultivators to die?¡±


    Xu Qing pondered for a moment and felt that his thoughts were still a little optimistic. He recalled the battle with the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. The other party¡¯s resistance to poison was extremely strong. Presumably, the latter wasn¡¯t an exception.


    According to the combination of the Ghost Desire and the ammonite, there was a high chance that what he refined would be a primer that attracted ferocious beasts. Of course, with the ammonite, he could balance the level of attraction.


    ¡°I need an even stronger poison!¡± A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He decided to find an opportunity to head out to sea in the future and search for poisonous materials to strengthen his poison path.


    He retracted his gaze from his storage bag and picked up the three jade slips that Ding Xue had given him. After transferring his spirit energy, he began to check them.


    A long time later, Xu Qing¡¯s expression became a little strange.


    ¡°Hundred-day Foundation Building?¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it and picked up the second one to take a look. Just like that, time slowly passed and a day passed.


    When dusk descended on the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city again, Xu Qing finally understood the contents of these three jade slips completely. He put them all down and rubbed his forehead, his eyes filled with shock.


    ¡°Life Fire Mystic Brilliance, illuminate the Heavenly Palace!¡±


    ¡°Creating the aperture in a hundred days, hiding cultivation from the heavens!¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. According to the contents of the jade slip, there existed great terrors when cultivators in this world tried to break through Qi Condensation and advance to Foundation Building.


    It was as though there was an unknown evil that would interfere with the cultivator¡¯s breakthrough.


    At the same time, the Foundation Building period was also very long. It was known as the Hundred-day Foundation Building.


    It didn¡¯t mean that one had to spend 100 days to complete Foundation Building. However, once Foundation Building was started, it couldn¡¯t exceed 100 days at most. The longer the time, the greater the terrors would be.


    As for what the terrors were, the three jade slips didn¡¯t point out in detail. However, they vaguely mentioned that when cultivators reached the Foundation Building realm, they would attract bizarre entities. Once they encountered a life-and-death situation, they would often be in an extremely miserable state.


    Therefore, when cultivators in this world were at the Foundation Building realm, they had to pay attention to the changes in time at all times. It was as though they were stealing opportunities and couldn¡¯t be discovered by their master.


    At the same time, in order to avoid such a great terror from appearing, cultivators would often choose to use some special magic tools to envelop themselves and protect their safety when breaking through.


    This type of magic artifact wasn¡¯t rare but most of them were in the hands of large sects and clans. The Seven Blood Eyes also had it and it was placed in a fixed place. Generally speaking, if the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples wanted to break through, they would apply to go there.


    However, the fee was extremely high. If the fee was counted based on time, it would cost 100 spirit stones per hour.


    As for those rogue cultivators or those who didn¡¯t have a place to rent magic treasures, they had to take a huge risk if they wanted to reach the Foundation Building realm.


    The rate of death and failure was extremely high, so breaking through without the protection of a magic tool was a method that no one would choose unless they had no other options.


    Xu Qing thought of the god¡¯s fragmented face and didn¡¯t have to analyze anything to know that this issue was related to its existence.


    After a while, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes, continuing to organize the information on the three jade slips in his mind.


    The principle of Foundation Building was to use the accumulated spirit sea to break through and open one¡¯s magic aperture!


    The so-called magic aperture was a hidden spirit point in the human body. It contained mysterious powers and after opening it, the level of life would change.


    Qi Condensation and Foundation Building were fundamentally different. In Qi Condensation, the cultivators accumulated their spirit sea, while in Foundation Building, the cultivators would continuously open their magic apertures.


    After reaching the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm, the first stage in stepping into Foundation Building was to sense the location and number of one¡¯s magic apertures.


    After that, the cultivator needed to use the spirit sea to attack a magic aperture. After opening it, it would become their first magic aperture.


    The spirit energy would fuse into this magic aperture and gather into a vortex, giving birth to a trace of magic power that far surpassed spirit energy!


    Qi Condensation contained spirit energy, and Foundation Building contained magic power!


    The difference between the two was like heaven and earth!


    Due to the fact that the spirit energy of different cultivators was inconsistent, the magic power born from the opened magic apertures was also different. The denser the spirit energy when one was in Qi Condensation, the more magic power they would have when they broke through to Foundation Building. Moreover, this advantage would be reflected in every magic aperture. As this advantage accumulated, the difference would gradually be extremely great.


    Also, the main point here was sensing.


    The cultivator had to find the location of the magic aperture first if they wanted to open it. If they wanted to open more, they had to sense more locations of magic apertures. The effect of the Foundation Building Pill lied here.


    This would determine how far one could go in the future, so it was extremely important to cultivators.


    And anomalous substances were the greatest obstruction to sensing the magic apertures.


    In this world contaminated by the aura of the god, 99% of the living beings contained varying degrees of anomalous substances.


    The moment a cultivator was ready to advance to the Foundation Building realm, the anomalous substances in them would further conceal their magic apertures.


    Generally speaking, it was already good to be able to sense 80 of them.


    If they could sense 90, they were definitely an outstanding talent. Only the disciples of large sects could accomplish it.


    Sensing the magic apertures was like exploring in the dark night, so there were great horrors in it.


    Hence, there was the saying of building the spirit in a hundred days and hiding the cultivation from the heavens.


    As for the limit of magic apertures, it was 120. However, this was only a theoretical limit. Those who could sense all of them were extremely rare.


    The jade slips also mentioned that in the place of origin of the human race in the Wanggu Continent, only those who used special methods to make their bodies pure without any anomalous substances were qualified to attempt it.


    However, it required dense spirit energy to support it. After all, even if there were no anomalous substances, the difference in aptitude would still affect the sensing process.


    Such people would have an extremely terrifying background and strength. They were often seeds nurtured by the super large sects and ancient families at the origin of the human race to walk the path of the ancient kings and sovereigns.


    Although the Seven Blood Eyes was strong, it was only in comparison to the Nanhuang Continent. Only the Seven Sects Alliance could barely be considered a super sect in the Wanggu Continent.


    The Seven Blood Eyes didn¡¯t have the qualifications to have such a disciple. Since ancient times, it never had such a disciple.


    ¡°None¡­¡± Xu Qing retracted his gaze from the jade slip and lifted his head to look at the pitch-black sky. The sky tonight was even darker than before but he could still see a few bright stars.


    Looking at those stars, the description of the second stage of Foundation Building appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    The first stage was sensing the magic apertures.


    The second stage was to open the first magic aperture and give birth to magic power. This magic power would flow through the entire body and change the life level!


    At this point, it could be considered a success in Foundation Building.


    The cultivation after that was to open one magic aperture after another according to different cultivation arts and the methods of the various sects. After 30 magic apertures were opened, the magic power emitted by the 30 magic apertures would form the first ball of life fire for a Foundation Building cultivator.


    The 60th magic aperture would form a second ball of life fire.


    The 90th magic aperture would form the third ball of life fire.


    At this stage, the cultivation could attempt to break through to the Golden Core Realm. As for the fourth ball of life fire, it required great opportunities and great talent.


    Once the life fire was formed, even if there was only a ball of it, it was enough to envelop the entire body. It was like a spark in the night, illuminating the heavenly palace.


    A Foundation Building cultivator who had formed a life fire was a completely different existence from those who had not.


    This was because the life fire involved the signature ability of Foundation Building cultivators, which was to activate the Mystic Brilliance Form.


    Due to the huge consumption of life fire and the astonishing might when it erupted, it was usually in an extinguished state. Only when Foundation Building cultivators fought with all their might would they choose to light it.


    Once ignited, the cultivator¡¯s combat strength would increase greatly. This state far exceeded the norm, so it was known as the Mystic Brilliance Form.


    Generally speaking, if a cultivator who had a 1000-foot-high spirit sea opened the 30th magic aperture and formed the Life Fire, they could maintain the Mystic Brilliance Form for 1,800 breaths of time.


    Every breath consumed a huge amount of magic power.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and suppressed the thoughts of Foundation Building.


    The information Ding Xue had given him was complete, but Xu Qing had a cautious personality. Although there was a high chance that the information was not fake, he still didn¡¯t completely believe it and would wait for further verification.


    2


    In addition, although his spirit sea had reached 2,700 feet previously, Xu Qing could clearly sense the spirit sea expanding over the past few days of cultivation. Now, it had reached 2,900 feet.


    However, this was far from his limit. It was the same for the Mountains and Seas Art. Hence, Xu Qing was prepared to cultivate the spirit sea in his body to the extreme before breaking through to the Foundation Building realm.


    He also needed to think of a way to collect spirit stones to prepare for the Foundation Building, such as the Foundation Building Pill.


    ¡°Although I don¡¯t have any anomalous substances, I still have to prepare the Foundation Building Pill to be safe. It¡¯s best if I can prepare two of them, but it is too expensive.¡± Xu Qing opened his storage bag and felt a little worried after calculating.


    ¡°In addition, although the fee for renting a Foundation Building place that provides shelter is still astonishing, the jade slip mentioned that in order to encourage disciples to reach the Foundation Building realm, the Seven Blood Eyes can provide loans to pay for the fees of the Foundation Building place. The hundred-day rent fee along with interest can be paid back in three years.¡±


    ¡°However, I have to prepare the Foundation Building Pill myself¡­¡± Xu Qing fell silent. His heart ached a little at the thought of the interest on the loan. According to the jade slip, the interest would be above 50% of the principal.


    ¡°The 100-day rent is 120,000 spirit stones, if the interest is added, it would be 180,000 spirit stones in three years which means 5,000 spirit stones a month. It¡¯s not worth it.¡± Xu Qing sighed. He realized that it was too difficult to reach the Foundation Building.


    1


    He suddenly understood why the captain said that many disciples were suppressing their cultivation levels and not breaking through because of the competition.


    Now that he thought about it, there was a high chance that they hadn¡¯t accumulated enough spirit stones and were just waiting for the competition to start to make a fortune.


    Hence, Xu Qing had very high expectations for the upcoming competition of the Seventh Peak.


    A long time later, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes, starting to cultivate.


    The night passed. The next morning, Xu Qing, who was cultivating intensively, suddenly felt his mind tremble. His eyes suddenly opened and he walked out of the cabin. When he looked at the sky, the cultivation base in his body circulated and the spirit energy in the surroundings spread.


    Almost at the instant he looked over, a rainbow flew over rapidly. Its target was Xu Qing¡¯s boat, and it instantly got close.


    It was as though the other party had no intention of stopping. It directly ignored Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat¡¯s defense and wanted to forcefully step onto the boat.


    However, after noticing Xu Qing, a soft cry of surprise rang out from within the rainbow. It suddenly stopped in the air outside the magic boat, revealing the figure of a young cultivator.


    This youth wore a dark purple Daoist robe and his Foundation Building cultivation was very obvious. He stood in the air and lowered his head to look at Xu Qing, who was inside the magic boat¡¯s protective barrier. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°Greetings, Deacon Li.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm but he was extremely vigilant. He quickly analyzed the reason why the other party was here.


    He recognized the other party¡¯s identity. He was the favorite of Elder Zhao, and had taken Zhao Zhongheng away during the Dispatch Department incident.


    ¡®Interesting. He actually silently cultivated to the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm and can attempt to break through at any time.¡¯


    Deacon Li looked at Xu Qing and revealed a smile. His attitude was clearly better than before.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to think too much. I¡¯m here on Elder Zhao¡¯s orders to summon you to meet and ask about the matter of you reporting the giant and the dragon carriage earlier. It has nothing to do with anything else. You can rest assured!¡±


    Deacon Li could see Xu Qing¡¯s vigilance. He wasn¡¯t a core disciple who had advanced to the Foundation Building realm but had fought his way up from the foot of the mountain. Hence, he was very clear about the temperament of these wolf cubs at the foot of the mountain.


    If it was any other disciple, he wouldn¡¯t care. However, to a disciple who could break through at any time and had a high chance of becoming a Foundation Building cultivator, his attitude was naturally different.

 Chapter 179 - The Suns Carriage

    ¡°Giant and the dragon carriage?¡± Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He recalled that after he returned from the sea, he had made a trip to the Sea Records Library and reported this matter.


    He had left the sect after that and went to the Red Plains. Now that he had returned not long ago, it was both reasonable and unreasonable for the other party to come and ask him about this.


    What was reasonable was the time, but what was unreasonable was that the other party actually wanted to summon him and ask him personally.


    If all of this was true, Xu Qing could already judge that the matter of the giant and the dragon carriage was probably very important. That was why it attracted Elder Zhao¡¯s attention.


    Xu Qing knew that he couldn¡¯t refuse this matter.


    He nodded silently and put away his magic boat. When he looked up at Deacon Li, Deacon Li had a spurious smile on his face as he spoke.


    ¡°I suggest that you don¡¯t make the elder wait too long. Besides, I also came from the foot of the mountain. I don¡¯t believe that someone with your cultivation level wouldn¡¯t have prepared a flight talisman.¡±


    ¡°So, do you want me to bring you or do you want to move by yourself?¡± Deacon Li looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing nodded and stuck a flight talisman on his leg. With a step, he directly arrived in the air.


    Deacon Li transformed into a rainbow and headed straight for the Seventh Peak.


    Xu Qing followed behind.


    As they got closer and closer to the Seventh Peak, Xu Qing sighed with emotion. This was his second time here.


    The first time was when he entered the sect.


    He still remembered what the round-faced cultivator had said.


    ¡®This might be your only time going up the mountain.¡¯


    Now that he thought about it, it was correct. After all, not everyone had the hope of reaching the Foundation Building realm. Even he had to consider the Foundation Building resources.


    As he pondered, Xu Qing did not lower his vigilance. He couldn¡¯t completely trust the other party¡¯s words but he had no other choice now.


    Just like that, the Seventh Peak gradually became clearer in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Most of the mountain was covered in green plants, and one could see a mountain path winding from the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain.


    This mountain path had many forks that were connected to palace-like buildings. At the same time, there were plazas and cave abodes in many places on the mountain.


    The two of them quickly flew into the mountain and passed by many large halls. They also passed by the place where Xu Qing had obtained the Daoist robe and magic boat back then. Finally, in the area near the top of the mountain, a magnificent large hall was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    This hall was even more imposing than what he had seen on the way. It was built with greenish-white spirit tiles. At the same time, there were statues of strange beasts stuck on each corner as though they were about to soar into the sky.


    In front of the hall, there were two huge human-shaped stone statues standing there like giants, emitting waves of pressure.


    The door of the hall wasn¡¯t closed but for some reason, the interior couldn¡¯t be seen at all. It was a blur.


    Deacon Li¡¯s body landed, and Xu Qing also landed on the ground.


    An intense sense of danger invaded his body at this moment. The invisible array fluctuations from the surroundings seemed to be able to instantly destroy him. What was even more terrifying was something in the hall.


    It was as though an astonishing ferocious beast was entrenched in this hall. The aura it exhaled transformed into a storm that shook the soul. As it spread in all directions, Deacon Li respectfully lowered his head and spoke.


    ¡°Elder, I have brought Xu Qing.¡±


    ¡°Come in.¡± A hoarse and aged voice rang out from the hall.


    When it landed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears, it felt like it had transformed into rumbling thunder, causing Xu Qing¡¯s breathing to be hurried. He felt a tremendous pressure descend upon him.


    He barely managed to steady himself. After lowering his head and bowing, he lifted his feet with difficulty and walked forward step by step.


    With each step he took, sweat broke out on his forehead. The astonishing pressure coming from the hall caused his mind to rumble the closer he got. The trembling from all the flesh and blood in his body made it difficult for Xu Qing to walk.


    However, it seemed that the existence in the hall didn¡¯t have any obvious malice. This pressure seemed to be instinctively released. Hence, although it was difficult for Xu Qing, he was still able to rely on his body refinement attainment and cultivation to walk in step by step.


    The instant he stepped through the threshold of the hall, he finally understood why everything he saw from the outside was a blur. It was because¡­ everything in the hall was distorted.


    Regardless of whether it was the furniture or the stone pillars, even the surrounding walls were shaking and twisting endlessly in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The source of all this was the figure of an old man sitting on the large chair at the front.


    His face couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. Only his purple Daoist robe and white hair could be seen.


    His body seemed to emit an invisible force that caused the area it enveloped to be unable to be seen clearly.


    ¡°Greetings, elder.¡± Xu Qing endured the dizziness caused by the distortion on the ground and bowed with cupped fists.


    ¡°Tell me in detail about the Golden Crow Dragon Carriage you saw.¡± The ancient voice calmly rang out and sank into Xu Qing¡¯s mind, echoing for a while.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. There was nothing to hide about this matter. It was originally a chance encounter, so he chose to report it previously. Hence, after the elder spoke, he told him everything.


    Elder Zhao didn¡¯t say a word and only listened quietly.


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, the hall fell silent.


    Xu Qing silently endured the immense pressure.


    After a long time, Elder Zhao¡¯s voice slowly rang out without the slightest fluctuation of emotions.


    ¡°You missed an opportunity.¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    ¡°But you also managed to survive.¡±


    Xu Qing hesitated for a moment. He endured the pressure and dizziness and cupped his fists.


    ¡°Elder, may I ask what¡­ that dragon carriage is?¡±


    The hall was silent. After a long time, the aged voice rang out again.


    ¡°Since you¡¯ve seen it with your own eyes, there¡¯s no harm in telling you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the sun¡¯s carriage!¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his heart trembled violently.


    ¡°There¡¯s a secret art engraved on the inner wall of the bronze dragon carriage. It¡¯s called the Golden Crow Refines All Life. This secret art is one of the emperor-level secret arts which were rare even in ancient times.¡±


    ¡°Very few people can encounter the sun¡¯s carriage, and even fewer people have the opportunity to see this secret art. Those who can learn it after seeing it are extremely rare.¡± There was a hint of emotion in the old voice as he said this.


    ¡°Secret art?¡± The giant and the dragon carriage he had seen back then appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I said that you missed an opportunity. Your luck is poor.¡±


    ¡°For so many years, only the Lord of the Seven Sects Alliance of my Seven Blood Eyes had such an opportunity when he was young. He stayed in the dragon carriage for a breath of time and learned a fragment of the art.¡±


    ¡°After that, the dragon carriage sank to the bottom of the sea. It has been a hundred years since then. Now that it has reappeared, it¡¯s obvious that it¡¯s searching for someone fated. When the secret art in the dragon carriage is comprehended again, it will sink to the bottom of the sea and sleep again.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts fluctuated. These things had an extremely great impact on him. Presumably, they were also secrets. It was impossible for a piedmont disciple like him to know.


    ¡°I told you this because this matter can¡¯t be recorded in the Sea Records Library and it¡¯s difficult to exchange it for spirit stones. Therefore, it can be considered compensation to you.¡±


    ¡°Also, seeing that your cultivation base is about to break through and the Seventh Peak¡¯s Grand Competition will begin soon, try to do your best.¡±


    As the aged voice echoed, a huge force swept over from all directions. Xu Qing¡¯s body retreated uncontrollably until he was outside the hall. Everything in the hall became blurry again.


    Looking at the hall, Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed.


    At this moment, there was already a lot of sweat on his body. In the short period of time in the hall, the pressure he endured was extremely great. Elder Zhao, who was sitting in the chair, made him feel that he was much more terrifying and powerful than the ferocious beasts in the forbidden zone he had seen before.


    Deacon Li was still waiting outside the hall. When he saw Xu Qing coming out, he said with a smile.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯ll send you off.¡±


    As he spoke, his body flew up.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and followed behind. The mountain breeze blew over and dried the sweat on his body. However, the terrifying feeling in his heart about Elder Zhao¡¯s strength couldn¡¯t be blown away by the wind.


    ¡°Elder Zhao isn¡¯t an ordinary elder.¡± Deacon Li, who was at the front, glanced at Xu Qing and slowly spoke.


    ¡°In the Seventh Peak, among the 13 elders, Elder Zhao is ranked third.¡±


    ¡°Also, I heard Zhongheng talking about you. In the elder¡¯s words¡­ although that kid is stupid, he is not of bad character.¡± Outside the Seventh Peak, Deacon Li said this meaningfully and left.


    Xu Qing looked at the other party¡¯s back and fell silent for a moment before entering the city.


    He was very clear about the meaning of the other party¡¯s last sentence. This was a warning to him not to secretly kill Zhao Zhongheng because of some small conflicts.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have such thoughts for now.


    ¡°Zhao Zhongheng has a good grandfather.¡±


    ¡°Also¡­ is the competition going to start soon?¡± Xu Qing walked through the city with a calm expression, slowly calming the emotions caused by Elder Zhao¡¯s pressure. He thought of the array crossbow he had obtained from the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and changed his direction, walking toward the Transportation Department.


    He was prepared to strengthen his magic boat a little before the competition.


    It was noon and there were many pedestrians in the city. Amidst the coldness and people rushing about, Xu Qing passed by a fruit stall. There were some large apples today which were not easy to come by.


    After Xu Qing saw them, he bought them all and placed them in his pouch before walking into the port area.


    While walking toward the Transportation Department, he passed by an alley. Xu Qing seemed to have sensed something and suddenly turned his head to look over. A cold glint appeared in his eyes.


    As his gaze landed, the shadow of a youth was revealed in the darkness of the alley.


    This youth wore a gray Daoist robe that was bulging. He also wore a dog skin coat inside. His small face was dirty. He was none other than the mute youth from the Homicide Department.


    He seemed to have been waiting for a long time. When he saw Xu Qing, he immediately dragged a corpse over. After placing it in front of Xu Qing, his stiff face forced out a fawning expression. After that, he quickly ran away without even looking back.


    Xu Qing frowned and looked at the corpse in front of him.


    This was a wanted criminal. His corpse was covered in bite marks. Other than his intact head, his entire body was badly mangled, as though he had been bitten to death by a wild beast.

 Chapter 180 - Content of the Jade Slip (1)

    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t stingy with spending spirit stones for his cultivation, but his life was very frugal.


    Even though he had gained huge profits, he only ate three more eggs for breakfast.


    He still maintained the habit of remembering the criminals updated in the wanted criminal jade slip.


    After all, no matter how few spirit stones they gave, they were still spirit stones. Moreover, if he was lucky, he could obtain even more items from the other party¡¯s storage bag.


    Hence, he recognized the identity of the corpse in front of him at a glance. The other party was from a pirate organization and was worth 15 spirit stones.


    Such a sum of spirit stones wasn¡¯t much to the current Xu Qing but one could imagine that to the mute youth, it was a huge fortune.


    Such wealth was actually given to him directly¡­


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and looked in the direction the mute youth had left in.


    He could naturally tell that the other party had specially waited for him here to seemingly give this wanted criminal to him.


    ¡°A trap?¡± Xu Qing mumbled. He didn¡¯t bother with the wanted criminal under his feet and walked into the distance. Very soon, his figure disappeared from the streets.


    After he left, the wanted criminal¡¯s corpse on the ground attracted the attention of the pedestrians in the surroundings. Most of them avoided it but there were still some disciples who saw the corpse. Their gazes flickered as they observed and were about to approach.


    However, the instant they got close, a small but agile figure like a wild dog instantly rushed over from the alley at the side and arrived beside the corpse.


    Squatting there, his eyes revealed cruelty as though he was protecting his food. He ferociously looked at the people in the surroundings who were about to approach.


    His teeth seemed to have been ground and were different from ordinary people. He opened his mouth, revealing his sawtooth teeth, and released a ferocious aura, causing the surrounding cultivators to stop in their tracks.


    The surrounding disciples swept their gazes across the traces of bite marks on the corpse and all of them chose to retreat. Only the mute youth squatted beside the corpse in a daze. His expression carried a rare hint of confusion and frustration.


    Just like that, time flowed by and dusk soon arrived. The youth stayed beside the corpse the entire time. Only when the night enveloped him did he silently grab the corpse and drag it into the alley, following the corners all the way back to his residence.


    The place he lived in wasn¡¯t a magic boat but a simple and crude hut.


    The monthly fee for the hut was much lower than the berth. He carefully approached but didn¡¯t use the door. Instead, he circled around and pushed aside blocked bricks from the back wall before entering.


    In the small hut, he let out a long sigh of relief and silently squatted in the corner in the darkness which allowed him to see the window and the door at the same time. After being in a daze for a long time, he lowered his head and looked at the wanted criminal¡¯s corpse at the side. The frustrated expression on his face grew even stronger.


    After a long time, he hesitated for a moment before touching the wanted criminal¡¯s body.


    It seemed like he hadn¡¯t checked this wanted criminal¡¯s leather pouch before. Now that he took it out, his eyes revealed surprise after he opened it and saw three spirit stones.


    He immediately held them and warily looked around. After confirming that there was nothing wrong, he kept the spirit stones. He then carefully counted his savings. He had a total of 77 spirit stones.


    After counting, he squatted there and his expression became dejected again. Finally, he took out a rough stone and opened his mouth to grind his teeth, making them sharper.


    However, he was only at the third level of Qi Condensation, so he couldn¡¯t sense that at this moment, outside his small hut, Xu Qing was standing there, coldly watching his every move.


    Xu Qing had a vigilant and cautious personality. Even though the other party¡¯s cultivation was inferior to his, he was still vigilant.


    From what he saw during the day, there were only two possibilities. One was that the mute youth really gave the corpse as a gift, and the other was that the latter had other motives.


    In this cruel chaotic world, anything could happen, so he did not accept this gift. Instead, he hid after he left and secretly observed to decide if he should attack or not.


    ¡°Is it because he felt fear toward me when we met a few days ago, so he came to curry favor?¡± Xu Qing glanced at the youth in the hut. He then pushed the door open and walked in.


    The instant he walked in, the youth at the corner of the wall immediately bared his teeth, as though he was about to explode. However, after seeing Xu Qing clearly, his body suddenly trembled. The fear in his eyes was extremely intense and he didn¡¯t dare to move at all.


    ¡°What did you see?¡± Xu Qing threw a jade slip over and stood at the door as he slowly spoke.


    The moonlight landed on his body, reflecting his shadow into the house, almost touching the little mute.


    The little mute pressed his body tightly against the wall and took the jade slip.


    The captain had asked him about the same thing, but his attitude told that he would not say anything even if he died. At this moment, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He immediately imprinted what he wanted to say and cautiously handed it to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing took the jade slip. After his spirit energy gushed in and scanned it, his expression suddenly changed.


    A cold glint appeared in his eyes. After casting a meaningful glance at the little mute, he took out eight spirit stones and tossed them over before leaving.


    77 plus 15 plus 8 equaled 100. This was the amount that was needed to exchange for a magic boat.


    Even as he walked far away, Xu Qing still grabbed the jade slip tightly. As he returned to his berth, the instant he stepped onto the magic boat, his right hand suddenly clenched and the jade slip turned into ashes.


    1


    After that, he expressionlessly walked into the cabin and closed his eyes to start cultivating.


    The night passed.


    The next morning, Xu Qing went to Zhang San¡¯s place with his usual expression and sent the array crossbow he had obtained from the Diamond Sect over. Under Zhang San¡¯s refinement, this array crossbow was placed on his magic boat and became one of his trump cards second only to divine attack.

 Chapter 181 - Content of the Jade Slip (2)

    ¡°This thing is a treasure. Xu Qing, as long as you get a Foundation Building power source, your boat will be upgraded to a magic ship.¡± Zhang San said. After that, he looked left and right before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°Xu Qing, are you going to take part in the competition? It should be in the next few days. I¡¯m preparing to do something big. If you are going, we can join forces.¡±


    ¡°I am going.¡± Xu Qing nodded.


    Zhang San laughed and didn¡¯t say anything else.


    Xu Qing cupped his fists and left. As he walked at the harbor, he noticed that the shops of the various peaks were filled with Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples.


    There were also more magic boats returning to the harbor than usual. In fact, he even saw a few very unfamiliar faces on the way, and all of them had cultivation fluctuations that were at least at the eighth or ninth level of Qi Condensation.


    There were even a few who had reached the great circle of perfection like hima€|


    Clearly, these Seven Blood Eyes disciples had been in closed-door cultivation or had been wandering on the sea, and rushed back after hearing about the competition.


    As for the baleful aura on their bodies, Xu Qing could clearly sense the coldness that came from their bones.


    He had also heard that the Northern Spirit Race of the Western Reef Archipelago was extremely anxious during this period. They kept sending requests for help to the other nonhuman races, and also sent envoys to the Seven Blood Eyes for peace talks many times.


    This made Xu Qing think of the captain¡¯s words and his own guess.


    ¡°In that case, will the true target be the merfolk race?¡± Xu Qing mumbled. That night, a familiar visitor came to his boat.


    ¡°Xu Qing, Xu Qing, why didn¡¯t you tell me that you were back? You are not treating me, Huang Yan, as a brother.¡± Outside the magic boat, Huang Yan shouted loudly with a hint of unhappiness on his face.


    When Xu Qing heard the sounds outside, he walked out of the cabin and smiled.


    Up until now, he came to know many people in the Seven Blood Eyes. However, very few of them gave him a real feeling. Huang Yan was one of them.


    ¡°I came back to deal with some trivial matters,¡± Xu Qing explained.


    Huang Yan didn¡¯t mind. He laughed and sat on the shore. Just like last time, he didn¡¯t board the ship. After he sat down, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I found out a big secret today!¡±


    Upon hearing the word ¡®secret¡¯, Xu Qing felt a little vigilant. He thought of the captain¡¯s secret that was worth 100 spirit stones.


    Before Xu Qing could speak, Huang Yan quickly spoke with a hint of showing off.


    ¡°Do you feel that there¡¯s something wrong with the Seventh Peak this time? Although the targets and destinations were also announced in advance before, I keep feeling that this time around, it¡¯s too deliberate. With the nature of the Seventh Peak¡­ I feel that the location of this competition definitely isn¡¯t the Northern Spirit Race¡¯s island. According to my analysis and investigation, I¡¯m certain that the target this time is the merfolk race!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. After glancing at Huang Yan¡¯s expression, he revealed a shocked expression without needing the other party to remind him.


    1


    Seeing Xu Qing¡¯s expression, Huang Yan instantly felt comfortable and smug.


    ¡°Haha, actually, it¡¯s nothing much. My senior sister told me all of this. We have no secrets between us now.¡±


    ¡°After I found out about this, I started investigating the information about Merfolk Island. When I found out that you had returned, I quickly came over to share it with you. How is it? Ain¡¯t I a good brother?¡± Huang Yan threw a jade slip to Xu Qing and spoke again in a low voice.


    ¡°I was really shocked from what I found out. This merfolk race is too rich. They have four islands, namely Image, Hidden, Binding, and Mire. Every island contains a large number of treasures. I have summarized the most valuable treasures that few people know about on this jade slip.¡±


    Xu Qing caught the jade slip and poured his spirit energy into it to check. Huang Yan seemed to have memorized it and shook his head as he spoke.


    ¡°I spent a lot of effort to get this information. Let me tell you, there¡¯s an armor on Mire Island called the Mire Armor. It¡¯s hidden in the Mire Volcano. It¡¯s an armor at the level of a magic treasure that the merfolk race has been forging for the past thousand years. The value of this thing is too great. It¡¯s a pity that we can¡¯t get it.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a large number of merfolk tears on the Image Island. This is something comparable to a spirit pill. However, more importantly, the Image Island has a drop of Image¡¯s tear which is the most valuable thing in the whole island. Image is the name of the merfolk race¡¯s ancestor. This tear is his last drop before he died and it was embedded in his crown.¡±


    At this point, Huang Yan took out two eggs and threw one to Xu Qing. He took one and poked it, sucking as he spoke.


    ¡°As for the Hidden Island, it¡¯s a graveyard. There are countless treasures buried there but the most valuable one is a feather. Do you know whose feather it is? It¡¯s the Flame Phoenix¡¯s. Flame Phoenix, do you know who it is? That¡¯s the king of the western forbidden zone of the Nanhuang Continent¡¯s Truth Mountain Range and also the king of the Nanhuang Continent. You should know why it¡¯s called the Nanhuang Continent, right?¡±


    ¡°Lastly, there¡¯s the Binding Island. That island is also very astonishing. It¡¯s said that there are many pill vaults and there should be many Foundation Building Pills stored there. Back then, Senior Sister went there to snatch them. I guess that she will definitely fight for them this time as well.¡±


    ¡°These aren¡¯t much. There¡¯s a treasure worth 500,000 spirit stones on Binding Island called the Spirit Breath Lantern!¡±


    ¡°This Spirit Breath Lantern is a Foundation Building holy item of the merfolk race. It¡¯s placed in the Foundation Building Pagoda in the Binding Island¡¯s main city.¡±


    ¡°That place is a specialized Foundation Building place for merfolk cultivators. It¡¯s the same as our Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Foundation Building place, which costs 100 spirit stones per hour. However, I heard that what we use is divine blood to protect our disciples while the merfolk rely on this lantern.¡±


    ¡°In reality, every large sect and clan has such a magic tool that protects their disciples when they advance to the Foundation Building realm. The types are different, and the effect of this one from the merfolk race is actually average, so those large sects and clans don¡¯t fancy it.¡±


    ¡°The reason why I am saying it is worth 500,000 spirit stones is because after Senior Sister snatched it away last time, she demanded 2 million spirit stones from the merfolk race. Later on, the merfolk race agreed on 500,000 spirit stones and bought it back.


    ¡°By the way, it¡¯s rumored that there are clues about some temple hidden in this Spirit Breath Lantern. However, no one has found it after so many years. Senior Sister couldn¡¯t find it, so she sold it back. Everything is in the jade slip. You can read it yourself later.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he fell silent. He was still worrying about tens of thousands of spirit stones but the other party was talking about millions of spirit stones.


    This made him feel a little uncomfortable. After he broke the egg and took a sip, he still couldn¡¯t suppress the thoughts of excitement that rose in his heart.


    Huang Yan finished speaking and started chatting about him and his senior sister.


    Throughout the entire process, he was basically the one talking and Xu Qing was the one listening. This way of interaction was strange but Huang Yan felt very comfortable.


    When it was late in the night, Huang Yan, who had finished eating the egg, patted his stomach and got up to leave. Before he left, he burped and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I know there¡¯s a high chance that you won¡¯t, but I still have to remind you. Don¡¯t be stupid and fight for first place. That core disciple status isn¡¯t important. Resources are the most important during the competition. You¡¯ll know when the time comes.¡±


    ¡°In reality, not many people care about rankings. They¡¯re all here to make a fortune. Also, let me tell you, only the two of us know about this information. I treat you as my brother, so don¡¯t go around spreading the news. When the time comes, we¡¯ll take whatever we can from the island we arrive at and make a fortune!¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    Huang Yan patted his belly in satisfaction and left. As he walked, he took out a jade slip and whispered sweet nothings to his senior sister.


    Watching Huang Yan leave, Xu Qing sat on the deck and looked at the Forbidden Sea. His gaze landed in the distance.


    At that moment, the waves gently surged over, causing the boat to sway slightly.


    Under the moonlight, his shadow landed on the deck beside him. A portion of it spread into the sea and fused with the black seawater.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze from afar and swept it across the shadow. A cold glint flashed in his eyes as the words in the jade slip given by the little mute surfaced in his mind.


    ¡°It¡¯s sleeping¡­¡±


    2


    Time flowed by. Three days later, early in the morning, the identity tokens of all the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples in the Seven Blood Eyes vibrated at the same time. A dignified voice entered the minds of all the disciples.


    ¡°All disciples who are participating in the competition, gather at the central altar in 15 minutes. The Seventh Peak¡¯s Grand Competition will begin immediately!¡±

 Chapter 182 - Punishment of Extermination

    Xu Qing suddenly opened his eyes.


    He calmly stood up and tidied his clothes before walking out of the cabin.


    The sky was gloomy today.


    Although the sun had risen, the first rays of the morning seemed to sense the killing intent from the Seven Blood Eyes. Hence, it put on its gray battle robe; the originally warm light pierced through the clouds and became dim.


    As dark clouds began forming in the sky, figures rushed out from different places in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ports. They followed the streets of the port areas and headed straight for the central altar.


    These figures were all hiding their ferocity. The coldness from their bodies was like sharp blades. Moreover, their cultivation levels were extraordinary. The weakest among them was at the sixth level of Qi Condensation.


    Among them, there were also many who were at the eighth or ninth level or even higher.


    After all, any disciple who could survive in the cruel Gu nurturing environment at the foot of the Seven Blood Eyes Mountains had their own way of survival. Even if they were originally gentle, they would be forced to change by this environment. The price of not changing was death.


    As they rushed out, waves of uncontrollable killing aura spread in all directions, transforming into oppression that enveloped the entire city, causing most of the commoners in the port areas to not leave their houses.


    Even those who were outside immediately spread out on both sides of the street to make way for the disciples who were rushing out.


    From afar, the majestic voice that echoed in everyone¡¯s minds was like the long howl of the wolf king, causing countless ferocious wolves to gather together with bloodthirst and excitement.


    Xu Qing leaped down from the magic boat. Without turning his head, he waved his right hand behind him. Immediately, the magic boat flickered with black light and rapidly shrank, turning into a stream of light that flew into the magic bottle in Xu Qing¡¯s storage bag.


    With just a step, he traveled more than 30 feet. After landing, he took another step.


    Although he didn¡¯t fly, his speed was still astonishing. He quickly left the harbor and stepped onto the streets, moving faster and faster.


    A whistling sound rang out in his ears. It was a disciple using a flight talisman to move forward in the air. There were even more disciples running around him. When he passed by the Homicide Department, Xu Qing even saw his captain.


    The captain smiled at him and threw an apple over. When he got close, he whispered.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to keep a straight face. No matter which race our target is, our goal is to get rich. The real big deal will be handled by those people on the mountain.¡± The captain winked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing nodded and ran as fast as he could with the captain.


    Just like that, the 4000 to 5000 people from the Seventh Peak who were participating in this competition gradually approached the central altar at their respective speeds.


    From afar, Xu Qing could see a gigantic circular array formation at the central altar.


    This array formation was formed by countless runes of various sizes. Every rune shone with a purple light, causing the light of the array formation to be so dazzling that it seemed like it could connect to the sky.


    It was a thousand feet tall, like a huge plate standing upright.


    Upon closer inspection, one could see that the runes inside were densely arranged in layers of rings. As the rings rotated irregularly, an earth-shattering aura faintly spread out.


    As he got closer, the aura became increasingly intense. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he sensed how terrifying the aura was. His speed also slowed down.


    When he arrived at the central altar, there were already more than 2,000 people here.


    As for all the people who arrived, their speed slowed down after they got close. They stood in the surroundings and waited. Moreover, there was an instinctive gap between them. Only the murderous intent connected everyone¡¯s auras, causing the dark clouds in the sky to become even denser.


    Vaguely, there was also an astonishing figure that was like a giant dragon swimming in the clouds, causing bolts of lightning to appear in the sky, accompanied by majestic thunder.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and waited silently like others. Fifteen minutes was up. All the participants who were going to participate in the competition had arrived. No one spoke.


    Only numerous cold gazes gathered on the huge array formation from all directions.


    The spinning array formation suddenly rumbled.


    A purple catkin that was like a streamer separated from it. When it spread to the air, the end of the streamer broke open and a figure appeared.


    Foundation Building cultivation aura spread out from this figure.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Very soon, more and more streamers spread out from the array formation until there were a hundred of them.


    At the end of each streamer, the figures of cultivators could be seen. They were all Foundation Building cultivators.


    The descent of a hundred Foundation Building cultivators caused the aura in the surroundings to become even more oppressive. All the disciples below were shocked.


    Xu Qing was the same. As his heart trembled, another 13 purple catkins that were clearly much thicker floated out of the array formation and headed straight for the sky, like 13 long dragons rising into the air.


    Amidst the majestic aura, 13 god-like figures appeared on the 13 huge purple streamers.


    There were men and women among them, and all of their faces were blurry.


    Their appearance caused the surroundings to rumble. Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. Although he couldn¡¯t see the faces of these people clearly, he could still sense Elder Zhao¡¯s aura from the third person.


    ¡°Greetings, elders!¡±


    The hundred Foundation Building cultivators in the sky lowered their heads in unison. Their voices were like huge waves that rumbled in all directions. At the same time, the 13 Seventh Peak elders who were greeted by all the Foundation Building cultivators ignored them and bowed to the sky even higher.


    ¡°Welcome, Peak Lord!¡±


    As their voices rang out, the clouds in the sky exploded with unprecedented lightning. The dark clouds that filled the air were instantly torn to pieces and revealed the huge figure hidden within.


    It was a huge wyvern that was pitch-black and ten thousand feet long. Its golden vertical pupils emitted a holy intent. Every black scale on its body emitted a terrifying fluctuation, causing the world to lose color and the wind and clouds to surge.


    It was as though the flapping of its wings could create a tsunami, and its roar could cause misery and suffering.


    On its back were rows of luxurious palaces.


    The palaces seemed to have grown on it and not built, as if they were one with it!


    A figure stood on the pavilion in the tallest palace.


    Because it was too far from the ground, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see the figure clearly. However, he could sense that this figure emitted a shocking pressure that seemed to be able to suppress everyone.


    In comparison, the 13 elders did not seem so high anymore and the 10,000-foot-long wyvern also became docile. This strength¡­ surpassed Xu Qing¡¯s understanding and couldn¡¯t be described or compared. He could only lower his head.


    ¡°That¡¯s the Peak Lord¡¯s Great Wing transformation!¡± The instant Xu Qing lowered his head, the captain¡¯s voice rang out beside him.


    ¡°Our magic boat is divided into four levels: boat, ship, warship, and liner. However, above these four levels is the legendary Great Wing¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled and he was about to ask when the first of the 13 elders spoke. Every word of his was like thunder that rumbled in all directions.


    ¡°Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples, know that our ally, the merfolk race, is treacherous and ungrateful. They colluded with our Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ mortal enemy, the Sea Corpse Race. Through the joint decision of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Seven Peak Lords, the venue of the Seventh Peak¡¯s Grand Competition will be changed to the merfolk race islands. The punishment is¡­ extermination!¡±


    ¡°If you kill a merfolk, you will be rewarded with 10,000 contribution points. The higher the cultivation level of the enemy, the more contribution points you will earn.¡±


    ¡°The one who is ranked first will be given the qualifications to become a core disciple! During this period, you can collect all the spoils of war without reporting them!¡±


    ¡°The Seventh Peak¡¯s Grand Competition has begun!¡±


    As his voice rang out, the array formation began to rumble. The runes inside spun rapidly, causing the circular array formation to shine brightly.


    The wyvern roared at the sky. Amidst the deafening sound, it rushed out first and headed straight for the array formation, instantly entering it.


    After it entered, the entire array formation suddenly expanded several times, covering the central altar and the sky at the same time.


    As the color of the world changed, the figures of the more than a hundred Foundation Building cultivators, the 13 elders, and the thousands of Seventh Peak disciples on the square were instantly covered by the light of the array formation.


    Everyone instantly disappeared!


    At that moment, everything was normal in the surroundings of the merfolk race¡¯s territory.


    From a strategic point of view, the location of the four merfolk islands was better than the Nanhuang Continent. In fact, it was the same for trade and transportation.


    Its location was between the Nanhuang Continent and the Wanggu Continent. Its western territory was close to the Western Reef Archipelago, and the north was close to a forbidden zone on the Endless Sea.


    The geographical location of the merfolk race determined their personality to a certain extent.


    They were fickle-minded and rebellious. If the person who came was strong, they could grovel without hesitation. They could even smile sincerely while being beaten. However, once they got an opportunity, they would also change sides without hesitation, revealing their fangs and ruthlessly biting their allies.


    30 years ago, they were the same. They provoked the Seven Blood Eyes and immediately submitted after being suppressed by them. They groveled and chose to become allies.


    Now that thirty years had passed, they noticed the rising momentum of the Sea Corpse Race and colluded with it in an attempt to counterattack the Seven Blood Eyes.


    This was something the Seven Blood Eyes could not tolerate.


    The sky above the four merfolk islands was originally clear but in an instant, wind and lightning rumbled. Dark clouds suddenly appeared and spread, covering the sky and the sun, causing darkness and oppression to descend in all directions.


    The sea was even more turbulent. Waves rose and fell, as though there was endless pressure driving the waves forward.


    Bolts of lightning swam in the clouds and thunder rumbled. This strange phenomenon immediately attracted the attention of the merfolk race.


    They also knew that today was the day of the Seventh Peak¡¯s competition. Although they had learned that the other party¡¯s target for this competition was the Northern Spirit Race, they were still on guard.


    However, no matter how vigilant they were, they were still caught off guard by the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ will!


    Amidst the rumbling of lightning, a purple light appeared in the sky of the merfolk race. As soon as this light appeared, it immediately spread in all directions.


    In an instant, the sky above the four merfolk islands transformed into a sea of purple light.


    As an earth-shattering dragon roar rang out, a black wyvern suddenly crawled out of the sea of purple light. It let out a roar that shook the world.


    It spat out a black pearl.


    This bead looked very small from afar but in reality, it was hundreds of feet wide. The instant it appeared, the world rumbled. Countless bolts of lightning coiled around it and an astonishing pressure tore through the void, landing on the four merfolk islands below.

 Chapter 183 - Binding Island

    As the bead fell, it seemed to affect the sea. The sea suddenly churned and the waves in the surroundings rose into a tsunami. It was like a giant hidden at the bottom of the sea had lifted its large hands and grabbed at the four merfolk islands.


    However, a huge light screen suddenly appeared on the four merfolk islands.


    This light screen was none other than the merfolk race¡¯s protective array. Its might was astonishing. At this moment, with the full-powered activation, it immediately slowed down the speed of the black pearl falling from the sky. However, the black bead¡¯s pressure was so strong that it caused the protective array to fluctuate intensely.


    The waves of the tsunami in the surroundings were stopped by the protective array. Booming sounds echoed and a furious roar rang out from Image Island, one of the four islands.


    ¡°Seven Blood Eyes, what are you trying to do?!¡±


    As the roar shook the sky, a huge face appeared.


    This face was illusory and rose from the island. It grew larger and larger until it was comparable to an island.


    It was the face of an old man with a beard. His eyes were filled with shock as he glared angrily at the figure on the wyvern.


    However, the instant he let out a furious roar,¡­


    On the four islands of the merfolk race, many of the array cores of the protective array collapsed from the inside and exploded.


    Someone seemed to have tampered with the array cores that numbered more than 40 long ago. The hidden mechanism was activated at that moment and instantly destroyed the cores!


    In addition, a powerful fluctuation appeared on each of the four islands.


    The Seven Blood Eyes had been preparing to destroy the merfolk race for a long time. They had already infiltrated the merfolk race deeply and understood them inside out. Since they dared to invade now, they clearly had absolute confidence.


    As the expression of the merfolk old man changed drastically, the black bead in the air suddenly shone with a black light. This light grew brighter and brighter and finally transformed into a huge palm that seemed to blot out the sky. It carried countless purple lightning as it slammed down on the face below and the protective array it was in.


    A huge explosion spread in all directions. The first thing that couldn¡¯t withstand it was the merfolk race¡¯s array formation. It rapidly caved in and finally collapsed, revealing a huge palm-shaped gap.


    Countless purple lightning bolts rapidly spread along the edges of the protective array. Wherever they passed, the array formation would completely collapse.


    The entire process only lasted for more than ten breaths of time. The merfolk¡¯s protective array collapsed at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    The backlash caused many areas on the four islands to explode into dust.


    After the palm print collapsed the array formation, it grew larger and larger, suppressing the illusory face formed by the merfolk old man and smashing it onto an island.


    This island was Image.


    A huge palm print appeared in the center of the island that was clearly visible from the sky.


    The surroundings of the palm print were filled with destroyed buildings and flesh and blood. However, at the center of the palm print was a tower which wasn¡¯t completely destroyed but there were huge cracks on it.


    This tower was like a temple built from white bones. It looked majestic but also extremely gloomy, and it gave off a feeling of grief and anger.


    This was because the material that was used to build this tower was countless bones, and they were all of humans!


    From the spirit energy left in the bones, these bones mostly belonged to the disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The merfolk old man whose illusory face had appeared in the air earlier was rapidly flying out of this tower. On the way, he spat out a mouthful of blood and his expression was extremely ugly. He looked at the sky and rushed over, wanting to counterattack.


    In the palace on the wyvern¡¯s body, the figure standing there looked at the tower on the Image Island. His cold voice spread everywhere.


    ¡°Merfolk race!¡±


    ¡°All these years, my Seven Blood Eyes has treated your race well.¡±


    ¡°After your race became our sect¡¯s ally, our sect provided great assistance in terms of resources many times. 23 years ago, your race encountered a calamity of anomalous substances and our sect did our best to help. We provided countless resources and their value is at least 100 million spirit stones.¡±


    ¡°Sixteen years ago, your race was attacked by the Spirit Wither Race and was in danger of being exterminated. No race came to save you, but I personally led the disciples to help you. Many of the disciples were sacrificed to resolve the crisis of your race. At that time, countless members of your race requested for my sect¡¯s sacrificed disciples to be buried here to prove our friendship.¡±


    ¡°These sacrificed disciples should have been revered by your race, but in order to curry favor with the Sea Corpse Race, your race dug out their corpses to build a tower as a tribute.¡±


    ¡°You repaid our kindness with ingratitude. If I don¡¯t destroy your race today, the world won¡¯t tolerate it.¡± As he spoke, this figure took a step forward and stood in the air. It was the Seventh Peak¡¯s Peak Lord, Old Master Seventh.


    He wore a purple Daoist robe and his eyes seemed to contain lightning. He did not look angry but he let out an oppressive aura. The words he said resounded through the clouds. He sent another palm strike toward the merfolk ancestor who had rushed out of Image Island. After that, he flicked his sleeve and pointed his left hand at the void to the left.


    The merfolk ancestor below was suppressed immediately. Countless water droplets appeared in the surroundings and enveloped him, turning into a huge water pearl.


    The merfolk ancestor wanted to struggle but was unable to break free. His expression was distorted as he let out a deep roar.


    ¡°Zheng Kaiyi, stop talking about useless things. So what if we dug them out? The Sea Corpse Race is protecting our merfolk race now, and they are already on their way!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait.¡±


    Old Master Seventh calmly spoke and looked at the void where he had pointed.


    That place distorted and another figure appeared.


    It wasn¡¯t a merfolk but a middle-aged cultivator who looked like a human.


    He wore black armor and his aura was strong, but he emitted an intense intent to die. From the visible parts of his body, it could be seen that he suffered skin necrosis and one could even see some maggots crawling around in his skin. It was as though he was a corpse to begin with.


    This person had clearly been hiding to launch a sneak attack. Now that he was discovered, he could not counterattack even if he wanted to. He was instantly sealed into water droplets by the countless water droplets that appeared in the surroundings and floated in the air along with the merfolk ancestor.


    After sealing these two, Old Master Seventh ignored them and pointed at the four merfolk islands below.


    Immediately, the wyvern roared and rows of astonishing magic tools appeared on its back, emitting torrential spells that headed straight for the islands.


    At the same time, in the purple sea in the sky, more figures appeared. They were none other than the Foundation Building cultivators of the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes. Accompanying them were incomparably astonishing magic ships.


    These magic ships were of different sizes but each of them had an astonishing aura. They appeared in unison and lined up in the sky. Their magic power was circulated to the extreme and they all bombarded the four islands below.


    The spell powers of the Foundation Building magic boats seemed to have transformed into more than a hundred spears that represented death. At the same time, 13 even more exaggeratedly huge magic warships that were 7000 to 8000 feet long squeezed out of the void and directly covered the four islands.


    Amidst the rumbling, the four islands trembled intensely. The target of the Seven Blood Eyes this time was none other than all the magic tools on the islands and the Core Formation cultivators.


    At the next instant, the countless magic tools on the four islands all collapsed. All the Core Formation cultivators had nowhere to hide and were locked onto. They were forced out by the spell and suppressed one by one in the air.


    At that moment, there were no more Core Formation cultivators on the four merfolk islands!


    After doing this, Old Master Seventh waved his hand and the sea of purple light in the sky suddenly sank and directly enveloped the four islands of the merfolk race, forming the sky cutting formation and suppression!


    Wails rang out from the array formation and all the merfolk cultivators spat out blood.


    Among them, Qi Condensation cultivators were still alright, but the cultivation of Foundation Building cultivators was actually suppressed. All of them fell by a major realm and were suppressed to the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm.


    On the Forbidden Sea outside the four islands of the merfolk race, purple lights flashed as the figures of the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples appeared one after another.


    They were not surprised when they saw that they were above the Forbidden Sea. Instead, they immediately took out their magic boats and fell into the sea one after another.


    Xu Qing was among them.


    At this moment, Old Master Seventh, who was in the sky, calmly spoke.


    ¡°The Seventh Peak¡¯s Grand Competition has begun. Wolf cubs, you can enter now. Many races are watching this Grand Competition. Kill them well and showcase the elegant demeanor of my Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    1


    He flicked his sleeve and a storm instantly blew over from the surrounding sea, speeding up the disciples¡¯ magic boats. They were like sharp blades that stabbed toward the four merfolk islands!


    In an instant, these four to five thousand disciples borrowed the power of the storm to lock onto their respective targets and rush toward different islands.


    Xu Qing looked at the large number of magic ships with terrifying auras in the sky in shock and then at the ruined islands covered in purple light in front of him. His mind was shaken.


    To him, it was just an instant of teleportation. However, he didn¡¯t expect that when he arrived, the outcome of the battle seemed to have already been decided. It was indeed as the captain had said earlier. The true major things were settled by those people on the mountain.


    To piedmont disciples like him, the main point of this competition was to get rich. Of course, the prerequisite was that they could survive.


    A sharp glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He had already made a decision earlier. At this moment, he adjusted the direction of the magic boat and rushed toward Binding Island.


    His target was the Foundation Building holy item and the Foundation Building Pills on Binding Island. Although the effect of the former was ordinary, he also wanted to sell them for 500,000 spirit stones¡­


    There were many disciples who had the same thoughts as him, and most of them were at the upper levels of Qi Condensation. When observed from above, more than a thousand magic boats were heading to Binding Island.


    There were even speed-type magic boats that had already landed on the island.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t slow by much. Very soon, he approached the shore. He put away the magic boat and leaped up. After he got ashore, he headed straight for the jungle ahead.


    Just as he was about to get close, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. He instantly sped up and dodged the arrows formed by spells flying out of the jungle before charging over.


    In the jungle, some merfolk cultivators saw Xu Qing¡¯s arrival. Their eyes were filled with killing intent as they let out low roars. Xu Qing didn¡¯t slow down and directly headed toward them.


    As he brandished his dagger, heads started flying up. After killing three people in a row, Xu Qing suddenly jumped back and slashed behind him. Blood spurted out; the stomach of a vicious-looking merfolk cultivator who was about to launch a sneak attack was cut open.


    At the same time, the other merfolk cultivators in the surroundings all rushed toward him with malevolence and bloodthirst.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. Although he loathed the merfolk race, his goal in coming here this time was to snatch the Foundation Building holy item and not to waste time in meaningless fights, so he tried to leave.


    However, merfolk cultivators appeared in front of him. They formed an encirclement with the merfolk race at the back.


    Xu Qing knew that he would not be able to leave, so he simply rushed over.


    A while later, his figure walked out of the battlefield. As the blood on the dagger in his hand dripped with the wind, he sped deeper into the jungle.


    At this moment, on the four merfolk islands, the battle between the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples and the merfolk cultivators was erupting in many areas.


    The battles became increasingly intense!

 Chapter 184 - Land of the Nonhuman Race

    Looking from the sky, the four islands of the merfolk race that were covered in purple light and frequently erupted with killing and spell fluctuations were arranged in the shape of a crescent moon.


    Among the four islands that formed the shape of a crescent moon, the one at the top was Mire Island. The two in the middle were Binding Island and Image Island, and the one at the bottom was Hidden Island.


    Among them, Image was the main island of the merfolk race and the other three were sub-islands.


    Xu Qing originally didn¡¯t know much about the merfolk race. However, the jade slip Huang Yan had given him had an extremely detailed description of the merfolk race.


    Not only were there various valuable places marked, but there were also mentions of the history and culture of the merfolk race.


    In the merfolk race¡¯s culture, after their people died, they would enter a strange world called Cloud Field through the Temple of Mire. They called it the divine kingdom and it was where their original god was buried.


    This god was called Mier.


    This was also the source of the name of the island. Hence, the armor worshiped in the volcano on the island was known as the Armor of Mire.


    However, although Mire was sacred in their myths, it still fell in the end. Moreover, the faith of the merfolk race needed a carrier. In fact, some of their experts also needed this carrier to cast their divine spells.


    Hence, they believed in another existence and embellished it with mystery. They called it Binding.


    This was how the Binding Island got its name.


    The jade slip Huang Yan had given him also mentioned this so-called God Binding. In reality¡­ it was just a divine creature in the depths of the Forbidden Sea.


    It was powerful, but it was far from being called a god.


    As for the Hidden Island, it represented relics.


    The merfolk race placed great importance on the belongings and burial items of the dead. They felt that the more burial items there were, the greater the proof of their greatness when they were alive. Hence, most of the dead clansmen would be buried on Hidden Island with all their lifelong belongings.


    However, they weren¡¯t against future generations digging their graves. This was because in their culture, burial objects were dug out by fated clansmen to fight alongside them. That was considered another form of rebirth.


    Finally, there was Image.


    As the main island of the merfolk race, it was named after the surname of the first patriarch of the merfolk race. This surname was also the surname of the merfolk royal family.


    These were the four islands of the merfolk race and contained the foundation of their culture.


    The contents of the jade slip appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. At the same time, he recalled what the little fatty had said. It was rumored that there were clues about a temple hidden in the merfolk Foundation Building holy item, the Spirit Breath Lantern.


    According to the legends of the merfolk race, after the first-generation god, Mire, died, the Temple of Mire disappeared with it. It was rumored that there was a hint of a clue to find the Temple of Mire hidden in the Spirit Breath Lantern, but no one discovered anything after so many years.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about this. He only cared about the value of this Spirit Breath Lantern. Hence, while this information flashed through his mind, he didn¡¯t stop at all as he whistled through the jungle.


    His speed was extremely fast. From afar, Xu Qing heard many rumbling sounds and also sensed the fluctuations of spirit energy.


    This was the sound of the Seven Blood Eyes disciples fighting against the merfolk race.


    Xu Qing quickly swept his gaze across the surroundings. He habitually moved in a crouching posture, jumping across the tree crowns or walking in the dark and hidden spots of the jungle without slowing down.


    He was very familiar with the jungle environment.


    As he sped, Xu Qing¡¯s guess and analysis of the third highness and the sect back then were finally confirmed. He knew that no one would find trouble with him for killing the merfolk race.


    This made him feel at ease. He leaped to a tree crown and was about to borrow the momentum to move forward when his eyes suddenly narrowed.


    A sense of danger suddenly rose in his mind and he retreated. The instant he retreated, a red branch rushed out from the tree crown he was on earlier.


    This tree branch swept like a tentacle.


    The moment the branch appeared, the large tree withered visibly. At the same time, dozens of large trees in the surroundings withered as well.


    Red tree branches whistled in all directions, heading straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. His body rose and fell agilely but he didn¡¯t attack immediately. Instead, he dodged the surrounding branches and leaped up, looking at the source of these branches in the distance.


    The soil on the ground there was collapsing and a blood-colored thick tree was slowly rising from the ground.


    As it rose, red light flashed but it could not block Xu Qing¡¯s vision. He could clearly see that there were a large number of broken limbs buried in the tree trunk.


    The limbs belonged to both humans and nonhuman races.


    All of them were greenish-black.


    It was as though they were buried here and their flesh and blood had become nutrients for the tree. Moreover, they had also become a mutation point for the storage of anomalous substances.


    This was because as the tree rose, Xu Qing saw more than ten huge fruits growing on it.


    These fruits grew on the tree branches and were translucent. One could see a merfolk cultivator in each fruit.


    These merfolks had their eyes closed. A large amount of anomalous substances spread out from their bodies and fused into the fruit. They were then absorbed by the tree and sent to the countless corpses inside its trunk.


    Clearly, this was a special method of merfolk cultivators to remove anomalous substances from their bodies.


    Moreover, there wasn¡¯t just one such tree. There were at least seven to eight of them in Xu Qing¡¯s vision. One could imagine that there were definitely more such large trees in the entire jungle that surrounded the outer area of Binding Island.


    Just as Xu Qing was looking into the distance, the red branches that looked like tentacles whistled over from all directions with intense killing intent.


    However, the instant they got close to Xu Qing, the red branch that was the fastest to approach suddenly withered at a speed visible to the naked eye. The redness was replaced by black spots, and these black spots seemed to have a life of their own as they rapidly spread out, corroding wherever they passed.


    All of this caused the tree branch to suddenly rot as it got closer, causing a large amount of black slime to fall.


    This slime was also highly toxic. After it landed on the ground, it would corrode any substance it came into contact with. Even the soil emitted a sizzling sound.


    Moreover, that branch wasn¡¯t the only one to rot. All the branches that were close to Xu Qing instantly rotted. The black spots on the branches didn¡¯t dissipate and followed the branches to their source.


    From afar, one could see that the black color rapidly covered the dozens of melting branches and spread toward the huge blood-colored tree from all directions.


    Just as the huge tree was about to be swarmed by the black color, the dozen or so fruits suddenly trembled. The merfolk cultivators inside sensed danger and opened their eyes one after another, breaking out of their shells.


    However, not all merfolk cultivators could awaken and escape so quickly. In the end, only four were able to rush out in time.


    As for the rest¡­ the instant the tree was covered in black color, the fruits instantly turned pitch-black and rotted as though they had been dripped with thick ink.


    This scene incensed the four merfolk cultivators. Their cultivation bases at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm erupted as they charged toward Xu Qing.


    In their perception, Xu Qing was also at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm and he was a human. Very few humans could awaken racial talents. Hence, when fighting at the same realm, the nonhuman races had the advantage.


    Although the poison path was invasive, their body structure was different from the human¡¯s, so they could ignore many human poisons.


    Hence, these four merfolk cultivators approached Xu Qing without hesitation. However, the instant they got close, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and his speed suddenly increased.


    This speed exceeded the judgment of the four merfolk cultivators. Before they could express horror, Xu Qing had already arrived in front of a merfolk cultivator. His dagger swept out with a cold light. The instant the merfolk¡¯s head flew up, his body ruthlessly collided with another merfolk cultivator.


    Cracking sounds rang out, even though the merfolk cultivator who was knocked into by him had a powerful racial talent that could dissipate some impact, he still couldn¡¯t withstand it. Before he could let out a cry, his bones and flesh shattered.


    As flesh and blood splattered everywhere, Xu Qing¡¯s dagger left his hand and headed straight for the forehead of the third merfolk cultivator. At the same time, the face of the last merfolk cultivator turned pale and intense fear appeared in his eyes. He didn¡¯t dare to continue approaching and quickly retreated.


    However, it was too late.


    He had only fled for less than 100 feet when his body trembled and countless black spots appeared.


    As the black spots spread out, his miserable cries rang out. His body rapidly corroded until it melted.


    Some poisons were indeed ineffective on merfolks due to their internal body structure, Xu Qing specially targeted this point and had optimized his poison powder.


    After killing the four, Xu Qing walked over and searched the four of them for items when his mind stirred and he looked into the distance. In the distance, a Seven Blood Eyes disciple appeared.


    Xu Qing was unfamiliar with this person, but the fluctuations from the latter¡¯s Sea Transformation Art that were close to the great circle of perfection proved that the other party was indeed a fellow sect member. At the same time that he looked over, this disciple suddenly stopped in his tracks.


    The instant his gaze met Xu Qing¡¯s, the Seven Blood Eyes disciple¡¯s breathing paused. It was as though he had encountered a powerful sea beast on the Forbidden Sea, causing his body to stiffen. He relied on his great willpower to barely move and speak.


    ¡°Senior Brother, I don¡¯t have any ill intentions. I¡¯m just passing by.¡± As he spoke, he hurriedly took out a large number of medicinal pills and swallowed them. After that, he raised his hands to indicate that he had no ill intentions and slowly retreated.


    Xu Qing coldly glanced at this person. After organizing the spoils of war, he left.


    It was only after he confirmed that Xu Qing had moved far away that the Seven Blood Eyes disciple, whose cultivation was close to the great circle of perfection, gasped. His eyes were still filled with horror and his heart was beating extremely rapidly.


    ¡°If I had gotten closer or revealed any ill intentions earlier, I might have died here!¡±


    The aura emitted by Xu Qing and his ruthless actions really gave him a huge pressure. This pressure caused him to have an illusion just now. It was as though he wasn¡¯t facing a Qi Condensation cultivator but a Foundation Building deacon from the sect.


    ¡°When did such a ruthless person appear at the foot of the mountain¡­¡±


    He had been out at sea for the past half a year, so he didn¡¯t know of Xu Qing¡¯s existence. He quickly left. However, after taking a few steps, he spat out a large mouthful of black blood, scaring him so much that he hurriedly consumed a large number of medicinal pills again. Only then did he feel a little better.


    This was mainly because the poison Xu Qing used earlier was mainly targeted at the merfolk race. Otherwise, if it was the ones in the past, this person would definitely die when he got close to the battlefield.


    ¡°His cultivation is high, he¡¯s decisive in killing, and he has terrifying attainments in the poison path¡­¡± The fear in the eyes of this old disciple of the Seven Blood Eyes was intense. He didn¡¯t dare to follow Xu Qing¡¯s path but moved in another direction. He had already decided that he wouldn¡¯t go anywhere the other party went even if he died.


    Just like that, time flowed by. The slaughter on the four merfolk islands continued with casualties on both sides. Xu Qing also slowly fought his way out of the jungle.


    The moment he walked out of the jungle, he saw a merfolk city in the distance.


    That city was special. It wasn¡¯t built from bricks but was the skeleton of an enormous fish.


    This skeleton was extremely majestic. It was as big as an area in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city.


    Xu Qing compared the scene with the information about Binding Island in the jade slip Huang Yan had given him. He then sped toward the city.

 Chapter 185 - Target: Foundation Building Pagoda

    The Binding Island wasn¡¯t very large. There were three cities and many village-like campsites on it. Xu Qing¡¯s target was the main city, Fishbone City.


    When he landed on the island, he had landed on the shore closest to this city.


    ¡°Binding City¡­¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he sped toward the city.


    Binding Island was already a mess. One could see ruins here and there which were caused by the bombardment from Old Master Seventh, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Foundation Building and Core Formation warships.


    In the distance, black smoke billowed and the sounds of battle rang out from all directions. The entire island was in chaos.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was reserved as he headed straight for Fishbone City. That place didn¡¯t seem far but in reality, even with Xu Qing¡¯s speed, it would still take him an hour to get close.


    As he got closer, the vastness of the fish skeleton was revealed.


    Xu Qing looked at the skeleton and could feel a powerful pressure coming from it. He couldn¡¯t imagine how powerful this fish was when it was alive.


    However, it was obvious that this pressure wasn¡¯t a threat to the merfolk race. Perhaps this was related to their race¡¯s characteristics.


    Under this pressure, one would not be able to maintain calm and their cultivation would be suppressed by quite a bit. However, the entire world was now covered by a sea of purple light, so no matter how great the pressure of the fish skeleton was in the past, it was mostly suppressed right now.


    Although the remaining pressure was still powerful, it did not have much suppression on cultivation bases.


    As he got closer, Xu Qing heard the continuous rumbling in the city and also sensed the fluctuations of spells. He knew that many disciples had entered first. He directly leaped into the city.


    The architectural style of the Binding City, which was built on the fish skeleton, was strange. Some of the buildings were shaped like human houses, some were strange like beehives, and some residences were plants like mushrooms or seaweed.


    There were also some which were simply sunken ships and shells.


    Among them, those human buildings clearly had the style of the Seven Blood Eyes. Moreover, these buildings were made of bricks and tiles. It seemed that the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples had once come here to build for the merfolk race.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t stop as he ran toward the center of the city.


    His destination was the Foundation Building Pagoda at the center of the city.


    According to the clues given by Huang Yan, the Foundation Building holy item, the Spirit Breath Lantern, was placed in the Foundation Building Pagoda. That place was usually guarded by experts of the merfolk race.


    ¡°I have to think of a way to get it. If I can¡¯t succeed, then I have to go to the pill vault of this city to find the Foundation Building Pill.¡± Xu Qing knew that time was tight, so he headed straight ahead.


    However, he didn¡¯t use the flight talisman. After all, there was still a huge difference between speeding through the city and running amok in the air. The latter was too eye-catching. Although the merfolk cultivators¡¯ cultivation levels had been suppressed and Xu Qing was very strong, it was still inappropriate to be so eye-catching.


    As Xu Qing moved forward, he got closer and closer to his destination. On the way, he also saw some Seven Blood Eyes disciples. Most of these disciples walked in the dark and corners, only focused on plundering items. Even if they killed, it was usually for benefits.


    Very few focused on killing.


    Even though there would occasionally be friction between these disciples because they had targeted the same valuable item, they would usually handle it immediately. After all, the city was so big, so there was no need to be calculative.


    Xu Qing also saw some representative buildings that seemed to have witnessed the relationship between the Seven Blood Eyes and the merfolk race. For example, he was looking at a stone tablet.


    This stone tablet was tall and completely preserved. There were a large number of names on it.


    Looking at the style of the characters, this was the tombstone left behind by the Seven Blood Eyes when they came to help the merfolk race many years ago.


    The stone tablet was very clean, as though it would be cleaned often.


    However, upon closer inspection, under the penetration of the array formation in the sky and the stone tablet that had lost its concealment power, all the bones were gone.


    Moreover, there were obvious signs of excavation¡­


    Xu Qing looked at the stone tablet and then lifted his head to look at the many cultivators of the Seventh Peak in the sky. He understood why the higher-ups of the Seven Blood Eyes were so angry.


    However, to Xu Qing, it hadn¡¯t been long since he came to the Seven Blood Eyes. Everything was for benefits, so he didn¡¯t have much sympathy. It was just that he instinctively hated such ungrateful actions.


    He retracted his gaze and suddenly raised his right hand. Countless water droplets instantly appeared, forming a protective barrier around him, blocking the dozen or so bubbles that suddenly flew out from the stone tablet.


    These bubbles instantly collapsed after coming into contact with the water droplets, forming intense fluctuations. Five merfolk cultivators rushed out from the surroundings and headed straight for Xu Qing with malevolence and cruelty.


    Xu Qing coldly looked over and waved his hand. Immediately, the water curtain around him spread out, transforming into water arrows that instantly pierced through them.


    Xu Qing left this place. After he left, the five merfolk cultivators¡¯ bodies that were riddled with holes fell to the ground. The leather pouches on their bodies were rolled up by the water droplets which quickly chased after Xu Qing. Xu Qing grabbed the leather pouches and stored them. His footsteps were as fast as flying as he got closer and closer to the Foundation Building Pagoda.


    Xu Qing acted the same as other disciples. He wasn¡¯t in the mood to kill people and only wanted to reach his destination. Of course, if he encountered an ignorant person who took the initiative to provoke him, he wouldn¡¯t mind making some profits.


    Finally, an hour later, Xu Qing saw the Foundation Building Pagoda at the center of the city.


    The appearance of this pagoda was different from the norm. According to the description on Huang Yan¡¯s jade slip, this pagoda was in the shape of the merfolk god Binding.


    From afar, the appearance of this pagoda was that of an old woman in a long robe. However, there were countless tentacles protruding from her body. Each of these tentacles had eyes and surrounded the surroundings. When viewed from the side, it looked like there was a ghost face on the old woman¡¯s back.


    Its long tongue fell to the side, as though it had transformed into a shadow of Binding.


    At the hollowed out top of the pagoda which was Binding¡¯s head, a lantern could be seen.


    The distance was too far, so Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see the details clearly. However, it seemed that there were still people meditating there, as though they were breaking through under the lantern. There were also many guards anxiously guarding outside the pagoda.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He could tell that those people were unlucky to be undergoing the Hundred-day Foundation Building at this time. Due to this unforeseen event, there was a high chance that they wouldn¡¯t be able to succeed.


    The instant Xu Qing observed the Foundation Building Pagoda, a hint of killing intent erupted from his side. A green palm silently appeared, slashing toward Xu Qing¡¯s neck with a sharp shell.


    Xu Qin raised his brows and the cultivation base in his body erupted. The Ba shadow behind him manifested and emitted a soundless roar, forming an astonishing heat that spread in all directions.


    This caused the shell that was swinging at his neck to instantly collapse. The palm that was holding the shell also retracted abruptly. As the void distorted, a translucent figure that was rapidly retreating was revealed.


    Killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He looked at the figure who was trying his best to hide but still revealed a blurry outline in the heat wave and rushed over.


    After he got close, Xu Qing punched out with his right hand.


    The surroundings rumbled. Xu Qing¡¯s punch combined with the Ba shadow could injure even Foundation Building cultivators if they didn¡¯t activate their Mystic Brilliance Form. That strange figure was clearly shocked but it was too late to dodge.


    However, at the critical moment, a talisman appeared in front of the translucent cultivator and turned into a light screen to block the punch.


    Boom.


    The talisman¡¯s light screen couldn¡¯t withstand the impact and directly collapsed. After the slight pause, Xu Qing immediately moved forward but the space in front of him was empty. The other party had completely disappeared.


    ¡°Invisibility?¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and turned to walk toward the Foundation Building Pagoda, as though he had given up. However, when he took his seventh step, his body suddenly moved and slammed behind him.


    As he slammed toward the back, he also stabbed ruthlessly and continuously behind him.


    The invisible figure behind him struggled and attacked him as well. However, Xu Qing¡¯s powerful physical body allowed him to not care about these and he didn¡¯t care even if he was injured.


    At the next instant, he grabbed behind him with his left hand and slammed down. As the ground rumbled, the transparent figure that he had stabbed dozens of times and was poisoned finally revealed itself.


    It had green eyes, a scale-covered body, and prominent gills. It was none other than a merfolk.


    The other party looked to be a middle-aged man. Although his cultivation was at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm, if it was any other Seven Blood Eyes disciple at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm, it was hard to say if they could survive.


    This was because to be able to withstand Xu Qing¡¯s poison for so long before it acted up and such bizarre attacks could only mean that this person¡¯s true cultivation was definitely not at the Qi Condensation Realm.


    This was a merfolk Foundation Building cultivator!


    However, with the suppression from the array formation, he was pushed down to the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm.


    At that moment, his eyes were filled with disbelief. He was clearly heavily injured but he still bit the tip of his tongue and tried to counterattack. However, at the next instant, a black light flashed. The black iron stick carried an astonishingly sharp intent as it broke through the space between his brows.


    After it stabbed, the black iron stick emitted a Foundation Building fluctuation that spread throughout the merfolk¡¯s body, destroying all the organs in his body.


    Seeing that the other party was completely dead, Xu Qing walked closer and pulled out the black iron stick. He then rummaged through the merfolk cultivator¡¯s body and found a pouch.


    This wasn¡¯t an ordinary pouch. This was a storage bag!


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart sped up for a moment but he didn¡¯t open it immediately. Instead, he kept it and rushed toward the Foundation Building Pagoda in front of him.


    At the same time, in the sky, Old Master Seventh crossed his hands behind his back and looked at the distant horizon. Behind him were 13 elders and more than 100 Foundation Building cultivators. They were all standing silently.


    Two huge water droplets floated on the sides of Old Master Seventh. Other than the corpse-like cultivator, there was also the merfolk ancestor sealed inside.


    At this moment, the merfolk ancestor looked at the island below through the water droplet and suddenly smiled.


    ¡°Zheng Kaiyi, do you really think victory is in your grasp?!¡±


    Almost at the instant he finished speaking, the four islands of the merfolk race started to shake. Waves of black light erupted from the surrounding sea surface and rapidly covered the islands. They instantly connected together and transformed into a large array that was like a black barrier that covered everything inside.


    This black barrier kept distorting, as though it was negating the power of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation. Once the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation was neutralized, the merfolk Foundation Building cultivators inside would recover their cultivation.


    At that time, this competition would turn into the merfolks slaughtering the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples!


    ¡°Zheng Kaiyi, the Sea Corpse Race should be here soon. It won¡¯t be long before your disciples dissolve with your sect¡¯s array formation and become sacrifices for our race!¡±


    A black light suddenly erupted from the distant horizon and a huge vortex appeared in the sky. The aura of death that carried an incomparable chill crazily spread out from it, causing the surface of the sea to seem like it was about to freeze.


    As this aura enveloped the world, a ten thousand-foot-long half-rotten crocodile crawled out.


    Its yellow eyes revealed intense coldness and its body, which was filled with countless vengeful spirits, revealed malevolence. As it crawled out, one could see several figures standing on the head of the rotting crocodile. Every one of them had a shocking aura and behind them was a densely-packed cultivator army!


    It was¡­ the Sea Corpse Race!


    ¡°They¡¯re here.¡± Old Master Seventh looked at all this with his usual expression and smiled.

 Chapter 186 - Hungry Xue Lianzi

    Inside and outside the Wanggu Continent, regardless of whether it was the various islands or the countless forbidden zones, there were a large number of strange races.


    The Sea Corpse Race was one of them.


    This race was located at the edge of the forbidden zone in the Endless Sea. Before the fragmented face of the god arrived countless eras ago, there was no Sea Corpse Race in this world.


    When the god arrived, His aura tainted and changed the course of all things. Some races disappeared from history, while others continued to struggle. At the same time, some new races were born.


    Among these new races, one of them was the Sea Corpse Race.


    This race had strange characteristics. They could directly absorb anomalous substances. Moreover, they didn¡¯t have the ability to reproduce. The growth of their race and the increase of their clansmen depended on special methods.


    That was¡­ conversion.


    Their unique method could allow them to mark and revive the dead.


    The corpses that were resurrected after being marked had incomplete memories of their previous lives like they were different people. Their personality would become violent, cruel, and bloodthirsty. Moreover, their bodies would emit dense anomalous substances that wouldn¡¯t be tolerated by the world. At the same time, the summoning of the Sea Corpse Race would echo in their minds.


    This summoning guided them to the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory and they would become a member of the Sea Corpse Race. They would cultivate the cultivation arts that belonged to the Sea Corpse Race. This allowed them to gradually recover their intelligence and continue to grow stronger.


    However, the characteristics of this race made them even more heartless the more they cultivated. They would not care about their past.


    In addition, the higher one¡¯s cultivation was when they were alive, the stronger their combat strength would be after they were transformed. However, there were many restrictions to the transformation and the success rate wasn¡¯t high. Hence, this race didn¡¯t become a great calamity for the various races. And due to some special reasons as well, they were allowed to exist.


    Over the many eras, the Sea Corpse Race had discovered that the success rate of transforming the corpses of human cultivators was relatively higher, so their focus was on the human race.


    As for the Seven Blood Eyes, they were located in the Nanhuang Continent and weren¡¯t far from the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory. Hence, the hatred between them became increasingly intense. Wars would erupt every once in a while.


    Now, with the help of the incident on Merfolk Island, the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s army could arrive without any fear. As the vortex spread out, the ten-thousand-foot-long crocodile roared sinisterly and stepped in the air. Its body was already halfway out.


    The few figures above its head were all covered in black miasma. That was a manifestation of the dense anomalous substances.


    Under the envelopment of this black gas, their appearances couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. One could only see their red eyes in the black fog and their cultivation fluctuations that didn¡¯t seem inferior to the merfolk ancestor.


    Noticing the arrival of the Sea Corpse Race, the merfolk ancestor laughed loudly.


    ¡°Zheng Kaiyi, I want to see what other tricks your sect has up its sleeves!¡±


    ¡°Then watch carefully.¡± Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He took out an ordinary jade slip and threw it at the Sea Corpse Race that was currently appearing aggressively with endless baleful aura and anomalous substances.


    This jade slip flew lightly and arrived in front of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s army. Before it reached the Sea Corpse Race, it collapsed and shattered on its own.


    The instant it shattered, the sky rumbled, as though countless thunder had exploded in unison.


    The entire sky caved in and cracks formed in the sky.


    These cracks were like dragons and snakes swimming around, passing through the sky violently. It looked like an invisible brush was painting in the sky.


    These cracks connected together and shockingly¡­ a gigantic figure was outlined in the sky!


    It was the figure of an old man!


    He seemed to have fused with the sky. His face was expressionless as he stared at the living beings below.


    Under his gaze, the sea stirred up unprecedented waves. Even the existences at the bottom of the sea hid themselves. All the sea beasts were trembling.


    Under his sweeping gaze, the merfolk ancestor directly spat out a mouthful of blood. His eyes revealed extreme horror. His body kept trembling and he actually knelt down.


    Under his gaze, the thousand-foot-long crocodile that had walked out halfway wailed. Its rotting body seemed to be decaying faster but it didn¡¯t dare to move at all.


    The figures of the several experts of the Sea Corpse Race above its head also fluctuated intensely. Their bodies shivered uncontrollably.


    All of them spat out blood.


    Many of their army directly exploded.


    ¡°Welcome, Ancestor!¡± Old Master Seventh took a deep breath and bowed respectfully to the old man formed by the cracks in the sky.


    The other elders and Foundation Building cultivators in the surroundings were all the same. All of them lowered their heads and greeted loudly.


    The instant they greeted, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ancestor in the sky suddenly swayed. Immediately, the countless cracks that formed his body seemed to have separated from the sky and turned into red threads.


    They moved toward the Sea Corpse Race which was in chaos right now.


    As the expressions of the Sea Corpse Race cultivators changed drastically, these red lines rapidly enveloped them and passed through. The instant they passed through, it was as though they had devoured all the vitality as all the Sea Corpse Race members withered.


    In an instant, the thousand-foot-long crocodile¡¯s body disintegrated. The bodies of the several experts of the Sea Corpse Race above its head withered and died.


    As for the army at the back, they also could not escape this calamity. They were all reduced to ashes by the arrival of these red threads¡­


    The massacre was finished in just an instance. However, these red threads didn¡¯t stop at all. They swept up terrifying fluctuations and headed straight for the vortex that the Sea Corpse Race had walked out of.


    It was as though that place was their target!!


    The vortex wanted to close but it was too late. Before it could close, endless red threads surged in with greed and madness¡­


    At the next moment, the vortex disappeared. However, one could imagine that the other side of the vortex must be in an extremely tragic state!


    Now that the vortex and red threads had disappeared, the sky was clear again. The sea also regained its waves, as though nothing had happened.


    Only the withered corpses of the dead cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race splattered onto the surface of the sea like rain.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Old Master Seventh looked at the merfolk ancestor who was kneeling and trembling.


    ¡°Broke-broke through¡­ the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ancestor, Xue Lianzi1¡­ broke through! Zheng Kaiyi, your Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ target wasn¡¯t our merfolk race. Your target is the Sea Corpse Race!!¡± The merfolk ancestor¡¯s eyes were filled with despair.


    At the side, the Sea Corpse cultivator, who was also enveloped by the water droplets, also felt as though his entire body was about to melt. His originally cold expression was now replaced by fear.


    ¡°Looks like you still have some brains left. My sect doesn¡¯t need to spend much effort on a mere merfolk race. It¡¯s just that the ancestor is very hungry from breaking through, so I used you guys to bait the Sea Corpse Race.¡±


    ¡°I also have to thank your race for attracting the Sea Corpse Race, allowing them to take the initiative to open the gateway for the ancestor just when he broke through and was hungry.¡±

 Chapter 187 - The Shadow Awakens!

    Xu Qing immediately punched. However, the outer wall of the pagoda was extremely firm. There was also a layer of barrier that instantly spread out, neutralizing the power of Xu Qing¡¯s punch.


    However, because of the Seven Blood Eyes array formation in the air above the island, all cultivation and external forces were forcefully suppressed at the Qi Condensation Realm. This Foundation Building Pagoda was no exception. The protective barrier it emitted was severely weakened. Although it neutralized Xu Qing¡¯s punch, it shook intensely.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t have time to waste. He performed a series of hand seals with his right hand and the magic boat at the side instantly buzzed and changed directions, smashing fiercely toward the pagoda.


    The sturdiness of Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat was already comparable to a Foundation Building item. It could be said that other than the fact that it didn¡¯t have a Foundation Building power source, this was a Foundation Building magic ship.


    The powerful collision instantly destroyed the protective barrier outside the Foundation Building Pagoda and also shattered the outer wall.


    Xu Qing kept the magic boat and rushed in through the damaged part.


    In the pagoda, the flames of the Spirit Breath Lantern swayed, illuminating Xu Qing¡¯s shadow on the wall.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t pause at all and directly moved toward the Spirit Breath Lantern. However, at this moment, the merfolk youth who was breaking through suddenly opened his eyes. His expression revealed anxiety and anger. Just as he was about to speak, he spat out a large mouthful of blood.


    The cultivation power in his body instantly became chaotic. However, he still gritted his teeth and pointed at Xu Qing. Immediately, a merfolk phantom formed behind him and slapped fiercely at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing punched out fiercely, forming a storm that directly landed on the merfolk phantom.


    The phantom instantly collapsed, and even the merfolk youth behind it spat out a mouthful of blood. His body was swept up and slammed into the wall at the side.


    The pagoda had lost the protective barrier, so the wall became ordinary. It collapsed under the impact, and the merfolk youth¡¯s body fell through it.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have the time to bother with the other party. He quickly approached the Spirit Breath Lantern and grabbed at it.


    Right at this moment, his shadow that was reflected under the lantern¡¯s light distorted. It moved on its own!


    Xu Qing lifted his hand, and so did the shadow.


    However, before Xu Qing could grab the Spirit Breath Lantern, his shadow suddenly extended a little further. Its black hand actually beat Xu Qing to it and instantly extended to the Spirit Breath Lantern. It was as if it hated this burning fire to the extreme and¡­ extinguished it!


    Xu Qing suddenly paused and turned his head to look at the wall.


    The shadow disappeared from the wall after extinguishing the fire.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s perception could clearly sense the shadow rapidly drawing back and restoring its normal appearance.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was ugly as he grabbed the Spirit Breath Lantern.


    After this lantern was extinguished, it didn¡¯t look anything special. Only its shape was special.


    However, Xu Qing was in no mood to care about the Spirit Breath Lantern. He stared coldly at his shadow, his expression becoming increasingly gloomy. The other party¡¯s actions reminded him of the words the mute youth had left in the jade slip.


    ¡°It¡¯s sleeping.¡±


    The scene earlier, after connecting it to the words in the jade slip, gave Xu Qing the feeling of a person in deep sleep. His eyes were dazzled by the light that suddenly appeared. Hence, in his impatience, he instinctively raised his hand and extinguished it.


    A terrifying glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Suddenly, the spirit energy in his body gushed into the Spirit Breath Lantern. With the continuous transfer of spirit energy, the Spirit Breath Lantern was ignited again.


    The light of the fire spread out in all directions, causing Xu Qing¡¯s shadow to appear on the wall again.


    The instant the lantern was lit, the shadow on the wall distorted under the illumination of the fire. Very soon, the black shadow hand stretched out again and arrived at the Spirit Breath Lantern Xu Qing was holding, wanting to extinguish it.


    Xu Qing let out a cold snort and his will spread out, controlling the shadow with all his might, causing the shadow¡¯s hand to pause beside the Spirit Breath Lantern. It was actually showing a hint of struggle.


    It was as though it wanted to ignore Xu Qing¡¯s control and extinguish the light.


    ¡°Are you sleeping or pretending to be asleep?¡± Xu Qing coldly spoke. At the same time, he circulated the purple crystal, forming a suppressive force that ruthlessly suppressed the shadow that was struggling under his control.


    Xu Qing was very familiar with suppression. Previously, he would suppress it about five to six times a day. However, this time, the number of times Xu Qing suppressed it reached 13 in one go.


    Under his suppression, the shadow trembled intensely and grew dimmer.


    Xu Qing¡¯s face was expressionless but he didn¡¯t stop. He suppressed it for over 20 times until the shadow distorted and showed signs of shattering.


    However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t satisfied with just this. He coldly looked at the shadow and lifted the lit Spirit Breath Lantern to the shadow. At the same time, he let go of his control over the shadow.


    However, this time, the shadow didn¡¯t dare to extinguish the light. It trembled even more intensely and didn¡¯t even dare to evade the light.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was still cold. He placed the Spirit Breath Lantern completely in his shadow. The light from the Spirit Breath Lantern changed in color in the shadow. It was no longer dim yellow but a dark green color that was filled with strangeness.


    The shadow¡¯s trembling had reached its limit, but it still didn¡¯t dare to resist.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and was about to speak when his expression suddenly changed. He lowered his head and looked at the Spirit Breath Lantern in his hand.


    When he held this lantern earlier, regardless of whether it was extinguished or lit, there was no strange change. However, now that it was placed in his shadow, it actually emitted a faint fluctuation.


    At the same time, there seemed to be a fluctuation coming from the underground. Both sides were resonating.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed and he immediately took out the Spirit Breath Lantern from his shadow. The moment he took it out, the fluctuations disappeared as though they had never appeared. The lantern seemed to have returned to normal.


    Xu Qing fell silent. As the shadow trembled, he placed the lantern in it again. The fluctuations rose again and the guidance was very clear.


    ¡°This is¡­¡± Xu Qing recalled the rumors about the Temple of Mire in the jade slip the little fatty had given him.


    This caused him to have some guesses.


    As he fell into deep thought, Xu Qing coldly glanced at the shadow. He didn¡¯t care if the other party could understand him or not as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°You can continue sleeping.¡±


    After saying that, Xu Qing memorized the specific location indicated by the resonance. He blew out the Spirit Breath Lantern in his hand and stored it. After that, he leaped down the Foundation Building Pagoda.


    When he landed, he quickly checked his surroundings, searching for the merfolk youth who had fallen earlier.


    The other party had suffered a backlash from failing to reach Foundation Building and had suffered a blow from him. Even if he didn¡¯t die, he would be heavily injured. At this moment, his gaze swept over and landed on the ground not far away.


    There was a corpse there. It was none other than the merfolk youth.


    Clearly, the backlash from failing to reach Foundation Building was severe. After he fell to the ground, he wasn¡¯t able to crawl far before he died.


    However, Xu Qing was still worried. He cast a few spells and even scattered poison powder. Only after he confirmed that the other party wasn¡¯t pretending to be dead did he approach. He quickly searched the merfolk¡¯s body and took out a storage bag.


    ¡°His identity isn¡¯t simple. He must have prepared Foundation Building Pills. I hope he hasn¡¯t finished them.¡± Xu Qing was tempted. He quickly opened the storage bag and took a look, a smile appearing on his face. He kept the bag and was about to leave.


    However, at this moment¡­ a sound of applause came from not far away.


    Xu Qing turned his head and saw a figure walking over while clapping with half a small apple in his mouth.


    It was the captain!


    ¡°Wow, Deputy Captain Xu, did you kill everyone here? Looks like you gained a lot. You should have taken that Spirit Breath Lantern, right?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a step too late.¡± Xu Qing was on guard but his expression didn¡¯t reveal anything as he calmly spoke.


    At the same time, he was also very puzzled. How did the other party manage to speak with an apple in his mouth?


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the captain¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. He took a bite of the apple and let it fall from his mouth, catching it with his right hand. He glanced at Xu Qing ostentatiously and then at the sharp iron pieces on the surrounding corpses.


    ¡°This is the damage caused by your magic boat, right? That brat Zhang San has invested a lot in your magic boat. Also, when are you going to return the 2,000 spirit stones you owe me?¡±


    ¡°No money.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the small apple in the captain¡¯s hand and expressionlessly took out a very large apple from his storage bag to eat.


    The captain was stunned. He looked at the big apple in Xu Qing¡¯s hand and then at his little apple. He felt that his apple didn¡¯t taste good anymore.


    ¡°Stop acting. Your acting skills are too lousy. I was the one who taught it to you. Isn¡¯t it just a Spirit Breath Lantern? What¡¯s there to hide? I don¡¯t fancy that thing. I don¡¯t want it even if it¡¯s given to me. It¡¯s not even a life lantern.¡± The captain¡¯s tone was a little sour.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you asking what a life lantern is?¡± The captain was surprised.


    Xu Qing looked at the captain and asked.


    ¡°What is a life lantern?¡±


    The captain sighed.


    ¡°Seeing that you¡¯re my team member and owe me 2,000 spirit stones, I¡¯ll tell you.¡±


    ¡°The Spirit Breath Lantern is actually a replica. It¡¯s a replica of the life lantern, and the copy quality is inferior.¡±


    ¡°You should know about the Mystic Brilliance Form of Foundation Building cultivators, right? That¡¯s an explosive state from igniting the life fire in one¡¯s body. There are three life fire at most.¡±


    ¡°Forming the first ball of life fire is the early-stage Foundation Building realm. Forming the second ball is the mid-stage Foundation Building realm. When the third ball of life fire appears, it will be the sign of the late-stage Foundation Building realm. In theory, the cultivator can attempt to form their Core now.¡±


    ¡°As for forming the fourth ball of life fire, that requires great opportunities. It was the same even before the god¡¯s fragmented face arrived.¡±


    ¡°However, there¡¯s a type of extraordinary people. They are the direct descendants of the ancient kings and sovereigns. The path they take is completely different from ordinary cultivators. When they reach the Foundation Building realm, because of their incomparable bloodline and emperor-level cultivation arts, they don¡¯t give birth to life fire but life lanterns!¡±


    ¡°One life lantern is equivalent to the might of two balls of life fire!!¡±


    ¡°Life fire has no roots, but life lantern has a foundation. The former is like willow catkins, while the latter is like a boulder. The difference is obvious.¡±


    ¡°If you have a life lantern in your body, you can fight those above your level. If you have two life lanterns, you¡¯ll basically be unrivaled among Foundation Building cultivators and already have the qualifications to form your Core. If you have three life lanterns, you¡¯ll be the number one person among all races below the Golden Core Realm. Of course, it is a different matter if the opponent also has life lanterns.¡±


    ¡°Because the ancient kings and sovereign have been gone for many eras, there is no one who can cultivate life lanterns anymore in this era. Only some peerless heaven¡¯s chosen from the Wanggu Continent will obtain a life lantern with their background and monstrous opportunities.¡±


    ¡°As for the life lanterns they get, they were all passed down from the descendants of the deceased ancient kings and sovereigns. After the person with the life lantern dies, the life lantern will scatter. If others obtain it, they can fuse it into their bodies and make it their own life lantern.¡±


    ¡°Of course, you don¡¯t have to think about these. Just treat it as giving you some common information. Life lanterns are legendary items. Any one of them can cause the large sects in the Wanggu Continent to take action.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this. If you want to reach the Foundation Building realm, you should try to obtain more Foundation Building Pills. However, your luck isn¡¯t bad. Coincidentally, I know that the merfolk race has a large pill vault and there should be a lot of Foundation Building Pills inside. Come with me. There¡¯s nothing good on the Merfolk Islands.¡±


    ¡°The real good stuff is in the underwater world below. Let¡¯s go quickly. That brat Zhang San should have already reached there.¡± The captain licked his lips and his eyes gleamed as he pointed to the ground.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled when he heard about the life lanterns. He thought of the guiding power of the Spirit Breath Lantern and his heart couldn¡¯t help but race.


    2


    ¡°Life lantern?¡±

 Chapter 188 - There Are Always Honest People

    Xu Qing glanced at the ground.


    He wanted to take a look at the location that the resonance pointed out and see what was there.


    The jade slip that Huang Yan had given him also described the underground of the merfolk¡¯s island.


    Due to the characteristics of the merfolk race, the clan¡¯s territory was divided into two levels. One was the surface world formed by the cities built on islands with bones or shells.


    They liked bones. Regardless of whether it was fish bones, beast bones, or nonhuman bones, they were all things they were passionate about. The more sinister and evil they were, the greater their fondness for them.


    It was as though this was the cultural inheritance buried in the very depths of the soul of every merfolk.


    As for the second level, it was underwater.


    There were no caves here on the underwater. It consisted of just an earth layer spanning across the entire underside of the island with inverted architectural complexes built while directly submerged in the sea


    As for the appearance of the Merfolk Island as a whole, it was actually like a floating leaf. The inverted buildings were being held by some strange force.


    In Huang Yan¡¯s jade slip, the world that the merfolk had built under the sea was described as gorgeous.


    It was said that all the buildings there were formed from countless multicolored corals. There were also a large number of sea anemone, covered in barbed tentacles, on the corals.


    As for the exact appearance, Xu Qing didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. There¡¯s nothing good here. Let¡¯s go to the fish eye. That¡¯s the entrance.¡± The captain rushed into the distance.


    Xu Qing chose to follow but he maintained a certain distance. His relationship with the captain was a little strange. He trusted the latter but not too much.


    Xu Qing still felt that the captain was mysterious and it was very difficult for him to guess the other party¡¯s thoughts. He instinctively felt danger from the other party.


    With his current cultivation level, he could fight against Foundation Building cultivators, but he still felt the captain was stronger.


    In fact, he would check the captain¡¯s aura every time he broke through. However, every time, he would feel that the other party was slightly stronger than him.


    This made him even more vigilant.


    Just like that, the two of them sped through Fishbone City. Their target was the location of the fish eyes. According to what the captain said or what the jade slip described, that place was the entrance to the underwater world.


    They also saw many Seven Blood Eyes disciples on their way.


    These people were either speeding in the dark or exploring the buildings. There were also some who specifically looked for the merfolk corpses to see if there were any spirit stones hidden.


    There was even a portion of them who were lying in ambush. They targeted both the merfolk race and other sect members..


    They were like a group of hyenas. They were good at hiding and hunting. However, after seeing Xu Qing and the captain, they quickly retreated.


    It was unknown if it was because they were afraid of the captain or Xu Qing.


    ¡°Do you see those guys? Many of them could have broken through long ago but they suppressed their cultivation just to come here to make a fortune.¡±


    ¡°All of them have noses that are even sharper than a dog¡¯s. Heavens¡­ Look over there, they actually didn¡¯t even let go of someone¡¯s house. This is too much.¡± The captain pointed into the distance where a few disciples were demolishing a building.


    This building was special. It was actually made of some spiritual shells.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. At the same time, the captain suddenly rushed over and his cultivation erupted, causing the gazes of the few people who were demolishing the house to flicker a few times before retreating immediately. They didn¡¯t even look back and quickly disappeared into the darkness.


    The captain¡¯s eyes lit up. He immediately dismantled the house with great familiarity.


    Xu Qing also approached and joined in the dismantling, quickly taking away the seashells with strong spirit energy fluctuations.


    ¡°Good stuff. Whose house is this? A small piece of these seashells is worth more than ten spirit stones.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak and moved even faster.


    After the time it took for half an incense stick to burn out, when the two of them left, this house was already gone.


    On the way, there were many lands that were empty like this. Every time the captain saw them, he would have an indignant expression.


    ¡°This is too much. These old disciples are clearly so powerful but they still came to snatch from us children!¡± When the captain spoke unhappily, Xu Qing looked at his face.


    The captain looked to be in his late twenties.


    ¡°What are you looking at? Am I wrong?¡± The captain tilted his head and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a kid. I am.¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke. This was the fourth sentence he said after meeting the captain.


    ¡°¡­¡± The captain sighed.


    ¡°Vice Captain Xu, it¡¯s better for you to remain silent in the future. Don¡¯t speak anymore. Oh right, remember to return the 5,000 spirit stones you owe me quickly.¡± With that, the captain sped up.


    Xu Qing pretended not to hear and silently followed behind. The two of them slowly got closer and closer to the fish head area. Just as they saw the large hole formed in the fish eye location, an explosion rang from afar.


    Amidst this loud explosion, a merfolk cultivator fled in the sky above the city. A blue light caught up from behind and directly killed him.


    As the blue light dissipated, it revealed a youth with a flight talisman on him.


    It was the heaven chosen of the Coast Guard Department, Ding Xiaohai.


    Ding Xiaohai¡¯s expression was solemn as he searched for the other merfolk race members with a sharp glint in his eyes. Wherever he passed, there would be corpses of the merfolk race. Very soon, he found a new target and flew over to kill it.


    Unless it was convenient, he wouldn¡¯t stop to take items. It was as though this would affect his killing speed.


    At that moment, he was gradually nearing Xu Qing and the captain. He didn¡¯t even glance at them as he rushed past them toward a group of merfolk cultivators in the distance.


    His actions were completely different from the other disciples Xu Qing had seen on his way here.


    Others wanted to make a fortune, but he was clearly doing it for points!


    ¡°Good disciple. Xu Qing, did you see that? This is a good disciple of my Seven Blood Eyes!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s precisely because we have such a disciple that my Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ future exists.¡± The captain had a look of admiration on his face. When he sprinted past the place where the other party had rushed toward, he clenched his fist at Ding Xiaohai in a cheering posture.


    ¡°Senior Brother Ding is mighty. All the best, Senior Brother Ding!¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Ding, my Black Team Six of the Homicide Department will fully support you in fighting for first place and obtaining the status of a core disciple!¡±


    Ding Xiaohai¡¯s expression was cold. He glanced at the captain and continued to kill.


    Xu Qing stared at him. He could feel a sense of persistence from Ding Xiaohai, persistence in becoming the first.


    The captain sighed with emotion and lowered his head to whisper to Xu Qing behind him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t learn from him. He has clearly become stupid from cultivation. What¡¯s the use of being a core disciple? He¡¯s already about to break through. Once he breaks through, won¡¯t he become a purple-robed disciple? At that time, even the core disciples will have to be respectful and polite when they see him. What¡¯s the point of working so hard? He has such a sense of belonging to the sect.¡±


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s choices are different. It¡¯s not easy to judge this.¡± Xu Qing looked at the captain and said his fifth sentence.


    The captain smiled and pointed at Xu Qing. Just as he was about to speak, his expression changed. Xu Qing¡¯s expression also changed and the two of them instantly retreated at the same time.


    The instant they retreated, the ground where they were previously at suddenly cracked. Four pitch-black hands stretched out from there. Although they missed, a powerful fluctuation erupted.


    As the ground collapsed, two figures flew out.


    These two figures wore black armor and their hair was withered. Their exposed skin showed signs of necrosis. Their eyes were light red and revealed bloodthirst and cruelty as they charged toward Xu Qing and the captain.


    ¡°Sea Corpse Race!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, be careful. These two are at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm. Although they aren¡¯t at the Foundation Building Realm, the Sea Corpse Race is strange. They cultivate with anomalous substances and the anomalous substances in their bodies are dense. They also cultivate corpse poison and have powerful bodies. Don¡¯t let yourself be injured too much.¡±


    The captain quickly spoke. With a wave of his hand, he swept a spear toward the approaching Sea Corpse Race cultivator.


    At the same time, the ground under Ding Xiaohai also rumbled. A third Sea Corpse cultivator appeared and attacked Ding Xiaohai.


    The three of them immediately fought separately. The fluctuations of their spells were intense. Xu Qing also sensed the strangeness of the Sea Corpse Race. His all-out punch only blasted the other party back a few steps without any injury.


    As for the vital points like the neck which was slashed by the dagger, it was directly ignored by the Sea Corpse Race.


    Ever since Xu Qing arrived at the Seven Blood Eyes, he had seen many nonhuman races. However, this was the first time he had seen such a strange race. This was especially so for the corpse poison emitted by the other party, making him very curious.


    ¡°Between corpse poison and my poison, which is more powerful?¡±

 Chapter 189 - Above the Forbidden Region

    At that moment, the sea of purple light in the sky was constantly colliding with the black array formation. No one was controlling them, but it was obvious that the difference in their uses made it impossible for them to coexist.


    Just like the six cultivators fighting at the fish head.


    A longsword danced in Ding Xiaohai¡¯s hand, blooming one sword flower after another formed by the Sea Transformation Art. Every one of them contained astonishing killing intent.


    He also used a talisman and coupled with his spell, it formed an area that was like a sea area. This allowed him to match the strength of the Sea Corpse Race member.


    However, anomalous substances and corpse poison were the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s main weapons in addition to their savage character. Ding Xiaohai was being pushed back gradually. However, he still had a trump card.


    As for the captain, the spear in his hand moved like a dragon. It was extremely fast and its style kept on changing. Upon closer inspection, it looked like he was embroidering or carving with it as he moved around the Sea Corpse cultivators.


    He was clearly at ease. In fact, he didn¡¯t even cast a spell or perform a seal. Instead, he took an apple and took a bite from time to time. He even had the time and energy to cheer Ding Xiaohai on.


    ¡°Senior Brother Ding, good job. Senior Brother Ding is mighty. All the best, Senior Brother Ding.¡±


    ¡°Xu¡­¡± After cheering for Ding Xiaohai, the captain was about to cheer for Xu Qing as well. However, just as his gaze swept over, his eyes and mouth widened, almost causing the apple to fall.


    Xu Qing was holding a dagger in his hand. His speed was so fast that he was leaving afterimages. He was slashing the Sea Corpse Race cultivator while scattering a large amount of poison powder at close range.


    It was as though he was testing his poison path.


    While testing the poison, his dagger cut forcefully, cutting off piece after piece of flesh from the Sea Corpse Race cultivator¡¯s body.


    The body of the Sea Corpse cultivator was clearly missing most of the flesh, revealing his bones. As for the ground¡­ it was covered in blue flesh and blood.


    As for Xu Qing¡¯s expression, it didn¡¯t change at all. Even though the surroundings were filled with blue blood and it was a shocking sight, his expression was still serious as he continued to attack.


    In reality, Xu Qing didn¡¯t think of this happening either. This Sea Corpse Race cultivator in front of him didn¡¯t seem to know pain and most of the poison was useless against him.


    Even though his neck had been slit, his attacks were still ruthless. It was as though he didn¡¯t care about his life. He would often risk being injured to counterattack fiercely.


    The red light in his eyes seemed like it wanted to tear Xu Qing apart.


    At the same time, waves of spell fluctuations erupted from his body. The essence of these fluctuations wasn¡¯t spirit energy but anomalous substances. They formed black foggy ghost faces in the surroundings which pounced toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t afraid of anomalous substances but he didn¡¯t want to be exposed here. Hence, while dodging with his speed, he also took out a talisman to protect himself. However, a frown appeared on his face.


    He discovered that even though the other party was injured to such an extent, he was still savage. This caused Xu Qing¡¯s killing intent to intensify. While moving around, he stabbed fiercely at the other party¡¯s head.


    A red light flashed in the eyes of the Sea Corpse Race cultivator. He suddenly raised his right hand and welcomed the attack.


    With the help of his bones, the instant the dagger was stuck, the Sea Corpse Race cultivator suddenly opened its mouth and bit at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was sharp. He decided not to dodge and directly slammed his head into the other party.


    The mouth of the Sea Corpse Race member collapsed, his teeth broke, and half of his head shattered under the intense impact.


    Xu Qing continued to slash.


    The arms were cut off.


    The stomach was cut again.


    The rotting internal organs turned into corpse fluid and flowed out. This kind of injury and cruel attacks caused the eyes of the Sea Corpse Race, which was about to be dismembered, to reveal a rare fear.


    All of this was the reason why the captain¡¯s apple almost fell off.


    It wasn¡¯t that the Sea Corpse Race didn¡¯t have emotions, but their emotions were relatively simple. However, no matter how simple it was, the sensation brought about by death was still terrifying. This Sea Corpse Race cultivator no longer wanted to continue fighting and tried to escape.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t agree.


    He charged forward and got close again. As the dagger danced, a large number of water droplets formed a barrier in all directions, enveloping the Sea Corpse Race member.


    Amidst the rumbling, the terror in the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s eyes grew increasingly intense. He felt this Seven Blood Eyes disciple in front of him was strange. His anomalous substances were useless against this person. From what he knew, this was impossible.


    Even those heaven chosen from the various races who didn¡¯t have any anomalous substances in their bodies were only pure in their bodies. It wasn¡¯t that they weren¡¯t afraid of anomalous substances. If they were thrown into the forbidden zones, they would still be invaded by the anomalous substances.


    However, the anomalous substances disappeared as they invaded this person in front of him, as though they were being devoured.


    At the same time, the corpse poison that the Sea Corpse Race was proud of was also useless against this person. It was as though the other party wasn¡¯t afraid of it at all. On the contrary, the other party¡¯s poison attacks caused his mind to be unstable.


    As for the body, because the Sea Corpse Race wasn¡¯t afraid of pain, most of them had powerful bodies. However, the other party¡­ seemed to be even stronger.


    There was also the recovery ability. Due to the uniqueness of the Sea Corpse Race, their recovery ability far surpassed that of other races. However¡­ at that moment, he felt that he was actually inferior to the other party in this aspect.


    ¡°What kind of bizarre existence is this!¡±


    1


    The eyes of the Sea Corpse Race cultivator flickered with an intense red light. Xu Qing had already closed in. As he brandished his dagger, the ground was soon covered in blue blood again.


    Not long later, as Xu Qing¡¯s dagger crumbled under the corrosion of the other party¡¯s anomalous substances and corpse poison, the Sea Corpse cultivator seized the opportunity and wanted to flee. However, a black cold light instantly chased after him and pierced through his chest.


    It was the black iron stick.


    The instant it pierced through the chest of the Sea Corpse Race, the power of the artifact spirit in the iron stick erupted, forming Foundation Building fluctuations that directly destroyed this weak body that was already riddled with holes.


    The body of the Sea Corpse Race member directly exploded and scattered to the ground. At the same time, the black iron stick suddenly returned to Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    All the bloodstains on it automatically disappeared as though they had been absorbed.


    The captain looked at the dismembered Sea Corpse Race on the ground and then at the black iron stick in Xu Qing¡¯s hand. Finally, he noticed that Xu Qing was looking at him and instantly felt a little embarrassed.


    The spear in his hand suddenly distorted and transformed into a stream of water that headed straight for the Sea Corpse Race cultivator fighting him.


    After an instant of contact, the water quickly coiled around the enemy and let off an astonishing cold air. In the blink of an eye, the water turned into ice, sealing the Sea Corpse Race inside and turning him into a lump of ice.


    This cold seemed to be able to injure one¡¯s soul.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He could faintly sense danger from this ice and knew that this wasn¡¯t ordinary ice. It should contain some unknown power.


    ¡°Xu Qing, do you see this? You have to be artistic when killing people. You can¡¯t rely on brute force alone.¡±


    The captain coughed and lifted his chin as he proudly took a bite of the apple. He walked forward and knocked on the ice lump. Immediately, cracks spread out and the ice lump collapsed, and the Sea Corpse Race cultivator inside also turned into pieces.


    This scene caused Xu Qing to be even more vigilant. The Perfected Qi Condensation Realm of the Sea Corpse Race cultivators clearly surpassed the human race¡¯s. To be able to kill them so easily was enough to prove that¡­ the captain was stronger.


    ¡°Also, I think your spell can be improved. You can try to fuse poison into your water droplets. This should make it more powerful.¡± The captain glanced at the ground around Xu Qing and said.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he fell into deep thought. He felt that what the captain said made sense and nodded seriously.


    Seeing that his words had once again established a powerful image of him in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, the captain was happy.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We have to hurry. If we¡¯re late, I¡¯m afraid that kid Zhang San will be gone.¡± As the captain spoke, he headed straight for the fish eyes. As for Ding Xiaohai, he didn¡¯t bother with him.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with him either. As he followed the captain, the image of the captain¡¯s attack appeared in his mind as he pondered over his inadequacy and the captain¡¯s suggestion.


    ¡°Captain, are Sea Corpse Race cultivators corpses?¡± When they were about to reach the fish eye, Xu Qing asked.


    It was rare to hear Xu Qing raise a question. The captain¡¯s eyes lit up and he coughed. After glancing at Xu Qing, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°The value of this question¡­¡±


    Xu Qing handed over a large apple. It was larger than the one he had eaten in front of the captain previously.


    The captain paused and mumbled a few words before accepting the apple and taking a bite.


    ¡°Alright, seeing that you¡¯re my team member, I¡¯ll tell you. The Sea Corpse Race is a race of revived corpses. Their bodies are very strange.¡±


    ¡°Their clan¡¯s territory is at the edge of the Ninth Forbidden Region.¡±


    ¡°Do you know what the forbidden region is?¡± The captain looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Forbidden zone?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°The place the god looks at when He opens His eyes will turn into a forbidden zone. Then¡­ what if the god opens His eyes and the place He looks at is a forbidden zone?¡± The captain¡¯s expression was deep.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred. He hadn¡¯t thought of this question before. After pondering for a moment, his eyes gleamed.


    ¡°The forbidden zone that the god looks at will be filled with anomalous substances once again, crossing a certain boundary. Hence¡­ it becomes a forbidden region. The difference between a forbidden zone and a forbidden region is huge.¡± The captain took a bite of the apple and continued to speak.


    ¡°In the forbidden zone, most of the existences are ferocious beasts or bizarre entities. However, in the forbidden region¡­ new intelligent races can be born!¡±


    ¡°According to the records of the Seven Blood Eyes, there are at least 15 forbidden regions in the entire world. Some of the races in these forbidden zones are known to the outside world, while others are extremely mysterious.


    ¡°In the Endless Sea, there is a forbidden region known as the Corpse Forbidden. The Sea Corpse Race was born in the periphery of that place, and the Nanhuang Continent we are in also has a forbidden region.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the Phoenix Forbidden.¡±


    ¡°You should have heard that there is an emperor in the Phoenix Forbidden called the Flame Phoenix. It is a top-notch divine creature in this world. Although there is a huge difference between It and the god, It is also a similar existence.¡±


    ¡°This Flame Phoenix was born in the Phoenix Forbidden.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard the captain¡¯s words, intense waves stirred in his heart. At that moment, as the captain¡¯s voice rang out, another layer of mystery of this world seemed to have been lifted.


    ¡°Then¡­ what if the god opens His eyes and looks at the forbidden region?¡± Xu Qing suddenly asked.


    The captain was silent and didn¡¯t speak until he reached the deep pit where the fish eye was. The moment he jumped down, his voice rang out faintly.


    ¡°Since ancient times, there have only been four records of the god looking at the forbidden region.¡±


    ¡°I also don¡¯t know what kind of changes happen to the forbidden regions, but I know that their name is no longer the forbidden region but¡­ the Divine Realm.¡±

 Chapter 190 - Poison Behind You

    Xu Qing watched as the captain¡¯s figure leaped into the huge deep pit in the fish eye location, and the captain¡¯s words seemed to fall as well. However, they did not land in the pit, but in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Those words stirred up waves in his mind that sent ripples continuously.


    Prior to the captain¡¯s explanation, Xu Qing¡¯s understanding of the forbidden zones was that they were similar to the jungle beside the scavenger campsite, just that the deeper one went, the stranger, eerie, and dangerous it became.


    Even for the Phoenix Forbidden on the other side of the Nanhuang Continent, he felt that it was just a larger forbidden zone with more ferocious beasts and bizarre existences.


    But now, he understood that although his understanding wasn¡¯t wrong, it was only the tip of the iceberg.


    This world was vast. The human race was only one of the races living in it. There were many nonhuman races and dangerous forbidden zones.


    There were also the forbidden regions above the forbidden zone.


    Forbidden regions had completely surpassed the level of the forbidden zone and were able to give birth to new races.


    There was also¡­ the Divine Realm that the captain didn¡¯t elaborate on.


    ¡°There are many experts and bizarre existences in this world.¡± Xu Qing thought of the saber-wielding stone statue in the temple he had seen in the forbidden zone, the giant pulling the dragon carriage he had sensed at the bottom of the sea, and the true body of Sea Lizard Island.


    After a long time, he turned his head and looked at the Sea Corpse Race member who was fighting against Ding Xiaohai. A deep glint appeared in his eyes.


    The Sea Corpse Race that was born at the edge of the Corpse Forbidden was very strong.


    At the same level of Perfected Qi Condensation Realm, if the Sea Corpse cultivator had been changed to the merfolk or human cultivators, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t be so slow in killing them. He would have been much faster.


    ¡°What about the Foundation Building cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race?¡± Xu Qing was inwardly vigilant. He believed that there would definitely be other members of the Sea Corpse Race under the deep pit and there would definitely be Foundation Building cultivators among them.


    Although the array formation in the sky suppressed the enemy¡¯s cultivation to the Qi Condensation Realm, Xu Qing had no choice but to be vigilant against the Sea Corpse Race.


    This was more so when the array formation seemed to be becoming more and more unstable.


    Xu Qing fell silent. The more he understood the mysteries of this world, the more he felt that he was too weak. The thought of reaching Foundation Building as soon as possible became even more intense.


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and his gaze regained its sharpness. He then leaped toward the deep pit in the fish eye.


    This deep pit was like a tunnel. It was wide and so deep that the end couldn¡¯t be seen.


    When Xu Qing jumped in, he could only see the captain¡¯s figure descending rapidly like a small dot. He didn¡¯t control his speed, but moved with the natural falling force while checking his surroundings.


    The soil around the deep pit was pitch-black. The deeper one went, the more humid it became. There was also a large amount of ringworm-like vegetation everywhere. He occasionally saw a few small black flowers that gave off a sinister aura.


    The humidity continued to increase. Soon, Xu Qing heard a splashing sound coming from the captain¡¯s side. This sound didn¡¯t sound like someone had attacked him but more like he had landed on water.


    Xu Qing immediately circulated his cultivation base. As he lifted his right hand, the black iron stick appeared and pierced into the soil beside him.


    With the help of the iron stick, Xu Qing¡¯s speed slowly slowed down. Shortly after, he saw water below.


    The surface of the water was pitch-black and he couldn¡¯t see what was inside. However, it was obvious that this passageway was far from the end. The rest of the journey would require him to sink into the water.


    Xu Qing scattered some poison powder.


    He waited for some time to confirm that there was nothing wrong. Just in case, he placed all the items that could be damaged by water in his storage bag. He then used the Sea Transformation Art to form a protective barrier to block the water. Only then did he sink and continue forward.


    However, not long after he entered the water, Xu Qing became cautious.


    He didn¡¯t see the captain¡¯s figure.


    It was as though some unknown danger hidden in this pitch-black passageway devoured the captain¡¯s figure completely.


    Xu Qing immediately took out a pouch filled with all kinds of poison powder from his storage bag and sent it out of his protective barrier, causing the pouch to fuse into the water. It was quickly soaked and a large amount of poison mixed into the water.


    As it spread in all directions, Xu Qing grabbed the pouch and his body continued to sink.


    Wherever he passed, the black seawater would turn even darker under the influence of the poison.


    Perhaps it was because Xu Qing¡¯s poison was very invasive, he didn¡¯t encounter any danger on the way down. When he gradually reached the end of the tunnel, there wasn¡¯t much poison left in the pouch.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop. He threw the pouch to the exit of the tunnel. The pouch opened in the water, causing the remaining poison in it to be released like ink, churning rapidly in all directions.


    It would be fine if there were no enemies lying in ambush there. However, if there were ambushers, this poisonous water would be enough to make them regret this choice.


    At the next instant, as the poisonous water churned, miserable cries rang out. Six merfolk cultivators lying in ambush retreated in the poisonous water and their bodies turned greenish-black rapidly. As they continued to rot, a cold glint rose in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he rushed out of the exit.


    The instant he left, he could sense waves of spell fluctuations in all directions. There were also muffled roars and shouts.


    A chaotic battle was going on.


    At the same time, a gorgeous and wondrous underwater world appeared in front of Xu Qing.


    Compared to the surface of the island, everything here was reversed. However, if one reversed their body here and stepped on the soil on the back of the island, they could clearly see that there were countless seven-colored corals.


    It was as though the entire world was made up of corals. These corals were used to build luxurious buildings everywhere and on those corals, there were a large number of sea anemone.


    The center of the sea anemone was red and its grayish-white tentacles were like sharp teeth. It also had barbed tentacles that extended and swayed in the sea.


    These tentacles were of different lengths. Some were hundreds of feet long and some were ten to twenty feet long. There was light flowing on them, causing the entire world under the sea to look extremely gorgeous.


    In the direction of the bottom of the sea, there were countless translucent eggs floating. Each of these eggs was the size of a seven or eight-year-old child. One could see the children of the merfolk race inside.


    This place was the undersea world that the merfolk race had built on the back of the island. It was also where their true foundation was. As Xu Qing noticed all this clearly, he also saw the battles that were everywhere.


    A large number of Seven Blood Eyes disciples were snatching the corals and all the valuable items here. As for the merfolk cultivators, they fought back ferociously.


    Because they were under the sea, the blood fused into the seawater and turned into balls of blood mist. Xu Qing had not finished observing the whole situation when a cold glint flashed in his eyes and he slammed back fiercely, colliding with a merfolk cultivator who wanted to launch a sneak attack.


    The flesh and bones of the merfolk cultivator shattered, emitting a large amount of blood mist. A sea anemone at the side suddenly opened its mouth and bit at Xu Qing.


    The tentacles in the surroundings rapidly moved toward him, but as soon as they got close, they withered. It was the same for the sea anemone. Before it could bite down, it withered and turned pitch-black.


    Ignoring the sea anemone, Xu Qing continued to survey his surroundings while moving forward.


    On the underwater battlefield, the merfolk race wasn¡¯t the only one fighting against the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples. Xu Qing also saw the cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race. With a glance, there were about a hundred Sea Corpse Race members scattered around.


    Every one of them was very savage. Seven to eight of them even had fluctuations that were infinitely close to the Foundation Building realm. More than five Seven Blood Eyes disciples were needed to suppress one of them.


    Xu Qing suddenly lifted his right hand and the black iron stick rushed out, heading straight for a figure rushing toward him from the left. Under the other party¡¯s horror, it pierced through the space between his brows and returned to Xu Qing¡¯s side.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop and continued speeding.


    He did not take the initiative to attack. Killing wasn¡¯t his priority on this trip. After coming to this underwater world, he judged the approximate location of the fluctuations he had sensed from the Spirit Breath Lantern.


    He wanted to leave this battlefield and take a look at that place to confirm if there was really the item he was hoping for.


    Just as Xu Qing was shuttling through the battlefield, he suddenly felt a sense of danger.


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and looked into the distance.


    Almost at the same time he looked over, dozens of different merfolks appeared at the edge of the battlefield.


    These merfolks were wearing white robes and the fluctuations emitted by their bodies were very strange. It wasn¡¯t anomalous substances or spirit energy but something indescribable. After Xu Qing sensed it, he thought of the divinity contained in his magic boat.


    His eyes narrowed.


    And beside every such merfolk, there were some ferocious and strange beasts!


    Some of these strange beasts were in human form but their bodies were slender. They were dozens of feet tall and looked like bamboo sticks. However, their heads were huge and their green skin emitted a strange aura.


    There were also those who looked completely like giants but had two heads filled with cruelty. As they walked forward, they were also biting each other.


    There were also huge eyeballs that were covered in pustules. However, there was an extremely long tongue in their pupils.


    There were also some rotting small sharks with countless rotting weapons stabbed into their bodies.


    ¡°Divine priest!¡± The introduction of a type of special cultivator among the merfolk cultivators in the little fatty¡¯s jade slip appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    There were very few such cultivators and they called themselves divine priests. Their spells weren¡¯t spirit energy but borrowed from the gods they believed in, so they were named divine arts.


    And those strange beasts were the manifestation of their divine arts!


    Their appearance brought a huge impact on the battlefield, causing some chaos among the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples. However, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples were ferocious people who had experienced the Gu nurturing. There were many who had their eyes on these divine priests.


    After all, in the merfolk race, the hierarchy of the divine priests was extremely high and their wealth exceeded that of ordinary cultivators.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t participate in this. He retracted his gaze from those divine priests and was about to leave. However, at that moment, a strange expression appeared on his face.


    He saw a miserable-looking corpse crawling rapidly on the battlefield not far away.


    This corpse was covered in blood and its entire body was covered in shocking wounds.


    It would occasionally crawl and pause. When it passed by the corpses of the merfolk and Seven Blood Eyes cultivators, the corpse would rummage through them with familiarity. After taking the items, it continued to crawl.


    If it encountered a powerful enemy, the corpse would immediately lie motionless and pretend to be dead. However, if the person¡¯s cultivation was ordinary, the moment they passed by, the corpse would suddenly sneak attack. After killing the target, it would quickly run to another side and continue pretending to be a corpse¡­


    Although the other party¡¯s disguise was very good, Xu Qing still recognized him.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang San¡­¡±


    The moment Xu Qing saw Zhang San, there was an energy fluctuation behind him. Xu Qing rushed forward and abruptly turned around. Just as he was about to throw the black iron stick in his right hand, an anxious voice rang out.


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Deputy Captain Xu.¡±


    It was the captain.


    However¡­ the current captain was a little different from what Xu Qing had seen outside.


    His body was greenish-black and there were familiar signs of poisoning. His lips were purple and he was swallowing antidotes as he walked.


    1

 Chapter 191 - Binding Awakening

    ¡°Captain, you¡¯re poisoned.¡± Xu Qing glanced at the captain.


    ¡°Poisoned? I¡¯m not poisoned. I¡¯m so strong, how could I be poisoned?¡± The captain raised his brows and answered in surprise.


    ¡°You are indeed poisoned, Captain.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the captain¡¯s greenish-black face that looked similar to the pitch-black seawater and said seriously.


    The captain¡¯s expression turned solemn.


    ¡°Vice Captain Xu, don¡¯t spout nonsense. You have to have evidence when you speak! I just saw a tasty-looking sea fruit, but after eating it some wind evil1 entered my body. Looks like you can¡¯t eat sea fruits casually.¡±


    As the captain spoke, he seemed to feel his face turning a little numb. He quickly took out a handful of antidotes and stuffed them into his mouth as though he was eating candy. He then chewed and swallowed them.


    As for his heart, he was feeling rather depressed at this moment. He had hidden himself after falling into the water earlier because he wanted Xu Qing to scout the way first while he followed behind.


    1


    He didn¡¯t expect this kid to release poison all the way!


    1


    Now that he saw that Xu Qing was about to speak, he hurriedly swept his gaze across the surroundings and suddenly pointed at Zhang San, who was disguised as a corpse in the distance.


    ¡°Eh, isn¡¯t that Zhang San?¡±


    The captain quickly left Xu Qing and ran toward Zhang San. When he reached Zhang San¡¯s side, he kicked him. However, Zhang San, who was disguised as a corpse, quickly dodged. He lay on the ground and lifted his head to see the captain as well as Xu Qing walking over.


    ¡°Captain, are you poisoned?¡± Zhang San looked at the greenish-black color on his captain¡¯s face in surprise.


    ¡°Shut up.¡± The captain coughed and quickly spoke.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a disgrace. What good stuff can you get by pretending to be a corpse here? Follow me. I know where the good stuff is.¡± The captain immediately checked his surroundings and rushed in a direction.


    Zhang San didn¡¯t hesitate. He jumped up from the ground and greeted Xu Qing before chasing after the captain.


    ¡°Vice Captain Xu, the place I¡¯m going to has the Foundation Building Pill you want. Come quickly.¡± The captain waved at Xu Qing as he ran.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was restrained as he swept his gaze across the chaos of the battle in the surroundings. He then looked in the direction the captain had left in. That place¡­ was also the place guided by the Spirit Breath Lantern. He no longer hesitated and quickly followed the captain and Zhang San.


    Just like that, the three of them left the merfolk race¡¯s underwater battlefield. As they were strong, although they encountered some obstructions on the way, they were all easily dealt with.


    The captain was clearly in a hurry. When he saw merfolk cultivators blocking the way, he would directly release cold air, turning them into ice sculptures.


    As for Zhang San, his style was different from the captain¡¯s. He had a lot of trinkets of all kinds. Moreover, they were all the kind that would explode upon contact and had high lethality.


    As they moved forward, Zhang San threw them in all directions, preventing the merfolk from approaching.


    What he used the most was a thread that was difficult to see with the naked eye. As his body moved, this extremely sharp thread moved in the surroundings, slicing the ice sculptures that the captain made.


    Clearly, the two of them had cooperated more than once and were already very familiar with each other¡¯s methods. Hence, their speed became faster and faster.


    In fact, Xu Qing even saw Zhang San tying a thread to the captain¡¯s body. This made it very easy for Zhang San to move forward.


    As for Xu Qing, his attacks were different from the captain and Zhang San. To be precise, he didn¡¯t attack at all. Instead, he used a colorless poison powder that he had developed specifically to target the merfolk race. It fused into the water and permeated his surroundings.


    As he moved forward, the bodies of all the merfolk who neared him melted. Even though they retreated rapidly, they couldn¡¯t stop the corrosion of their bodies. They let out mournful cries and their eyes were filled with extreme fear as they faced the unavoidable death.


    Zhang San¡¯s expression changed drastically. He quickly took out a large number of antidote pills and swallowed them. He then moved forward at full speed, wanting to keep a distance from Xu Qing who was behind him.


    As for the captain, he had been eating the antidote pills one by one.


    Just like that, the three of them sprinted wildly and slowly left the battlefield. Xu Qing could also see the direction the captain was heading in. It was the place where the divine priests had come from. This made him fall into deep thought.


    An hour later, when the rumbling sounds from the battlefield were much weaker, a strange building complex appeared in front of them.


    Although these buildings were also made with coral, they were pitch-black, forming towering circular halls. From the style, it was somewhat similar to the cluster of temples Xu Qing had seen in the scavenger campsite.


    ¡°Temple?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. The guiding fluctuation from the Spirit Breath Lantern seemed to be coming from here but it wasn¡¯t convenient for him to take it out to confirm it.


    ¡°This is the place.¡± The captain¡¯s excited voice rang out from ahead. He sped up and headed straight for the temple.


    Their arrival aroused the vigilance of the merfolk guards in the temple. They rushed out one after another to kill them. However, there weren¡¯t many guards.


    If it was any other time, this place would definitely be heavily guarded. However, now that the merfolk race was facing a calamity, many places in the underwater world were in the middle of chaotic battles. As a result, most of the divine priests had left, so the number of guards here was clearly reduced.


    With the captain¡¯s strength, Zhang San¡¯s many trinkets, and Xu Qing¡¯s colorless poison, they were able to rush straight to the center of the temple cluster.


    During this time, Foundation Building cultivators whose cultivation levels had been suppressed to the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm also appeared. However, wherever the captain passed, everything would be frozen. No matter what cultivation level the enemy had, their outcome was the same. They were all instantly turned into ice sculptures.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to tremble. Not only was he wary of the captain¡¯s combat strength, but he was also certain that the captain had a strong motive for coming here.


    From the start, he seemed to be headed straight for this place.


    ¡°Could it be that the captain has the same goal as me?¡± Xu Qing was vigilant. As he silently followed, the vigilance in his heart grew even more intense.


    A moment later, the three of them killed their way to the center of the temple cluster. In front of a blue temple, the captain quickly spoke.


    ¡°Zhang San, set up traps in the surroundings. Take out all your good things, I¡¯ll compensate you when we get back.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, scatter more of your poison here. Don¡¯t be stingy. I¡¯ll compensate you too when we get back!¡±


    Zhang San immediately set up a large number of mechanisms in the surroundings that would explode with a single touch. Moreover, all of them had disguises covering them, and were placed in confusing and tricky areas.


    For example, he dug a pit to bury a trap. Moreover, this pit was only slightly deeper than other areas. It would trigger with a step.


    ¡°The first person who walks on it will be fine, but the second person who walks on it will trigger the explosion.¡± Noticing that Xu Qing was looking at him, Zhang San grinned honestly.


    Xu Qing fell silent and recalled the location guided by the Spirit Breath Lantern¡¯s fluctuations. He sensed that although it was also here, it didn¡¯t seem to be in this direction. It should be further deeper.


    He heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. After Zhang San finished setting up, he took out a lot of poison powder and scattered it, causing the danger in the surroundings of the temple to increase even more.


    After that, Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    The captain was very happy. He directly pushed open the temple¡¯s gate and called Xu Qing and Zhang San in.


    The interior of the temple was empty and didn¡¯t seem to have any treasures. There was only a statue standing there.


    ¡°Captain, what exactly are you doing this time? There¡¯s nothing here. The things I want aren¡¯t here as well!¡± Seeing that the surroundings were empty, Zhang San was anxious.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and also looked at the captain.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious.¡± The captain squatted and smiled.


    ¡°Wait a moment. I guarantee that you¡¯ll be able to obtain what you want in a while.¡± As he spoke, he took out a withered eye. This eye didn¡¯t look like a human¡¯s. After the captain placed it to the side, he performed a series of hand seals and pointed.


    Immediately, the withered eye opened, revealing a blurry scene in its pupils. It seemed to be the outside world of the island.


    ¡°Let¡¯s watch the show first.¡± The captain¡¯s expression was filled with excitement.


    ¡°Eye of Consonance, this thing is very expensive. How did you get it?!¡± Zhang San took a deep breath and quickly moved closer to take a look.


    Xu Qing also carefully looked at the eye. He felt that it was very strange. He then swept his gaze across the captain and retreated a little. He surveyed his surroundings and began to observe the environment here.


    There was indeed nothing else here other than the statue.


    Even though the statue itself was only made from coral and didn¡¯t have any divinity fluctuations, Xu Qing didn¡¯t relax. He remembered that the stone statue holding the saber in the temple in the scavenger forbidden zone also didn¡¯t look anything strange.


    He didn¡¯t plan to stay here for long and was prepared to find an opportunity to leave.


    While Xu Qing was observing, the ground trembled. A loud explosion rang out from afar, like a storm sweeping in all directions.


    As the ground trembled, a sharp sound rang out in the distance, as though it could penetrate all obstacles and spread throughout the entire underwater world.


    The place where the explosion and sharp sound came from was the battlefield where Xu Qing¡¯s group had left earlier. At that moment, corpses were everywhere and many people had died. As for the dozens of divine priests, all of them were in a sorry state.


    Most of the strange beasts formed by their divine arts were also dead. All of them let out sharp cries in their madness. As this sound rang out, their bodies rapidly burned.


    They seemed to be using the burning of life to cast an extremely powerful divine art.


    As their sharp sound spread, although there weren¡¯t many divine priests on the many battlefields in the underwater world, they also burned their bodies and let out sharp cries.


    These sounds fused together and became stronger and stronger. The penetrative power also continued to grow.


    As hundreds of divine priests on the entire Binding Island burned crazily, the sharp sound directly spread out of the Binding Island. It passed through the array formation outside and continued to travel into the depths of the sea.


    It was like a summoning!


    Very soon, a roar that came from the deep sea echoed.


    This voice was like the sound of heaven and earth, containing indescribable intimidation.


    The instant it spread out, it caused monstrous waves to surge in the sea for thousands of kilometers. As it continued to spread, the sky changed color and the wind and clouds churned.


    In the depths of the sea¡­ a huge figure vaguely appeared!


    This figure was a hundred thousand feet tall and astonishingly huge, like a god.


    Its every movement seemed quite strenuous. However, at the same time, every step it took would cause the bottom of the sea to rumble and form a tsunami.


    A terrifying pressure erupted at this moment.


    Regardless of the cultivation base of the countless sea beasts in the vicinity, they all trembled under this pressure. A pressure that caused the souls of all the Seven Blood Eyes cultivators to tremble spread out from the god-like figure at the bottom of the sea.


    The rumbling sound continued to transmit. If one had eyes that could penetrate the sea and looked at it from a high altitude, they would see an old woman wearing a robe made of countless fish bones with a large number of tentacles on her body walking toward the merfolk island step by step.


    Her face was covered in wrinkles and more than half of it had rotted away. Only her golden eyes revealed a deep look with no emotions. Her breath was filled with dense anomalous substances and contained intense divinity.


    The tentacles on her body all had eyes and were also golden. At this moment, half of them opened and they looked at the distant merfolk island in unison.


    Behind the old woman, amidst the fluttering of the fishbone robe, a gigantic scarlet tongue stretched out. Its tongue contained countless souls.


    Upon closer inspection, these souls looked like divine priests of the merfolk race. They were all emitting sharp sounds, as though they were responding to the voice of Binding.


    This scene caused the array formation fluctuations on the four islands of the merfolk race to dissipate a little and become transparent, allowing the cultivators on the island to finally see the outside world.


    This figure was none other than the god the merfolk race believed in¡­ Binding!

 Chapter 192 - Why the Madness?

    The god the merfolk believed in was called Binding.


    However, its title of god was crowned by the merfolk race in reverence. In reality, it was just a mysterious divine existence at the bottom of the sea.


    Even so, divine creatures that could go to deep sleep at the bottom of the sea were extremely powerful. Their abilities were unimaginable to many races, and their strength even more so.


    Before the god¡¯s fragmented face arrived, although there were sea monsters in the Wanggu Continent and the surrounding Endless Sea, they were far inferior to the creatures that were changed due to the god¡¯s fragmented face.


    Such existences that possessed the aura of the fragmented face of the god in the sky appeared one after another. These existences were known as divine creatures.


    Some races had studied these divine creatures and found that they had evolved from the bizarre entities in the forbidden zones.


    Binding was one of them.


    In fact, to mortals, it could indeed be considered a god.


    This type of divine creature had occupied the top of the food chain for many eras and was regarded as a god by countless small races. Even large races were wary of it.


    However, many eras had passed, the races that could survive in this world all had their own methods to resist divine creatures.


    In fact, some races could already intimidate ordinary divine creatures. There were also large races that could fight against the emperors of the forbidden regions.


    As for the human race, although they were scattered in many places, they were also one of the large races.


    At this moment, the surface of the sea rumbled as Binding strode toward the merfolk island. In the air above the merfolk island, Old Master Seventh, who was standing on great wing, looked at the deep sea.


    ¡°Zheng Kaiyi, the arrival of Binding will definitely cause a storm of blood. There¡¯s no need for your sect and my race to start a war like this. We are allies. My race is willing to continue to be allies and hand over all the benefits. My race can even help you attack the Sea Corpse Race.¡± The merfolk ancestor¡¯s breathing was hurried as he spoke rapidly.


    ¡°It is too late for your race,¡± Old Master Seventh said calmly. He ignored the merfolk ancestor and waved his hand, his voice spreading in all directions.


    ¡°Human race¡¯s battle flag!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the wyvern transformed from the great wing below him roared at the sky. The thirteen elders in the surroundings lowered their heads with deferential expressions. The hundred Foundation Building cultivators were the same.


    Amidst their respectful looks, following the wyvern¡¯s roar, a huge flag suddenly rose from the tallest building on its back.


    This flag was a thousand feet long and the color of the banner was mixed. It was stained with the blood of countless beings and looked tattered, as though it was a corner of a large flag.


    As the wind blew, a peerless baleful aura that shook the world erupted from it.


    This aura was so strong that the sky seemed to freeze and the waves of the sea seemed to stop.


    It was as though it could suppress the time, the races, and all existences. Even divine creatures had to lower their heads in front of it.


    The mixed blood on the flag exuded an intense sense of divinity, as though countless divine creatures had been killed on this flag. Amidst the mixed blood was an extremely pure drop of golden blood.


    This drop of blood actually gave off a feeling that it surpassed divinity and was infinitely close to the fragmented face of the god in the sky!


    ¡°The human race¡¯s battle flag. It¡¯s impossible for the Seven Blood Eyes to possess such a supreme treasure of the human race, even if it¡¯s just a corner¡­ This is an item of the Wanggu Continent¡¯s Seven Sects Alliance!!¡± The merfolk ancestor¡¯s face instantly turned pale. He seemed to have lost his voice in despair.


    Just as the miserable voice of the merfolk ancestor echoed, as the battle flag fluttered, a suppressive force erupted from it. An illusory finger stretched out from the battle flag.


    This finger contained the intent of endless time, as though it had risen from the endless river of time. It didn¡¯t emit any pressure, but everyone who saw it felt their minds go blank.


    It was as though this finger represented the Heavenly Dao. It pressed down slightly toward the sea.


    Immediately, an area of 50,000 kilometers of the sea surface evaporated, forming a huge hole, revealing Binding who was letting out a mournful roar.


    All the tentacles on its body opened their eyes at the same time, wanting to resist. However, it was useless. More than half of the tentacles collapsed and the fishbone robe on its body shattered. The tongue on its back withered and the rotting of its entire body sped up.


    Half of its body exploded, turning into countless pieces of flesh and blood. The remaining half of its body retreated rapidly amidst the mournful cries that spread in all directions, fleeing into the depths of the sea!


    This scene couldn¡¯t be seen on the other three islands of the merfolk race. Only the cultivators on the Binding Island could see it clearly.


    However, the disciples in the underwater world couldn¡¯t see it.


    Unless one used a special technique or some strange object, only then could the cultivators in the underwater world see everything that was happening outside.


    For example¡­ the Eye of Consonance.


    At that moment, in the underwater world, Xu Qing, who was in the temple, had his eyes completely widened. He stared at the Eye of Consonance in front of him with waves of emotions surging in his mind.


    This eye reflected the great wing in the sky and the flag. It also reflected the evaporation of the surface of the sea and the collapse of half of Binding¡¯s body after the finger was pressed down.


    However, this was already the limit of the Eye of Consonance . At the next instant, the eye seemed unable to withstand the horror of the scene it was observing and exploded.


    The instant it exploded, the captain did something that shocked Xu Qing and dumbfounded Zhang San.


    He actually took out a palm-sized piece of red flesh and pressed it against the statue of Binding at the side.


    Immediately, this piece of flesh and blood melted and enveloped the entire statue. It was as though it was devouring the statue, emitting waves of strange swallowing sounds. After it devoured the entire statue and transformed into a huge piece of flesh and blood, a gap was torn in the middle.


    It was like a gate of flesh and blood.


    It was twisting and squirming, and looked unstable. It was the same for the whole lump of flesh and blood, as though it would wither and collapse at any moment.


    It was pitch-black inside the gap but upon closer inspection, it seemed to be the depths of the sea. Occasionally, some scenes would flash past and one could see a large number of broken limbs and minced meat.


    Those broken limbs and pieces of flesh were the collapsed half of Binding¡¯s body. These were clearly extremely attractive in the deep sea, causing terrifying auras to erupt from everywhere and surge toward the broken limbs, wanting to devour them.


    These auras were so strong that Xu Qing could clearly sense them through the gap in the flesh. Any one of them could instantly crush and kill him. As for the Seven Blood Eyes elders in the air, they seemed to have some reservations and didn¡¯t participate in the fight.


    However, the captain¡¯s eyes lit up and his expression revealed unprecedented madness. After taking a look at the gap in his flesh, his eyes turned red as he quickly spoke to Zhang San and Xu Qing.


    ¡°I know what your goals are. I didn¡¯t lie to you. When I said I brought you guys here to find treasures, it was naturally to find treasures.¡±


    ¡°Zhang San, isn¡¯t this what you want? The refining diagram of the merfolk race¡¯s Flying Fish Armor?¡±


    As the captain spoke, he took out a red jade slip from his pocket. It emitted a strange fluctuation. The item in it seemed to have intelligence and seeped out of the jade slip, transforming into the phantom of an armor.


    One look and one could tell that it was quite extraordinary.


    Zhang San¡¯s eyes instantly widened and he wanted to grab it.


    ¡°Why is it with you!¡±


    The captain smiled and allowed the red jade slip to be grabbed by Zhang San. While Zhang San was being excited about the treasure, the captain looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you want the Foundation Building Pills, right? There are three of them here. Their quality is much higher than the normal ones and are extremely precious. They are definitely top-grade pills and can¡¯t be compared to ordinary Foundation Building Pills.¡± As the captain spoke, he took out a jade box and threw it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°How is it? You wanted it, right?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He grabbed it and opened it. There were three blue-colored medicinal pills that gave off a strange fragrance. There were even some mist lingering on them, as though the medicinal pills had life.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook. He kept them and looked at the captain.


    He didn¡¯t believe that his captain would give these things to them so easily.


    ¡°I spent a lot of effort to find this for you. Since I¡¯ve helped you, the two of you have to help me too. Help me guard this place. It won¡¯t be long. Fifteen minutes!¡±


    ¡°Just the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. When I return, I¡¯ll give you some of the items I obtained! If I don¡¯t return in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, you guys can leave on your own. You don¡¯t have to care about me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to snatch the flesh and blood of Binding. That¡¯s the god of the merfolk race. You guys better pray that I don¡¯t die inside. If I return alive, we¡¯ll be rich, understand?!¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, a huge commotion stirred in his heart. He looked at the broken limbs and minced meat in the gap between the flesh and blood as well as the terrifying auras that were rapidly approaching. He then looked at the madness in the captain¡¯s eyes. He felt that the captain was crazy, or maybe the latter felt that he had lived too long, so he wanted to play with his life.


    Xu Qing had seen such people before. They had only two results, and both were extreme. Either they got themselves killed or¡­ they obtained a huge harvest.


    Xu Qing hoped that the captain belonged to the latter group, so he asked.


    ¡°How to increase your chances of returning alive?¡±


    The captain laughed and quickly spoke.


    ¡°There is nothing you can do. It¡¯s up to fate.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°What¡¯s life for? Isn¡¯t it just for fun? I¡¯ve played with it several times.¡± The captain took a deep breath and the madness in his eyes intensified. He instantly entered the gap in the flesh and blood and quickly crawled inside.


    It was as though he was courting death as he rushed toward the place where half of Binding¡¯s body had collapsed.


    The moment he entered, the huge piece of flesh trembled violently and traces of withering appeared in its edges, as though it wouldn¡¯t be able to hold on for long.


    Zhang San fell silent. After a long time, he sighed.


    ¡°Have you seen such a Qi Condensation cultivator? He¡¯s f*cking going to his death¡­¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head. Right now, even if the captain opened his stomach and said that he was at the Qi Condensation Realm, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t believe him. After a moment, he spoke.


    ¡°Are the coffins in the main city expensive?¡±


    ¡°I prepared it for him in the past. Later on, I dismantled it because it was of no use. Oh right, I dismantled it when I was refining the magic boat for you. I didn¡¯t have enough materials and used them all on you. I¡¯ll go back and forge another one¡­¡± Zhang San sighed.


    ¡°¡­¡± Xu Qing fell silent. After a long time, he looked outside the temple. His eyes slowly narrowed as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Something¡¯s coming.¡±


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing spoke, sizzling sounds suddenly rang out outside the empty temple, as though something was being corroded by poison.


    This sound was extremely ear-piercing but there was nothing in the outside world.


    However, the traps that Zhang San had buried exploded one after another.

 Chapter 193 - Temple of Mire

    This was strange.


    However, Xu Qing and Zhang San had each seen similar things. In fact, compared to what their captain had done just now, these invisible enemies outside didn¡¯t seem to be much.


    There were not many people who were admired by Xu Qing. The teacher from the slums, Captain Lei from the campsite, and Grandmaster Bai who had taught him about herbs and plants were people he admired from the depths of his heart.


    But now¡­ there was another one.


    Xu Qing admired the captain¡¯s madness in playing with his life.


    To dare to go into the deep sea at this moment and risk his life to plunder the flesh and blood of Binding¡­ Only people who were completely crazy could do such a thing. As for the captain¡¯s true identity and cultivation, Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to guess anymore. It was meaningless.


    ¡°I hope the captain can succeed,¡± Xu Qing said softly.


    The captain had given him the Foundation Building Pills in exchange for him guarding this place for fifteen minutes. He would keep his promise. He headed straight for the temple¡¯s gate.


    Xu Qing glanced at the empty space outside. He then lifted his right hand and waved it fiercely. Immediately, a large amount of poison powder spread out, merging into the seawater and rapidly spreading out.


    This time, the poison powder wasn¡¯t colorless but had many different colors. Black, red, blue, and green. After they fused together, they transformed into different colors and their intensity increased by a lot.


    In the blink of an eye, sizzling sounds rang out from the originally empty outside world. There were also intense fluctuations that distorted outside the temple.


    After that, a fleshy tentacle as thick as a thigh suddenly crawled out from the empty space in front of Xu Qing and lashed out at him.


    Its speed was so fast that ripples appeared wherever it passed. Moreover, there were more than one tentacle. The tentacles appeared one after another from other places, and rushed toward Xu Qing in unison.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. After he dodged a tentacle that charged at him, he slashed it down with the dagger, cutting it into two.


    He then attacked the other approaching tentacles.


    In an instant, flesh and blood splattered everywhere. Because there were too many tentacles, Xu Qing¡¯s dagger was entangled. He simply let go of the dagger and grabbed the tentacle in front of him, pulling it ruthlessly.


    The ground collapsed as a strange ferocious beast that looked like a tadpole was pulled out. The large head at the end of it revealed a sinister huge mouth. It twisted its body and bit at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. The Ba shadow instantly manifested and he punched fiercely at the incoming big-headed ferocious beast.


    The seawater seemed to explode and the big-headed ferocious beast instantly collapsed.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Xu Qing rushed toward another tentacle and punched out again.


    Zhang San, who was in the temple, couldn¡¯t help but gasp.


    ¡°Although he can¡¯t compare to the captain¡¯s madness, this Xu Qing is quite fierce¡­¡± Zhang San muttered. He wasn¡¯t idle either. He performed a series of hand seals and the fine threads outside his body instantly rushed out of the temple.


    He could also kill enemies.


    The rumbling of the mechanisms outside became even more frequent. The places where Zhang San had buried the mechanisms collapsed one after another. Under Xu Qing¡¯s mixed poisons, the figures were dyed with colors and revealed themselves.


    They were all merfolks.


    However, they were different from ordinary merfolk. They seemed to possess a certain degree of concealment and were even more ferocious. All of them spat out blood and there were traces of poison on their bodies, but they didn¡¯t retreat. They continued to charge straight for the entrance of the temple.


    Their target wasn¡¯t Xu Qing but¡­ the piece of meat inside the statue in the temple.


    It was as though the appearance of this piece of meat could lead to some unknown effects, causing them to frantically try to stop it.


    However, the instant these merfolk cultivators got close to the entrance of the temple, a rumbling sound suddenly erupted.


    Zhang San had buried a large number of traps at the entrance. Xu Qing was fine when he passed by them, but when these merfolk got close, the ground directly exploded.


    The violent impact swept out, causing the merfolk race to retreat one after another. At the same time, Xu Qing, who was fighting against the tentacles, suddenly had a change in expression.


    He sensed a terrifying aura approaching the temple from the ground.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang, carry the statue out!¡± Xu Qing immediately let out a low roar.


    Zhang San also reacted extremely quickly. He didn¡¯t hesitate to carry the flesh and blood statue and rush out of the temple. As he waved his right hand, the threads surrounding him spun sharply.


    The instant he rushed out of the temple, the entire temple collapsed. A rotting large hand stretched out from the ground. Since it missed, it slapped the ground and using the leverage, a thousand-foot-long figure crawled out.


    Thick corpse poison spread out with its appearance.


    This figure was actually a corpse, and it was formed from a large number of corpses that had fused together. Its hands and feet slapped the ground malevolently as it charged forward like a wild beast, rushing toward Zhang San.


    Zhang San quickly threw the statue he was carrying toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing leaped up and carried the flesh and blood statue with one hand. As he retreated, he held the dagger in his left hand and slashed the empty space beside him. Immediately, fresh blood spurted out and a head floated down from the concealment.


    At the same time, the giant corpse in the distance also changed its direction and roared as it charged toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and his speed erupted as he sped into the distance. At the same time, Zhang San seemed to have gained leverage and his body was suddenly pulled closer to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised. When he caught the flesh and blood statue, he sensed a thread on it. It was Zhang San¡¯s thread.


    ¡°What is this thing that can allow the captain to enter the deep sea? It even caused these merfolk and sea corpses to go crazy as soon as it was formed.¡± Zhang San approached with a shocked expression.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have an answer, but he remembered the captain¡¯s words. Protect the statue for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. He threw the flesh and blood statue to Zhang San.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang, guard here.¡± After saying that, killing intent erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He held the dagger in his left hand and the black iron stick in his right. The Ba shadow behind him roared and rushed toward the approaching giant corpse.


    His speed was so fast that he got close in an instant. As rumbling sounds erupted into the sky, Xu Qing¡¯s Ba shadow punched out continuously. At this moment, his poison was also released on a large scale.


    Wherever he passed, bodies would rot and fall to the ground with mournful cries. As for the huge corpse, it also retreated repeatedly under Xu Qing¡¯s bombardment.


    Finally, under Xu Qing¡¯s control, countless water droplets formed a restriction. The moment they trapped the huge corpse, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. With a wave of his hand, his magic boat appeared and the divine power attack instantly shot out.


    A golden pillar of light that seemed to be able to purify everything broke through the seawater and landed on the giant corpse.


    Amidst the rumbling, the corpse trembled and shattered into pieces.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t willing to waste the divinity. He quickly kept the magic boat, and charged toward the other merfolks in the surroundings.


    He brandished the dagger and blood filled the air. There was also the black iron stick whistling around him, directly piercing through the merfolks. Although the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was still in a deep sleep after being sealed and wasn¡¯t awakened by Xu Qing, after this iron stick gained an artifact spirit, it had become extraordinary and its lethality was high.


    A moment later, this area¡­ was completely cleared out by Xu Qing.


    His entire body was covered in blood and he clearly felt some fatigue. However, the killing intent in his eyes was still intense.


    As the baleful aura permeated the air, a hint of Foundation Building intent was also faintly emitted from the black iron stick, as though the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was about to awaken.


    As for the Ba shadow behind Xu Qing, it stood there malevolently, as though it was bearing witness to this massacre.


    Zhang San¡¯s heart trembled at this scene.


    He looked at the blood on the ground and then at Xu Qing¡¯s blade-like figure. He suddenly felt that his previous judgment was wrong. This Xu Qing in front of him might not be as mad as the captain but in terms of cruelty¡­ he was the same as the captain!


    Most of the corpses on the ground had their necks slit¡­


    The time it took for an incense stick to burn was up.


    However, the captain didn¡¯t return.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He glanced at the flesh and blood statue that Zhang San was carrying and waited for another half an incense stick of time.


    As for Zhang San, he also sensed that a lot of time had passed and his expression was a little gloomy.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang San, the time has passed. I have another area to go to. Take care,¡± Xu Qing said softly. He gave Zhang San a bag of poison and told him how to use it. After that, he walked into the distance.


    He hoped that his captain would be successful but he wouldn¡¯t wait for too long. In this merfolk world, Xu Qing had more important things to do.


    He rushed out with his full speed. When he reached a place with no one around, he took out the Spirit Breath Lantern and placed it in his shadow to sense the location. Very soon, Xu Qing confirmed the precise location. He then kept the Spirit Breath Lantern and sped into the depths of the temple cluster.


    Time slowly passed. The range of this cluster of temples was very large. After an hour, Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and lifted his head to look at a very ordinary temple in front of him.


    This temple was no different from the surrounding temples but the location guided by the Spirit Breath Lantern¡¯s spirit fluctuations was here.


    Xu Qing warily surveyed his surroundings. After confirming that this place was empty and with no obstacles, he quickly scattered a large amount of poison in the surroundings, enveloping the entire temple as well as spreading more inside it.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t act rashly. Instead, he hid and waited silently. Only after he discovered that there was nothing strange did he rush into the temple. The moment he stepped in, he quickly observed his surroundings.


    The interior of the temple was empty except for a statue.


    This statue wasn¡¯t of Binding but an elderly merfolk. He had a dignified expression and a crown on his head. There did not seem to be anything remarkable about him.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over and looked at the walls of the temple.


    However, just like the emptiness here, the walls were no different. Xu Qing searched for a long time but didn¡¯t find anything here. He took out the Spirit Breath Lantern and checked his surroundings again. It was still the same.


    Xu Qing thought about it and lit the Spirit Breath Lantern. He walked one round around the temple but still didn¡¯t find anything.


    Xu Qing muttered to himself and placed the lantern in his shadow.


    In an instant, the color of the lamp changed from a dim yellow to a dark green. The light illuminated the surroundings and a portion of it landed on the wall. There seemed to be some changes there.


    Xu Qing slowly moved closer.


    As he got closer, the green light slowly illuminated a larger area on the wall. Gradually, the wall distorted. As Xu Qing¡¯s mind trembled, a mural appeared on the entire wall from the original blank space.


    This mural was of a vast scene. The scene seemed to show the location of a huge altar. There were countless bones around it that formed a sea, and on this sea of bones, there were three towering figures.


    Two of them lowered their heads and bowed, while the other stood tall.


    Among the two people paying their respects, the one on the right was the merfolk old man in the temple. However, in the mural, he was like the emperor, even more dignified. His majestic body stood there with extraordinary might, and the crown on his head was embedded with a gem.


    On the other side was an old woman in a fishbone robe that was covered in tentacles. There was also a malevolent ghost face on her back. It was none other than Binding.


    The figure they worshiped was a giant with nine-headed snakes coiled around its body.


    This giant wore armor that was filled with countless runes. He carried two worlds on his shoulders and a large sword floated above his head. This large sword gave off a soul-stirring feeling, as though once it landed, it could split heaven and earth apart.


    He who was being worshiped by the merfolk emperor and Binding seemed more like a god.


    On his body, a snake head held a burning lantern in its mouth.


    The shape of this lantern was a black umbrella placed upside down. Its appearance was the same as the Spirit Breath Lantern but it gave off a completely different feeling like they were not on the same level.


    The difference was like a rock and a beautiful jade.


    It also contained supreme imperial might, causing everyone who saw it to be able to tell at a glance that this was the genuine item.

 Chapter 194 - Xu Qing Is Also Crazy! (1)

    Xu Qing looked at the mural and his heart trembled. Suddenly, the light from the black umbrella lantern in the mural shone brightly, as though it really existed. The light penetrated the mural and spread out to the outside world.


    At the same time, the Spirit Breath Lantern in Xu Qing¡¯s hand also flashed with an even denser light. It formed a sea of light instantly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. He wanted to retreat but it was too late. His figure was enveloped by the sea of light.


    In the blink of an eye, as the sea of light disappeared, Xu Qing¡¯s figure also disappeared!


    It was as though a long time had passed, but it also felt like an instance.


    When Xu Qing¡¯s perception turned from blurry to clear, the first thing he felt was an extremely terrifying pressure. It was like the roar of a peerless ferocious beast gushing over.


    There was clearly no sound and it was clearly just pressure, but it still caused Xu Qing¡¯s eardrums to buzz so loudly that blood started flowing down from his ears.


    Not only the ears, blood flowed down his nose too. His eyes also felt such piercing pain that he was finding it difficult to open them.


    His body churned intensely, as though his internal organs were trembling.


    All of this transformed into intense pain, causing Xu Qing to not dare to touch anything in the surroundings when he couldn¡¯t open his eyes.


    He squatted and instinctively assumed an attacking posture. At the same time, the poison powder spread in the surroundings and the black iron stick was taken out. Without any hesitation, he directly unsealed the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    As the seal was undone, a wail rang out from the iron stick.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor woke up. However, in the next instant, he howled miserably.


    ¡°Master, I was wrong. I was really wrong. What is this place? Heavens, here¡­ here¡­¡±


    ¡°Master, do you want to throw me here and make me suffer here forever? I¡¯ve read many ancient books and many of the characters in them were dealt with like this.¡±


    ¡°Master, I¡¯m really sincere in surrendering and becoming your artifact spirit. Don¡¯t kill me. I¡¯m very obedient. I know my mistake. I¡¯ll be honest. Actually, I buried a lot of spirit stones in another place. I also promised a lot of money to some fellow Daoists and told them to find you if I lost contact with them.¡±


    ¡°Master, I¡¯ll tell you who they are now. I¡¯ll help you kill them!¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Xu Qing couldn¡¯t open his eyes and gritted his teeth.


    ¡°Tell me what¡¯s in the surroundings!¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor trembled even more. However, he didn¡¯t dare to disobey Xu Qing¡¯s words. His life soul was in the other party¡¯s hands, and his life and death could be decided with a single thought.


    As such, he hurriedly spoke with a trembling voice.


    ¡°Master, this place seems to be an altar. The surroundings are filled with a sea of bones. We¡¯re at a high place and there¡¯s a staircase that goes down in front of us. At the end of it, there¡¯s a path with cliffs on both sides. At the end of the path is a circular altar.


    ¡°Ahead of the altar is filled with bones. Heavens, this place is too big. There are also three colossal statues ahead!¡±


    ¡°Are the three statues standing side by side?¡± Xu Qing said in a low voice.


    ¡°No, one is standing and two are bowing.¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had no idea that he had circled between life and death.


    ¡°Continue.¡± Xu Qing slowly spoke.


    ¡°That person standing there is a giant with a nine-headed snake wrapped around his body. He¡¯s like a god. F*ck!! What the hell is this? I feel like I¡¯m going to go blind just by looking at him. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that I don¡¯t have a mortal body and am an artifact spirit, I might really have gone blind¡­ Master, I was wrong. Where is this¡­¡±


    As the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor dawdled, Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled. He could tell that he was in the world on the murals.


    After pondering for a moment, he didn¡¯t speak. Instead, he casually sealed the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and made him continue to sleep. He silently waited for his body to adapt and recover.


    After the time it took for an incense stick to burn passed, as the recovery ability of the purple crystal in his body continued to spread, Xu Qing slowly got used to the pressure in the surroundings to a certain extent.


    Although intense pain still filled him and the feeling of his body collapsing didn¡¯t dissipate, he still forced himself to open his eyes and see everything in his surroundings clearly.


    This place was indeed as the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had described. The place Xu Qing was in was like a huge cave or another world.


    The steps ahead were huge and didn¡¯t look like a place for humans to walk. In the sea of bones at the front, there were three majestic statues.


    The unbearable pressure that Xu Qing was facing came from them.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes stung and bled. After he gritted his teeth and persisted in sweeping his gaze over, his eyes suddenly narrowed. He saw the black umbrella lantern hanging from the mouth of a snake head that was coiled around the towering giant in the sea of bones.


    This black umbrella lantern shone with thousands of lights and auspicious colors, illuminating the worlds on the giant¡¯s shoulders, making these two worlds lifelike.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing instantly became hurried and his heartbeat incomparably intense. His mind was buzzing and his eyes were wide open as he stared fixedly at the black umbrella lantern.


    ¡°Life lantern?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind trembled intensely. The captain¡¯s description of the life lantern earlier appeared in his mind and an indescribable desire rose in his heart.


    Although he had guessed it when he arrived, he was still shocked by this scene.


    There was actually a life lantern here!


    If this matter was spread, the competition outside would probably end immediately. All eyes would be gathered here and the Seven Sects Alliance of the Wanggu Continent would rush over immediately.


    In reality, that was indeed the case. Once this matter was exposed, the outside world would definitely go crazy. Compared to this life lantern, the merfolk race was completely unimportant.

 Chapter 195 - Xu Qing Is Also Crazy! (2)

    The merfolk race clearly didn¡¯t know about this. Otherwise, they could have sent it to any large faction and obtained protection!


    If it wasn¡¯t for the shadow, Xu Qing would not have found it either.


    Waves surged in Xu Qing¡¯s mind as he looked at the life lantern. However, he didn¡¯t act rashly. He took a deep breath and suppressed the waves in his mind.


    He wiped away the blood flowing out of his eyes. With the continuous recovery from the purple crystal, his current state was slightly better than before.


    After a long time, Xu Qing calmed his mind and looked at the lantern again. A hint of determination slowly appeared in his eyes.


    He walked forward until he was right above the stairs. He glanced at the huge steps below and jumped down.


    However, the instant he landed on the second step, the pressure from this place became stronger than before.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled once again and he felt a sweetness in his throat as he spat out a mouthful of blood. His countenance was extremely pale and his body started swaying. He immediately sat down to regulate his breathing.


    It took him a long time to recover. He gritted his teeth and continued walking forward. His body was shaking and his seven orifices were bleeding. His bones seemed to be about to collapse and shatter.


    When he barely got close to the edge of the second step, his body¡­ had reached the limit of what he could withstand. His vision started getting blurry.


    Xu Qing was clear that he couldn¡¯t continue. He had a strong premonition that if he stepped on the third step, he would face a huge danger.


    He stared fixedly at the life lantern. He was really unwilling to leave just like that, so he looked at the ground under his feet.


    The light here came from the front, so his shadow was vaguely revealed behind him.


    Xu Qing turned his head and glanced at his shadow. His eyes narrowed as he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Wake up. Don¡¯t you like to extinguish lights? Go and get them for me.¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing immediately began to control the shadow. Immediately, the shadow distorted and slowly retreated to the ground under his feet unwillingly before spreading forward.


    Due to the position of the light, the shadow that extended forward couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. Xu Qing was only able to sense it through his perception. Under his control, the shadow landed on the third step.


    He didn¡¯t feel any discomfort.


    A sharp glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he continued to control the shadow to extend until the fourth step, the fifth step¡­


    Finally, the shadow spread to all the steps and arrived at the altar below. It then continued forward, heading toward the three statues in the sea of bones.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have an answer to how long the shadow could extend to.


    However, he could sense that the more he extended it, the greater the control he needed. At the same time, the shadow seemed to be more unstable.


    When it was almost near the three god statues in the sea of bones, the unstable feeling of the shadow became increasingly intense and it was unable to continue extending.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were bloodshot. He looked at the life lantern and sensed the shadow. With no other choice, he let out the suppressive force of the purple crystal to see if the shadow could extend if he tried to suppress it.


    However, before the suppressive force could descend, the originally unstable shadow suddenly trembled. As though it was overdrafting itself, it suddenly extended by a large large measure.


    It directly spread to the giant¡¯s body, only one step away from the life lantern in the snake head¡¯s mouth.


    However, this time, it had really reached its limit. It was shaking and showed signs of tearing.


    Even though the suppression force landed, it was still unable to continue. In fact, it was about to retreat, as though it couldn¡¯t withstand it anymore.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing became hurried. However, he didn¡¯t trust the shadow. He didn¡¯t know if the other party was deliberately not going over or if it really couldn¡¯t do it. He stared at the shadow and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t get it, then after I get out, even if I die, I¡¯ll suppress you a thousand times before I die until I kill you!!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice was very calm.


    However, the lethality contained in it seemed to have reached the extreme for the shadow. The shadow frantically tried to extend forward, but it was obvious that it had reached its limits as the signs of tearing became even more clear.


    Xu Qing sensed this scene and only then did he believe it in his heart. Determination quickly appeared in his eyes. He took out talismans and the magic boat, fully activating its defense.


    He then climbed onto the magic boat and took out a large number of spirit stones to place in the grooves of the array formation, increasing its defense.


    After that, he took a deep breath and controlled the magic boat to fly a step forward without any hesitation, appearing above the third step.


    The instant he moved forward with the magic boat, the shadow also moved forward by an additional step. It touched the life lantern in the snake¡¯s mouth and grabbed it.


    However, at the same moment, a monstrous rumbling that was much louder than before erupted in front of him. This rumbling formed an overwhelming force that surged toward Xu Qing.


    His magic boat was the first to collapse. The first layer of defense formed by the sails directly tore apart and the entire magic boat rolled back.


    After that, the second layer of defense also collapsed and exploded. Even with a large number of spirit stones supporting it, it was useless. As for the magic boat, it rolled back even further.


    Next was the bow of the ship. The divinity on the sea lizard¡¯s skin spread out but it was still unable to neutralize the force, causing it to instantly shatter into pieces. After that, it was the same for the front half of the ship.


    This force also landed on Xu Qing¡¯s several talismans.


    The protective talismans frantically blocked but the words on them instantly dimmed. After they disappeared, the remaining energy swept over and landed on Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing trembled violently as though he had been smashed by a mountain peak. He spat out a large mouthful of blood.


    Many of the bones in his body shattered and his skin and flesh tore. At this moment, his magic boat was already forced back to the limits. As the light in the surroundings shone, Xu Qing and his broken magic boat were suddenly blasted out of the mural.


    The force of this explosion was so great that Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat violently collided with the wall on the other side. The wall collapsed and the magic boat dragged a thousand feet long trail on the ground.


    Xu Qing spat out large mouthfuls of blood. Many parts of his body were destroyed, revealing his bones that were mostly broken.


    There was also a huge wound on his stomach that penetrated his body. As for his robe, only parts of it were left.


    Bood kept gushing out and spreading on the ground. Xu Qing¡¯s vision rapidly blurred. His injuries were unprecedentedly serious but he was holding onto an item tightly.


    That was¡­ the life lantern that the shadow had captured and brought back!


    ¡°I can¡¯t faint!¡±


    As his vision blurred, Xu Qing ruthlessly bit his tongue and opened his eyes. With much difficulty, he grabbed a large number of medicinal pills from his storage bag. He didn¡¯t have time to eat them, so he directly pressed them on his wounds. He also released poison powder in the surroundings to guard against any danger.


    He didn¡¯t have time to check the life lantern. He quickly put it away and placed it in the storage bead he had obtained from the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    He was still worried and placed the storage bead in a storage bag. He still felt that it wasn¡¯t safe, so he placed this storage bag in another storage bag. With so many layers, its aura couldn¡¯t spread out at all.


    In addition, the broken magic boat still had some divinity left. Xu Qing didn¡¯t have time to feel heartache and immediately controlled the magic boat to disperse the divinity, turning it into a protective barrier that enveloped his surroundings.


    After doing this, Xu Qing spat out another mouthful of blood. The intense sense of weakness made him feel as though he was being summoned by death. The purple crystal in his body emitted a dense purple light that continued to flow through his entire body.


    However, the intense pain that followed still caused Xu Qing to groan, but he continued to hold on while gritting his teeth, waiting in torment for the purple crystal to heal him.

 Chapter 196 - Worth It!

    The seriousness of his injuries this time was unprecedented for Xu Qing.


    Moreover, this was after the two layers of defense on the magic boat and the resistance of divinity had weakened the force. He even exhausted many talismans and the strength of his body at the great circle of perfection before he could barely resist it.


    Even so, he almost lost his life.


    Even with the purple crystal¡¯s recovery, Xu Qing felt that it would take some time for his injuries to heal. At the same time, lingering fear also surfaced intensely in his mind.


    Xu Qing felt that if his defense arrangements had lacked even a bit, he would probably have died.


    ¡°But, it was worth it!¡±


    Xu Qing gritted his teeth and endured the intense pain in his body as he checked his expenditures.


    The talismans were one of them. More importantly, the magic boat he had used a lot of money to build had very little divinity left on it.


    Half of the boat had collapsed. The cost of repairing it would be astonishing.


    Even so, Xu Qing was extremely excited. He felt that it was all worth it. He had made a killing!


    ¡°Moreover, I have the replica Spirit Breath Lantern as well!¡±


    ¡°No wonder the captain risked his life. Once such a venture succeeds, the harvest can be so astonishing¡­¡± Xu Qing thought of the captain but he felt that this wasn¡¯t a good habit. One day, it would get him killed.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and suppressed the excitement. He slowly circulated his cultivation base, trying to speed up the purple crystal¡¯s healing power.


    After all, he couldn¡¯t move now and would definitely be in danger if he stayed here for too long.


    Time flowed by and very soon, an hour passed.


    Some distance away from Xu Qing within the cluster of temples, Zhang San had dug a cave and sat by the flesh and blood statue while looking at the entrance warily.


    He had set up a large number of single-use self-destructing items outside the entrance. There was also a dense poison lingering in the surroundings, causing this place to be filled with danger.


    Even he had to be very careful when going out, and had to take the specific path he had left behind.


    However, Zhang San was still a little worried. He even spread out his threads in the cave. While being on guard, he would occasionally turn his head to look at the flesh and blood statue and sigh.


    ¡°Captain, you didn¡¯t really play yourself to death inside, right?¡±


    ¡°Why do you have to play with your life? Can¡¯t you play with the senior sisters and junior sisters of the sect¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s Binding. Although it¡¯s not a real god, it¡¯s still a terrifying divine creature. Who in the entire merfolk race is older than him? I reckon other than Mire who no one knows if it is alive or not, there¡¯s nothing else.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t die. If you die, my investments over the years¡­ it will be a huge loss.¡±


    Zhang San let out a long sigh. He had been guarding here for almost four hours and was starting to feel that the captain was dead.


    He shook his head helplessly. He decided to wait for another incense stick of time. If the captain still didn¡¯t come out, then he would have to move on.


    He was thinking about whether he should peel off a piece of this flesh as a memento before he left, when suddenly, the flesh and blood statue shook violently and roars that caused Zhang San¡¯s heart to tremble rang out.


    Zhang San¡¯s expression changed and he immediately took a few steps back. The surrounding threads quickly retracted and enveloped the statue.


    The crack on the flesh rapidly contracted and expanded. One moment, they were larger, and the next moment, they were smaller. It was as though it was breathing. The roars coming from it became clearer as it opened and closed.


    It was as though some terrifying existence was approaching from the flesh tunnel. This scene shocked Zhang San and he retreated again until he reached the exit. He was prepared to escape immediately if the situation didn¡¯t look good¡­


    Not long later, under Zhang San¡¯s nervous gaze, a hand covered in blood suddenly stretched out from the slit of the flesh. There were only three fingers left on the hand and only some traces of flesh were left on them, revealing the bones clearly.


    The hand grabbed at the flesh outside. It borrowed the force to support itself and gained the strength to continue crawling out. Very soon, half of the captain¡¯s body crawled out from the gap in the flesh.


    His hair was gone and his head was covered in blood. His face was also corroded in many parts and the parts that were alright were badly mangled.


    As for the densely-packed wounds on his body, they were even more shocking. The deepest ones looked like they were about to penetrate his body.


    However, his right hand was tightly grabbing onto a piece of squirming golden flesh. The bloody flesh carried terrifying fluctuations of divinity. It was¡­ the flesh and blood of Binding!


    Its appearance immediately distorted the surroundings, as though countless mournful roars echoed out, causing Zhang San¡¯s mind to buzz and blood to flow from his seven orifices. His body seemed to collapse.


    ¡°Give me a hand!¡±


    The captain seemed to have used all his strength to crawl. At this moment, his expression was filled with anxiety as he quickly spoke to Zhang San.


    Zhang San barely regained his senses. With a wave of his hand, the surrounding threads wrapped around the captain¡¯s body. With a tug, this half of the captain¡¯s body fell from the crack.


    His lower body was gone.


    Only a bloody mess of his upper body was left.


    ¡°Quickly attack with me and shatter this flesh gate. Something is chasing after me!!¡± After coming out, the captain immediately shouted. He performed a series of hand seals and pointed at the flesh gate behind him.


    Zhang San knew that he was in danger and gritted his teeth as he attacked. Immediately, intense fluctuations of spells spread in the surroundings. The strength of the two gathered and blasted the meat gate, causing it to instantly collapse. As it shattered into pieces, a faint roar of anger could be heard coming from it.


    Just a trace of it caused Zhang San¡¯s entire body to tremble violently and he spat out several mouthfuls of blood. As his body retreated, cracking sounds rang out. At least 40 protective jade slips collapsed before they could neutralize the force, but it still heavily injured him.


    He took out medicinal pills with a lot of difficulty and swallowed them before he regained a hint of color on his face.


    The captain also spat out a mouthful of blood and his body was swept to the side. However, his right hand was still tightly gripping the flesh of Binding. His expression revealed a hint of excitement as he laughed loudly.


    ¡°Who can compare to me? Ever since I knew that we were going to attack Merfolk Island, I started planning. I finally obtained the flesh of this divine creature. I¡¯m rich! I¡¯m completely rich this time!¡± The captain was extremely excited. His laughter affected his injuries and he gritted his teeth in pain. He hurriedly stored the flesh.


    ¡°Is it worth it? Half of your body is gone.¡± Zhang San smiled bitterly at his captain.


    ¡°It¡¯s worth it!! It¡¯s only half a body. I¡¯ve specially cultivated the secret art of broken limb regeneration. Coupled with some of the sect¡¯s great medicine, it will only take a few months for it to regrow. Moreover, I have this flesh of Binding. After fusing it into my body and refining the divinity, my recovery will be faster.¡±


    The captain looked around excitedly.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my vice-captain?¡±


    ¡°How is this the time it takes for an incense stick to burn? It¡¯s been almost four hours. After Junior Brother Xu guarded the temple for two incense sticks of time and saw that you hadn¡¯t returned, he left in low spirit because he had his own arrangements. Before he left, he left me a lot of poison powder,¡± Zhang San said as he ate the medicinal pills.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I didn¡¯t expect it to take so long either. I almost couldn¡¯t make it back.¡± As the captain spoke, he took out an apple and ate it. Just as he was about to continue speaking¡­


    The ground suddenly rumbled.


    The entire Binding Island shook intensely at this instant, as though the earth was moving and the mountains were shaking. All the buildings in sight instantly collapsed. Wisps of black gas surged out of the collapsed buildings, the seaweed, and the sea anemone.


    A large amount of black gas rose from all the things in the underwater world. This black gas rapidly gathered and transformed into black fog that spread in all directions, as if it wanted to fill the entire underwater world.


    It contained dense anomalous substances that could corrode everything. At the same time, it seemed to contain strange things, causing all the corpses that had died in the underwater world to move, as though they had been revived.


    Moreover, as the black gas continued to rise, the range of the black fog also grew larger and larger. The expressions of all the Seven Blood Eyes disciples in the underwater world to change. All of them hurried toward the exit.


    The trembling of the ground was like an earth dragon flipping over, causing the captain¡¯s broken body to be jolted up. He almost lost the apple in his mouth. His expression changed and he quickly climbed onto Zhang San¡¯s back.


    ¡°This is the trump card of the merfolk race to bring mutual destruction. I came out late. Hurry, we have to get out of here quickly.¡±


    Zhang San¡¯s expression changed. As the surrounding fog surged, he quickly ran in the direction of the exit.


    At the same time, in another direction of the temple cluster, Xu Qing, who had recovered a little with the help of the purple crystal, opened his eyes. He could sense the rumbling of the ground and also saw the black fog rolling over in the distance. His eyes narrowed.


    Without any hesitation, Xu Qing stood up with difficulty and put away the damaged magic boat. He gritted his teeth and sped forward. Not long after he left, the black fog in the surroundings enveloped the place. While it filled the place where he had recuperated earlier, it also invaded the dilapidated temple.


    In the fog, on the blank wall of the dilapidated temple, the mural was constantly flickering, as though it wanted to reform but in the end, it still failed.


    Only the carving of the merfolk king in the mural slowly weathered and dissipated.


    While all the Seven Blood Eyes cultivators at the underwater world sprinting toward the exit, the same thing was also happening in the outside world.


    Not only did the black fog appear on Binding Island, but Image, Hidden, and Mire Islands also erupted at the same time with this fog that seemed to be able to devour everything.


    From afar, a large amount of black fog rose from the four islands and spread in all directions. It was as though this was the last resort of the merfolk race.


    In the sky, Old Master Seventh, who was on the great wing, lowered his head and looked at the merfolk islands enveloped by the array formation. Although there was an array formation blocking his vision, he could still sense the changes inside.


    However, not only did this change not cause his expression to turn solemn, but he also smiled at the merfolk ancestor at the side.


    ¡°Not bad, finally something decent. I was thinking that this trial was too simple for those wolf cubs.¡±


    ¡°How is this a trial? This is clearly giving away resources. Fortunately, you added some difficulty.¡±

 Chapter 197 - Reunion of the Three

    In the underwater world of Binding Island, Xu Qing moved with intense pain assaulting his entire body. The wounds on his legs, arms, and stomach that were slightly healed were torn apart again. More blood flowed out, dyeing his body and tattered robe red again.


    Although his body was protected by spirit energy, so the seawater wasn¡¯t able to touch his wound, the pain still grew more intense as he moved.


    This time around, Xu Qing¡¯s injuries were too serious. Even the purple crystal couldn¡¯t heal him quickly.


    At that moment, the fog in the surroundings was engulfing everything. Xu Qing could ignore the anomalous substances contained in it, but he could sense dense corpse poison in the fog.


    In his current state, encountering corpse poison would cause the purple crystal to divert a portion of its recovery power to cleanse it. It wouldn¡¯t be beneficial to his recovery.


    In addition, he also saw some corpses in the fog crawling up from the ground as though they had revived. They let out beast-like roars and ran amok in the fog.


    Once he was enveloped by the fog, he would definitely be in a life-and-death crisis.


    ¡°I have to leave this place as soon as possible.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He gritted his teeth and endured the intense pain as he sped forward.


    This intense activity caused his face to turn even paler. However, Xu Qing had no choice but to forcefully ignore the pain. As the fog continued to spread, he ran toward the exit and even used the flight talisman.


    However, his body was heavily injured and his spirit energy was almost exhausted. At the same time, he had to retain a certain amount of energy for dangerous situations. As such, he could only activate the flight talisman and couldn¡¯t rely on his cultivation to move faster.


    Just like that, time flowed by. After about fifteen minutes, Xu Qing finally rushed out of the range of the temples.


    Looking around, other than thin fog that covered everything, there was nothing else. Only the fog in the distance continued to devour and approach. Many temples and coral buildings were instantly devoured by it. Wherever it passed, everything would be dyed black.


    There were very few people here to begin with, and at this moment, there was no sign of them at all. Only the roars of the revived corpses in the fog could be heard.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. He noticed that even the bottom of the sea was the same. There seemed to be an even thicker black fog rising from the bottom of the sea, preventing Xu Qing from escaping from below. He continued to speed forward.


    However, he was too far from the exit, so after moving forward for a while, as the fog in the surroundings filled the air, he was inevitably enveloped by it.


    Almost at the instant the fog enveloped him, Xu Qing¡¯s spirit energy defense fluctuated intensely and was rapidly corroding. At this moment, his vision was also severely obscured.


    Only the roars of corpses could be heard from all directions.


    Killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He lifted his right hand and the black iron stick slashed to the side. A savage low roar rang out at close range. It was a revived corpse.


    Different from the Sea Corpse Race, this corpse was a Seven Blood Eyes disciple when it was alive. At this moment, its entire body along with its eyes was black. Even though its neck had been torn open by the iron stick and its head had fallen off, its hands still grabbed fiercely at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s left hand formed a seal and the water curtain instantly spread out.


    The corpse was sent back by more than 100 feet.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t continue fighting. The roars in the surroundings increased and a hint of determination appeared on his face. He formed a hand seal and pressed down on the ground. Immediately, countless water droplets formed beside him and instantly fused into a plesiosaur.


    After it appeared, the plesiosaur suddenly expanded to a thousand feet in size. After it enveloped Xu Qing, a low roar echoed as the plesiosaur rushed forward.


    Wherever it passed, any corpses that blocked it would be sent flying.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s final trump card. Once the plesiosaur collapsed, it would be even more troublesome for him to leave this place.


    Fortunately, the speed of the plesiosaur was very fast and its huge body possessed impact force. Although it was constantly corroding and shrinking, the spirit energy Xu Qing stored in the plesiosaur was abundant. This allowed the plesiosaur to carry Xu Qing through the fog at high speed, slowly getting closer and closer to the exit.


    On the way, he also encountered some Seven Blood Eyes disciples. All of them were running with all their might, ignoring each other.


    However, just as Xu Qing was about to reach the area where the exit was located, because too many cultivators had died here, he heard countless roars coming from there.


    Many of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples were stopped by the zombie tide. Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy as he performed a series of hand seals with both hands and grabbed out.


    Immediately, his plesiosaur shrunk as though it was withering. The spirit energy contained in it rapidly surged into Xu Qing¡¯s body, allowing the dried up spirit energy in his body to be replenished.


    The plesiosaur started dissipating.


    However, at this moment, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t care less. As the plesiosaur¡¯s figure disappeared, more than half of the spirit energy in Xu Qing¡¯s body recovered. Although his physical injuries were still serious, his overall combat strength recovered a little.


    As he performed a series of hand seals, water droplets appeared and spun around him. He rushed out and leaped over the zombie tide. When he encountered obstructions, some of the water droplets outside his body would spread out, enveloping and shaking off the other party.


    Just like that, Xu Qing flew all the way. Everywhere he passed, the corpses would be enveloped by his water droplets, turning into balls of water that couldn¡¯t disturb him. Some time later, Xu Qing finally saw the exit.


    Just as he was about to cross the exit, Xu Qing suddenly saw a figure running over from another direction.


    As the figure ran, he also threw out mechanisms that would explode upon contact in the surroundings. Amidst the rumbling sounds of explosions, a familiar voice rang out from the fellow on his back.


    ¡°Zhang San, you can do it. That¡¯s right, throw them and blow them up. Aiyo, you threw them in the wrong direction. You should have thrown them over there.¡±


    It was Zhang San who was running and the captain who spoke.


    Zhang San was panting as he ran with all his might. As for the captain on his back, he didn¡¯t seem to care about the environment here and kept commenting.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Zhang San was furious.


    ¡°Eh, Zhang San, why are you talking to your original captain like this!¡± The captain was dissatisfied and took out an apple to take a bite.


    ¡°If you speak again, I¡¯ll throw you down and run by myself.¡±


    ¡°Big Brother San, you can do it!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was a little strange. He glanced at Zhang San, who was rapidly approaching, and the captain, who had lost his lower body. He once again realized the captain¡¯s madness.


    Zhang San also saw Xu Qing. His eyes instantly lit up and he quickly threw out a thread that shuttled over, directly wrapping around Xu Qing¡¯s body. He borrowed the momentum to leap over rapidly.


    ¡°Ah, Deputy Captain Xu, what major thing did you do to make yourself so weak like this? Could it be that you went to the merfolk princess¡¯ bedroom and were squeezed dry?¡±


    The captain also saw Xu Qing. When he noticed that Xu Qing was covered in injuries and his tattered Daoist robe, his eyes lit up.


    ¡°Can it be recovered?¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he glanced at the captain¡¯s body and calmly asked.


    ¡°No problem. I¡¯ll be alive and kicking after I get back,¡± the captain said proudly.


    ¡°Mm, then I¡¯ll send you a feather1 later,¡± Xu Qing said calmly.


    ¡°Feather, why would you send me a feather?¡± The captain was stunned.


    ¡°What are you still chatting about? Hurry up and leave.¡± Zhang San was anxious. He felt that Xu Qing and the captain were both crazy. This place had become so dangerous, but the two of them were actually chatting.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze from the captain¡¯s body and left in a flash. Zhang San hurriedly threw out the threads to coil around him and borrow the momentum to speed away. Just like that, they neared the exit. They immediately entered it and disappeared.


    Not long later, the surrounding black fog drowned this place.


    The entire underwater world was completely enveloped by fog, but the fog did not stop. It continued to rise through the ground, the tunnels, and all the other locations.


    Xu Qing moved extremely fast in the passage between the island and the underwater world. The poison here had mostly dissipated by now. Even Xu Qing did not know if it had dispersed naturally or if it had spread to somewhere else.


    In just about eight minutes, his body broke through the surface of the water. The moment he leaped up, the flight talisman on his body activated with all its might and he transformed into a stream of light that headed straight up.


    Zhang San was the same. He took out his flight talisman and followed closely behind. Only the captain¡¯s voice was still filled with surprise as it continued to ring out.


    ¡°Xu Qing, what does giving a feather mean?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t reply.


    ¡°Deputy Captain Xu, you still owe me 8,000 spirit stones. What do feathers mean?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t even glance back. He directly rushed out of the tunnel. After stepping into the outside world, he felt a violent wind blowing at his face. He immediately looked around and his expression suddenly changed.


    Zhang San was the same. After he rushed out, his expression changed as he noticed his surroundings.


    The outside world was in chaos and violent wind blew everywhere.


    Streams of black smoke flowed up against the current, connecting to the array formation in the sky like a hurricane. There were a total of eight of these streams, with two on each island.


    Countless strands of black gas on the ground transformed into threads that continuously fused into the eight hurricane-like fog, causing it to continue to expand. In fact, when Xu Qing and the other two looked over, the spiraling fog not far away from them began to undergo a drastic change.


    A fork appeared at the top. These forks quickly transformed into snake heads. There were a total of nine heads, and after they formed, they let out a deafening roar toward the ground.


    This roar was so powerful that even the ground started shaking.


    Its cultivation and combat strength rose rapidly. It seemed to have broken through the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation and instantly reached the Core Formation realm, and it was still rising.


    The pressure formed by this scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to tremble. He recognized this huge snake. It was the snake that he had seen on the mural, the snake that was coiled around the giant.


    The other seven rolling fog were the same. They all formed the appearance of large snakes one after another. As they roared, there was an intense transformation in the anomalous substances in the four islands.


    Regardless of whether it was the remaining merfolks or the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples, they were all invaded.


    Corpses opened their eyes and revived one after another.

 Chapter 198 - Senior Brother, My Name Is Linger

    The four merfolk islands were in chaos.


    The anomalous substances were invading everything and the corpse poison was spreading everywhere.


    The remaining merfolk cultivators all had sinister expressions, and they were even more savage than before. They planned to perish together with the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples.


    However¡­ very soon, the surviving merfolk cultivators discovered that something was amiss.


    Although the auras of the eight nine-headed snakes on the four islands were getting stronger and stronger and the amount of anomalous substances, corpse poison, and revived corpses on the ground was increasing, most of the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples were already prepared.


    Some of them took out a large number of white pills and ate them like candy.


    Some even took out talismans that could isolate anomalous substances for a short period and used them without any heartache.


    There were also some who began to dig pits, as though they wanted to hide through this disaster and forcibly resist the anomalous substances and corpse poison. Most of the disciples who did this were people with extraordinary cultivation bases.


    Some Seven Blood Eyes disciples took out their magic boats and observed the outside world from inside the boat.


    Some even took out array discs and set up array formations. They were even calling out to other disciples to enter at a certain fee.


    The most exaggerated thing was that on Image Island, someone actually used some unknown method to control dozens of corpses to circle around them and made them inhale the anomalous substances and corpse poison in the surroundings. The disciple was relaxed and even let other disciples enter the circle after taking some fee.


    All kinds of methods were being displayed¡­


    There were even some Seven Blood Eyes disciples who directly entered the corpse tide and looted the leather pouches on the corpses. This even led to some of them luring the corpses and ambushing them.


    It looked like they didn¡¯t care about the eight nine-headed snakes at all. Or rather, even with these eight terrifying nine-headed snakes, it couldn¡¯t stop them from wanting to get rich.


    They were clearly so scared of poverty that they had the aura of ¡®either kill me or don¡¯t stop me from obtaining resources¡¯.


    This scene caused a deep sense of powerlessness to rise in the hearts of the merfolk cultivators. However, they soon understood why. In the sky, Old Master Seventh, who was standing on great wing, had been watching the show and feeling happy that the trial had become somewhat difficult.


    However, when he saw the eight nine-headed snakes, his eyes lit up. He suddenly raised his hand and pressed down fiercely. Immediately, three of the eight nine-headed snakes let out wails and their bodies collapsed. They transformed into black fog and rushed out of the array formation, quickly being collected by Old Master Seventh.


    After gathering them in his hand, he looked a little surprised.


    ¡°This is a good thing.¡±


    The 13 Core Formation elders were also tempted. They made a move one after another, but their attacks were affected by the array formation.


    However, under their combined strength, wisps of black gas seeped out of the array formation and were collected by them.


    How could the hundred Foundation Building cultivators at the side sit back and do nothing? All of them used their own methods. Some even flew close to the edge of the array formation and crazily collected the black gas.


    Under their efforts, the remaining five large snakes in the array formation seemed to have developed dysplasia and their auras sharply decreased. One of them was directly sucked dry and dissipated with a wail.


    The remaining four also continued to fall from the Core Formation realm and soon reached the early-stage Foundation Building realm.


    It wasn¡¯t over. They were still weakening, but the speed was a little slower.


    When the merfolk ancestor saw this scene and the excitement on the faces of the surrounding Seven Blood Eyes cultivators, he felt complete despair.


    ¡°The dignified Seven Blood Eyes is such a large sect. Ever since Zheng Kaiyi became the Seventh Peak¡¯s Peak Lord, everything has changed¡­¡±


    When the Seven Blood Eyes disciples on the four merfolk islands saw this scene, some were tempted and rushed out. They joined forces with other disciples to kill the huge snakes.


    On Binding Island, Ding Xiaohai¡¯s clothes were tattered but his aura was imposing. He was the first to rush out and head straight for the large snake outside Fishbone City. Three other fellow disciples also rushed over from all directions and attacked together with him.


    However, those three¡¯s task was to gather the black gas and Ding Xiaohai¡¯s task was to fight.


    As the rumbling echoed, Xu Qing saw this scene and also saw the three people who attacked together with Ding Xiaohai. All of them were extraordinary. There was also a young girl in a gray Daoist robe among them who was very eye-catching.


    This young girl had a petite figure, but was bewitchingly charming. Her face was like a lotus, her brows were like willows, and her eyes that were even more charming than peach blossoms were extremely seductive. Her bright red lips that were slightly curled added further to her beauty.


    She was wearing a large Daoist robe, but when her body swayed, one could still see the fullness of her chest and the shape of her peach-like butt. In particular, her waist was extremely thin.


    2


    Zhang San gulped, but the pressure from the huge snake caused his mind to tremble. He felt that with his strength, he would probably be swept away by a snake head. Even if he didn¡¯t die, he would be crippled.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over without any fluctuations. His focus was on the nine-headed snake. In his mind, the snake overlapped with the snake in the mural. This surprised him but at the same time, he also felt an extremely strong sense of vigilance.


    He was worried that since this snake appeared, then the giant with two great worlds on his shoulder would appear as well.


    As for the captain, he no longer asked Xu Qing about the feather. His broken body was lying on Zhang San¡¯s back as he stared fixedly at the large snake, revealing an intense desire.


    ¡°This is a good thing. Such dense anomalous substances. This thing is a great weapon to trick people!¡±


    ¡°Now that it¡¯s suppressed by the array formation, it¡¯s more convenient for us to get it. If we can get it and sell it, we can make a fortune. The group of people on the mountain will fight to buy it. I didn¡¯t expect that this kid Ding Xiaohai, who usually looks serious, actually has ulterior motives. He knows that this is a good thing, so he is trying to snatch it?¡±


    ¡°No can do, I¡¯ll get this thing even if I have to bite it.¡±


    ¡°Zhang San, let¡¯s go!!¡±


    Zhang San¡¯s face twitched. He turned around and ran in the opposite direction. He didn¡¯t even turn his head, as though he wouldn¡¯t go over and court death no matter what.


    ¡°Zhang San, don¡¯t be a coward. Go, that¡¯s a valuable thing.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t I put you down and you crawl over yourself?¡± Zhang San replied.


    The captain sighed and turned to look at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, go. That thing is really good stuff.¡±


    Xu Qing ignored him. After obtaining the supreme treasure, he didn¡¯t want to take any risks. At this moment, the only thought in his mind was to endure until the end of the competition and leave this place quickly. He would immediately attempt Foundation Building when he returned.


    Seeing that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t going, the captain let out a long sigh and took out the bit apple that had started to darken. He looked at the large snake and took a bite. His face was filled with regret and heartache, as though he felt that others were snatching his items.


    At that moment, the charming young girl in Ding Xiaohai¡¯s group seemed to have discovered something as she nimbly moved around the giant snake. She suddenly turned her head and looked at the location of Xu Qing and the other two.


    After she noticed Xu Qing, the young girl¡¯s eyes clearly lit up. She quickly nodded at Xu Qing as though she was greeting him.


    Seeing that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t paying attention to her, the flight talisman on the young girl¡¯s body flickered. She actually abandoned the large snake and flew straight toward Xu Qing.


    As the whistling sound rang out, Xu Qing immediately lifted his head warily. The black iron stick appeared in his right hand as he stared at the young girl who was rapidly approaching. At the same time, he was ready to release poison powder.


    They had only met by chance and didn¡¯t know each other. The other party was rushing over like this, so Xu Qing had no choice but to be vigilant.


    Sensing that Xu Qing was about to release poison, Zhang San was so frightened that he hurriedly distanced himself and looked at the incoming person.


    The captain narrowed his eyes with a spurious smile.


    ¡°Hello, Senior Brother.¡± As though she didn¡¯t notice Xu Qing¡¯s vigilance, the young girl ran over happily. She lifted her right hand and took out a ball of black fog.


    This item was none other than the flesh of the large snake. The young girl had placed it in a transparent bottle.


    ¡°Senior Brother, I¡¯m Ling¡¯er from the Intelligence Department. I want to ask you a question. If you answer me, I¡¯ll give you this piece of meat, okay?¡±


    The young girl¡¯s voice was as pleasant as a lark. However, she didn¡¯t seem to understand the meaning of observing other party¡¯s expressions. Before Xu Qing could speak, she immediately asked her question.


    ¡°Senior Brother, do you like snakes or do you like to eat snake gallbladders?¡±


    1


    The young girl had a look of anticipation on her face, as though this question had been buried in her heart for a very, very long time, and she finally found an opportunity to ask. After she finished speaking, she looked straight at Xu Qing and ignored the captain and Zhang San.


    Zhang San looked at the petite but ravishing young girl in front of him and then at Xu Qing. He let out a long sigh inwardly.


    Xu Qing frowned and instinctively took a few steps back. While being vigilant, he also found the other party¡¯s question very strange. He slowly spoke.


    ¡°Snake gallbladder is too bitter.¡±


    ¡°That means you like snakes!¡±


    The young girl¡¯s eyes became even brighter. She didn¡¯t know how to hide her emotions, so joy was completely exposed on her face. She even spun around excitedly.


    1


    After that, she threw the small bottle to Xu Qing and ran away toward the large snake in satisfaction.


    The captain on Zhang San¡¯s back glanced at the small bottle in Xu Qing¡¯s hand and suddenly shouted at the young girl who was running away.


    ¡°Junior Sister Ling¡¯er, you can also ask me a question. Three is fine too. How about ten!¡±


    Ling¡¯er turned her head and stuck out her tongue at the captain before quickly running away.


    The captain had an angry expression as he patted Zhang San¡¯s head. His voice was filled with dissatisfaction.


    ¡°Why? I¡¯m not bad-looking either. Ten questions to me aren¡¯t worth more than one question to Xu Qing?¡±


    ¡°What do you think? Your lower body is gone. What right do you have?¡± Zhang San muttered.


    2


    The captain was stunned for a moment and wanted to refute. However, when he saw that Zhang San seemed to want to let go and throw him down, he endured it.


    Just like that, time slowly passed. The remaining four large snakes became weaker and weaker as the cultivators of the Seventh Peak outside the array formation continued to collect them.


    In addition, the disciples of the Seventh Peak had guessed the value and swarmed over like wolf cubs. Gradually, the large snakes collapsed one after another.


    This competition also ended with the last snake shattering into pieces.


    At this moment, the array formation in the sky was opened. It was early in the morning outside. The long-lost sunlight shone down, landing on the merfolk islands that were riddled with holes and on the disciples with bulging pockets.


    Although more than half of the disciples had died, the eyes of the remaining ones shone brightly.


    Xu Qing was among them. He lifted his head and looked at the many cultivators in the sky. Finally, his gaze landed on the figure standing above the great wing¡¯s head.


    ¡°You guys have performed well. There should be more Foundation Building cultivators in my Seventh Peak now. I congratulate you in advance.¡±


    The aged voice revealed satisfaction.

 Chapter 199 - Silly Girl

    The Seventh Peak¡¯s competition on the merfolk island ended with Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice.


    This time, the merfolk race didn¡¯t have the chance or qualifications to choose to become allies.


    Right now, more than half of the merfolk race had died and their experts were enslaved and suppressed. The wealth on the four islands had also been plundered. However, it was obvious that a race would have more treasures and foundations hidden in the dark.


    However, these were things that the Qi Condensation piedmont disciples could not touch.


    Although there was the suppression of the array formation, there would still be many secret chambers and storage places that couldn¡¯t be sensed by Qi Condensation cultivators. One could imagine that the Seventh Peak¡¯s Foundation Building cultivators would have a banquet next.


    ¡°This time, the Seven Blood Eyes won a huge victory. They killed countless birds with one arrow.¡±


    The captain, who was lying on Zhang San¡¯s back, laughed. His laughter seemed to affect his injuries, he hurriedly took out the apple he hadn¡¯t finished eating earlier and took a bite. His expression became satisfied, as though this could make him feel less pain.


    ¡°How many?¡± Zhang San asked curiously.


    ¡°Using the merfolk race¡¯s territory as the venue for the Grand Competition is only an arrangement on the surface. The first wave of plundering by the piedmont disciples is followed by the second wave of plundering by Foundation Building cultivators, then the third wave of plundering by Core Formation cultivators. Finally, the fourth wave of plundering will be done by the old geezers.¡±


    ¡°Like this, the merfolk race¡¯s many years of heritage can¡¯t be hidden at all. Everything will be moved away. This is the first bird.¡±


    ¡°As for the hidden arrangement, we used the merfolk race as bait to lure the Sea Corpse Race over. This allowed the ancestor, who had just broken through and was in a hungry state, to have a full meal. This is the second bird.¡±


    ¡°In addition, this attack can intimidate the surrounding nonhuman races in all directions and increase the prestige of the Seven Blood Eyes. This is the third bird. Just brilliant.¡±


    ¡°As for the fourth bird, the merfolk race is located in a strategic location between the Seven Blood Eyes and the Sea Corpse Race. After occupying this place, we can launch the leapfrogging battle tactic against the Sea Corpse Race. I estimate that the war will begin soon.¡±


    The captain was analyzing at the side and Xu Qing listened. He lacked a lot of key information about this, so he didn¡¯t understand much previously. After hearing the captain¡¯s explanation, he instantly understood. However, he was still a little puzzled and asked.


    ¡°Why is ancestor hungry after breaking through?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to know.¡± The captain cast a meaningful glance at Xu Qing.


    Old Master Seventh, who was in the sky, had a satisfied expression. His gaze swept across the ground and he waved his hand. Immediately, the great wing under him roared at the sky and spat out a purple stream of light.


    When this stream of light landed, it spread out, forming a sea of light. After enveloping the four islands, the teleportation was activated.


    Xu Qing heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. He and everyone else disappeared without a trace at this instant, teleported back to the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ mountain gate.


    After they left, the eyes of the Foundation Building cultivators in the sky lit up.


    Old Master Seventh looked at them and smiled.


    ¡°Go!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, a hundred Foundation Building cultivators transformed into over a hundred streams of light that headed straight for the four islands. These Foundation Building cultivators naturally would not come here if there were no benefits to be had.


    Previously, because the competition was being held and the participants were all Qi Condensation cultivators, they didn¡¯t mind. But now that the disciples were gone, their eyes lit up and they quickly scattered across the four islands to plunder.


    At the same time, on the central altar of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city, a sea of purple light suddenly appeared, forming a huge ring in the air. The figures of the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples appeared and headed straight for the ground.


    Xu Qing noticed that the number of people who returned was less than 2,000, and every one of them emitted a more intense baleful aura.


    ¡°When we went, we were over 4,000, but now, more than half are gone.¡±


    When he was teleported, Xu Qing was separated from Zhang San and the captain. He swept his gaze across the surroundings and gained a better understanding of the cruelty of the Seven Blood Eyes Competition.


    However, he also noticed that other than the baleful aura, everyone who returned couldn¡¯t hide their excitement. Clearly, their harvest this time was astonishing. In fact, Xu Qing even saw the little fatty in the crowd.


    The island the other party had gone to during the competition was different from Xu Qing. At this moment, he was standing there beaming with joy. There were seven to eight storage bags on his waist and he was swollen with arrogance.


    After sensing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, he excitedly ran all the way to Xu Qing¡¯s side.


    ¡°How was it? Your harvest was good, right? I also gained a lot this time.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. However, his entire body was still aching. Waves of weakness uncontrollably spread in his entire body, causing him to be a little fatigued.


    Just as the little fatty was about to continue speaking, a figure walked out of the sea of light in the sky. As soon as this figure appeared, vast cultivation fluctuations instantly suppressed the surroundings, causing the disciples to fall silent and look up.


    Xu Qing also lifted his head and stared. He recognized the other party, he was Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s grandfather, the Third Elder of the Seventh Peak.


    ¡°There are some follow-up matters in the merfolk race¡¯s territory. The peak lord still has to wait for the ancestor to return. As such, this old man will announce the results of this competition.¡±


    ¡°The killing points you have are recorded in your respective identity tokens. As for your harvest, you can rest assured that the tokens won¡¯t record these and don¡¯t have this function. No matter how much you gain, it¡¯s your own business. It¡¯s the same in the past competitions. The sect doesn¡¯t care.¡±


    ¡°This old man will only announce the first place.¡±


    ¡°Ding Xiaohai, step forward!¡±


    As the Third Elder spoke, Ding Xiaohai, whose Daoist robe was in tatters and was clearly heavily injured, immediately lifted his head and barely relied on the flight talisman to rise into the air.


    ¡°Ding Xiaohai, who obtained first place in this competition, is bestowed the status of a core disciple. He will wear a light purple robe and have the right to stay on the mountain. However, the cave abode is expensive. You have to buy it yourself!¡±


    The Third Elder calmly spoke, his voice echoing in all directions like thunder.


    Ding Xiaohai was excited. He cupped his fists and bowed deeply to the sky.


    ¡°Many thanks to the sect!¡±


    The Third Elder lowered his head and looked at Ding Xiaohai, who had always been known as the number one person at the foot of the mountain, with admiration in his eyes.


    He admired the disciples who fought for the glory of the sect, but admiration was admiration. He didn¡¯t have any thoughts of showing kindness to the other party. Moreover, the other party was thanking the sect, not him.


    From the perspective of the sect, such a disciple was very good. In order to obtain first place, he was persistent and did his best to kill the enemies.


    However, from a personal perspective, he felt that the other party¡¯s personality was stubborn and cared too much about his reputation. For this, he sacrificed this rare opportunity to reap benefits. It was very difficult for such a person to survive in this chaotic world.


    Since Ding Xiaohai was not going to live long, it would be meaningless to show kindness. Moreover, in this chaotic world, it was important to hide one¡¯s capabilities.


    Most of the people who showed too much capability ended up in a very miserable state. On this point, he admired that kid named Xu Qing much more. The kid had silently reached the realm where he was about to break through.


    As Ding Xiaohai¡¯s excited voice rang out, the surrounding disciples with bulging pockets were all very supportive and congratulated him.


    ¡°Congratulations, Senior Brother Ding!¡±


    ¡°Congratulations, Senior Brother Ding!!¡± In the crowd, Xu Qing heard the captain¡¯s voice. The little fatty at the side also shouted congratulations. After that, he lowered his head and sighed with emotion at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Senior Brother Ding is a good person. He only cares about killing enemies and never snatches resources from us. If only all the disciples were like Senior Brother Ding.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly looked at Ding Xiaohai in the sky.


    In this world, everyone had their own way of living. Some emphasized benefits, while others prioritized reputation. There was no right or wrong in this. Ding Xiaohai was already on the verge of breaking through and he could change into the purple robe as soon as he broke through.


    However, perhaps the identity of a core disciple was an obsession.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t comment but he knew that he didn¡¯t care about these.


    The only thing attracting him to Seven Blood Eyes was benefits. He was very eager to become a Foundation Building cultivator. On one hand, he could survive better if he became stronger. On the other hand, he was very envious of the monthly distribution of benefits after reaching the Foundation Building realm.


    In addition, he didn¡¯t like to be in the limelight. Unless the benefits of doing so were astonishing, it would be safer to hide in the darkness.


    After he rewarded Ding Xiaohai, the third elder stepped into the sea of light again and teleported away. The disciples on the altar dispersed one after another and Xu Qing also left.


    Even though he was exhausted now, Xu Qing didn¡¯t dare to stay in the Seven Blood Eyes for too long. His gains this time were too great.


    It was so huge that once it was exposed, the whole Seven Blood Eyes would be shocked.


    After all¡­ that was a life lantern that could make even the major sects of the Wanggu Continent envious.


    Xu Qing immediately headed to the various shops at the port and sold all his scattered items in exchange for spirit stones.


    He then replenished some talismans and headed to the shop that sold array formations. He used the large number of contribution points he obtained from killing in the competition to purchase five sets of protective array formation at an expensive price.


    The price of this array formation was astonishing, but the effects were also extremely strong. The array formation could protect the disciple from the attacks of Foundation Building cultivators, who weren¡¯t in the Mystic Brilliance Form, for a long time.


    Moreover, as long as there were enough spirit stones, its effect could be maintained and it even had some self-repairing function.


    If the five sets were used together, the effect would be even better.


    These five sets of array formation consumed 90% of the contribution points Xu Qing had obtained from killing in the competition. However, he knew that it was worth it. After that, he went to the medicinal shop and bought a large number of medicinal pills and poisonous grass.


    After doing all this, Xu Qing felt that he was almost done with his preparations. Right now, he only needed to repair the magic boat.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how long it will take for the magic boat to be repaired. If it¡¯s within a day, I¡¯ll wait. If it¡¯s longer¡­ I can¡¯t wait anymore.¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. He wanted to reach the Foundation Building realm as soon as possible.


    With the life lantern in hand, one day delay in reaching the Foundation Building realm would mean one more day of nervousness and uneasiness.


    Moreover, he knew that he couldn¡¯t reach Foundation Building in the sect because he wasn¡¯t sure if the integration of the life lantern during Foundation Building would cause fluctuations that would be sensed by outsiders.


    This was a serious matter and he couldn¡¯t gamble.


    This was especially so when he witnessed the unlucky merfolk cultivator encountering an accident when he was trying to reach the Foundation Building realm in Binding Island. Such an accident was almost impossible in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    However, Xu Qing had to be wary.


    With the protection of the Spirit Breath Lantern, Xu Qing felt that he already had the qualifications to reach the Foundation Building realm alone outside. He sped up and headed straight for the Transportation Department to find Zhang San.


    The sky was gradually turning dark. While Xu Qing was cautiously moving toward the Transportation Department, in an inn on Panquan Road, the old man was wiping some wounds on the snake¡¯s scales with a pained expression.


    ¡°You actually went to buy a Transformation Pill and ate it behind my back. Can you eat that thing casually? It¡¯s not time for you to transform yet. You¡¯ve only transformed for a few days after eating it. If you eat too much, your cultivation will be crippled for the rest of your life!!¡±


    ¡°Moreover, you silly snake, you actually ate the transformation pills to participate in the Seventh Peak¡¯s competition. Don¡¯t you know how dangerous that competition is?¡±


    The old man¡¯s heart ached immensely. After he finished applying the medicine, he rebuked angrily.


    ¡°Gurgle, gurgle.¡± The large snake seemed to be very happy. It twisted its body and stuck its head over, speaking proudly to the old man.


    ¡°I¡¯m not lying to you. That little thief Xu has his eyes on your gallbladder, huh? You didn¡¯t go to the competition to look for him, right?!¡± The old man glared.


    ¡°Gurgle, gurgle!¡± The large snake let out a few unconvinced cries.


    The old man looked at the large snake in front of him and let out a long sigh. He then stroked the large snake¡¯s head. Like an old father talking to his daughter, he spoke earnestly.


    ¡°Silly girl, he said that snake gallbladder is bitter. Doesn¡¯t this mean that he has eaten snake gallbladder before? Moreover, he must have eaten more than one¡­¡±


    The large snake was stunned and stood there in a daze. Gradually, its eyes turned red, looking like it was about to cry.


    1

 Chapter 200 - Going Out for Foundation Building! (1)

    In the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city, the moonlight spread out on the ground like sand.


    Xu Qing stepped on the moonlight and continued forward.


    Although his cultivation had reached the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm, his previous injuries were still there. Xu Qing was as vigilant as when he had just arrived at the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Moreover, he had the life lantern on him, so he was extremely vigilant. His right hand seemed to sway naturally as he moved but in reality, whenever there was any movement, his current posture would allow him to instantly take out the black iron stick.


    This was the experience Xu Qing had gained from living in the Seven Blood Eyes. Being a needle in cotton was the way to survive. Unless there was a goal, he couldn¡¯t reveal his edge casually.


    In addition, the experience in the Seven Blood Eyes also taught Xu Qing a way to relax his body the more vigilant he was.


    He had discovered that just like back then in the slums and the scavenger campsite, when his body was tense, it seemed like he could instantly attack but in reality, the movements would be a little slow.


    The true method was for his body to relax and his mind to be filled with vigilance. In this way, outsiders wouldn¡¯t be able to see anything and he only needed a thought to move his body instantly.


    These were all techniques he had learned and had unknowingly changed many of his behaviors. It was just that Xu Qing was still too young. He still couldn¡¯t compare to his captain who could perfectly hide his expressions.


    However, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t forcefully imitate it. Everything was done according to his instincts. As he sped forward, he was getting closer and closer to Zhang San¡¯s transportation department.


    Just as he passed by a place, Xu Qing suddenly stopped in his tracks and abruptly turned his head to look behind him. Coldness flashed in his eyes.


    Under his gaze, a small and skinny figure slowly walked out from a distant corner. It was none other than the mute youth.


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Daoist robe was still wide on his body. The dog skin coat inside still made him look very bloated. However, unlike before, there was an additional badge on his Daoist robe. This was the symbol of an official member of the Homicide Department.


    He appeared in the distance and quickly glanced at Xu Qing. After that, he crouched. His posture wasn¡¯t that of attacking but more like he was following and protecting.


    Xu Qing stared at the mute youth and looked at the badge on his Daoist robe. Xu Qing had read the file on this mute before and knew that the other party had been only a collaborative member when he first entered the Homicide Department. Now, he had become an official. He slowly spoke.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like to be followed.¡±


    The mute youth fell silent before retreating and disappearing into the night again.


    Only then did Xu Qing retract his gaze. He didn¡¯t care if the other party had good intentions or ill intentions. Right now, he wasn¡¯t in the mood to judge. However, if the other party still followed him after he had clearly told him, he would kill him.


    Xu Qing continued to move.


    Not long later, Xu Qing arrived at the Transportation Department. From afar, he saw Zhang San taking inventory. Clearly, after he returned from the competition, Zhang San was worried his treasures would be stolen.


    Zhang San also saw Xu Qing. After waving at Xu Qing as a greeting, he finished counting and took out the tobacco pipe in satisfaction.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, why are you here instead of resting?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t ask Zhang San why he didn¡¯t put the items into his storage bag and took out his magic boat.


    As the magic boat landed on the ground loudly, the ground trembled and some fragmented parts hanging on the boat dropped.


    ¡°To repair the magic boat.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    Zhang San¡¯s eyes almost popped out. He even forgot to smoke the pipe in his hand as he stared blankly at the familiar yet unfamiliar half of the magic boat.


    1


    ¡°Didn¡¯t we meet during the competition? We guarded the captain in the temple and then returned together?¡± After a long time, Zhang San¡¯s expression was still a little stunned.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Xu Qing looked at Zhang San in surprise.


    ¡°Since I wasn¡¯t hallucinating and you were indeed the one I encountered in the competition, tell me how your magic boat became like this. Heavens, this is my most outstanding work. I, I, I¡­ Even a Foundation Building cultivator would find it difficult to destroy it to such an extent!!¡±


    ¡°How did you manage to destroy half of the magic boat? Are you using it as a shield?¡± Zhang San clutched his chest. At that moment, his heartache seemed to be even greater than Xu Qing¡¯s.


    1


    During the competition, he remembered that Xu Qing had used the magic boat to attack the huge corpse. At that time, it was still intact. However, it was actually destroyed to such an extent now. This made him feel that it was unbelievable unless he did something crazy like the captain¡­


    At the thought of this, Zhang San¡¯s heart suddenly skipped a beat. He recalled how Xu Qing was in a weak state when he saw him again near the exit of the underwater world. He took a deep breath.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t really do a crazy thing like the captain, did you?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang San, how long will it take to repair it?¡±


    Zhang San looked at the magic boat and let out a long sigh.


    ¡°Alright, alright. Last time, you brought back a swift boat. Compared to that, it¡¯s still fine this time. There¡¯s at least half a magic boat left¡­¡±


    ¡°However, I won¡¯t be able to restore it in a short period. I¡¯m going out with the captain tomorrow. He asked me to carry him somewhere to treat his injuries. He said that I can also build my foundation there.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re not in a hurry, I¡¯ll refine it for you after I advance to Foundation Building and come back. Its quality should be much better if I refine it at that time. Besides, the flesh that the Captain obtained can also be placed in the new ship as a temporary power source.¡±

 Chapter 201 - Going Out for Foundation Building! (2)

    Zhang San examined Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat and sighed in resignation.


    Xu Qing thought about it and nodded. He didn¡¯t ask about how the other party was going to attempt Foundation Building. No matter how their relationship was, asking about such a thing would be infringing on other¡¯s privacy.


    He cupped his fists and bade farewell.


    It was already dark and the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ teleportation array wouldn¡¯t be activated unless necessary. After some thought, Xu Qing didn¡¯t stay in an inn but went to the Homicide Department.


    After he was promoted to deputy captain, he also had a room in the Black Division. However, he rarely went there. Now that he didn¡¯t have a place to stay, Xu Qing planned to stay there for a night.


    After all, compared to the inn outside, the security in the Homicide Department was relatively higher.


    There was no one in the Black Division and the captain wasn¡¯t around either. Xu Qing entered his room and activated the protective array he had bought. He then closed his eyes and meditated.


    The night passed.


    The next morning, at dawn, Xu Qing opened his eyes. He put away the array formation and quickly left the Homicide Department, heading straight for the teleportation array in the center of the main city.


    He was very fast. Finally, an hour later, he saw the teleportation array from afar.


    There were quite a lot of people queuing up to use the teleportation array. Among them, two were quite conspicuous in the crowd. One was Zhang San, and the other was the captain on his back.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised since Zhang San had mentioned it yesterday. As for the captain who was looking left and right on Zhang San¡¯s back and was eating an apple, he saw Xu Qing and waved.


    As Xu Qing got closer, the captain swept his gaze over with a spurious smile.


    ¡°You don¡¯t dare to stay in the sect and want to find a place to break through outside? Do you want me to introduce a few places to you?¡±


    Zhang San also looked at Xu Qing and greeted him with a smile. When he heard the captain¡¯s words, his eyes lit up. He then glanced at Xu Qing a few more times with a look of joy on his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m out on a mission.¡± Xu Qing glanced at the queue and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Vice Captain Xu, your expression is a little fake. Let me teach you. In the future, when you want to lie, you have to look into the other party¡¯s eyes. Only then will it be more believable. Since you¡¯re concealing it so much, it seems like you gained a lot on the island?¡±


    ¡°Come, come, come. Take it out and let me see if it¡¯s as valuable as this apple.¡±


    The captain finished the apple in his hand and took out a large apple that Xu Qing had given on Binding Island. He shook it proudly and took a bite.


    ¡°Mm, where are you going?¡± Xu Qing nodded and retracted his gaze from the teleportation array as he asked.


    ¡°Me? I¡¯ll go to recover. When I return, I¡¯ll be even more powerful. At that time, if you don¡¯t return the 10,000 spirit stones you owe me, don¡¯t blame me for being ruthless.¡±


    The captain narrowed his eyes and cast a meaningful glance at the leather pouch on Xu Qing¡¯s body. He retracted his gaze and took a big bite of the apple.


    ¡°I wish you a smooth recovery, Captain.¡± Xu Qing looked into the captain¡¯s eyes and said seriously.


    The captain started and looked into Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. A contemplative expression appeared on his face, as though he was analyzing the sincerity of Xu Qing¡¯s words.


    Zhang San sighed. He could tell that the captain and Xu Qing, these two lunatics, would probably chat like this every time they met. He was about to speak.


    However, at this moment, the sky of the entire Seven Blood Eyes suddenly changed. The originally clear sky instantly turned pitch-black. An incomparably shocking pressure caused the entire Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city to tremble. Even the seven mountain peaks shook under the pressure!


    Everyone in the main city, regardless of whether they were cultivators or mortals, felt their hearts pounding. They lifted their heads in unison and looked at the sky. Even the waves in the harbor stirred up huge waves, as though they were worshiping.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression also changed. When he lifted his head, he saw the reason why the sky had turned black.


    It was a vast and endless black cloud that rushed over from the direction of the Phoenix Forbidden. When it passed above the Seven Blood Eyes, it covered the sun, causing the ground to turn pitch-black.


    This black cloud contained endless lightning that rumbled through the sky and swam in all directions. An incomparable deterrence spread out from the black cloud and enveloped all living beings.


    Everyone who saw it instinctively felt a sense of life-and-death crisis.


    There seemed to be a god-like existence hidden in the black clouds. It looked like a phoenix or an eagle!


    Its brown body was like a rock, and its feathers were like balls of flames.


    It seemed to be filled with anger as it aggressively headed in the direction of the Forbidden Sea. As it moved, the distant sea followed it. There were endless huge waves and monstrous sounds accompanying it.


    Just from the aura, Binding was clearly far inferior to it.


    As for Xu Qing, he only took a glance from afar but he already had a splitting headache and his mind was buzzing. The others in the surroundings were the same. Some of them even bled from their seven orifices.


    Xu Qing was shocked. He recognized the other party.


    The existence in this black cloud was none other than the emperor of the number one forbidden zone in the Nanhuang Continent, the Flame Phoenix, whom he had encountered when he returned from the sea!


    However, at that time, the other party seemed to be calm, so Xu Qing didn¡¯t feel such a splitting headache. Now, the Flame Phoenix was clearly filled with anger and the fluctuations of its emotions affected everything.


    ¡°The Flame Phoenix went toward the sea¡­ Looks like something major is going to happen. Could it be that the emperor in the Corpse Forbidden has walked out of the forbidden region?¡±


    As the captain whispered softly, the black cloud whistled past the top of the Seven Blood Eyes. After it gradually left, the sky of the Seven Blood Eyes became clear again. However, everyone¡¯s hearts were still beating intensely.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. The last time he returned, he had asked Zhang San about Flame Phoenix. He knew that this terrifying existence wasn¡¯t a vicious character. It would be asleep most of the time.


    It treated the human race and the nonhuman races equally. It even protected the living beings living in the Nanhuang Continent to a certain extent.


    That was why a portion of the human race had survived until now.


    A long time after the Flame Phoenix left, the Seven Blood Eyes gradually regained its operation. Xu Qing retracted his gaze and walked toward the teleportation array. He stepped in and his figure instantly disappeared.


    ¡°This kid doesn¡¯t trust me. Looks like he got something good this time. However, no matter how good it is, it won¡¯t be as amazing as my Binding flesh.¡± The captain smiled proudly and patted Zhang San¡¯s head.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Zhang San. I¡¯ll bring you to eat meat.¡±


    Zhang San sighed and thought to himself, ¡®Xu Qing isn¡¯t the only one who doesn¡¯t trust you. I don¡¯t trust you either.¡¯ However, when he thought of his many years of investment, he had no choice but to accept his fate.


    ¡®The ones who were invested are all f*cking bosses!¡¯ Zhang San shook his head and carried the captain into the teleportation array.


    As Xu Qing, Zhang San, and the captain teleported away, the Seven Blood Eyes gradually returned to normal. It was just that¡­ at some point in time, some haze had appeared in the sky.


    It was as though a storm was coming.

 Chapter 202 - Solo Cultivation Under the Lantern

    Xu Qing was extremely cautious when choosing a place to build his foundation.


    He had many things to consider. For example, he had to determine if there were people secretly following him. He had to check if the place had powerful forces in the surroundings.


    He had to consider spirit energy in the place. It couldn¡¯t be too dense or too scarce.


    In addition, the location couldn¡¯t be close to the forbidden zone or the cities. The wilderness was the best choice.


    However, there weren¡¯t many places that met all these conditions.


    Finally, he had to consider if the place he chose according to his needs had been chosen by others before.


    All of this floated in his mind. He had also thought of the forbidden zone temple in the scavenger campsite but the surroundings were too dangerous. Also, that strange singing voice made Xu Qing hesitate. In the end, he gave up on it.


    The first place he went to was a Seven Blood Eyes branch city near Purple Earth. This place was in the hinterland of the human race¡¯s territory in the Nanhuang Continent. There were fewer forbidden zones and it was relatively safe.


    One issue was there were many and all kinds of people here.


    As the teleportation light disappeared, Xu Qing walked out of the array formation. He didn¡¯t leave the city immediately but found an inn. After vigilantly observing and resting for a night, he used the talisman to change his appearance and continued to teleport away.


    Just like that, he teleported seven to eight times in the next half a month. Every time, he would change his appearance and roughly traveled through the entire Nanhuang Continent before deciding that no one was following him.


    Xu Qing was finally able to heave a sigh of relief.


    His injuries had recovered by 70 to 80% in this half a month. His combat strength was now almost the same as when he was on Merfolk Island.


    The recovery of his injuries also allowed Xu Qing to head out of the city and search for a suitable place for Foundation Building in the wilderness.


    It was only after Xu Qing searched for another half a month that he finally found a good place.


    This place was a mountainous area in the southeastern region of the Nanhuang Continent.


    There were many mountains and jungles here. However, they weren¡¯t forbidden zones. Instead, they had miasma and marshes like a rainforest.


    This caused there to be very few nearby cities. The closest one would take seven to eight days to reach.


    There wasn¡¯t a dense amount of anomalous substances here but it was the same for spirit energy. As such, there weren¡¯t any large factions nearby. Although the overall situation wasn¡¯t very suitable, Xu Qing felt that this place was more suitable than the other places he had checked.


    The place he chose wasn¡¯t on the mountains but the depths of a jungle between two mountains.


    According to his previous jungle experience, Xu Qing found a place and started digging.


    The soil on the ground was soft and not easy to dig. Xu Qing used Sea Transformation Art to extract most of the water in the soil and dug a cave deep underground.


    The entrance was covered by him and he also scattered enough poison powder in the surroundings. Finally, he sat cross-legged in the cave and sensed his surroundings. He then took out the five sets of array formations he had bought and activated them all.


    He also activated an array formation that concealed aura and fluctuations. After doing all this, Xu Qing let out a deep breath.


    A sense of security that he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time surfaced in his mind.


    ¡°I¡¯ll advance to the Foundation Building here.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at his storage bag. He had bought different amounts of food from different cities. They were enough for him to survive here for half a year.


    He didn¡¯t know how long it would take for him to reach Foundation Building, but Xu Qing had already made a plan. He would not go out or think about anything about the outside world in this time.


    He wanted his entire body and mind to be immersed in the breakthrough.


    However, Xu Qing felt that he still had two things to deal with first.


    He took out the black iron stick and performed a series of hand seals. Spirit energy surged in and ruthlessly suppressed the sleeping Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. Immediately, a blood-curdling scream rang out from the iron stick.


    ¡°Master, what¡¯s wrong? I was wrong, I was wrong. Don¡¯t kill me. Tell me what I did wrong and I¡¯ll make amends!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother to reply and continued with the suppression. He only stopped when the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was extremely weak and unconscious.


    He was worried that the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor would interfere in the process of breaking through. Now that the latter was weakened so much, Xu Qing felt that there was no big problem.


    After that, he performed another series of hand seals and used layers of spirit energy to seal the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. Only then did he store the iron stick.


    The shadow clearly sensed Xu Qing¡¯s actions and was trembling.


    Xu Qing expressionlessly looked at the shadow.


    The shadow trembled even more intensely. Finally, under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, it suddenly began to tear itself apart, as though it was self-harming.


    ¡°Not enough.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke. The purple crystal power in his body transformed into suppression that descended viciously, causing the shadow to become increasingly dim. Only when it was about to completely collapse did Xu Qing stop and slowly speak.


    ¡°If I fail to reach the Foundation Building realm, I¡¯ll crush you to death before I die!¡±


    After saying that, Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the shadow anymore. He was completely relieved after weakening the two hidden dangers in his body. He finally took out the Spirit Breath Lantern and lit it.


    The dim light instantly spread out and enveloped Xu Qing.


    Normally speaking, every time such a protective magic tool was lit, it would consume its own energy. As such, cultivators would only activate it when they were breaking through to Foundation Building.


    Even though the Seven Blood Eyes was rich and imposing, it was the same. Most of the disciples would rent a spot in the Foundation Building place when they were about to break through. They wouldn¡¯t be as extravagant as Xu Qing.


    However, Xu Qing felt that there was no need.


    Even though he didn¡¯t plan to break through immediately and wanted to reach the limit of his spirit sea, lighting this Spirit Breath Lantern didn¡¯t cost him money. What it consumed was its own spirituality.


    Moreover, Xu Qing had already sensed that the spirituality of this lamp was quite sufficient. He then took out two jade boxes.


    One contained three Foundation Building Pills, while the other contained two.


    The former came from the captain, while the latter was obtained by Xu Qing from the storage bag of the unlucky merfolk who tried to breakthrough in the merfolk race¡¯s Foundation Building Pagoda.


    The other party¡¯s status was clearly very high. He should have eaten a few pills and planned to save two for later.


    After putting the five Foundation Building Pills to the side, Xu Qing revealed a satisfied expression.


    He took a deep breath and under the cover of the Spirit Breath Lantern¡¯s light, he closed his eyes and began to cultivate.


    Time slowly passed and very soon, seven days passed.


    During these seven days, Xu Qing was completely focused on his cultivation. As the Sea Transformation Art continued to circulate and the spirit energy in the surroundings rapidly surged over, the spirit sea in his body kept on growing.


    Its range grew larger and larger, from 2,900 feet to 3,400 feet!


    This range had already surpassed the highest record in the history of the Seventh Peak in the Seven Blood Eyes. One had to know that back then, Old Master Seventh had only reached 2,700 feet.


    Before Old Master Seventh, no one had reached this level. After 60 years now, Xu Qing made a new record in this unknown cave.


    The majesty of the 3,400-foot-long spirit sea was extremely astonishing. If Xu Qing manifested it, it would definitely cause a commotion in this jungle. In fact, if the Seven Blood Eyes knew about this, they would probably be completely shocked.


    However, although such an outcome would attract the attention of the Seven Blood Eyes, the risk would follow too¡­ In the Seven Blood Eyes, where benefits served as cohesion, if such a dazzling achievement was revealed, the outcome would be hard to predict.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have any thoughts of revealing it. He only wanted to live well. He didn¡¯t care about reputation. He only cared that he could live a better life.


    In this cruel world, if one wanted to do this, they could only become stronger.


    He would kill all the enemies who threatened his life.


    Naturally, if revealing his spirit sea could achieve some of his goals, Xu Qing would consider it.


    Otherwise, before he reached the level where he had the power to suppress everything, he would continue to restrain his sharpness and only show it at the moment of killing. That was his way of survival.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and continued cultivating.


    Just like that, days passed. Every day, his spirit sea would increase by 100 feet as though there was no limit. This caused the excitement in Xu Qing¡¯s heart to intensify.


    3,500 feet, 3,700 feet¡­


    Seven days later, the spirit sea in Xu Qing¡¯s body reached 4,000 feet. This was already four times greater than the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ordinary great circle of perfection disciples¡¯.


    Under the light of the Spirit Breath Lantern, one could see that Xu Qing¡¯s entire body had become crystalline. It was as though countless seawater was flowing in his body. In fact, the moisture in the surroundings had become increasingly dense.


    ¡°I can still reach higher!¡±


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and stopped cultivating to eat some food. He then checked the array formations and the poison powder scattered outside. After confirming that everything was normal, he rested for a moment before continuing to cultivate.


    4,100 feet, 4,200 feet, 4,300 feet¡­


    Three days later, the spirit sea in Xu Qing¡¯s body reached 4,700 feet. At this moment, he finally felt a piercing pain that indicated that his body was unable to withstand it.


    This piercing pain was like his body had become a water bag that was completely filled with water, stretching his body to the extreme as though it was about to split open.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly. After pondering for a moment, he gritted his teeth and continued to cultivate. This time, his speed clearly slowed down. The range he increased every day began to decrease, from 100 feet to 50 feet.


    Moreover, the further he went, the slower the increase. The feeling of bursting also became increasingly intense. Half a month later, he finally pushed the spirit sea in his body to an astonishing level of 5,000 feet.


    Such a level was horrifying. Xu Qing felt an unbearable, piercing pain from everywhere in his body, as though it was shattering. The purple crystal was frantically repairing him.


    ¡°I¡¯ve reached my extreme limits¡­¡± Xu Qing muttered softly.


    He found it extremely difficult to even move. It was as though he was carrying mountains on his back. He felt extremely suppressed.


    Although the purple crystal was trying its best to heal him, Xu Qing was aware that this state couldn¡¯t be maintained for too long.


    ¡°Then¡­ I¡¯ll begin Foundation Building!¡± Determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Without the slightest hesitation, he picked up a Foundation Building Pill in front of him and swallowed it.


    Like water falling into a pot of oil, the 5000-foot-long spirit sea in his body suddenly exploded, forming astonishing waves that surged crazily toward various parts of Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    The first step of the Foundation Building, sensing, began!

 Chapter 203 - Bizarre Blows Out the Light

    The breakthrough from Qi Condensation to Foundation Building was divided into three major stages.


    The first stage was to use all the spirit energy to probe the body for the location of the magic apertures. The cultivator had to find these hidden areas and firmly remember their locations. This concerned their future prospects.


    The quantity of the magic apertures mattered as well and it was the focus of the sensing stage. This process could be carried out many times with the help of Foundation Building Pills.


    This stage took up almost half of the time of the Foundation Building process.


    The second stage was to gather the power of the spirit sea and use it to break open the first magic aperture.


    After the opened magic aperture contained enough spirit energy, it would transform into a vortex that would give birth to the first wisp of magic power.


    Once the magic power was born, it would circulate through the entire body and modify the flesh and blood of cultivators, causing their life level to advance. This was the third stage.


    The cultivator could be considered to have stepped into Foundation Building realm when they completed these three stages!


    It sounded simple but in reality, to be able to complete these three steps required comprehensive preparation and a certain amount of luck.


    What Xu Qing was doing now was the first stage. As the 5,000-foot-long spirit sea in his body erupted, large waves rushed toward his entire body and began to search for his magic apertures.


    Magic apertures weren¡¯t acupuncture points, so their locations were different in different people¡¯s bodies due to the difference in aptitude.


    The density of his spirit energy allowed Xu Qing to last longer and use many methods to sense them. Right now, what he was preparing to use was the method named the strong probing method explained in Ding Xue¡¯s jade slip.


    The so-called strong probing method was to use all the spirit energy in one¡¯s body to spread throughout one¡¯s body and make use of the violent impact to reveal the locations of the magic apertures. This was the final method of many Qi Condensation disciples at this stage.


    However, to Xu Qing, he only needed a portion of his spirit energy to complete it.


    He didn¡¯t hope to find enough magic apertures with just one time of strong probing. He only wanted to familiarize himself with the method first. As such, he spread out 20% of his spirit sea, which was 1000 feet.


    Although it was only 20%, to ordinary Seven Blood Eyes disciples, this was already all they had.


    The 1000-foot-long spirit sea erupted from his dantian and flowed like a tide through the meridians, flesh, bones, and all other areas of Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    As it spread, his meridians were like rivers and the churning of his spirit sea was like sea dragons that passed by fiercely.


    As for the flesh, blood, bones, and internal organs outside his meridians, they were like dry fields. As they were nourished by the spirit energy, they began to sense and search.


    Very soon, he discovered that there were some fine vortices in some of his meridians. Their existence was extremely concealed and could only be detected after his meridians had completely swelled.


    Those vortices were like heavenly gates. When spirit energy permeated through them, they faintly revealed an extremely profound aura.


    After Xu Qing sensed these auras, he immediately understood that they were magic apertures.


    Not only did his meridians store such a mysterious aperture, but he also discovered some of them in the flesh, blood, and internal organs.


    ¡°91!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. As his first sensing ended, the spirit energy in his body slowly dissipated like the ebbing tide.


    According to the Foundation Building information he had obtained previously, what affected the perception of the magic apertures was anomalous substances. In theory, the limit number of magic apertures was 120. Generally speaking, discovering 80 was already considered good aptitude, and 90 was outstanding.


    Using the calculation that 30 magic apertures could form a ball of life fire, this meant that he could form three balls of life fire in the future.


    If Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the quantity at this moment, he could immediately proceed to the second stage and break open a magic aperture to form a vortex that would birth magic power.


    ¡°However, there are no anomalous substances in my body. Why did I only sense 91 magic apertures?¡± Xu Qing pondered. A moment later, he felt that this might be related to the aptitude.


    Before the god arrived and when there were no anomalous substances in this world, cultivators didn¡¯t look at the purity of their bodies but their body¡¯s aptitude.


    However, now, aptitude was no longer important to the vast majority of sects and forces. Only the seeds that those large forces had high hopes for would have their aptitudes checked.


    ¡°My aptitude will determine that even if there are no anomalous substances in my body, there will still be magic apertures that are hidden too deeply and can¡¯t be found.¡± Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    He felt that it didn¡¯t matter if he couldn¡¯t find them right now. It also didn¡¯t matter if his aptitude was limited. As long as he had enough spirit energy, it wasn¡¯t impossible to find these hidden magic apertures.


    If he couldn¡¯t find them on the first try, he would try again for the second time or the third time. If he still couldn¡¯t find them, he would do it five times or six times.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes. After pondering, he split half of the remaining 4000 feet of spirit sea in his body.


    The 2000-foot-long spirit sea violently spread toward his entire body and he began to sense the magic apertures a second time.


    This density already far surpassed that of ordinary cultivators.


    Under this eruption, the meridians in his entire body instantly swelled up. His flesh, blood, and internal organs were filled with spirit energy, and it was the same for his bones. His entire body trembled intensely.


    The impact was too great. In an instant, five more magic apertures were revealed.


    The number of magic apertures sensed reached 96!


    The remaining spirit energy in the second sensing didn¡¯t dissipate. It was still rapidly searching amidst the violent impact.


    This principle was like blowing a balloon full, revealing the hidden spots on it. If the spots were hidden deeper, he would just have to fill the balloon even more.


    ¡°I have enough spirit energy and Foundation Building Pills.¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. The remaining 2,000 feet of spirit sea in his body erupted before the second sensing ended.


    At this moment, a sudden change occurred!


    In the cave where Xu Qing was meditating, the Spirit Breath Lantern was originally burning as usual. The light from the fire enveloped Xu Qing and seemed to protect him from the surrounding darkness.


    However, at that moment, there seemed to be an invisible existence that turned into a chilly wind and blew at the fire of the Spirit Breath Lantern. Immediately, the flames swayed and showed signs of extinguishing.


    As it swayed, its light spread to the mud walls and the ground around the cave, revealing countless dark existences. They didn¡¯t have complete figures and couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. One could only see clusters of blurry illusory bodies.


    It was as though they existed in the gap between time and space and had no specific appearance.


    Usually, they were in a daze. Today, because Xu Qing¡¯s sensing had revealed its auras in the world they existed in, it instantly attracted them over.


    The world they were in seemed to be infinitely vast. An aura like Xu Qing¡¯s would often be revealed but they were very far from each other. What the aura attracted was often the bizarre entities near the aura.


    The flames of the Spirit Breath Lantern clearly suppressed them, causing them to be unable to pounce forward. However, their greed grew increasingly intense.


    This greed had already materialized into endless malice, causing Xu Qing to be able to sense it even with his eyes closed. This caused his mind to shake.


    He didn¡¯t know what they were.


    The Foundation Building jade slips didn¡¯t state it explicitly, but he was very clear that if he was invaded by these malice, his Foundation Building would definitely fail.


    Fortunately, the Spirit Breath Lantern might be ordinary, but it wouldn¡¯t be extinguished easily. Although it was swaying violently, the light still enveloped Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. He knew that he couldn¡¯t waste time. At this moment, he circulated the spirit sea in his body and sensed the location of the magic apertures again.


    Amidst the rumbling, seven more magic apertures were found, reaching 103!


    He was only 17 away from the limit of 120 theoretical magic apertures!


    ¡°Again!¡± Xu Qing gritted his teeth fiercely. The spirit sea in his body spread out, forming tides that continuously impacted his entire body.


    Cracking sounds suddenly rang out as four more hidden magic apertures appeared!


    107!


    At the same time, there were more and more bizarre shadows in the surroundings. They let out soundless roars and rapidly surrounded Xu Qing. They also continuously blew chilly wind at the Spirit Breath Lantern, causing the flames of the Spirit Breath Lantern to sway even more intensely, as though they could be extinguished at any moment.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with these. He opened his eyes and swallowed a Foundation Building Pill. Immediately, spirit energy exploded in his withered spirit sea, erupting with astonishing spirit energy fluctuations.


    He didn¡¯t hesitate and spread the spirit energy throughout his body, causing him to feel an intense sense of expansion. It was as though his body was being stretched infinitely at this moment.


    As boundless spirit energy gushed in, three magic apertures that he hadn¡¯t discovered before instantly appeared amidst the rumbling of his body.


    110 apertures!


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. He lifted his hand and grabbed the box of Foundation Building Pills. He then swallowed all three Foundation Building Pills in one go.


    His body rumbled and the three Foundation Building Pills transformed into three violent sea dragons that ran amok in his body. His body seemed to be unable to hold on anymore. When it swelled to the extreme, extremely concealed magic apertures were revealed one after another.


    111, 113, 115¡­


    Until 118!


    At that moment, Xu Qing only had two more magic apertures to go before he would be able to reach the limit. However, just as he was completely immersed and searching inch by inch as though his body was magnified, because his senses had found too many magic apertures and the aura he emitted was too dense, the bizarre entities he attracted were countless times greater than before.


    When others broke through, they could at most sense around 90 something. As for Xu Qing¡­ he was infinitely close to the end.


    Such a dense aura was like a huge torch in the dark night. The temptation was too great.


    The quality of the replica Spirit Breath Lantern wasn¡¯t good, persisting until this point was already its limit. After all, it had never protected a cultivator like Xu Qing before.


    The swaying of the flames suddenly became incomparably intense. In the end, amidst an astonishing gust of chilly wind¡­ it was extinguished!

 Chapter 204 - Canopy Over Life! (1)

    The instant it was extinguished and the flames in the surroundings disappeared, the countless bizarre entities in the surroundings seemed to emit ear-piercing sharp laughter. They carried unprecedented greed and desire as they pounced toward Xu Qing from all directions.


    However, in that instant, a light that was much more dazzling than the Spirit Breath Lantern from before shone. It was like the bright moon as it illuminated everything.


    It was as though the world had lit up!


    All the bizarre entities let out mournful cries. They directly turned into ashes and dissipated.


    A lantern that looked like a burning inverted black umbrella appeared in front of Xu Qing!


    It was the life lantern, a supreme treasure that he had obtained in the merfolk island.


    The lantern wasn¡¯t lit. The light came from the life lantern itself. It looked like it was burning but it wasn¡¯t.


    Even so, the light was still astonishing. The bizarre shadows were like moths to the fire, dying as they pounced upon Xu Qing. After most of them dissipated, although there were still remnants, they were clearly afraid and didn¡¯t dare to approach.


    While this happened, Xu Qing found some clues in his heart.


    At the next instant, his spirit energy surged in toward the heart, his mind buzzed and his body trembled intensely but he finally found the location of the last two magic apertures!


    120 apertures!


    In the history of Seven Blood Eyes, no one had been able to sense 120 magic apertures. And the location the magic apertures could only be sensed at the moment of Foundation Building.


    Therefore, the number they sensed at this stage basically determined how far they could go.


    In fact, it wasn¡¯t just the Seven Blood Eyes. It was rare for such a person to appear in the vast majority of sects and forces.


    As such, the jade slip Xu Qing obtained had referred to the 120 apertures as the theoretical limit. As for what would happen after reaching it, there was no explanation.


    However, after Xu Qing sensed all 120 magic apertures, he actually felt a sense of clarity. This feeling allowed him to faintly understand that 120¡­ wasn¡¯t the limit.


    As for those magic apertures, he couldn¡¯t sense them now. He needed to truly open all 120 of them before he could explore those concealed magic apertures.


    However, he had a faint feeling that every magic aperture after 120 would be like a sprint. Every time he found another one in the future, it would cause a tremendous change to his body.


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath. He was strongly anticipating it but he knew that now wasn¡¯t the time to think about this matter. He would leave it for the future.


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s begin the second stage, opening the first magic aperture of Foundation Building!¡± Xu Qing grabbed the air, grabbing the last Foundation Building Pill.


    He swallowed it.


    Immediately, the spirit sea in his body erupted again, forming a new tide that rushed toward the first magic aperture he discovered in his body.


    Xu Qing suddenly felt an extremely strong impact. He felt as though he had been knocked down by a giant beast flying at high speed. At the moment his body was about to collapse, the first magic aperture in his body opened!


    It was as though the world had been split open!


    The magic aperture he opened transformed into a bright point of light with flames forming inside. As a large amount of spirit energy surged in, it transformed into a vortex.


    As it rumbled and rotated, the aura in his body underwent a drastic change. Flames rose and as they continued to spread, a wisp of bright thread of fire that seemed to be highly compressed slowly rose from the vortex.


    This thread-like existence was¡­ the magic power of a Foundation Building cultivator!


    This wisp far surpassed the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm by far. They were at different levels.


    As it continued to rise, it emitted a dazzling light and erupted with astonishing heat, causing Xu Qing¡¯s body to be illuminated.


    As for the spirit sea vortex in Xu Qing¡¯s magic aperture, it far surpassed an ordinary cultivator¡¯s as his spirit sea had reached 5,000 feet when he was in Qi Condensation. This advantage would be greatly displayed when he was at the Foundation Building realm.


    His magic aperture could accommodate the vortex formed by the 5000-foot-long spirit sea. The magic power produced by this was much denser.


    The instant this magic power appeared and Xu Qing¡¯s aura changed, the magic power instantly circulated rapidly in Xu Qing¡¯s body. Wherever it passed, his body would undergo earth-shattering changes.


    Firstly, his meridians. As the magic power circulated, his meridians became even more tenacious. One could even faintly see natural runes forming in his meridians.


    After that, it was flesh and blood. Similarly, as magic power rapidly permeated his body, they changed inch by inch. In fact, if one were to zoom in, they would be able to see that all the matters that formed his flesh and blood had undergone intrinsic changes.


    Next were his bones and internal organs. All the areas were now rumbling. His bones had become even harder and there were also runes on them. Even his internal organs were the same.


    This was¡­ a magic body!


    The moment a cultivator stepped into Foundation Building, it was like a leap in life level, turning ordinary into magic!


    As the magic body was formed and magic power spread out, a fluctuation that far exceeded Qi Condensation erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s body. When it spread everywhere, Xu Qing opened his eyes, revealing a dazzling purple light.


    He recalled that the Foundation Building jade slip had said that disciples who cultivated the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale could open their second magic aperture faster than others when they were at the Foundation Building realm.


    When they reached the Foundation Building realm and opened their second magic aperture, they would have an additional opportunity to improve their body compared to others. This kind of thing would only happen at the instant they reached the Foundation Building realm. It wouldn¡¯t be like this when they opened other magic apertures in the future.

 Chapter 205 - Canopy Over Life! (2)

    This opportunity was very precious. Moreover, this magic aperture would become his second natal aperture!


    Xu Qing waved his hands fiercely. Immediately, the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale reformed outside his body.


    Its size had been compressed to the extreme, transforming into a fist-sized body. After Xu Qing opened his mouth and swallowed it, the plesiosaur in his body let out a joyous roar and charged toward Xu Qing¡¯s second magic aperture!


    A boom echoed out as the second magic aperture was opened!


    The plesiosaur rushed in and transformed into a 5000-foot-long spirit sea vortex. As flames rose, a second magic power thread also emerged from the burning sea!


    After the second magic power thread appeared, it also flowed through Xu Qing¡¯s entire body, strengthening his magic body once again.


    At the same time, the bizarre shadows in the surroundings seemed to be extremely tempted by this. They got closer again and tried to suppress the black umbrella lantern, but they couldn¡¯t do it.


    However, an unprecedented chilly wind blew over like a storm. It was as though the great evil among the bizarre shadows had been attracted and blew fiercely at the fire.


    Although it was still unable to blow out the life lantern, it still dimmed it for a moment. Taking advantage of the dimness, this invisible great ferocious beast excitedly let out a soundless roar and sent a wisp of phantom toward Xu Qing, instantly approaching and wanting to rush into the space between Xu Qing¡¯s brows.


    However, as the life lantern shone, this phantom had no choice but to give up. It could only shrink back reluctantly.


    However, at the next instant, the lifeless shadow on the ground that Xu Qing had suppressed earlier seemed to have smelled a delicious aura and suddenly rushed toward the phantom.


    Before the phantom could retract, it was instantly approached by the shadow. It opened its mouth as though it was eating snacks and directly swallowed it.


    Amidst the roars of the unknown great ferocious beast, it burped in satisfaction. After that, it looked at Xu Qing with a hint of ferocity.


    However, in the end, it shivered a few times, as it recalled too many memories of being suppressed. It didn¡¯t dare to make a move. After it returned to Xu Qing¡¯s feet, it put on a lifeless and fragmented appearance and lay there in boredom.


    As for the bizarre entities in the surroundings, they all paused for a moment. It was as though there was an additional shark in the school of fish. They instantly retreated in unison and disappeared.


    Xu Qing suddenly opened his eyes and glanced at the shadow.


    The shadow trembled and there were even more cracks on it. It was unknown if they were real or fake¡­


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. After he retracted his gaze, he checked his body. At that moment, his magic body had been augmented again. A rumbling sound filled his surroundings. That was the sound of his heart beating.


    It was like the beating of war drums.


    As for the second wisp of magic power, it quickly fused with the first wisp of magic power and transformed into a thread.


    This thread of magic power caused flames to fill Xu Qing¡¯s body. The flames in the two magic apertures in his body burned his spirit sea and magic power continued to form and gather, illuminating everything in his body. After it illuminated all the areas in his body, it spread out.


    The strength of his aura was much stronger than before. There was no way to compare them at all. That was the difference in levels. In fact, when Xu Qing compared himself to the Foundation Building cultivators he had encountered, there was a considerable gap between them from the magic apertures alone.


    The magic apertures in their bodies were clearly not as dazzling as Xu Qing¡¯s.


    ¡°The goal of opening the magic apertures is to cultivate the life fire. 30 magic apertures can form a ball of life fire!¡±


    ¡°When the life fire is formed, it will be the true early-stage Foundation Building. The second ball of life fire will be the mid-stage¡­¡±


    ¡°Only by forming a life fire can I unleash the signature ability of a Foundation Building cultivator, the Mystic Brilliance Form!¡± Xu Qing muttered. Through the Foundation Building jade slip, he knew that after Foundation Building cultivators obtained a life fire, they usually wouldn¡¯t ignite it unless necessary.


    This was because in the Mystic Brilliance Form, the consumption was extremely terrifying.


    However, at the same time, after activating the Mystic Brilliance Form, their combat strength would be astonishing.


    Therefore, almost all Foundation Building cultivators who had formed their life fire would only activate their Mystic Brilliance Form to kill enemies during battle. Even if they didn¡¯t activate their Mystic Brilliance Form, they were still very powerful with their spells and magic body.


    ¡°From the looks of it, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor did not finish opening 30 magic apertures. That¡¯s why the battle back then progressed like that¡­ I have to open 30 magic apertures as soon as possible!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed intense vigilance and anticipation. He was vigilant because Foundation Building cultivators weren¡¯t as simple as he thought. He was looking forward to the formation of his life fire in the future and the activation of the Mystic Brilliance Form. At the same time, he also had¡­ a life lantern!


    ¡°A life lantern that all cultivators from large sects and factions desire. One lantern contains two balls of life fire. However, if I want to use it, I have to form the first ball of life fire before I can ignite it in my body.¡±


    ¡°After I cultivate the first ball of life fire and place it on the life lantern, making the life fire have a foundation, I¡¯ll be able to display the power of two balls of life fire. I¡¯ll be able to suppress all my peers at the early stage and fight against those at the middle stage. Moreover, according to the density of my magic apertures, I¡¯ll be able to activate Mystic Brilliance Form longer than others!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was like lightning. He looked at the black umbrella life lantern in front of him. After he picked it up, the light in his eyes became even more intense under the illumination of the life lantern.


    ¡°I have to store the life lantern first, it¡¯s the safest to keep it in my body.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. The magic power in his body spread out from the two magic apertures. After it enveloped the life lantern in his hand, the lantern strangely turned transparent and fused with Xu Qing¡¯s magic power.


    As his magic power returned, Xu Qing immediately felt that this life lantern that looked like a black umbrella had appeared in his dantian. The umbrella canopy that seemed to contain some sort of profundity slowly opened and closed. Every time it opened and closed, a baleful aura would spread from it.


    After the life lantern opened and closed several times, it froze and fused with Xu Qing¡¯s body. An ancient feeling of time took root in Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    The black umbrella was faintly discernible above Xu Qing¡¯s head, like a canopy. As its light fell, it emitted waves of protective intent, causing Xu Qing¡¯s mind to be incomparably calm.


    His magic apertures were also enhanced. The speed at which his spirit sea rotated was even faster, and the formation of magic power also accelerated.


    In fact, there was even a hint of the aura of the black umbrella within the magic power. It exuded an ancient feeling and heat, spreading throughout Xu Qing¡¯s entire body, causing his body to feel extremely hot. Even his clothes turned to ashes at this moment.


    The heat spread to the outside. The cave instantly dried up and cracked, and the water outside evaporated in the blink of an eye. Trees spontaneously combusted and turned into ashes. At the same time, this heat continued to spread in all directions until it enveloped the whole jungle.


    Endless clouds of fog rose and dried-up cracks appeared on the ground. All the trees turned to ashes. The affected area was more than 30,000 feet!


    The land became so dry that it seemed to have been exposed to the sun for a hundred years!


    In the center of the dry land, the soil in Xu Qing¡¯s cave had already turned into black crystals from the high temperature. Xu Qing was sitting with eyes closed and had a calm expression on his face.


    If other Foundation Building cultivators could see Xu Qing¡¯s body, they would be extremely shocked. This was because when compared to their very small magic apertures, Xu Qing¡¯s magic apertures were astonishingly large. There was also a large black umbrella in his body that protected his soul.


    The black umbrella shone brightly, illuminating his entire body from the inside out. It was as though the heavenly palace was about to be revealed.


    After a long time, Xu Qing opened his eyes.

 Chapter 206 - Leaving Ordinary

    As he opened his eyes, the heat within a radius of 30,000 feet boiled, and hot mist surged toward the sky, vaguely transforming into the appearance of a black umbrella, suppressing and hiding the fluctuations here.


    This made sure that no one could sense the situation here. However, all the wild beasts in the nearby areas were trembling.


    All of them were lying on the ground, not daring to move at all.


    On one hand, it was due to Xu Qing who had already stepped into the Foundation Building realm, and the pressure formed by the Foundation Building realm was quite oppressive. On the other hand, it was the life lantern in Xu Qing¡¯s body!


    It was unknown what this life lantern had experienced in the past, but its murderous aura was extremely strong.


    According to the captain back then, only a cultivator with the bloodline of the ancient kings and sovereigns and who cultivated emperor-level cultivation art could form a life lantern.


    Even in that era when god¡¯s fragmented face had not appeared, such people were as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns. Any one of them could suppress a territory. The only people who could fight against them were other cultivators who also possessed the bloodline of the ancient kings and sovereigns and condensed their life lanterns.


    The arrival of the god¡¯s fragmented face caused most of the ancient kings and sovereigns to leave. As such, it was extremely rare for someone to form a life lantern in this world. Only the selected seeds of large sects and forces would have an opportunity to fuse them.


    ¡°I wonder which ancient kings and sovereigns¡¯ bloodline my life lantern was condensed from.¡±


    Xu Qing took out a set of spare ordinary robes and wore them, and stared at the black umbrella shadow formed by the clouds. After a while, he inhaled slightly. Immediately, all the fiery fog within 30,000 feet instantly rolled over.


    It was as though Xu Qing had transformed into a vortex, causing the fiery fog to rush into his mouth and nose, leaving nothing behind.


    As the fog disappeared, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes grew brighter and brighter. It was as though there were stars in his eyes, emitting a soul-stirring light. His magic power was very intense, and was instinctively spilling out.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He knew that this was because he had just stepped into Foundation Building and his body hadn¡¯t completely adapted to this terrifying magic power.


    ¡°Foundation Building cultivators cultivate their magic apertures and life fire. After they form three balls of life fire, they can step into a new realm. My magic aperture can form four balls of life fire.¡± Xu Qing sensed the black umbrella life lantern that was slowly calming down in his body. His eyes revealed deep anticipation.


    The captain¡¯s words about the life lantern had once said that even in the era before the god¡¯s fragmented face arrived, there weren¡¯t many descendants with the bloodline of the ancient kings and sovereigns who could form a life lantern. Moreover, most of them could only form one life lantern.


    Only the true heaven¡¯s chosen, the descendants who had the potential to become an ancient king or a sovereign, could form multiple life lanterns. The limit of life lanterns was the same as life fire.


    ¡°I¡¯m already satisfied with one. I have to open 30 magic apertures as soon as possible!¡±


    Xu Qing sensed his current body. Under the cover of the black umbrella, the fluctuations of his cultivation weren¡¯t conspicuous. This was because the existence of the black umbrella was even more conspicuous than himself.


    Xu Qing glanced at the shadow. With a thought, a wisp of the shadow instantly fused into his body, enveloping the black umbrella life lantern.


    As soon as it got close, the shadow trembled violently in resistance. However, facing Xu Qing¡¯s calm gaze, it didn¡¯t dare to resist. It could only let Xu Qing manipulate it and turn it into a layer of cloth that covered the life lantern.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body instantly dimmed. Although the Foundation Building fluctuations were still there, the life lantern was no longer visible.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that the Mountains and Seas Art¡¯s level might be too low or it might have reached its true limit, so I¡¯m unable to advance in it.¡± Xu Qing felt some regret.


    The Mountains and Seas Art was of great help to him but he had cultivated it to the extreme. He was unable to make any progress and felt that he seemed to be lacking some opportunities.


    ¡°I have to think of a way to increase the level of the Mountains and Seas Art in the future.¡±


    ¡°After my cultivation base stabilizes, I¡¯ll return to the Seven Blood Eyes and exchange for a Foundation Building cultivation art when I go up the mountain to register my cultivation.¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t have a Foundation Building cultivation art now and was unable to open a new magic aperture. He took a deep breath and started to nourish his cultivation.


    Just like that, a month slowly passed.


    It had been almost three months since Xu Qing left the sect. The fluctuations in his body were also restrained now. In addition, with the shadow enveloping the life lantern, no matter how one looked at him, he was no different from an ordinary Foundation Building cultivator.


    During this month, Xu Qing¡¯s understanding and control over the life lantern in his body became even deeper.


    He slowly opened his eyes. As an obscure bolt of lightning flashed in his eyes, he calmly performed a series of hand seals, pointing at the sky.


    As the magic aperture in his body burned, a shocking force spread out from the second magic aperture and flowed into his finger through his meridians, forming a powerful energy that headed straight for the sky.


    The energy was forming a translucent object. It continuously expanded and finally transformed into the appearance of a plesiosaur. As soon as it appeared, it roared at the sky and its body quickly turned from translucent to corporeal.


    There was also a violent aura that continuously gathered and rose on its body. Finally, when it was fully corporeal and was no different from a true plesiosaur, a Foundation Building aura spread out from its body.


    The plesiosaur in the sky was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Its black body gave off a savage feeling, and its long neck was extremely agile. There was also a row of sharp spikes on its neck. Its two eyes were bright and full of life.


    In fact, if it was placed in the Forbidden Sea, unless one attacked it, it would be very difficult to tell that it was formed by a spell.


    Its turtle-like body clearly possessed powerful defense. When it opened its mouth, one could see vicious, sharp teeth. It had four wide flippers which would give it an astonishing speed in the sea.


    Looking at the plesiosaur that was over 3,000 feet long in the sky, Xu Qing took a step forward. He didn¡¯t use a flight talisman and directly stepped on the air.


    Step by step, he walked toward the plesiosaur like he was ascending a heavenly staircase.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t used to the first few steps, but after taking seven to eight steps, he found the feeling and easily neared the plesiosaur.


    The plesiosaur lowered its head, and Xu Qing stepped forward and stood on top of its head. With a low roar, the plesiosaur flapped its huge flippers and sped toward the horizon.


    It was extremely fast.


    This plesiosaur was invisible to the mortals¡¯ eyes. In fact, even Qi Condensation cultivators would need to gather spirit energy in their eyes to make out its details.


    At first glance, it looked like Xu Qing was moving in the sky with his hands behind his back!


    This was the Foundation Building.


    Back when Xu Qing was fleeing in the forbidden zone of the slums, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor behind him was like this. He stood on the huge angry guardian warrior and moved forward.


    However, the guardian warrior shadow of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was much weaker than Xu Qing¡¯s in terms of materialization and aura.


    Although they were in the same realm, the difference between them was like heaven and earth.


    Standing on the plesiosaur¡¯s head, Xu Qing calmly looked at the ground and controlled the plesiosaur to fly toward the nearest city with a teleportation array.


    As he flew, he saw desolation all over the ground, the harsh environment, and skeletons.


    The mortals in this world were pitiful.


    Compared to mortals, cultivators seemed to have more choices, but they had to face the torture from anomalous substances and the risk of mutation. Moreover, the expensive cultivation resources were enough to make many cultivators despair.


    If one wanted to advance, they had to fight for it, and the fights would often be a life-and-death battle.


    As such, the cultivators of this world were helpless.


    It was also because of this that there were people like the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. Perhaps he also had some glorious pasts, but in the end, after struggling bitterly to a certain extent, he chose a territory and lorded over others, enjoying the rest of his life in the chaotic world.


    There were pros and cons to such a choice.


    Xu Qing wanted to do the same. However, he was afraid that this kind of life wouldn¡¯t last for long before it was crushed by some unknown danger, so if he wanted to truly settle down and survive, he had to be stronger.


    ¡°I just want to survive safely in this chaotic world and live a little better.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was reserved and the plesiosaur beneath him moved even faster.


    Gradually, as the wind blew, a city appeared in the distance.


    That wasn¡¯t the city Xu Qing had come from but another place with a teleportation array.


    Even though he was at the Foundation Building realm, Xu Qing¡¯s vigilance was still the same as when he was at the Qi Condensation Realm.


    As he arrived, he took a step forward. The plesiosaur dissipated and Xu Qing also silently landed on the ground.


    He tidied his clothes and changed his appearance, transforming into a sallow-faced middle-aged man who slowly walked toward the city ahead.


    This city didn¡¯t belong to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Instead, just like the Red Plains, it was a teleportation point jointly built by the Seven Blood Eyes, Purple Earth, and the Litu Sect. Such a thing was common in the Nanhuang Continent.


    After all, the human race occupied a large territory in the Nanhuang Continent. There were many empty areas between the various forces.


    These places were either the intersection points of different forces or the resources there were extremely scarce. It was a pity to give up on them but there was no need to occupy them.


    However, for the sake of passage, the three parties jointly built and maintained it.


    Xu Qing¡¯s arrival immediately caused the guards in the city to be shocked. Even though Xu Qing had concealed his life lantern and didn¡¯t use the plesiosaur to enter, his Foundation Building cultivation was still discovered the moment he entered the city.


    Unless Foundation Building cultivators deliberately hid their aura fluctuations, even if they emitted a trace of aura, it was enough to make Qi Condensation cultivators¡¯ hearts skip a beat.


    Back then, when Xu Qing was still at the Qi Condensation Realm and didn¡¯t have the strength to fight against Foundation Building cultivators, it was the same. When he had encountered the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor for the first time, the other party glanced at him from afar and it caused his mind to rumble.


    As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, he hadn¡¯t formed his life fire and couldn¡¯t enter the Mystic Brilliance Form. At that time, he was only in his normal state.


    The lower one¡¯s cultivation level was, the greater the feeling. One could only resist after reaching the eighth level of Qi Condensation. However, most of the time, this resistance was only against Foundation Building cultivators from small sects who had ordinary cultivation arts and had opened less than 30 magic apertures.


    If it was a large sect¡¯s Foundation Building cultivator, no matter how powerful the outstanding Qi Condensation cultivators were, they wouldn¡¯t be able to resist a Foundation Building cultivator who had formed a life fire and was in the Mystic Brilliance Form.


    They were on completely different levels.


    Just like back then outside the Pilotage Department, Deacon Li¡¯s arrival caused Xu Qing¡¯s mind to shake with just a low shout.


    Right now, his arrival was the same for the cultivators in the city.

 Chapter 207 - Bell Rings on the Mountain

    In this chaotic world after the arrival of the god¡¯s fragmented face, most of the cultivators were Qi Condensation cultivators. There weren¡¯t many who could reach the Foundation Building realm, so it was rare to see them in the cities outside.


    Only a large sect like the Seven Blood Eyes would have a large number of Foundation Building cultivators.


    Xu Qing¡¯s appearance naturally caused some commotion. In fact, under the respectful gazes of those guards, before Xu Qing could reach the teleportation array, he sensed an energy fluctuation coming from the city lord¡¯s residence in the distance.


    Xu Qing frowned and coldly looked over.


    A stream of light flew over and stopped thirty feet away from Xu Qing, revealing a middle-aged man in luxurious robes.


    This middle-aged man had an ordinary appearance and his Foundation Building magic power was spread out as he sized up Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing also looked at his neck and judged how many magic apertures the other party had opened.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist, what are you here for? I¡¯m Zhou Hengli, a member of the Zhou family of Purple Earth. I¡¯ve been appointed as the city lord of this city. This city is jointly managed by Purple Earth, the Seven Blood Eyes, and the Litu Sect.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m only here to use the teleportation array,¡± Xu Qing calmly said. He could faintly sense that the other party didn¡¯t have many magic apertures and hadn¡¯t reached the level of forming life fire.


    Zhou Hengli, who was in the air, showed nothing on his face but was extremely vigilant inwardly. He could sense a dense baleful aura from this sallow-faced cultivator in front of him.


    Clearly, the other party was someone who had killed a lot. Moreover, from his clothes, it was impossible to tell his origins. This made him extremely vigilant, and when the other party¡¯s gaze seemingly landed on his neck, his hair instinctively stood on their ends.


    What shocked him the most was that he couldn¡¯t see through the cultivation base of the person in front of him. He was worried that he had encountered someone with life fire¡­


    ¡°Please!¡± Zhou Heng¡¯s heart trembled but his expression didn¡¯t reveal it at all. As he spoke in a low voice, he immediately made arrangements.


    Immediately, all the pedestrians in front of Xu Qing were dispersed and a path leading to the teleportation array was opened.


    Xu Qing was calm. He knew that the other party was not welcoming him. It was obvious that he wanted him to leave quickly. Also, he could sense strands of aura spreading out from the city.


    They weren¡¯t emitted by cultivators. It was more like some array formations were being activated.


    Xu Qing felt that this vigilance was normal. After all, to a city in the wilderness, if a foreign Foundation Building cultivator entered, they would naturally be highly vigilant.


    Xu Qing nodded and decided not to take his time. His speed erupted and he directly flew toward the teleportation array. His speed was so fast that it stirred up a violent wind in the surroundings.


    Zhou Hengli¡¯s eyes narrowed even more and he immediately followed.


    Xu Qing soon arrived at the teleportation location. This place had already been cleared and there was no one in the surroundings. Only a few guards who were maintaining the operation of the array formation greeted Xu Qing with reverence while shaking.


    ¡°Greetings, Senior. The array formation is ready. Where are you going?¡±


    Xu Qing looked at them and then glanced at the city lord who was following him from afar. This seemed normal but he knew the latter was actually extremely vigilant. He deeply sensed the status of a Foundation Building cultivator.


    He walked to the teleportation array and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the guards who were maintaining the array formation in the surroundings hurriedly nodded and began to adjust the array formation for him. Only after confirming repeatedly that there were no problems did they respectfully retreat more than 100 feet.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept across the teleportation array. He didn¡¯t understand array formations but after teleporting many times, he understood some things. After sweeping his gaze across it, he stepped in. The teleportation array shone and his figure instantly disappeared.


    It was only when Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared from the teleportation array that Zhou Hengli, who was far away, heaved a long sigh of relief. Although he was at the Foundation Building realm, he didn¡¯t want to provoke such a murderous person.


    ¡°Under the rule that the Seven Blood Eyes doesn¡¯t welcome foreign Foundation Building cultivators, he still dares to go there, it means that there¡¯s a high chance that he¡¯s not a wanted criminal. Could he be a Foundation Building cultivator of the Seven Blood Eyes?¡±


    Zhou Hengli touched his neck and shook his head, no longer thinking about this matter. To him, all foreign Foundation Building cultivators were dangerous. If there was someone with life fire among them, he would probably die instantly. As such, sending them away as soon as possible was the best choice.


    Otherwise, if there was really a conflict, he would die for nothing in this wilderness city far away from his family. It would be very difficult for his family to find out anything.


    In the eastern part of the Nanhuang Continent, where the Truth Mountain Range was connected to the sea, under the gaze of the seven huge blood eyes, Xu Qing¡¯s figure suddenly appeared in the teleportation array in the center of the extremely prosperous main city.


    As soon as he appeared, he lifted his head before he could survey his surroundings. His expression changed slightly.


    He felt a powerful aura coming from all directions in the main city, enveloping him. Although he didn¡¯t make any movements, this aura lock was like a surveillance camera.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with this aura. It was the power of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation.


    In the past, when Xu Qing returned, he had never felt this way.


    However, now that he had advanced to the Foundation Building realm and returned, he immediately understood the reason why foreign Foundation Building cultivators didn¡¯t dare to rashly come to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Clearly, to this array formation, the priority of Foundation Building was greater than a disciple. Even though Xu Qing¡¯s identity token was shining at this moment, he couldn¡¯t resolve this feeling of surveillance because he hadn¡¯t gone up the mountain to register his cultivation.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and retracted his gaze, calmly walking down the teleportation array.


    The invisible envelopment of the array formation didn¡¯t attract the attention of any cultivators or commoners. After Xu Qing left, he changed into the Daoist robe he had prepared.


    Back then, on the trip to Sea Lizard Island, Xu Qing had gained some experience. Hence, he prepared several sets of Daoist robes in his storage bag.


    Xu Qing wore the gray Daoist robe of a Seven Blood Eyes disciple and walked on the streets. He tried to restrain his cultivation base, observing if there would be any changes in the array formation.


    However, even though he had concealed his cultivation base to the extreme, causing the surrounding cultivators who passed by to not be able to sense him, the lock-on and surveillance of the array formation still existed. This allowed Xu Qing to have a deeper understanding of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation.


    ¡°I wonder if I¡¯ll be able to avoid the array formation¡¯s lock by using the shadow to cover myself.¡±


    Xu Qing pondered but didn¡¯t test it. In his opinion, there was no need for this for the time being. Moreover, there were risks regardless of whether this worked or not.


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s go up the mountain.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. He looked at the Seventh Peak in the distance and walked toward it.


    On the way, he passed by many shops. Looking at the indifferent and hurried pedestrians on the streets and the gray-robed disciples who would occasionally appear, he couldn¡¯t help but recall the various things that had happened since he came to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    He sighed inwardly, but he was filled with anticipation that he would be able to obtain at least 5,000 spirit stones a month in the future.


    Just as his footsteps gradually quickened, a familiar figure appeared in the distance.


    The other party¡¯s appearance immediately aroused the reverence of the surrounding commoners. As they moved aside, the Seven Blood Eyes piedmont disciples in the crowd became even more respectful. It was difficult to hide the envy in their eyes.


    It was a youth wearing a light purple Daoist robe. When he walked through the crowd, that hint of purple represented the nobility of his status. Coupled with his extraordinary appearance and powerful cultivation aura, this person looked like a divine son who had descended to the mortal world in everyone¡¯s eyes.


    It was Zhao Zhongheng.


    Xu Qing saw him, and he also saw Xu Qing.


    If it was in the past, Zhao Zhongheng would probably have turned around and left immediately, unwilling to say another word to Xu Qing. However, after seeing Xu Qing today, he snorted and suddenly pointed at the sky.


    Immediately, a Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale appeared in the air. It roared at the sky before disappearing.


    This scene caused exclamations in the surroundings. Many piedmont disciples did not forget to shower praises.


    Zhao Zhongheng had a smug expression on his face as he looked at the expressionless Xu Qing and spoke proudly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve also cultivated the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. He couldn¡¯t be bothered with the other party and continued walking toward the Seventh Peak.


    Zhao Zhongheng frowned. He felt uncomfortable when he didn¡¯t see Xu Qing¡¯s shocked expression. However, the scenes at sea back then had left a deep shadow in his mind. Hence, he endured it and didn¡¯t continue to show off as he walked toward the Seventh Peak.


    He had gone down the mountain this time because he had asked someone to forge an exquisite phoenix hairpin. Now, he was returning to the mountain to give it to Senior Sister Ding.


    There was only the entrance to the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Seven Peaks in the south of the city, so there were fewer and fewer pedestrians. As such, Zhao Zhongheng was surprised to see Xu Qing still continuing to walk forward.


    He sensed that the other party was moving toward the entrance to the mountain peak.


    Although he was curious, Zhao Zhongheng was proud and disdained to ask. However¡­ as time passed, when Xu Qing was less than a thousand feet away from the steps of the Seventh Peak¡¯s mountain path, Zhao Zhongheng couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore.


    ¡°Xu Qing, where are you going?¡± Zhao Zhongheng quickened his pace and asked after nearing him.


    ¡°Up the mountain.¡± Xu Qing frowned and calmly spoke.


    ¡°The mountain? Gray-robed disciples are not allowed to ascend the mountain unless they are summoned. Even if they are summoned, someone has to guide them! Only core disciples can ascend the mountain alone!¡±


    Zhao Zhongheng sized up Xu Qing a few times but didn¡¯t see any aura fluctuations from him. He also didn¡¯t see anyone waiting on the mountain path ahead, so he said coldly.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about Zhao Zhongheng and continued forward, reaching the steps on the mountain path.


    Zhao Zhongheng sneered when he saw this scene.


    ¡°When a piedmont disciple steps onto the mountain path for no reason, they will be blasted out by the array formation. Xu Qing, I think you should¡­¡±


    Before Zhao Zhongheng could finish speaking, Xu Qing, who was in front of him, had his usual expression as he stepped onto the first step.


    The moment his right foot landed, the steps on the entire Seventh Peak¡¯s mountain path suddenly blurred. An invisible force instantly swept toward him, as though it was confirming something.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the mountain peak in the distance. At this moment, the cultivation base in his body erupted and his Foundation Building aura surged out intensely. The bell on the Seventh Peak instantly rang out.


    Amidst the melodious and profound sounds, Xu Qing walked up the steps. As he walked forward step by step, Zhao Zhongheng, who was behind him, was hit by Xu Qing¡¯s Foundation Building aura and was forced back. His body trembled and his face was pale. His eyes looked like they were about to fall out as waves of emotions surged in his mind.


    ¡°Found-Found-Foundation Building!!¡±

 Chapter 208 - The Laws of the Mountain

    As Xu Qing¡¯s Foundation Building aura spread and the bell¡¯s chimes rang on the entire Seventh Peak, three figures soared into the air from the mountain peak and flew down the mountain.


    Generally speaking, if a foreign Foundation Building cultivator stepped onto the mountain steps here, they would only be stopped outside and wouldn¡¯t cause the bell to ring.


    They would need to report their identity and explain their purpose of coming. An array formation would inform the person they wanted to visit. After the other party agreed, they could ascend the mountain under the surveillance of the array formation.


    For instance, when the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor visited the Sixth Peak¡¯s Daoist Leisure Cloud, it was like this.


    There was only one possibility for the bell ringing when someone stepped onto the mountain steps.


    That was¡­ the appearance of a new Foundation Building cultivator who wasn¡¯t registered in the array formation among the sect¡¯s disciples.


    Of course, the enemy¡¯s attacks were another matter.


    In the Seven Blood Eyes, not all piedmont disciples would choose to rent a spot in the sect¡¯s Foundation Building land when they attempted their breakthrough to the Foundation Building realm. On one hand, it was expensive. On the other hand, those who could stand out from countless Qi Condensation cultivators in this chaotic world must have their own fortuitous encounters.


    This wasn¡¯t a rare occurrence. After all, other than opportunities, there was almost no trust in sects based on interests.


    Therefore, about 30% of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Foundation Building cultivators had made their breakthroughs outside.


    These opportunities were mostly related to some ruins. Although there were others paying attention to them too, since such a thing was not an exception, plundering was considered a taboo. Once there was malicious plundering, It would be fine if it couldn¡¯t be spread. However, once it was leaked out, it would shake the foundation of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Therefore, it was strictly stopped by the Seven Blood Eyes. Although there would occasionally be conflicts in the dark, it was usually to a reasonable extent. After all, to the cultivators on the mountain of the Seven Blood Eyes, they would weigh whether it was worth it before they made a move.


    Very few people would be so stupid to take such risks for an unknown benefit.


    When Xu Qing chose to head out to break through to Foundation Building, he had already thought about these things. He looked at the three figures rapidly approaching and waited for them.


    Very soon, the whistling sound became clearer. Among the three figures heading here, the person at the front wore a purple robe. He had a medium build and a round face.


    It was the person who had guided Xu Qing the first time he went up the mountain. Back then, the other party had even kindly reminded him about the habitual flaw in his right hand and the matter of hiding a needle in cotton.


    Looking at the other party¡¯s figure, Xu Qing sighed with emotion. Back then, he had only heard the other party say to hide a needle in cotton. However, after his experience in the Seven Blood Eyes and meeting many people, he had deeply understood what the phrase meant.


    He had learned a lot from the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Xu Qing cupped his fists. The moment the other party got close, he bowed deeply.


    Laughter rang out from the sky.


    The round-faced cultivator¡¯s figure flashed and he arrived in front of Xu Qing. His expression was gentle and there was a smile on his face.


    ¡°Xu Qing, the first time I saw you back then, I felt that you¡¯re definitely not an ordinary person, so I reminded you. Now that we meet again, you¡¯re already someone of my level.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your reminder back then, Senior.¡± Xu Qing was grateful to this round-faced cultivator.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to call me senior. You¡¯re already at the Foundation Building realm. You can just call me senior brother. Junior Brother Xu Qing, my name is Zhang Yunshi. You can call me Senior Brother Zhang.¡±


    While the round-faced cultivator spoke, he saw the shocked Zhao Zhongheng not far away.


    He was a smart person to begin with. His gaze swept past Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s expression and then Xu Qing. He roughly guessed something but he wouldn¡¯t be meddlesome.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, let¡¯s go up.¡±


    ¡°Yes, please.¡± Xu Qing nodded politely and cupped his fists toward the other two Foundation Building cultivators beside him. His gaze then casually swept past them.


    He discovered that most of the Foundation Building cultivators on the mountain hid their aura. It was the same for these two people and Zhang Yunshi. As such, it was very difficult for Xu Qing to sense the exact depths of their cultivation bases immediately.


    This caused him to be extremely vigilant.


    These two people¡¯s statuses were clearly inferior to Zhang Yunshi¡¯s. Seeing that Zhang Yunshi had some connections with Xu Qing, they smiled faintly and cupped their fists in return before leaving.


    Just like that, Xu Qing walked up the steps with Zhang Yunshi.


    The trees on both sides of the mountain path provided shade. At that moment, the sea breeze caused the leaves to sway and spiritual birds chirped softly.


    The sound was very pleasant to the ears, as though it could sink into one¡¯s memories. The scene of the first time he went up the mountain surfaced and overlapped with this moment.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, I¡¯ve already introduced the world at the foot of the mountain to you back then. Today, I¡¯ll tell you about the mountain.¡± Zhang Yunshi¡¯s calm voice echoed on the path.


    ¡°There are 13 elders on the Seventh Peak and they are all Golden Core cultivators. Below them are more than 140 Foundation Building cultivators. After you register today, there will be 149 Foundation Building cultivators on the Seventh Peak.¡±


    ¡°It looks like a lot but in reality, it isn¡¯t many. There are only close to a thousand of them in the entire Seven Blood Eyes. You have to know that the Seven Blood Eyes is one of the four great forces in the Nanhuang Continent.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, the status and identity of a Foundation Building cultivator are extremely high.¡±


    ¡°This is the case everywhere in the Nanhuang Continent. It¡¯s even more so for my Seven Blood Eyes. After you register, you¡¯ll obtain about 5,700 spirit stones every month.¡±


    ¡°The exact amount depends on the monthly earnings of the Seven Blood Eyes, so it¡¯s not fixed. However, the difference isn¡¯t very big.¡±


    ¡°In addition, you will obtain the right to stay on the mountain. However, you have to spend money for the cave abode and the sect¡¯s Foundation Building cultivation arts. It won¡¯t be free like when you were at Qi Condensation. As for the cultivation arts, you have the right to purchase any Foundation Building cultivation arts inside the Scripture Hall.¡±


    ¡°At the same time, as a Foundation Building cultivator, you have four rights.¡±


    ¡°The first right is that from now on, you have the right to open a new port. You can open a port that belongs to you in the harbor area!¡±


    ¡°Whether you do business outside or inside, the sect will collect half of the profits from all the business in the port, but this will require people to operate or manage the businesses. The initial investment will be huge and you will have to bear it yourself.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want the right to establish a port, you can obtain the ownership of a street in the main city. All the shops on that street will have to pay you rent. This method is simple and direct.¡±


    ¡°Both of these choices are based on preferences. You can choose for yourself.¡±


    ¡°The second right is that if a piedmont disciple of your peak provokes you, you can kill him. However, if you kill one person, you have to pay 100,000 spirit stones as a punishment. If you kill another person, the price will be doubled and so on. It will never be reset.¡±


    The round-faced cultivator smiled and spoke, but his words caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to narrow.


    ¡°This rule is actually a line in the minds of my Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Foundation Building cultivators. Regardless of whether it¡¯s in the sect or outside the sect, they will weigh the worth in killing weaklings.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s a piedmont disciple of other mountains, the price will double on top of this.¡±


    ¡°As for the third right, you can choose two piedmont disciples or other people you acknowledge to become your followers. They will obtain the qualifications to stay in the main city for free. They can also follow you up the mountain and register in your name to cultivate.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t have to pay teleportation fees in any branch of the Seven Blood Eyes. You will also have 100 residency spots in the branch city every year. You have to know that the residency rights of the branch city are very precious in the scavenger campsites and small cities outside. You can¡¯t have them unless you are recommended by the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples.¡±


    ¡°The last right is the protection of the Seven Blood Eyes which prevents the Golden Cores outside to not dare to come here to kill you. Of course, if you take out enough spirit stones, even Nascent Soul cultivators won¡¯t dare to kill you. In fact, if you have more spirit stones, you can put up a bounty. There will definitely be someone in the sect who is willing to help you kill them.¡±


    ¡°You have to remember that the disciples at the foot of the mountain are a group of wolf cubs, while the people on the mountain are lone wolves with their own thoughts!¡±


    ¡°Also, you don¡¯t have to worry about the sect¡¯s Golden Core attacking you. If they attack you outside, you¡¯re just unlucky. However, in the sect, no matter what the reason is, you have to pay a fine of a million spirit stones if you kill a Foundation Building cultivator. It¡¯s the same for killing between Foundation Building cultivators. It will double in the future and it will never be reset.¡±


    ¡°So, it¡¯s back to the old logic. Is it worth it?!¡±


    There was a smile in the round-faced cultivator¡¯s voice, but his words revealed the status of a Foundation Building cultivator and the cruelty on the mountain.


    ¡°What about obligations?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°Obligations?¡± The round-faced cultivator smiled.


    ¡°Everyone relied on their own efforts to struggle and kill their way out of the foot of the mountain. Therefore, they don¡¯t have any obligations to the sect. If they¡¯re willing to stay, they can get money. If they want to leave, the sect won¡¯t hold them. However, the missions issued by the sect are rich in rewards, so everyone is fighting to complete them.¡±


    ¡°This is a pretty good way to gain spirit stones for a long period. When we encounter an invasion from foreign enemies that wants to destroy our long-term benefits, we will naturally act accordingly. After all, if we just act a bit carefully in the Foundation Building realm, we can live for a long time. How good is it to get money every month?¡±


    ¡°Of course, if the enemy gives an even greater benefit, it¡¯s not unacceptable. However, think about it. Are the invading enemies stupid? It¡¯s useless to bribe one or two disciples. If they want to bribe more, they have to take out huge benefits. The gains from attacking the Seven Blood Eyes will be far less than what they spent, so is it worth it?¡±


    ¡°As for starting a war with other forces, it¡¯s actually a magnified version of the competition you took part in. If there are benefits, we will naturally swarm over.¡±


    ¡°The elders on the mountain also know that we are all wolf cubs, so they don¡¯t manage us at all. They only lure us with benefits.¡±


    ¡°What truly reassures the higher-ups are the core disciples who enjoy the preferential treatment of the sect the moment they enter. The nurturing of these people is based on cohesion and a sense of belonging.¡±


    With Zhang Yunshi¡¯s introduction, Xu Qing had a deeper understanding of the Seven Blood Eyes. While he was pondering, they arrived halfway up the mountain.


    ¡°You came at the wrong time. New Foundation Building cultivators are qualified to pay a visit to the Peak Lord once. However, the peak lords of the seven peaks have gone out to sea. Something major is probably going to happen.¡±


    ¡°First Elder and Second Elder aren¡¯t here either. Only Third Elder is guarding the mountain. After you pay him a visit, I¡¯ll bring you to the cave abode registration area and the Scripture Hall.¡±


    Soon after, Xu Qing saw the Third Elder¡¯s hall in the distance. Outside the hall, he saw another familiar figure. It was Deacon Li.


    He was sitting cross-legged in front of the hall. At this moment, he opened his eyes and looked at Xu Qing and Zhang Yunshi with a faint smile.


    ¡°When the bell rang just now, I had guessed that the new Foundation Building cultivator might be you.¡±


    Xu Qing cupped his fists slightly and glanced at Deacon Li. Although the other party had also hidden his cultivation fluctuations, Xu Qing compared with his senses from back then in his memory. At that moment, he vaguely felt that Deacon Li should be a very strong Foundation Building realm cultivator.


    ¡®He should be a Foundation Building cultivator who has formed his life fire.¡¯ Xu Qing mumbled inwardly without batting an eyelid.


    ¡°Go in. The elder is waiting for you.¡± Deacon Li¡¯s gaze moved away from Xu Qing and landed on Zhang Yunshi. Zhang Yunshi shrugged and stayed put.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and walked forward until he entered the main hall he had visited before.


    The moment he stepped in, the feeling from back then descended once again. The pressure from the person sitting and meditating in the main hall spread in all directions like an avalanche.


    However, this time around, Xu Qing saw the other party¡¯s appearance clearly.


    It was an old man with age spots on his face. He wore a purple Daoist robe inlaid with golden threads and looked at Xu Qing expressionlessly.


    The instant their gazes met, Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook. The other party¡¯s gaze was like lightning, instantly penetrating his body and seeing it clearly.


    However, the life lantern that Xu Qing¡¯s shadow covered wasn¡¯t something the other party could sense.


    ¡°Greetings, Third Elder.¡± Xu Qing lowered his head and bowed respectfully.


    ¡°To be able to open two magic apertures at such a young age, not bad.¡± After Third Elder calmly spoke, he said something that caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to tremble.


    ¡°Did you take the merfolk race¡¯s Spirit Breath Lantern?¡±

 Chapter 209 - Purple Robe

    These words were like thunder that echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears, causing his mind and heart to fluctuate slightly. However, Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change much, nor did he think too much about it. He lowered his head and respectfully spoke.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    There was no need to hide this matter. Although the merfolk race¡¯s Spirit Breath Lantern was very valuable, it wasn¡¯t like no one had obtained it before. Xu Qing¡¯s actions back then seemed to be secretive but in reality, if someone really wanted to investigate, they could still find many clues.


    Xu Qing felt that there was no need to lie about this as it would give off the feeling that he was trying to hide something.


    ¡°How do you plan to deal with it?¡± Third Elder looked at Xu Qing and calmly asked.


    ¡°Sell it.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke without hesitation and lifted his head to look at Third Elder.


    At that moment, the aura emitted by Third Elder, who was sitting upright, distorted the surroundings, causing the entire hall to be filled with oppression. As his words echoed, the oppression became even more intense.


    In fact, that piercing feeling appeared once again. However, Xu Qing felt that it was still much better than last time.


    The previous time, it was difficult for him to even lift his head. Just looking at the elder caused his eyes to feel intense pain.


    When Third Elder heard this, a smile appeared on his face. He seemed satisfied that Xu Qing was frank and straightforward.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I have to say that I think very highly of you. Since you obtained the Spirit Breath Lantern yourself, I won¡¯t ask for it. I don¡¯t fancy that lantern.¡±


    ¡°However, let me remind you that if you want to sell it, do it as soon as possible. Otherwise, there will be people who will covet it. This old man can know that you obtained it. It won¡¯t be difficult for others to know as well.¡±


    ¡°Now, give me your identity token.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was reserved as he took out his identity token.


    Third Elder waved his right hand and the token flew into his hand. He patted it lightly and the token immediately trembled and emitted a light. After the information inside was quickly adjusted, an array formation¡¯s energy arrived, as though it was imprinting.


    A moment later, the light from the token dissipated and returned to normal. Third Elder waved his hand and the token headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing raised his hand and took it. He was prepared to withstand a great force. After all, he had experienced something similar when he met the director of the Homicide Department back then.


    However, as he caught the token, there was actually no force emitted. It was as though all the force had perfectly dissipated the moment he touched it.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to narrow. He could sense the difference between the two sides.


    It was easy to release it, but it was difficult to perfectly control it to the point that the token had no force left in it.


    ¡°You can leave now.¡± Third Elder closed his eyes.


    Xu Qing cupped his fists respectfully and left. Just as he was about to walk out of the hall, Third Elder¡¯s voice rang out again.


    ¡°Zhongheng¡¯s nature isn¡¯t bad.¡±


    1


    ¡°Disciple understands.¡± Xu Qing turned and bowed before walking out of the hall. He was aware that the other party didn¡¯t say this when he arrived that day. Instead, Deacon Li spoke because his status wasn¡¯t high enough.


    However, it was different now.


    As Xu Qing walked out, Deacon Li nodded at him and closed his eyes in silence. Xu Qing looked at Zhang Yunshi in the distance as he walked over.


    Zhang Yunshi smiled and brought Xu Qing to get the Daoist robe. At the same time, Xu Qing also chose a cave abode. However, most of the good cave abodes had been chosen. The place he chose was a little remote.


    However, Xu Qing felt that it wasn¡¯t bad. As for the price, it wasn¡¯t as expensive as he imagined.


    Finally, under Zhang Yunshi¡¯s introduction and guidance, Xu Qing went to the Scripture Hall and exchanged for Foundation Building cultivation arts. Other than that, he also purchased some body-refining arts.


    After doing all this, it was already dusk. Zhang Yunshi led Xu Qing to the cave abode he had chosen before he cupped his fists and left. Before he left, he smiled and spoke.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, the reason why I accompanied you so long today is partly because I feel that I have some fate with you and partly because I accepted the mission for receiving disciples ascending the mountain this month. I will obtain the sect¡¯s reward because of this.¡±


    ¡°So, you don¡¯t have to worry about why I¡¯m being so hospitable. However, in the end, you and I can be considered to have affinity. If we meet on the sea in the future, I hope we can take care of each other.¡±


    ¡°Lastly, Junior Brother Xu Qing, let me remind you out of friendship. Once us cultivators step into Foundation Building, we have to open 30 magic apertures as quickly as possible. From there, we can form a life fire and possess the Mystic Brilliance Form.¡±


    ¡°You have to know that cultivators with the Mystic Brilliance Form and without are two completely different concepts. We¡¯ve put so much effort into advancing to the Foundation Building realm. If we don¡¯t form our life fire as soon as possible, we¡¯ll be at a disadvantage. Many Foundation Building cultivators who died are those who have not formed a life fire.¡±


    ¡°A Foundation Building cultivator who doesn¡¯t have the Mystic Brilliance Form can only bully Qi Condensation cultivators,¡± Zhang Yunshi said. After he finished speaking, he glanced at Xu Qing¡¯s right hand and discovered that he couldn¡¯t detect any habitual flaws. He smiled and left.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. Regardless of his understanding or the other party¡¯s explanation at this moment, it made him understand the importance of life fire to Foundation Building cultivators.


    He cupped his fists and bowed slightly, watching as Zhang Yunshi¡¯s figure disappeared.


    At the same time, he retracted the vigilance against the other party and turned to look at his cave abode.


    The place he chose was against a cliff. The greenish-black stone door of the cave abode was closed and there were weeds everywhere. The door was also covered in moss and humidity permeated the air.


    After checking this place, Xu Qing walked closer to the stone door and took out the jade slip that controlled the cave abode. Immediately, the stone door of the cave abode shone with runes. Xu Qing followed the method recorded in the jade slip and placed his hand on the runes.


    It was like imprinting a mark. As the runes shone, the cave abode collected his imprint. The gate slowly opened, revealing the space inside.


    This cave abode wasn¡¯t big and only had two rooms. There was a pearl on the ceiling of the above that emitted a gentle glow. Only it hadn¡¯t been used for a long time and was covered in dust.


    Xu Qing waved his hand and wind appeared to clean up the place. After that, he carefully checked to ensure that there was nothing wrong before walking out again and arranging poison powder outside the cave abode.


    This time, he put a lot of poison traps. After he finished dealing with the outside and returned to the cave abode, he continued to sprinkle a lot. Finally, he took out the protective array formations he had bought and activated them.


    As the cave abode¡¯s door closed and the cave abode¡¯s array formation was activated, Xu Qing finally heaved a long sigh of relief.


    He recalled what he had seen and heard today, and vaguely got the feeling of when he had joined the Seven Blood Eyes for the first time. However, at that time, he was at the Qi Condensation Realm, and now, he was already at the Foundation Building Realm.


    ¡°I¡¯ve finally reached the Foundation Building realm¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled. After recalling the various rights of the Foundation Building cultivators in the Seven Blood Eyes, he changed into the purple Daoist robe. He looked at the robe, and a hint of brilliance appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    There was an array formation on this Daoist robe that provided a certain level of protection. If it was placed outside or at the foot of the mountain, many disciples would fight over it if the color was changed.


    Xu Qing touched the robe and sat down before taking out a jade slip.


    This jade slip was one of the Seventh Peak¡¯s Foundation Building cultivation arts he had exchanged from the Scripture Hall.


    Xu Qing infused his spirit energy into the jade slip to read it.


    After reaching the Foundation Building realm, he understood that he had to cultivate the Foundation Building cultivation art as soon as possible. Only then could he continue to progress like before.


    As he read, time slowly flowed by. Very soon, the moonlight spread outside and drifted onto the stone door of Xu Qing¡¯s cave abode. From afar, it looked like the bright moon was scattering its light1.


    The stone door emitted a hint of antiquity in the moonlight.


    In the cave abode, a sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he finished reading the jade slip.


    ¡°Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art¡­¡±


    The Foundation Building cultivation art of the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes was this Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art. The name itself revealed a deep killing intent. One could imagine that this cultivation art was definitely inclined toward evil.


    However, this was also in line with Xu Qing¡¯s judgment. After all, the sect¡¯s name was the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art had no levels. Its main focus was on opening the magic apertures as fast as possible. It first cultivated a flame called fiendish fire in the magic aperture.


    This flame was a strange fire that could fuse with the aura of the Forbidden Sea. Moreover, the more it was cultivated, the more intense the fiendish fire became.


    This fiendish fire could be used as an attack method, and there was also the core of this art¡­ Soul Devour!


    The enemy¡¯s soul was extracted and used as fuel to create a powerful impact force in the body to open the magic apertures. This method was extremely cruel and direct.


    According to the cultivation art¡¯s description, the soul of a Foundation Building cultivator who hadn¡¯t formed a life fire was enough for a disciple who cultivated the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art to open a magic aperture. If the souls were of the Qi Condensation cultivators, there would need to be a hundred or more of them to barely achieve a similar effect. Moreover, the further the cultivator progressed in this art, the greater the demand.


    ¡°Regardless of whether it¡¯s sea beasts or nonhuman races, they can all be used as fuel for the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art. Among them, the nonhuman races have the best effect. Especially the Sea Corpse Race, because their formation is related to souls, their effects are extremely astonishing¡­¡± The sentence on the cultivation art jade slip revealed a strong sense of bloodlust.


    This cultivation art was simple and direct. There was nothing fancy about it but it was extremely violent.


    When this Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art was cultivated to the end, the fiendish fire would reach its ultimate state where it was stored in every magic aperture in the body. At that time, the cultivator would no longer need souls to break open the magic apertures. Instead, they could suppress the enemies¡¯ souls in their magic apertures.


    Burning the souls to strengthen their magic power.


    It could be said that any disciple who cultivated the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art was a killing god.


    However¡­ not all disciples cultivated this technique. There were three types of Foundation Building cultivation arts on the Seventh Peak, and one was called the Sea King¡¯s Book.


    This cultivation art was relatively gentle. It mainly absorbed sea beasts and used a special method to nurture them in the magic apertures. It was divided into ten levels. Every time one cultivated, they could instantly open seven to eight magic apertures.


    The main focus of this art was to constantly capture sea beasts and refine them.


    The sea beasts in their magic apertures would strengthen their magic power.


    The first cultivation art, Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art, was savage and its cultivation speed was very fast. However, it demanded a lot of killing and if one was careless, they would die.


    As for the second type, Sea King¡¯s Book, it was mainly refining sea beasts. As their magic power became denser, their ability to protect themselves would increase. However, their combat strength was much weaker in comparison.


    As for the third type, it was called Life Art.


    This technique was even gentler. It didn¡¯t require external forces to break through and only required one to constantly cultivate. Hence, most of the time, the disciples who cultivated this art would be in closed-door cultivation. Their cultivation speed was incomparably slow but the benefits were also great. They would rarely be killed outside.


    This was because they almost didn¡¯t go out. When they attacked, they would usually cooperate with others or play the role of support.


    Everyone¡¯s choices were different based on their personalities.


    After Xu Qing pondered over this, he couldn¡¯t tell which was better. However, he immediately rejected the mediocre Sea King¡¯s Book. As for the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art and the Life Art, these two were opposite extremes.


    While Xu Qing was considering his cultivation art, on the Endless Sea outside the Seven Blood Eyes, the great wing in the sky roared. Old Master Seventh, who was standing in the pavilion on the great wing¡¯s body, was looking in the direction of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The great wing under him was like a divine creature. Wherever it passed, the sea would rumble and surge.


    ¡°Old Master Seventh, the kid has reached the Foundation Building realm.¡± Beside Old Master Seventh stood the middle-aged servant who had given Xu Qing the token back then. At this moment, he took out a jade slip and looked at it before reporting to Old Master Seventh in a low voice.


    ¡°Should I go back and arrange a summons?¡± The servant looked at Old Master Seventh.


    Old Master Seventh shook his head.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡±


    ¡°The war is about to begin. We¡¯ll talk about this after the battle. Among the 100 tokens issued, although he was the first to walk out, there will definitely be others in the future. We need to compare them.¡±


    ¡°Also, the current him¡­ is still far from becoming the fourth.

 Chapter 210 - Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art

    ¡°Life Art is too passive!¡± In the cave abode, Xu Qing lifted his head, his eyes revealing determination.


    He had a life lantern, so it would be a good choice for him to choose the Life Art. He could just hide in his cave abode until he slowly cultivated his life fire. His combat strength would still be astonishing.


    However, this would take a very long time and cultivation required a large number of spirit stones. His magic boat also had to be upgraded. Most importantly, Xu Qing felt that in this world, even the sunrise and sunset might change one day.


    As such, it wasn¡¯t suitable for him to quietly cultivate the Life Art.


    He was worried that if he cultivated this, an accident would happen before his life fire was formed.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t like this passiveness.


    He decided to cultivate the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art.


    When the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art was cultivated to the extreme, after suppressing the enemy¡¯s souls in one¡¯s magic apertures, not only could it increase the density of magic power, but the cultivation art jade slip also said that it could fuse these suppressed souls with the magic ship using a special method.


    After fusion, the souls would be like the spirit of the magic ship.


    This would allow the magic ship to possess some characteristics of a magic treasure!


    As for magic treasures, Xu Qing had never seen them before.


    However, he knew that magic treasures were extremely rare and couldn¡¯t be used sustainably. Each of them had earth-shattering power.


    ¡°To a certain extent, my life lantern might also be a special magic treasure?¡± Xu Qing mumbled. He wasn¡¯t clear about this.


    He no longer thought about it. After making a decision, he immediately took the jade slip and sat after studying it for a moment. The magic apertures in his body shone and burned his spirit sea as he began to cultivate according to the description of the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art!


    The first step of the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art was to form the fiendish fire.


    The magic apertures of Foundation Building cultivators all contained magic fire. This fire could burn the spirit sea and form magic power. At the same time, it was also the key to the final ignition of life fire.


    Because Xu Qing had fused with the black umbrella life lantern, the flames in his magic aperture were black due to the life lantern¡¯s aura.


    As for the fire cultivated by the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art, its color was also black.


    It looked similar to Xu Qing¡¯s black umbrella fire but four hours later, when Xu Qing cultivated this scripture and formed a trace of fiendish fire in his magic aperture, he discovered that there was a huge difference between the two types of fire in his magic aperture.


    Regardless of whether it was in terms of heat or level, the black umbrella¡¯s flames were much stronger than the fiendish fire. Its aura was stronger as well. The only difference was that it didn¡¯t have the ability to absorb soul power.


    However, this matter was very easy to resolve. After Xu Qing fused the fiendish fire with his black fire, the fiendish fire he cultivated was instantly devoured. At the same time, the soul-absorbing ability of the fiendish fire slowly appeared in his black fire.


    Xu Qing was satisfied and continued cultivating.


    Three days passed.


    When Xu Qing filled the black fire in his two magic apertures with dense soul-absorbing powers, he ended his cultivation. He knew that the most important thing to him now was soul.


    He needed souls to be used as firewood to open his third magic aperture.


    ¡°I wonder if Senior Brother Zhang San has returned. When he refines my magic boat, I¡¯ll go out to sea.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at his shadow. After some thought, he took out the black iron stick and opened the seal on the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    In an instant, the aura of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor spread out. However, he was clearly afraid and didn¡¯t dare to say a word. It was as though he was afraid that he would say something wrong and cause Xu Qing to kill him.


    Xu Qing glanced at the black iron stick and didn¡¯t bother with it. Instead, the suppression power of the purple crystal in his body suddenly appeared and suppressed the shadow in front of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor who was hiding in the iron stick.


    This was a daily occurrence. From the start to the end, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. As for the shadow, it seemed to be used to it and didn¡¯t resist or reject him at all. It allowed Xu Qing to suppress it until it was about to shatter.


    However, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was trembling even more intensely. He was like a bird startled by the twang of a bow. His artifact spirit¡¯s body even turned unstable.


    ¡°The current you is no longer of much use to me,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    After his cultivation reached the Foundation Building realm, Xu Qing had another opinion of his shadow. Although the other party had its own will, Xu Qing could suppress it. What he needed was for the other party to be stronger.


    Otherwise, it would be a little difficult for it to keep up with him and become his trump card. As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor in the black iron stick, Xu Qing felt that it was the same.


    The other party was being too comfortable. If that was the case, it wouldn¡¯t be in line with his future path.


    His words instantly caused the shadow to tremble, and the black iron stick shook even more intensely.


    A long time later, under Xu Qing¡¯s cold gaze, the shadow started distorting. As it twisted and turned, a faint wisp of consciousness entered Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Anomalous substances¡­ advancement¡­ divinity¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. His gaze moved away from the shadow and landed on the black iron stick. There was no killing intent in his eyes but this gaze caused the iron stick to almost crack from all the trembling.


    ¡°What¡¯s the use of having you?¡±


    Xu Qing slowly spoke. When he lifted his right hand, the wisp of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s life soul appeared in his hand, as though he wanted to crush it. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor quickly came out of the iron stick.


    ¡°Master, Master, don¡¯t kill me. I can cultivate. I have an artifact spirit cultivation art but I was either weak or in a deep sleep during this period. I didn¡¯t have time to cultivate.¡±


    ¡°Master, give me a chance. I¡¯ll definitely work hard in my cultivation, definitely!!¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor wailed. The fear in his heart was indescribable.


    ¡°The two of you, I¡¯ll evaluate you in half a year. The weak will be eliminated!¡± Xu Qing calmly said. As soon as he spoke, a sense of ferocity instantly rose in the shadow. However, it wasn¡¯t targeted at Xu Qing but at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was furious, but he didn¡¯t reveal it on the surface. On the contrary, his gentle expression caused the shadow to be confused and the ferocity gradually dissipated a little.


    Xu Qing understood the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and didn¡¯t bother with the scheming between the two. He kept the black iron stick and opened the cave abode¡¯s door.


    It was noon. The sun shone through the blue sky and white clouds. There was also the humid sea breeze that blew in, faintly bringing about the clamor of the world at the foot of the mountain.


    However, as the distance was too far, the clamor it brought carried the ethereal feeling of being separated from the world.


    Xu Qing walked out of the cave abode and stood beside the cliff, looking at the main city below. The ports he saw were very prosperous and there was an endless stream of boats coming and going.


    It was the same in other areas. One could see a tide of pedestrians on the streets. The prosperity of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city was reflected in their eyes.


    Although Xu Qing had climbed up the mountain and looked down the mountain twice before, he wasn¡¯t a cultivator of the mountain at that time. The feeling was completely different from now.


    ¡°It¡¯s different and also the same.¡±


    Xu Qing muttered after a long while.


    What was different was the level. What was the same was that everyone was still living under the cover of the god¡¯s fragmented face.


    Xu Qing looked at the port area again.


    As a Foundation Building cultivator, he had the right to establish a new port. However, he hadn¡¯t thought about whether he should use it or not. He pondered and stepped into the air.


    He was going to make a trip to the shops in the port area to buy some powerful jade talismans that could be used by Foundation Building cultivators. After all, with his current cultivation, ordinary talismans were no longer enough to deal with his needs.


    Most Foundation Building cultivators relied on jade talismans.


    Also, Xu Qing planned to look for his informant.


    After he became a Foundation Building cultivator, he had two spots for followers. He was ready to give one to the informant, but he didn¡¯t intend to bring her up the mountain.


    He also wanted to check if Zhang San had returned.


    Furthermore, his identity in the Homicide Department had changed when he reached the Foundation Building realm. He still held a post inside, but his position in the identity jade slip had changed.


    He was no longer the vice-captain of Team Six but one of the deputy directors of the Homicide Department, in charge of the Black Division.


    As the deputy director, under normal circumstances, he didn¡¯t need to go to the Homicide Department. He could just help out when necessary. Moreover, his salary was also increased to 100 spirit stones every month.


    Of course, Foundation Building cultivators could give up on this position.


    These spirit stones weren¡¯t much in comparison to the sect¡¯s share of the profits but Xu Qing felt that he couldn¡¯t reject it. After all, when he first came to the Seven Blood Eyes, 100 spirit stones was already a huge sum.


    As Xu Qing descended the mountain and appeared in the port area, numerous respectful gazes instantly gathered on him. Not only did all the pedestrians on the streets retreat, but the shopkeepers of the various peaks also quickly walked out and bowed respectfully.


    This was especially so for those piedmont disciples. No matter which peak they were from, they were respectful, and all of them bowed to greet him from afar.


    To the people at the foot of the mountain, Foundation Building¡­ was no different from a god.


    To them, both the god and Foundation Building cultivators could kill them.


    The latter could even kill faster.


    Under the sunlight, Xu Qing¡¯s dark purple Daoist robe seemed to represent supreme dignity.


    Xu Qing, who was used to concealing himself, wasn¡¯t used to the feeling of being the center of attention, so he immediately disappeared from the place.


    When he appeared, he was already at the usual place he met with his informant.


    Under his summoning, not long later, his informant arrived rapidly. Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s dark purple Daoist robe, the informant stopped in her tracks and was at a loss. Her eyes revealed extreme reverence and her breathing became rough.


    The shock on her face was indescribable. It was only when Xu Qing coldly glanced at her that the informant¡¯s body trembled and she immediately knelt down.


    ¡°Master.¡±


    Xu Qing took out a jade slip and waved it slightly. This jade slip transformed into a beam of light that headed straight for the informant. It slowly stopped in front of her and landed in her trembling hand.


    ¡°This is a follower token. You should know its value. There¡¯s no need to go up the mountain.¡±


    ¡°Go and plan all the preparations needed to open a new port in three months. This is your next mission.¡±


    When Xu Qing¡¯s voice rang out, he had already left. The sea breeze blew past, blowing the informant¡¯s long hair, revealing her beautiful face. She lifted her head and stared blankly at the departing Xu Qing. Her breathing became increasingly hurried and her expression was filled with disbelief.


    She had never imagined that the other party¡­ would actually leap to the high and mighty Foundation Building realm in such a short period.

 Chapter 211 - This Is the Mystic Brilliance Form!

    Chapter 211: This Is the Mystic Brilliance Form!


    On the way to the Transportation Department, Xu Qing passed by the Sixth Peak¡¯s shop that had tried to scam him back then and stopped before the entrance.


    Almost at the instant he stopped, the expressions of the shopkeeper and staff in the shop changed drastically. They quickly ran out and knelt down, trembling.


    ¡°Greetings, Senior.¡±


    Xu Qing coldly looked at the shopkeeper in front of him.


    Cold sweat dripped from the shopkeeper¡¯s forehead to the ground. His back was completely drenched and he was terrified.


    He was feeling an intense life-and-death crisis.


    He never dreamed that this Xu Qing would actually reach the Foundation Building realm¡­ Previously, he was only afraid of the second highness of the Seventh Peak and didn¡¯t care much about Xu Qing.


    After all, as a shopkeeper and a follower of the Sixth Peak¡¯s Deacon Leisure Cloud, not many piedmont disciples dared to touch him. However, if the other party was also a Foundation Building cultivator¡­ He didn¡¯t think that his master would be willing to become enemies with a Foundation Building cultivator for him.


    While he shivered in fear and uncertainty, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and left.


    After he left, the shopkeeper lay there paralyzed. He felt as though he had traveled back and forth between life and death.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t kill him because it was expensive.


    In addition, he didn¡¯t want to alert the main target. After all, Xu Qing had long dug out the name of Leisure Cloud from the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and even carved it on his bamboo slip.


    However, he hadn¡¯t found an opportunity yet.


    Putting this matter aside, Xu Qing finally understood why he hadn¡¯t encountered many Foundation Building cultivators at the foot of the mountain previously. It was because the appearance of Foundation Building cultivators caused too many waves.


    Wherever they went, countless gazes would gather.


    Unless one was a high-profile person, this state would make one feel extremely uncomfortable. This was more so for Xu Qing who liked to move in the darkness. He couldn¡¯t and didn¡¯t want to adapt to being stared at by so many people.


    In reality, the Foundation Building cultivators of the Seventh Peak were all gloomy people who had killed their way out from below the mountain. Naturally, they didn¡¯t like such attention.


    ¡°How do the others do it?¡± Xu Qing fell silent as he made a guess.


    While thinking, Xu Qing sped up and headed straight for the Transportation Department. He had already sent a voice transmission to Zhang San earlier, and knew that the latter had already returned and was in the Transportation Department.


    As such, when Xu Qing arrived at the Transportation Department, he saw Zhang San in a gray Daoist robe from afar and the captain who had grown his lower body and was also wearing a gray Daoist robe.


    The handymen working in the Transportation Department couldn¡¯t sense any difference in the two of them. However, Xu Qing, who had advanced to the Foundation Building realm, had a much stronger perception than before. He could tell at a glance that the two of them had advanced to the Foundation Building realm, but had restrained their auras.


    They were squatting on the sandbags. One of them was smoking a pipe and the other was eating an apple. When the sunlight landed on them, it illuminated their gray Daoist robes with some gorgeous colors.


    Xu Qing¡¯s arrival attracted their attention. After noticing Xu Qing¡¯s purple Daoist robe, the captain revealed a smug expression while Zhang San sighed.


    ¡°You lost,¡± the captain said happily to Zhang San.


    Zhang San took out a spirit stone and handed it to the captain.


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, he was certain of his guess about the Foundation Building going down the mountain.


    ¡°Xu Qing, why did you wear the purple robe? Foundation Building cultivators on our Seven Blood Eyes Mountain don¡¯t wear purple robes unless it¡¯s something major. It¡¯s too conspicuous.¡±


    Zhang San smiled honestly, his face filled with friendliness. Even though he had reached the Foundation Building realm now, he still couldn¡¯t forget Xu Qing¡¯s cruelty in the competition. Hence, his attitude was very enthusiastic and he also told Xu Qing the reason why he and the captain weren¡¯t wearing purple robes.


    ¡°Hurry up and change when you get back. Also, don¡¯t stay on the mountain all the time. It¡¯s so lonely on the mountain. Have you realized that there aren¡¯t many Foundation Building cultivators living on the mountain? Let me tell you, most of them are wearing gray robes and living at the foot of the mountain while hiding their auras. The main city is prosperous and lively, and many things are convenient here.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded seriously.


    As for the captain, he had a spurious smile on his face as he glanced at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you might have encountered a Foundation Building cultivator wearing a gray robe before. It¡¯s just that you don¡¯t know about it. Not many people on our Seventh Peak are like Deacon Li, flying around in his purple robe all day. Even then, he only started doing this after he followed Elder Zhao. As for Zhang Yunshi, that¡¯s a job requirement. I heard that he likes to receive newbies.¡±


    ¡°Also¡­¡± At this point, the captain took a big bite of the apple and coughed.


    ¡°Deputy Director Xu, when are you going to return the 10,000 spirit stones you owe me1?¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he glanced at the captain. Even with his Foundation Building cultivation, he still couldn¡¯t see the depths of the other party¡¯s cultivation.


    ¡°Director?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. After I returned, I was appointed as a director of the Homicide Department. Deputy Director Xu, you have to hurry up and earn spirit stones. I¡¯ve been a little tight on money recently.¡±


    A hint of pride appeared on the captain¡¯s face as he looked at Xu Qing, wanting to see Xu Qing¡¯s envy.


    ¡°Congratulations, Captain.¡± Xu Qing glanced at the captain¡¯s complete body. This time, he didn¡¯t need the other party to remind him before he responded.


    ¡°Haha, Deputy Director Xu, I¡¯m happy that you¡¯re chatting like this. However, I have to correct you. You need to call me Director.¡±


    ¡°Alright, Captain.¡± Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°Director!¡± The captain fiercely took a bite of the apple and corrected him.


    ¡°Mm.¡± Xu Qing nodded and took out three large apples from his pocket, giving one to the captain and Zhang San each.


    Zhang San smiled.


    ¡°The two of you, stop arguing. Xu Qing, I¡¯ve finished refining your magic boat. I¡¯ll bring you to take a look later. Sigh, this time, all three of us were able to reach the Foundation Building realm. Thinking about it, it really feels like a lifetime has passed.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that I, Zhang San, would one day reach the Foundation Building realm. I heard that after the competition ended, many people advanced to the Foundation Building realm. Ding Xiaohai also reached the Foundation Building realm some time ago.¡± Zhang San sighed with emotion.


    ¡°Tell me if he¡¯s not stupid. Others risk their lives to get rich but he risked his life for a lousy core disciple status. In the end, he reached the Foundation Building realm as soon as he obtained it. He got the core disciple for nothing.¡± The captain ate the big apple Xu Qing gave him and said with a look of disbelief.


    ¡°You two, don¡¯t be like him. I am not worried about Deputy Director Xu, this guy only wants to get rich and won¡¯t act rashly. But Zhang San, you have to be careful.¡±


    ¡°I have something to tell you guys. I¡¯ve been thinking about a big plan recently and I¡¯m currently collecting information. Once I¡¯m done preparing, I¡¯ll bring you guys to do a big job. This time, it¡¯ll be even more exciting than snatching Binding¡¯s flesh.¡±


    The captain put on a mysterious expression and madness flickered in his eyes.


    Zhang San immediately became vigilant, and so did Xu Qing.


    ¡°What kind of expressions are you two wearing?¡± The captain glared.


    ¡°I will stop here. I still have to gather information. However, your cultivation levels are too low. You have to form a life lantern as soon as possible and have the ability to activate the Mystic Brilliance Form; otherwise, you won¡¯t be able to participate in my plan.¡± The captain stood up.


    ¡°What exactly is the Mystic Brilliance Form?¡± Xu Qing asked. After he reached the Foundation Building realm, he had heard the mention of Mystic Brilliance Form many times. Although he understood it in theory, he had never seen it before.


    Zhang San also looked at the captain curiously. Clearly, he didn¡¯t know much about this. After all, when he was in Qi Condensation, he had even fewer contacts with Foundation Building cultivators.


    ¡°You want to know?¡± The captain swept his gaze across Xu Qing and Zhang San and smiled.


    ¡°Forget it. Seeing that the two of you are my future teammates, I¡¯ll tell you guys. Do you know why I went to get Binding¡¯s flesh? This is because after swallowing enough of the flesh of a divine creature of that level, it can instantly open up a lot of magic apertures, allowing me to form a ball of life fire.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t explain what the Mystic Brilliance Form is. I¡¯ll just show you.¡±


    As the captain spoke, an earth-shattering sound erupted from his body. This sound was like heavenly lightning. As it rumbled in all directions, an extremely terrifying aura suddenly spread from his body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed and he quickly retreated. His eyes stared fixedly at the captain in front of him and shock surfaced in his eyes.


    At that moment, a huge stove that had been ignited appeared in the captain¡¯s body. Waves of fiery power erupted from his body and spread in all directions. The intensity of the fluctuations coming from his body seemed to have been enhanced by at least several times.


    He seemed to be burning. The phantom behind him was earth-shattering, causing one¡¯s eyes to feel a faint piercing pain. In fact, the surroundings were distorted.


    His body moved abruptly at this moment.


    Xu Qing could only see an afterimage. In that instant, he felt his mind buzzing. The intense life-and-death crisis caused him to instinctively retreat at full speed. However, it was still too late.


    The captain¡¯s body arrived beside him and his right hand was placed in front of him.


    In his hand was a strand of Xu Qing¡¯s hair. At that moment, it rapidly distorted under the high temperature and turned into ashes.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes abruptly narrowed. The stove in the captain¡¯s body instantly extinguished and he returned to normal. He then smiled at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Deputy Xu, if I wanted to kill you just now, you would be dead.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. Waves of emotions were surging in his mind. Previously, his understanding of the Mystic Brilliance Form was all verbal and jade slip descriptions. Now that he saw it for himself, the impact was extremely intense.


    At that instant just now, the feeling he got from his captain was that he couldn¡¯t fight against him.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m a genius. Other people who have activated their Mystic Brilliance Form won¡¯t be as powerful as me, but you won¡¯t be able to defeat them either. This is because the Mystic Brilliance Form is a super eruption of the magic apertures in their bodies. At that moment, their spells, and body will be strengthened to an extreme. Although it can¡¯t last long, it¡¯s barely enough for them to kill or escape.¡±


    The captain spoke proudly.


    ¡°Only cultivators in the Mystic Brilliance Form can resist other cultivators in the Mystic Brilliance Form.¡±


    ¡°Foundation Building cultivators who haven¡¯t activated their Mystic Brilliance Form are just chickens.¡±


    ¡°So, children, don¡¯t get the wrong understanding of Foundation Building due to some random chicken you saw in the past.¡±


    ¡°You have to work hard. Remember to return the 20,000 spirit stones you owe me quickly.¡±


    As the captain spoke, he ate the apple and left. After taking a few steps, he stepped into the air and transformed into a stream of light. His destination wasn¡¯t the mountain peak but the Homicide Department.


    Xu Qing silently looked at the departing figure of the captain. At this moment, the sense of danger was unprecedentedly intense and his mind was filled with urgency. He had to open 30 magic apertures as soon as possible and form his life fire. From there, he would also possess this Mystic Brilliance Form!


    Zhang San was also silent. After a long time, he smiled bitterly and shook his head.


    ¡°The captain is a madman¡­ Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll show you your magic boat.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He retracted his gaze from the departing figure of the captain and followed silently. However, the rising feeling in his heart grew increasingly intense.


    ¡®Once I form my life fire, with the enhancement of the life lantern, it will be the same as having two balls of life fire!¡¯


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. Under this sense of urgency, he followed Zhang San to the warehouse. As the warehouse opened, a huge magic ship that was somewhat familiar appeared in front of him.


    The 500-foot-long boat was covered in Foundation Building sea lizard skin, and its appearance had also changed. What appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was no longer the alligator turtle from back then but a sea lizard!


    The aura of divinity was extremely intense, the wings of the magic boat also had changed appearance, turning into fleshy wings that grew on both sides of the sea lizard¡¯s body.


    Cruelty and violence assaulted his senses.


    ¡°Xu Qing, the captain divided the flesh of Binding into a small portion for you and me. I added it in your boat to use as the core power source, allowing the magic boat to be promoted to a true magic ship!


    ¡°Of course, if you don¡¯t want to, you can still take it away. However, I think it¡¯s better to put it on the ship. With this ship, your survivability in the Forbidden Sea will increase greatly!¡±

 Chapter 212 - Depends on Your Fate

    Chapter 212: Depends on Your Fate


    Looking at the sea lizard magic ship in front of him, Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred.


    He had seen Foundation Building sea lizards before.


    It was because he had seen them before that after seeing his magic ship refined into the appearance of a sea lizard by Zhang San, he examined it with his perception. Although his magic ship was still a little different from a real sea lizard, its aura was almost the same.


    It was 500-foot-long, four limbs with sharp nails, a lifelike head, and a tail that was still swaying slightly behind it.


    It was exactly the same as the sea lizards.


    The difference was that it had flesh wings.


    The wings were very large. Xu Qing estimated that they would be at least as long as the body of the ship when they unfolded. He could imagine that once they flapped, they would definitely cause violent winds to howl.


    The location of the cabin was on the back of the sea lizard. It was a three-story building. It didn¡¯t look exquisite but gave off a sense of sturdiness.


    ¡°The magic boats of the Seventh Peak are divided into four types: boat, ship, warship, and liner. Your boat has advanced to the level of a magic ship and has reached level three. However, because of the divine lizard¡¯s molt and Binding¡¯s flesh, part of its might far exceeds its normal power.¡±


    Zhang San glanced at Xu Qing¡¯s shocked expression and felt extremely comfortable. He lifted his chin proudly and spoke while looking at the masterpiece in front of him.


    ¡°The areas that are lacking are the keel, some of the materials on the magic boat, and the core power source. Although Binding¡¯s flesh is rare and powerful, the captain gave too little. Moreover, the divinity inside has no roots, so if you have a way to obtain the heart of a divine creature, the value of this magic ship will be even greater.¡±


    ¡°The prices of the materials for the Foundation Building magic ship far exceed Qi Condensation magic boat¡¯s. Moreover, the components needed for the magic ship are also more complicated. Basically, to advance the level of the magic ship just by one level even with the most inferior Foundation Building materials would cost 30,000 to 50,000 spirit stones.¡±


    ¡°If it was a high-level material like your Foundation Building sea lizard skin, it would cost at least 150,000 to advance one level. I can¡¯t afford it¡­ If you want to use even higher quality materials, the price will be astronomical. So, if you want to advance your magic ship, you have to earn money, Xu Qing.¡±


    ¡°The reason why the Foundation Building magic ship is astonishing is because after reaching the eighth level, it will possess a special ability that is related to the Mystic Brilliance Form of cultivators. However, its function is to suppress the enemy¡¯s Mystic Brilliance Form. The better the materials of the boat, the greater the suppression effect!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred.


    Previously, when the captain activated his Mystic Brilliance Form, it made him feel intense urgency. Now that he heard about the might of the magic ship, his eyes lit up.


    ¡°Are you surprised? Otherwise, why would the cultivators of the Seventh Peak still work hard to advance their magic ships after reaching the Foundation Building realm? You have to know that outsiders call us cultivators of Seventh Peak as boat cultivators,¡± Zhang San said with a smile.


    ¡°Also, considering that half of your magic boat collapsed previously, I¡¯ve prioritized the ship¡¯s sturdiness and defense this time. Now, your magic ship is much more powerful than before.¡±


    ¡°Regardless of whether it¡¯s sea navigation, flight, or diving into the sea, the ship is outstanding in all aspects.¡±


    ¡°I even added a layer of outer shell to the ship. The inspiration came from the sea lizard molt. Once your magic ship encounters an unbearable attack, its outer shell will shatter into pieces like a flower. It will look extremely miserable. This way, others probably won¡¯t be willing to use their magic power a second time.¡±


    ¡°In reality, it can be reassembled with a thought from you. However, I¡¯m not very proficient in this skill yet, so you can¡¯t do it many times. From my estimation, your ship can support two disintegrations and reassemblies.¡±


    ¡°At that time, regardless of whether you pretend to be dead or wait to counterattack, you will catch the enemy off guard.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Zhang San and then at his magic ship. He could sense that Zhang San had poured his heart to refine it. Such sincerity was very precious in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ environment.


    Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed deeply.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be polite. This is also an investment. From the looks of it, I made the right investment in you and the captain. So, I also hope that you can survive longer. After all¡­ I think both of you are quite crazy, but I predict that the captain will die faster than you.¡± Zhang San sighed.


    Xu Qing hesitated for a moment before asking.


    ¡°Are the coffin materials prepared for the captain still in my magic ship?¡±


    ¡°Yes. They are good things. I used some of it last time, so I can¡¯t waste the rest.¡± Zhang San coughed and smiled at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and cupped his fists again. After some thought, he took out 20,000 spirit stones and handed them over.


    Zhang San didn¡¯t stand on ceremony. He used more than these materials for this refinement. After he kept them, he waved at Xu Qing and the two of them bade farewell.


    Xu Qing kept his magic ship and looked at the distant sea, his heart filled with anticipation.


    ¡°I¡¯ll head out to sea tomorrow morning!¡± After Xu Qing made his decision, he left the Transportation Department. On the way, he was also calculating his spirit stones.


    ¡°I spent too much on the breakthrough to Foundation Building. Right now, I have less than 50,000 spirit stones. I have to sell the Spirit Breath Lantern as soon as possible. Once I sell it, I¡¯ll be rich.¡±


    Xu Qing pondered and flew all the way to the Seventh Peak. It was already dark and there were no longer any pedestrians in the main city. The streets were empty and only the malice in the night spread among the piedmont disciples.


    However, this had nothing to do with Xu Qing now. Just killing wanted criminals wasn¡¯t enough for him. However, when his figure flew halfway through the main city, he suddenly stopped in mid-air.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and looked at the empty street below. There was a person lying there.


    It was a youth wearing a gray robe with a dog-skin coat underneath. Blood had soaked through the coat and dyed his Daoist robe black. One could see a fatal wound on his abdomen.


    His exposed body was also covered in injuries.


    All his fingernails had been plucked out forcefully, along with his serrated, sharp teeth.


    It was the mute.


    His injuries were severe and he was on the verge of death. There was an identity token on his chest and there were very few contribution points left. According to the time, the moment dawn broke, he would probably be killed by the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation.


    Xu Qing looked at the mute and silently descended. He stood beside the mute youth and looked at him.


    The mute was already unconscious and looked like he would die before dawn broke. The pouch was gone along with his magic boat.


    Xu Qing knew that this method of causing the target to be on the verge of death and keeping the token on their chest was a common method used by many disciples at the foot of the mountain. They usually used this method to take revenge.


    It was obvious that the mute was too cruel, so someone took revenge on him.


    Looking at the mute, Xu Qing thought of the actions of the other party; offering him wanted criminals, following him after he returned from the competition that day, and that reminder regarding the shadow.


    After a long time, Xu Qing picked up the mute¡¯s identity token and transferred one spirit stone¡¯s contribution points over. He pried open the mute¡¯s badly mangled mouth and threw in a pill.


    After doing all this, he grabbed the mute¡¯s clothes and dragged him away. When he arrived at the other party¡¯s kennel-like residence, Xu Qing threw the mute inside.


    He could already be considered extremely benevolent for doing all these in this chaotic world. As for life and death, it was up to fate. Whether the mute could survive depended on his luck.


    Xu Qing left. He knew that the mute had woken up on the way but he didn¡¯t care.


    After he left, the mute youth opened his eyes with great difficulty. He stared at Xu Qing¡¯s departing figure. After a long time, he closed his eyes again and curled up into a ball.


    Xu Qing returned to the Seventh Peak. When he saw his cave abode from afar, he noticed a familiar figure sitting beside the cliff outside his cave abode.


    It was Huang Yan.


    He sat on the cliff with his legs dangling and an egg in his hand. He was drinking happily while shaking his head. When he noticed Xu Qing¡¯s figure flying over, Huang Yan¡¯s eyes lit up and he immediately waved his hand.


    ¡°Haha, you¡¯re finally back. I¡¯ve been waiting for you for a while now.¡± As he spoke, Huang Yan took out an egg and threw it over.


    Xu Qing caught it and landed beside him. He didn¡¯t act any different from before just because he was at the Foundation Building realm. He also sat down and broke the egg to take a sip.


    It still tasted the same.


    ¡°I heard someone say yesterday that you¡¯ve reached the Foundation Building realm, so I came to see you today. Ain¡¯t I amazing? I can ascend the Seventh Peak whenever I want. Even the array formation doesn¡¯t stop me,¡± Huang Yan said proudly.


    ¡°Second highness treats you very well.¡± Xu Qing smiled. He had a good impression of Huang Yan. If he were to consider who his friends were among the people he met on the Seventh Peak, Huang Yan could be considered one.


    At the mention of the second highness, the little fatty immediately patted his chest loudly.


    ¡°Naturally. Let me tell you, Senior Sister is very good to me now. She even gave me a token so that I can look for her anytime.¡±


    Xu Qing smiled and continued to drink the egg.


    Just like that, under the moonlight, the two of them were like how they were in Port 79. Xu Qing mostly listened while Huang Yan kept telling him how his senior sister treated him.


    An hour later, Huang Yan stood up and patted the dust off his butt as he smiled at Xu Qing.


    ¡°By the way, Xu Qing, I came here for something else. I heard that you took away the merfolk race¡¯s Spirit Breath Lantern. Do you want to sell it to me? I intend to give it to Senior Sister.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t take advantage of you. I¡¯ll buy it for 500,000 spirit stones but I don¡¯t have that much now. I need a month to get them. If you agree, it¡¯s settled.¡± Huang Yan looked at Xu Qing expectantly.


    Xu Qing thought about it and nodded in agreement.


    Huang Yan was very happy. Before he left, he seemed to have thought of something and his expression became a little more serious.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I heard from Senior Sister that something major will happen in the sect in the near future!¡±


    ¡°During the battle of the merfolk race back then, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ancestor broke through and killed his way into the Sea Corpse Race to establish his might. I¡¯m afraid there will be a follow-up to this matter. After all¡­ his cultivation is now different and the power situation in the sea area has to be shuffled again.¡±


    ¡°There might even be a war. This is a good thing. Every war is the same as the competition. It¡¯s an opportunity for us to make a fortune. It¡¯s just more dangerous but the harvest will also be greater.¡± After Huang Yan finished speaking, he bade farewell and left.


    Xu Qing looked at Huang Yan¡¯s departing back and then at the sea.


    ¡°War¡­¡±

 Chapter 213 - : Fishing for a Dragon

    Chapter 213: Fishing for a Dragon


    Xu Qing had never experienced war before but he had seen something similar.


    However, the difference in levels was huge.


    What he saw was a battle between the small city where the slums were located and other cities. This battle lasted for seven to eight days.


    ¡°In that case, how long will the war between the Seven Blood Eyes and the foreign forces last?¡± The scenes from the merfolk competition appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    The captain was right about one thing. Such a major event wasn¡¯t something they should worry about. The important figures of the sect were the ones who would lead everything.


    ¡°I will not participate in the war unless the benefits are enough.¡± Xu Qing walked back to the cave abode. When he sat down, he took out the jade slip of the Life Art.


    Although the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art was also a cultivation art, it was mostly cultivated through slaughter. To a certain extent, it wasn¡¯t much different from a spell. After cultivating it, as the magic apertures were opened, there would also be corresponding spell moves.


    As for the Life Art, it was different. It purely relied on cultivators to absorb the spirit energy of heaven and earth to cultivate. It was similar to the Sea Transformation Art and slowly strengthened oneself, grinding open one magic aperture after another.


    Xu Qing felt that his previous thoughts were a little wrong. These two cultivation arts could actually be cultivated together. It wasn¡¯t important which was the master and which was the supplementary. This was because everything at the Foundation Building realm was about opening the magic apertures to form life fire.


    At that moment, he began to cultivate the Life Art.


    The night passed.


    The next day, when the sun rose, Xu Qing opened his eyes as the sunlight fell like flames.


    He calmly arranged his weapons, poison powder, and the talismans he had bought. After that, he suppressed his shadow as usual before opening the cave abode¡¯s door. He looked at the blue sky and white clouds in the distance that were illuminated red like a vast stove.


    ¡°I have to go out to sea and kill the sea beasts to obtain their souls to open my magic apertures.¡±


    Xu Qing stepped into the air. The plesiosaur manifested under him and roared at the sky. Its four flippers swayed slightly, as though the sky was an ocean, and erupted with an astonishing speed as it brought Xu Qing straight toward the horizon.


    The black waves surged and ebbed in the Endless Sea.


    Compared to the brightness of the sky, this black color of the sea exuded a dense strangeness. It was like ink and because of its depth and unknownness, one couldn¡¯t help but feel fear and reverence.


    Although this wasn¡¯t his first time out at sea, Xu Qing¡¯s mood wasn¡¯t much different from before. In fact, he was even more cautious.


    This was because there were rules in the sect but outside the sect¡­ anything was possible.


    As such, Xu Qing didn¡¯t fly ostentatiously. Instead, he took out the magic ship and activated its concealment, making it appear ordinary. He then activated its protective barriers.


    ¡°The ship is more comfortable than the cave abode.¡± Xu Qing sat on the boat and sighed with emotion. He controlled the magic ship to head straight for an area he had chosen.


    He had been to that area before. It was the place where he had encountered the plesiosaur with Zhao Zhongheng and Ding Xue.


    This was because his hunting target was¡­ the plesiosaur.


    To break through the magic apertures, he needed souls. Since he had decided to use the souls of sea beasts as fuel, the plesiosaur that had shown vicious intent toward him back then would naturally become his first choice.


    He was aware that it was impossible for him to encounter the same one. However, that area was frequented by plesiosaurs, so it was a good destination to search for them.


    As Xu Qing sailed, he cultivated the Life Art, not wasting any time. He also stored his plesiosaur in his magic aperture.


    His plesiosaur¡¯s aura was at the Foundation Building realm. If it was allowed to roam outside, Xu Qing was worried that with the cautious nature of the wild plesiosaurs, they wouldn¡¯t reveal themselves.


    He also saw some boats that weren¡¯t from the Seven Blood Eyes. Every time he encountered them, Xu Qing would be on guard. Although he was now at the Foundation Building realm, his vigilance didn¡¯t decrease at all.


    Most of the people who encountered unfamiliar boats on the sea were the same. Both sides would be on guard against each other until they left each other¡¯s range.


    Time flowed by. Three days later, Xu Qing finally arrived at that sea area. It was noon and seabirds were flying in the sky, their cries spreading long and far.


    Xu Qing sat on the deck and looked at the black Forbidden Sea. He spread out his perception and paid attention to the fluctuations under the sea.


    However, there was no sign of a plesiosaur even after he waited for a long time.


    Xu Qing fell silent for a moment and restrained the aura of the magic ship. He observed the sky, and a while later, he locked onto a pseudotooth bird circling in the surroundings for food.


    With a wave of his hand, the black iron stick instantly flew out of his hand and headed straight for the sky. The pseudotooth bird was shocked and wanted to escape, but it was still too late. Its wings were penetrated by the black iron stick.


    Amidst the pseudotooth bird¡¯s cries, Xu Qing controlled the black iron stick to bring it over. He made the black stick hold it above the surface of the sea, making it impossible for it to escape no matter how it struggled. Xu Qing waited warily.


    Time slowly passed. As the pseudotooth bird struggled and showed signs of weakness, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly narrowed. He sensed an undercurrent surging over from the bottom of the sea. Not long later, a plesiosaur that was even more majestic than last time and was over 3,000 feet long revealed its figure.


    Its aura was astonishing, between Qi Condensation and Foundation Building. However, with its enormous body, its combat strength was no longer something that Qi Condensation cultivators could resist. As it got closer, it noticed Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship¡¯s aura was completely restrained, not revealing anything. It was the same for himself. Hence, after the plesiosaur circled the surroundings, it got close.


    It didn¡¯t break through the surface of the sea to devour the pseudotooth bird. Instead, it charged fiercely toward Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship.


    To it, Xu Qing¡­ looked even more delicious than the pseudotooth bird.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bat an eyelid. When the other party got close enough, a chill erupted in his eyes. He suddenly grabbed at the approaching plesiosaur.


    Immediately, the seawater around the plesiosaur rumbled and a large hand formed by seawater and Foundation Building magic power rose. It grabbed at the plesiosaur.


    The black iron stick quickly penetrated the pseudotooth bird¡¯s body and headed straight for the sea. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor who wanted to show his worth was currently working extremely hard. He broke into the sea and quickly rushed toward the plesiosaur.


    The plesiosaur let out a roar, forming a sound wave that pierced through the seawater and stopped the black iron stick. At the same time, its flippers swayed rapidly, creating a large wave in the sea in an attempt to counterattack the large hand that had grabbed it. It was already alarmed and wanted to retreat.


    However, it was too late. The large hand did not loosen up no matter how it struggled. The black iron stick gave off a bright light at this moment; it broke through the sound waves and directly pierced into the plesiosaur¡¯s body. It swam rapidly through its flesh and blood, heading straight for its heart.


    ¡°I want it alive!¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke. The black iron stick trembled. Although it had stabbed into the plesiosaur¡¯s heart, it didn¡¯t dare to penetrate it and remained motionless.


    With its heart pierced, even though it was a very small wound like a needle hole to the plesiosaur, the intense pain still made it roar. It struggled intensely but it could not escape. The large hand formed by the seawater lifted it into the air.


    The seawater cascaded down like a waterfall. The plesiosaur¡¯s huge body blocked the sunlight in the air, causing the shadow to envelop Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the plesiosaur in front of him. He calmly began to perform hand seals. The black fire in the magic apertures in his body slowly rose.


    From afar, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body was covered in black flames. The rising flames caused terror to appear in the plesiosaur¡¯s eyes. It let out an intense roar and struggled even more intensely.


    However, it was useless. Very soon, more and more black flames rose from Xu Qing¡¯s body. In the end, they spread out and transformed into a demon-like phantom. It let out a sinister laugh as it pounced toward the plesiosaur.


    The moment they came into contact, the demon¡¯s body instantly spread out along the plesiosaur¡¯s body, instantly enveloping it and starting to burn it.


    What it was burning wasn¡¯t the plesiosaur¡¯s body but its soul.


    The entire process lasted for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. As the plesiosaur¡¯s struggles and roars grew weaker and weaker, the black flames on its body suddenly curled back and fused into Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    The plesiosaur¡¯s body instantly went limp with no signs of life. After losing its soul, its body lost its spirituality and value.


    The large hand loosened up and the plesiosaur¡¯s body fell into the sea loudly, causing huge waves to rise.


    The black iron stick quickly flew out of the plesiosaur¡¯s body and obediently circled around Xu Qing.


    This was the first time Xu Qing had used the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art. He was inspecting his body, and saw a small ball of white soul shadow with some green in it had appeared in his body.


    This soul shadow looked like a plesiosaur.


    ¡°It¡¯s indeed white.¡± Xu Qing mumbled. According to the description of the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art, the souls of Qi Condensation cultivators were white and Foundation Building cultivators were green. Among them, green souls were suitable for breaking through the apertures while white souls were much inferior.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give it a try.¡± With a thought, the plesiosaur¡¯s soul shadow in his body instantly burned. The flames that rose from it were exuberant. After it completely burned, the flames rushed straight for the third magic aperture Xu Qing chose.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body suddenly shook and his third magic aperture trembled, as though a crack had appeared. However, in the end, it didn¡¯t break open. The plesiosaur¡¯s soul power also dissipated.


    ¡°It¡¯s indeed effective, but the process is too slow.¡± Xu Qing pondered. He felt that perhaps it was because he wasn¡¯t familiar with it, so he controlled the magic ship to change to another area and continued to fish for plesiosaurs using the same method.


    The pseudotooth bird was only a catalyst. He emitted Qi Condensation fluctuations that lingered under the sea and used himself as bait.


    At the same time, he was also prepared to take off immediately if the situation didn¡¯t look good. After all, this kind of fishing¡­ had a chance of luring some terrifying existences he couldn¡¯t resist.


    However, the probability wasn¡¯t high. After all, to those existences, the aura of Qi Condensation wasn¡¯t fragrant enough.


    Three days later, under Xu Qing¡¯s continued temptation, the second plesiosaur got close. He repeated the same thing and transformed it into soul power to continue bombarding his third aperture, causing more cracks to appear on it.


    Finally, after changing many locations and fishing for more than half a month, after he caught the seventeenth plesiosaur that was comparable to the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm, half of his third magic aperture was blasted open.


    ¡°Too slow¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled and frowned. He calculated that at this speed, he would have to spend at least three years at sea without sleep or rest before he could open 30 magic apertures.


    He knew that he was being too optimistic. This was because the activation of the magic apertures would be more difficult and required more soul power the further he progressed.


    As such, Xu Qing felt that there was a high chance that this time estimation would double. This didn¡¯t include returning to the main city or the accidents he might encounter. If he calculated them all, a conservative estimate would be more than ten years.


    ¡°I have to think of a way to kill more sea beasts at once!¡± A cold glint rose in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Suddenly, his expression changed and he lifted his head to look into the distance.


    At this moment, the waves on the distant sea suddenly surged. He could see a megalodon shark speeding inside. The fluctuations of a Foundation Building cultivator were very intense. Behind it, in the sky, a figure stood on a huge ancient bronze sword, chasing after it.


    This figure was a youth. He wore the crimson Daoist robe of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ First Peak. His long hair fluttered in the wind and his expression was extremely cold. His gaze was cold.


    At that moment, he coldly glanced at Xu Qing from afar and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Calling the wind and summoning the rain is too common. I¡¯ll hide it in a star bag.¡±


    Xu Qing frowned.

 Chapter 214 - Opening Apertures on the Deserted Island

    Chapter 214: Opening Apertures on the Deserted Island


    The Daoist robes of the Seven Blood Eyes were divided into seven colors according to the different mountain peaks.


    Among them, orange indicated the Second Peak, blue was the Sixth Peak, and purple was the Seventh Peak.


    As for the First Peak, it was red like blood.


    In the entire Seven Blood Eyes, the peaks that were truly famous in the Nanhuang Continent and the Forbidden Sea were actually the First Peak and the Seventh Peak.


    Among them, the First Peak was known for its killing and callousness. Every one of them was a battle cultivator and rarely went out to sea. Most of them were tempering themselves in the Phoenix Forbidden.


    Only those on the First Peak who were confident in their cultivation and combat strength would occasionally choose the Forbidden Sea that they were unfamiliar with to temper their combat techniques. Hence, regardless of whether it was in the sect or the Forbidden Sea, this was the first First Peak battle cultivator Xu Qing had seen.


    Moreover, he would not be mistaken because of the robe.


    This was because the Daoist robes of the various peaks had some obscure patterns that were related to their tokens and auras, causing the Daoist robe patterns to flicker when they met.


    This was designed to prevent people from disguising as a disciple in the outside world.


    Although they were from the same sect, Xu Qing¡¯s vigilance didn¡¯t decrease at all. He couldn¡¯t understand the meaning of the other party¡¯s baffling words and vaguely felt that he was being reminded not to snatch the megalodon.


    After all, the words hide in a bag coupled with the other party¡¯s actions of chasing after the megalodon faintly revealed something.


    The black iron stick shone with a cold light beside Xu Qing. The shadow under his feet looked normal, but it was already prepared to pounce over.


    It was the same for his magic ship. The plesiosaur in his body also swam in his magic aperture, and the spikes on its neck swayed rapidly.


    The moment Xu Qing stared at it, the megalodon that was fleeing toward him saw that there was someone in front of it with an extraordinary aura. It let out a roar and turned to devour the youth chasing after it.


    As it opened its mouth, a ball of blood mist spurted out, transforming into countless shadows of fish and prawns that headed straight for the First Peak¡¯s youth.


    ¡°Just a mere heavenly river water, I can finish it in one gulp,¡± the youth calmly said. He then performed a series of hand seals. Immediately, the large bronze sword under him buzzed and transformed into rows of sword shadows.


    In the blink of an eye, more than 50 identical bronze swords formed in the surroundings. Waves of murderous aura spread from them. Following the youth¡¯s signal, the bronze swords in the surroundings, other than the one under his feet, charged toward the megalodon.


    At the next instant, a shocking explosion rang out.


    Large waves rose on the surface of the sea, and the megalodon let out a mournful roar. Its several thousand-foot-long body was penetrated by seven to eight large swords. As it started bleeding, it suddenly dove into the sea and sped into the depths.


    Its blood flowed and fused with the seawater. The Foundation Building aura contained in it caused many sea beasts to not dare to approach. However, if this continued for a long time, the blood would definitely attract even more ferocious sea beasts.


    Xu Qing took a look.


    At the same time, the First Peak youth looked at the sea and snorted coldly.


    ¡°Snow-white jade hare glides to the sky, the black toad swims in the water.¡±


    As he spoke, the bronze sword beneath him buzzed and directly expanded to nearly a thousand feet. It brought him straight to the sea and broke through the surface of the sea, chasing after the fleeing megalodon.


    From the start to the end, Xu Qing didn¡¯t say a word, nor did he go to snatch the kill. He calmly listened to the other party¡¯s nonsensical words and watched as he chased into the sea.


    After the First Peak¡¯s youth disappeared, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and controlled the magic ship to leave this place.


    From the youth¡¯s abilities, Xu Qing could sense that the other party was stronger than him but not by much. The youth hadn¡¯t reached the level of the Mystic Brilliance Form and had at most opened about 20 magic apertures.


    Xu Qing felt that he could win if he went all out and risked his life. However, there was no need to take the risk for a Foundation Building sea beast.


    He left the area and sailed for a few days before arriving at another area.


    This was a deserted island, it was the midpoint between the Western Reef Archipelago and the Nanhuang Continent, and was not far away from the place where Xu Qing had encountered the vines.


    This island wasn¡¯t big and its edges were concave. It was a natural bay.


    There were many deserted islands on the Forbidden Sea. Some of them existed for a long time, while others were occasionally formed. The former was usually real islands, while the latter was mostly formed on top of some giant sea beasts.


    As for this deserted island, Xu Qing had checked below it. It was real and there was an introduction of it on the nautical chart. Because it was barren, no one usually came here.


    Xu Qing also investigated the island. After confirming that there was no danger, he sat on the deck of the ship in the bay and took out a small bottle from his pocket.


    It contained blue liquid.


    This liquid was the blood of the Ghost Desires.


    After the Ghost Desires¡¯ blood was refined with the yin and yang polarities, and mixed with some herbs, it could form an aura that attracted ferocious beasts in the Forbidden Sea.


    Back then, the merfolk youth had used something similar on Xu Qing.


    This was also the method Xu Qing had thought of to open his magic apertures as soon as possible. He wanted to attract a large number of sea beasts to kill and extract their souls. However, this aura was very difficult to control. There was a high chance that it would attract some extremely powerful beasts.


    Hence, he needed to regulate it. Xu Qing had an item which could do that; it was the ammonite.


    With the medicinal properties of the ammonite, it could control the aura to a certain level. This way, although there was still a certain risk, Xu Qing felt that he could give it a try.


    ¡°Once it¡¯s activated, it will disperse on its own¡­¡± Xu Qing sat on the deck and began to refine the blood of the Ghost Desires. The entire process lasted for an hour, and it was already dusk.


    He looked at the ammonite shell that had been refined in front of him. Its color had turned blue. Now, he only needed a drop of his blood to activate it.


    Xu Qing looked at the sky. After pondering for a moment, he didn¡¯t activate it right away. Instead, he closed his eyes and meditated.


    It was a night of silence.


    The instant the next morning arrived, Xu Qing opened his eyes and began to sprinkle poison in the surroundings.


    Because it was a bay, the poison powder wouldn¡¯t be washed away very quickly after merging with the seawater. Xu Qing¡¯s determination this time was very strong, so the poison he administered was even more intense. However, they all required some complementary items to activate.


    After scattering a large amount of poison powder in the bay, Xu Qing took a deep breath and took out an incense stick, placing it at the side.


    This incense was the poison primer he had refined. Once it was thrown into the sea, it could instantly turn the poison powder he had scattered into powerful poison.


    ¡°Everything is ready.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed anticipation. He bit his fingertip and dripped a drop of blood onto the blue ammonite in front of him. As the blood landed, the color of the ammonite instantly darkened and a faint smell rose.


    If one didn¡¯t smell it carefully, it would be very difficult to detect.


    As it continued to drift, Xu Qing warily looked at the entrance of the bay ahead. He held the poison primer incense and waited silently.


    Time passed.


    An hour later, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He saw a huge wave rising on the distant surface of the sea. A baleen whale that was about a thousand feet in size leaped up from there, emitting an ear-piercing cry. When it landed again, the sea churned, revealing countless crocodile-like fish under the sea.


    These were black-scaled crocodiles. They lived in the Forbidden Sea and had similar habits as black-scaled wolves. They often lived in groups of a hundred or more. Their cultivation levels had reached the eighth or ninth level of Qi Condensation.


    As for the baleen whale, it was at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. As he continued to wait, the black-scaled crocodiles headed straight for the bay where he was at. The baleen whale was also rushing over.


    Not long later, the bay area rumbled. All the black-scaled crocodiles rushed in and slammed into Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship¡¯s defense was fully activated. The baleen whale also smashed fiercely into it.


    There was a loud collision, although Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship shook intensely, it didn¡¯t shatter.


    Just like the jungle in the forbidden zone, most of the ferocious beasts in the sea were like body refinement cultivators. Very few of them used spells and they often maximized the advantage of their bodies.


    ¡°There are only over a hundred of them. It¡¯s not enough¡­¡± Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly. He didn¡¯t care about the consumption of spirit stones as he used them to maintain the defense of the ship while looking at the sea. Very soon, he saw waves churning again.


    Many swordfish that were much larger than what he had seen before swam over. They were coming in a large group of several hundred.


    Although most of them were at the third or fifth level of Qi Condensation, 45 of them had reached the eighth and ninth level of Qi Condensation.


    Their eyes had turned red due to the lure of the aura. As they rushed into the bay, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He then threw the poison primer incense into the sea.


    In an instant, the black sea water became even darker like thick ink. The hundreds of poisons contained in it erupted completely at this moment.


    The bodies of the black-scaled crocodiles trembled and lost their mobility. It was useless for the baleen whale to struggle. Its body was numbed by the poison and it was difficult for it to move.


    As for those swordfish, it was the same. The entire process only lasted for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before the entire bay calmed down from the intense churning.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was filled with anticipation. He lifted his right hand and grabbed fiercely. Immediately, the sea beasts were grabbed by the large hand formed by the seawater and moved closer to him.


    As these sea beasts that hadn¡¯t been completely poisoned were brought before him, the fire in Xu Qing¡¯s magic apertures spread out and enveloped them.


    Although his poison was intense, the main point wasn¡¯t to kill but to make them lose the ability to counterattack.


    As the black flames burned, wisps of souls were absorbed into Xu Qing¡¯s body. They transformed into soul shadows in his dantian and burned like firewood. He controlled them to rush toward his third magic aperture.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and his eyes gleamed. The third magic aperture in his body was open!


    As it opened, the spirit energy gushed in and formed a vortex. Traces of magic power rose and fused into his entire body, increasing the amount of Xu Qing¡¯s magic power.


    He didn¡¯t stop. The black flames outside his body continued to extract the souls. Just like that, time flowed by. When the sky completely darkened, the fourth magic aperture in Xu Qing¡¯s body was opened!


    At this point, this bay had become a land of death. On the surface, it looked fine, but there were countless beast corpses buried under the sea.


    As the four magic apertures in Xu Qing¡¯s body circulated, a large amount of magic power spread throughout his body and his aura was much stronger than before.


    The black flames in his four magic apertures illuminated his body and flames flickered on his body.


    Although the difference between him and the captain¡¯s Mystic Brilliance Form was still huge, compared to someone who had just advanced to Foundation Building, Xu Qing¡¯s magic power was already majestic because of his deep foundation.


    ¡°This speed is not bad!¡± After a long time, Xu Qing opened his eyes and surveyed his surroundings before continuing to refine the blood of the Ghost Desires.

 Chapter 215 - Killing Intent Surges

    Chapter 215: Killing Intent Surges


    Time flowed like water.


    The beast corpses were like autumn leaves, falling one after another.


    In the blink of an eye, more than 20 days passed.


    Xu Qing was no longer in the bay he had started in. He had already been to five deserted islands.


    Now, on the sixth deserted island, he sat in the simple bay that he had created himself.


    In these twenty-odd days, other than changing locations, he was completely immersed in the impact on his magic apertures, allowing him to open his tenth magic aperture.


    In the black iron stick, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had already felt his heart pounding countless times in the past half a month or so. Later on, he felt a little dazed. He felt as though he had entered the world in the ancient books¡­


    The more magic apertures were opened, the more soul power it would require and the more difficult it would be to open other magic apertures. It took him eight years to open the tenth one.


    As for Xu Qing, it had only been more than 20 days¡­


    This speed caused the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s heart to tremble violently. He knew that Foundation Building cultivators of the Seven Blood Eyes usually needed about two years to open ten magic apertures.


    They would only be able to reach Xu Qing¡¯s speed if there was a large-scale battle and they continuously fought and survived.


    The Seven Blood Eyes hadn¡¯t had a large-scale war for many years. Usually, there would be small frictions and the scale would be controlled to a certain extent. As for the sea beasts, although the Forbidden Sea was large and the intelligence of the sea beasts was low, it was very difficult to kill them in groups.


    Only some poisons, array formations, or other special methods could allow someone to advance rapidly like Xu Qing.


    However, there weren¡¯t many such people.


    Not only did this require external help, but it also required one¡¯s strength to be extraordinary. They also had to make sure they didn¡¯t attract powerful sea beasts. There were many restrictions.


    Xu Qing was also aware that he couldn¡¯t continue this for a long time.


    Firstly, Ghost Desires were rare. Out of the two he had obtained, he had refined one before, and there was not much of its blood left. At the same time, he did not have many ammonites left.


    Also, during these few days, Xu Qing was feeling a sense of trepidation. There were quite a lot of beast corpses under every bay he stayed in. Even though Xu Qing frequently changed places, this might still attract the attention of some terrifying existences in the sea.


    Xu Qing already had the intention to leave. At that moment, after he extracted the soul of the plesiosaur that had arrived, he stood up and prepared to leave while breaking through the eleventh magic aperture in his body.


    Although many more cracks appeared in the eleventh magic aperture, it still didn¡¯t break open. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly narrowed. He looked at the distant sea and his eyes slowly revealed a sharp glint.


    ¡°This aura¡­¡±


    Just as he was watching, the surface of the sea suddenly rose. A sea beast with a body of about a thousand feet and covered in armor that exuded a metallic feeling rushed out of the sea.


    Its body actually stopped in mid-air as it looked at Xu Qing in the bay.


    ¡°Foundation Building torpedo scad!¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. This wasn¡¯t the first Foundation Building sea beast he had encountered in the past twenty or so days. He had encountered one seven days ago. It was a helicoprion.


    The terrifying appearance, astonishing aura, and the feeling of having a stove burning in its body had made Xu Qing realize that the other party had the Mystic Brilliance Form. He had immediately gone ashore and fully activated his magic ship.


    However, the helicoprion didn¡¯t seem to have much interest in him. It left after taking a look.


    Xu Qing kept his gaze on the torpedo scad and quickly weighed the other party¡¯s strength. This torpedo scad clearly had intelligence and didn¡¯t approach directly. Instead, it looked from the distance and landed on the surface of the sea, swimming rapidly in the surroundings as though it was also weighing Xu Qing¡¯s strength.


    The armor on its body continued to sway, emitting clanking sounds. This was a sound unique to torpedo scad. After swimming for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, its speed suddenly erupted as it rushed toward the bay Xu Qing was in.


    As it rushed over, it leaped up again and let out a roar at Xu Qing. This roar formed a sound wave that swept up the surface of the sea, forming a huge wave that rumbled toward Xu Qing.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and the magic ship beneath him suddenly buzzed. While the divinity was gathering, Xu Qing grabbed at the air. Immediately, his plesiosaur appeared in the air and smashed toward the torpedo scad.


    A loud collision rang out as the torpedo scad was sent back. It seemed to have sensed that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t someone to be trifled with and decisively dove into the sea, wanting to retreat.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t have Mystic Brilliance Form!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. This kind of Foundation Building sea beast that didn¡¯t have Mystic Brilliance Form was something he yearned to encounter. How could he let the other party escape now?


    He decisively rushed out. His speed was so fast that he transformed into a stream of light. With a wave of his hand, the heavenly saber shone above his head and slashed fiercely at the surface of the sea below.


    The sea rumbled and a 1000-foot-long gap directly opened, revealing the torpedo scad below. However, the iron armor on its body was too powerful. It was unscathed even after being struck by the heavenly saber. Its ferocity seemed to have been agitated as it turned around and rushed toward Xu Qing.


    The black iron stick quickly appeared. It emitted a cold light with a hint of blue. That was poison.


    This was something the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had taken the initiative to implore Xu Qing to apply.


    It quickly approached the torpedo scad. Its target seemed to be the iron armor on its body, but in reality, the moment it got close, it strangely changed its direction and ruthlessly stabbed the torpedo scad¡¯s eye.


    The torpedo scad roared and its body shook slightly. Immediately, countless scale shadows appeared around it. Each of them contained Foundation Building magic power that could kill Qi Condensation cultivators.


    There were a hundred of them and they swept in all directions. However, Xu Qing was already approaching it.


    As the black flames in his body spread out, flames rose outside his body and gathered in his right hand, turning into a dagger.


    This was a spell that matched with the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art after ten magic apertures were opened. It was called the Fiendish Edge.


    Its appearance could be changed according to the cultivator¡¯s needs. At that moment, Xu Qing threw the dagger. It easily pierced into the torpedo scad¡¯s body, breaking its armor and transforming into flames that spread throughout its body.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. The shadow under Xu Qing¡¯s feet wasn¡¯t to be outdone and rapidly moved toward the torpedo scad, causing terror to appear in its eyes. Its entire body shook and the iron armor around its body instantly dispersed. After the burning flames on its body dissipated, the iron armor transformed into a metal storm that swept toward Xu Qing.


    It then swung its tail and broke through the surface of the sea, creating a water wall as it rose into the air. Xu Qing was blocked by the metal storm, the torpedo scad turned its head and stared fixedly at Xu Qing. It suddenly opened its mouth and spat out a black bead that was ten feet long.


    The bead was filled with rotting corpses of humans and beasts. All of them suddenly opened their eyes and let out mournful cries, as though they wanted to crawl out of the bead. Their limbs even protruded from the bead.


    This scene caused the bead to look like it was covered in soft thorns as it moved toward Xu Qing.


    A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The flames on his body rose even more. The Ba shadow behind him transformed and charged forward with a roar. The Forbidden Sea Plesiosaur rushed out from the bottom of the sea and devoured the black bead.


    As a shocking sound echoed, the bead was devoured by the plesiosaur. It seemed like it was about to explode in its body but it was firmly suppressed by the plesiosaur.


    However, the plesiosaur was formed from a spell after all and didn¡¯t seem to be able to last long.


    At this moment, Xu Qing also broke through the metal storm and activated all of his defenses. When he got close to the torpedo scad that had landed on the surface of the sea, the flames in his hand transformed into a new dagger that ruthlessly stabbed into the other party¡¯s eye.


    The torpedo scad roared and struggled to enter the deep sea. However, Xu Qing¡¯s shadow split into two. One connected to the island in the bay and the other wrapped around the torpedo scad.


    The torpedo scad felt as though it was bound. As it struggled, Xu Qing¡¯s right hand grabbed the dagger that had pierced into the other party¡¯s eyes. At the same time, he lifted his left hand and flames erupted from the ten magic apertures in his body. They gathered in his left hand and pressed down on the torpedo scad¡¯s body, spreading out and starting to burn it.


    As the flames burned it, strands of soul power rapidly fused into Xu Qing¡¯s body. However, at this moment, a sense of danger erupted in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    He abruptly lifted his head and immediately saw dozens of bronze swords whistling toward the torpedo scad with astonishing lethality.


    The range was very large and they completely ignored the fact that Xu Qing was still here. When they got close, vortexes appeared in the surrounding seawater, causing Xu Qing to have no choice but to release his hand and perform a series of hand seals. The black flames in his body transformed into a shield above him and blocked the swords.


    Amidst the rumbling sounds of impact, dozens of large bronze swords landed and penetrated the heavily injured torpedo scad, directly cutting it into pieces. Xu Qing also retreated from the impact.


    After he retreated out of the range of the bronze swords, Xu Qing stopped. His expression was gloomy as he looked at the dismembered fish corpse floating on the sea. He then looked at the youth who was approaching on a bronze sword.


    The red Daoist robe on the other party made him very conspicuous.


    ¡°Worthwhile to stay up late till dawn, and casually call out a treasure.¡±


    The youth from the First Peak stood on the large sword with his hands behind his back. Strands of qi and blood rose from the corpse parts of the torpedo scad and were absorbed by him. He then coldly looked at Xu Qing and turned to leave after leaving behind this baffling sentence.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He glanced at his Forbidden Sea Plesiosaur. The bead in its body no longer struggled because of the death of the torpedo scad. It was already suppressed by his life-bound plesiosaur and was being refined.


    As for the soul power in his body, although he didn¡¯t have time to extract all of it from the torpedo scad¡¯s body earlier, he still extracted 40% of it. At this moment, it was charging toward the eleventh magic aperture.


    At the next instant, the eleventh magic aperture was opened.


    The magic power in Xu Qing¡¯s body suddenly rose. He looked at the departing First Peak¡¯s youth. He could tell that the other party hadn¡¯t formed his life fire either. Hence, killing intent rose in his eyes. With a wave of his hand, the magic ship that was docked in the bay flashed with golden light and a terrifying divine fluctuation erupted.


    A golden beam of light shot out with incomparable holiness, directly blasting toward the departing First Peak youth.


    For the first time, the expression of the First Peak¡¯s youth changed. He quickly performed a series of hand seals in mid-air and the bronze sword under him stood in front of him to block. At the next instant, it came into contact with the divinity attack and directly shattered into pieces. At the same time, blood flowed from the corner of the First Peak¡¯s youth¡¯s mouth.


    His body was sent back a thousand feet from the force. Killing intent flashed in his eyes as he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°How easily youth takes its leave while I remain. High up on a building I face the wee hours with a shattered life!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t understand but his killing intent had already risen. His speed erupted as he headed straight for the other party. After he got close, the dagger appeared in his right hand and he slashed ruthlessly at the neck of the youth in front of him!

 Chapter 216 - Death in the Air

    Chapter 216: Death in the Air


    Xu Qing had his own principles.


    Previously, when the other party chased after a Foundation Building megalodon that was moving toward him, it wasn¡¯t that he wasn¡¯t tempted, but he restrained himself from attacking because he felt that it wasn¡¯t his.


    Just like when Captain Lei gave him the bun back then, he was deeply grateful and ate it bit by bit. However, he wouldn¡¯t think that it was wrong even if Captain Lei didn¡¯t give it to him.


    Therefore, when he treated Captain Lei to the snake later on, he ate it ravenously.


    He could eat his things however he wanted.


    What happened today was the same. He was the one who attracted this Foundation Building torpedo scad. Moreover, he had already beaten it to near death and was extracting its soul.


    However, the other party brazenly attacked and killed it. This behavior violated Xu Qing¡¯s red line.


    The last person to do this was the merfolk youth.


    Towards such a person, if they were extremely powerful, Xu Qing would endure it and kill them in the future. However, it was obvious that the other party wasn¡¯t that strong, so Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t endure it.


    He moved extremely fast. The dagger in his hand emitted a terrifying black fire. The instant he slashed at the other party¡¯s neck, a loud sound rang out.


    Although the large sword of the First Peak¡¯s youth collapsed, with a wave of his hand, an illusory sword appeared in front of him and blocked Xu Qing¡¯s dagger.


    As the sound spread out, the Ba shadow behind Xu Qing roared and punched out fiercely with its left hand.


    This punch contained all the power of his Mountains and Seas Art and his magic body, causing a vortex to appear in the void in front of him. It seemed to be able to tear through everything as it headed toward the First Peak¡¯s youth.


    The First Peak¡¯s youth¡¯s expression changed and he quickly retreated. He quickly performed a series of hand seals. However, at this moment, the shadow had silently reached him and bound his hands, interrupting his hand seals.


    The impact of this pause was extremely great.


    In the blink of an eye, the Ba shadow¡¯s left fist closed in and directly smashed into the illusory sword in front of the youth¡¯s chest.


    The fist broke through the large sword and landed on the youth¡¯s chest.


    The First Peak spat out blood as he was sent back like a broken kite. However, before he could neutralize the terrifying force in his body, the sea below rumbled and the plesiosaur broke out of the surface of the sea to devour him.


    There was also a huge shadow of the heavenly saber that appeared above Xu Qing. With a shocking momentum, it slashed at the First Peak¡¯s youth.


    At this critical moment, the eyes of the First Peak¡¯s youth turned red and he let out a roar. It was as though a stove had been ignited in his body like the Mystic Brilliance Form.


    As the boundless light spread out, the plesiosaur below shattered, turning into countless pieces that fell into the sea. Although it reformed, it was clearly heavily injured. The moment the heavenly saber landed, a loud sound rang out.


    Although it slashed down completely, it didn¡¯t cut the First Peak¡¯s youth into two. Under the eruption of the stove in his body, the First Peak¡¯s youth only spat out blood and borrowed the momentum to retreat by 1000 feet.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He could tell that although the stove in the other party¡¯s body was similar to the Mystic Brilliance Form, it was not the real one. It should be formed by some kind of secret art that could display a portion of the power of the Mystic Brilliance Form.


    However, it was impossible to get out unscathed after using the power of the Mystic Brilliance Form before the life fire was formed.


    As the youth from the First Peak retreated, he spat out a lot of blood. The stove in his body disappeared and his face turned pale. However, he didn¡¯t avoid Xu Qing¡¯s gaze at all. Instead, his battle intent grew increasingly intense.


    He didn¡¯t know Xu Qing, nor did he think he needed to know him. As the most recent disciple of the First Peak¡¯s Peak Lord, as the ninth highness of the First Peak, it had been a long time since he had encountered someone from the same sect who could beat him to such an extent.


    The killing intent in his eyes was intense. As he coldly looked at Xu Qing, he regulated the surging qi and blood in his body and wiped the blood from the corners of his mouth. He then waved his right hand fiercely. Immediately, large bronze swords appeared behind him one after another.


    More than 30 of them formed instantly. They arranged themselves into a rhombus pattern that looked like an array formation. He pointed at Xu Qing; immediately, these large swords charged straight toward Xu Qing.


    He also rushed toward Xu Qing along with the swords.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm and he charged straight forward without the slightest hesitation. With a wave of his hand, black flames rose from the 11 magic apertures in his body and erupted outside his body, causing his entire person to turn into a burning person. There were also daggers that transformed from the flames.


    The two of them instantly collided in mid-air. A rumbling sound rang out, shaking the heavens and the earth.


    All of Xu Qing¡¯s daggers collapsed and the flames on his body dimmed. However, the large swords of the First Peak¡¯s youth also shattered into pieces.


    The fight between the two became even more intense.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about his injuries at all. His body refinement technique combined with his magic body gave him a powerful body.


    However, the youth from the First Peak wasn¡¯t ordinary either. Many sword shadows formed in the surroundings and slashed at Xu Qing. They fought until the sky darkened. Wherever they passed, waves would surge and ebb.


    Xu Qing waved his right hand, and the huge waves instantly transformed into a large hand that grabbed at the First Peak¡¯s youth. As for the youth, he performed a series of hand seals and pressed between his brows. The mark of the sun appeared on his forehead and flashed toward the large hand. The large hand formed by seawater directly collapsed.


    Xu Qing frowned but he did not stop attacking. When the two of them got close enough, he directly punched the youth¡¯s head.


    Blood flowed out of the corners of Xu Qing¡¯s mouth. As for the youth, he wailed miserably and his forehead was caved in like it was about to shatter. He quickly retreated.


    Xu Qing was about to pursue but his mind trembled and he retreated immediately.


    The instant he retreated, numerous sharp blade fragments that had shattered earlier suddenly rose from the bottom of the sea, forming a sharp blade storm that swept past the place Xu Qing was at earlier.


    If he had really chased after the youth, he would definitely have been hit by the blade storm.


    As for the wailing youth, he no longer wailed but stopped dozens of feet away. His breathing was hurried as he looked at Xu Qing with shock.


    He knew he was very strong. His master had also praised him as the strongest new Foundation Building cultivator in the history of the First Peak before the Mystic Brilliance Form.


    He thought so too.


    Today, his thoughts were shaken. However, he was still unconvinced, so he spoke gloomily.


    ¡°When the heavens stroll, will the sun and moon dare to shine?!¡±


    What responded to him was the second divinity attack from Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship.


    Wherever the divine light passed, the sea would rumble and the sky seemed to distort. The expression of the First Peak¡¯s youth changed drastically. He immediately waved his hand and a jade talisman appeared in front of him.


    It instantly exploded and a large number of soul shadows surged out.


    These soul shadows were all beasts he had killed. He had used a special method to seal them as a spell for himself. Most of them were beasts from the forbidden zone¡¯s jungle. At this moment, they formed a black beast head that resisted the divinity.


    The surroundings shook.


    The First Peak¡¯s youth bit the tip of his tongue and spat out some blood in his hand. He quickly pressed it on his forehead.


    His body trembled and his qi and blood instantly overflowed. His skin completely turned red and he seemed to have turned into a bloody person with an even sharper intent.


    Vaguely, a large blood-colored sword formed outside his body. It enveloped and became one with him. He tore through the air toward Xu Qing.


    A sense of danger surfaced in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. He waved his hand without hesitating; immediately, the 5,000-foot-long spirit seas in each of the 11 magic apertures in his body rose in unison.


    55,000 feet of spirit sea suddenly erupted around him.


    This eruption influenced the sea, causing the surrounding 55,000 feet of the Forbidden Sea to rise and fuse with his spirit sea. The aura of the Forbidden Sea inside had turned so dense that it had transformed into a kind of suppression.


    The blood sword collided with it.


    Xu Qing¡¯s 55,000-foot-long spirit sea fluctuated intensely and was rapidly neutralized. As for the blood sword, it also showed signs of collapsing.


    Ten breaths later, the blood sword collapsed. As it shattered into pieces, the youth¡¯s body rolled back. However, the instant he was sent back, Xu Qing¡¯s 5000-foot-long spirit sea squirmed and transformed into a huge fist that punched out fiercely.


    The sea roared and the First Peak¡¯s youth spat out large mouthfuls of blood. He decisively took out a pearl and crushed it.


    Immediately, a layer of fog surrounded him and blocked Xu Qing¡¯s terrifying attack. At the same time, he quickly fled into the distance.


    He didn¡¯t want to fight anymore.


    On one hand, he felt that he couldn¡¯t do anything to the other party. On the other hand, he was a little frightened by the dense spirit sea of this Seventh Peak¡¯s disciple.


    He couldn¡¯t see through the other party¡¯s cultivation but he felt that he shouldn¡¯t be far from forming his life fire.


    However, the instant he fled, a black shadow that seemed to have been hiding in the sea beneath him for a long time suddenly appeared and wrapped around his legs.


    At the same time, a black iron stick, which had been hidden until now, headed straight for the youth¡¯s neck!


    All of this happened too suddenly and the youth almost lost his balance. The black iron stick landed on his neck.


    However, it wasn¡¯t able to break the youth¡¯s neck. As for the shadow¡¯s entanglement, the youth¡¯s body seemed to have been smeared with oil and he quickly broke free.


    However, the price of resolving this life-and-death situation was the shattering of a jade pendant that the youth was wearing.


    This was a life-saving item his master had given him. To a certain extent, it could be used as a substitute for death once. After it shattered, the youth¡¯s eyes revealed fear for the first time. He instantly sped up and left.


    However, behind him, Xu Qing waved his hand and the magic ship flew over from the bay. Xu Qing stepped on it. As the shadow and the black iron stick returned, Xu Qing chased after the fleeing youth.


    He didn¡¯t hesitate at all the entire time.


    The other party was very strong. It could even be said that other than the captain in his Mystic Brilliance Form, he was the strongest Foundation Building cultivator Xu Qing had encountered.


    Back then, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor would probably be killed in three breaths of time if he encountered this person.


    However, daring to snatch his things meant this person was on his must-kill list!

 Chapter 217 - Tragic

    Chapter 217: Tragic


    Although the youth from the First Peak was fast, this was the sea. No matter how fast he was, he had to rely on himself, especially since the bronze sword had been destroyed by Xu Qing.


    As for Xu Qing, he was moving on his magic ship. Not only did he not consume his energy, but he could also recover during the pursuit. In this way, the outcome of this chase could naturally be imagined.


    In reality, this was the strength of the Seventh Peak¡¯s boat cultivators.


    As a boat cultivator, after reaching the Foundation Building realm, not only were they powerful on the shore, but they could also last a long time in sea battles. In just two hours, Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship caught up with the anxious youth.


    When it came to killing, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t be stingy with the divinity of the magic ship. The instant he got close, the divinity attack erupted explosively.


    The First Peak¡¯s youth let out a blood-curdling scream. He quickly performed a series of hand seals and took out a large number of talismans to block the attack. Only then did he avoid death with some injuries. He didn¡¯t even turn his head as he continued to flee.


    Xu Qing let out a cold snort and continued to pursue.


    Very soon, night fell.


    When the sun set, and the sky and sea seemed to turn into one color, Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship caught up again. This time, he didn¡¯t use divinity but leaped up fiercely the moment he caught up.


    With a wave of his hand, the sea roared and the plesiosaur suddenly rushed out to stop the First Peak¡¯s youth. At the same time, Xu Qing also strode toward the other party.


    He also threw out the black iron stick which circled the surroundings, searching for an opportunity.


    At this moment, the excitement of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had already reached the peak of his life.


    ¡°Master, Master, we must get rid of this guy!¡±


    ¡°According to my countless experiences reading ancient books, this kid isn¡¯t a simple person. I can tell from his clothes that he¡¯s from the First Peak of your Seven Blood Eyes. Moreover, he¡¯s already so strong even though he¡¯s at the Foundation Building realm and hasn¡¯t formed his life fire. Generally speaking, such a person is the main character in the books. His identity shouldn¡¯t be simple either, he might even be a highness.¡±


    ¡°Master Have you noticed? This fellow never speaks properly. In the books, people with such characteristics are very difficult to kill!¡±


    ¡°However, compared to Master, he¡¯s a fake dragon, only Master is a true dragon. In the ancient books I read, although such a person is filled with luck, Master will be able to obtain his luck after he¡¯s killed. We can¡¯t let him off!¡±


    ¡°Also, this person is too pretentious. His words are rubbish. If we beat him until he speaks human language, it will be so satisfying!¡±


    As the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor spoke excitedly, he controlled the black iron stick to rapidly approach. At the same time, he was cheering in his mind.


    ¡®You¡¯re dead meat. I¡¯m the only one who can survive this Demon Xu¡¯s pursuit. There won¡¯t be a second one!¡¯


    The black iron stick controlled by the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was extremely fast. The instant it got close, Xu Qing also stepped over. He raised his right hand and pressed down fiercely. Immediately, the heavenly saber appeared and ruthlessly descended.


    The First Peak youth wailed inwardly and immediately took out more than ten talismans and threw them out in unison. He decisively made them self-destruct. They formed powerful energy waves that resisted the plesiosaur below and the heavenly saber above, making space for him to dodge.


    However, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor found an opportunity and instantly pierced through his arm.


    The First Peak¡¯s youth¡¯s breathing was hurried and viciousness appeared in his eyes as he let out a low roar.


    ¡°Burn!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the blood on the black iron stick burned.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor exclaimed and quickly suppressed it. After that, he seemed to feel that he had lost face and let out a low shout. He immediately formed into a large seal and sent it smashing at the other party.


    The First Peak¡¯s youth was about to attack but Xu Qing had already arrived. When he got close, the black flames on his body flew out, enveloping the youth as though they wanted to extract his soul.


    This ruthless and savage action completely intimidated the First Peak¡¯s youth. He spoke anxiously, wanting to tell the other party that there was no need for this since they were from the same sect.


    ¡°Home in the Southern Immortal Kingdom, we are fellow villagers!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t understand and his ears automatically blocked the other party¡¯s words. The black fire enveloped the youth with all its might.


    At this critical moment, the First Peak¡¯s youth took out a statue. This statue was black and had the shape of a human. After he threw it out, it instantly shone with light and transformed.


    It transformed into a middle-aged cultivator in a black Daoist robe. He expressionlessly waved his sleeve at Xu Qing. Immediately, a violent wind appeared, sweeping in all directions and blocking Xu Qing¡¯s black flames.


    The black flames shook and rolled back. Xu Qing¡¯s body also trembled and blood flowed out of his mouth. He quickly retreated far away. When he looked forward again, the youth from the First Peak had already taken the opportunity to escape.


    ¡°Master, this kid has too many tricks up his sleeve. Let¡¯s use poison!¡± The black iron stick quickly returned and the voice of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor rang out, revealing a strong sense of common hatred.


    ¡°I used it long ago,¡± Xu Qing said coldly as he looked at the First Peak¡¯s youth in the distance.


    At this moment, the First Peak¡¯s youth suddenly spat out a large mouthful of black blood. The horror on his face was clearly much greater than before. He sensed that his qi and blood were unstable and his internal organs were aching as though they were being corroded.


    This sign of poisoning caused him to hurriedly take out the antidote pills. However, not only were they useless, but the poisoning became even more intense.


    This poison was specially refined by Xu Qing to counter antidotes. It was very difficult for his poison to be neutralized by antidotes.


    The First Peak¡¯s youth had no choice but to use a secret art to forcefully suppress the poison while shouting inwardly.


    He felt that there was no need for this matter to be like this. He had already said that they were both from the same sect. Why was there a need to continue the battle? Wasn¡¯t it just snatching a Foundation Building sea beast? There was no need to chase after him to the death.


    ¡°The chaotic world is the time, who am I to push others too far!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care. He controlled the magic ship and rammed the youth fiercely.


    The youth let out a mournful cry. He felt that he couldn¡¯t communicate with this kid from the Seventh Peak. He had already introduced himself and revealed his identity, but the other party still wanted to fight.


    If this continued, he might really die here. This made him anxious. He bit the tip of his tongue again and spat out a mouthful of blood, transforming into a blood sword to distance himself.


    Just like that, time passed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s cruelty and persistence were completely reflected in this pursuit. He chased after this First Peak youth for two days and three nights in a row!


    During this time, they fought many times. There would be explosive sounds every time they fought and the poison on the youth¡¯s body would deepen. However, this person was quite capable. It was unknown what method he used but he actually used the Blood Release Technique to neutralize a portion of the poison.


    At the same time, he also used his secret art many times. Every time, he would transform into a blood sword and escape, causing Xu Qing to only be able to injure him despite attacking several times. It was difficult to kill the youth in one strike.


    However, Xu Qing was very patient and continued to pursue. At the same time, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor also gasped inwardly. He looked at the youth in front of him and thought of himself.


    ¡®Kid, even though you can be considered the main character in the books, you can¡¯t do anything when you encounter Demon Xu. Unless you learn from me, but the spots are limited. There is only the magic ship left for you.¡¯ As the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor took a deep breath, he couldn¡¯t help but feel very proud.


    At that moment, this First Peak youth¡¯s hair was disheveled and his robes were tattered. He was in an extremely weak state, and his face was very pale due to the excessive loss of blood.


    He had bitten his tongue countless times. He felt that if he continued to bite, his tongue would probably be gone. His coldness had long disappeared.


    He had never met such a persistent person who would chase others for two days and three nights without sleep or rest. That momentum seemed to indicate that the other party would not give up unless he was killed.


    ¡°Autumn turned into winter with a numb heart, what is the destination of the falling leaves and blood!¡±


    The youth let out a mournful cry. He fiercely threw a jade slip behind him. The jade slip instantly exploded and a large number of souls appeared.


    These souls didn¡¯t emit any offensive postures, as though he was giving them to Xu Qing.


    These were all things he had collected. On one hand, they were needed for cultivation. On the other hand, he planned to return to the sect and sell them to the Foundation Building cultivators of the Seventh Peak. He knew that although these souls weren¡¯t as good as fresh souls when they were extracted from live beings, they were barely enough.


    ¡°Moon near the water, who doesn¡¯t know you are Xuanyuan!¡±


    In order to survive, he said this aggrievedly. After he finished speaking, he bit the tip of his tongue again and transformed into a blood sword to distance himself. Although Xu Qing couldn¡¯t understand the other party¡¯s nonsensical words, after seeing these souls, the black fire in his body spread out and breathed in.


    Immediately, these souls were absorbed into Xu Qing¡¯s body without any resistance. They turned into firewood and burned, attacking the twelfth magic aperture and blasting it open by half.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he chased even faster.


    This scene caused the grief and indignation on the face of the First Peak¡¯s youth to become even more intense. He felt that the other party was too impolite. He had already begged for mercy and given him compensation. He had already said that they were a family and even flattered the other party. Why did he have to go so far!!


    Wasn¡¯t it just a beast? There was no need for it to be like this. Hence, he quickly spoke.


    ¡°We see the sun, moon, and stars every day; old friends come and go; we are immortals!!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and continued to chase. Just like that, another day and night passed. The First Peak¡¯s youth had already thrown out all the souls he had accumulated.


    Xu Qing also opened two of the magic apertures in his body, directly reaching 13 opened apertures!


    However, he continued to chase and didn¡¯t give up at all. He also forcefully rushed over many times to kill the youth but the other party always escaped.


    As for the First Peak¡¯s youth, there was almost nothing left of his robe. In particular, the circles under his eyes were completely black, accentuating his even paler countenance.


    He even felt that he had seen stars several times. The feeling of dizziness and fatigue, as well as the weakness of his body and the corrosion of the poison, made him feel extreme despair.


    He was glad that he had made many preparations for this trip to the sea, allowing him to maintain his combat strength. He had successfully escaped several times from the Seventh Peak¡¯s pursuer.


    However, these surrounding areas were too far away. After so many days, he still didn¡¯t manage to escape back to the sect. It would take at least five more days.


    At the thought of this, the First Peak¡¯s youth felt even more despair. He also transmitted his message but the sea was too vast and his voice transmission couldn¡¯t reach that far.


    Seeing that the kid behind him was about to speed up again, the First Peak¡¯s youth wailed inwardly. Suddenly, a rumbling sound appeared in the sky in front of him.


    Figures whistled past in the distant sky. Thunder rumbled and a vortex formed in the sea.


    There were dozens of figures fighting each other. It could be seen that they were divided into two groups and their cultivation levels were hard to describe. Just the aftershocks from passing by made the sea seem like it was about to be suppressed and violent winds kept blowing in all directions.


    The sky also dimmed.


    As for the auras they emitted, even though they were very far away, it still caused the mind of the First Peak¡¯s youth to tremble violently and he even spat out a mouthful of blood.


    Xu Qing, who was at the back, also saw this scene. His mind also rumbled and he spat out blood.


    He looked at the figures flying in the sky. Any one of them was like a god, surpassing the Third Elder.


    Just a glance at them made Xu Qing feel as though his body was about to collapse. This caused his breathing to become heavy. One of the figures and the great wing under his feet allowed Xu Qing to recognize the other party¡¯s identity.


    At the same time, the eyes of the First Peak¡¯s youth lit up. He saw that one of those figures was his master, so he shouted crazily.


    ¡°The broken sun shines another day, a new line in the vast sea!!!¡±

 Chapter 218 - One Talisman, Two Lives

    Chapter 218: One Talisman, Two Lives


    Perhaps it was because the First Peak¡¯s youth was too agitated, magic power gushed into his throat, causing his voice to break.


    His voice came out as sharp and miserable.


    Dozens of cultivators from both sides who were fighting in the distance heard the shout of the youth.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression also changed as he abruptly retreated.


    What made him retreat wasn¡¯t just the inexplicable words of the First Peak¡¯s youth, but ¡­the dozens of gazes that the voice had attracted.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, any one of these cultivators in the distant sky was like a god. Even though the aura they emitted was so far away, it still caused his body to tumble and he spat out blood.


    Now, they all looked over¡­


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. The magic ship¡¯s protective barriers were all activated. He also took out many protective talismans. In fact, he even covered the ship with the plesiosaur.


    At the next instant, waves of unimaginable and indescribable pressure descended. Xu Qing¡¯s mind was shaken. The plesiosaur collapsed and so did his talismans.


    Fortunately, his magic ship wasn¡¯t ordinary and had divinity. Although the protective barriers had collapsed, the ship was intact.


    As Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled, he spat out a lot of blood. However, as the magic ship¡¯s defense reformed and he continued to accelerate his retreat, the pressure from the gazes were neutralized.


    As for the First Peak¡¯s youth, he also spat out blood. Three of the life-saving items protecting his body shattered in a row and he spat out seven to eight mouthfuls of blood. In fact, the blood-colored sword he transformed into also shattered into pieces. He even took out an extraordinary shield to resist but it still shattered.


    All of these barely allowed him to resist the pressure of the gazes.


    Xu Qing still felt lingering fear. As he rapidly retreated, he looked at the sky.


    The attacks of those god-like beings had changed the color of the sky and storms rose all around them.


    Among these figures, Xu Qing saw the peak lord of the Seventh Peak and six other people beside him. Although their clothes were of different colors, their auras were equally astonishing.


    Regarding the identities of these people, Xu Qing didn¡¯t need to guess anything.


    They should be the peak lords of the various mountain peaks of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The ones who could fight against them and not be at a disadvantage were none other than the Sea Corpse Race.


    Xu Qing had seen the Sea Corpse Race on Merfolk Island. With his sharp gaze, he saw that the Sea Corpse Race members in the sky were all in human form. All of them wore black armor and their eyes revealed black flames. As the corpse poison on their bodies permeated the air, their pressure soared to the sky.


    Other than that, there were also some cultivators beside both sides. Although these cultivators¡¯ cultivation levels were much weaker than the main battle forces, they were still powerful. Among them¡­ Xu Qing saw Third Elder and also saw similar-leveled cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race.


    Seeing this was already Xu Qing¡¯s limit, his eyes stung and he couldn¡¯t continue staring. He knew that he couldn¡¯t look anymore. Otherwise, he would definitely go blind and his body also wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand it.


    At the same time, a low roar rang out from the sky. An old man in a crimson Daoist robe on the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ side suddenly waved his hand and golden swords formed around him. After forcing back the Sea Corpse Race cultivator who was fighting with him, he headed straight for Xu Qing and the First Peak¡¯s youth.


    This old man¡¯s face was as red as his robe and there seemed to be a burning person in his body. Even looking at him could shake the soul. Dense heat was continuously released from his body.


    Seeing him, the First Peak¡¯s youth¡¯s eyes revealed excitement as he roared loudly.


    ¡°A new line in the vast sea, the broken sun shines another day!!!¡±


    ¡°You rascal who doesn¡¯t know how to speak human language, hurry up and scram. You¡¯re courting death by staying here!¡± The old man from the First Peak who was rushing over shouted in a low voice. He turned his head and swept his sword horizontally, fighting against the Sea Corpse Race member who had stopped him from leaving the battlefield.


    In the blink of an eye, the two sides moved their battle further and further away.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he continued to make his ship retreat even more.


    As for the First Peak¡¯s youth not far away, he was also anxious. He knew very well that once his master left, he would be dead meat. Hence, he shouted with a red face and bloodshot eyes.


    ¡°Master, save me. This kid from the Seventh Peak has been chasing me for ten days and ten nights. He won¡¯t stop until he kills me. Master, don¡¯t leave. Save me!!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. The magic ship beneath him hummed and dove into the deep sea.


    The old man from the First Peak was stunned. He was aware that this last disciple of his had become possessed ever since he found out that Ancient King Mystic Nether liked to hide profundities in poems. He rarely spoke human language and his every sentence was filled with nonsense.


    The last time he heard the kid speak human language was three years ago.


    His gaze instantly landed in the direction Xu Qing had fled in.


    Although he was separated by the seawater, Xu Qing¡¯s mind still shook under the other party¡¯s gaze. His body couldn¡¯t help but tremble and his entire body seemed to have lost all mobility at this moment. It was as though he was imprisoned and his life was on the line.


    ¡°You¡­¡± The First Peak¡¯s Peak Lord was about to speak.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a fight between children.¡± At this moment, a calm voice rang out from the sky.


    The person who spoke was the Seventh Peak¡¯s Peak Lord, who was standing on a great wing and fighting three Sea Corpse Race members alone with ease.


    The expression of the First Peak¡¯s youth changed.


    However, the First Peak¡¯s Peak Lord was as calm as ever. It was unknown if the words he was about to say earlier had changed as he continued to speak.


    ¡°The two of you are fooling around. What time is it now and you¡¯re still fighting among yourselves!¡± As he spoke, he waved his hand and threw out a golden talisman. This talisman looked like a runic treasure but it gave people the feeling that it was a hundred times stronger. It headed straight for the sea area where Xu Qing had dived into.


    After it got close, the talisman split into two. One of them instantly burrowed into the sea and chased after Xu Qing, breaking through the defense of his magic ship and sticking to his body. The other one ignored the horror of the First Peak¡¯s youth and slapped his face.


    The runes landed on both of them at the same time. Xu Qing and the First Peak¡¯s youth¡¯s bodies trembled. The runes dissipated, forming golden patterns that imprinted themselves on their skin.


    Upon closer inspection, these patterns seemed to have the same source.


    ¡°This is a life-linking talisman. It¡¯s fine if you¡¯re injured, but if one of you dies, the other¡¯s soul will be destroyed. If you¡¯re willing to kill, then so be it. If you¡¯re not, then scram back to the sect immediately. When you return, the life-linking will dissipate on its own!¡±


    The old man from the First Peak let out a low shout, stirring up a monstrous wave that swept Xu Qing and the First Peak¡¯s youth into the distance. After that, he rushed into the group of Sea Corpse cultivators. With a sweep of his sword, he directly severed half of a Sea Corpse cultivator¡¯s leg.


    The Sea Corpse Race cultivator was still moving, but the sword qi erupted and its lower body instantly collapsed.


    He was immediately stopped by a Sea Corpse Race cultivator of the same realm. The group of people from both sides moved further and further away as they battled.


    As the waves rose and fell, Xu Qing surfaced again with an ugly expression. He looked at the mark on his arm.


    This mark wasn¡¯t only formed on his arm but also on his entire body.


    The youth from the First Peak not far away was the same. However, what was different from Xu Qing was that he looked relieved. He even took out the broken large sword and approached Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship.


    Xu Qing looked at him coldly and spoke.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°I lived a befuddled life, my face is covered as I walk to the end of the world.¡± The First Peak¡¯s youth glanced at Xu Qing and calmly spoke.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t hold back his killing intent. He waved his right hand fiercely. Immediately, a dagger formed by black flames materialized and headed straight for the youth.


    The youth¡¯s heart skipped a beat but he trusted his master. Hence, he endured it and didn¡¯t dodge, allowing the dagger to reach his neck. Just as it was about to cut the youth, Xu Qing felt an intense sense of danger.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He was certain that this life-linking talisman was truly powerful.


    With this life-linking talisman, he indeed couldn¡¯t kill the other party. As for crippling the latter¡¯s body or cultivation, it was meaningless.


    Once he went overboard, with this person¡¯s ruthlessness, it wasn¡¯t impossible for him to commit suicide.


    Moreover, this person was quite powerful. He would have to put some effort to cripple the other part. After Xu Qing weighed the pros and cons, he temporarily suppressed his killing intent and coldly glanced at the First Peak¡¯s youth. He then kept his dagger and returned to the magic ship.


    As Xu Qing left, the mind of the First Peak¡¯s youth recovered a little from the shock earlier. He had been really terrified as he also felt danger to his life.


    As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor in the black iron stick, he took a deep breath and looked at the distant Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Peak Lord. His mind was filled with sighs.


    ¡®Why didn¡¯t I think of this!! This f*cking works too!!!¡¯


    As for Xu Qing, after he returned to the ship, he sat down and controlled a part of the shadow to cover his body, causing it to emit anomalous substances in an attempt to corrode his body.


    This method was the method Xu Qing thought of to erase the life-linking talisman.


    Under the corrosion of the shadow, the life talisman dimmed a little. However, the process was slow.


    Xu Qing no longer bothered with the First Peak¡¯s youth. While slowly grinding down the talisman, he took out a bamboo slip and grabbed the black iron stick to carve on it.


    As he carved, the eyes of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor widened.


    He saw the names on the bamboo slip.


    His focus immediately went to the words ¡®Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯ at the top. His heart skipped a beat as he felt how vindictive Xu Qing was.


    What made him tremble the most was that although his name had been crossed out, it was different from the other names. The others¡¯ names had been crossed out three times, but his name was only crossed once, and it was very faint.


    ¡®Do you still want to kill me?!¡¯ The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was horrified. He felt that he had to work hard to become more useful as soon as possible and strive to have more lines on his name.


    He also saw the new name Xu Qing had written.


    Idiot.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor secretly glanced at the First Peak¡¯s youth and deeply agreed.


    At this moment, the First Peak¡¯s youth was heaving a long sigh of relief. He thought to himself that if he hadn¡¯t met his master, he would have really lost his life this time.


    Also, when he saw Old Master Seventh speaking up for the other party earlier, he couldn¡¯t help but have some guesses. After that, he noticed Xu Qing¡¯s actions and felt intense curiosity.


    However, he didn¡¯t know many poems and usually made up the stanzas randomly. Right now, there were a lot of questions he wanted to ask, but he didn¡¯t know how to phrase them.


    A long time later, he finally spoke.


    ¡°Listen to the sound of the rain during a sleepless night, is the immortal in the sky your father?¡±


    Xu Qing ignored this brain-damaged youth. After carving the word ¡®idiot¡¯, he placed the bamboo slip into his pocket and activated the magic ship¡¯s protective barrier, instantly isolating the other party¡¯s figure.


    After that, he was about to control the ship to leave this place, when a mournful cry rang out from the distant horizon.


    Xu Qing instantly looked over. At a glance, he saw that in the direction the two groups had left in, the corpse of a Golden Core cultivator of the Sea Corpse Race who only had half of his body left suddenly fell from the sky and sank in the sea.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes immediately narrowed.

 Chapter 219 - Xu Qings Dao Protector!

    Chapter 219: Xu Qing¡¯s Dao Protector!


    Xu Qing recognized that this falling Sea Corpse Race cultivator was the one who had half of his body destroyed by the First Peak¡¯s Peak Lord¡¯s sword earlier. The other party was already heavily injured at that time. Clearly, he had been cut down in the subsequent battle.


    Although it didn¡¯t look like he had really died, even if he didn¡¯t die, he would definitely be on the verge of death.


    Xu Qing stared at the surface of the sea where the other party had fallen. His eyes flickered with a glint that was similar to when the captain looked at the flesh of Binding back then. The youth from the First Peak outside his magic ship also looked over with a hesitant expression.


    Xu Qing fell silent for a few breaths before a decisive expression appeared on his face. The plesiosaur under his magic ship headed straight for the bottom of the sea under Xu Qing¡¯s control. Very soon, it saw the falling Sea Corpse Race cultivator.


    This person was in an extremely miserable state. His lower body and head were all gone, leaving only his upper body. His black blood fused into the seawater, and he was not moving like he had no life left.


    At the next instant, the Forbidden Sea Plesiosaur bit it. However, at this moment, the broken body suddenly moved. It raised its right hand and pressed down on the approaching plesiosaur.


    With this push, the plesiosaur¡¯s entire body rumbled and directly collapsed. Only the torpedo scad¡¯s black bead was left. Immediately after, a new plesiosaur manifested again.


    The Sea Corpse Race cultivator seemed to have lost all his strength. His right hand hung down and the aura he emitted became even weaker. In fact, because of the attack earlier, more wounds appeared on his broken body.


    Seeing this scene, Xu Qing quickly performed a series of hand seals with both hands. Immediately, the plesiosaur that had reformed at the bottom of the sea approached again and bit down ruthlessly. This time, although it still collapsed under the attack of the half-dead body, it bit off one of his fingers.


    However, Xu Qing still didn¡¯t go over personally. He continued to reform the plesiosaur. In addition, he didn¡¯t hide his attacks, so the First Peak¡¯s youth at the side clearly sensed this.


    The youth originally had some hesitation, but when he saw this scene, his eyes instantly lit up. He swept his gaze across Xu Qing and then looked down at the sea. At the same time, Xu Qing controlled the plesiosaur to attack again.


    Amidst the rumbling, one of the arms of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s corpse collapsed while the plesiosaur was destroyed. Xu Qing suddenly stood up and was about to rush out.


    The youth from the First Peak laughed and rushed into the sea before Xu Qing, heading straight for the broken Sea Corpse Race cultivator.


    Xu Qing stepped into the sea without stopping. He seemed to be moving at full speed but he was holding back. He coldly looked at the back of the First Peak¡¯s youth in front of him.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t plan to go over first. Even though the plesiosaur had probed many times, he was still cautious. He felt that cultivators at the same level as an elder probably had a life-saving method even in such a situation.


    This was especially so for the strange Sea Corpse Race. Xu Qing had seen their terrifying recovery ability before.


    Hence, it would naturally be best if someone could investigate first.


    As for whether the First Peak¡¯s youth would be killed¡­ Xu Qing didn¡¯t think it was possible.


    The other party clearly had some life-saving methods hidden. If he really died, Xu Qing would use the shadow to cover himself although he wasn¡¯t completely sure of its effectiveness. He could only give it a try when the time came.


    Xu Qing maintained a certain distance from the other party under the sea. The First Peak¡¯s youth got close to the Sea Corpse Race cultivator and performed a series of hand seals with both hands. Immediately, large swords formed and headed straight for the corpse.


    He wasn¡¯t stupid. Although he had rushed out earlier and Xu Qing was about to catch up to him, he felt that there might be a trap. It was just that the temptation was too great, so he wasn¡¯t willing to give up. Now that he was close, he was planning to probe first.


    The dozen or so large swords got close to the corpse and were about to cut it. However, at that moment, the chest of the Sea Corpse Race cultivator suddenly split open and a ball of black blood flowed out. It directly transformed into a malevolent ghost shadow and roared at the First Peak¡¯s youth.


    This roar instantly stirred up a violent force, causing the dozen or so large swords to instantly collapse and shatter inch by inch. At the same time, blood flowed out of the seven apertures of the First Peak¡¯s youth. The jade pendant in his hand had long shattered, forming a protective barrier as he rapidly retreated.


    His expression contained a trace of horror. As he dodged the impact, Xu Qing whistled out from behind him and headed straight for the Sea Corpse Race cultivator. His speed was so fast that he instantly got close.


    The ghost shadow on the Sea Corpse Race cultivator¡¯s chest roared again.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The black umbrella that was hidden in his body opened slightly as he charged forward. A muffled sound rang out from under the sea.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled violently and blood flowed out. At the same time, he ruthlessly threw out the dagger formed by the black flames in his right hand and stabbed the ghost shadow.


    The ghost shadow swayed and black flames filled its entire body. At the same time, a second ghost shadow crawled out of the cultivator¡¯s chest and let out a low roar again.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body shook intensely and he was forced to retreat hundreds of feet away. As for the Sea Corpse Race cultivator, he also took this opportunity to speed up his descent, wanting to escape.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes flashed with a cold light. From the contact earlier, he could sense a trace of remnant soul on the other party¡¯s body. This remnant soul was extremely tempting to him. At the same time, he could faintly see a storage bag on the other party¡¯s body.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t plan to let go of such an opportunity.


    After all, it was extremely rare to encounter an elder-level existence on the verge of death. Even if there were, there would definitely be a lot of people fighting for it.


    Xu Qing made a decision. He looked at the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s corpse that was rapidly sinking to the bottom of the sea and rushed over.


    The plesiosaur also arrived and enveloped him, causing Xu Qing¡¯s speed to increase. The magic ship also dived into the sea. Golden light flickered on it as the divinity attack was prepared.


    As for the First Peak¡¯s youth, his eyes were wide open as he looked at Xu Qing¡¯s figure chasing after the corpse. His thoughts instantly became chaotic. Although he was tempted by the corpse, he felt that it wasn¡¯t worth it to risk his life for it.


    As the ninth highness of the First Peak, he could take appropriate risks but he couldn¡¯t choose to risk his life. After all, as long as he followed the prescribed plan, his future would be bright.


    However¡­ Xu Qing went.


    He was connected to Xu Qing with the life-linking talisman. The restrictions of this talisman were on both sides. If he died, Xu Qing¡¯s soul would dissipate. Similarly, if Xu Qing died, his soul would also dissipate.


    This made him, who had felt comfortable earlier, instantly feel incomparably anxious.


    He suddenly felt that his master wasn¡¯t that wise and mighty¡­ Hence, he was extremely conflicted at this moment. In the end, he gritted his teeth and cursed in his mind as he followed.


    Moreover, his speed was even faster. He bit the tip of his tongue that was about to disappear and used the secret technique to transform into a blood sword. He was afraid that if he was too late, this lunatic from the Seventh Peak would lose his life.


    After catching up to Xu Qing, the First Peak¡¯s youth felt extremely aggrieved as he threw a life-saving jade talisman he loved to Xu Qing¡­


    Seeing Xu Qing skillfully take the jade talisman, the First Peak¡¯s youth wailed in his mind. He felt that he shouldn¡¯t have snatched the other party¡¯s sea beast on this trip to the sea.


    Now, under the life-linking talisman, not only did he not feel comfortable, but he also had to become the other party¡¯s Dao Protector. He had to risk his life so that Xu Qing would not die.


    This grievance erupted to the extreme after he saw Xu Qing crashing into the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s cultivator. He sped up crazily and had no choice but to attack together with Xu Qing. He had to consider his own protection while also protecting Xu Qing.


    Just like that, the two of them began an intense battle with the broken body of the Sea Corpse Race cultivator in the sea. Although the other party only had a remnant soul left, the ghost shadow he transformed into was extraordinary. The two of them were heavily injured many times.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t seem to care about his life. This caused the youth¡¯s heart to feel even more aggrieved. He kept giving Xu Qing life-saving jade talismans and even used his trump cards, trying to end this battle as soon as possible.


    In the end, Xu Qing simply didn¡¯t bother to protect himself. He performed hand seals with both hands and released black flames continuously. He continued to attack and absorb traces of the other party¡¯s soul power, while he was being desperately protected by the First Peak¡¯s youth.


    If an outsider saw this level of protection, they would definitely be moved.


    The First Peak¡¯s youth fell into despair. He gritted his teeth and retreated, deciding not to protect him. He didn¡¯t believe that the other party would really court death.


    Xu Qing coldly glanced at the youth and didn¡¯t bother with him. He continued to attack.


    A moment later, the First Peak¡¯s youth was frightened. He saw that Xu Qing had almost been killed many times, so his mind trembled. He wailed as he hurriedly threw out a protective jade talisman to protect Xu Qing. He then joined the battle again with a bitter expression and fought against the Sea Corpse Race cultivator.


    He used the madness in his heart on his attacks. The battle lasted for an entire day. When Xu Qing and the ninth highness of the First Peak had exhausted all their means, the remnant soul of the Sea Corpse Race finally couldn¡¯t hold on and dissipated. After Xu Qing absorbed more than half of the soul, the other party¡¯s storage bag was also taken away by him.


    However, after returning to the magic ship, the ninth highness of the First Peak directly took out a sword and placed it on his neck. While panting, his eyes revealed a resolute expression as he gritted his teeth and spoke.


    ¡°One incense stick for two tombs in Qingming; if the spoils are not distributed, intestines shall fall!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke and kept the storage bag in his arms.


    The eyes of the ninth highness of the First Peak were red as he stared fixedly at Xu Qing. After holding it in for a long while, he spoke the second proper sentence on this trip to the sea.


    ¡°Split it with me! Otherwise, I¡¯ll kill myself!!¡±


    Xu Qing calmly looked at the youth. He could see the determination in the other party¡¯s eyes. He fell silent for a moment and thought that the other party had indeed helped him a lot when he attacked earlier. The youth had also worked extremely hard to protect him. There were several times when the latter was more like a Dao Protector than a Dao Protector.


    He opened the storage bag and poured it in front of the other party.


    Immediately, a large number of items landed. There was a bundle of spirit tickets, a large number of scattered spirit stones, jade slips, pill bottles, and so on. There were even many refining materials. The materials piled up to a significant height.


    There were two jade talismans that were emitting energy fluctuations. Xu Qing had seen such jade talismans before. They were similar to the life-saving items of the youth. However, it was obvious that the fluctuations from these two jade talismans were much stronger.


    Xu Qing had seen such an item in the shop at the harbor. This was also a talisman but it wasn¡¯t made by a Foundation Building cultivator but by a Golden Core cultivator.


    Because the Golden Cores were too strong and there were no jade stones that could completely contain the power of their attack, most of the jade talismans only had a small amount of Golden Core power. These two talismans seemed to have been refined not long ago. Clearly, it wasn¡¯t for the Sea Corpse Race cultivator¡¯s own use. There was no need for him to do so.


    There was a high chance that he had prepared them for someone else.


    There was also a feather carved from jade that was extremely eye-catching among the items. It shone with a piercing light. When Xu Qing and the ninth highness saw this item, their eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Magic artifact!¡± Xu Qing was somewhat moved. His Spirit Breath Lantern was a magic artifact and the black iron stick could also be called a magic artifact to a certain extent.


    Magic artifacts were ranked between runic treasures and magic treasures. They were considered man-made magic treasures. However, there was a wide gap between them and the true magic treasures. They were divided into three ranks: low, middle, and high.


    However, to cultivators who didn¡¯t have any fortuitous encounters to obtain magic treasures, magic artifacts were already extremely good.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all and grabbed the jade feather. As for the ninth highness of the First Peak, he also lifted his hand. However, what he grabbed wasn¡¯t the feather but a very inconspicuous item in this pile of items.


    It was a metal piece that looked like a box.

 Chapter 220 - Wish Box

    Chapter 220: Wish Box


    The moment he saw this box, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    He had seen this box twice.


    The first time was on the scavenger campsite¡¯s Horse-Four, and the other time was on the merfolk youth.


    However, even now, Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what this item was. He also searched the shops in the main city but didn¡¯t find anything similar.


    Now, Xu Qing saw the third one.


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing looked over, the youth from the First Peak quickly kept this item in his arms. He looked at Xu Qing warily and spoke.


    ¡°300 mouthfuls of blood have been vomited, the most heroic is even distribution of the spoils!¡±


    ¡°Speak human,¡± Xu Qing said coldly. He then activated the magic ship¡¯s protective barrier, stopping the other party from leaving.


    When the youth from the First Peak saw this, he sighed and punched himself, forcing out a mouthful of black blood. After confirming that he had been poisoned again, he used a secret technique to suppress it and looked at Xu Qing helplessly. He thought to himself that the people from the Seventh Peak were ruthless characters. He actually released poison on his ship. Wasn¡¯t he afraid that he would poison himself to death?


    A long time later, under Xu Qing¡¯s calm gaze, the ninth highness of the First Peak sighed and could only speak.


    ¡°We agreed before that you would share the spoils with me. I only want this. The rest is yours.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and stored all the items on the ground. When storing them, he found a rainbow-colored token.


    This token was made of wood and looked like an identity token, but it was slightly damaged.


    Upon closer inspection, he could see a little sheen on it. Clearly, it was like this because it was often held by someone. He looked at the First Peak¡¯s youth.


    ¡°The clouds of the barren expanses rise from the ground¡­¡± The First Peak¡¯s youth had just said this when he noticed that Xu Qing was frowning. He wailed inwardly and was a little worried that if he didn¡¯t speak properly, the other party would choose to attack him again. He endured it and spoke.


    ¡°This is the token of the Seven Sects Alliance. This Sea Corpse Race member we killed should have been a cultivator of the Seven Sects Alliance when he was alive.¡±


    ¡°What did you take earlier?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    The youth hesitated. He could tell that this Seventh Peak disciple in front of him didn¡¯t know about the wish box. He originally planned to hide it but when he thought about it, this wasn¡¯t considered a secret. Moreover, if the other party misunderstood what a shocking treasure this was, he would probably be in more danger.


    He shook his head and spoke the truth.


    ¡°This is the wish box.¡±


    ¡°The so-called wish box is a gift left by the cultivators of the previous era to the cultivators of the next era.¡±


    ¡°After the god¡¯s fragmented face arrived, every era in the Wanggu Continent would come to an end. Hence, such a tradition came to being. Most people would start to forge wish boxes with special materials towards the end of the era, so there have been many wish boxes passed down since ancient times.¡±


    This First Peak youth wasn¡¯t used to speaking normally at first. However, as he spoke, his speech became smoother. He even felt his thoughts moving more freely.


    ¡°The material of the wish box is rather special and can be left behind at the end of the era. However, I heard that in the past, someone obtained a wish box that looked like a coffin, however the cultivator inside had already died. There was also someone who obtained an empty wish box. So, no one knows what exactly is the principle behind it.¡±


    ¡°Even if there are items, because different experts left them behind and sealed them, no one knows what¡¯s inside other than the person who sealed them.¡±


    ¡°However, I heard that some people have obtained precious resources like magic treasures and cultivation arts from the previous eras. There are also some who have obtained just ordinary leaves. In short, this thing can be said to be priceless or ordinary. At the end of the day, it depends on luck.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already opened three of them. My harvests were average but I believe my luck is pretty good.¡±


    ¡°The method to open it is also simple. Use your magic power to nourish it to the limit and it can be opened.¡±


    ¡°Usually, this process is very long. The reason why I want this is because it has been nourished and is almost at the point where it can be opened.¡± It was fine if the First Peak¡¯s youth didn¡¯t speak, but now that he did, he didn¡¯t wait for Xu Qing to ask and told him everything he knew.


    With that, he took a few steps back and looked at Xu Qing warily.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t agree, I can give you this item. However, I want that magic artifact and the two jade talismans.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. After some thought, he waved his hand and opened the magic ship¡¯s protective barrier. The First Peak¡¯s youth understood that Xu Qing was sending him off and hurriedly flew out.


    After watching the other party leave the magic ship and follow on his large sword, Xu Qing retracted his gaze. He sat down and controlled the magic ship to head to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    He wanted to return as soon as possible and neutralize the life-linking talisman. Although the shadow could slowly corrode it, this process was extremely slow and Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to waste time.


    At that moment, he began to organize his gains.


    It had to be said that the richness of the materials in the storage bag of a Golden Core cultivator at the same level as an elder was astonishing. Just the face value of the spirit tickets added up to more than 200,000.


    Although the spirit tickets weren¡¯t distributed by the Seven Blood Eyes, the sect had a place to exchange them. It was just that there would be some reduction in the price but not much.


    Xu Qing estimated that he could sell the other miscellaneous items for over a hundred thousand spirit stones.


    As for the two jade talismans, they were sold in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city for tens of thousands of spirit stones. The price depended on their effects.


    The most valuable thing was the feather magic artifact.


    This harvest caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to skip a beat. At the same time, he had a faint feeling that the other party¡¯s savings were definitely not just this. What he obtained should only be a portion.


    After all, there was usually more than one storage bag.


    ¡°Unfortunately, the other storage bags might have been snatched away by the killer or placed elsewhere by this cultivator.¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath. After suppressing his guess, he sensed the remnant soul that was being burned like firewood. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°Let me see how many magic apertures this elder-level remnant soul, which belongs to the Sea Corpse Race that is said to have a shocking effect in the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art, can open!¡±


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing checked the surrounding defense and glanced at the First Peak¡¯s youth who was on guard against him. After that, he closed his eyes and the black fire in his body burned fiercely.


    Immediately, his 13 magic apertures rumbled at the same time. As flames rose, the burning remnant soul of the Sea Corpse Race surged toward the 14th magic aperture under Xu Qing¡¯s control.


    His magic aperture instantly trembled and was blasted open.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Xu Qing controlled the remnant soul that was burning like firewood and continued to open the 15th magic aperture!


    Next was 16, 17¡­


    Finally, after the 20th magic aperture was opened, this remnant soul dissipated.


    ¡°It actually opened seven magic apertures!!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed and his heart raced. Although he had some expectations about this, he was still shocked.


    The further one opened the magic apertures, the more difficult it would be. Previously, he had sensed that from the tenth magic aperture onwards, the amount of soul power needed to open each one was extremely high.


    Even so, this remnant soul opened seven of them. This was enough to show how powerful it was. This caused Xu Qing to have a desire to obtain more similar remnant souls.


    ¡°However, the difficulty is still very high.¡± Xu Qing was very clear that the help of the First Peak¡¯s youth in this had played a significant role. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the youth had used many life-saving jade talismans for him and helped from the side, he probably wouldn¡¯t have been able to obtain the soul even by now.


    ¡°I¡¯ve gained a lot this time. I have to return to the sect as soon as possible and remove the life-linking talisman. I¡¯ll come out to sea again and strive to form my life fire within a short period!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed anticipation. After sensing the 20 magic apertures in his body, he took out the feather magic artifact as he nurtured these magic apertures.


    After examining it carefully, he poured magic power into it and began to study it.


    Time passed and soon, three days passed.


    While Xu Qing was nurturing his magic aperture and studying the magic artifact, the First Peak¡¯s youth, who was following outside the magic ship, finally finished refining the last trace of the wish box.


    The moment it was completed, he was extremely excited. He quickly glanced at Xu Qing. After sensing that Xu Qing was still cultivating, he deliberately slowed down until he had pulled away from the magic ship. He hurriedly waved his hand and formed a protective barrier that blocked prying vision.


    Only then did he look at the metal box in his hand.


    He didn¡¯t lie to Xu Qing. He had indeed opened three wish boxes but there was something he didn¡¯t say. The first wish box he opened contained an ancient bamboo slip.


    This ancient bamboo slip didn¡¯t have much value by itself, but the content recorded in it concerned the ancient kings and sovereigns.


    Any item that was related to the ancient kings and sovereigns had astonishing value. This ancient bamboo slip recorded the lives of three ancient kings.


    Although it was only a description, it still made this First Peak¡¯s youth yearn for it endlessly. He especially resonated with the description of the Ancient Mystic Abyss Emperor. It said that he loved to hide mysteries in poetry his entire life.


    This gave him a lot of inspiration.


    The youth from the First Peak took a deep breath. After confirming again that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t paying attention to this place and that the surroundings were calm, he rubbed his hands first. He then patted his forehead and hammered his chest a few times.


    It was as though he was doing some kind of prayer ritual, he even had his eyes closed. After the time it took for half an incense stick to burn out, his eyes suddenly opened, revealing a sharp glint. He immediately pried open the box.


    There was a click.


    This iron box that had no gaps previously instantly opened like a real box, revealing a finger-sized jade bottle.


    The bottle was covered in black spots and emitted an ancient feeling. It contained some medicinal liquid. There was also an ancient slip at the side.


    This scene instantly made the First Peak¡¯s youth excited and his heartbeat sped up.


    This was because over the years, other than the ancient bamboo slip from the first box, he had only obtained useless items in the other two boxes.


    Now that he saw that other than the ancient slip, there was also a small bottle that seemed to contain medicinal liquid, he was exulted.


    ¡°I¡¯ve made a killing!¡± As he muttered, the youth suddenly became vigilant. He felt that he was starting to speak normally now. This immediately alerted him, so he hurriedly changed his words.


    ¡°My miserable life in the sea wasn¡¯t in vain, I rose to the top overnight.¡±


    After muttering again, he finally felt comfortable. He couldn¡¯t wait to pick up the small bottle. After looking around, he quickly opened it and took a sniff.


    Although this item was well-preserved, there was still a rancid smell after it was opened.


    The First Peak¡¯s youth didn¡¯t know what this was, but the smell caused him to be invigorated. This was because the smell meant that the liquid inside still had medicinal effects.


    ¡°The great opportunity of the Jade Dragon Heavenly Spirit, only I am blessed!¡±


    However, he didn¡¯t dare to swallow it directly. He excitedly took another sniff with an intoxicated expression before covering it and looking at the ancient bamboo slip in the box.


    He took it out and quickly checked it. Very soon, the information inside appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Those who are fated, I wish you well.¡±


    ¡°I was born in the Mystic Nether Era, and I cultivated the methods of ancient king. I wonder if the God is still around? This box is used to store treasures, but that¡¯s beneath me.¡±


    ¡°My treasure is contained in my bloodline. I hope the finder is a female, thereby giving birth to my heir.¡±


    ¡°Those who are fated, don¡¯t thank me. Goodbye.¡±

 Chapter 221 - What Did You Get?

    Chapter 221: What Did You Get?


    The First Peak¡¯s youth was stunned.


    He felt that his literary attainments weren¡¯t bad and he could casually speak in poems. However, he was still a little confused by the content of the jade slip, so he studied it word by word.


    However, he was still a little confused. After another careful analysis, he was stunned.


    ¡°Give birth to an heir? How? Why must it be qing e1? Qing e means women, right?¡±


    After a while, he looked at the small bottle. He suddenly thought of something and his eyes widened.


    ¡°Could it be¡­¡± He started to feel uncomfortable when he recalled that he had smelled it earlier. He gritted his teeth and muttered.


    ¡°This is too much!!¡± He instinctively wanted to throw it away but he couldn¡¯t bear to. He reassured himself that this might be considered half of the ancient king¡¯s bloodline. Hence, he felt very conflicted when he held it in his hand and wondered if men couldn¡¯t do it.


    At the same time, Xu Qing opened his eyes on the magic ship in the distance and looked at the First Peak¡¯s youth on the large sword behind him. He guessed that the other party should have opened that wish box and was also curious.


    ¡°What did you get?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    The barrier around the large sword dissipated and revealed the First Peak¡¯s youth. His expression was unsightly and he kept spewing out air as though he was cleaning his nose.


    He even gushed his magic power into his nostrils. It was only after a long time that his expression improved a little. He looked at the sky and didn¡¯t speak. As for the wish box, he had already stored it.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing made a guess. He retracted his gaze and didn¡¯t bother anymore.


    Time flowed again. The two of them were getting closer and closer to the Seven Blood Eyes, and Xu Qing also gained some understanding of that feather magic artifact.


    The ability of this item was speed.


    Once it was activated, it could allow the cultivator¡¯s speed to instantly erupt to several times that of their own. However, the requirement for the body was very high.


    Because there was an outsider around, Xu Qing didn¡¯t test it right away. However, after sensing it, he was already certain that once this magic artifact was activated, his speed would reach an astonishing height.


    ¡°I need to find a place to give it a try and familiarize myself with its usage.¡± As Xu Qing pondered, he noticed a magic boat from the Seventh Peak in the distance.


    Almost the instant the Seventh Peak¡¯s magic boat appeared, the First Peak¡¯s youth, who had become bored since he opened the wish box, instantly raised his head and snapped his fingers. A new Daoist robe appeared on his body.


    His movements were very familiar, as though he had practiced this many times. His expression also revealed coldness, as though it had turned into ice.


    There was also a faintly lingering sword qi on his body. It looked like he was on guard and also looked like it was done intentionally. This was more obvious when the sword qi surrounded him, causing his long hair to flutter. When outsiders saw it, they would think he was extraordinary.


    It was only when the Seventh Peak¡¯s magic boat left that the First Peak¡¯s youth became dispirited again.


    This action, especially the way he changed his clothes and the speed, made Xu Qing feel a little strange.


    However, as time passed, they encountered more Seven Blood Eyes disciples on the way. Moreover, Xu Qing gradually got used to it as the other party did this every time. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor seized the opportunity and transmitted his voice to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Master, this kid is clearly someone who pays special attention to his image. I think it¡¯s fine if we don¡¯t kill such a person. We can make use of his personality and make him work for us.¡±


    ¡°For example, at critical moments, Master, you can praise him a little. According to the descriptions in the ancient books I read, such people are often the kind of people who can bleed for their reputation.¡±


    ¡°Also, I guessed earlier that he values his reputation very much, so I¡¯ve already cast a spell and imprinted all his sorry appearances on the way. I¡¯ve also saved the scenes of him speaking normally. Regardless of whether it¡¯s useful or not, at least this is a method to exploit his personality.¡±


    ¡°Also, if there¡¯s a chance in the future, Master can create some situations that will embarrass this person even more. For example, making him beg for mercy, placing him in filth, and so on. I¡¯ll store his images behind in case we need it.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor spoke quickly. He didn¡¯t say a word about how useful he could be, but after listening to it, it revealed his value.


    ¡°Master, please punish me for my slow reaction. To Master, these small matters can be thought of instantly. However, I only thought of these after thinking about it for a long time. Master, please punish me. I¡¯m too stupid and my talent is inferior to Master¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Master, please give me another chance. I¡¯ll definitely work hard and deal with all these trivial matters for you in the future. Leave these dirty and tiring work to me. You Lingzi will definitely do his best to not let Master down!¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the black iron stick beside him and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Three months are almost up. I¡¯ll give you an additional month. Shadow, your time is still the same.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was immediately excited. After that, he pretended to casually glance at the shadow. As for the shadow, it trembled and quickly spread out. It then entered the sea and crazily absorbed the anomalous substances.


    Xu Qing glanced at them but didn¡¯t bother. He closed his eyes and meditated on Life Art.


    Time flowed by and the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ harbor was in sight in the distance. As they encountered more boats and ships, the First Peak¡¯s youth seemed to have put down his worries. His eyes clearly revealed determination as he stood up, maintaining his aloof posture at all times.


    He didn¡¯t seem as worried about Xu Qing¡¯s cold gaze as before. He even sized up Xu Qing a few times and calmly spoke.


    ¡°A cloud in front of the City God Temple, cultivators die quickly.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he touched the black iron stick at the side. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was also tactful and released a ferocious intent to lock onto the First Peak¡¯s youth.


    The First Peak¡¯s youth coughed. He knew that the other party didn¡¯t understand his words and he wasn¡¯t willing to explain. He took out a jade slip and imprinted it. He then threw it to Xu Qing as though everything he wanted to say was inside.


    Xu Qing frowned. After he caught the jade slip, the information about the other party¡¯s imprint appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Brother, we can be considered to have an affinity. I¡¯m the ninth highness of the First Peak, Wu Jianwu. We became acquainted after a fight and we¡¯re from the same sect. I think your murderous aura is too strong. We don¡¯t have to fight to the death.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, it¡¯s not good to have too much baleful aura outside. I heard that back then, after the Third Peak¡¯s core disciple, Senior Brother Chen, advanced, he went missing because his baleful aura was too strong. Now, many years have passed but we have yet to find the murderer.¡±


    ¡°Also, the only son of the Sixth Peak¡¯s Peak Lord was also as murderous as you. He also disappeared.¡±


    ¡°So, I advise you to conduct yourself well.¡±


    The First Peak¡¯s young man, Wu Jianwu, stood on the large sword and glanced at Xu Qing. The instant Xu Qing looked at the jade slip, he rushed out. His entire body emitted a monstrous blood light and he transformed into a rainbow that shot into the sky. A large sword also manifested under his feet.


    His entire person looked extraordinary and he instantly got far from Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship. He flew straight for the First Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°I have transcended the mundane world, and became an immortal by swallowing the sea of clouds.¡±


    When he flew over, he let out a clear voice that echoed in all directions, attracting the attention of many people.


    In their eyes, this heaven¡¯s chosen of the First Peak, who was dressed in a crimson Daoist robe and whose long hair fluttered in the wind, looked like an immortal.


    Xu Qing cast a cold glance. He didn¡¯t care about the other party¡¯s little trick. In reality, the closer he was to the sect, the less he would act like before.


    He retracted his gaze and controlled the magic ship to head straight for the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ port. The moment he got close, the life-linking talisman mark on his body emitted a gentle light before quickly dissipating.


    After he completely stepped into the harbor of the Seven Blood Eyes, all the runes on his body disappeared.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body relaxed. He then glanced at Wu Jianwu, who had already flown to the First Peak. He put away the magic ship and soared into the air, flying toward the Seventh Peak. Very soon, he entered the Seventh Peak and returned to his cave abode.


    After arriving at the entrance of the cave abode, Xu Qing sensed his surroundings and confirmed that everything he had arranged before leaving was normal. Only then did he open the cave abode¡¯s entrance and enter. As the door closed, Xu Qing sat down.


    ¡°I need to see how many spirit stones I need to open the port. Also, it¡¯s indeed inconvenient to stay on the mountain. It¡¯s more comfortable to stay on the magic ship.¡±


    After Xu Qing pondered, he looked at the purple Daoist robe he was wearing and thought of Zhang San and the captain¡¯s gray Daoist robe. He then made some decisions.


    He turned his head and looked at the jade plate at the center of the cave abode. Ever since he entered the cave abode, it had been emitting a weak light.


    This central jade plate was the core of the cave abode¡¯s array formation. The replacement spirit stones were also here. It also had a recording function.


    Xu Qing walked over and pressed down on the central jade plate. Immediately, streams of information appeared in his mind. It recorded the people who had requested to see him during this period of time.


    Among them, Huang Yan requested once, Zhou Qingpeng requested once, Ding Xue requested three times, and Gu Muqing requested two times. However, there were two who had come to check the most number of times.


    One was the director of the Homicide Department. He had made 23 requests, and the other was a member of Team Six of the Homicide Department. The name he reported was Mute.


    There were a total of 41 records of him requesting to see him.


    He basically requested every day.


    Xu Qing looked at these records and thought of how he had casually saved the mute back then. Clearly, the other party¡¯s life was very tenacious and had survived.


    Just as Xu Qing was checking, the jade plate suddenly shone again. There was another record, and it was from the mute.


    To the disciples on the mountain, outsiders had to obtain their permission to visit, especially the piedmont disciple. After some thought, Xu Qing agreed to the request.


    Not long later, a small and skinny figure followed the guidance of the array formation and arrived in front of Xu Qing¡¯s cave abode. Xu Qing walked out as the door of the cave abode opened.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Xu Qing looked at the little mute who was standing there awkwardly, not daring to get close.


    The other party¡¯s clothes were as old as ever and the injuries on his body had long recovered. Moreover, his entire person had a colder aura. Clearly, he had grown a lot from that life-and-death situation.


    Under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the mute¡¯s body trembled. He took out a token and respectfully placed it to the side. After that, he took a few steps back and lifted his small face to look at Xu Qing. He suddenly knelt down and kowtowed a few times.


    Only when his forehead was bleeding did he stand up and quickly run down the mountain.


    Xu Qing watched as the other party left. He then lifted his right hand and made a grabbing gesture; the token on the ground flew over. This item wasn¡¯t an identity mark but a storage token.


    Xu Qing, who was very familiar with the port, naturally knew what this was.


    Half of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ports was used by the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples, and the other half was for the outside world. There were many boats and ships from various races that usually came and went, and pirate ships were also mixed up in them.


    As for these foreign boats, they couldn¡¯t be stored like the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ magic boats. Therefore, they needed to be berthed and stored. This token was the authenticating item to take them back.


    To the Seven Blood Eyes, they only verified the tokens when someone came to take the boats.


    Clearly, after the little mute experienced the matter of sending the wanted criminal¡¯s corpse last time, he thought that Xu Qing didn¡¯t like wanted criminals. Hence, he killed countless people this time and obtained such a token for Xu Qing.


    This time around, Xu Qing accepted it.

 Chapter 222 - Gray Robe Enters the Society

    Chapter 222: Gray Robe Enters the Society


    The next day, Xu Qing went to the location of the token. There was a small merchant ship there. The items inside were not bad. Although they weren¡¯t very valuable, they still had some value. Most importantly, Xu Qing saw a pile of medicinal herbs inside.


    According to the careful answer of the disciple in charge of this place, Xu Qing knew that no one had come to collect this ship for two months.


    Xu Qing kept the medicinal herbs and called his informant over to deal with the merchant ship. After that, he asked about the opening of the port.


    ¡°Master, I¡¯ve understood everything about the opening of the port and was about to report it to you.¡±


    ¡°The newly opened port is divided into internal and external businesses. Each has its pros and cons. There aren¡¯t many benefits for internal businesses but it¡¯s convenient for Master to build connections with the piedmont disciples.¡±


    ¡°As for setting the port for external businesses, the benefits are extremely great. However, this requires many department branches to settle down. For example, Pilotage, Dispatch, Transportation, and so on. However, once it¡¯s built, even if it¡¯s just a simple port, the benefits will be astonishing as merchant ships come and go. In addition, it will also attract shops to settle down. This is another benefit.¡±


    The informant spoke in a low voice. She didn¡¯t dare to slack off at all when it came to the mission Xu Qing had given her. In the past two months, she had been constantly investigating and researching. She had even spent some spirit coins to buy a lot of information.


    Hence, after Xu Qing asked, she didn¡¯t think about it for too long and told him everything about opening a new port.


    ¡°However, the project is huge. Even though it¡¯s only the simplest port, the initial infrastructure still requires at least three million spirit stones. If it¡¯s completed together with the shops and other facilities, the total investment will be above ten million. Moreover, there¡¯s no cap on it according to the requirements.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his expression showed no change but his mind shook. He originally thought that he could be considered rich now. After all, the storage bag of the Sea Corpse Race contained hundreds of thousands of spirit stones.


    However, when he heard the informant¡¯s words, Xu Qing could only remain silent.


    ¡°However, the final benefits are terrifying. There is a limit to how many boats our Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ harbor can handle. During this period of time, I¡¯ve been observing the boats coming and going. 30% of the boats that come to the Seven Blood Eyes have to queue outside to enter every day.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, once our new port is established, there will be no lack of merchant ships coming and going. After comparing the other ports, I calculated that the initial investment will be about three million spirit stones. You can use the profits to slowly build more facilities in the future.¡±


    ¡°If everything goes smoothly, you¡¯ll be able to break even in about two years at most. After that, you¡¯ll be able to earn back your capital in the third year. In the future, your annual income should be around three million spirit stones.¡±


    ¡°I also heard that among the other Foundation Building seniors who opened ports, very few of them will fully invest by themselves. They do it with others. So, if Master has someone willing, you can invest together. However, it seems that they must also be Foundation Building seniors.¡±


    ¡°In addition, many of the sect¡¯s money shops1 are also passionate about this. However, I heard that the sect has many restrictions on this, so not many ports are willing to get involved with them.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    Originally, he felt that the opportunity to open a port couldn¡¯t be wasted. Moreover, once it was built, he wouldn¡¯t have to do anything and would be able to gain such a large sum of profit every year. Hence, he asked his informant to inquire.


    However, now that he heard of all the details, although Xu Qing was tempted, it was too expensive. Moreover, it was obvious that there were many troublesome things involved.


    In addition, if he invested so many spirit stones, he would tie himself too deeply to the Seven Blood Eyes. Xu Qing was a little hesitant about this. He suddenly understood why many Foundation Building cultivators didn¡¯t choose to open a port.


    On one hand, they would be creating a shackle for themselves. On the other hand, the expenditure was huge.


    With these spirit stones, Xu Qing felt that he could issue missions and get others to capture sea beasts for him.


    Xu Qing already had the thought of giving up.


    He let the informant leave. He then changed into a gray Daoist robe and prepared to trade the materials.


    On this return, he wanted to buy a lot of things, be it medicinal herbs or talismans. In addition, he planned to take a look at the magic artifacts sold in the sect.


    Magic artifacts were very expensive and Xu Qing couldn¡¯t bear to spend his spirit stones on them previously. Now that he had a lot of money, he planned to choose one.


    He was also very interested in the soul slips that First Peak¡¯s Wu Jianwu had thrown out. He would see if they were sold. Although the efficiency of this item was average, it was very convenient to absorb the souls.


    ¡°There¡¯s also the Spirit Breath Lantern¡­¡± Xu Qing pondered as he walked on the streets. Under the cover of his gray Daoist robe and the concealment of his cultivation, he looked like an ordinary disciple. Only occasionally would one or two gazes sweep over him from the crowd.


    The people who swept over were all Foundation Building cultivators who wore gray Daoist robes like Xu Qing. When they sensed each other¡¯s auras, they would often look away immediately and not disturb each other.


    Just like that, Xu Qing arrived at the breakfast stall he used to go to every day. He sat down and ate a beautiful meal under the enthusiastic greeting of the stall owner.


    This time, he ate four eggs.


    Although he could skip meals for several days after he stepped into Foundation Building and nourish himself with magic power, Xu Qing still liked to eat like before. This gave him a sense of satisfaction.


    As he ate, he took out his identity token and transmitted his voice to Huang Yan, asking him about the follow-up to the matter of him wanting to buy the Spirit Breath Lantern.


    Huang Yan didn¡¯t reply immediately. It was only when Xu Qing was about to leave after eating that he received a message from Huang Yan.


    ¡°I¡¯m buying it. Xu Qing, you¡¯re back? Where are you? I¡¯ll look for you.¡±


    Looking at Huang Yan¡¯s reply, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed anticipation. He was in a very good mood when he thought about how he was going to earn 500,000 spirit stones. After telling the other party the location, Xu Qing soon saw Huang Yan running over in a hurry.


    He seemed to have gained even more weight. The circles of flesh on his body had increased by several layers.


    Upon seeing Xu Qing, Huang Yan laughed and directly threw out a thick bundle of spirit tickets.


    ¡°All of them have face value of 1,000 spirit stones and are the exclusive spirit tickets of the Sixth Peak. There are a total of 200 tickets.¡±


    ¡°There was not much time, so I was only able to get these spirit stones here. How about I use a magic artifact to offset the rest?¡± As Huang Yan spoke, he took out a black inner armor and handed it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Magic artifact?¡± Xu Qing took the inner armor. After magic power gushed in, he immediately sensed that the inner armor was filled with countless runes, arranged according to a certain pattern. At a rough glance, there were probably no less than 100,000 of them. With just a slight sense, Xu Qing could sense that this inner armor was extraordinary.


    ¡°This is a Myriad Rune Armor. I originally planned to give it to Senior Sister, but I think she prefers the Spirit Breath Lantern. I¡¯ll exchange this armor with you. You can sell it for about 300,000 spirit stones.¡±


    ¡°Although this thing is only a low-ranked magic artifact, its defense is not bad. If you wear it and encounter a Foundation Building cultivator in Mystic Brilliance Form, as long as the other party hasn¡¯t formed a second ball of fire, the armor will be able to block their attacks several times.¡±


    Huang Yan seemed to know a lot about Foundation Building. Clearly, his senior sister had taught him many things and his cultivation level had also reached the point where he was about to break through.


    Xu Qing nodded. After he kept the Myriad Rune Armor, he took out the Spirit Breath Lantern and passed it to Huang Yan.


    ¡°Do you need me to send you to the Seventh Peak?¡± Xu Qing looked at Huang Yan, who was playing with the Spirit Breath Lantern, and asked softly.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need. Who dares to snatch what I want to give Senior Sister?¡± Huang Yan patted his stomach and happily kept the Spirit Breath Lantern. Just as he was about to take out a jade slip and transmit his voice to Senior Sister, he suddenly thought of something and turned his head to glance at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, the matter of the war that I told you about last time has basically been confirmed. You can consider whether you want to participate or not.¡± With that, he waved at Xu Qing and quickly ran toward the Seventh Peak.


    Looking at Huang Yan¡¯s departing figure, Xu Qing sighed inwardly at how rich Huang Yan was. He could take out hundreds of thousands of spirit stones and magic artifacts just like that. However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t investigate Huang Yan¡¯s background.


    This was a taboo in the Seven Blood Eyes and Xu Qing wasn¡¯t willing to do it.


    He thought of what Huang Yan had said earlier.


    ¡°War¡­¡±


    The last remaining thought of opening a port was also erased at this moment. He was prepared to use the right to obtain an ownership of a street.


    Although the benefits weren¡¯t much, it was still better than nothing.


    With this thought in mind, Xu Qing walked toward the shops that sold jade talismans.


    Most of the shops that sold items for Foundation Building cultivators in the main city were in the Sixth Peak¡¯s Pengming District. There weren¡¯t many shops in the port area and because the prices were extremely high, there were very few customers in such shops.


    Most of them had separate compartments to entertain the guests.


    After arriving at the Pengming District, Xu Qing searched for a while. In the end, he chose a shop called Bright Artifact Pavilion and walked in.


    This shop could be considered one of the largest shops in the entire Sixth Peak¡¯s Pengming District. It had a total of five floors and the area of each floor was about 2,000 feet.


    The interior was even more luxurious. It seemed like they usually received a lot of customers, so there were many handsome and beautiful staff members.


    As soon as Xu Qing stepped in, he immediately attracted the attention of many of the shop assistants. Although Xu Qing was wearing a gray Daoist robe, his appearance was extremely outstanding. In fact, in the eyes of the young female shop assistants, Xu Qing¡¯s arrival seemed to cause the shop to light up for a moment.


    Not to mention that the people who dared to step into their shop were no ordinary people. At the very least, they were all core disciples. Moreover, they had entertained many Foundation Building cultivators, so they knew very well that most Foundation Building cultivators in the sect liked to move in gray robes.


    Many of the staff quickly walked over to receive him. However, one of them, a beautiful young girl with a double ponytail, was the first to arrive in front of Xu Qing before everyone else.


    ¡°Senior Brother, you can call me Xiaohui. I¡¯ll do my best to serve you.¡± The young girl looked at Xu Qing¡¯s face and blushed slightly as she spoke.


    ¡°Our Bright Artifact Pavilion mainly sells tools. The first floor sells talismans, the second floor is jade talismans, and the third floor is magic artifacts. Senior Brother, what do you want to check? I¡¯ll guide you.¡±


    Xu Qing swept his gaze across the surroundings and noticed that there were no other customers on the first floor of the shop other than him. He also saw that the walls here were filled with all kinds of talismans.


    Although they were all sealed, there were still powerful fluctuations spreading out.


    And the energy fluctuations from the talismans in the dozens of crystal pillars in the hall were even more obvious.


    Based on the fact that they were stored separately, their quality should be much better.


    ¡°I want to check magic artifacts.¡± Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked at the young girl whose face was becoming increasingly rosy.


    When the pigtailed girl heard this, her eyes lit up even more.

 Chapter 223 - War Opportunity

    Chapter 223: War Opportunity


    ¡°The magic artifacts are on the third floor. This way, senior!¡±


    Upon hearing that Xu Qing wanted to buy a magic artifact, this young girl who had received many Foundation Building cultivators from the sect immediately knew that this extremely good-looking peer in front of her was definitely at the Foundation Building realm.


    This caused her heart to shake and the way she addressed him changed. Her eyes became even more bright as she led the way respectfully.


    At the same time, at the staircase, she played a small maneuver. She didn¡¯t ask Xu Qing to go first but took the initiative to step forward and guide the way.


    This wasn¡¯t rude. Moreover, as she walked up the steps, her curves were inadvertently revealed. In particular, her perky butt was even more obvious, puffing up her robe and outlining the shape of a peach.


    It was filled with seduction. As her pigtails swayed, it also added a hint of innocence.


    Unfortunately, Xu Qing ignored it.


    After reaching the third floor, the young girl felt a little depressed. She didn¡¯t sense any difference in Xu Qing¡¯s expression, but she quickly organized her thoughts. After she led Xu Qing to a compartment, she respectfully asked about Xu Qing¡¯s requirements.


    ¡°Attack type, and the price has to be around 300,000 spirit stones!¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    When the young girl heard this, she nodded and left. Not long later, she returned with a tray that contained three items.


    One was a small blue sword with a talisman pasted on it, sealing 99% of the sword¡¯s aura. Only a trace of it could be sensed.


    The second item was a necklace with five fingernail-sized black pearls embedded on it. It was also sealed by a talisman.


    The last item was a small red bell.


    ¡°Cold Mountain Sword. This sword contains the aura of the Forbidden Sea. During the forging process, it was placed at the bottom of the sea for three years, causing its cold intent to be astonishing. It can be controlled by magic power to emit cold air. It is good at speed and is very sharp.¡±


    ¡°Five Fiend Beads. Every bead is sealed with a strand of goldfiend aura. Once it¡¯s released, it can transform into metal lightning punishment that can kill everything. Unless it¡¯s exhausted, it won¡¯t stop. The method is to infuse magic power and engrave the target¡¯s name on the bead.¡±


    ¡°The last one is Living Soul Bell. Once it is shaken, it can cause the enemy¡¯s soul to tremble and be locked in place. However, it is ineffective against bizarre entities and is only useful against cultivators with physical bodies. Moreover, this artifact has flaws. Once it is activated, the user will also be affected if they have a physical body. However, because it is a rare soul-type magic artifact, the price is even higher.¡±


    ¡°Cold Mountain Sword, 270,000 spirit stones, Five Fiend Beads, 300,000 spirits, and Living Soul Bell, 330,000 spirit stones.¡± The young girl spoke crisply and then looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past these three items. On the surface, he looked normal, but inwardly, he was sighing at how expensive magic artifacts were. However, he knew that before he activated his Mystic Brilliance Form, magic artifacts would be very important for him.


    Moreover, since war was coming, he naturally had to make proper preparations. Otherwise, once the news of the war spread, the items would probably be even more expensive.


    He liked all of these three magic artifacts. However, he couldn¡¯t afford them all.


    He had to buy jade talismans and a large number of poisonous grass items.


    Hence, after checking them one by one, Xu Qing finally gritted his teeth and bought the Living Soul Bell. Although this item had a flaw, Xu Qing had a way to resolve it.


    He would tie it to the black iron stick and let the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor use it to kill enemies from afar. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was an artifact spirit and not a soul with a physical body, so he wouldn¡¯t be affected.


    ¡°This is it.¡± Xu Qing held the Living Soul Bell and slowly spoke.


    The young girl was a little excited. After all, the sale of magic artifacts was a big business. She respectfully handled the transaction for Xu Qing and followed Xu Qing¡¯s request to bring him to the second floor to check the jade talismans. Here, Xu Qing bought three jade talismans that increased defense and an attack-type jade talisman, spending another 120,000 spirit stones.


    When he walked out of the shop, Xu Qing touched his pocket and sighed inwardly.


    When he was in the Qi Condensation realm, he felt that the resources needed for Qi Condensation cultivators were very expensive. When he reached the Foundation Building realm, he felt that the expenses in Qi Condensation were okay, and the Foundation Building pills were the most expensive. However, now he felt that those were nothing.


    Foundation Building jade talismans and magic artifacts were the most expensive.


    ¡°I need a large number of spirit stones to upgrade the magic boat as well¡­¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head. After buying the magic artifact, he suppressed his heartache and prepared to head to the Chengling District of the Second Peak to take a look at the medicinal herbs. After all, compared to the Chengling District, the types of medicinal herbs in the port areas were inferior.


    He also wanted to see if he could buy Ghost Desires and ammonites. This concerned his method to attract sea beasts to open his magic apertures.


    However, on the way to the Second Peak¡¯s Chengling District, his identity token vibrated. Xu Qing took it out and saw that it was Zhang San who had sent him a voice transmission.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you¡¯re back?¡±


    ¡°I returned yesterday,¡± Xu Qing replied.


    ¡°Where are you? Can you come here or should I go there? I have something important to discuss with you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m heading toward the Chengling District to take a look at the medicinal herbs.¡± Xu Qing was a little curious about why Zhang San was looking for him. At the same time, he recalled the records on his cave abode¡¯s control plate that the captain had been trying to visit him many times.


    ¡°Alright, there¡¯s Hundred Herbs Square in the Chengling District. We¡¯ll meet there.¡±


    The voice transmission ended.


    Xu Qing walked toward the Second Peak¡¯s Chengling District. Not long later, he found the Hundred Herbs Square that Zhang San had mentioned. This shop was very large and could be considered a famous shop in the area.


    From afar, Xu Qing saw Zhang San outside the Hundred Herbs Square.


    He was sitting on the steps at the side and smoking a pipe. His gray Daoist robe made him inconspicuous. A smile appeared on his face when he saw Xu Qing. He stood up and patted the dust on his butt before walking over quickly.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, did the captain look for you ?¡± Zhang San pulled Xu Qing to a corner and asked in a low voice.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen the captain since I returned.¡± Xu Qing felt a little strange and glanced at Zhang San.


    ¡°That¡¯s good. Recently, Captain has been borrowing money everywhere like a lunatic. He almost mortgaged the right to open my port and told me that he wanted to buy a method to disguise himself as another race. Once he succeeds, he¡¯ll earn at least a hundred times more. I think he¡¯ll look for you too.¡±


    ¡°Do you still have the right to open the port?¡± Zhang San looked at Xu Qing expectantly.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Zhang San laughed and quickly said.


    ¡°Xu Qing, give me your right to open the port. It took a while to persuade the captain to not mortgage his right. In that case, including yours, we can do a big job.¡±


    ¡°I have accurate news that the sect is going to war with the Sea Corpse Race. Actually, many people have guessed this. However, different people have different thoughts when they get information. This is related to the situation.¡±


    ¡°Some people think about protecting themselves when they hear about war, some think about how to obtain contribution points, some are terrified and nervous, and some think about getting rich but don¡¯t know how to achieve it.¡±


    ¡°Most of them will think of hoarding materials, but I¡¯m different.¡± At this point, Zhang San had a proud expression.


    ¡°Xu Qing, let me tell you. When the war starts, it will be time to make a fortune. Don¡¯t think about accumulating resources at this time. It¡¯s useless and you¡¯ll only be hated by others.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t need money from fellow disciples, we will take money from the sect!¡±


    ¡°When the war with the Sea Corpse Race starts, the sect will definitely launch a big campaign. When the time comes, they will definitely make a requisition of all the ports to serve the war. Regardless of whether it¡¯s to arrange magic artifacts, place warships, or for the movements of the various peaks, the ports will be the focus.¡±


    ¡°The number of ports on the Seventh Peak is limited, so once I open three ports and connect them together, the sect will definitely choose to requisition such a large port.¡±


    ¡°As for requisitioning, they have to pay money, so we just have to build it before the war starts and set up more berths. I have calculated it; basically, if this war lasts three months, we¡¯ll recoup our losses. If it lasts for a year, we¡¯ll earn at least four times our investment!¡±


    ¡°This opportunity is extremely rare, we have to make use of it.¡±


    Hearing Zhang San¡¯s words, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened as he stared deeply at Zhang San. He couldn¡¯t help but feel admiration in his heart.


    He really felt that Zhang San¡¯s sense for money far exceeded that of ordinary people.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s expression, Zhang San felt very happy and laughed.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you and the captain don¡¯t have to take out a single spirit stone. Just give me the right to open the port. I¡¯ll invest the capital. When the profits are calculated, you and the captain will each take 25% of the profits, and I¡¯ll take 50%. Is that okay?¡±


    ¡°Moreover, the port will still be operating after the war ends. In that case, this benefit will last for a long time.¡± Zhang San looked at Xu Qing and waited for his answer.


    Xu Qing thought about it and handed a token to Zhang San. This was the token to establish the port.


    Zhang San was excited and was filled with motivation.


    ¡°A year later, I¡¯m confident that you¡¯ll get at least a few million spirit stones!¡± Zhang San laughed. He took out a jade slip and quickly contacted his connections to plan this matter. After that, he waved at Xu Qing and bade farewell.


    After watching Zhang San leave, Xu Qing sighed inwardly. He truly felt that Zhang San was a genius. Not only was he talented in refining tools, but his cultivation speed also didn¡¯t seem slow. Moreover, he had an astonishing business acumen.


    ¡°I hope I can really get so many spirit stones in a year.¡± When he thought of Zhang San saying that he could get a few million spirit stones in a year, Xu Qing¡¯s heart raced slightly.


    The amount of benefits Zhang San mentioned was too great. This attracted Xu Qing, whose pockets were almost empty.


    A long time later, Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and entered the Hundred Herbs Square.


    After the time it took for two incense sticks to burn out, Xu Qing walked out after buying the poisonous grasses he needed. Although he had spent a lot of spirit stones here, he was satisfied. There were a lot of poisonous grasses in this shop, and their quality even surpassed the Yang medicinal herbs.


    Xu Qing felt that this was what a normal herb shop should look like.


    After all, the vast majority of herbs were poisonous.


    He bought a lot of poisonous grasses that he had only seen in the book Grandmaster Bai had left behind in the past. Now, he planned to go back and try to refine a new poison.


    He only felt that it was a pity that there were no Ghost Desires here. However, the shopkeeper suggested that he could order the goods at full price and come to collect them in a month or so. Xu Qing agreed.


    ¡°I have to refine a poison that can quickly kill Foundation Building cultivators, especially the Sea Corpse Race!¡±


    Xu Qing soared into the air and headed straight for the Seventh Peak¡¯s cave abode.


    Time flowed by. As Xu Qing refined poison and cultivated in the cave abode, half a month passed very quickly.


    A piece of news quickly spread in the sect, attracting the attention of everyone. Even the atmosphere of the entire Seven Blood Eyes felt oppressive under the spread of this news.


    ¡°The Sea Corpse Race and the Seven Blood Eyes might start an all-out war!¡±

 Chapter 224 - Declaration of War

    Chapter 224: Declaration of War


    This news spread through the entire Seven Blood Eyes like a storm, attracting the attention of countless cultivators on both the mountain and at the foot of the mountain.


    Although high-level cultivators were the main force in war, there were many things on the battlefield that still needed Qi Condensation cultivators to do. For example, setting up array formations, logistics, transportation, and various other war tasks.


    In fact, even the Sea Corpse Race would definitely send out Qi Condensation cultivators to fight. In that case, the piedmont disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes would have to fight as well.


    After all, compared to the cultivators on the mountain, the piedmont disciples had no right to refuse. Only when they reached the Foundation Building realm did they have the right to decide if they wanted to participate in the battle.


    As such, this news quickly caused a commotion in the main city. Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised.


    Regardless of whether it was when he saw the battle between the seven peak lords, the elders, and the experts of the Sea Corpse Race at sea, Huang Yan¡¯s two reminders, or Zhang San¡¯s plan, they all pointed out that war was about to arrive.


    Xu Qing originally didn¡¯t have many thoughts about the war. Previously, when he went up the mountain, Zhang Yunshi had said that Foundation Building cultivators of the Seven Blood Eyes had no obligation to participate in the war. Hence, the start of the war was mostly driven by benefits.


    However, after cultivating the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art, Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts changed a little. In reality, all Foundation Building cultivators who cultivated the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art valued war.


    Devouring souls was the easiest in war. As long as the cultivator could survive, they would be able to open many magic apertures.


    It was because killings on the battlefield would be extremely frequent and it would be easier to devour souls in the chaotic battle. Moreover, the souls of the Sea Corpse Race had a miraculous effect on the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art.


    This point tempted Xu Qing, especially since he had tasted the sweetness of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s soul¡­


    Right now, he had opened 20 magic apertures and was only 10 away from forming the first ball of life fire. He had also calculated that if he used Ghost Desires and ammonites to attract sea beasts like last time, because the requirement to open the magic aperture would be increasingly difficult, he estimated that it would take at least two years to form the life fire.


    Although he might occasionally encounter Foundation Building ferocious beasts that could speed up this process, it was extremely dangerous.


    This didn¡¯t include the journey back and forth and whether the Ghost Desires were enough. If these factors were added, it would probably take more than three years. Being out in the sea for such a long time without the Mystic Brilliance Form would mean huge danger.


    When Qi Condensation cultivators went out to sea and encountered powerful beings, the other party might feel that it wasn¡¯t worth killing them. However, when they saw that they were Foundation Building cultivators, most of them wouldn¡¯t think so.


    The value of killing Foundation Building cultivators was much higher.


    This way, although the war was dangerous, the cost-performance ratio was much higher.


    When this news about the war spread, Zhang San was very attentive to their three ports and didn¡¯t delay the process.


    Under the bombardment of a large number of spirit stones, not only did he choose the areas to establish the ports, but he also hired thousands of piedmont disciples of the Sixth Peak and tens of thousands of handymen. The construction had already begun.


    With so many people involved, the port experienced new changes every day. At the same time, plans for commercialization of the port were underway.


    As the deputy director of the Transportation Department, Zhang San used his authority to build a large branch here that specialized in serving the new port.


    The captain was the same. Although he wasn¡¯t in the sect, he had also arranged for the Black Division to move to the new port as a branch of the Homicide Department.


    Also, after Huang Yan heard from some unknown source that Xu Qing had shares here, he arranged for the Pilotage Department to come over and built a branch here. Gu Muqing quietly bought a very large shop here to open another medicine shop.


    As for the shopkeeper of the Sixth Peak who had tried to extort Xu Qing, it was unknown if it was because of the arrangements of the person behind him, but he also arrived immediately and bought a shop to express his goodwill.


    As everyone rushed in, the new port became lively. It became the hottest topic in the sect other than the war.


    When Ding Xue found out about this, she naturally had to express her support. She bought three shops that formed a triangle and surrounded Gu Muqing¡¯s medical shop.


    It was as though she hadn¡¯t thought of what to do with them and did this just to show her power.


    She even contacted her best friends from the various peaks and received their help.


    The second day after Ding Xue bought the shops, Zhao Zhongheng quickly arranged for the Dispatch Department to build a branch here¡­


    Zhang San was very satisfied. He was naturally the one who spread the news of the port. However, the one who planned this move was the captain. Before the captain left, he told him that he had to use Xu Qing¡¯s name. After all, handsome people were very useful.


    Zhang San also began to mobilize his connections. Very soon, people from the Third, Fourth and Fifth Peaks also came to buy shops one after another, causing the entire new port to have everything a cultivator needed.


    As for the casinos, they also came after hearing about this port that almost completely belonged to the Homicide Department.


    They bought the most shops. Almost all such places in the main city opened branches here.


    The shops in the other parts of the city were moving in one after another. Half a month later, when Xu Qing obtained the Ghost Desires from the Hundred Herbs Square, the prototype of the port was already ready.


    He also applied for a number from the Seventh Peak and the port was designated as Port 176.


    On the day the port was opened for use, Xu Qing moved out of the mountain and found a remote berth in Port 176.


    On the way there, he looked at the port that had begun to operate and sighed with emotion. In order to obtain the sect¡¯s requisition fee, Zhang San had indeed done his best to speed up the construction.


    As he moved back to the harbor from the cave abode, Xu Qing, who was sitting on the magic ship, listened to the sound of the waves and felt the light swaying of the magic ship. This feeling made him feel as though he had returned to when he was in Qi Condensation.


    He had postponed his trip to the sea.


    This was because during these few days, there was more and more news about the war. Every day, one could see streams of light returning from the outside world, heading straight for the seven mountain peaks.


    This made Xu Qing realize that the footsteps of war were about to arrive.


    Another half a month passed. When Xu Qing used his Life Art to finally wear down 10% of the 21st magic aperture, the bells from the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Seven Peaks rang at the same time. It was an extremely rare occurrence.


    When the bells rang and their chimes echoed through the entire Seven Blood Eyes, the expressions of everyone who heard it, regardless of whether they were on the mountain or at the foot of the mountain, changed. Many disciples even walked out of their magic boats and looked at the seven mountain peaks.


    There were many Foundation Building cultivators hidden among them.


    The same scene was happening in the entire Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city.


    It was the same for the Foundation Building cultivators living on these seven mountain peaks. They walked out of their respective cave abodes and their eyes revealed sharpness.


    Shortly after, a vast and aged voice suppressed the bell chimes and spread throughout the entire Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°Disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes, I¡¯m Xue Lianzi. You can call me ancestor. Today, I am announcing that the war is here.¡±


    ¡°My sect declares war on the Sea Corpse Race.¡±


    ¡°The assets of the Sea Corpse Race exceed 100 billion. This old man has decided to take out half of the assets as your reward!¡±


    Almost at the instant this old voice echoed, countless blood threads soared into the sky from the seven peaks of the Seven Blood Eyes. These blood threads were densely packed like countless worms. They swept into the sky in unison, forming a vast cloud that covered the entire sky of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    One could see that this cloud was completely formed by red lines. They gathered in the sky and swam rapidly, finally outlining a huge face.


    This face was that of an old man. It was such a shocking sight that thunder rumbled in the sky. In fact, the entire Seven Blood Eyes was dyed red. One could vaguely sense the intent of the Flame Phoenix that Xu Qing had seen back then.


    From afar, it was as though this world had turned into a demon¡¯s domain.


    At the same time, a monstrous sword qi erupted from the huge blood eye of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ First Peak and headed straight for the sky, transforming into a blood-colored sword.


    This large sword was formed by countless red lightning bolts and looked soul-stirring. It was as though any bolt of lightning inside could destroy a Foundation Building cultivator.


    On that large sword stood a red-faced old man. He was the Peak Lord of the First Peak. As he stood there, his aura was crimson red and his killing intent towered into the sky, as though he could kill gods.


    ¡°I heed the ancestor¡¯s decree!¡±


    Almost at the instant he appeared, a similar rumbling sound rang out from the Second Peak. A huge pill furnace rose into the air and a graceful middle-aged woman was sitting cross-legged on it. The fragrance of pills permeated the air and was enveloped by a dazzling light.


    The pill furnace under the middle-aged woman was still refining a pill that was letting out light like the sun, and the fluctuations it emitted were extremely terrifying.


    ¡°I heed the ancestor¡¯s decree!¡±


    Next was the Third Peak. A middle-aged man who looked like a scholar walked out. Under his feet was a ball of yellow fog. As the fog churned, it emitted a terrifyingly bizarre aura. There were also countless illusory figures that were faintly discernible around him, like ghosts.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook when he saw them. The feeling they gave him was extremely similar to the white-clothed faceless woman in the ruined city. It was as though they came from the same source.


    They were all bizarre entities!


    ¡°I heed the ancestor¡¯s decree!¡± After walking out, the middle-aged scholar calmly spoke. After that, a person walked out of the Fourth Peak.


    This person was a burly man. As he appeared, one could clearly see a chain on his body. One end of the chain was in his hand, and the other end had a huge eyeball.


    As soon as the eyeball appeared, the divine intent erupted explosively. Although the feeling it gave Xu Qing wasn¡¯t as powerful as Binding, it was still a divine creature.


    As for the Fifth Peak and Sixth Peak, no one appeared!


    Finally, it was the Seventh Peak.


    As the Seventh Peak¡¯s mountain rumbled, Old Master Seventh¡¯s figure walked out. He walked toward the sky step by step, looking extremely ordinary. Among everyone in the sky, he looked the least imposing.


    From afar, he looked like an ordinary person with no cultivation at all. However, his appearance immediately caused the other Peak Lords other than the First Peak¡¯s Peak Lord to lower their heads to show their respect.


    ¡°I heed the ancestor¡¯s decree!¡± Old Master Seventh arrived in the air and cupped his fists and bowed to the sky ancestor.


    The gaze of the ancestor, Xue Lianzi, instantly landed on Old Master Seventh. He revealed a hint of surprise before laughing loudly.


    ¡°Little Seven, your Dao actually rose silently. You¡¯re about to break through. Great!¡±

 Chapter 225 - Participating in the War

    Chapter 225: Participating in the War


    Old Master Seventh smiled at Xue Lianzi¡¯s praise but didn¡¯t speak. He only cupped his fists and bowed again.


    The ancestor, who was outlined by the blood lines in the sky, smiled and shifted his gaze toward the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city. With his cultivation, he seemed to be able to capture all the disciples in the city in his mind.


    His voice was like thunder, exploding word by word.


    ¡°In this battle, the Peak Lords and the elders have to participate. However, Foundation Building and Qi Condensation don¡¯t have such an obligation. This old man knows that all of you worked hard and staked your lives to make progress. Although the sect helped during this period, it wasn¡¯t much.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, this war isn¡¯t compulsory for you. Those who are willing to participate will be rewarded. The entire battle missions will be carried out voluntarily. Which of you Seven Blood Eyes disciples is willing to participate in the battle?!¡±


    As soon as the ancestor finished speaking, the identity tokens of all cultivators at the fifth level of Qi Condensation and above of the Seven Blood Eyes instantly vibrated. Numerous matters regarding the benefits of participating in the battle were imprinted in their tokens.


    All the cultivators instantly knew about the rewards after taking their tokens out. Some of their eyes even revealed sharpness and desire after checking it.


    Very soon, many voices replied from the main city and the mountain peaks.


    ¡°Disciple is willing to participate in the battle!¡±


    ¡°Disciple is willing to participate in the battle!!¡±


    As the sounds of participation rang out one after another, numerous figures flew into the air from the main city and the seven mountain peaks and stood respectfully.


    Among them, there were Foundation Building cultivators and high-level Qi Condensation disciples who floated in the air with flight talismans.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at everything. He then took out his identity token and checked the information inside.


    ¡°The participants will be rewarded according to their cultivation base. The first wave of rewards will be distributed immediately. 500 spirit stones for the fifth level of Qi Condensation to 3,000 spirit stones for the Perfected Qi Condensation realm, 100,000 spirit stones for the Foundation Building realm to 500,000 spirit stones for the Perfected Foundation Building realm. If you agree to participate in the war, you will be given the rewards immediately. However, once you participate in the battle, you can¡¯t withdraw unless the war ends. However, you can choose to accept missions during this period!¡±


    This was the first benefit for cultivators participating in the war in the jade slip. When Xu Qing saw this, his expression changed slightly. Being able to receive 100,000 spirit stones just for participating was already a considerable reward.


    ¡°During war, missions are delegated by the Peak Lords to the elders of the various peaks. After the elders issue the missions, anyone can accept it. The mission rewards are extremely generous.¡±


    ¡°All personal gains from the mission or from outside don¡¯t have to be reported. They belong to the individual themselves!¡±


    ¡°All those who participated in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ victory in the war will be distributed the sect¡¯s gains from this battle according to the level and number of the completed missions!¡±


    ¡°In addition, the soul of the Sea Corpse Race has a miraculous effect on those who cultivate the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art. It¡¯s an incomparable delicacy. You¡¯ll know after you try it!¡±


    ¡°Who is willing to participate in this battle?!¡±


    The very first rewards for this war were already so many spirit stones. One could imagine that the subsequent missions would have even more astonishing rewards. Xu Qing was tempted.


    He was truly lacking spirit stones.


    His gains and savings had almost been cleared up after he bought the magic artifact and poisonous grasses. Although he had some spirit stones, they were only enough for his daily life.


    Spirit stones were extremely important in cultivation. If Xu Qing had ten million spirit stones now, he could issue missions to get a large number of cultivators from the sect to help him capture Foundation Building sea beasts. In fact, if he had more spirit stones, he could even get the elders to help.


    He would have a much easier time in opening 30 magic apertures.


    Even if he didn¡¯t seek the help of the elders, if he had enough spirit stones, he could upgrade his magic ship to a high level. He would then carefully avoid some powerful forces and dominate an area on the Forbidden Sea.


    Hence, the rewards from this war caused Xu Qing¡¯s breathing to quicken.


    He was also tempted by the thought of getting the souls of the Sea Corpse Race. To Xu Qing, who had tasted the sweetness of Sea Corpse Race¡¯s soul, the temptation was even greater. He was a decisive person, so after some thoughts, he made the decision.


    Figures rushed into the sky one after another and the sounds of participation rose and fell. There were about a thousand Foundation Building cultivators from the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ seven mountain peaks in total. This time, 70% of them chose to participate in the battle. They were densely packed and their auras were astonishing, causing the wind in all directions to stir and the sea to rumble violently.


    Many elders also walked out of their respective peaks and stood beside the Peak Lords.


    At the same time, on the ground of the main city, countless Qi Condensation cultivators weighed their options. Some chose to participate in the battle, while others prepared to wait and see.


    After all, those who could become a disciple of the Seven Blood Eyes and live to the fifth level of Qi Condensation or above were far from ordinary.


    ¡°Open the sect¡¯s array formation and connect with the teleportation array in the merfolk island!¡± As Xue Lianzi spoke, the entire Seven Blood Eyes rumbled. The seven huge blood eyes on the seven mountain peaks emitted a demonic light that enveloped the entire area.


    The array formation was activated.


    In everyone¡¯s identity tokens, other than the information about the rewards, there was also a simple plan for this battle. It was as though the sect wasn¡¯t afraid of this plan being exposed at all.


    The entire plan was to use the four islands of the merfolk race as the front-line command center. Under the huge protection array of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city, everyone who participated in the battle only needed to hold their identity token and silently chant the word ¡®participate¡¯; they would then be teleported to the merfolk island by the array formation.


    This plan allowed the battlefield to be far away from the Seven Blood Eyes. The strategic location of the merfolk islands was extremely important as it was between the Seven Blood Eyes and the Sea Corpse Race.


    Previously, the Seven Blood Eyes had used the competition as a cover and used the ancestor¡¯s breakthrough to invade the other party¡¯s territory to cause chaos, catching the Sea Corpse Race off guard, which allowed them to take down the merfolk islands in one go.


    Hence, the first step of this strategic plan was already completed. The next step was to completely gain a firm foothold in the merfolk island under the counterattack of the Sea Corpse Race.


    rThe first step was a conspiracy. The second step was an open scheme.


    ¡°Participants, set off!¡± Xue Lianzi waved his hand. His figure directly transformed into countless terrifying red lines that whistled toward the sect¡¯s array formation. He was instantly teleported away.


    After that, the Peak Lords of the five peaks stepped in one after another.


    Behind them were the elders of the various peaks, and lastly, there were more than 700 Foundation Building cultivators from the seven peaks.


    The group of people had a majestic momentum and carried a monstrous murderous aura as they teleported and disappeared.


    Among the Foundation Building cultivators, Xu Qing didn¡¯t teleport immediately. Instead, he glanced at the main city of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Although the sect must have reserved a portion of its strength to protect it, the current sect was clearly much more empty than usual. Even though the sect¡¯s protective array was activated, it still looked defenseless.


    From the moment he arrived at the Seven Blood Eyes until now, Xu Qing had come to know that most of the people in this sect were schemers. He didn¡¯t believe that the sect¡¯s ancestor and the seven Peak Lords would be careless about this.


    ¡°It¡¯s very likely that the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ foundation isn¡¯t just what we see now. There must be something deeper. It¡¯s even very likely that the current sect and main city are a trap to lure other forces.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He lifted his head and looked at the sect¡¯s array formation. The light in his eyes was restrained as he held his identity token and chanted in his mind.


    ¡°Participate!¡±


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s figure was enveloped by a beam of light that fell from the array formation above. His entire person disappeared with the light.


    At that moment, in the main city, such beams of light descended one after another. A large number of disciples were teleported away under these beams of light. One could imagine that such beams of light would continue to descend in the coming days.


    On the Forbidden Sea, where the four merfolk islands were, the sky was also enveloped by the light of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city¡¯s array formation, enveloping all four islands.


    Other than its own defense, the array formation here was clearly synchronized with the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city. It could allow disciples to teleport over instantly.


    Outside these four islands, wind and lightning were rampaging and thunder rumbled endlessly as though powerful beings were fighting. The area further away was covered by fog and surging waves. The sounds of fighting could clearly be heard from the fog.


    One could vaguely see that the people fighting against the Sea Corpse Race were mostly merfolks!


    Clearly, after being suppressed, the merfolk race had chosen to submit completely and was arranged to be cannon fodders.


    However, this battle didn¡¯t look intense, as though it was just the norm. On the four islands, countless buildings had been built that were different from the merfolk race¡¯s.


    They were tall towers.


    Every tall tower shone with blue lightning that flowed in all directions and connected to the other tall towers, causing the four islands to seem to be connected as one.


    There were also countless large-scale magic artifacts installed on the four islands. From time to time, they would rumble and activate rows of astonishing spells that landed on the distant battlefield.


    Array formations filled the four islands. Every few breaths, the shadows of array runes would form in the sky and rapidly fuse into the surrounding areas to reinforce the array formation here.


    Many simple residences were opened up. On Hidden Island, a large amount of anomalous substances were extracted and transformed into nine-headed snakes that seemed to have been controlled to fight for the Seven Blood Eyes.


    It was the same for other islands. After the Seven Blood Eyes tampered with the volcanoes on Mire Island, they were currently erupting. Every time they erupted, they would cause the ground to tremble and terrifying power to pour out in all directions.


    More than half of Image island had been turned into a sword pool. Flying swords were soaked in it as though they were being nurtured. Clearly, this was a method of the First Peak. Once they were used, their might would definitely shake the world.


    The greatest change was on Binding Island.


    An eye had been planted on this island. The size of this eye was comparable to 70% of the island. Upon closer inspection, it was exactly the same as the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Blood Eyes!


    In the blink of an eye, information was transmitted to the identity tokens of all the cultivators on the four islands.


    When Xu Qing arrived, he was in the air above Mire Island. The instant he appeared, he saw the four islands of the merfolk race that had changed drastically.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook as he looked into the distance. He saw Xue Lianzi and the five Peak Lords standing in the air above Binding Island.


    There were also the other two Peak Lords who were bowing to greet the old ancestor and seemed to be reporting something.


    One of these two was an old woman. She was stepping on a vast array formation that seemed to be overlapping with tens of thousands of array formations.


    The other was an old man with a dark expression. He didn¡¯t give off any sense of dignity but was filled with bitterness. It was as though there was a bitter tribulation in his heart that he couldn¡¯t resolve.


    He held a wine gourd in his hand and drank as he walked in the sky.


    They were the Peak Lords of the Fifth and Sixth Peaks.


    Looking at the islands, Xu Qing suddenly understood why the Fifth and Sixth Peak Lords didn¡¯t appear in the sect.


    The changes to the four islands were the arrangements of their two peaks!

 Chapter 226 - Someone Teleported

    Chapter 226: Someone Teleported


    Right at this moment, the volcanoes on Mire Island rumbled and erupted one after another. Thick black ashes rolled in all directions and were poured onto the battlefield of the Sea Corpse Race by the power of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation.


    However, some of them still landed on Mire Island like black snowflakes.


    The ground continued to quake and rumbling sounds that drowned out all sounds appeared from time to time.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t dare to stay in the sky for long. He headed straight for the ground. When he landed, he saw countless Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples from the various peaks bustling about.


    Everyone had a target.


    Some were building array formations, some were cooperating with the maintenance of magic artifacts, and some were rushing toward the teleportation array that linked to the distant battlefield.


    In the air, the figures of Foundation Building cultivators whistled past. Accompanied by waves of light, new people continuously descended on the four islands.


    Xu Qing¡¯s identity token continued to vibrate. Information about missions flowed out like a waterfall.


    While maintaining vigilance against his surroundings, Xu Qing took out his token and quickly checked it.


    One mission after another appeared in the token. Some disappeared as soon as they appeared. Clearly, they had been taken away by someone. Most of them were missions that required many people to complete. They showed the number of participants required, and once it was filled, the mission would disappear.


    ¡°Maintenance of the magic artifacts on Binding Island. Need 30 Sixth Peak disciples at fifth level of Qi Condensation and above, and three Foundation Building cultivators. 50,000 spirit stones will be distributed according to the contribution and cultivation level.¡±


    ¡°60 Qi Condensation disciples and two Foundation Building disciples are needed in Image Island to rear magic artifacts for the First Peak¡¯s disciples. The total reward is 70,000 spirit stones.¡±


    ¡°300 array formation specialists required. The total reward is 60,000 spirit stones!¡±


    ¡°Need ten Qi Condensation cultivators to accept the bizarre body. One thousand spirit stones a day!¡±


    Among the large amount of mission information, there was one that was at the top. It was a war mission.


    ¡°Long-term war mission: Head to the battlefield outside the islands and kill the Sea Corpse Race cultivators. Regardless of cultivation level, kill ten thousands of them and obtain the Core Formation opportunity.¡±


    When Xu Qing saw this mission, his heart trembled. The reward was extremely generous. One could imagine that the Core Formation opportunity would definitely make a large number of Foundation Building cultivators envious.


    Just as Xu Qing was continuously flipping through the mission information, a blood-colored mission suddenly appeared among the many missions. Every word on it was blood-colored.


    ¡°Need ten Foundation Building disciples who can activate Mystic Brilliance Form to cross the battlefield and head to the third island outside the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory. The specific details will be arranged by the elders. This mission is extremely dangerous. If you face the danger of a Golden Core, the participant will be rewarded with eight million spirit stones each.¡±


    The moment Xu Qing saw this blood-colored mission, he was shaken by the reward. His breathing became hurried. However, it was obvious that the danger of this mission was extremely great and there was a slim chance of surviving.


    However, at the next instant, the number of participants for the mission was filled. The mission instantly disappeared from the vast list.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He thought of what Zhang Yunshi had said that day. In the sect¡¯s war, drive the disciples with benefits. Both sides were willing to accept this.


    ¡°I need to accept a mission.¡± A long time later, Xu Qing started looking at the suitable missions. The rewards for Qi Condensation were usually not much and most of them were shared by many people. Most of the rewards for Foundation Building missions required one to have the Mystic Brilliance Form.


    Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation made it impossible for him to accept such missions. At the same time, Xu Qing felt that he was still a little lacking to go to the battlefield.


    What he needed was the kind that could both earn spirit stones and kill the Sea Corpse Race.


    It wasn¡¯t like there weren¡¯t such missions among the many missions. Very soon, Xu Qing saw one.


    ¡°There are several small-scale teleportation arrays left behind by the Sea Corpse Race in the underwater world of the four islands of the merfolk race. Need eight Foundation Building cultivators to investigate and destroy all the teleportation arrays on each island. If you encounter the Sea Corpse Race, kill them. If you can¡¯t defeat them, report it immediately. You will be rewarded with 10,000 spirit stones for each teleportation array destroyed. Kills will be scored and ranked.¡±


    The instant he saw this mission, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. This mission suited his needs very well, so he didn¡¯t hesitate at all and immediately accepted it.


    Almost at the instant he accepted the mission, the eight spots needed for this mission were instantly gone. Xu Qing was the last one. If he had hesitated just a bit, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to get it.


    After receiving this mission, new information immediately popped up in Xu Qing¡¯s identity token. The names of the eight participants were hidden. They had already been automatically assigned to different islands.


    The island Xu Qing was assigned to was none other than Mire Island.


    There was a detailed introduction of the appearance and fluctuations of the small-scale teleportation arrays and how to destroy them. There was even a reminder that the Sea Corpse Race members were found to have teleported from these arrays.


    According to the judgment of the command center, under the envelopment of the sect¡¯s large array formation, even if such small-scale teleportation arrays were forcibly activated, they would not be able to teleport cultivators with two balls of life fire. There was a high chance that the ones who were teleported here were all Sea Corpse Race members who hadn¡¯t formed their life fire.


    The purpose of these people coming here should be to attempt to destroy the array formations and magic artifacts of the various islands like sacrificial soldiers.


    The activation of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s teleportation arrays didn¡¯t require spirit energy and magic power but rather anomalous substances. In the underwater world, there were a large number of anomalous substances in the seawater, so these arrays were extremely hidden and difficult to detect.


    As such, this mission was issued.


    Xu Qing knew that there was someone else on this island who had accepted this mission like him. As such, he headed straight for the nearest city here.


    Regardless of which island it was, the entrance to the underwater world was in the cities. Xu Qing was experienced in this.


    As for the merfolk¡¯s cities, most of them were in ruins. However, the jade slip Huang Yan had given him that day also had a very detailed description of Mire Island. He remembered that there was an entrance tunnel that wasn¡¯t far from here.


    Xu Qing sped up in the air. The volcanoes continued to erupt from time to time, the ground quaked, deafening explosions sounded, and black snowflakes fell.


    About fifteen minutes later, Xu Qing saw a ruined city in the distance. He didn¡¯t stop at all and flew over. On the way, he also saw some Seven Blood Eyes disciples but they didn¡¯t greet each other and hurriedly passed by each other.


    Very soon, Xu Qing found the entrance. The surroundings had already been opened up. The tunnel emitted waves of cold air as well as a bloody intent. The seawater that should have been in the depths had risen quite a bit now and could be seen from the outside.


    Xu Qing stood at the edge of the entrance. After taking a look at the tunnel, he took out a bag containing poison and threw it down. After it mixed with the water, he jumped in.


    He grabbed the poison pouch and rushed down rapidly. The entire process only lasted for more than 30 breaths of time. Xu Qing continued to move deeper and slowly approached the exit.


    The deeper he went, the quieter his surroundings became. The clamor outside was isolated by the seawater, even the rumbling of the volcanic eruptions was much weaker here.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s vigilance was still there. When he got close to the exit, he threw out the bag, causing it to explode. A large amount of poison permeated the air and he rushed out.


    He immediately looked around. Most of the buildings here had collapsed, and the corals and sea anemone had decayed. It was probably because of the eruption of the black fog that day.


    ¡°I have to find the small-scale teleportation array of the Sea Corpse Race as soon as possible.¡± Xu Qing retracted his gaze and calmly spoke.


    A long time later, seeing that there was no reaction, the magic power in Xu Qing¡¯s body surged into the purple crystal, causing it to emit a trace of suppression. At the next instant, the shadow quickly pointed in a direction.


    The reason why Xu Qing accepted this mission was because he knew that his shadow had a keen perception of anomalous substances. It might be a little difficult for others to find a teleportation array driven by anomalous substances under the sea and they would need some special magic artifacts.


    However, he didn¡¯t need them. In fact, Xu Qing even felt that magic artifacts might not be as keen as the shadow.


    The only thing that made him unhappy was that the shadow actually didn¡¯t take the initiative. Hence, he slowly spoke.


    ¡°Your inspection period will be reduced by ten days.¡±


    The shadow trembled. As it rapidly probed the surroundings, the faint voice of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor rang out from the black iron stick.


    ¡°Master, don¡¯t be angry. The shadow might not understand you but I know that Master is usually very tired and needs us to take the initiative to share the burden. I¡¯m worried about Master!¡±


    When the shadow heard this, killing intent instantly appeared.


    Xu Qing felt that what the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor said made sense. As such, he coldly glanced at the shadow and instantly suppressed it three times.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like your killing intent.¡±


    The shadow trembled as though it was extremely aggrieved. It could only obediently show the way under the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s smugness.


    Xu Qing followed the direction the shadow pointed and sped all the way. Very soon, he arrived at the place the shadow had found. This place was a concave land. It should have been blasted by a spell before, so it looked a mess.


    There was a teleportation array hidden in the mud layer and there were no energy fluctuations from it, so it was very difficult to detect. Only the anomalous substances here were slightly denser than the surroundings.


    Xu Qing took a look. He sensed that the array formation didn¡¯t seem to have been activated before. He followed the description in the mission and found the location of the array eye. He then stomped fiercely on it. The array formation collapsed loudly.


    After that, without needing Xu Qing to speak, the shadow quickly probed and pointed to the next location.


    Xu Qing sped all the way. Just like that, he destroyed the second and third teleportation arrays. In the area with the fourth teleportation array, he was about to destroy it when the array¡­ actually shone.


    Xu Qing let out a soft cry of surprise and immediately sensed carefully. Very soon, he sensed a hint of Foundation Building aura from the flickering of the array formation. Someone seemed to be teleporting from the other end of the array formation.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s perception, this aura wasn¡¯t very strong. It didn¡¯t seem to have reached the state of life fire, so he didn¡¯t destroy the array formation. Instead, he quickly took out the poison powder and used the fastest speed to spread it around the teleportation array.


    In the span of over ten breaths, Xu Qing released over a hundred types of poison in one go. As they enveloped the array formation, the black iron stick flew out and hid at the side.


    There was also a bell tied to this iron stick.


    When a person with flesh and blood used this bell, their soul would be affected. However, the artifact spirit wouldn¡¯t be affected, so Xu Qing tied the bell to the iron stick.


    As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor in the iron stick, he was clearly very excited, as though he felt that it was time for him to perform again.


    The shadow was also anxious and spread out, not to be outdone. After making preparations to pounce over in an instant, Xu Qing took out the magic ship just in case. He took a few steps back and squatted down. A cold glint flashed in his eyes and the black fire in his body rose, transforming into a dagger in his hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s coming.¡± The instant Xu Qing muttered inwardly, the light of the teleportation array flickered. Amidst the dense anomalous substances, the figure of the Sea Corpse Race member slowly appeared.

 Chapter 227 - 227 Three Snatching Food

    227 Three Snatching Food


    Xu Qing had fought against the Perfected Qi Condensation cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race.


    They were extremely difficult to kill.


    They had a powerful physical body and tenacious life. When Xu Qing fought one of the Sea Corpse Race members before, he was only able to kill it by cutting off its parts.


    As for the Foundation Building cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race, Xu Qing had never fought them. As such, he was extremely vigilant at this moment. Even when he was all prepared, he still didn¡¯t get too close.


    Under his gaze, as the light of the teleportation array flickered, the figure of the Sea Corpse Race member inside rapidly became clear.


    This person wasn¡¯t transformed from a human corpse but rather a nonhuman race that Xu Qing had never seen before. There were bat-like wings on his back but they were somewhat torn. However, the aura of a Foundation Building cultivator was obvious.


    At the next instant, amidst the light rumbling of the teleportation array, the figure of the Sea Corpse Race cultivator became clear. The instant he completed the teleportation, he tried to retreat. Clearly, he was extremely vigilant.


    However, he would never have thought that there would be traps waiting for him.


    Almost at the instant he retreated, the seawater in the surroundings instantly fluctuated, transforming into highly condensed sea walls and blocking him.


    It was the same for the front, back, left, right, and even above.


    This caused the Sea Corpse cultivator to collide with it as he retreated, emitting a muffled boom. Although the astonishing power of his Foundation Building cultivation caused the sea wall to instantly collapse, the second, third, and fourth walls appeared one after another.


    The magic power in Xu Qing¡¯s body exceeded his peers by several times. At that moment, he was performing hand seals with both hands in the distance. Immediately, the undercurrents in the surrounding seawater surged and walls that were highly condensed headed straight for the Sea Corpse Race cultivators from all directions.


    ¡°Just you alone?¡± A cold glint flashed in the eyes of the Sea Corpse Race cultivator. He also saw his surroundings clearly and sensed that Xu Qing was the only one nearby.


    As for the poison in the surroundings, he didn¡¯t care. As a member of the Sea Corpse Race, his entire body was corpse poison. Moreover, the characteristics of his body made him unafraid of poison.


    He ignored the poisonous fog and performed hand seals. Just as he was about to cast the spell to blast open the surroundings, his expression suddenly changed. He sensed that after his wings came into contact with the surrounding poisonous fog, they actually showed signs of corrosion. This caused his mind to shake.


    ¡°What poison is this!¡±


    Moreover, all of the poison was gathered in the same place due to the sealing of the surrounding sea walls. With more than a hundred types of poison mixed, the body of the Sea Corpse Race cultivator showed signs of corrosion.


    The Sea Corpse Race cultivator was shaken and hurriedly performed a series of hand seals; a dense corpse poison instantly spread out from his body. He also flapped the wings on his back, emitting astonishing energy. It stirred up the surrounding seawater and directly blasted toward the surrounding sea walls.


    In an instant, the walls collapsed one after another, but for every wall that collapsed, three more would appear. Not only did the sea walls around the Sea Corpse Race cultivator not decrease, but they also increased.


    The poisonous fog continued to intensify, causing the expression of the Sea Corpse Race member who was trapped inside to change once again. Even with his powerful physical body and recovery, he felt that his body was starting to corrode faster.


    He even had a strong feeling that if this continued, it was very likely that he would be melted alive in about fifteen minutes.


    He took out a black-colored beast bone. There was a hint of killing intent in his eyes as he spat out blue blood on it.


    Immediately, the beast bone trembled and the anomalous substances on it erupted, forming a black shadow. The shadow seemed to have intelligence as it let out waves of heart-shaking laughter. A powerful aura spread out and swept in all directions.


    All the sea walls that came into contact with the aura instantly collapsed.


    Clearly, this beast bone was a type of magic artifact.


    The Sea Corpse Race cultivator chose the direction that faced Xu Qing and charged straight forward. As the sea walls collapsed one after another, the Sea Corpse Race cultivator rushed out of the poisonous fog. The killing intent in his eyes was intense and cold.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm and he was finally at ease.


    ¡°As expected, he¡¯s not a Foundation Building cultivator with the Mystic Brilliance Form.¡±


    If it was the Mystic Brilliance Form, it wouldn¡¯t have taken so much trouble to break through his sea walls. The cultivator should have been able to knock through everything in an instant and reach him. Moreover, the possibility of the other party hiding his strength wasn¡¯t high. After all, this was the enemy¡¯s territory.


    His thought should be to kill Xu Qing and leave as soon as possible.


    Killing intent rose in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The Sea Corpse cultivator¡¯s magic artifact finally broke through the last sea wall. As the black shadow dissipated, the Sea Corpse cultivator headed straight for Xu Qing.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s speed was even faster than him. He collided with the Sea Corpse Race cultivator in the blink of an eye.


    The Sea Corpse cultivator¡¯s entire body trembled violently and he spat out blood as he retreated. His expression was filled with horror as he saw Xu Qing continue to rush at him.


    The dagger in Xu Qing¡¯s right hand emitted black evil fire. Even in the sea, this fire was still burning. As Xu Qing got closer, the two of them collided again.


    A rumbling sound echoed. After several exchanges, the Sea Corpse Race cultivator was bewildered. He had a similar thought as the Sea Corpse Race cultivator at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm back then. His anomalous substances were ineffective against Xu Qing. His corpse poison was inferior to the other party¡¯s poison and his recovery was the same.


    As Xu Qing waved his dagger, the Sea Corpse Race cultivator raised his right hand. Immediately, the black shadow on the beast bone let out a sinister laugh and pounced toward Xu Qing.


    In fact, this black shadow¡¯s red eyes revealed greed. Just as it was about to get close, the black shadow¡¯s eyes suddenly widened and it quickly retreated.


    However, it was too late!


    At the next instant, the shadow that had been lying in ambush in the surroundings suddenly erupted. It had long been staring at this black shadow. At this moment, its emotions emitted hunger as it pounced over.


    The black shadow seemed to have encountered its natural enemy. As its body trembled, its speed was also affected. It was as though it was so intimidated that it didn¡¯t dare to escape and slowed down.


    In that instant, a large mouth opened in Xu Qing¡¯s shadow and swallowed it.


    The black shadow was swallowed alive by the shadow.


    With a burp, its invisible gaze stared at the Sea Corpse Race cultivator whose expression had changed drastically.


    The Sea Corpse Race cultivator¡¯s eyes revealed horror as he quickly retreated. However, the moment he retreated, waves of hurried bell sounds rang out. This sound carried an ethereal feeling that could penetrate the body and reach the soul.


    The instant it entered the ears of the Sea Corpse Race cultivator, his body involuntarily paused for a moment. Although he quickly broke free, the bell was already close.


    With a flash of black light, the black iron stick gave up on the bell and completely erupted with speed, directly piercing through the center of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s brows. After circling around, it pierced through his neck again before picking up the falling bell again.


    At the same time, the black fiendish fire on Xu Qing¡¯s body erupted, as though he had transformed into a burning person. He also activated the feather magic artifact on his body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s speed was enhanced tremendously with the feather artifact. With just a few steps, he appeared in front of the heavily injured Sea Corpse Race cultivator.


    He instantly stabbed the other party¡¯s neck with his dagger. Just as the Sea Corpse Race cultivator let out a scream, Xu Qing¡¯s dagger transformed into black fire and surged into the other party¡¯s wound, entering his body and burning intensely.


    The Sea Corpse Race cultivator was about to struggle when Xu Qing ruthlessly slammed his knee into the Sea Corpse Race member¡¯s stomach.


    The Sea Corpse Race cultivator¡¯s body almost collapsed, and with the black flames burning his soul, he let out a hoarse howl.


    Amidst the intense struggle, the shadow also got close and extended along the legs of the Sea Corpse Race cultivator. Wherever it passed, the Sea Corpse Race cultivator¡¯s trembling would intensify and his screams changed in pitch.


    The area covered by the shadow was rapidly corroding its body. It was as though¡­ it was transforming from a sea corpse to a real corpse.


    That was because the anomalous substances in it were being crazily devoured by the shadow. And as the shadow devoured the anomalous substances, its body actually emitted a trace of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s aura.


    As for the black iron stick, it wasn¡¯t idle either. It headed straight for the bone magic artifact at the side. After it pierced the artifact, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor manifested and sucked fiercely. Immediately, the bone magic artifact trembled and the energy inside was quickly absorbed by the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    This process lasted for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. The Sea Corpse Race cultivator¡¯s struggle became weaker and weaker. Finally, his body lost all the anomalous substances and turned into ashes that dissipated into the seawater.


    As for the bone magic artifact, it was the same. It shattered into pieces.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes flickered with excitement. At that moment, the soul of the Sea Corpse Race was burning crazily in his body as it rushed toward the 21st magic aperture.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and his eyes gleamed. His 21st magic aperture was opened!


    As the spirit energy flowed in and magic power was nourished, Xu Qing turned his head and looked at the teleportation array, narrowing his eyes.


    He didn¡¯t destroy it but continued to set up more traps and waited silently. At the same time, he looked at the shadow.


    He had sensed that when the other party devoured the Sea Corpse Race, it had also emitted the aura of the Sea Corpse Race.


    Time flowed by, and Xu Qing felt a little regretful that there was no second one.


    The Sea Corpse Race wasn¡¯t stupid. After teleporting one out, they should have sensed something. As such, there was no second one. Xu Qing decided to destroy it and search for the next teleportation array.


    As for the shadow, its anomalous substances had become denser. Moreover, it was as though it had tasted the sweetness, it seemed to be even more eager than Xu Qing and was searching even harder.


    As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, the strength of his aura increased even more. Clearly, he had benefited greatly from devouring the other party¡¯s magic artifact.


    This made Xu Qing a little hesitant. After all, magic artifacts could be sold for money.


    ¡°Master, I couldn¡¯t control myself just now. Next time, I¡¯ll absorb 70% and leave 30% behind. This way, we can still sell it for money. I¡¯m an artifact spirit and I¡¯m confident that I can control it. It¡¯ll be very difficult for the buyer to notice.¡±


    ¡°However, I suggest that it¡¯s best if Master doesn¡¯t sell it to the sect. I know many black markets. We can sell there.¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was an elite among humans. The moment Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed, he guessed the reason and hurriedly spoke carefully.


    Xu Qing glanced at the black iron stick but didn¡¯t speak.


    Just like that, a day later, with the hard work of the shadow, Xu Qing found another teleportation array hidden in a crack on the ground in the underwater world. After setting up the traps, he sat down and waited.


    Several days passed in the blink of an eye. Just as Xu Qing decided to destroy it and search for the next teleportation array, the teleportation array suddenly emitted fluctuations!

 Chapter 228 - 228 Crazily Opening the Apertures

    228 Crazily Opening the Apertures


    The energy fluctuation was very strong. The instant it spread out, Xu Qing felt a faint sense of fear and trepidation. The shadow also rapidly transmitted emotions of danger.


    The other party¡¯s figure quickly appeared.


    He was a very tall and burly man. Although he was still at the Foundation Building realm, the light of the ball of life fire in his body clearly spread out in the teleportation array.


    Clearly, this Sea Corpse Race cultivator had activated his Mystic Brilliance Form when he teleported into the enemy¡¯s territory to face the dangers that might appear on the other side of the teleportation array.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He grabbed at the air. The instant the figure became clearer and met Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, Xu Qing directly crushed one of the arrangements on the teleportation array.


    With a boom, the teleportation array collapsed and the figure that was about to be teleported over instantly blurred. Only an unwilling roar could be heard faintly.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He stood up and put away the arrangements he made, searching for the next location.


    Four days later, he found another place and waited silently. Finally, he saw a second cultivator from the Sea Corpse Race.


    The other party was also at the Foundation Building realm. When Xu Qing confirmed that the other party wasn¡¯t in the Mystic Brilliance Form, he instructed the shadow to investigate. The shadow¡¯s sensitivity to anomalous substances caused it to be very outstanding in detecting the cultivation of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s cultivators.


    For the sake of mutual benefit, the shadow was very serious. After confirming that the person¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t in the Mystic Brilliance Form, the slaughter started immediately.


    This time, Xu Qing had learned from last time and adjusted his poison, making it even more invasive. At the same time, Xu Qing arranged for the ambush on the shadow¡¯s side to be the first wave of attacks.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was the second wave and he was the last wave.


    The magic ship was his final trump card.


    Just like that, after the time it took for two incense sticks to burn, the rumbling gradually dissipated. Amidst the continued weakness of the mournful cries, Xu Qing killed the second Sea Corpse cultivator.


    His soul was absorbed and burned continuously in his body, transforming into an impact that opened the 22nd magic aperture!


    This made Xu Qing very excited. He had a deeper understanding of the saying that the souls of the Sea Corpse Race had miraculous effects.


    ¡°If this continues, I¡¯ll be able to form my life fire in about eight more times!¡±


    ¡°Once the life fire is formed and placed on the life lantern, my combat strength will instantly advance by leaps and bounds¡­¡± Xu Qing¡¯s heart was filled with anticipation. Just as he was about to destroy this teleportation array, an aura spread out once again.


    The feeling this aura gave off was not of the Mystic Brilliance Form but very ordinary. However, the shadow instantly emitted fluctuations. Xu Qing immediately recognized that this aura was the same as the previous Sea Corpse Race cultivator in Mystic Brilliance Form.


    This person had learned from his previous mistake and restrained his Mystic Brilliance Form when he teleported again. However, he was unlucky to encounter Xu Qing.


    At that moment, his figure had almost taken shape when Xu Qing raised his right hand and ruthlessly slapped it. The teleportation array collapsed immediately. The figure in the array struggled intensely and wanted to rush out, but it was too late. It could only dissipate with an even more unwilling roar.


    ¡°I can only do this a few more times. The Sea Corpse Race will definitely sense it.¡± Xu Qing mumbled, feeling a little regretful. This mission was really suitable for him.


    If he could not continue this, then he would have to go to the battlefield to get souls to form his life fire.


    ¡°Let¡¯s continue searching.¡± Xu Qing pondered for a moment and made a decision. He then continued searching. Just like that, days passed. There weren¡¯t many Sea Corpse Race¡¯s teleportation arrays in the underwater world of Mire Island, only a dozen or so.


    Among them, Xu Qing had destroyed a total of eight. As for the Foundation Building cultivators, he encountered two more later. He quickly killed one of them while it was quite difficult to kill the other one. The second one had a lot of life-saving magic artifacts and seemed to be close to forming a life fire. This caused Xu Qing to spend more than two hours to kill him.


    This made him deeply realize how powerful the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s Foundation Building cultivators were. Moreover, the number of magic apertures opened by these two Foundation Building cultivators¡¯ souls was three, reaching 25.


    However, this was the end. Xu Qing found three more teleportation arrays but didn¡¯t encounter anyone again. He could only destroy them regretfully.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was also regretful, while the shadow was no more energetic.


    The teleportation arrays on Mire Island were completely cleared. Xu Qing helplessly returned to the island. Just as he handed in the mission and was pondering if he should accept the war mission, a message came from his identity token.


    ¡°I¡¯m the Third Peak¡¯s elder, Ouyang Ling. I have seen your identity information. Your name is Xu Qing, right?¡±


    When Xu Qing saw this message, he immediately became vigilant and didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to think too much. This clearing mission was given by this old man but the completion rate of the other three islands is average. This old man doesn¡¯t care why you can be so fast. This is your private matter. However, I want you to continue searching the other two islands other than Mire and Binding Island. Are you willing to accept it?¡±


    This time around, what came out of the jade slip wasn¡¯t a message but a dignified voice that directly entered Xu Qing¡¯s mind, causing the 25 magic apertures in his body to tremble.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and slowly spoke after a moment of silence.


    ¡°I respect the elder¡¯s decree.¡±


    When the Third Peak elder heard Xu Qing¡¯s answer, he was very satisfied. At the next instant, he adjusted Xu Qing¡¯s mission from searching for Mire Island to searching for all the islands.


    The corresponding spirit stone reward was also recorded on Xu Qing¡¯s identity token.


    Xu Qing looked at the numbers on it and felt even more anticipation for the war rewards this time.


    110,000 spirit stones!


    With 10,000 spirit stones for destroying a teleportation array, this was the reward for destroying 11 arrays. Among them, the four Foundation Building Sea Corpse Race cultivators weren¡¯t calculated in the spirit stone reward, but the number of kills were recorded.


    Xu Qing looked at the number and felt some regret. Among the four Foundation Building cultivators he killed, other than the first one who had a magic artifact, the last one had a magic artifact as well.


    ¡°However, the main focus now is to open the magic apertures!¡± Xu Qing looked at the other three islands in the distance. He rose into the air and headed straight for Image Island.


    As for why he did not have to go to Binding Island, Xu Qing felt that it was related to that huge blood-colored eye that was planted on the island. This eye that was like the huge eye of the Seven Blood Eyes Sect would definitely be able to search for the teleportation arrays under the island.


    Whether this was the case or not, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care. He crossed the large sea and got closer and closer to Image.


    The entire land of Image was filled with sword pools.


    It was unknown what kind of power was in the sword pools, but it could make the flying swords inside even sharper. From afar, the sword pool in the center was the most majestic. It was filled with dense fog and one could vaguely see flying swords swimming inside.


    Countless small sword pools were built in the surroundings.


    When Xu Qing got close, he could clearly sense strands of dangerous auras emitted by those sword pools locking onto him.


    It was as though he was being screened, but these auras quickly dissipated. Xu Qing safely stepped onto Image Island, the former merfolk race¡¯s royal family¡¯s territory.


    He didn¡¯t stop here. According to the jade slip information Huang Yan had given him, he found the entrance to the underwater world.


    After he quickly stepped in, Xu Qing saw a gorgeous scene that surpassed the underwater world of Binding and Mire.


    Many palaces were built in the entire underwater world. Although many of them were destroyed now, one could still see their former glory.


    These¡­ were the former royal palaces of the merfolk race.


    Xu Qing looked around but didn¡¯t search for a teleportation array here.


    Such an obvious building complex must be the focus of others¡¯ search. At that moment, the shadow transmitted fluctuations, guiding Xu Qing away from the palace area.


    Half a day later, at a place filled with corals, Xu Qing sensed the teleportation array.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. He quickly arrived to take a look and made some arrangements before waiting.


    This time around, his luck wasn¡¯t bad. A few days later, the teleportation array here shone weakly and an aura spread out. As the illusory figure inside gradually became clearer, Xu Qing probed the other party¡¯s cultivation and attacked.


    The entire process didn¡¯t last long. Xu Qing killed the cultivator who arrived and destroyed the teleportation array before continuing to search.


    Just like that, time flowed by and very soon, a month passed. Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared in all the areas in the underwater world. As he continued to search and destroy the teleportation arrays, his magic aperture slowly opened to the 28th.


    ¡°Two more to go!¡± The anticipation in Xu Qing¡¯s heart grew increasingly intense as he headed to Hidden Island.


    While he was carrying out this mission, the war between the Sea Corpse Race and the Seven Blood Eyes became increasingly intense.


    In the past two months, the Sea Corpse Race had launched a total of five large-scale campaigns. Their goal was to force the Seven Blood Eyes back from the merfolk islands.


    The scale of these five wars grew larger each time. However, under the tight defense of the Seven Blood Eyes, not only did they defend successfully, but they also took the initiative to attack many times. They exchanged blows with the Sea Corpse Race on the Forbidden Sea.


    More Seven Blood Eyes disciples had teleported over and joined the war.


    There were even many nonhuman allies of the Seven Blood Eyes who participated in the war one after another.


    This caused various nonhuman races to be seen on the merfolk islands.


    The Sea Corpse Race also had nonhuman races joining them. This caused the scale of the war between the two sides to continue to grow larger.


    However, this had nothing to do with Xu Qing. At the moment, he was speeding through the underwater world under the Hidden Island, approaching another teleportation array that the shadow had discovered.


    ¡°If I¡¯m lucky, I should be able to break through the last two magic apertures in half a month!¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the spirit stones in his identity token. The amount inside had already accumulated to more than 300,000 spirit stones, and the fact that his life fire was about to be formed made him even more excited.


    ¡°I wonder if I, who lit the life lantern after the life fire was formed, will have the strength to beat up the captain¡­¡±


    Xu Qing was filled with anticipation. The black iron stick that had followed him all the way was also trembling at this moment. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was equally excited. He could sense that he wasn¡¯t far from breaking through.


    ¡®Once I break through, I¡¯ll be even more useful. I won¡¯t have to worry too much about being abandoned by Demon Xu for the time being!¡¯


    It was the same for the shadow. Its anomalous substances became increasingly dense, causing Xu Qing to have to consider whether he should suppress it a few more times.


    As though he had guessed Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts, the shadow instantly trembled. When it instinctively expressed fawning emotions, determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    He felt that the shadow was too strange. After devouring the Sea Corpse Race, it could actually emit the aura of the Sea Corpse Race. This made Xu Qing vigilant. Hence, even though it was given a time limit to break through, he still felt that he had to intimidate it.


    Just as he was about to circulate the purple crystal in his body to suppress it, Xu Qing¡¯s expression suddenly froze. He lifted his head and looked into the distance.


    Five kilometers ahead, the teleportation array fluctuations spread out very clearly!


    There were various energy fluctuations. It wasn¡¯t just one person, but many!

 Chapter 229 - 229 Its You!

    229 It¡¯s You!


    The fluctuations were intense, and there was a muffled explosion as magic power spread out.


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks. All kinds of thoughts rapidly flashed through his mind.


    The teleportation arrays ahead had clearly been activated. Foundation Building cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race had arrived.


    The sound of battle meant that the Seven Blood Eyes cultivators had encountered them.


    Right now, the vast majority of disciples were outside taking on various missions. Although there were people in the underwater world, Xu Qing didn¡¯t encounter many of them in the past two months.


    There was a high chance that they were cultivators who had accepted the mission to search and destroy teleportation arrays like him.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t act rashly. Instead, he hid his tracks and slowly approached. When he was about to reach the battlefield, he squatted down and looked at the shadow.


    The shadow had followed Xu Qing for so long and was long familiar with his personality. Moreover, after being swept up by the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor a month ago, he was now working quite hard and quickly spread out.


    The source of light in the underwater world came from the surrounding corals that emitted gorgeous lights. This light could allow cultivators to see their surroundings clearly but because it wasn¡¯t strong light, the shadow was almost imperceptible.


    Moreover, this place was already filled with anomalous substances, so the shadow was able to quietly approach the area of the battle.


    It quickly checked and returned in an instant. After transmitting some emotions to Xu Qing, it laid out some shapes on the ground that only Xu Qing could see.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and looked over. Although he could control the shadow, he couldn¡¯t use its eyes to see the world.


    However, the shapes of the shadow still clearly told Xu Qing what it saw.


    ¡°Three Foundation Building cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race are surrounding and attacking a Seven Blood Eyes Foundation Building cultivator¡­ In your perception, none of them are in the Mystic Brilliance Form?¡± Xu Qing whispered.


    The shadow quickly nodded and revealed an eagerness to try.


    ¡°Are you sure you checked carefully, Little Shadow? You have to place Master¡¯s safety at the highest point like this old man. You can¡¯t be careless.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor seized the opportunity and spoke in a low voice.


    He felt smug. If nothing unexpected happened later, his words would add points to Demon Xu and be able to take some of the shadow¡¯s credits. However, if the shadow made a mistake, his words would make his position in Demon Xu¡¯s heart even higher.


    The shadow emitted a ferocious intent and locked onto the black iron stick.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with them. After a moment of silence, he moved closer.


    Right now, he had opened 28 magic apertures. According to Xu Qing¡¯s calculations, if he could kill two or three more, he would definitely be able to open 30 magic apertures.


    ¡°We can¡¯t let them off!¡±


    Xu Qing concealed his cultivation base and gradually approached the battle. The fluctuations from ahead became clearer and the rumbling sounds became more frequent.


    A while later, Xu Qing finally saw the teleportation array.


    That area was filled with seaweed. Although the long seaweed covered the teleportation array, it couldn¡¯t hide the teleportation light that was slowly dissipating.


    A Foundation Building cultivator of the Sea Corpse Race was adjusting the teleportation array formation. It seemed like he was preparing to teleport more Sea Corpse Race cultivators over.


    This Sea Corpse cultivator was a human when he was alive. Now, other than his skin color and the corpse poison that permeated the air, his appearance was not too different from a living person.


    He looked like a scholar and wore a black Daoist robe. His cultivation base was emitting powerful energy.


    On the other side, there was a youth from the Third Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes wearing a dark yellow Daoist robe. The people fighting with him were two Foundation Building cultivators from the Sea Corpse Race whose auras were slightly weaker.


    There were also other arrangements made in the surroundings. As soon as Xu Qing got close, he felt that his identity token had broken off its connection and was blocked.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t mind and observed the battlefield carefully.


    The youth from the Third Peak wore thin black gloves on his hands. As he waved them, black gas spread out, forming strange blurry figures in the surroundings.


    Between his brows, there was a drawing of a back view of a figure and it was trying to turn around.


    However, it seemed to be restricted and couldn¡¯t completely turn around.


    The two Sea Corpse Race cultivators he fought with gave Xu Qing the same feeling as the Foundation Building cultivator from the Third Peak. They didn¡¯t have the Mystic Brilliance Form but they should have opened about 20 magic apertures.


    They controlled the anomalous substances to attack. Coupled with their powerful bodies and corpse poison, and that they were going two against one, the youth from the Third Peak had many close shaves.


    ¡°The third peak¡¯s spells are strange!¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and looked at the back of the youth. He then recalled the sect¡¯s evaluation of the Third Peak.


    The moment he looked at these people, they also noticed Xu Qing.


    The youth from the Third Peak suddenly used a powerful attack, forcing the two Sea Corpse Race members to back a little. He then quickly shouted toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°This place is restricted by the Sea Corpse Race, so I cannot send messages to the outside world. Help me. I¡¯m willing to pay 100,000 spirit stones after this!!¡±


    When the disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes encountered such a situation, most of them would speak like this. Even if they were from the same sect, there was no obligation for them to help each other.


    The instant the youth from the Third Peak spoke, the black-robed scholar from the Sea Corpse Race who was adjusting the teleportation array frowned. His body swayed and a rumbling sound rang out as he rushed toward Xu Qing.


    As he rapidly arrived, he performed a series of hand seals with both hands. Immediately, the power in the surroundings that could cut off the connection with the identity token spread out, enveloping Xu Qing, who was already within this range.


    In his judgment, it was too late for this Seven Blood Eyes disciple to retreat even if he wanted to.


    Since this disciple entered here, he decided to kill him.


    He was fully confident in himself. Although he didn¡¯t have Mystic Brilliance Form, he had already opened 29 magic apertures.


    In addition, with the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s physical body and recovery ability, coupled with this seabed that was filled with anomalous substances, he was confident in killing most of his peers, let alone the human Foundation Building cultivators which he had killed many.


    The magic apertures in his body were activated and his speed erupted. However, at the next instant, a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes. This was because¡­ the Seven Blood Eyes cultivator in front of him didn¡¯t retreat and escape as he had expected. Instead, the latter rushed toward him.


    ¡°Is he thinking that his cultivation and strength are enough, so he didn¡¯t escape but advanced instead? This doesn¡¯t match the actions of your Seventh Peak.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s see who¡¯s stronger, your strength or my body!¡± The Sea Corpse Race cultivator sneered. His speed didn¡¯t decrease at all, as though he wanted to use his body to crush Xu Qing.


    In that instant, the two of them got closer and closer amidst their respective speeds.


    ¡°Purple Robe, this is someone from the Seventh Peak. There shouldn¡¯t be any fools in the Seventh Peak¡­¡± The youth from the Third Peak who was being surrounded in the distance wanted to take the opportunity to escape, but he couldn¡¯t do so and could only barely protect himself.


    At the next instant, the eyes of the Third Peak¡¯s youth suddenly narrowed.


    Not far away, Xu Qing and the Sea Corpse Race cultivator were rapidly approaching. When the two of them were only 100 feet away from each other, they used their artifacts at the same time, causing their speed to increase explosively in the blink of an eye.


    Xu Qing used a feather, and the scholar-like Sea Corpse cultivator used a black paper fan. They instantly took out their magic artifacts and sped up, but their direction was different.


    The moment Xu Qing received the enhancement from the feather, he abruptly changed his direction. His target wasn¡¯t this scholar but the two Sea Corpse Race members who were attacking the youth from the Third Peak.


    Killing the weak first was a tactic Xu Qing had always used.


    Usually, he would be able to use this method very smoothly. This time, he combined it with the feather magic artifact to increase his speed. However, the instant Xu Qing changed directions and rushed toward the youth from the Third Peak.


    That Sea Corpse Race scholar actually changed directions as well. His target wasn¡¯t Xu Qing but¡­ the youth from the Third Peak!


    Clearly, the words he said about matching their strength were intentional.


    It was to hide his true motive. In the blink of an eye, the two of them transformed into rainbows and appeared at the place where the youth from the Third Peak was fighting against the other two Sea Corpse cultivators.


    An explosion rang out.


    The youth from the Third Peak spat out a large mouthful of blood and his body was sent flying. At the critical moment, a black tattoo appeared on his neck.


    It was a lotus flower. At this moment, it transformed and floated above his head, neutralizing the fatal blow from the black-robed scholar.


    On the other side, Xu Qing had also gotten close. Black fiendish fire erupted from his entire body and the black iron stick charged with astonishing sharpness. He attacked almost at the same time as Xu Qing.


    In the blink of an eye, one of the two Sea Corpse Race members who were fighting with the youth from the Third Peak had his forehead penetrated and the other¡¯s neck was slit open by his dagger!


    The one whose forehead had been pierced let out a miserable cry and retreated abruptly. He quickly performed a series of hand seals, forming a huge six-armed statue of a deity in front of him. It let out a low shout as it blocked the attack of the black iron stick.


    However, the Sea Corpse Race member whose neck was slit by Xu Qing¡¯s dagger wasn¡¯t that lucky.


    The black dagger instantly transformed into flames that enveloped him. At the same time, Xu Qing punched into the other party¡¯s chest, breaking through his flesh and blood all the way to his heart. The 28 magic apertures in his body were fully opened and the black fiendish fire surged crazily into the Sea Corpse Race member¡¯s body!


    The Sea Corpse Race cultivator turned into a burning man almost instantly. As he let out a mournful cry, Xu Qing¡¯s shadow also took the opportunity to fiercely suck.


    Immediately, half of the Sea Corpse cultivator¡¯s body withered, speeding up the burning of the flames. His mournful cries also stopped abruptly as he lost his soul and died.


    As for the shadow, the aura of the Sea Corpse Race on it was even stronger but it was quickly digested and suppressed.


    All of this seemed to take a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in an instant.


    After killing one of them, Xu Qing looked at the black-robed scholar from the Sea Corpse Race. He was a little surprised that the other party¡¯s choice was the same as his.


    As for the black-robed scholar, he revealed a solemn expression for the first time. He didn¡¯t bother with the Third Peak¡¯s youth who had escaped death but stared at Xu Qing.


    Right at this moment, the teleportation array in the distance emitted fluctuations. As the light shone, an aura spread out.


    This aura wasn¡¯t strong and was quite weak. It seemed to be just a wisp that had been teleported over to observe the surroundings.


    After this aura spread out, it used some unknown method to sense Xu Qing. After a pause, the fluctuations of the teleportation array became intense. A roar seemed to travel through the space from the teleportation array.


    ¡°It¡¯s you. When I come out, I¡¯ll definitely kill you!¡±


    As the low shout echoed, the aura of Mystic Brilliance Form spread out from the teleportation array. The other party¡­ was none other than the Mystic Brilliance Form cultivator from the Sea Corpse Race whose teleportation had been interrupted by Xu Qing several times.


    His anger clearly swelled after he sensed Xu Qing and he immediately started teleporting!

 Chapter 230 - 230 Xu Qings Mystic Brilliance Form!

    230 Xu Qing¡¯s Mystic Brilliance Form!


    Hearing the roar of the Foundation Building cultivator in the Mystic Brilliance Form, the black-robed scholar fell into deep thought. As for the youth from the Third Peak, his mind shook and he had the intention to retreat.


    Xu Qing frowned slightly but didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he directed the soul of the Sea Corpse Race he had killed and absorbed into his 29th magic aperture.


    At the same time, he headed straight for the Sea Corpse Race member who was injured by the black iron stick and was rapidly retreating. He spoke his first words in this battle.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die here, stop Black Robe!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t even look at the black-robed scholar from the Sea Corpse Race and headed straight for the injured Sea Corpse Race member.


    He was very clear that in the current situation, regardless of whether he chose to destroy the teleportation array or kill the black-robed scholar, it would be slow. If he went to destroy the teleportation array, he would be blocked by Black Robe, while killing the Black Robe would waste time..


    Black Robe wasn¡¯t a weakling and his thoughts clearly ran deep. Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to fight such an opponent in the current situation. He would face him after getting Mystic Brilliance Form.


    The best choice for him now was for the cultivator of the Third Peak to stop Black Robe and him to kill the second Sea Corpse Race member as quickly as possible. He would devour and absorb the soul and open the 30th magic aperture to form his life fire.


    Xu Qing had a lot of combat experience. He had accumulated it since he was young in the slums. Through the countless killings and fights, he had long gained sharp senses and judgment.


    He quickly approached the second Sea Corpse Race member.


    This Sea Corpse Race cultivator was a nonhuman when he was alive. His nose was very long like an elephant¡¯s nose. Xu Qing had encountered such a cultivator on Sea Lizard Island before. Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop at all when he got close and immediately attacked.


    Immediately, a rumbling sound echoed.


    At the same time, Black Robe¡¯s expression also changed as he rapidly weighed the pros and cons in his mind. He didn¡¯t quite understand Xu Qing¡¯s actions. The only reason he could guess was that the other party was about to achieve his Mystic Brilliance Form.


    That was why this Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciple didn¡¯t escape despite knowing that he was in danger. Instead, he went to kill another Sea Corpse Race member.


    However, what Black Robe didn¡¯t understand was that even if the other party activated his Mystic Brilliance Form, there would still be a gap between him and an experienced Foundation Building cultivator like Lord Yunchen who was about to arrive.


    After all, the duration of the Mystic Brilliance Form was determined by the number of magic apertures.


    He didn¡¯t have the time to think too much. No matter what, he just needed to stop what the other party wanted to do.


    Perhaps no one who could cultivate to the Foundation Building realm was a fool. Black Robe wasn¡¯t stupid, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t stupid, and the youth from the Third Peak wasn¡¯t stupid either. He had only reacted a little slower previously.


    When he heard Xu Qing¡¯s words, although he didn¡¯t understand, he knew very well that it was unrealistic for him to stop the strong Sea Corpse Race¡¯s black-robed man.


    He couldn¡¯t stop him. As for escaping, it wasn¡¯t that he hadn¡¯t considered it.


    However, as long as the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s Mystic Brilliance Form Foundation Building cultivator successfully teleported, it would be too late even if he escaped this area and transmitted his message for help.


    He knew how terrifying the Mystic Brilliance Form was.


    If he did nothing now and fled, the probability of him dying was very high.


    If he went all out, he might have a chance of survival.


    After these thoughts raced through his mind, determination appeared in his eyes.


    He realized that there was only one way with the highest probability to save his life.


    He gritted his teeth and performed a series of hand seals with both hands. He then pressed his forehead and activated the secret technique that belonged to his Third Peak.


    Immediately, the figure on his forehead turned over, revealing the face of a woman.


    This face was pale and blood flowed out of its seven orifices. It was a bizarre sight. The instant it turned over, it seemed to be walking out from the glabella of the youth.


    It grew larger and larger until it separated from his body and floated out.


    As soon as this bizarre image appeared, it charged straight ahead. The direction it headed wasn¡¯t toward Black Robe but toward the teleportation array that was flickering with energy.


    The youth from the third peak wanted to let the bizarre entity destroy this teleportation array.


    This way, he could resolve all dangers.


    The only obstacle for this was Black Robe, but this could also be considered as fulfilling the request of the Seventh Peak¡¯s cultivator.


    By doing this, not only did he avoid the possibility of the Seventh Peak¡¯s cultivator framing him, but he also fulfilled the other party¡¯s cooperation requirements to a certain extent. At the same time, there was a high chance that Black Robe wouldn¡¯t pursue him but protect the teleportation array.


    This way, he could successfully escape.


    If the teleportation array really activated, the Seven Peak¡¯s disciple would be the first target.


    ¡°I¡¯ll gamble!¡± The youth from the Third Peak gritted his teeth and left rapidly without turning his head. He didn¡¯t hesitate to burn his magic apertures for faster speed.


    The battlefield was ever-changing and the speed of one¡¯s thoughts would often decide everything when the difference in cultivation levels wasn¡¯t too great. At this moment, when the youth from the Third Peak fled and released the bizarre entity that headed straight for the teleportation array, the expression of the black-robed scholar from the Sea Corpse Race changed. He felt a little troubled.


    To him, the most important thing was naturally the successful arrival of Lord Yunchen. Hence, he could only give up on Xu Qing and the youth from the Third Peak and head straight for the teleportation array.


    He instantly got close and used all his strength to stop the bizarre entity. A rumbling sound echoed.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised by the Third Peak¡¯s cultivator¡¯s choice. He charged toward the Sea Corpse Race cultivator whose expression had changed drastically. No matter how the other party struggled or controlled the statue artifact to suppress him, it was useless.


    At the next instant, the black iron stick found a chance and directly pierced the statue, crazily absorbing it.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor knew that there were outsiders around now, so he didn¡¯t appear. However, he didn¡¯t show any mercy when absorbing the artifact energy.


    However, he knew that he had to control himself. Otherwise, if it affected Demon Xu¡¯s spirit stones, he would suffer.


    Hence, as he continued to move around the statue, after devouring 70% of it, he suppressed his greed and gave up.


    The shadow was the same. Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, it pounced over crazily and hugged the thigh of the Sea Corpse Race cultivator, sucking fiercely.


    The Sea Corpse Race cultivator let out a mournful cry and his entire right leg instantly turned to ashes. His eyes revealed intense fear and he wanted to retreat but he couldn¡¯t do so at all. Xu Qing¡¯s dagger was already rapidly slashing at him.


    This Sea Corpse cultivator was also a ruthless person. Realizing his death was near, the fear in his eyes was replaced by madness and half of the magic apertures in his body exploded.


    With the help of the astonishing power obtained from the explosion of half of his magic apertures, the Sea Corpse Race cultivator shook off the shadow and dodged the black iron stick. He even dodged Xu Qing¡¯s dagger and rapidly retreated.


    He was about to escape.


    At the same time, the youth from the Third Peak had completely escaped from this area and could not be seen. The bizarre entity he left behind also became increasingly blurry due to the distance. Finally, it dissipated under the attack of the black-robed scholar.


    After dealing with the bizarre entity, the black-robed scholar looked at Xu Qing. He noticed that Xu Qing was chasing after his companion and was about to head over.


    However, at this instant, the body of the Sea Corpse Race cultivator who was fleeing in front of Xu Qing trembled violently. His insides churned and he spat out a large mouthful of black blood.


    The blood of the Sea Corpse Race was blue.


    However, what he spat out was black. It was poisoned blood!


    This poison wasn¡¯t spread by Xu Qing but was smeared on the black iron stick by Xu Qing under the pleading of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. Earlier, when the black iron stick pierced through the space between the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s forehead, the poison had already spread.


    However, it would take time for it to act up. Hence, after half of the Sea Corpse Race cultivator¡¯s magic apertures had collapsed and his body was weakening, the poison acted up.


    The instant the poison acted up, daggers formed by black flames rapidly flew over from not far away. They stirred up a torrent as they stabbed the Sea Corpse Race cultivator.


    There were a total of six daggers. One attacked his neck, one pierced his heart, one went for his forehead, and one for each of his three limbs!


    As piercing sounds rang out, the body of the Sea Corpse Race was lifted by the power of the six daggers and nailed to the side. The shadow and the black iron stick also arrived rapidly.


    The black iron stick rapidly penetrated through the Sea Corpse Race cultivator¡¯s body many times while the shadow headed straight for the other leg.


    Amidst his mournful cries, the daggers on his body also transformed into black flames that rapidly covered his entire body. Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the black-robed scholar who was approaching. He arrived in front of the heavily injured Sea Corpse Race member and immediately pressed his right hand against the mouth of the Sea Corpse Race member.


    The fiendish fire surged in along his hand. With a single breath, the soul of the Sea Corpse Race cultivator flowed into his body. Under Xu Qing¡¯s excitement and anticipation, it turned into firewood and charged intensely toward his 30th magic aperture¡­


    Boom!


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled as his 30th magic aperture opened!


    Following the 30th magic aperture¡¯s opening, the 30 magic apertures in his body fused into one.


    The magic power that was emitted transformed into threads of flames that continuously gathered at Xu Qing¡¯s dantian.


    The 30 fire threads quickly formed a small ball.


    It continued to condense, burn, and shine until¡­


    The first ball of life fire that represented a true Foundation Building cultivator was completely formed!


    This life fire was glorious and emitted an incomparably clear light. The instant it was formed, all the spirit seas in Xu Qing¡¯s 30 magic apertures stirred up monstrous waves.


    Waves of astonishing fluctuations surged crazily, and his life fire burned intensely.


    The flames became even more dazzling!


    It illuminated the 30 magic apertures extremely clearly and even illuminated the Heavenly Palace that was faintly discernible in his body.


    At the same time, a powerful aura erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    At this moment, in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, the world was different!


    Everything in the surroundings changed completely.


    Everything slowed down.


    The seawater, the collapsing surroundings, and the black-robed scholar in the distance was the same.


    The other party continued to move closer but in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, his movements became extremely slow.


    It was so slow that Xu Qing felt very uncomfortable. He even saw countless specks of dust in front of him.


    This dust formed a shape in his eyes, as though it could be magnified infinitely with his thoughts.


    Microscopic observation!


    Not only that, but as the life fire in his body burned, a terrifying force that even Xu Qing was shocked rose and spread throughout his body!


    His spells were enhanced, and his body seemed to have been refined to a higher level. His soul felt like it was wearing armor. Everything about him was¡­ completely different from before.


    Before this, Xu Qing already knew that forming a life fire would be different from when there was no life fire. Now that he had personally entered this state, he understood that he had underestimated the difference between the two.


    It was like two different cultivation realms!


    After activating the Mystic Brilliance Form, his 30 magic apertures seemed to have transformed into 30 stoves that were being crazily consumed.


    The life fire condensed from such a huge consumption was so bright and majestic that it made Xu Qing feel as though a huge stove was burning in his body!


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor trembled, and his eyes revealed intense envy and desire. As for the shadow, it was also trembling. It was as though the light on Xu Qing¡¯s body at this moment made it very uncomfortable.


    However¡­ Xu Qing¡¯s breakthrough wasn¡¯t over.


    At the instant everything in the surroundings slowed down in his eyes and the instant the teleportation array in the distance was about to finish activating, Xu Qing moved his life fire to¡­ the wick of the black life lantern!


    At the next instant, the bottom of the sea rumbled and the seawater around Xu Qing exploded crazily in all directions. A horrifying aura erupted monstrously in Xu Qing¡¯s body!


    The life lantern was lit!


    The terrifying power that surpassed the strength of a ball of life fire instantly exploded from the life lantern and swept crazily toward all the meridians and flesh in Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    Wherever it passed, it was as though life itself was moving forward!


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled intensely as heavenly lightning rumbled in his body. It was no longer a stove but an erupting volcano!!


    The aura was so strong that it could destroy everything and terrify all existences!


    At this moment, the teleportation array in the distance was also activated.


    The Mystic Brilliance Form Foundation Building cultivator of the Sea Corpse Race let out a sinister laugh as his figure quickly formed in the teleportation array that could no longer be stopped.


    ¡°Human brat, you can¡¯t stop my descent this time. You¡¯ll definitely die¡­ Hmm?¡±

 Chapter 231 - 231 A Great Power Crushes the Weak

    231 A Great Power Crushes the Weak


    ¡°Uh¡­¡±


    The Foundation Building cultivator of the Sea Corpse Race who was about to arrive suddenly paused.


    He was a nonhuman when he was alive. His appearance looked like a human but had six eyes. Other than the two on normal locations, he had one on his glabella, two on his cheeks, as well as one on the back of his head.


    More than half of its body had already taken shape in the teleportation array, and it showed his head and eyes.


    His breathing was clearly hurried. Regardless of whether it was the five eyes that Xu Qing could see or the sixth eye that he couldn¡¯t see, all of their pupils constricted.


    All the eyes showed shock and disbelief. The intense changes in his mind couldn¡¯t be concealed at all.


    ¡°Yo-your life fire? Not a ball!! Thi-this¡­¡±


    This Mystic Brilliance Form Foundation Building cultivator of the Sea Corpse Race only felt a rumbling in his mind and his body shivered. The intense life-and-death crisis caused his soul to tremble, and he wanted nothing more than to destroy the teleportation array. However, the teleportation was almost finished, so he couldn¡¯t do it while in the teleportation array. He quickly shouted at the black-robed scholar.


    ¡°Hurry up and destroy the teleportation array!¡±


    In reality, he wasn¡¯t the only shocked one. The black-robed scholar from the Sea Corpse Race, who was about to approach Xu Qing, also felt his mind churning at this moment.


    The heat and light of the flames in Xu Qing¡¯s body at this moment was too terrifying!


    That volcanic eruption-like might caused the black-robed scholar¡¯s eyes to feel as though they were being pierced by countless needles. The intense pain was incomparable, and he couldn¡¯t look straight at Xu Qing. The shock he felt was so great that his mind was about to collapse.


    How could the black-robed scholar dare to approach? An intense life-and-death crisis subverted everything in his mind. There was only one path in front of him.


    That was to violate the race¡¯s instincts and not listen to the words of the higher-ups. He would make use of their arrival to attract the enemy¡¯s attention and escape rapidly.


    He instantly made a judgment and retreated.


    At that moment, Xu Qing, who was standing in the distance, lifted his head.


    The volcano in his body shook the heavens and the earth, burning the seawater in the surroundings. Even his eyes emitted piercing flames like a divine son.


    His gaze seemed to be able to penetrate all barriers and obstacles. Even the fluctuations of the teleportation array couldn¡¯t affect it at all. Xu Qing directly locked onto the six-eyed cultivator of the Sea Corpse Race.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, everything was extremely slow.


    The black-robed scholar was slowly fleeing. The dust in the surroundings seemed to have stopped, and everything seemed to be fixed eternally.


    The fluctuations of the teleportation array were like ink in the water, slowly spreading. Only the six-eyed cultivator moved relatively faster.


    However¡­ it was still very slow!


    Being stared at by Xu Qing shook the mind of the six-eyed cultivator. His expression changed drastically and he couldn¡¯t help but wail inwardly.


    ¡°Two balls, it is definitely two balls. Since this Seventh Peak cultivator of the Seven Blood Eyes has two balls of life fire, why didn¡¯t he let me out earlier!!¡± As he wailed inwardly, the teleportation array suddenly showed signs of destruction.


    Clearly, on the other side of the teleportation array, someone was helping him destroy the teleportation array and avoid this calamity.


    However, it was too late.


    Xu Qing lifted his right hand and gently pressed toward the teleportation array.


    A ball of black fiendish fire erupted from the volcano in Xu Qing¡¯s body and spread out crazily. It instantly formed a huge black flame palm that descended toward the teleportation array.


    This palm emitted an astonishing heat that carried an aura that could burn everything. As it landed, cracks appeared on the ground, as though the ground was about to shatter.


    All the seaweed withered and turned into ashes. The seawater in the surrounding area also evaporated in an instant, forming a hollow space, revealing the dimming teleportation array.


    It also revealed the six-eyed cultivator whose mind had collapsed and was letting out hysterical roars in the teleportation array.


    He didn¡¯t have time to escape. The incomparably intense life-and-death crisis caused him to let out a mournful roar. He used all his strength and four additional arms grew out of his body.


    He raised all six hands and the life fire in his body erupted to activate the Mystic Brilliance Form. At this moment, he didn¡¯t hesitate to destroy his magic apertures and stimulate all his potential, turning his body into a ball of flames that resisted Xu Qing¡¯s black fire palm.


    At the same time, he also took out three magic artifacts and spat out a blue jade. Amidst his despair were malevolence and madness.


    However, it was still not enough!


    A ball of life fire wasn¡¯t worthy of being an enemy of a cultivator with a life lantern.


    As the black fire palm landed and everything in the surroundings turned to ashes, the six-eyed cultivator¡¯s magic artifacts were of no use. Two of them instantly cracked and collapsed. The third one also collapsed in less than half a breath of time.


    The last to shatter was the blue jade. It shattered with cracking sounds. After that, the powerful body of the Sea Corpse Race cultivator started collapsing.


    In the blink of an eye, three of his six arms collapsed. Amidst the bloody mess, his legs couldn¡¯t withstand it and exploded.


    The remaining three arms were all twisted from the huge impact. In the end, they couldn¡¯t resist and exploded into blue blood mist.


    The black palm ruthlessly slapped down on the ground, crushing everything below!


    The teleportation array shattered and turned into ashes.


    A deep palm print appeared on the ground, and the six-eyed cultivator¡¯s body was completely destroyed. Only a ball of green fire was left. The dim ball of green fire that looked like it could be extinguished at any time fled crazily into the distance.


    Its speed was extremely fast in the eyes of those who hadn¡¯t formed their life fire. In fact, they wouldn¡¯t even be able to see it clearly. However, in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, it was still very slow.


    He took a step forward.


    With this step, the surrounding seawater exploded, transforming into torrents that rolled crazily to the sides.


    His speed was so fast that he broke through all obstacles in the blink of an eye and appeared in front of the shocked six-eyed cultivator. He then casually grabbed it.


    He ignored the other party¡¯s life fire and directly penetrated it, grabbing the soul inside like he was grabbing a chick.


    No matter how the other party struggled, it was useless. In the end, amidst the Sea Corpse Race cultivator¡¯s mournful cries, black flames covered Xu Qing¡¯s body and instantly enveloped him.


    He directly refined his soul!


    Even now, the dead six-eyed cultivator couldn¡¯t understand why this Seven Blood Eyes disciple was clearly so strong but still interrupted his teleportation several times.


    After all, he had never seen someone who could reach such a level after just forming their life fire. Hence, from what he knew, it was impossible for Xu Qing to have just formed his life fire.


    In the span of three breaths, as Xu Qing released his grip, the soul of the Sea Corpse Race cultivator was refined into his body and burned like firewood.


    Xu Qing then turned toward the black-robed scholar who looked to be fleeing slowly in his eyes. Looking at the other party¡¯s fleeing figure, Xu Qing even had the time to think about the difference between having life fire and not having one.


    ¡°The difference is indeed too great.¡± Xu Qing sighed with emotion and took a step toward the black-robed scholar.


    The speed of the Mystic Brilliance Form caused the black-robed scholar to be unable to see him clearly at all. As the seawater exploded again, Xu Qing had already appeared in front of him.


    Before the black-robed scholar¡¯s movements could change, Xu Qing had already lifted his hand. A black-flame dagger appeared and slashed across the black-robed scholar¡¯s neck.


    The head and the body that were separated into two were connected by the black flames.


    As the flames spread up and down, they split into two again and were burned at the same time. After they turned into ashes and dissipated, Xu Qing looked in the direction the youth from the Third Peak had fled in earlier.


    The other party¡¯s figure could no longer be seen. Clearly, he had fled far away and it was impossible for him to know the changes here.


    Xu Qing thought about it and gave up on pursuing.


    Other than escaping, the other party could also release bizarre entities. Although the latter made him a target and escaped, he still helped him a little in the end.


    Xu Qing started collecting the spoils of war. He then checked his surroundings and confirmed that he had indeed not missed anything. Only then did he leave, instantly disappearing from this place.


    Under the Mystic Brilliance Form, Xu Qing, who was speeding through the underwater world, felt exhilarated. He had an indescribable feeling. That strength that came from his body made Xu Qing feel very safe.


    His speed was so fast that ordinary Foundation Building cultivators couldn¡¯t see him at all. At the same time, the feeling of a volcano erupting in his body shocked even him.


    ¡®I wonder how I am now compared to the captain¡­¡¯ Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. As he sensed the rising life fire on his life lantern, he deeply realized how terrifying the Mystic Brilliance Form was.


    ¡°All my abilities seem to have transformed!¡± As Xu Qing sped, he lifted his right hand and waved it. Immediately, a black sea of fire that was much more majestic than before spread out, instantly destroying a teleportation array of the Sea Corpse Race.


    After that, he clenched his fist and pressed it against the ground. Immediately, the ground rumbled and cracks erupted, forming a huge pit.


    He performed a series of hand seals. The seawater in the surroundings suddenly churned and gushed toward the deep pit with a thought. After it was filled up, it formed a storm-like vortex that spread in all directions with astonishing lethality. Ordinary Foundation Building cultivators would definitely collapse and their bodies and souls would be destroyed.


    ¡°Both spells and my body are strengthened!¡± Xu Qing was in high spirits. In a remote place in the underwater world, he suddenly stopped. As the sounds of the seawater exploding in the surroundings slowly rang out, Xu Qing looked at his shadow. He then waved his hand and took out the black iron stick, glancing at it.


    The shadow instantly trembled. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor in the black iron stick also trembled intensely. In reality, after Xu Qing activated his Mystic Brilliance Form, they had been keeping quiet.


    In that state, Xu Qing gave them a very terrifying feeling, especially when Xu Qing¡¯s Mystic Brilliance Form was much more powerful than the Mystic Brilliance Form of a ball of Life Fire. He killed a cultivator with a life fire as easily as killing a chicken. This made them extremely terrified.


    ¡°The assessment period is almost here.¡± Xu Qing slowly spoke.

 Chapter 232 - 232 Dancing With My Moon

    232 Dancing With My Moon-Lit Shadow


    This time around, Xu Qing didn¡¯t need to threaten the shadow much. Just this sentence alone caused it to shake.


    In fact, amidst this horror, as though it was an instinctive reaction, a few tear marks appeared.


    Emotions of anxiety were being transmitted to Xu Qing, as though it was afraid that it would be killed if it was too slow.


    ¡°Sea corpse¡­ Eat¡­ Quick breakthrough¡­ Break through quickly.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the difference between quick breakthrough and breaking through quickly. He also didn¡¯t care if the shadow had said it in anxiety. Instead, he looked at the black iron stick.


    As the black iron stick trembled, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor materialized from it. He had clearly made some mental preparations in this short time. As soon as he appeared, he immediately patted his chest and spoke to Xu Qing with a firm tone.


    ¡°Master, don¡¯t worry. At most, I¡¯ll eat a few more magic artifacts and the artifact spirit cultivation art I cultivate will be able to break through. According to my estimation, at that time, your treasured iron stick will achieve speed and sharpness comparable to the Mystic Brilliance Form under my control.¡±


    ¡°Although it can¡¯t be maintained for long, I¡¯ll definitely work even harder and won¡¯t drag Master down. I¡¯ve also been studying how to self-destruct recently.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve thought it through. I¡¯m worried for Master. My life is nothing. If Master encounters a crisis, even if I have to self-destruct, I will open a path for Master!¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor spoke passionately and kept patting his chest. Hearing his words, the shadow no longer trembled but was stunned.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he cast a meaningful glance at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and nodded.


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    After saying that, Xu Qing retracted his gaze. With a thought, the life fires in his body were instantly extinguished.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body instantly dimmed and he returned to his previous state.


    The terrifying pressure also dissipated.


    After returning from that powerful state, the perception that reappeared in his entire body caused Xu Qing to feel a moment of discomfort. In fact, he even had an urge to continue activating the Mystic Brilliance Form.


    However, he suppressed this impulse.


    In reality, it wasn¡¯t just Xu Qing. To any Foundation Building cultivator, returning from the powerful state of the Mystic Brilliance Form to their original state would cause waves in their minds.


    The Mystic Brilliance Form was a super eruption of the magic apertures in Foundation Building cultivators¡¯ bodies. During this eruption, their magic power and spirit sea, including their magic bodies and everything else, would be strengthened by leaps and bounds.


    The consumption brought about by this increase was naturally extremely great.


    This caused Foundation Building cultivators to learn to restrain themselves and make reasonable use of their Mystic Brilliance Form time. Generally speaking, a cultivator with a ball of life fire could maintain the Mystic Brilliance Form for more than an hour.


    This time was the limit. Unless it was absolutely necessary, no one would challenge this limit.


    This was because once their life fire was exhausted and extinguished due to reaching the limit, their magic apertures would be overused and turn into withered apertures.


    Withered apertures were like trash and this situation was almost irreversible.


    Xu Qing silently sensed his body. After he got used to his normal state again, he began to inspect his spoils of war.


    This time, a total of four Foundation Building cultivators from the Sea Corpse Race had died in his hands. What Xu Qing regretted the most was the four magic artifacts that the six-eyed cultivator had used to resist his attack.


    At that time, Xu Qing had just activated his Mystic Brilliance Form, so he couldn¡¯t accurately control the terrifying power in his body for a moment and used all his strength to attack.


    The other party was crushed to pieces, but the four magic artifacts suffered the same fate as well.


    ¡°At least a million spirit stones¡­¡± At the thought of this, Xu Qing sighed and took out the storage bags he had obtained. After checking them, he felt a little better.


    The storage bags of these Sea Corpse Race cultivators were much better than his previous loots. There were about 300,000 spirit stones in total. It was a pity that there was only one magic artifact.


    It was the black-robed scholar¡¯s fan.


    This fan could also increase one¡¯s speed. Xu Qing looked at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor who clearly wanted it but endured it, and threw it over.


    In an instant, the black iron stick pierced into the fan. The direction it pierced was very tricky. It didn¡¯t pierce the fan¡¯s surface but struck the lower part of the stick. This made it look like the fan had no obvious damage from the outside.


    He started absorbing the spirit energy in the fan. When the fan finally dimmed, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor pulled out the iron stick in satisfaction and blew at the fan.


    This breath was very strange. After it landed on the fan, the dimness of the magic artifact instantly disappeared and it emitted a treasure light again. It looked no different from before.


    ¡°It¡¯s fragile¡­¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor said in a low voice. After saying that, he blinked and put on an embarrassed expression, as though he wanted to use this to emphasize that he wasn¡¯t a sinister person.


    Xu Qing stored the fan without caring about the Diamond Sect¡¯s expressions and words. At that moment, the two Sea Corpse Race cultivators¡¯ souls in his body erupted at the same time, instantly opening the 31st magic aperture.


    ¡°I need even more souls¡­¡± Xu Qing could sense that after he opened 30 magic apertures in his body, the amount of soul power he needed was a lot more than before. An ordinary Foundation Building cultivator¡¯s soul couldn¡¯t even open a single magic aperture now. Only the soul of the cultivator with life fire could do so.


    After opening the 31st magic aperture, the two souls¡¯ remaining strength wasn¡¯t enough to open the 32nd magic aperture.


    While the magic power in his body was increasing, Xu Qing rushed toward the exit of the underwater world.


    When he reached the exit, he charged out without slowing down.


    He followed the passageway to the outside world. As soon as he appeared, he saw countless Seven Blood Eyes cultivators whistling through the sky. The atmosphere of war on the merfolk island was very intense.


    As the rumbling echoed in the distance, astonishing energy fluctuations also spread in the sky.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned solemn as he looked at the sky.


    There were more than ten figures from the upper echelons of the Seven Blood Eyes fighting against some Sea Corpse Race cultivators. In the distance, the battle had become even more intense.


    There were also rows of magic artifacts constructed on the four islands. The power of the spells stirred up various colored lights that surged into the sky and landed on the battlefield.


    Flying swords flew out of the sword nurturing pools, whistling through the air.


    It was the same for array formations.


    Clearly, this war had reached a critical point. The counterattack from the Sea Corpse Race was very ferocious, and the countless flickering missions in the identity token proved this.


    Xu Qing poured his magic power into it and immediately checked his token. Missions appeared in large numbers. Most of them were related to the battle at the frontline and they had extremely generous rewards. In the list of battle missions, killing ten thousand Sea Corpse Race cultivators could allow one to obtain a Core Formation opportunity. There were already seven to eight people who were close to this target.


    Xu Qing quickly checked and handed in the mission to search for the teleportation arrays. However, he didn¡¯t choose the next mission immediately.


    He was very clear that the most important thing in front of him now was how to explain having two balls of life fire.


    Unless he didn¡¯t display the two balls of life fire in front of other Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples for a very long time, and only fought with one ball of life fire in normal situations, otherwise, he would have to lay the groundwork in advance. Moreover, even if he only revealed two balls at the moment of life and death, there were still many chances for accidents.


    Once he was exposed, he might be able to use the explanation of devouring souls in the war, the risk in this wasn¡¯t a lot either and the probability of attracting attention wasn¡¯t high, but it ultimately wouldn¡¯t be able to pass through an investigation which was a potential risk.


    The solution was also simple.


    Xu Qing checked his identity token. It showed that he had killed 15 Foundation Building cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race while the number of Qi Condensation cultivators killed was zero.


    ¡°Too little.¡± Xu Qing shook his head. With such a small battle record, as long as outsiders were interested, they would be able to easily see through his lies.


    Xu Qing found a remote place and confirmed that there was no one around. He then looked at the shadow and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you release the aura of the Sea Corpse Race earlier? Emit it.¡±


    The shadow seemed a little surprised and formed a question mark under Xu Qing¡¯s feet.


    ¡°Just do what you are told.¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor seized the opportunity and quickly reprimanded.


    The shadow felt aggrieved. After a long time, it emitted a wisp of the aura of the Sea Corpse Race. However, as soon as it appeared, the purple crystal in Xu Qing¡¯s body suppressed it and instantly destroyed that wisp of aura.


    After that, amidst the shadow¡¯s horror and confusion, Xu Qing checked his identity token and discovered that the Qi Condensation cultivators killed had increased from zero to one.


    ¡°As expected, it¡¯s like I expected.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. Previously, when he saw the shadow forming the aura of the Sea Corpse Race, he had been weighing how the identity token recorded the number of kills. Now, he was very satisfied with the test results.


    After all, the identity token was a dead object and the recording feature was relatively simple. It was judged by the collapse of the aura and fluctuations.


    Under normal circumstances, this wouldn¡¯t be a problem. It wouldn¡¯t be easy to tamper with it either. As for many people attacking the enemy together, there should be another way to judge. Although it wasn¡¯t perfect, it was still acceptable overall.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s shadow was bizarre¡­ and a little different from the norm.


    This was the solution Xu Qing had thought of. He was going to accept a large number of missions next. On one hand, he would really refine the souls and open his magic apertures. On the other hand, he would rely on the shadow to farm battle results. Regardless of whether it was Qi Condensation or Foundation Building, as long as he had enough on the records, there would be a reasonable explanation for his two balls of life fire.


    This was possible due to the war. Not many people would have the time to pay attention to others and the number of Sea Corpse Race cultivators was huge. Hence, as long as he didn¡¯t go overboard with his battle results, the plan was flawless.


    The only thing he had to consider was how many times the shadow could withstand the suppression.


    Xu Qing only thought about this for a moment before tossing it to the side. He felt that since the shadow didn¡¯t die after being suppressed by him so many times, it shouldn¡¯t die so easily.


    In the next two months, Xu Qing began to accept missions crazily. During this period, he only used a ball of life fire¡¯s power most of the time. He would only activate his life lantern when he was fighting alone.


    However, he was wary of his identity token. When he activated the life lantern, he would use the shadow to cover his identity token.


    At the same time, he would farm a large number of battle results on every mission. For this, he had been forcefully demanding the shadow. Occasionally, it would reveal a wisp of Foundation Building aura and fluctuations, but it was only an aura and didn¡¯t have combat strength.


    It seemed to be the limit of the shadow¡¯s current ability, causing Xu Qing¡¯s battle record to have additional Foundation Building cultivators killed.


    As for the miserable state of the shadow, even the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was shocked. It clearly had nothing to do with him, but for some reason, he was also afraid.


    There were a few times when it seemed like the shadow was really about to collapse. However, Xu Qing¡¯s true battle results in the past two months were quite good, allowing the shadow to absorb the Sea Corpse Race cultivators and barely hold on. At the same time, under Xu Qing¡¯s training, the combat strength the shadow displayed seemed to be even stronger than before. This made Xu Qing very surprised.


    Xu Qing¡¯s magic apertures also opened one after another, reaching 40.

 Chapter 233 - 233 Fishing Out The Fiend

    233 Fishing Out The Fiend


    Just like that, Xu Qing¡¯s battle results were extremely good. The total number of kills had reached over 3,000, and most of it was thanks to the shadow.


    At this moment, Xu Qing didn¡¯t dare to continue farming results. He felt that it was okay now.


    He was worried that it would be too fake if he continued to do this. He checked the mission rankings and saw that the sect had really killed a lot. The highest ranked had more than 10,000 kills, and there were seven to eight people with above 7,000 kills. As for 5,000 kills, there were many with this record.


    However, Xu Qing felt that these people had some unique methods or only killed Qi Condensation cultivators. Otherwise, this number was impossible. It was too exaggerated.


    After all, the Sea Corpse Race wasn¡¯t that weak. Moreover, when Xu Qing looked at the name of the person ranked first and discovered that it was Wu Jianwu, he was speechless.


    He felt that there was a high chance that the result was falsified. With this person around, Xu Qing felt that even if they investigated the results, they wouldn¡¯t investigate him. After all, his result adjustments were reasonable, while these people were going overboard with it.


    Of course, there were also truly able people. Xu Qing saw that the person ranked second was the second highness and her kills numbered more than 8,000.


    Looking at the rankings, Xu Qing had a faint feeling that perhaps the sect was willing to see such battle results in the rankings even if they were fake. Firstly, it could inspire others. Secondly, the comparison could stimulate other disciples to work harder. Thirdly, it could also reveal the might of the Seven Blood Eyes and intimidate everyone.


    Xu Qing thought for a while but still gave up on farming battle results. He then began to search for the next mission that was suitable for him. He was a little tired now and planned to find a simpler mission.


    Very soon, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze locked onto an escort mission.


    The cultivators of the Second Peak mainly focused on alchemy, and alchemy pills didn¡¯t only have healing and cultivation improvement effects. There were also poisonous pills and all kinds of medicine. Among them, there was one known as the forbidden pill.


    The so-called forbidden pill was usually prepared for war. Once used in war, its strange might was difficult to deal with. It possessed many types of large-scale killing power that would cause fear in others.


    It contained mutation, attraction, and all kinds of astonishing astronomical phenomena. The abilities of each forbidden pill were different, and the method of activation was also different.


    Generally speaking, forbidden pills would activate immediately.


    Hence, most of them were semi-finished products that had been refined in the sect, and then the cultivators would complete them in some special areas on the battlefield.


    The first choice for the Second Peak cultivators to finish the forbidden pills were the many small archipelagos around Merfolk Island due to them containing many volcanic craters.


    However, the Sea Corpse Race also attached great importance to this and had divided some of their combat strength to kill the Second Peak cultivators in the archipelagos.


    That was why there was this urgent mission. It was to recruit Foundation Building cultivators to head there. While stalling for time, they would also escort the Second Peak¡¯s cultivators as soon as possible.


    The mission reward was very generous as it gave 300,000 spirit stones.


    After Xu Qing saw this, he was quite tempted. This kind of escort mission was more organized than entering the main battlefield to fight. As Xu Qing pondered, more than half of the 20 Foundation Building cultivators needed for the mission were filled.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate and immediately accepted the mission.


    As the mission was accepted, a portion of the spirit stones was first recorded in his token. He was also given the teleportation coordinates and instructions to set off immediately.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over and headed straight for the teleportation array. After entering the coordinates, his figure instantly disappeared under the cover of the array¡¯s light.


    In the southern part of the merfolk island, on the vast sea, there was a series of small pearl-like islands. These islands had been formed for a long time. Because they were too small and there were volcanic craters, they were not suitable for living.


    On the nautical chart of the Seven Blood Eyes, these islands were known as the Pearl Islands.


    At that moment, on the Pearl Islands, volcanoes were erupting one after another, causing countless black-colored volcanic ashes to fall like black snow. Accompanied by red lava, they were like rain that fell on the entire Pearl Islands.


    The black and dry snow and the hot and red rain soaked the Pearl Islands into a scene of the netherworld.


    Around the Pearl Islands, huge waves surged into the sky. Many figures walked out of the sea and quickly landed on the shore.


    These figures who walked out of the sea were all from the Sea Corpse Race.


    As they landed on the island, the slaughter and intense battle immediately intensified. Explosions and shouts rang out in all directions, and the fluctuations of magic power and the aura of anomalous substances were also extremely intense.


    On one of the islands, a large number of Sea Corpse Race cultivators had already killed their way to the core area.


    This was a valley and the ground was covered in thick black volcanic ash. Occasionally, hot magma would fall, causing everyone in the valley to have no choice but to activate their protective barriers.


    These people were all Seven Blood Eyes disciples, and most of them were from the Second Peak. All of them had anxious expressions as they kept looking at the


    Fifth Peak¡¯s disciples who were doing their best to repair the array formations not far away.


    Because there was a volcano on this island, the Second Peak¡¯s disciples were ordered to come here and borrow the earth fire to bury the forbidden pills. However, the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s arrival was abrupt and ferocious. They had just buried the forbidden pills when they had no choice but to move before they could adjust them.


    With the appearance of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s army, all the array formations here were affected. They had no way to leave. It was as though the Sea Corpse Race planned to use the Pearl Islands as a trap and a breakthrough point.


    This was indeed the case. The Sea Corpse Race¡¯s troops were divided into two groups. The army that was heading to the merfolk island was only feigning attacks to restrain them. This place was the main point. They were planning to use the Pearl Islands as the frontline command center and occupy this place to resist the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Of course, if the Seven Blood Eyes army came to save these Pearl Islands, the Sea Corpse Race could turn the feint attack on the merfolk islands into a real battle at any time.


    All the teleportation arrays on these islands were affected. Some of them were destroyed, while some were preserved by the Sea Corpse Race cultivators for personal reasons.


    They were waiting there for the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ cultivators to teleport over and kill them to obtain contribution points.


    In the northwest of this island, in a deep pit some distance away from the core valley, a teleportation array was flickering. Around this teleportation array were dozens of Sea Corpse Race cultivators.


    The leader was an ordinary Foundation Building cultivator. He was a three-eyed nonhuman. He looked at the shining array formation and his gaze flickered as he shouted in a low voice.


    ¡°Everyone, be prepared and carefully detect the fluctuations of magic power. If the person who is teleporting is a life fire cultivator, destroy the teleportation array immediately. I hope that the person who came is just an ordinary one so that I can gain a good contribution.¡±


    The Sea Corpse Race Foundation Building cultivator stared at the shining teleportation array with anticipation.


    In this battle, because of the unexpected breakthrough of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ancestor and his sudden intrusion, the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s ancestor was heavily injured.


    The entire Sea Corpse Race was in chaos. If not for the awakening of a few old antiques who were in deep sleep, the Sea Corpse Race would probably have faced a calamity.


    In the subsequent battles, after the merfolk island was occupied by the Seven Blood Eyes and became the frontline command center, the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s many counterattacks ended in failure. At this critical moment, in order to win, the upper echelons of the Sea Corpse Race didn¡¯t hesitate to take out a large number of resources and even rewarded some opportunities to advance their lives.


    As long as one obtained a certain amount of contribution points, they could exchange for these resources and opportunities. Hence, the Sea Corpse Race cultivators were much more active and excited.


    At that moment, the Sea Corpse Race cultivator beside the teleportation array was the same. However, he was very cautious. He was afraid that the person who would arrive would be a Foundation Building cultivator who had the Mystic Brilliance Form, so he had brought some magic tools to detect the energy fluctuations.


    Beside him was a huge eyeball. This eyeball had seven to eight tentacles that burrowed into the glabellas of seven to eight Sea Corpse Race cultivators at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm. With their nourishment, it was paying close attention to the teleportation array.


    Very soon, the eyeball emitted a white light.


    Seeing this light, the Foundation Building cultivator of the Sea Corpse Race relaxed. A bloodthirsty expression appeared on his face and he was about to rush over. However, at the next instant, as the teleportation array shone, before the figure inside could be clearly revealed, a black light whistled out of the array.


    It instantly reached the Sea Corpse Race Foundation Building cultivator.


    The expression of the Foundation Building cultivator changed and he quickly retreated. However, the black light suddenly sped up, doubling its speed. There was also the sound of a bell that shook his soul, causing the Sea Corpse Race cultivator¡¯s body to pause.


    At the next moment, the black light pierced through the chest of the Sea Corpse Race Foundation Building cultivator.


    At the same time, as the figure in the teleportation array rapidly appeared, the eye that was observing the array at the side suddenly shone. It was no longer white but red.


    ¡°Red magic power! Hurry up and destroy the teleportation array!¡± The injured Foundation Building cultivator had a flustered expression. The instant he spoke, the expressions of the other Sea Corpse Race cultivators in the surroundings also changed. They attacked in unison, wanting to destroy the teleportation array.


    However, at this moment, a roar rang out from the teleportation array. A plesiosaur rushed out of the rapidly forming figure. As soon as it appeared, its body expanded quickly and grew to a thousand feet in size, enveloping the teleportation array.


    Its powerful body blocked all the spells in the surroundings, allowing the teleportation to be successfully completed without interference.


    The figure in the teleportation array became clearer at this moment.


    It was Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t leave the teleportation array immediately. He stood there and coldly looked at his surroundings.


    He saw the shocked Foundation Building cultivator and the dozen or so Qi Condensation cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race in the surroundings.


    He also noticed that he was near a small crater. As for the sneak attacks, although Xu Qing didn¡¯t predict it in advance, he was already used to being vigilant.


    Moreover, he had used this method to plot against others before, so how could he not be careful?


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze. The volcano in his body suddenly erupted and he directly activated the Mystic Brilliance Form.


    As the flames on his body rose and the terrifying high temperature spread, everything in the surroundings distorted. The eyeball that could sense magic power directly exploded, and the seven to eight Qi Condensation members of the Sea Corpse Race who were connected to it screamed miserably and spat out blood as they fell to the ground.


    The other Qi Condensation cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race in the surroundings also let out blood-curdling cries. Due to the huge difference in cultivation levels between the two sides, Xu Qing was already an existence that couldn¡¯t be looked at directly. It was just like how Xu Qing could not look at the Third Elder when he was at Qi Condensation.


    Although he wasn¡¯t the Third Elder, these Qi Condensation Sea Corpse Race members weren¡¯t like him back then.


    In reality, the feeling wasn¡¯t much different. At that moment, mournful cries rang out in the surroundings. Xu Qing took a step forward. His speed was so fast that he instantly approached the Foundation Building cultivator who had been pierced by the black iron stick.


    Amidst this person¡¯s horrified expression, Xu Qing pressed down on the top of his head. A large amount of black fire instantly erupted and covered the cultivator, rapidly devouring him.


    The Sea Corpse Race cultivator wanted to struggle, but the aura of Xu Qing¡¯s life lantern formed a terrifying suppression, causing the eyes of the Foundation Building Sea Corpse Race cultivator who didn¡¯t have life fire to widen. The magic apertures in his body rumbled and his cultivation base instantly became chaotic. It was difficult for him to resist Xu Qing¡¯s black fiendish fire as it surged into his body.


    A blood-curdling scream rang out.


    In reality, he wasn¡¯t weak. If it was before Xu Qing activated his life fire, although he could win against this person, he would have to go all out. But now, everything was finished in an instant.


    To Xu Qing, Foundation Building cultivators who hadn¡¯t formed their life fire were just easy prey no matter what race they were.

 Chapter 234 - 234 Mission Change

    234 Mission Change


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the Sea Corpse Race cultivator who had lost the ability to resist and was continuously emitting soul power. As Xu Qing absorbed it, he looked around. The map mark given in the mission appeared in his mind.


    According to the map, this place was one of the teleportation points on this island. Its location was relatively hidden.


    And there was actually the Sea Corpse Race lying in ambush and fishing here. One could imagine that the current situation was already very bad.


    This didn¡¯t match the mission jade slip.


    Very soon, as all the souls of the Sea Corpse Race here were absorbed by Xu Qing, he walked toward the teleportation array, wanting to activate it and return.


    For situations that didn¡¯t match the mission description, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples had the right to choose not to participate.


    However, not long later, Xu Qing¡¯s heart sank.


    The teleportation array seemed to be suppressed by some strange power. It could only bring people but not send.


    ¡°Interesting.¡±


    Xu Qing simply rushed out. Under the Mystic Brilliance Form, he quickly appeared in the air.


    He didn¡¯t stand there foolishly. He rapidly moved forward and observed his surroundings closely.


    The souls he absorbed were also charging toward his magic aperture.


    However, after he opened 40 magic apertures, the soul power required for further breakthroughs became much more astonishing.


    He needed a lot of souls of ordinary Foundation Building cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race to break through even one.


    After looking at the entire island from afar, he looked at the falling black snow and magma rain before landing.


    He landed beside a fallen tree.


    The tree crown was charred black. The leaves were gone, leaving only broken wood.


    Xu Qing frowned slightly.


    He saw a large number of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s army landing on the shore.


    He also noticed that the vast majority of places on this island were filled with the figures of the Sea Corpse Race.


    With so many Sea Corpse Race cultivators, there must be Mystic Brilliance Form cultivators. There might even be Golden Core cultivators.


    Hence, Xu Qing immediately deactivated his Mystic Brilliance Form.


    He didn¡¯t want to attract attention.


    ¡°There¡¯s indeed a problem with this mission!¡± Xu Qing was on guard.


    The mission didn¡¯t state that the situation here was so dangerous. Clearly, it was impossible for the 20 Foundation Building cultivators who accepted the mission to resist the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s army here. The difference between them was too great.


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s identity token suddenly vibrated. He glanced at it and noticed that the mission he had accepted had changed.


    ¡°The Sea Corpse Race¡¯s army has attacked the Pearl Islands. Changes have been made to the escort mission. The reward for this mission is doubled and the mission task has changed. There¡¯s no time for delay. Do your best to head to the core of the island and evacuate the Second Peak¡¯s cultivators from this place!¡±


    ¡°The core areas of each island are equipped with the Fifth Peaks¡¯ array cultivators. In about fifteen minutes, the sect¡¯s Merfolk Island¡¯s array formation will activate the power of the tide for an instant to suppress the restrictions on the Pearl Islands. Disciples can teleport back at that instant with the cooperation of the Fifth Peak.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at his identity token. The mission marking on it had already turned red. This meant that this mission was extremely dangerous.


    ¡°I just wanted to accept a simple mission to rest. This is a little annoying.¡±


    Xu Qing sighed and retreated abruptly, colliding with a Qi Condensation cultivator of the Sea Corpse Race who had arrived stealthily.


    The huge cultivation gap caused the body of the Perfected Qi Condensation cultivator of the Sea Corpse Race to collapse and explode.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t even turn his head. He lifted his right hand and a huge plesiosaur appeared in the sky, smashing fiercely at the ground.


    An astonishing impact was created, causing the surrounding trees to be destroyed one after another, revealing the figures of the dozens of cultivators from the Sea Corpse Race who were constantly retreating.


    These cultivators were all at the Qi Condensation Realm. Although their bodies had collapsed from the impact, their appearance here was abnormal.


    How could Qi Condensation cultivators dare to launch a sneak attack on a Foundation Building cultivator? Even though Xu Qing¡¯s Mystic Brilliance Form had been deactivated, he was still emitting Foundation Building aura. Xu Qing soon knew the reason.


    He saw some white threads among the broken limbs of these Qi Condensation cultivators.


    These threads were planted in their bodies and seemed to be able to control their actions and consciousness like puppets.


    The instant Xu Qing saw these white threads, two figures suddenly appeared on both sides of him. Their speed was extremely fast.


    These two people were Foundation Building cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race. One of them had a huge sarcoma on his arm and a gap opened on it, revealing pupils. This was an eye.


    This eye stared at Xu Qing as though it was probing. It quickly revealed a white light.


    This scene was the same as what Xu Qing had seen when he arrived earlier. Clearly, this was a method of the Sea Corpse Race to investigate if the Foundation Building cultivator had life fire.


    However, the life lantern in Xu Qing¡¯s body was covered by the shadow, so it was very difficult to detect.


    These two Foundation Building cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race seemed to have confirmed that Xu Qing didn¡¯t have a life fire, so they immediately used their trump cards to attack him.


    As they got closer, one of them performed a series of hand seals and a huge battle-ax with a dragon coiling around it formed outside his body. The coiling black dragon manifested and roared sinisterly at Xu Qing.


    As for the other cultivator, Qi Condensation cultivators from the Sea Corpse Race who looked like puppets appeared in his surroundings out of thin air. All of these puppets¡¯ eyes revealed a dark glint as they surrounded Xu Qing.


    They also took out their magic artifacts and used them to increase their powers.


    They seemed to be good at joint attacks. The two of them circulated their magic apertures and their magic power actually resonated; a white bone hand vaguely appeared above Xu Qing and grabbed fiercely at him with a might comparable to the Mystic Brilliance Form cultivator.


    Xu Qing looked at them and then looked into the distance. After sensing that this place was safe, the life lantern in his body suddenly lit up!


    Although the enemies didn¡¯t have life fire, a lion would still use its full strength when hunting a rabbit, not to mention that this was a battlefield.


    Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t slip up.


    At the next instant, a rumbling sound erupted as a volcano appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s body. Its light was dazzling and its aura was astonishing.


    Terrifying power instantly spread out, forming a violent impact that shook everything.


    The expressions of the Foundation Building cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race who were attacking from both sides changed drastically and their pupils instantly narrowed.


    The mind of the Sea Corpse Race member with an eye on his arm trembled intensely. The eyeball on his arm was flickering with a red light at this moment, as though it was warning them that this Seven Blood Eyes cultivator in front of them was extremely dangerous!


    However, this warning was too late.


    As Xu Qing¡¯s life lantern was lit, just the spread of his aura caused the two Sea Corpse Race cultivators¡¯ bodies to tremble and show signs of collapse.


    As for the white bone palm formed by their joint attack, cracks appeared on it before it could land.


    It was already shattering.


    As for those puppets at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm, their bodies burned rapidly like paper!


    The huge ax that whistled toward Xu Qing turned red as though it was about to melt. The expression of the black dragon that was coiled around it also changed from vicious to fear and was already trying to retreat.


    All of this caused the two Foundation Building cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race to be frightened out of their wits.


    They had clearly sensed that the party did not have a life fire. They didn¡¯t understand how at the next instant, the latter displayed a power that completely surpassed a ball of life fire.


    This was the power of two balls of life fire. He was at the mid-stage Foundation Building realm. They were well aware of how terrifying it was!


    There were differences between different Foundation Building stages.


    Having life fire and not having life fire were even more different.


    The difference between one ball of life fire and two balls of life fire was similarly like the difference between heaven and earth.


    It was still possible for Qi Condensation cultivators to cross levels to fight, but because of this terrifying difference in stages between Foundation Building cultivators, it was almost impossible for them to fight beyond their levels.


    In reality, there weren¡¯t many mid-stage Foundation Building cultivators in all the forces. To a certain extent, such cultivators already had a very high status.


    They were all famous people.


    Only those who had two balls of life fire or more could fight them.


    Hence, these two cultivators didn¡¯t even have the thought of resisting and immediately retreated.


    However, in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, everything in the surroundings became extremely slow. He looked at the two Foundation Building Sea Corpse Race members who were trying to escape and casually grabbed with his right hand.


    Immediately, the battle-ax at the side collapsed and exploded.


    The black dragon screamed and turned into ashes.


    The palm bone above his head shattered into pieces.


    The two Foundation Building cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race who wanted to escape were instantly enveloped by a huge force and swept toward Xu Qing.


    They were moved so fast and heavily that their bodies emitted cracking sounds and directly twisted.


    In the blink of an eye, they were held in the air by Xu Qing . The black fiendish fire in his body spread out and enveloped them, sucking their souls fiercely.


    Before they could let out a scream, the magic apertures in their bodies collapsed and their bodies exploded. Their souls were then swept up by the fiendish fire and sent into Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    Xu Qing turned and walked into the distance.


    All of this happened within an extremely short time.


    After Xu Qing disappeared into the distance, everything returned to normal. However¡­ there was nothing left.


    The ground dried up and the vegetation dissipated. Regardless of whether it was the bone, the battle-ax, or the corpses, everything had turned to dust.


    The dust fused with the black snow falling from the sky.


    In the distant sky, under the effect of the Mystic Brilliance Form, Xu Qing¡¯s figure whistled past like a bolt of lightning, heading straight for the core area of the island.


    Xu Qing could understand the change in the mission.


    After all, the battlefield was ever-changing and many things were difficult to completely control. Moreover, to be able to adjust the mission so quickly was enough to show that the Seven Blood Eyes had sufficient control over this war.


    Hence, Xu Qing chose to continue carrying out the mission to head to the core area to help the Second Peak¡¯s cultivators evacuate.


    As for the other Seven Blood Eyes disciples who had accepted the mission, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t care less.


    At that moment, the sound of thunder rumbled through the sky. Because there was only a fifteen minute time limit, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t be bothered to hide himself. His speed was so fast that in just over ten breaths of time, he saw the core valley in the distance.

 Chapter 235 - 235 Black Snow as Hair

    235 Black Snow as Hair


    The valley wasn¡¯t large.


    Teleportation fluctuation spread out from inside.


    Xu Qing could see about a hundred Second Peak disciples dismantling the pill furnaces and some magic artifacts that he had never seen before.


    Behind them was a medium-sized teleportation array.


    A few Fifth Peak disciples in green Daoist robes were trying to repair and adjust the teleportation array. From time to time, the array would flicker rapidly.


    There was an intense battle going on at the entrance of the valley.


    About 30 cultivators from the various peaks were guarding the entrance tightly, stopping the Sea Corpse Race that were approaching like locusts.


    As for the ground, it was covered in corpses and broken limbs.


    The intensity of the battle could be easily felt.


    The battle forces of both sides were mainly Foundation Building cultivators. There were two more cultivators fighting not far away. The intensity of their battle exceeded that of others.


    They were cultivators who had activated their Mystic Brilliance Form.


    The Mystic Brilliance cultivator of the Sea Corpse Race looked like an elderly human. He wore a tattered gray robe.


    However, it emitted an extraordinary energy. Clearly, it was a magic artifact.


    As for the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Mystic Brilliance Form cultivator, it was a tall young woman.


    She wore the orange Daoist robe unique to the Second Peak. Her figure exuded maturity and she attacked extremely quickly.


    However, the Second Peak¡¯s disciples weren¡¯t proficient at killing. Hence, although the two of them had a life fire and were in the Mystic Brilliance Form, the Second Peak¡¯s Foundation Building cultivator was clearly at a disadvantage.


    Fresh blood flowed out of the corner of her mouth but she didn¡¯t have time to wipe it away.


    In the Mystic Brilliance Form, the speed of the cultivator was extremely terrifying. If one was not careful, they would be killed in one strike. Therefore, one couldn¡¯t be distracted.


    The instant Xu Qing appeared in the distance, the young woman couldn¡¯t hold on anymore. Her life fire swayed rapidly and her speed slowed down slightly. The Life Fire cultivator from the Sea Corpse Race instantly seized the opportunity and blasted her chest.


    The young woman¡¯s clothes were torn, revealing her skin. She spat out a mouthful of blood with an expression of pain as she was sent flying back and slammed into a mountain at the side.


    The mountain rocks collapsed and cracks rapidly spread, causing many rocks to fall from the mountain.


    The young woman struggled to stand up but the life fire in her body flickered and extinguished. She spat out blood again and her face was incomparably pale.


    Seeing this, the old man from the Sea Corpse Race let out a cold snort. He didn¡¯t even look at the young woman from the Second Peak who was heavily injured by him. He immediately rushed into the valley, his target being the teleportation array inside.


    However, almost as soon as his body moved, his expression changed drastically. He abruptly turned his head and looked behind him. His pupils constricted and his expression revealed horror.


    ¡°The strength of the second fire!¡±


    In his eyes, everything around him moved slowly. However, at this moment, he saw a figure that seemed to pierce into his eyes in the horizon.


    It was rushing toward him at an incomparably astonishing speed.


    This contrast between slowness and speed caused the old man from the Sea Corpse Race to retreat immediately without hesitation.


    As a cultivator of a life fire, he was very clear about the difference between him and two balls of life fire¡­ It wasn¡¯t any different from the difference between an ordinary Foundation Building cultivator and a cultivator with the Mystic Brilliance Form.


    ¡°Damn it, why is there a cultivator with two balls of life fire here? Only people of the same realm can fight against such a mid-stage Foundation Building cultivator!¡±


    ¡°The information is wrong!!¡± The old man from the Sea Corpse Race panted. Although he was decisive in retreating, it was still too late!


    Xu Qing had his eyes on him long ago!


    To Xu Qing, this Sea Corpse Race with a ball of life fire was the best prey.


    After all, the number of souls needed to open his magic aperture was extremely large. He needed a lot of ordinary Foundation Building cultivator souls to open one aperture. Even though he had killed the two Foundation Building cultivators previously, his 41st magic aperture was still not opened.


    However, if he refined a Sea Corpse Race member with a life fire, it would be completely different.


    Killing one would allow him to open his magic aperture.


    Hence, the instant the old man fled, Xu Qing changed his direction and no longer headed for the valley¡¯s teleportation array. Instead, he charged straight toward the old man.


    His speed was so fast that it only took three breaths of time for Xu Qing to appear in front of the old man.


    He punched out with his right hand. As the life lantern in his body erupted, a terrifying power surged.


    The old man could only dodge a little. Although he was also in the Mystic Brilliance Form, the difference between them caused him to be unable to keep up with Xu Qing¡¯s speed or completely dodge. Hence, in the blink of an eye, Xu Qing¡¯s fist landed on the old man¡¯s chest.


    A rumbling sound echoed like heavenly lightning.


    Half of the old man¡¯s body exploded directly. He rolled back and collided with a mountain rock, and was stuck there.


    The only reason he didn¡¯t die was because he had activated the power of his robe magic artifact at the critical moment and the magic apertures in his body had been overdrawn to resist the force of the punch.


    However, even so, the seriousness of his injuries made it impossible for him to recover. Despair appeared in his eyes.


    Xu Qing had disappeared from his vision.


    At the next instant, a black flame covered his sight.


    It was Xu Qing¡¯s palm pressing on the forehead of the Sea Corpse Race old man.


    The old man¡¯s entire body shook crazily. The shadow became crazy and eagerly pounced over, continuously corroding the old man¡¯s body.


    The black iron stick also rushed over and pierced into the old man¡¯s magic artifact robe, sucking fiercely.


    The three layers of devouring caused the Life Fire cultivator of the Sea Corpse Race to let out mournful cries, but it didn¡¯t last long before his body exploded into ashes.


    Only his Daoist robe and storage bag fell down. After Xu Qing kept them, he looked at the battlefield in the valley.


    Black snow continued to fall from the sky. The small particles of lava fell in front of Xu Qing like phoenix feathers.


    The faint red light of the lava shone on Xu Qing¡¯s demonic and cold face, complementing the cold glint in his eyes.


    This scene was like an ethereal painting that was separated from the world. It was beautiful but also filled with murderous intent.


    The battlefield instantly fell silent.


    All gazes gathered on Xu Qing at this instant. It was as though they were watching the divine son descend to the world.


    The cultivators from the various peaks who had received the mission looked at Xu Qing with intense shock. Gradually, reverence rose in their eyes as they bowed to Xu Qing.


    In fact, even the Second Peak¡¯s disciples and the Fifth Peak¡¯s cultivators who were repairing the teleportation array in the valley were the same. The way they looked at Xu Qing was filled with deep respect.


    Gu Muqing was standing among them. She looked at Xu Qing, who was standing in the air amidst the drifting red lava and black snow, with a dazed expression.


    This scene was so shocking that it left a deep impression in her mind.


    As for the Sea Corpse Race outside the valley, they were all trembling. It was unknown which one of them was the first to be unable to withstand the pressure from Xu Qing and retreated madly, but very soon, all the Sea Corpse Race members scrambled to escape.


    However, what awaited them was the buzzing of the black iron stick. There was also the shadow that was hiding itself. As the sun set and darkness spread on the ground, the shadow spread rapidly, fighting alongside the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    ¡°Greetings, Senior Brother. Thank you for saving me!¡± Outside the valley, the Second Peak¡¯s life fire young woman, who was struggling to stand up, had a strange look in her eyes as she spoke softly.


    As her voice rang out, everyone in the surroundings did the same.


    ¡°Greetings, Senior Brother!¡±


    ¡°Greetings, Senior Brother!¡±


    At that moment, a gust of wind blew over, lifting the picture scroll formed by Xu Qing, causing the black snow falling in the surroundings to flutter with his hair.


    As the black snow drifted, Xu Qing lifted his head. His eyes were like the stars.


    As everyone greeted, miserable cries rang out from afar. It was the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and the shadow attacking the enemies.


    The shadow could treat any Sea Corpse Race members as food. Although not all of them were delicious¡­ it was no longer picky about food.


    As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, he could only absorb the energy in magic artifacts, but he felt that his strength was inferior to the shadow¡¯s, so he deliberately pretended to compete with the shadow.


    He was using this to stimulate the shadow¡¯s fighting spirit and make it absorb the enemies quickly. When the enemy had no strength to resist, he would then absorb their magic artifacts.


    To a certain extent, the two of them could be considered to have a tacit understanding.


    However, compared to the cunning Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, the shadow was still too young.


    Even till the end, the shadow didn¡¯t discover any problems. Instead, its momentum was high and its expression prideful.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor also cooperated and put on an anxious and vexed expression.


    The mournful cries of the Sea Corpse Race cultivators formed a clear contrast with the greetings of the Seven Blood Eyes disciples.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past everyone here and then looked at the young woman from the Second Peak who had become very weak because she couldn¡¯t maintain her Mystic Brilliance Form. He nodded and extinguished his life fire.


    Although the magic power in his body was dense, it was very difficult for him to use it for more than six hours. Hence, it was naturally good to save it.


    However, if any other two-life fire cultivator could hear Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts, their scalps would turn numb; normal Mystic Brilliance Form would only last for more than an hour.


    This was because Xu Qing¡¯s Qi Condensation foundation was extraordinary.


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and he entered the valley.


    After extinguishing his life fire, the dazzling light on Xu Qing¡¯s body dissipated, revealing his appearance clearly to everyone.


    Previously, when he was enveloped by the dazzling light, outsiders could only see his general appearance. Now that everything was clear, the attention Xu Qing¡¯s peerlessly beautiful and almost demonic face formed was equally astonishing.


    Regardless of gender, the disciples were all dazed to varying degrees.


    The time the women were in daze was clearly longer than the male cultivators.


    Of course, this was also because of the halo formed by his previous strength. Otherwise, it wouldn¡¯t be so shocking.


    However, no matter what, Xu Qing¡¯s appearance coupled with the halo of his cultivation base caused the charm on his body to reach an astonishing level. Coupled with his purple robe and elegant long hair, he gave off the feeling of an immortal.


    As he entered the valley, the Second Peak¡¯s disciples in the valley were all respectful. Most of the female cultivators inside had bright eyes as they secretly sized him up.


    Xu Qing also saw Gu Muqing in the crowd and nodded slightly.


    Gu Muqing stared at Xu Qing with her beautiful eyes. Because of Xu Qing¡¯s nod, many Second Peak disciples in the surroundings looked at her.


    Her pretty face blushed slightly and she wanted to speak. However, Xu Qing had already walked past them and arrived at the teleportation array.


    ¡°When can it operate?¡± Xu Qing asked softly.


    The disciples of the Fifth Peak beside the teleportation array all had respectful expressions. One of the Foundation Building cultivators who hadn¡¯t formed his life fire spoke respectfully.


    ¡°Senior Brother, the teleportation array is almost done. I¡¯m just waiting for the sect¡¯s array formation¡¯s tide power to arrive. I¡¯m confident that the array formation can be successfully activated at that instant.¡±

 Chapter 236 - 236 Something Is Strange!

    236 Something Is Strange!


    Translator: Atlas Studios


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    The Seven Blood Eyes was a sect that prioritized benefits, so the respect the weak had for the strong was even more obvious. No one was stupid enough to not let go of their attitude when facing the strong.


    Most of such people wouldn¡¯t be able to survive until now.


    Right now, the respect the Fifth Peak Foundation Building cultivator showed to Xu Qing was as if he was meeting an elder.


    No matter what his real thoughts were, very few people would hate such respectful attitudes.


    Xu Qing nodded. After scanning his surroundings, he found a corner and sat down.


    As he waited for the tide to arrive, he broke open the 41st magic aperture in his body.


    Life Fire Foundation Building cultivator¡¯s soul was much more effective. In an instant, Xu Qing¡¯s 41st magic aperture was successfully opened. There was even soul power left to attack the 42nd magic aperture.


    Although it didn¡¯t break, there were many cracks on it.


    Xu Qing was quite happy. He felt that if this continued, it shouldn¡¯t be long before he could form the second ball of life fire. At that time, although he would look like he had two flames, his actual combat strength would already already reach the peak of the three life fire.


    ¡®It¡¯s a pity that there aren¡¯t many Life Fire Foundation Building cultivators. Whether I can encounter them depends on luck.¡¯ Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts spun as he pondered if he should try accepting some difficult missions next.


    While he was thinking, the disciples outside the valley entered the valley one after another and helped the Second Peak disciples dismantle the pill furnace and magic artifacts.


    Not long later, after everything was prepared, everyone gathered around the teleportation array. While waiting for the sect¡¯s tide, they also whispered to each other while secretly glancing at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s existence seemed to have become their backbone. Although they were on the battlefield, everyone in the valley felt some sense of safety.


    During this process, the island also rumbled and quaked many times. The sound echoed in all directions. It was caused by fluctuations from other teleportation points.


    The anomalous substances were becoming increasingly dense here.


    The sky darkened. The layers of clouds in the sky also became blurry, as though they were hiding some huge danger.


    ¡°Senior Brother, I buried many formation eyes on this island. Although more than half of them have been destroyed now, we can still see some scenes.¡± While Xu Qing was meditating, the Second Peak¡¯s Life Fire young woman covered the torn shirt on her chest with her hand and walked to his side.


    Although this woman¡¯s injuries were very serious and her face was pale, it couldn¡¯t hide her beauty. She had an oval face, curved brows, and phoenix eyes. She was an extremely beautiful woman in her thirties. And since she refined pills all year round, the pill fragrance on her body smelled as good as the smell on Gu Muqing.


    Xu Qing looked over.


    It was unknown if this woman was doing it on purpose. Because Xu Qing was sitting and she was standing, the moment Xu Qing lifted his head, he could see the tattered clothes on the woman¡¯s chest that were covered by her hand. However, her hand didn¡¯t seem to be covering them accurately.


    Her snow-white skin seemed to hide astonishing peaks.


    Xu Qing expressionlessly shifted his gaze away and landed on the woman¡¯s face. The moment their eyes met, the woman from the Second Peak looked at Xu Qing¡¯s face and sensed the terrifying aura coming from his body. Her heart couldn¡¯t help but race.


    However, she quickly realized that she had lost her composure and hurriedly lowered her head to perform a series of hand seals. Immediately, a screen appeared in front of her.


    On the screen, one could clearly see a large number of Sea Corpse Race members walking out of the sea one after another. There were so many of them that it was a shocking sight.


    At the same time, there were also Sea Corpse Race cultivators in many locations on this island.


    There were even some who were approaching them.


    ¡°How much longer will the tide take?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°About 100 breaths of time!¡± The person who answered Xu Qing wasn¡¯t the woman but Gu Muqing who was walking over quickly.


    As though she had arrived in a hurry, her black hair was blown up by the wind and fluttered slightly. As she arrived, a few strands of hair landed in front of her and brushed past her beautiful face, creating a beautiful scene.


    This was especially so for her clear eyes and the refreshing and natural aura they emitted. This made Gu Muqing look like a figure from a painting.


    After walking over, she glanced at the woman beside her and bowed lightly.


    ¡°Greetings, Martial Aunt Li.¡±


    The woman smiled and looked at the girl in front of her meaningfully.


    Gu Muqing then looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu¡­¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Gu Muqing.


    Seeing that Xu Qing didn¡¯t mind how she addressed him, Gu Muqing was very happy and spoke softly.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu, this is the control jade slip for the forbidden pill here. You have the highest cultivation base here. The sect requests to activate this pill before we retreat. You can decide.¡± As Gu Muqing spoke, she handed a jade slip to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing took the jade slip and wasn¡¯t surprised that the jade slip was with Gu Muqing and not the Second Peak¡¯s Foundation Building cultivator at the side. He knew that those old fellows from the Seven Blood Eyes trusted core disciples the most.


    Hence, it wasn¡¯t strange for such an arrangement.


    Xu Qing took the jade slip and swept his gaze over it. At that moment, whistling sounds rang out from outside the valley. A group of Sea Corpse Race cultivators had appeared. Although they saw the corpses on the ground, the Sea Corpses still rushed toward the valley.


    While everyone in the valley was nervous, Xu Qing didn¡¯t even lift his head and continued to check the jade slip.


    After that, screams rang out from outside the valley. The bodies of all the approaching Sea Corpse Race members instantly showed signs of rotting. Some even melted into a pool of blue blood after taking a few steps.


    This scene caused the expressions of all the disciples in the valley to change and their hearts skipped a beat. However, the Second Peak¡¯s disciples were the first to recover. All of them stared at the outside world. While they were moved, they also looked at Xu Qing, feeling very shocked.


    They knew that this was poison.


    A poison that even the Sea Corpse Race couldn¡¯t withstand must be a specialized poison. Not only did this specialized poison require extremely high attainments in medicines, but it also required countless experiments.


    The former was fine, but the latter was the most difficult.


    This was also the reason why there were very few people refining poison on the Second Peak. This was because many times, before one could kill someone, they would be poisoned during the refining process.


    Such a powerful poison made everyone feel even more at ease. At the same time, the outside of the valley quickly fell silent. After all, under the effect of the poison and with the black iron stick and shadow taking advantage of the night to go out, it naturally fell silent very quickly.


    Just like that, 100 breaths of time was about to arrive. Everyone here stood outside the teleportation array in batches, waiting for it to be activated.


    The teleportation array here wasn¡¯t large. According to the number of people here, it would take three activations for all of them to be teleported.


    Xu Qing also stood up and walked to the side of the teleportation array. Just as he was about to speak, his expression suddenly changed and he turned his head to look outside the valley.


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing looked over, a shocking fire shadow suddenly appeared in the night outside the valley. It was a figure covered in a white robe. It was rushing over rapidly from afar.


    Corpse poison emanated from this person¡¯s body and the life fire in his body burned. The aura erupting from his Mystic Brilliance Form far exceeded that of a ball of life fire cultivator. As he got closer, thunder rumbled.


    His speed was indescribable. It was impossible for ordinary Foundation Building cultivators to see it clearly. Even the woman with a ball of life fire was the same.


    The pressures on the minds of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples¡¯ mind rose uncontrollably at this moment.


    From afar, it was as though a volcano was erupting in the person¡¯s body. Coupled with the corpse poison, it caused the flames emitted to turn green.


    ¡°Two balls of life fire.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    This person was the first two life fire cultivator Xu Qing had seen on the battlefield.


    His aura was astonishing. As he got closer, the sky and the land was dyed green from the light emanating from him.


    It was as though a green palm was slapping toward the valley.


    The instant he got close, the figure saw everything in the valley clearly. He seemed to pause for a moment but soon, he laughed out for some reason and his speed became even faster.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and took a step forward. The instant his foot landed, the life lantern in his body ignited.


    Under the rumbling eruption of the volcano, he entered the Mystic Brilliance Form. The familiar perception appeared again and everything in the surroundings slowed down. Only the figure approaching in front was moving at a normal speed.


    Xu Qing instantly rose into the air, heading straight for the person.

 Chapter 237 - 237 Vengeful

    237 Vengeful


    Xu Qing paused and glanced at the fruits on the ground.


    When he saw the apples and noticed the few large apples inside. Xu Qing was very curious as to how the other party had placed so many things in his robe.


    The white-robed Sea Corpse Race cultivator, who was originally retreating rapidly, paused for a moment. His headgear loosened a little. It didn¡¯t reveal his face, but his hair hung down.


    His gaze also landed on the fruits on the ground.


    After that, the two of them lifted their heads at the same time and their gazes met in the air.


    Xu Qing did not speak.


    The white-robed cultivator was also silent.


    At that moment, the ground suddenly trembled and the seawater outside the island churned. An earth-shattering explosion rang out in the distance, echoing in all directions like the roar of a god, causing the entire world to seem to stir up a violent wind.


    There was also a purple light that was like a sea of light from afar that instantly spread over. Upon closer inspection, one could tell that the place where this light and the rumbling sound came from was none other than the islands of the merfolk race.


    This was¡­ the tide power of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation described in Xu Qing¡¯s mission.


    Under the cover of this sea of light, the teleportation restrictions from the Sea Corpse Race in the Pearl Islands were immediately suppressed, allowing the teleportation arrays on the islands to be effective.


    At the next instant, as the sky was covered by purple, the teleportation array in the valley behind Xu Qing that had been adjusted by the Five Peaks¡¯ disciples shone. The first batch of disciples standing inside instantly disappeared and were teleported away.


    At the same time, similar teleportations were being carried out on many islands in the Pearl Islands.


    Xu Qing saw this scene but didn¡¯t care. He could also sense that the second batch of teleportation was being prepared in the valley behind him. It seemed like it would be carried out very soon.


    However, at this moment, Xu Qing was more interested in this white-robed cultivator in front of him.


    The instant his gaze met the white-robed cultivator¡¯s, Xu Qing rushed out. In his Mystic Brilliance Form under the effect of the life lantern, his speed and power were astonishing. In the blink of an eye, he approached the white-robed cultivator. This time, he didn¡¯t target the latter¡¯s neck but his hair.


    It was as though he was more interested in the hair of this Sea Corpse Race cultivator now.


    The white-robed cultivator took a deep breath and the life fires in his body instantly erupted again, forming a terrifying air wave that spread out, dodging Xu Qing¡¯s grab. He fought with Xu Qing again.


    Rumbling sounds echoed through the sky. Xu Qing¡¯s figure was so fast that the cultivators in the valley couldn¡¯t see him clearly at all. Even the woman from the Second Peak who hadn¡¯t teleported away couldn¡¯t see his movements clearly. She could only barely see his afterimages.


    The ground trembled and terrifying collision sounds occasionally rang out in the surroundings. This was enough to show how dangerous this battle was.


    As for the white-robed cultivator, his attacks were also sharp. He fought Xu Qing fiercely outside the valley while protecting his hair.


    He was indeed extraordinary. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor couldn¡¯t match his speed at all or get a chance to attack.


    Even the shadow was in the same situation. Compared to the white-robed cultivator, its speed was too slow.


    Only Xu Qing was able to attack fiercely. His magic power swelled and he punched out with his right hand. He then immediately dodged to the side. After dodging the elbow of the white-robed cultivator, he lifted his knee and ruthlessly kicked the other party¡¯s lower body.


    The expression of the white-robed cultivator changed.


    However, he was also a ruthless person. He slapped Xu Qing¡¯s knee with one hand. At the same time, he opened his mouth and spat out a mouthful of dense corpse poison at Xu Qing.


    As soon as this poison appeared, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body seemed to be about to corrode. However, his expression was as calm as ever. After his knee was blocked, he twisted his body and his left leg swept toward the white-robed cultivator like a whip. His target was the head.


    The instant they dodged each other, Xu Qing performed a series of hand seals and waved his hand. Immediately, balls of black fire spread out from his entire body.


    They formed fire palms that headed straight for the white-robed cultivator.


    This white-robed cultivator¡¯s breathing was hurried. Clearly, he had consumed a lot of energy in this intense battle.


    He let out a low roar and performed a series of hand seals with one hand, pressing down on Xu Qing.


    With this push, the void in front of him collapsed and rapidly spread toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed and he instantly dodged.


    However, as soon as he dodged, the white-robed cultivator suddenly sped up and appeared in front of him, pressing down fiercely.


    Blood flowed out of the corner of Xu Qing¡¯s mouth. After his body retreated by 300 meters, he sped up and got close again. Ten heavenly sabers manifested and landed fiercely.


    The eyes of the white-robed cultivator narrowed. He couldn¡¯t dodge in time and his body was blasted back by almost a kilometer. He spat out a mouthful of blood and rushed out again.


    When they got close again, Xu Qing bent his knees and ruthlessly kicked the other party¡¯s lower body again.


    From what he sensed, the other party¡¯s lower body was his weakness.


    The white-robed cultivator cursed but his voice was drowned out by the rumbling.


    Madness appeared in his eyes. This time, he actually didn¡¯t block. Instead, he bent his knees and ruthlessly¡­ collided with Xu Qing¡¯s knee in the air.


    Xu Qing finally grabbed the other party¡¯s hair and ruthlessly pulled it off.


    A muffled groan and a miserable cry rang out from the two of them.


    The one who let out a muffled groan was Xu Qing while the miserable cry was let out by the white-robed cultivator. Although the sounds were different, the two of them retreated the same way. Their knees were bent unnaturally.


    However, compared to Xu Qing, the knee of the white-robed cultivator caved in as well. Clearly, his injuries were even more serious and his forehead was sweating from the pain.


    As Xu Qing retreated, his eyes flashed. In front of the white-robed cultivator, he lifted the hair in his right hand. With a slight sway, the hair turned into ashes and dissipated.


    This scene was exactly the same as a certain scene in the past. However, it was only a strand of hair back then, and now, there was a handful.


    After destroying the hair, Xu Qing was eager to continue fighting when an anxious voice rang out from behind him.


    ¡°Senior Brother, the tide is about to end. This is the last teleportation!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed when he heard this. At that moment, a ball of black fire soared into the sky in the distance, as though it wanted to cover half of the sky.


    Among the flames was the figure of the Sea Corpse Race. From afar, it looked like a dwarf. He was walking toward the Pearl Islands with his hands behind his back.


    Wherever he passed, the seawater would split on its own, forming a large crack like a canyon. As he walked over, the seawater rapidly spread.


    The entire Pearl Islands was trembling. The terrifying pressure caused the sky to change color and the wind and clouds to surge.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed and he retreated without any hesitation, instantly returning to the valley. At that moment, the second batch of teleportation had ended and the third batch was ready to be activated.


    Everyone from the Seven Blood Eyes in the teleportation array was paying close attention to Xu Qing¡¯s battle. They were anxiously waiting for the teleportation array to be activated and also waiting for Xu Qing to return.


    Now that Xu Qing had appeared, the disciples of the Fifth Peak immediately activated the teleportation array without hesitation. With the help of the tide in the sky, the teleportation array instantly shone.


    As for the white-robed cultivator outside the valley, he didn¡¯t chase after Xu Qing.


    He stared at Xu Qing who was standing in the teleportation array. The two of them looked at each other and saw a hint of strangeness in each other¡¯s eyes.


    At the next instant, their gazes were blocked by the light of the array. The teleportation started and everyone in the teleportation array, including Xu Qing, instantly disappeared.


    After Xu Qing and the others left, the white-robed cultivator turned his head and looked at the sky. After discovering that the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s Golden Core cultivator had gone to the other islands, he couldn¡¯t help but grimace in pain.


    He rubbed his knee and also touched his head that was missing a bunch of hair. He cursed inwardly.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? It¡¯s only been a while since we last met. How did this kid become so powerful? It hurts.¡±


    ¡°This kid should have recognized me. He actually specially targeted my lower body and even pulled my hair. How despicable. He doesn¡¯t respect his superior at all. Didn¡¯t I just pull a strand of his hair last time!!¡±


    ¡°Is it easy for me? That big plan requires a high-level corpse heart of the Sea Corpse Race. I can only exchange this thing with the contribution points of the Sea Corpse Race. I spent a huge price to pretend to be a perfect Sea Corpse Race cultivator.¡±


    ¡°I originally planned to come over to scare him and take some pill furnaces back to earn some contribution points, and also beat him up a little. I only wanted to take a photo of it as a memento as a revenge for the poisoning in the passage on the merfolk island, but how the heck did it come to this.¡±


    ¡°It hurts!¡± The white-robed cultivator waved his right arm that had collapsed by half. It was unknown what method he used but his arm actually grew back.


    After that, his breathing became hurried and he recovered after a long time. As he cursed, he limped to the place where the fruits were scattered.


    At that moment, most of the fruits had been destroyed under the attacks of the two people earlier. Only half of an apple was still there. He picked it up with heartache and took a bite after looking around.


    However, at the next instant, his eyes widened and he quickly spat it out.


    ¡°The apple has poison!¡±


    The white-robed cultivator cursed and thought to himself that this couldn¡¯t continue. As a leader, he couldn¡¯t lose face. In the future, he had to find an opportunity to undo another seal and teach that kid a lesson. He had to maintain his dignity at all times.


    Although he still couldn¡¯t withstand undoing another seal, he felt that he had to regain his face. With this thought in mind, he left.


    At the same time, on Mire Island, the figures of Xu Qing and the others appeared as a teleportation array flashed. As soon as they walked out, Xu Qing could sense that the atmosphere in the frontline command center was very tense. Figures kept moving past in the sky.


    The flames of war in the distance were intense. Everyone was even busier than before. At that moment, as soon as they teleported out, more than half of them cupped their fists at Xu Qing and bade farewell.


    The life fire woman from the Second Peak was the same. After exchanging voice transmission contact with Xu Qing, she left in a hurry.


    Gu Muqing was the same. Before she left, she bid farewell to Xu Qing. Xu Qing also returned the jade slip that controlled the forbidden pill to her. Before they had left, he had already activated the forbidden pill.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu, my group¡¯s mission hasn¡¯t been completed. We have to go to another place to finish a forbidden pill. I heard from Master that our Seven Blood Eyes has been preparing for this war for many years and we will definitely win. There will be some larger movements next. Senior Brother, you have to be careful.¡±


    Gu Muqing spoke softly with a hesitant expression. She suddenly moved closer to Xu Qing and spoke in an extremely low voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m a core disciple, so I must complete some missions. However, Senior Brother, you actually don¡¯t have to do this, especially¡­ regarding the missions of the seven guarding islands of the Sea Corpse Race. Senior Brother, you must not accept them¡­¡±


    With that, Gu Muqing bowed to Xu Qing and quickly left.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought and took out his mission token to take a look. His rescue mission had already been displayed as completed and more missions were constantly refreshing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over, and the image of the white-robed cultivator he had fought with earlier appeared in his mind. Although the other party was from the Sea Corpse Race no matter how he looked at it and the corpse poison also matched the characteristics of the Sea Corpse Race, Xu Qing felt a sense of familiarity after attacking a few times.


    He was familiar with the other party¡¯s gaze and some of his movements. This was especially so for the apples.


    ¡°How did the captain become a member of the Sea Corpse Race? Could it be that he has taken a fancy to something in the Sea Corpse Race, so he used some unknown method to disguise himself as a member of the Sea Corpse Race?¡±


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s also possible that he was unlucky and was killed by the Sea Corpse Race and transformed into a Sea Corpse Race member.¡±


    If it was anyone else, Xu Qing would feel that the second possibility was more likely. However, if it was the captain, he felt that the first possibility was more in line with the other party¡¯s crazy personality.


    ¡°However, with the captain¡¯s petty nature, he will definitely be indignant. His cultivation is unfathomable. Perhaps he will find an opportunity to get back at me. I have to open my magic apertures faster!¡±


    Xu Qing revealed a serious expression.

 Chapter 238 - 238 Mysterious Summon

    238 Mysterious Summon


    Time flowed by and a month passed.


    In this month, many huge changes occurred in the war between the Seven Blood Eyes and the Sea Corpse Race. Firstly, the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s several counterattacks failed to take down the merfolk islands.


    They could only watch helplessly as the Seven Blood Eyes continued to reinforce the merfolk islands. At the same time, more magic artifacts and all their allies were teleported over.


    This was too much of a threat to the Sea Corpse Race.


    However, it wasn¡¯t that the Sea Corpse Race didn¡¯t have a victory. By dividing their forces, the Pearl Islands were finally torn down and occupied as the command center.


    All the forbidden pills buried by the Seven Blood Eyes were taken out by the experts of the Sea Corpse Race. Moreover, the entire Pearl Islands had been searched carefully many times before they confirmed that there was nothing wrong.


    To the Sea Corpse Race, this could be considered a victory in a strategic sense. To the Seven Blood Eyes, it was equivalent to making a careless mistake.


    Moreover, this mistake was extremely fatal, causing the Seven Blood Eyes to be in a passive state for more than half a month. There were two times when they were attacked from both sides and almost lost the merfolk islands.


    The Peak Lord of the Third Peak was ambushed by many experts of the Sea Corpse Race and almost died. He used a bizarre entity as a substitute and escaped with serious injuries.


    Even the Peak Lord of the Sixth Peak was also ambushed and heavily injured.


    As for the Golden Core elders, more than ten of them were on the verge of death. This matter dealt a huge blow to the morale of the Seven Blood Eyes. For a time, the number of people participating in the missions decreased sharply.


    This was actually also the drawback of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ rules. When the blew in its favor, its members could be like a wolf or a tiger. Once it was at a disadvantage, the disciples¡¯ morale would easily collapse and it would be extremely difficult to salvage.


    Just as the Sea Corpse Race increased the arrangements on the Pearl Islands, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ counterattack arrived.


    That was the night half a month ago. Xu Qing, who had completed a small mission and returned to Mire Island to rest, saw with his own eyes mountain peaks appearing on the surface of the sea.


    These mountain peaks were connected together and gradually formed a vast mountain range.


    As the seawater churned, this mountain range slowly floated up, as though it had transformed into a back¡­


    Xu Qing controlled the Forbidden Sea Plesiosaur and was shocked to see a huge beast under the sea.


    Xu Qing faintly felt that this giant beast was familiar. Very soon, he recognized it. It was¡­ a sea lizard!


    The mountain range that appeared was none other than the back of the sea lizard!


    It was vast and endless, and its aura was astonishing. Compared to its body, the Pearl Islands was like an ant, insignificant.


    This sea lizard only flipped over slightly before the Pearl Islands completely collapsed.


    After the islands shattered into pieces, the sea lizard, which had only revealed half of its back, leisurely left.


    The sea lizard¡¯s attack was an extreme shock to everyone in the Sea Corpse Race. Such an existence¡­ had already surpassed a certain level. It wasn¡¯t something the Seven Blood Eyes could easily request for help.


    However, it had appeared and its target was clearly the Pearl Islands.


    Xu Qing was also shocked by this matter. Shortly after, in order to increase morale, the Seven Blood Eyes answered this matter. In fact, they didn¡¯t hesitate to reveal a portion of the background of the Fourth Peak¡¯s Peak Lord.


    The announcement told all the disciples that the sea lizard¡¯s attack this time was thanks to the Fourth Peak. The Peak Lord of the Fourth Peak had a relationship with this giant lizard in the early years. This time, he invited it to destroy the Pearl Islands.


    At the same time, the sect announced that this matter had been agreed upon long ago. All the previous arrangements in the Pearl Islands were a cover-up. The goal was to let the Sea Corpse Race invade it. The so-called forbidden pills on it were just to bait them.


    The entire Pearl Islands was a huge trap prepared for the Sea Corpse Race.


    This matter caused the morale of the Seven Blood Eyes to rise immediately. However, the disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes weren¡¯t fools. There were also scheming people in the Sea Corpse Race. From all kinds of analysis, they determined that the announcement of the Seven Blood Eyes said might be correct, but only partially.


    If the Peak Lord of the Fourth Peak truly got the giant lizard to help, there was no need to target the Pearl Islands. The Sea Corpse Race¡¯s guarding islands or the main island were clearly better choices.


    Therefore, everyone had their own guesses about the truth of this matter. Some even felt that this matter was related to the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ancestor.


    However, other than the higher-ups of the Seven Blood Eyes, no one else knew the truth.


    However, it had already happened. The Pearl Islands were no longer around, and the Sea Corpse Race had suffered considerable losses.


    The Seven Blood Eyes also made use of this to launch an all-out attack. They blew the horn of the first decisive battle.


    The Sea Corpse Race¡¯s army continued to shrink and fall back under the heavy injuries. The Seven Blood Eyes also chased with all their might, breaking through layers of defense and moving the battlefield away from the merfolk islands to the edge of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory.


    They were only separated from the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s main island by the seven guarding islands. That was the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s last line of defense.


    With the enemies at such a close distance, the Sea Corpse Race was under even greater pressure. However, the Sea Corpse Race stubbornly counterattacked and brought the war to a stalemate.


    Both sides had casualties, but the Sea Corpse Race suffered more.


    Even so, the casualties of the Seven Blood Eyes were still shocking, and this caused a group of cultivators to apply to withdraw from the battle. The Seven Blood Eyes didn¡¯t refuse this. As long as they met the conditions, they allowed them to withdraw from the battle.


    However, while agreeing their requests to withdraw from the battle, the Seven Blood Eyes offered more rewards for the war. They also distributed the first batch of Core Formation opportunities.


    In addition, they released two trump cards. The first was that the Seven Blood Eyes had given out 50 spots to use its magic treasure.


    Every disciple in the top 50 war rankings had the right to borrow the sect¡¯s foundational magic treasure projection once.


    Magic treasures were items of legends. The might of any one of them was earth-shattering and far exceeded imagination. There was only one in the entire Seven Blood Eyes.


    Hence, even if it was only its projection, its might would be soul-stirring.


    This news instantly caused a commotion among all the disciples in the sect. As for the second trump card, it was even more astonishing. It was¡­ the ancestor taking in a disciple!


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ancestor would accept ten Foundation Building cultivators as inner disciples and three Golden Cores as personal disciples who would inherit his mantle after the war!


    The choice of disciples was calculated according to the completion rate of the missions and the killing of the Sea Corpse Race.


    As soon as this news was out, most of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples were shocked. Some who originally wanted to withdraw from the battle even gave up on retreating and continued to stay on the battlefield.


    This was because the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ancestor hadn¡¯t taken in any disciples for many years. One could imagine that once they became his disciples, their statuses and benefits would be extremely high.


    Becoming an inner sect disciple would be the same as leaping through the dragon gate. Their statuses were only inferior to the Peak Lords and surpassed the elders.


    As for personal disciples¡­ Just the thought of it made their breathing quicken and their eyes turn red.


    Not to mention Foundation Building cultivators, even the Golden Cores of the various peaks were moved. Clearly, even they didn¡¯t know that the sect would release such temptation at this moment.


    From this, it could be seen that the Seven Blood Eyes was determined to win in this war.


    Xu Qing was also extremely tempted but he quickly suppressed the desire. Although this matter was enticing, he knew that there were many experts in the sect and he wasn¡¯t the strongest among Foundation Building cultivators. Every peak had cultivators who had formed three balls of life fire.


    With these people around, it would probably be very difficult for him to fight for the disciple spot even if he risked his life.


    However, Xu Qing looked at his ranking and felt that he could get one of the 50 spots for using the magic treasure.


    After all, this war score was different from the battle results, it was a comprehensive ranking that included missions and killings. At the same time, it also had a high requirement for the quality of the missions.


    However, because Xu Qing had crazily accepted missions and farmed battle results previously, his ranking wasn¡¯t low.


    ¡°73rd¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled and accepted another mission.


    Just like that, another half a month passed. Xu Qing¡¯s ranking continued to increase with the missions and killings, reaching 59th place.


    More of his magic apertures opened as he killed the Sea Corpse Race cultivators, reaching a total of 44.


    The further he went, the more souls he needed.


    Just as he was frequently accepting missions, on this day, Xu Qing, who had just accepted a reinforcement mission, suddenly saw a summons order that specially indicated him appearing in his identity token!


    The appearance of this order clearly had extremely high authority. It directly erased all the missions on Xu Qing¡¯s identity token and became the only one.


    In fact, the mission he had just accepted actually gave him a sign that he had completed it, allowing him to obtain the reward effortlessly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, Foundation Building disciple of the Seventh Peak, come to the command center on Binding Island immediately. The Deputy Peak Lord of the Seventh Peak has summoned you!¡±


    Looking at this information, Xu Qing was stunned. After pondering for a long time, many guesses and thoughts surfaced in his mind but he still couldn¡¯t think of the reason. He didn¡¯t know this deputy Peak Lord and had never even heard of him before.


    However, the information on this identity token was conclusive. In fact, while Xu Qing was pondering, this information appeared many times and locked his identity token, causing him to be unable to continue accepting missions.


    After some thought, Xu Qing leaped up and headed straight for Binding Island.


    With his speed, although he didn¡¯t activate his Mystic Brilliance Form, he was still very fast. Not long later, Xu Qing arrived at Binding Island and headed straight for the huge eyeball in the center of the island.


    This was the core of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ frontline command center on merfolk islands.


    Disciples couldn¡¯t approach this place without being summoned. It was a top-secret place.


    As Xu Qing got closer, many terrifying divine senses locked onto him.


    Even the huge eyeball swept its gaze across him.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t continue forward. He took out his identity token and spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°Disciple Xu Qing has been summoned by the Seventh Peak¡¯s Deputy Peak Lord.¡±


    As he spoke, his identity token shone. The eye on the ground quickly blinked three times and a teleportation power instantly appeared around Xu Qing. Before he could react, his figure had already disappeared.


    It was only after Xu Qing was teleported away that the divine senses in the surroundings disappeared.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared in a magnificent hall inside the eye.


    When he appeared, he quickly looked around. A woman¡¯s voice calmly appeared from behind him.


    ¡°You are Xu Qing?¡±

 Chapter 239 - 239 The Seventh Peak Is Her Home...

    239 The Seventh Peak Is Her Home¡­


    This voice was ethereal and contained an otherworldly feeling.


    It also contained coldness. The moment it entered Xu Qing¡¯s ears, it transformed into a wisp of ice water that filled his mind and spread throughout his body, causing his body to tremble.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and his breath turned into white fog. His brows and hair began to freeze and his entire body stiffened. It was as though he had encountered an irresistible bizarre entity.


    In fact, Xu Qing even had an illusion. It was as though cracks had appeared in the surrounding void and surrounded him, as though sealing him.


    Not to mention the 44 magic apertures in his body.


    He could clearly sense that the magic apertures in his body had become dead silent. It was the same for the magic power and the spirit energy vortex inside. Their circulation was extremely slow.


    As for his life fires¡­


    In this state, it was impossible for his life fires to be ignited!


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s mind to shake intensely. The sense of security he had obtained after forming his life fire instantly dissipated. It also made him deeply realize that to experts, suppressing the Mystic Brilliance Form was easy.


    However, it wasn¡¯t that Xu Qing didn¡¯t have any strength to counterattack. The instant his entire body turned cold, he felt the warmth from his life lantern.


    It didn¡¯t completely cool down because of the cold outside. Perhaps he had a chance to forcefully ignite his life fire.


    This realization caused Xu Qing to be even more vigilant. He was very clear that he couldn¡¯t let anyone know about the life lantern. After confirming again that his shadow was still covering the life lantern, he took a deep breath and turned around with difficulty.


    The moment he turned around, he saw two women who had appeared out of nowhere. One was middle-aged while the other was young.


    The middle-aged woman wore a red lady¡¯s gown1 with exquisite patterns of butterflies and flowers embroidered on it with purple gold thread. The lining was extraordinary, like the rising sun in the sky.


    However, the icy aura that couldn¡¯t be melted was as obvious as the coldness on her face, and her phoenix eyes which looked as deep as an ancient well.


    It was as though whatever she looked at would turn into ice. If others stared at her for too long, their souls would be affected too.


    At that moment, she was staring at Xu Qing.


    The clothes she wore weren¡¯t the uniform of any peak, and Xu Qing had never seen her in the Seven Blood Eyes. However, Xu Qing knew the young girl beside her.


    The young girl wore a loose light purple Daoist robe that looked like a long dress. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail and she carried an ancient sword on her back. She looked valiant and heroic. At the same time, her exposed skin was fair and rosy.


    She looked heroic but didn¡¯t lack gentleness. Like right now, she was smiling, causing her eyes to curve into crescent moons. She looked cute but at the same time, her eyes were crystal clear.


    She was Ding Xue.


    She looked at Xu Qing. As her beautiful eyes blinked, she revealed a spurious smile.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu, this is my aunt. She¡¯s the deputy Peak Lord of our Seventh Peak and assists uncle-in-law in managing the Seventh Peak,¡± Ding Xue said softly.


    ¡°Disciple Xu Qing greets Deputy Peak Lord.¡±


    Being stared at by Ding Xue¡¯s aunt, Xu Qing clearly felt the coldness from the inside out becoming increasingly intense. Fortunately, his foundation wasn¡¯t ordinary. Although he was strongly affected by the middle-aged woman¡¯s gaze, he could still act normally. He cupped his fists and bowed respectfully to Aunt Ding Xue.


    This scene caused a hint of surprise to appear in the middle-aged woman¡¯s cold eyes. She sized up Xu Qing and calmly spoke.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be restrained.¡±


    After saying that, she noticed that her niece¡¯s gaze was filled with brightness as she stared at Xu Qing. As someone who had experienced this before, she naturally knew what this gaze meant. She sighed inwardly and the coldness she emitted dissipated a little. Her tone also became a little gentler.


    ¡°I summoned you here to give you a sect mission. You will temporarily be Ding Xue¡¯s Dao Protector¡­¡±


    ¡°Aunt, we¡¯re friends helping each other!¡± Ding Xue hurriedly spoke first. She held her aunt¡¯s hand and shook it with a cute expression.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever and his posture didn¡¯t change, but there were waves in his mind. On one hand, he didn¡¯t expect Ding Xue¡¯s background to be so great. On the other hand, the power emitted by the cultivation base of this deputy peak lord gave him a similar feeling to the few peak lords he saw before.


    This contact also allowed Xu Qing to have a clearer sense of how terrifying a peak lord was.


    As Ding Xue acted coquettishly, the middle-aged woman¡¯s cold expression melted a little. A hint of doting rose in her eyes as she patted Ding Xue¡¯s head and spoke to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you and Ding Xue are friends. I¡¯m not talking to you as the deputy peak lord but as an elder. This is the frontline and it¡¯s not very safe. Ding Xue must participate in this war. I have something important to do and it¡¯s hard for me to be distracted. I¡¯m worried about her safety and need you to protect her for a month. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°After you¡¯re done, I¡¯ll give you the right to withdraw from the war at any time and three disorder teleportation talismans.¡±


    Upon hearing the words ¡®disorder teleportation talisman¡¯, Xu Qing¡¯s heart instantly raced.


    He knew that the disorder teleportation talisman was a type of jade talisman. Its value was so great that it surpassed many magic artifacts. Any one of them cost more than 700,000 to 800,000 spirit stones.


    Moreover, this item was extremely rare. It would immediately be fought over and bought by others the moment it appeared. Xu Qing had seen one in the Bright Artifact Pavilion in the Sixth Peak¡¯s Pengming District, but it wasn¡¯t for sale.


    The effect of this item was equivalent to gaining a second life. It could immediately teleport the user from the vast majority of areas. However, there was no pattern to the destination of teleportation. It could teleport the user in the vicinity or thousands of kilometers away.


    This matter was clearly suggested by Ding Xue. Otherwise, if she really looked for someone to protect her with three disorderly teleportation talismans as the reward, there would be a lot of experts fighting for it.


    Hence, Xu Qing glanced at Ding Xue.


    Seeing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landing on her, Ding Xue blushed and smiled sweetly.


    The middle-aged woman shook her head. A hint of helplessness flashed in her deep phoenix eyes. After placing a storage bag in Ding Xue¡¯s hand, she calmly spoke.


    ¡°You guys decide.¡± With that, she turned and left.


    Seeing that her aunt had left, Ding Xue hurriedly ran to Xu Qing¡¯s side and spoke.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, that¡¯s my aunt. She usually doesn¡¯t stay in the Seven Blood Eyes but in the Western Reef Archipelago. Back then, when you sent me off on the sea, the one I wanted to introduce you to was her.¡±


    ¡°That day, Zhao Zhongheng insisted on following me. My aunt is a good person. She gave him an alchemy pill. If you had come with me, she would have given it to you. Zhao Zhongheng used that pill to form the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale. That fellow got the benefit for free.¡±


    Xu Qing did not speak.


    A long time later, he looked at Ding Xue and asked.


    ¡°The peak lord of the Seventh Peak is your¡­¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s my uncle-in-law.¡± Ding Xue smiled.


    Xu Qing fell silent again.


    ¡°However, there are some contradictions in ideals between my aunt and uncle-in-law. Hence, many years ago, my aunt moved out of the Seven Blood Eyes to live in the Western Reef Archipelago. She came here only because of the war.¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, can you protect me this time? I actually came here to increase my qualifications. The sect also has assessments for core disciples, and my uncle-in-law plans to send me to the Seven Sects Alliance. This requires my resume to be more realistic and good-looking. In addition, I¡¯m planning to focus on vegetation in the future, so Senior Brother Xu Qing, can you also help me tutor during this period of time?¡±


    Ding Xue didn¡¯t hide anything and told Xu Qing what she needed. At the same time, she handed over the storage bag. It was obvious that regardless of whether Xu Qing agreed or not, she would give the disorder teleportation talismans to him.


    Xu Qing looked at the storage bag and then at the expectant Ding Xue.


    Xu Qing admired Ding Xue¡¯s diligence and eagerness to learn. Moreover, regardless of whether it was for the other party¡¯s Foundation Building jade slips back then or the three disorder teleportation talismans now, he had no reason to refuse. Ding Xue¡¯s actions also made him feel comfortable.


    Xu Qing nodded and took the storage bag. There were three jade talismans that emitted a gentle glow inside. The magic power on them was abundant.


    ¡°That¡¯s great. Thank you, Senior Brother Xu Qing.¡± Ding Xue was very excited. After that, she tried to hold Xu Qing¡¯s arm naturally, but Xu Qing dodged her.


    Ding Xue didn¡¯t reveal any abnormalities. She still smiled sweetly and brought Xu Qing to a teleportation point, leaving the core command center.


    For the rest of the time, other than returning to her aunt¡¯s place at night, she usually followed Xu Qing and completed her resume at the frontline on the merfolk islands.


    However, Ding Xue was very smart. Although she was the one who fought for this opportunity for Xu Qing and had some selfish motives, she didn¡¯t make it too obvious. Instead, she dragged Xu Qing to accept some special missions.


    From Ding Xue, Xu Qing also knew that the missions of core disciples were different from theirs.


    The mission rewards for core disciples were even richer while the danger was clearly reduced. Most of them could be completed on the islands.


    However, correspondingly, as a core disciple, their connection to the sect was extremely great.


    If the Seven Blood Eyes encountered an irresolvable calamity one day, disciples like Xu Qing could leave calmly and not be pursued.


    However, core disciples would definitely be eliminated.


    As such, there were pros and cons to becoming a core disciple.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t envious of it. He felt that his current state was quite good. In the following days, he would bring Ding Xue to complete all kinds of small missions she accepted every day.


    For example, sending important supplies from one island to another, doing some aftermath work, tabulating some casualties, and so on.


    Basically, they were all safe and easy missions.


    When he was free, Ding Xue would ask him about herbs. Every time, she would give him spirit stones as a payment for the knowledge.


    Although Xu Qing felt that 100 to 200 spirit stones each time wasn¡¯t as precious as before, he still abided by the concept of gathering sand to form a tower.


    Seven to eight days later, the difficulty of the missions Ding Xue accepted slowly increased.


    For example, searching for some merfolk rebels and the hiding places of the Sea Corpse Race in the islands.


    The danger level of such a mission was already relatively high, but this was the frontline command center after all, so the difficulty was limited.


    The sect could quickly send reinforcements if there were any issues, so these missions were very suitable for the core disciples to train.


    Ding Xue seemed to attach great importance to her resume. She often took on these missions that contained a certain level of danger without being afraid of injuries.


    In fact, the more dangerous it was, the faster she would accept it.


    However, under Xu Qing¡¯s meticulous protection, Ding Xue was always safe and sound.


    This made Ding Xue a little anxious.


    This didn¡¯t match her plan.


    She felt even more anxious when she realized that the month was almost over. She made a decision. One morning, when she met Xu Qing again, she suddenly spat out a large mouthful of blood.


    Her face was pale and her body was on the verge of collapse, as though she would fall at any moment.


    Xu Qing was stunned. He sized up Ding Xue a few times and was a little moved.


    He sensed that Ding Xue¡¯s cultivation base was chaotic and her qi movements had formed a ball, blocking many of her meridians. It would be very difficult for her to recover in a short period.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu, it¡¯s all my fault. I was too anxious.¡±


    ¡°I felt that I was too weak and wanted to break through to the great circle of perfection as soon as possible, but something went wrong with my cultivation last night and I suffered a backlash.¡±


    Ding Xue stood with difficulty and spoke bitterly.


    ¡°My aunt also went to the battlefield and isn¡¯t here.¡±


    ¡°You should rest for a few days. When your injuries recover, you can take on the missions.¡± Xu Qing comforted.


    ¡°No!!¡±


    Ding Xue panicked and hurriedly rejected him. She thought to herself that if she really went back to rest, wouldn¡¯t her injuries be in vain?

 Chapter 240 - 240 Broadminded

    240 Broadminded


    ¡°Joining the Seven Sects Alliance is my dream!¡±


    ¡°Now that I have everything I need, I only need a good resume. I can¡¯t waste all my efforts because of my negligence.¡±


    ¡°I accepted 16 missions today. Senior Brother Xu, my aptitude is ordinary, so I have to work harder. Even though I¡¯m injured, I can¡¯t give up. This little injury is nothing!¡±


    Ding Xue¡¯s gaze was firm.


    ¡°I can¡¯t disappoint my aunt!¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu, can you help me complete the missions? Sorry to trouble you.¡±


    At this point, Ding Xue¡¯s voice became a little weaker. After she finished speaking, she wanted to bow but her body went limp and she was about to fall. Xu Qing instinctively went forward to help her.


    Ding Xue¡¯s body fell into Xu Qing¡¯s arms. Her eyelashes trembled slightly and her breathing was clearly hurried. Her small face flushed red.


    Xu Qing faintly felt that something was amiss but he didn¡¯t know how to refuse. After all, Ding Xue¡¯s injuries were real and they were really serious.


    Just like that, on this day, Xu Qing helped Ding Xue to complete the 16 missions. Although Ding Xue was weak, the excitement in her heart had reached its limit.


    This was the outcome she wanted. She had begged her aunt to let Xu Qing protect her because she wanted to get close to Xu Qing and form a deep-rooted friendship.


    She was very clear that if she wanted to conquer Xu Qing, she couldn¡¯t be hasty.


    She needed to plan slowly. It would be best if the feelings could develop over time.


    That was why she had injured herself like this.


    However, she also understood that this plan couldn¡¯t be used every day. The sense of need couldn¡¯t be exposed too much. Hence, after she recovered a little the next day, everything started to return to normal.


    Every day, Ding Xue excitedly brought Xu Qing to run around the four islands.


    Another seven to eight days passed. Ding Xue felt that the time was ripe and was about to launch her second plan.


    She was confident that she could form a deeper relationship with Xu Qing with this plan. After all, she had been preparing for this for several months.


    However, what disappointed her was that an uninvited guest actually came at this critical moment.


    It was Zhao Zhongheng.


    For some reason, Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s cultivation speed suddenly sped up after Xu Qing stepped into Foundation Building. He had reached the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm and wasn¡¯t far from attempting to reach Foundation Building.


    Logically speaking, what he needed to do now was to enter seclusion to stabilize his perfected realm and start Foundation Building.


    However, he had clearly heard about what had happened here, so he resolutely chose to participate in the battle. On the first day he arrived on the merfolk island, he shamelessly came to Ding Xue¡¯s side.


    No matter what, he didn¡¯t leave and insisted on following.


    In fact, after Ding Xue got annoyed, he even took out the mission jade slip.


    He actually used some unknown method to obtain the same mission as Ding Xue. As such, Ding Xue was quite helpless.


    From the start to the end, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about this matter. It didn¡¯t matter who came. He calculated the time. There were a few more days left before the one-month duration ended.


    ¡°Zhao Zhongheng, if you insist on following, there are two rules!¡± Ding Xue looked at Zhao Zhongheng unhappily in front of Xu Qing.


    ¡°Firstly, you can¡¯t speak the entire time!¡±


    ¡°Secondly, you have to maintain a distance of 30 feet from me!¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t agree, leave. If you agree, stay!¡±


    Zhao Zhongheng took a deep breath. When he arrived, he had already thought of this. Now, he looked at the incomparably beautiful Ding Xue with her curvy figure.


    He then quickly glanced at Xu Qing, who didn¡¯t seem to notice this. He hurriedly retracted his gaze and an unprecedented determination appeared in his heart.


    ¡®No matter how high his cultivation is, how can it compare to my sincerity? Pursuing a girl isn¡¯t about fighting. What¡¯s the use of having a high cultivation level? My grandfather¡¯s cultivation level is higher. Wasn¡¯t he also dumped by my grandmother? Isn¡¯t Old Master Seventh also staying on the Seventh Peak alone? This means that a high cultivation base is of no use here!¡¯


    ¡®My sincerity is the key to obtaining ultimate happiness. It¡¯s indestructible. The heavens can testify to it. Even if the fragmented face in the sky opens its eyes, it won¡¯t be able to destroy my sincerity.¡¯


    ¡®If pursuing women depends on one¡¯s cultivation level, wouldn¡¯t the ancestor have a lot of wives and concubines? All the women in the sect would have been his.¡¯ The more Zhao Zhongheng thought about it, the more sense it made. His gaze became increasingly determined as he looked at the love of his life, Ding Xue, and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Alright!!¡±


    Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s participation made Ding Xue very unhappy. However, to Xu Qing, it was no different, although there were a few times when he realized that Zhao Zhongheng was secretly sizing up his forehead.


    This made Xu Qing feel a little strange but he didn¡¯t care too much, especially since the other party was tactful and didn¡¯t provoke him. Hence, Xu Qing ignored him most of the time.


    Several days later, the three of them completed some small missions and rested for a night before gathering again. Xu Qing glanced at Zhao Zhongheng with a strange expression.


    Ding Xue was also stunned when she saw Zhao Zhongheng.


    She glanced at Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s brows and then turned to look at Xu Qing. Her expression slowly became strange.


    Only Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He lifted his head and revealed his brows to Xu Qing and Ding Xue, his heart filled with pride.


    If anyone else was here, they would definitely discover that the shape of Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s brows was almost identical to Xu Qing¡¯s.


    Regardless of the height, length, width at the end of the brows, and so on, they were all the same.


    Xu Qing looked at Zhao Zhongheng. He suddenly understood why the other party kept peeking at his forehead a few days ago. He was looking at his eyebrows.


    ¡®Is this person crazy?¡¯ Xu Qing recalled Elder Zhao¡¯s evaluation of his grandson and felt that it made sense.


    Ding Xue sighed.


    She felt that Zhao Zhongheng was possessed. Some eyebrows felt different on different people¡¯s faces. Senior Brother Xu naturally looked better the more she looked at him.


    She felt that this Zhao Zhongheng was actually fine previously. However, no matter how she looked at him now, he looked really strange. He was like a chicken with two peacock feathers stuck in it.


    Zhao Zhongheng clearly didn¡¯t think so. He was very smug on the way. He felt that Ding Xue was clearly looking at him much more than before.


    Hence, he began to stare at Xu Qing¡¯s nose.


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    Just like that, the three of them lived in peace in the following days, other than Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s appearance gradually changing slightly and the traces of the changes being conspicuous.


    What surprised Xu Qing was that Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s transformation wasn¡¯t just these. When the latter presented Ding Xue with a gift, he actually gave two portions.


    Ding Xue was also very surprised by this.


    Looking at Xu Qing and Ding Xue¡¯s expressions, Zhao Zhongheng felt even more smug.


    He felt that the meaning of his seclusion this time was far-reaching because he understood something.


    Since he loved someone, he had to love her dog as well.


    Since he had chosen to spend his entire life pursuing her, he had to be tolerant enough to accommodate the passersby in her life.


    So, why would he act narrow minded and only give her?


    As such, he gifted her two portions!


    Letting her give it to the passerby also showed how different he was from others.


    Zhao Zhongheng felt that he had understood everything.


    Hence, amidst the sublimation of his heart, on this day, Ding Xue checked a secret passage that was filled with anomalous substances and opened it. When the anomalous substances dissipated, Zhao Zhongheng, who was at the side, handed two medicine boxes to Ding Xue.


    Ding Xue took them and opened one in surprise.


    ¡°Peeling anomaly pills. This is a secret pill of the Second Peak. It¡¯s not sold outside and is rarely seen.¡±


    Zhao Zhongheng smiled and nodded.


    Ding Xue had a strange expression on her face as she looked at the two medicinal pills in her hand.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, thank you for helping me these few days and even tutoring me in herbs. I don¡¯t think Senior Brother will have any use for this pill, but because it¡¯s rare, Senior Brother can use it for research.¡±


    As she spoke, Ding Xue smiled sweetly at Xu Qing and passed a medicinal pill to him.


    ¡°Moreover, this is also the reward you should receive for taking care of Zhao Zhongheng these few days.¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it and felt that it made sense, so he took it.


    Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s breathing hastened slightly but he quickly smiled again and nodded at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing glanced at the medicinal pill and was about to store it when his expression suddenly froze. He abruptly looked at the secret passage that had been opened and walked to the side of it.


    ¡°Both of you, step back a little.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, Ding Xue quickly reacted and retreated. Zhao Zhongheng also hurriedly retreated.


    Seeing that Ding Xue and Zhao Zhongheng had retreated far away, Xu Qing stared at the secret passage in front of him.


    The location of this secret passage was under a collapsed house. Moreover, it was obvious that it had been dug out recently to escape.


    Some runic arrangements could be seen in the surroundings. Although they had lost their effect now, they should be mainly used for concealment.


    The passage wasn¡¯t big and could only fit one person. As it was opened, it emitted a chill that fused with the warm current from the outside world, forming some fog.


    In this fog, other than the dense anomalous substances, some corpse poison slowly floated out.


    Xu Qing was vigilant. This mission was accepted by Ding Xue. The mission description was to find the hiding places of the Sea Corpse Race in the merfolk islands. They had searched several places before but they didn¡¯t find anything.


    Right now, they were in a small city on Hidden Island. Ding Xue had used a special magic artifact to sense the fluctuations of the increase in anomalous substances here.


    That¡¯s how they found this passage.


    Xu Qing originally didn¡¯t care much. According to his experience in killing the Sea Corpse Race, even if there were really some members of the Sea Corpse Race hiding on the merfolk islands, they weren¡¯t something a Qi Condensation cultivator like Ding Xue could find.


    The detection of special magic artifacts wasn¡¯t of much use. Unless the Sea Corpse Race cultivator deliberately exposed their traces, there were too many ways to conceal the anomalous substances and their aura.


    Hence, in Xu Qing¡¯s opinion, the mission the sect gave to Qi Condensation core disciples was actually just for show, to let them adapt to the rhythm of the war.


    As for danger, there wasn¡¯t much.


    However, after Ding Xue opened the secret passage just now, as the anomalous substances spread out, Xu Qing sensed that something was wrong. The anomalous substances coming out of the passage contained corpse poison.


    ¡°Could it be that Ding Xue really found a Sea Corpse Race member?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was like lightning as he scattered some poison powder into the secret passage to neutralize the corpse poison inside. At the same time, he also sensed that the corpse poison here seemed to have lost its vitality and its toxicity was greatly reduced.


    While Xu Qing was pondering, a weak voice suddenly rang out from the secret passage.


    ¡°Father, hurry up and go home¡­¡±


    This voice was like the pleading of a little boy, filled with deep longing. It was extremely realistic. The moment it entered Xu Qing¡¯s ears, he felt as though he had really seen a little boy.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to narrow abruptly. Ding Xue and Zhao Zhongheng, who were behind him, also heard it. Their expressions changed drastically.


    ¡°Bizarre entity?¡± Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s breathing was hurried.

 Chapter 241 - 241 The Ancestor Is Panicked (1)

    241 The Ancestor Is Panicked (1)


    Ding Xue immediately took out a jade slip and looked at Xu Qing.


    The moment Xu Qing gave the signal, she would transmit her voice to ask for help.


    Xu Qing listened attentively. After waiting for a long time, the exact same voice from before appeared a second time.


    ¡°Father, hurry up and go home¡­¡±


    The voice was still filled with deep longing that could be felt by others. It seemed to come from the secret passage but it gave people the feeling that it was coming from right beside their ears. They could easily imagine the scene in front of them.


    Xu Qing was silent. He didn¡¯t sense any dangerous fluctuations in the secret passage and similarly didn¡¯t sense any coldness of the bizarre entity. However, he still instantly ignited his life fire and activated the Mystic Brilliance Form.


    In the past month, this was the first time Xu Qing had activated his Mystic Brilliance Form in front of Ding Xue. The dangers he had encountered previously could be resolved by his ordinary form.


    As his auras erupted, Ding Xue and Zhao Zhongheng both took a deep breath and instinctively retreated a little. Their eyes instantly stung and they didn¡¯t dare to look straight at him.


    Ding Xue was still fine. Although she couldn¡¯t open her eyes, the surprise in her heart was more than shock. However, Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s expression changed. The construction in his heart almost collapsed again.


    ¡®Who said that the one standing in the light is the hero? My sincerity is different from the others!¡¯ Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s breathing was hurried as he encouraged himself.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what Ding Xue and Zhao Zhongheng were thinking at this moment, and he didn¡¯t care. Now that the Mystic Brilliance Form had been activated, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He rushed into the secret passage.


    Xu Qing moved extremely fast. Wherever he passed, there would be popping sounds and a series of echoes in the narrow secret passage.


    At the same time, he also sensed that the corpse poison in this place was indeed rapidly dissipating, as though it was evaporating after death.


    Xu Qing arrived at the end of the secret passage. His gaze was like lightning as he rapidly observed his surroundings.


    This place was like a simple hiding place.


    There was a figure of the Sea Corpse Race in the corner. He looked like a human old man and was already dead.


    There were several shocking wounds on the corpse, especially the location of the dantian, which was badly mangled. The injuries there were the most fatal and almost penetrated his body. This corpse was the source of the anomalous substances and corpse poison.


    Even though he was dead, the lingering power emitted by his body was still very strong. Xu Qing swept his gaze over and judged that this person at least had a ball of life fire when he was alive.


    This Sea Corpse Race member had clearly suffered serious injuries from the extermination of his vitality on the merfolk island. He insisted on hiding here and was no longer able to escape or recover. In the end, he died silently.


    He shouldn¡¯t have died long ago. That was why the anomalous substances spread out when the secret passage was opened.


    His expression was also a little different from the Sea Corpse Race cultivators Xu Qing had seen. Although his face was gradually rotting, one could still faintly see the confusion he had when he was alive.


    He was holding a small bronze bottle tightly in his hand.


    It was as though this was his most precious item before he died.


    This small bottle was very old and had already been opened. The voice Xu Qing had heard earlier rang out from it.


    ¡°Father, hurry up and go home¡­¡±


    The voice was very weak and filled with longing.


    As for the old man from the Sea Corpse Race, he seemed to have opened the bottle before he died. As he gradually entered the embrace of death, he kept listening to this voice over and over again.


    This voice probably belonged to his closest kin.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past the bottle and observed his surroundings. Just as he confirmed that there was no danger here, footsteps rang out from behind him.


    The people who came were Zhao Zhongheng and Ding Xue. After Xu Qing entered the secret passage, they waited for a while and sensed that there was no movement inside. Hence, Ding Xue was anxious and quickly ran in. Zhao Zhongheng could only follow.


    Upon noticing that Xu Qing was fine, Ding Xue heaved a sigh of relief. Only then did she observe her surroundings. After seeing everything clearly, she looked at the bottle in the hand of the corpse and exclaimed.


    ¡°Sound-catching bottle!¡±


    Ding Xue, who had an astonishing background, clearly had knowledge that exceeded that of ordinary cultivators. She recognized the origin of the bronze bottle at a glance. Hence, after noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze sweeping over, she hurriedly informed him.


    ¡°The sound-catching bottle is an ancient item and is very rare. Its value is priceless to some people but worthless to many. This is because its function is very simple. It captures sound. After covering it, you can open it at any time and hear the captured sound.¡±


    ¡°The sound is extremely real. It can even be said to be the original sound. This is its queerness and preciousness but it can¡¯t last permanently. After opening for a long time, the sound will slowly dissipate and needs to be captured again.¡±


    Ding Xue looked at the Sea Corpse Race member and then at the sound-catching bottle that he held tightly in his hand as though it was a treasure. She seemed to understand something.


    ¡°The Sea Corpse Race consists of members of various races who were revived in a unique way after they died. Once they become a member of the Sea Corpse Race, they can only retain some memories of when they were alive.¡±


    ¡°However, this memory is useless because the nature of the Sea Corpse Race is cruel. The moment they revive, it¡¯s equivalent to severing ties with their previous lives. Very few people keep the things they were fond of when they were alive.¡±


    ¡°If this bottle is his, then this Sea Corpse Race cultivator is really abnormal. He actually retained the thing he had when he was alive. This bottle should be something he misses and an obsession.¡±


    ¡°As for the voice in the bottle, maybe it was of his child? But no matter how he was when he was alive, he is now a member of the Sea Corpse Race.¡±


    Ding Xue¡¯s tone was filled with uncertainty. Clearly, she wasn¡¯t too sure if the truth was as she had judged.

 Chapter 242 - 242 The Ancestor Is Panicked (2)

    242 The Ancestor Is Panicked (2)


    ¡°It¡¯s not important anymore.¡± Xu Qing shook his head. He then lifted his right hand and grabbed. Immediately, the small bronze bottle flew into his hand.


    The voice in the bottle had completely weakened. After it appeared once more, it completely disappeared.


    Ding Xue glanced at Zhao Zhongheng. If it was anyone else, it would be very difficult to see the meaning of this glance. However, Zhao Zhongheng understood tacitly and immediately went forward to search the body of the Sea Corpse Race without any hesitation.


    Very soon, they found a storage bag and the three of them left the secret passage.


    Xu Qing covered the sound-catching bottle and kept it.


    Ding Xue told the sect what she had discovered here and could be considered to have completed her mission. As for the items in the storage bag, there weren¡¯t many. Most of them were miscellaneous items. There were no magic artifacts or jade talismans. Clearly, they had all been used up.


    There were a few hundred spirit stones and three to five spirit tickets. They didn¡¯t know if it was because he was poor to begin with or if he hid his items in another place.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over. He took the sound-catching bottle and didn¡¯t ask for anything else.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what use this bottle would have in the future but this item itself was very strange. Xu Qing felt that it had some value.


    Zhao Zhongheng and Ding Xue were both rich people and didn¡¯t fancy the things in the storage bag. However, they still shared them. After all, it was more or less a gain.


    Just like that, as Ding Xue reported the matter of the secret passage, this matter came to an end. Next, the other disciples of the sect would deal with the follow-up matters.


    Time quickly passed. While Ding Xue was becoming increasingly depressed because of Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s appearance, the one-month deadline was up. As Xu Qing bade farewell and left, Ding Xue felt extremely regretful and chased after him to show her concern.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu, the frontline is dangerous, you have to be careful. Your safety is the most important.¡±


    ¡°My cultivation level is low and I don¡¯t have anything to show. However, I¡¯ll ask my aunt to take care of you more. If you encounter anything that can¡¯t be resolved, you can look for her directly.¡±


    ¡°Also, Senior Brother Xu, thank you for your help during this time. I¡¯ll definitely work harder to learn about plants and vegetation and strive to join the Seven Sects Alliance as soon as possible. At that time, I¡¯ll be able to help Senior Brother in plants and vegetation.¡±


    Ding Xue¡¯s expression was serious. After that, she casually spoke.


    ¡°As for the Dao of plants and vegetation of the Second Peak, it¡¯s a little inferior. I¡¯ll definitely be more proficient than the disciples of the Second Peak in the future.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. You should take good care of yourself too. All the best.¡± Xu Qing sighed with emotion. He could hear the sincerity in Ding Xue¡¯s words. In his heart, he felt that although Ding Xue had some plans in the past month, she was a good person. Moreover, she was very diligent and eager to learn. Xu Qing approved of this point.


    As for her saying that the Second Peak¡¯s Dao of plants and vegetation was inferior, Xu Qing didn¡¯t have much contact with the Second Peak and couldn¡¯t comment. He cupped his fists at Ding Xue and turned to leave.


    Ding Xue reluctantly watched as Xu Qing¡¯s back disappeared from her sight. She turned her head and ruthlessly glared at Zhao Zhongheng. She let out a cold snort and chose to leave the merfolk islands.


    She was very clear that the frontline was dangerous and it was not suitable for her to continue staying here with her cultivation base.


    As for Zhao Zhongheng, he looked at Ding Xue¡¯s graceful back view with an incomparably firm gaze. He felt that his judgment was correct.


    ¡®Cultivation isn¡¯t important in this matter. My sincerity can surpass everything! That Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation is indeed stronger than mine but he left just like that. However, I¡¯m not like this. I¡¯ll always accompany my senior sister.¡¯


    At the thought of this, Zhao Zhongheng took a deep breath and hurriedly followed. Under Ding Xue¡¯s annoyance, they left together.


    As for Xu Qing, he didn¡¯t leave the merfolk islands.


    After completing the mission to protect Ding Xue, he not only obtained three disorder teleportation talismans but also a decree given by the deputy peak lord.


    With this decree, he could retreat from the war without applying a request. It could even be done during missions.


    It was the same as having the right to return to the sect at any time. His obligation to participate in the battle was still there, but it had been changed from the front line to the back.


    His battle results and the subsequent rewards of the war wouldn¡¯t be reduced.


    This allowed him to have very strong autonomy.


    Even a Golden Core elder would find it very difficult to issue such a decree. Only the higher-ups at the peak lord level had the qualifications, so its value was extremely high.


    Xu Qing was aware that the deputy peak lord had given it to him because of Ding Xue.


    ¡°This is a favor. I will need to repay Ding Xue in the future.¡± Xu Qing remembered this matter and took out his identity token to check the missions inside.


    He didn¡¯t plan to leave immediately. Although he had spent a month on Ding Xue¡¯s Dao Protector mission and his ranking in the war had fallen back to below 70, Xu Qing felt that it wouldn¡¯t be very difficult to increase it.


    He wanted to enter the top 50 and obtain the right to use the magic treasure projection once.


    In the following period of time, Xu Qing once again immersed himself in the missions. Every day, he would be busy with one mission after another, killing the Sea Corpse Race and refining the Sea Corpse souls. Occasionally, he would even farm battle results with the shadow.


    Gradually, his ranking neared 50 and he wasn¡¯t far from obtaining the chance to use the magic treasure¡¯s projection. On this day¡­ Xu Qing, who had just handed in the mission, was about to accept the next mission when his expression suddenly changed. He lowered his head and looked at his feet.


    His eyes gleamed with a strange light as he disappeared from his original location. After he arrived at a remote corner, Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°What do you want to say?¡± Just now, the shadow had transmitted some emotions to him.


    ¡°Advancement¡­ Quiet¡­ Safety¡­ Breakthrough¡­¡± The shadow tried its best to express itself.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    In this war with the Sea Corpse Race, the shadow had provided a lot of help. Now that it had devoured so many Sea Corpse Race members, it was finally about to break through. This filled Xu Qing with anticipation.


    After he formed his life fire, the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor clearly couldn¡¯t keep up with him. However, Xu Qing was still vigilant against the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, especially the former.


    As the shadow transmitted the information that it was about to break through, the black iron stick at the side trembled slightly. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor inside also quickly transmitted his divine sense.


    ¡°Master, I was about to report to you that I¡­ can break through too. I also need a quiet and safe environment because¡­ the artifact spirit technique I cultivate is different from other random things. It will attract heavenly lightning to cleanse my soul!!¡±


    ¡°Once I break through, I can erupt with combat strength similar to the Mystic Brilliance Form!¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s words revealed determination, but his heart was filled with anxiety.


    In reality, he was still a little short of breaking through. However, he couldn¡¯t wait anymore. He felt that once the shadow broke through first, if he still maintained his current state, losing his status was secondary. What was important was that he might be considered useless.


    Once he was considered useless, he felt that there was a high chance that he would be thrown out as cannon fodder at some point¡­


    Hence, he was prepared to give it a try.


    Xu Qing glanced at the black iron stick and then at the shadow. He had already made a decision.

 Chapter 243 - 243 Battle of Status!

    243 Battle of Status!


    Top 50 in the war score of Seven Blood Eyes could obtain the qualifications to use the projection of the sect¡¯s magic treasure once.


    Xu Qing was tempted by this.


    On one hand, he had never seen a magic treasure but he had heard too many things about the strength of magic treasures.


    After all, even in the entire Seven Blood Eyes, there was only one magic treasure.


    At the same time, Xu Qing was also curious about why magic treasures had such rumors. He wanted to know what the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ magic treasure looked like and what kind of might it could unleash.


    These were what tempted him.


    However, Xu Qing felt that he couldn¡¯t delay the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and the shadow¡¯s breakthrough because of curiosity.


    Xu Qing knew very well which one was more important.


    After all, no matter how strong the magic treasure projection was, he could only use it once. However, the advancement of the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor would increase his combat strength.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate and immediately gave up on accepting the mission. He made use of the right to be exempted from the war given by Ding Xue¡¯s aunt and chose to leave while the Seven Blood Eyes continued to advance toward the Sea Corpse Race with an imposing aura.


    ¡°I have to find a safe and remote island so that the breakthrough of the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor won¡¯t be disturbed.¡±


    This was especially so when the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor said that there would be lightning tribulation when he broke through. This made Xu Qing pay even more attention to the location.


    He made a prompt decision and used the teleportation array on the merfolk island to activate a long-distance teleportation in the opposite direction of the battlefield.


    This time, the place he teleported to was an island of nonhuman races called the Cape Sand Race.


    They were one of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ allies and most of them had gentle personalities. Because they were good at refining a material called the flickering sea and had extremely high attainments in puppet research, they had been protected by the Seven Blood Eyes for more than a hundred years.


    As for the members of the Cape Sand Race, they were very strange. Their appearances were similar to humans, but their bodies were only the size of a palm. Humans were like giants in front of them.


    Their clan¡¯s territory was also a small kingdom.


    However, in order to receive foreign friends, they built a large city not far from the teleportation array that could allow cultivators to stay.


    When Xu Qing appeared in the Cape Sand Race¡¯s teleportation array, it was already dusk.


    The afterglow of the setting sun scattered down in the distance, reflecting the purple color on the black surface of the sea. It contrasted with the fiery red glow in the sky and gave off a mysterious feeling.


    The harmony and peace here were quite rare in the Forbidden Sea. Since Xu Qing had been in the battlefield till now, there was still some baleful aura from the war on his body. He felt a little uncomfortable when he entered this peaceful place.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked into the distance. He saw countless members of the Cape Sand Race busying themselves in the small city in the distance. From time to time, singing could be heard and he could faintly see even smaller children playing with the sand.


    However, there were many auras of experts here.


    Even though the Cape Sand Race was extremely short, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t underestimate them. This was because he had read about them in the Homicide Department¡¯s dossier. He knew that although the Cape Sand Race was gentle, their combat strength was astonishing, especially since they were good at Dao of puppets.


    Xu Qing, who had walked out of the teleportation array, swept his gaze across the surroundings and looked at the eight puppets sitting outside the teleportation array.


    Each of these eight puppets was the size of a human. Their bodies were made of iron and wood and their faces were pitch-black with gems as their eyes.


    There were no spirit energy fluctuations coming from their bodies, as though they were dead objects.


    The instant Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed, the gem eyes of one of the puppets suddenly lit up. Cracking sounds echoed as it lifted its head and looked at Xu Qing. After that, it stood up and cupped its fists.


    ¡°Welcome to the Cape Sand Race. May I know why a distinguished guest from the Seven Blood Eyes is here?¡±


    Xu Qing carefully sized up this puppet. Even though the other party had spoken, he still didn¡¯t sense any spirit energy fluctuations.


    Xu Qing felt very strange. However, he knew that there were many things that he couldn¡¯t rashly inquire about. Hence, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m passing by and want to go to the nearby sea area. Do you have a nautical chart for sale?¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯re an esteemed guest from the Seven Blood Eyes, you don¡¯t need to buy it.¡± The puppet waved its right hand and a grain of sand appeared in it. It threw it at Xu Qing.


    After Xu Qing caught it, his expression was a little moved. This small grain of sand actually recorded information like a jade slip. He only swept his magic power slightly and a very detailed nautical chart appeared in his mind.


    After thanking the puppet, Xu Qing took another look at the peaceful atmosphere of the race. With a sway of his body, he rose into the air and headed toward the distance.


    He was extremely fast, causing a booming sound. In an instant, he disappeared.


    After he left, the other seven puppets beside the teleportation array lifted their heads one after another and looked in the direction Xu Qing had left in.


    ¡°The Seven Blood Eyes is currently fighting against the Sea Corpse Race. This person¡¯s cultivation isn¡¯t ordinary and gives me a lot of pressure. Moreover, his body clearly contains the aura of the battlefield. Why is he here?¡±


    ¡°I also sensed his cultivation fluctuations. Although it¡¯s not very clear, to be able to make the magic power circulation of my magic aperture stagnate, this person should be at the mid-stage Foundation Building realm.¡±


    ¡°However, from his actions, he doesn¡¯t seem to have any ill intentions.¡±


    These eight puppets didn¡¯t move at all and transmitted their voices to each other. After confirming that Xu Qing had indeed left, they slowly relaxed and lowered their heads again, not moving at all.


    Time flowed by and a night passed.


    The next morning, when the sunlight scattered down, burning the sea and sky, Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared in the sky. His speed didn¡¯t decrease at all as he continued to speed forward.


    He didn¡¯t choose to move out on the magic ship. That would be too big of a target. He relied on his own strength to search the entire night. According to the descriptions on the nautical chart, he finally found an area that met the requirements.


    This was an abandoned mining island.


    The nautical chart described that the island was discovered to have a spirit vein a hundred years ago, so it attracted the attention of the Cape Sand. After mining it for 60 years and emptying it, it was abandoned.


    The spirit energy on it was scarce and the anomalous substances were dense. Although there were plants, most of them had some forms of offensive methods.


    Moreover, there was no longer any value inside or outside the island, so almost no one came here.


    There were many such islands on the Forbidden Sea.


    Xu Qing examined the island from the air. In the end, he decided to let the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor advance on this island. After making the decision, he headed straight for the island.


    Very soon, he landed on the island. Xu Qing waved his hand and scattered a cloud of poison powder, causing some of the plants in the surroundings that were twisting around him to instantly wither and die.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t even glance at them and headed straight for the mines on the island. Not long later, he found one.


    This mineshaft was pitch-black. The morning sunlight outside was clearly bright, but the pitch-blackness here seemed to be impenetrable by light. It emitted dense anomalous substances and waves of cold air.


    The surroundings of the mineshaft were covered in a layer of black ice which seemed to be highly toxic as there was no vegetation in the surroundings.


    This place wasn¡¯t a suitable place for cultivation for any cultivator but Xu Qing¡¯s shadow was very satisfied.


    In fact, its figure under the sunlight couldn¡¯t help but extend a little toward the mineshaft.


    Xu Qing was also satisfied with it. After he got closer and confirmed that there was no danger, he broke off a piece of black ice on the ground.


    The cold air coming from the black ice was astonishing and the anomalous substances in it were extremely dense. Just by touching it, the anomalous substances in it invaded Xu Qing¡¯s body. However, at the next instant, they were rapidly absorbed by Xu Qing¡¯s shadow.


    ¡°This thing is a little interesting.¡± Xu Qing squatted down and collected some of the black ice here. Unfortunately, it was very difficult to preserve this item. They would volatilize quickly after they were broken off.


    With regret, Xu Qing was about to step into the mineshaft.


    ¡°Master, be careful. You should not enter a strange place rashly. Let me clear the way.¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor quickly spoke and took the initiative to control the black iron stick. After it flew into the mineshaft, he transmitted his divine sense.


    ¡°Master, everything is normal down there.¡±


    At the side, the shadow that was happily absorbing the black ice paused for a moment. It also hurriedly extended a section to the bottom of the deep pit and similarly emitted safety fluctuations.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the matter between the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and the shadow. He was also happy to see them targeting each other. His expression was as calm as ever. He first set up some poison in the surroundings before stepping into the mineshaft.


    The anomalous substances in the mine were clearly denser and the cold air in it was oppressive. It was also pitch-black.


    Even though magic power gushed into his eyes, Xu Qing could only vaguely see a huge tunnel ahead with traces of mining.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate to light the life lantern.


    In the blink of an eye, invisible flames spread out from his entire body, vaguely forming a black umbrella above his head to protect his soul.


    He instantly disappeared and began to investigate if there was any danger in the mineshaft.


    Although he had sensed that this place was safe earlier, Xu Qing would not be at ease till he inspected it. At that moment, under the Mystic Brilliance Form, his entire person was like flames, sweeping through the entire mineshaft.


    Even though there were many tunnels here, with Xu Qing¡¯s speed, he only used the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to finish examining them all.


    Other than some bats, this place was safe.


    After confirming this, Xu Qing sat down in the depths of the mineshaft and spoke softly in the darkness.


    ¡°Shadow, you can advance now.¡±


    As Xu Qing¡¯s voice rang out, his shadow instantly spread out.


    Although there was still a trace of connection with Xu Qing, 99% of it spread into the distance and rotated rapidly there.


    Outsiders couldn¡¯t see this scene. Only Xu Qing could sense it. He could sense that as the shadow rotated rapidly, the anomalous substances in the surroundings gathered crazily and surged into the vortex.


    This vortex grew larger and deeper until all the anomalous substances in the mineshaft were absorbed. The vortex suddenly trembled and stopped spinning. Instead, it transformed into something like a deep pool.


    Its shape was circular and was a full 100 feet long.


    The shadow had melted and turned into a pool of black mucus. Bubbles kept popping up on the surface of the water as though the pool was boiling.


    Every time a bubble shattered, waves of soul-stirring roars would ring out, as though some evolution was unfolding inside.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed anticipation but his vigilance didn¡¯t decrease. After all, the shadow had an untamed personality. It was hard to say if it would suddenly act foolishly after breaking through.


    Hence, he silently poured a portion of his magic power into the purple crystal and was prepared to suppress the shadow at any time.


    At the same time, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor saw that the shadow had already begun and Demon Xu was clearly looking forward to it. He even seemed to be protecting him. This caused him to feel an extremely strong sense of danger and intense nervousness.


    ¡®He¡¯s protecting it. Demon Xu clearly values the silly shadow more!¡¯


    ¡®According to the logic in the book, once the silly shadow breaks through first, the pressure on me will definitely be extremely great. Moreover, even if I break through later, I¡¯m still too slowa?|¡¯


    ¡®In the stories, the slower one is, the slower one will be until they are completely left behind. This won¡¯t do!¡¯ The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s mind trembled. He definitely couldn¡¯t let such a thing happen.


    ¡®For the sake of status, for the sake of not becoming cannon fodder, I have to break through before the silly shadow!!¡¯


    At the thought of this, the eyes of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor turned slightly red. His voice was incomparably solemn and carried intense determination as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Master, I want to advance!¡±

 Chapter 244 - 244 Lightning Spirit Body

    244 Lightning Spirit Body


    Xu Qing was surprised.


    He glanced at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and felt that the other party¡¯s sudden words were a little strange.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Xu Qing slowly spoke.


    He could sense that the aura of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was much stronger than before, as though it had reached a certain critical point, but it was still a little unstable. It didn¡¯t seem like it had reached the point of breakthrough.


    ¡°I¡¯m extremely sure!¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor quickly glanced at the shadow and spoke loudly.


    Xu Qing had never been an artifact spirit before and didn¡¯t know what its state of breakthrough was like, so he fell silent for a moment.


    Seeing Xu Qing pondering, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor became nervous.


    He was worried that Xu Qing would reject him in order to do his best to take care of the shadow. At the same time, he recalled that there was a plot in one of the countless ancient books he had read.


    The plot described that after the protagonist rejected his pet once, he somehow fell in love with the feeling of rejecting the requests. Hence, he rejected everything from then on.


    In the end, he treated his pet as food.


    ¡®Demon Xu cultivates Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art¡­ Did he already plan to devour me one day?¡¯


    Although the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was an elite among humans, he had a habit of saying incomprehensible things when he was alive. Now that he had become an artifact spirit, he became even more sensitive amidst his fear all day.


    He felt that he was going to die. This was a sign that Demon Xu was about to devour him. Hence, in his horror, he hurriedly shouted before Xu Qing could agree.


    ¡°Master, I can¡¯t hold it in anymore. My breakthrough is here¡­¡± As he spoke, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s soul body erupted as he forcefully attempted the breakthrough. In fact, his eyes were red and he had gone completely crazy.


    ¡®I want to break through before the shadow!¡¯ He roared inwardly. Amidst the eruption, soul shadows rose from the black iron stick and balls of fog rapidly formed in his body like dark clouds.


    They continued to collide with each other. Traces of lightning flashed through his entire body, causing the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to involuntarily let out a blood-curdling scream. Xu Qing was shocked.


    The cultivation art the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor cultivated was an incomplete version that could turn cultivators into artifact spirits. The name of this cultivation art also revealed that it was extraordinary. It was called¡­ Great Yin Lightning Spirit Transformation!


    There was no way to investigate the origin of this cultivation art. It seemed to have been created by some almighty figure through reference from lightning souls.


    Once one cultivated it to the small success stage, they would be able to transform their body into Lightning Spirit Body.


    The first part of this stage required talent. At the same time, this was also a process of accumulation.


    As for the second part, they had to have the willpower to suicide to become a soul body. Then, they would borrow the accumulation of cultivation in the first part to transform into an artifact spirit. They could begin the third part and transform into Lightning Spirit Body.


    Once they turned into Lightning Spirit Body, they were considered to have reached the small success stage.


    However, this was only the postnatal lightning spirit. Only when one reached mid success could they transform into an innate lightning spirit. As for the large success stage¡­ the cultivation art did not have it.


    What the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was desperately trying to break through to was to transform himself into the postnatal lightning spirit. This process was extremely painful and required him to borrow the help of the clouds to collide in his body to produce more lightning.


    In the end, he had to let the lightning penetrate his soul to attract the heavenly lightning and cleanse his soul.


    Seeing the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor screaming and wailing, Xu Qing took a deep breath.


    His gaze completely shifted away from the shadow and half of his attention was on the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. The other party¡¯s current state made Xu Qing faintly feel that something was amiss.


    At the same time, he was also rapidly weighing whether his iron stick would be damaged if the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor collapsed.


    As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s miserable cry, not only did it attract Xu Qing¡¯s attention, but the bubbles on the black pool formed by the shadow also paused for a moment before increasing the speed of its emergence¡­


    Just like that, under the competition and madness between the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, more and more clouds appeared in the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s body and the collision became stronger.


    Bolts of lightning slowly accumulated in his soul and continued to swim around. After they filled his entire soul body, the instant the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s body was about to collapse, a bolt of lightning finally broke through a gap and crawled out of the top of his head.


    In an instant, a large amount of lightning flowed out of this gap and surrounded the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s entire body, causing his aura to strengthen rapidly.


    All of this allowed the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to heave a sigh of relief in his heart. He felt that it hadn¡¯t been easy for him. However, when he thought of the subsequent baptism, he wailed inwardly.


    He was very clear that the process of breaking through was extremely dangerous. If he wasn¡¯t careful, he might disappear like smoke. If it was when he was alive, he would have chosen to give up without hesitation.


    This personality was also one of the reasons why his magic aperture opening was very slow.


    In reality, there were a few opportunities in his life that could speed up the opening of his magic aperture. However, he needed to risk his life, so he had given them up and retreated.


    This hesitation appeared now as well. However, at this moment, the roars coming from the black pool formed by the shadow became increasingly intense. In fact, the pool even began to bulge!


    This swelling wasn¡¯t a bubble but a new existence that had formed in the pool. It was struggling to stand up and as it continued to form, an aura that exceeded Qi Condensation spread out from the pool.


    This aura was very intense and reached the Foundation Building realm in the next instant. However, it wasn¡¯t over.


    This scene clearly indicated that the shadow was at the critical moment of breaking through and could succeed at any time. This caused the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s expression to be sinister. He stared fixedly at the black pool formed by the shadow. After that, his eyes turned red and revealed madness as he roared.


    ¡°Lightning!¡±


    As soon as the word came out of his mouth, the sky outside suddenly rumbled. Dark clouds filled the sky and a huge bolt of lightning was brewing in it. It swam in sections and formed the shape of a distorted character as it rumbled toward the island.


    When this bolt of lightning landed on the ground, it penetrated the soil and seeped into the depths of the mineshaft. It appeared above the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s head and ruthlessly struck him.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s entire body trembled. A large amount of external lightning surged into his body and fused with the lightning he emitted.


    These lightning bolts continued to gather. There were more and more of them, and they became more and more astonishing. As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, his screams became even more mournful. His body began to turn transparent, as though he was about to collapse.


    The black pool formed by the shadow was shocked by this scene. However, very soon, the figure inside struggled intensely and suddenly rose. It was obvious that it was also desperately trying to complete its breakthrough as soon as possible.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed.


    He looked at the shadow and then at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. A hint of strangeness appeared in his eyes but he didn¡¯t speak.


    Time flowed by and very soon, the time it took for an incense stick to burn passed. As the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s miserable cries became increasingly tragic, the lightning outside his body finally gathered. Finally, under the low roar of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, all the lightning followed the top of his head and suddenly blasted into his body.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s entire body trembled. His body was being changed by the lightning at a speed visible to the naked eye. All the parts of his soul body were affected and reformed.


    Gradually, when all the lightning was completely absorbed by the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, he suddenly looked at the black iron stick at the side and swallowed it. Countless lightning bolts directly bombarded the iron stick.


    He was using his body as a furnace, the lightning as a hammer, and his soul power as fire to rebuild the black iron stick.


    The lightning continued to bombard and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor trembled even more.


    With every bombardment, the black iron stick would be tempered a little and there would be an additional lightning rune on it.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor roared and screamed, but he didn¡¯t give up. After the bombardment reached ten times, twenty times, thirty times, forty times¡­


    The black iron stick became increasingly pitch-black and the sharpness exceeded the past. The lightning runes on it shone intensely and even Xu Qing felt that the light was piercing.


    Finally, after the lightning struck for the 49th time, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor reached his limit. He had no choice but to spit out the black iron stick.


    At the next instant, the 49 runes on the black iron stick all shone. An aura that surpassed Qi Condensation and even early Foundation Building erupted.


    Amidst this eruption, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s figure appeared on the black iron stick.


    His body had changed drastically.


    Although his appearance was still the same as before, his entire body flickered with countless bolts of lightning that continued to circle and swim with an astonishing aura. His body was even translucent, as though he had transformed into a lightning body.


    As for the lightning, it didn¡¯t cause any harm to him. It seemed to be one with him.


    An incomparably violent aura spread out from the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, giving Xu Qing the feeling that he was facing a ball of life fire cultivator.


    Xu Qing could clearly sense an even more terrifying fluctuation from the lightning runes on the black iron stick.


    Clearly, its current state wasn¡¯t its combat form. One could imagine that once it unleashed its full might, it would probably be able to match the strength of two balls of life fire.


    The reason for this was related to the fact that the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was a Foundation Building cultivator and also had a great connection with his cultivation art. After overlapping, it formed his earth-shattering breakthrough this time!


    ¡°I didn¡¯t let Master down. I¡­¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor sensed his strength and was excited. He felt that it hadn¡¯t been easy for him.


    However, he didn¡¯t forget that his life soul was with Xu Qing, so he wouldn¡¯t get carried away.


    He was about to say some flattering words when the black pool formed by the shadow at the side seemed to have received an unprecedented stimulation and erupted. The existence inside finally rushed out completely.


    The shadow¡­ also changed drastically!


    It was no longer what it was before. Instead, it transformed into the shape of a large tree on the ground. In front of Xu Qing and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, the black shadow in the shape of a large tree rapidly spread its branches and leaves, gradually growing the shape of fruits one after another.


    After that, these fruits all cracked open and red eyes appeared one after another!


    There were over a hundred of these eyes densely packed together. At that moment, they all opened and abruptly looked at Xu Qing.


    A hint of ferocity erupted from its hundred or so eyes.


    A ghastly mouth appeared on the tree. It was filled with sharp teeth and emitted a strange sound that Xu Qing seemed to have heard somewhere before.


    ¡°Krrk, krrk, krrk¡­ krrk, krrk¡­¡±


    This sound was like that of grinding teeth.

 Chapter 245 - 245 Suppress! Suppress!! Suppress!!!

    245 Suppress! Suppress!! Suppress!!!


    The black tree formed by the shadow was strange, incomparably so.


    The hundred or so eyes on it emitted an astonishing red light, illuminating the mine like a world of blood. The ferocity they emitted was extremely obvious.


    This ferocity contained intense rage.


    It was as though the shadow had been enduring for a long time. At this moment, as it broke through, all the negative emotions in its heart couldn¡¯t be suppressed and began to erupt.


    However, what was strange was that the ferocity and rage of the shadow didn¡¯t all rush toward Xu Qing. Instead, half of it was targeted toward the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    Xu Qing had suppressed it daily for a long time. Originally, all of its killing intent should have been targeted toward Xu Qing. However, it was obvious that some of the actions of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had astonishing effects in attracting hatred.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had a solemn expression as lightning swam around his body. He looked at the shadow solemnly but he was overjoyed inwardly. He thought to himself, ¡®Little Shadow, Little Shadow, well done. This is how it should be, you should rebel openly like this.¡¯


    The more this was the case, the more stable his status would be.


    With this thought in mind, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor let out a low roar.


    ¡°Vile shadow, are you trying to devour our master!!¡±


    As he spoke, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor instantly arrived between Xu Qing and the shadow, looking loyal and protective of his master.


    At the same time that he locked onto the shadow, the lightning runes on the iron stick began to shine and a terrifying aura spread out.


    A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t care about the shadow¡¯s ferocity at this moment. Instead, he quickly thought about the source of the familiar sounds.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s expression suddenly changed. He recalled the origin of this voice!


    ¡°Giant and the Dragon Carriage!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook. At that moment, he suddenly heard a muffled rumbling sound from the outside world.


    The sound was low, as though a heavy object had landed on the ground, forming intense fluctuations that caused the sea to surge, causing the island he was on to tremble.


    At the same time, under the sea on the island, Xu Qing¡¯s Forbidden Sea Plesiosaur rapidly manifested and looked into the distance.


    The instant it looked over, its body rippled intensely.


    Thick fog spread out from the distant sea. As the sound of heavy objects landing on the ground became increasingly deep, the sound of iron chains also followed.


    From afar, one could see a huge giant slowly walking over.


    His body was extremely huge and was covered in tentacles that were like his hair. Every step he took caused the bottom of the sea to tremble, stirring up a violent torrent that swept up a thick fog filled with dust.


    As he moved forward, one could clearly see the shocking black iron chains on his body.


    These iron chains bound his body to a bronze dragon carriage.


    This dragon carriage carried traces of the passage of time and looked dilapidated with many areas covered in rust. It was slightly tilted to the side as it was pulled, leaving a long mark on the bottom of the sea.


    Regardless of whether it was the giant or the dragon carriage, they were both enormous. Compared to them, Xu Qing was simply insignificant. In his eyes, either of them was like a mountain that could hold up the sky.


    This was especially so for the tall carriage. There were exquisite and majestic carvings on it that were filled with the feeling of an emperor¡¯s weapon. It was as though only supreme noble spirits could use this dragon carriage!


    As the giant walked over and the dragon carriage was revealed, the sea rumbled.


    Terrifying waves surged into the sky and formed a tsunami.


    The giant emitted a terrifying aura that surpassed the strength of Binding by countless times. In an instant, Xu Qing¡¯s Forbidden Sea Plesiosaur shattered into pieces.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes instantly felt a piercing pain and blood flowed out of them. The walls of the mineshaft couldn¡¯t withstand it either.


    Cracks rapidly formed and collapsed, causing the seawater to pour over.


    This also caused Xu Qing to see the giant in the distance with his own eyes instead of using the plesiosaur¡¯s eyes.


    The other party¡¯s aura caused his mind to shake intensely.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. The life lantern in his body was ignited and he activated the Mystic Brilliance Form. It was as though a volcano had erupted in his body. While he resisted with all his might, this close distance also allowed him to see the murals carved on the outer surface of the dragon carriage clearly!


    A handsome youth in luxurious clothes and an emperor¡¯s crown was shown in the murals.


    He was sitting in the dragon carriage and was propping his chin with a hand as he reviewed a bamboo slip.


    The entire mural was exquisite and the carvings were lifelike.


    Even the youth¡¯s expression and brows were clear. He seemed to have seen some interesting records and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly with a smile.


    As for the dragon carriage he was in, it was pulled by a giant running toward the sky with five golden dragons wrapped around his body.


    This giant was extraordinary. Although he was only carved on a mural, it still allowed those who saw him to sense his powerful aura.


    At the same time, the giant on the mural seemed to want to turn his head and look at the youth behind him.


    His expression was filled with loyalty and a hint of fanaticism. It was as though to him, the youth behind him was his fate. To be able to pull the carriage for the other party was his glory.


    The murals didn¡¯t end here. In the next few murals, Xu Qing saw the youth with the crown walking down the dragon carriage after it passed through the clouds and arrived at the highest sky. He transformed into¡­ the sun.


    He hung high in the sky and his light illuminated the ground!


    The last carving portrayed that at dusk, the sun transformed back to the youth and returned to the carriage. He sat down again and was pulled by the giant straight to the sea.


    This series of murals caused a wave of emotions to surge in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. While he was feeling these intense emotions, a sound rang out from the mouth of the giant.


    Krrk, krrk.


    The strange voice echoed, as though it was responding to the shadow!


    As for Xu Qing¡¯s shadow, although it was in the sea right now and couldn¡¯t be seen by others, Xu Qing¡¯s perception still sensed that it was still in the form of the bizarre tree. Amidst its ferocity and madness, it let out another sound.


    Krrk, krrk.


    The giant¡¯s body trembled as he walked toward Xu Qing. The closer he got, the more palpitations Xu Qing felt.


    Xu Qing cast a deep glance at the giant in the distance and chose to retreat. At the same time, the purple crystal in his body erupted with full force and directly suppressed the shadow.


    He took out the magic ship and immediately leaped out of the sea.


    It was early in the morning in the outside world. The sun was shining brightly and when it landed on Xu Qing¡¯s body, it also clearly revealed his shadow on the deck of the ship.


    The shadow was twisting, as though it was crazily resisting Xu Qing¡¯s suppression.


    Amidst this distortion, all its forms changed and tentacles extended out from the tree. It was actually gradually becoming similar to the dragon-carriage giant.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed killing intent. The 44 magic apertures in his body circulated and magic power surged into the purple crystal on his chest.


    The purple crystal trembled from the huge force. A blurry purple light emitted from Xu Qing¡¯s chest and landed on the distorted shadow.


    It wasn¡¯t over with just one time. Xu Qing decisively suppressed it more than 50 times!


    The shadow trembled intensely but it was still letting out a low roar. All its eyes were red and its open mouth seemed to be about to make a sound. However, Xu Qing let out a cold snort and simply fused the power of his life fires into the purple crystal. At the same time, he waved his right hand, causing the shadow of a huge black umbrella to appear.


    As soon as the black umbrella appeared, the color of the sky changed and the wind and clouds churned. Xu Qing covered the shadow with it, blocking the sunlight and cutting off some of its connection with the outside world.


    Outsiders couldn¡¯t see the shadow under the umbrella.


    However, Xu Qing could clearly sense that after the shadow¡¯s connection with the outside world was severed, it revealed panic and struggled intensely.


    ¡°Fool.¡± Xu Qing slowly spoke. As his life fires fused into the purple crystal, the crystal was activated to a greater extent, erupting with an unprecedented suppressive force, forming a corporeal purple halo that rumbled toward the shadow.


    Three times, seven times, 16 times!


    The might of this suppression under the strengthening of life fires was much greater than before. The shadow¡¯s entire body trembled and it gradually couldn¡¯t struggle anymore. It also found it difficult to make a sound.


    At the same time, under Xu Qing¡¯s close observation, as the black umbrella enveloped the shadow and as he forcefully suppressed it, finally¡­ the dragon-carriage giant¡¯s footsteps stopped.


    As though he had lost his senses, the giant slowly turned around and pulled the dragon carriage deeper into the sea, returning to who knows where.


    After confirming that the giant had left and the palpitations had dissipated, Xu Qing coldly looked at the shadow which was trembling intensely as it realized that something bad was going to happen.


    ¡°Your plan has failed,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    The shadow trembled and its form changed from its previous appearance. Its tentacles disappeared and it transformed into a tree again. All the eyes on it were still red but it didn¡¯t dare to emit a ferocious glint. Instead, it revealed a fawning expression.


    At that moment, the sun rose into the sky. The sunrise on the sea was even more spectacular than on the shore. It was as though the sun had flown out of the sea¡¯s bedroom and headed straight for the sky. The fiery red light illuminated the surroundings like a red fire that wanted to burn the world.


    Even the black Forbidden Sea couldn¡¯t compete for brilliance at this moment. It was as though the sun was the only main character.


    However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t in the mood to pay attention now. With a wave of his right hand, the black umbrella dissipated and the shadow reappeared.


    As the sunlight grew denser, the shadow reflected on the deck could be seen with the naked eye. It was very clear.


    However, compared to before, after being suppressed many times, its color wasn¡¯t as dark as when it had just broken through. Now, under Xu Qing¡¯s cold gaze, its trembling became even more intense.


    ¡°Wrong¡­ I¡­¡±


    As soon as his emotions fluctuated, the purple crystal in Xu Qing¡¯s body released its suppression.


    Ten times, 30 times, 70 times, 120 times¡­


    Xu Qing simply sat cross-legged at the side and looked at the distant sky with no intention of stopping. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was very excited at the start but as he saw this, his heart couldn¡¯t help but tremble.


    He looked at the shadow that was constantly being torn under the suppression, looking miserable and dim. It could not even keep its form and even its aura was weak like it was on the verge of death. He then looked at the expressionless Xu Qing and couldn¡¯t help but speak in a low voice.


    ¡°Master, it¡­ it¡¯s going to die.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    ¡°You sympathize with it?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor felt goosebumps from Xu Qing¡¯s gaze and hurriedly patted his chest loudly. In fact, the force was so great that it sent some lightning flying.


    ¡°Master, let¡¯s kill this traitorous shadow together!¡± As he spoke, his body rumbled with lightning as he headed straight for the shadow. He did his best to assist, afraid that he would be too slow.

 Chapter 246 - 246 Warning

    246 Warning


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s performance. While suppressing the shadow, he looked at the distant sky.


    The scene of him obtaining the shadow for the first time appeared in his mind.


    That was in the jungle forbidden zone. When he and the Thunder Team killed the black-scaled wolf pack, the instant a black-scaled wolf died, its shadow spread over as though it wanted to parasitize him.


    The purple crystal also underwent a true change at that time, sealing this shadow.


    From then on, his shadow mutated.


    To be precise, his shadow should have become the carrier of the black-scaled wolf¡¯s shadow. The two had fused together.


    The fact that the other party could absorb anomalous substances made Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation even smoother. His body had become pure. At the same time, the shadow also grew stronger as it absorbed the anomalous substances.


    In the following days, other than being a support, there were no other changes to the shadow. After Xu Qing discovered that he could control the shadow, the other party became his hidden trump card.


    This lasted until the time when the shadow revealed a hint of spirituality. After that, it was the mute youth¡¯s reminder and the act of extinguishing the Spirit Breath Lantern when the other party really woke up on the merfolk island.


    From then on, not only did the shadow reveal its spirituality, but it also revealed a certain level of intelligence.


    Xu Qing had expected all of this.


    His cultivation was stronger than the shadow from the start. Moreover, with the suppression by the purple crystal, although he had some reservations, he still allowed the shadow to become stronger. Following that, the scene of the backlash appeared.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised by the shadow¡¯s backlash. This was within his expectations.


    What he was surprised at was that the shadow could attract the giant and the dragon carriage. This allowed him to make more guesses at the shadow¡¯s origins.


    ¡°But no matter what, to me, the disadvantages outweigh the benefits.¡± Xu Qing calmly looked at the shadow as he spoke.


    His tone caused the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s heart to tremble. The shadow also clearly sensed that something was different from usual. It emitted even more terrified emotions that were extremely intense, as though it was begging for mercy.


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, what¡¯s the use of having you?¡± Xu Qing closed his eyes and lifted his right hand, pressing down on the shadow on the deck without hesitation.


    This time around, the purple light didn¡¯t spread out to suppress it. Instead, it followed Xu Qing¡¯s right hand and directly landed on the shadow¡¯s body. At the next instant, the ship rumbled. The shadow couldn¡¯t withstand it anymore and let out an unprecedented mournful cry.


    There was also a mix of pain and anger that spread out and gushed into Xu Qing¡¯s perception.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the emotions and continued to suppress it.


    The shadow¡¯s miserable wails caused the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to be shaken to the core. He instinctively retreated a little. When he looked at Xu Qing, his eyes revealed nervousness.


    Amidst the rumbling and screams, the shadow became even fainter. After that, it shattered and transformed from its tree state to an ordinary shadow.


    The wails also slowly weakened from mournful to pleading. At the same time, emotions of weakness spread out.


    Xu Qing was expressionless and continued to suppress it.


    180 times, 240 times, 320 times¡­


    His purple light continued to erupt as it suppressed the shadow again and again. The shadow had already become blurry and its screams became weaker and weaker. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed a resolute gaze.


    He wanted to completely erase it. As for how he would deal with the anomalous substances after the shadow died, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t too worried.


    It was a matter of priorities. His purple crystal was the main and the shadow was the secondary.


    Although the shadow could absorb anomalous substances, since the purple crystal could seal it, it could also seal other shadow-like creatures. At most, after killing it, he would make a trip to the forbidden zone and find a new seal to replace it.


    Hence, even though the shadow was extremely faint now, his suppression continued. The 350th time, the 460th time, the 570th time, the 680th time¡­ The entire process didn¡¯t stop at all.


    This lasted until the shadow continued to fade and it had no choice but to shrink and gather into a ball, making its color no longer so light but a little denser. Its form changed to that of a small person and it assumed a kneeling posture, continuously kowtowing and begging for mercy.


    Xu Qing coldly looked at the shadow person who kept kowtowing, and pressed down again.


    It was shattered by a single palm strike.


    The screams stopped abruptly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He sat under the sunlight and no shadow appeared beside him. However, he didn¡¯t care about this strange scene. He stood up and walked to the edge of the magic boat, lowering his head to look at the black sea.


    Under the sunlight, if he had a shadow, the location of the shadow should be reflected on the sea that was filled with anomalous substances.


    After standing there for a long time, Xu Qing walked back to the bow and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Get out here!¡±


    The deck was quiet.


    Xu Qing laughed. The cold glint in his eyes appeared once again and the purple light on his chest flickered faintly. The instant he was about to continue using the suppression, the shadow that had collapsed earlier appeared while trembling.


    The instant it appeared, it rapidly shrunk and transformed into a small person who quickly kowtowed. Its pleading intent was much stronger than before.


    ¡°Too slow.¡± Xu Qing spoke and suppressed it again.


    The small person let out a miserable wail as it collapsed.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He closed his eyes and meditated. He sensed that it would be a little troublesome to kill this shadow. Hence, he studied the purple crystal and searched for a way to completely kill the shadow.


    Time flowed by and very soon, it was noon. When the sun was at its strongest, Xu Qing opened his eyes and calmly looked at the deck amidst the extreme nervousness of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    ¡°Get out here.¡±


    At the next instant, the shadow condensed at an astonishing speed, as though it was afraid that it would be tortured again if it was too slow.


    Although the shadow was very faint, after more than two hours of recovery, it barely had an outline and returned to the shape of a tree.


    At that moment, other than pleading, the emotions transmitted through its trembling were ten times more fearful than before.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been by my side for a long time and should know my personality.¡±


    Xu Qing coldly looked at the shadow. He wanted to kill it but it would take time to study the crystal. Hence, as he stared at it, Xu Qing slowly spoke after the other party¡¯s terror grew increasingly intense.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you three months to change my mind about killing you. If you can¡¯t do it¡­¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t continue.


    The shadow trembled and kept kowtowing, as though it was promising.


    ¡°Now, tell me, how are you different from before after you advanced?¡± Xu Qing glanced at the shadow.


    ¡°Bite¡­ control¡­¡± The shadow tried its best to transmit a message, but it was too weak now. Perhaps it was because of its characteristics, it was very difficult for it to complete the complete expression of its language even after it advanced. It could only try its best to explain.


    Xu Qing frowned. The other party¡¯s description was too simple. He needed to know exactly what the shadow¡¯s ability was after it advanced. This concerned some arrangements in future battles.


    ¡°Master, leave it to me!¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor finally found an opportunity and hurriedly spoke. Lightning flashed outside his body, causing him to quickly arrive in front of the shadow. He stared at the shadow¡¯s hundred or so eyes and asked in a low voice.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask. If I am right, blink your eyes. If I am wrong, nod. Now, tell me what is this bite you are talking about. Bite anomalous substances? Bite flesh? Bite shadows?¡±


    The shadow looked at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor with an unfriendly gaze. However, it had no choice at this moment. Its description wasn¡¯t clear, so it could only listen. Very soon, when it heard the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor say bite shadows, it hurriedly blinked.


    ¡°Bite yourself? Bite others¡¯?


    ¡°One bite? All of them?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s called devouring¡­ After devouring, control? Controlling the body? Controlling the soul?¡±


    After some communication, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor came to a realization and quickly looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Master, I understand. What Little Shadow means is that it can devour other people¡¯s shadows and control their bodies the moment it completely devours their shadows. However, it can¡¯t control Master because there¡¯s something that it fears!¡± After the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor finished speaking, the shadow clearly revealed an emotion of agreement and quickly nodded.


    However, it quickly reacted and shook its head.


    In the end, it looked at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor in confusion. Clearly, Xu Qing¡¯s unprecedented suppression this time had damaged its intelligence. Its intelligence was even inferior than in the past.


    ¡°Little Shadow, you have to remember. Blink your eyes when I am right and nod your head when I am wrong. This will make it convenient for me to understand what you are trying to say,¡± the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor said with a kind expression. One couldn¡¯t tell his intentions.


    When the shadow heard this, it hurriedly blinked.


    The smile of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor became even gentler, but he thought to himself, ¡®Little fart shadow, you still dare to show hostility to me. Let¡¯s see how I¡¯ll punish you in the future. As long as you¡¯re used to my explanation and nod when you¡¯re in the wrong, I have too many ways to make you suffer.¡¯


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s thoughts. After hearing about the shadow¡¯s ability, he was a little moved.


    To him, this ability was very strange. At the same time, Xu Qing knew that the item the shadow feared was the purple crystal.


    ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°Eye¡­ observe¡­¡± The shadow hurriedly spoke. After saying that, it looked at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor explained after another round of communication.


    ¡°It also has an ability to hide its eye in someone else¡¯s shadow, allowing Master to observe through it.¡±


    ¡°Domain¡­¡± The shadow spoke again.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor thought about it and asked a few questions. After confirming what the other party wanted to say, he turned to look at Xu Qing and respectfully spoke.


    ¡°Master, the shadow said that it can also form something similar to a shadow domain but it can¡¯t last for long. However, once it¡¯s activated, its ability will increase by a large margin in the domain.¡±


    Hearing the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s explanation, the shadow clearly felt comfortable. It looked at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and felt that the other party wasn¡¯t as hateful as before, so it quickly blinked.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. The changes in the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor after the breakthrough could be seen with the naked eye, while the shadow had become more strange after the breakthrough. By coordinating with them, his attacks could become more varied.


    After some thought, Xu Qing looked at the sea and recalled the giant and the dragon carriage.


    Gradually, he thought of the secret art engraved in the dragon carriage that Elder Zhao had mentioned.


    Emperor-level secret art, Golden Crow Refines All Life!


    ¡°How can I enter the dragon carriage to learn this secret art¡­¡± Xu Qing was tempted. He looked at the sea and pondered. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor squatted beside the shadow and persuaded.


    ¡°Little Shadow, I know that you actually don¡¯t like Master, right?¡±


    The shadow was stunned and hurriedly nodded.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be like this. This old man has read many ancient books. In them, anyone who rebels won¡¯t have a good ending. Of course, I know that you¡¯re not convinced. You think that the vast sky is where you belong, so you want to counterattack and kill the great master. Isn¡¯t that so?¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he looked over.


    The shadow trembled under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze and nodded carefully.

 Chapter 247 - 247 Emperor Level Opportunity

    247 Emperor Level Opportunity


    Xu Qing knew that the shadow was deceived by the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. Its spirit had dimmed and its wisdom was affected because of the suppression.


    Even so, he still had the urge to suppress it again.


    However, he was reasonable after all. Hence, he suppressed the thought of suppressing and glared at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor hurriedly revealed a fawning expression and didn¡¯t continue to bait the shadow.


    Xu Qing looked at the shadow and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°How did you attract the dragon carriage giant? What exactly are you? Are there other existences like you?¡±


    The shadow shivered and tried its best to express.


    ¡°Connect¡­ Shadow¡­¡± With that, it hurriedly looked at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor squatted down and asked in a low voice. After the shadow continued to blink and nod, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor turned his head and bowed to Xu Qing before respectfully speaking.


    ¡°Master, what Little Shadow is saying is that it doesn¡¯t know what it is either. From the moment it gained consciousness, it has been a shadow that can parasitize and sleep in the host¡¯s shadow.¡±


    At this point, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor blinked. When Xu Qing asked if there were other existences like the shadow, he sensed a hint of hidden killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s words.


    Hence, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°The shadow said that it hasn¡¯t sensed an existence like it until now¡­ However, I feel like there are very few unique things in this world.¡±


    ¡°As for the matter of attracting the dragon carriage giant, it doesn¡¯t know. For some reason, when it saw the giant, it could instinctively circulate the other party¡¯s voice and summon it. My analysis might be that its formation is related to the dragon carriage?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He only believed a portion of the shadow¡¯s words but the other party had said so much. There was no point in continuing to suppress and interrogate it.


    Moreover, the probability of it saying the truth was very high.


    ¡°It can attract the dragon carriage giant¡­ If I use this well, it will also be a trump card.¡±


    Xu Qing sat on the magic ship and continued to look at the sea. It was already afternoon. Although the sunlight was still bright and dense, it seemed to be flowing.


    Elder Zhao¡¯s description of the giant and the dragon carriage kept echoing in his mind. The more he thought about it, the more tempted Xu Qing became and the desire grew increasingly intense.


    It would have been fine if he had only encountered it once. Now that he had encountered it again and the shadow clearly had a way to lure it over, Xu Qing felt that if he planned it, it wasn¡¯t impossible for him to have the opportunity to obtain the emperor-level cultivation art.


    However, this matter was too difficult. Xu Qing recalled the feeling he had when he saw the dragon carriage giant earlier. The pressure from the other party caused his body and soul to be unable to withstand it.


    He could imagine that if the giant got any closer, his body would definitely collapse.


    Xu Qing had once felt a similar feeling in the merfolk race¡¯s murals. Although his cultivation was different from back then, the level of this dragon-carriage giant clearly surpassed the divine existence in the murals.


    ¡°If I can¡¯t get close, I can¡¯t step onto the dragon carriage. Moreover, even if I use some methods to forcefully barge through at all costs, as long as that giant turns its head and takes a look, I¡¯ll definitely be unable to withstand its might.¡±


    ¡°I wonder how the Lord of the Seven Sects Alliance broke in back then¡­¡± Xu Qing sighed with emotion. He felt that unless the giant was in a deep sleep, it was impossible for him to enter the dragon carriage.


    ¡°Shadow, I¡¯ll give you a chance to redeem yourself. Summon the dragon carriage giant and cover it. Imprint the emperor-level cultivation art inside for me.¡± Xu Qing looked at the shadow.


    The shadow instantly emitted a clear fluctuation of horror.


    ¡°Restrict¡­ afraid¡­¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was in high spirits. Without needing Xu Qing to speak, he hurriedly went up to communicate and quickly turned to explain.


    ¡°Master, Little Shadow said that there are strange divine fluctuations on that giant¡¯s body. It can¡¯t get close and will be restricted. Moreover, it sensed that the giant doesn¡¯t have a shadow, so the shadow eye can¡¯t be placed inside.¡±


    ¡°I also asked why it summoned the giant just now. It said that it wanted to borrow the pressure of the dragon carriage giant to shock Master to death. It felt that it could last longer than Master under that pressure. As long as Master died, it would be free. Sigh, Little Shadow, how can you be so muddle-headed?¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he glanced at the shadow and recalled the backlash from the shadow earlier. He raised his hand and suppressed it, causing the shadow to let out a blood-curdling scream. After it recovered, the emotions it emitted were horror and pleading.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t look at the shadow. He looked at the gradually setting sun as all kinds of thoughts raced through his mind. Finally, when the sky darkened, he recalled the murals on the dragon carriage and¡­ the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts he had encountered when he first went out to sea.


    ¡°There are wonders in the Endless Sea that mortals haven¡¯t heard of. With the Golden Crow Chi Yang as a companion, a hundred sounds form a tune ¨C Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon.¡±


    ¡°God was delighted. When He closed his eyes and looked, the Endless Sea became Forbidden. The hundred sounds became Yin.¡±


    These sentences were the sea record¡¯s description of the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts. When Xu Qing recalled them, his heart raced slightly as many thoughts quickly rose in his mind.


    ¡°Elder Zhao said that the dragon carriage is the sun¡¯s carriage, so the youth in the murals on the dragon carriage should be the sun. Moreover, the murals also portray the scene of him transforming into the sun.¡±


    ¡°This point matches the description in the sea record. The sun is the Golden Crow. When it is time for sunrise, it rides the dragon carriage to the sky and transforms into the sun. When it is time for sunset, it returns on the dragon carriage and listens to Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon in its bedroom.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s true, then that giant must have listened to Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon many times when it was alive. Even though it has fallen now, it still has some instincts to pull the carriage under the Forbidden Sea. If it hears Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon again, will it be dazed¡­¡±


    When Xu Qing thought of this, his eyes gleamed.


    If he wanted to accomplish this, he first had to search for the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts. Secondly, he had to have an item that could store music. Moreover, the quality of this item was extremely important. Xu Qing looked at his storage bag where there was a sound-catching bottle.


    Other than these conditions, he also had to find the dragon carriage giant.


    The Forbidden Sea was too large. The other party was usually in the deep sea and would only be seen occasionally. It was basically impossible for him to take the initiative to search.


    ¡°If my judgment is feasible, then if I can think of it, others should be able to think of it too. Perhaps the Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s headquarters did this back then.¡±


    ¡°However, I have an additional ability compared to them. Even if they think of this method, they can only passively seek opportunities to encounter it. However, the shadow can take the initiative to summon it.¡±


    ¡°The difference between the probability of active and passive state is extremely great.¡±


    Xu Qing was tempted. He felt that he had to speed up his plan. Even though the difference in taking the initiative and being passive was huge, as long as someone was willing, they could still do it.


    In fact, it was very likely that someone was already prepared to search for the dragon carriage.


    Xu Qing clearly remembered Elder Zhao saying that every time the dragon carriage appeared, it would search for an inheritor. As long as the emperor-level cultivation art engraved on it was comprehended by someone, it would dim on its own. The giant would then return to the bottom of the sea with the dragon carriage and wait for many years to accumulate the power of inheritance before appearing again.


    ¡°This also indirectly shows that cultivation arts of that level might only be obtained through inheritance and it¡¯s difficult to impart it to others. However, whether it¡¯s true or not will be determined in the future.¡±


    Xu Qing felt that what he thought should be feasible. He planned to give it a try.


    ¡°Then, the first thing I have to do is to search for the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts!¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath. He knew that the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts only appeared at night and didn¡¯t exist for long. Whether he could find it depended on luck.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate. He spread out his perception with all his might and controlled the magic ship to move forward rapidly on the Forbidden Sea, beginning to search for the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts.


    Just like that, days passed. Xu Qing¡¯s search wasn¡¯t very smooth. After all, the Forbidden Sea was too vast. Although the difficulty of searching for the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts couldn¡¯t be considered a needle in a haystack, it was about the same. It depended on luck.


    However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t in a hurry. During this month, he was also familiarizing himself with the changes to the black iron stick. After the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor became a lightning spirit, the speed and lethality of the iron stick became astonishing.


    This was especially so after the lightning runes formed by the refinement of the black iron stick shone completely. Xu Qing was quite surprised by the aura that erupted. That speed had completely surpassed that of a Foundation Building cultivator with one ball of life fire and was comparable to two balls of life fire.


    Although it was slightly inferior, it was enough to be of help to Xu Qing¡¯s current cultivation and allow his combat strength to increase greatly. At the same time, Xu Qing understood the abilities of the shadow as well.


    Xu Qing tested the ability to control other beings after devouring their shadows on a megalodon. He watched helplessly as the shadow devoured its shadow and controlled the megalodon to twist its huge head. The neck broke with a loud cracking sound.


    This scene was extremely strange, and even the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was shocked. He was glad that as an artifact spirit, he didn¡¯t have a shadow.


    The only flaw was that the devouring process was a little slow.


    Other than that, the shadow¡¯s other ability, shadow eyes, also gave Xu Qing a huge surprise. He controlled the shadow to release a hundred shadow eyes and scattered them on many sea beasts. As these sea beasts spread out in a disorderly manner, it was equivalent to Xu Qing having countless eyes.


    As for the sea beasts he had placed the shadow eye on, they were all those who liked to travel at night and jump on the surface of the sea. Hence, their help in searching for the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts was extremely great.


    Just like that, another month passed.


    That night, Xu Qing, who was observing through the shadow eyes, suddenly locked onto one of the shadow eyes.


    Through the shadow, Xu Qing clearly saw¡­ that in that sea area, groups of ghosts were rising into the air.


    ¡°Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts!¡±

 Chapter 248 - 248 Contact!

    248 Contact!


    Xu Qing immediately put away the magic ship and activated the Mystic Brilliance Form. The life lantern burned like a volcano and Xu Qing rapidly headed in the direction of the shadow eye!


    What was parasitized by this shadow eye was a moonfish.


    This fish was usually hundreds of feet in size. Its head was extremely large and occupied almost 90% of its body. Its short fins, small tail, and its mouth that was always open it look a little stupid and adorable.


    Its swimming speed wasn¡¯t very fast either, and it especially liked light. Regardless of whether it was sunlight or moonlight, it liked both. Hence, although it clearly had the ability to dive to the bottom of the sea, it still appeared on the surface and floated there like a dead fish.


    This moonfish had a strange ability in the Forbidden Sea. Once it appeared, there would definitely be ferocious injured sea beasts in its surroundings.


    Most of these sea beasts wouldn¡¯t kill the moonfish. Instead, they treated it like a floating rag and rubbed it against their bodies, especially the wound area.


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ sea record also introduced this.


    It was said that the body of the moonfish would produce some strange mucus. This mucus possessed a certain amount of healing effects, allowing the moonfishes to have a place in the Forbidden Sea.


    Xu Qing was moving in full speed. According to the direction indicated by the shadow, after flying for a full two hours, he finally saw the souls of malicious ghosts rising into the sky in the distance.


    It was the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts.


    The range wasn¡¯t large, about tens of thousands of feet. It was a little different from what Xu Qing had experienced last time. Clearly, the phenomenon of the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts wasn¡¯t fixed.


    Xu Qing was a little worried.


    He didn¡¯t know if his previous judgment was correct, but he had to give it a try. With a wave of his hand, the magic ship appeared and landed on the surface of the sea, stirring up waves. At the same time, the shadow retracted its shadow eye.


    Xu Qing stepped on the magic ship and controlled it to move forward slowly. He slowly got close to the area of the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts and listened carefully. Waves of strange sounds rang out in his ears.


    These sounds weren¡¯t music at all but ear-piercing sound waves formed by the roars of malicious ghosts. They wailed like ghosts and wolves, causing the listener¡¯s mind to be intimidated.


    Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship stopped within the range of the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts. He took out the sound-catching bottle and opened it, before pouring his magic power into it.


    As thread-like light appeared on the sound-catching bottle and gradually spread, the sound-catching ability of the bottle slowly activated.


    Xu Qing watched as the malicious ghosts rose into the air and listened to the strange sounds. He recalled the feeling he had when he first encountered the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts, and slowly calmed down.


    He didn¡¯t reject the mournful cries but accepted them.


    After merging himself with these voices, his mind gradually sank. Time flowed by and unknowingly, a night passed.


    The next morning, when the first rays of the morning accompanied by the sea breeze blew past his eyelashes and knocked on his window, Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes. There was a hint of sadness hidden in the depths of his eyes but it was quickly hidden in the depths of his heart.


    The sky was bright.


    The Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts was over.


    ¡°The night passed so quickly,¡± Xu Qing mumbled. He recalled what he had felt and heard the entire night. The moment he completely calmed down, he finally heard a different voice.


    Now that he recalled it, he couldn¡¯t tell what tune it was.


    It felt more like a dream to Xu Qing. However, this time, what he dreamed of wasn¡¯t Grandmaster Bai¡¯s teachings but the scene of him eating snakes with Captain Lei in the scavenger campsite¡­


    After a long time, Xu Qing lowered his head and glanced at the sound-catching bottle. He then waved it. Immediately, the sound from last night rang out from the bottle. It was lifelike and exactly the same. In fact, he even closed his eyes and felt that the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts was still continuing.


    What made Xu Qing feel even more complicated was that he actually felt like he was in a dream again. Vaguely, the scenes in his memory appeared in his mind again. This time, the scene was the scene of him carrying Captain Lei and moving forward outside the scavenger campsite.


    Even Captain Lei¡¯s words from back then appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, causing him to involuntarily lose his focus.


    ¡°After this, you have to pay more attention to those scavengers in the campsite.¡±


    ¡°At night, don¡¯t forget to feed those dogs. These little fellows are the most trustworthy ones in the campsite.¡±


    ¡°Also, you have to remember to eat. Don¡¯t eat cold food. Don¡¯t find cooking or heating troublesome. Eat it after it¡¯s hot¡­ You¡¯re still growing, so you can¡¯t be careless.¡±


    ¡°Otherwise, when you get older in the future, you¡¯ll know how tough it is. Oh right, don¡¯t sleep on the bed boards in the future. Don¡¯t be afraid of dirtying the bedding. Remember to bask in the sun after you¡¯re done bathing.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled slightly. The sea breeze landed on his body, blowing his robe and hair. However, it couldn¡¯t blow away the memories and sadness that rose in his heart.


    After a long time, Xu Qing sighed softly and lowered his head again. He silently looked at the sound-catching bottle and whispered hoarsely.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that I haven¡¯t found the heavenfate flower yet¡­¡±


    After a long time, Xu Qing suppressed the thoughts again and hid all his emotions in the depths of his heart. His eyes slowly regained their sharpness and his face revealed determination. The aura on his body turned cold again.


    ¡°I¡¯m still too weak. I have to become stronger!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was firm. After he looked around and discovered that this place was already very remote, he soared into the air and checked again to confirm that there was no one nearby.


    Only then did he return to the magic ship. He looked at the sea before suddenly speaking.


    ¡°Shadow, summon the giant.¡±


    The rising sun scattered gentle light on the calm sea. From afar, the black sea looked like a piece of black jade. While it revealed mystery, it also emitted a hint of decay under the sunlight.


    Perhaps in the past, the depth of the sea was its majesty. However, in this era, its decay came from the breaths of terrifying existences sleeping at the bottom of the sea.


    The giant and the dragon carriage were only one of them.


    Regarding Xu Qing¡¯s words, the shadow didn¡¯t dare to hesitate at all. Even though it didn¡¯t understand why he was doing this, even though it really wanted to put out a question mark and ask, any intelligent creature would become obedient as long as they were controlled by the fear of death.


    Hence, the instant Xu Qing spoke, the shadow didn¡¯t hesitate to open a crack and let out a sound.


    Krrk, krrk.


    This grinding sound echoed on the quiet sea. It wasn¡¯t very loud but this sound seemed to contain some special signal that could attract the attention of some strange existences.


    Under Xu Qing¡¯s vigilance, the wind slowly rose on the sea.


    Ripples appeared on the calm surface of the sea. There were more and more of these ripples as the wind grew stronger. They formed undulating waves that chased after each other.


    The waves were black, like a piece of satin fluttering in the wind. As it swayed continuously, Xu Qing, who was completely focused, observed the bottom of the sea closely through his plesiosaur.


    Perhaps it was because the area Xu Qing was in was too far away from the place where he had seen the giant and the dragon carriage before, or maybe the giant had moved further away, it took longer than before.


    The time it took for an incense stick to burn passed. As the seawater rose on a large scale, Xu Qing finally saw the rapids at the bottom of the sea in the distance through the plesiosaur. It was as though there was a colossus striding over rapidly.


    ¡°It¡¯s here!¡±


    Xu Qing was a little nervous but his gaze became even sharper. The life fire in his body was instantly ignited and the life lantern lit up as well. His aura suddenly soared as he entered the Mystic Brilliance Form.


    In his eyes, the sea seemed to have been stripped of a portion of its black color. It was no longer so blurry, allowing him to see the majestic giant figure and countless swaying tentacles approaching from the depths of the sea.


    At this moment, everything in the surroundings slowed down in his eyes. Only the giant¡¯s movements didn¡¯t change at all. It was as though Xu Qing¡¯s Mystic Brilliance Form was completely ineffective in front of it.


    It walked toward Xu Qing step by step. Gradually, its figure became clearer and clearer. The sound of the iron chains on its body also spread in all directions. The dilapidated bronze dragon carriage behind it also appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    It was rusty and incomparably tall.


    At that moment, the distance between them was less than 10,000 feet. Although the giant¡¯s figure was enveloped by the sea, its height and the terrifying aura it emitted were extremely intense.


    Xu Qing had never been so close to it before!


    The first time, he was about 100,000 feet away, so he could only see a rough outline and couldn¡¯t see the murals on the dragon carriage clearly.


    Last time, he was tens of thousands of feet away. Coupled with the increase in his cultivation, he could see the murals clearly.


    At this moment, as the range between them shortened to less than 10,000 feet, not only did the murals become clearer in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, but there was also a pressure that shook Xu Qing¡¯s soul. It enveloped him with an overwhelming force.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor instantly trembled and quickly entered the black iron stick. As he resisted with all his might, Xu Qing¡¯s mind and body shook. Blood flowed down his nose, and his eyes were bloodshot.


    Only the shadow was normal. However, it was clearly afraid of Xu Qing¡¯s torture. Even though Xu Qing didn¡¯t seem to be in a good state, it still didn¡¯t dare to take the risk.


    Xu Qing wiped the blood from his nose and coldly glanced at the shadow. He looked at the sea again before analyzing inwardly. Determination appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Although the distance is still a little far¡­ I can¡¯t wait anymore!¡±

 Chapter 249 - 249 Where the Sun Used to Sit

    249 Where the Sun Used to Sit


    Xu Qing gritted his teeth as he made the decision. He felt that he couldn¡¯t wait any longer. He had to consider if the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts¡¯ voice was effective against this giant. If it wasn¡¯t effective, he had to be prepared to retreat.


    If it was effective, he didn¡¯t know if it would take effect immediately or if it would take some time.


    Xu Qing immediately waved his hand. Immediately, the sound-catching bottle shone and the sound inside appeared again, drifting away on the sea.


    Xu Qing held his breath and stared fixedly at the giant under the sea.


    This giant didn¡¯t show any abnormalities under the sound of the sound-catching bottle. It continued to take large strides, as though it had locked onto Xu Qing.


    9000 feet, 8000 feet, 7000 feet¡­


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled and the sense of pressure grew increasingly intense, causing his entire body to feel as though it was being squeezed. His lungs couldn¡¯t expand properly under this pressure and it became difficult for him to breathe. Blood filled his eyes.


    ¡°Could it be that it¡¯s not what I thought?¡± Xu Qing looked at the approaching dragon carriage. At that moment, not only could he see the murals more clearly, but he could even faintly see some words carved inside the dragon carriage.


    Although those words were blurry, they gave Xu Qing a feeling that they were filled with divine intent. They were like the writings of an emperor, majestic and containing the aura of a sovereign.


    ¡°I¡¯m a little unwilling.¡± Xu Qing spat out a mouthful of blood and a look of deep regret appeared on his face. He sighed and prepared to retreat.


    Since the sound-catching bottle was ineffective, he was not going to continue to stay. Once the giant got closer, it would be difficult for him to leave safely. The instant Xu Qing was about to retreat, his eyes suddenly narrowed.


    The giant, who was more than 6,000 feet away from him, paused for the first time. He lifted his chin, revealing the black holes in his listless eyes, and tilted his head as though he was listening.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened. As his mind trembled intensely, the giant instinctively took another small step forward and crossed 1,000 feet.


    The pressure from this location was already extremely terrifying. Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled and blood flowed out of his seven orifices. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor wailed and his body was firmly fixed to the deck by an invisible pressure. At this moment, cracking sounds rang out from the entire magic ship, as though it couldn¡¯t withstand the pressure.


    Fortunately, the giant¡¯s body paused and didn¡¯t move. Only his head kept moving like a puppet. Finally, he maintained the posture of tilting his head, listening carefully.


    Gradually, some ripples appeared in his black-hole-like eyes and a hint of confusion appeared on his expressionless face!


    ¡°It¡¯s effective!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all and a hint of madness appeared on his face. He instantly rushed out rapidly under the Mystic Brilliance Form. When he rushed out, he didn¡¯t forget to put away the magic ship. He released his magic power, causing the sound-catching bottle to float in the air.


    His body rushed into the sea and rushed toward the dragon carriage 5000 feet away.


    As he got closer, cracks instantly appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s body. Cracks rapidly filled his entire body, turning into wounds that started bleeding.


    His soul was also shaking, as though it was about to collapse. The life fire in his body was also swaying intensely, as though a wind was blowing to extinguish it.


    If it was an ordinary life fire, the fire would definitely be forcefully extinguished under this pressure. However, Xu Qing¡¯s life fire was placed on the life lantern. With a root, it wouldn¡¯t be extinguished easily.


    At this critical moment, Xu Qing waved his hand and a huge black umbrella appeared above his head.


    As soon as the black umbrella appeared, it was like a canopy that let out black flames which enveloped Xu Qing.


    The external pressure actually dissipated a little at this moment, causing Xu Qing¡¯s entire body to relax. At the same time, the recovery power of the purple crystal circulated fully, nourishing his body.


    However, at this moment, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t care less. His speed erupted. While the giant was still listening, he directly crossed the distance of 5,000 feet and appeared beside the giant.


    Xu Qing¡¯s location was at the waist of the giant. Compared to the giant, his body was like a bug that could be killed with a single slap.


    Hence, Xu Qing felt an extremely terrifying soul-stirring sensation.


    At such a close distance, he could even see the rotting of the giant¡¯s body. At the same time, he also noticed that the giant¡¯s entire body was covered in shocking wounds.


    There were too many wounds, as though the giant had protected an important existence and blocked all the damage with his body.


    All of this caused Xu Qing¡¯s expression to change.


    His previous plan was clearly correct.


    Even with the protection of the canopy and the healing effect of the purple crystal, it still caused his entire body to continuously split open and his body seemed to be about to collapse. However, in the end, he was only facing pressure and the aura that the giant passively emitted. The giant didn¡¯t actively target him.


    The difference between the two was like heaven and earth.


    At that moment, he whistled past the giant and rushed toward the tall bronze dragon carriage in front of him. He got closer and closer until he finally arrived in front of the tilted emperor¡¯s carriage.


    Although it was covered in rust, it was still filled with the aura of an emperor.


    Although it was filled with dilapidation, its carvings were still incomparably luxurious.


    Although it had been buried for countless years, the dignity of an emperor had yet to dissipate.


    At this moment¡­


    It was clearly reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. It was imprinted in his mind and soul!


    A feeling of reverence rose in his heart.


    However, the sense of danger from the giant forced Xu Qing to ignore all of this. At that moment, he lifted his right foot and took a step forward, driving his body into the bronze dragon carriage in an instant!


    This was the place where the sun sat!


    This was where the Emperor sat!


    This place was a place that ordinary people couldn¡¯t approach!


    The dragon carriage was too big. The instant Xu Qing stepped in, it was as though he was in a huge palace. He saw the huge throne that occupied half of the space.


    He saw the countless auspicious totems and paintings in the surroundings.


    He saw the lampstands that were shattered all over the ground and also saw¡­ countless densely-packed runes carved crookedly on the walls of the dragon carriage!


    These runes gave off a hurried feeling, as though someone, who didn¡¯t want their inheritance to disappear, left them behind before they died.


    The instant Xu Qing looked over, he felt like endless heavenly lightning bolts had exploded in his mind at the same time, forming an earth-shattering boom that could tear through everything, filling every corner of his body.


    As his body trembled intensely, countless dazzling lights appeared in front of his eyes. These lights were golden and continuously gathered, transforming into a golden crow with folded wings that rushed into the nine heavens.


    This golden crow was so large that even without spreading Its wings, It still occupied more than half of the sky. Its entire body shone with golden light like a god and Its aura surpassed all existences Xu Qing had seen. Regardless of whether it was Binding or the Flame Phoenix, they seemed to be ordinary beings in front of It!


    Its aura was dignified, like an emperor!


    The records on the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ sea record, the Third Elder¡¯s information back then, and the murals Xu Qing had seen outside the dragon carriage told him the same thing.


    The sun in this world was a vast existence like the ancient king. Its main body wasn¡¯t a human but a Golden Crow Divine Bird!


    It rose at dawn and returned at sunset. Its light illuminated the great earth. Perhaps It didn¡¯t cover all of Wanggu, but at least within the range of Its light, It was the god of all living beings.


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled, stirring up monstrous waves. His soul and body trembled.


    He had an indescribable feeling.


    That was the surreal feeling of walking into a myth.


    It was the dazed feeling of stepping into an era before the god¡¯s fragmented face appeared.


    He also felt the shock of standing in the sun carriage that was once high and mighty and worshiped by all living beings.


    This series of feelings caused Xu Qing¡¯s mind to be impacted intensely. The golden crow that looked like an emperor charged into the nine heavens. As It rushed over, Its wings were still folded. However, one could see that every feather on It was shaking, containing an indescribable Dao rhythm.


    This feeling was similar to the golden statue with the saber Xu Qing had seen in the temple in the scavenger campsite forbidden zone back then.


    That saber strike back then had shaken him greatly. Even now, the heavenly saber was still one of his trump cards. However, his realm back then was too low and he couldn¡¯t even comprehend 10% of it. Hence, he couldn¡¯t display more power.


    However, it was also precisely because of this that one could tell that Xu Qing¡¯s comprehension ability exceeded that of ordinary people.


    His aptitude might be quite good in the Seven Blood Eyes, but in the entire Wanggu Continent, there were many people who surpassed him in terms of pure aptitude.


    However, since Xu Qing could sense the Dao rhythm of that saber strike at the Qi Condensation Realm, it was enough to show that his comprehension ability was extremely high.


    His comprehension ability was completely revealed right now. His entire person was already completely immersed in the holy golden crow.


    He watched as It soared into the nine heavens, broke through the sky, and shook the world.


    Outside Xu Qing¡¯s life lantern, a lump of phantom shadow vaguely appeared. Its appearance quickly became solid from blurry, vaguely forming the outline of the golden crow.


    This outline was rapidly becoming clear.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, the Golden Crow Divine Bird that illuminated the world with Its golden light suddenly spread Its wings and waved them fiercely.


    This was Its first time spreading Its wings!


    The world shook and cracked. Deafening sounds rang out, like countless thunderclaps exploding. At the same time, it also caused a shocking wave in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    His mind was also about to explode. The outline of the golden crow outside the life lantern rapidly changed and formed even faster. At the same time, a large amount of information spread out from the golden crow and surged into Xu Qing¡¯s mind, merging into the outline beside the life lantern.


    This information was like a storm and the content was too majestic. Xu Qing didn¡¯t have time to check it at all. At that moment, his body was trembling and the veins on his forehead bulged. His eyes were bloodshot as he endured everything.


    This was an inheritance!

 Chapter 250 - 250 Golden Crow Refines All Life

    250 Golden Crow Refines All Life


    Every time It spread Its wings, it would be the eruption of an inheritance!


    After an unknown period of time, amidst the earth-shattering turmoil in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, the golden crow in his eyes spread Its wings for the second time.


    This time around, its speed was even faster, and the fluctuations it stirred up were even more terrifying, causing the world to lose color. The wind and clouds churned, and Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled endlessly.


    He didn¡¯t even notice that blood was flowing out of his nose at this moment, and the sound of the sound-catching bottle in the distance had begun to weaken. The giant, who was focused on it, moved slightly, as though he was about to wake up from his daze.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing sensed that the Golden Crow Divine Bird, which was soaring higher and higher in the golden sky, had spread Its wings for the third time!


    This time, every feather on Its black wings shone with a piercing golden light.


    As It waved Its wings, the sky seemed to split apart. An incomparably terrifying fluctuation spread in all directions, and the sky really cracked.


    A huge gap formed in the sky. In the shattered sky, it was as though the clouds and fog had been parted, revealing another world. In that world, Xu Qing saw countless races with different appearances. They were all roaring at the sky.


    As they roared, the Golden Crow Divine Bird leaned over and opened Its mouth at the world, letting out a cry that traveled through time and space.


    Under this cry, that world¡­ Under Xu Qing¡¯s dumbfounded and horrified gaze, it was actually enveloped by black flames. In an instant, it was as though it had been refined. Countless drops of blood rose into the air and gathered into a golden color, rushing toward the golden crow¡¯s mouth.


    From afar, it looked like it was swallowing water!


    At the next instant, under Xu Qing¡¯s shock, the golden crow abruptly turned Its head.


    Its bright gaze pierced through time, causing the river of time to flow in reverse.


    It passed through space, shattering the Great Dao of Space.


    In the end, Its gaze that came from beyond the endless space, landed on Xu Qing.


    As Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled, he heard a gentle voice.


    ¡°This is my life art, Golden Crow Refines All Life.¡±


    At the next instant, an extremely terrifying amount of information crazily surged in, causing Xu Qing to feel as though he had transformed into a small boat on a stormy sea.


    Blood flowed out of his mouth, his eyes, nose, and ears. As he bled from his seven orifices, all the scenes in front of Xu Qing shattered into pieces.


    This caused him to return to his senses. At the same time, he also heard the trembling wail of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    ¡°Master, wake up quickly. That giant¡­ is about to wake up!!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s over, it¡¯s over. Master, quickly wake up!!!¡±


    The sound-catching bottle had already stopped emitting sounds. Under the giant¡¯s gaze, it couldn¡¯t withstand the pressure and shattered into pieces.


    As for the giant, his emotions began to fluctuate. His chest heaved as though he was breathing out. The countless tentacles outside his body were twisting.


    His breath seemed to contain an indescribable force, causing the seawater to dissipate. His tentacles were also incomparably astonishing as amidst their twisting, cracks appeared in the void.


    It was as though the sound of the sound-catching bottle had evoked some of his memories. He let out a crying-like sound as his emotions erupted. He waved his hands and a tsunami surged into the sky.


    Waves that were thousands of feet or even ten thousand feet tall rose from the sea. From afar, they looked like curved sea walls that were lifted from the ground. They were majestic and terrifying.


    At the same time, the giant gradually turned to look at the dragon carriage.


    As he turned around, his breath landed in the direction he turned, causing the seawater to continuously boil and dissipate. For a moment, the surroundings were clearly filled with astonishing tsunamis but there was nothing near him.


    The instant Xu Qing opened his eyes, not only did he hear the screams of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, but he also saw the incomparably tall giant outside the dragon carriage with pitch-black eyes.


    The instant their gazes met, the giant¡¯s breath enveloped him.


    The dragon carriage¡¯s material was special, so the giant¡¯s breath couldn¡¯t destroy it at all. However, Xu Qing¡¯s flesh body couldn¡¯t withstand it at all. At the next instant, an indescribable pain erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s entire body.


    His face, chest, stomach, and his frontal torso were instantly mangled. It was the same for his hands and feet. Under this breath, his flesh and blood were rapidly wiped away.


    At this critical moment, a large black umbrella suddenly appeared and blocked in front of Xu Qing, coming into contact with the breath.


    The black umbrella shook and blocked with all its might. At the same time, Xu Qing trembled and lifted his right hand that only had strings of flesh on it. He took out the disorder teleportation talisman and crushed it!


    A resplendent teleportation light erupted from the shattered disorder teleportation talisman and enveloped Xu Qing. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared with the black umbrella!


    As he and the black umbrella disappeared, the giant¡¯s breath no longer had any obstruction and gushed into the dragon carriage. After the breath spread out, the giant stared blankly at the empty dragon carriage and let out a sorrowful cry.


    He didn¡¯t care about Xu Qing¡¯s arrival or departure. He was only looking at the dragon carriage. Clearly, under the effect of the sound from the sound-catching bottle, his thoughts were stirred and he thought of his master who he had once accompanied.


    The sound of crying rang through the world.


    Finally, the giant squatted down and knelt in front of the dragon carriage.


    The whimpering grew louder and louder, as though he was unwilling to give up and wanted to summon something. However, there was no response.


    His emotions gradually calmed, as though he had slowly forgotten everything again. Only his instincts were left as he pulled the dragon carriage toward the bottom of the sea.


    The inheritance was over. He would fall into a deep sleep and wouldn¡¯t awaken until a hundred years later¡­


    However, the sea wasn¡¯t calm. The tsunami earlier stirred up a storm and with this place as the center, it continued to surge in all directions, its range growing larger and larger.


    On the surface of the sea, which was about thousands of kilometers away and was not yet affected by the disaster, Xu Qing¡¯s figure suddenly appeared amidst the flickering light of teleportation and landed on the sea.


    When the seawater that was filled with anomalous substances touched the wounds all over Xu Qing¡¯s body, it caused Xu Qing, whose vision was blurry from the intense pain and serious injuries, to be stimulated intensely. His eyes abruptly widened and he instinctively waved his hand to take out the magic ship. After he climbed onto it with great difficulty, he activated the magic boat¡¯s defenses.


    After that, he lay on the deck and his entire body trembled. Blood kept on flowing out of his injuries and his chest heaved violently.


    He didn¡¯t have much flesh left on his front. It was the same for his hands, legs, and even his face. Many of the exposed bones were shattered and a portion of them even had holes on them.


    It was a shocking sight.


    If someone he knew was here, they would find it very difficult to recognize him.


    Blurry, double images appeared in front of Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He endured the intense desire to close his eyes and swallowed a large number of medicinal pills. He also activated the purple crystal, allowing its recovery power to quickly spread.


    As the purple light permeated his body, Xu Qing endured the pain as he coldly glanced at the shadow.


    Under the sunlight, when the shadow was swept by Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, it instantly trembled intensely, revealing an extremely obvious intention to curry favor.


    It was really afraid.


    Back then, it was the one who had helped Xu Qing obtain the life lantern. Hence, although Xu Qing¡¯s injuries were serious at that time, it didn¡¯t think much of it. However, this time¡­ Not only was it afraid of Xu Qing¡¯s suppressions, but it also personally witnessed Xu Qing¡¯s magnificent feat and that indescribable madness.


    It felt that since this person was so ruthless to himself, how ruthless would he be to others?


    Hence, it didn¡¯t dare to take the opportunity to cause trouble earlier. At this moment, it tried its best to transmit its fawning emotions. It even spread out over a small area to block the sunlight for Xu Qing.


    The black iron stick at the side also couldn¡¯t help but tremble. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s face was pale and his eyes were filled with horror and shock.


    ¡®I¡¯ve lived for so many years but I¡¯ve never seen such a reckless person!!¡¯


    ¡®Previously, in that inexplicable world of the merfolk race, I already felt terror. But now¡­ it was even more direct!!¡¯


    ¡®This Demon Xu is too crazy. If this continues, he might kill himself one day. Once he dies, I¡¯ll definitely die too¡­ If he doesn¡¯t die from his madness, he will definitely continue to obtain more treasures. In that case, I might be killed one day when I am no longer helpful to him.¡¯


    ¡®There¡¯s no solution¡­¡¯ The more the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor thought about it, the more fear he felt. This feeling was so intense that the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor even ignored the shadow¡¯s fawning toward Xu Qing.


    He felt that the only way was for him to work even harder and surpass Demon Xu¡¯s gains.


    This thought caused the eyes of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to turn red. He wasn¡¯t a person who liked to take risks, but he had no choice now. He felt that if he didn¡¯t risk his life, he would definitely lose his life.


    There was another thing, which was also an important reason why he felt a sense of danger.


    According to the ancient books he had read, characters who knew too many secrets of others would most likely die a horrible death.


    At the thought of this, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor trembled even more. He finally noticed the shadow¡¯s actions and quickly controlled the black iron stick to circle around Xu Qing with an expression of loyalty. If there was the slightest danger, he would definitely risk his life to protect Xu Qing.


    ¡°Master, you can recover in peace. I¡¯ll take care of everything!¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s eyes were red as he spoke loudly. After that, he stared fixedly at the shadow. Clearly, he felt that the greatest threat was the shadow.


    Noticing the shadow¡¯s fawning and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s guarantee, Xu Qing fell silent for a moment before calmly glancing at the shadow. He then nodded in appreciation at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    When the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor saw the appreciation in Xu Qing¡¯s expression, he was so excited that he felt like crying. At that moment, all the fear of life and death seemed to have disappeared with Xu Qing¡¯s appreciation, allowing him to obtain the greatest relief. What followed was an unprecedented feeling of gratitude.


    This feeling caused the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s body and mind to tremble, as he spoke without thinking.


    ¡°Master!! Unless I¡¯m destroyed, I¡¯ll definitely make sure of your safety. I¡¯m even prepared to self-destruct!!¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and retracted his gaze. He seemed to be healing with all his might but in reality, he was paying attention to these two as well. He was prepared to instantly suppress the shadow and crush the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s life soul if they wanted to counterattack.


    At the same time, Xu Qing felt that although his injuries were basically equivalent to losing half his life, wasn¡¯t he still left with half of it?


    After experiencing the danger of getting the life lantern and seeing the captain¡¯s madness, Xu Qing felt that this was nothing. Hence, although he was in extreme pain and his aura was extremely weak, there was a hint of madness and excitement in his eyes.


    ¡°It was worth it!¡±


    Xu Qing struggled to get up and leaned to the side, not caring about the seriousness of the injuries on his body. At this moment, what appeared in his mind was the huge harvest from risking everything!


    He didn¡¯t know how many breaths he had stayed in the dragon carriage.


    However, he knew that the shadow of the Golden Crow that had formed beside the lantern in his body was no longer an outline but lifelike!!


    This was an incomparably precious emperor-level cultivation art inheritance seed in the whole Wanggu Continent!!


    Golden Crow Refines All Life!

 Chapter 251 - 251 Like a Demon or a Devil

    251 Like a Demon or a Devil


    The so-called emperor-level cultivation arts were secret arts created by those ancient kings and sovereigns, and were not handed down to posterity. Among them, some were a complete cultivation technique set, while some were secret techniques.


    However, no matter which, their might was extremely astonishing.


    Their mysteries and strengths were inconceivable and were naturally incomparably precious.


    In addition, emperor-level cultivators were rare, so they became one of the foundational resources of all forces.


    However, most of them were basically unable to be cultivated because of the harsh requirements. For example, many of them needed to be combined with the bloodline power of the inheritance. This made almost everyone unable to fulfill the requirement.


    Moreover, it was very difficult for other races to cultivate the emperor-level cultivation arts of other species, making it even harder to find a successor.


    There were only a few that didn¡¯t require bloodlines and could be cultivated by any species. The value of such an emperor-level cultivation art was the greatest. Any one of them could make people go crazy and helpless.


    Madness was due to envy, but helplessness was due to inalienability.


    Once an emperor-level cultivation art formed a seed, even if outsiders killed the possessor, they would get nothing.


    Even if the possessor described the content of the cultivation art, outsiders would forget it immediately.


    Even if they used a special way to preserve the memories, as long as they didn¡¯t have the inheritance seed in their body, they still couldn¡¯t cultivate it.


    The inheritance seed was like a certificate. Only those with it were qualified to cultivate.


    Golden Crow Refines All Life was like this.


    To be precise, Golden Crow Refines All Life wasn¡¯t a cultivation technique but a secret art!


    This secret art was astonishingly powerful. According to the information Xu Qing had obtained, after cultivating this secret art to the large success stage, it could allow the cultivator to achieve the Golden Crow Emperor Body.


    Once the Golden Crow Emperor Body was formed, the cultivator¡¯s physical combat strength would step into the emperor realm. They could even transform into a Golden Crow and command the nine heavens.


    These descriptions and understandings made Xu Qing realize that this Golden Crow Refines All Life was a body-refining secret art.


    The cultivation process emphasized natural selection. By refining the origin blood of myriad races and fusing them into their body, they would constantly improve their body, causing it to become stronger and stronger like nurturing a magic treasure until it finally transformed into the Golden Crow Emperor Body.


    After all, this was a method created by the Golden Crow. Clearly, in the Golden Crow¡¯s understanding, there wasn¡¯t much concept of good and evil. To it, the strong preyed on the weak and continuously evolved to become the strongest.


    As the cultivator continued to absorb the origin blood of myriad races to strengthen themself, they could also snatch the target¡¯s racial talent!


    This point was extremely domineering.


    However, there were restrictions. If the cultivator wanted to snatch the racial talents, it wasn¡¯t enough to simply refine one member of the race. They had to refine many members of this race, and it was better if the targets had cultivation bases. Only by accumulating like this would they be able to completely plunder the racial talent of that race.


    At that moment, Xu Qing leaned against the ship¡¯s wall and closed his eyes. The information he had obtained this time quickly surfaced in his mind. The more he sensed, the faster his heart raced.


    A long time later, Xu Qing opened his eyes, revealing a hint of shock.


    ¡°Emperor-level body refinement secret art!¡±


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with body refinement.


    The first cultivation art he came into contact with was the Mountains and Seas Art. This gave him a high lethality when he was in the scavenger campsite. Even when he arrived in the Seven Blood Eyes and saw the terror of spells, he still didn¡¯t give up on body refinement.


    This lasted until his Mountains and Seas Art reached its limit after reaching the ninth level.


    Even though the Ba shadow behind him was covered in lava and had an astonishing aura, and two molts that looked like they were about to grow horns appeared on its head, in the end, it still didn¡¯t complete the transformation and reach the tenth level.


    This had nothing to do with Xu Qing. In reality, because there were no anomalous substances in his body and coupled with the purple crystal, he had already cultivated the Mountains and Seas Art to an unprecedented level.


    What made him unable to break through in the end was the level of the Mountains and Seas Art.


    After all, this was only a low-level cultivation art that was circulated in the public.


    The limitations of this technique caused Xu Qing to have no choice but to stop and use the Sea Transformation Art to break through to Foundation Building.


    However, his pursuit of body refinement didn¡¯t decrease. After he stepped into the Foundation Building realm, he had also exchanged for some body refinement techniques in the sect, but their effects weren¡¯t good and they were unable to push the Mountains and Seas Art to the next level.


    Now, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    He sensed some of the information of Golden Crow Refines All Life and the Golden Crow¡¯s inheritance seed beside the life lantern. He was eager to give it a try.


    ¡°I wonder if my Mountains and Seas Art will be beneficial to cultivating Golden Crow Refines All Life.¡±


    Xu Qing muttered inwardly. He felt that since they were both body refinement techniques, there was a high chance that his achievements in the Mountains and Seas Art would be of some assistance in cultivating Golden Crow Refines All Life.


    Right now, however, his injuries were too serious and it wasn¡¯t suitable for him to cultivate immediately. Hence, Xu Qing took a deep breath and endured the intense pain in his body as he began to regulate his breathing. As his magic power circulated, it fused into the purple crystal and he used all his strength to recover from his injuries.


    Just like that, time slowly passed.


    In the blink of an eye, ten days passed.


    During these ten days, regardless of day or night, the shadow emitted extremely loyal emotions. During the day, it blocked the sunlight for Xu Qing and at night, it protected Xu Qing under the sea.


    When the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor saw all of this, he sneered inwardly and thought to himself, ¡®The more you perform at this moment, the more ruthlessly Demon Xu will suppress you. After all, the feeling you give off now is that you won¡¯t become honest unless you are taught a lesson.¡¯


    The correct thing to do now wasn¡¯t to express its loyalty so fiercely but to subtly influence Xu Qing.


    At the thought of this, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor controlled the black iron stick to head straight for the sky and sweep through the surroundings before returning. It quietly floated in a location where it could observe all the areas around Xu Qing.


    In these ten days, although Xu Qing encountered some dangers from sea beasts, regardless of whether it was the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor or the shadow, they were completely different from before. Under their attacks, Xu Qing could rest in peace.


    As for those sea beasts, Xu Qing didn¡¯t kill them. Instead, he used the shadow as a rope and tied them up before placing them under the sea. He then dragged them like he was rearing them.


    With the constant recovery effect of the purple crystal, Xu Qing was much better now other than looking a little pale.


    After his magic power circulated in the newly-grown flesh and bones, it wasn¡¯t much different from before he was injured. At this moment, Xu Qing felt that it was time for him to cultivate Golden Crow Refines All Life.


    He sat cross-legged and took a deep breath. The moment the sun rose into the sky, Xu Qing lifted his head and began to ponder about Golden Crow Refines All Life that had been completely imprinted in his mind for ten days.


    ¡°The nine heavens forge the Emperor¡¯s body, the Golden Crow refines all life. The talents of all races belong to me. My life illuminates the sky!¡±


    Xu Qing muttered. He performed a series of hand seals with both hands and placed them in front of his dantian. His two thumbs interlocked and the four fingers of each hand spread out in a fan shape.


    After that, he took a deep breath toward the rising sun in the sky.


    In an instant, the sky seemed to blur and distort in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. A heat that couldn¡¯t be seen but could be sensed by Xu Qing seemed to emit from the sun in the sky and enter his body through his mouth.


    The Golden Crow beside Xu Qing¡¯s life lantern suddenly awakened. Its wings suddenly flapped as though they wanted to spread out. It lifted its head and swallowed the burning power of the sun that was sinking in.


    Immediately, this fiery power fused into the Golden Crow¡¯s mouth. Its eyes opened slightly but it seemed like it could not open it completely. However, the gap that only opened slightly revealed a resplendent light.


    This was the first step in cultivating Golden Crow Refines All Life!


    It was to awaken the Golden Crow¡¯s inheritance seed.


    The method of awakening was the first mouthful of the sun¡¯s aura and¡­ the nourishment of his blood and qi.


    At the next instant, the Golden Crow, which couldn¡¯t completely open its eyes, suddenly sucked into Xu Qing¡¯s body. In an instant, it seemed to have transformed into a black hole that tried to absorb Xu Qing¡¯s entire body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and his qi and blood churned intensely. Strands of them spread out and headed straight for the Golden Crow. As they fused into the Golden Crow and were absorbed by it, Xu Qing¡¯s body visibly withered.


    His firm arms became saggy and his face caved in. His body also shrunk and became thinner, and his clothes were now too large for him.


    However, his expression was as calm as ever.


    During these ten days, as Xu Qing studied Golden Crow Refines All Life, he already knew about this situation.


    He was calm and allowed the Golden Crow fledgling in his body to continue absorbing his qi and blood.


    Gradually, his body became increasingly withered and he looked like a skeleton. The Golden Crow¡¯s absorption had also reached a critical moment and it was trying its best to open its eyes.


    In reality, the inheritance seed of any emperor-level cultivation art didn¡¯t activate immediately after it was formed. Instead, the cultivator would take the initiative to activate it when they were fully prepared. This was because the power needed to open the inheritance seed was too great.


    Generally speaking, very few people could satisfy the seed on their own. They usually needed the help of the faction behind them which would spare no expense to complete the activation.


    For example, this Golden Crow Refines All Life. In reality, the qi and blood power needed to activate it was astonishing. Ordinary cultivators couldn¡¯t withstand such consumption at all. Once they failed, they would face the danger of being sucked dry.


    It was also because Xu Qing¡¯s body refinement had reached a very high level that his qi and blood were vast. That was why he could last until now. If it was anyone else, they would probably be sucked dry in an instant.


    However, even so, Xu Qing showed signs of being unable to hold on. He noticed that almost all of his flesh and blood were shriveled up like a dried corpse. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he circulated the Mountains and Seas Art and the Ba shadow manifested behind him.


    As soon as this Ba shadow appeared, it roared at the sky. The lava under its dry and cracked body was boiling. Its aura was astonishing and the power of blood and qi was incomparably dense.


    At the next instant, the Ba shadow¡¯s body swayed and its entire body emitted countless fog of qi and blood which quickly entered Xu Qing¡¯s body and surged into the Golden Crow.


    The Golden Crow¡¯s body trembled. Under this huge amount of nutrients, its eyes opened slowly. As for the Ba shadow, it withered rapidly. After more than ten breaths of time, the Ba shadow collapsed and transformed into a large ball of qi and blood that surged into Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    The Golden Crow trembled and tried its best to completely open its eyes. However, it seemed that even with the majestic qi and blood Xu Qing had gained now, it was still a little short.


    This caused the Golden Crow to be just a step away from completely opening its eyes.


    A strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Without any hesitation, he lifted his right hand and pressed it on the deck at the side. Immediately, the suction force spread out of his palm and directly spread to the core area of the magic ship, which was¡­ where the flesh of Binding was!


    The instant he came into contact with Binding¡¯s flesh, Xu Qing¡¯s body shook. An astonishingly dense qi and blood spread out from Binding¡¯s flesh and crazily surged into his body.


    After being swallowed by the Golden Crow, it finally gained the energy it needed. Its eyes opened completely and it let out a cry.


    This sound contained the power of the Dao!


    After it spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s body, the surface of the sea in all directions fluctuated intensely. Waves rose and fell in all directions with Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship as the center, like a small tsunami!


    If one looked at this scene from above, as the waves swept in all directions, it seemed to form a strange painting.


    This painting seemed to be of a huge eye.


    The eye of the Golden Crow!


    As for Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship, it was the pupil of the Golden Crow¡¯s eye.


    Although Xu Qing¡¯s entire body was withered, his eyes were bright like the stars. When his messy hair fluttered in the wind, he looked like¡­


    Like a demon or a devil!

 Chapter 252 - 252 Locking the Mosasaur!

    252 Locking the Mosasaur!


    The sea rumbled.


    As the waves spread out, Xu Qing, who was sitting cross-legged on the magic ship, slowly trembled. His breathing became even more hurried and the coldness in his eyes quickly turned into madness.


    This was because he was hungry!


    He felt a hunger like never before!


    One source of this hunger was his withered body; it needed a large amount of replenishment before it could return to normal. Even the purple crystal couldn¡¯t help him with this.


    The purple crystal could speed up the recovery of his injuries but it couldn¡¯t provide him with qi, blood, and nutrients from nothing.


    Another source of this hunger was behind Xu Qing!


    Behind him was an empty space that looked like there was nothing there. However, regardless of whether it was the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor or the shadow, they were extremely nervous now. They could sense that there seemed to be great danger and malevolence hidden behind Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing knew that there wasn¡¯t nothing behind him.


    To be precise, what made the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and shadow feel intense fear and nervousness was his back. As the Golden Crow opened its eyes earlier, it formed a totemic tattoo.


    The tattoo had the appearance of the Golden Crow and emitted waves of soul-stirring aura.


    This was the second stage of activating the inheritance seed!


    Xu Qing had studied the information about Golden Crow Refines All Life in the past ten days and was understood that activating its inheritance seed required two steps.


    The first step was to stimulate the inheritance seed and transform it into a totemic tattoo that would be imprinted on his body.


    The second step was to let this totemic tattoo manifest outside and form the shadow of qi and blood. Only then would the inheritance seed be completely activated!


    The second step required a large amount of blood and qi to nourish it, so he felt hungry!


    Amidst his hurried breathing, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were bloodshot. He turned his head and looked at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor trembled. He felt as though the other party wanted to devour him. As he trembled, he hurriedly revealed his body and deliberately became more transparent, indicating that he didn¡¯t have qi and blood.


    Xu Qing shifted his gaze and looked at the shadow.


    The shadow also trembled under his gaze.


    ¡°Send them over.¡± Due to the withering of his body, Xu Qing¡¯s voice was extremely hoarse. The shadow didn¡¯t hesitate at all as it swung its part that had fused into the sea. Immediately, a huge torpedo scad broke through the surface of the water and was sent to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing stared at the torpedo scad. The totemic tattoo on his back suddenly heated up, as though it wanted to transform. However, it couldn¡¯t do it yet. It could only transform into golden feathers like phoenix feathers around Xu Qing.


    These feathers spun rapidly around him, forming a suction force that swept toward the torpedo scad.


    At the next instant, the thousand-foot-long torpedo scad¡¯s body shook as its qi and blood left its body.


    This blood and qi gathered together and formed a blood sphere that was hundreds of feet wide. It continued to contract and be refined until 99% of it dissipated, forming a drop of light golden blood.


    The golden phoenix feathers enveloped it and absorbed it. At the same time, Xu Qing waved his hand and a ball of black fire enveloped the torpedo scad, extracting its soul.


    The shadow couldn¡¯t help but take a deep breath as well, swallowing the spirit energy filled with anomalous substances.


    It was as though they were eating. Very soon, the shadow sent the second sea beast over, followed by the third and fourth.


    In the past ten days, after Xu Qing studied Golden Crow Refines All Life, he had intentionally reared some sea beasts. Hence, very soon, the phoenix feathers formed by the totemic tattoo on his back absorbed 23 sea beasts.


    As the phoenix feathers absorbed the qi and blood, not only did they reveal more parts, but they also provided nourishment to Xu Qing, causing him to no longer be so shriveled and recover a little.


    He could clearly sense that his physical strength had improved a little from his previously stagnant state. His speed was faster and his strength was greater. At the same time, he also had a strange perception.


    This perception seemed to be the resonance of some spells. Xu Qing vaguely felt that he didn¡¯t need to perform hand seals to use some spells he had never learned before.


    However, after he tried, he couldn¡¯t do it.


    ¡°Could this be seizing the race¡¯s talent mentioned by Golden Crow Refines All Life? I¡¯ve refined too little now, so the spells can¡¯t take shape!¡±


    Xu Qing wanted to ponder on it, but his hunger had only eased slightly which did not give him time to think too much. His eyes were bloodshot as he stood up and kept the magic ship before stepping into the sea.


    The instant he entered the sea, Xu Qing directly activated the Mystic Brilliance Form. The totemic tattoo on his back emitted an aura of intimidation, causing the pressure emitted by Xu Qing to be extremely heavy.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor beside him was covered in lightning. The lightning patterns on the black iron stick flickered as he followed on Xu Qing¡¯s left.


    The shadow spread out and fused into the surroundings. One could faintly see over a hundred eyes filling the surroundings. As they opened, the outline of a large tree could be seen.


    Right now, Xu Qing¡¯s overall combat strength had long surpassed the past. Although he still couldn¡¯t be unscrupulous in the Forbidden Sea, he could already dominate an area to a certain extent.


    The sea rumbled and torrents surged under the sea. Xu Qing instantly disappeared into the distance and began to kill.


    He needed more sea beasts and more origin blood. Only then could he alleviate this frenzied hunger. Only then could he allow his inheritance seed to complete the second stage and completely activate it.


    Time passed day by day. Half a month later.


    In a remote area on the Forbidden Sea, the seawater suddenly churned and exploded. A huge mosasaur with a body of more than 5,000 feet leaped out.


    Its sinister appearance, terrifying aura, and sharp teeth that were still exposed even though its mouth was tightly shut made it a nightmare for most merchant ships and cultivators in the Forbidden Sea!


    Mosasaurs were clearly marked on the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ sea record. They were top-notch predatory beasts in the Forbidden Sea. Their ferocious and terrifying bodies coupled with the power of mutation caused their combat strength to be extremely astonishing.


    This mosasaur was even more extraordinary. The moment it leaped out of the sea, one could see two balls of red flames burning in its body. This was a mosasaur that had cultivated to the level of two balls of life fire.


    The aura was so strong that the instant it appeared, rumbling sounds rang out in all directions.


    An area of 10,000 feet of the sea exploded. However, the mosasaur¡¯s eyes weren¡¯t filled with its usual coldness but deep fear.


    If one took a closer look, they would see a totemic mark crawling on its stomach.


    This mark looked like a large tree. Its hundred eyes were opening and closing like large mouths, crazily devouring the mosasaur¡¯s shadow.


    At the same time, a black iron stick surrounded by lightning whistled out from under the broken surface of the sea and pierced through the mosasaur¡¯s body.


    The mosasaur¡¯s body trembled violently and the part that was penetrated directly exploded. The intense pain made it want to wail.


    However¡­ its mouth couldn¡¯t open!


    The wails couldn¡¯t be voiced out, so they turned into whimpers. As the sunlight shone on it, one could clearly see the figure of a youth standing in its mouth!


    This youth wore a purple Daoist robe and was standing between the mosasaur¡¯s teeth. His hair was black and had a faint luster like that of jade. One could see water droplets on his hair.


    As the mosasaur swayed violently, the youth¡¯s long hair fluttered in the wind and the water droplets that were as black as ink fell.


    Some of it landed on his face and flowed down his porcelain-like skin, revealing his face under the sunlight.


    It was an extremely beautiful face. His long brows were like willows and his body was like a jade tree. His long black hair fluttered behind his neck, giving a feeling of wild beauty.


    His eyes were filled with a demonic intent, and the demonic part wasn¡¯t just his face that would make one infatuated but also the mysterious aura he emitted.


    He lifted one hand and pulled the mosasaur¡¯s upper teeth, while his feet stabbed into the mosasaur¡¯s lower teeth.


    He was using his own strength to lock the mosasaur¡¯s mouth tightly, preventing it from opening!


    This youth was none other than Xu Qing!


    In the past half a month, he had killed a lot of sea beasts and the totemic tattoo on his back was not far from completing the second stage. Moreover, as the Golden Crow symbol devoured the origin blood, he became increasingly powerful under its nourishment.


    Not only had his body returned to normal, but the increase in his strength and speed had far surpassed what it had been in the past. In fact, just his physical strength now was enough to make the mosasaur unable to struggle and speak.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and the black fiendish fire in his body spread out, enveloping the mosasaur. At the same time, the totemic tattoo on his back transformed into countless golden phoenix feathers.


    These phoenix feathers continued to spin, unleashing a suction force to refine the mosasaur.


    The mosasaur whimpered and struggled with all its might, falling back to the surface of the sea. The instant it fell, a plesiosaur rushed out from the sea and slammed the mosasaur fiercely.


    Although the plesiosaur quickly collapsed, with this obstruction, the black fiendish fire completely covered the mosasaur. The power of Golden Crow Refines All Life was also completely activated at this moment.


    A mournful roar rang out from between the mosasaur¡¯s teeth. Its body emitted endless qi and blood that was continuously gathered and refined. Finally, it turned into a ball of origin blood that fused into the phoenix feathers.


    Its soul appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s body and burned like firewood, blasting open his 47th and 48th magic apertures!


    During this period of time, Xu Qing had killed a lot. Before this, he had opened up to 46th magic aperture.


    As his magic apertures opened, the magic power in his body surged. At the same time, the nourishment from Golden Crow Refines All Life spread in his body, causing his entire body to emit cracking sounds. His already beautiful face became even more eye-catching and his physical strength increased by a large margin!


    ¡°As long as I devour a few more sea beasts, the second stage of Golden Crow Refines All Life will be completed. At that time, the totemic symbol will transform and it can be considered my emperor-level cultivation art. It will truly fuse into my body and can¡¯t be taken away.¡±


    As he mumbled, Xu Qing left the place. As for the mosasaur that had lost everything and turned into a dried corpse, it sank to the bottom of the sea. The shadow quickly spread out and hurriedly followed Xu Qing. At the same time, it emitted a feeling of frustration.


    It felt that its shadow devouring was too slow¡­ Before it could show its might, the mosasaur was killed. Hence, it transmitted some grievances to the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor at the side.


    It was rare for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to not take the opportunity to fool the shadow. He lifted his head and looked at the departing Xu Qing. He looked at the back of the youth whose long hair fluttered in the sunlight and purple air draped over his body. His heart was already in turmoil.


    He had witnessed Xu Qing¡¯s killing, Xu Qing¡¯s madness, Xu Qing¡¯s intense attraction to the opposite sex, and the other party¡¯s path of continuously becoming stronger.


    All of this caused a thought to surface intensely in his mind.


    ¡°This is the main character in the books!¡±


    ¡°If there¡¯s a chance, I¡¯ll record it down and publish a book in the future!¡±

 Chapter 253 - 253 Brother Xu Qing

    253 Brother Xu Qing


    As Xu Qing sped through the Forbidden Sea and rapidly absorbed sea beasts one after another, there were three huge black wooden ancient warships whistling through the sky some distance away from him.


    These three warships that emitted an ancient aura looked like three giant logs from afar.


    They shone with a black light barrier that sealed all the aura inside, making it almost impossible for outsiders to sense what was inside. At the same time, it also made it very difficult to recognize their origins.


    In reality, they were Sea Corpse Race¡¯s flying warships that had been covered up.


    The fuel of such a warship was anomalous substances, so to a certain extent, they could continue flying for an extremely long time by absorbing the anomalous substances in the world.


    On these three Sea Corpse Race ships, there were about a hundred Sea Corpse Race cultivators. Most of them were Qi Condensation cultivators, and only four of them emitted Foundation Building aura.


    These four weren¡¯t ordinary Foundation Building cultivators. They had all formed their life fire. A white-robed Sea Corpse Race member stood on the leading ship. Although he hadn¡¯t activated his Mystic Brilliance Form, the aura of the two fires was still obvious.


    He was clearly the leader of the cultivators on these three warships. At that moment, he was staring into the distance with a cold expression. He stood there like a piece of ice, as though it was very difficult for anything to attract his attention.


    Beside him was a young girl.


    This young girl was also from the Sea Corpse Race. Her appearance was that of a human. Clearly, she had lived a luxurious life when she was alive and her status was extremely high after she was transformed. Hence, not only did she not emit any corpse poison, but her skin was also snow-white without any livor mortis spots.


    Her appearance was also very good-looking, revealing a hint of innocence.


    The intelligence in her eyes was much more than that of an ordinary Sea Corpse Race member. In fact, if she was placed in a crowd, it would be almost impossible to tell that she was from the Sea Corpse Race if one didn¡¯t take a closer look.


    At that moment, she was holding the arm of the white-robed Sea Corpse Race member and speaking coquettishly.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, please tell me how exactly you found me? I was clearly very careful in hiding my identity.¡±


    The white-robed Sea Corpse Race member shook his head when he heard this. However, he really couldn¡¯t withstand the soft pleading of the young girl beside him. Hence, after the young girl took out a black stone, he kept it before calmly speaking.


    ¡°Third Princess, knowledge is priceless. Since you respect knowledge so much, I¡¯ll tell you. Before I became a member of the Seven Blood Eyes, I was a disciple of the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes. I had learned some small spells before which allowed me to see through the princess¡¯ identity.¡±


    ¡°Princess, the king is very anxious, so he issued this mission to find you. Please don¡¯t make things difficult for me. It won¡¯t be long before we can return to the clan¡¯s territory. Don¡¯t casually throw things anymore. It won¡¯t be good if you provoke an existence you can¡¯t provoke.¡± The white-robed Sea Corpse Race looked calmly at the young girl beside him.


    ¡°Alright, but Brother Xu Qing, don¡¯t forget that you promised me that you would transfer over and become my exclusive Dao Protector after we return to the clan. Brother Xu Qing, I really like your personality and feel that you¡¯re very special. I asked you a question but you actually want me to pay with the bizarre stone before answering. The other clansmen don¡¯t dare to do this.¡±


    ¡°And those words of yours, such as knowledge being priceless and respecting knowledge, I like them very much. They feel so special.¡± The young girl smiled coquettishly.


    The white-robed youth placed his hands behind his back and looked into the distance as he calmly replied.


    ¡°I won¡¯t go back on my word. As long as the princess allows me to complete the mission, forget about becoming a Dao Protector, even if the princess wants me to become your male pet, it¡¯s fine. If I go back on my word, I¡¯ll be poisoned and be struck by lightning!¡±


    ¡°Can you really be my boy toy, Brother Xu Qing?¡± The third princess¡¯ eyes lit up.


    ¡°Of course!¡± White Robe coughed lightly.


    At the same time¡­ in the Forbidden Sea in the distance, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled and a vigilant glint appeared in his eyes. He stared at the pitch-black bottom of the sea in front of him and slowly retreated.


    At the bottom of the sea in his vision, there was a group of illusory and blurry figures moving toward a city.


    There were a large number of buildings in this city and countless figures could be seen shuttling in and out. There were even sounds of bustling activity. There were also many shops and street stalls in the city.


    At first glance, it was not much different from the main city of the Seven Blood Eyes. It was quite lively.


    However, this scene caused Xu Qing to be extremely vigilant. Even with his current cultivation and combat strength, he still felt his heart skip a beat and felt an intense sense of danger.


    This was a ghost city.


    What gave Xu Qing a sense of danger wasn¡¯t the ghosts in the city but the city itself.


    He immediately left without hesitation. The ghost city didn¡¯t seem to be interested in him and didn¡¯t chase after him.


    However, Xu Qing still chose to move in a different direction. He only heaved a sigh of relief when he was far away.


    ¡°With my current cultivation, I can¡¯t explore the dangers at the bottom of the sea too often.¡±


    This was already the second existence Xu Qing had seen during this period of time that caused him to feel intense danger. Previously, he had seen a huge head floating up from the bottom of the sea and rushing out of the surface of the sea. It then dove back into the sea again like it was playing.


    This cycle continued and waves of joyous laughter could be heard.


    That time was the same as this time. Xu Qing stayed far away and there were no conflicts. However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t sure if his good luck would continue. The third time he encountered such a thing might be when the danger descended on him.


    After pondering for a moment, he left the bottom of the sea and took out the magic ship. He relied on the shadow and his Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale to observe and hunt.


    ¡°The second stage of Golden Crow Refines All Life is almost completed. It¡¯s best to be cautious for now.¡± When Xu Qing thought of this, he sat down and spread his sense under the sea, landing on his Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale.


    His natal dragonwhale no longer had the appearance of a plesiosaur. Instead, it had transformed into a body similar to a mosasaur. This was something Xu Qing had comprehended after killing that mosasaur.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that I only killed one. Otherwise, it could have resembled the mosasaur even more.¡± Xu Qing closed his eyes.


    Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.


    Xu Qing had been out at sea for several months, and the sea area he was in was far away from the merfolk island battlefield. He didn¡¯t know how the war had progressed, but he could see that his overall ranking on his identity token had changed from just below 50th to below 100th.


    This meant that the intensity of the war had increased.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about these at the moment. During these seven days, his Golden Crow Refines All Life was infinitely close to saturation after devouring some sea beasts.


    ¡°Absorbing another Foundation Building sea beast will completely activate the inheritance seed!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed anticipation. His mind sank onto the Forbidden Sea Mosasaur under the sea and he began to search for suitable sea beasts.


    The shadow also dispersed a lot of the shadow eyes on the way and cooperated in the search. As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, he was searching under the sea with the mosasaur.


    The instant Xu Qing¡¯s mind sank into it, his mind suddenly stirred. He abruptly opened his eyes and looked at the sky.


    It was dusk. The red glow filled the sky like autumn leaves. And within the red glow, in the distant horizon, three strange black warships that were like giant logs were reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    Xu Qing looked at the three warships, but he couldn¡¯t sense any fluctuations coming from them nor could he see the figures inside. The records of the Seven Blood Eyes didn¡¯t mention such warships either.


    Hence, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t recognize them immediately.


    However, he was very vigilant. Although the other party looked like they were just passing by, not only did Xu Qing activate the magic boat¡¯s full defense, but he also chose to sink into the sea.


    If they were really passing by and saw Xu Qing evading them, there was a high chance that they wouldn¡¯t attack. Even if they really attacked, Xu Qing was prepared to counterattack or speed up his escape.


    However, the instant Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship sank to the sea, a woman¡¯s hand suddenly stretched out from the front of the three ships in the sky.


    She was holding a black pearl in her hand. After she gently released it, the pearl suddenly erupted with lightning and headed toward Xu Qing at an astonishing speed.


    Its aura was so strong that it shook the heavens and the earth. One could even see a rune sealed in the pearl.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he controlled the magic ship to leave. However, at the next instant, his expression changed.


    This was because the rune in the pearl flashed once, causing the bead to seemingly teleport and appear under the sea above Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship.


    This speed exceeded Xu Qing¡¯s expectations. It was too late to control the magic ship to dodge. At the next instant, the loud collision stirred up the surrounding seawater to collapse and spread. Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship collapsed and countless broken pieces rose toward the surface of the sea.


    The scattered fragments on the surface of the sea were densely packed, as though the magic ship had completely collapsed.


    ¡°Aiya, it¡¯s so fragile. It was shattered by just one lightning. It¡¯s not fun, but the way it exploded was so beautiful.¡± In the sky, the Sea Corpse Race girl lay at the edge of the ship¡¯s railing and lowered her head to take a look.


    However, White Robe¡¯s breathing paused slightly and a hint of strangeness appeared in his eyes. He looked at the disintegrated magic ship below from the edge. A few breaths later, he let out a long sigh.


    ¡°Third Princess, why do you have to do this? I just want to complete the mission. Why do you have to make it so difficult!! Can¡¯t you keep a low profile? What if you provoked a murderous fiend?¡±


    White Robe seemed to be extremely depressed. He took out an apple from his robe and took a bite.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, what¡¯s wrong with you? Isn¡¯t it just a Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ship? Besides, just one of the divine lightning given by that dastardly father of mine shattered it. What¡¯s the big deal?¡± The young girl smiled and her eyes narrowed like crescent moons.


    White Robe shook his head, looking like he didn¡¯t want to speak. He sighed and couldn¡¯t be bothered with the way the other party addressed her father. At that moment, he controlled the warship to speed up.


    Very soon, these three black wooden-looking warships whistled into the distance.


    At the same time, as the three warships left, the fragments of the magic ship on the surface of the sea suddenly spread out as the waves rose.


    Under the surface of the sea, there was a ship that was one size smaller than before but even more sinister. It looked like the body of a sea lizard and was speeding in the direction of the three black warships in the sky!


    The part that was destroyed earlier was the outer shell. With Zhang San¡¯s unique method, the outer shell of Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship could shatter and confuse the enemy.


    Xu Qing looked at the sky through the seawater with an ugly expression. Killing intent rose in his eyes.


    ¡°Sea Corpse Race?¡±

 Chapter 254 - 254 The Golden Crow Descends

    254 The Golden Crow Descends


    When the black pearl was thrown from the black wooden ship, Xu Qing sensed a trace of fluctuations of the anomalous substances of the Sea Corpse Race in the sky.


    This allowed him to make a judgment that these three ships most likely belonged to the Sea Corpse Race.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have any good impression of the Sea Corpse Race, and he had killed too many of their people.


    What happened today was an undeserved calamity for him. Although the black pearl couldn¡¯t cause him any harm, it was actually very powerful.


    It was comparable to the full-strength attack of a life fire cultivator!


    The rune sealed inside was even more profound.


    The scene he had seen earlier appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. The rune only flashed for a moment but it actually allowed the black bead to teleport and appear on his magic ship.


    That was why Xu Qing was unable to react in time.


    ¡°If the might of that pearl reaches two or even three fires¡­ It is a treasure!¡±


    Coldness rose in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    He understood that for a cultivator to casually throw out such a one-time-use treasure, either their cultivation base wasn¡¯t simple, so they had too many treasures.


    Or, their cultivation was ordinary but their identity was extraordinary.


    He felt that the probability of the latter was higher.


    ¡°They should have Dao Protectors.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t retract his gaze. The magic ship that looked like a sea lizard sped under the sea, chasing after the black dots formed by the three ships in the sky.


    Before he knew if there were higher-level experts on the ship, Xu Qing didn¡¯t plan to act rashly.


    He was used to lurking and silently observing. At that moment, he was like a hunter, searching for the weaknesses of his prey and judging their strength.


    At the same time, among the three black wooden ships in the sky, the white-robed Sea Corpse Race member at the front sighed.


    He stood at the edge of the ship and looked at the sea below with frustration.


    He could faintly sense an aura locking onto their three ships.


    This aura¡­ was very familiar to him.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, don¡¯t be unhappy. I¡¯m already very low-key. Just now, I planned to throw three divine lightning down but I only threw one¡­¡±


    The third princess secretly glanced at the white-robed Sea Corpse Race member. Seeing that the other party was ignoring her, she took a few steps forward and grabbed the white-robed person¡¯s arm, shaking it a few times.


    ¡°Alright, alright. I won¡¯t throw anything randomly on the way, okay? Brother Xu Qing, don¡¯t be angry. Why are you frowning? What are you thinking about?¡±


    When the white-robed Sea Corpse Race member heard the name Xu Qing, he sighed again and turned to look at the third princess.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking about how to persuade that guy to not kill you. I¡¯m also thinking about how to make that guy not know what I secretly did. Otherwise, he might flip out.¡±


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying¡­¡±


    The third princess¡¯s smile was pure and sweet.


    The white-robed Sea Corpse Race member waved his hand and couldn¡¯t be bothered to say anything else.


    He sighed inwardly. He had discovered that contribution points were hard to obtain, so he tried to resort to dubious methods. Hence, he accepted this mission to find the third princess and successfully found and attracted her.


    As long as he sent her back to the Sea Corpse Race, not only would his contribution points be enough to exchange for a high-level corpse heart, but he could also go to the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s ancestral vault to complete his second plan after obtaining the third princess¡¯ trust.


    Moreover, he had already finished most of his plan. He was only less than a month away from entering the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory.


    However¡­ this princess of the Sea Corpse Race insisted on throwing such a divine lightning pearl.


    Just as White Robe was sighing with emotion, he suddenly exclaimed softly and stared at the sea.


    He sensed that Xu Qing¡¯s aura had actually loosened and given up on following them.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Did this kid¡¯s personality change? Or is there something more important?¡±


    White Robe was surprised. He observed for a long time until the black wooden ship got far away. Another three days passed before he finally confirmed that Xu Qing hadn¡¯t followed.


    ¡°Strange.¡±


    Although he was curious, White Robe heaved a sigh of relief. He wasn¡¯t afraid that Xu Qing would find out about his plan to head to the Sea Corpse Race. He was just feeling guilty about impersonating the other party¡¯s identity.


    ¡®It doesn¡¯t matter. I did this to find him a Dao companion. That¡¯s right, I did good. As a superior, I care about my subordinate¡¯s personal life and personally went out to find a female companion for him. He should thank me for this!¡¯


    White Robe coughed. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that it made sense. However, he still sent out the order to speed up.


    However, the sea lizard magic ship Xu Qing was on¡­ was still following!


    It was just that the shadow was covering the magic ship.


    Three days ago, when Xu Qing locked onto the ships and chased after them, he sensed that he had been discovered. Hence, he pretended to leave. In reality, he secretly controlled the shadow to envelop the ship and completely fused the ship¡¯s aura with the anomalous substances in the Forbidden Sea.


    After that, he continued to follow and observe. This time, he didn¡¯t feel that he had been discovered.


    This matter also allowed him to probe some information. For example¡­ there was a high chance that there were no Golden Core cultivators in these three black wooden ships. In fact, there shouldn¡¯t even be any three fires cultivator.


    Otherwise, when the other party sensed his aura three days ago, they would have immediately attacked him. How could they let him leave?


    During these three days, Xu Qing also observed other things. Firstly, he saw through the concealment of the appearance of the three ships through his meticulous observation.


    Secondly, the other party¡¯s speed increased.


    All of this combined made Xu Qing 80% certain that there were no experts who were too confident in their cultivation bases on these three ships.


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case¡­¡±


    Killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. On one hand, he was very angry because of the black pearl from before. On the other hand, since Xu Qing had seen the nutrients needed to open his magic apertures, there was no reason for him to let them go.


    In addition¡­ his Golden Crow Refines All Life¡¯s progress was delayed by the other party. They had an obligation to help him complete the last nourishment for Golden Crow Refines All Life.


    Only then would it be fair and reasonable.


    On the third night, when the sky was pitch-black and the moonlight was dim, Xu Qing stood under the sea on the magic ship and performed a series of hand seals with both hands before pressing down fiercely.


    The magic ship buzzed. The sea lizard¡¯s wings spread out and its hundreds of feet long body headed straight for the surface of the sea.


    The instant it broke out of the sea and flew into the sky, the sea lizard opened its mouth. The golden light on its entire body flickered and gathered before shooting out of its mouth.


    This golden beam of light was an attack condensed from the divinity contained in the sea lizard magic ship.


    As soon as it appeared, the sky changed color and the wind and clouds stirred.


    The dark night sky shone with the astonishingly fast and dazzling golden light. It headed straight for¡­ the second of the three black wooden ships!


    The golden light immediately reached its target. No matter how the ship¡¯s defense was, it was useless. In the blink of an eye, the golden beam pierced through the barrier and struck the ship.


    The entire ship trembled intensely. When its shape was twisting, the surface of the sea erupted again. A huge mosasaur that was more than 3,000 feet long broke out of the sea and roared at the sky, crashing fiercely toward the first black wooden ship at the front!


    At the same time, Xu Qing¡¯s figure also leaped up from the magic ship. The life lantern in his body was ignited. The flames on his entire body overflowed into the sky and his speed instantly reached the extreme. He headed straight for¡­ the last ship!


    As for the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, they sped toward the second ship that was bombarded by the divinity attack.


    All of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in the blink of an eye.


    In an instant, the sky rumbled endlessly. Xu Qing immediately reached the third ship.


    The moment he got close, he slammed into the ship¡¯s defense.


    Cracking sounds spread in all directions and densely-packed cracks appeared in front of Xu Qing. After that, the barrier shattered into pieces and Xu Qing barged in.


    There were more than 30 Sea Corpse Race members on this ship. Among them, other than an early-stage Foundation Building cultivator who had formed a life fire, there were two Foundation Building cultivators who hadn¡¯t formed their life fire. The rest were all at the Qi Condensation Realm!


    At this moment, these people¡¯s expressions were filled with horror and their movements were extremely slow. Even the life fire in the early stage Foundation Building cultivator¡¯s body was ignited just now.


    Xu Qing coldly swept his gaze over and didn¡¯t stop at all. He took a step forward and arrived in front of the Foundation Building cultivator of the Sea Corpse Race who had ignited his life fire.


    The instant the terror and despair appeared in the other party¡¯s eyes, Xu Qing had already pressed his palm on the other party¡¯s brows.


    The Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art circulated!


    With a cry, the totemic tattoo on his back transformed into countless phoenix feathers and enveloped the early stage Foundation Building cultivator. In the blink of an eye, as the two cultivation arts circulated at the same time, the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s body withered rapidly.


    His soul was extracted and his origin blood was also refined.


    It was a ball of dark blue blood. When the phoenix feathers around Xu Qing fought to devour it, Xu Qing¡¯s body suddenly trembled. The place where the totemic tattoo was branded on his back emitted an intense heat.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred. Before this, his Golden Crow Refines All Life was only a strand away from completing the second stage of the inheritance seed. Now that it had swallowed the origin blood of the Sea Corpse Race, the inheritance seed was finally activated!


    At the next instant, a cry that seemed to be able to pierce through the nine heavens rang out from behind Xu Qing. The phoenix feathers in his surroundings instantly burned, transforming into black flames that gathered behind him.


    Countless phoenix feathers and countless black flames gathered behind Xu Qing, forming a majestic sea of fire. This sea of fire was hundreds of feet tall and the light illuminated everything here.


    The cry rang out again. This time, it was even clearer. It was formed from the black sea of fire.


    The instant it spread out¡­ this black sea of fire suddenly rose into the sky and erupted. A black divine bird took shape inside and soared into the sky!!


    It was as though it was born from flames, as though it had been formed over time. An ancient intent erupted from its body, causing the night to feel like it was about to boil!


    From afar, this divine bird had the head of a crow, the body of a crane, the tail of a phoenix, and had three legs!


    As it rose into the air, black flames flowed past its body and gathered at its tail, connecting with the sea of fire, forming a shocking fan-shaped fire!


    It was extremely beautiful and filled with profundity.


    At the next instant, the black Golden Crow spiraled and headed straight for Xu Qing, who was standing in the air.


    As it cried, it got close to Xu Qing and circled around him with an intimate feeling, as though it was dancing.


    Wherever it passed, the tail flames would form waves of fire, reflecting Xu Qing¡¯s face clearly. It then moved below Xu Qing.


    At that moment, almost every Sea Corpse Race member on the three ships in the sky was shaken to the core. When they looked at Xu Qing, their eyes felt an unprecedented piercing pain.


    It was as though Xu Qing had become an existence that couldn¡¯t be looked at directly amidst the cries and encirclement of the black Golden Crow!

 Chapter 255 - 255 Trenchant (1)

    255 Trenchant (1)


    On the first ship ahead, the third princess¡¯ eyes were wide open and she felt a piercing pain, but she still tried her best to see everything clearly even though tears were flowing down her eyes.


    There was a hint of fascination in her expression, as though she was watching the most beautiful scene in this world.


    As for White Robe at the side, he was also stunned for a moment. He looked at Xu Qing and an even more intense sense of urgency rose in his mind.


    ¡®What the hell¡­ How did this kid become stronger again? This Golden Crow¡­ Could this be the emperor-level cultivation art that is circulated on the Forbidden Sea?!¡¯


    At the thought of this, White Robe immediately approached the third princess and hurriedly spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Princess, this kid cultivates an extremely vicious cultivation art. I once read about it in an ancient book. It¡¯s called the Dark Name Fate Guiding Art. It is quite powerful. Once he knows the enemy¡¯s name and uses this art, he can instantly take someone¡¯s life. You must not say my name later. Just call me Brother!¡±


    As White Robe quickly reminded, screams rang out from the surroundings.


    On the ship Xu Qing was on, the black Golden Crow swung its tail as it circled around.


    Immediately, the black sea of tail flames spread in all directions, transforming into chains of black flames. They were like terrifying fire snakes that rushed toward all the Sea Corpse Race cultivators on the entire ship.


    After these chains got close to their targets, they quickly wrapped around their bodies and lifted them into the air.


    The huge cultivation gap caused the struggles of these Sea Corpse Race members to be useless. All of them were swept up by the black flame chains and surrounded in all directions. From afar, these chains looked like the continuation of the Golden Crow¡¯s tail!


    As they were lifted to the air, these Sea Corpse Race members all let out mournful cries.


    Their bodies were withering and traces of qi and blood were continuously extracted from their entire bodies, gathering toward the Golden Crow that was moving in the air behind Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He lifted his right foot and stomped down. The terrifying physical strength coupled with the might of the life lantern caused the ship under his feet to directly collapse. It shattered into countless pieces that scattered down from the sky.


    Xu Qing¡¯s purple Daoist robe fluttered in the wind. As his long hair danced with the wind, the black Golden Crow on his back rose and covered him.


    The fan-shaped tail flames illuminated the surroundings. Numerous dried corpses were wrapped around the black-flame chains.


    Coupled with Xu Qing¡¯s demonic face, no matter who saw Xu Qing at this moment, they would feel as though they had seen a demon.


    The strange glint in the third princess¡¯ eyes intensified. She had never seen such a person.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the third princess who was only at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm. His gaze swept past her and landed on White Robe beside her.


    White Robe, who was suppressing the mosasaur with one hand, also turned his head to stare at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing looked at him and fell silent.


    White Robe also looked at Xu Qing with some awkwardness.


    Just as the atmosphere became strange, a strange laugh suddenly rang out. Everyone¡¯s gazes turned to the place where the laughter came from.


    It was coming from the second ship. As Xu Qing looked over, he saw a bolt of lightning whistling out from the ship and floating in the air.


    It was the black iron stick.


    Lightning filled it and flowed continuously. From time to time, lightning would jump up from it, forming lightning cracks in all directions.


    At the same time, there were also lightning runes flickering on the iron stick. Every rune contained the feeling of Dao, causing the black iron to look incomparably gorgeous like a supreme treasure!


    In fact, it would make others feel that once they had it, they wouldn¡¯t abandon it.


    There was a bell tied to this black iron stick. This bell was clearly enhanced by lightning and a large number of souls were sealed on it. These souls were clearly from the Sea Corpse Race. All of them let out cries of pain but they couldn¡¯t escape.


    Clearly, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was very considerate. He knew that Xu Qing needed souls. Hence, after rushing into the second ship, he relied on his Lightning Spirit Body to kill while absorbing the souls with the Living Soul Bell and sealing them with lightning.


    This way, not only could he show his thoughtfulness, but he could also show his strength.


    As for the person who laughed strangely, it was clearly impossible for it to be the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    At that moment, a figure walked out of the cabin behind the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    This figure was from the Sea Corpse Race. There was also a ball of life fire burning in his body. He looked like a middle-aged male human cultivator. His body was skinny and the livor mortis spots on his body were very obvious.


    He wore a tattered Daoist robe and the corners of his mouth curled up with a hint of pride. As he walked, he let out a sinister laugh.


    However, his appearance gave off a strange feeling!


    This was because his footsteps seemed a little uncoordinated, as though he had just learned to walk. At the same time, his expression was clearly arrogant but his eyes revealed extreme horror.


    This fear was extremely intense and contradicted his expression, forming a strange scene.


    He walked to the edge of the ship and stood on the handrail.


    His gaze swept disdainfully across White Robe, the third princess, and all the Sea Corpse Race members on the first ship. When his gaze landed on Xu Qing, his expression turned solemn. He knelt on one knee in front of Xu Qing and revealed a respectful expression.


    After that, he lifted his hands and placed them on his neck, twisting it ruthlessly.


    Amidst the horror of the Sea Corpse Race members on the first ship, this person actually broke his own neck.

 Chapter 256 - 256 Trenchant (2)

    256 Trenchant (2)


    This wasn¡¯t the end. He tore off his head. The expression of the head that had left its body was still filled with arrogance. As he cackled, he raised his hand and stabbed it into his stomach, pinching the burning life fire and¡­ extinguishing it!


    At the next instant, his body trembled and popping sounds echoed. All the magic apertures in his body were crushed by him until his entire body finally shattered into pieces and scattered on the ground.


    This scene was too grotesque and bizarre, causing the other Sea Corpse Race members to have trouble breathing. They, who were not easily moved, felt fear.


    Xu Qing frowned slightly. He could naturally tell that the shadow had devoured the shadow of the Sea Corpse Race cultivator and controlled it. What made him frown was that the shadow had wasted a soul.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything else. He turned and walked toward the first ship.


    As he got closer, the Sea Corpse Race members on the first ship trembled. It was unknown who was the first to retreat, but in the next instant, these Sea Corpse Race members all leaped up to escape.


    However, the Golden Crow behind Xu Qing let out a cry. Immediately, even more black flame chains erupted from its body and rapidly rushed toward these Sea Corpse Race members, instantly entangling them. Miserable cries echoed in all directions.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with them as he stepped onto the ship.


    After that, he lifted his right hand and pointed at the young girl who was still trying her best to keep her eyes open despite the piercing pain in her eyes. Her expression carried a hint of sickly fascination.


    In an instant, lightning rumbled and the black iron stick appeared. Its speed was so fast that it arrived in front of the young girl in the blink of an eye. Just as it was about to penetrate her head, White Robe sighed. He flicked the iron stick lightly at an even faster speed.


    With a buzzing sound, the black iron stick suddenly trembled and was swept hundreds of feet away by the force of this flick. It then immediately returned unscathed. The murderous aura on it was even denser and its lightning bolts crackled crazily.


    White Robe stared deeply at the black iron stick and then at Xu Qing¡¯s feet. After that, he looked at the Golden Crow behind Xu Qing. These things gave him a headache.


    Finally, he looked at Xu Qing and sighed.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist, she¡¯s very important to me¡­¡±


    Xu Qing looked at White Robe. From the moment he saw the other party earlier, he guessed that the captain must be using this young girl with an extraordinary identity to complete some crazy plans.


    Hence, he probed and attacked. As expected, the other party stopped him.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised by the captain¡¯s words, especially when the other party said the word ¡®fellow Daoist¡¯. It seemed like he didn¡¯t want others to know his identity and it was in line with Xu Qing¡¯s judgment. He didn¡¯t hesitate and spoke directly.


    ¡°100,000 spirit stones!¡±


    White Robe glared and was about to speak when the third princess suddenly laughed.


    ¡°Brother, this little brother is very interesting. I want him to be my Dao Protector too!¡±


    As she spoke, the girl lifted her right hand on which was a bracelet. At this moment, it swayed gently and broke into pieces with cracking sounds. After the pieces landed on the ground, they gathered together again and squirmed like a living creature before suddenly expanding, turning into a tall and skinny dried corpse with its eyes closed.


    This dried corpse¡¯s entire body was tied with red straps. At that moment, a baleful aura filled the air. Its eyes also opened, revealing a red glow as it took a step toward Xu Qing.


    The instant this step landed, there seemed to be an explosion in its body. Two balls of life fire ignited in it, causing red flames to rise from its body. Its speed soared as it charged toward Xu Qing.


    However, before it could get close, lightning rumbled in the black iron stick. All the lightning runes on it flickered and its speed rose to an astonishing degree as it rushed toward the dried corpse and stabbed it.


    At the same time, the shadow also silently spread out below the feet of the dried corpse. Over a hundred eyes opened at the same time and looked at the dried corpse.


    The dried corpse¡¯s body suddenly paused and many parts of its body instantly showed signs of rotting. While a large amount of anomalous substances in its body were lost, the black iron stick directly pierced through its neck. It spun around and then penetrated the back of its head.


    Xu Qing also took a step forward. His speed was so fast that he instantly got close to the dried corpse. His physical strength erupted as he pressed his right hand on the dry corpse¡¯s forehead.


    When his palm moved, whistling sounds rang out in the surroundings, as though his palm strike could not be avoided.


    The dry corpse let out a low roar and its entire body flickered with red light. It actually forcefully resisted Xu Qing¡¯s attack. However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop at all. He bent his right arm and elbowed the dried corpse¡¯s chin.


    Although the dried corpse could withstand one attack, it couldn¡¯t withstand a second attack. Its head directly shattered, revealing flesh and bones. However, it didn¡¯t have any spirituality and was like a puppet!


    This was more obvious when a large number of sticky threads appeared at the shattered places. They seemed to be able to heal the corpse and join the broken parts.


    It was recovering even with its head shattered. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He lifted his knee and slammed the corpse hard on its stomach. The puppet retreated. Although its stomach also collapsed, there were clearly more sticky threads and its recovery speed became even faster. It was as though it couldn¡¯t be destroyed.


    Xu Qing let out a cold snort and looked at the puppet that was constantly recovering. He then activated Golden Crow Refines All Life. The Golden Crow behind him let out a sharp cry and leaped up from behind Xu Qing, pouncing fiercely at the puppet.


    Black flames burned in all directions. The puppet was enveloped by the Golden Crow and its recovery speed was instantly interrupted. The flames continuously burned and refined it.


    As the Golden Crow¡¯s three claws grabbed with all its might, the broken dried corpse¡¯s body instantly shattered into pieces and melted.


    As for the Golden Crow, it stood on top of the disintegrating corpse and fiercely inhaled. Immediately, a drop of blue blood that was so dark that it was almost black flew out of the dried corpse¡¯s body and landed in its mouth.


    This dried corpse was completely refined and turned into ashes.


    The Golden Crow then returned and encircled Xu Qing. Its tail flames draped over Xu Qing¡¯s body and flowed behind him, forming a flaming cloak. At that moment, the wind blew over, causing the flames to flutter in the wind.


    As for the Golden Crow¡¯s body, it stretched out from his right side and stared coldly at the young girl and White Robe.


    This scene was extremely beautiful and terrifying!


    ¡°That¡¯s great. Little Brother, thank you for helping me get rid of the bracelet my damn father gave me. I thought of many ways previously and kept provoking others but I couldn¡¯t kill this thing at all.¡±


    When the third princess saw this scene, she immediately cheered. Her expression was filled with excitement as she looked at White Robe.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, I knew long ago that you¡¯re not from the Sea Corpse Race and you didn¡¯t want to become my Dao Protector, right? You¡¯re so bad. Previously, you even swore that you would become my Dao Protector, and if you go back on your word, you would be struck by lightning¡­ You even lied to me that you would become my boy toy.¡±


    ¡°However, it¡¯s fine. Brother Xu Qing, you should be from the Seven Blood Eyes, right? You know this little brother, right? Do you want to use me to infiltrate the Sea Corpse Race? Have you taken a fancy to some supreme treasure or are you going to destroy some secret place? No matter what it is, I can help you. I know a lot of information, but I have a condition. Bring me along!!¡±


    A hint of radiance appeared in the third princess¡¯ eyes. However, after she finished speaking, she saw that the expression of White Robe had clearly changed. She asked with a puzzled expression.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the captain expressionlessly. The flames of the life lantern in his body began to rise.

 Chapter 257 - 257 Crazy Plan

    257 Crazy Plan


    Seeing the flames rising in Xu Qing¡¯s body, the captain¡¯s expression changed and he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Don¡¯t kill her. I have great use for her!¡±


    Almost at the instant he spoke, Xu Qing¡¯s body moved. His speed was so fast that he instantly arrived in front of the third princess who was still pretending to be puzzled. As the third princess¡¯ breathing paused, Xu Qing slapped her face.


    The third princess spat out a mouthful of blood and her body fell to the side of the ship like a kite with a broken string. The ship wall shattered into pieces and her body was also blasted out.


    However, at the next instant, a black chain spread out from the Golden Crow¡¯s tail behind Xu Qing and instantly coiled around her. With a tug, it pulled her back to the ship and threw her in front of the captain.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t kill her. Otherwise, he would have completely destroyed her with that strike earlier. However, he took her storage bag.


    When she landed, the third princess spat out another mouthful of blood and more than half of the bones in her body had collapsed. However, there was no fear in her eyes. Instead, there was confusion. As she spat out blood, she asked curiously.


    ¡°He used your name to do many things, but you don¡¯t mind? Why hit me instead of him?¡±


    ¡°Because this is a matter between us brothers and has nothing to do with outsiders. An outsider like you is trying to sow discord. If he doesn¡¯t beat you up, who should he beat up? If it was me, I would beat you up too.¡±


    The captain sighed and squatted in front of the third princess. After lifting one of her hands, he let go. Seeing the third princess¡¯ hand lying there bonelessly, he shook his head.


    ¡°They¡¯re all shattered. Fortunately, she is still breathing. It¡¯s fine as long as she is alive.¡±


    The third princess still didn¡¯t understand. She felt that things shouldn¡¯t be like this. Just as she was about to speak, the captain slapped her unconscious and kept her in a special storage bag. Only then did he look at Xu Qing.


    ¡°You swore on my name?¡± With no more outsiders around, Xu Qing stared at the captain and slowly spoke.


    ¡°It was just a joke, a joke. Eh, Xu Qing, your spirit ticket dropped.¡± The captain¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He touched the ground and a spirit ticket worth 100 spirit stones appeared in his hand. He handed it to Xu Qing with incomparable heartache.


    Xu Qing took it expressionlessly and continued to stare at the captain.


    ¡°Be struck by lightning?¡±


    ¡°Haha, how is that possible? Junior Brother, you heard wrongly. How could you believe the words of an outsider? As your senior brother and your superior, I definitely wouldn¡¯t do such a thing, just like how you never owed me spirit stones.¡±


    The captain spoke solemnly.


    ¡°Male toy?¡± Xu Qing continued.


    The captain sighed.


    Xu Qing stared at the captain.


    A long time later, the captain slapped his forehead and suddenly spoke mysteriously.


    ¡°Xu Qing, let¡¯s not talk about this first. I have something good here¡­ I disguised myself as a member of the Sea Corpse Race to obtain a high-level corpse heart.¡±


    ¡°However, this is only my first target. I have an even more important target. Originally, I felt that my situation did not look good and I might not be able to succeed. However, if we work together, there will definitely be no problem.¡±


    ¡°Do you know that the Sea Corpse Race has many treasures and many important secret places? The destruction of any secret place will affect the battlefield. Of course, this has nothing to do with us. My target this time is the core holy item of the Sea Corpse Race¡­ the nine ancestral corpse statues!!¡±


    ¡°Legend has it that the formation of the Sea Corpse Race originated from the nine statues. The material of these nine statues is special and unique in the world.¡±


    ¡°They are scattered in the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory and are the source of the transformation of the Sea Corpse Race. The territories they are in are also the holy land for healing for the Sea Corpse Race.¡±


    ¡°The most important thing is that the experts of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s army are all on the battlefield and their internal defense is weak right now. Although there are some contingency measures, the identity of the young girl you were about to kill is extraordinary. She¡¯s the third princess of the Sea Corpse Race. If she brings us there, the Sea Corpse Race won¡¯t suspect us immediately. By the time they realize the problem, we¡¯ll have already fled far away.¡±


    When the captain said this, he was beaming with joy. His eyes revealed the madness of risking his life that Xu Qing had seen on the merfolk island before.


    The captain¡¯s words also caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to narrow. He was very clear that only extremely bold people would head to the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory.


    And the captain¡¯s target in the enemy¡¯s territory was actually their core holy item. This was no longer something that could be described with boldness. Even though the Sea Corpse Race was empty now, only crazy people could have such crazy thoughts.


    Xu Qing cast a deep glance at the captain. He felt that the captain¡¯s madness hadn¡¯t gotten better. Only a lunatic would do such a thing. Hence, he was about to refuse.


    The captain spoke again excitedly.


    ¡°Any one of those nine ancestral corpse statues contains astonishing power and extremely dense divinity. Not only are they useful to the Sea Corpse Race, but they also have huge benefits for us human cultivators. They can open many of our magic apertures. I heard that after absorbing one, opening dozens will be a piece of cake!¡±


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but swallow his words of rejection. His heart pounded.


    Right now, he had opened 49 magic apertures and there were many cracks in his 50th magic aperture. He wasn¡¯t far from opening it, but it was becoming increasingly difficult.


    Every ten magic apertures were usually considered one level. From the 40th to the 50th magic apertures, the magic apertures could only be opened smoothly by absorbing the soul of a life fire cultivator.


    In reality, Xu Qing was already progressing very fast. If it wasn¡¯t for the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art and this war, it would be impossible for Xu Qing to open his magic apertures so fast.


    Normally speaking, a Foundation Building cultivator would usually need ten years to form the first ball of life fire. As for forming the second ball of life fire¡­ if one purely relied on daily cultivation, it would take at least 30 years.


    Moreover, during this process, there was the risk of death and it would take time to resolve the accumulation of anomalous substances. This was also the reason why there weren¡¯t many two fire cultivators.


    As for reaching three fires, it would take even longer.


    ¡®From 50 to 60¡­ the soul power required will definitely be huge.¡¯


    Xu Qing pondered. He felt that his cultivation progress was still a little slow, so he was extremely tempted by the ancestral corpse statues that the captain had mentioned. He thought for a moment and looked at the storage bag where the captain had kept the third princess.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe she¡¯ll help us.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I can convince her. You don¡¯t know but this third princess is a pitiful person. I¡¯m confident!¡± The captain patted his chest.


    Xu Qing shook his head. The key to the success of this matter depended on that third princess. Only with her sincere help could they successfully enter the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory.


    Only the third princess could lead them through countless protective barriers and inspections and step into the areas where the statues were kept.


    If there was any mistake in this process, what awaited them would definitely be eternal damnation.


    ¡°No need to worry!¡± The captain sized up Xu Qing before chuckling.


    ¡°I have a way. I will disguise you as the third princess. Isn¡¯t that enough? Besides, I have become familiar with the habits of the third princess. Although I can¡¯t say that I know her like the back of my hand, I know her way of speaking and other habits. It will be a stress to deceive them for a long time, there won¡¯t be a problem as long as we¡¯re fast enough.¡±


    ¡°Since you know so much, why don¡¯t you disguise yourself?¡± Xu Qing raised his brows and looked at the captain.


    ¡°Vice Captain Xu, I¡¯m your superior!¡± The captain said solemnly.


    ¡°Male toy?¡± Xu Qing replied.


    The captain instantly relaxed and sighed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make a bet. Whoever loses will dress up!¡± As he spoke, the captain looked around and suddenly looked at the sea. There was a sea snake swimming rapidly there. It seemed to be lacking in intelligence as it looked fiercely at the ship they were on with hostility.


    ¡°Whoever kills it first will win!¡± Almost as soon as the captain finished speaking, he attacked. His life fires were ignited and an astonishing cold air erupted. At the same time, it froze the surroundings and enveloped Xu Qing. His body swayed and he headed straight for the sea.


    At the same time, a huge palm formed on the sea and grabbed fiercely at the sea snake.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and the Golden Crow behind him let out a cry. As the flames erupted, it ignored the captain¡¯s cold air and also rushed out. With a wave of his hand, a large hand formed on the sea. Its target wasn¡¯t the sea snake but the captain¡¯s divine power spell.


    The two large hands collided. Xu Qing directly collided with the captain in mid-air. In an instant, a monstrous sound resounded in all directions. The black iron stick which had moved at the same time was about to approach the sea snake.


    At the next instant, the cold air in the surroundings suddenly soared and formed ice in the blink of an eye, sealing the black iron stick. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s expression changed as he couldn¡¯t even move.


    Ice appeared around the sea snake as well. Just as the sea snake was about to be sealed, the Golden Crow let out a cry and a sea of fire rose. As the Golden Crow charged forward, the ice melted.


    As for Xu Qing, with a wave of his hand, the heavenly saber slashed down. He lit the life lantern and punched out with much faster speed than before due to the enhancement from Golden Crow Refines All Life.


    This punch formed a shocking force that directly created a vortex in the void in front of him. As it devoured everything, a wisp of corpse poison spread out!


    The captain¡¯s eyes narrowed and he performed a series of hand seals. The explosion sent the captain a few steps back. Xu Qing then rushed over without slowing down.


    ¡°How long has it been? How could you have changed so much? Your physical strength has already reached this level. Coupled with the Mystic Brilliance Form, this is comparable to three fires! Also, what¡¯s wrong with this corpse poison? It resembles the Sea Corpse Race more than me? An emperor-level cultivation art is really a bully.¡±


    A hint of madness appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes. In order to make Xu Qing disguise as the third princess and protect his face, he made a decision. His eyes suddenly let out golden light.


    Under this light, one could see a rhombus-shaped golden rune flickering in his eyes. An aura that surpassed two fires erupted from his body!

 Chapter 258 - 258 Enchanting Beauty

    258 Enchanting Beauty


    The second seal, unlocked!


    The identity of the captain was a mystery. Xu Qing had many guesses about it, and had even wondered if the other party was the first highness of the Seventh Peak.


    However, to Xu Qing, these guesses only surfaced in his mind occasionally and weren¡¯t very important. This was because no matter who the other party was, it wouldn¡¯t affect the subtle relationship between them.


    For example, at this moment, when he saw the captain¡¯s aura rising suddenly, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes also revealed a ferocious glint. He didn¡¯t want to lose either. In fact, he really wanted to see the captain dress up as the third princess.


    Almost at the instant the captain erupted, the life lantern in Xu Qing¡¯s body burned even more intensely. At the next instant, the two of them came into contact again.


    A rumbling sound erupted into the sky. The captain, who had unlocked the seal, emitted a golden light from his entire body. This light gave Xu Qing the feeling of divinity but it was a little different.


    Divinity was holy, but the light from the captain carried a strong sense of dominance, as though it could suppress everything.


    The captain waved his hand, and a sea of golden light transformed into a large hand that suppressed Xu Qing.


    ¡°You will be the third princess!¡± The captain roared.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled violently and he kept retreating. Under the envelopment of the sea of light, he could sense the madness and extreme domineeringness of it, causing him to almost suffocate. Even the circulation of his cultivation was affected and the life fires in his body swayed intensely.


    From afar, Xu Qing¡¯s figure was less than one hundredth of the large hand formed by the golden light. Under the pressure of the large hand, his body was pressed toward the sea.


    This strength surpassed two fires in Xu Qing¡¯s perception. In fact, his speed was not enough to dodge the large hand. Only the power of three fires could do it!


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed and battle intent flickered in them. The veins on his forehead bulged as he waved his hands fiercely. Immediately, a cry rang out in all directions from behind him and black flames surged into the sky. The Golden Crow inside danced out and circled Xu Qing before roaring at the sky, suddenly overlapping with Xu Qing.


    The Golden Crow¡¯s body overlapped with Xu Qing¡¯s body, covering the purple Daoist robe. It seemed to have transformed into an emperor¡¯s robe formed by feathers. Although this emperor¡¯s robe was a little illusory, it still emitted a noble aura.


    The Golden Crow¡¯s head transformed into a crown and floated above Xu Qing¡¯s head, brewing the aura of a supreme being.


    There was also the Golden Crow¡¯s phoenix tail, which became streamers on Xu Qing¡¯s body. The black sea of fire emitted by the phoenix tail transformed into a cloak behind him.


    From afar, the current Xu Qing, coupled with his handsome face, looked like a young emperor.


    In fact, he even had a faint resemblance to the Golden Crow Emperor he had seen in the dragon carriage.


    Even the captain was shocked by this scene. Xu Qing was expressionless and his gaze was dignified. He clenched his right hand into a fist and punched out at the huge palm above!


    This punch fused with the power from his life lantern and life fire. It used his battle intent and ferocity and also fused with the violent body of Golden Crow Refines All Life art. This punch was currently his most powerful attack.


    The world trembled and rumbling sounds rang out in all directions. This fist formed a phantom which grew larger and larger. Finally, it was on par with the large hand, and also emitted a domineering aura!


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s domineeringness was the disdain of an emperor, while the captain¡¯s domineeringness was the madness of the wilderness.


    When they collided, the sound resulting from the collision was deafening. An astonishing impact exploded where the fist and palm collided.


    Xu Qing spat out a mouthful of blood and his body rolled back. He couldn¡¯t maintain the emperor body formed by Golden Crow Refines All Life. His right fist was in intense pain and his arm was dislocated.


    The captain also spat out a mouthful of blood and his body lost control as he was thrown back. The rhombus-shaped rune in his eyes flickered a few times and dimmed. His right hand also felt intense pain and his wrist fractured.


    While being forced back, Xu Qing pressed down on his right arm, ruthlessly pushing it up. With a clicking sound, the dislocated part returned to its original position.


    The captain waved his left hand and a golden light flashed. His fractured wrist was frozen by the golden light and healed at a speed visible to the naked eye. He endured the pain and spoke calmly without revealing anything on his face.


    ¡°Kid, you¡¯re not bad. You¡¯re already comparable to 10% of my strength. Continue to work hard. Also¡­ you lost.¡± As he spoke, the captain looked at the surface of the sea.


    At that moment, on the surface of the sea, the sea snake that the two of them had bet on was grabbed by a tentacle that suddenly stretched out from the void and dragged out of the sea.


    The captain¡¯s expression was filled with smugness. He looked at Xu Qing and was about to say something when a strange glint appeared in the snake¡¯s eyes. It suddenly opened its mouth and bit at its own neck.


    The bite force was so great that not only did it use its full strength, but it also exhausted its potential. With a cracking sound, it bit through its neck but the snake wasn¡¯t dead. The strange glint in its eyes grew even stronger and it actually began to eat its body.


    The flesh swallowed by the snake¡¯s mouth spilled out from its broken body. It was a shocking and terrifying sight.


    The captain was stunned. Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Captain, I won.¡±


    After saying that, the snake head trembled as though it had lost some support and fell into the sea. As for Xu Qing¡¯s shadow, it silently returned.


    At the same time, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor finally broke the seal.


    After he returned, he locked onto the captain in anger and embarrassment. He felt that he had embarrassed himself just now and was worried that this matter would make Demon Xu think that he was trash.


    This was especially so since the shadow had clearly made a great contribution this time.


    The captain stared blankly at the half of the sea snake that had landed on the surface of the sea before looking at Xu Qing. His expression was a little awkward as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Junior Brother, let¡¯s discuss¡­¡±


    ¡°You lost.¡±


    ¡°Eh, your spirit ticket seems to have dropped again.¡±


    ¡°You lost.¡±


    ¡°I know, but I suddenly have a better idea. I think¡­¡±


    ¡°You, lost!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was serious as he spoke word by word.


    After saying that, he thought about it and put on a surprised expression. It was as though the captain¡¯s lack of cooperation made him feel that it was a little unbelievable. After all, he had to admit defeat after losing a bet. This was as natural as repaying a debt.


    The captain¡¯s breathing was hurried and his eyes were a little red. After a long time, he gritted his teeth fiercely.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just pretending to be the third princess? What¡¯s the big deal? Just you wait!¡± The captain¡¯s eyes revealed determination as he turned and headed to the cabin of the ship.


    Xu Qing waited with intense anticipation. He also landed on the ship and looked at the door of the cabin.


    Time slowly passed. An hour later, when Xu Qing was feeling a little impatient, the door of the cabin slowly opened. A charming and graceful figure walked out with large strides.


    It was the third princess.


    At the start, the third princess¡¯ footsteps were still calm. However, after she completely walked out, her delicate face glanced at Xu Qing bitterly as she saw the strange expression on Xu Qing¡¯s face.


    The third princess suppressed her frustration and walked over with a cold snort. She lifted her skirt, revealing two thick thighs. After squatting at the side, she took out a large apple and took a big bite.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡±


    The captain¡¯s disguise could be considered perfect and he looked extremely pretty. No matter how Xu Qing looked at him, he couldn¡¯t see anything wrong. The only thing was the captain¡¯s legs had a lot of hair.


    However, that small face with bright eyes and white teeth, as well as her slender jade-like hands, were imitated to perfection. Even the female disciples in the sect would be envious if they saw the captain now.


    This intrigued Xu Qing and he was somewhat curious about how the captain did it. After being sized up for a long time, the captain felt a little annoyed and embarrassed. He stretched out his soft hand to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Give me the storage bag.¡±


    Xu Qing had taken away the third princess¡¯ storage bag earlier. He took it out and poured the items on the ground. Immediately, a large number of items fell out and piled up like a small mountain.


    Most of them were clothes. As for the spirit stones, there weren¡¯t many but there were some black stones that emitted dense anomalous substances. Xu Qing also saw many crystal bottles the size of a finger.


    Each of them had a black pearl with runes. It was the item that the third princess had thrown and had blasted his magic ship¡¯s outer shell.


    ¡°So many?¡± Xu Qing took one out and checked it before looking at the captain.


    ¡°This item is called Candle Yin Lightning. It¡¯s a one-time-use magic artifact unique to the Sea Corpse Race and is rarely seen in other territories because only experts of Sea Corpse Race can refine it. Its value depends on its strength.¡± The captain rummaged through the items as he spoke.


    ¡°The might of the Candle Yin Lightning refined by different Sea Corpse Race members is different. There was once a Candle Yin Lightning refined by the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s ancestor that was comparable to a Nascent Soul attack. A few years ago, it was auctioned in Purple Earth and sold at a high price. This lightning is strange. Its might can increase after nurturing it with blood, and it is more lethal to people whose blood were used to nurture it.¡±


    As he spoke, the captain took out some tokens and spoke proudly.


    ¡°I paid a huge amount to buy this profound disguise technique. Not only can it copy the target race¡¯s aura, but it can also perfectly imitate the target¡¯s energy fluctuations. I¡¯ve been eyeing this third princess for a long time and have understood her completely.¡±


    ¡°Next, we¡¯ll head to the Sea Corpse Race. As long as we aren¡¯t trapped there for a long time or encounter a Golden Core expert who is going all out to investigate, we won¡¯t be exposed at all.¡±


    As he spoke, the captain glanced at Xu Qing and took out a white robe, tossing it over. At the same time, he also handed him a small bottle.


    ¡°Put it on. Open the small bottle and place it on your body. Corpse poison will spread out from it. It can hide your aura and form some changes to your appearance.¡±


    Xu Qing wore the robe and opened the bottle before putting it in his pocket. His aura instantly changed and he faintly emitted corpse poison. His appearance also became withered. He looked no different from the Sea Corpse Race in terms of aura and appearance.


    Xu Qing knew that this small bottle that caused such changes to his body couldn¡¯t be made by ordinary cultivators. This allowed him to have a certain understanding of the captain¡¯s various unorthodox methods.


    ¡°You will be my Dao Protector and escort me back to the Sea Corpse Race. We have to get into character from now on. We can¡¯t reveal any flaws. Do you agree?¡± The captain said solemnly.


    Xu Qing nodded. He felt that what the captain said made sense.


    Seeing Xu Qing nod, the captain coughed and stretched, revealing his graceful waist. After that, he elegantly sat at the side and stretched out his long-haired leg. As he ate the apple, he swayed his leg and spoke lazily.


    ¡°Come, Little Qing, massage my legs.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and took out some poison powder from his storage bag, and was about to put them in his hands.


    The captain instantly retracted his leg and looked at Xu Qing with a solemn expression.


    ¡°I suddenly remembered that we should discuss the plan.¡±

 Chapter 259 - 259 Strange News in the Sea Corpse (1)

    259 Strange News in the Sea Corpse (1)


    In the sky, a black wooden ship was whistling forward, breaking through the clouds at an extremely fast speed. The air was torn apart, creating loud sounds.


    Its target was the island of the Sea Corpse Race that was ten days away from here.


    Through the nautical chart distributed during the Seven Blood Eyes War, Xu Qing knew that although that place was an island, its size actually far surpassed that of the islands of the merfolk race. Its size was about 10% of the Nanhuang Continent.


    On this black wooden ship, Xu Qing and the captain finally decided on a plan for this trip after many discussions.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be able to reach the Sea Corpse Race in ten days. Your plan is good, but it won¡¯t be a problem to carry it out in a few days. Why do I feel that you are quite eager?¡±


    On the black wooden ship, the captain looked at Xu Qing and asked suspiciously.


    The two of them had discussed the plan to infiltrate the Sea Corpse Race for a day. The reason why it took so long was because the captain actually didn¡¯t have a plan. His plan was to adapt to the situation after infiltrating the island.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t agree to such a plan.


    Hence, after some thought, he proposed a target: How could they enter the location of an ancestral corpse statue in the fastest way?


    With this target, the plan became simple. The fastest way was to be personally escorted by the cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race as soon as they entered the island.


    This way, they wouldn¡¯t waste any time.


    Xu Qing and the captain had already discussed how to accomplish this. That was to be injured!


    The third princess was heavily injured and barely managed to escape. Hence, the first thing she did was to recuperate. Her identity also determined that she would definitely be sent to the location of an ancestral corpse statue.


    After all, according to the information bought by the captain, other than being able to transform the dead into their race, the ancestral corpse statues also possessed astonishing healing effects.


    Hence, the captain¡¯s words of doubt from before.


    ¡°If an injury is formed just recently, outsiders will see through it at a glance. This won¡¯t be good.¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head. After glancing at the captain, he spoke again.


    ¡°I¡¯ll add some every day and in ten days, the new and old injuries combined will make the situation look more real!¡±


    The captain¡¯s suspicions didn¡¯t diminish. He looked at Xu Qing, wanting to infer something from his face. He wondered if Xu Qing was using this to take revenge.


    Xu Qing looked into the captain¡¯s eyes without dodging.


    Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the captain sighed. He recalled that he had taught Xu Qing this method, and now, even he couldn¡¯t tell if the latter was lying or not.


    However, he was a decisive person. He took out a dagger and stabbed himself in the stomach; blue blood flowed out and soaked his robe.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a small thing. What¡¯s the big deal?¡± The captain said nonchalantly and even took a bite of the apple.


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°Captain, self-inflicted wounds are different from injuries caused by others. For our plan, you will have to suffer a bit. Let me help you with this.¡±


    The captain stopped chewing on the apple and glared at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing looked into the captain¡¯s eyes seriously. After a moment of silence, the captain sighed and threw the dagger in his hand over, opening his arms wide.


    ¡°Come.¡±


    Xu Qing smiled slightly. After he walked closer with the dagger, he stabbed the captain¡¯s stomach. After that, he pulled it out and stabbed again. He felt an indescribable comfort as he did this.


    The captain¡¯s breathing was hurried as he endured the pain. Xu Qing pulled the dagger out and stabbed the captain¡¯s thigh. He then slammed the captain¡¯s chest with the power of Sea Transformation Art.


    The captain spat out a mouthful of blood and his face turned pale. Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop and continued to slash rapidly. Very soon, the captain¡¯s entire body was covered in blood. He looked extremely miserable and weak.


    ¡°Enough, enough, Xu Qing!!¡±


    Xu Qing stopped with some regret. His heart felt very relieved after slashing the captain. After he stopped, he looked at the captain¡¯s left leg and wondered if he should cut there tomorrow.


    Seeing that Xu Qing¡¯s gaze had landed on his leg, the captain¡¯s eyelids twitched. He looked Xu Qing up and down and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Deputy Xu, as a Dao Protector, your protectee, the princess, is injured so badly, but you¡¯re actually fine. This doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s smile froze.


    ¡°So, in order to complete our great plan, you will also have to suffer a bit. It¡¯s fine, I¡¯ll help you.¡± The captain¡¯s lips curled into a smile that was not a smile. His heart was filled with anticipation as he took the dagger back from Xu Qing and stabbed it fiercely into Xu Qing¡¯s thigh.


    Xu Qing wanted to dodge but he had to admit that what the captain said made sense. Hence, he took a deep breath and endured. He lifted his head and glanced at the captain, allowing the captain¡¯s blade to stab into his thigh.


    Xu Qing gritted his teeth fiercely.


    The captain leaped up excitedly and quickly stabbed him three times in the stomach. There was also a bloodstain on his neck and there were marks near many important organs on his body.


    Seeing that his flesh was badly mangled, Xu Qing suddenly took a step back and stared at the captain as he spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°Your right leg has many injuries but your left leg doesn¡¯t. This doesn¡¯t make sense.¡± As he spoke, Xu Qing waved his hand and a dagger appeared, piercing into the captain¡¯s left leg.


    The captain bared his teeth and stabbed Xu Qing again. Just like that, the two of them attacked each other¡­ After a long time, they both stopped and panted as they leaned against the handrail. They both looked to be severely injured.


    ¡°Xu Qing¡­ I don¡¯t think there¡¯s a need to be so injured every day. We have to escape when we¡¯re being chased, right?¡± the captain said weakly.

 Chapter 260 - 260 Strange News in the Sea Corpse (2)

    260 Strange News in the Sea Corpse (2)


    ¡°That¡¯s right. We can escape for seven to eight days before we are caught again.¡± Xu Qing nodded in agreement. He thought about it and asked.


    ¡°Also, after we enter the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory, once we¡¯re discovered by them and our identities are exposed, what plan do you have to escape?¡±


    When the captain heard this, he raised his brows and took out the half-eaten apple. He took a big bite and smiled proudly.


    ¡°Vice Captain Xu, regarding this problem, I have a plan to escape but you don¡¯t have to worry too much. When you risk your life, it needs to be a little stimulating to be satisfying, so take good care of yourself.¡±


    ¡°However, seeing that you¡¯re my subordinate, it¡¯s not like I can¡¯t tell you. However, this is my greatest secret. En, it¡¯s worth a million spirit stones!¡±


    Xu Qing cast a deep glance at the captain. The despicable expression on the other party¡¯s face caused Xu Qing to dispel the thought of selling him a disorder teleportation talisman.


    He felt that there was no need.


    The captain was surprised when he saw Xu Qing keep silent. He glanced at Xu Qing and felt that Xu Qing should have some means to escape. However, he felt that no matter what method the latter used, it wouldn¡¯t be as powerful as his.


    ¡®When the time comes and he needs my help, I¡¯ll obtain a million spirit stones.¡¯


    At the thought of this, the captain felt comfortable.


    Just like that, time flowed by and very soon, seven days passed. The ship was only three days away from the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory.


    Other than meditating on the ship, Xu Qing and the captain would communicate with each other. The captain wanted Xu Qing to be more natural, so he would tell him some things about the Sea Corpse Race.


    ¡°We¡¯re almost done talking about the Sea Corpse Race. Let me tell you about this third princess. This girl is also a pitiful person. In reality, she hates the Sea Corpse Race even more than the Seven Blood Eyes. That¡¯s why I told you earlier that she would help us.¡±


    The captain looked at his storage bag. Inside was the third princess of the Sea Corpse Race.


    ¡°This third princess was born in the human race. Her father¡¯s aptitude was astonishing. Back then, he was known as a heaven¡¯s chosen who had a chance of walking the path of the ancient kings and sovereigns.¡±


    ¡°However, he betrayed the race and voluntarily transformed into a Sea Corpse. After he transformed into a sea corpse, his cultivation rose rapidly. He was personally appointed as the Sea Corpse King of this generation by the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s ancestor.¡±


    ¡°This king of the Sea Corpse Race cultivates a special cultivation art of the Sea Corpse Race. It¡¯s called the Supreme Emotion Severing Art. He even cultivated it to the extreme and comprehended a domain called¡­ Forgotten Sorrow!


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious that everything was planned and prepared. Back then, when he betrayed his race, he took his wife and three daughters away and sealed them in the Sea Corpse Race territory, turning them into Dao Severing Spirits.¡±


    ¡°To put it simply, every time that king of the Sea Corpse Race severed his kin, it would cause his cultivation to break through a bottleneck. He killed his wife, eldest daughter, and second daughter many years ago in front of his youngest daughter, the third highness. The reason why she isn¡¯t dead is because that king hasn¡¯t reached another bottleneck.¡±


    ¡°This is also why I dragged her along. This girl looks silly but this was what she learned to protect herself since young. In fact, her hatred for her father has long reached an extreme and is much denser than our Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ hatred toward the Sea Corpse Race.¡±


    ¡°So, she has always liked to cause trouble. She just wants to seek death and be temporarily released. I reminded her not to cause trouble this time but it was still useless. This girl¡¯s desire to die has already seeped deep into her soul.¡±


    ¡°Actually, according to the information I bought, she has died seven to eight times over the years.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, half of her soul was extracted by her father and stored by his side. She can be recreated at any time, so even if she dies outside, it isn¡¯t a big issue.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed as he continued to listen to the captain.


    ¡°There¡¯s a sentence in the information I bought. It was once said by this king of the Sea Corpse Race. Listen well.¡±


    ¡°The mortal world has smudged the painting, the brush cannot draw off the fleeting years, and a sense of loneliness is left behind; how can the sorrow be forgotten?¡±


    These words echoed on the ship and an indescribable sadness spread in all directions.


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    In this world under the god¡¯s fragmented face, everyone had their own stories, and most of them were tragic.


    This action of killing one¡¯s relatives to attain the Dao seemed tragic but it was nothing considering what Xu Qing had seen since he was young. However, he still took out a healing medicinal pill and threw it to the captain.


    The captain was stunned and spoke in surprise.


    ¡°What are you doing? Are you saying that my injuries are serious and want me to use it to recover?¡±


    ¡°This is for the third princess,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    ¡°Little Qing, so there are times when you can be gentle.¡± The captain looked at Xu Qing with a spurious smile and sized the medicinal pill in his hand.


    ¡°Have you taken a fancy to the third princess? Are you really prepared to be her boy toy?¡±


    Xu Qing expressionlessly looked at the captain¡¯s despicable expression without speaking.


    ¡°Little Qing, are you looking at me or your beloved third princess? Aiya, if those female disciples in the sect find out, they¡¯ll probably cry.¡±


    The more the captain spoke, the happier he became. He put away the medicinal pill and took out a tangerine, peeling it and eating it.


    Seeing that Xu Qing was starting to frown, he wanted to continue but was interrupted by Xu Qing.


    ¡°Princess, we¡¯ll reach the Sea Corpse Race in three days. Some of your injuries are going to appear again.¡±


    The captain¡¯s words were stuck in his throat as Xu Qing walked toward him. He took out a dagger and stabbed the captain¡¯s stomach. The captain gritted his teeth and took a deep breath. He also took out a dagger and glared at Xu Qing.

 Chapter 261 - 261 Sea Corpse Strange News (3)

    261 Sea Corpse Strange News (3)


    ¡°You, my Dao Protector, will also need to suffer more injuries!¡±


    As he spoke, he wanted to stab Xu Qing but Xu Qing retreated.


    ¡°Princess, your cultivation is only at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm and your recovery speed is very slow. I¡¯ll protect you. Under the state of being chased all the way, your injuries are getting more and more serious and you can¡¯t heal yourself.¡±


    ¡°As a Foundation Building cultivator, my recovery speed is extremely good, so I don¡¯t need more injuries. That would be too fake.¡±


    The captain was stunned for a moment.


    Taking advantage of the captain¡¯s stunned state, Xu Qing went up and slashed again and again. In the end, the captain clutched his stomach and dodged, glaring at Xu Qing. However, facing Xu Qing¡¯s serious expression, he sighed.


    ¡°The princess and the Dao Protector are being chased, but it¡¯s impossible for us to not have time to rest, especially when we¡¯re about to reach the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory. The pursuers have some reservations, so they didn¡¯t chase after us.¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it and replied.


    ¡°Yes, but the closer we got to the clan¡¯s territory, the more serious the princess¡¯ old injuries became. She was on the verge of death, so she was sent to the forbidden area to recuperate immediately.¡±


    The captain had a bitter expression on his face as he looked at his injuries and then at Xu Qing. Under Xu Qing¡¯s serious expression, he let out a long sigh and closed his eyes.


    Xu Qing felt comfortable in his heart. He went over and stabbed the captain five more times, causing the captain to look extremely seriously injured and weak. Only then did he end this ¡®pursuit¡¯.


    Time slowly passed just like that. Very soon, three days passed. The black wooden ship they were on finally approached the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory.


    When the island continent of the Sea Corpse Race appeared in his sight, Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned solemn.


    He took a deep breath and checked his body. After confirming that there was nothing wrong, he was still worried, so he made the shadow emit the aura of the Sea Corpse Race.


    This way, Xu Qing was basically no different from the Sea Corpse Race.


    In fact, with Golden Crow Refines All Life, he himself could emit some of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s innate corpse poison. Under this concealment, his disguise could be said to be perfect.


    Although the captain didn¡¯t have these methods, he had clearly prepared for this for a long time. Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t worry about his exposure.


    ¡°I¡¯ve finally escaped¡­ I have returned home¡­¡±


    The captain was clutching his stomach and leaning against the railing weakly. The wind blew over and fluttered her blood-stained black hair, revealing that delicate and moving beautiful face under his beautiful hair.


    His pale skin and the complex look in his eyes made the captain no different from the real third princess. He even seemed to have grasped the third princess¡¯ thought process.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that Xu Qing had witnessed the captain¡¯s disguise and was familiar with it, it would be very difficult for him to recognize the captain right now.


    ¡°Thank you for protecting me.¡±


    The captain¡¯s body was on the verge of collapse and his voice was weak with a hint of gentleness.


    His hand that was holding onto the railing at the side was trembling. He was suppressing the seriousness of the injuries in his body with all his might, as though the slightest relaxation would cause all his injuries to act up and exterminate his life.


    There was an almost fatal wound on his chest that would have pierced through his heart had it deviated even a little bit. Even so, it still seemed to have injured his heart meridian.


    As for Xu Qing, his originally white Daoist robe was now dyed with blue blood. His pale appearance became even paler.


    His breathing was unstable, as though he was forcefully enduring his wounds. His most serious injury was on his neck, as though his windpipe had been slit before.


    Although he had recovered a little, he couldn¡¯t speak much. In fact, blood could even be seen seeping out from the edges of his robe.


    Facing the captain¡¯s words, Xu Qing was expressionless, as though he didn¡¯t have many emotions. He ignored his injuries and cupped his fists and bowed to the captain.


    At that moment, a powerful fluctuation swept over from ahead, instantly enveloping their ship.


    The ship they were on paused in the air.


    This powerful fluctuation wasn¡¯t emitted by a cultivator but by the power of the array formation!


    It was the protective array of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory.


    Now that it was war time, the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s array formation was activated permanently. While stopping all outsiders from entering, it could also allow speed up the arrangements of the Sea Corpse Race in their territories.


    Xu Qing knew this identification by the array formation was their first test in infiltrating the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory.


    However, Xu Qing and the captain were already prepared for this. As the array formation¡¯s power spread out, the captain¡¯s body emitted an energy fluctuation in response. It was the same for Xu Qing. He opened the small bottle and similarly, energy fluctuations spread out.


    The array formation quickly swept past them and acknowledged their identities.


    This scene made Xu Qing have a high opinion of the captain¡¯s preparations.


    He looked at the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s island continent below.


    This vast island that was like a continent had a completely different style from anything he had seen before.


    This place was the coastal area, and it was filled with huge vegetation that looked like lingzhi.


    However, they were black in color and emitted dense corpse poison along with astonishing pressure.


    Each of these black lingzhi was over a thousand feet long.


    At first glance, there were about a hundred of them in the coastal waters, spreading along the coastline.


    On each lingzhi, there were many berths built from bones.


    One could see a large number of coffin-like warships waiting to take off.


    Countless tentacles grew under these lingzhi, drooping on the ground and in the sea.

 Chapter 262 - 262 Sea Corpse Strange News (4)

    262 Sea Corpse Strange News (4)


    They were absorbing anomalous substances, and also spread ropes that connected to the boats floating on the sea.


    This place was clearly a port, and the entire coastline of the Sea Corpse Race seemed to be a port as well.


    The sky here was enveloped by thick dark clouds.


    There were teleportation arrays shining inside. Cultivators were teleporting out and returning at all times.


    Numerous battleships of the Sea Corpse Race and the figures of sea corpse cultivators filled the entire island.


    The sound of explosions and sonic booms could be heard frequently, but people¡¯s words were rare.


    The land was also black and was covered in huge lingzhi like the ones in the coastline. However, the color was a little different. Most of the lingzhi on the shore were red.


    Giant trees were common on this island.


    Those trees were rotting, emitting dense anomalous substances. Countless black butterflies moved between them.


    There were long rivers that were as red as blood.


    The entire world was like the land of the netherworld. While it was a shocking sight, there was also an indescribable terrifying pressure that spread in all directions.


    When Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s black wooden ship was frozen in the air above the sea, coffins immediately soared into the sky from the coastline below.


    They instantly got close to the ship and stood in the surroundings.


    A total of 16 old coffins surrounded the black wooden ship, seemingly in a formation.


    Streaks of black lightning spread out from them and connected with each other.


    Following that, a coffin in front of Xu Qing and the captain suddenly trembled. The lid opened and a sea corpse whose entire body was covered in black fog walked out.


    The appearance of this sea corpse was a little blurry due to the fog. One could only vaguely see their human appearance.


    After he walked out, his sharp gaze instantly landed on Xu Qing and the captain.


    The power fluctuations of a late-stage Foundation Building cultivator was being emitted by this sea corpse. He had not activated Mystic Brilliance Form, but the pressure formed by 90 magic apertures made Xu Qing¡¯s heart sink.


    This person was clearly the cultivator in charge of the port below. He had appeared because of Xu Qing and the captain.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and followed the etiquette of the Sea Corpse Race he had learned on the way to show his respect.


    This sea corpse cultivator swept his gaze across Xu Qing and the captain, before speaking to the captain in a deep voice.


    ¡°Greetings, Third Princess.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s my father?¡± The captain held the railing and asked coldly.


    ¡°The king is on the battlefield and hasn¡¯t returned.¡±


    ¡°So, you see me but don¡¯t kneel? Also, what¡¯s the meaning of this blockade!¡±


    The captain suddenly took out a black pearl and threw it at the sea corpse cultivator.


    The black pearl directly exploded on the sea corpse¡¯s body.


    The sea corpse cultivator¡¯s body shook but he wasn¡¯t injured at all. He expressionlessly glanced at the captain and lowered his head to kneel on one knee.


    This attack clearly strained the captain¡¯s injuries. He spat out a mouthful of blood but forcefully endured the pain.


    ¡°Escort me to the ancestral corpse statue land. I want to heal my injuries!¡±


    ¡°Before the king left, he instructed that if the princess returned, she should be directly sent to the palace and not allowed to go out.¡±


    Faced with the third princess¡¯ request, the three fires Foundation Building cultivator calmly replied. He then waved his right hand; immediately, all the coffins in the surroundings emitted the aura of a cultivator.


    At the same time, the black lightning bolts also connected to the black wooden ship and guided it forward.


    This scene wasn¡¯t out of Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s expectations, and their plan included solutions for it.


    The captain spat out a mouthful of blood. His feeble state and near death signs were clearly revealed. He looked at the three fires sea corpse cultivator and suddenly smiled sweetly.


    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s fine if I die in the palace. This way, after I revive, I¡¯ll have a reason to devour you and everyone in your team. It will be fun. Hurry up.¡±


    The captain, who was disguised as the third princess, had a sweet smile on his face that was very beautiful and innocent.


    However, the meaning behind his words was incomparably sinister.


    It was as though there was deep hidden resentment and madness slowly spreading out, causing the late-stage sea corpse Foundation Building cultivator to stop in his tracks.


    He knew the third princess¡¯ personality and understood that she was courting death by going out many times. He also knew that every time the third princess revived, the king would arrange for some of his people to be devoured by the third princess to speed up the revival process.


    He fell silent for a moment before looking at Xu Qing.


    ¡°You can scram now.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was cold and the corpse poison in his body spread out, forming an invisible storm in the surroundings. His voice was hoarse as he spoke.


    ¡°Trying to snatch my credit?¡±


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing finished speaking, a black coffin behind him suddenly opened and a sea corpse cultivator rushed out. The fluctuations of two balls of life fire erupted and their speed was so fast that they instantly neared Xu Qing.


    This female sea corpse was a merfolk when she was alive.


    The instant she got close to Xu Qing, she immediately tried to suppress him. Clearly, the late-stage Foundation Building sea corpse cultivator wanted to snatch Xu Qing¡¯s credit for escorting the princess back.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was cold. The instant the merfolk woman got close, he slammed his body back and collided with her.

 Chapter 263 - 263 Sea Corpse Strange News (5)

    263 Sea Corpse Strange News (5)


    Immediately after the collision, Xu Qing grabbed at the merfolk woman.


    The expression of the merfolk woman changed. Her mind was shaken by Xu Qing¡¯s physical strength and the life fires in her body swayed. She immediately retreated.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s speed was too fast. When he grabbed at her, a suction force seemed to spread out, causing the merfolk woman¡¯s movements to freeze.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing moved and arrived in front of the woman in the blink of an eye. His right hand pierced into her chest and grabbed her heart, squeezing it ruthlessly.


    Squelch! The heart of the merfolk sea corpse cultivator collapsed.


    Even though the Sea Corpse Race wasn¡¯t sensitive to pain, such injuries still made her let out a mournful cry. However, this female cultivator wasn¡¯t simple either. Her eyes were filled with ruthlessness as she bit at Xu Qing¡¯s neck.


    This was a commonly used method by the sea corpses.


    Her sharp teeth were about to touch Xu Qing, when Xu Qing sneered and smashed his head into the female cultivator¡¯s mouth.


    With a cracking sound, the woman¡¯s teeth collapsed and her face was badly mangled. An even more mournful cry rang out. Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned sinister as he also opened his mouth and bit down on the merfolk sea corpse¡¯s neck!


    This bite was extremely powerful, causing a portion of the merfolk sea corpse¡¯s neck to be instantly torn off.


    As he inhaled, dense anomalous substances crazily surged into Xu Qing¡¯s body from the merfolk sea corpse¡¯s body.


    The merfolk sea corpse wanted to struggle but Xu Qing had a tight grip on her. He held her down and continued to absorb her energy.


    The entire process only lasted for six to seven breaths of time before the female merfolk sea corpse¡¯s entire body was exhausted of anomalous substances. Her life fires were extinguished and her magic apertures dried up. Her entire person turned into a dried corpse and fell to the side. She wasn¡¯t dead and was still twitching.


    ¡°Ah, how fun. Why is this young lady deflated?¡±


    The captain smiled sweetly and walked unsteadily to the female merfolk sea corpse.


    Xu Qing turned and looked at the three fires Foundation Building sea corpse cultivator standing in the air.


    ¡°Let me swallow another nine. I can give you the credit.¡±


    There was still blue blood at the corner of Xu Qing¡¯s mouth. His gaze was cold and emotionless.


    However, his current appearance caused the expression of the three fires Foundation Building sea corpse to be a little solemn.


    The reason why he spoke like that earlier was not only to snatch the credit but also to probe.


    During this period of war, some disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes had used various methods to sneak in. Although they were all found out and killed, the princess¡¯ return might also be set up by the Seven Blood Eyes.


    If the other party had really left just now, he would have reported this matter and the other clansmen would naturally screen the person.


    However, now, he dispelled this thought. The array formation had confirmed the princess¡¯ identity. As for the clansman who escorted the princess back, not only had the array formation confirmed his identity, but the other party also devoured anomalous substances which was something only sea corpses dared to do.


    To be able to kill one of his two fires subordinates so easily, it meant that the other party wasn¡¯t far from breaking through to his level.


    He raised his hand and waved. The lightning on the 16 black coffins in the surroundings instantly dissipated and they fell down.


    ¡°Send the princess to the forbidden area of the Seventh Ancestral Corpse Statue!¡±


    After removing the blockade, the late-stage Foundation Building cultivator Race spoke.


    Immediately, a lingzhi on the ground started twisting and emitting a large amount of black fog. After this black fog squirmed and gathered, it formed a huge octopus.


    This octopus floated over. One of its tentacles wrapped around the black wooden ship while the other tentacles extended into the distance on the ground, bringing Xu Qing and the captain straight into the distance.


    Behind them, the three fires sea corpse cultivator lowered his head and respectfully saw them off. At the same time, he let out a low voice.


    ¡°Princess, it¡¯s my duty. Please don¡¯t mind my disrespect just now.¡±


    With that, the three fires sea corpse cultivator bit off one of his fingers and threw it forward.


    Immediately, the finger transformed into a dense corpse poison that spread to Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s ship, transforming into a mark that shone with black light.


    ¡°With this insignia, no one will disturb you on the way. Princess, please forgive me for my sins.¡±


    ¡°You can scram now,¡± the captain lightly said.


    ¡°Thank you, Princess.¡±


    The three fires Foundation Building cultivator thanked before leaving. He returned to the coastline and continued to guard against foreign enemies.


    Just like that, the ship Xu Qing and the captain were on was carried very quickly by the running octopus. It continued to approach the location of the Seventh Ancestral Corpse Statue.


    In reality, they had planned this as well.


    There were a total of nine ancestral corpse statues in the Sea Corpse Race. They were scattered in different areas and were heavily guarded. The location of the seventh ancestral corpse statue was relatively close to the sea and was somewhat far from the royal city, so it became the captain¡¯s first choice in his plan.


    Most importantly, according to the information bought by the captain, the Golden Core experts of the Sea Corpse Race who were guarding the Seventh Ancestral Corpse Statue were transferred to the battlefield because they were hard pressed in the front line.


    The one guarding it now only had the cultivation base of Perfected Foundation Building realm.


    Xu Qing was originally hesitant, but the captain guaranteed that there was nothing wrong with the information, so Xu Qing didn¡¯t question closely.


    As they moved forward and entered the inland, this world of the Sea Corpse Race was completely revealed to Xu Qing and the captain.


    The ground was pitch-black and covered in countless black grass. These grass contained astonishingly dense anomalous substances, causing this place to be no different from the forbidden zone Xu Qing had been to.

 Chapter 264 - 264 Sea Corpse Strange News (6)

    264 Sea Corpse Strange News (6)


    To the Sea Corpse Race, lands with such dense anomalous substances were naturally holy lands. However, to other cultivators who absorbed spirit energy, this place was equivalent to a poisonous land.


    Moreover, once they stayed here for too long and the anomalous substances in their bodies accumulated without control, the possibility of mutation would increase infinitely.


    However, the captain clearly had methods to ignore the poison of anomalous substances for a short period. Xu Qing didn¡¯t know why but he felt that there was a high chance that it had something to do with flesh with divinity.


    Clearly, the episode on Binding Island couldn¡¯t be the captain¡¯s first act of madness. He should have done crazy things many times.


    Xu Qing also saw that other than the black grass, blood-colored lingzhi, and withered tall trees, there were also blood-colored rivers.


    Although the sky was pitch-black, it didn¡¯t affect one¡¯s vision. There were many eyes in the clouds and these eyes were all red. Every time they opened, light would spread to the ground.


    As they opened and closed at different times, this land covered by the black sky always had light. Although the lighting was dim, it was enough for cultivators to observe their surroundings.


    As for what these eyes were, Xu Qing soon knew the answer.


    He saw an eye crawling out of the clouds, revealing the body of a large rotting fish. This fish had a tentacle on its head and an eye at the end of the tentacle.


    It couldn¡¯t be seen when it was closed but when it was opened, it emitted a light like a lantern.


    These fish were densely packed in the clouds in the sky of the Sea Corpse Race. They would occasionally sink and fly through the air, causing light to continuously spread out.


    This scene made Xu Qing feel very strange. At the same time, he also saw many sea corpses. The members of this race were from all kinds of races, most of which Xu Qing had never seen before.


    As they moved forward, Xu Qing also saw a scene that caused his mind to shake.


    It was a piece of land.


    All the lingzhi and giant trees on the ground had been cleared. When the octopus passed by the land, Xu Qing saw a large number of sea corpses digging on the ground.


    The portions that had been dug out looked like a palm. However, this palm was too big, a few thousand feet in size. It looked like the burial ground of an ancient giant.


    As the ground was dug up and the rotting flesh were revealed, Xu Qing noticed that more sea corpses gathered there. They were casting spells and performing some kind of ritual.


    When the ship Xu Qing was on left that area, an earth-shattering roar rang out. Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled as he turned his head and saw a huge hand that was ten thousand feet long stretching out from the ground, as though it wanted to grab at the sky.


    ¡°Revival!¡± Xu Qing drew in a deep breath.


    Other than that, there was a unique creature in the Sea Corpse Race. It was a butterfly with a ghost face.


    According to the captain¡¯s common knowledge classes, when Xu Qing saw these butterflies, he knew that these butterflies were called ghost dreams. It was rumored that these ghost dream butterflies were the true natives of this island continent.


    They were a race that had appeared here before the Sea Corpse Race. There were many of them on this island continent. As Xu Qing and the captain moved forward, ghost dream butterflies floated over and danced around them.


    This scene should have been a beautiful scene, but as the malevolent ghost faces on the butterflies¡¯ wings devoured the anomalous substances fiercely, the scene became sinister and strange.


    For some reason, many ghost dream butterflies gathered near Xu Qing. In fact, he could see even more of them coming toward him from afar.


    This caused Xu Qing to frown.


    ¡°My Dao Protector, why are you attracting bees and butterflies1?¡± Behind him, the captain coughed softly and spoke.

 Chapter 265 - 265 In the Enemy’s Lair

    265 In the Enemy¡¯s Lair


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain.


    He felt that the captain was too immersed in his role. If he wanted to speak, then speak properly. That soft cough that sounded like a moan made Xu Qing very uncomfortable.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. This was because he knew that although the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had been silent these few days and didn¡¯t appear, according to the other party¡¯s personality, he must have secretly recorded some scenes.


    These precious recordings should be useful in the future.


    As such, he cast a deep glance at the captain before turning his head and ignoring him.


    The captain raised his brows and was about to continue speaking when an energy fluctuation came from afar. The screening power of the array descended again and landed on the black wooden ship.


    The octopus trembled and crawled on the ground, allowing the array formation to sweep over. As for the ghost-faced butterflies, they quickly spread out. Xu Qing also looked down with a solemn expression. He saw a huge building in the distance.


    The design of this building was simple; there were two huge stone pillars that seemed to form a headless door. There was a black vortex inside that was rumbling and spinning, emitting red lightning that spread in all directions.


    Outside the door, there were many sea corpse cultivators sitting cross-legged on red lingzhi. There were men and women among them, some looked like humans and some had nonhuman bodies.


    At a rough glance, there were no less than a thousand of them and they guarded this place extremely tightly. Any existence who wanted to pass through this place and enter the vortex had to pass through them before.


    Moreover, there were clearly experts among them. A few gazes swept over, making Xu Qing feel danger.


    The power of the array formation spread out. As it swept through, the mark formed by the three fires Foundation Building cultivator on the black ship ¨C Xu Qing and the captain were on ¨C shone. After it resonated with the power of the array formation, the array formation fluctuations dissipated.


    Only then did the octopus get up again and carefully move forward. When it passed by many lingzhi, the sea corpse cultivators on them stood up and greeted the captain.


    ¡°Greetings, Third Princess.¡±


    ¡°Greetings, Third Princess.¡±


    Xu Qing looked calm but he was vigilant inwardly. With so many people staring at him, if he wasn¡¯t careful and revealed a flaw, all his previous efforts would be in vain.


    At the same time, the gathering of the senses of the sea corpse cultivators here caused the pressure here to be extremely great. Xu Qing clearly felt that the material in the small bottle in his pocket was evaporating even faster. If this continued, it would probably lose its effect before long.


    Even the captain was nervous no matter how well disguised he was. He took out many black pearls and played with them in his hand, revealing an impatient expression.


    When they were about to reach the giant stone pillar gate, and more and more gazes from the surroundings landed on him, the captain suddenly threw a black bead to the side.


    Boom! The auras of all the sea corpse cultivators in the surroundings fluctuated.


    ¡°Have you seen enough?¡±


    The captain¡¯s expression changed from impatience to a sweet smile. Although his pale face revealed extreme weakness, it was this weakness that made his smile seem more charming.


    The surrounding sea corpse cultivators fell silent and immediately lowered their heads.


    ¡°Help me in.¡± The captain smiled and walked to the front of the ship, raising his hand at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing really admired the captain¡¯s acting skills. He lowered his head and walked over. He held the captain¡¯s small hand and took a step forward, leaving the black wooden ship and the octopus below. They then rapidly approached the huge black vortex.


    Compared to this vortex, Xu Qing and the captain were like ants.


    The terrifying power emitted by the vortex caused Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s minds to shake.


    However, the two of them had mentally prepared themselves. They still continued to move at a moderate pace. When they were right in front of it, they looked at each other and stepped into the vortex at the same time without any hesitation.


    As they walked in, their minds shook. It was as though they had entered another space and appeared in a red world!


    The area of this world wasn¡¯t large. The ground was covered in a red liquid that was like a blood pool. There was a circle of stone pillars in the surroundings, and there were more than 70 of them.


    On each of them sat a cultivator of the Sea Corpse Race!


    Other than that, the most eye-catching thing in this world was a huge statue. This statue stood above the pool and its feet were submerged in the water. It was over 30,000 feet tall and looked like it could touch the sky.


    Its entire body was red and covered in spots. It looked like a human corpse that was roaring at the sky. Its hands were also placed very strangely.


    Its one hand was raised as though it wanted to grab at the sky, while the other hand was placed flat on its chest.


    A large number of tentacles grew on the statue¡¯s body. These tentacles spread in all directions like streamers and opened eyes appeared on them. If one took a closer look at those eyes, they would see that they reflected worlds.


    Different worlds were reflected in those eyes, causing the aura of this statue to be earth-shattering. The pressure shook the surroundings and seemed to resonate with all the Sea Corpse Race members here.


    It was as though these sea corpses were all transformed from the aura of this statue. This statue itself was their source.


    At the same time, the pressure here clearly surpassed that of the outside world by at least tens of times, causing the small bottle on Xu Qing¡¯s body to continue to evaporate.


    A crack appeared on the captain¡¯s face, as though his disguise was about to shatter. However, it was unknown how he did it, but the crack quickly healed. However, Xu Qing could sense some unstable fluctuations from the captain¡¯s body.


    Clearly, he too couldn¡¯t hold on for too long here.


    The two of them were shaken.


    This statue was the Seventh Ancestral Corpse Statue of the Sea Corpse Race.


    The appearance and size of the nine ancestral corpse statues of the Sea Corpse Race were different. This seventh one wasn¡¯t the largest or the strongest among them. However, as one of the Nine Ancestors, his status in the Sea Corpse Race was supreme.


    Even the Sea Corpse King had to bow respectfully every time he arrived.


    This was because these nine statues contained the secret of the birth of the Sea Corpse Race. The red pool under the statue produced the liquid by itself. The liquid inside was a necessity for the Sea Corpse Race to transform new clansmen, and was also holy liquid for healing.


    At this moment, there were dozens of sea corpse cultivators sitting cross-legged and recuperating in the red pool.


    The weakest among these people was at the level of two fires. There was also one with three fires who was injured. Clearly, he had returned from the front line.


    What really caused Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s minds to shake intensely was that on the left hand of the statue which was placed on its chest, there was a boy in a red robe sitting cross-legged!


    Xu Qing had seen this kid before in the Pearl Islands.


    The other party was none other than the Golden Core cultivator of the Sea Corpse Race who had walked toward the Pearl Islands back then!


    Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    The captain was also shocked. He responded with a bitter smile.


    Clearly, his information was wrong. Perhaps the previous guardian had been transferred and a new guardian had arrived.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He felt that he was too crazy to believe the captain, and come here with him.


    Not only were there tens of two fires here, but there were also a thousand cultivators outside. Moreover, there was a Golden Core cultivator who could slap him to death at such a close distance.


    Although the other party was meditating, Xu Qing could imagine that if the other party opened his eyes and took a closer look at them, he might be able to infer something. After all, the pressure here was already removing their concealment effects.


    Not to mention that this was the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory. It was possible for even more experts to appear at a slight disturbance¡­


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and suppressed the nervousness in his heart, transforming it into determination. He gritted his teeth fiercely. Since he was here, he had to get some benefits no matter what.


    At the same time, he also noticed the madness in the captain¡¯s eyes. The two of them looked at each other and walked forward at the same time.


    The pool was about a thousand feet away from where they were. As they walked, rotting corpse hands rose from the ground.


    These hands didn¡¯t coil around them. Instead, they were like steps to put the feet on. Xu Qing and the captain slowly approached the pool. When they arrived, not many sea corpse cultivators on the surrounding pillars opened their eyes.


    Only a few opened their eyes and swept their gazes across Xu Qing and the captain. After noticing the third princess, they retracted their gazes one after another.


    As for the Golden Core boy, he also didn¡¯t open his eyes.


    This caused Xu Qing to heave a sigh of relief inwardly. He saw the captain quickly stepping into the pool and finding a place close to the statue¡¯s feet. After he sat cross-legged, he would occasionally shift his position, wanting to completely touch the statue.


    Xu Qing also stepped into the pool. The instant he entered, he sensed a strange power stored in the pool. It wasn¡¯t spirit energy or anomalous substances.


    It was more like a pure nourishment that also contained soul power, causing the magic apertures in Xu Qing¡¯s body to tremble faintly just by walking in. This immediately allowed Xu Qing to confirm that this pool was indeed of great help in opening the magic apertures.


    He quickly sat down and swept his gaze across the surrounding sea corpse cultivators who were recuperating. He then carefully tried to absorb that power.


    Xu Qing knew that he couldn¡¯t open his magic apertures here. Otherwise, the fluctuations emitted would be too obvious and he would be discovered in an instant. Hence, the best method was to store this power.


    He would store enough energy in his body and open his magic apertures when he got out.


    How many magic apertures he could open depended on how much he could store here.


    Determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he circulated the cultivation base in his body. Immediately, traces of blood-colored energy flowed into his body from the pool and slowly gathered at his dantian.


    As soon as this red spirit liquid appeared in his dantian, it emitted a soul-stirring might, causing the magic apertures in Xu Qing¡¯s body that hadn¡¯t been opened to continue shaking.


    A strong desire rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    Xu Qing suppressed his breathing and carefully checked his surroundings before continuing to absorb. This feeling of stealing under the enemy¡¯s nose¡­


    It was very stimulating.

 Chapter 266 - 266 Something Happened...

    266 Something Happened¡­


    The place where the Seventh Ancestral Corpse Statue was located was very quiet.


    Usually, there were no intense energy fluctuations here, and the Sea Corpse Race didn¡¯t allow their clansmen to make a breakthrough near the statue.


    Hence, the silence here was like this all year round.


    Healing in there required qualifications. Unless one had a high status, only those who had made contributions to the race would be allowed to come to the blood pool under the statue to heal their injuries. This also caused there to be relatively few cultivators here.


    There were more people now because of the war. However, even so, the silence here was still as usual. No one dared to be disrespectful here.


    At the same time, there were few cases of outsiders infiltrating the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s holy land. After all, under layers of protection and with the screening of array formations, it was extremely difficult to break in.


    It wasn¡¯t that infiltration cases didn¡¯t exist. In the history of the Sea Corpse Race, such a thing had happened several times.


    In the past, the reason why people sneaked into this place wasn¡¯t to absorb the blood pool but for the ancestral statue itself.


    The nine ancestral statues of the Sea Corpse Race were made of special materials that were rarely seen in the world. It seemed that only these nine statues possessed them, so they attracted the curiosity and attention of many races.


    However, the material of these ancestral statues was extremely sturdy and even if a part of the statue was destroyed, it could quickly recover. In addition, not everyone could suppress the Sea Corpse Race, so the statues were preserved perfectly.


    Naturally, if the attacker¡¯s strength was astonishing, they could completely destroy the statue. However, most of those with powerful strength wouldn¡¯t infiltrate. They could rely on their strength to request the cooperation of the Sea Corpse Race.


    Moreover, once the material of these statues left the island of the Sea Corpse Race, they would turn into an ordinary item and lose their profundities.


    As time passed and after experiencing the exploration of the powerful races time and time again, these nine statues were finally ignored by others.


    Moreover, because the statues recovered on their own, they seemed to have never suffered any damage.


    There were rumors that the Sea Corpse Race originally had more than nine ancestral statues. It was just that the Sea Corpse Race could only preserve nine till now.


    However, no matter what, to the Sea Corpse Race, these statues were their holy items. Anyone who had designs on the holy items would be treated as their biggest enemy.


    Even if the infiltrators couldn¡¯t cause any damage to their holy items, it was still a humiliation in the eyes of the Sea Corpse Race.


    The most recent infiltration was a hundred years ago. At that time, the infiltrator was only at the Foundation Building realm. He used some unknown method to come here and absorb a large amount of spirit liquid before escaping alive.


    The Sea Corpse Race was furious and chased after the infiltrator for many years. However, that person was peerlessly talented. After escaping danger after danger, he was taken in as a son-in-law by a big shot. Only then did the Sea Corpse Race have no choice but to postpone this matter. However, they became even more vigilant after that.


    As for this Foundation Building cultivator back then, he had risen in the past hundred years and was¡­ Old Master Seventh of the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Today, the event that had happened in history was happening next to the Seventh Ancestral Corpse Statue.


    Xu Qing carefully absorbed the spirit liquid. The amount of blood-colored spirit liquid gathered in his body gradually increased and the aura it emitted that made his magic apertures covetous grew increasingly intense.


    However, the dangers in the surroundings and the Golden Core expert caused Xu Qing to be extremely careful.


    ¡°I can¡¯t be too greedy. Once my body is full, I¡¯ll leave this place.¡± Xu Qing warned himself. Seeing that no one noticed him, his absorption speed became even faster.


    In addition, at this moment, the shadow silently entered the pool. After the hundred eyes blinked at the same time, it took a sip with some curiosity. After that, all its eyes narrowed as though it was very intoxicated and quickly absorbed the liquid.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing secretly took out the black iron stick and placed it in the pool. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was clearly shaken. After absorbing a little, his eyes also lit up.


    ¡°Both of you can absorb it? Is this spirit liquid effective for everyone?¡±


    Xu Qing was surprised. After some thought, he secretly used Golden Crow Refines All Life. Immediately, the totemic tattoo imprinted on his back shone slightly under Xu Qing¡¯s control. A large amount of red liquid flowed into it.


    This scene caused Xu Qing to be very surprised.


    The captain quickly noticed his absorption speed. His eyes turned red with envy.


    Xu Qing¡¯s absorption speed was clearly faster than his. This made the captain feel embarrassed. Hence, after looking around and discovering that no one was paying attention, he took out a small bottle and placed it in the water before knocking it fiercely.


    Immediately, a large amount of blood-colored spirit liquid flowed into the bottle.


    This bottle was mysterious and could accommodate a lot. However, it was quickly filled. After the captain calmly kept it, he took out another one and began to store the liquid again.


    Just like that, he used item after item to store the liquid. His speed wasn¡¯t any slower than Xu Qing¡¯s.


    Xu Qing also sensed this scene. He glanced at the captain with a frown. The captain also looked at him with a provocative gaze.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He knew that his captain was a lunatic, so he wouldn¡¯t argue with a lunatic. At the same time, he continued to remind himself not to be greedy and just take enough. After he absorbed enough, and the shadow, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, or Golden Crow Refines All Life reached the limit, he would leave.


    However, the shadow, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, and himself hadn¡¯t absorbed enough yet. Xu Qing thought about it and slowly moved his body closer to the statue.


    He had already sensed that the closer he got to the statue, the better the quality of the blood-colored spirit liquid.


    As he moved closer to the statue, Xu Qing¡¯s heart was filled with surprise. He discovered that his absorption speed had increased even more. It was the same for his shadow. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was the most useless. He actually reached his limit soon after.


    Xu Qing glanced at the black iron stick unhappily. After he stored it, he thought inwardly.


    ¡®Mm, I¡¯ll leave when the shadow and I are full!¡¯


    After having this plan, Xu Qing continued to move slowly. Very soon, the time it took for an incense stick to burn passed and he silently arrived at the foot of the statue.


    At the same time, after the captain noticed Xu Qing¡¯s actions, he also moved toward the statue. Just like that, when Xu Qing arrived beside one of the statue¡¯s feet, the captain also arrived beside the statue¡¯s other foot.


    He felt that Xu Qing was a little too crazy. He had been sucking for so long but he still didn¡¯t leave.


    ¡®No, I can¡¯t be compared by my subordinate. Hehe, are you trying to compete with me in madness?¡¯ The captain muttered in his mind. He directly took out ten bottles and began to store the liquid.


    Xu Qing¡¯s brows rose immediately.


    ¡®The captain is too greedy. If this continues, we will be easily exposed. I can¡¯t stay here for too long. I just need enough. I can¡¯t be greedy!¡¯


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly and continued to absorb. After the time it took for half an incense stick to burn passed, he regretfully discovered that the blood-colored liquid in his body had been contained to the extreme and couldn¡¯t continue. Although his entire body looked normal, Xu Qing felt as though it was about to explode.


    At the same time, the shadow also sent emotions of satiety.


    Xu Qing sensed that his Golden Crow Refines All Life seemed to be able to accommodate more. Hence, he pressed his back against the statue.


    ¡®I can¡¯t be greedy. Shadow, iron stick, and I are all full. Only the golden crow is left¡­¡¯ Xu Qing muttered inwardly and quietly circulated Golden Crow Refines All Life. His back was pressing against the statue, so with this circulation, the power from both the statue and the pool instantly surged over.


    Vaguely, some ripples appeared on the surrounding water. Xu Qing¡¯s heart pounded as he hurriedly suppressed the speed of his absorption before the ripples dissipated.


    His heart raced as he slowly absorbed it.


    The captain¡¯s eyes widened as he looked at Xu Qing before lowering his head to look at the bottles around him. He gritted his teeth fiercely and took out another ten bottles to accelerate the storage.


    Time slowly passed. After the time it took for an incense stick to burn out¡­ Xu Qing¡¯s breathing suddenly became hurried. He felt that something was amiss.


    At that moment, he could sense that as he unleashed Golden Crow Refines All Life on the statue, other than a large amount of qi and blood power surging in, there was also a ball of undercurrents rapidly forming at the location he was pressed against the statue.


    This undercurrent existed in the statue¡¯s body. Outsiders couldn¡¯t see or sense it. Only when Xu Qing activated Golden Crow Refines All Life could he sense it. It gave him the feeling that he had gathered a large amount of impurities during the absorption .


    These impurities couldn¡¯t leave the statue and were blocked. Hence, they continued to gather and emitted fluctuations that caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to skip a beat.


    This fluctuation was extremely unstable. It would explode with a little stimulation.


    Xu Qing was horrified, especially since he could faintly sense that the power contained in this undercurrent was extremely terrifying. He felt that once it exploded, he would definitely be enveloped by it at such a close distance.


    Xu Qing felt an intense life-and-death crisis.


    ¡®Once this thing explodes, it will definitely cause other reactions in the statue¡­ It¡¯s too dangerous.¡¯ Xu Qing immediately became vigilant. He slowly restrained Golden Crow Refines All Life and carefully ended the devouring without stimulating the undercurrent substance.


    He sensed that after the undercurrent lost its suction force, it slowly floated up along the interior of the statue and became even more unstable.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and glanced at the Golden Core boy sitting cross-legged. He silently stood up and didn¡¯t dare to move too quickly. He suppressed the nervousness in his heart and walked out.


    Xu Qing¡¯s actions caused the captain to be stunned. When he looked at Xu Qing, Xu Qing gave him a signal with his eyes.


    The captain was a little hesitant as he stood up with eyes revealing a hint of conflict and unwillingness. He felt that what he had done this time wasn¡¯t satisfying at all. Moreover, the degree of madness was far inferior to that old fellow.


    He felt that it would be fine if no one noticed that he had infiltrated and left successfully.


    However, if someone discovered his identity, this would clearly be a huge loss.


    ¡®Since there¡¯s a high chance that I¡¯ll be discovered when I go out, of course I have to go big. When that old fellow finds out later, he¡¯ll have to admit that he¡¯s inferior!¡¯ After the captain thought about it, a hint of madness appeared in his eyes.


    When Xu Qing saw the madness in the captain¡¯s eyes, his heart skipped a beat. He knew that the situation wasn¡¯t good. Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate and sped up.


    The captain, who was panting heavily, suddenly laughed. He reached into his storage bag and took out a piece of flesh that was filled with the aura of divinity. As soon as this piece of flesh, astonishing energy fluctuations spread in the surroundings.


    Almost at the instant this fluctuation spread out, the captain put the flesh into his mouth. After he swallowed it, his entire body rumbled and erupted with a piercing golden light, causing all the sea corpse cultivators here to be awakened.


    The life fires in the captain¡¯s body were fully activated. His aura rumbled as he removed his seal. His entire person shone with a golden light and he pounced on the foot of the statue. He didn¡¯t care about the surrounding sea corpse cultivators or the Golden Core expert. He opened his mouth and bit fiercely at the toe of the Ancestral Corpse Statue!


    Crack!

 Chapter 267 - 267 Second Ball of Life Fire Formed!

    267 Second Ball of Life Fire Formed!


    ¡°Madness!!¡±


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, he drew in a deep breath as shock filled his expression.


    At that moment, he felt that the captain who had rushed toward Binding with bloodshot eyes was back.


    As the cracking sound echoed, the captain directly chewed off a small piece of the toe of the statue!


    There was a clear bite mark left on the toe.


    The material of this statue was special and it was very difficult to destroy. As for the captain, he had completely stimulated the divinity of the flesh of Binding in exchange for this bite.


    Before the statue could recover, the captain had already swallowed the small piece of stone in his mouth with reddened eyes.


    The surrounding sea corpse cultivators who were recuperating were all shocked by this sudden change and stood up one after another.


    The cultivators on the dozens of pillars also opened their eyes one after another and looked at the captain with intense emotions.


    At the same time, a terrifying Golden Core aura erupted from the palm on the ancestral corpse statue¡¯s chest.


    The Golden Core boy on it opened his eyes and looked down with a puzzled expression.


    He looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body rumbled and his mind shook.


    The Golden Core boy then looked at the captain. The captain¡¯s body trembled and he quickly retreated.


    The boy didn¡¯t bother with the retreating captain. His gaze landed on the statue¡¯s foot.


    He saw the bite mark there and a small piece that was missing.


    Although the statue was rapidly recovering, the bite mark was still very clear.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since an outsider barged in here. Interesting. How do the two of you want to die?¡±


    The Golden Core boy calmly spoke. Clearly, he didn¡¯t care much about such a small matter like two Foundation Building thieves. He just had to kill them. The pressure of his Golden Core spread out.


    Lightning rumbled and the surroundings trembled. It was as though there was a world-destroying power suppressing all living beings.


    However, just as he finished speaking and stood up, the expression of this seemingly calm Golden Core boy changed drastically. He abruptly turned his head to look at the statue at the side.


    An extremely unstable undercurrent was rapidly rising in the statue. It passed by the boy and surged toward the head of the statue. The instant the boy spoke, it arrived at the nose of the statue and gently knocked into the inner wall.


    An earth-shattering explosion that shook the entire forbidden area erupted from the nose of the statue!


    The forbidden area space trembled and even affected the outside world.


    Moreover, the explosive force was so great that it actually destroyed the nose of the statue instantly.


    It shattered into pieces and fell to the ground.


    The Golden Core boy was the closest. He bore the brunt of the impact and his entire body was blasted apart. Blood spurted out as he was sent tumbling back into the distant wall.


    Many Foundation Building cultivators of the Sea Corpse Race below were also affected and spat out blood. Their expressions were filled with horror and disbelief as they looked at the statue that had lost its nose.


    Following which, mad anger rose in the eyes of all the Sea Corpse Race members. The killing intent caused the weather in the entire forbidden area to change.


    A deafening roar rang out through the entire forbidden zone. It came from the mouth of the Golden Core boy who was blasted to the wall and was vomiting blood.


    ¡°What did you do!!!¡±


    His roar even suppressed the lightning rumbles, causing the place to buzz. All eyes were now focused on the captain.


    Killing intent surged into the sky!


    The bite the captain had taken earlier was just a small piece. However, the collapse of the statue¡¯s nose was completely different.


    Everyone knew about cause and effect.


    They had seen the person disguised as the third princess nibbling on the toe of the statue. After that, the nose of the statue exploded. This was clearly closely related!


    The captain was dumbfounded.


    At this moment, not to mention the Sea Corpse Race, even he felt that it was related to him. It should be that the bite he took caused some reaction, so the nose of the corpse ancestor statue exploded.


    ¡°But the distance is too far¡­¡±


    The captain¡¯s breathing was hurried. The instant the Golden Core roared angrily, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate to keep a piece of the statue¡¯s nose that had landed beside him. He then turned and rushed out.


    Right now, there wasn¡¯t much attention on him. Most of the anger was targeted toward the captain.


    The Golden Core boy roared angrily as he headed straight for the captain. Although he didn¡¯t have the time to pay attention or cared about Xu Qing, he wouldn¡¯t let him off either.


    ¡°Go and kill the other one!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes widened as he put away a piece of nose beside him. His speed erupted explosively and the seals in his body were undone one after another. He instantly went from two fires to three fires, before actually reaching the level of four fires. There was also monstrous divinity spreading out from his body as he escaped.


    Although he was fast, the Golden Core boy¡¯s speed was even faster. He caught up to him in the blink of an eye. The captain spat out some blood and used some unknown secret art to escape again.


    The Golden Core boy¡¯s eyes were bloodshot and filled with madness. Such a vile incident had happened while he was guarding. This was extremely humiliating for him and his killing intent toward the captain had already reached the extreme.


    Such an incident had not occurred in the Sea Corpse Race for many years now. It would be fine if the person who came was an unstoppable expert, but the infiltrators were only Foundation Building cultivators.


    The Golden Core boy¡¯s emotions fluctuated much more intensely when he discovered that¡­ the toes of the Ancestral Corpse Statue had recovered but the nose hadn¡¯t.


    ¡°Impossible. It only shattered a bit more, so it is taking a while!¡± The Golden Core boy was shaken. To the Sea Corpse Race, whether it could recover or not was two completely different things.


    If it could recover, although this matter was bad, as long as he killed the invaders, this matter would be resolved.


    At most, they would be more vigilant in the future.


    However, if it couldn¡¯t recover¡­


    The Golden Core boy didn¡¯t dare to continue his thoughts. He felt that it was impossible. The ancestral corpse statues of the Sea Corpse Race had been damaged and blasted open by others in the past. However, the statues had recovered in a few breaths of time.


    Even the much heavier destruction was restored in about fifteen minutes.


    ¡°So, this is impossible!¡± The Golden Core boy took a deep breath and couldn¡¯t help but take another look. However, there was still no change to the nose of the statue. This caused the uneasiness in his mind to transform into madness as he chased after the captain.


    He was fully focused on capturing the captain. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t be able to bear the terrifying consequences if the statue really couldn¡¯t recover from the damage.


    Due to the special material of the statue, if it really couldn¡¯t be recovered, this missing nose would never be fixed.


    In other words, no matter how many years it was in the future, as long as the members of the Sea Corpse Race used or saw this Seventh Ancestral Corpse Statue, they would feel that naked humiliation over and over again!


    If the other party had the ability to truly destroy this statue, then¡­ it was equivalent to having the ability to erase the future of the entire Sea Corpse Race!


    The impact of this matter was so great that it even surpassed the war with the Seven Blood Eyes.


    This Golden Core boy went completely crazy.


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s heart was pounding as he fled rapidly.


    Fortunately, the Golden Core boy¡¯s target wasn¡¯t him, so the sea corpse cultivators chasing after him were all Foundation Building cultivators.


    However, even so, it still caused Xu Qing to have no time to take a break. This was because there were more than 20 people who had activated their Mystic Brilliance Form to pursue him. Most of them were at the two fires level and there was even one at the three fires level!


    That three fires cultivator was an old man and he gave Xu Qing an extremely great pressure.


    The terrifying fluctuations coming from his body distorted his surroundings. Generally speaking, with three fires cultivation, he could catch up to a two fires cultivator in an instant. However, due to Xu Qing¡¯s physical strength and the activation of the life lantern, the three fires couldn¡¯t do so, but the distance between them was still rapidly closing at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    Once he was caught, Xu Qing knew very well that it would be difficult for him to deal with so many Foundation Building cultivators, especially since this wave would not be the end. The energy fluctuations here had already spread to the outside. There was no need to guess how furious the Sea Corpse Race would be.


    Even other Golden Core experts might appear.


    At the thought of such an outcome, Xu Qing¡¯s scalp went numb. This time, he was very clear that what he and the captain had done was a little too much.


    Moreover, he was in the forbidden area¡¯s space, so he couldn¡¯t use the disorder teleportation talisman. If he wanted to use it, he had to leave the forbidden area.


    ¡°I can only open my magic apertures!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were red. As he fled crazily, he knew that the only solution was to quickly open his magic apertures and form a second ball of life fire.


    Once the second ball of life fire was formed, coupled with his life lantern, it was equivalent to him possessing the power of three fires. In addition to the body refined by Golden Crow Refines All Life, Xu Qing was confident that he could suppress all three fires cultivators!


    He even felt that at that time, he should be able to break the concept that Foundation Building cultivators couldn¡¯t fight across realms. He would be able to cross realms to fight against four fires.


    With this thought in mind, Xu Qing mobilized the blood-colored spirit liquid that had filled his dantian and directed it toward his fiftieth magic aperture.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled as the fiftieth magic aperture instantly opened!


    With more magic power, Xu Qing¡¯s speed was even faster. However, he didn¡¯t stop opening the magic apertures. In the next breath, Xu Qing¡¯s body rumbled like thunder, the sound of which spread to his surroundings, causing the hearts of the pursuers behind him to tremble.


    The magic power fluctuations continued to spread from Xu Qing as his magic apertures opened.


    The 51st, 52nd, and 53rd magic apertures were blasted open one after the other.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. The blood-colored spirit liquid Xu Qing absorbed was still surging violently. In the blink of an eye, his 54th magic aperture was opened, and so was his 55th magic aperture.


    One aperture opened in each breath!


    Seven breaths later, the 56th magic aperture in Xu Qing¡¯s body opened!


    At the eighth breath, his 57th magic aperture was opened. The magic power in his entire body rumbled and his life fire burned even more exuberantly. His aura even formed a storm, causing the expressions of the sea corpse cultivators behind him to change.


    The expression of the three fires sea corpse cultivator changed drastically and he shuddered as he looked at Xu Qing who was fleeing.


    Seeing that just the opening of the magic apertures of the fleeing cultivator formed such a terrifying pressure, he gritted his teeth and activated a secret art. His speed was boosted, causing everything in the surroundings to slow down in front of his eyes as he rapidly approached Xu Qing.


    ¡°Die!¡±


    At this critical moment, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes turned red. He couldn¡¯t care less and used his physical strength as support to erupt all the red spirit liquid in his body in an instant!


    ¡°Open, open!!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed madness. In the blink of an eye, shocking explosions rang out in his body. The 58th magic aperture, 59th magic aperture, and 60th magic aperture were all opened!


    The spirit liquid continued to rampage until it opened his 65th magic aperture!


    ¡°Life fire!¡± Xu Qing shouted with bloodshot eyes. Countless threads rose from the 31st to the 60th magic aperture and rapidly gathered in his body. As the flames on Xu Qing¡¯s body erupted, there was a whooshing sound.


    The second ball of life fire illuminated the Heavenly Palace!

 Chapter 268 - 268 Divine Might of the Two Fires

    268 Divine Might of the Two Fires


    In Xu Qing¡¯s body, the 65 magic apertures transformed into 65 vortices that continued to spin while producing rumbling sounds!


    The appearance of the second ball of life fire was even more dazzling. It reflected the light of the first ball of life fire in his dantian, causing the light to reveal the Heavenly Palace more clearly.


    At the same time, the burning of the 65 magic apertures also provided Xu Qing with a terrifying power, causing the two balls of life fire to transform into a sea of fire. When it spread out, the air around Xu Qing distorted as an indescribably high temperature erupted around him.


    All of this caused Xu Qing to feel that it was a continent burning inside his body, not a volcano!


    Among the sea corpse cultivators chasing after him, a few of the two fires cultivators who were more heavily injured let out miserable cries the moment Xu Qing¡¯s second ball of life fire erupted.


    They were fully focused on Xu Qing earlier, so the light from the life fire burned their eyes directly. Blood trickled down their eyes.


    Even the recovered two fires cultivators felt their minds shake. The cultivation bases in their bodies fluctuated and their life fires showed signs of extinguishing under this crushing force.


    As for the three fires cultivator, waves of emotions were surging in his mind before turning into horror. He slowed down involuntarily.


    One ball of life fire was the early-stage Foundation Building realm, and two balls of life fire meant the mid-stage Foundation Building realm!


    At this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation base instantly stepped into a new stage as the second ball of life fire was formed, advancing to the mid-stage Foundation Building realm!


    Although it looked like a breakthrough of a small realm, in the world of the Wanggu Continent, the difference between the different realms of cultivation was like heaven and earth.


    It was fine in Qi Condensation. Once one reached Foundation Building, this difference was extremely obvious.


    A cultivator with the Mystic Brilliance Form could easily kill a cultivator without the Mystic Brilliance Form.


    It was the same between two fires and one fire.


    As for Xu Qing, because of the existence of the life lantern, his two fires¡¯ combat strength was no different from the late-stage Foundation Building with three fires. In addition, his emperor-level cultivation art, Golden Crow Refines All Life, allowed Xu Qing¡¯s improvement at this instant to be earth-shattering!


    At that moment, flames raged all over his body. As everything in the surroundings distorted, the pressure from his body spread in all directions.


    Most of the pursuers behind him stopped. The instant the three fires cultivator took a deep breath and wasn¡¯t willing to chase anymore, Xu Qing suddenly turned around with deep killing intent.


    His speed was so fast that he couldn¡¯t be seen by the two fires cultivators at all. The three fires cultivator felt his hair rising on their ends because even he could barely see Xu Qing¡¯s figure.


    However, as a late-stage Foundation Building cultivator, he had plenty of combat experience. At the critical moment, he bit the tip of his tongue and spat out a mouthful of blue blood as he decisively chose to burn his magic apertures!


    As a heaven chosen with some renown in the Sea Corpse Race, he had opened a total of 92 magic apertures. These 92 magic apertures erupted at the same time to stimulate his three flames to burn even more vigorously.


    However, his expression still changed drastically.


    This was because in this state, he could clearly see some of Xu Qing¡¯s movements and also saw that Xu Qing¡¯s target wasn¡¯t him but¡­ the sea corpse cultivators behind him.


    With strength comparable to three fires and physical body refined by Golden Crow Refines All Life, Xu Qing¡¯s speed had already reached the limit of what a Foundation Building cultivator could unleash. He directly appeared in front of an injured two fires sea corpse cultivator.


    He directly slammed into the latter.


    The body of the two fires sea corpse cultivator collapsed like a fragile paper. As flesh and brain matter splattered everywhere, Xu Qing had already arrived in front of another two fires sea corpse cultivator and rammed into him!


    After that, the third, fourth, fifth!


    He lifted his right hand, and a fire dagger appeared. When he moved past a two fires cultivator, the dagger had already slashed across the neck!


    The head flew up!


    Blood spurted out!


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor controlled the black iron stick and erupted with shocking lightning that headed straight for the other Foundation Building cultivators. There was also the shadow that had already spread out and formed a domain.


    A large number of eyes formed on the ground and a large amount of the anomalous substances in the bodies of the sea corpse cultivators in the range were lost.


    The entire process only lasted for seven to eight breaths of time, before half of the dozens of sea corpse cultivators either had their bodies explode or their heads flew up!


    The faces of the surviving Sea Corpse Race members revealed clear horror. They retreated without any hesitation.


    However, at the next instant, a cry rang out. The Golden Crow appeared behind Xu Qing and coldly looked around before flying out from Xu Qing¡¯s side. Its powerful tail flames transformed into iron chains that headed straight for everyone.


    Xu Qing attacked again. Although he hadn¡¯t rushed out of the forbidden area and could be in danger at any moment, since he made a move, he instinctively wanted to kill all of them. At that moment, he stomped fiercely on the ground.


    His powerful body shot forward at an even more terrifying speed as he rushed toward the three fires Foundation Building cultivator who was already retreating.


    The pupils of the three fires Foundation Building cultivator contracted and he knew that he couldn¡¯t dodge. Hence, his expression turned into one of malevolence and madness. He decided not to retreat anymore and waved his hands in front of him. Immediately, the 92 magic apertures in his body erupted again. In fact, he directly exploded two of his magic apertures!


    With the help of the power from the destruction of two magic apertures, his strength soared again. He charged fiercely toward Xu Qing.


    White bone hands stretched out crazily from the ground and the surrounding void, and rapidly coiled around Xu Qing.


    There were so many skeletal hands that they formed a small sea of bones. The three fires Foundation Building cultivator didn¡¯t stop as he spat out another mouthful of blue blood.


    As soon as the blood appeared, it transformed into a blue flying sword with astonishing baleful aura and monstrous might that caused the surroundings to shake. It immediately locked onto Xu Qing.


    The three fires Foundation Building cultivator performed another hand seals and slapped his chest; his body turned blurry and overlapping shadows appeared. They split into four identical bodies that headed straight for Xu Qing from four directions.


    ¡°Die!¡±


    Xu Qing let out a cold snort. With a wave of his hand, the flames in his body erupted again, creating a violent impact when they came into contact with the bone hands in the surroundings. At the same time, he lifted his right hand and ruthlessly slammed down.


    Immediately, the heavenly saber appeared above his head. With his current cultivation base, it was much stronger and faster. In an instant, it collided with the incoming small blue sword.


    The instant they collided, Xu Qing fiercely punched to the side, colliding with a clone that was rushing over. The clone was sent rolling back and was spitting blood.. Xu Qing instantly caught up and kneed the clone with all his strength.


    The sound of bones and flesh collapsing rang out as half of the clone¡¯s body exploded.


    Xu Qing spat out a mouthful of black fiendish fire, forming a sea of fire that enveloped another clone of the three fires sea corpse cultivator.


    When a mournful cry spread from the sea of fire, the third clone had already approached. This clone¡¯s eyes were filled with madness. The moment it got close, its body instantly rotted on its own.


    After it melted at a speed visible to the naked eye, it condensed into a black nail that flew toward Xu Qing¡¯s head.


    ¡°Interesting.¡±


    A strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The three fires old man had many methods, especially this black nail. The trace of soul suppressing power from it caused Xu Qing to feel a little surprised. He immediately lifted his right hand and grabbed the nail.


    The nail struggled intensely, but it was useless.


    The void in the distance distorted and the true body of the three fires cultivator was revealed. He immediately turned to escape. However, the instant he retreated, his body suddenly paused.


    At the next moment, his eyes revealed horror but a sinister laugh came from his mouth. He quickly ran a few steps and arrived in front of Xu Qing. He knelt on one knee and handed over his storage bag. After that, he broke his neck.


    Popping sounds echoed from his body. Seeing that the magic apertures were exploding, Xu Qing spread the fiendish fire over the old man, absorbing his soul. The Golden Crow had cleaned up the enemies and returned happily, sucking at the three fires cultivator¡¯s blood.


    The three fires cultivator¡¯s body trembled and the fear in his eyes turned into despair. At the next instant, his soul was extracted and his body withered. The qi and blood in his entire body were refined into a drop which then entered the Golden Crow¡¯s mouth.


    The shadow also had a full meal and was satisfied.


    Only the black iron stick was a little disappointed. An intense sense of danger rose in the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s heart. No matter how he looked at it, he felt like he had become a little redundant.


    ¡®This can¡¯t go on!!¡¯


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor felt that if this continued, he would definitely not be able to escape the fate of becoming cannon fodder. He sensed the spirit liquid of the blood pool he had stored and decided to find a time to continue breaking through after they escaped.


    Both the shadow and the Golden Crow were gradually becoming stronger. That was the manifestation of the spirit liquid on their bodies. For example, the shadow could actually devour the shadow of a three fires cultivator now.


    The Golden Crow¡¯s abilities had clearly become even stronger. The enhancement it provided to Xu Qing¡¯s body was also continuing to increase.


    ¡°This trip was worth it!¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath and headed straight for the exit of the forbidden area. As he sped, he thought of the captain and sighed.


    ¡°To be chased by a Golden Core cultivator, the captain is indeed a ferocious person¡­¡± Xu Qing sighed. The danger was huge this time, but the captain had attracted most of the hatred. Otherwise, he felt that there would definitely be more people chasing after him now.


    He used all his strength to rush toward the exit. Just as he was about to reach the exit, Xu Qing¡¯s pupils contracted. Without waiting for instructions, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor entered the exit vortex to check out the situation first.


    The shadow had clearly recovered a lot of its intelligence and also spread out.


    A look of admiration appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Seeing the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and shadow rushing out, he also mentally prepared himself. The cultivation base in his body was fully brewing at this moment.


    At the next instant, after sensing the situation outside through the shadow, Xu Qing was stunned. A hint of contemplation appeared in his eyes. A few breaths later, he gritted his teeth fiercely and stepped into the exit.

 Chapter 269 - 269 Sea Corpse Races Dao Child

    269 Sea Corpse Race¡¯s Dao Child


    ¡°You¡¯re finally willing to come out?¡±


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing walked out of the vortex, he heard a voice coming from ahead.


    The other party¡¯s tone was calm and gave off no energy fluctuation.


    Xu Qing looked over. In reality, he had already seen the scene in front of him through the shadow earlier. However, now that he was seeing it with his own eyes, his heart still sank.


    There were originally more than a thousand Sea Corpse Race cultivators guarding this place. At this moment, these people were all kneeling from a distance.


    There was only one person outside the exit.


    This person was a youth. He wore a golden emperor¡¯s robe but he didn¡¯t have an emperor¡¯s crown. His skin was fair and there were no livor mortis spots. His aura was deep and profound and his eyes seemed to contain the stars.


    Appearance-wise, he was inferior to Xu Qing. However, the noble aura he emitted made him the center of attention wherever he was.


    He was sitting on a gigantic red lingzhi and coldly looking at Xu Qing. A ball of black fog floated beside him. The thing trapped in this fog was none other than the black iron stick.


    Clearly, the instant he rushed out earlier, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was captured alive by this person.


    As for the shadow, because it was special, it wasn¡¯t discovered. At that moment, it was hiding on the lingzhi and carefully spreading out, as though it wanted to get close and devour the other party¡¯s shadow.


    ¡°My name is Miao Chen. I¡¯m a Dao Child of this generation of the Sea Corpse Race. Your companion is being chased by Elder Ying Ling. It¡¯s impossible for him to escape.¡±


    ¡°As for you, I was very curious about who dared to be so arrogant here, so I came out of seclusion to take a look.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a little disappointed now, but your artifact spirit is still alright. Can you give it to me?¡± Miao Chen calmly asked.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He stood at the exit and sensed his surroundings. There was still some energy that restricted teleportation here. He had to head further out.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to watch anymore. Although I don¡¯t know how you plan to escape, it is meaningless because you will become my spoils of war today.¡± Miao Chen looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°You¡¯re very talkative.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the youth.


    When Miao Chen heard this, he stood up and laughed. His laughter grew louder and louder until it stirred up the energy in the surroundings, forming a resonance force that created a storm in the surroundings.


    This storm spread out, stirring up countless dust on the ground like an avalanche. It even swept the ghost dream butterflies out of this area.


    The violent wind stirred up Xu Qing¡¯s long hair and caused his clothes to flutter in the wind. It was as though the wind wanted to erase him but it was obvious that it couldn¡¯t do so.


    At most, it would only move his hair and clothes. It couldn¡¯t shake his body or obstruct his cold gaze.


    Xu Qing coldly glanced at the imposing youth in front of him and suddenly rushed out toward the youth.


    The life lantern in his body burned and his life fires were ignited. The Golden Crow totemic tattoo on his back emitted heat. With the enhancement of his physical strength, his speed was astonishing. He directly broke through all the wind obstacles in front of him and arrived in front of Miao Chen. He then punched out fiercely.


    This punch contained the shadow of the Golden Crow, the power of Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art, and the monstrous might brought about by his body that was like a blazing continent.


    As the punch landed, rumbling sounds rang out in all directions, directly smashing into Miao Chen¡¯s chest.


    Miao Chen¡¯s eyes were filled with disdain. Just as he was about to wave his hand, the lingzhi below him suddenly turned from red to black. One eye after another opened in this blackness.


    The opening and closing of these eyes formed a strange force that caused Miao Chen¡¯s movements to pause.


    At the same time, the black iron stick that the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was on suddenly shone with lightning runes. He directly destroyed a few lightning runes for more power.


    It broke through the black fog and rushed out, heading straight for the youth¡¯s neck at an astonishing speed. There was also a series of mind-stirring bell chimes that rang from the stick.


    Clearly, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had been trapped earlier because he had been laying out a trap of his own. It wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t escape, but he wanted to wait for Xu Qing to attack before showing his strength at the most critical moment.


    At that moment, when he acted together with the shadow and Xu Qing, his might was truly astonishing.


    Miao Chen¡¯s expression changed for the first time. He couldn¡¯t dodge Xu Qing¡¯s punch. At the critical moment, his body suddenly swayed and a palm-sized jade coffin instantly appeared above his head.


    As soon as the coffin appeared, treasure light shone and flowed down like water, permeating the surroundings of the youth, forming a protective barrier. Xu Qing¡¯s fist landed on this protective barrier.


    An earth-shattering boom echoed out. As Miao Chen¡¯s body rolled back like a kite with a broken string, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor chased after him and stabbed fiercely. Although he didn¡¯t pierce through the protective barrier, the lightning spread in and bombarded Miao Chen¡¯s entire body.


    The shadow also appeared behind Miao Chen. The tree shadow formed a blurry outline and opened its mouths to suck fiercely. Immediately, a lot of anomalous substances exited from Miao Chen¡¯s entire body.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Xu Qing rushed over again, punching out one punch after another at Miao Chen¡¯s protective barrier. The heavenly saber manifested and slashed ruthlessly.


    Miao Chen¡¯s body was thrown a thousand feet away and created a deep pit when he landed. The expressions of the kneeling sea corpse cultivators in the distance shook. Just as they were about to approach, a furious roar rang out from the deep pit.


    ¡°All of you, back off. I will handle this!¡±


    As this furious roar rang out, a ball of life fire fluctuations suddenly flickered from the deep pit. A figure walked out. His hair was disheveled and his eyes revealed intense killing intent. As he walked out, the second ball of life fire in his body was ignited.


    After that, the third ball of life fire and the fourth ball of life fire were instantly ignited.


    As a Dao Child of the Sea Corpse Race, he had opened 120 magic apertures, forming four balls of life fire.


    Such a heaven¡¯s chosen should usually be at the critical moment of breaking through. Coupled with his previous words, it could be seen that he was originally in closed-door cultivation. However, such a major event had happened in the Sea Corpse Race. Clearly, there weren¡¯t enough people left. Or perhaps it was because of his curiosity that he came.


    However, he didn¡¯t expect Xu Qing to combine his attacks with strange methods to suppress him immediately. This caused him to feel a little embarrassed, so he erupted in full force.


    The instant he erupted, Xu Qing¡¯s figure approached again. Under the burning of his life lantern, he possessed the cultivation of three fires. Coupled with Golden Crow Refines All Life, Xu Qing¡¯s true combat strength had reached four fires.


    He attacked again and suppressed the youth who walked out of the deep pit.


    As a Dao Child, Miao Chen was naturally extraordinary. With a wave of his hand, droplets of black liquid instantly formed around him. In the blink of an eye, they gathered into a black sea that swept fiercely toward Xu Qing.


    RUMBLE


    The churning black sea formed a large mouth that fiercely devoured Xu Qing.


    Killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes but he knew that he couldn¡¯t stay here for long. Hence, without any hesitation, the spirit sea in his 65 magic apertures erupted and directly spread out outside his body, forming a magic power pool with a range of 10,000 feet.


    Relying on his dense magic power, he ruthlessly suppressed the youth.


    The black sea formed by the youth¡¯s spell instantly collapsed. Xu Qing¡¯s magic power pool also dissipated. At the next instant, four fires burned ferociously in the youth¡¯s body and he suddenly appeared in front of Xu Qing, grabbing at his heart.


    Xu Qing dodged slightly then kneed the youth.


    At the next instant, the black iron stick whistled over from the side. All the lightning runes on it shone and another ten or so exploded. It suddenly appeared in front of Miao Chen and stabbed his neck.


    Miao Chen¡¯s expression changed. Just as he was about to dodge, the shadow pounced up from the ground again.


    Xu Qing also erupted with speed. The fiendish fire in his body rose as he slammed his palm toward Miao Chen¡¯s forehead.


    At this critical moment, Miao Chen let out a low roar. The power of the four balls of life fire in his body spread out with all their might, forming a powerful impact force and suppression of the cultivation base, causing the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to let out a blood-curdling cry and roll back. Xu Qing was also the first to receive the brunt of the force.. His internal organs shook and killing intent flashed in his eyes.


    The shadow was also scattered by this force, but there was still a wisp that touched the youth¡¯s body and infiltrated his body. It arrived at his dantian and pounced toward a ball of life fire like it had extinguished the Spirit Breath Lantern back then.


    As it pounced over, the ball of life fire instantly swayed and showed signs of extinguishing.


    The mind of the Dao Child shook violently. The life fires in his body erupted and even the Heavenly Palace faintly appeared to suppress the shadow as he tried to stop the life fire from being extinguished.


    He was not able to care about other things which gave Xu Qing a chance.


    The coldness in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes flared up at this moment. In such a life-and-death battle, he couldn¡¯t care less about exposing himself. The Golden Crow formed behind him and as black flames surged into the sky and pressed down on the Dao Child of the Sea Corpse Race.


    The Golden Crow behind him let out a shocking cry and also pounced over. The moment Miao Chen was aware of the danger, black flames covered him and sucked fiercely at his head!


    Refine!


    Xu Qing was prepared to use the opportunity exchanged by the shadow to refine the other party alive!


    The two of them attacked incomparably quickly. Outsiders couldn¡¯t see their movements clearly at all. The Sea Corpse Race¡¯s Dao Child seemed to be suppressed but he was actually extremely strong. Xu Qing had to use all his methods to obtain this decisive opportunity.


    When experts fought, being able to see and create the decisive opportunity was extremely important.


    Following the ruthlessness in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and the devouring by Golden Crow Refines All Life, the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s Dao Child let out a mournful cry. For the first time, horror appeared in his eyes. He clearly felt that his qi and blood were being extracted and his head was melting.


    This was indeed the case. From afar, the qi and blood of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s Dao Child were spreading out. And, his right face that was facing the Golden Crow was indeed melting!


    His right ear had disappeared and the right side of his face was completely disfigured!


    This scene caused the expressions of the sea corpse cultivators in the distance to change. They couldn¡¯t care less about the Dao Child¡¯s instructions and rushed over.

 Chapter 270 - 270 Slipping Away

    270 Slipping Away


    However, they were some distance away and couldn¡¯t arrive in time.


    At this critical moment, the Dao Child let out a low roar and took out that jade coffin again. The coffin opened; a sea of light spread from it and a finger stretched out.


    As soon as this finger appeared, it directly pointed in front of Xu Qing.


    An intense sense of danger rose in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. He retreated immediately without any hesitation. The Sea Corpse Race¡¯s Dao Child finally caught his breath and quickly retreated, trying to distance himself.


    However, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, who had suffered consecutively, was anxious at this moment. He saw that the shadow had made many contributions in this incident. This gave him a strong sense of urgency. He felt that if this continued, he would definitely be discarded.


    His eyes were bloodshot. He roared and didn¡¯t hesitate to sacrifice several lightning runes in exchange for extreme speed. His speed soared and he instantly pierced through the arm of the panicked Dao Child.


    Blood gushed out and the Dao Child¡¯s expression changed drastically. As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, he quickly retreated and returned excitedly.


    From afar, the two people on the battlefield were retreating. However, compared to the sorry state of the Dao Child, Xu Qing looked to be in a much better state.


    However, he wasn¡¯t arrogant. He was very clear that Miao Chen¡¯s combat strength was definitely not just these. It was just that he had snatched the initiative; his storm-like attacks, the strangeness of the shadow, and the strength of the body refined by Golden Crow Refines All Life caused Miao Chen to fall into danger almost instantly.


    Although it was a pity that he couldn¡¯t kill the other party, Xu Qing understood that he couldn¡¯t stay anymore.


    As he retreated, his speed erupted as he sped into the distance. The shadow and the black iron stick also got close and fled together.


    As for the sea corpse cultivators who had rushed over from the surroundings, more than half of them stayed with the Dao Child. The remaining portion was about to chase after Xu Qing but after taking a few steps, they spat out blood as the poison that Xu Qing had scattered took effect.


    Dao Child Miao Chen, who was also poisoned, was protected by the Sea Corpse Race cultivators. He angrily pushed away the surrounding sea corpse cultivators. His eyes were filled with killing intent and the grievance he felt reached the extreme.


    When he was alive, he was a heaven¡¯s chosen of the Spirit Jade Race. He sensed 120 magic apertures and transformed into a sea corpse after he died in an accident. He was also valued by the Sea Corpse Race and was listed in King¡¯s Sequence. Under their full nurturing, he finally stepped into the four fires realm.


    It could be said that regardless of whether it was the Spirit Jade or the Sea Corpse Race, he had never suffered such humiliation other than the time he died. The right side of his face was disfigured and his right ear had melted. This caused him, who cared a lot about the appearance, to be seething with madness and anger.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you!¡± The Dao Child touched the right side of his face. The fires in his body burned violently as he gave chase.


    Xu Qing, who was in the distance, turned his head and narrowed his eyes. Just as he was about to attack again, his expression changed.


    In the distant sky, three energy fluctuations erupted into the sky. The strength of these auras surpassed the Foundation Building realm. They were Golden Core experts of the Sea Corpse Race. There were a total of three of them who were rushing over from the horizon.


    Their energy fluctuations caused the weather itself to change. It was like the anger of the heavens, wanting to punish all living beings.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. The sense of danger spread out from every inch of his flesh. He didn¡¯t stop at all and circulated his cultivation base fully. He fled even faster and ran into the distance.


    At the same time, there was also an explosion behind him and a faint roar echoed through the area.


    ¡°Thief, I don¡¯t believe that a mere invisibility technique of yours can escape the search of my Sea Corpse Race!!¡±


    Xu Qing was familiar with this furious roar. It was none other than the Golden Core boy who had chased after the captain earlier. From his words, it was obvious that the captain had actually escaped from his pursuit.


    This caused Xu Qing to have more guesses about the captain¡¯s identity and cultivation base. At the same time, he became even more anxious. He was very clear that the captain was treated as the chief culprit and had attracted the attention of countless people. Once the captain wasn¡¯t found, he would be the target of all this attention.


    Xu Qing looked at the black iron stick.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor in the black iron stick didn¡¯t hesitate at all. At the next instant, another seven to eight lightning runes on the iron stick exploded in exchange for an even faster speed. He dragged Xu Qing and rushed forward with all his might.


    With the help of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, Xu Qing escaped much faster. In an instant, he crossed a thousand feet and directly stepped out of the edge of the forbidden area to the outside world.


    The Golden Core boy behind him roared angrily. When the divine senses of the Golden Core experts swept in all directions with terrifying fluctuations, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all to activate the disorder teleportation talisman.


    In the blink of an eye, Xu Qing¡¯s figure blurred. At the next moment, a cold snort rang out from the distant sky.


    It was a three-headed and six-armed sea corpse. His Golden Core energy fluctuation was extremely powerful, surpassing that of the Golden Core boy.


    From such a far distance, he pointed at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Restrict!¡±


    As soon as he spoke, the space around Xu Qing was sealed. However, the disorder teleportation talisman was an extremely powerful item. It ignored the restriction of the Golden Core and was still operating. In fact, the teleportation fluctuations had already formed and it was about to teleport Xu Qing away.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± The eyes of the Golden Core sea corpse cultivator in the distant sky narrowed. He quickly took out a bead and crushed it!


    ¡°Break!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the disorder teleportation talisman in Xu Qing¡¯s hand couldn¡¯t withstand it anymore. The bead seemed to have linked with the talisman; when it broke, the teleportation talisman was also destroyed. Xu Qing was enveloped by the divine ability from the Golden Core sea corpse cultivator.


    This force contained the intent to destroy everything, causing the flesh in Xu Qing¡¯s body to feel like they were about to tear apart and wither.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes turned bloodshot as he took out another disorder teleportation talisman and activated it.


    He had a total of three disorder teleportation talismans. He had used one of them on the dragon carriage and one of them had been broken earlier. Now, this was the last one.


    At the same time, his magic ship manifested to block the force. At the next instant, his magic ship collapsed and shattered into pieces. However, the trace of Blinding flesh inside still blocked the will of extermination, causing the attack that was supposed to kill him to turn into a serious injury.


    Xu Qing spat out a mouthful of blood as the bones in his body shattered. The life fires in his body were instantly extinguished and his entire body withered like it was rotting. He was also directly thrown up by this huge force. Many parts of his body collapsed and shattered. His soul was unstable as well.


    However, with this obstruction, his last disorder teleportation talisman was also exchanged for an opportunity to teleport. Although the Golden Core cultivator who was rapidly approaching attacked again, Xu Qing¡¯s disorder teleportation talisman was given to him by the Deputy Peak Lord of the Seventh Peak. It was an item refined by a Nascent Soul cultivator and had its own extraordinary points.


    At that moment, when he used it twice in a row and his figure was covered in blood, the teleportation power erupted explosively and Xu Qing¡¯s body instantly disappeared!


    Almost at the instant he disappeared, the Golden Core expert descended and landed at the place where Xu Qing had disappeared, causing a deep pit to appear on the ground. The surrounding area shook intensely.


    ¡°Two teleportation talismans refined by a Nascent Soul cultivator. This person¡¯s identity is definitely extraordinary. However, he has been hit by my Spirit Nether Curse, and with his cultivation base, he will definitely die in three days at most!¡± The expression of the Golden Core expert was ugly. He turned and headed straight for the forbidden area.


    While the Sea Corpse Race searched crazily in the vicinity, a slight distortion appeared in the empty space in the distance.


    That distorted place looked like there was nothing there, but in reality, the person hiding inside was none other than the captain.


    His entire body was covered in injuries and one of his arms was already crippled. There was also a huge wound at his waist that was about to split him into two, causing his aura to be extremely weak.


    He was holding a rainbow-colored shell in his remaining hand. The rainbow light emitted by the shell had a miraculous concealment effect, causing his existence and aura to disappear without a trace.


    This was also the captain¡¯s way to escape the pursuit of the Golden Core cultivators. However, at this moment, he was a little dumbfounded.


    He had watched helplessly as Xu Qing crushed the disorder teleportation talisman and left. Originally, he wanted to come over and greet him but the scene he saw caused his mind to tremble.


    ¡°Gone? Gone? Teleported away? I¡­¡±


    The captain suddenly wailed inwardly. He felt that this matter had become a little strange. He had only taken a bite, but why did the statue¡¯s nose explode?


    In reality, even now, he still felt that this matter was unbelievable. It wasn¡¯t that he hadn¡¯t suspected Xu Qing, but it just so happened that the nose exploded right after he took the bite, causing him to feel this was possibly related to him.


    ¡°The old man didn¡¯t say that it would be like this. Back then, he didn¡¯t do such a big thing¡­¡± The captain let out a long sigh. As he frowned and carefully fled, pride rose in his heart.


    ¡°However, this matter can also indirectly mean that I¡¯m better than the old man. This¡­ was exciting!¡±


    The captain took a deep breath and felt smug. Rumbling sounds filled the sky and the auras of Golden Core cultivators erupted. Even energy fluctuations from Nascent Soul cultivators appeared.


    This caused the captain to instantly lower his head. He lay on the ground and moved bit by bit. On one hand, he had to hide. On the other hand, he was also afraid that his movements would be too big and he would really split in two¡­


    ¡°At worst, I¡¯ll leave half of my body behind¡­¡±


    Three days passed.


    As this matter fermented, the entire Sea Corpse Race was completely enraged and searched crazily in all directions. To the Sea Corpse Race, this matter was extremely humiliating.


    This was because the scene that the Golden Core boy was most worried about had happened.


    Even after three days had passed, the nose of the Seventh Ancestral Corpse Statue still didn¡¯t recover.


    At that moment, the Golden Core boy was standing in front of the Seventh Ancestral Corpse Statue with his head lowered. Beside him stood a middle-aged cultivator.


    This middle-aged cultivator wasn¡¯t a human. He had two wings on his back and his aura was restrained. However, as he stood there, the Golden Core boy at the side shook incomparably.


    ¡°Marquis Anzuo, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Ying Ling, the king is furious.¡± The middle-aged cultivator lifted his head and stared at the statue that looked extremely odd due to not having the nose. He also stared at the actions of the few sea corpse cultivators who were probing and trying to repair it.


    The Golden Core boy¡¯s body trembled even more intensely.


    Not long later, the sea corpse cultivators at the nose of the statue arrived in front of Marquis Anzuo with grievance and helplessness and respectfully spoke.


    ¡°Marquis, the destruction is very strange. We are unable to repair it, maybe there is hope if we can get back the two missing pieces.¡±


    Marquis Anzuo fell silent. After a long time, he spoke softly.


    ¡°What you mean is that one of the holy objects of our Sea Corpse Race, this Seventh Ancestral Corpse Statue will have to show its noseless appearance in front of all our clansmen from now on, is that right?¡±

 Chapter 271 - 271 Wanted List!

    271 Wanted List!


    The wind was gentle and the sun was bright.


    The sea was filled with waves.


    The noon sun, the blue sky, and the black sea made for a gorgeous scenery.


    This was even more so when swordfishes flew out of the sea and stirred up some waves. At the same time, the seawater under the sunlight also reflected a rainbow light.


    The beauty of the rainbow and the warmth of the sunlight washed away some of the mystery of the black, cold sea. It seemed to be tranquil at this moment.


    This sea area was very far from the Seven Blood Eyes and was closer to the territory of the Sea Corpse Race. Due to the war, there weren¡¯t many merchant ships moving in this region. Moreover, due to the density of anomalous substances, there were clearly a lot of large sea beasts in the sea.


    A mosasaur was moving rapidly under the sea. Its sinister face, sharp teeth, and the aura it emitted caused most of the sea beasts on the way to scramble away.


    With no obstruction, the mosasaur¡¯s speed continued to increase. However, if a Golden Core cultivator investigated carefully and stared at this mosasaur, they would discover that this mosasaur wasn¡¯t a living creature!


    It was formed by a spell and there was a youth sitting cross-legged inside.


    The black canopy above the youth¡¯s head flowed with waves of flames, enveloping him and hiding his aura.


    His clothes were tattered and he was in a sorry state. Many parts of his body were sunken and his aura was unstable. His injuries were extremely serious and there was a faint black thread in his body.


    This thread wasn¡¯t corporeal but an illusory existence. However, it was deeply buried in the youth¡¯s flesh and blood, obstructing his recovery. Moreover, wherever it passed, his flesh would wither and he even felt as though his body was about to break.


    The youth was none other than Xu Qing, who had escaped from the Sea Corpse Race.


    His teleportation had gone quite smoothly. Although he didn¡¯t directly enter the sea, he still appeared on the coastline.


    Relying on his disguise, he endured his injuries and used the fastest speed to dive into the sea, escaping far away. During the process, he sensed some experts from the Sea Corpse Race. However, he was able to flee safely.


    The main reason for this was that the Sea Corpse Race had placed most of their energy on the captain. Although they were also looking for Xu Qing, there was clearly a difference.


    At this moment, ten days had passed since the nose of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s ancestral corpse statue collapsed.


    In these ten days, Xu Qing had been escaping in the mosasaur. However, what made his heart gloomy was that his injuries were recovering extremely slowly in these ten days.


    That illusory black thread was affecting his recovery.


    This thread came from the Golden Core sea corpse cultivator with three heads and six arms. Although Xu Qing escaped, this black thread appeared in his body after he left.


    This thread was very tenacious. Xu Qing couldn¡¯t kill it even when he burned his life fires, but when he tried to suppress it with the life lantern, it seemed to be afraid. However, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation was clearly unable to display the true power of the life lantern. Hence, he could only make it stop being active and not kill it.


    Xu Qing manifested the black umbrella and blocked its aura from spreading out. He was also using Golden Crow Refines All Life in these ten days to refine the black thread.


    The level of Golden Crow Refines All Life was extremely high. Even though Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation base couldn¡¯t unleash all its power, he was able to slowly grind the black thread down along with the power of the life lantern. In the end, he even arranged for the shadow to devour it. With the power from three sources, it finally showed signs of dissipating.


    This lasted for another seven days. After half a month, Xu Qing finally eliminated the black thread.


    The moment it completely dissipated, he spat out a large mouthful of black blood.


    This blood clearly contained lethal poison. Just as it was about to taint the mosasaur and spread to the seawater outside, Xu Qing quickly took out a small bottle and stored the blood he spat out.


    He could sense that the mouthful of blood he spat out contained a poison he had never seen before. Or to be precise, this wasn¡¯t poison. He could sense countless black bugs that were difficult to detect with the naked eye in this blood.


    The black thread had been formed by a large number of these black bugs.


    ¡°I need to study it. This blood can become one of my trump cards.¡± Xu Qing drew in a deep breath. After carefully storing the bottle, he focused on healing his injuries.


    Without the obstruction of the black thread, Xu Qing recovered quickly. During this recovery, he recalled his harvest this time around, and felt greatly satisfied when he felt the burning of the 65 magic apertures in his body.


    ¡°It was worth it!¡± Xu Qing mumbled as he thought of an item in his storage bag. That item was over 100 feet in size and its shape was irregular. It was difficult to guess what it was at a glance.


    Only those who had truly seen its complete shape would know that this item¡­ was a piece of the nose of the Seventh Ancestral Corpse Statue of the Sea Corpse Race!


    However, after leaving the range of the Sea Corpse Race, the material of the nose changed and it turned gray like an ordinary item. At the same time, it no longer gave off any mysterious feeling.


    Even so, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t bear to throw it away. He felt that this thing might have another use. After all¡­ this was the nose of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s holy item.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what kind of storm would eventually form from what he had done. Although he had some guesses, he didn¡¯t think that this matter would be extremely serious.


    At most, he and the captain had swallowed some spirit liquid. At most¡­ the captain had taken a bite of the toe of the statue and caused the internal instability of the statue to collapse.


    It was nothing much. Xu Qing had heard the captain mention the strangeness of the nine ancestral corpse statues and knew that they had extremely high recovery abilities. The statue might have already recovered to its original state.


    As for the captain¡­


    ¡°He won¡¯t die.¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t know why, but he kept feeling that the captain wouldn¡¯t die so easily. Hence, he didn¡¯t think too much about it. He continued to sit in the merfolk dragon and controlled it to head to the merfolk island as he healed his injuries.


    He was going to return to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    However, this place was too far from the Seven Blood Eyes. If he went straight toward it, it would probably be difficult to reach it even in a year. Using the teleportation array on the merfolk island was the most convenient.


    Moreover, as a war participant, teleportation was free. Hence, this became Xu Qing¡¯s first choice.


    While Xu Qing was recuperating and hurrying on his way, the entire Sea Corpse Race was in a huge uproar. Firstly, the matter about the nose of the Seventh Ancestral Corpse Statue was gradually spread.


    To the Sea Corpse Race, this was a shocking matter. Almost as soon as the news spread, it spread crazily among all their members and ignited their fury.


    This was especially so for those members of the Sea Corpse Race who had been transformed by the Seventh Ancestral Corpse Statue. Their emotions fluctuated even more intensely. There was a complicated and subtle connection between them and the Seventh Ancestral Corpse.


    Therefore, the disappearance of the Seventh Ancestral Corpse¡¯s nose was the greatest humiliation for them. What caused this humiliation to reach its peak was the result of their investigation. It was confirmed that the two thieves were Foundation Building disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Foundation Building realm was very strong in the eyes of mortals but to a race, it was nothing at all. How could the entire Sea Corpse Race not be furious when such low-level cultivators committed a monstrous crime in their base camp?


    Not only were the ordinary clansmen furious, but even the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s nobles, the king, and the old antiques were furious.


    After this matter spread like a storm in the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory, it was inevitable that it would affect the war with the Seven Blood Eyes.


    A large number of Sea Corpse Race members were rioting and going crazy on the battlefield. Although this was bravery, it was this venting bravery that caused their battle formations to change and cause many unstable situations.


    In war, there were commanders who were good at making use of the anger of their subordinates, but it was a double-edged sword. If they were careless, they would collapse on their own.


    As for the Seven Blood Eyes, how could that group of cunning old foxes let go of this opportunity? They immediately increased their efforts, causing the scale of the war to increase repeatedly in this short half a month.


    The higher-ups of the Seven Blood Eyes had been surprised at first. However, they quickly knew the reason and understood that two Seven Blood Eyes disciples had done such an earth-shattering thing in the Sea Corpse Race.


    They were also shocked when they heard of the news. The peak lords immediately looked at Old Master Seventh. From what they knew, only Old Master Seventh¡¯s Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples would do such a thing.


    Sixty years ago, Old Master Seventh had done a similar thing. It was just that it wasn¡¯t as astonishing as it was now.


    Old Master Seventh was also stunned. His expression became a little strange, as though he had thought of something but didn¡¯t say anything.


    However, no matter what, this matter caused the momentum of the Seven Blood Eyes to increase greatly. The ancestor was even happier. He personally said that he would reward these two Seven Blood Eyes disciples with great contributions.


    As for the names of these two disciples who had done such a big thing, before the Seven Blood Eyes could investigate, the Sea Corpse Race had already helped them find them.


    As their background was dug out, the Sea Corpse Race quickly changed their wanted list!


    This wanted list had existed even before the war. The first on it was Xue Lianzi, and the reward was extremely generous. The second was Old Master Seventh, and the few people behind him were the peak lords and deputy peak lords.


    Golden Core cultivators were listed after over ten people.


    But now, the list had been updated.


    The Wanted List.


    First, Chen Erniu. This person is a disciple of the Seventh Peak and is currently the director of the Homicide Department. He is the main culprit in the blasphemy against my Sea Corpse Race¡¯s Ancestral Corpse. When any Sea Corpse Race member sees this person, they should spare no expense to tear him into pieces and devour his flesh and blood! Whoever kills this person will be rewarded with the Great Dao inheritance of my Sea Corpse Race, the King¡¯s Sequence, and the right to choose ten things from the treasure vault, in addition to a hundred million spirit stones!


    Second, Xu Qing. This person is a disciple of the Seventh Peak and is currently the deputy director of the Homicide Department. He is an accomplice in the blasphemy against my Sea Corpse Race¡¯s Ancestral Corpse. When any Sea Corpse Race member sees this person, they must kill him. Whoever kills this person will be rewarded with the King¡¯s Sequence, the right to choose ten things from the treasure vault, and 70 million spirit stones!


    Third, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ancestor, Xue Lianzi.

 Chapter 272 - 272 Fame (1)

    272 Fame (1)


    The war between the Seven Blood Eyes and the Sea Corpse Race had been going on for half a year.


    The range of the war grew larger and larger, and more and more allies joined.


    Not only was the frontline battlefield continuing to advance and shift, but other areas in the Forbidden Sea were also affected.


    Strategic bases were established in the territories of many nonhuman races. Many small-scale battles erupted left and right.


    Such a large-scale war naturally attracted the attention of many races.


    Hence, although the change in the wanted list was an unforeseen event between the Sea Corpse Race and the Seven Blood Eyes, it attracted the attention of the other races.


    In an instant, the focus of most of the races in the Forbidden Sea gathered on this ranking.


    The names of Chen Erniu and Xu Qing were known by countless nonhuman races, humanoid races, and human forces.


    The discussions about the two of them became increasingly intense.


    There were many who were tempted by the bounty given by the Sea Corpse Race. There were even experts of the Seven Blood Eyes who felt greed because of such enormous rewards.


    After all, the Sea Corpse Race provided the reward to anyone who could complete the task. Any races or even the disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes would be rewarded as long as they completed the mission.


    In fact, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem for the Sea Corpse Race to specially transform the person who completed the mission and make them their clansman.


    Moreover, once those people became a member of the Sea Corpse Race, they would step into the King¡¯s Sequence.


    The resources of the entire Sea Corpse Race would be focused on them. Just this was enough to make many people envious. The only worry was the failure rate of transforming into the Sea Corpse Race.


    After all, this transformation wasn¡¯t a sure thing. There was a certain risk.


    However, compared to the rewards, it would be worth it.


    This was because those in the King¡¯s Sequence of the Sea Corpse Race would have the status of true crown princes. They were also known as Dao Child to the outside world.


    Miao Chen, who had half of his face destroyed by Xu Qing, was in the King¡¯s Sequence. He was also the only one in the King¡¯s Sequence of the Sea Corpse Race so far.


    Hence, this bounty could be said to be unprecedented.


    From this, one could see the anger and determination of the Sea Corpse Race.


    Their goal in putting up such a bounty was clearly to either kill Xu Qing and the captain or make it difficult for them to take a single step in the Forbidden Sea in the future. They would have enemies everywhere.


    The vast majority of enemies would not reveal their motives, so it was difficult to distinguish them.


    This way, Xu Qing and the captain would not be able to trust others in the future. They would have to be on guard at all times.


    The thing was Xu Qing had this personality to begin with¡­ At that moment, he was in the mosasaur¡¯s body and moving toward the merfolk island. He had no idea about what was going on in the outside world.


    His identity token that could receive information from the outside world had long lost its effect because it was too far from the merfolk island.


    This also allowed Xu Qing to better immerse himself in his recovery.


    About 20 days later, Xu Qing¡¯s injuries finally healed.


    The moment he completely recovered, Xu Qing pondered for a moment and didn¡¯t choose to leave the mosasaur.


    His magic ship had already collapsed, so using the mosasaur to travel was the most convenient method. It saved him trouble and effort.


    ¡°I wonder what¡¯s going on outside now? Did the captain escape? How did the Sea Corpse Race handle this?¡±


    When he was still seven to eight days away from the merfolk island, Xu Qing looked in the direction of the merfolk island and mumbled inwardly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t be so crazy in the future. I get myself injured every time¡­ If I continue this, I might die earlier than the captain.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at his body as he recalled his journey and sighed.


    If one wanted to survive in this cruel world and live a better life, they usually had to work hard to become stronger.


    These two thoughts were contradictory and made people helpless.


    ¡°I¡¯m still too weak.¡±


    Xu Qing thought of the four fires heaven¡¯s chosen of the Sea Corpse Race, Miao Chen.


    This was the first true four fires cultivator he had seen.


    Although the captain had also revealed the same thing when he was chased by the Golden Core boy, Xu Qing felt that the captain¡¯s cultivation was bizarre and wasn¡¯t very clear.


    However, Miao Chen was different. He really had four life fires!


    Xu Qing felt that such people should be rare. However, when he thought about how vast the Wanggu Continent was and how there were countless races, he wasn¡¯t too surprised.


    Xu Qing was very clear that he had gained the advantage in the fight with Miao Chen because he had snatched the initiative.


    In addition, the shadow, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, and his body enhanced by Golden Crow Refines All Life were the factors which led to him finally suppressing the other party.


    The next time they met, the other party would definitely be vigilant, and it would be much more difficult for him to suppress the latter.


    However, Xu Qing analyzed that Miao Chen would also find it extremely difficult to suppress him.


    ¡°Four balls of life fire¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed desire. He had now fully stepped into the mid-stage Foundation Building realm. Coupled with the life lantern and the enhancement from Golden Crow Refines All Life, he could fight against four fires.


    This combat strength already allowed him to stand at the peak of the Foundation Building realm. He could even escape from a Golden Core cultivator and neutralize some damage. To others, he was already extremely strong.


    However, Xu Qing was not satisfied.


    ¡°There are still 25 magic apertures left before I can ignite the third ball of life fire¡­ At that time, at the Foundation Building realm, unless I encounter other life lantern cultivators, I can suppress everyone. I should be able to live a little better.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too slow to open the magic aperture the normal way.¡±

 Chapter 273 - 273 Fame (2)

    273 Fame (2)


    Xu Qing muttered. He suddenly hoped that the captain would return soon.


    This was because with the captain¡¯s madness, Xu Qing felt that it wouldn¡¯t be difficult for him to form the third ball of life fire by participating in similar matters of the Sea Corpse Race a few more times.


    ¡°When the captain returns, I¡¯m going to ask him if there are other places to make it big.¡±


    Xu Qing made a decision.


    As for the thought of not continuing with the madness, he threw it to the side.


    ¡°I have no choice. My cultivation is too slow. In order to open more magic apertures, I¡¯ll have to look for an opportunity to take the risk again. When my magic apertures are fully opened, I won¡¯t take such risks anymore.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded in deep agreement at his thoughts.


    Just like that, days passed. Five days later, when he was still three days away from the merfolk island, Xu Qing¡¯s identity token vibrated.


    He took it out and saw a large number of familiar missions refreshing rapidly.


    At first glance, there was nothing different. Xu Qing checked around and noticed that at the top of the many missions, there was a Hero Rankings.


    Xu Qing knew that this ranking was the wanted list of the Sea Corpse Race.


    It recorded the bounty provided by the Sea Corpse Race for killing the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ cultivators. However, it wasn¡¯t free to check, so Xu Qing didn¡¯t use it.


    At this moment, he swept his gaze over and hesitated.


    He felt that what he and the captain had done in the Sea Corpse Race was neither big nor small. There was a certain chance that they would be wanted.


    Hence, he wanted to take a look but discovered that it actually cost 100 spirit stones. This made Xu Qing feel that it wasn¡¯t worth it.


    The instant Xu Qing was about to give up on buying, as the mosasaur got closer and closer to the territory of the merfolk island, more tremors appeared in his identity token.


    They were private messages sent by everyone who knew him.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, are you back?¡±


    ¡°All hail Senior Brother Xu Qing!!!¡±


    There were too many messages. Xu Qing looked at them in surprise.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, I think you must have a lot of messages now and you might not be able to see my message. However, I¡¯m so excited. After I saw your name and the things you did, I couldn¡¯t sleep for days in excitement and worry. There are thousands of words I want to say, but they turned into the first seven words of my message1.¡±


    This message was from Ding Xue.


    Xu Qing only glanced past the first seven words of Ding Xue¡¯s message and didn¡¯t pay much attention.


    This was because an even greater matter filled his mind. He realized that the matter in the Sea Corpse Race had been exposed. He immediately flipped through the other messages.


    All the other messages also mentioned this matter.


    Xu Qing quickly looked through them and didn¡¯t hesitate to spend 100 spirit stones to buy the viewing rights of the Hero Rankings.


    When he opened it and noticed that he was ranked second, his eyes narrowed.


    He then looked at the first place.


    ¡°Chen Erniu?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He clearly knew that the other party was the captain but he was still stunned by this name.


    He suddenly realized that the captain had never mentioned his name. Perhaps it had a lot to do with the latter thinking that his name was a little old-fashioned.


    Xu Qing carefully checked the rankings. After a long time, he took a deep breath and frowned slightly. He then looked at the piece of the nose in his storage bag.


    On the way back, he had already analyzed it. Seeing that the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s reaction was so intense, he felt that there was a high chance that the explosion caused by the unstable fluctuation due to Golden Crow Refines All Life was unrecoverable.


    However, he felt that this matter was somewhat unbelievable.


    ¡°Could it be that the captain did something crazy again after I left?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. However, no matter what, his name had spread everywhere now, causing him to feel a little uneasy.


    He didn¡¯t like to show off. This didn¡¯t match the understanding he had gained from his life since he was young, nor did it match the tradition of the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s all the captain¡¯s fault for causing such a huge commotion. How good would it have been if he had just left back then!¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head and stared at the rankings for a long time. He had already realized the monstrous anger of the Sea Corpse Race and the endless killing intent contained in these rankings.


    This was because not to mention others, even Xu Qing himself couldn¡¯t help but feel his heart racing when he saw the bounty reward for Captain Chen Erniu.


    He could easily imagine how tempted other people must be.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy for me to settle down for some time. Now, I have to be vigilant against everyone. The sect isn¡¯t safe either. However, compared to the chaos in the outside world and the fact that I did such a big thing, I don¡¯t think people with ulterior motives would dare to reveal their malice in the sect.¡±


    Xu Qing rapidly analyzed the pros and cons. In the next few days, he was extremely careful and even used the shadow to hide the fluctuations of his identity token.


    It was the same for him. He used the disguise item and changed his appearance before slowly approaching the merfolk island.


    He had to go to the merfolk island. If he were to travel alone, not only would it take an extremely long time to return to the Seven Blood Eyes, but it would also be easy for accidents to occur on the way.


    Due to the matter on the rankings, after Xu Qing returned, he immediately stepped into the nearest Image Island.


    He headed straight for the teleportation array.


    Fortunately, there weren¡¯t many cultivators here now and most of them were on the battlefield. Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s return didn¡¯t attract any attention.


    He didn¡¯t waste any time and quickly arrived at the teleportation array.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and glanced at the surrounding Fifth Peak¡¯s disciples in charge of the array formation. After that, he quickly took out his identity jade slip and pressed it to the side.


    Fluctuations from the array formation spread out. His identity had been verified and the teleportation was about to begin.


    At this moment, a Fifth Peak¡¯s disciple in charge of the teleportation array glanced at the teleportation stone at the side and noticed the name of the person using the teleportation array.


    The instant he saw this name, he was stunned for a moment. After that, his eyes abruptly widened and he turned his head to look at Xu Qing on the teleportation array.


    ¡°Xu Qing!¡±


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared under the light of the teleportation array.


    At the same time, in the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory, in a forest of red withered giant trees, an armored giant with half of its body rotting was sitting and meditating.


    Just that half of its body was over 5,000 feet tall, towering above the withered trees in the surroundings.


    Above his head sat a youth in an emperor¡¯s robe.


    It was Miao Chen.


    Half of his face was disfigured and the flesh and bones in it were displaced. Even the ear on it was gone, causing his originally handsome face to look sinister. His noble temperament was also gone.


    In front of him, a woman in a long purple and green dress, with her face covered, was kneeling and speaking softly.


    ¡°Your Highness, all the healing items in the race can¡¯t neutralize the corrosive power in your wound. Only the king and the marquises have a way to forcefully neutralize it. However, the king said¡­ that you have to handle your matters yourself. Kill that Xu Qing and he will heal you.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? Back then, when you took advantage of the weak Spirit Jade and schemed against me, why didn¡¯t you make such a demand? Could it be that you guys have taken a fancy to Chen Erniu and Xu Qing, and are scheming to kill them before transforming them? Sea Corpse Race, a shameless race, scram!!¡±


    The youth lifted his head, looking even more sinister. The woman¡¯s body trembled and she hurriedly left.


    After the woman left, the youth¡¯s bloodshot eyes revealed intense killing intent. His heart was also filled with indescribable grievance.


    As a Dao Child of the Sea Corpse Race, a Perfected Foundation Building cultivator, and a heaven¡¯s chosen with four life fires, he had actually lost to an unknown person and was humiliated.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯m not done with you. If I don¡¯t kill you, my mind won¡¯t be clear!!¡±

 Chapter 274 - 274 The Captain Did It!

    274 The Captain Did It!


    Xu Qing was vigilant, so the instant he teleported, he noticed the expression of that Fifth Peak¡¯s disciple.


    Even though there was only shock on the latter¡¯s face and no other thoughts could be seen, Xu Qing felt that since even he was tempted by the bounty, there was no reason for others not to be tempted.


    ¡°Besides, my enemies in the Sea Corpse Race include that Dao Child as well.¡±


    Since the nose of the statue couldn¡¯t recover, it could only mean that his Golden Crow Refines All Life was too domineering and what it devoured couldn¡¯t be restored.


    There was a high chance that half of the Dao Child¡¯s face and ear wouldn¡¯t be able to recover.


    ¡°He must hate me to the core. I have to find an opportunity to get rid of him.¡±


    With this thought in mind, as the light of the teleportation array flickered, when everything in front of him became blurry and gradually became clear, Xu Qing returned to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    As soon as he teleported over, familiar clamor and bustling sounds entered Xu Qing¡¯s perception.


    Very soon, light flowed over and the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ city was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    The first thing that appeared in front of him was the crowd waiting in line for the teleportation, as well as two disciples who were registering the people coming and going not far away.


    These two disciples, a man and a woman, were both wearing gray Daoist robes.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past the two of them. He felt that they were a little familiar, but didn¡¯t pay much attention to them.


    However, the moment he walked out, the purple Daoist robe he was wearing caused a commotion in the surroundings. The expressions of the two disciples in charge of records changed and they hurriedly stood up.


    ¡°Greetings, Martial Uncle!¡±


    Xu Qing was about to walk past them. However, when his gaze swept past the female disciple from the corner of his eyes, he stopped in his tracks and sized her up.


    This woman had a beautiful appearance and her long hair was tied into a ponytail. Only her figure was slightly skinny. When Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over, she tensed up and her heartbeat sped up. She lowered her head even more.


    ¡°Your cultivation isn¡¯t bad and you¡¯re not far from the sixth level. However, the Forbidden Sea aura in your Sea Transformation Art is lesser than the disciples of the Seventh Peak of the same realm. You have to deepen the aura of the Forbidden Sea for a smooth breakthrough.¡±


    Xu Qing gave some pointers and left after the woman thanked him with a trembling voice.


    The reason why he gave pointers was because Xu Qing remembered who this woman was.


    Back then, when he first came to the Seven Blood Eyes, he had encountered these two disciples.


    At that time, this woman had kindly reminded him of the dangers of the sect.


    Although it was a small matter, Xu Qing felt that since he encountered them again, he could pay her back by giving some pointers.


    After he left, these two disciples¡¯ backs were drenched with sweat.


    In the eyes of these two Qi Condensation disciples, the pressure Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation base naturally emitted and the baleful aura he had gotten from the battlefield made him look like a demon.


    ¡°This senior¡¯s cultivation¡­ is extremely strong!!¡±


    The male disciple among the two took a deep breath. The fan in his hand was about to break.


    After saying that, he looked at the woman beside him and couldn¡¯t help but speak with a strange expression.


    ¡°Do you know that senior?¡±


    The woman¡¯s expression was a little dazed. She quickly turned around and ran to the side to check the information record of the teleportation array. After reading it, her eyes suddenly widened.


    ¡°Xu Qing!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing?!¡± The man¡¯s entire body trembled.


    ¡°Is it that Xu Qing who has been famous recently and destroyed the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s holy item, causing the Sea Corpse Race to be furious and issue a bounty on him?¡±


    The woman nodded blankly.


    ¡°How does he know you!¡±


    The man¡¯s eyes revealed unprecedented envy.


    ¡°My memory is better than yours. I remember that a year ago, a scavenger youth came with a white token. Back then, when I reminded him of the dangers of the sect, I glanced at his identity token. That youth¡¯s name was also Xu Qing.¡±


    The woman said softly, her eyes filled with uncertainty.


    The man at the side gasped again and was stunned as he recalled carefully.


    ¡°You said that he wouldn¡¯t live for more than three months.¡±


    The woman glanced at her companion.


    The man¡¯s face instantly turned pale and his breathing became hurried. At the same time, he suddenly realized that this Seventh Peak¡¯s junior sister¡¯s actions in the past ¨C that he had thought to be stupid ¨C actually contained such an opportunity.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know that his casual action had sparked a discussion between these two disciples.


    At that moment, he was walking in the city in a gray Daoist robe. He headed straight for Port 176¡¯s Transportation Department.


    His magic ship was destroyed and he had nowhere to rest. Unless he returned to the Seventh Peak¡¯s cave abode, he could only find a place to stay for a few days.


    The Homicide Department was his first choice but Xu Qing decided to look for Zhang San to refine the magic ship before he went to the Homicide Department.


    He hadn¡¯t returned for half a year. Xu Qing, who was walking in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city, looked at the crowd bustling around in the surroundings and the familiar shops and stalls. He felt a rare calmness.


    As the battlefield was far away, the atmosphere of war in the Seven Blood Eyes wasn¡¯t that obvious. It didn¡¯t look much different from usual.


    Only many of the ports were requisitioned by the sect as a transportation station for strategic goods.


    After all, the expenditure when using the teleportation array to transport materials would be huge.


    Although the merchant ships were slow, they were still acceptable in a war that would last for a long time.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang San made the right bet.¡±


    Xu Qing was very happy when he thought of the benefits he would gain in the future.


    However, he was still vigilant. After all, the thing the captain had done had incited too much greed.


    ¡°Fortunately, the captain has more bounty on him. If those people attack, they should attack him first¡­ Moreover, he cares about his reputation. I think he¡¯s happy to see this happen, so it¡¯s not good for me to reveal the truth to him.¡±


    Xu Qing seriously thought about it and nodded in deep agreement. His heart also felt slightly more at ease as he looked forward to the captain¡¯s return.


    Not long later, Xu Qing arrived at Port 176.


    Most of this port had been requisitioned by the sect. On the surface of the sea, there were cargo ships filled with strategic resources waiting to be dispatched. Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and he sighed with emotion.


    Port 176 was clearly much more developed than half a year ago. The streets were orderly and there were many shops opening for business.


    Compared to before, the crowd was dozens of times larger.


    Moreover, because the three ports had been joined, the area was very large, so the number and types of shops were more abundant.


    Xu Qing walked fast. While looking at the prosperous scene, he arrived at Port 176¡¯s Transportation Department.


    He didn¡¯t enter immediately. Instead, he took out a jade slip and transmitted his voice to Zhang San.


    At the next instant, a figure rushed out from the Transportation Department. It was Zhang San.


    ¡°Xu¡­¡±


    Zhang San¡¯s excited voice rang out.


    However, he knew his limits. After he blurted out one word, he quickly swallowed the other word.


    In the blink of an eye, he arrived before Xu Qing. His eyes were filled with excitement as he pulled Xu Qing into a warehouse in the Transportation Department.


    The moment they entered, Zhang San spoke excitedly.


    ¡°You and the captain have become famous this time!!¡±


    ¡°The captain did it.¡± Xu Qing immediately corrected him.


    ¡°The two of you are too crazy. You actually went to the Sea Corpse Race and destroyed the nose of their holy item. I heard that the Seventh Ancestral Corpse Statue¡¯s nose cannot be restored!¡±


    Zhang San spoke excitedly.


    ¡°The captain did it!¡± Xu Qing hurriedly said.


    ¡°This matter is too wild. I heard that the Sea Corpse Race has exploded from anger on the frontline. In fact, the higher-ups of the Sea Corpse Race even tried to talk to the ancestor and the others, wanting to get the nose pieces back, but the ancestor directly rejected them.¡±


    ¡°The captain is too crazy. I was also implicated. You know that this was all done by the captain.¡± Xu Qing sighed.


    At this moment, Zhang San¡¯s emotions had calmed down a lot. He looked at Xu Qing and his eyes lit up as he hurriedly asked in a low voice.


    ¡°Xu Qing, is that nose piece still with you? Let me take a look.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but after leaving the Sea Corpse Race, it became an ordinary stone. There¡¯s nothing strange about it.¡±


    Xu Qing felt some regret. He took out the nose piece and placed it to the side.


    This nose piece was over a hundred feet long and completely gray. Although it didn¡¯t emit any aura, it carried a sense of desolation.


    This was especially so for the countless beehive-like holes on it, which seemed to reveal the passage of time.


    ¡°Place it gently!¡±


    Zhang San hurriedly exclaimed and moved around the nose piece rapidly. As he touched it, the light in his eyes became even more intense. Finally, he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, who said that this nose piece doesn¡¯t have any effect? This is a part of the ancestral corpse statue of the Sea Corpse Race. It¡¯s the thing the entire Sea Corpse Race desires to take back the most because this is their dignity.¡±


    Zhang San was beaming with joy.


    ¡°I have a plan. I will build a huge museum in our port. After that, I¡¯ll embed the nose you and the captain obtained together and place it inside.¡±


    ¡°With this museum, let me tell you, Xu Qing, our port will be completely invincible!¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t even need to hire people to guard it. The sect will help us do it. They will also promote our port greatly. Our port will definitely become famous. Countless people will come to visit and it¡¯s only a matter of time before we become the number one port of the Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    ¡°The shops and streets near the nose of this Sea Corpse Race¡¯s holy item will become even more valuable. We will make a killing!!¡±


    As Xu Qing listened, a strange glint appeared in his eyes. He looked at the excited Zhang San and admired his sense of business.


    Hence, after some thought, he agreed with Zhang San.


    After discussing this matter, Xu Qing hesitated for a moment before speaking softly.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang San, my magic ship¡­¡±


    Zhang San gently touched the nose piece with satisfaction.


    After hearing Xu Qing¡¯s words, he lifted his head and smiled, as though he knew this would happen.


    ¡°Take it out. I long guessed that the magic ship would definitely be damaged when you returned this time. Now that our port is financially strong, I¡¯ll repair any damage for you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother Zhang San. It¡¯s best if you can refine it a little faster. Thank you!¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he cupped his fists at Zhang San and turned to leave.


    ¡°Hmm? Where¡¯s the magic ship? Give it to me. How am I supposed to repair it if you don¡¯t give it to me?¡±


    Zhang San was stunned for a moment and looked at Xu Qing in surprise.


    ¡°Destroyed.¡± Xu Qing looked at Zhang San.


    The warehouse fell silent.


    Zhang San looked at Xu Qing and his eyes slowly widened.


    ¡°Destroyed?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded seriously.


    ¡°Destroyed.¡±

 Chapter 275 - 275 Returned in Half

    275 Returned in Half


    Zhang San fell silent. After a long time, he smiled bitterly and shook his head.


    ¡°Destroyed in the Sea Corpse Race?¡±


    ¡°It was shattered by a Golden Core,¡± Xu Qing answered truthfully.


    Zhang San looked at Xu Qing¡¯s calm expression and felt that his previous judgment was wrong. This guy in front of him was as crazy as the captain.


    He was only at the Foundation Building realm but he actually provoked a Golden Core and got his magic ship destroyed.


    This kind of thing wasn¡¯t something that could be encountered by just any Foundation Building cultivators. Moreover, he had returned alive.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the captain?¡±


    Zhang San couldn¡¯t help but ask. He felt that since Xu Qing was like this, the captain shouldn¡¯t be much better.


    When he thought about how these two were people who had done such a huge thing in the Sea Corpse Race, it seemed reasonable for the magic ship to be gone.


    ¡°Captain¡­¡±


    Xu Qing recalled the auras of the three Golden Cores that appeared in the sky when he teleported away and fell silent.


    ¡°Forget it. When I refine the magic ship for you, I¡¯ll also make a coffin for the captain. If I can¡¯t use it this time, it might be of use next time.¡±


    Zhang San sighed.


    Xu Qing nodded and bade farewell.


    After watching Xu Qing leave, Zhang San shook his head and walked into the workshop. He thought to himself that since he was forging a coffin, he should forge two.


    ¡°These two brothers are both mad. I will prepare one for each. It¡¯s fair and reasonable.¡±


    Night had fallen outside. Xu Qing walked on the streets and looked at the harbor, listening to the sound of the waves. The familiar feeling made his heart relax a lot.


    ¡°Now, I have to lie low in the sect!¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent for a moment before entering Port 176¡¯s Homicide Department.


    As the deputy director of the Homicide Department, Xu Qing¡¯s arrival caused all the members in the department to be nervous, especially since the Homicide Department, which was established in Port 176, was the headquarters of the Black Division.


    As the deputy director, Xu Qing was in charge of the Black Division.


    Hence, his appearance caused all the disciples in the Homicide Department to be respectful. There were even Qi Condensation disciples from the Homicide Department guarding Xu Qing¡¯s residence, waiting to be summoned at any time.


    The mute was among them.


    After Xu Qing entered the house, the mute had quickly arrived and squatted outside the gate, looking at everyone fiercely.


    To him, regardless of whether they were from the Homicide Department or not, as long as anyone got too close, they would be his enemy.


    Xu Qing clearly sensed the commotion outside and also sensed the mute.


    ¡°His cultivation is improving quite fast.¡± In Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, the spirit sea in the mute¡¯s body outside the house had already reached 700 feet. This meant that he had already stepped into the seventh level of the Sea Transformation Art.


    Although Xu Qing paid attention to it, he didn¡¯t have any thoughts of probing. Everyone had their own secrets, and he didn¡¯t care about the matters of others.


    Just like that, half a month slowly passed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s return was low-key, but the news still gradually spread. However, he was in the Homicide Department and had a ferocious reputation. Although he received visiting appointments one after another, very few people took the initiative to disturb him.


    Other than Huang Yan, Ding Xue, and a few others.


    During this half a month, many things happened on the battlefield. The war between the Seven Blood Eyes and the Sea Corpse Race had reached a new climax.


    Since a week ago, both sides had launched a large-scale battle.


    The Seven Blood Eyes divided into seven groups and launched an all-out attack on the seven secondary islands outside the Sea Corpse Race, wanting to break through them.


    The Sea Corpse Race did their best to stop them, but the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ forces were divided into feint and real. Four groups were just feigning attacks. Their strategic goal wasn¡¯t to capture but to restrain.


    The remaining three groups were the true forces. Their goal was to occupy the secondary islands and use them as a springboard for the Seven Blood Eyes army to directly threaten the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory.


    This battle was extremely fierce.


    Although Xu Qing didn¡¯t see it with his own eyes, the dossier of the Homicide Department on this battle described it very clearly. In the end, the Seven Blood Eyes successfully took down two sub-islands.


    This immediately put the Sea Corpse Race in an extreme disadvantage.


    In fact, the higher-leveled cultivators also attacked many times. The war had already escalated on a large scale.


    The rewards given by the Seven Blood Eyes also increased again, causing a large number of Seven Blood Eyes disciples¡¯ eyes to enter the battlefield with greedy eyes.


    The popularity of the bounty on the captain and Xu Qing had originally decreased slightly because of this battle. However, very soon, an additional bounty appeared, causing Xu Qing¡¯s popularity to surpass the captain¡¯s in an instant.


    This additional bounty came from Dao Child Miao Chen of the Sea Corpse Race!


    ¡°Additional bounty on Xu Qing. I promise to do ten things for the one who kills Xu Qing. Anything within my ability! And for those who give accurate clues, I also promise to do one thing for them!!¡±


    As a Dao Child of the Sea Corpse Race, Miao Chen¡¯s combat strength was extraordinary and his reputation was extremely great. In fact, many nonhuman races had heard of him. Hence, his additional bounty immediately became a hot topic.


    With so much attention placed on this, the battle between Xu Qing and Miao Chen inevitably spread. This wasn¡¯t what Miao Chen wanted but he had no choice. To him, as long as Xu Qing was killed, everything else was secondary.


    Hence, he first added a bounty, causing Xu Qing to attract more malicious gazes wherever he was. After that, he sent another message.


    ¡°Xu Qing, do you dare to come to the battlefield and fight me? It will be just between you and me, and no one else will interfere!¡±


    Xu Qing naturally saw these two messages but he ignored them. He felt that this Dao Child Miao Chen was stupid.


    Regardless of whether it was his attitude toward life in the slums or the experience in the Seven Blood Eyes, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t interested in such a duel.


    He preferred to ambush and slit the neck of the enemy. It was clean and efficient.


    During this half a month, many things happened at the sect. The most significant event¡­ was the construction of a huge museum in Port 176.


    Although this matter was hidden at the start, it was too significant and couldn¡¯t be hidden at all.


    Moreover, Zhang San no longer hid anything. Instead, he added fuel to the fire. Very soon, all the cultivators at the sect knew that there was only one item in the museum at Port 176.


    That was¡­ the nose piece of the Seventh Ancestral Corpse Statue of the Sea Corpse Race!


    This nose piece would be open for exhibition when the museum opened.


    Anyone could come and take a look.


    As soon as this news was leaked, the Seven Blood Eyes was shaken. Even the Sea Corpse Race heard about it and went crazy with anger. There was nothing that made them feel more humiliated than this.


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ancestor naturally heard of this and was quite happy with it. In fact, he even wrote a few words and got someone to teleport back to the sect from the battlefield to hang in the museum.


    There were only three words in this calligraphy.


    ¡°Light the Nose.¡±


    Xu Qing received Zhang San¡¯s voice transmission and arrived at the museum that was about to be completed. When he saw the huge nose piece and the words hanging above it, he was stunned.


    Zhang San also had a solemn expression.


    ¡°What does the ancestor¡¯s words mean?¡± Xu Qing looked at Zhang San.


    ¡°Uhh¡­ is he telling us to burn it with fire? Make it look like it is being burned?¡± Zhang San muttered in uncertainty.


    Just as Xu Qing was about to speak, he suddenly sensed something and looked outside the museum. It was empty.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Zhang San was stunned.


    Xu Qing stared there and narrowed his eyes. At the next instant, he suddenly lifted his right hand and a dagger appeared in it. He ruthlessly slashed to the side and the sound of tearing rang out, accompanied by a surprised voice.


    ¡°Eh!¡±


    As the sound appeared, the whistling sound of wind rang out from behind Xu Qing. Xu Qing¡¯s expressionless body instantly erupted with two balls of life fire, forming a heat wave that churned in all directions. At the same time, he turned around and punched.


    A rumbling sound rang out as Xu Qing took a few steps back. He looked at the empty space not far away. There seemed to be a figure amidst the distortion of the void there and he was also sent a few steps back.


    ¡°Chen Erniu.¡± Xu Qing looked at the distorted area and slowly spoke.


    ¡°Call me director!¡± An exasperated voice came out from there, but the captain¡¯s figure didn¡¯t appear. Zhang San also recognized the captain¡¯s voice and looked in the direction of the distortion in surprise.


    ¡°Captain, you¡¯re back!¡±


    ¡°Of course, there wasn¡¯t much danger this time. It was just dozens of Golden Cores chasing after me, but I managed to escape effortlessly. I even went to the battlefield of the Sea Corpse Race and returned from there.¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice rang out from the void. After that, an apple appeared in the air and was bitten.


    ¡°Why are you still invisible?¡± Zhang San was curious.


    In the void that Xu Qing and Zhang San couldn¡¯t see, a figure stood there. This person only had one leg and one arm left. His waist was almost broken and there were countless wounds on his body. Several of them even pierced through his body.


    His face was bruised and swollen like it was disfigured. His hair was also charred. He was the captain.


    He endured the intense pain in his entire body and tried his best to open his swollen eyes, and spoke proudly.


    ¡°Its become a habit. I think the invisibility state is not bad. It¡¯s convenient for me to do many things. Also, as your superior, this state can highlight my identity.¡±


    As he spoke, he deliberately held the apple and opened his swollen mouth with all his might. He calmly continued to eat and spoke casually.


    ¡°Those dozen or so Golden Core cultivators were toyed around by me. I even had the time to take a look at the First Ancestral Corpse Statue and pee there. Unfortunately, that thing is too big and I can¡¯t move it. Otherwise, I planned to move it back and let you guys pee at it.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, the reason why I¡¯m like this is to take care of Deputy Director Xu. I can enter and exit the Sea Corpse Race with my eyes closed, but Deputy Director Xu can¡¯t. In order to cover for him, I even went to the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s palace to take a look.¡±


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that I came back in a hurry to find you guys, I planned to take a look at the place where the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s ancestor is recuperating and see if I could get anything from him.¡±


    As the captain spoke proudly, his expression twisted from the pain. His injuries seemed to be similar to when he snatched Binding¡¯s flesh, but in reality, his body was about to break into pieces.


    Clearly, it wasn¡¯t easy for him to escape alive this time around. However, as a superior, his dignity didn¡¯t allow him to admit it. After he finished speaking, he glanced at Xu Qing and spoke again.


    ¡°Deputy Director Xu, I¡¯ve helped you so much this time. Remember to return the 50,000 spirit stones you owe me.¡±


    Xu Qing silently listened to the captain¡¯s words. He lowered his head and looked at the ground. Outsiders couldn¡¯t see the shadow that only he could sense.


    At that moment, the shadow was in the shape of a human with a leg and an arm. Its entire body was trembling as it ate an apple.

 Chapter 276 - 276 The Sorrow of the Weak

    276 The Sorrow of the Weak


    ¡°Captain, since the bounty is 100 million, one leg and one arm should be 30 million spirit stones, right?¡±


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze from the shadow and looked at the apple not far away.


    A bite mark appeared on the apple that was floating in the air. It seemed that the person who bit it had paused.


    ¡°Deputy Xu, what leg? I don¡¯t understand, but the 20,000 spirit stones you owe me can¡¯t be less. After all, this time, I risked my life to cover for you!¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and tossed a jade slip.


    This was a recording of the captain coughing tenderly and showing off when he transformed into the third princess¡­


    A few breaths later, laughter rang out.


    ¡°My dearest Junior Brother, I was just joking with you. Eh, Zhang San, why are you here too? What is being built here? Why is there a nose?¡±


    Zhang San had a strange expression. The largest item here was that nose piece. He thought to himself, ¡®Captain, your way of changing the topic is too random.¡¯


    He looked at the place where the apple was being eaten bite by bite and shook his head.


    ¡°Captain, do you still have the nose piece of the statue? Take it out. I¡¯ll put them together for the exhibition.¡±


    Just as Zhang San finished speaking, a large gray stone landed loudly in the empty space at the side. It was 70 to 80 feet long and was none other than the nose piece that the captain had taken away.


    However, there were many bite marks at the corners, as though someone had bitten it many times before.


    ¡°This thing is useless. I tried to bite it a few times on the way back but it was completely ineffective,¡± the captain said lazily.


    Zhang San didn¡¯t care. He stepped forward and carried the nose piece, placing it together with Xu Qing¡¯s piece. His expression revealed excitement and his eyes gleamed.


    ¡°Alright, I just returned and still have some official matters to deal with. I¡¯ve been preparing a big plan recently. Now that I have a high-level corpse heart, I¡¯m only lacking some information. When I¡¯m done, the three of us will do something big!¡± The captain¡¯s voice echoed with excitement.


    ¡°Again?¡± Zhang San took a deep breath and looked at the apple as though he was looking at a god.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he asked.


    ¡°Can open magic apertures?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just opening the magic apertures. Deputy Director Xu, your ambition is too small. If we succeed in this job, we¡¯ll reach the heavens in a single step. I prepared Binding¡¯s flesh and the high-level corpse heart for this big plan.¡± The captain became more and more excited as he spoke, but some of his wounds opened, causing him to grimace in pain.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you in detail later. I¡¯ll leave first. Sigh, I am so busy, there are so many official matters for me to deal with.¡± Enduring the intense pain, the captain calmly spoke and skipped away.


    Zhang San couldn¡¯t see, but Xu Qing was looking at the shadow. At that moment, the shadow was hopping away unstably.


    ¡°With these two nose pieces, our museum will be famous!¡± Zhang San didn¡¯t pay attention to the captain. At that moment, all his energy was on the museum. After circling the nose pieces, he became excited again.


    Xu Qing silently retracted his gaze and looked at Zhang San.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang San, is my magic ship ready?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m done refining it. The instructions are inside. Take a look for yourself first. I¡¯m going to piece these two nose pieces together and try to make them more perfect.¡±


    Zhang San threw a small bottle to Xu Qing before observing the nose pieces and thinking about how to repair them.


    Xu Qing took the small bottle and bade farewell.


    He didn¡¯t return to the Homicide Department. Instead, he went to the shore of Port 176 and released the magic ship.


    As the rumbling echoed and the waves rose and fell, a huge ship appeared in front of him.


    The shape of this ship was exactly the same as before.


    However, it was obvious that the materials were better. With the income from Port 176, Zhang San had invested a lot in this magic ship.


    In fact, Xu Qing could even faintly sense a fluctuation that suppressed the ignition of life fires on the magic ship. This reminded him of what Zhang San had said. Once the magic ship reached level eight, it would possess the might to suppress Mystic Brilliance Form.


    Xu Qing looked at the magic ship and took out the jade slip that Zhang San had given him.


    Although this time around, the magic ship no longer had Binding¡¯s flesh and the divinity couldn¡¯t continue to spread, the quality of the magic ship¡¯s materials was quite good.


    All the components inside were made of high-level materials. This level eight magic ship¡¯s price had already reached an extremely astonishing level.


    ¡°Xu Qing, magic ships are different from magic boats. Because magic boats are simple, every increase in level can increase their might by a lot. However, magic ships are different.¡±


    ¡°Although there¡¯s a gap between the first seven levels of the magic ship, it¡¯s not very big. Only when it reaches the level eight will its strength advance by leaps and bounds. I mainly focused on defense of your level eight magic ship. I used the heart of the boulder beast as the core and it¡¯s also used to augment the defense. The defense can be comparable to the early-stage Foundation Building Mystic Brilliance Form.¡±


    ¡°However, the divinity is gone, but I still have left a spot for it. If you can obtain the heart of a divine creature, it can instantly advance your magic ship to level nine.¡±


    ¡°At that time, regardless of defense or other aspects, it would be comparable to the mid-stage Foundation Building realm!¡±


    ¡°The greater the origin of the divine heart you obtain in the future, the greater the might of your magic ship. Once it reaches level 10, it¡¯ll be comparable to a late-stage Foundation Building cultivator. There are very few level 10 magic ships in the entire sect!¡±


    ¡°Also, I have added the disguise explosion technology like last time in your magic ship. At the same time, I¡¯ve specially developed a new direction for you and added self-destruction. This might be more convenient for you and I¡¯ll also have a sense of participation. When your magic boat explodes later, you¡¯ll know how I participated¡­¡±


    As he looked at Zhang San¡¯s jade slip, Xu Qing stared at the magic ship in front of him.


    Although the magic ship no longer had the divinity attack, Xu Qing still walked on it in satisfaction. After activating the protective barrier, he walked to the cabin. The moment he sat down, he felt very comfortable.


    ¡°I¡¯m still used to being on the ship. However, what was the sense of participation in the self-destruction Zhang San mentioned?¡± Xu Qing was a little curious but he didn¡¯t care too much. After taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and silently meditated.


    Three days passed in the blink of an eye.


    As the captain returned, the matter of Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s magnificent feat caused another commotion in the sect. Xu Qing was also looking forward to what the reward the sect mentioned would be.


    At the same time, he heaved a sigh of relief.


    Before the captain returned, Xu Qing felt very unsafe. If there were really any higher-ups in the sect who had ill intentions, he would face a huge crisis.


    Although this possibility was very small now, he still had to maintain vigilance.


    However¡­ Xu Qing was relieved that the captain was back.


    ¡°After all, he¡¯s the main culprit. The nose was blown up by him, and the bounty on his head is even more exaggerated. Moreover, he¡¯s ranked first. If someone really wants to make a move, they will definitely choose him.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart was calm but on the dusk of the third day, a person whose heart wasn¡¯t calm at all arrived at Port 176 with sorrow in his heart. He arrived outside Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship.


    This was a woman. She wasn¡¯t tall and looked very skinny. She wore a gray Daoist robe and her Qi Condensation cultivation was only at the third level.


    Such a person often had to be careful in everything they did in the Seven Blood Eyes, regardless of gender.


    This person was none other than Xu Xiaohui, who had entered the Seven Blood Eyes with Xu Qing back then.


    She silently stood beside Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship with a bitter expression. Her heart was filled with sorrow and trepidation. In reality, if she had a choice, she wouldn¡¯t have dared to look for Xu Qing.


    Although they were in the same batch, they didn¡¯t have much interaction after all, especially since Xu Qing had already become a Foundation Building cultivator and was now famous in the entire Seven Blood Eyes.


    She couldn¡¯t compare to such an influential figure no matter how hard she tried.


    She suffered for several months before she finally braced herself and arrived. At that moment, as soon as she got close to Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship, she immediately knelt down.


    ¡°Disciple Xu Xiaohui requests to see Martial Uncle Xu Qing.¡±


    In the magic ship, Xu Qing, who was meditating, opened his eyes and looked outside. His gaze passed through the barrier and landed on Xu Xiaohui outside.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    His voice rang out from the magic ship and echoed in Xu Xiaohui¡¯s ears. Xu Xiaohui¡¯s body trembled as she spoke softly.


    ¡°Martial Uncle, Senior Brother Zhou Qingpeng¡­ died tragically in the sect three months ago.¡±


    It was silent on the ship.


    A few breaths later, Xu Qing walked out of the cabin and stood on the ship. He looked at Xu Xiaohui, who was kneeling on the ground. The scene of the four of them going up the mountain together and the matter of Zhou Qingpeng generously giving him the Ghost Desires appeared in his mind.


    In reality, he wasn¡¯t very familiar with Zhou Qingpeng but the other party¡¯s gift back then could be considered a favor. Moreover, the Ghost Desires had helped him a lot. Now that he heard Zhou Qingpeng had died tragically, he sighed inwardly.


    However, he wasn¡¯t too surprised.


    The cruel environment at the foot of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ mountains wouldn¡¯t soften because of the war. There would always be people who died and there would always be people who yearned to join the sect.


    However, since he owed him a favor, Xu Qing had to ask about this. He looked at Xu Xiaohui and slowly spoke.


    ¡°Tell me in detail.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s words caused Xu Xu Xiaohui to tear up.


    During these few months, she had fallen into despair many times, now she saw hope from Xu Qing¡¯s question.


    ¡°Martial Uncle Xu, Senior Brother Zhou originally followed Martial Uncle Ding Xiaohai in the Coast Guard Department. He told me that he had helped Martial Uncle Ding do many things that couldn¡¯t be known by outsiders. Martial Uncle Ding also promised him that he would give him a follower spot in the future.


    ¡°However, after Martial Uncle Ding advanced, he left the Coast Guard Department without Senior Brother Zhou. Senior Brother Zhou instantly lost his backer. Moreover, many of the things he did previously attracted the malice of many people. This is one of the reasons why he died.¡±


    ¡°Secondly, back then, Senior Brother Zhou gained a lot in the Seventh Peak¡¯s Grand Competition. These gains of his could have been protected. However, as Martial Uncle Ding Xiaohai ignored him, Senior Brother Zhou was targeted by others. One day three months ago, he died tragically on the streets.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been investigating until now but I still haven¡¯t found who the murderer is.¡±


    Xu Xiaohui¡¯s tears flowed. Although her face was filled with sorrow, her words were very organized. Clearly, she had been preparing these words for a long time.


    ¡°You and Zhou Qingpeng?¡± Xu Qing fell silent for a moment before looking at Xu Xiaohui.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhou has done me a great favor. Previously, in order to obtain the magic boat, I borrowed a large sum of spirit stones but I couldn¡¯t pay it back. I had no choice but to give up my dignity to curry favor with some disciples of the sect and become their plaything. In front of others, I look glorious but in reality, I live like an animal. I have to cater to all kinds of torture from them and my body is covered in scars. This is me being cheap and too vain.¡±


    Xu Xiaohui bit her lower lip and spoke softly.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhou pitied me and helped me repay the debt. I originally thought that he had taken a fancy to me, but in the end, he didn¡¯t touch me at all. Instead, he helped me many times. I, Xu Xiaohui, have a cheap life, but I still know that I have to repay a debt of gratitude.¡±


    ¡°However, my ability is limited. In the past few months, even though I sacrificed my body to investigate, there was still no result, so I could only come here and beg Martial Uncle Xu.¡±


    Xu Xiaohui lowered her head and her forehead touched the ground.


    A gentle force spread out, stopping her from kowtowing.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I once owed Zhou Qingpeng a favor. I¡¯ll investigate this matter.¡±

 Chapter 277 - 277 The Secret of Erniu

    277 The Secret of Erniu


    Xu Qing¡¯s words were the best thing Xu Xiaohui had heard in the past few months. She wasn¡¯t lying. Everything she said to Xu Qing was true.


    What she didn¡¯t mention was the heartache and pain she had suffered in the past few months to investigate. She now had no belonging to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    However, she didn¡¯t hate anyone. She just didn¡¯t understand why such a good person like Senior Brother Zhou would suddenly die a tragic death. She just wanted to do her best to repay the other party¡¯s kindness.


    Occasionally, she would wonder if it was worth it for her to have done so much to investigate¡­ However, Xu Xiaohui felt that if she gave up, then perhaps she would give up the last trace of warmth in her heart.


    This warmth was her most precious thing since she came to the Seven Blood Eyes, so she didn¡¯t want to give up.


    Hence, even though Xu Qing spread out his strength to help her up, she still chose to kneel down after her strength dissipated. It was as though to fragile people, kneeling to others would help them have a peace of mind.


    Xu Qing sighed inwardly.


    He took out the voice transmission jade slip and contacted someone.


    ¡°Come and see me.¡±


    Not long later, a small and skinny figure sped through the alley in the distance. He ran as fast as he could and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Xiaohui sensed it and her eyes narrowed when she turned her head.


    She saw a kid. He wore a gray Daoist robe and a dog skin coat, making him have a bulging appearance, but the coldness in his eyes and the murderous aura he emitted were enough to make the hearts of many people shake.


    Xu Xiaohui took a deep breath. She had heard of this person who liked to wear a leather coat under his Daoist robe.


    She knew that the other party was a mute. In the past half a year, he had gained a lot of reputation. He was someone who rose after Xu Qing in the Homicide Department and liked to kill messily.


    Many wanted criminals had been killed by him. Moreover, this person looked to be only at the seventh level of Qi Condensation, but in reality, some ninth level Qi Condensation cultivators from small sects had also died tragically at his hands. This was because this mute was even more reckless than those desperadoes.


    It was as though life was nothing to him. Once he confirmed that it was an enemy, it would be either he died or the enemy.


    Hence, when she saw the mute arrive, Xu Xiaohui instinctively felt some fear.


    The mute didn¡¯t even glance at Xu Xiaohui and knelt down in front of Xu Qing. The fanaticism and joy on his face were very obvious.


    ¡°Go and investigate the cause of Zhou Qingpeng¡¯s death. As for the details, you can ask her through the message transmission jade slip.¡± Xu Qing pointed at Xu Xiaohui.


    The mute nodded vigorously and turned to leave. He didn¡¯t ask Xu Xiaohui any questions at all.


    It was as though in his opinion, if he settled this matter after asking others, it would show that he was useless.


    Xu Qing glanced at the mute¡¯s back and didn¡¯t speak. He stood there and waited silently.


    Dusk was passing. The sunset in the distant horizon was dyed pitch-black by the night and the moon rose.


    Xu Qing had chosen a specific place for his ship¡¯s berth. Regardless of whether it was day or night, it was very quiet and no one came to disturb him.


    The mute didn¡¯t make Xu Qing wait for long. The entire process only lasted for the time it takes for two incense sticks to burn. The mute returned and knelt before respectfully handing Xu Qing a jade slip.


    Xu Xiaohui had paid a huge price to find the answer after months of investigation. To the mute, it only required two incense sticks of time. Of course, this was also related to the Homicide Department.


    Amidst Xu Xiaohui¡¯s excitement, Xu Qing took the jade slip and checked it.


    The investigation into the cause and effect of Zhou Qingpeng¡¯s death was extremely detailed. Xu Qing wasn¡¯t interested in these. He only glanced at it and looked at the murderer¡¯s information.


    The murderer wasn¡¯t a disciple of the Seventh Peak.


    The person¡¯s name was Li Zelin. He was a piedmont disciple of the First Peak. His cultivation level was at the ninth level of Qi Condensation. He had a gloomy temperament and was murderous.


    The mute¡¯s jade slip indicated that the deaths of at least 11 disciples from the other peaks were directly related to this person.


    However, this person was cautious and killed in other areas. Moreover, the targets he chose were calculated, so he didn¡¯t cause irresolvable trouble.


    After all, such a thing often happened in the dark of the Seven Blood Eyes. As long as it wasn¡¯t out of line and no experts pursued the matter, the various departments wouldn¡¯t care.


    For example, if Zhou Qingpeng didn¡¯t owe Xu Qing that favor, his death would have gone unresolved.


    The mute¡¯s investigation was very detailed. Other than these, he even found Li Zelin¡¯s current location and his recent connections.


    ¡°He was taken in as a follower by the First Peak¡¯s Wu Jianwu. At this moment, Wu Jianwu is in Knowing Dreams Restaurant. I couldn¡¯t find out who he arranged to meet but this Li Zelin is guarding outside the Knowing Dreams Restaurant.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and passed the jade slip to the very nervous Xu Xiaohui.


    Xu Xiaohui took it and took a closer look. Her breathing was clearly hurried, and her face was pale by the time she finished reading the report. She looked at Xu Qing with a bitter and hesitant expression.


    ¡°Martial Uncle Xu, about this¡­¡±


    The contents of the jade slip allowed her to know about the murderer. At the same time, she also knew that the murderer had a very powerful background. She wasn¡¯t sure if Xu Qing would continue to help.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. The mute led the way at the side. Xu Xiaohui was stunned. She looked at Xu Qing¡¯s back view and took a deep breath as she followed behind while suppressing the excitement in her heart.


    Knowing Dreams Restaurant was one of the most famous restaurants in the entire port area. It was very large and had a lot of customers. Compared to the restaurants of the Coast Guard Department, Knowing Dreams Restaurant was clearly of a higher level.


    This was because they mainly served spirit food. If one ate it on a daily basis, not only would it strengthen their body, but it also had the effect of removing anomalous substances. Although the effect was very small, it could be consumed for a long time.


    At that moment, on the second floor of the Knowing Dreams Restaurant, there were three people sitting in a luxurious private room.


    If Xu Qing was here, he would know all three of them.


    One was the First Peak¡¯s Wu Jianwu. Sitting opposite him was the pale-faced captain. At that moment, the captain was no longer invisible, and looking at him, he had no body parts missing.


    His injuries had also healed.


    The last person was an old man. This old man was none other than the innkeeper of the Inn on the Panquan Road.


    To be precise, there were not only three people here but also a snake.


    That snake was very large. It coiled around the beam of the private room and hung down halfway. It swayed around on its own, as though it was playing with itself in boredom.


    Occasionally, it would stick out its tongue at the captain or make gurgling sounds, seemingly asking something.


    The captain smiled and looked up at the large snake.


    ¡°Ling¡¯er, are you thinking of someone?¡±


    ¡°Gurgle, gurgle!¡±


    ¡°How about this? Give me ten bottles of the anomalous substances fog you collected last time. I¡¯ll help you call that kid out and let him accompany you for a day. How about that? It¡¯s fair and reasonable.¡±


    The captain spoke with a harmless expression.


    The large snake¡¯s eyes instantly lit up. The old man from the inn hurriedly stopped it.


    ¡°Chen Erniu, you¡¯re being too much. It¡¯s fine if you lie to me, but why are you lying to a kid now!!¡±


    Wu Jianwu, who was sitting at the side, coldly glanced at the captain. He picked up the alcohol flask and took a big gulp before calmly speaking.


    ¡°The human heart is greedy; one day, it will be cut down!¡±


    The captain blinked and took out an apple from his pocket. He slowly took a bite and gave Wu Jianwu a spurious smile.


    ¡°Little Jianjian, although you just came out of seclusion today and don¡¯t know what happened outside or how powerful I am now, I still have to tell you. If I were Uncle-Master, I would definitely beat you up until you speak human language.¡±


    Wu Jianwu raised his sword-like brows.


    ¡°Making indescribable faces; be struck by lightning and split into two!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to flatter me. I promised Uncle-Master not to beat up his disciples anymore. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t beat you up,¡± the captain said with a smile.


    When the old man from the inn heard this, he slapped his forehead and looked helplessly at the captain and Wu Jianwu.


    ¡°Alright, alright. I invited you guys here today for three reasons. I will leave after I¡¯m done speaking, it¡¯s annoying to deal with you guys¡­¡± The old man from the inn sighed.


    ¡°Firstly, Wu Jianwu, the time your master promised me is almost up. However, I have to leave the Seven Blood Eyes for some time, so I¡¯ll reinforce the seal of the inn before I leave. Tell your master to quickly send someone to take over. Otherwise, if anything happens, it will have nothing to do with me.¡±


    ¡°Secondly, Chen Erniu, I can still reinforce your seal three times. After three times, I won¡¯t be able to do it anymore. So, you have to think of other ways to suppress it as soon as possible. The stronger the divinity, the better. Otherwise¡­ if it lives, you might not be you anymore.¡± The old man looked at the captain meaningfully.


    The captain¡¯s expression was as usual. He was still smiling as though he didn¡¯t care at all.


    However, if Xu Qing was here, with his familiarity with the captain, he would be able to tell that after the captain heard the old man¡¯s words, he turned the apple in his hand but didn¡¯t eat it.


    ¡°The third thing is about what I said earlier. I have to leave for a period of time. Ling¡¯er is about to reach the Foundation Building realm. She¡¯s a little special. I¡¯m going to take her to the ancestral land. I¡¯m afraid it will take a few years before we return.¡±


    ¡°Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle!¡± The large snake stopped swaying and anxiously spoke to the old man.


    The old man glared.


    ¡°You¡¯re still thinking about that kid surnamed Xu. Aren¡¯t you afraid that he¡¯ll eat you up?¡±


    ¡°Gurgle!!¡± The large snake also glared and didn¡¯t retreat at all.


    Seeing the snake like this, the old man let out a long sigh. The wrinkles on his face seemed to have increased.


    ¡°I think that kid Xu Qing isn¡¯t bad either. He¡¯s a good match for Ling¡¯er.¡± The captain coughed and showed encouragement to Ling¡¯er.


    Ling¡¯er was instantly happy and quickly swayed back and forth. She even spat out a small bottle filled with anomalous substances and gave it to the captain.


    The captain took it and kept it in his pocket. A smile bloomed on his face.


    ¡°They¡¯re very compatible. Also, I think Xu Qing can completely be our Ling¡¯er¡¯s boy toy.¡±


    ¡°Gurgle?¡± Ling¡¯er was curious, as though she was asking what a boy toy was.


    The captain was about to explain when Wu Jianwu, who was at the side, heard them mention the name Xu Qing. His eyes straightened and his body, which had been lazily leaning against the wall earlier, instantly tensed up. Her expression also revealed a solemn expression.


    ¡°Who in the world has a true image; looking back, it is the same person?¡±


    The captain and the old man looked at each other.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re saying.¡±


    Seeing this, Wu Jianwu became anxious. His breathing hastened and he gritted his teeth fiercely.


    ¡°Is the Xu Qing you¡¯re talking about the Xu Qing from the Seventh Peak who just advanced to Foundation Building some time ago? The one who looks very demonic? Is he the same person?¡± Wu Jianwu quickly asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Xu Qing is my deputy director. Do you know him?¡± The captain once again gave a smile that was not a smile.


    ¡°Incognizant in countless years, heaven¡­¡± Wu Jianwu snorted and was about to speak when the captain said faintly.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t know him. He¡¯s back too. I¡¯ll call him over to meet you or I¡¯ll bring you to meet him.¡±


    Wu Jianwu¡¯s eyes widened. He took a deep breath and stood up.


    ¡°How can I go with a great pill in home, we¡¯ll meet again if fate allows it.¡±


    With that, he turned to leave. However, the instant he turned around, an astonishing pressure suddenly erupted from the street outside the private room.


    This sudden fluctuation caused Wu Jianwu¡¯s expression to change. As for Ling¡¯er, her eyes lit up. She pushed open the window and looked out.

 Chapter 278 - 278 Best Actor

    278 Best Actor


    The night sky was dark and deep. The moonlight was cold, and there was a light rain.


    The bright moon hung high in the deep night sky like a silver plate. The cold moonlight fused into the drizzle, illuminating the port of the Seven Blood Eyes and flowing on the eaves outside the Knowing Dreams Restaurant.


    The raindrops formed a line and the rain lines formed a curtain.


    The moonlight couldn¡¯t dodge in time, casting a blurry shadow.


    It was like a painting of the night with moonlight and light rain.


    On the street that was covered in rain, a figure in a gray Daoist robe was walking over step by step while holding a white oil-paper umbrella.


    The face of the person under the umbrella couldn¡¯t be seen, but his slender body, tall and straight figure, and the aura he emitted when he walked over caused the rain to automatically turn into fog when it got close and brush past him.


    It gushed into the ripples formed by the soles of his shoes.


    On one side of the figure under the umbrella, in the darkness of the eaves on the street, there were two other people. One held an umbrella, while the other ignored the rain and quickly followed.


    The person who came was Xu Qing.


    Under the eaves were the mute and Xu Xiaohui.


    Although it was nighttime now, to this bustling street, it was as though all the joy had just begun. The restaurants on both sides of the streets were filled with noises. Dishes were being served and cups exchanged, laughter rang out, sounds of welcome and soft rejections could be heard from everywhere.


    Some luxurious stores even had many disciples with extraordinary auras guarding there like guards. Most of them were followers of important figures who were chatting and laughing in these stores.


    The target Xu Qing was looking for was among them.


    It was a skinny youth. He stood under the eave of the Knowing Dreams Restaurant and was originally chatting and laughing with a female disciple beside him. However, at the next instant, his expression suddenly changed and he turned to look at the streets.


    Not only him, but all the stores on this street also fell silent at this moment.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t deliberately emit the power of his cultivation base. However, the murderous aura on his body and the energy fluctuations formed by his 65 magic apertures still caused everyone who sensed it to be shocked.


    A large number of gazes stared at him from different angles.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever as he walked step by step to the Knowing Dreams Restaurant.


    A window on the second floor was pushed open and a large snake poked its head out and gurgled happily at Xu Qing. Xu Qing moved the umbrella away and looked at the large snake.


    He smiled slightly.


    Under the moonlight and the rain, the youth¡¯s smile for a moment caused the large snake¡¯s cries to pause.


    It was as though its body had become even softer. It instinctively wanted to crawl out and get closer but it was grabbed by the old man from Panquan Road who was behind her. He glared at Xu Qing with a vigilant expression.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked at the skinny youth who was trembling outside the Knowing Dreams Restaurant.


    The youth¡¯s mind was shaking intensely. His breathing was hurried and he couldn¡¯t control his body from trembling. His eyes stung even more. The figure he saw was like a god, distorting the surrounding void.


    It was as though the other party was a huge vortex that could instantly devour everything.


    Fear and horror crazily surfaced in the youth¡¯s entire body. As his body trembled, every part in his body screamed at him, telling him that he was in extreme danger.


    This was because not only did he see Xu Qing, but he also saw Xu Xiaohui, who had followed Xu Qing here!


    He had seen Xu Xiaohui before. After killing that small fry, Zhou Qingpeng, three months ago, he sensed that someone was investigating this matter. Hence, he secretly looked into it and discovered Xu Xiaohui, who was at a loss and helpless, searching for clues like an injured deer.


    He originally didn¡¯t care about such a fragile person who could be killed with a single slap. However, seeing Xu Xiaohui¡¯s weak appearance under such circumstances, he became interested. Hence, he pretended to help. After playing with her for a period of time, he got tired of her and didn¡¯t care anymore.


    However, at this moment, his heart trembled.


    He knew Xu Qing and knew that the other party¡¯s reputation was now illustrious and incomparable. Before he killed Zhou Qingpeng, he also knew that Xu Qing and Zhou Qingpeng were in the same batch but only in the same batch.


    In the Seven Blood Eyes, being in the same batch wasn¡¯t important. The competition was the same as raising Gu, so how could there be friendship?


    Even now, he felt that all of this wasn¡¯t real. He even felt that it might not be what he thought. Hence, when Xu Qing walked over, he suppressed his trembling and lowered his head to greet him.


    ¡°G-Greetings¡­ Martial Uncle Xu.¡±


    ¡°Is it him?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the mute and Xu Xiaohui.


    The mute nodded respectfully. Xu Xiaohui gritted her teeth and glared at the youth. The moment she read the jade slip earlier, she had realized that she had been too stupid. She nodded fiercely.


    Seeing this, the mind of the skinny youth standing outside the Dream Recognition Building completely sank. He instinctively took a few steps back and spoke quickly.


    ¡°Master, save me¡­¡±


    Almost as soon as his voice came out, it stopped abruptly. A black iron stick appeared out of thin air beside Xu Qing and instantly pierced through his neck.


    The power of lightning contained in it spread throughout his body through the puncture, causing the youth¡¯s soul to instantly dissipate. His body dried up and cracked.


    The lightning attracted the lightning in the clouds in the sky. In the blink of an eye, a bolt of heavenly lightning rumbled over from the sky and descended rapidly like a silver snake, landing on the skinny youth who had already become a corpse.


    The dry and cracked corpse turned into pieces of black dried meat that emitted smoke and scattered on the ground before being extinguished by the rain.


    This scene was too shocking, causing waves to surge in the minds of everyone who saw it.


    None of them doubted that Foundation Building cultivators could kill Qi Condensation cultivators so cleanly and efficiently, but Xu Qing¡¯s attack was too astonishing. He actually lured the heavenly lightning. This was the reason why the minds of those who saw it shook.


    The black iron stick instantly returned and quietly floated behind Xu Qing, melting into his shadow.


    The more this was the case, the more the minds of those who saw it trembled.


    The surroundings fell silent. Just as Xu Qing was about to leave, a surprised voice rang out from the second floor of the Knowing Dreams Restaurant.


    ¡°Aiya, Little Jianjian, the one who died was the follower you brought. He was asking you for help just now.¡±


    This voice belonged to the captain.


    When Xu Qing saw the large snake and the old man from Panquan Road earlier, he had noticed two other auras in the private room. He was extremely familiar with one and wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with the other.


    Xu Qing looked at the window of the private room.


    In the private room, the First Peak¡¯s heaven¡¯s chosen, Wu Jianwu, glanced at the captain who had a spurious smile on his face. After a few breaths of silence, he snorted coldly and flicked his sleeve as he suddenly stood up. A ball of life fire fluctuations erupted from his body. His aura was like a rainbow, causing the surroundings to tremble.


    ¡°Wow~¡± The captain hurriedly cooperated and shouted.


    Wu Jianwu felt that this person was a fool, and it would be too embarrassing for him to argue with a fool. Hence, he didn¡¯t even glance at the captain and walked toward the window with a gloomy expression.


    After reaching the window, the power emitted by his cultivation base fluctuated violently. Amidst the lightning and thunder in the sky, large bronze swords actually appeared from the clouds and locked onto this place.


    It was as though monstrous anger was brewing in Wu Jianwu¡¯s body and could erupt at any moment. An astonishing killing intent spread out from his body and finally fused into his eyes as he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Why did you kill my follower!!¡±


    He said this very proudly.


    Coupled with the dignity emitted by his body and the gloomy expression on his face, he gave off the feeling of a heaven¡¯s chosen.


    As he spoke, thunder rumbled in the sky and exploded in all directions. The bronze swords that formed emitted endless sharpness.


    This scene caused the minds of everyone in the surrounding shops to shake.


    They quickly started leaving. They had a strong premonition that¡­ a huge battle would probably happen here.


    After all, Xu Qing had killed the follower in front of the master. This matter was like slapping his face.


    Moreover, the First Peak¡¯s cultivators cared a lot about their reputation and would definitely not let the matter rest.


    The eyes of the large snake in the private room revealed a ferocious glint as it locked onto Wu Jianwu. It looked like it wanted to whip him but was held back by the old man.


    The old man was overjoyed. He thought to himself, ¡®Xu Qing, oh Xu Qing, let¡¯s see what you do next. The First Peak is the most protective of their own. The eight senior brothers of Wu Jianwu love to fight in groups.¡¯


    At the same time, the minds of the mute and Xu Xiaohui shook.


    The mute lifted his head. Even though his body was trembling under Wu Jianwu¡¯s pressure, he still revealed his sharp teeth and stared fixedly at the other party¡¯s neck.


    As for Xu Xiaohui, she bit her lower lip and felt extremely anxious. She felt that she had implicated Xu Qing.


    However¡­ amidst the changes in everyone¡¯s emotions, only Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever.


    He looked at Wu Jianwu, who was standing beside the window. His gaze was cold and he didn¡¯t say a word. As he lifted his right hand, the black iron stick buzzed and rose from the shadow behind him.


    At this moment, a long laugh came out from Wu Jianwu.


    He threw his head back and laughed loudly, nodding as he laughed. He even let out a voice of agreement. Moreover, his voice was very loud, as though he wanted everyone to hear him.


    ¡°I see. What you said makes sense. Since this matter is your private feud, I really shouldn¡¯t participate.¡±


    Xu Qing frowned but didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for wine, I understand this matter.¡± Wu Jianwu laughed loudly.


    ¡°Haha, Brother Xu, you don¡¯t have to be like this. I really don¡¯t have time in the near future. Forget it, forget it. I also admire your magnificent feat in the Sea Corpse Race. Alright, since you treat me like this, I¡¯m not a petty person. I¡¯ll pay the 100,000 spirit stones fine for killing this person!¡±


    Ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes widened. She looked at Wu Jianwu and then at the empty surroundings, not understanding what he was talking about.


    ¡°Yes, yes. Alright, let¡¯s meet again when we have time later. I¡¯ll take my leave first. I am glad to have met Brother Xu today.¡±


    Wu Jianwu spoke loudly and heartily. From the dignity at the start, he gradually became joyful. Finally, a smile appeared on his face and he cupped his fists toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was strange. From the start to the end, he didn¡¯t say a word.


    Wu Jianwu quickly swept his gaze across Xu Qing¡¯s expression and his heart trembled. He hurriedly flicked his sleeve and maintained his laughter as he stepped out of the private room.


    He flew toward the distant horizon against the lightning and rain.


    His figure was like an immortal, like a beautiful painting that revealed an astonishing realm.


    ¡°I have transcended the mundane world, and became an immortal by swallowing the sea of clouds.¡±


    As he moved forward, all the ancient bronze swords in the sky accompanied him in the surroundings. His voice also echoed in all directions as he walked further and further away.

 Chapter 279 - 279 Don’t Try to Take the Blame!

    279 Don¡¯t Try to Take the Blame!


    When he was far away and no one was around, Wu Jianwu¡¯s body trembled and his face turned pale. His eyes revealed horror and cold sweat covered his forehead as he let out a long breath.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Two fires!! This fiend was already so powerful previously but now, he has actually formed two life fires. If this was outside, he would have killed me!!¡±


    As his heart trembled, Wu Jianwu kept taking deep breaths. He felt that he shouldn¡¯t be leaving the sect for the next few months.


    ¡°Fortunately, I¡¯m smart. I gave him face today and even said I will give spirit stones to him. If he is a reasonable person, he wouldn¡¯t persistently chase after me, right?¡±


    ¡°My head hurts¡­ No, I won¡¯t even leave the cave abode until I form the second life fire!¡±


    Outside the Knowing Dreams Restaurant, Xu Qing had a strange expression on his face.


    The mute was stunned and so was Xu Xiaohui.


    Ling¡¯er blinked and looked a little puzzled. Beside her, the old man was dumbfounded.


    Those who were nearby saw it clearly earlier. Xu Qing didn¡¯t say a word. However, after he assumed a posture like he was about to attack, Wu Jianwu began to speak to himself for some reason.


    Moreover, he laughed and spoke loudly. It was as though Xu Qing was talking to him through voice transmission and was even inviting him to drink wine.


    The entire act was performed perfectly. Those who couldn¡¯t see this scene outside and could only hear the sounds would definitely think that it was true. They would think that Wu Jianwu was a great man and that he admired Xu Qing. The two of them were like good friends who respected each other.


    At the same time, they would also have thought that Xu Qing had sent a lot of invitations, but Wu Jianwu indeed didn¡¯t have the time, so he was returning the favor by paying the fine for killing a piedmont disciple.


    ¡°Little Jianjian¡¯s acting skills are quite bad, even I am speechless.¡±


    A biting sound rang out, breaking the silence of the private room. The captain stood up from his seat and walked to the window while eating an apple. He then winked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past the captain¡¯s limbs and a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes.


    The captain¡¯s recovery was too fast. He got a feeling that the regrowth of the broken limbs wasn¡¯t done by cultivation arts or medicinal pills. It felt more like some bizarre spell.


    The large snake took advantage of the old man¡¯s confusion and twisted its body, rushing out. It quickly crawled out of the window and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. However, after noticing the eyes of the large snake, he felt that they were a little familiar, as though he had seen them before. Not only did the other party not have any killing intent, but it was also filled with joy.


    ¡°Gurgle gurgle gurgle.¡±


    Amidst its joy, the large snake¡¯s body rapidly shrunk and finally transformed into a slender snake that directly coiled around Xu Qing¡¯s hand. Its entire body turned snow-white and its eyes were very large, looking very cute.


    ¡°Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle.¡±


    ¡°Gurgle, gurgle.¡±


    When the old man from Panquan Road saw this scene, he wailed inwardly. Just as he was about to reprimand it, Xu Qing lifted his head and coldly glanced at him.


    The old man instantly shuddered as he recalled the scene of him almost being killed by Xu Qing. While he was filled with grief and indignation, the feeling of his daughter choosing the former between her crush and her father made his heart ache.


    ¡°No, I can¡¯t compromise on this matter. This brat Xu isn¡¯t a good person no matter how I look at him. He¡¯s definitely not a good match for Ling¡¯er.¡± The old man from Panquan Road took a deep breath. As thoughts raced in his mind, he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle!¡±


    He didn¡¯t dare to speak human language and spoke Ling¡¯er¡¯s language.


    He was telling Ling¡¯er that if she wanted to be with Xu Qing forever, she had to transform. If she wanted to transform, she had to reach the Foundation Building realm, so she had to leave now.


    Ling¡¯er looked at Xu Qing reluctantly and gently rubbed her head against his arm. She then let go of his arm and returned to the old man.


    The old man heaved a sigh of relief inwardly and was secretly smug. After that, he hurriedly left. From afar, Xu Qing could still hear gurgling sounds.


    ¡°Alright, Deputy Director Xu, stop looking. Come and have a few drinks with me.¡± The captain waved at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing thought about it and turned his head to nod at Xu Xiaohui, indicating that she could leave.


    Xu Xiaohui bit her lower lip and her heart was filled with gratitude. She knelt down in the rain and her forehead touched the ground. After bowing deeply, she stood up and walked into the distance alone.


    The mute didn¡¯t leave. He squatted outside the Knowing Dreams Restaurant, where the skinny youth had died.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say much. With a sway of his body, he leaped to the window and sat down after stepping into the private room. Last time, at Zhang San¡¯s place, Xu Qing noticed that the captain wasn¡¯t in a good state, so he didn¡¯t say everything.


    After he sat down, Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    ¡°Captain, why did the statue¡¯s nose explode?¡± Xu Qing asked seriously.


    He felt that he had to ask this. Otherwise, with the captain¡¯s paranoia, he would definitely not feel at ease. Hence, Xu Qing felt that he should reassure the captain.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± The captain took a bite of the apple and smiled at Xu Qing, sizing him up.


    Xu Qing started and shook his head.


    ¡°Alright, my deputy director. I was the one who taught you that acting skill. You and I both know about what happened with the statue¡¯s nose. I won¡¯t expose you.¡±


    After the captain finished eating the apple, he took out a pear and took a big bite.


    ¡°This time, I¡¯ll take the blame. Who asked me to be your superior? I won¡¯t ask you for spirit stones, but I have two conditions.¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes revealed a deep look. He looked like he had seen through him and became serious.


    Xu Qing frowned and his expression was a little hesitant, as though he wasn¡¯t sure either.


    Seeing this scene, the captain took out a pear and threw it over.


    ¡°No need to think about it. It¡¯s that reason. I saw it with my own eyes back then. Forget it, forget it. Let me talk about my two conditions. Firstly, you can¡¯t mention the matter of me transforming into the third princess again in the future.¡±


    The captain spoke solemnly.


    ¡°The second thing is that you still have to return the 100,000 spirit stones you owe me!!¡±


    ¡°As long as you agree, I¡¯ll take the blame for the Sea Corpse Race!¡±


    The captain took a deep breath and fiercely bit half of the pear in his hand. After that, he observed Xu Qing¡¯s subtle expression closely.


    Xu Qing fell silent. After some thought, he shook his head and looked at the captain as he spoke seriously.


    ¡°Since it¡¯s my fault, I¡¯ll spread the news to the outside world that I was the one who did this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the first on the bounty. I¡¯m the main culprit in the case of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s Ancestral Corpse Statue. Captain only assisted a little.¡±


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, he stood up to leave.


    When the captain saw this scene, he instantly became anxious. He still valued the glory of being the main culprit very much. However, he wanted to extort a little and didn¡¯t expect it to backfire. He hurriedly stopped him and coughed before laughing dryly.


    ¡°Look at you, why are you so serious? I was just joking with you. I was the one who did that. I¡¯m the main culprit. No one can snatch this achievement from me!¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s me!¡± Xu Qing said seriously.


    ¡°It¡¯s not you, it¡¯s me!¡± The captain was even more anxious.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s me!¡± Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I told you it¡¯s not you, it¡¯s me!¡± The captain was serious.


    ¡°Is it really you?¡± Xu Qing frowned as uncertainty appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s me. After I ate Binding¡¯s flesh, the power of Binding erupted, causing a chain reaction in the statue¡¯s body which led to the explosion. This is a fight of divinity. After I returned, I checked some ancient books. Binding used to have some connections with the Sea Corpse Race, so her aura can stimulate the Ancestral Corpse statue!¡±


    The captain took a deep breath and spoke solemnly.


    This time around, Xu Qing was really stunned. He nodded thoughtfully but he still seemed a little hesitant and was about to speak.


    The captain hurriedly stood up and laughed.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I still have something on, so I¡¯ll leave first. Don¡¯t think too much. It was really me. Sigh, there is too much work in the department¡­ As for the big plan I mentioned last time, I¡¯ll tell you about it when I get all the clues.¡±


    With that, the captain hurriedly left the private room. After he walked out of the block, he took out an apple and took a bite. His heart completely calmed down and he heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Looks like it¡¯s indeed not this kid. Could it really be me? En, it should be me.¡±


    The captain felt very comfortable and felt that this was only reasonable. After all, as the superior, he was the only one who could be matched with the identity of the main culprit.


    In the private room, Xu Qing also heaved a sigh of relief and his heart calmed down.


    ¡°The captain shouldn¡¯t be suspicious anymore.¡±


    Xu Qing was satisfied and left the Knowing Dreams Restaurant, returning to his berth. As he continued to cultivate, he was also looking forward to the great plan his captain had mentioned. Time slowly passed as he waited.


    Very soon, a month passed.


    In this month, the war between the Sea Corpse Race and the Seven Blood Eyes had reached a critical moment.


    The gazes of countless races were attracted. This was because¡­ after capturing two sub-islands and having no more obstacles between them and the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s main island, the Seven Blood Eyes began their general offensive on the Sea Corpse Race!


    The Seven Blood Eyes was trying to step on the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s main territory.


    The museum in Port 176 also opened for business.


    After Zhang San¡¯s repair, he successfully fused the two nose pieces together, making them look relatively intact. A fire that burned all year round was put below.


    As for the ancestor¡¯s calligraphy, it was hung high up.


    The opening of the museum caused a commotion in the entire Seven Blood Eyes. The ancestor and the others on the battlefield also praised endlessly. As for the other races, after being shocked, they couldn¡¯t help but want to come over and take a look.


    Very soon, Port 176 of the Seven Blood Eyes was extremely lively. There were a lot more people than ever. Just like Zhang San had said, the sect made the arrangements for guarding the museum.


    The Golden Core elders guarding the sect had received the ancestor¡¯s orders to protect the safety of this museum no matter what.


    At the same time, the first wave of rewards for making such a great contribution was sent to Xu Qing and Chen Erniu with the decree of the ancestor.


    ¡°Conferred Chen Erniu and Xu Qing as the Image Disciples of this generation of Seven Blood Eyes. Chen Erniu¡¯s sequence has been promoted and Xu Qing has entered the sequence!¡±


    ¡°Both will be rewarded with three uses of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ magic treasure projection!¡±


    ¡°Golden Core opportunity rewarded after the war!¡±


    ¡°This is the first wave of rewards. When the war ends, we¡¯ll reward you again based on the contributions!¡±


    As the ancestor¡¯s decree was spread, the Seven Blood Eyes were in an uproar. On one hand, it was the sequence. On the other hand, it was Image Disciple.


    In reality, everyone in the Seven Blood Eyes was a little unfamiliar with the term ¡®Image Disciple¡¯. Before this¡­ there was no such term in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    However, very soon, they knew what an Image Disciple was.


    Xu Qing and the captain were appointed to represent the peak lords of the seven peaks in entertaining all the guests who were visiting to see the nose of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s statue.

 Chapter 280 - 280 Two Phoenixes Drama

    280 Two Phoenixes Drama


    With the Sixth Peak¡¯s Peak Lord holding down the fort, Xu Qing felt much more at ease.


    As the seven black pentagon warships got closer, Xu Qing saw a large number of cultivators on them. There were about 30 on each ship.


    The Starfish Race was a humanoid race. The members of the race looked similar to the humans on the surface, but their hair and eyes were blue.


    Most of them were women.


    The female cultivators accounted for 70% of the 200-odd Starfish Race members visiting right now. The energy fluctuations from the three people at the front were all very terrifying. In Xu Qing¡¯s perception, their aura felt as strong as the Golden Core cultivator with three heads and six arms from the Sea Corpse Race.


    These three people all looked like middle-aged women. In front of them was a blue-haired girl. This girl had a beautiful appearance with abnormally fair skin and looked to be 16 or 17 years old. She wore a long dress and her gaze was clear.


    Her gaze swept across the shore and moved away from Gu Muqing and Ding Xue, landing on Xu Qing.


    ¡°Welcome to the Seven Blood Eyes, allies from the Starfish Race.¡± Xu Qing cupped his fists and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°You¡¯re Xu Qing?¡± The young girl¡¯s eyes were filled with curiosity as she asked with a smile.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. After he nodded, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°It¡¯s already late today. Tomorrow, someone will bring you guys to take a look at the nose piece of the Ancestral Corpse.¡± After saying that, Xu Qing instructed the disciples behind him.


    ¡°Bring them to their place of stay.¡±


    ¡°Wait a moment, Senior Brother Xu Qing. My Starfish Race hates the Sea Corpse Race deeply. I admire what you did, so I want to give you a gift. Please accept it.¡±


    The young girl smiled and turned her head to look at the servant behind her. Very soon, the servant took out a conch and handed it to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing looked at the young girl.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, this is a magic artifact unique to my race. After blowing it, you can obtain the blessing of my race and summon all the mollusks in the nearby Forbidden Sea.¡± After the young girl finished speaking, she bowed lightly and followed the clansmen ashore while glancing at Xu Qing many times.


    This scene caused Ding Xue to frown and feel a little dissatisfied. Gu Muqing also felt uncomfortable.


    After everyone from the Starfish Race went ashore. The young girl seemed to have thought of something and walked toward Xu Qing. Ding Xue¡¯s brows rose and she was about to speak.


    However, at this moment, the sound of air breaking suddenly rang out from afar. This sudden scene made the Starfish Race instantly vigilant. The eyes of the three middle-aged women flashed with sharpness.


    Xu Qing also looked over. The first thing he saw was the captain and the second highness behind the captain.


    The captain¡¯s speed was extremely fast and he arrived beside Xu Qing in an instant. Without even greeting the Starfish Race, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°The ancestor has sent a message that Dongyou Island is here to visit!¡±


    ¡°Dongyou Island?¡± Xu Qing was stunned. However, as the captain said these three words, Ding Xue¡¯s expression changed. The expressions of the three Golden Core cultivators from the Starfish Race also changed drastically.


    ¡°The Island Lord of Dongyou Island is an old woman named Esteemed Master Dongyou. Her cultivation is in the same realm as the ancestor who broke through¡­ The person who came naturally isn¡¯t her but her granddaughter. This person¡¯s personality isn¡¯t good¡­ You have to be careful.¡±


    The captain¡¯s expression was solemn. Just as he finished speaking, a shocking wave suddenly rose in the distant sea!


    A powerful pressure descended in all directions.

 Chapter 281 - 281 Ill Intentions

    281 Ill Intentions


    This pressure carried a domineering aura. As soon as it appeared, it stirred up a huge wave at the port, causing the black waves to sweep up and transform into a sea wall that blasted toward the gate outside the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ port.


    This enormous wave seemed to contain violent power as it triggered the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation. As the seven blood eyes in the distance flickered, a red light screen instantly appeared, blocking the wave.


    The rumbling and deafening sound spread out at such a close distance that it caused everyone in Port 176 to feel as though lightning had thundered right beside their ears.


    Xu Qing frowned and waved his right hand. Immediately, the magic power in his body spread out and enveloped Gu Muqing and Ding Xue, isolating them from the sound that could shake one¡¯s mind.


    However, the remaining 30-odd Seven Blood Eyes disciples were a little miserable. All of them spat out blood and retreated one after another. This sound could already cause damage to Qi Condensation disciples.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. The captain at the side stroked his chin and looked at the second highness beside him.


    The second highness also frowned. She looked at the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ gate in the distance and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡±


    ¡°Aiya, Sister, don¡¯t be angry.¡± A crisp voice immediately replied from the port gate.


    At the next instant, a huge octopus foot broke out of the sea outside the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ port gate.


    This octopus leg was dozens of feet thick and hundreds of feet long. It directly crossed the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ harbor gate and landed in the port. After that, similar tentacles stretched out from the surface of the sea one after another.


    At the next instant, an even larger octopus head rose from the sea.


    On the head of this octopus sat a figure that looked like a young girl. The reason why it looked like her was because she was wearing black tight-fitting clothes. It wasn¡¯t a woman¡¯s attire at all. In fact, her hair was very short.


    However, her appearance was extremely delicate. The huge octopus completely crawled out of the sea and directly approached the shore of Port 176.


    Drops of black seawater landed on the ground and some landed on the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples. As for the Starfish Race members at the side, most of them were trembling and lowering their heads.


    This huge octopus itself emitted an aura similar to a Golden Core elder!


    Moreover, due to its size, this terrifying sea beast was much more powerful than other same realm cultivators. The pressure emitted by its strength rampaged everywhere.


    Xu Qing took a few steps back and avoided the falling seawater. He then coldly looked at the black-clothed girl.


    This young girl was about 15 or 16 years old. She had an oval face, thin lips, lively brows, and a delicate appearance.


    Her delicate body leaped up from the head of the octopus and landed gently on the ground. She ran straight for the second highness without even looking at the captain and Xu Qing.


    ¡°Sister, you can¡¯t blame me for this. It¡¯s all Shrimpy¡¯s fault.¡± As she spoke, the young girl waved her right hand behind her. Immediately, sharp spikes appeared out of thin air around her and headed straight for the octopus.


    Its target wasn¡¯t its thick-skinned body but its eyes.


    The octopus didn¡¯t dare to dodge and the black spikes pierced into its eyes. It was clearly in pain but it didn¡¯t struggle and allowed the black blood to flow.


    ¡°Sister, don¡¯t be angry. I helped you beat it.¡±


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, his eyes narrowed slightly. When his gaze swept past the black-clothed girl, his mind shook slightly.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s opinion, the other party was different from anyone he had seen before. Regardless of whether it was the captain, the Dao Child of the Sea Corpse Race, or even the sect¡¯s elders and peak lords, they were all different from this young girl.


    She seemed to be¡­ purer!


    This purity allowed Xu Qing to instantly understand the reason. This reason was the source of the fluctuations in his mind.


    ¡®She has no anomalous substances!¡¯


    This was the first time Xu Qing had seen someone else with no anomalous substances other than himself. Her body¡¯s purity was like that of a goddess. In fact, he could sense over a hundred magic apertures shining faintly in her body, but they hadn¡¯t reached 120.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over and confirmed that there were 104 of them. Clearly, this young girl was still at the stage of opening her magic apertures. In the end, she would definitely reach 120 or even surpass it.


    After all, Xu Qing had sensed back then that 120¡­ wasn¡¯t the limit.


    ¡°Yanyan, this is the Seven Blood Eyes. You¡­¡± The second highness frowned and spoke unhappily.


    ¡°Alright, alright. Big Sister, I was wrong.¡± The black-clothed girl quickly walked to the second highness¡¯ side and hugged her thick arm as she spoke coquettishly.


    She clearly had a close relationship with the second highness. The second highness shook her head and looked at the captain.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother¡­ Yanyan didn¡¯t do it on purpose.¡±


    The captain smiled and sized up the black-clothed girl. The girl also looked at the captain curiously. After that, she revealed two small dimples and smiled faintly.


    ¡°Your eyes are so annoying. If you look at me again, I¡¯ll make Shrimpy dig them out.¡±


    When the captain heard this, his eyes lit up and he tried his best to open them wide, as though he was revealing how good-looking his eyes were. He even took out an apple and took a bite.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I can even give them to you. How about a bottle of Dongyou Liquid for them?¡±


    The black-clothed girl raised her brows.


    The second highness hurriedly pulled the black-clothed girl. The girl snorted and swept her gaze past everyone here before finally looking at Xu Qing.


    Originally, she was only looking briefly but at the next instant, she saw Xu Qing¡¯s face.


    ¡°Sister, this person isn¡¯t from the same sect as you, right? I want his face to be made into a mask. It will definitely look good when I wear it.¡±


    The black-clothed girl wasn¡¯t joking. A strange glint appeared in her eyes. Even the huge octopus at the side revealed a cold glint as its power locked onto Xu Qing.


    The surrounding people were all nervous, especially the Starfish Race. All of them retreated.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak but the magic power in his body had long gathered. The shadow under his feet was also prepared.


    The black-clothed girl narrowed her eyes. Beside her, the second highness sighed inwardly and looked at the black-clothed girl solemnly.


    ¡°You cannot!¡±


    She knew Xu Qing and also knew that he was Huang Yan¡¯s friend. Hence, she looked at Xu Qing after saying that.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯m sorry. You can leave first. I¡¯ll get Huang Yan to explain this to you later.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and turned to leave.


    However, at this moment, when the black-clothed girl heard Huang Yan¡¯s name, she suddenly laughed.


    ¡°Sister, why are you so protective of him? Do you like him? Then I don¡¯t want his face. I will only cut it.¡±


    She suddenly moved and her speed instantly erupted, heading straight for Xu Qing. Her eyes revealed intense hostility and ferocity.


    This ferocious light and hostility came out of nowhere. However, Xu Qing was already on guard. The life fires in his body instantly ignited. The instant he stepped into the Mystic Brilliance Form, he also headed straight for the young girl.


    At the same time, the octopus at the side emitted the pressure of a Golden Core and was about to attack. However, at this moment, a low shout rang out from the Sixth Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes like thunder.


    ¡°Impudent!¡±


    As the voice rang out, the Golden Core octopus trembled and its aura directly dissipated, as though it was suppressed. Boom! It was pressed to the ground by an invisible force and couldn¡¯t move.


    As for the captain, he suddenly headed straight for the octopus suppressed by the Sixth Peak¡¯s Peak Lord. A cold aura erupted from his body. After he got close, he directly hugged one of the octopus¡¯ legs and bit down.


    At the same time, Xu Qing and the black-clothed girl also came into contact in mid-air. The girl¡¯s fingernails ruthlessly slashed at Xu Qing¡¯s face. Xu Qing didn¡¯t dodge at all. A dagger appeared in his right and he directly slashed fiercely at the young girl¡¯s neck.


    The young girl twisted her body and dodged Xu Qing¡¯s dagger. However, Xu Qing ruthlessly kneed her chest, but the young girl suddenly turned into paper.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. Without the slightest hesitation, he took out a small bottle containing black liquid and slammed it behind him with all his might.


    The small bottle shattered and the black liquid inside spread out. A portion of it landed on Xu Qing¡¯s palm but most of it landed on the right hand of the young girl who suddenly walked out of the void behind Xu Qing.


    For the first time, the young girl¡¯s expression changed. She swung her hand but she couldn¡¯t shake the liquid off. The black liquid contained countless small bugs. The moment they came into contact with the young girl¡¯s palm, they entered through the pores on her skin.


    ¡°You!¡±


    Just as the black-clothed girl was about to speak, killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The black iron stick instantly flew up from his shadow and headed straight for the young girl.


    At this critical moment, an impatient voice rang out from the Sixth Peak.


    ¡°Enough.¡±


    As soon as this sound rang out, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. A boundless obstructive force appeared in front of him and he could only retreat.


    The black-clothed girl was the same. As she retreated, her face was pale. She looked at her palm and swallowed medicinal pills but it was still useless.


    In the end, she could only grit her teeth and take out a golden talisman, directly sticking it on her right hand. Only then was she able to stop the spreading of the black bugs.


    The second highness also arrived quickly. She sighed inwardly and revealed an apologetic expression to Xu Qing while supporting the black-clothed girl.


    ¡°Your name is Xu Qing, right? I have remembered you. I¡¯m definitely going to take your face. Also, tell that fatty Huang Yan that if he comes to pester my sister again, I¡¯ll kill him!¡± The black-clothed girl¡¯s expression was gloomy. After she spoke word by word, she was pulled away from the port by the second highness.


    The captain also went all out at this moment, but he still couldn¡¯t move the flesh of the Golden Core creature. He finally chose the small part at the end. By using all his strength, he finally bit off a little of the tentacle.


    The octopus wanted to struggle but it couldn¡¯t move at all. It could only whimper. However, the black-clothed girl had clearly forgotten about it.


    As for the Starfish Race, all of them looked at Xu Qing and the captain in awe.


    In their opinion, these two people were lunatics. One took advantage of the fact that the Golden Core sea beast was suppressed and took a bite of it with no regard for his life, while the other actually dared to attack the little princess of the Dongyou Island. Moreover, he attacked with the intent to kill.


    ¡°One is crazier than the other. We can¡¯t afford to offend these two!¡±


    This made them involuntarily think of the bounty on them put up by the Sea Corpse Race. They felt that it was indeed such people who could do such a big thing. They quickly left one after another.


    Very soon, only Xu Qing, the captain, and the suppressed octopus were left at the port. As for Gu Muqing, Ding Xue, and the other disciples, they were also arranged by the captain to leave.


    Ding Xue was a little worried but she knew that they had something to talk about, so she bade farewell and left. However, before Gu Muqing left, she gave Xu Qing a pill bottle.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, this pill has the effect of suppressing insect injuries.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded in thanks and took it. After everyone left, the captain carried the tentacle he had bitten and ran to Xu Qing¡¯s side.


    ¡°This matter has nothing to do with me. That girl has liked the second for many years. It¡¯s obvious that she found out that you and Huang Yan are good friends. She came this time to find trouble with Huang Yan. You were only implicated.¡±


    ¡°However, she probably didn¡¯t expect you to be so difficult to kill.¡±


    A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t speak and walked toward the octopus.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± The captain looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Cut off a leg.¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Don¡¯t, the suppression time is about to pass!!¡± The captain was anxious.


    ¡°Then come and help me cut it.¡± Xu Qing walked in front of the huge octopus. Under the other party¡¯s angry gaze, a dagger formed in his hand and he slashed fiercely.

 Chapter 282 - 282 The Homicide Departments Responsibility!

    282 The Homicide Department¡¯s Responsibility!


    ¡°Why do I feel that you¡¯ve become greedier than me recently!¡± The captain said angrily. However, he also attacked violently, causing the cut to enlarge faster.


    Amidst the monstrous anger in the Golden Core octopus¡¯ heart, Xu Qing successfully cut off a small portion of the end of one of its tentacles. It was about ten feet long and he carried it on his shoulder as he quickly fled this place with the captain.


    A long time later, the pressure on the Golden Core octopus dissipated. It roared and wanted to get up. However, at the next instant, its entire body trembled and it lay on the ground again.


    This was because a middle-aged man had walked over at some point in time. This middle-aged man had a bitter expression and was drinking from a wine gourd in his hand while walking.


    It was the Peak Lord of the Sixth Peak.


    Originally, this Sixth Peak¡¯s Peak Lord was a heaven¡¯s chosen like Old Master Seventh. He entered the sect at the same time but some tragic things happened to him later.


    His Dao companion died tragically and only he and his son survived. He gave all his love to his only son while carrying endless grief and indignation. His son indeed didn¡¯t let him down.


    Many years ago, his son had risen to be an outstanding person in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    However, during an expedition to the sea, his son went missing and the life slip he left in the sect shattered. This matter caused a huge commotion back then but in the end, they still couldn¡¯t find the murderer and it became a knot in the heart of the Sixth Peak¡¯s Peak Lord that he was still unable to let go.


    From then on, the wine gourd never left his hand.


    The Peak Lord of the Sixth Peak, who was drinking wine and feeling bitter to the bone, walked in front of the octopus.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been refining a magic artifact recently. Your eyes are very suitable. Give them to me.¡±


    The octopus trembled even more but it didn¡¯t dare to hesitate. It quickly lifted its tentacles and pressed them on its eyes, digging hard. Blood spurted out as it dug out its eyeballs and respectfully handed them to the Sixth Peak¡¯s Peak Lord.


    ¡°You can scram now. Wait for your master outside.¡± The Sixth Peak¡¯s Peak Lord took the eyeballs and threw them into the wine gourd. He then walked toward the Sixth Peak.


    The octopus respectfully lowered its head. It only lifted its trembling head after the Sixth Peak¡¯s Peak Lord disappeared. It quickly returned to the sea and dived extremely deep. After leaving the Seven Blood Eyes, its figure shone and transformed into a burly man.


    Although he was blind in both eyes, as the flesh and blood between his brows squirmed, another one grew out. At that moment, he looked at the Seven Blood Eyes with a wary expression.


    ¡°With the breakthrough of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ancestor, this Seven Blood Eyes is more confident than before. It looks like an external sect established by the Seven Sects Alliance, but in reality, over the years, the Seven Blood Eyes¡­ has almost become independent.¡±


    ¡°The lower levels are put in a cruel Gu-nurturing environment, while the middle levels are allowed to grow freely. However, once one enters the Sequence and steps into the higher positions, the Seven Blood Eyes will definitely cover their shortcomings and raise them properly!¡±


    ¡°Even though the Seven Sects Alliance discovered it many years ago and wanted to rotate the candidates for the ancestor and the seven peak lords, the effect was very little. The ancestor, Xue Lianzi, was always around. Even though the seven peak lords occasionally took turns to return to the Seven Sects Alliance, most of them were focused on the Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    ¡°This is a sect that is rising!¡± The fear in the burly man¡¯s eyes deepened.


    While all kinds of thoughts appeared in the heart of the burly Golden Core cultivator, Xu Qing separated from the captain and returned to his berth. He then took out his bamboo slip and carved the word ¡®Yanyan¡¯ on it!


    However, he drew a circle. This meant that this person couldn¡¯t be killed in front of others. He had to wait for the other party to leave the Seven Blood Eyes before finding an opportunity to secretly kill her. Only then could he avoid trouble.


    ¡°Here it comes again!¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor in the black iron stick was extremely excited at this moment. He looked at the name on the bamboo slip and paid special attention to his own name.


    After Xu Qing finished carving and was about to put it away, he glanced at the black iron stick that was shaking slightly at the side. He recalled that the other party had been very hardworking, so he cut the words ¡®Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯.


    This cut landed not only on the bamboo slip, but also in the heart of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, transforming into unprecedented excitement and gratitude. The black iron stick¡¯s shook more intensely.


    He felt that all his previous efforts were worth it at this moment!


    ¡°Thank you¡­ Master!!¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s figure appeared and bowed to Xu Qing. He had suffered a lot during this period, especially since the shadow had made many contributions, causing the pressure in his heart to be extremely great.


    There were a few times when he almost suffered from inner demons while cultivating. He could not shake off the feeling that he would be abandoned at any moment. At this moment, more than half of his worries dissipated with Xu Qing¡¯s slash.


    The agitated Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor didn¡¯t notice the shadow behind Xu Qing. It had opened an eye and was trying its best to observe and learn.


    Xu Qing encouraged the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. After putting away the bamboo slip, he walked out of the cabin and sat there looking into the distance.


    He was waiting for someone.


    Not long later, at midnight, a rotund figure staggered into Xu Qing¡¯s vision. As he got closer, he could see that it was none other than Huang Yan.


    He had clearly drunk a lot of alcohol and his walking was crooked and listless. This time, he didn¡¯t sit on the ground but leaped onto Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship for the first time.


    After landing, he sat at the side and let out a long sigh.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, take it that I owe you for what happened today. I¡¯m really sorry. I didn¡¯t expect Senior Sister¡¯s best friend to be such a trash!¡±


    As he spoke, Huang Yan took out a storage bag and solemnly handed it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, I don¡¯t have many things on me at the moment. There are 200,000 spirit stones here. Take it as my goodwill.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t take it immediately. Instead, he looked at Huang Yan.


    ¡°How do you plan to handle this?¡±


    Huang Yan sighed.


    ¡°Why is love so torturous?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too difficult for me. Xu Qing, do you know that I came to the Seven Blood Eyes for Senior Sister? Back then¡­ I glanced at her from afar. From then on, my heart was filled with her figure. In the end, I decided to come to the Seven Blood Eyes. I wanted to make her my Dao companion.¡±


    Huang Yan¡¯s mood today was a little different from usual. He took out a wine flask and took a big gulp before throwing it to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing caught it and took a sip as well.


    ¡°I never expected that her best friend would be my rival!!¡±


    ¡°Do you know that after that b*tch arrived today, she kept pestering Senior Sister and Senior Sister didn¡¯t have the time to care about me. When I went to look for Senior Sister today, Senior Sister sent me away with a guilty expression!!¡±


    ¡°I immediately felt that something was wrong. When I went to drink, I asked around and found out that that little girl actually wanted to snatch Senior Sister from me!¡±


    Huang Yan gritted his teeth.


    ¡°Why did it have to be at this time? If it was a few months ago, I would have blown her to death.¡±


    Huang Yan¡¯s emotions fluctuated intensely.


    A look of confusion appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t understand these things very well and had never experienced such distress. Hence, he didn¡¯t understand or know how to comfort him. He could only lift the flask.


    Huang Yan glanced at Xu Qing and sighed again. He then took out another wine flask and clinked it with Xu Qing¡¯s and took a big gulp.


    ¡°You¡¯re still too young¡­¡± Just as he said this, the voice transmission jade slip in Huang Yan¡¯s storage bag vibrated rapidly. He frowned and took it out. After taking a look, his expression instantly became displeased.


    At the same time, Xu Qing¡¯s voice transmission jade slip also vibrated. Xu Qing calmly took it out. As magic power surged in, messages quickly appeared one after another.


    ¡°Fifteen minutes ago, the Black Division of the Homicide Department received a request for help from the Patrol Department. An external Foundation Building expert wrecked the Pilotage Department. Many disciples were injured and the Patrol Department went over. Their director was heavily injured and the rest were suppressed.¡±


    ¡°The Black Division responded and went over, but they couldn¡¯t stop the expert and were also suppressed.¡±


    ¡°The other party requests for Huang Yan from Port 176¡¯s Pilotage Department to meet her immediately.¡±


    ¡°This matter is beyond our ability. Deputy Director, please make a decision.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Huang Yan beside him. Huang Yan also lifted his head with an ugly expression. After meeting Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, he revealed an apologetic expression. After that, he suddenly stood up and walked out of the magic ship in a flash, heading straight for the Pilotage Department.


    Xu Qing looked at Huang Yan¡¯s back and thought of the scenes in the Sixth Peak¡¯s shop back then. He then looked at the storage bag Huang Yan had secretly placed at the side before he left because he didn¡¯t accept it earlier.


    ¡°Huang Yan is a loyal person.¡± Xu Qing silently stood up and walked toward the Pilotage Department.


    His speed was faster than Huang Yan¡¯s, so it wasn¡¯t long before he saw Huang Yan running in the distance. Xu Qing¡¯s arrival also made Huang Yan fall silent before he smiled at him.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°The Pilotage Department reported a case, so I naturally have to go.¡± Xu Qing also smiled.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you¡¯re a special person. In all the years I¡¯ve been in the Seven Blood Eyes, I don¡¯t have a single friend. I only have Senior Sister in my eyes but in the past year, I got a friend like you.¡±


    ¡°I have very few friends¡­¡± Huang Yan took a deep breath and didn¡¯t continue speaking. He ran with all his might and got closer and closer to the Pilotage Department under Xu Qing¡¯s company.


    The building of the Pilotage Department in Port 176 was shaped like a sailboat. The instant they got close, an astonishing energy fluctuation spread from the sailboat.


    The sailboat building directly collapsed from the middle and shattered into pieces. A black figure rushed out with an astonishing speed, heading straight for Huang Yan.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. He immediately lit his life fires and activated the Mystic Brilliance Form, and stood in front of Huang Yan. He waved his right hand fiercely; immediately, black flames spread out in a large area and collided with the approaching black figure.


    A loud sound spread in all directions. The black figure distorted and appeared on the gravel at the side. It was none other than the black-clothed girl, Yanyan, who had fought with Xu Qing earlier.


    ¡°Why is it you again!¡± The black-clothed girl stared at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past Yanyan and looked at the destroyed Pilotage Department. He saw at least a hundred disciples from the three departments lying there in a mess.


    All of them were heavily injured but there were no deaths. Xu Qing even saw the little mute among them.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned gloomy. He then surveyed his surroundings.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to look. With my status, even if I killed any of these piedmont disciples, do you think your sect will stop me? From the moment I arrived here until now, no one has stopped me.¡±


    The black-clothed girl looked at Xu Qing¡¯s face and licked her lips.


    ¡°However, I didn¡¯t expect you to actually be in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Sequence. If that¡¯s the case, it¡¯ll be a little difficult.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong.¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°The reason why the sect didn¡¯t attack you is because this matter falls under the responsibility of the Homicide Department. Before I report it, this place is still under the responsibility of the Homicide Department.¡±


    With that, Xu Qing lifted his right hand and crushed a signal jade slip that belonged to the Homicide Department. At the next instant, a bright beam of light rose into the air from the shattered jade slip. In the dark night, it emitted a rainbow light that formed the shape of ¡®Ðס¯!


    At the same time, Xu Qing¡¯s voice spread in all directions.


    ¡°Rule Seven of the Homicide Department: If foreign cultivators cause chaos in the main city, the Homicide Department can capture them. All members of the Black Division, listen up. Seal Port 176 and arrest this criminal!¡±

 Chapter 283 - 283 What Is Sequence!

    283 What Is Sequence!


    ¡°Arrest?¡± The black-clothed girl laughed. However, the instant her laughter rang out, voices from countless corners of Port 176 rang out in unison.


    ¡°I obey the order!¡±


    As the voices rang out, figures rushed out from all corners. There were over a thousand of them and they sealed off the entire Port 176.


    ¡°A mere group of Qi Condensation cultivators wants to block me? I¡¯ll kill a few first for you to see!¡±


    Killing intent appeared in the black-clothed girl¡¯s eyes. The three life fires in her body were instantly ignited and their light overflowed into the sky. Her speed also erupted as she soared into the air and headed straight for the Homicide Department¡¯s disciples who had rushed out.


    Xu Qing coldly looked over and raised his identity token.


    ¡°Xu Qing, deputy director of the Homicide Department, requests for the sect¡¯s array formation to seal the sky of Port 176, so that no foreign cultivators may fly here!¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, a bell chime rang out from all directions. The power of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation erupted and directly enveloped this place, causing the expression of the black-clothed girl who was flying in the air to change.


    Boom! Her body was suppressed by a huge force and forcefully pressed to the ground. It was difficult for her to soar into the air. In fact, the life fires in her body were shaking.


    ¡°How dare you!¡± Although the young girl was suppressed, the killing intent in her eyes didn¡¯t decrease. Instead, it intensified and her anger soared to the sky.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t lying. The reason why this young girl could be so arrogant and no one stopped her previously was because the order and laws in the Seven Blood Eyes were extremely strict. There would almost never be anything like going off the rails. Unless the lower-level departments couldn¡¯t deal with it and chose to report it, the higher-level departments wouldn¡¯t participate.


    The entire Seven Blood Eyes was operated based on this rule system with occasional exceptions.


    ¡°Foreign cultivators can¡¯t light two fires here!¡±


    Xu Qing coldly looked at the furious young girl. There was no need for him to make a move. With the authority of the Homicide Department and his identity as a member of the Sequence, he seemed to have the power of laws in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The reason he was doing this was because he sensed many gazes were focused here. He didn¡¯t want to expose some of his secrets by attacking.


    As his voice rang out, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation instantly rumbled and an invisible force enveloped Port 176 again. The expression of the black-clothed girl changed drastically as her third ball of life fire was instantly extinguished!


    Her second ball of life fire was also forcefully extinguished!


    Only a life fire was still burning. Being suppressed like this inflicted some backlash to the black-clothed girl and she spat out a mouthful of blood. However, the veins on her forehead were still bulging ferociously and the killing intent in her eyes was shocking.


    She struggled crazily.


    However, Xu Qing made his move at this moment. With the shadow covering the life lantern, his two life fires ignited and boosted his speed. He arrived in front of the young girl almost instantly and slapped her.


    The right side of the young girl¡¯s face swelled up and she spat out a large mouthful of blood along with many teeth. Her body directly collided with a building at the side.


    Xu Qing took a step forward. He immediately arrived in front of the young girl and stepped on her.


    A light flashed from the pendant on the young girl¡¯s body and a protective barrier appeared, blocking Xu Qing¡¯s right foot.


    As for the young girl, she borrowed the time to quickly crawl into the distance. Her expression was sinister and her eyes were filled with madness. She directly tore off the pendant with a ruthless expression.


    ¡°Foreign cultivators can¡¯t use any magic artifacts and magic treasures!¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke and the array formation descended again.


    The protective light on the young girl¡¯s body directly collapsed. Blood flowed out of her body and she let out an indignant mournful cry as she stared fixedly at Xu Qing.


    ¡°If you have the ability, fight me properly!¡±


    ¡°Idiot.¡± Xu Qing directly arrived in front of the black-clothed girl. With another slap, the girl¡¯s body flew out again. Many of her teeth were shattered. The instant she landed on the ground, she took out a jade slip and crushed it. Immediately, the power of teleportation spread out.


    ¡°Foreign cultivators are forbidden from teleporting.¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation descended again, destroying all traces of teleportation. The black-clothed girl¡¯s eyes revealed indignance. Just as she was about to speak, Xu Qing had already arrived in front of her and slapped her again.


    The black-clothed girl spat out more blood and her body went limp. However, her expression was still sinister and her anger was still intense. Even if she died, she wouldn¡¯t submit.


    Xu Qing cast a meaningful glance at the young girl. Although his principle was to kill all existences that threatened his life, he wasn¡¯t a fool.


    To do such a thing in front of so many people and attract great trouble and crisis for himself was not principle. It was stupidity.


    Hence, he restrained his killing intent. He slapped the young girl again. With a boom, blood spurted out of the young girl again and the only ball of life fire in her body was extinguished. She directly fainted from the heavy injuries.


    The degree of her injuries was about the same as those disciples who had fainted from her attacks earlier.


    After doing this, Xu Qing stood on the spot and grabbed the young girl¡¯s hair. He then turned his head and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Magic sealing rings!¡±


    Immediately, dozens of figures from the Homicide Department arrived behind him. Their gazes toward Xu Qing was filled with reverence. After they got close, they quickly took out bracelet-like items and pressed them on the young girl¡¯s arms.


    The young girl immediately woke up. She let out a low shout and the magic rings on her arms instantly shattered.


    The young girl laughed wildly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯ll remember you. No one has ever dared to be so disrespectful to me. You¡¯re the first!¡± As soon as she finished speaking, Xu Qing expressionlessly walked over and slapped her again.


    The girl¡¯s head hit the ground and she really fainted.


    ¡°Use ten rings.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    This ring was specially designed by the Homicide Department to target foreign Foundation Building cultivators. Two of them could suppress one life fire, and ten of them were more than enough to seal the power of three fires.


    Back then, the director of the Homicide Department had used this ring on a foreign criminal.


    Very soon, ten rings were put on the unconscious black-clothed girl¡¯s body.


    ¡°Send her to the Black Division. Without my warrant, she can¡¯t be released!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. After his voice rang out, more disciples from the Homicide Department arrived in the surroundings and were about to carry the young girl away.


    At that moment, the sound of air breaking rang out from the distant sky and a voice arrived.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, can you make an exception for this matter!¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head. The tall figure of the second highness was rapidly visible in the sky. There were still some traces of her breaking through the restrictions on her body. Clearly, she had been imprisoned previously, so she couldn¡¯t stop the black-clothed girl¡¯s arrival.


    ¡°Greetings, second highness.¡± Xu Qing cupped his fists and looked at Huang Yan not far away.


    Huang Yan looked at the second highness and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Senior Sister, Xu Qing is helping me.¡±


    The second highness wanted to say something but hesitated. She looked at Huang Yan and then at the black-clothed girl who was being carried away. She hesitated.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu Qing, if she dies, the ancestor will be in a difficult position.¡± These words didn¡¯t contain any threat but were filled with misgivings and reminders.


    ¡°She violated the sect¡¯s rules but fortunately, she didn¡¯t kill anyone, so her crime isn¡¯t punishable by death. However, she still has to be imprisoned. This is the sect¡¯s rule.¡±


    Xu Qing said softly.


    The second highness nodded.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine as long as she doesn¡¯t die. I¡¯m also a little annoyed by her. Thank you for this, Junior Brother Xu Qing.¡± With that, she looked at Huang Yan. Her gaze gradually softened as she walked over.


    Seeing the two of them like this, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and stood on the spot, waiting silently.


    As for the injured, they had already been taken care of. Very soon, Huang Yan cupped his fists and left. This place became quiet.


    Xu Qing waited silently. This time, he had acted not only to help Huang Yan but also because the black-clothed girl had provoked him. In addition, he also wanted to see to what extent the so-called Sequence could protect him in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Not long later, a figure walked over from the sky. It was an old man wearing a blue Daoist robe. His Golden Core cultivation fluctuations were extremely strong. As he arrived, a pressure spread in all directions.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and cupped his fists.


    ¡°Greetings, Elder.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know who it was but in the Seven Blood Eyes, the person wearing such a Daoist robe and exuding such pressure was naturally one of the elders.


    The old man stood in the air and sized up Xu Qing a few times. A hint of admiration appeared in his eyes as he spoke.


    ¡°Xu Qing, Old Master Sixth asked me to ask you something. How do you plan to deal with this matter?¡±


    ¡°Can I kill her?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°No, although that girl is bossy, her crime doesn¡¯t deserve death. Besides, her grandmother has a good personal relationship with the ancestor.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°According to the sect¡¯s rules, she will be stripped of her cultivation base and be imprisoned in the Candle Bone Cave for three years.¡±


    The Sixth Peak¡¯s elder smiled when he heard this. He naturally saw Xu Qing¡¯s intentions and knew that the girl was the one who provoked this matter first. If Xu Qing wasn¡¯t in the Sequence, he wouldn¡¯t be so kind.


    However, entering the sequence meant that he was the future and seed of their Seven Blood Eyes. Such a person couldn¡¯t be allowed to be humiliated casually, especially now that the ancestor was clearly very gratified by what they had done.


    Also, as an Image Disciple, being provoked by outsiders in the sect could not be allowed.


    ¡°Do as you see fit, but forget about crippling her cultivation base.¡±


    With that, the Golden Core elder turned and left.


    Xu Qing cupped his fists and sent him off respectfully. After the other party left, he walked toward his berth. At the same time, he was rapidly analyzing the pros and cons of what he did.


    Other than attracting the hatred of the black-clothed girl and the force behind her, there was no other disadvantage.


    He had instead benefited a lot. Putting aside Huang Yan, the most important thing was that he had discovered the value of the Sequence in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°From the looks of it, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ tolerance and kindness toward those in the Sequence are extremely high.¡±


    Xu Qing recalled his experience after entering the Seven Blood Eyes and fell into deep thought. He thought of what Zhang Yunshi, who had guided him on the Seventh Peak, had said.


    Back then, the other party had said that the piedmont disciples were nurtured in a Gu-nurturing environment while the disciples on the mountain were allowed to grow freely.


    From the looks of it, due to Zhang Yunshi¡¯s identity, he didn¡¯t know about the Sequence. Now, in Xu Qing¡¯s judgment, the Sequence was similar to the true core of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°As long as I don¡¯t do something like betraying the sect, I¡¯m safe in the Seven Blood Eyes.¡± Xu Qing pondered. At the same time, he understood the drawback of the Sequence. It was that his bond with the Seven Blood Eyes had become extremely deep.


    This wasn¡¯t an emotional bond but a matter of status and the perception of the outsiders.

 Chapter 284 - 284 Promotion Again (1)

    284 Promotion Again (1)


    Time flowed by and in the blink of an eye, seven days passed.


    The black-clothed girl from Dongyou Island was imprisoned in the Black Division. Even though her cultivation base was sealed with ten magic sealing rings, she was still unconvinced and hurled all kinds of curses at Xu Qing. Unfortunately for her, sound couldn¡¯t be transmitted from the dungeon room she was in.


    However, she was clearly energetic. Even though seven days had passed and the Seven Blood Eyes had not released her yet, she became even crazier.


    After Xu Qing found out about this, he ordered for another ten rings to be added on her body. Under the huge sealing force, the black-clothed girl became even more crazy, but she didn¡¯t have much strength, so her daily cursing lessened.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t go take a look at her. He only checked the other party¡¯s recent condition in the reports and didn¡¯t bother with her.


    As for when to release this girl, Xu Qing felt that there was no need to hurry. Moreover, the sect¡¯s attitude toward this matter was very interesting. Other than that day, they didn¡¯t ask anything.


    It was as though they really gave him full control over this matter. This was the first time Xu Qing had felt this strange feeling in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°Is it because of the Sequence?¡± Xu Qing fell into deep thought. However, he knew his limits and naturally wouldn¡¯t be stupid enough to kill the black-clothed girl in the open.


    He would wait till she was released and no one was paying attention.


    Hence, he was also waiting for the sect¡¯s follow-up notice of this matter. Clearly, this matter couldn¡¯t be settled so easily. After all, the Seven Blood Eyes had the reason on their side and would demand an explanation for this to save their reputation.


    Even in this wartime, this reputation was still extremely important.


    Xu Qing felt that there was a high chance that this was the case. Not expressing their stance was actually tacit agreement.


    During these seven days, as an Image Disciple, Xu Qing was dispatched twice to welcome visitors from other races. During this period of time as an Image Disciple, his reputation rose in another way.


    Sometimes, some female members of the nonhuman races would even take the initiative to request to see Xu Qing. All the nonhuman female cultivators who had seen Xu Qing were stunned by his looks.


    Although the races were different, as the former rulers of the Wanggu Continent, even though the human race had declined now, the understanding and aesthetic standards engraved in the bloodlines of the other nonhuman races had not dissipated yet.


    Hence, the gifts Xu Qing received filled an entire storage bag.


    This made Ding Xue and Gu Muqing very vigilant. At the same time, the impatience in Xu Qing¡¯s heart decreased by a lot. After all, the value of the gifts he got was quite high.


    However, this good thing didn¡¯t continue for long. The heat caused by the nose piece of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s Ancestral Corpse Statue gradually lessened and many of the visitors left.


    There were only a few allies like the Starfish Race who hadn¡¯t left yet and were purchasing a lot of items in the main city. As for the young girl from the Starfish Race, she seemed to be very interested in Xu Qing and came to visit many times.


    However, other than the gift she gave Xu Qing when they first met, she didn¡¯t give any other gifts in her subsequent visits. Instead, she would ask innocently, as though she was extremely curious about Xu Qing and wanted to understand him completely.


    After Xu Qing dealt with it once, he directly rejected her subsequent visits.


    Regarding the reassignment of Xu Qing and the captain, Xu Qing was promoted from the deputy director of the Homicide Department to the director because of his previous great contribution!


    He controlled the entire Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department.


    On the captain¡¯s side, he should have been promoted to the deputy minister of the Homicide Ministry that was in charge of the entire Seven Blood Eyes. However, for some reason, he didn¡¯t go to the ministry, and instead, went to the Seventh Peak¡¯s Intelligence Department and became the director there.


    There was a huge difference between the department and the ministry. There was a Homicide Department in each of the seven mountain peaks. Above them was the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Homicide Ministry.


    ¡°Only a fool would go to the ministry. How much better is the Intelligence Department? That¡¯s a place I¡¯ve dreamed of. I¡¯ll know everything there. Regardless of whether it¡¯s planting spies outside, screening spies internally, or investigating information about nonhuman races, these are all my forte. It¡¯ll be more convenient for me to dig out some great opportunities!¡±


    On his first day as the director of the Intelligence Department, the captain called out Zhang San and arrived at Xu Qing¡¯s place in high spirits. The three of them sat together and drank. When Zhang San saw that Xu Qing and the captain had both been promoted, he was happy but also a little bitter.


    ¡°The next time you guys go out to go crazy, you can consider calling me. Captain, what do you think? With me around, at least if you lose half of your body, there will be someone to carry you,¡± Zhang San said faintly.


    The captain took a bite of the apple and patted Zhang San¡¯s shoulder with a smile.


    ¡°Little San, don¡¯t be jealous. Brother still loves you!¡±


    After saying that, the captain looked at Xu Qing and discovered that Xu Qing was sitting there distractedly, as though he was thinking about something.


    ¡°Fool, what are you doing?¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain before looking at the equally curious Zhang San.


    ¡°Erniu, I¡¯m thinking about how to improve the poison so that it can pose a threat to the Golden Core.¡±


    Xu Qing had been thinking about this question during this period of time. As for the direction, it was the black bugs he had obtained.


    Although he had used up most of the black bugs in the battle with the black-clothed girl, after Xu Qing collected the remaining ones, he felt that it was too weak to use them like that.


    In fact, he even faintly felt that he hadn¡¯t completely unleashed the potential of these little bugs. After all¡­ this was created by a Golden Core expert. There was no reason for their might to decrease to such an extent that they couldn¡¯t even instantly suppress a three fires cultivator.

 Chapter 285 - 285 Promotion Again (2)

    285 Promotion Again (2)


    When Zhang San heard this, he took a deep breath. He felt that Xu Qing was different from before. He was actually thinking about how to deal with Golden Cores¡­ When he thought of Xu Qing¡¯s poison, he instinctively moved back a little.


    The captain also widened his eyes. He suddenly felt that Xu Qing¡¯s words were very cool and possessed the characteristic of being able to stand out without batting an eyelid. Hence, he silently remembered it. After that, he coughed and took out a medicinal pill, swallowing it warily.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to slowly study this. Let me get down to business first. I am now the director of the Intelligence Department and Xu Qing is the director of the Homicide Department. These two departments didn¡¯t get along in the past, but we are one family now.¡±


    ¡°I have a plan. Since these two departments are under our management, we have to build up some achievements. We have to rely on these two departments to control the entire Seventh Peak and enjoy a peak lord¡¯s authority to the fullest before the war ends!¡±


    ¡°This way, even after the old man and the others return after the battle, they won¡¯t be able to do anything to us for a while. The two of us will become cultivators with real power. This will make it easier for us to do big things in the future.¡±


    Xu Qing frowned slightly.


    ¡°Captain, I want to enter seclusion for a while and focus on studying this poison.¡±


    ¡°You need money to study poison, right?¡± The captain looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I have enough for now.¡± Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°You need someone to do the test for you, right? You have to find some people to test the poison, right?¡± The captain didn¡¯t give up. He spoke while eating the apple.


    ¡°I have enough for now.¡± Xu Qing shook his head.


    The captain was a little discouraged. He suddenly felt that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t easy to fool. It wasn¡¯t like when he first arrived at the sect, where he could fool him however he wanted. He just had to crook his finger and Xu Qing would have to work.


    All kinds of thoughts rapidly ran through his mind. Just as he was thinking about how to pull Xu Qing in his plan, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly lit up. He thought of a key point in refining the little black bug and immediately stood up.


    ¡°Captain, Senior Brother Zhang San, I¡¯ll take my leave first. Let¡¯s meet again when we have time.¡±


    Xu Qing cupped his fists and headed straight for his magic ship. After entering the cabin, he immediately activated the protective barrier. After that, he sat down and took out a large number of medicinal herbs. He then took out the bottle containing the little black bugs and began to mix them according to the recipe he thought of.


    Outside the magic ship, Zhang San and the captain looked at each other.


    ¡°Captain, should we leave this place? I feel that this place is a little unsafe¡­¡± Zhang San hesitated.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? I¡­¡± Just as the captain finished speaking, a rumbling sound suddenly rang out from Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship. A poisonous fog spread out from within. Fortunately, there was a protective barrier blocking it, so it didn¡¯t spread out.


    The captain fell silent for a few breaths before standing up and laughing.


    ¡°Zhang San, let¡¯s go. It¡¯s been a long time since I went to your Transportation Department. Let¡¯s continue drinking at your place.¡±


    Zhang San immediately stood up and the two of them quickly left this place.


    Not long after they left, rumbling sounds rang out from Xu Qing¡¯s cabin again.


    Xu Qing was indeed studying the rearing of the little black bug. This was the only thing with the might of a Golden Core on him now. He originally planned to use it as a trump card but the incident with the black-clothed girl earlier had disappointed him.


    A night passed. He had been trying for the entire night, using all kinds of herbs and poisons, trying to catalyze these little black bugs to their full potential.


    However, they all failed. Only the flesh of the Golden Core octopus had some effect, causing the number of little black bugs to increase by quite a bit.


    ¡°However, if it can only be reared with the flesh and blood of a Golden Core cultivator, then these venomous bugs are worthless. It can¡¯t defeat a Golden Core cultivator but needs to feed on their flesh and blood. It¡¯s useless to me. I want to use it as a trump card to intimidate Golden Core cultivators. However, maybe¡­ I haven¡¯t found the right method.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and took out a thick pharmacopeia from the side. This pharmacopeia was given to Xu Qing by Grandmaster Bai before he left.


    Xu Qing had always treasured it and had checked it countless times. All the pages inside were about to tear from the repeated uses. Hence, he was very careful when perusing it.


    This was a gift Grandmaster Bai had left for him. It also carried Xu Qing¡¯s gratitude to Grandmaster Bai.


    It could be said that Grandmaster Bai was his true first master. He played an extremely critical role in the opening of his Dao of vegetation and the subsequent development of his poison Dao.


    Without Grandmaster Bai, Xu Qing would know nothing about plants and vegetation, and the Dao of Poison wouldn¡¯t have become an important method for him.


    ¡°I wonder how Grandmaster Bai is.¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath. After he reached the Foundation Building realm, he had inquired about Grandmaster Bai¡¯s whereabouts. However, the other party traveled everywhere and the time he returned to Purple Earth was very short every time.


    Xu Qing retracted his thoughts and silently flipped open the medical book, searching for clues that could stir his thoughts.


    ¡°Grandmaster Bai once said that although the Dao of Insects and the Dao of Medicine seem different, their intrinsic quality is similar. They can complement each other¡­¡± Xu Qing fell silent. Finally, his gaze landed on the description of a medicinal herb in the book.


    ¡°Fourth Night Orchid?¡± Xu Qing revealed a look of contemplation. This was a medicinal herb that ferocious beasts liked and was useless to cultivators. If ferocious beasts who hadn¡¯t awakened their spirituality ate it, it could increase their intelligence. It was also one of the basic medicinal herbs for the Transformation Pill.


    ¡°I can give it a try!¡± Xu Qing stood up and walked out of the magic ship, heading to Port 176¡¯s medicinal shop. His arrival immediately attracted the attention of everyone in the shop. After the shopkeeper heard Xu Qing¡¯s request, he immediately prepared it for him.


    Not long later, Xu Qing left with a storage bag. A hint of heartache flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°Why is this thing so expensive!¡±


    This storage bag not only contained the fourth night orchid but also all kinds of medicinal herbs related to beast rearing that could be bought on the market, and there were also many poisonous grasses.


    Some were cheap and some were extremely expensive.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to care about these at this moment. He felt that he had to have a method to threaten the Golden Core. Hence, after returning to the magic ship, he studied and tried again.


    Just like that, another seven days passed.


    In these seven days, everyone in the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes was in a state of panic. After the new director of the Intelligence Department, Chen Erniu, took office, the first thing he did was announce that he wanted to capture moles.


    With joint enforcement with the Patrol Department, every department was within the scope of investigation. Even Foundation Building cultivators were investigated.


    For a moment, in the eyes of all the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples, the captain was like a rabid dog. However, his status was too high, so the others could only lower their heads and allow themselves to be investigated.


    As for Xu Qing, he bought countless medicinal herbs to test in these seven days. Finally, he found seven types of medicinal herbs that clearly stimulated the growth of the little black bugs.


    However, this wasn¡¯t enough. Xu Qing could already tell that¡­ if he wanted to truly rear these little black bugs and make them continue to grow, he still needed blood and flesh!


    ¡°However, with these medicinal herbs, I finally don¡¯t need the flesh and blood of Golden Core beings¡­¡± A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. On this dusk, he went to the underground prison of the Black Division!


    Back then, when the captain asked him if he needed a poison tester, Xu Qing had said that he had enough. The poison testers for him were the prisoners of the Black Division.


    Almost everyone who was imprisoned was a wanted criminal who had committed many evil deeds. Night Dove was among them. There were even many Foundation Building cultivators imprisoned in the prison. There were only a few humans among them, with most being nonhumans.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that ever since the Homicide Department was established, no Golden Core cultivators have been imprisoned. If only there is a chance in the future to capture a few alive.¡±


    A rather bold thought rose in Xu Qing¡¯s mind and he was very tempted.

 Chapter 286 - 286 Killing the Goat to Scare the Girl

    286 Killing the Goat to Scare the Girl


    With this thought in mind, Xu Qing walked toward Port 176¡¯s Black Division.


    It was late at night. Due to the madness of the Intelligence Department during this period of time, everyone was in a state of panic. This also affected the business of some brothels. After all, people weren¡¯t in the mood to have fun.


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ rules system caused there to be¡­ quite a lot of moles.


    The Gu nurturing of Qi Condensation disciples caused them to have no sense of belonging, and the sect didn¡¯t need it as well. Everything was about benefits.


    In addition, Foundation Building cultivators were allowed to grow freely. They didn¡¯t feel any psychological burden selling some information they knew for some benefits.


    Of course, there was a price to pay for selling the information.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about these. He walked in the darkness and passed by many remote places, not caring about the little mute who was following behind him.


    This lasted until they arrived at the Black Division.


    At the entrance of the Black Division, the two disciples guarding there revealed fanaticism in their eyes the moment they saw Xu Qing. They lowered their heads and knelt.


    ¡°Greetings, Director!¡±


    To them, the name ¡®Xu Qing¡¯ was already a legend.


    At the start, the other party was also a member of the Homicide Department. After that, he rose all the way to the Foundation Building realm in a year, formed a life fire in a few months, and became a two fires cultivator in less than two years. He even did earth-shattering things in the Sea Corpse Race.


    Just some time ago, he had suppressed the little princess of Dongyou Island. At this moment, the other party was still locked up in the Black Division¡¯s prison. All of this made Xu Qing a target for reverence for countless disciples in the Homicide Department.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He nodded and walked past. After stepping into the Black Division, he directly arrived at the prison.


    The prison of the Black Division was built underground and only had one floor.


    Regardless of whether it was Qi Condensation, Foundation Building, or special cultivators, they were all imprisoned on the first floor. There were hundreds of iron bars here and a large number of array formations and restrictions.


    At the same time, the harsh environment caused the smell here to be extremely unpleasant. Regardless of whether it was the smell of dirt, feces, or urine, when mixed together, it was enough to make anyone feel nauseous.


    Most of the prisoners were wanted nonhuman criminals. Among them, none had been captured by Xu Qing.


    This was because Xu Qing only took the heads.


    Xu Qing¡¯s arrival immediately attracted the attention of these nonhuman cultivators. All of them bared their teeth. Some were grinning cheekily, some directly spat out dirty phlegm, and some whistled and assumed vulgar postures when they saw Xu Qing.


    They weren¡¯t afraid of death.


    Being imprisoned here with no chance to see the light of day again, they had lost fear of death. Waves of strange cries rang out from these prisoners. Xu Qing even heard the voice of the black-clothed girl in the distance.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I curse you to die a horrible death. When I get out, I¡¯ll cut your stomach open and dig out your heart and eat it!!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the various antics of these nonhuman criminals. He turned and calmly spoke to the little mute who was standing outside.


    ¡°No matter what sounds come from inside later, don¡¯t disturb me.¡±


    The little mute immediately nodded. The other members of the Homicide Department outside also had solemn expressions.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything else and closed the prison door.


    As the gate closed, the clamor in the prison became even more intense.


    ¡°This is a human with a woman¡¯s appearance and a man¡¯s body? Haha, I like to play with such things. Just looking at him makes me have the urge.¡±


    ¡°Come, come, come. Human brat, scratch my b*lls.¡±


    ¡°Foundation Building is nothing. Kill me if you dare!¡±


    ¡°Senior, don¡¯t listen to them. Senior, save me. I know a huge secret.¡±


    At the same time, in the cage where the black-clothed girl was, she suddenly got up and grabbed the iron railing. No matter how her hands emitted the sizzling sound of being burned by the array formation, she didn¡¯t care.


    Her eyes were filled with madness as she stared fixedly at Xu Qing in the distance and laughed sinisterly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I cursed you 2,737,856 times!¡±


    Xu Qing calmly swept his gaze across the surrounding cages. Finally, his gaze landed on a goat-headed cultivator who was wagging its hips at him.


    This goat-headed cultivator was a member of the Night Dove and was a mutated beast with its entire body covered in black fur. He had Foundation Building cultivation base.


    His cultivation base had been sealed, but his vitality was very tenacious. Noticing that Xu Qing was looking at him, Goat Head licked its lips.


    ¡°Me? Come, come, come. Choose me, choose me. Back then, I ate countless humans. I want to have a taste of a beauty like you, haha.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and grabbed at the air. Immediately, the gate of the cage where Goat Head was located opened. A huge force swept up Goat Head and brought it straight to Xu Qing.


    Finally, it was held firmly in the air. Goat Head laughed loudly with madness in its eyes. Just as it was about to speak, Xu Qing waved his hand and a cloud of medicinal powder spread out, enveloping the surroundings of Goat Head and rapidly merging into its body.


    ¡°Poison? This is nothing. I¡­¡±


    Goat Head had not even finished speaking when his body started trembling but his face was still sinister.


    ¡°How comfortable!¡±


    Xu Qing ignored it and observed carefully. When Goat Head trembled even more intensely and its seven orifices began to bleed, Xu Qing took out the little black bug¡¯s bottle and opened it to spread out a portion.


    Immediately, these little black bugs entered Goat Head¡¯s body.


    This pain caused the eyes of Goat Head to turn red. However, the madness on its face was still there. However, upon closer inspection, one could see deep horror hidden in the depths of its eyes.


    At the next instant, its body visibly withered a little. The black bugs that had entered it flew out and were being observed by Xu Qing. As for Goat Head, it landed on the ground. Its entire body was trembling but the madness on its face was even more intense.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    Xu Qing turned a deaf ear and observed the little black bugs. He discovered that their auras seemed to be a little denser but only a little.


    This made Xu Qing a little puzzled. According to his previous research, when the seven types of medicinal herbs were fused into the live flesh and blood, they should be able to make his little black bugs grow stronger. However, the increase now didn¡¯t meet his expectations.


    ¡°I want to see where it went wrong.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. He grabbed the head of Goat Head. Just as Goat Head was about to mock him, Xu Qing expressionlessly took out a dagger and slit its stomach. He then started rummaging through its organs.


    A mournful cry rang out before quickly transforming into terrified screams and wails that spread in the whole prison. However, the screams quickly weakened.


    As for the various voices in the surrounding cages, they stopped abruptly. Many wary gazes landed on Xu Qing as they watched him calmly studying.


    A moment later, Xu Qing, who had dissected Ghost Head alive, fell into deep thought. He grabbed at the air again. The middle-aged cultivator who had spat out thick phlegm at him was grabbed.


    This was a merfolk.


    Its eyes revealed horror and its breathing was hurried. Just as it was about to speak, Xu Qing sprinkled medicinal powder and released the little black bugs again.


    A moment later, screams rang out and the same scene appeared. Xu Qing frowned and opened the merfolk¡¯s body to inspect it.


    Time slowly passed. All the nonhuman cultivators in the prison had stopped making noises. As their breathing hastened, varying degrees of horror appeared in their eyes.


    They might not be afraid of death, but such an action of being dissected alive and researched was something they had never thought of. Moreover, seeing the outcome of others with their own eyes increased their fear even more.


    This fear increased even more when they watched Xu Qing. He was completely immersed in his research. He would ponder, then grab some criminals and cut them up. Blood of various colors mixed together on the ground and it was pooling up fast.


    In the end, some cultivators broke down mentally and hid in the corners. Their gazes toward Xu Qing were filled with incomparable fear and horror.


    Even the black-clothed girl stopped cursing after Xu Qing dissected the 34th criminal. Her body trembled slightly and a trace of horror appeared in her eyes.


    The night passed.


    Xu Qing left early in the morning.


    He had gained a lot that night and there were already more ideas in his mind. After he left, the disciples of the Homicide Department walked into the prison and their faces turned pale.


    This place had really become a killing ground.


    However, after they looked at each other, they didn¡¯t clean up.


    This was because¡­ these nonhuman criminals weren¡¯t worthy of their sympathy. They had killed many innocent people. Raping and plundering were common, and some of them even reared humans for meat.


    The reason why they were kept alive was to use them as cannon fodders when needed.


    After leaving the Homicide Department, Xu Qing immediately went to the medicinal shop and bought more herbs and poisonous grass. He then returned to the magic ship to continue his research. After midnight, he headed to the prison again.


    This time around, the moment he walked in, there were no more clamoring or all kinds of disgusting actions. All the criminals instantly trembled and intense fear appeared in their eyes as they looked at Xu Qing who was walking over like an Asura.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. As he passed by many cages, his gaze finally landed on the cage beside the black-clothed girl. There was a three-eyed nonhuman cultivator with a scar on his neck.


    Xu Qing looked at it in surprise. It was vaguely familiar and he recalled that it was one of the Night Dove members. However, he couldn¡¯t remember if he had cut the other party before. Amidst the nonhuman cultivator¡¯s screams, he grabbed it and scattered medicinal powder before releasing the little black bugs.


    This night was the same as yesterday.


    Time slowly passed and very soon, another three days passed.


    Among the disciples of the Black Division, rumors of Xu Qing¡¯s terror began to circulate. As for the criminals in the prison, all of them had died, leaving only the black-clothed girl. The gaze she used to look at Xu Qing contained even more fear.


    ¡°Get the Yellow Division to send the prisoners here.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s instructions were quickly carried out. Just like that, the scene continued to be replayed in the Black Division¡¯s dungeon.


    All the nonhuman prisoners who were imprisoned started off with deranged mockery, then horror, and finally trembling in despair.


    Xu Qing¡¯s research on the little black bugs became increasingly thorough. He even added corpse poison, finally causing the number and the threat of those little black bugs to increase greatly.


    Often, when a wanted criminal from the nonhuman races was invaded by the little bugs, they would turn into bones in the span of a few breaths and their flesh and blood would be completely devoured.


    However, Xu Qing was still not satisfied.


    ¡°It¡¯s very easy to block and guard against the devouring outside. It should be better if they were hidden like poison.¡± Xu Qing informed the Homicide Department to bring the criminals detained by the Earth Division.


    The one who suffered the greatest blow was the black-clothed girl.


    Before she met Xu Qing, she didn¡¯t know what it felt like to be afraid. However, over these few days, she had seen Xu Qing¡¯s various actions. That serious expression and coldness as he searched and studied without any emotions shook her mind greatly.


    When the prisoners from the Earth Division were brought over, the black-clothed girl watched as Xu Qing waved his hand and a large amount of black fog appeared around his body. Gradually, her body trembled and a rare peculiarity appeared in the depths of the fear in her eyes.


    After staring at the side of Xu Qing¡¯s face, she bit her finger and stretched it out to Xu Qing. Her expression seemed to ask Xu Qing if he wanted to eat it.


    Seeing that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t paying attention to her, she took her trembling hand back and placed it in her mouth before starting to suck her blood.


    After a long time, she spoke with a trembling voice.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing¡­ Can you let me help?¡±

 Chapter 287 - 287 Deep Grace Stays in the Dream

    287 Deep Grace Stays in the Dream


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with her.


    The little black bugs hadn¡¯t met his requirements yet. He was a little dissatisfied with this method of biting from the outside.


    ¡°There are two directions to go. One is to make them bigger and the other is smaller¡­¡±


    Xu Qing chose small.


    Only then could they kill silently without being detected. Xu Qing adjusted the direction of his research and continued to refine and explore.


    This feeling of learning and searching for answers made him feel very comfortable.


    Other than corpse poison, he also added the poisons he had refined in the past two years. These poisons were ordinary now but Xu Qing wanted the black bugs to gain more resistance to poison by devouring them.


    ¡°Once I succeed in refining the poison this time, it will be equivalent to refining my true first poison. Moreover, it¡¯s an active poison.¡±


    Xu Qing felt that compared to the poisons he had refined previously, the one he refined now could be considered quite good.


    Other than that, he also spent his spirit stones like water during this period, causing his heart to ache endlessly.


    He had bought a lot of different types of medicinal herbs. He even spared no expense to buy some extremely expensive medicinal herbs to experiment.


    In the end, he mostly chose poisonous grasses. As he continued to feed the little black bugs, he finally found medicinal herbs that made the little black bugs smaller during the repeated poison testing.


    This method wasn¡¯t perfect. He needed to adjust the dosage and test it. He also needed the poison testers to cooperate with him.


    However, all the prisoners of the Homicide Department had died. Xu Qing felt that the prisoners of the Heaven Division shouldn¡¯t be able to hold on for long as well.


    This made Xu Qing a little annoyed as he felt that he was in a crucial moment of his research.


    ¡°Should I go out to sea¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent for a moment but gave up on this thought. He took out the voice transmission jade slip and issued a mission to the entire Homicide Department.


    Very soon, the disciples of the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department rushed out crazily, setting off an unprecedented trend of arrests in the Seventh Peak¡¯s port area.


    All the wanted criminals, as long as they were still in the port area, felt their hearts skip a beat. As wanted criminals were captured wildly, the public security in the entire port area became extremely good.


    At the same time, seeing that Xu Qing was doing well, the captain wasn¡¯t to be outdone. The intelligence department¡¯s operations were carried out frequently and spies were caught every day.


    The captain didn¡¯t deal with the small fishes too seriously after recording the punishment. His focus was on the big fishes. Just like that, the atmosphere in the entire port area became positive.


    Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s reputation became even greater in the sect.


    However, the reputation of the captain was mostly from the term ¡®mad dog¡¯. As for Xu Qing¡­ he was called a demon!


    The news that he had used all the prisoners in the Homicide Department to test poison had already spread. To a certain extent, in terms of reputation, Xu Qing was even more terrifying than the captain.


    Even so, Xu Qing¡¯s poison testing was still not over. Hence, he targeted the prisons of the Homicide Departments on the other six mountain peaks. However, he was rejected after negotiation.


    Only the First Peak¡¯s Homicide Department sent some imprisoned nonhuman cultivators over. As such, Xu Qing simply arranged for his subordinates to head to the other districts to capture wanted criminals.


    Crossing districts to arrest was a taboo, but Xu Qing couldn¡¯t care less. When the captain saw Xu Qing like this, he also began to cross districts.


    The Intelligence Department and Homicide Department of the other six peaks were also anxious, so they quickly launched similar operations in the other districts. The entire Seven Blood Eyes was filled with an intense competitive atmosphere.


    Another half a month passed. When the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ army stepped into the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory and started a decisive battle with the Sea Corpse Race, the operations of the Intelligence and Homicide Departments of the Seven Blood Eyes finally came to an end.


    The main reason was that Xu Qing felt that he had already studied the little black bugs to an extremely deep level and he had even fed them black pills.


    Their overall number had also increased from half a bottle to five bottles.


    Each bottle contained countless small black bugs and looked like liquid. These black bugs were smaller than half the size of the previous version Xu Qing had obtained back then.


    In fact, if only one was released, it would be impossible to see it with the naked eye. However, it was difficult to change their color. They were still black, so once there were too many of them, they would look like black fog.


    The most important thing was their lethality. After the test, Xu Qing discovered that once these little black bugs infiltrated someone¡¯s body, they would instantly reproduce and start devouring the flesh and blood. During this process, they would also emit a vast amount of anomalous substances and poison.


    Moreover, they were extremely difficult to remove. Once they entered the body, they would seep deep into the body like bone marrow.


    If he had the current black bugs when he fought with the black-clothed girl before, Xu Qing felt that the black-clothed girl would probably die in a few breaths of time.


    With such might, Xu Qing felt that they should be able to barely meet his requirements and threaten the Golden Core.


    However, he felt it a pity that he didn¡¯t have a Golden Core poison tester by his side. However, he felt that there was a high chance that they would be of some use against Golden Cores.


    ¡°Moreover, these little black bugs of mine can continue to grow.¡± Xu Qing was very satisfied with this point. It was also the result of his constant research and purchase of medicinal herbs during this period of time.


    ¡°I hope there won¡¯t be a day when I really have to test them on a Golden Core.¡± A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. If such a thing happened, it meant that he would have to risk his life.


    Xu Qing dripped his blood into these five bottles of small black bugs. This was his way of controlling these countless small black bugs.


    The little black bugs poisoned the enemy, while he poisoned the little black bugs!


    These little black bugs had to absorb a drop of his blood every once in a while. Otherwise, they would die. The instinct of living creatures caused these little black bugs to protect Xu Qing even though they didn¡¯t have any intelligence.


    Because they would only survive if Xu Qing was alive.


    Other than that, these little black bugs also needed to eat a large number of medicinal herbs and poisonous grass every day. This was also a method of raising them and the expenditure was extremely high. Xu Qing had felt that he was very rich previously, but now he realized he was still poor.


    However, he had another additional gain, and that was the black-clothed girl.


    The other party was still imprisoned in the Black Division but she no longer cursed. She sat in her cell quietly and occasionally, when new prisoners came and Xu Qing went over to test the poison, she would stare at him. The peculiarity in her eyes grew stronger and stronger.


    She had mentioned many times that she wanted to help, and from her expression, Xu Qing could tell that she was saying it sincerely.


    This made Xu Qing feel a little strange. At the same time, the large decrease in spirit stones made him a little nervous. As for his profits from the port, it would still take some time. After all, the constructions and all the works in the port expended a large number of spirit stones.


    As such, Xu Qing thought of the magic artifacts that the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had absorbed and turned into fake magic artifacts. He wondered if he should find a black market to sell them.


    While Xu Qing was weighing this matter, a red jade slip was teleported from the battlefield to the Seventh Peak¡¯s Intelligence Department!


    The red jade slip represented an extremely important matter!


    Only the Peak Lords could send it out. No matter how far the battlefield was, these red slips would immediately reach the designated location in the sect.


    So far, the red jade slips had only been issued three times in this wartime. Every time, it concerned a huge strategic opportunity that required the cooperation of the sect.


    However, this time¡­ it had nothing to do with war. It was Old Master Seventh who sent it.


    After the captain received it, he swept his divine sense over and his expression changed drastically. After a long time, he placed the apple in his hand to the side. He then stood up and wanted to look for Xu Qing.


    However, he hesitated. In the end, he let out a long sigh and still headed straight for Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship.


    When the captain found Xu Qing, Xu Qing was organizing those magic artifacts. He had decided to sell these magic artifacts.


    Xu Qing originally didn¡¯t think much of the captain¡¯s sudden visit, but he stopped when he saw the solemn expression on the captain¡¯s face.


    ¡°Captain?¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing.¡± The captain hesitated for a moment. He looked at Xu Qing and hesitated to speak.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and stared at the captain. He faintly felt that something was amiss.


    ¡°Xu Qing, the old man has arranged a mission for me.¡± After a few breaths of silence, determination appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°This mission requires me to leave the Seven Blood Eyes and make a trip to Purple Earth. It¡¯s very urgent. The old man can¡¯t leave the battlefield; otherwise, he would have gone himself. The old man also asked me to ask you if you wanted to do this mission yourself?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. He naturally knew who the old man the captain was talking about was.


    ¡°Captain, there¡¯s no need to be so secretive. What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    The captain cast a deep glance at Xu Qing and handed the red jade slip to him.


    Xu Qing took it. After his magic power surged in, a piece of information appeared in his mind.


    ¡°My close friend, Grandmaster Bai, was assassinated in Purple Earth this morning¡­¡±


    When Xu Qing read this, he felt like a lightning bolt had struck him. His body became a little unsteady and he took a few steps back.


    His face turned pale before color appeared again. The veins on his forehead bulged and the hand that was holding the jade slip trembled slightly.


    He seemed to be trying his best to control himself as he tried to calm his hurried breathing.


    A deep sense of unreality hit his mind and he closed his eyes.


    In the pitch-black world in front of him, a tent seemed to have appeared. An aged and hoarse voice spread with dignity.


    ¡°Kid, you answer!¡±


    ¡°Kid, from now on, you don¡¯t have to stand outside or take those messy medicinal herbs. From tomorrow onwards, you can enter the tent to listen to the lesson.¡±


    ¡°Know that the world is the guest house of all living beings. Time is a passerby from ancient times until now. As long as we don¡¯t die, we will meet again. I hope that the day I see you again will be the day you become a talent.¡±


    In the pitch-black world, this tent shattered and turned into ashes, disappearing from Xu Qing¡¯s sight. Only the last sentence still echoed in his ears, becoming eternal.


    ¡°As long as we don¡¯t die, we¡¯ll meet again eventually.¡± Xu Qing mumbled hoarsely and slowly opened his eyes.


    Grandmaster Bai was the first teacher who had truly changed his life.

 Chapter 288 - 288 Pursuing the Culprit to Purple Earth

    288 Pursuing the Culprit to Purple Earth


    It was noon now. The sky should be bright but Xu Qing felt that the world wasn¡¯t that bright anymore.


    Port 176 was clearly bustling with activity but in Xu Qing¡¯s perception, all sounds seemed to have disappeared.


    That intense surreal feeling made him feel that everything was like a joke. The crowd walking past in the distance, the birds flying in the sky, the sounds of boats coming from the sea. Everything seemed to be isolated from his perception.


    It was as though in his perception, the world had been divided into two layers. The first layer was the entire world and everyone. As for the other layer¡­ there was only him.


    It was too sudden.


    Very few people could accept such sudden news immediately, and very few people could react instantly. Xu Qing staggered and grabbed the railing of the magic ship tightly.


    The sea breeze blew over, blowing his black hair up, but it couldn¡¯t blow away the stifling sensation that was rapidly forming in his chest. He wanted to roar and scream, but he couldn¡¯t.


    Xu Qing attached great importance to gratitude.


    ¡°Meet again eventually?¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled.


    He recalled the past when he was searching for the heavenfate flower in the scavenger campsite. He recalled Grandmaster Bai¡¯s deep gaze in the tent, and the scene of him holding other plants and asking guiltily.


    Finally, the image of Grandmaster Bai sitting on the departing carriage and smiling at him appeared in his mind.


    Now, everything was gone.


    Captain Lei gave Xu Qing the feeling of family.


    Grandmaster Bai gave Xu Qing a debt of gratitude as heavy as a mountain.


    These two old men could be said to have pulled back the youth who had walked out of the city that was like purgatory under the blood rain and corpses when the god¡¯s fragmented face opened its eyes.


    However, the world was heartless and cruel.


    Life was worthless in this world.


    After Xu Qing entered the Seven Blood Eyes, what he experienced was no longer as desolate as the scavenger campsite. Instead, the cruelty was displayed in another way.


    Regardless of whether it was selling children for food or cruel torture, it was a constant occurrence in this world.


    Killing intent continuously erupted in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. It was as though a sharp blade had appeared in his body and was crazily emitting monstrous killing intent, wanting to break through his body and slash the world.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled.


    After a long time, Xu Qing took a deep breath and looked at the captain who had a worried expression on his face. His voice came out hoarsely.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke, he forced himself to calm down as he checked the red slip again.


    Old Master Seventh clearly possessed a wide range of connections and abilities. Hence, not only did his jade slip inform him of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s death, but it also contained clues from Purple Earth and information about the murderer.


    As for the true reason for the murder, no one knew yet. However, the jade slip mentioned that after Grandmaster Bai was assassinated, nothing was missing from his possessions or his residence, other than the second volume of a pill formula called the Lunar Chosen Transformation Pill.


    This was a pill formula that had been obtained from a wish box many years ago. It came from the previous era and was recorded on an unknown beast skin. The pill described in it was utterly heartless and extremely vicious.


    The main ingredient for the Lunar Chosen Transformation Pill was heaven¡¯s chosen. With three of them as one ingredient, one needed to refine six ingredients at the same time to form a blood pill.


    Swallowing this could allow the mortal to defy the heavens and transform into a heaven¡¯s chosen.


    Grandmaster Bai obtained the second volume in a fortuitous encounter and felt that this pill was too vicious. He originally wanted to destroy it but because it still had a certain value in terms of pill knowledge, he kept it. Not many outsiders knew about it.


    As for the murderer¡¯s exact identity, Purple Earth was also investigating. Old Master Seventh couldn¡¯t know more details but with his connections in Purple Earth, he still found some clues.


    The murderer wasn¡¯t a human but a rare race of bizarre entities in the Forbidden Sea called the Bizarre Fiend Race.


    This race was known as the undying race. It wasn¡¯t that they couldn¡¯t die but their strange abilities made it almost impossible for outsiders to capture and kill them completely. This was because every time they died, they would immediately revive in the creature they had marked before.


    Although this revival consumed some energy, it wasn¡¯t much.


    This caused a lot of trouble for Purple Earth in their investigation. In addition¡­ the situation in Purple Earth was complicated. The various families were fighting openly and covertly over benefits. When Grandmaster Bai was alive, he was extremely valued and countless people benefited from him.


    However, he wasn¡¯t a cultivator after all. He was just a mortal, an old man in his twilight years.


    No matter how great a mortal¡¯s contributions were, in the eyes of cultivators, especially those stubborn people in power in Purple Earth, they were inferior.


    They were just tools.


    Hence, after Grandmaster Bai died, although Purple Earth was enraged and investigated, they clearly didn¡¯t put too much effort. Even those who had received Grandmaster Bai¡¯s kindness didn¡¯t make a move.


    The relationships are gone after the people leave, especially in this cruel chaotic world.


    However, they still blocked all teleportation from Purple Earth to the outside world. They also notified the Litu Sect, the Truth Sect, and the Seven Blood Eyes to seal the teleportation as well.


    After doing all this, Purple Earth¡¯s focus was almost all on Grandmaster Bai¡¯s alchemy inheritance. Even the Bai family showed ambiguity in this matter. A portion of them wanted revenge, while another portion began to divide the spoils.


    This was Purple Earth.


    It was also the reason why Purple Earth, who was clearly a true native of the Nanhuang Continent, could only become one of the forces now. Their stubbornness and isolated nature were deeply rooted.


    That was why Old Master Seventh sent the red jade slip. He couldn¡¯t rush back himself and handed this matter to the captain. This was because in the entire Nanhuang Continent, the only one who understood the Forbidden Sea the most was the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    They were much more proficient at searching and tracking the nonhuman races on the Forbidden Sea.


    ¡°Usually, it¡¯s impossible for there to be too many murderers in such an assassination. Coupled with the characteristics of the Bizarre Fiend Race, there¡¯s a high chance that there¡¯s only one culprit. Moreover, his cultivation shouldn¡¯t be at the Golden Core Realm.¡±


    ¡°This is because Purple Earth¡¯s array formation suppresses and restricts foreign Golden Cores extremely severely. If the nonhuman Golden Cores go over, the possibility of them being exposed will far exceed that of Foundation Building cultivators who aren¡¯t much of a concern.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, Purple Earth has made a similar request to the Seven Blood Eyes; there is no need to investigate the Golden Cores. If I were to go, I would search for anomalous substances that contain the aura of the Forbidden Sea and combine them with some special magic artifacts to screen them. This process might take some time. Also, I¡¯m not sure how long Purple Earth¡¯s lockdown will last.¡±


    ¡°After all¡­ there are many families in Purple Earth. The Bai family is only one of them.¡±


    The captain looked at Xu Qing and spoke softly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡± Xu Qing lifted his head and calmly spoke.


    There were no emotions in this sentence, but the captain could sense that it contained a storm that was about to erupt!


    ¡°Xu Qing, I can open a hidden teleportation gate for you to return later. After you find the murderer, you can reach there and teleport back. The main point of catching the murderer is¡­¡±


    ¡°The main point is to find the mastermind.¡± Xu Qing soared into the air and waved his right hand. As the sea rumbled, his magic ship shone and was put away by Xu Qing. He immediately headed straight for the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ teleportation array.


    Although everything was sealed, it was still possible to carry out a one-directional teleportation with the jade slip.


    At that moment, killing intent and anxiety coexisted in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. They continued to fuse together, forming an even deeper pressure in his chest, causing him to speed up.


    The whistling sound caused by his speed eruption caused the hearts of everyone in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city to tremble.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared at the location of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ teleportation array. The moment he landed, he was already standing in the teleportation array.


    ¡°Purple Earth¡¯s capital city!¡± Xu Qing was expressionless as he spoke in a low voice.


    The disciple in charge of the teleportation recognized Xu Qing¡¯s identity and immediately began to adjust the array. Three breaths later, as the teleportation array shone, Xu Qing¡¯s figure instantly disappeared.


    The teleportation fluctuations spread in all directions. As Xu Qing disappeared, the captain also sped over.


    Standing outside the teleportation array, he looked into the distance and let out a long sigh.


    Regarding the matter between Xu Qing and Grandmaster Bai, he had read it in the dossier after he became the director of the Intelligence Department. He also knew that the old man had played a huge role in this.


    It was the old man who recommended Xu Qing, and Grandmaster Bai had also finally acknowledged Xu Qing.


    Hence, the captain knew that it wasn¡¯t good for him to participate in this matter.


    This was because he felt that Xu Qing didn¡¯t want others to participate either.


    ¡°Back then¡­ I felt the same thing. At that time, I only wanted to be alone.¡± Memories appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes and a hint of sadness seemed to rise in the depths of his heart. However, it was suppressed the next instant.


    He looked around and smiled.


    ¡°Everyone, the Intelligence Department has requisitioned this place.¡±


    As his voice rang out, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ teleportation array quickly became empty and was controlled by the disciples of the Intelligence Department. After that, the captain took a deep breath and looked at the sky.


    ¡°With my status as the third rank in the Sequence of the Seventh Peak and the position of the director of the Seventh Peak¡¯s Intelligence Department, I apply for the sect¡¯s array formation to close all the teleportation arrays of the Seven Blood Eyes and seal the ports.¡±


    ¡°Make all the boats and ships unable to leave or enter the harbor.¡±


    As the captain¡¯s voice rang out, the entire Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation rumbled. Very soon, a divine sense came from the Sixth Peak.


    The captain cupped his fists and bowed to the Sixth Peak.


    ¡°Sixth Martial Uncle, I have some evidence and guesses. I might be able to find out about Senior Brother Chen¡¯s murder back then. Please permit me to seal the sect!¡±


    The Sixth Peak suddenly erupted with monstrous might, causing the sky to change color and the wind and clouds to surge. A long time later, a low voice rang out.


    ¡°Permitted!¡±


    The captain lowered his head and bowed deeply, muttering inwardly.


    ¡°Little Qing, this is all I can do for you. I hope you can successfully investigate this matter. This matter¡­ gives me the feeling that it¡¯s not simple.¡±


    ¡°Lunar Chosen Refinement Pill?¡±


    ¡°In the past few years, there have been many heaven¡¯s chosen who disappeared on the sea¡­¡±


    The captain narrowed his eyes, his gaze deep.

 Chapter 289 - 289 Drinking Wine and Reading Scripture in Front of the Grave

    289 Drinking Wine and Reading Scripture in Front of the Grave


    It was only late autumn in the Seven Blood Eyes, but it was already winter in Purple Earth.


    The wind and snow drifted down, covering this ancient city that had existed for tens of thousands of years.


    From afar, the dark red palaces and buildings seemed to be embedded in the boundless snow.


    The entire land was covered in layers of snow and there weren¡¯t many pedestrians on the streets. All of them were wearing thick clothes but they couldn¡¯t sweep away the snowflakes that continued to fall, causing everyone to get white hair.


    The falling snow and the numb expressions of the pedestrians fused into the environment, gradually creating an atmosphere of decline and oppression.


    The tiled roofs of all the buildings in the city were like lonely islands in a sea of snow.


    This place was Purple Earth.


    This place was also the former imperial capital of the Nanhuang Continent.


    Ten thousand years ago, there was a kingdom in the Nanhuang Continent called the Purple Green Kingdom. It had once unified the Nanhuang Continent and used the Flame Phoenix as its symbol. However, even it was unable to survive in this cruel chaotic world.


    It collapsed due to internal strife and was buried in history.


    As for the royal family back then and the wealth of their inheritance, they were divided up by those rebelling factions back then. It was the same for their bloodlines.


    After the rebels divided up everything, they became orthodox. They formed eight large families and occupied Purple Earth. They also worshiped the totem of the Flame Phoenix as their god.


    The size of the entire Purple Earth imperial city was about the size of three Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city and was divided into eight areas.


    They were the territories of the eight great families.


    In each area, there was a building similar to a palace. They were the ancestral lands of these eight families.


    Some of the family¡¯s imperial palaces were surrounded by jade-green water filled with duckweed. There were lifelike dragons and phoenixes carved on the eaves of the palace.


    Some imperial palaces had golden glazed tiles that shone dazzlingly under the winter sun. From afar, the double-eaved palace looked dazzling.


    Compared to the Seven Blood Eyes, it was a completely different style.


    Purple Earth was more like a rigid and stubborn old man who wore luxurious clothes. Everything was about rules, bloodline, and family traditions.


    This was their way of survival in this chaotic world. It was completely different from the Seven Blood Eyes that only prioritized benefits, and it was not easy to tell which was better.


    As a branch of the Seven Sects Alliance, the Seven Blood Eyes were inferior to Purple Earth at the start. As time passed, they gradually reached the same level.


    Now, with Ancestor Xue Lianzi¡¯s breakthrough, they surpassed Purple Earth in one go and even had the courage to start a war with the nonhuman races.


    However, Purple Earth was different.


    They liked to close themselves off and didn¡¯t like others disturbing them. In fact, while they revered the fragmented face in the sky, they also looked down on all the forces in the outside world. They didn¡¯t even fancy the Wanggu Continent.


    They felt that their bloodline was the most noble and never thought that they were frogs at the bottom of a well.


    Therefore, if the people who lived here didn¡¯t have the bloodline that had been passed down, they wouldn¡¯t have a future. Naturally, they wouldn¡¯t have any energy and vitality. Servility slowly seeped into their souls and continued on for generations.


    Grandmaster Bai was one of the few ambitious people in Purple Earth in the past countless years.


    He was also the first person to break the traditional concept of the family and seek to develop together with the human alliance in the outside world.


    His thoughts contradicted Purple Earth¡¯s, and he paid a price for it, becoming a mortal.


    However, he didn¡¯t give up. With his incomparable talent in the Dao of plants and vegetation, he forcibly walked another path in a limited period of time.


    Moreover, he developed a large number of pill formulas. In terms of the Dao of plants and vegetation, he, who was a mortal, had surpassed cultivators.


    He could even be considered the number one alchemist in the Nanhuang Continent.


    Even the Nascent Soul Peak Lord of the Second Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes admired Grandmaster Bai very much. Even someone like Old Master Seventh called him Grandmaster.


    All of this showed that Grandmaster Bai¡¯s attainments in alchemy had already reached the peak.


    However, even so, he was still locked up by layers of rules in Purple Earth. There were many things he was powerless to do. Everything was because of his bloodline.


    Grandmaster Bai wasn¡¯t a direct descendant of the Bai family. He came from a collateral branch.


    At that moment, the blizzard grew even heavier.


    As the snowflakes drifted, more than ten people stood silently in the public cemetery in the city area where the Bai family was located. In front of them was a crystal coffin. Grandmaster Bai¡¯s corpse lay inside and the wound between his brows had already been covered.


    Although his body was enhanced by magic power and sealed within a crystal coffin, upon closer inspection, one could still see that Grandmaster Bai¡¯s corpse was rotting and turning black.


    This was a sign of being poisoned. This poison was very domineering and could speed up rotting.


    Hence, the corpse couldn¡¯t be kept for too long and had to be buried soon.


    The thinness of his bloodline caused Grandmaster Bai to not have the qualifications to enter the family¡¯s imperial mausoleum after his death. Grandmaster Bai also disdained this when he was alive. Many years ago, he had given the instructions to bury him in the public mausoleum after his death.


    Most of the people present were standing silently, including Bai Yundong.


    The people who were present were either Grandmaster Bai¡¯s juniors or people who were close to him. There weren¡¯t many of them, or maybe, one did not need to have many friends in their life. Three to five close friends were enough.


    As the coffin was buried, the oppressive atmosphere around everyone in front of the grave became even more solemn. It was only when a young girl couldn¡¯t control herself and cried that the oppression was broken.


    The one crying was Ting Yu.


    Two years had passed and she had already grown up. She was in her prime time and it should have been as carefree as ever. However, with Grandmaster Bai¡¯s death, her sky collapsed.


    She knelt in front of the grave and tears flowed down her face.


    Beside her stood an 18 or 19-year-old youth. This youth had a tall and straight figure and an imposing appearance. His robe was extremely luxurious and the jade pendant on his waist emitted the light of a magic artifact.


    He was Chen Feiyuan.


    He was the eldest grandson of this generation of the Chen family. In reality, he was the one who pushed for the teleportation blockade after Grandmaster Bai¡¯s death.


    He clenched his fists tightly and his breathing was hurried. The killing intent in his eyes was extremely clear and intense.


    Amidst their sorrow and anger, they didn¡¯t notice that in an alley some distance away from this mausoleum, there was a middle-aged man looking at this place quietly.


    The middle-aged man wore a thick hemp robe and looked ordinary. His face was a little sallow but his eyes revealed endless sorrow. His body was trembling slightly at this moment. His right hand grabbed the wall at the side so hard that the bricks shattered.


    After a long time, the sky gradually darkened. As the sun gradually set and dusk was about to disperse, everyone in front of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s grave silently left.


    The last to leave were Tingyu, Chen Feiyuan, and Chen Feiyuan¡¯s followers.


    The middle-aged man silently walked forward. He didn¡¯t look at the people who had left and moved closer to this public cemetery. On the way, he passed by Chen Feiyuan and Tingyu.


    Chen Feiyuan supported Tingyu, who was still crying from extreme grief, and also noticed Xu Qing. However, in his sorrow, he didn¡¯t pay much attention. This cemetery was very large and many people came to mourn every day.


    This also made him even more indignant. His master was buried here, but he was helpless.


    ¡°Do you think he will come¡­¡± Tingyu wiped her tears and asked weakly.


    ¡°Him? Hmph, if he was coming, he would have arrived long ago. If he¡¯s not here yet, it just means he is an ingrate like the others!¡± Chen Feiyuan didn¡¯t need to think to know who Tingyu was talking about. He gritted his teeth and spoke.


    Tingyu fell silent.


    The middle-aged man silently walked past them until everyone behind him had left. He then arrived in front of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s grave and looked at the tombstone with reddened eyes.


    ¡°Teacher¡­¡± The middle-aged man mumbled. His voice was hoarse as he knelt down toward the tombstone.


    He was Xu Qing, who had teleported to Purple Earth!


    After teleporting to Purple Earth, Xu Qing immediately learned of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s burial and rushed over. However, he knew that his Daoist robe was too conspicuous and wasn¡¯t conducive to tracking down the murderer.


    Hence, he changed his appearance and arrived here.


    Looking at the tombstone, Xu Qing felt a piercing pain in his chest. This pain grew deeper and deeper and began to spread throughout his body.


    Up until now, he had only knelt before two tombstones. One was Captain Lei¡¯s and the other was Grandmaster Bai¡¯s.


    ¡°Teacher, I will find the murderer and the mastermind.¡± Xu Qing mumbled bitterly. After kowtowing to the tombstone, he took out a wine gourd and placed it in front of the tomb.


    ¡°Captain Lei said that you like to drink, so this disciple will accompany you.¡± As Xu Qing spoke, he picked up the wine gourd and took a sip. After that, he gently scattered it in front of the grave and placed it to the side.


    ¡°Teacher, I¡¯ve already memorized the Grasswood Scripture you left behind. I¡¯ll read them for you.¡±


    ¡°The Dao of Plants and Vegetation is one of the myriad manifestations of nature. It can be compared to a Great Dao and penetrates through the nature of all things and principles of the heavens.¡±


    ¡°The first plant is goldturn grass, also known as the three-leaf pearl or the coldscatter grass. It is the white water sedge that belongs to the cyperaceae-class of plants and is a perennial herb. It grows in forests under the hillsides and in spacious wet areas. It can be found in Lingyou, the southern part of Nanhuang, and the two continents of Guangling.¡±


    ¡°The second plant is the rhino-fire flower, also known as the cloud dream silk. It¡¯s a perennial spiritual fire-type plant. Its effects consist of soothing the lungs and stopping coughs, mild detoxification, dispersion of bruises, and curing venomous snake bites or injuries from a fall.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°The 137th plant, soul fusion fog, also known as closed heavenly eyes. It¡¯s a high-level spirit herb born of fog. It can fuse a mark with the soul and is difficult to detect and remove. It¡¯s the main ingredient of the Daybreak Scattered Decay Pill.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled softly and talked of the medicinal herbs he had memorized from the Grasswood Scripture.


    In his daze, he seemed to have seen Grandmaster Bai¡¯s figure appear in front of him again. Grandmaster Bai was drinking and smiling at him. His eyes were dignified but he couldn¡¯t hide his relief.


    ¡°Night Corpse Leading Ox, also known as Poison Mountain Root Turtledove Chrysanthemum. It¡¯s the stem and root of the chrysanthemum plant, the fine-veined Turtledove Chrysanthemum. It¡¯s a wooden vine that grows in ravines of corpse mountain, cold streams, or jungles. Its taste is astringent and slightly warm when it enters the mouth. It has the feeling of rotting. It has the miraculous effect of dispelling pathogenic wind. However, it¡¯s excessively poisonous. It¡¯s a typical extreme Yin-Yang plant.¡±


    A cold wind blew over and snowflakes fell one after another. Xu Qing¡¯s voice echoed in front of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s grave until night fell when his shadow transmitted a wisp of emotions.


    It was telling him that it had found the culprit!


    Xu Qing abruptly lifted his head and silently looked at Grandmaster Bai¡¯s tombstone. He heavily kowtowed three times. The moment he stood up, his entire body emitted astonishing killing intent and he disappeared into the night.


    Not long after he left, several figures arrived quickly from afar. At the front was Tingyu. Behind her were Chen Feiyuan and several of his followers.


    ¡°Tingyu, did you see wrongly? How is that possible? He¡¯s a famous person in the Seven Blood Eyes now. How can he still remember Teacher?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no mistake. I recognize his gaze. I thought about it properly when I got back. It must be him!¡±

 Chapter 290 - 290 Using Bizarre Against Bizarre (1)

    290 Using Bizarre Against Bizarre (1)


    ¡°Impossible. I don¡¯t believe that kid still remembers Teacher.¡± As the voice rang out, Tingyu¡¯s figure rapidly approached in the darkness. When she arrived in front of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s grave and looked at the empty surroundings, she fell silent.


    ¡°I knew it. It¡¯s impossible for him to come.¡± Although Chen Feiyuan said this, his eyes quickly checked his surroundings.


    ¡°He was here.¡± Tingyu looked at Grandmaster Bai¡¯s grave and said softly.


    Chen Feiyuan was stunned. After that, he lowered his head and looked at the front of the grave. There was a faint fragrance of wine that was faintly discernible. Clearly, someone had paid their respects here after they left.


    ¡°It might not be him. It might be someone else. Even if it¡¯s really him, so what¡­¡± After a moment of silence, Chen Feiyuan sighed.


    Tingyu bit her lower lip and wanted to say something but hesitated.


    ¡°Now that he¡¯s in the Seven Blood Eyes and is in the Sequence, he might seem to be in a glorious position but as long as he doesn¡¯t pay respects to Old Master Seventh as his master, he¡¯ll still be a duckweed in the end¡­ Teacher¡¯s matter is very difficult for him to handle. Let¡¯s not fantasize. Perhaps you¡¯re wrong. An ingrate like him was never here.¡±


    ¡°We will take revenge ourselves!¡±


    Chen Feiyuan spoke in a low voice and pulled Tingyu, who had a bitter expression and was in a daze, away from the cemetery. After he sent Tingyu back to her residence, he turned and left. His expression became solemn.


    As he walked on the way to the Chen family, one of the few followers behind him, a youth who was about the same age as him, spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Young Master, is the ingrate you mentioned earlier the Xu Qing whose reputation spread throughout the Nanhuang some time ago?¡±


    Almost at the instant the youth spoke, Chen Feiyuan suddenly turned around. He coldly looked at the follower who had followed him for many years and slapped him.


    The force was so great that it directly sent the follower¡¯s body flying. After he fell to the side, the follower hurriedly knelt down while trembling.


    ¡°I said that he¡¯s an ingrate because no matter what I say, I can be considered his senior brother. Although I don¡¯t like him very much, since the Teacher acknowledged him, I also acknowledge him.¡±


    ¡°But who do you think you are? How dare you say that about him in front of me?¡± Chen Feiyuan said coldly. That follower¡¯s entire body trembled and he kept kowtowing.


    ¡°Looking at how you¡¯ve been with me for so many years, I will give you a good funeral,¡± Chen Feiyuan said calmly. Amidst the terrified pleading of the follower, the other followers grabbed him and broke his neck. The surroundings fell silent.


    Chen Feiyuan didn¡¯t even take a look. He had a frown on his face as a look of contemplation appeared in his eyes. A moment later, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Activate all the spies I¡¯ve raised over the years and get them to pay close attention to the movements of the Golden Core experts in the eight great families. I can give them whatever they want.¡±


    ¡°Activate them all?¡± The followers behind Chen Feiyuan were stunned.


    ¡°Yes, all of them. I wonder how that ingrate Xu Qing¡¯s current strength is. I suspect that Purple Earth is also involved in Teacher¡¯s matter. He might be in danger if he barges in.¡±


    ¡®Not coming to see us was the correct choice. Tingyu is innocent. It¡¯s fine for her to do alchemy research but her temperament isn¡¯t firm enough. Once she reveals some clues and others discover that he¡¯s here, it¡¯s inevitable that they¡¯ll be tempted by the bounty of the Sea Corpse Race.¡¯


    ¡®In fact, I even suspect that someone is trying to lure him with Teacher¡¯s death. Killing two birds with one stone, or maybe someone is just using Teacher¡¯s death to lay a trap and get benefits!¡¯


    ¡°I hope I¡¯m thinking too much.¡± Chen Feiyuan took a deep breath and pondered again.


    In the past two years, it was not only Xu Qing who had changed a lot. After Chen Feiyuan returned to Purple Earth and gained authority in his family, he had also changed greatly, especially in terms of his wisdom and schemes. At the same time, he was also deeply influenced by Grandmaster Bai¡¯s ideals and hated Purple Earth¡¯s current situation.


    After saying that, he looked at the two followers behind him.


    ¡°Have you made the arrangements?¡± The two followers nodded. However, the instant they nodded, their bodies suddenly trembled and their faces turned black. They spat out blood and died.


    ¡®Don¡¯t blame me, I don¡¯t trust you guys either. Since you have finished the work, I can only send you guys on your way.¡¯ Chen Feiyuan muttered. In the entire Purple Earth, the only people he trusted were his teacher and Tingyu. Now that his teacher had been killed, only Tingyu was left.


    ¡®As for the ingrate, he can be trusted as well. I wonder if he discovered the Daybreak Scattered Decay Pill¡­ However, with his understanding of plants and vegetation, he should be able to discover the clues guided by the poison on Teacher¡¯s body.¡¯ Chen Feiyuan frowned and dealt with the corpses before leaving.


    At the same time, In Purple Earth¡¯s capital, Xu Qing walked in the darkness. His aura didn¡¯t leak out at all and his eyes were cold as he sped forward.


    The reason why he didn¡¯t meet Tingyu and Chen Feiyuan was indeed because he was worried that there would be additional complications. Xu Qing was very clear about his current value. He had also considered whether someone was using this matter to lure him here.


    However, he felt that even if there really was another force in play, it had nothing to do with the faction that assassinated Grandmaster Bai.


    He could already infer some clues from the loss of the Lunar Chosen Transformation Pill¡¯s pill formula. The other party was planning something huge.


    ¡°If someone is really luring me out, there¡¯s a high chance that it is people of Purple Earth. Perhaps I¡¯m overthinking, but I still have to be vigilant.¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and sprinkled some poison powder on his body to hide his aura as he continued forward.


    He had found traces and clues of the suspected murderer.


    The red jade slip Old Master Seventh had given him had already mentioned the other party¡¯s characteristics. At the same time, it pointed out that the other party was from the Bizarre Fiend Race that was extremely difficult to capture.

 Chapter 291 - 291 Using Bizarre Against Bizarre (2)

    291 Using Bizarre Against Bizarre (2)


    Although the captain had given him a way, Xu Qing had his own method.


    As long as one cultivated anomalous substances, they wouldn¡¯t be able to escape the sharp senses of the shadow. After all, it ate anomalous substances.


    Although there were many cultivators with dense anomalous substances in Purple Earth City, if the aura of the Forbidden Sea was included, the range would be reduced greatly.


    Things that were difficult to do for others weren¡¯t difficult for Xu Qing.


    The only thing he needed to do was to find the real murderer among the few candidates who met the requirements.


    This point was also simple.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t believe that with his teacher¡¯s alchemy attainments, he wouldn¡¯t have left some marks. Even with Xu Qing¡¯s current attainments in herbs, he could still leave some undetectable medicinal herbs marks on the other party¡¯s body before he died.


    Hence, when Xu Qing was watching from the alley, he had paid attention to the teacher¡¯s corpse in the crystal coffin. He also sensed it through the soil in front of the grave.


    He confirmed that the poison in his teacher¡¯s body was called the Daybreak Scattered Decay Pill.


    This pill had a certain level of nourishing effect on the body and needed to be consumed all year round. To mortals, the effects were still alright. The only drawback was that after death, it would speed up the rotting of the corpse. Generally speaking, it could completely turn the corpse into liquid in 24 hours.


    Grandmaster Bai had refined it in his free time. It could be considered one of the unique pill formulas.


    Outsider¡¯s understanding of this pill would at most reach this extent.


    Only his disciples would know that the main ingredient of the Daybreak Scattered Decay Pill was the Soul Melting Fog.


    ¡°Soul fusion fog, also known as closed heavenly eyes. It¡¯s a high-level spirit herb born of fog. It can fuse a mark with the soul and is difficult to detect and remove. It¡¯s the main ingredient of the Daybreak Scattered Decay Pill.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. This was the clue Grandmaster Bai had left for others.


    The soul of the murderer would definitely be tainted by this almost undetectable soul fusion fog. As for the method to detect it, Xu Qing naturally knew of it.


    Hence, he moved very fast. In the darkness, he arrived at one of the three clues marked by the shadow. This was an inn. After Xu Qing got close, he spread out his perception and left a moment later.


    ¡°Not this one.¡±


    He didn¡¯t stop. Taking advantage of the darkness, he went to the second place. This was the residence of a commoner in the Purple Earth¡¯s imperial city. There were no fluctuations of cultivation base, not even anomalous substances.


    However, he couldn¡¯t escape the shadow¡¯s search.


    The moment he got close, Xu Qing stopped in his tracks. At the next instant, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. His body suddenly swayed and he directly entered the house.


    The house was simple and crude. An old man was lying there. The instant Xu Qing entered, he opened his eyes and looked at Xu Qing in surprise. Just as he was about to speak, the black iron stick buzzed and instantly neared him.


    The old man¡¯s body suddenly swayed. There were clearly no cultivation fluctuations emitted but it was as though he had entered the Mystic Brilliance Form. He actually dodged the black iron stick and appeared in front of Xu Qing.


    ¡°You actually found me? Your disguise is too fake. Let me see who you are.¡± The old man¡¯s voice was low. As he spoke, he lifted his right hand and grabbed at Xu Qing¡¯s face.


    It was as though he wanted to erase the cover of his spell.


    However, at the next instant, the old man¡¯s expression suddenly changed. An intense sense of danger caused him to retreat abruptly.


    However, it was still too late. Xu Qing¡¯s body emitted an astonishing force. It was as though a continent was burning in his body. He ruthlessly kneed the old man.


    The old man¡¯s body shook violently and his chest, which was slammed into by Xu Qing¡¯s knee, instantly caved in. His flesh and bones were badly torn and shattered. Just as he was about to struggle, Xu Qing had already stepped over and released the fiendish fire. However, the other party didn¡¯t have a soul. Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. With a wave of his hand, Golden Crow Refines All Life spread out behind him and sucked fiercely at the old man.


    This time, the old man¡¯s entire body trembled and he instantly transformed into qi and blood. After Golden Crow Refines All Life sucked him, only a piece of skin was left on the ground.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised. The shadow under his feet quickly spread over. After enveloping the skin, it transmitted a message to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Lead the way!¡±


    The shadow quickly guided him. Xu Qing put away the arrangements that hid the energy fluctuations in the surroundings and rushed toward the place pointed by the shadow.


    He knew that the Bizarre Fiend Race was strange and difficult to kill but it didn¡¯t matter. If he killed them a few more times, the other party would eventually be unable to escape. The only thing that made Xu Qing ponder was that the other party had died too quickly under Golden Crow Refines All Life, so he was only able to absorb an insignificant amount of the other party¡¯s origin.


    ¡°The origin of the Bizarre Fiend Race is strange. Moreover, he died too quickly and I couldn¡¯t absorb much. However, it¡¯s fine¡­ After making him afraid and anxious, I should be able to absorb more.¡±


    At that moment, in the Zhou family of the eight great families, a handyman who was sleeping suddenly opened his eyes. A hint of surprise appeared in his eyes as he hurriedly took a few breaths and quickly looked around.


    ¡°Who is that guy? Not only did he find me, but his cultivation is also astonishing enough to directly suppress my vessel that has been condensed for a long time. Its combat strength was comparable to three fires!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that due to the limitations of my talent, I can only parasitize a mortal. Every one of them needs to be slowly nurtured before I can gradually display my strength. Otherwise, it would be much simpler for me to escape. Damn it, this mission was originally very simple. Although the teleportation was sealed, it couldn¡¯t be sealed for too long. But now, why is there such a strange cultivator!¡±


    The handyman¡¯s gaze flickered. As he pondered, a hint of malice appeared as he looked around.


    ¡°However, it¡¯s fine. This person I revived as is a servant of the Zhou family. His residence is in the territory of the Zhou family¡¯s imperial palace. Unless that person gets the Zhou family to help him, he will definitely die if he dares to sneak in!¡±


    Just like that, under this person¡¯s attention and vigilance, the night passed. The next morning, as the sunlight streamed in, a scar-faced burly man with Qi Condensation cultivation pushed open the door of the house where these handymen were.


    When the surrounding handymen saw this scar-faced man, their expressions changed. They hurriedly stood up, not daring to stop at all. This scar-faced man could be considered a trusted aide among the Zhou family¡¯s handymen. He would casually beat and scold them, and many of them were beaten to death by him.


    The handyman¡¯s lives were cheap. No one cared if they died.


    Amidst their nervousness, the scar-faced man spat out some saliva and walked toward them. He passed by the handymen one after another until he reached the handyman who was parasitized by the Bizarre Fiend Race.


    After sizing him up, the scar-faced burly dude suddenly took out a saber and stabbed into the handyman¡¯s heart. He quickly pulled it out and ruthlessly slit the handyman¡¯s neck!


    Everything happened too quickly, so much so that the handyman only had the time to widen his eyes in disbelief and confusion.


    He didn¡¯t understand what was going on. The scar-faced burly dude laughed sinisterly. As all the handymen in the surroundings retreated in horror, the burly dude cut open his own stomach and took out his intestines. He wrapped them around the neck of the handyman and leaned over to speak softly.


    ¡°My master greets you. He asked me to tell you that the game¡­ has just begun.¡±

 Chapter 292 - 292 Nowhere to Hide

    292 Nowhere to Hide


    The eyes of the bizarre fiend narrowed. In an instant, his body died.


    At the next instant, in the Purple Earth Bai Family¡¯s territory, among the seven to eight homeless people lying in a cramped alley, a skinny youth covered in dirt suddenly opened his eyes.


    The instant he opened his eyes, he instinctively pressed his neck, his eyes revealing horror. He quickly looked around and took a few breaths before his expression recovered.


    However, there was still some panic in his eyes.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? That person just now¡­¡± This youth was none other than that member of the Bizarre Fiend Race. Although he was surprised when Xu Qing found his first host, he didn¡¯t think much of it.


    The second host was located in the hinterland of the Zhou family. He was originally filled with confidence that unless the other party contacted the Zhou family to make a move, it was impossible for him to barge in. Once the Zhou family was contacted, he would be able to find out the other party¡¯s identity.


    He had already thought of a way to make use of this opportunity to escape. At that time, he could even turn the tables and let the other party know how terrifying the Bizarre Fiend Race was.


    In addition, although Purple Earth¡¯s teleportation to the outside world had been sealed, he wasn¡¯t too panicked. Such a thing clearly couldn¡¯t last long. In his judgment, the blockade would definitely be lifted in three to five days at most.


    At that time, no one would be able to find him. Even Golden Core cultivators or Nascent Soul cultivators could kill him once but he would still escape in the end.


    He had experienced too many similar things. However, this was the only time this cultivator felt that something was amiss.


    Not only did the other party find his second identity in an extremely fast time, but the person who arrived even gave him a bizarre feeling.


    This was especially so when the other party took out his own intestines and wrapped them around his neck and leaned over to say those words. This caused the heart of this bizarre fiend to tremble again.


    ¡°My master greets you. He asked me to tell you that the game¡­ has just begun.¡±


    ¡°The game has just begun¡­¡± The cultivator mumbled and his body trembled. He realized that he was in trouble. Not only was the other party powerful, but he also had some special methods.


    ¡°Should I activate that body¡­¡± The cultivator hesitated for a moment and looked around with a hint of unwillingness. He had prepared a body for himself outside the city that could be activated at any time.


    However, once he used it, it meant that he had to leave the Purple Earth¡¯s capital. This made him a little hesitant. After all, as long as he persisted in hiding here for a few more days, the blockade might end.


    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s just a coincidence!¡± The bizarre fiend took a deep breath and warily looked around. The sun had risen and the other homeless people in the alley were waking up one after another. The bizarre fiend cultivator hurriedly walked toward the entrance of the alley.


    His footsteps were a little weak. Although his innate ability was strong, every time he woke up in a new host, the host was already devoured by him. To a certain extent, it was just a corpse.


    After he occupied someone¡¯s body, his strength became ordinary and needed time to recover his combat strength.


    Unless he buried some innate power in the host in advance. However, this method consumed too much energy, so he put his soul only on the body outside the city.


    As he quickly walked forward, his mind was still rapidly operating.


    ¡°Damn it, in the past, it was always me in the dark and others in the light. This time, it¡¯s the other way around. Who exactly is that guy? I¡¯ve never heard of such a strange thing.¡±


    ¡°He can control others? That¡¯s not right. Any control would emit some energy, unless it¡¯s a divine sense possession. However, only Nascent Soul cultivators can do such a thing and it can¡¯t be done many times.¡±


    ¡°That person isn¡¯t a Nascent Soul cultivator. The feeling he gives me is that he used a bizarre entity.¡± As the bizarre fiend cultivator kept analyzing, he walked out of the alley and walked warily along the corner of the street, quickly walking toward the teleportation array of Purple Earth.


    He was going to stay near the teleportation array for the next period of time. While waiting for the teleportation array to be unsealed, he would also see if the person who was hiding in the dark and deliberately mystifying things could find him again.


    However, less than an hour after he walked out, the instant he passed by another alley, a hand suddenly pressed down on his mouth from the depths of the darkness. A finger even reached in and forcefully propped up his mouth to prevent him from biting his tongue to commit suicide.


    Everything happened too quickly. Although the bizarre fiend reacted, this body was much slower. At the next instant, a huge force dragged his body into the alley.


    The bizarre fiend tried to see the other party¡¯s appearance, but he couldn¡¯t even turn his head. Not long later, he was brought to an abandoned house and pressed to the ground.


    Only then did he see the person in front of him. It was the middle-aged cultivator who had killed his first body yesterday.


    The other party¡¯s eyes were filled with endless coldness. The instant their gazes met, the mind of the bizarre fiend cultivator shook. At the next instant, his chin was forcefully broken off and the intense pain caused the veins on his forehead to bulge.


    As such, he couldn¡¯t bite his tongue and commit suicide. Moreover, with his cultivation and combat strength that hadn¡¯t recovered, he couldn¡¯t commit suicide in front of the other party anyway.


    ¡°Uuggh¡­¡± Just as the bizarre fiend cultivator was about to make a sound, Xu Qing coldly scattered some poison powder on him.


    The toxicity of this poison powder wasn¡¯t high. Xu Qing had mixed it in the past. As for the effects of this poison powder, after some adjustment, it could increase the sensitivity of the body to all stimuli.


    As the poison powder drifted and gradually sank into the other party¡¯s body, Xu Qing expressionlessly pinched the finger of the bizarre fiend cultivator.


    Crack, crack.


    He crushed it bit by bit.


    The bizarre fiend cultivator¡¯s body trembled from the pain. With the poison powder magnifying the already intense pain infinitely, the pain transformed into a storm that turned into a mournful cry.


    Even though his chin was broken, the sound formed by the intense pain still couldn¡¯t be stopped from coming from his throat.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. Only hatred rose in his eyes as he completely crushed the other party¡¯s hand into meat paste. After that, he fed the other party a medicinal pill to keep him awake.


    He continued. This was because although this bizarre fiend cultivator was screaming miserably, his eyes didn¡¯t reveal the fear Xu Qing was familiar with.


    From the start to the end, although the other party was screaming miserably and was in pain, he wasn¡¯t afraid!


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze became even colder. Gradually, the other party¡¯s entire arm turned into minced meat. After that, Xu Qing also crushed his other hand bit by bit.


    He took out a dagger and began to cut the legs of the bizarre fiend cultivator even while the latter screamed and weakened. He didn¡¯t let go of any inch of his skin.


    There was blood all over the ground but the bizarre fiend wasn¡¯t dead yet. This was because Xu Qing¡¯s medicinal pills provided him with life force.


    Blood-curdling screams rang out once again. However, amidst these blood-curdling screams, a hint of provocation slowly appeared in the eyes of the bizarre fiend.


    ¡°Do you know why I am screaming? It¡¯s because you¡¯re not the first to do this to me, nor will you be the last. I¡¯ve already grasped the method to transmit the pain through my voice.¡± The voice came out from within the body of the bizarre fiend.


    The blood-curdling screams came out along with the voice as though he had split into two persons.


    ¡°Because I know that you don¡¯t dare to kill me so easily. You¡¯re taking revenge for Grandmaster Bai, right? Before that old man died, he was writing a letter. I wonder who he was writing it to. It couldn¡¯t be you, right?¡±


    ¡°Although I don¡¯t know how you found me, I think you¡¯re more concerned about the person behind me and want to find the mastermind, right? I know this. I have all the answers you want, but I¡­ won¡¯t tell you.¡±


    This cultivator¡¯s eyes were red and he screamed endlessly. Xu Qing punched and shattered his mouth. The minced meat sealed his mouth, causing him to be unable to scream.


    However, the voice from his body was laughing wildly.


    ¡°Do you know how I killed that old man? Haha, I originally wanted to parasitize that chick called Tingyu, but I didn¡¯t think it was fun enough. Guess who I parasitized in the end?¡±


    Xu Qing stopped and looked at the bizarre fiend. His eyes gradually narrowed as a terrifying energy fluctuation slowly spread out from his body.


    This scene caused the mind of the bizarre fiend cultivator to tremble. In reality, there were still some slight differences between what he had said and what he was thinking. He was indeed not afraid of death and was used to torture. However, Xu Qing¡¯s ruthlessness still caused his heart to tremble violently.


    This was especially so since the other party didn¡¯t ask or say a word from the start.


    It was as though the other party didn¡¯t care about anything and was only immersed in the torture. His movements were proficient and he didn¡¯t show any hesitation. He even avoided the major blood vessels.


    This scene made him realize¡­ that the other party had done this too many times in the past.


    ¡°This is a lunatic, a pervert!!¡±


    Hence, he wanted to anger the other party and make him kill him. Although he had long set an irreversible time of death for each of his host bodies, this time, he wanted to die early.


    Xu Qing looked at the cultivator from the Bizarre Fiend Race in front of him. The totemic tattoo on his back flickered and black flames rose around him. It didn¡¯t transform into the Golden Crow¡¯s shadow but fused into Xu Qing¡¯s right hand. Xu Qing then pressed his right hand on the forehead of the bizarre fiend.


    At the next instant, a huge suction force erupted from his hand. The eyes of the bizarre fiend cultivator suddenly widened and his body started withering rapidly. A large amount of qi and blood rose and headed straight for Xu Qing¡¯s right hand. It was also because of the intense fluctuations in his emotions earlier that a trace of origin fog was finally revealed and extracted.


    This trace of fog was the origin power of the Bizarre Fiend Race.


    Back then, when Xu Qing attacked for the first time, he didn¡¯t manage to absorb the other party¡¯s origin. Hence, this time, he tortured him and caused his emotions to fluctuate intensely to be more convenient to absorb his origin power.


    The instant before the bizarre fiend cultivator died, Xu Qing spoke softly and his only sentence since the start of the torture entered the ears of the bizarre fiend cultivator.


    ¡°It¡¯s not over. We¡¯ll see each other in a while.¡±

 Chapter 293 - 293 Bird in the Cage

    293 Bird in the Cage


    No more screams rang out in the abandoned house. It was completely silent.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and sensed the special wisp of origin source that the Golden Crow had absorbed. It was just that it was too small and couldn¡¯t be used properly. However, it was enough for tracking purposes.


    ¡°Then¡­ if he revives again, he will definitely be even more terrified. However, this much isn¡¯t enough. I need to kill him dozens of times before I can get enough origin.¡± Xu Qing opened his eyes and looked at his shadow.


    His shadow was spread on the blood on the ground. After it covered the dried corpse, it permeated it and returned after a few breaths of time. The emotions it transmitted pointed in another direction as well as a pleading request.


    ¡°Capture¡­ I¡¯m good¡­ capturing¡­¡±


    The torture earlier was partly because of the viciousness in Xu Qing¡¯s heart, partly because he wanted the Golden Crow to devour the bizarre fiend, and partly because he wanted to give the shadow enough time to devour the other party¡¯s shadow and determine its direction more accurately.


    This way, coupled with the trace of origin energy he had obtained, he could accurately find the other party no matter where he was hiding.


    At that moment, sensing the shadow¡¯s earnest request, Xu Qing thought about it and nodded.


    The shadow instantly emitted cheerful emotions, as though it felt that this was very fun and exciting.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He turned and disappeared from the house, hiding all the way. He had a faint feeling that someone had been observing him during these two days.


    This feeling was becoming increasingly clear. Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to be noticed by Purple Earth, so he concealed himself even more.


    An hour later, outside the eastern gate of the Purple Earth¡¯s capital, a large number of people were queuing up and leaving the city one after another. Most of them were carriages and there were also cultivators.


    Among them was a youth. This youth was wearing expensive clothes and didn¡¯t look to be from an ordinary family. However, he didn¡¯t have the privilege to leave the city quickly and needed to queue here. This also showed that his bloodline wasn¡¯t noble.


    At that moment, the youth¡¯s face was a little pale and his breathing was hurried. From time to time, he would check his surroundings. He¡­ was none other than the cultivator from the Bizarre Fiend Race.


    In the end, he didn¡¯t choose to use the body outside the city. This was because once he used it and was chased far away, he wouldn¡¯t be able to return to the capital after he died.


    His innate ability had a range limit.


    To him, the place with the most lives was the place where his ability could be displayed to the greatest extent. Hence, he didn¡¯t want to leave easily. Moreover, if that body died, the damage to him would be much more serious than the other bodies.


    He was going to use his current body to fake his departure from the city and lure the mysterious pursuer away before returning immediately. After all, it didn¡¯t affect him much even if this body died.


    He had been found three times in a row. This made him aware that the other party must have a way to pursue him. He didn¡¯t know what this method was and couldn¡¯t guard against it.


    This caused the uneasiness in his heart to be extremely intense, especially when he witnessed the other party¡¯s cruelty and heard his last sentence. It was as though a cold wind had blown into his mind and stayed there without dissipating.


    Most importantly, after he revived this time, he had an indescribable feeling. It was as though he had lost some of the most important things on him.


    This feeling caused him to feel a life-and-death crisis for the first time.


    ¡°Too strange, but I don¡¯t believe it. With my methods, how could I be locked onto?!¡±


    While the youth¡¯s heart was fluctuating, he didn¡¯t notice that an eye had appeared in the shadow of the guard at the city gate not far away and glanced at him.


    At the next instant, just as the youth was about to reach the city gate, a mosquito flew over and silently landed on the youth¡¯s neck. Before the youth could notice, it stabbed fiercely at the blood vessel on his neck.


    It transmitted its divine sense softly.


    ¡°My master greets you.¡±


    After that, its body exploded, sending the little black bugs contained in its body into the youth¡¯s body.


    In that instant, the youth¡¯s entire body trembled and he let out a mournful cry. As the crowd dispersed in panic, he fell to the ground and rolled continuously. Finally, his body turned into a blood pool.


    The body of a guard at the city gate suddenly trembled. When his eyelids closed and opened again, he had already turned to someone else.


    He took advantage of the chaos and turned to leave the city without saying a word. However, his body suddenly paused and stiffened.


    Shock appeared in his eyes. He wanted to lower his head but couldn¡¯t do so. His body seemed to be out of his control and a weak laughter that caused his hair to stand on end came out from his mouth.


    ¡°Aha, I¡¯ve made a contribution. I caught you.¡±


    As he spoke, the guard slowly turned around. The corners of his mouth curled up into a smile. After greeting the other guards beside him, he walked forward happily.


    As he walked, numerous eyes rapidly disappeared from the shadows of all the guards in the vicinity and the people queuing up, merging into his feet.


    Everyone here¡­ had eyes planted on their shadows. Clearly, it was indeed good at playing hide-and-seek. After finding the cultivator of the Bizarre Fiend Race, it parasitized everyone in its vicinity and waited for the other party to arrive.


    As for the bizarre fiend cultivator, he had miscalculated and fallen into the shadow¡¯s trap.


    At that moment, his eyes were filled with intense fear. He had never encountered such a thing in his life. His heart trembled and his mind was about to collapse.


    For the first time, he was terrified.


    This was because he realized that he had encountered a bizarre existence that was even more terrifying than himself!


    Just like that, amidst the joy of the shadow, the guard hopped away from the crowd and went to another abandoned house in an alley.


    There were many abandoned houses in the Purple Earth¡¯s capital due to frequent deaths here.


    As he walked in, the bizarre fiend cultivator saw Xu Qing sitting inside with a calm expression, waiting for him.


    After seeing Xu Qing, the guard who was controlled by the shadow and possessed by the Bizarre Fiend Race directly knelt down with a plop. His hands kept slapping his face again and again.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over but he didn¡¯t bother with it. He looked outside the door.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re here, why didn¡¯t you come in?¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    The guard controlled by the shadow paused for a moment before continuing to slap.


    As Xu Qing spoke, very soon, a youth walked out of the distortion outside the door.


    He wore a gorgeous robe and a jade pendant that emitted a gentle light. He was very handsome but his gaze was complicated as he looked at Xu Qing. It was¡­ Chen Feiyuan.


    Xu Qing looked at Chen Feiyuan. The aura on the other party¡¯s body was weird. There were clearly no strong cultivation base fluctuations and his aura was extremely weak but it gave Xu Qing a dangerous feeling.


    This was also the reason why even the shadow didn¡¯t notice that it was being followed.


    ¡°You¡¯ve become a treasure-nurturer?¡± Xu Qing suddenly asked.


    He sensed the issue. Chen Feiyuan¡¯s cultivation was only at the Qi Condensation Realm, but the energy fluctuations on his body seemed to be swimming in his bloodline. Moreover, it clearly emitted the feeling of time, as though there was an item stored in his body.


    ¡°Not a treasure-nurturer. The direct descendants of the eight great families of Purple Earth can form a symbiosis with their family¡¯s only magic treasure. After I returned, I had already begun to come into contact with it and was in a symbiotic relation with a portion of it. In reality, this is also the reason why every generation of patriarchs of the Purple Earth¡¯s eight families has astonishing combat strength.¡±


    ¡°When we cultivate, although cultivation is important, bloodline is more important.¡± Chen Feiyuan walked in and sat at the side, looking at the bizarre fiend cultivator who was slapping himself.


    ¡°What a strange cultivation method,¡± Xu Qing said softly.


    ¡°The royal family of the Purple Green Kingdom is the strange one. This is their bloodline talent. They can form symbiosis with all magic treasures. Later on, they were plundered by our eight races. After countless years of rearing and reproducing, we were finally able to fuse this bloodline talent into our bloodlines.¡±


    Chen Feiyuan shrugged and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t congratulated you on your rise in the Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve changed a lot,¡± Xu Qing said seriously.


    In his memory, Chen Feiyuan wasn¡¯t like this. In reality, in the past few days, he had faintly sensed that someone was secretly observing him. However, he couldn¡¯t find any traces until today when the other party appeared.


    ¡°I have grown up and also because of Teacher¡¯s inheritance and the influence of the magic treasure.¡± Chen Feiyuan shook his head.


    ¡°Besides, your changes aren¡¯t small either. I didn¡¯t expect the brat back then to have become one of the Sequences of the Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    Chen Feiyuan swept his gaze across Xu Qing and landed on the bizarre fiend who was slapping himself. His eyes were filled with killing intent.


    ¡°That¡¯s him?¡±


    ¡°One of the bodies.¡± Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°I went to the place you were in last time and there was a stench of blood. This¡­ let me play with it.¡± Chen Feiyuan¡¯s eyes were filled with cruelty and madness, containing deep hatred as he stared fixedly at the bizarre fiend.


    Xu Qing nodded and stood up to walk out of the house. The shadow also returned and gave up control. At the next instant, mournful cries and wails rang out from the room.


    This sound lasted for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. The degree of misery was almost the same as the last time Xu Qing attacked.


    Finally, Chen Feiyuan walked out of the room. His body was still trembling slightly, as though the viciousness and madness in his heart still couldn¡¯t dissipate. His eyes were even redder. When he arrived beside Xu Qing, he took a deep breath.


    ¡°Tingyu guessed that you were here but I told her that you didn¡¯t come.¡±


    ¡°The families in Purple Earth haven¡¯t sensed your arrival yet. The news has been sealed and hidden by me. However, my ability is limited and I can¡¯t seal the information for long. However, I¡¯ll do my best. You can take revenge for Teacher in peace and leave as soon as possible after it¡¯s over. Otherwise, there will be a huge crisis.¡±


    ¡°The old geezers who aren¡¯t willing to die just like that are very tempted by the bounty of the Sea Corpse Race. These people are no longer human. In order to survive, they are willing to do anything.¡±


    ¡°Take care of yourself,¡± Chen Feiyuan said in a low voice. After he finished speaking, he walked into the distance.


    Xu Qing looked at Chen Feiyuan and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Senior Brother, take care.¡±


    Xu Qing saw a trace of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s temperament on Chen Feiyuan. It was hatred for Purple Earth and determination to try to change it.


    Chen Feiyuan stopped in his tracks but didn¡¯t turn his head. He continued walking, becoming more and more determined until he disappeared into the void.

 Chapter 294 - 294 Dancing in the Palm of His Hand

    294 Dancing in the Palm of His Hand


    Xu Qing walked into the house.


    That cultivator from the Bizarre Fiend Race was lying there with his limbs spread out. All the flesh in his body was gone. Other than his intact head, there was only a skeleton left.


    However, he wasn¡¯t dead yet. A red light swam on his bones, supporting his life.


    Clearly, Chen Feiyuan had a special method that let him vent his anger while keeping the bizarre fiend alive. When Xu Qing walked over, the cultivator from the Bizarre Fiend Race opened his eyes and looked at Xu Qing listlessly.


    Xu Qing lifted his hand and pressed down on the other party¡¯s forehead. Golden Crow Refines All Life instantly started absorbing. As the other party¡¯s head trembled, more origin power was absorbed and fused into Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    At the next instant, the bizarre fiend cultivator died.


    At the same time, outside the Purple Earth capital, in a mass grave, an explosion occurred. The ground was blasted open by a huge force, and soil and shattered bones scattered in all directions. A middle-aged man with disheveled hair slowly walked out.


    His expression was malevolent and his eyes revealed madness. However, in the depths of that madness, there was unprecedented fear.


    ¡°All of them are perverts!¡±


    This burly dude was none other than the cultivator from the Bizarre Fiend Race that was known to be undying!


    This body was a relatively perfect body that he had spent some price to nurture in advance and let it sleep until now. It could completely display his three fires cultivation.


    Originally, he didn¡¯t want to use this body because once this body died, it would affect him as well. However, he had no choice now.


    He didn¡¯t dare to stay in the city anymore.


    Regardless of whether it was within the eight great families or outside, he felt that the city was very dangerous. The other party was pursuing him like the marrow sticking to the bones, causing his heart to tremble. In particular, that bizarre entity caused him to feel an unprecedented sense of danger.


    To a certain extent, that bizarre entity was similar to him. This allowed this bizarre fiend to experience the feelings of the people he had assassinated.


    It was everywhere!


    At the thought of this, the burly dude¡¯s body trembled. He quickly looked around and only heaved a sigh of relief after confirming that he was already far away from the Purple Earth Imperial Capital.


    ¡°They shouldn¡¯t find me so quickly this time, especially at such a distance. I might be able to escape.¡±


    Even now, he still didn¡¯t know the other party¡¯s identity. His expression was gloomy as he fled rapidly. He even activated his life fires and entered the Mystic Brilliance Form, increasing his speed.


    ¡°After the first time he killed me, he used a night to find me. The second time was two hours, the third time was an hour¡­¡±


    Five minutes later, the expression of the burly man suddenly changed. When he turned his head, he saw a rainbow in the distant horizon whistling toward him with an earth-shattering aura.


    The figure in the rainbow looked like a middle-aged man. There seemed to be a continent burning in his body and his aura rumbled in all directions, as though it could suppress everything.


    Even with his three fires cultivation, his eyes still stung when he took a look.


    ¡°So fast!¡±


    Unprecedented horror caused the burly dude to gasp. He had made a judgment about Xu Qing, but from what he saw now, he discovered that all his judgments were inaccurate.


    The aura the other party displayed at this moment gave him a feeling that it surpassed three fires. That was¡­


    ¡°Four fires?¡±


    Sweat broke out on the burly dude¡¯s forehead. He didn¡¯t hesitate at all to burn the three balls of life fire in his body with all his might. His speed soared explosively as he ran crazily into the distance.


    He didn¡¯t guess wrongly. Xu Qing, who was chasing after him, indeed possessed the power of four flames!


    The ignition of the life lantern allowed Xu Qing to possess the combat strength of two fires when he had just formed one life fire. When he formed the second ball of life fire rose, his combat strength reached three fires. With the enhancement from Golden Crow Refines All Life, his combat strength was naturally comparable to four fires!


    The reason why he was able to catch up to the bizarre fiend so quickly was because he no longer needed the shadow to guide him.


    As the origin source absorbed by Golden Crow Refines All Life fused into Xu Qing¡¯s body, the bizarre fiend cultivator was like a torch in the night in Xu Qing¡¯s perception.


    As such, the instant the other party revived, he had already sensed it and rushed over rapidly. He arrived here in the time it took for an incense stick to burn.


    The instant he saw the other party, the killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes intensified.


    His speed was so fast that everything was slow in his eyes. The burly dude¡¯s speed was the same. In the blink of an eye, Xu Qing arrived in front of him and directly slapped down.


    The burly dude was violently slammed to the ground like a kite with a broken string.


    The ground caved in. Just as the burly dude was about to get up, Xu Qing neared him and kicked his chest.


    The burly dude spurted out blood again. When his body rolled back, Xu Qing had already taken out a dagger and stabbed him.


    He kept on stabbing again and again. He then forcefully ripped off the burly dude¡¯s right arm before smashing his forehead.


    The burly dude let out a blood-curdling scream as his skull shattered. He was already in an extremely miserable state. In front of Xu Qing, the power of three fires had no chance of retaliating. The horror and despair in his eyes also reached the extreme.


    They then turned into madness as he roared at the sky. The moment Xu Qing got close, he charged forward and tried to detonate his life fires.


    However, before the aura of its destruction spread out, the shadow had long fused into its body and pounced at the three balls of life fire.


    In an instant, the volcano in the burly dude¡¯s body was extinguished.


    His body was forcefully broken from the Mystic Brilliance Form, causing a huge backlash. This caused many of his magic apertures to collapse.


    His entire body was badly mangled as he fell to the ground.


    The horror in his eyes grew even more intense. As though he had guessed the torture waiting for him, he waved his left hand that could still move and slapped his forehead, wanting to commit suicide.


    However, a black iron stick instantly appeared and pierced into his raised left hand.


    Xu Qing walked toward him with eyes filled with killing intent. Behind him, there was a cry as the Golden Crow appeared. It danced in the sky before pouncing on him and sucking fiercely.


    The bizarre fiend cultivator¡¯s body trembled violently. The instant his mind was shaken, the qi and blood in his entire body erupted. It also contained his origin power and was swallowed by the Golden Crow.


    After that, what welcomed him was Xu Qing¡¯s fingers piercing into his eyes, shattering his eyeball and destroying his head.


    The moment before he died, a voice that was like a nightmare to him calmly rang out in his ears.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so quick to give me the answer I want. I still want to play a few more times. We will see each other in a while.¡±


    At the next instant, in a wilderness outside Purple Earth city, a rabbit suddenly jumped up from the bush. Its speed was extremely fast and it spared no expense to run into the distance.


    However, in just the time it took for half an incense stick to burn, a black dot appeared in the sky. This black dot headed straight for the rabbit at an astonishing speed.


    It was a vulture. It instantly neared the rabbit but didn¡¯t grab it. Instead, it collided with the rabbit, causing it to be badly mangled. Before it perished together, the vulture let out a sinister voice.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    The rabbit died.


    In the blink of an eye, at another location, a snake slowly climbed under the withered tree.


    However, in less than eight minutes, a black iron stick whistled from afar and instantly pierced through the snake, pinning it to the ground.


    The snake died with lingering fear in its eyes. After that, an eagle that was flying in the sky paused for a moment before speeding up.


    What awaited it was the Golden Crow which immediately devoured it.


    Such scenes continued to play out in this wilderness.


    Even though this bizarre fiend cultivator had displayed his talent to the extreme and used one host after another to try to escape, what awaited him was either the black iron stick that suddenly arrived, various creatures that had been parasitized, or Xu Qing.


    All of this caused his mind to be on the verge of collapse. Moreover, dying time and time again had exhausted him. Although the consumption wasn¡¯t great, he couldn¡¯t withstand these frequent deaths.


    This was especially so when he died to Xu Qing. Every time he died, he would feel that he was missing something important. In the end, when he revived in a coyote, he discovered that he didn¡¯t fuse into it immediately. Instead, there were some obstructions. He panicked.


    ¡°He¡¯s absorbing my talent!!¡±


    This discovery caused waves of emotions to surge in his mind.


    Hence, the instant Xu Qing grabbed it again and was about to absorb and refine it, he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯ll die completely in three times at most. If I die, you won¡¯t be able to find the mastermind!!¡±


    What welcomed him was Xu Qing¡¯s palm strike.


    With a boom, the coyote collapsed and the wisp of origin energy before it died was absorbed by the Golden Crow.


    Thirty breaths later, in the sky, a crow hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°You¡¯re from the Seven Blood Eyes. I can sense the energy of your cultivation art. I can reveal the mastermind, but I want to see Lord Sixth. I¡¯ll only tell him!!¡±


    The next instant, the black iron stick pierced through it. Xu Qing looked at the crow¡¯s corpse expressionlessly. After sensing again, he headed straight for the ground. His right foot stomped fiercely on the ground and the ground instantly split open, revealing a gap in which a pangolin was hiding.


    The pangolin trembled and despair appeared in its eyes as it transmitted a frenzied divine sense.


    ¡°Come, kill me. Don¡¯t even think about finding out the answer after I die. Bring me to see Lord Sixth. I¡¯ll only tell him!!¡±


    Xu Qing slapped it fiercely.


    The pangolin had a crazed expression. Although its mind was about to collapse and the danger of death enveloped it like never before, it still didn¡¯t speak.


    Xu Qing stopped slapping it. He held it in front of him and stared coldly.


    Only after a long while did Xu Qing retract his gaze. He grabbed the pangolin and walked toward the teleportation point that the captain had personally opened for him. That place wasn¡¯t far from here and it didn¡¯t take long for Xu Qing to reach it.


    This place was a valley. Xu Qing walked in expressionlessly. There was an abandoned teleportation array here. Standing on it, Xu Qing took out his identity token and pressed it, waiting silently.


    Not long later, the teleportation array started shining.


    However, the instant the teleportation array was activated, the pangolin in Xu Qing¡¯s hand suddenly trembled. Its body withered and it died. At the same time that it died, the teleportation array shone as though the teleportation had completed. Someone teleported away before Xu Qing.


    It was that bizarre fiend cultivator. He clearly had laid a trap earlier. His goal was to make use of the teleportation array to escape.


    Moreover, it was unknown what method he used, but it caused the location of his teleportation to be blurry. Outsiders couldn¡¯t know the exact location.


    A moment later, the teleportation light dissipated. Xu Qing was still inside.


    The other party had clearly escaped, but Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t show the slightest surprise or anger. His gaze was calm as he lowered his head and looked at the pangolin¡¯s corpse in his hand, tossing it to the side.


    He closed his eyes and started sensing. After a moment, Xu Qing opened his eyes, revealing a deep glint.


    ¡°I¡¯m in a hurry. I hope you can meet the person you¡¯re meeting soon.¡±

 Chapter 295 - 295 So Its You!

    295 So It¡¯s You!


    Not far from the Seven Blood Eyes and near the edge of the Forbidden Sea, a teleportation array that was originally abandoned started shining. A wisp of fog appeared on it and quickly condensed into a fog body.


    After walking out of the teleportation array, it immediately destroyed the array formation. Only then did it heave a sigh of relief and started laughing.


    ¡°In the end, your grandfather still managed to escape!¡± As the fog body condensed, it slowly transformed into the appearance of a middle-aged man. At this moment, his expression was filled with unprecedented smugness.


    Around the end, it could be said that he had let himself be caught by Xu Qing. He wanted to make use of the teleportation array and use the secret art given by his employer to escape.


    Everything went smoothly.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t waste much time either. The next step is to trade with the employer. I¡¯ve completely memorized the second volume of the Lunar Chosen Transformation Pill. Only I know of it now. If they don¡¯t give me the item they promised me, they can forget about obtaining the formula.¡±


    The middle-aged man sneered and quickly left.


    Under the moonlight, his body sped through the wilderness, but he didn¡¯t notice that an eye had opened in his shadow.


    Even though he was a bizarre entity, he still had a shadow. As long as there was a shadow, there would be Xu Qing¡¯s shadow.


    Xu Qing had let him go on purpose.


    As for the other party wanting to see Lord Sixth, Xu Qing didn¡¯t believe it. Since the other party didn¡¯t say anything even after so much torture and deaths, Xu Qing might as well let him think that it was safe. Only then would the bizarre fiend lead him to the mastermind!


    As for the range of the shadow eye, Xu Qing had already checked it when he was searching for the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts. It had an extremely large range, and currently, it was still within his perception. Although the vision was somewhat blurry because of the distance, it was not a big issue.


    Moreover, just knowing the location was enough.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and adjusted the array formation, activating the teleportation array in the direction of his perception. As for the other teleportation array being destroyed, it didn¡¯t matter. After knowing the location, he could simply use other teleportation arrays nearby.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared.


    At that moment, the middle-aged man formed by fog was moving extremely fast in the coastal area of the Nanhuang Continent. He took advantage of the darkness and sped all the way. During this time, he would look around frequently and even spread out his perception to investigate the surroundings.


    Even though he had repeatedly confirmed that no one was following him, he was still very cautious. However, the strangeness of the shadow was something he didn¡¯t understand, so he didn¡¯t know that there was an eye in his shadow.


    However, this bizarre fiend cultivator was still vigilant. He didn¡¯t head to the meeting place immediately. Instead, he moved randomly for an entire night before he arrived at a seaside and looked at a merchant ship that was docked in the distance.


    ¡°Come over. I¡¯ve already got what you want.¡±


    He then waited silently while observing his surroundings. However, he wasn¡¯t able to see the eye in the shadow that was slightly open and was watching him.


    Nothing happened even after a long while. The bizarre fiend cultivator turned and changed directions. Everything that had happened earlier was intentional. He was making sure that nobody followed him and that he was really safe.


    He finally felt at ease and a hint of smugness appeared on his face again. In the darkness of dawn, he moved in another direction and reached the seaside. He didn¡¯t hesitate to jump in.


    At the next instant, the body of a swordfish swimming in the sea suddenly trembled before speeding away in another direction. However¡­ the shadow¡¯s eye had parasitized the main body of the bizarre fiend. Hence, even though the other party had a new body now, the shadow eye still existed.


    The strange abilities of the bizarre entities depended on their levels. The strangeness of the shadow clearly far surpassed that of the bizarre fiend. It could even be said to be a natural enemy. At the same time, the shadow also had some slight emotional fluctuations.


    It seemed to have discovered that it was more compatible with the Bizarre Fiend Race. If the one it parasitized back then wasn¡¯t Xu Qing but a bizarre fiend¡­ At the thought of this, the shadow suddenly interrupted its thoughts and a hint of disgust surfaced.


    It felt that the bizarre fiend Race wasn¡¯t worthy of being compared to it, let alone Demon Xu. The bizarre fiend Race was only its food. Why would it have the thought of parasitizing food?


    The shadow felt humiliated by its own thoughts. At the same time, it felt a little frightened as it recalled its experience of being tortured by Demon Xu.


    Hence, it perked up and observed even more diligently while providing directions to Xu Qing.


    The cultivator from the Bizarre Fiend Race had no idea about all of this.


    Just like that, time flowed by. The swordfish he was hosting swam rapidly in the sea and traveled everywhere. During this time, he changed to seven to eight sea beasts. Finally, on the next night, he appeared in a starfish.


    As the waves rose and fell, this starfish was swept to a black beach that could be considered the territory of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The seawater dissipated, leaving behind black water foam on the ground. The bright moon hung in the sky and the moonlight landed on the water foam, emitting a faint light.


    The starfish that was possessed by the bizarre fiend lay motionless on the beach.


    Time slowly passed and dawn arrived. The dawn of a new day¡­ carried a dim black color. The moment the moon left and the sun had yet to rise, something silently approached.


    In the darkness of dawn, figures walked over from the darkness in the distance.


    There were a total of four figures.


    They were all wearing black Daoist robes that covered their entire bodies and heads, making it impossible to see their appearances. The wide Daoist robes also hid their races and gender.


    There were also no cultivation base fluctuations from these four figures. Clearly, they had concealed themselves extremely deeply, and there was even a faint hazy feeling around their bodies.


    This was a method to block the senses of the array formation and prevent divine sense from locking onto them. It didn¡¯t seem to be the power of a magic artifact, and was more like a race¡¯ innate talent.


    These four figures walked toward the beach step by step.


    They slowly arrived beside the starfish and stopped.


    The figure at the front didn¡¯t move. The three people behind him quickly spread out and each took out a circular disc and placed it on the ground, as though they were checking something.


    In just a few breaths of time, the check was over. The three of them turned around and stood respectfully.


    The sea breeze blew over and spread in all directions, bringing with it the fishy smell of the seawater. When it invaded the coast, the wind also landed on the robe of the figure standing beside the starfish, causing it to flutter.


    It also slightly lifted the hood that covered the figure¡¯s head, revealing¡­ a strand of blue hair!


    As this hair fluttered, the figure lowered their head and a crisp voice came out.


    ¡°You¡¯re late.¡±


    As her voice , the starfish on the ground responded with a low voice.


    ¡°I was almost killed in Purple Earth. You didn¡¯t tell me that I would encounter such a pervert. That guy is much more bizarre than me!¡±


    ¡°This matter has also exceeded our expectations, but we will compensate you properly. Now, give me the thing.¡± As the voice rang out, the wind grew stronger, completely blowing away the corner of the hood that was already slightly lifted, revealing a beautiful and delicate face.


    Her long blue hair fluttered in the wind, her blue eyes were resplendent, and her fair skin carried a gentle light like jade. She was none other than¡­ the princess of the Starfish Race who had come to visit the Seven Blood Eyes!


    Back then, this princess had given Xu Qing a conch when she first saw him at Port 176. After that, during the period of the Seven Blood Eyes, she visited Xu Qing many times to talk. Back then, there didn¡¯t seem to be any scheming in her innocent eyes. There was only admiration for Xu Qing in her gaze.


    She had asked many questions in her conversation with Xu Qing and if one were to combine her questions, they would definitely be able to tell that¡­ what was hidden in those questions was a probe toward Xu Qing¡¯s personality and habits.


    When one grasped a person¡¯s habits and personality, they could target this person and make some traps. Clearly, she had long had her eyes on Xu Qing and was preparing for the future.


    ¡°Heh, there¡¯s no hurry. You¡¯ve secretly captured so many heaven¡¯s chosen of the various races over the years. There should be quite a lot of them from the Seven Blood Eyes as well. Now, you should already have a lot of main ingredients. You have to change the remuneration you promised me. I also want a Lunar Chosen Transformation Pill!¡±


    The girl took a deep look at the starfish on the ground. At this moment, another black-robed person from the Starfish Race suddenly spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Princess, it¡¯s about time. If we delay any more, the power of the elders will be more limited and we won¡¯t be able to hide from the array formation.¡±


    ¡°We can only give you the reward once we return to our territory. Since you¡¯re worried, just come with me.¡± The girl didn¡¯t hesitate. After she finished speaking, she was about to pick up the starfish on the ground.


    However, at this moment¡­


    A cold and murderous voice echoed in all directions.


    ¡°So it¡¯s you!¡±


    As soon as this voice appeared, the starfish on the ground trembled. Without any hesitation, it self-destructed and chose to commit suicide.


    At the same time, the expression of the Starfish Race¡¯s young girl changed and she quickly retreated. The other three Starfish Race cultivators in the surroundings also shook and their cultivation bases spread out, protecting the young girl as she retreated.


    However, it was still too late. At the next instant, a figure whistled over from afar like thunder. This figure no longer hid its appearance and no longer looked like a middle-aged man. Instead, it transformed into Xu Qing.


    It was as though there was a continent burning in his body as its fire towered into the sky. The pitch-black dawn broke and under the illumination of the sea of fire in Xu Qing¡¯s body, the whole area instantly lit up.


    The killing intent in his eyes was even more monstrous.


    The gigantic mosasaur under his feet also appeared with malevolence and hatred. That was a continuation of Xu Qing¡¯s emotions. Behind him, the huge Golden Crow cried toward the sky and black tail flames spread in all directions, as though a god had descended.


    At this moment, Xu Qing no longer held back. The killing intent he had suppressed until now erupted completely!


    With his shocking aura, he headed straight for the four people from the Starfish Race.


    ¡°Xu Qing!!¡± The eyes of the Starfish Race¡¯s princess narrowed and her expression changed. It was too late for her to retreat. Xu Qing instantly approached and sent a palm strike.


    The world rumbled and the surroundings trembled as the ground directly exploded.


    A huge pit was formed inside, stirring up a violent aura, causing the four Starfish cultivators to vomit blood.


    Someone blocked in front and endured Xu Qing¡¯s anger. His body collapsed and shattered into pieces and they were absorbed by the Golden Crow.


    His soul was also captured by Xu Qing and suppressed in his magic aperture. He didn¡¯t use it as a fuel to open magic apertures, but burned it in his aperture.


    The hearts of the other three shook and their expressions changed drastically.


    The three of them didn¡¯t hesitate at all. The cultivation bases in their bodies instantly erupted. One was three fires, two were two fires!


    That princess had three fires, while the two clansmen beside her had two fires.


    However, their cultivation bases were completely useless at this moment. In fact, the life fires in their bodies were swaying intensely. The incomparable killing intent from Xu Qing was like a storm of endless anger as it surged toward them.

 Chapter 296 - 296 Blood Dyeing Clothes

    296 Blood Dyeing Clothes


    Xu Qing had already restrained his killing intent for a long time.


    From the moment he found out that Grandmaster Bai had been assassinated, it was as though a sharp blade was crazily rampaging in his body, wanting to break out and kill everyone.


    However, he didn¡¯t. He forcefully suppressed this monstrous killing intent and forced himself to calm down. He then headed to Purple Earth with a calm mind as he had to be even more careful there. Even if he caught the murderer, he couldn¡¯t kill him.


    He could only torture the bizarre fiend slowly to dig out the mastermind.


    After such a long time, he finally found the mastermind. Now, he was unable to suppress the killing intent in his heart anymore. Xu Qing immediately arrived before a Starfish Race cultivator.


    This cultivator was a female. As Xu Qing got closer, the two fires in her body swayed intensely. Just as they were about to be extinguished, Xu Qing had already stretched out his right hand. It was filled with incomparable hatred, astonishing madness, and a terrifying aura. His right hand instantly broke through the woman¡¯s stomach and reached in.


    He grabbed a life fire and squeezed it ruthlessly!


    Boom! A tragic cry came out from the mouth of the female cultivator. This was an intense pain she had never endured in her life. It was the torture of her life fire being extinguished forcefully.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. After Xu Qing squeezed it, he grabbed the other ball of life fire. He directly pulled out both balls of life fire. As blood splattered everywhere, as the life fires collapsed, all the magic apertures in the female cultivator¡¯s body were destroyed.


    An even more mournful cry rang out before it rapidly weakened.


    The female cultivator bled from her seven orifices. However, Xu Qing¡¯s violence wasn¡¯t over. He slammed his head against the female cultivator¡¯s forehead. The woman¡¯s originally beautiful face exploded like a smashed fruit.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body was covered in blood. He turned his head with a gloomy expression and looked at the remaining two Starfish Race members, especially the princess.


    Behind him, the Golden Crow let out a cry and sucked fiercely at the corpse whose head had collapsed to the side. However, it seemed like it didn¡¯t get much. As such, it turned its head and looked at the Starfish Race princess savagely.


    Under the moonlight, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body emitted a baleful aura like a ferocious god. The Golden Crow at the side was like a peerless ferocious beast with an earth-shattering aura.


    ¡°Xu Qing, about this¡­¡±


    The Starfish Race princess¡¯ face was pale and her eyes revealed horror. Just as she spoke, the last Starfish Race Dao Protector beside her let out a roar and rushed out.


    ¡°Princess, leave quickly!!¡±


    As he spoke, the Starfish Race cultivator¡¯s entire body shone. He burned his life fires and all his magic apertures erupted; an aura of self-destruction spread out from his body. He even performed a series of hand seals and activated the three discs set up in the surroundings.


    The three discs emitted an astonishing aura that transformed into bolts of lightning, forming a large net in the air that suppressed and bound Xu Qing.


    Seeing this, the Starfish Race¡¯s princess gritted her teeth and suddenly turned around, heading straight for the sea. She knew that she couldn¡¯t return to the Seven Blood Eyes and had to leave as soon as possible.


    However, just as she was about to enter the sea, a huge sea turtle suddenly rushed out from under the sea. Its eyes were filled with horror and despair. She didn¡¯t know how it did it but it actually let out a sinister laugh and bit at her.


    At the same time, a black iron stick also rushed out from Xu Qing¡¯s side. It formed black lightning in the air and headed straight for the Starfish Race¡¯s princess.


    In an instant, the turtle and the Starfish Race¡¯s princess collided. The power of the black iron stick also approached and struck her.


    The instant the lightning net formed by the three discs landed and was about to envelop and restrain Xu Qing, the power of Golden Crow Refines All Life erupted.


    The Golden Crow behind him cried at the sky and rushed up. Its huge body, the phoenix¡¯s tail, and the black flames formed the shape of ¡®¹­¡¯ as it headed for the sky.


    It directly collided with the lightning net. Almost in an instant, the lightning net collapsed and tore apart. With cracking sounds, the three surrounding discs also shattered into pieces.


    They couldn¡¯t stop it at all!


    The combat strength Xu Qing erupted with at this moment was comparable to four fires. A mere two fires cultivator wouldn¡¯t be able to cause any damage even if he had a magic artifact.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing appeared in front of the Starfish Race cultivator who was rushing over with the intention of self-destructing. He pressed his palm against the person¡¯s forehead. Under the indescribable horror and despair in the Starfish Race cultivator¡¯s eyes, Xu Qing fiercely inhaled.


    The fiendish fire erupted and the soul was forcefully sucked over. The pain of having his soul extracted alive caused the Starfish Race cultivator¡¯s screams to be sharp and shrill. While his body trembled intensely, the Golden Crow sucked from the air.


    Immediately, this cultivator¡¯s body spasmed as a large amount of qi and blood flowed out from his seven orifices and rose into the air. His soul and qi and blood were being extracted. The entire process only lasted for two breaths of time before the Starfish Race cultivator turned into a dried corpse. After he fell to the ground, he shattered and turned into ashes.


    At the same time, the face of the Starfish Race¡¯s princess, who was stopped by the turtle and the black iron stick, was extremely pale.


    She looked at her clansmen who had died in a short period and at Xu Qing who was walking toward her with an endless baleful aura.


    She recalled the scene of Xu Qing fighting against the black-clothed girl from Dongyou Island. She thought of the reason why the name of the Homicide Department was spread in the Seven Blood Eyes during this period of time and also thought of the other party¡¯s peerlessly beautiful face when she visited many times previously.


    All of this intertwined, forming surrealism and indescribable fear. She wanted to retreat, but it was too late. She had lost control of her body and mind, giving a chance to the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. He pierced through her stomach and quickly flew back to pierce it again.


    As a blood-curdling scream came out from the Starfish Race princess¡¯ mouth, the sea turtle at the side opened its mouth and tore off the princess¡¯ arm.


    As he chewed, madness appeared on his face. However, his eyes revealed deep fear and a hint of pleading.


    This sea turtle was none other than the bizarre fiend cultivator. After he killed the starfish, he revived on a sea turtle at the bottom of the sea. Just as he was about to escape, he quickly discovered that his body had lost all control.


    He was familiar with this feeling and horror filled his mind. He couldn¡¯t do anything but watch in despair as the sea turtle happily swam toward the shore.


    The Starfish Race¡¯s princess, whose abdomen had been penetrated repeatedly and whose mind was about to collapse, revealed a pitiful expression. Her eyes were pleading and her body was trembling as she started crying.


    ¡°Xu Qing¡­ I have my¡­ reasons for this. I also¡­¡±


    Before she could finish speaking, Xu Qing had already gotten close and slapped her. The right side of the young girl¡¯s face instantly bulged. Her teeth broke and cracks appeared on her skull. Her nerves were also affected as her limbs twitched involuntarily a few times.


    Two of the life fires in her body were directly extinguished by Xu Qing¡¯s slap.


    Before she could recover, Xu Qing slapped her again.


    The young girl let out a sharp cry. The left side of her face was also puffed up and her gums bled severely. Her entire skull seemed to be about to collapse at this moment.


    The last life fire in her body was also extinguished. Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop. He ruthlessly kicked the wound on the young girl¡¯s stomach.


    The young girl¡¯s body was thrown up and blood gushed out of her injuries. All the magic apertures in her body shattered under this force and her cultivation was completely crippled.


    This intense pain caused her to want to faint. However, Xu Qing quickly stuffed a pill into her mouth, extending her life and preventing her from fainting.


    As such, she could only let out blood-curdling screams while having to endure the intense pain. Her expression also distorted. Her eyes were no longer filled with despair but were mixed with madness and viciousness. Just as she was about to speak, Xu Qing punched her mouth, directly shattering it into a bloody mess.


    After that, Xu Qing coldly looked at the woman and took a deep breath. With a wave of his hand, the mosasaur opened its mouth and swallowed the sea turtle in one gulp. After that, it floated in the air while Xu Qing dragged the Starfish Race¡¯s princess by her leg and walked toward the sect.


    The sand and gravel on the beach cut against the flesh of the Starfish Race¡¯s princess like sharp blades, causing her to suffer not only the pain of the collapse of the magic apertures in her body but also from the thousands of cuts.


    Her blood-curdling screeches became inhuman.


    Just like that, Xu Qing walked all the way. Behind him, a shocking bloody trail was left.


    This blood trail grew longer and longer, and the screams became weaker and weaker. Not long later, Xu Qing walked into the range of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation and saw the majestic city in the distance. He then expressionlessly spoke.


    ¡°Xu Qing, the director of the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department, is reporting to the sect. The Starfish Race has rebelled. I ask for the sect¡¯s array formation to suppress all the Starfish Race members in the Seven Blood Eyes. Don¡¯t let them teleport or escape. Don¡¯t let them transmit their messages to the outside world and suppress them immediately!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation instantly rumbled, as though it was rapidly screening him. At the next instant, an aged voice rang out from the Sixth Peak and spread in all directions with hurried breathing.


    ¡°Permitted!¡±


    Following the voice, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation was activated and the suppression began immediately. At the same time, several figures flew out of the Seven Blood Eyes and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    The fastest was Lord Sixth, who walked out of the Sixth Peak. He crossed the distance with almost a step and arrived in front of Xu Qing. His Nascent Soul cultivation made him look like the sun, emitting heat and madness that distorted everything in the surroundings.


    ¡°Xu Qing, what did you find out!¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and endured the discomfort from the Nascent Soul energy fluctuation. He then cupped his fists and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Lord Sixth, you¡¯ll know after searching her soul!¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing threw the princess behind him to Lord Sixth. Lord Sixth¡¯s breathing was hurried. If it was any other peak lord, they might not search the girl¡¯s soul because of Xu Qing¡¯s words. However, he was different.


    Lord Sixth didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He pressed his right hand on the forehead of the Starfish Race¡¯s princess and started to search her soul!


    Not long later, the captain and the others also arrived. When they saw this scene, their expressions turned solemn. They waited silently beside Xu Qing. The captain looked at the Starfish Race¡¯s princess who was screaming miserably and then at the expressionless Xu Qing whose murderous aura was still dense. He patted his shoulder.


    ¡°Little Qing, I¡¯ll shoulder this matter with you!¡±

 Chapter 297 - 297 Extermination Edict

    297 Extermination Edict


    Xu Qing turned his head and stared at the captain with bloodshot eyes.


    ¡°Little Qing, life is a unique experience. There¡¯s bitterness, sweetness, sorrow, and joy. It¡¯s not a single color, nor can it be a single color.¡±


    ¡°This is something that even the god in the sky can¡¯t change. Because we are humans and not wild beasts, so¡­ I understand your sadness and your urge to kill.¡±


    ¡°What I want to tell you is that you can do whatever you want and follow your heart to walk in the path that belongs only to you.¡± The captain smiled. His smile was gentle and sunny.


    The light from his smile entered Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and his murderous mind, stirring up a fluctuation.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He rarely heard such words. The last two people who talked about life with him like this were Captain Lei and Grandmaster Bai.


    After a long while, Xu Qing seriously glanced at the captain and nodded heavily. He then looked at Lord Sixth, who was searching the princess¡¯ soul, and waited for his answer.


    He only handed the princess of the Starfish Race. As for the bizarre fiend, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hand it over. He hadn¡¯t tortured it enough and it knew too much about him.


    Moreover, now that the mastermind had been found, the information from the princess of the Starfish Race was enough.


    As the soul search continued, Lord Sixth¡¯s body slowly trembled and the veins on his forehead bulged one after another. His eyes gradually turned bloodshot and his breathing became hurried. He involuntarily let out huffing sounds that seemed to be filled with extreme grief and indignation.


    At the next instant, Lord Sixth seemed to have seen a key memory. His entire body trembled fiercely. With a boom, the Starfish Race¡¯s princess¡¯ body exploded into blood mist. Her soul was directly extracted by Lord Sixth and thrown into his mouth as he chewed fiercely.


    As he chewed, the redness in his eyes increased.


    Without saying anything, he performed a series of hand seals and pointed at the sky. Immediately, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation rumbled. Streams of light descended from the dome of the array formation and headed straight for the main city.


    The main city quaked and the ground seemed to be churning. Miserable screams echoed from various areas as one figure after another was pulled into the air by the power of the array formation.


    From afar, the number of those figures was about 200. They were all cultivators of the Starfish Race and there were three Golden Cores among them. At that moment, these three people¡¯s eyes were filled with panic and horror.


    However, no matter how they struggled, it was useless. Under the mighty power of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation, they couldn¡¯t even put up a counterattack. In an instant, they were brought before Lord Sixth.


    Over 200 Starfish cultivators were held in the air before Xu Qing and the others. Because they were pulled too fast, many of their bodies couldn¡¯t withstand the force and exploded. The remaining cultivators screamed and cried.


    Lord Sixth¡¯s eyes revealed ruthlessness. He opened his mouth and sucked fiercely. Immediately, the color of the sky changed and the wind and clouds rolled back.


    The cultivators in the air let out ear-piercing screams. Their bodies withered at a speed visible to the naked eye and their souls were all extracted by Lord Sixth.


    One could see wisps of soul shadows rapidly spreading out of the seven orifices of these Starfish Race cultivators, heading straight for Lord Sixth. Among them were the three Golden Cores¡¯ souls.


    To Lord Sixth, there was no difference between Golden Core, Foundation Building, and Qi Condensation!


    In an instant, more than 200 souls were swallowed by Lord Sixth. As he chewed and obtained more information, the blood vessels in his eyes increased. Finally, amidst the mournful cries, Lord Sixth swallowed all the souls.


    He closed his eyes. A few breaths later, he opened his eyes again; this time, there was a monstrous killing intent in them. He took a deep breath and looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing endured the terrifying pressure and stared at Lord Sixth.


    ¡°Xu Qing, this old man owes you a favor. If Old Seventh doesn¡¯t accept you as his disciple, I¡¯ll accept you as my personal disciple!¡±


    After Lord Sixth finished speaking, he took out a blue voice transmission jade slip.


    This jade slip was different from other jade slips Xu Qing had seen. It didn¡¯t look like it was forged from spirit jade but something even more precious. In fact, it contained an aura comparable to a Golden Core.


    Holding this blue jade slip, Lord Sixth calmly spoke.


    ¡°Old Seventh!¡±


    In reality, he did not have to speak and could simply transmit his voice through his divine sense.


    However, he knew that Xu Qing was the one who found out about this and also knew the reason why Xu Qing had investigated in the first place. Hence, Lord Sixth simply spoke directly so that Xu Qing would know the cause and effect of this matter.


    ¡°This matter has been investigated clearly. Many years ago, the Starfish Race obtained the first volume of the Lunar Chosen Transformation Pill, so they began to secretly capture the heaven¡¯s chosen of various races. They did it very secretly and have captured many of them over the years. My son was one of them.¡±


    ¡°Their main medicine has taken shape but they lack the second volume, and this resulted in the assassination of Grandmaster Bai. They should have prepared for a long time for this.¡±


    ¡°As for the Starfish Race¡¯s visit to the Seven Blood Eyes this time, they were here to secretly provide support. On the surface, this matter looks like the Starfish Race rushed into danger and did such a huge thing because of their ambitions. Whether it was the order to capture heaven¡¯s chosen back then or taking the second volume of the pill formula from Grandmaster Bai, it was all personally ordered by the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch.¡±


    ¡°However, the Starfish Race is weak. They don¡¯t even have a Nascent Soul cultivator. Even if their ancestor is hiding his cultivation base, it¡¯s impossible for such a race to have the guts to do such a monstrous thing. It¡¯s also impossible for them to do such a thing so meticulously that I didn¡¯t notice it all these years.¡±


    ¡°There must be another secret behind this matter. What do you think?¡± Lord Sixth said calmly.


    At the side, Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. Killing intent rose in his eyes and his baleful aura spread out. He heard that the mastermind was the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch and also heard that there was another secret to this matter.


    Xu Qing believed that he would find out what the secret was soon. However, his strongest thought at this moment was to kill the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch!


    Just as Xu Qing¡¯s heart was filled with killing intent, Old Master Seventh¡¯s deep voice rang out from the blue jade slip in Lord Sixth¡¯s hand.


    ¡°The Starfish Race betrayed the alliance and should be exterminated. Moreover, it has to be done quickly. However, I can¡¯t return now¡­¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to return. Help me ask the ancestor if he can let me do as I please. I¡¯ve been suppressing my feelings for many years and I want to kill.¡± The killing intent in Lord Sixth¡¯s eyes was the same as Xu Qing¡¯s and they were both unable to restrain it.


    There was no sound from the jade slip. After about ten breaths, a gloomy and hoarse voice suddenly rang out.


    ¡°Six, listen up!¡±


    ¡°Ancestor!¡± Lord Sixth immediately greeted respectfully. Xu Qing, the captain, and the others also lowered their heads.


    ¡°It¡¯s been hard on you all these years¡­ Go and exterminate the Starfish Race!¡±


    Lord Sixth lifted his head, his eyes revealing madness. Xu Qing also lifted his head, and killing intent erupted from his eyes.


    ¡°I follow the decree of the ancestor!¡± Lord Sixth took a deep breath and looked at the distant sky. He then laughed, but the laughter was filled with endless sorrow and madness. In the end, it was almost like crying.


    After that, he waved his hand. Immediately, the Sixth Peak in the distance quaked and stirred up countless dust and fog. This towering mountain actually rose into the air!!


    An earth-shattering sound shook the surroundings. At the same time, an indescribably huge pressure spread in all directions as the entire Sixth Peak arrived.


    Cave abodes opened one after another on the Sixth Peak. Many Sixth Peak disciples who were in seclusion walked out one after another. There were many Golden Cores and Foundation Building cultivators among them.


    Although most of the Sixth Peak¡¯s disciples had gone to the war with the Sea Corpse Race, to the Sixth Peak, they didn¡¯t lack magic artifacts and puppets. Hence, at the next instant, as the terrifying mountain rumbled, puppets flew out of the mountain and spread in all directions. There were thousands of them densely packed together.


    After that, large-scale war magic artifacts were activated on the Sixth Peak.


    The incomparably huge Sixth Peak in the sky shone with boundless light and emitted a monstrous aura. The pressure even caused the sky to change color. It floated in the sky like a terrifying and vast war fortress!


    Lord Sixth took a step forward and headed straight for this war fortress. As he got closer, the entire Sixth Peak trembled. The thousands of puppets in the surroundings and the Golden Core and Foundation Building disciples guarding the peak knelt down one after another.


    ¡°Greetings, Peak Lord!¡±


    Their voices spread in all directions like a flood.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart also trembled. The captain at the side also widened his eyes and muttered in a low voice.


    ¡°The old man said that the Sixth Martial Uncle was a heaven¡¯s chosen who was on par with him back then. It¡¯s just that he spent these few years in sadness and he didn¡¯t have the mood to cultivate¡­ This is called not having the mood to cultivate? He f*cking refined the entire Sixth Peak. This is unprecedented. He didn¡¯t use this much effort even when fighting the Sea Corpse Race.¡±


    In the sky, Lord Sixth stopped in his tracks and lowered his head to coldly glance at the captain. The captain shrunk his head and Lord Sixth¡¯s gaze shifted to Xu Qing. His expression softened.


    ¡°Xu Qing, this is for you.¡± As he spoke, he picked up the wine gourd that he had been carrying around all year round. With a gentle shake, a blue light flew out and headed straight for Xu Qing. After it arrived, it transformed into a blue gem pendant that floated in front of Xu Qing.


    This gem pendant emitted a resplendent light that contained an astonishing defense. Xu Qing felt that this defense was infinitely majestic, causing his mind to be in turmoil.


    ¡°Nascent Soul protection!!¡± The captain¡¯s eyes were wide open as he exclaimed. His eyes revealed intense envy as he eagerly looked at Lord Sixth in the sky.


    ¡°Also, Xu Qing, go bring the ancestor¡¯s calligraphy. The ancestor¡¯s words contain divine power. You hold the ancestor¡¯s words and have my protection. Follow me to the Starfish Race and kill to your heart¡¯s content!!¡±


    ¡°The two of us will vent the pent-up emotions in our hearts!¡± Lord Sixth took a deep breath. After saying that, he headed straight for the Sixth Peak and stepped on it.


    Xu Qing nodded heavily. The killing intent built up in his body was extremely dense. He wanted to kill, kill all the Starfish Race members in sight, kill the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch, and kill till blood flowed into rivers.


    Otherwise, it would be difficult for the pent-up emotions in his heart to dissipate.


    Otherwise, there wouldn¡¯t be enough people to accompany his teacher in death!


    ¡°I obey Lord Sixth¡¯s decree!¡± Xu Qing cupped his fists and headed straight for the port. When he arrived at the museum, under the greeting nods of the two Golden Core elders inside, he took down the set of words the ancestor had sent and turned to head straight for the Sixth Peak.


    Finally, together with the captain who was waiting for him there, the two of them stepped onto the Sixth Peak. As the huge mountain peak in the sky rumbled again, the entire world distorted.


    The Sixth Peak tore through the air and headed straight for the Forbidden Sea.


    The mountain blurred and the whole mountain teleported!


    Toward the Starfish Race!

 Chapter 298 - 298 Inferno of Fury

    298 Inferno of Fury


    The whole of Sixth Peak had long been refined by Lord Sixth and turned into a strategic fortress.


    Other than him, no one knew how many magic artifacts existed on this Sixth Peak and what shocking might they could display.


    This was the first time this war fortress was mobilized.


    Although it had yet to fully display its might, just the teleportation at sea was enough to cause waves in everyone¡¯s minds.


    This teleportation was not a simple teleportation. Being able to teleport the entire mountain was enough to display the astonishing powers this war fortress contained.


    At the next instant, this huge mountain appeared in the sky above the Forbidden Sea and sped forward.


    Wherever it passed, the sea below churned and spread. Countless sea beasts trembled at the bottom of the sea, not daring to approach the surface of the sea.


    The surrounding merchant ships swayed like leaves on the sea. When the cultivators on the ships saw the huge mountain moving above them, ¡®shock¡¯ wasn¡¯t enough to describe what they were feeling.


    Xu Qing was the same. Even the captain couldn¡¯t calm down. His eyes were red as he looked left and right.


    In front of the two of them was Lord Sixth, who was holding the wine gourd and looking into the distance.


    His expression was gloomy and there seemed to be bloody intent rising in his body. The intensity of his killing intent even affected the sky, causing thunder to rumble in the sky as the Sixth Peak moved forward. Bolts of lightning exploded in the surroundings like silver snakes.


    ¡°The Starfish Race is a small race. Not to mention the strength of our Seven Blood Eyes, it can¡¯t even compare to the Merfolk Race. There are only seven Golden Core cultivators in the sect. Now, three have died and there are only four left,¡± Lord Sixth calmly said.


    ¡°The strongest, the Starfish Ancestor, is at the great circle of the Golden Core Realm. However, I suspect that he has broken through long ago and has been hiding his cultivation base. Other than him, the other three Golden Core Realm cultivators are all at the early stage.¡±


    ¡°These early stage Golden Cores also include the patriarch of the Starfish Race. He was only able to become the patriarch because he is the Starfish ancestor¡¯s son.¡±


    ¡°This is just a small race. For such a small race to have the guts to provoke the Seven Blood Eyes and other races, no matter how I look at it, something is fishy.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, Xu Qing, you have to be more cautious in this battle. The Starfish Race¡­ might have some great secrets,¡± Lord Sixth said calmly.


    Xu Qing nodded silently.


    The captain didn¡¯t speak. Taking advantage of the fact that Xu Qing and Lord Sixth weren¡¯t paying attention to him, he took a few steps back and touched the rocks on the ground. The light in his eyes grew even stronger. Clearly¡­ he liked this treasure very much.


    However, before the captain could check for too long, the Sixth Peak buzzed again. Lightning flashed, thunder rumbled, and stars moved. The entire mountain teleported again. This time¡­ it directly appeared in the air above the Starfish Race.


    The Starfish Race was located between the Seven Blood Eyes and the merfolk islands. They only had one island as their territory and it had the shape of a huge starfish if looked from above, but it had been confirmed that its appearance was a result of modification by the Starfish Race. There wasn¡¯t really such a huge starfish resting here.


    There were five main cities on the island. Most of the buildings were built from corals. The greatest characteristic was that there were countless coral trees growing on the islands!


    This was a type of tree that looked like a coral. Each of them was very tall and emitted five-colored light at night, while during the day, they were gray and dim.


    Many buildings were built on these huge coral trees. There were about a hundred thousand members in the Starfish Race. Because of the protection of the Seven Blood Eyes, they didn¡¯t face much turmoil over the years and looked quite prosperous.


    The appearance of the Sixth Peak immediately attracted the attention of the Starfish Race. Although they didn¡¯t recognize this huge huge war fortress, the experts in the race sensed the fluctuations of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ cultivation art.


    As such, almost the instant the Sixth Peak¡¯s mountain appeared, a divine sense spread out from the Starfish Race.


    ¡°Is it the Seven Blood Eyes? I wonder which senior has graced our land. Please forgive me for my negligence.¡± Following the divine sense, an old man in a five-colored Daoist robe appeared.


    This old man was all smiles, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking. He rose into the air and cupped his fists toward the Sixth Peak.


    However, what responded to him was Lord Sixth¡¯s monstrous killing intent transformed into a finger.


    As his finger landed, the incomparably huge mountain of the Sixth Peak pressed down fiercely on the Starfish Race below like a stamp.


    Under this pressure, the world rumbled and the void shattered. A tremendous pressure descended on the Starfish Race, causing cracks to appear on all the mountain peaks of the Starfish Race¡¯s island. After that, they shattered and exploded.


    Even the ground was the same; many areas collapsed and caved in.


    The Starfish Race¡¯s ancestor¡¯s expression changed intensely.


    ¡°Lord Sixth, what are you doing!¡±


    ¡°What am I doing? You tell me what I am doing!!¡± Lord Sixth couldn¡¯t suppress the killing intent in his heart anymore. His body stepped into the air and directly arrived in front of the Starfish Race¡¯s ancestor. He then grabbed fiercely.


    The sky darkened, the sun and moon lost their light, and the void shattered!


    The Starfish Race¡¯s ancestor couldn¡¯t dodge and his head was directly grabbed by Lord Sixth. As Lord Sixth ruthlessly squeezed, his body exploded.


    However, as it exploded, a blood shadow in the shape of a starfish flew out and reformed its body in the distance. It spat out a mouthful of blood and rapidly retreated, its eyes revealing horror.


    ¡°Sixth Master, is there a misunderstanding?!¡±


    Lord Sixth coldly looked at the Starfish Race¡¯s ancestor who had gathered again.


    ¡°As expected, you hid your cultivation base and have already broken through to the Nascent Soul realm. However, it¡¯s fine. Only then will it be interesting¡­ You made me suffer the pain of losing my son for so many years. I have to let you have a taste of the pain of your race, your territory, and everything of yours being destroyed in front of you.¡±


    As Lord Sixth spoke, he lifted his right hand and performed a series of hand seals before pressing down.


    Immediately, the mountain of the Sixth Peak rapidly descended toward the Starfish Race island below.


    It didn¡¯t land completely but stopped about ten thousand feet in the air. Blue flames emitted from the mountain and instantly covered the entire island.


    From afar, the blue flames flowed like heavenly fire, enveloping the surroundings. It was also like a meteor falling to the ground, rumbling in the surroundings, causing the seawater to rise under the high temperature, causing countless buildings on the Starfish Race to instantly burn. Miserable cries rang out from everywhere.


    ¡°Refine!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll refine your race, your territory, and all your bloodline. I¡¯ll refine your Starfish Race alive and refine it into a candle that will be lit in front of my son¡¯s grave day and night!!¡±


    Lord Sixth spoke with madness. With a wave of his hand, rows of war artifacts appeared on the Sixth Peak and erupted in unison, forming beams of light that headed straight for the Starfish Race.


    There were also the puppets. All of them emitted intense killing intent as they rushed toward the Starfish Race and started killing.


    There were also the disciples and elders of the Sixth Peak who descended one after another.


    The Starfish Race¡¯s ancestor¡¯s expression turned gloomy. He was about to stop them, but at the next instant, Lord Sixth arrived before him.


    The Starfish Race¡¯s ancestor spat out another mouthful of blood. His eyes turned red and a silver line quickly flashed in his pupils. His aura soared and a vast storm formed outside his body, but Lord Sixth still suppressed him.


    At the same time, Xu Qing and the captain also leaped and headed straight for the ground.


    Xu Qing landed on a coral tree.


    The gray coral tree couldn¡¯t withstand the impact and collapsed. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were bloodshot and the killing intent he had suppressed until now couldn¡¯t be suppressed anymore. He rushed toward the Starfish Race members.


    The captain didn¡¯t participate in the fight. After he landed, he silently followed Xu Qing. This was because he knew that the hostility in Xu Qing¡¯s heart was extremely heavy now. This hostility required a large amount of blood and killing to resolve.


    To him, the Starfish Race wasn¡¯t important. Regardless of whether it was Old Master Seventh¡¯s secret instructions to him or his friendship with Xu Qing, they all made him hope that Xu Qing would recover as soon as possible.


    Hence, he only had one goal for following him this time around, and that was¡­ to accompany him.


    ¡°Kill, Junior Brother. In this chaotic world, killing is the only outlet. That was how I got through back then. If we don¡¯t destroy a few races, how can we make others revere us?¡± The captain muttered with madness in his eyes.


    As for Xu Qing, he had already started killing.


    The life fires in Xu Qing¡¯s body were ignited and the black iron stick outside his body was in a battle-ready stance. It would attack whoever Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on. For a moment, rumbling sounds filled the island. Xu Qing¡¯s attacks were swift and deadly. In the blink of an eye, he arrived in front of a Foundation Building cultivator of the Starfish Race.


    Before the other party could react, Xu Qing had already ruthlessly collided with him. The Foundation Building cultivator¡¯s body exploded into pieces immediately.


    In his flesh and blood, there were some thread-like silver worms. At that moment, they were twisting in the flesh and withering as the Starfish Race cultivator died.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over and headed straight for the ancestral temple of the Starfish Race in the distance. That was the place where the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch usually meditated and refined pills.


    On the way here, Lord Sixth had told him all the information he had obtained from searching the souls. Their division of labor was clear. Lord Sixth wanted to take revenge on the Starfish Race¡¯s ancestor and refine the entire Starfish Race, while Xu Qing¡¯s target was the patriarch because it was the other party who had given the order to assassinate Grandmaster Bai.


    A continent seemed to be burning in Xu Qing¡¯s body as he sped toward the Starfish Race¡¯s ancestral temple.


    Wherever he passed, as the blue flames fell from the sky, all the buildings were burned. Countless members of the Starfish Race let out mournful and shrill cries in the flames.


    Under the high temperature, even the ground melted at a speed visible to the naked eye. Many depressions were filled with blue flames, as though they wanted to seep into the soil and refine it to a deeper level.


    There were also puppets from the Sixth Peak that carried Lord Sixth¡¯s will, and started killing everywhere. The Sixth Peak¡¯s disciples were the same and carried out Lord Sixth¡¯s orders.


    The entire Starfish Race was in chaos. Coral trees collapsed one after another and the pits formed in the ground. Three of the five main cities were now covered in a dense blue sea of fire.


    Xu Qing instantly approached a Starfish Race cultivator who was about to stop him and waved his hand. The Golden Crow let out a cry and in an instant, the cultivator turned into a corpse.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t slow down. The Golden Crow followed behind him with its tail flames dragging behind like a cloak. A large amount of black fog also appeared around Xu Qing, forming a sinister face in the air. Inside were densely-packed little black bugs.


    The shadow and the black iron stick were also closely following behind.


    From afar, Xu Qing looked like a baleful god had descended into the world. Wherever he passed, all the obstructions would die!!

 Chapter 299 - 299 Blood Path

    299 Blood Path


    In the sky, Lord Sixth was laughing.


    However, this laughter carried a heart-wrenching sadness, indescribable sorrow, and also the madness that had been suppressed for many years.


    Under Lord Sixth¡¯s attack, the Starfish Race¡¯s ancestor¡¯s body collapsed many times.


    Although this Starfish Race¡¯s ancestor¡¯s divine power was strange and his body could actually regenerate after collapsing time and time again, it was also this regeneration that made Lord Sixth even more crazy in his attacks.


    Clearly, the more pain his enemy felt and the more the enemy wailed, the more killing intent he felt.


    He sliced the Starfish Race¡¯s ancestor alive. Flesh and blood scattered down and were burned into ashes by the blue flames.


    However, it was not enough to resolve the hatred in his heart.


    On the ground, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were completely red.


    He also went crazy from killing.


    From the place he landed to the Starfish Race¡¯s ancestral temple, all the Starfish Race members he encountered couldn¡¯t escape death!!


    Xu Qing lifted his right hand and a fiendish fire dagger instantly formed. He took a step forward and arrived in front of a Starfish Race cultivator, ruthlessly slitting his neck.


    As his head flew up, Xu Qing walked in front of another Starfish Race cultivator.


    He stabbed the cultivator¡¯s chest again and again. Finally, he threw the dagger to the side, landing on the neck of the third Starfish Race member. After it pierced through, Xu Qing caught the dagger and slashed.


    Immediately, the head fell off. Among the fallen corpses, Xu Qing once again saw the broken thread-like worms.


    There were many of these small worms. Some were entangled together, while others were alone. They looked very strange.


    Almost every Starfish Race cultivator¡¯s body contained it. Xu Qing had seen too many of them on his way here. There were even a few that tried to enter his body.


    However, these worms couldn¡¯t break the defense of his powerful body and were burned by the black flames.


    However, these worms had tenacious vitality. The flames only caused them to contract and distort but couldn¡¯t burn them to death immediately.


    In the end, the Golden Crow devoured them and completely killed them.


    Xu Qing also realized that other than being strange, these worms seemed to be able to affect the will and soul of the Starfish Race cultivators. This was because he had clearly seen these insects flash past the eyes of the Starfish Race cultivators a few times.


    Every time they appeared in their eyes, the Starfish Race cultivators would go crazy and rush over fearlessly.


    At the same time, Xu Qing sensed that the souls he devoured were incomplete as though they had been mostly devoured before this.


    Even the origin power gained from them was the same. Although the Golden Crow had absorbed some of their origin power, it wasn¡¯t much.


    It was as though the entire Starfish Race looked normal on the surface but in reality, most of their internal substances had been devoured by some kind of power.


    ¡°Lord Sixth is right. There is indeed a great secret behind the changes in the Starfish Race.¡± Xu Qing thought of Lord Sixth¡¯s words but this wasn¡¯t important to him at this moment.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and the Golden Crow behind him rushed out, enveloping the six Starfish cultivators who charged at him. At the same time, the black iron stick pierced through the bodies of one cultivator after another in the distance.


    Every time it pierced through, it would emit lightning that destroyed all life force.


    As for the shadow, it was the same. In the area it covered, many of the Starfish Race¡¯s cultivators¡¯ shadows had eyes that opened and were devouring crazily. Many times, before it finished devouring, the enemies would be killed by Xu Qing and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    However, it didn¡¯t give up. In the end, there were still people it successfully controlled. The people it controlled would rush toward other Starfish Race members while laughing, and self-destruct.


    However, these¡­ weren¡¯t Xu Qing¡¯s sharpest cards in killing. What truly shocked the captain who was following behind was the black fog around Xu Qing.


    The black fog formed by the little black bugs spread out around Xu Qing. Wherever they passed, everything would be devoured. Regardless of whether it was the coral trees or the Starfish Race cultivators, as long as they were touched by the black fog, they would be crazily torn and devoured.


    All kinds of mournful cries continuously came out from the black fog. Even those thread-like worms were food for the little black bugs. However, they were not able to devour the worms smoothly and required a lot of effort.


    No matter what, the accumulated depression in Xu Qing¡¯s heart was completely released on the battlefield. He continued forward and killed all the way. In the end, when he finally arrived at the Starfish Race¡¯s ancestral temple, his entire body was covered in blood and there were countless corpses behind him.


    Outside the ancestral temple, four figures sat cross-legged.


    These four figures slowly lifted their heads, revealing faces that were covered in veins. They were also from the Starfish Race but there were some differences. Firstly, their auras. The auras of these four people surpassed three fires, but didn¡¯t seem to have reached four fires.


    Next was the veins on their faces. These veins were all squirming, and looked like worms swimming around.


    The moment they looked at Xu Qing, Xu Qing saw a middle-aged cultivator sitting in front of a pill furnace in the ancestral temple and refining pills.


    This middle-aged cultivator wore a green robe that was embroidered with golden threads, forming a complicated pattern and there was an item that looked like an emperor¡¯s crown on his head.


    The fluctuations of the Golden Core cultivation base was constantly spreading from his body. There was a mark of a starfish between his brows.


    This middle-aged cultivator¡¯s expression was dignified. Even though there was a crazed slaughter going on outside and the race was facing calamity, he didn¡¯t seem to be moved. He continued to refine pills.


    It was as though to him, even if the entire race was gone, it wasn¡¯t a big deal. As long as the medicinal pills in this pill furnace were refined, it would be fine.


    He was the patriarch of the Starfish Race and the son of the Starfish Race¡¯s ancestor who was in an extremely miserable state in the air.


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch and the killing intent in his heart soared, the four Starfish Race cultivators outside the ancestral temple stood up one after another.


    Their eyes were cold and without emotions. White threads as thick as chopsticks were swimming in their pupils.


    They immediately entered Mystic Brilliance Form with the combat strength of three fires as they headed straight for Xu Qing from different directions.


    The instant they got close, huge sarcomas bulged out from their backs and transformed into starfish. It seemed to have stimulated their bodies, causing the four of them to let out low roars in unison and punch out at Xu Qing!


    The instant these punches were thrown, the surroundings distorted from their might.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t dodge. He stood on the spot and closed his eyes. At the next instant, the Golden Crow behind him let out a cry and bent down to envelop Xu Qing¡¯s body. Its black feathers transformed into a black emperor¡¯s robe, and the flames of its tail transformed into a cloak. When it lifted its head, it was as though it was putting the emperor¡¯s crown on Xu Qing.


    The violent intent coupled with a domineering aura caused Xu Qing to appear like a young emperor at this moment. His eyes opened.


    The four Starfish Race members around him all trembled violently. Their punches couldn¡¯t shake the Golden Crow at all. They even suffered a backlash and had to retreat.


    However, it was too late. As Xu Qing opened his eyes, he took a step forward and arrived in front of one cultivator. He ignored the other party¡¯s Mystic Brilliance Form and grabbed the other party¡¯s neck, ruthlessly squeezing it. The instant the neck broke, the black iron stick whistled over and crazily pierced through the cultivator¡¯s body seven to eight times.


    Xu Qing let go of the cultivator. The tail flame cloak on his back swayed and he transformed into a rainbow, appearing before another Starfish Race cultivator who was rapidly retreating. He directly collided with the cultivator.


    The Starfish cultivator let out a mournful cry, but kept on retreating. However, Xu Qing was much faster. He collided again and the Starfish cultivator¡¯s head instantly exploded.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. At this moment, the fog formed by a large number of black bugs had already filled the body of the third retreating Starfish cultivator. They had already begun devouring him.


    As mournful cries spread from the fog, Xu Qing had already arrived in front of the last Starfish Race cultivator. Amidst the other party¡¯s horror and despair, the Golden Crow on Xu Qing¡¯s body rushed out. Immediately, fiendish fire erupted and burned the cultivator.


    All of this happened in an instant. In the blink of an eye, the four people from the Starfish Race died. Their qi and blood, their souls, and their flesh were devoured.


    However, it was a pity that they were like a piece of meat that had been refrigerated for many years before being unsealed. They had no nutrients or taste.


    Xu Qing waved his hand and all the corpses in the surroundings dissipated, turning into ashes. Some passed by his eyes, but they couldn¡¯t divert Xu Qing¡¯s attention.


    His gaze was fixed on the Patriarch of the Starfish Race who was refining pills beside the pill furnace in the ancestral temple.


    At the same time, the captain¡¯s figure walked over from behind Xu Qing and stood beside him. He held an apple that had turned black for some reason. As he ate it, he looked at the patriarch.


    ¡°Wow, Junior Brother, look at this person. He looks like he¡¯s dead.¡±


    The captain smiled.


    The instant he spoke, the eyes of the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch beside the pill furnace suddenly opened. A divine light shone from his eyes like lightning!


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled and a huge sense of oppression assaulted him like a storm. However, the pendant hanging on his neck flashed and this pressure instantly dissipated.


    The captain also took a few steps back. Runes flickered in his eyes and there was a hint of madness on them. He licked his lips and showed his teeth that still had some black flesh of the apple between them.


    ¡°Xu Qing, let¡¯s attack together.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. At the next instant, the two of them headed straight for the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch in the ancestral temple.


    A strange glint appeared in the Golden Core cultivator¡¯s eyes as he suddenly laughed.


    ¡°Interesting. I didn¡¯t expect to see small fries like you who still dare to charge over after encountering a Golden Core.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s still time, so I¡¯ll play with you guys.¡±

 Chapter 300 - 300 Ice and Fire Duo Fiends

    300 Ice and Fire Duo Fiends


    The moment the captain and Xu Qing rushed over, the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch¡¯s voice spread out. He stood up and took a step forward.


    The instant his foot landed on the ground, overlapping shadows appeared on his body. It was as though two lumps of illusory vengeful spirits were rising in his body and were released to the left and right.


    At the next instant, the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch¡¯s body directly split into two identical bodies that rushed toward the captain and Xu Qing.


    His speed was so fast that he instantly approached Xu Qing. He lifted his right index finger and pressed it on Xu Qing¡¯s glabella.


    A mocking smile appeared on his face. As his finger landed, a monstrous might erupted from it. There was also the power of the Golden Core that suppressed the surroundings, causing Xu Qing¡¯s body to tremble. The life fires in his body seemed to be blown by a violent wind and were about to be extinguished.


    At this moment, the black iron stick whistled closer and tried to interrupt the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch. However, the latter flicked it slightly.


    The black iron stick was sent flying. There were even some cracks on it. After that, the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch stomped fiercely on the ground.


    The ground rumbled and the shadow that appeared under his feet instantly dissipated.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    The Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch shook his head and pointed his index finger at Xu Qing¡¯s forehead. Just as his finger was about to land, the Golden Crow behind Xu Qing manifested and sucked fiercely at him.


    The Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch¡¯s body paused. He turned a little blurry but he still continued to press his forehead toward Xu Qing¡¯s forehead. However, the moment he pressed it down, the Golden Crow¡¯s flames also ruthlessly swept over.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were filled with madness. He didn¡¯t dodge at all and used his head to collide with the finger.


    The Golden Crow seemed to have used up a lot of energy as it turned a little dim but it was able to forcefully absorb a trace of qi and blood. Xu Qing¡¯s forehead also collided with the Starfish Race Patriarch¡¯s finger with all his might.


    The Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch¡¯s eyes revealed a strange light as his finger broke.


    As for Xu Qing, his body was thrown into the distance. The protective barrier from the pendant outside his body prevented him from suffering any injuries. Only the qi and blood in his body churned under the tremors. However, he quickly stood up and stared fixedly at the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch whose strange expression had turned into surprise.


    On the other side, the captain was facing the other body of the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch. The other party also lifted his finger and pressed between his brows.


    However, the captain¡¯s solution was different from Xu Qing¡¯s.


    The runic seals in his eyes were instantly undone and the aura of his entire body continued to erupt. Just like Xu Qing, he didn¡¯t dodge and chose to advance instead of retreating.


    What was different was that he didn¡¯t use his head to knock into the finger. Instead, he opened his mouth and bit at the other party¡¯s finger with endless madness in his eyes!


    All of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened at the same time. The Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch split into two bodies and attacked Xu Qing and the captain at the same time.


    At the next instant, the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch¡¯s finger was bitten by the captain. Although it wasn¡¯t bitten off, the teeth bit through its flesh, causing blood to flow out of the finger.


    As for the captain, a few of his teeth shattered and he retreated. However, his eyes were still filled with madness. He performed a series of hand seals with both hands and took out a shield. After blocking the power of the Golden Core, he was thrown far away.


    ¡°Interesting.¡± The two bodies of the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch lowered their heads and looked at their fingers. The two bodies instantly fused together. After they became one again, the injuries on their fingers instantly recovered.


    His Golden Core cultivation was fully displayed. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes stung and his entire body was trembling. He felt as though the sun was attacking him but killing intent still rose in his eyes.


    The captain was the same. Although he was missing a few teeth, it seemed to be more convenient for him to stick out his tongue and lick his lips. He even had the mood to grin at Xu Qing with a smug expression.


    The Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch let out a cold snort and took a step forward, heading straight for the captain. However, after he took less than three steps, his expression suddenly changed.


    At this moment, a black color appeared on his finger that had completely healed. It was as though a large amount of poison was spreading throughout his body.


    If someone could see into his body, they would see a large number of small black bugs there.


    They were crazily biting and devouring the Sea Corpse Race Patriarch¡¯s body, emitting a large amount of anomalous substances and powerful poison.


    This was the result of Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s cooperation.


    Xu Qing was very clear about the captain¡¯s habit of attacking. After all, the captain bit the statue of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s Ancestral Corpse Statue and also did the same with the Golden Core Octopus. Hence, when the captain was eating the apple earlier, Xu Qing controlled the little black bugs to go over.


    When the captain sensed them, he didn¡¯t care. He allowed those little black bugs to hide between his teeth. Just now, when he bit through the flesh of the finger, the little black bugs successfully entered the patriarch¡¯s body.


    The instant the expression of the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch changed, the captain laughed sinisterly. The madness in his eyes intensified as he rushed toward the other party. Xu Qing was the same.


    As he rushed out, the shadow under Xu Qing¡¯s feet spread out and enveloped the surroundings, forming a domain. At the same time, all the lightning runes on the black iron stick erupted. The Golden Crow behind Xu Qing let out a loud cry.


    He ignited the life lantern and life fires in his body, and circulated his physical strength to the extreme. He then punched out with all his might at the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch!


    Xu Qing had thrown out everything in this punch. He had gathered the power of his life fires and life lantern, the power of the Golden Crow, and all the eruptions of the 60-odd magic apertures in his body. Everything was gathered on this punch. The instant he threw it out, a storm stirred in the surroundings.


    It transformed into a sea of fire that surged into the sky!


    That was the fire of the Golden Crow, the fire of the life lantern, as well as the fire of his magic power, life fires, and his fury!


    The seals in the captain¡¯s eyes were undone one after another, and gradually, the temperature of the surroundings decreased to an extremely low degree. The ground was frozen, and snowflakes appeared in the surroundings.


    These snowflakes emitted an astonishing chill that even surpassed many bizarre entities. It seemed to be able to freeze even senses and will.


    In fact, even the sky changed at this moment. An endless cold air towered into the sky from the captain¡¯s body, forming a clear contrast with Xu Qing¡¯s heat.


    This fire and ice headed straight for the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch from two directions and arrived instantly.


    The madness in the captain¡¯s eyes intensified. A hand strangely stretched out from his chest!


    This hand was an ice hand. It was blue and didn¡¯t look like a human¡¯s hand. It was covered in sharp bone spikes and had a face on its palm.


    That face was none other than the captain¡¯s. However, his eyes were closed as though he was in a deep sleep.


    The appearance of this hand caused the eyes of the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch to narrow and he tried to dodge. However, the little black bugs in his body erupted crazily and self-destructed one by one, forming even denser anomalous substances and poison, causing the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch to involuntarily pause.


    The instant he paused, the hand that stretched out from the captain¡¯s chest pressed on the forehead of the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch.


    With a boom, an endless cold erupted. The Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch was directly frozen. In the blink of an eye, Xu Qing¡¯s all-out attack that had stirred up an endless sea of fire enveloped him. He also used this opportunity to take out the calligraphy of the ancestor.


    ¡°Light!¡±


    In an instant, the word light from ¡®light the nose¡¯ transformed into a green fire that swept toward the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch with supreme might.


    The killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was intense. His fist that had all his strength concentrated on it smashed into the frozen body of the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch.


    As the punch landed, cracks instantly appeared on the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch¡¯s body that was surrounded by flames. The fire from the ancestor was too powerful. As it enveloped him, the sound of burning spread in all directions.


    The body of the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch was burning at a speed visible to the naked eye and was dissipating. However, the strange thing was that there was no fear in his eyes at all. Instead, intense surprise appeared in them.


    ¡°The words of a great expert!¡±


    At the next instant, the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch¡¯s body dissipated. However, the instant his body shattered, a tentacle as thick as an arm stretched out from his collapsed body and ruthlessly lashed out at Xu Qing and the captain.


    This force caused the void to collapse like a mirror shattering. The terrifying soul-shattering power engulfed Xu Qing and the captain and they couldn¡¯t help but move back.


    At this critical moment, Xu Qing pulled the captain to his side and used the pendant Lord Sixth had given him to block this violent impact. The two of them retreated 1000 feet away and each spat out a mouthful of blood from the injuries to their internal organs. They quickly lifted their heads and looked at the place where the tentacles appeared.


    Over there¡­ as the dust dissipated, a figure could be faintly seen walking out step by step.


    Silver tentacles danced around the figure. Occasionally, a few of them would rush out of the dust, revealing themselves clearly.


    They weren¡¯t tentacles but thick worms. They revealed their sharp teeth and let out sinister cries at Xu Qing and the captain!


    Very soon, the figure in the dust completely walked out and was reflected in Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s eyes!


    This was a nonhuman with a body that was more than ten feet tall. Its entire body was silver and it had a triangular head. Its eyes had double pupils and its tongue was very long. Its entire body was covered in waving worms.


    As it appeared, a terrifying fluctuation that shook Xu Qing and the captain to the core erupted from its body. Dense divine power spread out, distorting all the space in the surroundings.


    This wasn¡¯t a Golden Core but a Nascent Soul!


    As its aura erupted, the sky changed color and the wind and clouds churned. Xu Qing and the captain had no choice but to retreat again.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see two good sparrows in this small land. One of them has a level four bizarre entity sealed in his body, while the other has an emperor-level cultivation art, strange abilities, and words of a great expert.¡±


    A cold voice slowly came out from the strange nonhuman¡¯s mouth.


    When Xu Qing heard this, his eyes narrowed but he heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. The other party had clearly only seen a portion of him. It didn¡¯t see the life lantern, his shadow, or the purple crystal.


    As for the captain at the side, he also heaved a sigh of relief. His thoughts were similar to Xu Qing¡¯s¡­


    By some coincidence, the two sensed that the other seemed to be relieved. They looked at each other.

 Chapter 301 - 301 Illuminates Bai Li

    301 Illuminate¡¯s Bai Li


    ¡°What race is this?¡± Xu Qing spoke while retreating.


    ¡°The world of Wanggu is too large. There are all kinds of races. This seems to be a type of worm race. I vaguely remember reading about them in a file in the Intelligence Department. Let me think about it.¡±


    The captain looked a little puzzled but he also retreated.


    Seeing Xu Qing and the captain fleeing, the nonhuman formed from the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch¡¯s body grinned and his body suddenly swayed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression darkened and the captain¡¯s eyes narrowed. However, with their speed, it was difficult for them to escape in front of a Nascent Soul cultivator. Xu Qing only felt his vision blur and an instant later, a rumbling sound rang out. Divine power rushed at his face and an irresistible force surged. His entire body shook violently and he spat out a mouthful of blood. It was the same for the captain.


    However, with the protection of Xu Qing¡¯s pendant, although they were thrown a thousand feet away by the divine power, they were still fine. It was just that the internal organs in their bodies were churning as though they were being torn apart. If the other party continued to attack, the pendant¡¯s protection wouldn¡¯t be able to last for long.


    Just as the nonhuman figure was about to attack again, the sky rumbled and blue flames suddenly fell, blocking the nonhuman.


    The sea of blue flames from the sky had killed a large number of the people on the Starfish Race¡¯s island.


    However, when these Starfish Race¡¯s members died, thread-like worms would crawl out of their corpses. This strange scene had long attracted the attention of the Sixth Peak¡¯s disciples and Lord Sixth.


    The scene of the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch transforming was naturally seen by Lord Sixth. Hence, after suppressing the Starfish Race¡¯s ancestor with a slap, he performed a series of hand seals and attacked, causing the blue sea of fire to descend to stop the nonhuman.


    ¡°He¡¯s from the Iron Thread Race!¡± At the same time, Lord Sixth¡¯s voice spread in all directions.


    When the captain heard these three words, his expression changed and he quickly spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I remember now¡­¡±


    The nonhuman who wanted to torture and kill Xu Qing and the captain lifted its head and looked at the sky when it heard this. It suddenly smiled.


    ¡°It seems I¡¯ve underestimated the sects here a little. However, you¡¯re just a Nascent Soul cultivator. Are you even worthy of disturbing my cultivation?¡± The nonhuman raised its right hand and pointed at the sky.


    Immediately, the weather changed and the sound of war drums and thunder rang out from the sky. The rumbling sound was like the roar of a god. The instant it spread, three huge array formation halos appeared in the sky.


    Each of these three array formation halos was a thousand feet long and emitted vast might. An astonishing teleportation power erupted from them.


    Figures appeared from these three teleportation arrays.


    What appeared from the first teleportation array was a group of nonhuman cultivators with wings on their backs. They were pitch-black and looked like crows.


    Their appearance was imposing and ferocious, especially the one at the front. Its gaze was like lightning and its entire body emitted terrifying fluctuations of Nascent Soul cultivation.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Amidst the rumbling of the second teleportation array, another large group of figures appeared. They all had human bodies and elephant noses. Every one of them was extremely tall and emitted dense vitality.


    The burly man in front also emitted the fluctuations of a Nascent Soul cultivator. His expression was sinister and incomparably savage.


    The third teleportation array was also the same. At this moment, as it rumbled and rotated, a large number of figures flew out wildly. Their appearances were even stranger, like seaweed with triangular eyes. Just their movements alone stirred up a terrifying storm.


    Nascent Soul fluctuation also spread from the group.


    As soon as these three races appeared, the eyes of the captain beside Xu Qing narrowed slightly.


    ¡°Six-Winged Black Crow Race, Strength Elephant Cloud Race, and Snake Grass Demon Plant Race!¡±


    ¡°These three races aren¡¯t large races and are on the same scale as the Starfish Race. Among them, the Six-Winged Black Crow Race is an ally of the Seven Blood Eyes. The other two races are neutral.¡±


    The three great races didn¡¯t say a word and directly headed straight for Lord Sixth. Many of their members even slammed into the Sixth Peak¡¯s mountain!


    They didn¡¯t fear death and wanted to use their lives to shake the mountain. If one took a closer look, they would see thread-like bugs flashing past their eyes.


    These three races, including the Starfish Race, were all controlled!


    Lord Sixth was covered from all sides. Xu Qing sped up again and the captain also moved at full speed. If it was an early-stage Golden Core cultivator, they could still give it a try, but the other party was a Nascent Soul cultivator. This wasn¡¯t something they could resist.


    Even though there was the calligraphy from the ancestor, unless it was a critical moment, it was better to use it as a deterrent.


    ¡°I want to see how many times your protection can withstand my attacks.¡±


    The Nascent Soul nonhuman smiled faintly and was about to chase after them when the captain suddenly turned his head and stared at the nonhuman.


    ¡°You¡¯re Bai Li!¡±


    ¡°Iron Thread Race¡¯s Bai Li!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed and the nonhuman Nascent Soul exclaimed in surprise.


    He found it interesting when he was called out by the Sixth Peak¡¯s Peak Lord and felt that the other party had some knowledge. However, he found it unbelievable for his name to be called out by a low-level cultivator.


    ¡°I really didn¡¯t expect someone in this small place to know me. You¡¯re quite interesting.¡±


    ¡°Sixty years ago, the Iron Thread Race¡¯s Bai Li was a peerless genius. He was known as the chosen seed who would walk the path of the ancient kings and sovereigns.¡±


    ¡°For some reason, he suddenly rebelled. Not only did he kill his blood relatives, but he also caused chaos in the race. He tainted the Iron Thread Race¡¯s holy item and caused a calamity, causing the deaths of countless clansmen. He then defected and joined a mysterious organization called Illuminate!¡±


    The captain slowly spoke.


    ¡°Interesting. You know quite a lot. Let me search your soul and see what else you know.¡±


    Bai Li¡¯s expression was filled with surprise. He took a step forward and neared the captain. The captain¡¯s eyes flickered with blue light and Xu Qing also revealed madness as he took out the ancestor¡¯s calligraphy.


    Just as they were about to attack, a cold snort rang out from the sky.


    This snort was louder than thunder and rumbled in all directions. The instant it rang out, a wine gourd suddenly rose above Lord Sixth¡¯s head.


    This wine gourd was something he had never let go of since the death of his wife and son.


    As soon as it appeared, streams of sharp baleful aura soared into the sky. They transformed into shadows of weapons that quickly manifested and shot out in all directions.


    These weapons were all-encompassing; there were sabers, spears, swords, halberds, axes, hooks, and forks everywhere. There were probably no less than a million of them and they formed a sea of weapons that destroyed everything in its path.


    It suppressed the three races.


    The Nascent Soul ancestors of the three races summoned by Bai Li were attacked by the sea of weapons and had nowhere to dodge. All of them spat out blood and let out mournful cries as their bodies were heavily injured.


    The members of the three races were also heavily injured. Under the impact of the sea of weapons and the baleful aura, their minds trembled and their expressions changed drastically.


    Most of their bodies shattered or were dismembered. Although the remaining ones didn¡¯t die immediately, they clearly couldn¡¯t hold on for long and their bodies began to show signs of heavy damages.


    In fact, there was even a gaze that vaguely appeared in the gourd. It looked at the nonhuman races with extreme ferocity and disdain.


    Boom!


    Clouds parted in the sky and the sea of weapons fell down in torrents. All the nonhumans in the air were in an extremely tragic state.


    As though he felt that it wasn¡¯t enough, Lord Sixth performed a series of hand seals and pointed at the Sixth Peak.


    Immediately, the flames of the Sixth Peak swept in all directions, completely enveloping the Starfish Race¡¯s land and all the fallen members of the three races.


    Burn everything and speed up the refinement.


    ¡°What magic artifact is this? There¡¯s so much metal-element baleful aura!!¡± For the first time, Bai Li¡¯s expression changed.


    At that moment, he couldn¡¯t be bothered to kill Xu Qing and the captain. His body swayed and he disappeared. However, it was obvious that teleportation here was restricted. He didn¡¯t appear far away, and only appeared in mid-air. His expression changed and he tried to escape.


    ¡°I was thinking about it previously. With how weak the Starfish Race is, how would they have the guts to do such a big thing? So it turns out that the mastermind behind it is a bastard from Illuminate which is active in the Wanggu Continent!¡±


    Lord Sixth¡¯s voice was filled with anger and killing intent. With a wave of his hand, the wine gourd above his head instantly formed a baleful aura storm that swept toward Bai Li.


    Bai Li¡¯s heart trembled. Just as he was about to escape, Lord Sixth had already approached on the waves of weapons and sent a palm strike.


    Bai Li, who realized that he couldn¡¯t escape, revealed a demonic glint in his eyes. He turned around and attacked, fighting against Lord Sixth in the sky.


    The attacks of the two people shook the sky and earth. The sounds from their attacks were deafening and spread in all directions, causing the surrounding cultivators who were watching to have no choice but to retreat far away.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn. With the protection of the pendant, he stared at the battle.


    At the side, the captain suddenly laughed. As he laughed, his eyes were filled with madness and greed.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to encounter the legendary Illuminate here¡­ I heard that every member of this organization isn¡¯t simple.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain.


    ¡°Illuminate is an extremely mysterious organization in the Wanggu Continent. It was born less than a thousand years ago and all the members are true heaven¡¯s chosen of the various races. The secret scroll of the Intelligence Department recorded that this organization announced to the outside world that they would share the opportunity to become a god to those who joined them. The condition for joining is to perform a blood performance on their race. The better this performance is, the more they will be recognized by Illuminate.¡±


    ¡°I heard that many years ago, someone in the Nanhuang Continent actually used the god opening His eyes as a performance and joined Illuminate.¡± The captain smiled and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that they didn¡¯t look for me. Otherwise, I really would have joined in to take a look at what the opportunity to become a god is. Could it be a path of ancient kings and sovereigns, or is it truly becoming a god?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it either.¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and touched the calligraphy. He then looked at Bai Li, who was fighting in the sky.

 Chapter 302 - 302 Ancestors Calligraphy Suppresses Nascent Soul (1)

    302 Ancestor¡¯s Calligraphy Suppresses Nascent Soul (1)


    Rumbling sounds kept on spreading. The battle between Lord Sixth and Bai Li was earth-shattering; the sky changed color, clouds parted, and terrifying waves surged into the sky.


    Their every strike seemed to be able to overturn mountains and rivers. In fact, just the aftershock of their divine arts coming into contact caused the surrounding void to shatter.


    Cracks continuously formed in the space around the two of them. From time to time, the space would collapse, forming a huge black hole that seemed to be able to devour everything.


    There were also bolts of lightning that were like heavenly punishment that kept swimming in the surroundings. They even transformed into horns that sent out battle cries and fought against each other.


    Not only that, but their figures also flickered continuously in the sky. One moment, they were fighting in close combat, and the next moment, they would be fighting with long range attacks.


    Storms were casually pinched by them and turned into their own divine abilities. Countless white thread-like worms drifted out of Bai Li¡¯s body, and every one of them distorted and assumed the shape of runes, forming streams of Great Yin Mystic Lightning that shot toward Lord Sixth.


    Upon closer inspection, those black lightning bolts were formed by countless worms. They would explode as soon as they got close to Lord Sixth. In fact, some of the spatial cracks that had just formed were frozen in the next instant.


    From afar, the spatial cracks that were frozen looked like white centipedes.


    As for Lord Sixth, he wasn¡¯t ordinary either. With a wave of his hand, the surroundings were filled with a sea of weapons that surged with killing intent.


    The aura it emitted contained the power to destroy the world.


    However, Bai Li was extremely extraordinary. Although his cultivation base was similar to Lord Sixth¡¯s and Lord Sixth even had the wine gourd¡­ this Bai Li was still not at a disadvantage.


    After all, Lord Sixth¡¯s talent was in refining artifacts, not fighting.


    Amidst the rumbling, Bai Li teleported in front of Lord Sixth. He performed a series of hand seals and pointed. Immediately, a saber beam appeared out of thin air. The saber beam split the void, forming a huge crack that danced toward Lord Sixth. Lord Sixth¡¯s expression changed and he retreated.


    Seeing this, Bai Li suddenly laughed.


    ¡°As expected of a Nascent Soul cultivator from a small place. You have such a magic artifact, but still cannot kill me.¡±


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, I might not have to escape today. Killing you and snatching your top-grade magic artifact can be considered a great harvest as well.¡±


    As he spoke, Bai Li slapped his forehead and his body instantly trembled. His back swelled up, forming a large bump that was filled with countless blood vessels and worms. The large flesh bump suddenly exploded.


    A plant grew out of it.


    This plant was a total of 30 feet long and extended above Bai Li¡¯s head. It was completely blood-colored and had six leaves with jagged edges. It also had a triangular flower with countless stamens!


    A large number of densely packed runes flowed like blood through the body of this strange plant. The moment it appeared, a powerful divine aura spread out.


    This aura was too strong, causing Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to sting. It was the same for the captain but the madness in his eyes grew.


    ¡°Divinity!!¡±


    What the plant emitted was divinity.


    Moreover, the density was extremely majestic. The instant it appeared, the plant lifted its head and shook its body at the wine gourd in the sky.


    A violent wind swept over, blowing down the swaying stamens of the triangular-shaped flower, revealing¡­ a malevolent ghost face!


    This ghost face¡¯s eyes were red and looked extremely sinister. At that moment, it was grinning.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if your top-grade magic artifact is stronger or my Illuminate Divine Seed!¡±


    Bai Li laughed loudly and waved his right hand. Immediately, medicinal pills flew out of his sleeve and headed straight for the face in the flower.


    These medicinal pills were semi-finished products. Moreover, their ingredients weren¡¯t any medicinal herbs but flesh and blood.


    One could see the shadows of dead souls on every pill. Every dead soul looked very young. Clearly, they were all heaven¡¯s chosen who had disappeared over these years.


    They were tortured and refined by Bai Li. He used their flesh and blood to refine pills and fused their souls into them, turning them into medicinal pills.


    He didn¡¯t refine these pills to consume them himself but to feed that evil plant, which was the divine seed he mentioned. However, the plant clearly required an extremely large amount, so he came to the Forbidden Sea.


    It was too dangerous to do this on the Wanggu Continent. However, here, he felt that he should be able to handle any danger with ease.


    As the medicinal pills were devoured by the plant, amidst Lord Sixth¡¯s furious roar and violent killing intent, the plant suddenly emitted a sound at the wine gourd in the sky!


    ¡°Hong!¡±


    This sound was different from normal pronunciation. It was more like a spell and it gave off the feeling that it was clearly just a single tone but at the same time, it seemed to be a special sound formed by the fusion of countless sounds.


    As soon as the sound was emitted, crackling sounds rang out from the sky. Streaks of red lightning directly appeared on the wine gourd. These lightning bolts increased to countless numbers in the blink of an eye.


    The entire process only took a few breaths of time. At least hundreds of thousands of red lightning bolts appeared in the sky and enveloped the wine gourd, forming a huge runic mark.


    This extremely complicated runic mark transformed into a seal that weakened the might of the wine gourd.

 Chapter 303 - 303 Ancestors Calligraphy Suppresses Nascent Soul (2)

    303 Ancestor¡¯s Calligraphy Suppresses Nascent Soul (2)


    Bai Li laughed loudly again. With a wave of his hand, a huge body appeared in the air.


    This body was a thousand feet long and looked like a huge mantis. Its entire body was pitch-black, and the most shocking thing about it was its two extremely sharp saber legs.


    This body was like a combat vessel. The moment it appeared, Bai Li¡¯s body fused into it. In an instant, the eyes of the thousand-foot-long combat vessel opened, revealing a ferocious glint. It immediately headed straight for Lord Sixth.


    Its speed was so fast that it broke through the void and directly arrived in front of Lord Sixth and slashed down.


    Looking at this saber strike that looked like it could slash anything, Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled violently. He recalled the saber strike in the temple.


    It was different but also similar. Lord Sixth used all his strength to block it, but was still thrown back, coughing up blood.


    However, he was still smiling sinisterly. The killing intent in his eyes didn¡¯t decrease at all.


    ¡°I¡¯m not good at fighting, but¡­ I¡¯m the Peak Lord of the Sixth Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes. The Sixth Peak is good at refining artifacts, especially great magic artifacts!!¡±


    As he spoke, Lord Sixth grabbed at the Sixth Peak¡¯s mountain below.


    ¡°Come!¡±


    In an instant, the Sixth Peak¡¯s mountain that was refining the Starfish Race¡¯s island instantly blurred. When it became clear, it appeared in front of Lord Sixth.


    Divine power erupted from it and all the magic artifacts on the mountain rumbled. The aura of the entire mountain peak erupted and pressed down on Bai Li, who had fused into the combat vessel!


    ¡°Suppress!¡±


    The power of a peak suppressed one person.


    The mountain¡¯s power formed a destructive force and sealed off the surroundings, leaving Bai Li with nowhere to hide. Bai Li¡¯s expression changed. As the mountain pressed down on him rapidly, he couldn¡¯t help but tremble.


    Cracks appeared on his vessel. Bai Li¡¯s eyes turned bloodshot as he brandished his two saber legs and soared into the sky toward the mountain. However, his existence was insignificant compared to the mountain.


    As the two sides came into contact and Lord Sixth performed a series of hand seals, the huge mountain suppressed Bai Li below and continued to descend toward the Starfish Race¡¯s land!


    Rumbling sounds spread everywhere. The ground quaked and Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s bodies swayed as they flew to the air to dodge. Huge cracks spread out on the island of the Starfish Race and it looked like it was about to collapse.


    The surrounding sea stirred up a tsunami that moved in all directions, affecting an extremely large area.


    ¡°I¡¯ll refine you!¡± Lord Sixth¡¯s hair was disheveled and his eyes were filled with madness. He quickly performed hand seals with both hands and kept pressing the mountain on the ground, causing a dense sea of fire to erupt from the mountain to speed up the refinement.


    ¡°You refined my son, I¡¯ll refine you!¡±


    The mountain emitted a tremor. Bai Li, who was suppressed below, was trying his best to prop it up and blast open the mountain peak that was suppressing him.


    Waves of soul-stirring divine power spread out from under the mountain, accompanied by roars like that of ferocious beasts.


    To Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s shock, the burning mountain was lifted bit by bit!


    To be able to do this with the strength of an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, this Bai Li was indeed a peerless genius of his race. After the mountain was lifted, a heavy roar rang out from below.


    Bai Li¡¯s appearance had changed drastically. He no longer was in the combat vessel but had fused with the evil plant on his back.


    It had thick branches, six jagged leaf hands, and countless tentacle-like roots that continued to spread on the ground. When it lifted the mountain high, the triangular flower with the face was revealed.


    This face was no longer the ghost face from before but Bai Li.


    A red glow flashed in his eyes and the divinity in his entire body soared crazily at an astonishing speed.


    ¡°This is the artifact refinement you¡¯re good at? I¡¯ve seen many artifact refinement cultivators. Not only do they know how to refine, but they¡¯re also good at using it. As for you, I¡­¡±


    Before his arrogant speech could finish, Lord Sixth suddenly waved his hand and a huge flag appeared in the sky above his head and spread out.


    This flag was a thousand feet long and gave off a powerful and intimidating aura.


    From afar, the flag seemed to be incomplete and the colors on it were mixed, as though it was stained with countless blood. It emitted an intense sense of divinity.


    It was as though it had experienced the iteration of an era and experienced the baptism of countless wars. As it unfolded, it changed the color of the sky and covered the brilliance of the sun.


    All the races within tens of thousands of kilometers of the Starfish Island were shaken. Even the hidden existences at the bottom of the sea opened their eyes one after another, revealing fear.


    This was especially so when they felt the aura of a drop of golden blood on the flag. It gave off a feeling that it surpassed divinity and was infinitely close to the fragmented face of the god that looked down upon everything from the sky!


    It was as though countless divine creatures and countless nonhuman experts had been killed under this battle flag. Now that Lord Sixth took it out, a peerless ferocious intent that shook the world erupted from it.


    This aura was so strong that the sky froze and the waves of the sea stopped.


    Bai Li¡¯s voice stopped abruptly. At the next instant, an unprecedented struggle erupted from his plant body. His tone changed and was filled with horror, deep horror.

 Chapter 304 - 304 Ancestors Calligraphy Suppresses Nascent Soul (3)

    304 Ancestor¡¯s Calligraphy Suppresses Nascent Soul (3)


    ¡°Human race¡¯s battle flag! How can such an item exist in such a small place!!¡±


    Clearly, he didn¡¯t know everything. At the very least, he didn¡¯t know that the Seven Blood Eyes had once displayed¡­ this human race¡¯s battle flag on merfolk island!


    The appearance of the human race¡¯s battle flag frightened Bai Li out of his wits.


    He struggled with all his might to break free, and the Sixth Peak¡¯s mountain that was suppressing him rumbled and trembled under his struggle. Gradually, it showed signs of being unable to suppress him.


    A cold glint flashed in Lord Sixth¡¯s eyes as he performed hand seals with both hands. Immediately, the human race¡¯s battle flag shook, emitting waves of dazzling light that landed on the mountain.


    However, he wasn¡¯t Old Master Seventh and his cultivation was inferior. Hence, when he used the human race¡¯s battle flag, he couldn¡¯t be as fast and calm as Old Master Seventh back then.


    Lord Sixth needed time to unleash the strength of the human race¡¯s battle flag.


    Seeing this, determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He walked out. The captain¡¯s breathing was also hurried as he stared fixedly at Bai Li¡¯s body under the Sixth Peak. The madness in his eyes reached the extreme.


    ¡°Divinity! Such dense and pure divinity!! It doesn¡¯t have any anomalous substances!!!¡± The captain¡¯s eyes turned red.


    The two of them were extremely fast as they headed straight for the mountain. This area was filled with Bai Li¡¯s roars and divine power fluctuations. Low-level cultivators would die if they came into contact with these divine power fluctuations.


    However, Xu Qing had the protection of the pendant. The light barrier outside his body distorted intensely and he could barely hold on. As for the captain, it was equally difficult. Every time he took a step forward, he would vomit a mouthful of blood. However, he also had a shield outside his body that protected him.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the captain. He stared at the rumbling mountain in front of him and then at Bai Li, who was lifting the mountain and trying to escape. He suddenly lifted his right hand; immediately, a large number of black bugs rushed toward Bai Li.


    However, the divinity coming from Bai Li¡¯s body was too strong. Before the little black bugs could get close, a large number of them died. Bai Li also sensed Xu Qing and the captain. However, he didn¡¯t have the time to care about them. With a low roar, he used more strength and lifted the mountain a little more before pushing it fiercely.


    The mountain was thrown dozens of feet away. Taking advantage of this opportunity, he immediately tried to make his escape. However, at this moment, a cold glint rose in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He held the ancestor¡¯s calligraphy in his right hand and clenched it ruthlessly.


    ¡®Nose!¡¯


    The word ¡®light¡¯ was already blurry. At this moment, the word ¡®nose¡¯ instantly distorted and disappeared, transforming into a huge nose that moved toward Bai Li.


    Its speed was as fast as lightning and instantly got close.


    The instant Bai Li noticed it, the nose ruthlessly collided with him. An intense sound spread through the sky and Bai Li spat out a mouthful of blood. His body was forced back to the place where the mountain was falling and he missed his chance to escape. The mountain fell on him again.


    Boom! Bai Li let out a mournful roar. As he resisted the mountain with all his might, the blue flames from the mountain crazily burned and refined him.


    ¡°Damnable human insect!!¡± Bai Li gritted his teeth. The captain took advantage of this opportunity and rushed over recklessly.


    Even though his body and face were corroded by Bai Li¡¯s aura, he didn¡¯t care at all. He spared no expense and bit Bai Li¡¯s branch.


    Crack. Bai Li¡¯s entire body trembled. The captain let out a tragic cry and his body retreated. His lower body collapsed and one of his arms was shattered. Half of his body was gone, including an eye. His intestines were all over the ground and his mouth and teeth had shattered.


    However, there was a piece of Bai Li¡¯s flesh in his mouth that he forcefully swallowed. A mad and satisfied smile appeared on his face.


    Bai Li¡¯s anger burned as he roared at the sky. However, he was suppressed and couldn¡¯t counterattack. The attack earlier was an instinctive release of his power. The flames in the surroundings continued to weaken him, causing him to go completely crazy.


    His eyes were red and the divinity in his entire body erupted again. After pushing the mountain up, his body split into two. They fled in two directions, trying to leave the range of the mountain.


    However, at the next instant, Xu Qing, who had been staring at him the whole time, attacked. Immediately, the word ¡®the¡¯ blurred and formed a huge fist that headed straight for Bai Li.


    Xu Qing was about to continue using the calligraphy, but this fist didn¡¯t need to identify the real and fake Bai Li. It was as though it could lock onto the real Bai Li and landed on him amidst his despair.


    Bai Li¡¯s entire body trembled violently and spat out mouthfuls of blood. When his body was pushed back, the mountain he pushed up slammed down again due to inertia.


    Boom!


    Bai Li trembled. This time, he couldn¡¯t withstand it anymore and directly knelt down. Endless blue flames arrived crazily and continued to corrode him. At this moment, the captain actually rushed over again while using one hand to move.


    His speed was even faster than before. Just as he got close to Bai Li and was about to bite him, Bai Li suddenly turned his head and let out a sinister roar.


    The captain let out a blood-curdling scream. His body collapsed and his hand was gone. Only his head, which didn¡¯t have much flesh and blood, rolled out. Even so, he wasn¡¯t dead. His eyes were filled with unwillingness as he growled at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Throw me over, throw me over!!¡±

 Chapter 305 - 305 Ancestors Calligraphy Suppresses Nascent Soul (4)

    305 Ancestor¡¯s Calligraphy Suppresses Nascent Soul (4)


    Almost at the instant the captain spoke, Bai Li went crazy in this life-and-death crisis. He actually self-destructed. The fluctuations formed didn¡¯t spread in all directions but were gathered and attacked the mountain above.


    Amidst the impact, an iron thread worm flew out of the destroyed body. Taking advantage of the moment the mountain was pushed up, it fled into the distance.


    The iron thread worm no longer had the evil divine seed.


    Clearly, the price it had to pay was extremely heavy. However, in order to save its life, it had no choice. A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he used the last remaining word in the ancestor¡¯s calligraphy.


    ¡°Light1!¡±


    A huge palm appeared in front of Xu Qing and shot toward the fleeing iron thread worm. It instantly got close to the iron thread worm and slapped it.


    The iron thread worm Insect spat out a mouthful of broken teeth and half of its body collapsed. It let out a mournful cry and wanted to break out forcefully, but it was unable to do so, and was thrown back by this slap.


    It tried to change directions in midair and escape with all his might. However, the mountain smashed down again.


    This time, Bai Li was completely pressed down.


    Xu Qing heaved a sigh of relief in his mind. What followed was weakness surging in his entire body like a tide.


    With his cultivation, he wasn¡¯t able to display the full strength of the ancestor¡¯s calligraphy and the consumption was also extremely high. Fortunately, he had bought enough time for Lord Sixth.


    At that moment, in the sky, Lord Sixth waved his arms. His eyes were filled with killing intent, hatred, and madness as he ruthlessly pressed down on the mountain below!


    Immediately, a finger stretched out from the thousand-foot-long human race¡¯s battle flag.


    As soon as this finger appeared, the color of the world changed and the wind and clouds churned. A terrifying aura that could devour mountains and overturn seas spread out from this finger.


    It pressed down on the mountain.


    The entire mountain rumbled and sank fiercely.


    Countless blue flames erupted unprecedentedly, sweeping through the entire Starfish Race Island.


    The flames didn¡¯t cause any harm to Xu Qing and the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples.


    However, other than them, all the nonhumans on the island were burned. In an instant, mournful cries rang out from everywhere.


    Countless worms let out shrill cries but it was useless. They could only turn into ashes in the flames.


    ¡°Refine this person and all the lives on this island, blood ensemble!¡±


    Lord Sixth¡¯s voice spread. He performed a series of hand seals and pointed. Immediately, the mountain shook and lumps of qi and blood rose from Starfish Island. Dense qi and blood erupted from Bai Li as well.


    Bai Li¡¯s miserable cries continued to ring out. All the nonhumans on the island were wailing. The iron thread worms in their bodies crazily burrowed into the depths of their flesh but it was useless. The flesh of all the nonhumans were melting!


    The rivers and lakes on the island also rapidly evaporated.


    ¡°Refine this person and all the lives on this island, bone ensemble!¡±


    Lord Sixth raised his hand and roared. All his cultivation base erupted and surged into the mountain. Immediately, the bones of all the nonhumans on the island melted. The worms that had escaped into the marrows were also instantly burned.


    The ground rumbled and mountain peaks collapsed one after another and more cracks appeared on the ground. The edges were completely peeled off piece by piece and they rose all the way to the Sixth Peak, fusing into the mountain¡¯s body, causing the Sixth Peak to become even more majestic.


    ¡°Refine this person and all the lives on this island, soul ensemble!¡±


    Lord Sixth raised his right hand and the wine gourd in the sky erupted. It broke free from the lightning and entered Lord Sixth¡¯s hand. He took a sip of wine and spat it out.


    Immediately, the mountain trembled again and the ground continued to collapse. Strands of souls arrived from all directions. The iron thread worms hiding in the sea of consciousness wailed as they faced their deaths!


    The ground was rapidly shrinking and there were even more land masses rising into the air. The entire Starfish Island was in pieces and there was an endless sea of fire burning it.


    ¡°Refinement Samsara!¡± In the end, Lord Sixth bit the tip of his tongue and spat out a mouthful of blood that landed on the mountain.


    The entire Starfish Island completely collapsed and surged toward the Sixth Peak to be absorbed by it.


    At this moment, all the lives on the island completely disappeared along with the sea of fire.


    The Starfish Island was gone!


    It was as though it had been erased!


    Only a huge pit was left on the surface of the sea.


    The seawater in the surroundings didn¡¯t dare to pour in, causing the deep pit to be extremely obvious. Only the mountain of the Sixth Peak stood tall and emitted a light that was as resplendent as the sun and moon.


    Bai Li¡¯s body and soul were destroyed!


    The Starfish Race was exterminated!

 Chapter 306 - 306 Bai Li Soul Pill (1)

    306 Bai Li Soul Pill (1)


    Time passed.


    Seven Blood Eyes, Port 176.


    Xu Qing sat cross-legged on the deck of the swaying magic ship and looked at the distant world. It was early in the morning and the red glow rose from the horizon, as though flames were burning the sky.


    Xu Qing watched silently.


    It had been half a month since the Starfish Race was exterminated.


    In this half a month, the storm caused by the Starfish Race¡¯s matter was still spreading. As the Seven Blood Eyes announced the evil deeds of the Starfish Race and the Illuminate¡¯s member Bai Li behind them, the other races finally knew the reason for their heaven¡¯s chosens¡¯ disappearances. Their anger toward the Starfish Race and Illuminate could not be put into words.


    Although the Starfish Race had been exterminated, the other three races were still around. There was no need for the Seven Blood Eyes to make a move. Those races that had lost their heaven¡¯s chosen made their moves and headed to the territories of the other three races. There, they saw a large number of iron thread worms and a lot of evidence.


    Very soon, the three races that had already suffered great losses in the battle with Lord Sixth were destroyed by the other races.


    Lord Sixth¡¯s attack this time increased the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ reputation even more. Many races were wary of the Sixth Peak¡¯s mountain war fortress.


    However, after analysis, most of them felt that although the mountain was strong, the power source inside was ordinary. Although it could support the teleportation of the mountain, it was clearly somewhat weak in terms of suppression.


    There were even people who deduced that if it wasn¡¯t for the human race¡¯s battle flag, it would probably be very difficult for Lord Sixth to suppress that Illuminate member.


    However, no matter what, it was a fact that the Starfish Race had been exterminated and the Illuminate member, Bai Li, had been refined. Hence, the strength of the Seven Blood Eyes once again penetrated the hearts of the other races.


    After Lord Sixth refined the entire Starfish Race, he brought Xu Qing and the captain back to the Seven Blood Eyes. When they returned, Lord Sixth was silent, and so was Xu Qing.


    They didn¡¯t feel the joy of killing their enemy that they had imagined. Instead, they became calm and the melancholy in the depths of their hearts turned faint.


    However, life had to continue.


    ¡°Farewell, Teacher.¡± Xu Qing picked up a wine gourd. He lifted it in the direction of Purple Earth and took a big gulp. He then closed his eyes.


    The moment he closed his eyes, a rumbling sound rang out from his body. The 65 magic apertures were like a stove that was burning fiercely. On them¡­ a large number of remnant souls were being refined.


    These remnant souls were all members of the Starfish Race. They did not have a lot of energy, but there were a lot of them, so they could provide some help in opening magic apertures.


    Among these many souls, there was also a special soul suppressed in one of Xu Qing¡¯s magic apertures. It burned day and night and never stopped.


    This soul was that cultivator from the Bizarre Fiend Race.


    After he was captured by the shadow, he finally collapsed after being tortured by Xu Qing for a few days. Xu Qing then successfully extracted his soul.


    Golden Crow Refines All Life still couldn¡¯t snatch the talent of this Bizarre Fiend Race. It wasn¡¯t that the emperor-level cultivation art wasn¡¯t good but there were too few origin power. If he wanted to snatch the talent of a race, he needed to refine a large number of members of this race.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care. There was only one thing he cared about and that was to make this cultivator suffer.


    However, the souls of this race had another characteristic. Their soul power could slowly recover on its own. It was the same even when they were suppressed and refined.


    ¡°Lord Sixth extracted the souls of the Starfish Race and refined them into a candle. I can¡¯t do this but I can suppress this soul for years and make it wish it was dead. It can continue to provide me with soul power. One day, I¡¯ll be able to snatch its talent,¡± Xu Qing said softly.


    Regardless of whether it was because of the uniqueness of this soul that continued to provide soul power or his hatred for this bizarre fiend cultivator, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t devour it so easily.


    At that moment, his body rumbled. Other than the suppressed soul, the other remnant souls transformed into a force that attacked the 66th magic aperture. In an instant, the 66th magic aperture was opened. It wasn¡¯t over.


    At the next moment, the 67th magic aperture was opened.


    The remaining force continued to gather at the location of the 68th magic aperture. After colliding with it for a long time, it finally broke open.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled and his aura and magic power clearly increased by a lot.


    He had long sensed that the difficulty of opening the magic apertures after the second life fire was much greater than before. Moreover, the souls of the Starfish Race were incomplete, so they could only provide him with the power to open three magic apertures.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and took out a jade box.


    In this jade box was a black pill.


    A sinister soul shadow appeared on the pill and let out a soundless roar, as though it wanted to break out of the restraints of the pill and escape. However, it clearly couldn¡¯t do so.


    This was an extremely precious high-level soul pill!


    To cultivators who cultivated the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art, souls were the fuel to open their magic apertures. Hence, they needed to kill a lot and extract souls to continuously increase their cultivation.


    However, unless there was a war, it was not easy to kill many. Hence, there were soul pills. One such pill could allow a cultivator to obtain a large amount of soul power.


    For example, the pill that First Peak¡¯s Wu Jianwu had thrown out was also a soul pill, but its grade was extremely low.


    As for Xu Qing¡¯s pill, Lord Sixth had personally refined a portion of Bai Li¡¯s soul into it and given it to him after returning to the sect.


    He only extracted a very small portion.


    Lord Sixth was straightforward. He needed a large number of souls to replenish the power of the magic artifacts, so he could only give Xu Qing one pill. However, he told Xu Qing that he owed him a favor.

 Chapter 307 - 307 Bai Li Soul Pill (2)

    307 Bai Li Soul Pill (2)


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about this. The main reason why his revenge this time went smoothly was because of Lord Sixth. Hence, even if he wasn¡¯t given the soul pill, Xu Qing would feel that it was reasonable.


    The pendant given by Lord Sixth had expended a lot of energy in the battle with Bai Li, but it could still be used. Its value had already surpassed the soul pill.


    Xu Qing retracted his thoughts and picked up the soul pill. He threw it into his mouth without any hesitation and chewed it bit by bit. The remnant soul inside let out a mournful cry but in the end, it couldn¡¯t escape the outcome of being devoured. Under the burning of the fiendish fire in Xu Qing¡¯s body, it transformed into an impact force that rushed toward the 69th magic aperture.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled slightly. The 69th magic aperture was opened, followed by 70th, 71st¡­


    The power of the soul pill didn¡¯t seem to diminish in the slightest. Very soon, the 72nd magic aperture was opened. Next was the 73rd, 74th, and 75th.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. The 76th, 77th, and 78th magic apertures were also opened soon after!


    The might of the soul pill refined from Bai Li¡¯s remnant soul was extremely astonishing.


    Finally, as Xu Qing opened his eyes in which purple light flickered, the 79th magic aperture was opened!


    A terrifying aura circulated around his body and astonishing magic power spread as his cultivation base increased. The seawater in the surroundings stirred up waves.


    ¡°It actually opened 11 magic apertures¡­ This soul pill probably doesn¡¯t only contain Bai Li¡¯s remnant soul!¡± Xu Qing was a little shocked. He could vaguely guess that the remnant soul that Lord Sixth mentioned included the remnant souls of the other four races¡¯ ancestors and a large number of cultivators from the four races.


    Although most of the four races had been devoured, the base number was huge after all. Even if only a small portion of the remnant souls were gathered together, their might would naturally be terrifying.


    ¡°There are still 11 magic apertures left before I can form the third ball of life fire!¡± Xu Qing said softly. After that, he checked his storage bag. There were two wish boxes inside. Ever since he knew how to open them, he had been nurturing them in his free time. Now, he wasn¡¯t far from completion.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked toward the Nanhuang Continent behind him. Now that everything was dealt with, he missed Captain Lei a little.


    During this half a month, the war between the Seven Blood Eyes and the Sea Corpse Race also changed. Firstly, the third highness did a shocking thing.


    Xu Qing had never seen the third highness in the war. It was only when this matter spread that he knew that the third highness had accepted a mission to instigate rebellion when the war had just begun.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know how the third highness did it. He successfully instigated the three important allies of the Sea Corpse Race to defect on the native battlefield of the Sea Corpse Race, causing the situation of the Sea Corpse Race, which was originally in a stalemate with the Seven Blood Eyes, to instantly change and show signs of collapse.


    This caused a series of chain reactions. On one hand, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ momentum soared and their morale was high in the battle. On the other hand, the Wanggu Continent¡¯s forces, especially the Seven Sects Alliance seemed to be caught off guard by the sudden change in the war situation.


    Clearly, the Seven Sects Alliance wanted to see the Seven Blood Eyes and the Sea Corpse Race exhaust each other. Hence, they were only observing this war at the start. It was only when the Seven Blood Eyes fought their way to the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory that they became vigilant.


    This was because¡­ the territory of the Sea Corpse Race was very close to the Wanggu Continent.


    To be precise, there was a path that went from the Wanggu Continent to Sea Corpse Race¡¯s main island, sub islands, Merfolk Race Islands, and the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Before the third highness instigated the rebellion, the Seven Sects Alliance was paying close attention to the battle. They hoped that this war would continue and the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ foundation would be exhausted. However, the third highness¡¯ success changed their attitude.


    The Seven Sects Alliance began to interfere in the war.


    Some rumors about the war appeared in the Seven Blood Eyes. Some people guessed that this war was about to end. The interference of the Seven Sects Alliance would make it very difficult for the Seven Blood Eyes to continue attacking.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay attention to these subsequent events.


    He wanted to make a trip back to the scavenger campsite and the forbidden zone to sweep Captain Lei¡¯s grave. At the same time, he wanted to see if he could find any traces of Cross and Luan Tooth.


    Two years had passed. He wondered how the two of them were doing now.


    Xu Qing stared into the distance and stood up. He kept the magic ship and walked toward the teleportation array. On the way, he saw the captain bargaining with a fruit stall owner. His expression looked pained as he paid a few spirit coins to buy a bag of apples.


    Upon seeing Xu Qing, the captain threw an apple over and also took out an apple for himself. He looked at Xu Qing and smiled.


    ¡°You¡¯re going out? Bring me along, bring me along.¡±


    Xu Qing took the apple. He didn¡¯t believe that he had met the captain by chance. As such, his eyes revealed doubt.


    The captain coughed and sighed as he ate the apple.


    ¡°I have no choice. The old man asked me to follow you and protect you before he returns. I reckon the old man is a little anxious. If he wants to take in a disciple, then do it. Why did he need to create these tests? Now, he is anxious, but cannot return due to the war.¡±


    The captain shrugged and sold Old Master Seventh without hesitation.


    A strange expression appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s face. After some thought, he didn¡¯t refuse.


    After all, the wanted list of the Sea Corpse Race was still there. Moreover, Chen Feiyuan had told him about Purple Earth¡¯s malice. If the captain was by his side on this trip, it would be safer.


    However, correspondingly, the journey might head in a crazy direction too.


    ¡°I am making a trip home.¡± Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    ¡°Going home? Then I can be considered a guest. Haha, let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go. I¡¯m already tired of staying in the sect recently. Let¡¯s go out and relax.¡± As the captain spoke, he was even more enthusiastic than Xu Qing and quickly walked toward the teleportation array.


    ¡°Did you do something? Are you going out to lie low?¡± Xu Qing was surprised.


    ¡°How is that possible!¡± The captain immediately shook his head. After flying to the teleportation array, he asked Xu Qing for the location and immediately adjusted the teleportation array. Amidst Xu Qing¡¯s confusion, the two of them disappeared in the teleportation array.


    Not long after they left, a furious roar rang out from the Sixth Peak.


    ¡°Chen Erniu, you little bastard, you eat everything?¡±


    Following the shout, a divine sense erupted from the Sixth Peak and swept through the entire main city, searching for the captain¡¯s figure. Clearly, it was fruitless¡­


    Behind the hall on the Sixth Peak, in the mountain forest, Lord Sixth looked at the covered hole in front of him with an ugly expression. Only the Sequences, and the top two or three among them at that, could do such a thing on the Sixth Peak.


    This hole was very deep and meandered into the interior of the Sixth Peak¡¯s mountain. That was where the core power source of the Sixth Peak¡¯s war fortress mountain was.


    The core power source of the Sixth Peak was a secret. It was enveloped by fog and it was very difficult to see what it was. However, in Lord Sixth¡¯s eyes, everything was clearly visible.


    He saw a deep bite mark on the toe of the core power source, and it was clearly missing a small piece.


    ¡°Was this Chen Erniu a dog in his previous life? He takes a bite of everything!¡± Lord Sixth took a deep breath. He was a little angry, so he looked at the power source that was enveloped by the fog.


    ¡°That kid should have seen it and probably guessed it¡­ However, he should know his limits and know what to say and what not to say. After all, I endured it and didn¡¯t use the core power even when fighting Bai Li¡­ If he spread the word, the ancestor would skin him alive.¡±

 Chapter 308 - 308 The Secret of the Seven Blood Eyes

    308 The Secret of the Seven Blood Eyes


    ¡°Captain, why is your body trembling?¡±


    On the teleportation array in Antler City in the eastern part of the Nanhuang Continent.


    As the teleportation light flickered, Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s figures appeared.


    Xu Qing habitually hid his appearance. The captain was even more familiar with this and disguised himself as a middle-aged man. However, when he walked out of the teleportation array, his legs were clearly trembling.


    Xu Qing was surprised.


    ¡°Trembling? How is that possible? You¡¯re mistaken.¡± The captain coughed and patted his leg heavily.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. He didn¡¯t need to guess to know that the captain must have done something major in the sect. Otherwise, with the captain¡¯s madness, it was impossible for him to still be trembling after arriving here.


    Since the captain didn¡¯t say anything, Xu Qing didn¡¯t ask. After walking out of the teleportation array, he looked at Antler City, which was familiar but unfamiliar. The scene of him teleporting from here after burning the Diamond Sect surfaced in his mind.


    Xu Qing walked forward while reminiscing.


    Although this was a branch city of the Seven Blood Eyes, its location was remote and the environment was harsh, causing this place to be much dirtier and more chaotic than the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city. There were some smelly rotting things everywhere on the ground. Many skinny figures sat in the corners of the streets and looked at the sky listlessly.


    The entire city was filled with an oppressive atmosphere.


    Xu Qing silently walked forward. He didn¡¯t encounter any ignorant people on the way. After all, although human nature was violent in this desolate place, those who could survive here weren¡¯t fools.


    They could instinctively distinguish who they could bully and who they couldn¡¯t provoke.


    Xu Qing and the captain gave them the feeling that they belonged to the latter type.


    ¡°Xu Qing, are you really not curious?¡± When they reached the city gate of Antler City, the captain couldn¡¯t help but take out an apple and take a bite. He wasn¡¯t very concerned about the surrounding environment. Instead, he was very curious that Xu Qing could really hold back from asking.


    ¡°Curious.¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t turn his head. After he walked out of Antler City, he looked at the land of forbidden zone that had turned into ruins after the god opened His eyes.


    Antler City wasn¡¯t far from the small city he was in back then.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look curious at all¡­ Forget it, forget it. Seeing that you were once my team member and owe me 50,000 spirit stones, I can divulge a little.¡±


    ¡°Ancestor is playing a big game of chess! I can¡¯t say anymore. If I continue, the ancestor will probably skin me alive!¡± The captain looked around and said in a low voice.


    Xu Qing nodded and moved forward rapidly. He wasn¡¯t going to return to the ruined city. There was nothing for him to miss there now. Moreover, the reason why he was chased by the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor last time was because of the strangeness there.


    There was no point in going again.


    As such, Xu Qing headed toward the scavenger campsite.


    The captain walked beside him while looking at the surrounding wilderness. It was early spring here and the traces of snow could occasionally be seen. The wind that blew over didn¡¯t contain warmth and was freezing.


    ¡°Let me tell you, Xu Qing. Lord Sixth¡­ He¡¯s also an old schemer. Back then on Starfish Island, he put on a good show.¡± The captain saw that Xu Qing still didn¡¯t continue to ask and his heart itched. He couldn¡¯t help but want to show off what he had seen but he didn¡¯t dare to say it all.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°Aiya, Xu Qing, it¡¯s not good to be like this.¡± The captain was a little helpless and took a bite of the apple.


    ¡°You would never guess what I saw in the Sixth Peak. I was too shocked and surprised. This is a huge game of chess.¡±


    ¡°As expected, the older one is, the shrewder they are. Those old fellows from our Seven Blood Eyes are toying with people.¡±


    The captain took a deep breath and sighed with emotion.


    Xu Qing frowned. When he heard this, he didn¡¯t understand much. He only knew that the major thing the captain did should be related to the Sixth Peak. He thought of the captain¡¯s gaze when he looked at the Sixth Peak¡¯s mountain before and his heart skipped a beat.


    ¡°Captain, don¡¯t tell me you went to the Sixth Peak to bite something?¡±


    The captain raised his brows in dissatisfaction.


    ¡°What do you mean by biting something? Deputy Captain, let me remind you, who talks to their superior like this!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the director of the Homicide Department,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    ¡°I¡¯m your senior brother!¡± The captain finished the apple and took out a pear, looking like he had known that Xu Qing would say that.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t acknowledged a master yet,¡± Xu Qing replied.


    ¡°Hurry up and greet your eldest highness!¡± The captain lifted his chin and looked disdainfully at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He discovered that he couldn¡¯t win against the captain this time around, so he pretended not to hear and continued forward. With his current speed, it would only take an hour to travel from Antler City to the scavenger campsite.


    He leaped over a mountain peak and saw the scavenger campsite at the foot of the mountain as well as the pitch-black forest in the distance.


    From here he could see black fog enveloping the forbidden zone¡¯s forest. Bolts of lightning filled the air and occasionally landed in the forbidden zone, emitting rumbling sounds.


    The captain glanced at the forbidden zone in the distance and revealed a hint of surprise.


    ¡°This forbidden zone is very large, and there are divinity fluctuations inside!¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. In the past, his cultivation was too weak and he didn¡¯t know about divinity. Now that he had returned and was standing here, he could clearly sense the divinity fluctuations in the forbidden zone in the distance.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and stared at the scavenger campsite below. That place was still chaotic and he could faintly hear unscrupulous laughter from inside.


    He walked forward. The captain coughed at the side.


    ¡°Little Qing, Senior Brother was humoring you earlier but you don¡¯t have to be discouraged. This matter is too big, so I can¡¯t tell you.¡±


    ¡°This matter involves the battlefield. You don¡¯t know but when I entered the Sixth Peak and saw it, I was stunned.¡±


    ¡°In addition, I think the future development of the Seven Blood Eyes should be very good under the lead of such a group of old schemers¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you really not curious? How about this, say a few good words and I¡¯ll risk being skinned alive to tell you.¡±


    On the way down the mountain, the captain was clearly the one with the secrets and kept wanting to make Xu Qing curious. However, in the end, his intention to show off made him even more anxious than Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing remained silent as he walked into the scavenger campsite.


    What greeted his eyes was similar to what he remembered. The ground was covered in filth and the surroundings were in ruins. The scavengers wore leather coats. Some were covered in filth and some had scars on their faces.


    The arrival of Xu Qing and the captain caused the noisy scavenger campsite to slowly fall silent. Most of the scavengers retreated a little and revealed fawning expressions.


    However, Xu Qing knew that behind these fawning expressions, they were observing if they could rob them.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over them, but didn¡¯t see any familiar figures. Two years was no different from a lifetime to most scavengers.


    He walked around until he arrived at the house he used to stay in.


    This house had already been occupied by someone else.


    After a long while, Xu Qing sighed softly and turned to leave. The captain also glanced at this house and understood that this should be Xu Qing¡¯s residence back then. At this moment, when he was walking beside Xu Qing and was about to leave with him, the captain suddenly saw a tent.


    There was a feather hanging on the tent.


    Unlike Xu Qing¡¯s childhood, the captain clearly didn¡¯t know what this feathered tent meant in the scavenger campsite and the slums. However, very soon, he saw someone walking out while tying his trouser.


    ¡°I see. It¡¯s similar to the brothel, but the scavenger campsite uses feathers as the signboard.¡± The captain came to a realization and was about to retract his gaze. However, at the next instant, he stared at the feather again and then looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, back then on the merfolk island, after you saw that half of my body was gone, you said that you wanted to give me a feather¡­¡± The captain¡¯s eyes widened.


    Xu Qing glanced at him and took out an apple. He took a bite and continued walking.


    The captain snorted and glanced at the feather again. He then turned and ran over. It was unknown how he communicated with them but when he caught up to Xu Qing, there were already seven to eight feathers in his hand.


    ¡°This is a good thing. I¡¯ll give one to Zhang San when we get back.¡±


    Xu Qing walked out of the scavenger campsite. As he walked toward the forbidden zone, he glanced at the feathers in the captain¡¯s hand. When he was about to reach the forbidden zone, he suddenly asked.


    ¡°Captain, what did you see on the Sixth Peak?¡±


    A smile appeared on the captain¡¯s face. He had been waiting for Xu Qing to say this. Moreover, he had been holding it in for the entire journey, so he didn¡¯t hide it. After he kept the feathers, he looked around and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Before I tell you this answer, recall the sect¡¯s war route this time.¡±


    ¡°First, the Seventh Peak held the competition on the merfolk island. This lured the Sea Corpse Race. The ancestor suddenly appeared after making a breakthrough¡­ After that, the merfolk island was set up as the frontline command center.¡±


    ¡°We then declared war on the Sea Corpse Race and spread forward step by step. We captured the sub islands and are now attacking the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s main island.¡±


    ¡°Just like that, a line was formed on the Forbidden Sea, causing the Seven Blood Eyes, which was originally very far from the Wanggu Continent, to become very close to the Wanggu Continent¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Then what exactly is the sect¡¯s goal? Is fighting the Sea Corpse Race all of it? Is it possible that fighting the Sea Corpse Race¡­ is just a segment to complete the deeper strategic goal?¡±


    The captain spoke softly.


    ¡°In the Sixth Peak, I saw a statue of an Ancestral Corpse that doesn¡¯t belong to one of the nine ancestral corpse statues of the Sea Corpse Race¡­ It is the power source of the Sixth Peak¡¯s war fortress.¡±

 Chapter 309 - 309 Extreme Heaven Dao Temple

    309 Extreme Heaven Dao Temple


    Xu Qing turned his head and looked at the captain thoughtfully.


    The captain also looked at Xu Qing with a spurious smile.


    ¡°This forbidden zone is a little strange but overall, it¡¯s alright,¡± Xu Qing said.


    ¡°Mm, nice, nice. I mainly went to the sea and haven¡¯t been to the forbidden zone that much. Now, I can take a look and experience it properly.¡± The captain laughed.


    The two of them automatically avoided the topic from before as though they had forgotten about this matter and walked toward the forbidden zone.


    They were very clear that they couldn¡¯t continue with that topic. That was a huge matter that concerned the plan of the Seven Blood Eyes. In fact, after thinking about it deeply, they could sense the monstrous ambitions hidden in this.


    Although there were nine ancestral corpse statues in the Sea Corpse Race, this didn¡¯t mean that there had only been nine of them since the birth of the Sea Corpse Race¡­


    In ancient times, there must have been more ancestral corpse statues. However, due to various accidents, they were taken away by the other races for research. Even if there were no clues or answers in the end, it was impossible for them to return the statues.


    It was likely that the current nine ancestral statues were the only ones the Sea Corpse Race was able to hold on to.


    Xu Qing thought about the war of the Seven Blood Eyes, and how the war fortress of the Sixth Peak wasn¡¯t mobilized. Lord Sixth only displayed it for revenge, but it only showed normal strength and didn¡¯t exceed the limit.


    The meaning behind this was very deep.


    Xu Qing buried this matter in his heart and understood why the captain fled and shamelessly insisted on following him.


    On one hand, the captain had a strong desire to confide in someone. Knowing such a secret, he wouldn¡¯t feel comfortable if he didn¡¯t say it and show off.


    On the other hand, if he remained in the Seven Blood Eyes, the sect would probably find a reason to lock him up for a period of time in order to keep some secrets.


    Xu Qing shook his head. No matter how big this matter was, it didn¡¯t have much to do with him. Moreover, the war should be ending soon. It wouldn¡¯t be long before there would be an answer.


    He drew in a deep breath and retracted all his emotions, walking into the jungle of the forbidden zone.


    He had come to this place countless times back then and was extremely familiar with it. It was almost to the point where he could move freely inside with his eyes closed. All the vegetation in the surroundings seemed to match his memories.


    The instant he entered the jungle, Xu Qing sped up. He was like a ghost as he whistled through the jungle. The captain was curiously surveying his surroundings.


    He had indeed rarely gone to the forbidden zones. The only place he went to was the Phoenix Forbidden beside the sect. He went there to comprehend some divine powers but unfortunately, he failed.


    Seeing that Xu Qing had increased his speed, he also increased his speed a little. He followed Xu Qing¡¯s footsteps and landed in the same places. As he moved, he observed his surroundings and fell into deep thought.


    ¡°So there was so much to learn.¡± The captain watched as Xu Qing¡¯s figure rose and fell in the jungle. His observation was very meticulous. As for the anomalous substances permeating the air here, he didn¡¯t care.


    The anomalous substances on the sea were denser than here. The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ cultivation art was quite good at separating anomalous substances. Unless they were forced to the limit and were in a dangerous situation, it was very rare for the disciples of large sects to face the condition of having too much anomalous substances in their bodies.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the captain. At that moment, he was immersed in his memories. As he moved forward, scenes from the past flashed in his mind frame by frame. The closer he got to his destination, the more waves there were in his mind.


    A while later, Xu Qing¡¯s footsteps slowed down. He walked past a thicket and saw a lone grave.


    The surroundings of the tombstone were filled with weeds but the tombstone didn¡¯t disappear. It was still standing there. Although more than two years had passed, what Xu Qing had done at the scavenger campsite back then caused the subsequent scavengers to be filled with respect for this tomb after hearing about it.


    Even if they didn¡¯t help to weed, they didn¡¯t destroy or disturb the grave.


    After all, they were all scavengers. To have someone who would bury them after death was already a very blissful thing. Why take the risk and destroy it without any benefits?


    Xu Qing looked at the tombstone and walked closer. He sat in front of the tomb and started to clear the weeds in the surroundings one by one. Finally, he picked up the wine flask and took a sip before pouring some on the tomb soil.


    ¡°Captain Lei, Grandmaster Bai has left too,¡± Xu Qing said softly. He leaned against a large tree at the side and lifted his head to look at the black clouds in the sky through the gaps in the tree crowns.


    The captain fell silent. He looked at the tomb and then at Xu Qing. He didn¡¯t speak or get close. Instead, he moved far away. He knew that the current Xu Qing needed to be alone.


    Xu Qing indeed wanted to be alone. He leaned against the large tree and silently drank the wine. As the sky slowly darkened, Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the depths of the jungle. There¡­ was nothing there.


    ¡°Captain Lei, back then, you said that those who survived after hearing the singing voice here would see the person they miss the most after hearing the singing voice for the second time¡­¡±


    ¡°However, there are a few people I miss. I wonder if I¡¯ll see them all if I really hear the singing voice one day.¡± Xu Qing mumbled softly and took another sip of wine.


    The surroundings were quiet and there was no sound. The sky also slowly darkened and the entire jungle gradually turned pitch-black.


    Xu Qing sat silently.


    More than an hour later, he sighed softly and kowtowed to the tomb. When he got up, he placed the wine flask on the soil.


    ¡°I still haven¡¯t found the heavenfate flower.¡± Xu Qing looked at the tombstone. After a long time, he turned and walked into the distance.


    Step by step, he gradually disappeared into the night.


    As Xu Qing moved forward, not long later, footsteps rang out from behind him. That was the captain.


    ¡°Xu Qing, if there¡¯s a chance in the future, accompany me back home. It¡¯s been a long time since I went back to pay my respects.¡± The captain¡¯s voice was a little hoarse as he spoke softly.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    In the darkness of the night, their figures moved forward in the pitch-black jungle. During this time, no mutated beasts appeared. Their beast instincts allowed them to sense that the two people who appeared in the jungle today were completely different from the usual scavengers.


    Late at night, Xu Qing arrived at the valley and walked in it. The bloodstains on the ground back then had long been filled with weeds. In the past two to three years, many seven-leaf grass had grown again and there were no signs of them being picked.


    Clearly, this valley hadn¡¯t been discovered by other scavengers yet.


    Looking at the collapsed wooden hut in the distance, Xu Qing recalled the scenes of him refining poison inside. The shadow also clearly expressed some emotional fluctuations. As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, he had been silent since Xu Qing came here.


    Xu Qing knew that a large area inside and outside this forbidden zone included not only his former residence but also the shadow¡¯s and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s.


    After passing through the valley, Xu Qing looked at the cluster of temples in the distance.


    In the dark night, as bolts of lightning appeared in the sky, with the help of the momentary brightness, the cluster of temples reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. They were no different from back then.


    He could imagine that even if more time passed and the scavenger campsite outside eventually changed generations, this cluster of temples would still stand here forever.


    ¡°Hmm? There¡¯s actually an Extreme Heaven Dao Temple here too.¡± When Xu Qing was staring at the temples, the captain exclaimed softly.


    ¡°Extreme Heaven Dao Temple?¡± Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    ¡°I remember now. Previously, I saw you displaying a divine power similar to heavenly saber. I felt that it was familiar at that time. From the looks of it now, did you comprehend the Extreme Heaven Saber here, right?¡± As the captain spoke, his eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡°The more I recall your saber strike, the more it looks like it. Was I really right?¡±


    ¡°Heavens, that¡¯s the Extreme Heaven Saber. Do you know what the Extreme Heaven Saber is? That¡¯s an amazing thing!¡±


    Xu Qing cast a deep glance at the captain. He was already familiar with the other party¡¯s hobby of acting mysterious. He also knew that once he asked, he might inexplicably owe spirit stones. He also knew that to deal with such a hobby, he had to act like he was not curious. The captain would most likely spill the beans when he could not hold it in anymore.


    He retracted his gaze and walked toward the cluster of temples. The captain blinked and followed behind, exclaiming in surprise as he walked.


    ¡°Incredible.¡±


    ¡°Wow.¡±


    ¡°Amazing.¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing arrived at the location of the cluster of temples. He found the temple where he had comprehended the saber strike back then and stepped in. He lifted his head and stared at the statue in the temple before sitting cross-legged at the side.


    Other than paying his respects to Captain Lei, he also wanted to see if he could continue to comprehend the heavenly saber here and increase its might.


    ¡°As expected, it is the Extreme Heaven Dao Statue!¡± As soon as the captain entered the temple, he was attracted by the statue. He quickly went over and circled around it. He then looked at Xu Qing, who was sitting at the side and trying to comprehend something. The captain blinked and smiled spuriously but didn¡¯t speak.


    Just like that, time flowed by and a night passed.


    Xu Qing felt some regret. He analyzed that if he wanted to comprehend this saber strike, he would need to visit at a specific time. Moreover, he wasn¡¯t sure about this time. It might be a few months or decades.


    Hence, as the first rays of the morning sun scattered down from the outside world, Xu Qing stood up. The captain was laughing brightly.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t succeed, right? It is to be expected. It would be strange if you could succeed.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Xu Qing was surprised.


    ¡°You can¡¯t hold it in anymore, right? You have to ask me, right? Why don¡¯t you keep on holding it in anymore?¡± The captain was incomparably smug.


    Xu Qing looked into the captain¡¯s eyes and didn¡¯t speak.


    The captain blinked but didn¡¯t say anything.


    A long time later, Xu Qing sighed.


    ¡°Senior Brother, please tell me the reason.¡±


    The captain laughed loudly and was extremely smug.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll tell you. However, don¡¯t forget the 50,000 spirit stones you owe me.¡± With that, the captain answered in one breath.


    ¡°It¡¯s said that the Extreme Heaven Dao Temple originated from the Extreme Heaven Dao Kingdom in the Extreme Heaven Era. However, there¡¯s very little history left behind by this Dao Kingdom. Only some forbidden zones have such Dao temples. The statues enshrined in the Dao temples are all the same. Many years ago, someone discovered that these Dao temples actually contain an extremely astonishing inheritance that when completely comprehended can be seen as an emperor-level cultivation art that all races can use.¡±


    ¡°However, the difficulty of comprehension is very high and it depends on fate. The saber techniques in every Dao Temple are different, so no one knows how many saber moves there are in this emperor-level inheritance. However, I heard that someone comprehended one saber move and some comprehended two to three saber moves. It seems that the one who comprehended the most is only six to seven saber moves.¡±


    ¡°However, no matter what, there¡¯s no doubt about its might. After comprehending more than three saber moves, it¡¯s comparable to a quasi-emperor-level divine ability. If it reaches six to seven saber moves, it¡¯ll definitely be an emperor-level divine ability.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a similar Extreme Heaven Dao temple in the center of a large ruin in the Phoenix Forbidden beside the Seven Blood Eyes. I¡¯ve tried to comprehend it before but I didn¡¯t succeed. You can go there to take a look when you have the chance later.¡±


    At this point, the captain¡¯s expression was a little strange as he continued.


    ¡°Also, once someone successfully comprehends the saber art in the Extreme Heaven Dao Temple, the Dao charm of the statue in that temple will dissipate. It will only form again after 30 years and the saber art in that statue can be comprehended again. So, it was impossible for you to succeed last night. It¡¯s not that I didn¡¯t tell you, but you didn¡¯t ask me. Actually, I was curious about what you were doing last night.¡±


    The veins on Xu Qing¡¯s forehead twitched.


    The captain coughed and spoke again.


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s not impossible to restore the Dao charm before this time. You just have to kill the person who comprehended the saber art in front of the statue they comprehended. This way, the charm of the statue will immediately recover and can be comprehended again.¡±

 Chapter 310 - 310 Haunting

    310 Haunting


    Hearing the captain¡¯s words, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    He looked at the statue in the temple. Only now did he know that this temple had such a background.


    Recalling that saber strike back then, Xu Qing gained even more insights.


    The captain sighed inwardly. He also knew that this kind of fortune wasn¡¯t as simple as taking a bite. Not only did it require comprehension, but it also required fate. Most importantly, this statue no longer had the spiritual charm. He couldn¡¯t possibly kill Xu Qing in exchange for an opportunity to comprehend it¡­


    Moreover, he felt that he might not be able to defeat Xu Qing anyway. This kid had hidden his strength deeply.


    Therefore, although he was extremely interested in this Extreme Heaven Saber, there was nothing he could do.


    It was dawn. Xu Qing didn¡¯t continue into the depths of the forbidden zone. Even with his current cultivation, he could still sense the malicious divine sense locked onto him.


    Hence, after Xu Qing stared at it a few times, he decisively chose to leave.


    ¡°The places with the Extreme Heaven Dao Temple are usually sealed with some great ferocious beasts and bizarre entities. Xu Qing, this forbidden zone near your house isn¡¯t simple.¡±


    The captain also sensed the divine sense lock from the depths of the forbidden zone. He looked into the distance meaningfully, his body emitting some cold air.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and soared into the air. He didn¡¯t plan to walk back. The captain smiled and also rose into the air. However, when he was in the air, he looked back many times at the Dao temple and then at the depths of the forbidden zone.


    In the sky deep in the forbidden zone, the fog was slowly flowing. It looked like a woman¡¯s black hair was fluttering in the sky. A dense resentment kept rising from the depths of the forbidden zone and fused into the clouds, causing her long hair to be even denser. From afar, it was as though this entire forbidden zone was a woman¡¯s head.


    ¡°I wonder what bizarre entity is sealed here. I really want to take a look¡­¡± The captain mumbled. He hesitated for a moment before turning and flying toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, where are you going next? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re returning to the sect just like that.¡± When he arrived beside Xu Qing, the captain stretched his back and took out an apple to eat as he spoke.


    ¡°I plan to find a black market to sell something.¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Selling things on the black market? Stolen goods?¡± The captain¡¯s eyes lit up.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and nodded.


    ¡°Let me take a look. Why don¡¯t you sell them to me? I love stolen goods the most.¡± The captain¡¯s interest was piqued. Xu Qing hesitated for a moment. He felt that it wasn¡¯t good to sell them to an acquaintance. Once it was discovered that the magic artifacts only had their shells left and would shatter with a little force, the other party would immediately find him.


    ¡°These items are suitable for the black market.¡± Xu Qing refused politely.


    ¡°Little Qing, you can¡¯t be so stingy. Isn¡¯t it the same whoever you sell the goods to? Are you looking down on me? I have money!¡± The captain glared.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was strange. He coughed and decided not to trick the captain. Hence, he didn¡¯t answer the other party¡¯s words and sped up, heading straight for Antler City¡¯s teleportation array.


    As for the black market he chose, he had already inquired from the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor before he came.


    In a place called the Lingyou City that was close to the Litu Sect¡¯s territory, the surrounding desolation was even worse than in the Red Plains. Hence, that place was also not valued by the various forces but it gathered ferocious people and gradually became a the black market trading center.


    As for the items he wanted to sell, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had absorbed most of their energy before using some method to make them look like there was no issue. Originally, Xu Qing didn¡¯t think of selling them either, but the expenditure to refine the little black bugs was really too large.


    Right now, he didn¡¯t have many spirit stones left, so Xu Qing thought of his magic artifacts¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ll return to the sect after selling them.¡± Xu Qing made up his mind. As he sped, he got closer and closer to Antler City and would reach it in another seven to eight minutes. However, Xu Qing suddenly stopped in mid-air and looked at the ground.


    On the ground, there was a convoy heading to Antler City.


    There were more than 30 completely black carriages in the convoy. Even the people sitting on the carriages and the guards in the surroundings were wearing black robes.


    The feeling the convoy gave off was gloom and killing intent. In this area, not many forces dared to provoke such a force.


    This was especially so since there was clearly a high-level Qi Condensation cultivator inside whose aura carried an extraordinary pressure. In addition, on a carriage in the middle, Xu Qing saw an old man.


    This old man¡¯s cultivation was at the Foundation Building realm but it hadn¡¯t reached the level of igniting his life fire to activate the Mystic Brilliance Form. In Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, the magic power fluctuations on the other party¡¯s body looked to be about 15 to 16 opened magic apertures.


    As for the other carriages, outsiders might not be able to sense them but they were clearly visible in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Every carriage was a cage that imprisoned scavengers.


    There were men and women, and most of them were children. All of them were unconscious. There were some adults who were awake but their expressions were dispirited and their bodies were without strength. They lay in the cage with despair in their eyes.


    ¡°Night Dove is really annoying. It¡¯s like a lingering ghost which can¡¯t be killed no matter what you do.¡± The captain also saw the convoy on the ground and said in disgust.


    ¡°Is it because the demand for treasure-nurturers is very high that we can¡¯t kill them completely?¡± Xu Qing coldly looked at the convoy below and asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. The Nanhuang Continent¡¯s demand for treasure-nurturers mainly comes from Purple Earth and the Litu Sect. However, in overseas¡­ especially the Wanggu Continent, their demand for treasure-nurturers is even greater.¡±


    ¡°After all, not only do magic treasures need treasure-nurturers to absorb anomalous substances, but also some magic treasure fragments and high-level magic artifacts. Similarly, they also need people¡¯s lives to clean them. There are many transactions done secretly even in the Seven Sects Alliance.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, using the lives of many treasure-nurturers will have an even better effect in nurturing the treasures, so all the races are involved in their transactions. The human race in the Nanhuang Continent more or less has some traces of bloodline of Purple Green Kingdom, so using them to nurture treasures has outstanding results.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, Night Dove is extremely active in the Nanhuang Continent,¡± the captain said gloomily.


    Xu Qing fell silent and looked at the convoy below. At the next instant, the black iron stick whistled out from the shadow behind him.


    As thunder rumbled, the black iron stick descended like a bolt of black lightning and passed through the necks of the black-robed Night Dove members.


    These Qi Condensation Night Doves couldn¡¯t dodge at all. In fact, they couldn¡¯t even see it clearly before they met their ends.


    From afar, one could only see a black line swimming between the carriages, and blood spurting out of bodies. Even the Foundation Building old man couldn¡¯t react in time and was instantly pierced.


    However, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor didn¡¯t kill him. He brought the old man¡¯s body before Xu Qing.


    The old man was shivering, his eyes revealing unprecedented horror.


    In his eyes, Xu Qing and the captain, who had changed their appearances, emitted terrifying fluctuations that affected the surroundings and distorted his vision. In his perception, the two people in front of him could destroy his body and soul with a finger.


    After all, although they were all at the Foundation Building realm, the difference was too great.


    ¡°Seniors, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Where is your convoy going?¡± Xu Qing coldly asked.


    The old man hesitated for a moment and impatience appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s face. Just as he was about to interrogate him, the captain smiled.


    ¡°Let me do it.¡± With that, he lifted his right hand and grabbed at the air. Immediately, countless cold air gathered into a needle. Under the horror of the old man, it pierced into his body and slowly circulated through it.


    The pain brought about by this wandering didn¡¯t last long before the old man collapsed and told them everything he knew truthfully.


    They weren¡¯t the only ones dispatched by Night Dove this time. All the Night Dove members in the Nanhuang Continent had received orders from their superiors to secretly send the goods in their hands to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    He also told them that it wouldn¡¯t be long before the major client came to the Seven Blood Eyes from afar. The other party wanted a large number of goods.


    There were many such convoys in the entire Nanhuang Continent, and they were all thinking of ways to head to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    When Xu Qing heard this news, a ferocious glint flashed in his eyes.


    He was disgusted. The captain also narrowed his eyes. With a wave of his hand, the old man¡¯s entire body trembled and exploded, turning into blocks of ice that landed on the ground, his body and soul destroyed.


    ¡°Looks like the Homicide Department will have some work to do. However, I¡¯m curious. Who is the big client he mentioned? Does coming from afar mean he is an outsider?¡± The captain fell silent and looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak but the ferocity in his eyes was intense. He waved his hand and the cages in the carriages below opened. Everyone inside woke up and regained their freedom.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother too much. They had only met by chance, and he had only made a move because he hated Night Dove. He continued onward to Antler City with the captain. The two of them quickly teleported away and headed for Lingyou City.


    Lingyou City, which was located at the edge of the Litu Sect¡¯s territory, was the opposite of the desolate environment in the surroundings. This small city was quite lively and had no order. Hence, it was often a place that wanted criminals and desperadoes liked.


    This caused this city to be filled with chaos, and there were many Foundation Building cultivators here. Even Golden Cores appeared occasionally. Most of them were here to trade shady items.


    Generally speaking, those who dared to come here to trade were usually people with some confidence in themselves. In addition, although this city was chaotic, it didn¡¯t mean that it was filled with endless killings. As long as the visitors didn¡¯t reveal their wealth, they could still move without problems here.


    This abnormal prosperity also caused the Lingyou City to be quite famous in the Nanhuang Continent, and various forces lived here.


    The survival of the fittest was the only rule here.


    Hence, when Xu Qing and the captain walked out of the teleportation array, what greeted them was many malicious gazes from the cultivators who were assessing their strength and value.


    Among them, there were also some children who lived in Lingyou City. They were also observing and waiting for cultivators who had come to Lingyou City for the first time. Such people would usually hire a native as a guide.

 Chapter 311 - 311 Sinister Artifacts

    311 Sinister Artifacts


    The black market was filled with all kinds of people. Even though the Seven Blood Eyes belonged to the top forces in the Nanhuang Continent, there were still many malicious intentions hidden in the dark.


    Xu Qing had always been cautious and he did not want the things he did in the black market to be exposed. Hence, not only was he more meticulous in his disguise, but he also hid his aura.


    The captain, who was an old fox, disguised himself even deeper than Xu Qing. He transformed into a hunchbacked old man. Although he looked sickly, he also looked like someone who could be provoked.


    In this regard, his disguise was much better than the skinny middle-aged man Xu Qing had transformed into.


    After walking out of the teleportation array, Xu Qing glanced at the captain. He felt that he had gained some more knowledge.


    The captain coughed hoarsely. After his gaze swept across the city, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°This place isn¡¯t bad. This old man also has some items to get rid of. We¡¯ll meet up here after we are done with our things.¡± The captain spoke and walked out. His gaze swept across the few children who were looking at him eagerly in the surroundings and casually chose a little boy.


    The little boy¡¯s eyes lit up and he quickly followed.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t choose a guide. He had the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was clearly familiar with the black market. Hence, Xu Qing expressionlessly walked into the distance. Some of the malicious and scrutinizing gazes behind him gathered on him. As Xu Qing left, more than half of these gazes dissipated but there were still a few strands that remained.


    ¡°Master, this is a brilliant plan. You must have known that there are many greedy people in the black market, so you deliberately let them target you. This way, we can gain additional benefits after selling everything.¡±


    ¡°I suggest that Master can reveal a little of his wealth later. As long as you control the degree of exposure, we can lure those trash Foundation Building cultivators without attracting Golden Cores.¡±


    ¡°Master, these hyenas are all very fat.¡±


    When the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor saw this, he spoke fawningly. He felt that his presence during this period of time was too low. On one hand, the captain was always around and it wasn¡¯t good for him to reveal himself. On the other hand, the little shadow had been showing signs of being arrogant recently.


    This made the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor very vigilant. He decided to deepen his role in Demon Xu¡¯s heart in the black market. He couldn¡¯t give Demon Xu the impression that he was trash.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept across the shops and people in the surroundings. There were many pedestrians here and most of them hid their identities. They wore large robes and masks that prevented others from seeing their appearances. Xu Qing didn¡¯t listen to the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s words and calmly replied.


    However, this simple response caused the incomparably sensitive Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s heart to tremble.


    ¡®When this Demon Xu only replied with one word to me previously, it represented displeasure. Was what I said just now wrong? Is Demon Xu not thinking of selling the items so easily? Is he dissatisfied with me because of this? No, I have to think of something. Otherwise, if this continues, this is a sign that he will use me as cannon fodder!!¡¯


    The intense sense of danger caused the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s heart to tremble as he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Master, I¡¯ve been thinking about it recently. If we sell the magic artifacts like this, we might not get a good price, so I have a good idea!¡±


    Xu Qing was about to enter an artifact refinement shop where there weren¡¯t many cultivators. When he heard this, he slowed down in surprise.


    ¡°We aboveboard people don¡¯t do underhanded things like selling these magic artifacts that look normal but will shatter by the slightest touch!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it. This characteristic can be our specialty. After all, the people here are very mixed and they have all kinds of thoughts. Many people don¡¯t buy things for themselves but buy them to scam others. In that case, our magic artifacts will be their first choice!¡±


    ¡°Therefore, we won¡¯t go to the shops. We¡¯ll set up a stall!¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor racked his brains and quickly spoke. After Xu Qing heard this, he fell silent for a moment and felt that it was fine.


    Moreover, the rarer an item was, the more valuable it was. To people with special needs, it might be a rare item. Hence, Xu Qing accepted the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s suggestion and left this place under his guidance, heading to the free market lane of Lingyou City.


    There were even more cultivators there with a mix of good and bad. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor familiarly guided Xu Qing to the management department here. He rented a stall and erected a huge wooden plank.


    There was no need for Xu Qing to do anything. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor controlled the black iron stick and wrote two large words on it in a flamboyant manner.


    Sinister Artifacts!


    Xu Qing raised his brows but didn¡¯t say anything. He sat down cross-legged and waited silently. He looked at the city square where there were people coming and going, and listened to the bustling sounds.


    After waiting for a long time, most of the people who passed by glanced over, but didn¡¯t stop. This made Xu Qing a little impatient.


    ¡°Master, calm down. I am confident in this. Back then, I went to many black markets to specially look for such items¡­ This kind of item is rare. I believe there should be many people like me.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor hurriedly spoke. He didn¡¯t notice that the shadow at the side had actually been squinting its eyes the entire time, staring at him as though it was facing a great enemy.


    At the same time, it was rapidly learning. After hearing the ancestor¡¯s words, it seemed to have come to a realization like it had learned something.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he didn¡¯t say anything and closed his eyes. Just like that, time flowed by. Amidst the anxiety of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, the time it took for an incense stick to burn passed. Suddenly, the eyes of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor lit up. Xu Qing also opened his eyes.


    A tall cultivator whose entire body was covered in a black robe and whose appearance couldn¡¯t be seen at all stopped in front of Xu Qing¡¯s stall. Their gaze landed on the words on the wooden board.


    ¡°How sinister?¡± A hoarse voice rang out from the robe.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say a word and threw out a jade slip. At the same time, he took out a fan magic artifact and placed it to the side.


    The black-robed caught the jade slip and fell silent after taking a closer look.


    The content of the jade slip was made by the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. It introduced the functions of this fan magic artifact in a comprehensive manner, and also mentioned that this item only had an outer shell left but it didn¡¯t affect its usage. Moreover, it was very difficult to detect any problems. Only when someone tried to use the artifact with more power during crucial times would it shatter.


    From the content of the jade slip, it seemed that the purpose of refining this magic artifact was to scheme against others.


    ¡°The price is not too ridiculous. Also, this magic artifact is a little interesting¡­¡± The black-robed man pondered and was very tempted. In the end, they took out a bundle of spirit tickets and handed it to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing took it and waved his sleeve. The fan magic artifact flew out and landed in the black-robed man¡¯s hand. From their stretched out hand, Xu Qing could tell that the other party was a young female cultivator.


    She grabbed the fan and checked it. Satisfied, she quickly left.


    Seeing that he had really sold it for a sum, Xu Qing was quite happy. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor also heaved a sigh of relief and transmitted his voice in a low voice.


    ¡°Master, don¡¯t worry. I understand this type of person too well. These magic artifacts could be considered special. They are worthless to many people. However, in the eyes of some people, they are a great way to trick people. Moreover, they are rarely seen and impossible to guard against. You just have to think of a way to make the enemy take this thing away. The other party won¡¯t even know how they died.¡±


    ¡°Not bad.¡± Xu Qing encouraged. These words made the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor excited.


    He had told the truth. The people in the black market weren¡¯t all here to buy for themselves. Many of them had their own stories. To them, such special sinister items were rare.


    Very soon, Xu Qing welcomed his second customer. This person didn¡¯t seem to be a human but a nonhuman. After checking Xu Qing¡¯s jade slip, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all and bought three in one go before leaving.


    Just like that, when dusk arrived, the eight magic artifacts Xu Qing had prepared were all sold.


    Xu Qing left the stall and walked through the market to find the captain and return to the sect.


    Although it was dusk, there were more cultivators moving in the market. As Xu Qing walked, his gaze swept across the surrounding stalls. Suddenly, his gaze froze and he stopped in his tracks, walking toward a stall at the side.


    There were no items on this stall. Only some words were carved on the wooden board at the side. There were two words inside that attracted Xu Qing¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Soul pill?¡±


    The stall owner was also wearing a black robe. It was impossible to tell if they were a man or a woman. They also wore a ghost face mask. When they noticed Xu Qing inquiring about the item, they lifted their heads and looked over coldly.


    ¡°100,000 spirit stones per pill.¡±


    Xu Qing frowned. He knew that soul pills were expensive. Regardless of whether it was refining artifacts, opening magic apertures with special cultivation techniques, or other evil techniques, this item would be useful. However, at such a price, unless the quality was acceptable, it wasn¡¯t worth it.


    As though he had guessed Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts, the vendor calmly spoke.


    ¡°The quality is okay. They were refined with Foundation Building souls.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. If they were refined with Foundation Building souls and there were enough of them, they would be helpful for him to open his magic apertures. He was only 11 magic apertures away from igniting the third ball of life fire.


    Xu Qing wanted to open these 11 magic apertures fast. Hence, he threw out a roll of spirit stone tickets. The vendor glanced at them and waved his hand, handing over a jade box.


    Xu Qing took it and opened it. After taking a glance, his pupils narrowed slightly.


    They were indeed Foundation Building souls. Moreover¡­ these Foundation Building souls belonged to the members of the Sea Corpse Race. There were also some Qi Condensation souls mixed in. They were also from the Sea Corpse Race.


    Xu Qing cast a deep glance at the stall owner but didn¡¯t see the captain¡¯s aura on him. In that case, if all of this person¡¯s soul pills were refined from the souls of the Sea Corpse Race members, there was a high chance that the other was a Seven Blood Eyes cultivator.


    Only the Seven Blood Eyes possessed so many souls of the Sea Corpse Race now.


    ¡°How many more?¡± Xu Qing asked. His right hand casually tapped the black iron stick.


    ¡°A lot.¡± The stall owner lifted his head and looked at Xu Qing with a cold and arrogant expression.


    Xu Qing pondered. A few breaths later, he made up his mind.


    ¡°I want 40!¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, the stall owner was also shocked. His arrogance was gone and his breathing became slightly hurried. He was clearly hesitating.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have that many here. Wait for me. I have other companions. We should be able to gather enough.¡±


    ¡°Sure. I bought so many, so you guys need to add some extra,¡± Xu Qing said seriously.


    The vendor was also a straightforward person. He nodded and transmitted his voice to his companions. Not long later, five to six cultivators dressed like him quickly arrived in the surroundings. After they got close, they sized up Xu Qing a few times.


    Among them, there was a tall cultivator with an extremely strong aura. He stared at Xu Qing for the longest time.


    Xu Qing also looked at them.


    A long time later, the tall cultivator chuckled softly.


    ¡°The Seventh Peak?¡±


    ¡°The First Peak?¡± Xu Qing calmly asked.


    The tall cultivator smiled again and stopped asking. He took out a storage bag and tossed it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°43!¡±


    After Xu Qing took it and checked it, he handed the spirit tickets he obtained for selling the magic artifacts and turned to leave.


    After he left, these black-robed men looked in the direction Xu Qing had left in. The vendor spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Second Senior Brother, who is this kid from the Seventh Peak? The sect¡¯s rewards haven¡¯t been issued yet. Why is he so rich?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say. That group of people from the Seventh Peak all like to hide their cards¡­ We¡¯ll investigate later. If he¡¯s so rich, he might need a Dao Protector, right? When the time comes, we will just make him pay up a lot of money to hire us. Recently, there have been fewer fat sheep. I believe he¡¯ll definitely hire us generously.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this first. Let¡¯s hurry up and sell our things. The war is about to end. After selling all of our stuff, we probably won¡¯t have to continue going to the battlefield.¡±

 Chapter 312 - 312 Storm Is Coming

    312 Storm Is Coming


    ¡°There is the highness of the First Peak among them. I wonder how many highnesses there are.¡± Xu Qing walked out of the city square and walked in the darkness. He then thought of the few people from before.


    Although they tried their best to hide their auras, Xu Qing could sense sword qi from them that was similar to Wu Jianwu¡¯s. To outsiders, it might be difficult to tell but Xu Qing had chased after Wu Jianwu for so long and had a very good understanding of his cultivation art¡¯s aura.


    Earlier, when the other party was alone, the feeling wasn¡¯t very strong. However, after they all came together, that feeling couldn¡¯t go wrong.


    ¡°They can still return in wartime¡­¡± Xu Qing fell into deep thought and thought of the captain¡¯s words earlier, as well as the news of interference of the Seven Sects Alliance at the frontline before he left the sect.


    He already had a guess.


    ¡°Looks like the war is really about to end.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s heartbeat sped up a little. He had been waiting for the war to end as the sect would distribute the rewards after the war.


    He was really feeling poor now. He had just obtained spirit stones and used them to buy the soul pills. Although he had a share in Port 176, it wasn¡¯t time for dividends.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to be rich soon.¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath and quickly walked toward the teleportation array. On the way, he transmitted his voice to the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    ¡°Did you record the scene of the transaction earlier?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it was recorded completely. I was thinking that Master should need this evidence. When you knocked on me, I understood immediately,¡± the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor said excitedly.


    Xu Qing was satisfied. He didn¡¯t want to do anything but he felt that the First Peak¡¯s highnesses were being sneaky. Hence, he recorded it for future use.


    After putting down these thoughts, Xu Qing continued forward.


    In the dark night, other than some specific places, there were fewer pedestrians. The gazes that were hidden in the dark gathered on Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with it. Even when he arrived at the teleportation array, he didn¡¯t encounter any robbery. This made Xu Qing feel some regret.


    ¡°Those who come here aren¡¯t fools. Most of them wouldn¡¯t do something they aren¡¯t confident in.¡± Xu Qing shook his head. When he arrived beside the teleportation array, he didn¡¯t see the captain, so he took out a jade slip and transmitted his voice.


    ¡°Little Qing, you can go back first. I saw some fun guys here. Haha, the few highnesses of the First Peak are actually secretly selling some war resources. I¡¯ve decided to take a photo and give it to Uncle-Master to see if I can extort something.¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head. He felt that the captain was the same as the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. They were both too despicable, unlike him. He never personally got involved in such things, so his mind was always clear.


    He entered the teleportation array and left.


    The night of the Seven Blood Eyes was as usual. The bright moon was in the sky and a cold wind blew.


    At first glance, the night in the main city looked very quiet but there were still many cultivators moving around. Some of the various forces in the depths of the alleys were fighting and the killings between disciples were common even in wartime.


    However, all of this had nothing to do with Xu Qing. He had completely climbed out of the bottom level and relied on his killings to reach his current level step by step.


    Xu Qing moved very fast. He also saw members of the Homicide Department patrolling at night, and passed by Panquan Road.


    He paused slightly here.


    The inn had been closed for a long time.


    For some reason, Xu Qing thought of the large snake in the inn.


    Very soon, Xu Qing retracted his thoughts and left Panquan Road, returning to his berth at Port 176. He put down the magic ship and walked into the cabin. He then took out the soul pills.


    After checking again and confirming that there was nothing wrong, he burned a pill with fiendish fire and fused it into his body. Very soon, the soul power contained in his soul pill gathered in his body.


    It charged toward the 80th magic aperture.


    If one wasn¡¯t enough, he would use four. If it still wasn¡¯t enough, then he would use ten!


    Not long later, an explosion seemed to occur in Xu Qing¡¯s body and the magic power fluctuations were intense. His 80th magic aperture was finally opened.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop and continued to refine the remaining soul pills. Two hours later, when Xu Qing refined all 43 Soul Pills, his magic apertures had opened to 83!


    Right now, he was only seven magic apertures away from the third ball of life fire!


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that the difference between the soul pills of the First Peak and the one given by Lord Sixth is too great. After all, the level of the souls refined are different.¡± Xu Qing sighed with emotion and even more anticipation.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be long before I can form the third ball of life fire. At that time¡­¡± Xu Qing¡¯s heartbeat sped up slightly. He felt that once his third ball of life fire was formed, his combat strength would reach an extremely astonishing level.


    ¡°With the life lantern, I will have the power of four fires. Coupled with the Golden Crow Refines All Life, I will reach the level of five fires and be able to suppress all Foundation Building cultivators. The prerequisite is¡­ that the other party doesn¡¯t have a life lantern!¡±


    Xu Qing took out the two wish boxes from his storage bag. After checking them, he continued to pour magic power into them, continuing to nurture them.


    ¡°They are almost ready.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s mood turned better. However, he soon thought of Night Dove which he had seen on the way back and killing intent flashed in his eyes.


    However, he was only the director of the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department. Moreover, he had snatched the other peaks¡¯ Homicide Departments¡¯ prisoners to study the little black bugs, so it will be very difficult for them to cooperate with him on this matter. Hence, Xu Qing took out the voice transmission jade slip and pondered for a moment before transmitting his voice to Lord Sixth.


    He reported the matter of him encountering Night Dove on the way. He then waited for Lord Sixth¡¯s instructions.


    Not long later, Lord Sixth sent an answer.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯ll allow you the special right to lead the various peaks¡¯ Homicide Departments to clean up Night Dove. If you encounter any powerful forces, you can look for me!¡±


    Lord Sixth paid Xu Qing special attention. In Lord Sixth¡¯s view, Xu Qing¡¯s question was like a child asking his elder. Since Xu Qing wanted to do this, he naturally supported him.


    ¡°Thank you, Lord Sixth.¡± Xu Qing solemnly transmitted his voice. He could also hear the meaning in Lord Sixth¡¯s words and was grateful.


    In the next few days, Xu Qing sent an official document to the Homicide Departments of the other peaks, requesting them to assist the Seventh Peak in examining all the ships in the ports.


    They also had to investigate all the people using the teleportation arrays.


    There was already hatred between Night Dove and the Homicide Departments. Hence, regardless of whether it was in terms of reason or official document, there was no reason to refuse. In addition, Night Dove was very rich. The Homicide Departments knew this very well.


    Just like that, as Xu Qing¡¯s official document spread out, all the members of the Homicide Departments moved. They checked the entire city, especially the ports and teleportation arrays.


    Night Dove members who had arrived at the Seven Blood Eyes were found out and caught by the Homicide Departments. The other Night Dove members had no choice but to conceal themselves even more deeply. As for the prisons of the Homicide Departments, they were starting to be filled again.


    While this operation started, a major news spread throughout the entire sect and caused a commotion in the Forbidden Sea.


    The war between the Seven Blood Eyes and the Sea Corpse Race was over!


    The reason why it ended was because the Seven Sects Alliance forcefully interfered and stopped the Seven Blood Eyes from continuing to attack after they occupied half of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory.


    Although there had been rumors about this before, it still made the Seven Blood Eyes angry. According to their current pace, they would have completely destroyed the Sea Corpse Race in half a year at most.


    At such a moment, the Seven Sects Alliance appeared to stop them. Moreover, their attitude was domineering. Xue Lianzi was furious, but he could only obey.


    After all, on the surface, the Seven Blood Eyes was still a branch of the Seven Sects Alliance. Even Xue Lianzi couldn¡¯t refuse the main sect¡¯s order. However, the Seven Blood Eyes didn¡¯t give up on the benefits that should be obtained.


    Xu Qing heard the rumors in the sect that Ancestor Xue Lianzi had given the Sea Corpse Race four conditions for the truce.


    The first condition was that all the areas that were conquered belonged to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The second condition was that the Sea Corpse Race had to give 100 billion spirit stones as war compensation.


    The third condition was that the Sea Corpse Race had to hand over eight ancestral corpse statues, excluding the Seventh Ancestral Corpse Statue without a nose.


    The fourth condition was that all cultivators at the Golden Core and above realm of the Sea Corpse Race would be grounded for a hundred years, and the Sea Corpse Race also had to send their Sequences as hostages.


    The Sea Corpse Race naturally didn¡¯t agree. Hence, this truce storm continued for another half a month. During this time, the Seven Sects Alliance forcefully mediated many times. The results of each mediation would be transmitted to the sect.


    It was only after the final mediation half a month later that they reached an agreement.


    The Sea Corpse Race gave two sub-islands, 30% of their territories, 80 billion spirit stones, and cultivators at and above the Golden Core Realm were grounded for 60 years.


    As for the ancestral corpse statues, they were the foundation of the Sea Corpse Race. They argued about this the most and in the end, agreed to give two. This was the limit.


    The Seven Blood Eyes agreed to this. With this, the war between the two races that had been going on for more than a year came to an end. When the ancestor and the others returned, the Seven Blood Eyes held a grand celebration.


    The sect issued a decree that this celebration would last for three months.


    During these three months, allies and envoys from various races would come to congratulate them one after another. One could imagine that their arrival would definitely allow the economy of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ports to quickly recover to the previous state or even advance.


    As such, the entire Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city was extremely lively.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t participate in this commotion. Every day, other than cultivating, nourishing the wish boxes and studying the little black bug, most of his energy was spent on making arrangements for the Homicide Department to search for Night Dove.


    Xu Qing hated Night Dove. Since he knew that they were coming to the Seven Blood Eyes, he was prepared to heavily damage this organization. Moreover, they had many people which he could use to rear the little black bugs and then refine their souls.


    Hence, while Xu Qing cultivated, he also screened for Night Dove. A few days later, the first batch of envoys from the nonhuman races arrived.


    Among this group of outsiders, there was an azure-robed old woman. Her appearance caused the weather to change and her aura soared into the sky. The Seven Blood Eyes was shaken and prepared an extravagant welcoming ceremony. Ancestor Xue Lianzi personally came out to welcome her.


    ¡°Welcome, Fellow Daoist Dongyou, to my Seven Blood Eyes!¡±


    This old woman was the Island Lord of Dongyou Island, Esteemed Master Dongyou. She was also the grandmother of the black-clothed girl.

 Chapter 313 - 313 Mystic Nether Ancient Path

    313 Mystic Nether Ancient Path


    Xu Qing knew of Esteemed Master Dongyou¡¯s arrival immediately.


    Although the other party didn¡¯t land at Port 176, the entire Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Homicide Departments were currently under Xu Qing¡¯s leadership to capture and search for Night Dove. He was naturally well-informed.


    The matter of capturing Night Dove also eased the conflict between Xu Qing and the other peaks¡¯ Homicide Departments.


    After all, regardless of whether it was the contribution or benefits, they were both extremely high. Moreover, almost every time they captured a Night Dove member, they could obtain a lot of spirit stones.


    This was also the most important reason why the directors of the Homicide Departments of the other six peaks were willing to listen to Xu Qing¡¯s arrangements.


    Otherwise, even if Xu Qing¡¯s combat strength and reputation were great, they could still choose to not obey his instructions properly.


    After all, in this world, no one owed anyone anything.


    Even though Xu Qing was in the Sequence, it wasn¡¯t like the Sequences hadn¡¯t died for no reason before. They were all characters who had climbed out from the bottom of the sea of blood. To be able to be the director of a division, they didn¡¯t lack intelligence and had many tricks up their sleeves.


    However, in the face of benefits, they were all good friends, so it was reasonable for them to inform each other.


    When Xu Qing heard this news, he was very vigilant. However, he had already analyzed this matter, so although he was vigilant, it wasn¡¯t enough to affect his daily life.


    While Xu Qing was on guard, Xue Lianzi had already invited Esteemed Master Dongyou to the Fourth Peak.


    Xue Lianzi came from the Fourth Peak, so he usually resided on the Fourth Peak. After dispersing their subordinates, the two of them, whose cultivation had already reached the almighty realm, discussed serious matters.


    When the discussion ended, Esteemed Master Dongyou casually said.


    ¡°I heard that during this period of time, my little granddaughter made a friend called Xu Qing in the Seven Blood Eyes. Xu Qing seems to be a good kid. Let me give him a gift.¡± A faint smile appeared on Esteemed Master Dongyou¡¯s wrinkled face. She took out a jade box and handed it to Xue Lianzi.


    Xue Lianzi laughed and didn¡¯t pretend like he was ignorant. At their cultivation level, many things were handled very cleverly. For example, Esteemed Master Dongyou didn¡¯t ask any further about this, but the gift she gave already showed her stance.


    Xue Lianzi naturally was aware of it and took the gift. While the two were chatting, a whistling sound came from outside. Very soon, Yanyan, who had just been released, rushed in.


    After experiencing these periods of recuperation, she had already recovered from her previous injuries. Moreover, she didn¡¯t look aggrieved at all. At this moment, when she saw her grandmother, her eyes lit up. She quickly walked over and hugged Esteemed Master Dongyou¡¯s arm as she spoke in a coquettish voice.


    ¡°Grandma, why are you here?¡±


    Esteemed Master Dongyou¡¯s gaze landed on her granddaughter. She sensed that her granddaughter was fine, so she smiled slightly. However, her heart still ached when she thought of the hardships her granddaughter had suffered these few days. She was actually a little dissatisfied with Xu Qing. She gently touched Yanyan¡¯s head and was about to speak.


    However, Yan Yan spoke first and made an astonishing announcement.


    ¡°Grandma, I want to marry Xu Qing!¡±


    Esteemed Master Dongyou was stunned. She knew about her granddaughter¡¯s problem. Since she knew it clearly, she felt even more incredulous when she heard this sudden sentence.


    Xue Lianzi was also stunned. This had truly exceeded his expectations. He naturally knew that there was something wrong with this junior of his old friend¡¯s family, but he never expected that after being beaten up and locked up by Xu Qing for a few months, she would say such a thing as soon as she was released.


    ¡°I feel that in this world, only he is worthy of me. Grandma, I want to marry him. I won¡¯t marry anyone but him!!¡± Yanyan shook Esteemed Master Dongyou¡¯s arm with an unprecedented seriousness.


    ¡°Impudent. How dare you behave like this in front of your elders!¡± Seeing this, Esteemed Master Dongyou shouted. Yanyan lowered her head aggrievedly.


    Although Esteemed Master Dongyou said that, the shock she was feeling was intense. She looked at Xue Lianzi.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Xue, when you have time later, can you make some arrangements? This old woman wants to see that kid Xu Qing.¡±


    Xue Lianzi hesitated. He felt that this matter was a little strange, but if he could really facilitate this marriage, it wouldn¡¯t be bad. He laughed and nodded in agreement, but he didn¡¯t say the exact time.


    For some reason, this matter quickly spread in the sect. In just a day, it was known by all seven mountain peaks. Among them, Ding Xue had the greatest reaction and seemed like she was about to explode.


    As for Zhao Zhongheng, he was overjoyed.


    In addition, on the Second Peak, in Gu Muqing¡¯s cave abode, pills exploded a few times.


    Xu Qing naturally heard of it as well. He frowned and felt that this matter was a little ridiculous. Moreover, Xu Qing felt that such romantic relationships were a waste of cultivation time and there were no benefits to it.


    When he was young, he had heard the teacher mention something about the feelings between a man and a woman. However, up until now, he had never experienced it and didn¡¯t know what it was like.


    In his memories, the slums and scavenger campsites were mostly filled with people living alone.


    ¡°How baffling.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm, and there were no fluctuations in his heart.


    In the following days, he rejected Yanyan¡¯s request to meet many times.


    To Xu Qing, who was currently immersed in the refinement of the wish boxes and Night Dove¡¯s matter, time was very precious. He didn¡¯t want to care about some unimportant things and people.


    As time passed, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ports became extremely lively with the arrival of the foreign races¡¯ envoys and allies. It was also the first time that cultivators from the Wanggu Continent appeared in the Seven Blood Eyes!


    The cultivators who came from the Wanggu Continent were three women in long green dresses and veils.


    Their figures were graceful and there was a faint fog surrounding their bodies. Clearly, this was a cultivation art that was completely different from the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯.


    There was an immortal mountain embroidered on the long dress. It seemed to contain some Dao charm, causing them to give off the feeling that they were high and mighty.


    This was especially so since there were clearly very few anomalous substances in their bodies. Although there were some, they were so few that if one didn¡¯t sense them carefully, it was almost impossible to detect them at all.


    All of this attracted the attention of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples.


    Over the years, no one from the Wanggu Continent had come here. To the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples, the Wanggu Continent was filled with mysteries. In fact, many of them instinctively felt that the cultivators of the Wanggu Continent were superior.


    In reality, that was indeed the case. Regardless of whether it was in terms of spiritual energy, cultivation arts, outlooks, or orthodoxy, the Wanggu Continent surpassed the Seven Blood Eyes by a lot. The sects and cultivators there naturally had a transcendent attitude.


    Not only did these three women emit an ethereal aura, but there was also a fragrance coming from their bodies. Their bodies looked otherworldly and their cultivation levels were even more astonishing.


    Among these three, two women had opened about a hundred magic apertures. Clearly, they were going to break through to the fourth life fire.


    The third woman who was the tallest among them had opened 120 magic apertures which shone like starlight. Even though she hadn¡¯t entered the Mystic Brilliance Form, she still gave off the aura of the world being tempered by stars.


    Their arrival was like a resplendent moon, causing countless stars to dim. In an instant, they became the center of attention and a hot topic of discussion in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    As for the details, Xu Qing only knew them from the dossier and had not seen them in person.


    However, through the dossier, he knew that these three cultivators represented a faction called the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    The Seven Blood Eyes had also announced some secrets and information about the Wanggu Continent to the Foundation Building disciples.


    Usually, the sect wouldn¡¯t easily tell these things and most of the disciples didn¡¯t know much. However, at this moment, as the people from the Wanggu Continent arrived and the sect gave the information, a corner of the mysterious veil in the hearts of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples was lifted.


    The Wanggu Continent was vast and boundless. It was divided into several large regions. There were counties in the regions and provinces in the counties. There were thousands of races and bizarre entities everywhere.


    Almost no one could walk through the entire Wanggu Continent. This was almost impossible.


    Its size exceeded imagination.


    The origin of the human race was in the depths of the unbelievably majestic Wanggu Continent. It was extremely far from the Seven Blood Eyes.


    That place was the location of the imperial city established by the last ancient king of the human race. It was also a holy place for the human race on the Wanggu Continent.


    That ancient king¡¯s name was Mystic Nether.


    Not only did he suppress the myriad races and establish an era, but he also unified the Wanggu Continent. He also built a path that led from the Imperial City to the Forbidden Sea. This path passed through 37 large regions and spread to the seaside.


    Back then, it was known as the Mystic Nether Royal Road. Now that many eras had passed, its name had changed to the Mystic Nether Ancient Path.


    Myriad races had risen, and countless forbidden zones had been formed, and even though the human race had declined and lost a large territory, they had still retained this ancient path.


    The continuation of the human race also revolved around this ancient path.


    Over the years, seven human counties had formed on this ancient path. Sects were born and destroyed, rose and fell, and their overall strength was declining. However, even so, the human race, which had seven counties and a large imperial city, was still one of the powerful races in the Wanggu Continent.


    As for the seven counties of the human race on the Mystic Nether Ancient Path, they were in different large regions. The end point of the ancient path was the human race¡¯s seventh county. It was in the large region of Shenglan, close to the Forbidden Sea. It was called Fenghai County.


    It was a county but in reality, its size was extremely vast compared to the Seven Blood Eyes. It was divided into five provinces and the size of each province was about ten times larger than the Nanhuang Continent.


    Among them, the one closest to the Forbidden Sea was the Yinghuang Province.


    It was rumored that the Ancient King Mystic Abyss had attained the Dao overseas and landed here, starting his domineering ambition of unifying Wanggu. Hence, the name of this state1, and it continued to be used even now.


    In the Yinghuang Province, there were all kinds of forces and factions. There were even nonhuman races who set up camps and cities. After countless years of war and change, six forces were at the top and their names spread in all directions.


    They were respectively¡­


    Over a hundred small and medium-sized sects were scattered all over the province. The force led by the seven great sects among them ¨C Seven Sects Alliance.


    The Litu Sect fanatically revered the Ancient King Mystic Nether. They had carried out many crazy actions and stirred up a storm to offer sacrifices ¨C Litu Dao Altar.


    The native cultivators of the Yinghuang Province possessed a mysterious inheritance. In name, they were the leader of the Yinghuang Province ¨C Grand Affairs Immortal Sect!


    Countless bizarre entities were gathered in this place. They fed on flesh and blood and drank souls. Their ferocity made all cultivators feel fear and despair. They reared the human race in 137 cities where the corpses were strewn everywhere. The ground was covered in silt formed by rotting flesh and blood and other forces were helpless against them ¨C Three Spirits Suppression Mountain.


    As for the fifth faction, they were even more aloof. They almost never participated in any conflicts of interest in the Yinghuang Province. They gathered from all directions and lived around the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar left behind by an unknown half-step Sovereign many eras ago.


    This Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar was an inheritance. Its length towered into the clouds and very few people could truly reach the peak. It was said that those who reached the peak could obtain its inheritance.


    So far, there were only two people who had reached the peak. Countless names were engraved on the entire Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. Anyone who was qualified to engrave their names here would obtain the divine soul protection of Absolute Beginning Separation.


    It was a malevolent ghost with an unfathomable origin. It was covered in armor, wielded a huge blade, and supported two worlds on its shoulders. This ghost was a million feet tall and looked like the spirit of an evil god. It sat in the Yinghuang Province like a large mountain.


    The two worlds on its shoulder were the sixth force called the Nanyue Ghost Mountain. As for that evil god¡¯s spirit, it was known as the Nanyue Ghost Emperor.


    Other than that, there were many nonhuman race encampments and a large number of forbidden zones. There were also two forbidden regions that suppressed the surroundings and even spread dense anomalous substances every year.

 Chapter 314 - 314 Saintly Star

    314 Saintly Star


    As soon as the information about the Wanggu Continent was released, all the disciples in the Seven Blood Eyes were shocked. This feeling of lifting the veil made everyone feel as though their worldview had expanded.


    Xu Qing was the same. However, he thought more about it. The significance of the Seven Blood Eyes announcing this information at this moment was profound. It gave Xu Qing the feeling that they wanted their disciples to be prepared in advance.


    Xu Qing believed that he wasn¡¯t the only one who had such a feeling.


    That was indeed the case. After this news was made public, the Seven Blood Eyes disciples who had struggled out of the Gu-nurturing environment could feel many things in this information.


    This was even more so because the news announced by the sect briefly mentioned the other five forces as well, while the main focus was on the Seven Sects Alliance, one of the six major forces in the Yinghuang Province.


    The Seven Sects Alliance was a single entity formed by 137 sects of various sizes. It was led by the seven strongest sects.


    Hence, it was called the Seven Sects Alliance.


    The reason why these seven sects could be the leaders was not only because they had extremely powerful upper echelons, strong middle echelons, and a large number of bottom echelons, but also because of an extremely important reason.


    They were the only seven sects among the 137 sects that possessed taboo magic treasures.


    Magic treasures were not common even in the Wanggu Continent. Every one of them possessed earth-shattering might and unfathomable power. However, one had to be very cautious when using them because every time they used the magic treasures¡¯ main bodies, the magic treasures would be polluted. If they were used frequently, magic treasures would become useless.


    Therefore, not only did the possessor of the magic treasure have to control the number of times they used it, but they also had to nourish it at all times and remove the anomalous substances on it.


    As for taboo¡­ it was a term used when the level of magic treasures reached a certain level. Such magic treasures were much rarer. Moreover, any magic treasure that had reached the level of taboo possessed the power to destroy a sect.


    Only the forces with such a magic treasure with the power to destroy a sect could form the final deterrence against the other sects in the Yinghuang Province and obtain the qualifications to wield power.


    The rise of the seven sects came from not only their high-end combat strength but also the taboo magic treasures. This was also the reason why the Seven Sects Alliance became one of the six leading forces in the Yinghuang Province.


    The Seven Sects Alliance, which possessed seven taboo magic treasures, had the qualifications to cause great damage to the Litu Dao Altar, the Grand Affairs Immortal Sec, and the other forces.


    This qualification was status.


    As for the seven strongest sects in the Seven Sects Alliance, they were¡­ the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, the Spirit Dawn Valley, the Bizarre Hunting Sect, the Great Expansion Dao Palace, the Fate Pavilion, the Heavenly Treasure Sect, and the Mystic Nether Sect!


    In the following period of time, this information became a new topic of discussion that surpassed the heated discussion between the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples about the three female cultivators from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    In fact, Zhang San had even discussed it with Xu Qing through voice transmission. However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t very interested in it. His attention was all on the wish boxes.


    The wish box that was already half-nourished came from the young master of the merfolk race. As for the one he had obtained from Horse-Four, it had never been nourished at all.


    As such, there was still a long time before the latter could be opened. However, the former was already 98% to 99% nourished. Xu Qing felt that he would be able to open it in three to five days at most.


    ¡°I wonder what will be in this wish box¡­¡± Xu Qing was filled with anticipation, especially when he thought of the one Wu Jianwu had opened back then. It seemed very mysterious.


    ¡°What did he get?¡± Xu Qing was a little curious but he thought that it was impossible for that fool to tell him.


    Just like that, time flowed by. Every day, outsiders would arrive. On the fifth day, when Xu Qing¡¯s wish box was about to open, seven large ships arrived outside the Seven Blood Eyes.


    These seven large ships were extremely luxurious. They were thousands of feet long and had an imposing aura. In fact, upon closer inspection, one could tell that they were all formed from divine sea beasts that had been refined alive.


    Each of them had a different appearance. There was a divine mosasaur, terrifying jellyfish, sinister giant turtle¡­ There was even a three-clawed black-scaled dragon.


    Their appearance stirred up a storm that swept through the ports of the Seven Blood Eyes, causing countless boats to sway and the sea to churn, as though it was about to form a tsunami.


    They were majestic and horrifying. Amidst the rumbling, they broke through the sea and arrived.


    They even ignored the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ protective array and rushed into the port. What was especially shocking was that the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array actually lost its effect on them.


    It was as though in the judgment of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation, the cultivators who arrived had higher authority.


    On this day, for the first time in all these years, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples saw someone rushing in without informing the sect. The sect also maintained a rare silence.


    The seven large ships entered seven ports. The people who alighted from six of the seven ships were all emitting boundless light, as though they could replace the brilliance of the sky.


    These were the ships of the Seven Sects Alliance. The people who alighted from them were the envoys of the seven sects who had come to visit the Seven Blood Eyes. They were also the various heaven¡¯s chosen of this generation of the seven sects.


    There were men and women among them, and none of them were old. Their clothes were luxurious and extraordinary, and their auras were peerless. All of them were emitting dazzling light and their auras emitted incomparable might.


    Shockingly, they all had four life fires!


    All of them had 120 opened magic apertures in their bodies that were like shining stars, causing everyone who saw them to feel their hearts tremble. It was inevitable for the observers to feel inferior.


    They were like true divine children who had descended to the mortal world.


    The six people who walked down from the six large ships were already outstanding geniuses. However, after they walked out, they all looked at the huge three-clawed black-scaled dragon.


    The three-clawed black-scaled dragon roared at the sky. As its voice rumbled in all directions like thunder, its head gently landed and touched the ground of the harbor, opening a gap between its brows.


    A youth wearing a golden imperial robe with a golden silk sash around the waist and a jade-gilded crown on his head with his black hair tied up in it walked out of the crack step by step with endless splendor.


    This figure¡¯s slender body was straight and his calm face revealed innate nobility. When he walked out, the six heaven¡¯s chosen who were like divine children lowered their heads to him.


    It was as though he was beyond their grasp.


    As he walked over, rainbow light transformed into a canopy above his head and the sound of wind whistling rang in his surroundings. This canopy was actually a Rainbow Wind Song Lantern!


    This lantern was extremely resplendent with its rainbow light and emitted monstrous might that shook the surroundings. It caused shocking waves in the hearts of countless spectators.


    ¡°Life lantern!¡±


    Someone exclaimed. At the next instant, more people exclaimed and the sound continued to spread, becoming increasingly intense.


    That Rainbow Wind Song Lantern was none other than¡­ the legendary life lantern!


    As for this youth with the life lantern, he had opened 120 magic apertures. There was also the shadow of a strange bird with a green body and red tail behind him, emitting a sense of suppression.


    It was the phantom of an emperor-level cultivation art!


    All of this gathered into an earth-shattering aura. Coupled with the power of the life lantern, it actually showed signs of suppressing all the heaven¡¯s chosen.


    This person was none other than the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of this generation of the Seven Sects Alliance, Chu Shengyun from the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect.


    Although he wasn¡¯t in the Golden Core realm, he could win against a Golden Core. Hence, his grandfather, the ancestor of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, bestowed him the Dao title of Saintly Star!


    He was the first of the Sequences of Soaring Cloud Sword Sect and great expectations had been placed on him to walk the path of ancient sovereigns and rulers1.


    He had an extremely high status in the Seven Sects Alliance as well. He was a peerless genius nurtured by the Seven Sects Alliance to match the Dao Children of the other five forces.


    He was also the only cultivator among the countless disciples of the Seven Sects Alliance who possessed a life lantern and an emperor-level cultivation art at the same time.


    Not only did this person have an extraordinary aura, but his appearance was also extraordinary. His fair and sculpted face revealed sharpness and looked like everyone was below him. His appearance could actually compare to Xu Qing.


    However, he looked at others with indifference, like they were all ants.


    This was different from Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was as calm as an old lake. When he looked at people, he only looked at their necks.


    The tsunami and the pressure the ships formed swept through the ports, causing waves on the surface of Port 176 where Xu Qing was. This caused Xu Qing, who was nurturing the wish box, to frown slightly.


    He sensed the pressure outside and stood up. He walked out of the cabin and looked in the direction of the First Port in the distance. With his cultivation, he could clearly see those heaven¡¯s chosen who had arrived. He also saw this great heaven¡¯s chosen whose entire body was shining with light. He also saw the Rainbow Wind Song Lantern above his head and the strange bird with a green body and red tail.


    The moment he saw the Rainbow Wind Song Lantern, Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook violently and a deep glint appeared in his eyes.


    When he saw the strange bird with a green body and red tail, the Golden Crow totemic tattoo on his back emitted a burning intent, as though it wanted to manifest and suppress the strange bird.


    To be able to cause the Golden Crow to have such a reaction, Xu Qing immediately understood that the phantom of the strange bird should also be an emperor-level cultivation art.


    This was the first time Xu Qing had seen someone with a life lantern and an emperor-level cultivation art like him.


    Xu Qing cast a deep glance before retracting his gaze and entering the cabin.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care who the other party was or how all the attention seemed to be on him. He would only remember the latter if the latter showed killing intent toward him.


    Everything happening in the outside world was less important than the wish box!


    Xu Qing sat down and lowered his head to look at the metal chunk in front of him. His breathing became slightly hurried and intense anticipation appeared in his eyes.


    Unlike those strange actions Wu Jianwu performed before opening the wish box back then, Xu Qing didn¡¯t do anything. He only took a deep breath and closed his eyes to calm his emotions. The instant he opened his eyes, his right hand waved slightly on the metal chunk.


    Crack!


    This wish box that came from the previous era and was left for future generations opened in front of Xu Qing!


    Xu Qing looked at it. At the next instant, his eyes revealed an intense light and his breathing became slightly hurried.


    There were two items in the wish box.


    One was a black-colored medicinal pill.


    The other was a jade slip that had slightly blackened!

 Chapter 315 - 315 Poison Shakes the World and Restriction Exterminates All Ages!

    315 Poison Shakes the World and Restriction Exterminates All Ages!


    Xu Qing stared at the wish box as a strange glint appeared in his eyes.


    Previously, he had heard from Wu Jianwu that all kinds of items might appear in the wish box. The good ones could be an emperor-level inheritance, and the bad ones might be just dry leaves.


    It all depended on luck.


    And on this first opening, there was a medicinal pill and a jade slip. According to Xu Qing¡¯s understanding, this could already be considered extremely good luck.


    He calmed his emotions and was about to pick up the jade slip to take a look.


    However, at this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s expression suddenly changed. He closed the wish box and isolated the aura inside, but his entire body was already turning black at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    ¡°Poison?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    It wasn¡¯t just his skin and flesh, even his internal organs looked like they were about to rot. What surprised Xu Qing was that he didn¡¯t feel any pain.


    There was no abnormality at all. It was as though the blackening and rotting were all an illusion. In fact, even his instincts and the magic power in his body didn¡¯t sense anything.


    However, regardless of whether it was seeing them or his understanding of the Dao of Poison, he was certain that the poison he was poisoned with was extraordinary.


    ¡°What poison is this¡­¡± As Xu Qing mumbled, the flesh on his face began to fall off, bringing with it a large amount of blood. Not only his face but also his entire body was melting.


    Even so, he still didn¡¯t feel anything.


    Xu Qing observed his body. The entire process lasted for about fifteen minutes. Under the recovery powers of the purple crystal, although Xu Qing¡¯s entire body was rotting, his recovery was equally fast.


    Just like that, the rotting intent dissipated. After about another fifteen minutes, purple light curled around Xu Qing¡¯s body and he began to recover bit by bit. An hour later, his body returned to normal.


    Xu Qing held his breath and looked at the wish box. A dark glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°This is a poison pill?¡±


    ¡°A poison pill that has been sealed for countless years. Just the aura it emits can destroy one¡¯s body and soul¡­¡± Xu Qing thought for a moment and opened the wish box again.


    Even with the purple crystal, the effect of the poison was still so astonishing. Xu Qing didn¡¯t dare to directly pick up the poisonous pill. He was worried that the recovery speed of the purple crystal would be slower than the poison spreading. That would be dangerous.


    However, his attainments in the Dao of Poison weren¡¯t shallow and he knew how to deal with such a matter. After pondering for a moment, he looked at the opened wish box. After a while, he closed it and the rotting of his body began again.


    ¡°Normally, if one is poisoned too many times, they will produce a certain amount of resistance to poison.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and didn¡¯t care about the rotting of his body. He grabbed a large number of medicinal herbs from the medicine shelf at the side and began to concoct medicinal pills according to the state of his body.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know the main ingredients of this poison, so he couldn¡¯t detoxify it. What he was going to do was to treat the symptoms. Since this poison caused rotting, he would make qi, and blood medicine to ease it.


    Very soon, the medicinal liquid was formed and Xu Qing swallowed it in one gulp. After this wave of poison dissipated, he repeated the same thing and opened the wish box. He continued this until dawn when his body finally produced some resistance to the poison.


    Only then did he wear his gloves and carefully take out the jade slip. He infused his magic power into it. An ancient voice that carried some weakness echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°What is the Great Dao?¡±


    ¡°All 3,000 Great Dao can lead to deification. Is there poison Dao among them?¡±


    ¡°The people of the world disdain evil and poison. Could such unorthodox methods lead one to greatness?¡±


    ¡°I once thought so too. I spurned the poison art until I killed a nonhuman that walked out of a Divine Realm one day. This cultivator¡¯s combat strength was astonishing and the Dao he cultivated was incomparably sinister. Before he died, he stared at me with a vicious gaze, causing my cultivation to fall by a realm day by day. Ten days later, I turned into a mortal and experienced 60 years of pain and torture in the mortal world. I used countless treasures before I finally got my life back. I also refined this poison from my body and turned it into a pill.¡±


    ¡°From then on, I studied this pill until the calamity descended. I was unsuccessful in my research and am leaving it for the later generations.¡±


    ¡°This pill is poison and also restriction! If a high-level cultivator obtains it, do not use it yourself; otherwise, you will be consigned to eternal damnation and certain death. A low-level Heavenly Palace Golden Core cultivator can use this poison pill to replace the golden core in their Heavenly Palace to become a poison cultivator who walks a different path from the others.¡±


    ¡°Only then can their soul be changed and walk the path of this restriction pill!¡±


    ¡°According to my deduction, on the path of the restriction pill, one can use poison to shake the world and restriction to destroy all ages. It is a terrifying and unpredictable method of the Divine Realm. In the end, the Divine Realm became the great enemy of all races!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred greatly as he stared at the jade slip. At this moment, his body once again showed signs of rotting.


    He closed his eyes and silently recalled the contents of the jade slip. The purple crystal was also flickering, resisting the poison in his body.


    Just like that, the day passed and night fell. When the bright moon hung in the sky, Xu Qing opened his eyes.


    While his body was constantly resisting the strange poison, his resistance to poison had increased a little. Hence, he carefully opened the wish box again and stared at the black pill.


    Even though he was wearing gloves, Xu Qing still didn¡¯t dare to touch it.


    ¡°This is a peerless poisonous pill from the previous era. It¡¯s not for people to eat but to refine it and turn it into one¡¯s Golden Core.¡±


    A sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he observed carefully. During this time, he closed the box many times. After his body recovered and adapted, he opened it again and continued to study it.


    It was only when the sky was bright that Xu Qing finally got some information after studying it many times overnight.


    In his opinion, this poison pill was a Great Dao opportunity and also an opportunity for the Golden Core realm. Moreover, it was completely different from the Golden Core realm in this era. Once he really used this pill to cultivate, his lethality would definitely be astonishing.


    However, the process was extremely dangerous and difficult.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought as he recalled the description in the jade slip. Although he wasn¡¯t at the Golden Core Realm now, it wasn¡¯t too far away.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that this pill is only a semi-finished product. Moreover, it has experienced the baptism of time and is showing signs of exhaustion¡­¡±


    With Xu Qing¡¯s attainments and understanding of poison, he could naturally tell that this black-colored poisonous pill was already in a withered state. If he wanted it to reach the level where it could be used, he would have to refine it again.


    Moreover, this refining process depended on the level of his research and understanding of this pill.


    ¡°Refining this poison pill and activating it will require a large amount of poison!¡± Xu Qing sealed the wish box and carefully stored it before heaving a sigh of relief. His heart was filled with anticipation.


    He felt that the items he obtained from the wish box this time would definitely be considered superior.


    This made him even more interested in the other wish box that had yet to be fully nourished.


    ¡°I wonder when the war rewards will be distributed.¡± If he wanted to refine this pill, he needed a large number of spirit stones to buy all kinds of poisonous grass. This made Xu Qing, who was short of money, start to think about the war rewards.


    However, the Sea Corpse Race hadn¡¯t delivered the war compensation yet, so the sect didn¡¯t distribute the rewards. Xu Qing took out his identity jade slip to check the sect news for the past few days.


    With that glance, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes instantly narrowed.


    During these few days, he was immersed in his research on the Poison Restriction Pill and didn¡¯t pay attention to the outside world. He didn¡¯t know that in these few days, a few major events had happened in the sect that shocked all the disciples.


    This major event was related to the heaven¡¯s chosens from the Seven Sects Alliance!


    The heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance had arrived aggressively a few days ago. Their arrival had already attracted the attention of the disciples of the various peaks of the Seven Blood Eyes. The way they appeared and their peerless aura were even more eye-catching.


    The next day, the heaven¡¯s chosens of the seven sects began to challenge the various highnesses of the Seven Blood Eyes one after another like it was their mission!


    It was as though they were establishing their might!


    The Soaring Cloud Sword Sect¡¯s Saintly Star was even more prominent. As the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of this generation of the Seven Sects Alliance and the first of the Sequence, he could suppress all cultivators of the same realm.


    His reputation was so great that not only did it spread in the Yinghuang Province, but it also spread to the other provinces in Fenghai County. The peak he challenged was the First Peak.


    The First Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes came from the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect that the Saintly Star was from.


    On that day, Saintly Star ascended the First Peak and greeted the ancestor and the First Peak¡¯s Peak Lord. He then proposed a challenge to the First Peak¡¯s first highness.


    However, the first highness of the First Peak was in closed-door cultivation to break through to the Golden Core realm and couldn¡¯t take the challenge. Hence, the second highness of the First Peak, who was at the perfected Foundation Building realm, accepted the challenge.


    In this battle, Saintly Star only used one strike to shatter all the bones in the second highness¡¯ body and cripple most of his cultivation base.


    Even the Golden Core elder couldn¡¯t prevent it. After colliding with Saintly Star in the air, he was blasted back by almost 1,000 feet.


    This scene shocked the entire Seven Blood Eyes. When Saintly Star attacked the Golden Core elder, he activated all four balls of life fire and lit his life lantern, forming the combat strength of five fires. Coupled with his emperor-level cultivation art, he actually reached the astonishing combat strength of six fires.


    This combat strength was already a legendary realm among Foundation Building cultivators. Countless people could only dream of it but couldn¡¯t reach it. He could be called one of the top outstanding talents among the Foundation Building cultivators of all races.


    The news of him possessing the potential of an ancient sovereign spread throughout the Nanhuang Continent because of this battle. It also caused the disciples of the various peaks of the Seven Blood Eyes to feel a sense of powerlessness.


    Too strong.


    The other heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance also challenged the peaks which came from their respective sects, but they didn¡¯t have Saintly Star¡¯s momentum of suppressing a peak alone.


    In these challenges, there was victory and defeat. However, overall, the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance were still superior. However, not all peaks were challenged. The Seventh Peak was not challenged at all.


    However, a single peak didn¡¯t represent the sect. Hence, the Seven Blood Eyes, which had been in celebration mood due to their victory against the Sea Corpse Race, felt aggrieved.


    These challenges were witnessed by the various races that came and went. The strength of the Seven Sects Alliance was also revealed.


    Anyone could see very clearly that the Seven Sects Alliance was here to teach the Seven Blood Eyes a lesson and establish their might!


    They weren¡¯t competing in high-end combat strength.


    This was because there was no need.


    Even though Xue Lianzi¡¯s talent was astonishing and he had unfathomable opportunities, and his cultivation had broken through from the Spirit Repository Realm to the Nihility Realm like any of the seven sects¡¯ ancestors, he was only one person.


    There were more than seven high-end combatants in the Seven Sects Alliance. Most importantly, these seven sects had taboo magic treasures!


    Therefore, the high-end combat strength was self-evident. As such, none of the higher-ups of the Seven Sects Alliance came this time. Instead, they sent out their respective heaven¡¯s chosen disciples. What they wanted was to suppress all the disciples of this generation of the Seven Blood Eyes and plant a seed in their hearts that they could not go against the Seven Sects Alliance.


    Xu Qing could see this clearly but this matter had nothing to do with him. He wasn¡¯t a highness. Although he had done something major and became a member of the Sequence, he wasn¡¯t the main perpetrator of that matter. With so many highnesses around, no one would care about him.


    Just like that, days passed. The heaven¡¯s chosens of the seven sects continued to challenge the peaks and their reputation rose rapidly, while the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples felt stifled. Late at night, Xu Qing, who was studying the poison pill, suddenly took out his jade ship. He had gotten a message from the Homicide Department.


    ¡°Sir, a large number of Night Doves have gathered at Port 79 to trade with someone. The buyer¡­ is suspected to be the heaven¡¯s chosen of the Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s Bizarre Hunting Sect¡¯s Sima Ling!¡±


    ¡°Sir, please decide how to deal with it!¡±

 Chapter 316 - 316 Domineering

    316 Domineering


    The Homicide Department had also sorted out the information of this heaven¡¯s chosen of the Bizarre Hunting Sect and transmitted it to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm as he read the message.


    ¡°Sima Ling, the current heaven¡¯s chosen of the Bizarre Hunting Sect. His cultivation level is at the Perfected Foundation Building Four Fires. He doesn¡¯t have a life lantern and has never grasped an emperor-level cultivation art. The cultivation art he cultivates is called the Seal Wraith Record.¡±


    ¡°This person has sealed many bizarre entities in his body. He is cruel and powerful, and heavily injured the third highness of the Third Peak. A few days ago, he fought equally with the first highness of the Third Peak and agreed to fight again tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°After investigation, this person is one of the major customers who gathered at the Seven Blood Eyes to trade with Night Dove.¡±


    ¡°Sir, how should we deal with this matter?¡±


    The light in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was restrained as he calmly transmitted his voice.


    ¡°Arrest them. If you encounter resistance, use force and kill them if necessary!¡±


    ¡°We obey Sir Director¡¯s order!¡±


    As Xu Qing gave the order, the seven Homicide Departments of the Seven Blood Eyes moved out one after another. Thousands of Homicide Department disciples headed straight for Port 79 in the darkness.


    Two groups were even led by their directors. They were the First Peak¡¯s Homicide Department and the Third Peak¡¯s Homicide Department. Clearly, the director of the Third Peak¡¯s Homicide Department was very dissatisfied with this heaven¡¯s chosen of the Bizarre Hunting Sect.


    Xu Qing also got up and walked out of the cabin. He put away the magic ship and stepped into the air, heading straight for Port 79.


    It was a night of bright moon. Although it was pitch-black, Port 79 was still considered bright due to the moonlight. In front of a berth on the port, there was a huge ship.


    This ship was a thousand feet long and looked like a giant in the night. There were carriages being transported onto the ship.


    On the port, one could see a youth in luxurious clothes standing there with his hands behind his back, coldly looking at the ship.


    This youth was about 27 or 28 years old. His eyes were like stars and his entire body emitted the aura of bizarre entities. In fact, the anomalous substances around him were clearly denser than other areas.


    His eyes were of different colors.


    His left eye was red and his right eye was blue.


    These different-colored eyes made this person look out of ordinary. Upon closer inspection, one could see that there seemed to be two purgatories in his eyes that burned with red and blue flames.


    There was a large amount of strange fog being burned in the sea of fire, emitting soundless mournful cries.


    This sound couldn¡¯t be heard by fleshy ears but if one got close to this person, their mind would be affected and they would fall into the invasion of countless sharp sounds.


    This youth was clearly cold and arrogant. He stood there without even hiding his face, as though he wasn¡¯t afraid of being seen at all. He was also confident that even if he was seen, it wouldn¡¯t matter.


    This person was none other than the heaven¡¯s chosen of the Bizarre Hunting Sect, Sima Ling.


    In front of him were more than ten men in black. These men in black were all Night Dove members. All of them had extraordinary cultivation bases but they were extremely vigilant. While observing their surroundings, they were also urging the workers to speed up the transportation.


    In addition, on a building further away, there was an old man in luxurious clothes. This old man stood under the moonlight and watched this place. He was emitting Golden Core cultivation fluctuations.


    In his eyes, there was only Sima Ling. As for the rest, he didn¡¯t care. This person was the Dao Protector of Sima Ling who had accompanied him to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    At that moment, the night wind blew over, lifting Sima Ling¡¯s hair. He took out a string of black pearls and looked at it with a hint of dissatisfaction.


    ¡°Only these? The goods your Night Dove sent over this time are too little.¡±


    ¡°Lord Sima, there¡¯s nothing we can do about this. You insisted on trading in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ territory, and the Seven Blood Eyes is filled with malice toward my Night Dove. There was even an extremely cruel suppression a few years ago.¡±


    ¡°Actually, we sent more goods this time, but at least 30% of them were found out by the Seven Blood Eyes. The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Homicide Departments are very difficult to deal with.¡± In front of Sima Ling, one of the dozen or so men in black smiled bitterly.


    ¡°Homicide Department?¡± Sima Ling snorted coldly and was a little displeased. As a heaven¡¯s chosen of the Bizarre Hunting Sect and a cultivator of the Wanggu Continent, he didn¡¯t fancy the Seven Blood Eyes to begin with. He felt even more disdain after challenging the Third Peak¡¯s highnesses; these people were too weak.


    As for the Homicide Department, he had also heard of them during this period of time. He knew that this department had been active in capturing Night Dove recently.


    ¡°Lord Sima, please consider my advice. It¡¯s best if you don¡¯t act too wildly. Ever since the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Homicide Department, especially the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department, changed to their new director, Xu Qing, their style of doing things is bloody and bold¡­¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing? He¡¯s just a small fry. There¡¯s no need for any concern. It¡¯s fine if they don¡¯t come, but if they really dare to come, I want to see if a group of branch sect disciples will rebel and ruin the main sect¡¯s matters. Not to mention Xu Qing, who isn¡¯t even a highness, even if Huang Yikun of their main sect, Mystic Nether Sect, were to be here, he wouldn¡¯t dare to interfere in my matters!¡±


    Sima Ling calmly spoke.


    The black-clothed man hesitated and was about to continue speaking. However, at this moment, the sound of rushing wind suddenly rang out from afar. There was also a signal that soared into the sky and exploded in the air, transforming into a huge character ¡®Ðס¯!


    Figures sped over from all directions and cold voices echoed in all directions.


    ¡°The Homicide Department has received orders to capture Night Dove and anyone involved. Those who are not involved, step back!¡±


    The expressions of all the men in black changed drastically. As they retreated, the figures of the Homicide Department¡¯s disciples headed straight for them. However, at this moment, Sima Ling sneered and took a step forward.


    ¡°Impudent!¡±


    As his footsteps landed, the four balls of life fire in his body instantly ignited. A terrifying aura that shook the heavens and the earth erupted from his body. The four balls of life fire in his body burned as though a world was being refined by him. The pressure formed seemed to have turned corporeal.


    As he took a step forward, rumbling sounds instantly rang out in all directions. Those Homicide Department disciples who were rushing over from afar all spat out blood and their bodies rolled back one after another.


    The storm swept in all directions with Sima Ling as the center.


    ¡°Continue to move the goods to the ship.¡±


    Sima Ling swept his gaze across those disciples from the Homicide Department whose expressions changed drastically and didn¡¯t dare to move forward. A hint of disdain appeared in his eyes and he also saw Foundation Building existences among them.


    There were even two people who had passable cultivation. One had the aura of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect on him and the other had the strange fluctuations of the Bizarre Hunting Sect. These two were the directors of the Homicide Department of the First Peak and the Third Peak. At that moment, neither of them approached, as though they were waiting for something.


    The cultivation arts cultivated by the seven mountain peaks of the Seven Blood Eyes were actually the seven sects¡¯ cultivation arts. However, the levels of their cultivation arts were clearly lower.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what the sect is worried about. You¡¯re just a bunch of rabble.¡± Sima Ling¡¯s personality had always been extremely arrogant. This was the case in his sect, and it was even more so after reaching the Seven Blood Eyes.


    As for Night Dove and the others in the surroundings, their hearts were also trembling. They were afraid of being caught by the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Homicide Department. At that moment, seeing that the Homicide Department was intimidated, they heaved a sigh of relief. At the same time, they felt that there was nothing impressive about the Homicide Department. After seeing the main sect, they still had to lower their heads.


    As such, they continued to send the carriages to the ship without any care. However, at this instant, a black light silently arrived from afar. Its speed was as fast as a black bolt of lightning.


    It could even be said that this was a bolt of lightning.


    It instantly got close and pierced through the neck of a Night Dove black-clothed man. Before he could let out a scream, this black lightning rapidly swam around and flew past the necks of seven to eight black-clothed men in the blink of an eye.


    After that, the lightning transformed into a black iron stick. The lightning runes on it erupted completely, forming a net of lightning that swam in all directions with an extraordinary aura.


    Only at this moment did blood-curdling screams ring out. As they spread, the expressions of many Night Dove cultivators changed drastically.


    Sima Ling raised his brows but didn¡¯t pay attention to the black iron stick. Instead, he was looking into the distance.


    In the direction he was looking at, a person was approaching here on a mosasaur.


    The figure on the head of the mosasaur wore a purple Daoist robe. His long hair fluttered in the wind, revealing his fair and peerless face. He was so handsome that it couldn¡¯t help but make one gasp in admiration.


    His cold and proud eyes seemed to have no focus. His dark eyes were filled with calmness as he gradually got closer.


    The night wind blew past, scattering his jet-black hair, making him look like an immortal.


    When he arrived, a baleful aura that was cold enough to make one¡¯s hair stand on end and a terrifying pressure spread out from his body. The calmness displayed in his eyes was even more clear.


    It was as though he could suppress everything and destroy everything.


    Sima Ling¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly.


    At the same time, the surrounding members of the Homicide Departments who had been suppressed earlier and didn¡¯t dare to approach knelt down and spoke in unison.


    ¡°Greetings, Director!¡±


    Their voices were like thunder as they spread in all directions. Especially the Seventh Peak¡¯s members, they shouted with all their might, causing the hearts of all the Night Dove cultivators here to tremble violently.


    Even the directors of the First Peak and the Third Peak heaved a sigh of relief and cupped their fists.


    ¡°Let me give you a piece of advice. Don¡¯t interfere in my business.¡± A hint of hostility appeared in Sima Ling¡¯s eyes as he slowly spoke.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t look at him. Instead, he returned the greeting to the First Peak and the Third Peak¡¯s director and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Homicide Department, aren¡¯t you going to arrest them?¡±


    ¡°We respect Sir Director¡¯s order!¡± In an instant, the surrounding members of the Homicide Departments rushed out one after another, heading straight for the Night Dove cultivators. Some even jumped onto the huge ship at the side and soon, fighting erupted.


    The Night Dove members were shaken. The moment they saw Xu Qing appear, they all cursed inwardly. There were even a few Night Dove members who tried to escape without hesitation. However, the surroundings had long been sealed off by the Homicide Departments. In the blink of an eye, the sounds of killing rang out.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you¡¯re courting death!¡± Seeing that Xu Qing ignored him, the killing intent in Sima Ling¡¯s eyes intensified. His entire body rumbled and his cultivation erupted. He transformed into a bolt of lightning and headed straight for Xu Qing. His right hand formed a claw and grabbed fiercely at Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.

 Chapter 317 - 317 Suppressing Sima Ling

    317 Suppressing Sima Ling


    Since the Seven Sects decided to establish their might in the Seven Blood Eyes, as one of the large sects, Bizarre Hunting Sect would naturally send a powerful disciple.


    After all, this represented the reputation of the Bizarre Hunting Sect.


    To a large sect, reputation was extremely important. This concerned the sect¡¯s ranking and the related benefits in the future.


    The weak were often not qualified to survive in this cruel world.


    Therefore, as the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the Bizarre Hunting Sect¡¯s Foundation Building realm, regardless of combat strength, cultivation base, or combat experience, Sima Ling had all of them with the help of the sect.


    At that moment, his cold voice was still echoing, but his hand had already arrived in front of Xu Qing and was about to land. However, what awaited him was Xu Qing¡¯s cold gaze and the rising flames in his body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s combat strength, cultivation base, and combat experience were all tempered from the Gu-nurturing environment and killing. He was different from Sima Ling who grew up in a safe environment where he might not die if he lost the battles, but in Xu Qing¡¯s past experiences and every battle, the price of losing even once was death.


    As such, the gains from his experience were even more unforgettable!


    In the blink of an eye, Xu Qing also stepped into the Mystic Brilliance Form. The 82 magic apertures in his body were all burning like 82 huge stoves. At the same time, the Golden Crow tattoo on his back also emitted heat that circulated throughout his body, causing his combat strength to directly reach the level of four fires.


    His body that was enhanced by an emperor-level cultivation art had extremely violent combat strength.


    Moreover, he had opened almost 20 more magic apertures than when he fought against Miao Chen back then; the magic power in his body was strong and his life fires produced much more power. The punch he formed instantly erupted with destructive power.


    The punch directly smashed into Sima Ling¡¯s right hand.


    The collision created a loud sound. The seawater in the surroundings exploded and the soil on the shore cracked, stirring up violent air waves that rampaged in all directions. Sima Ling¡¯s expression changed and he suddenly retreated, his eyes revealing a solemn expression.


    Clearly, he didn¡¯t expect Xu Qing¡¯s combat strength to reach such a level. He felt this combat strength was abnormal but he couldn¡¯t sense any clues. He could only sense dense flames in Xu Qing¡¯s body. As for the rest¡­ it was a blur.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Before Sima Ling could finish speaking, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he took a step forward. His speed was so fast that he instantly got close. When he lifted his right hand, the fiendish fire formed a dagger and slashed fiercely at Sima Ling¡¯s neck.


    Killing intent flashed in Sima Ling¡¯s eyes. He performed a series of hand seals with both hands and pressed down on his chest. The instant Xu Qing¡¯s dagger arrived, he suddenly opened his mouth and let out a low roar.


    This low roar carried a strange power. The instant it was emitted, overlapping shadows appeared on Sima Ling¡¯s body. A rotting figure in a black tattered robe floated out of Sima Ling¡¯s body and pounced ferociously at Xu Qing.


    However, at the next instant, the shadow under Xu Qing¡¯s feet suddenly swayed, forming a tree shadow that no one could see. It opened its mouth and sucked fiercely; immediately, the bizarre blurry shadow collapsed. At the same time, a black bolt of lightning whistled over from the side, seizing the opportunity to head straight for Sima Ling.


    This scene caused Sima Ling to frown. As he rapidly retreated, he waved his hand and a blue scale flew out, blocking in front of the black iron stick. When the two sides came into contact, the scale emitted countless gray threads that crazily wrapped around the black iron stick, completely stopping it.


    However, it couldn¡¯t stop the bolts of lightning that erupted from the black iron stick from heading straight for Sima Ling.


    Just as Sima Ling was about to dodge, Xu Qing had already closed in and slapped out. An intense sea of fire spread out from his body, forming the shadow of a palm that slapped down at Sima Ling.


    Boom! Sima Ling¡¯s heart trembled violently and he had no choice but to retreat again. However, the malevolence was still there in his eyes. Just as he was about to counterattack, the shadow of a Golden Crow suddenly crawled out of the fire palm and sucked fiercely at him.


    ¡°This technique¡­¡± Sima Ling¡¯s entire body trembled violently. His eyes were wide open and waves of emotions surged in his mind. As he performed a series of hand seals, strands of hair quickly crawled out of his chest and surrounded him, forming a barrier.


    Sima Ling, who was protected by countless hairs, was sent back by Xu Qing¡¯s power and was directly blasted to the ground.


    Xu Qing held the initiative and didn¡¯t stop at all. He immediately got near and punched.


    However, the instant his fist was about to land, the hair on Sima Ling¡¯s body spread out in unison and shot toward Xu Qing like arrows.


    Popping sounds rang out as they penetrated Xu Qing¡¯s body. However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t even frown. His expression was as calm as ever as he grabbed these hairs and pulled them ruthlessly.


    Sima Ling was forcefully dragged over. He let out a low roar and a phantom of a bizarre entity with a green face and fangs appeared outside his body. Just as it was about to leave his body and pounce toward Xu Qing, Xu Qing had already pulled his body in front of him.


    Ignoring the bizarre entity, Xu Qing tilted his head back slightly and ruthlessly slammed into Sima Ling¡¯s face without saying a word.


    Xu Qing¡¯s fighting style always focused on ruthlessness. Even the crazy captain was shocked by his viciousness.


    The green-faced bizarre entity was knocked back into Sima Ling¡¯s body under Xu Qing¡¯s head slam. The hair between him and Xu Qing also collapsed.


    His body fell to the ground. He was shocked by Xu Qing¡¯s ruthlessness but his expression didn¡¯t reveal it at all. His eyes were still filled with killing intent and the corners of his mouth curled into a sinister smile.


    ¡°I underestimated you. However, that was just a warm-up.¡±


    As he spoke, Sima Ling lifted his right hand and pressed it between his brows. Immediately, his body shook and all the bizarre entities in the world in his eyes disappeared. What followed was his body bulging freakishly, and strange faces appeared on his skin one after another.


    A large number of bizarre entities were sealed in his body. Now, as these bizarre entities appeared, his aura continued to erupt. The high temperature caused the surroundings to distort and even the seawater at the side was rising.


    In fact, the ground even showed signs of cracking.


    The pressure was so strong that the aura transformed into a storm that swept in all directions. The Night Dove cultivators and Homicide Department disciples in the surroundings spat out blood and retreated in unison with shocked expressions.


    Previously, when Sima Ling took a step forward, it was only a suppression with his aura. At this moment, when he used all his strength, the fluctuations he stirred up not only caused everyone to retreat but also caused their minds to rumble and their bodies and souls to be burned.


    They were all heavily injured.


    This scene caused waves in everyone¡¯s minds, especially the directors of the Homicide Department of the First Peak and the Third Peak. As two fires cultivators, they could sense even more. They sensed that the life fires in their bodies were showing signs of being forcefully extinguished.


    Even though they knew earlier that Sima Ling was very strong, their minds still shook intensely now.


    Only Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever as he looked at Sima Ling.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like your gaze!¡± At that moment, Sima Ling¡¯s entire body was sinister like a malicious ghost, and he was about to make his move.


    However, at this moment, his expression changed drastically and his body trembled. His entire body turned black at a visible speed and an unprecedentedly intense pain spread in his body.


    It was the little black bug!


    Countless small black bugs had spread in the surroundings the moment Xu Qing attacked, searching for any opportunity to enter his body. In the end, under Xu Qing¡¯s decisive attacks, they found an opportunity and silently crawled in.


    The instant they entered his body, they began to crazily bite Sima Ling¡¯s organs while also emitting a large amount of anomalous substances and poison.


    Even the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch¡¯s expression had changed after being invaded by the little black bugs, let alone Sima Ling. While he was shocked, the bizarre entities¡¯ faces that had just appeared outside his body also let out sharp cries. At the same time, some of them seemed to have obtained the power of life and were about to rush out of his body.


    This scene instantly caused Sima Ling¡¯s mind to shake. He knew the reason. This was because a large number of anomalous substances had suddenly appeared in his body, causing the sealed bizarre entities to show signs of losing control.


    The eruption of the poison caused him to feel dizzy and his body rapidly weakened. He let out a blood-curdling scream and spat out a mouthful of blood. For the first time, horror appeared in his eyes as he rapidly retreated, wanting to escape.


    Xu Qing had been waiting for this moment and immediately chased after him. His aura erupted, forming a monstrous sea of fire behind him that was about to suppress Sima Ling.


    ¡°Save me!!¡± Sima Ling¡¯s voice was filled with fear. Night Dove and the members of the Homicide Department in the surroundings were also shocked. The gazes they used to look at Xu Qing were filled with shock.


    They knew that Xu Qing was strong and guessed that he must have something to rely on since he dared to send the order to arrest Sima Ling. However, they didn¡¯t expect that Xu Qing¡¯s strength had actually reached the level where he could suppress the four fires heaven¡¯s chosen of the Wanggu Continent so easily.


    These heaven¡¯s chosens from the Seven Sects Alliance had challenged the highnesses of the various peaks over these days. Their momentum and reputation had already reached the peak, suppressing the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples until they couldn¡¯t lift their heads.


    However, today¡­ this all seemed to have changed.


    Following Sima Ling¡¯s cry for help and Xu Qing¡¯s attack, a cold snort rang out from afar, echoing in all directions and stirring up waves of pressure that caused everyone¡¯s minds to shake.


    ¡°Such audacity!¡±


    As the voice rang out, the Dao Protector of Sima Ling, who had been observing the battle from afar, stood up from the roof. He looked coldly at Xu Qing and was about to walk over.


    ¡°You brat, you should be suppressed.¡±


    Xu Qing turned his head. He had long sensed this person¡¯s existence. At this moment, he lifted his right hand and pointed at the sky, saying his first sentence in this battle.


    ¡°The Homicide Department is under the orders of Lord Sixth to capture Night Dove. The people here have been caught red-handed. According to rule nine of the Seven Blood Eyes and rule three of the Homicide Department, anyone who disturbs the law will be dealt with as well. I request the sect array to suppress this cultivator who is disturbing the law!¡±


    The people who came from the Seven Sects Alliance indeed possessed extremely high authority over the array formation. However¡­ no matter how high it was, this was still the Seven Blood Eyes. No matter how high it was, it couldn¡¯t be higher than the rules of the Seven Blood Eyes!


    Previously, when they ignored the array formation and entered the Seven Blood Eyes, it could be said that the array formation had determined that they were on the same side. However, even if they were on the same side, they couldn¡¯t interfere with the law enforcement.


    The rules had to be followed strictly. This was the foundation of the Seven Blood Eyes!


    Moreover, although the cultivation levels of these Dao Protectors were high, their identities were different from the heaven¡¯s chosens. If they didn¡¯t enter the sequence, their authority would naturally be insufficient. Using the array formation to suppress the heaven¡¯s chosens did not seem too plausible, but Xu Qing was confident in suppressing the Dao Protectors.


    The main reason was that this operation against Night Dove was personally approved by Lord Sixth. As long as their authority didn¡¯t surpass his, the array formation would take effect.


    Hence¡­ At the next moment, an emotionless voice echoed in all directions.


    ¡°Judgment passed!¡±

 Chapter 318 - 318 Xu Qings Name

    318 Xu Qing¡¯s Name


    As the voice appeared, an indescribable force instantly erupted from the array formation, as though it had formed an invisible large hand. Almost the instant the expression of the old Dao Protector changed, he was slammed down from the sky.


    The body of the insufferably arrogant old Dao Protector trembled violently. He was directly pressed to the ground.


    The ground rumbled. No matter how the Golden Core old Dao Protector struggled, it was useless. He was firmly suppressed on the ground and only his roars could be heard.


    ¡°Is the Seven Blood Eyes trying to rebel? You¡­¡±


    ¡°Noisy!¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke. At the next instant, the sect¡¯s array formation rumbled again. However, this time, it wasn¡¯t suppression but expulsion.


    Immediately, the old Dao Protector¡¯s body was swept into the distance by a huge force. The Heavenly Palace in his body shook and he felt aggrieved. A dignified Golden Core was actually suppressed and driven away like this.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with him. With a sway, he headed straight for Sima Ling, who was fleeing in horror. He instantly caught up and slammed his palm down. Sima Ling let out a blood-curdling scream as his body was whipped up and smashed into a building. The four balls of life fire in his body swayed and one of them was suddenly extinguished.


    ¡°Xu Qing!!¡± Sima Ling¡¯s hair was disheveled and he was about to go crazy. However, the poison in his body and the bizarre entities that were trying to riot in his body caused him to feel death so close for the first time.


    However, Sima Ling was also a ruthless person. His eyes revealed madness as he suddenly bit the tip of his tongue and spat out blood at Xu Qing.


    This blood directly transformed into countless small people in the air. Every small person carried an evil aura and let out an ear-piercing scream as they headed straight for Xu Qing. As they rushed over, these small people transformed into diamond-shaped marks that carried the power of sealing and rapidly surrounded him.


    ¡°Sealing Nether Dao!¡± Sima Ling let out a sinister roar and performed a series of hand seals with both hands. Those small people sped up and whistled closer. Even though Xu Qing rapidly retreated, he still couldn¡¯t dodge. In the blink of an eye, these diamond-shaped marks landed around him and instantly pieced together, forming an eggshell.


    The instant it enveloped Xu Qing, Sima Ling lifted his hands and waved them fiercely. Immediately, the eggshell that sealed Xu Qing rose into the air. His gaze turned malevolent and he let out a loud roar.


    ¡°Burst!¡±


    In that instant, 30% of the eggshell collapsed in mid-air and couldn¡¯t continue. Xu Qing¡¯s hand stretched out from the eggshell and he coldly looked at Sima Ling, whose eyes revealed madness and was struggling to stand up. He instantly arrived in front of the other party.


    Before Sima Ling could react, Xu Qing had already grabbed his neck. He lifted him and then slammed him to the ground.


    The ground quaked and shattered. Sima Ling¡¯s entire body was pressed to the ground and blood flowed out of his mouth. Two balls of life fire in his body were instantly extinguished and he fainted.


    All the bizarre entities in his body instantly erupted, as though they wanted to devour Sima Ling¡¯s body. However, a ball of gentle light spread out from Sima Ling¡¯s body and frantically blocked them.


    Xu Qing coldly swept his gaze over and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Use 20 sealing rings on him and lock him up in the prison.¡±


    ¡°We respect the order!¡±


    This scene caused the blood of all the surrounding Homicide Department disciples to boil, and their eyes revealed fanaticism. Even the disciples of the other peaks looked at Xu Qing with deep respect.


    Even the directors of the First and Third Peaks took a deep breath and lowered their heads to bow to Xu Qing.


    After some disciples of the Homicide Department got close and put the rings on the unconscious Sima Ling, Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Capture all the Night Doves here. Kill all those who resist!¡±


    Immediately, the surrounding members of the Homicide Department spread out. Killing and mournful cries spread throughout the area.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t participate in the aftermath. Without the heaven¡¯s chosen of the Seven Sects Alliance, the Homicide Department could handle Night Dove without an issue. This operation lasted for half the night.


    A large number of Night Doves were captured and many were killed in resistance. When dawn was about to arrive, Xu Qing returned to the magic ship to rest and sent a decree to the Homicide Department.


    ¡°Hang the heads of all the Night Doves on the city wall.¡±


    Back then, the Homicide Department had taken the same action against Night Dove. Now that Xu Qing was the director, he felt that this tradition was good and should be kept.


    Hence, when dawn broke, a thousand or so Night Dove members¡¯ heads were hanging on the city walls of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city. Everyone who saw this was shocked. What happened during the night couldn¡¯t be hidden and had long spread throughout the entire Seven Blood Eyes.


    It caused a commotion everywhere.


    All the nonhuman races, all the allies, all the Seven Blood Eyes disciples, and the people of the Wanggu Continent¡¯s Seven Sects Alliance were extremely shocked.


    What shocked them wasn¡¯t the actions of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Homicide Departments against Night Dove, let alone the thousand or so heads hanging on the city walls. Instead¡­ it was that the Bizarre Hunting Sect¡¯s Sima Ling was actually captured and imprisoned by the Homicide Department.


    Even the Dao Protector was forcefully driven away by the director of the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department with the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation.


    As for the challenge against the Third Peak this morning, it was canceled because Sima Ling couldn¡¯t attend.


    This matter was too big.


    This was especially so now that the Seven Sects Alliance had challenged the Seven Blood Eyes and their reputation was flourishing.


    This event was like a huge slap to their faces. Hence, the information about Xu Qing was quickly collected by the various heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance.


    They wanted to know how this Seven Blood Eyes disciple and the director of the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department, Xu Qing, who had entered the sequence but didn¡¯t become a highness, had defeated Sima Ling who had four life fires.


    In reality, they weren¡¯t the only ones. The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples and the highnesses of the various peaks were also shocked. Although Xu Qing had made a move before too, they were usually done secretly and only affected a small area. However, the news of yesterday¡¯s event was spread everywhere and caused a huge commotion.


    As such, they also quickly gathered information about Xu Qing.


    While everyone was doing their best to collect information, outside Port 79, at noon, a person arrived at the place where Xu Qing and Sima Ling had fought yesterday.


    This person wore a golden imperial robe with a golden silk sash around the waist. The rainbow canopy above his head emitted the sound of wind whispering and an auspicious light enveloped his surroundings, causing him to look like a divine son.


    It was the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the Seven Sects Alliance who had defeated the second highness of the First Peak in a single strike and fought against the Golden Core elder, Soaring Cloud Sword Sect¡¯s Saintly Star!


    He arrived at Port 79 and stood on the shore, sensing his surroundings with his eyes closed. His tall and straight figure was like a peerlessly beautiful statue in the sea breeze. His extraordinary temperament seemed to be shining with boundless light under the sunlight.


    Behind him were three old men. These three old men were all Golden Core cultivators and were Dao Protectors arranged by the Soaring Cloud Ancestor. The three of them were also willing to protect Saint Yunzi. They even felt that it was their honor to be able to protect him on his way to growth.


    Their expressions were filled with respect and their heads were lowered slightly.


    After a long time, Saintly Star opened his eyes and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Two life fires, an emperor-level cultivation art, poison that can threaten ordinary Heavenly Palace Golden Core, and a spiritual magic artifact¡­ Interesting. Such strength can indeed make Sima Ling fall. However, this person¡¯s emperor-level cultivation art is a little familiar¡­¡±


    Within just a while, he was actually able to sense the battle last night as though he had seen it with his own eyes. However, he obviously didn¡¯t possess the power to reverse time. It could only be said that¡­ his spirit sense and perception exceeded that of ordinary people, so he could see some clues from the surroundings.


    This was already very terrifying.


    As he spoke, a strange cry rang out from behind him. The phantom of a strange bird with a green body and a red tail appeared and let out a shocking cry. Its eyes revealed ferocity and greed as it inhaled in all directions, as though it wanted to devour a certain aura here.


    ¡°Golden Crow?¡± Saintly Star turned his head and looked in the direction of Port 176, his eyes revealing a deep glint.


    ¡°Finally, there is something a little interesting in this Seven Blood Eyes. Unfortunately, it¡¯s too weak. Miemeng1, don¡¯t be anxious. Wait for that Golden Crow to grow a little bigger, then it will be able to strengthen you when you devour it.¡±


    ¡°Sooner or later, it will be yours.¡±


    Saintly Star calmly spoke and left this place.


    After Saintly Star left, many people arrived one after another in Port 79 for the entire afternoon. Finally, at dusk, after a day of investigation by the various forces, they finally dug out all the information about Xu Qing.


    ¡°He entered the Seven Blood Eyes three years ago and climbed out from the Gu-nurturing environment. He has extremely intense killing intent!¡±


    ¡°In the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ war with the Sea Corpse Race, he completed a large number of missions and killed many Qi Condensation Sea Corpse Race members to refine their souls, opening many of his magic apertures and reaching the level of two life fires. He seems to cultivate Golden Crow Refines All Life? He also possesses astonishing attainment in poison!!¡±


    ¡°Dao Child Miaochen, a Sequence cultivator of the Sea Corpse Race, added him to the wanted list¡­ However, Miaochen never gave a direct response on the reason. Outsiders have many guesses about this but most of them don¡¯t think that Xu Qing can fight against Miaochen. From the looks of it now, he might have fought Miaochen with poison and the Golden Crow!¡±


    ¡°This Xu Qing¡­ can be said to be one of the top disciples in the Seven Blood Eyes. However, he¡¯s not a highness yet. He¡¯s only in the Sequence!¡±


    ¡°The most important thing is that although this person clearly has such strength, he kept an extremely low profile before the case of the ancestral corpse statue. Even most of his fellow disciples don¡¯t know his true strength. This person hid it too deeply!!¡±


    As a large amount of information about Xu Qing was dug out, everyone who read them was extremely shocked.


    In an instant, Xu Qing¡¯s name rose like a storm in the Seven Blood Eyes, causing all the nonhuman races to remember him firmly. At the same time, the disciples of the various peaks in the Seven Blood Eyes were also shaken by the information they found.


    However, very soon, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples thought of how Xu Qing was from the Seventh Peak and felt relieved.


    The disciples of the Seventh Peak were good at hiding their cards. It was already the consensus of everyone in the Seven Blood Eyes¡­


    One would never know what kind of monsters were hidden among the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples.

 Chapter 319 - 319 Wanggu Wealth God

    319 Wanggu Wealth God


    As for the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance, the waves in their minds were even more intense. In fact, most of them felt some jealousy because emperor-level cultivation arts could only be chanced upon by luck.


    Those which could be cultivated by humans were even rarer.


    Not to mention¡­ that was Golden Crow Refines All Life!


    Because the Lord of the Seven Sects Alliance had obtained the inheritance of Golden Crow Refines All Life back then, the disciples of the Seven Sects Alliance knew more about it.


    The more they understood, the more intense the jealousy in their hearts. At the same time, they also placed Xu Qing on the same level as the eldest highnesses of the various peaks.


    However, no sect¡¯s heaven¡¯s chosen would stand up for the Bizarre Hunting Sect. To these heaven¡¯s chosens from the Seven Sects Alliance, they were very clear that this matter wouldn¡¯t end so easily.


    Hence, they were waiting for how the Bizarre Hunting Sect and the Mystic Nether Sect would deal with this.


    The main sect of the Seventh Peak was the Mystic Nether Sect, and the heaven¡¯s chosen of the Mystic Nether Sect, Huang Yikun, also had extraordinary combat strength. After he arrived this time, he didn¡¯t challenge anyone, as though he was waiting for an opportunity.


    Under their attention, Huang Yikun of the Mystic Nether Sect looked at the information jade slip in his hand and smiled.


    ¡°The time has come. If I challenge with the others, it won¡¯t show the sharpness of my Mystic Nether Sect. I originally planned to challenge after they finished challenging. There¡¯s no need for it now.¡±


    ¡°This Xu Qing is a good seedling. It¡¯s a pity to destroy him. It would be best if we can subdue him.¡± Huang Yikun smiled and took out the voice transmission jade slip.


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle Xu Qing¡¯s matter. You guys wait and see the outcome.¡±


    While the cultivators of the Seven Sects Alliance, the Seven Blood Eyes, and the nonhuman races paid more attention to Xu Qing, the person in question was sitting on his magic ship.


    His expression was as calm as ever.


    Xu Qing naturally knew everything going on in the outside world. In reality, ever since he chose to attack earlier, he understood that this would happen. Although Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to reveal himself, he knew that some things couldn¡¯t be hidden.


    For example, the emperor-level cultivation art or his poison.


    He had too many secrets on him. If he didn¡¯t reveal any of them, it would only cause others to make guesses and be disadvantageous to himself.


    If some of his cards were revealed appropriately, it could indirectly hide his deeper secrets.


    ¡°The first level of my secret is poison and emperor-level cultivation art. The second level is the life lantern. The third level is the shadow which can absorb anomalous substances. The fourth level is the purple crystal.¡±


    After Xu Qing analyzed and confirmed that there was nothing wrong, he waved his right hand and a blue storage ring appeared in his hand.


    There was a shining green gem embedded in this storage ring. Overall, it looked extremely exquisite and extraordinary.


    This was none other than Sima Ling¡¯s storage ring.


    Different from a storage bag, the value and storage ability of a storage ring were even more outstanding. In addition, the gem on this ring was also not common and increased the value of this storage ring greatly.


    Sima Ling was a criminal captured by the Homicide Department. According to the rules of the Homicide Department, the items on anyone who was captured would be confiscated and could be handled by the various departments.


    However, this point also needed to be used flexibly. For example, although Yanyan was captured back then, Xu Qing knew his limits. Her storage ring was only sealed up for safekeeping. After Yanyan was released, she got her storage ring back.


    As for Sima Ling¡¯s goods, Xu Qing didn¡¯t feel that he couldn¡¯t seize them. He observed the storage ring and sensed an imprint on it.


    This storage ring had the imprint of the user and required a specific divine sense to open it. However, this wasn¡¯t a problem for Xu Qing.


    ¡°Erase it,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    At the next instant, the shadow quickly spread over, as though it had been waiting for Xu Qing to speak. It instantly permeated the storage ring and corroded it with anomalous substances.


    A moment later, the imprint was almost undetectable. Xu Qing waved his hand and wiped it, directly removing the mark. He poured his magic power and saw the items inside.


    After checking, even with Xu Qing¡¯s current knowledge and composure, his eyes narrowed and slowly lit up.


    There was a large number of spirit tickets in this storage ring. After Xu Qing took them out and counted them, he gasped.


    ¡°9.3 million!!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened. He had obtained so many spirit stones in one go! Even the usually calm him felt his heart beating faster at this moment, and he instinctively looked around.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor wasn¡¯t able to hold it in and shouted.


    ¡°He¡¯s so f*cking rich! How is he a heaven¡¯s chosen? He¡¯s clearly a tycoon from Wanggu!!¡±


    What made Xu Qing¡¯s heart race wasn¡¯t just these spirit stones but also the two pieces of divinity flesh stored in a jade box. These two pieces of flesh were the size of a human head and the divinity in them was very dense.


    He could faintly sense that they had reached the great circle of Foundation Building.


    ¡°They can be used as a power source for my ship!¡± Xu Qing continued to check.


    Very soon, he saw four finger-sized crystals in Sima Ling¡¯s storage ring. These four crystals emitted intense fluctuations and there was some fog sealed in them.


    The instant he took them out, Xu Qing could clearly see the fog churning in the crystal, forming sinister shadows. There was a headless cow¡¯s body, a ball of distorted black hair, a hand,


    and the last one had an eye sealed inside.


    Xu Qing only took a glance before his mind shook. He could sense a dense aura of bizarre entities from them.


    ¡°The Third Peak deals with bizarre entities, and it¡¯s the same for the Bizarre Hunting Sect. This is an item that seals bizarre entities¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought and also knew why Sima Ling didn¡¯t take them out to use in the battle.


    That was because Sima Ling had been poisoned by his poison and the anomalous substances in his body had exceeded the limit, causing the bizarre entities sealed in him to riot. If he took out these bizarre entities too, not only would he not be able to injure Xu Qing, but it would also make things worse for himself.


    Other than that, there were five unknown pills in Sima Ling¡¯s storage ring. They were also items that caused Xu Qing¡¯s mind to shake violently. With his attainments in plants and vegetation, after he sensed them and took a small sniff, he discovered that his magic apertures were actually circulating at an accelerated speed.


    In fact, there was even a faint numbing feeling coming from the location of the 84th magic aperture that hadn¡¯t been opened.


    ¡°Pills to open the magic apertures?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly and the light in his eyes became even brighter.


    He had already opened 83 magic apertures and was only seven short of igniting the third ball of life fire!


    There were many more items in Sima Ling¡¯s storage ring. There were about seven-eight magic artifacts there. However, after Xu Qing checked them, he discovered that these were all used to control bizarre entities and required a specific cultivation art.


    There were also some jade slips but it was a pity that there were restrictions on them. Xu Qing sensed them and discovered that they were similar to the sect¡¯s imprints. They were a method to prevent cultivation arts from being leaked. He tried to erase them with the shadow but the effect was very small.


    As for the others, they looked like miscellaneous items. As Xu Qing was rummaging through the miscellaneous items, his eyes suddenly narrowed. He discovered a wooden box that was placed in a corner of the storage ring¡¯s space.


    The wooden box was black. Xu Qing took it out and checked it. He could sense dense anomalous substances on the box but there were no fluctuations of bizarre entities from it.


    ¡°Dead?¡± Xu Qing pondered and opened it.


    The instant the wooden box was opened, dense anomalous substances instantly erupted from within. These anomalous substances surpassed the density in forbidden zones. If a mortal were to come into contact with them, they would immediately mutate and die. Even cultivators would have their anomalous substances instantly increase in density by many times.


    Xu Qing¡¯s shadow immediately came forward. After crazily devouring the anomalous substances in the box, it burped and shrank back.


    However, this box still emitted an endless stream of anomalous substances. It was just that it didn¡¯t have the accumulation from before, so the amount emitted was a little lesser.


    The source of this endless stream of anomalous substances was an irregular iron fragment the size of a palm in the box.


    This iron fragment was covered in rust and looked ordinary. However, after Xu Qing sensed it, his expression changed. He felt that this iron fragment seemed to contain a vast and astonishing intent. It felt like he was looking at the galaxy.


    However, it was as though it was imprisoned in the fragment and couldn¡¯t erupt.


    What imprisoned this power was none other than anomalous substances.


    Xu Qing took a closer look and discovered that the anomalous substances on this iron fragment were a little different from what he had sensed in the forbidden zone. To be precise, this iron fragment was more like a tiny forbidden zone!


    The anomalous substances scattered because of it!


    It could even be said that if this iron fragment was infinitely magnified and transformed into an area, this area would be a forbidden zone.


    ¡°What is this!¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and for the first time, horror appeared in his eyes.


    At the same time, after the shadow noticed that the iron fragment was still emitting anomalous substances, it spread over and curiously covered the fragment. At the next instant, it suddenly trembled and erupted with intense emotions, revealing incomparable desire.


    ¡°Shattered¡­ piece¡­¡±


    Xu Qing closed the box.


    This wooden box was also strange. After it was covered, it instantly isolated the anomalous substances inside. The shadow was quite anxious but under the purple light flashing on Xu Qing¡¯s chest, it had no choice but to be obedient.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°Master, Master, let me!¡± As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor quickly transformed. He had clearly been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. After he appeared, he hurriedly squatted beside the shadow.


    The shadow opened its eyes, revealing disgust. It swept its gaze across the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. After its intelligence recovered, it recalled the scenes from before and had long held a grudge against the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    This was especially so now that it had deeply realized that the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was its enemy. With the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor around, if it wasn¡¯t careful, it would be the one to do the most tiring jobs but the credit would go to this guy.


    The ancestor sneered inwardly but his expression was very amiable.


    ¡°Little Shadow, come, come, let¡¯s communicate properly.¡±


    The shadow was a little repulsed but without a host, it couldn¡¯t express its words clearly. Moreover, Xu Qing was coldly watching from the side. Hence, it had no choice but to unhappily choose to communicate with the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and let him speak in its place.


    After the final communication, the expression of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor also changed drastically, and his eyes revealed disbelief. When he turned around, his voice was a little trembling as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Master, I was wrong. This guy isn¡¯t a tycoon. He¡¯s a f*cking God of Wealth. Little Shadow said that this thing is¡­ a fragment of a taboo magic treasure!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s confident that after absorbing it for a period of time, it can make this taboo magic treasure fragment emit some of its power!¡±

 Chapter 320 - 320 A Horse Can Never Get Fat Without Extra Ration

    320 A Horse Can Never Get Fat Without Extra Ration


    ¡°Taboo?¡±


    Xu Qing started. He had never heard of this term before and didn¡¯t know what taboos were.


    However, very soon, through the communication between the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and the shadow and the information he received, Xu Qing knew that the taboos existed above magic treasures.


    As for how the shadow knew this, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor also asked considerately. The shadow¡¯s answer was that for some reason, it seemed to know after seeing it.


    At the same time, the shadow emitted intense emotions that were filled with incomparable desire to devour.


    This caused Xu Qing to fall into deep thought. However, he didn¡¯t agree to the shadow¡¯s request immediately. Unless he was completely confident, he wouldn¡¯t easily let the shadow absorb such a treasure.


    It was hard to say if the other party would rebel during the absorption process. As such, Xu Qing thought for a bit before closing the wooden box amidst the shadow¡¯s reluctance.


    He glanced at the shadow and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°If you perform well, I¡¯ll consider letting you absorb it in the future.¡±


    The shadow immediately emitted excitement. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s mind shook and his vigilance against the shadow became even more intense. He felt that he had to display more methods. Otherwise, it would be very easy for Little Shadow to successfully fight for favor.


    Ignoring the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and shadow, Xu Qing continued to check Sima Ling¡¯s storage ring. He searched for a long time and discovered that the remaining items inside were all miscellaneous items with nothing truly good among them.


    He gave up on searching and finally took out the five pills. After taking a sniff, determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He directly swallowed one. At the next instant, as the pill melted, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled violently.


    He could sense a violent power crazily gathering in his body.


    This wasn¡¯t soul power. It was more like a pill formed by a high-level pill formula that specially opened the magic apertures.


    Under the continuous convergence, the numbness grew increasingly intense at the location of the 84th magic aperture. In the blink of an eye, this violent force rumbled and headed straight for the 84th magic aperture.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled and purple light flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°A pill actually opened a magic aperture!¡±


    This effect had already surpassed the soul pills Xu Qing had bought on the black market. It could be said that up until now, other than the high-level soul pill refined from Bai Li¡¯s soul, it was the pill with the best effect.


    He sensed the rumbling circulation of the 84 magic apertures in his body. He didn¡¯t hesitate to swallow another pill. A moment later, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled again and his breathing became hurried.


    The 85th magic aperture was also opened!


    ¡°The effect actually didn¡¯t weaken!¡± Xu Qing had completely realized the value of this pill. In addition, he also had a deep understanding of the wealth of the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance.


    ¡°There are three more.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he swallowed the third pill. Very soon, the 86th magic aperture was opened.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop and swallowed the last two medicinal pills one after another. After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the 88 magic apertures in his body formed astonishing magic power. It was like a fire dragon in his body, circulating ferociously and emitting powerful heat.


    ¡°I only have two magic apertures left to form the third ball of life fire!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed excitement.


    In the next few days, he began to collect soul pills in the Seven Blood Eyes, wanting to break through the last two magic apertures. However, things like soul pills were not common and would take time to get.


    As for the two pieces of divinity flesh, Xu Qing tried them but their effects weren¡¯t good. Hence, Xu Qing chose to put them into the magic ship.


    However, Xu Qing had an alternative plan. He walked out from his berth and went to the prison of the Homicide Department.


    There were a large number of Night Dove cultivators there. Although their cultivation levels were very weak, there were a lot of them. Xu Qing felt that if he piled them up and there were enough of them, he might be able to open his magic apertures.


    During this soul refinement, Xu Qing was also constantly adapting to the toxicity of the Poison Restriction Pill, allowing him to have more time to study it. He was even thinking of a way to fuse the little black bugs with this poison pill.


    This was a new field which he would need to experiment a lot before he could gain something.


    Just like that, time slowly passed.


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ celebratory feast continued. Every day, outsiders would arrive, causing all the ports to be lively and bustling. However, the mood of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples became increasingly heavy.


    This was because although the challenges from the seven sects were delayed by Xu Qing¡¯s matter for a few days, they quickly resumed again.


    It was as though the Seven Sects Alliance wanted to drag this challenge for the whole of the three months of the celebratory period. As for the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect¡¯s Saintly Star, although he only challenged once and didn¡¯t continue to challenge, he lived on the First Peak.


    The canopy formed by the Rainbow Wind Song Lantern outside his residence shook the heavens and the earth. The aura that suppressed the First Peak¡¯s disciples caused all the nonhuman races and allies who had arrived to fall silent.


    The attitude of the Seven Sects Alliance was obvious.


    This was no longer a simple statement but a deep warning.


    They were warning the Seven Blood Eyes not to have any thoughts of independence. It was also rumored that after this celebration banquet, the seven peak lords of the Seven Blood Eyes would be changed by the Seven Sects Alliance.


    In an instant, the Seven Blood Eyes, which had clearly won against the Sea Corpse Race and should have been enjoying a peak period, was suppressed. The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ancestor didn¡¯t respond.


    Xu Qing also felt this oppressive atmosphere in the sect but he felt that this matter wouldn¡¯t end so simply. Thinking of what the captain had said about what he had seen on the Sixth Peak, Xu Qing had a feeling that the sect seemed to be waiting for something.


    ¡°No matter what, this is a game between the higher-ups.¡± Xu Qing shook his head and didn¡¯t bother with it, continuing to immerse himself in his cultivation. The captain had also returned and informed Xu Qing before busying himself with something.


    Xu Qing continued to refine the prisoners¡¯ souls during these few days. Although his magic apertures were still not opened, his understanding of the Poison Restriction Pill became more thorough. Not only was his body more used to it, but he also confirmed the idea of refining it.


    In addition, he was also trying to fuse the Poison Restriction Pill and the little black bugs. However, this process consumed a lot of the little black bugs. Most of the time, even if a group of them fused into it, they wouldn¡¯t be able to succeed.


    All of them died when they got close.


    However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t discouraged. Right now, in the prison, he took out all the bottles that contained the little black bugs.


    After Xu Qing¡¯s continuous replenishment, there were eight bottles of little black bugs.


    There were countless black bugs in each of them. Previously, he had tried to fuse a bottle of small black bugs into the poison pill and all of them died. At this moment, he took out a second bottle and opened it.


    He performed a series of hand seals and pointed. Immediately, a black fog rose from the small bottle. It was extremely dense and surrounded Xu Qing.


    If an outsider saw this scene, they would definitely be shocked.


    This was because these little black bugs were so threatening that even Golden Core cultivators would be somewhat wary of them.


    However, Xu Qing was clearly still not satisfied with their might. He opened the wish box and pointed. Immediately, the black fog in the surroundings headed straight for the wish box.


    However, the moment they got close, these black fog fell down one after another. All the little black bugs instantly rotted and died.


    Xu Qing frowned and continued to try. Very soon, the third bottle, the fourth bottle, the fifth bottle¡­


    Countless little black bugs died again and again. Even when there was only one bottle left, not a single one survived. All of them died.


    Xu Qing sighed inwardly. He didn¡¯t dare to continue with the last bottle. He wanted to use it as a seed to nurture more little black bugs.


    Hence, he arranged for the Homicide Department to send Night Doves, who were imprisoned in the other prisons, over as a supplement to his little black bugs¡¯ cultivation.


    It was only when he used the flesh and blood of those Night Doves to cultivate the little black bugs again that Xu Qing continued to attempt to adapt them to the poison pill.


    During this cultivation process, he also added many poison-resistant herbs and even fused more of his blood.


    After all, his body had obtained more resistance to poison when resisting this poison pill.


    Just like that, another seven days passed.


    Xu Qing, who was constantly driving the little black bugs to get close to the Poison Restriction Pill, finally succeeded in obtaining eight little black bugs that survived the first wave of death.


    Although they became very weak after enduring the poison, Xu Qing was very excited.


    These eight survivors were seeds that would give birth to little black bugs that had better resistance.


    After these eight little black bugs passed their weakened period, Xu Qing sensed that they seemed to have undergone some mutations. Their colors were no longer as pitch-black.


    ¡°With this method, I¡¯ll definitely be able to nurture little black bugs that can completely withstand the Poison Restriction Pill. I¡¯ll make them parasitize the Poison Restriction Pill and nurture them in it. Their power will be even more terrifying.¡±


    Just as Xu Qing¡¯s heart was filled with anticipation, at dusk, under the illumination of the red glow on the horizon, an uninvited guest wearing a red glove on his right hand walked over to the Homicide Department¡¯s residence where he was in.


    This person was a youth in his late twenties. He walked over under the setting sun and wore a purple Daoist robe inlaid with golden threads. One could vaguely see the pattern of Taotie1 on his sleeves.


    As he moved forward, waves of magic power fluctuations spread out from the Daoist robe. As it spread in all directions, it also made this person¡¯s handsome face look even more extraordinary.


    However, although the person who came was handsome, his nose was a little too big, ruining his overall delicate appearance and caused him to give off a domineering feeling.


    When he walked over, many small stones on the path outside the Homicide Department¡¯s residence seemed to be attracted by his aura and slowly floated up, surrounding him. Gradually, they formed a vortex storm.


    Even the light of the setting sun seemed to have dimmed a little after this person arrived. As for his right glove, it looked increasingly demonic in this dim lighting.


    This scene attracted the attention of the members of the Homicide Department. All of them had solemn expressions as though they were facing a great enemy.


    As the other party got closer, a storm swept in all directions, blowing on their bodies, causing these disciples on duty to retreat uncontrollably until they reached the side of the gate. One of them panted and veins bulged on his forehead as he let out a low shout.


    ¡°Halt!¡±


    The purple-robed youth lifted his right hand and a purple bead rapidly formed outside his glove. He waved it slightly and the purple bead headed straight for the disciple on duty.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be nervous. Give this item to your director, Xu Qing. Tell him that I¡¯m giving him a huge opportunity.¡±

 Chapter 321 - 321 Condescending (1)

    321 Condescending (1)


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t like to be disturbed while cultivating and researching.


    However, at this moment, he was keenly looking at the purple bead that the Homicide Department disciple had sent over.


    This bead emitted an unknown aura, causing the Golden Crow on his back to act a little abnormally. It quickly manifested behind him. After staring at the bead, it slowly revealed a hint of desire.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. After pondering for a moment, he walked out of the prison. At the guest pavilion of the Homicide Department, he saw the purple-robed youth.


    The other party was tall and standing straight. At that moment, his back was facing Xu Qing and he was looking at a picture of evil ghosts fighting for food on the wall in the guest pavilion. Although he hadn¡¯t activated his Mystic Brilliance Form, the circulation of the 120 magic apertures on his body formed flames that kept rising in his body.


    This caused everything in the surroundings to distort in the eyes of the Qi Condensation disciples. It was as though this place had already become the home ground of the purple-robed youth, but this was useless against Xu Qing.


    As he stepped in, all the distortion in this place instantly dissipated.


    ¡°Xu Qing?¡± The youth with his back facing Xu Qing turned around. There was a hint of scrutiny on his face as his gaze landed on Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t like such gazes but he didn¡¯t reveal his emotions. He calmly looked at the person.


    ¡°With the power of two fires, Golden Crow Refines All Life, the life-destroying poison, and such a body, Xu Qing¡­ the small pond that is the Seven Blood Eyes is no longer suitable for you,¡± the purple-robed youth calmly said. After that, he sat at the main seat of the guest pavilion.


    Everything was very natural, as though he had always thought that he should take this position.


    However, at that moment, he didn¡¯t notice at all that an apple had suddenly appeared in the empty space behind him.


    The apple was bitten by an invisible person without making any sound.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was a little strange. He glanced at the apple but didn¡¯t say anything, waiting for this purple-robed youth to continue.


    The purple-robed youth calmly spoke.


    ¡°You are probably not able to do as you wish in the Seven Blood Eyes. You¡¯re just in the Sequence and not a highness, and this Sequence position was only given to you because you made a great contribution. You don¡¯t have to remember such a sect.¡±


    ¡°Actually, you know very well who I am. I¡¯m Huang Yikun of the Mystic Nether Sect. You can call me Eldest Senior Brother.¡± Huang Yikun¡¯s words were loud, and the judgmental look in his eyes became increasingly obvious as he spoke.


    There was originally a bite mark on the apple behind him, as though the invisible person wanted to take another bite. However, the person paused at this moment, seemingly dissatisfied with his words.


    Xu Qing pretended not to see it. He indeed knew who the other party was. Although he had never seen him in person before, there were records of this person in the dossier.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I admire you very much. Today, I¡¯ll give you a chance to leave this lower sect and join the upper sect.¡±


    Huang Yikun placed his red-gloved right hand on the armrest of the chair. His body leaned forward slightly and his eyes gleamed. He looked into Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and spoke word by word.


    ¡°Of course, the prerequisite for all of this is that you have to be loyal to me.¡±


    Xu Qing frowned slightly.


    As for the apple floating behind Huang Yikun, a gap quickly appeared. Clearly, it had been bitten ruthlessly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you might not know the meaning of the upper sect yet.¡± Huang Yikun noticed Xu Qing¡¯s frown but didn¡¯t care. He smiled faintly.


    ¡°The emperor-level cultivation art you cultivate is called Golden Crow Refines All Life. Do you know that the Lord Alliance Leader of the Seven Sects Alliance also comprehended this cultivation art?¡±


    ¡°That old man comprehended it comprehensively. You must have had a lucky encounter but your harvest clearly can¡¯t be compared to him. Am I right?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    ¡°When you come to the upper sect, there will be a greater possibility of your emperor-level cultivation art improving. Lord Alliance Leader came from the Mystic Nether Sect which is how my Mystic Nether Sect has the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art. This cultivation technique was actually created by the Lord Alliance Leader by referencing Golden Crow Refines All Life.¡±


    At this point, Huang Yikun¡¯s expression carried a hint of pride as he lifted his chin.


    ¡°Also¡­ the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art that the lower sect cultivates is only at the low-level.¡± As he spoke, Huang Yikun lifted his gloved right hand and slowly took off his glove.


    As he took it off, an astonishing aura emitted from his right hand.


    The five fingers on his right hand were all purple, like crystals. They looked quite strange and emitted soul-stirring fluctuations.


    They were like a treasure!


    All the light in the surroundings dimmed at this moment, as though it was absorbed by these five fingers, causing them to become the source of light.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He could sense an extraordinary intent from these five fingers. Even the Golden Crow tattoo on his back became active.


    Vaguely, the fiendish fire in his body seemed to be drawn toward these fingers.


    However, Xu Qing felt that this Huang Yikun¡­ shouldn¡¯t have shown off these five fingers here.


    Behind Huang Yikun, the floating apple trembled. It was as though the hand holding the apple was excited. Two burning gazes faintly erupted from behind and landed on Huang Yikun¡¯s raised right hand.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s expression, Huang Yikun felt smug. There was also a hint of disdain and jealousy hidden in the bottom of his heart. He was smug about the five fingers he had forged with his wealth and cultivation.


    Every time he revealed it, it would cause everyone to be shocked.


    What he disdained was that this Xu Qing in front of him was ultimately just a fish in a small pond. Even if he had some opportunities, his outlook was still far inferior.

 Chapter 322 - 322 Condescending (2)

    322 Condescending (2)


    What he was jealous of was these opportunities.


    However, he hid it very well. He moved his right hand that seemed to be made of purple gold and shone with resplendent light, and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Xu Qing, do you see this? This is the Mystic Nether Ancient Art I cultivate. It¡¯s called the Mystic Nether Finger.¡±


    ¡°Every one of my five fingers is nurtured with countless mystic arts and a large number of treasures. As long as someone is touched by my finger, their soul will be touched by me and be in my control, granting me the power over their life and death.¡±


    ¡°This is the true appearance of the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art.¡±


    ¡°If you offer your loyalty to me and follow me back to the sect, I will help you implore the ancestor to bestow you with resources to cultivate one finger. In the future, if you make contributions, you might have a chance to cultivate two fingers and more.¡±


    ¡°With this method, combined with your Golden Crow Refines All Life, you can unleash your true strength!¡±


    Xu Qing cast a deep glance at the other party¡¯s five fingers and also noticed the apple on his back. It had been a long time since there was an additional gap. Clearly, the invisible person¡¯s attention was all on these five fingers.


    Hence, he took a deep look at Huang Yikun.


    Xu Qing felt that although this person¡¯s cultivation art was indeed impressive, it wasn¡¯t peerless. Golden Crow Refines All Life didn¡¯t need other techniques.


    The reason why this person had such an understanding realization was because the Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s Alliance Leader had only comprehended the superficial knowledge of Golden Crow Refines All Life. That was why it was used along with other techniques.


    He recalled what he understood about Golden Crow Refines All Life. The main point of this technique was domineering. If it still needed to coordinate with other cultivation arts, it would lose its soul.


    Seeing that Xu Qing didn¡¯t say a word from the start, Huang Yikun sneered inwardly.


    ¡°You might still be unconvinced and think that I¡¯m not worthy of your loyalty, so you don¡¯t have to give me an answer immediately. I¡¯ll challenge the three highnesses of your Seventh Peak in a few days.¡±


    With that, Huang Yikun stood up and walked out with his hands behind his back. When he passed by Xu Qing, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Xu Qing, remember to pay attention to the Seventh Peak¡¯s challenge in a few days. Look at the results. The next time we meet will be when the three highnesses of the Seventh Peak are defeated. That is how long you have to give me your reply.¡±


    ¡°This is your opportunity. Think properly.¡±


    With that, Huang Yikun walked out of the Homicide Department without looking back. He moved under the setting sun and walked further and further away.


    ¡°Haha, Little Qing, your place is still the most fun. I saw this fellow traveling arrogantly, so I followed him to watch the show. I didn¡¯t expect to discover a treasure !¡± The captain¡¯s surprised voice rang out from beside Xu Qing.


    ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve encountered someone who took the initiative to show off in front of me¡­ Happiness came too suddenly and I¡¯m not used to it. Just now, I spent a lot of effort trying to resist breaking his fingers.¡±


    ¡°You probably held back from taking a bite, right?¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Director Xu, how can you speak to your eldest highness like this?¡± The apple floating in front of Xu Qing was fiercely bitten.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and glanced at the captain¡¯s shadow.


    The shadow revealed a limping figure. Its head seemed to be swollen, as though it had been beaten up.


    Xu Qing fell silent and spoke after a long time.


    ¡°Captain, what did you do this time?¡±


    The apple paused.


    ¡°What are you saying? I just like my invisible state after last time. Let¡¯s not talk about it anymore. That Huang Yikun is going to challenge the Seventh Peak. I¡¯ll go and chat with the second and third.¡±


    As his voice echoed, the apple quickly left. Before it left, it suddenly paused.


    ¡°By the way, Little Qing, I came here to tell you that this time around, the Seven Sects Alliance challenged the Seven Blood Eyes and all the peaks were beaten up. It looks bad but this is also the plan of the old fellows.¡±


    ¡°Those old fellows clearly want disciples to be hostile to the Seven Sects Alliance. At the same time, they also want to filter out the disciples who are at odds with the sect. So, don¡¯t have any other thoughts. Otherwise, if I have any big plans in the future, I¡¯ll have to go to other sects to look for you. It¡¯s too troublesome.¡±


    With that, the apple left the Homicide Department. After he walked far away, the invisible captain¡¯s bruised and swollen eyes revealed surprise.


    ¡°He can see me? That¡¯s impossible. My invisibility is a treasure given by the old man. For so many years, other than a few uncle-masters and the ancestor, no one in the entire Seven Blood Eyes could see me. How is this possible¡­¡± As he muttered, the captain grimaced in pain.


    ¡°Sixth Martial Uncle, that old man, was too ruthless. Didn¡¯t I just take a bite of his treasure? Is there a need to go so far¡­ As soon as I returned, he captured me and beat me up.¡± The captain was furious. He ruthlessly took a bite of the apple and quickly left.


    In the Homicide Department, Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    The captain¡¯s words were similar to his previous judgment. Xu Qing increasingly felt that the sect was waiting for something.


    ¡°Time?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t continue to think about it. He felt that this wasn¡¯t something he should ponder over. Hence, he returned to the prison and continued cultivating.


    Just like that, days passed. Night Dove¡¯s capture operation continued to be carried out. As Night Dove became more and more hidden, the Homicide Department prepared to start pulling in the net.


    Before retrieving the net, the Homicide Department had to make arrangements to prevent any fish from escaping. They would order a curfew!


    ¡°The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city will have a curfew for a month. Capture all those who move about strangely at night!¡±


    ¡°The various peaks¡¯ Homicide Departments should start to reel in the net. Destroy all the Night Dove strongholds that we have information on to avenge our deceased colleagues!¡±


    ¡°Kill all the Night Dove members. All the gains you make will belong to you. Departments will issue the orders, use the division buildings as your camp, and move in teams. Operation Dove Extermination, begin!¡±


    Following Xu Qing¡¯s order, the seven Homicide Departments of the Seven Blood Eyes immediately moved out fiercely and started a bloody massacre. That night, the entire main city was filled with killing intent.


    Countless members of the Homicide Department could be seen on the streets. Teams of them followed the requirements of the various departments and headed to the designated places to start killing and capturing.


    Mournful cries and malevolent shouts rang out from various strongholds. On the streets, one could see Night Dove¡¯s fleeing figures being chased by the Homicide Department.


    Occasionally, signal flares would be launched by the Homicide Department disciples when they were in danger.


    After the signal flare was launched, the deputy directors would head over to rescue them. If they couldn¡¯t handle it, the director would head over.


    If the director still couldn¡¯t handle it, they would report it to Xu Qing and Xu Qing would handle it personally.


    During this night, Xu Qing didn¡¯t have a chance to make a move because Yanyan had taken the initiative to participate.


    Behind her was the large octopus that ran amok. Every time she saw the Homicide Department¡¯s distress signal, she would be the first to rush over on the large octopus. Every time she took action to resolve it, she would say something.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to trouble Brother Xu Qing for such a small matter. I will handle it. Remember to tell him later that I¡¯m here.¡±


    One time, she helped a new deputy director of the Seventh Peak. This person had one life fire cultivation base and was very grateful after being saved. He cupped his fists and spoke.


    ¡°Thank you, Lord Yanyan.¡±


    Yanyan raised her brows and replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m your director¡¯s fianc¨¦e. You need to call me sister-in-law!¡±


    Yan Yan¡¯s words stunned the new deputy director of the Seventh Peak. After some hesitation, he cupped his fists and spoke again.


    ¡°Thank you, Sister-in-law!¡±


    Yanyan beamed with joy and threw over a precious pill.


    ¡°Rest well and recuperate. My husband is the director of our Homicide Department. As his wife, I naturally have to help him take care of his subordinates. It¡¯s a small matter.¡± As she spoke, Yanyan saw another distress signal and ran over in a hurry.

 Chapter 323 - 323 Astonishing

    323 Astonishing


    Just like that, massacres continued the whole night. This was a huge battle between the Homicide Department and Night Dove. all the nonhuman races and allies who came paid attention to this matter.


    The night curfew of the Homicide Department was imposed over almost the whole city. What was even more shocking was that Yanyan¡¯s name had spread throughout the Homicide Department disciples. As long as they called her sister-in-law, she would give them pills and spirit stones.


    Whenever they encountered danger, she would immediately arrive on the large octopus. With the Golden Core guarding her, she was unstoppable.


    Due to Yanyan, the Homicide Departments didn¡¯t have many casualties in this battle.


    As for the number of Night Dove members killed, it was rather astonishing. Over 4,000 Night Dove members who had gathered from the entire Nanhuang Continent were either captured alive or had their heads cut off and hung on the city walls after resisting.


    The next morning, when the main city returned to normal operation, one could still see the remnants of blood in many places. After this night of killing, the Homicide Department became the place where the gazes of the various forces in the Seven Blood Eyes gathered.


    Although most of the Night Dove cultivators were at the Qi Condensation Realm and it was the same for the Homicide Department, to these foreign forces, they naturally didn¡¯t look at the cultivation of these low-level cultivators but the cruelty hidden in their bones under the Gu-nurturing system.


    This cruelty caused many nonhuman races and allies to increase their evaluation of the Seven Blood Eyes. If all the low-level disciples were like this, then the mid-level and higher-ups who climbed up from the bottom would clearly be even more savage.


    After all, the one who could rise from the wolf pack was definitely the Wolf King.


    At the same time, they wanted to observe Xu Qing as well.


    However, Xu Qing was too low-key. After the battle with Sima Ling, he didn¡¯t appear again and rarely left the Homicide Department¡¯s prison. This made it difficult for the various forces that were paying attention to him to get any information.


    Last night, because of Yanyan¡¯s participation, Xu Qing didn¡¯t need to make a move.


    Regarding this, Xu Qing also felt a little strange. There was a period of time when Yanyan came to look for him many times but after he repeatedly rejected her, she disappeared. Xu Qing originally thought that the other party wouldn¡¯t disturb him anymore.


    However, he didn¡¯t expect that Yanyan would actually participate in the operation to capture Night Dove.


    As for Yanyan¡¯s comments, they also reached his ears. However, seeing how enthusiastic Yanyan was in helping, Xu Qing didn¡¯t mind too much.


    He was waiting for his last two magic apertures to be opened and light the third ball of life fire. He was also nurturing his little black bugs and increasing their might.


    He was also waiting for the time when Night Dove¡¯s headquarters, which was concealed in the Seven Blood Eyes, was forced out. That would be the time for him to make a move and exterminate them.


    Hence, Xu Qing was lying low and no longer came into the limelight. Instead, he was doing his best to increase his combat strength and cultivation.


    The destruction of Night Dove¡¯s strongholds wasn¡¯t something that could be completed in a night. Hence, this operation was carried out for the next few days and nights.


    Just like that, several days passed as the Homicide Department used madness and iron will to make an example of Night Dove. The Sea Corpse Race finally arrived!


    The person who came was Marquis Anzuo. His cultivation was in the Nascent Soul realm. This was the only time in the next sixty years that he was allowed to go out as the defeated party.


    Accompanying him was the Golden Core boy, Ying Ling, whom Xu Qing had seen that day, as well as¡­ Miao Chen, who would be kept in the Seven Blood Eyes as a hostage.


    He didn¡¯t want to come but there was nothing he could do. Only his Sequence identity could become a hostage of the Sea Corpse Race. He felt extreme humiliation.


    However, he could only endure it.


    He also hated Xu Qing to the core but there was nothing he could do.


    The arrival of the Sea Corpse Race also caused this celebration banquet to reach its peak. As the sect¡¯s bells rang, Xue Lianzi¡¯s face appeared in the sky and looked down.


    As the representative of the Seven Blood Eyes, a Peak Lord met with the group of the Sea Corpse Race. Under the attention of countless nonhuman races and the Seven Sects Alliance, the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s Marquis Anzuo humiliatingly handed over the declaration of defeat and compensation.


    There was also a bamboo slip recording Dao oaths of all cultivators at and above the Golden Core realm.


    The transfer of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s Ancestral Corpse Statues would be done on the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory.


    In the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory, there were still two peak lords of the Seven Blood Eyes who had yet to return.


    They were setting up a huge teleportation array.


    The goal of this array formation was to teleport those two huge ancestral corpse statues back to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Although everyone felt that the statues were useless outside of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory, it was obvious that they were the most precious things of the Sea Corpse Race. Hence, they could understand the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ demand.


    Any other race would also demand the same.


    Because the distance was too far and the Seven Blood Eyes didn¡¯t want to transit through the merfolk island, they were setting up the teleportation array to directly transfer the statues back to the sect.


    According to the judgment of everyone, this teleportation array would be completed before the celebration banquet ended.


    The surrender of the Sea Corpse Race pushed the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ celebration banquet to an even higher level. It became the focus of the visiting nonhuman races and allies. For a moment, even the popularity of the various peaks being challenged by the Seven Sects Alliance to establish their might was suppressed.


    The war contribution rewards were also distributed by the sect. With the war rewards and the harvest from Sima Ling¡¯s storage ring, Xu Qing had an unprecedentedly high number of spirit stones.


    His mood was brighter than usual.


    He wasn¡¯t the only one. All the disciples who got the war rewards were in a very good mood. They started buying a large number of resources that could increase their cultivation and combat strength.


    However, the joy of the disciples only lasted for a few days as the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance started challenging again.


    This challenge wasn¡¯t just from the heaven¡¯s chosens of the various sects.


    Other than Huang Yikun from the Mystic Nether Sect, the other heaven¡¯s chosens didn¡¯t come alone. Not only did they have Dao Protectors following them, but they had also brought some outstanding talents from their sects.


    These outstanding talents began to challenge the disciples of the various peaks who weren¡¯t highnesses. There was victory and defeat, but overall, the Seven Sects Alliance was still superior.


    However, no one challenged Xu Qing.


    During this period of time, Night Dove¡¯s strongholds had been destroyed in large numbers. With so many people captured, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation became increasingly smooth. He wasn¡¯t far from opening the 89th magic aperture.


    He also bought a large amount of poisonous grass and tried to refine the poison pill again. At the same time, he continued to fuse the little black bugs into the poison pill, creating a third batch of venomous bugs.


    There were only six venomous bugs in this third batch.


    They couldn¡¯t be seen by the naked eye. Only by relying on his perception and the resonance with his blood could Xu Qing sense their existence. The color change of the third batch of surviving venomous bugs was even more obvious.


    Their color was very light and their heads were much smaller. However, the toxicity contained in them had increased greatly and there was even a hint of the characteristics of the poison pill¡¯s poison.


    This made Xu Qing feel as though he had obtained a treasure. He carefully borrowed the bodies of the Night Dove cultivators to raise these six seed bugs.


    He also had many new ideas in his research. He planted more medicinal herbs and poisonous grass in the bodies of the Night Dove members to change their flesh and blood, causing the third batch of small bugs that were constantly recovering to be even more outstanding.


    To Xu Qing, this process was like learning. He observed seriously and recorded everything. Every time he made some gains, he would be pleasantly surprised.


    However, to the Night Dove cultivators in the prison, his actions were like a scene from hell they had never experienced in their lives. Before this, most of them felt that they were already ruthless enough. However, after seeing Xu Qing¡¯s actions, they felt that they were nothing.


    In their lives, they had tortured and killed those disobedient treasure-nurturers, and even toy with them when they felt like it. Now¡­ the karma came to bite them back.


    Mournful cries and wails rang out time and time again in the Homicide Department¡¯s prison. Although most of the disciples outside were already used to this, they still didn¡¯t dare to get too close.


    This was especially so since Xu Qing was the overall person-in-charge of the Night Dove Operation and had established his might during the suppression of Sima Ling and with the curfew. As such, there wouldn¡¯t be a situation where the other peaks¡¯ Homicide Departments didn¡¯t give prisoners.


    Every day, a large number of criminals would be sent over from the various peaks¡¯ Homicide Departments. At the same time, the main city was sealed and Night Dove couldn¡¯t escape. They could only continue to hide, so the arrests continued.


    One could imagine that after this, Night Dove¡¯s losses in the Nanhuang Continent would definitely be extremely great.


    Just like that, with enough Night Dove cultivators, Xu Qing¡¯s research progressed very quickly. As for the souls of those Night Dove cultivators, Xu Qing didn¡¯t waste them. Even though their soul power was almost negligible individually, there was still some effect when there were a lot of them. After he refined them, they became the power to open his magic aperture.


    His infamy had also reached a shocking level in the main city because of the mournful cries in the Homicide Department¡¯s prison.


    While Xu Qing continued to focus on his research and wait for his combat strength to have a qualitative transformation, on the huge battle square on the First Peak, Saintly Star calmly spoke.


    ¡°You guys are too weak.¡±


    His voice was calm with a hint of disappointment. Eight First Peak¡¯s highnesses were lying around him.


    Wu Jianwu was among them. Their faces were pale and they had many injuries. They looked at Saintly Star, who was standing under the moonlight, with shock and complicated gazes.


    The sound of wind spread from the canopy above Saintly Star. There was also Miemeng ¨C with its green body and red tail ¨C stirring up black wind that swept in all directions.


    Not far away was the First Peak¡¯s eldest highness who had just come out of seclusion.


    His face was pale and there was blood flowing out of his mouth.


    His cultivation base had broken through to the Heavenly Palace Golden Core realm, but he, who had just broken through, had no choice but to come out of seclusion and fight before he could nurture the Heavenly Palace. The nurturing time would take a long time, but the current First Peak¡­ had already been suppressed by Saintly Star alone.


    However, even he lost.


    What was most humiliating was that Saintly Star suggested that the nine highnesses attack together and even then, all nine of them were defeated.


    They didn¡¯t have a chance!


    ¡°This is boring.¡±


    Saintly Star was expressionless. He felt that these challenges were boring. He looked toward the Seventh Peak and shook his head.


    He turned and left the First Peak, walking toward the distant Phoenix Forbidden.


    Behind him, the three Golden Core Dao Protectors silently followed.


    ¡°That kid has some brains, he knows to keep a low profile. I hope he can grow up quickly. Only then will it be a tasty snack.¡±


    Right before Saintly Star left, on the Seventh Peak, under the moonlight, Huang Yikun of the Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s Mystic Nether Sect was walking on the mountain steps with a proud expression.


    ¡°Today, I, Huang Yikun, challenge the Seventh Peak!¡±

 Chapter 324 - 324 The Loving Seventh Peak (1)

    324 The Loving Seventh Peak (1)


    On this night, the Seventh Peak, which had not been challenged since the arrival of the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance, finally welcomed a challenger.


    The one who came to challenge was Huang Yikun from the Mystic Nether Sect of the Seven Sects Alliance!


    Huang Yikun wore a purple robe inlaid with golden threads. Under the moonlight, he looked extraordinarily luxurious. His expression was cold and arrogant, and his aura was powerful. The four balls of life fire in his body were all ignited, and his entire person was covered in flames. It was as though a world was burning in his body.


    His right hand that was wearing a red glove attracted all the light in the surroundings. Even the moonlight in the sky seemed to be gathering in his right hand.


    All of this caused him, who was standing on the steps of the Seventh Peak, to have an imposing appearance and be extremely dazzling!


    ¡°It¡¯s just the Seventh Peak,¡± Huang Yikun said calmly. He was neither fast nor slow as he walked up the steps step by step. He even had the mood to admire the mountain scenery under the moonlight.


    However, he was a little puzzled because the Seventh Peak was too quiet. Although it was nighttime, there were no lights anywhere in the entire mountain and there was no sign of any disciples. It was as though this mountain was empty.


    This was different from the challenges he knew. The challenges from the other peaks were watched by a large number of disciples.


    He also had sent a challenge in advance. He originally thought that a large number of disciples would come to watch his challenge, but there was no one on the Seventh Peak.


    ¡°They don¡¯t want others to see them losing, right?¡± Huang Yikun sneered. He walked step by step to the halfway point of the mountain. That was the location of his first challenge target tonight.


    Seventh Peak, the third highness.


    Huang Yikun¡¯s plan was to start the challenge with the third highness, then the second highness, and finally the eldest highness. He wanted to finish all the challenges in one night and cause a sensation.


    As he got closer, he finally saw a figure.


    It was a youth who was leaning against the chest of a beautiful woman on a large rock.


    He wore a purple Daoist robe and a white hat with the character ¡®½û¡¯ embroidered on it. He was skinny, looking like he had been hollowed out by alcohol and sex.


    He was the third highness.


    Beside the third highness, there were also a few female servants from the nonhuman races massaging his legs. They flirted with each other and occasionally panted softly¡­


    Sensing Huang Yikun¡¯s arrival, the third highness lifted his head and smiled. There were obvious dark circles under his eyes.


    ¡°Why are you only here now? I¡¯ve been waiting for you for a long time.¡±


    Huang Yikun glanced at the third highness and stopped in his tracks.


    He felt that something was amiss and his eyes revealed unprecedented vigilance.


    He discovered that he couldn¡¯t see through this third highness. The character ¡®½û¡¯ on the other party¡¯s hat seemed to be a seal. For some reason, he felt a chill run down his spine. He vaguely felt as though he was being stared at by a venomous snake.


    This venomous snake gave him an intense sense of danger.


    He had only felt this feeling from some Dao protectors. This caused his breathing to become slightly hurried, especially when his gaze swept past the few maids and realized that the woman on whose chest the third highness was lying on looked a little familiar.


    At the next instant, Huang Yikun¡¯s eyes widened. He recognized the other party. This woman¡­ was a cultivator from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. She was also the one with four balls of life fire among the three female cultivators who came to the Seven Blood Eyes this time.


    However, right now, there was no cold arrogance on this woman. When she looked at the third highness, her eyes were filled with reverence and obedience.


    This scene caused Huang Yikun to gasp. He felt that he was a little rash in challenging the Seventh Peak, so he took a few steps back and laughed dryly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ready today. I won¡¯t challenge you for now. Goodbye.¡±


    With that, Huang Yikun was about to leave when the third highness¡¯ figure disappeared from the spot. When he reappeared, he was in front of Huang Yikun and grabbed his right hand.


    This speed caused Huang Yikun¡¯s pupils to narrow. As his right hand was grabbed, his expression changed drastically.


    What shocked him even more was that he actually couldn¡¯t resist at all. It was as though he was just a chicken in front of the other party. Sweat broke out on his forehead as he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°What do you want!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous. How much money did you bring this time?¡± The third highness asked with a smile.


    Huang Yikun was stunned.


    The third highness raised his brows.


    ¡°You have no manners. Alright, let me explain to you. You probably can¡¯t beat me, but I know that you are having a hard time in the Mystic Nether Sect. We¡¯re actually all on the same side. We won¡¯t make things difficult for our own people.¡±


    ¡°Everything is business. I won¡¯t cheat you. The market price is 10 million spirit stones. If you give it to me, I¡¯ll admit defeat. Also, don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll definitely do this for you beautifully. I can publicly admit that I lost to you and even leave a picture for you.¡±


    ¡°How good would it be for you to return in glory?¡±


    When Huang Yikun heard this, his eyes widened and he instinctively shook his head.


    The third highness smiled as though it was negotiable. When he saw Huang Yikun shaking his head, his smile didn¡¯t change but the words he said caused Huang Yikun¡¯s mind to shake.


    ¡°You don¡¯t agree? It¡¯s fine. Everything can be discussed. Your fingers aren¡¯t bad. Use them to repay your debt.¡±


    The third highness didn¡¯t wait for Huang Yikun to struggle. With a cracking sound, he broke off Huang Yikun¡¯s index finger¡­


    The instant Huang Yikun let out a cry, the third highness waved his hand and a huge force instantly spread out, sweeping Huang Yikun into the distance.


    Huang Yikun spat out a mouthful of blood as he landed on the mountain steps. His face was pale and his expression was filled with horror. Just as he was about to look over, he heard the third highness laughing.

 Chapter 325 - 325 The Loving Seventh Peak (2)

    325 The Loving Seventh Peak (2)


    ¡°You win, I won¡¯t send you off.¡±


    When Huang Yikun heard this, he shivered. After that, he looked at his dazzling right hand. His original five fingers had now become four. A sense of grief and indignation surged in his heart.


    ¡°This guy is a bandit!!¡±


    The intense grief and indignation caused Huang Yikun¡¯s vision to turn a little dim and blurry. His heart felt like bleeding when he thought about how one of the five fingers he had forged with his life¡¯s savings was gone just like that.


    However¡­ he didn¡¯t dare to go back and ask for it. The terror of the third highness made him feel extreme fear.


    Amidst his indignation, his body swayed and he was about to soar into the air and leave. However, he recalled that flying was forbidden on the various peaks of the Seven Blood Eyes, so he felt even more miserable. He could only walk down the mountain.


    He didn¡¯t want to be on the Seventh Peak anymore¡­


    However, as he walked, he saw someone.


    A tall and muscular woman sat on a stone chair not far away.


    Not only was she tall, but the muscles on her body also seemed like they were about to explode. One could even see bulging veins. The large sword that had been stabbed at the side was even more of a shocking sight.


    It was more than ten feet long and a foot wide. It was pitch-black and emitted an astonishing baleful aura. She was the second highness who had received Huang Yikun¡¯s challenge tonight.


    This scene caused Huang Yikun¡¯s mind to tremble violently and he stopped in his tracks.


    The instant he stopped, the second highness opened her eyes. When she looked at Huang Yikun, her eyes revealed a cold glint. Monstrous qi and blood energy erupted from her entire body, causing a storm in the surroundings.


    ¡°Half-step Golden Core Realm physical body!!!¡± When this storm hit Huang Yikun¡¯s face, the magic apertures in his body shook. A peerless ferocity erupted violently as the second highness stood up.


    Huang Yikun was almost scared out of his wits.


    ¡°How is this possible? Is this something a human can achieve? Even those nonhuman races with body refinement talent might not be able to achieve such physical strength. This is not cultivating life fires but using magic apertures to nourish the body and only walking the path of body refinement!! I¡¯ve never heard of any disciple in the Seven Sects Alliance achieving this!¡±


    Huang Yikun trembled. Seeing the second highness walking over with monstrous qi and blood, he felt that the woman in front of him was invincible and incomparable. He hurriedly shouted.


    ¡°Wait a moment¡­¡±


    Before he could finish speaking, the second highness had already closed in. She swept her large sword horizontally.


    Booming sounds spread in all directions. After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Huang Yikun was covered in bruises and was swept away. After he landed on the ground in the distance, he was filled with extreme grief and indignation. He didn¡¯t even turn his head as he sprinted rapidly.


    He had lost another finger on his right hand and only three fingers were left.


    At the top of the Seventh Peak, two figures were standing in the pavilion. They were Old Master Seventh and his servant.


    Old Master Seventh was also paying attention to this battle. Seeing how the fights ended, he let out a long sigh.


    ¡°The Third1 is too materialistic. He can even sell his dignity for a finger!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also the Second. She only knows how to be reckless¡­ Sigh, but she is lucky. Last month, she sent me a voice transmission and said that she picked up a Heavenly Palace Golden Core expert of the Roc Race which specializes in body refinement. The other party was flying on his way when the Flame Phoenix happened to pass by. It killed him immediately. She swallowed his Golden Core but didn¡¯t explode. Instead, she advanced¡­ Only she has confidence in such a thing. Would you be able to do the same?¡±


    The servant at the side fell silent. A monstrous wave rose in his mind and he couldn¡¯t speak for a long time.


    At the same time, Huang Yikun, who was running wildly on the mountain steps, kept spurting out blood. His expression was filled with worry and anger. He even had the urge to cry when he looked at his remaining three dazzling fingers.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have come to challenge them. They are too much of a bully!¡±


    ¡°Even in the Seven Sects Alliance, not many people would dare to provoke a half-step body refinement Golden Core cultivator. I already admitted defeat, but she still attacked!¡±


    ¡°These highnesses of the Seventh Peak aren¡¯t good people. They¡¯re too good at hiding. I can¡¯t even see through that third highness who is like a venomous snake. I¡¯ll even believe him if he said he¡¯s a Golden Core cultivator. This second highness has monstrous strength. Moreover, they all took my fingers!!!¡±


    Huang Yikun walked to the foot of the mountain amidst his grief and indignation. He was about to leave when he suddenly looked ahead.


    On the mountain path in front of him, a youth in a gray Daoist robe walked over while eating an apple. The youth waved at him like he was greeting him.


    ¡°Yikun, what¡¯s wrong? Did my junior sister beat you up?¡±


    ¡°Who are you?!¡± Huang Yikun instantly trembled and his scalp felt like it was about to explode. His sharp intuition told him that this person in front of him was even more terrifying than the third highness and the second highness. In his eyes, the other party wasn¡¯t a human but a fiendish and bizarre entity in human skin.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know me? Your brother Huang Lingfei and I are good friends. Didn¡¯t he tell you about me?¡± The captain looked at Huang Yikun in surprise.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous.¡± The captain saw that Huang Yikun was nervous and sighed.


    ¡°You were beaten by my junior brother and sister, right? The two of them are too much.¡± The captain shook his head with an angry expression and even gave Huang Yikun a few medicinal pills.


    However, Huang Yikun was still vigilant. At this moment, his breathing was hurried. He wanted to leave but didn¡¯t dare to. At the same time, he guessed the other party¡¯s identity.


    ¡°The eldest highness?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that. You¡¯re treating me like an outsider. Just call me Eldest Senior Brother. I¡¯m different from my junior sister and brother, and a certain fellow.¡± The captain¡¯s smile was very sunny and his voice was gentle.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother¡­¡± Huang Yikun hesitated for a moment before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°That¡¯s more like it. Don¡¯t worry. Come, I¡¯ll send you down the mountain,¡± the captain said with a smile.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need. I can go by myself¡­¡± Huang Yikun¡¯s heart trembled even more.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine too. Oh right, I¡¯ll have to trouble Junior Brother to give me the money for those medicinal pills just now. One finger is enough.¡±


    The captain licked his lips and a blue glint flashed in his eyes. His face actually appeared in his pupils. That face had its eyes closed but its expression was malevolent and revealed incomparable hunger.


    This hunger spread to the captain¡¯s body. After Huang Yikun sensed it, his heart trembled violently and an indescribable sense of life-and-death crisis rose in him. Seeing that the captain was approaching, he immediately retreated. Before he could escape, his vision blurred and following that, there was a cracking sound. His three fingers became two.


    One of them was bitten off by the eldest highness.


    While screaming, he couldn¡¯t care less about the bitten finger as he fled crazily.


    The captain weighed the resplendent purple-gold finger in his hand and smiled.


    ¡°This kid isn¡¯t fun at all. Little Qing is still more fun.¡±


    At the top of the mountain, Old Master Seventh nodded in satisfaction.


    ¡°Among the few disciples, the eldest is the most reasonable!¡±


    The servant fell silent when he heard this, not knowing what to say. He couldn¡¯t see how this eldest highness was reasonable¡­


    ¡°However, this isn¡¯t fair. The eldest, second, and third already got a finger, so the fourth needs to have one too.¡± Old Master Seventh suddenly spoke and waved his right hand.


    Immediately, Huang Yikun, who had sprinted to the foot of the mountain, was suddenly swept up by a violent wind that descended from the sky.


    An unprecedented terror rose in his mind. Just as his soul was about to dissipate, this irresistible violent wind directly threw him in the direction of Port 176.


    At the next instant, Huang Yikun¡¯s body smashed into the entrance of Port 176¡¯s Homicide Department.


    Before he could see his surroundings clearly, Huang Yikun, whose entire body felt like it was about to fall apart and whose mind was in a daze, heard a young girl¡¯s clear and surprised voice coming from behind him.


    ¡°Who suddenly landed in front of me? Are you trying to launch a sneak attack on me? Hmph, one look and I can tell that you are not a good person from how sneaky you are. Shrimpy, suppress him!¡±


    Huang Yikun suddenly woke up. A soul-stirring sense of danger instantly erupted crazily in his mind. He instinctively tried to escape.


    However, it was still too late. In an instant, a huge tentacle appeared out of thin air. The power of the Golden Core erupted and swept him up.


    His body and soul were shaken by the Golden Core aura in the tentacle, and he fainted.


    Before he fainted, he could faintly hear the voice of the young girl.


    ¡°Not bad, not bad. He¡¯s suitable for Brother Xu Qing to do experiments on.¡±

 Chapter 326 - 326 Humbled

    326 Humbled


    At this moment, in the prison of the Homicide Department, Xu Qing was studying a Night Dove cultivator. He carefully checked why the poisonous herbs from before had caused the color of the little black bugs to darken again.


    ¡°If I find the reason, can I use opposite medicinal effects to increase the tenacity of the little black bugs?¡± Xu Qing pondered.


    Miserable cries continued to echo in the prison but it didn¡¯t affect Xu Qing¡¯s persistence in learning. Just like that, the time it took for an incense stick to burn passed. Xu Qing casually extracted the soul of the Night Dove cultivator who was about to die. A look of contemplation appeared in his eyes but very soon, he frowned and looked at the prison gate.


    The gate was pushed open a crack and a beautiful and shy young girl slipped into the prison.


    The young girl was about 16 or 17 years old. She wore green clothes and her smile was bright like a flower. Her slender hands were as fair as jade and there was a small octopus wrapped around her right hand.


    She was Yanyan.


    The little octopus was staring at Xu Qing hostilely but it seemed to be helpless. It could only retract its gaze and pretend not to see him.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing.¡± Yanyan called out happily and quickly walked to Xu Qing¡¯s side. Her eyes lit up when she saw the cut corpse at the side.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, I won¡¯t disturb you. I¡¯ll just watch from the side.¡±


    Xu Qing frowned and was about to refuse.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, I just caught a criminal. I want to learn from you or we can play together.¡±


    Seeing that Xu Qing was about to refuse, Yanyan hurriedly spoke. With a wave of her hand, the little octopus spat out a bubble. This bubble rapidly expanded and finally shattered after landing at the side, revealing Huang Yikun¡¯s figure.


    As Huang Yikun appeared, the densely-packed little black bugs that Xu Qing had nurtured silently spread over. It was as though they would invade his body at Xu Qing¡¯s command.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on Huang Yikun. He recognized him and saw the injuries on his body.


    He also saw that the latter only had the thumb and pinky left of his five resplendent fingers on his right hand. The three fingers in the middle were gone.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was strange but he soon sensed that the little black bugs outside Huang Yikun¡¯s body were acting strangely. A strange glint flashed in his eyes as he looked at Huang Yikun¡¯s hair.


    As for Huang Yikun, when he woke up from the fall, his eyes were still a little dazed at first. However, at the next instant, he saw his surroundings clearly and also saw Xu Qing.


    Huang Yikun fell silent.


    He thought of the words he had said to the other party a few days ago and his experiences tonight. At this moment, he felt an indescribably complicated feeling. He wanted to struggle and escape, but his body was bound and he couldn¡¯t break free.


    ¡°You went to challenge the Seventh Peak?¡± Xu Qing spoke.


    Huang Yikun¡¯s body trembled. He didn¡¯t want to speak but at the next instant, he saw blood all over the ground and a large number of corpses who had died miserably at the side.


    This scene instantly caused his fragile state of mind, which had experienced a night of torture, to surge with waves. The gaze he used to look at Xu Qing and Yanyan revealed horror.


    This was especially so when Yanyan spoke again.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, this person is really bad. He landed from the air and looked like he wanted to launch a sneak attack on me. Oh right, let¡¯s not talk about him. Brother Xu Qing, you didn¡¯t come look for me in the main prison, I was so bored alone and looked forward to you coming to play every day. Also, I¡¯ve been studying some gameplay recently.¡±


    She waved her hand and a large number of pill bottles immediately appeared in front of her. They were filled with poison and there was also a very large shelf that landed on the ground loudly.


    There were all kinds of knives on this shelf. There were curved, long, short, spiral, and other bizarre shaped ones. There were dozens of them. There were also iron chains, hooks, drills, and saws.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, look, I¡¯m already prepared. Should we poison him first or open him up and take out his magic apertures to see what they look like? Also, how can we make him sound better? Just like hundreds of people before.¡±


    Yanyan¡¯s voice was sweet and clear, making one feel quite comfortable. However, the content of her words was the complete opposite.


    Her clear and bright pupils, curved willow brows, and long eyelashes that trembled slightly. It was as though she was extremely happy when she said this.


    This scene frightened Huang Yikun so much that his heart seemed to skip a beat. He looked at the knives, at Yanyan, and at Xu Qing, who seemed to be in deep thought. He felt that this place was hell on earth.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, what do you think of my thoughts?¡± As Yanyan spoke, she picked up one knife after another, seemingly searching for something suitable.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, where should we start from? Should we cut his tongue first? I think this might make his voice sound better.¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, Huang Yikun¡¯s entire body trembled violently despite being restrained. The fear in his eyes had reached the extreme and revealed despair.


    He knew Yanyan and knew that the other party was a lunatic who would do anything. However, such a lunatic actually asked Xu Qing for his opinion with a fawning expression.


    He felt that this place was even more terrifying than the Seventh Peak.


    This was especially so when he thought of how he was swept away to this place.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, let¡¯s start playing from there.¡± Yanyan bit her lower lip and stared at Xu Qing. Her fair and flawless skin revealed a hint of pink and her thin lips were as delicate as rose petals. Very soon, blood flowed out from her lips.


    Xu Qing calmly looked at Yanyan. Although the other party¡¯s previous actions of helping the Homicide Department were out of line, he didn¡¯t care about that.


    As for Yanyan bringing this person here today, Xu Qing felt that it was a little interesting. Huang Yikun¡¯s injuries were clearly caused by a large sword. Moreover, there were teeth marks on the area of one of his fingers. He must have gone to challenge the Seventh Peak tonight.


    He had also heard the loud noise outside earlier. Presumably, someone had thrown Huang Yikun over. There was only one explanation why this person still had two fingers left after going to the Seventh Peak.


    Xu Qing had already guessed the answer.


    However, it was also because he had guessed the answer that Xu Qing felt that the captain and the others of the Seventh Peak wouldn¡¯t throw a Huang Yikun who had been poisoned to him.


    There was no need.


    There was poison on Huang Yikun¡¯s hair.


    Xu Qing had come into contact with a similar poison before. It was the kind of poison primer that could specifically attract certain existences.


    However, the one on Huang Yikun¡¯s body was clearly of a higher level and the characteristics of the mark were even more intense. As long as one was within 30 feet of him, they would be tainted.


    Moreover, it was extremely difficult to detect. Xu Qing had only probed because of the abnormal movements of the little black bugs earlier. In a short period of time, he couldn¡¯t accurately determine the specific effects of this poison primer. However, with his attainments in plants and vegetation, he roughly guessed that this poison primer was mainly used for monitoring.


    Since that was the case, who was the one who put the poison primer on him? This Yanyan in front of him was the most suspicious.


    Even though Yanyan looked like she had submitted and there were the rumors, Xu Qing felt that¡­ this black-clothed girl who was extremely savage back then wasn¡¯t someone who could be so easily intimidated.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t believe Yanyan¡¯s actions at all.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± More blood flowed out of Yanyan¡¯s lower lip, adding a hint of demonic beauty to her beautiful face.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He suddenly lifted his right hand and grabbed Yanyan¡¯s neck with great force, causing bruises to appear on her snow-white neck.


    He held her in front of him and spoke word by word.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t kill you not because you have a good grandmother but because you haven¡¯t touched my bottom line. However, if you continue like this, you¡¯ll touch it.¡±


    Yanyan¡¯s entire body trembled. Just as the octopus on her hand was about to release its aura, she quickly transmitted her divine sense.


    ¡°Shrimpy, don¡¯t be impudent.¡±


    As she spoke, she lowered her head forcefully and used her blood-stained tongue to lick Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    Xu Qing frowned and threw Yanyan to the wall at the side. Yanyan crashed to the wall and fell down, more blood flowing out of her mouth. However, her gaze when she looked at Xu Qing was filled with confusion.


    ¡°This is it, this is it. Brother Xu Qing, this is what I like. You changed previously, making me feel that I don¡¯t like you anymore. If I don¡¯t like you anymore, I will want to kill you. Of course, I knew that you could sense it, but I really liked your actions after you sensed it.¡±


    Huang Yikun trembled even more intensely when he saw this scene.


    There was something wrong with Yanyan¡¯s brain.


    Xu Qing had already seen through this earlier. Now that he looked at the other party¡¯s dazed gaze and the various actions, he was even more certain of this.


    After casting a cold glance at Yanyan, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the two fingers of Huang Yikun¡¯s right hand.


    Huang Yikun shivered and sorrow filled his heart. He already knew what was going to happen next.


    However, the person who attacked wasn¡¯t Xu Qing. Yanyan quickly crawled over and bent his fingers forcefully. With two cracking sounds, she broke off the two fingers and handed them to Xu Qing with a fawning expression.


    Huang Yikun felt distressed. He realized that he seemed to have adapted to this action and it didn¡¯t hurt as much as before.


    Xu Qing took them and coldly glanced at Yanyan.


    After being glanced at by Xu Qing, Yanyan understood what he meant and hurriedly retreated a little. She looked at Xu Qing from ten feet away and bit her finger. As blood flowed out, she trembled and lifted her finger toward Xu Qing, her eyes revealing a hint of anticipation.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, can you take a bite?¡±


    ¡°Not interested,¡± Xu Qing replied coldly. He waved his right hand; immediately, Huang Yikun¡¯s body was swept up and thrown into a cage at the side. Xu Qing also kept his storage ring.


    Sima Ling wasn¡¯t locked up here, so Huang Yikun was the only heaven¡¯s chosen here.


    Since the other party was sneaky and had violated the curfew, he naturally had to be imprisoned.


    After doing this, Xu Qing continued to immerse himself in the research of the little black bugs. He wanted to let this batch of surviving little black bugs have a qualitative sublimation.


    Yanyan sat there quietly like a duck and retracted her finger. As she sucked the blood, she looked at Xu Qing and a happy smile slowly appeared on her face.


    However, none of them knew that at that moment, in the pavilion at the top of the Seventh Peak, Old Master Seventh¡¯s gaze that could penetrate everything was observing all the scenes here.


    He witnessed Yanyan¡¯s actions and Xu Qing¡¯s performance. A smile slowly appeared on his face and admiration filled his eyes.


    ¡°This fourth disciple isn¡¯t bad. He has the demeanor of me back then.¡±


    When the servant at the side heard this, he lowered his head and didn¡¯t say anything. However, he muttered inwardly, thinking to himself that this master seemed to be inferior to the kid in terms of demeanor.


    After all, there were many female disciples in the sect who were interested in the kid. As for Old Master Seventh¡­ the ancestor¡¯s daughter, who was also the Deputy Peak Lord of the Seventh Peak, had returned for a few days but she hadn¡¯t come to see Old Master Seventh even once.


    One could imagine that the conflict between these two Dao companions was extremely deep. It wasn¡¯t something that could be resolved with demeanor.

 Chapter 327 - 327 Life Fires Illuminate the Heavenly Palace!

    327 Life Fires Illuminate the Heavenly Palace!


    Early in the morning.


    After a night of experimentation, Xu Qing looked at the three small bottles in front of him with satisfaction.


    This was the ninth batch of little black bugs he had nurtured after a large number of experiments.


    In reality, the word ¡®black¡¯ could no longer be used for this ninth batch. Their color was already translucent and their size was smaller than before. The difference was like the difference between an egg and a peanut.


    Even in the past, the little black bugs were already invisible to the naked eye. Even with his perception, it was difficult for Xu Qing to sense them thoroughly. Now, they had become even more terrifying.


    Even Xu Qing himself had to rely on the blood resonance to sense them, let alone others.


    Other than that, the toxicity contained in these small bugs was much denser than before. During this period of time, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate to spend a lot of money to buy poisonous grass and conduct experiments. Once these bugs entered the enemy¡¯s body, the poison they released would be several times more lethal than before.


    It was the same for the anomalous substances in them. Their tenacity also mutated because Xu Qing kept sending them to the Poison Restriction Pill.


    The ninth batch of black bugs after this mutation contained an extremely tenacious life force. Even in the environment inside the Poison Restriction Pill, they could survive for dozens of breaths.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that their intelligence isn¡¯t enough. Otherwise, if they could fake their deaths, the effect would be even better.¡±


    ¡°They are still a little far from my goal of fusing them into the Poison Restriction Pill and nurturing them in the pill. I can¡¯t be complacent. I have to strive to make them survive in the pill.¡±


    When Xu Qing thought of this, he felt some regret. At the same time, he put away his complacency.


    He felt that it wasn¡¯t impossible to complete this matter. After all, he had enough spirit stones now and he could buy those precious and extremely pricey poisonous herbs in the sect.


    If he continued to nurture them, the future looked promising.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed anticipation. With a wave of his hand, he took out two fingers and observed them. He then looked at Huang Yikun, who was motionless in the cell after he fainted and was sealed by Xu Qing.


    In the entire prison, only the two of them were alive.


    As for Yanyan, she saw Xu Qing frowning early in the morning. Although her face was filled with reluctance, she still left tactfully. As Yanyan left, Xu Qing felt a little more comfortable.


    He wasn¡¯t used to having a living stranger beside him. After he looked at the unconscious Huang Yikun, he took out a jade slip and transmitted his voice. Very soon, the door of the prison opened. The little mute ran in and bowed respectfully to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing glanced at the little mute. The other party¡¯s cultivation base had increased quickly; he was at the ninth level of Qi Condensation and was about to reach the tenth level. He took out a medicinal pill and tossed it over.


    Xu Qing had seen the diligence and seriousness of the little mute during this period of time.


    Holding the medicinal pill, the little mute¡¯s eyes lit up. He looked at Xu Qing and waited for instructions.


    Xu Qing pointed at Huang Yikun.


    ¡°Use 20 sealing rings on him and lock him up with Sima Ling.¡±


    The little mute immediately nodded and quickly ran over to grab Huang Yikun¡¯s neck before leaving the prison in a hurry. Before he left, he slowed down and gently closed the door.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked at Huang Yikun¡¯s two fingers. These two fingers were as resplendent as purple gold and emitted astonishing fluctuations, causing the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art in his body to circulate on its own. It emitted flames that spread out of his body, as though reflecting the light of these two fingers.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to use them but I feel that they can¡¯t be used to open magic apertures. They seem more like a catalyst for the cultivation art to advance.¡± Xu Qing fell silent and took out a jade slip to transmit his voice to the captain.


    Not long later, the captain replied.


    ¡°Haha, Little Qing, that fool went to your place too, right? I thought that would happen, so I left two fingers for you.¡±


    ¡°Let me tell you, this is the Mystic Nether Finger. It¡¯s a good thing. This Huang Yikun is indeed a heaven¡¯s chosen. He has such great determination to actually forge five of them!¡±


    ¡°The old man said that this thing can transform our Seventh Peak¡¯s cultivation art. He¡¯s still figuring out the specific method, but the results should be out soon. It will then become one of our Seventh Peak¡¯s exclusive cultivation arts.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he no longer thought about the fingers and took out Huang Yikun¡¯s storage bag.


    ¡°This Huang Yikun seems a little poor?¡± Xu Qing glanced at the storage ring. It had a similar imprint like Sima Ling¡¯s, but it didn¡¯t have any gems and looked very ordinary.


    This time around, there was no need for Xu Qing to instruct the shadow. It was constantly paying attention to Xu Qing and quickly moved toward the ring. When it corroded the imprint to a certain extent, it hurriedly transmitted fawning emotions and retreated.


    Clearly, it remembered what Xu Qing had promised it. If it performed well, it would be given the taboo magic treasure fragment.


    For the first time ever, Xu Qing revealed an admiring gaze toward the shadow.


    This gaze stunned the shadow for a moment. It was so excited that its body was becoming unstable. A few cracks instantly appeared on the ground.


    As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, he was unhappy. His Lightning Spirit Body couldn¡¯t help but tremble as an intense sense of danger erupted in his mind.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze intentionally or unintentionally swept across the black iron stick. After he retracted it, he spread out his magic power. He wiped the imprint on Huang Yikun¡¯s storage ring and sensed it with anticipation.


    However, at the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned unsightly as he frowned.


    ¡°Could this Huang Yikun be a fake heaven¡¯s chosen?¡± Xu Qing glanced in the direction of the prison gate, feeling very unhappy.


    In Huang Yikun¡¯s storage ring, other than a few bottles and jade slips, there was not even a single magic artifact, and even the spirit tickets amounted to less than 100,000 spirit stones. As for the other items Xu Qing was looking forward to, there were none of them.


    Xu Qing felt that any Foundation Building cultivator in the Seven Blood Eyes was richer than Huang Yikun.


    However, when Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on those two fingers, he had an answer.


    ¡°Did he spend his entire life¡¯s savings on those five fingers¡­¡± Xu Qing recalled the arrogance on Huang Yikun¡¯s face when he showed off the five fingers.


    He felt that there was a high chance that this was the case.


    ¡°What a pitiful person. He actually took the initiative to reveal his treasure in front of the captain.¡± Xu Qing shook his head. After he took out the bottles from the storage ring and checked them one by one, a hint of relief finally appeared in his eyes.


    Most of these pills were used for healing. However, there was a small bottle inside that contained a pill that Xu Qing was familiar with. It was none other than the pill that opened the magic apertures in Sima Ling¡¯s ring.


    Xu Qing immediately took out the pill and checked it. After confirming that it was the same as what he had eaten before, he directly threw it into his mouth. He knew that this pill was extraordinary and guessed that this pill should be something that heaven¡¯s chosens used to break the limit at critical moments.


    However, Xu Qing felt that rather than keeping it for the future, it was better to eat it now.


    At the next instant, his body rumbled. He had been constantly refining his soul and cultivating, so his 89th magic aperture was already mostly opened. Under the effect of this pill, it instantly opened and transmitted even more magic power through Xu Qing¡¯s entire body.


    There were still a lot of medicinal effects remaining. At this moment, they headed straight for the 90th magic aperture. As they bombarded it, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. He clearly felt the 90th magic aperture shaking intensely and cracks had already begun to appear. These cracks occupied about 10% of the aperture.


    Very soon, more and more cracks appeared. 20%, 30%, 40%¡­


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. Gradually, the cracks on the 90th magic aperture reached 60%. At this moment, there was not much medicinal effect left. In the end, it barely reached 70% before the medicinal effect dissipated.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were a little red. At that moment, he could clearly sense the astonishing magic power contained in the 90th magic aperture. He also felt that starting from the 60th magic aperture, sparks were being emitted from the 29.5 magic apertures.


    These sparks continued to gather, as though they wanted to form Xu Qing¡¯s third ball of life fire. However, because he had only opened half of the 90th magic aperture, although the third ball of life fire was continuously condensing, it was still unable to form in the end.


    Previously, Xu Qing was already feeling a little anxious. Now that he was only a little away from the third ball of life fire, his anxiety became even more intense.


    ¡°I have to open it today!¡± Xu Qing gritted his teeth fiercely and took out a jade slip to issue a decree.


    ¡°Send all the Night Doves captured by the other departments over!¡±


    Following Xu Qing¡¯s order, all the members of the Homicide Department were mobilized. They escorted the Night Doves from various prisons and sent them to Port 176. The prison of Port 176 seemed to have become a huge black hole and all the Night Doves that were sent in seemed to be devoured.


    Just like that, the Night Dove criminals in the various districts were continuously sent in. When dusk arrived, as the setting sun shone brightly in the sky, Xu Qing, who was sitting cross-legged in Port 176¡¯s prison, suddenly opened his eyes.


    The instant he opened his eyes, an intense purple light erupted from his eyes. The magic apertures in his body from 61st to 90th rumbled like a huge furnace, emitting powerful flames that continuously gathered in his body.


    After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn out, the third ball of life fire formed in Xu Qing¡¯s body!


    The moment the third ball of life fire appeared, it was as though heavenly lightning was roaming in Xu Qing¡¯s body. As they continued to explode, his entire body trembled and he emitted an incomparably terrifying power of flames that swept in all directions, causing the surrounding cages to instantly turn to ashes and the walls to turn into black crystals.


    However, Xu Qing had long set up a large number of array formations here. The prison itself also had array formations, so the energy fluctuations here didn¡¯t spread out.


    Under the all-out burning of the three balls of life fire in his body, the Heavenly Palace was faintly revealed above the life fires, revealing almost 10% of the area. From this 10% of the revealed parts, the Heavenly Palace was vast and majestic. It was carved with railings and jade bricks, and had an astonishing aura. There seemed to be auspicious beasts dancing faintly, looking illusory and unreal.


    Xu Qing guessed that the Heavenly Palace¡­ was related to the Golden Core!


    Burn the life fires, illuminate the Heavenly Palace.


    As for what the Heavenly Palace was exactly, Xu Qing didn¡¯t know. However, he knew that there was a high chance that these eight words referred to the process of a Foundation Building cultivator transforming into a Golden Core.


    ¡°Three balls of life fire¡­¡± Xu Qing lifted his head. The Golden Crow behind him transformed and danced, letting out a soundless cry. Its tail flames spread in the surroundings and fused with the flames emitted by the life fires outside Xu Qing, transforming into an inferno.


    There were also feather-shaped sparks dancing past Xu Qing.


    If there was an artist who could draw this scene, it would definitely be a masterpiece.


    If an outsider was here and saw this scene, their hearts would definitely be in turmoil. This was because Xu Qing, who was in the flames, clearly didn¡¯t emit any pressure but just his gaze was enough to shake the mind of every Foundation Building cultivator.


    In fact, as Xu Qing¡¯s gaze moved, there was actually a peerless intent in it like Saintly Star¡¯s!


    Three balls of life fire, a life lantern, and an emperor-level cultivation art.


    This was¡­ the combat strength of five fires!


    In addition to his poison, even six fires might not be able to fight him!


    Such might was naturally peerless.

 Chapter 328 - 328 Untitled

    328 Untitled


    Seeing how terrifying Xu Qing was, the shadow trembled. As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, he shook even more. After he manifested himself, his eyes widened and his mind was buzzing.


    ¡°The longer you live, the more things you will see¡­¡±


    ¡°This Demon Xu must be a true dragon. That¡¯s what it says in the book. To be able to have such peerless talent, he must be a true dragon. As for that Saintly Star¡­ he might also be the same, but that¡¯s another book.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s see who¡¯s the strongest true dragon between these two books.¡±


    ¡°¡­Afraid, afraid¡­¡± The shadow trembled and its emotions were a little chaotic.


    It was rare for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor not to mock it and agree with it. He also felt that Demon Xu took him in, the latter had been progressing rapidly and had become extremely terrifying.


    ¡°Hmm? Could it be that I have the potential to support the dragon? After becoming my master, they can rise even more?¡±


    Just as the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor were trembling in horror, they heard Xu Qing muttering.


    ¡°I¡¯m still too weak.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed into slits, hiding the purple light in them.


    ¡°I can¡¯t compare to that Saintly Star who can suppress a peak alone¡­¡± Xu Qing shook his head. He felt that he still had many areas to improve.


    ¡°I have to hurry up and light the fourth ball of life fire. After that, I¡¯ll see what¡¯s behind the 120 magic apertures.¡±


    These heaven¡¯s chosens of the seven sects were all at 120 magic apertures, but hadn¡¯t advanced to the Golden Core Realm. Xu Qing felt that there must be a problem here. The jade slip he had read in the past didn¡¯t even mention much about 120 magic apertures. However, now, it seemed like such people weren¡¯t rare in the Wanggu Continent. Since they were all geniuses of their sect, Xu Qing felt that there might be a certain reason for them to insist on remaining in Foundation Building Realm.


    ¡°My poison can be even stronger. I need a large amount of poisonous grass for the little black bugs to consume and increase their resistance. They can be nurtured in the Poison Restriction Pill all year round.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also the Extreme Heaven Saber¡­ I cannot let go of this opportunity just like that. I have to go to more Extreme Heaven Dao Temples and try to comprehend them.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still too weak.¡± Xu Qing sighed and extinguished the pride that had just risen because his combat strength had reached above the five fires.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was stunned. He carefully and seriously checked Xu Qing¡¯s expression to see if Xu Qing was being sarcastic. However, after checking, he sensed that Xu Qing really seemed to think so.


    ¡®This is weak? This is f*cking weak? Then what is strong¡­ This Demon Xu probably has a wrong understanding of what weak means.¡¯


    ¡®¡­Weak?¡¯


    The shadow at the side was also stupefied.


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath as determination appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Since I¡¯m not strong enough, I can¡¯t be too exposed.¡± Xu Qing fell silent and glanced at the shadow on the ground and the black iron stick where the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was.


    The two of them were completely dumbfounded.


    ¡°Shadow, put another layer of concealment on my life lantern and also hide ten magic apertures for me!¡± Xu Qing slowly spoke. After that, he looked around and waved his hand. Immediately, all the fiery power in the surroundings was pulled and gathered in his right hand.


    It turned into a ball of black flames that contained terrifying power.


    Xu Qing clenched his right hand and the flames instantly fused into his body. As for the prison cells, with the dissipation of the flames, even the soil turned into ashes and there were no traces left.


    Xu Qing then took out a large number of array formations from his storage bag and set them up again.


    As he had enough spirit stones, he wasn¡¯t stingy with the array formations and had bought a lot of them. After he arranged them, he calmly transmitted an order.


    ¡°Continue bringing Night Dove cultivators over!¡±


    Very soon, the members of the Homicide Department sent the criminals in again. As they walked closer to the prison, they also noticed the collapse in the surroundings. Although they were shocked, they didn¡¯t dare to ask.


    Just like that, three days passed.


    The Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s challenges continued as enthusiastically as ever, but in reality, there were many doubts in the minds of the heaven¡¯s chosens from the Seven Sects Alliance.


    This was because they discovered that Huang Yikun had gone missing.


    Before he disappeared, he said two things. One was that he would handle Xu Qing¡¯s matter and let them see the results. The second thing was that he was going to challenge the Seventh Peak and asked them to wait and see the results.


    Now, several days had passed but there was no news about the Seventh Peak, and Huang Yikun had disappeared.


    This matter was extremely strange. What was even stranger was that the Mystic Nether Sect actually didn¡¯t have any response to this¡­


    Hence, when the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance looked in the direction of the Seventh Peak and Port 176, their eyes were filled with doubt and wariness.


    Some things couldn¡¯t be seen through because their levels were not high enough.


    These heaven¡¯s chosens weren¡¯t fools. They naturally understood this principle very well. In addition, the Seventh Peak and Xu Qing had nothing to do with them. Hence, most of them didn¡¯t want to get involved in this.


    ¡®A dragon has nine sons, none of them resemble each other1¡ä. Some were still unable to give up the benefits even after seeing the situation. After all, Xu Qing¡¯s capture of Night Dove made some of the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance extremely unhappy.


    Although not all the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance had transactions with Night Dove, Sima Ling wasn¡¯t the only major customer who wanted to buy treasure-nurturers.


    However, these people who didn¡¯t want to give up on benefits were also waiting, waiting for the Bizarre Hunting Sect.


    The Bizarre Hunting Sect wasn¡¯t the strongest in the Seven Sects Alliance but in terms of the degree of fear others felt toward them, they weren¡¯t much inferior to the Seven Sects Alliance.


    This sect had always been known for covering their mistakes and their bizarre entities. It was also because of this that not many people were willing to provoke them. In the eyes of the other sects, the people from the Bizarre Hunting Sect who interacted with bizarre entities all year round were all lunatics.


    Even the lunatics of the Litu Sect did all kinds of crazy things for an ideal. However, the Bizarre Hunting Sect was different. Many times, the Seven Sects Alliance couldn¡¯t understand their actions. In fact, even the disciples of the Bizarre Hunting Sect couldn¡¯t see through each other¡¯s thoughts.


    Hence, the Bizarre Hunting Sect wouldn¡¯t let the matter of Sima Ling being suppressed rest.


    Five days later, a lone boat floated over from the Forbidden Sea outside the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ port.


    This was a boat made of bones. The boat wasn¡¯t big, only about 100 feet long. Its entire body was slender and looked like the arm bone of a giant beast.


    On both sides of the bone boat, even in broad daylight, one could see countless translucent ghost hands stretching out and continuously stirring up the sea.


    There were probably thousands of ghost hands. As they continued to stir up the sea, this bone boat slowly approached the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ port.


    Unlike the arrival of the Seven Sects Alliance back then, this boat¡¯s owner was very polite. The boat stopped outside the port¡¯s array formation and a woman in a long white dress with black hair walked out.


    This woman didn¡¯t look old and her appearance was extremely beautiful. However, her face was deathly pale, as though she hadn¡¯t seen the sunlight for countless years.


    She held an umbrella above her head. Upon closer inspection, one could see that there were countless strange faces on this umbrella. They were crying and laughing, occasionally biting each other.


    It looked terrifying but every time the white-clothed woman gently rotated the handle of the umbrella, all the faces on it would tremble in fear.


    ¡°Bizarre Hunting Sect, Sima Ru, pays a visit to the Seven Blood Eyes.¡± Outside the array formation, the white-clothed woman spoke softly. Her voice was cold like the winter wind.


    Very soon, the array formation opened a gap. The bone boat moved in and chose Port 176 to dock.


    The moment she reached the shore, the white-clothed woman silently floated ashore and slowly headed toward¡­ Port 176¡¯s Homicide Department.


    Her hair was so long that it reached the ground. The ground would squirm wherever it passed, and as though it had come to life, black ball-like ghosts squirmed out of the ground. They bounced around and followed the white-clothed woman while chanting strange nursery rhymes.


    ¡°Beat it lightly with one bone and pry out its two eyeballs.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be able to open the shell in three hits. Four tongues, come and catch them.¡±


    ¡°The five friends are strong and dug in with their six little hands¡±


    This nursery rhyme was like countless children singing, but regardless of whether it was the sound or the sentences, they were filled with evil. This caused everyone who passed by the white-clothed woman to be horrified and get away from her immediately.


    Just like that, the woman in white got closer and closer to the Homicide Department.


    As for her arrival, it was immediately known by the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance. All of them sensed her from afar and took a deep breath.


    ¡°Sima Ru from the Bizarre Hunting Sect, Sima Ling¡¯s biological sister. She¡¯s also a heaven¡¯s chosen Dao Child of the previous generation. I heard that after she advanced to the Golden Core realm, she has been in closed-door cultivation and is trying to break through to the Second Heavenly Palace!¡±


    ¡°She actually came!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not her main body but a bizarre body of hers!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard of this clone before. When Sima Ru was at the Foundation Building realm, she refined it with one of her bones and fused it with the bizarre entities. Although it can¡¯t reach the combat strength of a Golden Core cultivator, it¡¯s said that it can display the power to suppress four life fires!¡±


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be able to reach five fires, and should have four and a half life fire strength. However, this additional strength of half a life fire is enough to suppress four fires!¡±


    These heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance quickly transmitted their voices to each other. Their hearts were trembling but they didn¡¯t dare to get too close. This was because the Bizarre Hunting Sect was filled with lunatics. They were worried that after she suppressed Xu Qing, she would get excited and suppress them as well.


    At that moment, on the streets of Port 176, the white-clothed woman whom these heaven¡¯s chosen were extremely afraid of was followed by more and more black ball-like ghosts that were jumping around like beans. Amidst their increasingly sinister songs, they walked to the entrance of the Homicide Department.


    Above her in the sky, a huge amount of black fog appeared. It transformed into a malevolent ghost face and looked down at the Homicide Department.


    There was no one at the gate of the Homicide Department.


    The gate was wide open and one could see an extraordinarily handsome youth sitting at the main seat of the guest pavilion. He was looking at her expressionlessly from across the courtyard.


    The white-clothed woman¡¯s expression was as calm as ever as she stared at the youth. A faint smile appeared on her pale face. She looked very decent, and also exuded elegance, like a young lady from a wealthy family.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to pick up my brother.¡±

 Chapter 329 - 329 Seal Wraith Blood

    329 Seal Wraith Blood


    It was late afternoon. The sky was originally clear and bright but with the arrival of the white-clothed woman, dark clouds suddenly appeared in the air above her head and there were faint bolts of lightning contained within them.


    The malevolent ghost face formed by the dark clouds revealed a savage intent as it looked down. It was as though as long as the woman had a thought, this ghost would rush to the Homicide Department and pounce on Xu Qing.


    There were usually very few people outside the Homicide Department, but now, there was no one around.


    After Xu Qing received the news, he immediately made the disciples of the Homicide Department leave.


    He was the only one in the Homicide Department now.


    He was sitting in the guest pavilion with the picture of the evil ghosts fighting for food behind him. When he heard this, he lifted his head and his calm gaze landed on the white-clothed woman outside the gate.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the cloud ghost in the sky, nor did he pay attention to the black ball ghosts following the woman.


    He was staring at the woman, as though he could see through her essence.


    ¡°Clone?¡±


    A hint of emotion appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he played with a jade slip in his hand. This was something that the Intelligence Department had sent over the moment the other party stepped into the Seven Blood Eyes.


    It introduced the origins and background of this woman in detail.


    ¡°The main cultivation style of the Bizarre Hunting Sect focuses on bloodlines and cultivation arts are supplementary. This sect has enshrined four great bloodline sources, and allows its disciples to transplant them into their bodies. Every bloodline has its own mystical aspects and has miraculous effects on bizarre entities. As for their origins, there are many different opinions.¡±


    ¡°Among them, the bloodline transplanted by the surname Sima is called the Seal Wraith Blood. It has astonishing advantages in regards to sealing bizarre entities. However, although these four great bloodlines are strong, they are weaker than the legendary mysterious race in the Wanggu Continent, Bizarre Companion Race.¡±


    ¡°Sima Ru¡¯s talent is extraordinary. She had astonishing compatibility with the Seal Wraith Bloodline, and her abilities were boosted significantly after she transplanted the bloodline. She was in the Sequence of the Bizarre Hunting Sect many years ago. Although she wasn¡¯t first in the Sequence, the few people ranked above her were Golden Core cultivators. She suppressed the Foundation Building disciples of all the bloodlines of her sect for many years before breaking through to the Heavenly Palace Golden Core realm.¡±


    ¡°Her main body is in closed-door cultivation now, so what came is a clone refined from her bone when she was at the peak of Foundation Building. This clone has many bizarre entities sealed in it, and its combat strength exceeds four fires. However, it hasn¡¯t reached five fires yet, and should be at the level of four and a half fires.¡±


    When the contents of the jade slip appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, the white-clothed woman, Sima Ru, looked at the guest pavilion Xu Qing was in and spoke politely.


    ¡°My brother is mischievous and has caused you trouble.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll apologize to you on his behalf.¡±


    Sima Ru¡¯s voice was clear and chilly. After she finished speaking, the large number of black ball ghosts around her hair copied Sima Ru.


    ¡°I apologize, I apologize.¡±


    ¡°Caused you trouble, caused you trouble.¡±


    The voices were densely packed, as though countless children were speaking at different times. At the same time, the many faces on the umbrella Sima Ru held also cried and laughed.


    This scene caused the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance who were paying attention to this place in the distance to gasp. In reality, the Bizarre Hunting Sect was extremely mysterious among the seven sects and the other sects usually didn¡¯t like to interact with them.


    Xu Qing looked at Sima Ru from afar.


    This was the first time he came into contact with her and he didn¡¯t know her personality. However, she had been very polite since she arrived. She didn¡¯t barge in forcefully or make unreasonable demands. She even apologized on behalf of her younger brother.


    She was far from being as domineering as Sima Ling.


    It was very difficult for Xu Qing to feel hostility toward such a person. However, his vigilance wouldn¡¯t decrease because of this. Hence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°I have to report this matter to the sect. You can wait a few days.¡±


    The white-clothed woman nodded lightly when she heard this. Her expression was elegant as she looked at Xu Qing. Her cold voice rang out softly.


    ¡°I can wait for a few days. Since it¡¯s my younger brother¡¯s fault, I have apologized to you on his behalf.¡±


    ¡°Then, how should you apologize for hitting him?¡±


    ¡°My brother likes to collect eyes. Let¡¯s use one of your eyes as an apology gift.¡±


    From the start to the end, this white-clothed woman¡¯s expression was polite and gentle. Even after saying these words, her expression was still the same. She didn¡¯t reveal any anger, as though everything was natural.


    When Xu Qing heard these three sentences, he fell silent. He retracted his gaze and dispelled the thought of releasing Sima Ling.


    At the same time, as her voice rang out, Sima Ru slowly drifted forward, moving past the gate of the Homicide Department and entering the courtyard. As she arrived, the clouds above her head rumbled and rolled forward, enveloping the Homicide Department.


    At the same time, those black ball ghosts also scrambled to jump in through the gate. As they jumped, they repeated Sima Ru¡¯s words.


    ¡°Apologize, apologize.¡±


    ¡°Apologize, apologize¡­¡± Amidst the many voices, a black ball ghost landed in a dark spot. The moment its body landed on the ground, it was as though it had fallen into an abyss and instantly disappeared. Its voice also stopped abruptly.


    Almost at the instant the black ball ghost disappeared, the array formation in the Homicide Department was activated. This array formation isolated the outside world and also seemed to have sealed this place, preventing outsiders from sensing what was going on inside.


    A suppressive force also descended.


    However, when Sima Ru took out a white token from her pocket, this suppression instantly stopped. Clearly, this token was no small matter. It reflected her identity and high status in the upper sect.


    Although the isolation power still existed, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ critical suppression toward outsiders was completely ineffective against her.


    The dignified Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ sect-protecting array formation actually lost its suppressive force with a wave of an outsider¡¯s hand.


    This feeling was like someone else had the right to use your thing and this right even surpassed yours. Whether it was secretly or right in front of you, they could use it as they willed. However, you could not even say anything because on the surface, it really belonged to the other party.


    This caused Xu Qing to sigh inwardly. He suddenly understood why the ancestor and the others were making such a big plan secretly.


    No matter who it was, they didn¡¯t want to be controlled by others forever. With a word from the other party, they could rotate their disciples. With a token, the other party could make the array formation that protected the safety of their sect lose its effect.


    This was especially so in this chaotic world. Everyone was a wild beast and they weren¡¯t willing to live under others.


    In fact, Xu Qing even felt that if the higher-ups of the Seven Sects Alliance arrived, there was a high chance that the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation would be suppressed by the other party with a wave of their hand and used against the Seven Blood Eyes!


    ¡°You used this array formation to remove my brother¡¯s Dao Protector from the battlefield, right?¡± Sima Ru, who was floating toward Xu Qing, spoke softly.


    At that moment, she had already drifted past the courtyard and arrived outside the guest pavilion. She didn¡¯t stop at all and directly floated into the guest pavilion. However, the instant her voice spread and her body floated in, Xu Qing moved.


    He took a step forward and arrived in front of Sima Ru. His face was expressionless as he punched out.


    This punch contained a ferocious power that produced monstrous thunder that rumbled in all directions.


    The instant Xu Qing attacked, the shadow on the ground in the courtyard suddenly rose and transformed into eyes that turned into large mouths that devoured the black ball ghosts.


    At the same time, a black bolt of lightning quickly rushed out from a hidden area at the side, heading straight for the cloud ghost that was about to pounce down.


    In an instant, shocking sounds erupted deafeningly.


    Sima Ru¡¯s body shook. Under Xu Qing¡¯s punch, her body was sent flying out of the guest pavilion.


    Her calm expression changed for the first time. All the bizarre faces on the umbrella widened their eyes. They weren¡¯t looking at Xu Qing but the ground of the courtyard.


    All the black balls were gone.


    A dark glint appeared in Sima Ru¡¯s eyes as she stared at the person who walked out of the guest pavilion.


    Flames rose from the pavilion and spread out intensely, transforming into the shape of a Golden Crow.


    Amidst the flames, there was a faint figure of a youth walking out step by step.


    The Golden Crow let out a cry outside the youth¡¯s body. He was like the lord of flames. The Golden Crow¡¯s tail flames transformed into an emperor¡¯s robe, making him appear extremely noble. At the same time, the youth¡¯s long hair fluttered and the sea of fire became his cloak.


    As he walked out, the flaming cloak behind him spread out even more, shaking the surroundings. The Golden Crow bent down, its head staying above the youth¡¯s head like an emperor¡¯s crown.


    Coupled with his peerlessly handsome face, Xu Qing strode forward, his every step emitting a majestic aura. He was like a young ancient sovereign walking into the human world.


    ¡°Golden Crow Refines All Life!¡± Sima Ru stared at Xu Qing. As she spoke word by word, her body blurred and her speed erupted in an instant, suddenly appearing in front of Xu Qing. She then ruthlessly punched at his eyes.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and slammed it forcefully against the woman¡¯s hand.


    This fighting style caused Sima Ru¡¯s mind to shake. Crack, Sima Ru¡¯s right hand collapsed. Her expression revealed a hint of shock as she rapidly retreated.


    Xu Qing rushed forward. His speed was so fast that it actually surpassed Sima Ru¡¯s. After catching up, he grabbed her hair and smashed her fiercely to the ground!


    The ground rumbled and shattered.


    Sima Ru¡¯s body suddenly transformed into a large amount of fog that spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s hand. Mournful cries rang out and this fog formed a large number of bizarre entity phantoms that rushed toward Xu Qing from all directions.


    Sima Ru¡¯s ghost umbrella appeared above Xu Qing¡¯s head and suppressed him.


    However, how could a mere ghost umbrella suppress the Golden Crow!


    The Golden Crow that had formed the crown suddenly lifted its head. A hint of disdain appeared in its eyes as it charged above.

 Chapter 330 - 330 The Secretive Seventh Peak (1)

    330 The Secretive Seventh Peak (1)


    As the Golden Crow rose and the sea of fire circulated, the countless sinister faces on the ghost umbrella let out sharp cries. They wanted to suppress it but it was useless.


    The Golden Crow instantly rushed in.


    The sharp cries of the malicious ghost turned into mournful screams. The entire ghost umbrella was burned rapidly. All the bizarre faces inside scrambled to escape, but they couldn¡¯t do so.


    In the blink of an eye, they were all burned by the Golden Crow. At the same time, the large number of bizarre entity phantoms transformed from Sima Ru¡¯s body also seemed to be about to dissipate under the eruption of the Golden Crow¡¯s sea of fire.


    However, Sima Ru¡¯s combat strength was extraordinary. Although her heart was filled with shock, she still rushed toward Xu Qing. She passed through the sea of fire and transformed into countless faces that fiercely pounced upon Xu Qing¡¯s entire body.


    Cold wind blew, wanting to extinguish his life fires.


    Xu Qing raised his brows and all the magic apertures in his body burned. At that moment, he felt that there was no point in continuing to hide his magic apertures. The four-fire combat strength of the woman in front of him was difficult to suppress. His 90 magic apertures burned like a giant stove.


    His magic apertures were different from others. His magic apertures were even more majestic and each contained 5,000 feet of spirit sea.


    Such an astonishing spirit sea formed an even more terrifying magic power. Under the support of this magic power, the degree of power emitted by Xu Qing¡¯s life fires were extremely terrifying.


    This cold wind¡­ might be able to extinguish the life fires of the vast majority of cultivators but it couldn¡¯t blow away Xu Qing¡¯s fire.


    His life fires burned with astonishing intensity. No matter how those bizarre entities got close, they were helpless against him. Moreover, his physical strength had reached a much higher level as he continued to cultivate the Golden Crow.


    At that moment, the qi and blood in his entire body erupted, forming a blood light that fused with the sea of fire and spread out with rumbling sounds. All the bizarre entities that came into contact with it disappeared as though they had been erased.


    The ones that Sima Ru had transformed into were no exception. They all collapsed and returned to their fog state again. They gathered not far away and released an even more terrifying aura.


    With a roar, the fog transformed into a huge ferocious beast with three heads.


    This ferocious beast looked like a tiger. It had two heads in front and one on its tail. The moment it appeared, violent winds gusted in the surroundings and an astonishing chill spread. It immediately pounced toward Xu Qing.


    Its speed was extremely fast.


    A large number of ghosts1 spread out from its body and spun, forming a vortex storm that seemed to be able to tear through everything.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He took a step forward and instantly arrived in front of the ghost tiger. He lifted his right hand and the fiendish fire in his body erupted, forming a huge fire fist that punched down.


    The ghost tiger let out a low roar as it dodged. It got close to Xu Qing and opened its mouths. The opening and closing of its mouths were extremely exaggerated, as though they could devour everything.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was calm. His right hand formed a seal and he pointed upward. Immediately, the sea of fire outside his body spread out and a mosasaur manifested. Its size far exceeded the ghost tiger¡¯s. It opened its mouth that was much larger than the ghost tiger and devoured it.


    The ghost tiger collapsed and a blood-curdling scream rang out. However, Sima Ru was indeed extraordinary. When the mosasaur devoured the ghost tiger, the ghost tiger collapsed and exploded in the next instant. Countless fog gathered from within and transformed into a third bizarre entity form in the air.


    It was a bizarre entity with wings on its back and a pitch-black body that looked like a rakshasa2.


    After it was formed, it let out a low roar at Xu Qing and was about to rush over. However, at the next moment, black lightning penetrated the clouds in the sky.


    It headed straight for the rakshasa. The shadow also spread toward it.


    The expression of the rakshasa that Sima Ru had transformed into changed. She dodged the black iron stick and the shadow on the ground but she couldn¡¯t dodge Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing leaped out with a majestic aura. After he got close, he grabbed the rakshasa¡¯s neck and slammed it into the wall at the side.


    The wall shattered. While the rakshasa¡¯s body trembled violently, a large amount of fiendish fire spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    His eyes revealed cruelty as he began to refine the rakshasa.


    In an instant, the 91st magic aperture in Xu Qing¡¯s body actually showed signs of opening.


    The rakshasa struggled intensely. Xu Qing let out a cold snort and lifted it up. He then pressed it against the ground and squeezed fiercely. Bang, the rakshasa¡¯s body collapsed and exploded.


    Seeing that there was still fog spreading out, the Golden Crow in the air let out a cry and inhaled fiercely. Immediately, the fog headed straight for its mouth, about to be devoured.


    However, at that moment, the fog gathered crazily and a fourth form appeared!


    It was a bloated giant that was a thousand feet tall. Its weight seemed to be extremely astonishing as it sat on the ground, trying to resist the Golden Crow.


    However, it was obvious that she wasn¡¯t qualified. The Golden Crow¡¯s eyes revealed a cold glint as it sucked again. Xu Qing also walked over.


    He looked at Sima Ru¡¯s fourth form and his eyes revealed a strange light.


    The absorption earlier actually allowed him to instantly crack a magic aperture. This made Xu Qing look at Sima Ru as though he was looking at a treasure.


    Hence, when he got close toward the struggling bloated giant, the fiendish fire in his body erupted and enveloped the giant.


    The eyes of the giant revealed horror. It struggled intensely but was unable to break free.


    It looked at Xu Qing and the Golden Crow absorbing it, the shadow rushing over anxiously, and the black iron stick which was about to approach it excitedly.

 Chapter 331 - 331 The Secretive Seventh Peak (2)

    331 The Secretive Seventh Peak (2)


    A look of surprise appeared in Sima Ru¡¯s eyes. Without any hesitation, she detonated her fourth form.


    This was the self-destruction of four and a half life fire combat strength. The powerful and loud explosion sent a violent impact in all directions.


    With the help of the self-destruction of the fourth form, a black arm bone rushed out of the collapsed fourth form and headed straight for the outside of the Homicide Department!


    This arm bone was the core of Sima Ru¡¯s clone. At that moment, she already deeply understood how terrifying Xu Qing was. She didn¡¯t want to continue fighting and wanted to escape immediately.


    The timing she chose was indeed good. The astonishing power of the self-destruction could stop all the pursuit but she had misjudged Xu Qing¡¯s strength.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s figure rushed out from the fluctuations of the explosion and got close to the bone in the blink of an eye.


    At this critical moment, the arm bone erupted with a piercing black light. Knowing that it couldn¡¯t escape, it suddenly turned around and ruthlessly knocked Xu Qing¡¯s head.


    At the same time, the strange ballad from before echoed from the surrounding void again.


    ¡°Beat it lightly with one bone and pry out its two eyeballs.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be able to open the shell in three hits. Four tongues, come and catch them.¡±


    ¡°The five friends are strong and dug in with their six little hands¡±


    The might of this strike surpassed four life fires. However, Xu Qing restrained the thought of displaying the power of his life lantern and took out a jade pendant.


    This jade pendant was none other than the Nascent Soul protection Lord Sixth had given him back then.


    Although its power was mostly consumed in the battle with the Starfish Race and its might had decreased greatly, it still had some strength left which was more than enough to resist this attack.


    In an instant, Sima Ru¡¯s bone landed on Xu Qing¡¯s defense.


    It was like hitting a rock with an egg. The protective barrier rippled and cracks appeared on the arm bone.


    A blood-curdling scream rang out. Xu Qing immediately grabbed the bone. The fiendish fire in his body erupted as he refined it with all his might.


    Immediately, a large amount of soul power spread out from the bone and fused into Xu Qing¡¯s body, forming the power to open his magic aperture. It continuously attacked and opened his 91st magic aperture.


    The Golden Crow also arrived to devour. The shadow also pounced over and the black iron stick pierced the bone, absorbing it at the same time.


    Mournful cries rang out crazily from the bone. At the next instant, the bone collapsed and turned into ashes. The 92nd magic aperture in Xu Qing¡¯s body also successfully opened at this moment!


    After that, he looked at the ashes of the bones that scattered in all directions.


    There were no longer any energy fluctuations from the ashes but there was a wisp of divine sense.


    This divine sense rapidly gathered and formed Sima Ru¡¯s white-clothed body at the start. However, at this moment, she was almost translucent and was rapidly disappearing.


    She stared at Xu Qing, her eyes revealing shock.


    ¡°Your Golden Crow Refines All Life is extraordinary and different from the sect¡¯s description!¡±


    ¡°Those cultivators from the seven sects who came here were all deceived by you. You don¡¯t have two life fires, but three!¡±


    ¡°Your magic apertures are even more shocking. Each of them has a range of 5,000 feet!¡±


    ¡°Your combat strength isn¡¯t four fires but infinitely close to five fires!¡±


    ¡°If you form the fourth life fire in the future, other than not having a life lantern, you¡¯ll be the second Saintly Star!!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re too good at hiding. You¡¯re the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯¡­ the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of this generation!¡±


    When Sima Ru¡¯s clone came this time around, she originally thought that it was enough to suppress Xu Qing and take her younger brother away. However, she never expected that the other party had hidden his strength so deeply!


    He clearly had the combat strength of five fires and could suppress Sima Ling in an instant. However, he deliberately hid his strength, giving people the illusion that the fight was not so easy and lasted a while before suppressing Sima Ling.


    ¡°Is he targeting me? He deliberately did this to lure me here!¡± At the thought of this, Sima Ru recalled the scene of her being captured and devoured by the other party. She had never been humiliated like this in her life. At this moment, her eyes revealed killing intent.


    ¡°I know all your secrets. When my main body comes out of seclusion, I¡¯ll come to suppress¡­¡±


    Xu Qing waved his hand and patted. Sima Ru¡¯s divine sense that was about to dissipate instantly collapsed, drowning out her words.


    ¡°I¡¯m not the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    Looking at the place where Sima Ru disappeared, Xu Qing muttered.


    Huang Yikun¡¯s miserable state after he went to the Seventh Peak appeared in his mind.


    Actually, forget about outsiders, even he felt that the Seventh Peak was too good at hiding.


    For example, the captain.


    He had a mysterious and terrifying existence sealed inside him.


    Unaware to him, on the Seventh Peak, Old Master Seventh was watching the happenings at Port 176¡¯s Homicide Department excitedly.


    Behind him, the captain was squatting there with an apple in his hand, eating it one bite at a time.


    At the side, the third highness held a fruit basket in his hand and handed one fruit after another to the captain with a smile.


    ¡°Second Brother, how did you seduce that girl from the Grand Affairs? Teach your Senior Brother too!¡±


    ¡°I did nothing. Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯m charming.¡± The third highness was all smiles.


    ¡°Bullsh*t. No matter how charming you are, can you be as charming as Little Qing? I remember now. Back then, the old man went to the Wanggu Continent. Less than half a year after he returned, you were sent over from the sea with a white token. It has been many years now. At that time, you were only 13 or 14 years old but you were already popular. Your eyes are filled with hatred. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re from the Wanggu Continent? Something major seemed to have happened to the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect back then¡­¡±


    The captain looked at the third highness with a spurious smile.


    The third highness¡¯ expression was as calm as ever as he smiled.


    ¡°As expected, nothing can be hidden from Eldest Senior Brother. However, I¡¯m really curious. Eldest Senior Brother, how many times have you¡­ re-cultivated?¡±


    The captain blinked and smiled.


    ¡°Guess.¡±


    The third highness smiled gently and didn¡¯t speak anymore. He took out an apple and handed it to the captain. The captain took it and looked at Port 176 as he sighed with emotion.


    ¡°This Little Qing really knows how to hide. He already has three fires!! And, I think this kid is still hiding his cards. If I fight with him, I don¡¯t know if he¡¯ll die, but the thing in my body will definitely wake up. If that day really comes, Master, you can¡¯t just save him and ignore me. You have to treat everyone equally. I¡¯m your favorite eldest disciple.¡±


    As for the second highness, she didn¡¯t pay attention to the battle at all, nor did she care about her fellow disciples or master. She kept communicating with a certain someone through the jade slip with a rare shy expression.


    Old Master Seventh glanced at his second disciple.


    ¡°This girl, fortune favors fools!¡±


    He then looked at the eldest and youngest. Although he usually scolded them, he still admired his disciples very much in his heart. After all, they were the wolf kings among the wolf kings that he had chosen from countless people after roaming many places.


    Any one of them surpassed the other peaks¡¯ highnesses by a large extent. This was also his criteria for accepting disciples. He didn¡¯t fancy ordinary heaven¡¯s chosens.


    What made him especially gratified was that he felt that these few disciples had already obtained his true teachings. Just like him, they were good at hiding their sharp edges.


    They would never reveal all their trump cards and secrets. Many times, others thought that they had seen through them but in reality, they had only seen the surface.


    ¡°There¡¯s also the Fourth. He was born with the ability to hide. There¡¯s no need to teach him. He¡¯s already quite good.¡±


    ¡°In this chaotic world filled with unknown dangers and an unpredictable future, we naturally have to hide our cards!¡±


    ¡°Moreover¡­ geniuses that were rarely seen in the past are now appearing one after another. It¡¯s not only the human race but all races as well. This is a sign that a great era has arrived. In this great era, there will be huge opportunities as well as great dangers.¡±

 Chapter 332 - 332 Dark Clouds Covering the Moon, a Night of Killing

    332 Dark Clouds Covering the Moon, a Night of Killing


    The next day.


    It was rare for the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance to stop their challenges. Almost everyone¡¯s gazes landed on Port 176¡¯s Homicide Department.


    They fell silent.


    They each inhaled cold air.


    Their eyes revealed fear and shock.


    They didn¡¯t know what had happened in the Homicide Department.


    Although the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation was ineffective against Sima Ru, the isolation of the environment didn¡¯t involve anyone. Hence, outsiders couldn¡¯t see yesterday¡¯s battle.


    Only the upper echelons of the Seven Blood Eyes and the Sequence highnesses could see it clearly.


    However, other than the Seventh Peak, the other six peaks were still unable to see it because¡­ Old Master Seventh had interfered.


    Hence, what everyone outside the Seventh Peak saw was Sima Ru drifting in. Not long later, the isolation in the Homicide Department dissipated and everything returned to normal. After the disciples of the Homicide Department returned, the operations of the entire Homicide Department continued as usual.


    They continued to capture Night Dove and sent a large number of criminals over.


    Only Sima Ru had gone missing. Her younger brother, Sima Ling, was still imprisoned and hadn¡¯t been released.


    As for the bone boat at the harbor, it silently lost its support and collapsed on its own.


    This scene caused monstrous waves in the hearts of these heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance. At this moment, they suddenly felt that it was meaningless to challenge the other peaks.


    No matter what, the Homicide Department of Port 176 was like a sharp thorn that pierced deeply into their hearts.


    Sima Ling was arrested and suppressed by the Homicide Department, and his sister was clearly suppressed as well. As for the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s Huang Yikun, he disappeared after challenging the Seventh Peak. Before he disappeared, he had also told others that he would handle the matter regarding Xu Qing.


    All of this¡­ was related to Xu Qing!


    Hence, in the eyes of these Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s disciples, Port 176 Homicide Department was like a den of a ferocious beast. It was mysterious and unfathomable but at the same time, it contained unimaginable dangers.


    Originally, the goal of the Seven Sects Alliance in sending these heaven¡¯s chosens was to use their repeated challenges to suppress the will of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples and let the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples grow a seed of reverence for the Seven Sects Alliance.


    They did accomplish this at the start. As they challenged again and again, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples had fallen silent. Many disciples had become anxious and some even tried to contact them.


    However, now, while they intimidated the many Seven Blood Eyes disciples, they themselves were intimidated by the Homicide Department.


    ¡°Just what level is Xu Qing¡¯s true combat strength!¡±


    ¡°Sima Ru didn¡¯t even return. Although the one who came wasn¡¯t her main body, she still possessed the combat strength of four and a half fire. She could easily suppress us, but was suppressed by Xu Qing.¡±


    ¡°The Seventh Peak¡­ Is it the core of the entire Seven Blood Eyes?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good that Senior Brother Saintly Star didn¡¯t leave¡­¡±


    While the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance were shocked, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples¡¯ moods fluctuated when they observed all of this. In their eyes, Xu Qing and the Seventh Peak were shining.


    They were like a bright light that illuminated the dim sky in the hearts of the disciples of the other peaks.


    This caused the concept of invincibility that was planted in them when they faced the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Wanggu Continent to change. They also yearned for the Seventh Peak and developed an extremely high reverence for the Seventh Peak¡¯s Peak Lord.


    There were even some rumors that the situation of the Seven Blood Eyes would change a little. The greatest change was that a sect master would appear!


    So far, the Seven Blood Eyes only had peak lords and no sect master.


    In reality, the disciples of the seven peaks listened to their respective peaks and didn¡¯t agree much with the other peaks. They did their own things and would only cooperate with each other on major matters.


    Now¡­ the arrival of the Seven Sects Alliance was like a huge hammer that bombarded the various peaks of the Seven Blood Eyes. That feeling of an incoming storm caused the hearts of all the disciples to be in turmoil under the pressure of the outside world. All kinds of thoughts were rising.


    However, from another perspective, this pressure was like forging iron, causing the dross contained in the Seven Blood Eyes over the years to be revealed.


    The visiting nonhuman races and the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ allies saw everything even more deeply. They could faintly see the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ancestor¡¯s grasp of the human heart.


    He was borrowing the hands of the Seven Sects Alliance to temper his sect.


    The Seven Sects Alliance clearly saw this point, so they no longer urged the heaven¡¯s chosens of the various sects to continue challenging. However, they started sending transfer orders to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    They wanted to transfer the peak lords of the various peaks, especially the Seventh Peak.


    They also called up all the highnesses, especially the highnesses and Sequences of the Seventh Peak, to head to the Wanggu Continent to arrange their positions.


    These transfer orders were all delayed by Xue Lianzi.


    However, this time around, the Seven Sects Alliance seemed to be determined. Each of the transfer orders was harsher than the last. In the end, their words even revealed a hint of threat. It was as though if they didn¡¯t listen to the orders, the Seven Sects Alliance would forcefully suppress them.


    The most powerful sect in the Seven Sects Alliance, the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, was much more active in this. Its ancestor had initiated the taboo magic treasure of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, forming a huge deterrence.


    As the taboo magic treasure of the Cloud Soaring Sword Sect was initiated and could activate at any time, the upper sects of the Second Peak and the Sixth Peak ¨C Spirit Dawn Valley and Heavenly Treasure Sect ¨C also activated their taboo magic treasures, as though they were cooperating in this deterrence.


    Other than the transfer order, there were also orders asking the Seven Blood Eyes to hand over half of the war compensation of the Sea Corpse Race. Moreover, the Seven Sects Alliance would set up a Foreign Affairs Department on all the islands occupied by the Seven Blood Eyes.


    This division was known as the Foreign Affairs Department but it was actually an inspection department. It would monitor the ancestor and observe the disciples.


    In an instant, the entire Seven Blood Eyes became unsteady again.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay too much attention to it. On one hand, he didn¡¯t think that the higher-ups of the sect who were born from the Gu-nurturing system would be helpless about this matter.


    On the other hand, such matters between sects couldn¡¯t be looked at from the surface. With such a huge benefit involved, the human heart couldn¡¯t be trusted, let alone the discussions on the surface.


    ¡°The Seven Sects Alliance isn¡¯t united either,¡± Xu Qing mumbled. He had already seen this point from the matter with the Bizarre Hunting Sect. In reality, this made sense.


    Moreover, his current energy was mostly on the research of the little black bugs and Night Dove¡¯s capture operation.


    During this period of curfew and the continuous movements against them, Night Dove¡¯s mobility in the Seven Blood Eyes had been squeezed to the limit.


    The final operation began several days later.


    Night Dove¡¯s five headquarters in the Seven Blood Eyes had been thoroughly investigated.


    That night, the members of the seven Homicide Departments and their elites all moved out. They formed five sharp blades and would attack Night Dove¡¯s five headquarters at the same time.


    Even more disciples of the Homicide Department were scattered in the main city, strictly monitoring the curfew. They also had the mission to capture the fleeing Night Doves.


    This was the overall plan of the Night Dove Capture Operation.


    As the night wind blew over and Xu Qing¡¯s figure walked out of Port 176¡¯s Homicide Department, thousands of disciples of the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department appeared one after another behind him. Xu Qing¡¯s voice blew the horn to destroy Night Dove.


    ¡°Homicide Department, set off. After tonight, there will be no Night Doves in the Seven Blood Eyes!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice was filled with killing intent that echoed in all directions.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Thousands of Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department disciples spoke in unison. At the next instant, Xu Qing led the way. The few deputy directors behind him each led their teams and thousands of people headed straight for their target in the darkness.


    Tonight, the wind was strong and dark clouds covered the moon.


    Wherever the disciples of the Homicide Department passed, all the shops and businesses were closed. The inns that were originally open at night were no longer able to operate properly due to the curfew. Right now, they looked at the figures of the Homicide Department passing by from behind the closed doors and windows.


    In the night wind, Xu Qing, who was speeding at the front, looked at the night sky and everything in his surroundings. He suddenly recalled the second night when he had just arrived at the Seven Blood Eyes.


    At that time, he was walking carefully on the road. Looking at the members of the Homicide Department who were rapidly passing by, he had felt vigilant, wary, and envious.


    Now, he was leading thousands of members of the Homicide Department and they were all carrying out his orders.


    ¡°It¡¯s been three years.¡± Xu Qing mumbled and sped up.


    Behind him, all the members of the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department looked at Xu Qing with fanaticism. This was the way of survival in this chaotic world. This was the admiration the weak had for the strong.


    At the same time¡­ Xu Qing¡¯s footsteps were also an important reason why they admired him.


    Three years ago, Xu Qing was just like them, a team member.


    Three years later, Xu Qing was already the director of the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department!


    The night wind grew even stronger.


    Not long later, Xu Qing looked at a large residence from afar. This place wasn¡¯t small and was once a property of the Fourth Peak. Later on, it was bought and used as a brothel.


    However, with the curfew, there was no more business here. It was gradually desolate and the lights inside were also dim.


    ¡°Kill!¡± Xu Qing calmly said. Thousands of Homicide Department members behind him erupted with killing intent and rushed out in unison, heading straight for the residence. In an instant, rumbling sounds spread from everywhere. Many Night Dove members were trying to flee in panic, but there were even more Homicide Department members surrounding them.


    The sounds of slaughter came from everywhere and the stench of blood drifted over with the wind.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t make a move. Instead, he stood in the air and coldly stared at everything. At the same time, reports on the attacks on the other Night Dove Headquarters were being transmitted to him by the other departments.


    ¡°Director Xu, the attack on the third stronghold went smoothly. We are cleaning up here!¡±


    ¡°Everything is going smoothly in the second stronghold. We have killed Night Dove¡¯s Foundation Building enemy leaders. The remaining survivors are being killed.¡±


    ¡°The attack on the fifth stronghold is completed!¡±


    ¡°Requesting assistance! In the fourth stronghold, there is suspected to be a cultivator of the Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s Soaring Cloud Sword Sect and also a three fires Night Dove Foundation Building cultivator!!¡±


    Almost at the same time that Xu Qing saw this last message, a distress signal from the Homicide Department erupted in the distant sky.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and took a step forward. In an instant, his speed erupted and his aura shot through the sky, heading straight for the place where the signal came from. As he moved forward, the Golden Crow appeared behind him and spread its wings. Its tail flames fluttered like tentacles and formed a sea of fire.


    From afar, Xu Qing¡¯s cape was covered in flames and his momentum was unstoppable.

 Chapter 333 - 333 Saber Slashes the Night Dove

    333 Saber Slashes the Night Dove


    Xu Qing headed straight for the place where the rescue signal had come from.


    The sea of fire that burned everything seemed to give a different charm to his demonic handsome face.


    In a short while, he reached the place.


    His fire crown burned high, and the Golden Crow cried, bringing down lightning that blotted the sky.


    The flames rose like a great wave, bringing with them endless might as they poured down on the fourth Night Dove stronghold.


    A rumbling sound shook the area and the ground quaked as a sea of fire covered it. Many Night Dove cultivators who were trying to escape couldn¡¯t even let out a scream before their bodies turned into ashes.


    A large number of buildings collapsed one after another.


    This place was located in the territory of the Fifth Peak. It was a three-story tower with a very large area. During the day, it sold array formations. Although it had nothing to do with the Fifth Peak, there were still some dealings in the dark.


    As for whether the Fifth Peak knew that this tower was under Night Dove¡¯s control, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care. After tonight, this place would no longer exist.


    As he arrived and the sea of fire swept past, the members of the Homicide Department who were surrounding this place were rejuvenated and bowed to Xu Qing.


    In the distance, as the buildings collapsed and the sea of fire spread, two battlefields were especially conspicuous. One of the battlefields was filled with seven to eight deputy directors of the Homicide Department. They had jointly summoned the power of the sect¡¯s array formation and were suppressing an elderly cultivator of Night Dove.


    This old man wore a luxurious robe and his face was covered in brown spots. At that moment, his eyes were filled with shock and anger as he struggled with all his might. There were also three fires burning in his body and emitting a powerful aura.


    Originally, he could instantly kill these several Fire Foundation Building deputy directors. However, combined with the power of the sect¡¯s array formation, he was unable to kill them or escape from them so easily.


    However, the deputy directors didn¡¯t have much authority and the power of the array formation they summoned wasn¡¯t enough to completely suppress the old man. Hence, they were in a stalemate and both sides suffered injuries. However, the disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes were all wolf cubs who were living in the Gu-nurturing system. Their cruelty was related to their experience. Even when facing a disadvantage and even when they were injured, their ferocity was still dense.


    On the other battlefield, four two fires directors of the Homicide Departments cooperated with hundreds of disciples to trap one person with the Fifth Peak¡¯s formation.


    This person wore a golden Daoist robe and looked to be in his late teens. He was handsome and had bright eyes that seemed to contain stars. There were nine swords spinning rapidly beside him, forming sword qi that shook the surroundings.


    He had three life fires. He had already ignited them and his expression was filled with anger. He was trying to blast open the array formation and rush out to kill.


    Moreover, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ sect array formation was ineffective against this person.


    As such, the Homicide Departments could only use the Fifth Peak¡¯s formation and the support of hundreds of disciples to barely trap this person. However, it was obvious that they couldn¡¯t hold on for long; all of their faces were pale, as though they were about to reach their limit.


    Xu Qing¡¯s arrival was like lightning striking this place. The rising sea of fire caused the expressions of the black-robed old man and the disciple of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect to change.


    This was especially so for the latter. His mind shook as he knew Xu Qing and understood how terrifying the other party was.


    After discovering that Xu Qing ignored the old man and headed straight for him, the sword qi emitted by the flying swords in his surroundings became a little chaotic.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I was just passing by. I have nothing to do with Night Dove!¡±


    Almost at the same time that the youth spoke, the director of the Third Peak¡¯s Homicide Department spoke rapidly.


    ¡°Director Xu, when we were encircling the stronghold earlier, this person was discussing with that Night Dove enemy leader. The content is unknown but he definitely wasn¡¯t passing by!¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and took a step forward. With a wave of his hand, the cultivators from the Homicide Department who were encircling the youth were dispersed by a gentle force and the array formation was instantly removed. As for Xu Qing, he walked toward the youth.


    The expression of the youth changed drastically. His breathing was hurried as he spoke with a threatening voice.


    ¡°Xu Qing, Saintly Star is my senior brother. If you hurt me, he will definitely kill you. I¡­¡±


    Before the youth could finish speaking, Xu Qing arrived in front of him expressionlessly. His speed was so fast that the flying swords didn¡¯t even touch him.


    This youth couldn¡¯t even react. At the next instant, Xu Qing grabbed the youth¡¯s neck and ruthlessly pressed him to the ground.


    The ground shattered and blood flowed out of the seven orifices of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect¡¯s youth. Two of the three balls of life fire in his body were directly extinguished. He was terrified and tried to control the flying swords in the surroundings, but their speed was too slow.


    Xu Qing lifted the youth from the ground and threw him toward the back.


    Cracking sounds rang out from the youth¡¯s body as his bones and organs ruptured. As blood filled the air, the last ball of life fire in his body couldn¡¯t withstand it and was extinguished.


    When he landed on the ground, he was already heavily injured.


    Without needing Xu Qing¡¯s instructions, disciples of the Homicide Department immediately stepped forward and put seals on the youth.


    At that moment, the Night Dove old man trapped by the few deputy directors used some life-saving method. A powerful fluctuation erupted from where he was and actually shook everyone away. He quickly took out a token and threw it out. As the token shattered, it caused the suppression from the sect¡¯s array formation to loosen a little.


    Taking advantage of this opportunity, the black-robed Night Dove rushed out. He was fleeing in the direction of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ mountain peak.


    Xu Qing turned his head and cast a cold glance.


    He didn¡¯t know who the other party was but he could sense that this person¡¯s appearance was a disguise and not his true appearance. The jade slip that caused the sect¡¯s array formation to loosen was an identity token.


    Although the array formation¡¯s suppression power summoned by the deputy directors had ordinary might, it wasn¡¯t something that could be loosened so easily. To be able to do this, the only way was¡­ the other party¡¯s true identity was a Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciple.


    For Night Dove to exist in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city, it was impossible for it to not have the involvement of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples. Xu Qing was aware of this, but didn¡¯t plan to expose or dig up this matter.


    It was meaningless.


    Seeing that the other party¡¯s figure was getting further and further away, Xu Qing calmly stepped into the air and looked into the distance. He lifted his right hand and at the next instant, the shadow of a huge heavenly saber manifested in the sky above his head.


    This saber was majestic. The instant it appeared, the wind and the clouds stirred and waves of intense killing intent spread out, causing the expressions of everyone who sensed it to change.


    This was especially so for some of the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance who were paying attention to this battle. Someone immediately recognized it and exclaimed.


    ¡°Extreme Heaven Saber!¡±


    As cries of surprise faintly appeared in all directions, Xu Qing looked at the fleeing three fires elderly Night Dove who was about to disappear from his sight and brought down his hand.


    In an instant, the heavenly saber in the sky erupted with a piercing light. Amidst the resplendence, it slashed fiercely at the old man. Its speed was so fast that it seemed to cut through the stars and moon.


    In the dark night, the resplendent light was like a dazzling star.


    As the saber landed, the surroundings trembled.


    The fleeing Night Dove old man had a look of horror on his face. The life fires in his body burned with all their strength as he tried to resist but it was useless. As the saber light flashed past his eyes, his entire body trembled violently. His eyes revealed despair and bitterness as he muttered.


    ¡°So you even know Extreme Heaven Saber¡­¡±


    At the next moment, a bloodstain appeared between his brows. This bloodstain rapidly spread through his nose, his lips, his chin, his chest, and his lower parts.


    A large amount of blood spurted out from the bloodstain as his body split in two. After that, the two halves of his body shattered again until they turned into minced meat and blood that splattered onto the ground.


    With Xu Qing¡¯s current cultivation, the Extreme Heaven Saber was much more powerful than before. With a single slash, it killed three fires. Everyone in the main city who saw it fell silent.


    At the same time, not far from the place where the three-fire black-robed Night Dove had died, on the streets, a team of disciples from the Homicide Department was strictly investigating everyone who appeared at night.


    Their mission was to capture and bring to justice those Night Dove members who had escaped from the destruction of their strongholds. Under the search of the all-encompassing net of the Homicide Departments, these Night Dove remnants had nowhere to hide.


    However, even under curfew, there would still be ordinary people who had to go out for various reasons. For example, right now, in front of this team of Homicide Department disciples stood a trembling 13 to 14-year-old youth with a nervous expression.


    This youth had just arrived at the Seven Blood Eyes yesterday. Today, he had passed the assessment and entered the Sixth Peak as a new disciple. Because the level of the token he held was not bad, he was arranged to report to the Sixth Peak¡¯s Homicide Department.


    Now, on the way back to his residence, he was stopped and examined by disciples of the Homicide Department. During the search, he heard a mournful cry from the sky and also saw Night Dove¡¯s enemy leader who had been slashed in the air!


    That saber strike shocked him physically and mentally. His eyes revealed deep desire and indescribable reverence.


    ¡°That¡¯s the director of the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department, Xu Qing. He¡¯s a top figure in our entire Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Homicide Departments.¡±


    Noticing the reverence in the eyes of the youth in front of him, the Homicide Department disciple who was searching him looked in the direction of the saber strike in the sky and spoke with fanaticism in his eyes. He then waved his hand at the surrounding team members.


    ¡°This little fellow is one of us. You guys, restrain yourselves. Don¡¯t scare the little fellow. Let¡¯s continue searching for the remnants of Night Dove. Lord Xu Qing¡¯s order is that there shouldn¡¯t be a single Night Dove in the main city before dawn!¡±


    ¡°And you, little fellow, hurry up and go back. Tonight won¡¯t be peaceful.¡±


    The surrounding disciples of the Homicide Department excitedly left. Only the youth stood on the spot and looked at the shadow of the heavenly saber that was slowly dissipating in the sky. His eyes revealed deep yearning.


    ¡°I wonder when I¡¯ll be able to do the same.¡±


    As he mumbled, the youth quickly left. Unknowingly, a seed of becoming an expert had been planted in his heart.

 Chapter 334 - 334 Basis of Society

    334 Basis of Society


    One saber strike killed three fires!


    This achievement could be achieved by any heaven¡¯s chosen of the seven sects.


    After all, the difference in combat strength between three fires and four fires was too great. In fact, four balls of life fire at the Foundation Building realm could be considered another major realm.


    Without an emperor-level cultivation art, life lantern, or support of some powerful external objects, the difference between the two sides was like heaven and earth.


    Regardless of speed or explosiveness, they were on different levels.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s attack still caused waves in the hearts of all the Seven Sects Alliance disciples who saw it.


    At the start, they didn¡¯t care about Xu Qing, but slowly, they had placed more importance on him. Now, they were wary of him.


    This had a lot to do with Sima Ru¡¯s disappearance.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s attack carried much more might in their eyes.


    In fact, even if they weren¡¯t willing to admit it, they clearly understood that if they fought against Xu Qing, they would definitely lose. Vaguely, they had already categorized Xu Qing as a peerless cultivator second only to Saintly Star.


    After they saw that saber strike, they all had mixed feelings about how deeply Xu Qing concealed his cards.


    This was the Extreme Heaven Saber.


    Although this saber technique could only be considered an emperor-level cultivation art after one had comprehended seven strikes, they did not know if Xu Qing really only had one saber strike.


    Even if he only had one saber strike, it was still shocking.


    External forces could not help in comprehension of the Extreme Heaven Saber. It depended on one¡¯s own comprehension. This was the same for any sect.


    In fact, there were some sects in the Wanggu Continent that specialized in saber Dao. They judged a person¡¯s aptitude by how much they had comprehended the Extreme Heaven Saber.


    As such, to a certain extent, the Extreme Heaven Saber could also be considered a standard to verify heaven¡¯s chosen. Under this standard, all the heaven¡¯s chosens in the Seven Sects Alliance, other than Saintly Star, lost.


    They had tried to comprehend it more than once but were unable to succeed.


    Hence, when they saw Xu Qing using Extreme Heaven Saber to kill the black-clothed three fires Night Dove, their hearts were filled with mixed emotions.


    Regardless of whether it was them or the visiting allies, they could see the terrifying points of Xu Qing from this strike.


    Decisiveness and intelligence.


    Night Dove had been in the Seven Blood Eyes for so many years and was like wild grass that kept on growing no matter how many times you burned them. Moreover, so many of them gathered this time, causing the Homicide Department to spend nearly two months eliminating them. There was naturally a problem here.


    This problem wouldn¡¯t be small.


    This was definitely because someone from the Seven Blood Eyes had provided them with a certain level of protection. The benefits involved were too great, so it was hard to say how many people from the Seven Blood Eyes were secretly participating.


    They could not overdo their actions against Night Dove.


    The nonhuman cultivators had seen through it very clearly. In reality, they were also paying attention to see how the Seven Blood Eyes would deal with this Night Dove operation by the Homicide Department and if it would cause internal chaos.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s actions were very decisive. He had clearly sensed the three fires Night Dove¡¯s identity but he didn¡¯t dig deeper. Instead, he killed him cleanly with a single strike, causing the other party to have no chance to speak. Even his corpse turned into minced meat, and his identity could no longer be seen on the surface.


    Such a strike not only killed this person but also all the connections related to Night Dove behind him.


    He used this saber strike to tell everyone who was hiding behind the scenes that the Homicide Department wouldn¡¯t pursue this matter.


    This method would be wrong if it were a prosperous era, but in this chaotic world, this was the smartest choice with the least impact.


    Not only did he kill Night Dove, but he also secretly did others a favor, causing all the hidden people to have no choice but to admit that Xu Qing had done a good job in this matter. They wouldn¡¯t trouble him over this matter.


    Even Xue Lianzi¡¯s eyes were filled with admiration.


    He didn¡¯t care about the dirty things in the sect because he knew very well that if there was light, there would be darkness as well. The sunlight produced shadow. In many things, there weren¡¯t just black and white, but also gray.


    Xu Qing was once ignorant about this principle. After coming to the Seven Blood Eyes, he had seen too many hidden blades and too many people he couldn¡¯t figure out. He was like a cotton, rapidly learning and growing until he understood these mechanisms.


    After this battle, Xu Qing¡¯s name was deeply remembered by all the nonhuman races. Moreover, the fear in their hearts was also intense. However, they wouldn¡¯t easily reveal their likes and dislikes.


    This was because they could tell that this Xu Qing¡­ had both strength and ruthlessness. Not only was he good at hiding, but he was also smart. Unless they killed such a person in one strike, once they failed to attack, they would definitely suffer a backlash.


    Without the fight for benefits and hatred that wouldn¡¯t rest until one side died, no one was willing to take the risk to make a move. Most of them had the thought of befriending him.


    This was one of the complicated human natures.


    After the night¡¯s cleanup and all the Night Doves were captured, when Xu Qing obtained a name list, he asked the sect and received an affirmative answer.


    This list was the account book of the people who bought the treasure-nurturers.


    Even though account books were often the key to spoiling things, the meaning of their existence wasn¡¯t really just recording but as a method of checks and balances.


    At the same time, the records could have been left intentionally as well.


    This was because to a certain extent, it was an existence similar to a taboo magic treasure.


    There was a high chance that the transactions were registered deliberately. The record mainly had the names and number of people bought by the Seven Sects Alliance. What surprised Xu Qing was that not every sect in the Seven Sects Alliance bought them.


    Among them, the upper sect of the Second Peak ¨C Spirit Dawn Valley, the upper sect of the Sixth Peak ¨C Heavenly Treasure Sect, the upper sect of the Seventh Peak ¨C Mystic Nether Sect, and the upper sect of the Fifth Peak ¨C Fate Pavilion, didn¡¯t buy any.


    The ones who bought the most were the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, the Bizarre Hunting Sect, and the upper sect of the Fourth Peak, the Great Expansion Dao Palace.


    The heaven¡¯s chosens from the first two sects who had stayed in the Seven Blood Eyes were already locked up in the prison. The only one who wasn¡¯t captured outside was the cultivator from the Great Expansion Dao Palace.


    Xu Qing recalled the riches in Sima Ling¡¯s storage ring and wanted to capture this heaven¡¯s chosen of the Great Expansion Dao Palace. However, he wouldn¡¯t act rashly. Hence, he asked the sect if he could capture this person.


    Unless the benefits were great, he rarely overstepped his boundaries in the open.


    The other party¡¯s interests were unknown and it concerned the Seven Sects Alliance. Xu Qing felt that it was the safest to get confirmation and have official support.


    The sect only sent one word.


    ¡°Capture!¡±


    Looking at the sect¡¯s reply, Xu Qing left the Homicide Department. The next morning, he walked on the streets of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The night of slaughter by the Homicide Department was very fruitful. It also caused most of the evils in the main city to disappear without a trace.


    The rules of the Seven Blood Eyes protected mortals greatly. Hence, the actions of the Homicide Department didn¡¯t affect mortals at all. On the contrary, it made them feel much safer.


    Xu Qing arrived at the breakfast stall he used to frequent. He ate a few snacks with a bowl of hot soup. Finally, under the enthusiasm of the shopkeeper, he ate three eggs and politely left a few spirit coins before bidding farewell.


    This breakfast stall wasn¡¯t very famous originally and was only one of the many breakfast stalls in the main city. However, in the past year or so, there had been some changes and it had become a must-go place for people patrolling the night in the Homicide Department, causing business to be much better than before.


    Moreover, no one had ever dared to cause trouble here. The boss of the breakfast stall naturally knew the reason. Hence, as he cleared the table, he looked at the departing Xu Qing and sighed with emotion.


    He still remembered the first time the other party came three years ago. His expression was filled with caution. After taking a sip of the soup, there was satisfaction on his face.


    ¡°It¡¯s been three years. This youth has unknowingly grown so big and become a big shot.¡±


    As he sighed with emotion, the boss looked at the customers in the surroundings who smelled strongly of blood. Their eyes were filled with fanaticism and reverence as they looked at the back of the youth. He smiled and shook his head.


    Xu Qing walked at a moderate pace. Even though his current cultivation was extraordinary and he already held great power in the sect, he still habitually liked to walk in the corners.


    After the time it took for an incense stick to burn out, as the sky grew brighter and there were more pedestrians, Xu Qing arrived in front of a residence.


    This place was the residence of the Great Expansion Dao Palace¡¯s disciples in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    All the outsiders who came to visit the Seven Blood Eyes had a fixed residence. For example, the Great Expansion Dao Palace¡¯s residence was a two-storeyed courtyard building.


    The power of array formations enveloped it. Xu Qing, who had walked to the gate, silently sensed it and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Sect Array Formation, please suppress this place.¡±


    This time, Xu Qing was under orders to enforce the law. The sect¡¯s array formation instantly erupted, forming a suppressive force that landed here, causing all the array formations of the Great Expansion Dao Palace in the residence to be instantly suppressed.


    Exclamations rang out from within.


    Xu Qing calmly pushed open the door of the residence and saw dozens of people with different expressions rushing out.


    Among these dozens of people, there were three people in the lead: two men and one woman.


    The woman wore a long white dress that looked like a palace dress but there were no complicated patterns. Only the hem of her dress was dyed red and there were cloud patterns embroidered on her sleeves. Her entire body emitted pill fragrance and her appearance was elegant.


    At that moment, her eyes revealed a strange glint. Although she followed everyone out, her gaze was the clearest. From the inside out, there was no panic at all.


    Beside her stood a youth in a yellow garment. He had an ordinary appearance. There were some spots on his face but his eyes were extremely bright as he stared fixedly at Xu Qing.


    On her other side, there was another youth. This person wore a blue Daoist robe that was covered with cloud patterns. Those clouds were strange and seemed to be flowing and changing on their own. There was a faint intent of an array formation emitting from them.


    His countenance was the palest and there was obvious panic in his eyes. After seeing Xu Qing, his breathing quickened.


    Behind the three of them were mostly disciples of the Great Expansion Dao Palace. All of them were equally nervous.


    Further away, Xu Qing saw three middle-aged cultivators. These three people were scattered and didn¡¯t speak, but the Golden Core fluctuations on their bodies were all spreading out.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and he looked at the youth in the blue robe.


    ¡°Zhou Qifan from the Great Expansion Dao Palace?¡±

 Chapter 335 - 335 Wanggu Chessboard (1)

    335 Wanggu Chessboard (1)


    ¡°Xu Qing, this is my Great Expansion¡¯s residence. Why are you here?!¡± The breathing of the youth in the blue robe sped up when he heard Xu Qing. His expression also darkened as he shouted in a low voice.


    In reality, ever since Night Dove was destroyed last night and Xu Qing¡¯s heavenly saber killed Night Dove¡¯s three fires black-robed man and suppressed the disciples of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, he had already realized that the situation wasn¡¯t good.


    This was because no matter how he looked at it, he seemed to be the only one left who had made a deal with Night Dove.


    Hence, other than being nervous, he immediately invited his colleagues from the Spirit Dawn Valley and the Heavenly Treasure Sect here just in case.


    Seeing that Xu Qing had arrived and called out his name, Zhou Qifan¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t help but sink.


    Xu Qing looked at the person who spoke. When he came, he had looked at the information on the other party. He usually kept a low profile and rarely went out other than challenging the Fourth Peak, so there were not many photos of him.


    ¡°I am here on the orders of the sect to capture the person who traded with the Night Dove, Zhou Qifan.¡± As he spoke, Xu Qing took a step forward and instantly got close to Zhou Qifan, and grabbed him.


    A cold glint flashed in Zhou Qifan¡¯s eyes. With a boom, the red clouds on his robe instantly erupted, forming red lines in front of him that quickly formed an array formation that ruthlessly suppressed Xu Qing. At the same time, he retreated and let out a low shout.


    ¡°Protector Zhang, fellow Daoists, please help me!¡±


    Almost at the instant he spoke, Xu Qing¡¯s right hand had already come into contact with the red cloud array formation. A loud bang echoed in the air as the Golden Crow manifested behind Xu Qing and charged forward. Immediately, the array formation collapsed and all the red clouds were sucked into the Golden Crow¡¯s mouth.


    As for the Dao Protector behind Zhou Qifan, he revealed a look of hesitation. He sighed and walked out. However, as Xu Qing waved his hand, the sect¡¯s array formation arrived. The Dao Protector didn¡¯t resist at all and borrowed the power of the array formation to retreat until he was far away.


    He didn¡¯t want to be expelled like the Dao Protector of the Bizarre Hunting Sect. He could naturally tell that the Seven Blood Eyes were capturing people. It was useless to obstruct them.


    Moreover, if he was expelled, he would lose face, and it was impossible for Zhou Qifan¡¯s life to be in danger. He would only be suppressed for a while. Why should he risk his life in vain?


    Hence, with the help of the sect¡¯s array formation, he quickly retreated.


    As for the two heaven¡¯s chosens from the Spirit Dawn Valley and the Heavenly Treasure Sect, after they glanced at Xu Qing, they retreated separately and didn¡¯t help.


    They didn¡¯t have the obligation to help. The Seven Sects Alliance was only an alliance, not a sect.


    Moreover, they could tell that Xu Qing had arrived with resolution. Even if they helped, it would be useless. Since that was the case, why should they become enemies with Xu Qing?


    After all, they had already given Zhou Qifan face by coming here personally. It wasn¡¯t like they had a close relationship. This was enough.


    Xu Qing¡¯s future was limitless like the rising sun. Moreover, the conflicts between the sects had nothing to do with individuals. If they could form a good relationship with Xu Qing, it would naturally be more worth it.


    As they retreated, the two of them cupped their fists slightly at Xu Qing, indicating that they wanted to draw the line between them and Zhou Qifan.


    Seeing this, Zhou Qifan¡¯s expression changed but he didn¡¯t say anything.


    This was also within his expectations. In reality, it would be best if the two could make a move. Even if they didn¡¯t, his goal could be considered to be achieved as he wanted more people to bear witness to his capture.


    This way, after he was imprisoned, his life wouldn¡¯t be in danger.


    With so many people watching, his sect¡¯s reputation would definitely be damaged.


    His sect would then react faster to get back the lost reputation, speeding up the recovery of his freedom.


    These people all had different thoughts. Just as they were all thinking about themselves, Xu Qing took the second step and arrived in front of Zhou Qifan. Amidst Zhou Qifan¡¯s anger, Xu Qing lifted his right hand and was about to grab him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you!¡± Zhou Qifan said loudly.


    He felt that it was enough to lay the groundwork. There was no need for him to go through the beatings and be captured like a dead dog. That would be too embarrassing. He couldn¡¯t just obediently follow the other party immediately.


    Xu Qing raised his brows.


    When Zhou Qifan saw this, his heart trembled. However, his expression still maintained a stubborn and angry posture, and his words were filled with explanation.


    ¡°Xu Qing, although I bought treasure-nurturers, it¡¯s not for my own use. I don¡¯t have that habit. I bought them on behalf of some people in the sect.¡±


    ¡°Also, I¡¯ve already arranged for those treasure-nurturers to be safely released today. I¡¯ve also gotten someone to send a list of those treasure-nurturers to your Homicide Department. Calculating the time, they should have arrived by now.¡±


    Zhou Qifan took a deep breath with a determined expression and quickly spoke.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was strange. At that moment, the voice transmission jade slip on his body vibrated. He swept his perception over and a message from the Homicide Department appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Director, someone sent a list of treasure-nurturers in the name of the Great Expansion Dao Palace¡¯s Zhou Qifan. There¡¯s also a commendation for the Homicide Department¡¯s capture of Night Dove. In this commendation, there are 2 million spirit stones and an unknown pill. The other party said that this is an aperture opening pill.¡±


    Seeing Xu Qing checking the jade slip, Zhou Qifan heaved a sigh of relief in his mind. However, his expression still revealed stubbornness and anger.


    Xu Qing stared deeply at Zhou Qifan before slowly putting down his right hand.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Xu Qing turned and walked out.

 Chapter 336 - 336 Wanggu Chessboard (2)

    336 Wanggu Chessboard (2)


    Zhou Qifan let out a cold snort and lifted his chin. Under the silent gazes of the surrounding disciples, he quickly followed Xu Qing out of the entrance of the Great Expansion Dao Palace.


    He walked all the way to the prison of the Homicide Department with a stubborn expression.


    It was only when he saw that the environment of the cell he was assigned to was clearly better than the cell where the dying Sima Ling was in that he finally heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Fortunately, I reacted quickly. Otherwise, I would have really suffered a huge setback this time.¡±


    After that, he saw the even more miserable Huang Yikun and Saintly Star¡¯s junior brother. This scene shocked him. Although he guessed that Huang Yikun¡¯s disappearance was related to Xu Qing, seeing the other party¡¯s miserable state with his own eyes, he deeply felt that his preparations this time were extremely correct.


    At the same time, he also noticed that the sealing rings on his body were 18, while Sima Ling and Huang Yikun had 20.


    ¡°Looks like Xu Qing is a reasonable person.¡±


    Zhou Qifan sighed and was even more satisfied with his plan. This time, in order to resolve this matter, it could be said that he had used all his methods, both openly and secretly, to save his face.


    He was different from Sima Ling. He came voluntarily and cooperated with the investigation. He didn¡¯t lose much face. The sect was the one that lost and this had nothing to do with him personally.


    Moreover, the environment here was not bad, especially when he noticed that Sima Ling and Huang Yikun had woken up and were looking at the cell he was in with a complicated gaze. Their indescribable gazes made Zhou Qifan feel a little proud.


    With Zhou Qifan¡¯s capture, the challenges had completely disappeared and no one went to carry it out. The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ celebration banquet still continued.


    As for Xu Qing, after completely dealing with Night Dove¡¯s matter, he prepared to leave the sect for a trip.


    The place he was going to was the Phoenix Forbidden.


    He had bought almost all the poisonous grass and poisons he could buy in the sect. After the sixteenth batch of black bugs, he encountered a bottleneck.


    His plan to refine the Poison Restriction Pill was affected.


    He couldn¡¯t continue.


    After Xu Qing studied it, he felt that it should be because the level of the poisonous grass wasn¡¯t high enough. He needed an even more sinister and violent poison to allow the little black bugs to break through this bottleneck.


    Xu Qing felt that the most suitable place for poisonous grasses in the surroundings was the Phoenix Forbidden.


    Moreover, the ruins that the captain mentioned contained the inheritance of Extreme Heaven Saber were also in the Phoenix Forbidden. Xu Qing planned to go take a look.


    With this plan in mind, Xu Qing began to gather and purchase information about the Phoenix Forbidden for the next few days.


    This forbidden region was located near the sect and was also the area where the First Peak trained themselves. As such, the force that understood the Phoenix Forbidden the most in the entire Nanhuang Continent was the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ First Peak.


    There was naturally a lot of information.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t trust the people from the First Peak, so he would rather spend more money to buy information from various sources and compare them himself. At the same time, he also went to the Intelligence Department to do research.


    In the end, after going through a hundred or so documents, he summarized the information comprehensively.


    This included a few places he had chosen that contained poison and some territories of bizarre entities that could provide him with poison.


    Some of the details were also completely understood by Xu Qing after many comparisons.


    He then began to openly and secretly prepare some items to head to the Phoenix Forbidden. He also got someone to take out a drop of heart blood from the imprisoned Night Doves.


    Thousands of Night Dove cultivators were imprisoned and their heart blood filled 11 bottles. After Xu Qing checked them, he kept them in his storage bag.


    These heart blood could be used as currency to trade for items in a bizarre entity place in the Phoenix Forbidden.


    While Xu Qing was preparing, the visits from outsiders continued.


    Every day, different forces would arrive. As the Seven Blood Eyes became more and more lively, a large faction that caused another heated discussion among the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples arrived.


    The Litu Dao Altar, one of the six major forces in the Yinghuang Province!


    The Nanhuang¡¯s Litu Sect was actually a branch of the Litu Dao Altar. Hence, the arrival of the people from the Dao Altar caused the Nanhuang¡¯s Litu Sect to attach great importance to it.


    This time, five people from the Litu Dao Altar came.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t see them personally but learned about them through the reports. These five people were godchildren of the Litu Dao Altar which were on par with the Sequence highnesses.


    When he was checking the report on the five godchildren of the Litu Dao Altar, Xu Qing¡¯s hand that was holding the report suddenly paused.


    A strange expression appeared on his face, as he thought back to something.


    ¡°Her brother?¡±


    Among the five godchildren of the Litu Dao Altar, Xu Qing had seen one of them before at the scavenger campsite.


    It was the older brother of the little girl with the scar on her face.


    ¡°I wonder how she is now.¡±


    A little girl with a dirty face appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. She stood in the wind and snow and smiled at him. As the snowflakes fell, she gave him a piece of candy.


    ¡°Brother Kid, every time I¡¯m unhappy, my mother will give me candy, and I¡¯ll be happy as I eat it.¡±


    ¡°This is my last piece of candy. I will give it to you.¡±


    ¡°Brother Kid, you have to be happy!¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He thought of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s words.


    ¡°As long as we don¡¯t die, we will meet again.¡±


    Several days later, when all the preparations for the Phoenix Forbidden were completed, Xu Qing left Port 176 late at night. He passed through the First Peak¡¯s path and sped through the night, heading straight for the Phoenix Forbidden.


    At the same time that Xu Qing left, in the pavilion of the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes, as the moonlight scattered, an old man with a wrinkled face wearing a black Daoist robe and wisps of flowing light flickering in his eyes was playing chess with Old Master Seventh.


    This old man was none other than the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ancestor, Xue Lianzi. The flowing light in his eyes was a manifestation of the great realm he was in. This was the first stage of the Nihility Realm, called the Shattering Thousand Dao.


    Every stream of light in his eyes was a Great Dao.


    Other than the two of them, there was also a middle-aged woman at the side. This woman wore a palace dress and looked extraordinary. She expressionlessly poured tea for the two of them.


    If Xu Qing was here, he would be able to recognize at a glance that this middle-aged woman was Ding Xue¡¯s aunt.


    The ancestor, Xue Lianzi, picked up his teacup and took a sip. He looked at Old Master Seventh, who was staring at the chessboard and thinking about his next move, and smiled.


    ¡°Old Seventh, what do you think the Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s next move is in this chess game? They have made such a big scene and are publicizing that they are trying to punish the Seven Blood Eyes. Since they are doing this, where is their true target?¡± Xue Lianzi said calmly with a spurious smile.


    ¡°I know that the ancestor is testing me, but I¡¯m stupid. I don¡¯t know.¡± Old Master Seventh pretended to be at a loss.


    ¡°You still like to hide.¡± Xue Lianzi shook his head and smiled.


    Old Master Seventh also revealed a smile. He seemed to have thought about his next move, so he picked up a chess piece and placed it on the chessboard.


    ¡°Even if seven lower pieces are eaten, it won¡¯t mean much. However, if even one upper piece is eaten, won¡¯t everything come alive? For instance, the Seven Sects Alliance is heading south in a majestic manner with an imposing aura, but in reality, their goal is definitely the north.¡±


    ¡°The Seven Sects Alliance has been coveting the Immortal Enrichment River in the north for a long time. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect obstructed the development of the alliance in every way, the alliance definitely wouldn¡¯t be in their current state, so we will probably see a result very soon.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s also convenient for us to do things if the Grand Affairs is enraged,¡± Old Master Seventh said softly.

 Chapter 337 - 337 Phoenix Forbidden Ghost Lane (1)

    337 Phoenix Forbidden Ghost Lane (1)


    There were many forbidden zones in the Nanhuang Continent but there was only one forbidden region.


    That was the Phoenix Forbidden.


    Its area was so large that it occupied more than half of the Nanhuang Continent. If it wasn¡¯t for the Truth Mountain Range separating it and some special reasons, the area of the Phoenix Forbidden would probably be even larger.


    Even so, the range of the Phoenix Forbidden was still expanding in recent years. In fact, some areas had even spread on the Truth Mountain Range.


    If this continued, the entire Nanhuang Continent would become Phoenix Forbidden in thousands of years.


    The difference between forbidden zones and forbidden regions was their native races.


    Forbidden zones were mostly inhabited by ferocious beasts, bizarre entities, or mysterious ruins and seals. However, there were no intelligent races in forbidden zones. Only the forbidden regions had the ability to give birth to races with intelligence.


    For example, the Corpse Forbidden Land on the Forbidden Sea.


    This was why the Sea Corpse Race was born. Moreover, their location was only at the edge of the Corpse Forbidden. There were similar races in the Phoenix Forbidden.


    However, because the Flame Phoenix was friendly to the human race, it didn¡¯t allow the races born in the Phoenix Forbidden to go out. All parties lived in peace and didn¡¯t disturb each other.


    Even if there were occasionally human forces entering the Phoenix Forbidden, it would be the same. Regardless of whether they went there to obtain resources or hunt ferocious beasts, they would avoid the intelligent races in the Phoenix Forbidden.


    However, there were also some Phoenix Forbidden Races who traded with the human race.


    For example, the Ghost Lane.


    It was a bazaar, a marketplace of ghosts and spirits.


    This wasn¡¯t a race unique to the Phoenix Forbidden. In reality, there were similar races in many forbidden regions. They often looked like a city but it was grotesque and wonderful and all existences in it were bizarre entities.


    The items they sold were mainly of evil nature and were often rare resources in the human territories.


    Xu Qing¡¯s first target after entering the Phoenix Forbidden was the Ghost Lane.


    ¡°The Ghost Lane is ethereal with no fixed location, but one can¡¯t rely on luck to enter¡­¡± It was late at night and Xu Qing¡¯s figure was like a ghost as he sped forward.


    Sometimes, he would leap up and sometimes, he would change directions. Sometimes, he would fly to a tree crown and observe his surroundings closely. Sometimes, he would take out powder from his pocket and scatter it around him.


    If a First Peak cultivator witnessed Xu Qing¡¯s actions, they would definitely be very shocked. This was because all of Xu Qing¡¯s actions were proficient and correct.


    He leaped up because there were hidden crawling beasts on the ground. The sudden change in direction was because there were spiderwebs and hunters in front of him. He flew to the tree crowns to better observe the direction so that he wouldn¡¯t get lost in the jungle.


    The reason why he didn¡¯t fly was because the sky in the forbidden zone wasn¡¯t covered at all. One would never know where danger would suddenly appear from.


    Even though Xu Qing¡¯s current combat strength was extraordinary, he still felt reverence for the forbidden zones.


    This reverence had already fused into his blood. As long as his blood was still flowing, it wouldn¡¯t disappear.


    ¡°No matter which forbidden zone it is, meaningless killing is undesirable. The smell of blood will always be one of the factors attracting powerful ferocious beasts.¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. His right hand suddenly stretched out and grabbed a strange insect that flew out from the soil beside him.


    This insect was slender and about three inches long. It looked like a fish but its tail had sharp spikes. When it rushed out, its body was flying upside down and its tail spike was used as a weapon, trying to penetrate Xu Qing¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Land-spike fish.¡± Xu Qing crushed the fish¡¯s head and threw its corpse into his storage bag.


    Meaningless killing wasn¡¯t desirable, but killing to gain resources was.


    The spikes on this land-spike fish contained a type of poison that could pose a huge threat to Foundation Building cultivators who hadn¡¯t formed a life fire.


    Although this was Xu Qing¡¯s first time in the Phoenix Forbidden, he was very familiar with the environment in a forbidden zone and plants. He had even specially made preparations for this trip. He had also checked a lot of information about the races and ferocious beasts in the Phoenix Forbidden.


    ¡°At the start, when the people first discovered the Ghost Lane, they completely relied on luck to enter. After many years of trading between the two sides, the Ghost Lane began to give out an item called the Ghost Flute.¡±


    ¡°At quarter to midnight, in an empty area of the Phoenix Forbidden, form a triangular pattern with three trees. Light three candles and place them in three directions. When you are in the center and blow the ghost flute, the Ghost Lane will appear in front of you.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. This was the most correct method he had found after comparing a lot of information. Moreover, he had also bought the Ghost Flute from the sect.


    As he sped, Xu Qing looked at the sky. He then landed on a large tree and surveyed his surroundings.


    ¡°This place is quite suitable.¡±


    Xu Qing waved his right hand and the black iron stick instantly flew out, sweeping fiercely in the surroundings. Immediately, as black lightning swam around, three large trees were cut off from the ground.


    The three trees landed on the ground loudly.


    The tree Xu Qing was on was one of them. As the three trees smashed into the ground, Xu Qing¡¯s body floated. He waved his hand. The positions of the three large trees on the ground changed, forming a triangle.


    When the black iron stick arrived, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor observed his surroundings warily, looking like he was loyally protecting his master.


    Xu Qing landed in between the three trees. He then took out three white candles and placed them on the trees. After that, he took out a flute made of bones.


    Holding the flute, Xu Qing looked at the sky, waiting for the correct time.


    Not long later, it was quarter to midnight.


    Xu Qing picked up the ghost flute and blew lightly.


    An ear-piercing sound rang out from the ghost flute. At this moment, a cold wind suddenly appeared.

 Chapter 338 - 338 Phoenix Forbidden Ghost Lane (2)

    338 Phoenix Forbidden Ghost Lane (2)


    The cold wind was violent and the candle flames swayed intensely. It carried an indescribable coldness that permeated the air.


    The ground instantly froze and the surrounding vegetation was covered in frost. The flames of the three candles also changed color to green.


    There were also murmurs in the air.


    It was impossible to hear what they were saying. It was as though countless people were whispering. These voices entered Xu Qing¡¯s mind, causing his mind to shake. In the distance, fog rose.


    The fog came very suddenly, as though it had appeared out of thin air. Its range grew larger and larger until it filled a certain area and covered the trees in the jungle.


    After that, a city appeared in the fog.


    The walls of this city were gray and all the buildings inside were gray. From the style, it exuded an ancient feeling, as though an ancient city buried in history had reappeared in the human world.


    The city¡­ was extremely lively.


    Countless figures could be seen floating inside. There were a lot of them and they all looked different.


    Some had no heads, some had beast bodies, some had tall bodies, some had slender bodies, and some had such big mouths that their hands were holding their jaws. There were also some whose bodies were surrounded with evil thoughts.


    Not only were there wandering ghosts, but there were also countless stores.


    The shopkeepers were also bizarre entities and looked sinister.


    If mortals saw this, they would definitely be frightened out of their souls.


    This was a ghost city from head to toe.


    There might be living people inside but they all hid their auras, causing their entire bodies to be filled with dense anomalous substances. Only then would they not be discovered.


    This was also one of the rules for entering the Ghost Lane.


    Although the Ghost Lane was willing to trade with the human race, the rule was¡­ that the anomalous substances on their bodies were dense and they were about to mutate.


    In addition, this ghost city that was filled with countless bizarre entities was clearly filled with countless ghosts but it was quiet. It was as though all the existences inside couldn¡¯t speak.


    The most obvious thing was a huge head floating in the center of this city.


    This head floated in the air. It looked like it belonged to a middle-aged human but it had no hair.


    It was like the head of a monk.


    Its eyes were shut and it remained motionless in the air. There were chains around it that suppressed and sealed it.


    Upon closer inspection, one could see that those chains were formed by skinless arms entangled together.


    At the four city gates of this Ghost City, there were tall and burly men wearing nothing on their upper bodies and had heads of babies. They carried a 50-foot-long black ghost saber on their shoulders.


    Looking at all of this, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was reserved and there were some waves in his mind.


    He had never seen the Phoenix Forbidden Ghost City before but this scene was exactly like the information he had checked. After he saw it with his own eyes, he recalled that he had once seen a ghost city at the bottom of the Forbidden Sea.


    ¡°In that case, is that place also a Ghost Lane?¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t enter immediately. Instead, he observed carefully. Gradually, the candles around him swayed increasingly intensely under the cold wind.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t anxious. He continued to observe all the details until he was sure that there was nothing wrong. When the candles in the surroundings were about to be extinguished and the Ghost City in the distance was about to blur and dissipate again, he sucked toward the shadow.


    Immediately, the anomalous substances in his body rose sharply. In the blink of an eye, the anomalous substances in him looked so dense that he could mutate at any time and his skin turned black.


    Finally, fog formed by dense anomalous substances lingered around his body. Only then did Xu Qing walk toward the Ghost City in front of him step by step.


    Every step he took brought him about 30 feet away. After a few breaths, Xu Qing had already stepped onto the fog and walked to the gate of the Ghost City.


    The moment he arrived, the gazes of the burly men on both sides landed on Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop in his tracks, allowing the gazes of the two ghosts to land on him as he walked into the city.


    As he walked in, the gazes behind him dissipated. At this moment, the fog in the surroundings instantly rose greatly, covering the surroundings, causing Xu Qing to see nothing but fog in the distance.


    It was as though this place had been isolated from the outside world with the arrival of a trader. The moon in the sky had turned green and emitted a dark light that scattered on the city.


    These were in line with the information Xu Qing had investigated.


    He gradually walked into the long street and joined the countless bizarre entities, walking with the ghosts.


    However, at that moment, the nose of the huge monk head in the center of the city suddenly moved, as though it was sniffing at something. Its eyelids seemed to be about to open, but as the dark light on the chains flickered, it fell quiet again.


    Xu Qing looked at it and his eyes narrowed slightly.


    There were countless ghosts on the long street.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze moved away from the monk¡¯s head. He then looked around.


    He saw a ghost whose entire body was like paper. As it walked, it even took a brush and drew eye lines on its face.


    There was also a ghost which was completely soaked. The water droplets dripping from it formed six-eyed ghost insects that followed him.


    There were also imps who looked like three-year-olds with red eyes, long ears, and black bodies that were slightly red. They were playing and running on the ground.


    There was also a furless cat lying on a building not far away, holding a bloody head in its claws and licking it.


    The black gas that permeated its body showed that it was also a type of ghost.


    As for headless ghosts, beast-shaped ghosts, skeletons, or multi-faced foggy ghosts, they were everywhere.

 Chapter 339 - 339 Phoenix Forbidden Ghost Lane (3)

    339 Phoenix Forbidden Ghost Lane (3)


    Some were floating, some were crawling on the ground, some were sitting on other ghosts, some were flying in the sky, and some even transformed into countless ghost faces that bit each other. They let out soundless laughter and rushed ahead.


    Each of them emitted a fiendish aura and a sense of hunger. After Xu Qing sensed them, he became even more vigilant.


    As he moved forward, he also observed the stores on both sides, searching for what he needed.


    The entire street seemed lively with ghosts. It was the same inside and outside the stores. The only eerie thing was that it was completely silent.


    Xu Qing also didn¡¯t make a sound and floated forward while checking the stores. Suddenly, his mind stirred and he looked ahead.


    In front of him, a beast-faced ghost with a large piece of rotting black skin was walking toward him while holding its chin.


    A baleful aura spread out from this bizarre entity. From the looks of it, it seemed like it wanted to collide with Xu Qing.


    There was no fluctuation in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. At this moment, the dense anomalous substances spread even more fog around him. As it churned, it transformed into a malevolent ghost face that grinned at the beast-faced ghost. Its eyes revealed greed and desire.


    This ghost face was formed by the shadow. Ever since it arrived here, it had wanted to devour the ghosts but Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t allow it.


    Hence, it could only restrain itself. Now that one of them was walking toward it, it was pleasantly surprised.


    Before Xu Qing could make a move, the ghost face formed by the fog rushed out and opened its mouth to devour the other party.


    Its speed was so fast that the beast-faced ghost instantly disappeared without a trace.


    The ghost face returned with satisfaction.


    Xu Qing glanced at the shadow in the fog. He didn¡¯t bother with it and continued forward.


    This scene was just a small interlude. The surrounding ghosts weren¡¯t surprised.


    Just like that, Xu Qing continued to wander around the city before he stopped in front of a store.


    The items sold in this shop were all kinds of evil poisons.


    This type of poison didn¡¯t have physical form and was like fog. There were some that were illusory and were sealed in green ghost heads.


    The items in this shop were all ghost heads of various sizes floating in the air. All of them had smiling expressions.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over. After taking a closer look, he was satisfied.


    What he came here to find was this kind of extreme yin and evil poison.


    Unless the living possessed a special cultivation art, it would be very difficult to collect this type of poison. Only bizarre entities could come into contact with it.


    Xu Qing looked at the shopkeeper.


    This shopkeeper looked like a bear. Its lips were red like cinnabar, its eyes were like mirrors, it had long horns on its head and green wings on its back. It had a leopard tail that was more than ten feet long.


    It was also observing Xu Qing. After its gaze met Xu Qing¡¯s, it opened its bloody mouth and seemed to be smiling.


    Xu Qing calmly grabbed. Immediately, 13 of the hundred or so ghost heads floating in the shop flew over and floated in front of Xu Qing and the shopkeeper.


    Xu Qing then took out a small bottle and pushed it over.


    The shopkeeper¡¯s tail instantly curled around the small bottle, leaving behind an afterimage. Silently, the small bottle shattered and a bloody smell spread out, revealing a lump of blood.


    This lump was the Night Dove cultivators¡¯ heart blood. There were about a few hundred drops in a bottle.


    As the shopkeeper brought it to his mouth and savored it happily Xu Qing saw soul shadows appearing in the heart blood.


    They were the figures of Night Dove cultivators.


    The shopkeeper nodded in satisfaction.


    Xu Qing took the ghost heads in front of him and placed them in his storage bag. He then turned and left, continuing to walk on the ghost street. He shuttled through the crowd of bizarre entities and stopped in front of several stores to buy items.


    The night was about to pass. Xu Qing searched for a long time and finally found the last item he wanted.


    It was in a store that looked like an inn.


    There were bodies hanging in the shop. There were bodies of humans, beasts, nonhumans, and illusory figures.


    They were all hung on the wall by hooks but they were still alive.


    There were candles of various colors burning below which seemed to spread some mysterious intent, causing these living creatures to emit various emotions.


    Some were intoxicated, some were angry, some were sad, and some were ecstatic.


    It was as though they were in a dream that lasted a lifetime.


    What attracted Xu Qing wasn¡¯t these living creatures but the candles below.


    This shop sold such candles.


    Regarding this item, Xu Qing had seen it in the information he had bought from the sect before he came here. He knew that this was actually a type of poison and its name was very pleasant to the ears. It was called the three lives intoxication and it was extremely expensive.


    This was also Xu Qing¡¯s main goal in coming here.


    After seeing this, he didn¡¯t hesitate to take out four small bottles and place them in front of the shopkeeper.


    The shopkeeper of this store was an old man in a yellow robe and he looked quite normal. He looked at the small bottles Xu Qing had taken out and shook his head.


    The instant he shook his head, his face changed continuously. First, he became a handsome youth, then an old woman filled with wrinkles. After that, he became a mischievous kid.


    Xu Qing frowned. He only had 11 small bottles of heart blood on him and had used five previously.


    According to the information he had obtained, four bottles were enough to purchase the three lives intoxication.


    After pondering for a moment, Xu Qing took out another one and placed it in front of the shopkeeper.


    The shopkeeper cast a deep glance at Xu Qing but still shook his head.


    Xu Qing¡¯s face, which was hidden by the fog, darkened. After a moment of silence, he took out the last small bottle.

 Chapter 340 - 340 Phoenix Forbidden Ghost Lane (4)

    340 Phoenix Forbidden Ghost Lane (4)


    However, the shopkeeper still shook his head. He seemed to know that Xu Qing had taken out everything; his face changed many times and finally turned blank. After he became a faceless man, he pointed at Xu Qing¡¯s face.


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    He calculated the time. Dawn was very close. He recalled that on his way here, there was only this shop selling these candles.


    He took a step forward. The life fires in his body flickered and the life lantern shone brightly, as though a world was rising and burning inside.


    A terrifying aura erupted from his body, forming a heat wave that combined with the Golden Crow¡¯s majestic blood and qi spread in all directions.


    The shopkeeper was no longer faceless but rapidly transformed into an old man. His expression changed drastically. Seeing that Xu Qing was about to attack, he flicked his sleeve without hesitation. Immediately, seven candles flew over from behind him and floated in front of Xu Qing.


    After that, he took a few steps back and revealed a fawning expression.


    Xu Qing frowned. He kept the candles and took the six small bottles away as well before turning to leave.


    He was on guard all the way and paid attention to the changes in the sky.


    According to the information he had obtained, once one entered the Ghost Lane, they wouldn¡¯t be able to leave in advance. They had to wait for dawn to blow the ghost flute before they could leave.


    Right now, dawn wasn¡¯t far away. Xu Qing walked on the streets and waited silently.


    Not long later, when the sky was faintly bright, Xu Qing immediately discovered that all the ghosts in the surroundings and this city were rapidly turning transparent, as though they were about to disappear.


    However, at this moment, in the air in the center of the Ghost City, the eyes of the huge monk¡¯s head that was tied up by chains formed by countless arms slowly opened.


    Its eyes were as red as purgatory. Countless malicious ghosts struggled inside and let out soundless screams with painful expressions.


    It gave off an incomparably chaotic feeling, causing the expression of the monk¡¯s head to be a little dazed.


    At that moment, the head stopped moving. Its chaotic gaze, as usual, swept across the entire Ghost City before dawn.


    In this Ghost City, there were more than ten figures in different locations that weren¡¯t turning transparent. They were all cultivators who had come to trade and were waiting for dawn.


    The monk¡¯s eyes swept past these people one by one. When its gaze landed on Xu Qing, it suddenly trembled and its nose twitched. After taking a sniff, its eyes lit up.


    Xu Qing also sensed it and his expression changed. At the same time, a voice as vast as loud and majestic as thunder rang out from the monk¡¯s head.


    ¡°Golden Crow! The Golden Crow refined my race!! The Golden Crow must die!!!¡±


    The moment this sound appeared, dawn broke and the entire Ghost City instantly fell silent.


    This was also the only sound Xu Qing heard that night.


    This sound contained unfathomable power. After it entered Xu Qing¡¯s ears, his entire body trembled and his soul turned unstable, as though it was about to collapse. Fortunately, the black umbrella life lantern protected his soul, allowing Xu Qing to recover.


    He immediately took out the ghost flute and blew on it.


    An ear-piercing sound spread in all directions. As it echoed, everything in Xu Qing¡¯s surroundings rapidly disappeared.


    In just the span of a breath, Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared in the jungle, where he had set up the three trees earlier.


    As for the Ghost City¡­ there was no sign of it.


    In the distance, the red glow of fire appeared on the horizon. The sun was lifting its head and light spread everywhere.


    At the same time, in this forbidden region, very far away from where Xu Qing was, there was also a city there.


    However, this city was completely different from the Ghost City. It was a corporeal existence and had turned into ruins countless years ago.


    Under the cover of the night, one could vaguely see broken walls and dust.


    In the east of the ruined city, with the arrival of the sunlight, the night was like a curtain that was directly lifted by the mighty force of the sky, revealing a temple hidden in the darkness.


    Outside the temple, dozens of cultivators were sitting cross-legged and meditating. Their clothes were all different and they were all deeply vigilant against each other. Clearly, they came from different places.


    Now that dawn had arrived, they looked at the temple with gazes filled with wariness and reverence.


    In the temple, there was a saber-wielding statue.


    Under the statue, there was only one person meditating in the entire temple.


    This person wore a golden robe and a jade crown. His appearance was abnormally handsome but his expression was extremely cold. The canopy on his head was extraordinary and his entire body emitted a shocking aura.


    He was Saintly Star!

 Chapter 341 - 341 Entangled by Evil Spirits

    341 Entangled by Evil Spirits


    In the Phoenix Forbidden, where three trees formed a triangle, the three candles had long burned out, leaving only wax oil that had formed a thick layer on the trees.


    Xu Qing stood in the center of the three trees and looked at where the Ghost City had disappeared.


    He checked his storage bag and discovered that the items he had bought were still there.


    ¡°The items in the Ghost Lane can¡¯t be taken out during the day. They can only be used at night.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. This was in the information he had gathered. He recalled the scenes in the Ghost Lane and many guesses rose in his mind.


    ¡°That monk¡¯s head mentioned the Golden Crow?¡±


    ¡°Did it belong to a race that was refined by the Golden Crow before?¡± Xu Qing pondered and left the place. After looking around, he sped into the distance.


    As for the Ghost Lane, he felt that there was a high chance that it was as he had guessed. As for the exact details¡­ he could naturally investigate when he was capable.


    Hence, Xu Qing stopped thinking about this matter. With a sway, he sped up in the jungle.


    Other than the Ghost Lane, his plans in the Phoenix Forbidden also included some toxic beasts and plants. He needed to find and collect them.


    ¡°If everything goes smoothly, I¡¯ll be able to let the little black bugs break through its shackles and progress again. My plan to refine the Poison Restriction Pill should not be affected again.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s speed became faster and faster. On the way, he would occasionally compare his directions and search for the poisonous grasses he needed.


    Just like that, a day passed.


    The danger level of the Phoenix Forbidden during the day was much lower than at night.


    Xu Qing moved only in the outer area. In addition to his current cultivation and combat strength, although he did encounter some ferocious beasts, he dealt with them easily.


    He also found a portion of the grasses and herbs he needed. However, the trip wasn¡¯t completely free from danger. At dusk, Xu Qing saw a red grassland in the distance. That place gave him a sense of danger.


    He only took a glance before the red grassland squirmed strangely. Many eyes grew on it and they opened one after another, staring at Xu Qing.


    A wave of malice spread out from those eyes.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. He felt that the skin all over his body was very itchy. He rapidly retreated while igniting his life fires and the life lantern, only then did he block this malice.


    After leaving this place, he examined his entire body. On his arms, Xu Qing saw half an eye had grown out at some point in time.


    The reason why he said half was because the eye hadn¡¯t completely grown to the extent of opening.


    However, its eyelids and eyelashes were very clear. They looked exactly the same as the eyes in the red grassland.


    This eye was extremely strange. Regardless of whether Xu Qing burned it with fiendish fire or tried to dig it out, he couldn¡¯t remove it. Even the shadow could only make it drift out of his body for a short period of time. However, when the shadow moved away, it would grow back.


    Moreover, it was obvious that this eye was still growing. It gave Xu Qing the feeling that it would open in a few days at most.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to know what would happen when it opened. Hence, he controlled the shadow to separate it and activated Golden Crow Refines All Life. Finally, he refined this half-grown eye.


    ¡°This Phoenix Forbidden is very dangerous.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at his arm and then examined his body carefully. In the end, he cleared more than 30 eyes from his body.


    These 30-odd eyes were far from the stage of completion. Moreover, most of them were just like seeds. What left Xu Qing with lingering fear was that they didn¡¯t grow on the surface of his body but in his internal organs.


    He could imagine that if he checked them too late or neglected them, once they had time to grow, he would definitely be in a tragic state.


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath. As dusk passed and night fell, he became even more cautious. He chose a tree hole and entered.


    ¡°I have almost all the poisonous grasses. Next, I need to gather some toxic beasts¡­¡±


    He didn¡¯t plan to go out tonight because the activity time of his next target was mainly during the day.


    Moreover, he was going to try to fuse the evil yin poison into the little black bugs tonight. He began to set up array formations and poison powder outside the tree hole.


    After ensuring his safety, he closed his eyes and meditated.


    Night fell and the surroundings were silent. From time to time, strange cries would ring out from the outside world. As Xu Qing listened, he felt as though he had returned to the ruined city back then.


    ¡®I wonder when I¡¯ll be strong enough to¡­ ignore the forbidden zones and forbidden regions.¡¯ Xu Qing mumbled inwardly.


    Time flowed by and very soon, midnight arrived. As the cold air in the surroundings continued to permeate the air, white fog emitted from Xu Qing¡¯s mouth when he breathed. This caused the coldness he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time to surface again.


    Xu Qing was afraid of the cold. However, ever since he reached the Foundation Building realm, as his cultivation and combat strength increased, he rarely felt the cold anymore.


    However, today¡­ he was feeling it again.


    ¡°Something is wrong.¡± A sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Last night, at this moment, although he sensed the temperature in the forbidden region dropping, it was not to such a low degree as now.


    With a thought, the life fires in his body were instantly ignited. After he entered the Mystic Brilliance Form, he rushed out of the tree hole and checked his surroundings. At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s expression darkened.


    He saw that a large amount of fog had suddenly appeared in the distant jungle. This fog spread out and enveloped the surroundings. The ghost city from yesterday had silently descended again.


    This time around, Xu Qing hadn¡¯t played the ghost flute. He had also checked the surroundings and there was no one who summoned the ghost city. Xu Qing did not hesitate at all and instantly fled at full speed.


    Behind him, the monk¡¯s head that was chained by countless arms in the air above the Ghost City slowly turned and looked in the direction Xu Qing had fled in. His voice was like lightning as it echoed again.


    ¡°The Golden Crow refined my race. The Golden Crow must die!¡±


    As it spoke, the head suddenly leaped out and flew high. The chains made by arms were also stretched extremely long but they couldn¡¯t stop it.


    The head directly smashed into the jungle outside the Ghost City. As a large number of trees collapsed, the head rushed forward, rolling like a ball as it chased after Xu Qing!


    Its rolling speed was very fast. Wherever it passed, any obstruction on its path would collapse. The arm chains behind it were also lengthened and distorted. Even the ghost city rumbled as though it was about to be shaken.


    All of this caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to narrow as a sense of danger rose in his heart. The life lantern and life fires in his body were all activated with full strength and the Golden Crow manifested behind him, boosting his speed.


    However, the huge mountain-like head behind him continued to chase after him.


    At the same time, sharp sounds rang out from the ghost city. Countless ghost hands stretched out and chased after the head.


    From afar, Xu Qing was in the front and the head was chasing after him. The chains connected to the head limited its speed. At the same time, those ghost hands stretched out of the ghost city and chased after the head.


    ¡°Golden Crow¡­¡± In this pursuit, the head was still a little delirious and let out a violent cry.


    ¡°All of them¡­¡±


    ¡°Die!!!¡±


    It leaped into the air again and shouted as it smashed toward Xu Qing in the distance. However, the chains on its body had already extended to their limit, causing the head to suddenly fall to the ground.


    Seeing that the ghost hands were about to arrive, the head smiled strangely. Its body actually exploded on its own, transforming into countless small heads that landed on the ground and chased after Xu Qing.


    Without the restrictions of the chains, those small heads¡¯ speed became even more astonishing. In an instant, more than ten of them rolled and leaped toward Xu Qing, opening their mouths and wanting to bite him.


    Killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He turned his head and the Golden Crow appeared behind him. The black iron stick also flew out and headed straight for these heads.


    The Golden Crow let out a cry and fiercely inhaled. The black iron stick also rapidly moved. A rumbling sound echoed as the few small heads collapsed and turned into ashes.


    However, not a single substance was absorbed.


    It was as though these heads were just an illusion and didn¡¯t exist.


    Moreover, the ashes gathered again and took shape. They were unscathed, and a head actually appeared beside Xu Qing¡¯s feet and bit down on his calf.


    The life fires in Xu Qing¡¯s body suddenly spread out. The heads in the surroundings were swept away but they were still unscathed. At the same time, they were chewing, emitting a blurry sound.


    ¡°Delicious, delicious, delicious¡±


    ¡°Weak, weak, weak, weak!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. He knew that it wasn¡¯t that the Golden Crow was weak but that his current cultivation wasn¡¯t enough to display the true power of the Golden Crow.


    He looked at his calf. A piece of flesh had been bitten off by the other party.


    In the past, he was the one who absorbed others. This was the first time someone was able to bite him.


    That small head licked its tongue, revealing a strange smile. Just as it was about to take another bite, it was grabbed by a ghost hand and dragged back to the ghost city.


    As for the other heads, some of them avoided the ghost hands and bit at Xu Qing again.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was ugly. He discovered that the power of his life fires were ineffective against them. Seeing another head charging over sinisterly, a cold glint appeared in his eyes.


    The shadow sensed Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts and instantly pounced over, ruthlessly absorbing the anomalous substances in the head. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor wasn¡¯t to be outdone and rapidly stabbed the head.


    That head was also savage. It actually didn¡¯t dodge at all and bit at the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    As it bit, the head collapsed and countless bugs flew out of its eyes.


    These were Xu Qing¡¯s little black bugs. He had released them when he was fleeing earlier and they were attacking together with the shadow.


    However, they were still ineffective.


    Whenever the head was destroyed, it would form again. Moreover, there were even more pouncing over from the surroundings.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was ugly. He knew that it was useless to tangle with these heads. He turned and used all his strength to flee.


    Just like that, a night passed.


    Xu Qing spent the whole night running wildly. If he was caught, he would quickly destroy the heads and continue to escape, not giving those heads a chance to surround him. At the same time, the ghost hands continued to grab one head after another and dragged them back to the ghost city.


    It was only when a ray of light appeared in the horizon and Xu Qing erupted with his full strength to destroy a head that the pursuing heads finally disappeared.


    All of them were grabbed by the ghost hands. As the sunlight scattered down, they disappeared.


    Only Xu Qing was left in the area, his eyes revealing cruelty as he stared in the direction of the location where the ghost city appeared last night.


    His clothes were tattered and although the mangled flesh had grown again, the bite marks dissipated slower.


    ¡°What is this thing? It¡¯s useless to destroy it and it can re-form immediately. Only those ghost hands can restrain them.¡±


    ¡°It gives me the feeling that those ghost hands are like prison guards, and that monk¡¯s head is more like a criminal. It forcefully broke out of prison because of me¡­¡±


    ¡°And¡­¡± Xu Qing glanced at the bite marks on his body and the ferocity in his eyes increased.


    ¡°I have to think of a way to kill it!¡± The coldness in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was extremely dense. When the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor noticed this scene, he snorted coldly in his mind.


    ¡®It¡¯s fine if you bite me, but if you dare to bite Demon Xu, your head will be done for!¡¯

 Chapter 342 - 342 If the Wolf Turns Its Head, There Must Be a Reason

    342 If the Wolf Turns Its Head, There Must Be a Reason


    The sky was bright and everything bizarre had disappeared. Xu Qing found a large tree and sat on its crown to recuperate.


    When the sun was high in the sky, he opened his eyes and looked in the direction of the ghost city that appeared last night. The ferocity in his eyes grew increasingly intense. After that, he leaped down and began to wander in the jungle.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t search for the beast he had planned to target today. Instead, he sped through the forbidden region. He observed every area he passed by carefully. An hour later, he saw a valley.


    Xu Qing activated his Mystic Brilliance Form and checked the valley.


    From above, this valley looked like a concave shape. There was only an entrance and no exit.


    After confirming that there were no major problems here, Xu Qing looked around him. He suddenly punched the mountain rock at the side.


    A large number of rubble fell off, revealing a large hole in the mountain.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over and continued punching in different directions.


    A while later, Xu Qing punched dozens of large holes in the mountain walls on both sides of the valley.


    After doing this, he continued to bombard the ground of the valley, forming dozens of large pits before stopping.


    He calculated the time and entered a large hole. He then took out an iron box from his storage bag.


    This box was none other than the wish box that contained the Poison Restriction Pill.


    Xu Qing opened the wish box and placed it on the ground.


    Immediately, the aura emitted by the poison pill in the wish box spread in all directions.


    Xu Qing quickly retreated and didn¡¯t bother with the poison pill that was letting out its aura wantonly. He grabbed the rocks that had been blasted down in the surroundings and piled them at the edge of the hole where the poison pill was placed, forming a wall.


    Although this stone wall couldn¡¯t completely seal the hole, with Xu Qing¡¯s understanding of the Poison Restriction Pill, as long as there was no wind, the aura it emitted could exist for at least a day.


    When there was only a small gap in the wall, Xu Qing waited for a while and waved his hand; the wish box flew over and he immediately closed it. He then sealed the entrance of the cave and went to the second hole.


    Xu Qing was planning to let the poison pill¡¯s aura permeate the air In every hole, including the deep pits on the ground. This way, due to the special environment of the valley, the leaked poisonous air would remain in the valley.


    Xu Qing continued to work.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor trembled when he saw Xu Qing doing the work with a ferocious look in his eyes. He thought to himself that it could have provoked anyone but it had to provoke this Demon Xu¡­


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    Xu Qing¡¯s arrangements continued until night fell. When it was almost midnight, Xu Qing finally finished setting up everything.


    There were a total of more than 60 large holes here, and he had filled all of them with the poison pill¡¯s aura and sealed them.


    The poison pill¡¯s aura in the valley was already very dense. During this process, even Xu Qing couldn¡¯t bear the poisonous air. He had to go out several times to recover before continuing with the work.


    Now that he was finally done, he glanced at the valley with satisfaction.


    Xu Qing felt that even with his resistance, he could only stay inside for about eight minutes. Once that time was crossed, he wasn¡¯t confident that the purple crystal could save him.


    In that case, any other existences who were poisoned by this poison would definitely feel even more uncomfortable.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how long that big head can last!¡± Xu Qing left the valley and sat cross-legged in the jungle not far from the valley. There were three large trees he had cut down here that were arranged in a triangular pattern.


    There were also three white candles on the tree.


    Xu Qing was worried that the head wouldn¡¯t appear by itself tonight. Hence, he was prepared to summon it if it really didn¡¯t come.


    While waiting, midnight finally arrived.


    Reality proved that Xu Qing was overthinking. The moment the time arrived, he didn¡¯t need to summon the ghost city. He could already sense the familiar coldness in the surroundings and the white fog when he exhaled.


    ¡°It¡¯s here!¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and looked into the distance.


    Very soon, the jungle in front of him was filled with fog. At the next instant, the familiar ghost city descended again.


    This time, there were clearly more chains around the monk¡¯s head than last night. The suppression of the ghost city on it was more intense than before.


    However, since this ghost city still appeared, it meant that this level of suppression wasn¡¯t enough.


    The instant the ghost city appeared, the monk¡¯s eyes abruptly opened and locked onto Xu Qing.


    ¡°The Golden Crow must die!¡±


    As it spoke, the head leaped up fiercely like yesterday. It ignored the arm chains that were wrapped around its body and directly headed toward Xu Qing. Its speed was so fast that it crashed near Xu Qing.


    At the next instant, the trees where Xu Qing was at collapsed and the ground shattered.


    Xu Qing had already activated his Mystic Brilliance Form earlier and fled into the distance. He even put on a horrified expression.


    ¡°You¡¯re like a lingering ghost. What exactly do you want!!¡±


    Even though the other party was delirious, Xu Qing still shouted just in case.


    The monk head behind him landed on the ground and rolled forward. A strange laugh came from its mouth and it moved closer and closer at a rapid speed.


    The ghost city was also trembling at this moment. More ghost hands erupted from it and chased after the monk head. The scene from last night appeared again, but Xu Qing had already rushed into the valley.


    Seeing that Xu Qing had entered the valley, the monk head might be too confident or it might be because its mind wasn¡¯t clear and it couldn¡¯t judge, it didn¡¯t stop at all and directly rolled over to the valley to chase after Xu Qing while letting out a low roar.


    However, at the next instant, this low roar stopped abruptly.


    After that, a monstrous sound rang out from the valley. Amidst the rumbling, the head that rolled in immediately retreated. Its delirious face was replaced by horror.


    A large amount of skin on its face was rotting.


    However, no blood flowed out.


    It was as though the existence of this head didn¡¯t possess blood but some kind of special physique.


    However, no matter how special it was, it still showed signs of rotting and melting under the aura of the poison pill left from the previous era.


    As it rolled out, Xu Qing, who was in the valley, performed a series of hand seals with both hands; immediately, an incomparably huge mosasaur appeared behind him and slammed fiercely into the valley.


    Boom!


    The valley collapsed and the poison pill¡¯s aura spread in all directions.


    The head couldn¡¯t avoid the poisonous aura and was tainted a little more. The horror on its face became even more intense until it disintegrated on its own, transforming into countless small heads that attempted to disperse the poison.


    However, the poison pill¡¯s power was terrifying. Even if it scattered it, it was still difficult to completely neutralize it.


    Although the poison wasn¡¯t acting up rapidly, it was obvious that its level was extremely high and it couldn¡¯t be neutralized easily.


    Killing intent erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he quickly rushed out. He lifted his right hand and the heavenly saber appeared, slashing fiercely at the small heads that were scattered in the surroundings.


    The ground rumbled and the Golden Crow also rose up, spitting out black flames in all directions, turning the surroundings into a sea of fire. It then inhaled fiercely.


    As for the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, they didn¡¯t dare to make a move at this moment. They were also afraid of that poison.


    Only the little black bugs had some resistance to the poison. They rushed out and began to devour the heads. Xu Qing slashed with his heavenly saber again. The ground quaked and the small heads let out mournful cries as they quickly ran into the distance.


    At that moment, every small head disintegrated again, trying to separate the rotting part.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing didn¡¯t continue fighting. He took out a magic artifact he had obtained from Sima Ling that targeted bizarre entities.


    This magic artifact was a beautiful, small pagoda made of crystal.


    Its activation procedures were simple and only needed magic power. Xu Qing activated it and waved it at a small head that had weakened after removing the rotting parts.


    The small head¡¯s strength had clearly decreased after cutting out its parts. It was enveloped by the crystal pagoda and was instantly sealed.


    Xu Qing grabbed it and kept it. He immediately turned around and left.


    He was clear that although his Poison Restriction Pill was terrifying, what he had released this time was only its aura. It wasn¡¯t the true poison restriction. There was a huge difference between them.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t sure about its true might.


    However, he had some guesses after looking at the monk head unable to neutralize the poison even after splitting into countless heads. Since he had taken his revenge, Xu Qing left very quickly.


    Although he didn¡¯t completely kill the other party this time, the strange monk head probably didn¡¯t feel good either. Moreover, he had obtained a specimen to study and find a way to completely kill it.


    ¡°Or I can just wait till I fuse the Poison Restriction Pill and am able to display its true might before I come to kill it!¡± Xu Qing suppressed his killing intent and walked further and further away.


    Just like that, several days passed.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what the ending of the strange monk head was but over the next few nights, the ghost city didn¡¯t appear again. Xu Qing also didn¡¯t play the ghost flute to check.


    Before he had the ability to completely kill the other party, Xu Qing felt no point in checking. However, he carved the word ¡®monk head¡¯ on the bamboo slip.


    After that, he placed all his energy on searching for the toxic beasts he planned to obtain. The method was simple. The shadow scattered a large number of shadow eyes on the ferocious beasts in the forbidden region. They scattered in all directions like countless spies, helping Xu Qing search for his targets.


    As time passed, Xu Qing¡¯s search went smoothly. He finished gathering all the toxic beasts in his list and obtained more poison.


    During this time, Xu Qing also used the evil yin poison he had bought. Coupled with the poison he obtained later, the little black bugs could resume its path of transformation.


    After they were formed in batches, Xu Qing continued to nurture them with the help of the ferocious beasts¡¯ bodies, causing the little black bugs to become stronger and stronger. However, as they underwent many transformations, the time for each transformation grew increasingly long.


    Since he was free, Xu Qing was considering whether he should make a trip to the ruins where the Extreme Heaven Dao Temple was located to see if he could comprehend the Extreme Heaven Saber there.


    When this thought rose, the shadow transmitted a surprised emotion to Xu Qing.


    ¡°¡­Idiot¡­ Parasite¡­ Praise¡­¡±


    ¡°Idiot?¡± Xu Qing started.


    ¡°Master, Master, what Little Shadow means is that the idiot from the First Peak was seen by a ferocious beast parasitized by its shadow eye in the nearby area. Moreover, he was acting suspiciously.¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor transformed and quickly translated, automatically ignoring the word ¡®praise¡¯ Little Shadow mentioned.


    ¡®You want Demon Xu to praise you? Little Kid, don¡¯t even dream about it as long as I translate for you!¡¯

 Chapter 343 - 343 Sorry to Disturb You

    343 Sorry to Disturb You


    ¡°Wu Jianwu?¡± Xu Qing squatted on a tree crown and his eyes gleamed.


    Back then, this Wu Jianwu had provoked him on the Forbidden Sea. However, later on, the other party seemed to be very afraid and no longer had the ability to threaten him. Moreover, he had even helped pay the fee for killing his follower.


    Hence, after some thought, Xu Qing didn¡¯t plan to look for him. He was going to head to the ruins where the Extreme Heaven Dao Temple was located but he still casually asked.


    ¡°What is he doing?¡±


    The shadow instantly spread out on the ground and kept changing its appearance. It was as though the scene it saw through its eyes was too complicated, so much so that it changed several times. In the end, it didn¡¯t hesitate to split up to portray the scene.


    In the scene, more than ten shadows split into different ferocious beasts. Every ferocious beast had one thing in common, and that was their stomachs were bulging.


    The shadow also outlined Wu Jianwu¡¯s appearance. The other party was sitting beside a ferocious beast and touching its bulging stomach.


    Even Xu Qing, who wasn¡¯t very curious, was stunned and revealed a puzzled expression. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor at the side gasped.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? What is that fool doing? Why are the stomachs of these beasts bulging? Are they pregnant?¡± At this point, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s soul body trembled and his expression revealed disbelief.


    ¡°Master, why don¡¯t we go take a look? This fool¡­ I think he¡¯s doing something big!!¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He wasn¡¯t a curious person but that scene was too strange. He wanted to see it with his own eyes, so he spoke.


    ¡°Lead the way.¡±


    The shadow was excited and quickly guided.


    Xu Qing followed the shadow¡¯s directions, disappearing into the jungle.


    Not long later, Xu Qing saw a mountain.


    This mountain was a branch of the Truth Mountain Range that was in the range of the Phoenix Forbidden.


    Xu Qing looked around and leaped onto the mountain. Very soon, on the other side of the mountain, he saw a crack in the mountain that was hidden in the dense vegetation.


    It was ten feet long and naturally formed. Its location was very concealed.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the shadow leading the way, it would be difficult for Xu Qing to sense this crack.


    Standing in front of the crack, Xu Qing had a surprised expression. The concealment here was enough to show how cautious Wu Jianwu was. After pondering for a moment, he entered the crack with vigilance and followed the shadow¡¯s directions.


    This crack was much deeper than Xu Qing had imagined. Moreover, as he entered deeper in it, he slowly felt some moisture. It was as though this crack penetrated the mountain and the ground, leading to the underground river.


    There were also many forks that made it a natural maze. If it wasn¡¯t for the shadow¡¯s precise directions, Xu Qing might be lost in this maze even if he found the crack.


    Just like that, a while later, Xu Qing arrived at the end of the crack.


    At the end, there was a huge underground cave. A bat was lying at the side of the cave, paying attention to everything.


    It was possessed by the shadow.


    Xu Qing moved closer to the edge and looked at the cave below. His expression instantly became incomparably strange.


    There were more than 20 ferocious beasts in the cave.


    These ferocious beasts included wolves and tigers, and there were also many strange-looking beasts. At that moment, they were all subdued and sealed. They lay there with their stomachs bulging as though they were nourishing their babies.


    Other than that, there was also a pool that had been dug out in the middle of the cave.


    There were many medicinal liquids inside, emitting waves of medicinal smell.


    As for Wu Jianwu, whose face was bruised and swollen, he was squatting beside the medicinal pool. He took out the medicinal liquid with a stone bowl and walked to the side of a huge bear with a bulging belly. He carefully and meticulously fed it medicine.


    This giant bear¡¯s expression was filled with horror. It wanted to struggle but it was useless. Its entire body was sealed and it had lost all resistance. It couldn¡¯t even get up.


    Wu Jianwu¡¯s expression was gentle. As he fed the medicine, he even touched the giant bear¡¯s stomach and muttered softly.


    ¡°It¡¯s normal for you to have some reaction. Bear with it a little longer. I¡¯ll rely on you for the rest of my life. The little darling is about to be born.¡±


    ¡°Once the little darling is born, I¡¯ll truly be amazing. At that time, I¡¯ll let Saintly Star know who the true heaven¡¯s chosen is!¡±


    ¡°Who can be heaven¡¯s chosen of all ages? Only I, the supreme Wu Jianwu!¡±


    Wu Jianwu gritted his teeth. His expression seemed to have frightened the giant bear at the side. Its struggle became intense. Wu Jianwu hurriedly stroked it gently, trying his best to be gentle and speak softly.


    ¡°Be good and don¡¯t move around. You need to rest well. As long as the little darling is born successfully, you¡¯ll have made a great contribution. I¡¯ll treat you well.¡±


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to widen.


    At the side, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor shuddered. He quickly took out a jade slip and began to record. Perhaps it was because he was too shaken, he produced some noise when recording.


    Wu Jianwu immediately felt the disturbance. He looked up with a savage expression.


    ¡°Heaven and earth are my abodes, no one can hide from me!¡±


    As he spoke, he leaped up. However, at the next instant, he saw Xu Qing who still looked a little shocked.


    ¡°Xu Qing?¡±


    Wu Jianwu¡¯s heart trembled. He was a little confused that the other party could find him even after he had hidden so deeply. However, he quickly reacted and glanced at the pregnant ferocious beasts below. He then noticed Xu Qing¡¯s expression and took a sharp breath.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you¡¯re mistaken.¡±


    ¡°Sorry to disturb you.¡± Xu Qing cast a deep glance at Wu Jianwu before turning to leave.


    He felt that there was a huge problem with Wu Jianwu¡¯s brain.


    Seeing this, Wu Jianwu panicked. At this moment, he couldn¡¯t care less about fear and even forgot to recite poetry. He hurriedly chased after him and shouted.


    ¡°Xu Qing, it isn¡¯t what you think it is.¡±


    Wu Jianwu was extremely anxious and aggrieved. Back then, after he opened the wish box and obtained the bottle, he was depressed for a long time, but he felt it a pity to throw it away.


    As such, he searched for information and found out from some clues that the almighty who left the bottle was a nonhuman cultivator who followed the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    After he lost to Saintly Star on the First Peak, he swore to himself that he would teach Saintly Star a lesson. Hence, he came to the Phoenix Forbidden and began to prepare to create the bloodline of the previous era here.


    The reason why he wasn¡¯t in the sect was because he cared a lot about his reputation. He was worried that others would misunderstand if they saw him doing this in the sect and he was also worried that there would be too many people watching him. That was why he found such a hidden place. However, no matter what, he didn¡¯t expect Xu Qing to see him.


    He thought about how if Xu Qing returned to the sect and news of this spread, his reputation would be completely ruined.


    In fact, the scenes of everyone in the sect looking at him with strange gazes appeared in his mind. All of this made his scalp feel like it was about to explode. He only felt that his world had darkened and was extremely anxious.


    Seeing that he couldn¡¯t catch up to Xu Qing, he hurriedly shouted.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯ll pay. Don¡¯t tell anyone.¡±


    ¡°Everyone has their own way of living. It¡¯s fine.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s voice rang out from afar.


    ¡°It¡¯s really not like that!!¡± Wu Jianwu¡¯s face turned purple and red as he became increasingly anxious.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯ll give you 300,000 spirit stones!¡±


    Xu Qing stepped out of the crack and arrived outside the mountain. When he heard this, he stopped in his tracks and turned his head to look behind him.


    Very soon, Wu Jianwu rushed out of the crack with reddened eyes. He quickly took out the spirit tickets and stuffed them into Xu Qing¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Take it, Xu Qing, you must take it. If you don¡¯t take it, I won¡¯t be at ease. This matter is really not what you think. I, I, I¡­¡± Wu Jianwu¡¯s breathing became hurried.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing silently kept the spirit tickets and nodded seriously.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see anything.¡±


    However, Wu Jianwu was clearly still worried.


    ¡°Xu Qing, why did you come to the Phoenix Forbidden? If there¡¯s anything I can help with, just tell me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m looking for poison materials.¡± Xu Qing glanced at Wu Jianwu.


    ¡°Poison? I know of a place. I¡¯ll bring you there!¡± When Wu Jianwu heard this, he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡± Xu Qing shook his head and turned to leave.


    ¡°Xu Qing, don¡¯t leave yet. Wait for me, I¡¯ll go get them for you, okay? There¡¯s a place under this mountain that definitely has the poison you need!!¡± As Wu Jianwu spoke, he hurriedly ran toward the crack.


    He really wanted to extract poison for Xu Qing. If he didn¡¯t do this, he wouldn¡¯t feel at ease. Before Xu Qing could reply, he disappeared into the crack and sped into the depths.


    In his hurry, he didn¡¯t notice that an eye had appeared in his shadow and was looking around sneakily.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He lowered his head and looked at the shadow under his feet. The shadow quickly formed a shape on the ground, revealing Wu Jianwu¡¯s whereabouts and the surrounding environment as much as possible.


    Very soon, the shape of the shadow changed into the shape of Wu Jianwu. After entering the cave, he jumped down into the pool and swam deeper until he passed through a secret tunnel and entered a larger space.


    In that space, there seemed to be a lake. However, the lake portrayed by the shadow was shaped like a huge human face. It was moving slowly, as though the lake water was very viscous.


    After Wu Jianwu entered the area, he directly dug out some substances from the lake and placed them in a stone bowl before returning.


    The shadow wasn¡¯t able to portray everything properly. As Xu Qing pondered, Wu Jianwu returned.


    ¡°Xu Qing, do you think this meets your needs?¡± As Wu Jianwu spoke, he handed a stone bowl to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and instantly froze.


    There were some frozen objects in the stone bowl. They looked like liquid but weren¡¯t. They were azure in color and emitted a crystalline glow. They also emitted waves of fragrance.


    ¡°Immortal jelly?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. He recognized this item.


    In Grandmaster Bai¡¯s pharmacopeia, there was a mention of such an item. This wasn¡¯t poison but an extremely rare catalytic item. According to Grandmaster Bai¡¯s research, he felt that there was a high chance that this item was related to the immortal Qi recorded in the ancient books.


    ¡°Under this mountain, there¡¯s a strange lake that¡¯s filled with these things. Back then, after I discovered it, I took out some of them but they dissipated in two hours. No matter how I stored them, it was the same. There wasn¡¯t enough time for me to bring them back to the sect. Moreover, this thing is harmless to the human race. However, when I fed some to a ferocious beast, it immediately rotted and died. I think this should be a type of poison.¡±


    Wu Jianwu hurriedly explained.


    ¡°Bring me there.¡± Xu Qing fell silent for a while before he slowly spoke.


    Wu Jianwu immediately led the way.


    At that moment, he would agree to whatever Xu Qing requested. Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all to bring Xu Qing all the way to the underground lake.

 Chapter 344 - 344 Upheaval in Yinghuang! (1)

    344 Upheaval in Yinghuang! (1)


    What appeared in front of Xu Qing was a huge blue lake. The water looked clear but upon closer inspection, one could tell that the water here was frozen.


    There was also some colorful vegetation growing in the surroundings. Even the top of the cave where the lake was located was covered in moss.


    The humidity was strong here.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept across the surroundings. Regardless of whether it was the inspection from the shadow eye or his perception at this moment, he didn¡¯t sense any danger here. However, Xu Qing was still vigilant and carefully walked toward the lake. After he got close, he looked at the bottom of the lake.


    Under the clear frozen lake, the bottom of the lake was clearly visible. After taking a look, Xu Qing fell silent.


    The bottom of the lake was covered in countless bones and gravel.


    Looking at the structure of the densely packed bones, they belonged to both men and women. It was as though this place had experienced a tragedy many years ago.


    ¡°I found this place by accident and have come here many times but I haven¡¯t encountered any danger. There are also no strange changes to the bones at the bottom of the lake.¡± Wu Jianwu leaned over and swept his gaze over. He was afraid that Xu Qing would misunderstand his good intentions and hurriedly explained.


    Xu Qing nodded. After careful observation, he discovered that the frozen water quality here was still a little different from the immortal jelly recorded in Grandmaster Bai¡¯s pharmacopeia.


    There was more fragrance from this lake.


    This was especially obvious near the lake. The fragrance from the lake enveloped the entire area and when it entered one¡¯s mouth and nose, their mouths would be filled with sweetness. It was fine at first but after smelling it for a long time, one would feel extremely disgusted.


    This didn¡¯t match the description of the immortal jelly.


    However, Xu Qing guessed that before this place experienced the drastic changes, there was a high chance that this place was a pool surrounded by immortal Qi.


    The lake water here was very likely formed by the immortal Qi mentioned in the pharmacopeia. However, it experienced unfathomable changes, so the thing that formed looked like immortal jelly but was different.


    It could be considered a mutated immortal jelly.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know its exact effects but he felt that it should have considerable research value.


    He retracted his gaze and was about to take some more.


    However, at this moment, Xu Qing suddenly exclaimed softly and looked carefully at the bottom of the lake.


    The life fires in his body burned at this moment and his cultivation erupted, forming a sea of fire storm.


    At the side, Wu Jianwu¡¯s eyes were wide open as he was swept back by Xu Qing¡¯s aura.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on!¡±


    As soon as Wu Jianwu spoke, Xu Qing had already gathered the power of his life fires in his eyes, causing his eyes to surpass the stars at this moment, emitting a resplendent light as he stared at a spot at the bottom of the lake.


    There, amidst the bones and a large amount of rubble, there was a large stone that gave Xu Qing a sense of familiarity.


    ¡°What are you looking at? Is there anything good inside? It¡¯s a pity that this lake water is strange and I don¡¯t dare to go down. I also thought of a way to fish out the bones inside but I couldn¡¯t¡­¡± Wu Jianwu noticed Xu Qing¡¯s gaze and hurriedly spoke.


    However, before he could finish speaking, the stone that Xu Qing was staring at seemed to have been grabbed by an invisible hand. It suddenly shifted and was pulled out, slowly penetrating the lake until it was dragged out and floated in front of Xu Qing.


    This scene caused Wu Jianwu to gasp.


    Xu Qing observed the large stone carefully. After a long time, he found the reason for the familiarity.


    That was the aura of Extreme Heaven Saber.


    This stone contained the divine charm of the Extreme Heaven Saber.


    Xu Qing was quite surprised as he stored it.


    The shadow also returned silently. It was the one who went over to take out this large stone earlier.


    As the large stone was taken out, the location where it was before revealed a broken stone tablet that was originally hidden below.


    As the surrounding lake water slowly fluctuated, the silt on the stone tablet dissipated to the edge, revealing some words and images.


    Xu Qing immediately looked over.


    ¡°Purple Green Kingdom¡¯s Immortal Cleansing Pool?¡± Wu Jianwu, who was at the side, also sensed it. When he saw the words clearly, he exclaimed.


    Xu Qing was also very surprised. After taking a closer look, he noticed that the image on the stone tablet seemed to be a map of the Nanhuang Continent.


    On it was the location of the Purple Green Kingdom¡¯s Capital. It was the current Purple Earth. There was the location mark of the Immortal Cleansing Pool, and a mark at the side that said Crown Prince¡¯s Residence.


    Looking at its location, it was none other than the ruins of the Extreme Heaven Dao Temple that Xu Qing wanted to go to previously.


    Xu Qing stared at the lake. The origin of this place was already clear. At the same time, the name Purple Green Kingdom appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s memories again.


    The first time he heard of Purple Green Kingdom was in Purple Earth when Chen Feiyuan told him about the eight great families.


    Only then did he know that long, long ago, there was such a country with mystical bloodlines in the Nanhuang Continent.


    ¡°They can form symbiosis with magic treasures¡­¡±


    Xu Qing recalled the feeling Chen Feiyuan gave him back then. He was clearly very weak but also very strong.


    After a long time, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and took out some more of the mutated immortal jelly. He didn¡¯t stay any longer and turned to leave the location of the lake.


    He returned to the outside world.


    Wu Jianwu sent him all the way to outside the entrance of the crack. At that moment, he crossed his hands and looked at Xu Qing eagerly, wanting to say something but hesitated.


    ¡°I won¡¯t tell anyone else. You can rest assured.¡± Xu Qing cast a meaningful glance at Wu Jianwu. With a sway of his body, he transformed into a rainbow and left.


    Wu Jianwu was left alone. He stood there with a melancholic expression, worrying about his gains and losses.


    A long time later, Wu Jianwu gritted his teeth fiercely.


    ¡°I can¡¯t worry too much. Although this Xu Qing is domineering, he should be a person who keeps his promises. At worst¡­ I won¡¯t return to the sect for a while until I nurture my precious children!¡±

 Chapter 345 - 345 Upheaval in Yinghuang! (2)

    345 Upheaval in Yinghuang! (2)


    Wu Jianwu was clearly agitated by the matter of Saintly Star suppressing the First Peak. He returned to the cave to continue taking care of the pregnant ferocious beasts.


    It was already dark and the moon was high in the sky. Under the moonlight, the Phoenix Forbidden seemed to have transformed into a den of ghosts; strange cries and beast roars occasionally echoed in the surroundings.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure shuttled through the pitch-black jungle.


    He had no intention of telling others about Wu Jianwu.


    In this chaotic world, everyone had their own way of living. Although the other party had some strange habits, it didn¡¯t affect him and he even got immortal jelly. Hence, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t be bothered.


    He only felt that the world was vast and there were all kinds of strange things.


    ¡°However, it¡¯s also possible that Wu Jianwu has another purpose.¡± Xu Qing shook his head and threw the thought to the back of his mind. He found a tree hole and checked the surroundings before setting up protective arrays around the tree and entered it.


    Xu Qing then took out the immortal jelly he had obtained.


    Some time had passed, so the immortal jelly was clearly reduced by half. This reminded Xu Qing of what Wu Jianwu had said. This item would disappear after two hours.


    After some thought, he took out a small bottle. After opening it, he waved his hand; immediately, the little black bugs inside flew out and landed on the immortal jelly, beginning to devour it.


    Xu Qing observed carefully. However, even after the little black bugs finished eating these immortal jelly, there were no reactions or changes. After thinking about it, Xu Qing decided to let this batch of little black bugs devour all the immortal jelly he had brought.


    Very soon, the immortal jelly disappeared. Xu Qing observed for a long time and finally kept those little black bugs back into the bottle. He then marked the bottle and stored it separately.


    He was going to wait for them to finish digesting the immortal jelly to check if there was anything different.


    After doing this, Xu Qing took out the stone that contained the divine charm of the Extreme Heaven Saber that he had obtained in the Immortal Cleansing Pool. He studied it, comprehending the divine charm inside. Gradually, he felt as though a saber shadow had flashed past his eyes.


    This caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to tremble. He closed his eyes and tried to comprehend it.


    Just like that, a night passed.


    The next morning, when Xu Qing opened his eyes, the first thing he did was to look at the stone in his hand.


    ¡°This stone can allow me to gain a deeper understanding of the Extreme Heaven Saber.¡± Xu Qing felt that he had gained a lot. He then checked on the little black bugs that had devoured the immortal jelly.


    Under Xu Qing¡¯s careful observation through his blood, he discovered that these little black bugs seemed to be drunk. They didn¡¯t move at all and weren¡¯t active.


    However, their aura seemed to have changed slightly.


    This piqued Xu Qing¡¯s interest. However, they weren¡¯t active now and he couldn¡¯t see what had changed exactly, so he didn¡¯t disturb them. After putting them away again, he memorized the location of the lake. He then left the tree hole and sped into the distance.


    He was heading toward the ruins where the Extreme Heaven Dao Temple was located and see if he could have the opportunity to comprehend another Extreme Heaven saber strike. If he couldn¡¯t, he was going to study that stone to comprehend more of the saber strike.


    ¡°The edges of this stone are sharp like a blade. It must be related to the Extreme Heaven Dao Temple. It¡¯s very likely that it¡¯s a part of a certain statue!¡± Xu Qing analyzed.


    Time flowed by and ten days passed.


    During these ten days, Xu Qing continued to speed up. Occasionally, he would harvest some poisonous grass and poison from toxic beasts. He also kept on observing the group of little black bugs that had devoured the immortal jelly. However, they were still sleeping.


    ¡°Still not awake?¡± Xu Qing was a little surprised. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that he could sense that they were still alive, he would have thought that they were dead.


    ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see.¡± Xu Qing looked ahead.


    He could see the ruins of an ancient city in the distance that looked like it had been resting for eternity.


    It was noon. The sunlight was intense but due to the lush trees, it turned into mottled light as it landed on the ground.


    Through the mottled light, Xu Qing looked at the ancient city that gave off the feeling of vicissitudes of time.


    He could vaguely see a tall and magnificent temple in the center of the ruined city.


    The temple gave off an ancient and mysterious feeling that mixed in with the time witnessed by this city.


    ¡°I am here.¡± Xu Qing leaped over and walked closer to the ruins.


    About ten minutes after Xu Qing stepped into the ruins¡­


    Far away from here. On the Wanggu Continent, an earth-shattering event happened, causing all the forces in the Yinghuang Province to feel great waves in their hearts.


    The taboo magic treasure of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect in the Seven Sects Alliance was used again after nearly 200 years!


    It was as though they wanted to destroy the entire Seven Blood Eyes!


    The reason was that seven days ago, the Seven Sects Alliance issued another transfer order and decree to the Seven Blood Eyes, but Xue Lianzi was still stalling.


    A day ago, the senate in the Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s highest conference made a unified decision and sent an envoy to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The content of the decision was for Xue Lianzi and the seven peak lords to return to the Alliance to apologize within a day. If they didn¡¯t come, they would destroy the Seven Blood Eyes along with all the disciples!


    They also informed all the nonhuman and foreign forces in the Seven Blood Eyes to leave in three days; otherwise, when the Seven Blood Eyes faced the punishment, they would also have to bear the consequences.


    This matter caused a commotion in many areas. A large number of nonhumans who came to visit the Seven Blood Eyes left one after another. A large number of people from the Seven Sects Alliance also left. The entire Seven Blood Eyes was in turmoil and everyone was in a state of panic.


    However, Xue Lianzi didn¡¯t give an answer even after a day. The Seven Sects Alliance was furious and the taboo magic treasure of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect was activated.


    It transformed into a monstrous blood light and soared into the sky from the Seven Sects Alliance, forming a blood-colored seed in the air that headed straight for¡­ the north!


    It wasn¡¯t headed toward the Seven Blood Eyes in the south but the north!


    In the Yinghuang Province, there was a mountain and a river that crossed each other, connecting the east, west, south, and north of the Yinghuang Province. The mountain was the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain and the river was the Immortal Enrichment River.


    The Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain connected the north and south and the Immortal Enrichment River connected the west and east. The place where they intersected was the center of the Yinghuang Province and in there was a sect.


    This sect was called the Minor Affairs Sect and wasn¡¯t directly related to the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. However, any large faction knew that this Minor Affairs Sect was a pawn supported by the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect to suppress the Seven Sects Alliance.


    A large dam was built at the sect¡¯s location, blocking a tributary of the Immortal Enrichment River that should have flowed down the mountain path and reached the Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s estuary.


    With the tributary blocked, the cleansing degree of the spiritual energy and anomalous substances in the Seven Sects Alliance was greatly affected.


    To the Seven Sects Alliance, the Minor Affairs Sect was like a fishbone in their throats. They had sent the request to remove the dam many times, but the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect always intervened and proposed harsh conditions.


    If the Seven Sects Alliance wanted to make a move against the Minor Affairs Sect, unless they could instantly conclude the battle, they would definitely be stopped. At the same time, under the checks and balances of the various forces, activating the Taboo for no reason would definitely attract suspicion.


    Moreover, the other factions were happy to see the human race fighting among themselves and added fuel to the fire, causing the situation of the Seven Sects Alliance to become increasingly unbearable.


    At that moment, the target of the blood-colored seed formed by the taboo magic treasure that erupted from the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect¡­ was none other than the Minor Affairs Sect!


    Its speed was so fast that the blood-colored seed instantly passed through an endless distance and landed in the Minor Affairs Sect.


    This was the Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s true plan under the cover of conflict with the Seven Blood Eyes.


    They seemed to have a huge conflict with the Seven Blood Eyes and were acting aggressively, but in reality, all of this was smoke. It was to find a reason to activate the Taboo and to pull out the fish bone from their throats!


    The blood-colored seed landed and a strange blood tree rose from the ground of the Minor Affairs Sect and towered into the sky.


    With a sway of the tree, more than half of the cultivators in the Minor Affairs Sect collapsed and died on the spot. Their blood was swept into the tree, and the remaining cultivators were also heavily injured.


    With another sway, the sect rumbled; the ground shattered and buildings collapsed. The large dam even exploded into pieces.


    Without the obstruction of the dam, the surging Immortal Enrichment River flowed along the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain Path.


    When it swayed the third time, the blood tree bloomed and an ancient voice rang out.


    ¡°The evidence is conclusive that the Minor Affairs Sect killed our Alliance¡¯s disciples. Exterminate the Minor Affairs Sect!¡±


    The blood intent in the sky surged and formed an array formation. A hundred or so figures appeared from inside and every one of them had astonishing auras and violent killing intent!


    Everything happened too quickly.


    Previously, in order to intimidate the Seven Blood Eyes, a total of three sects had initiated the taboo magic treasures. Although they only activated the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect¡¯s Taboo earlier, in the next instant, the other six sects also activated their taboo magic treasures. Immediately, the sky above the entire Seven Sects Alliance changed colors.


    The world was shaken!

 Chapter 346 - 346 Ill Strike First

    346 I¡¯ll Strike First


    Xu Qing, who was walking in the ruins, had no idea what had happened in the Wanggu Continent.


    However, he faintly felt that there seemed to be a hint of red in the afternoon sky.


    Other than that, there were no other abnormalities.


    Moreover, the additional redness was very light, making it difficult for others to associate it with anything.


    Hence, he only swept a glance toward the sky before retracting his gaze. He then continued to check the debris in the ruins.


    The style of this ruined city was different from the cities Xu Qing had been to. The roof structures here were made with beams of various sizes that were arranged in vertical and horizontal directions1. They looked very orderly and contained some sort of rules.


    Although the entire city had experienced the invasion of time, one could still see luxury and exquisiteness.


    Every floor tile had patterns and every house carried spirit stones. Every street was paved with white jade and every river channel was pasted with gold foil.


    Now, these luxurious items had lost their splendor and value due to the corrosion of anomalous substances and time. Only when the later generations swept their gazes over could they imagine the former glory and wealth of this city.


    However, after the imagination ended, what greeted their eyes were the feces of various birds and beasts, mud everywhere, insects that occasionally crawled through the mud on the ground, and sharp weeds that grew all over the city.


    All of this caused the withering of this city to be very obvious. Xu Qing soon saw a fragmented stone tablet on which the word ¡®purple¡¯ was carved.


    ¡°According to the map in the Immortal Cleansing Pool, this is the residence of the crown prince of the Purple Green Kingdom.¡±


    Xu Qing walked on the muddy street and looked at the messy footprints on the ground. He swept his gaze in all directions and noticed the figures of cultivators passing by some buildings.


    There weren¡¯t many cultivators here but there seemed to be some people around all year round.


    Through the information he gathered about the ruins in the sect, Xu Qing knew that there would always be cultivators here.


    They came from all over the Nanhuang Continent.


    Some were cultivators from sects, and some were rogue cultivators. Because the Phoenix Forbidden was extremely vast and had abundant resources, even though it was dangerous, it still became a place for many cultivators to obtain resources.


    After all, everyone had to fight for the resources in this chaotic world, especially the people of the small sects, minor forces, and rogue cultivators.


    Their every increase in cultivation base and combat strength was filled with bloodshed and challenging death.


    Cultivators from large sects also had such hardships. It was just that the things they fought for were at a different level and the danger they faced were also higher.


    This ruin had existed for many years, so it could be considered safe. As such, it became the resting place for cultivators who came to the Phoenix Forbidden to obtain resources.


    Xu Qing¡¯s arrival attracted the attention of many people. However, they only took a glance before quickly retracting their gazes. Most of the people here had cautious personalities and were especially vigilant against others.


    Xu Qing¡¯s personality was the same.


    As he moved forward, his gaze swept to the sides, vigilant of danger and malice that might arrive. He didn¡¯t slow down and continued to speed up toward the center of the ruined city.


    Not long later, a familiar-looking temple appeared in his vision.


    Unlike the other buildings in the ruined city, the top of the Extreme Heaven Dao Temple was circular.


    If one looked down from a high altitude, they would see that there was only one circular building in the entire ruins and it was at the center.


    With such an arrangement, one could imagine that when this place was flourishing back then, the status of this temple must have been extremely high.


    Xu Qing silently stared at it and moved closer.


    From afar, he saw dozens of cultivators in different clothes sitting outside the temple.


    Some of these people were in groups of two to three, and some were alone. They were all sitting at spots from where they could see the inside of the temple. They would occasionally lift their heads and look into the temple.


    As for their cultivation levels, most of them were at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm. There were also Foundation Building cultivators who didn¡¯t have life fire. Only the two gray-haired and wrinkled old men¡¯s cultivation levels had reached the level of one fire.


    It could be considered reasonable for these two one-fire Foundation Building old men and three to five Foundation Building cultivators in the crowd who hadn¡¯t formed their life fire to be here. After all, it wasn¡¯t impossible for them to succeed in comprehending the Extreme Heaven Saber. Once they succeeded in comprehending the Extreme Heaven Saber, it would be equivalent to reaching the heavens in a single step.


    However, the existence of other Perfected Qi Condensation cultivators here was strange.


    After Xu Qing swept his gaze over, he had an answer in his mind.


    This was because the instant he walked over, he sensed hints of greedy malice from the crowd. However, after sensing his aura, these greedy malice quickly retreated like a startled bird.


    There were some rotting bones in the surrounding grass that no one cared about.


    This was the Extreme Heaven Dao Temple, the place to comprehend the Extreme Heaven Saber.


    However, this was also a place where the strong preyed on the weak.


    With the reputation of the Extreme Heaven Dao Temple, cultivators would come here from time to time. If they were experts, they would naturally be fine. If their cultivation levels weren¡¯t high enough, they would definitely die tragically here and lose everything.


    From Xu Qing¡¯s judgment, even if they deliberately formed groups of two to three, it couldn¡¯t change the fact that they were in the same gang.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought and walked over step by step.


    The dozens of people outside the Dao temple exchanged veiled glances. In the end, they didn¡¯t dare to attack Xu Qing.


    Since they could survive here, they naturally had good judgment. They could faintly tell that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t harmless.


    As Xu Qing got closer to the temple, he saw the familiar statue with some unfamiliarities in it. He also saw Saintly Star meditating under the statue.


    The piercing light emitted by that golden robe was dazzling. The stream of light from the canopy above his head flowed in all directions like water.


    Now that his eyes were closed, his entire body emitted a coldness, as though all his emotions were unnecessary to him.


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and vigilance rose in his mind. He didn¡¯t pay much attention to Saintly Star in the sect and didn¡¯t expect him to be here.


    Although Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation was extraordinary now, his preferred way of fighting was to suppress with absolute strength. Unless it was absolutely necessary, he wasn¡¯t willing to fight a hard battle.


    After some thought, although Xu Qing was tempted by the other party¡¯s life lantern, there was no need for him to plunder it and have conflicts for no reason. He didn¡¯t step into the temple but planned to find a place outside where he could see the statue and try to comprehend it.


    ¡®The tree wants to remain still but the wind wouldn¡¯t let it.¡¯


    Saintly Star seemed to have sensed something. His slender eyes slowly opened with no emotions in them. His gaze was like sharp blades that directly landed on Xu Qing, who was outside the temple.


    The moment he saw Xu Qing, he waved his hand without saying anything.


    Immediately, the void in front of him distorted and ripples spread in the air, stirring up the dust on the ground which gathered into a stone sword.


    As soon as this sword appeared, it released an astonishing aura and emitted streams of sword qi that created ravines on the ground.


    Outside the temple, the expressions of the two one-fire Foundation Building old men changed drastically and they quickly retreated.


    They knew that with their strength, even if they were only scratched by this casually formed sword, they would definitely die.


    The others were the same and quickly retreated.


    The instant they retreated, the tip of the sword in the temple turned and pointed at Xu Qing. It then charged fiercely, whistling as it headed straight for Xu Qing.


    It stirred up the sound of air being torn apart, creating a series of ripples. It instantly passed the temple gate and arrived in front of Xu Qing, stabbing between his brows.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression sank as he flicked the incoming stone sword.


    There was a loud sound of collision.


    The stone sword collapsed and shattered into pieces. When the pieces landed in front of Xu Qing, they created a storm that swept in all directions. Wherever it passed, the weeds on the ground broke at the roots and soil flew up.


    Fortunately, the dozens of cultivators had retreated quickly. Otherwise, if they were in the range of this storm, there would be no chance of survival.


    In the dust storm, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was ugly. He coldly looked at the temple. His gaze met with Saintly Star¡¯s.


    ¡°What are you trying to do?¡± Xu Qing slowly spoke.


    Saintly Star¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. To him, everything he did was based on his own preferences. If he wanted to attack, he would attack. If he wanted to kill, he would kill. In his heart, the human race of the Nanhuang Continent wasn¡¯t worth mentioning.


    As for this Xu Qing in front of him, he originally didn¡¯t know him. Even though he had paid attention to him because the other party had suppressed Sima Ling, he hadn¡¯t seen his appearance. He only planned to nurture him to become nutrients.


    It was only during this period of time when he was comprehending here that he heard about Xu Qing from the disciples of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect. He also saw Xu Qing¡¯s image.


    Earlier, he had casually attacked but the other party was actually unscathed. This caused a strange glint to appear in his eyes and he had the thought of devouring Xu Qing right away.


    However, after some thought, he felt that if he devoured the latter now, the taste would not be satisfactory. Hence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who took advantage of my absence to capture my junior brother?¡±


    ¡°After you return, release him with three kowtows immediately. Xu Qing, remember this. If he loses a strand of hair, I¡¯ll break one of your fingers without exception.¡±


    Saintly Star calmly spoke as though he was giving instructions. After he finished speaking, he ignored Xu Qing and closed his eyes to meditate.


    Everyone outside the Dao Temple held their breaths with different expressions. Their gazes sized up Xu Qing and Saintly Star.


    During this period of time, they had already checked Saintly Star¡¯s identity and experienced his domineeringness. At this moment, they could see how powerful his attacks were.


    At the same time, through his words, they knew Xu Qing¡¯s identity too.


    ¡°Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Xu Qing?¡±


    ¡°This is a heaven¡¯s chosen of the Seven Blood Eyes¡­¡±


    ¡°So what? Facing the people of the Wanggu Continent, he still has to lower his head.¡±


    Xu Qing stood before the temple entrance. His gaze swept past Saintly Star¡¯s neck and then looked at the life lantern canopy above his head. A cold glint flashed in his eyes as his killing intent surged.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor in the black iron stick gasped repeatedly when he saw this scene. He didn¡¯t dare to rashly show himself, afraid that he would be discovered by another true dragon. However, he sighed intensely in his mind.


    ¡®In the books I read, the plots are usually the enemy bullying the protagonist. After that, the protagonist is forced into a corner and starts to counterattack. It¡¯s satisfying but I¡¯m a little tired of reading such plots.¡¯


    ¡®However, Demon Xu is different. With his personality, once the enemy reveals some killing intent, it will make him feel that his life is threatened. He will be filled with killing intent even without the enemy taking action.¡¯


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was thinking, but he knew that there was a difference in combat strength between him and Saintly Star. As such, he didn¡¯t act rashly at this moment. Instead, he turned around and found a place with good wind. He then began to release poison silently.


    He wanted to kill this Saintly Star.


    This was because when he suppressed the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect¡¯s disciple at Night Dove¡¯s headquarters, the latter didn¡¯t just lose his hair, his bones were shattered in many areas.


    According to Saintly Star, a strand of hair was a finger. Since so many bones had been broken, he would definitely decide to kill Xu Qing.


    ¡®Then I¡¯ll kill you first!¡¯ Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and hid his killing intent, not revealing the slightest hint of it in his eyes. As he continued to release poison, he also observed his surroundings, searching for the other party¡¯s Dao Protectors.


    Seeing this scene, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor thought to himself.


    ¡®Demon Xu is releasing poison. He¡¯s going to make the first move! This is a battle between two scripts. This is a battle between true dragons!!¡¯

 Chapter 347 - 347 Blades Clash

    347 Blades Clash


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor trembled. He couldn¡¯t tell if he was trembling in fear or excitement. He knew that once Xu Qing wanted to kill someone, unless the other party had shocking methods, he would definitely fight to the death.


    In the past, Xu Qing¡¯s enemies weren¡¯t extremely strong but this time was different.


    Not only did the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor sense how powerful that Saintly Star was from afar, but he also occasionally heard the disciples of the Homicide Department talking about him. He knew that this person had peerless talent.


    However, he couldn¡¯t consider these at this moment. He understood that he only needed to know a little¡­


    With Demon Xu¡¯s personality, if he really died here, he would definitely use all his methods before he died. Detonating the iron stick was probably one of them.


    ¡®Because of this Saintly Star, Demon Xu wants to kill. Because of this Saintly Star, Demon Xu wants to detonate me. Because of this Saintly Star, my life is in danger. All of this is because of Saintly Star. Saintly Star, you are trying to kill me!!¡¯


    When the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor thought of this, his eyes turned bloodshot. He stared fixedly at Saintly Star through the black iron stick.


    The shadow also clearly sensed the subtle fluctuations in Xu Qing and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. Its intelligence had developed a lot now. After some thought, it also tensed up.


    Dusk arrived. Xu Qing had been releasing colorless and odorless poison in the surroundings.


    In reality, these weren¡¯t true poison. Regardless of whether it was individually or mixed together, they were harmless. However, once a catalyst was introduced, they could instantly turn into powerful poison.


    However, Xu Qing felt that this wasn¡¯t enough to erase the difference between him and Saintly Star. After all, Saintly Star had displayed the combat strength of six fires in the Seven Blood Eyes. This combat strength was terrifying enough to fight against the First Peak¡¯s elder.


    Most importantly, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t sure if the combat strength of six fires was all that Saintly Star had.


    In addition, he didn¡¯t sense any traces of the other party¡¯s Dao Protectors in the vicinity.


    ¡°With his personality, Saintly Star wouldn¡¯t make the Dao Protectors remain concealed. So, he likely arranged for them to go out and deal with other things in the Phoenix Forbidden?¡±


    Xu Qing pondered for a while. He felt that he still needed to observe more and not act rashly, just in case. At the same time, he was going to release more poison. Only then would his chances of winning increase.


    He also opened five bottles that contained the little black bugs and controlled them to spread out.


    However, after the little black bugs flew out, the results caused Xu Qing to be even more vigilant.


    The canopy above Saintly Star¡¯s head actually possessed some kind of protective barrier, causing the little black bugs to be unable to penetrate it immediately. They could only attach themselves to it and wait for an opportunity.


    ¡°My life lantern canopy can protect the soul¡­ Does Saintly Star¡¯s life lantern protect the body?¡± Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    Time flowed by. Dusk passed and night arrived. The bright moon appeared in the sky and scattered its light on the ground.


    Just as Xu Qing was sensing the poison in the surroundings and wondering which poison to add, his expression suddenly changed.


    He saw that the instant night fell, the expressions of the cultivators outside the temple became solemn. Some of them even had faint anticipation in their eyes.


    This surprised Xu Qing. He lifted his head and his gaze landed on the one-fire Foundation Building old man in the distance.


    Under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the old man¡¯s body trembled. After some hesitation, he hurriedly stood up and bowed to Xu Qing before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Xu, do you know the profundities of this Extreme Heaven Dao Temple?¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his expression was as calm as ever. In the information he had obtained from the sect, there was indeed nothing about the profundities the other party had mentioned. Hence, he waited for the old man to continue.


    When the old man saw this, he didn¡¯t hesitate or hide anything and told him the reason.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Xu, this Extreme Heaven Dao Temple was normal before but there have been some changes in the past four years. Hence, there are many more people here than before.¡±


    ¡°This change is that every time night falls and the moonlight sprinkles into the Dao temple, the moment it lands on the statue, some saber shadows will appear.¡±


    ¡°Everyone can see them, but until now, no one has been able to successfully comprehend them. Only that lord¡­¡± The old man¡¯s gaze quickly swept past Saintly Star in the Dao Temple.


    ¡°He has gained something every night during these few days. Although we have failed time and time again, we still have some hope in our minds. We don¡¯t ask for complete comprehension. Even if we can comprehend a little, it¡¯s enough to increase our survival strength.¡±


    The old man smiled bitterly.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought and turned to look at the temple.


    At that moment, the bright moon¡¯s light covered the ground and when it landed on the temple, a few rays passed through the cracks on the top of the temple and landed in the temple, shining on the statue.


    Under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the statue in the Extreme Heaven Dao Temple slowly changed under the moonlight.


    Vaguely, the statue gained some liveliness and seemed to be moving. Many saber shadows appeared beside it, faintly discernible.


    However, in the blink of an eye, everything returned to normal.


    Xu Qing felt strange and continued to stare. Very soon, he sensed the liveliness of the statue again and the saber shadows around it.


    In the eyes of outsiders, these saber shadows were a blur. Only at a certain moment would they have the chance to see a clearer saber shadow.


    However, in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, because he had already comprehended the Extreme Heaven Saber, each of these saber shadows was very clear.


    The instant he saw them clearly, an illusory heavenly saber appeared above his head!


    This heavenly saber was the Extreme Heaven Saber he had comprehended. As he continued to observe the saber shadows, streams of light spread from the illusory heavenly saber as though it was undergoing some changes.


    Upon closer inspection, one could see that this change was leaning toward the degree of materialization.


    In the past, the heavenly saber was in an illusory form. At this moment, starting from the hilt, the heavenly saber actually showed signs of turning corporeal in the flowing light.


    Moreover, this sign of materialization was still spreading. Xu Qing could imagine that once the light spread through the entire saber, the Extreme Heaven Saber would advance by a step from the illusory state in the past, infinitely close to a corporeal existence.


    This scene caused the dozens of people in the surroundings to tremble. As shock appeared in their eyes, a heavenly saber similar to Xu Qing¡¯s also appeared above the head of Saintly Star, who was meditating in the Dao Temple!


    However, his heavenly saber was green while Xu Qing¡¯s was purple!


    Two heavenly sabers appeared one after another. This scene caused gasps to ring out in the surroundings. Many people¡¯s eyes narrowed and their breathing became slightly hurried.


    The arrival of Saintly Star had already shown this astonishing scene since many days ago and the others were already used to it, but they were shocked that Xu Qing was also so peerless.


    This was because they knew that this scene meant that the two of them had comprehended the Extreme Heaven Saber before. Moreover, their comprehension was astonishing and they had the possibility of successfully comprehending the second saber strike.


    ¡°This Xu Qing¡­ is indeed the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ heaven¡¯s chosen!¡±


    ¡°The two of them are comprehending. And, from the looks of it, they are both materializing the saber move¡¯s illusory form. The moment the saber completely materializes will be the moment they succeed in comprehending.¡±


    ¡°It depends on who succeeds first. Once one of them succeeds, no matter how much the other person comprehends, their efforts will instantly be wasted and lose all their comprehension.¡±


    These dozens of people who had watched for so many days and understood the Extreme Heaven Dao Temple very well discussed in low voices, but they didn¡¯t dare to have any crooked thoughts at this moment.


    This was because comprehending the Extreme Heaven Saber didn¡¯t mean that the person had lost their vigilance and killing power. If they dared to interfere, they would definitely die tragically on the spot.


    In the eyes of everyone outside the Dao Temple, the heavenly sabers above Xu Qing and Saintly Star¡¯s heads were emitting a resplendent light. Moreover, it seemed that the degree of materialization of Saintly Star was clearly greater. Now, it was at 50%.


    As for Xu Qing, he arrived late and didn¡¯t have much time to comprehend. Right now, his saber¡¯s materialization was less than 10%.


    Xu Qing coldly looked at Saintly Star. Looking at speed of materialization, if this continued, he would definitely be faster than Saintly Star.


    However, although the Extreme Heaven Saber was important, there were many Dao temples. Moreover, only by comprehending seven saber moves could it be considered an emperor-level cultivation art. Hence, to Xu Qing, success or failure in comprehending it didn¡¯t mean much..


    He was considering whether he should make a move while the other party was comprehending.


    ¡°Although he has four balls of life fire and has at least six fires battle prowess¡­ 120 magic apertures have a huge weakness!¡±


    During this period of time, Xu Qing had been fighting against the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance, and had studied those heaven¡¯s chosens with 120 magic apertures.


    ¡°I should release more poison. Only then will the poison¡¯s might be much greater when it is activated.¡± Xu Qing fell silent and retracted his gaze as he decided to wait a little longer. Moreover, looking at the other party¡¯s comprehension speed, it was impossible for him to succeed in a few days.


    ¡°Also¡­ although those Dao Protectors of his aren¡¯t here, I still have to be on guard.¡±


    When Xu Qing thought of this, he temporarily suppressed the killing intent in his mind.


    The instant he suppressed his killing intent, Saintly Star turned his head and expressionlessly looked at Xu Qing outside the temple. When he saw the saber shadow above Xu Qing¡¯s head, his gaze gradually turned cold, as though he was looking at a dead person.


    ¡°Even a chicken dares to compete with a phoenix for glory!¡±


    He didn¡¯t plan to nurture it anymore. Since Xu Qing dared to fight with him for opportunities, he would just kill him and not waste so much time. After killing him, he could continue to comprehend.


    As for the other party¡¯s Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Sequence identity, Saintly Star didn¡¯t care. This was because he had sensed the redness in the sky during the day. Coupled with some things he understood, he knew that¡­ the Alliance had attacked the north.


    Now, it was the prime time of the Alliance. The Seven Blood Eyes wouldn¡¯t dare to make a sound even if he killed a Sequence.


    His personality was to follow his thoughts. Now that the killing intent in his mind had risen, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He suddenly stood up and took a step out of the temple.


    The 120 magic apertures in his body burned like a giant stove, and the four balls of life fire in his body soared into the sky. His life lantern canopy emitted a rainbow light. Behind him, the green-bodied and red-tailed Miemeng let out a cry toward the sky.


    The combat strength of six fires erupted at this moment. Its power was unstoppable and its aura suppressed the surroundings, causing the weather to change. It was as though countless lightning bolts were suddenly rumbling here.


    The people outside the Dao Temple couldn¡¯t react at all. They didn¡¯t have the qualifications to see the speed of the six fires. Only Xu Qing suddenly lifted his head.


    He also couldn¡¯t see the speed of six fires.


    After all, the difference between the six fires and the five fires was like four fires suppressing three fires. The difference was too great!


    However, the surroundings were filled with his poison and the little black bugs filled the barrier around Saintly Star. All of this allowed Xu Qing to instantly sense him.

 Chapter 348 - 348 Life Fires

    348 Life Fires


    Although Xu Qing had never truly fought against six fires, he was well aware of it and could even imagine it.


    This was because he understood that at the Foundation Building realm, the appearance of every ball of fire would cause the cultivator¡¯s combat strength to increase drastically.


    Many times, he even felt that every additional ball of life fire in Foundation Building was like when he broke through to Foundation Building. It was as though he had crossed a major realm.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know if there were other worlds outside the starry sky of this world. If there were, would the various races in those worlds cultivate like them?


    Were they also cultivating life fires at the Foundation Building realm? And, experiencing such a huge change with every additional life fire?


    This was because Xu Qing felt that the difference between cultivators in the Foundation Building realm was too great.


    For example, four fires could suppress and kill three fires easily unless the other party had an astonishing treasure. Moreover, this difference couldn¡¯t be offset by quantity. This was completely different from when the cultivators were at Qi Condensation.


    It was the same logic for six fires suppressing five fires.


    At that moment, Xu Qing could only sense that Saintly Star had moved. However, he couldn¡¯t see the other party¡¯s figure at all.


    Even though the three balls of life fire in his body rose and the power of the life lantern formed, and there was the physical strength enhancement from the Golden Crow, he could only barely see the blurry afterimage of Saintly Star appearing in front of him at an incomparably astonishing speed.


    At the next instant, an extremely terrifying fluctuation that shattered the surroundings erupted in front of him.


    A rumbling sound rang out, and Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled violently. His body was sent flying like a kite with a broken string. His face was pale and blood flowed from his mouth, but he didn¡¯t suffer any other injuries.


    Outside his body, a light barrier was formed the moment Saintly Star arrived, forming a protective barrier that blocked this terrifying six-fire attack!


    ¡°So you¡¯re relying on Nascent Soul protection. However, this protection is dim. How long can it last?¡± Saintly Star calmly spoke. He looked at Xu Qing and retracted his palm.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body landed on the ground and continued to be pushed back, leaving a long mark. He only stopped when he was hundreds of feet away. When he lifted his head and looked at Saintly Star, his gaze was icy cold.


    At this moment, Xu Qing personally experienced how strong Saintly Star was. The feeling the other party gave him was basically no different from when the Starfish Race¡¯s patriarch revealed his Golden Core cultivation.


    It was the same speed and explosive power.


    It was natural for the few highnesses of the First Peak to not be able to resist such combat strength and be defeated in one move.


    Clearly, if they were in the outside world and not in the Seven Blood Eyes, they wouldn¡¯t just be defeated but killed.


    As such, Xu Qing was very clear that even with his current combat strength of five fires, if he didn¡¯t have the protection of the jade slip Lord Sixth had given him, he would have died in that instant just now. Even the purple crystal would have no time to heal him.


    The terror of the six fires wasn¡¯t just these. The little black bugs that Xu Qing released could still only hide outside Saintly Star¡¯s body and couldn¡¯t break through the invisible defense formed by the power of his life lantern.


    ¡°In that case, the six fires¡­ is equivalent to the power of the Golden Core with a heavenly palace?¡± Xu Qing recalled that when he read the information about Sima Ru from the Bizarre Hunting Sect, it had mentioned the heavenly palace.


    Currently, he was no longer unfamiliar with the Golden Core realm. He knew that the Golden Core cultivated the Heavenly Palace and not just one.


    For example, Sima Ru was in closed-door cultivation trying to form a second heavenly palace.


    ¡°Heavenly Palace Golden Core Realm. One palace is six fires?¡± Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    If outsiders were to hear what Xu Qing was thinking right now, they would be astonished.


    This was because Xu Qing actually didn¡¯t have the slightest worry at this moment. He even had the time to consider the power of the Golden Core¡¯s heavenly palace.


    ¡°Interesting. You¡¯re actually in the mood to think? In that case, let¡¯s see how many times your protection can last.¡±


    Saintly Star calmly took a step forward. One could only see afterimages as he directly arrived in front of Xu Qing and slapped out again.


    However, this time around, Xu Qing counterattacked.


    The instant the other party¡¯s palm landed, the 92 magic apertures in Xu Qing¡¯s body instantly rose, forming a piercing fiery light that shone outside. He then performed a series of hand seals with both hands and pressed forward.


    With this push, a wisp of remnant soul in his magic aperture was released by Xu Qing.


    Immediately, a rumbling sound echoed. Saintly Star¡¯s speed was too fast and he directly appeared beside Xu Qing. He lifted his right hand and waved it indifferently. Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled violently. As the jade slip¡¯s protection trembled intensely, his body was sent flying again.


    However, the remnant soul he had released earlier seemed to have some instinct. After it appeared, it headed straight for Saintly Star, emitting greed and madness.


    ¡°Too weak.¡± Saintly Star shook his head and waved his right hand to the side, wanting to erase the remnant soul.


    However, the instant his right hand came into contact with the remnant soul, the greed in the remnant soul increased greatly. It actually ignored Saintly Star¡¯s attack and drilled fiercely into his right hand.


    This remnant soul was none other than the soul of the Bizarre Fiend Race that hadn¡¯t died after Xu Qing captured and tortured it until now.


    This race was mysterious and innately possessed a method of possession. Even though Saintly Star had the life lantern to protect him, it protected his body, not his soul.


    Hence, the soul of the Bizarre Fiend Race ignored the protective barrier and entered Saintly Star¡¯s body, crazily surging toward his soul, wanting to devour it.


    ¡°Interesting.¡± Saintly Star¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all, but the eyes of Miemeng bird behind him revealed disdain. It let out a cry before spreading its wings and pecked fiercely at Saintly Star¡¯s body!


    Its body was illusory and this peck directly passed through Saintly Star¡¯s body. With a mournful cry, the remnant soul of the Bizarre Fiend Race, which had been tortured by Xu Qing for a long time and was incomparably fragile, was pecked and swallowed.


    There seemed to be a black hole in Miemeng. After the remnant soul of the Bizarre Fiend Race was swallowed, it was suppressed in the black hole, preventing it from escaping. It kept on crying and screaming.


    From the start to the end, Saintly Star¡¯s expression didn¡¯t fluctuate at all. It was as though this remnant soul was insignificant to him. He turned his head and looked at Xu Qing in the distance. He shook his head.


    ¡°Do you have any other methods? If not, the moment your protection collapses will be the moment of your death.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re very talkative.¡± Xu Qing licked the blood from the corner of his mouth. His eyes were cold as he calmly spoke.


    Saintly Star didn¡¯t speak. He lifted his right foot and was about to land it.


    However, at this moment, his body suddenly trembled and his expression changed for the first time. He lowered his head and saw the last magic aperture out of the 120 magic apertures in his body; at some point in time, a shadow had appeared on it!


    This shadow was like a living creature. At this moment, it crazily filled the magic aperture. Its speed was so fast that almost the instant Saintly Star¡¯s expression changed and he sensed it, it had already covered the last one of the 120 magic apertures.


    It was completely blocked!!


    As this magic aperture was blocked, the fourth ball of life fire in Saintly Star¡¯s body suddenly dimmed. Even the light on his body dimmed a little.


    Moreover, this wasn¡¯t over. In just three breaths of time, the fourth ball of life fire in Saintly Star¡¯s body was extinguished!!


    A ball of life fire was supported by 30 magic apertures. This was an eternal law of the Foundation Building realm.


    No one was an exception. 119 magic apertures couldn¡¯t support four balls of life fire!


    This was the reason why Xu Qing dared to attack previously and even had the time to think about the Golden Core combat strength of the Heavenly Palace when facing Saintly Star who had the combat strength of six fires.


    This was the greatest weakness of these heaven¡¯s chosens from the Seven Sects Alliance after he studied them!


    As long as one of their magic apertures was blocked or destroyed, the other party¡¯s combat strength would instantly decrease by a ball of life fire.


    The thing that could achieve this was the shadow that could extinguish life fires. No matter how strong Saintly Star¡¯s cultivation was, the shadow could suppress one of his magic apertures by going all out!


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s method!


    At that moment, as the shadow crazily adhered to the magic aperture like a plaster and desperately blocked it, the life fires in Saintly Star¡¯s body went from four balls to three balls.


    His expression turned gloomy. However, regardless of whether it was Miemeng¡¯s attack or his life lantern¡¯s fire, they couldn¡¯t expel the shadow.


    He understood how it appeared.


    It had hidden in the remnant soul from before and entered his body. The remnant soul was only a cover to attract his attention. As for Miemeng, it only expelled the remnant soul and didn¡¯t sense this shadow.


    Hence, the shadow got this chance.


    ¡°Such a method¡­¡± Saintly Star looked at Xu Qing as killing intent flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°So what?¡±


    ¡°The weak are ultimately the weak. Even if I lose one life fire, I can still suppress you with the power of the five fires!¡± The combat strength of five fires erupted as he charged toward Xu Qing.


    However, this time around, the killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was completely released.


    This was because he could see all of the other party¡¯s movements clearly. The other party¡¯s speed was now the same as his. Hence, Xu Qing also moved.


    His speed was extremely fast, like lightning. In the blink of an eye, he came into contact with Saintly Star in the mid-air.


    Saintly Star¡¯s eyes narrowed. Xu Qing¡¯s speed surprised him.


    He slapped down with his right hand. Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm and his eyes were cold as he punched out. As the two of them crossed paths, Saintly Star let out a cold snort. He performed a series of hand seals and flicked his sleeve; immediately, a huge force spread out and his fingers stabbed toward Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    Xu Qing¡¯s left hand formed a seal and a dagger manifested, slashing at Saintly Star¡¯s neck.


    Saintly Star kicked toward Xu Qing. Xu Qing dodged it and leaped up, heading straight for Saintly Star¡¯s chest. At the same time, he waved his hands and fiendish fire erupted in all directions.


    A sharp glint appeared in Saintly Star¡¯s eyes. He clenched his hands and smashed them down.


    A loud sound rang out like a large bell!


    A series of rumbling sounds continuously erupted in all directions, causing the weather to change and the world to tremble.


    Xu Qing and Saintly Star¡¯s figures couldn¡¯t be seen clearly by outsiders. They could only hear rumbling sounds and terrifying fluctuations that kept exploding. Countless buildings on the ground kept collapsing, as though an invisible hand was sweeping over them.


    It was incomparably intense.


    At the next instant, Saintly Star¡¯s figure appeared in the air and retreated by more than 100 feet. A hint of surprise appeared in his eyes as he stared fixedly at Xu Qing and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°There is something wrong with your body!¡±

 Chapter 349 - 349 Battle of the Divine Sons

    349 Battle of the Divine Sons


    Almost at the instant Saintly Star spoke, Xu Qing moved closer and punched out.


    Saintly Star immediately waved his hand to block it. He then retreated and the light in his eyes grew even brighter.


    ¡°Let me see what¡¯s wrong with your body!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say a word. The killing intent in his eyes intensified as he immediately closed the distance.


    The two of them instantly collided again. It was unknown what method Saintly Star used but his entire body shone with golden light that shot in all directions, forming a sea of light. Xu Qing had no choice but to dodge.


    The instant he dodged, the sea of light formed one shining rune after another that chased after Xu Qing.


    These runes contained lethality. The moment they got close, they transformed into sealing power as well. For a moment, the sky emitted a halo and the ruins on the ground shook.


    When Xu Qing was bombarded and sealed by the sea of light runes, there was a hint of excitement in Saintly Star¡¯s eyes. Clearly, he had already guessed it and was only short of confirming it.


    He performed a series of hand seals with his left hand and took three steps back. With each step, he performed different hand seals.


    At his first step, a chilly wind rose around him and lowered the temperature of the surroundings.


    At his second step, wisps of green light formed around him and quickly gathered in front of him into the shape of a sword embryo.


    At his third step, the sword embryo rapidly grew from the size of a palm to 100 feet, until it transformed into a 1000-foot-long sword.


    This sword was completely green and seemed illusory. It emitted an astonishing aura that was enough to shake one¡¯s soul.


    The three steps were completed, but the magic power in Saintly Star¡¯s body was still dense. His eyes revealed a bright light as he pointed his right hand at Xu Qing. His voice seemed to have fused into the wind.


    ¡°Soaring Cloud Soul Severance!¡±


    Flames erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s body, forming a sea of fire that shattered the light runes layer by layer. His eyes narrowed when he saw the large green sword.


    At the next instant, this large green sword slashed toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing dodged but the sword seemed to have locked onto his soul, making it impossible for him to dodge.


    A sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and he decided not to dodge anymore. He performed a series of hand seals with both hands and pressed forward. The flames in his body soared into the sky.


    The large sword instantly got close. The moment it came into contact with him, it shrunk greatly as it entered Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    In the blink of an eye, it completely entered Xu Qing¡¯s body, transforming into a soul-severing force that headed straight for his soul.


    The instant the soul-severing sword rushed over, the black umbrella formed by the life lantern in Xu Qing¡¯s body materialized in front of his sea of consciousness, forming a protective barrier!


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He couldn¡¯t conceal it anymore.


    He already knew that his life lantern couldn¡¯t be kept hidden when fighting against a strong enemy like Saintly Star. After all, it was impossible for his strength to increase out of thin air. The shadow was already doing its best to suppress Saintly Star¡¯s magic aperture.


    Since that was the case, hiding was useless. It was better to reveal his cards to find a way to kill him.


    At that moment, the soul severing sword blasted onto the black umbrella that was covered with black flames.


    Like an egg hitting a rock, the soul severing sword shattered into countless green lights. As the black umbrella rose, the green lights were forced out of Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    From afar, countless green light spots shot out from Xu Qing¡¯s body. At this moment, a canopy appeared above his head!


    The black canopy emitted a strange aura. There were also black flames falling from the eaves at the edge of the canopy, as though they were flowing. This caused Xu Qing, who was standing in the air, to be incomparably eye-catching!


    All the cultivators in the surroundings who were paying attention to this battle were shocked.


    Not only did Saintly Star see it, but everyone in the surroundings also saw the canopy.


    ¡°Life lantern!!!¡±


    Saintly Star¡¯s eyes widened and waves of emotions surged in his mind. His breathing became hurried and his entire body and mind were filled with ecstasy.


    He had already seen that something was wrong with Xu Qing earlier. Xu Qing clearly had the combat strength of three fires. Even with the addition of an emperor-level cultivation art, it was absolutely impossible for the latter to fight with him until now. The instant he saw the black umbrella, his doubts were confirmed.


    He immediately understood why Xu Qing could suppress Sima Ling and why Xu Qing dared to fight him.


    He finally had the answer.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm with not even the slightest hint of panic. Although the exposure of the life lantern was very significant, Xu Qing felt that if he could snatch Saintly Star¡¯s life lantern, his combat strength would similarly reach six fires with two life lanterns.


    ¡®The risk of being exposed will be much lower if I kill this Saintly Star. If the news still spreads, at most, I¡¯ll leave the Seven Blood Eyes and fly far away, hiding my identity!¡¯


    ¡®Although I will have to abandon the benefits from the main city¡¯s port, everything will be worth it if I obtain Saintly Star¡¯s life lantern!¡¯ Killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he readied himself.


    However, Saintly Star laughed at the sky and waved his hands. Immediately, a hundred streams of sword qi formed in front of him. As he waved his sleeve, these sword qi suddenly headed straight for the ground below.


    Under the horror of the cultivators outside the temple, these sword qi pierced through their bodies.


    Miserable cries rang out immediately. These sword qi didn¡¯t dissipate and spread out layer by layer, killing everything in its path.


    Saintly Star wanted to silence any cultivator who saw Xu Qing¡¯s life lantern!


    The appearance of the life lantern was a huge matter. He wouldn¡¯t allow this news to spread.


    This was because he already believed Xu Qing¡¯s life lantern to be his. When he thought about how his combat strength would rise to an unimaginable level of seven fires, he felt intense excitement.


    He also knew that life lanterns were even more meaningful to the Heavenly Palace Golden Core cultivators. A life lantern could allow the Golden Core to directly open a Heavenly Palace in the life fog!


    Two life lanterns meant two palaces!


    As such, he didn¡¯t recall the Dao Protectors who had gone out.


    He was worried that those three people wouldn¡¯t be able to control their greed. After all, his life lantern and Xu Qing¡¯s life lantern were different!


    The reason why he could reveal his life lantern was because there were very few people in the Yinghuang Province who could snatch it away. Moreover, he only had the right to use it and it didn¡¯t really belong to him. However, Xu Qing¡¯s¡­ was different!


    ¡®This is a life lantern that completely belongs to him!! How dare he!¡¯


    ¡®The number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the Seven Blood Eyes has hidden himself so deeply!¡¯


    For the first time, a hint of greed appeared in Saintly Star¡¯s eyes as he laughed loudly.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect my opportunity to be here. Xu Qing, my life lantern is with you!¡±


    As he spoke, Saintly Star¡¯s entire body emitted a golden light. The Miemeng on his back manifested in the golden light, revealing its entire body.


    Its body was a thousand feet long. It had a green body, a red tail, a long beak, and a large stomach. It looked extremely ugly and peculiar.


    After it appeared, Miemeng let out a long cry. When it looked at Xu Qing savagely, Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. Black flames erupted from his back and spread in all directions. At the same time, the Golden Crow appeared behind him. Its tail flames swayed and shook the surroundings.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing charged forward with vicious killing intent.


    Saintly Star also rushed over with a greedy expression.


    In the blink of an eye, Xu Qing and Saintly Star came into contact in mid-air. This time, it was even more intense than before.


    Previously, the two of them had mainly used their physical strength against each other. They didn¡¯t use many spells and didn¡¯t use their emperor-level cultivation arts either. They were observing the other party¡¯s weak points.


    At this moment, the battle had already reached its climax. Both sides no longer probed and attacked with killing moves.


    Saintly Star¡¯s emperor-level cultivation art, Miemeng Devours the Heaven Art, transformed into the ferocious bird, Miemeng, and tried to devour the Golden Crow.


    Xu Qing¡¯s Golden Crow formed by Golden Crow Refines All Life revealed endless ferocity as it sucked fiercely at Miemeng.


    From afar, Miemeng emitted a golden light and the Golden Crow emitted black flames. One devoured while the other inhaled, one grabbed while the other refined.


    Xu Qing and Saintly Star kept intertwining in the air as they exchanged blows after blows. Sometimes, Xu Qing would be blasted to the ground and he would rush out to fight again.


    Sometimes, Saintly Star was sent flying far away and collided with the buildings. The buildings collapsed and he also rushed out immediately.


    As the two of them fought, the sky distorted and the ground shattered. Seeing that they couldn¡¯t do anything to the other party, they used their life lanterns.


    The black flames of Xu Qing¡¯s black umbrella carried a terrifying might while the rainbow colored canopy of Saintly Star emitted streams of light that formed an unfathomable power. Both suppressed each other, stirring up an even more violent rumbling storm.


    A moment later, the power of their respective emperor-level cultivation arts and life lanterns was activated at the same time and ruthlessly blasted into each other.


    Both of them spat out blood and were sent back due to the collision. With the Dao Temple as the center, they each retreated 1000 feet and stood in the sky, as though they were splitting the sky into two!


    Saintly Star was dressed in a golden Daoist robe. The surrounding golden light formed a sea that illuminated the earth. There was a rainbow-colored canopy on his head that flowed with light. Behind him, Miemeng roared sinisterly as though it wanted to devour the sky. Coupled with Saintly Star¡¯s extraordinary appearance, he was like a young ruler who had descended into the world.


    It was like he owned the world!


    Xu Qing was dressed in a purple Daoist robe. The black sea of fire in his surroundings burned the sky, and the black canopy on his head was sinister and flowed with flames. The Golden Crow spread out its wings on his back and its eyes revealed cruelty as though it wanted to refine the world. Its tail flames flowed through Xu Qing¡¯s entire body, making it look like he was wearing the emperor¡¯s robe!


    Coupled with Xu Qing¡¯s peerless appearance, he was like a young ancient sovereign walking into the human world.


    Peerless throughout all ages!


    Saintly Star stared at Xu Qing with an intense gaze. While he was filled with killing intent, he had to admit that Xu Qing was indeed very strong. He had qualifications to be an ancient sovereign.


    In fact, if he were to be placed in the small worlds outside the world of Wanggu Continent, such combat strength would allow him to fight a Nascent Soul cultivator.


    The level of the Wanggu World was extremely high. According to the ancient records he had read, there were countless small worlds outside the Wanggu Continent before the fragmented face of the god arrived.


    The cultivators in those small worlds were extremely weak. Those at the Perfected Foundation Building realm only had the combat strength of one life fire.


    Compared to the Wanggu Continent, the difference was too great.

 Chapter 350 - 350 The Sun and Moon Fight for Glory

    350 The Sun and Moon Fight for Glory


    Xu Qing stared at Saintly Star.


    He admitted that the other party was very strong and was the strongest enemy he had encountered since he stepped onto the path of cultivation.


    This was even after he used his shadow to cover the other party¡¯s magic aperture, causing his combat strength to be reduced by one fire.


    Otherwise, Xu Qing knew that he wasn¡¯t a match.


    Even with one less fire, the other party¡¯s methods were still abundant. His emperor-level cultivation art was astonishing and he had countless divine arts. His life lantern¡¯s defense even blocked Xu Qing¡¯s poison.


    ¡®If I obtain his life lantern, my body will also be protected and my defense will be even more perfect!¡¯


    Xu Qing¡¯s killing intent grew even stronger as he stared at Saintly Star¡¯s neck and the life lantern canopy above his head.


    When Xu Qing looked at Saintly Star, Saintly Star was also staring at Xu Qing. Among the cultivators of the same realm he had fought in the Yinghuang Province, Xu Qing could basically be ranked among the top three.


    He had not expected to meet such a person in a small place like the Nanhuang Continent.


    ¡°It seems that the ancestor is right. A great era has arrived and it contains great opportunities. Heaven¡¯s chosens appear frequently and demons rise everywhere. Once I fuse Xu Qing¡¯s life lantern into my body, not only will I be able to instantly increase my combat strength by another life fire, but the more important part is the Heavenly Palace.¡±


    ¡°The value of the life lantern is not only reflected in the Foundation Building realm but also the Heavenly Palace Golden Core Realm! Once I fuse with his life lantern, the moment I break through to the Golden Core realm, with the two life lanterns, I can first project two palaces in the life fog.¡±


    ¡°One palace means the power of six fires. As soon as I step into the Golden Core Realm, I will possess the power of at least 12 fires. After nurturing my cultivation for a period of time and opening the true first Heavenly Palace, I will be able to obtain the power of 18 fires!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also his emperor-level cultivation art. If I kill him and devour his Golden Crow Refines All Life, my Miemeng¡¯s chances of entering the second level will be even greater!¡±


    ¡°Advancing an emperor-level cultivation art is extremely difficult. Even the descendants of those ancient sovereigns and rulers were unable to advance their emperor-level cultivation arts to the second level at the Foundation Building realm. In fact, it was very difficult for them to advance their cultivation arts even when they reached the Golden Core realm. If they succeed, the enhancement from an emperor-level cultivation art will no longer be the power of one life fire but six fires like the Heavenly Palace!¡±


    ¡°If I succeed, the moment I step into the Golden Core Realm, I will possess the power of 18 fires. Moreover, I¡¯ll be able to reach 24 fires very soon. With such combat strength, I¡¯ll be the undisputed number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the Yinghuang Province. I¡¯ll then use this identity to join the Sword Holder. My path will soar and I¡¯ll be able to reach Fenghai County!¡±


    Saintly Star and Xu Qing occupied two sides of the sky. On Saintly Star¡¯s side, rainbow light filled the air, causing the ground to turn colorful.


    At Xu Qing¡¯s side, the surroundings were pitch-black. Black flames burned the sky, emitting rumbling sounds. The two of them stared at each other from afar and could see the rising killing intent in each other.


    At the next instant, they moved at the same time.


    From afar, it looked like two different skies were colliding.


    It was Miemeng and the Golden Crow, these two legendary divine birds, emitting cries as they tried to devour the other.


    It was two canopies erupting with their respective divine lights.


    It was a life-and-death battle between the young ruler and the young ancient sovereign.


    The sounds spread in all directions, and the sky changed colors!


    As the sky seemed to be about to explode, Xu Qing and Saintly Star each attacked with all their might. Their bodies trembled violently and they had no choice but to retreat.


    ¡°Damn it, if my six-fire combat strength was still here!¡± Saintly Star¡¯s expression was gloomy. The life fires in his body burned as he tried his best to expel the black shadow on the 120th magic aperture.


    However, no matter how intense his flames were, the shadow persisted. It was desperately blocking the magic aperture that was like a volcano mouth, preventing the magic power in it from spreading out at all, causing Saintly Star¡¯s fourth ball of life fire to be unable to form.


    The killing intent in Saintly Star¡¯s eyes intensified. As he retreated, he saw Xu Qing¡¯s body sway in the distance and approach him with sharp killing intent.


    A hint of determination appeared in his eyes. He bit the tip of his tongue and spat out blood.


    ¡°Ghost Cloth, seal the body and soul!¡±


    As he chanted, the mouthful of blood instantly grew to a thousand feet in the blink of an eye and formed a blood-colored robe that swept toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. The Golden Crow behind him let out a cry and the black flames spread out. However, the blood robe actually didn¡¯t care about the damage and spared no expense to forcefully arrive and wrap around Xu Qing.


    A sealing power erupted from it, causing Xu Qing¡¯s body to involuntarily stop in mid-air.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The Golden Crow behind him cried and the life lantern canopy above his head burned, wanting to disperse the power of the seal.


    At this moment, Saintly Star lifted his right hand and formed a seal.


    ¡°Heavenly Blood Sword!¡±


    In an instant, his right hand turned red and the qi and blood in his entire body churned. A blood light erupted from the top of his head and headed straight for the sky.


    Upon closer inspection, there was a flying sword in the blood light!


    The sky trembled as though dragons were swimming in it. Amidst the majestic rumbling, the entire sky turned blood red as though it was enveloped by a blood-colored curtain.


    In the blood-colored sky, a huge sword tip appeared. The range of this sword tip was a thousand feet. After it appeared, it suddenly sank, revealing an even more majestic sword body.


    There were a large number of marks on the sword and countless broken limbs.


    As soon as this sword appeared, the sky seemed to shatter. At the same time, the blood light around the sword transformed into a sea of blood that formed a huge vortex.


    A terrifying force erupted from within, gathering at the tip of the large sword. Amidst the shocking sight, the blood-colored large sword descended vertically upon Xu Qing!


    It was extremely fast and arrived before Xu Qing in an instant. Xu Qing wanted to dodge, but the blood robe used all its strength to restrain him even though it was burning!


    A sense of danger stirred in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. He looked at the large sword and used the protection jade given by Lord Sixth without any hesitation.


    The large sword landed and pierced into the protective barrier.


    Rumbling sounds rang out like thunder, resounding through the clouds.


    The protective power rapidly weakened and Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled intensely as he was pushed down by the astonishing force from the large sword.


    A cold glint flashed in Saintly Star¡¯s eyes. He waved his hand at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Soul Shaking Demon Suppression Sword!¡±


    A second blood light rose from the top of his head. It also had a flying sword that started growing rapidly, forming a second blood-colored sword in front of him!


    This sword was the same length and shape as the falling sword from the sky. The marks on it were the same as well. However, it didn¡¯t descend from the sky but transformed in front of Saintly Star. It slashed toward Xu Qing like the autumn wind sweeping away leaves!


    The second large sword swept through everything in its path like it was cutting butter. Wherever it passed, all the buildings instantly collapsed and the ground caved in as though it was being pressed.


    A force that could overturn mountains and seas exploded at this moment. Xu Qing¡¯s expression darkened. The second sword arrived before him and slashed at his barrier.


    When the large sword in front of him collided with his barrier, both swords erupted with terrifying power, causing Xu Qing to suffer injuries even though he was inside the barrier.


    However, the killing move from Saintly Star wasn¡¯t over. Almost at the same time that the Heavenly Blood Sword and Soul Shaking Demon Suppression Sword were displayed, he put his palms together and pointed at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Northern Ghost Inquires the Heaven Sword!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, ghosts appeared in the blood-colored vortex in the sky above Xu Qing. These ghosts were strange in that they didn¡¯t have faces and were all carrying swords on their backs.


    They gave off cold presence and even emitted sharp sword qi. After they appeared, they immediately descended from the vortex and surrounded Xu Qing.


    A total of eight ghosts had their backs facing Xu Qing. As Saintly Star let out a low shout, the eight sword ghosts moved in unison. They grabbed the swords on their backs and turned around, slashing at Xu Qing!


    The sword qi churned like the sea and slashed out eight times at Xu Qing!


    The speed of these eight swords was too fast. They were sudden like the rainstorm and also like bolts of lightning that instantly landed on Xu Qing¡¯s barrier.


    At this moment, a total of ten swords were attacking the barrier. After the consumption in the Starfish Island and persisting for so long, Lord Sixth¡¯s defensive jade was finally exhausted and the barrier collapsed.


    As it dissipated, more than half of the ten swords dissipated. However, some sword qi still entered Xu Qing¡¯s body and headed straight for his life fires.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. Although he finally burned the blood robe outside his body completely with the help of this collapsing force, the sword qi inside his body still caused him to cough out a mouthful of blood.


    Seeing Saintly Star approaching, the aura in Xu Qing¡¯s body became unstable. He didn¡¯t hesitate and quickly retreated. The life fires in his body flickered as he used all his strength to suppress the sword qi.


    All of this took a long time to describe but in reality, everything happened in the blink of an eye. As Xu Qing retreated, Saintly Star caught up to him in the blink of an eye and was ready to attack.


    However, Xu Qing suppressed the sword qi in his body at this moment and turned around, his eyes revealing ruthlessness.


    He ruthlessly swung his right hand at the approaching Saintly Star. Immediately, the mosasaur manifested behind him in all its majesty. The moment it appeared, it pierced through Xu Qing¡¯s body and devoured the approaching Saintly Star.


    Saintly Star¡¯s expression darkened. He spread out the protective barrier of his life lantern and resisted with all his might.


    The mosasaur collapsed but it still caused Saintly Star to take a few steps back. Ripples spread on the life lantern¡¯s defense like water. However, Xu Qing¡¯s counterattack wasn¡¯t over. Almost at the instant the mosasaur was destroyed, the magic ship appeared.


    He didn¡¯t use its divine attack. If he did that, the power would be scattered which wasn¡¯t suitable for this situation.


    As soon as the magic ship appeared, Xu Qing controlled it to collide with Saintly Star. There was also the power of self-destruction.


    Saintly Star had just destroyed the mosasaur when the magic ship appeared before him. He didn¡¯t have time to dodge as Xu Qing¡¯s magic boat directly self-destructed. A deafening boom rang out in all directions and the divinity contained in the magic boat and its own power transformed into terrifying energy fluctuations that spread out.


    Saintly Star trembled and his expression was sinister. However, he was still sent back by the impact and his life lantern¡¯s defense fluctuated intensely.


    As he was sent back, Xu Qing performed a series of hand seals with both hands. A purple heavenly saber suddenly formed in the sky above his head and slashed down.


    It wasn¡¯t over. Xu Qing finally activated the poison he had set up in the surroundings. It instantly enveloped the surroundings and targeted the life lantern¡¯s defense, forming a corrosive power that rapidly weakened it!


    The reason why he was willing to exhaust Lord Sixth¡¯s protection jade earlier and waited until now was all to stall for time as he thought of ways to shatter the life lantern¡¯s defense!


    Otherwise, with the life lantern¡¯s protective barrier still around, this battle wouldn¡¯t be easy.


    Hence, he needed time to add more poison and adjust its effects, allowing the poison that permeated this place to be more effective in corrosion. Only then could he unleash its strength the instant it was stimulated!


    As the heavenly saber slashed down, the poison intent erupted.

 Chapter 351 - 351 Counterattack

    351 Counterattack


    The purple heavenly saber descended.


    It slashed at the barrier of Saintly Star¡¯s life lantern. Saintly Star¡¯s heavenly saber also slashed out and collided with Xu Qing¡¯s heavenly saber, both collapsing immediately after.


    Saintly Star was sent back due to the force of the collision.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s attack wasn¡¯t over. Everything before was a cover-up. It was all for the sake of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s all-out attack.


    Bolts of lightning erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s collapsed heavenly saber.


    The lightning was controlled and molded in the shape of a spiral which caused the speed of the black iron stick to increase again.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor clearly knew the importance of his mission, especially when he saw the shadow playing such an important role. He was already extremely nervous.


    He was afraid that he wouldn¡¯t be able to complete the mission, so he went crazy. He spared no expense and exploded all the lightning runes on the iron stick for even more speed and power. Like a ray of true heavenly lightning, the iron stick collided with the defense of Saintly Star¡¯s life lantern just as he retreated.


    The life lantern¡¯s defense was indeed astonishing. It didn¡¯t collapse even from the violent collision. However, the extreme speed and rotational force of the black iron stick pierced a small hole in it.


    At the next instant, the black iron stick was swept back by the backlash from the barrier and became extremely dim. One could vaguely hear the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor letting out a mournful cry. Clearly, the backlash this time had injured even his spirit body.


    As for the small hole, it quickly returned to normal.


    ¡°If you can¡¯t destroy my life lantern¡¯s protective barrier, everything you do is useless.¡±


    The corners of Saintly Star¡¯s mouth curled into a cold smile but he continued to be forced back. Xu Qing¡¯s attacks were like a storm, coming wave after wave at an extremely fast speed.


    First, it was the mosasaur, then the magic ship¡¯s self-destruction, and the heavenly saber. Although they couldn¡¯t break the life lantern¡¯s defense, their power was extraordinary.


    Because of the existence of the protective barrier, the attacks could not reach him at all. Just like how his attacks earlier couldn¡¯t reach Xu Qing and could only shatter his barrier.


    Overall, Saintly Star was slightly stronger. The divine arts he grasped were clearly more. As he retreated, Saintly Star¡¯s eyes gleamed. He could see Xu Qing¡¯s weakness.


    ¡°Your spells are too few and you lack divine arts that can display great power!¡± Saintly Star¡¯s gaze was like lightning. Ever since the battle began, Xu Qing had been on par with him. At this moment, he finally saw Xu Qing¡¯s weakness.


    Hearing Saintly Star¡¯s words, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze turned even colder.


    Saintly Star let out a long laugh and performed a series of hand seals with both hands. He was going to exploit Xu Qing¡¯s weakness. Just as he was about to use his divine art, his expression suddenly darkened.


    The life lantern barrier outside his body actually dimmed a little at this moment. Ripples appeared on it, especially at where the black iron stick had pierced earlier. Saintly Star felt a sense of corrosion spreading there.


    This reminded Saintly Star of the poison he had sensed on the battlefield between Xu Qing and Sima Ling in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s difficult for a minor art of poison to reach the Great Dao!¡±


    Saintly Star let out a cold snort. He had a special physique and didn¡¯t care about ordinary poisons. He casually waved his hand and his life lantern flickered, emitting a brilliant light that dispelled the corrosion on the protective barrier instantly as though it was purified.


    After doing this, he was about to attack when his expression changed drastically.


    An intense piercing pain spread throughout his body. His skin instantly turned greenish-black and dense anomalous substances spread in his body, causing his life fires to sway.


    ¡°What!!¡±


    Saintly Star¡¯s breathing was hurried and his mind shook. He could sense that he was poisoned. This poison was too violent and sudden, causing his vision to blur. At this moment, a sense of danger filled his entire body.


    This poison was none other than the little black bugs.


    In reality, the little black bugs had been clinging tightly to the barrier of the Saintly Star¡¯s life lantern. However, they couldn¡¯t penetrate the barrier and were waiting for an opportunity.


    The hole created by the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor gave them this opportunity. The moment that hole appeared earlier, a large number of little black bugs had entered through it.


    Saintly Star was right in that Xu Qing indeed lacked powerful divine arts but it was also wrong. Although Xu Qing didn¡¯t have many powerful divine arts, he had poison!


    The instant the little black bugs¡¯ poison erupted, the killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes intensified and he rushed toward Saintly Star.


    He had been waiting for this opportunity since the start of the battle. Now that he saw that Saintly Star had been poisoned, he instantly got close and punched out.


    The Golden Crow appeared behind him and the black canopy above his head shone. Coupled with Xu Qing¡¯s five fire combat strength, this punch carried great lethality.


    Under the effects of the poison, Saintly Star couldn¡¯t dodge at all. Even though he retreated rapidly, Xu Qing still caught up and punched his protective barrier.


    A heaven-shattering sound rang out as Saintly Star¡¯s entire body trembled violently. His body rolled back like a kite with a broken string. Xu Qing caught up and punched again.


    Saintly Star¡¯s breathing was hurried and his eyes were bloodshot. While resisting Xu Qing with his barrier, he quickly circulated his emperor-level cultivation art, causing Miemeng to emit a sharp sound and rush into his body to remove the poison.


    At the same time, the rainbow canopy above his head emitted a resplendent light, wanting to force out the poison in his body. However, with a wave of Xu Qing¡¯s hand, the large black umbrella directly enveloped the top of Saintly Star¡¯s head and ruthlessly suppressed the rainbow canopy.


    Booming sounds rang out as Saintly Star spat out blood. At that moment, he was enveloped with danger both inside and outside his body. An unprecedented feeling of life and death appeared in his mind.


    Saintly Star was forced back again and again. Xu Qing continued to use everything he had. Punch after punch, heavenly saber slashed down one after another, the Golden Crow inhaled with all its might, and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor continued to risk his life to pierce Saintly Star.


    The shadow also seized this opportunity. When Saintly Star focused on removing the poison, it spread toward the second magic aperture.


    It was a full-scale attack!


    Saintly Star kept retreating while coughing blood. Every mouthful of blood contained poison that corroded the ground when they landed on it.


    The life lantern barrier outside his body shone intensely. In the end, Xu Qing grabbed it with both hands and smashed it ruthlessly.


    BOOM! The protective barrier of Saintly Star¡¯s life lantern finally couldn¡¯t resist and dissipated. The poison in the surroundings gushed in even more wildly. Saintly Star¡¯s expression was filled with anger but he didn¡¯t continue fighting. Instead, he quickly fled.


    ¡°What poison is this!!¡± Saintly Star roared in his mind. He originally had six fires strength and could have easily suppressed Xu Qing. It was all because of that black shadow that his combat strength decreased. Now, the other party¡¯s poison was also extremely terrifying.


    This made him want to go crazy. He was in an extremely sorry state with his messy hair and the golden robe that looked much dimmer.


    If any disciple of the Seven Sects Alliance was here and saw this scene, they would be shell-shocked. This was because they had never seen Saintly Star like this.


    Saintly Star felt aggrieved and extremely angry. However, when he saw Xu Qing rushing over again with monstrous killing intent, his breathing became hurried and he sped up his escape. At the same time, he took out a jade slip and quickly transmitted his voice, summoning the three Dao Protectors he had arranged to go out and search for what he needed to return immediately.


    However, his Dao Protectors had been out for a long time and didn¡¯t expect him to encounter any danger here. Hence, even if they received the message now, it would still take time for them to rush back.


    What Saintly Star lacked now was time. The poison in his body was still erupting and his combat strength was rapidly falling. Xu Qing was pursuing him madly and the Golden Crow was also rushing forward, wanting to refine Saintly Star.


    Miemeng appeared and resisted Xu Qing¡¯s punch with all its might. With the help of Miemeng, Saintly Star barely resisted Xu Qing¡¯s attack but he was still injured. Xu Qing¡¯s expression was sinister as his head slammed forward fiercely, directly colliding with Saintly Star¡¯s face.


    Saintly Star let out a miserable cry. His face was covered in blood and madness appeared in his eyes. He wanted to struggle and retreat, but the black fiendish fire on Xu Qing¡¯s body erupted and formed a large mouth that enveloped Saintly Star.


    Xu Qing wanted to refine Saintly Star¡¯s soul and use it as the fuel to open his magic apertures.


    The madness in Saintly Star¡¯s eyes intensified. He let out a mournful cry and his golden Daoist robe suddenly swelled and exploded.


    This Daoist robe was also a treasure. When it exploded, it formed a violent force. Saintly Star borrowed this force to retreat. After this time period, his life lantern finally suppressed the poison in his body.


    This caused the swaying of his life fires to calm down a little. However, he knew that he couldn¡¯t hold on for too long as Xu Qing continued to chase after him with killing intent. Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate. The instant his injuries calmed down, he let out a low shout and took out an item from his storage ring.


    This was a broken piece of wood. It should be part of a wooden object.


    After he took it out, a terrifying energy fluctuation instantly erupted from the wood. The strength of this energy caused Xu Qing¡¯s expression to change. He felt that the life fires in his body were about to be extinguished and his magic apertures were shaking. Even his soul showed signs of leaving his body.


    In fact, even the sky and earth was affected. All the vegetation in the surroundings instantly withered.


    Countless vitality gathered crazily from the surroundings, causing the wood to transform into a pitch-black wooden door with countless fingernail scratches on it in the blink of an eye.


    A strange and sinister feeling spread out as this door appeared. The nail marks on the black wooden door were especially shocking. One could even see brown blood among them.


    Moreover, these scratches were of different depths and seemed to have been left for different amounts of time. The feeling they gave off was as though countless people had once used all their strength to tear at this door.


    Terror spread uncontrollably.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he immediately made a retreat.


    The madness in Saintly Star¡¯s eyes deepened. He rose into the air behind the door and pointed at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Open!¡±


    The black wooden door creaked and slowly opened toward Xu Qing.

 Chapter 352 - 352 Violent and Wicked

    352 Violent and Wicked


    The wooden door was mottled by time and exuded an ancient aura. It was like an old man who had experienced countless years and seen through the hearts of people.


    The decay contained in the darkness of the wooden door was like the old man¡¯s helplessness against this tragic world.


    It was oppressive, strange, and sinister.


    This was the feeling this door gave Xu Qing.


    The moment the black door opened, Xu Qing could sense that everything in his surroundings seemed to have fallen silent and all sounds had disappeared.


    The wind stopped moving, and so did the clouds and fog. Even his heartbeat seemed to have stopped at this instant. This was the case for everything, including his rapidly retreating body and Saintly Star, who was standing above the door.


    It was as though the power of this door was too vast and mystical. Regardless of whether it was the user or the target, they would all be stripped of their right to move.


    Xu Qing had experienced this feeling before. Four years ago, when the song rang out in the forbidden zone of the scavenger campsite, he saw the pair of female boots and the fog walking over from the jungle.


    At that time, he felt the same thing. Following the appearance of this wooden door, a similar chill that was enough to penetrate his very soul, as though it could freeze his thoughts appeared.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing stopped and white frost appeared on his brows and hair. His body was invaded by the extreme cold from the inside out. At this moment, he lost vision of everything other than the slowly opening door.


    An ear-piercing creaking sound rang out as the black door gradually opened.


    It was pitch-black inside, as though there was nothing there. Only the cold intent spread out even more intensely. One could even see waves of thin white gas spreading out from the edge of the door.


    Saintly Star¡¯s expression was sinister and the killing intent in his eyes was intense. This door was called the Mystic Spirit Perpetual Will Door. It was a supreme treasure even to him, but he had only used it once since he obtained it.


    Both sides would be suppressed when he used it, so he didn¡¯t dare to use it rashly after that one time. Most importantly, using this door consumed his soul.


    This door was extremely strange and had a mysterious origin. It was unknown what would appear after opening it, so its lethality varied from person to person. His grandfather had told him about this.


    The last time he used it, a rotting tongue appeared from the door. This made him extremely uncomfortable because his grandfather had said that what this door manifested was the heart of the target.


    At that moment, he really wanted to know what would appear inside the door when Xu Qing faced it.


    ¡°It¡¯s best if an evil ghost appears, an evil ghost that will tear him apart!!¡±


    The instant Saintly Star shouted inwardly, inside the black wooden door, the endless darkness suddenly changed at this moment. A beam of light actually appeared!


    At the start, this light was still very weak, only a dot. However, in the blink of an eye, it continued to spread and expand. In the end, it transformed into a sea of light that was extremely resplendent and bright.


    It then spread outwards, turning into countless streams.


    Wherever it passed, the sky outside the door turned from dark to bright. It was the same for the surrounding ground and countless plants. At this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s figure was enveloped by this bright light and drowned in the sea of light.


    In this sea of light, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body emitted an indescribable intense pain. It was as though his entire body was being burned, including his organs.


    This light penetrated his body, his soul, and everything else. Wherever it passed, it brought intense pain that caused green smoke to rise from his body, as though he was about to be erased. While he was unable to withstand this light, it was also because of the appearance of this light that he regained his mobility and retreated abruptly.


    He retreated with his full speed but he still couldn¡¯t stop the burning of this light. It was as though he had become the night and this sea of light wanted to tear the darkness apart.


    His skin was burned to pitch-black, his body lost its moisture, and his hair and brows turned to ashes. Regardless of whether it was the life lantern or the emperor-level cultivation art, they were both resisting with all their might.


    He also took out a jade slip and held it in his hand. His expression revealed a hint of hesitation but in the end, he didn¡¯t crush it and sped up his retreat.


    When Xu Qing retreated in his inhuman form, Saintly Star saw this. However, there was no joy on his face at all. Instead, he showed disbelief. In fact, he couldn¡¯t believe his own eyes. An intense sense of absurdity rose in his mind.


    ¡°Light?¡±


    ¡°After the Mystic Spirit Perpetual Will Door opened toward you, it actually released light!!¡±


    ¡°How is this possible? You¡¯ve killed countless people like me and walked on their bones. You¡¯re even proficient in evil poison art and cultivate the soul devouring fire. Your entire body emits black flames and even your life lantern is black. It isn¡¯t an exaggeration to call you a demon, but the image in your heart is actually light!!¡±


    ¡°Ridiculous, ridiculous, ridiculous!¡±


    ¡°Being in the darkness and having light in your heart?¡± Saintly Star¡¯s eyes were red and his expression was sinister. He had already lost his composure and couldn¡¯t control his emotions. The door actually emitted light!


    This was what he yearned for!!


    His Dao title was Saintly Star. The word Saintly Star represented light. However, what appeared when he opened the door was a rotting and disgusting tongue. With this comparison, the killing intent in his heart soared again.


    When he noticed Xu Qing had already retreated out of the range of the light inside the door, he made a series of hand seals. Immediately, the door closed with a bang. After that, it instantly blurred and the direction of the door was no longer facing Xu Qing but himself.


    He was poisoned and could only suppress it for a short period of time. Taking out this door wasn¡¯t just to kill Xu Qing. His true thought was to use this door to suppress the poison.


    He had used this door once before. At that time, he had used this door to erase the curse he had been planted with.


    He gritted his teeth. As the Mystic Spirit Perpetual Will Door moved, the black wooden door instantly opened toward Saintly Star. It was still black inside but in the blink of an eye, a rotting and disgusting tongue quickly stretched out and headed straight for Saintly Star.


    Immediately, Saintly Star¡¯s body trembled and his expression was filled with pain. His body rotted from the contact of the tongue. His handsome face seemed to have turned into a zombie and his hair fell off. A stench spread out from his whole body.


    However, the results he obtained after paying these prices made him very satisfied.


    At this moment, more than half of the poison in his body was instantly dispelled. The remaining poison also seemed to have lost its vitality and was suppressed. However, what shocked him was that the black shadow on the 120th magic aperture was actually safe and sound under the power of the strange door.


    Not only that, but it even revealed a small eye and cast a disdainful gaze at him.


    ¡°What is this!!!¡± Saintly Star trembled violently but he didn¡¯t have the time to think. The instant the poison was suppressed, he put the wooden door away and didn¡¯t dare to continue using it. He took out medicinal pills and swallowed them in large mouthfuls before chasing after Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing, who was in the distance, suddenly lifted his head. His entire body was in a sorry state but his killing intent was still intense. Although his injuries were very serious earlier, the purple crystal was rapidly healing him. Moreover, he had swallowed many healing pills when he retreated earlier.


    At the same time that Saintly Star rushed over, Xu Qing also stomped his right foot fiercely on the ground. As the soil under his feet exploded, Xu Qing¡¯s body rose from the ground and met Saintly Star in the air.


    Booming sounds reverberated in the surrounding forbidden region. Countless plants and trees collapsed. The ferocious beasts here also fled immediately. The battle between Xu Qing and Saintly Star was truly earth-shattering.


    Even a Golden Core cultivator would be horrified by this battle.


    They moved with extremely high speed, and wherever they passed, there would be explosions and destruction.


    As they continued to exchange blows, Xu Qing suddenly threw out a crystal. After it exploded, a large amount of black fog spread out. A headless cow rushed out of the fog and slammed toward Saintly Star.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. At the next moment, three more crystals were thrown out by Xu Qing and exploded one after another. A ball of distorted black hair, a withered hand, and a white eyeball flew out.


    These items of the dead were none other than the items Xu Qing had obtained from the pockets of the God of Wealth, Sima Ling. He used all of them in one go. Immediately, the anomalous substances in the surroundings became incomparably dense. Xu Qing gritted his teeth and even threw out a large number of black pills.


    As popping sounds rang out, the anomalous substances here instantly erupted. At the same time, they attracted waves of malice from the depths of the forbidden region.


    Saintly Star¡¯s expression changed and he immediately retreated. However, the four bizarre entities were like fish in water in these dense anomalous substances. After they appeared, they actually fused together.


    That withered hand grew on the neck of the cow¡¯s body, and the eye flew over and embedded itself in its palm. The hair covered the cow¡¯s body and in an instant, this chimera of a bizarre entity rushed toward Saintly Star.


    Saintly Star was about to dodge.


    Resolve appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He waved his hand and took out more than half of Sima Ling¡¯s magic artifacts that controlled those bizarre entities. After throwing them all out, he waved his hand.


    In an instant, these magic artifacts exploded, blocking Saintly Star¡¯s escape path, causing him to be unable to dodge. He was directly pounced on by that bizarre entity.


    Miemeng let out a cry. However, following Saintly Star¡¯s weakening, it was also injured. It was also being stared at by the Golden Crow; as soon as it moved out, the Golden Crow instantly arrived and the two sides fought again.


    Xu Qing also got close. With a wave of his right hand, a dagger appeared in his hand. Taking advantage of Saintly Star¡¯s fatigue, he directly slit his neck.


    Saintly Star immediately moved his head and the dagger rapidly passed by. Although he dodged it, the fiendish fire enveloped him. However, Saintly Star was also extraordinary. His life fires spread out and blocked the fiendish fire, but it wasn¡¯t able to stop Xu Qing¡¯s madness.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and ruthlessly knocked into Saintly Star.


    Saintly Star¡¯s eyes were bloodshot and he actually used his head to collide with Xu Qing¡¯s head.


    With a boom, the two of them felt dizzy and were forced back a few steps.


    Xu Qing¡¯s cruelty made Saintly Star feel extremely depressed. However, his killing intent didn¡¯t decrease. Today, he had to kill Xu Qing and snatch his lantern.


    As he retreated, Saintly Star slapped the space between his brows. It was unknown what secret art he used but his right hand actually penetrated the space between his brows and entered his head. He then pulled out a bloody brush!


    This brush was very small but when it was pulled out of the head, it instantly grew larger. The tip of the brush was a head. This head looked exactly the same as Saintly Star!


    ¡°Brother, I was sleeping. Did you wake me up to play with me?¡±

 Chapter 353 - 353 Spirit Sea Suppresses the Evil Brush

    353 Spirit Sea Suppresses the Evil Brush


    This brush was a bizarre entity!


    Xu Qing only took a glance before his pupils contracted.


    This brush was half the height of a human. It used the spine of a human as the shaft, the head as the ferrule of the brush, and the hair as the bristle!


    There was still flesh and blood on the spine. Although the head was intact, its skin was green like a malicious ghost. Its eerie words after it appeared caused Xu Qing to frown.


    As for Saintly Star, he turned a deaf ear to this. He waved his hand and controlled the strange brush to draw a circle in the air.


    The instant this circle was drawn, it directly turned from illusory to corporeal. Its color was red and it rapidly spread out in all directions. Like a violent wind, it blew at Xu Qing¡¯s face.


    As for the chimeric bizarre entity, it suddenly trembled as though it was suppressed. The cow¡¯s body trembled and retreated before directly collapsing. After it returned into four parts, they collapsed again and completely dissipated.


    Saintly Star turned around and looked at Xu Qing with reddened eyes. The head of the brush in his hand emitted a dark glint in its eyes. It also looked at Xu Qing and licked its lips with its long tongue as it spoke.


    ¡°Brother, are you going to kill him? He¡¯s so beautiful. After we capture him, how about you use the method you used to deal with me back then? Refine him in your body and snatch his aptitude, turning him into a second brush.¡±


    Saintly Star snorted coldly. In terms of bloodline, this brush was refined from his younger brother. However, he had suppressed and refined his younger brother many years ago and the latter became his treasure. The ancestor and many others in the sect knew about this.


    However, as long as the ancestor tacitly agreed that only one of them could live, the others wouldn¡¯t be able to say anything.


    This was because he, Saintly Star, was born with a peculiar nature. He and his younger brother were born as conjoined twins and were connected above the waist.


    Such a situation wasn¡¯t an exception in the countless years of history of the Wanggu Continent. In reality, there were many situations where life was changed by the arrival of the god due to the integration of anomalous substances.


    Even though people or other beings looked normal and there seemed to be no anomalous substances, in reality¡­ the influence had already appeared from the source of their bloodline.


    It was just that no one knew if this influence would be revealed in that generation.


    Even so, this was unacceptable to Saintly Star. As such, ever since he had his own consciousness, he had wanted to kill his younger brother and his younger brother also had the same thought. In the end, he came out on top.


    ¡°Sure, kill him. I¡¯ll allow you to do this!¡± When he heard his younger brother¡¯s words, Saintly Star spoke gloomily.


    Saintly Star¡¯s younger brother¡¯s eyes lit up and its entire body emitted astonishing anomalous substances. At the same time, its eyes revealed a pitch-black light. When it looked at Xu Qing with a greedy expression, Saintly Star waved his hand and drew the strange brush in the shape of a cross toward Xu Qing!


    In an instant, the cross shone with a deep red light. It transformed from illusory to real and completely took shape. The cross seemed to be made of blood but was also like skinless bloody flesh, covered in tendons.


    After it was formed, the fleshy cross whistled toward Xu Qing.


    Wherever it passed, the bizarre entity¡¯s aura filled the air, causing the weather to change.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. He held the jade slip in his hand which details were not clear. He seemed to want to crush it but ultimately gave up.


    With a boom, the fleshy cross shot over and came into contact with Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing coughed out blood and rapidly retreated. A strange laughter rang out from the fleshy cross and it was about to pursue. However, Xu Qing¡¯s speed wasn¡¯t slow. He frowned and stared fixedly at the fleshy cross that was chasing after him.


    By now, he and Saintly Star were both heavily injured, and their weaknesses were clearly displayed. Xu Qing was aware that compared to Saintly Star, he was indeed lacking some divine arts.


    In reality, if the person he was comparing with wasn¡¯t Saintly Star, Xu Qing¡¯s spells were actually alright. However, Saintly Star was a heaven¡¯s chosen who wanted to walk the path of the ancient sovereigns and rulers nurtured by the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect with all their might. Naturally, he had a lot of spells and magic artifacts.


    ¡°I lack divine abilities and spells, and my magic artifacts aren¡¯t as abundant and varied as his. However¡­ strength can defeat ten techniques1!¡± A sharp glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The purple crystal in his body was showing its great power as it continued to heal his injuries rapidly.


    At the same time, the advantage of the 5,000-foot-long spirit sea in his magic apertures was the same. This caused his Mystic Brilliance Form to still be full of power even after activating it for so long. What Xu Qing wanted to do now was to rely on his dense spirit sea that surpassed others to suppress Saintly Star.


    The instant the fleshy cross whistled over, Xu Qing¡¯s body suddenly rose into the air. His eyes revealed a bright light as he lifted his right hand toward the sky.


    At the next instant, the 92 magic apertures in his body erupted again. The fiery power inside surged. After that, a huge 5,000-foot-long palm directly appeared in the sky above Xu Qing!


    This 5000-foot-long palm was formed by the spirit sea in one of his magic apertures. The instant it appeared, as the magic apertures in Xu Qing¡¯s body shone, a second 5000-foot-long palm appeared.


    It overlapped with the first palm, forming two layers of power.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. As the magic apertures in Xu Qing¡¯s body continued to erupt, three layers, ten layers, thirty layers¡­ Layers of palms instantly overlapped at an extremely fast speed, causing the density of the palm to be increasingly high.


    In an instant, violent winds scattered in all directions and a strange pressure descended from the sky.


    This scene caused Saintly Star¡¯s eyes to widen and waves of emotions to surge in his mind. The spirit sea in Xu Qing¡¯s magic aperture was too shocking. In his entire life, he had never seen anyone¡¯s spirit sea reach such a terrifying level.


    Even he had only reached over 2,000 feet!


    ¡°You¡­¡± Saintly Star¡¯s expression changed drastically. He was very clear that the spirit sea in the magic apertures represented the density of magic power. Although this advantage wasn¡¯t great at the start, as the cultivation deepened and the number of magic apertures increased, this advantage would become incomparably terrifying.


    This was the case.


    In an instant, the palms above Xu Qing¡¯s head directly stacked 92 times!


    From afar, the instant the palms stacked 92 times, the world rumbled. The pressure was so great that lightning bolts appeared at the edges of the palm. They were like snakes and dragons roaming in the edges as they spread out.


    The palm¡¯s aura was so terrifying that it seemed to want to devour the heavens!


    Even the fleshy cross that was chasing Xu Qing stopped in mid-air, revealing intense fear.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have the sword divine arts like Saintly Star in which every sword strike was peerless. He also didn¡¯t have a bizarre object like the black door, or an accompanying treasure like the fleshy brush.


    However, he had 92 layers of 5,000 feet of spirit sea!


    No matter how strange you are, no matter what spells you use, no matter what items you show, I¡¯ll suppress them all!


    At the next instant, the veins on Xu Qing¡¯s forehead bulged. It was as though the 5,000-foot-long palm that had been stacked 92 times had an indescribable heaviness. His body emitted cracking sounds and tendons bulged on his arm. He then pressed fiercely toward the fleshy cross and Saintly Star!


    The might of the 92 times stacked giant palm had the power to suppress mountains and seas. It instantly collided with the fleshy cross that was filled with a bizarre aura. A rumbling sound rang out. The fleshy cross lasted for five breaths of time before it dissipated at a speed visible to the naked eye and shattered into pieces.


    Wherever the large palm passed, everything would be destroyed under its extreme violence. Behind the palm was Xu Qing¡¯s figure. He used all his strength to push the power of all of his spirit sea.


    The ground trembled and countless trees turned to dust. The eruption of terrifying power instantly approached the pale-faced Saintly Star.


    At this critical moment, determination flashed in Saintly Star¡¯s eyes. He let out a low shout and controlled the strange brush in his hand, turning it into a sword that stabbed fiercely at the incoming large palm.


    The magic apertures in his body also erupted as their power surged into the strange brush, causing the face of his younger brother¡¯s head to become even more sinister. Although there was horror in its eyes, there was more madness as though it wanted to die!


    Waves of sounds rumbled like thunder in the forbidden region.


    Xu Qing and Saintly Star each spat out a mouthful of blood. Their expressions were sinister and their eyes revealed ferocity as they went all out.


    As this sound reverberated, the strange brush emitted a piercing light and trembled intensely. As for Xu Qing¡¯s large palm, 33 layers of it instantly collapsed.


    At this moment, the light of the strange brush dimmed a little and a mournful cry rang out. That was the younger brother¡¯s madness. However, no matter how crazy it was, it was useless. After 43 layers of Xu Qing¡¯s large palm collapsed, the brush bristles broke inch by inch and turned into dust.


    In Saintly Star¡¯s younger brother¡¯s eyes, amidst the endless madness, there seemed to be a hint of relief as well. In the end, it flashed a sinister smile as it used all its strength to collide with the palm again. This collision caused Xu Qing¡¯s large palm to collapse by another 13 layers.


    The price was that the head of Saintly Star¡¯s younger brother directly exploded. Before it exploded, its last voice rang out in all directions with sharpness and resentment.


    ¡°Chu Shengyun, do you still remember the curse I planted on you when you refined me? I cursed that in the future, you will be refined like me and your everything will be snatched away. Although you used the perpetual will door formed by the Taboo fragment to erase the essence of my curse, it seems that my curse is still effective!¡±


    The shrill sound carried a long laughter. The moment it dissipated, Xu Qing¡¯s large palm landed on the brush, destroying it completely. Finally, when there were only 21 layers left, it landed on Saintly Star¡¯s body.


    Saintly Star¡¯s entire body trembled violently and he coughed out a lot of blood. The life fires in his body were swaying intensely as though they would be extinguished.


    His body was sent flying. However, the killing intent in his eyes didn¡¯t decrease at all. In fact, there was even a hint of dark light flickering in them.


    ¡°You can curse as you please. You died a worthy death.¡± The moment Saintly Star landed on the ground, his expression revealed madness. He slapped the ground ruthlessly and shouted.


    ¡°Body Curse Myriad Blood Refinement!¡±


    As soon as he spoke, Xu Qing¡¯s expression darkened.


    The ground where the dust from the strange brush that had collapsed earlier landed suddenly exploded. Flesh arms rapidly rushed out from within. There were thousands of them and they spread crazily, wrapping around Xu Qing from all directions.


    At the same time, Saintly Star looked up with a sinister expression and his voice became sinister.


    ¡°Summon my Soaring Cloud¡¯s Taboo¡¯s projection!¡±

 Chapter 354 - 354 Withered Hand Reaches Toward the Sea of Consciousness (1)

    354 Withered Hand Reaches Toward the Sea of Consciousness (1)


    Taboo!


    Just like how Xu Qing had the right to use the projection of the sect¡¯s magic treasure after he became a Sequence, the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance could also use their sects¡¯ foundation.


    However, very few people had the qualifications. Moreover, they were treated as encouragement and protection.


    After all, the magic treasures of the Seven Sects Alliance were in the levels of Taboo. There were many restrictions when using them. If they wanted to maximize their effect, they needed a specific moment.


    Saintly Star had extremely rich combat experience. He didn¡¯t summon the Taboo projection immediately because he wanted to create an opportunity to perfectly use the power of the Taboo.


    He had realized that it wasn¡¯t very easy to snatch Xu Qing¡¯s life lantern. He had to prevent the other party from escaping at the critical moment or use a jade talisman like the disorder teleportation.


    Moreover, he had paid attention to Xu Qing¡¯s instinctive actions of wanting to crush a jade slip twice previously. Although he pretended not to notice, he could roughly guess Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts.


    In his opinion, this battle was just fishing.


    He had to wait for the other party to exhaust all the methods and be severely injured, only then would the process be smoother.


    Hence, he had been waiting. When he felt that the situation had worsened, he took out the flesh brush during the battle.


    Regardless of whether this brush could heavily injure Xu Qing or not, he planned to use its destruction as a cover to display the curse power of the flesh brush and trap Xu Qing.


    This way, he could create an opportunity for himself to activate the Taboo and form an inescapable net. This would make all Xu Qing¡¯s escape methods useless and allow him to successfully obtain his life lantern.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. He was surrounded by flesh hands that were incomparably tenacious. They bound him tightly from every direction, and he was unable to break free. He immediately tried to crush the jade slip in his hand.


    However, it was clearly too late.


    In an instant, the sky turned red. This red color appeared abruptly and covered the surroundings in the blink of an eye. It looked demonic and bizarre, turning this area into a blood-colored world that enveloped Xu Qing.


    Moreover, after this blood-colored world was formed, it emitted the ability to distort space, blocking all teleportation within its boundary. At the same time, the blood world was still shrinking and the range was constantly decreasing.


    The sealing power continued to erupt, as though it was isolating this place from the outside world and completely sealing it off.


    A red seed appeared in this blood world.


    However, this seed was different from when the seed that had appeared in the Minor Affairs Sect. This blood-colored seed was illusory and not corporeal, but its might was also very astonishing. After it appeared, it fell to the ground and transformed into a blood-colored tree.


    As soon as this tree appeared, a violent pressure spread everywhere. The tree swayed slightly; Xu Qing shook violently and he spat out blood. It was as though an indescribable force wanted to erase him.


    Saintly Star laughed loudly. His eyes revealed greed as he used all his speed to head straight for Xu Qing.


    Miemeng let out a cry behind him and the life lantern canopy above his head shone. He wanted to completely kill Xu Qing in this sealed space and snatch the life lantern.


    ¡°In the seal of the Taboo projection, only one of us can leave!¡±


    Saintly Star got close and attacked. Xu Qing spat out a mouthful of blood and kept retreating. Not only was there a sealing power here, but there was also a suppression, causing the life fires in his body to sway intensely.


    Seeing that the strange tree was about to sway, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°I summon Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ magic treasure projection!¡±


    The Seven Blood Eyes also had a magic treasure but it hadn¡¯t reached the level of Taboo. Xu Qing had never summoned it either.


    As soon as he finished speaking, this blood-colored world instantly shook. The sky churned as though an external force had descended, wanting to tear this world apart. An eye vaguely appeared in the sky.


    This eye showed no emotions. After it appeared in the sky, it stared at the projection of the Taboo magic treasure below.


    The projection of the Taboo magic treasure shook. However, it was obvious that there was a difference in levels between the two sides. The Taboo projection didn¡¯t collapse and the sealed Blood World didn¡¯t shatter. Xu Qing couldn¡¯t escape from it.


    However, this was a magic treasure projection after all. After it appeared, although it couldn¡¯t open the Taboo realm, it still froze the blood tree inside, preventing it from swaying. The suppression on Xu Qing was reduced but it was still there.


    ¡°A mere lower sect¡¯s magic treasure can¡¯t shake my sect¡¯s Taboo. Xu Qing, this blood world is your burial ground!¡± The greed in Saintly Star¡¯s eyes intensified. He laughed loudly and quickly chased after Xu Qing with all his might.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. The Golden Crow behind him cried out and resisted with all its might. It was the same for black umbrella life lantern. It spread black flames everywhere as Xu Qing continued to fight against Saintly Star in the sealed blood world.


    Xu Qing was suppressed by the blood world, so he had clearly weakened. He began to retreat in defeat. When Saintly Star saw this, his aura soared and became increasingly violent.


    A while later, when the blood world shrunk to less than 100 feet and the large tree inside also shrunk, a rumbling sound rang out. Blood flowed out of Xu Qing¡¯s mouth as he retreated. He held a jade slip in his hand and quickly looked around.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to look anymore. You can¡¯t escape from here. Even I can¡¯t control this world. I can only let it dissipate on its own.¡±

 Chapter 355 - 355 Withered Hand Reaches Toward the Sea of Consciousness (2)

    355 Withered Hand Reaches Toward the Sea of Consciousness (2)


    ¡°All my previous actions were to seal you here. You have a teleportation talisman in your hand, right? You were hesitating before, but there¡¯s no need to crush it now. You have lost all possibility of escaping from here!¡±


    Saintly Star smiled sinisterly as he strode toward Xu Qing, looking at the latter like he was looking at a dead person.


    ¡®The seal is indeed flawless.¡± Xu Qing continued to survey his surroundings. After confirming that it was as Saintly Star had said, he calmly spoke. At the same time, he threw away the jade slip in his hand and took out an iron box. He opened it and threw it to the side.


    The jade slip wasn¡¯t a teleportation talisman but an extremely ordinary message slip.


    The iron box was none other than the wish box. It contained the poison pill that even the monk head couldn¡¯t resist.


    As soon as the pill was exposed to the world, its aura spread out.


    This scene stunned Saintly Star and his eyes narrowed. He didn¡¯t know what that pill was but he instinctively felt that something was wrong and wanted to destroy it. However, Xu Qing used all his strength to stop him and stall for time, causing the aura emitted by the poisonous pill to increase.


    As this place was sealed tightly, the poison pill¡¯s aura couldn¡¯t drift outside the seal. It could only gather in the blood world that was still shrinking. The poison aura here naturally became denser and denser.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s plan.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what trump cards Saintly Star had and he couldn¡¯t take any precautions against them. Moreover, the two of them were evenly matched, so Xu Qing couldn¡¯t kill him in a short period of time to obtain the life lantern.


    Xu Qing knew that he lacked time. Once the Dao Protectors arrived, he would definitely die.


    Hence, he was clear that there was only one way to end this battle as soon as possible.


    That was to let Saintly Star use his methods step by step according to his thoughts and create a similar sealed environment. That was why he had taken out the jade slip many times and given Saintly Star the illusion that he was trying to use a teleportation talisman.


    He was taking advantage of Saintly Star¡¯s greed.


    If Saintly Star wanted to snatch the life lantern, he had to block Xu Qing¡¯s escape and restrict teleportation. Xu Qing used this point to control the rhythm of the battle.


    Xu Qing was letting Saintly Star carry out this battle step by step until he set up a battlefield that looked suitable for him but was actually more suitable for him.


    On this battlefield, he wanted to compete with Saintly Star on who could live the longest under the life-ending poison!


    Saintly Star was a smart person. Although he didn¡¯t know how powerful the poison pill was, he had a guess. As his expression changed, killing intent flashed in his eyes. He took out a large number of antidotes and swallowed them, wanting to continue attacking.


    However, at this moment, his expression changed drastically. He saw that his right hand had actually begun to rot. What frightened him even more was that he hadn¡¯t felt anything at all. He quickly retreated to check his entire body.


    With just one look, his pupils contracted. He noticed that many parts of his body were silently rotting. As for his antidote pills, they were completely useless!


    ¡°What poison is this!¡±


    While Saintly Star was shocked, some rotting spots appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s face. However, they were clearly much smaller and fewer. He didn¡¯t answer Saintly Star¡¯s question and rushed out, starting to counterattack.


    He wasn¡¯t going to give Saintly Star any chance. He wanted to drag this battle into a competition of recovery and resistance to poison.


    For the first time, horror appeared in Saintly Star¡¯s eyes. He wanted to try and disperse the seal formed by the Taboo magic treasure, but what he said earlier was true. It was very difficult for him to remove this seal, let alone that there was an eye formed by the projection of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ magic treasure suppressing it.


    Under the double suppression, it became impossible for him to disperse the seal of the Taboo magic treasure. He could only wait for it to dissipate on its own. This time wasn¡¯t very long. At most, it would take two incense sticks of time.


    However, the horror in Saintly Star¡¯s eyes grew increasingly dense. He discovered that the rotting area of his body was getting larger and larger. At the same time, the shadow in his magic aperture was also stirring, as though it was about to spread.


    Xu Qing¡¯s attack was unprecedentedly savage. At this moment, he got close and threw a punch over. Saintly Star dodged but Xu Qing slammed him hard with his head. Saintly Star didn¡¯t dare to collide this time and could only retreat.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s speed didn¡¯t decrease. He attacked with all his might without dodging. As he attacked, the Golden Crow erupted and refined crazily. Black flames filled the air and the life lantern suppressed Saintly Star again and again.


    Moreover, Xu Qing¡¯s target was either the neck or the stomach.


    He targeted the neck to kill and the stomach to dig out the life lantern.


    Xu Qing had a life lantern, so he knew where it was.


    Saintly Star became increasingly flustered. He let out a mournful cry and took out a large number of medicinal pills to replenish his vitality. There was also madness in his eyes amidst the horror. A life-and-death crisis filled his entire body. He understood that this battle was a competition of who could survive.


    Since he couldn¡¯t avoid it, he would go all out. His eyes were bloodshot as he fought back amidst the increasingly dense poisonous aura.


    Sounds of attacks continued to ring out. A while later.


    Xu Qing was bleeding from many parts and his entire body was rotting. However, he still punched Saintly Star¡¯s abdomen. Saintly Star raised his hand to resist and was forced back. His entire body was dripping with rotting water and he was completely disfigured like a wet clay statue.


    Xu Qing rushed forward again and lifted his knee to ruthlessly strike the stomach. Saintly Star roared, but there was only an unintelligible sound. His internal organs were rotting and he could only try to defend with his hands.

 Chapter 356 - 356 Withered Hand Reaches Toward the Sea of Consciousness (3)

    356 Withered Hand Reaches Toward the Sea of Consciousness (3)


    However, at the next instant, because more than half of his right hand had rotted, his right hand directly shattered due to the knee strike. Xu Qing¡¯s knee didn¡¯t feel good either and cracks appeared on it.


    However, he didn¡¯t care at all. He pounced over and bit down on Saintly Star¡¯s neck.


    The madness in Saintly Star¡¯s eyes was replaced by intense fear. He quickly retreated but after taking a few steps back, his right leg began to melt. His body involuntarily tilted and Xu Qing rushed over again. The two of them fought with anything they could use.


    They were both extremely weakened due to the intense poison. Moreover, they had used all their methods in the battle and had reached their limits.


    Booming sounds continued to echo. Saintly Star was indeed a heaven¡¯s chosen. Coupled with his secret arts, medicinal pills, and various methods, he actually lasted for more than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.


    However, this was already his limit. His eyes revealed despair. The ground was covered in both his and Xu Qing¡¯s rotting flesh. Xu Qing didn¡¯t look good either and he no longer looked human.


    However, his eyes were filled with monstrous ferocity. He pounced over again and bit Saintly Star¡¯s neck. This time, Saintly Star could not dodge and Xu Qing ruthlessly tore his neck.


    Blood spurted out of Saintly Star¡¯s mouth and neck, and his entire body trembled violently. Miemeng manifested to block but when Xu Qing¡¯s ferocious gaze swept over, Miemeng was also affected by Saintly Star and shook violently. The Golden Crow took the opportunity to inhale with all its might amidst Miemeng¡¯s wails.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Xu Qing was panting heavily, the rotting had permeated his internal organs. However, he still chased after Saintly Star like a vicious wolf and punched Saintly Star¡¯s stomach.


    Saintly Star let out a muffled sound of pain. Just as he tried to crawl away again, Xu Qing ruthlessly knocked his head against Saintly Star¡¯s forehead. As Saintly Star wailed, Xu Qing¡¯s head was bleeding and his body emitted an incomparably weak feeling. However, this time, he finally found an opportunity as Saintly Star was unprecedentedly weakened.


    He used all his strength to pierce into Saintly Star¡¯s stomach!


    His right hand entered Saintly Star¡¯s body and grabbed a magic aperture. After that, it shuttled to his sea of consciousness and felt a lantern-shaped item.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed excitement. Under Saintly Star¡¯s mournful cries, he grabbed the life lantern!


    Before blood could gush out of Saintly Star¡¯s stomach, two of Xu Qing¡¯s five fingers melted. However, the remaining three still hooked onto the life lantern and¡­ pulled it out!


    Amidst the blood-colored seal, the rainbow light shone from Xu Qing¡¯s hand. It was a¡­ rainbow glazed lantern!!


    The body of the glazed lantern was like a crystal. It emitted a dazzling rainbow light and vaguely transformed into a dazzling rainbow canopy from which light flowed out like water.


    This lantern was stained with blood and an ancient aura spread out.


    It was as though it had experienced countless years and the vicissitudes of time.


    One look and one could tell that it was definitely not an ordinary item. There were also countless runes that seemed to contain the laws of heaven and earth arranged in a human-shaped pattern. Just a glance at them would cause one¡¯s mind and soul to shake.


    Any one of the life lanterns was a supreme treasure!


    ¡°Xu Qing!!¡± Even though his throat was corroded, Saintly Star still let out a sound filled with madness and hysteria as he stared fixedly at Xu Qing.


    The feeling of having his life lantern dug out from his body made him go crazy.


    However, at the next instant, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The five fingers on his left hand melted, revealing the bone tip. Without the slightest hesitation, the bone tip of his arm directly pierced through Saintly Star¡¯s neck!

 Chapter 357 - 357 Worth It!

    357 Worth It!


    Saintly Star¡¯s voice stopped abruptly as his life rapidly flowed away.


    Xu Qing was still worried. After he extracted his bone hand, he wanted to slit open Saintly Star¡¯s neck.


    He wanted to tear Saintly Star¡¯s body apart to prevent him from reviving due to some inexplicable method. However, at this moment, a rainbow suddenly erupted from the glazed life lantern in his right hand.


    This rainbow appeared extremely suddenly and directly rose into the air. The Taboo projection of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect seemed to come from the same source, so it didn¡¯t stop it. Even the eye of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ magic treasure couldn¡¯t stop it, causing the rainbow to head straight for the sky and explode.


    It formed a huge vortex.


    The blood-colored vortex rumbled as it rotated, emitting a soul-stirring and terrifying aura. A furious roar came from the vortex.


    ¡°Who dares to hurt my grandson!!¡±


    The magic treasure projection of the Seven Blood Eyes dissipated under this roar. The Taboo projection below also instantly dissipated. The surrounding seal was opened and Xu Qing¡¯s figure was revealed.


    His expression changed as he felt a huge force coming from the life lantern in his hand. It struggled to rush into the vortex in the sky but was held back by Xu Qing. This was an item he had painstakingly obtained after using everything he had. This was his supreme treasure!


    Since he didn¡¯t have enough fingers to hold it tightly, Xu Qing simply bit it and held it tightly.


    Following the shout from the sky, a hand stretched out from the vortex!


    This hand was withered and wrinkled. It carried decay and vicissitudes and was incomparably huge, as though it could blot out the sky. The moment it appeared, the sky dimmed and the world lost its color. The entire world seemed to have stopped.


    A supreme might descended into the world with the appearance of the large hand.


    Saintly Star¡¯s dying body instantly disappeared and appeared in the vortex in the sky.


    The shadow shuddered and instantly fled.


    The large hand ignored everything and grabbed at Xu Qing below.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled intensely and his blood flowed out from the edges of the life lantern that he was biting. His vision became blurry and his entire body cracked and fractured. More blood flowed out and a sense of death descended on his mind.


    He couldn¡¯t dodge or evade.


    The vortex hand was an absolute executioner.


    Cultivation base, schemes, and preparations were useless at this moment. The huge difference in the cultivation base transformed into despair.


    However, at this moment!


    From the depths of the Phoenix Forbidden, a sharp cry suddenly rang out. This cry was like the cry of an eagle or a phoenix.


    It caused the world to change colors and huge cracks to appear in the sky.


    Amidst the deafening sound, the cracks tore open the blood-colored vortex, stopping the large hand that was stretching out.


    From the depths of the Phoenix Forbidden, a majestic voice that was like the might of heaven rang out.


    ¡°Nihility cannot enter this emperor¡¯s forbidden region. Scram!¡±


    As soon as the voice arrived, the blood-colored vortex in the sky was directly torn apart. A muffled groan of pain rang out from the vortex, and three fingers of the withered hand instantly collapsed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled. As the life-and-death crisis dissipated, the rainbow glazed lantern he was biting tightly shook violently.


    The human-shaped runes that contained the laws of heaven and earth instantly blurred. With cracking sounds, they directly broke off and were completely erased.


    After losing the runes, the struggle of the life lantern disappeared. Xu Qing could sense that it was truly ownerless now.


    At the same time, from the vortex in the sky, a mournful shout rang out after the muffled groan. However, it was only a shout. The hand that had lost three fingers retracted unwillingly.


    However, before it returned, a voice rang out from the vortex.


    ¡°You failed to uphold your duty, so you should be sentenced to death. But if you kill this kid and bring back the life lantern, I¡¯ll spare your lives!¡±


    Cracks instantly erupted in the sky and swept across the vortex. It was like countless sharp blades were sweeping across, causing the vortex to collapse and dissipate.


    The instant the world recovered, Xu Qing¡¯s breathing became hurried. He put away the wish box on the ground and turned around without any hesitation. He then unleashed his full speed and fled crazily.


    He didn¡¯t have time to think too much at this moment. This was because the instant the vortex collapsed, he sensed three Golden Core auras suddenly descend from afar. They towered into the sky and rapidly approached him with endless madness and anger.


    The identities of these three Golden Core auras were self-evident. They were none other than Saintly Star¡¯s Dao Protectors.


    As for the terrifying existence in the vortex, it must be the ancestor of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect. Although he was ordered to retreat by the voice from the depths of the Phoenix Forbidden, he was still able to teleport the three Dao Protectors of Saintly Star.


    He couldn¡¯t descend himself but the thought of killing Xu Qing and snatching back the life lantern was intense.


    Xu Qing had no time to care about the voice from the depths of the Phoenix Forbidden, Saintly Star¡¯s life and death, and what he should do next.


    He was sprinting at full speed and the purple crystal in his body was working with all its power. His eyes revealed ruthlessness as he grabbed the rainbow glazed lantern tightly.


    As he fled crazily, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes showed madness.


    This time, he had narrowly escaped death and had used everything he had, but his gains were the same.


    The value of the life lantern was indescribable!


    ¡°It¡¯s worth it!!¡± Xu Qing gritted his teeth and directly began to refine the rainbow glazed lantern.


    He didn¡¯t have the time to slowly fuse with it. With three Golden Cores chasing after him, he needed to increase his strength and speed up the recovery of his injuries.


    Hence, he couldn¡¯t care less and didn¡¯t have the time to examine the life lantern. He could only bet on his senses. The life fires in his body burned and rose.


    As the flames on his body burned and were released, they enveloped the rainbow glazed lantern. Immediately, the lantern shone brightly. However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t encounter any obstacles and directly fused the flames into it, imprinting his mark!


    This lantern had indeed become an ownerless item following the majestic voice in the Phoenix Forbidden.


    As it burned, the rainbow light flowed like water and entered Xu Qing¡¯s body through the pores on his body. The process wasn¡¯t painful but comfortable. After they entered, these streams of light gathered above Xu Qing¡¯s dantian and in his sea of consciousness.


    As they gathered, they formed into a rainbow glazed lantern!


    The body of the glazed lantern was exquisite and looked luxurious with its rainbow colors. The feeling of time permeated around it, giving off an ancient feeling.


    Looking from the surface, Xu Qing¡¯s black umbrella life lantern wasn¡¯t inferior at all.


    Not only was it exquisite, but the ancient charm was also the same. At this moment, they were standing side by side and reflected each other, emitting an extremely resplendent light.


    Black and rainbow light spread around them, causing Xu Qing¡¯s heavenly palace to be faintly discernible!


    From the outside, one could see rainbow light erupt from Xu Qing¡¯s body and looked like a rainbow Daoist robe. When it enveloped his entire body, two canopies appeared above his head.


    One was black and emitted endless flames to protect the soul.


    One was rainbow-colored that covered his entire body and protected his body.


    One canopy was already extremely rare, and two canopies were majestic and noble!


    Under the two canopies, although Xu Qing was in a sorry state, a peerless intent spread out from him.


    At the same time that the rainbow glazed life lantern fused into his body, Xu Qing placed a ball of life fire on it. In an instant, the light of the life fire shook the heavens and the earth.


    It was as though lightning had exploded in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. His cultivation base rose crazily. Under the burning of the two life lanterns in his body, his life fires burned with an unprecedented intensity.


    It was no longer like a world was burning in him. Instead, it was like a large world had turned into purgatory in his body.


    With the enhancement of the life lanterns, Xu Qing¡¯s combat strength instantly rose from the five fires to the level of six fires!


    Such combat strength would be under utmost attention among the Foundation Building cultivators even in the Yinghuang Province.


    This was Saintly Star¡¯s strongest state previously. At this moment, it belonged to Xu Qing!


    As Xu Qing fled crazily in the forbidden region, the anger and killing intent of the three Golden Core Dao Protectors behind him filled the air. On the Wanggu Continent, in the Seven Sects Alliance, a monstrous shout rang out from the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect.


    ¡°How dare a commoner snatch my sect¡¯s life lantern!!¡± This ancient voice belonged to the Soaring Cloud Ancestor.


    After his shout, a ray of rainbow light that caused the surroundings to tremble and the Forbidden Sea to surge intensely soared into the sky from the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect.


    One could see an old man in golden robes in the rainbow light.


    This white-haired old man¡¯s energy fluctuations shook the surroundings. With a wave of his hand, streams of sword qi soared into the sky from the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, transforming into figures that accompanied him in the surroundings. They directly flew toward the Forbidden Sea and rushed aggressively in the direction of the Nanhuang Continent¡¯s Seven Blood Eyes.


    Wherever they passed, the Forbidden Sea would shake intensely, especially because of the Soaring Cloud Ancestor whose realm was the same as Xue Lianzi¡¯s, the first stage of the Nihility Realm.


    Right now, his anger could burn the sea. His entire body emitted endless sword qi, causing the seawater of the Forbidden Sea to collapse. Countless sea beasts trembled and all the nearby races were terrified.


    Thunder rumbled in the sky and space shattered. This was an almighty going out to sea!


    At the same time, in the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes, Old Master Seventh was sitting in the pavilion and playing chess with his servant.


    However, he had been holding the chess piece in his hand for a long time. If the time was counted, it seemed that he had been holding it since the moment Xu Qing and Saintly Star fought.


    The servant wasn¡¯t in a hurry and waited silently.


    After a long time, Old Master Seventh calmly stood up and spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯m not playing anymore.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go and bring Old Fourth back before playing this piece.¡±


    As he spoke, Old Master Seventh placed his hands behind his back and took a step into the void, walking toward the Phoenix Forbidden.


    He had a head full of white hair and eyes that had stars in them.


    He wore a purple robe and his back was tall like a mountain.


    He was old but his body was hale and strong.

 Chapter 358 - 358 Hes Here

    358 He¡¯s Here


    In the jungle in the Phoenix Forbidden, Xu Qing ran extremely fast, displaying his current limit. However, during this process, he felt an intense piercing pain from everywhere in his body.


    That was the corrosion of the aura of the Poison Restriction Pill, causing his body to rot inside and out. Although his resistance had increased far beyond what it had been back then, he had stayed in the sealed blood world for too long.


    Moreover, he had already been seriously injured and weakened then.


    Fortunately, the integration of the life lantern allowed his body to possess the power to burn five life fires. They were burning unprecedentedly wildly and provided him with astonishing power. In fact, due to the injuries on his body, flames spread out from his body, illuminating the surroundings.


    From afar, Xu Qing looked like a burning person. As Xu Qing moved forward, the shadow revealed its shadow eyes and looked with a hint of curiosity. When it looked at Xu Qing, a wisp of purple intent rose from Xu Qing¡¯s body, forming a suppression that directly landed on the shadow.


    The shadow immediately let out a blood-curdling screech and hurriedly sent fawning emotions.


    ¡°Even with my injuries, I still have the strength to suppress you to death. Also¡­ cherish the contributions you made,¡± Xu Qing said coldly. The shadow hurriedly expressed its obedience.


    In reality, when it saw that Xu Qing was so heavily injured earlier, it indeed had a trace of evil intent. However, it was really afraid of Xu Qing, so when Xu Qing was fighting with Saintly Star, it didn¡¯t dare to not listen to the instructions. It blocked the magic aperture with all its strength and didn¡¯t dare to take it easy.


    This wasn¡¯t its personality. It was all because it was afraid of Xu Qing.


    This fear was the key to Xu Qing¡¯s control over the shadow. Hence, it didn¡¯t dare to reveal that trace of evil intent earlier and hid it in curiosity.


    However, it didn¡¯t expect that Xu Qing would still sense it.


    On the other hand, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was very sensible as he followed Xu Qing with a loyal expression. Xu Qing swept his gaze over and nodded slightly. After that, he controlled the shadow to cover his two life lanterns, preventing the flames from spreading.


    He then looked behind him with a gloomy expression. He could sense the three figures chasing after him relentlessly. If it wasn¡¯t for his six fire speed, he would have been caught up long ago.


    ¡°If I was in a normal state, I could have put up a fight!¡±


    Xu Qing endured the waves of dizziness caused by his injuries and weakness. He bit the tip of his tongue and used the pain to perk himself up. He maintained his full speed and ran.


    He had used all his poison on Saintly Star. In the battle with the other party, Xu Qing had no way to hold back and had to go all out. Only the little black bugs that had fallen asleep after eating the immortal jelly were left. The rest were all in Saintly Star¡¯s body.


    Dawn wasn¡¯t far away. As Xu Qing sped, he bit the tip of his tongue again and continued to flee.


    ¡°I have to shake off the three Dao Protectors and leave the Phoenix Forbidden as soon as possible¡­¡±


    ¡°I am not sure about what the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ attitude is. I still need to observe.¡±


    ¡°It might not necessarily be the best choice to leave the Phoenix Forbidden. Surviving here is the same thing.¡± Contemplation appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Although the price of this matter wasn¡¯t small, when he thought of the life lantern he had obtained, determination appeared in his eyes.


    In this cruel chaotic world, everything needed to be fought for with all their might.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing changed his direction and headed straight for the depths of the Phoenix Forbidden. At the same time, he recalled the voice from the depths of the Phoenix Forbidden and the peerless aura that had appeared in his moment of life-and-death crisis earlier.


    ¡°Erasing the mark of the rainbow glazed lantern, was it caused by its aura or was it intentional?¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. He didn¡¯t think that this matter was just a coincidence. There was a high chance that it was the latter.


    ¡°Why?¡± Xu Qing couldn¡¯t understand but his speed didn¡¯t decrease at all. At the same time, he made a grabbing gesture; immediately, a few medicinal herbs at the side flew toward him and he swallowed them.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time he did this. During this escape, he did this whenever he saw useful medicinal herbs. No matter how much effect they had, eating them would provide some help to recover his injuries.


    However, the herbs hadn¡¯t been treated and their medicinal effects couldn¡¯t be fully displayed. However, it was still better than nothing. Xu Qing checked his storage bag and saw that there were still some black pills inside.


    ¡°It¡¯s better to use these black pills at night when the anomalous substances are dense.¡±


    Although he was in danger now, Xu Qing took a deep breath and calmed himself down. He calculated the time. If he wanted to completely recover, he would need about five days.


    ¡°Five days¡­ I have to consider the reaction of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect as well. Five days is too long. I have to reach the depths of the Phoenix Forbidden in two days at most and shake off the three people behind me.¡± Xu Qing jumped to a tree crown and sensed the wind.


    ¡°I can only use the Poison Restriction Pill!¡±


    Xu Qing sensed his injuries and sighed inwardly. However, his eyes were ruthless as he took out the wish box again and opened it. He borrowed the flow of wind to spread the poisonous pill¡¯s aura behind him.


    The three Dao Protectors of Saintly Star were chasing him with gloomy expressions. They were filled with extreme killing intent toward Xu Qing because the Soaring Cloud Ancestor had already made it very clear that if Xu Qing didn¡¯t die, the three of them would die.


    While they were furious, they were also shocked and in disbelief that Saintly Star had actually lost to Xu Qing and his life lantern had been snatched away.


    This caused them to be cautious in their pursuit. They even used protective magic artifacts and wind spells.


    ¡°This kid is good at using poison. We have to be careful!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. This kid must have extremely strange methods. We can¡¯t be careless.¡± The three of them looked at each other. They didn¡¯t split up but chased together.


    They weren¡¯t stupid. Even though Xu Qing was heavily injured, they still had to treat the person who almost killed Saintly Star cautiously. No matter how anxious they were, they couldn¡¯t lose their calm.


    Xu Qing had already sensed this. As he sighed inwardly, his eyes flashed sharply. He had made preparations for both scenarios.


    If these three people split up, he would lay an ambush and use everything to kill and devour one of them to heal his injuries.


    If they didn¡¯t disperse, the aura of his Poison Restriction Pill would be able to affect all of them more easily. Even if the three of them kept using wind spells to disperse the poison, as long as they were careless, the Poison Restriction Pill¡¯s aura would touch them.


    He lowered his head and looked at his palm that was slowly growing flesh. He crouched down before moving forward again.


    Just like that, the sky slowly brightened. One of the three Golden Core old men behind Xu Qing glanced around as he chased. His expression suddenly changed. He noticed that a part of another old man¡¯s face was rotting.


    ¡°Your face!¡±


    That person was stunned. He touched his face before his expression changed. The other two also immediately examined their bodies, but didn¡¯t see any signs of poisoning. Only then did they heave a sigh of relief. However, they became even more vigilant.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± A cold glint flashed in the poisoned cultivator¡¯s eyes as he tried to suppress the rotting. However, the effect was minimal. In the end, he chose to do the same thing as Saintly Star; he took out medicinal pills that replenished vitality to neutralize the effect of this poison.


    ¡°We can¡¯t continue like this. The poison I was poisoned with is strange and difficult to dispel. We¡¯re already so cautious but we still fell for his trick!¡±


    ¡°If this continues and we continue to be poisoned, we might fail miserably!¡± The poisoned person quickly spoke. The other two also revealed determination in their eyes.


    ¡°We have to end this quickly!¡±


    The three of them looked at each other and gritted their teeth. They instantly used their methods to increase their speed. They were 30% faster than before and transformed into three rainbows that rushed forward even faster.


    Xu Qing sensed the movements and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.


    He still had a final trump card, and that was to activate the Poison Restriction Pill, causing the power of the pill to be greatly released, forming a land of death.


    Xu Qing felt that he might not be able to completely activate the pill, but with the Golden Crow Refines All Life and the power of the life lanterns, even if he could only activate a small portion, the power would definitely be incomparably terrifying.


    He believed that the three pursuers wouldn¡¯t be able to survive in this land of death.


    ¡®Should I take a gamble¡­¡¯


    This trump card was basically mutual destruction. Xu Qing was calculating the probability of him surviving.


    ¡®The chance is extremely slim¡­¡¯ Xu Qing fell silent and suppressed this thought. He then sensed his injuries. By now, more than half of his hands had healed. Although they were still badly mangled, they had a form now and were much better than before.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and was about to continue fleeing. However, before he could take a few steps, Xu Qing suddenly stopped in his tracks. His pupils narrowed as he stared ahead.


    In front of him, a figure walked out of the jungle.


    It was an old man.


    He wore a purple robe. Although his face was covered in wrinkles, his gaze was very bright and he exuded a scholarly aura.


    He stood there, in complete contrast with the darkness of the forbidden region¡¯s jungle. Distortions appeared outside his body, causing light to be pulled to him.


    He was fiddling with a black chess piece in his hand. When Xu Qing looked at him, his gaze also swept past Xu Qing¡¯s badly mangled body.


    ¡°Put the poison away.¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head and stored the wish box. He was still vigilant but he knew that in front of this person, regardless of strength or status, he could only be obedient.


    The old man in front of him was the peak lord of the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes, Old Master Seventh.


    However, Xu Qing was still vigilant. As a precaution, although he kept the wish box, he left magic power inside so that he could use it immediately when needed.


    Almost at the same time that Xu Qing put the wish box away, Old Master Seventh¡¯s figure blurred. When he appeared, he was already behind Xu Qing. He looked at the jungle. At that moment, the three Golden Core cultivators erupted with full speed and rushed out of the jungle.


    However, the instant they rushed out, the expressions of the three changed drastically and they came to an abrupt stop. Their breathing became hurried in nervousness and they instinctively retreated.


    If it was in the Seven Blood Eyes, they wouldn¡¯t be like this. This was because they were certain that the Seven Blood Eyes wouldn¡¯t dare to make a move in public. However, in this forbidden region, the three of them didn¡¯t dare to gamble.


    The three of them hesitated. The Golden Core cultivator in the middle braced himself and cupped his fists.


    ¡°Greetings, Seventh Peak Lord.¡±


    ¡°This kid has caused a disaster by injuring the heaven¡¯s chosen of my Soaring Cloud Sword Sect and snatching my sect¡¯s life lantern. We are under the orders of the Soaring Cloud Ancestor to capture and deal with him. I hope Old Master Seventh can excuse us.¡±


    Old Master Seventh calmly glanced at the three of them and waved his hand.


    In an instant, an indescribably vast and astonishing force erupted from the void, directly transforming into a ghastly mouth above the three of them. The instant the expressions of the three Golden Cores changed drastically, this mouth swallowed the three of them!


    The sound of cruel chewing echoed in the quiet jungle.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body shook. When he saw this scene and looked at Old Master Seventh, he didn¡¯t know what to say. Old Master Seventh placed his hands behind his back and walked into the distance, his voice drifting over.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Let¡¯s go back. I still have a game of chess to finish.¡±

 Chapter 359 - 359 Purple Greens History

    359 Purple Green¡¯s History


    Xu Qing dazedly followed Old Master Seventh into the jungle.


    Old Master Seventh clearly said that he had a game of chess to finish, but he walked relaxedly.


    However, every step he took covered a very far distance and Xu Qing was also guided by his momentum as he shuttled through the jungle.


    Xu Qing looked at Old Master Seventh¡¯s back view and recalled the scene of the three Golden Core guardians of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect dying with a wave of the other party. He was somewhat in disbelief.


    As such, he remained silent.


    ¡°You dealt with Grandmaster Bai¡¯s matter very well.¡± A moment later, Old Master Seventh¡¯s calm voice arrived.


    ¡°It¡¯s what I should do,¡± Xu Qing said in a low voice.


    ¡°You¡¯ve also done well in the matter of the Sea Corpse Race.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the capt¡­ It was done by the eldest highness.¡± Xu Qing said after hesitating briefly.


    ¡°The matter with Night Dove was also dealt with nicely.¡±


    ¡°I was just doing my best.¡± Xu Qing lowered his head.


    ¡°However, you were too rash in dealing with Saintly Star.¡± When Old Master Seventh said this, a ruined city faintly appeared in front. It was the city where Xu Qing and Saintly Star were fighting.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°You should have called your senior brothers and senior sister, and killed him together. That way, you wouldn¡¯t have been so seriously injured.¡± Old Master Seventh¡¯s tone was filled with dissatisfaction.


    Xu Qing hesitated for a while but he felt that what Old Master Seventh said made sense, so he nodded.


    Seeing that Xu Qing was so obedient, Old Master Seventh was very happy. He turned and looked at Xu Qing, his eyes revealing admiration.


    ¡°Get closer. Aren¡¯t you afraid of nothing? Why are you standing so far away.¡±


    Xu Qing hesitated and slowly walked closer, standing beside Old Master Seventh.


    Old Master Seventh looked at Xu Qing¡¯s height and there was a hint of reminiscence in his eyes. He smiled as he recalled the image of the small and skinny figure in the scavenger campsite who carefully avoided the mud on the ground after changing into new clothes.


    ¡°You have grown.¡±


    Xu Qing abruptly lifted his head as he had an answer in his mind.


    Old Master Seventh didn¡¯t continue talking about the past and brought Xu Qing into the ruined city. Xu Qing also didn¡¯t ask and silently followed.


    From afar, the old and the young walked in these desolate ruins. The dim yellow sunlight here made them look like they were walking through time.


    ¡°This is an ancient city that has witnessed history and is buried in it.¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice echoed in this ancient city, carrying a hint of etherealness.


    Xu Qing looked at Old Master Seventh and waited for him to continue.


    ¡°Legend has it that this city is the residence of the peerless crown prince of the Purple Green Kingdom, who was known as the number one talent of the human race after the appearance of the god¡¯s fragmented face.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s said that the crown prince was a true peerless talent. He had the bloodline inheritance of the ancient sovereigns and rulers and suppressed everyone in his era.¡±


    ¡°Some people said that he was born with the fate of the human race. When he was born, an auspicious sign descended from the sky and transformed into nine golden dragons to accompany him for the rest of his life.¡±


    ¡°Some said that the vast world of the Wanggu Continent created its own savior, gathering the power of the world to bring him to this world.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s recorded in the history books that the moment he was born, wails rang out from all the forbidden regions in the Wanggu Continent. Strange blood flowed and spread outside the various forbidden regions.¡±


    ¡°There are also people who said that he survived the opening of the god¡¯s eyes five times in his life and obtained the god¡¯s blessing.¡±


    ¡°Even the holy lands were alarmed. They came to receive him several times but he rejected them.¡±


    ¡°However, such a peerless human ultimately died in battle on the land of the Purple Green Kingdom. It¡¯s said that all the people who participated in the killing back then were extremely powerful people.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his emotions fluctuated. This matter was a little different from what he understood about the Purple Green Kingdom. What he had learned was that the eight families had rebelled and overthrew the royal bloodline. From then on, the Purple Green disappeared and was replaced by Purple Earth¡¯s eight families.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s expression, Old Master Seventh smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m not talking about the Purple Green of the Nanhuang Continent but the Purple Green that was hidden in history ¨C the Purple Green Kingdom that had the ability to truly rule the Wanggu Continent after Mystic Nether. It¡¯s a pity that very few people know about it now. All races, including the human race, either of their own initiative or passively, chose to erase the records about this great kingdom and no one mentioned it again.¡±


    ¡°As for the Purple Earth¡¯s eight races, what they overthrew was only a small country that was formed by the insignificant remnants of Purple Green.¡±


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath.


    ¡°The peerless crown prince of the Purple Green Kingdom died in battle in the Nanhuang Continent. Countless years later, there was a small city where he died. However, eleven years ago, the god opened His eyes and the entire city disappeared.¡±


    ¡°Some say it¡¯s his curse.¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    Not long later, they arrived in front of the Daoist temple amidst the ruins. This place was a mess and the ground was covered in traces of intense battle. After looking at this place, Xu Qing looked at Old Master Seventh.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t someone say that you lack divine arts? Go and comprehend it. Hurry up, I still have to go back and play chess.¡± Old Master Seventh knocked Xu Qing¡¯s head.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart skipped a beat. This sentence was said by Saintly Star during the battle with him.


    Xu Qing glanced at Old Master Seventh and nodded as he walked into the Daoist temple. He then sat down cross-legged and silently stared at the statue.


    A long time later, he stood up and looked at Old Master Seventh outside.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Old Master Seventh asked.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be comprehended during the day and needs moonlight.¡± Xu Qing hesitated for a moment before answering honestly.


    Old Master Seventh mumbled something that Xu Qing couldn¡¯t hear clearly. After that, he waved his hand and clouds instantly filled the sky of the Dao Temple. In an instant, black clouds lingered, blocking out the sunlight and covering the surroundings, causing the area with the Dao Temple as the center to turn pitch-black.


    In this pitch-black darkness, a mirror appeared in the black clouds. There was actually moonlight in this mirror. As the mirror rotated, a wisp of moonlight landed, illuminating the Daoist temple and the statue.


    At the next instant, saber shadows formed around the statue.


    Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts churned. He looked at Old Master Seventh and took a long breath.


    He had seen Lord Sixth make a move before, but he felt that Lord Sixth definitely couldn¡¯t create this scene that seemed to be switching the sun and moon with a wave of the hand.


    This reminded Xu Qing of the tradition of the Seventh Peak.


    ¡®Old Master Seventh is definitely not a Nascent Soul cultivator!¡¯ Xu Qing knew that this was a precious opportunity. He retracted his thoughts and stared at the saber shadows around the statue and gradually, a purple illusory heavenly saber appeared above his head.


    He began to comprehend.


    As he comprehended, Old Master Seventh stood outside the Dao Temple and looked at the surrounding battlefield while muttering.


    ¡°He indeed has few divine arts and spells¡­ but has a lot of miscellaneous stuff.¡±


    ¡°Although his battle tactics are still immature, it¡¯s already quite good considering his age.¡±


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    On the Forbidden Sea, sword light towered into the sky.


    Streams of sword qi whistled toward the Seven Blood Eyes. The Soaring Cloud Ancestor¡¯s anger and killing intent filled the air. The Soaring Cloud Sword Sect disciples behind him were also following with a ferocious aura.


    Within the Phoenix Forbidden, it was completely peaceful.


    Night fell.


    Xu Qing¡¯s comprehension continued. The moonlight released by Old Master Seventh was even brighter at night, causing the appearance of saber shadows to be much more frequent than before. Moreover, they were much clearer in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    His comprehension speed was clearly astonishing. The purple saber shadow above his head rapidly condensed, from 10% to 50%, 60%, 70%¡­


    When the night passed and morning arrived, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled. A sharp aura erupted from his body and the purple saber shadow above his head reached perfection.


    It was no longer illusory but was like a true heavenly saber, emitting a terrifying sharpness.


    The moonlight formed by Old Master Seventh¡¯s wave of his hand clearly possessed the power to heal; Xu Qing had completely recovered over this period of time.


    His missing fingers had grown back and his aura reached an unprecedented peak.


    He stood up. The combat strength of the six fires created a majestic storm in the surroundings.


    Old Master Seventh took a look and his eyes were filled with satisfaction as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°Even outsiders know, you don¡¯t have to hide in front of me anymore.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. After a moment of silence, a beam of black light and a rainbow light spread out from the top of his head.


    The black light transformed into flames, forming a black canopy that emitted black flames.


    The rainbow light flowed out and the sound of wind rang out in the surroundings, transforming into a rainbow canopy that shone with resplendent light.


    Two canopies appeared.


    At the same time, they illuminated the surroundings.


    Even though there was the morning light, Xu Qing¡¯s body shone brightly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Calculating the time, the guests should be here soon.¡± Old Master Seventh smiled faintly and flicked his sleeve. Immediately, the surrounding space changed. It was as though clouds were shuttling through, and the shadow of the world was swaying inside.


    Xu Qing looked at these and once again sensed the power of Old Master Seventh¡¯s cultivation. As his breathing hastened, his surroundings returned to normal. He was no longer in the Phoenix Forbidden ruins but in the pavilion at the top of the Seventh Peak.


    The sea breeze blew over, bringing with it the familiar humidity.


    The hustle and bustle from the main city also spread in the wind, as though countless people were whispering. This scene caused Xu Qing to feel a little dazed, especially since in front of him, other than Old Master Seventh, there was a familiar figure.


    The other party wore a gray robe and looked to be middle-aged. He had a smile on his face as he stood up from beside a chessboard.


    Xu Qing recognized this person. He was the person who had given him the token at the scavenger campsite back then.


    ¡°Old Master Seventh.¡± The gray-clothed servant first bowed to Old Master Seventh before nodding at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Are the guests here?¡± Old Master Seventh¡¯s gaze landed on the chessboard.


    ¡°They are almost here,¡± the servant said respectfully.


    ¡°Mm, bring the kid to take a bath first. He has gotten quite dirty.¡± Old Master Seventh flicked his sleeve and walked out of the pavilion.


    The word ¡®kid¡¯ caused Xu Qing to retract his gaze. The scene in front of him also made the guess in his mind increasingly clear.


    ¡°Kid, I¡¯ll take you to the bath. Next is not only your major event but also Old Master Seventh¡¯s major event. It¡¯s also the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ major event,¡± the servant said meaningfully and handed Xu Qing a jade slip.


    ¡°After bathing, walk out of the hall and step onto the mountain stairs. You can then look at this jade slip.¡±


    Xu Qing took the jade slip and fell into deep thought. He didn¡¯t ask further and politely bowed before leaving with the servant.


    After thoroughly washing his entire body, he was given a new Daoist robe. There were also some maids who arrived and waved some special incense around him.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t used to it but he didn¡¯t refuse.


    When some maidservants behind him tied his hair up, the captain stuck his head out of the door and winked at Xu Qing.


    A servant walked over with a purple Daoist crown.


    This crown flowed with light and was extremely exquisite. It emitted a terrifying pressure and there was a faint shadow of a mutated beast lingering inside. Upon closer inspection, this beast had the body of a nine-headed snake. It was a strange existence that appeared during the end of the competition in the merfolk islands.


    After looking at it for a long time, one would feel as though they could hear the roars of ferocious beasts. It was mystical and extraordinary!


    ¡°Damn, this is the Purple Heaven Infinite Crown that has half of a Nascent Soul¡¯s soul sealed inside. The old man is biased. I wanted this thing for a long time but he didn¡¯t give it to me!¡± While the captain¡¯s eyes were widening brightly, the servant placed the crown on Xu Qing¡¯s head.


    At that moment, Xu Qing was wearing a purple gold-patterned robe and the Purple Heaven Infinite Crown. There was a faint canopy above his head. Coupled with his appearance, he gave off an extraordinary and peerless feeling.


    The surrounding maids all revealed strange gazes.


    Just as the captain was about to speak, a solemn voice rang out from the outside.


    ¡°The Dao is originally invisible, formless, and indescribable. It can¡¯t be understood without the scriptures. The Dao is deep and profound. It cannot be understood without a teacher.¡±


    ¡°Today, my Seventh Peak will impart the Dao and teachings to Xu Qing, so we are here to report to Ancestor!¡±


    The solemn voice spread through the sky.

 Chapter 360 - 360 Master Acknowledging Ceremony

    360 Master Acknowledging Ceremony


    This voice was spoken with a tone that was different from usual.


    It was like an ode that spread through the world!


    The words were ancient and the content was elegant.


    Like reporting to heaven and earth!


    Even the captain who was beside the door had an unprecedented solemn expression. He no longer winked at Xu Qing and walked out.


    Today, the captain was no longer wearing a gray Daoist robe but a purple Daoist robe with golden patterns that was exactly the same as Xu Qing¡¯s.


    Their Daoist robes looked similar to the disciples of the Seventh Peak at first glance, but in reality, there was a huge difference.


    The captain stood at the door. His gaze became deep as he stared at Xu Qing and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Xu Qing, follow me. From now on, I¡¯ll be your protector.¡±


    The captain had never spoken like this before. Not only was his expression solemn, but his words were also the same. As he spoke, he cast a deep glance at Xu Qing. He cupped his fists and stacked his thumbs, raising them to the level of his brows. He then bent down deeply and performed an extremely formal Dao salute.


    A sense of seriousness filled the atmosphere. Xu Qing could sense that what he was going to participate in next was an extremely solemn ceremony. He tidied his clothes and returned the greeting to the captain before walking to the entrance of the hall.


    The moment he stepped out, Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook.


    The hall he was in was located near the top of the Seventh Peak. In front of him was a huge octagonal Dao altar made of limestone that emitted spiritual charm. There was a statue enshrined on it.


    This statue was of a middle-aged man. He had his hands behind his back and was looking into the distance.


    His face couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. One could only see that he was wearing an ancient emperor robe and blue emperor crown. There were nine dazzling canopies above him and dragon qi enveloped his body. He looked down on the world from high above and his aura devoured mountains and rivers.


    Just the statue alone had such an earth-shattering aura, causing Xu Qing¡¯s pupils to narrow.


    However, he quickly retracted his thoughts and looked around the Dao altar.


    Around the altar, Xu Qing saw at least a thousand Seven Blood Eyes disciples. There were men and women, old and young among these disciples. All of them wore serious expressions and wore purple Daoist robes that seemed to have not been used for a long time.


    As for the front of the Dao altar, there was a white stone staircase with dragon patterns. There were a total of 90 steps.


    Above the steps was a large hall that emitted a purple light and a vast intent. That place¡­ was the tallest hall of the Seventh Peak.


    Clouds and mist were lingering above the hall. A huge black pterosaur was flying in the clouds. Bolts of lightning followed its movements and rumbled in all directions.


    In the clouds, there were six tall figures standing like Buddhist statues, staring at the ground.


    Among these six people, Xu Qing saw the peak lords, including Lord Sixth.


    They were all looking at Xu Qing. There was even encouragement in Lord Sixth¡¯s eyes.


    Xu Qing was somewhat nervous at this sight. He looked up again and saw a blood-colored figure standing like a god above the clouds. He was extremely tall and seemed to be able to support the world.


    He was the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ancestor, Xue Lianzi.


    They were all here to witness the ceremony!


    ¡°Disciple of the Seventh Peak, Xu Qing. This statue is of Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, the source of my Seventh Peak¡¯s teachings.¡±


    ¡°Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether is the last sovereign of the human race to suppress Wanggu. Bow to it!¡±


    The captain stood beside Xu Qing and stared straight ahead at the statue on the Dao altar. He spoke solemnly and his voice spread in all directions.


    Xu Qing lowered his head, cupped his fists, and bowed deeply to the statue of the ancient sovereign. The moment he raised his head, the captain and all the Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples around the Dao altar lowered their heads and bowed in unison to the statue of the ancient sovereign.


    Their movements were uniform and their auras were astonishing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression became even more solemn. He followed the captain and walked forward under the gazes of the surrounding Seventh Peak¡¯s disciples.


    At this moment, the captain¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°Our cultivation goes against heaven. The Wanggu Great World has nine heavens and ten lands, so our Seventh Peak set up ninety steps. Step on the stairs and prove that you can walk past the nine heavens and tread on ten lands!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, go up the stairs!¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice resonated like a dragon¡¯s roar.


    Xu Qing solemnly lifted his foot and stepped onto the first step.


    The instant he landed, a bell chime rang out in the Seventh Peak.


    Dong!


    The bell rang heavily. As the sound rang out, the color of the sky changed and the wind and clouds churned.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind focused and a jade slip flew out from his pocket. It was given by the servant.


    At this moment, this jade slip emitted a resplendent light and floated in front of him. It followed him like a guiding light.


    Under the light of the jade slip, a scene that was recorded by someone was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    The scene was of the Beastfight Arena in a scavenger campsite. In it, a youth in a leather coat with a dirty face was dragging a large python.


    Sitting at the side were two figures invisible to outsiders. One was Old Master Seventh and the other was the servant. They were looking at Xu Qing. Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice carried some interest as it traveled softly.


    ¡°This youth is pretty interesting.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened. The youth in the Beastfight Arena was naturally him. At this moment, Xu Qing finally understood why he came to the Seven Blood Eyes later.


    This was a scene caused by fate.


    As Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled, he unknowingly crossed eight steps and arrived at the ninth step. The bell of the Seventh Peak rang out a second time.


    The jade slip in front of Xu Qing shone as another scene appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    In the scene, a youth was squatting in a dark corner of an alley. When a tall and skinny scavenger passed by, the youth leaped up and directly covered the scavenger¡¯s mouth from behind and slit his neck.


    On the roof at the side, Old Master Seventh sat there with admiration in his eyes.


    ¡°Interesting little fellow.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing became slightly rough. He understood, completely understood. When the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth bell chimes rang out one after another, Xu Qing had already walked very far away.


    The bell chimes grew louder and more majestic. Just like the scenes in his mind, each of them caused increasingly large waves in his mind.


    The third scene was him wearing new clothes and carefully avoiding the mud. Old Master Seventh was curious why he had changed his clothes.


    In the fourth scene, he killed Fat Mountain and staggered away under the moonlight after being poisoned. Old Master Seventh, who was watching from a roof, laughed.


    The fifth scene showed Grandmaster Bai. Old Master Seventh said something before he left Grandmaster Bai¡¯s tent.


    ¡°Grandmaster Bai, if you really think that that kid is a promising talent, then impart some knowledge to him. Let him have a chance to become a scholar with cultivation in the Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    The sixth scene was after Captain Lei, Grandmaster Bai, and the little girl left one after another. Xu Qing was alone in the house, silently merging into the darkness. The moment he was enveloped by loneliness, Old Master Seventh spoke softly outside the door of his house.


    ¡°Give him a white token.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. He had many guesses before but now that he understood the reason, he lifted his head and looked at the top of the mountain. The seventh bell chime rang out.


    This was followed by the eighth and ninth chimes.


    As the bell rang, the jade slip continued to shine. Xu Qing saw the seventh scene.


    That was when he had just arrived at the Seven Blood Eyes. In the middle of the night, when the magic boat was swaying, he picked up the wine flask and toasted his parents, Captain Lei, and his birthday.


    The eighth scene was Xu Qing being chased in the Sea Corpse Race.


    The ninth scene was the battle in front of the temple.


    An indescribable emotion fluctuated in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. As the light from the jade slip dimmed, it returned to his arms. Xu Qing took the last 90th step.


    He saw the vast purple hall and Old Master Seventh, who was sitting there and watching him.


    Beside Old Master Seventh were the second highness and third highness.


    Today, Old Master Seventh¡¯s clothes were much more grand than before. He wore a purple robe, his hair was tied up, and he wore an azure crown with nine pythons carved on it. His gaze was like lightning and he gave off a feeling of vastness.


    ¡°Xu Qing.¡± The person who spoke wasn¡¯t Old Master Seventh but the captain who had followed Xu Qing all the way here.


    ¡°You have proved that you can walk through the nine heavens and tread the ten lands. Now, bow three times to heaven and earth.¡±


    When the captain¡¯s voice rang out, Xu Qing stood on the 90th step, looking at the sky and land. He bowed three times!


    The moment he rose, the captain and the surrounding disciples bowed three times to the world!


    All of these scenes were filled with solemnity. Every ritual carried deep meaning. In the chaotic world of cultivation, everything could be simplified and benefits were paramount. However, paying respects to the ancestors and the taking of disciples couldn¡¯t be done like this. The ritual was important.


    ¡°The Dao is originally invisible. It can¡¯t be understood without the scriptures and a teacher.¡±


    ¡°Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether started a great undertaking, so our human race needs to bow once to him.¡±


    ¡°Heaven and earth bear the weight of history, so our human race needs to bow three times.¡±


    ¡°However, the high and mighty ancient sovereign hasn¡¯t graced you. The sea of bitterness of all living beings in the world didn¡¯t spare you. Only a teacher can take you to the sky and tread on the ground. He shall grace you in this life and help you to cross into the next. He will do his best to walk the Great Dao together with you, so you need to bow nine times!¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice resounded through the sky and shook the world.


    Xu Qing turned and stared at Old Master Seventh¡¯s figure in the hall. He bowed nine times!


    He bowed once to the ancient king, three times to heaven and earth, and nine times to his master.


    Only the captain could bow nine times with Xu Qing. The cultivators around the Dao altar could only lower their heads solemnly. They didn¡¯t have the qualifications to bow with Xu Qing.


    After the ninth bow, Xu Qing stepped forward. The captain took out a purple teacup and passed it to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and stepped into the purple hall.


    ¡°Thought tea!¡±


    Xu Qing took three steps forward. He then lifted the teacup high in the air.


    Almost at the instant he lifted the teacup, wind and clouds suddenly surged in the sky outside. One could feel the monstrous sword qi in the distance, bringing with it the color of blood. It was like a large blood-colored hand that wanted to cover the sky as it approached the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The Soaring Cloud Sword Sect had arrived!


    A voice that contained endless killing intent spread to every inch of the Seven Blood Eyes sect from the sea of sword qi.


    ¡°Xue Lianzi, hand over that bastard Xu Qing!¡±

 Chapter 361 - 361 If You Don’t Leave, I Won’t Abandon You

    361 If You Don¡¯t Leave, I Won¡¯t Abandon You


    Killing intent overflowed into the sky outside the Seven Blood Eyes.


    In the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Seventh Peak, the solemnity was still there. The expressions of the various peak lords in the sky were calm.


    Xu Qing heard the furious roar from outside the array formation. He didn¡¯t turn his head but continued to lower his head and raise the teacup in his hand high.


    Old Master Seventh, who was sitting upright, also didn¡¯t look at the outside world. It was as though he didn¡¯t care about everything outside. The only thing he cared about was this disciple who was halfway through the apprenticeship ceremony.


    He waved his hand; immediately, the teacup Xu Qing was holding high flew out and headed toward him. When it reached his hand, he didn¡¯t drink it but placed it on the table at the side.


    This tea was called thought tea and wasn¡¯t for drinking.


    Although the second highness and third highness had solemn expressions, the third highness secretly winked at Xu Qing and greeted him. There seemed to be a smile in his eyes.


    ¡°Past tea!¡±


    The captain spoke as he handed Xu Qing a second cup of tea. Xu Qing took another three steps forward and raised the teacup high. A shocking boom rang out from outside the Seven Blood Eyes array formation.


    The cultivators of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect didn¡¯t stop at all after approaching the Seven Blood Eyes. One after another, sword qi erupted even more intensely, transforming into a dazzling light that blasted toward the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation defense was activated, blocking the countless sword qi. In an instant, the world shook as rumbling sounds reverberated in the seven mountains.


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation was clearly different from before. At this moment, it seemed to have completely expelled the authority of the Seven Sects Alliance and listed the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect as an enemy.


    The peak lords of the Seven Blood Eyes still didn¡¯t care. Their expressions caused the disciples of the various peaks to calm down and continue to watch the ceremony in the Seventh Peak.


    In the Seventh Peak¡¯s purple hall, Old Master Seventh ignored the outside world and waved his hand to take the second cup of tea.


    This second cup of tea was called past tea. One sip indicated that the master had agreed to take the person in as a disciple. Old Master Seventh picked it up and took a sip before placing it on the table.


    ¡°Faith tea!¡± The captain spoke as he passed Xu Qing the third cup of tea.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and took three more steps. This time, he directly arrived in front of Old Master Seventh. He knelt down and raised the teacup high.


    At that moment, the rumbling sounds from the outside world became even more intense. This lasted until a loud bang that was like heavenly lightning erupted.


    It was a blood-colored sword qi that was a thousand feet long. When the sword landed on the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ protective array formation, the array formation was unable to withstand it and directly collapsed. As it shattered into pieces, the thousand-foot-long sword qi transformed into a golden-robed old man.


    The old man took a step forward and appeared in the air above the Seven Blood Eyes. Sword lights whistled and arrived behind him, transforming into disciples of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect.


    Every one of them was filled with killing intent.


    All of them were filled with fierce momentum.


    ¡°Xue Lianzi, you¡­¡± The person who slashed open the array formation was none other than the Soaring Cloud Ancestor. After he arrived, he was just about to speak when he swept his divine sense over and noticed the scene on the top of the Seventh Peak. He saw Xu Qing kneeling there and raising a teacup high. He also saw Old Master Seventh who accepted Xu Qing¡¯s teacup.


    He had lived for so many years and as an ancestor of a sect, how could he not know the meaning of this scene?


    ¡°He is actually going through a master acknowledging ceremony?¡± The killing intent in the Soaring Cloud Ancestor¡¯s eyes was intense and his entire body emitted endless coldness. His gaze looked at everything as though he was looking at the dead.


    ¡°The bastard who injured my grandson and snatched my sect¡¯s life lantern is actually acknowledging a master. Xue Lianzi, I am very curious. Where did you get the guts to do this?!¡±


    ¡°Soaring Cloud, let¡¯s talk after my son-in-law is done taking in the disciple.¡± Xue Lianzi said calmly with a spurious smile. The expressions of the six peak lords in the clouds were calm without any panic.


    This scene caused Soaring Cloud¡¯s eyes to narrow slightly and his heart to sink. The feeling the Seven Blood Eyes gave him today was very different from what he remembered!


    In the Seventh Peak¡¯s purple hall, even though the pressure from the outside world was earth-shattering, Old Master Seventh still didn¡¯t take a look. After accepting Xu Qing¡¯s teacup, he looked at Xu Qing. Under the gazes of everyone from the Seven Blood Eyes and the killing intent from the outside world, he slowly spoke.


    ¡°Kid, ritual is only a ritual. I only want to ask your heart. Are you sincerely willing to become my disciple?¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked into Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Master.¡±


    Old Master Seventh laughed loudly.


    ¡°Alright, my disciple. If you don¡¯t leave, I won¡¯t abandon you!¡± As he spoke, he dipped the thumb and index finger of his right hand into the tea and flicked it lightly at Xu Qing¡¯s body. As the tea splattered, the apprenticeship ceremony was completed!


    The bell rang again. This time, it wasn¡¯t just the bell of the Seventh Peak but the bells on all seven peaks rang out at the same time. The sound seemed to shake everything.


    ¡°Today, I have accepted my fourth disciple. It¡¯s a joyous occasion, but you actually dared to interrupt and demand my disciple to be handed over?¡±


    When the Soaring Cloud Ancestor heard Old Master Seventh, he laughed from extreme anger. There was a middle-aged cultivator beside him. This person looked a little similar to Saintly Star. At this moment, his expression was ugly as he took a step forward.


    His speed was so fast that he directly transformed into a blood sword that headed straight for the Seventh Peak¡¯s purple hall. A Nascent Soul cultivation fluctuation erupted from his body, shaking the surroundings. The strength of his energy fluctuation far surpassed that of ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators, and seemed to be infinitely close to the peak of the Nascent Soul realm.


    In an instant, the blood sword he transformed into arrived at the Seventh Peak and in front of the purple hall. Just as he was about to rush in, Old Master Seventh laughed and stood up, walking toward the outside world. He didn¡¯t care about the blood sword that was charging over and only waved his hand.


    At the next instant, the blood sword suddenly trembled and collapsed into pieces. A mournful cry rang out.


    One could see the figure of the Nascent Soul middle-aged man who had transformed into the blood sword tumbling back like a kite with a broken string. 90% of his body collapsed and exploded uncontrollably, and he was on the verge of death.


    This explosion was irreversible. Almost at the instant he screamed, his body collapsed and turned into blood mist that lingered in the air.


    Only his Nascent Soul flew out. It looked at Old Master Seventh who walked out of the purple hall with panic and horror.


    This middle-aged man from the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, whose body had collapsed with a wave of Old Master Seventh¡¯s hand and only his Nascent Soul was left, had an extremely high status in the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect. He was a great elder of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect.


    He was also the only son of the Soaring Cloud Ancestor and the father of Saintly Star. Hence, he had attacked in anger earlier.


    However, at this moment, he was in an extremely miserable state. Even his Nascent Soul was dim, on the verge of collapsing.


    The shock in his heart was indescribable. He knew his strength but the other party was able to destroy his body with a wave of his hand. This cultivation base¡­ caused his mind to shake violently. He even had a strong feeling that the other party didn¡¯t really want to kill; otherwise, his Nascent Soul would definitely not be able to escape.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a Nascent Soul cultivator, you¡¯re a Spirit Repository!!¡± Saintly Star¡¯s father exclaimed in disbelief. As he retreated, the minds of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect¡¯s disciples trembled and their expressions changed drastically.


    Only the Soaring Cloud Ancestor¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change much. He only took a deep look at Old Master Seventh.


    ¡°You hid it so deeply that even this old man couldn¡¯t tell earlier. Your cultivation isn¡¯t an ordinary Spirit Repository either. You should have opened three secret repositories.¡±


    ¡°However, just this is not enough. Xue Lianzi, what other methods do you have? You can take them out now.¡±


    Old Master Seventh smiled and didn¡¯t speak. After he walked out, he stood outside the purple hall and looked at Xue Lianzi in the sky.


    Xue Lianzi also glanced at Old Master Seventh with admiration in his eyes. After that, he looked at the Soaring Cloud Ancestor and a ferocious glint flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s fight first!¡±


    As he spoke, Xue Lianzi¡¯s entire body swayed and streams of light erupted from his eyes, transforming into blood threads that headed straight for the Soaring Cloud Ancestor.


    The Soaring Cloud Ancestor let out a cold snort. With a wave of his hand, the sword qi in the surroundings overflowed into the sky and attacked the approaching Xue Lianzi. In an instant, the two of them exchanged blows, causing cracks and destruction in the surroundings. They headed straight for the sky. Booming sounds spread in all directions like thunder.


    The pterosaur in the clouds let out a low roar at the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect disciples. The six peak lords of the Seven Blood Eyes also displayed their cultivation bases, causing the world to tremble with their auras.


    Moreover, Old Master Seventh was standing at the top of the Seventh Peak with his hands behind his back. All of this caused the cultivators of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, who had arrived aggressively, to be in a dilemma.


    The few Nascent Soul cultivators among them felt their scalps tingle as they looked at Old Master Seventh with extreme fear.


    The difference between a Nascent Soul cultivator and a Spirit Repository was like the difference between one life fire and six life fires. If Old Master Seventh wanted to, he could instantly kill all of them. Not a single one of them could escape.


    This difference caused the disciples of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect to be extremely nervous. The Soaring Cloud Sword Sect also had a Spirit Repository, but that was their sect master. With the ancestor going out, the sect master had to stay behind to guard the sect.


    They never expected that not only did the Seven Blood Eyes have a Nihility Realm ancestor, but there was also someone at the Spirit Repository Realm which was below the Nihility Realm and above the Nascent Soul Realm!


    Not only were the disciples of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect shocked, but even the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples were shocked. However, after thinking of the tradition of the Seventh Peak, they suddenly felt that there was nothing strange about this.


    The other peak lords in the clouds clearly knew about it long ago and weren¡¯t surprised at all. As for the disciples around the Seventh Peak¡¯s Dao Altar as well as Xu Qing and the highnesses, they looked at each other.


    ¡°I suspect that the old man is still hiding,¡± said Third Senior Brother in a low voice.


    ¡°Old third, be more confident. It¡¯s certain.¡± The captain smiled.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and Third Senior Brother but didn¡¯t speak. As for Second Senior Sister, she was holding a jade slip and continuously transmitting her voice. It was as though she wasn¡¯t interested in everything outside.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I knew it. When I first saw you back then, I felt that we were fated. I went back and analyzed that you would be my junior brother.¡± Third Senior Brother smiled and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°However, I didn¡¯t expect you to actually kill Saintly Star. You have to know that when the Seven Sects Alliance did the challenges, the eldest highnesses of the other peaks might not have given their all, but the First Peak went all out.¡±

 Chapter 362 - 362 Birth of a Taboo!

    362 Birth of a Taboo!


    ¡°This is also the reason why I sent my beloved merfolk girlfriends to meet their ancestors in front of you back then,¡± Third Senior Brother said with a smile.


    The captain watched this with a spurious smile. He knew that Third wasn¡¯t the kind of person who liked to say useless things. This was clearly to ease his relationship with Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing glanced at his third senior brother. The scene of the other party gently crushing the head of the merfolk woman at the harbor surfaced in his mind. At that time, he felt that this third senior brother was dangerous. Now that he looked at him again, the sense of danger was still the same.


    ¡®However, in a life-and-death battle, I should be able to survive.¡¯ Xu Qing weighed the pros and cons in his mind and cupped his fists.


    ¡°A meeting gift.¡± Third Senior Brother was still smiling. He took out a bundle of spirit stone tickets and stuffed them into Xu Qing¡¯s hands. After that, he spoke softly.


    ¡°Back then outside the Sea Lizard Island, you weren¡¯t my junior brother yet, so I chased after you for fun. Junior Brother, don¡¯t mind it. Take it as me owing you a favor.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at his third senior brother.


    Back then, when he was fleeing outside the Sea Lizard Island, he was targeted and chased by many auras. Although he didn¡¯t see who those people were from the start to the end, he vaguely felt that his third senior brother¡¯s attitude later on wasn¡¯t right and he had some doubts.


    Right now, the other party directly pointed it out and Xu Qing was a little surprised. He took the spirit tickets and glanced at them. They amounted to a total of 500,000 spirit stones which was enough sincerity. Hence, he nodded and kept them.


    Seeing Xu Qing put away the spirit tickets, Third Senior Brother heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. He cherished the atmosphere of the Seventh Peak very much. Most importantly, he felt that this little junior brother was the kind of person who if you didn¡¯t kill him in one try would haunt you for the rest of his life.


    He didn¡¯t want to provoke such a person. He was about to continue speaking.


    However, at this moment, a deafening roar rang out from the sky, causing the earth to shake. Fish-scale-shaped energy fluctuations spread in all directions in the sky.


    ¡°Xue Lianzi, you¡¯re courting death!¡±


    Everyone immediately looked up.


    Sword qi filled the sky, as though they wanted to split the sky. They carried such destructive power that Xu Qing felt a piercing pain in his eyes when he looked at them, especially when he saw a familiar withered hand in the sky.


    This hand was like the hand of a god, containing terrifying divinity. Its energy fluctuations seemed to change the laws, causing blurry shadows to appear in the surroundings. They were like illusory sages, manifesting in this withered hand and augmenting it.


    It seemed to be able to pluck the stars and destroy the world as it grabbed the void.


    The void shattered layer by layer and the sky transformed into a sea of blood. Accompanied by the muttering sounds of blurry shadows, a suppressive force appeared.


    Xu Qing¡¯s pupils constricted. Xue Lianzi transformed into countless blood threads. They were equally astonishing and emitted peerless evil. He was like an undying ferocious demon. Even if the sages descended and the sea of swords suppressed him, they were still helpless against his savageness.


    As a sinister laugh echoed, countless blood threads that were like sinister blood snakes that could devour mountains and rivers appeared. Wherever they passed, the sword qi would collapse and the sword shadows would be destroyed. Finally, they formed a vicious dragon snake head that slammed fiercely toward the withered hand.


    The huge collision shook the space and sky. The withered hand collapsed and the Soaring Cloud Ancestor retreated. The head formed by countless blood threads also retreated and transformed into Xue Lianzi¡¯s figure. His eyes were filled with killing intent as he laughed loudly.


    ¡°Daoist Soaring Cloud, you¡¯re a thousand years older than me, but you¡¯re nothing much.¡±


    ¡°The cultivators of the lower sects will eventually be suppressed. Xue Lianzi, this old man will give you one last chance. Hand over Xu Qing and return the life lantern and follow the decree of the Seven Sects Alliance. Your Seven Blood Eyes can be like before and the Seven Sects Alliance won¡¯t interfere too much!¡±


    A cold glint filled the eyes of the Soaring Cloud Ancestor. He lifted his right hand and performed a series of hand seals, pointing forward. Immediately, the sea of blood in the sky rumbled and a blurry shadow of a blood tree was vaguely formed.


    This was the Taboo magic treasure of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect. Although it wasn¡¯t in its true form, with the authority of the Soaring Cloud Ancestor, the projection power he used was equally astonishing.


    ¡°Not too much interference?¡± Xue Lianzi laughed loudly.


    ¡°For thousands of years, 60% of our sect¡¯s annual profits have been handed over to the Alliance. Every batch of heaven¡¯s chosen disciples has to be sent to you. They will either have to submit to you or be sent to dangerous places to die.¡±


    ¡°My sect¡¯s cultivation arts are all secondary cultivation arts of your sects and contain fatal flaws. If we obtain a new cultivation art, you will take it away!¡±


    ¡°The authority of your alliance in my sect¡¯s array formation surpasses ours. If you are unhappy with any of my sect¡¯s peak lords, they will immediately be rotated and their survival is uncertain.¡±


    As Xue Lianzi spoke, the disciples of the seven mountain peaks fell silent. All of them were breathing heavily as a sharp glint appeared in their eyes.


    The Soaring Cloud Ancestor frowned.


    ¡°When drinking water, don¡¯t forget those who dug the well1. At the early stage of the Seven Blood Eyes, the seven sects of the alliance contributed resources and disciples to build it. Only then did your Seven Blood Eyes develop further. Now that your wings have grown, you want to be ungrateful?!¡±


    Xue Lianzi laughed again. There was a tone of absurdity in his laughter.


    ¡°There is gratitude, you are right in that!¡±


    ¡°The battle of the Corpse Forbidden 3,000 years ago, the battle of the Soul Stream 2,700 years ago, the battle with the Cloud Race 2,000 years ago, the battle with the Heart Soul Race 1,700 years ago¡­ So far, my Seven Blood Eyes has fought for your Seven Sects Alliance more than 600 times!¡±


    ¡°There are countless casualties and bones of our sect spread all over the world!¡±


    ¡°The burial of the dead disciples and the medicinal pills for the injured disciples, did your Seven Sects Alliance contribute even the slightest in this? Every time my sect is about to prosper, it will decline in some war and the gains from the war are extremely meager!¡±


    ¡°In the past few thousand years, our sect has faced danger of extermination 79 times. Has your Seven Sects Alliance helped us even once? Our sect¡¯s ancestors have asked for help many times. In fact, the third generation ancestor even knelt in front of the alliance and begged for help. Have you guys bothered once?¡±


    ¡°Every time, it¡¯s the ancestors of my Seven Blood Eyes who have worked diligently and painstakingly to slowly recover their wounds. Once the sect improves slightly, your alliance will rotate them just by sending a decree!¡±


    ¡°Could it be that my Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples aren¡¯t lives and have to die for you just so that you guys can sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labor? Soaring Cloud, I, Xue Lianzi, want to ask your Seven Sects Alliance and this world.¡±


    ¡°Has my Seven Blood Eyes not paid this gratitude enough?!¡±


    ¡°Has my Seven Blood Eyes not settled this gratitude?!¡±


    ¡°By relying on the initial kindness, you continue to squeeze us dry and act like that¡¯s what we should do! You guys place yourselves high and above. If my Seven Blood Eyes doesn¡¯t listen to your orders and fight to the death for you, we¡¯ll be forgetting your gratitude. If we don¡¯t listen to your orders and hand over the benefits, we¡¯ll be ungrateful!¡±


    ¡°Could it be that this gratitude wants my Seven Blood Eyes to be slaves for generations and repay it till we perish?!¡±


    Xue Lianzi¡¯s voice was like the sounds of a large bell, echoing through the world, causing the seven mountain peaks of the Seven Blood Eyes to buzz and tremble.


    The Soaring Cloud Ancestor¡¯s expression was cold. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t understand the matter of the Seven Blood Eyes, but benefits determined his stand. Hence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to say more. People who forget gratitude will always have many excuses.¡±


    Xue Lianzi laughed loudly.


    ¡°What a good upper sect. What a good moral blackmail. What a good ¡®when drinking water, don¡¯t forget those who dug the well¡¯!!¡±


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, today¡­ my Seven Blood Eyes will become an upper sect!¡±


    The eyes of the Soaring Cloud Ancestor instantly revealed a sharp glint.


    ¡°Your sect is not worthy.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if it is worthy or not.¡± Xue Lianzi¡¯s eyes revealed an intense light in the air. He lifted his right hand and pointed at the sky.


    ¡°Sea Corpse Ancestral Land, activate the array formation!¡±


    As soon as Xue Lianzi finished speaking, the weather changed and the world rumbled.


    Far away from here, after crossing Starfish Island, the merfolk islands, the many sub islands of the Sea Corpse Race, there was the ancestral land of the Sea Corpse Race. At this moment, in the ancestral land, the land quaked intensely.


    Here, half of the area had already been taken down by the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Here, there was the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ army that had yet to retreat.


    Here, the Seven Blood Eyes had already finished setting up the huge teleportation array that was prepared to move two Sea Corpse Race¡¯s ancestral corpse statues.


    The two statues that had long been moved here stood there with astonishing auras. The teleportation arrays in the air and on the ground shone with boundless light. The clouds seemed to be pushed aside by an invisible hand and the sky rumbled as the light shone everywhere.


    The teleportation formation in the sky was activated and emitted loud rumbling sounds.


    The two ancestral corpse statues were not teleported away, but¡­ something had teleported over from the sky.


    They were five beams of light.


    The lights were extremely dazzling. However, as they descended, they quickly became clear, causing the hearts of all the cultivators who were paying attention in the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s ancestral land to tremble violently. Their expressions were filled with horror and disbelief.


    This was because what were in the five beams of light were¡­ five unfamiliar ancestral corpse statues!


    These five statues weren¡¯t from the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s nine ancestral corpse statues!


    Every one of them carried vast ancientness and vicissitudes of time. They were covered in dry cracks and looked like ordinary stone material. Only when they landed on the land of the Sea Corpse Race did they erupt with resplendent light.


    This was the peculiarity of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s ancestral corpse statues. Only in this land could they show their vast might.


    As the five statues landed on the ground, the ground quaked. It was as though an earth dragon had flipped over, causing the entire Sea Corpse Race¡¯s ancestral land to shake. Huge uproar and cries of surprise rang out from everywhere.


    At that moment, there were a total of 14 statues in the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory. Seven of them were spread out in the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory, and the other seven were on the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formations.


    The array formations rumbled and operated crazily. These seven statues shone with monstrous light. Every one of them erupted with earth-shattering fluctuations like seven incomparably huge power sources!


    The moment their auras soared into the sky, seven huge blood-colored vortices appeared above the seven statues. They were seven eyes!


    These seven eyes were all closed, but their appearance caused a violent tsunami to rise in the Forbidden Sea. All the nonhuman races and sea beasts trembled in extreme horror.


    This was because this was the aura of¡­ a magic treasure. Moreover, it wasn¡¯t an ordinary magic treasure but was infinitely close to a Taboo!


    When this incomparably ferocious aura surged out intensely, above the seven closed eyes, amidst the surging wind and clouds, an ancient bronze mirror that was hundreds of thousands of feet long appeared!


    This mirror stood in the sky and slowly rotated in all directions. It illuminated the Yinghuang Province in the north, the Seven Blood Eyes in the south, the Corpse Emperor Forbidden in the east, and the Endless Sea in the west.


    Everything in the surroundings was within its range!


    Wherever the light shone, the beings in that area felt suffocation and fear!


    An aura of Taboo suddenly erupted from the mirror as the seven ancestral corpse statues sent in their power.


    Seven Blood Eyes, Taboo magic treasure, formed!

 Chapter 363 - 363 The Truth Is Revealed

    363 The Truth Is Revealed


    The Forbidden Sea was alarmed and the expressions of the various forces changed.


    The first to react was the Seven Sects Alliance, which was closest to the Sea Corpse Race. In an instant, six huge figures appeared above the Seven Sects Alliance.


    There were men and women among them, but most of their faces were blurry and they couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. The only thing that was clear was the piercing light emitted by their eyes.


    ¡°Seven Blood Eyes¡­¡±


    ¡°They really created a Taboo.¡±


    ¡°Xue Lianzi, you¡¯re scheming goes deep and can¡¯t be underestimated!¡±


    These six figures were the ancestors of six sects of the Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s Senate.


    As their divine senses communicated, they rose into the air at the same time and stepped in the sky, instantly disappearing. Their destination was none other than the Sea Corpse Race.


    In an instant, their figures appeared in the air above the Sea Corpse Race. As the huge ancient bronze mirror rotated, their hearts trembled as they sensed the terrifying power of this Taboo magic treasure.


    The moment any magic treasure advanced to a Taboo, it would undergo a mystical transformation and give birth to a strange ability. This ability determined how terrifying a Taboo was.


    ¡°Judgment¡­ It¡¯s actually a life-and-death judgment!¡±


    ¡°The Taboo of the Seven Blood Eyes isn¡¯t for destroying a sect but to kill a single target. And, from my senses, the lethality of this treasure¡­ is extremely terrifying!¡±


    ¡°Once this mirror locks onto a target and is activated, there¡¯s a 10% chance that the person being reflected will instantly die. Because of its mirror body, it can be used from an ultra-long distance!¡±


    ¡°Although the probability is 10%, there are seven eyes above which means it can be activated seven times in a row. In that case, who will dare to gamble?!¡±


    ¡°Xue Lianzi¡¯s cultivation base is at the first stage of Nihility. If he uses this Taboo to initiate a single target judgment, he can kill second stage Nihility!¡±


    ¡°Second stage¡­ Only the Alliance Leader is at this realm.¡±


    The six ancestors of the Seven Sects Alliance fell silent as they thought about different things. They knew that Taboo magic treasure were equivalent to the greatest deterrence of a sect. It wasn¡¯t something that any sect had the qualifications and ability to possess.


    The reason why it was the Seven Sects Alliance was because among the 137 sects in the alliance, only their seven sects had Taboos.


    Moreover, it was almost impossible for Taboo magic treasures to be robbed. For instance, the Taboo of the Seven Blood Eyes was placed here but they didn¡¯t dare to snatch it. Once they made a move, the Taboo magic treasure would erupt on its own.


    This was also the terrifying thing about Taboo magic treasures. They had treasure spirits!


    This Taboo of the Seven Blood Eyes was even more special. It used seven ancestral corpse statues as its power source. Once those seven closed eyes were opened, one could imagine how terrifying its might would be.


    Therefore, after observing for a while, the six ancestors of the Seven Sects Alliance looked at each other and performed hand seals, forming an ultra-long-distance teleportation. They instantly disappeared and headed straight for the Seven Blood Eyes.


    At the same time, the various forces of the Wanggu Continent¡¯s Yinghuang Province all used various methods to look at the Seven Blood Eyes. They were very clear that the situation of the Seven Sects Alliance was about to change. The situation of the Wanggu Continent would also change because of this.


    A storm was coming.


    As for the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory, everyone in the Sea Corpse Race trembled in despair. As for the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples guarding this place, their eyes revealed excitement.


    At that moment, the person who was the most shocked that his expression changed drastically and his breathing became hurried was¡­ the Soaring Cloud Ancestor in the air above the Seven Blood Eyes.


    His forehead was covered in sweat. The shock in his heart couldn¡¯t be concealed and appeared on his face. He stared fixedly in the direction of the Sea Corpse Race.


    Although he couldn¡¯t see the scene there, he could clearly sense that he had been locked onto. It was as though Xue Lianzi only needed a thought to send him into a life-and-death calamity.


    With this lock, he almost instantly understood the danger he was facing.


    ¡°Life and death judgment¡­ seven times, life and death judgment!¡±


    The Soaring Cloud Ancestor¡¯s breathing was hurried and his eyes were bloodshot. He looked at Xue Lianzi with a complicated expression.


    ¡°Now, is my Seven Blood Eyes worthy of being an upper sect?¡± Xue Lianzi asked calmly.


    The Soaring Cloud Ancestor opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but he didn¡¯t know what to say. He had now realized all the strategic plans of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The Seven Blood Eyes seemed to be fighting the Sea Corpse Race previously but in reality, destroying the Sea Corpse Race wasn¡¯t their goal at all.


    The Seven Blood Eyes had two goals.


    One was to open a path to the Wanggu Continent.


    A path appeared in the mind of the Soaring Cloud Ancestor. With the Seven Blood Eyes as the first point, the second point was the merfolk race, the third point was the sub islands of the Sea Corpse Race, and the fourth point was the main island of the Sea Corpse Race.


    That place was already very close to the Wanggu Continent¡¯s Seven Sects Alliance.


    This was a line, a geographical line that connected the Seven Blood Eyes and the Seven Sects Alliance.


    Moreover, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ actions had been very logical. The reason why they attacked the merfolk race was because of the Seventh Peak¡¯s competition. This lured the Sea Corpse Race over. Xue Lianzi made a breakthrough and rushed in to heavily injure the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s ancestor.


    This was actually the key factor in the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s final defeat.


    After that, they naturally attacked the Sea Corpse Race and conquered the sub islands step by step, stepping onto the main island.


    It didn¡¯t look like there were any flaws and the strength they revealed didn¡¯t exceed the normal.


    However, this goal was still discovered by the Seven Sects Alliance.


    Therefore, they interfered in the war of the Sea Corpse Race, causing the Seven Blood Eyes to be unable to continue. Moreover, although the Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s main plan was to destroy the Minor Affairs Sect and destroy the dam that blocked a tributary of the Immortal Enrichment River, they didn¡¯t completely ignore the Seven Blood Eyes.


    They planned to strike the mountain to intimidate the tiger. The mountain was the Minor Affairs Sect and the tiger was the Seven Blood Eyes.


    This way, they would teach the Seven Blood Eyes their place without having to shed any blood.


    However, they didn¡¯t expect that the Seven Blood Eyes had a second goal. Moreover, the Seven Blood Eyes hid this goal even deeper. It was so deep that the Soaring Cloud Ancestor¡¯s scalp felt numb.


    He even felt that the Seven Blood Eyes had deliberately let them notice their first goal.


    It was to hide their second goal.


    This didn¡¯t seem like Xue Lianzi¡¯s style.


    The second goal of the Seven Blood Eyes was the ancestral corpse statues of the Sea Corpse Race. They wanted to use it as the power source for their magic treasure and advance it to Taboo.


    There were two prerequisites to this. One was that the Seven Blood Eyes had to have the method to use the ancestral corpse statues as a power source.


    The second prerequisite was that the Seven Blood Eyes had to find many ancestral corpse statues scattered outside in advance!


    Clearly, the Seven Blood Eyes had satisfied both of these prerequisites.


    In fact, the Seven Blood Eyes even considered that the Seven Sects Alliance would interfere at the critical moment and call a halt to the war. Hence, all the anger and unwillingness in the war negotiations only had one goal. That was¡­ to guarantee that they could get at least two ancestral corpse statues.


    Even after the negotiation with the Sea Corpse Race was completed, the Seven Blood Eyes still remained low. Even though the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Seven Sects Alliance had come to challenge to lower their reputation, the Seven Blood Eyes was still silent and waited for the array formations on the Sea Corpse Race.


    In name, the goal of the array formations was to retrieve the spoils of war. This was reasonable.


    However, in reality, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formations weren¡¯t built to retrieve the two statues but to send five over.


    The moment the five statues were sent over, they had a total of seven ancestral corpse statues. Moreover, since they were all in the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s land, the power of the statues were fully active. Everything was accomplished smoothly.


    ¡°So, when the disciples of the Alliance came to challenge you, you guys deliberately showed weakness to numb us? Now, what¡¯s your goal? To become independent in the Wanggu Continent?¡± The Soaring Cloud Ancestor gritted his teeth and spoke in a low voice.


    Xue Lianzi didn¡¯t answer the first question because that wasn¡¯t important anymore. He smiled and calmly answered.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting old. I want to enjoy my old age in the Wanggu Continent. I also hope that there will be an additional chair in the Senate of the Seven Sects Alliance.¡±


    The Soaring Cloud Ancestor felt extremely aggrieved. However, compared to the matter of the life lantern being snatched and his grandson being heavily injured, the ambition and determination erupting from the Seven Blood Eyes were more important.


    At this moment, the entire Seven Blood Eyes was extremely quiet. The disciples didn¡¯t know the details but they could sense that the atmosphere was different. When they heard the ancestor¡¯s words, their hearts raced and all kinds of guesses rose.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and stared at the sea. At that instant earlier, he vaguely sensed something but it was blurry.


    ¡°I see. These old men are too sinister. I finally know what their trump card is.¡± The captain let out a long sigh and his eyes revealed vigor. He was clearly muttering to himself but he deliberately raised his voice.


    Xu Qing looked over. Third Senior Brother also looked over suspiciously. Second Senior Sister was still transmitting her voice.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, do you really know? Is it a Taboo? A Taboo of our Seven Blood Eyes?¡± The third brother was uncertain.


    Xu Qing looked at the unfathomable captain and was also uncertain.


    ¡°This matter is worth 1,000 spirit stones. If any of you want to know, I¡¯ll tell you.¡± The captain sighed with emotion.


    ¡°You know bullsh*t!¡± Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice appeared.


    The captain was embarrassed. While he was coughing, Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice entered their ears.


    ¡°This is a plan I came up with for the ancestor. The plan has been in progress for a hundred years and has been completed step by step until now.¡±


    ¡°You guys don¡¯t have to guess. At this moment, on the territory of the Sea Corpse Race, there¡¯s a Taboo magic treasure that belongs to our Seven Blood Eyes. It¡¯s also the eighth Taboo magic treasure in the Seven Sects Alliance. It can keep other forces in check and ensure that the Seven Blood Eyes can smoothly enter Wanggu.¡±


    ¡°From now on, the name of the Seven Sects Alliance will also change.¡± Old Master Seventh turned his head and glanced at his four disciples with a faint smile.


    ¡°Do you think the name Eight Sects Alliance sounds better?¡±


    The instant Old Master Seventh spoke, the color of the sky changed and waves of aura that shook the surroundings descended.


    Six god-like existences appeared in the sky around Xue Lianzi and the Soaring Cloud Ancestor.


    They were the ancestors of the other six sects in the Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s Senate!


    Almost at the instant they appeared, an old woman walked out of the Seven Blood Eyes and soared into the sky. She arrived in a single step and stood beside Xue Lianzi, smiling at the Seven Sects Alliance.


    ¡°Long time no see.¡±


    ¡°I took a nap earlier and heard that someone wants the Seven Blood Eyes to hand over Xu Qing. My granddaughter likes that kid very much and I am considering a marriage alliance. If he¡¯s killed, my granddaughter will be unhappy and so will I.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a big family. I only have one granddaughter. If I¡¯m unhappy, I¡¯ll make you guys unhappy too!¡±

 Chapter 364 - 364 Eight Sects Alliance (1)

    364 Eight Sects Alliance (1)


    Esteemed Master Dongyou¡¯s voice echoed through the entire sect.


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    The captain and Third Senior Brother instantly looked at him. Even Second Senior Sister stopped transmitting her voice and looked at Xu Qing.


    Old Master Seventh also turned his head and looked at Xu Qing with admiration in his eyes.


    ¡°Not bad, you have the demeanor of me back then.¡±


    As he spoke, he looked at the other three disciples with disappointment. However, when he glanced at his second disciple, he automatically ignored her and focused on the eldest and third disciples.


    Regarding the third disciple, he thought about it and ignored him. Hence, his gaze landed on the eldest.


    ¡°You should learn from your junior brother!¡±


    ¡®If I looked like him, I can do it too. It¡¯s very difficult to imitate Little Qing¡¯s face with spells!¡¯ The captain felt aggrieved and a little depressed.


    The person who was even more depressed and even unable to release his anger was the Soaring Cloud Ancestor. He stared at Esteemed Master Dongyou with an incomparably unsightly expression.


    Forget it if Xue Lianzi wanted to protect that lowly commoner, but he didn¡¯t expect that Esteemed Master Dongyou, who didn¡¯t care about the world and never joined forces with others, would also speak up for that commoner.


    He thought of how his grandson was heavily injured with his survival unknown. He thought of how his sect¡¯s life lantern had been snatched and how things hadn¡¯t gone smoothly this time. He thought of how the Seven Blood Eyes already had the qualifications to enter the ranks of the upper sects and how their overall strength wasn¡¯t inferior to any of the seven sects.


    All of this caused his eyes to be bloodshot. However, he was very clear that there was no way to stop the Seven Blood Eyes from advancing to an upper sect. After all, the Seven Sects Alliance was an alliance and not a sect.


    There were eight people in the Senate ¨C one Alliance leader and seven ancestors. Although they shared common interests, there were also frictions between them. The current strength of the Seven Blood Eyes, especially that Taboo magic treasure, allowed the other party to not only have the qualifications to become an upper sect but also increase the strength of the alliance by a large margin if they entered the Seven Sects Alliance.


    He was well aware that others would definitely tacitly agree to such a thing. He even recalled the series of plans of the Seven Blood Eyes. He wouldn¡¯t believe it if someone said that the Seven Blood Eyes wouldn¡¯t have supporters in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    He gritted his teeth and spoke.


    ¡°Seven Blood Eyes, return the life lantern and my Soaring Cloud Sword Sect will fully support you in joining the alliance! Otherwise, you¡¯ll have to bear the consequences! Xue Lianzi, whether you want to be an enemy or a friend, you can decide!¡±


    As he spoke, the Soaring Cloud Ancestor pointed at the sky. Immediately, the blood tree that had already condensed to a certain extent in the sea of blood in the sky sank, as though it was about to descend on the Seven Blood Eyes.


    In an instant, the pressure on the Seven Blood Eyes rose greatly. Xue Lianzi laughed angrily.


    ¡°Interesting. Soaring Cloud, you have a lot of vicious thoughts. If my Seven Blood Eyes still has to sacrifice the benefits of the disciples to join the alliance, what will the disciples think of my sect?¡±


    ¡°If there are greater benefits in the future, do we have to sacrifice them too? Wouldn¡¯t our allies think that we can sacrifice them too in the future? How much will our sect¡¯s reputation be damaged because of this?¡±


    ¡°Old fool, your words are heartbreaking.¡±


    ¡°Looks like you don¡¯t believe in our sect¡¯s Taboo.¡±


    Xue Lianzi¡¯s gaze turned sharp and he waved his right hand. Immediately, the world rumbled. The instant the expressions of the surrounding Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s ancestors turned solemn, the huge ancient bronze mirror on the Sea Corpse Race suddenly rotated and faced the Seven Blood Eyes. When it locked onto the Seven Blood Eyes, one of the seven eyes above the seven ancestral corpse statues suddenly opened.


    This eye had no pupils and was blood-colored. The moment it opened, a cold wind that seemed to be able to freeze the nine heavens directly enveloped the top of the Seven Blood Eyes. It also reflected the figure of the Soaring Cloud Ancestor in the mirror.


    The expression of the Soaring Cloud Ancestor changed and an intense life-and-death crisis instantly erupted in his mind. It had been a long time since he had felt such a crisis.


    His body down to the minute cells trembled, his soul shook, his life let out a sharp cry like it was facing its natural enemy, like the other party controlled his life and death and grabbed his soul.


    The feeling that he could die in the next instant caused Soaring Cloud¡¯s heart to tremble violently. His cultivation erupted as he tried to resist.


    At that moment, a cold voice rang out from the bronze mirror.


    ¡°Life and death, judgment!¡±


    The mirror reflected the Soaring Cloud Ancestor and the image was distorting. He turned around and revealed extreme ferocity and malevolence. It was as though he existed alone and was no longer Soaring Cloud. His body instantly collapsed and exploded!


    After that, the eye closed.


    At the same time, in the Seven Blood Eyes, the Soaring Cloud Ancestor started coughing blood. His body shook and just like the image in the mirror, his entire body collapsed and turned into a blood mist.


    The blood mist gathered together again. However, there was only paleness on his face and the flowing light in his eyes had become extremely dim. His expression also revealed disbelief.


    At that moment, that cold voice rang out again.


    ¡°Judgment failed. Awaiting second judgment.¡±


    Xue Lianzi¡¯s expression was sinister. Just as he was about to attack, the other six ancestors of the Seven Sects Alliance immediately stopped him. However, at the next instant, Xue Lianzi laughed sinisterly and roared.


    ¡°Full activation!¡±


    In an instant, under the ancient bronze mirror above the Sea Corpse Race, the qi and blood of the seven ancestral corpse statues churned unprecedentedly. Their AURA soared into the sky and wanted to devour mountains and rivers. The six eyes that hadn¡¯t opened and the seventh eye that had just closed opened instantly!!


    The seven eyes divided into seven gazes that passed through the Forbidden Sea and landed on the seven ancestors of the Seven Sects Alliance in the Seven Blood Eyes!

 Chapter 365 - 365 Eight Sects Alliance (2)

    365 Eight Sects Alliance (2)


    The seven ancestors¡¯ bodies trembled and their expressions changed rapidly.


    They discovered that the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ taboo was even stranger than their previous judgment. It wasn¡¯t a simple judgment of life and death, it would inflict fatal injuries even if it failed.


    Such a heavy blow could clearly be stacked. In other words, even if someone heaven-defyingly withstood seven judgments and they didn¡¯t die, they would definitely not be far from death under these seven heavy injuries.


    More importantly, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo magic treasure had an abundance of power sources. There was no telling how many times it could be activated in a row. This was the most terrifying point because the other sects¡¯ Taboos could only be used once in a short period of time.


    Although there was a high chance that the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo couldn¡¯t be used many times, they didn¡¯t dare to gamble and there was no need.


    As such, the ancestors of the Spirit Dawn Valley and the Heavenly Treasure Sect immediately spoke.


    ¡°My sect agrees to the Seven Blood Eyes joining the alliance!¡±


    ¡°My sect seconds the motion!¡±


    The agreement of these two sects seemed to be forced by the situation, but it wasn¡¯t the case in Soaring Cloud¡¯s eyes. He recalled the Taboo light he had activated to intimidate the Seven Blood Eyes back then. At that time, the hidden target of the alliance was the Minor Affairs Sect.


    However, on the surface, it was to intimidate the Seven Blood Eyes. Originally, the plan was only for his sect to activate their Taboo. However, for some reason, the Spirit Dawn Valley and the Heavenly Treasure Sect also activated their Taboos.


    Although they gave an explanation later, from the looks of it now, the two sects had clearly done so because they were worried that he wouldn¡¯t follow the plan and really attack the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°They colluded long ago!¡± The face of the Soaring Cloud Ancestor was pale. With the agreement of the Spirit Dawn Valley and the Heavenly Treasure Sect, the other four sects¡¯ ancestors also wanted to agree.


    Seeing this, he wailed in his mind and wanted to attack. However, the feeling of life and death in that instant made him unable to be resolute, but the reputation on stake was far more than just the life lantern and he was unable to end this so simply. An ancient voice suddenly rang out leisurely from the sky.


    ¡°We¡¯re all family. Why make a big fuss? Everything is a misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Soaring Cloud, return. The other fellow Daoists also come back. Fellow Daoist Xue Lianzi, our alliance welcomes you to join the Senate and the Seven Blood Eyes to join the alliance. You can come and discuss the details of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ migration with us.¡±


    ¡°This is an oath and Wanggu shall bear witness. After the discussion, the Seven Sects Alliance will be changed to the Eight Sects Alliance.¡±


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Xue Lianzi, what do you think?¡±


    This voice was gentle. As it drifted in the wind, a huge face appeared in the sky. Its aura was astonishing and as soon as it appeared, it formed a suppression that enveloped the nine first stage Nihility ancestors below.


    However, the pressure didn¡¯t spread to the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples and the sect.


    This face belonged to a middle-aged cultivator. He looked like a scholar and didn¡¯t seem to be filled with hostility at all. He calmly looked at Xue Lianzi. At the same time, there was an even larger face on this face that was exactly the same.


    It was just like stacked layers. There was a third, a fourth, a fifth¡­ Each of them was larger than the other and spread for an unknown distance. There were so many of them that it was impossible to count. As it got higher and higher, the people of the world couldn¡¯t see the limit. They even had the illusion that the sky above the Nanhuang Continent was filled with this person.


    ¡°Greetings, Alliance Leader!¡±


    ¡°Greetings, Alliance Leader!¡± The ancestors of the Seven Sects Alliance all had solemn expressions as they bowed respectfully to the faces in the sky.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s breathing to become hurried. The captain revealed a strange glint in his eyes, and Old Master Seventh, who was in front, also lifted his head and stared as he mumbled softly.


    ¡°Second stage of the Nihility Realm, Illusory and Truth Myriad Transformations¡­¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the sky. A huge wave rose in his mind and desire slowly appeared in his eyes. He also wanted to become that powerful.


    Xue Lianzi also took a deep breath and bowed to the huge face, agreeing to this matter.


    At the next instant, the faces in the sky dissipated. The expression of the Soaring Cloud Ancestor was ugly. With a flick of his sleeve, he swept up the sect¡¯s disciples who were previously aggressive but later trembled in fear and left.


    As for the other ancestors, they cupped their fists toward Xue Lianzi and Esteemed Master Dongyou before leaving. The Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s ancestor was a woman, but her appearance couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. Before she left, she glanced at the Seventh Peak and seemed to smile before leaving.


    Only the ancestors of the Spirit Dawn Valley and the Heavenly Treasure Sect stayed behind and didn¡¯t leave immediately.


    They were a man and a woman. The woman looked gentle, while the man had a full beard. Regardless of appearance or aura, they emitted a sense of transcendence. Their gazes flickered as they smiled at Xue Lianzi and Esteemed Master Dongyou and looked like they were reminiscing about their past.


    Clearly, the four of them had known each other long ago and their relationship was extraordinary. Now that the matter was settled, there was no need to hide anything.


    ¡°We¡¯ll wait for you at the Alliance.¡±


    ¡°Brother Xue, welcome to the Alliance!¡±


    Xue Lianzi laughed. Esteemed Master Dongyou¡¯s expression was relaxed. After talking about the old days, the Spirit Dawn Valley and the Heavenly Treasure Sect¡¯s ancestors bade farewell and stepped into the sky, returning to the Wanggu Continent.


    As everyone left and Old Master Seventh¡¯s disciple accepting ceremony ended, Xue Lianzi announced all the plans of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The Seven Blood Eyes would join the Seven Sects Alliance and the alliance would become the Eight Sects Alliance. They would migrate over in a few days.


    After the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples completely understood this matter, they were excited. This excitement lasted for seven to eight days and still didn¡¯t decrease. The entire sect was filled with celebratory mood. This was what they talked about every day.


    On the other hand, Xu Qing remained low key. Although he had become the fourth highness of the Seventh Peak, he was focused on adapting to the second life lantern in his body during this period of time.


    The sect didn¡¯t ask about his two life lanterns at all. This was tacit approval.


    Several days later, the sect issued an announcement.


    Three days later, the Seven Blood Eyes would form a negotiation team led by the ancestor and Old Master Seventh. They would head to the Wanggu Continent¡¯s Seven Sects Alliance to discuss the details of the integration and relocation.


    The relocation and integration of a sect was definitely not a small matter. They would have to negotiate about many things. However, the person negotiating wasn¡¯t Xu Qing. He was arranged to be an attendee.


    The captain, the third highness, and several highnesses from the other peaks participated as well.


    This time, the Seven Sects Alliance would restrain all their arrogance and welcome their arrival with an equal attitude and high-standard etiquette.


    The night before he set off, Xu Qing had a dream.


    Over these years, he rarely dreamed.


    In the dream, he returned to his childhood, to his parents¡¯ side, to the city he was born in.


    At that time, he was not a vagrant.


    At that time, he still had a happy family.


    At that time, he still didn¡¯t know the evil of this world.


    In the dream, his parents¡¯ appearances were a little blurry. He tried his best to remember them but they still gradually faded through the years. This had nothing to do with the cultivation base. This was human instinct.


    However, his older brother appeared very clearly in the dream.


    He had an older brother.


    In the dream, his brother had a very good relationship with him. The two of them grew up together, played in the mud together, laughed and joked together, went to school together, and whispered to each other at night.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body was very weak as a child. Every time he was bullied, it was his older brother who would run over and beat away the children who bullied him. He would help the fallen Xu Qing up and then pat his head. His voice was very gentle and warm.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, brother¡¯s here.¡±

 Chapter 366 - 366 You Want to Eat It Alone?

    366 You Want to Eat It Alone?


    October, autumn.


    In the northern part of the Nanhuang Continent, the main city of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The sky was clear except for wisps of white clouds that transformed into long catkins. It was as though a scholar was painting in the sky with white paint. With a few casual strokes, it created a beautiful scene.


    It was the same for the land. The main city was filled with liveliness and prosperity. The people were smiling as they went about their businesses. This was because the Seven Blood Eyes had already announced their plan to migrate.


    Anyone who paid taxes for ten years or more to the Seven Blood Eyes could apply to head to the Wanggu Continent.


    They would have to take care of the teleportation fees themselves.


    However, this was something countless cultivators in the Nanhuang Continent dreamed of, let alone the mortals in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    While the city was filled with excitement, outside the first port, seven large ships were lined up majestically. These ships were all purple and of the same model. They were over 30,000 feet long and looked like warships.


    They were covered in spirit jade tiles and gold plates. A huge blood eye that emitted a savage aura was placed at the bow of the ships.


    There were also nine tails waving at the stern. They were strange but also shockingly terrifying.


    There were also extremely complex array formations on the huge ships.


    If someone who understood array formations saw this, they would definitely gasp in horror. This was because the complexity of this array formation allowed any huge ship to instantly transform into a war fortress after they were fully activated.


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples were boarding these ships.


    Looking at their clothes, there were disciples from all the peaks.


    Moreover, these disciples had extraordinary auras and powerful cultivation bases. Their presence caused the surrounding disciples to let out excited cries.


    ¡°I saw the second highness of the First Peak. It¡¯s said that he went into seclusion after losing to Saintly Star. Now that he¡¯s out of seclusion, he has definitely gotten more powerful!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just him. Look over there. That¡¯s the eldest highnesses of the Third and Fourth Peaks.¡±


    ¡°The highnesses of the Second and Fifth Peaks are also here.¡±


    As the disciples on the shore discussed, the captain, who was standing on one of these huge purple ships, curled his lips as he looked at this scene.


    ¡°Are they looking to take revenge? Previously, they had no choice but to go easy and show weakness, but they must have felt furious inwardly, so they are going to use this chance to clear their humiliation?¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, do you think we should take revenge on Little Kunkun too? He has an older brother who might also have the Mystic Nether Fingers!¡± The captain took an apple and took a bite before looking at Xu Qing, who was meditating cross-legged beside him.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes. He was actually made to participate in this trip by Old Master Seventh to familiarize him with the Wanggu Continent in advance.


    He wasn¡¯t the only one. In reality, every peak had a similar arrangement. Basically, the people who were going this time were the first few highnesses of the various peaks. As for the Seventh Peak, other than Second Senior Sister who didn¡¯t want to go, the other three were all going.


    Hearing the captain¡¯s words, Xu Qing fell silent for a moment and nodded. After the Alliance entry was confirmed, the sect wouldn¡¯t let him continue to imprison Huang Yikun and the others, so they were all released.


    ¡°He still has some prison expenditures to settle, so he wrote an IOU before he was released. I can go ask for it this time,¡± Xu Qing explained.


    The captain¡¯s eyes lit up and he threw an apple to Xu Qing.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. We¡¯re not going to cause trouble, we¡¯re only going to collect the debts. Oh right, Little Qing, have the others settled the bills?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve all written IOUs.¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Haha, Little Qing, I admire this point of yours. You have a good reason for everything you do, just like me. I think we¡¯re reasonable people, unlike Third Brother who does things by force. He is too much. Eh? Where did Third Brother go again?¡± The captain was beaming with joy as he looked around.


    ¡°He¡¯s probably either flattering the old man or going to the other peaks to have a heart-to-heart chat with the female disciples. Let me tell you, ever since he entered the sect, I didn¡¯t like him. I originally planned to matchmake Second Sister with him and watch him get beaten up every day.¡±


    The captain looked regretful.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain but remained quiet.


    Very soon, after the other peaks boarded the ships one after another, the seven huge ships outside the port let out rumbling sounds as they slowly moved off. They left the port and set sail on the Forbidden Sea, heading for the Wanggu Continent.


    In this trip, the leaders of the Seven Blood Eyes were the ancestor, Xue Lianzi, and Old Master Seventh. The peak lords of the other peaks stayed behind to guard the sect and prepare to migrate.


    Nanhuang Continent was extremely far from the Wanggu Continent. It would take too long if they just traveled normally.


    As soon as these seven giant ships left the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ port, they all turned blurry. With the help of the sect¡¯s array formation, the array formations of the giant ships instantly activated together and disappeared without a trace under waves of rumbling sounds.


    When they reappeared, they were within the range of the merfolk island.


    They didn¡¯t stop. With the help of the array formations on the merfolk islands, they teleported again and arrived at the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s sub islands.


    Just like that, after borrowing the power of the array formations set up on the islands a few times, the Seven Blood Eyes soon arrived at the shore of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s main island. This place was only a single teleportation away from the Wanggu Continent.


    Even if they didn¡¯t teleport, they would be able to reach the Wanggu Continent in three days at most.


    Here, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples had a day of freedom. They could get off the ships.


    Although they were visiting a foreign place, they were filled with curiosity about their sect¡¯s Taboo magic treasure. As the outstanding talents of the various peaks, they were destined to be the future representatives of the Seven Blood Eyes. It was even more necessary for them to understand their sect¡¯s Taboo.


    After the giant ships stopped, one figure after another flew out of the seven giant ships and headed straight for the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo in the distance. Xu Qing looked into the distance and the incomparably astonishing ancient bronze mirror was reflected in his eyes.


    There were also the 14 towering ancestral corpse statues below. Every one of them emitted an ancient aura. The strangest thing was the seven closed eyes above them.


    After the birth of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo, the remaining territories of the Sea Corpse Race naturally surrendered to the Seven Blood Eyes without any bloodshed. From then on, the Sea Corpse Race bade farewell to their history and became a subsidiary group of the Seven Blood Eyes. As long as the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo stood, their fate wouldn¡¯t change.


    Miao Chen was released as he wasn¡¯t of any use anymore.


    Now, no one paid attention to the Sea Corpse Race. The gazes of the various forces in the Yinghuang Province landed on the Seven Blood Eyes, the first force in the Yinghuang Province to forcefully advance from a lower sect in the past ten thousand years.


    ¡°Little Qing, I have some private matters to discuss with an old friend. Sigh, it was because of her that I was able to escape this place back then. You probably guessed who it is, right? So, it¡¯s not convenient for me to bring you along this time. I¡¯ll leave now. Senior Brother trusts you on this matter. Don¡¯t tell outsiders.¡±


    The captain quickly surveyed his surroundings. After discovering that the people from the other ships had all gone to the place where the Taboo magic treasure was, he transmitted his voice to Xu Qing before getting off the ship with solemn expression and heading straight for the distance.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over. He then stood up and chased after the captain with a normal expression.


    ¡°Why are you following me?¡± The captain sensed Xu Qing¡¯s arrival and instantly became vigilant.


    ¡°I also have a private matter,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    The captain blinked and put on a look of realization.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to kill Miao Chen, right? I have gotten his location for you. Hurry up and go.¡± As the captain spoke, he threw a jade slip to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing stored the jade slip before continuing to follow the captain.


    ¡°Why are you still following me?¡± The captain was a little anxious.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. His gaze swept across the surroundings. After that, his body swayed and landed in a canyon that was relatively hidden on the ground. He then looked at the captain.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, take it out. We only have a day. We have to eat it quickly.¡±


    ¡°Eat what?¡± The captain¡¯s eyes widened as he took a few steps back.


    ¡°Eat the nose. I went to the museum last night and found that the nose was gone. Didn¡¯t you take it? Or were you thinking of eating it alone?¡± Xu Qing asked in surprise.


    The captain fell silent. After that, he blinked and laughed.


    ¡°Haha, as expected, nothing can be hidden from you, Junior Brother. That¡¯s right, that¡¯s right. My plan was for the two of us to eat together. I was just joking with you just now.¡±


    The captain coughed. After scanning his surroundings, he endured the heartache and took out an item from his storage bag.


    With a boom, the item landed on the ground.


    This item was the nose of the ancestral corpse statue.


    When it was in the Seven Blood Eyes, it was just an ordinary stone. However, as soon as it appeared here, it emitted astonishing fluctuations. It emitted astonishing spiritual quality and aura.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes lit up and he immediately sat down cross-legged. The cultivation base in his body circulated ferociously and the two canopies appeared. The Golden Crow also manifested and inhaled fiercely.


    The captain immediately became anxious. In reality, he was worried that Xu Qing would absorb it quickly, so he thought of secretly absorbing more than half of it before tossing the rest to Xu Qing.


    Now that his plan had been seen through and Xu Qing had started to devour it so savagely, he hurriedly hugged it. His eyes were red as he did his best to absorb it.


    Just like that, while the highnesses of the other peaks were sighing with emotion at the majesty of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo, Xu Qing and the captain were secretly having a feast.


    A terrifying power instantly gathered in Xu Qing¡¯s body. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and shadow also quickly rushed out and absorbed the energy of the nose together.


    ¡°This is too much, too much, too much!¡± The captain became even more anxious. He decided to use his teeth as well and bit down on the stone. As though he felt that it wasn¡¯t enough, he used some unknown method and large mouths grew on his body and they all bit down.


    Cracks started appearing on the nose as the two of them continued to use their own methods to crazily absorb it.


    The 93rd magic aperture in Xu Qing¡¯s body was instantly opened. This wasn¡¯t the end. Very soon, the 94th and 95th apertures were opened one after another.


    One had to know that the power needed to open his magic apertures now was dozens of times greater than before. However, they were still opened one by one. One could see how terrifying the power contained in this nose was.


    Just like that, time flowed by and a day soon passed. When most of the highnesses of the Seven Blood Eyes returned to the ship, Xu Qing¡¯s magic apertures had opened to 101!


    As for this ancestral corpse statue¡¯s nose, it had decreased by 40%. It had all been eaten by the captain.


    Although the remaining part was still a lot, their spiritual quality had decreased. If he wanted to absorb it, he needed a higher cultivation base. Otherwise, he would have to eat it like the captain.


    Xu Qing hesitated for a moment. He felt that he shouldn¡¯t be able to digest it, so he waited for a while. After the captain swallowed half of the nose with great difficulty, Xu Qing immediately stored the nose.


    The captain burped and his stomach was bulging as he lay there with his limbs spread out. He exuded a sense of weakness.


    ¡°I ate too much¡­ Little Qing, help me up. I can¡¯t get up.¡±

 Chapter 367 - 367 Just Like a Cycle

    367 Just Like a Cycle


    Looking at the captain¡¯s expression, Xu Qing sighed.


    ¡°Why did you eat so much?¡±


    ¡®If I didn¡¯t eat it, it would all be absorbed by you, kid. You can absorb it with your entire body!¡¯ The captain thought to himself that he just wanted to eat it alone. He was the main culprit of that event, so it was normal for him to eat it alone. Why was Xu Qing so cunning? He actually sensed it.


    ¡°You also want to eat it alone, right?¡± The captain quickly reacted and looked at Xu Qing warily.


    Xu Qing looked into the captain¡¯s eyes and shook his head seriously.


    While the captain was puzzled, Xu Qing went forward and helped him up.


    ¡°It¡¯s that old man¡¯s fault for talking about raising wolves and what not. Tell me, how can a master not give resources to his disciples? Look at the other peaks. The masters will give disciples whatever they want. As for us¡­¡± The captain sighed.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He understood Old Master Seventh¡¯s style. Old Master Seventh could give his disciples cultivation arts, life-saving items, protection, and so on, but he wouldn¡¯t give them Dao Protectors or cultivation resources.


    They had to rely on themselves to fight and obtain everything. Only then could they become the Wolf King. Otherwise, he would have raised a domestic dog. This could be seen from the captain and Third Senior Brother. They used all kinds of methods to obtain cultivation resources.


    ¡°Also, if you encounter a treasure like Saintly Star next time, call me. We can make a fortune together.¡± The captain looked at Xu Qing eagerly.


    Xu Qing hurriedly nodded and supported the captain as they left the canyon and returned to the giant ship.


    Not long later, the giant ship rumbled. This time, it didn¡¯t teleport but sailed to the Wanggu Continent.


    On the way, the captain must have eaten too much and had some problems with the digestion as he started twitching. Old Master Seventh looked like he was used to it and didn¡¯t say anything. After slapping him unconscious and sending him to rest, he called Xu Qing to accompany him to watch the sunrise.


    Third Senior Brother stayed with the female disciples of the Second Peak and did not return. Hence, other than some ordinary disciples, only Xu Qing and Old Master Seventh were left on the Seventh Peak¡¯s ship.


    The sea breeze blew over with humidity, stirring up black water foam that splattered on the bow of the ship before being dispersed by an invisible force.


    Xu Qing stood beside Old Master Seventh and looked at the pitch-black sky in the distance.


    ¡°Fourth, do you know about the Wanggu Continent?¡± Old Master Seventh asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know much.¡± Xu Qing shook his head. In front of Old Master Seventh, he was still a little reserved.


    ¡°The Wanggu Continent is endless and the Yinghuang Province is only a corner. However, even if it¡¯s a corner, it¡¯s still the size of ten Nanhuang Continents.¡±


    Old Master Seventh calmly spoke and told Xu Qing about the Yinghuang Province.


    ¡°The entire Yinghuang Province is similar to a peninsula. It¡¯s surrounded by the sea on three sides and there¡¯s Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain that connects the north and south, and Immortal Enrichment River that runs through it from east to east. Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain is a mountain range that contains hundreds of thousands of mountains. They are all treacherous mountains that contain countless sects, nonhuman races, bizarre entities, and so on.¡±


    ¡°The river is a good river. Immortal Qi fills it and its water can wash away anomalous substances. Hence, the territories near it are hotly contested spots. It flows from another province to the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, which occupies 30% of the entire eastern lands of the Yinghuang Province. It then flows out of its sphere of influence and passes through the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain. After it flows into the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region, it enters the sea at the end of the west.¡±


    ¡°At the place where it intersects with the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain, there was originally a tributary of the river that would flow into the Seven Sects Alliance through the river course under the mountain range. However, many years ago, this tributary was stopped by a dam built by the Minor Affairs Sect. Some time ago, the Minor Affairs Sect¡¯s dam collapsed and the river meandered down again, flowing into the Seven Sects Alliance.¡±


    ¡°The location of the Seven Sects Alliance is the southern part of the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain, near the Forbidden Sea. On the other side of the mountain range is the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain.¡±


    ¡°As for the Litu Dao Altar and the Nanyue Ghost Mountain, they are located on the two sides of the Immortal Enrichment River in the west. After the river there passes through the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region, it becomes pitch-black and completely changes. From a good river, it transforms into evil water which is very suitable for the evil god power of the Nanyue Ghost Mountain. Moreover, the Litu Dao Altar itself is strange and doesn¡¯t care much about this.¡±


    ¡°Lastly, there¡¯s the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. It¡¯s located in the northernmost snowfield and is at the border of the province.¡±


    At this point, in the distant horizon, the sky seemed to be burning and a huge sea of fire rose. Xu Qing lifted his head and stared at it. Gradually, he saw a red sun that was like a huge fireball slowly appearing in his eyes.


    ¡°Rest well. We¡¯ll arrive in two days. The moment we get off the ship, suppress those people from the Alliance for me. We have to hide when we should and reveal when we should.¡± Old Master Seventh voice lingered as his figure disappeared.


    Xu Qing looked at the red sun in the distance and sat down cross-legged, silently meditating.


    Very soon, two days passed. When a vast horizon in the distance appeared in everyone¡¯s sight, the captain finally recovered and he became lively again. The third highness also returned on time.


    The eyes of the various highnesses on the other giant ships gleamed as they rubbed their palms together. The intention of avenging their previous humiliation was especially obvious.


    This lasted until the giant ships got closer to the Wanggu Continent. Gradually, a majestic and astonishing city reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    This city was so large that there seemed to be no end to it. Comparatively, the Seven Blood Eyes felt like a town. Regardless of scale, population, or luxury, Seven Blood Eyes was far inferior.


    The architectural style was very different. The feeling this city gave Xu Qing was similar to the style of Purple Earth. It was filled with magnificence and antiquity but at the same time, it didn¡¯t lack exquisiteness.


    From afar, Xu Qing could see seven gigantic mountain peaks of different shapes and sizes standing in this endless city. The distance between them was very large. It was as though the cities here were all built against the mountains and were connected to each other. Only then did they form such a vast and majestic city.


    Every mountain emitted astonishing pressure. There were also statues standing at the top of the mountains. Some were of humans, some were sea beasts, some were tall towers, and some were huge swords that wanted to soar into the sky.


    Almost at the instant the seven giant ships of the Seven Blood Eyes sailed into the port, the bells of the Seven Sects Alliance rang.


    There were a total of 12 rings.


    This represented an extremely high level of welcoming etiquette. There were even two ancestors who came to receive the Seven Blood Eyes. They were the ancestors of the Second Peak and the Sixth Peak. There were also the sect masters of the two sects.


    Besides them, the disciples of the seven sects stood solemnly on the shore to welcome the Seven Blood Eyes. However, their eyes were filled with vigilance and hostility.


    This was especially so for the disciples who belonged to the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect. All of their eyes contained a cold glint as they swept their gazes across the people from the Seven Blood Eyes and finally locked onto Xu Qing.


    In reality, they weren¡¯t the only ones. After the disciples of the other sects swept their gazes over, they all looked at Xu Qing. Most of the male disciples¡¯ gazes were strange and complicated. As for the female disciples, their expressions changed slightly and surprise slowly appeared in their eyes.


    When they were looking at Xu Qing, the highnesses of the various peaks on the giant ships also stepped out one after another. When they stepped out, they fully displayed their cultivation bases and ignited their life fires, entering the Mystic Brilliance Form.


    Although they were not at four fires, each peak had its own characteristics. They had a way to increase their combat strength and break through the limit.


    In order to become an upper sect, the Seven Blood Eyes had prepared for so many years. Such a huge plan naturally included the growth of the disciples. It could be said that this generation of disciples was the result of the most concentrated efforts of the various peaks.


    At this moment, their imposing auras shook the surroundings.


    Bizarre entities¡¯ cries sounded beside some of them, some were covered in high-grade magic artifacts, some had array patterns spreading out with every step they took, and some looked ordinary but their entire bodies were covered in ferocious beast tattoos.


    They were itching to start a fight with the disciples of the seven sects on the shore.


    As for the seven sects¡¯ disciples, as members of the upper sects, they naturally had their own strong points. All of them also released their auras and stepped forward.


    As the auras of both sides clashed, Xu Qing walked out. His expression was as calm as ever as he looked at the shore but he didn¡¯t find anyone familiar.


    Not a single heaven¡¯s chosen from the various sects who had been to the Seven Blood Eyes before came. Clearly, they had guessed that the highnesses of the Seven Blood Eyes had gone easy on them previously and that they would come to avenge themselves.


    Although Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to be in the limelight, his master had requested it. As such, when the disciples of the various peaks got off the boat and the cultivators of the Seven Sects Alliance on the shore took a step forward in unison, Xu Qing also took a step forward.


    With this step, the world changed.


    A monstrous aura erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s body, causing the wind and clouds to stir. A storm rose in all directions and rumbled as it spread out. Even the sunlight seemed to gather on his body at this moment.


    Not to mention his gaze.


    Xu Qing was dressed in a purple robe with golden patterns and wore the Purple Heaven Infinite Crown. There were two canopies above him. One was black, flames flowed along the edges and seemed to form an emperor¡¯s shield, emitted a soul-stirring might.


    The other was rainbow colored that shone dazzlingly. As the light circulated, it looked extremely luxurious. There was also the sound of the wind echoing around it that sounded like it came from the nine heavens. It was extremely pleasant to the ears and at the same time, it caused the wind and clouds to surge.


    Behind him, a cry rang out, echoing through the clouds. A huge Golden Crow manifested and flew above Xu Qing, looking down at the disciples on the shore.


    Coupled with Xu Qing¡¯s peerless appearance, he was like an emperor descending into the human world!


    This scene caused the expressions of the Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s disciples on the shore to change drastically. Their minds shook as though lightning had struck them and they had no choice but to retreat.


    Xu Qing walked forward. The combat strength of the six fires in his body spread out and formed a terrifying pressure, transforming into terrifying energy fluctuations that seemed capable of destroying everything. This caused the foreheads of the retreating disciples to sweat and horror appeared in their eyes as they retreated again.


    One person suppressed the entire shore!


    This scene was like a cycle, similar to when Saintly Star stepped into the Seven Blood Eyes.


    However, the current Xu Qing was even more terrifying, shocking, and eye-catching than Saintly Star back then. This was because he had two canopies!


    ¡°Xu Qing!¡±


    ¡°The number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the Seven Blood Eyes, Xu Qing!¡±


    ¡°The highnesses of the various sects were captured and Saintly Star was defeated by him. Xu Qing has an extremely terrifying combat strength of six fires, and this isn¡¯t his limit!¡±


    ¡°With the enhancement from an emperor-level cultivation art and two life lanterns, he is unmatched. This is peerless talent!¡±

 Chapter 368 - 368 Exotic Atmosphere

    368 Exotic Atmosphere


    Xu Qing walked out and suppressed the surroundings. He immediately became the center of attention just by standing there.


    This elegance that once belonged to Saintly Star was now enhanced in Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    This was also because of his peerless appearance. He was like a rising star, causing the disciples of the Seven Sects Alliance on the shore to have no choice but to lower their heads. The female disciples among them revealed strange gazes.


    In the sky, Xue Lianzi watched this scene with satisfaction. Beside him, Old Master Seventh also had a smile on his face. As for the Spirit Dawn Valley and the Heavenly Treasure Sect¡¯s ancestors opposite them, they smiled and shook their heads as their gazes swept past Xu Qing.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡±


    ¡°Juniors, you have quite some vitality. You can¡¯t be like us.¡± Xue Lianzi laughed and flew into the distance with the two good friends who came to welcome him.


    After the older generation in the sky left, the atmosphere on the shore became even more intense. However, Xu Qing¡¯s existence completely suppressed the atmosphere, causing the male disciples in the Seven Sects Alliance to sigh in their minds.


    Compared to the Seven Blood Eyes, the atmosphere here in the Seven Sects Alliance was very open. Hence, the heat emitted by the eyes of those female disciples made Xu Qing a little unaccustomed.


    He didn¡¯t like being so ostentatious.


    Hence, after suppressing the scene, he dispersed the colorful clothes on his body and stepped into the flying ship that the Seven Sects Alliance used to receive guests.


    Very soon, the captain also ran over.


    Third Senior Brother clicked his tongue when he arrived at the flying ship.


    ¡°Junior Brother, not bad. I¡¯ll teach you a few moves later. You will definitely have incomparable appeal among the female disciples in the Alliance.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at his third senior brother but didn¡¯t reply. The captain took an apple and sneered after taking a bite.


    ¡°Old Third, you pervert. You need to stop it, Little Qing is the same as me. He walks the cold path. Your moves are useless.¡±


    Third Senior Brother smiled. He sat on the flying ship and looked around, his eyes filled with emotions.


    Just like that, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ group traversed the city under the escort of the welcoming disciples in the surroundings. On the way, the feeling of a foreign region gushed into Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    Although the buildings here had the style of Purple Earth, there were many small domed buildings mixed in. The color was mainly white, so they gave off a very tidy feeling.


    The vegetation in the city also looked different from the Nanhuang Continent. The trees had few leaves and the trunks were very thick. There were also some that emitted a light fragrance. When they passed by, their bodies would naturally absorb some of that fragrance.


    Xu Qing took a sniff and confirmed that this wasn¡¯t poison but a natural medicinal catalyst. It could slowly strengthen the physique and increase the circulation of cultivation by a little.


    On their way, Xu Qing also saw small rivers winding in the city. The river water emitted dense spiritual energy that nourished all living beings.


    The temperature of the place where the Alliance was located was also different from the Seven Blood Eyes. It was warmer and the people in the city wore lighter clothes.


    Looking at the complexion of their faces that were filled with curiosity, few looked malnourished. Most of them had hope and light in their eyes. The temperament of the upper sect was displayed in every detail.


    This place was only a corner of the Alliance¡¯s city. The area was so large that Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see the end even when he looked from the flying ship.


    This was a majestic city.


    Not long later, everyone from the Seven Blood Eyes arrived at the designated place. This was one of the places where the Seven Sects Alliance entertained guests.


    It was a residence that occupied a very large area. There were dozens of pavilions of various sizes inside. Every one of them was carved with jade bricks and looked luxurious.


    The Seven Sects Alliance¡¯s disciples bade farewell after reaching here. After the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ members settled down, they left one after another. This was their first time in the Alliance and they were extremely curious, so they wanted to take a look around.


    As for the old fellows, they were catching up. The negotiation and discussions would be carried out tomorrow.


    The highnesses of the various peaks dispersed. Xu Qing had just finished checking the house he had been arranged to stay in and set up some array formations he carried with him. He also scattered some poison powder. Shortly after, the captain and Third Senior Brother looked for him.


    ¡°Junior Brother, come, come, come. Senior Brother will bring you for a stroll.¡± The captain winked at Xu Qing, looking like he was bringing him to see the world.


    Xu Qing looked over suspiciously.


    At the side, Third Senior Brother also winked at Xu Qing and smiled.


    ¡°Just now, I asked some old friends in the Alliance. They strongly recommend the immortal pool here.¡±


    ¡°Before the Immortal Enrichment River flowed into the Alliance, there were very few immortal pools in the Alliance. Now that the river has arrived, many immortal pools have opened. Let¡¯s soak in them.¡±


    There was a glint in the captain¡¯s eyes. After looking around, he whispered to Xu Qing and Old Third.


    ¡°I heard that there are some immortal pools which allow mixed-gender baths. That is too much. How can such a thing be carried out so openly? Let¡¯s go over quietly and criticize!¡±


    Xu Qing originally didn¡¯t want to go. He wanted to cultivate but he couldn¡¯t withstand the persuasion of the captain and Third Senior Brother. In the end, he reluctantly nodded.


    The three of them changed their clothes and walked on the streets of Alliance City.


    There were people coming and going from the shops in the surroundings and there was an endless stream of pedestrians on the streets. The bustling scene formed by the sounds from the people and accents that were slightly different from the Nanhuang Continent caused the exotic feeling to surge over again.


    The captain even bought a lot of fruits that he had never seen before from a fruit stall. He threw one to Xu Qing and Old Third each. The three of them ate as they looked around.


    ¡°This place is too big. It¡¯s more than ten times larger than our Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city. Old Third, you¡¯re from the Wanggu Continent. You should be familiar with this place, right?¡±


    Xu Qing looked at his surroundings and sighed with emotion.


    ¡°Actually, there¡¯s not just one main city in the Alliance. This is a super majestic city formed by the connection of the seven sects¡¯ main cities,¡± Third Senior Brother said with a smile.


    ¡°The area we¡¯re in is only the city area of the Heavenly Treasure Sect.¡±


    ¡°And outside this vast and majestic city, there are countless small countries and 130 sects that rely on the Alliance.¡±


    ¡°This time, one of the many topics of our Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ discussion is to choose a location to integrate into this city and become a part of this majestic city after we migrate over.¡±


    Third Senior Brother introduced as he walked.


    Xu Qing listened attentively while the captain looked left and right, seemingly looking for something.


    ¡°The last special point of the Seven Sects Alliance isn¡¯t just the combination of seven cities but the sect grounds of the seven sects are also here. Moreover, their cultivation arts, foundations, lands of fortune are open to the Alliance.¡±


    Third Senior Brother pointed at the huge white mountain in the distance.


    ¡°That¡¯s the sect ground of the Heavenly Treasure Sect.¡±


    ¡°Any sect can go there to learn and comprehend. However, it¡¯s not free. The fee is extremely high.¡±


    ¡°Our Seven Blood Eyes also has them. The homeland of the Sea Corpse Race can be considered our Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ land of fortune too.¡±


    Just like that, as Third Senior Brother introduced various things, the three of them slowly arrived at the center of the city. There was a very luxurious building built beside a river.


    This building was in the shape of a pentagon and occupied a large area. One could see the river water being drawn in. After it was treated, it was divided into many streams that flowed into different areas of the building.


    This place was clearly lively. There were many male and female disciples entering and exiting, and their clothes were all different. Clearly, there were cultivators from all the sects in the Alliance. Not only were there disciples from the seven sects, but there were also a large number of disciples from the 130 sects outside.


    ¡°It¡¯s here.¡± The captain¡¯s eyes lit up as he pulled Xu Qing and Old Third in. Old Third took the initiative to pay some fees and very soon, the three of them were brought to a huge pool.


    Fog lingered in the pool and one could faintly see scarcely-dressed male and female cultivators in the pool. There weren¡¯t many of them. Some were whispering and some were cultivating with their eyes closed.


    Vision wasn¡¯t very clear in this fog.


    After arriving here, Xu Qing immediately sensed that the spiritual energy in the pool was dense and contained a sense of purity. There were actually no anomalous substances in it.


    If a cultivator soaked in it, they would definitely be able to cleanse the anomalous substances in their bodies as they used their breathing technique.


    Although he didn¡¯t have any anomalous substances, he would be able to cultivate twice as fast here.


    ¡°As expected, it¡¯s a mixed bath.¡± The captain coughed and immediately took off his clothes. He only wore a simple shirt and walked into the pool. Third Senior Brother was the same. After some hesitation, Xu Qing decided to take off his coat as well. After stepping into the pool, he found a place and sat down cross-legged.


    The water temperature was moderate. After soaking his entire body, a comfortable feeling filled his heart. Spiritual energy also flowed into his body through the pores on his body, causing Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation to slowly circulate at this moment.


    The three of them were in a corner and had put on some disguise, pretending to be Alliance cultivators, so it was difficult for outsiders to notice them.


    Just like that, time slowly passed. New cultivators arrived in the pool and some left.


    Two hours later, as though something major had happened in the outside world, the cultivators of the Seven Sects Alliance in the pool started discussing.


    ¡°Is the Seven Blood Eyes that powerful?!¡±


    ¡°I just heard the news. Earlier, the eldest highness of the Third Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes challenged the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Bizarre Hunting Sect and fought three people in a row, defeating two of them. He was on par with Chen Yunhua, who is as famous as Sima Ling. Sima Ling avoided the battle!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the same in the Great Expansion Dao Palace. The eldest highness of the Fourth Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes is currently challenging them. I heard that the battle there is extremely intense. He even said that he would fight everyone below the Golden Core.¡±


    ¡°Back then, when the heaven¡¯s chosens of our Alliance went to the Seven Blood Eyes, I heard that they had continuous victories. Now, it seems that the Seven Blood Eyes have hidden themselves too deeply. They are now establishing their might.¡±


    Hearing these discussions, Xu Qing and the other two looked at each other. The captain suddenly spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°This is an opportunity to make a fortune.¡± After saying that, he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother is right. We should be able to return with a full harvest after handling this matter.¡± Third Senior Brother¡¯s expression was gentle as he also looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing fell silent and spoke after a long time.


    ¡°How do we split the gains?¡±

 Chapter 369 - 369 Everyone Is Sinister

    369 Everyone Is Sinister


    ¡°Third Brother will be in charge of publicizing this matter. I¡¯ll be in charge of receiving. Xu Qing, you can just be on the stage. You can get four, and we¡¯ll get three each,¡± the captain quickly said.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯ll go and publicize it. I¡¯ll say that Xu Qing is going to challenge the Alliance¡¯s heaven¡¯s chosens.¡± Third Senior Brother smiled and spoke softly.


    ¡°Yes. Just say that he isn¡¯t challenging all of them this time but choosing a few people to fight a life-and-death battle!¡± The captain took out an apple and took a bite.


    ¡°The exact name list hasn¡¯t been decided yet. I¡¯m considering who to challenge.¡± Xu Qing thought about it and spoke. The three of them looked at each other.


    The captain had a spurious smile, Third Senior Brother had a gentle expression, and Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm.


    ¡°It¡¯s settled then. Those people from the Alliance aren¡¯t fools. Anyone with a brain would think of sending some gifts.¡± The captain said while looking around furtively.


    ¡°The two of you, stay here. I¡¯ll go take a look at the other pools. There are too few female disciples here.¡± As he spoke, the captain stood up and left. Third Senior Brother also stretched his back and moved closer to the disciples of the other sects in the pool. His expression was gentle and he looked harmless.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and silently cultivated.


    However, very soon, Xu Qing opened his eyes. He saw a female disciple from the Alliance approaching him. Her face was slightly red as she carefully sat down.


    As for Third Senior Brother, Xu Qing swept his gaze over and discovered that he was chatting and laughing with a group of Alliance disciples. They looked very harmonious.


    Xu Qing remained silent. He knew that it was because the spiritual energy in the pool was very dense and had scattered some of his concealment.


    His concealment wasn¡¯t completely gone, unless it was someone familiar, it would be very difficult to recognize him at a glance. However, even though only a portion of his appearance was revealed, his face still exuded a demonic beauty.


    After some thought, Xu Qing closed his eyes and continued to meditate. However, not long later, he opened his eyes again.


    Around him, three more female disciples arrived. All of them sat around him and whispered to each other, as though they were discussing his appearance. There was even a bold female disciple who noticed that Xu Qing had opened his eyes and chuckled.


    ¡°Junior Brother, which sect are you from? You look a little unfamiliar.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and closed his eyes.


    Time flowed by. Two hours later, the captain returned from afar while humming a tune and eating an apple. He felt that the other pools were boring and there were fewer and fewer female disciples. Hence, he returned to look for Xu Qing and Old Third.


    However, when he got close to the pool and saw the place clearly, his eyes suddenly widened. He stopped humming and even forgot to eat the apple. He stared blankly at the pool that was still a little empty when he left earlier.


    At that moment, there were many cultivators here, and most of them were female disciples.


    Old Third was at one side of the pool with women on his left and right. He was chatting softly with four female disciples, occasionally causing those female disciples to laugh.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure had already disappeared from the corner. The spot where he was previously was filled with female cultivators.


    This scene caused the captain to sigh. He knew why there were fewer female disciples in the other pools. He was unconvinced and quickened his pace, wanting to enter the pool as well.


    However, there were too many people here. Just as the captain was about to enter the pool, a round-faced female disciple with freckles on her face glanced at him unhappily.


    ¡°There¡¯s no space here. As a man, don¡¯t come here anymore. Can¡¯t you go to another pool?¡±


    Seeing that Eldest Senior Brother was being criticized, Old Third smiled and patted the head of the female disciple beside him. He stood up and left the pool, pulling the depressed captain away.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here? Where¡¯s Old Fourth?¡± The captain turned his head and looked at the pool.


    ¡°Old Fourth has left long ago. As for the situation here, Eldest Senior Brother, can¡¯t you guess?¡±


    ¡°Homme fatale.¡± The captain sighed again.


    At that moment, Xu Qing had already returned to his residence and was sitting cross-legged and meditating. The spiritual energy in his body was dense. It had to be said that the Immortal Enrichment River was indeed mystical. Xu Qing felt that if someone cultivated here for a long time, no matter how many anomalous substances there were on their body, they would slowly be cleansed.


    Although it was impossible to clear them away completely and they would slowly grow, through continuous cultivation in such a place, the anomalous substances in their body would be almost negligible.


    ¡°No wonder the Alliance activated the Taboo and destroyed the Minor Affairs Sect¡¯s dam to attract the branch of the Immortal Enrichment River.¡± Xu Qing lifted his head and looked to the east.


    That direction was the territory of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. It was also the place where the Immortal Enrichment River flowed in and out of. 30% of the river passed through the territory of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    One could imagine that with their territory in the upper reaches of the river, the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect received the greatest benefits.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and continued to meditate.


    The night passed.


    When the morning arrived, the discussion group formed by the Seven Blood Eyes began to officially come into contact with the Seven Sects Alliance to discuss the details of the sect¡¯s ground location and integration.


    This concerned the integration of an upper sect, so it was destined that this discussion would not end quickly. The various aspects involved were extremely complicated, such as the array formations, the continuation of businesses, changes in laws and regulations, and so on.


    As an attendee, Xu Qing felt bored after participating in half of it. He decided to return to his residence and continue cultivating. He had completely fused the Rainbow Wind Song Lantern into his body. After completely mastering it, Xu Qing discovered an interesting change.


    That was¡­ when one possessed two life lanterns, they would enhance each other!


    This piqued Xu Qing¡¯s interest. Hence, he carefully explored and tested it.


    There were many highnesses of the various peaks who chose not to attend like him. Most of them found an excuse to slip away after showing their faces and began their respective challenge journeys.


    Very soon, there was a commotion among the disciples of the various sects in the alliance.


    The challenges of the various highnesses of the Seven Blood Eyes were extremely arrogant and imposing, especially the First Peak. The second highness led the team and headed straight for the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect.


    It was the same for the other peaks. While the higher-ups were discussing the details, the disciples were fully armed and ready, causing all kinds of discussions to rise and fall in the alliance city. The impact was getting greater and greater.


    Three days later, when the details of the migration matters were still being discussed by the representatives of both sides, the challenges of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ peaks against the seven sects had also reached its climax. Although there were victories and defeats, the Seven Blood Eyes were significantly more imposing.


    Especially when a piece of news spread, the entire alliance¡¯s disciples were in an uproar.


    This news was related to Xu Qing. It was about him choosing targets to challenge.


    As soon as this news spread, all the heaven¡¯s chosens of the various peaks of the Alliance felt danger. They were well aware of Xu Qing¡¯s existence. He was someone like Saintly Star with the combat strength of six fires who could fight against a Golden Core cultivator with a heavenly palace.


    No one was willing to fight against such a terrifying peerless cultivator, especially since the news also said that it was going to be a life-and-death battle. This made their hearts palpitate even more.


    As for avoiding the challenge, it concerned their reputation. Hence, smart people like Zhou Qifan secretly contacted the captain and gave him gifts to express their goodwill.


    This matter was quickly fanned and spread out. Hence, very soon, the heaven¡¯s chosens of the various peaks, who were worried about being challenged, arranged for their followers to secretly interact and express their goodwill.


    This matter naturally spread to the ears of the higher-ups of the Alliance. On this day, after discussing all the details with the Seven Blood Eyes and reaching a consensus, a representative of the Alliance expressed his dissatisfaction with the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ representative, Old Master Seventh.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine if the disciples of the other peaks of your Seven Blood Eyes challenge the seven sects, we can just treat it as a spar.¡±


    ¡°But that Xu Qing still wants to challenge someone with his combat strength of Six Fires? Isn¡¯t this bullying? Previously, we weren¡¯t in an alliance but now, we¡¯re a family!¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t there no challenge yet?¡± Old Master Seventh smiled.


    ¡°That is the most outrageous thing. Old Seventh, those few disciples of yours are actually fishing! In fact, your eldest disciple even spread the news that whoever gives less will have their names written on the list of life-and-death battles.¡±


    ¡°This is too much. Their manners are too ugly. Who did they learn this from?!¡±


    Old Master Seventh coughed dryly.


    ¡°It¡¯s indeed a little unsightly. However, they¡¯re all children and are just fooling around. Why are you guys taking it seriously? Oh right, I still have a question about the authority of the array formation after my sect arrives. Come, come, come, let¡¯s discuss it in detail.¡±


    When the representative of the Alliance heard this, they were speechless. What kind of people were these? They couldn¡¯t help but feel a little worried about the future situation of the Eight Sects Alliance.


    They really felt that the Seven Blood Eyes was too bandit-like.


    ¡°A few years ago, it wasn¡¯t like this¡­¡± The alliance representative sighed and wanted to ignore it. However, Old Master Seventh smiled and pulled him along, discussing seriously.


    Just like that, another two days passed. The detailed discussion between the Seven Blood Eyes and the alliance was finally completed. The alliance was also officially announced to the entire Yinghuang Province, causing the various forces in the Yinghuang Province that were paying attention to this matter to begin to reevaluate the Eight Sect Alliance.


    At the same time, the Nanhuang Continent¡¯s Seven Blood Eyes received an order from the ancestor. They began to start the migration on schedule. According to the plan, they had to complete the migration in a month.


    In addition, the Alliance would construct a teleportation array so that the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ arrival could be smoother.


    The battles between the highnesses of the other peaks and the seven sects continued. However, not many people were paying attention to them now. Everyone was paying attention to Xu Qing, wanting to see who he would challenge in the end.


    After all, there were still many disciples who had expressed their goodwill. Just as everyone was paying attention to the follow-up of this matter, Old Master Seventh sternly berated his three disciples in front of many people.


    His words were that as a member of the alliance, they couldn¡¯t make life-and-death challenges so rashly. He even mentioned that Xu Qing shouldn¡¯t bully the members of the alliance.


    Xu Qing and the other two looked like they were filled with shame. They felt as though they had been woken up by their master¡¯s scolding. They expressed that they realized that this matter was inappropriate and canceled the challenges¡­


    This caused this matter to come to a perfect end.


    This scene caused those Seven Sects¡¯ disciples who had expressed goodwill, such as Huang Yikun and Zhou Qifan, to smile bitterly. They could naturally tell that this was a scene directed by these masters and disciples of the Seventh Peak.


    ¡°How sinister!¡±


    ¡°A dignified Spirit Repository actually cooperated with a few disciples to do this¡­¡±


    ¡°But what can we say? Their every word is filled with logic.¡±


    Just when most of the Alliance¡¯s disciples felt that they had been tricked, a rumbling sound rang out from the Bizarre Hunting Sect. Sima Ru walked out of her seclusion. She hadn¡¯t succeeded in breaking through and the second heavenly palace hadn¡¯t been formed yet.


    However, looking at her younger brother¡¯s miserable state and thinking of the destruction of her avatar, she came out of seclusion early.


    The first thing she did after coming out of seclusion was to send a challenge to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Challenge Xu Qing!


    In an instant, this matter caused a commotion in all directions. One had to know that Sima Ru was a Golden Core cultivator. Her challenge seemed to be bullying the weak, but no one felt that this was the case. Instead, they felt that this was a battle of even strength.


    After Xu Qing replaced Saintly Star, he had already become the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the Eight Sect Alliance and had the power to suppress Heavenly Palace.


    As the most eye-catching disciple of the Seven Blood Eyes, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t refuse this challenge. Old Master Seventh also sent a message to him.


    ¡°Hiding needs to be done appropriately. Fight with all your might and establish our sect¡¯s might. Also, that girl, Sima Ru, has two hearts. The right heart will be of great use to you in the future!¡±


    After some thought, killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He thought of the gains he had gained from studying the Rainbow Wind Song Lantern during this period of time and replied to Sima Ru.


    ¡°Only a life-and-death battle. If you agree, then come.¡±

 Chapter 370 - 370 Suppressing Sima Ru!

    370 Suppressing Sima Ru!


    After the disciples of the Bizarre Hunting Sect fused with the bizarre entity¡¯s bloodline, they either became extremely gloomy or crazy. Moreover, their evil tendencies were extremely strong. Even though they looked normal on the surface, their personalities had long been distorted.


    Disability didn¡¯t seem to be a big deal to them.


    This was because after they started coexisting with the bizarre entities, the mental torture they received far exceeded physical pain. Every day, they had to endure unimaginable pain and backlash.


    The Bizarre Hunting Sect had been exploring solutions to this problem. They had tried many things but the results weren¡¯t very good.


    After all, bizarre entities were a ruthless and tyrannical existence and were related to the influence of the god¡¯s fragmented face. If they wanted to be unaffected, they had to suppress the bizarre entities with a higher cultivation.


    However, a higher cultivation base meant that they could seal and control even more terrifying bizarre entities. Very few people could withstand the temptation of their combat strength advancing by leaps and bounds. Once they fused with stronger bizarre entities, they would need to increase their cultivation base again to balance it out.


    This was an endless cycle. As they continued to fuse with the bizarre entities, their bodies were completely filled with gloom.


    This extreme mental torture and gloom resulted in the distortion of the personalities of the disciples of the Bizarre Hunting Sect which in turn caused them to be violent and brutal. This also caused the other sects to have an extreme headache.


    Almost the instant she received Xu Qing¡¯s reply, Sima Ru, who couldn¡¯t hold back the hostility in her heart, disregarded the sect¡¯s persuasion. Even though the sect master told her that the probability of her defeat was very high, she still instantly rushed out of the Bizarre Hunting Sect. Her entire person transformed into a rainbow in the air and flew toward the temporary residence of the Seven Blood Eyes in the city area of the Heavenly Treasure Sect.


    Her appearance caused all the cultivators in the Eight Sects Alliance to pay attention. Sima Ru¡¯s aura was too strong.


    She was dressed in a large white robe and her black hair fluttered in the wind. There was a vast heavenly palace faintly discernible above her head.


    One could vaguely see a withered dwarf with a rotting body suppressed in the heavenly palace, forming a bizarre pill.


    Countless bizarre entities were wailing mournfully from the suppression on both sides of the Heavenly Palace.


    There was also a huge meatball floating behind Sima Ru. This meatball looked similar to the bouncing small ghost balls when she went to the Seven Blood Eyes back then, but it was larger and more exaggerated.


    A sharp voice rang out from its mouth.


    ¡°One, two, three¡­ ten people. Let¡¯s knock them with our small hands first and then remove their hearts and lungs. Only their small heads are left. It would be lovely to roll them around.¡±


    While the ear-piercing voice spread everywhere, the beautiful Sima Ru, whose face was as pale as a corpse, crossed the sky and arrived above the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ temporary residence. When she lowered her head, she revealed a deliberately elegant smile and spoke softly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯m here.¡±


    Although her voice was gentle, her eyes were bloodshot and her entire body emitted a terrifying pressure. It even caused the clouds to gather, forming a cloud that was like a sinister head.


    Amidst the violent wind, the meatball behind her let out an even sharper sound and smashed toward the residence below.


    However, at the next instant, the meatball was blasted back by a huge force. It let out a mournful cry and one could clearly see that a piece of its body was missing.


    Xu Qing walked out of his building and stepped into the sky.


    As he walked out, two canopies instantly formed above him.


    The rainbow light illuminated the world, and the wind whistled.


    The black umbrella seemed to cover the world in burning flames.


    The Golden Crow manifested and let out a cry. Its tail flames draped over Xu Qing¡¯s body, transforming into an emperor¡¯s robe. There were also fiery feathers that drifted past him.


    Xu Qing coldly looked at Sima Ru. Previously, in the Seven Blood Eyes, Xu Qing had killed the other party¡¯s clone. At this moment, there was no need to speak anything. His six-fire combat strength was fully displayed and he directly punched out at Sima Ru!


    Old Master Seventh requested him to establish the sect¡¯s might in this battle. Since that was the case, Xu Qing would use all his strength.


    This punch gathered the power of the 101 magic apertures in Xu Qing¡¯s body, the Golden Crow Art, the might of three fires, and the power of two life lanterns. It directly reached the peak of six fires.


    In an instant, the surrounding sky seemed to cave in and the clouds that formed the head collapsed and tore apart. As the large head retreated in horror, Sima Ru suddenly waved her hand and the heavenly palace above her head instantly pressed toward Xu Qing.


    A heavenly palace meant the combat strength of six fires. It instantly collided with Xu Qing¡¯s punch.


    A deafening sound rang out, echoing in all directions.


    Sima Ru¡¯s heavenly palace shook. Under Xu Qing¡¯s full-strength punch, it directly tilted and rolled back. Sima Ru¡¯s entire body trembled and she was blasted back by a thousand feet.


    Xu Qing was unscathed. With the rainbow barrier protecting his body, the black umbrella protecting his soul, and his own six fires strength, other six fires strength couldn¡¯t break through his defense at all.


    Back then, when Saintly Star possessed the Rainbow Wind Song Lantern, it had given Xu Qing an extreme headache. He had to make all kinds of arrangements to open a gap in the life lantern¡¯s defense. Now that he had this lantern, he had a deeper realization of its defense.


    Not only did this life lantern possess protective power, but it also contained a rebound force. Moreover, Xu Qing had already discovered that the two lanterns seemed to enhance each other.


    This enhancement caused the rebound from the Rainbow Wind Song Lantern to exceed what Saintly Star had possessed back then.


    The rebound had been enhanced by a lot.


    This was the reason why Xu Qing had blasted Sima Ru back with a single punch. This was also the reason why he felt that he could kill Sima Ru.


    The six fires and the rebound force caused Xu Qing to be no weaker than seven fires.


    Sima Ru clearly didn¡¯t know this. It was understandable since she didn¡¯t have the qualifications to obtain a life lantern.


    Even Saintly Star might not have known that after having two life lanterns, there would be extremely powerful mutual enhancements..


    Sima Ru spat out blood as she looked with disbelief.


    Similarly shocked was everyone in the Eight Sects Alliance who was paying attention to this battle. After all, this was the first battle of the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s new number one heaven¡¯s chosen, Xu Qing. As such, many people were paying attention.


    However, at this moment, their hearts trembled.


    ¡°This is the combat strength of seven fires!¡±


    ¡°Sima Ru was too careless. The power of a heavenly palace isn¡¯t enough to suppress Xu Qing.¡±


    Everyone from the Seven Blood Eyes was also paying attention. After seeing this scene, the highnesses of the various peaks sighed with emotion and were equally shocked.


    The captain was also paying attention. He ate an apple and sighed when he saw this scene.


    ¡°Fortunately, I swallowed half of the nose earlier. Otherwise, I really wouldn¡¯t have been able to defeat him. However, I feel that Little Qing is still hiding¡­ This kid has too many trump cards.¡±


    Just as the hearts of the people watching the battle were trembling, Xu Qing headed straight for the pale-faced Sima Ru and punched out again.


    Sima Ru tried to counterattack. She used all her magic artifacts and bizarre entities. One could see many strange shadows in the surroundings rushing toward Xu Qing. However, they couldn¡¯t break through the defense of Xu Qing¡¯s two life lanterns which protected both his body and soul.


    Her body was blasted back again. Amidst the trembling of the Heavenly Palace, Xu Qing got close again and punched out again.


    No matter how Sima Ru struggled and threw out all the bizarre entities, it was useless. Her combat strength was simply not enough. Unless she advanced to two heavenly palaces and sealed stronger bizarre entities, she couldn¡¯t threaten Xu Qing.


    Under Xu Qing¡¯s full-powered attacks, the trembling of her heavenly palace became increasingly intense. Her body was also blasted into the sky again and again by Xu Qing¡¯s punches, unable to land. As she got higher and higher, madness appeared in Sima Ru¡¯s eyes. She performed a series of hand seals and took out a blood-colored sealing crystal. One look and one could tell that this crystal was extraordinary. She immediately crushed it.


    Immediately, the withered dwarf in the inner part of the Heavenly Palace opened its eyes abruptly, revealing cruelty and bloodthirst. Its aura rose as it stood up and tried to walk out.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body paused and he no longer punched. Instead, he calmly lifted his hand.


    In an instant, wind and clouds surged and the color of the world changed. It was as though an indescribable charm had gathered from all directions and directly transformed into a purple heavenly saber.


    This heavenly saber wasn¡¯t illusory but corporeal. After it appeared, everyone who saw it exclaimed. What made them cry out in surprise was that there wasn¡¯t just one heavenly saber that appeared in the sky.


    There were¡­ seven!


    Seven heavenly sabers instantly formed one after another with world-shaking might. As Xu Qing¡¯s right hand landed, these seven heavenly sabers descended like heavenly punishment. They carried a terrifying might that couldn¡¯t be dodged or resisted from seven directions and ruthlessly slashed at the horrified Sima Ru and her Heavenly Palace!


    As Sima Ru let out a sharp cry, the seven heavenly sabers landed on her Heavenly Palace in unison. Seven huge cracks appeared on it.


    The dwarf inside also trembled. Just as it was about to walk out, the Golden Crow manifested behind Xu Qing and locked onto it with a gluttonous intent.


    The dwarf fell silent and sat down again.


    As a result, the pressure on Sima Ru increased. She was bleeding all over and her breathing became unstable as she fell. At the next instant, Xu Qing burst with such speed that it seemed like he had been accumulating it throughout this battle; he instantly arrived in front of Sima Ru and pierced her chest with his right hand.


    He grabbed Sima Ru¡¯s right heart and pulled it out.


    Blood gushed out wildly. After Xu Qing grabbed a black stone that was in the shape of a heart, Sima Ru¡¯s aura collapsed. Just as the heavenly palace behind her was about to shatter, a cold wind blew over.


    This wind carried supreme power and instantly swept Sima Ru away, disappearing without a trace. Only a cold voice spread in all directions.


    ¡°This old man broke the agreement of the life-and-death battle between the two of you. Since that¡¯s the case, that Bizarre Nether Heart is yours.¡±


    Xu Qing was sent flying. The two canopies above his head shone with a dazzling light and the Golden Crow cried out behind him. He only stopped after he retreated a thousand feet. When he lifted his head and looked into the distance, he frowned. He felt that this battle had gone too smoothly and something was amiss.


    At that moment, Old Master Seventh¡¯s figure appeared beside Xu Qing.


    ¡°Fourth, don¡¯t think too much. The grudges have been cleared. In fact, if that girl Sima Ru is reasonable, she will be grateful to you. Now, aren¡¯t you going to thank the Bizarre Hunting Sect¡¯s sect master for the treasure?¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Sect Master!¡± Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed to the Bizarre Hunting Sect.


    At the same time, in the Senate of the Eight Sects Alliance, eight huge figures sat there and retracted their divine senses.


    Xue Lianzi grinned.


    ¡°Everyone, I won the bet. Even though this is a transaction between my son-in-law and the Sima Family of the Bizarre Hunting Sect, you have also seen how outstanding my grand-disciple is. I propose that the Alliance needs to invest all the resources into him. You can consider it carefully. After all, this is the potential of an ancient sovereign. The identity of a Dao Child is not important, but we have to give him treatment that surpasses that of a Dao Child. It¡¯s not too much, right?¡±


    The other seven figures didn¡¯t speak but they all threw out a beam of light. The First Peak¡¯s Soaring Cloud Ancestor snorted coldly and left after throwing the light.

 Chapter 371 - 371 Unfriendly Land

    371 Unfriendly Land


    After this battle ended, Xu Qing¡¯s name completely spread throughout the Eight Sects Alliance, stirring up the 137 sects.


    Saintly Star could fight against the Heavenly Palace Golden Core. Back then, he had suppressed the eldest highness of the Seven Blood Eyes because the eldest highness had just broken through and had come out of seclusion early before forming the complete first Heavenly Palace.


    Xu Qing was completely different. He suppressed a Golden Core cultivator who had a Heavenly Palace.


    In the entire Yinghuang Province, very few people could do this.


    Moreover, Xu Qing hadn¡¯t reached his limits yet. He had only lit three balls of life fire.


    This caused the attitudes of the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s disciples to change immediately. Although there were people who were still hostile, most of them began to develop reverence. Most of them were female disciples.


    In the captain¡¯s eyes, Xu Qing¡¯s appearance was a trump card that surpassed his cultivation base.


    Regardless of the commotion in the outside world, Xu Qing didn¡¯t leave his building after the battle. He spent the entire day meditating and cultivating, trying to get more understanding of his two life lanterns.


    Old Master Seventh had told him that the battle with Sima Ru was actually a transaction between the Sima Clan and the Seven Blood Eyes.


    At the same time, after the details of the Seven Blood Eyes joining the alliance were completed, the choice of address was also provided.


    This was a secret. Even the attendees did not know of it. It was all up to Old Master Seventh.


    As such¡­ the captain, Xu Qing, and the third highness were naturally the first to know.


    Xu Qing had another goal in this trip to the Yinghuang Province. Zhang San had entrusted it to him excitedly, asking Xu Qing to inform him of the new sect location immediately. This involved great benefits.


    For example, purchasing land around the new site or even inside. According to Zhang San, this kind of thing was an extremely rare opportunity.


    Zhang San clearly felt that the captain was unreliable, so he repeatedly reminded Xu Qing not to forget.


    As such, after Xu Qing learned of the location, he immediately informed Zhang San. Zhang San was also a capable person. He spared no expense and relied on many teleportations to rush over. He only had time to greet Xu Qing and the captain before he started getting busy.


    Third Senior Brother was also busy. He had already begun to make arrangements without batting an eyelid.


    The highnesses of the other peaks who knew about this also understood the importance of this news. They no longer continued with their challenges and tried their best to earn money through this news.


    As such, the news naturally couldn¡¯t be kept. It spread in the alliance, causing the prices of the places around the address chosen by the Seven Blood Eyes to inflate.


    The people from the various sects of the Alliance also got involved and bought properties. In any case, according to the discussion, the Alliance would take responsibility for the fees for this relocation to show their sincerity. Of course, everyone understood that they couldn¡¯t take this too far.


    They had to know when to stop.


    Otherwise, if the Seven Blood Eyes had another discussion and changed the location, everyone who invested in this would suffer a huge loss.


    The Alliance wasn¡¯t too petty. After all, the greatest benefit was still their internal members. This could be considered a tacit distribution by the various sects. Hence, they allowed this news to spread for a day and closed the notarization of the transactions of properties in the main city.


    After that, the first wave of teleportation of the Seven Blood Eyes began.


    The first to arrive were more than half of the Sixth Peak¡¯s disciples. Because the Nanhuang Continent was their base and couldn¡¯t be given up, there were naturally some left behind. Hence, only 60% of the disciples followed Lord Sixth here.


    At the same time, he brought along the Sixth Peak.


    They wanted to build a huge city on the new sect¡¯s address. This was an enormous project. Not only did it require cultivators to complete it, but it also required the help of mortals. Only then could the process be sped up.


    Very soon, the second and third waves of teleportation were carried out one after another. Almost every day, a large number of Seven Blood Eyes disciples and mortals were teleported over and joined the construction of the city.


    The location chosen by the Seven Blood Eyes was the far end of the Immortal Enrichment River¡¯s tributary. It was connected to the original Seven Sects Alliance by eight large bridges. Each bridge could allow a hundred carriages to travel side by side.


    On the other side was a wasteland. One could see the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain Range in the distance.


    The shape of the city was also confirmed. It would not be square like in the Nanhuang Continent.


    Looking from a high altitude, it seemed to be a huge eye.


    One end was connected to the Forbidden Sea, and the other was connected to the Alliance¡¯s city through the bridges. Moreover, a small river that contained the Immortal Enrichment River snaked through the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ city and flowed into the sea.


    The location of the pupil of this eye would be the location of the seven peaks of the Seven Blood Eyes in the future. The surroundings were filled with cities and the port area was still managed by the Seventh Peak.


    Due to the construction of the sect and the city, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t immerse himself in cultivation. As a highness of the Seventh Peak, he had too many things to participate in.


    For example, at this moment, as the prototype of the new city was built, the Seven Blood Eyes launched a large-scale teleportation. This time, they wanted to teleport a large number of commoners and more disciples over.


    Just the advance inspection of the teleportation array took almost a day and was only completed at dusk. The disciples of the various peaks from the Seven Blood Eyes also rose into the air and checked their surroundings warily.


    There were too many mortals in this wave of teleportation. As the mortals were the main contributors to the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ economy, the Seven Blood Eyes was extremely protective of them. Hence, Xu Qing was arranged to guard a direction.


    The captain and Third Senior Brother were with him.


    The three of them stood in the air. On one side was the new city of the Seven Blood Eyes. The array formation was slowly activated there and on the other side was a large wasteland.


    Although there were huge city walls and array formations that separated the wasteland from the Alliance, when viewed from the sky, the Yinghuang Province was actually even more cruel compared to the Nanhuang Continent.


    Moreover, the location chosen by the Seven Blood Eyes was close to the direction of the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain. Hence, the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain was very clear in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. It was a black mountain range that looked like the corpse of a humongous beast.


    One large black mountain after another and the treacherous forests formed the end of the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain that touched the sea. Looking into the distance, mountains stretched endlessly.


    ¡°The other side of the mountain is where the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain¡¯s force is located.¡± The captain stood beside Xu Qing and spoke leisurely as he ate an apple.


    Xu Qing nodded. Just as he was watching, the array formation in the main city behind him was activated. Vast teleportation energy fluctuations spread in all directions and a shocking light illuminated the sky.


    A violent wind blew into his face and the ground trembled as figures suddenly appeared in the teleportation array in the main city. There were hundreds of thousands of them densely packed together. From a high altitude, they looked like ants that were scattering in all directions. Everyone who arrived had excited and uneasy expressions.


    To them, this place was unfamiliar but it was also the start of a better future.


    As the light flickered and the crowd surged, most of the disciples inside rose into the air. There were also disciples in charge of order in the surroundings who began to make arrangements.


    Xu Qing was also completely focused as he stared in all directions. At this moment, in the direction of the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain in the distance, the sky changed color and there were faint pink clouds churning in the sky.


    The pressure inside was astonishing, causing lightning to form and spread out in all directions.


    This scene attracted the attention of the Seven Blood Eyes. Xue Lianzi¡¯s huge face appeared in the sky and stared into the distance.


    Xu Qing also looked over. Very soon, he saw a shocking scene!


    There were thousands of refugees. They seemed to be a nonhuman race from a small country in Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain. All of them were as skinny as firewood and their expressions were filled with horror and despair as they ran with all their might.


    However, at the next instant, the pink clouds in the sky flew above them. This pink color was strange, like rouge or the color of minced meat. It transformed into a large mouth that directly swallowed the ground.


    In the blink of an eye, all the refugees entered the mouth. The sound of chewing echoed and blood splattered down.


    A peerless ferocity spread out from it.


    When Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed, the pink fog churned and transformed into a huge figure that took shape in the clouds.


    This figure was a thousand feet tall. One could see that it was a woman with an extremely beautiful appearance. Her facial features were perfect and one could see streams of light flowing in her beautiful eyes.


    Her nose protruded out which caused her entire face to look very three-dimensional.


    As the woman rapidly approached the Seven Blood Eyes, one could see that her skin had leopard-like stripes. Her waist was thin, her teeth were white, and she had two jade earrings on her ears. As she moved forward, they produced a crisp sound.


    Her clothes were extremely exquisite.


    She wore a spirit pearl jade robe with at least ten thousand pearls on it. Every pearl shone brightly and contained dense spiritual energy. The jade cloth also emitted a fragrance that spread over a large distance.


    What was even more astonishing was that there was a phoenix feather pattern embroidered on the chest area of the dress with a strand of hair.


    This pattern emitted boundless light and contained astonishing divinity.


    This woman clearly loved beauty. As she moved forward, she held a mirror in her hand and looked at her skin color after eating. When she got close to the Seven Blood Eyes, Xue Lianzi, who was in the sky, spoke gloomily.


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    His voice was like heavenly lightning, rumbling through the world. The woman in the pink clouds lifted her head and glanced at the new city of the Seven Blood Eyes before looking at Xue Lianzi. She smiled disdainfully.


    ¡°Seven Blood Eyes? Your Taboo is a little interesting.¡± With that, she stretched her back, revealing her beautiful waist and luxurious dress. With a sway, the pink clouds changed directions and returned to the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s pupils to contract. He could sense the other party¡¯s terrifying cultivation base.


    ¡°This is the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain that rears 137 small countries as food on the other side of the mountain. They eat the beings living there alive, creating hell on earth. Many are furious at them but are extremely wary as well. This is the third spirit, the Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy,¡± Third Senior Brother said softly.


    ¡°Three Spirits Suppression Mountain. The second spirit is called the Spirit Venerable Sun Execution, and the first spirit is the Spirit Venerable Embryonic Light. These three are all at the Nihility Realm. As one of the six major forces in the Yinghuang Province, their strength is unfathomable.¡±


    ¡°They saw that we chose this location and came to take us down a notch.¡±


    Third Senior Brother¡¯s low voice rang in the air. Xu Qing then looked at the endless mountain in the distance. He could sense the cruelty of the Yinghuang Province. Even though the singing and dancing in the alliance seemed to show peace and harmony, this world wasn¡¯t like this.


    It was filled with danger and cruelty. This was a world where if you didn¡¯t kill others, others would eat you.


    However, at this moment, the sound of someone gulping suddenly rang out beside Xu Qing.


    The captain¡¯s eyes stared fixedly in the direction the Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy had left in.


    ¡°Every bead is a thousand-year-old pearl with spiritual charm. The jade was even refined into threads using the rare divine power of the immortal jade scripture. This is an immortal jade robe with astonishing immortal Qi. If I could eat it, the benefits would be endless.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also that phoenix feather embroidered with hair. Its divinity is too strong!¡±


    ¡°Good clothes, my good clothes!!¡± The captain¡¯s breathing was hurried and he kept swallowing. The light in his eyes was unprecedented.

 Chapter 372 - 372 Dangerous Land

    372 Dangerous Land


    Before coming to the Alliance, Xu Qing had seen an introduction to Three Spirits Suppression Mountain in the sect¡¯s dossier.


    The mountain that was a million kilometers long was like a mountain of corpses or a forest of bones.


    The skin was like the carpet on it and the hair was like fur that turned the ground black.


    Countless pieces of flesh and skin had rotted there.


    There were also bones that piled up like a tree and their heads became fruits on the tree. They weren¡¯t dead and would continue to wail in pain. Their dripping blood quenched the thirst of the fiends that passed by them.


    It was a literal hell on earth with corpses and blood everywhere.


    There were 137 countries of both humans and nonhuman races in its territory. They were all food.


    Eat a country and make another country.


    This was the description of the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ dossier.


    This dangerous land was adjacent to the Eight Sects Alliance and was also by the sea, only separated by the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain Range.


    Xu Qing knew why the sect had chosen this location. On one hand, the Alliance could be considered one body. Although this place was the closest to the Suppression Mountain, both sides were major forces of the Yinghuang Province. If the other party attacked here, it would undoubtedly be a war.


    On the other hand, this place was the closest to the tributary of the Immortal Enrichment River. The spiritual energy here was dense and under the invisible nourishment, it could cleanse the anomalous substances in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples¡¯ bodies at all times.


    At the same time, the benefits of diverting the river here and passing through the entire Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ city were also the greatest. This was because when the two were combined, it could cause the new city of the Seven Blood Eyes to be filled with a dense spiritual energy at all times.


    Moreover, the tributary of the Immortal Enrichment River belonged to the Alliance. According to the agreement, the river channel split from this tributary was considered the Seven Blood Eyes Sect¡¯s assets.


    The value of this city area of the Seven Blood Eyes had only increased greatly recently. Before the tributary had arrived, this place was worthless.


    However, these were only Xu Qing¡¯s guesses. He hadn¡¯t attended the meeting during this period of time and couldn¡¯t participate in the high-level discussions between the sect masters and ancestors. Hence, he had no idea what the true reason was.


    However, he was extremely vigilant against the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain. This scene also made him realize once again that there was no paradise in this world. The peace on the surface was built with strength and it wasn¡¯t foolproof. If he let himself be immersed in this paradise and didn¡¯t strengthen himself, he would become someone else¡¯s food sooner or later.


    ¡°Even things like sunrise and sunset might suddenly change, let alone peace.¡± Xu Qing retracted his gaze from the direction of the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain. He felt that he was still too weak.


    ¡°When the sect¡¯s new city is constructed, I have to learn a divine art from Master. I have to become stronger!¡± Determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He took a deep breath and continued to guard the surroundings.


    Just like that, days passed. The main city of the Seven Blood Eyes changed every day. The streets, buildings, and array formations were quickly built under the efforts of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples and mortals.


    More and more disciples and mortals were teleported over, causing the originally empty city to be filled with liveliness.


    The seven mountain peaks of the Seven Blood Eyes also arrived one after another and were placed in the middle of the city. As for the base in the Nanhuang Continent, the Seven Blood Eyes naturally wouldn¡¯t give it up. They relocated seven mountains from the Truth Mountain Range again and covered them with array formations.


    Moreover, they left a portion of the disciples to guard it. Although it wasn¡¯t as powerful as before, as the Seven Blood Eyes was an upper sect now, no faction in the Forbidden Sea or the Nanhuang Continent would dare to provoke them for the time being.


    Everything proceeded smoothly.


    As one of the Eight Sects Alliances, some positions in the Seven Blood Eyes had to be blended. Only then could they better become members of the Alliance. For example, the Seven Blood Eyes didn¡¯t have a sect master in the past.


    Now it did.


    There was no dispute about choosing Old Master Seventh to become the sect master of the Seven Blood Eyes, and the successor was his Dao companion, Ding Xue¡¯s aunt.


    The position of the elders had also been adjusted to that of a Dao Protector. Only after their cultivation reached Nascent Soul could they be called an elder, like the cultivation realms of the current peak lords.


    The structure of the Seven Blood Eyes was clear from this. They hoped that all the peak lords could step into the Spirit Repository Realm in the future.


    As the positions were adjusted, most of the matter after joining the alliance was completed. There were still a lot of things to do and everyone in the Seven Blood Eyes was busy.


    Everyone had one or two fixed mission requirements.


    However, the sect didn¡¯t squeeze out the daily cultivation time of the disciples. They guaranteed the cultivation time of the disciples, and to continue with the fast completion of all the matters in the sect, they took out a large number of resources as rewards for additional tasks.


    This kind of thing where one could obtain resources without fighting to the death made everyone incomparably enthusiastic.


    Xu Qing also received his second fixed mission. He needed to cast spells with a few fellow disciples in the port area and push out some of the Forbidden Sea that was filled with anomalous substances outside the port. This would make it easier for the other disciples to reclaim land and build a harbor.


    Xu Qing had suppressed the scene when he came ashore and also the dominating battle with Sima Ru.


    This made him have a halo just like Saintly Star back then.


    Although the alliance hadn¡¯t announced it yet, everyone understood that he was already the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of this generation of the Eight Sects Alliance. Hence, in the liberal Alliance, there were naturally many curious people.


    Xu Qing arrived at the port area and cast a spell with the other disciples; the seawater rumbled and rolled back. As it spread out in a large area, one could see many disciples of the various sects of the Alliance watching from afar.


    To them, the integration of the Seven Blood Eyes was already a major event of the Alliance, so they naturally had to come and take a look.


    Most of them were female disciples. When they saw Xu Qing, their eyes lit up and they let out an uproar.


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples were used to this scene and didn¡¯t find it strange. It had been like this for the past few days. While they sighed with emotion in their minds, they would occasionally glance at Xu Qing, who was calmly casting a spell in the air.


    Xu Qing ignored the gazes and focused on casting the spell.


    He discovered that the sect missions actually contained training parts.


    For example, right now, as he circulated the Sea Transformation Art, he could clearly sense the pressure from the Forbidden Sea. This made him have to push back the seawater at all times to keep it from moving in again.


    This involved the stability and tenacity of magic power.


    The pressure of the seawater was like a huge grinding stone that could be used to temper one¡¯s body.


    With this discovery and understanding, Xu Qing naturally became even more serious.


    While he was cultivating here, Ding Xue arrived.


    She wore a plain green dress with cloud patterns and her beautiful hair was tied into a ponytail. She carried a jade tassel sword on her back and looked valiant and heroic. Her figure looked graceful as her dress fluttered in the sea breeze. Her red face and innocent gaze made her even more charming.


    She walked over with a hint of curiosity in her gaze. She first sized up the female disciples who were looking at her Brother Xu Qing in the distance and smiled lightly. When Xu Qing finished casting the spell and sat down to regulate his breathing, she walked to his side.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing.¡±


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and glanced at Ding Xue before nodding.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, I¡¯ve learned a lot about herbs recently and refined a bottle of Hundred Spirit Herb Liquid. I feel like its flavor is okay but I am not sure if the medicinal effects are up to par or not¡­¡± At this point, Ding Xue noticed that Xu Qing was frowning slightly, so she continued to speak.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, my uncle-in-law is too busy, and so is my aunt. Grandpa isn¡¯t seeing anyone either, so I can only beg Brother Xu Qing. Brother Xu Qing, if you have time, can you give Xue¡¯er some pointers?¡±


    Ding Xue had a delicate and naive appearance. Her voice was soft and melodious. There was also a hint of coquettishness in it.


    When Xu Qing heard Ding Xue mention the three people, he could only nod silently.


    Ding Xue¡¯s eyes were filled with joy. She took out a pill bottle and handed over a spirit ticket that was worth a lot.


    Glancing at the spirit ticket, the unhappiness in Xu Qing¡¯s heart from being disturbed during his cultivation dissipated a little. He picked up the pill bottle and glanced at it. With his understanding of plants and vegetation, he could tell at a glance if it was poisonous. After that, he drank it in one gulp.


    After tasting it, Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Not bad.¡±


    Ding Xue was very happy when she heard this but she knew her limits. After saying a few simple words, she elegantly turned and left. Her gaze swept past the female disciples of the Alliance who were looking over and she snorted inwardly.


    ¡°A group of coquettish b*tches dares to think of snatching Brother Xu Qing from me? They are far away and can¡¯t hear the specific conversation. What they see is that I walked over and gave Brother Xu Qing the pill liquid and Brother Xu Qing drank it.¡±


    ¡°This is a declaration of dominion!¡±


    ¡°However, these people aren¡¯t an issue. I also got rid of Gu Muqing for now. Now that she¡¯s in closed-door cultivation to break through to the Foundation Building realm, my greatest enemy now is Yanyan!¡± Thinking of Yanyan, Ding Xue gritted her teeth and was thinking about how to deal with her when Zhao Zhongheng rushed over anxiously from afar.


    He was also an extraordinary person. Even though Xu Qing was like the sun at noon, he still didn¡¯t give up on Ding Xue at all. He felt like Ding Xue would one day look behind and the person waiting for her would be him at the edge of that light.


    Zhao Zhongheng was moved by his own thoughts and his gaze became even more determined.


    Xu Qing noticed this scene. He was no longer ignorant about the matters between men and women like when he first entered the sect when he only knew that there was a feather tent in the scavenger campsite and many people would go there often.


    Now that he had grown up, he could more or less see some of it from Huang Yan and his Third Senior Brother. However, he still felt that this matter wasn¡¯t that attractive.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t bother with it and continued to cultivate and push the sea.


    Several days later, as the harbor was built, Xu Qing no longer accepted missions. Instead, he transmitted his voice to Old Master Seventh.


    ¡°Master, I want to understand why some of the Alliance¡¯s heaven¡¯s chosens are stuck at the four fires and aren¡¯t advancing to the Heavenly Palace. Also¡­ I feel that my spells are a little lacking. Master, please enlighten me.¡±


    ¡°Come to the mountain.¡± A moment later, Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Xu Qing¡¯s spirits were lifted and his eyes revealed anticipation as he headed straight for the mountain.


    Among the seven mountain peaks of the Seven Blood Eyes, Old Master Seventh still chose the Seventh Peak to build the Sect Master Hall. Xu Qing had just arrived at the top of the mountain when he saw Ding Xue¡¯s aunt, Old Master Seventh¡¯s Dao companion, walking out of the Sect Master Hall with anger.


    ¡°Greetings, Madam-Master1.¡± Xu Qing hurriedly bowed.


    Madam-Master stopped in her tracks and looked at Xu Qing, her expression softening.


    ¡°Little Fourth, you¡¯re quite good. Ding Xue told me that you¡¯re serious in your cultivation and your character is even more outstanding. You¡¯re very considerate to her. Even though she¡¯s willful sometimes, you never refuse her small requests and treat her gently as usual. You¡¯re a good child, unlike someone who has lived for so long but hasn¡¯t said a gentle word in his life. He deserves to be alone!¡±


    Madam-Master was clearly angry. After saying that, she threw a purple bottle to Xu Qing.


    ¡°This is the Thousand Spirit Nourishing Pill. I can¡¯t be bothered to give it to your master in person.¡±


    With that, Madam-Master left.


    Xu Qing had a strange expression on his face. He looked at the medicine bottle in his hand. When he entered the Sect Master Hall, he saw that Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression was a little tired but he was still painting on the wall. What he was painting was the map of the Yinghuang Province.


    On this map, there was a location that caused Xu Qing¡¯s gaze to freeze. That was the main river of the Immortal Enrichment River that was extremely far away on the other side of the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.


    Over there, Old Master Seventh drew a person sitting cross-legged and meditating!

 Chapter 373 - 373 Old Master Seventh Imparts Techniques

    373 Old Master Seventh Imparts Techniques


    Other than Old Master Seventh, who was painting, Xu Qing was the only one in the hall.


    The servant wasn¡¯t around.


    ¡°Are you curious why I drew a meditating person on the Nanyue Ghost Mountain?¡±


    Old Master Seventh looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°This place is the key to the Yinghuang Province. When you reach four fires, I¡¯ll bring you there. That place might be your place of fortune.¡±


    Old Master Seventh didn¡¯t explain too much. His gaze landed on the medicine bottle in Xu Qing¡¯s hand. With a wave of his hand, the medicine bottle flew to his hand. He took a sip and put it away before sitting at the side of the chessboard.


    ¡°Come and sit.¡± Old Master Seventh waved at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing obediently moved closer and sat on the other side of the chessboard.


    ¡°Do you know how to play chess?¡± Old Master Seventh asked.


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°I¡¯ll teach you.¡± Old Master Seventh picked up a chess piece and placed it in a corner of the chessboard. Xu Qing thought about it and also placed the chess piece in another corner.


    ¡°Chess is like life. It¡¯s also a manifestation of a person¡¯s temperament. For example, I¡¯ve never lost in chess in my life. Do you know why?¡± Old Master Seventh placed another piece and calmly spoke.


    Xu Qing shook his head and put down a piece as well.


    ¡°I play my chess piece not by looking at the current situation, but the whole situation. Many people actually know this and want to do it. However, they often don¡¯t have enough opportunities and aptitude, so they can¡¯t do it. They can only leave with regrets.¡±


    ¡°The reason why those 120 magic aperture disciples from the seven sects are staying at the four fires is because they have the mind to see the whole situation.¡±


    ¡°They want to open the 121st magic aperture!¡± Old Master Seventh placed his chess piece and said softly.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. This was similar to his judgment after sensing 120 magic apertures when he was at the Foundation Building realm. At that time, he felt that there might still be more magic apertures after 120.


    Old Master Seventh seemed to have seen through Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts and smiled.


    ¡°After 120 magic apertures, there¡¯s only one magic aperture. Just this one 121st aperture can form a life fire. However, the difficulty of opening it is so great that it exceeds imagination. It can only be obtained by a great opportunity. Moreover, outsiders can¡¯t help. You can only rely on yourself.¡±


    ¡°As for the difficulty, it¡¯s not in opening it but finding its location.¡±


    ¡°In the history of the Yinghuang Province, those who opened the 121st magic aperture experienced great danger. At the instant of life and death, they found the location of the 121st magic aperture and opened it. Moreover, according to records and deductions, the location of 121st magic aperture is different in everyone, so there¡¯s no point in referencing the past records.¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent. After a long time, he put down the chess piece and spoke softly.


    ¡°Master, what are the benefits of five fires?¡±


    ¡°The benefits will be displayed at the moment you advance to the Heavenly Palace Golden Core.¡± Old Master Seventh smiled.


    ¡°You should have heard of this saying ¡®Igniting the life fires, illuminating the Heavenly Palace¡¯. The Heavenly Palace here¡­ is the key to the Golden Core.¡±


    ¡°The Golden Core cultivators have their own limits. This limit is reflected by their life fires. Three fires illuminate six palaces. This is the ultimate limit of disciples with passable aptitude.¡±


    ¡°In other words, those with three balls of life fire can illuminate six Heavenly Palaces. After they are completely nurtured and illuminated, and their Golden Core is put in, they will be at their peak state. However, in reality, this is only the base.¡± Old Master Seventh paused for a moment as he waited for Xu Qing to digest it.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought and asked.


    ¡°Thirty-six fire combat strength?¡±


    ¡°You can think of it that way.¡± Old Master Seventh nodded.


    ¡°The reason why it¡¯s called the base is because there¡¯s life fog above the six palaces and some Heavenly Palaces in the life fog. Because of the fog, it¡¯s difficult for even outstanding talents to illuminate the Heavenly Palace in the fog. Only four fires can illuminate the Seventh Palace.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at just one additional palace. Seven palaces suppressing six palaces is the same as you suppressing five fires with your six fires strength.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, those cultivators who already possess four fires desire to open the 121st magic aperture and form five fires. This is because five fires can illuminate eight palaces. The higher the limit, the greater their achievements in the end!¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice rang in Xu Qing¡¯s ears. After Xu Qing silently pondered, he nodded.


    ¡°As for the life lantern, you might have experienced it yourself. In reality, its value can¡¯t be displayed much at the Foundation Building realm. Only at Golden Core can some of its abilities be displayed.¡±


    ¡°The moment someone with a life lantern breaks through and steps into the Golden Core realm, the life lantern can directly open a Heavenly Palace in the life fog. There¡¯s no need to nurture it or slowly temper it. It will be instantly opened. The life lantern will transform into a life core that is similar to a Golden Core and will stay in it.¡±


    ¡°With your aptitude, if you reach the limit and open 121 magic apertures, you will have ten Heavenly Palaces!¡± Old Master Seventh cast a deep glance at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Now, do you know the value of the life lantern to Golden Core cultivators?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed slightly. After hearing so much from Old Master Seventh, this was the only time his expression changed. In reality, he had made some analysis and had some guesses previously. Now that they were confirmed by Old Master Seventh, he became even more solemn.


    An intense sense of danger rose in his heart. This sense of danger naturally didn¡¯t come from Old Master Seventh but from unknown malice that all the Golden Core cultivators he would encounter in the future would have toward him.


    ¡°Are you afraid?¡± Old Master Seventh smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid,¡± Xu Qing said honestly.


    ¡°Then what are you going to do?¡± Old Master Seventh asked with interest.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and slowly calmed down. This matter couldn¡¯t be changed. If he wanted to avoid it, he could only form the fourth life fire as soon as possible and do his best to form the fifth life fire. If he couldn¡¯t do it, he wouldn¡¯t force it. He had to break through to the Golden Core Realm as soon as possible.


    Once he broke through to the Golden Core realm, he would instantly possess two complete Heavenly Palaces. Only then would he be able to barely handle the situation along with his poison.


    However, Xu Qing felt that these thoughts were only long-term plans. He fell silent and secretly glanced at Old Master Seventh. He recalled that after his battle with Saintly Star, Old Master Seventh had reprimanded him for not bringing the seniors brother and sister. Hence, he spoke softly.


    ¡°Master, save me.¡±


    Old Master Seventh laughed. He was very satisfied with this answer and pointed at the top of Xu Qing¡¯s head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t refuse to wear the Purple Heaven Infinite Crown I gave you earlier. That¡¯s the Nascent Soul protection that I am giving you!¡± As he spoke, Old Master Seventh waved his hand and five balls of light flew out of his sleeve. He flicked one of the balls of light and it dissipated into a jade slip that flew toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°The usage method is included in it. You can ponder over it later.¡±


    Xu Qing took it and his heart raced as he looked at the other four balls of light.


    Old Master Seventh flicked again and the second ball of light rapidly approached Xu Qing. After Xu Qing grabbed it, the light dissipated and transformed into a palm-sized rag doll.


    This rag doll was like a living creature. Its eyes instantly darted around before it stared fixedly at Xu Qing. It opened its mouth, revealing sharp teeth as it struggled in Xu Qing¡¯s hand, as though it was dissatisfied that it had been grabbed.


    ¡°This is a Life Substituting Ghost Baby. It¡¯s considered an extremely bizarre creature. It was born with three lives. After you form a blood bond with it, it can help you block three deaths. It¡¯s fine if you¡¯re in the sect, but remember to bring it with you when you go out.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart thumped wildly as he grabbed this Life Substituting Ghost Baby tightly. Perhaps it was because he grabbed too tightly, the ghost baby let out a cry and its struggle became increasingly intense.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with it. He looked at the other three balls of light. The three balls of light were reflected in his pupils, it was unknown if the light were dazzling or Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were shining.


    In short, it was very bright.


    Old Master Seventh was in a good mood and smiled.


    ¡°It¡¯s difficult to impart an emperor-level cultivation art to outsiders and I can¡¯t teach you either. You have to figure out how to advance yourself. I can only tell you that once an emperor-level cultivation art advances, its might will be even more terrifying. The fastest way to advance it is to devour the essence, qi, and spirit refined by others¡¯ emperor-level cultivation arts. Of course¡­ if it¡¯s of cultivators who cultivate the same emperor-level cultivation art, the effect will be the best.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°You¡¯re too weak now and the Alliance Leader isn¡¯t narrow minded. You have to weigh the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ background and the benefits you will obtain by making a move. Therefore, you still don¡¯t have to worry about this threat.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. The image of Saintly Star¡¯s Miemeng appeared in his mind and he suddenly yearned for more. After that, he looked eagerly at the three balls of light beside Old Master Seventh.


    ¡°Saintly Star said that your weakness is your lack of spells and techniques. It was because you didn¡¯t have a master then. Every one of my disciples¡¯ cultivation arts and divine arts are different. I specially collected, organized, chose, and custom-made the arts for them.¡±


    As Old Master Seventh spoke, he flicked the third ball of light toward Xu Qing.


    This light wasn¡¯t a material object but a mark that landed between Xu Qing¡¯s brows and directly imprinted itself in his mind. It transformed into waves of bell-like sounds that echoed in his sea of consciousness.


    At the same time, Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice seemed to be synchronized with the voice in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°The first technique I¡¯m imparting to you is a spell called the Nine-Layers Howling Sea. This spell transforms into the sea and the power of each wave continues to increase, finally forming a terrifying tsunami.¡±


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath as a strange glint appeared in his eyes. Scenes of this spell appeared in his mind.


    The scene was incomparably vast. With a wave of the hand, the sea manifested and waves rose. They contained the power of the furious sea and swept through everything.


    ¡°The second technique I¡¯ll impart to you is a bizarre art called¡­ the Mystic Nether Curse!¡± Old Master Seventh waved his hand and the fourth light transformed into a mark that also imprinted itself between Xu Qing¡¯s brows.


    This time around, what formed wasn¡¯t a rumbling sound but a sinister cold wind that blew into every inch of Xu Qing¡¯s flesh and blood, causing his breath to turn into fog.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s perception, he seemed to see an extremely withered finger that carried endless strangeness stretching out from a huge black vortex, suppressing and killing everything.


    ¡°This Mystic Nether Curse was created after I studied the Mystic Nether Finger and combined it with other knowledge.¡±


    ¡°And the last thing I am teaching you¡­ isn¡¯t a spell or a bizarre art, but a secret technique of mine!¡±


    ¡°I saw that you like to use your fists in battle. This secret technique is extremely suitable for you. It¡¯s called Under the Nine Springs1.¡±


    ¡°After it¡¯s unleashed, as long as someone is hit by your eight punches, your ninth punch will definitely shatter one of their magic apertures. Even the Golden Core needs the light of life fire and the power of the magic apertures. This is their foundation!¡±


    ¡°This method is extremely domineering and sinister. You have to use it carefully.¡±


    ¡°Once it¡¯s used, shattering a person¡¯s foundation isn¡¯t a problem. However, if they are still alive in the end and spread this matter, it won¡¯t be easy for you to use this method to scheme against others in the future. This is the important point.¡±


    Old Master Seventh spoke softly. With a flick of his right hand, the fifth ball of light headed straight for Xu Qing¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Up until now, no one knows that I use this secret technique.¡±


    ¡°I have only imparted it to you. This isn¡¯t being biased but your three senior brothers and sister have different styles.¡±


    ¡°So, you have to use it carefully.¡±

 Chapter 374 - 374 Sword Holder

    374 Sword Holder


    Xu Qing left the Sect Master Hall.


    The instant he walked out of the Sect Master Hall, he immediately took out the Purple Heaven Infinite Crown from his storage bag and wore it.


    Previously, he only felt that this item wasn¡¯t ordinary and even the captain was envious. Now that he knew its uses and understood how to use it, Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to wait any longer. After putting it on, he immediately performed a series of hand seals. Immediately, this very dazzling Purple Heaven Infinite Crown slowly dimmed and in the end, it became invisible.


    Even his divine sense couldn¡¯t sense it.


    Xu Qing was satisfied.


    He returned to his residence. As a highness, he had a cave abode on the Seventh Peak. However, Xu Qing was used to living on the sea. Although he no longer had a magic ship, he still temporarily stayed in a guesthouse in the port area.


    He was waiting for Zhang San to finish his work.


    After returning to the guest house, Xu Qing first checked the arrangements in the surroundings. After confirming that no one had arrived during the time he was away, he sat down and familiarized himself with the three techniques Old Master Seventh had taught him.


    ¡°The spell is very powerful. I need to be familiar with it to use it properly.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the same for the bizarre art. I have to find a place with no one around and give it a try.¡±


    ¡°As for the secret technique¡­¡± Xu Qing sensed the imprint in his mind and a strange glint flashed in his eyes. This technique was extremely terrifying. He had never heard of the existence of a secret technique1 before.


    ¡°I wonder if there were any secret techniques among the spells Saintly Star displayed when he fought with me.¡± Xu Qing recalled and felt that there was a high chance that there weren¡¯t any. Even if there were, it couldn¡¯t be compared to this Under the Nine Springs.


    ¡°Nine punches to shatter a magic aperture. This secret technique is most useful when the enemy is evenly matched.¡±


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing tried his best to imitate it in his mind. A day later, other than studying and nurturing the three techniques in his mind, Xu Qing also dripped a drop of his blood on the Life Substituting Ghost Baby.


    The moment it landed, the rolling eyes of the ghost baby suddenly paused. It slowly yawned and fell into a deep sleep.


    Xu Qing carefully kept it close to his body. An incomparable sense of satisfaction surged in his mind. After that, he fell into deep thought.


    ¡°The protection of the Infinite Crown can already block most life-and-death crises for me. Even then, it is only the first level of protection. If I encounter a huge danger that can destroy the Infinite Crown, I have the Life Substituting Ghost Baby. This is the second level.¡±


    ¡°However, this is still not enough.¡± Xu Qing thought about it and stood up. He then changed into ordinary clothes and left the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ city to head to the adjacent Heavenly Treasure Sect¡¯s city area.


    After searching there, Xu Qing finally found what he wanted.


    Disorder teleportation talisman.


    This item couldn¡¯t be bought in the Seven Blood Eyes but the Alliance had it, especially in some large shops of the Heavenly Treasure Sect. However, the price was extremely high.


    Xu Qing endured his heartache and bought three.


    ¡°The first level of danger, the Infinite Crown, will block most crises. The second level, Life Substituting Ghost Baby. If I face an irresistible force, the moment the ghost baby dies in my place, the disorder teleportation talisman might produce a miraculous effect.¡±


    After buying the talismans, Xu Qing returned to the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ city. He walked on the streets and looked at the buildings that had been built on a large scale in the surroundings. Xu Qing was deeply impressed by the construction speed of the Seven Blood Eyes. Just as he was walking around, he received a voice transmission from Zhang San.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯ve finished my sect mission here. Come over when you¡¯re free. The captain and Huang Yan are also here. Also, someone left a letter for you and asked me to pass it to you.¡±


    Xu Qing was curious when he heard this. Hence, he changed his direction and went to the new location of the Transportation Department where Zhang San was. When he arrived, he saw over a hundred huge warehouses there from afar. Compared to the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Transportation Department, their scale was much larger.


    Zhang San was still squatting on the goods. The captain was also squatting there and eating an apple. In front of them was Huang Yan, who was carefully reminding Zhang San.


    Huang Yan was holding the merfolk lantern he had bought from Xu Qing.


    They were all familiar faces.


    When the three of them saw Xu Qing, they waved at him.


    The captain chuckled, Zhang San¡¯s eyes gleamed, and Huang Yan patted his stomach. His gaze swept across Xu Qing and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I heard that you have two life lanterns now. Haha, congratulations.¡± Huang Yan smiled happily.


    ¡°I made a calculation. A certain someone took some good stuff from Master a few days ago. Come, come, come. Little Qing, let me take a look. Senior Brother will help you appraise them. Don¡¯t be fooled by the old man.¡± The captain coughed and spoke to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing ignored the captain. After he smiled at Huang Yan, his gaze landed on Zhang San and he told him about building the magic ship.


    ¡°Destroyed again? Did you see the sense of participation that I designed?¡± Zhang San wasn¡¯t surprised that Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship was destroyed. Instead, he asked another question excitedly.


    Xu Qing recalled and shook his head.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be, was the design wrong?¡± Zhang San was a little depressed. After some thought, he decided to make it easier to activate this time. He then took out a letter from his pocket and handed it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Back then, there was someone called Li Zimei in the same batch as you. Do you remember her? Later on, I transferred her to the Transportation Department. This girl was really hardworking and serious.¡± Zhang San sighed with emotion.


    ¡°When the three heaven¡¯s chosens from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect were in the Seven Blood Eyes, they accidentally saw her. Later on, for some reason, they talked to the sect and took her away when they left. They said that her physique is suitable for cultivating the techniques of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.¡±


    Under the captain¡¯s curiosity and Huang Yan¡¯s gaze, Xu Qing placed the letter in his storage bag without taking a look. The image of the young girl outside the restaurant who was scolded by the staff because she wanted to pack the food away appeared in his mind. She was so ashamed that her entire body was trembling.


    Huang Yan saw that it was getting late, so he reminded Zhang San again.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang San, you have to help me forge it properly. It¡¯s going to be the 3,344th day since Senior Sister and I met. I don¡¯t dare to give too expensive an item. Senior Sister will think too much, so I can only give this. Help me transfer the fire in this lantern to the hairpin. I want to give this item to Senior Sister as a gift.¡±


    Zhang San patted his chest and ensured that there would be no problem. Huang Yan sighed.


    ¡°Sigh, why do you think the Seven Blood Eyes came to this lousy place? Nanhuang Continent is so good, right, Xu Qing? Why don¡¯t we return to the Nanhuang Continent? I will persuade Senior Sister to return too.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he pondered seriously. The captain also sighed and finished the apple in his hand before taking out a pear.


    ¡°Speaking of the Nanhuang Continent, I feel sad. I had a big plan previously and prepared for it for a long time. I didn¡¯t hesitate to transfer to the Intelligence Department to find information. I was just on the verge of doing it. Sigh, forget it, forget it. I will just consider that Flame Phoenix¡¯s luck is good.¡±


    ¡°Your big plan is related to the Flame Phoenix? What did you want to do?¡± Huang Yan, who was about to leave, was curious.


    Xu Qing also looked over.


    The captain coughed.


    ¡°I originally planned to go to the Flame Phoenix¡¯s nest to get something. What a pity, but I have a new plan now.¡±


    Huang Yan cast a deep glance at the captain and decided not to leave. It was as though he wanted to see what the captain would say next.


    The captain looked around and spoke to Xu Qing and the other two in a low voice.


    ¡°Do you know about Sword Holder?¡±


    Zhang San was at a loss, and so was Xu Qing. Back then, Saintly Star had muttered to himself, so this was the first time he was hearing about it. Huang Yan blinked and revealed a blank expression.


    The captain glanced at Huang Yan suspiciously. He felt that this fatty¡¯s performance was a little wrong but he didn¡¯t think too much about it and whispered.


    ¡°The Sword Holder is the title of the members of one of the human race¡¯s Upper Mystic Five Ministries, the Sword Holding Ministry. Its headquarters is located in the large region of the Imperial Capital. There are seven palaces in seven counties and each palace is divided into several courts. There is a Sword Holding Court in the Yinghuang Province.¡±


    ¡°If you can join the Sword Holding Court and become a Sword Holder, you won¡¯t be restricted by the sect¡¯s laws. As long as you don¡¯t betray the human race, it¡¯s fine if you betray anything. To put it bluntly, if you become a Sword Holder, you¡¯ll be superior to others in the human race. You will be working for the Sovereign and get huge benefits. Although Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether went to the Holy Land, the sovereign¡¯s might still exists. This banner of the human race still has the power to intimidate the foreign races.¡±


    ¡°If you become a Sword Holder, you can directly capture whoever you don¡¯t like or put them on the wanted list. This is different from the sect¡¯s wanted list. This is the human race¡¯s wanted list.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t like Soaring Cloud Ancestor, just make him wanted! If it is a person of foreign race, you can directly kill them and no one would dare to touch you. Touching you is equivalent to killing a government official and losing their head.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, after becoming a Sword Holder, one can also cultivate the Mystic Nether¡¯s secret magic. It¡¯s said that it¡¯s very powerful. In the past, someone used the secret magic and almost killed the Flame Phoenix with a single sword strike.¡±


    Huang Yan was stunned.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He was already used to the captain¡¯s deliberately mystifying way of speaking.


    Seeing Xu Qing¡¯s expression, the captain raised his brows.


    ¡°Little Qing, I recently heard that Saintly Star isn¡¯t dead. I don¡¯t know what secret magic the Soaring Cloud Ancestor used but he seemed to have paid a huge price. The Alliance Leader took action and finally saved him. I¡¯m not sure if there are any hidden damages but I found out that his will didn¡¯t collapse. He¡¯s in seclusion now and wants to break through to the fifth life fire!¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his expression was still calm but a cold glint flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°If you become a Sword Holder, you will just have to send an edict and Saintly Star will start trembling!¡±


    ¡°My plan is to become a Sword Holder!¡± After the captain finished eating the pear, he took out a tangerine, peeled it, and took a bite before speaking.


    ¡°This way, when we do big things in the future, I¡¯ll punish whoever dares to cripple me again on behalf of the human race.¡±


    ¡°How can we become a Sword Holder?¡± Zhang San was tempted.


    ¡°The selection of the Sword Holders is extremely strict. They choose the best of the best and there are only five spots every ten years. Calculating the time, this time¡¯s selection isn¡¯t far away. The Sword Holding Court is at the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. I¡¯ll be preparing for it and tell you guys when the time comes.¡± After the captain finished speaking, he stood up and patted his butt before waving at Xu Qing and the other two and left the Transportation Department.


    Huang Yan also left. After Xu Qing discussed with Zhang San about the magic ship, he left at sunset.


    At the same time, in the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, in a secret place covered by countless array formations, there was a huge blood pool.


    Inhuman cries came from the blood pool. These shrill and pained shouts could be heard day and night.


    There were eight huge ancient swords erected around the blood pool.


    On each ancient sword, there was a person sitting cross-legged. There were men and women and they didn¡¯t look young. Their cultivation bases emitted the energy fluctuations of Nascent Souls.


    They worked together to activate the ancient swords, causing the swords to emit streams of sword qi that transformed into a net of sword qi that suppressed the blood pool. On the large net, there was a huge Golden Crow phantom that was absorbing the blood pool.


    An old man floated at the side. He was the Soaring Cloud Ancestor.


    He looked at the blood pool below. His expression was ugly but at the same time, his heart ached as he muttered softly.


    ¡°Grandson, hold on a little longer. The poison that that b*stard poisoned you with is quite special. Grandpa has tried his best but it¡¯s useless. Even maintaining your vitality has reached my limit. Only by borrowing the phantom of the Alliance Leader¡¯s emperor-level cultivation art and infusing dense vitality in your body, causing it to vaporize the poison at all times, can the poison in your body be balanced.¡±


    ¡°However, because of this, it can be seen that the fortune that that commoner experienced isn¡¯t small. Grandson, your name Saintly Star represents light. You were born with a natural phenomenon and are destined to walk the path of the ancient sovereign. You can¡¯t give up. You have to persevere and take back the glory that belongs to you. Everything he has will belong to you!¡±


    There was a skeleton-like person in the blood pool. Less than 30% of its flesh and skin were left. Its wails became increasingly inhuman, but there was madness in its eyes.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I will kill you!!¡±

 Chapter 375 - 375 The Youth Under the Mask (1)

    375 The Youth Under the Mask (1)


    The main city of the Seven Blood Eyes was finally completed.


    Following the waves after waves of teleportation, although the population of the entire city wasn¡¯t as high as in the Nanhuang Continent, there were a large number of disciples from the other 137 sects of the Alliance. They were naturally very interested in the new city.


    Regardless of whether they were here to do business, shop, or make friends, this new main city was bustling and lively.


    There were also adjustments to the members of the various departments. Huang Yan was still in the Pilotage Department.


    His beloved Second Senior Sister held the deputy post of the Patrol Department. This was also in line with Second Senior Sister¡¯s personality. With her around, the criminals would be intimidated to a certain extent.


    There were also some departments that were synchronized with the other sects of the Alliance.


    For example, the Commerce Department.


    Other than the strength of the higher-ups and Taboo magic treasures, there was another very important factor that determined the strength of a faction. That was wealth.


    This principle was common no matter where it was.


    The appearance of the Commerce Department was only logical. It was in charge of the entire Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ internal and foreign businesses. Old Master Seventh had personally appointed his third disciple as the deputy head of this department.


    As for Xu Qing and the captain, Old Master Seventh knew that the two of them had a good relationship, so he sent them together to the most important department after the Seven Blood Eyes merged into the Alliance.


    Special Security Department.


    This name was a little different from the customs of the Nanhuang Continent. It was filled with the flavor of the Alliance. Its full name was Special Security and Protection Administrative Office.


    This Special Security Department wasn¡¯t only in the Seven Blood Eyes. The other seven sects also had it. It was a single entity and needed to be allocated by the headquarters. There were a lot of things that they were responsible for, be it internally or externally. The Department Director was Lord Sixth.


    One of the deputy directors was the captain, and the other was Xu Qing.


    Lord Sixth usually didn¡¯t care about the department affairs. His authority was delegated and completely handed over to Xu Qing and the captain.


    The location of the department was also built near the eight bridges. Overall, it looked like a triangle with a hundred or so buildings inside. Each building was independent with a small courtyard but was also integrated with the department¡¯s structure.


    There were also several small departments. More than 3,000 disciples from the various peaks of the Seven Blood Eyes were arranged to take up positions here. Half of them were former members of the Homicide Department, and the little mute was among them.


    On the way here after receiving the appointment, Xu Qing thought of how he was going to be in the same department as the captain again. Hence, he bought some apples from a fruit stall on the way.


    When he continued forward and passed by a newly opened immortal pool, he even saw an acquaintance.


    It was Xu Xiaohui.


    After noticing Xu Qing, Xu Xiaohui greeted him happily and even gave him a jade slip.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu, this immortal pool is a side business I opened with a good friend. You can come over when you¡¯re free. Take this jade slip. There¡¯s no charge.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. His gaze then landed on the other woman behind Xu Xiaohui. That was her informant.


    Xu Qing was the one who asked his informant to pay for Xu Xiaohui¡¯s shop.


    In this world, Xu Qing felt that very few people knew how to repay kindness. Although Xu Xiaohui¡¯s cultivation and aptitude were poor, her character had good points. He felt that if he could help, he would do so.


    Hence, after receiving the jade slip, Xu Qing left and arrived at the entrance of the Special Security Department.


    ¡°Greetings, Director!¡±


    The members of the Special Security Department at the door greeted respectfully with fanaticism in their eyes. They were all former members of the Homicide Department.


    Xu Qing nodded and walked into the Special Security Department. On the way, he saw many familiar faces. He even saw Ding Xiaohai.


    Ding Xiaohai, who had wanted to become a core disciple back then and had successfully obtained it after the competition on the merfolk islands and advanced to the Foundation Building realm, revealed a complicated expression the moment he saw Xu Qing.


    He looked at Xu Qing and lowered his head, bowing deeply.


    ¡°Greetings, Director.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at Ding Xiaohai. The other party¡¯s aptitude was indeed extraordinary. Now, he already had a ball of life fire and had opened about 40 magic apertures. It wasn¡¯t easy to do this in a few years.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t like him. When he saw this person, Xu Qing thought of Zhou Qingpeng. However, everyone had their own way of living. Hence, he retracted his gaze and walked into the distance.


    Ding Xiaohai fell silent. He looked at the departing Xu Qing and sighed inwardly. He knew about Zhou Qingpeng but he didn¡¯t feel that he had done anything wrong.


    In this chaotic world, the first thing everyone had to consider was naturally themselves.


    Xu Qing went all the way to the center of the Special Security Department and saw the captain there.


    The captain was constantly checking the dossiers. From time to time, he would issue decrees and arrange for the branches of the department to deal with various things. He looked very busy.


    Seeing this scene, Xu Qing felt that the captain was actually very suitable for doing these jobs. He took out the bag of apples he had bought on the way and placed it on the captain¡¯s table. He then sat down at the side and closed his eyes to cultivate.


    A long time later, the captain lifted his head and took a bite of the apple. He glanced at Xu Qing, who was cultivating, and felt unhappy. He was prepared to make Xu Qing do the few most difficult things. He let out a cough.


    ¡°Deputy Xu!¡±


    Xu Qing opened his eyes.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, do you still want more apples?¡± As Xu Qing spoke, he took out two more and placed them on the table.


    The captain looked at the apples and then at Xu Qing. His expression became solemn.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that. Little Qing, you¡¯ve learned bad things!¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it and took out a jade slip, placing it on the table.


    ¡°What is this?¡± The captain was surprised.

 Chapter 376 - 376 The Youth Under the Mask (2)

    376 The Youth Under the Mask (2)


    ¡°On the way here, I saw an immortal pool opened nearby. I thought of how Eldest Senior Brother liked to soak in the pool, so I applied for this jade slip that can give you a 20% discount.¡± Xu Qing looked into the captain¡¯s eyes and said seriously.


    When the captain heard this, a smile appeared on his face and the dissatisfaction instantly disappeared.


    He felt very comfortable.


    He felt that although Xu Qing had learned bad things, it also meant that he was more sensible and knew how to curry favor with his senior brother. Hence, he couldn¡¯t pettily allocate the most difficult tasks to his junior brother.


    ¡°Forget it. There are too many things to do in this Special Security Department. I originally planned to let you deal with the conflicts with the other sects of the Alliance, but with your personality, you will probably just kill them. I guess I will handle it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be in charge of the transfer of benefits and rights between the sect and the Alliance. This is a leisurely task.¡± As he spoke, the captain flipped through the dossiers and took out one, handing it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Urge and safeguard the transfer of authority of the alliance¡¯s array formation and connect to my Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ array formation. The people from the Third Peak have communicated with them many times about this, but the Alliance¡¯s Array Formation Department has been delaying it.¡±


    Xu Qing took the dossier. He indeed didn¡¯t want to spend time on these things and wanted time to study poison.


    Xu Qing held the dossier and was about to leave when the captain spoke.


    ¡°Also, there¡¯s a notice from the Alliance Headquarters that it¡¯ll be our turn to patrol the river soon. The eight sects take turns for this river patrol mission. At that time, if there are no problems, we can slip away.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and left the department.


    He wasn¡¯t alone. He brought a hundred department members and the disciples in charge of array formations from the Third Peak and headed straight for the Alliance¡¯s Array Formation Department located in the Great Expansion Dao Palace.


    On the way, he asked the disciples of the Third Peak about the reason for the delay.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu, this matter was already discussed by the higher-ups. However, the people below are dragging their feet, especially the people from the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect. They didn¡¯t even arrive many times, so the handover couldn¡¯t be completed.¡±


    The disciple in charge of this sighed.


    ¡°Soaring Cloud Sword Sect?¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. Very soon, they arrived at the Array Formation Department.


    Xu Qing submitted the dossier and waited for a long time before he saw the people in charge of array formations from the other sects slowly arriving. However, after seeing Xu Qing¡¯s figure, the expressions of these people changed and their footsteps clearly quickened.


    ¡°We greet Senior Brother Xu Qing!¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, we didn¡¯t know you were here and made you wait. Otherwise, we would have rushed over quickly.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s reputation was now extremely great in the Eight Sects Alliance and his name was filled with deterrence. However, he didn¡¯t reprimand them. Instead, his gaze swept across the disciples of these sects and saw that the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect was missing.


    The transfer of authority of the array formation required the other seven sects to arrive together. If any one of them was missing, the transfer would keep on being delayed.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu, if the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect doesn¡¯t come, we probably won¡¯t be able to continue today too¡­¡± Because the Spirit Dawn Valley and the Heavenly Treasure Sect¡¯s ancestors were on good terms with Xue Lianzi, the relationship between the three sects was very harmonious. At this moment, the Spirit Dawn Valley¡¯s female disciple in charge of this matter spoke softly. Her beautiful eyes looked at Xu Qing¡¯s face brightly.


    Xu Qing nodded and summoned a team member beside him, handing him a jade slip.


    ¡°Send this item to the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect and give it to Chu Yunfeng. Tell him to finish this matter as soon as possible. Otherwise, I¡¯ll go and ask him to settle the account after today.¡±


    Chu Yunfeng was the person who claimed to be Saintly Star¡¯s Junior Brother and had been suppressed by Xu Qing in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    After giving the instructions, Xu Qing sat cross-legged at the side and waited silently. The others also saw this and looked at each other, and decided to wait.


    Very soon, this jade slip reached Chu Yunfeng in the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect. The moment he saw the jade slip, Chu Yunfeng¡¯s eyes turned red.


    ¡°Poison Demon Xu Qing, you¡¯re going too far!¡±


    ¡°You want me to work for you with just a jade slip? Dream on!¡±


    Chu Yunfeng snorted coldly and threw the jade slip to the side, ignoring it. However, an hour later, he still opened his eyes and looked at the sky outside. The day¡­ was about to pass.


    He sent a voice transmission to the Array Formation Department of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect with grievance and berated them.


    As one of the heaven¡¯s chosen of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, his words had some might. Very soon, the disciples of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect¡¯s Array Formation Department arrived at the headquarters with ashen faces.


    The transfer of authority of the array formation proceeded smoothly.


    By the time this matter was dealt with, it was already dusk.


    The dusk today was a little different from usual. The sky was covered in red clouds that looked like they were on fire. It was beautiful but also revealed a hint of blood. It was as though someone had used blood to paint in the sky to perform for the gods.


    Xu Qing walked on the road illuminated by the red clouds. On the way back to the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city, he looked at the red clouds in the sky. For some reason, he recalled the dream he had that night before he came to the Wanggu Continent.


    At the same time, in the Yinghuang Province, far away from the Eight Sects Alliance, in the direction of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, there was a swamp.


    Although the surroundings weren¡¯t a forbidden zone, it was still filled with dense anomalous substances. It could be considered a place of death.


    In the center of the swamp was a depression with a lot of water. There was a stone forest here and pieces of long black rocks rose from the swamp¡¯s water.


    The red glow in the distant sky shone on the surface of the water, causing this place to be dyed red.


    There were also two figures who were dyed red.


    One of these two figures was kneeling and the other was sitting at the edge of the tallest rock. One of his legs was hanging down and the other was on the stone. His body was leaning back and he supported himself with one hand as he looked at the red clouds in the sky.


    The two of them were wearing masks. The pattern of this mask was shocking. It was half of the god¡¯s face in the sky!


    However, the eyes weren¡¯t closed but opened.


    At the locations of the eyes were these two people¡¯s gazes.


    ¡°Lord, I¡¯ve already given up on the Night Dove Organization in the Nanhuang Continent according to your instructions. I got them to go to the Seven Blood Eyes and used Seven Blood Eyes to get them killed.¡±


    ¡°Bai Li¡¯s death is also related to the Seven Blood Eyes. He died at the hands of the Sixth Peak¡¯s Peak Lord.¡±


    The person kneeling spoke in a low voice.


    His voice was filled with respect and his eyes were filled with fanaticism. Even though he was the leader of Night Dove, with just a word from the other party, he gave up on Night Dove members and huge benefits. He could die for the person sitting on the rock in front of him.


    ¡°There are also two small fries who participated in that battle. This subordinate has recorded the scene.¡±


    ¡°After the Seven Blood Eyes joined the alliance and the Seven Sects Alliance changed to the Eight Sects Alliance, someone in the alliance contacted me and said that he wanted to join Illuminate. He also invited us to go over and watch his blood performance. He said that this performance will definitely make us hold him in high regards.¡±


    After Night Dove spoke, the place fell silent.


    After a long time, the person who was looking at the sky slowly turned his head in the direction of the Forbidden Sea where the Alliance was located and let out an elusive laugh.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go take a look. We can also give the Seven Blood Eyes a meeting gift.¡±


    The person who spoke should be a youth. His voice sounded very young and didn¡¯t have the slightest hint of age.


    Night Dove¡¯s figure was blurry, as though he had transformed into a secret treasure that hid in the void and disappeared from this place.


    After a long time, the red glow in the sky gradually faded. When the bright moon appeared in the sky, the youth who was looking at the sky looked at the increasingly clear bright moon and muttered softly.


    ¡°The sect my brother is in¡­ I haven¡¯t seen you in eleven years, right? This is the fetter of this life.¡±


    The youth chuckled meaningfully.

 Chapter 377 - 377 Purple Mystic Fairy

    377 Purple Mystic Fairy


    Xu Qing walked on the eighth bridge that led to the Seven Blood Eyes. Under the bridge was a river with dense immortal Qi flowing past.


    The red glow on the bridge gradually faded.


    Xu Qing looked at the slowly approaching night sky and the bright moon. He gradually retracted his gaze and walked back to the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city to visit Zhang San.


    On the way back, he received Zhang San¡¯s voice transmission, informing him that the magic ship had been built.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t used to living without a magic ship. Hence, even though night had fallen, he still went to look for Zhang San immediately.


    In the courtyard of Zhang San¡¯s Transportation Department, Xu Qing saw his magic ship.


    The 6,000-foot-long ship was a shocking sight. It looked similar but also different from before. The difference was more reflected at the bow and stern.


    The bow of the ship was no longer a sea lizard but a huge face with no facial features, like a black iron mask.


    As for the stern part, it was obvious that the huge ship that the Seven Blood Eyes had set sail in had given Zhang San inspiration as he designed nine tails.


    Although they were much smaller, each of the tails was filled with array formations and possessed different powers.


    The eight sails were also increased to 16. Not only were there more, but they were also larger.


    ¡°Xu Qing, your magic ship has already reached the limit of the magic ship level. It¡¯s basically a half-step magic warship.¡±


    ¡°All the techniques I researched were used on this. Not only does it have the ability to move underwater, but it can also be stored as a mask.¡± Zhang San stood on the magic ship. Although he looked tired, his tone was still arrogant.


    Xu Qing solemnly cupped his fists and bowed deeply to Zhang San.


    ¡°Although the expenditure this time is incomparably huge, the profits from the Nanhuang Continent¡¯s port are enough to support it.¡±


    ¡°Other than that, I also specially developed the power of self-destruction for it. To be honest with you, my focus was on how to increase its might after it self-destructs.¡±


    ¡°After my adjustments, your magic ship can withstand many self-destructions. There are a total of three layers of hull inside for you to self-destruct a few times.¡± As Zhang San spoke, he glanced at Xu Qing.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he listened even more seriously.


    ¡°There¡¯s quite a lot of divinity in it and it¡¯s filled with a good power source. Once it¡¯s fully activated, ordinary three-fire combat strength won¡¯t be able to destroy it at all.¡±


    ¡°The only thing it lacks now is a soul, so I left the faceless mask bow.¡±


    ¡°As for souls, there¡¯s already an introduction in the sect¡¯s cultivation art. I know that you cultivate the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art. I also cultivate it. Do you still remember the description in the cultivation art that when cultivated to the large success stage, it can suppress a wisp of the enemy¡¯s soul in every magic aperture?¡±


    ¡°After reaching large success, when you suppress the enemy souls in all of your magic apertures, you can gather them together and transfer them into the magic ship, forming the soul and advancing it to a magic warship!¡±


    Zhang San¡¯s eyes gleamed intensely.


    ¡°This is the first ship I built that¡¯s infinitely close to a magic warship. Xu Qing, when you detonate it later, remember to pick up some debris when you clean up the battlefield. Don¡¯t just discard them. If you bring them back, I¡¯ll be able to better understand my shortcomings.¡± Zhang San looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was also shocked by the magic ship Zhang San had made. When he heard this, he nodded heavily. He felt that what Zhang San said made sense, so he communicated with Zhang San about the details and bade farewell.


    After watching Xu Qing leave, Zhang San yawned. Exhaustion surfaced on his face even more. During this period of time, in order to build Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship, he didn¡¯t rest much.


    On one hand, it was because of their friendship. On the other hand, Zhang San¡¯s heart was itching. He really hoped that the magic ship he built would reveal the sense of participation he had designed after Xu Qing detonated the ship.


    ¡°Last time, it was because my techniques weren¡¯t mature enough. It won¡¯t be the same this time.¡± Zhang San was smug. He smoked his pipe as he went back to rest.


    Xu Qing left in satisfaction. He felt that Zhang San shouldn¡¯t be in the Transportation Department. His skills had already reached a considerable level.


    However, it was obvious that Zhang San was very satisfied with his current life. Although his cultivation progress was slow, Xu Qing could sense Zhang San¡¯s satisfaction. It was as though to him, as long as Xu Qing and the captain became stronger and stronger, he would have nothing to worry about.


    ¡°If there¡¯s a chance, I will repay you heavily!¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and went to the port.


    He had already chosen a berth for himself during the early stages of the new city¡¯s construction. After he put down the magic ship, Xu Qing stepped onto it with a sway of his body and activated the concealment before entering the cabin.


    Looking at his surroundings, everything was no different from the magic ship from before.


    Xu Qing sat down. As the boat swayed slightly, his heart slowly calmed down from the influence of the dream.


    He meditated for a long time until late at night and ended the day¡¯s cultivation. He checked the batch of little black bugs that had eaten the immortal jelly and discovered that they were still sleeping. He then began to study the spell and arts Old Master Seventh had taught him.


    Xu Qing was very serious and hardworking when it came to cultivation.


    Just like that, time flowed by and very soon, three days passed.


    During these three days, Xu Qing didn¡¯t leave the magic ship or go to the Special Security Department. He was completely immersed in his cultivation and research of cultivation techniques. His 102nd magic aperture also began to loosen.


    On the third night, Xu Qing, who was meditating, slowly opened his eyes. He helplessly stood up and walked out of the cabin, looking out of the ship in the night.


    The captain was squatting there and throwing an apple at Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship.


    Because of the protective barrier and the captain¡¯s strange power, the apple didn¡¯t shatter when it came into contact with the protective barrier but bounced back.


    After it landed in his hand, he took a bite and threw it out again, looking very amused. After noticing Xu Qing walking out, the captain waved his hand.


    ¡°Little Qing, are you busy tonight?¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the half-eaten apple in the captain¡¯s hand and nodded.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re free. Come with me to do a small thing. I¡¯ve been short of money recently and plan to sell that Idiot Huang¡¯s finger to him. We¡¯ve already discussed it and he is going to get money. The transaction will be tonight,¡± the captain said in a low voice.


    ¡°Come with me. I accompanied you when you returned to your hometown some time ago.¡± The captain coughed.


    Xu Qing walked out of the magic ship and asked after reaching the shore.


    ¡°Where are you going to do the transaction?¡±


    ¡°At the base of the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s mountain.¡± When the captain saw that Xu Qing had agreed, he stood up happily and gave Xu Qing an apple. He then put his arm around Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder and spoke mysteriously.


    ¡°Little Qing, you are really my good brother. When Old Third heard my words, he instantly ran away. Don¡¯t worry, Eldest Senior Brother dotes on you. I¡¯ve been thinking about a big plan recently. When the time comes, we¡¯ll go together.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that this is a trap?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    The captain¡¯s eyes revealed excitement as he whispered.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡±


    ¡°Besides, since you are coming with me, if something really happens, the old man will definitely come. If it¡¯s just me, he probably won¡¯t be bothered.¡± The captain blinked.


    Xu Qing cast a deep glance at the captain and nodded.


    Very soon, the two of them took advantage of the darkness and left the port, heading straight for the city area of the Mystic Nether Sect. They moved very fast. At midnight, they arrived at the base of the mountain where the captain and Huang Yikun had agreed to meet.


    There was a pavilion there and not far away was the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s mountain.


    In the darkness, the mountain of the Mystic Nether Sect seemed to tower into the clouds. Although there were lights here and there, it was still pitch-black overall. There was a statue at the top of the mountain. Against the backdrop of the moon, the outline of the statue was very clear.


    It was a statue of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether. It stood on the mountain peak and looked in the direction of the Forbidden Sea.


    Even though there was some distance, Xu Qing could still sense the terrifying pressure emitted by the statue. Clearly, this item was extraordinary.


    The entire Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s mountain gave Xu Qing a feeling of mystery.


    After all, the Seventh Peak was a branch of the Mystic Nether Sect back then. Their cultivation arts had common points. The current Alliance Leader was also from the Mystic Nether Sect and was the senior brother of this generation¡¯s Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    As for the ancestor of this generation, Xu Qing had taken a look at them from afar in the Seven Blood Eyes back then. However, they were covered up and he couldn¡¯t see their appearance clearly.


    The captain squatted at the side and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Calculating the time, Idiot Huang should be here soon.¡±


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and waited with the captain.


    Time slowly passed. Fifteen minutes passed, but Huang Yikun was still nowhere in sight. The captain frowned. When he took out a jade slip and transmitted his voice to ask, they didn¡¯t notice that a figure was moving over in the sky from outside the Alliance.


    This figure was extremely fast and silently walked into the Alliance¡¯s array formation. With a step, they arrived outside the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s mountain. Just as they were about to step on the mountain, they seemed to have noticed Xu Qing and the captain. This figure paused in the sky and lowered their head to look over.


    After this pause, their appearance was revealed.


    She was an extremely gorgeous woman.


    Her long black hair was draped behind her back and was gently held by a pink ribbon. She wore a purple starry dress that shone brightly. There was fog around her that made her look like a fairy from the heavens.


    This woman had a pale-white oval face and a lithe waist. Her two curved brows seemed to be knitted but weren¡¯t. Her eyes seemed to be filled with joy but weren¡¯t. At first glance, she looked like a young girl, but upon closer inspection, her eyes held extreme depth.


    It was as though there was nothing in this world that she didn¡¯t know. It was as though with a single action of yours, she would know your intentions. She had experienced all your experiences and the life you never had.


    At that moment, her gaze landed at the base of the mountain and on Xu Qing. She chuckled and walked over.


    One step in the air and she reached the base of the mountain. As she arrived, an indescribably vast pressure spread out from her body, causing the expressions of Xu Qing and the captain to change drastically. Just as they were about to retreat, a soft voice appeared.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡±


    It was just a sentence but it was like a law. The captain¡¯s body trembled and he recognized that the other party was the ancestor of the Mystic Nether Sect, her Daoist name was Purple Mystic Fairy.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know her identity but his mind trembled violently and he couldn¡¯t move his body at all. He could only watch as the gorgeous woman ignored the captain and approached him.


    That delicate face revealed soul-stirring and mature beauty. The lines of the Dao mark in her eyes flowed out one after another, revealing the meaning of a hunter seeing prey.


    Amidst Xu Qing¡¯s extreme nervousness, the woman¡¯s gaze landed on Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and slowly slid down to his mouth, collarbone, chest, and abdomen.


    Her gaze was like silk, elegant and slow.


    Finally, she lifted Xu Qing¡¯s chin and breathed.


    ¡°Little kid, we meet again. You came to the Mystic Nether Sect so late at night. Are you lost?¡±

 Chapter 378 - 378 Amorous

    378 Amorous


    The woman¡¯s voice was coquettish with a hint of demonic charm. At first glance, it sounded like an oriole leaving the valley and the cry of a phoenix. It was crisp, clear, and mellow.


    It was filled with temptation.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled and his scalp went numb. He couldn¡¯t move at all.


    He could only let the woman lift his chin. At the same time, he saw the rays of light flowing in the other party¡¯s teasing eyes.


    He was a little stunned and extremely tense. The surroundings were filled with a strange fragrance.


    It was the fragrance of the woman in front of him.


    This fragrance caused Xu Qing¡¯s heartbeat to race unprecedentedly.


    This experience was unprecedented in his life.


    It was a life-and-death crisis and also a feeling that he couldn¡¯t express clearly. It was as though he had become a delicious snack that was being tasted by someone.


    He felt this even more because of the other party¡¯s cultivation base and the way she was looking at him like a hunter looking at their prey.


    The captain took a deep breath.


    ¡®Huang Yikun, you bastard. Isn¡¯t it just a Mystic Nether Finger? You actually f*cking called your ancestor!!¡¯ The captain¡¯s breathing was hurried. However, on second thought, this wasn¡¯t right. Even if Huang Yikun was a heaven¡¯s chosen, it was impossible for him to make his ancestor personally come and make things difficult for the two of them unless he was like Saintly Star and was the grandson of the ancestor.


    However, according to what he knew, this was clearly not the case.


    He quickly calmed down and carefully sized up the peerless woman. He noticed the other party¡¯s posture and recalled the other party¡¯s words just now. His eyes suddenly widened as a bold guess surfaced in his mind, turning into a clap of thunder that rumbled and exploded.


    ¡®What the f*ck, what the f*ck, what the f*ck!¡¯ The captain quickly closed his eyes and pretended not to see it. However, waves of emotions surged in his mind.


    ¡®Little Qing¡¯s face¡­ is too fatal!¡±


    At the same time, two figures were rushing over towards the base of the mountain. One of them was Huang Yikun, and the other person looked a little similar to Huang Yikun but older.


    The two of them were rapidly approaching this place.


    ¡°Brother, you must help me get justice today. They broke all five fingers. They¡¯re extremely cruel and infuriating!!¡± Huang Yikun gritted his teeth as he sped.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As your big brother¡­ Hmm?¡±


    Beside Huang Yikun was his big brother, Huang Lingfei. He was a Golden Core. As they neared the base, he was halfway through his sentence when his eyes suddenly widened.


    His footsteps instantly stopped as he looked at the scene in the distance in disbelief.


    What he saw was his ancestor lifting Xu Qing¡¯s chin as though she was flirting with him.


    Moreover, the eldest highness of the Seventh Peak had closed his eyes and didn¡¯t dare to look at the ancestor and Xu Qing. However, the shock on his face was what Huang Lingfei was feeling right now.


    Huang Lingfei gasped. Huang Yikun, who was beside him, clearly reacted a little slower and was still shouting.


    ¡°And that Xu Qing, Brother, help me go¡­¡±


    Their arrival attracted the captain¡¯s attention. He opened his eyes and looked over. At the same time, the exceedingly beautiful woman swept her gaze across Xu Qing. She lowered her hand and turned to look at Huang Lingfei and Huang Yikun.


    Huang Lingfei¡¯s mind rumbled. He suddenly turned around and slapped his younger brother¡¯s head, knocking Huang Yikun unconscious.


    ¡°Help you my ass!¡± Huang Lingfei roared inwardly. He thought to himself that there was something wrong with his brother¡¯s brain. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have been arranged to go to the Seven Blood Eyes previously.


    One had to know that none of the others went.


    He was the only one who foolishly went.


    It was fine if he went and it was fine if he lost his fingers. Now, he almost killed him as well.


    Huang Lingfei¡¯s mind shook. He couldn¡¯t forget the scene he had seen just now. He kept cursing Huang Yikun in his mind, thinking to himself, ¡®Of all people, why did you provoke the person the ancestor likes?¡¯


    ¡°Why are the two of you here?¡± The gorgeous woman turned and looked at Huang Lingfei.


    Huang Lingfei shuddered and didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He grabbed Huang Yikun, who had fainted from his slap, and quickly approached. He threw his brother to the ground and knelt down, speaking loudly.


    ¡°Ancestor, disciple had an appointment with Xu¡­ Fellow Daoist! It¡¯s because my younger brother is insensible and offended Fellow Daoist Xu. I brought him here today to apologize.¡±


    Huang Lingfei was extremely nervous. He paused for a moment earlier because he didn¡¯t know if he should call Xu Qing Junior Brother or Senior Brother. No matter what he said, it didn¡¯t look good. What if the ancestor misunderstood? However, his reaction was also very fast and he quickly thought of the address ¡®Fellow Daoist¡¯.


    After saying that, he looked at Xu Qing with a sincere expression.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Xu Qing, my brother is a fool.¡±


    At the side, Huang Yikun was regaining his senses because of the fall and revealed a confused expression. He could faintly hear his brother¡¯s voice in the surroundings. However, before he could completely wake up, Huang Lingfei instantly slapped him and he fainted again.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Xu Qing, please don¡¯t be offended.¡± Huang Lingfei¡¯s forehead was covered in sweat. After saying that, his heart raced and he didn¡¯t dare to get up.


    The gorgeous woman standing in front of Xu Qing smiled. She didn¡¯t say anything and took a step forward, walking into the sky.


    At that moment, the moonlight scattered down, complementing her enchanting figure like a blooming violet. When it landed on her snow-white skin, it was as though it had transformed into a heavenly veil.


    This caused this mature and beautiful woman to emit peerless magnificence. She paused in the air and turned her head slightly to look at the ground as she chuckled.


    ¡°Little friend, you¡¯re welcome to come to the Mystic Nether Sect anytime.¡±


    She was in the sky, with the moon behind her. Under the illumination of the bright light, it was as though violet and orchids were blooming. Her slender waist and jade ribbons moved in the sky. The scene was like a fairy had come from the nine heavens and looked back with a smile that surpassed the brilliance of the stars.


    The laughter was still echoing but she had already left.


    As the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s ancestor left, Xu Qing¡¯s body instantly regained mobility. He suddenly retreated and panted roughly. He had heard the other party¡¯s words and knew the identity of this person who made him feel horror. At this moment, his mind was in turmoil and he couldn¡¯t calm down.


    The captain at the side was the same.


    Huang Lingfei was the same.


    The three of them fell silent. Huang Yikun, who had fainted, naturally didn¡¯t make any sound.


    After a long time, the captain coughed.


    ¡°Um¡­ are we still trading?¡±


    Huang Lingfei took a deep breath. At this moment, he had recovered a little from the shock earlier. He quickly shook his head and cupped his fists toward Xu Qing and the captain. He then grabbed his younger brother and hurriedly left this place.


    He was extremely worried as he wondered if he had seen something he shouldn¡¯t have seen, if he had disturbed the ancestor¡¯s good time¡­ At the thought of this, he became even more uneasy.


    Xu Qing still had lingering fear. The captain hurriedly called him to leave. It was only when he returned to the main city of the Seven Blood Eyes that the captain let out a long breath of relief.


    ¡°How could we encounter the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s ancestor, Purple Mystic Fairy!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. For some reason, the scene earlier kept appearing in his mind, especially the eyes of Purple Mystic Fairy. This caused Xu Qing¡¯s breathing to instinctively become hurried. This was the first time in his life that he felt such an emotion.


    ¡°Little Qing, thank you for what happened today!¡± The captain let out a long sigh.


    ¡°Purple Mystic Fairy, I know about her. It is said that when this Purple Mystic Fairy was young, her name shook the entire Yinghuang Province and she had countless admirers. Although she has never had any Dao companions, there are countless rumors about her.¡±


    ¡°She must have sensed the two of us just now and took a fancy to me. After that, she lifted your chin to attract my attention. Little Qing, you¡¯ve suffered.¡± The captain patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder without blushing.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, eat more pomelos1 in the future!¡± Xu Qing glanced at the captain.


    ¡°Why?¡± The captain was stunned.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t explain. He walked to his berth at the harbor and leaped onto the magic ship.


    The captain coughed. Seeing that Xu Qing had left, he couldn¡¯t suppress the shock in his heart anymore and it surfaced again. However, he quickly thought about Xu Qing¡¯s words before he left.


    ¡°Why eat more pomelos?¡±


    At the same time, on the magic ship, Xu Qing walked into the cabin. He scattered more poison in the surroundings and activated a few more layers of defense. Only then did he let out a long breath. After he sat down, he began to analyze what had happened today.


    This matter was too strange. Xu Qing had never encountered or thought of it before. However, his first feeling was that there must be a reason for this abnormality.


    ¡°There must be a reason for the words and actions of an ancestor who has cultivated to that level. Did this Purple Mystic Fairy see something wrong with me? She should be from the same era as Master. Or is it because I¡¯m Master¡¯s disciple?¡±


    Xu Qing silently pondered for a long time, but he still couldn¡¯t find the reason. Hence, he took out a voice transmission jade slip and transmitted his voice to his master, telling him everything. He also secretly asked about his master¡¯s relationship with Purple Mystic Fairy.


    On the other end of the jade slip, Old Master Seventh fell silent.


    A long time later, Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice calmly rang out.


    ¡°Back then, that Purple Mystic Fairy pursued me fanatically, but was ruthlessly rejected by me more than 300 times. It¡¯s understandable that she thought of me when she saw you. Don¡¯t spread this matter. It¡¯s all in the past.¡±


    ¡°I still have something on. Let¡¯s not talk about it for now.¡±


    Xu Qing was puzzled.


    He felt that his master¡¯s reply was a little¡­ similar to what the captain had said previously.


    At that moment, in the hall at the top of the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s mountain. Purple Mystic Fairy was sitting on a futon, and lazily stretched her beautiful and slender waist. She took the cloud snow lotus-seed soup brewed with a hundred flowers morning dew that the old female servant brought over and took a sip. She suddenly frowned and turned her to the side.


    The old woman stood there motionlessly, as though her body was fixed. Even her expression was still. A figure walked over from the void behind her.


    This figure wore a green robe and his long hair draped over his shoulders. He looked like an elegant middle-aged man.


    There were stars circulating in his eyes. Upon closer inspection, there were layers behind the stars that extended into the depths of his eyes. There were at least ten thousand layers.


    This caused his eyes to possess astonishing power. When one looked at them, they would involuntarily sink into them.


    It was the Alliance Leader of the Eight Sects Alliance.


    ¡°Junior Sister, you don¡¯t have much time left. Have you thought about your answer to me?¡± The Alliance Leader calmly spoke.


    ¡°You come to ask every month, but I refuse you every time. Can you cut it out?¡± Purple Mystic Fairy frowned and said coldly.


    ¡°Why do you refuse? Are you still looking for someone with light in their heart? In this chaotic world, such a person doesn¡¯t exist. Even if such a person does exist, after coming into contact with the cruel and evil world a few times, they will be changed by this world until the light dims and won¡¯t meet your requirements.¡±


    ¡°You only need to agree to let me plant my divine sense and you can borrow my strength to make up for the last Dao thread you lack. It will allow your Shattering Thousand Dao to reach perfection and you will have hope of breaking through to the second stage.¡±


    ¡°If you want to find a vessel, go find someone else. Outsiders don¡¯t know your personality but I know it very well.¡± Purple Mystic Fairy calmly spoke, not giving in at all.


    The Alliance Leader took a deep look at the peerless beauty in front of him and smiled.


    ¡°Junior Sister, you don¡¯t have much lifespan left. I¡¯ll ask you again next month.¡± With that, the Alliance Leader transformed into starlight which then dissipated into thin air.


    The old woman at the side returned to normal. She had no idea about what had happened earlier.


    Only Purple Mystic Fairy put down the lotus seed soup and frowned.

 Chapter 379 - 379 Miserable World

    379 Miserable World


    Xu Qing was a little puzzled by Old Master Seventh¡¯s reply. However, he only felt that something was amiss and wasn¡¯t very clear about the details.


    However, Xu Qing felt that it was still better to keep a respectful distance from Purple Mystic Fairy. He decided not to approach the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s mountain in the future.


    With this thought in mind, Xu Qing closed his eyes and began to meditate.


    However, for some reason, he felt slightly uneasy.


    Hence, Xu Qing opened his eyes and took out the book on herbs and plants that Grandmaster Bai had given him. After flipping through it for more than an hour, his heart completely calmed down.


    Just like that, half a month passed in the blink of an eye.


    In this half a month, other than cultivating, Xu Qing also obtained some water from the Immortal Enrichment River to wash away the Taboo fragment he had obtained from Sima Ling.


    However, this Taboo fragment itself could emit anomalous substances, so the cleansing effect of the river water was average.


    After Xu Qing thought about it, he still wasn¡¯t at ease with the shadow. Hence, he didn¡¯t let it absorb it. Instead, he continued to wash it with the river water. Even though the effect was ordinary, it was still better than doing nothing.


    As everything in the entire main city progressed in an orderly manner, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Special Security Department welcomed their first mission.


    Patrol the tributary of the Immortal Enrichment River.


    This tributary was extremely long. The river course went from the Minor Affairs Sect to the Eight Sects Alliance, running through almost half of the Yinghuang Prefecture.


    The patrolling team had to move along the river toward the upper reaches of the tributary. While checking the quality of the river water, the main point was to intimidate the thieves. And if there were any water diversions, they had to destroy the parties involved.


    After all, the river was long and passed by countless sects and small countries. If they didn¡¯t patrol, after the river was cut off layer by layer, the portion that reached the Eight Sects Alliance would be reduced on a large scale.


    Hence, river patrolling was an important duty.


    The Special Security Departments of the eight sects of the Eight Sects Alliance were in charge of this and they carried this duty in rotation. Now, it was the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ turn.


    Xu Qing also planned to go out and take a look at the Yinghuang Province. However, he had a cautious personality, so he asked Old Master Seventh first.


    Old Master Seventh gave the go-ahead and gave Xu Qing a jade slip that concealed his identity.


    After obtaining the jade slip, Xu Qing felt much more at ease.


    He concealed his appearance, changed his clothes, and even used an aura-changing magic artifact. This morning, he and the captain led 700 to 800 disciples of the sect on 20 large ships and set off from the Eight Sects Alliance.


    The 20 large ships sailed out of the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s city in a majestic manner and followed the river course.


    The width of this Immortal Enrichment River¡¯s tributary was extremely wide. The higher one went, the more it became like this. Gradually, a heaven-reaching river appeared in front of Xu Qing.


    The river was surging and rumbling loudly.


    The immortal Qi was dense.


    In the morning, one could see the fog filled with energy rising above the river. One sniff of it could make one feel relaxed and happy.


    This river was more than 100,000 feet wide and felt like an ocean. The large ships had to travel side by side with a large gap between them before they could investigate both sides.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor really liked this place. After expressing his desire to Xu Qing, Xu Qing took out the black iron stick, allowing the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to cultivate here.


    The shadow was strange. Even such an environment didn¡¯t affect it at all. Under the sunlight, a portion of it spread to the river.


    Sometimes, when some of the spirit fish in the river got close to the shadow, they would be instantly devoured. Every time this happened, the shadow would transmit satisfied emotions.


    ¡°Immortal Qi can also be absorbed?¡± Xu Qing sensed it.


    ¡°What a good Immortal Enrichment River!¡± While Xu Qing was deep in thought, the captain at the side looked in all directions and sighed with emotion.


    ¡°No wonder the Eight Sects Alliance spared no expense and risked offending the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect to destroy the Minor Affairs Sect¡¯s dam and let this river enter the alliance.¡±


    ¡°I wonder how vast and shocking the source of this ancient river is. We cultivators must make a trip there in our lives and see that scenery. If we can also become Sword Holders, our lives will not have been in vain.¡± The captain placed his hands behind his back and his hair fluttered in the wind. His voice was filled with fascination.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain in surprise. From the time they set off in the morning until now, a long time had passed but he hadn¡¯t seen the captain eat an apple. At this moment, his words made Xu Qing feel even stranger.


    These words didn¡¯t look like something the captain could say.


    Hence, Xu Qing took out an apple and nodded after taking a bite.


    He recalled that ever since the incident with the Mystic Nether Sect last time, the captain seemed to have been stimulated. The two of them had only met a few times after that. Every time he saw the captain, Xu Qing felt as though he was looking at Wu Jianwu.


    This was especially clear today.


    Other than not reciting poems.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, do you want to eat an apple?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°Do you think Senior Brother only knows how to eat?¡± The captain turned his head and cast a meaningful glance at Xu Qing as he calmly spoke.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he took out an apple and threw it over.


    The captain instinctively caught it.


    Xu Qing was silent.


    The captain fell silent.


    A long time later, the two of them squatted at the bow of the boat and ate together.


    As he ate, the captain sighed.


    ¡°Why do you think Purple Mystic Fairy treated you like that? How am I inferior? I¡¯m not bad either¡­ I investigated later. When Purple Mystic Fairy was young, she was extremely famous in the Yinghuang Province. Her beauty was widely renowned. Moreover, the malicious rumors about her were mostly spread by her pursuers after failing to get her.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He looked into the distance at the two shores and the description of the two sides of the Immortal Enrichment Ancient River appeared in his mind.


    On one side was the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain Range formed by a hundred thousand mountains. It was a black mass that was like the spine of a giant beast with no end in sight. There were demons, ghosts, bizarre entities, rogue cultivators, and countless sects inside. It was a chaotic mess and extremely cruel like hell on earth.


    On the other side was the endless wasteland. The density of anomalous substances was high, and dead trees were everywhere. There were also countless small countries. Every small country often had to worship or rely on some cultivators and forces to survive.


    Xu Qing pondered over the content of the file. After the captain finished eating the apple, he took out another one and took a bite. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly looked into the distance.


    Xu Qing also lifted his head.


    At the same time, their voice transmission jade slips transmitted the information sent by the disciples who had gone ahead to examine.


    ¡°There are mortals residing by the river in front.¡±


    Due to the distance, the disciples on the large ships at the back couldn¡¯t see the scene in the distance. However, in Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s eyes, everything in the distance was clearly visible.


    After seeing it clearly, their expressions became complicated.


    Xu Qing saw a large number of mortal refugees. There were old and young, men and women. Most of them were greenish-black, meaning that the anomalous substances in them were extremely dense and they weren¡¯t far from mutation.


    They were as skinny as skeletons and their eyes were listless. There were even some who had difficulty walking and could only slowly move forward with the help of their friends or families.


    There were hundreds of these people gathered on the shore, forming a long line. They were using the river water to wash their bodies.


    They were using the immortal Qi of the water to maintain their exhausted lifespan.


    There were even some whose bodies were rotting and lying on the shore. Some people filled stone bowls with river water and slowly fed them.


    There were also a few crying children in the crowd. It was as though the cleansing of the water caused them to feel unbearable pain.


    This miserable scene was just a small part of the myriad beings and this world.


    After seeing the Alliance¡¯s ships, horror appeared in the eyes of these mortals and they trembled.


    Xu Qing looked at all of this and spoke softly.


    ¡°Send some medicinal pills over.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± The disciples from the Special Security Department following behind him immediately flew over with his men and distributed the low-level medicinal pills they had prepared before they set off to these suffering people.


    ¡°There¡¯s not much we can do. This is the way of the world, and our human race is in a serious state of internal strife.¡± The captain sighed.


    ¡°I know.¡± Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked into the distance.


    ¡°If I can help, I¡¯ll help.¡±


    The captain cast a deep glance at Xu Qing. After that, he waved his hand and dozens of spirit fish flew out of the river and landed on the shore.


    The effects of these spirit fishes on dissipating anomalous substances was faster than the river water.


    ¡°Little Qing, maybe this is why the old man likes you and why I¡¯m willing to come into contact with you.¡± The captain patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak.


    Time slowly passed and the voyage continued. In the blink of an eye, half a month passed.


    In the past half a month, they saw many miserable people as before on the shores. Xu Qing saw mortals, rogue cultivators, other races, and small countries.


    They were all cleansing their anomalous substances on the riverbank. Every one of them was very miserable, and there were many disabled people. Moreover, most of them clearly showed mutations.


    Although this river course that was forcefully opened by the Eight Sects Alliance benefited the Eight Sects Alliance, it also helped the countless small countries and races near the river, allowing them to have a trace of hope in their painful lives.


    The Eight Sects Alliance tacitly agreed to this. As long as they didn¡¯t divert the river, they wouldn¡¯t stop them. They silently allowed those who were suffering on the way to come here to obtain life.


    Xu Qing and the others distributed the low-level medicinal pills as they passed by these people. This action was different from other sects. This was what Old Master Seventh had instructed before they set off.


    This voyage lasted for a very long time and Xu Qing also began to cultivate. Only the captain couldn¡¯t sit still. Sometimes, he would fish and sometimes go ashore. Occasionally, he would capture some small beasts and bring them back.


    On this day, the probing ships ahead sent them a message. They had encountered something they didn¡¯t know how to deal with.


    Xu Qing got up from his cultivation. When he walked out of the cabin, he saw the captain standing at the bow of the ship, looking into the distance.


    ¡°This is the first time we¡¯ve encountered such a situation. If they were cultivators, I would have directly killed them. However, that¡¯s not the case.¡±


    ¡°The entire small country of about 40,000 to 50,000 people is moving the river water together¡­ They are also digging a river channel¡­¡±


    When Xu Qing heard the captain¡¯s words, he walked to the bow and looked over as well.


    There were tens of thousands of people pushing wooden-wheeled carts on the distant shore, transporting buckets of river water away. The people who did these things were all sallow-faced and skinny paupers. There were also some mortal soldiers in the surroundings who were berating and flogging them.


    There were also some who were digging up the ground, diverting the river water.


    The convoy continued to spread toward a small country in the distance.


    After Xu Qing swept his gaze over, his eyes suddenly narrowed as he looked at those sallow and skinny people again.


    At that moment, under the illumination of the setting sun, long shadows were drawn out under the feet of these people. These shadows looked normal but under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, it seemed like¡­ they were all missing an ear.


    Left ear.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.

 Chapter 380 - 380 There Must Be a Reason for the Abnormality

    380 There Must Be a Reason for the Abnormality


    It was very difficult for others to notice such details. Only Xu Qing would pay attention to the shadows of others because of the strangeness of his shadow.


    The instant Xu Qing looked over, his shadow immediately emitted excitement.


    ¡°Similar¡­ type¡­ devour¡­¡±


    This time around, there was no need for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to translate. Xu Qing already understood what the shadow wanted to express. His eyes narrowed slightly.


    After a long time, he slowly spoke.


    ¡°There must be a reason for this abnormality.¡±


    ¡°This is especially so for the water diversion matter. It doesn¡¯t seem like they are really going to divert it. It seems more like it¡¯s to attract our attention.¡±


    When the captain saw this scene, he smiled and gave the order.


    ¡°A call for help? Interesting. Men, bring the king of this small country here and ask him about the reason. This feels a little fishy. It¡¯s not like they don¡¯t know the rules of the alliance¡¯s tacit approval.¡±


    Not long later, as rays of light approached, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples brought a fat old man in a yellow robe to the ship. The instant he arrived, the old man¡¯s body trembled and he knelt down with a plop.


    ¡°Immortals, please save my small country!!¡±


    As the king cried, Xu Qing and the captain gradually learned of the reason.


    This small country was called Chiri Country.


    Its founder was a Foundation Building cultivator of a small sect. Because he had no hope of breaking through, he moved here and formed a family. After that, he gathered refugees and the place gradually became a small country.


    Life was usually difficult but under the protection of a small sect that worshiped the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain, they were able to live in safety. Coupled with food that contained anomalous substances, they could still carry on with their lives.


    Although most of their lifespans were short, in this world, there was nothing else they could ask for.


    However, all of this changed with the appearance of the tributary of the Immortal Enrichment River.


    The source of the change was the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain. The chaotic forces there were already fighting daily.


    The appearance of the tributary led them to expanding their territories. A month ago, the small sect that had provided them with protection was destroyed by three nonhuman rogue cultivators.


    After the sect was killed and its members eaten, these three nonhuman rogue cultivators occupied this place.


    Because they revered Three Spirits Suppression Mountain, they called themselves the Little Three Spirits and demanded all the nearby small countries to send a large amount of river water in exchange for peace.


    If they couldn¡¯t deliver the quantity within the specified time, they would go to that country and eat a thousand people. In the end, the country would either be devoured or would deliver enough river water.


    These Little Three Spirits had clearly learned of the tacit agreement of the Eight Sects Alliance to the human race. That was why they made such a demand.


    After all, the Eight Sects Alliance wouldn¡¯t stop mortals from collecting water.


    They required a large amount of river water, but they didn¡¯t dare to divert the water. Hence, they came up with such a plan.


    ¡°We¡¯ve already passed the deadline. Those Little Three Spirits come here every day to eat a thousand people and leave in the morning. If the amount of river water isn¡¯t enough tomorrow, they¡¯ll come again. I have no choice but to divert the water to attract the attention of the immortals.¡± The king was also a cultivator but he was only at the Qi Condensation Realm. At this moment, his voice was trembling.


    Xu Qing¡¯s previous guess was correct. Diverting the water was their way of saving themselves.


    At that moment, his gaze was deep as he glanced at the king¡¯s shadow on the deck under the setting sun.


    The left ear of the other party¡¯s shadow was also gone.


    Whether deliberately or not, the king was tilting his head slightly and due to the angle, it was even harder for others to see the missing left ear on his shadow clearly.


    Only those who were looking for it could see the details of the shadow the instant the king bowed.


    ¡°Little Three Spirits?¡± The captain narrowed his eyes. Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was deep. The two of them were experienced, and the captain was even more shrewd. He could naturally tell if what the king said was true or false.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s opinion, what the king said was true but it was obvious that the other party was hiding something.


    However, they didn¡¯t make a decision immediately. Instead, after asking about the location of the Little Three Spirits, they arranged for some disciples to go investigate. After waiting for a few hours, the disciples returned with news. The captain smiled and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°The strongest are three two-fires Foundation Building cultivators?¡± The captain pressed his right hand on the ship. After opening the ship¡¯s array formation, an invisible ripple spread out and instantly swept in all directions.


    The range was extremely large and the captain had adjusted it to the designated area. After relying on the array formation to investigate again and confirming that there were no Golden Core cultivators in the designated area, he nodded.


    ¡°The alliance¡¯s detection array formation is indeed very useful. Xu Qing, why don¡¯t we send some people to destroy those Little Three Spirits?¡± As he spoke, the captain arranged for the Seven Blood Eyes disciples behind him to go over and deal with this matter.


    Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, I¡¯ll go with them.¡±


    The captain glanced at Xu Qing with a spurious smile but didn¡¯t ask further. He then nodded.


    ¡°Do you need me to come?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not convenient.¡± Xu Qing thought about it and shook his head. He didn¡¯t plan to deliberately hide it.


    Moreover, Xu Qing felt that even if the captain didn¡¯t notice it now, he would still be able to see some clues when he recalled it later.


    After all, one could never underestimate anyone.


    Rather than the captain making wild guesses later, it was better to directly tell him that this was his secret.


    Xu Qing¡¯s judgment wasn¡¯t wrong. After the captain heard Xu Qing¡¯s words, his smile was deep and he didn¡¯t ask further.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and he soared into the air, summoning a hundred Seven Blood Eyes disciples. The group of them headed straight for the distant Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.


    Even though he repeatedly confirmed that there was not going to be any issues, Xu Qing¡¯s personality still made him summon more people.


    Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s back view, the captain¡¯s eyes revealed satisfaction.


    ¡°Little Qing indeed doesn¡¯t treat me as an outsider. In that case, I won¡¯t be overly curious. Everyone has their own secrets.¡±


    The captain took out an apple and glanced at the shadow under the trembling king¡¯s feet and the missing left ear. He chuckled and called for the fleet to stop sailing, waiting for Xu Qing to return.


    At that moment, in the air above the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain, Xu Qing was whistling over with more than a hundred Seven Blood Eyes disciples from the various peaks.


    30% of these team members were at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm and the rest were at the Foundation Building Realm.


    Those who could join the Special Security Department were naturally not ordinary people. They selected the best among the best. Although most of them hadn¡¯t formed their life fire, there were about 20 people with one ball of life fire. There were six people with two fires and one with three fires.


    The little mute was among them. His cultivation was at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm but his ferocity was extremely great. When he fought, he didn¡¯t care about his life. Among Qi Condensation cultivators, he could already be considered an outstanding talent.


    With such a scale, unless they encountered a Golden Core with two palaces or more, they would be able to sweep through the enemies.


    As he got closer, the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain was clearly reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. There were countless mountains in this mountain range and it was filled with dense forests. Under the illumination of the dusk, the forests seemed to be hiding demons and monsters.


    The sunlight wasn¡¯t even able to pass through the trees to the ground, causing it to be pitch-black.


    Some of the ground was muddy, and some had cracks that hid countless dangers and bizarre entities.


    As soon as he got close, Xu Qing heard the bizarre fluctuations made by the dense forest in the distance. This fluctuation was very far away and wasn¡¯t the target of his trip. However, Xu Qing only glanced at it and a malicious intent instantly rose from that direction, enveloping the surroundings of Xu Qing and the others.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. The shadow under his feet grinned.


    Almost at the instant its mouth split open, the malice formed by the bizarre entity instantly disappeared. It was as though it was shocked and disappeared without a trace.


    Xu Qing continued to fly toward his destination. Gradually, a stench spread out from the dense forest of the black mountain. One could see the heads of many humanoid beasts and nonhuman races hanging on the trees here. Blood dripped onto the rotting bones under the trees.


    There were also swamps on the ground formed from the blood and flesh.


    Everything was imitating the acts of the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain. Xu Qing frowned and coldly looked at the middle of the mountain in the distance. There was a large cave there and the commotion from there spread in the wind.


    There were some malevolent-looking nonhumans carrying charred human and beast corpses as they walked into the cave.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to turn increasingly cold as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Kill. Other than the main culprits, don¡¯t leave a single one alive!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± After the hundred-odd disciples behind him spoke in unison, they transformed into rainbows that headed straight ahead and instantly arrived at the entrance of the cave.


    The nonhumans carrying the food were shocked. Before they could make a sound, their heads had already flown up into the air.


    The person who attacked was the little mute. He held a dagger in his hand and licked the blood from the dagger. He then crouched down and moved forward at an extremely fast speed, heading straight for the cave.


    The others also rushed in. In an instant, furious roars rang out from the cave, and shouts and cries echoed.


    Xu Qing was expressionless as he walked over step by step. The black iron stick floated beside him and his shadow spread out on the ground.


    As Xu Qing stepped into the cave which was now filled with corpses.


    Occasionally, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor would let out a sinister laugh and control the iron stick to penetrate the corpses. Every time this happened, the penetrated corpse would scream and die completely.


    Clearly, they were pretending to be dead.


    The shadow didn¡¯t bother with these people who were pretending to be dead. It emitted an intense desire and pointed the way, bringing Xu Qing deeper into the cave.


    As the sounds of fighting in front of him disappeared, Xu Qing walked to the deepest part of the cave.


    There was a huge space here. One could see a ten-foot-long hole above from which the night sky was visible.


    There were a large number of shattered tables, food, and corpses of nonhumans on the ground.


    All the disciples of the Special Security Department were here. They captured more than 20 nonhumans alive and made them kneel.


    Fear appeared in the eyes of these nonhumans. Among them, three had two balls of life fire and were heavily injured. They looked at Xu Qing who was walking toward them in fear.


    ¡°Upper Sect, we¡­¡± The one who spoke was a cultivator with flames as hair and scales all over his body. He was also one of the Little Three Spirits.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with him and waved his hand. Before the nonhuman could finish speaking, his head exploded.


    This scene caused the other subdued nonhumans to gasp in fear. They were extremely afraid and didn¡¯t dare to speak.


    Xu Qing also didn¡¯t speak. His calm gaze swept past the shadows of these nonhumans one by one and finally gathered on a nonhuman with wings on his back.


    This nonhuman was also one of the Little Three Spirits.


    He trembled as he looked at Xu Qing. Just as he was about to speak, his expression suddenly distorted. Somehow, he broke free from the restraints and stood up, fleeing straight for the cave exit above.


    His speed was extremely fast.


    However, his eyes revealed disbelief and horror. It was as though what controlled his body was no longer his own will.


    It wasn¡¯t Xu Qing¡¯s shadow either.


    It was the shadow of the nonhuman himself!

 Chapter 381 - 381 Master... Im Good...

    381 Master¡­ I¡¯m Good¡­


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he chased after the fleeing nonhuman. His shadow then spread out invisibly, opening a large mouth that others couldn¡¯t see. With unprecedented desire and madness, it ruthlessly moved toward the fleeing nonhuman.


    The nonhuman was about to counterattack but the huge difference in cultivation between them made it impossible for him to resist. In the blink of an eye, Xu Qing caught up and grabbed his neck.


    No matter how he struggled, it was useless. He only felt endless flames flowing into his body crazily through Xu Qing¡¯s hand. At the same time, Xu Qing¡¯s shadow also carried endless cruelty and desire as it directly covered the nonhuman¡¯s shadow.


    A scream that outsiders couldn¡¯t hear came out from the nonhuman¡¯s shadow.


    ¡°Kill everyone here and wait for me on the ship.¡± Xu Qing left behind a sentence. He then grabbed the nonhuman in his hand and exited from the hole above.


    At that moment, it was already night outside. Xu Qing held the nonhuman and arrived at the top of a mountain in the distance. After looking around, he coldly looked at the shadow of the nonhuman who was trembling and whose eyes were filled with despair.


    Its shadow was distorting as it struggled intensely. In Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, his shadow was also mixed in. Both sides were constantly devouring and biting each other, as though they were life-and-death enemies.


    An evil and crazy aura spread out from the nonhuman¡¯s shadow. This feeling was the same as when Xu Qing first saw the shadow in the jungle of the scavenger campsite.


    It was filled with savageness and ferocity.


    It was only after Xu Qing suppressed and tamed the shadow many times that this ferocity dissipated and it became obedient. However, Xu Qing knew that its disobedience was still lying deep within it.


    ¡®As expected, although a bizarre entity like the shadow is extremely rare in this world, there are still others.¡¯ Xu Qing muttered inwardly. His gaze moved away from the shadow and landed on the nonhuman.


    The other party should be the same as him. At some point in the past, they were invaded by the shadow. However, the difference was that he was the master and the other party was the slave.


    ¡®If it wasn¡¯t for the purple crystal, I would probably not be me the moment I encountered the shadow.¡¯ Xu Qing mumbled. This was because he noticed that the anomalous substances in the nonhuman¡¯s body were no different from other cultivators, unlike him who didn¡¯t have any anomalous substances.


    Clearly, this was one of the differences of being the master or the slave.


    If one couldn¡¯t suppress the shadow, they could only be controlled by it and become its vessel.


    At that moment, Xu Qing glanced at his shadow that was still fighting and biting. A purple light flashed in his body and the suppression instantly blasted out.


    This time, he didn¡¯t attack his shadow but the nonhuman¡¯s shadow.


    The purple crystal clearly had a powerful suppressive effect on bizarre entities like shadows. Amidst the silent shouts, the nonhuman¡¯s shadow emitted a blood-curdling scream that only Xu Qing and the nonhuman could hear.


    The shadow was instantly excited and cheered. As for the nonhuman¡¯s shadow, it became ferocious and crazy. It pounced toward Xu Qing, wanting to devour him.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was cold. With a wave of his hand, purple light flickered and suppressed it 17 times in a row.


    Every time, it would cause the shadow of the nonhuman to let out a sharp cry. In the end, it revealed fear and retreated weakly. However, before it could retreat far, the purple light on Xu Qing¡¯s chest rapidly gathered and suppressed it again.


    This time, the suppression didn¡¯t dissipate immediately. Instead, Xu Qing pressed the nonhuman¡¯s shadow on the ground, preventing it from escaping. It struggled and screamed miserably, even emitting begging emotions.


    As for the shadow, it was clearly the first time it had seen this tragic thing happen to someone else. This seemed to give it a strange feeling and it inexplicably sent flattering emotions to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing squatted down and carefully checked the nonhuman¡¯s shadow. Its shape was the same as his shadow. At that moment, its shape had changed into a tree and the eyes on it were filled with fear.


    Xu Qing thought about it and weighed whether he should seal the other party in the purple crystal like the shadow. However, he¡­ couldn¡¯t do it. He placed his hand on the shadow. His hand entered the shadow and felt the coldness. He tried to activate the crystal at the same time but he still couldn¡¯t do it.


    After some thought, Xu Qing waved his hand and the black iron stick flew out, instantly piercing through the nonhuman¡¯s head. This nonhuman directly died.


    Xu Qing recalled that it was only after the black-scaled wolf died that its shadow counterattacked. Now that he had killed that nonhuman, he tried to subdue it again but he still couldn¡¯t do it.


    However, the shadow didn¡¯t know this. It seemed to have realized Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts and instantly trembled, emitting anxious clear fluctuations.


    ¡°Master¡­ I¡¯m good¡­ Don¡¯t¡­¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, who was inside the iron stick, resisted the urge to translate when he saw this scene.


    Xu Qing glanced at his shadow. After pondering for a moment, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Seeing that you¡¯ve made contributions before, I won¡¯t seal it to replace you today. Remember, the contributions from before have been offset. If you don¡¯t make more contributions¡­ I¡¯ll replace you.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s voice was calm but when it was heard by the shadow, it trembled and shook its head crazily.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was overjoyed. He felt an indescribable satisfaction and his eyes lit up.


    Xu Qing frowned.


    The shadow reacted and hurriedly blinked. After that, it nodded and shook its head. Clearly, amidst its extreme nervousness, its instinctive reaction to what meant yes and no after being brainwashed by the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor back then affected its actions.


    Fortunately, it could emit its emotions.


    At this moment, it promised crazily.


    Only then did Xu Qing nod and slowly speak.


    ¡°Devour it.¡± As he spoke, Xu Qing stood up but he didn¡¯t remove the suppression. Hence, amidst the nonhuman¡¯s shadow¡¯s screams, the shadow opened its mouth and devoured crazily.


    The entire process lasted for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. The shadow of the nonhuman was completely devoured by Xu Qing¡¯s shadow. After that, it burped and sent a fawning emotion to Xu Qing.


    Moreover, it was obvious that its energy fluctuations were much stronger than before. There were more eyes on it now. They weren¡¯t completely open and only revealed a slight gap. There were also some flower buds in the shadow tree.


    ¡°Time¡­ absorption¡­ strong¡­¡±


    Noticing that Xu Qing was looking at it, the shadow hurriedly sent out a divine sense fluctuation.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked at the mountain of the Little Three Spirits in the distance. He felt that the harvest this time was okay. He turned into a ray of light as he headed straight for the distance.


    Not long later, Xu Qing arrived at the Immortal Enrichment River¡¯s tributary and returned to the large ship.


    The king of that small country was no longer on the ship. The disciples who had accompanied Xu Qing earlier had long returned.


    ¡°Finished?¡± The captain glanced at Xu Qing with a spurious smile.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± The captain didn¡¯t continue asking. He stretched his back and lay on the deck with his hands as the pillow, looking at the night sky.


    Xu Qing sat down and closed his eyes to cultivate.


    The night wind blew over, blowing their hair. As the boat moved forward, the sound of the river was like a performance of nature, drifting further and further away with the wind.


    Time flowed by and in the blink of an eye, more than a month had passed. The large ships of the Special Security Department had already completed half of the patrolling of the river. The reason why it was so fast was because the Alliance¡¯s ships were quite amazing. Not only did it possess offensive and defensive abilities, but it was also extremely fast.


    Also, small sects and small countries that truly had the guts to divert the river were rare after all. Moreover, this wasn¡¯t the Alliance¡¯s first patrol, so everything was considered peaceful and their speed naturally increased.


    It was the same for Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation. His 102nd magic aperture was finally opened on this day, allowing his magic power to increase a little.


    As for the captain, ever since he ate a few spirit fishes half a month ago, he had fallen in love with their taste. Every day, he would eat all kinds of fish in different ways. Xu Qing ate a few times and discovered that the taste was indeed quite good.


    Hence, the entire fleet began to fish for food.


    At that moment, the captain sat beside Xu Qing and winked.


    ¡°Little Qing¡­¡±


    Xu Qing helplessly opened his eyes. With a wave of his hand, a lump of fiendish fire spread out. The captain hurriedly placed the fishes on them and skillfully roasted them. His voice was filled with excitement.


    ¡°The cultivation art I cultivate has nothing to do with fire. Even if I can use a fire spell, the taste of the fish roasted with it falls by a lot. Instead, your fiendish fire gives quite an unique taste to these spirit fishes.¡±


    Xu Qing was about to close his eyes and continue meditating when his expression suddenly changed. The captain also abruptly lifted his head and the two of them looked at the sky at the same time.


    In the distant sky, there were two rays of light flying, with one chasing the other.


    The person in front was a red-haired old man. The old man¡¯s chest was badly mangled and there were injuries all over him.


    His black face was covered in wrinkles. Due to his skin color and the cruelty in his gaze, he looked very sinister. While fleeing, the two black Heavenly Palaces above his head emitted an astonishing aura that shook the surroundings.


    When he flew over a small nonhuman race country, he waved his hand. Immediately, nearly ten thousand nonhumans flew out of the small country. All of them bled from their seven orifices and their blood gushed up, transforming into a river of blood that headed straight for the sky. When it landed in the hand of the red-haired, black-faced old man, it transformed into a blood pill that he swallowed in one gulp. The wounds on his chest healed a little.


    Just as he was about to continue, a sword qi surged over from behind him, causing the old demon to let out a low shout. He had no choice but to give up and speed up his escape.


    As for the nonhumans who had lost more than half of their blood, they fell to the ground one after another. Some were dead and some were injured.


    The person who sent out the sword qi was a youth in a white robe. The 27 large swords on his back circled around him and kept spinning, emitting sword qi that bombarded the old demon.


    This youth had a handsome appearance. His brows were like the edge of a sword and his eyes were like the stars. As he moved, his long hair fluttered in the wind. The most eye-catching thing about him was the pattern embroidered on his robe.


    This pattern was a redbud flower!


    ¡°Redbud flower! He is a Sword Holder!¡± The captain was instantly excited.

 Chapter 382 - 382 Why Seek Death?

    382 Why Seek Death?


    Xu Qing had heard of the Sword Holders from the captain before. He knew that they belonged to the Upper Mystic Five Ministries of the Grand Imperial Capital Region. There was a Sword Holding Palace in all the seven counties of the human race¡¯s territory and a Sword Holding Court in every province.


    However, he had never seen them before.


    Hearing the captain¡¯s words, Xu Qing focused his gaze over and his gaze darkened slightly. Regardless of the pursued or the pursuer, the combat strength of the two people in the sky was terrifying and the aftershocks of their attacks were even more astonishing.


    If Xu Qing didn¡¯t have Old Master Seventh¡¯s protection, he would definitely die.


    ¡°Two Heavenly Palaces¡­¡± As Xu Qing mumbled, the two people in the sky passed by the Immortal Enrichment River. The old demon in front was about to cross the tributary and escape to the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.


    However, his gaze swept below and it landed on the ships of the Alliance. His gaze was immediately filled with ferocity.


    He was currently injured and urgently needed to devour qi and blood to heal his injuries. Hence, he couldn¡¯t care less that these ships belonged to the Eight Sects Alliance. He split into more than ten clones which swept up black wind and headed straight for the ships, wanting to devour all the beings on them.


    However, the instant the old demon got close, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ ships instantly buzzed; the array formations were instantly activated, forming powerful protective barriers.


    The old demon¡¯s clones landed one after another and bombarded these ships in unison, causing the protective barriers to distort intensely. The expressions of the disciples inside changed and some of them even spat out blood.


    Even their eyes bled.


    The red-haired old demon¡¯s entire body was like a huge black hole that distorted all the light. Just a glance made them feel that the world was spinning.


    Only people with Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s cultivation levels could ignore this pressure. They even counterattacked the moment the other party¡¯s clone struck their ship.


    Xu Qing immediately released the poison catalyst. When he was free, he would release some poison every day. Before these poisons were activated, they wouldn¡¯t cause any harm. Instead, they were beneficial and could increase one¡¯s qi and blood.


    They would dissipate on their own in half a month without any hidden danger.


    Now, Xu Qing had released a total of 170 to 180 types of poison. It was all for the sake of instantly activating them when there was a crisis, and severely poisoning the enemy.


    Almost at the instant the old demon arrived, Xu Qing punched out at the old demon outside the protective barrier without hesitation. He had put a trace of poison catalyst that wasn¡¯t easily volatilized on his fist..


    At the same time, he performed a series of hand seals with his left hand and the sky changed color. A black cloud appeared and a withered finger descended from the sky, heading straight for the old demon outside the protective barrier.


    The captain also performed a series of hand seals. With a wave of his hand, an ice spear formed and he ruthlessly threw it. Immediately, this spear tore through the air with indestructible power and headed straight for the old demon.


    In an instant, the withered finger landed and the ice spear pierced over. The old demon¡¯s clone collapsed and turned into fog that was sent back.


    The remaining old demon¡¯s clones couldn¡¯t blast through the protective barrier of the ships in a short period of time and returned one after another. However, they weren¡¯t injured. Only the clone that had headed toward Xu Qing and the captain collapsed into fog.


    In the blink of an eye, the fog fused with the other clones, forming the old demon¡¯s figure. He suddenly turned his head and glanced fiercely at Xu Qing and the captain. His eyes were filled with killing intent but the Sword Holder had already caught up to him. He let out a cold snort and sped up his escape, heading straight for the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.


    However, at this moment, a large amount of cold air suddenly appeared around the old demon. With cracking sounds, they directly began to freeze, forming countless ice mirrors that reflected the specters of bizarre entities that let out soundless roars at him.


    The expression of the old demon changed and his soul became blurry for an instant. Fortunately, the Heavenly Palaces above his head landed and destroyed all the mirrors. However, his speed was still affected for a moment and the Sword Holder behind him got closer and closer.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± The old demon was furious. He could tell that it was the people from the alliance below who were behind this. However, he didn¡¯t have time to deal with them right now. After memorizing their faces, he wanted to speed up. However, at the next instant, his already black face darkened even more.


    ¡°Poison!¡± The old demon spat out a mouthful of black blood and his expression changed again. Although this poison couldn¡¯t kill him, it brought many negative effects, causing his qi and blood to be unstable. His cultivation base seemed to have some trouble circulating smoothly and his entire body was itching unbearably. His throat also itched, causing him to cough.


    His speed slowed down again.


    At the next instant, a sword qi instantly approached. The old demon couldn¡¯t dodge in time and his chest was pierced. He let out a cry and fled crazily toward the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.


    The Sword Holder didn¡¯t stop at all and continued to pursue. Gradually, he and the old demon disappeared in the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain. Rumbling sounds rang out from afar, and a moment later, a sword light flew out from the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.


    It was the Sword Holder. He carried a head in his hand and was flying into the sky. When he passed by the alliance¡¯s fleet, he lowered his head and looked at Xu Qing and the captain before nodding slightly. After that, whether on purpose or not, he glanced at the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain before leaving.


    In the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain, where the Sword Holder had fought earlier, one could see a headless corpse lying there. However, at this moment, the fingers moved slightly.


    However, he didn¡¯t notice that under the sunlight, an eye had opened in the shadow beside him.


    At the same time, on the Immortal Enrichment River, Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. The feedback from the shadow allowed him to know that the old demon had faked his death. From how the other party dared to attack even the Allliance¡¯s ships, it could be seen how savage he was. Once he recovered, he might be a hidden danger in the future.


    Hence, Xu Qing glanced at the captain. The captain¡¯s gaze also landed on Xu Qing.


    ¡°He¡¯s a hidden danger.¡±


    ¡°He has treasures on him.¡±


    The two of them spoke almost at the same time. After that, deep meaning appeared in their eyes. They instantly stood up and transformed into two rainbows that headed straight for the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.


    After they got close, the captain sniffed his surroundings. Just as he was about to search for a specific location, Xu Qing rushed out first. His target was clear.


    The captain raised his brows and quickly followed. Very soon, the two of them entered a dense forest in the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain. After moving deeper, they saw a valley.


    In the valley, there was a headless corpse. At this moment, he was sitting up with great difficulty and his body was shaking due to the extreme weakness. However, he still performed hand seals with both hands.


    Flesh squirmed on his neck, as though it was about to grow a new head. However, at the next instant, his body suddenly trembled. An eye crawled out of the flesh on his neck and looked at the two figures walking over from outside the valley in horror.


    They were Xu Qing and the captain.


    ¡°You should have just continued to flee for your life and not provoke us.¡±


    ¡°Why do it?¡± The captain grinned and a dark glint appeared in his eyes. An identical face appeared in his pupils and it was also smiling sinisterly. His entire body emitted a terrifying energy fluctuation, causing the headless old demon to tremble.


    As for Xu Qing, he was expressionless and his gaze was as calm as if he was looking at a dead person. From the moment the other party attacked, he was prepared to kill this person.


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation base circulated. There seemed to be only three life fires in his body, however, the feeling he gave the old demon wasn¡¯t inferior to a Heavenly Palace at all. This caused the old demon¡¯s mind to shake again.


    He was extremely weak now. One of his Heavenly Palaces had collapsed and the other was on the verge of collapse. Although he still had his Golden Core, his combat strength had fallen to the bottom.


    His storage bag and magic artifacts along with his head were all taken away by the Sword Holder.


    He originally thought that he had deceived the Sword Holder. Now, it was obvious that the Sword Holder couldn¡¯t be bothered to kill him and left him for these two brats to repay them for their actions earlier.


    Just as he was about to transmit his divine sense, Xu Qing and the captain made their moves. The two of them instantly approached the headless old demon.


    The old demon suddenly jumped up and tried to escape. However, ice walls instantly appeared behind him and a sea manifested behind the wall. Waves rose like a tsunami and bombarded him.


    It wasn¡¯t just one bombardment but nine consecutive times, causing the heavily injured old demon¡¯s entire body to tremble violently. As his body flew back, a huge ice hand rapidly stretched out from the seawater and grabbed fiercely at the old demon. The captain¡¯s face was in the ice hand. His eyes were closed but he opened his mouth and swallowed fiercely.


    The old demon retreated again. The eye on his neck looked with fear and anxiety as he hurriedly transmitted his divine sense.


    ¡°Two little friends, I was wrong earlier. I¡­¡± Before he could finish speaking, Xu Qing suddenly neared him with his terrifying speed and punched out with his right hand. The old demon¡¯s entire body shook and his body was turned into a bloody mess. Xu Qing formed seals with his left hand and black clouds instantly filled the sky. A withered finger descended and touched the flesh on the old demon¡¯s neck.


    The old demon¡¯s divine sense let out mournful cries as his body was on the verge of collapsing. At the next moment, a vortex appeared behind him and transformed into a large mouth that devoured him.


    The old demon¡¯s broken body directly entered the large mouth. After some chewing sounds, a vomiting sound rang out and the large mouth spat out the old demon.


    The old demon was in an extremely miserable state. His waist was about to break and his divine sense was incomparably weak. It was as though most of his divine sense had been devoured at that moment.


    Xu Qing glanced at the vortex. He had seen Old Master Seventh use this spell before and devour three Golden Cores in one gulp.


    ¡°Not delicious!¡± The vortex disappeared and the captain¡¯s figure walked out. While walking, he vomited.


    ¡°It¡¯s too rancid! I want to relax my stomach for a while. Sigh, it would be so good if there were some snacks. This guy is too disgusting!¡± As he spoke, he hurriedly took out an apple and ate it with crunching sounds. Since he couldn¡¯t eat snacks, he could only rely on the apple to relieve his discomfort.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with him. He walked in front of the dying old demon and pressed between his brows. The fiendish fire erupted and burned the old demon. Very soon, soul power gathered in his body. Amidst cracking sounds, his 103rd, 1034, and 105th magic apertures instantly opened.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Next were 106, 107¡­ After the 108th magic aperture was opened, the old demon¡¯s body shook. The Golden Crow appeared behind Xu Qing and sucked, devouring the qi and blood of the old demon who had lost his soul and the power of his divine sense.


    The old demon turned into ashes and dissipated, leaving nothing behind.


    Xu Qing stood up. The captain looked at the place where the old demon had disappeared and smiled at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Little Qing, do you think he¡¯s the demon or are we? This¡­ is too clean.¡±


    Xu Qing seriously thought about it and was about to speak. However, at that moment, in this dense forest, there was suddenly¡­ fog!


    Cold, sinister wind blew!

 Chapter 383 - 383 Mystic Nether Tomb

    383 Mystic Nether Tomb


    The fog was very thick and quickly spread in this dense mountain forest, enveloping Xu Qing and the captain.


    All the surroundings were filled with fog. It was so dense that one couldn¡¯t even see their stretched hands. Even the sky was enveloped by fog.


    This fog appeared too quickly and was icy cold. It was impossible for it to have formed naturally. There was a high chance that it was caused by a bizarre entity. Xu Qing felt this clearly when the fog touched him. He felt as though there were countless minute existences hidden in the fog that were trying to enter his body through the pores on his skin.


    However, with the life lantern¡¯s protection, the invasion of the strange fog turned fruitless.


    ¡°It¡¯s somewhat similar to the fog in the forbidden zone outside the scavenger campsite but it is much inferior.¡± Xu Qing checked his surroundings. The captain¡¯s aura was also blocked by the fog. He was clearly beside him earlier but he couldn¡¯t sense him now.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t worry about the captain. He felt that unless it was in the forbidden zone or forbidden region, it was uncertain who was fiercer compared to the captain¡­


    The shadow, who had just eaten its own kind, revealed a hint of hunger and thirst after this ghost fog appeared. It then started to happily absorb the cold fog.


    Xu Qing felt that this scene was like someone had suddenly handed water to the shadow after it had finished eating. As such, it was very happy.


    As the shadow absorbed, the fog in front of Xu Qing thinned a little. He calmly walked forward. His target was the source of this strange fog. He wanted to see what kind of bizarre entity it was that had malice toward him and attacked with fog.


    As he moved forward, the fog became thinner and thinner under the absorption of the shadow, revealing the trees. Due to the fog, these trees looked sinister like demons and monsters. At the same time, waves of sinister laughter echoed in the quiet forest.


    It was hard to tell if it was a male or female voice but both seemed to be present. Moreover, they intertwined and kept lingering around Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and controlled the shadow to restrain itself from devouring it. He was worried that if the shadow swallowed it now, it would scare away the true bizarre entity here.


    He was going to kill this bizarre entity that had malicious intent toward him!


    While restraining the shadow, Xu Qing hid his killing intent and continued forward. He walked through the forest and up the small mountain. An hour later, a blurry shadow appeared ahead in the fog.


    He could faintly see that it was a wooden hut.


    As he got closer, the wooden hut became increasingly clear in his eyes.


    This was a very old hut. The wooden planks on it were tattered and there were large holes in many places. It was as though this hut could collapse at any time.


    In front of the door was a rocking chair that was also severely damaged.


    There was originally a courtyard and a garden in the surroundings, but now, the courtyard was covered in weeds and the garden was withered. The location of this wooden hut was also somewhat peculiar.


    It was halfway up the mountain and was surrounded by dense forest in all directions. The cold wind whistled, stirring the surrounding trees. It was as though countless people were whispering.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and he suddenly looked at the rocking chair.


    There was clearly no one sitting on the rocking chair, but it moved and swayed slightly. It wasn¡¯t a strong shaking. It was like the wind blew it or an old man in his twilight years slowly moving in it, recalling his life.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He remembered that when he arrived, the chair was still. He had only blinked earlier when the wind stirred and it moved.


    As such, Xu Qing blinked.


    In an instant, a rope appeared in front of the wooden hut¡¯s door.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing simply blinked many times. Just like that, the rope distorted and a corpse appeared.


    The corpse of an old man hanging on the rope.


    It seemed to have been there for a long time as it had already dried. Its withered white hair hung down its head.


    Its face was already deprived of all the flesh and looked to be only bones, and the location of its eyes had sunken into black holes. Its mouth was also open, as though it instinctively wanted to breathe before death.


    Xu Qing blinked again.


    The chair no longer swayed. A blurry figure stood up from the chair and walked forward step by step until it was in front of the corpse. This figure became clear and transformed into a hunchbacked old woman.


    She held a stone bowl in her hand that was filled with blood-colored porridge paste and fed it into the open mouth of the hanging corpse, spoon by spoon.


    The cold wind grew even colder, and the sounds of crying and laughing lingered everywhere. At this moment, the weeds on the ground swayed in unison. The whole wooden hut looked extremely sinister. Xu Qing could see that regardless of whether it was the old man or the old lady, their faces were extremely pale. Only their lips were red.


    Under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, after the old lady finished feeding half of the blood-colored porridge, she suddenly lifted her hand and broke the old man¡¯s head off.


    ¡°Old man, it¡¯s your turn to feed me!¡± The old lady¡¯s voice was extremely hoarse and grating, like stones rubbing against each other.


    The corpse was still floating. There was a hanging rope above it and nothing in the middle. Although the head wasn¡¯t there, it was still as motionless as before.


    As for the old lady, she placed the old man¡¯s head to the side. After that, she broke off her head and placed it on the old man¡¯s corpse in the rope.


    Her body touched the head of the old man at the side and placed it on her neck.


    After swapping the heads, the old man¡¯s eyes suddenly revealed a dark glint. He picked up the bowl and fed it to the old lady.


    It was as though they were deeply in love with each other. The old man even seemed to be worried that the porridge would scald his wife. When he fed her, he would often blow at it before putting it in the old lady¡¯s mouth.


    This scene was extremely strange.


    Xu Qing silently watched them feed each other, not disturbing them. A while later, he saw that the other party didn¡¯t seem to have any intention of attacking him, so he turned to leave.


    However, just as he turned and took a few steps forward, the old man and his wife who were showing deep love turned their heads and stared fixedly at Xu Qing. The location of the hut changed and they appeared in front of Xu Qing again.


    They grinned, revealing their ghastly mouths and jagged sharp teeth. An eerie voice then rang out.


    ¡°Son is back. Do you want to eat porridge?¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he calmly glanced at the bizarre entities in front of him and walked toward them. At the same time, the sound of gulping could be heard from under his feet.


    There were also pools of sticky liquid spreading out from the shadow. The areas with the liquid corroded rapidly. That was the shadow¡¯s saliva that was flowing out uncontrollably.


    It was clearly trying its best to restrain itself.


    This scene instantly caused the expressions of the old man and old lady in front of the wooden hut to change.


    ¡°Eat them,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    As soon as he finished speaking, the shadow that had long been holding back instantly stood up behind Xu Qing, transforming into a huge black shadow tree.


    A thousand or so densely packed eyes on it opened at the same time and stared fixedly at the old man and old lady. Some of them even opened their mouths and blew out a terrifyingly sinister wind.


    This scene caused the old man and old lady¡¯s bodies to tremble and horror appeared in their eyes. In that instant, the wooden hut became blurry as they tried to escape, but it was too late.


    The shadow pounced over and the nearby area instantly transformed into its domain. Everything was covered and only the sounds of chewing and screams continued to ring out. A while later, as the shadow domain shrunk and returned to the shadow under Xu Qing¡¯s feet, it emitted clear expressions of joy and satisfaction.


    ¡°Tas¡­ ty¡­¡±


    The fog in the surroundings also rapidly dissipated because of the deaths of that bizarre entity couple. . After a few breaths of time, there was completely no sign of the fog. Xu Qing continued forward and soon saw the captain walking over.


    The captain was eating a black apple as he walked.


    There was a bizarre entity sealed on this apple. Its appearance was similar to the old man and old lady. At that moment, it let out shrill cries as it got eaten bite by bite.


    After seeing Xu Qing, the captain waved at him. When the two of them neared each other, the captain had already finished the apple. He was savoring the aftertaste as he licked the corners of his mouth and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I¡¯m still not full. Why don¡¯t we search the vicinity again?¡±


    Upon hearing the captain¡¯s words, the shadow quickly transmitted its desire to Xu Qing. There was also a pleading tone, as though it was acting coquettishly¡­ It also wasn¡¯t full and was still a little thirsty.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    This scene caused the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to be vigilant. He could sense that Little Shadow¡¯s fawning skills had clearly increased and the sense of danger immediately intensified.


    ¡®You¡¯re acting coquettish? This is too much! Disgusting!¡¯


    Amidst the anxiety of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, Xu Qing and the captain strolled forward in the forest, searching for bizarre entities. As it so happened, bizarre entities appeared when you didn¡¯t expect them, but now when Xu Qing and the captain were searching for them, they couldn¡¯t find them even after a while.


    Although they didn¡¯t find bizarre entities, after walking for a while, they found a field of spirit grass on the withered ground that was filled with anomalous substances.


    ¡°There are actually spirit plants here?¡± The captain asked in surprise.


    Spirit grass basically couldn¡¯t grow in the environment of the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain. This kind of spirit grass only grew in places where there were no anomalous substances. Usually, the various forces would mark an area and use array formations to dispel anomalous substances before planting it.


    Hence, the appearance of these spirit grass here was very abnormal. Looking at their small leaves, they clearly had not received enough nutrition. This was understandable but what was even stranger was that the area where these spirit grass grew was actually a long line. One end extended into the deep mountains and the other end was in the direction of the Immortal Enrichment River.


    Xu Qing squatted down and plucked a spirit grass to check. He then touched the soil where the spirit grass grew. After looking at the Immortal Enrichment River, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°There¡¯s an undercurrent below.¡±


    The captain narrowed his eyes and looked at the ground. Very soon, a dark glint appeared in his eyes, as though it could penetrate the soil and see below. A few breaths later, he laughed.


    ¡°Such guts. They dug a hidden water course from the Immortal Enrichment River.¡± The captain looked at the end that extended into the deep mountains. He immediately went there.


    Xu Qing frowned. He felt that this wasn¡¯t safe but when he saw that the captain had gone, he followed. Very soon, the two of them saw the end of this undercurrent.


    That place¡­ was actually a great tomb!


    There were three sinister blood words on the tombstone.


    Mystic Nether Sect

 Chapter 384 - 384 Another Mystic Nether Sect

    384 Another Mystic Nether Sect


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed while the captain¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    Both of their gazes landed on the large tomb. This tomb was completely black and was filled with a sinister air. There was also an ancient feeling to it, as though it had experienced the passage of time.


    The overall shape was like a shrine with pillars erected on both sides. There should have been words on them in the past but they were eroded by time.


    There was a small stone person sitting cross-legged and meditating inside the shrine.


    The facial features of this small person were also weathered and looked like a faceless person. It gave off a dense air of strangeness.


    Xu Qing and the captain looked at each other and could see each other¡¯s vigilance. They didn¡¯t act rashly and slowly retreated. They weren¡¯t going to investigate but planned to report this matter to the sect.


    After all, this tomb was peculiar, and the three words on the tombstone gave off a sense of eerie and mystery.


    The Mystic Nether Sect was one of the upper sects of the Eight Sects Alliance. However, here, another Mystic Nether Sect appeared.


    When he thought of the Mystic Nether Sect. Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but recall the gaze of that Purple Mystic Fairy. This made him a little uncomfortable.


    However, just as the two of them were about to leave, the rear of the tomb suddenly blurred. Graves rose from the ground and instantly formed a cemetery. There were at least hundreds of them.


    The sinister intent became even more obvious, Xu Qing and the captain immediately retreated. However, at the next instant, a rumbling sound rang out from the shrine and the tombstone behind the shrine actually cracked open. A boy in luxurious clothes walked out.


    This boy¡¯s skin was pale and there was a red dot between his brows. From his clothes, he looked like a person from ancient times. After he walked out, he bowed to Xu Qing and the captain and spoke crisply.


    ¡°There is no need to panic. My immortal master invites the two Daoists.¡±


    Without waiting for Xu Qing and the captain to agree, as the boy¡¯s voice rang out, the surrounding world instantly changed. It instantly turned blurry before becoming clear again. However, everything in the surroundings was no longer the forest outside the tomb but a black hall.


    The material of this hall was pitch-black. Although there were lights, they were also dim, causing the entire hall to be filled with an eerie air. At the same time, a soul-stirring pressure gathered from all directions.


    The source of this pressure was a figure drowned in darkness sitting cross-legged at the head of the hall. Outsiders could only see the outline but not the details.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. The captain was the same. The two of them quickly looked at each other and saw the shock in each other¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Shifting position? Moving through the void? Shrinking the ground?¡± While the captain was guessing, the figure sitting cross-legged in the main seat and filled with darkness calmly spoke in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°Two little friends, are you here because of the diversion of the Immortal Enrichment River?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He spread out his perception to confirm his location and also checked the surroundings to see if there were any formations or divine powers that sealed teleportation. After sensing that there was no seal, he heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. However, his vigilance was still very strong.


    The captain didn¡¯t bat an eyelid. While trying to transmit his voice to the Special Security Department¡¯s disciples, he chuckled and spoke.


    ¡°Senior, we don¡¯t dare to lie. As disciples of the Eight Sects Alliance, we are indeed here for this. Senior, please forgive us.¡±


    The hall fell silent. Amidst the increasing sense of oppression, the person sitting in the darkness calmly spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯m refining Xuanming Creation Pills. They need to be washed by the river water and will be completed in six years at most. At that time, I¡¯ll naturally remove this diversion.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s naturally no problem with Senior¡¯s request. We won¡¯t report this matter to the Eight Sects Alliance, and Senior can remove it whenever it¡¯s convenient.¡± The captain chuckled and looked respectful, but his eyes blinked many times as he swept his gaze into the darkness. At the same time, he made a subtle gesture with his right hand behind his back at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over without making it look intentional. After that, he lowered his head and looked at the shadow under his feet.


    The shadow formed an image. It was an old man eating bugs. The shadow¡¯s ability had clearly increased as the image it formed was vivid. Even the fear in his expression was clearly expressed.


    The bugs he ate were the size of a thumb. The more nervous he was, the more he ate.


    He was sitting on a large rock. As he ate the bugs, the rock seemed to change. It was emitting bubbles that drifted away. Xu Qing and the captain were standing in the empty space in front of the old man, surrounded by bubbles.


    At the same time, in the image formed by the shadow, seven to eight figures were in the surroundings. They were all outside the bubbles and looked nervous.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened. After taking a closer look, he lifted his head and looked meaningfully at the figure emitting a terrifying pressure in the darkness. His voice was tranquil, like an otherworldly expert.


    ¡°That¡¯s good. You don¡¯t have to be nervous. On account of the Alliance¡¯s Mystic Nether, I won¡¯t make things difficult for you. Turn around and keep walking forward. You can leave in a hundred steps. Remember¡­ don¡¯t turn back. I might not be able to hold it in and eat the two of you.¡±


    The voice of the figure sitting cross-legged was faint and emitted a strange and sinister feeling. This was especially so for the last few words. They were mixed with the sound of swallowing, as though he was trying his best to control himself, causing one¡¯s hair to stand on end.


    ¡°Hurry up and leave!¡±


    The dim light in the hall instantly swayed, creating an atmosphere that made everyone nervous. The captain blinked faster and faster as he stared at the figure hiding in the dark. Gradually, a dark glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you guys leaving?¡± The voice of the figure in the dark changed.


    ¡°F*ck, your pretense is quite good! You almost deceived me!¡± The captain suddenly spoke. His body instantly rushed out and headed straight for the darkness. As the figure in the darkness cried out in surprise, the captain had already arrived close and grabbed it.


    Xu Qing attacked at the same time. Fiendish fire erupted in all directions. At the next instant, the surroundings rumbled and the main hall disappeared, as did the tomb.


    This place was still the forest of Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain. As the tomb dissipated, a small sect was revealed.


    In the sect, there were seven to eight wooden huts. Outside the sect, it was a scene of dilapidation. It was completely different from what Xu Qing and the captain had seen previously.


    Clearly, they had been affected by an illusion. The only thing that was different was the stone tablet outside the sect. The words ¡®Mystic Nether Sect¡¯ were indeed written on it.


    At that moment, Xu Qing and the captain were standing outside this small sect. In front of them was a disheveled old man who was grabbing stone-like bugs. His face was filled with horror as he rapidly retreated.


    There were seven to eight disciples from this sect in the surroundings. All of them were sallow and skinny, and their eyes were also filled with horror as they scattered in all directions.


    Seeing the captain¡¯s savage gaze, the retreating old man hurriedly shouted.


    ¡°Senior Brothers, show mercy. On account that we¡¯re all humans, show mercy!¡±


    The captain didn¡¯t bother with the old man¡¯s pleading. He instantly rushed out and headed straight for the old man. As for Xu Qing, he swept his gaze across the surroundings and confirmed that these people¡¯s sallow and skinny faces weren¡¯t fake. At the same time, he also knew through his shadow that this wasn¡¯t an illusion.


    The main thing he was looking at was the large rock where the old man had been sitting earlier.


    This rock was green and didn¡¯t look anything extraordinary.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and carefully observed the large rock. After that, he looked at the old man who was panting heavily as the captain slammed him to the ground.


    This old man¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t high and only seemed to have formed two life fires.


    The captain stepped on the old man¡¯s dantian and revealed a sinister smile.


    ¡°Old brat, how dare you deceive me? Didn¡¯t you want to eat me? I¡¯ll eat you!¡±


    ¡°Lord, please calm down. We had no choice. Please let us go on account that we¡¯re all humans. Master had no choice but to resort to this.¡± The nervous disciples in the surroundings all had bitter expressions. One of them, a middle-aged man, begged repeatedly.


    Xu Qing was calm and vigilant. He didn¡¯t have any sympathy for his enemies. Even though he could not tell if they had malicious intent or not, he wouldn¡¯t feel pity.


    ¡°Senior Brother, spare us. We only came up with this plan because we were afraid of the power of the upper sects. We didn¡¯t have the intention to harm you. We only wanted to scare you away.¡± The old man looked at the captain in fright and spoke with a trembling voice.


    ¡°How did you form the illusion just now?¡± Xu Qing suddenly asked.


    ¡°Senior Brother, our sect has a treasure that can form an illusion by using a special method. However, this item grew here and outsiders can¡¯t take it away. It¡¯s also because of this that we moved our sect here.¡±


    The old man hurriedly answered, not daring to hide anything. After he finished speaking, he pointed at the large rock not far away.


    ¡°Our small sect is only trying to make a living. In order to survive, we had no choice but to divert the river. Senior Brothers, please calm your anger.¡±


    The captain glanced at the large rock and a strange glint appeared in his eyes. Xu Qing walked over and observed carefully before turning his gaze to the old man.


    ¡°Why are you calling yourself the Mystic Nether Sect?¡±


    The old man was stunned and so were the surrounding disciples.


    ¡°Senior¡­ Senior Brother, our sect¡¯s name is the Mystic Nether Sect. Oh, oh, oh, I understand. Senior Brothers, could it be that you¡¯ve just arrived in the Wanggu Continent? The Alliance¡¯s Seven Blood Eyes?¡± The old man clearly knew of the new change in the Alliance. At this moment, he was in a daze but the captain stepped on him forcefully.


    ¡°Speak properly.¡±


    The old man immediately trembled and felt even more reverence.


    ¡°It¡¯s like this, Senior Brothers. There are thousands of Mystic Nether Sects in the Wanggu Continent. As long as any force is somehow related to the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether even by just a little bit, they can call themselves the Mystic Nether Sect. Everyone says that they are orthodox.¡±


    Xu Qing was a little surprised by this answer. As for the captain, his focus wasn¡¯t on the name, but¡­


    ¡°How are you related to the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether? Cultivation art? Treasures? Inheritances?¡± The captain¡¯s eyes revealed a dark glint as he swallowed his saliva. He looked like he was trying his best not to eat the other party.


    The old man was clearly extremely afraid of the dark glint in the captain¡¯s eyes. He hurriedly shouted at the surrounding disciples.


    ¡°Hurry up and bring the sect¡¯s supreme treasure over!!¡±

 Chapter 385 - 385 Heavenly Nail Suppresses the Demon Snake

    385 Heavenly Nail Suppresses the Demon Snake


    The treasure of this Mystic Nether Sect was a mountain rock with a mural engraved on it.


    It was an ordinary-looking rock.


    However, the content carved on the mural was extraordinary. There was a huge dragon-snake beast carved on it. This beast¡¯s body was very long and looked like a snake, but it had six pairs of flesh wings on its back.


    Its head was like a crocodile¡¯s and looked sinister. Even though it was only carved on the murals, its monstrous ferocity still gushed over.


    In the mural, its tail was nailed firmly by a huge nail, restricting its movements. At the same time, a thick chain connected to the nail and the other end was directly refined into the head of the dragon-snake beast.


    As a result, the dragon-snake¡¯s head and tail were both restricted but it wouldn¡¯t be able to die easily. A long wound was torn open on its body, revealing the bones and tendons inside.


    Restrictions were carved on these bones and tendons. They were so densely packed that it was a shocking sight.


    This mural was enough for anyone who saw them to understand that this dragon snake probably lived in an extremely miserable state for the rest of its life. It could only struggle and roar in vain. It could be seen that the person who nailed it must have monstrous hatred for this dragon snake.


    They could clearly kill it but they decided to torture it eternally.


    What shocked Xu Qing and the captain the most was that in the snake¡¯s eyes, the person who carved it even carved stars that circulated. Upon closer inspection, it looked like tens of thousands of stars were overlapping.


    This was¡­ the second stage of the Nihility Realm!


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain. The captain¡¯s gaze also landed on Xu Qing. After that, they both looked at the old man at the same time.


    ¡°What is this thing?¡± the captain asked.


    ¡°This is how our Mystic Nether Sect is related to the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether. Countless years ago, before the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether unified the Wanggu Continent, he stepped foot on the Wanggu Continent and started his legendary life.¡± The old man hurriedly explained.


    ¡°The land the Ancient Sovereign stepped on when he first came here is the current Yinghuang Province. On the way here, just as he was about to reach the shore, a demon snake that was a scourge of the sea back then didn¡¯t submit to the Ancient Sovereign and actually bit him.¡±


    ¡°At that time, although the Ancient Emperor hadn¡¯t completed his Dao, it was still easy for him to suppress this little demon snake. In the end, the Ancient Emperor used a heavenly nail to nail this demon snake to the shore of the Yinghuang Province and carved restrictions in its bones and tendons to torture it. At that time, he even chatted and laughed with his companions, saying that since the demon snake bit him once, he would suppress it for 100,000 years.¡±


    ¡°Also, the Ancient Sovereign left behind a verse of a poem back then.¡±


    ¡°Heavenly Nail Suppresses the Demon Snake, All Techniques Refine the Universe!¡± When he spoke of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, although the old man was lying on the ground and being stepped on by the captain, he revealed a proud expression.


    ¡°Just a bite and he opened the snake¡¯s stomach and carved restrictions, torturing and suppressing it for 100,000 years? So petty?¡± The captain¡¯s expression was strange. He couldn¡¯t help but glance at Xu Qing and transmit his voice.


    ¡®Little Qing, before this, I thought you were the most petty. From the looks of it, you still have to work hard.¡¯ The captain blinked. With outsiders around, he wouldn¡¯t call out Xu Qing¡¯s name but there was no problem with transmitting his voice.


    ¡®Captain, you were that snake in your previous life, right?¡¯ Xu Qing calmly replied.


    The captain raised his brows and chuckled. He then turned his head and stepped on the old man¡¯s stomach, speaking with a savage expression.


    ¡°Your sect¡¯s supreme treasure is this mural? Since there¡¯s a mural, the location of the snake and the nail is also here?¡± After saying that, the captain looked around but didn¡¯t see any location that looked like the mural.


    Hearing this question, the old man looked a little awkward. After hesitating for a moment and sensing that these two upper sect disciples weren¡¯t good people, he didn¡¯t dare to hide it.


    ¡°They are not here.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡± Xu Qing asked as he had a faint guess in his mind.


    ¡°In the forbidden land of your Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s Mystic Nether Sect,¡± the old man said truthfully.


    The captain laughed.


    ¡°The land engraved on your sect¡¯s mural is the forbidden land of the Alliance¡¯s Mystic Nether Sect?¡±


    The old man looked even more awkward and smiled bitterly.


    ¡°Actually, in the Yinghuang Province, we are the most authentic Mystic Nether Sect. Back then, the sect¡¯s founding ancestor was ordered by the Ancient Sovereign to watch over that demon snake. He wanted to increase its pain every year.¡±


    ¡°Just like that, time flowed by. Although this tradition was broken a few times in the process, it could barely be considered passed down. This lasted until my master¡­ Back then, he met Purple Mystic Fairy of your Alliance¡¯s Mystic Nether Sect. My master immediately saw that Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s future was limitless.¡±


    ¡°Hence, the old man was willing to give up the ancestral land and hand over the great responsibility of the sect to the other party. After that, he led us to live in seclusion here and lived a beautiful life of peace and quiet. About 30 years ago, he rode a crane to the west¡­¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the sallow-faced disciples in the surroundings and then at the timid old man. He did not respond to the old man¡¯s words.


    The captain had a strange expression as he looked at the old man.


    The old man didn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°Is your master¡¯s surname Zhao? Zhao Zhongheng?¡± After a long time, the captain coughed and spoke.


    ¡°Huh? Master¡¯s surname isn¡¯t Zhao.¡± The old man was stunned.


    The captain shook his head and lifted his foot. He felt that it wasn¡¯t good to continue bullying these pitiful souls.


    Hence, he asked about the snake.


    ¡°That ancestral land is now the foundation of the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s Mystic Nether Sect. I¡¯ve never been there but I heard from Master that the ancestral land is filled with terrifying soul power.¡±


    ¡°The density of soul power is quite helpful for cultivation. Just one breath is enough to bring great benefits.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, although that demon snake¡¯s body died and only its bones were left, Master said that the demon snake actually didn¡¯t really die. Its soul is still there but it¡¯s extremely weak and is in a deep sleep. Hence, what can be absorbed is the soul power that has been scattered outside.¡±


    ¡°The Ancient Sovereign¡¯s seal not only nailed the demon snake¡¯s body but also its soul. This demon snake¡¯s hatred for Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether continues for countless years!¡±


    Following the old man¡¯s introduction, Xu Qing and the captain gained a deeper understanding of the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s land of fortune. After a long time, they chose to leave.


    They didn¡¯t pursue the matter of the tributary being diverted. They only told them that they couldn¡¯t go overboard and let them be. As for the large rock at the entrance, after the two of them tried it, they discovered that they indeed couldn¡¯t take it away. This item seemed to have grown here.


    The captain was unwilling. He forcibly bit off a piece. However, this was his limit. Hence, under the horrified gazes of these people from the Mystic Nether Sect, the two of them left.


    ¡°I keep feeling like I¡¯ve made a loss. I didn¡¯t get anything.¡± On the way back, the captain sighed.


    Xu Qing nodded. He also felt that the harvest this time was too small.


    The two of them looked at each other.


    ¡°What do you think about that place of fortune of the Mystic Nether Sect? How about we think of a way to absorb it when we get back?¡± The captain instigated.


    Xu Qing hesitated. The figure of Purple Mystic Fairy appeared in his mind and he instinctively didn¡¯t want to go over. This was especially so since he felt that they were only going to be absorbing some scattered soul power.


    ¡°However, we¡¯re only going to absorb some scattered soul power. Doing such a small thing is meaningless. If we can think of a way to awaken the soul of that demon snake, we¡¯ll have the greatest benefits by taking a bite of it!¡± The captain¡¯s eyes seemed to be shining.


    Xu Qing was instantly tempted. At that moment, he forgot about Purple Mystic Fairy and began to seriously consider the feasibility of this matter. The captain was also pondering.


    A while later, the two of them flew out of the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain. When they saw the alliance¡¯s fleet from afar, Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Since that demon snake hates Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether to the bone, if it sees someone similar to Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, do you think it¡¯s possible for it to be agitated and wake up from its slumber?¡±


    When the captain heard this, his eyes lit up.


    ¡°I was also considering this question just now. You¡¯re talking about Little Jianjian, right¡­¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and the captain chuckled. The two of them began to discuss some details until they reached the ship. As the ship continued forward, the two of them finalized the details.


    ¡°Wu Jianwu didn¡¯t come. He should still be in the Nanhuang Continent and his tracks are in the Phoenix Forbidden.¡± Xu Qing looked at the captain. How to make him come willingly was the main point.


    ¡°That¡¯s simple. That kid worships the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether to the point of madness. I¡¯ll get someone to search for him in the Phoenix Forbidden and send him a message that we found a place related to the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether and there¡¯s a poem personally written by the Ancient Sovereign there!¡±


    ¡°Let me tell you, Little Qing, poems related to the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether are indescribably attractive to Little Jianjian!¡± The captain was beaming with joy. He immediately used the ship of the Special Security Department to transmit his voice to the sect and began to arrange this matter.


    Just like that, time slowly flowed by and several months passed in the blink of an eye. The patrolling of the river was quite smooth. Gradually, their ships arrived at the end of the tributary.


    This was the intersection point between the main river and the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain. At the same time, it was the location of the former Minor Affairs Sect. As they got closer, Xu Qing saw the ruined Minor Affairs Sect and the collapsed dam.


    The fragments of this dam were thousands of feet in length and width. One could imagine that before it collapsed, this dam was definitely a wondrous and shocking sight.


    Outside the shattered dam and the ruins of the Minor Affairs Sect, Xu Qing and the captain saw a vast sea that surpassed the tributaries by countless times.


    That was¡­ the main river of the Immortal Enrichment River!


    The river water churned and surged, and rumbling sounds filled the sky.


    The immortal Qi here was extremely dense. In fact, most of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples couldn¡¯t get too close and felt dizzy as though they were drunk.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind also shook. To the east was the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. To the west was the vast Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain and behind it¡­ the number one forbidden region of the Yinghuang Province.


    After this main river flowed into the forbidden region, it turned black when it flowed out and the anomalous substances in it reached an astonishing level.


    There must be an extremely terrifying existence in the forbidden region that reversed the immortal nature of the river and transformed the immortal into anomalous!

 Chapter 386 - 386 The Last Li Zimei

    386 The Last Li Zimei


    At the end of the tributary, other than the ruins of the Minor Affairs Sect, there were also ships from the Heavenly Treasure Sect.


    There were also 20 of them.


    Some Heavenly Treasure Sect cultivators were cultivating on the shore. These were all members of the Special Security Department. They had been stationed here for a period of time, waiting for the Seven Blood Eyes to replace them.


    With the appearance of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ fleet, the handover between the two sides was quickly completed. The Heavenly Treasure Sect¡¯s disciples handed over a flag and sailed down the river in a majestic manner.


    They would return to the Alliance at an extremely fast speed. On the day they arrived at the Alliance, the ships from another sect would go against the current and take over from the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples.


    During this period of time, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Special Security Department would guard this place. At the same time, they would erect the Alliance¡¯s flag on the shore.


    This was all the missions for Xu Qing and the captain on this trip.


    This mission seemed long but in reality, it was extremely helpful for cultivation. Regardless of whether it was the trip to here or this place, they were both extremely good places to cultivate.


    However, not many cultivators could persist at the intersection of the main river. Because of different physiques and different adaptability to the environment, most disciples wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand the overly dense immortal Qi for a while.


    The disciples of the Minor Affairs Sect should have used the protection of their sect¡¯s array formations to cultivate here.


    Even Xu Qing felt a little dizzy. However, his cultivation was extraordinary after all. He got off the boat and stepped on the shore. He stood there and took a deep breath.


    The immortal Qi rushed into his face and entered his body through his mouth and nose and through the pores on his body, transmitting through Xu Qing¡¯s entire body. After barely adapting, Xu Qing sat down cross-legged and began to cultivate.


    The captain was the same. As for the other Seven Blood Eyes disciples on the ships, they also got off the ship one after another. After setting up the camp and checking the surroundings, they began to meditate according to their adaptability.


    Time flowed by. A month later, the 109th magic aperture in Xu Qing¡¯s body opened.


    The opening of this magic aperture didn¡¯t rely on soul power but completely relied on the immortal Qi here and the grinding cultivation of Life Art.


    This was a very difficult thing to accomplish in the Nanhuang Continent but here, the difficulty was much lower.


    Xu Qing was excited.


    ¡®I¡¯m 11 magic apertures away from forming the fourth ball of life fire!¡¯ Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was filled with anticipation. He was very clear that after he formed the fourth ball of life fire, he would truly possess the combat strength to suppress the Foundation Building realm.


    Without relying on other methods, he would have the combat strength of six fires. If he added the emperor-level cultivation art, his combat strength could reach seven fires. With the mutual enhancement of the two life lanterns, although his combat strength wouldn¡¯t reach eight flames, it would reach the peak of seven fires.


    At the same time, they had another mission in this month, and that was to search for the remnants of the Minor Affairs Sect.


    However, the search wasn¡¯t the goal. This was to inform all parties in the Yinghuang Province that the Eight Sects Alliance wouldn¡¯t allow another dam to appear here.


    Once such a faction appeared, they would become mortal enemies!


    This attitude needed to be displayed by the Special Security Department.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know if there was a secret transaction between the Alliance and the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect because the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect had been silent about this from the start.


    The Minor Affairs Sect had clearly realized that it was impossible to rebuild the sect, so most of them moved. The information and clues found by the Seven Blood Eyes all indicated that the Minor Affairs Sect had completely left.


    This was the same as the information obtained by the other sects when they patrolled the river.


    Hence, Xu Qing continued to cultivate. During this period, if his body couldn¡¯t withstand it, he would distance himself from the shore. After his body adapted better, he would cultivate on the shore again.


    As for the captain, he had disappeared half a month ago. Before he left, he told Xu Qing that he was going to look at the surroundings. Xu Qing saw his mysterious expression and didn¡¯t ask further.


    Just like how the captain respected his secrets, Xu Qing also respected the captain¡¯s secrets.


    Just like that, days passed. To the other disciples, perhaps sitting cross-legged and cultivating for a long time was a very boring thing. Hence, there weren¡¯t many people who insisted on cultivating here every day.


    Most of them would occasionally go out and wander around. Some even went to the nearby small countries to play.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t ask for too much from others. He only demanded himself to cherish every opportunity to cultivate. There were others like him, and the little mute was one of them.


    Three months passed. Xu Qing¡¯s 110th magic aperture was finally opened after the months of cultivating. As his magic aperture opened, Xu Qing clearly felt that the magic power in his body had become more majestic.


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and looked behind him.


    There were less than 30 people who could persist until now and still cultivate continuously like him.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past them. Just as he was about to close his eyes again, his expression changed slightly. He lifted his head and looked at the main river in the distance.


    It was dusk and the sunset was very beautiful. Under the illumination of the sunset, Xu Qing saw a fleet of ships appearing on the main river.


    There were a total of ten large ships.


    The appearance of the ship was different from the Seven Blood Eyes. They seemed to be made of crystal and spirit stones. They looked crystal clear and the light they gave off was dazzling. At this moment, they were flowing down the river from the direction of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. Xu Qing could see that there were many cultivators in white robes on the ship.


    Most of them were women. All of them wore veils and their bodies emitted extraordinary energy fluctuations.


    ¡°Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.¡± Xu Qing recognized their background. The fleet was getting closer and closer to them, and soon, the disciples of both sides could see each other¡¯s appearances.


    When Xu Qing swept his gaze over, he saw that the three female disciples who had come to the Seven Blood Eyes back then were among them.


    Although the clothes of the disciples of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect were the same and they wore veils, everyone¡¯s aura was different.


    Xu Qing observed carefully. Back then, he had seen the three disciples who came to the Seven Blood Eyes, so he could recognize them now.


    In addition, he also saw a familiar figure.


    She wore a long white dress and a face veil. Her temperament was completely different from the person in Xu Qing¡¯s memory. If it wasn¡¯t for her persistent gaze that was still filled with intense self-esteem, it would be very difficult for Xu Qing to recognize her at a glance.


    She was¡­ Li Zimei!


    Zhang San had once said that Li Zimei had been taken away by the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. Before she left, she had left Xu Qing a letter. That letter didn¡¯t say much and was filled with words of gratitude for him.


    At that moment, although Xu Qing recognized Li Zimei, under the cover of Old Master Seventh¡¯s jade slip, Xu Qing was unfamiliar to Li Zimei.


    Hence, both sides only swept their gazes over before retracting them. Very soon, the ships of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect left the place where Xu Qing and the others were and headed in the direction of the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.


    Xu Qing stared at them for a long while before retracting his gaze.


    ¡°From the group who went up the mountain to register, Zhou Qingpeng died, Xu Xiaohui lost her desire to cultivate, and Li Zimei joined the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.¡± Xu Qing sighed with emotion. More than four years had become scenes in his memory.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and continued cultivating. Not long later, one of the ships of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect left the fleet and approached the shore. Xu Qing opened his eyes and looked over warily.


    On the ship was one of the three female disciples who had visited the Seven Blood Eyes that day. Beside her was Li Zimei. They didn¡¯t go ashore. When they got close, the female disciple from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect swept her gaze across Xu Qing and the others and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Seven Blood Eyes?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    The female disciple waved her hand and threw out two jade slips, one purple and one blue. They transformed into two beams of light that headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing calmly stood up and caught the two jade slips. At the same time, he put on a trembling expression and retreated more than ten steps.


    He wouldn¡¯t reveal flaws in these details.


    ¡°Give the blue jade slip to the third disciple of your sect master.¡±


    ¡°The purple one is for your Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Xu Qing.¡± After the woman finished speaking, she left with Li Zimei. From the start to the end, Li Zimei didn¡¯t say a word. Only when she left at the end did she turn her head and cast a puzzled glance at Xu Qing. However, she quickly retracted her gaze.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. After watching the other party leave, he looked at the two jade slips in his hand. He stored the one to his third senior brother and his gaze landed on the purple jade slip.


    ¡°For me?¡± Xu Qing fell silent and spread his perception into the jade slip. At the next moment, the content of the jade slip appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, I¡¯m Li Zimei. Do you remember the last thing you said to me?¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. This jade slip wasn¡¯t an ordinary item. There was a lock inside and one had to answer the designated question to see more content. If it was forcefully opened, it would shatter on its own.


    ¡°All the best. I want to see the day you exchange for the magic boat.¡± Xu Qing imprinted these words on the jade slip.


    At the next instant, the content of the jade slip suddenly changed.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, everything is fine with me in the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. I am sending you this message because the method I learned in the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect is different from the Seven Blood Eyes and all the cultivation I have come into contact with in the past.¡±


    ¡°The Grand Affairs Immortal Sect believes that cultivation is cultivation and realm is realm. They don¡¯t place much importance on cultivation and pay more attention to realms.¡±


    ¡°This realm isn¡¯t something like the Qi Condensation, Foundation Building, Golden Core or the like. It¡¯s¡­ a domain!¡±


    ¡°The Immortal Sect thinks that the domain is the Great Dao. However, it requires comprehension and it¡¯s extremely difficult¡­¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, I only know this surface knowledge for now. I hope it can be of some help to you. You can try to comprehend more about it. I feel that although the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect¡¯s belief might not be correct, it should have its merits.¡±


    ¡°Also¡­ Senior Brother Xu Qing, I won¡¯t let you down. I¡¯m about to participate in a comprehension ritual of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. They told me that this ritual is very difficult. If I fail, I¡¯ll die. If I succeed, my personality might change a little.¡±


    ¡°This is nothing. I don¡¯t like my personality to begin with. Sometimes, I¡¯m too cowardly and sometimes, I want my dignity too much. It¡¯s good to change a little.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can succeed or what will happen. When you receive this letter, I might be dead or I might have succeeded.¡±


    ¡°However, no matter what, this is my choice. I¡¯ll continue moving forward and work even harder. I can definitely do it. I just hope that my personality won¡¯t change too much.¡±


    ¡°My words might be rude, but this might be my last letter before my personality changed and I don¡¯t have any relatives. All these years, the only people who have helped me are you and Senior Brother Zhang San. I know that Senior Brother Zhang San only took care of me because of you. Senior Brother Xu Qing, I hope you don¡¯t take offense if this disturbed you.¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, I sincerely wish you well. I hope you¡¯ll be better, forever better, and always be fine.¡±


    ¡°Li Zimei.¡±

 Chapter 387 - 387 Good Faith

    387 Good Faith


    ¡°Domain?¡± Xu Qing revealed a look of contemplation. He glanced at the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect¡¯s fleet that was gradually disappearing.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time Xu Qing had heard this term. Back then, the princess of the Sea Corpse Race had mentioned that her father, the king of the Sea Corpse Race, had comprehended a domain.


    ¡°Comprehension?¡± Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. While he engraved this matter in his mind, he also silently blessed Li Zimei.


    In the following period of time, everything went smoothly. Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation was as usual. More than a month later, the Spirit Dawn Valley¡¯s Special Security Department arrived.


    The captain also returned at this moment with a look of satisfaction. Clearly, he had gained a lot from his trip during this period of time. Xu Qing even felt that the captain¡¯s skin color seemed to have improved a little.


    It was as though¡­ it had undergone molting.


    The captain¡¯s aura was even sharper than before.


    ¡°Finished?¡± Xu Qing glanced at the captain.


    ¡°Yes. Haha, Little Qing, let me tell you. If the two of us fight now, the outcome will be unknown. I¡¯ve unlocked another seal,¡± the captain said proudly.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t reply. Just as the captain was about to continue speaking, the members of the Spirit Dawn Valley¡¯s Special Security Department arrived.


    The captain knew that Xu Qing didn¡¯t like to socialize, so he went over to finish the handover procedures. Very soon, the disciples of the Spirit Dawn Valley stayed here. After the Seven Blood Eyes handed over the flag, they stepped onto the ships and left.


    The journey back was much faster than when they arrived. On one hand, there was no need for them to spend time checking the sides of the river carefully; on the other hand, they were now moving with the flow of the river, so the ships that already had speed augmentation formations, became even faster.


    Just like that, after some period of time, the majestic city of the Eight Sects Alliance was reflected in the eyes of all the disciples. Every one of their eyes was filled with excitement.


    After all, this mission duration had been quite long. However, their harvest was still not small. Not only did their cultivation bases increase, but the anomalous substances in their bodies also decreased greatly. More importantly, they were no longer so unfamiliar with the Wanggu Continent.


    Looking at the familiar Seven Blood Eyes, Xu Qing heaved a sigh of relief in his mind. After he returned, he immediately returned to his berth. While continuing to cultivate there, he also checked the little black bugs that had absorbed the immortal jelly.


    After sleeping for so long, they finally showed signs of waking up. Xu Qing felt even more anticipation because the auras of these little black bugs were clearly much stronger and more concealed than before.


    Xu Qing was also working hard to open his 111th magic aperture and also gathering soul pills.


    However, after opening the magic apertures to such an extent, the soul power needed to open any one of them was extremely vast. Ordinary soul pills couldn¡¯t support it.


    As for the aperture opening pills, they were priceless. Xu Qing searched around but couldn¡¯t find even one.


    However, the captain brought him good news.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯ve contacted Wu Jianwu. He¡¯s rushing back to the sect from the Phoenix Forbidden. According to my understanding of him, the moment he arrives at the sect, he will teleport to us at all costs.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve also inquired very clearly about the place of fortune of the Mystic Nether Sect. That place is indeed as portrayed in the mural. It¡¯s open to disciples of other sects, but the fee is extremely expensive; it is five million spirit stones per entry and there is a time limit of three days!¡±


    ¡°The benefits there are too great for those who require souls to cultivate their cultivation arts, so it is extremely important to the Mystic Nether Sect which mainly cultivate with souls. Generally speaking, only heaven¡¯s chosen who have three fires and are breaking through to the fourth fire will be willing to go there to break through.¡±


    After the captain quickly spoke, he rubbed his hands and his eyes gleamed.


    ¡°Little Qing, help me out. I really can¡¯t bear to spend these five million spirit stones. It¡¯s too expensive. Why don¡¯t you go and look for Purple Mystic Fairy? Go and act coy and make her feel good, so that she can waive the fee for us.¡±


    The captain egged him on.


    ¡°The person Senior Purple Mystic Fairy was looking at back then wasn¡¯t me but you, Eldest Senior Brother. You should go.¡± When Xu Qing thought of Purple Mystic Fairy, he felt inexplicably nervous.


    ¡°Aiyaya, you silly kid. This is 10 million spirit stones we are talking about. Do you think I don¡¯t want to do it? But I can¡¯t.¡± The captain anxiously persuaded.


    ¡°Little Qing, you have such good conditions, why are you not using them!!¡±


    ¡°You only have a few years of youth. Why are you so stupid?¡± The captain tried his best to persuade him but Xu Qing didn¡¯t respond. He didn¡¯t have any thoughts of agreeing to this matter.


    His heart ached for the spirit stones as well, but he instinctively rejected the captain¡¯s words.


    ¡°This world depends on one¡¯s cultivation level. No one will say anything about what you did to reach there. Little Qing, you don¡¯t have to feel burdened. This is an era where you laugh at the weak but not at those who flatter others.¡±


    The captain patted his thigh and sighed. He looked like he would definitely do this without hesitation if he had the same conditions.


    ¡°Little Qing, why don¡¯t you understand? If I were you, I would already be in the Nascent Soul realm now. The sect would be filled with my descendants. In a few hundred years, even the Alliance would be mine. You have to learn from Old Third.¡±


    ¡°If you want to do it, go do it yourself.¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to bother with the captain.


    The captain pounded his chest and stomped his feet, letting out a long sigh.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t want to go. Then lend me some money. No, return my money. You still owe me five million spirit stones!¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain. After weighing each other¡¯s combat strength, he closed his eyes and meditated, turning a deaf ear.


    The captain was helpless and tried to persuade him again. However, he discovered that Xu Qing had already begun to enter a meditative state, so he could only leave helplessly. His heart ached endlessly for the five million spirit stones he would have to spend.


    Just as his heartache lasted for a day, Wu Jianwu arrived.


    Ever since the Seven Blood Eyes moved, the only highness who didn¡¯t come was Wu Jianwu. He had been in the Phoenix Forbidden during this period of time. If it wasn¡¯t for the shocking news from the captain, he wouldn¡¯t have returned now.


    His return caused some commotion in the Seven Blood Eyes. It wasn¡¯t because of the poem he recited when he walked out of the teleportation array and his silver robe, nor was it because of his cultivation energy fluctuations of two life fires.


    It was because of the two ferocious beast cubs following him.


    These were two small bears that were about the same size as dogs. Their bodies weren¡¯t black but golden. The moment they appeared through the teleportation array, their bodies emitted dense divinity.


    They emitted an aura comparable to the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm.


    They were still young and it was obvious that their intelligence hadn¡¯t fully developed. However, they had already reached such a level. It could be imagined that they would be able to reach the Foundation Building realm very soon.


    This matter attracted the attention of the sect. These two little bears actually had ancient bloodlines. As soon as they appeared, it caused a commotion in the Fourth Peak¡¯s Beast Tamer branch.


    If it was in the past, Wu Jianwu would definitely look down on everyone and not let go of this opportunity to show off. However, he had something more important in his mind now. Hence, he sent a voice transmission to the captain and Xu Qing as soon as he arrived.


    ¡°Where is the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether¡¯s ruins you mentioned?!¡±


    ¡°Also, is it true that it has a poem written by the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether?!!!¡± Xu Qing could sense Wu Jianwu¡¯s excitement through the jade slip.


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s true!¡± The captain quickly replied. However, Wu Jianwu still didn¡¯t believe him. It was as though he instinctively didn¡¯t trust the captain.


    It was only after Xu Qing gave an affirmative answer that he believed it. His body trembled in excitement. He didn¡¯t need the captain to urge him. Instead, he urged Xu Qing and the captain to bring him over as soon as possible.


    Even though he knew that he would have to spend 5 million spirit stones, he agreed without even a frown.


    This made the captain feel that he had said too little.


    Hence, under Wu Jianwu¡¯s urging, the three of them arrived at the Mystic Nether Sect on the day he arrived.


    Xu Qing braced himself and came. He told himself that everything was for the sake of forming the fourth ball of life fire. Hence, his expression was solemn as he moved forward very quickly. He wanted to reach the place of fortune as soon as possible without attracting the slightest attention.


    Wu Jianwu was also excited and anxious. His speed was also very fast.


    Only the captain¡¯s heart ached for the spirit stones and he dawdled all the way. However, no matter how slow he was, in the end, he arrived at the entrance of the place of fortune at the back mountain of the Mystic Nether Sect with Xu Qing and Wu Jianwu.


    There was a large rock here and an old man, in charge of guarding this place, sat on it.


    This old man had a cultivation base of six Heavenly Palaces. He gave off an astonishing aura. He didn¡¯t even open his eyes when Xu Qing and the other two arrived.


    Seeing that the journey was smooth, Xu Qing heaved a sigh of relief in his mind and quickly paid the spirit stones. Wu Jianwu, who was at the side, did the same.


    As for the captain¡­ he let out a long sigh and looked at the sky. Under Xu Qing and Wu Jianwu¡¯s gazes, he helplessly stepped forward and paid the spirit stones with extreme heartache.


    After the three of them paid the fee, the old man opened his eyes and waved his hand. Immediately, a huge vortex rumbled and appeared in front of the three of them.


    A dense soul power fluctuation spread out from the vortex. Xu Qing and Wu Jianwu didn¡¯t say a word and were about to step in. However, at that moment¡­ the old man suddenly stood up and bowed to the sky.


    ¡°Greetings, Ancestor.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and he quickly moved his leg into the vortex, but it was still too late. An elegant and pleasant voice rang out from the sky.


    ¡°Kid, don¡¯t move. Turn around.¡±


    In an instant, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t put down his raised foot. He could only brace himself and turn around. He saw the peerless and elegant Purple Mystic Fairy walking over step by step from the sky.


    Today, the clothes she wore were different again. She was wearing an embroidered green dress and a phoenix hairpin on her head. Her beautiful hair draped down her shoulders and her body emitted the fragrance of someone who had just finished bathing. Her breathtaking face had a hint of redness, causing her entire person to look peerlessly beautiful.


    The smile in his eyes seemed to be able to melt everything.


    Just like that night, she walked step by step to Xu Qing, whose entire body was stiff.


    Wu Jianwu watched everything in a daze.


    As for the captain, he blinked and thought to himself, ¡®Why did you come only now? Don¡¯t tell me you deliberately waited for us to spend money before appearing?¡¯


    Just like that, while Wu Jianwu was in a daze and the captain was puzzled, Purple Mystic Fairy gracefully arrived in front of Xu Qing. Her eyes were deep, like bottomless pools of water that could immerse everything.


    Her beautiful lips were slightly parted and the corners of her mouth curled up slightly, revealing a satisfied expression. She then chuckled.


    ¡°Little kid, are you so good at making women like you? You even sent a gift. I like your gift very much.¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s voice was as beautiful as the gentle spring water. At the same time, the magnetism and gentleness contained in it were like a vortex that made one unable to help but approach her.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he instantly glanced at the captain from the corner of his eyes.


    The captain blinked and looked left and right, as though it had nothing to do with him.

 Chapter 388 - 388 Jianwus Highlight (1)

    388 Jianwu¡¯s Highlight (1)


    Purple Mystic Fairy found Xu Qing¡¯s expression increasingly interesting.


    She had seen many people in her life. It wasn¡¯t that there were none who were as beautiful and shy as the little kid in front of her. However, she didn¡¯t care when she was young. Now, for some reason, when she saw such a person, she wanted to tease him.


    She slowly approached Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body stiffened and his scalp went numb. His breathing also became hurried due to his nervousness.


    He couldn¡¯t move his body. Under the immense pressure, his soul was trembling, especially when Purple Mystic Fairy got closer and closer until that peerlessly beautiful face reached the side of Xu Qing¡¯s face.


    The fragrance from Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s body carried the freshness of the bath and spread to Xu Qing¡¯s nose. Due to his hurried breathing, he absorbed the fragrance into his body. He was so nervous that his face turned pale and his heart thumped loudly.


    This was completely different from the feelings he got when meeting other females.


    This scene made Wu Jianwu feel as though lightning had struck his sea of consciousness, causing him to have serious doubts. Did Chen Erniu and Xu Qing call him over from afar just to make him see this scene?


    This scene made his heart ache. He just wanted to see the ruins of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    As for the old man with six Heavenly Palaces, his expression was calm. He respectfully looked to the side.


    Only the captain had a lot of thoughts churning in his mind.


    ¡®Little Qing, Senior Brother had no choice but to do this. That hairpin is very expensive. Everything was for you. It¡¯s just that the older the ginger, the spicier it is. She took my hairpin, but came so late¡­¡¯ The captain¡¯s heart ached even more for the spirit stones he had spent.


    ¡®How good would it be if she came earlier¡­¡¯


    While the captain was sighing with emotion, Xu Qing¡¯s mind was a little blank. At the next instant, Purple Mystic Fairy blew softly into Xu Qing¡¯s ear.


    When this mouthful of hot air landed on Xu Qing¡¯s ears, it was like a bolt of lightning directly blasted into his body, causing Xu Qing¡¯s body to tremble. For the first time in his life, he felt at a loss.


    This scene made Purple Mystic Fairy rather happy and she laughed.


    Her laughter was like an oriole leaving the valley, causing everyone who heard it to feel intoxicated.


    She moved her body away and lazily moved her waist in front of Xu Qing. The charm she inadvertently revealed was filled with charm.


    It was as though provoking the little kid was just a hobby to adjust her mood. Now that the provocation was over, she took out a token and placed it in Xu Qing¡¯s arms with two fingers. She even patted his hand gently.


    ¡°Kid, with this token, you can go deeper into the land of fortune.¡± Purple Mystic Fairy chuckled and walked into the sky. She was like a fairy returning to the palace, scattering countless fragrances as she moved further and further away.


    However, in a place where no one could see, Purple Mystic Fairy shook her head gently as she walked.


    ¡°When I see such a cute little fellow, I can¡¯t help but tease him. I have to change this habit. It¡¯s a pity¡­ the smell of blood on his body is already extremely thick. Under his cute appearance is an endless baleful aura. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s a person with light in his heart.¡±


    It was only after Purple Mystic Fairy left that Xu Qing¡¯s body returned to normal. After taking a few deep breaths, he abruptly lifted his head and silently stared at the captain.


    The captain felt a little creeped out by Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, so he coughed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in quickly. We spent money on this. We even have a time limit!¡± With that, he stepped into the vortex first. His speed was very fast, afraid that Xu Qing would attack directly.


    Wu Jianwu was still in a daze.


    He looked at Xu Qing with a dazed expression. He then looked at the place where Purple Mystic Fairy had left as he gulped.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with Wu Jianwu. He stared at the captain¡¯s disappearing figure and gritted his teeth as he engraved this matter in his mind. He then turned and walked into the vortex as well. Seeing that the two of them had entered, Wu Jianwu took a deep breath and muttered.


    ¡°Cultivators like us can¡¯t get close to women. Women don¡¯t benefit cultivation and they need a lot of attention, they will just mess with one¡¯s heart and add to one¡¯s worries. We cultivators have to aspire to walk far in life, only then can we achieve domination. This is what the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether once said¡­¡± Wu Jianwu originally approved of these words, but now, his heart was a little shaken.


    However, his Dao heart was firm and he quickly recovered. His eyes revealed determination as he stepped into the vortex.


    As the three of them entered the vortex one after another, a sealed and isolated world was soon reflected in front of them.


    This place was very large and was surrounded by mountains.


    The sky was formed by an array formation and the ground was forged by restrictions. Its overall size looked similar to the main city of the Nanhuang Continent¡¯s Seven Blood Eyes.


    In the center, surrounded by circles of mountain peaks, was a huge lake.


    The water in the lake was blood-colored, as though it was formed from blood.


    There was a huge pillar erected in the lake. This pillar seemed to support the world. It was completely black and bolts of lightning swam on it. It was a shocking sight and contained an ancient aura.


    It was as though it had existed for countless years and witnessed countless history.


    At the top of the pillar, one could see a thick chain engraved with array formations that emitted terrifying fluctuations. What was shackled by the chain was a huge bone snake!


    This bone snake¡¯s body was extremely long. With the pillar as the center, it coiled in the surroundings, transforming into the mountain range here.

 Chapter 389 - 389 Jianwus Highlight (2)

    389 Jianwu¡¯s Highlight (2)


    It was incomparably huge and intimidating.


    The snake head was on the huge pillar. It looked like a mountain range was spreading over from one side.


    The sinister snake head had no flesh and only had black bones remaining. It seemed to be filled with unwillingness before it died. Its mouth was wide open, revealing sharp fangs.


    There was a trace of dried golden blood on its fang.


    This trace of golden blood emitted an aura that seemed to shake the nine heavens.


    This aura was domineering and yet noble. It was enough to make the minds of everyone who saw it shake and their souls unstable.


    Everything was similar to the mural. The difference was that the feeling from seeing it personally was much different from simply looking at the mural.


    That nail¡¯s terrifying aura and the pressure that came from the snake even after it had died caused the expressions of Xu Qing and the other two to change.


    The captain¡¯s eyes widened as he stared fixedly at the fang that was stained with a trace of dried golden blood inside the snake head.


    ¡°I¡¯m too stupid. Why did I keep thinking about the treasures outside when there is such a treasure in the Alliance!! Could that be the blood of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether!!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay attention to the fang. After his gaze swept across the surroundings, he focused on sensing the dense soul power contained in this place.


    This soul power was so dense that it seemed to have transformed into a soul sea, causing the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art in Xu Qing¡¯s body to begin circulating on its own, guiding soul power into his body.


    ¡°This is indeed a land of fortune for opening one¡¯s magic aperture!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s heart palpitated but he didn¡¯t act rashly. Instead, he looked around in the air and continued to observe.


    He was mainly looking at the other cultivators. They weren¡¯t the only ones here. Regardless of whether it was the disciples of the Mystic Nether Sect or people from other sects, there would always be cultivators who would pay the fee to come here.


    This was especially so for the Mystic Nether Sect. It was impossible for them to have to pay the same price as the outsiders. They definitely had other ways to exchange for the entry qualification. Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept across the dozens of people here and saw that the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s disciples were the majority.


    These people were all sitting cross-legged and cultivating. Moreover, Xu Qing saw that the vast majority of them were on the mountains formed by the bone snake in the outermost circle. Very few of them were close to the core.


    This reminded Xu Qing of the token given by Purple Mystic Fairy.


    Clearly, the closer one was to the core, the denser the soul power.


    However, Xu Qing weighed the pros and cons. Even if he went to the depths, three days wouldn¡¯t be enough for him to open ten magic apertures. If he wanted to open ten magic apertures, he would have to stay here for at least a month.


    In addition, if the soul power needed to open the next few magic apertures increased, a month probably wouldn¡¯t be enough.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have that many spirit stones¡­¡± Xu Qing turned his head and looked at Wu Jianwu. The captain also took a deep breath at this moment and his gaze quickly landed on Wu Jianwu.


    Whether the two of them could achieve their goal depended on how much Wu Jianwu stimulated this demon snake.


    At that moment, Wu Jianwu was trembling.


    From the moment he walked out of the vortex and stepped here, he couldn¡¯t help but tremble in excitement. His eyes revealed an unprecedented light as he stared fixedly at the huge heavenly nail pillar.


    There was a poem carved on it.


    Xu Qing had noticed before that it was a little different from the mural but he didn¡¯t care. However, in Wu Jianwu¡¯s eyes, this was what he had been thirsting for.


    There was no need for Xu Qing and the captain to rush him at all. He slowly rose into the air while trembling and looked at the poem in the distance as he muttered.


    ¡°Heavenly Nail Suppresses the Snake Demon, Sovereign¡¯s Blood Refines the Universe!¡±


    Xu Qing and the captain were highly focused and were sensing their surroundings. However, there were no changes in their surroundings at all. Everything was normal.


    ¡°It¡¯s ineffective?¡± Xu Qing sighed inwardly. He felt that he and the captain had taken things too lightly previously. How could Wu Jianwu attract the attention of the snake soul? Even though this snake soul had been sleeping for countless years, it wouldn¡¯t be so easily provoked.


    However, the captain was clearly unwilling. He stared at Wu Jianwu in the air, his body trembling as he savored the poem by the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    ¡°Little Jianjian, imagine this in your mind. The great Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether is wearing an emperor¡¯s robe and crown. The nine canopies above his head are emitting countless streams of light. The aura he is emitting is monstrous. He is walking over from the Endless Sea. With one step, he landed on the sunken sea and with two steps, the seawater formed a figure that knelt down and kowtowed to him.¡±


    As soon as the captain finished speaking, Wu Jianwu¡¯s body trembled intensely.


    ¡°He took the third step and arrived at the Wanggu Continent. At that time, this place wasn¡¯t called the Yinghuang Province but was ruled by a demon snake. Countless small human countries were reared by it as food!¡±


    ¡°The Ancient Sovereign was furious. What was even more overboard was that this small sea snake actually bit his leg!¡±


    When the captain said this, Wu Jianwu¡¯s breathing became hurried. This scene had already formed in his mind.


    ¡°The Ancient Sovereign lowered his head in disdain and waved his hand to refine the five elements into a heavenly nail, directly suppressing this demon snake here. Before he left, he casually wrote a poem!¡±


    ¡°Wu Jianwu, do you see this scene!!¡±


    Wu Jianwu¡¯s breathing was unprecedentedly hurried and his body trembled more and more intensely. In the image formed in his mind, the appearance of the Ancient Sovereign who walked over from the sea gradually became him.


    In fact, at this moment, the aura on his body had unknowingly changed. Wu Jianwu loved to imitate the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether the most. He had been imitating it for many years and had mastered it.


    At that moment, with the captain¡¯s description, he instinctively imitated it. His expression became gloomy and solemn, and his eyes revealed disdain. He stood in the air and looked at the ground lightly. With a wave of his sleeve, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°A small snake dares to bite this sovereign, be careful your teeth might break and pierce your intestines.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, this place instantly rumbled. Vaguely, there seemed to be a roar that came from countless years ago. It was filled with hatred, cruelty, and madness that echoed in all directions!!


    At the same time, a roar emerged from the forbidden land of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect of the Eight Sects Alliance as well. It was filled with monstrous hatred.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I have to thank you. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that you kept me between life and death and tortured me until now, it would be impossible for me, Saintly Star, to open the 121st magic aperture so quickly!¡±


    As the roar rang out, the skeleton-like Saintly Star rushed out of the blood pool and stepped in the air.


    A large amount of blood flowed down his body, revealing his muscular body and peerless face under his red hair. However, his right eye had permanently turned pitch-black and was replaced by a Golden Crow that was hidden in the depths that outsiders couldn¡¯t detect.


    This Golden Crow provided him with astonishing vitality to neutralize the poison in his body.


    The moment the vitality and the poison reached a balance, Saintly Star was able to find the 121st magic aperture between life and death and open it to form¡­ five balls of life fire.

 Chapter 390 - 390 Little Snake, It’s Been So Many Years, Do You Regret Biting Me?!

    390 Little Snake, It¡¯s Been So Many Years, Do You Regret Biting Me?!


    Five balls of life fire burned in Saintly Star¡¯s body, shocking the heavens and the earth. It was as though there was a starry sky in his body that had transformed into a sea of fire.


    Beside him, the eight Nascent Soul cultivators of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect were meditating with their eyes closed.


    During this period of time, they had spent a lot of effort to help Saintly Star suppress the poison.


    That poison was too special, causing them to be extremely wary.


    Even the Soaring Cloud Ancestor¡¯s eyes were filled with fatigue. In order to plant the Alliance Leader¡¯s Golden Crow in his grandson¡¯s body, he had truly done everything he could. Now that he saw that his grandson had recovered, his expression was filled with relief.


    ¡°Yun¡¯er, what are you going to do next? Step into the Golden Core Realm?¡±


    ¡°Grandfather, I want to challenge Xu Qing. I have to take back what I lost with my own hands!¡± Saintly Star floated in the air and closed his eyes. After a long time, he opened them and calmly spoke.


    ¡°With the Alliance Leader¡¯s Golden Crow around, I¡¯m not afraid of Xu Qing¡¯s poison. Moreover, the Alliance Leader¡¯s Golden Crow gives me terrifying vitality, causing my combat strength to be even stronger than before. After all, how could the Alliance Leader bear to let me die just like that¡­¡±


    ¡°Yun¡¯er, we had no choice.¡± The Soaring Cloud Ancestor fell silent for a while before sighing.


    ¡°He just took a fancy to this body of mine. It¡¯s fine. Grandfather, please place a seal in my body and seal all the magic apertures in my body, preventing them from being extinguished or covered.¡±


    ¡°Without these two vicious methods, Xu Qing is useless even with two life lanterns and I¡¯m confident that I can kill him!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll let him¡­ taste a pain several times worse than what I suffered!!¡±


    Very soon, a challenge letter was sent to the Seven Blood Eyes from the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect!


    Saintly Star wanted to challenge Xu Qing to a life-and-death battle!


    As soon as the challenge letter arrived, the Seven Blood Eyes shook. The entire Eight Sects Alliance instantly stirred.


    Xu Qing, who was in the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s land of fortune, didn¡¯t know what was happening in the outside world. At that moment, his eyes were wide open as he looked at Wu Jianwu in the air. After the latter recited the poem, the surroundings trembled.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind was in turmoil. The captain also gasped. He didn¡¯t expect that he would really succeed.


    A trace of the ancient snake¡¯s soul actually awakened! Although it was only a trace, the color of the sky changed and the wind and clouds churned. Endless soul power erupted several times over at this moment.


    The expressions of the surrounding cultivators changed drastically. They opened their eyes and looked around in horror. They also saw the arrogant Wu Jianwu in the air and sensed the increase in soul power here.


    This scene caused their hearts to tremble. However, it was obvious that they wouldn¡¯t stop it. Instead, they sped up their breathing technique.


    Xu Qing was the same. He didn¡¯t dare to approach the depths immediately. At that moment, he sat down cross-legged and absorbed the soul power with all his might. As for the captain, he seemed to be immersed in his directing role; his eyes seemed to emit endless light as he shouted.


    ¡°Sovereign is mighty, Sovereign is domineering!¡±


    Wu Jianwu, who was in the air, was already completely immersed in his role. When he heard this, he became even more arrogant.


    He placed his hands behind his back and puffed out his chest. He looked at the demon snake skull on the nail with disdain and calmly spoke.


    ¡°I walk in heaven and earth; little snake, you are really weak!¡±


    As Wu Jianwu¡¯s voice rang, an even more shocking roar tore through this world like never before.


    Even the surrounding mountain range started shaking!


    ¡°I¡¯ve suppressed you for 100,000 years, it¡¯s not pathetic to lose your body!¡± Wu Jianwu waved his hand and spoke even louder. His aura seemed to have soared to the peak of his life.


    Even the snake head on the pillar trembled slightly. Soul power that was dozens of times denser than before instantly erupted.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing was a little worried that the demon snake¡¯s soul would really awaken and devour Wu Jianwu in one gulp.


    The captain also gasped. He quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind. He felt that if the demon snake woke up, Wu Jianwu was a goner for sure. He wasn¡¯t ready to pull out the fang yet, so he quickly spoke.


    ¡°Little Jianjian, this is enough. There¡¯s no need to chant anymore.¡±


    Wu Jianwu, who was in the air, frowned. He lowered his head and coldly glanced at the captain.


    ¡°How dare a commoner speak like this? How dare you compare yourself to this Sovereign?¡±


    At this moment, Wu Jianwu¡¯s gaze had 30% disdain, 50% arrogance, and 20% domineeringness. It was as though he had completely integrated into the character of Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    After all, this was his lifelong dream and also the goal he strived for. As he spoke, the tremors in this land of fortune became even more intense. It was as though Wu Jianwu, who spoke like this, caused the soul of the demon snake, which was in a deep sleep, to suffer an even greater stimulation.


    The captain saw that Wu Jianwu was too engrossed in his role. He sighed and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you handle it. I¡¯m worried that this fool is going to get himself killed.¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and coldly glanced at Wu Jianwu. He didn¡¯t think that Wu Jianwu was too immersed in his role. This fellow should have done it on purpose. The instant he glanced over, Wu Jianwu¡¯s body suddenly paused. Just as he was about to say something, Xu Qing took out a jade slip that had once recorded the scenes.


    The moment he saw this jade slip, Wu Jianwu shuddered and his expression quickly revealed a fawning expression. All his aura and gaze from before instantly disappeared without a trace and his body landed.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu, we can talk things out. Haha, let¡¯s take it easy.¡±


    Seeing that Xu Qing had kept the jade slip, he heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. He didn¡¯t need to take a closer look to guess the content of this jade slip. There was a high chance that it was the scene of him rubbing the bear¡¯s stomach in his cave. At this moment, other than heaving a sigh of relief, the experience earlier filled his heart with excitement and he couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    ¡°How satisfying!!¡±


    With Wu Jianwu no longer imitating the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, the soul of the demon snake that showed signs of awakening slowly regained its calm. However, the few times it was about to awaken previously released extremely dense soul power to this place. Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with Wu Jianwu and closed his eyes to cultivate.


    As a large amount of soul power was absorbed into his body, the magic aperture showed signs of opening. Not long later, his body rumbled and the 111th magic aperture opened.


    Xu Qing¡¯s spirits were lifted. He stood up and used the token given by Purple Mystic Fairy to head straight for the core of the land of fortune. When he got close to the blood-colored lake in the inner circle, he sensed an even denser soul power.


    He sat down and quickly absorbed it.


    Just like that, time slowly passed. Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation didn¡¯t stop at all as he focused on opening his magic apertures. As for the captain, although he didn¡¯t have the authority to approach the core, his eyes never left the fang that had a trace of golden blood in the demon snake¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Good stuff, this is good stuff!¡± The captain gulped. While absorbing the soul power, his gaze continued to linger on that fang.


    ¡°I need to think of a way to break off this fang. This thing is fated with me. With it, I can break through anything in the future.¡± While the captain was thinking with intense gaze, the magic apertures in Xu Qing¡¯s body opened to 114.


    He continued.


    It was only after Xu Qing opened the 116th magic aperture that the soul power here decreased. Hence, Xu Qing opened his eyes and looked at Wu Jianwu in the distance.


    Wu Jianwu had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Without saying a word, his body rose into the air. He glanced disdainfully at the demon snake¡¯s skeleton and placed his hands behind his back as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Little snake, it¡¯s been so many years, do you regret biting me?!¡±


    ¡°You eat, drink, and poop here, all your bones are filled with sh*t!¡±


    As soon as Wu Jianwu finished speaking, the soul of the demon snake that had calmed down let out a monstrous roar again. This time, the roar was countless times more intense than before. It vaguely seemed to have transformed into a voice that gritted its teeth and spread in all directions.


    ¡°Mystic Nether!!¡±


    In fact, in the outermost circle of the mountain range formed by its body, countless mountain rocks broke free. They continued to shake and looked like they were about to rise.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and quickly spoke.


    ¡°Enough!¡±


    Wu Jianwu hurriedly kept quiet and descended as though he hadn¡¯t had enough. In reality, he was also shocked by this scene. However, the excitement and satisfaction in his heart caused him to be extremely obsessed with this act.


    In fact, he even began to suspect that he was the reincarnation of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether. Otherwise, why would the effect be so good?


    The captain also looked at Wu Jianwu as though he was looking at a divine being. He and Xu Qing had only thought of testing this method and didn¡¯t know if it would really work.


    However, not only was it effective, but the effect was also incomparably good. In fact, if Wu Jianwu continued like this and recited dozens of poems, he felt that this demon snake would definitely awaken.


    ¡®It¡¯s so useful? I¡¯ll also try it next time!¡¯


    As the soul power erupted in a large area, Xu Qing immediately absorbed it. The soul power in his spot was extremely dense at this moment. In fact, even if he didn¡¯t take the initiative to absorb it, it would still enter through the pores on his body.


    Just like that, his 117th magic aperture was opened an hour later.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were filled with anticipation. He took a deep breath and the soul power in his body rapidly intensified until it accumulated to a certain extent. He then transformed it into a majestic force that charged toward the 118th magic aperture.


    In an instant, the 118th magic aperture was opened!


    ¡°Two more!¡± Xu Qing continued to absorb.


    Time flowed by. Two hours later, a monstrous rumble rang out in his body as the 119th magic aperture opened!


    ¡°Last one!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart thumped in excitement and anticipation. However, this last magic aperture required a lot of soul power, so he spread the fiendish fire outside his body.


    The black flames churned outside and formed a huge fire vortex that forcefully absorbed all the soul power here.


    Even though the soul power here was very dense, under Xu Qing¡¯s absorption, others couldn¡¯t absorb it at this moment. They could only look in horror at how Xu Qing was absorbing the soul power crazily.


    Finally, after it gathered to the extreme, Xu Qing opened his mouth and swallowed fiercely. Immediately, endless soul power gathered in his body, transforming into a blurry dragon-snake shadow that headed toward his 120th magic aperture with crushing force!


    At the next instant, a cracking sound echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. The 120th magic aperture had successfully opened!


    However, no one here saw Xu Qing opening his 120th magic aperture!


    The instant it was opened, Xu Qing had already controlled the shadow to cover his magic aperture, preventing outsiders from seeing the details!


    He didn¡¯t want to expose his strength here.


    This way, his fourth ball of life fire was covered by the shadow, blocking all probing gazes.


    Only Xu Qing could sense that under the curtain formed by the shadow, the fourth ball of life fire that had gathered in his body was burning fiercely!


    Under the four balls of life fire, Xu Qing sensed a great world burning in his body. As the flames spread out and shook the surroundings, two canopies were revealed above his head.


    The black canopy was strange and eerie. Flames flowed like a hanging curtain.


    The rainbow canopy shone with flowing light. Its light formed a sea that illuminated the earth.


    The Golden Crow on his back spread its wings and revealed a savage expression, as though it wanted to refine the world. Its tail flames flowed on Xu Qing¡¯s entire body, forming an emperor¡¯s robe. He looked like a young ancient emperor, shocking everyone.


    At the next instant, all of this disappeared. After Xu Qing withdrew everything, a hint of regret appeared on his face.


    ¡°It¡¯s still a little lacking.¡± Xu Qing sighed softly. His voice faintly echoed in the surroundings and vaguely entered the ears of all the Alliance disciples who were observing him, causing them to see that Xu Qing had failed to break through.


    Wu Jianwu heaved a sigh of relief. He felt that if he saw Xu Qing¡¯s fourth ball of life fire form with his own eyes, his mood would definitely worsen.


    Only the captain¡¯s gaze moved away from the demon snake¡¯s fang and landed on Xu Qing. He then blinked.


    ¡°Something¡¯s not right. This kid should be hiding!!¡±


    When the captain thought of this, he suddenly felt that¡­ he should consider opening another seal.


    ¡°With such a junior brother, why do I feel so much pressure?!¡±

 Chapter 391 - 391 The Challenge

    391 The Challenge


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. After he withdrew everything, he sat cross-legged and meditated for more than an hour.


    On one hand, he had to show that he was not able to form the fourth ball of life fire.


    On the other hand, he could sense the transformation in his body after the fourth ball of life fire formed.


    His combat strength had improved by leaps and bounds.


    Other than that, Xu Qing also sensed that 120 magic apertures wasn¡¯t the limit. He vaguely felt that his body wasn¡¯t perfect and he was missing a magic aperture.


    ¡°What I lack is the 121st magic aperture that Master mentioned. It¡¯s also the last magic aperture that all four fires cultivators yearn to open.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly.


    ¡°Only between life and death can I open the 121st magic aperture?¡± Xu Qing tried to sense it but to no avail. He thought of Old Master Seventh¡¯s words and fell into deep thought, but he wasn¡¯t in a hurry to open the last aperture.


    ¡°Only by completely mastering the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art can it unleash its true power and suppress souls in the magic apertures.¡±


    ¡°I have 120 magic apertures and can suppress 120 souls!¡±


    ¡°This way, not only can I increase the might of my magic apertures, but I can also unleash the Fiendish Soul Devouring Art¡¯s spell¡­ Dark Soul Fire!¡± Xu Qing pondered. He also knew that once he suppressed 120 souls, they could transform them into an existence similar to an artifact spirit, instantly upgrading his magic ship to a magic warship.


    Its might would increase greatly.


    ¡°If by that time, I still can¡¯t find the 121st magic aperture, I don¡¯t have to limit myself and will directly advance to the Golden Core Realm.¡±


    Xu Qing made up his mind and was about to leave. However, his gaze swept over and landed on the huge heavenly nail and the demon snake¡¯s head in the center of the blood-colored lake.


    Looking at the heavenly nail, Xu Qing could faintly sense the terrifying power it emitted. According to what he knew, this nail was an item that the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether casually refined from the five elements.


    He couldn¡¯t imagine what kind of cultivation base would one need to be able to casually grab and refine such a soul-stirring nail that could suppress the demon snake who was at the second stage Nihility for 100,000 years.


    Moreover, although the demon snake had withered, this nail still existed.


    ¡°I wonder when I can be like this too.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred. He looked at the heavenly nail and vaguely got the feeling he had when he first saw the Extreme Heaven Saber.


    Slowly, a peculiar light appeared in his eyes as he tried his best to outline the nail in his mind.


    Back then, he had done the same thing in the Dao temple in the forbidden zone of the scavenger campsite.


    However, the level of the heavenly nail was too high and Xu Qing¡¯s mental outline wasn¡¯t smooth. There seemed to be a Dao rule that made it difficult for others to clearly remember the appearance of this nail.


    Even when the time he could stay in this land of fortune had reached its limit, Xu Qing could only barely create a blurry outline in his mind.


    He still needed to continue copying this nail. This way, just like when he comprehended the Extreme Heaven Saber back then, he would be able to gradually outline it.


    As for whether he could succeed in the end, Xu Qing didn¡¯t know either.


    He only felt that this heavenly nail contained an astonishing intent. If he could use it, it would definitely be an extremely formidable killing weapon.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity. If I could copy its meaning every day, the possibility of success might be greater.¡± Xu Qing felt some regret. The moment he stood up, a vortex appeared in front of him.


    The suction force of the vortex instantly enveloped his figure. At the same time, the captain who had been staring at the fang from afar and the melancholic Wu Jianwu were also enveloped by a similar vortex.


    The three of them instantly disappeared. When they reappeared, they were already outside the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s place of fortune.


    When they entered, the three of them had different emotions; Xu Qing had mixed feelings about the arrival of Purple Mystic Fairy, Wu Jianwu was looking forward to seeing the ruins of Mystic Nether, and the captain was sighing about how Purple Mystic Fairy had arrived late.


    When they came out, the three of them felt the same emotion, regret.


    Xu Qing regretted that the time was too short and he couldn¡¯t comprehend the nail for a long time. Wu Jianwu regretted that he hadn¡¯t completely satisfied his craving and the fee was too high if he wanted to enter again.


    As for the captain, he regretted that the fang wasn¡¯t his for the time being.


    Just like that, the three of them left the Mystic Nether Sect with regret.


    However, the instant they descended the mountain, a large number of messages suddenly appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s jade slip. He opened it in surprise and his expression instantly darkened. A murderous intent rose from Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    It was filled with messages about Saintly Star coming out of seclusion and wanting to challenge Xu Qing. The letter was sent two days ago. The location wasn¡¯t the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect or the Seven Blood Eyes but a place not far from here.


    That place was called Mount Mystic Dao and was in the territory of the Mystic Nether Sect. It was one of the four Daoist Rite Temples of the Eight Sects Alliance.


    There would occasionally be experts from the Eight Sects Alliance who would preach the Dao there.


    Looking at the jade slip, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was cold as killing intent rose in his mind.


    Saintly Star was the most difficult enemy he had fought since he started cultivating.


    The captain also received the news from the outside world. After checking, he suddenly laughed.


    ¡°Little Qing, this Saintly Star should have broken through to the five fires. Do you need Senior Brother¡¯s help?¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother. If I can defeat him once, I can make defeat him a second time.¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke. He looked at the sky. After calculating the time, he simply headed to Mount Mystic Dao.


    Saintly Star wanted to fight a life-and-death battle with Xu Qing. Xu Qing felt the same. He now knew that the fastest way to advance an emperor-level cultivation art was to devour the essence, qi, and blood of those who cultivated emperor-level cultivation arts.


    Hence, with the thirst for Saintly Star¡¯s Miemeng, Xu Qing headed straight for Mount Mystic Dao. The captain followed behind.


    As for Wu Jianwu, seeing that it was such a major event, he naturally wouldn¡¯t leave. Hence, very soon, the three of them arrived at Mount Mystic Dao.


    This mountain was a short mountain with a very imposing Daoist Rite Temple at the top.


    Green jade tiles paves the ground and there were carvings on white rocks. There was also the energy fluctuations of array formations and restrictions coming from it. A large Daoist altar was in the center with three huge incense sticks before it that that represented heaven, earth, and man. They burned day and night, causing incense smoke to fill the surroundings.


    When Xu Qing arrived, it was already dusk. Under the illumination of the setting sun, the Daoist Rite Temple looked mysterious.


    There were also many people meditating here. When there were no Alliance experts preaching the Dao, this place was a place of cultivation as well as a place to spar.


    Xu Qing¡¯s appearance immediately caused an uproar among the surrounding Alliance disciples. Clearly, the matter of Xu Qing not responding to Saintly Star¡¯s challenge had caused a heated discussion in the Alliance.


    After arriving here, Xu Qing sat down cross-legged. He thought about it and looked in the direction of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect. The magic power in his body gathered in his throat and was released as a thunderous shout.


    ¡°Saintly Star, there¡¯s no need to wait. If you want to fight, come and fight now!¡±


    Thunder rumbled as Xu Qing¡¯s voice spread to half of the Alliance, including the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect.


    At the next instant, a blood light soared into the sky from the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, causing the sky to change color. The sunset turned into a red glow. When the blood light filled the sky, the golden-robed Saintly Star whistled toward Mount Mystic Dao with his hands behind his back.


    Saintly Star¡¯s long hair fluttered in the wind. His golden robe refracted the red glow in the sky, causing his entire person to be filled with endless murderous aura. His once peerless face gave off an unusual feeling because of the darkness in his right eye. He lost his beauty and everything that was left was strange.


    Moreover, due to his resentment, his aura caused the surroundings to be cold. Wherever his aura spread, the red clouds in the sky would press down, transforming into a bloody mouth that wanted to devour everything.


    The five balls of life fire in his body manifested outside and surrounded him, causing the flames to spread out. The the entire sky seemed to be burning red, like a raging fire that burned the plains!


    Almost at the instant Saintly Star¡¯s figure flew out, the minds of the disciples of the various sects in the Alliance trembled. They rose into the air from all directions and headed straight for Mount Mystic Dao.


    To this generation of disciples of the Eight Sects Alliance, the upcoming battle was extremely worth watching.


    This was a battle between the two lead heaven¡¯s chosens. There was even a grudge between these two people, and Saintly Star had almost died.


    After Xu Qing snatched Saintly Star¡¯s life lantern, he stepped on Saintly Star¡¯s past reputation and became the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the Alliance.


    They could imagine that this would definitely be an unprecedented battle.


    Even the ancestors and the experts of the various sects opened their eyes and looked at Mount Mystic Dao.


    Xu Qing looked at the fire clouds that whistled over from the direction of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect. His expression was calm but his eyes were filled with killing intent.


    At the next instant, the color of the world changed. When the wind and clouds churned with astonishing momentum, the burning cloud approached from the sky, transforming into a golden figure that landed on Mount Mystic Dao and appeared in front of Xu Qing!


    The two of them were separated by the three incense sticks. Their gazes instantly met amidst the smoke.


    They stared at each other with ruthless intent without giving in.


    At that moment, everyone¡¯s attention was on this place. One could see rainbows descending from the sky in the surroundings. They didn¡¯t dare to step onto the mountain but stopped in the air and watched.


    The original cultivators on Mount Mystic Dao also quickly retreated. It was the same for the captain and Wu Jianwu. Next, this place would be Xu Qing and Saintly Star¡¯s battle stage. It wasn¡¯t good for others to stay.


    ¡°Xu Qing!¡±


    The moment he arrived, there was only Xu Qing in Saintly Star¡¯s eyes.


    He looked at Xu Qing and couldn¡¯t help but recall the pain and torture he had experienced during this period of time. His expression slowly revealed madness and his eyes revealed endless hatred.


    Xu Qing coldly looked at Saintly Star and then at the people in the surroundings who were paying attention. He began to analyze the pros and cons of the surrounding layout.


    ¡®There are too many people here. I cannot brazenly use Under the Nine Springs.¡¯


    ¡®Soaring Cloud Ancestor is definitely watching this, so it will be difficult to kill Saintly Star.¡¯


    ¡®Devouring his Miemeng is even more difficult.¡¯


    ¡®I have many secrets on me. I have to consider how many secrets to reveal in this battle¡­¡¯


    ¡®However, having so many people¡¯s gazes in this battle is not a complete drawback for me. I can use Saintly Star¡¯s personality to scheme against him and weaken his chances of survival step by step. At the very least, I have to increase the success rate of devouring his Miemeng!¡¯


    Xu Qing quickly analyzed. This was his personality. If there was space to attack during a battle, he definitely wouldn¡¯t speak easily. Even if he spoke, it was mostly for tactical considerations. For instance, Xu Qing calmly spoke at this moment.


    ¡°Saintly Star, these are the only two life-saving items I have.¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing took out two disorder teleportation talismans and kicked them out of the Daoist Rite Temple.


    As soon as Xu Qing made this move, the surroundings instantly fell into an uproar.


    Although this action wasn¡¯t big, the determination contained in it was extremely impactful. Saintly Star clearly didn¡¯t expect Xu Qing to do this.


    Under the attention of countless people in the surroundings, Saintly Star sneered and threw a jade slip to the side.


    That jade slip emitted a gentle force. One look and one could tell that it was a life-saving item.


    The instant both sides threw away their life-saving items, Xu Qing and Saintly Star moved at the same time.


    A rumbling sound erupted.


    A majestic momentum soared from both sides!


    An unstoppable aura spread!

 Chapter 392 - 392 No Longer What It Was Before

    392 No Longer What It Was Before


    From the perspective of outsiders, this was a battle between a three fires and a five fires.


    The former had two life lanterns on him and his aura was astonishing. The latter was at the rare perfection realm of five fires and his aura seemed to be able to devour mountains and rivers.


    Both of them had emperor-level cultivation arts on them, so their combat strength was almost equal.


    The difference was that Xu Qing¡¯s two life lanterns could enhance each other. This point had already been discovered by outsiders after his battle with Sima Ru. After all, there were many cultivators in the Alliance and many smart people. After the battle, they analyzed the key points.


    Hence, it seemed that Xu Qing¡¯s combat strength was higher for now. However, it was obvious that since Saintly Star dared to challenge Xu Qing, he must have something he was confident in. This was also what interested the surrounding spectators.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing and Saintly Star¡¯s figures collided on Mount Mystic Dao. In an instant, the terrifying might filled the sky. The two sides rapidly exchanged moves.


    With their respective combat strength, their speed was extremely fast and rumbling sounds continued to spread.


    In just an instant, they had exchanged over a hundred moves. Neither of them dodged each other¡¯s punches and kicks, causing Mount Mystic Dao to sway and lightning to shoot out from where they were fighting.


    During this exchange, Xu Qing used Under the Nine Springs but he only used eight punches. He didn¡¯t display his ninth punch as he was waiting for an opportunity.


    Saintly Star¡¯s body trembled and retreated as he fell into disadvantage.


    Xu Qing¡¯s long hair fluttered in the air. He had hidden the power of his fourth fire because he was very clear that the key to this battle wasn¡¯t to kill Saintly Star but to make the rescuers unable to save him in time.


    At the very least, they shouldn¡¯t be able to prevent him from devouring Saintly Star¡¯s Miemeng.


    If he wanted to do this, he had to catch them off guard.


    This couldn¡¯t be done at the start. There was a high chance that Saintly Star would be saved by someone and he would also fail to devour Miemeng. Hence, Xu Qing was observing. While observing Saintly Star Child¡¯s trump card, he was also observing the rescuers who might appear in the surroundings.


    As for Saintly Star¡¯s trump card, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t very clear. He only vaguely sensed the aura of the Golden Crow from Saintly Star¡¯s body. Hence, he stared at his empty and pitch-black right eye many times.


    The shadow also spread out secretly. It was the same for his poison. At the same time, the exchange earlier also revealed the difference between the current Saintly Star and the past. That was his speed.


    The other party¡¯s speed was much faster than before.


    At this moment, there was no time to think too much. After Saintly Star retreated, he stomped the ground fiercely. His already astonishing speed erupted again, tearing through the air and creating a sharp sound.


    Miemeng manifested behind him. As it let out a cry, Saintly Star¡¯s combat strength also increased and he appeared in front of Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was cold. The Golden Crow manifested behind him and collided with Miemeng again. Two canopies appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s head, adding protective barriers to him, causing Saintly Star to have to withstand an astonishing rebound force with every punch.


    To him, what was painful wasn¡¯t this backlash from his own punch but the pain he was feeling in his heart.


    In the past, only the others would experience this when they fought with him. Seeing that his life lantern was above Xu Qing¡¯s head and was used against him, Saintly Star¡¯s eyes turned bloodshot. He let out a low shout and bit the tip of his tongue, spitting out a mouthful of blood.


    ¡°Ghost Cloth, seal the body and soul, and annihilate with the heart transformation sword.¡±


    As soon as the blood appeared, it instantly transformed into a blood-colored robe. It was similar to the spell he had used in the battle with Xu Qing before, but there were new changes. This blood-colored robe didn¡¯t wrap around Xu Qing but collapsed on its own, turning into countless pieces.


    Every piece was a blood-colored flying sword. When gathered together, they formed a blood-colored wind that headed straight for Xu Qing.


    As the previous owner of the life lantern, Saintly Star was well aware about the weakness of his Rainbow Wind Song Lantern.


    He had to bombard it with group attacks, causing the life lantern¡¯s defense to constantly distort and reveal flaws. He had never told anyone about this, nor did he expect to use this knowledge against his own life lantern one day.


    Although most of these flying swords were blocked outside, there were too many of them. Some of them seemed to be about to break through Xu Qing¡¯s life lantern defense.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and dodged. He then punched out at Saintly Star with intense killing intent. When Under the Nine Springs¡¯ aura was vaguely revealed, he divided a portion of his attention to the surroundings.


    In an instant, Xu Qing sensed the energy fluctuations coming from outside Mount Mystic Dao. He didn¡¯t hesitate to disperse the power of the nine springs.


    Saintly Star was extremely fast and dodged the punch easily.


    At the same time, outside Mount Mystic Dao, Xue Lianzi¡¯s face appeared in the sky. He snorted coldly at the sky.


    The expression of the Soaring Cloud Ancestor was gloomy. The two of them stared at each other with hostility.


    ¡°Rules are rules. Those who break the rules will be punished,¡± Xue Lianzi slowly said.


    The Soaring Cloud Ancestor didn¡¯t speak.


    Xu Qing looked at all of this from afar. He knew that his previous sense wasn¡¯t wrong. The retreating Saintly Star sneered and suddenly lifted his right hand. Immediately, three sword lights spread out at the same time.


    A beam of light soared into the sky and transformed into the Heavenly Blood Sword. It descended from the sky and stabbed vertically at Xu Qing¡¯s head.


    Xu Qing looked above with a strange glint in his eyes. He had seen this move before but he too was different from before. He now had a spell. He performed a series of hand seals before waving his right hand.


    Immediately, the water vapor in Xu Qing¡¯s surroundings became denser, causing everything to be hazy. A vast blue sea directly formed around him. Compared to this sea, Mount Mystic Dao was like a huge mountain in the sea, and the two people on it were like ants.


    However, the bluish white waves forming on it were even more shocking. It was as though a tsunami had gathered and blasted toward the Heavenly Blood Sword in the sky!


    The wave devoured the sky and the blood sword rumbled.


    Before the blood sword collapsed, a second sword light appeared.


    This sword swept out and transformed into the Soul Shaking Demon Suppression Sword which then slashed at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing waved his hands and waves rose from the ground, forming a second wave. When it collided with the sweeping Soul Shaking Demon Suppression Sword, it emitted an astonishingly powerful sound wave that shook the ground and the sky.


    The third sword light of Saintly Star appeared, transforming into eight swords ghosts with swords on their backs. They manifested around Xu Qing and turned around in unison, drawing their swords and slashing.


    It was none other than Northern Ghost Inquires the Heaven Sword.


    Xu Qing moved his hands with one in front and one behind it as he moved like he was dancing. Like Taiji1, his arms seemed to be moving one after another slowly, instantly creating the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth waves. These four waves rose from his left and right, and each of them contained a terrifying force. The moment they appeared, they collided with the eight sword ghosts.


    The sword ghosts were destroyed. Xu Qing coldly looked at the gloomy-looking Saintly Star who was rapidly retreating. His hands still looked slow but they were actually waving extremely quickly. He even moved five steps forward.


    With every step he took, a wave surged into the sky.


    Five steps later, the five waves that had accumulated an extreme amount of power moved toward Saintly Star. From afar, it looked like water was flooding the Mystic Dao.


    Saintly Star¡¯s breathing was hurried. The feeling this battle gave him was completely different from before. At that time, the shortage of spells and abilities was Xu Qing¡¯s weakness, but now, the other party¡¯s weakness had been replaced and its might was extraordinary.


    However, he had yet to give up. His killing intent was still there. Under the bombardment of the five waves, Saintly Star let out a low shout and took out an item. It was a rotting finger.


    Its origins were unknown and it emitted a bizarre and sinister aura. One could faintly see countless runes swimming on it, giving off an incomparably evil feeling.


    This was¡­ a curse!


    It was his younger brother¡¯s curse. While being tortured with Xu Qing¡¯s poison, with the help of the Golden Crow, he gathered the curse on this finger and turned it into his weapon.


    He threw it out without any hesitation. This finger came into contact with the seawater and instantly shattered into pitch-black liquid. It rapidly polluted the entire sea and dyed it black.


    There was also a stench that spread out from it. Not only did the originally blue sea instantly turn into a black sea, but it had also turned into rotting water. Countless arms and ghost faces appeared, causing the entire sea to show signs of collapse. In fact, the waves even rolled back, as though they wanted to counterattack.


    It was obvious that in the battle with Xu Qing back then, he had only seen Xu Qing¡¯s shadow covering his magic aperture. Hence, he had mainly focused on preventing his magic apertures from being covered and Xu Qing¡¯s strange poison. The mark his grandfather left in him helped in this.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t know the true power of Xu Qing¡¯s shadow.


    This was the benefit of hiding one¡¯s cards.


    The bizarre entities born in the seawater were about to counterattack. However, at the next instant, as Xu Qing coldly looked over, the bizarre entities¡¯ bodies trembled and they let out sharp cries. They actually fled outwards and tried to leave the sea.


    Almost at the instant they scattered, Xu Qing let out a cold snort and suddenly lifted his right hand. Immediately, a heavenly saber manifested above his head. This saber was purple and its entire body was solid. Moreover, there wasn¡¯t just one saber but seven.


    Xu Qing had only comprehended two Extreme Heaven Saber moves and there was an upper limit to its might. However, his magic power was dense and he could form many of them in one go, increasing their might by overlapping them. He had done this when he fought with Sima Ru.


    As Xu Qing waved his hand, the seven heavenly sabers slashed toward Saintly Star. The wind changed and baleful auras spread as they descended on Saintly Star.


    Saintly Star couldn¡¯t dodge in time and his body rumbled as he was sent back. He was slashed by the seven heavenly sabers one by one and huge wounds that were so deep that his bones could be seen appeared on his body.


    The deepest strike was only a trace away from severing his waist.


    However, at the next instant, a strange scene appeared.


    The image of the Golden Crow suddenly appeared in Saintly Star¡¯s pitch-black right eye. This shadow let out a cry and an astonishing vitality erupted. After it fused into Saintly Star¡¯s body, the injuries on his entire body recovered at a speed visible to the naked eye. Even the wound on his waist was the same.


    This scene caused everyone in the surroundings to be dumbfounded and shocked. The attacks of these two people weren¡¯t at the range of Foundation Building at all but more like Golden Cores.


    Saintly Star¡¯s retreating figure stopped. He was already fully healed and looked at Xu Qing with a sinister smile.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I have to thank you for allowing me to have this undying body. I¡¯ll repay you properly.¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and calmly spoke his first sentence in this battle.


    ¡°You¡¯re still as noisy as before.¡±


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t too surprised. Although this matter was unexpected, it was also within his expectations. At that moment, he understood that this was Saintly Star¡¯s trump card.


    The surrounding cultivators who were paying attention to this battle also quickly looked at Xu Qing. They could see Xu Qing¡¯s personality at this moment. He rarely spoke in battle.


    This personality of not speaking in a battle caused everyone to sense the ruthlessness in Xu Qing¡¯s bones.


    On the top of the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s mountain, Purple Mystic Fairy was drinking the snow lotus-seed soup while watching this battle. When she noticed Xu Qing speaking, she chuckled.


    ¡°Although the baleful aura is so heavy that it¡¯s impossible for there to be light in his heart and he¡¯s not the person I¡¯m looking for, he¡¯s still an interesting little fellow. The main thing is he¡¯s good-looking, unlike Saintly Star. When he was young, he even devoured his conjoined twin. Just looking at him makes me feel disgusted.¡±

 Chapter 393 - 393 Light!

    393 Light!


    Hearing Xu Qing¡¯s words and looking at Xu Qing¡¯s calm expression, Saintly Star¡¯s killing intent intensified and his expression turned unsightly.


    He hated Xu Qing and hated him to the core.


    What he hated was a person like Xu Qing. The latter had clearly killed countless people like him and was even proficient in despicable methods, such as poison and the evilness that covered his magic aperture.


    However, such a person actually emitted light after the Mystic Spirit Perpetual Will Door opened.


    This was an extremely great blow to Saintly Star¡¯s mind.


    He had always felt that he was the light. This was how he got the title of Saintly Star.


    However, the answer was extremely ironic. When he opened the Mystic Spirit Perpetual Will Door, what appeared was a disgusting tongue that carried a stench and mucus.


    Hence, the moment he saw the light that day, he felt that it was ridiculous. He couldn¡¯t accept it and at the same time, his heart was filled with deep disgust for Xu Qing.


    Hearing Xu Qing¡¯s words, his disgust grew even more intense. The killing intent in his eyes erupted and the five balls of life fire in his body rose. Behind him, Miemeng transformed and let out a cry.


    When the combat strength of the six fires soared to the sky, the Golden Crow in his right eye flickered, providing him with endless vitality.


    All of these allowed his combat strength to be infinitely close to seven fires. This was the reason he was confident in killing Xu Qing.


    Moreover, the mark left by his grandfather in his body sealed all the magic apertures in his body, preventing external forces from blocking them. And the Golden Crow¡¯s vitality allowed him to ignore the poison Xu Qing had used in the past.


    Saintly Star was confident there would be no issue in his plan. Although he had lost his life lantern, his combat strength was stronger than before.


    He let out a cold snort and pushed his palm toward the sky.


    ¡°Five Fire Divine Brilliance!¡±


    Almost at the instant Saintly Star finished speaking, five blood-colored sword qi soared into the sky from his body.


    These five sword qi were each sharper and more redder than the previous.


    These five sword qi were none other than Saintly Star¡¯s five balls of life fire!


    They headed straight for the sky.


    Wherever they passed by, the space would ripple and the surrounding clouds of about 10,000 feet were dyed blood red.


    Finally, these five sword qi transformed into five fingers that descended from the blood-colored clouds.


    First, the fingertips appeared, then the phalanges, then the knuckles. Finally, all five fingers were revealed.


    The disciples outside Mount Mystic Dao who saw this scene were all shaken.


    They could sense the terrifying power coming from the clouds and those five fingers.


    That was a suppression of Foundation Building. It was the sublime intent after reaching the perfection of five fires. It also contained an intense fluctuation of emotions that transformed into killing intent that locked onto Xu Qing.


    For the first time, Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. It wasn¡¯t because of Saintly Star¡¯s combat strength but because he sensed a different aura from these five fingers in the clouds.


    This aura was indescribable and seemed to have nothing to do with cultivation base.


    It was like some kind of will.


    While Xu Qing was moved, the gazes of the older experts of the various sects who were observing this battle revealed strange glints. This was especially so for the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect. His eyes lit up and he laughed loudly.


    ¡°As expected, it¡¯s my grandson with the potential of an ancient sovereign. He actually comprehended a trace of killing domain in the five fires perfection stage. Even though it¡¯s only a trace and it only contains will, it¡¯s still enough to shock the world. Good, good, good!¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy, who was taking a sip of the snow lotus-seed soup, looked at this with an interested expression.


    ¡°His aptitude is indeed extraordinary. No wonder that old man Soaring Cloud spared no expense to obtain a wisp of the Golden Crow¡¯s clone for him. No wonder my senior brother, who doesn¡¯t wake up early without benefits, agreed to this matter.¡±


    As the surroundings trembled, the sword qi fingers formed by the five life fires that contained Saintly Star¡¯s will and astonishing killing intent approached Mount Mystic Dao.


    Xu Qing stared at them. He admitted regardless of whether it was back then or now, Saintly Star was a strong enemy. This person¡¯s aptitude was very terrifying.


    Most importantly, after this person¡¯s life lantern was seized, not only was he not depressed, but he also became even sharper. This wasn¡¯t something an ordinary person could do.


    Xu Qing fell silent. The instant the five fingers in the sky landed, he lifted his right hand and waved it fiercely. Immediately, black fog appeared under his feet.


    This fog instantly churned and enveloped Mount Mystic Dao, spreading in all directions, causing Xu Qing¡¯s surroundings to seem to have transformed into a sea of fog.


    The range was also 10,000 feet!


    Above, there were 10,000 feet long blood-colored clouds.


    Below, there was a 10,000 feet long black sea of fog.


    Xu Qing¡¯s right hand formed a seal and he pointed at the sky. Bolts of lightning erupted in the surrounding black fog sea. As they swam in all directions, a withered finger rose from the fog sea under Xu Qing¡¯s feet in the blink of an eye!


    A rumbling sound rang through the area.


    It was Xu Qing¡¯s bizarre art, the Mystic Nether Finger of the Mystic Nether Curse.


    On this finger, there was a trace of the comprehension Xu Qing had obtained when he observed the heavenly nail. Although he didn¡¯t completely succeed, even if it was just a trace, it still made this Mystic Nether Finger have a sharp ferocity.


    Although this sharp ferocity was very faint and it was difficult for ordinary cultivators to sense it, to people at the level of the ancestors, they could still sense it. At the next instant, the expression of the Soaring Cloud Ancestor was ugly while Xue Lianzi laughed loudly.


    ¡°Interesting.¡± Purple Mystic Fairy took a sip of the lotus seed soup and smiled.


    In an instant, with a deafening boom, Xu Qing¡¯s Mystic Nether Finger and Saintly Star¡¯s Five Fires Divine Brilliance collided.


    The five fingers of the 10,000-foot-long blood clouds landed and the 10,000-foot-long black fog below shot into the sky.


    Powerful air and sound waves spread in all directions. Saintly Star trembled and coughed out blood as the Five Fires Divine Brilliance collapsed and the 10,000-foot-long blood clouds scattered.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly. His Mystic Nether Finger also collapsed. As the black sea of fog dispersed, he narrowed his eyes, hiding a hint of coldness. He bit the tip of his tongue and coughed blood as he retreated.


    Saintly Star took a deep breath and the Golden Crow in his right eye flickered. All his injuries instantly recovered. He immediately gave chase after Xu Qing. As he chased, he pressed his hand against his chest and took out a blood-colored sword from his body.


    This sword was dark red in color. As soon as it appeared, its qi and blood surged into the sky, bringing with it a dense fishy smell. It was also filled with poison intent.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with this poison. It was the aura of his poison pill.


    This was a sword of flesh and blood that Saintly Star had refined with the help of his grandfather while being tortured by the poison pill¡¯s aura. When he refined this sword, an image had appeared in his mind. It was the scene of him killing Xu Qing with this sword.


    At that moment, he drew his blood sword. Miemeng appeared behind him and the Golden Crow in his right eye shone, boosting his speed. He instantly approached Xu Qing and stabbed fiercely.


    The tip of the sword was about to enter Xu Qing¡¯s chest.


    Xu Qing adopted an unsightly expression. He quickly retreated to the edge of Mount Mystic Dao and soared into the air, as though he wanted to distance himself.


    However, Saintly Star was aggressive and his speed became even faster.


    Xu Qing quickly analyzed that it wasn¡¯t time yet. The probability of him devouring Miemeng wasn¡¯t high right now, let alone kill Saintly Star. He needed an opportunity.


    He performed hand seals with both hands and the fiendish fire in his body erupted. At this moment, spirit sea from all 119 magic apertures rose, forming a terrifying force around him. His life lanterns also emitted protective barriers that resisted everything.


    A heaven-shattering sound rang out as Xu Qing¡¯s layers of defense collapsed and he was forced back. However, Saintly Star didn¡¯t feel good either. Due to the rebound force coming from Xu Qing, he couldn¡¯t maintain a destructive momentum and had no choice but to retreat and disperse the rebound force.


    The instant he retreated, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He waved his right hand, scattering the last type of poison powder!


    Before this, he had already spread a hundred poison powders here. This last one was the poison catalyst. As the poison in this place detonated, even though Saintly Star¡¯s life force was terrifying, he was still poisoned.


    It wasn¡¯t fatal, but with all the negative effects acting up at the same time, Saintly Star¡¯s expression changed and spat out blood. His body turned greenish-black and the anomalous substances in him clearly increased.


    Xu Qing wanted to give chase. However, while retreating, Saintly Star threw out the blood sword in his hand and performed a series of hand seals. Immediately, the blood sword self-destructed, transforming into a sea of blood that rumbled toward Xu Qing.


    With this delay, Saintly Star successfully retreated. After he sensed that some of the negative effects in his body couldn¡¯t be dispelled immediately, his expression turned ugly. He waved his hand and dense fog formed in the surroundings, blocking the vision of the outside world. After that, he quickly took out a piece of black wood.


    It was the fragment of the Mystic Spirit Perpetual Will Door that he had taken out back in the Nanhuang Continent. However, this fragment seemed to be a little larger.


    The wood shook and the black wooden door appeared once again.


    As soon as this bizarre black wooden door appeared, a sinister aura erupted. However, most of the people in the outside world couldn¡¯t see what was going on inside. Saintly Star had used the fog to block the vision for the sake of his dignity. He instinctively didn¡¯t want outsiders to see the tongue inside the door.


    At that moment, the wooden door creaked open a crack; an extremely stinky tongue with a large amount of mucus came out from the door and wrapped around Saintly Star¡¯s body.


    Saintly Star¡¯s body twitched violently and all the poison in him turned into a mouthful of blood that he spat out.


    When Xu Qing saw this, he rushed toward Saintly Star at an extremely fast speed. As he lifted his right hand, the cultivation base in his body spread out and layers of waves appeared in the surroundings, rapidly approaching with terrifying might.


    With a wave of his hand, the nine waves overlapped and ruthlessly pressed down on Saintly Star.


    Saintly Star narrowed his eyes. In an instant, his unsightly expression was replaced by a hint of coldness. He stared at Xu Qing and spoke softly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you fell for it.¡±


    ¡°My main focus during this time wasn¡¯t on the methods from before but to do my best to refine the Mystic Spirit Perpetual Will Door and finally allow it to display its second ability.¡±


    ¡°Seal!¡± Saintly Star¡¯s eyes revealed greed. As he laughed, he suddenly waved his hand. Immediately, the black wooden door in front of him turned and faced Xu Qing. It slowly¡­ opened!


    A beam of light shot out from the gate!


    At the next instant, the bowl containing the lotus seed soup slid down from a beautiful hand that was as white as jade and as smooth as cream, landing on the white jade ground.

 Chapter 394 - 394 Golden Crow Devours Miemeng (1)

    394 Golden Crow Devours Miemeng (1)


    The bowl shattered.


    The lotus seeds blotted the white jade and shook the mind of Purple Mystic Fairy whose breathing had quickened in disbelief.


    ¡°What I saw just now was light?¡±


    Just as Purple Mystic Fairy was about to confirm, the light disappeared!


    The light from Mount Mystic Dao was very different from the battle at the Dao Temple.


    Back then, the light had continued to spread and had an astonishing burning power, causing Xu Qing¡¯s entire body to feel as though it was about to melt under the light.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the recovery effect of the purple crystal and the Golden Crow¡¯s physique enhancement, the burning from the light back then would have melted him.


    After all, this was a magic treasure fragment. While it reflected the target¡¯s inner heart, it also contained lethal power. However, because of its strange properties, the lethality differed.


    However, this time, it wasn¡¯t the case.


    After the second refinement by Saintly Star, the light changed from continuous to instantaneous. Its might was also different.


    The light instantly spread out from the door and disappeared.


    It appeared and disappeared so quickly that it gave people an illusion. Moreover, the black fog released by Saintly Star further covered the appearance of this light.


    Unless one paid a lot of attention and their cultivation had reached a certain level, it was impossible to see the details.


    As for its ability, it was no longer burning. Instead, it had reversed to¡­ freezing!


    That flash of light was extremely cold. When it landed on Xu Qing¡¯s body, it directly transformed into the power of ice, rapidly freezing him.


    Xu Qing could sense that the light was like an indescribably cold divine power. The instant it landed on his body, his entire person was frozen.


    His body and soul quickly froze. It was as though his life itself had stopped at this moment.


    However, what was frozen was only Xu Qing with the power of three balls of life fire.


    Xu Qing was about to ignite the fourth fire. He was confident that if he ignited the fourth life fire, with the combat strength of peak seven fires, he could break through this frozen state.


    However, before he could ignite the fourth life fire, he discovered the strangeness of his shadow.


    This ice seal had very little effect on the shadow.


    This was understandable. After all, the shadow itself had an extremely cold nature and even ate bizarre entities.


    What was a freezing chill to Xu Qing might only be a normal body temperature to the shadow. At most, it would feel cool.


    Hence, the moment the freezing ice appeared, the shadow couldn¡¯t help but excitedly take a small breath. This allowed Xu Qing¡¯s body to not be completely frozen.


    Although it still looked like he was sealed, in reality, he only needed to send his thought to the shadow to make it absorb the ice fully, and recover his mobility instantly.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t give the shadow the order immediately. He remained still.


    This was because he knew that the opportunity he had been waiting for a long time had arrived.


    ¡°Serves you right!¡± Saintly Star laughed loudly as he headed straight for Xu Qing. His expression revealed malevolence along with a hint of ecstasy from intense excitement.


    This was his plan. In reality, all his previous attacks were in search of an opportunity to activate the Mystic Spirit Perpetual Will Door without arousing suspicion.


    Like Xu Qing, he too was guarding against outsiders stopping him from using the killing move. After all, it wasn¡¯t just Soaring Cloud Ancestor who had the ability to stop the battle, Xue Lianzi had this capacity as well.


    Saintly Star didn¡¯t think that the Seven Blood Eyes would follow the rules, just like Xu Qing didn¡¯t believe that the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect would follow the rules.


    This was indeed the case. Almost at the instant Saintly Star rushed toward Xu Qing, the eyes of the face formed by Xue Lianzi in the sky outside Mount Mystic Dao flashed imperceptibly. After that, it transformed into countless blood threads that headed straight for Mount Mystic Dao.


    This attitude was completely like he didn¡¯t care about the rules. All the rules weren¡¯t as important as his grand-disciple.


    The moment the blood threads shot out, sword light surged into the sky and countless flying swords appeared out of thin air to block them, transforming into the figure of Soaring Cloud Ancestor.


    ¡°Xue Lianzi, rules are rules!¡±


    Soaring Cloud Ancestor originally had doubts about whether Xu Qing was really sealed in ice. However, he didn¡¯t have the time to observe carefully because Xue Lianzi had moved.


    Therefore, he was forced to stop Xue Lianzi without having the time to think too much.


    Xue Lianzi put on an angry expression and wanted to rush out. Soaring Cloud Ancestor immediately used all his strength to block him.


    A rumbling sound rang out. The two of them had similar cultivation levels. Although the Soaring Cloud Ancestor was slightly weaker, he could still stall for some time.


    The captain¡¯s eyes also turned bloodshot. He roared and was about to rush over. However, a sword light flashed and the Golden Core cultivator of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect immediately stopped him.


    At the same time, Old Master Seventh walked out from the direction of the Seven Blood Eyes. His speed was extremely fast and he was about to reach Mount Mystic Dao. However, the sect master of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect appeared and stopped Old Master Seventh.


    While the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect held others back, Saintly Star approached Xu Qing. Taking advantage of the fact that Xu Qing was currently sealed in ice, his eyes revealed greed. Miemeng instantly appeared behind him and laughed sinisterly and let out a strange cry. They both immediately got close to Xu Qing.


    They were so close that they were almost touching. Saintly Star even grabbed Xu Qing¡¯s shoulders. Miemeng let out a cry and bit the Golden Crow that was frozen behind Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, no one can save you today!¡±

 Chapter 395 - 395 Golden Crow Devours Miemeng (2)

    395 Golden Crow Devours Miemeng (2)


    The greed in Saintly Star¡¯s eyes was extremely intense. Just as Miemeng was about to devour the Golden Crow, Xu Qing suddenly lifted his head.


    His eyes revealed raging flames!


    This action of raising his head and the flames in his eyes caused Saintly Star¡¯s expression to change.


    From his understanding, Xu Qing should have been unable to move at this moment. This sealing technique formed by the Mystic Spirit Perpetual Will Door could take effect for at least ten breaths of time even if Xu Qing had the enhancements from the life lanterns. This was the comprehension he had obtained after refining this treasure twice. However, only five breaths of time had passed now and he should have had five breaths of time to devour Xu Qing.


    He had calculated everything very accurately. At this moment, Xu Qing lifted his head and instantly shattered all his calculations.


    ¡°You!!¡± Saintly Star¡¯s expression changed drastically. The intense life-and-death crisis didn¡¯t give him time to think as he immediately retreated. However, Xu Qing lifted his hands and grabbed Saintly Star instead. The fourth ball of life fire in his body ignited explosively.


    At this moment, the power of four balls of life fire surged into the sky. As the flames shook the surroundings, the two canopies also shone. Amidst the flames, the Golden Crow, who had been bitten by Miemeng, trembled and seemed to have been reborn from the flames. It grew infinitely larger, causing the already astonishing flames to become even more violent.


    ¡°You fell for it too.¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke softly, he suddenly opened his mouth and bit Saintly Star¡¯s neck. At the same time, endless fiendish fire followed the 120 magic apertures in his body and erupted, directly enveloping Saintly Star who he had grabbed ruthlessly.


    The Golden Crow opened its mouth and bit Miemeng¡¯s head amidst its horrified screams. Its eyes emitted endless ferocity as it fiercely inhaled!


    He had waited for this moment for too long.


    In this fight, he had to at least successfully devour Miemeng and give his emperor-level cultivation art a chance to advance. Xu Qing had been suppressing his combat strength all this while. Now, he had finally gotten this excellent opportunity.


    At that moment, monstrous flames appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and the fiendish fire enveloped Saintly Star. The Golden Crow also inhaled greedily. Saintly Star¡¯s screams and cries rang out through the surroundings.


    This instant reversal of the situation caused everyone in the surroundings to gasp. The captain chuckled and stopped rushing over. Instead, he skillfully blocked the Golden Core cultivator of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect.


    Old Master Seventh, who was walking over, also flicked his sleeve and held the sect master of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect back. Xue Lianzi laughed and reversed his direction, stopping the Soaring Cloud Ancestor whose expression had changed drastically.


    The three of them moved so quickly that it was as though they had practiced this action in advance. It was as though they had long known that this would happen. The shift in their actions was smooth and natural.


    Instantly, furious roars spread in the outside world. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were filled with a shocking ferocity. Under his all-out absorption, Saintly Star let out a mournful cry and all the essence, qi, and spirit in his body crazily surged into Xu Qing¡¯s body. Miemeng let out a horrified wail as it rapidly shrunk and became blurry under the savage devouring by the Golden Crow.


    Xu Qing¡¯s ferocity was reflected in everyone¡¯s eyes at this moment, causing the surrounding Eight Sects Alliance disciples to gasp in horror. The gazes they used to look at Xu Qing revealed intense fear.


    ¡°Xu Qing!!¡± Saintly Star¡¯s voice was extremely tragic. This kind of comprehensive absorption instantly suppressed him. He wanted to struggle, but he was only close to the power of seven fires. How could he escape from Xu Qing, who was at the peak of the seven fires? Just as Miemeng was about to disappear, Saintly Star¡¯s body suddenly erupted with golden light.


    It was a jade slip that had transformed into the protective power of a Nascent Soul. Clearly, the jade slip he had thrown out earlier was for the sake of appearance. Right now, he immediately used it to break free. However, at the next instant, the Purple Heaven Infinite Crown on Xu Qing¡¯s head activated and the protective power of a Nascent Soul spread out to suppress Saintly Star¡¯s Nascent Soul protection.


    The resistance generated by the clash turned into a stalemate. This didn¡¯t prevent Xu Qing from continuing to devour. With this delay, Saintly Star¡¯s body was already about to turn into skin and bones, and Miemeng was so dim that it was almost undetectable.


    The Golden Crow in Saintly Star¡¯s right eye flickered a few times but in the end, it didn¡¯t make a move. Seeing this, Xu Qing didn¡¯t use the last punch of Under the Nine Springs. He remembered his master¡¯s words. This punch must kill and couldn¡¯t be seen by others.


    However, he increased the absorption and devouring speed. Even Saintly Star¡¯s neck was about to be bitten off.


    Saintly Star¡¯s voice became hoarse and pained as blood flowed out of his body in large amounts.


    At this moment, a green-robed figure walked over silently from the void. Wherever he passed, array patterns would scatter in the void like the Heavenly Dao Laws. Taking advantage of the battle between the Soaring Cloud Ancestor and Xue Lianzi, he arrived at Mount Mystic Dao in a single step and appeared beside Xu Qing.


    ¡°At such a young age, you¡¯re so vicious. You¡¯re so ruthless in a battle between fellow disciples. Spit out what you swallowed!¡±


    As the cold voice rang out, the green-robed figure waved his hand. Immediately, a rumbling sound rang out between Xu Qing and Saintly Star. The two of them were instantly separated. However, the instant they separated, the green-robed figure waved his hand at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled and his eyes turned bloodshot. He couldn¡¯t see the other party¡¯s appearance clearly but the power the latter erupted with was something that only the ancestor possessed. He couldn¡¯t resist or face it. His mind, body, and everything turned blank. As his body churned, the essence, qi, and spirit he had swallowed earlier gushed out of his body, as though they were about to be snatched away by the other party.


    However, at this moment, a beam of purple light descended from the sky and landed in front of Xu Qing. As the fragrance permeated the air, the back of Purple Mystic Fairy appeared in front of Xu Qing¡¯s blood-colored eyes.


    She waved her hand gently and all the pressure instantly dissipated. A large force pushed to the outside. The green-robed man grabbed Saintly Star and immediately stepped back, no longer making things difficult for Xu Qing.


    ¡°You¡¯re already so old, why are you so narrow-minded? You even personally took action when the younger generation is fighting. When did the Great Expansion Dao Palace start doing such things?¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy calmly spoke. With a wave of her hand, the green-robed cultivator was sent back till he was outside Mount Mystic Dao. His middle-aged appearance was revealed.


    He was the ancestor of the Great Expansion Dao Palace.


    He cast a deep glance at Purple Mystic Fairy. When he turned his head, Soaring Cloud Ancestor and Xue Lianzi had already separated.


    Xue Lianzi¡¯s expression was extremely unsightly as he stared fixedly at the green-robed middle-aged man. As for Soaring Cloud Ancestor, his expression was very strange. He stared at the ancestor of the Great Expansion Dao Palace and seemed to understand something as a bitter expression appeared on his face.


    ¡°Old Brother Soaring Cloud once helped me. I naturally have to save his grandson. Old Brother Soaring Cloud will naturally compensate for this, right?¡±


    The green-robed middle-aged man held the dying and skinny Saintly Star who had completely lost Miemeng and his emperor-level cultivation art.


    Xue Lianzi¡¯s eyes flickered. As for the Soaring Cloud Ancestor, he seemed to have aged a lot in an instant and nodded silently.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was ugly. He narrowed his eyes and hid his killing intent. He glanced at the ancestor of the Great Expansion Dao Palace. He instinctively felt that there were some secrets about this matter that he didn¡¯t know about.


    Hence, after engraving this matter in his mind, he headed straight for the wooden door of the Saintly Star at the side. He quickly stored it without caring about the surrounding Alliance experts.


    After that, he waved his hand, taking away the two disorder talismans he had thrown away earlier and the life-saving jade slip Saintly Star had thrown away. A mouthful of blood that contained Miemeng¡¯s essence, qi, and spirit threatened to gush out of his mouth, but he forcefully suppressed it.


    Not a single drop was spat out!

 Chapter 396 - 396 Kid, Come and See Me

    396 Kid, Come and See Me


    Just as the atmosphere around Mount Mystic Dao turned strange, a gentle and calm voice descended from the sky.


    ¡°We are all elders of the Alliance. How can we hurt our relationship over a battle between juniors?¡±


    All the cultivators in the surroundings were shocked. The green-robed middle-aged man from the Great Expansion Dao Palace was the first to lower his head and bow.


    ¡°Greetings, Alliance Leader.¡±


    The expression of the Soaring Cloud Ancestor returned to normal and he also lowered his head to greet.


    Xue Lianzi looked at Soaring Cloud and then at the ancestor of the Great Expansion Dao Palace. A smile that outsiders couldn¡¯t make heads or tails of appeared on his face as he greeted.


    Purple Mystic Fairy frowned. After greeting curtly, she turned and walked toward the Mystic Nether Sect, disappearing without a trace with a few steps.


    As everyone greeted, the gentle voice rang out from the sky again.


    ¡°However, rules are rules. If they are casually shaken, how can our Alliance survive?¡±


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Soaring Cloud, you were a little rash. Your punishment will be the deduction of ten years of individual profit dividends from the Alliance.¡±


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Dao Yan, when did you start acting like this? Although this matter can be understood as you having a friendship with the Soaring Cloud Ancestor, the rules can¡¯t be changed. I¡¯ll also punish you with the deduction of ten years of individual profit dividends from the Alliance.¡±


    ¡°As for Fellow Daoist Xue Lianzi, you have a fierce temper, the punishment will be the same.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, you are pretty good. Like what Fellow Daoist Xue Lianzi suggested before, you will be given the treatment of a Dao Child from today onwards. Every year, you will have a quota of eight million spirit stones and all the facilities of the eight sects will be opened to you. You will also have the right to enter all the places of fortune in the Eight Sects Alliance ten times a year for free. The sect¡¯s protection will be activated for you and it will be announced to the entire Yinghuang Province. At the same time, I will give you the right to use all the Taboo magic treasure projections in the Eight Sects Alliance.¡±


    ¡°As for Saintly Star, he¡¯s still a seedling after all. Fellow Daoist Soaring Cloud, take him back and nurture him well. My Golden Crow can help him reconstruct his body. He should advance into the Golden Core realm as soon as possible. His future is still promising.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s end this matter here. We¡¯re all allies. Unity is the most important thing.¡±


    The gentle voice echoed and gradually dissipated.


    The ancestor of the Great Expansion Dao Palace casually threw Saintly Star to the Soaring Cloud Ancestor like he was an item. He then turned to look at Xue Lianzi and smiled meaningfully before turning to leave.


    The Soaring Cloud Ancestor fell silent as he looked at his unconscious grandson with a hint of regret. He headed straight for the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect without even looking at Xue Lianzi..


    Xue Lianzi muttered to himself before nodding at Xu Qing with approval and leaving.


    Only Old Master Seventh walked over step by step and arrived in front of Xu Qing. He looked at the injured Xu Qing and waved his right hand. Immediately, a bright light spread out and landed on Xu Qing¡¯s body, healing his injuries rapidly. He then smiled.


    ¡°You did a pretty good job. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°And you as well.¡± Old Master Seventh turned his head and glared at the captain.


    The captain felt aggrieved and wondered when did the old man reveal unfairness so obviously. Wasn¡¯t he worried about hurting his fragile heart? No matter what, he was still his disciple, and he was also his eldest disciple!


    The captain sighed and obediently followed behind Old Master Seventh. He then walked toward the Seven Blood Eyes with Xu Qing, who had his mouth shut.


    On the way, Old Master Seventh was in front and Xu Qing and the captain were behind him. The captain nudged Xu Qing with his shoulder.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain but still didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°The moment he speaks, he will vomit blood. He is doing his best to refine the Miemeng¡¯s essence, qi, and spirit,¡± Old Master Seventh calmly said.


    Xu Qing fell silent and swallowed the blood that surged into his throat again before continuing to refine it.


    When the captain heard this, his eyes lit up and he rubbed his hands.


    ¡°Junior Brother, it¡¯s not good to eat alone.¡±


    Xu Qing started and looked at his eldest senior brother in disbelief.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Eldest Senior Brother doesn¡¯t despise you. Why don¡¯t you spit a mouthful?¡± The captain¡¯s eyes lit up.


    Xu Qing quickly took a few steps closer to Old Master Seventh, away from the captain.


    The captain¡¯s face was filled with regret.


    Old Master Seventh glared at his eldest disciple before turning to look at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Do you understand what happened just now?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded but then shook his head.


    ¡°Our Alliance Leader is playing a game of chess.¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°Unfortunately, while his cultivation base is high, his chess skills are a little lousy.¡± Old Master Seventh smiled meaningfully.


    ¡°In short, you don¡¯t have to worry for the time being. You have to remember¡­ that when one¡¯s cultivation reaches the level of Nihility, especially these Nihility ancestors of the Alliance, such as the ancestor of the Great Expansion Dao Palace, they will never have only one color.¡±


    ¡°Their colors flicker. If you don¡¯t uncover them, you¡¯ll never know what color they are.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an alliance. There are many sects and everything is for benefits. Although after reaching a higher realm, benefits aren¡¯t that important anymore, if you lose them again and again, what you lose might not be benefits but you yourself.¡±


    ¡°In a human-eating world, the primitive way of eating is different from the high-level way of eating.¡±


    ¡°At the end of the day, we¡¯re still too weak.¡± Old Master Seventh shook his head.


    The captain also sighed from behind.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. We¡¯re too weak.¡±


    Xu Qing swallowed the blood that was surging in his mouth again and nodded.


    ¡°Mm, we¡¯re too weak.¡±


    As the three of them spoke, they had already returned to the Seven Blood Eyes. Before they separated, Old Master Seventh wanted to say something but hesitated. In the end, he still spoke.


    ¡°And that Purple Mystic Fairy¡­¡± At this point, the captain immediately pricked up his ears and quickened his pace.


    Xu Qing shut his mouth and didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°Fourth¡­ build a good relationship.¡± Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression was a little melancholic. He patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder and turned to leave.


    The captain looked at Old Master Seventh¡¯s melancholy and his eyes slowly widened. An explosive thought appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Can it be that¡­¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the captain. He immediately transformed into a rainbow and flew straight for his berth. As for the captain, he was still digesting and weighing the credibility of the explosive news in his mind, so he didn¡¯t chase after Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s surroundings fell quiet at once. After he returned to his berth, he took out the magic ship and immediately stepped into the cabin. He sat down and quickly meditated.


    He had swallowed too much of Miemeng¡¯s essence, qi, and spirit blood. His body seemed to be stuffed and he couldn¡¯t adapt easily. While he was digesting with all his might, the totemic tattoo on his back constantly emitted a burning feeling, indicating that the Golden Crow was also crazily absorbing it.


    A terrifying energy was accumulating in the Golden Crow tattoo and it was growing stronger every moment. This feeling made Xu Qing deeply realize the changes after emperor-level cultivation arts devoured each other.


    ¡°The effect of devouring an emperor-level cultivation art is actually so astonishing.¡±


    Originally, the Golden Crow only had nine phoenix tails and its body looked divine but it still had a hint of immaturity. However, at this moment, the tenth tail had appeared and the eleventh one was also forming.


    At the same time, its body was much stronger than before. The spiritual light in its eyes was extremely dazzling like the sun and moon. Its aura had strengthened and faintly emitted a hint of ancientness.


    The heat it emitted surpassed what it had been in the past. Even Xu Qing felt his body was becoming increasingly hot. In fact, hot air was rising from his body.


    This heat caused his surroundings to distort to a certain extent. While it was a shocking sight, it also made Xu Qing look forward to the transformation of the Golden Crow even more.


    Just like that, three days passed.


    Xu Qing finally absorbed half of the blood that contained Miemeng¡¯s essence, qi, and spirit. His body was no longer like before where he had difficulty suppressing the blood that tried to gush out at all times. However, the feeling of fullness was still very intense.


    As for the Golden Crow, it now had 13 tails. In fact, the totemic tattoo had already spread to his front, causing Xu Qing to look even more demonic.


    Xu Qing could clearly sense that his physical body was becoming increasingly stronger.


    Only at this moment did Xu Qing heave a sigh of relief. He knew that it would take some time to absorb the remaining half of Miemeng¡¯s blood, and he had the time to check his loots. He took out an item from his storage bag.


    This was a piece of black wood. It was none other than the magic treasure fragment of Saint Yunzi.


    Upon closer inspection, Xu Qing could tell that something was different. This wooden piece was slightly larger than the one he saw the first time. It seemed to have an additional small piece that had fused together.


    Unlike Xu Qing¡¯s Taboo magic treasure fragment that was filled with dense anomalous substances, although this wooden fragment also had anomalous substances, it was much lesser. Clearly, it wasn¡¯t used very frequently and was well maintained.


    Looking at the black wooden piece, Xu Qing focused his attention and studied it. A moment later, he imprinted his divine sense and activated it in the cabin.


    In an instant, the black strange door appeared. It was like the gateway to the underworld and also the source of all evil. Under Xu Qing¡¯s vigilance, the black wooden door creaked and slowly opened toward him. The sinister and cold aura in the surroundings instantly soared.


    At the next instant, light gushed out, transforming into icy-sealing light that directly landed on Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and the Golden Crow on his back flew around his body. The fiery power spread out and neutralized the cold. However, he still felt that under the power of this ice, the most basic life level seemed to be sealed.


    ¡°Back then, Saintly Star said that this door is called the Mystic Spirit Perpetual Will Door?¡±


    ¡°Also, the wooden fragment of this door was sacrificially refined by Saint Cloud twice? Sacrificial refinement means¡­¡± Xu Qing picked up a jade slip to ask his master.


    Very soon, Old Master Seventh gave his answer.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°It¡¯s actually finding another fragment of the same magic treasure. If you piece it together and fuse it, it¡¯ll be considered sacrificial refinement. If you find a second fragment, it¡¯ll be a twice sacrificial refinement. If you find the third fragment, it¡¯ll be a thrice sacrificial refinement!¡±


    ¡°Sacrificial refinement causes greater changes. I wonder what will appear when this door is opened toward others.¡± Xu Qing lifted his hand and neutralized the ice on his body before putting the wooden door away.


    He was very clear that if Saintly Star had this twice sacrificially refined wooden door in the battle back then in front of the Phoenix Forbidden Dao Temple, it would probably be very difficult for him to resist this sealing ice even with the shadow covering Saintly Star¡¯s magic aperture.


    ¡°It can freeze the most basic life level¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled. He was suddenly very curious about what would appear when this door was opened toward the captain.


    Just as Xu Qing was studying the Mystic Spirit Perpetual Will Door, an extremely nervous voice rang out from his voice transmission jade slip.


    ¡°Kid, come and see me. I have something to ask you.¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. Among the people he didn¡¯t want to see the most, Purple Mystic Fairy was ranked at the front. However, no matter what, it was Purple Mystic Fairy who saved him previously. After a moment of silence, Xu Qing knew that he had no choice but to go. He braced himself and stood up. When he walked out of the cabin, he discovered that it was already late.


    ¡°It¡¯s not good to visit Senior too late¡­ Yes, I¡¯ll go tomorrow.¡±


    When Xu Qing thought of this, he was about to turn around. However, at the next instant, the voice of Purple Mystic Fairy rang out again. There was a hint of demonic charm as well as a coquettish tone. It was like the sound of spring water or the heavenly voice of an immortal abode.


    ¡°Come now.¡±

 Chapter 397 - 397 Separated by a Muslin

    397 Separated by a Muslin


    Xu Qing was silent. He stood at the bow of the ship and looked at the night sky. After a long time, he took a deep breath and kept the magic ship before moving toward the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s mountain.


    He didn¡¯t move fast.


    As he moved forward, he recalled the secrets he had exposed during his battle with Saintly Star. Although his master had analyzed and told him that he was safe, Xu Qing still thought about the mistakes he might have made during this period of time.


    ¡°The Alliance Master has the Golden Crow and I also have the Golden Crow. This itself sets us opposite to each other. It¡¯s just that I¡¯m weak right now, so my Golden Crow cultivation is no use to him.¡±


    ¡°Other than that, the Alliance Leader¡¯s Golden Crow¡¯s clone has fused into Saintly Star¡¯s right eye, so he won¡¯t die easily. In that case, will the future Saintly Star still be Saintly Star?¡± Xu Qing pondered silently.


    ¡°It¡¯s indeed a man-eating world.¡±


    As he walked on the road, a gust of wind blew over, causing Xu Qing¡¯s long hair and clothes to flutter.


    Xu Qing looked at the night sky.


    ¡°Master is right. I¡¯m still too weak.¡± Xu Qing mumbled. He didn¡¯t want to be eaten one day. Even if he couldn¡¯t do it, since the world was like this, he still had to struggle and rebel.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best. If I really can¡¯t do it, I¡¯ll try to make those who eat me suffer a heart-wrenching pain!¡±


    In reality, this world didn¡¯t change in essence from when he was in the slums and scavenger campsite. What changed was that the human heart was displayed in a crueler and higher level.


    The joys, dislikes, and plundering in the scavenger campsite were mostly direct. Killing was the goal.


    After one¡¯s cultivation reached a certain level and they came into contact with a higher-level environment, killing was no longer the goal but a method to achieve what one needed.


    In the past, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t used to this. Now, he could accept it and quickly learned from it.


    As he pondered, time slowly passed. Xu Qing finally arrived outside the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s mountain.


    Although the Mystic Nether Sect was also pitch-black in the night, the lights on the mountaintop flickered, as though they wanted to scatter the light and dispel the darkness of the night.


    Xu Qing stood at the foot of the mountain and took a deep breath. Just as he was about to step onto the steps, his eyes suddenly narrowed. He lifted his head and looked into the distant stairs. There was a figure walking over step by step.


    This figure gradually walked into the moonlight, revealing the face of an old woman.


    Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed politely.


    ¡°Xu Qing, don¡¯t you have any decency? The ancestor summoned you, but you actually arrived so late! If there¡¯s a next time, this old woman will definitely punish you!¡±


    The old woman let out a cold snort. Her expression was solemn and her voice was cold. After she finished speaking, she turned and walked up the steps. Xu Qing glanced at the old woman¡¯s neck from behind and walked up the steps.


    ¡°If you glance at my neck again, do you believe that I¡¯ll dig your eyes out?¡± The old woman spoke coldly without turning around.


    Xu Qing still didn¡¯t speak. In his opinion, arguing was meaningless, especially when facing powerful people. Hence, his footsteps were normal and his expression didn¡¯t change at all.


    He could sense the terrifying cultivation base fluctuations from this old woman¡¯s entire body that was at a similar level to Lord Sixth.


    Seeing that Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak, the old woman turned her head and glanced at him before continuing forward.


    The two of them walked in silence. A while later, they arrived at the top of the mountain. There was a residence made of purple jade here. The area was very large and one could see a tall tower in the center of the residence from afar.


    The light came from the tower.


    After entering through the gate, there was a limestone path. There were clusters of flowers in the surroundings and pavilions could be seen everywhere. There were also many maids walking past. Every one of them had a graceful figure and a pretty appearance. They were young and had fair skin.


    When they passed by Xu Qing, most of them swept their gazes over with curiosity. After noticing Xu Qing¡¯s appearance, they even whispered to each other and laughed.


    Xu Qing turned a deaf ear and didn¡¯t even glance at them.


    The old woman frowned and glared fiercely. Only then did the maidservants hurriedly leave.


    There were also many multi-colored mountain rocks arranged in an orderly manner. This caused the residence to give off a refined feeling.


    Even a small river course had been opened up. Its source was unknown, but it meandered here and flowed down the mountain.


    One could occasionally see small golden fish in the river. They had long whiskers and it was obvious at a glance that they were not ordinary fishes.


    In fact, Xu Qing even saw snakes in the woods. Moreover, there weren¡¯t just one or two but many. Some of them crawled away from the small path, some coiled around the surrounding trees, and some curled up in a corner.


    However, no matter what they were doing, the moment they saw Xu Qing, a strange scene appeared. They actually lowered their heads one after another, as though they were submitting to him.


    This scene caused the old woman to be stunned. She once again turned her head and cast a deep glance at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was expressionless but he was also puzzled. He didn¡¯t know the reason for this.


    Just as this doubt grew increasingly deep in Xu Qing¡¯s heart, he was brought to the east wing of the residence. There was an immortal pool there.


    From afar, one could see fog rising from it and changing into various appearances in the air, emitting waves of auspiciousness. There was a curtain of white muslin surrounding the pool. Outside the white muslin were dozens of maidservants with their backs facing the immortal pool and their heads lowered.


    Each of them held a jade plate with accessories, clothes, and fruits on it. The accessories were exquisite and the clothes were folded neatly. The fruits were all spiritual items.


    There was also a faint fragrance that permeated the surroundings. As Xu Qing got closer, the fog, the sound of water, and the fragrance all fell into his five senses. It was as though he had stepped into paradise.


    As he got closer, Xu Qing¡¯s nervousness surfaced once again. This was because¡­ he saw a graceful figure bathing in the immortal pool behind the white muslin in front of him.


    This scene caused Xu Qing to immediately retract his gaze. He stood there and didn¡¯t continue approaching.


    The old woman in front didn¡¯t bother with Xu Qing. She neared the white muslin and bowed.


    ¡°Ancestor, I¡¯ve brought him.¡±


    ¡°You were disrespectful to the kid I invited. Just punish yourself with three slaps.¡± Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s lazy voice came from beyond the white muslin.


    Without any hesitation, the old woman slapped herself three times ruthlessly. Her slap was extremely heavy and one side of her face was puffed up with blood flowing out of her mouth.


    However, there was no resentment in her eyes. She lowered her head and remained quiet.


    All of this made Xu Qing even more vigilant. He could only stand there and lower his head as he cupped his fists and bowed in the direction of the white muslin.


    ¡°Disciple Xu Qing greets Senior Purple Mystic.¡±


    The sound of bathing water echoed and laughter rang out.


    ¡°Kid, why are you so respectful today? In the note you gave me with the gift, you didn¡¯t address me as senior.¡± Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s voice was accompanied by the sound of water, carrying an invisible charm.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart shook and he made a mental note of the captain. He felt that with the captain¡¯s personality, it was possible for him to address Purple Mystic Fairy as anything on the note.


    However, he couldn¡¯t explain now, so he could only brace himself and speak in a low voice.


    ¡°Thank you for saving me, Senior.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s why you¡¯re so respectful. Actually, even if I didn¡¯t make a move, Xue Lianzi would have done it.¡± Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s voice contained a hint of laziness that fell into one¡¯s mind, causing one to instinctively feel an itch.


    Xu Qing did not know what to say. This was the first time he had encountered such a situation. The figure behind the white muslin gave him an indescribable feeling, especially when her voice combined with the sound of water. It was like beads landing on jade, and every sound echoed in his mind.


    ¡°However, no matter what, it can indeed be considered that I¡¯ve helped you. In that case, can you do me a favor too, little kid?¡± The sound of water rang out again and Purple Mystic Fairy seemed to be about to get up.


    Xu Qing hurriedly averted his gaze.


    The moment he shifted his gaze away, the graceful figure stood up from the pool. The shadow reflected through the white muslin was peerlessly perfect.


    It was as though the heavens made an exception for her and placed all the beauty of women on her. Just this shadow of her silhouette alone carried a soul-stirring temptation that was enough to make anyone¡¯s heart race, regardless of gender.


    She gently lifted her jade-like legs and walked out of the immortal pool. The white muslin fluttered and wrapped around her body, forming a long dress.


    Her jet-black hair draped over her shoulders and her slightly red face further increased her charm.


    The maidservants in the surroundings all knelt down and raised the jade plate in their hands.


    Purple Mystic Fairy smiled. With a wave of her hand, she picked up a bunch of spiritual grapes from a jade plate and walked toward Xu Qing. Even before she neared him, a fragrant wind blew into his face.


    Purple Mystic Fairy was wearing the white muslin. Her body was graceful and her footsteps were elegant, like a fairy from the heavens. She was peerlessly beautiful and elegant.


    Seeing that Purple Mystic Fairy was getting closer and closer, Xu Qing¡¯s forehead was covered in sweat and he took a few steps back. However, Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s figure blurred and when she appeared, she was already in front of Xu Qing. She placed a grape at the corner of Xu Qing¡¯s mouth.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind went blank.


    ¡°Little kid, you call me senior every time. Am I that old? You can call me Big Sister Xuan1 next time.¡± Purple Mystic Fairy chuckled. Her beautiful eyes were filled with anticipation, and her every frown and smile revealed an indescribable charm.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart raced. He felt as nervous as when he had encountered a terrifying ferocious beast in the forbidden zone many years ago.


    Seeing Xu Qing like this, Purple Mystic Fairy smiled again. Her laughter was as sweet as honey, making one feel comfortable and relaxed. She didn¡¯t continue to provoke Xu Qing but turned and walked into the distance, her voice lingering in the air.


    ¡°Kid, are you afraid of me because you¡¯re worried that I¡¯ll eat you up?¡±


    ¡°Last time, I heard that when you were patrolling the river, you encountered a Mystic Nether Sect. That¡¯s the sect of my old friend. Since you¡¯ve encountered it, bring me there in a few days. I want to take a look.¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy left elegantly with all the maidservants following behind. The old woman was the same.


    From afar, Purple Mystic Fairy, who was among the women, looked like a peony flower in full bloom. She was extraordinarily beautiful and charming.


    Xu Qing stood on the spot for a long time before he took a deep breath and left the Mystic Nether Sect with indescribable emotions. The moment he walked out of the Mystic Nether Sect, Purple Mystic Fairy laughed as she ate grapes in the tall tower.


    ¡°A blockhead who hasn¡¯t been enlightened. There¡¯s even a thread of vital love silk wrapped around his right wrist. It¡¯s a nonhuman technique. Which race¡¯s silly girl actually left her vital love thread like this? Moreover, it¡¯s one-sided. Once this kid dies, she will also die from it.¡±

 Chapter 398 - 398 Date

    398 Date


    Xu Qing silently descended the mountain.


    He didn¡¯t choose to fly but walked. He stepped on the moonlight and walked in the direction of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city step by step.


    The scene earlier caused a strange feeling to rise in his heart. In his entire life, it was rare for such waves to rise in his heart.


    This made Xu Qing a little uncomfortable.


    Hence, as he moved forward, he recited the content of the book on herbs in his mind. As the knowledge of medicinal herbs refreshed in his mind, Xu Qing¡¯s heart gradually calmed down.


    His expression changed to his usual self, his footsteps became steady and he increased his speed.


    When he arrived at his berth a while later, Xu Qing stood on the shore and turned to glance in the direction of the Mystic Nether Sect. Doubt and vigilance rose in his mind. It wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t tell that Purple Mystic Fairy was teasing him. The current Xu Qing was no longer an ignorant kid.


    However, he didn¡¯t believe that an ancestor whose cultivation had reached that level would have such simple thoughts. There must be another reason. After all¡­ there was no inexplicable familiarity in this world.


    There was a reason for everything.


    However, he couldn¡¯t understand the reason. Hence, he waved his hand and took out the magic ship. He stepped into the cabin and sat cross-legged, pondering.


    Even when the sky gradually brightened outside, Xu Qing still had no clue. He buried this matter in his mind and closed his eyes to meditate.


    As for the work of the Special Security Department, it had been a long time since Xu Qing was assigned any work. This was because the 20% discount jade slip he had given the captain was used every day.


    According to the information given by the informant, the captain had been inviting Wu Jianwu over every day during this period of time. It was unknown what the two of them were talking about, but the captain seemed to be instigating Wu Jianwu, while Wu Jianwu seemed to look excited and hesitant.


    Xu Qing was a little surprised but his curiosity wasn¡¯t strong, so he didn¡¯t ask. Instead, he seized the time to refine the Miemeng¡¯s blood he had devoured. Just like that, several days passed.


    The night sky was burned by the rising sun. When the sunlight entered the magic ship and illuminated the faceless bow of the ship, Xu Qing received a message in his voice transmission jade slip.


    ¡°Kid, pack up. Big Sister will come and fetch you. We¡¯re going out for a walk.¡±


    The moment he saw the message, Xu Qing fell silent. He thought about it and sent a message to Old Master Seventh, telling him about this and asking if it was okay.


    Old Master Seventh fell silent as well. After a long time, he probed Xu Qing.


    ¡°First date?¡±


    ¡°Date?¡± Xu Qing started.


    After sensing Xu Qing¡¯s reaction, Old Master Seventh¡¯s laughter rang out, telling Xu Qing that he could safely and boldly accompany her.


    Just as Xu Qing was hesitating, Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s magnetic and soft voice rang out from outside the cabin.


    ¡°Kid, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Xu Qing silently walked out of the cabin. He saw Purple Mystic Fairy sitting on the railing of his magic ship, drinking from a flask of wine.


    Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s black hair fluttered in the wind. She was dressed in a white scholar¡¯s attire that was spotless. Her beautiful face that was like a pear blossom was peerlessly beautiful.


    The light eyebrows are like autumn water, the jade skin is accompanied by a gentle wind.


    Amidst the sunlight, her entire person looked like a precious and gorgeous treasure like all the beauty of the world was endowed to her.


    Sensing that Xu Qing had walked out, Purple Mystic Fairy put down the wine flask and turned her head gently.


    At this moment, the sunlight passed through the gaps in her fluttering hair, forming a halo that emitted a hint of rainbow.


    When her eyes that carried a deep divine charm looked at Xu Qing, the corners of her mouth curled into a smile.


    This smile was different from the smile of a hunter that Xu Qing was used to. It seemed to contain gentleness that wrapped around Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    If someone was here and saw this scene, they would definitely feel dazed. Among the two people on the ship, the woman was like a precious and beautiful treasure while the man was like the stars. It was as though at this moment, even the rising son was willing to be a background.


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks.


    Today, Purple Mystic Fairy was completely different from what he usually saw. She was less bewitching and more heroic. She was less domineering and more gentle.


    There were some contradictions but it perfectly fused with Purple Mystic Fairy.


    This change in style caused Xu Qing to involuntarily take a few more glances.


    ¡°Do I look good?¡± Purple Mystic Fairy tilted her head and blinked.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    Purple Mystic Fairy let out a pleasant laughter and patted the railing.


    ¡°Your ship isn¡¯t bad. Let¡¯s travel on this ship to the Mystic Nether Sect you saw.¡± With that, Purple Mystic Fairy turned around and took a deep breath of the air that contained sunlight. She then picked up the wine flask and drank again.


    Xu Qing looked at the railing that Purple Mystic Fairy was sitting on and her deep breathing. He hesitated for a moment. There were too many poisons on his ship. Right now, there were at least 200 types of poison scattered on the ship. Regardless of whether it was the deck or the railing, every part of the ship was filled with poison.


    However, he felt that with Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s cultivation, his little bit of poison was nothing. Hence, he performed hand seals and waved his hand. Immediately, the ship trembled and slowly rose into the air. After changing directions, it whistled in the direction of the Immortal Enrichment River.


    The sails of the ship rose with a majestic aura.


    Xu Qing stood tall on the bow deck. As he controlled the ship, his purple Daoist robe fluttered in the wind.


    On the railing at the side, the peerlessly beautiful Purple Mystic Fairy sat there. Her legs swayed gently as she looked into the distance. As she drank, she enjoyed the breeze. Her black hair fluttered along with Xu Qing¡¯s clothes.


    If there was a painter painting this scene, it would definitely be a masterpiece with a deep artistic conception.


    In the harbor, the captain stuck his head out from a corner. He held the recording jade slip in his hand and quickly imprinted this scene.


    ¡°It¡¯s Little Qing¡¯s first date. I need to keep such a precious scene. Maybe I can sell it for a high price in the future.¡± The captain¡¯s face was filled with pride.


    However, he didn¡¯t notice that not far away, Old Master Seventh was standing in a pavilion. He looked at the flying ship and sighed.


    ¡°Is this still the Fairy Zi Xuan who caused countless elites to yearn for her back then? That kid¡¯s charm can already compare to when I was young.¡±


    Under the gazes of the master and disciple, the ship left the Seven Blood Eyes and sped forward along the tributary of the Immortal Enrichment River.


    The sky was clear and cloudless. The blue sky was like a pure lake, giving off a relaxed and happy feeling. At the bow of the boat, Xu Qing didn¡¯t look sideways and did his best to control the ship.


    Being alone with Purple Mystic Fairy made Xu Qing a little nervous. After all, not only was the other party¡¯s cultivation terrifying, but her previous actions also made him feel uncomfortable.


    Hence, he could only focus all his attention on controlling the ship.


    Just like that, time flowed by and the day passed.


    Although Xu Qing¡¯s nervousness was still there, he heaved a sigh of relief. This was because during this time, Purple Mystic Fairy didn¡¯t say a word. She seemed to like sitting on the railing of the boat and drinking wine there. She liked to enjoy the wind and look into the distance.


    Perhaps it was because the day was clear, there was more starlight than usual and unknowingly, they gathered around Purple Mystic Fairy.


    This caused the already beautiful Purple Mystic Fairy to seem to be surrounded by stars. Her beautiful face exuded a dazzling and flawless charm. At the same time, she was gorgeous and pure, like a fairy on the moon walking into the human world.


    However, this fairy was no longer bewitching or gentle. Instead, there was a hint of coldness on her body as she looked at the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.


    Xu Qing also looked over and noticed that there seemed to be a sect there. Because the location was too far, he couldn¡¯t see it clearly. He could only faintly hear screams and cries coming from the wind.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go take a look,¡± Purple Mystic Fairy said calmly.


    This was the first time Xu Qing had sensed such a cold expression and tone from Purple Mystic Fairy. At this moment, his heart trembled. He turned the magic ship and headed straight for the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.


    As he got closer, Xu Qing saw that it wasn¡¯t a sect but a stronghold built on the top of a mountain. There were over a hundred rogue cultivators, including humans and nonhumans. Most of them reeked of blood and malevolence. There was also a lot of blood spilled in the stronghold and there was even an array formation engraved in the middle.


    Countless corpses were piled up on the array formation, as though they were sacrifices for some evil ritual.


    As the ritual was activated, an indescribable evil spread out from the array formation. A sound of chewing spread from the array formation. The over hundred malevolent cultivators in the surroundings all revealed deranged expressions as they prostrated and worshiped.


    Xu Qing took a look and his pupils constricted slightly. A sense of palpitations rose in his heart.


    Those hundred or so cultivators weren¡¯t anything. The highest cultivation level was only Golden Cores with a Heavenly Palace. What made Xu Qing¡¯s heart palpitate was the evilness emitted by the array formation.


    ¡°The Sword Holders once declared that it is strictly forbidden to offer sacrifices to evil creatures in the Yinghuang Province. The Eight Sects Alliance also has such a decree. You guys are quite bold.¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s voice was calm. The instant it appeared in the night sky, the evil aura in the array formation fluctuated intensely, revealing horror. It rapidly contracted, as though it wanted to retreat.


    As for the surrounding cultivators, their expressions changed drastically. However, before they could speak and see the magic ship clearly, Purple Mystic Fairy lifted her jade-like hand and waved it down gently.


    The way she waved her hand contained an indescribable spiritual intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He couldn¡¯t see much and only felt that this casual wave of his hand seemed to conform to the rules of the operation of the world. There were no divine powers or spells manifesting, but¡­


    The hundred or so trembling cultivators suddenly shrunk. Even the array formation, the evil aura inside, and even the mountain shrunk in the blink of an eye and disappeared from Xu Qing¡¯s vision.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s mind to tremble. A gravel flew over and landed between Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s fingers.


    Xu Qing circulated his cultivation base and observed the gravel carefully. Under his all-out effort, he finally saw that the sand was in the shape of a mountain. It was the mountain from before.


    The cultivators on it including the array formation and the evil in it were exactly the same, except they had been shrunk countless times. At this moment, they were horrified and despairing.


    Purple Mystic Fairy pinched gently.


    With a cracking sound, the gravel turned into dust and dissipated.


    ¡°Kid, what are you waiting for? Let¡¯s continue moving. Just follow the mountain range. I want to see the mountain scenery.¡± Purple Mystic Fairy, who was sitting on the railing, glanced at Xu Qing and smiled lightly.


    This smile replaced the coldness, and its charm surpassed the moonlight.

 Chapter 399 - 399 A Tune of the Mortal World

    399 A Tune of the Mortal World


    Xu Qing glanced at the dust that had dissipated with the wind. He didn¡¯t care about the deaths of those people. What caused Xu Qing to turn solemn was the method of the Nihility Realm.


    This method looked simple but the profundity contained in it surpassed Xu Qing¡¯s understanding.


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and glanced at the location of the mountain.


    That place was flat.


    Xu Qing silently steered the magic ship. Purple Mystic Fairy seemed to be in a good mood. From time to time, she would place the wine flask by her red lips and take a sip.


    She looked less coquettish and more valiant.


    However, this appearance didn¡¯t reduce her charm. On the contrary, the leisurely feeling that was emitted from her as she drank the wine made her look even more attractive.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s wine flask many times.


    However, when he thought about how with Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s cultivation, she shouldn¡¯t get drunk no matter how much she drank, he heaved a sigh of relief inwardly.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, Purple Mystic Fairy smiled and waved the wine flask at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Do you want some?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°Kid, you¡¯re a little dull.¡± Purple Mystic Fairy chuckled and took another sip. A few drops flowed down the corner of her mouth and drifted away with the wind.


    Perhaps it was a coincidence, but one of the drops landed on Xu Qing¡¯s chin, bringing with it the fragrance of wine. When it entered Xu Qing¡¯s nose, Purple Mystic Fairy took out an emerald-green flute and played a leisurely tune.


    That flute tune was very pleasant to the ears. Although Xu Qing didn¡¯t understand music, he could tell that the tune contained a heroic spirit.


    The flute seemed to portray a woman in a straw rain cape and holding a longsword walking over from the martial world, talking about the past.


    There was also a hint of regret.


    As he listened, Xu Qing¡¯s body slowly relaxed as he sank into the tune.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    Under the moonlight, Purple Mystic Fairy, who was dressed in white, looked like a fairy who had descended to the mortal world. Her eyes were blurry as the sound of the flute drifted.


    The mountain breeze accompanied the tune and it drifted further and further away.


    Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain was usually filled with scenes of cruelty, but even it seemed to be immersed in the flute tune and became quiet.


    It was as though Purple Mystic Fairy was the only one left in the entire world. Gradually, the regret in the flute tune turned into loneliness.


    Xu Qing could hear the loneliness in her voice and couldn¡¯t help but look at Purple Mystic Fairy. There was an additional ethereality and loneliness on her body, like an orchid in an empty valley.


    She didn¡¯t need anyone to admire her when she bloomed or witness her beauty. She only bloomed for herself and also for the persistence in her heart.


    Looking at the beautiful figure in his eyes, Xu Qing suddenly understood why the captain had said that when Purple Mystic Fairy was young, there were countless people who were infatuated with her.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t infatuated but he liked the flute sound that contained regret. He also liked the loneliness contained in it.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes. This reminded him of his childhood, his struggling life, Captain Lei, and Grandmaster Bai.


    He wanted to drink.


    After a long time, dawn broke.


    The sound of the flute slowly dissipated. The moment the sun rose, Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s figure stood on the bow of the ship with her back facing Xu Qing. She looked at the burning scene in the distant sky.


    ¡°Xu Qing, do you like to watch the sunrise?¡±


    ¡°Rarely.¡± Xu Qing thought about it and replied.


    ¡°I like it because the moment the sun rises, the light it gives is the most beautiful,¡± Purple Mystic Fairy said softly. She stood there and stared at the sky. Xu Qing also looked at the sky.


    The two of them didn¡¯t speak until the red sun rose high. Endless light swept across the world, melting the darkness of the night sky and lifting the darkness of the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain, causing the world to be bright at this moment.


    On this new day, a malicious gaze suddenly appeared from the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain below and locked onto Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship.


    This gaze seemed to have materialized and distorted the surroundings, causing the light in the sky to be covered for a moment.


    Hence, a hint of displeasure appeared on Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s face.


    At the next instant, when this malicious gaze landed on Purple Mystic Fairy, the malice in it instantly transformed into horror and dissipated.


    However, it was obvious that the consequences of disturbing Purple Mystic Fairy were very serious.


    Purple Mystic Fairy lifted her jade-like hand and waved it down. A small mountain not far away distorted and burned at a speed visible to the naked eye, instantly turning into ashes.


    The entire process happened in the blink of an eye. It was extremely fast and there wasn¡¯t even time for screams to spread. Everything on the mountain, including the mountain, no longer existed.


    After doing this, Purple Mystic Fairy stretched her back and walked toward Xu Qing. Under Xu Qing¡¯s nervousness, she walked in front of him and looked into his eyes. Her gaze was deep and dark, and it was very easy for people who looked at her to get lost.


    Xu Qing instinctively evaded her gaze.


    Purple Mystic Fairy smiled lightly and didn¡¯t say anything as she walked into the cabin.


    Xu Qing heaved a sigh of relief. He felt that after leaving the sect, time was passing extremely slowly. At this moment, he activated the magic ship fully and even stimulated its divinity, causing its speed to increase explosively.


    The day passed very quickly and night fell again.


    That night, Purple Mystic Fairy still sat on the railing and occasionally took a sip of wine, adding the aura of the martial world to the flute. The sound of the flute was leisurely. Even though Xu Qing had listened to it for a long time last night, he still liked its sound.


    In the middle of the night, dark clouds filled the sky, covering the bright moon. There was a faint sound of thunder, as though rain was about to fall. When the sound of flute dissipated and she took a sip of the wine, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°Senior, does this tune have a name?¡±


    ¡°You like it?¡± Purple Mystic Fairy put down the wine flask and looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°Can you play the flute?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°I¡¯ll teach you.¡± As she spoke, Purple Mystic Fairy walked over. Before Xu Qing could see her clearly, she had already arrived beside him and placed the flute in her hand in front of him.


    Just as Xu Qing hesitantly took it, Purple Mystic Fairy arrived behind him. Her hands stretched out from both sides of him and pressed down on his hands. The moment their skin touched, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled.


    This was especially so since the two of them were almost sticking at this moment. The fragrance coming from behind caused sweat to appear on Xu Qing¡¯s forehead. He suddenly regretted asking for the name.


    ¡°This flute has 12 holes. You hold it on the left side of your body.¡± Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s sweet voice contained a hint of temptation that spread into Xu Qing¡¯s mind. She lifted Xu Qing¡¯s hands and put it on one end of the flute.


    She taught him meticulously step by step. Finally, as Xu Qing¡¯s body stiffened, Purple Mystic Fairy lifted Xu Qing¡¯s hands and placed the flute in front of his lips in the correct posture.


    ¡°Kid, you have to learn properly and not be distracted. Now, breathe out.¡± Xu Qing felt a gust of hot air and the murmur of Purple Mystic Fairy in his ear.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body became increasingly stiff. The high degree of nervousness caused his heartbeat to accelerate. He fell silent for a few breaths of time before he barely adjusted his mentality. According to Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s teachings, he blew gently.


    The ear-piercing sound of the flute tore through the air.


    Purple Mystic Fairy laughed and walked up to him. She then lifted her fair fingers and elegantly placed them on the flute in front of Xu Qing, covering a sound hole.


    ¡°Like this.¡±


    As she spoke, she looked at Xu Qing. Her red lips were slightly parted because of her smile and there was a deepness in her eyes. With her flawless and delicate face at such a close distance, confusion appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes for the first time.


    At the next instant, a thunderclap rang out from the sky. Amidst the rumbling, rain splattered onto the ground, landing on the magic ship¡¯s protective barrier. A crackling sound rang out, causing Xu Qing¡¯s body to tremble and he took a few steps back.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior. I¡¯ve learned it. I¡¯ll figure it out myself.¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy smiled. She seemed to especially like seeing Xu Qing¡¯s nervous appearance. When she heard this, her beautiful eyes swept past Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. After that, she sat at the side and held her chin as she looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and sat cross-legged as he picked up the flute. He then closed his eyes and recalled the method taught by Purple Mystic Fairy. A moment later, he opened his eyes and blew softly. This time, although the sound of the flute wasn¡¯t ear-piercing, there was only a whimper and didn¡¯t have any beauty.


    ¡°Take your time. There¡¯s no hurry.¡± Purple Mystic Fairy smiled gently.


    Just like that, time passed.


    The rain continued to fall. The sound of the rain continued, and thunder rumbled from time to time.


    On the magic ship, Purple Mystic Fairy was still looking at Xu Qing. Her gaze slowly became gentler and she would occasionally correct Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing gradually calmed down and studied seriously. When dawn broke, as the rain stopped, he became a bit more proficient. The tune carried an intense unfamiliarity and the intermittent sound of the flute echoed in all directions at sunrise.


    The sound of the flute drifted and landed on the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain. It also spread to the banks of the Immortal Enrichment River, causing fluctuations in the dazed eyes of the mortals who came after the rain to cleanse the anomalous substances on their body. They lifted their heads and looked at the sky.


    Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s gaze left Xu Qing for the first time since last night. She looked at the riverbank and spoke softly.


    ¡°Wait a minute.¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy stood up and stepped off the magic ship, walking to the shore.


    In the eyes of those mortals, Purple Mystic Fairy seemed to be the most beautiful existence they had seen in the world, so they could not help feeling inferior.


    This was clearly not the first time Purple Mystic Fairy had done such a thing. She knew very well how to deal with it and a gentle expression appeared on her face. This gentle smile dissipated everyone¡¯s uneasiness.


    She walked to a little girl lying on the shore, on the verge of death.


    More than half of the little girl¡¯s body had rotted away and was filled with anomalous substances that emitted a stench. However, there was still a glint of light in her eyes that belonged to children of her age. However, this light was dimming as her life passed.


    Purple Mystic Fairy squatted beside the little girl without feeling any disdain. She gently stroked the little girl¡¯s forehead and gradually, the rotting on the little girl¡¯s body began to improve.


    ¡°Although the world is bitter, you have to have hope in your heart,¡± Purple Mystic Fairy said softly. Her face was filled with gentleness as she took out a piece of candy and placed it in the little girl¡¯s mouth.


    A while later, the light in the little girl¡¯s eyes lit up again.


    Purple Mystic Fairy smiled. However, as she swept her gaze across the surroundings, she sighed softly. Someone as powerful as her could change the fate of a sect but she couldn¡¯t change this world.


    Xu Qing silently watched this scene from the ship.

 Chapter 400 - 400 Parting Sadness

    400 Parting Sadness


    Time passed.


    There were still two days to go to reach the location of the small Mystic Nether Sect. The sky was filled with stars and was resplendent. The bright moonlight showered down like a curtain.


    Starlight and moonlight blended and flowed across the world.


    Amidst this scenery, the melodious sound of a flute rang out from a magic ship.


    The tune was no longer broken but had a rhythm. It also contained a killing intent that was different from the tune played by Purple Mystic Fairy.


    This intent came from a fast-paced melody, like spears and horses clashing. However, very soon, the tune changed again; as though the war had ended, after looking at the bones all over the ground, the survivors looked at the sky and had many doubts about the world.


    The feeling of confusion grew. It was as though the person playing the flute had fused his thoughts into the flute and it continued to echo.


    However, if all of this fell into the ears of someone familiar with the flute music, they could easily sense the lack of familiarity with the flute and know that this was played by a beginner.


    However, it was obvious that joy came from the heart. It wasn¡¯t difficult to learn it. At least, this was the case for Xu Qing.


    He held an emerald-green willow flute in his hand. Since he was sitting, the hem of his Daoist robe spread on the deck. His long hair fluttered in the wind and gave off a glistening brightness under the moonlight.


    He put the willow flute in front of his lips and had a focused expression. Coupled with his slender hands on the willow flute, most people would praise the beautiful youth when they saw him.


    The way he played seriously gave off an indescribable charm. This caused Purple Mystic Fairy, who was leaning on a chaise longue made of thousand-year-old cloud wood, to emit a strange glint in her slightly opened eyes.


    This light gradually intensified and the sound of the flute became chaotic.


    Xu Qing chose to close his eyes.


    To him, this period of time was an indescribable tempering. He had never experienced such a thing and didn¡¯t know how to deal with it. Hence, other than meditating and cultivating, he focused more on this new knowledge.


    Xu Qing had always respected knowledge and was very eager to learn.


    For example, after Old Master Seventh taught him how to play chess, Xu Qing would occasionally think of chess.


    Xu Qing liked the sound of the flute taught by Purple Mystic Fairy even more. He wasn¡¯t a person who was good with words, and the sound of the flute could better allow him to express his thoughts in the world.


    However, the gaze from Purple Mystic Fairy made Xu Qing feel a little helpless.


    He couldn¡¯t understand this Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    He also didn¡¯t understand why the other party wanted to tease him.


    He felt that at that level of cultivation, physical appearance was no longer important. In addition, during this period of time, he had seen the other party attack seven times.


    Every time, it was just a gentle move and every time, everything would dissipate.


    The enemies died without leaving a drop of blood.


    Sometimes, the reason for killing was because the other party was courting death and emitted malice. However, there were also times when it was decided by Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s personal likes and dislikes.


    For example, yesterday, a nonhuman cultivator only glanced at her in the air. In the next instant, this nonhuman expert turned into ashes and disappeared from this world.


    Every time this happened, Xu Qing¡¯s heart would ache for the souls lost. He needed 120 souls to suppress in his magic apertures, but he couldn¡¯t easily mention this.


    Xu Qing also saw some differences between Purple Mystic Fairy and the others. She often had good intentions toward those poor and troubled small countries by the river. She would often resolve some of their mortal issues.


    For example, a few days ago, they passed by a small country which was troubled by a thief. This was very common and cultivators basically wouldn¡¯t care. However, Purple Mystic Fairy sent that thief to the afterlife with a wave of her hand.


    All of this filled Xu Qing with confusion.


    Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s temperament was also unpredictable. Sometimes, she was like a young girl. Her joy was written on her face and she would get off the ship to pluck a beautiful flower on the mountain.


    Sometimes, she would be filled with valiance as she drank mouthful after mouthful of wine. Her black hair fluttered in the wind and shone in the moonlight.


    There were also times when she was extremely cold and would attack with the intent to exterminate.


    There were also times when she revealed an intense temptation. Every frown and smile revealed an indescribable charm, giving off a feeling of flirting.


    She was also gentle at times. Every time Xu Qing made a mistake while playing the flute, a gentleness that was like water would surge out of her body. She would softly explain to Xu Qing and correct him.


    Innocent, cold, heroic, charming, gentle¡­ Xu Qing had never seen so many different temperaments from a person.


    Two days later, Xu Qing saw another temperament on Purple Mystic Fairy.


    That was when they arrived at the Mystic Nether Sect. The entire sect welcomed them with unprecedented respect. Purple Mystic Fairy looked at these people and a hint of reminiscence appeared in her eyes.


    ¡°Are you Little Yunzi?¡±


    The old man who had acted mysterious before trembled and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Reporting to Purple Mystic Fairy, I¡¯m none other than¡­ Little Yunzi.¡± The old man felt bitter inwardly. He looked at the figure that hadn¡¯t changed at all.


    Many thoughts and emotions surfaced in his mind. He still remembered that when he was still a kid, he had followed his master and seen with his own eyes how infatuated his master was¡­ However, in the end, the flower falls into the stream for love, but the stream has no feelings for the flower1. Back then, no one managed to enter this Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s sight.


    ¡°Bring me to your master¡¯s grave.¡± There were clearly no traces of time on Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s body but at this moment, compared to the old man, time seemed to have left an aura on her.


    Xu Qing silently followed. Very soon, they arrived at the backyard of the Mystic Nether Sect. There was a lone grave there and in front of the grave was a willow tree. It swayed in the wind and seemed to be filled with spirit upon Purple Mystic¡¯s arrival.


    Purple Mystic Fairy took a few steps closer and looked at the grave. She then sighed softly and said to Xu Qing.


    ¡°This old friend of mine was a good person.¡±


    Xu Qing recalled what he knew about the past and didn¡¯t speak.


    The old man at the side sighed with emotion.


    Not long later, Xu Qing and Purple Mystic Fairy left.


    Before she left, Purple Mystic Fairy asked the Mystic Nether Sect if they were willing to leave this place and join the Alliance. The old man from the Mystic Nether Sect was very tempted. However, in the end, he looked at the grave and still shook his head, tactfully refusing. He only requested for that undercurrent to be drawn by them forever.


    Purple Mystic Fairy agreed and personally set up an array formation here. After that, she and Xu Qing left on the ship.


    The way back was always faster in senses than when they came. As Xu Qing¡¯s flute proficiency improved, they were getting closer and closer to the Eight Sects Alliance.


    On this dusk, when there was still an hour¡¯s journey before they reached the Alliance city, Purple Mystic Fairy, who was sitting on the railing and seemed to be about to fuse into the sunset, spoke softly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, play that tune. I want to hear it.¡±


    Xu Qing sat cross-legged and closed his eyes, recalling. He then picked up the flute and placed it to his mouth. The sound of the flute slowly rang out.


    It carried the meaning of the martial world and described the sorrows and joys of life. In the end, everything turned into a pot of turbid wine.


    In the loneliness, the wine was drunk.


    They had arrived at the Alliance.


    ¡°This song is called Parting Sadness. I created it in recent years.¡± Purple Mystic Fairy looked ahead. The wind blew her black hair and her clothes fluttered in the wind, as though she was about to leave with the wind.


    That sense of loneliness seemed to be slowly blown out by the wind, permeating the surroundings and also manifesting in Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s eyes.


    As her gaze turned deeper, she turned her head and looked at Xu Qing. There seemed to be a deep pool in her eyes, as though she wanted to firmly remember Xu Qing¡¯s appearance. Finally, she smiled gently.


    Xu Qing looked at Purple Mystic Fairy.


    ¡°Back then, there were many people who gave me gifts. Just the number of flutes alone crossed a hundred. I forgot who gave me this willow flute but I like this flute very much. Thank you for accompanying me all the way. Take this flute as a gift.¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy picked up the wine flask and took a sip. She then flicked her beautiful hair, revealing a heroic bearing, before stepping into the sky and moving further and further away.


    Xu Qing looked at the flute in his hand before looking in the direction of the Mystic Nether Sect. An indescribable thought surfaced in his mind.


    A long time later, he took a deep breath, cupped his fists, and bowed. He then controlled the magic ship to return to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    At the same time, in the Mystic Nether Sect, the white-robed Purple Mystic Fairy was in a good mood. She sighed softly as she returned to the tall tower. She looked in the direction of the Seven Blood Eyes. After a long time, she muttered softly.


    ¡°If you were born a hundred years earlier¡­¡±


    ¡°So what?¡± A gentle male voice rang out from behind Purple Mystic Fairy. The blue-robed Alliance Leader walked out of the void and arrived beside Purple Mystic Fairy. He also looked at the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°If he was born a hundred years earlier, Junior Sister, don¡¯t you think he would be a skeleton by now?¡±


    ¡°Or perhaps, the current him can also become a skeleton.¡± As he spoke, the Alliance Leader of the Eight Sects Alliance looked gently at Purple Mystic Fairy.


    ¡°Do you dare?¡± Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s expression was cold.


    The Alliance Leader stared at Purple Mystic Fairy. After a long time, he smiled and shook his head.


    ¡°It is my Alliance¡¯s fortune to have such a heaven¡¯s chosen, so how can I harm him? However, Junior Sister, although the life soul Master left for you makes me wary, your lifespan is about to end. It¡¯s a little sad that you found the light at such a time.¡±


    ¡°30 years of lifespan will pass in the blink of an eye. As for him, he hasn¡¯t reached the Spirit Repository realm and can¡¯t repair the Dao with you. In the end, you still have to face the choice of life and death.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask you again next month.¡± The Alliance Leader smiled and his body slowly disappeared.

 Chapter 401 - 401 Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar (1)

    401 Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar (1)


    When the afterglow of dusk dissipated, Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship returned to its berth. Almost as soon as he returned, he received a voice transmission from his captain.


    ¡°Little Qing, how was the date? Come, come, come. I¡¯m at the immortal pool of which discount card you gave to me. Do you want to come over and tell your experience while soaking? I¡¯ll give you some pointers with my rich experience.¡±


    ¡°Another day,¡± Xu Qing replied. Just as he was about to end the voice transmission, the captain coughed.


    ¡°Master is also here¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Xu Qing fell silent.


    A while later, in the small hidden pool that Xu Xiaohui opened that overlooked the large pool below, Xu Qing, the captain, and Old Master Seventh were soaking in it.


    Xu Qing looked at the two of them with a strange expression.


    Old Master Seventh coughed and glared at the captain.


    ¡°I was meditating earlier and you begged me to come over. What exactly is the matter?!¡±


    The captain blinked.


    Old Master Seventh snorted. The captain sighed and glanced at Xu Qing with an aggrieved expression.


    ¡°Little Qing, how far did you progress with Purple Mystic Fairy in this trip?¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression was as usual, as though he wasn¡¯t very interested.


    Xu Qing silently glanced at his master. After some thought, he replied.


    ¡°Senior Zi Xuan taught me how to play the flute.¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s ears twitched.


    The captain hurriedly asked.


    ¡°And then?¡±


    ¡°After that, we went to pay our respects to an old friend of hers, the master of that old man from the Mystic Nether Sect on Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t hide anything and told them what had happened on the trip.


    In reality, there was nothing to hide.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± The captain looked incredulous.


    ¡°Yes. When we returned, Senior Zi Xuan gave me the flute.¡± Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°What flute?¡± The captain was curious.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s called willow flute,¡± Xu Qing replied.


    Before the captain could speak, Old Master Seventh gasped.


    ¡°Willow moon spirit flute?¡±


    Xu Qing was unfamiliar with this name, so he simply took out the flute.


    The moment he saw the flute, Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression was a little dazed. After a long time, he expressionlessly stood up and glared at the captain.


    ¡°If you disturb me again when I¡¯m meditating, I¡¯ll break your legs!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes widened, revealing intense grievance. It was as though he was saying, ¡®You¡¯re too unreasonable, old man. You were the one who called me over and asked me to call Xu Qing.¡¯


    Old Master Seventh coughed.


    ¡°Alright, the matter you mentioned last time is approved.¡±


    Old Master Seventh spoke to Xu Qing as he put on his clothes.


    ¡°Fourth, now that you have four fires, the time is about right. When I¡¯m done with my work, I¡¯ll bring you out for a trip.¡±


    Old Master Seventh placed his hands behind his back and slowly left.


    After Old Master Seventh left, the captain¡¯s expression instantly returned to normal. He no longer felt the slightest grievance. Instead, he smiled proudly at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Learn from me, Junior Brother. You have to be like this when dealing with the old man. The old man has a black face and is stubborn, but he is soft-hearted. Hence, when I occasionally show that I am aggrieved, he will compromise.


    ¡°However, the old man is clearly pissed this time. In my opinion, since he knows the name of this flute so well, there¡¯s a high chance that it was given by him back then.¡±


    Xu Qing blinked. He thought of how Purple Mystic Fairy had said that too many people had given her gifts back then and she had forgotten who had given her the flute. When he thought of his master¡¯s appearance earlier, he felt that¡­ this was very likely.


    Just like that, after soaking for a while, Xu Qing also stood up and prepared to leave. Before he left, the captain lazily leaned there and let out a comfortable voice.


    ¡°Little Qing, get me another jade slip later. I asked around and there¡¯s no 20% discount here. That¡¯s a rare VIP treatment. You¡¯re quite capable.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s yours?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°I gave it to Wu Jianwu,¡± the captain said mysteriously in a low voice.


    ¡°I have something I want to ask Wu Jianwu for help with. You¡¯ll know very soon. Once I succeed, I¡¯ll be amazing. At that time, I might have to go out and lie low. Also, I need you to put in a good word for me.¡±


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised. He had long known from his informant that the captain and Wu Jianwu had come here many times before. When he heard this, he nodded. As for the captain saying that he wanted to lie low, Xu Qing felt that it was normal. He could roughly guess what the captain¡¯s target was this time.


    ¡®It is most likely that fang.¡¯ Xu Qing glanced at the captain and left the immortal pool. When he returned to his berth, it was already late at night. He sat down and began to cultivate.


    During this period of time when he was outside, with Purple Mystic Fairy around, he couldn¡¯t completely immerse his mind when cultivating. Hence, Xu Qing planned to catch up to the cultivation he had wasted in the past few days.


    Three days passed.


    On the late night of the third day, Xu Qing, who was meditating, suddenly opened his eyes. A hint of anticipation appeared in his eyes as he sensed the abnormal movements in his storage bag.


    It came from the bottle that contained the little black bugs that had eaten the immortal jelly.


    Xu Qing took out the bottle and first sensed it. After confirming that there was nothing wrong, he opened it.


    There was nothing in the bottle. Xu Qing checked his surroundings but didn¡¯t sense anything.


    However, he faintly felt a strong sense of danger spreading around him.


    Xu Qing calmly lifted his left hand and sliced open the palm of his right hand, causing blood to flow out. The wound instantly healed but the blood that flowed out was enough.


    At the next instant, the air churned. A group of invisible existences that were difficult to sense headed straight for the blood on Xu Qing¡¯s palm from all directions. Under Xu Qing¡¯s observation, the blood on his palm visibly shrank and finally disappeared.

 Chapter 402 - 402 Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar (2)

    402 Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar (2)


    As the blood disappeared, Xu Qing finally sensed the existence of the little black bugs.


    After these little black bugs absorbed the immortal jelly, their concealment had reached such a level that even Xu Qing was unable to sense them earlier.


    However, they were all fed by Xu Qing in batches after all. Their bodies contained Xu Qing¡¯s poison. Although they hadn¡¯t drunk blood for a long time, their instincts still existed.


    After devouring Xu Qing¡¯s blood, the connection between them became clear again.


    ¡°A total of 371.¡± Xu Qing swept his gaze across the surroundings, feeling satisfied.


    However, he understood that this was only the beginning. He still needed to continue feeding them. Moreover, because these small bugs hadn¡¯t eaten poison for a long time, they were all showing signs of hunger.


    Hence, the next day, Xu Qing left his berth and bought poisonous grasses from various medical shops in the main city of the Eight Sects Alliance. He had the treatment of a Dao Child and had a share of eight million spirit stones every year. Hence, his heart didn¡¯t ache at all when he bought all these poisonous grasses.


    Many of them were precious and rarely seen poisons. There were also some completed poison pills. After buying all of them, Xu Qing began to feed the little black bugs.


    Xu Qing originally planned to take this feeding step by step.


    However, the little black bugs were clearly extremely hungry. At first, Xu Qing was worried that they wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand it and fed them slowly.


    However, in the end, he simply placed the poisonous grasses and poison pills on the ground and the little black bugs pounced on them, devouring crazily.


    Just like that, seven days passed. The little black bugs ate more and more poisonous grasses, and the spirit stones spent on their food every day were like flowing water. However, at the same time, the poison contained in the bodies of these little black bugs became increasingly ferocious perhaps because they had completely absorbed the immortal jelly.


    In fact, if an ordinary Heavenly Palace Golden Core was bitten by them and invaded, they would die immediately.


    Xu Qing could not help but gasp. He then took out the Poison Restriction Pill and began to complete the plan he had formulated back in the Nanhuang Continent. He wanted to nurture little black bugs that could live in this poison pill.


    However, this process still wasn¡¯t smooth. Although the little black bugs had mutated and were more ferocious than before, the poison of the Poison Restriction Pill was too terrifying. They could only last a bit longer but they still couldn¡¯t completely live inside.


    However, Xu Qing was already very satisfied. This was because he discovered that this batch of little black bugs could actually devour some of the poison from the Poison Restriction Pill and store it in their bodies.


    Although it was difficult for them to store it for too long and had to vomit it out every few days, or else their bodies would rot and melt, being able to do this was already enough to increase Xu Qing¡¯s combat strength greatly.


    He could finally use the Poison Restriction Pill to a limited extent and use it as his trump card instead of having to use it as a mutual destruction method.


    This made Xu Qing very excited. Hence, he began a new round of purchases. This time, he no longer bought poisonous grasses and poison but living ferocious beasts.


    In the Nanhuang Continent, there were death row prisoners from the Homicide Department as a hotbed for him to reproduce the little black bugs. However, the department he was in charge of didn¡¯t have a prison, but the Eight Sects Alliance didn¡¯t lack ferocious beasts.


    After Xu Qing tried, he discovered that although the effect wasn¡¯t as good as when reproduced in humans and nonhumans, it was still acceptable. In the following period of time, all kinds of cries and roars of wild beasts were isolated by the barrier of his magic ship.


    A month passed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s number of little black bugs increased from more than 300 to over 3,000. When he put them away in three small bottles, he received Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice transmission.


    ¡°Seeing that you¡¯ve been buying poisonous grasses and ferocious beasts recently, I reckon you¡¯re refining poison again. How¡¯s the refining going now? If there¡¯s no hurry, I¡¯ll bring you out for a trip and get a Golden Core cultivation art for you. At the same time, let¡¯s see if we can fish.¡±


    ¡°Many people know about your two life lanterns. Regardless of whether it¡¯s the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect or some malice from the outside world, this trip will attract a wave of them. We will destroy them. This way, you¡¯ll be able to have a more comfortable time when you go out in the future.¡±


    Old Master Seventh had told Xu Qing about this before. Xu Qing simply nodded.


    At the same time, in the northern part of the Yinghuang Province, at the end of the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain, it was a stretch of white. Snow permeated the air, and the chill was bone-piercing. Not only was the mountain covered in snow all year round, but the ground was even more so.


    The living environment here was extremely harsh and unsuitable for mortals to survive. Only at the periphery would there be some small mortal countries, and almost none in the depths of the icy plains.


    However, there was a huge pillar that seemed to support the world standing in the extreme north.


    This pillar was pitch-black and the blizzard couldn¡¯t do anything to it.


    This pillar was ten thousand feet thick but its height remained unknown.


    Countless runes and patterns were carved on it, emitting an indescribably vast might.


    It could make everyone who saw it feel a sense of reverence.


    It also emitted a monstrous battle intent that contained incomparable cruelty, as though it could destroy everything.


    This was the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar!


    There were countless domed tents around the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. There were hundreds of thousands of them, forming a special city structure.


    There were no mortals among them, only cultivators from all directions. They gathered here and cultivated around the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    The pillar was mystical. If the fluctuations it emitted were sensed by others for a long time, they would form a divine talisman that contained battle intent in their minds. Through this talisman, one could temper their will and increase their cultivation.


    Also¡­ this Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar contained countless inheritances. Anyone could climb it at any time. The higher they went, the greater the inheritance they would benefit from.


    Hence, it formed the sixth major faction in the Yinghuang Province.


    Of course, there was another more important reason. That was¡­ this place was the location of the Sword Holding Court in the Yinghuang Province.


    The Sword Holding Court was built at the highest point of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. Beyond the countless clouds, in the sky and at the end of the pillar, there was a palace.


    This palace was different from the others. It wasn¡¯t made of bricks or beautiful jade but swords. Countless swords intertwined to form this sword palace.


    Between the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar and the palace, it was as though the former supported the latter, but also as though¡­ the latter was suppressing the former.


    This feeling wasn¡¯t clear from the ground level, but in here, one could faintly see the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar shaking slightly. It was as though someone was summoning it, causing it to want to rise from the ground.


    However, it was suppressed by the Sword Palace and could only tremble, unable to move at all.


    At that moment, in the Sword Palace, there was a discussion between the mighty figures of the Sword Holding Court.


    There were a total of nine cultivators participating in this meeting. They were all wearing white robes and their appearances couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. However, every one of them emitted terrifying energy. Occasionally, their eyes that were revealed would reveal supreme might.


    It was as though the nine of them could completely decide the life and death of a sect.


    The nine of them were the highest-level Sword Holders of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court. Even the powerful Grand Affairs Immortal Sect had no choice but to listen and cooperate with their edicts in name.


    This was because they represented the human race. They were one of the human race¡¯s Upper Mystic Five Ministries, the Sword Holding Ministry.


    Behind them was the ancient country left behind by Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether in the Grand Imperial Capital Region. Even though the human race, which once ruled Wanggu, was in decline and only a region and seven counties remained as its territories, it was still one of the large races.


    There was still¡­ the human emperor.


    At that moment, a voice echoed in the Sword Holding Court.


    ¡°This meeting is for two things. Firstly, the new round of the Sword Holder Assessment is about to begin. An edict came from the Sword Holding Palace in Fenghai County. With the arrival of the great era, the heaven¡¯s chosens are appearing frequently in all races. It¡¯s a crisis but also an opportunity. Let the various provinces¡¯ Sword Holding Courts raise the threshold of this entrance assessment. The Sword Holders only want outstanding heaven¡¯s chosens.¡±


    ¡°The second thing is that in recent years, the tremors of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar have become increasingly intense. There¡¯s a reply to our report. The deductions made by the county¡¯s Sword Holding Palace are the same as our judgment. That Ghost Lord from the Yinghuang Province shows signs of recovery. The palace asked us to deal with this matter as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°No wonder in recent years, the cultivation of the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain and the Nanyue¡¯s Seven Fiends, formed by the three souls and seven spirits of the Ghost Lord, has advanced by leaps and bounds.¡±


    ¡°This matter will be carried out according to our previous discussion. The revival of this Ghost Lord requires the return of three souls and seven spirits. Suppressing one spirit isn¡¯t of much use, so we need to suppress one soul and bring it here.¡±


    ¡°This way, the Ghost Lord will have a flaw and it will be difficult for him to wake up.¡±

 Chapter 403 - 403 Bizarre Entity Item

    403 Bizarre Entity Item


    Early in the morning, Xu Qing controlled the concealed magic ship and whistled out.


    His speed was so fast that he instantly left the main city.


    At the start, he took the path of the Immortal Enrichment River, but the magic ship quickly changed directions and distanced itself from the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain, rushing in the direction of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, this is the first time I¡¯ve gone out since I came to the Yinghuang Province. If there¡¯s anything that I have to know, please tell me.¡± On the magic ship, Ding Xue¡¯s pretty face was flushed red. Under her curly eyelashes, her bright eyes blinked gently as she spoke.


    After that, she took out a roll of spirit stone tickets worth 100 spirit stones. There were about 20 to 30 of them and she handed them to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing instinctively took them and glanced at Ding Xue in front of him.


    Ding Xue calmly puffed out her small chest.


    Today, Ding Xue was wearing a purple dress with a red flowing cloud silk at her waist. Her long hair draped over her shoulders and she carried an ancient sword on her back. Although she didn¡¯t look as soul-stirringly charming as Purple Mystic Fairy, her youthful aura and her rosy face caused her to be filled with beauty and vitality from the inside out.


    Under the restraint of the flowing cloud silk, her waist gave off an even more delicate feeling. Moreover, the obedience on her face and the spirit stones she had given Xu Qing under the premise of respect for knowledge in the past allowed Xu Qing to accept Ding Xue following him.


    Old Master Seventh didn¡¯t follow him on this trip.


    Since he was fishing, he naturally had to hide himself. Only then could he let the fish take the bait. In order to make it more realistic, or maybe it was because Ding Xue had gotten wind of this through her aunt, this trip turned to Ding Xue and Xu Qing moving together.


    Their mission was to investigate the bizarre things that had happened recently in a small country that had chosen to rely on the Seven Blood Eyes.


    In addition, Xu Qing also understood that Old Master Seventh had the intention of letting him bring Ding Xue along. After all, in this chaotic world, although Ding Xue¡¯s cultivation had broken through to the Foundation Building realm, she hadn¡¯t formed her first life fire yet.


    Moreover, her temperament needed some training.


    The best training was to personally see the misery of the world.


    The only thing that surprised Xu Qing was that he didn¡¯t see Zhao Zhongheng.


    However, he didn¡¯t ask. Instead, he retracted his gaze from Ding Xue and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Yinghuang Province isn¡¯t like the Nanhuang Continent. It¡¯s very dangerous outside, you have to be careful. Also, don¡¯t touch the things on the ship. They¡¯re poisonous.¡±


    Xu Qing was calm when facing Xu Qing. After he finished speaking, he closed his eyes and sat down to meditate. His face and aura had been disguised.


    Although Old Master Seventh wanted to fish, it would be too fake if he didn¡¯t try to disguise himself.


    Ding Xue hurriedly nodded. Her heart was filled with excitement and smugness. For this trip, she had fawned over her aunt for a long time before she obtained this opportunity.


    Seeing that Xu Qing was cultivating, she obediently didn¡¯t disturb him. Instead, she sat cross-legged at the side and looked at the surrounding scenery. Occasionally, her beautiful eyes would sweep past Xu Qing.


    Even though Xu Qing had disguised his appearance, her mind could automatically recall Xu Qing¡¯s appearance. When she thought of that extremely delicate face that was almost demonic, her pretty face would blush.


    Even when she arrived at the main city of the Eight Sects Alliance and saw so many people, she felt that no one could compare to Xu Qing in terms of appearance.


    This made her desire to conquer Xu Qing even more intense and firm.


    Time flowed by and three days passed.


    During these three days, Xu Qing and Ding Xue¡¯s interactions were scarce. He was cultivating and Ding Xue was looking at him. Every time Xu Qing opened his eyes, Ding Xue would take out some pills and hand them over with spirit tickets and questions. She looked like she was very eager to learn.


    Xu Qing felt that this way of interaction was very good. Hence, after tasting the pills, he guided Ding Xue attentively according to the knowledge he had.


    Ding Xue listened seriously every time, and her eyes revealed admiration. From time to time, her words would contain some softness. When it landed in one¡¯s ears, it made one feel very comfortable and want to continue talking.


    This was something Ding Xue didn¡¯t possess in the past. After Xu Qing sensed it, he couldn¡¯t help but take a few more glances at Ding Xue.


    Ding Xue was secretly delighted. This was what her aunt had taught her.


    At the same time, she kept observing the sky, searching for an opportunity. Just like that, another seven days passed.


    Finally, Ding Xue got the weather she wanted.


    That night, thunder rumbled, lightning filled the air, and heavy rain poured down.


    Ding Xue¡¯s countenance was a little pale. The place she was sitting wasn¡¯t far from Xu Qing but it wasn¡¯t close either. Every time lightning rumbled, her body would tremble slightly.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and looked at Ding Xue.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, because my father and mother weren¡¯t by my side since I was young, I hid in a corner alone every time it thundered. Although I¡¯m a cultivator, I still have some instinctive fear of thunder and lightning, especially during rainy nights. However, it¡¯s fine. I can endure this. Brother Xu Qing, you can continue cultivating.¡±


    Ding Xue¡¯s voice was very soft. In the end, she muttered weakly.


    ¡°I¡¯m already used to it.¡± As she spoke, she curled up in the corner of the bow, looking pitiful.


    Xu Qing thought about it and took out a wine gourd, handing it to Ding Xue.


    ¡°Ah?¡± Ding Xue was stunned.


    ¡°Drink a little and you¡¯ll feel warmer.¡±


    Ding Xue hesitantly took it. She looked at the wine gourd in her hand and then at the calm Xu Qing. She gritted her teeth and directly drank a large mouthful.


    She drank it too quickly and couldn¡¯t help but cough. However, at the next instant, a pill flew over.


    ¡°This pill stops coughing.¡±


    Ding Xue was at a loss. After a long time, she took the pill and looked at Xu Qing pitifully. At that moment, thunder rumbled and her body trembled.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He looked at the lightning outside and listened to the thunder and the sound of the rain. For some reason, he thought of the same rainy night a month ago, the same ship, and the valiant figure sitting on the railing.


    After a while, amidst the rumbling thunder, Xu Qing took out the willow flute and blew it gently. The leisurely sound of the flute rose and fell on the magic ship and drifted between the heavens and the earth. The rumbling thunder seemed to slowly become a drumbeat, accompanying the flute¡¯s sound.


    That flute sound contained the aura of the martial world and also the thoughts in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. When it rang out, Ding Xue¡¯s eyes were dazed.


    She stared blankly at Xu Qing, at the figure in the purple Daoist robe, at the emerald-green flute under his sword-like brows and starry eyes. Time seemed to have frozen in her world at this moment.


    At some point in time, the flute music ended. At some point in time, dawn broke in the outside world and the thunderstorm stopped.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, what¡¯s the name of this tune?¡± Ding Xue took a deep breath and regained her senses as she mumbled.


    Xu Qing shook his head and didn¡¯t answer. He stood up and looked at the ground where the first rays of the morning sun scattered down. There was a small country there that was reflected in his eyes.


    That was their destination for this trip.


    Mind Eye Country.


    This was a small human country. Originally, it didn¡¯t rely on any forces until the Seven Blood Eyes arrived. The former king of the country was an elder of the Seven Blood Eyes a few generations ago. His talent caused him to be taken by the Alliance and he was not allowed to return to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    When he was old and dying, he chose to settle down here and founded this small country. Even until the moment he passed away, he could not return to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The Seven Blood Eyes naturally attached great importance to the matters of this country.


    They had originally planned to arrange for a two fires disciple to come and deal with it. However, because Old Master Seventh wanted to bring Xu Qing out, they simply handed this matter to Xu Qing.


    Under the morning light, smoke rose from the houses of the commoners of this small country. The scene looked peaceful. It could be considered one of the few safe countries.


    The reason for this was because of the protective array formation in the surroundings set up by the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ elder who founded this country. This array formation made it difficult for cultivators below the Golden Core realm to enter without permission.


    However, it was obvious that there should have been a flaw in the array formation of this small country recently, resulting in the appearance of the bizarre entity.


    Xu Qing had read the dossier before he came. He knew that twenty days ago, 49 people in this country had turned into dried corpses and walked into the city square on their own. There, they set up array formations and wailed for hours before dying.


    After the country came under the Seven Blood Eyes, the Seven Blood Eyes arranged for a Foundation Building disciple of the Sixth Peak to be on duty here. Although this disciple didn¡¯t have a life fire, he was definitely not someone ordinary rogue cultivators could go against. After his investigation, he quickly found the culprit and killed him.


    However, ten days ago, the same scene appeared again. The culprit was still the same person.


    At this point, that Sixth Peak disciple knew that this was definitely the work of a bizarre entity, so he reported it to the sect and asked the sect to send someone over in ten days. He analyzed that it would happen again in ten days.


    The day Xu Qing arrived was the tenth day.


    After he arrived, he didn¡¯t inform the king of this small country or the disciple of the Sixth Peak. Instead, he controlled the magic ship to fly out of the range of this small country. Only after he had flown far away did he quietly bring Ding Xue off the magic ship. He hid his tracks all the way and strolled around the capital of this small country.


    Everything in sight here was ordinary. Because of the existence of the array formation in the surroundings, they looked much better off than the people Xu Qing had seen in the past.


    Although their bodies also had anomalous substances, it wasn¡¯t to the extent where one¡¯s entire body was rotting, greenish-black, and on the verge of mutation. Moreover, there were many pedestrians on the streets and most of them were moving around happily.


    Ding Xue looked around curiously.


    She had never been to such a small human country but she wasn¡¯t stupid. She also understood this world from the dossiers and knew that they were going to look for the bizarre entity now. Hence, she didn¡¯t disturb Xu Qing and followed closely behind him.


    Xu Qing walked on the streets. Outsiders couldn¡¯t see his figure. This was the effect of a low-level invisibility talisman in the Alliance. Unless one¡¯s cultivation had reached the Foundation Building realm, they wouldn¡¯t be able to sense the energy fluctuations of the invisibility talisman.


    Just like that, two hours passed. Xu Qing walked one round around the small country and finally stopped in front of a house. He lowered his head and looked at his shadow. The shadow sent its emotions, saying that it sensed a bizarre entity here.


    This mission might be difficult for others but to Xu Qing, it was very simple. He didn¡¯t hesitate to directly enter the residence. The instant he entered, a cold wind blew at his face.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t need to do anything. The shadow suddenly spread out and swallowed fiercely. The cold wind instantly landed in the shadow¡¯s mouth. As the sound of chewing rang out, the bizarre entity in this place disappeared.


    After that, Xu Qing stood on the spot and waited silently. After a long time, he raised his brows. The message from the shadow told him that it had discovered a bizarre entity again in another place.


    ¡°Could it be the Bizarre Fiend Race again?¡± Xu Qing fell silent and brought Ding Xue, who was waiting outside the door, to the place pointed out by the shadow. There, he sensed the aura of a bizarre entity. Very soon, the bizarre entity disappeared in the shadow¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°¡­Not¡­ one¡­ treasure¡­ child¡­¡±


    As the shadow chewed, it emitted its emotions. Xu Qing frowned and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor quickly transmitted his voice.


    ¡°Master, what Little Shadow means is that this isn¡¯t the same bizarre entity but two different ones. Their taste is different from the Bizarre Fiend Race, so this shouldn¡¯t be the Bizarre Fiend Race. It thinks that this is more like a bizarre entity produced by an item.¡±

 Chapter 404 - 404 The Ancestors Contribution

    404 The Ancestor¡¯s Contribution


    ¡°Item?¡± Just as Xu Qing was thinking, clear fluctuations continued to spread out from the shadow.


    ¡°Mas¡­ wait¡­ contrib¡­¡±


    This time, there was no need for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to translate. Xu Qing could roughly understand the shadow¡¯s thoughts. This was telling him to wait a moment. It could complete this matter and make a contribution.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°Master, Little Shadow is still young after all. I think it¡¯s better for me to follow it and take a look.¡± Seeing that the shadow was anxious to make a contribution, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor felt an intense sense of danger and hurriedly transmitted his voice to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing also agreed. Hence, at the next instant, his shadow directly disappeared from the ground. The black iron stick also flew out and left in the blink of an eye.


    Xu Qing sat cross-legged on the roof and waited silently. Ding Xue blinked. She couldn¡¯t see the shadow. As for the speed of the black iron stick, it was already comparable to that of a two fires. Hence, in Ding Xue¡¯s eyes, it was also undetectable.


    However, seeing that Xu Qing had sat down, she obediently sat at the side. She took out a box of snacks and placed it beside Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing glanced at Ding Xue.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, this is a snack I made myself. I don¡¯t know how it tastes. I plan to make it for my aunt, uncle-in-law, and grandfather after I practice more. Could you try it first and give me some pointers?¡±


    As Ding Xue spoke, she handed over a spirit ticket with great familiarity.


    Xu Qing spread out his perception in the surroundings. Although he couldn¡¯t sense his master, he felt that there was a high chance that his master was paying attention to him. Hence, he didn¡¯t take the spirit ticket stones but picked up a snack and took a bite.


    ¡°Not bad.¡±


    Ding Xue was quite happy. She sat there and looked around as she spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, when are we going to capture that bizarre entity? I saw that the killing time mentioned in the dossier is about to arrive¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m already capturing it.¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke and looked into the distance.


    At that moment, in the city, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was originally following the shadow. However, the shadow clearly didn¡¯t like the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, so it quickly hid.


    ¡°Brat Shadow, do you really think I¡¯m trying to steal your credit? This time, I¡¯ll let you see how powerful I am.¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor snorted coldly. After changing directions, he actually transformed into a human form. Moreover, his clothes changed and he looked no different from the commoners here. He entered the crowd and disappeared.


    Just like that, time passed bit by bit. The shadow spread extremely quickly and discovered one bizarre entity after another. It basically pounced over and devoured them in an instant.


    However, after one bizarre entity died, another would appear. Moreover, the places where they appeared were irregular. It was more like they appeared out of thin air, as though they could never be completely killed.


    However, the effect was very obvious. Even when dusk fell, the deaths that should have happened today didn¡¯t occur.


    As the moonlight descended, the number of bizarre entities increased. It was as though they wouldn¡¯t stop until they completed today¡¯s massacre. In the end, Xu Qing, who was sitting on the roof, also revealed a hint of solemnity in his eyes.


    He looked at the small country under the night sky and could clearly sense the chill that was rapidly rising in this small country. The shadow was also extremely busy at this moment, constantly devouring a large number of bizarre entities that had appeared.


    ¡°My interference caused a new change in this bizarre entity¡­¡± As Xu Qing mumbled, Ding Xue, who was at the side, also sensed that the atmosphere wasn¡¯t right. Just as she was feeling a little nervous, a black light instantly arrived and floated in front of Xu Qing, transforming into a black iron stick.


    A wisp of divine sense rapidly entered Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Master, I found the source. After all, Little Shadow is still young and only knows how to use violence. It has no way of knowing that such a bizarre entity that keeps appearing after being killed would be more stimulated after every death. If we want to destroy it, we have to find the source.¡±


    ¡°The source is usually extremely secretive and it¡¯s impossible for there to be recent clues. They are usually hidden in some trivial matters that happened many days ago.


    Hence, I changed my identity many times to investigate if anything strange had happened here in the past few years. In the end, I found out that two years ago, a doctor came to this country. His medical skills were superb and he had a characteristic when practicing medicine. He would give patients a small mirror and let them place it at the head of the bed.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Then how long has the doctor been here and how many people have placed this mirror?¡±


    ¡°Master, I¡¯ve investigated these clearly. This doctor practiced medicine in this small country for three months before he left. At that time, our Seven Blood Eyes hadn¡¯t come to the Alliance, so the disciple guarding this place didn¡¯t know about this.¡±


    ¡°I visited a few families who hung the small mirrors. Speaking of which, it¡¯s quite interesting. If a cultivator looked at this small mirror, they would probably not find any clues. Of course, Master is a different matter.¡±


    ¡°As for me, I¡¯ve been influenced by Master for many years, so I¡¯m naturally knowledgeable. I discovered a trace of an artifact spirit on them.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    ¡°I understand. I followed this trail and searched around again. Finally, I saw a mirror hanging under the roof of a wealthy family. It should be the main item.¡±


    ¡°If my judgment isn¡¯t wrong, then the doctor must be an evil cultivator. He used this method to nourish this mirror. Moreover, he couldn¡¯t have placed such a treasure far away from him, so this evil cultivator must be hiding not far away from this country so that he can observe and take away the treasure.¡±


    Xu Qing was about to speak.


    ¡°I understand. Hence, I went out again to search for a suitable place. In the end, I discovered a small mountain. That¡¯s the best place to observe this small country. There are hidden cultivation base fluctuations on the mountain and there are cultivators inside. They should have fallen into some kind of sleeping state because of some cultivation arts. I didn¡¯t enter to investigate so that the enemy wouldn¡¯t be alerted.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor didn¡¯t say a word about taking credit. However, all his actions made Xu Qing sigh with emotion that the other party was very comprehensive in his actions. He looked at this country where bizarre entities were appearing everywhere. Although the shadow was also trying its best to devour them, the situation was clearly getting more and more chaotic.


    ¡°Consider it a contribution!¡± Xu Qing transmitted his divine sense.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor immediately became excited and the black iron stick trembled. During this period of time, he didn¡¯t dare to speak. Little Shadow¡¯s special ability allowed it to shine brightly, surpassing him to become the new aide of the master. He was worried that if he said something wrong, he would be casually sacrificed by Demon Xu.


    At this moment, with this contribution, he felt a little more at ease.


    ¡°Lead the way.¡± Xu Qing transmitted his divine sense. The black iron stick buzzed and flew straight ahead.


    Xu Qing leaped up and followed. Although Ding Xue didn¡¯t know what had happened, she could tell that Xu Qing¡¯s expression was murderous. Hence, she hurriedly kept the snack box and followed behind like a little girl.


    Very soon, Xu Qing arrived at the residence of the wealthy family. He spread out his perception and didn¡¯t discover any cultivation fluctuations here, so he didn¡¯t disturb them. Instead, he headed straight for the mirror. After he got close, he could tell at a glance that this mirror was a little strange.


    There were no anomalous substances on it but when the wind blew over, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes felt an intense piercing pain. However, at the next instant, the life lanterns in his body burned and the canopy¡¯s protective barrier spread out, allowing his eyes to recover.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. He felt a piercing pain even with his current combat strength and powerful body. This was enough to show how extraordinary this small mirror was. He suddenly grabbed.


    The small mirror emitted an intense struggle. It instantly broke through Xu Qing¡¯s grabbing force and headed straight for the sky.


    However, in the blink of an eye, Xu Qing¡¯s figure had already appeared in the air. The four balls of life fire and two life lanterns in his body suddenly spread out and the seven fires¡¯ combat strength fused into his palm as he pressed down on the small mirror.


    Facing such combat strength, the small mirror was unable to resist no matter how it struggled. Xu Qing grabbed it and his divine sense surged in, directly sealing it. At the same time, the mirror in front of the bed of hundreds of families in this small country shattered in unison.


    The bizarre entities that were appearing all over the country also disappeared.


    At the same time, at the top of the short mountain outside the small country, a rainbow suddenly flew out of a hidden cave abode. In the rainbow was a white-haired old man with a sinister expression. One could see layers of skin flakes on his exposed skin, as though he was molting.


    It was obvious that he hadn¡¯t finished shedding his skin yet. His cultivation of one Heavenly Palace Golden Core Realm still spread out valiantly. He looked at the small country and let out a low shout.


    ¡°Brat, you dare to ruin this old man¡¯s plan!¡±


    His voice spread in all directions like heavenly lightning, causing the entire small country to tremble. Xu Qing¡¯s cold gaze swept past as he rushed out rapidly, heading straight for the mountain the old man was on.


    His speed was so fast that the expression of the Golden Core old man couldn¡¯t help but change. When his heart skipped a beat, Xu Qing had already arrived in front of him.


    The instant they came into contact, the mountain quaked. The wind and clouds churned violently and a rumbling sound echoed through the world. At the next instant, the old man¡¯s body trembled and he spat out a mouthful of blood. His body was blasted back by a huge force and he smashed into the small mountain.


    As the small mountain collapsed and rubble fell, the old man¡¯s expression revealed horror and disbelief.


    ¡°Such combat strength¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm and his eyes were cold. He would not be able to fight two Heavenly Palaces Golden Core cultivator, but if it was just a Heavenly Palace, it would be easy for him, a seven fires cultivator, to suppress the enemy.


    The old man clearly sensed this as well. As he spat out blood, he didn¡¯t hesitate to retreat. He even cast an evil technique and transformed into a blood shadow, increasing his speed explosively.


    The Golden Crow appeared behind Xu Qing. As the Golden Crow let out a cry and the old man¡¯s pupils contracted, Xu Qing¡¯s speed became even faster as he gave chase.


    ¡°You¡¯re Xu Qing from the Eight Sects Alliance!!¡±


    The old man¡¯s scalp went numb. Seeing the Golden Crow, he recognized Xu Qing¡¯s identity. Xu Qing instantly caught up and punched out, but it was blocked by a Heavenly Palace.


    However, in an instant, the Heavenly Palace collapsed, revealing the shriveled golden core inside. The Golden Crow let out a cry and devoured it.


    The old man let out a pained cry and spat out a mouthful of blood. Xu Qing¡¯s right hand was already pressed on the top of his head with dense fiendish fire. As he pressed down, the fiendish fire instantly enveloped the old man¡¯s entire body.


    A blood-curdling scream rang out!


    The difference between rogue cultivators and sect cultivators was extremely great, let alone the fact that this old man had only used three balls of life fire to advance to the Golden Core realm. From the foundation, aptitude, and cultivation arts, the difference between him and Xu Qing was like heaven and earth.


    At that moment, as the fiendish fire permeated the air, a wisp of soul was extracted and continued to fuse into Xu Qing¡¯s body. This person would be the first soul Xu Qing suppressed in his magic aperture.


    However, just as Xu Qing was extracting the soul, his expression suddenly changed. Thunder rumbled in the surroundings and seven to eight figures in the clouds rapidly approached Xu Qing with greed.


    There was also a vast body that appeared in the world. The three Heavenly Palaces behind the figure shone with a shocking light, causing the face to reveal a hint of holiness.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you finally left the Eight Sects Alliance.¡±

 Chapter 405 - 405 Master, Save Me (1)

    405 Master, Save Me (1)


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know if these people were the companions of the old man he had killed.


    He couldn¡¯t see any clues from their clothes. Regardless of whether it was the seven speeding figures or the Golden Core middle-aged man with three palaces, they were all unfamiliar.


    However, after a simple analysis, Xu Qing felt that these people weren¡¯t the companions of the old man. It was more like they had been lying in ambush here, waiting for him to appear.


    Moreover, they probably waited for a while to confirm that he had no Dao Protectors around.


    To be able to do this, they had to accurately grasp his whereabouts.


    Only the people from the Alliance could easily investigate his whereabouts.


    Otherwise, with him making the trip in disguise, even if he was seen, it was impossible for others to know the destination of the mission.


    ¡®Was this spread by the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect?¡¯ Xu Qing immediately retreated.


    However, although he could outrun the seven figures approaching with sinister smiles, he couldn¡¯t be faster than the three Heavenly Palaces Golden Core.


    ¡°Dream on!¡±


    A cold voice rang out. At a speed that Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see clearly, the three Heavenly Palaces Golden Core instantly arrived before him with intense killing intent.


    At this critical moment, the Purple Heaven Infinite Crown above Xu Qing¡¯s head formed a light barrier that blocked the power of the three Heavenly Palaces.


    With a boom, blood flowed out of the corner of Xu Qing¡¯s mouth. Although he resisted the power of the three Heavenly Palaces, the tremors still injured him.


    The difference between the two was too great.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he continued to retreat and flee into the distance.


    The three Heavenly Palaces Golden Core coldly watched Xu Qing¡¯s departing figure. He didn¡¯t give chase immediately but quickly checked his surroundings to confirm if Xu Qing¡¯s Dao Protectors had appeared.


    As for the others, they continued to chase with greed.


    These pursuers all had extraordinary cultivation bases. They were all Golden Core cultivators. Among them, five were Golden Core cultivators with one palace and two were Golden Core cultivators with two palaces. Each of them erupted with astonishing speed and besieged Xu Qing from all directions.


    As the power of the spells landed, the ground trembled.


    The sound waves spread in all directions, distorting the void.


    The fluctuations swept through the surroundings and the nearby mountains collapsed.


    Under such siege and amidst the rumbling of many spells, Xu Qing quickly performed hand seals with both hands. One spell after another formed in his hands and waves of water vapor transformed into sea beasts that rushed toward the enemies.


    In an instant, rumbling sounds rang out throughout the area and Xu Qing spat out a mouthful of blood. His eyes revealed intense killing intent. However, there were too many enemies and none of them were ordinary, causing him to be unable to counterattack effectively.


    At this moment, he could only continue to defend and quickly distance himself. He continued to flee, looking a little disheveled.


    As for the protective power formed by the Purple Heaven Infinite Crown, it fluctuated intensely because it had withstood too many spells.


    When observed from afar, one would see terrifying energy rumbling in this place. The might of the Golden Cores was astonishing and they formed an inescapable net.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned ugly. The Nine-Layers Howling Sea spread out, transforming into waves that blasted in all directions.


    However, at this moment, a sharp sound tore through the air from the distant sky. It was none other than the Golden Core middle-aged man with three Heavenly Palaces.


    His aura was filled with terrifying might and there was a flowing light around his body, causing him to seem holy. However, at that moment, his eyes revealed a hint of suspicion.


    ¡°Are there really no Dao Protectors?¡±


    Almost at the instant he spoke, Xu Qing lifted his head. His eyes revealed ecstasy as he shouted at the distant sky.


    ¡°Master! Master, save me!!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, everyone¡¯s expressions changed drastically. The instant they looked into the distance in unison, Xu Qing turned around and circulated the cultivation base in his body to erupt with extreme speed. He even waved his hand and took out the magic ship to increase his fleeing speed. Even its divinity was used, and it transformed into a ray of light.


    ¡°Petty tricks!¡± The three Heavenly Palaces Golden Core sneered but he still didn¡¯t give chase.


    However, the empty space in front of Xu Qing suddenly fluctuated. A large hand manifested from the void and landed on Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship.


    With a boom, the magic ship detonated but it didn¡¯t completely shatter. Under Xu Qing¡¯s control, it changed its direction and rushed in another direction.


    The palm that had appeared earlier dissipated, transforming into a red-faced old Daoist in a black robe. He also had three Heavenly Palaces.


    He stood there and also sensed his surroundings suspiciously, not chasing after Xu Qing.


    However, the void fluctuated again in the direction Xu Qing rushed to. A huge face suddenly appeared. This face had no hair and its eyes were bloodshot. It opened its mouth and bit fiercely at Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship with malevolence and cruelty.


    A rumbling sound echoed as Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship exploded again.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart ached and he could only quickly store it. He gritted his teeth and changed directions again.


    However, a figure appeared, transforming into a tall and burly middle-aged man. He blocked in front and laughed sinisterly as the three Heavenly Palaces behind him suppressed Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled violently and he spat out a mouthful of blood. The protective barrier from the Infinite Crown outside his body was rippling even more intensely.


    When he could no longer run, the middle-aged Golden Core cultivator with the three Heavenly Palaces also walked over.


    At that moment, there were already four Golden Core cultivators with three palaces surrounding Xu Qing.


    At the same time, dozens of rogue cultivators flew out one after another. These people were all lying in ambush around the Mind Eye Country.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. He suddenly took out a disorder teleportation talisman and crushed it.


    In that instant, the power of teleportation erupted and Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared from the spot.

 Chapter 406 - 406 Master, Save Me (2)

    406 Master, Save Me (2)


    As Xu Qing disappeared, none of the Golden Core cultivators in the surroundings scanned their surroundings or chased after him. All the greed and killing intent on their faces disappeared at this instant. What was even more astonishing was that as their expressions dissipated, the figures of these people slowly blurred.


    A moment later, all of them seemed to have been erased as they disappeared from the spot.


    It was peaceful once again. Another hour passed and a mountain rock on the ground suddenly distorted, transforming into an old man with a pockmarked face in a green Daoist robe. This old man carefully checked his surroundings and his eyes revealed a deep glint.


    ¡°Although it¡¯s an illusion, every attack earlier was real. Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s performance, could it be that he really doesn¡¯t have a Dao Protector following him?¡±


    ¡°But without a Dao Protector, how dare he brazenly head out?¡±


    ¡°However, he did disguise himself. If I didn¡¯t know his exact destination, it would be very difficult to lock onto him.¡±


    As he pondered, the old man¡¯s body swayed and he disappeared without a trace.


    At the same time, on the wasteland that was some distance away, Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared. As soon as he appeared, he spat out a mouthful of blood and quickly took out a jade slip to transmit his voice to the sect.


    However, the instant he took out the jade slip, the ground suddenly caved in, transforming into a ghastly mouth that ruthlessly devoured him.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. When he quickly rose into the air, a rumbling sound rang out from the ground. That huge mouth was the mouth of a giant. When the giant stood up, it was easily a thousand feet tall. It lifted its large hand and grabbed at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing quickly fled but the void behind him fluctuated. The pockmarked old man took a step forward and with a wave of his hand, five Heavenly Palaces behind him manifested, directly forming a suppressive force that blasted onto Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and blood gushed out of his mouth. As the protective barrier around his body shook violently, he quickly took out a disorder teleportation talisman and was about to crush it.


    However, at the next instant, a calm voice rang out from behind him.


    ¡°Seal!¡±


    As soon as this word was spoken, a huge golden array formation appeared in the sky and ruthlessly pressed to the ground.


    Xu Qing¡¯s teleportation failed and his body was suppressed by this great force, unable to rise into the air.


    His face was pale as he lifted his head and saw a boy sitting on the golden array formation.


    This boy was clothed in a red robe. The five Heavenly Palaces above his head emitted astonishing might, causing the array formation to continuously press to the ground. It also caused Xu Qing¡¯s entire body to emit cracking sounds from the suppression. The protection of the Infinite Crown also caved in and his body continued to fall.


    This lasted until Xu Qing¡¯s body was pressed on the ground loudly.


    At the next instant, countless black hair rose from the ground around him, rapidly wrapping around him. A corrosive power spread from them and began to invade his Infinite Crown¡¯s barrier.


    ¡°Looks like there are really no Dao Protectors.¡±


    ¡°You guys are too worried. So what if he has Dao Protectors? We¡¯re only here with clones. At most, our clones will be destroyed, what should we be afraid of?¡±


    ¡°Forget it. Regardless of whether there are or not, we need to complete this mission. Even if the Seven Blood Eyes is fishing, we also are prepared.¡±


    While Xu Qing¡¯s barrier was rapidly corroding, the boy, the green-robed old man, and the ten-thousand-foot-tall giant communicated.


    After that, they each performed a series of hand seals. Immediately, vast power erupted from their bodies, forming an extermination force that landed on Xu Qing.


    Seeing that danger was approaching, a voice filled with dissatisfaction rang out in all directions.


    ¡°There are only so few people here, and they¡¯re all clones. How boring!¡±


    The moment the voice rang out, Old Master Seventh¡¯s figure walked out of the void in front of Xu Qing.


    He flicked his sleeve and the hair around Xu Qing turned into ashes. After that, he swept his gaze over, landing on the ten-thousand-foot-tall giant. The expression of the giant changed and its body shook. It actually collapsed without even being able to put up the slightest resistance.


    Old Master Seventh then looked at the pockmarked old man. This old man¡¯s entire body trembled violently and in the blink of an eye, he turned into ashes under Old Master Seventh¡¯s gaze.


    As for the boy, his eyes were also wide open. After Old Master Seventh¡¯s gaze swept over him, his body exploded loudly, turning into a rain of blood.


    Everything was destroyed under Old Master Seventh¡¯s gaze.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was no longer as gloomy as before. Instead, it returned to normal and the injuries on his body instantly recovered. When he lifted his head and looked at the sky, Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice rang out in his ears.


    ¡°It¡¯s understandable. After all, no one is stupid. However, even if they only send their clones, can they get away with it?¡±


    Old Master Seventh calmly spoke. He lifted his right hand and grabbed. Immediately, the void where the giant had collapsed distorted. Time seemed to be flowing backward and countless pieces of flesh and blood flew up, transforming into the giant¡¯s figure again. Its eyes revealed horror and disbelief.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Before it could finish speaking, Old Master Seventh raised his hand and slashed at it!


    With this slash, the sound of a thread snapping rang out. At the next instant, a faintly discernible thread appeared above the head of the giant. This thread continued to break, spreading into the void like it was chasing after the origin.


    Finally, amidst the disbelief and intense horror of the giant, a mournful cry rang out from the void.


    At the next moment, the giant¡¯s body withered and it spat out a mouthful of blood. It let out an extremely miserable cry as its body collapsed again, dissipating into pieces.


    However, this time, its true body and soul that were hidden somewhere were also taken away by Old Master Seventh with a secret art.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to widen. He didn¡¯t know what cultivation level would the real body have if even their clones had five Heavenly Palaces. He felt like they would at least be a Nascent Soul cultivator.


    As Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred, Old Master Seventh waved his hand at the place where the pockmarked old man had disappeared. The same scene appeared again.


    The expression of the green-robed old man who had reformed completely changed and he let out a scream.


    ¡°Old Master Seventh, spare my life. I¡­¡± Before he could finish speaking, Old Master Seventh waved his hand again and the world seemed to collapse. Xu Qing gasped as he looked at the dissipating soul and probed.


    ¡°Master, can you leave behind the souls so that I can suppress them in my magic apertures?¡±


    ¡°If you want to be a hunter, you have to hunt by yourself. I¡¯m not responsible for giving you the prey. I¡¯m only responsible for giving you weapons and abilities to hunt.¡±


    Old Master Seventh calmly spoke and clenched his raised hand. Immediately, a thread appeared above the green-robed old man¡¯s head and broke into nothingness inch by inch. Finally, terrified screams filled with bitterness and disbelief rang out. The old man¡¯s main body and clone collapsed together and were taken away by Old Master Seventh.


    After doing this, Old Master Seventh flicked his sleeve. The blood pool left by the boy flowed back and the boy¡¯s figure was revealed. His expression was filled with extreme horror.


    ¡°How can a Spirit Repository be so powerful that it can actually track down the main body? You¡­ What exactly is your cultivation level?!¡±


    As he spoke, he immediately retreated. He waved his hands and countless array formations shone. When he fled far away, Old Master Seventh waved his hand. Immediately, the main body of the child, which was hidden in an unknown place, collapsed and shattered. This clone also rapidly disappeared, about to be taken away by Old Master Seventh.


    Xu Qing, who was at the side, suddenly recalled what the captain had said in the immortal pool about his master¡¯s soft-heartedness. Hence, he imitated the captain and spoke aggrievedly.


    ¡°Master, my magic ship exploded twice and I used two of my disorder teleportation talismans.¡±


    Old Master Seventh glanced at Xu Qing with a spurious smile and nodded.


    ¡°In that case, I have to make it up for you.¡± As he spoke, he waved his hand and grabbed. Immediately, the clone that had mostly dissipated trembled and a wisp of remnant soul was extracted.


    Old Master Seventh grabbed it and squeezed it ruthlessly, transforming it into 59 portions of soul power. He then patted Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled. Each of these 59 portions of soul power was comparable to the soul of a Heavenly Palace Golden Core. At this moment, they were scattered in his dozens of magic apertures, causing the fire in them to instantly become even more intense.

 Chapter 407 - 407 A Spell for Learning

    407 A Spell for Learning


    The influx of 59 portions of soul power instantly caused Xu Qing¡¯s entire body to rumble. 59 magic apertures in his body started circulating intensely as they continuously suppressed these souls.


    Because there were too many of them at once, it would take some time to refine them. Hence, Xu Qing immediately sat down and focused on absorbing them.


    Old Master Seventh swept his gaze across the surroundings and curled his lips.


    ¡°Just these small fries are a little boring.¡±


    As he spoke, he flicked his sleeve and an ordinary-looking magic ship appeared in the air. The shape of this magic ship was somewhat similar to Xu Qing¡¯s ship, but from the outside, it looked even more tattered.


    However, intense divinity circulated on it.


    Ding Xue was also lying on the deck of the magic ship. Clearly, when Xu Qing rushed out to fight against the old man, Ding Xue had already been taken away by Old Master Seventh.


    She had just woken up and her face was still filled with confusion. When she lowered her head and saw Old Master Seventh outside the magic ship, she was stunned.


    ¡°Uncle-in-law?¡± After that, she saw Xu Qing sitting cross-legged and meditating beside Old Master Seventh. She noticed that Xu Qing¡¯s forehead was covered in sweat and his body emitted invisible flames that kept rising. Ding Xue¡¯s expression was hesitant.


    ¡°Uncle-in-law, what happened? You¡­ Why are you here too? Also, what¡¯s wrong with Brother Xu Qing?¡± Ding Xue blinked. She made a bad guess and this guess instantly caused her face to turn red.


    ¡®No way. Was uncle-in-law following us all the way? Wouldn¡¯t that mean that all my previous actions have been seen¡­¡¯ Ding Xue¡¯s face turned even redder. The feeling of her relatives seeing her acting coquettishly made her feel embarrassed and angry.


    Seeing Ding Xue like this, Old Master Seventh laughed. He had indeed seen it clearly.


    Hearing Old Master Seventh¡¯s laughter, Ding Xue blushed and stomped her feet, pouting coquettishly.


    ¡°Uncle-in-law!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see anything.¡± Old Master Seventh coughed. He, who didn¡¯t have any children, doted on his niece-in-law very much.


    Amidst his laughter, Old Master Seventh flicked his sleeve and swept Xu Qing onto the magic ship. After casually throwing Xu Qing to the side, Old Master Seventh raised his right hand and a soul pearl appeared in his hand. Just as he was about to speak, he discovered that Ding Xue was looking at Xu Qing with a pained expression.


    The expression on her face was clearly one of heartache for Xu Qing being casually thrown aside by him.


    ¡°His skin is rough and his flesh is thick. He¡¯s fine.¡± Old Master Seventh was a little depressed.


    ¡°Uncle-in-law, Brother Xu Qing is still young and is still growing. Please be gentler to him next time, okay? When I get back, I¡¯ll say more good things about you to aunt.¡± Ding Xue ran to Old Master Seventh¡¯s side and held his arm.


    Old Master Seventh looked at Ding Xue and then at Xu Qing, who was still refining the souls. He let out a long sigh. He vaguely understood the daily feelings of his eldest disciple.


    He shook his head helplessly and pressed the soul pearl in his hand against Ding Xue¡¯s forehead, patting it gently.


    ¡°Alright, alright, alright. Hurry up and cultivate. This soul pearl can help you to form one fire as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, uncle-in-law.¡± Ding Xue became happy. She found a place near Xu Qing and sat down cross-legged. She closed her eyes and cultivated, her heart filled with joy.


    Old Master Seventh turned his head and looked at the two people sitting there. His heart was filled with emotions. After a long time, he turned his head and stood at the bow of the ship with his hands behind his back. As he looked into the distance, his gaze swept across the surroundings. He let out a cold snort and controlled the magic ship to sail forward.


    After the magic ship left, the void distorted and two blurry figures in golden robes appeared. Sword qi permeated their bodies, carrying a sharp intent, but their expressions were filled with bitterness.


    ¡°This sect master of the Seven Blood Eyes¡­¡±


    ¡°With him around, we cannot make a move. He didn¡¯t attack the two of us this time because of the Alliance and also because he wanted us to report this scene back. This is his warning.¡±


    The two of them came from the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect.


    ¡°This Xu Qing is already extraordinary to begin with and with such a background¡­ he¡¯ll be harder to deal with in the future, especially after this incident. We¡¯ll never know if such an expert is still hiding behind him when he¡¯s alone in the future.¡±


    The two of them looked at each other and shook their heads before leaving.


    After they left, a few more auras permeated the surrounding void and transformed into several figures. They stood there silently while being wary of each other.


    Different from the two people earlier, they weren¡¯t cultivators of the Alliance but rogue cultivators. This time, they had received news that Xu Qing, who had two life lanterns, had gone out, so they rushed over to see if they had a chance to plunder.


    However, they knew Xu Qing¡¯s background, so they only watched and didn¡¯t act rashly. The scene after that completely frightened them. Right now, their thoughts were the same as the two Soaring Cloud Sword Sect cultivators.


    ¡°This is the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ attitude¡­¡±


    ¡°A warning to everyone.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also the protection of the Alliance that the Eight Sects Alliance announced some time ago. The price to kill Xu Qing is too great.¡±


    ¡°Although the life lantern is good, I only have one life.¡±


    Everyone dispersed while having different thoughts. As they left, the rumors about this matter slowly spread.


    This was the protection Old Master Seventh gave Xu Qing and also a warning to others.


    Just like that, time flowed by. Seven days later, at dusk, Xu Qing opened his eyes.


    The moment he opened his eyes, the 60 magic apertures in his body emitted shocking flames and a thunderous boom echoed in his mind.


    Right now, half of the 120 magic apertures were suppressing souls. Under this continuous suppression, his cultivation base had clearly improved a little. Even the flames had changed. There was an additional ferocity in the fiendish fire. That was the intense resentment produced by the burning souls.


    This was the Dark Soul Fire.


    This fire could affect emotions. When this fire burned the enemies; in light cases, their emotions would fluctuate intensely, and in serious cases, their souls would be injured and collapse.


    ¡°How do you feel?¡± Old Master Seventh, who was standing at the bow, turned his head and glanced at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Thank you, Master!¡± Xu Qing stood up and cupped his fists.


    ¡°From now on, it will be much safer for you to go out again. In that case, I¡¯ll bring you to do the second thing. It¡¯s also the main reason for this trip.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll teach you¡­ a Golden Core cultivation art.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his eyes narrowed.


    ¡°However, it is not ready yet. You don¡¯t have to be anxious. I still need to ponder over this cultivation art.¡± After Old Master Seventh finished speaking, he glanced at Ding Xue, who was still cultivating at the side. He raised his right hand and waved it, creating a protective barrier around her before walking out of the magic ship.


    ¡°Follow me.¡±


    Xu Qing immediately followed and left the magic ship with Old Master Seventh, heading toward the mountain range below.


    Although this place wasn¡¯t the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain, it was still filled with mountain forests. Many pitch-black mountain peaks emitted a sinister aura, especially right now in dusk.


    There was a sect between the mountain peaks.


    This sect wasn¡¯t small. Its range enveloped three mountain peaks. Many disciples were shuttling between the mountains.


    ¡°This is the Heavenly Spirit Sect, a medium-sized sect. It isn¡¯t a sect of the Alliance. Its strength is average but there¡¯s a cultivation art in this sect that¡¯s a little peculiar.¡± As Old Master Seventh spoke, he brought Xu Qing straight to the sect.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was a little strange. His master had ignored the sect¡¯s array formation defense and directly entered the sect. All the disciples on the way ignored them as though they couldn¡¯t see them.


    After Old Master Seventh¡¯s gaze swept over, he brought Xu Qing straight to the sect¡¯s Scripture Library. The two Golden Core old men guarding the library also didn¡¯t notice anything and allowed Xu Qing and Old Master Seventh to walk past them. They stepped into this pavilion and entered the highest level that ordinary disciples couldn¡¯t enter.


    All the restrictions here were useless in front of Old Master Seventh, as though they couldn¡¯t detect him at all. Old Master Seventh very naturally grabbed cultivation art jade slips that were floating in the air and checked them one by one like he was in his study.


    Xu Qing glanced at Old Master Seventh but didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? You have to study seriously. Back then, I got this spell specially for the sake of learning.¡± Old Master Seventh glared at Xu Qing and lectured.


    Xu Qing nodded seriously. He then grabbed a jade slip and focused on reading it.


    Just like that, the two of them, master and disciple, immersed themselves in their studies on the top floor of the Heavenly Spirit Sect¡¯s Scripture Library. Old Master Seventh was very serious, and Xu Qing was even more serious, especially after he saw a few jade slips that recorded information of plants and vegetation in the Yinghuang Province.


    A few days later, Old Master Seventh finished reading all the jade slips here and sighed with emotion.


    ¡°Not bad, not bad. As expected, the Heavenly Spirit Sect has its profundities in the control of magic power. It¡¯s a pity that it¡¯s too inferior in other aspects.¡±


    Xu Qing also nodded, seemingly unsatisfied. Although there was a lot of plant knowledge recorded here, the description wasn¡¯t incisive enough. However, it still benefited him greatly and he grasped more knowledge of changes in vegetation.


    ¡°It¡¯s the same for its pharmacopeia. This sect should have produced cultivators of the Dao of Medicine in the past. It¡¯s a pity that very few people studied it in the future, so there are fewer notes and supplements to those books.¡± Xu Qing sighed.


    Old Master Seventh nodded, his eyes revealing admiration.


    ¡°You like to study. This is a good habit.¡± As he spoke, he placed his hands behind his back and brought Xu Qing out of the Scripture Library.


    On the way, Xu Qing hesitated for a moment.


    ¡°Master, I really like to learn. I wonder if Master can teach me this spell that is specially used for learning¡­¡±


    Old Master Seventh glanced at Xu Qing and the admiration in his eyes deepened. He then nodded in satisfaction.


    ¡°With your current cultivation base, you can¡¯t grasp it yet. After you reach the Nascent Soul realm, I¡¯ll teach you this method specially used for learning.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the other sects to take a look. In order to create a Golden Core cultivation art that belongs to you alone, I¡¯ve researched for a long time. This time, I have marked several sects to learn their cultivation arts and make adjustments.¡±


    ¡°So, you have to work hard in the future!¡± With that, Old Master Seventh walked out of the sect.


    Xu Qing nodded heavily and followed behind. He stepped into the air with Old Master Seventh and returned to the magic ship.


    On the magic ship, Old Master Seventh called out to Xu Qing.


    ¡°We cultivators don¡¯t forget to be grateful when learning. You have to remember this. Come, let us pay our respects to this sect. This can be considered returning the favor of reading the scriptures. This way, when we become enemies in the future, we can fight and kill in peace.¡± As he spoke, Old Master Seventh cupped his fists and bowed to the sect below.


    Xu Qing was solemn. He felt that his master¡¯s actions were indeed methodical. Hence, he memorized this etiquette and cupped his fists to bow to the sect below.


    After that, they left.


    Their arrival was silent.


    Their departure was also silent.


    Very soon, the magic ship disappeared in the horizon. A few days later, it stopped outside another sect. Old Master Seventh brought Xu Qing down the magic ship with determination to learn. They went to this sect¡¯s Scripture Library.


    They continued to study.


    Just like that, time flowed by. The magic ship continued to head west of the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.


    They would occasionally stop on the way, one sect after another¡­


    ¡°Learning is endless. Fourth, you¡¯re not bad. Back then, I brought your ignorant and incompetent third senior brother for this experience. However, he doesn¡¯t like to learn at all. Also, it¡¯s the same for your eldest senior brother. Back then, he kept thinking about the sects¡¯ treasures.¡±


    ¡°Fourth, you¡¯re still the most similar to Master!¡± Old Master Seventh was in the Scripture Library of the 47th sect they went to. When he saw Xu Qing focused on reading, he praised him from the bottom of his heart.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t arrogant or rash.


    After hearing his master¡¯s words, he put down the jade slip in his hand and thought for a moment before speaking softly.


    ¡°Master, is there a sect in the Yinghuang Province that mainly focuses on the Dao of Poison? I want to go there and study.¡±

 Chapter 408 - 408 Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching

    408 Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching


    Old Master Seventh admired Xu Qing even more when he saw how Xu Qing calmly said that he wanted to go to poison dao sects to learn. He laughed and nodded.


    ¡°Naturally. Let¡¯s go, Master will bring you there.¡± Old Master Seventh left the sect with Xu Qing.


    In the sky, Xu Qing didn¡¯t need him to speak. He turned and bowed solemnly to the sect below.


    Old Master Seventh was even more satisfied. After bowing as well, he brought Xu Qing onto the magic ship.


    As for Ding Xue, she was still cultivating. Her talent was clearly ordinary, so even with the help of the soul pearl, she was still having difficulty in opening magic apertures.


    Time slowly passed as Xu Qing and Old Master Seventh studied. A month later, as the magic ship entered the western region of the Yinghuang Province and Old Master Seventh perfected the cultivation art he had created for Xu Qing, this study finally came to an end.


    Xu Qing had gained a lot in terms of plants and vegetation techniques and they were quite helpful to his Dao of Poison. The books about poison in the few Poison Dao Evil Sects were especially impactful.


    For example, the Poison Planting Art. This method turned the flesh into a pill furnace and used the bloodline as a curse to refine a lethal poison.


    However, all of this wasn¡¯t the main point for Xu Qing at this moment. His eyes were burning as he looked at a small black ball rising in Old Master Seventh¡¯s palm.


    This small ball was formed by countless runes and contained terrifying fluctuations. What was even more mysterious was that with a glance, it was as though countless information flowed into his mind.


    ¡°Fourth, give me that girl Sima Ru¡¯s Bizarre Nether Heart.¡± Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression was solemn as he slowly spoke.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He recalled that his master had told him that the heart would be of great use. Hence, he immediately took out Sima Ru¡¯s Bizarre Nether Heart from his storage bag and handed it to Old Master Seventh.


    Old Master Seventh flicked his sleeve and fused the Bizarre Nether Heart into the small black ball. Immediately, the small ball boiled as though it was alive and continuously emitted soul-stirring roars.


    ¡°Fourth, the cultivation art I created for you is based on your characteristics. It will form a mark in your mind.¡±


    ¡°This inheritance method was created by referencing an emperor-level cultivation art!¡± As he spoke, the small black ball in Old Master Seventh¡¯s hand roared and dissipated, turning into a ball of black liquid. With a wave of Old Master Seventh¡¯s hand, it floated toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°Lift your head!¡± Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice echoed. Xu Qing looked at the black liquid floating over and lifted his head.


    At the next instant, the liquid came into contact with Xu Qing¡¯s forehead. A piercing pain spread out as the liquid seeped in through Xu Qing¡¯s skin and fused into his bones. It then continued to seep and evaporate. Finally, it transformed into traces of peculiar power that gathered in Xu Qing¡¯s divine sense. As they intertwined, they formed a black mark!


    As soon as this mark appeared, thunder rumbled and waves surged in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. His body seemed to have transformed into a lone boat that churned in the furious sea.


    This mark wasn¡¯t a dead object but was throbbing!


    The frequency of the mark was the same as Xu Qing¡¯s heartbeat.


    As the thumping sounds echoed, a large amount of information erupted from the runic mark and filled Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness. Xu Qing instinctively closed his eyes and focused on comprehending.


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s ancient and proud voice echoed in his sea of consciousness.


    ¡°Fourth, every one of my disciples cultivates a different cultivation art. I personally researched and custom-made them!¡±


    ¡°For your Golden Core cultivation art, I used Bizarre Nether Heart as the foundation and studied hundreds of Golden Core cultivation arts, especially the arts passed down by the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.¡±


    ¡°This technique is extremely domineering and matches the aura and style of your attack; it¡¯s extremely sinister and cruel. This suits your killing nature.¡±


    ¡°This art is called¡­ Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art!¡±


    ¡°This art can turn one of your hands into phantom, into a bizarre nether hand. You can use this phantom hand to pierce into the enemy¡¯s sea of consciousness and snatch their Golden Core from the Heavenly Palace.¡±


    ¡°You can then refine and retain its essence and nurture it in your own Heavenly Palace. After snatching and gathering them like this, it will speed up the formation of your own Golden Core!¡±


    ¡°This way, you¡¯ll become stronger the more you fight and kill!¡±


    ¡°Your future path is to cultivate by killing and proving your path with blood!¡±


    ¡°When cultivated to the extreme, your entire body can transform into the bizarre nether state, obtaining a portion of the characteristics of the Bizarre Fiend Race. Although possession and undying traits are innate talents and difficult to obtain, it can allow you to ignore some spells and change between phantom and corporeal state!¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s words were like muffled thunder. The instant they rumbled in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, the runic mark also erupted with a resplendent light. A large amount of information about the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art gushed into Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    It was just like when he learned the emperor-level cultivation art, Golden Crow Refines All Life, back then. The contents were directly imprinted in his mind.


    That mark was like an inheritance seed and had some characteristic of not being able to be plundered by others. Although it wasn¡¯t as powerful as an emperor-level cultivation art, it was still shocking.


    Xu Qing¡¯s closed eyes opened and his breathing became hurried. When he looked at Old Master Seventh, his eyes revealed an intense light. After a long time, he stood up and cupped his fists, bowing deeply.


    ¡°Thank you, Master!¡±


    After Xu Qing sensed this cultivation art, he realized its astonishing might. Moreover, it was extremely compatible with his body, and he did not need to change his combat style. It was a qualitative change in the same direction on his original foundation.


    Once he stepped into the Golden Core realm, he would instantly master this technique.


    At that moment, the night wind blew over, blowing some of Old Master Seventh¡¯s white hair. He stood there and looked at Xu Qing with a faint smile.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be happy too early. This cultivation art is too domineering and it¡¯s very easy to get lost in cultivation. The divine sense contained in the Golden Cores you seize will confuse your mind, causing you to become a lunatic who only knows how to kill.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, if you want to cultivate this technique, you need a strong point to prop up your soul, so that the various distracting thoughts in the Golden Cores you will snatch in the future will not be able to shake you at all.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, I¡¯m bringing you to a place next. I¡¯ve told you before. It¡¯s the Nanyue Ghost Mountain!¡± Old Master Seventh calmly said.


    Xu Qing immediately thought of the human-shaped pattern that represented the Nanyue Ghost Mountain on the map his master had drawn when he imparted spells to him.


    At that time, his master had said that the Nanyue Ghost Mountain might be a place of fortune for him.


    Now, he understood that what his master had said back then was about this.


    Old Master Seventh had already begun to ponder over his cultivation art back then. When Xu Qing realized this, the gratitude in his heart deepened.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the Nanyue Ghost Mountain. Let¡¯s go there¡­ and plant a god in your heart!¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s words were filled with deep meaning. Before Xu Qing could ask, he flicked his sleeve and the magic ship instantly rumbled, whistling in the direction of the Nanyue Ghost Mountain. They were currently in the west and weren¡¯t far from the Nanyue Ghost Mountain.


    On the way, Ding Xue woke up.


    She finally opened 30 magic apertures and successfully lit a ball of life fire. She excitedly activated her Mystic Brilliance Form and enjoyed the speed and explosive force that far exceeded her previous self.


    Looking at Ding Xue, Xu Qing sighed with emotion inwardly. He thought of the difficulty he faced when forming the first ball of life fire. This was especially so when he saw Old Master Seventh looking at Ding Xue dotingly and even handing her a soul pearl.


    He experienced how his captain used to feel.


    ¡°A girl has to be raised richly, but a boy has to be raised poorly!¡± Old Master Seventh glanced at Xu Qing.


    Ding Xue covered her mouth and laughed. She took out a small box containing snacks and handed one to Old Master Seventh. Just as Old Master Seventh was feeling very happy, Ding Xue secretly handed an even larger snack to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing took it and looked at Old Master Seventh.


    Old Master Seventh glared.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He took a bite and closed his eyes to meditate. While sensing the cultivation art, he was also thinking about the 121st magic aperture.


    Perhaps it was because Old Master Seventh was around, Ding Xue was clearly a little reserved. She didn¡¯t give Xu Qing spirit tickets and ask questions like before. Instead, she had a lively appearance, causing her clear voice to ring out from time to time as well as Old Master Seventh¡¯s hearty laughter.


    However, as they got closer to the Nanyue Ghost Mountain, Ding Xue¡¯s words became fewer and fewer. Old Master Seventh¡¯s laughter also slowly disappeared because¡­ this place was miserable.


    Countless ruins and desolation could be seen on the ground. Skeletons and carnivorous birds and beasts could be seen everywhere. This place was filled with bizarre entities and the sinister feeling ran amok here.


    The bitterness of the human world fused into the world with oppression, permeating the magic ships that flew into this area. From afar, Xu Qing saw a majestic mountain.


    That mountain looked like a supreme existence and stood between heaven and earth. Upon closer inspection, one could see that this mountain was actually a humanoid figure sitting cross-legged and meditating!


    Its appearance was covered by dust but it still couldn¡¯t hide its malevolence. It wore pitch-black armor and held a large blade in its hand. It carried two worlds on its shoulder.


    It was like the spirit of an evil god.


    With just a glance, Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled. Seeing that the mountain wasn¡¯t a mountain, he only felt that the aura of the ghost body sitting cross-legged was astonishing.


    The higher one¡¯s cultivation was, the deeper they would feel the power of this evil being. On the other hand, ordinary people would not feel too much turmoil because they would see the mountain as only a mountain.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, this figure emitted a terrifying pressure.. It was as though every inch of its armor contained the power to destroy everything.


    As for the two worlds on its shoulder, they were lifelike and contained countless demons, ghosts, and monsters. Evil intent soared into the sky, and it was a shocking sight.


    This was the Nanyue Ghost Mountain of the Yinghuang Province.


    As for that evil god¡¯s spirit, it was also known as the Nanyue Ghost Emperor.


    It was unknown how the two worlds on its shoulders were like in their glory days. However, now, they were inhabited by fiends from various races. With the Seven Fiends of Ghost Mountain as the leader, they became one of the six major forces in the Yinghuang Province.


    ¡°Fourth, your mission is to move this god into your heart and make it a pillar of suppression to suppress the distracting thoughts of the Golden Cores you seize in the future!¡±


    ¡°If you can do it, I¡¯ll allow you to cultivate the cultivation art.¡±


    ¡°If you can¡¯t do it, I can only teach you a secondary Golden Core cultivation art.¡±

 Chapter 409 - 409 Spirit Repository, Nihility, Soul Accumulation

    409 Spirit Repository, Nihility, Soul Accumulation


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s words echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears.


    As he listened, he looked at the mountain formed by the Nanyue Ghost Emperor in the distance.


    The waves in his mind rose and fell uncontrollably, growing larger and larger.


    Even though staring at that mountain caused his eyes to sting, Xu Qing still looked at it seriously.


    He couldn¡¯t imagine what kind of cultivation base this god possessed to be able to transform into a mountain after death and have such vast might even as a corpse.


    It could be said that this was the strongest existence Xu Qing had ever seen.


    Even Binding back then couldn¡¯t be compared at all. Even the ancestor of sea lizards, whom he had seen on the Forbidden Sea, seemed to be extremely inferior to the Nanyue Ghost Emperor.


    The only thing that could compare was the mural Xu Qing had seen on the merfolk island, the god of the merfolk race, Mire.


    It was also where Xu Qing obtained his first life lantern.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s memories, Mire also carried two great worlds.


    He didn¡¯t know if this was a special change in a certain realm, but this didn¡¯t affect the churning of his thoughts.


    Old Master Seventh continued to speak.


    ¡°Fourth, today, I will open the knowledge gate of cultivation in the Wanggu Continent and let you see everything clearly.¡±


    ¡°As cultivators, the realm after the Heavenly Palace Golden Core Realm is the Nascent Soul Realm. There are also several small realms in this realm. You¡¯ll know in the future. The main point I want to talk about is after the Nascent Soul Realm!¡±


    ¡°After the Nascent Soul realm, every realm is divided into levels. The difference between different levels is so great that it¡¯s basically the difference between heaven and earth. Moreover, the further one cultivates, the more it will be like this.¡±


    ¡°In fact, you can even see each of them as a different realm!¡±


    ¡°After Nascent Soul is the Spirit Repository Realm!¡±


    ¡°Spirit Repository Realm is divided into five secret repositories. After the five secret repositories is the Nihility Realm!¡±


    ¡°Nihility Realm is divided into four stages. After the fourth stage¡­ is the Soul Accumulation Realm!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind trembled. At this point, Old Master Seventh raised his hand and pointed at the mountain formed by the Nanyue Ghost Emperor.


    ¡°To be able to shoulder two great worlds on his shoulders, this is what a second-stage Soul Accumulation almighty is like!¡±


    ¡°Ancestor Xue Lianzi is at the first stage of Nihility, Shattering Thousand Dao. The Alliance Leader is at the second stage, Illusory and Truth Myriad Transformations. Beyond them are the third and fourth stages. You can take a guess at the difference between them and this Nanyue Ghost Emperor.¡±


    ¡°If the ancestor has a great opportunity in the future, he might have a chance of stepping into the second stage of Nihility. As for the third level of Nihility¡­ it¡¯s as difficult as ascending to the heavens and almost impossible, let alone the fourth level.¡±


    ¡°As for the Soul Accumulation¡­ Let¡¯s put it this way. According to my judgment, there isn¡¯t a single living Soul Accumulation cultivator in the entire Yinghuang Province. In fact, in the entire Fenghai County, there¡¯s no living Soul Accumulation cultivator!¡±


    ¡°Only this half-dead Ghost Emperor is at the second stage of the Soul Accumulation realm!¡±


    ¡°However, he wasn¡¯t a cultivator of the Yinghuang Province but died here. This realm has reached such a level that any one of such existences can be called a god.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred intensely. His understanding of the Wanggu Continent¡¯s cultivation realm was completely clear after Old Master Seventh¡¯s explanation.


    ¡°Before this Ghost Emperor died, Yinghuang Province was a barren land. Although there were many sects, it was extremely chaotic and few experts were born. This lasted until this Ghost Emperor died here. His life force turned into nutrients that nourished all living beings and races.¡±


    ¡°It can even be said that almost all of the six major forces in the entire Yinghuang Province are closely related to it!¡±


    ¡°Regardless of what the rumors are about the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, in reality, they only became so strong because they obtained a portion of the Ghost Emperor¡¯s inheritance.¡±


    ¡°The three spirits of the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain were transformed from the three souls1 of this Ghost Emperor. Nether Fairy is the human soul, Sun Execution is the earth soul, and Embryonic Light is the heaven soul!¡±


    ¡°The seven fiends that exist in the two large worlds on the Ghost Emperor¡¯s shoulder are formed from the seven spirits of this great cultivator!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar controlled by the Sword Holder in the extreme north. In reality¡­ it¡¯s the weapon that the Ghost Emperor stabbed into the ground before he died!¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s words were like thunder and every sentence was like lightning, rumbling endlessly in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. It allowed Xu Qing to clearly understand how terrifying and shocking the Soul Accumulation realm was.


    The death of a Soul Accumulation second stage almighty had given fortune to the whole province, leading to the formation of many factions here.


    Such an existence could indeed be called a god.


    At that moment, Xu Qing also understood that the fallen god of the merfolk race, Mire, was an almighty of this realm.


    ¡°What¡¯s above the Soul Accumulation?¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath and asked hesitantly.


    Old Master Seventh looked at the distant sky. What he saw wasn¡¯t the fragmented face of the god but the starry sky.


    ¡°There might be such a record in the holy lands created by the ancient sovereigns and rulers, as well as in the records of the major races,¡± Old Master Seventh said softly. With a flick of his sleeve, the magic ship disappeared, bringing Xu Qing and the dazed Ding Xue to the ground.


    Ding Xue heard everything but she couldn¡¯t retain the information in her mind.


    Some knowledge was harmful if one¡¯s cultivation level wasn¡¯t high enough.


    When he landed in this evil land, Xu Qing¡¯s emotions were still fluctuating.


    Old Master Seventh glanced at Xu Qing and knew that he was digesting this information. Hence, he brought them to a small town ahead. This place¡­ was the place Old Master Seventh had chosen.


    This small town was located at the foot of the Nanyue Mountain. Although it was very far from the Nanyue Ghost Emperor Mountain, because the mountain peak was tall, one could see the Ghost Emperor¡¯s body from here.


    Moreover, this place directly faced the Ghost Emperor Mountain and it was convenient to observe it.


    ¡°We¡¯ll stay in this small town. Xu Qing, you have to observe this Ghost Emperor every day until you outline its shape in your heart. The time limit is a hundred days.¡±


    Old Master Seventh placed his hands behind his back. As his voice echoed, he brought Xu Qing and Ding Xue ¨C who didn¡¯t dare to speak after seeing Old Master Seventh¡¯s serious expression ¨C into the small town.


    This town wasn¡¯t big and the ground was covered in filth. It was late autumn, so it was more cold. The autumn wind swept over and blew up a large number of dead leaves, piling them up in the corners of the walls, causing the entire town to look a little bleak.


    However, there were also some things that were different. The number of residents here was the same for the elderly and the youths¡­


    This point attracted Xu Qing¡¯s attention.


    Ding Xue didn¡¯t know what this scene represented but Xu Qing could see some clues. However, he didn¡¯t investigate carefully. To him, the most important thing now was to outline the Nanyue Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    The arrival of the three of them aroused the curiosity of the residents of this small town.


    Very few outsiders came to this place. However, Xu Qing and Ding Xue had disguised themselves when they arrived, and it was the same for Old Master Seventh. Hence, in the eyes of the others, their family of three wasn¡¯t too out of place.


    However, in this cannibalistic world, everyone was vigilant. They instinctively felt hostility and estrangement toward outsiders.


    Even though Old Master Seventh had bought a property here, this estrangement and hostility still existed.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t feel anything about this. Every day, he would sit in his residence. When he lifted his head, he would see the majestic Ghost Emperor Mountain. Just like when he comprehended the Extreme Heaven Saber back then, he tried his best to copy it in his mind.


    However, this process was extremely difficult, far surpassing the difficulty of comprehending the heavenly saber. However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t anxious. He continued to stare at it every day. His entire person slowly calmed down and his mind gradually became empty.


    As for Old Master Seventh, he brought Ding Xue to stroll around this small town every day. He had a smiling and kind expression and liked to chat with people. Gradually, they became familiar with the surrounding neighbors.


    Every time someone asked about their origins, Old Master Seventh would have a bitter expression on his face and not speak. When the others saw this, most of them fell into deep thought. They thought of all kinds of tragic past events that might have happened to this old man.


    However, if they asked about the girl beside him, Old Master Seventh wouldn¡¯t feel bitter anymore. Instead, he proudly told everyone that this was his daughter. As for the kid who stayed in his room every day, he was his live-in son-in-law.


    Every time Ding Xue heard Old Master Seventh say this, she would be very happy and put on a shy expression.


    Just like that, the three of them stayed in this small town.


    Time passed day by day and everything was very calm. Xu Qing comprehended every day, and Old Master Seventh brought Ding Xue out every day.


    As they got familiar with this small town, the residents of this small town slowly let down their guard.


    The strangeness of this small town gradually revealed itself.


    Although the residents of this town were suffering, they were very united. In addition, although they were hostile to Old Master Seventh and the other two at the start, after they accepted them, they revealed more kindness and gentleness.


    This scene was rare in this world.


    In addition, there were many old people and children in the small town. This meant that¡­ over the years, this town had encountered very few dangers. Hence, the old people and children who didn¡¯t have much ability to protect themselves were able to survive.


    There was also a school in a corner of the town. The teacher there was in charge of teaching the children of the entire town.


    Every day, the immature sound of studying coming from the school would make the residents reveal happy smiles.


    Among these children, Old Master Seventh especially liked one.


    This was an eight or nine-year-old boy. He was very good-looking.


    He was a little different from the other children because his body was clean and so was his face. He carried a small leather bag and went to and fro from school every day. He was polite to everyone he saw.


    Sometimes, when Old Master Seventh brought Ding Xue for a stroll on the streets and they met this little boy, the boy would lower his head shyly when facing Ding Xue¡¯s gaze. He would also be timid when facing Old Master Seventh¡¯s gaze. However, he would still politely bow and quickly run home.


    His house was next door to Old Master Seventh¡¯s residence. His father was a carpenter and his mother made clothes and weaved for a living. In the morning, they would watch the child leave. In the dusk, they would stand at the door and wait for the little boy to return.


    Every night, the house would be lit up. From the shadow of the window, one could see the warm scene of the family of three.


    No matter how one looked at it, it was ordinary.


    However, Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes grew brighter and brighter. He sat beside Xu Qing and looked at Xu Qing who was staring at the Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    ¡°Fourth, what do you think about getting a fifth brother?¡±


    Xu Qing turned a deaf ear and continued to look at the Ghost Emperor Mountain. His eyes slowly became listless until finally, he unknowingly closed his eyes. In his mind, the outline of the Ghost Emperor was rapidly forming.


    However, it wasn¡¯t over. After it took shape, it was constantly becoming clearer, as though a divine charm was slowly manifesting.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Old Master Seventh, who was talking, suddenly turned his head to look at Xu Qing with a hint of surprise in his eyes.


    ¡°So fast? It¡¯s only been less than a month. Not bad, your speed is only a little bad compared to mine back then¡­¡± Old Master Seventh paused. At the next instant, his eyes suddenly widened as he stared fixedly at Xu Qing. His expression gradually changed.


    ¡°What is this kid doing¡­ I only asked him to carry the god in his mind. It¡¯s enough for him to have a form, but he¡­ is actually copying its charm2!!¡±

 Chapter 410 - 410 Faceless Ghost Mountain

    410 Faceless Ghost Mountain


    ¡°Forget it. He is still young. It¡¯s good for him to run into a brick wall.¡±


    ¡°How can the Dao charm of the Ghost Emperor be copied just like that? This Fourth¡­ is too ambitious.¡± Old Master Seventh sized up Xu Qing a few times before turning to leave.


    At that moment, Xu Qing had already forgotten everything outside his body and the passage of time. There was only one thing in his mind, and that was to completely move this Ghost Emperor into his sea of consciousness.


    This was because his master had said that only then could he cultivate the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art.


    Xu Qing felt that this cultivation art was very suitable for him. He wanted to cultivate this art the moment he stepped into the Golden Core Realm. Hence, he felt that¡­ he had to move the god properly.


    Xu Qing was worried that just moving the outline wouldn¡¯t be enough. Hence, he went deeper and deeper and became increasingly immersed, trying his best to comprehend every detail of the Nanyue Ghost Emperor.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what charm was. His thoughts were very simple. He wanted to make this god in his sea of consciousness as lifelike as possible and be as similar to the Ghost Emperor Mountain to the greatest extent.


    It was like copying an original painting and drawing it perfectly in his mind.


    Hence, after he drew the outline, he began to enrich the details and colors inside. However, the difficulty of this process was much higher.


    It was just like a person with no foundation in painting. If you asked him to picture an outline, he could do it. However, there would often be many mistakes when filling in the details.


    Right now, a mistake appeared when Xu Qing copied the details. This mistake happened when he filled in the details of the body. He had clearly copied it to the greatest extent but the body he copied was still filled with a strange feeling.


    Hence, at the next moment, Xu Qing instinctively erased it and started again.


    This scene happened in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness. It originated from his comprehension and was very difficult for outsiders to notice. However¡­ Old Master Seventh¡¯s cultivation allowed him to see some clues.


    It was also this clue that caused Old Master Seventh, who was about to leave, to suddenly stop in his tracks. He abruptly turned his head and stared fixedly at Xu Qing again.


    ¡°What¡¯s the situation?¡±


    ¡°Why did I feel a hint of Dao charm just now!!¡± Old Master Seventh took a closer look with a puzzled expression.


    ¡°The charm is gone? Also, why is the outline he carried in his mind also gone?¡±


    ¡°What is Fourth doing?¡±


    Old Master Seventh was curious. After observing for a long time and discovering that everything had fallen silent, he walked out in confusion. However, after a day of strolling, even though having Ding Xue by him gave him some joy, he was still curious about Xu Qing¡¯s state. Hence, after he returned at dusk, he hurriedly went to look at Xu Qing.


    Old Master Seventh was stunned.


    ¡°The outline has appeared again! So fast?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also that hint of charm, also¡­ Hmm? It¡¯s gone again!¡±


    Old Master Seventh glared at Xu Qing. He wanted to slap him awake and ask, but he had no choice but to hold it in.


    Just like that, days passed and the second month passed.


    In the second month, Old Master Seventh was already feeling helpless from Xu Qing¡¯s changes. Almost every day, he could sense that Xu Qing had successfully formed the outline before it dissipated.


    In the end, he naturally saw some clues.


    ¡°I only asked you to carry the form. Fourth, you¡­ There¡¯s no need to be like this.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing? Showing off your comprehension ability!¡± Old Master Seventh smiled bitterly. However, the admiration in his eyes grew increasingly dense during this month. He also gained a more comprehensive understanding of his fourth disciple¡¯s comprehension ability.


    ¡°This kid¡­ is actually the most suitable for the Dao Arts of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, and the inheritance of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect comes from this Ghost Emperor. To a certain extent, this kid is very suited to cultivate the Dao of the Nanyue Ghost Emperor.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps this is also the reason why he can comprehend the Ghost Emperor to such an astonishing extent.¡±


    While Old Master Seventh was deep in thought, Xu Qing¡¯s comprehension had also reached a critical moment. He used his sea of consciousness as a drawing board and his comprehension ability as a brush. He drew the Ghost Emperor Mountain again and again and erased it again and again.


    Just like that, the body of the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness gradually became more and more lifelike. Some details also became richer as Xu Qing adjusted and copied them again and again. Only¡­ this Ghost Emperor body had no face.


    However, Xu Qing was not satisfied with the face. In reality, he wasn¡¯t very satisfied with the body either.


    If outsiders knew about this, they would definitely be shaken. This was because it was rare for someone at the Foundation Building realm to accomplish this.


    This had an extremely high requirement on comprehension.


    However, Xu Qing felt that he was far from even accomplishing 10%. Although the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness looked lifelike, he was very clear that it was just an empty shell.


    At most, it was a very exquisite empty shell.


    Compared to the truly perfect copying, Xu Qing judged that he had probably not even completed one percent.


    He wanted to try his best to copy it, but his mind was already unable to hold on. His sea of consciousness was completely stretched after the appearance of this Ghost Emperor Mountain, and it was difficult for him to continue maintaining his consciousness.


    Hence, on the 67th day, Xu Qing opened his eyes. The deep charm in his eyes filled the air, containing sharpness that surpassed the past.


    However, Xu Qing sighed softly.


    After that, he sensed something and turned his head. He saw Old Master Seventh sitting behind him with a calm expression.


    ¡°Master, I can¡¯t continue comprehending.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be discouraged. Although you couldn¡¯t finish moving the god in three days like Master back then, I know that you¡¯ve done your best.¡±


    Old Master Seventh calmly spoke with a look that said, ¡®You¡¯re alright.¡¯ However, at this moment, his mind was stirring quite a bit. He could sense a hint of the true charm of the Ghost Emperor Mountain from Xu Qing.


    Although it was only a trace, if this matter was spread, it was enough to make the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect go crazy.


    ¡°Master, it¡¯s my comprehension ability that¡¯s limited¡­ I¡¯ve already reached my limit.¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head. He knew that he couldn¡¯t compare to his master. In his mind, his master¡¯s strength was like a deep pool whose depths could never be seen.


    He only felt regret that he had only comprehended for more than 60 days and couldn¡¯t continue.


    At that moment, the Ghost Emperor Mountain that appeared in his mind emitted a dense black light that emitted waves of astonishing fluctuations. However, it was still far from what Xu Qing thought was perfect.


    He could only try his best to show its outline.


    Old Master Seventh looked at Xu Qing and sighed inwardly. In his eyes, the instant Xu Qing woke up, not only did he have a hint of true charm, but the aura on his body was also greatly different from before. There was also a hint of ghost aura.


    This ghost aura wasn¡¯t an aura of death but a mysterious and unfathomable sensation. Although this wasn¡¯t much to Old Master Seventh, he was very clear that this meant a lot to cultivators below his cultivation level.


    In fact, it could even vaguely form a deterrence against bizarre entities. If others looked at Xu Qing and they had weak wills, they would feel their minds buzzing.


    Not only did Old Master Seventh sense this, but the shadow felt it even more intensely. Old Master Seventh was beside it, so it didn¡¯t dare to show anything. However, the horror in its mind spread throughout its body as Xu Qing woke up.


    It faintly felt that at this moment, Xu Qing¡­ seemed to have the ability to eat it.


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s face twitched but he instantly returned to normal and spoke with a smile.


    ¡°Although your comprehension ability is average compared to mine, it¡¯s not bad in our human race.¡±


    ¡°Master, I wonder if my current state of comprehension can allow me to cultivate the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art.¡± Xu Qing was a little nervous as he lifted his head and looked at Old Master Seventh.


    Old Master Seventh looked at Xu Qing and saw his worried expression. He suddenly didn¡¯t want to speak. He felt a little mentally tired, so he stood up and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Barely.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he heaved a sigh of relief. However, he was also thinking about how he would add copying the Ghost Emperor Mountain to his daily cultivation plans in the future. He would try to comprehend it day and night and strive to truly move it into his sea of consciousness one day.


    With this thought in mind, Xu Qing hurriedly stood up. Just as he was about to walk out of the house, Ding Xue came in with snacks. When she saw Xu Qing, her eyes lit up.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, you¡¯re finally awake.¡±


    As she spoke, Ding Xue hurriedly ran to Xu Qing and handed him the snacks.


    When Xu Qing saw the snacks, he felt a sense of hunger in his stomach. Although his cultivation had reached the level where he could stop eating ordinary food, Xu Qing still liked to eat.


    This was because when he ate, he would feel a sense of satisfaction. To him, who had grown up in the slums and lived in the open, this was an instinct that was engraved in his bones.


    Hence, Xu Qing picked up a piece and ate it. After some thought, he picked up another piece.


    The smile in Ding Xue¡¯s eyes was about to overflow. She was in an extremely good mood. She then took out a bottle of medicinal liquid brewed from fruits and added medicinal herbs before placing it in front of Xu Qing considerately.


    Xu Qing glanced at Ding Xue and smiled.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    This caused Ding Xue to become excited. Just as she was about to speak, Old Master Seventh¡¯s snort rang out from outside the door.


    ¡°Since you can¡¯t comprehend it anymore, we have to leave.¡±


    Ding Xue pouted, feeling a little dissatisfied. However, she didn¡¯t dare to say anything else. When Xu Qing heard this, he followed Ding Xue out of the house.


    At that moment, it was already dusk outside. The afterglow scattered outside the house and also landed on Old Master Seventh, who was standing in the courtyard with his hands behind his back, reflecting the dissatisfaction on his face very clearly.


    Ding Xue blinked and hurriedly ran over to take out another box of snacks. Only then did Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression relax and reveal satisfaction.


    That expression made Xu Qing feel that it was a little familiar. After recalling, he thought of the old man from the inn on Panquan Road¡­


    Xu Qing then thought of the white snake in the inn.


    While Xu Qing was recalling, Old Master Seventh took a bite of the snack. After that, he took out a white token and threw it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Go and give this token to the little boy from the next door who is about to return from school.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s rare for me to go out. Let¡¯s see if I can find Fifth on the way back in this Yinghuang Province.¡±


    ¡°Master will wait for you outside the town.¡± As Old Master Seventh spoke, he summoned Ding Xue. Ding Xue reluctantly left with him.


    The orange afterglow of the setting sun spread across the ground. Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and he sat on the low wall at the side. He lifted his head and looked at the setting sun as he waited silently.


    He chose a location which intersected with the streets and the neighbor¡¯s house.


    Not long later, a little boy carrying a school bag and wearing clean clothes bounced back. When he met the neighbors on the way, he would politely bow. When he lifted his head, the smile on his face was filled with joy and satisfaction.


    When he was about to reach his house, he saw Xu Qing sitting on the low wall and stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°Big Brother.¡± The little boy hesitated for a moment. The smile on his face was a little forced, hiding some fear.


    However, in Xu Qing¡¯s perception, although this fear was real, there was a ferocity hidden in the depths that was being suppressed.

 Chapter 411 - 411 Like a Cycle of Life

    411 Like a Cycle of Life


    Almost at the same time that the little boy spoke, the door of the house at the side silently opened.


    The little boy¡¯s parents walked out expressionlessly and stared coldly at Xu Qing.


    Vaguely, the sunset was covered by black clouds, as though it would rain soon. Waves of rumbling thunder echoed, and bolts of lightning flashed in all directions.


    In the town, in the face of the impending storm, the residents hurriedly returned to their respective homes. The gravels on the ground trembled slightly at the moment the wind blew, and a large number of fallen leaves were also swept up.


    To outsiders, all of this was a natural change caused by the weather. However, in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, all of this scene came from this little boy in front of him.


    ¡°Interesting.¡±


    Xu Qing tilted his head and his gaze swept past the little boy¡¯s parents. The Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness suddenly shone at this moment, appearing in Xu Qing¡¯s pupils.


    At the next instant, the little boy¡¯s parents¡¯ bodies trembled and horror appeared in their cold gazes. It was the same for the little boy¡¯s eyes. They looked exactly the same as his parents¡¯ gazes.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t release his pressure. After a glance, he retracted the pressure of the Ghost Emperor Mountain and no longer looked at the little boy¡¯s parents.


    Those two figures were meaningless.


    He focused his attention on the little boy who was looking at him with a forced smile. He then leaped up and landed in front of him.


    The little boy¡¯s expression changed and he quickly retreated.


    Xu Qing waved his hand and threw the white token Old Master Seventh gave to the little boy.


    ¡°This is the entry token of the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    The little boy didn¡¯t take it and allowed the token to land on the ground in front of him. When it came into contact with the gravel, it emitted a crisp sound.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t mind. He walked forward and calmly spoke when he passed by the little boy.


    ¡°Do you want to become a human?¡±


    With that, Xu Qing continued forward, walking further and further away from the town.


    The moment he left, heavy rain poured down on the entire town.


    The pitter-patter sounds of the rain were accompanied by thunder and lightning, washing the ground and everything.


    In the rain, only the little boy and his parents stood rooted to the ground. They were both staring at the white token on the ground that wasn¡¯t touched by the rain.


    After a long time, the little boy suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Do you guys think I should go take a look?¡±


    The boy¡¯s parents fell silent.


    ¡°I forgot that I created you guys. Your thoughts are monotonous, so it¡¯s impossible for you to answer my question.¡±


    The little boy mumbled and looked at the token again, revealing a tempted expression.


    He wasn¡¯t a human or a nonhuman. He was a bizarre entity, a special bizarre entity.


    His combat strength wasn¡¯t strong but he had clear thoughts and intelligence like all races. At the same time, for some reason, he longed for the life of the human race since he gained consciousness.


    Hence, he came to this small town many years ago and transformed into a human before creating his parents.


    He went to school happily every day and the cycle repeated.


    Moreover, every few years, he would erase the memories of the people in this small town and let everything start over again.


    This way, he could continue to go to school happily every day.


    He couldn¡¯t remember how long such days had passed. Year after year, generation after generation.


    He watched as his school companions grew up, grew old, and died. But he was still the same.


    It was also because of his secret protection that this small town was peaceful. This was also the reason why there were so many old people and children.


    The moment Xu Qing manifested the image of the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his eyes earlier, he had seen all of this very clearly. He also made a judgment in his mind. Moreover, Old Master Seventh had given this little boy a token, so he naturally knew of this.


    As for whether this little boy would come to the Seven Blood Eyes in the end, it wasn¡¯t something Xu Qing could consider.


    He only felt that this bizarre entity was indeed a little different.


    At that moment, Xu Qing returned to the magic ship floating in the wind and rain. The moment he stepped in, Old Master Seventh didn¡¯t ask anything. He flicked his sleeve and the magic ship buzzed, instantly leaving.


    On the way back, Old Master Seventh wasn¡¯t in a hurry. Instead, he casually strolled around.


    Sometimes, he would bring Xu Qing and Ding Xue to a large city and sit on a tree in front of a wealthy family¡¯s mansion to observe a young master inside.


    Sometimes, he would bring them to a small country and look at those suffering people. It was unknown what he was thinking.


    There were also times when he went to places like the scavenger campsite and observed everyone there until he saw someone interesting. He would smile and ask Xu Qing and Ding Xue how this person was.


    If he encountered a suitable one, Old Master Seventh would hand Xu Qing a white token and let him send it over.


    The people who obtained Old Master Seventh¡¯s token were all young boys and girls.


    Among them, there were children from wealthy families, suffering scholars, beggars, or skinny children.


    As he handed the tokens, the scene of him at the scavenger campsite appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. At that time, the person following Old Master Seventh was his servant.


    On this trip, it wasn¡¯t very convenient for the servant to follow him, so Xu Qing did this job.


    Gradually, Xu Qing also saw some clues. These people who obtained Old Master Seventh¡¯s token all had some special characteristics.


    For example, the soul and body of that rich young master didn¡¯t match very closely. Outsiders might not be able to tell but after Xu Qing manifested the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his pupils, he could tell at a glance.


    This rich kid should have been possessed.


    There was also a poor person from that small country. She was a silly girl who smiled and begged for food all day. Her body was covered in rot but everyone who bullied her during the day would have nightmares at night.


    The reason was that this silly girl would dig out the rotting places on her body at night and perform some kind of curse.


    This curse wasn¡¯t like a spell but more like an innate talent.


    However, she hid herself very well and outsiders couldn¡¯t tell. Those who had nightmares wouldn¡¯t die immediately but the possibility of encountering an accident when they went out would increase infinitely.


    Another example was the scavenger campsite¡¯s medical shop¡¯s kid. Every night, he would be forced by the shopkeeper to eat soil. Every time he finished eating it, he would bleed from all over his body.


    The shopkeeper would carefully collect the blood and store it in small bottles. He would sell it as healing medicine the next day.


    Things like this were hidden very deeply. However, Old Master Seventh seemed to be very good at searching. Hence, Xu Qing saw a lot during this period of time. Every one of them made him feel that they were extraordinary and had great potential.


    After handing out more than 20 tokens, Old Master Seventh stopped searching and sighed with emotion in front of Xu Qing.


    ¡°As expected, a great era is coming. Back then, I came to the Yinghuang Province and searched around. There weren¡¯t many good seedlings. In the end, only your third senior brother was left.


    ¡°However, now that we¡¯re here again, there are actually many more good seedlings here.¡±


    ¡°This time, I still plan to choose one out of 50. Let¡¯s see who can become your junior brother or junior sister in the end.¡±


    Old Master Seventh was clearly very satisfied with his harvest from this trip.


    ¡°Xu Qing, Xue¡¯er, which of the seedlings who obtained the token this time will stand in front of me?¡±


    Ding Xue thought about it and immediately spoke.


    ¡°Uncle, I think that silly girl who can curse others can do it!¡±


    Old Master Seventh smiled and looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing fell silent and recalled the people he had seen. In the end, the one who appeared in his mind was that rich kid.


    ¡°I think the one who was possessed has the highest possibility.¡±


    Old Master Seventh was a little surprised.


    ¡°Why do you say that? I thought you were going to mention the first boy to obtain the token.¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°He¡¯s not cautious enough. Among these people, only that rich kid is the most cautious.¡±


    ¡°Interesting.¡± Old Master Seventh laughed. He controlled the magic ship and headed straight for the Seven Blood Eyes, ending this trip.


    It was rare for Xu Qing to be free. He continued to ponder about the opening of the 121st magic aperture and vaguely had a plan. However, before he continued thinking along that line, he asked Old Master Seventh.


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s reply was that the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo magic treasure might have a certain effect on searching for the 121st magic aperture. He told Xu Qing to give it a try.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought and recalled the small mirror he had obtained on this trip. He held it in his hand and studied it.


    Old Master Seventh swept his gaze over but didn¡¯t speak.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t ask anymore. He pondered for a few days and gradually figured it out.


    This item was a magic treasure fragment. The intact magic treasure might also be a mirror, the same as the shape of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo, but their abilities were naturally different. As for this magic treasure fragment, its function was to stimulate the soul.


    As long as one looked at it, their soul would be in a daze for an instant and their eyes would feel an intense piercing pain. If they were killed by it, this small mirror would form a bizarre entity.


    In terms of ability, it was alright. However, this item had clearly not been sacrificially refined. To mortals, its effect was astonishing like a supreme treasure. However, to cultivators with a certain level of cultivation, the effect was average and couldn¡¯t be fatal.


    ¡°However, if I catch someone off guard, I might be able to use it as a support.¡± Xu Qing recalled the scene when he obtained this small mirror. At that time, when he glanced at it, he felt a piercing pain in his eyes and was distracted for a moment.


    If used well, this split second of distraction could often decide life and death.


    After Xu Qing fell silent, he kept the item. He planned to slowly experiment later and see where its limit was.


    Just like that, another few days passed and the Eight Sects Alliance was in sight.


    The moment he returned, under Ding Xue¡¯s reluctant gaze, Xu Qing left Old Master Seventh¡¯s magic ship and flew toward the Transportation Department where Zhang San was.


    This trip was a little long and the magic ship had experienced two self-destructions. Although it could still be used, Xu Qing felt that it was better to repair it.


    At that moment, it was noon and the sun was shining brightly. Just as Xu Qing was whistling through the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ main city, his expression suddenly changed and he abruptly lowered his head to look at the ground.


    Xu Qing saw the little mute on a street.


    For the first time, the little mute didn¡¯t wear a dog skin coat and a Daoist robe. Instead, he only wore a Daoist robe.


    His way of walking was also different from usual. He didn¡¯t stick close to the corner of the wall but swaggered in the center.


    Although his sense of vigilance was still there, it was still a little different from what Xu Qing remembered.


    Now, his vigilance contained some excitement and curiosity about the outside world. In the past, his vigilance kept the strangers away, as though he could devour them at any time.


    Most importantly, the little mute was very weak. This weakness wasn¡¯t in his body but in his soul.


    Xu Qing had seen the same scene before. It was on the rich kid who had been possessed.


    Looking at the little mute, the shadow of the Ghost Emperor Mountain appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. After carefully sizing up the little mute, Xu Qing narrowed his eyes.


    He took a step forward and instantly arrived in front of the little mute.


    Xu Qing¡¯s appearance was too abrupt. The little mute¡¯s expression changed and he instinctively retreated. After seeing Xu Qing¡¯s face clearly, he hurriedly lowered his head and immediately knelt down.


    However, at the next instant, Xu Qing had grabbed the little mute¡¯s neck, pulling the little mute whose face was red and whose eyes were filled with horror in front of him.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was calm with a hint of coldness. He looked into the little mute¡¯s eyes and spoke.


    ¡°Who are you?¡±

 Chapter 412 - 412 Shadows of Events

    412 Shadows of Events


    The little mute¡¯s eyes revealed horror and his body trembled. He wanted to struggle but Xu Qing¡¯s right hand was like an iron clamp, firmly grabbing his neck, making his struggles useless.


    The huge difference in cultivation also made it impossible for him to resist.


    Even though¡­ he was already close to the Foundation Building.


    The reason why it was close was because the little mute¡¯s cultivation was very strange. He was between Qi Condensation and Foundation Building, as though his Foundation Building hadn¡¯t ended.


    This place could be considered a bustling part of the city. There were many pedestrians in the surroundings and there were also many disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes and other sects. However, when everyone saw Xu Qing and the little mute, their expressions froze. The mortals retreated while the cultivators lowered their heads to greet Xu Qing.


    With Xu Qing¡¯s current status in the Eight Sects Alliance, forget about him grabbing a disciple¡¯s neck, even if he killed someone on the streets, he wouldn¡¯t face any trouble.


    At most, he would be reprimanded. In fact, if he had the slightest reason, he wouldn¡¯t even be reprimanded.


    After all, to a certain extent, he was already someone who represented the younger generation of the Eight Sects Alliance.


    Xu Qing coldly looked at the little mute. He remembered that when they were patrolling the river before, the little mute was at the Perfected Qi Condensation Realm and was about to step into Foundation Building. His current state coupled with what he had seen with the Ghost Emperor Mountain, an answer appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    He was very sure that the person in front of him was just an empty shell. The soul inside was definitely not of the little mute.


    Seeing that this person wasn¡¯t saying anything, Xu Qing carried the little mute and flew straight for the berth.


    When he arrived, he took out the magic ship that still had one chance to self-destruct. The moment he stepped into the cabin, Xu Qing¡¯s hand instantly emitted dark soul fire that flowed down the little mute¡¯s neck and entered his body.


    At the next moment, a mournful whimper rang out from the little mute¡¯s mouth. His body visibly weakened and his entire body was trembling violently as his soul was extracted by Xu Qing¡¯s dark soul fire.


    This soul was different from the little mute¡¯s appearance. It was a ball of black fog that kept changing its appearance. It emitted an evil aura and dense anomalous substances, as though it wanted to taint the surroundings.


    However, under Xu Qing¡¯s dark soul fire, it could only tremble. As Xu Qing¡¯s shadow spread out and the shadow opened its eyes, revealing a hungry intent to devour, the soul trembled even more intensely.


    Finally, Xu Qing absorbed it and fused the soul into his body, suppressing it on the 61st magic aperture. The magic power fire burned and as he continued to refine it, the little mute¡¯s body trembled and the expression that Xu Qing was familiar with slowly appeared in his eyes.


    Xu Qing let go of his grip.


    The little mute¡¯s body landed on the ground. His breathing was hurried and he was a little confused. However, he seemed to have recalled something. His expression turned gloomy and his eyes revealed a baleful aura.


    After that, he knelt down before Xu Qing and kowtowed three times. When he lifted his head, he looked at Xu Qing gratefully.


    Xu Qing carefully sized up the little mute and spoke.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    The little mute immediately took out a jade slip and quickly imprinted it. He then respectfully handed the jade slip to Xu Qing. After Xu Qing took it, the mute lowered his head and looked at his body that no longer had a leather coat. He clearly felt a little uncomfortable.


    ¡°Go and change.¡± With Xu Qing¡¯s word, the little mute immediately took out his old dog skin coat from his storage bag and put it on. Only then did he calm down. He squatted there and silently waited for Xu Qing¡¯s instructions.


    Xu Qing checked the jade slip and quickly understood the reason.


    Everything was because of the little mute¡¯s Foundation Building.


    When a cultivator reached the Foundation Building realm, a great terror would descend. Hence, they needed to rent a shelter in the sect and borrow the lights there to protect themselves.


    The little mute indeed did this but his perception was extraordinary and his intuition extremely sharp. This terrifying intuition usually helped him a lot. He could even sense the existence of the shadow.


    However¡­ this became a huge flaw when he attempted the Foundation Building. His intuition and perception were like a bright and dazzling torch. Not only did it attract more unknown existences, but it also made it easier for those existences to occupy his body.


    Hence, he encountered great terror. He was invaded by those shadows that existed in another world. One of them even suppressed the little mute¡¯s soul, almost succeeding in possessing him.


    If it wasn¡¯t for Xu Qing seeing it, the little mute¡¯s soul would probably be fused and devoured after some time. If that happened, there would not be many flaws for others to detect.


    Xu Qing glanced at the little mute who was kneeling there. Although his body was weak now, his expression was calm. He recalled the various performances of the other party in the past. To a certain extent, he could be considered his direct subordinate.


    After all, the little mute had frequently expressed his desire to follow him from the start. Later on, he also worked extremely hard in his department.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Advance to Foundation Building here.¡±


    The little mute¡¯s eyes lit up. Without any hesitation, he immediately sat down cross-legged.


    From what he knew, although the Foundation Building contained great terror, as long as Xu Qing was around, he wasn¡¯t afraid of the terror.


    Hence, as he sat cross-legged, the little mute¡¯s breathing quickly became even. His cultivation base gradually circulated.


    Xu Qing was also meditating. At midnight, he opened his eyes and looked at the little mute.


    At that moment, the spirit sea tides in the little mute¡¯s body spread out and he was sensing his magic apertures when a cold wind blew from the surroundings.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. The canopy above his head suddenly shone and the black umbrella manifested. With a wave of his hand, the umbrella moved above the little mute¡¯s head and pressed down. Immediately, a light enveloped the little mute¡¯s body.


    The protective force instantly spread out and the surroundings lit up. There were waves of screams that couldn¡¯t be heard but could be sensed by one¡¯s mind.


    It was the sound of countless shadows rapidly retreating under the light of the black umbrella.


    However, before they could completely escape, Xu Qing¡¯s shadow spread in all directions, transforming into large mouths that devoured them crazily. As the sound of chewing rang out, more than half of these shadows were devoured by the shadow.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He suddenly lifted his hand and grabbed the remaining shadows. These shadows couldn¡¯t break free at all and were immediately grabbed by Xu Qing. They fused into his body and were suppressed on the 61st magic aperture.


    In an instant, the suppression power of the 61st magic aperture was filled.


    ¡°This works too?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. The shadow at the side felt a little aggrieved. It felt that its food had been snatched away by Demon Xu but it didn¡¯t dare to show it. It could only silently close its mouths.


    A strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. After pondering for a moment, with a thought, the light of the black umbrella instantly converged. Its protective power was still there, but it was no longer visible.


    By doing this, there was no light to cause damage to the shadows in the surroundings. Very soon, the shadows appeared again. These shadows didn¡¯t seem to have much intelligence. Driven by their instinctive greed, they headed straight for the little mute.


    However, what awaited them was Xu Qing¡¯s dark soul fire.


    This fire suddenly spread out and swept through the surroundings, enveloping all the shadows in the surroundings. With a sweep, they all entered Xu Qing¡¯s body and quickly landed on the 62nd magic aperture. At the next moment, the 62nd magic aperture was directly filled.


    Xu Qing was overjoyed. He didn¡¯t expect this method to have such a miraculous effect. This was much easier and convenient than him going out to kill and absorb. As long as the little mute was attempting the Foundation Building, these shadows would come endlessly.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    After a night, Xu Qing¡¯s mood was extremely joyous. In just one night, the number of magic apertures filled with suppressed souls increased from 62 to 73.


    Such speed caused Xu Qing to be quite satisfied when he looked at the little mute.


    Moreover, the little mute¡¯s spirit sea tides were still spreading throughout his body. From the looks of it, it would continue for a few days. Xu Qing weighed the probability and felt that there was a high chance that he could fill all 120 magic apertures.


    In fact, occasionally, Xu Qing saw that great terror. When the Ghost Emperor Mountain manifested in his eyes, he could see the great terror clearly. It was a huge shadow that was much larger than the shadows he suppressed.


    Its form wasn¡¯t a lump of fog either. Instead, it transformed into various strange shapes. For example, what appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s perception at this moment was a huge black fish.


    This fish was a thousand feet long. After it was attracted over, it circled the surroundings. In the end, it seemed to be unable to hold it in and abruptly approached. The instant it got close, Xu Qing took a step forward and appeared beside the little mute. He then lifted his right hand and pressed down.


    The black fish¡¯s body trembled and it wanted to retreat but it was too late. The eruption of the dark soul fire was like a huge net that directly enveloped the big fish. It shrank and instantly, cold soul power flowed into Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    It was suppressed in the 74th magic aperture, causing this magic aperture to be completely filled.


    Xu Qing was satisfied. He sat and continued to wait.


    Because the little mute¡¯s Foundation Building was already halfway done, his sensing only lasted for seven days.


    Even so, it was enough for Xu Qing to fish. After all, in the perception of those shadows, the little mute was like a bright lantern in the night, filled with attraction.


    Very soon, Xu Qing¡¯s filled magic apertures reached 80, followed by 90. On the sixth day, he successfully suppressed souls in all of his 120 magic apertures!


    However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t done. This was because the souls suppressed in the magic apertures could be replaced by better souls. Hence, on the seventh day, Xu Qing continued and replaced some shadows with three large ones.


    The little mute¡¯s magic aperture sensing ended and he began to open his magic apertures, entering Foundation Building. Those shadows also completely stopped coming.


    Although Xu Qing felt regretful, he was mostly satisfied.


    As for the little mute, on the rainy night of the ninth day, he opened his eyes. A magic aperture opened in his body and emitted magic power fluctuations. He had successfully stepped into the Foundation Building!


    After sensing his cultivation, the little mute excitedly knelt down and kowtowed to Xu Qing again.


    Xu Qing glanced at the little mute and calmly spoke.


    ¡°You can learn the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art. You have to form a ball of life fire as soon as possible because¡­ Foundation Building cultivators who cannot activate Mystic Brilliance Form are just weaklings.¡±


    ¡°Only by forming the first ball of life fire and activating the Mystic Brilliance Form can you be considered a true Foundation Building cultivator.¡±


    The little mute bowed heavily and determination appeared in his eyes.


    At the same time, outside the Eight Sects Alliance, in the not-too-distant mountain forest of the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain, beside a lone grave. Under the cold rain at night, two figures were walking away from the grave.


    The surroundings were quiet and there was no sound at all. It was as though no living beings dared to make a single sound in their presence. Only the sound of the rain was faintly discernible.


    These two figures were both wearing pitch-black robes that covered their heads, revealing only¡­ the mask that looked like the fragmented face of a god.


    The mask emitted an aura that made one feel uneasy and terrified, causing the void wherever the two figures passed to distort.


    From afar, they looked like gods walking in the human world under the rainy night.


    Regardless of the cultivation base of all the existences they encountered on the way, due to the difference in life level, they couldn¡¯t sense or see them clearly at all.


    These two were Night Dove and his master.


    ¡°We¡¯re almost at the Eight Sects Alliance. Is the person who invited us to watch the performance ready?¡± A young voice rang out from under the mask of the black-clothed man walking in front.


    ¡°Master, he¡¯s ready.¡±

 Chapter 413 - 413 Blood Performance: Prologue

    413 Blood Performance: Prologue


    Old Master Seventh pointed out a path for Xu Qing and asked him to move the god to his mind. Xu Qing did it, except that god had no face.


    As such, Xu Qing also pointed out a path for the little mute, asking him to learn the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art and walk the path of slaughter.


    He felt that this path was very suitable for the little mute. He had seen the little mute growing with slaughter and cruelty. During these few days when he was protecting the latter, he saw his past self.


    The world was ever-changing. Only by cultivating could one have a sense of stability. Moreover, the little mute¡¯s killing nature was very strong. Xu Qing felt that such a person was like him, suitable for cultivating the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art.


    The little mute clearly remembered this matter firmly. He always obeyed Xu Qing¡¯s words unconditionally. This was his instinct, his instinct to worship the strong.


    After sending the little mute off, Xu Qing didn¡¯t stay idle. He immediately went to the Transportation Department. However¡­ when he arrived, it was already dusk. He saw a female disciple leaving with a flushed face and Zhang San smoking a pipe with a blissful expression.


    Xu Qing vaguely remembered seeing that female disciple before. She was an alchemy cultivator from the Second Peak. Back then, she had come with Gu Muqing to look for Zhang San to ask him to escort her.


    Although her appearance was ordinary, this female disciple had a good figure. When she saw Xu Qing, she blushed and bowed before leaving in a hurry.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t curious about Zhang San¡¯s affairs. After he arrived, he was about to speak when Zhang San lifted his head proudly.


    ¡°How is it? My charm is still alright, right?¡±


    ¡°Impressive!¡± Xu Qing nodded and spoke seriously.


    Every time he made such an expression, it would be filled with conviction. Regardless of whether it was the captain or his master, they liked it very much.


    When Zhang San saw Xu Qing¡¯s expression, he became even happier. He lifted his right hand and extended it toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°Take it out. I reckon your magic ship exploded again. Did you see my sense of participation this time?¡±


    Xu Qing recalled and shook his head. After that, he took out the magic ship.


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t seen it? That can¡¯t be.¡± Zhang San was a little anxious. He looked at the magic ship Xu Qing took out and came to a realization.


    ¡°So it didn¡¯t completely self-destruct. No wonder. However, Xu Qing, this is the first time you¡¯ve taken back the magic ship intact. That is quite something. Keep it up.¡± Zhang San laughed and took Xu Qing¡¯s magic ship.


    ¡°I can repair your magic ship to the same state as before within three days. However, Xu Qing, you have to speed up and strive to suppress the souls in all your magic apertures. This way, you can form an artifact spirit and advance your magic ship.¡±


    ¡°I have already filled them,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    ¡°Ah?¡± Zhang San was stunned. He also cultivated the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art. He knew that the final suppression required 120 souls. This process required a lot of time and killing. Moreover, the requirement for souls was extremely high.


    In his memory, Xu Qing didn¡¯t seem to have formed the fourth life fire for long.


    ¡°So soon?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. The flames on his body dissipated and 120 magic apertures suddenly appeared. Mournful cries rang out from his 120 magic apertures. It was the wails of all the souls he had suppressed.


    The eintense resentment spread and transformed into a violent force, causing Zhang San to gasp.


    ¡°In that case, three days won¡¯t be enough. I need seven days. After seven days, come to my place and fuse the souls. Let me witness the formation of the magic warship!¡±


    Zhang San¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement as he spoke. He forgot about Xu Qing, and left with the magic ship, starting to think of a plan to forge it.


    Xu Qing looked at Zhang San¡¯s back view and cupped his fists, bowing deeply. He then left for the headquarters of the Special Security Department. He had a residence there as well and planned to stay there for seven days.


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Special Security Department was rather busy during this period of time. They mainly cooperated with the security departments of the other sects to carry out some missions of the Alliance in the surroundings.


    This also showed that the Seven Blood Eyes had completely integrated into the alliance. There were many joint missions that allowed them to work with the disciples of the various sects . Xu Qing could sense this clearly. For example, there were clearly more disciples from the other sects in the main city.


    As for the disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes, they were no longer limited to the main city of the Seven Blood Eyes. Most of them would go to other main cities to purchase things that were not easily available here. Some businessmen even opened shops in the cities of the other sects.


    Overall, with the addition of the Seven Blood Eyes, the alliance had become more lively than before and its strength had increased by a lot.


    Recent missions were mainly focused in the direction of the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain.


    Xu Qing checked the dossier and learned that the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain was much more active than before recently. It seemed that the population of the 137 countries in its range had decreased greatly. Hence, the cultivators of the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain went out to invade new small countries to replenish their population.


    This kind of hunting outside their territories would happen every once in a while. The Alliance would pay close attention to it and there would occasionally be friction.


    It was unknown what he was busy with, but the captain had disappeared along with Wu Jianwu. These two people seemed to be colluding and doing something major.


    Xu Qing glanced in the direction of the Mystic Nether Sect. He hesitated for a moment before retracting his gaze.


    There was a portion of disciples from the Special Security Department who were going out to patrol the river. Xu Qing and the captain didn¡¯t participate. This group was led by several old two-fire Foundation Building disciples from the Fifth Peak.


    Hence, the number of people in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Special Security Department was fewer than before and looked somewhat empty.


    Xu Qing liked this silence. Looking at the empty Special Security Department, he felt that it wasn¡¯t bad. While he meditated in his residence, he was also thinking about the 121st magic aperture.


    ¡°It can only be found between life and death¡­¡± Xu Qing pondered. He had a plan in mind for finding the 121st magic aperture. He had thought of this plan on his way back.


    Right now, it was still in its infancy. He needed to carefully weigh the feasibility of this plan.


    ¡°I might need the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo magic treasure¡¯s help¡­¡±


    Xu Qing pondered for a moment. On the way back, Old Master Seventh had mentioned that the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo magic treasure had an effect on illuminating magic apertures. Xu Qing planned to go to the place of Taboo to give it a try after seven days.


    However, his plan to open the 121st magic aperture contained a certain level of danger.


    Xu Qing was a little hesitant. Should he really carry out this plan?


    ¡°I¡¯ll decide after I look at the Taboo.¡±


    Xu Qing made a decision. Regarding the 121st magic aperture, Xu Qing felt that it would naturally be best if he could open it. If he couldn¡¯t do it, he could accept it as well.


    Hence, in the next few days, other than cultivating, he perfected the plan to open the 121st magic aperture and analyzed every step.


    At dusk on the seventh day, Xu Qing received a voice transmission from Zhang San, informing him that the magic ship had been repaired.


    Xu Qing kept the voice transmission jade slip and walked out of the Special Security Department.


    ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯ll go to the location of the sect¡¯s Taboo.¡± Xu Qing decided. After he left, he looked at the sky.


    This dusk was very similar to a certain day in the past. It was filled with red clouds, causing the entire sky to look red. The remnant face of the high and mighty god was also illuminated by a red light.


    It was like a blood light.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze.


    For some reason, he felt a faint sense of fear and trepidation. This feeling had never appeared before and it appeared for the first time today, causing him to feel inexplicably uneasy.


    However, he couldn¡¯t find the source of the uneasiness.


    Xu Qing silently headed straight for the Transportation Department. Very soon, he saw his faceless magic ship.


    Its appearance was no different from before, but there were still slight differences. The divinity was clearly denser, and there were many special array runes engraved inside the magic ship.


    ¡°These are all prepared to allow the artifact spirit you form to better augment the magic warship. I won¡¯t go into details too much. Now, fuse the suppressed souls in the 120 magic apertures in your body into this ship according to the method of the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art!¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and didn¡¯t hesitate. The 120 magic apertures in his body instantly opened, like 120 volcanoes erupting in his body.


    As magic power rose, flames surged into the sky and the temperature of the surroundings instantly rose to an extremely high degree.


    The ground cracked and the surroundings distorted. Zhang San took a deep breath and quickly retreated, but he was still a little frightened.


    The pressure Xu Qing emitted at this moment caused his mind to be unstable. His breathing was hurried and his eyes stung.


    ¡°Too strong!!¡±


    As Zhang San¡¯s thoughts churned, Xu Qing suddenly lifted his head. He performed a series of hand seals with both hands and the seals kept on becoming faster and faster.


    With the help of the seals, he followed the method of the Fiendish Fire Soul Devouring Art and gradually extracted half of the souls suppressed in the 120 magic apertures in his body, scattering them outside his body, forming a huge soul shadow.


    This soul shadow had a sinister expression and a large number of faces appeared on its body. Mournful cries rang out from it and resentment filled the surroundings.


    Xu Qing¡¯s hand seals suddenly changed and the dark soul fire spread out, enveloping this soul shadow like an armor.


    Under this armor, the mournful and resentful aura of the soul shadow was instantly suppressed. After that, Xu Qing pointed at the magic ship. Immediately, the sinister soul shadow rose into the air and headed straight for the magic ship.


    Zhang San hurriedly assisted from the side and stimulated the power of the magic ship. In an instant, the magic ship buzzed. The moment the soul shadow came into contact with it, it shone with a resplendent light. Even the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor paid close attention from inside the iron stick.


    After all, this would be the second artifact spirit of Demon Xu. He had no choice but to judge the other party¡¯s threat to him.


    The soul shadow completely fused into the magic ship. The magic ship shook, and at the next moment, the faceless bow of the ship suddenly blurred and formed a sinister face.


    It was the face of the soul shadow.


    A connection with the magic ship that had never been there before appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. His body trembled and he had a feeling that the magic ship had become a part of his body.


    His understanding of the magic ship became comprehensive at this moment. Just this point alone could allow him to use much more power of the magic ship.


    Needless to say, after the soul shadow fused into it and the array formation inside the magic ship was fully activated, a pressure that surpassed Foundation Building and belonged to the Golden Core realm erupted from the magic ship.


    At this moment, it was no longer a magic ship but a magic warship!


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. Zhang San, who was at the side, also had an extremely excited expression.


    ¡°Success!¡±


    At the same time, as the red glow scattered down from the sky, in the main city of the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, two figures were strolling on the streets.


    One walked in front and one behind, like a master and servant. They were both wearing black robes and wore the god¡¯s fragmented face mask that emitted a terrifying aura.


    ¡°What a lively, majestic city. Night Dove, is the performance about to begin?¡± The person in front spoke.


    ¡°Master, that person has replied. The performance is about to begin.¡± The black-clothed man at the back replied respectfully.


    Almost at the instant Night Dove finished speaking¡­ outside the Eight Sects Alliance, the originally clear water of the vast Immortal Enrichment River suddenly changed at this moment.


    A section of it turned pitch-black!

 Chapter 414 - 414 Performers Enter the Stage

    414 Performers Enter the Stage


    After the Minor Affairs Sect was destroyed by the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s Taboo magic treasure and the dam collapsed, Immortal Enrichment River¡¯s tributary flowed beside the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain and passed through a long distance to enter the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s territory.


    This tributary nourished countless small countries along the way, benefiting a large number of mortals.


    The Eight Sects patrolled almost without any gaps to ensure the safety of this tributary.


    However, today, an accident still happened.


    The tributary section where the problem occurred wasn¡¯t far from the Eight Sects Alliance.


    In fact, this place could be considered the territory of the Eight Sects Alliance. For some reason, the river suddenly turned from originally clear to pitch-black.


    From afar, the water in the upper reaches was still filled with immortal Qi. However, after it flowed into this section of the river, it instantly smelled fishy.


    The anomalous substances inside were dense. It was even similar to when the mainstream of the Immortal Enrichment River flowed out of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s forbidden region.


    Black fog rose from the river and enveloped the surroundings, spreading a monstrous amount of anomalous substances. Wherever it covered, the ground would corrode and all plants would turn purple-black. Living beings could not live in it!


    What was even more terrifying was that this anomalous substance fog could actually devour spiritual energy. The spiritual energy in the surroundings quickly dissipated.


    This section of the river water became a source of mutation.


    Even a drop of this water contained shockingly dense anomalous substances. There were even countless fine black dots visible to the naked eye, and they looked to be some kind of lethal objects.


    This fog even vaguely affected the sky. Black clouds filled the sky, casting gloomy shadow upon the area.


    There were also some invisible fluctuations spreading out from the river.


    Wherever it passed, it seemed to be able to change one¡¯s life level, causing one¡¯s life to collapse and be severely damaged.


    Not only that, but the altered river water was extremely poisonous. As the poison spread, the river water was completely contaminated and filled with a strong corrosive aura.


    Countless spirit fishes in the river died, and those that did not die began to mutate, becoming ferocious beasts that let out shocking cries.


    Even the creatures floating on the river were affected and mutated.


    In the end, vengeful souls rose from the bottom of the river. Most of them were blurry and moved up and down with the river flow, causing the river water beyond this section to look like it had fallen into a ghost realm.


    These vengeful souls were different from ordinary souls. Instead of being cold and gloomy, they emitted a shocking heat. As they rose and fell, the river water was affected and boiled, distorting in all directions.


    If any almighty were present, they would be able to see the source of all this. Shockingly, it was an altar constructed at the bottom of the river.


    There was a concealment spell used on the altar, so it could not be detected normally. On the altar was a small black bottle that emitted thick black liquid that was quickly merging into the river.


    Just like that, this tributary of the Immortal Enrichment River carried a terrifying destructive power as it surged towards the Eight Sects Alliance at an extremely fast speed.


    Because they were too close, the terrifying river water instantly reached the harbor of the Alliance City.


    Although the Eight Sects Alliance had made many arrangements to deal with such situations a long time ago, these arrangements seemed to be targeted one by one, and were not very effective.


    The array formations collapsed, the rapidly erected dam was corroded, and the barriers formed by spells were shattered.


    Sealing ice powers were activated to seal the river, but the existence of the burning souls made the ice seals unable to last.


    In an instant, the entire Eight Sects Alliance was shaken. The sounds of bell tolling could be heard from every sect, and a large number of disciples rushed out.


    Their expressions were filled with shock as they headed straight for the Immortal Enrichment River.


    They knew very well that they could not let this polluted river water flood into the main city. Otherwise, it would be an enormous loss for the Eight Sects Alliance.


    After all, the Eight Sects Alliance was one of the six major powers of the Yinghuang Province. They had a deep foundation. Although the measures they had prepared in advance had failed, there were still many arrangements that the disciples did not know about. Only the ancestors and the sect masters were qualified to know.


    Soon, as the sect masters and ancestors appeared, earth walls rose from the ground outside the Alliance City, directly blocking the tumbling river water.


    There were also sharp sword qi that fused into the river and quickly killed everything in it.


    A huge number of medicinal pills were thrown out to neutralize the poison and anomalous substances in the river.


    The ancestors made their moves as well, blocking the spreading fog. The ground rumbled and a new river course appeared. It circled around the Alliance¡¯s main city and entered the Forbidden Sea.


    All these methods caused the seemingly ferocious river water to instantly lose most of its power.


    This showed that the adaptability and abilities of the Eight Sects Alliance truly matched their status as one of the six great powers.


    However, the anomalous substances and poison still spread and a large number of Alliance disciples were working to dispel them.


    Moreover, the arrival of the river was only one aspect. The most important thing was to find the source of the invasion.


    The experts and ancestors of the various sects charged out toward the problematic river section.


    The disciples of the various sects of the Eight Sects Alliance were extremely busy, but everything was done in an orderly manner.


    At this moment, Xu Qing had just formed his magic warship in the transportation department. When he saw this scene, his voice transmission jade slip quickly transmitted the sect¡¯s transfer orders and arrangements.


    Zhang San¡¯s expression flickered. While he was shaken, he also received missions. The two of them looked at each other, and could see the seriousness in each other¡¯s eyes. They quickly dispersed without wasting any more time.


    ¡°Something is fishy!¡± Xu Qing looked at the red clouds that were faintly covered by the black fog. Amidst the red and black clouds, a hint of violet appeared.


    This violet intent caused Xu Qing to recall the fear and trepidation he felt earlier.


    That sensation was still there.


    Therefore, he went straight to the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ sect gate. The mission he received was to guard the sect gate.


    Anyone with a discerning eye could tell that the river water pollution¡­ was most likely just a cover.


    However, they had no choice but to deal with this issue. Regardless of whether it was dispelling the anomalous substances and poison or letting the ancestors and experts go examine the problematic river segment, everything was necessary.


    If this was all, then it was nothing to the Eight Sects Alliance. It wouldn¡¯t be long before the problem was completely resolved.


    Everything depended on whether there was a follow-up event.


    Xu Qing was clear that if he could think of something, then it was impossible for the higher-ups of the Alliance not to have thought of it. Hence, he sped up.


    On the way to the sect gate, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept across the main city. He saw the fear of countless mortals and the worry on the faces of the disciples.


    Everyone was busy, but they felt uneasy about the unknown.


    Even the Taboo magic treasures of the various sects were activated one after another, forming beams of light to guard against the unknown foreign enemies.


    It was at this moment that, as the light from the Taboo magic treasures of the various sects spread out, the red light that shot up into the sky from the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect suddenly erupted with boundless light.


    The appearance of the red light shook the heavens and earth, attracting countless gazes.


    In an instant, everyone¡¯s gazes focused there.


    The disciples did not know the reason, but they made all kinds of guesses after seeing this.


    At the same time, the old ancestor of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, who had gone to the problematic river section with three other ancestors and was dealing with the source, had a drastic change in his expression when he saw this scene.


    That was because the activation of the Taboo magic treasure was not done by him!


    Up in the sky, the Taboo magic treasure of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect emitted a red glow that was as bright as blood. It transformed into an enormous blood-colored tree!


    This majestic tree stood tall in the sky. Its trunk was thick and red. Countless ferocious faces appeared on it, all of them wailing.


    Its innumerable leaves emanated an unstoppable sword qi that caused the sky to rumble, and a huge vortex to form in which countless sword auras were swimming.


    This vortex enveloped the entire Eight Sects Alliance and its aura shook the sky.


    Right now, Xu Qing was already close to the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ mountain gate. When he lifted his head and saw this scene, his expression changed. He could sense the terrifying pressure coming from there. It was as though the sky had transformed into a blood-colored sea of swords. This sea had the power to shake the world.


    A figure appeared on the giant tree.


    This figure was wearing a golden robe with a blue crown on his head. He stood on a tricolor bronze sword with flowing cloud patterns on it. His face was pale, but it was difficult to hide his handsomeness. However, the hollowness in his right eye and the ferociousness in his left eye made him look evil.


    His appearance shook everyone.


    He was¡­ Saintly Star!


    He looked down at the ground and smiled.


    His smile was filled with emotion and madness as he spoke softly.


    ¡°This is my blood performance.¡±


    As soon as the words left his mouth, the blood tree beneath him exploded, transforming into a red sea that filled the sky. Then¡­ it shot toward the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ sect gate!


    Because it was too close and it was too fast, the red light drowned the Seven Blood Eyes in the blink of an eye.


    A horrifying blood tree rose from the sect gate of the Seven Blood Eyes!


    As the world shook, Saintly Star slowly spread his arms and looked at the sky.


    ¡°Illuminate, please look!¡±


    The Eight Sects Alliance was instantly thrown into an uproar. On the roof of a building in the main city of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, two people were wearing black robes and masks of the fragmented-face of the god. One was sitting, and the other was standing.


    The black-robed man who was sitting was playing with an ancient wooden box in his hand. As he flipped it over and over, he looked at Saintly Star in the sky. He was clearly on the ground, and Saintly Star was in the sky, but he looked at him as if he was looking at an ant. He smiled, and spoke with a young voice.


    ¡°Night Dove, is this his performance?¡±


    ¡°Master, it¡¯s not him,¡± Night Dove said respectfully. Then, he looked in the direction of the Seven Blood Eyes. Threads of starlight streaked across his eyes as he whispered.


    ¡°Master, take your time to admire it. I¡¯m going to give the Seven Blood Eyes a meeting gift. I think after this, the entire Yinghuang Province will learn of Master and have a new understanding of Illuminate. After all, in their previous understanding, Illuminate was just an insignificant organization. However, with your arrival, Illuminate has completely changed.¡±


    ¡°Go.¡± The black-robed young man smiled slightly. As he played with the wooden box in his hand, he turned his head and looked in the direction of¡­ the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°Brother¡¯s going to cry again.¡±

 Chapter 415 - 415 Shocking Change!!

    415 Shocking Change!!


    The sudden turn of events spread shock everywhere. Soaring Cloud Ancestor¡¯s expression changed and he shot up into the air toward the Eight Sects Alliance.


    As soon as he arrived, he stood there in the sky, looking at Saintly Star, who was looking up at the fragmented-face of the god in the sky. His expression was unsightly as he looked at the blood-colored tree rising up from the ground in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    There were only three people who could control the Taboo magic treasure of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect. One was him, the other was the sect master of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, and the last was his eldest son, who was also the successor for the sect master position.


    Saintly Star¡¯s¡­ father!


    ¡°Chu Tianqun!¡± Soaring Cloud Ancestor shouted.


    ¡°Father.¡± A middle-aged man stepped out of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect and flew up into the sky to stand next to Saintly Star. He clasped hands and bowed to Soaring Cloud Ancestor.


    It was Saintly Star¡¯s father whose body had been destroyed by Old Master Seventh in the Nanhuang Continent¡¯s Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?!¡± Soaring Cloud Ancestor growled.


    ¡°Father, don¡¯t you understand?¡± Saintly Star¡¯s father said with a faint smile on his face. However, his eyes were filled with hatred as he glared at Soaring Cloud Ancestor.


    ¡°My son is so innocent. It¡¯s impossible for him to be born conjoined. They should have been normal twins. It was Lord Father who secretly made them devour each other to nurture Gu.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t your goal to possess my son and live out another life? That life lantern looks like good fortune, but it contains your spiritual mark. My son¡¯s life and death are up to you.¡±


    ¡°I was actually very happy that his life lantern had been stolen. However, if I did not express my anger, you might have realized something. Thus, I went along with you.¡±


    ¡°I thought that after this matter, you would give up on your desire for my son. However, Father, you really are the ancestor. You actually used my son to make a deal with the Alliance Leader. Since you can¡¯t possess him, you gave him to the Alliance Leader to raise his clone.


    ¡°Such an Alliance fills my heart with grief and indignation. I hate such a father so much that I want to devour your flesh and blood, so I might as well betray you!¡±


    ¡°As for the Seven Blood Eyes, I originally wanted to thank them. However, my son¡¯s hatred for them runs deep into the bone. I had planned to perform this blood performance in the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, but I changed it to the Seven Blood Eyes to fulfill one of my son¡¯s obsessions.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t escape.¡± Soaring Cloud Ancestor looked deeply at his eldest son, especially at his face. He could tell that something was amiss, and his expression grew even more unsightly.


    Saintly Star¡¯s father smiled slightly. His face squirmed, and a mask appeared. On it was the fragmented face of the god. It looked awe-inspiring, and at the same time, a vast energy fluctuation erupted around him.


    This was not his own power, but the divine power contained within the mask. It formed a shield that enveloped him.


    With this protection, he might not be a match for his father, but he could protect himself and his son for the time it takes an incense stick to burn.


    ¡°Someone is going to pick me up. I only need an incense stick of time.¡±


    At the same time, the blood-colored tree appeared in the Seven Blood Eyes. A terrifying aura swept out, and the sky changed color. The wind and clouds rolled back, and the seven mountains shook violently. Mountain rocks fell, and the entire Seven Blood Eyes shook!


    The power of sect extermination from the Taboo magic treasure exploded out, causing the mountains to look as if they were about to collapse. A large number of blood specters spread out from the blood tree and wreaked havoc.


    From afar, the whole Seven Blood Eyes looked blurry, causing the disciples¡¯ minds to tremble.


    However¡­ there was no way the Seven Blood Eyes threw their guard away after joining the Alliance, especially when they had experienced and shrewd leaders like Old Master Seventh and Xue Lianzi. When the blood-red tree appeared, Xue Lianzi immediately appeared. He turned into countless blood threads and charged towards the blood-red tree. His eyes even revealed greed.


    Old Master Seventh also appeared, charging toward the blood tree, trying to suppress the tree with Xue Lianzi.


    Even the Taboo magic treasure of the Seven Blood Eyes appeared on the territory of the Sea Corpse Race. When the seven eyes opened, the huge ancient mirror instantly locked onto the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Under the suppression, the blood tree shook violently. As its terrifying fluctuations were suppressed, an eye actually appeared above it. Then, a second eye and a third eye appeared one after another.


    These eyes were none other than the eyes of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo.


    As the eyes appeared, a plundering power erupted.


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡­ was actually plundering the Taboo magic treasure of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect. It was hard to say whether or not they had foreseen such a situation.


    Participating in this matter required a certain level of cultivation. In the entire Seven Blood Eyes, only the ancestor and Old Master Seventh could take action. Together with the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo magic treasure, they could completely suppress the blood tree.


    At the same time, although the other disciples were shocked, they immediately acted under the orders of their respective peak lords to destroy the blood specters formed by the blood tree.


    It seemed like the Seven Blood Eyes was in chaos, but in reality¡­ everything was moving in a good direction.


    Moreover, once they suppressed the Taboo of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, they would possess two taboo treasures and their strength would definitely soar.


    All this was seen by the ancestors of the other sects. However, they were just as confident and relaxed as Saintly Star and his father. They did not look as solemn as expected. This was because the matter this time was already clear.


    The Soaring Cloud Sword Sect¡¯s Saintly Star and his father betrayed the sect and performed a blood performance. For this, they polluted the river to misdirect the Alliance¡¯s attention.


    Naturally, the audience was Illuminate. After all, only Illuminate had the rule of blood performance.


    Then, Illuminate that was watching the blood performance must be in the Alliance.


    As long as they were in the Alliance, as one of the six major factions of the Yinghuang Province, they had the confidence to suppress Illuminate.


    As for the Seven Blood Eyes, although the blood performance was initiated in it, it was actually not that affected.


    The Immortal Enrichment River was the same. The source had been found and taken out. The river water was quickly purified, and the fog was also dissipating.


    To the Eight Sects Alliance, everything was under control.


    While Xu Qing sped toward the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ sect gate, he saw the huge blood tree, the shaking of the sect¡¯s territory, the way a large number of disciples dispersed the blood specters, and the ancestor suppressing the blood tree together with Old Master Seventh.


    From what he could see, there didn¡¯t seem to be much chaos. However, for some reason, Xu Qing¡¯s heart was still filled with intense uneasiness. This was especially true for the black fog in the sky. Under the blood-colored sky, it gradually fused together, causing the violet color to bloom even more than before.


    Xu Qing took in a deep breath and took out a disorder teleportation talisman. He forcefully suppressed the uneasiness and stepped into the sect gate. He immediately joined the ranks of those who were dispelling the blood specters. With a wave of his hand, the life fires in his body ignited. With his peak combat strength, he directly suppressed a blood specter that pounced over.


    Because the blood tree had been suppressed, the blood specters had no roots. Although they had wreaked havoc in the beginning, they continued to be destroyed under the encirclement of the Seven Blood Eyes disciples. However, there were still too many of them. Xu Qing sped through the sect gate, catching sight of the other peak lords and Dao protectors fighting in midair.


    Seeing all of this, the uneasiness in Xu Qing¡¯s heart eased a little. At that moment, a blood-colored light flashed in front of him. Xu Qing waved his hand and grabbed the blood specter, crushing it ruthlessly. Just as he was about to continue¡­


    An extremely intense sense of danger erupted in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    This sense of danger came too suddenly and the terror it emitted was too great. Xu Qing didn¡¯t have any time to react and he couldn¡¯t even see anything. He only felt a loud bang above his head.


    In the next moment¡­ his Purple Heaven Infinite Crown appeared. The protective power spread out, but it shattered like paper.


    The Purple Heaven Infinite Crown shattered into pieces.


    Xu Qing only felt his vision turning black as he heard a shrill cry that sounded like a child¡¯s.


    His Life Substituting Ghost Baby appeared in front of him and shattered. Its body was in ruins and only seventy percent of it was left. It had lost one life.


    That was not the end. The Life Substituting Ghost Baby screamed again after it shattered. Its broken body was even more damaged, and thirty percent of its body seemed to have been wiped away. It had lost its second life.


    All of this happened in the blink of an eye. It was extremely fast. Seeing that the Life Substituting Ghost Baby¡¯s body was shaking and seemed like it was about to collapse, Xu Qing instinctively crushed the disorder teleportation talisman in his hand.


    In the blink of an eye, Xu Qing¡¯s body contorted. As another shrill cry of a child rang out, Xu Qing¡¯s figure directly disappeared from the spot, leaving behind only the remaining teleportation ripples and the ghost baby that was completely dead.


    ¡°Interesting. Fine, I¡¯ll let you go this time.¡± A soft voice rang out from the void. A figure instantly left the place where Xu Qing had disappeared and headed straight for the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ peak lords who were suppressing the blood specters in the sky.


    The scene just now caused the expressions of Xue Lianzi and Old Master Seventh to change. Even the ancestors of the Eight Sects Alliance, who were paying close attention to the situation, noticed it, and their expressions changed.


    ¡°Nihility!¡±


    However, just as everyone¡¯s minds shook, the figure approached Lord Sixth!


    His attack against Xu Qing was just a casual attack. However, it was different now. The figure was going all out with his Nihility cultivation base. His speed was so fast, his concealment was so deep, and his explosive speed was so sudden that Xue Lianzi and Old Master Seventh, who were suppressing the blood tree, were unable to intercept him immediately. In the next moment¡­


    A blood light exploded from Lord Sixth¡¯s neck.


    Lord Sixth¡¯s body trembled, and his eyes were filled with confusion, trance, and relief. In the end, the light in his eyes dimmed, and he felt as if heaven and earth were spinning.


    His head¡­ flew up!


    His Nascent Soul¡­ collapsed!


    Old Master Seventh and Xue Lianzi, who were always calm, let out a heart-wrenching cry.


    It was filled with disbelief, sorrow, and madness.


    The wind and clouds changed color!


    Seven Blood Eyes seemed to be crying!

 Chapter 416 - 416 Light!

    416 Light!


    Lord Sixth was a pitiful person.


    Back then, he used to be a heaven¡¯s chosen like Old Master Seventh. Originally, it was impossible for his cultivation to stop at the Nascent Soul stage. However, at the most critical moment of his life, his beloved dao companion, his junior sister, died.


    She died to save him.


    This filled Lord Sixth¡¯s heart with such endless sorrow and regret that he went crazy. It was not easy for him to get through that period of time. He then pulled himself together and placed all his hopes on the child left behind by his deceased wife.


    His son did not let him down. He cultivated diligently and was even more talented. This made the sorrow in Lord Sixth¡¯s heart gradually settle down, and there seemed to be hope in his life again.


    However, fate was sometimes so cold. His beloved son had gone missing on a training trip.


    The shattering of the life slip let him know that his beloved son had died.


    To Lord Sixth, this was no less of a blow than the death of his dao companion. What caused him to feel even more depressed was that after searching for so many years, he still hadn¡¯t been able to find any clues.


    With that, Lord Sixth couldn¡¯t even go crazy and became dejected. He was drunk all day long and would cry bitterly from time to time.


    Back then, everyone in the Seven Blood Eyes had witnessed this scene. However, it was difficult for them to comfort him. They could only sigh.


    Later, Xu Qing had unintentionally found that clue. It was also the reason why Xue Lianzi had agreed to let Lord Sixth take action even though they were at war with the Sea Corpse Race.


    It was also the reason why Lord Sixth treated Xu Qing differently.


    Everything that happened after that was also developing in a good direction. The Seven Blood Eyes successfully became a major sect and joined the Alliance, moving from the Nanhuang Continent to the Yinghuang Province.


    Over here, Lord Sixth felt much more at ease. All of his energy was placed on the Seven Blood Eyes. At the same time, he also silently paid attention to Xu Qing, waiting for the moment when he was needed to repay the favor.


    He had even prepared for that time.


    But now¡­ everything had turned into smoke.


    Lord Sixth had fallen.


    His death shocked the Seven Blood Eyes to the extreme.


    This was because in the battle with the Sea Corpse Race two years ago, although the Seven Blood Eyes had suffered many casualties, no Nascent Soul Peak Lord had fallen.


    In fact, for nearly two hundred years, under the leadership of Xue Lianzi and the planning of Old Master Seventh later on, the Seven Blood Eyes had risen to prominence. During this period, not a single Nascent Soul cultivator had died.


    The last time a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator died was two hundred years ago when the Seven Blood Eyes had a fierce battle with the Sea Corpse Race.


    In that battle, the Sea Corpse Race almost reached the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ territory. When the previous ancestor was seriously injured and most of the peak lords died, Xue Lianzi, who had traveled for many years and had been forgotten by many, returned.


    He displayed the Perfected Spirit Repository cultivation base and resolved the crisis of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    From then on, he controlled the Seven Blood Eyes.


    After that, the Seven Blood Eyes slowly developed, and Nascent Soul cultivators gradually appeared. However, it was very difficult for most cultivators to reach the Nascent Soul realm.


    Hence, after so many years, there were only a few of them. Among them, the First and Fourth Peak Lords were seniors of the previous generation, and the remaining five were cultivators who had advanced in the past two hundred years.


    Old Master Seventh and Lord Sixth had entered the sect in the same batch. They were also geniuses who had once competed with each other.


    At this moment, he could only watch as Lord Sixth¡¯s headless corpse fell from midair, collapsing inch by inch until it turned into a tragic rain of blood that rained down on the Seven Blood Eyes. Old Master Seventh¡¯ eyes turned a rare shade of red.


    He was not a god. He could not calculate everything!


    It was the same for Xue Lianzi.


    They had predicted that the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect would be a hidden danger. They had predicted that the Alliance Leader¡¯s attitude would be ambiguous. They had predicted that there might be a crisis to the sect. They had also calculated the possibility of betrayals.


    As for the betrayals, there was a certain chance that it would involve Illuminate.


    Old Master Seventh had already calculated all of this, and had even made many preparations in advance. The Taboo of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect descending on their land had actually been within the expectations of Xue Lianzi and Old Master Seventh.


    Therefore, they followed their previous plan and used this opportunity to suppress the Soaring Cloud Taboo. Their goal was to plunder it reasonably and turn it into the foundation of their sect.


    However¡­ they could not calculate that Illuminate¡¯s strength was vastly different from what they knew.


    It wasn¡¯t Old Master Seventh and Xue Lianzi¡¯s fault. In fact, it wasn¡¯t just them. All of the factions in the Yinghuang Province had miscalculated Illuminate. They were still stuck in their previous understanding.


    They did not know that Illuminate had become different because of the arrival of a person.


    That figure who killed Lord Sixth actually showed the combat strength of Nihility. This was not recorded in the intelligence of any factions.


    Furthermore, it was obvious that this was all premeditated and a targeted attack. The other party seemed to have come here to kill Lord Sixth. He had even displayed some unknown methods that caused all of Lord Sixth¡¯s defenses and life-saving treasures to be suppressed, making it difficult for them to take effect. His goal was to kill him in one blow.


    In fact, that was indeed the case. The figure¡¯s mission here was Lord Sixth.


    When he saw Xu Qing, he only waved his sleeve and didn¡¯t pay much attention to him.


    Because Xu Qing wasn¡¯t his mission.


    There was no need to use a saber to kill a chicken. It was fine if the chicken ran away. Compared to the gains from killing Xu Qing, he was more concerned about completing his master¡¯s mission. Hence, he went all out against Lord Sixth.


    After killing Lord Sixth, he took his head and left in an instant. He didn¡¯t do anything else.


    Old Master Seventh was trembling as he looked at the departing figure. The blood-colored light in his eyes distorted everything around him. Even the Seven Blood Eyes was shaking, but he had no choice but to suppress his fury.


    That was because he couldn¡¯t leave now. He still had to suppress the Taboo of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect with the ancestor. If they left, the failure of the plan was secondary. The eruption of the Taboo would severely damage the sect.


    Xue Lianzi¡¯s eyes were also filled with grief as he turned and roared, unleashing all of his power to suppress the Taboo of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect. The other peak lords were trembling in disbelief as they watched Lord Sixth¡¯s corpse transform into a rain of blood.


    The Golden Core Dao Protectors and the disciples of the various peaks who remained at the sect were all dejected, especially the highnesses of the Sixth Peak. Their bodies trembled as they let out heart-wrenching screams.


    However, it was useless.


    When the ancestors of the other sects saw what was happening, their expressions turned extremely grave.


    Many of them performed incantation gestures at the same time, causing the Alliance¡¯s grand formation to transform into a sealing formation. Even the Alliance Leader¡¯s face in the sky was filled with an unprecedented grimness. After looking at the Seven Blood Eyes, he looked at the city of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect.


    Their gazes all landed on the roof of a building.


    The sky distorted, and all of the Alliance ancestors, with the exception of Xue Lianzi, appeared. Their terrifying pressure locked down on the roof.


    The killing intent was so dense that cracks appeared around the building. It was as if the space there was about to collapse.


    On this roof, there was a black-robed man wearing a mask of the fragmented face of the god. He had his hands behind his head and was lying on the roof. He was looking at the Saintly Star father and son duo in the sky.


    At that moment, the air beside him distorted, and Night Dove¡¯s figure appeared. He stood silently by the side, and in his right hand¡­ he held a head that was still dripping with blood.


    Lord Sixth¡¯s eyes remained open even at his death.


    ¡°Master, the meeting gift for the Seven Blood Eyes has been delivered,¡± Night Dove said respectfully. Although the ancestors of the Alliance had locked onto him with intense killing intent and pressure, his voice didn¡¯t change at all. He didn¡¯t care about the outside world at all.


    In his eyes, there was only his master.


    ¡°This performance is a little ordinary.¡± The young voice sounded indifferent.


    ¡°Yes, Master. Shall I retrieve the mask?¡± Night Dove asked in a low voice.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need. Although the performance was average, it was still a performance.¡± The young man sat up and looked in the direction of the Seven Blood Eyes. He smiled and stood up.


    ¡°The performance is over. Let¡¯s go,¡± the young man said as he stepped down from the roof and walked down the street.


    The space around them cracked open due to the pressure from the ancestors staring at them from the sky. The ground was the same. The area caved in unnaturally, and terrifying sounds of collapse could be heard.


    Killing intent converged from all directions, affecting the weather, causing snowflakes to form in midair and fall.


    At the same time, the suppressive power that filled the area became stronger and stronger. It seemed to be able to freeze everything and make people unable to move forward.


    However, the masked young man¡¯s footsteps were steady. Even though he was locked onto by the Alliance¡¯s experts, even though the sky had a second stage Nihility expert like the Alliance Leader, he was still relaxed.


    It was as if all of this meant nothing to him. No one could stop him from going wherever he wanted to go. It was the same when he wanted to leave.


    Night Dove silently followed behind him. The head he held in his hand had almost completely bled out, and only one or two drops would occasionally fall to the ground, dying the ground with a shocking red color.


    At this tense moment, the black-robed young man walked in front and passed by a candied fruit stall.


    The mortals here had long since left. Half of the Soaring Cloud City was empty, and many items had been scattered around in a hurry.


    The young man looked at the candied hawthorns with a look of reminiscence in his eyes. He walked over and picked one up.


    ¡°Brother likes it.¡±


    The candied hawthorn was red, the same color as the blood dripping from Lord Sixth¡¯s head.


    When they saw this person¡¯s actions, the expressions of the ancestors in the sky became even more solemn.


    From the moment these two people appeared, the level of this matter had already risen to an extremely high level.


    At this time, the Seven Blood Eyes successfully suppressed the Taboo of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect. In the next moment, Old Master Seventh and Xue Lianzi charged over from the direction of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Up in the sky, the Alliance Leader¡¯s eyes were cold as he spoke.


    ¡°Illuminate, are you trying to start an all-out war with our Eight Sects Alliance?!¡±


    When the young man heard this, he raised his head and looked at the sky. He chuckled.


    ¡°Night Dove.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Night Dove said as he pulled out a simple-looking wooden box. Night Dove gently opened its lid.


    A beam of light suddenly shot out from the wooden box!


    The light was colorless and shapeless. It could not be seen, but it could be sensed. As soon as it appeared, the sky changed color, the ground rumbled, the Forbidden Sea roared, and the sun and moon lost their color!


    Be it mortals, disciples, or ancestors, everyone¡¯s expressions changed drastically.


    Because that light¡­ was the gaze of the fragmented-face of the god when He opened His eyes!!

 Chapter 417

    ?417 Meeting Under the Moon


    All magical treasures in the world, even Taboo treasures, no matter how powerful they were, could not compare to the power of the gaze of the fragmented face of the god.


    Because that was the sight of the god.


    No matter what level of cultivation a mighty cultivator had, even if their divine abilities and Dao techniques could change the world, they still could not compare to¡­ the fragmented face of the god in the sky.


    It was a suppression of life. It was a life-and-death mark that hung above the heads of all the races in the entire Wanggu Continent.


    At this moment, as the wooden box was opened and the formless and colorless light was released, the sky changed drastically. The clouds and fog rolled violently, as if they had turned into a raging sea.


    There seemed to be a faint murmur that shook one¡¯s soul and body. It reverberated in the world and let out a ferocious roar of malevolence and pain.


    Whether it was because this sound made the world blurry or the world distorted due to the light, the entire area of the Eight Sects Alliance became extremely blurry and distorted.


    In this blur and distortion, everything seemed to be swaying.


    Waves of dense anomalous substances that were found in the forbidden zones appeared out of thin air.


    From the ground, from the river, from the gravel.


    From the bricks and tiles, from all the produce, from all the items, from all the existences, they rose up into the air, forming wisps of fog that shook the heavens and the earth.


    The clouds in the sky changed color rapidly as the fog merged into them. In the blink of an eye, they became oppressive black clouds.


    Crimson lightning rumbled as blood-colored rain fell from the sky.


    It was as if the god had opened His eyes at this moment and was looking at the Eight Sects Alliance!


    An unimaginable and irresistible terror descended.


    The city of the Eight Sects Alliance was like the small city in the Nanhuang Continent back then, silent in the rain of blood.


    The power from the god was like a calamity that affected the life trajectory of all living beings and changed them.


    The entire Eight Sects Alliance was rapidly turning into a forbidden zone!


    The entire Yinghuang Province was horrified. Everyone from the various powers and sects who could sense the energy fluctuations here were completely shaken.


    Both the mortals and the ancestors found it difficult to escape the borders of the Alliance. Everything turned into despair!


    The buildings in the Alliance corroded and collapsed.


    All life was invaded, and their mutation points grew crazily.


    Even if their cultivation bases had reached a certain level, and the mutation point in their bodies had been hidden and faded away, they could not do anything when there was a large number of them.


    Mortals were even more hopeless.


    Cultivators could not escape their fate.


    Heaven and earth were also included.


    Everything, everything, was arranged by fate at this moment.


    The entire city turned pitch-black, and wails filled the air.


    Everyone who heard it instinctively felt their hair stand on end. The light in their eyes and the souls in their bodies dimmed.


    They were all dissipating.


    There were some disciples whose bodies already had a slightly denser amount of anomalous substances, but were temporarily suppressing them. Their bodies instantly rotted and turned into purple-black corpses.


    Mutation was also occurring.


    Cultivators were transforming into ferocious beasts. Amidst the inhuman screams, they rose from the ground. Their skin tore, and their flesh was mangled. At the same time, bizarre entities were born from the void.


    The opening of the box caused the Eight Sects Alliance to descend into complete chaos, as if it had turned into hell on earth.


    Up in the sky, the faces of Xue Lianzi, Old Master Seventh, and the ancestors of the Eight Sects Alliance all flickered.


    Disbelief and astonishment could be seen on their faces. This scene had completely exceeded their imagination.


    The ancestors were normally incredibly powerful, but as of this moment, they were all emanating a boundless amount of anomalous substances, and blood was oozing out of their mouths.


    They wanted to attack, but under the gaze of the god, their bodies were completely restricted, and the anomalous substances inside them erupted with madness. They had to go all out to suppress it, and couldn¡¯t be distracted at all.


    Only the Alliance Leader was able to barely struggle. However, his face was shaking and he was forced to reveal his true form. He was surrounded by black mist, and was panting as he stared down at the ground.


    There was a hint of fear in the depths of his eyes that had not appeared on him for many years. He let out a low shout.


    ¡°God¡¯s Sight, who¡­ are you!?!?¡±


    Terror filled the eight sects. Colors flashed in the sky, and blood rained down. Red raindrops fell onto the young man¡¯s god mask, then dripped down onto the ground.


    There was nostalgia in his eyes, as well as a bit of emotion. He let the blood rain down as he continued walking forward.


    Upon closer inspection, one could see that even though the surrounding blood rain had a shocking amount of anomalous substances, the candied hawthorn in his hand was not contaminated or stained at all.


    He protected it very well.


    Night Dove¡¯s eyes shone with fanaticism and reverence as he looked at the young man like he were looking at the god. He followed him with the box in one hand and the head in the other.


    The two of them walked along the streets of this chaotic world. When they had walked far away, the young man looked away from the sky and looked at the ancestors of the Eight Sects Alliance.


    After looking at them one by one, he finally looked at the struggling Xue Lianzi and Old Master Seventh.


    ¡°I came to take the head of the murderer and watch the performance. It¡¯s also reasonable.¡±


    This was the first thing he said to the people from the Eight Sects Alliance.


    After saying that, he led Night Dove and walked into the distance.


    He waved his hand, causing both Saintly Star father and son to tremble. Fear and respect appeared in their eyes as they approached the young man.


    The people from the Eight Sects Alliance could only watch helplessly as they watched him leave. They could not stop him at all. From the beginning to the end, the young man was very calm. If he wanted to come, no one could obstruct him; If he wanted to leave, no one could stop him.


    When he reached the horizon, the young man¡¯s voice rang out in the Eight Sects Alliance, echoing in the ears of the Alliance Leader who was staring at him.


    ¡°You call Him a god, I call Him a deity.¡±


    The young man left, taking Saintly Star and his father along with him.


    Since they were no longer looked at by the god¡¯s gaze, the mutation of the Eight Sects Alliance no longer had a source, and its transformation into a forbidden zone was interrupted.


    This was already the best outcome for the Eight Sects Alliance. Once the Alliance became a forbidden zone, they would be doomed eternally.


    As long as it wasn¡¯t completely transformed, it could be reversed.


    As the blood clouds in the sky dissipated, all the ancestors fell silent for a moment before they dispersed with complicated expressions.


    Now was not the time to discuss this matter. They knew very well that the most important thing now was to recover their losses.


    Therefore, without any hesitation, they quickly returned to their respective sects and began to deal with the anomalous substances in their cities.


    At the same time, Illuminate¡¯s name had risen to prominence in the entire Yinghuang Province because of this incident. It was firmly engraved into memories and records by all the major factions, and their fear toward it was extremely intense.


    All of this was because of that box!


    It was easy to imagine that the news of what had happened in the Yinghuang Province would soon spread to other provinces and even the entire county. The light in that box was that horrifying!


    Everyone, all clans, and all forces would have a new understanding of Illuminate!


    They would analyze the rumors about Illuminate, such as how they could let the members master the power of the gods¡­


    The word ¡®Illuminate¡¯ was also analyzed by various parties. The concept of Illuminate ran deeper than what meets the eye. In fact, the term itself had several layers of significance.


    A torch, depending on its state, could go by different names ¨C unlit, mounted.


    The very word implied light, of course, but it held a much more profound connotation ¨C one that spoke of bringing clarity to the mysteries that surround us. As a result, the symbolism of light gave it the name of ¨C Illuminate!


    As the young man representing Illuminate left with Night Dove and Saintly Star father and son, the Eight Sects Alliance was busy recovering their losses. Xu Qing was currently speeding through the wasteland some distance away from the Eight Sects Alliance.


    He didn¡¯t know what had happened in the Alliance. The last thing he remembered about the Alliance was the moment the Infinite Crown collapsed and the Life Substituting Ghost Baby¡¯s three lives were all destroyed before he was teleported away.


    After being teleported to the wasteland outside, the instant he appeared, Xu Qing¡¯s countenance turned pale and intense waves stirred in his heart. He recalled that moment and was aware that he had been infinitely close to death.


    He could not see the enemy, but he knew that someone with a terrifying cultivation must have attacked him.


    As his heart palpitated, he was anxious about the current situation of the Seven Blood Eyes. However, he knew that if they really encountered an irresistible force, it would be meaningless for him to participate with his cultivation.


    That was why he didn¡¯t rush back. Instead, he hid his cultivation base and changed his appearance before running towards the Alliance.


    As he moved, he thought about the reason for this. For some reason, the voice transmission jade slip had lost its effect.


    This caused Xu Qing to feel even more uneasy. Several days later, when he was about seven days away from the alliance, in the darkness of the night, Xu Qing was moving in a forest when he suddenly came to a stop.


    Under the moonlight, he saw a group of people.


    Walking in front was a black-robed man wearing a mask that resembled the fragmented-face of the god. His footsteps were relaxed, and his body exuded elegance. As he walked forward, he was holding a candied hawthorn that was not stained with any dust.


    The red candied hawthorn was very conspicuous in the dark night.


    Behind him were three people. Two of them were Saintly Star and his father.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze involuntarily landed on the black-robed man.


    It landed in his right hand that was holding a head by its hair.


    As the head swayed and slowly turned around, Xu Qing¡¯s body shuddered.


    Xu Qing saw the face of the head, as well as the eyes that were still open.


    Xu Qing¡¯s footsteps halted as he stood there in a daze.


    All the sounds in the surroundings seemed to disappear at that moment. Everything became blurry, and the only thing left in the world was that familiar face.


    Xu Qing suddenly felt very cold.


    It was just like the winter in the slums when he was young. After watching his companions freeze to death, the cold he felt chilled his heart and soul.


    Gradually, it turned into trembling.


    Amidst the cold and trembling, he remembered something Captain Lei had once said.


    No matter how long the night was, day would always come.


    But today, the night and the cold seemed exceptionally long¡­

 Chapter 418

    ?418 Brother, Long Time No See


    Cold wind blew from the north, carrying coldness to all living beings, covering the world with frost.


    Winter had arrived.


    Perhaps after winter, countless frozen corpses and bones would appear in the mortal world of the Yinghuang Province.


    Life was as fragile as it was worthless.


    Perhaps one day in the future, all living beings in this world would gradually wither and be buried, becoming dust.


    This dust might only exist in the memories of the wind.


    The cold wind that blew over at this moment carried the breath of death and drifted to the edge of the forest.


    The fallen leaves of the trees swirled and fell with the wind. In the end, they were dry and wet. They found their own grave and buried it with the mud, making the soil harder and harder. //


    Because it was night, the cold was even stronger.


    The tree was swaying in the wind because it felt the changes in the seasons.


    The person under the tree was trembling because he saw the face of the head under the moonlight.


    Lord Sixth.


    Lord Sixth¡¯s head was no longer dripping with blood. Even the blood on his beard was no longer bright red. Instead, it had dried and turned purple-black.


    However, his eyes were still open. His pupils were already dilated and lifeless, but the dazed expression in them, as well as the confusion and relief before death, could not be blown away by the wind. They could only sway his beard slightly.


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    He didn¡¯t have much interaction with Lord Sixth. They had only interacted with each other due to the incident with Bai Li. However, after that incident, Lord Sixth cared a lot for him.


    Regardless of whether it was the protection jade in Bai Li¡¯s incident or the background support provided when he eliminated the Night Dove organization, Xu Qing had avoided many troubles and dangers.


    The protection jade was one of the important supports in his first battle with Saintly Star in the Phoenix Forbidden. It could be said that if he didn¡¯t have the protection jade given by Lord Sixth, that battle would have been even more difficult.


    As for the background support, Lord Sixth¡¯s full support not only allowed Xu Qing to take actions more conveniently, it also intimidated those in the sect who were related to Night Dove¡¯s organization, making Xu Qing safer.


    Lord Sixth¡¯s protection was different from Old Master Seventh¡¯s.


    Old Master Seventh was vigorous. He took in disciples and became a deterrent. He was like a spear that pierced through the clouds.


    Lord Sixth¡¯s personality and past experiences made his protection more silent. It was like a shield that gave Xu Qing room to retreat.


    He was a person who valued sentiments. He was decisive in killing his enemies and was even extremely cruel most of the time. A high wall had been erected in the depths of his heart, filled with vigilance towards the outside world.


    He had fully armed and sealed his heart in order to protect himself from harm.


    This was a change in Xu Qing¡¯s personality caused by his experiences since he was young. However¡­ underneath all of this, hidden behind the high walls and in the depths of this ice mountain, there was a warmth that very few people would get from him.


    To his enemies, Xu Qing was ruthless and wouldn¡¯t rest until one side died.


    To his benefactors, Xu Qing would never forget them.


    This was Xu Qing.


    In this cold world, he had met very few people who had given him care and warmth. He cherished every one of them.


    However, Captain Lei had left, Grandmaster Bai had left, and now, Lord Sixth had also left.


    His heart was filled with intense pain.


    His body was trembling.


    His eyes slowly turned bloodshot.


    In the end, it turned into a force that lifted his head slowly.


    It was very difficult to raise his head.


    Because at the instant this group of people appeared, Xu Qing¡¯s body seemed to have frozen. He couldn¡¯t move anymore.


    It was caused by pressure formed by the condensation of life level!


    However, he still struggled to raise his head because even if he died, he didn¡¯t want to lower his head against his enemies.


    He stared at the group of people in front of him. He looked at the masked black-robed man walking at the front and the candied hawthorn in his hand that was the same color as Lord Sixth¡¯s blood when he was alive.


    The masked black-robed young man stopped in his tracks. A hint of nostalgia appeared in his eyes as he looked at Xu Qing with a gentle and affectionate gaze.


    This gentle gaze caused Xu Qing to be stunned as his heart trembled intensely.


    That gaze of family affection caused his memories to surge.


    As the young man stopped, the three people behind him also stopped.


    A strange expression appeared on Night Dove¡¯s face under the mask. He recognized Xu Qing as the little fellow who had participated in Bai Li¡¯s death and escaped death under his hands.


    The scene in front of him made him feel that things were far from simple, so he did not say anything.


    However, Saintly Star¡¯s expression turned malevolent as he glared at Xu Qing. A sinister smile appeared on his face. From what he knew, Xu Qing would definitely die this time around.


    ¡°Milord, I¡­¡± Saintly Star instinctively opened his mouth to speak, but in the next moment, his father glared at him fiercely. Saintly Star stopped talking.


    He could see nervousness and confusion in his father¡¯s eyes.


    Saintly Star might be very brilliant, but in the end, his temperament was inferior to his father¡¯s.


    At this moment, Saintly Star¡¯s father was no longer as nervous and confused as he had been before. In the depths of his mind, he was shocked because he felt that something was wrong.


    The mysterious and terrifying lord who could release the gaze of the god could clearly teleport away, but he insisted on walking.


    Moreover, he had been moving toward this direction.


    When Saintly Star¡¯s father saw Xu Qing, he suddenly had a strong guess that Illuminate¡¯s lord took this path because he wanted to meet Xu Qing!


    This guess made him shudder.


    Amidst the howling of the cold wind, the black-robed young man wearing the god mask noticed Xu Qing¡¯s gaze on the head in Night Dove¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I know about your relationship with him, but he killed Bai Li and I took his head. This matter is reasonable and will not change because of you.¡±


    As he spoke, the black-robed young man walked toward Xu Qing step by step. His footsteps weren¡¯t fast, and his gaze was still gentle. It was sincerely gentle, without any falseness.


    Although Xu Qing was frozen solid, at this moment, his trembling was even more intense.


    He stared in disbelief at the black-robed man¡¯s eyes under the mask as he walked towards him. The voice that echoed in his ears sank into the deepest part of his memories, and a sense of familiarity rose within him.


    This feeling made his breathing gradually quicken. His pupils constricted, and he even instinctively let out a whimper.


    It wasn¡¯t fear, but disbelief. He didn¡¯t want to believe it, and he insisted that it was impossible!


    Until the black-robed young man walked up to Xu Qing. He stared at Xu Qing, who was almost as tall as him, for a very long time.


    Finally, under Xu Qing¡¯s trembling and cracking sounds coming from his bones, the young man raised his hand and placed it on his mask.


    Gently¡­ it was removed.


    It revealed a face that was 70% similar to Xu Qing¡¯s!


    Under the misty starlight, although his face was pale, his eyes were clear and bottomless.


    He had sharp eyebrows, thin lips, and well-defined facial features. All of this made the black-robed young man look like an eagle in the night, cold and proud.


    Compared to Xu Qing, he seemed colder and more evil.


    A rare gentleness could be seen in this eagle¡¯s eyes as it spoke softly.


    ¡°Brother, long time no see.¡±


    Xu Qing felt as though he had been struck by lightning. It was as though countless bolts of lightning had exploded in his mind, transforming into the sound of heaven and earth being split apart. His soul and body trembled intensely.


    Everything in front of him seemed to have disappeared. All that was left was the incredibly familiar face in his dream, and the voice that was resonating with his memories, behind the high wall, in the ice mountain, in the most fragile and precious place in his heart.


    Like how he felt disbelief when he got the sense of familiarity, there seemed to be a trace of emotion in his heart that he had thought was impossible.


    But now, with the mask taken off and the word ¡®brother¡¯, the last bit of determination in Xu Qing¡¯s heart was mercilessly destroyed.


    The place that was destroyed was the deepest part of his heart. It was a place that outsiders could not reach, and it was also the area he wanted to protect the most, but at this moment¡­


    It collapsed.


    His belief was to survive in this chaotic world. It would be even better if he could live a good life. If he could meet his family in the end, he would be completely satisfied.


    When he was young, he had thought countless times about the scene of him meeting his family one day in the future. All those scenes carried beauty and warmth.


    This was his determination to avoid freezing to death in the cold winter.


    But now¡­


    A whimper escaped Xu Qing¡¯s mouth. Veins popped up on his forehead, and his eyes were filled with bitterness, confusion, and pain. A crutch that he held in the depths of his heart slowly disappeared.


    An indescribable pain came from the softest part of his heart.


    He felt so¡­ so cold. Even his soul seemed to be shivering.


    ¡°Brother, actually, what I miss the most are the times we had when we were young.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s older brother lifted his head and stared at the cold moon in the night sky as he mumbled softly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s chest heaved up and down as he forcefully shifted his gaze away. He then looked at the head in the hand of the black-robed man not far away. The sorrow in his heart transformed into tears that slowly flowed down.


    It was unknown if he was crying for Lord Sixth, his brother, or himself.


    At this moment, the cold wind came again. It couldn¡¯t dry his tears, but it stirred the minds of the father and son, as well as Night Dove.


    When the three of them saw this, their minds were filled with unprecedented waves of shock!


    Saintly Star¡¯s eyes widened with extreme terror.


    His father was breathing heavily, and his mind was spinning.


    As for Night Dove, he lowered his head and looked at the head in his hands. He then looked at the struggle and madness in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes that were filled with tears. In the end, his gaze landed on his master and became even more fanatical.

 Chapter 419

    ?419 Xu Qing¡¯s Past


    ¡°Brother, don¡¯t cry.¡±


    The black-robed young man looked at Xu Qing¡¯s tears and raised his hand to rub Xu Qing¡¯s head as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Why are you still crying like when you were young?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled as his gaze landed on the face that should be familiar but was now extremely unfamiliar.


    The person in front of him was his older brother. In his memories, he had stood before him countless times like a mountain. Every time he cried, he would rub his head and say the same gentle words.


    This was the most beautiful scene in Xu Qing¡¯s memories. It was also the most fragile and precious place under his tough exterior, supporting him through the difficult and cold times.


    At this moment, the barrier collapsed.


    The black-robed young man looked into Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and spoke in a gentle voice.


    ¡°Brother, I had many siblings in my previous life, but I didn¡¯t experience much warmth. All I encountered was coldness and scheming. It was the same with Royal Father.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, in this life, I cherish our memories very much. No matter if it¡¯s our parents or you¡­ especially you, who always like to cry.¡± The black-robed young man spoke gently.


    ¡°However, the moment I awakened the memories of my previous life, if I didn¡¯t immediately offer up a complete city and complete the ritual for the deity, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to be reborn and would have withered into death.¡±


    The black-robed young man said calmly.


    ¡°At that time, I looked at you sitting in the bloody swamp and corpses under the blood rain, crying helplessly for father, mother, and me. I was actually very happy that you survived. I really wanted to walk toward you and rub your head. I wanted to tell you not to cry.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his mind, which was already filled with thunder, rumbled again. As the thunder rumbled, his body trembled violently, and his mind was stirred up by even more violent waves. He let out a low growl from his throat, but the shout couldn¡¯t exit his mouth.


    In the end, it turned into blood that seeped out of his mouth and nose and dripped onto the ground.


    The black-robed young man lowered his head and looked at Xu Qing with pity in his eyes. He then placed the candied hawthorn in his hand to the side.


    ¡°I saw it on the way. I remembered that you liked eating it, so I got it for you.¡±


    After speaking, the black-robed young man cast a deep glance at Xu Qing. He then put on the mask and walked past Xu Qing.


    Saintly Star and his father lowered their heads and silently followed, walking past Xu Qing.


    The last person to walk past Xu Qing was Night Dove, who was holding Lord Sixth¡¯s head.


    When he was passing by Xu Qing, Night Dove¡¯s footsteps halted as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°My name is Night Dove. I didn¡¯t expect you to have such a relationship with Master.¡±


    With that, Night Dove walked away. Thunder echoed in the sky. Amidst the dark clouds, rain and snow mixed together and scattered on the ground.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled violently. He wanted to struggle, he wanted to chase after them, he wanted to ask questions. When his struggles reached an extreme intensity, the black-robed young man in the distance stopped in his tracks and spoke in a gentle voice.


    ¡°By the way, Brother, I buried Father and Mother¡¯s bodies in Mount Morning Glow in Fenghai County. Go visit them when you have time.¡±


    These words drifted over from afar and entered Xu Qing¡¯s ears, becoming the final bolt of lightning that caused him to collapse. This bolt of lightning was so powerful that it surpassed everything. The might of this lightning seemed to destroy his whole being.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled to the extreme. His eyes were as red as a sea of blood and his aura became chaotic. The sorrow in his heart raged violently.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s body shook violently. He could move now.


    An unprecedented shrill shout came from his mouth. He was not a person who liked to shout, but at that moment, the grief and pain came out of his mouth in the form of a shrill shout.


    He turned around and chased after the black-robed young man at full speed. He knew that this was irrational, but he could not be rational.


    A cold wind blew by. As the sky rumbled, snowflakes rained down on him. The bone-piercing cold assaulted him, but Xu Qing continued to chase. He chased for a long, long time, but there was nothing in front of him.


    As more and more snow rain fell, Xu Qing¡¯s body churned and he spat out a mouthful of blood that merged with the snow rain. When it landed on the ground, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and he staggered as he half-knelt.


    Snow and rain fell down his hair, shoulders, and face. It was impossible to tell if it was tears that flowed onto the ground.


    In the end, a bitter laugh rang out from Xu Qing¡¯s mouth. He lifted his head and stared at the sky, at the night sky, at the indistinct fragmented-face of the god.


    A part of the past that he had suppressed in his heart slowly appeared in front of his eyes from the softest part of his heart that was now riddled with holes.


    That was thirteen years ago.


    The memories from back then were already blurry. This was the rule of life.


    However, Xu Qing still remembered the feeling of having a home when he was young. It was the warmth of his parents¡¯ company. It was the warmth of a family of four.


    He remembered his father¡¯s callused hands, his mother¡¯s kind gaze, and vaguely remembered the taste of the food.


    And all of that ended with the arrival of that day.


    He could not forget that day when the fragmented-face of the god in the sky suddenly opened its eyes.


    Its gaze fell on the city he was in, and in the blink of an eye¡­ Heaven and Earth blurred, and everything twisted. The entire city vanished. His parents disappeared. His big brother disappeared.


    Everything had disappeared.


    Only a large amount of remains and blood rain fell from the sky, leaving him alone, crying helplessly in the blood swamp.


    He cried until he passed out.


    When he woke up, he thought that it was just a nightmare and that his parents and big brother would appear when he woke up. However, everything around him was still the same when he opened his eyes. This made him know that the nightmare might have just begun.


    At that time, he was only six years old. He could not remember how he had left. He could not remember how difficult it had been to survive. He could not remember what things he had eaten to survive. He could not remember how much he struggled on the verge of death.


    Gradually, he became a vagrant. His body was covered in dirt, and he saw countless human evils.


    Gradually, he learned how to fight for food with wild dogs, how to bare his teeth, and how to endure and be vigilant. He began to like hiding in the dark.


    Gradually, he learned how to kill. Finally, in the slums of a small city, after killing the burly man who wanted to eat him, he cut off his head bit by bit and hung it on a tree, allowing him to have a place.


    Gradually, he began to yearn for life in the city. He envied the people there who had cleaner clothes than him. He also yearned to become a cultivator so that he could live a better life.


    Gradually, living became the only thought in his heart.


    He should not have been like this. It was this world that had changed him.


    Therefore, he was extremely cruel to his enemies and would seek revenge for the smallest grievance.


    Therefore, he was extremely grateful to the people who helped him.


    This was also the reason why he was not afraid when that small slum city faced the calamity under the gaze of the god. On one hand, life was already like this. He was not afraid of death, so what was there to be afraid of?


    On the other hand¡­ he had already experienced it before.


    However, there was still hope in his heart. He felt that his parents were not dead and his big brother was still around, and they were searching for him.


    It was his secret. He hadn¡¯t shared it with anyone.


    Back then, when he left the ruined city with Captain Lei, the temporary team members were discussing the city that had disappeared a few years ago. Xu Qing listened to them and remained silent.


    Back then, when the captain told him that the city that had disappeared was a sacrifice, Xu Qing remained silent.


    Just like at this moment, he, who was crying in the snow rain, slowly stopped shouting. Slowly, he stopped trembling, and slowly, he fell silent again.


    He was mending his heart. He was perfecting the high walls, sealing up the bitter vulnerability and the softness that he did not want to be touched.


    After a long time, he took out the bamboo slip from his storage bag and carved two words on it.


    ¡®Big Brother.¡¯


    He wrote the two words very seriously and powerfully.


    ¡°One day, if I don¡¯t die, I¡¯ll kill you, Crown Prince of the Purple Green Kingdom.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly and closed his eyes. After a long time, he opened his eyes and put Saintly Star and his father, as well as Night Dove in the list.


    In the rain and snow, he stood up and walked further and further away without looking back.


    The cold in the wind and snow suddenly made him feel fearless.


    His back was bleak and sharp, like a lone wolf. At the same time, there was a hint of maturity that had been honed.


    Xu Qing remembered Captain Lei saying that a person would mature when many things were buried in their heart.


    Xu Qing felt that he had matured at this moment.


    He wanted to return to the sect. After he was strong enough, he would leave the Yinghuang Province and visit Mount Morning Glow.


    Moreover, he didn¡¯t just want to kill those people carved on the bamboo slip. He felt unprecedented killing intent toward the whole Illuminate.


    ¡°Illuminate.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice was hoarse. He then took out his magic warship and sped through the rain and snow toward the Eight Sects Alliance.


    In the cabin of the warship, Xu Qing sat there silently and meditated.


    Time passed bit by bit.


    Three days later, Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes.


    He expressionlessly lowered his head and looked at his storage bag. After a long time, he opened it and took out a pot of wine. After drinking a large mouthful, accompanied by the spiciness flowing down his throat, Xu Qing recalled the first time he drank wine.


    At that time, Captain Lei looked at him with a smile and said that he was still young and did not understand the taste of alcohol.


    After entering the Seven Blood Eyes, Xu Qing understood. But today, he felt that the wine wasn¡¯t strong enough.


    After taking another big gulp, he got up and walked out of the cabin. He stood on the deck and looked up at the night sky. Feeling the strong wind from the sky, he slowly retracted his gaze and looked into the distance.


    After a long while, Xu Qing took out a flute and placed it by his mouth.


    Gradually¡­ a bleak tune rang out from the flute and drifted away.


    The tune talked about the past.


    This tune was called Parting Sadness.


    At this moment, Illuminate¡¯s group was moving forward in the wilderness of the Yinghuang Province. No one spoke along the way.


    The black-robed young man in front walked indifferently, and the people behind him were silent.


    After a long time, Night Dove raised his head to look at his master. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Master, are you doing this because you want to agitate Xu Qing and let him grow to the state you want? Or¡­ is he someone with a previous life like you?¡±


    The black-robed young man in front shook his head and said calmly.


    ¡°You¡¯re thinking too much. I do what I want, and I don¡¯t have the habit of agitating others.¡±


    ¡°Brother doesn¡¯t have a previous life. He was just a child from an ordinary family. However, in this life, before my memories were awakened, the kinship I felt became a fetter after my awakening.¡±


    ¡°Master, what would have happened if I accidentally¡­ killed him in the Seven Blood Eyes?¡± Night Dove asked after some hesitation.


    ¡°You will die,¡± the black-robed young man said calmly without turning around.


    Night Dove fell silent. He understood that his master didn¡¯t care about Xu Qing¡¯s life at all. Otherwise, he would have stopped him when he attacked before.


    Because he did not care, anyone could be killed. He would watch and not stop.


    However, because of the fetter, he would kill those who killed Xu Qing.


    Everything would run its own course.


    At the end of the day, his master was not Xu Qing¡¯s elder brother. From the beginning to the end, he had always been the crown prince of Purple Green whose talents had stunned the world, who even the holy lands had tried to take in as a disciple many times, who had given a promise to the deity before he died, and who had been granted a second life.


    Night Dove lowered his head and spoke in a low voice. ¡°Master, if severing the fetter will allow your Dao Heart to become even more complete, then Night Dove is willing to do it!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t cultivate Dao, so I don¡¯t need a Dao heart. What I cultivate is divine.¡± The black-robed young man¡¯s gaze was calm as he walked further and further away.

 Chapter 420

    ?420 Taboo Ground


    The sound of the flute drifted.


    Several days later, the Eight Sects Alliance gradually entered Xu Qing¡¯s sight.


    The afterglow of dusk fell over the Eight Sects Alliance, which was riddled with holes. Although the river was no longer pitch-black, and the aura of immortal Qi was once again emanating from it, the damage to the land was not something that could be dispelled in a few days.


    From afar, the buildings that were being repaired looked like slowly healing wounds on a human¡¯s body.


    Foggy anomalous substances rose into the sky from everywhere.


    All of this turned into grief that filled the entire city, telling of the disaster that happened that day.


    The anomalous substances were much less than when the god¡¯s gaze had come out of the wooden box, but it affected a large range. Thankfully, the swift and violent invasion had been stopped. However, the pain from it would not be gone for a long time.


    This calamity not only affected the Seven Blood Eyes, but also the entire Eight Sects Alliance. Although there were not many deaths, the impact was huge.


    Xu Qing¡¯s magic warship descended from the sky.


    Looking at everything in front of him and the listless people, he looked away.


    When he returned to the Seven Blood Eyes, he saw the sad Sixth Peak highnesses, the silent cultivators of the various peaks, and the ruined mountains.


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    He walked over and joined in to help.


    Time slowly passed. In the blink of an eye, more than ten days had passed.


    During this period, Xu Qing didn¡¯t see Xue Lianzi or Old Master Seventh. He saw the captain, Second Senior Sister, and Third Senior Brother. Their expressions were filled with complicated emotions.


    This was especially true for the captain. He knew the relationship between Xu Qing and Lord Sixth. He silently patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder and sighed softly.


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    After more than half a month of restoration, eighty to ninety percent of the anomalous substances in the Eight Sects Alliance had dissipated. The rest would take a long time to completely resolve.


    The various sects had no choice but to recover their spirits. The Eight Sects Alliance had also made a unified decision regarding the handling of this matter.


    They sent a report to the Sword Holding Court, asking them to raise Illuminate¡¯s danger ranking to level 1. They also asked the Sword Holding Court to increase the efforts in capturing Illuminate.


    Furthermore, the Eight Sects Alliance announced that they would fight Illuminate to the death.


    Even though they had witnessed the horror of the gaze in the wooden box, if they didn¡¯t even dare to express their hatred, the Eight Sects Alliance wouldn¡¯t need Illuminate to take action. Its internal structure would collapse first.


    This was their stance to the outside world. As for their internal situation¡­ Soaring Cloud Ancestor was stripped of his Senate qualifications. Although the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect was still one of the Eight Sects Alliances, all of the benefits they received would be reduced to the lowest for the next hundred years..


    This was a severe punishment for the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect which would last until they killed Saintly Star and his father.


    As for the Taboo magic treasure of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, its power had been reduced by half. This was because the Taboo Tree that had fallen into the Seven Blood Eyes had been successfully suppressed by Old Master Seventh and Xue Lianzi, turning into half a Taboo Treasure of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The 137 sects in the Eight Sects Alliance began to use all their intelligence departments to search for Illuminate members. The wooden box also attracted the attention of the entire Yinghuang Province.


    In hindsight, the gaze in the wooden box¡­ might not be the gaze of the fragmented-face of the god, but something similar.


    However, there were too few clues to infer anything.


    One thing was for sure. Although it was powerful, it was not so powerful that it could not be completely resisted. What was most terrifying was the mysteries behind this matter.


    Illuminate¡­ had indeed mastered a portion of the power of the god.


    At this moment, Xu Qing chose to leave the Seven Blood Eyes. He wanted to make a trip to the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory, which was where the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo magic treasure was located.


    He would go there and open his 121st aperture.


    Before this, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t too obsessed with whether he could open the 121st aperture. But now, things were different.


    If he wanted to accomplish what he had thought when he returned, he had to become stronger, and it had to be extreme strength.


    Before he left, he saw Old Master Seventh in front of Lord Sixth¡¯s grave.


    Old Master Seventh sat in front of the grave with a pot of wine in his hand.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s memories, Old Master Seventh had always been calm. There was deep wisdom in his eyes, as if everything was within his control. However, this time, Old Master Seventh in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was different from before.


    His hair was a mess, his eyes were bloodshot, and his face was filled with self-blame. Chaotic energy fluctuations spread out from him, as if¡­ he were choosing to make a breakthrough.


    However, it was obvious that breaking through wasn¡¯t that easy. After hearing that Xu Qing was going out, Old Master Seventh turned to look at Xu Qing. With a wave of his hand, another Purple Sky Infinite Crown appeared in his hand. After handing it to Xu Qing, he took out a black jade and gave it as well.


    The black jade was like a dried blood clot, emitting an aura of bizarre entity. Its effect was similar to the Life Substituting Ghost Baby.


    ¡°Fourth, I don¡¯t ask for anything else. I just hope that you and your senior brothers and sister can be safe. Your Lord Sixth has left, I don¡¯t want to see you guys leaving before me.¡±


    ¡°The world is unpredictable. I¡¯ve calculated everything, but I couldn¡¯t calculate this. How could this be¡­¡±


    As he spoke, Old Master Seventh sighed softly and passed another jade slip to Xu Qing. This was a token to enter the Taboo ground of the Seven Blood Eyes. It also contained some general knowledge about the Taboo.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were a little red as he silently received it. After bowing deeply, he turned to look at Lord Sixth¡¯s grave. The image of the head in Night Dove¡¯s hand appeared in his mind, and his heart once again ached.


    After a long while, Xu Qing lowered his head and bowed heavily to the grave. After that, he looked at his master and saw the self-blame on his master¡¯s face.


    ¡°Master, let¡¯s avenge Lord Sixth.¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯ gaze became profound. He raised his head and looked into the distance, gradually revealing an extreme sharpness.


    As he spoke, Ding Xue¡¯s aunt walked over from off in the distance, a look of concern on her face. Xu Qing clasped hands and bowed, but didn¡¯t disturb her. He turned and transformed into a beam of light that shot off into the distance toward the Forbidden Sea, toward the Sea Corpse Race.


    Due to the anomalous substances, the alliance¡¯s teleportation arrays were unstable during this period of time. Hence, Xu Qing chose to travel on the magic warship.


    In the sky above the sea, he saw a person.


    Dressed in a long purple dress, the beautiful and flawless figure was none other than Purple Mystic Fairy.


    She stood there and stared at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and bowed.


    ¡°Greetings, Senior.¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy didn¡¯t say anything. Xu Qing waited for a long time before cupping his fists again. Then, he left. When he was 1,000 feet away, Purple Mystic Fairy suddenly spoke.


    ¡°It happened so suddenly that I didn¡¯t have time to do anything.¡±


    Xu Qing halted as he turned and spoke softly to Purple Mystic Fairy.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    This time, Xu Qing didn¡¯t address her as senior.


    After speaking, he shot into the distance. Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s back, a look of heartache appeared on Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s face. After a long time, she sighed softly and a cold light filled her eyes.


    ¡°Illuminate!¡±


    Several days passed in the blink of an eye.


    Xu Qing¡¯s speed was extremely fast. He rode the wind and waves on his magic warship and slowly saw the island of the Sea Corpse Race and the huge statues standing on the island.


    There was also an ancient bronze mirror floating above the statues.


    As the mirror slowly rotated, a terrifying divine will spread out in all directions. Anyone who approached would be sensed by the mirror.


    Ever since the Seven Blood Eyes had set up a base here, all the nearby islands were in the range of the Taboo magic treasure. As a subordinate race, the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s every movement would be examined. There was no chance for them to be disloyal.


    The Seven Blood Eyes had also arranged for some disciples of the various peaks to take turns in staying here. There were also peak lords who took turns to maintain the Taboo. Currently, the Third Peak¡¯s Peak Lord was stationed here.


    At that moment, as Xu Qing got closer, the divine sense of the artifact spirit within the mirror landed on Xu Qing. A cold intent filled his entire body and Xu Qing calmly took out his token.


    The Taboo ground was not a place where one could come and go as one pleased. Even as a highness of the Seven Blood Eyes, he did not have the qualifications to come here on his own. Only with the approval of Old Master Seventh or Xue Lianzi would he have this qualification.


    The divine sense landed on the token Xu Qing took out and disappeared soon after. The sea in front of him instantly churned and spread out violently, forming a path.


    Xu Qing¡¯s magic warship sped through the sea route. On both sides were sea walls that were dozens of feet tall.


    He looked at all of this and realized how terrifying the Seven Blood Eyes was. However, it was still inferior to that light he had heard from the sect disciples.


    Xu Qing approached the shore. He kept the magic warship and stepped into the territory of the Sea Corpse Race.


    The purple ground was covered in strange vegetation. Lingzhi-like vegetation was still everywhere. Many glowing dandelions drifted in the air, making for a beautiful scene.


    Huge jellyfishes floated in the air. One of them flew over quickly and flung out a tentacle to welcome Xu Qing.


    There were tens of Seven Blood Eyes disciples on the jellyfish. All of them were Foundation Establishment cultivators. When they saw Xu Qing, they clasped hands and bowed.


    ¡°The Peak Lord has already received the decree from the sect and arranged for a few Dao Protectors to wait at the Taboo ground. However, this matter is not urgent. We were ordered to come and fetch Your Highness.¡±


    Because Old Master Seventh was the Sect Leader, Xu Qing¡¯s identity was both the Seventh Peak¡¯s highness and the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ highness. Coupled with his reputation in the Alliance, it was only natural for these fellow disciples to be respectful.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn as he cupped his fists in return. Following the jellyfish¡¯s tentacle, he stepped onto the jellyfish and headed towards the Taboo ground of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    This was the third time Xu Qing had come to the former territory of the Sea Corpse Race. The first time, he had done a big thing with the captain here. The second time, he had passed by the place. This time, he had come here with a purpose.


    Looking at the peculiar surroundings, Xu Qing suddenly thought of the princess of the Sea Corpse Race. He had forgotten about this matter previously and didn¡¯t ask the captain about it.


    ¡°How is the Sea Corpse Race now?¡±


    ¡°Your Highness, the Sea Corpse Race has fully attached themselves to us. Our Seven Blood Eyes have placed a soul seal on their ancestor and all their clansmen. At the same time, our sect has the right to activate the conversion technique. The new blood of this race are also branded with soul seals.¡±


    ¡°The sect will not interfere in their other matters. They still have their royal family and order, retaining their autonomy.¡±


    ¡°However, the succession of the throne requires our sect¡¯s approval. The previous king and their ancestor were taken away by Ancestor Xue Lianzi. Now, the new king we support is ruling the clan.¡±


    The 14 ancestral corpse statues that towered into the clouds exuded an aura that shook the heavens and the earth. They also contained the aura of ancientness and the passage of time.


    Compared to them, cultivators were like ants. Among them, five statues seemed to have no end to them.


    Beside the 14 statues were Seven Blood Eyes buildings. A large number of disciples were stationed here to guard the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo.


    Xu Qing¡¯s arrival attracted the attention of many people and they lowered their heads to pay their respects.


    ¡°Your Highness, do you want to rest first or go immediately?¡±


    Xu Qing stared at the gigantic ancient mirror floating in the air above the statues. He drew in a deep breath and slowly spoke.


    ¡°I would like to go immediately!¡±

 Chapter 421

    ?421 Live Conversion


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to waste time. When the disciples heard his words, they immediately agreed to lead the way. Very soon, Xu Qing arrived at the center of the fourteen ancestral corpse statues.


    This place was heavily guarded. At the same time, the divine sense fluctuations coming from the Taboo magic treasure were also extremely powerful. As they constantly swept out, the Taboo magic treasure could instantly detect anything amiss.


    In addition, there were a large number of formations and countless magic artifacts here, forming a dense seal that caused the void to freeze. Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook when he sensed it.


    At the center of the fourteen statues, below the ancient bronze mirror, Xu Qing saw a gigantic octagonal altar.


    There were cultivators sitting in the eight corners of the altar. Xu Qing could sense that their cultivation bases were at least at two Heavenly Palaces. At the moment Xu Qing approached, the eight of them opened their eyes at the same time.


    When they looked at Xu Qing, their eyes shone with a strange light. They didn¡¯t act as Dao protectors and instead stood up and bowed politely to Xu Qing.


    They weren¡¯t unfamiliar with Xu Qing and knew that he could step into the Golden Core Realm at any time. Once he stepped into the Golden Core Realm, he would form two Heavenly Palaces instantly. Such a person couldn¡¯t be treated like an ordinary disciple.


    Xu Qing returned the greeting politely and walked up to the altar.


    On the way here, he had already learned how to use this Taboo magic treasure from the jade slip Old Master Seventh had given him. He could do this alone, but if he wanted the Taboo magic treasure to be fully activated, he would need others to help him.


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath. He stepped onto the altar and walked to the center. After sitting down cross-legged, he lifted his head and glanced at the majestic ancient mirror in the sky. He retracted his gaze and formed hand seals which then pressed down on the altar.


    The Golden Core Dao Protectors knew about their mission, so they performed hand seals and pressed down at the same time.


    The altar rumbled. A powerful beam of light shot up from where Xu Qing was sitting. The light was so intense that Xu Qing¡¯s figure became blurry. In the next instant, the beam of light shot into the sky.


    After that, as the eight Dao Protectors performed hand seals, light shot out from the eight corners. These eight beams of light were crimson in color. After fusing with Xu Qing¡¯s light in midair, the colors of the light mixed together and transformed into a blood-colored light that directly landed on the ancient mirror in the sky.


    The ancient mirror suddenly trembled. Slowly, it stopped rotating and gradually stabilized, facing Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing trembled intensely. He felt a heaven-shaking might and at the same time, his body seemed to have become transparent. His 120 magic apertures turned into light spots that were very clear.


    This made it easier for him to search for the 121st aperture. Thus, he used his divine sense to search his body.


    However, the process wasn¡¯t very smooth. In just around twenty breaths of time, the light dimmed and gradually dissipated. After a moment, Xu Qing opened his eyes with regret.


    He didn¡¯t find it.


    ¡°I will have to trouble the Dao Protectors to do it again.¡± Xu Qing politely spoke.


    The eight people in the surroundings smiled and nodded. They formed hand seals again; beams of light quickly rose and were reflected by the ancient mirror. Xu Qing immediately began to search for the 121st magic aperture.


    However, he failed this time as well.


    Xu Qing frowned. As the light dissipated, he thought of what his master had said. In the past, those who opened the 121st magic aperture mostly found the location of the magic aperture when they were between life and death.


    ¡°As expected, I lack a life and death situation.¡± Xu Qing mumbled as his previous plan appeared in his mind.


    This plan was a little crazy and contained a crisis to his life, but Xu Qing no longer hesitated. He stood up and bowed towards the sky.


    ¡°Lord Third, disciple Xu Qing requests for the Sea Corpse Race¡­ Life and Death Conversion!¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing spoke, the expressions of the eight Dao Protectors changed.


    The Sea Corpse Race¡¯s conversion could resurrect the dead. However, the resurrected were no longer the same people as before. Even their memories were blurry, and they would be extremely violent. Their cultivation bases would be lower than when they were alive. They needed an extremely powerful will and constant cultivation to reach a balance.


    However, this conversion was only a normal method. There was another method that was even more heaven-defying. It was a method that would only be used by those who could enter the royal family or those who had gathered great expectations.


    That was¡­conversion when alive!


    The pros and cons were mixed. Not all members of the royal family or those who had gathered great expectations would choose this method.


    Xu Qing¡¯s understanding of the Sea Corpse Race came from the sect¡¯s records. The Seven Blood Eyes and the Sea Corpse Race had a long-standing feud, so he naturally investigated them clearly.


    This was the plan that appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind back then.


    He wanted to create a relatively controlled life-and-death crisis for himself. When he was about to transform into the Sea Corpse Race, he would think of a way to solidify his state and put himself in a life-or-death situation. That way, he could use the Taboo magic treasure of the Seven Blood Eyes to find his magic aperture again.


    The danger here was that if he failed, he would truly become a member of the Sea Corpse Race and might even die.


    ¡°Xu Qing, have you thought it through?¡± A calm voice rang out from the sky. It was none other than the scholar-like Peak Lord of the Third Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    His figure appeared in the sky and looked at Xu Qing with a solemn expression.


    The Third Peak¡¯s Peak Lord silently looked at Xu Qing. After a long while, he sighed softly. He could see the sorrow hidden in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. He knew the relationship between Xu Qing and Lord Sixth but he still shook his head.


    ¡°I can¡¯t allow you to do this right away. I need to ask your master.¡± With that, the Peak Lord took out a purple jade slip and sent the information to Old Master Seventh.


    Very soon, Old Master Seventh¡¯s hoarse voice rang out from the purple jade slip.


    ¡°Xu Qing, are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Disciple is sure!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s voice was resolute.


    ¡°Old Third, help my disciple.¡± The purple jade slip was silent for a long time before Old Master Seventh sighed.


    ¡°I respect the decree of the Sect Leader.¡± The Third Peak¡¯s Peak Lord respectfully spoke. After that, he kept the jade slip and cast a deep glance at Xu Qing.


    ¡°What do you need me to do?¡±


    ¡°Peak Lord, please isolate the surroundings and gather the conversion energy of the Sea Corpse Race into my body.¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    In the next instant, with a wave of Lord Third¡¯s hand, seven figures appeared in the sky. As soon as these seven figures appeared, they all emitted a dense aura. They were Sea Corpse Race cultivators.


    Each and every one of them had the cultivation base of a Nascent Soul Cultivator. However, they all bowed their heads to Lord Third.


    ¡°Send the power of an ancestral corpse statue to the altar and turn it into the transforming power of the Sea Corpse Race,¡± Lord Third said calmly. The conversion into the Sea Corpse Race required the special power of the Sea Corpse Race. This was their innate talent that outsiders didn¡¯t know.


    The seven Sea Corpse Race cultivators were stunned when they heard this. They lowered their heads to look at the altar on the ground, but they didna€TMt dare to ask any more questions. They immediately formed hand seals, and under the gaze of Lord Third, one of the fourteen ancestral corpse statues let out a loud buzz.


    It was the seventh ancestral corpse statue which was one the largest. As it trembled, blue light spread out.


    First, it was the statue¡¯s legs, then its body, then its arms, and finally its head. When its entire body turned blue, a blue halo that was like the sea spread out from the statue and spread towards Xu Qing on the altar below.


    The halo surrounded Xu Qing and the altar as it descended, slowly infiltrating his body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled as a piercing pain radiated from his entire body. However, this bit of pain was nothing compared to the injuries he had experienced before.


    Whether it was obtaining the merfolk race¡¯s life lantern or risking his life in the dragon carriage, the pain he had experienced far exceeded what he was experiencing now.


    Hence, despite the excruciating pain, Xu Qing¡¯s expression remained the same. Gradually, the skin on his entire body turned blue. The blue was rapidly invading his entire body. His flesh, bones, meridians, magic apertures, and everything else were rapidly transforming.


    At this moment, the life lanterns were useless. Only the purple crystal shook, wanting to erupt and reverse everything. However, it was forcefully suppressed by Xu Qing.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor trembled, and the shadow was also terrified.


    Xu Qing¡¯s aura was rapidly disappearing. His vital signs were also decreasing greatly. However, after this decrease reached a certain level, it slowed down.


    Xu Qing instinctively wasn¡¯t willing to die, especially when the purple crystal was still emanating some recovery powers no matter how much he suppressed it. It was as though it was using his body as a battlefield, dispelling the conversion intent.


    ¡°Lord Third, another ancestral corpse statue!¡± Xu Qing suddenly opened his eyes. A blue light shone in his eyes and his voice carried a sinister intent.


    The expressions of the seven Sea Corpse Race cultivators in the sky also changed when they saw this scene. They looked at Xu Qing with grave expressions. They rarely encountered such a situation. Only the king back then had displayed a similar scene.


    Lord Third fell silent and nodded after a few breaths.


    ¡°One more!¡±


    Time passed, the conversion process had already continued for three days.


    The number of statues shining with blue light had increased from two to five!


    Xu Qing¡¯s life signs still hadn¡¯t reached its limit. Although it was decreasing, its speed was extremely slow.


    However, Xu Qing looked like he was surrounded by an extremely dense aura of death and seemed no different from the Sea Corpse Race.


    Only the flame of life in his heart was not blue yet.


    The expressions of the seven Sea Corpse Race cultivators changed again. They had never encountered such a long conversion. Even their former king didn¡¯t need such a long time, nor did he need five ancestral corpse statues.


    After such a long period of conversion, and with so many statues, once he was transformed into a member of the Sea Corpse Race, he would definitely be the most outstanding member of the Sea Corpse Race in its history!


    ¡°What is the Seven Blood Eyes trying to do with such a genius!¡±


    ¡°Make a king for our Sea Corpse Race?¡±

 Chapter 422

    ?422 Heavenly Palace Golden Core


    Blue light filled the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo altar in the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory.


    The blue light continued to erupt, attracting the attention of the Sea Corpse Race and the Seven Blood Eyes disciples.


    This was especially true for the former. The entire clan was shaken. Virtually all of the Sea Corpse Race members had seen the blue light coming from the altar during the past few days, so they naturally knew why this was happening.


    It was precisely because they knew that they felt an intense surge of emotional fluctuations as this lasted so long.


    The disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes were also shaken.


    Lord Third looked at Xu Qing, who was covered in blue light on the altar below. When he saw the blue color of Xu Qing¡¯s entire body and the aura of death emanating from his body, his mind also fluctuated.


    If he didn¡¯t know that Xu Qing was trying to find the 121st magic aperture and that the probability of him betraying the sect was extremely low, he would have thought that Xu Qing really wanted to transform himself into a member of the Sea Corpse Race.


    At this moment, as the power of the many ancestral corpse statues fused into him, Xu Qing¡¯s life force was about to reach its extreme low. The aura of death coming from him was increasingly dense.


    Another six hours passed. Dusk fell and the moon shone brightly in the sky. Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled violently as he sensed his limits.


    The purple crystal had to face his suppression as well as the invasion of the energy of the ancestral corpse statues. Finally, he was just a thread away from being transformed completely.


    The left side of this thread was life, and the right side was death.


    This was a life and death situation.


    However, this state was extremely unstable. If it was a little less, it would not be a matter of life and death. If it was a little more¡­ he would really transform into the Sea Corpse Race.


    At this critical moment, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly opened, revealing a blue light. With an aloofness that didn¡¯t have the slightest hint of emotion, he raised his corpse-like right hand and slowly pointed at the black wood in front of him.


    The black wood immediately emitted a powerful energy.


    At the next instant, a gigantic illusory wooden door appeared before Xu Qing. Amidst the rumbling sounds, the wooden door slowly opened toward Xu Qing.


    The light from the black wooden door was the method that Xu Qing had thought of to freeze his life and death situation.


    Regardless of whether it was when he fought with Saintly Star or after researching, he knew very well that the light inside the wooden door that had been sacrificially refined a second time possessed some kind of power that could seal the life level..


    This seal seemed to be a freezing power. It would freeze the target¡¯s state in that instant.


    As the light spread out, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled violently. The unstable state between life and death was completely frozen under the light of the Mystic Spirit Perpetual Will Door. It was no longer unstable.


    His life level seemed to have been frozen.


    At the next moment, under Lord Third¡¯s arrangement, the blue light from the ancestral corpse statues immediately dissipated.


    After that, he formed an incantation gesture and the Taboo magic treasure of the Seven Blood Eyes, the ancient bronze mirror, shone with light in the sky. The light transformed into a beam and descended, landing on Xu Qing¡¯s body before refracting back.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. At this moment, his consciousness was still clear. His perception rapidly spread throughout his body, searching for his 121st aperture.


    Old Master Seventh had said that everyone¡¯s apertures were located in different spots, especially this 121st.


    However, at this moment, in this state of life and death, after using the Taboo magic treasure of the Seven Blood Eyes to sense his entire body, Xu Qing finally found¡­ his 121st aperture.


    Shockingly, this magical aperture existed in his sea of consciousness. It wasn¡¯t real, but rather, in an illusory state.


    The moment he found it, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. The soul power in his body erupted and surged towards the spot he had found in his sea of consciousness. In the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled.


    The opening of the 121st magic aperture was much more difficult than the other magic apertures. However, Xu Qing had made ample preparations for this. The soul power suppressed in his magic apertures was stimulated and converged to form a soul flame that surged over again.


    A few breaths later, cracking sounds echoed in his sea of consciousness. The 121st magic aperture in the illusory state opened!


    As it opened, an unprecedented wave of magic power erupted from it.


    It was wild and boundless!


    The power released by this aperture was equal to 30 magic apertures combined.


    Because the magic power inside was too majestic, there was a saying that this one aperture could form one life fire.


    Under this eruption, although the color of the four life fires burning in Xu Qing¡¯s body was changed by the aura of the Sea Corpse Race, under the convergence of countless fire threads, Xu Qing¡¯s fifth life fire formed.


    The color of the fifth life fire was fiery red.


    Under the intense burning, a terrifying energy fluctuation spread out from it. After the magic power spread throughout Xu Qing¡¯s entire body, his state of life and death was directly broken.


    The vigorous fire of life caused the aura of death to dissipate after his state was broken.


    Because the ritual hadn¡¯t been completed, Xu Qing hadn¡¯t completely transformed into the Sea Corpse Race. Hence, he could reverse the situation.


    Especially when he had the purple crystal. Other than making the shadow cover it so that it wouldn¡¯t be exposed, Xu Qing didn¡¯t suppress it any more. Hence, his vitality recovered even faster.


    The color of his skin changed rapidly, and his hair no longer withered.


    This process lasted for eight hours before Xu Qing¡¯s eyes opened. He had fully recovered!


    He had successfully reversed the situation between life and death and opened the 121st magic aperture. This scene caused the seven Sea Corpse Race cultivators in the sky to feel both regret and shock.


    No one dared to look down on someone who had opened 121 magic apertures. This meant that the upper limit of the other party¡¯s Golden Core was the extreme limits. This was especially so since they had long recognized Xu Qing and knew of his life lanterns.


    Lord Third also heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. A look of admiration appeared in his eyes, but he didn¡¯t disturb Xu Qing because he could tell that¡­ Xu Qing was about to advance to the Golden Core Realm.


    He immediately waved his hand and dispersed the surrounding Sea Corpse Race cultivators. After sealing this place even more tightly, he personally protected Xu Qing.


    This was something that Old Master Seventh had asked him to do. Whether it was from the standpoint of the sect or a favor to Old Master Seventh, Lord Third would strictly execute it.


    He wouldn¡¯t allow anything to happen to Xu Qing¡¯s advancement.


    In reality, it was very difficult for accidents to happen in the Taboo ground of the Seven Blood Eyes. This place could be said to be the safest place in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    After a long while, Xu Qing opened his eyes. After a few breaths of silence, he could sense Lord Third¡¯s arrangements in the surroundings. Hence, he closed his eyes again and prepared to advance!


    The advancement of five fires was a certain thing.


    For a Foundation Establishment to reach the Golden Core realm, the most important thing to do was to burn their life fires to the extreme and raise it high up in their body to shine its light upon the Heavenly Palace.


    The Heavenly Palace that was revealed was illusory, but it would not disappear and would always exist.


    In the years to come, the cultivator would need to materialize the illusory Heavenly Palace. Finally, they needed to place a Golden Core in it for it to become a true Heavenly Palace.


    At this moment, following Xu Qing¡¯s will, the five life fires in his body instantly lit up.


    The 121 apertures were like 121 stoves, especially the last aperture. Its fire intent was even stronger, turning into countless fire threads that gathered in the five balls of life fire, causing the flames of Xu Qing¡¯s five balls of life fire to be even more dazzling.


    The life lanterns also manifested. After the flames were augmented, the life fires were lifted up high in Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    In the next moment, a corner of the first Heavenly Palace that was originally visible above the life fires in his sea of consciousness seemed to have been lifted, revealing more and more areas.


    A moment later, Xu Qing¡¯s first illusory Heavenly Palace was completely reflected.


    This Heavenly Palace looked like a huge palace, filled with a divine and majestic aura.


    This was the most basic appearance of the Heavenly Palace. It was basically the same for all humans.


    This was determined by the bloodline of the race.


    During the materialization process, different changes would occur according to the varying cultivation techniques.


    At this moment, as Xu Qing¡¯s five life fires burned and were raised high, very quickly¡­ on top of the first illusory Heavenly Palace, Xu Qing¡¯s second illusory Heavenly Palace was also reflected.


    Then the third, the fourth¡­


    Rumbling filled his sea of consciousness, as if everything were trembling. Bolts of lightning shot out in all directions, as if they were about to tear everything apart. At the same time, the fifth illusory Heavenly Palace appeared.


    From the bottom to the top, the five Heavenly Palaces looked extremely vast. The light of the life fires continued to spread out, causing the sixth illusory Heavenly Palace to appear in his sea of consciousness.


    Shockingly, there was a dense fog above the sixth illusory Heavenly Palace. The fog was like a dome that prevented the light from entering.


    The six Heavenly Palaces were the limit for cultivators with three life fires because the Heavenly Palaces after them existed within the life fog. Weak life fires¡¯ light could not shine upon this fog.


    However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t one of them.


    With the eruption of his five life fires, the seventh illusory Heaven Palace appeared in the thick fog.


    Next, the eighth Heavenly Palace was illuminated by the dazzling light of the five life fires.


    The eight illusory Heavenly Palaces caused his sea of consciousness to tremble, and rumbling sounds filled the air. A vortex appeared around him, and as it swept out in all directions, boundless spiritual energy was sucked in.


    ¡°Next¡­ is the life lanterns transforming into life palaces!¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled as he raised his Rainbow Wind Song Lantern high up in his sea of consciousness.


    After passing through the six illusory palaces, the lamp entered the life fog.


    After passing through the seventh and eighth illusory Heavenly Palaces, a heaven-shaking might erupted from a higher position.


    Brilliant light spread out from the Rainbow Wind Song Lantern. The ninth Heavenly Palace slowly formed around the life lantern.


    It was not illusory, but real.


    The entire process lasted for an hour before Xu Qing¡¯s ninth Heavenly Palace was completely formed in the life fog.


    It contained the Rainbow Wind Song Lantern. It would become an existence similar to a Golden Core, suppressing the Heavenly Palace and instantly¡­ completing it!


    The power of a Heavenly Palace surged from Xu Qing, who was sitting cross-legged. It caused the color of the outside world to change, and a deafening bang sounded.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. At this moment, the life lantern in the shape of a large black umbrella was lifted up high by Xu Qing!

 Chapter 423

    ?423 Rapid Progress


    At this moment, the six illusory Heavenly Palaces under Xu Qing¡¯s life fog emitted a hazy light that formed the power of a life level. It raised his cultivation from the Foundation Establishment realm and stabilized it in the Golden Core realm.


    Within the life fog, the 7th and 8th illusory Heavenly Palaces were still shining brightly even though they were shrouded in the fog. However, compared to the eight Heavenly Palaces, the 9th palace at the top was truly peerless and extremely dazzling.


    The ninth palace was formed by the Rainbow Wind Song Lantern. Its light was dazzling and pierced through the life fog, illuminating the surroundings.


    The Rainbow Wind Song Lantern inside formed a terrifying energy fluctuation that transformed into a shocking pressure. Just this palace alone possessed the power of six fires.


    At this moment, as Xu Qing raised his second life lantern, thunderous rumbling sounds rang out from his sea of consciousness. It was as if a divine being was roaring, and all living things responded. The energy fluctuations spread out from his body, causing the sky to change color.


    The black umbrella shuttled through everything and appeared above the ninth palace in the life fog. There, a dazzling light flashed. The rumbling continued, and the light moved like an ocean. As it swept through everything, the Heavenly Palace quickly formed around the black umbrella life lantern, and it was visible to the naked eye.


    It was not illusory, but real.


    This was the tenth palace!


    Unlike the rainbow glow of the ninth palace, the tenth palace was pitch-black, with boundless black flames burning within, making it seem like a necropolis from hell.


    It was a terrifying sight, but at the same time, a powerful force emanated out, causing Xu Qing¡¯s battle prowess to advance by leaps and bounds, far exceeding what it had been in the past!


    Not only did he advance to the Golden Core Realm, but he also formed two Heavenly Palaces in one step!


    The Golden Core was a dividing line for cultivators in the Wanggu Continent. Those below the Golden Core realm were all considered low-level cultivators building their foundation. When they stepped into the Golden Core realm, it meant their foundation was already formed. Their subsequent cultivation would make a qualitative leap.


    There were also extremely few people like him who surpassed many Golden Core Dao Protectors of the Alliance.


    Sima Ru, for example, had not completed the formation of the second Heavenly Palace even after so many years.


    From this, one could see the importance of the life lantern.


    Xu Qing¡¯s combat prowess wasn¡¯t just limited to that. He also had an emperor-grade cultivation art that was in the midst of transforming.


    From a comprehensive perspective, Xu Qing¡¯s combat prowess had already surpassed that of ordinary cultivators of two Heavenly Palaces.


    Not to mention his poison pill.


    Xu Qing¡¯s task now was to quickly form his third Heavenly Palace and suppress it with the poison pill, allowing his cultivation and combat strength to soar again.


    Then, he would transform all the remaining Heavenly Palaces from illusions to real existences. At that time, with the ten Heavenly Palaces, his battle prowess would reach a terrifying level that would shock cultivators of the same cultivation base.


    This process would not take a long time because his Golden Core cultivation method was different from others.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly opened. The mark of the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art that his master had imparted to him spread out and fused into his mind. At the same time, his right hand slowly became transparent.


    It was as if it was between reality and illusion.


    Xu Qing looked at his right hand. He could sense a terrifying aura contained in his right hand, as well as an endless strangeness.


    This hand could enter the enemy¡¯s sea of consciousness, break through the Heavenly Palace, grab the golden core inside, and forcefully plunder it. Not only that, Xu Qing¡¯s perception also told him that this right hand of his was filled with intimidation towards bizarre entities.


    ¡°Master said before that when this cultivation technique is cultivated to the extreme, my entire body will be in an illusionary state. That way, I can avoid most dangers.¡± Xu Qing muttered inwardly as determination appeared in his eyes.


    He was eager to improve himself and become stronger.


    After a long while, Xu Qing took a deep breath. He knew that he had to work harder than before. With a thought, his right hand instantly returned to normal.


    Xu Qing stood up and bowed respectfully to Lord Third who was guarding him.


    ¡°Thank you, Lord Third.¡±


    Lord Third had been protecting him throughout the whole aperture sensing and advancement. Even though Xu Qing knew that it was because of his master, he was still very grateful.


    Up in the sky, the eyes of Lord Third gleamed with a strange light as they glanced at Xu Qing. He didn¡¯t conceal his admiration for Xu Qing at all. From his point of view, Xu Qing could be said to be one of the most outstanding disciples in this generation.


    ¡°Live on. In the future, you will have a place in the Yinghuang Province.¡± The three peak leaders slowly spoke.


    Xu Qing bowed again.


    Lord Third waved his hand, and the surrounding formation dissipated. He also disappeared from the sky.


    Xu Qing looked at the place where Lord Third had disappeared and then at the vast ancient bronze mirror in the sky. After a long time, he took out the magic warship and stepped on it. With a thought, the artifact spirit in the magic warship let out a roar and suddenly emitted a power comparable to a Golden Core, speeding toward the distance.


    Its speed was so fast that it reached the port in an instant. Without stopping, it rushed into the Forbidden Sea.


    When he came here, he was at the four fires Foundation Establishment stage. When he left, he was at the Two Palaces Golden Core stage.


    The difference in combat strength was like heaven and earth.


    As he sped, Xu Qing looked into the distance. After a long while, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Master!¡± In the next instant, the black iron stick appeared beside Xu Qing. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor appeared with reverence on his face. He immediately knelt on the ground and greeted nervously.


    ¡°Your combat prowess is a little weak. If you can¡¯t keep up with me¡­¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t finish his sentence. He looked at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, his eyes shining with a deep light.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor trembled. He immediately raised his head and patted his chest as he spoke loudly.


    ¡°Master, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve been preparing for this matter for a long time. I was just about to report it to you. At most six months, no, at most three months!! My Lightning Spirit Body will advance again and transform into a soul!¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s eyes were a little red. He was going all out.


    In truth, he was still very far from breaking through. However, there was nothing he could do now. He felt that if he didn¡¯t work countless times harder, given Xu Qing¡¯s current state, he would definitely become cannon fodder.


    However, if he wanted to break through in three months, he needed a lot of nutrients. Therefore, after some hesitation, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor spoke softly.


    ¡°Master, actually, I can absorb souls as well. When I was advancing to a Lightning Spirit, I needed to absorb magic artifacts. And to advance into a Lightning Soul, I need a large number of souls¡­¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. He originally wanted to say that if the other party couldn¡¯t keep up, he planned to release him. After all, the things the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had done in the past few years had satisfied him.


    However, since the other party had already said so, Xu Qing thought about it and didn¡¯t mention it.


    At the same time, when the shadow saw this, it grew anxious and began to emanate emotional fluctuations.


    ¡°Three¡­ same!!¡±


    ¡°Fragment¡­ I¡­ Three¡­ Break!¡±


    There was no need for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to translate. After Xu Qing heard it, he already understood that the shadow was referring to the Taboo magic treasure he obtained from Sima Ling.


    Previously, Xu Qing felt that he couldn¡¯t give it so easily. The instinct of the shadow could easily cause trouble.


    But now that he had stepped into the Golden Core realm, the situation was different. Hence, Xu Qing nodded and with a wave of his hand, he took out the fragment and threw it onto the shadow on the ground.


    Several days later, Xu Qing saw the port of the Eight Sects Alliance from afar. He had spent almost a month on this trip. It wasn¡¯t a long time, but to the restoration works, under the efforts of the entire Alliance, there were basically no traces of the calamity anymore.


    The anomalous substances had been mostly dispelled and some that remained were already undetectable as the immortal Qi of the Immortal Enrichment River spread. The sect had also built some array formations which were activated day and night to dispel the anomalous substances.


    All the buildings had been repaired. Other than the stifling silence in the city that would time to disappear, everything else was normal.


    Xu Qing informed his master only of his return and no one else.


    After he returned, Xu Qing stayed in his berth and continued to cultivate. He was familiarizing himself with the Golden Core realm strength as well as studying the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art.


    He was also adapting to the techniques and spells that had changed in power because of his breakthrough in cultivation.


    Regardless of whether it was the Mystic Nether Curse, the Nine-Layers Howling Sea, or even Under the Nine Springs, Xu Qing was feeling out their powers again.


    In addition, his intrinsic mosasaur had also changed after breaking through.


    As the spirit of the magic aperture, if he didn¡¯t have the poison pill and the life lanterns, it would have become the first golden core that Xu Qing could have refined and placed in the Heavenly Palace.


    Regarding this, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t give up. He was going to nurture the poisonous pill and the intrinsic golden core together.


    ¡°As for the Golden Crow Refines All Life, I still need to devour one more time before it can advance to the second level.¡± Xu Qing closed his eyes. After sensing his emperor-level cultivation art, he fell into deep thought.


    Time passed day by day as Xu Qing adapted to the Golden Core Realm. As the Alliance¡¯s internal departments recovered, their search for information on Illuminate became more and more intense.


    This was especially true for the Seven Blood Eyes. Old Master Seventh was the one who personally checked the intelligence and searched for traces of Illuminate.


    Regardless of whether it was the Eight Sects Alliance or the Seven Blood Eyes, they all needed a massacre to vent the pressure. Xu Qing also needed it, so he waited.


    However, the search for information and the verification of the details required time. No one would underestimate Illuminate now, and they had to be wary of falling into trap.


    Before the information was confirmed, visitors came to the Seven Blood Eyes. The visitors came from Dongyou Island in the Forbidden Sea, and there were hundreds of cultivators.


    The ones at the front were Esteemed Master Dongyou and her granddaughter, Yanyan.


    As close allies of the Seven Blood Eyes, what happened to the Seven Blood Eyes this time naturally attracted the attention of Dongyou Island. This time, they would work with the Seven Blood Eyes to make plans and get revenge against Illuminate.


    Almost as soon as they arrived, during the meeting between Xue Lianzi, Old Master Seventh, and Esteemed Master Dongyou, Yanyan sneaked out.


    Clearly, she had been paying attention to the Seven Blood Eyes, especially any news about Xu Qing.


    Hence, there was no need to ask where Xu Qing was. She immediately arrived at Xu Qing¡¯s berth.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, Yanyan missed you so much.¡±


    Outside the magic warship, Yanyan stood there and spoke softly.

 Chapter 424 - 424 Yanyans Gift

    424 Yanyan¡¯s Gift


    Inside the magic warship, Xu Qing opened his eyes.


    During this period of time, Yanyan was not the first person to come. Ding Xue and Gu Muqing had come before.


    Xu Qing was as per normal. He didn¡¯t reveal any differences from before. If there really was a difference, it would be that he was more silent.


    When he heard Yanyan¡¯s voice outside, Xu Qing stood up and walked out of the cabin. He stood there and calmly looked at the young lady on the shore.


    Xu Qing¡¯s appearance caused Yanyan¡¯s beautiful eyes to curve into crescent moons. She directly leaped onto Xu Qing¡¯s magic warship.


    However, in the next moment, she crashed into the defense of the magic warship.


    With a bang, she landed on the shore.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, don¡¯t you like me anymore? Did Yanyan do something wrong? Tell me, I¡¯ll change¡­¡± Yanyan got up, feeling a little discouraged. She sat on the ground with her eyes slightly red, as if she was about to cry.


    Her fingers, which were covered in wounds, pinched the corner of her clothes.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to pretend. What¡¯s the matter?¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    Yanyan¡¯s reddened eyes returned to normal as she tilted her head and looked at Xu Qing. A mesmerized smile appeared on her face and she placed her finger in her mouth. She bit down lightly and sucked her blood.


    ¡°As expected, I still can¡¯t deceive Brother Xu Qing.¡±


    ¡°However, Brother Xu Qing, I really like it when you don¡¯t like me. This time, I even brought you a greeting gift.¡± Yanyan smiled foolishly. With a wave of her small hand, seven black water vats appeared beside her.


    Each of them was half the height of a person. They were covered, but heads were exposed outside them.


    Each of the seven water vats contained a cultivator, most of whom were at the Three Fires Foundation Establishment stage. One of them even emanated the fluctuations of a Golden Core, a Heavenly Palace Golden Core.


    Clearly, they had all been tortured to the extreme. Although they weren¡¯t dead, they were planted in the water vats like flowers.


    As the water vats landed on the ground, they opened their eyes. When they saw Yanyan, their faces were filled with endless fear and despair.


    There were men and women among these people. All of them were pale. Some were missing an eye, some were missing an ear, some had their noses cut, and some had their mouths sewn together.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, the last time I returned to Dongyou Island, I started to capture the Night Dove Organization there and even found some clues. I followed the clues and found these seven guys.¡±


    ¡°The seven of them are the leaders of the Nanhuang Continent¡¯s Night Dove Organization. When they were moving to the Yinghuang Province, Shrimpy captured all of them.¡±


    Yanyan spoke happily. Her eyes shone with anticipation, as though she was eager to receive Xu Qing¡¯s praise.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past the seven of them. There was no need to identify them. He had killed too many Night Dove members. At this moment, when he spread out his perception to sense them, he could sense a large amount of resentment fusing from the seven of them.


    In addition, the Seven Blood Eyes Homicide Department also had a warrant for these seven people. However, these seven people were very cautious and never appeared in the territory of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°Very good.¡± Xu Qing nodded at Yanyan.


    This nod made Yanyan excited. Her breathing quickened, and her nose opened slightly. Her eyes became even more blurry as she spoke softly.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, shall we¡­ start?¡±


    Xu Qing stepped out of the magic warship. After landing on the shore, his gaze swept past the seven trembling people and finally landed on the Golden Core cultivator.


    This cultivator was middle-aged and had a scar on his face. At the same time, the resentment on his body was extremely dense. Xu Qing knew this person. The Seven Blood Eyes had records of this person.


    This person was one of the leaders of the Night Dove Organization in the Nanhuang Continent. He was cruel and bloodthirsty. Many treasure-nurturers had died in his hands, and he had sold a vast number of them.


    At this moment, under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the middle-aged man¡¯s sewn-up mouth let out a whimper. His eyes were filled with the intention to beg for mercy. This kind of begging was something that the middle-aged man had seen countless times in his life. However, the same thing was reflected on him countless times during this period of time.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He grabbed at the air; instantly, the water vat that the middle-aged man was in shattered into pieces.


    As a large amount of blood splattered, the middle-aged man¡¯s body, which had lost all four limbs, fell to the ground. When he struggled, a powerful force enveloped him and he was suddenly moved in front of Xu Qing.


    Amidst Yanyan¡¯s excitement, Xu Qing calmly raised his right hand. His right hand instantly turned illusory and slowly penetrated into the middle-aged man¡¯s chest. There was no wound or damage. Xu Qing¡¯s right hand was completely illusory as it pierced through.


    However, the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s fear instantly surpassed the torture Yanyan had inflicted on him on Dongyou Island. His body trembled violently, and his eyes filled with shock and disbelief. He was also filled with intense terror as he struggled maddeningly.


    He felt a cold hand enter his body, enter his sea of consciousness, and touch his Heavenly Palace¡­


    Immediately after, this cold hand pierced through his Heavenly Palace and grabbed the golden core that he had suppressed in the Heavenly Palace.


    The hand suddenly pulled!


    The pain surpassed anything he had experienced before, causing the middle-aged cultivator to go completely mad. He began to groan miserably. Compared to what he was feeling now, the torture he had endured on Dongyou Island was like child¡¯s play.


    This pain seemed to pierce his soul.


    His lips, which had been sewn together, were torn apart as he struggled. By the time the inhuman screams came from his mouth, Xu Qing¡¯s hand had already retracted from the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s chest.


    In his hand¡­ was a golden core.


    The golden core was still connected with countless threads. With a sudden pull from Xu Qing, all the threads were broken.


    The middle-aged cultivator¡¯s body trembled violently. The Heavenly Palace in his body collapsed inch by inch, turning into countless drops of blood that sprayed out of his mouth, nose, eyes, ears, and all the pores on his body.


    What made the middle-aged cultivator feel even more despair was that in his blood-stained eyes, he could vaguely see his golden core rapidly dissipating and being absorbed by Xu Qing¡¯s illusory hand.


    This scene was enough to cause everyone who saw it to be terrified to the extreme, especially since Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm from the beginning to the end and not a single drop of blood stained his body.


    Yanyan¡¯s eyes shone brightly as she stared straight at Xu Qing. She realized that Xu Qing¡¯s playstyle made her even more excited and obsessed than before.


    She couldn¡¯t help but breathe faster and faster. At this moment, she placed her finger in her mouth again and bit it, sucking the blood.


    It seemed that this was the only way for her to suppress the excitement.


    Xu Qing glanced at Yanyan and didn¡¯t pay much attention to her. With a wave of his hand, the resentment aura surrounding the dying middle-aged cultivator instantly erupted, transforming into countless illusory faces that ferociously devoured the middle-aged cultivator.


    Miserable screams echoed again. It lasted for a few breaths before it stopped.


    He breathed his last.


    As for the other cultivators in the water vats, they were all trembling. Their despair was filled with indescribable terror. Earlier, they had thought that Yanyan was a nightmare, but now they knew that compared to now, she was quite ordinary.


    It was useless for Xu Qing to absorb these Foundation Establishment cultivators. Hence, he sent out a divine sense.


    In the next moment, the black iron stick flew out at an extremely fast speed toward the remaining six cultivators. It instantly pierced through their foreheads, absorbed their souls, and returned as an afterimage.


    The black iron stick didn¡¯t let go of the dead Golden Core either, because there was still remnant soul power dissipating from the corpse.


    Yanyan took in a deep breath and looked at Xu Qing with a smile on her face.


    In her eyes, it was as though this world was blurry. Only Xu Qing¡¯s figure was incomparably clear.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, do you feel better now?¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at Yanyan¡¯s fingers. Every single one of them was covered in countless old and new scars from being bitten.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hurt yourself like this next time. It doesn¡¯t look good.¡±


    If someone else said this, Yanyan would have gouged out their eyes or pulled out their tongue. Even if her grandmother told her this, she would just ignore it. However, when she heard Xu Qing¡¯s words, she hurriedly nodded.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, I¡¯ll only bite one finger in the future and will only bite it again after it¡¯s healed. This way, there won¡¯t be any scars and it won¡¯t be ugly anymore.¡±


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, can¡­ can I board the boat?¡± Yanyan looked at Xu Qing expectantly.


    ¡°Next time. I want to cultivate.¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke. He then returned to the magic warship and headed to the cabin.


    The afterglow of dusk fell on the shore. Yanyan looked at the departing Xu Qing and felt a little disappointed in her heart. When she came, she was happy and sad. She was happy that she could see Brother Xu Qing again, but she was sad when she heard her grandmother talk about the events in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Therefore, she begged her grandmother to give her enough Dao Protectors. That was how she managed to capture the seven leaders of the Night Dove Organization.


    Then, she brought them here to give to her Brother Xu Qing so that he could be happier.


    She didn¡¯t know what to do to make Xu Qing happy. Hence, she thought that if it was her, she would be happy if someone gave her such a gift.


    But now, she was a little disappointed.


    Staring at the disappearing figure on the magic warship, she sat alone on the shore and bit her lower lip. She couldn¡¯t help but raise her hand again to bite her finger.


    However, she held it in and tried her best to control this habit of hers.


    Because Brother Xu Qing didn¡¯t like it.


    However, she could not control herself. Gradually, as she restrained herself and struggled, a vicious aura appeared on her body.


    Originally, she was extremely vicious. Now that her emotions were fluctuating, her viciousness became even more intense.


    However, at this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s calm voice rang out from the magic warship.


    ¡°Sit down.¡±


    Yanyan stared blankly for a moment, then sat down obediently. As she looked up at the magic warship, the sound of a flute drifted out.


    The sound of the flute was melodious and comforting, seemingly dragging out one¡¯s thoughts.


    Under the bright moon, the viciousness on Yanyan¡¯s mind gradually dissipated, and a smile appeared on her face.


    After a long time, when the sound of the flute stopped, Yanyan stood up happily.


    ¡°Thank you, Brother Xu Qing.¡± After speaking, she skipped away, humming the flute tune she heard earlier. She was extremely happy.


    Just like that, several days passed. One morning, Xu Qing, who was sitting cross-legged in meditation, suddenly opened his eyes and lowered his head to look at his voice transmission jade slip.


    After taking it out, Old Master Seventh¡¯s solemn voice echoed in his ears.


    ¡°I have found Illuminate¡¯s traces and found Saintly Star¡¯s tracks. After confirming that this isn¡¯t an ambush, the Alliance will go all out to issue the Blood Massacre Mission.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, are you willing to accept the order and participate in this mission?¡±


    Xu Qing abruptly inclined his head, his expression incomparably cold. Without any hesitation, he replied via voice transmission.


    ¡°Disciple accepts the mission!¡±

 Chapter 425

    ?425 Falling Moon Canyon


    The blue sky was clear of clouds.


    The first rays of dawn shone on the ground, illuminating the main city of the Eight Sects Alliance.


    With a roar that echoed in the sky, ripples appeared in the sky. A black wyvern with huge wings raised a violent wind and soared into the sky from the Seven Blood Eyes.


    At first, the wyvern was only 1,000 feet tall. However, in the next moment, as its body trembled, it became visibly larger.


    Soon, it grew to more than 60,000 feet tall!


    A terrifying aura spread out from its body, causing the clouds and wind to stir violently and a storm to rise.


    From afar, one could see countless buildings on the back of the black wyvern.


    There were a large number of figures inside the buildings.


    Xu Qing was among them.


    This wyvern was one of Old Master Seventh¡¯ three great wings.


    As for the other people, they were all disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes who were participating in the Blood Massacre Mission.


    Not all of them fought for sentiments. Many of them were attracted by the heavy rewards.


    However, this was the style of the Seven Blood Eyes. There were both advantages and disadvantages to it, but in this chaotic world, the pros outweighed the cons.


    At this moment, there were two figures standing in the highest building in front of Xu Qing.


    They were Old Master Seventh and Ancestor Xue Lianzi.


    The two of them stood facing the wind, their robes fluttering wildly. Their eyes were cold, and their killing intent turned into waves of coldness.


    The two of them were personally leading the Seven Blood Eyes in this operation.


    Behind the wyvern, the war fortress formed by the Sixth Peak slowly rose into the sky.


    The huge mountain gave off a heavy pressure, allowing everyone who saw it to feel its might.


    The disciples of the Sixth Peak, whether it was out of their relation with Lord Sixth or out of benefits, were all participating.


    The sects participating in this operation were the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect, the Mystic Nether Sect, and the Bizarre Hunting Sect.


    The four sects moved out, with their respective ancestors among them. The Taboo magic treasures of the eight sects were initiated at the same time, ready to be activated.


    As the energy of these Taboos spread, nine huge ancient bronze swords flew out of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect. The Soaring Cloud Ancestor and the sect master were filled with killing intent.


    In the direction of the Bizarre Hunting Sect, a huge, bizarre eye that was seventy to eighty thousand feet long appeared in the sky. The eye seemed to contain the cosmos, and countless Bizarre Hunting Sect cultivators could be seen inside.


    The Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s momentum was even more majestic. A terrifying tombstone rose from it.


    There were blood-colored runes carved on the tombstone. As soon as it appeared, it exuded an endless ancient feeling. Purple Mystic Fairy stood on the tombstone with a large number of Mystic Nether Sect disciples behind her.


    As the four sects rose up into the sky, the Alliance Leader¡¯s enormous face filled the sky, and his eyes shone with profound light as he looked off into the distance.


    ¡°After investigation on the intelligence on Illuminate, four of their secret locations have been verified in Yinghuang Province. Today, our alliance will attack these locations. The four sects will each go to one location and kill the Illuminate cultivators to avenge the deaths of our compatriots!¡±


    ¡°The Taboos of the Alliance are all initiated, so they can be activated at any moment. The Alliance as a whole is also ready to follow up.¡±


    ¡°Furthermore, this operation has already been reported to the Sword Holding Court. The Sword Holding Court attaches great importance to this matter and will monitor the entire scene. If Night Dove¡¯s master appears again, he will definitely be unable to escape calamity!¡±


    ¡°Also, the Sword Holding Court has a way to resist the light in that box.¡±


    ¡°Then, set off!¡±


    In response to the Alliance Leader¡¯s words, rumbling sounds filled the world as the four sects charged forward. Teleportation portals appeared in the air as they shot toward the four locations.


    The location chosen by the Seven Blood Eyes was the place where Saintly Star¡¯s traces had been found. Xue Lianzi had used his status as a member of the Senate to suppress the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect and personally take over this location.


    Although Illuminate was the mastermind behind Lord Sixth¡¯s death, Saintly Star and his father had helped in this. Therefore, the Seven Blood Eyes had to kill these two people.


    Saintly Star¡¯s traces were in the Minor Affairs Sect.


    Because of some unknown deal between the Alliance and the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect didn¡¯t make a big fuss after the dam was destroyed. Instead, they tacitly agreed to the matter.


    The Minor Affairs Sect, which was chosen to be sacrificed, could only swallow its bitterness and choose a new location to rebuild the sect.


    However, no matter what, the Minor Affairs Sect was considered an external branch of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. Therefore, in order to appease the Minor Affairs Sect, the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect relaxed the restrictions on promotion quota.


    As a result, the number of disciples that the Minor Affairs Sect could send to the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect was greatly increased.


    The Grand Affairs Immortal Sect was different from other sects in that they almost never accepted disciples outside. Most of them were determined by fate. For example, Li Zimei was chosen because she was fated.


    The biggest source of disciples in their sect was actually the promotion quota of their hundred or so subordinate sects. These quotas were distributed depending on the strength of the subordinate sects.


    In the past, the Minor Affairs Sect only had four spots every year, but now, it had increased to eight.


    After all, the most powerful faction in the Yinghuang Province, other than the Sword Holding Court, which represented the orthodox lineage of the human race, was actually the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    For some unknown reason, Saintly Star, who had betrayed the sect, was secretly assigned to the Minor Affairs Sect. He changed his appearance, concealed his identity, and entered the sect as an ordinary disciple.


    One could imagine that his mission was most likely to use the Minor Affairs Sect to enter the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    According to the intelligence of the Alliance and the information that Old Master Seventh had received by using some unknown method, they found that other than Saintly Star, there should be many peripheral members like Saintly Star in the Minor Affairs Sect. There was even an 80 to 90% chance that core members of Illuminate were among them.


    As for whether Night Dove and his master would appear, the Seven Blood Eyes was not sure.


    However, this operation was to lure them out. This battle looked like the four sects were attacking one point each, but in reality, it was a joint attack by the Alliance and the Sword Holding Court.


    However, the Alliance was in the open while the Sword Holding Court was watching from the dark.


    Clearly, the Sword Holding Court was very interested in Night Dove¡¯s master.


    Xu Qing also knew about these things.


    As he looked forward with killing intennt, the wyvern and the Sixth Peak behind it rushed into the huge teleportation array in front of them.


    As the wyvern let out a long cry that could shatter the sky, its figure appeared above the Falling Moon Plains of the Yinghuang Province.


    The Falling Moon Plains was located in the northeast of the Yinghuang Province. It was between the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect and the ice plains in the north. Although it had cold weather, the spiritual energy there was not bad. It was home to thousands of sects of various sizes.


    At the edge of the Falling Moon Plains, there was a huge canyon called the Falling Moon Canyon.


    It was none other than the territory of the relocated Minor Affairs Sect.


    The Minor Affairs Sect used to be a medium-sized force, but after suffering the attack, they had lost a lot of power. Now, they had less than ten thousand disciples.


    The sun was shining brightly in the morning, and most of the disciples in the sect were busy cultivating. Therefore, the roars of the wyvern and the sudden appearance of black clouds in the sky caused chaos in the Minor Affairs Sect.


    However, before the Minor Affairs Sect could react, the wyvern closed in. A storm swept across the land, and the Sixth Peak floated above, emitting waves of terrifying might.


    At the same time, in the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s territory, the huge ancient bronze mirror floating above the fourteen ancestral corpse statues suddenly rotated. The direction of the mirror was fixed at the Falling Moon Canyon in Yinghuang Province.


    As the ancestral corpse statues rumbled and a huge force surged in, the seven blood-colored eyes opened at the same time.


    Their gazes locked onto the Falling Moon Canyon.


    In an instant, blood light surged into the sky in the Falling Moon Canyon.


    Amidst the shock and exclamations of the entire Minor Affairs Sect including its higher-ups, the blood-red light spread out, causing at least one thousand disciples in the sect to emit a black aura.


    This aura was extremely obvious in the blood light.


    At the instant it spread out, all of their disguises were dispelled, and their expressions changed as they revealed their true appearances.


    Quite a few of them were ordinary disciples of the Minor Affairs Sect. However¡­ there were seven or eight Golden Core Cultivators among them. Even more shocking were the Nascent Soul grand elders of the sect. Their appearances suddenly changed to that of strangers.


    Everyone in the Minor Affairs Sect had different expressions.


    The sect master¡¯s face darkened.


    The others were surprised by what was happening, but not him.


    Because of his close relationship with the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, he was the least likely to betray them. Therefore, he had received a reminder from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect that the Minor Affairs Sect had been infiltrated by a large number of Illuminate Cultivators.


    Seeing all of this happening, the Minor Affairs Sect¡¯s sect master¡¯s expression turned ugly, and he immediately sent out a decree.


    ¡°All disciples, kill the cultivators who are emitting the black aura. These people are Illuminate cultivators!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to do anything!¡± The moment the sect master opened his mouth, Xue Lianzi¡¯s ferocious voice echoed. He waved his sleeve, and the Taboo power of the Seven Blood Eyes erupted once more, sealing the area.


    In the next moment, Old Master Seventh gave an order. The wyvern roared, and the Seven Blood Eyes disciples turned into rays of light, charging toward the Minor Affairs Sect.


    They ignored the ordinary Minor Affairs Sect disciples. They only killed the cultivators whose bodies were emitting black aura.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes had long locked onto an ordinary disciple of the Minor Affairs Sect.


    Under the illumination of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo, the ordinary disciple¡¯s appearance changed and he returned to his original appearance.


    He had a handsome face and emitted Golden Core energy fluctuations.


    He was¡­ Saintly Star.


    Saintly Star¡¯s expression changed drastically. He was extremely shocked that the Seven Blood Eyes had found him so quickly.


    However, his cultivation base was already different from what Xu Qing had seen before.


    The Golden Core fluctuations on Saintly Star¡¯s body were obvious. The original Golden Crow in his right eye seemed to have been sealed. As it dimmed, its effect also reversed. It went from absorbing his life force to being occupied by his will, turning into his own Golden Crow eye.


    The moment Xu Qing saw Saintly Star, there was no one else in his eyes.


    At Old Master Seventh¡¯s command, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes flickered with intense killing intent as he charged straight toward Saintly Star.


    This time, he would definitely kill Saintly Star!

 Chapter 426

    ?426 Under the Nine Springs


    Xu Qing saw Saintly Star.


    Saintly Star also saw Xu Qing.


    Almost as soon as Xu Qing charged out, Saintly Star retreated.


    He was extremely fast and his speed was faster than before. As the power of a Golden Core erupted, the Golden Crow in his right eye manifested and let out a cry.


    The Golden Crow¡¯s body was bound by countless illusory runes that were linked to Saintly Star¡¯s right eye.


    This method was so profound that it actually allowed Saintly Star to indirectly grasp the emperor-level cultivation art, Golden Crow Refines All Life. With the support of the Golden Crow, his speed was extremely fast.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s speed was even more astonishing. In the blink of an eye, he charged into the Minor Affairs Sect and headed straight for Saintly Star.


    However, even as the disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes charged toward the Minor Affairs Sect, the Falling Moon Canyon suddenly began to rumble, and countless fissures opened up in the ground. Flames erupted from within, and a huge hand reached out toward the Minor Affairs Sect.


    The hand was 1,000-foot long and made of rocks. It was covered with fire runes, as if magma was its blood.


    Booming sounds shook the sky, and the canyon collapsed. Countless rocks shot out.


    As soon as the hand reached out, it pressed down onto the ground, causing the ground to tremble. A stone giant shot up from the ground, covered in shocking flames.


    It was tens of thousands of feet tall, and as it roared, it emanated an aura that surpassed the Nascent Soul realm, causing intense fluctuations to spread out in all directions.


    Shockingly, there was a black coffin buried in the giant¡¯s chest.


    And above the rock giant¡¯s head, there were two more figures.


    The two of them were dressed in long black robes and wore the god¡¯s fragmented-face masks. However, they were not Night Dove and Crown Prince Purple Green. One of them was standing, and the other was sitting.


    Terrifying energy fluctuations spread out from the two of them. The gazes revealed by the mask were cold.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe they found this place.¡±


    ¡°What Lord said before he left was right. We can¡¯t underestimate any faction.¡±


    ¡°From the looks of it, the Eight Sects Alliance has sent people to the other three locations as well.¡±


    Illuminate was an organization, so it was impossible for it to only have Crown Prince Purple Green and Night Dove.


    The core members were all famous, but most of the members were outer members like Saintly Star.


    Although they had joined Illuminate, they were not qualified to enter the core and wear masks.


    Only those who had performed the blood performance and had at least the cultivation of the Nascent Soul Realm were qualified.


    These two were clearly core members of Illuminate. The moment they appeared, Old Master Seventh¡¯s gaze focused on them.


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ first strategic goal in attacking the Minor Affairs Sect was to lure out the core members of Illuminate.


    As soon as they appeared, Old Master Seventh took a step forward, moving toward the rock giant.


    The giant stared at Old Master Seventh with madness in its eyes. The two figures above him also began to blur as they attacked at the same time.


    However, in the next moment, the two of them slammed into each other. Rumbling sounds echoed out as the rock giant¡¯s body shook violently, and its raised right hand collapsed.


    It was forced back. The two black-robed men who had attacked with the giant looked even grimmer and backed up.


    Old Master Seventh single-handedly forced the three Spirit Repositories to retreat.


    As the ground and the canyon collapsed, the disciples of the Minor Affairs Sect escaped in all directions.


    Although they were panicking, they did not encounter much danger. That was because the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples were targeting the outer members of Illuminate who were emitting black aura.


    However, after what happened just now, the ground was in chaos. All Illuminate members fled at full speed.


    However, the Taboo magic treasure of the Seven Blood Eyes had sealed this place. Even if Illuminate members scattered, they would not be able to escape.


    At the same time, in the other three locations of the Yinghuang Province, the attacks of the Mystic Nether Sect, the Bizarre Hunting Sect, and the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect were also being carried out at full strength. The locations they went to also had core members of Illuminate.


    The battles in the four locations were intense, but all of this¡­ was just fishing.


    It all depended on whether Night Dove and his master would appear, and where they would appear!


    This was not a conspiracy, but a blatant scheme!


    The heavenly net had already been set up. At this moment, all the human forces in the Yinghuang Province were staring at these four points. The Grand Affairs Immortal Sect was also cooperating. Even the Litu Sect was participating and listening to the Sword Holding Court¡¯s arrangements.


    Everyone was waiting.


    At the same time, they were also wary that Illuminate might create a diversion and appear in the territories of the various forces.


    At this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s killing began.


    He wore a purple robe with patterns on it and had the Purple Heaven Infinite Crown on his head. His two life palaces transformed into canopies above him. As the rainbow light spread and the black flames were released, his Golden Core cultivation shook the surroundings.


    He instantly appeared in front of one of Illuminate¡¯s Golden Core cultivators and ignored his counterattack. Under the other party¡¯s shocked expression, Xu Qing¡¯s right hand turned illusory as he circulated the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art. He directly probed into the Heavenly Palace in this person¡¯s sea of consciousness and grabbed the golden core. Under the other party¡¯s shrill cry, he pulled it ruthlessly.


    The golden core left the body and was crushed by Xu Qing. After fusing it into his body, he slammed back violently, colliding with a four fires nonhuman heaven¡¯s chosen.


    This heaven¡¯s chosen might be quite famous in his clan, but he couldn¡¯t withstand the impact from Xu Qing¡¯s collision.


    With a bang, his body was reduced to a bloody mess, and he collapsed beyond recognition.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t even look at it and allowed the Golden Crow to devour him. He charged forward and formed a dagger with the soul fire. He quickly closed in on the other Golden Core cultivator. At the instant he closed in, the expression on the man¡¯s face changed and he quickly retreated. In the distance, a Golden Core cultivator with two palaces rapidly closed in. Xu Qing immediately increased his speed.


    His explosive speed surpassed his previous speed. In the blink of an eye, he caught up to the man with one palace and ruthlessly cut his neck.


    The head flew up!


    In the next instant, the Golden Core old man with the two palaces closed in and attacked with all his might. However, the Purple Heaven Infinite Crown¡¯s barrier spread around Xu Qing. At the same time, Xu Qing punched out!


    The surroundings trembled and the two palaces Golden Core spat out a mouthful of blood. His cultivation base was on par with Xu Qing¡¯s, but his physical body was inferior. When the Golden Crow rushed in, his expression changed drastically and he quickly retreated, but it was too late.


    Xu Qing let out a sinister laugh as he grabbed the man. At this critical moment, the life-saving treasure in the two palaces formed a protective barrier. Xu Qing didn¡¯t care at all and used his head to ruthlessly smash the barrier.


    One hit, two hits, three hits!


    The little black bugs brought along the power of the poison pill and surged into the old man¡¯s surroundings, instantly corroding his protection. In the end, it collapsed, and Xu Qing¡¯s head directly collided with the old man¡¯s face.


    Flesh and blood splattered everywhere. While the old man was screaming, Xu Qing¡¯s right hand penetrated deep into the old man¡¯s sea of consciousness and retrieved his golden core. He then sliced off the neck of the old man, who was already rotting away.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Xu Qing continued to speed through the battlefield. Wherever he passed by, no matter what cultivation base he encountered, as long as they didn¡¯t exceed three palaces, he would hunt them down.


    He paved a path of blood. The dagger in his hand had already sliced through more than tens of necks. Heads rolled on the ground behind him, and the headless corpses were strewn everywhere.


    Gradually, Xu Qing¡¯s blood and qi overflowed into the sky and the murderous aura he was releasing was horrifying. With a single collision, he directly smashed a three fires Foundation Establishment cultivator¡¯s body into a blood mist.


    Xu Qing was like an Asura as he charged out of the blood mist. He didn¡¯t stop at all as he charged towards the outer members of Illuminate who were blocking his path.


    As for those Illuminate Golden Cores that surpassed the three Heavenly Palaces, Xu Qing avoided them. Naturally, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Dao Protectors took care of them. In an instant, the entire battlefield was filled with endless bloodshed and chaos.


    However, in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, his target was still clear even in the chaos. From the beginning to the end, his target was Saintly Star.


    All his previous attacks had been done in passing. He crossed the battlefield and quickly approached Saintly Star, who he had locked onto.


    His killing intent was getting stronger and stronger.


    Saintly Star¡¯s expression changed. He was still retreating.


    Seeing that Xu Qing was getting closer, a hint of madness appeared in his eyes. Behind him, the Golden Crow raised its head and let out a cry. As for the Golden Crow behind Xu Qing, it was in an even more majestic form. It also rose to the sky and swooped down.


    In an instant, Xu Qing crossed the battlefield and was less than 2,000 feet away from Saintly Star.


    A distance of 2,000 feet could be covered in the blink of an eye for a Golden Core cultivator.


    His body turned into an afterimage and appeared in front of Saintly Star.


    This speed caused a piercing sonic boom that caused the disciples on the battlefield to feel fear.


    Saintly Star¡¯s expression changed. He knew that there was no way he could dodge. At this moment, the Heavenly Palace behind him erupted with power as he performed a set of hand seals and attacked Xu Qing with all his might along with his Golden Crow.


    Countless sword lights erupted from his body, forming a sea of swords that charged straight at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing disregarded all of this. With a punch, he broke through the boundless sea of swords and shattered countless flying swords. This punch directly smashed into Saintly Star¡¯s chest.


    The protective barrier around Saintly Star instantly appeared, blocking Xu Qing¡¯s punch.


    The killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes exploded. He thought of Lord Sixth¡¯s death and the scenes in the rainy night. Although the person in front of him wasn¡¯t Crown Prince Purple Green, the killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s heart was too thick. He wanted to vent, he wanted to explode.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes turned red as he punched again and again. The third punch, the fourth punch, the fifth punch¡­


    Every punch was unleashed with all his might. Every punch was supported by his powerful physical body and cultivation base. There were even little black bugs that were rapidly invading Saintly Star.


    Rumbling sounds filled the sky as Saintly Star¡¯s body was continuously pushed back. Even though he had barrier, every punch from Xu Qing caused the barrier to twist and distort, forming a resonance power that made him feel very uncomfortable. Blood flowed out uncontrollably from his pores.


    Xu Qing¡¯s attack was like a storm, not stopping at all. With a wave of his hand, the Heavenly Sabers manifested and slashed out ruthlessly. There was also the Nine-Layers Howling Sea. Seawater manifested and charged forward waves after waves, each wave more powerful than the last.


    Saintly Star was horrified. In the end, Xu Qing threw his final punch. Under the corrosion of the little black bugs, Saintly Star¡¯s defense finally showed signs of collapse.


    Xu Qing¡¯s punch suddenly landed.


    The protective barrier vibrated violently and shattered into pieces with cracking sounds. Xu Qing¡¯s punch smashed into Saintly Star¡¯s chest.


    This was the last punch of the Under the Nine Springs!


    In the next instant, Saintly Star¡¯s body shook violently. Blood sprayed out of his mouth, and he let out a miserable cry.


    His 121st aperture collapsed!


    The eighth illusory Heavenly Palace instantly collapsed!

 Chapter 427

    ?427 Saintly Star, Dead!


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Xu Qing chased after Saintly Star with a frenzied killing intent.


    At the same time, rumbling sounds filled the sky. Old Master Seventh¡¯ face was grim, and his eyes were filled with killing intent. Just like Xu Qing, he wanted to vent the guilt in his heart.


    He had been blaming himself all this time. He believed that he had not calculated everything correctly, which was why such an accident had happened.


    He felt that it was because he was not capable enough that such a tragedy happened.


    He thought that his combat strength was not enough, so when this situation happened, he could not change it.


    He hated it. He did not want this to continue. He could not let a similar scene happen to anyone he was familiar with again.


    Therefore, his attacks contained the killing intent in his heart, as well as his anger. He did not use any Dao techniques, because they could not allow him to vent his emotions.


    He wanted to use his fists to kill everything in front of him.


    Heaven and earth rumbled as he attacked. Space shattered, and every punch had the power of a full-out attack by a secret repository cultivator, seemingly capable of suppressing all of eternity.


    All of this caused the enormous rock giant to fall back uncontrollably. It let out a miserable howl, and its eyes were filled with terror, as if it were terrified of Old Master Seventh¡¯s battle prowess.


    As for its body, it continued to shatter under the relentless attacks of Old Master Seventh. Its left arm collapsed, its legs shattered, and its body broke down¡­ Countless boulders fell to the ground with rumbling sounds.


    As for the two core members of Illuminate, their eyes were filled with intense shock, and blood was flowing out of their various wounds.


    Their masks had already shattered, and their bodies were severely injured. If not for the fact that most of the power of the attacks had been blocked by the rock giant, they would definitely have died.


    ¡°The great circle of the Spirit Repository Realm!!¡±


    The two of them cried out in alarm, their scalps numb. As they watched the rock giant collapse, they quickly retreated.


    High up in the sky, Xue Lianzi stood there, watching everything coldly.


    With him suppressing the situation, this battle could not go awry.


    He was also waiting for Illuminate to come to the rescue or for Illuminate to display even more power. Only then would he strike.


    The sky was filled with fights, and so was the ground.


    He hated Xu Qing to the core!


    He was also jealous of Xu Qing, jealous to the extreme!


    In the past, he had been the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of this generation in the Alliance. He had gathered countless glory and expectations. To the outside world, he shone brightly. To the Alliance, he suppressed an entire generation.


    However, fate was really unfair to him. He was clearly talented and extremely handsome. He should have been born into the light and have an infinitely beautiful future.


    But it just so happened that he was born as a conjoined twin!


    However, he did not give up. He endured countless looks of contempt and disgust. He worked hard, cultivated, and struggled. In the end, he devoured his younger brother and became complete.


    With his own hard work, he surpassed all his peers and reached the peak of his generation.


    During this period of time, he experienced all the pain and torture. Only he, who had personally experienced it, could feel it in the depths of the night.


    However, around that time, he realized that there was a hint of greed in his grandfather¡¯s eyes. However, he could not refuse his grandfather¡¯s life lantern that had both pros and cons.


    Everything that happened after that made him feel that fate was heartless. He had reached the most dazzling level, and he had reached a level of unprecedented beauty in the Alliance.


    He had thought that his fate would be better if he did so, but he could see more greed in his grandfather¡¯s eyes.


    Saintly Star wasn¡¯t stupid. However, he could only remain silent until his life lantern was taken away by Xu Qing. Although he seemed to be in a miserable state, he had heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. However, never in his wildest dreams would he have imagined that he would be valued by the Alliance Leader and was made a host for the Golden Crow.


    All of this caused the madness in his heart to reach its limit and start distorting.


    He couldn¡¯t resist his grandfather, but he could hate Xu Qing. He couldn¡¯t resist the Alliance Leader, but he could blame Xu Qing.


    What right do you, Xu Qing, have to have light in your heart? What right do you have¡­ not to suffer with me, not to die with me!


    This thought turned into resentment and continued to erupt in the depths of Saintly Star¡¯s heart. At the end of the day, the reason why he hated Xu Qing to the extreme was because of that heart-piercing jealousy!


    He was jealous that Xu Qing had light in his heart.


    He was jealous that Xu Qing could possess two life lanterns that truly belonged to him.


    He was jealous that Xu Qing could obtain everything without having to endure such torture.


    He was even more jealous that Xu Qing had a master who would protect him against the world and an ancestor who didn¡¯t covet him.


    Therefore, he was even more jealous and resentful.


    So what if he had opened 121 magic apertures? So what if the upper limit of his Golden Core had increased to eight illusory Heavenly Palaces? So what if he had obtained the right to use the Golden Crow with the help of the lord?


    ¡°Only when you become a god can you suppress everything!¡± The madness in Saintly Star¡¯s eyes rose up. These words were not spoken by him, but rather, he was screaming in his mind.


    This was his only hope, and also the reason why he was willing to join Illuminate. Although the arrival of the Seven Blood Eyes was too sudden, causing many plans to not be carried out in time, Saintly Star¡¯s faith still did not collapse.


    Even though his 121st magic aperture had collapsed, resulting in the dissipation of the eighth illusory Heavenly Palace, he still felt that he was on the path to glory.


    Hence, in the next instant, when Xu Qing arrived like a bolt of lightning and punched out again, Saintly Star smiled. His eyes were filled with madness as a ferocious expression appeared on his face. He let out a low cry and punched out as well.


    However, the huge difference in their battle prowess made it impossible for Saintly Star to be a match for Xu Qing. In the next moment, Saintly Star¡¯s entire body trembled, and his right arm exploded. A miserable scream came out of his mouth as he was sent tumbling backward again.


    However, he was still counterattacking. His hands quickly formed seals, and sword lights appeared again.


    The first sword descended from the sky, the Heavenly Blood Sword.


    The second sword swept over, Soul Shaking Demon Suppression Sword.


    The third sword turned into ghosts with a sword on their backs, Northern Ghost Inquires the Heaven Sword.


    However, this time around, Xu Qing directly disregarded them. With a wave of his hand, the sword that descended from the sky shattered inch by inch. The sword that swept over shattered into pieces. The eight ghosts couldn¡¯t even draw their swords before they let out a shrill cry and were wiped away by the impact of Xu Qing¡¯s aura.


    The killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was intense. He didn¡¯t slow down and directly caught up to the retreating Saintly Star. He didn¡¯t give the other party any chance to react and ignored all the defenses from Saintly Star. At the instant he approached, he activated Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art.


    His right hand turned illusory and entered Saintly Star¡¯s body!


    Saintly Star trembled and he struggled violently, but it was useless. His eyes widened with madness as he charged toward Xu Qing. At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s right hand had already entered Saintly Star¡¯s sea of consciousness and touched his Heavenly Palace!


    A Golden Core cultivator would create illusory Heavenly Palaces at the moment of advancement. This would determine the upper limit, and to truly form combat strength, one needed to turn the illusory Heavenly Palace into corporeal.


    For example, Saintly Star had eight Heavenly Palaces. However, he had only changed one illusory Heaven Palace to corporeal.


    After Xu Qing probed it, he grabbed Saintly Star¡¯s golden core from the Heavenly Palace!


    He pulled hard!


    The Golden Core contained an innumerable amount of resentment. As it spread out, it also emanated extraordinary fluctuations. Xu Qing pulled it out amidst Saintly Star¡¯s screams!


    Countless strands of blood could be seen coiling around the Golden Core, connecting to Saintly Star¡¯s trembling body. At that moment, his wails spread out in all directions. The killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes grew even stronger as he suddenly clenched his fist.


    With a boom, the golden core collapsed, transforming into countless nutrients that rapidly fused into Xu Qing¡¯s body. At the same time, Xu Qing ruthlessly slammed into Saintly Star¡¯s forehead.


    A boom could be heard as Saintly Star¡¯s entire body shook violently. His facial features were badly mutilated, and his head caved in. However, the madness and fierceness in his eyes were still there.


    Xu Qing¡¯s face was also covered in blood. That was Saintly Star¡¯s blood.


    There was also madness in his eyes. It was his own!


    In the next instant, the Golden Crow behind Xu Qing let out a cry and descended abruptly, sucking fiercely at Saintly Star.


    Saintly Star let out a miserable laugh. Behind him, a Golden Crow manifested and was uncontrollably being bitten by Xu Qing¡¯s Golden Crow. The two of them were entangled in midair.


    They devoured and entangled each other. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes shone with a cold light, and the killing intent in his heart was about to explode out. He grabbed Saintly Star¡¯s hair and punched him in the chest again and again.


    With every punch, a portion of Saintly Star¡¯s body would collapse, a portion would shatter, and a portion would dissipate.


    His soul was the same. It was rapidly collapsing and being greedily absorbed by the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    After three punches, half of Saintly Star¡¯s body was about to explode. Finally, after Xu Qing¡¯s fourth punch landed, a loud bang echoed out in all directions. Saintly Star¡¯s miserable scream suddenly stopped.


    His body exploded from the neck down, shattering into pieces. His bones and flesh turned into countless pieces that scattered in all directions.


    His body was like this, and so was his soul.


    Only the head was in Xu Qing¡¯s hands. At this moment, Saintly Star¡¯s eyes were still filled with unwillingness and madness.


    However, it had no source and was slowly dimming.


    Saintly Star was dead!


    The ground was covered in blood and minced meat. Saintly Star¡¯s head was dripping with blood just like Lord Sixth¡¯s head.


    As for the Golden Crow that was controlled by Saintly Star in the air, it had lost its source and was weakened. It gradually couldn¡¯t hold on anymore. Xu Qing¡¯s Golden Crow let out a cry and devoured it.


    After devouring the Golden Crow, Xu Qing¡¯s Golden Crow¡¯s body shook violently. Endless flames spread out in all directions in a violent manner. At the same time, its tenth tail formed, followed by the eleventh, the twelfth, and finally the thirteenth!


    At this moment, the emperor-level cultivation technique, Golden Crow Refines All Life, finally broke through to the second stage!

 Chapter 428

    ?428 God Specimen


    As it broke through, the Golden Crow¡¯s body grew to twice its original size. Its black body was like a supreme ferocious beast from ancient times, emitting such flames that burned the ground to such a degree that the soil crystallized.


    Even the people far away could feel the extreme heat.


    The air distorted, and even the sparks it emitted were shockingly hot.


    The light in its eyes was lifelike, and it carried an extremely sharp and vicious aura. It was as if all those who were locked onto by it, be it the nine heavens or the ten lands, would not be able to escape its devouring.


    Although this was only a feeling and not something that could be achieved now, the Golden Crow at this moment had a huge impact on everyone on the battlefield.


    It spread its wings and flew through the sky, causing the sea of flames on the ground to spread out. Every time it flapped its wings, rumbling sounds of fire burning could be heard.


    Xu Qing¡¯s long hair fluttered in the sea of fire. His entire person exuded an even stronger fierceness. That beautiful face had a demonic charm to it. When one¡¯s gaze swept past it, it would cause their heart to be in a daze. It was as if the flames in the surroundings, the Golden Crow in the sky, and everything else were born to serve as a foil to him.


    In addition to this appearance, the strength of the second stage Golden Crow Refines All Life was also extremely powerful. It was no longer just one fire combat strength like before, but six.


    This six-fire combat strength was completely focused on Xu Qing¡¯s fleshly body, causing cracking sounds to ring out. Although it didn¡¯t seem like there were many visible changes, in reality, his bones, flesh, and blood were all changing.


    It was an increase in life level!


    At that moment, the Golden Crow let out a cry that spread through the sky and returned to Xu Qing. The tail flames formed by its thirteen tails spun around Xu Qing and turned into flaming phoenix feathers that floated down in front of him.


    Accompanying it was the flames that had spread out in the surroundings. Right now, they were all rolling back and permeating Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    At this moment, he was covered in flames. The Golden Crow on his head was like an emperor¡¯s crown, attracting everyone¡¯s attention.


    As his two Heavenly Palaces appeared, his energy skyrocketed, as did his battle prowess. Even the surrounding Seven Blood Eyes disciples and Illuminate members were shocked, and instinctively didn¡¯t want to get any closer.


    Xu Qing stood there silently.


    He lowered his head and looked at the head of Saintly Star in his hand. His eyes shone with a peculiar light.


    He felt that something was wrong with this matter.


    He was very sure that Saintly Star was indeed dead, and his death was within reason. After all, the difference between one Heavenly Palace and two Heavenly Palaces was difficult to bridge.


    However, Saintly Star¡¯s father did not appear.


    This didn¡¯t make sense. After all, in the blood performance, everything that Saintly Star¡¯s father had done seemed to be for him. But he was dead now, and his father was nowhere to be seen.


    Something was wrong.


    The other thing was that¡­ Saintly Star had been acting abnormally. From beginning to end, he hadn¡¯t said a single word. Even his screams were muffled and weren¡¯t as sharp as before.


    This was different from the Saintly Star that Xu Qing knew.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. He suddenly raised his left hand and grabbed Saintly Star¡¯s badly mutilated head by the chin. Then, he forcefully twisted it.


    The mouth was forced open.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and a strange light erupted in his eyes.


    Saintly Star was missing his tongue!


    Xu Qing¡¯s deepest impression of Saintly Star was the mucus-covered tongue that appeared after the Mystic Spirit Perpetual Will Door opened. Later on, Xu Qing found out that when this door opened, it could reflect a person¡¯s heart.


    This tongue represented Saintly Star¡¯s heart.


    Perhaps it was a coincidence, but the dead Saintly Star didn¡¯t have a tongue.


    Just at this moment, a shocking explosion rang out from the sky. A terrifying energy fluctuation spread.


    The explosion came from the rock giant who was fighting Old Master Seventh.


    The giant could not hold on any longer. Half of its body shattered into countless pieces and loud booming sounds echoed as they smashed into the ground, creating deep pits. More than half of the black coffin buried in its body was revealed.


    Under the sunlight, the black coffin gave off a bizarre feeling. There was even the sound of fingernails scraping at it.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    As for the two Illuminate members, they began to pant. Eyes flickering with determination, they performed incantation gestures, causing the black coffin on the giant¡¯s chest to shake.


    A scream that did not sound like a human¡¯s but more like that of a wild beast came from inside and spread in all directions.


    The mere sound caused many of the Seven Blood Eyes disciples to tremble violently. Blood oozed out of their mouths and noses, and they quickly retreated, not daring to get any closer.


    This sound contained an indescribable power that could shock one¡¯s mind and soul, causing one¡¯s life level to feel suppressed which resulted in fear and shock.


    Banging sounds filled the air, as if the thing inside the coffin were punching at the lid, trying to break it.


    This scene caused the surrounding disciples to fall back. Old Master Seventh narrowed his eyes, and Xue Lianzi¡¯s eyes shone with a strange light.


    Almost at the same moment that everyone looked over, the lid of the coffin exploded into pieces.


    This energy fluctuation carried a terrifying pressure. As soon as it appeared, the color of the sky changed.


    Colors flashed in the sky, and the wind and clouds churned. A huge vortex appeared in the sky, turning the day into night.


    Bolts of lightning flashed and thunder rumbled.


    Then, a broken and withered hand that did not look like a human¡¯s reached out from the coffin and pressed against the edge of the coffin. It slowly stood up, revealing a terrifying body.


    The body had many damaged areas and its bones could be seen. It was like a corpse that had died for an unknown period of time.


    There was no hair, and the face of the head had rotted away, leaving only empty eye sockets and¡­ a bright red tongue hanging down from its mouth.


    The color of the tongue was completely different from the corpse. It was as if it had been pieced together by someone. As the corpse stood up, lightning exploded in the sky, turning into silver snakes that brought momentary light to the world.


    Two balls of ghostly flames burned in its empty eyes. What made Xu Qing¡¯s pupils narrow was the corpse¡¯s tongue.


    This bright red tongue seemed to be the tongue that was missing in Saintly Star¡¯s mouth.


    The divinity emanating from the corpse was horrifying. Right now, the ghostly flames in its eyes began to glow with golden light.


    As soon as the light appeared, the divinity on the corpse grew more and more violent, shaking heaven and earth. Anomalous substances propagated crazily, causing black rain to fall.


    It was like a god!


    However, it was only like, and not really a god. It only had divinity.


    As for divinity¡­ no matter how much of it there was, even if it resembled that of the god, it still wasn¡¯t a god.


    The difference was like fog and ice!


    Intense unstable fluctuations could be felt from the corpse, as if it could explode at any moment.


    Obviously, the corpse could not completely master this dense divinity.


    The feeling Xu Qing got was as though this corpse had been roughly pieced together to create an unknown life form.


    With just a glance, Xu Qing felt intense pain in his eyes. It was as though he couldn¡¯t look at the corpse directly.


    ¡°Is this¡­ the power of the god that Illuminate has mastered?¡± Old Master Seventh mumbled. ¡°I¡¯ve been studying it for a long time.¡±


    ¡°Illuminate, such a great move. You¡­ are actually creating a god. Unfortunately, as I guessed, you are still a little far from it.¡±


    ¡°Ancestor, it¡¯s impossible for Illuminate to come. We can follow the plan and reel in the net. We will suppress this Illuminate god specimen and make it our sect¡¯s foundation!¡±


    Almost in the same moment that Old Master Seventh¡¯s words rang out, the corpse threw its head back and roared. Divinity erupted wildly, and the anomalous substances in the area went crazy. The corpse¡¯s level of existence skyrocketed. With a single step, it ignored the sealing of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo and flew up into the air, preparing to leave.


    Xue Lianzi¡¯s figure instantly appeared in front of the corpse, turning into countless blood threads that gathered into a huge fist that punched out.


    The corpse¡¯s eyes flashed with golden light, and the air distorted. Although Xue Lianzi¡¯s fist seemed to have hit the corpse, it was as if they were in different dimensions. Xue Lianzi¡¯s fist directly passed through it.


    However, Esteemed Master Dongyou suddenly appeared in midair. Clearly, the old woman had long since arrived and had been hiding. Her eyes were filled with disbelief.


    ¡°Xue Lianzi, your son-in-law is right. Illuminate¡­ is indeed creating a god. However, they didn¡¯t succeed. The thing they created isn¡¯t powerful enough, and it can¡¯t be controlled. It is already being melted by divinity!¡± As she spoke, her eyes shone with a strange light, and she reached out with her right hand.


    As the Dao threads in her eyes flowed, the space around the corpse seemed to collapse. At the same time, the blood threads formed by Xue Lianzi also rolled back and entered the space where the corpse was.


    Rumbling filled the air as Esteemed Master Dongyou and Xue Lianzi attacked. Old Master Seventh¡¯ eyes glittered, and he performed incantation gestures. Instantly, the sky blurred, and an enormous blood tree descended onto the battlefield. As it swayed, it solidified into a sealing mark.


    At the same time, the 14 statues of the ancestral corpses erupted in full force and the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo in the sky unleashed its full power. The Taboo mirror turned blood-red, and another seven eyes appeared behind the seven eyes.


    The fourteen eyes opened and locked onto the corpse on the battlefield. The huge ancient mirror emitted a piercing red light that shot out and turned into a sealing power again.


    Under the power of these two Taboo magic treasures, whether it was the remaining Illuminate members on the ground or the two masked black-robed men, their bodies trembled violently. Blood sprayed out of their mouths as their bodies were ruthlessly suppressed. They fell to the ground and were frozen there, unable to struggle.


    This was Old Master Seventh¡¯ plan for this operation!


    His plan had never had just one strategic goal. He had spent this period of time studying Illuminate¡¯s past and finally found a clue.


    Based on this clue, Old Master Seventh could vaguely guess some of Illuminate¡¯s follow-up arrangements in Yinghuang Province. That was why today¡¯s battle had occurred. If Illuminate¡¯s leaders came, the Sword Holding Court would have taken action.


    If Illuminate¡¯s leaders did not come, then according to his analysis, there must be something left behind by Illuminate here. This item was most likely related to the god. If he obtained it, it would be easier for him to understand Illuminate.


    Since Illuminate was his mortal enemy from now on, just like how he studied the Sea Corpse Race back then, he had to study this Illuminate properly.


    Old Master Seventh had once told Xu Qing that when a great era arrived, geniuses would appear frequently.


    However¡­ the great era hadn¡¯t just arrived recently. It had already arrived a few hundred years ago, and Old Master Seventh was also an outstanding genius of this great era.


    There would never be only a few peerless geniuses in this world.


    This was the great era.

 Chapter 429

    ?429 God¡¯s Ability


    Xu Qing stared at the sky.


    Outsiders might not be able to tell what was going on here, but based on Xu Qing¡¯s understanding of the Seventh Peak and Old Master Seventh, he could tell that everything that had happened today was within his master¡¯s judgment.


    Xu Qing had seen Lord Sixth¡¯s death and his master¡¯s guilt.


    What was happening now made Xu Qing understand that his master¡­ had already begun to conduct an in-depth research on Illuminate.


    The moment Xu Qing looked over, Old Master Seventh moved.


    He wanted to take this Illuminate¡¯s creation and use the power of the Seven Blood Eyes to study it. He wanted to study Illuminate at a deeper level to make preparations to destroy it.


    Even as Old Master Seventh attacked, Xue Lianzi looked up and bowed to the sky.


    ¡°We have troubled you, Sword Holding Court. My Seven Blood Eyes can suppress this corpse. After this battle, we will send 60% of its body to the Sword Holding Court and report our future research gains.¡±


    As Xue Lianzi spoke, thunder rumbled in the sky, and a calm voice could be heard.


    ¡°Permitted!¡±


    This time, the Eight Sects Alliance had attacked together with the Sword Holding Court, so if the Seven Blood Eyes wanted to suppress the corpse independently, they needed the Sword Holding Court¡¯s permission.


    Clearly, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ actions, especially the rhythm of everything being planned, made the Sword Holding Court¡¯s cultivator who was hiding in the dark full of admiration.


    Moreover, what was commendable was that the Seven Blood Eyes, a new cultivation force, was not greedy.


    The same thing was happening in the other three locations.


    In the three locations, similar corpses were also revealed.


    Shocking divinity fluctuations erupted from their bodies. Just like this place, they were all god specimens.


    Clearly, these frankenstein-like beings were still being nurtured. However, with the sudden attack of the Eight Sects Alliance, they had no choice but to stop the nurturing process.


    As a result, they had to battle before divine might could form.


    The Seven Blood Eyes didn¡¯t know what material the corpses in the other three locations were based on, but the wisdom foundation of the corpse they were facing was that tongue.


    ¡°That¡¯s Saintly Star¡¯s tongue!¡± Xu Qing stared at the sky and suddenly spoke.


    His words resolved the last doubt in Old Master Seventh¡¯s mind, and a look of enlightenment appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Then there¡¯s no mistaking it. The corpse¡¯s body is pieced together from different organisms. Its body is of an ancient corpse. Its limbs belong to nonhumans, and its head is of a special plant race. The blood in its body is the blood of a divine creature. It doesn¡¯t have any internal organs, but it¡¯s filled with dense anomalous substances. There¡¯s a dent in its head, as if something is about to be born there¡­


    No matter how I look at it, it looks like some kind of ritual.¡±


    ¡°The purpose of the tongue is to give intelligence to this divine corpse. After Saintly Star¡¯s will was modified by Illuminate, it clearly fits this requirement. If it succeeded¡­ it would have been Saintly Star¡¯s rebirth!¡±


    ¡°Trying to change your path to god?!¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, this intelligence is still too weak and couldn¡¯t succeed. It has already been assimilated by divinity and lost its self and will.¡±


    Just as Old Master Seventh was deep in thought, the suppressed corpse let out a shocking roar.


    It could feel the binding power, so the divinity in its body suddenly erupted. A crazy and disorderly energy fluctuation spread in the world.


    Although it was not a god, the ripples from such rich divinity indirectly increased its life level.


    The difference in life level allowed it to possess some unbelievable mystical powers.


    For example, at this moment, its roar caused everything to distort.


    It was not only the world that was blurry, but also the mind. The surrounding Seven Blood Eyes disciples trembled and instinctively had the urge to worship it.


    This feeling was uncontrollable and impossible to suppress. It was just like a mortal encountering a great terror. All their mobility would be cut off, and they would instinctively tremble and lose all resistance.


    In that instant, the Seven Blood Eyes disciples on the ground, as well as the Minor Affairs Sect disciples who had fled into the distance, began to tremble. One by one, they dropped to their knees and kowtowed.


    It seemed that this was the only way to clear their thoughts.


    Even so, even though they were kneeling, they were still trembling, and their bodies were undergoing all sorts of mutations. In fact, the direction of these mutations¡­ was actually similar to the corpse.


    It was as if the corpse had become the source, causing everything to change.


    Only Xue Lianzi, Esteemed Master Dongyou, and Old Master Seventh could ignore this divine might.


    Next was Xu Qing.


    He had seen the fragmented face of the god open its eyes twice. This divine creature that was pieced together wasn¡¯t qualified to make him lower his head. As for mutations, a large number of tentacles grew out of his body.


    However, the purple crystal in his body shone and his shadow spread out on the ground, greedily and excitedly absorbing.


    All of this caused the changes in Xu Qing¡¯s body to dissipate.


    However, this was not the only thing that came from the divine power of the corpse.


    As its divinity erupted, the corpse threw its head back and let out a soundless roar. Rumbling could be heard as it broke free of all restraints and rose up into the air.


    It looked down at the ground, then raised its right hand and pressed down on the ground.


    The ground rumbled, and countless overlapping images appeared on the bodies of everyone on the ground, including Old Master Seventh, Xue Lianzi, and Esteemed Master Dongyou.


    Upon closer inspection, these images looked like everyone¡¯s past and future.


    When these images were stacked together, it was as if everyone had become a picture book. Others could see everything from this picture book.


    The past was clear in everyone¡¯s picture book, but the future was blurry, as if it contained countless possibilities and changes.


    But now, among these countless changes, there was one scene that was the same.


    That scene was of today, this place, the scene of everyone¡¯s death!


    Everyone¡¯s picture book contained this scene. They were all dying, overlapping and corroborating each other, including Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled and his body shook violently. He could also see his past, his countless futures, and that scene. It was as though that future was being pulled out by an indescribable force and was about to solidify into reality.


    That scene was of him dying here, invaded by the power of the corpse, and his entire body mutated and died.


    This power had exceeded Xu Qing¡¯s understanding.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing quickened and a ferocious expression appeared on his face. He struggled to raise his right hand and waved it viciously. Instantly, the little black bugs that contained the poison of his poison pill flew out and charged toward him.


    These little black bugs landed on Xu Qing¡¯s body and bit him forcefully, fusing the poison into his body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and his entire body began to rot. The future of death formed by this decay immediately affected the future image manifested by the power of divinity, forming a resistance.


    These two scenes kept intersecting and alternating.


    ¡°So this is divine power!¡±


    Up in the sky, Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes shone with enlightenment.


    A similar scene appeared on his body. The method he used was the same as Xu Qing. He used another controlled death to replace the future manifested by divinity.


    ¡°Ancestor, the divinity correspondence I need is about done. We can start sealing!¡±


    There were a thousand of them. As they transformed, they fused together to form a black cat.


    Esteemed Master Dongyou¡¯s eyes shone with a strange light. She waved her hand¡­ and a huge flag appeared in the sky.


    It was¡­ the battle flag of the human race.


    Outsiders thought that the flag belonged to the Alliance, but that wasn¡¯t the case. It belonged to Esteemed Master Dongyou, who had lent it to the Seven Blood Eyes before.


    The human race¡¯s battle flag was erect. The Taboo of the Seven Blood Eyes was completely activated. The blood tree also erupted with all its power. The sealing power reached an extreme and suppressed the corpse.


    Among the countless blood drops on the flag, the drop of golden blood gave off a dazzling light. There was even a finger that suddenly pointed at the corpse.


    The corpse trembled violently and let out a miserable roar. It could not support its raised right hand and had to retract it.


    It was impossible for it to escape even if it wanted to. It was suppressed by Old Master Seventh¡¯ black cat, and entangled by Xue Lianzi¡¯s blood threads. Its soul was sealed by the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo, its body was locked by the Blood Tree, and¡­ its divinity was suppressed by the human battle flag.


    It was completely sealed!


    With its body sealed, the world returned to normal. Most of the disciples on the ground coughed up blood. Although they looked dispirited and severely injured, their lives were not in danger. All the overlapping images on their bodies instantly disappeared.


    It was just that this battle had a huge impact on their minds.


    At this moment, the images on Xu Qing had also dissipated. As for the poison in his body, as the little black bugs surged in and absorbed them, as well as the suppression of the purple crystal and with his own poison resistance, it was also rapidly controlled.


    Staring at the sealed corpse, Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred.


    ¡°This is¡­ a god?¡±

 Chapter 430

    ?430 A Long Way to Go


    The other three sects were also engaged in a similar battle. However, they clearly did not have the arrangements and rhythm of the Seven Blood Eyes. However, with the Sword Holding Court holding down the fort, they were still able to resolve the issue.


    In those three locations, after being suppressed the divinity of the corpses strangely climbed to such an extreme level that they collapsed and turned into ashes, leaving nothing behind as if they had self-destructed.


    At the same time as the operation ended, Crown Prince Purple Green, who was wearing a black robe and the god mask, was strolling on his way to the county capital of Fenghai County in another province.


    The eyes under the mask didn¡¯t have any fluctuations of emotions. They were as calm as water and didn¡¯t have any longing for the Yinghuang Province behind him. It was the same as when he left the Nanhuang Continent and came to the Yinghuang Province.


    Behind him was Night Dove.


    ¡°Master, of the five voluntary god specimens, four were found by accident, and one went into hiding.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a surprise,¡± the black-robed young man in front said calmly.


    ¡°All the abilities and deficiencies of the four god specimens that have been found have been recorded and the fifth god specimen has been informed. It can be used to improve the next round of deification.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ there was a small issue.¡± Night Dove hesitated for a moment.


    ¡°Tell me about it.¡± The black-robed young man in front still had the same expression.


    ¡°The place where the accident happened was in the Minor Affairs Sect. The Seven Blood Eyes seemed to have noticed our goal.¡±


    ¡°Looking at this matter from the beginning to the end, it seems that their goal was that specimen. Moreover, its self-destruction failed and was sealed. The mastermind should be that Old Master Seventh.¡± At this point, Night Dove¡¯s forehead was covered in sweat.


    He was the one who had arranged the four locations. Everything had been normal. It was an accident that the locations had been found out, but it wasn¡¯t unacceptable. However, a god specimen had been sealed. The responsibility was too great for him to bear.


    The black-robed young man ahead stopped in his tracks.


    After a long time, he turned around and looked in the direction of the Yinghuang Province. The eyes under the broken face of the god were no longer calm. Instead, they revealed a strange light.


    ¡°My brother¡¯s master? I¡¯ve paid attention to this person before. Now that I look at it again, this person¡­ is not simple.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that we already know about the matter of the Yinghuang Province. Otherwise, I would really like to have a talk with this person.¡±


    The black-robed young man stared in the direction of the Yinghuang Province for a long time before retracting his gaze and continuing forward.


    ¡°If they got it, so be it. Just treat it as a thank-you gift from me to him for accepting my brother. Besides¡­ divinity is not something that mortals can study and control.¡±


    The black-robed young man said indifferently and walked further and further away.


    Night Dove heaved a sigh of relief. He couldn¡¯t help but ask along the way.


    ¡°Master, what exactly is divinity?¡±


    ¡°Due to the difference in life level, I can¡¯t explain it to you,¡± the black-robed young man replied calmly.


    ¡°You can¡¯t know, and it¡¯s difficult for you to figure it out. It¡¯s just like how an ant can¡¯t understand your thoughts. You¡¯re the same.¡±


    ¡°This is an uncrossable gap between humanity and divinity.¡±


    ¡°To put it simply, you can have thousands of thoughts in every single moment. But what divine creatures pursue is to have an infinite number of thoughts every moment. Every moment gives rise to unspeakable profundities.¡±


    ¡°Once you can do it, or if you accomplish it to a certain extent, then in His eyes, you are not an individual, but countless. Everything about you is transparent. Your past and your future all exist in His eyes at the same time.¡±


    As he spoke, the black-robed young man waved his hand. Instantly, countless images appeared outside Night Dove¡¯s body. There was the past and the future. Countless images overlapped, forming scenes that mortals would suffer a mental breakdown upon seeing them.


    In the many images, the black-robed young man casually grabbed and seven of them appeared. They were all the outcomes of Night Dove¡¯s death at the hands of different people.


    ¡°He can change everything about you, and He can manipulate the images of your fate. It will only take a moment.¡± At this point, the black-robed young man gently squeezed, and the images shattered and dissipated.


    He looked up at the fragmented-face of the god in the sky and sighed.


    ¡°Therefore, ever since He appeared, we couldn¡¯t help but call Him a deity.¡±


    Night Dove looked at the dissipating images and couldn¡¯t help but tremble. Then, when he looked at his master in front of him, his gaze became even more fanatical.


    Under the setting sun, the two figures walked toward Fenghai County¡¯s capital.


    After completing the Blood Massacre Mission in the Minor Affairs Sect, the Seven Blood Eyes rode the great wing and returned to the Alliance.


    As the teleportation energy fluctuations spread, the sky changed color, and the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ team disappeared.


    When they appeared, they were already above the Seven Blood Eyes. The afterglow of the setting sun spread across the world and landed on the disciples who had returned. However, most of them still had lingering fear in their hearts.


    Although everyone knew that the power of the god was vast and could change the world and affect everything, it was actually an empty statement.


    Very few people knew the exact way the god behaved. They only knew that His auras invaded all living beings, turning everything they looked at into a forbidden zone.


    But now, they understood a little of the specifics¡­ It was this little bit that made them feel uncontrollably terrified.


    However, not everyone was like this. There were a small number of cultivators who had battle intent rising in their hearts even after sensing all of this. Xu Qing was one of them.


    He had seen the god open His eyes twice. While he was more unfortunate than the others, he was also lucky. Firstly, he was not dead, and secondly, he had seen more.


    Hence, after returning to the sect, Xu Qing immediately went to Lord Sixth¡¯s grave. There, he placed Saintly Star¡¯s head in front of the grave and sat down, silently staring at the tombstone.


    As the sky darkened, Xu Qing picked up a pot of wine and took a sip before muttering softly.


    ¡°It¡¯s not over yet.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s indeed not over!¡± The voice of Old Master Seventh came from behind him.


    Old Master Seventh walked over and stood beside Xu Qing. He pressed Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder, indicating that he didn¡¯t need to get up to greet him. After that, he looked at the tombstone and Saintly Star¡¯s head below.


    ¡°The great era has arrived, so those Divine Realms are about to enter the world again.¡± Old Master Seventh spoke softly. Xu Qing fell silent.


    After a long time, Old Master Seventh patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder again.


    ¡°He¡¯s not your brother anymore.¡± With that, Old Master Seventh walked into the distance.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled.


    After a long time, he turned around and looked in the direction where Old Master Seventh had left.


    He did not deliberately hide this matter, but he did not want to say it. However, it was obvious that he could not hide it from his master, who had spent all his attention studying Illuminate.


    As night fell, Xu Qing stood up and bowed to Lord Sixth¡¯s grave before turning to leave.


    He walked down the mountain peak and walked alone on the road, looking at the night sky.


    The October wind, with a touch of cold, blew from the sea and fell on him.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t feel cold. He looked at the crowd on the streets and the lights until he saw a stall that was closing for the day. He knew the owner.


    It was the same breakfast shop he often visited in the Nanhuang Continent. The other party had also come to the Wanggu Continent and not only did he sell breakfast, but he also opened it all day long.


    Perhaps it was because of the recent depression in the Alliance, so the shop was closed a little early today. The owner also saw Xu Qing and came out.


    ¡°Eat?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and walked over. When he sat down, the owner happily scooped a bowl of beef soup and three eggs for him. Xu Qing took a sip and the familiar taste caused a smile to appear on his face.


    The wind blew over and brushed past Xu Qing. However, this wasn¡¯t important anymore.


    The soup was very delicious. Xu Qing slowly drank it one mouthful after another until there wasn¡¯t a single drop left. He then picked up the egg and peeled off the shell bit by bit before eating it.


    He didn¡¯t really like peeling eggs, but for the feeling of satisfaction, he still peeled them carefully.


    In the end, after he finished eating, Xu Qing stood up in satisfaction and paid the spirit coins. He then cupped his fists and bowed to the shopkeeper. He left and returned to his birth under the shopkeeper¡¯s uneasy expression.


    ¡°Life has to continue. There¡¯s no rush¡­ Saintly Star is only the first.¡± Xu Qing looked at the moon. His eyes shone with a profound light as he entered the cabin of the warship. He then sat down and began to cultivate.


    In this battle, he had killed Saintly Star and devoured his Golden Crow. Now that his Golden Crow had reached the second stage, he had the combat strength of an additional palace. Although he only had two palaces, his battle prowess was equivalent to three palaces.


    Coupled with other methods, Xu Qing could sweep through the three palaces. In fact, once the Poison Restriction was used, Xu Qing felt that even four palaces Golden Cores would ultimately die if they were unable to break the protective power of the Infinite Crown in a short time.


    ¡°However, I still have to work harder and strive to turn my third Heavenly Palace into corporeal.¡± Xu Qing mumbled softly as he looked at his own body. After he used the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art to obtain golden cores several times, his third Heavenly Palace had already become half corporeal.


    Although this speed didn¡¯t seem very fast, when compared to the other Golden Core cultivators, Xu Qing¡¯s speed was already extremely fast. As for Saintly Star, it was obvious that he had other opportunities and his speed wasn¡¯t considered normal.


    The remnant will contained in the golden cores that he had seized could not affect him at all.


    The Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness suppressed everything.


    Just like that, time slowly passed. Soon, a month had passed.


    In the past month, the Alliance had completely wiped out the final impact of that calamity. At the same time, they had increased their efforts to recruit disciples to replenish their sects.


    The Seven Blood Eyes had also made steady progress. Furthermore, Esteemed Master Dongyou had agreed to Xue Lianzi¡¯s invitation. Not only was Dongyou Island an ally, but she had also joined the Seven Blood Eyes and become its guest ancestor.


    Her participation had greatly increased the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ strength. Coupled with the fact that the Seven Blood Eyes had obtained the Blood Tree Taboo, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ status in the Eight Sects Alliance rose greatly.


    Everything was developing in a good direction. Xu Qing had also successfully materialized 80% of his third Heavenly Palace. He wasn¡¯t far from completing it.


    His mental state had mostly recovered, and everything was buried in his heart.


    As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and the shadow, they were working hard to break through their shackles.


    At this time¡­ something big happened in the alliance!


    This incident happened in the Mystic Nether Sect.


    The location was in the forbidden area of the Mystic Nether Sect where the demon snake was nailed.


    It happened early in the morning on this day. With a heaven-shaking, earth-shattering roar that spread throughout the entire Alliance, the soul of the demon snake in the Mystic Nether Sect woke up.


    The reason why it woke up was partly because it was stimulated, and partly because a fang in its mouth had been broken by some unknown method.


    The perpetrator was caught on the spot. It was Wu Jianwu of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    It was said that Wu Jianwu was still reciting poems to the demon snake when he was captured¡­


    In addition, although the person had been arrested, the fang had disappeared.


    When Xu Qing found out about this, he was drinking soup at the breakfast stall. Yanyan was like a little wife, obediently peeling the eggs for Xu Qing.


    Not long after, Xu Qing put down the spoon and inclined his head, staring at the figure rushing over.


    It was the captain.


    He flew over and sat beside Xu Qing, looking around with a guilty expression.


    ¡°Little Qing, don¡¯t talk nonsense. I just caught a cold because of the cold weather.¡± The captain coughed and his expression became solemn.


    ¡°By the way, do you still remember what I told you last time about doing something big? I¡¯m going on a trip. Do the two of you want to come with me?¡±

 Chapter 431

    ?431 My Treasure Robe


    ¡°Little Qing, come with me. I¡¯ll bring you guys to do something big,¡± the captain said quickly. As he spoke, he glanced around, looking very vigilant.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going.¡± Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°Why?¡± The captain was anxious.


    ¡°You¡¯ve provoked the Mystic Nether Sect and are here to pull me over to cover for you.¡± Xu Qing recalled the time when he was in the forbidden area of the Mystic Nether Sect with the captain. The captain had been looking at the demon snake¡¯s fang with a fanatical gaze.


    He then thought about how the other party had been in frequent contact with Wu Jianwu. In the end, Wu Jianwu was captured like a fool, but the captain had escaped unscathed.


    The captain coughed. This was indeed what he thought inwardly. After all, this thing was really big. He was worried that if he didn¡¯t pull Xu Qing along, he would be slapped to death by Purple Mystic Fairy.


    If Xu Qing was around him, even if Purple Mystic Fairy really came, there was a high chance that he would be safe.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you have to believe in me, your Eldest Senior Brother! Don¡¯t worry, this time, we¡¯ll definitely do something big. Aren¡¯t you materializing your Heavenly Palaces? After this matter is over, you can materialize a lot of Heavenly Palaces!¡± The captain looked into Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and patted his chest as if he was telling that he wouldn¡¯t deceive his people.


    Then, he picked up an egg beside him and peeled it to eat.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression remained the same as he continued to drink the soup. Yanyan, who was at the side, had a face filled with curiosity. When she looked at the captain, she didn¡¯t forget to place the peeled egg in her hand into Xu Qing¡¯s bowl and smiled sweetly at him.


    This scene made the captain a little unhappy. He looked down at the egg in his hand. He also wanted someone to peel eggs for him.


    ¡°Little Qing, I don¡¯t think you look human.¡±


    ¡°Captain, the people from the Mystic Nether Sect should be here soon, right?¡± Xu Qing drank a mouthful of soup.


    The captain¡¯s eyebrows shot up.


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible for humans to have such looks like you. Absolutely impossible. Have you realized that as you grow older, you¡¯ve become more and more demonic? You¡¯re vaguely similar to a mysterious race I¡¯ve heard of in the past. I think you¡¯re most likely the orphan of that race. Little Qing, I know that race. Do you want to know more about your background?¡±


    The captain was a little anxious. Seeing that Xu Qing was stubborn, he used his trump card.


    ¡°Deputy Director Xu, you still owe me 2 million Spirit Stones!¡±


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, I have some jade slips here. They should be very valuable.¡± As Xu Qing spoke, he took out the jade slip that recorded the captain disguising as a woman.


    ¡°Yanyan, I don¡¯t think you should join the Seven Blood Eyes. Listen to me and join the Mystic Nether Sect. Based on my understanding of Little Qing, he has a special fondness for the Mystic Nether Sect.¡± The captain looked at Yanyan and egged her on.


    Yanyan¡¯s eyes lit up.


    Xu Qing sighed inwardly. He could tell that the captain was really afraid and nervous this time. The captain insisted on dragging him along and probably wouldn¡¯t stop until he agreed.


    ¡°Little Qing, you¡¯ve grown up. Don¡¯t you remember how good your Senior Brother was to you? I¡¯m your superior. I¡¯m your Eldest Senior Brother. I rebuked the master for you. I even told you his weakness. I even bled for you. I took the blame for you. We went home together. We took a bath together. We went out to play together. We¡­¡±


    The captain looked aggrieved.


    Yanyan¡¯s eyes widened as she stared at the captain in disbelief before looking at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing fell silent. After pondering for a moment, he took out an apple and passed it to the captain.


    The captain raised his brows. Xu Qing took out another immortal pool card and placed it over.


    The captain hesitated.


    ¡°30% off!¡± Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    The captain glanced at the card and resisted taking it.


    ¡°Are you going or not?¡±


    Xu Qing sighed. He didn¡¯t want to go, but since the captain had already said so much, he nodded.


    The captain smiled and quickly picked up the apple and card.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good junior brother. I am not lying to you. We are going to do something big. Yanyan, let¡¯s go together.¡±


    Yanyan¡¯s eyes lit up as she nodded quickly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go right away. We won¡¯t be able to get out if we¡¯re late. Little Qing, use your magic warship.¡± The captain hurriedly stood up and urged.


    Xu Qing silently took out his magic warship.


    As soon as the magic warship appeared, the captain was the first to jump onto it. Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and he also stepped onto the magic warship. Yanyan was about to follow when Xu Qing swept a glance at her.


    Yanyan immediately raised her hand and pointed at the captain.


    ¡°He wants me to follow.¡±


    ¡°Bring Yanyan along. She understands women. It¡¯s convenient for our goal,¡± the captain said quickly.


    Xu Qing frowned and didn¡¯t say anything. Under the captain¡¯s urging, he performed an incantation gesture and the magic warship rumbled as it shot into the sky, instantly leaving the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s good for him to get some fresh air. However, even if the young one leaves, the old one won¡¯t be able to escape!¡± Purple Mystic Fairy snorted coldly and charged toward the Seven Blood Eyes aggressively.


    A while later, Old Master Seventh¡¯ furious roar rang out from the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°Chen Erniu, don¡¯t come back if you have the ability. If you come back, I¡¯ll break your legs!¡±


    This voice was extremely loud and reverberated in all directions. Even Xu Qing, who was far away, could hear it. He looked at the captain who had a smug expression on his face.


    Sensing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the captain coughed.


    ¡°The old man is hinting at me not to come back for the time being. Sigh, as expected, Master still loves me.¡±


    ¡°I feel that Master is serious this time.¡± Xu Qing retracted his gaze from the captain and lowered his head to scan his voice transmission jade slip. Old Master Seventh¡¯ gritted voice echoed in his mind.


    ¡°Is your Eldest Senior Brother with you? This brat became bold after I gave him a treasure that can turn him into an illusionary form and create clones as well. He actually turned off his voice transmission jade slip and didn¡¯t dare to look at my message. Tell him that the ancestor also thinks that he¡¯s too troublesome this time and suggested breaking his legs. I support the suggestion!¡±


    The captain couldn¡¯t hear Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, so he was still smiling proudly.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand. In fact, the person who cares about me the most in the sect is not Master, but the ancestor. At worst, I¡¯ll beg the ancestor. Little Qing, you won¡¯t be able to do this. Only I¡¯m the most beloved junior disciple of the ancestor. However, you don¡¯t have to be sad. I can¡¯t help it. I¡¯m more pleasing to the old fellows than you. They like people like me who are lively.¡±


    Xu Qing silently kept the jade slip and dispelled the thought of telling him.


    Then, as he steered the magic warship forward, he asked the captain about the big deed.


    When the captain saw that they were far away from the sect, he breathed a sigh of relief and said in a low voice, ¡°It¡¯s really something big!¡±


    ¡°Our target this time is the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he prepared to steer the magic warship back. He didn¡¯t want to court death.


    ¡°Stop. There¡¯s definitely no problem this time. I¡¯ve already investigated. Our target is the youngest of the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain, the Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy.¡± The captain¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡°Do you still remember that dress she wore back then? When she flew over my head arrogantly, I took a fancy to that precious dress of mine.¡±


    ¡°Most importantly, I have information that the Sword Holding Court is going to attack the Three Spirits soon. The time shouldn¡¯t be too far away, so we¡¯ll sneak in first. When the Sword Holders arrive to attack, we¡¯ll take advantage of the chaos to go in and take out my treasured dress.¡±


    ¡°That dress is full of treasures. Little Qing, when the time comes, you can absorb any one of the treasures and you can easily materialize a few Heavenly Palaces.¡± The captain¡¯s breathing quickened. The more he spoke, the more excited he became. Clearly, he had been thinking about that dress for a long time.


    ¡°Besides, why do you think I went to the Mystic Nether Sect to get that fang? Isn¡¯t it to cut the dress? I think it¡¯s a little difficult for me to bite that dress with my teeth, but with the demon snake¡¯s fang, there won¡¯t be a problem.¡±


    When Yanyan heard such a crazy plan from the side, she couldn¡¯t help taking a deep breath even with her personality. She was crazy and sometimes bloodthirsty, but she still loved her life.


    She felt that the captain was truly crazy. After all, he was targeting an almighty expert on the same level as her grandmother.


    Stealing her dress¡­ This matter was extremely dangerous. If they were discovered, it would be no different from courting death. Moreover, there wasn¡¯t just one Nihility almighty, but three.


    Even if the Swordholders really attacked, the danger level was still extremely high. This was because she understood women. She knew that women valued their favorite dress more than anything else.


    If someone touched their favorite dress, they would definitely be furious.


    However, at the next instant, she saw a contemplative look on Xu Qing¡¯s face. Hence, she blinked and didn¡¯t say anything.


    Xu Qing pondered for a moment and analyzed the situation. If it was really as the captain said, this operation might not be impossible. However, he still had some doubts. After thinking about it, he immediately spoke.


    ¡°There¡¯s no problem with taking action, but that dress is obviously a battle robe. Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy will definitely wear it when she takes action. How are we going to take it?¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes were filled with disdain.


    ¡°No matter what, she¡¯s still a woman! Moreover, she¡¯s a woman who loves beauty. Don¡¯t forget that she flew all the way while looking at the mirror that day.¡±


    Xu Qing felt a little puzzled.


    Seeing that Xu Qing still didn¡¯t understand, the captain suddenly felt a strong sense of superiority. Hence, he coughed and looked at Yanyan.


    ¡°Yanyan, how many clothes do you have?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not much¡­¡± Yanyan blinked and said softly. Then, she added, ¡°It¡¯s only the size of a mountain. However, if anyone touches my clothes, I¡¯ll kill them. Brother Xu Qing is an exception.¡±


    The captain ignored the last half of Yanyan¡¯s sentence. At this moment, he looked down at Xu Qing from above and spoke with deep meaning.


    ¡°Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°How could that Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy only have one dress? Do you think she¡¯s you? Even if she really coincidentally wore that dress to fight, it doesn¡¯t matter. She must have other similar treasure dresses.¡±


    ¡°Heh, it¡¯s impossible for a woman to only have one expensive dress. Little Qing, I know women better than you,¡± the captain said proudly.


    ¡°Therefore, our gains this time will definitely be huge!¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    ¡°Moreover, the Sword Holding Court¡¯s recruitment trial is about to begin. We¡¯ll go over after this. The time is just right.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already planned it out. This time, we¡¯ll show our faces in front of the Three Spirits and the higher-ups of the Sword Holding Court. We¡¯ll show some ability and attract their attention. When the time comes, we might be able to obtain additional points when we participate in the trial.¡±


    ¡°Trust me, Junior Brother. Everything I¡¯ve done is so that we can have a better chance at joining the Sword Holding Court!¡±

 Chapter 432 - 432 Three Souls and Seven Spirits

    432 Three Souls and Seven Spirits


    Three Spirits Suppression Mountain, like the Eight Sects Alliance, was located in the southern part of Yinghuang Province, on the other side of Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.


    The mountain range was huge, and was filled with miasma. There were many evil cultivators and endless bizarre entities.


    To a certain extent, it was no different from a forbidden zone.


    This mountain range also divided the southern part of the Yinghuang Province into two parts.


    Comparatively speaking, one side was considered a paradise. At least, there would be occasional laughter. The other side was hell. Being able to cry was a luxury. Numbness was the only main theme.


    This was Three Spirits Suppression Mountain.


    It was also the most dangerous place in the Yinghuang Province besides the forbidden region.


    This region was comparable to half of the Nanhuang Continent. It spanned a total of one hundred and thirty-seven countries belonging to humans and nonhumans.


    Regardless of whether it was day or night, not many sounds would appear in the 137 countries. It was not that there were no people, but living was already a torture. All living beings were kept in captivity and were just food.


    And food had no right to speak.


    Therefore, the people living in the 137 countries lost the ability to speak. The only sound they could make was miserable screams.


    As a result, the land here was silent, and even the sky was gloomy and enveloped by dense dark clouds that blocked the sun and moon.


    Only the ghostly flames ignited by the oil of the corpses of the myriad races on the small mountains piled up with bones were the source of light in this vicious land.


    The corpses on those small mountains didn¡¯t have any flesh. They were all bones. Some seemed to have been placed there for a long time, while others had been thrown there not long ago.


    At a glance, these mountains of bones could be seen everywhere.


    Every hundreds of miles, there would be a densely packed forest.


    Countless mortals had died here over the countless years.


    It was also because of these endless deaths that the aura of death filled the area, making it extremely oppressive.


    The color of the ground was dark purple due to being soaked in blood time and time again. The grains of sand had long been glued together, making it look like a patch of felt.


    There was also an unpleasant stench that filled the world. Ordinary people would definitely vomit even bile when they smelled it.


    The trees were all red and absorbed the blood in the soil as nutrients. Some of them had naked corpses hanging on them.


    These dried corpses swayed like dried meat and were being weathered.


    If one looked closely, they would see that the dried corpses were covered in something that volatilized them.


    This attracted some ferocious birds and the bizarre entities that filled the surroundings. They would become supplementary ingredients to be cooked with the dried corpses.


    Besides the trees, there were also blood lakes.


    Bubbles silently appeared in the lake. Occasionally, when the disciples of Three Spirits Suppression Mountain passed by the lakes, they would stop and take a sip, their expressions filled with satisfaction.


    Xu Qing¡¯s magic warship silently flew through the sky. The scenes below caused him to fall silent.


    The captain was also silent. Even Yanyan, who was extremely vicious, was a little dazed after seeing this.


    Xu Qing had seen the force that called themselves Little Three Spirits in the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain. However, compared to this place, they couldn¡¯t even be called little.


    There was simply no comparison.


    ¡°It looks like 137 countries, but there are less than 100 of them now. This is also the reason why Three Spirits Suppression Mountain has been going out frequently recently to capture small countries.¡±


    ¡°The number 137 seems to have a special meaning for the Three Spirits. Therefore, whenever they don¡¯t have enough, they have to replenish it.¡±


    The captain looked at the ground and spoke softly.


    ¡°But at the level of the Three Spirits, why would they want to devour the flesh and blood of various races? This should be meaningless to them.¡± Yanyan was very puzzled.


    ¡°The Three Spirits are the three souls of the Nanyue Ghost Emperor.¡±


    Xu Qing told the captain and Yanyan about what his master had said back then. At the same time, he also felt that the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness had changed.


    It was as if the Ghost Emperor Mountain had become even more lifelike in this area.


    This caused Xu Qing to feel very strange in his heart. At the same time, he had even more guesses.


    The captain nodded thoughtfully.


    ¡°Then, it¡¯s not strange. There are three souls and seven spirits in his body. This must have some rules that we don¡¯t know about.¡±


    After Xu Qing sensed the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness, he glanced at a blood lake below and looked at the disciple of Three Spirits Suppression Mountain who was collecting water beside the blood lake.


    ¡°According to Master, after the Ghost Emperor died here, the Yinghuang Province became different. Then, can it be understood that every person born in this land contains a trace of the Ghost Emperor¡¯s bloodline?¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the answer, it also explains why the Three Spirits keep eating¡­ In fact, this is how they strengthen themselves.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± The captain¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡°That¡¯s most likely the case. However, this matter is too far away from us and we don¡¯t have to search for the truth.¡±


    As he spoke, the magic warship silently flew over the blood lake. Such a huge magic warship passed overhead, but the disciple who was fetching water did not notice it at all.


    This was because after entering the range of Three Spirits Suppression Mountain, the captain used a concealment item to cover Xu Qing¡¯s magic warship.


    Xu Qing thought for a while before giving up on the idea of capturing the disciple for research.


    This time, their priority was to conceal themselves, so it was best not to alert the enemy.


    Just like that, time slowly passed. Soon, half a month had passed.


    During this half a month, Xu Qing and the other two were getting closer and closer to the center of Three Spirits Suppression Mountain. Along the way, they saw even more miserable scenes and also saw empty countries.


    Those small countries had become dead cities with no living beings in it. They were a scene of gray, and only bizarre entities could be seen wandering inside.


    Xu Qing also noticed that the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness had not only become more lifelike, but it also emitted a faint glow. This made him even more cautious.


    Three days later, Xu Qing talked with the captain and decided not to use the magic warship anymore.


    The magic warship was too big. If this continued, even if the captain¡¯s concealment item was powerful, there might still be some flaws.


    As for Yanyan, she was very obedient along the way. What she saw on the ground had made her silent.


    Even though she was vicious, she wasn¡¯t pure evil. Xu Qing saw compassion and anger in her eyes many times over this trip.


    When they were near the edge of the central region of Three Spirits Suppression Mountain, Xu Qing put away his magic warship. The moment the three of them landed, the captain quickly took out dozens of magic artifacts from his storage bag.


    ¡°In order to take back my treasured dress, I¡¯ve prepared for a long time. These are all items that I¡¯ve collected to conceal aura. If one isn¡¯t enough, we¡¯ll use five. If five isn¡¯t enough, we¡¯ll use ten!¡± As the captain spoke, he quickly distributed them to Xu Qing and Yanyan.


    The three of them activated over ten concealment artifacts to conceal their auras and figures to an extreme degree. Then, they sped towards Three Spirits Suppression Mountain.


    There was no pause on the way. Another half a month passed. In the distant dark world, three extremely majestic black mountains that pierced into the clouds entered the eyes of Xu Qing and the other two.


    The three mountains were boundless and majestic, and seemed to be able to shake the Heavens. Anyone who looked at them would be shaken. On one hand, it was because these mountains gave off a shocking pressure, and on the other hand, there were almighty existences on the three black mountains.


    As a result, it was as if the mountains had spirits that made people want to worship it.


    The moment Xu Qing and the other two saw the three mountains, they stopped in their tracks and their expressions changed.


    Those three black mountains were the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain!


    Above the clouds at the top of the mountains, a huge phantom appeared, forming a phenomenon of heaven and earth. It was like three huge funnels that sucked in the black fog in the sky.


    Within the fog were three enormous thrones.


    The throne above the third mountain was made of crystal. It was extremely luxurious, dazzling, and exquisite. There was an absolutely gorgeous woman sitting on it.


    This woman¡¯s body was tall, but her proportions were perfect. She was filled with seduction, and the charm emitted from her beautiful eyes could make males restless.


    After looking at her for a long time, one would be infatuated and unable to extricate themselves.


    This woman was none other than the Ghost Emperor Mountain¡¯s Human Soul, Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy.


    She sat there with a mirror in her hand, admiring her beauty. Occasionally, she would wave her hand, and countless mortals of all races would be pulled over to surround her.


    Amidst the wails, she would grab the mortals like a delicious snack and place them into her mouth. She slowly chewed them, and as she devoured them, her skin seemed to become better.


    The second mountain was even more terrifying. The throne there was made from the bones of a giant black beast, and it looked like a gigantic skull. Countless dead souls surrounded it, and a tall cultivator sat on the throne.


    Although the cultivator was really tall, he was as skinny as a stick, and looked like an enormous skeleton. He had no hair, and his entire body was emaciated. His back bulged up like a small mountain.


    Upon closer inspection, one could see that the bulging mountain was actually a huge sarcoma. Greenish-red blood vessels filled it as if the sarcoma had sucked away all the flesh and blood in his body.


    As it squirmed rhythmically, booming sounds that sounded like war drums reverberated through the world.


    Furthermore, the sarcoma seemed to be putting a lot of pressure on him, causing the skinny cultivator to pant heavily. Every so often, he would open his mouth, and a vortex would appear in the air. Hundreds of living beings would be sucked into the vortex and be devoured by him.


    Because he ate too much at once, his mouth was filled with blood. However, his entire body emitted a ferocious aura. The more he ate, the harder he chewed.


    The skinny cultivator on the second mountain was the second of the Three Spirits, the Earth Soul, Spirit Venerable Sun Execution!


    Just the phenomenon of these two mountains caused the hearts of Xu Qing and the other two to tremble violently. Needless to say¡­ the first mountain at the side!


    The first mountain was surrounded by a black mist. One could only see the throne, but not the figure on it. However, there was something shockingly terrifying about it. The previous two mountains were completely incomparable!


    It was as if this mountain was the true terror!


    This was because the spirit in the mountain was the strongest soul of the Ghost Emperor Mountain, Heaven Soul!


    Spirit Venerable Embryonic Light!

 Chapter 433

    ?433 Afterglow


    This scene caused Xu Qing and the other two to inhale sharply. Although they were already very familiar with this place and had seen a lot on the way here, after personally witnessing the unparalleled viciousness of the three great black mountains, great waves surged in their minds.


    The waves in Yanyan¡¯s mind caused her to shudder.


    The waves in Xu Qing¡¯s mind made him take out more concealment items that he had obtained since he started cultivating, and activated them all on his body.


    As for the captain¡­ he was different from the two of them. The only thing the waves in his mind turned to was an uncontrollable desire in his eyes. He stared at the three thrones, panting.


    ¡°Treasure, this is also a treasure!!¡±


    Yanyan¡¯s eyes widened as looked at the captain like she had seen a ghost.


    Xu Qing was already used to it and didn¡¯t bother with it. Instead, after thinking for a moment, he gave Yanyan some concealment items.


    His actions instantly diverted Yanyan¡¯s attention. She took the items that Xu Qing had given her with a strange light in her eyes. She couldn¡¯t help but raise her finger to bite it again.


    ¡°This is a dangerous place. Eldest Senior Brother, when will the Sword Holding Court come?¡± Xu Qing suddenly asked. His gaze shifted away from the black mountains and landed at the foot of the mountains.


    At this moment, they were also on a mountain. The three of them lay behind a huge rock at the top of the mountain and looked into the distance.


    The mountain they were on was one of the surrounding mountains. It was not very eye-catching, and was much smaller than the three black mountains. However, it was still enough to observe everything.


    At that moment, the three black mountains in the distance were surrounded by thin fog. The fog twisted and flowed in the air, transforming into huge ghost heads that circled around the mountains while making monstrous sounds.


    Black cities could be seen on the ground.


    These cities were bustling with activity. All sorts of strange cries, ferocious roars, and bloodthirsty laughter spread out in all directions.


    They were all disciples of Three Spirits Suppression Mountain. A large number of mortals were treated as servants and food. They lived a life worse than death inside.


    As for the disciples of the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain, they were all mixed up. They contained members of myriad races. They were vicious criminals who had gathered here to get the protection of the Three Spirits.


    There were also weak cultivators. Most of them were captured or promoted from the mortal world as supplements.


    They had already lost their humanity and all that was left was extreme evil.


    This was the only way to survive here.


    All of this was reflected in the eyes of Xu Qing¡¯s group. The countless demons and monsters were clearly the first obstacle to their journey to Three Spirits Suppression Mountain.


    Moreover, there were many experts inside. Just a simple glance was enough for Xu Qing to sense many powerful energy fluctuations.


    Fortunately, they had completely hidden themselves, and their cultivation levels were relatively inconspicuous. Therefore, as long as they did not cause any commotion, they would not be detected within a short period of time.


    However, this was also because they didn¡¯t get too close. Otherwise, if they got any closer, they would be immediately discovered when they touched the formation of the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain.


    The current situation was different from the forbidden land of the Sea Corpse Race. They couldn¡¯t enter openly, so they needed a chance.


    ¡°It should be soon. We¡¯re not in a hurry. Let¡¯s hide here and wait.¡± The captain licked his lips and suppressed the desire in his heart.


    Xu Qing nodded and laid there motionlessly. Yanyan took the concealment items that Xu Qing had given her and her face turned slightly red as she moved closer to Xu Qing. When her left hand touched Xu Qing¡¯s body, her delicate body trembled as though she had been electrocuted. Her gaze looked lost.


    Xu Qing wanted to step away but at this moment, an energy fluctuation came from afar and swept through the surroundings. Xu Qing didn¡¯t dare to move and maintained his posture.


    A moment later, the energy fluctuation swept past and disappeared.


    ¡°This is the outer region of Three Spirits Suppression Mountain. Don¡¯t worry, as long as we don¡¯t jump out on our own, this simple investigation will ignore us. It will only examine those at the Nascent Soul realm or above.¡±


    ¡°After all, in the perception of Three Spirits Suppression Mountain, cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage are just ants,¡± the captain said in a low voice.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He took out a few more concealment items and activated them. He then gestured to Yanyan and the two of them moved to another direction.


    After years of experience, he knew that the captain was sometimes unreliable.


    Seeing this, the captain raised his eyebrows and put on a resentful expression.


    ¡°Little Qing, you¡¯ve changed. Why are you sitting so far away from me?¡±


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, did Master give you some new treasure?¡± Xu Qing glanced at the captain from afar.


    ¡°How is that possible? The old man is stingy. By the way, Little Qing, do you have any more apples? I¡¯m a little hungry.¡± The captain¡¯s expression was normal without any flaws.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and threw a few apples over. However, he didn¡¯t go near the captain. Instead, he scattered poison powder around him.


    The captain blinked and sighed.


    Yanyan, who was at the side, didn¡¯t understand their conversation and actions. She was very puzzled, but she didn¡¯t ask.


    Three days passed.


    ¡°Captain, if the Sword Holding Court doesn¡¯t come, we can¡¯t continue waiting like this. Do you have any other options?¡± Xu Qing asked as he lay on the other side.


    ¡°The Sword Holding Court will definitely come!¡± The captain said with certainty.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Xu Qing was surprised.


    ¡°Of course. I spent a lot of money to buy the information!¡± The captain¡¯s eyes revealed a profound look, as if he had the situation in his hand.


    Xu Qing thought about it but didn¡¯t say anything.


    Several days passed.


    Xu Qing silently glanced at the captain. The captain drew in a deep breath and nodded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry!¡±


    In the past seven to eight days, there had been several crises.


    Some of the cultivators from Three Spirits Suppression Mountain were flying through the air or patrolling, and almost noticed them. One of the most dangerous incidents was when a group of disciples from Three Spirits Suppression Mountain whistled past. Some of them seemed to sense that something was off, and looked closely at the mountain they were on.


    As for the captain, he instantly activated his concealment treasure and turned invisible. Xu Qing lowered his head and looked at his shadow.


    In the dark night, the shadow, who was invisible to outsiders, quickly pointed in the direction of a large rock in the distance.


    Xu Qing expressionlessly glanced in that direction.


    At the same time, at the spot where the shadow pointed, a crack suddenly appeared near the ground where the motionless rock was. This crack was formed by narrowing of the eyes.


    ¡°Something¡¯s not right. Did Little Qing sense me? Did the old man tell Little Qing about giving me a clone and illusionary transformation treasure?¡±


    ¡°This kid had become too smart. He¡¯s not fun anymore.¡± This huge rock was the captain¡¯s concealment.


    In reality, this was his main body. The one in the distance¡­ was his clone. His original plan was to wait for the Sword Holding Court to attack and take advantage of the chaos to let his clone follow Xu Qing and Yanyan to scout the way while he followed behind.


    This was a much safer plan and he might even be able to secretly obtain better gains.


    Back when he was on the merfolk island and in the forbidden land of the Sea Corpse Race, he had done the same thing but failed every time.


    In the tunnel to the underwater world of the merfolk island, he followed Xu Qing all the way. In the end, he was hit by the poison scattered by Xu Qing. He even had to take the blame for the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s incident.


    This made him very unconvinced. This time, with the treasure given by his master, he felt that he could succeed.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze earlier made him feel a little unconfident.


    After some thought, after the group of cultivators left, he changed directions.


    Just like that, three days later, on the evening that Xu Qing and the other two had been waiting for almost a month, an earth-shattering bolt of lightning suddenly appeared in the black clouds in the sky.


    The lightning bolt was extremely huge and was almost 100,000 feet long. It was as if a crack had been torn in the sky.


    The sound was so loud that it was like countless bolts of lightning striking, causing the world to tremble.


    After the huge lightning appeared, smaller lightning bolts descended from the sky one after another and struck the ground.


    Lightning filled the air, and the place instantly fell into chaos.


    The black clouds in the sky shattered. The sound of war drums rang out in the sky, and a sword light flew over from the sky.


    This sword light was extremely huge, and was surrounded by thousands of Dao marks. It contained the power to sever the heavens, and emanated boundless might. It was like a heavenly tribulation as it shot¡­ toward the first mountain of the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain!


    As the sword fell, the first mountain rumbled violently.


    A thick cloud of black fog rose up into the sky and entangled with the sword light. A low shout that shook one¡¯s heart spread out in all directions.


    ¡°Sword Holding Elder!¡±


    ¡°The Sword Holding Court accepts the order of the County to suppress the Three Spirit Mountains!¡± A clear response came from the sword light.


    This sudden scene shocked the Three Spirits. At the same time, the ground became even more chaotic.


    A pair of large hands reached out from the sky and waved fiercely; a storm exploded and swept in all directions, completely pushing away the black clouds.


    What followed were Sword Holders. After they appeared, they turned into rays of sword light and charged towards the ground.


    As they descended, the giant that had parted the clouds also landed in the world. It threw its head back and roared as it charged toward the second mountain. With a single punch, the second mountain shook, and huge cracks appeared on the mountain, as if it was about to collapse.


    There were also three figures standing on top of the giant¡¯s head. Each and every one of them radiated shocking energy, and their eyes shone with light. As the giant strode forward, the three of them moved at the same time and headed toward the third mountain.


    Their sword qi blasted into the third mountain!


    In the next moment, booming sounds came from the third mountain. The defense and restrictions around it collapsed along with more than half of the mountain. As the mountain tilted, the pressure that it gave off disappeared.


    A huge hole could be seen in the middle of the mountain. Inside was the residence of the Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy.


    Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s expression changed drastically and she released a ferocious aura.


    The skeleton giant from the second mountain also stood up and shouted.


    ¡°Sword Holding Court, do you know the consequences of attacking us? We have been acting appropriately and have not overstepped our boundaries. We have also not responded to the Ghost Emperor¡¯s summons. Do you want to force us to integrate into the Ghost Emperor and awaken him?!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just sneaky little beings. In the Ancient Sovereign¡¯s era, you were only like bandits. Now that the human race is in decline, you dare to threaten us.¡±


    Up in the sky, a middle-aged man walked over.


    He was dressed in an official uniform and a hat with Dao patterns. He had a calm aura and carried an ancient sword on his back.


    As he walked over, his clothes fluttered in the wind, and sword qi swirled around him. Shockingly, there were countless shadows of him behind him, each one larger than the last, as if they were connected to the sky.


    Behind him, as the clouds were torn apart, the light of dusk shone on this miserable world that had not seen light for a long time.


    Although it was the afterglow, it was still dazzling!


    Just like the human race.

 Chapter 434

    ?434 Pulling a Tooth From the Tiger¡¯s Mouth (1)


    The last ruler of the human race, Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, had once unified the Wanggu Continent after a war campaign that covered every direction. He killed so much that the myriad races did not dare to raise their heads and could only submit to him.


    This was humanity¡¯s final glory before the fragmented-face of the god arrived.


    At that time, if any race dared to disrespect the human race, they would be killed by the human race¡¯s Upper Mystic Five Ministries.


    Countless races and evil cultivators had died in the hands of the Upper Mystic Five Ministries.


    Any one of these five ministries could intimidate the world and make the myriad races tremble.


    The Sword Holding Ministry was one of the Upper Mystic Five Ministries.


    However, all of this glory collapsed with the appearance of the god¡¯s fragmented-face.


    The appearance of the god caused all the beings to be tainted by His aura. The world underwent a drastic change, and even someone as powerful as the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether could only feel dejected.


    Even many of the ancient sovereigns and rulers who had been sleeping were awakened. However, they could only sigh and not fight back.


    In the end, what they could do was to give up on the Wanggu Continent and leave with their clansmen who were suitable to follow them.


    Some races left by themselves and created their own sacred territory outside the Wanggu Continent.


    However, more races gathered together and created the legendary¡­ holy land.


    These sacred territories and holy land seemed far away beyond the sky, but in fact, they were not endlessly far from the Wanggu Continent.


    After they used the Wanggu Continent to attract the attention of the fragmented-face of the god, they were able to develop safely and soundly for so many years.


    However, all of this was possible because the remaining races on the Wanggu Continent had endured the suffering that all the races should have suffered together.


    As time passed, the races of the Wanggu Continent continued to die and be born. Although they were still inextricably linked to the races of the past, their essence was no longer the same.


    Anomalous substances were the most important symbol.


    Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s journey, anomalous substances didn¡¯t seem to have much of an impact on cultivators, but this was related to his sect. The larger the sect, the more meticulous the handling of the anomalous substances.


    In the small sects and mortal territories outside, anomalous substances were one of the key factors that determined their life and death.


    However, even the power of the great sects couldn¡¯t completely solve the problem of the anomalous substances in a cultivator¡¯s body. They could only rely on constant cultivation to temporarily suppress it. However, they couldn¡¯t remove the root of the problem.


    It was like a huge hidden danger. If one was slightly careless, it would erupt one day and cause the cultivators to mutate. However, over the years, people had tried out all kinds of methods to resist the anomalous substances. In the end, they found some methods which showed some effects.


    However, every cultivator knew that this¡­ was still a hidden danger. If someone had the ability to agitate the other party¡¯s abnormal substances, then the other part would become extremely weak in front of them.


    This was also the reason why Illuminate shocked the Yinghuang Province.


    However, there was nothing that could be done about it. The path of cultivation was like this in this era. They had no choice but to continue forward.


    Only the holy land or the legendary Grand Imperial Capital Region had methods to completely purify one¡¯s body. Of course, there were also some special techniques that could purify one¡¯s body for a certain period of time.


    However, as long as one was in this world, even if their body was pure for a certain period of time, they would still be invaded as long as they breathed the air and absorbed the spiritual energy here.


    As such, being received by the holy land was the dream of many cultivators.


    However, the holy land was high and mighty. Only the large clans in the Wanggu Continent seemed to have some connections with the holy land. It was these connections that allowed the order and system in these large clans to not collapse.


    Just like the human race¡¯s Upper Mystic Five Ministries.


    At this moment, in the afterglow of dusk, at the moment when this miserable land was revealed under the light, the Sword Holding Court attacked.


    ¡°The human race is still here!¡± As the middle-aged man¡¯s voice rang out in the sky, the battle began.


    Numerous figures appeared, radiating killing intent as they shot toward Three Spirits Suppression Mountain.


    Anyone who could become a Sword Holder was an extremely outstanding person. The killing intent was so intense that it filled the sky. In an instant, the city filled with the Three Spirits¡¯ disciples was in chaos.


    As for the Three Spirits, they had no time to pay attention to anything else. Sword light swept across the first mountain, the giant roared at the second mountain, and three Sword Holders attacked the third mountain.


    Heaven and earth shook.


    Roars, shrill screams, and the sound of spells resounded through the clouds, causing the dark clouds in the sky to become fainter and fainter. More and more afterglow landed on the ground.


    As for the middle-aged man who was the leader of the Sword Holding Court, he walked towards the first mountain.


    Among the three fiends transformed from the three souls of the Ghost Emperor, the third and second were only at the first stage of Nihility. However, the eldest, Spirit Venerable Embryonic Light, had stepped into the second stage many years ago. At this moment, in the sword light, the black fog formed by Spirit Venerable Embryonic Light seemed unstoppable.


    However, in the next moment, as the middle-aged cultivator walked in, the will of the galaxy seemed to explode and suppressed him.


    The battle erupted in the sky.


    The battle erupted on the earth.


    The battles were everywhere!


    ¡°It¡¯s time!¡± said the captain, his eyes shining.


    As he spoke, he suddenly charged down the mountain, heading for the third mountain. As he rushed out, he didn¡¯t forget to turn around and wave at Xu Qing and Yanyan to urge them.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Just as Yanyan was about to stand up, Xu Qing turned around and walked unhurriedly to a withered tree not far behind him. Standing in front of the tree, Xu Qing calmly spoke.

 Chapter 435

    ?435 Pulling a Tooth From the Tiger¡¯s Mouth (2)


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, it¡¯s time to go.¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing¡¯s words rang out, the captain in the distance froze. He put on a surprised expression.


    ¡°Little Qing, I¡¯m here.¡±


    Xu Qing ignored him. He glanced at the tree in front of him before turning back to look at Yanyan.


    ¡°I have some jade slips with good scenes. Do you want to take a look?¡±


    Without waiting for Yanyan to reply, the tree beside Xu Qing immediately burst out laughing. The captain¡¯s figure materialized from the side and a warm smile appeared on his face without the slightest hint of embarrassment.


    ¡°Haha, Junior Brother, I¡¯m just joking with you, why are you so serious? Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go. We don¡¯t have time to talk. Hurry up and get the treasure.¡±


    Yanyan¡¯s eyes widened as she looked at the captain in an unfriendly manner. She could naturally tell that the captain had planned to let her and Big Brother Xu Qing scout ahead.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. With a sway of his body, he followed the captain. Yanyan viciously glared at the captain and snorted inwardly before hurriedly following behind Xu Qing.


    Just like that, the three of them charged forward at high speed. After descending from the mountain they were on, they took advantage of the chaos around them to hide themselves and cross the battlefield.


    On the way, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes flashed with coldness many times. He saw the scenes in the collapsed city.


    There were huge cooking pots and dried meat hanging there. The ground was covered in purplish-black blood, and the stench was much stronger than outside.


    The bones that had their flesh scraped off were piled up in many places. There were also countless cages containing mortals of all races who would be used as food.


    Xu Qing rarely saw such things, but here¡­ it was everywhere.


    ¡°Kill if you want to.¡± The captain glanced at Xu Qing and spoke in a low voice.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything, but his body instantly appeared in front of a Golden Core cultivator with two palaces who was retreating from a Sword Holder. The dagger in his right hand flashed with a cold light and slashed across the neck of this person.


    A short scream rang out as the head flew up. Xu Qing¡¯s face was expressionless as he continued forward. In the blink of an eye, he arrived behind another Three Spirits cultivator. He grabbed the head and ruthlessly cut his neck.


    Yanyan also attacked. Her vicious aura exploded out. Although her cultivation base wasn¡¯t at the Golden Core realm, she was looking for opponents that she could kill. Often, when she got close, she would grab them and rip open their stomachs.


    The captain didn¡¯t say anything else. He flew through the air, and wherever he passed, the disciples of the Three Spirits trembled and turned into ice.


    The three of them hid themselves and were like three assassins on the battlefield. Wherever they went, there would be massacres. This was after considering that Xu Qing didn¡¯t use poison so as to prevent a misunderstanding with the Sword Holders.


    Otherwise, compared to killing, once Xu Qing fully activated his Dao of Poison, the surroundings would definitely be filled with even more casualties.


    If the three of them had attacked before the arrival of the Sword Holders, they would have definitely caused chaos and they might not be able to escape unscathed. However, the battlefield right now was extremely chaotic. The sounds of slaughter and explosions could be heard everywhere. The ground was filled with corpses, so their appearance was not as eye-catching.


    Xu Qing¡¯s rationality had existed for most of his life. Hence, even if he killed, his direction didn¡¯t change. He continued to approach the third mountain.


    An hour later, they were getting close to the third mountain. They could see the battle in the sky more clearly.


    The first mountain had the most fluctuations, the second mountain had the most intense rumbling, and the third mountain that they were paying attention to had the most figures.


    Ripples spread out, causing the weather to change. Cracks appeared in space, as if the world was about to collapse.


    Under this fluctuation, the speed of Xu Qing and the other two couldn¡¯t help but slow down, as though they were carrying a heavy load.


    When they neared the third mountain, the battlefield became even more chaotic. There were killings everywhere, so the captain would occasionally suddenly lie down and hide to avoid attention.


    Xu Qing¡¯s reaction was almost exactly the same as the captain¡¯s. There was no need to remind him. Everything seemed to have become instinctive.


    When he saw that there were too many battles going on around him, he decided to crawl on the ground. Sometimes he would stop, sometimes he would speed up, and sometimes he would just kill any cultivator who passed by.


    Only Yanyan was not used to this method and her reaction was a little slow.


    However, she was very good at learning and began to imitate.


    Just like that, the three of them used various methods to gradually cross the battlefield.


    During this time, they also encountered the Sword Holders. Although not all of them could detect them, there were still people who could see some clues. However, the captain was indeed well-prepared. He quickly took out a token and placed it on his body.


    The Sword Holders who noticed them had strange expressions on their faces when they saw the token, and ignored them.


    ¡°How is it? Didn¡¯t I say that I was very well prepared? Do you know what this is? This is the identity token of the Sword Holder¡¯s informant. I spent a lot of money to buy it. It might not be of much use usually, but on the battlefield, when the Sword Holders have to face many enemies, this token will be of use.¡± The captain crawled in front and turned his head to explain to Xu Qing smugly.


    Xu Qing blinked and appropriately expressed his admiration. Hence, the captain felt much better.


    They did encounter several dangers, but under the cautiousness of Xu Qing and the captain, they avoided them.


    After another hour passed, they finally crawled out of the battlefield and arrived at the foot of the third mountain.


    In the sky above the third mountain, the three bodies of Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy were fighting.


    The afterglow landed on her body. One could see that the dress she was wearing was not the one she had worn when she was in the sky above the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°This woman really has a lot of clothes!¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, it¡¯s time to make a fortune!¡± The captain¡¯s eyes were filled with greed. He jumped up and no longer hid himself. Instead, he charged towards the mountain in front of him.


    Xu Qing did the same and rushed out almost at the same time as the captain. Yanyan followed behind. Although Yanyan was slow, she had many treasures on her and tried her best to follow. Even if she couldn¡¯t keep up, she still didn¡¯t stop.


    The ground was in chaos, and the sky was filled with battles. Three figures charged into the third black mountain with all their might and quickly closed in on the cave abode above.


    There was madness in the captain¡¯s eyes.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    ¡°Crazy, crazy¡­¡± Although Yanyan didn¡¯t say anything along the way, her heart was beating unprecedentedly.


    She looked at the figures of Xu Qing and the captain before her and felt that these two were pulling a tooth from the tiger¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°But it¡¯s so exciting!¡± Yanyan¡¯s breathing quickened, and her eyes glazed over. Her body began to tremble under the intense stimulation.

 Chapter 436

    ?436 Failure to Put Things Away Properly Is Inviting Theft


    The battle on the ground couldn¡¯t stop Xu Qing and the captain.


    The rumbling in the sky couldn¡¯t stop their footsteps.


    No matter how dangerous the surroundings were, as the cave abode got closer and closer, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes shone with a bright light and the captain¡¯s eyes shone with fanaticism.


    It had to be said that the captain had chosen the right time. Logically speaking, under normal circumstances, it was impossible for Xu Qing and the other two to approach Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s cave abode.


    First, they had to go through the many disciples of the Three Spirits in the city below. Then, they had to resist the pressure of the black mountain and the restrictions contained in it.


    In the end, they still had to face the terrifying strength of Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy.


    Any one of these factors would cause the plan to fail and send them into a huge life-and-death crisis. There was not even a slim chance of survival.


    But now, all the obstacles were gone. A large number of disciples of the Three Spirits were fighting with the Sword Holders. The chaotic battle allowed the three of them to reach the foot of the mountain smoothly.


    The pressure from the black mountain and the many restrictions on it had also been destroyed by the Sword Holders. Although some still existed, their power could no longer be compared to before.


    After all, half of the mountain had collapsed, and a huge hole had appeared in the cave abode.


    As they got closer, they could see the mountain showing signs of destruction. Bolts of lightning could be seen slithering through the cracks in the rocks, and the damaged runes on the mountain were dimming and flickering.


    Green smoke rose up from many areas, and cracks spread out across the mountain. Trees were already withered, and large amounts of rubble were falling off.


    Corpses were strewn all over the ground. There were even some Three Spirits cultivators who were scrambling to leave, not daring to stay here. Even when they saw Xu Qing and the other two, they ignored them and left quickly.


    In the hole above, some items were scattered on the ground of the cave abode.


    These items caused the captain¡¯s eyes to glow with boundless light. Even Xu Qing was shocked.


    They saw resplendent treasure light and a large number of items that seemed to be made of immortal jade. Every table and chair in the cave abode was an excellent magic artifact.


    Although it was a mess now, and there were even some corpses of nonhuman servants that had been killed from the aftershock of the Sword Holder Elders¡¯ attacks, all of this couldn¡¯t stop the captain¡¯s fervor. His speed also instinctively increased by a lot. Although Xu Qing was also staring straight at the treasures, when he noticed the captain¡¯s speed, he fell into deep thought.


    The current Xu Qing already had the combat strength of three palaces, but the captain didn¡¯t seem to be at the Golden Core Realm yet. However, the burst of speed earlier gave Xu Qing the feeling that it was similar to his.


    However, he wasn¡¯t too surprised. After all, it was within his expectations. Looking away, he sped along with the captain, getting closer and closer to the cave abode.


    Although the restrictions on the mountain had collapsed, the remaining restrictions were still fatal to them. In the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed and he retreated abruptly.


    A black thread suddenly appeared in front of him and swept over. As it approached, dense anomalous substances spread from the thread.


    Fortunately, Xu Qing dodged in time. However, a strand of his hair that fluttered in the wind was instantly cut apart.


    The captain was moving too fast to dodge in time, and his right hand was cut off. However, he grabbed the broken arm and placed it on the cut. He pressed it hard and instantly recovered.


    ¡°How can a mere restriction stop me!¡±


    The captain let out a low shout and was about to continue when at the next instant, light flashed in front of him. Over a hundred of these threads actually appeared and whistled towards him and Xu Qing. They intersected with each other like a huge net.


    Denser anomalous substances spread out.


    Clearly, these threads were formed from anomalous substances. From this, it could be seen how powerful Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy was.


    Anomalous substances were a taboo weapon against cultivators, and it was already being used by her as restrictions.


    Xu Qing¡¯s pupils constricted. At the instant the hundred or so anomalous substance threads slashed over, he immediately controlled the shadow to block in front of him.


    In the next moment, the net formed by a hundred or so threads collided with the shadow.


    The shadow fluctuated slightly, exuding a playful feeling. The net of threads suddenly trembled and actually blurred in front of the shadow and dissipated.


    Because Yanyan was right behind Xu Qing, she was able to avoid the threads.


    However, the captain was running too fast and was a little far away, so he could not enjoy the protection of the shadow.


    However, he had his own methods. When the threads arrived, he did not dodge at all. He allowed them to cut through him into pieces.


    Right after the thread passed through, the dozens of pieces of flesh quickly rose into the air and gathered together, forming the captain¡¯s body again.


    ¡°Haha, Little Qing, what do you think? Are you convinced by my methods¡­¡± The captain turned his head back complacently, wanting to show off. However, when he saw that Xu Qing and Yanyan were completely unharmed and the net of threads had automatically disappeared before them, he was stunned for a moment before looking at Xu Qing suspiciously.


    ¡°How did you do that?¡±


    ¡°They broke on their own. Perhaps the restrictions collapsed too severely, so they lost their effect.¡±


    The captain remained silent. He looked at the red marks on his body, and suddenly felt very tired. He silently walked behind Xu Qing and stood beside Yanyan as he coughed.


    ¡°Junior Brother, shall we go?¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain behind him. The captain was also looking at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. With a sway of his body, he headed straight for the cave abode ahead. This time, the captain didn¡¯t beat him to it. Instead, he obediently followed behind with Yanyan.


    Just like that, the three of them proceeded at top speed. However, they were very cautious as they neared the cave abode.


    Along the way, they encountered some restrictions, but they avoided them. The ones they couldn¡¯t avoid were devoured by the shadow since these restrictions contained anomalous substances.


    Not long after, the three of them finally arrived in front of the cave. As they stood there, they could even smell the fragrance coming from the abode.


    The battle in the sky grew more intense. The furious roar from the first mountain spread everywhere, the second mountain¡¯s skeleton was fighting evenly, and the third mountain¡¯s Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy had turned into three bodies. Her three bodies were being beaten back and were shrieking.


    ¡°We have to hurry. Otherwise, if they¡¯re done fighting, we¡­¡± Xu Qing immediately spoke up. However, before he could finish speaking, the captain¡¯s eyes shone with intense light as he shot toward the abode.


    In an instant, Xu Qing saw the captain biting down on an immortal jade crane sculpture that was placed in the corner and was emitting a resplendent light. It was exquisite, luxurious, and exuded an extraordinary dignity.


    With a crack, the crane¡¯s head was eaten by the captain.


    ¡°Immortal jade. It¡¯s too luxurious. This thing is good stuff. Even millions of spirit stones can¡¯t buy one of them!¡± The captain¡¯s voice was filled with excitement as he hurriedly put away the headless crane.


    Xu Qing¡¯s speed wasn¡¯t slow either. He stepped into the cave abode and raised his right hand. Instantly, the lanterns in the surroundings flew toward him.


    Each of these lamps was extraordinary, and emanated shocking fluctuations. Although they weren¡¯t life lanterns, they were clearly valuable.


    Xu Qing felt that there would definitely be a lot of treasures in the cave abode of a Nihility cultivator. However, time was tight and he couldn¡¯t investigate them one by one. Hence, he would take as much as he could.


    After taking the lanterns, Xu Qing started to move the furniture. As for the captain, he flew up and plucked the embedded beads on the walls. When he noticed Xu Qing moving the furniture, his expression was filled with pride. He felt that Xu Qing was inferior to him in this aspect. Good things naturally would be embedded on the walls.


    Xu Qing¡¯s brows furrowed as he turned around and headed straight for the living room. After taking away the large bed there, he also put away the miscellaneous items in the living room.


    Generally speaking, the living rooms usually contained personal items. Xu Qing felt that the items here might be better.


    The captain blinked and also went to another living room. He even sent out his clone to loot, making his speed much faster than Xu Qing¡¯s.


    This cave abode was too big for them to collect all of the items in it in a short period of time. They could only take whatever they saw. When he realized that he was looting faster, the captain felt smug.


    ¡°Little Qing, you absorbed more than me last time in the Sea Corpse Race. This time, you definitely won¡¯t absorb as much as me!¡±


    The captain was in a good mood. In truth, ever since the last time, he had always remembered that Xu Qing had absorbed more spiritual liquid and was unconvinced. This time, when he saw that his speed had surpassed Xu Qing¡¯s, he was very happy.


    Xu Qing also noticed the speed at which the captain was looting. However, he didn¡¯t bat an eyelid as he swept his gaze out of the cave abode and saw Yanyan walking over.


    Yanyan entered the cave abode. She looked at the clean floor, and then at the busy captain. She hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to take, and then a thoughtful look appeared in her eyes.


    At this moment, Xu Qing walked over.


    ¡°Yanyan, what do you think is the most important area for female cultivators?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°Makeup room?¡± Yanyan said without a second thought. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. After looking around, he locked onto a side room and quickly walked over.


    After opening the side room, even with Xu Qing¡¯s willpower, he gasped and his eyes widened.


    Shockingly, there were dozens of mirrors of various sizes in this side room. Each of them emanated extraordinary fluctuations, and it was obvious that they were of astonishing quality. There were also a large number of bottles and jars, and the room was filled with a strong medicinal fragrance as well as Immortal Qi.


    Farther away, there were also clothes racks. Treasure dresses that emitted a terrifying aura were neatly hung there. Every single one of them made Xu Qing¡¯s breathing quicken.


    The immortal jades and all sorts of rare treasures on the dresses caused the illusory Heavenly Palaces in Xu Qing¡¯s body to tremble. He instinctively felt that there was something here that could allow his Heavenly Palaces to quickly turn corporeal.


    The shadow was also excited. It stared fixedly at the bottles and jars. It sensed some special items that were very useful for its advancement.


    It was the same for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. He stared at the mirrors. His intuition told him that artifact spirits were sealed in these mirrors, and devouring these artifact spirits would be much more beneficial to his cultivation than devouring souls.


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath. Without another word, he waved his hand and instantly kept the mirrors and bottles here. Yanyan also helped to keep them.


    Unfortunately, those dresses were very strange and were too big. There was even light emanating from them, making it impossible for him to store them in his storage bag. This made Xu Qing feel a little regretful.


    Very soon, the captain sensed something and rushed over from the outside. After walking in, before he could take a clear look at his surroundings, Xu Qing immediately pointed at the clothes rack in the distance.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, the treasure dresses are there!¡±

 Chapter 437

    ?437 Pearls Before Swine


    The moment Xu Qing¡¯s voice rang out, the captain had already turned his head. When he saw the shimmering treasure dresses hanging on the clothes racks, his eyes widened.


    There were dozens of treasure clothes, and every single one of them was neatly hung there. They were all arranged properly with some gap between each other, and had no creases at all.


    From these minor details, it could be seen how much the owner liked these clothes.


    There were mainly dresses. One of them was an emerald green dress that was made of immortal jade that was refined into white silk and embroidered with large peony flowers. It was even decorated with immortal gold. Its hem was like pink flowers, and it was rather gorgeous.


    There was an emerald green cotton dress with thin golden threads on the side. Even an ordinary woman would look gorgeous if she wore it.


    There was also a jade-green palace robe. Purple-blue butterflies with dark patterns were embroidered on it. They would occasionally manifest and dance outside.


    The pleated skirt looked extraordinarily gorgeous and sparkling. The fabric on it could be used to make powerful armor.


    There was also a white robe. Branches were embroidered on it with the threads of a mystical tree, and veins of a mutated plant were used to embroider blooming plum blossoms. It gave off a light feeling, and at the same time, there were faint shadows of mutated beasts manifesting outside the robe.


    The dozens of pieces of clothing were all different. Each of them was made of extraordinary materials, and they were extremely valuable. The pearls on them also emitted an aura that accelerated the circulation of one¡¯s cultivation base.


    The captain was not the only one who was stunned. In fact, Yanyan, who was at the side, was already staring straight at the treasured clothes.


    However, the captain only looked at the value of these things, while Yanyan was purely moved by their beauty.


    ¡°Great!¡± The captain swallowed a mouthful of saliva and rushed over to the clothes racks. In an instant, he took off a piece and wanted to put it into his storage bag. However, he realized that he couldn¡¯t.


    These clothes were peculiar and had extraordinary characteristics that made it difficult to put them into a storage bag.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already guessed that this would happen. Little Qing, you have to help me deal with the Mystic Nether Sect later. I went to get that fang for our big matter.¡±


    As the captain spoke, he waved his right hand. Immediately, a sharp tooth as tall as a person appeared in front of him!


    There was an area on the tooth that was tainted golden. At this moment, as soon as it appeared, a shocking fluctuation spread out. After Xu Qing swept his gaze over it, he immediately recognized that this tooth was the demon snake¡¯s fang.


    Yanyan had never seen the demon snake before. When she saw the huge fang, she sucked in a breath and could sense its extraordinariness.


    Gripping the fang, he slashed at the dress. As Yanyan¡¯s heart ached, the beautiful emerald green dress was ripped apart by the captain.


    As it ripped apart, its treasure light dimmed.


    The captain seemed to enjoy the sound of the rip. He quickly swiped around, and with a ripping sound, the treasured dress¡­ was completely torn.


    However, it did not affect the value of the decorations on the dress and the fabric itself.


    Seeing that the fang was so effective, the captain was extremely excited.


    ¡°When I first saw that old hag¡¯s clothes, I was thinking about how to tear them one day. With this fang, there will be no treasures that I, Chen Erniu, can¡¯t open!¡± The captain looked up at the sky and laughed.


    ¡°Even if the Mystic Nether Sect skins me alive, I¡¯ll accept it.¡±


    Xu Qing blinked, expressing his emotions appropriately.


    When the captain saw this, his mood became even more good. Xu Qing took the opportunity to quickly walk over and grab the torn dress together with the captain. After putting them into the storage bag, the two of them didn¡¯t need to say anything. The division of labor was very clear.


    Xu Qing was in charge of taking out the dress and spreading them out, revealing the valuable parts, while the captain was in charge of cutting them open.


    The sounds of tearing continued to ring out. Yanyan¡¯s heart ached when she saw this. Although the clothes were not hers, she could imagine how furious Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy would be if she knew about this.


    At this moment, she looked at the two of them who were working hard and muttered softly.


    ¡°That Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy is also at fault. She should have stored them properly. When she finds out about this, she¡¯ll probably be fuming¡­ Tearing a woman¡¯s clothes, you guys are too much!¡±


    The captain sneered.


    ¡°This¡¯s nothing. Little Qing¡¯s and my master is the one who¡¯s mean. Back then, when the old man was still young, I saw Madam-Master quarrel with him with my own eyes. In her anger, she destroyed some of the old man¡¯s beloved ancient books and jade slips.¡±


    The captain held the fang and continued to cut open the treasure clothes in front of him.


    ¡°Then, Master casually took out a pair of scissors and took out Madam-Master¡¯s favorite clothes. He cut them all into pieces in front of Madam-Master!¡±


    ¡°At that time, Madam-Master could not even react for a while. Then, she exploded in anger. Because of this, the two of them haven¡¯t seen each other for three years.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain but didn¡¯t say anything. His focus was on the words ¡®when the old man was still young¡¯.


    Master was not young anymore.


    From this, he could tell that the captain had re-cultivated countless times.


    What Yanyan was concerned about was the feelings involved in this matter. After all, men would firstly act on logic when it came to things, while women paid attention to feelings.


    Hence, she easily immersed herself in it and felt the madness in Xu Qing¡¯s Madam-Master back then.


    ¡°So despicable¡­¡± Yanyan was speechless, but she quickly joined in and helped to collect the clothes.


    The materials of these clothes were too shocking. They contained a majestic immortal Qi, and because Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy was tall, the clothes were extremely big and heavy.


    They couldn¡¯t take all of them, so they could only cut off the best parts.


    The rumbling outside was still reverberating through the area. It was getting more and more intense, and the feeling of the mountain shaking was incomparably intense.


    When Xu Qing sensed this, he immediately spoke.


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave. If we don¡¯t leave now, we¡¯ll be in danger!¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke, he severed the greed in his heart for this place. With a sway of his body, he wanted to leave. Yanyan hesitated for a moment before quickly retreating as well.


    Initially, the captain was still unwilling. He was prepared to search again or dig out the spiritual jade bricks on the ground.


    However, when he saw that Xu Qing and Yanyan were about to leave, he suddenly recalled the scene in the Sea Corpse Race. At that time, he was turned into the scapegoat like this.


    Hence, he took a deep breath and gritted his teeth as he left the cave abode with Xu Qing and Yanyan.


    ¡°Stop while you¡¯re ahead, stop while you¡¯re ahead. I need to change my habit of being overly greedy. This time, I can¡¯t be greedy!¡± The captain swore to himself as he walked.


    Soon, the three of them rushed out of the cave abode through the hole in the entrance. After activating their concealment, they sped down the mountain.


    Not long after the three of them left, a red figure quickly approached the cave abode.


    It was a woman wearing a red robe and a white mask that covered her face. She carried a long black evil ghost scythe on her shoulder and gave off bizarre entity fluctuations.


    Her figure was light and graceful. After approaching, she looked around and chuckled.


    ¡°The elders in the sect always say that Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy of the Three Spirits likes to hoard treasures. This time, I took the opportunity to come here and see what treasures she has.¡±


    As the woman spoke, she stepped into the cave abode and looked around.


    The first thing she saw was the clean ground.


    ¡°Although there was a huge battle outside and the mountain is collapsing, this place is actually so clean and tidy,¡± the woman said in a low voice. However, in the next moment, she looked up at the surrounding walls and was stunned.


    There were grooves in many places on the walls. From the looks of it, there should have been beads in them.


    The woman hesitated and quickly walked inside the cave abode. After checking many rooms, her expression gradually turned ugly.


    She realized that even the furniture such as tables and beds were gone.


    When she finally saw the tattered clothes on the ground, she took a deep breath.


    ¡°Someone was one step ahead of me. Was this person a rat? Or do they have a deep hatred for Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy? They actually destroyed her clothes to snatch the treasures.¡± The woman suddenly turned around and quickly left, her heart filled with vigilance.


    At the same time, near the foot of the third mountain, Xu Qing and the other two hid themselves and sped forward, planning to leave this area.


    Now that he was fully loaded, Xu Qing instinctively didn¡¯t want to stay any longer. Especially when he thought of the treasures in his storage bag, he wanted to leave as soon as possible. He didn¡¯t want something like the accident in the Sea Corpse Race to happen.


    However, the captain¡¯s face was filled with regret. He felt like this time was not satisfying enough.


    ¡°Little Qing, it¡¯s not exciting this time,¡± the captain said in a low voice.


    Xu Qing felt that this sentence was a little familiar and immediately became vigilant. He pulled Yanyan along and sped up.


    The captain sighed repeatedly from behind. From time to time, he would look up at the distant second mountain and lick his lips.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go to the second mountain and take a look?¡±


    Just as Xu Qing was about to speak, a shocking boom suddenly rang out from the sky. A shrill cry echoed out in all directions.


    The sound was too intense. Even though the three of them weren¡¯t particularly close, they were still affected. The three of them trembled violently and Xu Qing spat out a mouthful of blood. More than ten jade slips shattered on Yanyan¡¯s body and she also spat out blood.


    The captain¡¯s body also trembled, and blood spurted out. The three of them looked up at the sky in shock.


    Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s three bodies were fighting against the three Sword Holders. One of her clones had been stabbed in the heart by a Sword Holder, and her lower abdomen had been destroyed with a punch. A huge seal had also appeared, emitting a terrifying might that filled the sky. It was filled with endless Dao runes as it smashed down.


    Instantly, this Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s clone¡¯s lower abdomen and chest exploded. As it let out a miserable scream, it was also hit by the huge seal that contained Dao runes.


    This seal had clearly been prepared for her. Although the attack was not fatal, it had directly severed the clone¡¯s connection with the main body.


    In the next instant, the heavily injured clone fell down from the sky and smashed into the ground between the third and second mountains. The ground trembled, and the clone stopped moving after losing its will.


    However, what was revealed from the wound was not flesh and blood, but dazzling immortal light and an extremely dense Immortal Qi. Just a whiff of it was enough to raise one¡¯s spirits.


    Dust flew up from the ground as if an earth dragon had flipped over. As the ground shook violently, the expressions of Xu Qing and the other two changed. Yanyan was terrified, but as for the captain, his eyes instantly went crazy.

 Chapter 438

    ?438 Exotic Odors Assail the Nostrils


    What made the captain go crazy was the dense aura coming from the wound of Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s clone, as well as the Immortal Qi that filled its entire body.


    This body was indeed not made of flesh and blood, but of spiritual plants.


    Although he did not know what kind of spiritual plant it was, it was obvious that Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy had spent a lot of energy on it to grow to such a huge size.


    This body was a natural treasure.


    But the danger was just as shocking.


    The air around it began to twist and distort, and terrifying energy fluctuations spread out. A vast pressure filled the air, fusing with its aura to form a shockwave.


    One could imagine how dangerous it would be to get close.


    However, all of this could not stop the passion and madness in the captain¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Good stuff, good stuff! This isn¡¯t a body of flesh and blood, this is the body of a spiritual plant, a heavenly treasure! Where did Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy get such a human-shaped spiritual plant!¡±


    The captain became excited, Yanyan looked at him as if she had seen a ghost.


    She felt that this person was not a lunatic, but a maniac who was playing with his life.


    Although Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s clone was a good thing, Yanyan could feel her heart palpitate even though she was far away from it. Every inch of her skin and flesh seemed to be screaming at her to leave immediately.


    There was no need to even talk about getting closer. The invisible ripples around the clone that was destroying the surroundings caused Yanyan¡¯s mind to shake.


    Just as she was about to speak, she noticed Xu Qing¡¯s expression. She saw the light in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes that was identical to the captain¡¯s.


    Yanyan was silent. In the next moment, she suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, shall we have a bite?¡±


    Xu Qing was moved.


    Xu Qing¡¯s madness was different from the captain¡¯s.


    To be precise, Xu Qing preferred to analyze the danger level. Although the captain also had this point, he would often ignore it.


    To the captain, as long as the treasure was good enough, what was life?


    Back then, he even dared to snatch a piece of Binding¡¯s flesh, losing more than half of his body without any regrets.


    He even took a bite of the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s ancestral corpse statue just because he felt that he hadn¡¯t gotten enough excitement.


    Also, in the Starfish Island, even though he only had his head left, he still asked Xu Qing to throw him over just to take a bite out of Bai Li¡¯s fragrant body.


    At this moment, there was nothing else in the captain¡¯s eyes. Danger and pressure were not important. What was important was¡­ the treasure was right in front of him!


    However, Xu Qing was different.


    He could tell that Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s clone was extraordinary. He also sensed that it was indeed not a body of flesh and blood, but a transformation of a spiritual plant.


    This kind of heavenly treasure was extremely helpful to his cultivation, so he was tempted.


    Now that Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy was being surrounded by three Sword Holders, this was an opportunity.


    That was why his eyes were filled with madness. He wanted to give it a try.


    The only thing he had to consider was that the body was the clone of Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy after all. The pressure from it even made his heart skip a beat. He felt that everything in his body was suppressed and he instinctively wanted to retreat.


    He could well imagine that it would be quite difficult to get close to that clone. Hence, Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    The captain also looked at Xu Qing.


    The two of them saw the fervent light in each other¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°A magic artifact that can resist the pressure!¡± Xu Qing quickly spoke.


    ¡°I have!¡± The captain¡¯s breathing was hurried. He quickly took out a large number of magic artifacts that could resist the pressure. There were about 20 or so of them.


    Xu Qing was a little surprised why the captain had prepared these.


    ¡°I prepared these before we came to the Yinghuang Province. Originally, I wanted to go to the Flame Phoenix¡¯s nest to get something. I thought that the pressure there would definitely be very great. It¡¯s a pity that we came to the Yinghuang Province, so I could only let the Flame Phoenix off for now.¡±


    ¡°It can¡¯t be considered a waste to use them here now, but Xu Qing, you have to reimburse me. I have no money left.¡± The captain quickly spoke and distributed these magic artifacts to Xu Qing.


    This matter was too dangerous and it was difficult for Yanyan¡¯s cultivation base to support it. Hence, after Xu Qing discussed it with the captain, he didn¡¯t let Yanyan participate.


    Very soon, after the two of them were ready, they gritted their teeth fiercely and rushed out amidst Yanyan¡¯s shock, heading straight for the location of the clone.


    They instantly flew hundreds of feet away.


    As they got closer, the pressure from the clone also became extremely intense.


    The void in the surroundings seemed to have frozen. The aura from the clone and the invisible impact spread in all directions disorderly like an avalanche.


    Xu Qing and the captain bore the brunt of the pressure and experienced it deeply. Their faces were pale and blood flowed from the corner of their mouths. All the magic artifacts that they had brought to resist the pressure were also fully activated.


    Even so, the pressure was still too great.


    In fact, one could even see that the space around the clone was becoming increasingly distorted. Moreover, black lightning appeared because of the invisible overlapping of space.


    It was a shocking sight that made one instinctively feel fear.


    After all, it was easier to get hit by the lightning that was forming around them if they stood up. It was better to lie on the ground and get closer more conveniently.


    This matter didn¡¯t require communication. It was an instinctive action of the two of them.


    Just like that, time flowed by. The battle in the sky continued and rumbling sounds spread throughout the area. Xu Qing and the captain were constantly nearing the clone.


    The pressure descended on them, the clone¡¯s aura sent shockwaves, and lightning exploded, but none of it could stop them.


    As they got closer, their magic artifacts couldn¡¯t withstand the pressure anymore and began to collapse one by one.


    No matter how much the captain prepared, it was still not enough. This was especially so after they got close to the thousand-foot-range. The pressure here became even more intense, forming a huge resistance. There was even a faint repulsive force.


    It was as though countless hands were pushing them out with all their might.


    Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s bodies trembled. Hence, they took out the cloth strips they had taken from Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s cave abode.


    The appearance of these cloth strips caused the pressure on the two of them to dissipate a little. However, the resistance still existed and couldn¡¯t be dispelled.


    Moreover, the closer they got, the greater the resistance and repulsion. However, they gritted their teeth and slowly crawled forward.


    A moment later, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly narrowed as he looked in another direction.


    The captain also sensed it at the same time and looked over.


    At the next instant, the captain¡¯s eyes revealed the sharpness of a wild dog protecting its food. Xu Qing instantly became vigilant.


    At the place they were looking at, there was another figure on the ground which was also slowly crawling toward the clone of Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy.


    This person wore a red robe and their long hair was tied into a ponytail. They wore a white mask and looking at their figure, they should be a woman.


    However, her weapon was extremely exaggerated. It was a huge evil ghost scythe.


    The head of this scythe was a malevolent ghost with a scythe blade in its mouth. As for the handle of the scythe, it was a black bone.


    When Xu Qing and the captain saw her, the woman in red also saw them.


    The two sides were thousands of feet apart. They lay on the ground and looked at each other.


    ¡°Strange. Someone actually came to snatch our things!¡± The captain¡¯s gaze was unfriendly. Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and looked over coldly.


    The beautiful brows under the mask of the red-clothed woman in the distance furrowed slightly as she quickly swept her gaze across Xu Qing and the captain. This was especially so when she saw the cloth strips on their bodies. She immediately realized that they were the ones who had beaten her to it and plundered the cave abode. As such, her gaze turned cold.


    The three of them stared at each other for a moment before retracting their gazes and continuing forward. However, their speed increased.


    The captain¡¯s eyes were filled with ferocity as he rapidly moved forward. Xu Qing was the same, and so was the woman.


    However, as they entered a thousand feet, there were even more lightning bolts here. The space distorted frequently and the pressure was the same. However, under Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s magic artifacts and cloth strips, these weren¡¯t the main points that affected their speed.


    The main point was that the aura of the clone transformed into a huge resistance and repulsive force in this area.


    This repulsion was too strong. As long as they relaxed a little, their bodies would be instantly pushed far away.


    This repulsion and resistance were like a storm blowing in front of them, causing Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s clothes to flutter. Their hair also fluttered and they couldn¡¯t open their eyes completely.


    They had no choice but to slow down.


    As for the woman in the distance, her weapon was extremely strange. Under the protection of her weapon, the red-clothed woman¡¯s speed didn¡¯t decrease. At this moment, she was only 400 feet away from touching the head of the clone.


    The captain was anxious. He directly bit the tip of his tongue and spat out a mouthful of blood. A sleeping face instantly appeared in his pupils. This face was exactly the same as his appearance but it was filled with evilness.


    The captain¡¯s aura also changed at this moment. As it became colder and colder, his speed soared. He instantly passed Xu Qing and was less than 300 feet away from the clone.


    As for Xu Qing, he was still 500 feet away.


    He narrowed his eyes and sent a thought to the shadow. Immediately, the shadow concealed itself and rapidly spread out in front of Xu Qing.


    The pressure here didn¡¯t seem to be much. After all, even in the mural world of the merfolk temple that was filled with terrifying pressure, the shadow was able to take out the lantern for Xu Qing.


    Compared to that place, the clone¡¯s pressure was lacking by a huge degree.


    Very soon, the shadow crossed 500 feet and touched the huge clone of Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy. After it wrapped around its ears, it suddenly tugged at Xu Qing.


    In that instant, coupled with Xu Qing¡¯s own speed, no matter how great the resistance was, Xu Qing was pulled toward the head of the clone.


    400 feet, 300 feet, 200 feet, 100 feet¡­


    He directly surpassed the captain and the red-clothed girl in the distance. Finally, he arrived before the neck of the clone!


    When he arrived, Xu Qing showed no pettiness. He directly grabbed at the captain who was more than 100 feet away.


    With his help, the captain¡¯s speed also skyrocketed as he rapidly approached. Very soon, he arrived beside Xu Qing. His eyes were shining as he stared fixedly at the skin of the clone¡¯s face.


    ¡°Nose, nose, absorb the nose. The nose is the highest point and also the place where spirituality gathers!¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the tall nose of the clone.


    He suddenly thought of Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy who had appeared above the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ territory. At that time, she looked at herself in the mirror and seemed to be very satisfied with her nose.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate and rushed toward the clone¡¯s nose.


    The captain¡¯s eyes revealed fanaticism as he rushed over as well.

 Chapter 439 - 439 Litu Sects Daughter

    439 Litu Sect¡¯s Daughter


    At that moment, a rumbling sound echoed in the sky, resounding through the nine heavens. The battle between the two clones of Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy and the three Sword Holder Elders sent terrifying aftershocks everywhere.


    Moreover, the battle wasn¡¯t limited to this place. They headed straight for the as they fought.


    Both sides had no time to care about anything on the ground, let alone be distracted.


    As one of the three souls of the Ghost Emperor, although Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy was only at the first stage of Nihility, her extraordinary background caused her combat strength to be astonishing, comparable to the peak of the first stage.


    What was even more exaggerated was that she possessed undying characteristics. Unless the three souls and seven spirits died at the same time, her life force would be endless.


    This was also the reason why the Sword Holding Court didn¡¯t attack the Three Spirits back then. These three were very difficult to deal with.


    However, today, the Sword Holding Court had arrived with the intention of winning. With three Sword Holder Elders attacking together, Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy was instantly disadvantaged. She had no choice but to pull and fight at the highest point in the sky, unable to pay attention to the ground.


    On the ground, the instant Xu Qing and the captain rushed toward the clone¡¯s nose, on their right, dozens of feet away from the clone¡¯s head, the red-clothed woman gritted her teeth and crawled.


    She saw the actions of the two people who had beaten her to it and felt extreme disgust in her heart. In reality, after she came out of the cave abode, because she had gained very little, she planned to go elsewhere to take a look when she saw Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s clone fall.


    After seeing the strangeness of Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s clone, she didn¡¯t hesitate to rush over. Her target was also the head.


    According to the information she had, the clones of Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy were all spirit plants, and the essence of such existences was in their heads.


    ¡°These two people are using disguises, so I can¡¯t see their true appearances or which faction they belong to.¡± The red-clothed woman¡¯s gaze was cold. She gritted her teeth and the evil ghost scythe emitted a black light.


    The evil ghost¡¯s eyes opened, emitting an eerie light.


    With the enhancement from the scythe, the red-clothed girl¡¯s speed became even faster and she got closer.


    However, she was still too slow.


    Xu Qing and the captain had already withstood the pressure and crawled to the nose of the clone.


    Because this clone was too large and tall, Xu Qing and the captain were like two small worms on its face.


    At that moment, the two of them were standing on two sides of the clone and absorbing with all their might. Beside them were two huge nostrils that were as tall as a person.


    The captain was absorbing crazily. He held the nasal ala and the bizarre face that appeared in his pupils opened its eyes.


    A ferocious suction force spread out from every pore on his body and he absorbed with all his might.


    The nasal ala he was absorbing gradually turned gray.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t going to be outdone. His eyes revealed a sharp glint. As he lifted his right hand, he circulated the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art, causing his right hand to instantly turn transparent and press down on the nasal ala in front of him.


    Although his hand couldn¡¯t penetrate completely, it still passed through about an inch.


    Boundless immortal energy gushed into Xu Qing¡¯s body. The shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor were clearly not unfamiliar with this scene. At this moment, they were both excited and spread out.


    The shadow directly covered the skin at the side. As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡­ He was clearly anxious because he had boldly said in front of Xu Qing that he would break through in three months. Hence, he directly flew into the nostrils of the clone¡­


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over with a strange expression but he didn¡¯t bother with him. At that moment, the skin under his clothes was burning. The tattoo of Golden Crow Refines All Life shone and the Golden Crow inside opened its eyes.


    However, Xu Qing did not release the Golden Crow. Instead, it flowed down his arm and entered the nasal ala, absorbing it.


    As the joyous cry of the Golden Crow echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, the Golden Crow tattoo on his skin that no one could see under his clothes moved. There were no longer 13 tails but 17.


    After the Golden Crow devoured Miemeng, it had 13 tails. Later on, after the battle with Saintly Star, the Golden Crow advanced to the second level. Its main change at that time wasn¡¯t its tail but the change in its body and essence, so it didn¡¯t gain any more tail.


    However, after advancing, its strength increased extremely quickly. Now, 17 tails covered the skin on Xu Qing¡¯s upper body. Even though his shirt was covering his body, the heat still spread out.


    A sharp glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He controlled the Golden Crow to absorb with all its might.


    In an instant, the nasal ala in front of him also turned gray at a speed visible to the naked eye. With such majestic power gushing in, the third Heavenly Palace in Xu Qing¡¯s body rapidly turned corporeal.


    Before this, more than half of his third Heavenly Palace had materialized. Now that this dense immortal Qi surged in, it instantly reached 90%. It was infinitely close to 100% and was only a trace away!


    This was the limit of turning illusory into reality.


    The last trace required one to form a golden core and put it in. As for the golden cores of the Golden Core cultivators, every one of them was particular. One had to think of a way to form them in advance.


    Generally speaking, external objects were a direction. Many Golden Core cultivators would choose external objects as their golden cores. After using external objects as cores and placing them in the Heavenly Palace, the external objects could become their intrinsic treasure.


    For example, Xu Qing¡¯s life lanterns were an example of this.


    Forming a golden core was also a direction. This method was mostly imprinted with one¡¯s cultivation art. Once it was successful, it could increase the might of one¡¯s cultivation art or spell greatly.


    Hence, the choices of every Golden Core cultivator were different.


    Xu Qing¡¯s plan was to use the Poison Restriction Pill as his golden core and suppress it in this third Heavenly Palace.


    However, there were too many people here at this moment, so it wasn¡¯t convenient for him to take out the Poison Restriction Pill. Hence, after pondering for a moment, Xu Qing tried to fuse the immortal Qi he had absorbed into the fourth Heavenly Palace. However, he quickly came to a realization.


    The immortal Qi could not enter the fourth Heavenly Palace as though there was a membrane separating them.


    The immortal Qi could only gather outside the fourth Heavenly Palace and continue to accumulate. However, it couldn¡¯t fuse.


    Clearly, the advancement of the Heavenly Palaces needed to be done step by step. Only by completing one could he go to the second one.


    Otherwise, it would be purely illusory.


    However, this was not an issue. Although he couldn¡¯t fuse it immediately, it was piled up in his sea of consciousness. After the Poison Restriction Pill was placed in the third Heavenly Palace, he would fuse this immortal Qi into the fourth Heavenly Palace.


    He continued to absorb, causing the immortal Qi in his sea of consciousness to become denser and denser. However, soon after, a scene that surprised Xu Qing appeared.


    As he continued to absorb and the immortal Qi in his sea of consciousness grew denser, the Ghost Emperor Mountain imitation in his sea of consciousness suddenly shook. A huge suction force emitted from it like a whale swallowing, instantly absorbing the surrounding immortal Qi.


    As it absorbed, the figure of the Ghost Emperor Mountain shone even more. In fact, a blurry outline even appeared on the face that had no facial features.


    As for this outline¡­ Xu Qing recognized it at a glance. It seemed to be his own face.


    However, it was still very blurry now and he wasn¡¯t very sure.


    This caused Xu Qing to be bewildered, but now wasn¡¯t the time to think too much. After pondering for a moment, he did not give up on absorbing.


    Very soon, the nose of the clone that his right hand touched became increasingly gray and the grayness spread in all directions. The immortal Qi he absorbed also flowed endlessly into the Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    Vaguely, this Ghost Emperor Mountain gave Xu Qing a very special feeling. It seemed to be different from the real Ghost Emperor Mountain he had seen before.


    Although it came from there, after being nourished by him, this Ghost Emperor Mountain seemed to have separated and become independent¡­ Most importantly, this Ghost Emperor Mountain seemed to be about to turn corporeal and was inextricably linked to him.


    This discovery caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to tremble. He decided that he would ask his master what kind of change was this.


    While Xu Qing was pondering, the captain was also crazily absorbing it. Very soon, the nose of the clone turned gray and spread in a large area.


    At the same time, the woman in red finally reached the head. She coldly glanced at Xu Qing and the captain before immediately lying between the brows of the clone and absorbing the energy.


    Her absorption was also extremely rapid. The evil ghost on the scythe manifested. As it assisted in the absorption, a phantom image appeared behind the woman in red.


    That image was of a blood lake.


    The appearance of this blood lake sent astonishing killing intent and baleful aura to the surroundings, as though the blood in it contained indescribable evil.


    Almost at the instant it appeared, Xu Qing looked over. The Golden Crow in his body also emitted a ferocious light at this moment, locking onto the blood lake behind the woman.


    ¡°An emperor-level cultivation art. From the fluctuations, it¡¯s not at the first level but at the second level!¡± The Golden Crow¡¯s reaction immediately enlightened Xu Qing. The captain at the side also quickly lifted his head and his eyes revealed a strange glint as he spoke softly.


    ¡°The Litu Sect is filled with members of all races and believes in different ancient sovereigns and rulers. Rumors have it that a Fate Arbiter had descended from the holy land countless years ago and bestowed different emperor-level cultivation art inheritance seeds to the nine branches of the Litu Sect.¡±


    ¡°However, the requirements for comprehension are extremely harsh. Only very few people can successfully inherit them. Among them, the inheritance from Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether is called the Nether World Blood Sea Path. There¡¯s something special about this power. It¡¯s not unique and it allows the cultivator to offer sacrifices to the holy land, allowing for rapid improvements. The process of each sacrificial offering gets increasingly harrowing to the point of possible death!


    The woman in red coldly glanced at the captain but didn¡¯t say anything. She continued to absorb.


    The captain narrowed his eyes and sped up his absorption. Xu Qing was the same.


    Just like that, the three of them went crazy on the face of Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s clone. Very soon, the face turned increasingly gray from the nose and the glabella. After they connected, the entire face of Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy turned gray, like the face of a dead person.


    In fact, there were even signs of blackening in some places.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing decided to stop. He felt that leaving right now was okay, but if this continued, once the face of this clone turned black, it would be too conspicuous.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the captain. After giving him a look, he was about to leave.


    When the captain saw Xu Qing¡¯s gaze and glanced at the red-clothed girl who was still absorbing, he thought to himself that he wouldn¡¯t be the one taking the blame this time.


    Hence, he let go of the clone¡¯s nose. Under the repulsion force, his body suddenly rolled into the distance. Xu Qing was about to stop resisting as well but at that moment¡­


    Suddenly, a wisp of golden light spread out from the gray face of the clone. It was a drop of golden blood.


    ¡°Nihility Dao Blood!!¡± The captain, who was being thrown away by the repulsion force, cried out involuntarily when he saw this scene. He looked crazy as he tried to rush over, but it was obvious that he couldn¡¯t do it in a short period of time.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind also trembled. The Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness was also trembling intensely at this moment, as though it was attracted by this drop of golden blood.


    The red-clothed woman¡¯s breathing was also hurried and her eyes revealed a sharp glint. Her body swayed and she suddenly leaped up, heading straight for the golden blood.


    Although her speed was fast, Xu Qing was even faster.

 Chapter 440 - 440 Brother, Run Quickly

    440 Brother, Run Quickly


    The red-clothed woman¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t ordinary. At this moment, her eyes flickered with sharpness. The blood lake behind her churned and an eye faintly appeared in it.


    The vertical pupil of this eye emitted an intense ferocious intent. Its gaze seemed to possess the ability to suppress. As the surroundings were reflected into the blood world, it looked in Xu Qing¡¯s direction.


    Xu Qing directly ignored it!


    This woman was only a Golden Core cultivator with one palace. With her second level emperor-level cultivation art and her own strength, she was undoubtedly on par with the two palaces. If it was any other opponent, they would probably be instantly suppressed by her.


    However, she didn¡¯t know Xu Qing¡¯s strength.


    Xu Qing had two Heavenly Palaces, but he was used to hiding them, so it wasn¡¯t obvious. He also didn¡¯t reveal his second-level emperor-level cultivation art.


    If one didn¡¯t observe carefully, it would be very difficult to see his true strength.


    As such, it was impossible for the red-clothed woman to succeed.


    Everything happened in an instant. Under the eruption of his cultivation, Xu Qing¡¯s speed soared. He ignored the woman¡¯s attack and arrived at the location of the drop of golden blood in the blink of an eye, grabbing it.


    After putting it away, his body swayed and he sped into the distance. He even borrowed the repulsion force to increase his speed.


    All of this happened in the blink of an eye. The expression of the red-clothed woman changed. Seeing that the Dao blood had been snatched away, killing intent appeared in her eyes. She raised her right hand and waved it. Immediately, the eyes of the evil ghost scythe opened again, revealing a scarlet light.


    ¡°You hid yourself very well. However, it¡¯s just three palaces, I can also do it!¡± The woman bit the tip of her tongue and spat out some blood at the evil ghost scythe. A similar scarlet light flashed in her eyes.


    ¡°Litu inherits luck, and Dao marks are difficult to find. Mystic Nether Sovereign, bless and guide. Battle soul, descend. Help my sect to set off on the journey!¡±


    These words were spoken in an ancient tone that sounded like chanting. As they echoed in all directions, the world seemed to be affected by some force and bursts of cold wind appeared.


    These cold winds ignored the pressure here and quickly gathered around the woman in red. To be precise, they gathered around the evil ghost scythe in her hand.


    The evil ghost¡¯s eyes turned even redder under the cold wind. It was the same for the woman.


    After the redness reached its limit, the evil ghost suddenly opened its mouth and bit at the woman¡¯s arm.


    At the next instant, the woman¡¯s body trembled as though she was enhanced by some kind of power. When she lifted her head, a hint of sharpness appeared in her eyes. She lifted her right hand and waved it slightly at Xu Qing, who was speeding in the distance.


    A hoarse voice rang out.


    ¡°Come back!¡±


    This voice was like an old woman speaking alongside her. The voices overlapped, forming an extremely strange tone.


    This secret art was like the woman in red guiding an ancient battle soul into her body, allowing her to obtain external support and erupt with even stronger combat strength.


    The instant this sound rang out, Xu Qing¡¯s body paused. An invisible force pulled him from all directions, causing his body to feel as though it was bound. It formed a pull that wanted to drag him toward the woman in red.


    ¡°Brother, be careful. This woman used the Litu Sect¡¯s secret technique to guide a battle soul into her body!¡± The captain in the distance immediately shouted when he saw this scene.


    Xu Qing frowned. He could sense that this power was more like a bizarre entity. Hence, the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness suddenly shone and in an instant, the bizarre entity power outside his body collapsed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and he was about to continue leaving. However, the red-clothed woman¡¯s attack wasn¡¯t really to pull Xu Qing back. She clearly knew that the possibility of this happening wasn¡¯t high.


    Her goal was to restrict Xu Qing¡¯s movements and buy herself time to catch up.


    Hence, the instant she waved her hand, she had already rushed out at full speed, heading straight for Xu Qing.


    At that moment, as soon as Xu Qing dissipated the restraining force on the outside, the red-clothed woman was already close. The combat strength of three palaces erupted from her body, forming an astonishing force that moved the scythe like it was dancing.


    This scythe that was as long as a person looked real but it was sometimes illusory. Also, because its speed was too fast, it formed a black crescent-shaped afterimage, like it was about to slash apart the space as it reached Xu Qing¡¯s neck!


    The eyes of the red-clothed woman were filled with killing intent and confidence.


    She had killed three palaces before.


    The evil ghost scythe in her hand was a holy item of the sect. It was unique and had an extraordinary origin. According to the records of the sect, it seemed to be related to the holy land.


    It could ignore all defenses. Even if the other party had barriers and protective items, they would be useless against the scythe.


    At that moment, the captain¡¯s voice rang out again.


    ¡°Brother, be careful. This girl is strange. I remember this scythe now. It seems to be one of the holy items of the Litu Sect. It¡¯s said that it doesn¡¯t really exist and can ignore defense!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He could sense how extraordinary this black scythe was and how astonishing this red-clothed woman¡¯s secret art was. At that moment, his body suddenly leaned back and his speed erupted, narrowly dodging the scythe in front of him.


    Although he dodged it, a suppressive force spread out from the scythe, causing Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation base to become unstable.


    This was the first time Xu Qing had encountered such a situation.


    After the red-clothed woman slashed out, she immediately swept the scythe again. Her target was still Xu Qing¡¯s neck.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. As he retreated and dodged, he suppressed the chaos in his cultivation base and observed the scythe. Gradually, he could tell that this scythe indeed looked real but it was actually formed from the power of a spell.


    After the other party brandished the fifth strike and the instant the scythe swept over for the sixth time, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed comprehension. He suddenly lifted his right hand and blocked the incoming scythe.


    The blade instantly got close. At this instant, Xu Qing¡¯s right hand suddenly turned illusory.


    It was his Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art.


    This changed right hand was in a bizarre nether state.


    The bizarre nether state could ignore the power of spells. This was one of the innate talents of the Bizarre Fiends Race and was rare in the world. At the next instant, the scythe directly pierced through Xu Qing¡¯s transparent right hand.


    Killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Under the stunned gaze of the woman, his bizarre nether hand grabbed the handle of the scythe.


    The moment he grabbed it, Xu Qing tugged forcefully and borrowed the momentum to move forward.


    The distance between them was the length of a scythe.


    At that moment, as Xu Qing pulled and borrowed the force, the two of them instantly got close. The moment the expression of the woman changed, Xu Qing lifted his head and ruthlessly slammed into her mask.


    The woman let out a muffled groan. At the same time that a crack appeared on her mask, Xu Qing performed a series of hand seals with his left hand. Immediately, the surroundings transformed into a sea and the Nine-Layers Howling Sea suddenly erupted.


    The sea in the surroundings formed huge waves. As Xu Qing waved his left hand, the first wave whistled over from behind him, passing through Xu Qing and ruthlessly slamming onto the woman.


    A protective light appeared around the woman¡¯s body, blocking the first wave of the Howling Sea.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised. The other party¡¯s status in the Litu Sect was definitely extraordinary. It was inevitable that she would have such protection.


    Hence, he wasn¡¯t in a hurry. At that moment, the second, third, and fourth waves arrived one after another. Amidst waves of rumbling, the woman¡¯s protective barrier distorted.


    Her attention was all on the waves and the scythe that Xu Qing was holding tightly. She didn¡¯t notice that as the waves covered the surface of her protective barrier, a large number of small insects were already lying on it, spitting out poison to invade and corrode it with all their might.


    She didn¡¯t know Xu Qing, nor did she understand Xu Qing¡¯s attack methods, nor did she know how savage Xu Qing was. However, she could sense that Xu Qing was different from before. His right hand that was holding the scythe was like an iron clamp, causing her to be unable to shake it off no matter how hard she struggled.


    Moreover, when Xu Qing¡¯s right hand had ignored her scythe earlier, waves of emotions had surged in her mind.


    Ever since she obtained the recognition and inheritance of this scythe in the sect, countless malicious people in the sect had died in her hands. After all, the Litu Sect wasn¡¯t a good place. There were all kinds of lunatics in it.


    If she wanted to survive there, even if she had relatives with decent statuses in the sect, they couldn¡¯t protect her at all times. Hence, most of the time, she had to rely on herself.


    All these years, she had done this.


    Relying on her own efforts and killing, she obtained the corresponding status and respect in the sect step by step. She also had the corresponding freedom to go out.


    Although she was still a little far from one of her dreams, no matter what, this scythe was extremely helpful to her.


    As such, she couldn¡¯t let go of the scythe.


    At the next instant, the protective barrier around her body collapsed under the invasion of the little black bugs. The instant it shattered into pieces, killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    He suddenly stretched out his right hand, and the soul fire in his hand transformed into a black dagger that slashed fiercely at the woman¡¯s snow-white neck.


    Fresh blood spurted out but no head flew up.


    The instant Xu Qing¡¯s dagger got close to her, an extreme sense of life-and-death crisis erupted in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. Every inch of his body was trembling.


    Even the captain who was watching this battle from afar widened his eyes and gasped.


    ¡°F*ck!!¡±


    ¡°Brother, run quickly. There¡¯s something wrong with this woman. This is the most difficult thing to comprehend in the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, the Grand Affairs Blood Domain! Even at the small success stage, it¡¯s extremely powerful. It¡¯s said that those who comprehend this Blood Domain have multiple personalities!¡±


    ¡°For every additional personality, the world in their eyes will lack a color. After eleven personalities, there will only be blood-color left, which is the mastery stage!¡±


    ¡°Is this person from the Litu Sect or the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect? She¡¯s too strange!!¡±


    The moment the captain¡¯s cry of surprise rang out, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He abruptly let go of the scythe and retreated without hesitation.


    Almost at the instant he retreated, a blood light suddenly erupted from the woman¡¯s body and towered into the sky.


    As this blood light shot out, the surroundings seemed to have turned into a blood prison.


    A strange laughter rang out from the mouth of the red-clothed woman standing there.


    ¡°Hehehe.¡±


    This laughter carried a chilling intent. At the same time, the woman lifted her head.


    There was still blood flowing down her neck but the wound wasn¡¯t fatal. She lifted her hand and touched it. When she saw that her hand was covered in blood, a hint of confusion appeared in her eyes as she looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°It was you who injured me?¡±

 Chapter 441 - 441 Nether Fairy Goes Crazy

    441 Nether Fairy Goes Crazy


    Xu Qing¡¯s speed completely erupted. With the help of the repulsion force here, his speed was further boosted. The moment the red-clothed woman¡¯s voice rang out, he had already retreated by 500 feet and arrived beside the captain.


    He looked at the confusion in the woman¡¯s eyes and an indescribable uneasiness rose in his heart. At the same time, the captain quickly acted and grabbed Xu Qing¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks. The captain¡¯s words made him fall into deep thought. Hence, he lifted his head and looked at the woman in red in front of him.


    The woman in red stood on the spot with a confused expression. The blood on her hand was rapidly evaporating, forming a thin blood fog that filled the surroundings.


    This fog grew denser and denser and continued to spread out. In the end, it formed streams of blood that flowed around the woman in red.


    More and more blood flowed, and in the blink of an eye, there were hundreds of blood streams that emitted terrifying fluctuations and a dense fragrance.


    This was very strange!


    Moreover, the number was still increasing.


    As the confusion in the red-clothed woman¡¯s eyes deepened, the blood in the surroundings forked, forming more and circulating faster.


    In an instant, the blood streams went from hundreds to a thousand, intertwining in all directions, forming ring after ring.


    This scene couldn¡¯t help but make one feel shocked.


    There was also a cold wind that blew from the direction of the woman in red, landing on Xu Qing¡¯s body. The pores on his body stood up and his eyes narrowed as he stood there motionlessly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s many years of killing and fighting had developed an instinct for danger. Now, this instinct and the captain¡¯s reminder clearly told him that he couldn¡¯t move.


    Once he moved, he would face extreme danger.


    This feeling was very strange and irrational. This was because no matter how he looked at it, the red-clothed woman¡¯s cultivation was only at the level of three palaces of the Golden Core Realm. However, it gave Xu Qing an intense sense of danger.


    The captain¡¯s body didn¡¯t move either and his expression was even more solemn. He stared at the woman in red and transmitted his voice to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move. This woman is too strange. Not only does she have the Litu Sect¡¯s holy item and inherited emperor-level cultivation art, but she also has the Blood Domain that is the most difficult to cultivate in the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.¡±


    ¡°Since ancient times, very few people have succeeded in cultivating this Blood Domain. It¡¯s said that under this Blood Domain, the other party has the ability to instantly kill people of the same realm. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s true or false, but it¡¯s best if we don¡¯t test it.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a flaw in this domain that might not even be a flaw. That is¡­ the world in the other party¡¯s eyes is extremely sensitive to dynamic things!¡±


    Xu Qing could clearly sense the solemnity in the captain¡¯s voice transmission.


    His eyes stared at the woman in red and gradually narrowed.


    At that moment, there was no sound from the surroundings. Only the whimpering sound of the wind rang out and the sound of the space shattering formed by the aura of the Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s clone.


    There was also the sound of corrosion coming from the face of the clone. This sound was like the sound of a large number of bubbles shattering. This started happening after the Dao blood was taken away by Xu Qing.


    The nose was the first to melt, followed by the eyes and mouth. All of this caused the face of the clone to become incomparably ugly and monstrous.


    At the same time, the skin color of the entire face was already turning black.


    Xu Qing and the captain didn¡¯t notice the melting scene. Their gazes were all on the woman in red.


    At that moment, the woman in red¡¯s eyes were still blank, as though she wasn¡¯t focused. She seemed to be looking at Xu Qing and the captain but she gave off the feeling that Xu Qing and the captain didn¡¯t exist in her eyes.


    ¡°Is it you guys?¡± The woman in red asked softly.


    Such a gaze and repeated words caused the vigilance in Xu Qing¡¯s heart to intensify again. The Golden Crow tattoo on his body also began to burn and the Infinite Crown on his head emitted a dazzling light.


    The Heavenly Palaces in his body shook and the little black bugs filled the surroundings, preparing for the fight.


    The captain was the same. His body emitted an astonishing cold air and the face in his pupils also opened its eyes. Moreover, upon closer inspection, there was actually a face flickering in the pupils of the face, as though it was a little unstable.


    The instant they faced each other, the woman in red lifted her right foot.


    The speed of the blood water in the surroundings suddenly increased, forming a sharp whistling sound. It was as though it could cut through everything as it surged toward Xu Qing and the captain.


    However, at this moment, a sharp cry suddenly rang out from the sky.


    ¡°What did you guys do!!¡±


    This sound was so loud that it surpassed the sound of lightning. It was as though countless lightning bolts had exploded. The impact caused Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s bodies to tremble and they spat out blood as their bodies retreated.


    The blood in the surroundings of the red-clothed woman also trembled and rapidly flowed back, returning to the red-clothed woman¡¯s palm. After it turned into blood again, the red-clothed woman¡¯s expression distorted. In an instant, the confusion in her eyes dissipated and turned into sharpness from before. Without any hesitation, she suddenly retreated in a direction.


    Xu Qing and the captain didn¡¯t have the time to care about anything else and fled at full speed.


    At the same time that the two of them left, a body of Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy in the sky rushed over with anger in her eyes. Blood flowed from the corner of her mouth and her clothes were tattered.


    Previously, when she was fighting a life-and-death battle in the sky, she didn¡¯t pay attention to the ground. Just now, she glanced over and saw three human juniors around her clone. There was something wrong with the clone¡¯s expression, as though it was blurry.


    This caused her heart to skip a beat. She didn¡¯t hesitate to break free despite being injured. When she got a closer look, her body trembled and her eyes widened in disbelief.


    She saw the pitch-black expression of her clone.


    She saw its melting facial features.


    She saw the indescribable ugliness.


    To a woman who loved beauty, the stimulation formed by this scene was earth-shattering.


    Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s body trembled intensely and her breathing became hurried. A monstrous anger rose in her heart that seemed to be able to burn everything.


    ¡°You!¡±


    ¡°You!!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re courting death!!!¡± Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy let out a mournful cry and went crazy. She lifted her hand and was about to slap Xu Qing, the captain, and the red-clothed woman.


    However, at the next instant, two Sword Holder Elders chased after her from the sky.


    They also saw the black face and melted facial features of the clone on the ground, and also the fleeing Xu Qing and the other two. A strange feeling rose in their hearts.


    Although the three of them had their appearances covered, their expressions were very clear in their eyes.


    After noticing that they were humans, they knew very well that these three should be bold and extraordinary people from the human forces in the Yinghuang Province. In addition, they must be inextricably linked to the Sword Holding Court.


    Otherwise, it was impossible for them to know their Sword Holding Court¡¯s plan and timing, and take advantage of the situation here.


    However, these elders were caught between laughter and tears when they saw that these young disciples had plundered the face of the clone.


    However, since they were humans, they had a certain obligation to protect them. As such, they instantly attacked and used powerful divine arts to stop Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy.


    Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy let out a sharp cry. Due to the danger, she could only temporarily suppress the anger in her heart and had no choice but to give up on attacking Xu Qing and the other two.


    Because her clothes were tattered and had lost their protective barrier, she grabbed at the air, wanting to take out more of her treasured dresses to deal with the enemy.


    As she grabbed, her cave abode rumbled. Clothes flew out one after another and headed straight for her.


    However, once they got close, Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s eyes widened again and she was stunned. She looked at the tattered clothes in front of her and couldn¡¯t recover from her shock.


    The damage to these clothes was too serious.


    All the decorative flowers and good things on them were gone.


    Their appearances changed drastically. Some of them became curtains, while others were filled with holes.


    In reality, it wasn¡¯t just Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy who was stunned at this moment. The two Sword Holders were also stunned.


    Looking at those tattered clothes, the two of them had strange expressions. They naturally had an extremely deep impression of Xu Qing and the other two and couldn¡¯t help but transmit their voices to each other.


    ¡°Whose juniors are they? How ruthless!¡±


    As for Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡­ She looked at these tattered clothes; her face turned a shade paler and her body trembled. Her heart seemed to be bleeding. Every one of these dresses was something she loved dearly, but at this moment, they had become like this.


    The heart-wrenching pain surpassed everything in her heart and transformed into a mournful cry that came out from her mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to turn the three of you into ashes and destroy your bodies and souls!!¡±


    This voice was so sharp that it seemed to resound through the nine heavens. It contained resentment and hatred that was extremely intense.


    Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy had already lost her rationality. With shocking killing intent, she headed straight for Xu Qing and the captain.


    Her other clone in the sky also let out a tragic cry and rushed toward the woman in red without caring about anything.


    She wanted to kill these three thieves at all costs!


    However, her state and actions were an extremely rare opportunity for the three Sword Holder Elders who were fighting with her.


    The more she lost her rationality, the easier they would be able to suppress her. At the next instant, the three of them erupted with their cultivation bases and blocked with all their might.


    Under their obstruction, Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy was unable to achieve her wish of killing the culprits. The more this was the case, the crazier she became. This caused the suppression of the three Sword Holder elders to be even smoother.


    The three people who were fleeing naturally saw this scene.


    The captain and Xu Qing¡¯s scalps went numb as they sped up. As for the red-clothed woman, anger filled her heart and she felt even more aggrieved. After all, she wasn¡¯t the one who did the matter in the cave abode.


    However, it was useless to explain the situation now. The woman in red gritted her teeth and fled rapidly without turning her head.


    The three of them unleashed their maximum speed, so very soon, Xu Qing and the captain arrived before Yanyan.


    Neither side had the time to speak. Xu Qing grabbed Yanyan and took out the magic warship to board it. The captain followed closely behind.


    The magic warship transformed into a rainbow that whistled through the air. With a boom, it headed straight for the sky and directly left the core area of Three Spirits Suppression Mountain.


    As for Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy at the back, she was still screaming with hatred and madness.


    To her, today was the greatest calamity in her life. Not only did the Sword Holding Court come to suppress her, but her clone was also disfigured and its Dao blood was lost. As for the treasured clothes she had cherished her entire life, they were torn apart.


    Even though her cultivation was profound, to her, who loved beauty, this was something she had never experienced in her life.


    In fact, comparatively speaking, she didn¡¯t feel much hatred toward the Sword Holding Court. What she hated the most were those three lunatic thieves!

 Chapter 442

    ?442 In This Lifetime, We¡¯ll Travel Together


    ¡°Worth it, worth it!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s magic warship had already left the core area of Three Spirits Suppression Mountain and was speeding in the distance, putting an extremely great distance between it and the battlefield behind it.


    The captain lay sprawled on the deck, regaining his original appearance. He was panting but his eyes were shining with satisfaction.


    He even burped a few times from time to time, looking like he was stuffed.


    ¡°Haha, it¡¯s still more reliable to do big things with you, Little Qing. I¡¯m actually unscathed this time. This is unprecedented.¡± The more the captain thought about it, the more smug he became. He simply sat up and patted the deck, producing popping sounds.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know, Little Qing. Previously, when I did big things with Zhang San, I always lost a limb or two!¡±


    ¡°It is even worse when I go do them alone. There were a few times when I almost lost my head. Moreover, that brat Zhang San always took away good things.¡±


    The captain sighed with emotion.


    Xu Qing sat cross-legged on the deck, still hiding his true appearance. When he heard this, he glanced at the captain. He didn¡¯t believe it.


    Realizing that Xu Qing was looking at him, the captain blinked. His mind was fully active but his expression didn¡¯t reveal it at all as he continued to sigh.


    ¡°You know me. I value loyalty and friendship. Zhang San is a good brother. Since he wanted them, I¡¯m embarrassed not to give them to him.¡±


    ¡°Hence, every time, I give him a large share while I take a very little share. Sigh, it¡¯s not like with you, Junior Brother, where we always split half each. This is what fairness is.¡±


    When the captain lied, his face wasn¡¯t red and his heart didn¡¯t race. He was even more sincere.


    Xu Qing instantly became vigilant and vaguely guessed the captain¡¯s thoughts.


    ¡°Junior Brother, why are you looking at me like that? Oh, oh, oh, I understand. You want me to set an example, right? No problem. We¡¯re from the same sect and we¡¯re good brothers. Half each is a very good way to distribute.¡±


    ¡°As the eldest senior brother, I¡¯ll set an example first. I¡¯ll erase half of the three million spirit stones you owe me.¡±


    The captain patted his chest. However, he had said too much and his mouth was too wide open, so much so that the immortal Qi of the clone he had absorbed earlier drifted out of his mouth.


    The captain hurriedly shut up. He didn¡¯t want the good stuff he had obtained with great difficulty to dissipate just like that.


    ¡°Captain, I¡¯m preparing to enter closed-door cultivation.¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, it¡¯s not a good habit to eat alone!¡± The captain saw that Xu Qing was pretending to be confused and was a little anxious. He hurriedly spoke but as soon as he spoke, immortal Qi drifted out again.


    Xu Qing blinked and noticed that after the captain¡¯s immortal Qi spread out, the shadow on the deck that couldn¡¯t be seen by outsiders was rapidly absorbing it. Hence, he expressionlessly took out an apple and threw it to the captain.


    The captain instinctively took it and lifted his head to look at Xu Qing with some hesitation.


    ¡°Junior Brother, be good.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Xu Qing nodded seriously. After that, he closed his eyes and began to materialize the third Heavenly Palace in his body. He was going to add his Poison Restriction Pill next.


    Although this process was a little risky, Xu Qing had observed the poison pill before. On one hand, this pill was a semi-finished product. On the other hand, because too much time had passed, its spirituality was withering.


    This was even more obvious after coming into contact with the outside world. Once it finally transformed into a dead pill, it would be like sourceless water that couldn¡¯t be regenerated and its value would be greatly reduced.


    Hence, it would naturally be best if he could do it as soon as possible. At the same time, he was also weighing his gains from this trip.


    This time, his harvest was incomparably great. His storage bag was filled with a lot of items and many nourishing treasures inside. There were also those mirrors and bottles. These were very helpful to the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    He had gained a lot, so Xu Qing couldn¡¯t check them one by one. Hence, what he focused on was the immortal Qi accumulated in his sea of consciousness and his Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    At that moment, under Xu Qing¡¯s restraint, the Ghost Emperor Mountain didn¡¯t continue to devour the immortal Qi in his sea of consciousness. The blurry outline of its face already had 20 to 30% of Xu Qing¡¯s appearance.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what would happen if this continued. He planned to ask his master before deciding.


    Other than that, there was also the Dao Blood that he seized.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what use this blood had but he could sense the tremors emitted by the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness. Although the vitality emitted by this blood was alright, what it contained more of was Dao charm.


    Through his previous observation and analysis, this item should be one of the methods Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy used to control her clone.


    While Xu Qing was deep in thought, the captain eagerly looked over. He was very envious of the Dao Blood Xu Qing had obtained.


    However, after all, it was Xu Qing who had obtained it, so it wasn¡¯t good for him to ask for it directly. Previously, he had laid the groundwork to hint for this blood.


    His expression gradually became bitter and there was a hint of bleakness. He lifted his head and took out a flask of wine, taking a big gulp.


    ¡°Life is hard.¡±


    ¡°This time, I lost more than 20 magic artifacts that resisted pressure and more than 40 concealment magic artifacts. Most importantly, the hidden danger in my body is showing signs of erupting. Junior Brother, you might not have a Eldest Senior Brother one day.¡±


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and glanced at the captain. He then took out a small bottle and tossed it over.


    That bottle contained 30% of the blood.


    ¡°Is it enough?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    The captain quickly took it and all the difficulties on his face disappeared. He was beaming with joy and laughed loudly.


    ¡°Enough, enough. Junior Brother, this is too kind of you. If there¡¯s anything in the future, Eldest Senior Brother will definitely be on your side!¡± As he spoke, he drank it in one gulp. His body suddenly trembled and after a long time, he let out a long sigh of relief, revealing excitement.


    ¡°I can open another seal!¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, Eldest Senior Brother isn¡¯t petty either. This is for you!¡± In his excitement, the captain took out a box and threw it to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing took it and opened it. Inside was an extremely sharp black dagger-blade prototype that emitted a cold light.


    There were also some natural patterns on it that formed the shape of an eye, emitting a sinister feeling.


    Xu Qing liked it immediately. He indeed lacked a suitable dagger. Although the soul fire could transform into a dagger, he still felt like he was lacking something when he held it in his hand.


    He looked at the captain sincerely.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me. We¡¯ll continue to do great things in the future. I¡¯m planning it now. However, the most important thing for us now is to turn our gains this time into our own strength as soon as possible. After that, we¡¯ll go to the Sword Holding Court and compete to become Sword Holders!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes lit up. Becoming a Sword Holder was already his obsession.


    ¡°Believe in me, Junior Brother. Only by becoming a Sword Holder will we have the qualifications to step into the core of the human race in the future! Yinghuang Province is ultimately too small, and this world is extremely vast. Boundless future and beautiful things are waiting for us!¡±


    ¡°I want to enter the Grand Imperial Capital Region. I want to cultivate the emperor-level cultivation arts of the human race. I want to travel through the Wanggu Continent and stir up the wind and clouds. I also want to take a look at that so-called holy land!¡±


    ¡°I want too much, so I¡¯m even crazier. Junior Brother, let¡¯s travel together in this life!¡±


    Hearing the captain¡¯s words, a deep glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. After a long time, he nodded and firmly remembered these words.


    Let¡¯s travel together in this life.


    When Yanyan saw this scene, she blinked and quickly spoke.


    ¡°You can bring me along too.¡±


    At the same time as Xu Qing and the other two fled in the magic warship, the war on Three Spirits Suppression Mountain also reached its climax. This time, the Sword Holding Court was extremely well-prepared and was determined to win.


    Even though Three Spirits Suppression Mountain used a Taboo magic treasure, a huge palace appeared and suppressed everything.


    In the direction of the Ghost Emperor Mountain, the seven fiends transformed from the Ghost Emperor¡¯s seven spirits sensed this matter and wanted to come to support. However, they were stopped by another group from the Sword Holding Court who were long prepared.


    The direction of this war was already determined and couldn¡¯t be changed. In the end, the third of the Three Spirits, Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy, was suppressed by the Sword Holding Court. Their target for this time was her.


    This was because she was the weakest and most suitable to be suppressed and captured alive.


    As long as they controlled one of the three souls, it would be impossible for the Ghost Emperor to revive. This was the best battle result they could hope for. If they continued the battle, even if the Sword Holding Court was powerful, it would still be a headache.


    After all, the decree given by the county emphasized stability. If they were too entangled in this matter and the county was alerted, even if they suppressed the Three Spirits, it would show their incompetence.


    As such, after capturing Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy alive, the Sword Holding Court chose to leave.


    As for the first and second among the Three Spirits, they remained in silence and didn¡¯t stop the Sword Holding Court. They were old fellows who had lived for so many years. At the start, they might have been puzzled about this matter, but it was clear now.


    The youngest naturally wouldn¡¯t die. To a certain extent, it was equivalent to being a hostage.


    After the war ended and the Sword Holding Court left, in another direction of Three Spirits Suppression Mountain, on the top of a tall mountain that was some distance away.


    Under the red glow of dusk in the sky, as the mountain wind blew, a red robe fluttered in the wind.


    The red-clothed woman carried the evil ghost scythe that was as long as a person and stood there, looking in the direction of the Three Spirits.


    There was a scar on her neck that had still not healed.


    The scar was very large and looked shocking. If it was a little deeper, it would be able to cut open her blood vessels and throat.


    A long time later, the woman in red turned her head and looked in the direction Xu Qing¡¯s group had left. The sharpness in her eyes gradually intensified.


    A soft laugh rang out from under the white mask that was filled with some cracks.


    ¡°Memorize two names!¡±


    As the red-clothed woman¡¯s voice rang out, the evil ghost on the scythe opened its eyes and transmitted its divine sense.


    ¡°Names?¡±


    ¡°One is Mad Dog and the other is Ghost Hand!¡± The red-clothed woman calmly spoke.


    The evil ghost immediately nodded and memorized these two names. As long as the other party appeared in the range of its perception in the future, it would be able to sense them immediately.


    ¡°By the way, recite the names of those I didn¡¯t kill off. I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll forget them.¡±


    ¡°Word Dog, Fossil, Auntie, Six Fingers, Donkey Head¡­¡± The evil ghost mentioned one title after another. There were more than a hundred of them, and the red-clothed woman listened as she walked into the distance.


    A small stone had appeared in her hand at some point in time. She held it and placed it on the scar on her neck, gently rubbing it.


    This small stone was very strange. As she rubbed the wound, the scar gradually faded and disappeared.


    ¡°I just need to complete a few more missions and I¡¯ll be able to obtain higher authority and be allowed to leave the Yinghuang Province. At that time, I can make a trip to the scavenger campsite.¡±


    In the wind, her red dress reflected the setting sun.


    She walked further and further away.


    Farther away, on the magic ship, Xu Qing took out a bamboo slip.


    After some thought, the killing intent in the red-clothed woman¡¯s eyes when she looked at him appeared in his mind. As such, he engraved a name on it.


    Red woman.

 Chapter 443

    ?443 Beginning of the Transformation


    On the bamboo slip, many names had been crossed out, but there was one name that was very conspicuous.


    Its color was purple-red as thought blood had dripped on it as it was carved.


    ¡®Big Brother.¡¯


    Xu Qing looked at the name with a calm expression. He didn¡¯t seem to show any fluctuations. However, his hand that was holding the iron stick exerted an imperceptible force.


    He retracted his gaze and kept the bamboo slip. He then looked at the red sunset in the sky. After a long time, he spoke softly to the captain and Yanyan.


    ¡°I¡¯m going into seclusion for a while.¡±


    Yanyan could faintly sense that Xu Qing¡¯s mood was a little down. Hence, she hurriedly nodded.


    ¡°Go, Little Qing. With Senior Brother around, don¡¯t worry and rush to the third palace.¡± The captain sat there and laughed.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, some poison might spread out during my seclusion this time. Don¡¯t get too close. If¡­ something unexpected happens, you can leave immediately. You don¡¯t have to bother with me.¡±


    Xu Qing reminded.


    When the captain heard this, he was about to brag a little but after some thought, he quickly distanced himself.


    He had seen Xu Qing¡¯s poison many times and felt that it was getting stranger and stranger.


    Yanyan¡¯s eyes also widened and she immediately retreated. She thought of the poisoned Night Dove members in the Homicide Department¡¯s prison.


    Seeing the two of them like this, Xu Qing was relieved. This time, he wanted to put the Poison Restriction Pill into the Heavenly Palace. Although he had planned for a long time and analyzed the risks, there were still some unknown variables after all.


    In addition, he didn¡¯t know how long he would be in closed-door cultivation this time around. Hence, he handed the control of the magic warship to the captain and turned to walk to the cabin.


    Just as he was about to step into the cabin, Xu Qing suddenly thought of something and turned his head to look at the captain.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen your magic boat before?¡±


    The captain¡¯s expression revealed smugness as he spoke proudly.


    ¡°I placed it in a mysterious place to nurture it. It¡¯s almost done. When it¡¯s done, I¡¯ll go take it out. I guarantee that the old man will be shocked when he sees it.¡±


    Xu Qing was used to the captain¡¯s exaggerated words. He nodded and entered the cabin.


    After stepping in, he closed the door of the cabin and sat down cross-legged, performing a series of hand seals with both hands. He activated an array formation and completely sealed the cabin, preventing his aura from spreading out.


    After that, he took out some magic artifacts and set them up in the surroundings.


    After doing this, Xu Qing took a deep breath and opened his storage bag to organize the loot. This was especially so for the bottles and jars he had obtained from Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s cave abode. He opened them one by one and checked them to find items that contained vitality.


    After all, the only thing useful against the Poison Restriction Pill was life force.


    After the selection, Xu Qing also inspected the other items in the same way. When everything was ready, he closed his eyes and fell silent for a long time before taking out the wish box.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t open it immediately. With a wave of his hand, an ancient jade slip appeared.


    This jade slip was the item that had existed in the wish box with the Poison Restriction Pill back then.


    At this moment, Xu Qing was holding it in his hand. His poison-resistance could already ignore the remnant poison on it to a certain extent. He also had the purple crystal¡¯s power to recover. As such, although his right hand was turning a little black, it didn¡¯t rot.


    As his divine sense surged in, an ancient voice echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind like thunder again.


    ¡°What is the Great Dao? All 3,000 Great Dao can lead to deification. Is there poison Dao among them?¡±


    ¡°The people of the world disdain evil and poison. Could such unorthodox methods lead one to greatness?¡±


    ¡°I once thought so too. I spurned the evil poison art.¡±


    ¡°Until I killed a nonhuman that walked out of a Divine Realm one day. This cultivator¡¯s combat strength was astonishing and the Dao he cultivated was incomparably sinister. Before he died, he stared at me with a vicious gaze, causing my cultivation to fall by a realm day by day.


    ¡°Ten days later, I turned into a mortal and experienced 60 years of pain and torture in the mortal world. I used countless treasures before I finally got my life back. I also refined this poison from my body and turned it into a pill.¡±


    ¡°From then on, I studied this pill until the calamity descended but to no avail. I am leaving this semi-finished item for the later generations.¡±


    ¡°This pill is poison and also restriction! If a high-level cultivator obtains it, do not use it yourself; otherwise, you will be consigned to eternal damnation and certain death. A low-level Heavenly Palace Golden Core cultivator can use this poison pill as a golden core in their Heavenly Palace to become a poison cultivator who walks a different path from the others.¡±


    ¡°Only then can their soul be changed and walk the path of this restriction pill!¡±


    ¡°According to my deduction, on the path of the restriction pill, one can use poison to shake the world and restriction to destroy all ages. It is a terrifying and unpredictable method of the Divine Realm. In the end, the Divine Realm became the great enemy of all races!¡±


    Determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Place this Poison Restriction Pill in the Heavenly Palace¡­ From this senior¡¯s tone, it seems that he deduced it. However, I don¡¯t believe he hasn¡¯t tested it.¡±


    ¡°However, it¡¯s obvious that the tests failed.¡±


    ¡°So, no matter what, there¡¯s still a huge risk in the end. As for what changes will happen, it¡¯s unknown.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled but the determination in his eyes didn¡¯t decrease.


    ¡°However, I¡¯m already constantly adapting to this poison. While I have a certain level of resistance, I also fused the little black bugs into it and they can stay for a short period of time.¡±


    ¡°Although I haven¡¯t completely developed immunity to it, I¡¯ve done it to the extreme. It¡¯s difficult for me to obtain more resistance.¡±


    ¡°The most important thing is that this Poison Restriction Pill has almost lost its spirituality and is in a withered state. Moreover, it¡¯s a semi-finished pill and isn¡¯t complete.¡±


    ¡°If this continues, its withering state will gradually become worse. If it really completely withers into a dead pill, its value will be greatly reduced. Only by fusing it will there be a possibility of reviving it.¡±


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and sensed the third Heavenly Palace in his body. 99% of this palace had materialized. It only needed a golden core before it could completely turn corporeal.


    ¡°How can the path of cultivation be smooth-sailing? We¡¯ll definitely have to endure huge risks on the way!¡± Xu Qing opened the wish box.


    This pill was much shriveled up compared to before and there wasn¡¯t much poison left in it. It seemed that after the wish box was opened for the first time and it came into contact with the outside world, its withered state became even more intense.


    Xu Qing had discovered this long ago. He also knew that if this continued, this pill would probably eventually become a sourceless pill. After the poison evaporated time and time again, it would completely dissipate from the world.


    As the dense poisonous air spread out in the surroundings, Xu Qing was the first to bear the brunt and his body trembled.


    Even though he had a certain level of resistance and even had the purple crystal, this Poison Restriction Pill still caused his entire body to rapidly turn black. However, Xu Qing no longer cared about these. His eyes were filled with determination as he picked up the poison pill in the box.


    This poison pill was astonishing. Even though Xu Qing¡¯s right hand had transformed into bizarre nether state, he could still see black threads forming inside. It was as though even in this state, the power of poison was still effective.


    Xu Qing ignored these. After he grabbed the poisonous pill with his bizarre nether hand, he quickly probed into his dantian.


    Xu Qing had done this many times when he probed his sea of consciousness and touched the Heavenly Palaces of the enemies. However, this was the first time he had used it on himself.


    This was also the solution he had thought of.


    If he swallowed this pill, Xu Qing felt that his body probably wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand it. If he directly sent it to the Heavenly Palace with the bizarre nether hand, in his analysis, the success rate would be even higher.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate. After the bizarre nether hand passed through his flesh and blood, under Xu Qing¡¯s strength, it stretched into his sea of consciousness and instantly got close, touching his third palace.


    This process was extremely painful and there was also the invasion of the poison pill¡¯s power.


    However, Xu Qing gritted his teeth tightly and didn¡¯t stop at all. He was very clear that the faster he completed this matter, the better.


    Hence, with great determination, the instant his right hand touched the third palace, it moved in. He released his palm in the third palace and put down the Poison Restriction Pill inside.


    He immediately retracted his right hand.


    Although his movements were fast, intense pain still gushed out from his body. Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and he spat out a mouthful of blood.


    His internal organs were already affected and waves of cramps attacked him. Before he could recover, his third Heavenly Palace erupted with intense fluctuations.


    The poison power of the Poison Restriction Pill inside suddenly erupted and spread in all directions from the third palace like an avalanche. It swept through Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, affecting his soul and permeating his entire body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and began to rot. His sea of consciousness withered and his soul dimmed.


    The poison contained in this Poison Restriction Pill was too terrifying and its level was extremely high.


    At the same time, threads spread out from the bricks and tiles of the third palace and quickly connected to the Poison Restriction Pill that was releasing its power.


    This was a kind of fusion and transformation.


    The moment any external golden core appeared in the cultivator¡¯s Heavenly Palace, the Heavenly Palace would immediately fuse with it. The instant the fusion was completed, the transformation would be completed and the golden core would become an intrinsic treasure.


    Originally, the third palace was golden. At this moment, as those threads fused into the Poison Restriction Pill, the entire third palace slowly turned black.


    This process was extremely slow.


    Xu Qing sensed that the moment his third Heavenly Palace turned completely pitch-black, it would mean it had completely fused with the Poison Restriction Pill.


    Only at that time would he be able to indirectly control this Poison Restriction Pill and make it his intrinsic item with his connection to the third Heavenly Palace.


    At that time, he would be able to control the Third Heavenly Palace and call back the poison that had spread all over his body.


    However, this long fusion time would be a fatal test for Xu Qing.


    If he couldn¡¯t withstand the poison before the fusion was completed, his body and soul would be destroyed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. The incomparably dense poison from the Poison Restriction Pill filled all the parts in his body.


    The indescribable heart-piercing pain caused him to involuntarily let out a sharp cry.


    This pain surpassed what he had experienced in the many life and death crises before. Regardless of whether it was the merfolk island temple or the dragon carriage, they were different from now. At that time, the pain spread from the outside to the inside.


    Hence, he was able to resist it forcefully.


    The pain now spread from the inside out.


    However, it wasn¡¯t like Xu Qing hadn¡¯t experienced this feeling before. On that rainy night, his heart was torn apart and the collapse of the high walls was the deepest pain in his memory.


    Compared to that, this was nothing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t like his screams right now.


    He gritted his teeth with reddened eyes and forcibly turned this blood-curdling scream into a whimpering sound that came out from between his teeth.


    At the same time, the purple crystal in his chest circulated at full force. Purple light filled Xu Qing¡¯s entire body, assisting him in resisting the poison.


    The Golden Crow manifested and spat out flames at Xu Qing, helping him strengthen his body.


    Also, the immortal Qi accumulated in his sea of consciousness was also sharing the burden for him.


    The other two Heavenly Palaces formed by the life lanterns revealed canopies and augmented his strength. Finally, the Ghost Emperor Mountain emitted black light and suppressed everything.


    Time passed.

 Chapter 444

    ?444 Golden Light on the Wrist! (1)


    Three days passed.


    The fusion of the third palace and the Poison Restriction Pill was slowly proceeding.


    10%, 20%, 30%¡­


    Xu Qing¡¯s body was rotting but he still sat there and resisted with all his might.


    Other than the purple crystal, life lanterns, and Ghost Emperor Mountain, Xu Qing also released all the little black bugs in the past three days.


    Under his control, these little black bugs entered his body and absorbed the poison from the poison pill in his flesh and blood.


    These methods were the first wave of help Xu Qing had prepared for the fusion of the Poison Restriction Pill.


    However, the toxicity of the Poison Restriction Pill was too intense and Xu Qing¡¯s first wave of preparation wasn¡¯t very effective. His body was rotting at a visible speed.


    He could only rely on these to make sure the fusion was faster than the footsteps of death.


    Time slowly passed. In the blink of an eye, another four days passed. His Third Heavenly Palace¡¯s fusion and transformation of the Poison Restriction Pill had finally reached 70%.


    However, in these four days, Xu Qing had to endure intense torture and pain. He already didn¡¯t have much strength left and could only silently endure it.


    The place he was sitting on was covered in black blood.


    That was formed from the rotting of his flesh and blood.


    His body had caved in and the flesh and skin on his body were about to rot completely. There wasn¡¯t much flesh on his hands that were exposed and the black bones were a shocking sight.


    The poison from the Poison Restriction Pill was destroying everything in his body. Even his sea of consciousness was riddled with holes and his soul was incomparably dim.


    He was about to die.


    In reality, it was already a miracle that he could persist until now. This was a result of his deep accumulation.


    As for merging the Poison Restriction Pill, even the almighty person who left this pill behind had not succeeded.


    After all, if he really succeeded, this unfinished pill wouldn¡¯t have been left behind as regret.


    As for that almighty, he was definitely extraordinary. Even under his protection, there were no successful cases. One could imagine how difficult it was.


    Hence, everything was feasible in theory.


    Even though Xu Qing had two life lanterns protecting him, even though he had the Ghost Emperor Mountain suppressing the poison, even though he had resistance and the little black bugs were helping him, he was still at the end of his rope.


    Although the purple crystal was still circulating to the limits and emitting vitality to delay Xu Qing¡¯s death, there was still a limit.


    The shadow no longer revealed any emotions. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was also very careful.


    They could sense the aura of death emitted by Xu Qing and felt complicated in their hearts.


    However, no matter what, the intimidation and ruthlessness from Xu Qing in the past caused them to not think of rebelling. Even if the thought appeared, they wouldn¡¯t dare to act.


    After another half a day, Xu Qing¡¯s legs were only left with black bones and his hair was gone.


    His eyelids also disappeared, revealing eyes with a listless gaze. His life was rapidly dissipating.


    The purple crystal was already helpless at this moment. Just as Xu Qing was about to fail, a hint of spirit suddenly appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    This luster caused the minds of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and the shadow to shake.


    Xu Qing silently lowered his head. This action emitted cracking sounds, as though if he exerted a little force, his head would fall off his neck.


    After lowering his head, Xu Qing tried his best to lift his right hand that only had a trace of flesh and blood left. He then picked up a small bottle that he had placed in front of him in advance.


    After crushing it, the Dao Blood of Nihility flew out and headed straight for his body.


    This was the second wave of help Xu Qing had prepared.


    The vitality from the Dao Blood instantly gushed into Xu Qing¡¯s entire body. While nourishing his body, it also caused the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness to shine brightly.


    However, compared to the vitality in this drop of blood, the Dao charm contained in it was its crucial point.


    Hence, although there was some help in terms of vitality, it was limited.


    However, it was of great help to Xu Qing¡¯s Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    At this moment, the Ghost Emperor Mountain became more and more realistic as it absorbed the Dao charm.


    It emitted a dense charm and its face was increasingly similar to Xu Qing¡¯s. It gave off the feeling that it had taken a huge step toward complete visualization.


    This change was more like a qualitative change. Without that blood, it was almost impossible to achieve such a qualitative change.


    The Dao Blood seemed to have given a soul seed or a spirit root!


    If it was in the past, Xu Qing would definitely have observed more. However, he didn¡¯t have the heart and energy now. Relying on the vitality in this blood, he survived another day.


    The black color of the Third Heavenly Palace in his body increased from 70% to 80%.


    After 80%, the rotting of Xu Qing¡¯s body intensified again. He shakily took out a piece of wood, placing it in front of him.


    This was the third wave of help he had prepared.


    At the next instant, the black wooden piece shone and transformed into a black door. As it slowly opened, it emitted a white light that sealed the life level.


    The appearance of this light instantly transformed into sealing power, wanting to freeze Xu Qing¡¯s life state.


    However, this light that had sealed his life form during the transformation in the Sea Corpse Race¡­ was actually unable to completely take effect at this moment. It couldn¡¯t completely seal his life level and could only delay his death.


    The level of poison of the Poison Restriction Pill was too high. It seemed that only vitality could reach a balance against it. Other than that, it was impossible for all the effects of external forces to be perfectly displayed.


    Even so, it still had some effect.


    Under this delay, the purple crystal in Xu Qing¡¯s body and all the other help that were resisting the poison seemed to have a breathing space, allowing him to last longer.

 Chapter 445 - 445 Golden Light on the Wrist! (2)

    445 Golden Light on the Wrist! (2)


    Another day passed.


    By now, the third Heavenly Palace in his body was 90% pitch-black. It was the same for fusion and transformation. However, the sealing light of the black door had lost its effect.


    ¡°90%¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled. The light in his eyes dimmed and the world in front of him was blurry. However, he didn¡¯t panic.


    Everything was still under his control.


    However, the consumption was indeed beyond his expectations.


    As he struggled, Xu Qing glanced at the bottles and jars in front of him. These were all obtained from Nether Fairy.


    They contained pills inside. Although they had different effects, Xu Qing had already checked them before. Now, the ones placed in front of him were all pills that more or less contained life force.


    These were the fourth wave of help he had prepared for himself to fuse the poison pill.


    He crushed the bottles and very soon, colorful medicinal pills flew into his body and rapidly melted, emitting vitality that nourished his entire body.


    Although the effect of this nourishment was ordinary, there were many of them. According to Xu Qing¡¯s plan, it should be enough.


    However, at this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze suddenly landed on his right wrist. There was no flesh and blood there, only black bones.


    Looking at the bones on his wrist, a hint of confusion appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s dim eyes.


    That place actually emitted a faint golden light at this moment.


    This golden light was extremely weak. If one didn¡¯t take a closer look, they wouldn¡¯t be able to sense it at all.


    In fact, it was undetectable when it was covered by flesh and blood.


    Even his divine sense found it difficult to probe, let alone sense it.


    It appeared extremely suddenly and disappeared in a flash.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t feel anything when it disappeared.


    He also didn¡¯t notice any changes in his body.


    Amidst his doubts, the speed at which the medicinal pills fused into his body and emitted vitality seemed to have sped up slightly. As they permeated Xu Qing¡¯s entire body and nourished him, the poison power of the poison pill in the third Heavenly Palace also slightly weakened.


    Not only that, but the fusion speed of the third palace and the poison pill also inexplicably sped up a little.


    All of this caused the fusion and transformation of the poisonous pill to suddenly rise. Very soon, the last part of the third Heavenly Palace instantly turned pitch-black.


    It reached 100%!


    As it completely fused, a feeling of connection with his body appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled.


    At the next instant, all the poison in his body rapidly contracted and returned to the third Heavenly Palace in unison, no longer existing at all.


    His weak body began to recover under the power of the purple crystal, and the speed seemed to be faster than usual.


    His flesh grew again, his sea of consciousness healed rapidly, and the bright fire of life rose in his soul again.


    Under the robe, his body slowly gained muscles. Although he was still skinny, his condition had gotten better.


    It was also at this moment that he sensed that the purple crystal¡¯s recovery power had returned to normal.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t think that all of this was inevitable.


    He thought of that fleeting but very weak golden light.


    It could even be said that if Xu Qing hadn¡¯t noticed the faint golden light on the bone of his wrist earlier, he wouldn¡¯t have felt anything strange at this moment. He would naturally ignore this series of almost imperceptible changes and be occupied by the excitement of success.


    However, now that he looked at it, one could still be said to be a coincidence. However, there were too many coincidences and that meant there existed an issue.


    ¡°That¡¯s not right!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook. He abruptly stood up and was about to look at his right wrist.


    However, at that moment, as his third Heavenly Palace fused with the Poison Restriction Pill and his life force was connected, it caused the poison pill that had lost its spirituality to show signs of recovery just as Xu Qing had expected.


    This sign manifested an intense hunger.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. The flesh and blood that had just recovered rapidly withered again.


    However, it didn¡¯t rot like before. Instead, it continued to wither, revealing extreme hunger.


    This feeling caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to turn red.


    Just like back then when he cultivated Golden Crow Refines All Life.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried and his eyes were red. He abruptly turned his head to look at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and shadow.


    The shadow and Diamond almost screamed when they saw his gaze. At that moment, they were trembling in intense fear. Xu Qing¡¯s gaze became increasingly terrifying.


    He seemed to be unable to control himself and his mouth secreted a large amount of saliva.


    At the same time, in the boundless Forbidden Sea, in an area very far away from the Yinghuang Province, in the deepest part of the seabed, there was a huge ruin.


    To be precise, this was a ruin at the bottom of the sea that was drowned in endless darkness.


    If one could see through the darkness, they would be able to see that there were countless ruined ancient buildings here.


    The entire ruin was desolate and deathly silent. One could vaguely see some broken statues.


    These statues were all women in black armor. Every one of them was extremely beautiful and had a shocking aura. There were white dragon snakes coiling around their bodies.


    Underneath these ruins, in the depths of the seabed, there was a huge catacomb.


    There was no seawater filled with anomalous substances in the catacomb. There was only a teleportation array and an extremely vast altar.


    There was a skeleton in the air above the altar.


    Looking at the pelvis, this skeleton was a woman when it was alive.


    Her body was very tall and there were dragon and snake bones coiled around her body. She was sitting on the dragon head while the snake head was beside her. The dragon and snake seemed to be protecting her and were willing to live and die with her.


    Under the skeleton and on the altar, a young girl with flawless appearance and snow-white skin was sitting cross-legged.


    Her eyelashes were very long and they were trembling slightly at this moment until her face turned a little red. A mouthful of blood spurted out of her mouth, dyeing the ground and her white clothes red.


    The instant she spat out the blood, a furious roar rang out from afar.


    ¡°Damn it, damn it. How many times has it been? What exactly are you trying to do? Do you want to die? You actually wrapped your life thread around that little bastard surnamed Xu behind my back. Ahhh!!¡±


    As the furious roar echoed, the old man from Panquan Road ran over from afar with disheveled hair. Although he was cursing, his face was filled with heartache. He quickly took out medicinal pills and fed them to the young girl whose body was on the verge of collapse.


    ¡°Ling¡¯er, this isn¡¯t how your talent is used. That little b*stard was born to seek death and is a short-lived ghost. You cannot enhance his luck every time!¡±


    The young girl¡¯s eyelashes fluttered slightly and she opened her eyes. Her eyes were pure and there were no impurities in them. Her expression was a little timid as she spoke softly.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing isn¡¯t a short-lived ghost.¡±


    The old man from Panquan Road almost spat out blood. Looking at the timid girl, he stomped his feet fiercely and sighed sadly.


    ¡°Damn it. I shouldn¡¯t have gone to the Seven Blood Eyes to sell the bizarre entity. I shouldn¡¯t have stayed still the first time I saw that little bastard. If I had known earlier, I would have killed him when I saw him. I don¡¯t understand. You have only seen him a few times and nothing even happened between you two. What do you like about him?!¡±


    When the young girl heard this, confusion appeared in her eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I like either. I just feel close to him. When I see him, I feel very happy and my heart will race. I get nervous thinking if he hates me. If Brother Xu Qing is happy, I am also very happy.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still too young. You don¡¯t even know what you like. How can you call it love? When you grow up and become an adult, you¡¯ll know what you want!¡± The old man said earnestly.


    The girl¡¯s eyes looked even more blank. After a long time, she lifted her head and looked at the old man as she timidly spoke.


    ¡°Father, I don¡¯t understand the love of you adults. Do you love someone because of a goal? Then does that mean you like yourself or the other party?¡±


    The old man was stunned. He opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but when he saw the pure gaze of the young girl in front of him, he couldn¡¯t say anything.

 Chapter 446 - 446 I Can Wait

    446 I Can Wait


    Outside the range of Three Spirits Suppression Mountain, a damaged magic warship was whistling forward. However, it was moving a little unstably, as though it would fall at the next moment.


    Regardless of whether it was the outer layer or the deck, it was filled with a large number of cracks and simple repair marks. It looked like it could fall apart at any time.


    It gave off the feeling that the owner didn¡¯t have the money to repair it and could barely sail.


    What was even more exaggerated was that occasionally, some parts would fall from the magic warship and land on the ground.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s magic warship.


    Yanyan looked at the very busy captain who was flying around outside the magic warship and frowned.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing gave you the control of the magic warship because he trusts you. He will be angry if you do this.¡±


    ¡°Yanyan, what is wrong with you? Why are you so impolite and rude?¡±


    The captain held a brush in his hand and drew a crack on the outer layer of the magic warship. When he heard Yanyan, he looked at her unhappily.


    Yanyan¡¯s eyes instantly turned cold and vicious. Even though the cultivation of the person in front of her could easily suppress her, as long as his cultivation didn¡¯t surpass her grandmother¡¯s, she wouldn¡¯t be afraid.


    Since she was young, anyone who dared to scold her like this had been skinned alive by her.


    Other than Brother Xu Qing.


    ¡°You¡¯re still glaring?¡± The captain¡¯s expression was even more displeased. He glared at Yanyan and continued to scold.


    ¡°Let me tell you, little girl. You have to be polite, understand? Xu Qing calls me Eldest Senior Brother. Since you follow Xu Qing, you should call me Eldest Senior Brother too. You¡¯re the only female cultivator beside Xu Qing who has such an honor. Come, tell me that you¡¯re wrong.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Yanyan was stunned. Her small face turned slightly red and all the hostility instantly disappeared. She obediently spoke.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, I was wrong.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s more like it.¡± The captain beamed with joy and felt smug. He lifted his right hand and waved it, tossing a brush over.


    ¡°Go and smear the other side. Little Qing, this brat, is a blockhead. Why is his ship so clean? It doesn¡¯t match our Seventh Peak¡¯s tradition at all. I¡¯m helping him.¡±


    As the captain spoke, he continued to smear on the outside of the magic warship. As far as the eye could see, he had drawn cracks on all the places he had smeared, and they looked real.


    ¡°The magic warship has to look a little tattered like this for it to have miraculous effects.¡±


    Yanyan hesitantly took the brush and started smearing as well.


    ¡°But Eldest Senior Brother, why did you occasionally throw some parts down and even cast a spell to make them release smoke?¡± Yanyan couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°Fishing. How many spirit stones did we consume to fly all the way? We didn¡¯t set off with the sect this time. We have to bear all the expenditure ourselves, so we naturally need to fish and rob.¡±


    ¡°Yanyan, I need to remind you. Xu Qing is extravagant. You can¡¯t be like him. You have to save money, understand? I¡¯m helping Xu Qing save money!¡± The captain said solemnly.


    When Yanyan heard this, she hurriedly nodded. Her expression was one of comprehension as she committed it to memory.


    ¡°Also, on our way to the extreme north snowfield where the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar is located, we have to pass through the forbidden region of the Yinghuang Province and the mainstream of the Immortal Enrichment River. There are a certain amount of risks on the way. By making the ship look so shabby, those experts might not be too interested in attacking.¡±


    The captain continued to smear until he finished drawing the last crack. He then jumped onto the deck and looked at his masterpiece in satisfaction.


    ¡°Not bad, not bad. It looks much better now.¡±


    Yanyan looked at the tattered magic warship and still felt a little hesitant. Just as she was about to speak, the captain¡¯s expression suddenly changed and he abruptly looked at the cabin door.


    His expression became solemn. His body turned cold and a face appeared in his eyes. His entire person emitted a terrifying aura.


    Almost at the instant the captain looked over, the door of the cabin rumbled and collapsed, turning into countless fragments that shot out. At the same time, a low roar that sounded like that of a wild beast rang out. It was filled with madness and hunger.


    What followed was a skinny skeleton-like hand that grabbed the door frame tightly and slowly moved out, revealing a skeleton-like body.


    It was Xu Qing. His clothes had turned black and were covered in dried, stinky black blood. His face was also caved in, and he looked like a malicious ghost.


    The madness in his eyes caused Yanyan¡¯s mind to shake. The captain¡¯s expression also changed. He was familiar with this gaze.


    He was also like this when he was hungry.


    ¡°You¡¯re just breaking through to the third Heavenly Palace. Do you have to risk your life like this?!¡± The captain¡¯s body swayed as he headed straight for Xu Qing and grabbed the latter¡¯s arm. Yanyan was about to rush over.


    ¡°Yanyan, don¡¯t get close. His mind is struggling now. He clearly ate something he shouldn¡¯t have, causing him to be severely lacking in vitality. He¡¯s extremely hungry.¡±


    The captain looked very experienced. After supporting Xu Qing, he took out a piece of flesh from his storage bag and stuffed it into Xu Qing¡¯s mouth.


    Xu Qing swallowed it in one gulp and closed his eyes. A few breaths later, when he opened them again, although his eyes were still red, his rationality had suppressed his madness.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, thank you. Do you have more?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s voice was hoarse as he looked at the captain beside him.


    ¡°None left. That¡¯s the snack I prepared for myself¡­ In your current situation, you need to kill and devour the vitality of all things. How did you fall into this state?¡± The captain was a little surprised.


    ¡°I ate a little thing.¡± Xu Qing slowly spoke. The hunger in his body surfaced again, causing his breathing to involuntarily become hurried. He could also sense his current state.


    After the third palace in his body fused with the Poison Restriction Pill, as the poison pill that had lost too much spirituality and was almost dead gained nourishment, it showed signs of recovery. It was like a huge black hole that instantly devoured everything.


    This was an inevitable process for the recovery of the Poison Restriction Pill. Although Xu Qing had expected it previously and was very well-prepared, the consumption of vitality items during the fusion was unexpected. Moreover, the recovery of the poison pill was too fast, causing his preparations to be lacking.


    However, this wasn¡¯t all a bad thing. It could even be said that this was Xu Qing¡¯s great opportunity.


    This was because once he provided enough vitality for the Poison Restriction Pill, it would allow this almost withered pill to truly revive.


    After it recovered, it would no longer be sourceless. Instead, it would be endless, allowing Xu Qing¡¯s combat strength to soar.


    His third palace would be the most extraordinary palace since ancient times.


    It was filled with extraordinary might and mysteries.


    However, all of this required dense vitality.


    Other than that, Xu Qing could also clearly sense that if he wanted this Poison Restriction Pill to truly recover, vitality was only one aspect. He also needed dense anomalous substances.


    This discovery shocked him. This meant that¡­ he could absorb anomalous substances!


    Although they were actually absorbed by the Poison Restriction Pill in the third palace, to a certain extent, it was equivalent to him absorbing them.


    As for absorbing anomalous substances, this was a special right that only those who were heavily affected and newborn races had after the god¡¯s fragmented face arrived. It was difficult for cultivators to use them.


    This was because the so-called anomalous substances were actually the aura of the god. Some people also called them divine energy.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, how far are we from the nearest forbidden zone?¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and let out a hoarse voice. He also saw Yanyan¡¯s nervous and concerned expression and nodded slightly to indicate that he was fine.


    Xu Qing had never ignored the concerns of others.


    ¡°There¡¯s about half a month left until we reach the Sword Forbidden Region. If you can¡¯t endure it, we can also find a nonhuman sect or a small nonhuman country¡­¡± The captain was a little worried but the meaning in his words revealed clear coldness to the nonhuman races.


    It was as though in the captain¡¯s heart, as long as Xu Qing was fine, it was fine if he ate nonhumans.


    ¡°If it¡¯s half a month, I should be able to endure it.¡± Xu Qing shook his head. Although the nonhuman races also had life force and there were anomalous substances in their bodies, in the end, these anomalous substances were inferior to the forbidden zones or regions.


    He could sense that the amount he needed was extremely large, so the best choice was the forbidden region.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go to the Sword Forbidden Region. As the only forbidden region among the many forbidden zones in the Yinghuang Province, it¡¯s as famous as the Phoenix Forbidden in the Nanhuang Continent and the Corpse Forbidden on the Forbidden Sea. Moreover, according to the information in the Alliance, the emperor of this Sword Forbidden has been in a deep sleep for many years and doesn¡¯t show any signs of awakening. We just need to be a little careful.¡±


    As the captain spoke, he circulated his cultivation base and fused it into the magic warship, causing it to emit cold air. Its speed increased and it transformed into a rainbow in the sky, flashing into the distance like lightning.


    The wind in the surroundings blew over and spread out from the magic warship¡¯s protective barrier. As it flowed, it formed a whistling sound.


    Xu Qing sat cross-legged on the deck and tried his best to suppress the hunger in his body. At the same time, he was also adapting to the reaction after fusing the Poison Restriction Pill with the third palace.


    He could sense that although his current state was bad, his combat strength had increased by a large extent. Coupled with his emperor-level cultivation art, he could display the power of at least four palaces.


    The vast majority of Golden Cores could only reach six Heavenly Palaces at most.


    ¡°Next, after my poison pill recovers, I have to consider the materialization of the fourth Heavenly Palace.¡±


    The hunger in Xu Qing¡¯s body gradually couldn¡¯t be suppressed. His breathing became increasingly hurried and the blood vessels in his eyes increased. He could only think about his cultivation to distract himself.


    As for the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, they had long hidden themselves, afraid that Xu Qing would notice them.


    At this moment, Xu Qing was like a man-eating ferocious beast. He gave them an extremely terrifying feeling.


    Although Yanyan was shocked by Xu Qing¡¯s aura and skeleton-like body at the start, she still couldn¡¯t help but walk over after she gradually got used to it.


    As she got closer, Xu Qing abruptly lifted his head. His bloodshot eyes stared at Yanyan¡¯s neck and he struggled for a moment before retracting his gaze.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, do you¡­ want to eat it? It¡¯s fine, I¡¯m not afraid of pain.¡±


    Yanyan looked at Xu Qing and bit her finger, reaching out to Xu Qing with a trembling hand. Her eyes revealed anticipation and confusion.


    Xu Qing looked at Yanyan and fell silent, closing his eyes.


    Yanyan felt some regret and sadness. She silently retracted her hand and sat at the side.


    As the captain controlled the magic warship, he turned his head and looked back. His gaze was blurry when he saw Yanyan giving her finger to Xu Qing. He also saw the regret and sadness on Yanyan¡¯s face after Xu Qing ignored her. He couldn¡¯t help but feel sour inwardly.


    ¡°When I was hungry in the past, why didn¡¯t I have a good-looking female cultivator to feed me fingers? How am I lacking? This Little Qing doesn¡¯t understand romance. If it was me, I would definitely take a bite.¡±


    Just like that, time flowed by. While Xu Qing endured forcefully, they got closer and closer to the Sword Forbidden Region.


    Just when Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled violently and the feeling of hunger reached its limit and he was about to lose control, the pitch-black Sword Forbidden jungle appeared in front of them.


    Even the anomalous substances outside of the jungle were already much denser than other areas. Xu Qing¡¯s senses were extremely sharp and his eyes suddenly opened, emitting a red glow.

 Chapter 447 - 447 The Key to God!

    447 The Key to God!


    The Sword Forbidden Region was the only forbidden region in the Yinghuang Province.


    This place was located in the western part of the Yinghuang Province near the central area. At the same time, it also covered a section of the mainstream of the Immortal Enrichment River.


    Before the Immortal Enrichment River entered the Sword Forbidden Region, the river was filled with immortal Qi. After it flowed out of the forbidden region, it turned pitch-black.


    This place was covered in thick fog all year round and sunlight couldn¡¯t enter. Hence, from a high altitude, one could only see the pitch-black river flowing out but they couldn¡¯t see what had happened to the river in the forbidden region.


    The fog enveloped everything.


    One could only faintly see that the Immortal Enrichment River had divided the Sword Forbidden into two areas. However, the lingering fog seemed to have connected them together again.


    ¡°According to the records in the Alliance, there was a catastrophe in the Sword Forbidden Region 3,000 years ago. That Sword Emperor woke up and walked out. This matter caused a commotion in the entire Fenghai County. In the end, he was barely suppressed by the alliance of the myriad races of Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°Flame Emperor, Corpse Emperor, and Sword Emperor, these three are the lords of their respective forbidden regions. The strength of each of them is unfathomable.¡± The captain looked at the pitch-black jungle in the distance. The instant his voice rang out, Xu Qing had already rushed out.


    His speed was so fast that he transformed into a ray of light that headed straight for the Sword Forbidden Region.


    On the magic warship, Yanyan looked at the captain worriedly.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother¡­¡±


    The captain looked at Xu Qing¡¯s figure and smiled faintly.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. With me around, I can guarantee that Xu Qing will be safe. However, Yanyan, I¡¯ve been a little tight on money recently. You¡­¡±


    Yanyan instantly threw out a storage bag.


    The captain¡¯s eyes lit up. After taking it and sweeping his gaze over it, he was immediately pleasantly surprised. He patted his chest and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll do everything to make your husband safe!¡± As he spoke, the captain looked at Yanyan eagerly.


    The word ¡®sister-in-law¡¯ instantly caused Yanyan¡¯s face to turn red. She happily threw another storage bag.


    ¡°Damn, from now on, Yanyan, you¡¯re the only sister-in-law I acknowledge!¡± The captain¡¯s body trembled. He took the storage bag and chased after Xu Qing.


    Hearing the captain¡¯s words, Yanyan was happy and her face blushed.


    However, she didn¡¯t know that the captain, who was chasing after Xu Qing, was overjoyed as he sped. His eyes were shining as though he had found a new way to get rich.


    ¡°I¡¯m stupid. I shouldn¡¯t be envious of Little Qing. Every time I go out with him, I should call for a female cultivator and do this. I definitely won¡¯t lack money!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also that rich woman, Ding Xue. She has the most money!¡±


    The captain was excited, especially when he thought about how it would be if the person beside Xu Qing was Purple Mystic Fairy and the other party obediently called him senior brother.


    ¡°I¡¯ll use Little Qing¡¯s name to give each of those people a small gift later to protect their relationship with Little Qing. Little Qing, you must have accumulated good fortune in your previous life to have a senior brother like me!¡±


    The captain was touched and in a good mood.


    In reality, this wasn¡¯t his first time doing this.


    Back then, when he and Xu Qing had done that major event in the Sea Corpse Race and escaped back to the Seven Blood Eyes, he was arranged to be an Image Disciple to welcome the nonhuman races. The reason why Ding Xue and Gu Muqing appeared beside Xu Qing at the same time was because he had secretly manipulated it.


    In reality, the sect had decided on Gu Muqing at that time. Hence, the captain secretly informed Ding Xue and sold her a spot¡­


    He was feeling smug and his speed also increased. He chased after Xu Qing and entered the Sword Forbidden Region.


    In the Sword Forbidden jungle, Xu Qing moved very fast. After he rushed in, the anomalous substances in the surroundings surged over and rapidly filled Xu Qing¡¯s body. He instantly absorbed them and gushed them into the third palace.


    He didn¡¯t stop. He leaped up in the jungle and grabbed to the side with his right hand. Immediately, a huge snake that was hanging on a large tree and emitting extraordinary fluctuations was grabbed by Xu Qing.


    Almost at the instant his hand touched the large snake, the large snake that was as thick as a human let out a painful hiss. Its body withered at a speed visible to the naked eye and it turned into a skeleton in the blink of an eye. All the vitality in its body disappeared.


    A hint of spirit appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t say a word and continued forward. Very soon, a ferocious beast that was red like a qilin appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    This ferocious beast¡¯s aura wasn¡¯t ordinary. Its entire body emitted a baleful aura and its body was covered in faces of humans and beasts.


    Ahead of the beast was a group of eight-legged wolves. These wolves were monstrous. They had two bodies but only one head.


    Moreover, the head was extremely large, comparable to its entire body. Its appearance was strange but at the same time, its ferocity was also very intense. However, under the pursuit of the ferocious beast that was like a qilin, they retracted their ferocity and fled in panic.


    Xu Qing directly appeared between the two parties. The qilin-like ferocious beast suddenly stopped in its tracks. As soon as its baleful aura erupted, Xu Qing had already arrived in front of it. He lifted his right hand and pressed down fiercely.


    The ferocious beast¡¯s body trembled and it didn¡¯t even have the qualifications to dodge or block. In an instant, Xu Qing¡¯s palm landed on its head. With a bang, the ferocious beast¡¯s body directly withered and within a few breaths, it turned into a skeleton.


    This scene caused the eight-legged wolf pack to tremble and flee even faster. However, Xu Qing licked his lips and leaped up, turning into an afterimage as he chased after them and began to absorb them.


    Very soon, after leaving behind a pile of corpses, Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared into the distance, disappearing into the jungle.


    Tens of breaths later, the captain¡¯s figure appeared.


    He looked at the corpses all over the ground and felt relieved.


    ¡°From the looks of it, there shouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡±


    The captain mumbled and was about to continue following.


    However, at this moment, his expression suddenly changed. He sniffed slightly and suspiciously turned his head to look at the depths of the forbidden region.


    That place was in a different direction from where Xu Qing had gone.


    After careful observation, the captain¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡°There¡¯s actually such a treasure here?¡± The captain licked his lips, his eyes shining.


    ¡°Junior Brother is fine. I might as well go take a look at this treasure first.¡±


    At the thought of this, the captain changed his direction and immediately rushed over, disappearing into the jungle.


    Just like that, time slowly passed. Soon, half a month had passed.


    In this half a month, Xu Qing engaged in crazy slaughter. Wherever he passed, he would absorb the vitality of any ferocious beasts he encountered to nourish his poison pill. It was the same even when he encountered bizarre entities.


    He didn¡¯t even remember how many ferocious beasts he had killed. With his current combat strength of four palaces, he could basically sweep through everything in the outer area of the forbidden region.


    Hence, very soon, Xu Qing moved slightly closer to the depths. As he moved deeper, he encountered more ferocious beasts. He continued to kill and absorb.


    Gradually, his consciousness returned to normal. The light in his eyes was no longer dim and his body had recovered a lot.


    Coupled with the effect of the purple crystal, he looked fine now. At most, he was thinner than before.


    His hair had grown back and his robe had been changed to a new one. Under such dense vitality and anomalous substances, the Poison Restriction Pill in the third Heavenly Palace in his body was only a trace away from complete recovery.


    This trace was also very easy to deal with. At this moment, Xu Qing was attacking for this. His speed was extremely fast as he headed straight for a group of huge jellyfish flying in the sky.


    These jellyfish emitted a cold aura. Wherever they passed, the ground would be frozen. Most of the ferocious beasts in this area wouldn¡¯t be able to escape death.


    There were dozens of these jellyfish of various sizes. One could even see rotting corpses being digested in their translucent bodies.


    Xu Qing had seen similar jellyfish in the forbidden zone of the scavenger campsite back then.


    It was as though this jellyfish was a common creature in the forbidden zone and region. After seeing it again, the intense pressure that he felt back then had completely disappeared.


    Looking at the jellyfish, Xu Qing thought of the countless low-level cultivators killed by this species in the scavenger campsite. This included Old Stone whom Xu Qing had buried.


    A sharp glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he rushed out. His speed was so fast that he instantly rushed into the group of jellyfish.


    As waves of rumbling sounded, many dried-up jellyfish that had lost their vitality fell from the air.


    A moment later, Xu Qing landed on a gigantic tree crown.


    His eyes emitted spirit, and a rumbling sound that was like heavenly lightning echoed in his body.


    In his third palace, the Poison Restriction Pill that had been fused and transformed into his intrinsic treasure seemed to have the fire of life ignited again at this moment and emitted dense energy fluctuations.


    In fact, it was trembling slightly.


    This vibration was continuous, just like a heart.


    What followed was an extremely intimate connection. This feeling was like the Poison Restriction Pill in the third palace was originally a part of Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    Xu Qing was excited.


    He first took out the little black bugs and inhaled. Immediately, these little black bugs entered Xu Qing¡¯s body and entered the third palace, surrounding the Poison Restriction Pill.


    Immediately after, Xu Qing looked at the sky far away in the jungle. At that moment, another batch of jellyfish whistled over.


    Clearly, the group of jellyfish here was even larger. He had only killed a portion of them earlier and it had attracted the attention of the group of jellyfish here. At that moment, hundreds of jellyfish were rushing over from afar.


    Among them, three of them had bodies that were thousands of feet long and emitted astonishing energy that was actually comparable to Golden Cores with two or three Heavenly Palaces.


    ¡°As expected of a forbidden region. I haven¡¯t even entered the inner regions yet but I¡¯m already able to encounter such a powerful beast.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll test the might of my Poison Restriction Pill here!¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled as a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. The third Heavenly Palace in his body trembled and the Poison Restriction Pill inside instantly activated.


    Endless poison spread out from the poison pill and Xu Qing¡¯s body. It was colorless and odorless and rumbled in all directions like an avalanche.


    Wherever it passed, countless trees instantly rotted and all vegetation turned to ashes in the blink of an eye. The ferocious beasts didn¡¯t have the ability to struggle and were instantly poisoned, turning into blood amidst waves of mournful cries.


    The jellyfish that arrived in the sky couldn¡¯t escape death either. One after another, they turned pitch-black and melted, turning into black water that splashed on the ground.


    They weren¡¯t the only ones. The ground was the same.


    The ground became a forbidden land. Countless small bugs acted up in unison and the ferocious beasts deep underground couldn¡¯t avoid the poison either. They were instantly exterminated.


    The fog in the sky rapidly melted at this moment, revealing a large hole, allowing the moonlight from the outside world to cascade in.


    It enveloped Xu Qing¡¯s body and the surrounding 5,000 feet!


    Within this 5000-foot-long area, not a blade of grass was left and everything was dead.


    At a glance, the ground¡­ was empty.


    Only the pitch-black soil portrayed a shocking horror.


    Xu Qing stood in the air and watched all of this. The shadow slowly appeared, forming the shadow of a large pitch-black tree. It bent down behind him and worshiped.


    From afar, this large shadow tree seemed to have become Xu Qing¡¯s cloak. Under the contrast of this 5,000-foot-long extermination, Xu Qing¡¯s tall and straight figure and peerlessly beautiful face looked even more demonic.


    The black iron stick appeared in mid-air and was trembling at this moment. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor also knelt on the ground and worshiped.


    Waves of emotions had already surged in his mind. Everything turned into a mumble.


    ¡°God?¡±


    The reason for this was because of the anomalous substances that were slowly growing on the ground!


    These anomalous substances weren¡¯t from the forbidden region. Instead, they had formed on their own after this place was covered by Xu Qing¡¯s poison.


    What was even stranger was that these anomalous substances actually gave Xu Qing a feeling that they came from him.


    It was as though they were born because of him.


    It was different from the anomalous substances that originally permeated this place!


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled in disbelief. This was because this was¡­ the ability of the god!

 Chapter 448 - 448 The Ancestor Is Anxious

    448 The Ancestor Is Anxious


    Xu Qing stood in the air and looked at all of this. A huge commotion was stirring in his mind.


    It was only after a long time that he took a deep breath and made a grabbing gesture. Immediately, the anomalous substances produced here headed straight for him. They surrounded his palm and formed airflows that swam around it.


    Looking at the fog formed by the black anomalous substances outside his palm, Xu Qing still felt some disbelief.


    This was unexpected but after careful thought, it seemed reasonable.


    This was because the Poison Restriction Pill was refined by that almighty cultivator after he fought with a mysterious expert from the Divine Realm. The expert inflicted the almighty with Poison Restriction before he died. The almighty cultivator had to go through all kinds of torture to refine the poison.


    As such, the source of the Poison Restriction Pill was actually the cultivator from the Divine Realm.


    As for the Divine Realm¡­


    Xu Qing looked at the sky.


    At that moment, the sky was filled with black clouds. Only the sky within 5000 feet of him melted, forming a large gap.


    Through the gap, Xu Qing looked at the bright moon outside. He also saw a corner of the god¡¯s fragmented face that was faintly discernible under the moonlight.


    ¡°When the god looks at a place once, it will turn into a forbidden zone. If He looks at it twice, it will turn into a forbidden region. Thrice and it becomes a Divine Realm!¡±


    The Wanggu Continent was vast. To be able to make the god open His eyes and look at the same location three times was naturally very rare.


    ¡°Does the Divine Realm grasp the power of the god? Also, the god specimen of the Illuminate is also related to exploring the power of the god.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. At that moment, he clearly understood that the greatest might of his Poison Restriction Pill might not be poison but as a key.


    The key to opening the god¡¯s gate.


    ¡°Did that almighty back then know about this?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. In his opinion, there were still some unanswered questions about this matter but he lacked many necessary clues and couldn¡¯t analyze it thoroughly.


    However, no matter what, the value of this Poison Restriction Pill was astonishing. Xu Qing had already deeply understood this point.


    He also understood how tempting an item that possessed a certain amount of god¡¯s power was to the outside world. Once this matter was exposed, he probably wouldn¡¯t be able to keep it.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to challenge human nature. Hence, he listed the god¡¯s power contained in his Poison Restriction Pill as his deepest secret that was on the same level as the purple crystal.


    ¡°I¡¯m good at the Dao of Poison and killing with poison won¡¯t arouse suspicion, so using the poison of this Poison Restriction Pill is a good cover.¡±


    After Xu Qing fell silent, he sensed his current combat strength. Right now, the three Heavenly Palaces in his sea of consciousness were shining. Coupled with his emperor-level cultivation art, he already possessed the combat strength of four palaces.


    If he used poison, Xu Qing was confident that he could fight more powerful experts. As for the god¡¯s power born after he displayed the poison to the extreme¡­ Xu Qing thought about it. Unless it was absolutely necessary, he definitely couldn¡¯t use this power.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing took out a large number of black pills and quickly threw them in the 5000 feet range.


    As the black pills exploded, the anomalous substances from 5,000 feet away were pulled over, permeating this place and scattering the anomalous substances born from Xu Qing.


    The black clouds in the sky slowly churned and recovered, as though nothing had happened earlier.


    The ground was also filled with anomalous substances again. Only the bare ground bore witness to the terrifying poison.


    Xu Qing looked at all of this but was still a little worried. He threw out a few more black pills.


    It was only when the anomalous substances here were extremely dense and Xu Qing sensed that the anomalous substances born from him had completely dissipated that he felt at ease. He then turned and left.


    On the way back, Xu Qing looked at the shadow under his feet and the black iron stick many times.


    His gaze caused the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to tremble.


    The former instinctively felt some danger. As for the latter¡­ with how shrewd he was, how could the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor not know the reason? Hence, when Xu Qing looked at him for the seventh time, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor immediately manifested.


    With a plop, he knelt on the ground.


    ¡°Master, I implore you to help me.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and looked over coldly.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had a loyal expression and his eyes revealed fanaticism. He looked at Xu Qing as though he was looking at a god. This was the gaze he had secretly learned after seeing Night Dove back then.


    ¡°Master, I¡¯m worried that I¡¯ll be captured one day. When they realize that I won¡¯t reveal any of Master¡¯s secrets even if I die, they might use a special method to search my soul. Although it would not be with my will, even if I expose the slightest bit, I¡¯ll feel extreme guilt. It¡¯s fine if I die, but I can¡¯t expose Master¡¯s secrets.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, I implore Master to leave an extermination seal in my mind. It doesn¡¯t matter how vicious or serious it is. This way, if such an extreme situation really happens in the future, as long as someone searches my soul, my mind will self-destruct and the enemies will gain nothing.¡±


    ¡°Even if I die, I¡¯ll still have a smile on my way to the netherworld, knowing that I was loyal to Master!¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor patted his chest and spoke fanatically.


    This was actually where he was smart. He was very clear about Xu Qing¡¯s personality and also knew that it was useless to make guarantees at this moment. It was also useless to make an oath. Even he wouldn¡¯t believe it, let alone Demon Xu.


    Hence, when he directly pointed it out, it allowed him to express his loyalty as well.


    This was his little scheme. He felt that there was a high chance that this would dissipate Demon Xu¡¯s doubts.


    Moreover, there was a certain chance that Demon Xu didn¡¯t know of a seal like this. Otherwise, he would have used it long ago.


    He had a faint feeling that everything he saw today might become an opportunity for him to obtain freedom in the future.


    This thought was very dangerous, so the moment it appeared, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor shuddered.


    Xu Qing cast a deep glance at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and calmly spoke.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for the seal. I believe in you. At worst, when you¡¯re captured alive, I¡¯ll send you off to fulfill your loyalty. Also, your current combat strength is only comparable to three fires. It¡¯s a little weak.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s body trembled and he was terrified.


    The dangerous thought that had risen earlier instantly dissipated amidst his horror. Xu Qing¡¯s gaze made him feel as though the other party had seen through his thoughts. He felt extremely nervous and regretful.


    He felt that he hadn¡¯t thought things through this time. He shouldn¡¯t have asked Demon Xu to seal him.


    As an artifact spirit, how could he only ask questions and not give a truly feasible solution?


    Such an artifact spirit wasn¡¯t a good artifact spirit.


    He should take the initiative to seal himself to express his loyalty.


    ¡®I was too careless. This Demon Xu is much more wise and farsighted than before. I have to consider everything thoroughly in the future.¡¯


    At the thought of this, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor tried to salvage the situation.


    ¡°Master, I¡­ I think I can break through!¡±


    Xu Qing raised his brows. He didn¡¯t see any signs of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor being on the verge of breaking through. At the same time, emotions rapidly fluctuated from the shadow.


    ¡°I¡­ live¡­ die together¡­ also breakthrough!¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the shadow and nodded. With a sway of his body, he changed his direction. He no longer sped toward the depths but searched for a suitable place for them to break through.


    Not long later, Xu Qing found a canyon.


    The interior and exterior of this canyon were filled with strange sawtooth vegetation. The leaves were extremely large; some were drooping, some were bent, and some were squirming. One could see the corpses of small beasts melting inside.


    However, with Xu Qing¡¯s arrival, all the vegetation inside and outside the canyon instinctively retracted their branches and leaves, not daring to spread out at all.


    Xu Qing frowned. He didn¡¯t like this feeling. It was too ostentatious.


    Hence, as he pondered, he restrained the poisonous aura of the third Heavenly Palace. When he had restrained it to the limits, the vegetation 100 feet away relaxed. However, it was still the same within 100 feet.


    This was caused by the level of the poison pill and also because Xu Qing had just fused it. He still needed some time to get used to it before he could control it better.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed as he headed straight for the canyon. After checking, he lifted his right hand and waved it. Immediately, the black iron stick flew out and headed straight for the rock wall. It quickly dug a hole there.


    This cave was dug very deep and it extended underground.


    Xu Qing checked and confirmed that there was nothing wrong before entering the cave.


    With a wave of his hand, countless rubble flew over and filled the cave entrance. After that, he headed straight for the depths.


    He made arrangements in the surroundings before sitting down. He then took out an oil lantern and lit it.


    As the fire that contained spirit qi shone on Xu Qing¡¯s face, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Which one of you will go first?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ first¡­¡± After the shadow impatiently transmitted the fluctuations, it spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s side and arrived on the wall not far away.


    Xu Qing looked over.


    The shadow on the wall transformed into the appearance of a large tree. The densely-packed hundred eyes on it opened at the same time and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Mas¡­ Pill¡­ Eat¡­¡±


    Xu Qing waved his hand and the bottles and jars he had obtained from Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s cave abode instantly flew out.


    These were all parts that didn¡¯t contain vitality after Xu Qing checked and filtered them. However, some of their effects seemed to be very useful to the shadow.


    Previously, when he saw it in Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s cave abode, the shadow had already emitted a clear fluctuation of desire.


    As soon as the bottles flew out, the shadow¡¯s eyes blinked in unison. Immediately, these bottles and jars exploded along with the pills in them. A dense fog made of various pills headed straight for the shadow on the wall.


    The shadow trembled as it absorbed the fog. At the same time, a large amount of anomalous substances seeped in from the surroundings and fused into the shadow.


    Under the shadow¡¯s absorption, more and more anomalous substances were drawn in.


    This place was in the forbidden region and the anomalous substances were extremely dense, so a vortex quickly formed around the shadow.


    As the vortex continued to spin, the shadow¡¯s body became increasingly blurry. In the end, its figure completely disappeared and fused into the vortex.


    Although it had disappeared, a terrifying energy fluctuation spread out from the vortex.


    The strength of this fluctuation rapidly surpassed the Foundation Building realm and was advancing to the Golden Core realm.


    There was also the sound of thumping heartbeats, causing one to instinctively feel uneasy. There seemed to be a new life form brewing and transforming in the vortex.


    Xu Qing stared at it. He thought of the performance after the shadow advanced last time and wondered if there would be a rebellion this time as well. Hence, he was prepared to completely suppress it.


    As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, his heart was palpitating as he watched all of this. He was extremely anxious and an intense sense of danger rose in his mind.


    ¡°This aura¡­ Little Shadow, Little Shadow, is there a need to go this far? What am I supposed to do?!¡±

 Chapter 449 - 449 Shadow Fusion Secret Technique

    449 Shadow Fusion Secret Technique


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was very nervous. While he was worried, he discovered that Xu Qing¡¯s gaze toward the vortex contained a hint of anticipation.


    In the memories of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, Xu Qing had never looked at him like this.


    All of this caused the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to feel an intense mental struggle.


    Finally, lightning appeared in his eyes. After he forced himself to the extreme, he went crazy and wanted to risk it.


    Hence, he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Master, please give me those mirrors.¡±


    Although the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s words were transmitted through his divine sense, Xu Qing could clearly sense the determination and madness contained within.


    He glanced at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and with a wave of his hand, all the mirrors of various sizes he had obtained from Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy flew out.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor didn¡¯t say a word and controlled the black iron stick to fly straight for the mirrors. It instantly pierced through one and with a single breath, a faint blood-curdling scream rang out from the shattered mirror, as though an artifact spirit had been devoured by the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    Xu Qing had checked the mirrors. The so-called artifact spirits weren¡¯t complete and could only be considered some consciousness. They were still far from truly becoming an artifact spirit.


    After that, it was the second artifact consciousness, third, fourth¡­ In the blink of an eye, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor devoured consciousness of 70% of the mirrors. Lightning appeared around his body and his entire person seemed to be about to assimilate with the lightning. He even let out waves of roars.


    This scene surprised Xu Qing. He felt that the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was indeed risking his life.


    In reality, this was already the limit of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. It was very difficult for him to devour more, and he didn¡¯t have any confidence in breaking through either.


    However, when he sensed that Xu Qing was paying attention to him, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor felt that everything was worth it.


    At this moment, the vortex where the shadow was fluctuated intensely. Waves of inhuman cries that could shake the soul rang out from it.


    Xu Qing focused his gaze.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor fell silent and looked at the remaining mirrors. His breathing was hurried and his eyes were bloodshot. He roared and rushed over.


    Even if he couldn¡¯t devour them, he had to.


    He thought that if he couldn¡¯t advance and the shadow succeeded, he would definitely not be valued. If he wasn¡¯t valued, he would be bullied by the shadow and he wouldn¡¯t be able to resist.


    After being powerless to resist, it was easy to be killed in a scheme. Even if he wasn¡¯t killed by a scheme, he would still be thrown out by Demon Xu as cannon fodder. If he didn¡¯t become cannon fodder, he would be injured or snatched away by the enemies because he was too weak. He would then be killed by Demon Xu with a thought.


    If he didn¡¯t succeed, he would die. If he succeeded, he would live.


    As these thoughts appeared in his mind, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor went completely crazy.


    The instant he went crazy, it was the same for Little Shadow. An even more terrifying energy fluctuation spread out from the vortex. As the low roars and cries became increasingly intense, a lump of shadow faintly rose from the vortex.


    This shadow was square and pitch-black, like a black square pillar.


    It slowly rose from the vortex. With every inch it rose, the cries became more sharp. The anomalous substances that surged in from all directions became violent and denser, as though the shadow was struggling with all its might.


    This process lasted for a full eight hours. Under the influx of endless anomalous substances, the vortex emitted an earth-shattering boom before it suddenly dissipated.


    As it dissipated, a gigantic shadow appeared on the wall. It was extremely clear!


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed.


    It was an erect long shadow with circles of gray cloth wrapped around it.


    The cloth was stained with some black blood, emitting an ominous and strange feeling.


    The shadow seemed to be reflected on the wall but it gave Xu Qing a three-dimensional feeling, like a black coffin!


    This was the first time he had such a feeling from the shadow. Previously, when the shadow advanced to the tree shadow, there was no such change.


    If the performance of the shadow earlier could be compared to a painting, then the shadow now seemed to be the object in the painting walking out.


    Xu Qing could sense this very clearly.


    Not only that, but there were also extraordinary fluctuations emitted from the black coffin shadow, like the Golden Core Realm.


    What made Xu Qing¡¯s eyes shine even brighter was the eyes that suddenly opened on the black coffin.


    Countless eyes with vertical pupils were densely packed on the coffin.


    It was impossible to count them in a short period. They filled the whole coffin and even more appeared.


    When the eyes opened, they revealed extreme coldness. They were actually somewhat similar to the god¡¯s eye Xu Qing had seen before.


    It was as though all living beings were low-level existences in its eyes, the difference between their life levels was like heaven and earth.


    This was especially so for that lofty and condescending attitude, causing Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to emit an even colder chill.


    ¡°Are you courting death again?¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    As soon as he finished speaking, the coffin shadow suddenly trembled, as though the deep memories of the past had surfaced again, causing its proud posture after the breakthrough to collapse. At the next instant, all the eyes on the coffin instinctively emitted a fawning intent.


    ¡°Master¡­ I¡­ obedient¡­¡±


    ¡°Even after advancing, you are still unable to speak complete words. What¡¯s the use of having you!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm but his eyes became increasingly cold. His body emitted a purple light and the poison pill in the Third Heavenly Palace also throbbed slightly.


    The shadow trembled even more intensely. All its eyes revealed horror and it was so nervous that it stuttered.


    ¡°I¡­ strong¡­ useful¡­¡±


    ¡°What use?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    In that instant, the cloth strips on the shadow fell off and flew toward Xu Qing, floating in front of him.


    Xu Qing took a look.


    ¡°Taboo¡­ absorb¡­¡±


    Xu Qing frowned and instinctively looked at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. However, the ancestor had devoured all the mirror artifact spirits and was trembling, unable to translate.


    Hence, Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    The shadow became anxious. As it trembled more and more, it simply separated some of its parts and began to draw. The scene depicted Xu Qing¡¯s figure giving an item to a sapling that was kowtowing in front of him.


    Xu Qing looked at the scene and remembered.


    Back then, he had given a Taboo fragment to the shadow. Now that he looked at the cloth strip again, he was a little surprised.


    ¡°After you absorbed the anomalous substances inside the fragment, it became like this?¡±


    The coffin formed by the shadow immediately swayed as though it was shaking its head.


    Xu Qing frowned and the shadow came to its senses. It quickly blinked and transmitted its emotions.


    ¡°Forgot¡­ Damn Diamond¡­ Yes¡­¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the gray strip of cloth in front of him and saw that many areas on it were stained with black blood. It gave him the feeling that it was a strip torn off a shroud.


    However, there was no stench at all. Instead, it emitted waves of immortal Qi.


    This made Xu Qing feel a little strange. After he held it in his hand, his eyes narrowed as he released his grip and looked at his palm.


    There were a large number of small wounds there, as though the cloth had thorns.


    As for the specific usage, Xu Qing still needed to study it. He kept it and looked at the shadow.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    Seeing that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t satisfied, the shadow became nervous and hurriedly sent out fluctuations.


    ¡°Fusion¡­ Transformation¡­ Extreme¡­¡±


    As the shadow spoke, the lid of the coffin suddenly opened with ear-piercing creaking sounds, and revealed a pitch-black interior.


    ¡°Master¡­ in¡­¡± The shadow tried to curry favor.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and cast a deep glance at the shadow.


    After pondering for a moment, he sneered inwardly. Even if the shadow advanced, he was confident in suppressing it, and this time, he wouldn¡¯t ignore its rebellion.


    He stood up and took a step into the coffin. As he stepped in, the lid of the coffin slowly closed.


    The instant it closed fully, the shadow¡¯s body trembled and countless eyes closed in unison. In an instant, its body seemed to have turned into liquid and actually caved in, continuously shrinking inward, revealing Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    However, this body was covered by shadow and was pitch-black.


    Xu Qing suddenly opened his eyes, revealing intense shock.


    He looked at his body and tested it. His speed was much faster than before. He punched the majestic wall to the side.


    The entire wall instantly turned into dust. The remaining force still continued to move forward until a huge hole that was ten thousand feet long appeared in front of Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind churned. This wasn¡¯t all his strength but just a casual punch.


    However, this was something his body couldn¡¯t achieve previously.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly as he checked his body.


    He could sense that regardless of whether it was his defense, speed, or strength, they had reached an astonishing level.


    His body was completely dark even inside. He couldn¡¯t see his Heavenly Palaces, his cultivation base, or his magic power. Everything seemed to have disappeared at this instant.


    Their disappearance was exchanged for astonishing physical strength.


    As Xu Qing pondered, with a thought, the darkness outside his body instantly contracted until his original skin was revealed. The shadow gathered between his brows.


    At that place, a black vertical eye formed. The eyeball inside was moving on its own.


    ¡°This should be a secret technique after the shadow advanced. It can now fuse with me.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and performed a series of hand seals. However, he couldn¡¯t cast any spells.


    ¡°After the fusion, my spells disappeared and I became a pure body-refining cultivator. However, poison can still be used.¡±


    ¡°The strength of my physical body gives me the feeling that it surpasses the combat strength of four palaces. It should have reached the level of five palaces. Moreover, it¡¯s a pure physical body with five palaces!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts were still fluctuating. He could sense that after he left Three Spirits Suppression Mountain, his strength had undergone an earth-shattering transformation.


    This was the eruption of all his accumulations.


    After sensing his current state again, with a thought from Xu Qing, the black eye between his brows spread throughout his body. After that, it continued to spread out and transformed into a black coffin again.


    The lid of the coffin opened and Xu Qing walked out.


    With a wave of his hand, dark soul fire appeared and everything was restored. This made Xu Qing even more certain that the technique he obtained after the shadow advanced was a fusion secret technique.


    ¡°Not bad!¡± Xu Qing nodded, his eyes revealing admiration.


    Seeing that Xu Qing was satisfied, the shadow became excited.


    ¡°Master¡­ I¡­ obedient¡­¡±


    The shadow hurriedly expressed its stance. This was the knowledge it had learned from the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. At this moment, it was very happy and completely relieved. Hence, it looked at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor who was still trembling and suffering with disdain.

 Chapter 450 - 450 Heavenly Tribulation Attracts Niu

    450 Heavenly Tribulation Attracts Niu


    Xu Qing was very satisfied with the shadow¡¯s advancement.


    The fusion secret technique shocked him even more.


    This could basically be considered a trump card. It was similar to the secret art the woman in red had used.


    However, the woman in red summoned a battle soul into her body while Xu Qing transformed his body into an extreme body-refining cultivator.


    ¡°Now that the life lanterns and my poison are no longer a secret, my first secret is the existence of the shadow. The woman in red¡¯s weapon gave me a foundation for this.¡±


    ¡°If the shadow is exposed in the future, I have to use this method to hide it. This way, it won¡¯t attract too much attention.¡±


    ¡°The second secret is Under the Nine Springs and the shadow¡¯s secret technique. The former is fine, but I have to think of a mnemonic chant for the latter. I can use the chant as a disguise to catch the enemy off guard.¡±


    ¡°The third secret is being able to produce anomalous substances.¡±


    ¡°The fourth secret is still the purple crystal.¡±


    Xu Qing sorted out his thoughts. After his heart calmed down, his gaze swept past the shadow that was in the shape of a coffin.


    ¡°I wonder what shape the shadow will transform into during the next advancement?¡±


    In Xu Qing¡¯s opinion, there must be more mysteries about the shape of the shadow this time. However, now wasn¡¯t the time to ask. After all, the shadow couldn¡¯t explain properly.


    At this moment, Xu Qing thought of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and looked over.


    The current Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was in a very miserable state.


    His body trembled and his entire body was filled with countless bolts of lightning. As the lightning continued to swim, they would enter his body from time to time, causing the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to occasionally let out a blood-curdling scream.


    However, the ancestor was a person who valued his dignity if he could help it.


    Amidst the intense pain, he saw the shadow¡¯s provocative gaze and Xu Qing¡¯s expectant look. This instantly caused madness to appear in his eyes.


    Right now, he was a lightning spirit. Originally, he still needed some time to nurture himself before he could gather the heavenly tribulation to evolve into a soul and withstand its baptism.


    However, he couldn¡¯t care less about these now. With the help of the energy he gained by devouring the mirrors¡¯ artifact spirits, he advanced by leaps and bounds. He mobilized all his lightning power and let out a loud roar at the sky. He then performed a series of hand seals with both hands and pointed upward.


    ¡°Tribulation!¡±


    At the next instant, countless bolts of lightning erupted from the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s body, forming a dazzling light that directly rushed into the soil above.


    Lightning drilled out of the soil, forming countless arcs of lightning in the canyon outside. Finally, they gathered into a thick lightning river that headed straight for the sky.


    The black clouds in the sky rumbled and were actually penetrated by the long river formed by lightning. As they churned intensely, an earth-shattering muffled thunder suddenly exploded in the clouds.


    As the thunder rumbled and echoed, traces of red lightning swam in the clouds and quickly gathered into a red bolt of lightning.


    It seemed to contain some extreme intent as it descended.


    It headed straight for the ground, the canyon, and the cave deep underground.


    At the same time, in the jungle some distance away from where Xu Qing was at, the captain was fleeing crazily. His speed was astonishing. Wherever he passed, a cold aura would spread out, causing everything behind him to be frozen.


    His face was flushed and there was a glint in his eyes. He let out a nervous laugh as he held a red fruit in his hand and even took a big bite.


    ¡°Good stuff, good stuff. A holy fruit born in extreme anomalous substances and evil. This thing was born in adversity and must be extraordinary. I smelled it from afar just now, hahaha¡­ F*ck!¡±


    Amidst his laughter, an eerie light suddenly flew out from behind him. It swept out like a sharp blade and instantly cut the trees that came into contact with it.


    At that moment, it got close and was about to slash at the captain. However, the captain¡¯s body twisted in a strange manner and he dodged the light. However, a portion of his hair was still cut off.


    It could be considered as brushing past his scalp.


    The captain took a deep breath and swallowed the fruit. As he sped up his escape without turning his head, he suddenly saw lightning in the sky far away and heard the faint thunder. His eyes lit up again.


    ¡°Another treasure? Should I go or not? It¡¯s a little dangerous in the previous location, especially since their patriarch seems to be on the verge of waking up from my provocation. They are too petty.¡±


    The captain hesitated. In the end, he gritted his teeth and changed directions to rush over.


    He felt that if he let it go like this, he would definitely regret it in the future.


    Since that was the case, he would go and take a look. As long as he was fast, he might be able to kill two birds with one stone.


    As for the patriarch of that race, he had sensed earlier that the other party clearly had old injuries on his body. It wouldn¡¯t be so easy for it to wake up.


    Moreover, there were also some restrictions set up by the myriad races there. It seemed to be to prevent the other party from escaping.


    ¡°Is it one of the subordinates who went out with the emperor of the forbidden region? All of them were suppressed by the myriad of races of Fenghai County. Although they escaped and returned, they were still chased by the myriad races and the whole forbidden region was surrounded with restrictions.¡±


    ¡°The Sword Forbidden Region, the place of imprisonment?¡±


    The captain fell into deep thought. He thought of another name of this forbidden region. As he ran, he took out another red fruit and took a bite.


    Behind him, the ground trembled and the trees collapsed. A group of six-armed giants was chasing after him furiously.


    These giants were about 100 feet tall. Their skin was green and their ears were huge. The most eye-catching thing was their earlobes.


    A large number of bells were tied there, emitting crisp sounds.


    It was as though the bells had grown together with them. The eerie light from before was emitted by the bells.


    These giants were the special race born in the forbidden region.


    At that moment, all of their eyes were filled with madness and killing intent as they continued to pursue. Among them, there were more than ten with Golden Core cultivation bases.


    What was even more astonishing was that their clan¡¯s territory behind them faintly emitted an aura of awakening.


    It was as though an almighty was awakening.


    While there was a mad chase going on in the outside world, in the canyon, Xu Qing was completely focused on the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    He saw countless red lightning bolts with extreme intent suddenly appear from the soil and head straight for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    The ancestor¡¯s body trembled and he let out a mournful cry. Countless red lightning enveloped him and continuously destroyed his body. At the same time, it also stimulated the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s spirit body, causing it to rapidly produce a large amount of red light.


    His body was transforming from an artifact spirit to an artifact soul.


    This light permeated the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s riddled body, causing him to look extremely disheveled and on the verge of death.


    However, this red lightning actually caused all the eyes of Little Shadow to narrow slightly, revealing a solemn expression.


    However, it quickly reacted and felt that its expression wasn¡¯t good, so it showed disdain again.


    Xu Qing could also tell that this red lightning was extraordinary. The lightning dissipated faintly. The screams from the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor turned into a low roar and the madness in his eyes became even more intense.


    He had successfully survived the first wave of heavenly tribulation. At this moment, he quickly sat cross-legged and kept circulating the red light in his body to prepare for the next wave of heavenly tribulation.


    However, his current body was extremely weak and on the verge of collapse. It would be very difficult for him to survive the second wave of heavenly tribulation.


    While Xu Qing remained silent, the sky rumbled again, as though something was roaring furiously. After that, more blood threads filled the clouds and the second heavenly tribulation descended.


    Countless red lightning formed blood-colored lightning that descended again, piercing through the ground and about to bombard the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor opened his eyes. Just as despair appeared in his eyes, Xu Qing moved.


    He took a step forward and instantly arrived above the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. He lifted his right hand and pressed upward.


    Immediately, his two canopies appeared and the Heavenly Palaces manifested outside as he blocked the lightning.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled.


    He could sense the extreme intent contained in this red lightning, as well as his canopies resisting it and offsetting each other.


    He tried to absorb it but he couldn¡¯t. There was no way to contain it.


    ¡°This red lightning of the heavenly tribulation destroys souls and bodies.¡±


    ¡°You Lingzi¡¯s advancement is interesting.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. Xu Qing had only seen such a method of advancement for artifact spirits from the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    Seeing that the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had recovered a little, Xu Qing looked at him.


    ¡°Do you want to continue?¡±


    ¡°Master, I¡­¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was about to say that he couldn¡¯t take it anymore, but after noticing the disdain and hostility in Little Shadow¡¯s countless eyes, he gritted his teeth fiercely and roared.


    ¡°I can do it!¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and retreated, no longer blocking the red lightning that he had neutralized by more than half.


    At the next instant, the lightning headed straight for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor let out a low roar and gritted his teeth.


    As the lightning blasted in, his body trembled even more. His body dimmed again and his body was dissipating. Even like this, he couldn¡¯t withstand the lightning.


    The feeling of death surfaced in his mind.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor laughed bitterly. He had lived a stable life and was careful in everything he did. If he provoked an enemy, he would attack with all his might and destroy them at all costs. If he couldn¡¯t, he would rather relocate the sect to avoid them.


    When he encountered Xu Qing again and faced life and death, he gritted his teeth and destroyed himself, becoming his slave for the sake of surviving.


    But now, he was in despair.


    Amidst this despair, the lightning spread and his body was dissipating. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor let out a deranged and miserable laugh.


    He wasn¡¯t willing to accept this. He suddenly felt intense regret.


    What he regretted wasn¡¯t trying to break through.


    What he regretted was why he didn¡¯t take risks when he was young.


    In order to survive in his early years, he didn¡¯t dare to risk his life to snatch resources and couldn¡¯t quickly form his life fire.


    He could only fantasize about becoming the main character in those books, fantasize about starting from ordinary and reaching the peak of the heavens.


    ¡°I, You Lingzi, am also a person with aptitude!¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor lifted his head and looked at Xu Qing as he spoke miserably.


    ¡°Demon Xu, I, You Lingzi, am also a person with opportunities!¡±


    ¡°Demon Xu, I, You Lingzi, wasn¡¯t born a slave!¡±


    ¡°How did it¡­ end up like this?¡±


    As he recalled his past, he felt indignant. His emotions also fluctuated intensely, filled with despair, madness, and regret. This was especially so when he felt that he was about to die. He didn¡¯t care about what he said anymore.


    This despair had turned extreme because of the arrival of death.


    This madness was the same, and regret was even more so.


    Xu Qing looked at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and sighed inwardly. He was about to make a move to neutralize the lightning.


    However, at this moment, the instant the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s emotions reached an extreme, before he died, the red lightning in his body actually paused.


    After this pause, they seemed to have resonated with the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to a certain extent, as though he met the conditions for acceptance.


    In an instant, these lightning bolts directly gathered in the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s body. After circling around, all the places where the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s body dissipated grew back.


    However, the body was red!


    At that moment, 70% of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s body turned blood-red. The remaining 30% was normal. This meant that he had completed 70% of his advancement.


    30% was spirit and 70% was soul.


    The heavenly tribulation dispersed.


    The advancement was a failure and a success.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was stunned. He looked at his body with confusion.


    After that, it turned into ecstasy. However, at the next instant, he thought of his roars earlier and his face turned pale. He trembled in nervousness. He lifted his head and looked at Xu Qing, revealing an expression that was uglier than crying.


    ¡°Um¡­ Master, just now, it was actually all based on the cultivation art¡¯s requirements. It was the most critical step in breaking through. I had to say that¡­¡±


    ¡°In reality, the period of time I followed Master was the happiest time in my life.¡±


    ¡°Master¡­ don¡¯t take it seriously.¡±


    The shadow at the side revealed a sinister smile. Its body swayed back and forth as though it was shaking its head.

 Chapter 451

    ?451 You¡¯re Here Too?


    Seeing the shadow shaking its head, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s nervousness grew even more intense. His body trembled as he looked at Xu Qing in despair. He felt that he was done for this time.


    ¡°Master¡­¡±


    ¡°Is your body alright?¡± Xu Qing looked at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and asked softly, his voice filled with concern.


    This voice was like a spring breeze to the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. His eyes were wide open and his breathing was hurried as he looked at Xu Qing in a daze. He didn¡¯t expect that Demon Xu wasn¡¯t asking about his overstepping words earlier but was concerned about him.


    This caused his emotions to fluctuate intensely, especially after experiencing life and death earlier. The feeling of his heartbeat after experiencing great sorrow and joy caused the Diamond Ancestor to have an indescribable feeling.


    He felt that his heartbeat was because of Xu Qing.


    This reminded him of the books he had read. Some of the settings were like this. On a certain year, a certain month, and a certain day, the great god finally met the loyal servant who was going to accompany him for the rest of his life.


    Under the witness of the wheel of history, this would be the moment when the fate of the loyal servant would change.


    The Xu Qing in front of him seemed to be, as the book said, his master in his previous life. In this life, he had gone through countless hardships to meet him. This was fate.


    ¡®That¡¯s right!¡¯ The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was excited.


    He had never experienced such a feeling before. At this moment, his heart was filled with gratitude, so he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Master, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m very excited because under the witness of time, I can fight on the battlefield for Master again. In this life, Master, I¡¯ll pave the path for you!¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor in surprise. He felt that the other party¡¯s behavior was a little strange. However, when he thought of his experiences on the way, he nodded.


    Little Shadow was stunned for a moment. It cast a deep glance at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and remembered what it had said earlier. It planned to say the same thing in the future.


    ¡°Your advancement this time shouldn¡¯t be a complete success, right?¡± Xu Qing looked at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    ¡°Master, although I didn¡¯t completely succeed, I can sense that I¡¯m different from before.¡± As he spoke, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor raised his right hand. His body shook and a red bolt of lightning instantly appeared in his palm.


    However, this lightning was still very weak but its essence was exactly the same as the power of the heavenly tribulation Xu Qing had seen earlier.


    ¡°Although it¡¯s small¡­ I¡¯m already half of an artifact soul. After fusing it into the iron stick, the power of the iron stick will increase greatly!¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor looked at the weak lightning in his hand and felt a little guilty. He hurriedly spoke. After he finished speaking, he swayed and returned to the black iron stick at the side, wanting to display it immediately.


    However, the instant his body fused into the iron stick, the black iron stick suddenly trembled.


    Cracking sounds rang out as red runes appeared on it. As they continued to permeate the iron stick, the iron stick emitted a terrifying aura as though it had been modified.


    There were also streams of red arcing lightning swimming on the iron stick, causing the color of the iron stick to change from black to purple.


    Seeing that the iron stick that had followed him for so many years had become extraordinary, Xu Qing was about to take a closer look. However, at that moment, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor let out a blood-curdling cry and cracks suddenly appeared on the iron stick.


    Three deep cracks appeared on the iron stick, and the iron stick seemed to be on the verge of shattering.


    Xu Qing immediately grabbed the iron stick. After his divine sense swept over, his expression turned somewhat ugly. At this moment, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor also manifested and carefully spoke.


    ¡°Master, the level of this treasure I possess is ultimately too low¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine when I was below the Golden Core realm, but by being 70% artifact soul, it is no longer able to bear my strength. Moreover, the power of the red lightning heavenly tribulation isn¡¯t something the iron stick can withstand.¡±


    Xu Qing held the iron stick and fell silent for a long time.


    This item had accompanied him through his childhood. Regardless of whether it was before or after the slums, the scavenger campsite, or the early stages of the Seven Blood Eyes, it had accompanied him.


    For countless days and nights, he held the iron stick in his hand and slept.


    ¡°Let¡¯s stop here. After I return to the sect, I¡¯ll think of a way to forge it again and see if I can increase its level.¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke and kept the black iron stick. After that, he took out the mirror magic treasure fragment he had obtained in the small country as a temporary shelter for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    Xu Qing flicked his sleeve and the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor instantly hid again.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to leave.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. This time, the advancement of the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had further increased his combat strength.


    As for the specific changes, he was going to return to the magic warship and ponder over them.


    After all, this was a forbidden region and he had to be vigilant. Moreover, the energy fluctuations caused from the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s breakthrough was huge and it was very likely that they would attract some unknown existences. Hence, Xu Qing planned to leave immediately.


    At the thought of this, his body swayed and he headed straight for the exit. He waved his right hand, causing the mountain rocks at the exit to explode. He then rushed out.


    However, at this moment, his expression changed and he abruptly looked into the distance.


    He could see that in the distant jungle, a group of strange giants that were over 100 feet tall were roaring and chasing wildly. Every one of these giants emitted extraordinary fluctuations, and there were more than ten of them that were comparable to Golden Cores.


    Two or three of them even gave Xu Qing the feeling that he had encountered six Heavenly Palaces Golden Cores, causing his eyes to narrow.


    What made Xu Qing gasp was the roar that echoed through the sky from even further away. This sound was intimidating and seemed to be able to suppress everything. It was extremely terrifying.


    The color of the sky changed, wind surged, and the ground quaked.


    It was as though an existence was struggling, wanting to escape from its location.


    As for the target of those giants¡­ it was none other than the captain.


    The captain also saw Xu Qing from afar and was pleasantly surprised.


    ¡°You¡¯re here too? What treasure appeared here? Let me see.¡± The captain shouted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s not that easy for that big fellow to struggle out. Although it has awakened, the place it sleeps in is a little complicated. It¡¯s a quagmire with only half its head exposed. I saw some remaining restrictions of the myriad races.¡±


    As the captain spoke, a monstrous boom echoed in the distance. Cracks appeared in the ground and an even more violent aura erupted.


    Amidst the violent wind, a portion of the restrictions seemed to have shattered, so the struggle became even more intense.


    As the violent wind formed, resistance actually appeared in all directions, causing Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s speed to involuntarily slow down, while the chasing giants became even faster.


    The distance between the two sides was rapidly shortening, and the captain was about to be caught.


    ¡°F*ck, don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s really going to break free.¡± The captain¡¯s expression changed and he sped up crazily, chasing after Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t even turn his head but his right hand grabbed backward through the air, allowing the captain to borrow the momentum.


    At the next instant, the captain¡¯s speed was enhanced even more and he arrived behind Xu Qing.


    However, the resistance here was very strong. The violent wind blew in his face and even the breath of the giants behind him could be smelled by Xu Qing. This scene gave Xu Qing a headache and he couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    ¡°Captain, what did you do this time?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing much. I caught up to you earlier and saw that you were fine. After that, I smelled something good, so I went to take a look.¡±


    ¡°In the end, guess what I saw? I saw a group of fools worshiping a fruit. I naturally had to educate them about such a foolish act, so I took the fruit away.¡±


    ¡°And then?¡± Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± The captain had an aggrieved expression, as though he didn¡¯t understand why the other party was so angry when he had only taken a fruit.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t believe him and looked at the captain¡¯s mouth.


    The captain blinked and spoke in a low voice as he ran.


    ¡°There¡¯s really nothing else. It¡¯s just that before I left¡­ I saw half of their ancestor¡¯s head outside the quagmire. There was a wooden sword stuck in his head that looked very good, so I took a bite.¡±


    ¡°It didn¡¯t taste good!¡± The captain coughed.


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    ¡°Aiya, two bites, two bites. I only took two bites!¡± The captain felt guilty and quickly spoke. He ran with all his might. Because he was running too fast or ate too much, he couldn¡¯t help but burp.


    Xu Qing sighed. He felt that the captain should have eaten a lot, so he didn¡¯t ask anymore. His cultivation base erupted and he moved forward at full speed. However, very soon, the giants caught up to them.


    The poison palace in Xu Qing¡¯s body also swayed and emitted a poisonous intent that rapidly spread behind him. Wherever it passed, everything would rot.


    In an instant, screams and cries rang out from behind them. A portion of the giants were frozen, while all the giants were poisoned. For a moment, roars echoed and the pursuit slowed down.


    However, at that moment, a furious roar rang out from afar. As the struggle grew even more intense, a layer of fog rose from there. It was like a breath that rumbled toward Xu Qing and the captain.


    It arrived in an instant. Under the ruthless collision, Xu Qing¡¯s Infinite Crown shone. However, he still spat out a mouthful of blood as his bones shattered.


    The captain also coughed out blood and his body was riddled with holes. The two of them had shocked expressions and each used their extreme speed to escape crazily.


    Fortunately, their location wasn¡¯t the core of the Sword Forbidden Region. It could only be considered close to the inner regions. Hence, with their respective speeds, they finally rushed out of the Sword Forbidden Region six hours later.


    They didn¡¯t dare to stop at all on the way. All their strength was focused on speed. The instant they rushed out, roars filled the sky from the depths of the Sword Forbidden Region. One could see a huge figure standing there.


    Vaguely, it was as though its nose¡­ had collapsed and withered a little, as though it had lost its nose.


    As it roared angrily, the giant lifted its feet and was about to chase after the captain and Xu Qing.


    The expressions of the two changed drastically.


    Even though the roars were very far away, they still caused Xu Qing and the captain to continuously vomit blood. Their bodies even showed signs of shattering. The two of them rushed out of the Sword Forbidden Region and ran all the way to the magic warship.


    Xu Qing panted heavily. He looked at the giant¡¯s nose and then turned his head to cast a deep glance at the captain.


    The captain coughed and changed the topic.


    ¡°Damn, it really struggled out. This big guy must have been a general under the Sword Emperor back then. It¡¯s so powerful.¡±


    On the magic warship, Yanyan was dumbfounded when she saw this scene.


    She seemed to be unable to understand how these two people caused such a huge commotion in the Sword Forbidden Region.

 Chapter 452

    ?452 Life Is Difficult


    The instant they stepped onto the magic warship, Xu Qing and the captain worked together to control the magic warship to speed into the distance.


    The two of them felt their hearts race as they glanced behind at the forbidden region from time to time.


    They could see the giant struggling intensely in the forbidden region. The black clouds churned and lightning bolts swam in it. However, no matter how much the giant struggled and roared, the large net spreading from the forbidden region restricted it tightly.


    Xu Qing still felt lingering fear when he saw this.


    The captain exhaled and sighed with emotion.


    ¡°It is just like I guessed, the Sword Forbidden Region is a place of imprisonment. This forbidden region was once known as Spirit Sound. Later on, after it was suppressed by all the races in Fenghai County, Spirit Sound became Imprisonment.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He had previously felt that it was strange because Old Master Seventh had said that this forbidden region was called Spirit Sound, but the captain said Sword Forbidden.


    As the magic warship whistled, Yanyan looked at the disheveled Xu Qing and the captain and hesitated for a moment before speaking.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, didn¡¯t you go to recover your vitality?¡±


    ¡°Also, Eldest Senior Brother, didn¡¯t you go to protect Brother Xu Qing?¡±


    ¡°How¡­ did you cause such a huge commotion?¡± Yanyan¡¯s heart was also palpitating. Previously, when she saw the giant appear from afar, her mind and even her body were shocked by the pressure brought about by the terrifying giant.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he looked at the captain expressionlessly. His gaze mostly landed on the captain¡¯s nose.


    The captain blinked but didn¡¯t feel awkward at all. Instead, he waved his hand and threw a fruit that he had eaten more than half of to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother, Senior Brother left this for you. I forcefully endured it and didn¡¯t eat it all. Sigh, I¡¯m just like this. The first thing I think of when I encounter good things is you, Junior Brother.¡±


    Xu Qing took it. Just as he held it in his hand, his expression changed. He lowered his head and looked over.


    He could sense that this fruit contained a very peculiar aura.


    This aura didn¡¯t affect his body much but after taking a sniff, Xu Qing felt his spirits lift. He immediately understood that this item had a considerable nourishing effect on the soul.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what this thing is either. I¡¯ve never seen it before. I just saw a group of silly creatures worshiping it, so I snatched it and took a bite. I discovered that it¡¯s very helpful to the soul.¡± Thinking of the stimulation and harvest this time, the captain was beaming with joy.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t mind that the captain had taken a few bites of this fruit and directly put it into his mouth and swallowed it. To him, who had grown up in the slums, he had even snatched the food a dog ate.


    After swallowing it, a wisp of coolness quickly flowed through his entire body. Finally, it fused into his sea of consciousness, causing it to shake. It vaguely seemed to have been strengthened by a lot and expanded a little.


    All of this was a manifestation of the strengthening of his soul. Hence, Xu Qing licked his lips and looked at the captain, wanting to ask some questions about the giants.


    ¡°Captain¡­¡±


    ¡°No more left!¡± Before Xu Qing could finish speaking, the captain immediately became vigilant. After he finished speaking, he seemed to sense that his reaction was a little too much. He blinked and coughed.


    ¡°Little Qing, let¡¯s go to the Sword Holding Court next. Let me tell you, the Sword Holding Court is a good place.¡±


    Xu Qing was puzzled and carefully sized up the captain.


    Xu Qing felt that there was a problem with the other party¡¯s previous words. Hence, his gaze narrowed slightly as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, actually, if I didn¡¯t give you the 30% blood, my advancement this time might have been safer. However, you¡¯re my Eldest Senior Brother¡­¡±


    The captain let out a long sigh and waved his hand, sending another fruit flying toward Xu Qing.


    After Xu Qing caught it, he spoke softly.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, the world is unpredictable. Perhaps one day, you might not have a Junior Brother like me. If I can¡¯t travel with you in this world, I hope that the moment you stand at the peak of the sky, you can take a look at this world for me.¡±


    The captain was depressed and muttered a few words, thinking to himself that this Little Qing learned so quickly. He sighed again and took out a tree branch from his storage bag, tossing it to Xu Qing.


    On the tree branch, there were eight to nine fruits.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. He originally thought that the captain would at most have six to seven fruits, but he didn¡¯t expect this fellow to casually give him a tree branch.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, don¡¯t tell me you dug up the whole fruit tree and moved it away?¡±


    The captain coughed and hurriedly shook his head to indicate that he didn¡¯t.


    Yanyan blinked and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Life is difficult¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop, stop, stop!¡± The captain had a helpless expression on his face. He took out three more fruits and handed them to Yanyan.


    Yanyan beamed with joy and quickly arrived beside Xu Qing, handing the fruits to him.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, this is for you.¡±


    This scene stunned the captain for a moment and he became even more depressed.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t want Yanyan¡¯s fruits.


    As for how many more the captain had, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care. After he ate these eight fruits, he could already sense a huge change in his sea of consciousness. It was becoming more tenacious and at the same time, his soul was twice as strong as before.


    A feeling of bloatedness surfaced in his mind.


    Xu Qing understood that this was the limit of his soul at this stage. Hence, on the way, Xu Qing sat down cross-legged and began to stabilize his breakthrough.


    The river section here was surging like an ocean, traversing through the canyon of Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain, dividing this mountain range into two. There were also many waterfalls that looked like paintings.


    This was the first time Yanyan had seen this vast painting and she was immediately attracted by it.


    Xu Qing had been here before when he was on the river patrol mission with the captain. Hence, he retracted his gaze after taking a look and took out the shroud cloth that was filled with immortal Qi.


    This was a fragment of a Taboo magic treasure, and looking at it, the complete Taboo magic treasure should be an entire shroud.


    The gray cloth was stained with black blood, causing it to be filled with an ominous feeling. However, the immortal Qi was extremely dense. After Xu Qing checked, he once again felt as though his palm had been pierced.


    A strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. There were all kinds of uses of Taboo fragments. Perhaps it was because they were broken pieces, it was very difficult to detect them through divine sense and had to be tested to know of their peculiarities.


    Among them, for example, the black wooden block and the small mirror had more obvious uses, so it was very easy to sense them. However, the ability of this cloth strip was a little complicated.


    After Xu Qing studied it, he suddenly activated the protection of his Infinite Crown. When he touched the cloth again, he discovered that the invisible thorns of this item ignored the protection and still pierced into his palm.


    ¡°Ignoring the protection?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred as he thought of the red woman¡¯s evil ghost scythe.


    A long time later, Xu Qing took out the dagger embryo the captain had given him. This black weapon embryo emitted a sharp light and the eye formed by the patterns on it emitted a strange aura.


    Originally, Xu Qing planned to return to the sect and find something suitable to use as a dagger handle. However, now that he looked at the cloth strip, he had a new idea.


    After some thought, Xu Qing felt that he could give it a try.


    Hence, he wrapped the cloth around the end of the dagger again and again, forming a simple handle.


    After doing this, Xu Qing held it in his hand. The piercing pain was still intense but Xu Qing¡¯s recovery was very fast and he was good at enduring pain. Hence, his expression was as calm as ever.


    His right hand that was holding the dagger was as firm as iron pincers.


    He then gently felt the blade of the dagger with his left hand. The feeling of being pierced surfaced once again, as though the ability of the cloth had been transmitted to the dagger.


    ¡°As expected!¡± Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Yanyan, activate your protection.¡±


    Yanyan had been paying attention to Xu Qing. After hearing Xu Qing¡¯s words, she didn¡¯t hesitate at all. She immediately activated the protective jade slip her grandmother had given her. The instant it formed a layer of defense, Xu Qing moved.


    The dagger in his hand instantly got close. The moment it came into contact with the Yanyan protective barrier, the dagger actually ignored the protective barrier and directly pierced through, landing on Yanyan¡¯s neck.


    Yanyan didn¡¯t dodge at all. She trusted Xu Qing extremely.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing retracted his right hand. Just as he was feeling satisfied, the captain saw everything and spoke in surprise.


    ¡°This cloth strip is extraordinary.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and continued to study it. After confirming that the might of these two items would increase greatly when combined, he looked at his shadow.


    Xu Qing felt that there would definitely be a day when his shadow would be exposed. Since that was the case, he had to make preparations first.


    Hence, under Xu Qing¡¯s divine sense, a wisp of shadow spread out without leaving a trace and gathered on the eye of the dagger.


    As it fused into it, the eye looked normal at first glance but upon closer inspection, it seemed to be alive.


    If you stared at it, you would feel that it was staring at you too.


    ¡®I need to think of a mnemonic chant that can be used as a prelude when the shadow fusion secret technique is displayed.¡¯


    Thinking of the chant, Xu Qing felt that he wasn¡¯t good at it. Hence, he sent a divine sense thought to the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    Very soon, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, who was familiar with books, thought of a paragraph.


    ¡°Shadow Prisoner¡¯s Restriction, Devil¡¯s Decree.¡±


    ¡°Immortal art breaks the spirit, heaven and earth is my fate.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. He kept feeling that these four phrases were a little strange but he couldn¡¯t think of anything better for now. Hence, he didn¡¯t use them immediately. This made the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor feel some regret.


    These four phrases contained some of his little schemes.


    ¡®Little Shadow, Little Shadow, who asked you to fight with me? Hmph, did I study for nothing all these years? I¡¯ll let you see my methods later.¡¯


    When the magic warship left the main river section of the Immortal Enrichment River and headed north at full speed, the color of the ground gradually changed. It was no longer black but white snow.


    The temperature here plummeted. In fact, several days later, they encountered a blizzard.


    Large snowflakes fell and covered the ground. At the same time, some snow also piled up on the magic warships in the sky, as though they were covering the magic warships with white clothes.


    The world ahead was a blur due to the wind and snow. This sudden snow grew larger and larger until it became a blizzard.


    The whimpering sound of the wind echoed in all directions, and the coldness filled the world with the snowflakes.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with snow.


    In the early winters, the wind and snow were a test of his life. However, it was rare for him to see such heavy snow.


    ¡°We¡¯ve finally arrived at the northern icy plains. At this speed, we¡¯ll be able to reach the end of the Yinghuang Province in two months at most, which is where the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar is located.¡±


    ¡°That place is also where the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court is located.¡± The captain¡¯s gaze was filled with anticipation as his voice echoed amidst the whimpering of the wind and snow.

 Chapter 453 - 453 Grand Affairs Life Lantern

    453 Grand Affairs Life Lantern


    When Xu Qing heard this, he lifted his head and looked at the blurry world in the distance.


    ¡°Little Qing, the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar is the weapon of the Nanyue Ghost Emperor. Many people in the Yinghuang Province know about this but according to the information in the Alliance, this weapon seemed to have been thrown out by the Ghost Emperor before he died.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, there have always been rumors that the Ghost Emperor used his weapon to suppress a certain mystery back then.¡±


    ¡°In reality, in the past few years, the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar shook many times. Some people speculate that it¡¯s caused by the thing that was suppressed, while others speculate that the Ghost Emperor is about to revive. When I saw the Sword Holding Court attacking Three Spirits Suppression Mountain, I think there¡¯s a high chance that the latter is true.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, did the Sword Holding Court chose their base in the Yinghuang Province to be here to suppress this weapon?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. After all, that Ghost Emperor¡­ is too powerful. The Sword Holding Court naturally attaches great importance to him. However, this has nothing to do with us at the moment. What we need to think about now is becoming Sword Holders.¡± The captain¡¯s expression was filled with anticipation.


    ¡°The date of this Sword Holder Selection is about to arrive. I¡¯ve already inquired properly. Any human below the age of 25 can participate, irrespective of their cultivation base.¡±


    ¡°After we reach the range of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, we don¡¯t have to hide our identities anymore. The Sword Holding Court has a rule that nonhumans are forbidden from entering the range of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. Also, we can spar with the humans here but we can¡¯t kill them.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°As for the process of the assessment, I went through many dossiers in the Alliance and have a thorough understanding of them. In the past, the assessment was divided into two stages.¡±


    ¡°The first stage is to obtain a spot to participate in the Sword Holder trial. This spot needs to be obtained through competition. Generally speaking, only 10% of the total number of people will be given a spot, so the competition is very intense.


    ¡°The second stage is the true Sword Holder trial. The number of Sword Holder recruited each time will not exceed ten when there are more qualified candidates, and only three to five when there are fewer.


    ¡°Therefore, none of the Sword Holders is simple.¡±


    ¡°So little?¡± Xu Qing was a little surprised. Back then, on Three Spirits Suppression Mountain, he had seen many Sword Holders. He originally thought that there would be many people who passed the assessment every time.


    As though he had guessed what Xu Qing was thinking, the captain explained.


    ¡°More than half of the Sword Holders are actually from other provinces. Only a portion of them are native cultivators. This is the rule of the Sword Holders.¡±


    ¡°If we succeed in the assessment and become Sword Holders, we will also have to face the possibility of being transferred to another province. However, this is a little far away. This is because every new Sword Holder has to head to the Sword Holder Palace in Fenghai County within the specified time to obtain the secret arts and inheritances of the Sword Holders.¡±


    ¡°In the end, according to the Sword Holder¡¯s own situation, they will compete for the posts. Moreover, as a Sword Holder, they have the right to take the human race¡¯s ferry.¡±


    ¡°The seven counties of the human race are separated by many large regions. Other than powerful cultivators, ordinary people won¡¯t be able to finish traveling them in their entire lives. They can only rely on the super ferry to travel between those regions.¡±


    ¡°Very few sect disciples have the qualifications.¡±


    Xu Qing listened attentively. He felt that becoming a Sword Holder would be very helpful to him when he went out in the future.


    Yanyan was the same. She also wanted to become a Sword Holder because this way, she could always stay by Brother Xu Qing¡¯s side.


    A month passed.


    While the captain continued to explain various things, their magic warship continued to fly north, getting closer and closer to the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    During this month, Xu Qing finally figured out the abilities of the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor after they advanced.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s ability had an all-round increase. Overall, it had already reached the level of a Golden Core with a Heavenly Palace.


    This was because his advancement hadn¡¯t been completed. Xu Qing felt that after the other party slowly transformed into an artifact soul, he should be more powerful.


    At the same time, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s grasp of lightning was also very different from before. The lightning he emitted and his speed had advanced by leaps and bounds. In addition, he also had another trump card.


    That was the red lightning of the heavenly tribulation.


    There was an intent of extermination and domineeringness in this lightning that could kill someone of a higher stage with just one strike.


    As for the shadow, with the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s translation, Xu Qing smoothly understood everything.


    Other than being the secret technique to transform Xu Qing into a pure body cultivator, the shadow still had its previous ability to devour other people¡¯s shadows to control them. Moreover, the speed of devouring was even faster.


    Other than that, its eyes also had new abilities.


    This ability was crushing destruction.


    In reality, the shadow in the past also had this ability but its strength was too weak, so Xu Qing didn¡¯t care. Now that it had advanced, the might of this crushing destruction technique had increased greatly, so it became obvious.


    The shadow could form a crushing destructive force through the blinking of its countless eyes. When it erupted with all its might, even Xu Qing was a little solemn.


    All of this allowed him to clearly realize that his current combat strength was already worlds apart from before. Moreover, he had many more methods of fighting than before.


    This allowed him to form more battle tactics and face more complicated situations and even more cunning and bizarre enemies.


    ¡°Even without using poison and shadow secret technique, I can kill anyone below the five palaces¡±


    ¡°After using the shadow secret art, I can suppress those below six palaces.¡±


    ¡°If I use poison, even if it¡¯s six palaces¡­ I can still fight them. Although the difference between one palace is extremely huge in the Golden Core realm and I¡¯ll definitely be heavily injured, the enemy will definitely die under my poison!¡±


    ¡°If all my secrets are used¡­¡± Xu Qing fell silent. He didn¡¯t wish for that to happen because this meant that the enemy was extremely powerful.


    While Xu Qing was weighing his combat strength, the snowstorm that had lasted for a month finally ended. The distant world became clear. The light from the sky scattered down and the ground looked like it was paved with bright crystals.


    This place was no longer just snow. There were icy plains and snow mountains.


    The undulating snow mountains were reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He could vaguely see some black embellishments on the mountain occasionally. They were protruding rocky mountains.


    The wind became even colder and blew onto Xu Qing¡¯s outstretched hand, as though it wanted to freeze his flesh and blood.


    This place no longer had mortal countries. With such a harsh climate, other than cultivators who could resist it, mortals would instantly freeze to death here.


    ¡°Comfortable.¡± The captain¡¯s shout rang out.


    Xu Qing looked over.


    The captain stood at the bow of the ship and his body was outside the ship¡¯s barrier. He faced the cold wind and stretched out his arms in the wind. His face was filled with comfort, as though the cold here was nothing to him.


    All of his spells emitted an icy intent, and here, his abilities would clearly be enhanced even better.


    ¡°Little Qing, I¡¯ve wanted to come here for a long time. This place is much more comfortable than the sect.¡±


    The captain laughed loudly. Just as he had a satisfied expression, his eyes suddenly narrowed as he turned his head to look at the sky in another direction.


    At the same time, Xu Qing also sensed it and turned his head to stare.


    Yanyan didn¡¯t notice anything but she instinctively looked over. However, in her eyes, there was nothing in the distant sky. In Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s eyes, though, there were dozens of huge flying ships whistling over from afar.


    These flying ships looked like willow leaves. They were slender and at the same time, the bow and stern of the ship were curved upward. They looked very strange. Moreover, their entire bodies were made of crystal and spirit stones that shone brightly under the sunlight.


    They seemed to be guarding a ship in the center.


    This ship was blue in color and stood out from the crowd. There was a long streamer on it, like a flag in the wind. It was very conspicuous and the words ¡®Grand Affairs¡¯ were embroidered on it.


    Xu Qing and the captain had seen such ships on the Immortal Enrichment River before. It was none other than the ships of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    There were figures in white standing on these dozens of ships of various sizes. There were men and women among them, and all of them exuded an otherworldly aura. This was especially so for the clouds rising under their ships, making them look like immortals.


    On the blue flying ship, there was also a person standing.


    This person was a youth. He wore a blue robe that was different from the others, reflecting his slender body like a pine tree.


    His fair skin was like jade and his brows were sharp like peaks.


    He stood at the bow of the blue ship with his hands behind his back. His expression was indifferent, as though his noble status and peerless aptitude already put him at the peak of the life.


    Hence, there were naturally not many things in this world that could move him. Their flying ships whistled past Xu Qing¡¯s magic warship without pausing at all.


    This was because they represented the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. This was because the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect was the number one force in the Yinghuang Province other than the Sword Holding Court which was the orthodox force of the human race.


    As such, other forces naturally had to give way to the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    As they flew over, the airwaves created by this group of flying ships spread in all directions, impacting Xu Qing¡¯s magic warship, causing it to sway and have no choice but to move aside.


    Xu Qing and the captain narrowed their eyes.


    The disciples of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect didn¡¯t even turn their heads to look at them. As the whistling sound echoed, they flew further and further away.


    Their target was clearly the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    ¡°How impressive!¡± The captain raised his brows and looked at the flying ships that were already far away.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go and find some information later and see what good things the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect has.¡±


    The captain was clearly a little dissatisfied with these people¡¯s domineeringness.


    ¡°That person is strong,¡± Xu Qing slowly said. He was talking about the youth in the blue Daoist robe. When he glanced over earlier, he could faintly sense the fluctuations of a life lantern on the other party.


    This was the second person he had seen who seemed to have a life lantern other than Saintly Star.


    ¡°Zhang Siyun, the Dao Child of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. Back then, this person was a figure who firmly suppressed Saintly Star in the Yinghuang Province. He can be considered the number one heaven¡¯s chosen among the current generation of disciples in the entire Yinghuang Province.


    When he was in the Foundation Building realm, he left Saintly Star far behind. After he reached the Golden Core realm, he left Saintly Star in the dust.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s said that not only does he have a life lantern, but he also has an emperor-level cultivation art. He even mastered nine strikes of the Extreme Heaven Saber and cultivated it to an emperor-level seed.¡±


    ¡°According to the Alliance¡¯s information, although he has four Heavenly Palaces, his combat strength should have reached the level of six palaces or even higher.¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, have you taken a liking to his life lantern? Why don¡¯t we find an opportunity to kill him?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head. The captain blinked and chuckled.


    ¡°However, he¡¯s not like Saintly Star. If he dies, the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect will definitely be extremely furious. The old man probably won¡¯t be able to withstand it.¡±

 Chapter 454 - 454 Absolute Beginning Separation City

    454 Absolute Beginning Separation City


    The captain¡¯s words were filled with reminders.


    If someone who didn¡¯t understand the captain heard this, they would think that the captain was worried that Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t be able to hold it in and snatch the other party¡¯s life lantern, causing huge trouble.


    However, when these words landed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears, he clearly understood the meaning behind the captain¡¯s words.


    This was telling him that there was no problem with attacking, but he couldn¡¯t leave anyone alive and his plan had to be meticulous. Also, don¡¯t forget to bring him along.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t have any thoughts of snatching it. It wasn¡¯t because of the other party¡¯s background but because they didn¡¯t have any conflict with each other and there was no reason to kill.


    Hence, Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°I can¡¯t beat him.¡±


    The captain raised his brows with a spurious smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re hiding from me too? Little Qing, your current combat strength should be comparable to the five palaces, right?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and looked into the distance. What he was looking at was the end of the north. It was the location of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar and also the direction to leave the Yinghuang Continent.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, do you know where Mount Morning Glow is?¡± Xu Qing asked softly.


    ¡°Mount Morning Glow? Let me think¡­¡± The captain was stunned and pondered.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve seen it on a map of Fenghai County before. Mount Morning Glow isn¡¯t far from the county capital. Legend has it that it was once a sleeping place of the immemorial sun.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    Time passed again. The following journey was very smooth. During this time, they also encountered some flying ships with different shapes. They had the same goal and all kinds of totems or flags that represented their forces were erected on them.


    The cultivators inside were all young and their cultivation levels were extraordinary.


    The recruitment of the Sword Holding Court was a huge matter for the human forces in the entire Yinghuang Province. The heaven¡¯s chosens from various sects would continue to rush here to participate in the assessment.


    After all, after becoming a Sword Holder, regardless of whether it was in the sect or outside, their status would be different. Moreover, they would have a better future and opportunities.


    Very soon, a month passed.


    From afar, Xu Qing, who was standing on the deck, finally saw that astonishingly huge pillar.


    The ten-thousand-foot-thick Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar was completely black and was carved with countless runes, emitting an indescribably vast might.


    Upon closer inspection, each of those runes contained Dao charm, as though a world was forming on it.


    It was the same for the totemic carvings. Countless mutated beasts and figures were carved, and every one of them emitted a terrifying pressure.


    All of this was enough to make anyone who saw it involuntarily feel a sense of reverence toward it.


    This heaven-reaching pillar pierced into the clouds and its end was not visible. One could only vaguely see a palace standing in the sky.


    The palace suppressed the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    However, this suppression couldn¡¯t stop the monstrous battle intent emitted by the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. Countless beings had died to it, and their deaths formed a terrifying resentment to linger on it.


    However, under the intimidation of the battle intent, this resentment couldn¡¯t spread out at all. It could only transform into waves of soundless wails that echoed in the minds of everyone who stared at the pillar.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind trembled. What made his gaze even deeper was that the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness was swaying slightly.


    It was as though it was attracted by the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. At the same time¡­ this Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar actually shook weakly.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath but he wasn¡¯t surprised. Previously, at the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain, the Ghost Emperor¡¯s figure reacted the same way. It was just that the reaction now was slightly stronger.


    The captain stood beside Xu Qing and sighed with emotion.


    ¡°Later generations analyzed the Ghost Emperor and speculated that this ferocious weapon should be his main weapon. It accompanied him in conquering the world and killing in all directions. As for the Ghost Emperor¡¯s origins, they are extremely mysterious. No one knows which race he came from. They only know that he was born at the wrong time and achieved Dao after the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived.¡±


    ¡°I wonder who his enemy was. It is only known that he fled here on his deathbed and threw the weapon, causing it to fall into the ice plain. He then closed his eyes at the seaside and chose to pass away while sitting.¡±


    ¡°Someone said that the place he passed away faced the south and he was looking at the sea as though he was waiting for something.¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice grew softer.


    Xu Qing sensed the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness and looked at the face that was still a little blurry but was becoming more and more similar to his own. He fell silent.


    His eyes looked at the ground around the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    The ground was covered in snow and there were countless circular tents surrounding the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, forming a special city.


    There were no mortals here. They were all cultivators from everywhere, with most of them being rogue cultivators. Moreover, they were all humans and there were no nonhumans.


    The Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar didn¡¯t have any requirements for those who stayed near it. Regardless of whether they lived or cultivated, they could exist here for as long as they wanted to.


    There was only one prerequisite. The cultivator had to be a human.


    The Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar was mystical to begin with. After comprehending the battle intent it released for a long time, it would form a spirit mark in one¡¯s mind, providing a certain boost to one¡¯s cultivation.


    In addition, the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar also contained some inheritances. As long as one was a human, they could climb it. If they got an opportunity, they could comprehend the inheritance.


    That was why more and more human rogue cultivators gathered here, and it was lively here.


    Many sects that had already arrived had set up tents and erected flags that belonged to their sects. This was especially so for the few large factions in the Yinghuang Province.


    Among them was the camp of the Eight Sects Alliance.


    The entire city was filled with markets and bustling with people.


    Most of the people were looking up and discussing.


    Xu Qing noticed this scene and also saw the figures on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    There were about a hundred people scattered at different heights.


    Some were climbing, and some were meditating on protruding runic totems. The person at the highest location among them was a youth wearing the Daoist robe of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    This person wasn¡¯t the Dao Child of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect but one of the heaven¡¯s chosens under the Dao Child.


    Xu Qing vaguely remembered seeing this person among those on the flying ships of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect a month ago. Right now, the other party had reached 5,000 feet high. This seemed to be his limit and he couldn¡¯t continue anymore. In the end, he let go and landed.


    The moment he landed, a blue light emitted from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, heading straight toward him.


    The ecstatic heaven¡¯s chosen grabbed the light. At the next instant, the blue light transformed into a lump of blue fog.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what that was but this scene caused waves of exclamations to ring out from the crowd below the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    ¡°He was actually bestowed with the fog Qi. This Qi is greatly beneficial to one¡¯s vitality!¡±


    ¡°The higher you climb, the greater the chance of being bestowed!¡±


    ¡°Although it¡¯s not a cultivation art inheritance, the bestowment of the fog Qi is also extremely good.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint. He looked at the blue fog in the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect¡¯s hand and felt that it was quite peculiar.


    ¡°This is how the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar is. The higher you climb, the greater the chance of obtaining benefits.¡± The captain also looked over, his eyes revealing anticipation.


    ¡°The Alliance¡¯s intel had uncovered some intriguing information about the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. It seemed that over the years, the pillar had produced inheritances and emitted strange energies¡ªsome provide vitality, some help in strengthening pills, and some help in refining artifacts.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also this Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar itself. By comprehending the battle intent on it here, it can form a battle spiritual mark in the sea of consciousness. This is a good thing. It possesses extraordinary lethality and the difficulty to obtain it isn¡¯t high. For example, I just took a glance at this Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar and I vaguely feel that I¡¯m about to comprehend it. Moreover, this can add points in the Sword Holder assessment.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded seriously and decided to comprehend it.


    Seeing Xu Qing¡¯s serious expression, the captain was amused. In reality, comprehension of this spiritual mark was extremely difficult. However, in order to emphasize his senior brother status, he deliberately said that it was easy.


    This way, when Xu Qing comprehended slowly, it would make him, Chen Erniu, look very amazing.


    With such thoughts in mind, the three of them got closer and closer to the territory of the Absolute Beginning Separation City.


    Xu Qing put away the magic warship.


    The three of them landed in the city formed by tents and walked toward the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s encampment.


    There were many people here now, so the fee for renting a place to stay was definitely not cheap. Hence, since there was a sect base that didn¡¯t cost money, they naturally had to go there.


    After passing through the crowd, Xu Qing and the other two finally arrived at the base of the Eight Sects Alliance.


    This place wasn¡¯t far from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar and had about a hundred tents. When Xu Qing and the other two arrived, the concealment on their bodies also dissipated. Their appearance immediately attracted the attention of the disciples of the Eight Sects Alliance.


    It was fine with the captain and Yanyan, but Xu Qing¡¯s identity was different.


    As the only person in this generation of the Alliance who enjoyed the treatment of a Dao Child, he was famous in the Eight Sects Alliance. Hence, as soon as he walked over, many disciples of the Alliance cupped their fists and greeted him.


    There were over a hundred disciples from the Eight Sects Alliance who came this time. These people were mostly in the Foundation Building realm and there were few Golden Cores. Most of them couldn¡¯t become Sword Holders. They came here because their ages matched the requirement, so according to the sect¡¯s arrangements, they came to take the test as training.


    Among them, there were also many disciples from the various peaks of the Seven Blood Eyes. Even the mute was among them. When he saw Xu Qing and the captain, he bowed respectfully.


    He quickly ran over and followed beside Xu Qing, consciously guarding the surroundings for Xu Qing.


    Very soon, the three of them settled down. Through their conversation with the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples, Xu Qing knew that the people leading the team from the Alliance this time were his ancestor, Xue Lianzi, and Yanyan¡¯s grandmother. At the same time, the sect masters of the Bizarre Hunting Sect and the Heavenly Treasure Sect were also present.


    As for his master, he didn¡¯t come.


    However, the ancestors and the sect masters went to the Sword Holding Court after they arrived. It was unknown what they went to talk about but when Xu Qing learned of this, he waited and didn¡¯t go greet them.


    Yanyan felt a little guilty. After all, she had secretly run out of the Seven Blood Eyes. When she heard that her grandmother was here, she was about to say something to Xu Qing. However, as the voice transmission jade slip vibrated, Yanyan sighed.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, my grandma knows that I¡¯m here and asked me to look for her. I¡¯ll go and coax her first. Otherwise, it¡¯ll be difficult for me to escape in the future.¡±


    The captain heaved a sigh of relief at the side. Clearly, he felt very at ease when he found out that Purple Mystic Fairy didn¡¯t come.


    ¡°The ancestor is here? He must be here for me. Although this old fellow is usually solemn, he admires me incomparably. This time, he should be here to persuade me to return to the sect. Little Qing, you are still not there yet. You¡¯re too clumsy with your words. Remember to return the debt to me later. I can consider teaching you some ways to make the old fellows happy.¡±


    The captain spoke proudly.


    Xu Qing blinked when he heard this.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, you are right. I suggest you pay a visit to the ancestor first. Perhaps the ancestor knows something about the test. This will be very beneficial for us when we participate later on.¡±


    ¡°That makes sense!¡± The captain¡¯s eyes lit up. Just as he was about to leave, he stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Xu Qing suspiciously.


    ¡°Little Qing, it¡¯s rare to see you talking so much. There¡¯s something wrong.¡±


    Xu Qing looked into the captain¡¯s eyes with a surprised expression.


    The captain looked at Xu Qing with a suspicious expression. Just as he was about to speak, a cold snort suddenly rang out from the distant sky. This voice was like a large bell chime that spread in all directions, causing the wind and clouds to surge and the world to tremble.


    ¡°The location of the Sword Holding Court is a forbidden area for all nonhumans.¡±


    ¡°Those from nonhuman races who step in will be killed!¡±

 Chapter 455 - 455 Zi Xuans Letter

    455 Zi Xuan¡¯s Letter


    As the voice echoed through the entire city, countless humans looked at the sky.


    A figure walked out of the clouds at the end of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    This person was a middle-aged man. He wore an official¡¯s uniform and a blue hat inlaid with silver. He wore purple scale gloves on his hands and carried a large sword wrapped in black cloth on his back that only revealed the hilt.


    As he walked out, three huge abysses that were like vortexes appeared behind him.


    Any one of these three abysses was like a natural phenomenon. At the same time, each of them seemed to contain a secret repository.


    Vaguely, mournful roars and cries rang out from the three secret repositories. It was as though vicious terrors were suppressed there, emitting waves of terrifying fluctuations.


    This person raised his right hand and punched out at the distant sky.


    As he attacked, the three secret repositories behind him erupted, spewing out multicolored light that filled the sky, forming countless flying swords that densely spread out between the heavens and the earth, and formed a torrent.


    Every sword inside emitted a soul-stirring force, as though it could tear through the sky and shatter the void. At this moment, they all charged into the distance.


    At the same time, a furious roar rang out from the distant sky. A blurry figure appeared in the sky, as though it had been hiding previously. But under the energy of the sword torrent, it couldn¡¯t continue hiding.


    This was an extremely ugly ferocious beast.


    To be precise, it was more like a huge maggot. Its body, which was ten thousand feet long, was covered in mucus and emitted an unpleasant stench.


    It also had two tentacles on its head.


    Each of the tentacles had a head on them, a man¡¯s and a woman¡¯s. Their skin was green and their eyes were red. The furious roar earlier came from them shouting at the same time.


    Its tail area was curled up and there was a head on it as well.


    It was of an old man. At that moment, his expression changed and he quickly spat out black fog.


    The fog spread out and enveloped the surroundings of the maggot, increasing its retreating speed.


    However, it was still too late. At the next instant, countless flying swords pierced through the ugly ferocious beast.


    No matter how it blocked, it was useless. In an instant, its body collapsed under the killing power of the swords and cut into pieces.


    Only the three heads stirred up more black fog and fled into the distance.


    However, it was obvious that this was wishful thinking. The moment the ferocious beast¡¯s body collapsed, the Sword Holder in the official uniform took a step forward. His speed was so fast that he instantly got close to the heads. As he lifted his right hand, countless flying swords gathered, forming a longsword that shone with green light.


    As the sword landed, the woman¡¯s head collapsed.


    With the second strike, the man¡¯s head exploded.


    The third sword was swung by the Sword Holder. Immediately, this sword flew out and transformed into a large green flood dragon. With a roar, it swallowed the old man¡¯s head.


    The world fell silent. All the cultivators on the ground were shocked.


    ¡°Recently, my Sword Holding Court was ordered to suppress the Three Spirits Mountain and capture Nether Fairy. Therefore, some demons and ghosts came here to probe.¡±


    The middle-aged man calmly continued.


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll say the rules of my Sword Holding Court again. Only humans can step into this land!¡±


    The middle-aged man raised his right hand and performed a series of hand seals, pointing at the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. In an instant, the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar trembled and a monstrous battle intent erupted.


    It carried the intent to exterminate and domineering baleful aura as it rumbled in all directions.


    The sky in a radius of 5,000 kilometers stirred up intense fluctuations, and it was the same for the ground. This battle intent carried divine sense and rapidly swept past all the cultivators.


    It was as though it was screening and shocking all the cultivators who were paying attention to this place. At the same time, popping sounds echoed in the city and outside the city. Hundreds of people in the city suddenly exploded and died instantly.


    There were also seven to eight places in the sky that let out mournful cries.


    After everything was over, the world was clear.


    The middle-aged man didn¡¯t even turn his head as he walked toward the sky. He stepped into the clouds and disappeared without a trace.


    The ground was silent. It was only after a long time that gasps and exclamations rang out. Xu Qing also took a deep breath. The captain at the side was the same.


    Earlier, the divine sense had also swept past them. Even though he knew that he was a human and there wouldn¡¯t be a problem, Xu Qing¡¯s heart still skipped a beat under the cover of the divine sense. What shocked him even more was the domineeringness of the Sword Holding Court.


    The middle-aged man in the official uniform was clearly at the Spirit Repository Realm and not the Nihility Realm. However, the instant he walked out and attacked, the auras of the leading ancestors of the various sects who had arrived in the city seemed to be suppressed.


    ¡°What suppressed the ancestors wasn¡¯t this person¡¯s cultivation base but his identity.¡±


    The orthodox of the human race, one of the Upper Mystic Five Ministries, the Sword Holding Court!


    It was only after around fifteen minutes that the cultivators in the city recovered. Their eyes revealed an intense glint. Many people couldn¡¯t help but look at the end of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    That was the base of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court.


    This demonstration by the Sword Holding Court caused most of the disciples from the various sects and forces to have a strong yearning for the Sword Holding Court, especially the captain. He even began to fantasize about becoming a Sword Holder.


    Although Xu Qing was also tempted to become a Sword Holder, what he valued more was the tremor from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar earlier.


    The moment the pillar trembled earlier, Xu Qing clearly felt that the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness was also trembling. At the same time, dozens of runes actually floated on the Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    These runes emitted intense battle intent. After Xu Qing sensed them, he fell into deep thought.


    ¡°Could this be the battle spirit mark that the captain mentioned? From the looks of it, it¡¯s indeed very easy to obtain.¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it but he wasn¡¯t too sure if these runes were the spiritual marks the captain had mentioned.


    He felt that he could take them out.


    He lifted his hand and with a thought, one of the dozens of marks instantly disappeared from his sea of consciousness and appeared in his palm.


    The light shone and the battle intent spread out even more intensely, giving Xu Qing the feeling that this rune could be used as a spell and possessed a certain level of lethality.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, is this the battle spirit¡­¡± Xu Qing turned his head and looked at the captain. Before he could finish asking, the captain who was dreaming suddenly looked with wide eyes.


    ¡°Battle spirit mark? When did you comprehend it? This thing is very¡­ simple. Not bad, not bad. It can add points.¡± The captain was stunned but he quickly reacted and pretended to be relaxed.


    ¡°When the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar trembled earlier, they appeared in my sea of consciousness.¡± Xu Qing nodded as some doubts rose in his mind. The captain¡¯s reaction made him feel that something was amiss.


    And at times like this, something was really fishy.


    The captain coughed and suppressed the envy in his heart as he laughed.


    ¡°Little Qing, your comprehension ability isn¡¯t bad but it¡¯s still a little inferior to mine. Actually, I also succeeded in comprehending this thing just now, so you have to remember not to be arrogant. One spiritual mark is nothing. Did I say anything when I comprehended five? Because we need to comprehend nine spiritual marks to add points!¡±


    Xu Qing sensed the dozens of battle spirit marks in his sea of consciousness but didn¡¯t speak. He guessed that the difficulty of comprehending these spirit marks shouldn¡¯t be what the captain had said earlier.


    ¡°Alright, you can continue comprehending. I¡¯m going to look for the ancestor.¡± The captain wanted to get away from Xu Qing and find a place to comprehend the spirit marks. Xu Qing had succeeded in comprehending one so easily. This made him feel a lot of pressure.


    This was especially so when he thought of how he had said earlier that this comprehension was easy. If he didn¡¯t succeed in the short term, he would really be shooting himself in the foot.


    Seeing that the captain had left, Xu Qing also planned to study these spirit marks. Hence, he walked toward his residence.


    However, the two of them had just taken a few steps when the captain suddenly started. He recalled Xu Qing¡¯s words and noticed the use of the plural term.


    This caused his eyes to widen as he abruptly turned his head.


    ¡°Wait, Xu Qing, you said ¡®they¡¯ earlier?¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°You¡­ How many did you comprehend?¡± The captain asked carefully.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and waved his hand. Immediately, more than 30 spirit marks flew out and rapidly circled in his hand, continuously emitting waves of battle intent.


    The captain was stunned.


    ¡°These all appeared just now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain, you were right. It¡¯s very simple.¡± Xu Qing blinked.


    The captain didn¡¯t want to speak anymore. He felt so tired.


    He silently retracted his gaze and quickly left without turning his head. He made a decision. He was going to head to the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar and start comprehending until he comprehended 40 spirit marks.


    ¡°40 isn¡¯t safe. I need to comprehend 60!¡±


    Looking at the captain¡¯s figure, Xu Qing was in a good mood. He then turned and walked toward his residence.


    Very soon, he arrived and made arrangements in the surroundings. Only then did he sit down cross-legged and study the spirit marks.


    He knew why so many spirit marks had appeared at once. This matter was directly related to the existence of the Ghost Emperor Mountain. After all, to a certain extent, the two sides came from the same source.


    Just like that, during Xu Qing¡¯s research, time flowed by and three days passed in the blink of an eye.


    On the third night, Huang Yikun arrived.


    After he arrived, he unwillingly handed Xu Qing a jade slip and left after leaving a sentence.


    ¡°The ancestor asked me to give it to you!¡±


    Huang Yikun¡¯s ancestor was naturally Purple Mystic Fairy.


    Xu Qing hesitantly picked up the jade slip and fell silent for a long time. His divine sense fused into it and instantly, Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s lazy and enchanting voice appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Kid, do you miss Big Sister?¡±


    Xu Qing sat silently.


    ¡°I like the gift you gave me before you left very much.¡±


    Xu Qing looked in the direction of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. He felt that the captain should have gone there.


    ¡°I also read the letter you wrote to me. It is not obvious normally but your words are so bold when you write¡­ saying that you want to be strong and don¡¯t want me to listen to groundless rumors? It¡¯s not easy for us to see each other frequently, so you wanted me to reply to you by letter? I got Huang Yikun to send it to you.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes abruptly widened.


    ¡°Also, seeing that you pleaded for mercy for Chen Erniu in your letter and even promised me so many things, let¡¯s forget about Chen Erniu. I won¡¯t bicker with him for the time being, but don¡¯t forget what you promised.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried.


    ¡°I¡¯ll listen to you this time and not go to the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. In that case, help me take care of the people from the Mystic Nether Sect.¡±


    ¡°Then, come back as soon as possible¡­ As for the way you asked me to address you in the letter, little kid, you¡¯re quite good. However, this still can¡¯t be done. It will depend on your performance in the future.¡±


    The veins on Xu Qing¡¯s forehead bulged. He was silent for a long time. After calming his emotions, he took out the bamboo slip and found the captain¡¯s name on it. He then ruthlessly crossed out the question mark behind it.

 Chapter 456

    ?456 As if the Dead Returned


    At that moment, beside the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, the captain was squeezing through the crowd, wanting to find a better location to comprehend.


    He hadn¡¯t succeeded in comprehending the spirit marks in the past three days. He felt that the previous location was inauspicious, so he planned to get closer.


    However, before he could find a good location, the captain suddenly had a bad premonition.


    ¡°My intuition is very accurate. Something¡¯s wrong¡­¡± The captain fell silent and carefully recalled what he had done recently.


    ¡°The eye I left on the Ghost Emperor Mountain was discovered?¡±


    ¡°Has my informant from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect been exposed?¡±


    ¡°The clone that was secretly placed on the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain has been found?¡±


    ¡°The person I bribed in the Litu Sect betrayed me?¡±


    ¡°The Flame Phoenix knows that I¡¯m going to steal its nest?¡±


    ¡°Has my enemy in the Corpse Forbidden awakened?¡± After pondering for a while, the captain suddenly thought of something.


    ¡°Purple Mystic Fairy replied?¡±


    The captain had a headache and didn¡¯t know what was wrong. However, this premonition was very strong. Hence, he left the crowd warily.


    He even concealed his aura and changed his appearance. However, he still felt uneasy. He directly left the vicinity of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar and found a remote tent at the edge of the city. He endured the pain and spent some money to carefully comprehend the spirit marks.


    However, he felt that it was still not safe. Hence, he performed a series of hand seals and activated some secret art, concealing him further.


    Not long later, Xu Qing arrived. He searched the vicinity of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar but couldn¡¯t find any traces of the captain.


    As for the shadow¡¯s search, it was only limited to a certain range. This place was too big. Unless Xu Qing walked around the entire city, he wouldn¡¯t be able to search accurately.


    After failing to find anything, Xu Qing turned and left.


    Very soon, several days passed. Seeing that everything was normal, the captain gradually relaxed. Although the concealment still existed, his body and mind were mostly immersed in comprehension.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t give up. In these few days, other than comprehending the battle intent of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar and increasing the number of battle spirit marks in his sea of consciousness, he spent the rest of his time strolling around this city formed by countless tents.


    There were many cultivators here, so many large and small markets were formed. The items sold there were all kinds of strange.


    During these few days when Xu Qing was searching for traces of the captain, he saw a lot and also bought some poisonous grasses.


    However, every time he went out, he would change his appearance and conceal himself.


    In these few days, he had already received seven to eight challenges from the heaven¡¯s chosen disciples of the various forces in the Yinghuang Province.


    Many people already knew of his arrival. As someone who enjoyed the treatment of a Dao Child in this generation of the Eight Sects Alliance, his reputation had actually spread throughout the various forces.


    After all, he had two life lanterns and an emperor-level cultivation art, and killed Saintly Star. All of this caused him to have a high status in the hearts of this generation of disciples from the various forces in the Yinghuang Province.


    Now that the Sword Holder¡¯s assessment was about to begin, most of those people who thought that their strength was good wanted to suppress the heaven¡¯s chosens of large sects to attract the attention of the Sword Holding Court and gain points.


    Hence, not only was Xu Qing challenged, but the other heaven¡¯s chosens of the Alliance were also frequently challenged. It was the same for the other large forces. Every day, there would be battles.


    Only one person was unchallenged. This person was the Dao Child of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, Zhang Siyun. He was also known as the number one person of this generation in the Yinghuang Province.


    It was rumored that he already possessed the combat strength of six palaces at such a young age, causing the disciples of the various sects to not dare to challenge him.


    He didn¡¯t stay in the city either. Instead, he went deep into the icy plains. It was said that he wanted to make use of the environment here to temper his spells.


    Compared to him, Xu Qing¡¯s combat strength was at most three to four palaces in the eyes of outsiders. Hence, he naturally became the best target for cultivators who were inferior to the Dao Child of the Grand Affairs.


    Among the people who challenged him, there were also people from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. Xu Qing wasn¡¯t interested in such boring challenges at all.


    At that moment, he was walking in a large market. His gaze swept across the stalls, wanting to see if there was any special poisonous grass.


    There were many cultivators here. Other than the local rogue cultivators, there were also some human sect disciples from everywhere. It was very lively.


    Very soon, Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and his gaze landed on a stall.


    The items sold here were alchemy and weapon refinement materials. There were also some herbs.


    Among them, the five-line golden insect grass was considered a very good poison-melting conversion item in the pharmacopeia. Its medicinal properties were special and after it was dug out, it needed metal Qi to preserve it.


    He walked over. Before he got close, he heard someone beside him talking about him.


    ¡°Have you heard? Li Ziliang from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect has already accepted nine challenges and won all nine of them. He is a Golden Core with four palaces. Now, in the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, his limelight is second only to their Dao Child.¡±


    ¡°This person is indeed extraordinary. Some time ago, he reached a height of about 5,000 feet on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. It¡¯s said that that¡¯s not his limit.¡±


    ¡°He was born at the wrong time. If the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect didn¡¯t have Zhang Siyun, this person might have been able to become their Dao Child.¡±


    ¡°I heard that he has already issued three challenges to Xu Qing, the quasi-Dao Child of the Eight Sects Alliance. That Xu Qing is clearly afraid. Most people from small places have such habits and don¡¯t dare to accept challenges. Recently, various forces have been laughing and chatting about this.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he expressionlessly turned his head and glanced over. The ones discussing this matter were three disciples from small sects who were attached to the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. Their cultivation levels weren¡¯t high and they were only in the Foundation Building realm.


    Xu Qing had seen many such people.


    Their cultivation levels were clearly ordinary but they were very enthusiastic about evaluating experts. It was as though they could find their sense of existence by making bad comments.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past the three people¡¯s faces. After he retracted his gaze, he walked to the stall and pointed at the Five-line golden insect grass.


    ¡°This medicinal herb costs 2,000 spirit stones.¡±


    Xu Qing held the grass in his hand and checked it. After nodding and handing over the spirit stones, he kept the insect grass and asked.


    ¡°Do you have more?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± The vendor¡¯s eyes lit up. He then took out a small clay bottle and carefully opened it. After that, he took out three stalks of golden insect grass and handed them to Xu Qing.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the small clay bottle.


    Generally speaking, the bottles used by cultivators to store items were either jade or metal. There were also wooden ones but it was very rare for them to be formed purely from clay.


    Nourishing the five-line golden insect grass required gold Qi. This caused Xu Qing to be a little surprised. After taking a closer look, he discovered that there was a faint sharp aura emitted from this small clay bottle.


    ¡°It contains metal Qi?¡± Xu Qing pointed at the small bottle.


    The bald cultivator swept his gaze across Xu Qing and grinned.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist, this isn¡¯t ordinary metal Qi. It¡¯s the imperial metal Qi emitted by the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. I obtained it by luck when I climbed the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.¡±


    ¡°This Qi can only be contained with clay. Generally speaking, it can be used to upgrade artifacts once. I don¡¯t have a suitable magic artifact now, so I¡¯m using it to nourish the insect grass for the time being.¡±


    ¡°You want to buy it? This thing is very expensive. 500,000 spirit stones!¡±


    The bald cultivator licked his lips. He could tell that the person in front of him should be a sect cultivator. Previously, he didn¡¯t bargain when buying the insect grass. He was definitely wealthy.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He had heard a little about the Qi emitted by the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar from his captain. It also contained the so-called imperial metal Qi.


    This reminded him of his iron stick.


    ¡°I¡¯ve asked around. Many people have sold this Qi over the years. I can buy it for 50,000 spirit stones. I won¡¯t buy it if it¡¯s beyond that.¡±


    The baldy had a displeased expression. Recently, he had been in dire need of spirit stones to buy alchemy pills and was preparing to break through the three fires Foundation Building realm and step into the Golden Core realm. He felt that Xu Qing was rich, so he named the price.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s counter offer made him feel like he was joking. Hence, just as he was about to shake his head, Xu Qing glanced at the bald man and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°I still have a Palace Nourishing Pill.¡± As Xu Qing spoke, he took out a pill bottle. This was something he had bought before he advanced to the Golden Core. However, he didn¡¯t need to use it. Its value was also about 300,000 spirit stones.


    This pill was somewhat helpful in advancing to the Golden Core. Moreover, only large sects sold it and rogue cultivators couldn¡¯t buy it directly.


    The bald cultivator¡¯s expression froze. After taking it, he opened it and took a sniff. His expression changed slightly and he hesitated for a moment before nodding.


    ¡°Deal!¡±


    As he spoke, he passed the small clay bottle to Xu Qing and immediately packed up his stall and left.


    Xu Qing held the small clay bottle and kept it after shaking it. He planned to return to the encampment and see if it was effective on the iron stick.


    At that moment, as he was walking toward the encampment, waves of commotion suddenly rang out from the direction of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    Xu Qing lifted his head. On the towering Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, someone had climbed over 5,000 feet.


    This person was none other than the heaven¡¯s chosen from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect he had seen when he arrived here. He was the Li Ziliang that those people were talking about earlier. He had challenged Xu Qing several times but Xu Qing ignored all of them.


    At that moment, he had surpassed his previous limit and reached 6,000 feet, causing the discussions of the cultivators near the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    Huang Yikun and some of the heaven¡¯s chosens from the Alliance could only reach a height of about 2,000 feet.


    Right now, regardless of whether it was the Eight Sects Alliance or the other forces, Li Ziliang who had climbed the highest and suppressed the disciples of the various sects, was instantly in the limelight.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever as he retracted his gaze.


    He didn¡¯t care about this and left the market. When he was getting closer and closer to the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s encampment, Xu Qing saw a Dao altar.


    There were many Dao altars in Absolute Beginning Separation City. Most of them were places that talked about cultivation methods and were set up by the Sword Holding Court.


    Occasionally, a Sword Holder would come and personally give a lecture. Although it wasn¡¯t for free, it was only a symbolic fee of one spirit stone.


    At that moment, there were dozens of rogue cultivators outside the Dao altar. There weren¡¯t many of them, so what they were talking about wasn¡¯t cultivation methods but the Dao of plants and vegetation.


    From afar, a hoarse and ancient voice rang out from the Dao altar.


    ¡°Green Lotus Flower Dew, also known as Green Lotus Dew. It¡¯s the flower bud of the water lily family. Coupled with the fragrant water obtained by using a special heating method, it has the function of calming the lungs and treating coughing of blood¡­¡±


    ¡°Goldturn grass, also known as¡­¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks. He was extremely familiar with these two sentences. It was the records of medicinal herbs in the herb books, word for word.


    With a thought, he turned his head.


    With this glance, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled and his eyes revealed a bright light.


    He saw a thin old man.


    This old man wore a gray robe. Although there were many wrinkles on his face, his eyes were bright and filled with vigor. There was a deepness in them, as though they contained wisdom. His voice was pure and gentle.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes dimmed a little. He stood there and listened for a while before leaving silently.

 Chapter 457

    ?457 Abnormality


    The sky in the north turned darker earlier than in the south, and it was the same for dusk.


    It came and went quickly, giving way to the dark night.


    This was because the white snow didn¡¯t like sunlight and the sky hated the dusk.


    Very soon, the sky was pitch-black.


    However, the long night couldn¡¯t compare to longing¡­


    Xu Qing stood in front of his tent in the encampment and stared at the dark night, looking in the direction of the Nanhuang Continent.


    This place was too far from the Nanhuang Continent.


    ¡°I wonder how Chen Feiyuan is doing and how Ting Yu is now. With them around, there won¡¯t be a lack of offerings in front of Teacher¡¯s grave.¡± Xu Qing mumbled and walked inside the tent.


    After sitting down, he sighed softly and closed his eyes.


    After a long time, the waves in his heart calmed down. Only then did he take out the small clay bottle.


    ¡°I hope it will be useful.¡± Xu Qing placed the small clay bottle to the side and took out the black iron stick that had accompanied him for many years. His right hand gently stroked it.


    He knew every detail of this iron stick.


    The teacher in the slums had once said that the older one was, the more nostalgic they would be. Xu Qing felt that this wasn¡¯t absolute because he wasn¡¯t old but he was still very nostalgic.


    Regardless of whether it was people or things, as long as they had helped him before, he wouldn¡¯t forget them.


    With such emotions, Xu Qing opened the small clay bottle. He then placed the black iron stick into the bottle and even spread out his perception to fuse into the iron stick to sense the changes inside.


    Very soon, Xu Qing sensed traces of golden fog coming from the small clay bottle.


    This fog drifted and entered the black iron stick. However, most of it circled around the iron stick and slowly nourished it.


    This process wasn¡¯t short. A full night passed. When the sky outside was starting to brighten, all the golden fog disappeared.


    All of them had fused into the iron stick.


    Xu Qing took out the iron stick and held it in front of his eyes to observe it carefully. He looked at every inch of it seriously. After he examined it fully, a smile appeared on his face.


    The cracks in the black iron stick were mostly repaired overnight. Most importantly, the material itself seemed to be a little different from before.


    It was as though it had been refined again.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had more say on this matter. Hence, when Xu Qing summoned him, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor also sensed the iron stick seriously and finally spoke with certainty.


    ¡°Master, I can sense that the material of the iron stick is changing. Just like when a cultivator advances, it is also advancing. If this continues, it will undergo a transformation. It will transform from an ordinary treasure to a magic artifact. Also, because it has been enhanced by me before, once it becomes a magic artifact, its might won¡¯t be inferior to a spirit artifact at all!


    It can even be said that it¡¯s a spirit artifact but it needs more nourishment.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded as a look of contemplation appeared in his eyes.


    The price of this imperial metal Qi was very expensive but the simplest method was indeed to purchase it. However, Xu Qing felt that there shouldn¡¯t be much of it sold outside.


    ¡°I¡¯ll look for it first. Also, I need to make a trip to the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar in the near future to see if I can obtain this imperial metal Qi.¡±


    Xu Qing made up his mind and carefully kept the iron stick. He then closed his eyes and meditated.


    Very soon, the sky lit up. Xu Qing opened his eyes and walked out, searching for the metal Qi in the markets.


    It was indeed as he had judged. Although this peculiar Qi from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar had some supply, the quantity was indeed very small. Xu Qing searched for a day but only managed to collect three wisps of Qi.


    According to his analysis, if he wanted to complete the advancement of the black iron stick, he needed at least 30 wisps of Qi.


    As dusk arrived, Xu Qing saw the Dao altar again on the way to the encampment. He saw the old man sitting cross-legged and explaining the Dao of plants and vegetation.


    ¡°Night Corpse Leading Ox, also known as Poison Mountain Root Turtledove Chrysanthemum. It is the stem and root of the chrysanthemum plant. It is a wooden vine that grows in ravines, cold streams, or jungles¡­¡±


    His voice was ancient and echoed in all directions. However, the number of rogue cultivators outside the Dao altar was even fewer than yesterday. There were only a dozen or so today.


    Xu Qing listened for a while before leaving silently. This time, before he left, he paid a spirit stone.


    Just like that, time flowed by and very soon, half a month passed.


    In this half a month, more and more disciples of the human race¡¯s various forces arrived at the Absolute Beginning Separation City, causing the city to become even more lively. Moreover, there were also many more cultivators climbing the pillar.


    However, the person ranked first was still Li Ziliang from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. He had already reached almost 8,000 feet. The higher he went, the more difficult it seemed to be.


    During this time, he sent three more challenge letters to the Alliance. The one who he challenged was still Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing ignored all of the challenge letters. During this period of time, other than occasionally purchasing some metal Qi, he spent the vast majority of his time at the Dao altar. Stopping there every day for a little while when he returned had already become a habit of his.


    It was only when he heard the old man start to explain the alchemy method that he decided to sit beside the Dao altar and listen.


    Back then, Grandmaster Bai had only imparted knowledge of plants to him, and not much about the art of alchemy. Xu Qing had slowly figured out various things himself.


    At the same time, he also sensed that the ordinary-looking old man¡¯s attainments in alchemy were extremely high. This was because Xu Qing would often feel a sense of enlightenment from a single sentence from the other party.


    ¡°The conversion method of the two extremes of yin and yang is actually one of the methods. Alchemy is vast and far-reaching. So far, the human race has more than 6,000 alchemy techniques.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think highly of learning these alchemy techniques. Because they are only external techniques, at most, I¡¯ll only impart the Yin-Yang Extreme Conversion Technique. Techniques are mostly an application of knowledge of plants and vegetation.¡±


    ¡°All of you must remember that there are thousands of paths, but one destination.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, the foundation is the most important in alchemy. After that, you have to figure out a suitable method on your own. After all, even the simplest combination technique is effective.¡±


    ¡°As for the so-called refinement, in this old man¡¯s opinion, it¡¯s all to better stimulate and concoct the medicinal effects of herbs.¡±


    ¡°Although these methods are alchemy techniques, I hope that the human cultivators who listen to my alchemy techniques can understand the essence. Only then will they have future achievements.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard all of this, his expression was in a daze. He vaguely felt that this old man in front of him had become Grandmaster Bai.


    He instinctively sat up straight and remembered all of this. At the same time, as he studied, he gradually felt that he had a better understanding of alchemy.


    His attainments in alchemy had clearly improved. Moreover, he had a clear systematic structure to support him.


    His foundation was forged by Grandmaster Bai and was extremely solid.


    After that, he self-studied and mixed many things which gradually made it chaotic. It was because of his previous foundation and his focus on the poison path that he could barely maintain his alchemy system from collapsing.


    This learning session was like removing the weeds and saving the essence, causing Xu Qing to slowly have a direction in alchemy.


    According to what Old Master Seventh had said when he brought Xu Qing to the Ghost Emperor Mountain back then, another ¡®god¡¯ had now moved into Xu Qing¡¯s heart, one that illuminated his alchemy path.


    This made Xu Qing very happy. It had been a long time since he was so happy.


    That increase in knowledge made him feel very fulfilled. However, accidents would always appear unexpectedly, causing Xu Qing¡¯s learning to be interrupted.


    There was something he needed to deal with.


    The cause of this matter was some conflicts that weren¡¯t very serious. Some disciples of Mystic Nether Sect and the Seven Blood Eyes had friction with the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. Actually, this was more or less related to Xu Qing.


    During this period of time, he had ignored Li Ziliang¡¯s challenges many times, causing there to be a lot of rumors. These rumors naturally made the disciples of the Eight Sects Alliance feel uncomfortable.


    Hence, it was difficult to avoid the appearance of friction.


    This was the case this time. A few disciples of the Mystic Nether Sect and the Seven Blood Eyes were detained by Li Ziliang during the conflict. Moreover, he was very heavy handed.


    He also informed the Eight Sects Alliance and named Xu Qing specifically to apologize if they wanted to get their disciples back.


    This was clearly to force Xu Qing to fight with him.


    This matter quickly spread, causing most of the disciples of the various forces at the Absolute Beginning Separation City to know. They all paid attention to this matter with the mentality of watching a show.


    After all, Xu Qing hadn¡¯t accepted the challenges previously. From the perspective of those who didn¡¯t understand Xu Qing, this was clearly a cowardly act. Now that Li Ziliang had done this, they wanted to see if Xu Qing would continue to avoid the challenge.


    ¡°It¡¯s a little annoying.¡± After Xu Qing heard about this, he frowned. He was naturally not annoyed by the Alliance¡¯s disciples but by Li Ziliang.


    Xu Qing clearly saw the other party¡¯s intention to use him to establish his might and attract the attention of the Sword Holders.


    This thought couldn¡¯t be said to be wrong, but to detain others and force a battle to achieve his goal was a little too much and even abnormal.


    And, Xu Qing pondered deeply when things were abnormal.


    For example, did the other party have other motives for challenging him many times?


    However, no matter what the motive was, the other party didn¡¯t seem to be prepared. Hence, he only forced him to accept the challenge and not a life-and-death battle. This made Xu Qing feel that there was a high chance that the other party wanted to test his strength.


    Regardless of whether it was the slums, the scavenger campsite, or the things he had learned in the sect, Xu Qing only had one way to deal with such a situation.


    That was to not give the other party a second chance to attack. He would kill the enemy in the first battle.


    What he hated the most was when he couldn¡¯t kill the enemy after the fight. After all, from his analysis, there was a high chance that the other party had ill intentions. In such a situation, hatred would definitely be formed.


    If the other party continued to grow, Xu Qing would feel that they were a hidden danger.


    Xu Qing took out a jade slip and transmitted his voice to the ancestor to ask.


    ¡°Ancestor, killing is not allowed within the range of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. Does this range refer to the entire territory or just this city?¡±


    A long time later, the ancestor faintly replied.


    ¡°This city, you brat¡­ Forget it, you can do whatever you want.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. Outside the Dao altar, he cupped his fists toward the old man who was narrating about herbs. He knew that the other party wouldn¡¯t pay attention because during this period of time, the old man had only been narrating and hadn¡¯t asked or paid attention to anyone below.


    ¡°Li Ziliang, do you dare to accept life-and-death battle?¡±


    As soon as his voice rang out, the entire city and the disciples of the various forces instantly broke into an uproar.

 Chapter 458

    ?458 Will Seed


    Xu Qing¡¯s words exploded in the city like lightning and even caused rumbles to echo.


    Most of the cultivators who heard this were shocked, especially the disciples of the various forces.


    It had been too long since such a life-and-death battle had appeared in the Absolute Beginning Separation City.


    Generally speaking, everyone tacitly agreed for the disciples of the various forces to challenge each other here. After all, they were all heaven¡¯s chosens of the human race. With so many of them gathered together, it was inevitable that there would be disputes to determine who was superior.


    Coupled with the rules of the Sword Holding Court, the number of challenges became even more frequent. During this period of time, challengers appeared in every force.


    However, there was never a life-and-death battle. Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s words were naturally like thunder to everyone.


    They never expected that Xu Qing, who had been avoiding battle and was thought to be weak by many people in private, would be so murderous the moment he spoke.


    This was beyond the expectations of too many people.


    ¡°How ruthless!¡±


    ¡°He is silent when he doesn¡¯t make a move, but the moment he makes a move, he wants to kill?!¡±


    ¡°Previously, I was still thinking that as a quasi-Dao Child, how could Xu Qing be so weak? Now, this is exciting!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say. I hope Xu Qing isn¡¯t courting death. That Li Ziliang isn¡¯t simple!¡±


    Discussions continued. A large number of cultivators soared into the air and looked in the direction of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect in unison, wanting to see if Li Ziliang would take the challenge.


    Among the crowd that flew up, there were also disciples from the Alliance.


    The cultivators of the Alliance knew more about Xu Qing and were delighted. This was even more so for the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples.


    Very soon, more and more people paid attention to this matter and they were all waiting for Li Ziliang¡¯s answer.


    Even the people climbing the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar got down one after another and paid attention to this battle. It could be said that Xu Qing¡¯s words instantly attracted the attention of everyone in the city.


    As for Li Ziliang, it was the same. Although he wasn¡¯t the Grand Affairs¡¯ Dao Child, he was still extremely famous.


    In addition, he had been in the limelight during this period of time. He had easily won more than ten challenges. The combat strength of his four palaces was astonishing. He was also always above the other climbers in the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    In fact, there were even some Sword Holders who paid attention to him, so this battle naturally became a hot topic instantly.


    Amidst the countless gazes, in the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, Li Ziliang¡¯s expression was calm. A cold glint flashed in his eyes, but he was a little hesitant.


    The people outside didn¡¯t understand Xu Qing but he had specially paid attention to him and knew that the other party wasn¡¯t simple.


    If it wasn¡¯t a life-and-death battle, he wouldn¡¯t have hesitated at all. After all, no matter what, there was no life-and-death crisis, and he could give it his all.


    He even felt that there was a high chance that he could win.


    Moreover, fighting with Xu Qing would attract even more attention. After all, the other party¡¯s status in the Eight Sects Alliance was extraordinary. If he won, he could suppress the other party and his position would soar.


    He would gain a lot of reputation.


    The display of his talent could also attract the attention of the Sword Holding Court and secretly increase his points.


    Most importantly, someone had promised him great benefits to probe Xu Qing¡¯s depths.


    He knew very well that that person valued Xu Qing¡¯s life lantern.


    That person was extremely meticulous in his actions and always pursued the path of victory.


    In reality, he also took a fancy to Xu Qing¡¯s life lantern.


    However, he wasn¡¯t ready yet, so he was a little hesitant to take the life-and-death battle challenge.


    This wasn¡¯t the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. If he really went, it would be a life-and-death battle. With so many people watching, it was impossible for the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect and the Alliance to protect them.


    However, he thought of how powerful his four Heavenly Palaces were and according to the information, Xu Qing only had three Heavenly Palaces.


    Even if the latter had an emperor-level cultivation art, he would only be on par with him.


    ¡°Life-and-death battle¡­ If I kill him and take away his life lantern, the Eight Sects Alliance and that person won¡¯t be able to say anything.¡±


    ¡°However, since Xu Qing dared to propose a life-and-death battle, he must have something he¡¯s confident in. The outcome of this battle is hard to say¡­¡± Li Ziliang wasn¡¯t stupid. His analysis was very thorough. It was just that he was more or less caught between a rock and a hard place now.


    After all, he was the one who had proposed many challenges previously. If he didn¡¯t accept the life-and-death battle, he would definitely lose all his face and the reputation he had gained in the past would instantly dissipate.


    ¡°Although there are unknown dangers, it¡¯s still an opportunity.¡±


    ¡°Besides, other than Zhang Siyun, that sinister, cunning, cold-hearted, and almost inhumane person, I have never encountered another person who could avoid my trump card.¡±


    Li Ziliang continued to ponder for a while and the discussions outside gradually increased. As all kinds of rumors faintly echoed, killing intent flashed in Li Ziliang¡¯s eyes.


    He knew that he couldn¡¯t hesitate anymore and sneered again.


    ¡°Xu Qing, since you have a death wish, you can¡¯t blame me!¡±


    He flew out of his tent. The moment he stepped into the sky, the gazes of countless cultivators in Absolute Beginning Separation City focused on him.


    Under the gazes of everyone, Li Ziliang transformed into a rainbow and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    He wore a purple shirt and had long hair. He had a demonic appearance, a cold expression, and calm eyes.


    All of this caused Li Ziliang to narrow his eyes. His speed didn¡¯t decrease as he headed straight for Xu Qing. Just as he was about to rush out of the city, his speed suddenly increased by two times.


    When he arrived, his speed was already very fast. Now that he suddenly increased his speed, it formed a sense of surprise, especially since this speed was something he had never displayed when fighting others before.


    At that moment, his speed soared explosively. His entire person transformed into an afterimage and rushed out of the city, approaching Xu Qing. He then lifted his right hand and pressed down fiercely.


    Four Heavenly Palaces manifested behind him.


    The shapes of these four Heavenly Palaces were similar, but they were different from ordinary Heavenly Palaces. They were in the shape of a ladder and were completely made of crystal. They were filled with runes and emitted a resplendent light.


    As Li Ziliang pressed down, the four Heavenly Palaces instantly appeared above Xu Qing¡¯s head.


    They were piled together. From afar, the four Heavenly Palaces overlapped and seemed to form a crystal pagoda.


    They instantly suppressed Xu Qing.


    All of this happened in the blink of an eye and this was Li Ziliang¡¯s trump card when coupled with his speed.


    As the Heavenly Palaces landed, Li Ziliang suddenly spread out his divine sense and transmitted his voice to Xu Qing, saying something that only Xu Qing could hear.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯ve been looking for you for a long time. Do you still remember the hatred between us¡­¡±


    These words echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. Xu Qing was expressionless. He didn¡¯t know the other party and was certain that he had never seen him before. Otherwise, if the other party had any hatred for him, he would have been put on the bamboo slip long ago.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t care what the other party said. At that moment, the four Heavenly Palaces above whistled down and smashed fiercely toward him. The power of the four palaces erupted completely.


    The surroundings trembled. The pagoda formed by the four Heavenly Palaces drowned Xu Qing¡¯s figure.


    Countless bolts of lightning formed around it that connected to the ground like threads. The pagoda kept on smashing toward the ground.


    However, the pagoda suddenly stopped in mid-air. As its body trembled, an earth-shattering bang echoed.


    Amidst the rumbling, the pagoda collapsed at a speed visible to the naked eye and shattered into countless pieces that shot in all directions.


    It revealed Xu Qing¡¯s figure in the air and the nine layers of waves that flipped the sky around him.


    Waves after waves spread out in all directions. Xu Qing, who was standing on the waves, was like a sea god.


    A roar rang out. Behind Xu Qing, above the waves, the Golden Crow was like the sun rising from the sea, emitting a golden light above Xu Qing.


    Although its body was black in the golden light, it had already grown 19 rainbow-colored phoenix tails that danced in the air. Wherever it passed, burning phoenix feathers would circle the world.


    Li Ziliang¡¯s expression changed. He knew that Xu Qing was very strong but it was only at this moment that he truly sensed the berserk power on Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    He felt that the latter was infinitely close to five palaces combat strength.


    ¡®Damn it, why didn¡¯t my voice transmission plant any doubts in his mind!¡¯


    Almost at the instant he looked at Xu Qing, Xu Qing moved.


    He rushed straight toward Li Ziliang. The Golden Crow spread its wings and the raging waves followed.


    Li Ziliang¡¯s pupils contracted and he rapidly retreated, performing a series of hand seals with both hands.


    ¡°Immortal art, True Spirit Ice Spear!¡±


    Dazzling ice spears manifested in the surroundings and whistled toward Xu Qing.


    They tried to obstruct Xu Qing but were destroyed by the Golden Crow.


    ¡°Immortal art, Fire Omen!¡±


    In that instant, a sea of fire formed in all directions, transforming into a huge fire palm that swept toward Xu Qing. However, it was drowned by the furious waves.


    ¡°Immortal art, Divination of the Four Palaces!¡±


    The shattered Heavenly Palace fragments in the sky all blurred and dissipated. After that, four more Heavenly Palaces appeared in the air and lined up. Two were side by side in front and two were vertically behind.


    It was like a fragmented divination array that seemed to be analyzing and deducing.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. With a wave of Li Ziliang¡¯s hand, a huge mirror appeared below Xu Qing.


    This mirror was illusory and countless blurry figures appeared in the mirror. They couldn¡¯t be seen clearly but they seemed to contain some strange power, causing one¡¯s gaze to involuntarily look over. The more they couldn¡¯t see clearly, the more they wanted to see.


    After doing this, Li Ziliang raised his right hand and quickly performed a series of hand seals, as though he was calculating something.


    The many figures in the mirror also began to become clearer.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing punched open the Heavenly Palaces, and Li Ziliang¡¯s expression suddenly changed drastically and he spat out a mouthful of blood. He looked at Xu Qing in disbelief and cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°I know why you don¡¯t recognize me. Your body¡­ you were actually¡­¡±


    As he spoke, he looked like he had seen a ghost. He suddenly turned around and fled into the distance.


    The instant he fled, Xu Qing grabbed.


    The direction Xu Qing grabbed wasn¡¯t where Li Ziliang was fleeing but behind him!

 Chapter 459

    ?459 Establishing Power


    A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. As he lifted his right hand, a figure was grabbed by the neck from the void behind him and pulled out fiercely.


    The figure struggled but it was useless. At the next instant, it revealed itself clearly. It was still Li Ziliang but his face was rapidly turning black.


    Xu Qing¡¯s hand had poison.


    The moment he touched Li Ziliang, the other party was already poisoned and was rotting.


    At that moment, the fleeing Li Ziliang¡¯s body turned blurry and dissipated.


    ¡°How did you know I was here! Impossible! Moreover, you don¡¯t have any doubts even now. You¡­ what exactly did you experience in the past? How can your determination be so firm!!¡±


    Li Ziliang, whose neck was grabbed by Xu Qing, revealed horror and disbelief in his eyes as he cried out involuntarily.


    If it were the opponents he had encountered before, most of their expressions would have changed and they would have chased after him regardless of the cost to silence him. After all, everyone had secrets, and it would be obvious to them that their secrets had been seen through.


    His words were half-truths which could easily make the others be filled with doubts. When others heard them, they would instinctively have distracting thoughts. Their attention would also be on his fleeing figure and they would chase after him.


    This was his goal!


    Li Ziliang didn¡¯t have any deduction power and didn¡¯t know any divination techniques at all. However, the spells of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect were mysterious and focused on domain.


    However, he hadn¡¯t cultivated the domain yet and had only reached the level of will.


    The so-called will wasn¡¯t a literal meaning but an even more complicated one. The word ¡®will¡¯ encompassed emotions.


    To be precise, what he cultivated was doubt. As long as the enemy had doubts when facing him, he could instantly sense them and turn them into his trump card that could burn the enemy¡¯s soul.


    In the past, he had used this move to kill many people. Other than when he used it against the Dao Child Zhang Siyun, no one else had been able to avoid it.


    He originally thought that today would be the same. As long as Xu Qing had distracting thoughts, he could unleash his trump card. As long as Xu Qing rushed out and targeted his clone, he could secretly attack. Coupled with his trump card, it would be a fatal blow.


    However, today, he encountered a second failure.


    He survived the first time, but he wouldn¡¯t be able to survive this failure.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have the habit of explaining to the enemy. At that moment, amidst Li Ziliang¡¯s struggle, his right hand instantly turned transparent and directly entered the other party¡¯s Heavenly Palace. With a pull, he took out four crystal-like golden cores.


    An ear splitting scream spread in all directions. At this moment of life-and-death crisis, despair appeared in Li Ziliang¡¯s eyes as he spoke anxiously.


    ¡°Someone asked me to probe you. That¡¯s why I challenged you previously. Xu Qing, don¡¯t kill me. You just have to let me leave and I¡¯ll tell you who it is¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. A dagger manifested in his left hand and he sliced open Li Ziliang¡¯s neck.


    Blood splattered everywhere and flowed down.


    It stained his clothes and scattered on the ground. Compared to the white snow, the pool of blood was very eye-catching.


    Li Ziliang clutched his neck and looked at Xu Qing in a daze. His eyes were filled with disbelief, as though he couldn¡¯t understand why Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop and let him speak.


    After all, if it was anyone else, they would at least ask.


    Although he didn¡¯t dare to say who that person was, he could deliberately mystify things and say other names to lure the disaster away. Moreover, he had already thought of who to refer, such as Saintly Star¡¯s father or Xu Qing¡¯s fellow disciples.


    It would naturally be best if he succeeded. If he didn¡¯t, he could also use this to exchange for the other party¡¯s doubts and complete the fatal blow he hadn¡¯t been able to carry out.


    However, Xu Qing actually didn¡¯t have any intention of listening, causing all his plans to be for naught.


    Hence, at this moment, resentment appeared in his eyes. However, this resentment had no roots. In the end, as his body fell, everything turned into eternal regret.


    Actually, he already regretted it.


    He regretted being greedy for the benefits that person had given him and helping the other party probe Xu Qing. He challenged him many times and even detained his fellow disciples and demanded him to apologize, just to force him to fight.


    He regretted being greedy and thinking that he had a chance of winning this battle.


    He regretted even more. He shouldn¡¯t have cared about his face and accepted this life-and-death battle.


    However, this still couldn¡¯t compare to his confusion. Even until his death, he didn¡¯t know why Xu Qing didn¡¯t have the slightest doubt from the start to the end.


    Now, everything had become regret and the past.


    The world was pitch-black in front of him, as though someone had closed a curtain for him.


    The scene outside the city was quiet.


    Only sporadic snowflakes were stirred up by the wind and slowly fell from the sky, floating on the corpse and covering the blood.


    Very soon¡­ the blood could no longer be seen. Only Li Ziliang¡¯s corpse remained motionless.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He had heard the other party¡¯s words and both believed and didn¡¯t believe it.


    He believed that someone had indeed instigated it because this matched his previous analysis.


    However, he didn¡¯t believe anything else.


    At the end of the day, it was because Xu Qing trusted too few people. Hence, most of the time, he only trusted himself.


    This was because it was obvious that the person who could arrange for Li Ziliang to probe was someone who the latter couldn¡¯t refuse. If the latter really said the other party¡¯s name, even if Li Ziliang survived, his future would be very miserable.


    Xu Qing felt that it wasn¡¯t worth it to exchange a fake name for a life.


    This was his personality and habit. When he sensed danger but couldn¡¯t find the owner of that malicious intent, breaking their claws and teeth in a ruthless manner was also a form of deterrence.


    As for the answer to Li Ziliang¡¯s doubts, it was actually very simple.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯ve been looking for you for a long time. Do you still remember the hatred between us¡­¡±


    This was Li Ziliang¡¯s first sentence. However, he didn¡¯t know that Xu Qing¡¯s enemies were all engraved on the bamboo slip. He often took a look at it and wouldn¡¯t forget his enemies even if he forgot everything else.


    ¡°I know why you don¡¯t recognize me. Your body¡­ you were actually¡­¡±


    This second sentence could not stir up the slightest ripple in Xu Qing¡¯s emotions. This was because it had become a habit for him to hide secrets.


    This gave him confidence in his secrets. Unless the other party directly pointed it out, he wouldn¡¯t be moved at all.


    At the end of the day, it wasn¡¯t that Li Ziliang¡¯s will seed technique wasn¡¯t powerful enough, but he didn¡¯t understand Xu Qing and couldn¡¯t say the words that could truly stir Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Flashy,¡± Xu Qing said calmly. This was the only thing he said since the battle began.


    After a short period of silence, an uproar broke out in Absolute Beginning Separation City. Waves of exclamations rang out from the mouths of the disciples of the various forces who were standing in the air.


    ¡°Dead?¡±


    ¡°This¡­ this is too fast! He shattered the Heavenly Palaces and slit his throat with a single strike!¡±


    ¡°He really dares!!¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t afford to offend this Xu Qing. This person is really ruthless. He killed Li Ziliang the moment he attacked¡­ How ruthless! As expected of the only person in the Eight Sects Alliance who enjoys the treatment of a Dao Child!¡±


    Gasps continuously rang out and discussions erupted. The disciples from the various forces and rogue cultivators here were all shocked.


    They were shocked by Xu Qing¡¯s speed and ruthlessness. They couldn¡¯t see through the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art but they could see the withering of Li Ziliang¡¯s corpse and the ear splitting scream before he died.


    This allowed them to imagine how painful it was for Li Ziliang at that time.


    The coldness of that strike caused one to instinctively feel a chill in their hearts. It was as though Xu Qing, who was standing there, had become a fiend in their eyes.


    All of this caused everyone¡¯s expressions to turn solemn, especially the Golden Core cultivators. They looked at Xu Qing with deep fear.


    Even the experts leading the teams from the various forces paid attention to this battle. Many of them looked at the bases of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect and the Eight Sects Alliance.


    The Grand Affairs Immortal Sect was silent.


    It was the same for the Eight Sects Alliance.


    They were all waiting. Even though this matter was clear and there had been precedents before, they still had to wait for the Sword Holding Court to give their conclusion.


    Not long later, a cold voice rang out from above the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    ¡°What a daring and decisive kid!¡±


    ¡°If it was a peaceful era, with your personality, you definitely wouldn¡¯t be able to live for long. But now¡­ what my Sword Holding Court needs is such a wolf cub!¡±


    ¡°The Seven Blood Eyes has produced a good seedling.¡±


    ¡°Kid, I¡¯m looking forward to your results in the assessment!¡±


    The voice echoed in all directions, and Xue Lianzi¡¯s laughter rang out from the Eight Sects Alliance.


    ¡°Xu Qing, thank the lord for his appreciation.¡±


    Xu Qing felt a little hesitant about this evaluation of daring. A guess rose in his mind and he bowed to the sky.


    ¡°Thank you, Lord!¡±


    As the Sword Holding Court had spoken, this matter was also decided. After all, although there had been no deaths until now in this assessment, it had happened in the past.


    Although the Sword Holding Court didn¡¯t tacitly agree or advocate it, if there were deaths outside the city, it wouldn¡¯t be considered a violation of the rules.


    Xue Lianzi knew this, and so did the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    The thoughts of a large sect wouldn¡¯t be shallow. Very soon, cultivators from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect arrived and took away Li Ziliang¡¯s corpse.


    Xu Qing also stepped into the Absolute Beginning Separation City again. However, this time, his step was different from before.


    Previously, his words and actions weren¡¯t paid too much attention. Most of them were private discussions about him avoiding the challenges. Now, wherever he passed, he received reverence and people made way for him.


    No one thought that he was avoiding the challenges anymore. Instead, they understood why he had rejected those challenges previously. It was because the eagle was naturally not interested in the challenge from the sparrow.


    On the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, in front of the Sword Holding Court¡¯s palace, two Sword Holders stood there. One of them was an old man and the other was a middle-aged man. At that moment, they were looking at the ground below and their gazes were on Xu Qing.


    If Xu Qing was here, he would be able to recognize these two.


    The old man was one of the three people who fought against the Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy back then. The middle-aged man also appeared on the campaign against Three Spirits Suppression Mountain. He was the mighty and extraordinary second stage Nihility cultivator who fought against Spirit Venerable Embryonic Light.


    ¡°Is it this kid?¡± This imposing and extraordinary middle-aged man was also wearing an official¡¯s uniform. He glanced at Xu Qing on the ground and calmly spoke.

 Chapter 460 - 460 Ghost Emperor Exterminates Resentment (1)

    460 Ghost Emperor Exterminates Resentment (1)


    ¡°Lord, it¡¯s this kid. His name is Xu Qing.¡±


    ¡°In addition, he has a companion. After investigation, it¡¯s his senior brother, Chen Erniu. As for the third person, it¡¯s also clear. She¡¯s the holy maiden of the Litu Dao Altar of the Yinghuang Province. Her name is Qing Qiu. She¡¯s on the way and will arrive in a few days.¡±


    A strange expression appeared on the old man¡¯s face as he continued speaking.


    ¡°What these three people did hastened the madness of Nether Fairy. So, according to my judgment, they should be the people Nether Fairy hates the most now.¡±


    The middle-aged man nodded.


    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. Let¡¯s try it ourselves first. If we still can¡¯t make Nether Fairy¡¯s emotions collapse and allow us to successfully search her soul, we¡¯ll bring the three of them over to stimulate her.¡±


    ¡°Also, this Xu Qing isn¡¯t bad and his temperament isn¡¯t bad either. If he has the ability to become a Sword Holder, he can be considered a good seedling.¡±


    ¡°The county is preparing to reactivate the Ancient Immortal Forbidden to deal with the signs of frequent recovery from the various provinces. Hence, you can add more bloodshed to this assessment. The times are different. We want wolf cubs, not domestic dogs.¡±


    When the old man heard the words ¡®Ancient Immortal Forbidden¡¯, his expression changed.


    ¡°Reactivate the Ancient Immortal Forbidden? Isn¡¯t there a rumor that an unknown god is sleeping there?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. The world thinks that the calamity in the Wanggu Continent came just from the fragmented-face of the god in the sky, but they don¡¯t know that¡­ according to the records, in the era where the ancient sovereigns and rulers had no choice but to leave, there was not only the fragmented-face which arrived, but there were also many who hid themselves.¡±


    ¡°I wonder what They are waiting for. Since the county has the intention to reactivate it, they might also be under orders to verify it.¡± The middle-aged cultivator shook his head and turned to leave.


    Only the old man stood on the spot with a complicated expression. He sighed softly and his body slowly disappeared.


    Seven days passed.


    During these seven days, Xu Qing returned to his previous life. He headed to the Dao altar every day and listened attentively to the lessons there to learn more about herbs and vegetation.


    No one challenged him anymore. This caused Xu Qing to become the second person among the various forces who no one dared to fight.


    During this period, the Dao Child of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect also returned.


    His return stirred up multicolored light that filled the sky. It was as though he had mastered his spell and couldn¡¯t completely restrain it. Hence, he attracted countless attention. Xu Qing also looked at the sky.


    He sensed a hint of pressure from the multicolored light outside the Dao Child¡¯s body.


    Even after this Dao Child returned, everything in the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect was normal. He didn¡¯t do anything because of Li Ziliang¡¯s death. It was as though in his mind, Li Ziliang was irrelevant.


    ¡°Is it him?¡± Xu Qing fell silent. He wasn¡¯t sure but this didn¡¯t affect his vigilance.


    In addition, in these seven days, Xu Qing¡¯s greatest gain was his improvement in alchemy.


    During a lecture, the old man from the Dao altar proposed a concept. The other party directly said that this concept wasn¡¯t mature and could only be considered a support.


    That was identifying unknown herbs.


    Vein analysis, observing the herb¡¯s habits, the environment of the herb, its effects, and determining their nature with their effects. This series of identification methods opened up an unknown train of thought for Xu Qing.


    He recalled the herb knowledge he had and discovered that although this method of identification wasn¡¯t completely correct, it was at least 80% correct.


    Although the slightest difference in the path of alchemy was the difference between heaven and earth, to alchemy cultivators, having more methods of identifying was extremely useful in using new herbs.


    Other than that, Xu Qing also heard the term divine herb from the old man on the Dao altar.


    Xu Qing was neither familiar nor unfamiliar with divine herbs. He was unfamiliar because there weren¡¯t many records of them in Grandmaster Bai¡¯s books. He wasn¡¯t unfamiliar because ever since he came into contact with plants and vegetation, he had been searching for a divine herb.


    However, even after Captain Lei passed away, and even until now, he still couldn¡¯t find it.


    That was the heavenfate flower that could extend one¡¯s life for a lifetime.


    ¡°The heavenfate flower, also known as the life-extension blaze and the divine spirit grass. It is a mutated variant of the divine-class plant, compound wood. According to records, there are a total of 73 variants, but only the first variant can be used in medicine. It grows in any area within a forbidden zone, but there are no rules to dictate where it might be found. It is extremely rare.


    ¡°Its effects consist of regenerating broken limbs and even reigniting one¡¯s life force. Other than soul injuries, it can cure everything.¡±


    The old man sitting cross-legged on the Dao altar in front of him calmly spoke and imparted his teachings to the seven to eight cultivators who were listening to his lecture.


    To him, the knowledge of herbs and alchemy was both his and the human race¡¯s. Hence, even though not many people listened, he still continued to preach the Dao.


    In fact, in the early years, he would travel in all directions and spread knowledge of herbs and alchemy in different human territories. However, he was getting old and his lifespan was near its end, so he didn¡¯t go out anymore.


    Instead, he stayed in the Sword Holding Court and taught knowledge of herbs and alchemy to the rogue cultivators here.


    Because he had seen too many students, he didn¡¯t pay too much attention to these cultivators who came and went.


    ¡°At the end of the day, the so-called divine plants are a change in life level. In fact, this old man has been studying a topic all these years. It¡¯s plants. They seem to be more suitable for this world after the god arrived than flesh beings.¡±


    ¡°Hence, this old man often thinks that perhaps the divine plant will be the direction to study the god.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his body trembled. He suddenly thought of Illuminate and Bai Li back then.


    Bai Li had a spirit plant on him. In the end, he fused with the spirit plant and erupted with a certain amount of divinity fluctuations. After that, he thought of Saintly Star.

 Chapter 461 - 461 Ghost Emperor Exterminates Resentment (2)

    461 Ghost Emperor Exterminates Resentment (2)


    He didn¡¯t know if that god specimen also had a spirit plant in its body, and he planned to ask his master about this later.


    After all, that god specimen was currently in the Seven Blood Eyes and was being studied by his master.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing continued to listen attentively. Sometimes, he felt that the old man¡¯s explanation was too profound, so he would take out the pharmacopeia and record it, leaving it for later study.


    The other cultivators who were attending the lesson were the same. They would take various notes from time to time.


    Just like that, another half a month passed.


    Xu Qing was completely immersed in his studies but everything had an end. On this dusk, as the old man finished explaining the divine herbs in detail, he looked at the seven to eight cultivators who were attending the lesson, including Xu Qing.


    ¡°You guys don¡¯t have to come over anymore. This old man has already finished explaining the basic chapter of herbs. When your alchemy path breaks through to a higher realm, come and find me. I¡¯ll explain the advanced chapter to you.¡±


    ¡°Also, this old man won¡¯t take in disciples in this life. I don¡¯t hide anything in my teachings, so there¡¯s no difference between being a disciple and not being a disciple. There¡¯s also less karma.¡±


    The old man calmly spoke. His gaze swept past everyone below and didn¡¯t stop on anyone. Only the pharmacopeia in Xu Qing¡¯s hand seemed to catch an additional glance from him.


    Xu Qing and the others hurriedly stood up and bowed respectfully to the old man.


    Although they weren¡¯t true master and disciple, this month of classes was also a debt of gratitude.


    However, there were three cultivators with regretful expressions. Clearly, they had wanted to use their serious performance to fight for the chance to be disciples.


    After all, those who could listen to the lesson until now were all people with knowledge of herbs. They were very clear that this old man¡¯s alchemy attainments in herbs had reached the peak.


    For such a person to teach in the Sword Holding Court, he must be extraordinary.


    In reality, it wasn¡¯t just the Dao altars here. Most of the listeners in the other Dao altars in the city had similar thoughts when the Sword Holders explained spell cultivation or weapon refinement.


    But now, as the old man spoke, they knew that there was no hope.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior.¡± Everyone spoke in low voices. After bowing three times, they left separately.


    Xu Qing was the same. He bowed three times and left.


    When their figures disappeared into the distance, the void beside the old man on the Dao altar distorted and a Sword Holder walked out.


    This person¡¯s Nascent Soul cultivation base energy spread clearly. He respectfully bowed to the old man.


    ¡°Sir, I¡¯m here to bring you back.¡±


    The old man nodded and slowly stood up. Just as he was about to leave, he glanced in the direction Xu Qing had left in. The pharmacopeia the latter had taken out appeared in his mind. After pondering for a moment, he pointed toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°Investigate this kid¡¯s background.¡±


    The Sword Holder was stunned. After his gaze swept over, he took out a jade slip and asked. Very soon, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°This kid¡¯s name is Xu Qing. He comes from the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s Seven Blood Eyes and is a quasi-Dao Child of the Eight Sects Alliance. Previously, he killed a heaven¡¯s chosen of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect outside the city.¡±


    ¡°Seven Blood Eyes? It¡¯s that small sect in the Nanhuang Continent, right?¡± The old man¡¯s eyes revealed memories.


    ¡°Yes,¡± the Sword Holder said respectfully.


    ¡°Nanhuang Continent? No wonder he has that pharmacopeia.¡± The old man mumbled. He didn¡¯t know Xu Qing but he knew that pharmacopeia.


    Many years ago, he had gone to the Nanhuang Continent. When he was traveling there to impart his knowledge, he encountered a youth in Purple Earth.


    That youth was very studious and his talent was high, causing him to have the thought of taking him in as a disciple. However, when he asked if the other party was willing to leave with him, the other party rejected him politely and told him that he wanted to stay in the Nanhuang Continent and Purple Earth.


    He didn¡¯t force it. Instead, before he left, he gave the youth a pharmacopeia as encouragement.


    60 years had passed since then. He had already seen the book in Xu Qing¡¯s hand a few days ago, and felt that it was familiar. Right now, he recalled that past.


    The old man sighed with emotion but he didn¡¯t go talk to Xu Qing. After all, it was all in the past. He shook his head and took a step forward, heading straight for the Sword Holding Court.


    As for Xu Qing, after he returned to the encampment, he rearranged the alchemy knowledge he had learned during this period of time and firmly memorized them. Only then did he sit and meditate.


    The moment dawn broke, Xu Qing opened his eyes and looked at the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to climb.¡±


    He had been here for more than a month and already had a very detailed understanding of the qualifications for the trial and the true trial. Among them, the first trial qualification was bonus points.


    For example, comprehending nine battle spirit marks and the height on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    The more insights they gained and the higher they climbed, the more bonus points they would gain.


    In addition, although there were still some imperial metal Qi for sale in the market, the price was too high and Xu Qing was reluctant to buy them. Hence, no matter what, he felt that he had to give the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar a try.


    After all, most of the disciples of the Eight Sects Alliance had already climbed to a certain height other than him and the captain.


    ¡°Is the captain missing?¡±


    Xu Qing walked out of the encampment and sized up his surroundings on the way to the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. During this period of time, he had searched for a long time but couldn¡¯t find any traces of the captain.


    Seeing that the captain still didn¡¯t appear, Xu Qing could only put away the thought of looking for him and gradually arrived at the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    His appearance immediately attracted the attention of everyone here.


    ¡°It¡¯s Xu Qing!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s finally here!¡±


    ¡°I wonder how high he can climb!¡±


    They all made way. Xu Qing calmly walked past them until he reached the foot of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    Compared to this pillar, the cultivators on the ground were like ants, incomparably tiny.


    Xu Qing looked at the earth-shattering huge pillar in front of him. The rules of climbing the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar that he had understood during this period of time appeared in his mind.


    There were two points on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar that affected cultivators¡¯ climbing.


    One was the impact of resentment.


    The Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar was a killing weapon to begin with. The Ghost Emperor used this weapon to kill countless living beings in his life. This caused the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar to be filled with the resentment of countless races.


    This resentment was extremely intense. It was just that it was suppressed by the battle intent and wasn¡¯t that terrifying. However, if one¡¯s body came into contact with it, they would still suffer some impact from the resentment.


    Moreover, the higher they went, the more intense the impact of the resentment.


    When it reached the extreme intensity, it would form the soul of resentment of an ancient cultivator ¨C who had died in the Ghost Emperor¡¯s hands ¨C in the cultivator¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    This was the second difficulty.


    The only way for cultivators to continue climbing was to drive it out of their sea of consciousness.


    If they failed to expel it, they wouldn¡¯t be possessed but they would be shaken out of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. It would be considered the end of the challenge.


    The higher one went, the more realistic the resentful souls of ancient cultivators became and the harder it was to expel them. Moreover, they were born from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar and seemed to be one with it, so they were all in an indestructible state.


    Once they wasted too much time, the cultivators would definitely fail.


    This information appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. He looked at the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar in front of him and took a deep breath.


    Xu Qing could clearly feel the vast pressure from this pillar as he stood there. The Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness emitted light at this moment.


    A long time later, a sharp glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Under the gazes of everyone in the surroundings, his body swayed and he soared into the air, stepping onto the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    With a step, he reached a distance of 100 feet. A strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He could sense the impact of resentment but it was very weak and there was nothing to be afraid of.


    Hence, his footsteps didn¡¯t stop. He quickly walked up and continued forward.


    400 feet, 800 feet, 1,300 feeta?|


    In just three to five breaths of time, Xu Qing¡¯s figure directly appeared at a height of 2,000 feet. Here, his body paused for the first time.


    In his mind, countless resentment from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar rapidly gathered into a blurry figure.


    An ancient aura that carried madness and greed spread out from this figure. There were also waves of terrifying roars echoing in his sea of consciousness.


    This figure was about to completely form.


    However, at the next instanta?| as the Ghost Emperor Mountain in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness shook, this figure suddenly trembled and directly collapsed. Vaguely, there were mournful cries echoing from within. It was as though this vengeful spirit had changed from an indestructible state and was completely destroyed.


    ¡°Ghost Emperor!!¡±

 Chapter 462

    ?462 Unrivaled


    The Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar in the northern icy plain was incomparably huge.


    Its ten thousand feet thick body and the endless height that pierced into the clouds made it seem like it was supporting the world.


    Countless runes and totems protruded from the pillar. Some were hundreds of feet tall and some were just ten feet tall.


    All of this made cultivators look very insignificant when climbing it.


    At that moment, Xu Qing had climbed a height of 2,000 feet on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. His right hand grabbed the protruding edge of a totem on the pillar and he leaped up to stand on the totem.


    This totem looked like a fanged ghost face that was filled with malevolence and baleful aura.


    Xu Qing took a look and a look of realization appeared on his face. This was because the figure that appeared in his sea of consciousness earlier was somewhat similar to this ghost face.


    However, even he didn¡¯t expect that the soul formed by the countless resentment in his sea of consciousness would be directly suppressed and destroyed by the Ghost Emperor Mountain the instant it appeared.


    This destruction was different from the rules Xu Qing understood about climbing the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    When climbing normally, cultivators would withstand the impact of resentment. After the resentment soul formed in their sea of consciousness, because it was difficult to extinguish and suppress it, they only needed to disperse it from their sea of consciousness.


    After dispelling it, they could continue forward. The next time the resentment gathered, it would form an even stronger soul of resentment in their sea of consciousness. This cycle repeated again and again.


    Hence, the higher they went, the more difficult it was.


    At the same time, there was a certain chance of obtaining a reward if the dispelling was successful.


    This reward wasn¡¯t given immediately but distributed after the participants left the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    It was the same for Li Ziliang back then and the others during this period of time.


    However, the probability was extremely low. At a height of about 2,000 feet, the probability of obtaining a reward after successfully dispelling the soul of resentment was about one in 10,000. The higher one went, the higher the probability.


    If one failed, they would be expelled from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar and fall to the ground.


    However, there was no possibility of being possessed. This was because the vengeful spirits on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar had fused with this pillar and were suppressed by its battle intent, unable to leave.


    Similarly, they could also be said to be indestructible.


    However, earlier, Xu Qing could clearly sense that the resentful soul in his sea of consciousness had dissipated.


    It had truly dissipated.


    Or to be precise, it was¡­ devoured by his Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    This was because the moment the resentful soul let out a mournful cry and its body dissipated, Xu Qing clearly felt that his Ghost Emperor Mountain seemed to have become more lifelike.


    As for the ghost face totem, it showed signs of dimming.


    However, the dimming was slight and couldn¡¯t be sensed just from sight. Only by touching it and using their senses could others see some clues.


    This discovery caused a strange glint to appear in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t continue immediately as he wasn¡¯t sure if this had violated some taboo.


    He waited for a while.


    As he waited, he could faintly sense a faint divine sense coming from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    This divine sense didn¡¯t have any emotions and was filled with numbness.


    After Xu Qing sensed it, he understood that it was the intent of a reward. However, it wasn¡¯t specific and was very blurry.


    At the same time, his pause attracted the attention of everyone below.


    After the battle between Xu Qing and Li Ziliang, he was already the center of attention. This was especially so now that it was his first time climbing the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. Naturally, he attracted extremely high attention.


    Regardless of whether it was rogue cultivators or disciples from various forces, all of them were observing him.


    ¡°He stopped? It¡¯s only 2000 feet.¡±


    ¡°He should be adapting to the soul of resentment. However, he is taking a little too long.¡±


    ¡°Does he have a powerful physique and spells, but his soul is weak?¡±


    ¡°Impossible. I¡¯ve heard of Xu Qing. He has a senior brother called Chen Erniu. He¡¯s extraordinarily handsome and has a forthright personality. He¡¯s known as the number one kind person in the Eight Sects Alliance and treats Xu Qing extremely well. Under Chen Erniu¡¯s care, Xu Qing shouldn¡¯t have any weaknesses!¡±


    As everyone below guessed and stared, Xu Qing waited for the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn. Seeing that nothing happened and no one came to stop him, he thought about it and continued to leap up.


    He rapidly climbed up. With every step he took, he could sense the increasingly dense resentment emitted by the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    The so-called resentment was different from death aura. The death aura would often emit a cold feeling, causing the entire body of living creatures to turn cold. For example, the coldness emitted by the forbidden zone was often formed by the death aura.


    Resentment was a cold aura that contained emotions. It was mainly filled with resentment and grudges, and could affect the mind of cultivators.


    This effect was an impact.


    Countless mournful roars echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears. That was the curse and madness left by countless lives before they died. Even if he blocked his hearing, it was useless. This wail would directly echo in his soul.


    Moreover, the higher he went, the denser the resentment would be and the more it could accumulate and stack in his mind.


    Gradually, they filled his sea of consciousness. When Xu Qing reached a height of 4000 feet, the resentment aura in his sea of consciousness gathered.


    The second soul of resentment was rapidly forming.


    A hint of anticipation rose in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. He wanted to see if the scene earlier was an accident or a coincidence. Hence, he didn¡¯t interfere and allowed the second resentful soul to gather.


    He could vaguely see that the appearance of this second resentful soul was different from the first one. It had two curved horns and its body was even larger. There was also a huge tail on its back and its entire body emitted powerful fluctuations and an ancient aura.


    It was as though it had walked out of the long river of time, stirring up waves of violent energy.


    A hoarse laughter rang out from it, revealing cruelty and greed.


    However, at this moment, the light of the Ghost Emperor Mountain in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness flickered again and tremors rang out again. In an instant, the second resentful soul¡¯s body suddenly trembled and the turbidity in its eyes disappeared. The madness transformed into shock and disbelief.


    ¡°What¡­ Ghost Emperor?!!¡±


    An ear splitting cry rang out from the mouth of the resentful soul. As the Ghost Emperor Mountain shone and shook, the resentful soul¡¯s body collapsed loudly. It shattered into pieces and transformed into strands of black gas that were directly absorbed by the Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    The entire process took less than ten breaths.


    It was over.


    Xu Qing looked at the Ghost Emperor Mountain that was becoming clearer and clearer. Looking at the face that was becoming increasingly similar to his own, the doubts in his mind grew deeper.


    However, no matter what, from the looks of it, all of this was beneficial to him. This was because he could sense the reward divine sense from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar again.


    Xu Qing waited for a while before continuing to sprint up. Very soon, he reached 5,000 feet and 6,000 feet.


    During this period, he occasionally saw runic totems that contained signs of withering. This meant that before this, someone had used a similar method to destroy the soul of resentment.


    As he pondered, a third resentful soul formed in his sea of consciousness.


    ¡°Suppress!¡±


    This time around, before it could form, Xu Qing willed it. Immediately, the Ghost Emperor Mountain swayed and the resentful soul let out a blood-curdling scream.


    Xu Qing continued.


    7000 feet, 8000 feet, 9000 feet, 10,000 feet!


    In fact, after reaching a height of 9,000 feet, every 200 to 300 feet would form the resentful souls.


    Such a high frequency made it extremely difficult for cultivators to climb.


    However, everything was different to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Suppress!¡±


    ¡°Suppress!!¡±


    ¡°Suppress!!!¡±


    Xu Qing sped all the way. The Ghost Emperor Mountain in his body erupted with light and shook, continuously suppressing the souls that appeared one after another. The mournful cries of these resentful souls before they died were the only sound in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    The Ghost Emperor Mountain slowly became clearer under the continuous devouring. The light on it was pitch-black and the face that resembled Xu Qing¡¯s gradually became gloomy and filled with killing intent.


    This gloominess caused the Ghost Emperor Mountain to form a sense of oppression. The divine charm on its body also grew.


    At the same time, its connection with Xu Qing became increasingly close. It even gave Xu Qing a feeling that if this continued, he might be able to manifest this Ghost Emperor Mountain outside his body one day.


    What shocked Xu Qing even more was that he discovered that there seemed to be a blurry and illusory rod gradually forming on its hands!


    Right now, there was only the outline and it wasn¡¯t clear but it didn¡¯t affect Xu Qing from recognizing it. This rod¡­ was extremely similar to the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    These discoveries caused a huge commotion in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. At the same time, he also saw faint cracks appearing on the Ghost Emperor Mountain¡¯s body. It was as though it had grown too quickly and it didn¡¯t have time to completely digest the energy.


    Reaching the 10,000 feet height caused an intense uproar among the crowd who were paying attention.


    Before this, the person who climbed the highest was Li Ziliang, who had been killed by Xu Qing. He had once reached a height of 8,000 feet.


    Although there were some heaven¡¯s chosens from the various forces who didn¡¯t participate for various reasons, it had to be said that Li Ziliang¡¯s height was already very astonishing at this stage.


    But now, it was easily broken by Xu Qing.


    ¡°10,000 feet. This is a height I dreamed of reaching.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, if the Eight Sects Alliance also gives me the treatment of a Dao Child, I can do it as well. This Xu Qing¡¯s life is just better than ours. Maybe his family are all higher ups in the Seven Blood Eyes. He¡¯s not like us who have to fight for every resource.¡±


    ¡°I heard that Xu Qing came from the slums¡­¡±


    ¡°You believe such words? This person kills when he attacks. With such an attitude, he must be a silkpants.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong. In reality, according to my information, Xu Qing isn¡¯t a silkpants. He knows how to repay kindness and is very respectful to his senior brother, Chen Erniu. He once said that he would live and die with Chen Erniu.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about these. What I care about is what reward Xu Qing will obtain after this climb ends!¡±


    Amidst everyone¡¯s discussions, there was complexity, shock, envy, and desire. Xu Qing stood at the 10,000 feet of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. As a strong wind blew at him, he looked above.


    His location looked very high, but he was actually still very far from the clouds. There was an even longer portion of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar above the clouds.


    ¡°I can¡¯t continue for the time being.¡± Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. He sensed his Ghost Emperor Mountain. Through the close connection with it, he could sense that this mountain showed signs of fullness because it had absorbed too many resentful spirits.


    Those cracks on it were formed because of this. The energy needed to be further refined before he could continue climbing.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing made a decision. Just as he was about to let go and leave the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, his gaze froze at the next instant as he looked into the distance.


    In the distant sky, a huge ball of black fog was whistling toward this place. From where he was, he could clearly see a giant in the fog.


    This giant¡¯s entire body was green and its body was about 30,000 feet tall. At the same time, it emitted waves of terrifying divine fluctuations. This was a divine creature.


    It rode the clouds. There were a hundred or so figures in black Daoist robes standing on its body. Every one of them had an extremely cold expression, as though they didn¡¯t have any emotions.


    Above the giant¡¯s head, there was a red figure standing against the wind.


    The red-clothed figure carried a huge evil ghost scythe, looking extremely heroic.


    The moment he saw that figure, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed imperceptibly.


    Woman in red.

 Chapter 463

    ?463 Competition of the Geniuses


    Xu Qing immediately recognized the woman in red.


    The woman in red also saw Xu Qing. Her eyes under the mask were calm without the slightest fluctuation.


    She didn¡¯t recognize Xu Qing and didn¡¯t care about his appearance at all.


    She had seen too many human ugliness since she was young and knew very well that appearance was just skin. No matter how good-looking the other was, if she was provoked, she would kill him and his rotting body would be the same as those ugly people.


    There was no difference.


    At the next instant, as her evil ghost scythe transmitted its divine sense, a cold glint appeared in her calm eyes.


    ¡°Ghost Hand and Mad Dog are here. Ghost Hand is on the pillar in front. Mad Dog is among the crowd.¡±


    The red woman revealed a cold smile and cast a deep glance at Xu Qing before retracting her gaze.


    The rules here didn¡¯t allow killing, so she planned to secretly find an opportunity to plot against the other party.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was equally cold. He released his grip and his body fell from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    The instant his body left the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, streams of bright light erupted from it.


    The number of lights caused the hearts of everyone here to tremble. Their expressions were filled with horror and many of them even cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°Oh my god!¡±


    ¡°This is too ridiculous!!¡±


    ¡°As expected of Chen Erniu¡¯s junior brother. Amazing, why don¡¯t we call him Xu Sanniu in the future!¡±


    Even when Xu Qing had climbed all the way to 10,000 feet and became the first among the participants. The crowd watching below only discussed among themselves and didn¡¯t exclaim.


    But now, they couldn¡¯t help but be shocked.


    This was because the lights emitted by the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar were truly ridiculous.


    When others climbed the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, they would only be able to obtain two to three rewards. If they were unlucky, they wouldn¡¯t be able to obtain any. After all, the rewards from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar had a probability.


    Although the higher one climbed and the more resentful souls they dispersed, the higher the possibility of a reward appearing, there were a total of 16 lights emitted at this moment.


    Each of the 16 balls of light emitted a resplendent light, attracting everyone¡¯s attention and shaking their minds.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised.


    He had discovered earlier that as long as the resentful soul in his sea of consciousness was destroyed, the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar would transmit the divine sense fluctuations of the reward.


    And the number of resentful souls he destroyed was exactly 16.


    Hence, he was mentally prepared and thought of a way to deal with this.


    After all, it was already very difficult to explain this matter purely by luck. No one here was a fool. There would definitely be people who would suspect something. Rather than letting others guess, Xu Qing felt that it was better for him to give a direction.


    Hence, he raised his right hand and more than 70 battle spirit marks instantly appeared in his hand. They surrounded the surroundings, forming a shocking battle intent that shook the world.


    As soon as these battle spirit marks appeared, it caused an uproar again.


    There was an ordinary-looking middle-aged man with a pockmarked face in the crowd. When he saw this scene, his eyes widened. He compared it with the more than 40 marks that had formed in his body and was a little dazed.


    Amidst everyone¡¯s exclamations, as those battle marks lingered, the 16 lights emitted by the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar headed straight for Xu Qing. After they surrounded him, they transformed into balls of fog of various colors that landed in his hand.


    Among these fog, Xu Qing could sense three strands of imperial metal Qi. The others were other types of Qi, such as the fog Qi and heavy light.


    Unfortunately, there were no cultivation art inheritances inside.


    This was understandable. After all, the rarest thing on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar was cultivation art inheritances.


    In the countless years after the appearance of this ferocious weapon, cultivation art inheritance rewards had only appeared slightly more than 300 times.


    Moreover, these inheritance opportunities only appeared at a height above 10,000 feet.


    However, to Xu Qing, these 16 Qi were also extremely good items, especially imperial metal Qi.


    As for the other Qi, he could trade them with others.


    Amidst everyone¡¯s shock and envy, Xu Qing landed on the ground and left.


    He knew that he could hide his spirit marks from the ordinary cultivators but it couldn¡¯t be hidden from the Sword Holding Court. However, even if they investigated this matter deeply, he wasn¡¯t afraid.


    His Ghost Emperor Mountain¡¯s shadow was obtained with proper means. Moreover, when he was climbing earlier, he had sensed that many of the runes and totems on the pillar were also in a withered state.


    They were in the same state as the runes and totems after he destroyed the resentful souls.


    Clearly, a similar scene had happened before.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s heart was calm. Under the reverence of the disciples of the various forces, he headed straight for the encampment.


    After he returned, he immediately called the little mute over and asked him to go out to find a cultivator who would want to trade these mystical Qi. The requirement was that they would need to exchange for these Qi with imperial metal Qi.


    Xu Qing sat down cross-legged and refined the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness, allowing it to gradually recover from its filled state. At the same time, he refined the black iron stick again.


    Just like that, ten days passed quickly.


    In these ten days, discussions about Xu Qing continued to spread out in Absolute Beginning Separation City, especially because of the 70-odd battle spirit marks he released at the end. This caused many cultivators to think that this might be the reason why the rewards had increased.


    Of course, there were also other guesses, but most of them were just empty guesses. Hence, the rumor that the battle spirit marks could increase the rewards slowly spread.


    Coincidentally, someone searched through the books and discovered that a similar thing had happened here 700 years ago. At that time, that person was also a Golden Core cultivator. He climbed even higher and directly reached 15,000 feet, obtaining 20 rewards.


    At that time, the other party had released more than 60 battle spirit marks.


    After that, this person successfully became a Sword Holder in the assessment. As his cultivation level continued to increase, he climbed higher many times in the future. Although there were still rewards, they weren¡¯t that exaggerated. It was just that there were more rewards than others.


    As for his specific identity, there were no records in the books.


    As such, a portion of people became increasingly convinced that the comprehension of the battle spirit marks could increase the probability of rewards. This also caused many people to start comprehending them.


    On the tenth day after Xu Qing finished climbing, a woman in red walked over and began to climb the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. Her appearance also attracted the attention of many people because her identity was extraordinary.


    The holy maiden of the Litu Sect, Qing Qiu.


    Her speed was even more astonishing. As she continued forward, she eventually reached the height of 10,000 feet. She didn¡¯t stop and continued to climb.


    In the end, she reached a height of 15,000 feet and became the first among the participants. Only then did she let go and descend, obtaining two rays of light.


    Xu Qing and Qing Qiu¡¯s successive first place seemed to have stimulated those disciples from the various forces who hadn¡¯t participated in the climb. In the following days, some disciples who had hidden their combat strength appeared one after another like bamboo shoots after rain.


    There were many who surpassed 6,000 feet, some who surpassed 8,000 feet, and there were even seven to eight people who climbed beyond 10,000 feet.


    Among these seven to eight people, three came from small sects and the others were from large sects, such as the Litu Sect, the Eight Sects Alliance, and the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    The person from the Litu Sect was a youth. The person from the Eight Sects Alliance surprised Xu Qing a little. It was actually Sima Ru from the Bizarre Hunting Sect. This woman seemed to have been in seclusion in the campsite previously and hadn¡¯t revealed herself. Now that she appeared, she had reached a height of 10,000 feet.


    As for the cultivators from the small sects, there was a youth who looked to be 16 or 17 years old. He had climbed to a height of 14,000 feet, second only to the woman in red, Qing Qiu.


    However, Qing Qiu was no longer first.


    The first place was occupied by a middle-aged cultivator from a small sect. This middle-aged cultivator had rather common features and usually liked to discuss with others in the crowd. He especially liked to talk about the friendship between Xu Qing and his senior brother, Chen Erniu.


    Hence, his climb caused a lot of laughter at the start.


    However, very soon, the laughter gradually disappeared.


    When he reached ten thousand feet, the laughter turned into shock.


    When he reached 15,000 feet, the shock turned into horror.


    In the end, he actually reached 19,000 feet.


    This height shocked everyone. Some even began to question this person¡¯s age and cultivation base. After all, he looked like a middle-aged man.


    The rule stated that the people participating in the Sword Holder¡¯s assessment couldn¡¯t be older than 25 years old, but there was no such rule for climbing the pillar.


    After her ranking was surpassed, Qing Qiu chose to climb again. Although she couldn¡¯t get first place, she still reached a height of 18,000 feet.


    The others also climbed many times in succession.


    In an instant, heaven¡¯s chosens from everywhere attempted the climb and the entire Absolute Beginning Separation City was extremely lively.


    It was also at this moment that the energy in the Ghost Emperor Mountain in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness was completely refined. The cracks on it disappeared and its entire body became even more real. Its facial appearance was also 70% similar to Xu Qing.


    The Dao charms on its body spread out and permeated Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, causing Xu Qing¡¯s soul to be nourished by them. His soul grew increasingly strong and his gaze seemed to contain a mystical light.


    The refinement of the black iron stick was also very smooth. Although the little mute couldn¡¯t completely trade all the Qi, he still got seven strands of imperial metal Qi.


    This caused the cracks on the black iron stick to completely disappear and it was in the process of advancing to a magic artifact.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. He was prepared to climb the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar again.


    ¡°I must strive to obtain enough imperial metal Qi this time!¡±


    With this thought, Xu Qing moved.


    His movements quickly attracted attention. After all, everyone had been waiting for Xu Qing to climb up again these few days, wanting to see if he could return to first place.


    It wasn¡¯t just ordinary disciples who had such thoughts. The heaven¡¯s chosens who had ranked on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar during this period of time were the same. All of them fixed their gazes on Xu Qing.


    Hence, when Xu Qing arrived at the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar and leaped up to climb, these heaven¡¯s chosens also moved.


    The woman in red was the first to rush out and head straight for the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, competing with Xu Qing.


    The other heaven¡¯s chosens were the same. All those who had reached more than 10,000 feet came to participate.


    Among them was the ordinary-looking middle-aged cultivator. He also leaped up and began to climb.


    This scene immediately attracted the attention of all the cultivators in the city and the gazes of the ancestors of the various forces. Even the Sword Holding Court in the sky was watching this.


    This was a battle between geniuses!

 Chapter 464

    ?464 Heavy Reward


    Regardless of whether it was the crowd on the ground, the ancestors of the various sects, or the elders of the Sword Holding Court, they were all paying attention to this competition.


    Several Sword Holder Elders were sitting there and watching the competition.


    They wanted to know who would become first in the ranking competition this time.


    Although this wasn¡¯t a selection for the assessment and the ranking here didn¡¯t equal combat strength, the participants¡¯ results in the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar could still allow them to judge who had a stable soul and a firmer mind.


    The better one¡¯s results were, the more they would be valued after becoming a Sword Holder. In fact, if an extremely outstanding person failed the final trial, there was still a chance to make an exception for them.


    The observers knew this, and so did the participants.


    To the disciples of the human forces who had arrived, the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar was actually a chance to display their abilities.


    Now, on the eve of the Sword Holder¡¯s assessment, other than a few people, basically everyone had participated in the climb of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    They had handed in their answer sheets.


    However, there weren¡¯t many people who could reach a height of 10,000 feet in the end. Most of them were below 10,000 feet.


    The difference between the two was obvious.


    Those above 5,000 feet and below 10,000 feet were only ordinary. They could be considered to have passed.


    The focus of the Sword Holding Court was on those outstanding people who reached and exceeded 10,000 feet.


    At the same time, they also wanted to see if there was anyone who could surpass 20,000 feet or break the record of 27,000 feet.


    ¡°Interesting. This Xu Qing isn¡¯t bad. His current limelight and attention are a benchmark, making people want to suppress him.¡±


    ¡°Qing Qiu should be able to reach 20,000 feet. This girl is not bad. If nothing unexpected happens, she should be able to pass the Sword Holder¡¯s trial. However, I see that she seems to have hostility toward Xu Qing. It¡¯s good if this hostility turns into competitive nature.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also that youth from the small sect. This person¡¯s bloodline is a little interesting and he even shows signs of atavism. If he¡¯s stimulated by Xu Qing, he should be able to exceed 20,000 feet.¡±


    In the Sword Holding Court, a few Sword Holder Elders discussed light heartedly.


    ¡°There¡¯s even a freak mixed in. He insists on hiding his appearance as a middle-aged man. He has shifty eyes and there are too many messy things in his body. The first time I saw him, I thought he was a nonhuman and almost killed him.¡±


    ¡°The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ group is quite interesting this time around. They produced two good seedlings. That Xu Qing should have his own way to destroy resentful souls. In addition, after this kid fought with Li Ziliang, he was in the limelight and was praised by us. The others aren¡¯t convinced.


    ¡°Therefore, if he makes a move, the others will also make a move. This is why there is such an aggressive competition now. If this kid is used well, the competition this time will be even more intense.¡±


    ¡°In addition, that Dao Child of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect is also worth looking forward to.¡±


    The competition on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar was intense.


    More than ten figures sped forward.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t ranked at the front. This was because what he pursued wasn¡¯t ranking but benefits. With every step he took, he absorbed all the resentment impact into his sea of consciousness.


    As for the others, they quickly leaped up and tried their best to reduce the resentment they absorbed.


    As such, Xu Qing¡¯s ranking naturally fell behind and he was surpassed by many.


    The first to surpass him was the woman in red, Qing Qiu. Her eyes revealed coldness as she sped past. She would often jump over 100 feet in a single leap. To her, the impact of the resentment here didn¡¯t seem to matter at all.


    Next was the youth from the small sect. This youth wasn¡¯t tall and his body was on the skinny side. His hair was disheveled but his eyes were bright and spirited. What was especially eye-catching was the nose ring on his nose.


    This nose ring emitted a red light that gave off a peculiar feeling.


    The cold woman from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, who had also exceeded 10,000 feet before, calmly leaped up. Her white Daoist robe undulated like a crane, carrying a holy beauty.


    She also surpassed Xu Qing.


    Before this, this woman didn¡¯t seem to be renowned even in the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, so it was no wonder that outsiders didn¡¯t know of her. However, now, she was the person who had climbed the highest in the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect other than the Dao Child who had yet to try.


    Other than her, there were no other cultivators in the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect who could climb 10,000 feet. Most of them reached around 8,000 to 9,000 feet.


    Originally, Li Ziliang could have passed 10,000 feet, but he died prematurely.


    However, as the number one faction in the Yinghuang Province other than the Sword Holding Court, the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect naturally had its own foundation. Among all the large factions, it had the most disciples at the height of 8,000 to 9,000 feet.


    After that was the Litu Sect. The weakest was the Eight Sects Alliance.


    Even after seeing one figure after another surpass him, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He continued moving forward step by step.


    With every step he took, he would completely absorb the resentment impact, making it easier for them to form resentful souls in his sea of consciousness.


    As the Ghost Emperor Mountain suppressed and destroyed them, these resentful souls collapsed one after another. As for the Ghost Emperor Mountain itself, it became more and more realistic, and so did its appearance.


    Xu Qing could sense that after his Ghost Emperor Mountain absorbed the Nether Fairy¡¯s Dao blood and experienced this tempering, it was already worlds apart from the beginning.


    He was even filled with anticipation when looking at the blurry image of the rod forming on its hands.


    Hence, he walked even slower, trying to absorb more resentment. Not long later, Sima Ru¡¯s figure appeared behind him. She didn¡¯t even look at him and instantly surpassed him.


    Among them was the pockmarked middle-aged man who had shocked everyone.


    When he surpassed Xu Qing, he quickly glanced over with a smug expression.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and he transmitted his divine sense to the shadow. After receiving the shadow¡¯s affirmative reply, Xu Qing cast a deep glance at the back of the middle-aged man.


    At that moment, as Xu Qing was continuously overtaken by many people, the crowd watching below gradually began to discuss. However, Xu Qing continued to advance steadily without any changes in his expression.


    After destroying 19 resentful souls in his sea of consciousness, Xu Qing finally reached the height of 10,000 feet again.


    Standing here, he sensed the reward intent emitted by the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar and was satisfied.


    ¡°I gained more this time than last time.¡±


    Xu Qing was very satisfied but the Sword Holding Court elders, who were paying attention to this unofficial competition, were a little dissatisfied.


    ¡°This Xu Qing is moving so slow. It seems he doesn¡¯t care that others have surpassed him. This won¡¯t do!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. With his current reputation, if he doesn¡¯t participate properly, the others will feel less competitive. Right now, their climbing speed is too slow.¡±


    ¡°Only through intense competition can the potential of these people be unleashed. Looks like we need to give them a heavy reward. Wasn¡¯t the record of 27,000 feet in the past achieved like this? Unfortunately, they didn¡¯t reach 30,000 feet.¡±


    ¡°The Immortal Forbidden is about to be opened. It indeed requires more people with a tough mentality. In that case, there¡¯s no need to follow the rules. We can give them appropriate rewards!¡±


    ¡°Also, I¡¯m also looking forward to seeing if a cultivator who can reach 30,000 feet will appear this time.¡±


    ¡°30,000 feet. According to our research, the runes there are transformed from the only Divine Realm cultivator the Ghost Emperor killed in his life.¡±


    Very soon, just as Xu Qing was about to continue moving steadily, a dignified voice rang out from the Sword Holding Court on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    ¡°There¡¯ll be a time limit of six hours. Those who meet the requirements for the Sword Holder¡¯s assessment and climb the highest will be rewarded with a human race¡¯s emperor-level cultivation art inheritance comprehension once!¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, a monstrous uproar spread among the cultivators in the Absolute Beginning Separation City. Countless cries of surprise spread in all directions.


    ¡°Human race¡¯s emperor-level cultivation art!!¡±


    ¡°This reward is usually given to Sword Holders who have made contributions. It¡¯s an emperor-level cultivation art, especially one that belongs to the human race!¡±


    ¡°The emperor-level cultivation arts of the human race are all in the hands of the orthodox races. Most of the sects in the seven counties and a region have emperor-level cultivation arts that aren¡¯t limited to any race or are of other races. To us humans, cultivating the human race¡¯s emperor-level cultivation arts is the most beneficial and suitable. Moreover, there¡¯s a chance of awakening our bloodline talent!¡±


    ¡°This is a heavy reward that will intensify the competition!¡±


    Amidst the commotion, the minds of everyone climbing on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar trembled.


    A strange glint appeared in Qing Qiu¡¯s eyes. The middle-aged man with the pockmarked face raised his brows. The breathing of the youth from the small sect was hurried. Most of the others were the same.


    They weren¡¯t the only ones who were shocked. In the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, Dao Child Zhang Siyun, who was meditating, slowly opened his bright eyes and stared at the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    Xu Qing also abruptly lifted his head.


    He was also tempted by the human race¡¯s emperor-level cultivation art!


    ¡°If the time limit is six hours, I won¡¯t be able to advance slowly like before. I can destroy the resentful souls later. As for now¡­ I want to snatch first place!¡±


    After Xu Qing made his decision, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. His body suddenly erupted with full speed. He stepped on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar and whistled upward.


    It wasn¡¯t just him. The others were the same. All of them unleashed their full speed.


    In an instant, the competition for the rankings of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar became extremely intense.


    At that moment, there were seven people above Xu Qing.


    Qing Qiu was first, the youth from the small sect was second, and the pockmarked middle-aged man who fought his way out like a dark horse was third.


    As for the seventh person, he was also a small sect cultivator. It was very strenuous for him to climb. Right now, he seemed to have reached his limit at a height of more than 13,000 feet.


    No matter how unwilling he was, it was useless. In just over ten breaths of time, Xu Qing whistled over from behind. His speed was so fast that he directly caught up to him and surpassed him.


    He became the seventh!


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Xu Qing¡¯s target was clear. He ran wildly and the resentment impact transformed into a mournful sound in his soul, forming a soul shadow in his sea of consciousness. However, all of this could do nothing to him.


    He ignored the mournful cry and destroyed the soul shadow, moving faster and faster.


    Not only did this eruption attract the attention of the cultivators below, but it also shocked everyone before him. All of them gritted their teeth and sped forward.


    This scene made the few Sword Holder Elders in the Sword Holding Court feel satisfied.


    ¡°That¡¯s more like it.¡±


    ¡°You have to have such drive when young. Let¡¯s see who is first among them this time!¡±

 Chapter 465 - 465 Qing and Niu Competes

    465 Qing and Niu Competes


    Xu Qing¡¯s speed was astonishing. Every step he took covered dozens of feet, rapidly shaking off the previous seventh ranked behind him.


    The small sect cultivator who was surpassed by Xu Qing felt anxious and helpless at the same time.


    ¡°The difference¡­ is too great.¡±


    He knew that Xu Qing was very strong. After all, the other party was the first to reach a height of 10,000 feet. He also knew that he couldn¡¯t compare to him. However, he didn¡¯t expect the other party to be so powerful to such a terrifying extent.


    To think that he could erupt with such terrifying might at such a height. This was unbelievable to him.


    Under the impact of the resentment of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, his body and soul trembled. The terrifying resentment emitted by this location caused his sea of consciousness to feel as though it was being torn apart.


    Xu Qing¡¯s speed didn¡¯t slow down at all as he continued to climb up. After his Ghost Emperor Mountain was further refined, it could absorb even more. Resentful souls formed every few hundred feet in his sea of consciousness at this height.


    These resentful souls had all kinds of appearances but Xu Qing realized that they were mostly of nonhuman races and only few were of humans.


    If it was in the past, he would have observed it carefully. However, time was limited now. A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    They were all suppressed!


    The Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness emitted a large amount of light. As it continued to sway, it seemed to have transformed into a god, suppressing all the resentful souls that appeared.


    As for Xu Qing, the height he climbed continued to increase. Very soon, he reached 14,000 feet, followed by 15,000 feet.


    The black-robed youth from the Litu Sect was at this height.


    This black-robed youth had given it his all. His eyes were bloodshot as he continued to move forward.


    However, compared to Xu Qing, he was still too slow.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing moved past him easily.


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing overtook him, the black-robed youth tilted his head and looked in Xu Qing¡¯s direction. A cold glint appeared in his eyes and he let out a low roar. He actually leaped hundreds of feet, wanting to surpass Xu Qing.


    However, the moment he leaped up, his sea of consciousness swayed intensely and he spat out a mouthful of blood. He couldn¡¯t continue and could only grab the protruding totem tightly. He looked at Xu Qing¡¯s back view that was rapidly leaving with a heart filled with bitterness.


    Before he entered the Litu Sect, he was the top heaven¡¯s chosen in his hometown.


    He had once suppressed many of his peers, and it continued even after he entered his first sect. This caused him to once think that he was really a heaven¡¯s chosen and had the qualifications of an ancient sovereign and ruler.


    It was only when he entered the Litu Sect for better development that he realized for the first time that there was always someone better. He had encountered more people who were even more amazing than him.


    This dealt him a huge blow. This time, he had planned to make use of the advantage of his age to soar into the sky with the help of the Sword Holding Court. However, there were even more heaven¡¯s chosens in the Yinghuang Province, which was larger than the Litu Sect.


    He could only look at Xu Qing¡¯s back view as he walked further and further away.


    15,000 feet, 15,500 feet, 16,000 feet!


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay attention to the person he surpassed. He sprinted wildly until he saw Sima Ru.


    Sima Ru¡¯s breathing was hurried as she climbed ten feet each jump. Her eyes revealed determination and her expression was filled with tenacity. She didn¡¯t even glance at Xu Qing¡¯s approach.


    Xu Qing also didn¡¯t say anything. His body leaped over and he became fifth.


    Behind him, Sima Ru¡¯s hand that was holding onto a totem on the pillar shook slightly. She gritted her teeth and continued.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t slow down and continued forward. After surpassing Sima Ru, he reached a height of 17,000 feet. There was also someone at this height. It was the cold female cultivator from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect who was ranked fourth.


    She was biting her lip tightly. Her hands were covered in blood and there was determination in her eyes as she climbed up bit by bit. However, no matter how hard she tried, her speed still slowed down.


    She was close to her limit.


    She saw Xu Qing and Xu Qing also saw her.


    Xu Qing¡¯s speed caused the woman to pant. However, in the end, she could only watch helplessly as Xu Qing leaped past her and reached an even higher height of 18,000 feet.


    Here, for the first time, Xu Qing felt the raging power of the resentment impact. His Ghost Emperor Mountain also showed signs of being saturated again. If it was in the past, Xu Qing would choose to end it.


    But now, he wanted to continue.


    There were three more people in front of him.


    The youth with the nose ring, the pockmarked man, and¡­ the Qing Qiu at the front who was already about to reach 20,000 feet.


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing looked over, Qing Qiu leaped up and became the first cultivator to reach 20,000 feet. Her breakthrough instantly caused a commotion below.


    However, at this height, the sounds coming from below were vague and couldn¡¯t be heard clearly. Moreover, the wind in the surroundings was too strong, causing her body to sway.


    Most importantly, after reaching this height, the mournful cries formed by resentment echoed in her mind. It filled her entire mind and she couldn¡¯t care less about anything else.


    Also, seeing that Xu Qing was only 2,000 feet away from her, she gritted her teeth fiercely. The evil ghost in the scythe in her hand emitted a red light that filled her entire body.


    As the veins on her forehead bulged, her speed soared.


    At the same time, the pockmarked middle-aged man also sped up.


    His body emitted a chill. Wherever he passed, ice would appear on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. At that moment, his speed continued to increase, becoming the second cultivator to step into 20,000 feet.


    As for the third person, it wasn¡¯t the youth with the nose ring but Xu Qing.


    Even though the Ghost Emperor Mountain was almost saturated, Xu Qing¡¯s speed didn¡¯t decrease. Even if he didn¡¯t rely on the Ghost Emperor Mountain, with his determination and the strength of his soul, it was enough to support him in climbing the pillar.


    After all, although it looked like he had relied on the Ghost Emperor Mountain previously, in reality, every cultivator who could reach this height had their own special methods.


    At that moment, Xu Qing directly surpassed the human youth with the nose ring. This youth¡¯s eyes revealed unwillingness as he gritted his teeth and pointed at Xu Qing.


    Under this finger, it was as though it had transferred a large amount of resentment from his body toward Xu Qing.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. This was the first person who had attacked when climbing the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    With the other party¡¯s action, the mournful cries in Xu Qing¡¯s ears instantly became much stronger. The resentment in his sea of consciousness also soared to the extreme, forming a gigantic nonhuman with huge wings and a majestic body.


    This nonhuman had the face of an eagle and the body of a human. Its entire body was pitch-black and emitted terrifying fluctuations. The moment it was formed, it let out a roar, wanting to destroy Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    As for the Ghost Emperor Mountain, it was currently saturated and couldn¡¯t emit any light. Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness trembled intensely. However, at the next moment, as Xu Qing let out a cold snort, the poison pill in his third Heavenly Palace shook slightly.


    The roar of the resentful soul stopped abruptly. Its expression revealed horror as it cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°Divine Realm!¡±


    At the next moment, this resentful soul collapsed on its own before Xu Qing could suppress it. It was as though it had chosen to make an escape on its own and instantly crawled out of Xu Qing¡¯s body, heading straight for the nose-ring youth who had sent it over.


    In the blink of an eye, it entered the youth¡¯s body. The youth¡¯s body trembled and his sea of consciousness was clearly in chaos. Xu Qing didn¡¯t even have to attack. He started coughing blood, his gaze dimmed and his body was rejected by a huge force, directly sweeping him out of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    Although he was injured, he wouldn¡¯t die. However, at this moment, he also realized that he had done something that threatened his life. Hence, his face was pale and he didn¡¯t dare to look into Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he rapidly retreated in mid-air.


    Xu Qing coldly looked at the youth¡¯s figure and turned to continue climbing.


    Compared to the reward of obtaining first place, the matter of this youth could be resolved later.


    Xu Qing leaped up and directly stepped on 20,000 feet height. At that moment, 500 feet in front of him was the pockmarked middle-aged man and 1,000 feet away was Qing Qiu.


    Almost at the same time that Xu Qing looked up, the pockmarked middle-aged man suddenly turned his head and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Captain, I¡¯ve been looking for you for a long time,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    In the past month or so, whenever he saw the disciples of the Mystic Nether Sect, he would think of that letter. When he thought of that letter, he would grit his teeth and really wanted to beat up the captain.


    The pockmarked middle-aged man coughed and smiled. He glanced at Xu Qing and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Little Qing, shall we compete again?¡±


    ¡°If you win, I¡¯ll let you beat me up. If you lose, return my money and obediently help me deal with Purple Mystic Fairy. Otherwise, I don¡¯t even dare to return to the sect or see the ancestor. I have a f*cking home, but I can¡¯t return to it. I¡¯m also suffering.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. He could tell that the captain was serious. Hence, he also nodded seriously.


    The first time the two of them competed was back then in the Forbidden Sea.


    The losing party had to wear women¡¯s clothes and disguise as the princess of the Sea Corpse Race.


    Now, this was the second time.


    Just as they reached an agreement, the anxious voice of the evil ghost echoed in the mind of Qing Qiu.


    ¡°It¡¯s them. Mad Dog and Ghost Hand are behind you. I just heard them talking about competing to see who will be first.¡±


    ¡°This is too much, too presumptuous. They don¡¯t take you seriously at all!¡±


    ¡°Can you endure it? How about turning back and perishing with them?¡±


    ¡°You keep shouting about perishing every day. Shut up!¡± Qing Qiu let out a low shout and a red light appeared in her eyes. A red light also spread out from her body and her speed instantly soared to 22,000 feet.


    However, at this moment, the captain moved.


    A monstrous blue light erupted from his body. This light illuminated the sky, as though it had dyed the surrounding sky. One could even faintly see the blood vessels in his entire body.


    If one could see through his skin, they would definitely be able to see that his blood was no longer red but blue.


    A face appeared in his pupils. There were also faces in the eyes of the face. Layer by layer, they transformed into evil and mystery, exchanging for an incomparably astonishing speed.


    He leaped 1000 feet with one jump and surpassed Qing Qiu after three jumps, reaching 23,000 feet!


    At this moment, the expressions of the Sword Holder Elders who were watching from the Sword Holding Court changed as they looked at the captain.


    ¡°Nightmare Forbidden Art, Dao of Spirit Sealing!¡±


    ¡°An almighty sealed an unknown existence in this kid¡¯s body. That almighty¡¯s level is too high. His Dao technique conceals it, so I can¡¯t see what is sealed clearly.¡±

 Chapter 466

    ?466 The Figure Sitting on the Moon


    The captain¡¯s sudden outburst caused Qing Qiu to reveal an unwilling expression.


    At this moment, the blood light outside her body became even denser and filled the surroundings, as though transforming the surroundings into a sea of blood that was floating in the air.


    With the enhancement of the blood sea, Qing Qiu¡¯s speed also soared a little. She crossed the height of 22,000 feet, but she was still a distance away from the captain and couldn¡¯t catch up in a short period of time.


    Just as the red light in her eyes grew increasingly intense, an even more astonishing aura suddenly spread out from behind her.


    The red woman abruptly turned her head. At this moment, an intense piercing pain appeared in her eyes, as though she was facing the sun.


    The person who looked like the sun was none other than Xu Qing.


    At that moment, the Golden Crow was completely revealed. It transformed into a thousand-foot-long body and spread its wings in the sky, forming waves of vast might. At the same time, it emitted a dazzling light.


    The 19 rainbow phoenix tails stirred up a sea of fire. With the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar as the center, it rumbled in all directions with a shocking aura.


    As for Xu Qing, who was in the sea of fire, his speed instantly soared. With a step, he reached 21,000 feet.


    As for the resentment impact emitted by the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar and the resentful souls that manifested in his sea of consciousness, Xu Qing directly ignored them.


    He lifted his right hand and waved it. Immediately, two canopies appeared above his head. One formed a black umbrella with black flames flowing at the edges, adding a mysterious feeling to Xu Qing and isolating the resentment!


    The resentment that arrived was greatly weakened.


    As for the other canopy, it was like a treasure lotus, emitting a rainbow light. The sound of wind whistling echoed in the surroundings, purifying Xu Qing¡¯s entire body, causing the resentment that had originally fused into him to instantly disintegrate.


    The Third Heavenly Palace in his body was shaking. Every time it shook, it would destroy a resentful soul.


    Under their enhancement, Xu Qing¡¯s aura reigned supreme, shaking the sky and causing the weather in the surroundings to change. At this moment, he took a second step.


    At 22,000 feet, he reached the same height as Qing Qiu.


    However, all of this wasn¡¯t over. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. There was no Qing Qiu in his eyes, only the captain¡¯s figure.


    They were both brothers and fellow Daoists. At the same time, they were peers who could accompany each other on their respective cultivation paths.


    First or not, it was no longer important. What was important was that they each had their own pursuits and persistence. They both had their own dreams and paths.


    They could travel together and sacrifice themselves for the other party, but they couldn¡¯t deliberately give in.


    Since they were competing, they would compete properly.


    Xu Qing thought so.


    The captain also thought so.


    Xu Qing moved again. After the Golden Crow let out a piercing cry, it fused into Xu Qing¡¯s body, causing Xu Qing¡¯s body to seem to be wearing a yellow robe. The power of his physical body circulated completely at this instant.


    It was as though endless power was gushing in, causing the qi and blood in Xu Qing¡¯s body to rise to a majestic level. Although his body wasn¡¯t that muscular, anyone who saw him at this moment would instinctively feel as though there was a world burning in his body.


    Under this terrifying physical strength, Xu Qing took his third step forward.


    With this step, the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar let out a rumbling sound. Xu Qing¡¯s figure soared into the sky, surpassing Qing Qiu. He appeared at the height of 23,000 feet and appeared¡­ beside the captain.


    The captain looked at Xu Qing and a strange glint appeared in his eyes. However, there was a little sweat on his forehead. Clearly, the eruption earlier wasn¡¯t that easy for him. However, he wouldn¡¯t admit it verbally. Hence, he laughed loudly.


    ¡°Junior Brother, not bad, but this is just a warm-up.¡± After saying that, the captain suddenly rushed out to 23,300 feet, surpassing Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing circulated all the strength in his body and also leaped up, overtaking the captain by reaching 23,700 feet. Although he wasn¡¯t sweating, he was still slightly out of breath. He raised his brows and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, me too.¡±


    As the two of them spoke, a low shout rang out from behind them and blood light erupted in the sky. From afar, this blood light directly rose by a thousand feet.


    Amidst the blood light, Qing Qiu¡¯s unique laughter rang out amidst the dangerous aura being released from all over her body.


    ¡°Hehe¡­ You guys are so interesting.¡±


    As she spoke, her speed also increased explosively as she chased after Xu Qing and the captain.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t turn his head and rushed out as well. It was the same for the captain. The speed of the three of them was astonishing as they continued to charge upward.


    24,000 feet, 25,000 feet, 26,000 feet!


    After reaching this location, Qing Qiu couldn¡¯t help but slow down because her cultivation was limited and she had used too much strength many times. However, Xu Qing and the captain continued to rush out.


    There was even a conversation between them.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do it, Junior Brother. Your panting is a little exaggerated. I reckon those people on the ground can hear it. Sigh, it¡¯s not that I want to criticize you, but you are too young and your body is too weak.¡±


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, wherever you walk, the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar will be covered in your sweat. If you don¡¯t rest, I¡¯m worried that you¡¯ll collapse.¡±


    As the two of them spoke, they secretly erupted with more strength. They chased each other and continued to climb the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, taking turns to be first.


    ¡°Why do I always encounter these two damn fellows!¡±


    This was especially so when she heard the conversation between the two of them. She couldn¡¯t calm down because the impact of resentment at this height was too terrifying. It was much harder to disperse or suppress the resentful souls in her sea of consciousness than before.


    She no longer had the strength to speak, but the two people in front of her still had the time to mock each other.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid these two people have some serious illness in their brains!¡± Qing Qiu gritted her teeth and the evil ghost quickly persuaded.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go all out. We¡¯ll perish together with them!¡±


    As the evil ghost continued to egg her on, Xu Qing and the captain surpassed 27,000 feet one after another, reaching 28,000 feet.


    From this position, when one lowered their head and looked down, the ground had shrunk and the crowd could no longer be seen.


    Even the city, which had a very large range, seemed to be only the size of a palm.


    The surroundings were filled with flowing fog and whistling wind.


    However, they were still very far from the end.


    At this height, the resentment impact was incomparably powerful. In fact, it wasn¡¯t just gathering in the sea of consciousness but had fused into Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s entire bodies.


    Resentment gathered in a large amount in every inch of their flesh and blood. Even though Xu Qing¡¯s third palace was dispersing them, the resentment here was too much and dense. The speed of dispersion couldn¡¯t keep up with the integration.


    Even the life lanterns were a little unstable under such consumption. It wasn¡¯t that the life lanterns were not powerful enough, but with Xu Qing¡¯s current cultivation, it was difficult for him to unleash their full potential.


    It was the same for the Golden Crow. It showed signs of fatigue.


    After all, this height had already surpassed the records of the cultivators from the Sword Holding Court who had participated in the Sword Holder¡¯s assessment.


    Although there were many people who had surpassed this height when looking at the whole history, those were all people with higher cultivation levels and didn¡¯t meet the conditions for the Sword Holder¡¯s assessment.


    Xu Qing and the captain were starting to speak less.


    ¡°Little Qing, you can¡¯t do it!¡± The captain¡¯s entire body was covered in sweat and he began to pant. He leaped up and overtook Xu Qing by 50 feet.


    ¡°Captain, I still haven¡¯t released the poison.¡± Xu Qing suddenly stomped his feet and surpassed the captain. He then lifted his right hand and grabbed the edge of the totem on it. He then exerted strength and leaped up, exceeding 50 to 60 feet.


    ¡°I also have a trump card that I haven¡¯t used!¡± When the captain heard the word poison, his expression changed. Seeing that Xu Qing had surpassed him again, madness appeared in his eyes. He directly opened his mouth and bit at the protruding rune at the side.


    Although the rune wasn¡¯t bitten off, there were faint teeth marks on it. If one took a closer look, they could see that the resentment on the rune was countless times denser. It was as though the captain wasn¡¯t chewing but vomiting.


    He vomited the resentment accumulated in his body onto the rune.


    After his body relaxed, his speed instantly soared to 28,000 feet, 29,000 feet, and he rushed toward 30,000 feet.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to narrow. Qin Qiu at the back was also stunned on the spot. The evil ghost exclaimed.


    ¡°He¡¯s indeed a mad dog!¡±


    Seeing that the captain was about to reach the height of 30,000 feet, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes also revealed madness. The poison pill in the Third Heavenly Palace in his body suddenly erupted and endless poison gushed out, instantly flowing through Xu Qing¡¯s entire body.


    It didn¡¯t spread out of his body but filled every inch of his flesh and blood.


    Poison Restriction Pill could poison all things. Resentment was also one of them.


    Xu Qing had already tested this point when he encountered the huge monk¡¯s head in the ghost market in the Phoenix Forbidden.


    At that moment, as the poison surged, the resentment accumulated in his body, flesh, and sea of consciousness instantly transformed into waves of mournful wails that were completely destroyed by Xu Qing.


    The captain spat it out while Xu Qing destroyed it.


    The different methods served the same purpose. They all purified the body.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s speed erupted, reaching 29,000 feet. At the same time that the captain¡¯s body stepped onto 30,000 feet, he also leaped up and stepped at the height of 30,000 feet!


    Here, there was a special totem.


    Its appearance was a humanoid creature that covered its face and sat on the moon.


    Almost at the instant the two of them stepped onto 30,000 feet, this totem flashed and transformed into two balls of energy fluctuations that were different from ordinary resentment. They actually carried some divinity as they headed straight for Xu Qing and the captain, and surged into their bodies.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled.


    The captain was the same.


    The two of them instantly stopped at the height of 30,000 feet. In their sea of consciousness, a figure that seemed impossible to look at appeared.


    At the same time, in the Sword Holding Court above the clouds, the Sword Holder Elders who were watching everything revealed strange gazes.


    ¡°Finally¡­ participants who can reach 30,000 feet.¡±


    ¡°According to our research, the totem there portrays¡­ one of the past 37 moons in the Wanggu Continent. It¡¯s still here.¡±

 Chapter 467

    ?467 God in the Moon!


    30,000 feet away from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, there was a special totem.


    It looked like a figure holding its face and sitting on the moon.


    Not many people knew about this but it wasn¡¯t a secret. It was just that this totem represented a taboo, so those who knew about this avoided talking about it.


    After the Sword Holder controlled the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, he had specially studied this totem. It described a moon in the Wanggu Continent.


    The Wanggu Continent was too big. Not only was there a moon, but there was also a sun.


    Since ancient times, the number of moons and suns wasn¡¯t fixed. There were more and more of them until the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived. There were a total of 37 suns and 37 moons.


    However, even so, there were still many areas in the Wanggu Continent where there was no sunlight all year round.


    Some races would live their entire lives in the dark night, and vice versa. Some races would not be able to see the dark night for countless years.


    As for the arrival of the god¡¯s fragmented-face, the sun and moon were the first to fall.


    Right now, there were only 17 suns and even fewer moons in the Wanggu Continent. There were only 12 of them.


    The totem 30,000 feet away from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar described one of the 12 moons that still existed.


    According to research, this totem was formed after a Divine Realm cultivator died. It could be confirmed that this Divine Realm cultivator was inextricably linked to the moon carved on the totem.


    At the same time, in the records of the Sword Holding Court, according to the information from the Grand Imperial Capital Region, all the races had been suspecting something all these years.


    That was¡­ there were currently 17 suns and 12 moons on the Wanggu Continent. Perhaps¡­ there were gods sleeping among them.


    However, this matter was too big and the myriad races didn¡¯t have any true evidence. There were only traces, so they could only make guesses.


    However, there was one thing that the myriad races had confirmed through a special method. That was¡­ there must be gods in the divine territory.


    To the myriad races of the Wanggu Continent, the Divine Realm was filled with mysteries, unknowns, and terror.


    The higher-ups of the myriad races knew of the existence of the Divine Realm because it was fixed. However, it was very difficult for them to enter.


    Anyone who got close would tremble. If they forced their way in, they would definitely die.


    Over the countless years, peculiar existences would occasionally walk out of the Divine Realm, but the number was very small. So far, the records the myriad races had on these existences were only a few words. The most used word was the divine son.


    Hence, the Sword Holding Court attached great importance to that runic totem.


    Although it was only formed from resentment, the Sword Holding Court still made a huge harvest. It was a pity that that runic totem couldn¡¯t be activated every time.


    But now, it was activated.


    Moreover, it had been activated twice. One time was in the captain¡¯s sea of consciousness and the other time was in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know about the captain¡¯s situation but at that moment, he saw a youth¡¯s soul shadow in his sea of consciousness.


    The youth¡¯s soul was very blurry, as though it would dissipate at any moment. However, one could still vaguely see his handsomeness and a sense of elegance that seemed to be innate.


    This handsomeness and elegance carried flawlessness, giving off an unreal and demonic feeling.


    There were also countless red patterns on his body and a moon mark on his glabella.


    After appearing in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, he was expressionless and his eyes were empty. He slowly bowed outside the Heavenly Palace and spoke a language Xu Qing had never heard of but he could sense the meaning.


    ¡°Moon Ruler, guide the Wanggu. Mourn for all living beings, and enjoy paradise.¡±


    As his voice echoed, the moon mark on his glabella shone with a red light. This light instantly covered the surroundings. At the next moment, Xu Qing saw a moon rising behind the youth.


    A red moon.


    This moon appeared in his sea of consciousness, illuminating the entire sea of consciousness in red. At the same time, endless anomalous substances rapidly spread out from the moon. As they churned, they surged out and permeated the surroundings, invading Xu Qing¡¯s entire body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook.


    In addition, he saw a figure on the moon.


    This figure should be a woman with long hair. She sat on the moon and covered her face with her hands. She was motionless.


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing looked over, an astonishing pressure spread out from the moon. Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness trembled and his soul shook intensely.


    In an instant, everything became blurry. There were also waves of murmurs containing meanings that couldn¡¯t be made sense of echoing in all directions. It was as though myriad beings were speaking at the same time, transforming into an indescribable impact that made Xu Qing feel as though his soul was about to be torn apart.


    When this pressure appeared, the anomalous substances in the surroundings became even denser. From Xu Qing¡¯s Heavenly Palaces, from his soul, from his body, spirit sea, and even his magic apertures, anomalous substances rapidly grew everywhere.


    It was as though his body had become a world and the moon had become the fragmented-face of the god in this world. At that moment, the god opened His eyes, and everything was about to be forcefully changed from the source.


    At the same time, a powerful divine sense erupted from the moon and suppressed Xu Qing¡¯s soul, wanting him to worship and submit.


    ¡°Respect the Lord. You can live forever and come to the Divine Realm to enjoy paradise.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure materialized from his soul shook and was torn apart by this divine sense. Endless pain spread through his entire body. The divine sense that wanted him to kneel and submit completely erupted at this moment.


    However, Xu Qing laughed and killing intent erupted from his heart.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want the eternal life given by others!¡±


    ¡°As for the Divine Realm¡­ the place the god¡¯s fragmented-face saw three times is the Divine Realm. In that case, what would the person who survived his three gazes be? I really want to know.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, you¡¯re not worthy of being my lord!¡±


    In an instant, the moon and the figure on it also erupted with an even stronger divine sense, spawning even more anomalous substances.


    After sensing these, Xu Qing spoke softly.


    ¡°Anomalous substances¡­ I have it too!¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, the Poison Restriction Pill instantly erupted in his third palace. Endless blackness spread out and all the poison inside gushed out, permeating Xu Qing¡¯s entire sea of consciousness.


    It attacked the moon!


    During this process, wisps of anomalous substances that belonged to Xu Qing grew in his sea of consciousness. More and more of them invaded the moon.


    This caused the color at the edges to change. Red was mixed with black and there was a faint hint of purple as well.


    This was unprecedented!


    The Sword Holding Court had studied this runic totem for many years. The scene they encountered was the same as Xu Qing¡¯s previous scene. That youth was a soul shadow formed by resentment after he was killed by the Ghost Emperor. He didn¡¯t have any intelligence and didn¡¯t have many memories. What he had seemed to be an instinct.


    He would instinctively reveal the red moon and form a power similar to that of a god to suppress everything.


    However, this god¡¯s power was illusory. The Sword Holding Court¡¯s analysis was that the memories of the youth had been materialized.


    It was like moonlight in the water, incomparable to the real power of the god.


    Hence, the experts of the Sword Holding Court could suppress it. After cultivators encountered it during the challenge, it wouldn¡¯t be a big deal if they failed. At most, they would be mentally weakened but there would be no risk of their bodies being possessed.


    Although there were anomalous substances, as long as they were quickly expelled, there wouldn¡¯t be any danger to life. They weren¡¯t that dense and were mostly illusory.


    However, today, everything had changed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s anomalous substances were actually counter invading!


    Invasion was the way anomalous substances were seen. Just like the arrival of the god¡¯s fragmented-face, its aura invaded all things. Regardless of whether they were illusory or real, they could be invaded.


    As for the invasion of anomalous substances, this wasn¡¯t something that cultivators could grasp currently.


    At that moment, in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, the red moonlight trembled for the first time. Amidst the trembling, a breathing sound that seemed to come from an endless distance, a boundless void, and also like the long river of time suddenly rang out from the red moon.


    There were no specific words, only the sound of breathing.


    However, the instant it appeared, a monstrous boom erupted in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness and his body. An intense pain came from his soul, as though it was about to collapse and shatter into pieces.


    His Heavenly Palaces also rumbled. Deep cracks appeared on them.


    It was the same for his sea of consciousness. It swayed intensely and so did his body. His internal organs began to crumble, Ghost Emperor Mountain quaked, and the Golden Crow let out a painful cry.


    All of this caused Xu Qing, who was at 30,000 feet height on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, to spit out a large mouthful of blood, and blood mist spurted out from pores all over his body.


    An extremely intense pain spread in Xu Qing¡¯s entire body and his sea of consciousness showed signs of collapsing. At that moment, his vision darkened and he couldn¡¯t stand steadily on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    Under the gazes of the people paying attention below, he fell.


    When countless cries of surprise rose from the ground, a blood-colored figure whistled over from the ground. Its speed was so fast that it instantly got close and caught Xu Qing.


    This figure was none other than Xue Lianzi.


    After he caught Xu Qing, his expression was solemn. He quickly took out a golden pill and stuffed it into Xu Qing¡¯s mouth.


    Just as he was about to observe, an ear splitting cry rang out from 30,000 feet height.


    The captain¡¯s figure also fell to the ground. Blood spurted out of his mouth and his entire body was covered in blood.


    What was even more exaggerated was that his lower body had directly exploded including parts of his stomach, as though he had eaten something inedible.


    Xue Lianzi¡¯s eyes narrowed. After catching him, he looked at the two people in his arms speechlessly.


    At that moment, Xu Qing woke up. Although his body was weak and his sea of consciousness was riddled with holes, his breathing became hurried as he looked at the additional item in his sea of consciousness. An intense glint appeared in his eyes.


    It was a very, very small purple moon.


    Although it was small, a soul-stirring power was being nurtured in it!


    After Xu Qing sensed it, he was shocked and a strange glint appeared in his eyes. The captain at the side also opened his eyes at this moment, his gaze filled with fanaticism.


    At the same time, in an extremely far distance from the Yinghuang Province, in a corner of the extreme west region of the Wanggu Continent where the human race had almost never stepped foot, the night sky shone with a red light.


    Because the nearest sun couldn¡¯t illuminate this place, this area was dark all year round.


    Other than the god¡¯s fragmented-face, there was only a red moon in the sky.


    The demonic red light of the moon suddenly shone, illuminating the ground slightly more clearly, revealing¡­ bones all over the ground.


    Countless dried corpses of various races covered this extremely large area. If they dug deeper, there might be even more underground.


    These nonhuman races had died for an unknown period of time. It might have been a thousand years or even longer. Moreover, every skeleton had covered their faces with their hands when they were alive.


    In the red moon in the sky, a blurry murmur rang out.


    ¡°Two strands of divine aura have dissipated, but dissipation can be replenished. It has been like this for many years. I shouldn¡¯t have awakened because of this.¡±


    ¡°Who was it?¡±


    As soon as this sound rang out, the anomalous substances on the ground erupted and the whole area distorted.

 Chapter 468 - 468 Who Is It? Its You!

    468 Who Is It? It¡¯s You!


    In the icy plains in the north of the Yinghuang Province, beside the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, Xue Lianzi was about to leave with Xu Qing and Chen Erniu.


    However, at this moment, a hundred beams of light suddenly erupted from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar and headed straight for him.


    The appearance of these lights instantly caused the crowd below to gasp.


    Xue Lianzi¡¯s reaction was very fast. He flicked his sleeve and kept these lights before they could get close. He then turned and left rapidly.


    The competition for the rankings was about to end as Xu Qing and the captain fell one after another.


    Although the others were also continuing, it was impossible for them to be first.


    The most likely one was Qing Qiu. She was currently at 29,000 feet and was still gritting her teeth as she moved forward.


    As for the Sword Holder Elders who were paying attention to this matter in the Sword Holding Court, their eyes revealed a strange glint as they looked at Xu Qing and Chen Erniu, who had been taken away by Xue Lianzi.


    ¡°These two brats should have each obtained a trace of the aura in that totem.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve studied the aura inside the totem over the years. It¡¯s very mysterious. It¡¯s a pity that it can¡¯t be absorbed and can only be used externally.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t something they can control. According to the internal mechanism of the Sword Holders, arrange for someone to get it back later and increase their military contributions. If they don¡¯t agree, there¡¯s no need to force them.¡±


    Qing Qiu, who had climbed to 29,300 feet, had no choice but to stop. She had reached her limit.


    Even if she could increase it by hundreds of feet, it would only shake her foundation and it was impossible for her to reach 30,000 feet.


    Hence, Qing Qiu felt regretful but she still decisively let go.


    As she ended, the competition for the ranking of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar should have come to an end. However, at the next instant, when the six-hour time limit was halfway through, a person walked out of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    This person had a tall and straight figure and a dignified appearance. His expression was filled with calmness and his blue robe seemed to be surrounded by flowing water, reflecting a resplendent light.


    His eyes were deep and there were runic marks flickering in his pupils.


    The surrounding void actually distorted wherever he passed. It was as though this was caused by some cultivation art of his, causing it to feel as though he was shuttling through the void.


    This scene was extremely rare to see on a Golden Core cultivator.


    His appearance immediately attracted everyone¡¯s attention.


    All of them gasped and revealed respectful expressions as they made way for him.


    He was the Dao Child of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, Zhang Siyun.


    He moved forward calmly. He didn¡¯t like to travel with ants, so he didn¡¯t appear when Xu Qing and the others.


    Only at this moment, when everyone had given up, did he walk out and walk to the foot of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    Finally, under the gazes of everyone, he stepped onto the pillar in front of him.


    He leaped up.


    As soon as he stepped on it, he sped out. His speed was so fast that he reached a height of 10,000 feet without any pause in between.


    Such a momentum instantly caused everyone who was watching to show a strange glint in their eyes. However, they didn¡¯t discuss or cause an uproar. It was as though they felt that it was normal for him to be able to do this.


    After all, this was the number one human disciple of this generation in the Yinghuang Province!


    At the same time, the few Sword Holder Elders in the Sword Holding Court also looked at Zhang Siyun.


    ¡°He isn¡¯t bad. He can be considered a quasi Sword Holder.¡±


    ¡°His grandmaster, Daoist Southern Affairs, is one of the four deacons of the Sword Holding Palace of the county. Although his rank is similar to ours, he holds a post in the Sword Palace. When we see him, we have to call him lord.¡±


    ¡°I heard that Daoist Southern Affairs once asked him if he should use his once per ten-year authority as a deacon to exempt him from the assessment. However, the kid rejected him and wanted to personally come here to participate in the assessment. He wanted to take the official path and become a Sword Holder. He would then borrow his grandmaster¡¯s authority to increase his rank.¡±


    ¡°This is because he is extremely confident in himself. Although there are only three spots, he thinks that he will definitely obtain it.¡±


    ¡°The outstanding talents this time aren¡¯t simple. Let¡¯s see which of them can obtain the three spots.¡±


    Zhang Siyun¡¯s speed didn¡¯t decrease. He leaped from a height of 10,000 feet to 17,000 feet until he easily stepped into 20,000 feet.


    At this height, his speed lowered slightly and he would occasionally stop. However, overall, he was still very fast. 22,000 feet, 24,000 feet, 26,000 feet.


    He was a little out of breath at this height. After all, the impact of the resentment at this location was extremely great. However, at the next instant, a canopy appeared above him and his entire body instantly flickered with white light.


    That was his life lantern.


    This life lantern was different from Xu Qing¡¯s black umbrella and the rainbow wind song. It was completely white and gave off a holy feeling. The flames were also white fire.


    Its appearance was like an inverted mountain peak that was filled with holy intent.


    This was the White Mountain Holy Fire Lantern!


    A large amount of white fire spread from the mountain peak to the edges before flowing down. Wherever they passed, the void would burn.


    Under the White Mountain Holy Fire Lantern, Zhang Siyun¡¯s body burned with white flames, emitting a white light. Coupled with his blue Daoist robe, extraordinary appearance, and calm gaze, a sense of holy transcendence rose!


    A roar rang out from behind him.


    The void behind him emitted the sound of shattering. A huge white dragon stuck its body out of the crack and surrounded him, intimidating the surroundings.


    Two long white dragon whiskers hung to the left and right of Zhang Siyun, swaying irregularly.


    There was also the beard that grew around the dragon¡¯s neck that was also moving with the wind. All of this made Zhang Siyun seem like an otherworldly immortal who stood between heaven and earth and subdued the dragon.


    He looked up and spoke inwardly.


    ¡°A group of ants from before isn¡¯t worthy of standing above me. Watch how I crush you.¡±


    He moved.


    27,000 feet, 28,000 feet, 29,000 feet. This lasted until he surpassed Qing Qiu¡¯s previous height and leaped to 30,000 feet.


    He originally wanted to continue, but at the next instant, the bizarre moon totem at this height actually shone for the third time after the first two times and was activated!


    Zhang Siyun¡¯s body trembled.


    At the same time, in the extreme west of the Wanggu Continent, which was incomparably far away from the Yinghuang Province, there was still a blurry murmur from the red moon hanging high in the sky in the endless night.


    ¡°Who plundered a trace of my divine source¡­ Hmm?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s you?¡±


    As soon as this voice rang out, the calm expression of Zhang Siyun instantly changed to shock.


    The calmness in his eyes disappeared and turned into horror.


    Disbelief appeared on his face. He felt an indescribable shocking power. It was as though a god had descended and drowned him with fury and intent of extermination!


    All of this happened too suddenly. He was like an ant under the finger of a giant, unable to resist and incomparably fragile.


    He let out a mournful cry and spat out a large mouthful of blood. There were also loud bangs coming from his body as blood erupted from all the pores on his body.


    The life lantern above his head dimmed and almost extinguished. The white dragon behind him let out a tragic cry. More than half of its body exploded and its white body turned blood-colored.


    His legs directly collapsed and half of his body shattered into a large amount of flesh and blood. In fact, this destruction was spreading. For the first time, his face revealed despair and extreme confusion.


    He didn¡¯t know what was going on.


    This scene was too sudden.


    In an instant, a figure rushed out of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. Even the few Sword Holder Elders from the Sword Holding Court made their moves.


    This wasn¡¯t because they were biased. It was because although Xu Qing and Chen Erniu were also injured earlier, it wasn¡¯t so serious and their lives wouldn¡¯t be affected.


    However, for some reason, this Zhang Siyun seemed to be about to be destroyed.


    They couldn¡¯t just watch such a heaven¡¯s chosen die here.


    In the blink of an eye, a total of four Nihility cultivators, including the figure from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, appeared beside Zhang Siyun and treated him.


    The old man from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect took out a large number of natural treasures and even used an extremely precious Grand Affairs Pill.


    He had prepared this pill to save Zhang Siyun at a critical moment. However, he couldn¡¯t care less now. With the help of the terrifying vitality contained in it and countless pills, he suppressed Zhang Siyun¡¯s injuries and saved him.


    After doing this, the old man supported the weak and unconscious Zhang Siyun and looked helplessly at the Sword Holder Elders in front of him.


    ¡°Sirs, why is this happening?¡±


    The three Sword Holder Elders were also puzzled. They looked at the 30,000 feet mark of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar and shook their heads with a bitter smile.


    ¡°We¡¯ll investigate this matter later.¡±


    The old man from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect sighed and cupped his fists before leaving with Zhang Siyun.


    This matter could be considered to have come to an end. The Sword Holding Court was also very fast. They directly sealed the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar and didn¡¯t allow anyone to climb it. After that, they began to inspect the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    Amidst the countless uproars that followed, Zhang Siyun was brought back to the base by the old man who then spared no expense to treat his injuries, allowing them to completely stabilize.


    Zhang Siyun wasn¡¯t ordinary either. After his injuries stabilized, he only used two days to completely recover.


    However, regardless of whether it was him, the old man from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, or the Sword Holding Court, none of them noticed the real reason that¡­ Zhang Siyun, who should have died, didn¡¯t die.


    After Zhang Siyun recovered, a red moon appeared in an extremely hidden corner of his sea of consciousness.


    The figure sitting on the moon with its face covered slowly lowered its hands, revealing a strange face.


    It was strange because this face had no facial features.


    What it had was countless small holes that were shrinking and squirming, flowing with red blood endlessly¡­


    It gave off an ominous feeling.


    ¡°It¡¯s not him.¡±


    ¡°The plunderer should be my kind¡­ After I descend, I¡¯ll find them and devour them.¡±


    ¡°This body is weak and needs to be nurtured. Before that¡­ I¡¯ll continue to sleep.¡±


    The figure on the moon muttered softly, and its voice grew weaker and weaker.


    Zhang Siyun didn¡¯t have the ability to know all of this. He thought that everything was normal, but in reality, this was the only reason why he didn¡¯t die.


    However, Xu Qing, who was at the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s encampment, suddenly opened his eyes. His eyes revealed palpitations and shock as he looked at the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect¡¯s encampment.

 Chapter 469

    ?469 Comprehending the Truth


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t sense anything specific but at that moment earlier, he felt an inexplicable palpitation in his heart.


    ¡°There¡­¡± Xu Qing was vigilant and the feeling of vigilance was intense.


    He was asking the ancestor, Xue Lianzi.


    Xu Qing knew that there was no point in simply thanking the ancestor. He would remember the matter of the ancestor rescuing him immediately after he fell.


    Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t forget the healing pill the latter had given him.


    Xu Qing remembered how well others treated him, even if it was just a little. It was the same if it was the opposite.


    Very soon, Xu Qing obtained an answer. At the same time, the ancestor also told him some things about the moon totem, including the fall of the suns and moons, as well as the fact that the god wasn¡¯t just the fragmented-face and that this matter had many secrets.


    After hearing that, Xu Qing¡¯s heart was in turmoil. The information contained in these things was too astonishing and it matched his experience as well.


    He recalled his Golden Crow Refines All Life and the murals in the dragon carriage.


    At that time, he felt very strange because according to the murals, the sun had fallen but there was still a sun in the sky.


    Now, Xu Qing had an answer.


    The youth sitting on the dragon carriage was one of the fallen suns.


    ¡°The ancestor said that the runic totem on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar is one of the present twelve moons in the Wanggu Continent. This moon is located in the extreme west of the Wanggu Continent. Moreover, most races suspect that there are gods sleeping on the suns and moons?¡±


    ¡°Previously, I heard the sound of breathing from the moon in my sea of consciousness¡­ and the words of the soul shadow of the youth in my sea of consciousness¡­¡± Xu Qing was silent. In reality, the answer had long appeared in his mind.


    ¡°God.¡±


    ¡°In that case, the purple moon I plundered with the invasion of anomalous substances is part of god¡¯s power?¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and sensed the small purple moon in his sea of consciousness.


    Compared to the red moon¡¯s size, this purple moon was not even a tiny fraction of it. However, the power contained in it was still extremely terrifying. Xu Qing¡¯s hair stood on their ends just by sensing it.


    It felt like he was looking at the fragmented-face of the god with its eyes closed.


    He was only intimidated by this power and didn¡¯t feel any danger. This was because this purple moon had an extremely close connection with him and he could control it.


    However, although he had the qualifications to control it, because his cultivation was too low, it was difficult for him to truly use it for the time being. He could only slightly guide the aura of the purple moon.


    Although that was the case, it didn¡¯t affect Xu Qing¡¯s perception.


    ¡°The anomalous substances were born from me, so I am the source for the things they invade?¡±


    Xu Qing could sense it. After confirming his judgment, he couldn¡¯t help but look at the night sky.


    ¡°In that case, are all beings invaded by this god¡¯s fragmented-face under its control?¡± Xu Qing fell silent. After that, his gaze narrowed as he thought of his captain.


    ¡°The captain should have gained something as well. However, from the looks of his stomach exploding, he should have devoured it. It¡¯s different from me.¡± Xu Qing took out a jade slip to transmit his judgment to the captain.


    ¡°Captain, it might be harmful if you absorb that aura.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I ate too much. If it¡¯s really as you said and I¡¯ll be controlled, many gods will probably have to fight to confirm the ownership over me.¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, you don¡¯t have to envy me. You are fought over by female cultivators but I¡¯m different. I am fought over by the gods.¡± The captain laughed.


    ¡°Besides, maybe the bizarre entity isn¡¯t the only thing sealed in my body. I feel that there might be a god sealed in my body, so do you want me to help you? Give me your share and I¡¯ll help you withstand the suffering.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, but there¡¯s no need, Captain.¡± Xu Qing turned the jade slip off. With his understanding of his eldest senior brother, the other party¡¯s words meant that he could resolve it. As for a god being sealed, Xu Qing didn¡¯t believe it.


    He buried this thought in his mind. After calming down, he continued to analyze the palpitations he felt in the direction of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    ¡°The Dao Child of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect fell at 30,000 feet and almost had his body and soul destroyed?¡±


    ¡°In that case, the problem with the Dao Child happened after he reached 30,000 feet.¡± At the thought of this, Xu Qing suddenly had a guess.


    ¡°Could it be that the god sleeping on the red moon woke up because of my and the captain¡¯s absorption and plundering? After that, it saw Zhang Siyun¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that this possibility was very high. This also explained why Zhang Siyun almost died.


    ¡°However, that¡¯s not right either. If the god really woke up, it¡¯s impossible for Zhang Siyun, who is a Golden Core cultivator, to be alive.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and recalled his palpitations earlier.


    ¡°Why does the rescued Zhang Siyun make me feel palpitations and danger?¡±


    Xu Qing pondered for a moment and his breathing slowly hastened. A terrifying guess appeared in his mind.


    ¡°The fact that the Dao Child was on the verge of death is related to the red moon, and the fact that he didn¡¯t die is also related to the red moon¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook and his vigilance grew even more intense. He didn¡¯t know if his judgment was right or wrong but he had to be more careful in the future. He couldn¡¯t make any mistakes.


    Many things happened in these seven days.


    For example, the inspection of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar wasn¡¯t over. This caused the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar to be off limits. Xu Qing felt that it was a pity.


    This was because the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness was becoming more and more realistic. Its face was almost 90% similar to Xu Qing¡¯s.


    As for the rod that appeared on Ghost Emperor Mountain¡¯s hands, it also turned from blurry to translucent, much clearer than before.


    The previous ranking competition was also concluded.


    Xu Qing, Chen Erniu, and Zhang Siyun all reached 30,000 feet and were tied for first place.


    However, they could only do it after the Sword Holder assessment ended.


    In addition, the ancestor also sent over the rewards for climbing the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar previously. However, it wasn¡¯t easy to tell how much shares belonged to each person. Hence, the ancestor distributed 70% to Xu Qing according to his previous performance and gave the remaining 30% to Chen Erniu.


    The captain was very surprised. Xu Qing didn¡¯t fuss over it, especially since among these rewards was an inheritance cultivation art.


    This cultivation art was called the Golden Killing Art. After using it, one could control the metal qi in the surroundings and turn it into their own weapon. Its killing power was very high.


    After Xu Qing cultivated it, he gave it to the captain. The captain also knew that Xu Qing was collecting imperial metal Qi. Hence, he sent the metal Qi he had obtained over and asked for some other Qi.


    As for the rest, Xu Qing originally planned to sell them but the captain told him to keep them. They would be of great use when they went to the capital of Fenghai County in the future.


    Hence, Xu Qing stored them.


    The two of them also communicated whether the Sword Holding Court would come and ask them for the auras of the moon totem.


    The captain felt that this was an opportunity to wash themselves clean of this matter. Hence, he took the initiative to mention handing them over. Xu Qing also knew that what the captain said made sense.


    However, he couldn¡¯t take it out. Even if he did, it wasn¡¯t the red moon¡¯s aura but the purple moon¡¯s.


    However, the captain sent over a wisp.


    Xu Qing was a little surprised. It was rare for the captain to be so generous.


    ¡°Because I discovered something even bigger. Hehe, I¡¯m in the midst of planning. Help me at that time. This time, I¡¯m going to eat to my heart¡¯s content.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    His iron stick also completely transformed under enough metal Qi and became a spirit artifact. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor fused back into it.


    The might of the black iron stick increased greatly. Coupled with the red lightning of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s heavenly tribulation, it could kill those below three palaces.


    Xu Qing played with it for a while and was very satisfied.


    Although the shadow was unwilling, it had no choice. It could only transmit its divine sense fluctuations to Xu Qing many times and keep saying that it was obedient. At the same time, it expressed its extreme fear and desire for the purple moon.


    Seeing its pitiful look, Xu Qing allowed it to get closer to the purple moon.


    After the shadow carefully got close, it was like a lone wolf worshiping the moon. It actually worshiped the purple moon and began to cultivate.


    This scene made Xu Qing feel very strange and deepened his understanding of the purple moon.


    ¡°This purple moon can be used as the core for the fifth Heavenly Palace.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled.


    He now had three Heavenly Palaces and had already made arrangements for the fourth one. He was going to store the mosasaur in it. That would be an intrinsic Heavenly Palace.


    Under normal circumstances, this intrinsic Heavenly Palace would have been the first Heavenly Palace of the Seventh Peak cultivators who comprehended the Forbidden Sea dragonwhale in Qi Condensation realm.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation path was different from others. The two life lanterns transformed into Heavenly Palaces and the Poison Restriction Pill was placed in advance because of the risk of dissipating and withering.


    This caused the intrinsic Heavenly Palace to be placed at the back.


    As Xu Qing absorbed the four crystal-like golden cores of Li Ziliang, a portion of his fourth Heavenly Palace also materialized. According to Xu Qing¡¯s judgment, it wouldn¡¯t be long before the fourth Heavenly Palace would be formed.


    In these seven days, some Sword Holders came to look for Xu Qing and mentioned that the Sword Holding Court needed the aura of the Divine Realm¡¯s totem. They also stated that after handing it over, it could be exchanged for military merits.


    When one¡¯s military merits reached a certain level, they could increase their rank.


    Even if he didn¡¯t become a Sword Holder in the future, he could still exchange his military contributions for some cultivation items that belonged to the Sword Holding Court.


    Xu Qing had discussed this with the captain before. Hence, he put on a hesitant expression and pondered for a long time before handing over that wisp of aura.


    Just like that, when these seven days were over, the Sword Holder qualification battle that all the cultivators of the various sects had been looking forward to for a long time was announced.


    Thousands of people participated in this qualification battle but in the end, only ten would be selected from them!


    These ten people would obtain the qualifications to undergo the final Sword Holder assessment.


    To become true Sword Holders!

 Chapter 470

    ?470 Ghost Cave


    The Sword Holder Selection was a little different from the sect¡¯s selection. The former was stricter and divided into two stages.


    The first stage was to fight for the qualifications to participate in the Sword Holder¡¯s trial.


    This segment was mainly to eliminate the vast majority of disciples, allowing an extremely small number of people to obtain the qualifications for the final trial.


    There were a total of 2,793 disciples from the various forces who had arrived. These were all outstanding people in the Yinghuang Province in the past ten years.


    They would choose the top ten among them.


    Only the ten of them were qualified to participate in the second stage of the Sword Holder¡¯s trial.


    This was because the Sword Holder¡¯s trial after obtaining the qualifications was extremely special.


    It was like a pilgrimage. All the Sword Holders would witness it.


    As such, it was a tradition since ancient times that not many people were allowed to participate in the trial and disturb the predecessors¡¯ sleep.


    The Sword Holder Assessment was held once every ten years. Every time, there would be five people chosen from the best of the best. Three of them would become official Sword Holders and two would take quasi Sword Holder positions.


    Official meant that they were directly bestowed the identity of a Sword Holder, enjoyed the command sword, and received the emperor¡¯s blessing.


    An official Sword Holder was the most orthodox with heaven and earth as witnesses.


    This was a secondary position. Heaven and earth would not witness them, and the Sword Holder Elders would choose themselves based on the performance of the participants.


    Before these two stages, regardless of whether it was comprehending the battle spirit marks or the height climbed on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, they were all very important. They would be bonus points for the second stage of the trial.


    At that moment, the sky was clear with few clouds. The noon sun shone on the ground, illuminating the snowy plains.


    Regardless of whether it was the light from the sky or the light reflected by the ice and snow on the ground, they intertwined with the world at this moment and gave off a feeling of coldness.


    A gust of wind came from the north, stirring up snowflakes and blowing at the crowd, stirring up the sleeves of their clothes.


    As sword hums rang out from the Sword Holding Court, 2,793 disciples and rogue cultivators from the various forces of the Yinghuang Province gathered together beside the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    Xu Qing and the captain were among them. The two of them stood together and looked at the sky.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm and the captain¡¯s eyes were filled with anticipation.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised that the captain could meet the requirements. After all, he had been preparing for this ever since he came to the Eight Sects Alliance.


    What he was paying attention to was the Dao Child of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect in the distant crowd.


    ¡°Have you targeted him?¡± the captain asked in a low voice.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and nodded slightly.


    The captain chuckled.


    ¡°You sensed it too?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze froze. Just as he was about to ask, the sound of sword hums and metal clashing rang out from the sky again. Three vast figures descended from the end of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    Among these three figures, two were old men and one was a middle-aged man.


    The three of them were wearing official uniforms. Their auras were so majestic that the world seemed to be shaking and the surroundings turned silent. The two old men were really extraordinary. Thousands of Dao marks flowed in their eyes, shaking the sky.


    As for the cultivator in the center, he was even more terrifying. Countless phantoms appeared behind him, one after another, connecting to the sky. It was as though half of the sky was formed by his body.


    The minds of everyone below and all the cultivators in Absolute Beginning Separation City trembled under this pressure.


    After that, a dignified voice exploded in the minds of the 2,793 people like thunder.


    ¡°In the past, there were very few life-and-death situations when choosing the qualifications to participate in the trial.¡±


    ¡°However, the qualification test for the cultivators in the Yinghuang Province this time is different from the past. According to the Sword Holding Court¡¯s decision, the place where the qualifications are obtained will be changed to the ghost cave.¡±


    A dignified voice rang out. Most of the people who heard it were shocked and dazed. Clearly, they had never heard of the ghost cave. Only a few disciples and the Dao Protectors of the various sects had different expressions.


    Xu Qing was also stunned and instinctively looked at the captain.


    The captain¡¯s pupils clearly narrowed slightly. Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, he pointed to the ground.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    After that dignified voice finished speaking, it waited for a while before continuing.


    ¡°Some of you might have heard of it, but the vast majority of you probably don¡¯t know what it is.¡±


    Everyone below focused their attention and listened. After all, this concerned success or failure.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was also solemn.


    ¡°All of you should know the origins of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. The ghost cave¡­ is under the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar!¡±


    Everyone¡¯s minds stirred. Xu Qing also narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°Under the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, there¡¯s a deep pit that leads to an unknown place. It¡¯s filled with countless . Listen carefully. They aren¡¯t bizarre entities but deviant ghosts.¡±


    The middle-aged man in the sky swept his gaze across everyone and spoke again.


    ¡°Bizarre entities are illusory and deviant ghosts are corporeal. The former is sinister and evil, while the latter is ferocious.¡±


    ¡°There are many ghost caves in the Wanggu Continent. Every one of them is filled with mysteries and dangers. However, as long as you don¡¯t go too deep, this danger can still be controlled.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the part of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar that had sunk into the ground in the distance. He recalled that his captain had once told him that later generations analyzed that the Ghost Emperor had a motive for throwing his weapon.


    This motive might be to suppress the ghost cave.


    ¡°Why did the Ghost Emperor do this? Also, what exactly is in the ghost cave that would make the Ghost Emperor use the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar to suppress it?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know the reason but he felt that the Sword Holding Court definitely had an answer.


    At that moment, the middle-aged man in the official uniform in the sky continued with his dignified voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s also because of this that the portion of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar that has entered the ghost cave is constantly corroded by the aura of the ghost cave. It¡¯s inevitable for there to be cracks on it.¡±


    ¡°In recent years, more fragments have shattered, causing a large number of Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar fragments to drift into this ghost cave. Some have fallen to the bottomless pit, and some have scattered on the walls and corners of the ghost cave.¡±


    ¡°In the past, the Sword Holders went down to collect these fragments regularly and refined them into the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar again. Today, you guys will go.¡±


    ¡°The time limit is three days. The top ten who obtain the most fragments will obtain the qualifications to participate in the second stage of the trial.¡±


    Most of the participants¡¯ expressions turned solemn. They understood that this was the rule of the qualification battle.


    ¡°Also, let me remind you that there¡¯s a fatal danger in the ghost cave, so this is your last chance to give up. Once you participate, although everyone will be given a teleportation talisman and you can teleport away if you encounter danger, it¡¯s not guaranteed. An accident might still happen.¡±


    As he spoke, jade talismans flew over from the sky and landed in front of every participant. Everyone caught them one by one.


    Those who could participate in the Sword Holder Assessment weren¡¯t people with weak minds. Naturally, no one would withdraw at this moment. There were even people who asked questions after obtaining the teleportation talisman.


    ¡°Sir, if the number is the same, how would the selection be done?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s decided according to the ranking of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar,¡± the middle-aged man in the official uniform said calmly.


    ¡°Lastly, I have to warn you. This ghost cave isn¡¯t an out-of-law place and is also within the scope of the Sword Holding Court. You can attack but it¡¯s strictly forbidden to kill each other.¡±


    ¡°Now, the Sword Holder trial qualification selection begins!¡±


    As his voice echoed, the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar emitted a piercing light. As it continued to spread, the pillar trembled intensely.


    After that, it slowly shrunk by a size and rose into the air, revealing the part of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar that was buried underground.


    Everyone¡¯s gazes landed there. They could clearly see that the bottom part of the raised Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar was pitch-black. It was mottled and severely corroded.


    In fact, the bottom part of the pillar was already riddled with holes.


    As the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar was lifted, a deep pit appeared on the ground. Waves of evil black miasma mixed with inhuman roars spread out from it.


    Those roars contained endless pain and madness. It was as though¡­ the pit was connected to the netherworld.


    This scene caused the expressions of everyone here to change one after another. Some who were originally determined were now intimidated.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going down?!¡± The middle-aged man¡¯s voice exploded. The disciples and rogue cultivators of the various forces around the deep pit gritted their teeth and rushed toward the pit.


    Qing Qiu was among them. She was among the first batch of people to enter. The Grand Affairs¡¯ Dao Child, the youth from the small sect, and the heaven¡¯s chosens from the other forces also entered one after another.


    Xu Qing and the captain also moved.


    Very soon, 90% of the cultivators had entered. Just as the remaining cultivators were hesitating, a shocking bang rang out. The Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar that rose into the air suddenly landed and became 10,000 feet thick again, piercing into the deep pit.


    It blocked the pit again!


    In an instant, the black miasma dissipated and the mournful cries disappeared. Everything was as usual.


    As for the deep pit, it was a scene of darkness.


    The instant Xu Qing stepped in, he immediately moved closer to the edges of the surroundings. After coming into contact with the soil, he coldly stared at his surroundings.


    This place was strange. Even though he gathered energy in his eyes, he still couldn¡¯t see everything clearly.


    As for the roars and cries he had heard from outside earlier, they had all disappeared. Other than the sound of his breathing, this place was silent.


    The darkness in front of him and the enclosed space formed a sense of oppression, giving off a mysterious sense of fear.


    Only the cold air coming from below carried a stench. It was as though countless strands of hair were floating past, and when they landed on his skin, his hair would instinctively stand on end.


    A while later, maybe it was because his naked eyes had adapted to the darkness or maybe it was because his cultivation base had resonated with this place, Xu Qing¡¯s vision slowly became clearer.


    This was a huge deep pit. Even though he could see his surroundings clearly, it was still pitch-black below, like an abyss.


    There were some black plants growing on the surrounding walls. On each leaf, there was a ghost face that was faintly discernible, smiling at everyone who was leaning against the wall and observing.


    A total of 2,400-2,500 people had arrived, but only half of them were on guard against the surrounding walls.


    The remaining half seemed to have rushed deeper the moment they entered this place.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and turned to the side. The captain was less than 30 feet away from him and also looked at him. After that, he pointed below.


    Xu Qing nodded. Just as the two of them were about to let go and jump down the deep pit, at that moment¡­


    A cold, drawn-out, and ethereal singing voice seemed to be echoing in every ear.


    The voice was filled with gentleness and sharpness, fusing together to form an indescribable tune.


    ¡°The previous life is not here, but the afterlife is always here. I cut off the lovesickness and drew the mortal world¡­¡±


    This voice¡¯s gender couldn¡¯t be differentiated. It unknowingly seeped into the disciples¡¯ minds, causing their scalps to turn numb. They also felt waves of coldness on their backs.


    It was as though the coldness from the autumn rain seeped into their entire bodies.

 Chapter 471 - 471 Deviant Ghost

    471 Deviant Ghost


    The autumn rain contained coldness. When it landed on a person, it would silently seep into their body. It wasn¡¯t easy to disperse and finally, it would turn into bone-piercing cold.


    The tune was like this.


    Xu Qing shivered uncontrollably. He thought of the pair of women¡¯s boots he had seen walking over in the blood fog when he was at the scavenger campsite with Captain Lei in the jungle of the forbidden zone.


    At that time, he, who was only a Qi Refinement rogue cultivator, had felt a similar coldness that froze his soul and sealed his body.


    Now, his cultivation base was extraordinary but he still had the same feeling.


    That long, ethereal and feminine singing voice seemed to have materialized and became a soul-stirring funeral tune, causing dozens of the thousand-odd cultivators in the surroundings to tilt and fall from their location.


    They fell into the deep, dark pit as though they were devoured.


    The remaining people¡¯s minds shook violently and horrified expressions appeared on their faces uncontrollably. This was because the singing voice quavered.


    Every letter seemed to contain countless trembling voices, as though the person singing was also afraid.


    It was as though they were putting on a show for the dead.


    In the entire deep pit, only the sound of this performance echoed. Moreover, even if people blocked their hearing, it was useless. This sound would reverberate in their souls and transform into anomalous substances, breeding in everyone¡¯s minds.


    In an instant, as the anomalous substances in the deep pit continued to thicken, the voice that was singing became weaker. In the end, it turned into a soft murmur that was only faintly discernible.


    Everyone let out a breath of relief. However, another tune suddenly rang out.


    ¡°Previous life, you are not here; I am always in the afterlife. Who cut off lovesickness, who drew the mortal world¡­¡±


    The song this time was different from before. It wasn¡¯t that soul-stirring or cold. It was clearly a different singer but it was even more sinister, causing one¡¯s mind to tremble. They all looked in the direction Xu Qing was in.


    This was because this voice came from there!


    Xu Qing abruptly turned his head and looked at the captain.


    The captain¡¯s eyes also widened as he looked at Xu Qing.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s pupils, he saw his figure and¡­ the white-clothed figure floating behind it.


    The person singing was none other than the figure who had appeared behind the captain at some point in time.


    The captain narrowed his eyes and his expression was sinister. Another face appeared in his pupils and his entire body emitted a cold aura. He even widened his mouth, revealing his teeth. He suddenly turned his head and took a big bite behind him.


    The sound of teeth colliding spread in all directions. One could see how ruthless this bite was.


    However, the sound of singing was still there.


    However, this time, the sound appeared behind another cultivator. The cultivator¡¯s body trembled and he felt a huge life-and-death crisis. Just as he was about to crush the teleportation jade slip in his hand, at the next instant¡­ a look of confusion appeared in his eyes and he sang a tune. His expression also became sinister.


    Immediately after, his body rumbled and the anomalous substances in him instantly erupted to the extreme. He directly mutated!


    His back swelled with sarcomas, and his arms became several times thicker. Bone spikes pierced through his flesh and clothes.


    His legs were equally thick and exploded at the thigh area. Seven to eight tentacles that were covered in blood-colored mucus grew out from both thighs. The greatest change was his head. His entire head¡­ transformed into a huge blue eye.


    His figure suddenly disappeared and when he reappeared, he was in front of a small sect cultivator. That cultivator wasn¡¯t ordinary either. He immediately performed a series of hand seals; flames appeared in the surroundings and enveloped the mutated cultivator.


    However, it was useless. A tentacle stretched out from the flames and directly penetrated the cultivator¡¯s mouth.


    The cultivator screamed. His body was lifted high and his stomach continued to expand until it exploded.


    From the location of the explosion, the tentacle that stretched into his body swung out and continued to shake, causing flesh and blood to splatter everywhere.


    This scene caused everyone to gasp.


    The mutated cultivator¡¯s body swayed, displaying astonishing speed as he charged toward another person.


    In an instant, screams and cries echoed endlessly.


    A few breaths later, the mutated cultivator who had killed many people appeared beside Xu Qing.


    The moment it appeared, it hugged Xu Qing. A ghastly mouth appeared on its stomach, wanting to devour him.


    As the danger in the deep pit was revealed, the selfishness of human nature was also exposed. There were clearly more than a thousand people in the surroundings and there was not even a need for them to attack together. As long as seven to eight of them joined forces, no matter how fast this mutated cultivator was, it would be useless.


    However, everyone had different thoughts. Many people took advantage of the moment when the mutated cultivator attacked others and headed straight into the depths of the deep pit, avoiding the danger here.


    There were hundreds of such people. Some decisively crushed their jade talismans and chose to leave, unwilling to continue participating.


    The scene was very chaotic.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with these. The instant the mutated cultivator arrived, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. He didn¡¯t retreat but charged forward instead, instantly approaching the mutated cultivator. He then punched out.


    The three Heavenly Palaces in his body and the Golden Crow erupted with strength.


    The mutated cultivator let out a pained cry and retreated.


    However, not long after it retreated, an ice-cold aura came from behind it. The captain silently appeared, and his eyes revealed a dark glint as he grabbed the body of the mutated cultivator. He then opened his mouth and bit down on the blue eye.


    An even more loud scream rang out from the mouth on the mutated cultivator¡¯s stomach. Xu Qing arrived and punched again.


    Finally, with a loud bang, the mutated cultivator¡¯s body exploded into pieces, scattering toward the deep pit below.


    At that moment, there were only dozens of cultivators left. The others had either teleported away or had already moved down.


    ¡°Little Qing, let¡¯s split up. We have to hurry up.¡± The captain spat to the side, looking like it didn¡¯t taste good.


    Xu Qing nodded and the two of them immediately fell down.


    They were very fast. As he sped, Xu Qing saw the disciples of the various forces who had left earlier.


    These people were all fighting now. Some of their opponents were the white figures that had appeared earlier, while others were mutated cultivators who had been possessed by these figures.


    There were many of them and most of them were fighting fiercely.


    To dare to come to this trial, they naturally had some methods, and they were on the winning side.


    However, due to having no time to teleport away, many disciples died.


    This qualification test was indeed incomparably dangerous.


    Xu Qing avoided these disputes. The deeper he went, the more intense the coldness. The feeling of oppression also became increasingly powerful and suffocating.


    In the end, he could even hear his rumbling heartbeat. Moreover, his vision had become blurry and he couldn¡¯t see clearly.


    It would take a while for him to get used to it. When he saw his surroundings clearly again, Xu Qing noticed that some cave forks would occasionally appear on the surrounding mud walls. Clearly, there wasn¡¯t only one path in this underground world.


    However, the stench didn¡¯t decrease because of the forks. Instead, it became even stronger.


    In addition, Xu Qing hadn¡¯t seen a single fragment needed to obtain the qualifications to participate in the Sword Holder¡¯s trial.


    He understood that this was because too many people had left earlier. Naturally, all the fragments that could be easily found had been taken out.


    Xu Qing looked around. With a sway of his body, he landed at the edge of a deep pit where the soil was protruding. He stood there and looked above.


    The sounds of the battle above could be heard faintly. Occasionally, droplets of blood would fall. As for the cold air below, it was intense and the sound of singing was still faintly discernible.


    The captain was no longer around. The two of them had agreed earlier that they would act separately. After all, they were searching for items, and the efficiency of splitting up would be higher.


    ¡°I won¡¯t go to other paths. I¡¯ll follow this place to its end.¡±


    Xu Qing leaped up, continuing to whistle down.


    Gradually, he got deeper and deeper and the surroundings became darker. When the sense of enclosed space became even more obvious, Xu Qing suddenly paused. He took a few steps back and hung in the air, looking ahead.


    There was a fork in the cave there.


    A figure stood at the edge.


    That figure was an old man wearing a black robe. He didn¡¯t emit any aura, as though he had fused with the surrounding darkness. It was very easy to ignore him.


    His hands were hanging down. Upon closer inspection, Xu Qing noticed that all ten fingers of his hands had long black fingernails that were very sharp.


    His back was facing Xu Qing and his face couldn¡¯t be seen.


    He could only see that his body was slightly tilted, as though he was listening to the singing sounds coming from the bottom of the deep pit. He seemed to be listening very seriously.


    However, in this ghost cave, the appearance of this figure would make anyone who saw him vigilant.


    Xu Qing stared at the figure. His gaze first swept past this sinister figure before looking at the soil beside the other party. There were three fragments stabbed into the soil!


    These three fragments were what Xu Qing needed.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He didn¡¯t believe that no one had passed by this place but the fragments were still there. From this, he could determine that the other disciples who passed by this place were either dead or didn¡¯t dare to make a move and couldn¡¯t obtain the fragments.


    Xu Qing thought about it and first checked his surroundings. After confirming that there were no ambushes here, he transmitted his divine sense to the shadow.


    At the next instant, the shadow extended and quickly approached the old man who was listening to the song. It rolled up a fragment and was about to pull it back.


    However, at this moment, the old man lifted his hand and pressed it on the fragment with such great force that the soil rumbled.


    After that, he turned his head and an expressionless green face was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    It was like a zombie.


    His empty eyes emitted waves of red light as he stared fixedly at Xu Qing. The corners of his mouth gradually split open, revealing sharp teeth.


    At the next instant, a fiendish intent erupted as he rushed toward Xu Qing.


    His fingernails seemed to have cut through the void, emitting a sharp sound of air being torn apart as he grabbed fiercely at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. The instant the fishy smell hit his face, his upper body leaned back.


    Seeing the zombie old man¡¯s pitch-black right hand whistling past in front of him, Xu Qing took advantage of the situation and fell. He twisted his body, with his head below and his right foot above, and all his cultivation base erupted. The power of his physical body gathered in his right foot and he kicked fiercely at the old man¡¯s chin!


    Boom!


    The zombie old man¡¯s head cracked and distorted irregularly. His body was even kicked back hundreds of feet by Xu Qing¡¯s kick.


    At the same time, the shadow quickly swept up the three fragments and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    However, at the next instant, the zombie old man¡¯s head suddenly swayed and he turned his head back. The red light in his eyes intensified and his hostility soared to the extreme. Raging anomalous substances rose from his entire body.


    Waves of beast-like roars rang out from his mouth as his speed erupted, heading toward Xu Qing malevolently.


    He instantly got close and bit Xu Qing¡¯s neck.

 Chapter 472

    ?472 Ghost Face on joss papers


    As the stench assaulted his face, a cold light appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He quickly retreated. He didn¡¯t want to waste time entangled with this zombie old man.


    Now that he had the fragments, he didn¡¯t want to stay any longer.


    However, the zombie quickly chased after him. The baleful aura emitted by its body became increasingly dense. It was obvious that it wouldn¡¯t rest until it died.


    Xu Qing observed the zombie old man closely with a sharp glint in his eyes.


    The feeling the other party gave him was somewhat similar to the Sea Corpse Race. However, its joints weren¡¯t agile, but the hardness and recovery ability of its body were even more exaggerated.


    It also possessed some undying characteristics.


    ¡°There¡¯s no heartbeat, no blood, and it lacks intelligence. It looks more like a mutated cultivator than a ferocious beast. Moreover, its body is filled with traces of time.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem to have any spiritual energy, but its aura and the wind it stirs contain poison. This poison belongs to the category of corpse poison and mainly has the effect of rotting.¡±


    ¡°Its body is powerful and its combat strength is at the four palaces. Coupled with its recovery power and undying characteristic, it¡¯s infinitely close to the five palaces.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed. When he dodged the zombie old man¡¯s pounce again, he had already analyzed the other party thoroughly.


    ¡°Its speed is slightly slower than mine. If I use the Poison Restriction, I can kill it. However, this is a little wasteful.¡±


    ¡°Its poison isn¡¯t bad, and its fingernails look like very good refining materials.¡±


    ¡°If I can find the source of its regeneration, its value will be even greater. My time won¡¯t be wasted in vain.¡±


    While Xu Qing was analyzing inwardly, the zombie old man was becoming irritable because it couldn¡¯t touch Xu Qing. It suddenly opened its mouth and spat at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll suppress it first and take its parts out one by one.¡± Xu Qing made a decision. Although his figure was drowned by the poison mist, at the next instant, the poison mist suddenly exploded in all directions.


    A shocking aura erupted from within, causing the poison mist to seem to be swept away by a violent wind. As it rapidly spread out, an afterimage moved out of the poison mist.


    The figure¡¯s speed exceeded the limit that could be seen by the naked eye and even surpassed the perception of the zombie old man. It only noticed that the poison mist had exploded. In the next breath, its body let out a boom and was suddenly blasted back by a huge force that came from its front.


    It collided with the wall of the deep pit thousands of feet away.


    The mud wall shook and the zombie old man¡¯s body caved in. Just as it was about to struggle, a black palm landed on its face and pressed down fiercely.


    With another boom, its head was completely pressed against the wall. No matter how it struggled, it was useless.


    It was also at this moment that the owner of the black palm appeared beside the zombie old man.


    It was a pitch-black figure. Its clothes, skin, and everything else were black.


    At that moment, the black color rapidly gathered between the figure¡¯s glabella and finally transformed into an eye, revealing the true appearance of the figure. It was none other than Xu Qing.


    After fusing with the shadow, Xu Qing lost the ability to cast spells. However, in exchange, he gained extreme physical power. His physical combat strength surpassed the four Heavenly Palaces and reached the peak of the five palaces.


    In his eyes, the speed of the zombie old man was extremely slow. He expressionlessly lifted his right hand and grabbed the zombie old man¡¯s fingers. With a cracking sound, he broke his ten pitch-black and sharp fingernails one by one.


    After some thought, his right index finger landed on the zombie¡¯s neck and slowly slid down, as though he was searching. Finally, it stopped at the zombie¡¯s chest and suddenly penetrated it.


    Very soon, he dug out a fist-sized black fog.


    This ball of fog contained dense corpse poison.


    After doing this, Xu Qing searched again, wanting to find the source of the zombie¡¯s regeneration.


    However, at this moment, after losing the black fog, the trembling zombie suddenly paused and instantly rotted, turning into black blood that flowed down the sunken wall of the deep pit.


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, the shadow eye on his glabella spread out and covered his entire body. After it covered him again, it transformed into the appearance of a coffin and Xu Qing¡¯s figure walked out.


    ¡°This black fog doesn¡¯t only contain poison but also the strange power that supports the existence of this zombie?¡± Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He kept the fingernails and the black fog and continued forward.


    The surroundings became increasingly pitch-black, the stench grew increasingly strong, and the cold feeling grew even more intense. In the silence, only the faintly discernible sounds of singing continued to ring out.


    It was filled with resentment, despair, etherealism, and mournfulness.


    This sound continued to invade Xu Qing¡¯s entire body, causing him to feel increasingly uncomfortable. Moreover, he couldn¡¯t block out the sound.


    He landed on a protruding rock wall and he lowered his head to look at the darkness below.


    ¡°How deep is this place?¡± Xu Qing mumbled and continued to fall. After more than an hour, his figure suddenly paused and his pupils contracted as he looked down.


    Hundreds of feet below, Xu Qing saw dozens of corpses floating in the air.


    One of them was a small sect cultivator who had reached 10,000 feet on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    However, it wasn¡¯t the youth who attacked Xu Qing but another youth.


    As for the other corpses, Xu Qing saw cultivators of the Eight Sects Alliance and disciples of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect among them.


    These people had all died here. The strange thing was¡­ their faces were covered in yellow joss papers.


    The faces under the joss papers were green and filled with malevolence, as though they had experienced extreme pain before they died. There were even a few people who were holding teleportation jade slips in their hands. It was as though the accident happened too suddenly and they didn¡¯t have time to teleport.


    On the mud walls around them, dozens of Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar fragments were shining. Xu Qing could even imagine that there were definitely other fragments in the storage bags of these people.


    After all, these people were the first to leave after they entered the deep pit.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t act rashly. On one hand, everything looked like a trap. On the other hand, there were joss papers fluttering around these corpses.


    They flew around like yellow paper butterflies, moving up and down with the air emitted by the deep pit below.


    Just as Xu Qing was staring at it, these yellow joss papers suddenly stopped in the air and rose in unison. They were like ghost faces as they looked at the place Xu Qing was at.


    Being watched by so many joss papers was enough to make one¡¯s hair stand on end.


    These laughter revealed bizarreness and even greed. It was as though they yearned for flesh and blood and souls. They were extremely fast and got close almost instantly.


    The instant they got close, Xu Qing lifted his right hand and pressed down.


    With this push, the power of his three Heavenly Palaces erupted. The Golden Crow manifested behind him and let out a hiss. It flapped its wings and stirred up flames that swept in all directions, wanting to burn these joss papers.


    The joss papers were instantly thrown back and couldn¡¯t get close. However, not only did the strange laughter not disappear, but it also became clearer.


    Immediately after, these joss papers actually gathered together and formed a huge paper cicada.


    The wings were also formed from joss paper. The paper cicada spread its wings and fluttered rapidly, emitting a buzzing sound. The laughter from the joss papers also became a voice that echoed with the help of the flapping of its wings.


    ¡°You, are you hungry? Do you want to eat me?¡±


    This sound was sinister and ear-piercing. When this sound wave reached Xu Qing, it actually caused the flames in Xu Qing¡¯s surroundings to tumble back.


    This paper cicada took the opportunity to move toward Xu Qing. Countless ghost faces appeared on its body, all of them revealing greed and desire.


    ¡°Eat me, eat me, eat me¡­¡±


    The sounds were densely packed and continued to echo, rushing into Xu Qing¡¯s mind like invisible spikes.


    A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Just as he was about to attack, his expression suddenly darkened and he retreated abruptly.


    Almost at the instant he retreated, the mud wall of the deep pit at the side suddenly blurred. A huge centipede that was 100 feet wide directly passed through the mud wall of the deep pit. Its target wasn¡¯t Xu Qing but¡­ the paper cicada that was emitting the demonic sound.


    This centipede looked sinister and emitted a strong stench of rotting. Its body was translucent and seemed illusory.


    Its speed was so fast that in the blink of an eye, the huge centipede bit the paper cicada and arrived at the other end of the mud wall of the deep pit. Its body twisted as it lay there, biting and swallowing the cicada with all its might.


    There was a figure sitting on the back of the centipede. It was a woman. Her lower body had fused into the centipede and seemed to have grown together.


    Her exposed upper body was naked and her long black hair covered her body.


    She was holding a comb. As she combed her hair, she burped and spat out a piece of joss papers that hadn¡¯t been digested. She turned her body and looked in Xu Qing¡¯s direction. She then lifted the joss papers and smiled.


    ¡°It¡¯s very delicious. Aren¡¯t you eating it?¡±


    Xu Qing was vigilant. This scene was too bizarre. He had a faint feeling that the other party wasn¡¯t talking to him but was looking behind him.


    Behind him, a black coffin rose, emitting waves of ominous aura.


    That was the shadow appearing on its own after being stimulated. A large number of eyes appeared on it and stared fixedly at the joss papers in the woman¡¯s hand, blinking continuously.


    ¡°What do you mean by blinking? Are you looking at this?¡± The woman on the centipede looked at the joss papers in her hand.


    However, at this moment, a strange thing happened. A ghost face suddenly appeared on the joss papers in the woman¡¯s hand and smiled at the woman.


    ¡°Are you full?¡±


    As soon as it finished speaking, the centipede that the woman was in trembled. Countless joss papers could be seen with the naked eye. These joss papers filled the centipede¡¯s entire body, causing it to instantly lose its translucent state and turn into a paper centipede.


    At that moment, ghost faces appeared on all the joss papers. They laughed one after another and said the same thing.


    ¡°Are you full?¡±

 Chapter 473

    ?473 Fox Hearted


    The woman on the centipede let out a shrill cry. With a sway of her body, the centipede¡¯s thousand feet instantly moved rapidly on the mud wall. It wanted to shake off the joss paper but it couldn¡¯t do so.


    These joss papers formed inside its body and rapidly spread out through its entire body. It was even about to cover the woman¡¯s upper body.


    Evil voices continued to ring out from the faces of those ghosts on the joss papers, spreading in all directions.


    ¡°Are you full?¡±


    The sounds were densely packed, as though countless people were screaming.


    A malevolent look appeared in the woman¡¯s eyes. After sensing that she couldn¡¯t suppress the joss papers, she controlled her body to burrow into the mud wall. As the mud scattered, her figure burrowed in and disappeared.


    At this moment, the joss papers on the faces of the corpses below also flew up one by one and floated into the place where the centipede had gone.


    The ghost faces on them laughed as they passed through the mud wall and chased after the centipede.


    It seemed like this place was indeed a trap but the target wasn¡¯t Xu Qing but¡­ that strange centipede.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t too sure about the truth and could only make guesses.


    He looked at the place where the centipede had left and became even more vigilant of this place. This was because regardless of whether it was the joss papers or the centipede, they both gave him an extremely dangerous feeling.


    This feeling had nothing to do with the cultivation base. It was as though these existences themselves possessed a mysterious power.


    ¡°It¡¯s a little similar to the red moon¡­ Maybe my Poison Restriction Pill can destroy them, or the purple moon.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. However, he didn¡¯t want to expose himself here. While being on guard, he carefully approached the corpses below and kept the scattered fragments in the surroundings as well as the storage bags on those corpses.


    As he continued to sink, he opened those storage bags. There were indeed some fragments in each of them, and altogether, there were about a hundred or so.


    After putting them away, Xu Qing sank deeper and deeper while maintaining his vigilance.


    At this depth, the stench was stronger, the sounds of singing became clearer, the coldness and anomalous substances also became heavier. However, some fragments appeared in the surroundings.


    When Xu Qing saw them, he quickly grabbed them.


    Just like that, a day passed.


    During this time, Xu Qing saw some corpses. Their decay was very serious and he couldn¡¯t tell if they were people who had entered together with him.


    Beside these corpses, there were often ghosts that were gnawing like wild dogs.


    Moreover, these corpses didn¡¯t have storage bags.


    This made Xu Qing even more cautious and his sinking speed slowed down a little.


    At the same time, he also encountered many deviant ghosts. For example, there was a giant that was like a mountain of flesh with a huge hole in its stomach that was spitting out soil.


    Another time, he saw plants that looked like eyes on the mud walls. They stared at Xu Qing with a sinister expression.


    There were also some dancers in beautiful clothes who looked like fairies.


    They floated out of the mud walls and danced as they passed through the mud wall at the other end. They looked beautiful but they had no face.


    If it was a timid person, their legs would probably go limp from fear and they would want to leave this place.


    After all, this place was pitch-black, narrow, and filled with stench. Regardless of whether it was the appearance of the deviant ghosts or the singing voice that was ever-present, it made one¡¯s soul instinctively tremble.


    However, Xu Qing was still fine. He had seen too many miserable things in the human world. It wasn¡¯t like there weren¡¯t things more terrifying than this.


    When the second day was about to pass, Xu Qing, who had already sunk to an extremely deep level, had already collected more than 200 fragments. This could already be considered the top ranking.


    Just as he was considering whether he should continue to sink, the coffin formed by the shadow suddenly appeared on its own. All its eyes opened at the same time and looked at the wall on the other side.


    At the same time, there were also intense clear fluctuations that transmitted to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred. When he lifted his head, the black iron stick flew out and headed straight for the mud wall, instantly blasting open a huge pit, revealing the dying centipede woman inside.


    At that moment, her centipede body had completely turned into joss papers. It was shriveled up as though the inner substance had been devoured, leaving only a layer of paper skin.


    It was the same for the human body from the eyes down. She lay there paralyzed with a hollow look in her eyes, as though she was waiting for her death.


    Xu Qing took a look and retracted his gaze. Just as he was about to leave, a pleading fluctuation came from the shadow behind him.


    ¡°You want me to save it?¡± Xu Qing was surprised. This was the first time he felt such emotions from the shadow.


    ¡°Aura¡­ familiar¡­ want¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. After a long time, he nodded.


    ¡°I can only try.¡±


    The coffin formed by the shadow instantly swayed. Xu Qing took a look and was already used to the other party being led astray by the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    He walked toward the large pit where the paper centipede was.


    When he arrived, the hollowness in the eyes of the woman whose eyes had turned into joss paper rippled slightly, but she couldn¡¯t speak.


    Xu Qing calmly walked closer and took a look. The third Heavenly Palace in his body suddenly trembled and the power of poison spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s body, spreading toward the centipede woman.


    The poison instantly invaded her.


    The woman¡¯s eyes revealed horror. At the next instant, all the joss papers on her body turned into ghost faces in unison and stared fixedly at Xu Qing as they spoke in unison.


    However, what came out wasn¡¯t a demonic cry but a shrill cry.


    Xu Qing¡¯s poison rapidly permeated the joss papers. Wherever it passed, the joss papers would turn pitch-black and melt. Soon, all the joss papers turned into a black liquid that fused into the soil.


    After losing the joss papers, the centipede¡¯s exposed body was also invaded by Xu Qing¡¯s poison.


    The area below the woman¡¯s eyes was rotting. When her eyes became even more empty, the third Heavenly Palace in Xu Qing¡¯s body shook.


    Immediately, all the poison that was spread out, including the poison in the centipede woman¡¯s body, rolled over and entered Xu Qing¡¯s Heavenly Palace.


    After doing this, the centipede woman¡¯s body trembled and she weakly lifted her head. After taking a look at Xu Qing, she instantly left through the soil into the distance.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care. He stood at the edge of the pit and pondered for a moment. In order to ensure that he could enter the top ten, he felt that it was better to collect more fragments.


    Hence, his body leaped and continued to sink. Just like that, another half a day passed and the number of fragments Xu Qing collected reached 243.


    There was only half a day left before the time limit for obtaining the qualifications. Xu Qing didn¡¯t plan to continue and prepared to leave.


    However, just as he kept the last fragment, his pupils suddenly narrowed.


    He saw a living person.


    This was the first living person he saw here in this day and a half.


    It was the Dao Child of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect!


    This person was further down the deep pit.


    There were several caves in the surroundings of that area. At that moment, the Dao Child was constantly flying around the entrances of these caves and fighting against a deviant ghost.


    Their speed was extremely fast. As they exchanged blows, low sounds would occasionally echo. However, because the surroundings were special, these sounds didn¡¯t spread too far.


    As for the deviant ghost that was fighting against the Dao Child, it was extremely powerful and looked sinister.


    It had a human shape but had no skin. Its entire body was dry and cracked, like a burned corpse.


    However, its movements were extremely agile and fast, causing the Dao Child to be unable to escape.


    Every time the burning corpse attacked, it would set off black fire that burned the surroundings. At the same time, the aura it emitted was also the strongest Xu Qing had sensed on his way.


    It had reached the level of six palaces.


    This was especially so for the black fire. What they emitted wasn¡¯t high temperature but coldness.


    This was the underworld fire. It could burn the soul.


    All of this caused the expression of the Dao Child to turn a little ugly. He had been targeted by this burning corpse for a long time. Although he had used a secret art to destroy it many times, the other party would take shape again in the next instant. It was unscathed and was extremely difficult to deal with.


    Even when he used some of his soul-destroying trump cards, it was useless. This burning corpse seemed to be undying and indestructible. And the strange power it erupted with every once in a while made him have lingering fear.


    ¡°Damn it, I was just a step away from reaching there. How did this five-element corpse escape? Was Grandmaster¡¯s calculations wrong and something happened below?¡±


    The expression of the Dao Child was gloomy. In reality, the reason why he rejected the direct recruitment qualification given by his grandmaster was to enter this ghost cave.


    He had long known that the location of the qualification trial this time was set at the ghost cave. His grandmaster had also emphasized that there were things he needed in the upper area of the ghost cave. Whether he could obtain them depended on luck.


    In fact, some of the arrangements here were also made clear to him. Hence, after he entered this place, he headed straight here at full speed.


    However, in the end, he was stopped by the burning corpse and couldn¡¯t go deeper. This burning corpse was persistent and he couldn¡¯t shake it off. If he forcefully rushed out, it would stimulate the corpse and cause it to reveal an even more astonishing method.


    He was also very clear of the origins of this terrifying corpse in front of him and knew that it was anything but ordinary.


    ¡°This can¡¯t go on¡­¡± As he analyzed how to escape, he suddenly retreated and dodged the burning corpse in front of him. He watched as the burning corpse pounced over again.


    A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. Just as he was about to attack, he saw Xu Qing who had just arrived.


    There was a distance of more than 2,000 feet between the two of them.


    Although the surroundings were dim, they could still see each other clearly. The instant their gazes met, Xu Qing raised his brows and looked at the abyss below. After that, he retreated.


    He planned to leave this place and didn¡¯t want to participate.


    ¡°It¡¯s you!¡± However, the instant Xu Qing retreated, the expression of the Dao Child, who was 2,000 feet away, revealed a strange glint.


    He didn¡¯t hesitate at all. Even though the burning corpse was rapidly pouncing over, he didn¡¯t care. Instead, he quickly performed a series of hand seals with both hands.


    Immediately, the void outside his body distorted and spatial fluctuations appeared. After that, he lifted his right hand and slapped his forehead. In an instant, a crack appeared on his forehead. A palm-sized black ram actually stretched its head out from the crack between his brows and called out to Xu Qing.


    Bahhh!


    Xu Qing immediately felt uneasy as he retreated. However, he sensed cracking sounds from the void in his surroundings, as though countless pieces of space had shattered. Two of them were picked up and swapped places before reforming.


    The world spun. When everything became clear, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy as he discovered that he was actually at the location of the Dao Child earlier.


    As for the other party, he appeared at his previous location. They actually swapped space at this instant and forcefully swapped positions!


    At the same time, the burning corpse suddenly got close and pounced toward Xu Qing!


    The Dao Child stood at the spot where Xu Qing was previously and chuckled. He borrowed Xu Qing¡¯s help to attract the burning corpses and his speed erupted explosively, heading straight for the bottom of the deep pit and leaving.


    Xu Qing glanced at the departing Dao Child with a cold gaze.

 Chapter 474 - 474 Wandering in This Life, Buried for the Rest of My Life

    474 Wandering in This Life, Buried for the Rest of My Life


    The Dao Child¡¯s spell was mysterious. It was almost impossible to guard against such a position swap technique for the first time.


    As for the other party¡¯s chuckle, Xu Qing heard it and remembered it.


    However, now wasn¡¯t the time to think about these things. The burning corpse was rapidly pouncing over.


    Xu Qing was very clear that there was naturally a reason why this burning corpse was entangled with the Dao Child.


    As such, he didn¡¯t dare to be careless. He retreated and performed a series of hand seals with both hands, forming waves in the surroundings that whistled toward the burning corpse and blasted it away.


    At the same time, the shadow instantly formed the coffin and fused into Xu Qing¡¯s body as he retreated.


    A loud sound echoed in all directions, and the sea waves swept out, drowning the burning corpse.


    At that moment, Xu Qing had also fused with the shadow. His entire body was black and a sharp glint appeared in his eyes. He didn¡¯t choose to rush over but retreated again.


    His speed instantly soared, reaching the peak of the five Heavenly Palaces. He quickly punched.


    Almost at the instant his fist landed, the waves in front of him collapsed from an internal eruption.


    The seawater formed by the spell rumbled and shot in all directions as a burning figure rushed out.


    That figure was too fast and Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see it clearly at all. He could only vaguely sense that the other party was stepping on the spreading waves and had arrived in front of him in the blink of an eye.


    It was the burning corpse with a baleful glint in its eyes.


    Amidst the deafening roar, the burning corpse punched Xu Qing¡¯s right fist.


    Xu Qing felt an astonishing force erupting from the other party¡¯s fist, forming waves of impact that landed on his entire body. Even with his current physical strength, he couldn¡¯t resist it.


    His body rumbled as he was sent back again, directly smashing on the mud wall, forming a deep crater.


    ¡°It¡¯s indeed the combat strength of six palaces!¡±


    ¡°However, it didn¡¯t chase after Zhang Siyun, which means that it lacks intelligence and only has instincts like a wild beast. However, as long as it has instincts, everything is fine!¡±


    ¡°It is only targeting me now. After I punched, it was clearly faster than me but it still punched my fist. This proves that the thinking of this corpse is simple.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly as he quickly analyzed.


    He could sense how terrifying this burning corpse was. Its spells were okay, but the most astonishing thing was its body.


    This physical strength had already reached six palaces. Even though Xu Qing had fused with the shadow and possessed an extreme peak five palaces physical body, he still couldn¡¯t counterattack.


    He couldn¡¯t even see the other party¡¯s movements clearly.


    However, the environment here limited the burning corpse¡¯s movement range. The range of this deep pit wasn¡¯t very large. As long as he limited the range of possible attack direction to the front only, no matter how fast the burning corpse was, Xu Qing had a way to counter it.


    As such, he didn¡¯t attempt to dodge. That would only cause him to be attacked from all directions.


    He retreated rapidly and entered the mud wall. There was a mud wall behind him and there were mud walls on both sides. Only the space in front of him was empty.


    At the same time, the Poison Restriction Pill in the Third Heavenly Palace in his body shook rapidly. Endless poison erupted from it and spread through Xu Qing¡¯s body, gathering in front of him.


    The instant Xu Qing entered the mud wall, the burning corpse roared again. Red flames spread out from its entire body, transforming into a ghastly mouth formed by flames that fiercely pounced upon Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t dodge. He leaned against the mud wall and curled up into a ball, blocking with all his might like a hedgehog.


    As the flames spread out, the aura of the burning corpse skyrocketed. An afterimage appeared as it arrived in front of the mud wall and punched Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s countenance turned pale. The mud wall behind him collapsed and his body was pushed in by the great force. However, the burning corpse also retreated. Other than madness, for the first time, it looked wary.


    Its right arm was currently rotting!


    There was also a bolt of red lightning that instantly arrived when it retreated and pierced through its body, causing the burning corpse to let out a roar. Red lightning bolts swam in its body and wherever they passed, its flesh and blood would turn into crystals that emitted extreme cold air.


    After the red lightning completed this attack, it quickly returned to the location where the mud wall had collapsed, revealing the iron stick inside. It floated in front of Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing spat out a mouthful of blood. The black color of his entire body was rapidly gathering at his glabella, transforming into the shadow¡¯s eyes.


    The shadow stared fixedly at the corpse.


    Under the shadow eye was Xu Qing¡¯s calm face. Fighting intent rose in his eyes as he stared at the burning corpse.


    He knew that his physical strength was inferior to the other party¡¯s, his spells were inferior, and his speed was inferior. However, he didn¡¯t give up. He first used the mud wall to limit the range of the attacks.


    This made it so that the other party¡¯s attack could only come from the front.


    Of course, this was also because Xu Qing judged that this burning corpse didn¡¯t have the intelligence of a cultivator. That was why he used this battle method.


    Also, his Poison Restriction Pill was a trump card that far surpassed his physical strength, and the poison was all gathered in front of him. As long as the other party attacked, it would be poisoned. What he needed to do was to endure the attacks and wait for the poison to corrode it.


    The deep pit turned quiet. The burning corpse stared fixedly at Xu Qing with an irritated and wary expression. The rotting on its right hand was spreading.


    In the end, its violence suppressed its fear. With a sway of its body, the combat strength of the six palaces erupted again, forming flames that drowned Xu Qing. It rushed out again and headed straight for the mud wall.


    In an instant, a rumbling sound echoed out, mixed with roars.


    A moment later, the burning corpse retreated at an astonishing speed and floated in the air.


    At that moment, its right arm had completely melted and even its body was being corroded by the poison. Although its expression was crazy, it was obvious that it was even more wart. There was also a hint of horror.


    As for the mud wall in front of it, Xu Qing¡¯s seven orifices were bleeding. The purple crystal in his body rapidly circulated to heal him, allowing him to last longer.


    In front of him was a dense poison that corroded the surroundings and emitted anomalous substances.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about these. At that moment, he stared at the burning corpse with intense killing intent in his eyes.


    However, he still didn¡¯t move. He lifted his right hand inside the mud wall and gestured at the burning corpse.


    ¡°Come, continue.¡±


    The burning corpse instantly became irritated and roared. However, the hesitation and wariness in its expression were still intense.


    When Xu Qing saw this, he pressed his hands against the mud wall beside him. When he stood up, the power of the Poison Restriction suddenly spread out and he assumed an attacking posture.


    He didn¡¯t know why Zhang Siyun, who clearly had the combat strength of six palaces, would be entangled with this burning corpse for so long. However, he understood wild beasts and knew that they were easily scared at this time.


    This was especially so for wild beasts that relied on their instincts to move.


    Therefore, rather than continuing to pester it, it was better to let the other party leave on its own.


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing attacked and the power of the Poison Restriction spread out, the fear in the burning corpse¡¯s eyes grew even more intense and its body instinctively retreated.


    Finally, it let out a few roars and rushed upward, choosing to leave.


    Xu Qing spat blood and looked up. He then stared coldly at the bottom of the deep pit. The coldness in his eyes intensified.


    He knew that the Dao Child was very strong and might even be related to the red moon, so he knew how dangerous it was.


    However, Xu Qing was unwilling to leave just like that.


    ¡°This is the territory of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, the Sword Holding Court. If the other party really has a bizarre entity and it appears here, someone will naturally deal with it. Although there¡¯s dangera?| if I don¡¯t even dare to take a look and search for an opportunity, I might as well return to the Nanhuang Continent!¡±


    At that moment, the time limit for the end of the assessment was approaching. Determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. With a sway of his body, he headed straight for the bottom of the deep pit at full speed.


    On the way, he spread out his Poison Restriction in all directions. This was to chase away the burning corpse that might follow him.


    Just like that, as he continued deeper, he saw joss papers again!


    Joss papers floated out of the deep pit and fluttered in the surroundings.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He simply stuck close to the mud wall and cautiously crawled down.


    Time flowed by and very soon, there was only an hour left until the end of the assessment. Most of the disciples chose to crush the jade talismans and leave.


    There weren¡¯t many cultivators left in the deep pit, and there were even fewer at this depth. There were only Xu Qing and the Dao Child.


    As they went deeper, there were more joss papers here and the stench became even stronger. The coldness and anomalous substances became denser and the sound of singing became clearer.


    After the time it took for an incense stick to burn passed, Xu Qing, who was sinking continuously, suddenly stopped.


    He didn¡¯t move at all and leaned against the mud wall. He narrowed his eyes and hid himself as he looked at the area thousands of feet below.


    He saw a strange building.


    It was a wooden hut.


    It was a wooden hut that was filled with dilapidation, as though it had experienced countless years and was decaying.


    The wooden hut was shaped like a pentagon.


    There was a gray iron chain at each corner that was connected to the mud wall in the distance.


    Under the hanging of the five iron chains, the wooden hut hung in the air.


    A weak red light emitted from the oil lantern at the window of the hut.


    Through the window and the decaying gaps above, one could see a figure of a woman in a red costume.


    She sat by the window and stretched out her jade-like hand, scattering joss papers outside. The joss papers were then swept up by the cold air.


    Xu Qing saw the joss papers, the hand, and the oil lantern that emitted a red glow.


    The moment he saw the joss papers, he knew the origin of the joss papers he had seen on the way. The instant he saw that hand, his heart instinctively palpitated intensely.


    However, the instant he saw the oil lantern, everything transformed into an intense shock in his mind.


    This was because that oil lanterna?| was actually a life lantern!


    At this moment, the sound of singing rose faintly from the wooden hut, echoing in the dark and narrow pit.


    ¡°Wandering in this life, buried for the rest of my life. Who is waiting in the cycle of reincarnationa?|¡±


    Her voice was poignant, feminine, and cold.


    He didn¡¯t know who she was singing for.


    Maybe it was Xu Qing, maybe it was the Dao Child who was also here, or maybe it was an unknown existence in the depths of the deep pit.


    * * *

 Chapter 475

    ?475 The Third God!


    The sound of singing echoed faintly amidst the drifting joss papers.


    The voice was cold and eerie just like this place.


    Everything felt more like a ritual that had been going on for an unknown period of time.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, the pentagon wooden hut seemed to be a different kind of altar.


    This was because on the five corners of the wooden hut, where the chains were connected to, there were three terrifying corpses.


    The first corpse was a corpse that was drenched from head to toe. It had rotted extremely severely and its appearance couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. Even its gender was unclear.


    It knelt facing the wooden hut and wore a tattered black robe. It was as though it had experienced countless years and was riddled with holes.


    However, the continuously falling corpse water seemed to have some unimaginable power that preserved the scene of its death in the past.


    Even though time had passed until now, it was still the same.


    It was a drowned corpse.


    The second corpse was also wearing a tattered black robe. It was kneeling facing the wooden hut with its hands at its cut stomach.


    Its stomach was revealed.


    There were no internal organs inside. Clearly, they had been hollowed out. There seemed to be something else there, but it couldn¡¯t be seen clearly.


    It was as though the pain it felt when it was alive forced it to lower its head and bend its back as though it was worshiping.


    It was a dissected corpse.


    The third corpse was slightly different from the previous two. There was a red vine wrapped around its neck, and those vines had sharp spikes that pierced deeply into its neck.


    The vines wrapped tightly around its neck. As for the two ends of the vines, they were grabbed by the corpse¡¯s hands. It seemed to be pulling with all its might before it died, causing the ligature mark on its neck to be extremely deep.


    This was a strangulated corpse.


    Each of the three corpses exuded bizarreness. Hence, Xu Qing felt that this place was more like a ritual altar.


    In addition, on the fourth corner of the five corners, although there were no corpses, there was a wordless tombstone.


    Since there was a tombstone, there should be a grave.


    Although there wasn¡¯t one here, the meaning of burial was very obvious.


    Xu Qing suddenly looked at the dissected corpse and focused his attention on it.


    Finally, he saw some soil and a small grave in the dissected corpse¡¯s stomach. In the grave, there was the corpse of a baby that hadn¡¯t been completely buried.


    This might be the fourth corpse.


    Xu Qing looked at all of this and noticed that on the last corner of the pentagon wooden hut, there were some traces of burning. It seemed that there had once been a corpse sitting there.


    Xu Qing thought of the burning corpse earlier.


    ¡°Metal for dissecting, wood for hanging, water for drowning, fire for burning, and soil for burial.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what ritual this was but he was very clear that this wooden hut and the four corpses were extremely terrifying.


    This was because he felt an intense pressure. What made his hair stand on end was the aura and anomalous substances emitted from the depths of the deep pit under the wooden hut.


    This aura caused Xu Qing¡¯s mind to tremble. The last time he felt this was when the red moon breathed.


    Xu Qing knew that there must be an unimaginable existence in the darkness below.


    He also understood that the Dao Child definitely knew about these because the latter was here.


    At that moment, the other party was on a mud wall thousands of feet away, cautiously crawling down.


    It was as though he was afraid that if he moved too quickly, he would disturb the woman and the corpses in the wooden hut.


    He was only a few hundred feet away from the iron chains.


    Xu Qing looked at the Dao Child and a cold glint appeared in his eyes. He then lifted his right hand and took out a small mirror and a black wooden block. After that, he took out a storage bag that contained pills.


    There were black pills in this storage bag. After self-destruction, they could absorb anomalous substances.


    In this deep pit that was filled with cold air and anomalous substances, there were no pills more suitable for agitating this environment.


    Xu Qing gently tilted the bag down toward the pentagon wooden hut that Dao Child Zhang Siyun wasn¡¯t willing to disturb.


    Hundreds of black pills spilled out of the bag.


    The Dao Child¡¯s expression suddenly changed. He abruptly lifted his head and saw Xu Qing as well as those pills.


    He was shocked and was about to stop him when Xu Qing spoke softly.


    ¡°Burst!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the black pills exploded one after another. The sound wasn¡¯t very loud but the instant they exploded, a large number of anomalous substances rolled over from below and above.


    The self-destruction of hundreds of black pills formed a huge suction force.


    In the blink of an eye, it transformed into a tidal vortex, causing an earth-shattering whistling sound to ring out.


    As for the surging anomalous substances, they were even more intense. If the anomalous substances were compared to seawater, then at this moment, they were surging like a tsunami.


    Everything below became blurry and the surroundings distorted. The pentagon wooden hut shook and the singing paused.


    The four corpses on the corners of the wooden hut opened their eyes at the same time, revealing madness and cruelty. They let out roars and looked at Zhang Siyun, who was the closest to them!


    A monstrous fiendish aura erupted at this moment.


    The expression of the Dao Child changed drastically and indescribable anger and horror rose in his heart.


    He didn¡¯t expect Xu Qing to be able to escape the entanglement of the burning corpse. After all, even he couldn¡¯t do it.


    However, not only did Xu Qing escape, but he even came to scheme against him.


    All of this caused the Dao Child to be shocked and furious.


    Not only was his plan destroyed, but he was also in great danger. His eyes instantly turned bloodshot as he performed a series of hand seals at Xu Qing, wanting to use the position swap technique again.


    However, this time around, Xu Qing was prepared.


    p AndD nOve1.cO,m


    Hence, almost at the instant Zhang Siyun made his move, Xu Qing lifted the small mirror he had taken out earlier.


    The flickering light of the mirror landed in Zhang Siyun¡¯s eyes.


    At the same time, Xu Qing activated the black wooden block as well.


    At the next instant, the black wooden block transformed into the Mystic Spirit Perpetual Will Door and faced Zhang Siyun.


    After it was opened, a rotting heart flew out.


    As soon as the heart appeared, Zhang Siyun¡¯s body paused and confusion appeared in his eyes.


    After two sacrificial refinements, the Mystic Spirit Perpetual Will Door could seal the level of life. At this moment¡­ Zhang Siyun¡¯s life was frozen.


    He couldn¡¯t continue casting his spell at all. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Xu Qing rapidly retreated and rose into the air.


    However, this wasn¡¯t enough to vent the killing intent in his heart. Hence, as he rushed up, Xu Qing controlled the shadow to descend and spread toward Zhang Siyun.


    Taking advantage of the fact that Zhang Siyun¡¯s life level had been sealed, the shadow slapped him hard. With a bang, Zhang Siyun¡¯s body was sent flying toward the raging corpses beside the pentagon wooden hut.


    The rule was that killing other participants wasn¡¯t allowed, so Xu Qing naturally wouldn¡¯t break them. He felt that since the Sword Holding Court had reminded him of this many times, they might have a way to check the situation here.


    For example, the teleportation talisman they had distributed.


    However, using someone else to kill was clearly not within the rules.


    After doing all this, the shadow quickly returned. Xu Qing¡¯s speed erupted and he instantly moved 10,000 feet away.


    At this height, the scene at the bottom of the deep pit could no longer be seen. However, waves of roars and Zhang Siyun¡¯s mournful cries after he recovered echoed from below.


    ¡°And his life lantern!¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and stared below. He was prepared to wait for the other party to die and see if he had a chance to take his life lantern away.


    However, the instant Xu Qing pondered over this, a sense of danger that caused his hair to stand on end suddenly erupted in his mind.


    A shocking wave of emotions rose in his mind. All of this originated from a light that appeared at the bottom of the deep pit.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and only took a glance before his mind rumbled intensely and the world spun.


    It was as though the world was distorting and the surroundings were blurry. His soul and flesh seemed to be about to break into pieces at this moment.


    This was because below him, not only did he see the wooden hut suspended in the air by the five chains, but he also saw that under the wooden hut, in the darkness of the endless pit, it had appeared¡­


    One eye!


    A gigantic golden eye!


    This eye was too big, just like the deep pit.


    It was as though an unimaginable existence was sleeping at the bottom of the deep pit. To it, the deep pit was just a hole above its eye.


    At that moment, this existence woke up and opened its eye, looking at the hole.


    The coldness in the eye was as though all lives were ants. The only way to coexist with it was to transform them from the source of life.


    This was the suppression of life level!


    With just a glance, Xu Qing¡¯s hair, eyes, fingers, and even his flesh and blood seemed to have an independent consciousness. They didn¡¯t belong to him and were about to split from his body.


    The extremely dense anomalous substances erupted completely on his body. In fact, Xu Qing¡¯s body even began to undergo mutation. Indescribable pain and tearing spread throughout his entire body.


    Xu Qing wanted to teleport, but it was difficult for him to crush the talisman at this moment. He could only rely on his will to forcefully keep himself together. The purple moon in his body shone and the Poison Restriction Pill erupted. As he suppressed and neutralized the anomalous substances, he forcefully rushed out and unleashed his full speed.


    However, the aura from the golden eye was too terrifying. Even while Xu Qing struggled, his speed gradually slowed down.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing was about to summon the shadow to cover his body.


    At that moment, a centipede suddenly flew out from the mud wall at the side and instantly got close to Xu Qing.


    The woman on the centipede grabbed Xu Qing¡¯s arm. With a sway of her body, the centipede rapidly sped toward the top of the deep pit, bringing Xu Qing along as it ran wildly.


    Her cultivation base was inferior to Xu Qing¡¯s but her speed wasn¡¯t affected by the eye¡¯s gaze. At that moment, she moved for tens of thousands of feet. At the same time, the singing voice in the deep pit quavered and echoed again.


    ¡°The previous life is not here, but the afterlife is always here. I cut off the lovesickness and drew the mortal world¡­¡±


    ¡°Wandering in this life, buried for the rest of my life. Who is waiting in the cycle of reincarnation¡­¡±


    The voice was poignant and continued to reverberate. The huge golden eye actually slowly closed again. It was as though this voice had a special meaning to it as it gradually fell asleep.


    However, the anomalous substances here were already intense. A large number of deviant ghosts appeared in the surroundings and let out endless shrill and savage roars.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook. He looked down.


    Everything in this ghost cave was filled with bizarreness.


    From the looks of it, someone seemed to have specially arranged the wooden hut and ritual here to¡­ make the existence in the deep pit fall into a deep sleep.


    This centipede woman was also completely different from the bizarre entities Xu Qing had encountered.


    She actually appeared at the critical moment and saved him. Although this was because Xu Qing had saved her before, Xu Qing had never seen such an act of repaying a debt of gratitude from a different species!


    He looked at the centipede woman beside him with a complicated expression. The other party didn¡¯t look at him but ran at full speed. She only stopped when she sent Xu Qing another ten thousand feet away.


    After nodding at Xu Qing, the centipede woman opened her mouth and spat out a large number of Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar fragments, about 170 to 180 of them.


    After tossing them to Xu Qing, her body swayed and she directly burrowed into the soil, disappearing.


    Xu Qing fell silent and looked at the deep pit that had become extremely dangerous and was filled with countless deviant ghosts. The teleportation talisman in his hand shone on its own at this moment.


    The assessment was ending.


    There was no need for Xu Qing to crush it. The teleportation power suddenly erupted.


    Xu Qing hesitated for a moment but didn¡¯t throw away the teleportation talisman. He allowed the light to cover him and allowed the teleportation.


    During the last moments before the teleportation, he glanced at the deep pit again.


    ¡°What secrets are contained here¡­¡±


    ¡°Who set up the altar?¡±


    ¡°Is the woman in the wooden hut dead or alive?¡±


    ¡°Why did her singing cause that god underground to fall into a deep sleep?¡±


    This was the third god Xu Qing had come into contact with.


    The first was the fragmented-face.


    The second was the red moon.

 Chapter 476

    ?476 Sword Holder¡¯s Mandate


    Outside the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    The sky was still blue and the ground was still crystalline.


    The cold wind continued to blow. Snowflakes drifted across the city and landed on the crowd around the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    There were only a little over 2,000 cultivators here.


    The vast majority of them had teleported back in advance. Even now, there was still lingering fear on their faces.


    Clearly, everything that happened in the ghost cave was too shocking for them.


    The danger this time was indeed as the middle-aged Sword Holder had said three days ago. There existed fatal danger.


    Xu Qing stood in the crowd. He was among the last batch of people to return.


    The instant he appeared, he immediately looked around and noticed that several others had returned at the same time as him.


    The captain was among them. His body was covered in injuries but fortunately, his limbs were intact.


    However, he had lost one eye and both his ears. There was also a wound on his stomach. At that moment, he was grinning while covering the wound.


    He smiled at Xu Qing.


    Even though he only had one eye, it still revealed a hint of smugness, as though he was very satisfied with his harvest this time around. There were many caves in the deep pit and Xu Qing even saw a god. Others might have encountered other supernatural phenomena in other caves.


    Other than the captain, Xu Qing also saw Qing Qiu.


    The other party also teleported at the same time as him. Clearly, she had persisted until the end.


    The mask she wore was bloodied, and so was her body. The evil ghost in the scythe kept chewing, but it couldn¡¯t hide its dying state.


    There was another one that Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to see.


    That was the Grand Affairs¡¯ Dao Child, Zhang Siyun.


    He clearly had life-saving methods, so he didn¡¯t die.


    However, he was extremely weak and the anomalous substances in his body had clearly reached a certain level. At this moment, he was constantly eating medicinal pills in an attempt to dispel them.


    There was also a huge scratch mark on his body that extended from his glabella to his chest. It was so deep that his bones could be seen. If it was a little deeper, it could completely cut him into several pieces.


    Zhang Siyun also saw Xu Qing. His expression was gloomy and his eyes were cold.


    Xu Qing expressionlessly retracted his gaze.


    He was thinking about the god in the ghost cave. It was impossible for the Sword Holding Court not to know about it. In that case, from his judgment, perhaps the ritual of the pentagon wooden hut was set up by the Sword Holding Court.


    It was to make the god continue sleeping.


    Of course, this was only a guess. It was also possible that the wooden hut had existed before the Sword Holding Court. However, no matter what, this didn¡¯t affect his next inference.


    It was impossible for the red life lantern in the wooden hut to be taken away.


    If it was set up by the Sword Holding Court, they naturally wouldn¡¯t let others take it away.


    If it already existed, since even the Sword Holding Court wasn¡¯t able to take it away, let alone them.


    ¡°Then what¡¯s Zhang Siyun¡¯s motive for going there?¡±


    Xu Qing lacked information and couldn¡¯t guess the answer. At that moment, he recalled the woman¡¯s song and suddenly had a feeling.


    It was as though from the start, the person who was singing had already told everyone about the story of the ghost cave in two lines.


    Someone had buried them here for a long time, cutting their lovesickness into countless pieces. The pieces were as messy as the joss papers. As they fluttered, they looked like a scene of the mortal world.


    Every paper contained longing, as though it had been waiting for someone to piece together those fragmented lovesickness in its previous life and this life.


    He just didn¡¯t know if it was the woman in the wooden hut or the ghost cave god waiting.


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    In his eyes, this world was gradually becoming more and more mysterious.


    He also saw a human cultivator who had teleported back at the same time as him. The other party¡¯s figure didn¡¯t appear. The instant he returned, his body trembled and he was instantly killed by the light emitted by the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    This person¡¯s death caused Xu Qing to bury his thoughts about the ghost cave in the depths of his mind. When his eyes narrowed, an emotionless voice spread out from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    ¡°Investigate. Those who killed fellow humans, erase them.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook. Previously, he had guessed that the teleportation talisman had a recording function to record if there were any violations. Now that he looked at it, it was indeed the case.


    In addition, he also discovered that the fragments on his body were gone.


    The instant he teleported back, those fragments seemed to be swept away by a vast force and fused into the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    Clearly, the Sword Holding Court had its own method of recording.


    At that moment, amidst the cold wind and everyone¡¯s waiting, the sky suddenly shone with a dazzling light. Figures descended one after another. All of these figures were wearing official robes and stood in the sky.


    At first, there were dozens of them but very soon, as more light appeared, more and more figures descended, reaching hundreds.


    The pressure from their bodies rumbled in all directions, causing the world to seem to dim at this moment. Moreover, there were still more descending.


    This scene caused the minds of the cultivators below to tremble. The surrounding crowd and the Dao Protectors of the various forces also had solemn expressions.


    A while later, thousands of figures stood in the sky.


    Every one of them emitted extraordinary fluctuations. The weakest among them was in the Golden Core realm. There were Nascent Soul cultivators and Spirit Repositor as well.


    Moreover, each of them carried a similar large sword on their backs.


    This sword was green and engraved with a mark.


    That mark looked like ¡®Ôª¡¯.


    The similar official robes made these people look extremely orderly. Moreover, their auras seemed to be connected, forming an aura that shook the heavens and the earth. It was as though it could suppress all ages and destroy all enemies!


    It was like a powerful rainbow!


    They were all the Sword Holders of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court.


    At that moment, they arranged themselves in a two-winged formation in the air. They were like two huge wings that were spreading and soaring. While the pressure was intense, there was also a solemn feeling that rose in the world.


    The entire Absolute Beginning Separation City was silent. Regardless of whether it was the surroundings of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar or the tents in the city, no one made a sound at this solemn moment.


    Everyone held their breaths and stared at the sky.


    This was because they knew what followed¡­ would be a grand ceremony for the Sword Holders!


    It was the same for the second stage of the Sword Holder assessment every time. The ritual was extremely important.


    Just as everyone¡¯s expressions were solemn, a loud bang slowly rang out from the clouds in the sky.


    The sound grew louder and louder. Finally, a rainbow vortex appeared in the sky.


    Nine dazzling figures walked out of the vortex.


    Every one of them had a Nihility cultivation base. Any one of them could become an ancestor in the sect of the Yinghuang Province.


    And they¡­ were the nine Sword Holder Elders of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court.


    Their expressions were all solemn. At this moment, they walked out and each of them floated on the wings. There was only one person in the center.


    This person was the Great Elder of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court and also the highest rank in the Sword Holding Court.


    When Xu Qing saw the other party, he was stunned.


    This Great Elder was actually the old man who looked like Grandmaster Bai when he was explaining his attainments in alchemy!


    Xu Qing knew that the other party must have an identity in the Sword Holding Court but he didn¡¯t expect his identity to be so high that he was in charge of an entire court!


    Just as Xu Qing¡¯s mind was in turmoil, a middle-aged man walked out from in front of the left wing.


    His expression was solemn as he cupped his fists and bowed deeply to the Great Elder in the center.


    ¡°There are a total of 4,311 Sword Holders in the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court. There are 4,311 of them today and no one is absent. Great Elder, please check and approve.¡±


    The Great Elder nodded slightly.


    ¡°Read the list.¡±


    ¡°I follow the Great Elder¡¯s decree!¡± The expression of the person who walked out from the left wing was incomparably solemn. He hurriedly turned around and looked at the ground. His voice was like a large bell.


    ¡°After the Sword Holding Court¡¯s inspection, we will report the results to the Sword Holding Palace. According to the number of fragments obtained, the top ten will obtain the qualifications of the Sword Holder and have an audience with the emperor!¡±


    ¡°The list is as follows.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, Chen Erniu, Qing Qiu, Zhang Siyun, Ning Yan¡­¡±


    The middle-aged man spoke one name after another.


    Every time he said one, the breathing of the crowd below would quicken until the names of the ten people were finished.


    ¡°The ten of you, step forward!¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and walked out, standing in front.


    The captain was the same. The other people whose names were called walked out one after another.


    Very soon, the ten of them lined up together with a distance of 100 feet between them. They stood in front of the crowd and were the center of attention.


    After Xu Qing and the others walked out, the middle-aged Sword Holder in the sky turned and bowed to the Great Elder before returning to his original position.


    The Great Elder, who was standing in the middle of the sky, didn¡¯t look at Xu Qing and the others. Instead, he turned around and bowed deeply toward the sky and the rainbow vortex with a solemn expression.


    An ancient and hoarse voice slowly rang out from his mouth in an extremely solemn tone.


    ¡°May the Essence-carrying Great Emperor of the Ultimate Immortal Radiance, the Sword Holder Heavenly Venerate descend upon my court.¡±


    As soon as he spoke, all the Sword Holders in the surroundings, including the other eight Sword Holder Elders, had solemn expressions. They cupped their fists and bowed deeply to the vortex in the sky before speaking in unison.


    ¡°May the Prime Great Emperor of the Ultimate Immortal Radiance, the Sword Holder Heavenly Venerate descend upon my court.¡±


    This ceremony was extremely formal, revealing the orthodoxy of the human race. Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but have a solemn expression.


    At that moment, as all the Sword Holders spoke, their voices rushed into the clouds and the vortex, causing the light in the rainbow vortex to instantly surge.


    Multicolored light spread out one after another and illuminated the entire sky.


    Finally, the rainbow vortex transformed into a huge statue that caused everyone¡¯s souls to tremble.


    One could see that the statue depicted a middle-aged man with a dignified expression.


    His eyes were filled with resplendent light and he wore the Nine Dragons Emperor Robe that fluttered in the wind.


    He wore the crown of the Nine Heavens Dawn, shining with divine light.


    Behind him was a large sword. This sword was green and engraved with the character ¡®Ôª¡¯. It looked exactly the same as the swords of the Sword Holders.


    The moment the statue appeared, the multicolored light caused intense waves in the sky.


    The color of the sky changed and the wind and clouds churned intensely!


    This scene caused the minds of all the humans below to tremble violently. The qi and blood in their bodies actually surged uncontrollably.


    A feeling of bloodline connection rose intensely in the minds of every human.


    That was the Human Emperor!


    That was the founder of the Sword Holding Ministry!


    Everyone involuntarily lowered their heads. Even Xue Lianzi and the ancestors of the other sects were the same.


    They were sincerely and respectfully greeting the statue of the Human Emperor.


    Xu Qing was the same. His emotions fluctuated endlessly.


    He thought of the Ghost Emperor but clearly, compared to this Human Emperor, the Ghost Emperor was much inferior.


    This emperor¡¯s appearance was 70% similar to the statue of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether that Xu Qing had seen before.


    As everyone greeted, the solemn voice of the Sword Holder Great Elder echoed through the world.


    ¡°Inheriting the eternal order of the sovereign and the Four Extreme Heavenly Dao, the Sword Palace holds the sword for the human race and kills the danger for the commoners, spreading the light in the world. The emperor¡¯s statue filled with multicolored light is the evidence.¡±


    This voice was like heavenly lightning that spread through the sky and echoed on the ground, spreading in the hearts of every Sword Holder and imprinting itself in the depths of the minds of all the humans below.


    It directly exploded in the minds of Xu Qing and the others.


    It was as though the world was ringing with a great bell, that could be heard by even the deaf!


    This was because this was the mandate of the Sword Holders!


    The light of heaven and earth erupted when they slayed the danger for the people!


    They were¡­ Sword Holders!


    ¡°,

 Chapter 477 - 477 First Time in the Yinghuang Province

    477 First Time in the Yinghuang Province


    The ground was completely silent. Only the sound of breathing formed by the surging emotions could be heard.


    Most of the people felt waves in their minds when they heard this.


    All of them had their own stories and experiences.


    Regardless of whether they were born high and mighty or in the mud, in reality, in this cruel world, in this tragic world, in this miserable world where humans ate humans, there wasn¡¯t much difference.


    They all faced calamities and experienced bitterness.


    As for the Sword Holder¡¯s mandate, it was like heavenly lightning. As it rumbled and exploded, it also allowed Xu Qing to truly understand the Sword Holders.


    Regardless of whether the current Sword Holder could really accomplish the mandate, at least it had existed.


    This was also an important aspect of the Sword Holder ritual.


    The solemn atmosphere, solemn words, the holy light, and the deafening mandate. All of this was to continue the mission of the Sword Holder.


    At that moment, just as the minds of all the humans were fluctuating, the multicolored light in the sky flickered again and flowed toward the ground. As it continued to spread out, it directly arrived under the feet of Xu Qing and the others.


    In front of them, the resplendent light that represented the mission of the Sword Holders formed a long staircase that was tens of thousands of feet wide!


    The staircase appeared in front of everyone in the city. Countless humans were paying attention to it but only 10 people could truly approach this vast staircase!


    This was the path to heaven for the ten of them.


    It appeared between heaven and earth and at the end of it was the Great Emperor¡¯s statue.


    From afar, it was as though one could walk all the way to the Great Emperor by stepping on the steps in front of them.


    That holy intent became even more intense at this moment.


    This was especially so for the rainbow light on the staircase. Upon closer inspection, the staircase had a total of 9,999 steps.


    Xu Qing stared at all of this. Just as his expression became increasingly solemn, he heard the solemn voice of the Sword Holder Great Elder.


    ¡°The Sword Holder Lineage founded the supreme glory of the human race and created prosperity and peace for all ages. Therefore, the staircase is 100,000 feet wide.¡±


    ¡°Sovereigns who are represented by 10,000 are superior to monarchs, and thus there are 9,999 steps. Therefore, the 9,999th step represents my Sword Holder Ministry. We can kill anyone below the sovereign!¡±


    His voice rang out in the world, and an intense glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. If what he said earlier was the soul of the Sword Holder¡¯s lineage, then these two sentences now were the bones of the Sword Holders!


    The soul was the mandate, while the bones were the skeleton!


    The Sword Holders could cut down anyone below the sovereign!


    The captain¡¯s eyes gleamed with desire.


    It was the same for Qing Qiu. Under the mask, her eyes gleamed brightly.


    The Sword Holder Great Elder lifted his head and looked at the emperor¡¯s statue. He seemed to take a deep breath and had a solemn expression as he bowed deeply, and said in an even more solemn tone.


    ¡°Emperor, please grant me the Sword.¡±


    As soon as he spoke, all the Sword Holders lined up in the sky cupped their fists and bowed to the sky in unison.


    With this bow, the light of the emperor¡¯s statue instantly spread out like a red sun rising from the sea, dispersing all the darkness in the world. As this light swept through the world, three rainbows flew out of the large sword on the emperor¡¯s statue.


    It instantly landed at the top of the 100,000-foot-wide staircase, on the 9,999th step.


    With a buzz, the three large swords pierced into it. There was a distance of 10,000 feet between them, and they emitted a green light that flowed like water on their sword bodies, emitting a heavy and profound sound.


    Just a glance was enough to tell that they were not ordinary.


    These three swords were both a sword and a command. They were the symbol of the Sword Holders and also the Sword Holder Command of the Sword Holders!


    ¡°The Sword Holder is also the bearer of the command. With the sword as the command, he protects the myriad beings.¡±


    At this moment, all the Sword Holders in the sky spoke in unison. Their voices were like a large bell, shaking the world, surpassing lightning and suppressing the ages.


    ¡°Out of the ten, the winners are the ones who obtain the swords. All of you, listen up!¡± As the lingering sounds of all the Sword Holders echoed, the ancient voice of the Sword Holder Great Elder suddenly rang out.


    As soon as the voice rang out, everyone¡¯s hearts skipped a beat.


    A sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He was determined to obtain this Sword Holder position.


    The others were the same. Regardless of whether it was the captain, Qing Qiu, Zhang Siyun, the human youth who had offended Xu Qing before, or several others, their eyes were shining.


    Just as the ten of them were fully focused, a solemn voice rang out from the sky.


    ¡°Qing Qiu, there are 40 battle marks in your body. Go up 400 steps!¡±


    Qing Qiu¡¯s body trembled and she quickly climbed the stairs.


    Under countless gazes, she reached the height of 400 steps and stood in the sky.


    ¡°Chen Erniu, there are 127 battle marks in your body. Go up to the 1,270th step!¡±


    The captain rushed out in an instant and continued to climb until he reached the 1,270th step.


    ¡°Zhang Siyun, 63 battle marks, move 630 steps.¡±


    ¡°Ning Yan¡­¡±


    As the voice echoed, everyone climbed different steps according to the battle marks in their bodies.


    Until it was Xu Qing¡¯s turn.


    ¡°Xu Qing, there are 279 battle marks in your body. Go up to the 2,790th step.¡±


    Even at this extremely solemn moment, the crowd below couldn¡¯t help but let out a commotion. Previously, the captain¡¯s battle marks had already shaken their hearts but they could still hold it in. However, Xu Qing¡¯s battle marks surpassed everyone¡¯s imagination and had already reached an unprecedented level.


    Immediately, numerous gazes filled with disbelief gathered on Xu Qing from all directions.


    Regardless of whether it was the cultivators in the city or Qing Qiu and the others who were standing at different heights, all of them were shocked.


    Xu Qing lifted his head with a calm expression and walked forward.


    Under the gazes of everyone, he walked toward the sky like a youth king, toward the emperor.


    He surpassed the others, the human youth, Ning Yan, Qing Qiu, who had a complicated look in her eyes, the cold-looking Zhang Siyun, and the captain who had an incredulous expression.


    After surpassing everyone, he walked for a very long time until he reached the 2,790th step, the peak of everyone.


    He was far ahead!


    At this moment, he was still 7,209 steps away from the emperor!


    Behind him were the other nine people, and behind them were countless human cultivators.


    Standing at this position, Xu Qing completely understood that after coming to the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, every place with bonus points was meaningful.


    Their meaning might not be the same every time, but this time, it was here.


    The assessment had actually been going on from the start.


    This was because after he stood at this height, the ancient voice of the Sword Holder Great Elder rang out again with solemnity.


    ¡°Xu Qing, Chen Erniu, Zhang Siyun, the three of you are ranked first in the pillar. You reached 30,000 feet and can ascend 3,000 steps.


    ¡­


    As the names were called out one by one, Xu Qing and the other ten continued to move forward. Xu Qing was still first place without anyone being able to shake his position.


    He looked at the statue of the emperor at the top and the three dazzling swords under it. At that moment, he was still¡­ 4,209 steps away from there!


    The Great Elder¡¯s sound resounded again.


    ¡°Zhang Siyun, you have obtained 48 weapon essences from the ghost cave. Climb 480 steps!¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Qing Qiu, you have obtained 213 weapon essences. Go up 2,130 steps!¡±


    ¡°Chen Erniu, you have obtained 301 weapon essences. Climb 3,010 steps!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, you have obtained 421 weapon essences. Climb 4,210 steps!¡±


    Under this earth-shattering voice, the ten people on the stairs moved forward one after another. However, other than the captain, the others looked at Xu Qing¡¯s back view in front of them with extremely complicated gazes.


    This was especially so for Zhang Siyun. His expression was gloomy and his killing intent toward Xu Qing was intense. This was because if Xu Qing hadn¡¯t interfered, it was impossible for him to only be ninth.


    Previously, in order to escape, he had no choice but to use a secret art and sacrifice one of his bodies to escape. However, he also lost his storage bag and the fragments inside.


    In addition, other than Xu Qing and Chen Erniu above him, there was also Qing Qiu. Moreover, the distance wasn¡¯t close.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t interested in paying attention to Zhang Siyun¡¯s resentment. At that moment, he walked the stairs in front of him and walked toward the peak step by step.


    There was no one beside him.


    As he moved forward, all the human cultivators on the ground broke into an uproar. There was no one else in their eyes but Xu Qing.


    This was because Xu Qing only had 4,209 steps left, which was less than the steps he had obtained!


    At that moment, as Xu Qing moved forward, he reached the 8,000th step, the 9,000th step, the 9,900th step, and the last 9,999th step!


    After stepping on it, he walked in front of the command sword in the middle.


    Behind him, the person closest to him was the captain, who was at over 7,000 steps. Qing Qiu was at over 5,000 steps, and then Zhang Siyun was at over 3,000 steps.


    At that moment, he had reached the peak but he still had one step left.


    At that moment, not only did countless gazes gather on him from the ground, but even all the Sword Holders in the sky lowered their heads and looked at Xu Qing.


    This kind of thing had happened before. However, the earliest time it happened was thousands of years ago, and it wasn¡¯t in Yinghuang Province.


    This was the first time in the Yinghuang Province!


    Hence, even the nine Sword Holder Elders¡¯ gazes landed on Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He stood at the peak and there were no more steps in front of him. There was only the emperor¡¯s statue.


    Hence, he transformed the last step into a bow.


    Under the gazes of all the cultivators and Sword Holders, he cupped his fists and bowed deeply to the human emperor.


    ¡°Virtuous.¡± In the sky, the Sword Holder Great Elder in the middle nodded slightly and issued a decree.


    ¡°Everyone, hold your swords!¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, everyone on the steps erupted with all their speed at this moment, unleashing their limits.


    All kinds of secret arts appeared endlessly as they rushed toward the 9,999th step.


    They were sprinting with their full strength.


    Xu Qing stood at the highest point and pulled out the command sword in front of him. He then looked down at everyone below.


    He stood there and the command sword in his hand shone with a resplendent light. At the same time, the statue of the emperor behind him was enveloped by multicolored light.


    In an instant, in the eyes of everyone below, Xu Qing seemed to have overlapped with the emperor¡¯s statue.


    His astonishing temperament and jade-like face looked like the return of an emperor!

 Chapter 478 - 478 Consequences of Provoking Xu Qing (1)

    478 Consequences of Provoking Xu Qing (1)


    The Sword Holder¡¯s trial was filled with holiness and solemnity.


    This ritual of the human race orthodoxy wasn¡¯t something any sect could compare to. The difference in foundation naturally caused the specifications of the ritual to be different.


    Rituals were even more important in this chaotic world.


    The darker the night, the colder the winter, the more flames had to form. This fire¡­ was the inheritance of the human race¡¯s fire. It was the fire of the human race¡¯s bloodline and represented the spirit of the human race.


    The function of the ritual was to pass on this spirit.


    The more formal and holy it was, the more memorable this inheritance would be until it was imprinted in one¡¯s soul and never dissipated.


    This was the ritual of the Sword Holder and one of the human race¡¯s rituals.


    At that moment, in the sky, the Sword Holders stood solemnly in a wing formation. The shape of the wings also had a special meaning to the Sword Holder. It meant guarding.


    They used their wings to protect the human race and were even willing to become the wings of the human race to take it high above!


    The nine Sword Holder Elders had solemn expressions, as they witnessed the ritual. This was also a part of the ritual. Four elders were at each side and one was in the middle. They stood at different heights, and they became mountain peaks and swords.


    They represented the sharpness of the Sword Holders as well as the command sword of the Sword Holders.


    Behind them was the multicolored light that filled the sky and the statue of the emperor that seemed to be able to support the world. He looked down at the ground and guarded the inheritance for the human race.


    Under the statue was Xu Qing, who was standing 100,000 feet in the sky with the command sword in his hand.


    His clothes and hair fluttered in the wind. However, his body stood there motionlessly. At this moment, his aura was formed just by his gaze and the height he was at.


    This was because Xu Qing was the only one on the highest step.


    However, at the same time, the origin of this aura was profound!


    What was profound was the overlapping with the emperor¡¯s statue, and also the mission of the Sword Holders.


    Originally, the Sword Holder ritual shouldn¡¯t produce such an aura and profundity on a person¡¯s body. After all, this was only an initiation ritual for the Sword Holders. It would only be like this when there were other higher-level occasions and advancements.


    However, this time around, Xu Qing appeared.


    During the assessment, he reached a height that had never been seen in the history of the Yinghuang Province. While others were still trying to fight for the Sword Holder spot, he was already standing on the highest step.


    What he needed to do was simply to pick up the command sword.


    The moment he held the command sword, he seemed to have gone from a participant to a witness.


    It was a testament to the figures rushing over from the steps below.


    There were only two swords left. Only two people could succeed.


    With Xu Qing¡¯s personality, he would seek revenge for the smallest grievance. He didn¡¯t want Zhang Siyun to succeed and the rules didn¡¯t say that he couldn¡¯t interfere. Clearly, as long as it wasn¡¯t too much, there was a high chance that it would work.


    ¡°Everyone, be careful of Zhang Siyun. He has a position-swap technique that can only be used when he looks at you. In the ghost cave, this person used this technique on me. It¡¯s extremely sinister.¡±


    Xu Qing stood at the peak and calmly spoke.


    As soon as he finished speaking, everyone¡¯s expressions changed.


    The captain didn¡¯t hesitate at all. His entire body flickered with blue light and his body became blurry, causing others to be unable to see his figure clearly. His speed also rapidly erupted and he instantly leaped by 10,000 feet. He didn¡¯t stop at all and rushed forward again.


    His target was the command sword that was 10,000 feet away on Xu Qing¡¯s left.


    Zhang Siyun was expressionless. Due to the losses in the ghost cave, he was too far behind and his injuries were very serious. Hence, he indeed planned to use this technique. His target was Chen Erniu or Qing Qiu.


    He couldn¡¯t swap with Xu Qing, after all he had broken the precedent in the Yinghuang Province. Even the Great Elder had said ¡®virtuous¡¯. Now that he was already a Sword Holder with the command sword in his hand, there was extreme danger in swapping places with Xu Qing.


    However, Xu Qing warned the others too quickly. He hadn¡¯t even finished using the spell. However, there were no fluctuations in his mind as he continued to cast. His target was Qing Qiu.


    The captain withstood the pressure formed by the steps during the sprint and arrived rapidly. He picked up the command sword and looked at Xu Qing excitedly.


    Xu Qing also looked at the captain.


    After the two of them looked at each other and smiled, Xu Qing discovered that the Sword Holders in the sky didn¡¯t stop him from speaking. Hence, he spoke again.


    ¡°Zhang Siyun, you coveted the pentagon wooden hut in the ghost cave and wanted to destroy it. Moreover, you know everything about the ghost cave like the back of your hand. If you said that you didn¡¯t know about this in advance and didn¡¯t come here with a motive, no one would believe you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so scheming. Your actions and thoughts are all suspicious!¡±


    ¡°Sword Holder Xu Qing implores the elders of the Sword Holding Court to inspect Zhang Siyun!¡±


    Zhang Siyun had already crossed 7,000 steps and was casting a spell to mark the target to Qing Qiu, who was almost at the 9,000th step. When he heard Xu Qing¡¯s words, his mind finally stirred. He couldn¡¯t care less about a will seed technique like Li Ziliang¡¯s because it was all groundless. He just needed to be firm to resist the technique.


    However¡­ not only did Xu Qing¡¯s words reveal his true secret, but he also implored the elders to examine him. This matter was no longer a seed planting. He was directly punishing him!


    ¡°Nonsense!¡±


    Zhang Siyun knew that this matter couldn¡¯t be explained easily, and it wasn¡¯t appropriate for him to explain at this moment. However, he couldn¡¯t remain silent. Hence, he pretended to be calm and continued casting. However, the waves in his mind still affected the spell a little.


    The instant he activated position-swap, Qing Qiu¡¯s eyes flashed and she suddenly retreated rapidly.


    There was pressure here, so her speed was naturally not fast. However, it was extremely easy for her to take advantage of the momentum and retreat. It was as though she had been enhanced and her speed was fully unleashed. Hence, Qing Qiu¡¯s body instantly fell back to just over 3,000th step.

 Chapter 479 - 479 Consequences of Provoking Xu Qing (2)

    479 Consequences of Provoking Xu Qing (2)


    Position swap!


    Zhang Siyun succeeded in his spell. However, he moved from over 7,000th step to over 3,000th step. As for Qing Qiu, she reached over 7,000th step.


    Before they changed positions, there was a difference of 2,000 steps between them. After they changed positions, there was a difference of 4,000 steps.


    The instant the swap was successful, a huge evil ghost appeared on Qing Qiu¡¯s body. It had long been accumulating strength. At this moment, it opened its mouth wide and made a devouring sign toward Zhang Siyun.


    Zhang Siyun¡¯s body trembled and the backlash caused him to involuntarily stop in his tracks. He was even more anxious and furious. Qing Qiu¡¯s method was very simple, but the simpler it was, the more unexpected it was.


    Qing Qiu took advantage of this pause. Her entire body flickered with red light as she spared no expense to activate her secret art. Many phantoms appeared on her body and she coughed out seven mouthfuls of blood in exchange for extreme speed.


    In the end, she rushed to the peak and grabbed the third command sword.


    The moment she held the sword in her hand, Qing Qiu spat out another large mouthful of blood. There were even pieces of internal organs inside. Clearly, the backlash from this secret art was extremely great for her.


    At that moment, her entire person was dispirited, as though she couldn¡¯t stand steadily. She could only prop the evil ghost scythe against the ground and barely stand there. She was extremely weakened but her eyes were resolute.


    This gaze made Xu Qing feel that he had seen it before for some reason.


    Just as Xu Qing was searching his memories and the source of this familiarity, Zhang Siyun saw that he had failed and the anger in his heart soared to the sky. He stared fixedly at Xu Qing. He looked at the Sword Holders in the sky and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Xu Qing slandered me and interfered with my trial. This matter¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you an explanation on behalf of my junior brother. Zhang Siyun, sorry, it was a misunderstanding. You¡¯re a good person.¡± The captain blinked and continued Zhang Siyun¡¯s words with a serious expression. After he finished speaking, he even spoke to Qing Qiu, who was panting.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Qing Qiu, what do you think?¡±


    Qing Qiu hated Mad Dog and Ghost Hand, but she knew that this matter concerned her ranking, so she spoke coldly.


    ¡°I also think it¡¯s a misunderstanding. Zhang Siyun, truly sorry, you¡¯re a good person.¡±


    They had clearly said that they were sorry, but the anger in Zhang Siyun¡¯s heart didn¡¯t dissipate at all. Instead, it turned into a deep grievance and he was about to speak.


    However, from the left wing of the wing formation in the sky, the middle-aged man who had read the name list earlier walked out.


    He bowed to the Sword Holder Great Elder. After noticing that the Great Elder didn¡¯t say anything about what happened below, as someone who had followed the Great Elder for a long time, he naturally understood the Great Elder¡¯s thoughts. He was the person who had checked Xu Qing¡¯s identity in front of the Great Elder¡¯s Dao altar back then. At this moment, he also thought of the way the Great Elder looked at Xu Qing back then.


    Hence, he turned and looked at the stairs. A solemn voice rang out from his mouth, echoing through the world.


    ¡°The Sword Holder assessment is over.¡±


    As soon as his voice rang out, other than Xu Qing and the other two, the figures of the others on the stairs instantly disappeared. They were teleported out of the stairs by a vast force and appeared on the ground.


    Zhang Siyun was the same.


    He clenched his fists fiercely. His eyes were bloodshot and his heart was filled with intense resentment. Beside him was the youth from the small sect, Ning Yan, who had attacked Xu Qing at the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. His face was pale and his expression was filled with bitterness. However, there was still a hint of desire in the depths of his eyes.


    The others were the same. There was desire amidst their bitterness because they still had a chance!


    However, no matter how unwilling these people were and how their emotions fluctuated, no one cared about them at this moment. All their gazes landed on the stairs.


    There were only Xu Qing, the captain, and Qing Qiu there.


    ¡°For this Sword Holder assessment, three people have been chosen. They are Xu Qing, Chen Erniu, and Qing Qiu. Congratulations.¡±


    After the middle-aged man finished speaking, he looked at Xu Qing and the other two. His gaze lingered on Xu Qing the most. After that, he cupped his fists and bowed to the three of them.


    After that, all the Sword Holders in the surroundings bowed in unison.


    This was a greeting to the Dao. There was no distinction between seniority and inferiority. It was the respect every Sword Holder enjoyed when they joined them.


    Xu Qing and the other two solemnly returned the greeting to the Sword Holders in the sky.


    ¡°From today onwards, the three of you are official Sword Holders.¡± The middle-aged man calmly spoke.


    ¡°According to the Sword Holding Court¡¯s decision, an exception will be made for the human disciple, Ning Yan, and made into a Quasi-Sword Holder. He will be allowed to go to the Sword Holding Palace in the upper county to undergo training. If he succeeds, he will be able to obtain a command sword and become an official Sword Holder.¡±


    ¡°According to the orders of the Sword Holding Palace, the human disciple, Zhang Siyun, is exempted from the test to become a Sword Holder. However, there are only three swords in the Yinghuang Province. You need to go to the Sword Holding Palace in Fenghai County and request for the command sword.¡±


    ¡°Now, the two of you, step forward.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, Ning Yan¡¯s figure rapidly leaped toward the staircase in front of him. As he ran, his eyes revealed an intense light. His breathing was hurried and his body was trembling.


    Everyone¡¯s minds stirred. As for the other participants, they sighed helplessly.


    What they were waiting for was this opportunity of an exception. Every time the Sword Holder assessment was held, there would be such an exception.


    Although not all Quasi Sword Holders could successfully be conferred the title of official, this was at least an opportunity.


    Only Zhang Siyun¡¯s heart was still filled with resentment. At that moment, he took a step forward and stepped onto the stairs. He and Ning Yan reached the peak one after another, but in terms of standing, he was at the edge.


    Xu Qing calmly turned his head and glanced at Ning Yan.


    Under his gaze, Ning Yan¡¯s head shrank and his mind shook. The ecstasy from before seemed to have been doused by a basin of cold water at this moment, and he did not dare to look into Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked at Zhang Siyun. What he saw was the coldness in the depths of Zhang Siyun¡¯s eyes.


    Xu Qing was expressionless and there were no fluctuations in his eyes. He retracted his gaze and calmly looked at the sky, waiting for this ritual to end.


    ¡°Now, the five of you will walk to the emperor¡¯s statue under the witness of all the Sword Holders and take the Sword Holder¡¯s Heart Inquisition Oath to obtain the emperor¡¯s blessing.¡± The middle-aged man¡¯s voice slowly rang out, and the solemnity became even more intense at this moment.


    It was as though this segment was extremely important to the Sword Holders.


    ¡°This is the last and necessary part of becoming a Sword Holder. You need to be completely focused. Follow your heart and answer the emperor¡¯s questions in your mind.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know your answer. Only you and the emperor know. The Great Emperor¡¯s statue will also emit light according to your answer.¡±


    ¡°The height of the light represents the emperor¡¯s recognition of your answer. Since ancient times, the Sword Holder with the least light in our Yinghuang Province has obtained 600 feet of light. The most powerful one crossed 10,000 feet.¡±


    As the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s voice spread out, the captain winked at Xu Qing. In this solemn occasion, he was still very bold as he transmitted his voice to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Little Qing, I know about this stage. Although it¡¯s called a blessing, it¡¯s actually all a confusion tactic.¡±


    ¡°Let me tell you, there are two goals for this round. One is to check if you¡¯re really a human. The other is to swear an oath. When the emperor¡¯s statue asks us a question, we can just brag.¡±


    ¡°This result won¡¯t affect our status as Sword Holders. There¡¯s no reward either. At most, it¡¯ll be reputation.¡±


    ¡°However, you have to think about how to brag. After all, although it won¡¯t affect us, I heard that it will be recorded in our identities and resumes. It will be of some use when we are promoted in the future.¡±


    ¡°So you have to think about it carefully. But I¡¯m different.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve prepared for this for a very, very long time. After I arrived at the Yinghuang Province, I spent a lot of money to buy all the questions the emperor had asked for thousands of years. I even got the questions from other provinces. There are a total of 1,789 questions that are commonly seen.¡±


    ¡°At that time, I, your Eldest Senior Brother, had already started to think of the answers. I already memorized all the answers and every one of them is perfect!¡±


    ¡°Hmph, you won earlier but this time, I can announce in advance that I will definitely have the highest light.¡±


    The captain was smug and raised his brows at Xu Qing, looking incomparably wise and farsighted.


    Xu Qing ignored him.


    He didn¡¯t care about the height of the light. Since it didn¡¯t affect his identity as a Sword Holder and there were no rewards, if it was just an empty title, he would answer everything according to his heart.


    While Xu Qing was thinking this, a solemn voice rang out from the sky.


    ¡°All of you, step forward a thousand feet!¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and walked forward. The others were the same. They stepped forward a thousand feet and got even closer to the emperor¡¯s statue.

 Chapter 480 - 480 Gods Body

    480 God¡¯s Body


    This heart inquisition was indeed as the captain had said. It was another way for the Sword Holder to make an oath.


    In front of the emperor, they would answer the questions asked by the emperor¡¯s statue. This process was to verify their race as well as to test their temperament.


    It wasn¡¯t important because even if they didn¡¯t pass, it wouldn¡¯t affect them from becoming a Sword Holder.


    However, it was important because the light from the heart inquisition was the hidden condition for all the future advancements and selections, especially anything that concerned the core of the human race.


    It wasn¡¯t that this process couldn¡¯t be faked, but first, you had to have the ability to deceive the emperor¡¯s statue.


    Although the statue of the emperor wasn¡¯t the true emperor who had already died, the main body of the statue in the Grand Imperial Capital Region was formed by a wisp of the emperor¡¯s soul. After being worshiped by the human race for countless years, it already possessed astonishing abilities.


    That was why he was a divine being among the human race and became a witness for the Sword Holder.


    At that moment, after Xu Qing and the others stepped forward a thousand feet, as the pressure of the emperor¡¯s statue descended, the heart inquisition began.


    The first person to be questioned wasn¡¯t Xu Qing but Qing Qiu.


    One could see a rainbow light emitting from the glabella of the statue, enveloping Qing Qiu.


    This process attracted the attention of thousands of people below. At the same time, all the Sword Holders in the sky also looked over to witness it.


    Qing Qiu¡¯s body trembled. The evil ghost on the scythe shivered. It closed its eyes tightly, not daring to open them or act rashly.


    It sensed a vast divine sense landing on its body. After a sweep, the gaze focused on Qing Qiu.


    This divine sense was too majestic and outsiders couldn¡¯t sense it, but it could clearly sense it.


    At that moment, a vast starry sky appeared in front of Qing Qiu. The first thing she saw was a sea of resplendent light above.


    That sea of light attracted all her attention, causing her to not immediately look below the starry sky.


    Instead, she looked at the light above. She could vaguely see a holy figure in the light.


    In front of this figure, she felt incomparably insignificant. Everything in front of her caused her eyes to be a little dazed. However, very soon, her determination made her eyes reveal clarity.


    At this moment, a gentle voice slowly rang out in her ears.


    ¡°Little girl, don¡¯t be nervous. Tell me, what do you think is a god?¡±


    Qing Qiu was stunned. The gentleness of this voice was beyond her expectations.


    She originally thought that with the dignity of the emperor¡¯s statue, the voice would be high and mighty. She didn¡¯t expect the voice to be so intimate.


    Qing Qiu hesitated for a moment. At this moment, her mind slowly became ethereal and some scenes appeared faintly.


    Looking at those scenes, her eyes revealed confusion. She vaguely felt an answer rising in her heart, wanting to say it out loud.


    It wasn¡¯t that she couldn¡¯t stop it, but that gentle voice made her feel that it was fine even if she said it out loud. Hence, she spoke softly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what a god is but it doesn¡¯t matter. If there¡¯s a chance, I¡¯ll take him down with me!¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, she seemed to hear a laugh filled with kindness.


    ¡°Your courage is commendable.¡±


    As the laughter echoed, the starry sky in front of her dissipated. When she felt that she had returned to reality again, she, who was standing in front of the emperor¡¯s statue, saw that the statue in front of her emitted a dazzling light at this moment.


    This light instantly reached more than 5,000 feet in length but it didn¡¯t stop. Instead, it rose all the way to 10,000 feet and finally stopped at 11,000 feet.


    The 11,000-foot-long light illuminated the sky.


    The Sword Holders in the sky all glanced over. Even the middle-aged man who announced everything revealed admiration in his eyes. In fact, the nine Sword Holder Elders were all staring at Qing Qiu.


    As the first person to be questioned, Qing Qiu directly reached 11,000 feet. Although she didn¡¯t break the Yinghuang Province¡¯s record, it was rare to see a 11,000-foot-long light. It was enough to show that she answered sincerely.


    ¡°This girl isn¡¯t bad!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a good seedling. We can use the resources of our Yinghuang Province to nurture her. With such a length of light, there¡¯s a high chance that she will be valued by the county in the future.¡±


    Xu Qing also took a few more glances at Qing Qiu. As for the captain at the side, he was first shocked. After that, he thought of the answers and preparations he had done and calmed down again.


    After that, the second questioning started. The rainbow light from the glabella of the emperor¡¯s statue moved away from Qing Qiu and enveloped the youth, Ning Yan.


    Clearly, there was no order to who was questioned. It all depended on the will of the Great Emperor¡¯s statue.


    Very soon, the same starry sky appeared in front of Ning Yan. Although he was nervous, he was still filled with anticipation. At that moment, he instinctively lifted his head and looked up with a fanatical expression.


    ¡°Little guy, tell me, what is a god?¡±


    A gentle voice echoed in Ning Yan¡¯s ears.


    Unlike Qing Qiu¡¯s contemplation, Ning Yan didn¡¯t think at all. Amidst the fanaticism in his eyes and the piety on his face, he spoke loudly.


    ¡°God is the great enemy of our human race. He is hated by all races and makes all living beings miserable. He is the source of resentment for all lives¡­¡±


    He didn¡¯t say much but what he said was mostly what he had accepted in the sect since he was young. It couldn¡¯t be said that it was a bad answer, but it couldn¡¯t be said to be good either. It was mediocre and showed that he didn¡¯t have his own thoughts.


    Hence, after he finished speaking, when he returned to reality, he saw 600-foot-long light emitted by the Great Emperor¡¯s statue.


    This light couldn¡¯t be compared to Qing Qiu at all.


    Ning Yan was stunned. He didn¡¯t know what was wrong with his answer.


    He felt that he was right, but the difference in light was extremely great. This puzzled him and he couldn¡¯t help but look at Qing Qiu. He really wanted to know the other party¡¯s answer.


    The expressions of the Sword Holders in the sky were mostly normal. In reality, the light of 600 feet was the norm. This meant a pass.


    However, the captain sneered inwardly. He thought to himself that it was only 600 feet long. He would definitely cross tens of thousands of feet. With this thought in mind, he looked at the emperor statue with desire.


    At the next instant, the rainbow light descended on the captain.


    The captain¡¯s body trembled and excitement appeared in his eyes. His expression was smug. However, the process was extremely short. In just two breaths of time, the rainbow light on his body dissipated.


    As for the emperor statue standing in front of him, it was motionless and didn¡¯t emit any light.


    The captain was stunned.


    Xu Qing blinked and looked at the captain in surprise.


    Qing Qiu also revealed a look of suspicion. Ning Yan was also stunned.


    Not only them, but all the Sword Holders in the sky also revealed strange expressions. The gazes of the nine Sword Holder Elders instantly turned sharp.


    ¡°If there¡¯s no light, it means that he¡¯s not a human.¡± The Sword Holder Great Elder in the middle looked down and calmly spoke.


    As soon as he finished speaking, killing intent erupted in the surroundings but it didn¡¯t descend.


    This was because such a situation had happened before. Every time there was no light at all, it meant that the other party wasn¡¯t a human. However, they were puzzled because in the past, such a situation would result in the person being erased.


    But now, Chen Erniu was still standing there safely.


    This was also the reason why killing intent erupted but it didn¡¯t descend.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m a human. My answer is also very good. Moreover, the emperor likes me very much. In the beginning, he even affectionately called me brat.¡± The captain was a little nervous for once as he looked at the emperor statue.


    Xu Qing also became nervous.


    Finally, when the atmosphere here became increasingly solemn, the Great Emperor¡¯s statue slowly emitted a ten-foot-long light.


    Ten feet¡­


    The captain was stunned.


    Xu Qing also felt disbelief. He vaguely felt that even the ten feet light seemed to have been released unwillingly. It was as though it was only a symbolic point to prove that the captain was a human.


    The killing intent in the sky dissipated, but all the Sword Holders had strange expressions. It was the same for the nine Sword Holder Elders. They had never seen a ten-foot-long light.


    ¡°What answer did this kid give?¡±


    ¡°If this matter gets out, it¡¯ll be too embarrassing. Our Yinghuang Province actually produced someone who got ten feet light in heart inquisition.¡±


    ¡°How about we find a reason to disqualify him¡­¡±


    The captain looked at the ten-foot-long beam of light and felt extremely aggrieved. At the same time, he heaved a sigh of relief. That instant of killing intent from the sky just now almost made him feel that he was about to be killed.


    However, very soon, he felt that it was unfair. Just as he was filled with grief and indignation, the rainbow light landed on Zhang Siyun. This lasted for dozens of breaths of time before the emperor¡¯s statue emitted a light of 5,000 feet length.


    This length was good, but compared to Qing Qiu, it was much inferior.


    However, no one noticed that while Zhang Siyun was in the midst of the heart inquisition, the Sword Holder Great Elder in the sky seemed to have received the divine sense from the emperor. His eyes suddenly narrowed and revealed a cold glint. He glanced at Zhang Siyun meaningfully before calmly retracting the cold glint in his eyes.


    Zhang Siyun, who was on the stairs, didn¡¯t notice this. He coldly looked at Xu Qing.


    At that moment, among the five of them, Xu Qing was the only one who wasn¡¯t questioned.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath with a calm expression and retracted his gaze from the captain. When he lifted his head and looked at the emperor¡¯s statue, rainbow light enveloped his body.


    A starry sky appeared in front of Xu Qing.


    He stood in the starry sky and sensed the resplendent sea of light above him. However, he didn¡¯t lift his head immediately. Instead, he lowered his head and looked at his feet.


    This was his habit. He liked to observe where he was first.


    With just a glance, his eyes narrowed.


    He saw a vast continent.


    This continent was too large, as though it occupied half of the starry sky. On the continent, he saw the fragmented-face of the god.


    Its hair fluttered and hung down, permeating half of the continent. At the same time, behind this fragmented-face was a golden spine.


    This spine was very long. It circled the outside of the continent and enveloped it in circles. At the same time, it seemed to be slowly shrinking¡­


    It had no arms, no body, and no legs. There was only this golden spine formed by countless bones.


    Every bone inside was as large as a region and emitted an incomparable divine might.


    With half of its head, it transformed into the god¡¯s fragmented-face that was supreme in terms of life level.


    Xu Qing only took a glance and his entire body was on the verge of collapsing. His mind trembled violently, stirring up huge waves.


    However, he could sense that he was in a protected state and there was a high chance that what he saw was an illusion. Otherwise, he would probably not be able to withstand this glance and his body and soul would be destroyed.


    At the same time, a gentle voice echoed in his ears.


    ¡°You¡¯re the only one among the few people who didn¡¯t lift his head to look at me but lowered his head to stare at the place where he stood after coming here.¡±


    ¡°I think you want to see this world, so I let you see this scene but they didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Now, let me ask you a question.¡±


    ¡°What is a god?¡±

 Chapter 481 - 481 My Heart Will Not Change

    481 My Heart Will Not Change


    What was a god?


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know if this was the question the others were asked, nor did he know their answers.


    At that moment, he stood in the starry sky and lowered his head to look at the terrifying fragmented-face of the god below.


    He looked at its golden spine circling around the continent like it was a food.


    All of this caused Xu Qing to be at a loss.


    Instinctively, the first time he saw the eye of the god¡¯s fragmented-face that was spread out in the sky and controlled all living beings appeared in his mind.


    After that time, his family was gone. All the beauty was lost and the city dissipated into the world.


    In the blood rain, what was left was only fear, crying, and helplessness.


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    He recalled the few years when he was a street kid. At that time, regardless of whether the thing was edible or inedible, he had eaten them all in order to survive.


    His only bottom line was that he didn¡¯t eat humans.


    He had smelled human flesh before and seen living humans being eaten until they were bones and boiled into soup.


    There were times when he was extremely hungry. However, when he looked at the scavengers who ate humans and then at the fragmented-face of the god in the sky, he felt that he might as well die if he lived like that.


    And what he was most afraid of, other than hunger, was winter.


    Every winter was a life-and-death test.


    He had seen too many people who had frozen to death and stripped too many of the dead¡¯s clothes. It could be said that at that time, every piece of clothing he wore came from the dead.


    Hence, he cared a lot about his new clothes.


    There were also anomalous substances.


    The torture was slow but it was incomparably painful.


    On his path, he, who was at the lowest level in this world, saw the miserable lives of countless people and the darkness of human nature.


    There were many people like him who lived in pain and endured the despair of having no future.


    Every time he was on the verge of death, he would lift his head and look at the dignified and cold fragmented-face of the god in the sky. Looking at its clean face, it was as though he could see its indifferent eyes again.


    ¡­


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    His memories slowly flowed in his mind. He thought of the small city he ultimately chose to settle down in. The second time the god opened his eyes appeared in front of him. Different from the first time, that small city didn¡¯t disappear.


    Hence, he saw numerous greenish-black corpses, the fiendish aura of the mutated, pieces of collapsed flesh and blood, and the rotting stench that couldn¡¯t be dispersed.


    After that, he thought of the breathing of the red moon, the high and mighty posture, and the unholy aura it emitted.


    After that, he thought of the golden eye in the ghost cave and the quavering singing of the red woman in the wooden hut to comfort it.


    All of this appeared in his mind.


    In the end, all the scenes overlapped with the fragmented-face of the god outside the Wanggu Continent.


    Gradually, in his heart, it gathered into a sentence that he had said countless times when he was young.


    What was a god?


    ¡°Son of a b*tch!¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the huge light source above the starry sky. He then looked at the figure that could faintly be seen inside and calmly spoke.


    As soon as he said this, the light source swayed violently and that gentle voice suddenly rang out.


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°I said, gods are sons of b*tches!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was serious. After he spoke again, he added.


    ¡°When I was young, I called it a bastard!¡±


    Xu Qing pointed at the god¡¯s fragmented-face below.


    ¡°I even called it a pig bastard.¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it carefully and continued.


    ¡°The curse I used the most was f*cker!¡±


    After saying that, Xu Qing spat at the god¡¯s fragmented-face below.


    When he was young, every time he cursed the god, he would spit.


    In the past, it would always land on the ground. This time, Xu Qing was very happy. He felt that it might land on the god¡¯s face.


    The moment the phlegm fell, the light source above shone unprecedentedly intensely. The gentle voice inside turned into laughter.


    ¡°Sons of b*tches, f*ckers!¡±


    This laughter was carefree and grew louder and louder, causing the entire starry sky to tremble. When Xu Qing¡¯s vision turned blurry, he heard praises coming from the laughter.


    ¡°There are many people who cursed the god, but very few can walk in front of me and still speak up like this. No one knows that I cursed god like this back then. However, I¡¯m not as good as you because I didn¡¯t spit.¡±


    ¡°Little friend, although your body has flaws, they cannot obscure the virtues. I¡¯ll bestow you with a radiance of a hundred thousand feet. I hope that you won¡¯t change your heart no matter what!¡±


    At the next instant, amidst the rumbling sounds formed by the laughter, Xu Qing¡¯s vision blurred. He was still standing on the steps and in front of the emperor¡¯s statue. The instant he lifted his head, the emperor¡¯s statue trembled intensely and erupted with a monstrous light.


    This light reached more than 20,000 feet in the blink of an eye and was still spreading.


    It didn¡¯t end when it reached more than 40,000 feet. It reached more than 60,000 feet, 80,000 feet¡­ Finally, it spread out and reached 100,000 feet in length!


    The color of the sky changed and the wind and clouds churned. The entire sky seemed to be about to be penetrated by this light and it could be seen clearly from afar.


    This was unprecedented!


    The expressions of all the humans in Absolute Beginning Separation City changed drastically. Even though it was a solemn occasion, they still let out waves of involuntary cries.


    ¡°Hundred¡­ a hundred thousand feet?!¡±


    Shocking waves rose in their minds.


    Countless uproars and exclamations echoed like thunder. All the Sword Holders in the sky were also shaken intensely. All of them looked at the emperor¡¯s statue and Xu Qing in shock.


    They didn¡¯t know if a hundred thousand feet radiance had appeared in the other counties, but it had never appeared in Fenghai County!


    This kind of thing had already exceeded everyone¡¯s imagination.


    Even Xue Lianzi, who was on the ground, was dazed.


    ¡°Old Seven¡¯s disciple¡­ is so amazing?¡±


    They weren¡¯t the only ones. At that moment, the Sword Holder Elders in the sky were also moved like never before. All of their eyes revealed a strange glint as they looked at Xu Qing as though he was a supreme treasure.


    This was especially so for the Sword Holder Great Elder. He had long recognized Xu Qing and his eyes revealed an intense glint.


    This was because they were very clear that in the heart inquisition, all those who participated in the ritual could be said to have been given the emperor¡¯s blessing. However, in reality, this was only an assessment ritual and was considered an invisible condition for advancement.


    Only by reaching a certain length could it be considered a true emperor¡¯s blessing. For example, Qing Qiu would be valued by the Sword Holding Court.


    However¡­ if it reached an unprecedented height of 100,000 feet, then this couldn¡¯t be described as a blessing.


    This was personally appointed by the Great Emperor!


    It was incomparable!


    For such a Sword Holder to appear in the Yinghuang Province, it was a great merit for the Sword Holding Court.


    At this moment, everyone in the sky and on the ground was shocked.


    Qing Qiu was stunned as well. She stared blankly at all of this and an indescribable feeling rose in the depths of her mind. She turned her head and looked at Xu Qing, her eyes shining.


    ¡°Don¡¯t. In the future, we won¡¯t perish together with him¡­ I¡¯m afraid.¡± In her mind, the evil ghost quickly persuaded.


    At the side, Ning Yan¡¯s entire body was trembling at this moment. His eyes revealed deep horror. He thought of his previous attack and was so nervous that his entire body was drenched in cold sweat.


    The captain was also stunned. He foolishly looked at the light of the emperor¡¯s statue and a deep confusion appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Why? Why am I only given ten feet light? My answer is also very good.¡±


    ¡°How did Little Qing answer?¡±


    The captain mumbled and abruptly looked at Xu Qing. The curiosity in his mind was extremely intense. In reality, it wasn¡¯t just him. Everyone wanted to know what Xu Qing¡¯s answer was.


    As for Zhang Siyun, who was at the edge, he lowered his head and clenched his fists tightly.


    As for Xu Qing, who was the center of attention, he was silent.


    He looked at the hundred thousand feet radiance from the Great Emperor¡¯s statue and the intense waves in the sky. Actually, he didn¡¯t think his answer was very good because he had seen too many people cursing the god like this when he was young.


    When it was difficult to even survive, even if one was afraid of the god, they naturally still had the courage to scold Him.


    This was the courage of a small fry and also the lamentability of a small fry.


    What the emperor¡¯s statue had said earlier echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    This reminded him of the slums when he was young. Only those who were on their deathbeds would become fearless and dare to mock and insult the city lord.


    However, when they still had food to eat, they would be like the rich people in the city and be respectful to the city lord, not daring to disobey at all.


    Xu Qing vaguely understood but he didn¡¯t know if what he was thinking was correct. This lasted until the lingering sound of the emperor¡¯s statue in his mind kept echoing with the last sentence.


    I hope that you won¡¯t change your heart no matter what!


    Xu Qing nodded.


    The 100,000-foot-long light from the emperor¡¯s statue shocked not only the Yinghuang Province.


    Far away from the Yinghuang Province, in the capital of Fenghai County, which was very far away from the Yinghuang Province, a bell rang in the Sword Holding Palace.


    The Dao bell of the Sword Holding Palace was given by the Grand Imperial Capital Region. For countless years, it only rang when something major happened.


    However, today, the bell suddenly rang.


    Although it was only once, it still caused the expressions of all the cultivators in the Sword Holding Palace to change and waves of emotions to surge in their minds. Very soon, the reason why the Dao bell rang was investigated.


    ¡°Xu Qing, the new Sword Holder of the Yinghuang Province, went through heart inquisition. The emperor blessed him with a hundred thousand feet radiance. Therefore, the Dao bell of Fenghai County rang once!¡±


    This answer shocked all the Sword Holders in the Sword Holding Palace and they memorized a name.


    Xu Qing!


    There were also many auras that carried an impertinent intent that rose from the Sword Holding Palace. These people who emitted their auras were all geniuses of this generation.


    They were from the various provinces of Fenghai County. They were all people who had come to report in person after obtaining the status of Sword Holder.


    As the Yinghuang Province was far offshore, it was also the last place to hold the Sword Holder assessment.


    The Sword Holders from the Yinghuang Province had just completed the selection process and still needed some time before they could report to the Sword Holding Palace. At that moment, before Xu Qing arrived, his name had already spread throughout the Sword Holding Palace.


    At that moment, in the back mountain of the Sword Holding Palace, in a sword forest, a woman in white was slowly walking out.


    This woman¡¯s appearance was exquisite. Her lips were like red clouds and her figure was enchanting. At first glance, she looked flirtatious, especially with a mole under her right eye. However, her expression was as cold as autumn frost.


    She was a peerless beauty that could cause the downfall of a city.


    After she walked to the edge of the sword forest, she looked in the direction of the Yinghuang Province. Her red lips parted slightly and her voice was like a clear spring.


    ¡°Yinghuang Province¡­ Yun¡¯er should be here soon. Mother will wait for you here.¡±

 Chapter 482 - 482 Emperor Sword

    482 Emperor Sword


    The Dao bell¡¯s chime echoed for a long time. In the air above the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Absolute Beginning Separation City, Zhang Siyun¡¯s expression was gloomy. There was an indescribable fire of emotion burning in his heart.


    As the publicly acknowledged number one person in the younger generation of the Yinghuang Province, he was already used to being the center of attention. Today was one of the very few times in his life when he served as a contrast and watched others shine.


    This caused him to have mixed feelings. This was especially so when he thought of how his mother and grandmaster were still waiting for good news from him in Fenghai County. He hated Xu Qing even more for ruining his good thing.


    After all, if Xu Qing hadn¡¯t interfered, he was confident that he would have achieved his wish this time. His target wasn¡¯t the life lantern but another item in the wooden hut.


    However, now, everything had turned into nothing. It would be many years before the Sword Holding Court lifted the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar again.


    ¡°Mother will be disappointed.¡±


    Zhang Siyun muttered inwardly. He didn¡¯t care about Grandmaster. He only cared about his mother¡¯s feelings.


    Because his father had passed away early and his mother was strict with him, he had held his mother in awe since he was young.


    He had always worked very hard to cultivate and didn¡¯t dare to disappoint her. In his heart, he yearned for his mother to take him as her pride. This thought transformed into a raging fire in his heart, burning his internal organs, causing him to stare fixedly at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about Zhang Siyun¡¯s gaze. He looked at the emperor¡¯s statue for a long time before bowing deeply.


    All the Sword Holders in the sky stared at him. All the cultivators on the ground were paying attention.


    Other than being shocked, everyone was also intensely curious. They really wanted to know what the emperor asked and what Xu Qing answered.


    This was especially so for the captain. He felt as though there were countless cats scratching his heart. On one hand, he felt aggrieved, and on the other hand, he was racking his brains to think of a way to get Xu Qing to tell him the answer.


    Amidst these complicated emotions, this Sword Holder Assessment ended.


    The emperor¡¯s statue dissipated, the staircase blurred, and the multicolored light in the sky dissipated. Everything returned to normal.


    Xu Qing and the others were also told that they had to rush to the Sword Holding Palace in Fenghai County within a year.


    There, they would obtain the inheritance of the Sword Holders and the distribution of posts. There would also be endless opportunities.


    This was extremely important to every new Sword Holder. The former could increase their combat strength by a lot, while the latter represented the orthodox lineage of the human race.


    In addition, as the capital of a county, the county capital of Fenghai County gathered geniuses from the various provinces.


    There were also many races in the county capital. Most of the heaven¡¯s chosens of the various races would stir up trouble there.


    If they could rise up in the county capital, they would truly be considered famous.


    This was also the thought of many heaven¡¯s chosens from the various forces. If they wanted to fight for a future and become an ancient sovereign and ruler, they would naturally have to sweep through the world when they were young.


    This way, they could obtain more opportunities and fortune. From there, they would be far ahead and finally completely suppress an era.


    This was something all the ancient sovereigns and rulers had done before.


    Compared to the county, Yinghuang Province could only be considered a remote area.


    This place was too far from the county and there were several provinces between them. Although there was also a large-scale teleportation, the Sword Holding Court wouldn¡¯t let newly-promoted Sword Holders use it.


    No matter what identity they had, as long as the identity wasn¡¯t greater than the Sword Holding Court, the new Sword Holders had to travel on their own.


    This was because the Sword Holding Court wasn¡¯t a place to nurture flowers. This journey was also a form of tempering.


    ¡°According to my calculations, we can use some public teleportation arrays from other provinces on the way. This way, we should be able to reach the county in about eight months.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have to worry about the specific journey and plan. There are some Sword Holders who came from the Eight Sects Alliance, so the Alliance has also set up a branch in Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°When we return to the Alliance later, someone will naturally help us arrange everything. After all, our identities are different now.¡±


    After the Sword Holder Selection ended, Xue Lianzi held a celebration banquet for Xu Qing and the captain in the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s encampment. The captain pulled Xu Qing outside and coughed before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°Look, Little Qing, your Eldest Senior Brother was the one who brought you up this path to heaven in the beginning. Aren¡¯t you going to express your gratitude to me? I won¡¯t talk about spirit stones and hurt our relationship. You just have to tell me your answer.¡±


    Xu Qing had drunk some wine at the banquet. At that moment, he lifted his head and looked at the night sky.


    As the wind and snow blew over and landed on his body, he felt very comfortable. He turned his head and looked at the captain.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, your eyes and ears have grown out.¡±


    The captain looked smug.


    ¡°Of course. I can grow this thing whenever I want. Amazing, right? Little Qing, you¡­¡±


    Xu Qing took out an apple and handed it to the captain.


    ¡°Captain, congratulations on becoming a Sword Holder.¡±


    The captain instinctively took it. After taking a bite, he was about to continue asking when Xu Qing simply lay on the pile of snow and looked at the starry sky. He looked at the fragmented-face of the god that was faintly discernible in the night. He then took out a flask of wine and took a big gulp.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, what are gods in the end?¡±


    When the captain heard this, he also looked at the sky. After some thought, he sat on the snow beside Xu Qing and ate the apple as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°Gods, hehe.¡±


    ¡°Are they delicious?¡± the captain said proudly.


    Xu Qing smiled. He knew that the captain definitely didn¡¯t say this in front of the emperor¡¯s statue. Otherwise, the light wouldn¡¯t be just ten feet.


    The snowstorm grew heavier and heavier, and Xu Qing stopped talking. He lay there and allowed the snowflakes to land on his face as he recalled his words in front of the emperor¡¯s statue.


    After that, he laughed. He sat up and spat out a mouthful of saliva dozens of feet away, landing on the snow in the distance.


    The captain was stunned and also spat out. Seeing that Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything, he knew that he couldn¡¯t be anxious about this matter. Hence, he suppressed the curiosity in his heart and finished the apple. He then took out the frozen pear unique to this city and ate it.


    It was very quiet outside. Amidst the swirling snowflakes, there was a rare sense of peace.


    Only the sound of a bonfire burning not far away and the laughter coming from the tents drifted in the wind.


    At some point in time, Yanyan had secretly run over. Seeing that Xu Qing and the captain were sitting on the snow, she hurriedly sat down beside Xu Qing. She lay down, feeling satisfied.


    In the sky, Xue Lianzi and Esteemed Master Dongyou looked at the three people on the snow.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to be young.¡± Xue Lianzi sighed with emotion.


    ¡°What do you think this kid answered? The few lords from the Sword Holding Court also hinted to me to ask.¡± Xue Lianzi had a curious expression.


    Esteemed Master Dongyou coldly glanced at him.


    Xue Lianzi blinked and coughed, changing the way of address.


    ¡°Say, what exactly did your grandson-in-law answer?¡±


    The wrinkles on Esteemed Master Dongyou¡¯s face shone with a smile as she nodded slightly.


    ¡°After we return to the Alliance, you can ask your son-in-law about this disciple of his.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still early. Those lords from the Sword Holding Court asked us to stay for a few more days. On one hand, Xu Qing and Chen Erniu need to comprehend the human emperor-level cultivation art. Also, it seems that something happened in the Sword Holding Court that requires the help of the two of them.¡±


    Time passed.


    Most of the cultivators from the various forces who had gathered in Absolute Beginning Separation City had left.


    The originally lively city also became much more spacious. Only the rogue cultivators were still here and continued to comprehend battle spirit marks from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    The people from the Eight Sects Alliance didn¡¯t leave, nor did the Litu Sect. It was the same for the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    This was because the reward for ranking first on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar was released.


    The comprehension of human emperor-level cultivation art was extremely rare.


    The place of comprehension was arranged at the top of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, in the Sword Holding Court in the clouds.


    This was the first time Xu Qing had stepped into this place.


    Xu Qing even saw Qing Qiu here.


    However, the other party wasn¡¯t here to comprehend the cultivation art with them. Instead, she sat silently in front of a large hall, as though she was waiting for something.


    When she saw Xu Qing and the captain, she turned her head and snorted.


    Xu Qing was expressionless and the captain also snorted. Very soon, the two of them left this place. In the end, they were brought to an empty area by a Sword Holder.


    Red liquid flowed on the ground here, outlining a huge array formation. It emitted a red glow and also illuminated this place in blood light.


    In the middle was a large black stone with gray iron chains tied to it.


    Through the gaps in the chains, one could see a sword carved on the large rock.


    It was a very ordinary sword.


    However, the instant they looked over, be it Xu Qing or the captain, their minds trembled.


    They felt an earth-shattering aura spreading out from the carved sword.


    The two of them looked at each other and saw the shock and desire in each other¡¯s eyes.


    They knew that this was the place where the human emperor-level cultivation art was.


    In fact, the Golden Crow behind Xu Qing was shaking at this moment. After meeting another emperor-level cultivation art for the first time, it didn¡¯t reveal itself, as though it was in awe.


    Xu Qing also saw Zhang Siyun.


    The other party had arrived earlier than them. At that moment, he was sitting beside a large rock and closing his eyes to comprehend.


    ¡°Go over. Each of you has six hours of opportunity to comprehend. After six hours, you will be moved out of this place by the array formation.¡±


    The person who brought them here was none other than the middle-aged Sword Holder who presided over the ceremony.


    He glanced at Xu Qing a few times on the way. After he finished speaking, he reminded a few more times.


    ¡°You guys, cherish this opportunity well. This is because according to the process of the Sword Holders, you need a huge amount of military contribution points to comprehend this sword.¡±


    ¡°The name of this emperor-level cultivation art in front of you is¡­¡±


    ¡°Emperor Sword!¡±


    ¡°The Emperor Sword is also known as the Sword Holder¡¯s Sword. It was created by the emperor and is an extremely rare emperor-level cultivation art that can be comprehended by many people. It belongs exclusively to us humans and even more so to the Sword Holders.¡±


    ¡°It can be said that the reason why the Sword Holder was able to suppress all races in the past era has a lot to do with this Emperor Sword.¡±


    ¡°When you comprehend it later, you will understand why.¡±


    With that, the middle-aged Sword Holder turned and left.


    Xu Qing and the captain didn¡¯t hesitate at all. They quickly stepped forward and each chose a seat to sit cross-legged and begin to comprehend.


    However, compared to Xu Qing, the captain sat very close to the rock. When Xu Qing saw this, he was a little shocked and sent a voice transmission to remind him.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, if you take a bite here, I reckon¡­ I have to go to Fenghai County alone.¡±


    The captain turned his head and glanced at Xu Qing bitterly.

 Chapter 483 - 483 Ernius Answer

    483 Erniu¡¯s Answer


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and spread out his perception, merging it into the large black rock in front of him.


    The instant his perception came into contact with the rock, a layer of fog appeared in his mind.


    A faint murmur rang out from the fog. This voice was shaky, as though it was very far away but also very close.


    ¡°The Emperor¡¯s Sword¡­ cannot be used lightly.¡±


    ¡°The moment the sword is taken out, the world will collapse.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook as he listened attentively. Gradually, those murmurs transformed into streams of information that appeared in his soul and continued to echo.


    This information was telling him about the Emperor Sword.


    The Emperor Sword, also known as the Sword Holder¡¯s Sword, was one of the human orthodoxy¡¯s emperor-level cultivation arts. It was created by the Prime Great Emperor of the Ultimate Immortal Radiance.


    It was mainly focused on killing. Its might was astonishing and its killing intent was boundless.


    It had killed myriad races before and the emperor had used it to kill a god many years ago.


    Back then, even Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether was extremely impressed by the Emperor¡¯s Sword.


    After that, the lineage of the Sword Palace turned into Sword Holder. The emperor placed all his emperor-level cultivation arts into the Sword Holding Ministry and opened it for all the Sword Holders without restriction, allowing the Sword Holder to obtain comprehension according to different levels.


    This was especially so for the Emperor Sword Art. The emperor had completely released it with his magnanimous heart. Any new Sword Holder would obtain a chance to comprehend it after becoming a Sword Holder.


    However, this was only once. After that, they would need to exchange for comprehension time with military contributions.


    The Emperor Sword was extremely difficult to comprehend. Since ancient times, no one had succeeded in one try. Most of the time, it required many times to barely imprint it in their minds and form a sword seed.


    As for the might of this sword, it could be strong or weak.


    The factor that determined the upper limit of its might was related to the cultivation base of the cultivator but it was mostly related to time.


    The Emperor Sword needed to be nurtured and shouldn¡¯t be taken out easily.


    The longer it was nurtured, the more terrifying the might of the sword would be.


    Although the might of the sword would return to its original state after using it, this deterrence was terrifying.


    There was once a Sword Holder who nourished the sword for 2,000 years. The moment he attacked, he crossed the Spirit Repository realm with his peak Nascent Soul cultivation and directly killed a first stage Nihility cultivator on the spot.


    This was also the reason why the myriad races were afraid of the human race¡¯s Sword Holding Ministry. This was because one would never know if there were some old fellows in the Sword Holding Ministry who had been nurturing the swords for thousands of years or even longer.


    At the same time, one could imagine that after any race mastered such a killing technique, they would definitely specially arrange for a group of people to never go out and spend their lives nurturing the swords.


    It was all for the sake of using that one sword strike at the critical moment.


    These were one of the foundations of the Sword Holding Ministry. It was also the reason why the emperor had opened this Emperor Sword ultimate art to all Sword Holders back then.


    He wanted to build a foundation that would last for tens of thousands of years.


    However, the difficulty of comprehending this sword was very high. Not every Sword Holder could successfully master it. Hence, it was crucial for them to comprehend it multiple times.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know the passage of time in the external world. At that moment, he tried his best to push aside the fog in front of him. However, the fog in his perception was too dense. Even when he went all out, he couldn¡¯t dissipate it quickly.


    He could only continue to use all his strength and keep moving forward in the fog to see what was inside.


    Just like that, time slowly passed.


    After an unknown period of time, Xu Qing finally saw that the fog ahead had thinned out. He could faintly see a sword behind the fog.


    With just a glance, this sword occupied everything in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, as though it had become the only one in the world.


    His mind became even more chaotic, and rumbling sounds echoed in it.


    This was because although that sword was only an ordinary sword, it contained astonishing killing intent.


    An indescribable baleful aura and heart-shaking killing intent spread out from this sword.


    It was as though it wanted to rush into the sky and kill everything in the world.


    The large black rock it was on seemed to be unable to seal it either. It still needed the layers of iron chains on it to barely contain its imprint.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried and his mind was blank. Only the sword behind the fog became clearer and clearer in his eyes. The shocking intent on it also became more and more obvious.


    While he was in a daze, the outline of a sword slowly appeared in his sea of consciousness.


    Even Old Master Seventh was shocked by Xu Qing¡¯s comprehension ability. One could see how talented he was.


    At that moment, an intense desire surfaced in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. He was about to push the fog away again and gather this sword in his mind even more deeply.


    However, at this moment¡­


    A terrifying suction force suddenly came from behind him, pulling his body out. In an instant, the world spun. Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. When he lifted his head, he discovered that he was no longer at the place of comprehension.


    Instead, he was outside the large hall.


    Zhang Siyun was also here. His eyes were red, as though he was doing his best to suppress the desire in his heart.


    Qing Qiu coldly glanced at them from not far away.


    She knew that these people had gone to comprehend the emperor-level cultivation art of the human race. She didn¡¯t know why the Sword Holding Court asked her to wait here when she wasn¡¯t qualified.


    ¡°Wait, wait, wait. What exactly am I supposed to wait for?!¡± Qing Qiu was very unhappy.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with Qing Qiu and Zhang Siyun. He quickly lifted his head and looked in the direction of the place he had gone to comprehend earlier. An incomparable desire rose in his mind.


    This was especially so when he sensed the outline of the sword in his sea of consciousness.


    Although it was blurry, it was indeed an afterimage of the sword. However, it had no roots and was slowly dissipating. From the looks of it, it would disappear completely in two years at most.


    All of this made Xu Qing feel that he was just a little short of being able to outline that sword clearly.


    This feeling of being forcefully dragged back and suddenly being cut off caused endless disappointment to rise in his mind.


    At the same time, the captain¡¯s figure appeared from the void. After he landed, he was the same as Xu Qing. His breathing was hurried as he suddenly stood up and looked into the distance.


    ¡®What? F*ck, I was so close to succeeding. My mouth was already wide open!¡¯ Endless disappointment rose in the captain¡¯s mind. He didn¡¯t dare to say this and could only be dissatisfied inwardly.


    ¡°All of you, calm down!¡±


    Just as Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s emotions were in turmoil, a calm voice echoed in their minds like thunder.


    The middle-aged Sword Holder who had led the way earlier appeared in front of them.


    The powerful pressure from his body caused Xu Qing to take a deep breath and suppress the desire in his mind.


    ¡°Do you guys think that you¡¯re just a little short of seeing the Emperor Sword clearly? You¡¯re just a little short of succeeding?¡±


    ¡°I can tell you that everyone who goes to comprehend it has this feeling. However, in reality¡­ you are still far from succeeding in comprehending it.¡±


    ¡°Also, there¡¯s a reason why the comprehension is limited to six hours.¡±


    ¡°Since ancient times, all the Sword Holders who had comprehended for more than six hours instantly mutated and died in the midst of comprehension. Not a single one of them survived.


    The middle-aged Sword Holder calmly spoke, his words causing Xu Qing¡¯s mind to sink.


    ¡°The reason why this is the case is because the emperor killed a god back then. However, this sword was also cursed by the god. Hence, anyone who comprehends it for more than six hours will die from mutation.¡±


    ¡°And you guys don¡¯t have to be anxious. Your luck is very good. This was an additional reward. When you reach the county capital, you will each have a chance to comprehend it.¡±


    ¡°Now, it¡¯s time to deal with another matter. The lords have been waiting for a long time.¡±


    Zhang Siyun had a puzzled expression. He didn¡¯t know what would happen next.


    However, just as he was paying attention, the middle-aged Sword Holder raised his right hand and waved it. Immediately, Zhang Siyun¡¯s figure disappeared.


    ¡°This matter has nothing to do with him.¡± The middle-aged Sword Holder didn¡¯t care what Zhang Siyun, who he had moved away, thought and slowly spoke.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred. He looked at the captain and then at Qing Qiu as he fell into deep thought.


    Qing Qiu frowned. She had vaguely guessed the answer. However, this answer made her feel very unlucky and aggrieved.


    The captain also thought of something and a strange glint appeared in his eyes. There was also a hint of excitement as he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Lord, is it related to the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain?¡±


    The middle-aged Sword Holder ignored Chen Erniu.


    In his opinion, this Chen Erniu who only caused the emperor¡¯s statue to shine ten feet was basically a humiliation for the Sword Holder.


    In reality, he wasn¡¯t the only one who thought so. Many other Sword Holders had the same thought. After all¡­ to a certain extent, this was equivalent to having an improper mindset.


    He couldn¡¯t be bothered with him. Instead, he looked at Xu Qing and Qing Qiu.


    ¡°The three of you once appeared on the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain and saw my Sword Holding Court suppressing Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy.¡±


    ¡°Now, Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy has been imprisoned and is being interrogated. The lords need the three of you to appear and agitate her, making her emotions fluctuate intensely.¡±


    ¡°This way, it will be easier for the lords to search for the secrets in her soul.¡±


    With that, the middle-aged Sword Holder walked into the distance.


    Xu Qing and the other two stood up and followed behind. On the way, the captain blinked and quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind.


    ¡°Looks like my ten-foot-long radiance isn¡¯t well-liked.¡±


    ¡°No, I have to perform well this time and strive to add points in those old fellows¡¯ books. Otherwise, if this continues, it will be difficult for me to advance.¡±


    The captain was vigilant and depressed at the same time. At that moment, he still felt disbelief at how he could only gain ten feet of light.


    ¡°My answer isn¡¯t wrong. Although the emperor¡¯s question isn¡¯t among the thousand or so questions, there are 47 questions that are indirectly related to it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve said all the answers once. They¡¯re definitely beyond the standard. Every one of them has at least given a light that was thousands of feet long. Together, they will definitely reach 100,000 feet. It¡¯s impossible for my spirit stones to have been spent in vain.¡±


    ¡°I even flattered him a lot without repeating anything!¡±


    ¡°And for the sake of performance, I even said that he was a god.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with what I said. At that time, the light of the Great Emperor was swaying violently. It can be seen how satisfied he was.¡±


    Thinking of his performance back then, the captain became even more indignant.


    ¡°Why would you give me ten feet!¡±


    The captain felt depressed. He looked at Xu Qing and felt a lot of pressure.


    While his thoughts were churning, the three of them were brought to the prison in the Sword Holding Court by the middle-aged Sword Holder.


    This was a dark secret chamber with countless restrictions in the surroundings. Anyone who stepped into this place would be locked onto by divine sense.


    After the inspection, the four of them walked into the prison. As they followed a narrow staircase under the dim yellow light, the calm and elegant voice of Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy rang out from afar.


    ¡°Judging from the footsteps, are there people coming again?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s useless. It¡¯s impossible for you to stimulate my emotions and search my soul.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m transformed from the Ghost Emperor¡¯s human soul and my emotions don¡¯t fluctuate. Even if it can, it¡¯s not something low-level Nihility cultivators like you can accomplish.¡±


    ¡°My main body is at Soul Accumulation. You guys¡­ are just ants.¡±

 Chapter 484 - 484 Visiting Nether Fairy

    484 Visiting Nether Fairy


    The ethereal voice was elegant, like a noblewoman speaking calmly and properly.


    The words were enunciated clearly and each word carried cold arrogance. Every sentence she said exuded a sense of superiority.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change when he heard this voice. As for Qing Qiu, she was very unwilling.


    After being brought here, her mind couldn¡¯t help but recall her encounter back then. She clearly took the least, but the responsibility was equally divided.


    Only the captain¡¯s eyes lit up as his thoughts raced.


    Previously, because of the matter of the light being ten feet long, every time he went out these few days, he would feel that the gazes others gave him were abnormal.


    This was especially so when he noticed that some Sword Holders seemed to be on guard when they looked at him.


    This made him feel aggrieved but also very anxious. He felt that he was clearly a Sword Holder, but why did it feel like everyone was looking at him like he was a spy?


    ¡°The Sword Holder Elders must be paying attention to this place. This is a rare opportunity to perform. I must reverse the situation here and let the elders see my shining point.¡±


    The captain took a deep breath and walked in front. His footsteps were firm and persistent, and an aura naturally rose from his body.


    The middle-aged Sword Holder at the front also sensed it. He turned his head and glanced at the captain. The corners of his mouth twitched, but he remained silent.


    Seeing this, the captain grew even more confident.


    Just like that, the three of them walked down the stairs under the lead of the middle-aged Sword Holder.


    A red cage appeared in front of them.


    This cage was formed by several blood-colored thin pillars. There was also a faint red light membrane between the pillars, making it extremely compact. There were also countless runes flowing on the light membrane.


    As those runes flickered, a terrifying pressure erupted from them inside the cage.


    In the red cage, a woman sat cross-legged.


    This woman was wearing luxurious clothes and a phoenix coronet. Her skin was fair and she had a peerlessly beautiful appearance. Her aura was also exceptional. One glance at her would cause one¡¯s heart to race.


    At that moment, she was holding a bowl of lotus seed soup and sipping it lightly.


    She was Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy.


    Under the suppression of this cage, her body was no longer as huge as before. Instead, she returned to normal size.


    Looking at her flawless appearance, it was hard to imagine that she usually drank the blood and ate the flesh of myriad races for fun on the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain. The blood that tainted her mouth was enough to form a sea.


    The arrival of Xu Qing and the other two also attracted her attention.


    After seeing the figures outside the cage, her expression was still calm. She maintained her composure and drank the lotus seed soup, chewing and swallowing slowly.


    ¡°Nether Fairy, someone came to see you.¡± The middle-aged Sword Holder walked to the blood-colored cage and calmly spoke.


    Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy chuckled and her gaze landed on Xu Qing and the other two.


    ¡°So you want these three ants to agitate my emotions? It¡¯s useless. When I get out, I will crush these three ants one by one sooner or later.¡±


    ¡°I have to thank you guys for letting me remember their appearances more clearly.¡±


    As Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy laughed, her gaze swept past Xu Qing and the other two, as though she was really memorizing their appearances.


    The middle-aged Sword Holder was expressionless. He took a few steps back and looked at Xu Qing and the other two.


    His mission was to bring them over. Next, it would depend on whether they could successfully provoke Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He wasn¡¯t interested in agitating Nether Fairy. Moreover, he didn¡¯t know how to agitate her. Qing Qiu was the same. She felt that it didn¡¯t have much to do with her and there was no need to exert too much effort.


    However, at this moment, the captain suddenly walked toward the red cage. He looked at the lotus seed soup in Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s hand and smiled.


    ¡°Granny, is the lotus seed soup delicious?¡±


    ¡°Scram,¡± Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy said calmly.


    The captain raised his brows and simply sat in front of the cage. He sized up Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s clothes and frowned.


    ¡°Granny, why didn¡¯t I see this dress in your cave abode? How long have you been wearing it?¡±


    Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy didn¡¯t bother with him. After drinking the lotus seed soup, she closed her eyes and began to meditate.


    Seeing this, the middle-aged Sword Holder shook his head inwardly. He felt that they probably wouldn¡¯t succeed this time.


    However, just as this thought appeared in his mind, the captain coughed and patted his storage bag. Immediately, a few tattered clothes appeared and he picked them up and shook them.


    ¡°Granny, see what this is.¡±


    Nether Fairy still had her eyes closed.


    The captain didn¡¯t care about the coldness of Nether Fairy at all. His storage bag seemed to be never ending as he kept taking out all kinds of tattered clothes.


    As he spoke, the pile of clothes gradually formed a large pile.


    ¡°I still have a lot of them here. Also, this large undergarment¡­¡±


    The mind of the middle-aged Sword Holder stirred. He looked at the clothes and then at the captain but didn¡¯t speak.


    Qing Qiu felt even more disgust.


    Xu Qing had a strange expression. He could tell that the captain was working hard and guessed why he was doing this.


    As for Nether Fairy, her closed eyes opened again after hearing the words ¡®undergarment¡¯. She looked at the familiar tattered clothes. After staring at them for a moment, she looked at the captain.


    ¡°In the future, I¡¯ll cut you into strips and pieces like these clothes.¡±


    The captain chuckled.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the future in the future. However, right now, Grandma, I have a problem. There are too many clothes in my storage bag and I don¡¯t even know where to put them. Moreover, there¡¯s a hint of smell on them. Big Sis, are you a nether fairy or a weasel spirit?¡±


    ¡°Why does it smell so strong? That¡¯s why I asked you how long you¡¯ve been wearing that dress. How about changing it?¡±


    Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy took a deep breath. The words of this human reptile in front of her stirred her slightly. She usually loved cleanliness and would use spells to cleanse her body almost every day.


    Although with her cultivation base, she would always be spotless and it was impossible for her to have any dirt, she was used to it. She had been suppressed here until now and couldn¡¯t circulate her energy. It had been a long time since she cleaned herself.


    Hence, even though she was still spotless, she felt uncomfortable because of this.


    However, just this wasn¡¯t enough to cause her emotions to fluctuate. As she took a deep breath, her mind returned to calm and her expression continued to be cold.


    The captain blinked and noticed that the middle-aged Sword Holder was looking at him. He instantly perked up and thought to himself, ¡®Little Nether Fairy, watch how I agitate you.¡¯ He smiled and spoke.


    ¡°Granny, there¡¯s a very pleasant sound. Let me replay it for you.¡±


    As he spoke, he took out the demon snake¡¯s fang and turned to look at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing knew what the captain wanted to do. Hence, he silently walked over and picked up the clothes at the side, spreading them on the ground.


    ¡°Change to that undergarment!¡± The captain said proudly.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He flicked his sleeve and threw it over.


    At the next instant, the captain held the fang and tore the cloth, emitting a sharp ripping sound.


    Those clothes were already tattered to begin with. Now that they were torn open, they became even more tattered.


    ¡°Back then in the cave abode, this was how I tore your clothes. Listen to how wonderful this sound is.¡±


    The emotions that Nether Fairy had just suppressed fluctuated under the stimulation of this sound and her breathing became a little hurried.


    She stared at the captain and watched as he tore the clothes she loved. That feeling seemed to have been carved into her heart.


    Seeing this, the middle-aged Sword Holder looked at the captain with an even stranger gaze.


    The captain was incomparably smug inwardly. He thought to himself that the real exciting scene had yet to come. Hence, after tearing a few more times, he took out a recording jade slip.


    He played it. Immediately, a scene appeared in the air.


    In the scene, there was a huge body. On the face of this body, the three of them were trying their best to absorb the energy. Xu Qing and the captain were beside its nose and Qing Qiu was on its glabella.


    ¡°Look at this snow-white nose. How tall and straight is it? Ah, why has it turned black?¡±


    ¡°Eh, look, it¡¯s gone.¡±


    ¡°You!¡± Nether Fairy¡¯s breathing became increasingly hurried. She stared at the scene of her nose turning black and melting. Her eyes were bloodshot and her body started trembling.


    The captain¡¯s agitation plan progressed step by step. At the same time, it also contained many aspects, from the smell, clothes, tearing sound, and this scene.


    This sense of smell, hearing, and vision were constantly stimulated. As the nose of Nether Fairy¡¯s clone dissipated, it instantly became a huge wave that rose in Nether Fairy¡¯s mind.


    However, she still had her rationality. Even at this moment, she still restrained herself and kept taking deep breaths to suppress the anger rising in her heart.


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, he admired the captain¡¯s ability to attract hatred.


    Qing Qiu, on the other hand, was extremely vigilant. She now felt that the danger of Mad Dog seemed to be greater than that of Ghost Hand.


    As for the middle-aged Sword Holder, he took a deep breath. He looked at Chen Erniu¡¯s smiling face and felt that this kid could be considered a talent, especially his last sentence. It was extremely despicable.


    ¡®No wonder the Great Emperor¡¯s statue only gave him ten feet of light. He¡¯s too despicable.¡¯


    At that moment, Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy gritted her teeth and stared fixedly at the captain. Her voice was no longer elegant but hoarse.


    ¡°Are you trying to enrage me? Impossible. I won¡¯t be enraged by an ant like you.¡±


    The captain looked surprised.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have such thoughts. I just want to give you a gift.¡±


    As he spoke, the captain took out a long and thick strand of hair from his storage bag and placed it in front of the cage.


    Looking at the strand of hair, Xu Qing and Qing Qiu were stunned. It was the same for the middle-aged Sword Holder. Nether Fairy was also stunned and involuntarily looked over.


    Noticing everyone¡¯s reaction, the captain beamed with joy and coughed.


    ¡°No way. You can¡¯t even recognize your nose hair?¡±


    ¡°What a large nose hair. Look at how thick and long it is.¡±


    ¡°Previously, we stole your house, tore your clothes, took your treasures, absorbed your nose, destroyed your Dao blood, and caused you to lose your mind and be suppressed. This is our fault.¡±


    ¡°Since your nose is gone, this nose hair can be considered a memory. In the future, when you think of your nose, you can still take it out to take a look.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me. Even thieves have morals!¡± The captain said. His voice was loud and powerful, and his face was filled with holiness.


    The entire prison fell silent. Only the captain¡¯s holy words echoed.


    Finally, as Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened and Qing Qiu was dumbfounded, Nether Fairy suddenly stood up and let out an unprecedented shrill cry.


    ¡°I will kill you!!¡±


    ¡°Kill him. I agree to a soul search. You can search my soul however you want. As long as you kill him and let me eat him!!¡±


    Nether Fairy couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore and her emotions erupted.

 Chapter 485 - 485 Broken Heavenly Mandate

    485 Broken Heavenly Mandate


    As Nether Fairy¡¯s emotions fluctuated, the prison also rumbled. The surroundings swayed intensely and the blood-colored cage shone with a piercing light.


    Nether Fairy¡¯s eyes were bloodshot and her scream spread in all directions. The hatred in her heart for this human in front of her had reached the extreme.


    All the negative emotions suppressed in her heart poured out like a broken dam.


    ¡°I will kill you!!¡±


    The captain sighed as he mocked.


    ¡°You don¡¯t even know how to scold. You keep saying the same thing over and over again. Do you want me to teach you?¡±


    Nether Fairy went completely crazy.


    Seeing this, the captain coughed and revealed a smug expression. He was naturally not worried that he would really be killed by the Sword Holders and fed to Nether Fairy. If that was the case, they would not become human race¡¯s orthodoxy


    After all, to the Sword Holding Court, rules had to be followed.


    What made him even more smug was that not only was the middle-aged Sword Holder shocked, but even his junior brother¡¯s expression changed.


    This made the captain feel extremely comfortable. He felt that this was a win-win situation for him.


    ¡®I can show off in front of Little Qing for ten years with this. Also, when those old fellows from the Sword Holder see how outstanding I, Chen Erniu, am, their impression of me will definitely change.¡¯


    At the thought of this, the captain slowly kept the clothes. However, he felt that he was a person who kept his word, so he didn¡¯t take the nose hair away and left it in front of the cage.


    After organizing the other items, the captain walked to Xu Qing¡¯s side and raised his brows.


    ¡°How is your senior brother!¡±


    ¡°Impressive!¡± Xu Qing said sincerely. In fact, after some thought, he even gave him a thumbs up.


    The captain laughed loudly and was in a wonderful mood. He then looked at Qing Qiu.


    Qing Qiu rolled her eyes at him, but she was extremely vigilant inwardly.


    The middle-aged Sword Holder looked at Chen Erniu with a complicated gaze. He admitted that this Chen Erniu was indeed capable, but now, he had a faint feeling that such a fellow might affect the reputation of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court in the future.


    After all, this person was too despicable. When he recalled the holy expression on the other party¡¯s face earlier, he almost couldn¡¯t hold himself from slapping him.


    At the same time, in the main hall of the Sword Holding Court, the few Sword Holder Elders also looked at the light screen in front of them with strange expressions. On the light screen were Xu Qing and the other two.


    These few elders saw everything the captain said and did.


    All of them were quiet for a long time. In the end, an elder shook his head and spoke.


    ¡°Too despicable.¡±


    With Nether Fairy¡¯s emotions fluctuating intensely, there was finally a breakthrough in the Sword Holding Court¡¯s soul search. What happened next wasn¡¯t something Xu Qing and the other two could participate in. Hence, they were quickly sent away by the middle-aged Sword Holder.


    As for the credit, the captain¡¯s contribution was recorded, and it wasn¡¯t small.


    After watching the three of them disappear from the Sword Holding Court, the middle-aged Sword Holder let out a long sigh.


    ¡°The disciples of the Eight Sects Alliance this time¡­¡±


    He shook his head, not knowing what to make of it.


    As this matter ended, Qing Qiu immediately left with the Litu Sect, as though she didn¡¯t want to stay for a moment longer.


    As for the Eight Sects Alliance, on the second day after this matter ended, they chose to leave and return to the Eight Sects Alliance. However, before the huge flying ship of the Eight Sects Alliance set sail, there was a small episode.


    The captain was missing.


    In the end, he didn¡¯t have the courage to return to the sect. Clearly, he was worried about Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s anger and his master¡¯s punishment when he returned. After all, he didn¡¯t know what Purple Mystic Fairy had said in the letter.


    However, with the ancestor around, the captain¡¯s escape plan was destined to fail.


    Hence, less than an hour after the flying ship set sail, Xue Lianzi returned with the captain.


    The captain¡¯s expression was filled with dense boredom. As he sighed repeatedly, he was thrown onto the flying ship by Xue Lianzi. With an order, the flying ship rumbled and rose into the air, whistling away in the direction of the Eight Sects Alliance.


    In that instant, the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar that stood on the ground became thinner and thinner in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes until it finally disappeared from his vision.


    Looking in the direction of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred a little.


    When he came, he was only a disciple of the Eight Sects Alliance and could at most be considered a quasi-Dao Child. But now¡­ he was a Sword Holder with 100,000 feet radiance that had never appeared in the Yinghuang Province. He had even reached the peak of the assessment stage and turned from a participant to a witness.


    His identity and reputation were completely different from before.


    Xu Qing could sense this very clearly from the way the surrounding Alliance disciples were stealing glances at him.


    Previously, when the Alliance disciples looked at him, they were mostly envious. Now, their gazes were filled with reverence.


    The changes in their gazes came from his strength, but it also came from his identity.


    The current him was already a cultivator of the Upper Mystic Five Ministries¡¯ Sword Holding Ministry and held the command sword. With his strength and authority, he could kill anyone below the sovereign.


    Similarly, under the protection of this identity, if someone killed him, they would enter the wanted list of the Sword Holding Ministry.


    While enjoying these benefits, the Sword Holder also had to dedicate his duty to wield the sword for the human race and protect the common people.


    Xu Qing fell silent. The Sword Holder¡¯s mission was too great and he didn¡¯t know what he should do in the future.


    ¡°Stick to your heart.¡± Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. After that, he retracted his thoughts and turned his head, looking at the captain who limped toward him.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I regret something very much.¡±


    ¡°You ran late?¡± Xu Qing glanced at the captain¡¯s leg.


    ¡°No.¡± The captain¡¯s face was filled with grief and indignation.


    ¡°I regret joining the Sword Holder so late. Otherwise, I would have comprehended the Emperor Sword earlier and nurtured it until now. Even Nihility would have to be polite to me.¡±


    ¡°Firstly, you have to be at the peak of the Nascent Soul realm. Secondly, you have to live for two thousand years,¡± Xu Qing reminded.


    ¡°I¡­¡± The captain¡¯s expression was the same but he seemed to have recalled something and sighed.


    ¡°The peak of the Nascent Soul realm in the Wanggu Continent is the limit of the life of the vast majority of cultivators. There are many people who are stuck here and can¡¯t break through even until their lifespan ends¡­¡±


    ¡°After all, if this level is placed in a small world, it¡¯s comparable to the peak realm of that world. When a person from a small world cultivates to the peak realm of the world, the next step is to shatter the void and ascend to search for secrets. However, this is still fine, but 2,000 years is difficult.¡±


    ¡°The current time¡¯s different from before the god descended. At that time, there were no anomalous substances. The Nascent Souls in the Wanggu Continent were also known as the Heavenly Mandate. One palace forms one Nascent Soul, and one Nascent Soul has six sixty years of lifespan. Now, the lifespan has been halved. Unless they consume natural treasures, a peak Nascent Soul cultivator won¡¯t be able to nurture a sword that can surpass realms and slash the first stage Nihility.¡±


    The captain was depressed.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. This was the first time he understood the Nascent Soul realm.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this. Junior Brother, I¡¯ve thought about it. Why don¡¯t you follow Purple Mystic Fairy when we get back? It¡¯s fine. Just close your eyes. Otherwise, Eldest Senior Brother probably won¡¯t be able to go to Fenghai County with you. I¡¯m worried that Purple Mystic Fairy will slap me to death.¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it and took out a storage bag, handing it to the captain.


    ¡°The things inside might be able to help you survive this calamity, Senior Brother.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s inside?¡± The captain¡¯s eyes lit up. He took it and was about to open it when Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Healing medicine.¡±


    The captain paused and looked at Xu Qing bitterly.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t moved. He didn¡¯t believe that the captain¡¯s life would be in danger. At most, he would suffer a little. To the captain, who liked to risk his life, what he had experienced the most in his life was suffering. In that case, Xu Qing didn¡¯t think it was a big deal if he suffered a little more.


    After all, even if the captain¡¯s body was crippled, it would grow back in a few days. Back then, he only had his head left and he recovered in a month.


    The journey to Fenghai County was long. At most, when he left, he would bring the captain¡¯s head.


    Presumably, before they could reach Fenghai County, the captain would be alive and kicking again.


    The captain sighed but kept the healing medicine. He then took out an apple and took a bite.


    He felt that pills could also be sold for money. His pockets were empty now. More than half of his savings from before had been spent on buying the questions and answers. When he thought of how he had exchanged so many spirit stones for ten feet of light, he couldn¡¯t help but feel even more curious.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t help me put in a good word with Purple Mystic Fairy, but can you tell me what the emperor asked and what you answered back then?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about this day and night. Look, my hair is starting to fall off.¡±


    The captain blinked. In reality, he had said so much earlier just to lay the groundwork to ask this.


    He felt that his strategy last time wasn¡¯t right and he couldn¡¯t ask directly. He needed to lay the groundwork and talk about other things, such as the Heavenly Mandate Nascent Soul to divert Xu Qing¡¯s attention. After that, he would take the opportunity to ask. This way, the probability of success would be high.


    The instant he asked this question, in the secret chamber on the flying ship, Xue Lianzi, who was sitting cross-legged and meditating, pricked his ears and focused his attention to listen. Esteemed Master Dongyou, who was beside him, also looked in the direction of Xu Qing.


    In fact, in the distance, on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, the Sword Holder Great Elder also lifted his head and looked in the direction of the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s flying ship.


    While these old fellows were listening attentively and paying attention, Xu Qing glanced at the captain¡¯s hair.


    The captain looked at Xu Qing eagerly.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, I¡¯ve already told you that day on the snow,¡± Xu Qing said softly.


    The captain was stunned and recalled carefully. At the same time, Xue Lianzi frowned and began to recall. As for the Sword Holder Great Elder, surprise appeared on his face.


    Very soon, the captain suddenly recalled that when he asked that day, although Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything, he spat out a mouthful of saliva.


    ¡°Your¡­ saliva?¡±


    The captain hesitated.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°I spat at the god.¡±


    The captain was a little stunned.


    ¡°What? You spat and got 100,000 feet light?¡±


    ¡°I even scolded it for being a son of a b*tch.¡± Xu Qing pointed at the fragmented-face of the god in the sky.


    Xue Lianzi was stunned. The Great Elder of the Sword Holding Court had a strange expression on his face. As for the captain who was standing beside Xu Qing, he mumbled.


    ¡°You¡­ you cursed the god¡¯s fragmented-face and called him a son of a b*tch?¡±


    ¡°Not just one sentence.¡± Xu Qing corrected and spoke seriously.


    ¡°I scolded it a few times. Other than son of a b*tch, I also called it a b*stard and a pig b*stard.¡±


    ¡°At the end, I even said ¡®fker god¡¯.¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke, he spat outside the flying ship. The captain looked at Xu Qing and an intense glint appeared in his eyes.


    At that moment, in the Sword Holding Court, the Sword Holder Great Elder fell into deep thought and a smile appeared on his face. This smile kept expanding until he finally laughed loudly.


    His laughter was carefree. His voice spread throughout the Sword Holding Court, causing a large number of Sword Holders to be extremely surprised. They all looked over.


    In their memories, the Great Elder had always been serious. Regardless of whether it was here or on the Dao altar, it was the same. It was extremely rare for him to laugh so heartily like today.


    As he laughed, the Great Elder actually cursed.


    ¡°Son of a b*tch!¡±


    At the same time, on the flying ship of the Eight Sect Alliance, Xue Lianzi also laughed loudly. However, as he laughed, his eyes turned a little red. Long ago, he had also scolded like this, but from some unknown time ago, he didn¡¯t dare to.


    On the flying ship, the captain took a deep breath. He looked at the god¡¯s fragmented-face and spoke loudly.


    ¡°F*cking god!¡±


    With that, he coughed forcefully and spat out a large mouthful of phlegm.


    After spitting, the captain laughed and so did Xu Qing.


    In the sky, the god¡¯s fragmented-face was still dignified. It was as though everything on the ground was insignificant to it.


    Time slowly passed. The flying ship passed through northern plains, the Immortal Enrichment River, and headed south along the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.


    Half a month later, at noon, when the sun was high in the sky, the majestic city of the Eight Sects Alliance appeared in the eyes of everyone on the flying ship.


    Waves of bell chimes rang out from the Eight Sects Alliance, spreading through the clouds.


    This was the welcoming bell.


    The bell that welcomed the Sword Holder¡¯s return.


    * * *

 Chapter 486 - 486 Unavoidable

    486 Unavoidable


    The bell only rang three times.


    ¡°Only three rings!¡±


    On the flying ship, the captain had long changed into the official uniform of Sword Holder. He stood majestically in front and spoke proudly.


    He placed his hands behind his back and looked smug. However, there was still a hint of guilt and nervousness hidden in the depths of his eyes.


    Xu Qing was also asked to change into the official uniform of the Sword Holder. However, he didn¡¯t care about the bell at that moment. Instead, he sized up his robe.


    The official uniform of the Sword Holder was different from a Daoist robe. The collar was longer until it reached right below the ear. It had wide sleeves that hung down slightly. It was white with red flames as patterns.


    These patterns were hidden and weren¡¯t obvious. Only under the sunlight did they faintly fill half of the official uniform. The sleeves and the collar of the upper body formed a sea of burning fire.


    As the wind blew, the dress swayed like fire and burned fiercely.


    There was also a cape on the back that was tied to the collar by a red ribbon. It fluttered behind, creating a gust of wind.


    Although the official uniform looked like it was mainly made of plain material, it actually contained intense fire. Overall, it looked elegant but at the same time, it didn¡¯t lack a valiant aura. When it was worn by Xu Qing, the female disciples in the flying ship had a strange glint in their eyes as they frequently glanced at him.


    Yanyan¡¯s eyes narrowed into crescent moons as she stood beside Xu Qing. She puffed out her small chest and looked proud.


    ¡°What do you mean by only three rings? The bell doesn¡¯t even ring when this old man returns. Erniu, your skin is itching again, right?¡± When Xu Qing was checking his dress, the voice of the ancestor, Xue Lianzi, rang out calmly.


    The captain¡¯s body trembled and he turned his head with a fawning expression. His temperament was completely gone at this moment as he quickly ran to Xue Lianzi¡¯s side.


    ¡°Disciple greets the ancestor.¡±


    Xue Lianzi snorted and walked to Xu Qing¡¯s side. His eyes were filled with admiration.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was respectful as he bowed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to your Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s nonsense. Ah Qing, according to the etiquette of the human race, the ringing of the bell represents different meanings. You don¡¯t have to pay too much attention to this. You only need to know that the sect¡¯s bell will ring at most 21 times.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± The captain asked curiously.


    Xue Lianzi ignored him and looked at Xu Qing amiably.


    ¡°Ah Qing, after you return to the sect, you can rest for three months. You¡¯ll be on a long trip after three months. At that time, I¡¯ll give you a treasure.¡±


    With that, before the captain could speak, Xue Lianzi turned his head and glared at him as he reprimanded.


    ¡°You¡¯re not young anymore. Learn from your junior brother. Don¡¯t fool around all day. It¡¯s fine if you¡¯re in the sect, but when you go to Fenghai County, I¡¯m afraid that your seal will be broken by some people. At that time, even if they can¡¯t kill you, you¡¯ll kill yourself.¡±


    ¡°Ancestor, let¡¯s not talk about Fenghai County first. I don¡¯t even know how I¡¯ll survive the next calamity¡­¡± The captain sighed and looked at the ancestor eagerly.


    The ancestor snorted and was about to speak. However, at this moment, as the flying ship approached the Eight Sects Alliance, figures flew out of the Alliance and headed straight for the ship.


    Not only did the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ people come, but people from all other sects also came. After all, there were disciples from their sects who had returned.


    Although they didn¡¯t become a Sword Holder, they had experienced the trial and broadened their horizons. It was also an extraordinary trip.


    However, other than the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ welcoming group being led by Old Master Seventh, the other sects all sent elders.


    However, the scene was still grand. Amidst the countless congratulations, there was also a grand ceremony specially held for Xu Qing and the captain in the Seven Blood Eyes. Very soon, the group of people returned to the Seven Blood Eyes in a majestic manner under the lingering sound of the bell chimes.


    The moment they returned, more than half of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples were already present. They bowed to the sky in unison.


    Under the envious gazes of countless disciples, the captain looked proud. He heaved a sigh of relief when he noticed that Purple Mystic Fairy didn¡¯t appear.


    At the same time, the Alliance Leader appeared. He had a seemingly gentle smile on his face as he issued a decree.


    ¡°Give Xu Qing and Chen Erniu the status of Dao Children of the Eight Sects Alliance!¡±


    This was something that should be done. After all, they had become Sword Holders. Moreover, this time, the Eight Sects Alliance was also receiving a lot of attention. Among the three Sword Holders, the Eight Sects Alliance occupied two seats.


    Such a thing had never happened before. In the past, there would at most be one seat.


    Hence, the bestowment of the Dao Child title was necessary.


    This was the way of the world. It was to show the Seven Blood Eyes, the Sword Holding Court, and the future Sword Holders of all the sects.


    It had nothing to do with his stand or thoughts. As the Alliance Leader, not many people could see through his thoughts. However, he had always been calm.


    Hence, after the identity of the Dao Children was announced, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ celebration banquet became even more lively. Some disciples from the other sects also sent congratulatory gifts over. The banquet lasted for an entire day.


    On this day, the captain was socializing with everyone. He was at ease and occasionally bragged.


    ¡°Let me tell you guys. In the Absolute Beginning Separation City, Ah Qing and my heart inquisition light are unprecedented. The two of us together exceed 100,000 feet!¡±


    Xu Qing heard it from afar and didn¡¯t care. At that moment, Huang Yan was sitting in front of him with a rueful expression.


    ¡°Xu Qing, in the blink of an eye, a few years have passed. You¡¯re now a Sword Holder.¡±


    ¡°Sigh, I¡¯m still not used to the Yinghuang Province. I¡¯ve already persuaded Senior Sister. We plan to leave the Yinghuang Province. It just so happens that it is going to be Senior Sister¡¯s turn to be on duty. See you in the Nanhuang Continent in the future.¡±


    Previously, Xu Qing had heard Huang Yan say many times that he didn¡¯t like the Yinghuang Province. Now that he heard this, he couldn¡¯t force him to stay. He nodded and told Huang Yan about the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain.


    Huang Yan seemed to be a little interested in this.


    Time slowly passed and dusk gradually arrived. The banquet was also about to end. Xu Qing planned to make a trip to the back mountain to pay his respects to Lord Sixth.


    However, just as the banquet was about to end and he was about to leave, something happened.


    In the sky, a purple light flickered, changing the color of the sunset. When Xu Qing lifted his head and looked over, the captain, who was bragging to Zhang San in the distance, suddenly had a change in expression.


    At the next moment, the purple light that filled the sky gathered together, forming the figure of a woman.


    That delicate skin, graceful figure, face that was as beautiful as a fairy, elegant temperament, and terrifying cultivation base. After they were pieced together, they transformed into a peerless beauty who seemed to have walked out of a painting.


    She was Purple Mystic Fairy.


    She didn¡¯t arrive during the banquet but waited for it to end before appearing. This detail represented respect.


    As for her appearance, Xu Qing instinctively felt a little uneasy. When he thought of the letter he had received, he felt waves in his mood. At that moment, he only wanted to leave this place as soon as possible. Hence, he quietly retreated.


    The captain was even more anxious. Almost at the instant he saw the purple light, his body swayed and he instantly fled.


    However, he didn¡¯t know that Old Master Seventh had been staring at him from the start.


    Almost at the instant the captain fled, Old Master Seventh lifted his right hand and grabbed at the air. Amidst the sorrowful cries, the captain¡¯s figure was pulled out by Old Master Seventh.


    When he appeared in Old Master Seventh¡¯s hand, the captain¡¯s limbs were still waving, looking like he wanted to struggle, but it was useless. In the end, he could only look at Old Master Seventh pitifully.


    ¡°Master¡­¡±


    Old Master Seventh didn¡¯t look at his eldest disciple. Instead, he looked at Purple Mystic Fairy with a smile.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Zi Xuan, this rascal of mine has caused you trouble. I don¡¯t think there¡¯s any problem with the punishment you proposed for him last time.¡±


    As Old Master Seventh spoke, he threw Chen Erniu into the air. After he landed in front of Purple Mystic Fairy, Chen Erniu let out a shrill cry.


    His limbs were bound and he couldn¡¯t move, but his neck was fine. He quickly lowered his head and saw Xu Qing, who had quietly retreated into the crowd and had already fled to the distance.


    ¡°Junior Brother, save me. Quickly put in a good word with Purple Mystic Fairy or accompany me¡­¡±


    Xu Qing was enraged. He thought to himself, ¡®Chen Erniu, you didn¡¯t forget to drag me along.¡¯ At that moment, he instinctively wanted to speed up and retreat, but it was still too late.


    After the captain¡¯s voice rang out, Purple Mystic Fairy lowered her charming head and looked in Xu Qing¡¯s direction with a spurious smile.


    ¡°Kid, come with me. I have something to tell you.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart skipped a beat as he recalled the letter again. His mind was in a mess as he pondered over how to refuse.


    When the captain heard this, his eyes lit up. Just as he was about to speak, Purple Mystic Fairy waved her hand and sealed his mouth, making him unable to speak.


    He could only blink crazily at Xu Qing continuously.


    Xu Qing ignored him and was about to speak when Old Master Seventh coughed.


    ¡°Fourth, you should go.¡±


    Xu Qing quietly glanced at his master, but Old Master Seventh pretended not to see him.


    Hence, at the next moment, as Purple Mystic Fairy chuckled, Xu Qing involuntarily flew up and landed beside her.


    As soon as he got close, a familiar fragrance assaulted his senses. There was also a voice that was as wonderful as trickling spring water that reverberated in his ears.


    ¡°Kid, did you receive my letter?¡±


    Xu Qing hurriedly shook his head.


    Purple Mystic Fairy chuckled and flicked her sleeve. When Xu Qing shook his head, she disappeared from the world with him and the captain.


    When they appeared, they were already in the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s Demon Snake Secret Realm.


    What entered Xu Qing¡¯s vision was a huge snake bone that meandered like a mountain range.


    There was only one person on the snake bone.


    This person was Wu Jianwu.


    He held a large brush in his hand and a seal was pasted on his mouth. He was currently washing the snake bones with dazed eyes.


    After noticing Xu Qing and the other two in the air, Wu Jianwu¡¯s eyes immediately lit up.


    The captain also saw all of this and wailed in his mind.


    ¡°Chen Erniu, you stole the snake fang. If it was anyone else, I would definitely skin them alive. However, your master interceded on this matter. Also, on account of your junior brother, I won¡¯t argue with you.¡±


    ¡°If you wanted to use the fang, you could have asked to borrow it. Why would you steal it? Forget it, I can lend you the fang, but I¡¯ll punish you to clean the demon snake¡¯s bones here for three months. You have to clean them all in three months.¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy calmly spoke. With a wave of her hand, the captain¡¯s body landed on the snake bone and beside Wu Jianwu.


    Wu Jianwu¡¯s face was filled with pride and there was even more excitement in his eyes. He quickly handed the captain a large brush and pointed into the distance.


    One could see that half of the snake bones here had actually been washed and cleaned, but there was still more than half left. It seemed that Wu Jianwu had deliberately not cleaned them and had been waiting.


    Now that he had obtained a partner, the direction of his finger seemed to be telling the captain that he had kept the other half for a long time.


    The captain sighed but also secretly heaved a sigh of relief. This punishment was simply like scratching an itch. It couldn¡¯t be any lighter.


    ¡°Looks like the letter I wrote is effective. I have to write more in the future!¡±


    The captain blinked and put on an aggrieved expression. He lowered his head and cleaned the snake bones. However, as he cleaned, his expression changed. This was because the snake bones here were special and extremely difficult to wash, even when he circulated his cultivation base.


    Looking at the snake bones that were like a mountain range, the captain¡¯s expression gradually became bitter.


    Xu Qing looked at all of this and felt refreshed.


    After throwing Chen Erniu down, Purple Mystic Fairy took a step forward with Xu Qing and appeared at the highest point of this secret realm, the skull of the demon snake that stuck its head out as though it wanted to roar at the sky.


    She sat down and turned her head to look at Xu Qing with a smile.


    ¡°Sit down.¡±


    Xu Qing braced himself and sat down. From here, he could see the captain working below even more clearly. He was naturally more refreshed. However, being stared at by Zi Xuan like this, his nervousness grew increasingly intense.


    This was especially so when Purple Mystic Fairy spoke softly.


    ¡°Kid, among the three things you promised me in the letter you wrote to me, you can begin with the first promise now.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind was in a mess and a blank expression appeared on his face.

 Chapter 487 - 487 Xu Qings Fairytale

    487 Xu Qing¡¯s Fairytale


    ¡°Kid, your expression, did you not receive the letter, or¡­ did you not write the letter?¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s pretty face was flawless. Under her curved willow brows, her bright eyes were soul-stirring, revealing a teasing expression.


    ¡°Senior, I¡­¡± Xu Qing braced himself and was about to explain.


    ¡°If you didn¡¯t write the letter, then someone¡¯s playing with me. I have to investigate this matter carefully and see who has the guts to fool me like this in the Eight Sects Alliance.¡±


    ¡°After I find him, I¡¯ll bury him here. This person is so disrespectful, even his master won¡¯t be able to save him.¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s smile was like a flower and her voice was gentle. However, there was seriousness in her eyes, giving Xu Qing the feeling that she would indeed do this.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain.


    Not far away, the captain who was washing the snake bones shrunk his body. When he heard Zi Xuan¡¯s words, he blinked and lifted his head to look at Xu Qing, feeling a little awkward.


    He could naturally hear the seriousness in Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s voice and wanted to remind her. However, his mouth was sealed and he couldn¡¯t speak. It was the same for his divine sense. It couldn¡¯t be transmitted at all and he could only blink continuously.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing sighed inwardly. Up until now, he didn¡¯t believe that Purple Mystic Fairy couldn¡¯t see the reason, nor did he believe that the other party didn¡¯t know who wrote the letter. After all, this was a Nihility almighty, on the same level as the ancestor.


    Such a person had experienced too many things. How could her schemes be ordinary? Hence, it was very likely that Purple Mystic Fairy had already known everything the moment she saw the letter.


    And now, he spoke like this¡­


    Xu Qing could only turn his head and calmly look at Purple Mystic Fairy.


    Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s peerlessly beautiful face bloomed with a smile that caused one to be in a daze. That smile was very beautiful, like a sea of flowers in full bloom as she spoke gently.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you promise to tell me about your past experiences when you returned?¡±


    When she said this, Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s eyes revealed sincerity.


    The captain below blinked crazily, indicating that this was the case. He was afraid that Xu Qing would be too straightforward and expose the matter. After all, Purple Mystic Fairy clearly knew everything but chose to tacitly agree. If Xu Qing refused now, it would be over.


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    Amidst the captain¡¯s anxiety, seven to eight breaths of time passed. Xu Qing looked at the sincerity in Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s eyes and spoke softly.


    ¡°My past?¡±


    ¡°I had an ordinary life. I was born in a small city in the Nanhuang Continent. That city was called Peerless City.¡±


    ¡°My family mainly managed the letter station and flew letters, so we kept many, many birds. There are crow, sparrow, and pigeon. They are all very good-looking and treat me very well.¡±


    ¡°Until one day, the crow attracted an eagle and all the birds scattered in all directions. I left Peerless City to find them.¡±


    ¡°Did you find them?¡± Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s voice was gentle.


    ¡°I already know where the sparrow and pigeon are. I went over to bring them home.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was serious.


    ¡°In that case, what did you experience on the way?¡± Zi Xuan looked at Xu Qing with a serious expression.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing much. I encountered many vultures. They were very fierce and I even saw turtledoves. They were also arrogant and difficult to communicate with. Oh right, I also encountered a cuckoo. It was very cunning, but was eaten by the vultures later.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    Purple Mystic Fairy silently looked at Xu Qing.


    The originally anxious captain below fell silent.


    Only Xu Qing¡¯s voice still rang out lightly.


    ¡°After that, I walked all the way forward and saw a tree. There was a woodpecker on the tree and I rested there for a period of time. Later, when it rained and thunder rumbled, lightning split the tree and the woodpecker died.¡±


    ¡°At this moment, for the first time in my life, I saw a little egret.¡± Xu Qing looked at Zi Xuan and gestured.


    ¡°Very beautiful and pure.¡±


    Zi Xuan nodded lightly.


    ¡°However, it also died because its partner was eaten by a falcon many years ago. Hence, it lingered there, unwilling to leave. In the end, it died of old age. I was the one who buried it.¡±


    ¡°After that, I went to a blood-colored forest. The strong prey on the weak there and it¡¯s very dangerous. However, there, I saw another little egret, larks, parrots, and yellow orioles. There are many, many birds. Oh right, there was also a mad dog in the forest.¡±


    ¡°This is my story.¡± At this point, Xu Qing smiled and looked at Purple Mystic Fairy.


    ¡°What about the second little egret?¡± Zi Xuan asked softly.


    A look of reminiscence appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. After a long time, he mumbled.


    ¡°The second little egret also died. It was killed by a bat. I later killed the bat.¡±


    The Demon Snake Secret Realm fell silent.


    The captain lowered his head and his expression couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. Wu Jianwu had a blank expression. Clearly, he didn¡¯t understand and seemed to think that Xu Qing¡¯s family was quite fun to keep so many birds.


    Purple Mystic Fairy looked at Xu Qing with inexplicable emotions in her eyes. There was concern and pity.


    ¡°What about you in the future?¡±


    ¡°In the future, I want to find the crow.¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate and smiled.


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll kill it.¡±


    ¡°After killing it, I want to see if I can find a way to kill the eagle.¡±


    Xu Qing sat on the snake bone. When he said these words, he was laughing.


    As he spoke, it was as though the nervousness and uneasiness in front of Purple Mystic Fairy had dissipated by a lot. His expression became relaxed and he even asked.


    ¡°Senior, what about your past?¡±


    ¡°Mine?¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s legs were bent and her hands were hugging her knees. This posture revealed her beautiful curves.


    At that moment, she tilted her head and looked at Xu Qing. Her oval face was like a flower and crystalline like jade. Her tender and smooth snow-like skin was like ice and snow. However, a stream of reminiscence slowly surfaced in her eyes.


    ¡°My past is very simple. I don¡¯t have any impression of my parents.¡±


    ¡°The one who left the deepest impression was Master. Master raised me and taught me cultivation. At that time, the Mystic Nether Sect hadn¡¯t joined the Alliance and was not so large.¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy smiled.


    ¡°After that, I encountered many things. Gradually, the Mystic Nether Sect became what it is now and joined the Alliance. Of course, my senior brother also contributed to this. However¡­ I hate him very much.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about these. Since you¡¯re asking me, I remember something. I can tell you this.¡±


    Zixuan¡¯s smile was very beautiful and her cheeks were slightly red. When she smiled, her eyes were like crescent moons.


    ¡°I often have a dream. It¡¯s been many years. In the past, it was every day, then every year. Now, it¡¯s every ten years¡­¡±


    ¡°In the dream, it is a pitch-black world. I cannot see my surroundings and can only faintly see a lantern in front of me.¡±


    ¡°That lantern light seems to be purple. Of course, this is only my guess because it is extinguished. There is no fire and I can only see it vaguely. I can¡¯t touch it or touch it in time. It seems very far away but also very close.¡±


    ¡°However, I imagine that it should look like a blooming redbud. There¡¯s a purple phoenix resting on it with its wings spread out.¡±


    ¡°This lantern keeps appearing in my dreams. Every time, it would be extinguished. Every time, there would be no light in that world.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s because of this that I¡¯ve been using ordinary light.¡± Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s voice was soft and after she spoke, it turned into a murmur.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why either. This dream is very realistic, and so is that lantern.¡±


    Xu Qing was stunned and fell silent.


    Time slowly passed. Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak and neither did Purple Mystic Fairy. The two of them sat there silently.


    After a long time, Zi Xuan smiled. Her laughter was like a lark¡¯s cry, very pleasant to the ears.


    ¡°Xu Qing, lend me your Mystic Spirit Perpetual Will Door wooden block.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Zi Xuan and took out the black wooden block from his storage bag, placing it in front of him.


    Purple Mystic Fairy picked up the wooden block and waved it. Immediately, this black wooden block emitted a black light. As this light spread out, an ancient wooden door appeared at the side.


    The appearance of the wooden door emitted waves of cold aura that permeated the surroundings. At the same time, the traces of the passage of time seemed to be revealed in the patterns on the wooden door.


    In front of Xu Qing, Zi Xuan lifted her fair hand and gently touched it with her jade-like fingers.


    Immediately, the wooden door slowly opened and shone on Zi Xuan.


    It was pitch-black.


    Just like the abyss.


    This was Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s inner world. Perhaps it wasn¡¯t that she had nothing but everything was enveloped by black.


    There was no light there, so it couldn¡¯t be illuminated.


    That place needed light to illuminate everything.


    Xu Qing vaguely understood. He knew that what he emitted behind this door was light.


    Very soon, the wooden door dissipated and transformed into a wooden block again, landing in Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s hand.


    She played with it in her hand for a while and stood up after passing it to Xu Qing.


    Her waterfall-like black hair swayed as she stood up. Her exquisite appearance and elegant posture made one involuntarily recall the dream she had mentioned before.


    ¡°Xu Qing, Parting Sadness, do you still remember it?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and took out the flute Zi Xuan had given him. He then placed it by his mouth and gently blew it.


    Gradually, the melodious sound of the flute spread in the world like the wind.


    At some point in time, the song ended.


    At some point in time, Zi Xuan¡¯s figure had already disappeared.


    She left.


    It was as though she had brought Xu Qing here to listen to Xu Qing¡¯s past and the Parting Sadness before commenting.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t sound very good.¡±


    These words echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears.


    Xu Qing thought about it and looked at the captain and Wu Jianwu.


    The two of them shook their heads, looking like it indeed didn¡¯t sound good.


    Xu Qing expressionlessly stood up and took a step forward, leaving the mystic realm.


    When he went out, it was already morning outside. Unknowingly, a night had passed in the Demon Snake Secret Realm.


    At that moment, at dawn, Xu Qing was about to head to the back mountain to pay his respects to Lord Sixth.


    On the way, the voice of the fatty, Huang Yan, rang out from his jade slip.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I told you yesterday that I wanted to return to the Nanhuang Continent with Senior Sister. We plan to set off, so I am bidding farewell to you.¡±


    ¡°Are you leaving today? Are you guys at the teleportation array or the port?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t going to use the teleportation array. We¡¯re setting sail immediately. The two of us plan to travel in the sea and spend some alone time together.¡±


    Huang Yan laughed, as though he was exceptionally happy about returning to the Nanhuang Continent.


    Xu Qing suddenly sped up and headed straight for the harbor. Not long later, he saw Second Senior Sister¡¯s magic warship and also Huang Yan standing there.


    Looking at Xu Qing who had arrived, Huang Yan revealed a happy smile and went forward to hug Xu Qing.


    Second Senior Sister also walked out of the cabin. She looked at Xu Qing and smiled.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I just returned from completing the sect¡¯s mission last night, so I didn¡¯t have time to attend the banquet yesterday. Congratulations on becoming a Sword Holder!¡±


    Xu Qing hurriedly cupped his fists. He wasn¡¯t very familiar with Second Senior Sister but he was very grateful to the other party for helping him out in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Sixth Peak¡¯s shop back then. Even though the other party was doing this because of Huang Yan, she had indeed resolved some of his troubles back then.


    Second Senior Sister smiled. Very soon, under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, her magic warship set sail.


    From afar, Huang Yan, who was on the magic warship, looked at Xu Qing and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I have a good brother in the county. I told him to take care of you. Also, remember, if it¡¯s really not fun outside, then return to the Nanhuang Continent.¡±


    ¡°No matter how much trouble you cause outside, it¡¯s nothing in the Nanhuang Continent!¡±


    Huang Yan patted his chest and said proudly.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t mind. He smiled and nodded. Amidst the sea breeze, he cupped his fists and bowed.

 Chapter 488 - 488 Life Is Like This

    488 Life Is Like This


    The first rays of the morning sun shone on the black Forbidden Sea, reflecting a dark halo. Under the blue sky, the magic warship left.


    Xu Qing watched the departing warship for a long time. He only retracted his gaze when he couldn¡¯t see the magic warship.


    Huang Yan had been uncomfortable ever since he came to the Yinghuang Province. It was reasonable for him to leave. Xu Qing respected Huang Yan¡¯s choice and also wished him and Second Senior Sister a brighter future in the Nanhuang Continent.


    ¡°Wish you all the best,¡± Xu Qing mumbled softly. He then turned and left the port, heading all the way to the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ mountain.


    He wanted to pay his respects to Lord Sixth.


    He was supposed to go yesterday but he was brought into the Demon Snake Secret Realm by Purple Mystic Fairy.


    At that moment, as he walked on the steps of the mountain and faced the wind, Xu Qing felt very calm.


    In the early morning, most of the disciples in the sect were undergoing early cultivation. From afar, waves of chanting echoed. This was caused by the changes in the Seven Blood Eyes after coming to the Alliance.


    They were cultivating their minds.


    Xu Qing only found out about it at the banquet yesterday.


    Old Master Seventh was the one who suggested that the cultivation of the mind be popularized throughout the sect.


    This matter had also caused many disciples to be surprised. After all, before this, everyone only cultivated spells and had no cultivation of mind.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. This was because according to the time, his master seemed to have done this after studying the god specimen.


    With these thoughts in mind, Xu Qing walked down the steps and arrived at the back mountain.


    On the way, all the disciples he met were extremely respectful when they saw him. They would stop and greet him.


    Not long later, at the back mountain of the Seven Blood Eyes, Xu Qing saw a grave in the bamboo forest.


    There were tributes placed in front of the tomb and incense sticks were lit.


    There were also two middle-aged cultivators there who were silently staring at the words on the gravestone.


    Xu Qing had seen these two people before. They were Lord Sixth¡¯s disciples.


    They also noticed Xu Qing¡¯s arrival. They glanced at him before cupping their fists. There was a hint of sigh in their expressions.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, congratulations on becoming a Sword Holder.¡±


    Xu Qing silently walked over and cupped his fists in return.


    ¡°The two of us have orders to head out. We came here to pay our respects to Master before we left. Sigh, the world is unpredictable. In the blink of an eye, a year has passed.¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother Xu, we won¡¯t disturb you from paying your respects. Goodbye.¡±


    The two of them sighed with emotion and didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°I wish the two senior brothers a smooth journey.¡± Xu Qing had a serious expression as he bowed.


    The two of them waved their hands and left with dejected expressions.


    Although the deceased was gone and life was like this, there would still be some moments when waves would stir in the heart.


    Xu Qing sat in front of Lord Sixth¡¯s grave and took out two flasks of wine. He poured one flask of wine on the soil of the grave, and took a big gulp from the other. He didn¡¯t speak and only drank.


    The wind in the mountain forest and the light in the sky fused together and continued to flow through the world. Two hours later, Xu Qing stood up.


    ¡°Lord Sixth, the next time I come back to see you, I¡¯ll bring you a few Illuminate¡¯s heads to go with the wine.¡±


    After saying that, Xu Qing bowed deeply toward the grave.


    May you rest well.


    Xu Qing turned and left the back mountain. He didn¡¯t walk out of the mountain gate but went to look for his master.


    He had many questions to ask his master, such as the changes to the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness, or the fact that the spirit plants mentioned when the Sword Holder Great Elder was explaining herbs might be the direction to study gods.


    With this thought in mind, Xu Qing sent a voice transmission to his master to greet him. Old Master Seventh told him that he was in the pavilion at the top of the mountain and asked him to go over.


    After knowing where his master was, Xu Qing quickened his pace. Just as he was walking toward the pavilion at the top of the mountain, his expression suddenly changed slightly as he looked at the small path in front of him on the right.


    A familiar voice rang out.


    ¡°Little guy, you¡¯re lucky to have met me. Your Martial Uncle Ding Xiaohai has a bad temper. Is he someone you can go against? If I hadn¡¯t passed by when I came out of seclusion, he would have crippled you.¡±


    ¡°In the future, when you¡¯re in the sect, you have to listen to me, understand?¡±


    ¡°Mm, I¡¯ll listen to you, Martial Aunt Ding.¡± A shy and light voice rang out together with Ding Xue¡¯s words.


    Very soon, Ding Xue, who had a ponytail and a heroic bearing, appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s vision.


    She acted like a senior to a little boy around ten years old beside her.


    This little boy¡¯s clothes were very clean, and so was his small face.


    At that moment, he nodded very politely. However, at the next instant, he sensed Xu Qing before Ding Xue did. The instant he saw Xu Qing, his expression suddenly changed.


    He clearly revealed horror and wariness, and his body even paused for a moment. He instinctively hid behind Ding Xue.


    Ding Xue was surprised. After that, she also saw Xu Qing in the distance and her eyes lit up. She ignored the little boy and ran toward Xu Qing alone.


    At this moment, all the heroic bearings from before were replaced by surprise.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, I was about to look for you. When you returned yesterday, I was still in seclusion. Look, I¡¯m about to reach 60 magic apertures and form the second ball of life fire!¡±


    ¡°However, I haven¡¯t forgotten about the herbs either. I¡¯ll work harder.¡±


    When Ding Xue saw Xu Qing, there was a strange glint in her eyes and she was filled with joy.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, do you have something to do on the mountain?¡±


    A smile also appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s face. At the same time, he was surprised that the other party¡¯s cultivation base had increased so quickly. Ding Xue had formed a ball of life fire just a year ago on the way back from the Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    However, when he thought of how Old Master Seventh had once said that girls had to be raised richly, Xu Qing roughly understood the reason.


    ¡°Not bad.¡± Xu Qing praised sincerely and told her that he was going to meet his master.


    Hearing Xu Qing praise her, Ding Xue¡¯s heartbeat sped up and her small face turned slightly red.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed behind Ding Xue, looking at the little boy who was feeling very uneasy in the distance.


    The little boy stayed where he was. He didn¡¯t know whether he should leave or stay. At that moment, he had a timid expression and fear rose in his heart.


    He was really afraid of Xu Qing.


    Although the token he used to come to the Seven Blood Eyes was given to him by Xu Qing, the words Xu Qing said before he left back then let him know that the other party had seen through everything about him.


    Moreover, he had felt a suppressive power from Xu Qing. Now that he saw him again, this suppression was already extremely powerful.


    Others might not be able to tell but he was different. His perception was extremely clear. That was the pressure from the Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    This little boy was none other than the bizarre entity turned human that Old Master Seventh had taken a fancy to when he brought him and Ding Xue to stay in the small town at the foot of the Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, you still remember him, right? That little boy from that small town.¡± Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, Ding Xue smiled and spoke.


    ¡°Wang Ling, why aren¡¯t you coming over to greet your Martial Uncle Xu?¡± Ding Xue glared at the little boy.


    The little boy suppressed his fear and took a few steps forward with a numb scalp. He then greeted Xu Qing with a trembling voice.


    ¡°He-hello Martial Uncle Xu.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He understood the situation and knew that this little boy had been at the sect for several months. During this time, he had been staying at the foot of the mountain.


    Today, he came up the mountain to exchange for a magic boat. In the end, for some reason, he attracted Ding Xiaohai¡¯s disgust. Ding Xue passed by when she came out of seclusion and helped him.


    ¡°Previously, when I saw how Ding Xiaohai looked at him, it looked like he wanted to devour him for some reason, so I helped him.¡±


    The smile on Ding Xue¡¯s face was still there but she secretly transmitted her voice to Xu Qing.


    Although she looked obedient and virtuous in front of Xu Qing, in reality, she was extremely clever. She had an exquisite heart and didn¡¯t lack scheming and observation skills.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, go and greet Master. I¡¯ll look for you later. I¡¯ll send Little Wang Ling down the mountain first,¡± Ding Xue said with a smile.


    Xu Qing nodded and walked forward.


    The little boy beside Ding Xue tilted his head and looked at Xu Qing¡¯s figure. A hint of envy appeared in the depths of his eyes. He recalled what Xu Qing had said to him back then and couldn¡¯t help but speak softly.


    ¡°Big Brothera?| Ah, Martial Uncle Xu, what you said to me back thena?|¡±


    ¡°Work hard and you¡¯ll realize it.¡± Xu Qing turned and glanced at the little boy before nodding.


    The little boy took a deep breath and nodded as well. Amidst Ding Xue¡¯s smile, he followed her into the distance.


    He wanted to become a human, a real human. This was also the only reason why he came to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    After the amount of time it took for an incense stick to burn out, Xu Qing walked toward the pavilion at the top of the mountain. He immediately saw his serious-looking master and the middle-aged servant beside him. The two of them were playing chess.


    However, compared to Old Master Seventh¡¯s seriousness, this middle-aged servant whom Xu Qing was familiar with had a relaxed expression.


    After seeing Xu Qing, the middle-aged servant was about to stand up and greet him when Xu Qing took the lead and lowered his head. He then cupped his fists and bowed.


    The middle-aged servant smiled and stood up to return the greeting.


    At the side, Old Master Seventh flicked his sleeve and messed up the chessboard as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Your moves are too poor. I let you have so many pieces but you still lost.¡±


    ¡°Fourth, come and play with me.¡±


    The middle-aged servant smiled bitterly and stood at the side.


    Xu Qing calmly walked over. He tidied up the messy chessboard and began to play chess.


    However, his chess skills were ordinary, so as he played, a smile appeared on Old Master Seventh¡¯s face.


    ¡°Fourth, your heart isn¡¯t calm. The chessboard contains emotions. From your chess moves, I can tell that there¡¯s something on your mind.¡±


    ¡°As expected, I can¡¯t hide anything from Master.¡±


    Xu Qing looked into Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes and said seriously. He automatically ignored the fact that he had said that he had something to ask when he transmitted his voice through the jade slip earlier.


    The middle-aged servant at the side saw that the master and disciple had something to say, so he retreated. He even waved his hand to seal the surroundings and sat cross-legged outside to meditate.


    ¡°Speak.¡± Old Master Seventh picked up a chess piece in satisfaction and played with it.


    ¡°Master, there are some changes to the Ghost Emperor Mountain in my body.¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath with a solemn expression.


    ¡°What changes?¡± Old Master Seventh¡¯s tone was relaxed and the chess piece was about to land.


    ¡°It took on my appearance.¡±


    With a clang, the chess piece fell from Old Master Seventh¡¯s hand onto the chessboard. He lifted his head and looked at Xu Qing blankly.


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    * * *

 Chapter 489 - 489 Linger Goes Out to Sea

    489 Ling¡¯er Goes Out to Sea


    Xu Qing silently picked up the chess piece his master had dropped and placed it where it should have been placed. He then looked at his master.


    ¡°The Ghost Emperor Mountain has transformed into my appearance.¡±


    Old Master Seventh fell silent and closed his eyes in deep thought.


    A huge commotion stirred in his mind. He knew that his disciple¡¯s comprehension ability was astonishing. He had clearly sensed this outside the Ghost Emperor Mountain back then.


    He also heard about Xu Qing¡¯s performance in Absolute Beginning Separation City. He had comprehended almost 300 battle marks.


    However, he was still shocked by Xu Qing¡¯s words. After all, back then, he had only asked Xu Qing to move a god into his sea of consciousness to suppress the distracting thoughts produced by the golden cores snatched by the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art.


    ¡®I only asked you to build a small wooden hut but you built a city.¡¯


    The latter is even asking me in surprise, ¡°How did this happen?¡±


    Old Master Seventh was mentally exhausted. After a long silence, he coughed and calmly spoke.


    ¡°That¡¯s your mind. Your mind is strong and you can affect external gods yourself, causing them to be controlled by you in your body and change with you as the source. So, you don¡¯t have to worry too much.¡±


    ¡°This is a kind of realm. First, you have to move it, then accumulate spirit, and then turn it into your own item. However, you still have to work hard and not be complacent just because you think this step happened easily.¡±


    ¡°Since ancient times, many almighty people have used a similar method. After visualization, they tried to replace them. This isn¡¯t possession but seizing the Dao. However, this matter is too difficult for you.¡±


    ¡°Because the Ghost Emperor is actually not complete and his Dao is incomplete. So, when you can form more external objects on the Ghost Emperor Mountain and make it more complete, it will be considered¡­¡±


    Hearing his master¡¯s words, Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He thought of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar on the hands of the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness and couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    ¡°Master, there¡¯s also a rod. Can it be considered an external object? It looks like the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.¡±


    Old Master Seventh was stunned for a moment and fell silent. A storm stirred in his mind.


    Xu Qing was a little nervous.


    ¡°Fourth, you have one bad habit.¡± After a long time, Old Master Seventh spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°Next time, finish your sentence in one go!¡±


    Xu Qing blinked and nodded.


    ¡°What other changes?¡± Old Master Seventh asked worriedly.


    ¡°That¡¯s all. Oh right, Master, I have a feeling that this Ghost Emperor Mountain can be stimulated by me under certain circumstances but I can¡¯t do it yet. Master, do you have a way?¡± Xu Qing asked hesitantly.


    0Old Master Seventh suddenly stood up and his eyes gleamed as he looked at Xu Qing carefully. At this moment, there was no longer only storm raging in his mind, but massive waves as well.


    ¡®Could this kid be the reincarnation of the Ghost Emperor? No, he¡¯s not from the Yinghuang Province. He was born in the Nanhuang Continent and doesn¡¯t have the Ghost Emperor¡¯s bloodline in his body. I¡¯ve already confirmed this before.¡¯


    ¡®Can a person¡¯s comprehension ability be so powerful?¡¯


    ¡®What kind of disciple did I take in?¡¯


    ¡®Or is his innate talent related to comprehension?¡¯


    Old Master Seventh took a deep breath. After noticing Xu Qing¡¯s puzzled expression, he coughed lightly and maintained a calm demeanor. He then walked around and stood as though he was only looking at the clouds in the distance.


    ¡°Fourth, look at the clouds in the sky.¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the sky.


    ¡°Look at the appearance of the clouds. They are very clear, but in reality, their true appearance isn¡¯t like this. They are formed by water vapor meeting cold in the sky and merging together. Also, the appearance of the clouds is formed by the attachment of water vapor to the dust between heaven and earth.¡±


    ¡°The Ghost Emperor Mountain in your sea of consciousness has a similar principle.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think about revealing it in one go. It¡¯s wrong to pay too much attention to the Ghost Emperor¡¯s form.¡±


    ¡°You have to spread out the Ghost Emperor Mountain and reveal its aura like water vapor. After that, observe their changes and find the points that make them active.¡±


    ¡°After that, with the anomalous substances as attachment, the figure of the Ghost Emperor can be formed in places with dense spiritual Qi and anomalous substances. Also, I suggest that you try to change its appearance. This way, no one will be able to recognize it and think that you¡¯re using divine art.¡±


    Old Master Seventh slowly spoke and Xu Qing heard a rumbling in his mind.


    His master¡¯s answer was simple and easy to understand. He looked at the clouds in the sky and instantly understood.


    At this moment, it was as though he had been enlightened. As his thoughts cleared, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but reveal a look of enlightenment, accompanied by deep reverence.


    To him, this was like the echoing of a bell.


    Xu Qing stood up and bowed to his master.


    His expression and actions finally made Old Master Seventh feel comfortable. He laughed and sat down again to pick up the chess pieces, leisurely placing it on the chessboard.


    Xu Qing sat at the side with sincerity. As they continued playing, he asked his second question.


    Regarding the relationship between spirit plants and gods.


    This question caused a strange glint to appear in Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes. After pondering for a long time, his expression slowly changed.


    ¡°Spirit plants are indeed better at adapting to such changes than flesh-and-blood creatures after the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been studying that god specimen. What you said is correct. Plants with divinity. This is indeed a train of thought that can be tried.¡±


    ¡°Studying gods. Perhaps divine spirit plants are a key.¡±


    This time around, both sides felt that they had gained a lot from the communication. Xu Qing was in a good mood and Old Master Seventh was also refreshed. After that, he asked Xu Qing about some things during the Sword Holder¡¯s trial. He was naturally curious about Xu Qing¡¯s answer too.


    ¡°Son of a b*tch!¡± His master laughed loudly and the gaze he used to look at Xu Qing became even more admiring.


    ¡°I wonder how Eldest Senior Brother answered. Why is it only ten feet?¡± Xu Qing was also puzzled.


    ¡°Is there a need to guess your Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s answer? He must have tried to randomly bootlick or flatter. However, even if it¡¯s bootlicking, he wouldn¡¯t only get ten feet light.¡± Old Master Seventh curled his lips.


    ¡°According to my understanding of him, it¡¯s very likely that he said the emperor is a god. Coupled with your answer that got 100,000 feet light, he was basically scolding the emperor.¡±


    Xu Qing blinked. He felt that there was a high chance that this was the case.


    ¡°In three months, you will set off for the capital of Fenghai County. There is a branch of the Alliance there.¡±


    ¡°The county capital of Fenghai County is the center of a county. As a top faction in the Yinghuang Province, although the Eight Sects Alliance isn¡¯t much in a county, they are still qualified to set up a stronghold in the county capital.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, there is this branch sect. Although its status in the county capital isn¡¯t high, it still can take care of you guys.¡±


    ¡°Master and the ancestor have other plans, so we won¡¯t be going with you. Another group of people will set off for the county capital with you. They will be the cultivators staying in the branch sect. There will be an ancestor presiding over this journey. As for who it is, it has yet to be confirmed.¡±


    ¡°The Peak Lords of the other five peaks will also go over. This time, the Sword Holders of the Alliance are all from our Seven Blood Eyes. In that case, we have to obtain some control over the array formations and teleportation arrays of the branch sect.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. He had heard the captain mention it before but it wasn¡¯t as detailed. At this moment, he completely understood it.


    ¡°Also¡­¡± Old Master Seventh picked up a chess piece and pondered for a moment.


    ¡°According to the information I have, the capital of Fenghai County is transformed from a high-grade Taboo magic treasure.¡±


    ¡°High grade?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s gaze froze.


    ¡°Taboo magic treasures are also divided into grades. Most of the Taboo magic treasures in the Yinghuang Province are low-grade. Their might is extremely different from high-grade ones, but the way they operate is actually more or less the same,¡± Old Master Seventh said calmly.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t understand the rules of the operation of Taboo magic treasures and go to the county capital like this, it¡¯s inevitable that your knowledge will be a little shallow.¡±


    ¡°Fourth, you have to remember that any detail can affect the changes in the future and can¡¯t be ignored. Only by having a well-thought out plan can you find a point to hide yourself and not be discovered by others, and land a fatal blow at a critical moment.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget the spirit of the Seventh Peak.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded solemnly.


    ¡°You¡¯re setting off in three months, don¡¯t waste your time in the sect for the next three months. Make a trip to the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo ground. As a Treasure Bearer, familiarize yourself with the operation of the Taboo magic treasure.¡±


    ¡°This way, when you reach the county capital, you won¡¯t have shallow knowledge of Taboo magic treasures and it will be convenient for you to do things. Also, with your relationship with your Eldest Senior Brother, I don¡¯t need to say much. You will naturally take care of him.¡±


    Xu Qing stood up and respectfully acknowledged.


    ¡°However, I have to remind you that during the Treasure Bearer period, you can¡¯t use the Taboo to look at the god¡¯s fragmented-face. You can¡¯t look at the sun and moon, the few large factions in the Yinghuang Province, and the core of the forbidden region either. You can occasionally look at the Forbidden Sea, and you can look at the forbidden zone as you please. The other places are also up to you.¡±


    Xu Qing was confused. He thought of the appearance of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo magic treasure and made some connections.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to think too much. You¡¯ll know when you get there.¡± Old Master Seventh put down a piece and ended the chess game with a calm smile.


    ¡°Fourth, your chess skills have improved a lot but you¡¯re still inferior to me.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he looked at the chessboard with admiration on his face.


    ¡°Master is still the best.¡±


    Old Master Seventh laughed.


    While Old Master Seventh was happy because he had won the chess game, far away outside the Yinghuang Province, above the Forbidden Sea, a green-faced malicious ghost with fangs was riding the clouds.


    This malicious ghost was 10,000 feet tall and very huge. Its eyes were red and its body was covered in scales. There were also chains wrapped around it.


    As it passed, huge waves surged from the Forbidden Sea below.


    And above the malicious ghost¡¯s head sat two people.


    One was an old man in a gray robe. He clearly had a hunchback and his face was covered in age spots. His skin was sallow and he looked sickly.


    Beside him was a young girl in a plain white dress. She was about 16 or 17 years old and looked fresh and elegant. At the same time, her appearance was beautiful and flawless, like a sparkling pearl. A hint of childishness could be seen between her brows.


    His eyes contained innocence without the slightest impurities. They were like clear water, causing one to involuntarily feel tender love for her and not be able to bear to hurt her.


    At that moment, the old man was persuading her. However, the young girl started to look a little unhappy and aggrieved.


    ¡°Father, I still want to go to the Yinghuang Province.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say I wasn¡¯t letting you go to the Yinghuang Province. Lass, let¡¯s go to the county capital first. You can accept the inheritance, and then we¡¯ll go to the Yinghuang Province. This way, when your Brother Xu Qing sees you, he¡¯ll definitely like you even more. After all, after you accept the inheritance, you¡¯ll be even more powerful.¡±


    The old man from Panquan Road coughed and changed his method of persuasion.


    ¡°Really?¡± Ling¡¯er started. When she heard that Brother Xu Qing would like her even more, she was a little tempted.


    ¡°Of course, I don¡¯t lie!¡± The old man from Panquan Road patted his chest.


    Ling¡¯er hesitated and looked in the direction of the Yinghuang Province. After some thought, she nodded forcefully.


    When the old man from Panquan Road saw this, he heaved a sigh of relief inwardly and thought to himself, ¡®Lass, Dad cut off all contact with the external world for you. I was just afraid that someone would snitch on my whereabouts. It¡¯s impossible for me to let you go to the Yinghuang Province. I¡¯ll definitely make you avoid that little bastard from now on!


    Father has exhausted his heart for you. In the future, you will know that all of this is for your own good.¡¯


    ¡®There¡¯s also that little bastard. In the future, wherever you are, I definitely won¡¯t go. I don¡¯t believe that that little bastard can still come to the county capital.¡¯


    ¡®Hmph, I can¡¯t afford to offend him, but I can hide!¡¯

 Chapter 490 - 490 Treasure Bearer

    490 Treasure Bearer


    Xu Qing left the pavilion at dusk.


    He stayed there for a long time and played a few more rounds of chess with his master. After he lost all the rounds, Old Master Seventh continued to laugh.


    Every time, Xu Qing would seriously look at the chessboard with a look of deep thought. Occasionally, when he was engrossed in his thoughts, he would instinctively pick up the snack at the side and put it into his mouth.


    With the help of chewing, he supplemented his thoughts.


    The snacks were very delicious. Xu Qing had never eaten them before.


    And after eating them, the magic power in his body was circulating on its own. Clearly, there was some extraordinary medicine among the ingredients used to make these snacks.


    His thinking look made Old Master Seventh feel even more comfortable.


    For the entire day, the master and disciple weren¡¯t disturbed by anyone. It was only after Xu Qing was served the snacks for the ninth time by the servant and finished them that he sighed.


    ¡°Master, disciple is convinced.¡±


    Xu Qing stood up with a look of admiration on his face and bowed to Old Master Seventh. Under Old Master Seventh¡¯s satisfaction, Xu Qing looked at the sky and bade farewell.


    After watching Xu Qing leave, Old Master Seventh glanced at the snacks and plates in the surroundings.


    ¡°He ate nine plates¡­¡± The servant at the side smiled.


    ¡°Sigh, I¡¯m getting old. I want the younger generation to come and accompany me more, but it¡¯s not good to ask directly¡­ Your idea isn¡¯t bad. I¡¯ll get more snacks in the future. They¡¯ll probably find excuses to visit me every day.¡±


    Old Master Seventh smiled and looked in the direction of the Nanhuang Continent with a hint of emotion in his eyes.


    ¡°Second and¡­ Huang Yan returned to the Nanhuang Continent. Before they left, I could see her reluctance. However, it¡¯s good that they went to the Nanhuang Continent. She won¡¯t suffer any grievances there.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, even if anything happens to her apprentice brothers in the future, she will be safe in the Nanhuang Continent.¡±


    ¡°With the eldest¡¯s personality, he might cause a monstrous calamity at any time.¡±


    ¡°Third is also troublesome. He has a lot of romantic ties.¡± Old Master Seventh sighed.


    The servant had a strange expression as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°The third highness has been missing for a long time. The Zhao family of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, the Spirit Year Sect, the Multi-Eyed Race, and the Manlin Race have asked about him many times.¡±


    ¡°He went too far and is being forced to get married from everywhere at the same time. I wonder where he fled to.¡± Old Master Seventh flicked his sleeve angrily.


    ¡°Only Fourth is the most reassuring. With his personality, he will basically kill everyone who provokes him and not leave any future troubles. However, this kid¡¯s killing intent is too strong. If he goes to Fenghai County¡­ I wonder if he will face blessings or disasters.¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression was filled with hesitation.


    The servant nodded.


    ¡°Fenghai County looks prosperous but there are many good and bad people mixed together. There are many races living in a subtle balance. It¡¯s said that our human county governor¡¯s personality is indecisive¡­¡±


    ¡°The county governor isn¡¯t indecisive. He likes balance. He knows that he is powerless to recreate the might of the county governor when the human race was at its peak, so it¡¯s like this. However, balance often represents compromise.¡± Old Master Seventh shook his head.


    At that moment, Xu Qing burped and licked his lips as he descended the mountain.


    ¡°Master¡¯s snacks aren¡¯t ordinary!¡±


    As he reminisced, Xu Qing returned to his berth at the port.


    In the next few days, he went to look for Zhang San to reinforce his magic warship again. After all, he was going on a long journey.


    Ding Xue had also come to look for Xu Qing.


    As for Yanyan, after she returned, she was punished by Esteemed Master Dongyou to enter closed-door cultivation. She couldn¡¯t go out unless she broke through.


    However, Gu Muqing didn¡¯t come. She had long been arranged to stay in the Nanhuang Continent¡¯s sect.


    Just like that, after Xu Qing¡¯s magic warship was reinforced by Zhang San, he chose to set off on the sixth day toward the Sea Corpse Race to be a Treasure Bearer for three months.


    During this period, some things also happened. Some disciples of the Eight Sects Alliance went missing at the edge of the Corpse Forbidden on the Forbidden Sea when they were out on a mission.


    According to the clues, they seemed to have entered the Corpse Forbidden for some reason.


    This concerned the forbidden region, so according to the process, the Alliance arranged for a portion of the disciples of the various sects to head to the Corpse Forbidden to investigate.


    This matter didn¡¯t cause much of a stir in the Alliance. This was because disappearances in the forbidden region would occasionally occur over the years.


    In reality, it wasn¡¯t just the Alliance. The other forces and races, especially the races and forces on the Forbidden Sea, faced the same issue.


    Xu Qing had also heard of this matter but this didn¡¯t affect his plan to head to the Sea Corpse Race.


    At most, he decided not to use the magic warship to head there like before. Instead, he used the sect¡¯s teleportation array.


    He was standing on the teleportation array. As the light of the array formation flickered, Xu Qing disappeared. When he reappeared, he was already in the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s land.


    Such a long-distance teleportation would form a pull between the cultivator¡¯s soul and body if they didn¡¯t put up any defensive measures.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s body was strong. He only felt his body tremble before returning to normal.


    The moment his figure appeared in the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ teleportation array, more than a thousand disciples waiting outside cupped their fists in unison and greeted Xu Qing.


    ¡°Greetings, Dao Child.¡±


    These were all the disciples of the various peaks guarding this place. After Xu Qing returned the greeting, he went to greet Lord Third. Finally, he arrived before the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo magic treasure and sat cross-legged in the center of the huge ancient bronze mirror.


    This place was located in the sky. The ancient mirror was a thousand feet long. Sitting on it was like sitting on a huge plate. There was also a strong wind whistling in the surroundings.


    Lowering his head, he could see that the black Forbidden Sea was like ink, undulating endlessly in his vision.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He spread out his divine sense to fuse into the Taboo.


    At the next instant, an astonishing divine sense that didn¡¯t contain any emotions enveloped Xu Qing.


    It was as though it was confirming his identity and authority. In the end, this divine sense transformed into a layer of protection that permeated the surroundings of Xu Qing. A cold voice echoed in his mind.


    ¡°Artifact spirit Blood Eye, please give your instructions.¡±


    A strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as his expression changed slightly.


    He could sense that after the divine sense of the ancient bronze mirror enveloped his entire body, his body seemed to no longer exist and couldn¡¯t be sensed. He could only transmit his divine sense, as though he had become a soul body.


    ¡°What can I do?¡± Xu Qing transmitted his divine sense.


    ¡°Firstly, you can choose to fuse with the Blood Eye and activate the soul carrier. In this state, as long as the magic treasure isn¡¯t destroyed, you won¡¯t be destroyed.¡±


    ¡°Secondly, you can check everything you want to see in the magic treasure¡¯s range.¡±


    ¡°Thirdly, in the range of the magic treasure¡¯s sight, you can form your projection. It can exist for an hour and its strength is equivalent to your main body.¡±


    ¡°Fourthly, you can force any single lifeform to undergo a life-and-death judgment. However, this authority requires the approval of all three Treasure Bearers.¡±


    The cold voice of the artifact spirit echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    After Xu Qing heard this, he understood why his master had mentioned areas that he shouldn¡¯t gaze at. After gaining some understanding, he chose to fuse.


    As his divine sense spread out, Xu Qing¡¯s soul dispersed at the next instant. He felt as though he had a body again at this moment and this body¡­ was the bronze mirror itself.


    The two completely fused together.


    At the same time, Xu Qing felt an unprecedented clarity.


    He saw a distance that exceeded the limit of his previous vision. With him as the center, his vision spanned across the Yinghuang in the north, Nanhuang in the south, the deep sea in the west, and the Corpse Forbidden in the east.


    With just a thought, he could instantly see anything in this large area.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred.


    His emotions only calmed after a long time. The first place he wanted to see was the grave of Captain Lei, who was buried in the forbidden zone beside the scavenger campsite.


    As his thought rose, the ancient bronze mirror emitted a buzzing sound. It slowly rotated and faced the Nanhuang Continent.


    At the next instant, the familiar scavenger campsite was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    The campsite was still dirty and dilapidated. Xu Qing¡¯s residence back then had also been occupied by others.


    Clearly, the killing aura he had formed at the scavenger campsite had become a thing of the past and a rumor.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about these. His gaze shifted to the forbidden zone and he saw Captain Lei¡¯s grave.


    That place was still considered intact.


    This could be said to be a rule that most scavengers followed. Don¡¯t touch or destroy the graves of the dead scavengers because no one wanted the same thing to happen to them one day.


    After staring at it for a long time, Xu Qing sighed softly. Just as he was about to retract his gaze, he thought something.


    ¡°The areas Master said not to gaze at don¡¯t include forbidden zones.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s divine sense moved and his gaze swept past the cluster of temples, landing in the deepest part of the forbidden zone.


    Just a glance and Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook intensely.


    In the depths of the forbidden zone, he saw an abyss and a blurry figure of a woman at the bottom of the abyss. She was kneeling in front of a broken zither.


    Xu Qing had never seen this woman before but he had seen the pair of faintly discernible shoes under her feet before. She was Captain Lei¡¯s lover who had appeared when the singing voice appeared back then.


    As for the zither, its surface was covered in black marks and half of it had decayed. However, it was currently playing on its own, emitting waves of tune. At the same time, countless corpses were kneeling around the zither in the abyss.


    Endless anomalous substances spread out from these corpses. Upon closer inspection, one could discover that the source of all this was the dilapidated zither.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t take another look. He only took a glance before retracting his gaze.


    After a moment of silence, Xu Qing looked at Purple Earth and Grandmaster Bai¡¯s tomb.


    The world changed rapidly in his eyes. At the next moment, the public cemetery of Purple Earth appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Over there, he saw a tomb filled with flowers.


    Grandmaster Bai¡¯s tomb.


    The flowers there seemed to have been placed just a day ago and hadn¡¯t withered yet. Surrounded by the sea of flowers, it was as though Grandmaster Bai¡¯s figure had appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind again.


    He continued to look until two familiar people appeared in his eyes.


    They were none other than Chen Feiyuan and Ting Yu. They walked over from afar and arrived in front of the tomb. They took out fresh flowers and replaced the old ones. After paying their respects, they left the cemetery.


    Xu Qing watched them leave and also noticed that there was a ghost-faced spinning top in Chen Feiyuan¡¯s body. It was spinning rapidly, affecting Chen Feiyuan¡¯s qi and blood and transforming into a vortex that emitted waves of terrifying pressure.


    Xu Qing recalled what Chen Feiyuan had told him back then about the talent he possessed because of the Purple Green Kingdom¡¯s bloodline in his body.


    Symbiosis with magic treasures.


    As he fell into deep thought, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked elsewhere. After circling the area, he looked at the Forbidden Sea.


    Old Master Seventh had reminded him that he couldn¡¯t look at the Forbidden Sea often. Hence, Xu Qing only glanced at it.


    With this sweep, he saw Huang Yan and Second Senior Sister who had left not long ago. At that moment, Huang Yan was massaging Second Senior Sister¡¯s legs on the deck with an excited expression.


    A smile appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s face. Just as he was about to retract his gaze, Huang Yan suddenly lifted his head and looked at the sky suspiciously.


    Xu Qing¡¯s smile instantly froze and he was stunned.


    ¡°He can sense me?¡±

 Chapter 491 - 491 Cant Look Directly

    491 Can¡¯t Look Directly


    Xu Qing felt that something was amiss.


    Previously, he had looked at many places but even the existences in the depths of the forbidden zone couldn¡¯t sense his gaze. After all, he had fused with the Taboo magic treasure, the ancient bronze mirror.


    Rather than saying that he was watching, it was more accurate to say that the ancient bronze mirror was watching.


    A Taboo could become the foundation of a large sect, so they naturally had their own terrifying and powerful aspects. Even the bizarre entities in the forbidden zone could not sense that they were being gazed at, let alone others.


    Xu Qing had looked around but didn¡¯t see anyone who sensed anything amiss.


    Only Huang Yan.


    At that moment, Huang Yan looked at the sky.


    After blinking, he coughed and put on a look as though he was looking at the scenery. He lowered his head in a way he thought was very natural and continued to massage Second Senior Sister¡¯s legs.


    However, in Xu Qing¡¯s opinion, his movements were filled with flaws.


    Xu Qing silently retracted his gaze and didn¡¯t take another look. However, at this moment, he was very clear that Huang Yan had a secret.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t tell what the secret was, nor did he want to probe further.


    After all, many people in this world had their own secrets. Huang Yan had them, the captain had them, his master had them, and he had them too.


    Why should he dig deeper? It was fine as long as he knew that they would not harm him.


    Xu Qing calmed his emotions and shifted his gaze away, looking in other directions, including the Corpse Forbidden near the Sea Corpse Race.


    The land of Corpse Forbidden was very special and was a little different from the Phoenix Forbidden.


    Although they were both forbidden regions, one was on the shore and the other was at the bottom of the sea.


    The Corpse Forbidden was enveloped by a dense black fog. The range was very large and it was impossible to tell if there were lands inside. However, the anomalous substances there were incomparably dense.


    Under the influence of the Corpse Forbidden, undead would occasionally appear on the surrounding sea. All kinds of bizarre events often happened.


    Usually, the boats and ships wouldn¡¯t get close to the Corpse Forbidden. At most, they would just travel to the location of the Sea Corpse Race.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t look at the core of the seabed of the Corpse Forbidden, nor did he look into the depths of the black fog. He only swept his gaze across the edge before looking at the Wanggu Continent.


    He didn¡¯t gaze at any large faction.


    He understood that he couldn¡¯t look at these places. Once he did, he might be discovered and cause some unnecessary calamity and suspicion.


    He also knew why his master had reminded him. This was because he had a strong feeling that in his current state, if he saw an existence he shouldn¡¯t have¡­ he might even die suddenly.


    For example, when his gaze swept past the Forbidden Sea just now, he sensed a terrifying fluctuation in an area in the deep sea.


    He restrained his curiosity and even suppressed the urge to lift his head to look at the sun in the sky and the high and mighty fragmented-face of the god.


    Finally, when he completely retracted his gaze, he suddenly wanted to take a look at himself.


    ¡°I wonder what it will be like if others use Taboo magic treasures to look at me.¡±


    When Xu Qing thought of this, he tried to take a look.


    At the next instant, he saw the Sea Corpse Race, the huge ancient bronze mirror floating on the Sea Corpse Race, and he also saw himself meditating cross-legged on the ancient mirror.


    As the mirror rotated, his body remained cross-legged. No matter how the mirror tilted, it seemed to have frozen on it and didn¡¯t move at all.


    This feeling was very strange. It was different from looking in a mirror. It was as though his soul had flown up and was looking at his body in mid-air.


    Xu Qing focused his attention and his gaze landed on his body.


    The first thing he saw was an extremely delicate face that was as beautiful as a demon.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about this. After he continued to size up his body, his body became a little more transparent under his gaze.


    He saw the meridians in his body, all the shining magic apertures, and his sea of consciousness.


    There were also the three Heavenly Palaces in his sea of consciousness. Even though two of them existed in the life fog, he could still see them clearly.


    Everything was clear. Even the Ghost Emperor Mountain was reflected in it, but the purple moon couldn¡¯t be seen.


    However, the place it was at looked like it had been occupied.


    After comparing it with his sea of consciousness, it formed an outline.


    From this shadow-like outline, outsiders could tell that there was something strange there.


    There was also the Poison Restriction Pill in the third Heavenly Palace. It was blurry and couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. Likewise, the area seemed to be occupied.


    Only the shadow and the purple crystal couldn¡¯t be seen at all. They didn¡¯t even seem to occupy anything, as though they didn¡¯t exist.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    He also saw the figure of the Golden Crow outside his body. It was surrounded by an invisible force. There was also an incomplete sword shadow in his sea of consciousness.


    That was a portion of the Emperor Sword he had comprehended.


    Looking at this, Xu Qing fell silent and tried to control his shadow to hide him.


    He didn¡¯t want to expose so much. Now, with the help of the vision of the ancient bronze mirror, Xu Qing began to adjust his body.


    He first borrowed the power of the shadow to cover the two Heavenly Palaces in the life fog, completely hiding them in the life fog. He was only satisfied when he couldn¡¯t see any clues through the ancient mirror.


    After Xu Qing pondered, he used his shadow to spread out a curtain, covering his Ghost Emperor Mountain as well.


    There was also the purple moon and the Poison Restriction Pill. Although these two couldn¡¯t be seen, the feeling of them occupying his body was very clear.


    Xu Qing thought about it and simply controlled his shadow to cover them all.


    After doing this, he carefully checked again and confirmed that there were no mistakes before retracting his gaze. The next instant, Xu Qing, who was sitting cross-legged on the bronze mirror, opened his eyes.


    ¡°So, this is a Taboo magic treasure.¡± Xu Qing mumbled.


    He felt that his master was right. He needed to adapt to the operation of Taboo magic treasures. If he didn¡¯t have such an experience and only had a shallow understanding, it would be very difficult for him to truly sense the strength and uniqueness of Taboo magic treasures.


    ¡°Although I don¡¯t know what the specific effect of the Taboos in the Fenghai County¡¯s capital is, even if they can¡¯t see as clearly as the ancient mirror, it will be hard to hide under their divine sense.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent for a while before closing his eyes and continuing to comprehend the circulation of Taboo magic treasure.


    Just like that, a month passed.


    During this month, Xu Qing sensed the abilities of the Taboo magic treasure every day. He also observed himself many times and continued to adjust. Only when he reached near perfection did he feel relieved.


    The current him was very confident that after he entered the county capital, even if the divine sense of the artifact spirits of the Taboos in the county swept past him, he wouldn¡¯t expose any secrets.


    Everything they saw would be what he wanted to reveal.


    There was also another gain. It was his familiarity with the divine sense perception of Taboo magic treasure. Right now, Xu Qing could instantly differentiate if the divine sense that gathered on his body came from humans or magic treasures.


    In addition, he also understood why Taboo magic treasures would form anomalous substances every time they were used. The might of Taboo magic treasures was too great and they would absorb a huge amount of spirit energy when used.


    The anomalous substances in the spirit energy would naturally accumulate in the Taboo magic treasures themselves. Moreover, it was extremely difficult to dissipate these anomalous substances. This would continue until the accumulation reached the limit and they became useless treasures.


    As such, any large sects or forces wouldn¡¯t overuse Taboo magic treasures. Only then could they continue using them.


    This caused Taboo magic treasures to be mostly divided into two states: full activation and daily operation. When they were fully activated, their might would reach the greatest.


    Such a situation was usually used to resist external enemies or attack.


    Usually, the focus would be on daily operations.


    However, even if only used for daily operations, there would still be a period of weakness. This time wasn¡¯t fixed. According to the differences in each Taboo magic treasure, one had to be good at calculations to grasp it.


    After understanding all of this, Xu Qing gained a deeper understanding of the job of a Treasure Bearer and looked at more and more places. However, he knew his limits and didn¡¯t go too far.


    Even so, it was inevitable that there would be some dangerous situations.


    He had once looked at an endless ghost city in the sea. There were countless bizarre entities there, as though it was a world of its own.


    He had also seen a six-legged giant holding a large pitchfork in the depths of the sea. It emitted astonishing divine fluctuations, and it seemed to be patrolling.


    He also saw the Sea Lizard¡¯s ancestor. Every scale on its astonishing body contained terrifying might. As it swam, it emitted vast divine might.


    There were also one eye after another growing at the bottom of the sea.


    Most of the time, these eyes would be closed. However, the instant they opened, they would often form a huge vortex on the sea, stirring up earth-shattering waves.


    The Forbidden Sea was filled with danger and the unknown.


    Other than these living things, Xu Qing had also seen abyssal cracks.


    Some existed at the bottom of the sea, and some existed in the forbidden zones of the Nanhuang Continent.


    These abyssal cracks emitted pitch-black fog that was unfathomable. At the same time, mournful roars similar to the scene in the ghost cave rang out.


    In fact, one night, Xu Qing even saw countless souls.


    Those souls floated up from the direction of the Nanhuang Continent and lined up in the sky.


    At the front of these souls was a figure with two horns holding a whip.


    As this figure whipped them, the souls flew into a door that opened in the sky. What followed was chewing sounds.


    Xu Qing only took a glance at that door before his mind rumbled and his body and soul were almost destroyed. His fusion state with the ancient bronze mirror was directly interrupted and he coughed out a lot of blood.


    That time, he rested for five to six days before he fused with the ancient bronze mirror once more while feeling lingering fear.


    Even though he was already careful enough, he saw a cluster of temples on a small island half a month later.


    It wasn¡¯t the Extreme Heaven Dao Temple but the temple where a god was worshiped. It was located on a remote island that was shrouded in fog.


    Xu Qing only took a glance before his eyes stung and he didn¡¯t dare to continue.


    All this allowed him to understand this world better. At the same time, he also deeply understood his master¡¯s reminder.


    When becoming a Taboo magic treasure of this Taboo, it would be extremely dangerous if they didn¡¯t restrain themselves.


    Hence, in the following days, Xu Qing didn¡¯t look at unknown places. Instead, he studied the operating patterns of the Taboo magic treasure. At the same time, he checked his surroundings in a small area.


    It was only when there was still half a month before the time to set off for Fenghai County that Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed slightly.


    He saw Zhao Zhongheng and Ding Xiaohai.


    At that moment, these two people were at the edge of the Corpse Forbidden. In the dense black fog, they used all their strength to control the magic ships under them and escape.


    Behind them, the fog churned intensely and a vortex formed on the surface of the sea. Countless withered hands appeared and grabbed at them.


    In the fog, a large amount of black hair spread out, wanting to bind them.


    They were in danger.

 Chapter 492 - 492 Death of the Corpse Emperor

    492 Death of the Corpse Emperor


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he strongly restrained his gaze from looking into the depths of the Corpse Forbidden. He remembered his master¡¯s reminder and swept his gaze across the other periphery ranges of the Corpse Forbidden.


    He saw more than ten disciples of the Eight Sects Alliance fleeing in all directions in horror.


    A large number of arms of the dead appeared in the surroundings and were moving toward them.


    This scene reminded Xu Qing of the news he had heard about the Alliance when he was about to set off for the Sea Corpse Race.


    Some disciples had gone missing at the edge of the Corpse Forbidden, so the sect issued a mission to investigate the situation. These people¡­ were the disciples who were investigating.


    Xu Qing immediately transmitted his discoveries to the sect through the Taboo. Just as he finished doing this, a drastic change occurred.


    The hair behind Zhao Zhongheng and Ding Xiaohai suddenly increased and their speed soared as they headed straight for them.


    Just as they were about to bind them, Ding Xiaohai¡¯s expression revealed a hint of ferocity. He suddenly sent a palm attack at Zhao Zhongheng.


    Although the two of them were both in the Foundation Building realm, Ding Xiaohai had long formed the second life fire.


    As for Zhao Zhongheng, he was still a few magic apertures away from forming the second fire. Even though he had been on guard, he didn¡¯t have the qualifications to counterattack or dodge.


    In an instant, under Ding Xiaohai¡¯s sudden attack, he spat out a mouthful of blood. The magic ship under him also trembled and cracks appeared, causing it to be unstable. After a pause, the hairs that were chasing after him directly entangled the magic ship.


    ¡°Ding Xiaohai!¡± Zhao Zhongheng let out a furious shout as he stared fixedly at Ding Xiaohai, who didn¡¯t even turn his head and was speeding into the distance after using him as bait.


    After the magic ship was entangled by the hair, he could only rush out on his own and abandon the ship to escape. However, his speed was too slow. Gradually, he was bound by more hair and the hands of the dead.


    As Zhao Zhongheng felt the intense crisis and despair, he used the protective item his grandfather had given him. However, it wasn¡¯t very useful here.


    Even though he cut out a path, he was still quickly entangled.


    Ding Xiaohai¡¯s figure in the distance was already blurry. Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s existence had attracted most of the bizarre entities, allowing him to successfully escape danger.


    As for Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s shout, he heard it but didn¡¯t care.


    This wasn¡¯t the first sect disciple he had killed. As long as he could survive, he didn¡¯t care about the others.


    ¡°Spoiled brat, always bossing me around. Who does he think I, Ding Xiaohai, am?!¡±


    ¡°Other than having a good grandfather, he¡¯s useless. Such an idiot won¡¯t be able to live for long in this world. He¡¯s destined to be killed. In that case, he might as well die with some value.¡±


    ¡°My survival is the most important.¡± Ding Xiaohai was expressionless. He sped up and disappeared into the fog.


    However, his lack of understanding caused Ding Xiaohai to have no idea of the true might of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo magic treasure. He also didn¡¯t know that Xu Qing was currently observing this area.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t make any evaluation.


    From Ding Xiaohai¡¯s perspective, he was indeed right for doing this in order to survive. It was the same from Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s perspective.


    However, from Xu Qing¡¯s standpoint, he disliked Ding Xiaohai even more.


    As for Zhao Zhongheng, Xu Qing looked at his despairing expression. He thought about it and sent a divine sense to the ancient bronze mirror¡¯s artifact spirit.


    ¡°Send my projection here.¡±


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing transmitted his divine sense, the ancient bronze mirror emitted a buzzing sound. The light on it instantly flickered and an eye suddenly opened.


    At the next instant, an intense and piercing light shot out from the ancient bronze mirror, piercing through the void to the edge of the Corpse Forbidden. It pierced through the fog and landed in front of Zhao Zhongheng.


    Just as disbelief appeared on Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s face, this light that suddenly appeared in front of him scattered countless specks of dust, turning into light spots that gathered together into Xu Qing¡¯s figure.


    ¡°Xu Qing!¡± Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s eyes widened in ecstasy.


    ¡°Save me, Xu Qing, save me!¡± Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s body was grabbed by a large number of dead hands. His body was still wrapped in black hair and half of his body was at sea. He kept struggling but he was slowly sinking.


    Xu Qing sensed the state of his body. This was the first time he had used the projection power of the ancient bronze mirror. In his perception, this body was illusory and there was a considerable difference in strength between it and the main body.


    There were no shadow or storage bags. The three Heavenly Palaces in his body were also illusory. The Poison Restriction Pill, the Ghost Emperor Mountain, and the Purple Moon were all gone.


    Overall, his strength was only at three ordinary Heavenly Palaces Golden Core realm.


    ¡°Looks like the projection ability has flaws.¡± Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He then waved his right hand.


    Immediately, the black seawater in the surroundings rose, transforming into layers of large waves that swept toward Zhao Zhongheng, who was crying for help. Wherever they passed, the dead hands would collapse and the hair that was binding him would instantly shatter.


    Although his combat strength was inferior to his main body, with the cultivation of the three Heavenly Palaces, as long as he didn¡¯t step into the depths of the Corpse Forbidden, he could still deal with bizarre entities.


    At that moment, as the power of the howling sea spread out, Zhao Zhongheng broke free. His ship that was in the distance was also grabbed by Xu Qing.


    The hair that was coiled around it directly broke.


    Zhao Zhongheng was horrified by this scene.


    He naturally knew that Xu Qing was powerful. However, on one hand, the way Xu Qing appeared today subverted his thoughts. Moreover, he had experienced such a life-and-death situation. Hence, his mind was filled with endless waves.


    ¡°Xu¡­¡±


    ¡°Leave this place first. I¡¯ll go take a look at the other Alliance disciples too.¡± Xu Qing interrupted Zhao Zhongheng and threw the magic ship to Zhao Zhongheng.


    Zhao Zhongheng hurriedly nodded, his eyes revealing intense gratitude. After stepping onto the magic ship, he was about to speak when Xu Qing flicked his sleeve. Immediately, a huge force landed on Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s very ostentatious phoenix magic boat.


    Immediately, the magic ship rumbled and sped toward the outer perimeter of the Corpse Forbidden.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and he was about to head to the other areas to take a look. However, at that moment, his expression suddenly changed. He abruptly turned his head and looked into the depths of the fog with a solemn expression.


    His body suddenly retreated, wanting to leave.


    At that moment, earth-shattering fluctuations were erupting in the direction he looked at earlier. Accompanied by a terrifying aura and mournful roars, Xu Qing could sense that the seawater in the surroundings was churning. Streams of light appeared in the depths of the fog and were spreading in all directions.


    Those streams of light contained Dao charms, giving Xu Qing the feeling that they were like threads of Dao marks in the eyes of Nihility cultivators.


    ¡°Nihility!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart sank but he didn¡¯t panic. After all, this was only a projection clone.


    However, what made him even more solemn was the miserable laughter coming from the roars in the fog.


    ¡°Dead, they¡¯re all dead. They were all eaten¡­¡±


    ¡°Haha, all eaten. All chewed to pieces.¡±


    The voice contained madness and craziness. It was as though it had experienced a huge stimulation, causing the other party¡¯s mind to fluctuate to the extreme and hence go crazy.


    The instant this bitter laugh rang out, the fog exploded outwards and a figure suddenly rushed out while laughing crazily.


    This figure wasn¡¯t a human but a nonhuman. His entire body was covered in rotting scales, half of his head was gone, and his body was collapsing. His entire body emitted astonishing anomalous substances.


    Wherever he passed, large waves would rise on the surface of the sea. When the rumbling sounds soared into the sky, he collided with the waves.


    After he passed through the waves, he laughed bitterly. As though the injuries in his body couldn¡¯t be suppressed, he spat out blood and wailed at the sky.


    This scene was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. His pupils contracted. His clone couldn¡¯t withstand the pressure of the nonhuman cultivator and was collapsing.


    However, at this moment, the crying nonhuman cultivator suddenly turned his head. When he looked at Xu Qing, he lifted his right hand and grabbed at Xu Qing.


    In that instant, Xu Qing¡¯s collapsing clone involuntarily flew out and was grabbed by the nonhuman cultivator.


    ¡°A clone.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re all dead. All of them are dead¡­¡± The nonhuman cultivator laughed bitterly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression remained calm. At that moment, half of his body had already dissipated. It wouldn¡¯t be long before he disappeared.


    He looked at the nonhuman race with extremely dense anomalous substances all over his body and fell silent.


    As for the crazy nonhuman cultivator, he suddenly brought Xu Qing in front of him. His face was almost touching Xu Qing¡¯s when he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Did you see that?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll let you take a look. After that, you can go out and tell the people outside that He has woken up¡­ The emperor of the Corpse Forbidden is dead!¡±


    When these words entered Xu Qing¡¯s ears, his expression instantly changed. Before he could say anything, the crazy nonhuman used half of his head to ruthlessly slam into Xu Qing¡¯s face.


    The instant they collided, the scene formed by a memory directly surged into Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    In the scene was the core of the Corpse Forbidden, the endless bottom of the sea.


    That place was originally enveloped in black, but clearly, under the gaze of the nonhuman expert, the bottom of the sea could be seen clearly.


    There was a huge bronze door in the deepest depths.


    It was unknown how long this door had existed for but it was filled with the feeling of vicissitudes and the passage of time. At the same time, there was a huge figure kneeling in front of the gate.


    This figure was formed by countless corpses. Every corpse emitted a terrifying aura. After they were combined, the giant they transformed into gave off even more terrifying energy.


    Xu Qing only took a glance and felt that his mind was about to be unable to withstand it. Moreover, this was only the memory scene of the Nihility nonhuman he was looking at.


    He also saw a crown formed by purple bones on the giant¡¯s head, emitting an equally astonishing fluctuation. Clearly, it was a supreme treasure.


    The bronze door silently opened and a large golden hand slowly stretched out.


    It had golden skin and golden bones. Even its blood seemed to be golden. It had seven fingers and bone spikes that looked like barbed hooks!


    This large hand slowly stretched out and gradually arrived in front of the giant.


    The giant¡¯s entire body trembled and it didn¡¯t dare to dodge or lift its head. In the end, as it trembled, the golden hand moved around its body. After scattering the corpses, it grabbed a piece of black flesh from the giant¡¯s body.


    This black flesh emitted extremely dense divine fluctuations.


    The large hand grabbed the black piece of meat and slowly returned to the ancient bronze door. Gradually, the sound of chewing rang out.


    After that, the giant formed by countless corpses seemed to have lost its soul and support as its body collapsed.


    Corpses began to rot and finally transformed into a rotting mountain.


    The scene ended here.


    Xu Qing¡¯s clone completely collapsed under the intense impact of this scene, turning into countless light spots that were drowned by the black fog that was rolling over.


    The nonhuman also laughed bitterly as his body was enveloped by the fog.


    After a long time, the sound of chewing rang out from the fog, and it didn¡¯t dissipate for a long time.

 Chapter 493 - 493 Young Eagles Spread Their Wings

    493 Young Eagles Spread Their Wings


    On the ancient bronze mirror of the Sea Corpse Race.


    Xu Qing abruptly opened his eyes. His body was in turmoil and his internal organs were in extreme pain.


    He felt a sweetness in his throat and spat out a mouthful of blood that landed on the ancient mirror, turning into droplets that flowed out.


    When he lifted his head, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed shock.


    ¡°That giant formed by countless corpses is¡­ the emperor of the Corpse Forbidden?¡±


    ¡°It was eaten by the existence inside the bronze door.¡±


    The image of the golden arm stretching out from the bronze door appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. The divine feeling it emitted and the vastness that couldn¡¯t be looked at directly caused endless waves in his mind.


    He was very clear that the scene he was looking at was the memory of that nonhuman cultivator and not something he looked at directly.


    In other words, all of this had already undergone filtering. However, even so, Xu Qing¡¯s clone still directly collapsed. Even his main body was injured.


    He could very well imagine that the life level of the arm was extremely high.


    ¡°Another god¡­¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t need to guess to know the answer.


    He didn¡¯t know how many gods existed in this world.


    It was only after a long time that Xu Qing suppressed his churning emotions. He immediately used the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo magic treasure to contact his master and tell him everything he saw.


    After Xu Qing finished reporting, the bell chimes rang out from the Eight Sects Alliance very quickly. The Senate where the ancestors of the various sects were immediately held an emergency meeting.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know how the Eight Sects Alliance would deal with this matter in the future. At that moment, he had received a decree from Old Master Seventh that he couldn¡¯t probe the depths of the forbidden region but had to pay close attention to the outer edges.


    At the same time, he reminded him that if he felt that something was amiss, he could return immediately.


    Xu Qing could sense the severity of the situation from his master¡¯s words, so he agreed.


    As he recuperated, he locked the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo magic treasures at the edge of the Corpse Forbidden.


    He would pay attention at all times.


    The reaction of the Eight Sects Alliance was also very fast. In just two days, the Taboo magic treasures of the various sects of the Eight Sects Alliance were in an initiated state. They also sent the news throughout the Yinghuang Province that there might be a change in the Corpse Forbidden.


    As soon as this notice was released, the Yinghuang Province was in an uproar.


    The last time something similar happened was in the Spirit Sound forbidden region. Although a long time had passed since the calamity, it still existed in the records of the various forces.


    The tragedy back then was horrifying.


    The Eight Sects Alliance sent a team of experts. Led by the ancestors of two sects, they headed to the Corpse Forbidden to carry out their final investigation.


    During this investigation, the Eight Sects Alliance even invited the Sword Holding Court to participate as a witness.


    The matter was too serious. Not only was the Eight Sects Alliance paying attention, but the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect and the Litu Sect were also paying attention. After all, once there was a problem with the Corpse Forbidden, all the forces in the Yinghuang Province would be unable to avoid the calamity.


    The Sword Holding Court arrived as well.


    A Sword Holder Elder personally arrived.


    The group of them quickly entered the Corpse Forbidden. Xu Qing paid close attention through the Taboo magic treasure. After these people entered, waves of energy fluctuations rose in the Corpse Forbidden.


    The entire process didn¡¯t last long. In just half a month, the group from the Eight Sects Alliance returned.


    All of them had solemn expressions. It was the same for the Sword Holder Elder who had accompanied them as a witness.


    Very soon, the results of the investigation into the Corpse Forbidden were announced to the entire Yinghuang Province.


    There were indeed changes in the forbidden region. The Corpse Door had opened and the Corpse Emperor had died. However, the impact didn¡¯t spread too far and the seal had been strengthened again.


    As soon as this news was out, most of the small sects and forces in the Yinghuang Province heaved a sigh of relief. However, this wasn¡¯t the case for the large forces. On the contrary, they became even more vigilant. They also restrained their range of activity and were on guard.


    This was because although the content of the announcement was the truth, the investigation this time had found a clue.


    The Corpse Door of the Corpse Forbidden didn¡¯t open on its own, nor did it open from the inside. Instead, it opened from the outside.


    Moreover, even if the seal was strengthened, this seal could only be considered barely useful.


    A chaos would emerge from the Corpse Forbidden sooner or later.


    However, this shouldn¡¯t happen very soon. After all, the Eight Sects Alliance had discovered it in time. This also gave the Yinghuang Province time to prepare.


    However, who exactly opened the Corpse Door? This question became a haze that enveloped the minds of the various forces in the Yinghuang Province.


    Those who could open the Corpse Door were definitely not ordinary beings.


    Some people suspected Illuminate, but from the various clues, it didn¡¯t seem to be the case. Instead, this seemed to have been caused by an even more terrifying faction.


    All of this happened in half a month.


    Amidst the brewing storm, Xu Qing¡¯s three months of duty as a Treasure Bearer came to an end.


    Although there was an unforeseen event in the Corpse Forbidden and the Eight Sects Alliance became increasingly vigilant, it was mostly on the inside and they still appeared relaxed on the outside. Moreover, they still had to do what needed to be done. For example, the people going to Fenghai County this time to replace the garrison personnel.


    Hence, when Xu Qing returned, the Eight Sects Alliance had already completed the final confirmation of the name list for this trip to Fenghai County.


    This time, Purple Mystic Fairy would lead the team to the county capital.


    She would guard the branch sect for ten years.


    At the same time, the Peak Lord of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Fifth Peak was appointed as the sect master of the branch sect for ten years.


    Other than that, there were also some heaven¡¯s chosen disciples from the various sects who were going to be sent to the county capital to train there.


    This included Huang Yikun and Huang Lingfei from the Mystic Nether Sect.


    There was also Sima Ru, who had failed the Sword Holder Assessment.


    As for the Seven Blood Eyes, at the request of the First Peak¡¯s Peak Lord, Wu Jianwu¡¯s name was also added.


    It was as though he didn¡¯t like this disciple and wanted to send him far away. Out of sight, out of mind.


    Other than these, there were also dozens of disciples from the various sects. A small portion of them were Foundation Building cultivators, and most of them were Golden Cores. Xu Qing had never seen many of them before.


    After the name list was confirmed, on the third day after Xu Qing returned, a huge flying ship rose into the air from the Eight Sects Alliance.


    It didn¡¯t set sail immediately. Instead, it floated in the air as cultivators from the various sects arrived one after another.


    Moreover, Purple Mystic Fairy, who was leading the team, had yet to appear.


    Xu Qing stood on the flying ship and looked at the horizon. He held a small seal in his hand. This was a treasure the ancestor had promised him.


    Just as he was playing with the small seal, a rueful voice rang out from beside him.


    ¡°Little Qing, do you know how difficult it is to not be able to eat for three months! I won¡¯t think about the things of the Mystic Nether Sect anymore until my cultivation is high enough!¡±


    The captain sighed and walked to Xu Qing¡¯s side. He then let out a long sigh. Behind him was Wu Jianwu, who looked like he had survived a calamity.


    After not seeing him for three months, Xu Qing felt that the captain seemed to have lost weight. Wu Jianwu also looked haggard.


    However, the latter¡¯s cultivation base had clearly increased by a lot. Now, it had actually reached the level of four fires. This speed really surprised Xu Qing.


    However, when he thought of the other party¡¯s experience in the Demon Snake Secret Realm, Xu Qing felt that it was understandable for him to be able to accomplish this. After all, that place was specially designed for people to open their magic apertures.


    From the looks of it, it could be considered a blessing in disguise for Wu Jianwu.


    ¡°Did Purple Mystic Fairy do this on purpose?¡± Xu Qing suddenly had this thought.


    ¡°Three months of not being able to recite poetry, who knows torture of a hundred days!¡± Wu Jianwu placed his hands behind his back and looked at the sky. He sighed with emotion.


    ¡°If I became the Heavenly Emperor, I would definitely kill those who humiliated me!¡±


    Almost at the instant Wu Jianwu spoke, a cold snort rang out. Wu Jianwu¡¯s expression changed and his body trembled. He immediately revealed a fawning expression.


    The captain was the same. He instinctively moved closer to Xu Qing.


    This was because Purple Mystic Fairy had arrived.


    She arrived with Lord Fifth of the Seven Blood Eyes. The latter was respectfully following behind her.


    The long purple dress on Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s body made her look like a blooming redbud.


    After stepping into the flying ship, she smiled at Xu Qing and didn¡¯t say anything else. She then entered the cabin with Lord Fifth. Next, Lord Fifth wanted to report the arrangements to her.


    Lord Fifth wasn¡¯t a male cultivator but an old woman.


    However, in the Seven Blood Eyes, everyone addressed the Peak Lords as Lords.


    Before entering the cabin, she glanced at Xu Qing and the captain with a smile on her face.


    Wu Jianwu retracted his neck and heaved a sigh of relief.


    The captain looked at Wu Jianwu with disdain.


    ¡°Look at your cowardly appearance. What are you afraid of?!¡±


    ¡°You are more afraid than me, every time you cry in your heart!¡± Wu Jianwu rolled his eyes at the captain. His poetry skills were a little worse than before. Clearly, he hadn¡¯t practiced for three months.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and Wu Jianwu before taking a few steps back to maintain a distance.


    At the same time, he looked at the people who had arrived outside the flying ship. After these disciples from the various sects boarded the ship, their expressions were filled with anticipation but they weren¡¯t lacking in vigilance.


    After all, this trip was basically the longest journey in the lives of most people. They weren¡¯t sure what would happen on the way and what would happen when they arrived at the county capital.


    Amidst their uncertainty, their gazes instinctively landed on Xu Qing and the captain with respect.


    This was because in the unknown county capital, Xu Qing and the captain were different from them. They were going to the branch sect while Xu Qing and the captain were going to report for duty.


    To a certain extent, their job was more to serve the Sword Holders of the Alliance. At the same time, if they caused any trouble in the county, they would need the Sword Holder to resolve it.


    As such, their status and identity began to change the moment they stepped onto the ship.


    Although there were stupid people, there were very few of them in this group.


    They naturally saw the future clearly.


    Hence, very soon, as everyone arrived and the cultivators of the Eight Sects Alliance watched from the ground, this ship that carried over a hundred people rumbled into the distance.


    Old Master Seventh looked up at the ship with blessings in his eyes.


    ¡°Hope everything goes well.¡±


    ¡°Why? Can¡¯t bear to part?¡± Xue Lianzi sat beside Old Master Seventh and smiled.


    ¡°After all, it¡¯s too far. However, it¡¯s good to go out and train more when young.¡± Old Master Seventh smiled.


    ¡°Besides, the Yinghuang Province might not be peaceful in the future. It¡¯s good to leave it.¡±


    ¡°Corpse Forbidden¡­¡± Xue Lianzi¡¯s expression was solemn as he looked in the direction of the Corpse Forbidden.


    ¡°Have you found out who it is?¡±


    ¡°All the clues point to¡­ the Holy Wave Race in the large region of Holy Wave where our Fenghai County is located!¡± Old Master Seventh said softly.


    ¡°The rulers of the Holy Wave Region who betrayed the human race and formed their own clan, attached themselves to the Black Heaven Race and are extremely cruel to our human race, the Holy Wave Race.¡±

 Chapter 494 - 494 Miss Five-Finger

    494 Miss Five-Finger


    The Yinghuang Province extended along the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain. The sky in the north was covered in dark clouds.


    Amidst the waves of lightning and black clouds, it was as though the world had become one color at this moment. It was oppressive, like a huge cage.


    No living beings inside could escape from this cage and could only silently endure the oppressiveness.


    Heavy rain cascaded down, engulfing the ground and stirring up clouds of fog-like water vapor that spread in circles from the ground to the surroundings, invading everything.


    In this torrential rain, a huge flying ship that was 30,000 feet long was whistling forward.


    Its speed was so fast that it left sonic booms in its path.


    From afar, it looked like an azure dragon swimming in the sky.


    Especially when its shape was similar to a dragon.


    At the bow of the ship, there were two long dragon whiskers that fluttered in the wind. They shone with a dim light that was probing the surroundings.


    In the flying ship, Xu Qing was dressed in a purple Daoist robe with golden embellishments. His hair was tied up with a light reddish-white streamer. He was looking into the distance through the rain with his hands against the railing of the ship.


    His vision was hazy. Right now, the entire world seemed to have been split open from the primordial chaos and was boundless.


    Looking at this scene from afar, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of insignificance.


    This reminded Xu Qing of the ancient bronze door he had seen in the Corpse Forbidden and the existences in other areas he had spied on through the Taboo magic treasure.


    They seemed to have parasitized this world and all living beings became nutrients for them.


    It was disgusting.


    Xu Qing sighed softly and retracted his thoughts.


    It had been half a month since they left the Eight Sects Alliance.


    In this half a month, other than cultivating, he spent most of his time standing on the bow and looking into the distance. He felt some special feelings about this long trip.


    There was anticipation, melancholy, and other complexity.


    The anticipation was because he would start a new life in an unfamiliar place next. He had walked from a corner of the Nanhuang Continent to the Seven Blood Eyes and then to the Yinghuang Province. The place he was going to now was a place that ordinary people wouldn¡¯t be able to reach in their entire lives.


    The capital of a county.


    The melancholy was because¡­ of Mount Morning Glow.


    He yearned to reach it immediately and was also nervous about seeing the graves with his own eyes.


    These emotions intertwined and became complex.


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    After a long time, he looked at the small seal in his hand. This item was only the size of a fingernail and was completely black. There were some ferocious beast patterns carved on it and they were very exquisite.


    He had completely studied and understood the small seal the ancestor had given him in this half a month.


    This was a powerful weapon that mainly focused on killing. Once it was used, it possessed the ability to cause massive damage.


    However, he could not activate it directly with his Golden Core cultivation. He needed to nurture it for a long time before he could instantly activate it..


    The nourishment was finished in this half a month. The moment he kept it after playing with it, someone walked out of the cabin and came to Xu Qing¡¯s side.


    ¡°Greetings, Lord Fifth.¡± Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed.


    The person who came was an old woman. She was the Peak Lord of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Fifth Peak. She wore a green robe and had an aged face. Her hair was gray but her eyes were very bright.


    The old woman looked at Xu Qing and smiled.


    She acknowledged this disciple who had brought much glory to the Seven Blood Eyes from the bottom of her heart. Looking at Xu Qing, she seemed to be able to see the future of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Hence, she tried her best to look gentle.


    It was just that after many years of studying yin formations, she naturally emitted a coldness, so much so that even her smile contained a gloominess.


    ¡°Your heart isn¡¯t calm.¡±


    The old woman looked into Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. She could sense that there seemed to be waves in the heart of this disciple in front of her.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°In a person¡¯s life, there will always be farewells, long journeys, and uncontrollable emotions. Outsiders can¡¯t help you with this. Only you can help yourself by trying to understand it. You¡¯re still young. Treat this journey as taking a look at the foreign customs.¡±


    ¡°There are 13 provinces in Fenghai County, and the Yinghuang Province is located in the southernmost part. Next, we¡¯ll pass through four provinces and reach the capital of Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°The situation in each province is also different. Although the human race is the main race, there are also many nonhuman races.¡± The old woman smiled, still exuding heavy gloominess.


    ¡°Lord Fifth, will this journey take eight months?¡± Xu Qing cupped his fists and thanked the old woman for her comfort before asking softly.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I came to tell you about this.¡±


    ¡°This time, we will borrow the help of seven public teleportation points, three unusual paths, and three months of desert flight before we reach the capital. Calculating the time, it should be exactly eight months. For the sake of safety, keep the route a secret.¡±


    After saying that, the old woman patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Xu Qing, before we came, the ancestor and your master told me that when we reach the county capital, if there¡¯s anything you need me to do, just let me know. I¡¯m not good at fighting, but I¡¯m good at killing with arrays.¡±


    The gloominess contained in the smile of Lord Fifth was even more obvious at this moment, revealing a bloody intent.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised. The style of the Seven Blood Eyes had always been like this, and the directions of the two extremes of the Dao of array formations were different. Clearly, Lord Fifth was good at evil array formations and focused on killing.


    ¡°Thank you, Lord Fifth.¡± Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed.


    At the same time, when the torrential rain scattered down on the human world, a person in a straw rain cape stood beside an isolated grave in the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.


    He silently stood in the heavy rain, allowing the rain to fall on his body.

 Chapter 495 - 495 Miss Five-Finger (2)

    495 Miss Five-Finger (2)


    As the rain connected the world with the curtain, he slowly lifted his head and looked at the flying ship that had left.


    Under the bamboo hat, his eyes emitted a faint golden light.


    That was a manifestation of divinity.


    An intense killing intent churned in this person¡¯s heart. However, just like his aura, it wasn¡¯t revealed at all. There were no energy fluctuations from his body at all.


    He stood there as though he had fused with his surroundings and couldn¡¯t be sensed.


    ¡°Yun¡¯er, it won¡¯t be long before I can help you achieve your wish of killing that person.¡±


    The person in the straw rain cape lowered his head and looked at the lone grave in front of him. He then spoke softly in a hoarse voice.


    The words on the gravestone in front of him were a little blurry in the wind and rain, but upon closer inspection, one could still faintly see a line of words on it.


    The grave of beloved son, Shengyun.


    There was no corpse in the grave. This was a cenotaph.


    After a long time, the person in the straw rain cape walked in the direction the flying ship had left in¡­


    Time slowly passed just like that.


    The flying ship Xu Qing and the others were on flew past the Immortal Enrichment River and the northern ice plain. It crossed the border of the Yinghuang Province and stepped into the territory of the Quzhao Province.


    Unlike the Yinghuang Province, Quzhao Province didn¡¯t have a sea, so regardless of the weather or temperature, it didn¡¯t contain humidity. Cultivators who lived in the Yinghuang Province all year round would feel a little dry here.


    However, after a simple adaptation, this feeling would quickly disappear.


    There were many mountains in Quzhao Province. At the same time, there were many more nonhuman races here than in the Yinghuang Province.


    On the way, just as Lord Fifth had said earlier, Xu Qing indeed saw many cultures and customs. These peculiar races and their customs allowed him to have a better understanding of the myriad races.


    For example, at this moment, the flying ship they were on was flying on a colorful plain.


    The plains below seemed to have a very special geology, so the colors were mixed.


    Looking down, the plains seemed to be pieced together by different colors. At the same time, a green patch of the plains that was about 100,000 feet vast suddenly blurred.


    Xu Qing noticed this scene and his eyes narrowed as he observed carefully.


    Very soon, a scene that shocked him appeared.


    That blurry green area actually sat up from the ground!


    This wasn¡¯t a plain but a green robe. It was too big and spread out on the ground.


    If someone who didn¡¯t know its true body passed by, they would think that this greenery was a part of the plains.


    However, in reality, this was a huge piece of clothing.


    Almost at the same time it sat up, the other colors on the plains also sat up one by one. Some even rose into the air and approached the flying ship.


    They were all clothes. There were robes, pants, hats, and gloves.


    There were all sizes of clothes on the huge plain, and probably no less than a million.


    Right now, only a small portion floated out. They surrounded the flying ship and continued to circle it as it moved forward.


    These clothes seemed to have ranks. Some were luxurious, some were solemn, and some were like commoners or guards. However, there were no bodies wearing them.


    They were just clothes.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn. The captain also ran out of the cabin and arrived beside him. He looked at those clothes with a surprised expression.


    ¡°Could it be that there¡¯s a Nether Fairy here too?¡±


    When the others on the flying ship saw this scene, they were all vigilant.


    Purple Mystic Fairy also walked out of the cabin. Looking at those clothes, the corners of her mouth curled into a smile as she greeted a princess dress in front of the flying ship.


    The two sleeves of the princess dress flicked and it bowed like a human. After that, it ignored the flying ship¡¯s barrier and floated in.


    When it arrived in front of Zi Xuan, it actually hugged her.


    After that, a divine sense spread out, as though it was exchanging pleasantries with Zi Xuan. They seemed to know each other.


    Outsiders couldn¡¯t hear the details and Xu Qing¡¯s mind was also filled with wonder. When he continued to pay attention, it was unknown what Zi Xuan said to the princess-dress but the princess-dress actually turned around and seemed to be looking at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and cupped his fists.


    Very soon, more clothes flew over from the ground below.


    Among them, some of the maids¡¯ clothes even carried some spirit fruits. They ignored the flying ship¡¯s protective barrier and floated in. After they put the spirit fruits on the flying ship, they didn¡¯t leave immediately. Instead, they curiously flew around everyone.


    From their previous actions and auras, one could sense that they didn¡¯t have any ill intentions.


    Some gloves flew in front of Xu Qing. They were of various styles and most of them were slender. After circling around him and realizing that he didn¡¯t pay attention to them, they flew toward the captain.


    The captain curiously sized them up and even poked them.


    Not long later, Zi Xuan and the princess dress finished exchanging pleasantries. The princess dress flicked her sleeve and the clothes on the flying ship instantly flew outside and surrounded the flying ship.


    They escorted the flying ship out of this plain, and made a gesture of cupping their fists to bid farewell.


    It was only when they couldn¡¯t see any traces of the clothes that everyone on the flying ship heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡°The Cloth Race is one of the large factions in the Quzhao province. I didn¡¯t expect Fairy to know them.¡± The old woman from the Fifth Peak sighed with emotion.


    Purple Mystic Fairy smiled lightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m old friends with the eldest princess of their race. When I was young, we went out to travel together. Back then, she always wanted me to wear her but I rejected her.¡±


    ¡°Senior, um¡­ what will happen if you wear it?¡± The captain¡¯s heart skipped a beat when he heard this. He placed his right hand behind his back and couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    Xu Qing blinked. He saw the captain¡¯s right hand behind him wearing a black glove made of gauze material.


    It was one of the gauze gloves that had surrounded him earlier. At some point in time, the captain had worn it.


    Zi Xuan cast a meaningful glance at the captain and calmly spoke.


    ¡°After wearing it, you will forcefully form an ancient contract with them. The flesh covered by them will belong to them from then on.¡±


    The captain heaved a sigh of relief and lifted his right hand to look at the glove on it.


    ¡°I see. That¡¯s nothing much. Since it¡¯s your friend¡¯s race, Purple Mystic Fairy, let this be a gift to them.¡± As the captain spoke, he bit his wrist.


    Under the strange gazes of everyone on the flying ship, the captain bit off his wrist.


    Throughout the entire process, his expression didn¡¯t change at all. Clearly, he was used to it. After biting his wrist off, he took the gloved broken hand and threw it out of the flying ship. He even smiled and waved his left hand.


    ¡°Goodbye. I¡¯ll come and play with you when I have time in the future.¡±


    The gloved broken hand floated outside the flying ship and actually waved goodbye to the captain. With some reluctance, it slowly left.


    ¡°Can you imagine that my right hand is bidding farewell to me?¡± The captain looked at Xu Qing with a rueful expression.


    Xu Qing tacitly agreed. The surrounding people didn¡¯t know what to say either.


    This scene caused Wu Jianwu¡¯s eyes to widen, revealing a strange glint as he felt an urge to recite poetry.


    ¡°In ancient times, a large snake broke its tail and ran home after eating it.¡±


    ¡°Today, Erniu bit off his hand and got Miss Five-Finger as a friend.

 Chapter 496 - 496 Hell Port (1)

    496 Hell Port (1)


    On the third day, the captain¡¯s hand grew back. It was as good as new and there was no abnormality at all.


    After Xu Qing paid attention, he gained a more accurate understanding of the captain¡¯s growth speed.


    ¡®It takes three days for the broken limbs to regenerate, half a month for the lower body, and a month for everything below the head.¡¯


    Xu Qing realized that with this knowledge, he could make a better tactical arrangement with the captain when they went out to do big things.


    After the captain experienced this, his interest in the nonhuman races seemed to have increased greatly. Hence, in the following days, he looked down from the flying ship like Xu Qing.


    When Wu Jianwu saw this scene, he pondered seriously. It was unknown if he wanted to increase his poetry level but he also joined in.


    As time passed, after two teleportations, the group left Quzhao province.


    On the way, Xu Qing saw more cultures. The captain also obtained more information about the nonhuman races, and Wu Jianwu¡¯s harvest was also very great.


    His poem finally returned to its previous peak and even improved a little.


    ¡°The world transforms myriad beings, control the world to refine the sword heart!¡±


    Wu Jianwu stood amidst the strong wind and laughed loudly, his voice echoing in all directions.


    ¡°Fool.¡± The captain curled his lips.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about Wu Jianwu¡¯s madness. At that moment, he lowered his head and looked down. A storm was sweeping across the ground here. Countless trees were being bent, as though they would be lifted at any moment.


    This was a unique climate in Yunfeng Province.


    Different from the Yinghuang Province and Quzhao Province, the Yunfeng Province was surrounded by violent winds almost all year round. As a result, the various forces here were better at speed and had their own unique ways to train their bodies.


    Also, the wind here was different during the day and at night.


    The wind during the day was violent, and the night wind was cold. Moreover, there were many bizarre entities.


    There were nonhuman races, and a lot of mutated beasts.


    Right now, Xu Qing saw over a hundred giants thousands of feet tall on the land filled with storms.


    These giants were naked and their bodies emitted a stench that even the wind couldn¡¯t disperse.


    They all had gray skin, red eyes, blackish-yellow teeth, and didn¡¯t seem to have much intelligence.


    Some were running, some were sitting, and some were fighting each other like wild beasts.


    He also saw many giants carrying cages made of tree bark.


    Many living beings of the myriad races were imprisoned in those cages, and most were on the verge of death.


    These were the giants¡¯ food. Some giants threw them into a crude stone platform and used a huge pestle to crush them into minced meat before eating the paste.


    ¡°They are cloud beasts from Yunfeng Province. They don¡¯t have much intelligence and are like wild beasts. They can¡¯t be killed completely and are born naturally in the world.¡± Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s voice entered Xu Qing¡¯s ears.


    Her figure had appeared beside Xu Qing at some point in time.


    The familiar fragrance entered his nose but Xu Qing didn¡¯t dodge. He was already a little used to it.


    On the way, Purple Mystic Fairy was mostly in closed-door cultivation in the cabin and rarely went out. At that moment, she was standing beside Xu Qing. She no longer had the posture she had when she was alone with Xu Qing but was a little more upright.


    Xu Qing hurriedly greeted. The captain and Wu Jianwu also quickly lowered their heads.


    However, the two of them had different thoughts.


    Wu Jianwu was filled with reverence.


    As for the captain, he thought to himself that Purple Mystic Fairy knew how to play. She was sometimes coquettish, sometimes flirtatious, and sometimes dignified. Who could stand this?


    Little Qing, you have to work hard!


    At the thought of this, he gave Xu Qing an encouraging look.


    Xu Qing ignored him. He didn¡¯t think as much as the captain.


    ¡°The flesh of these cloud beasts have a special use. It¡¯s the designated ship ticket. The two of you go down and kill one each.¡± Zi Xuan smiled and said.


    Xu Qing nodded when he heard this. With a sway of his body, he headed straight for the ground.


    The captain blinked and immediately flew out. After he got close to Xu Qing, he winked and transmitted his voice.


    ¡°Little Qing, I think you have to consider my suggestion back then!¡±


    Xu Qing was puzzled.


    ¡°Submit to Purple Mystic Fairy.¡± With that, the captain sped up and left.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain¡¯s back but didn¡¯t speak.


    The two of them quickly landed on the ground one after another.


    The combat strength of those giants on the ground wasn¡¯t very high and they completely relied on their bodies. Most of them were only comparable to two to three life fires Foundation Building cultivators. Only four to five of them emitted qi and blood fluctuations that were similar to Golden Cores.


    To Xu Qing and the captain, killing prey of this level was simple. Very soon, Xu Qing appeared in front of a giant with the combat strength of a Golden Core.


    This giant was pounding the stone platform strongly. After sensing the danger, it lifted its head and roared at Xu Qing before grabbing at him.


    Compared to this giant, Xu Qing was like an ant.


    However, in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, this giant with a huge body was the ant.


    He didn¡¯t dodge at all and collided with the giant¡¯s palm. In an instant, the giant let out a blood-curdling scream and the back of his right hand exploded.


    Xu Qing passed through it and headed straight for the giant¡¯s glabella. After he got close, he pressed down on it.


    Terrifying magic power spread out from his body and spread through the giant¡¯s glabella, destroying all life force.


    At the next instant, the giant¡¯s entire body trembled and it landed on the ground. As a loud bang rang out, the captain had also completed his kill. A Golden Core giant also fell to the ground.

 Chapter 497 - 497 Hell Port (2)

    497 Hell Port (2)


    However, the two of them didn¡¯t put away the giant¡¯s corpse immediately. Instead, they looked into the distance at the same time and their eyes gleamed.


    In the direction they looked, two longswords whistled over from the storm.


    Their might was astonishing as they broke through the storm and arrived instantly. However, their target wasn¡¯t Xu Qing and the captain but the other giants.


    In the blink of an eye, as the flying swords swept out, three giants let out blood-curdling cries. Their bodies trembled as the flying sword pierced through their chests, exterminating their vitality.


    At the same time, two figures whistled over from the storm.


    These two people, a man and a woman, were both wearing white robes with a cape on their backs. Under the dim sky, there seemed to be dark fire on their robes, so their arrival was like two lumps of fire.


    Xu Qing recognized their clothing at a glance. They were none other than the Sword Holders.


    He had even seen the male cultivator before.


    The captain also recognized him.


    The other party was none other than the Sword Holder who had chased after the Golden Core old demon when Xu Qing and the others were patrolling the Immortal Enrichment River.


    At that time, the other party knew that the Golden Core old demon wasn¡¯t completely dead and deliberately gave Xu Qing and the captain a chance to pick the corpse.


    At that moment, the two Sword Holders rushed out of the storm and headed straight for the giants. After they kept the giant¡¯s corpses that they had killed, they looked at Xu Qing and the captain.


    There was no communication between them. The two Sword Holders nodded at Xu Qing and the captain before turning to leave, entering the storm again.


    Xu Qing had never seen the female Sword Holder before. He noticed that the other party was carrying a seven or eight-year-old girl on her back.


    This little girl wasn¡¯t a human. There were two slowly squirming tentacles between her glabella and a black strap that covered her eyes and was tied behind her head.


    She silently lay on the woman¡¯s back as though she was asleep.


    After watching the two Sword Holders leave, Xu Qing glanced at the captain. The captain then spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°They aren¡¯t the Sword Holders of the Yinghuang Province.¡±


    Xu Qing could tell this as well. After all, during the Sword Holder Assessment back then, all the Sword Holders from the Yinghuang Province were present. Although there were many of them, he had observed all of them.


    ¡°They should be doing some missions.¡± As Xu Qing spoke, he kept the giant he had killed. As for the other giants here, they had already scattered and fused into the wind, disappearing without a trace.


    Xu Qing took a look and quickly rose into the air under the captain¡¯s urging, returning to the flying ship in the storm.


    Not long later, the flying ship left and traversed the storm. After flying for more than half a month, they finally arrived at the first transit station in the Yunfeng Province at dusk.


    Xu Qing only had a rough idea of the route of this trip and didn¡¯t know the details. Everything was planned by Purple Mystic Fairy and Lord Fifth.


    For everyone¡¯s safety, this plan was a secret. Other than Xu Qing and the captain, the others probably didn¡¯t even know about it.


    From the sky, this transit location looked more like a chaotic market.


    There were many mud huts that protected them from the storm. There were many cultivators from all races.


    Among them, there were also some black-clothed men with many earrings on their ears and malicious ghosts tattooed on their faces.


    These people walked in the city square. Wherever they passed, all the foreign cultivators would be on guard.


    ¡°This is the territory of the Ghost Mark Sect. The Ghost Mark Sect is one of the large factions in the Yunfeng province. They rear malicious ghosts and their spells are sinister.¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s voice echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. This was a voice transmission only directed at him.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he took a few more glances at those men in black.


    From the tattoos on their faces, he could faintly sense some obscure fluctuations. They were somewhat similar to the deviant ghosts he had seen in the ghost cave.


    Their arrival attracted the attention of the cultivators.


    However, as Purple Mystic Fairy alighted from the flying ship, everyone in the market fell silent. The pressure that belonged to Nihility caused the expressions of those men in black to change.


    There were also a few men in black who immediately came over and respectfully welcomed them, sending them to the inn in the market.


    ¡°Rest for a night. Tomorrow, the night and day will alternate. The moment dawn breaks, a ghost ship will come to Hell Port. We¡¯ll borrow the ghost ship to move forward.¡±


    ¡°The marketplace here will become a ghost lane at night. If you don¡¯t have the ability, don¡¯t go out recklessly.¡±


    In the inn, Purple Mystic Fairy calmly spoke. After she finished speaking, she walked into her room. The others also suppressed their curiosity about ghost lane and the ghost ship Zi Xuan had mentioned and returned to their respective rooms.


    ¡°Hell Port? What¡¯s a ghost ship?¡± The captain stood beside Xu Qing and asked curiously.


    Xu Qing shook his head. His curiosity wasn¡¯t that strong but he was a little interested in the ghost lane that Purple Mystic Fairy had mentioned.


    This reminded him of the market he had visited in the Phoenix Forbidden.


    Night soon fell. As the whimpering wind outside continued to echo, Xu Qing, who was cultivating cross-legged in the inn¡¯s room, had a change in expression.


    He could sense that at that instant earlier, the aura outside seemed to have reversed yin and yang, alternating between life and death. He had experienced this scene before and wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with it.


    Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes. After pondering for a moment, he walked to the window.


    Standing there, he pushed open a gap and looked outside.


    The appearance of the market outside had changed drastically.


    Countless ghosts and monsters floated on the streets. They had all kinds of sinister appearances, like a night parade of a hundred ghosts.


    At the same time, many stores appeared, selling items needed by the dead.


    In the distance, in the center of the market, there were a large number of iron chains that bound a large foot.


    This huge foot floated in the air. Its entire body was green and it looked sinister. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed the moment he saw it.


    He had a faint feeling that this green foot seemed to come from the same source as the monk¡¯s head he had seen in the Phoenix Forbidden¡¯s ghost market.


    ¡°It was dismembered and scattered in different ghost lanes?¡± Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He simply pushed open the window and leaped out.


    Previously, he had seen many good things at the ghost lane but he couldn¡¯t afford them. Ever since he came to the Yinghuang Province, he had killed many people. Although he didn¡¯t deliberately gather the heart blood, he had quite a lot of souls that could also be used as a currency.


    Xu Qing felt that he could go take a look again.


    However, in order to avoid the trouble caused by the shadow last time, Xu Qing didn¡¯t let the shadow cover him this time. Instead, he activated the Third Heavenly Palace, causing his entire body to be filled with the aura of the Poison Restriction Pill.


    Only then did he enter the ghost market and blend into the ghosts.


    Time flowed by and Xu Qing¡¯s journey in ghost lane was very smooth. He bought many ghost poison items.


    Seeing that it was close to the break of dawn that Purple Mystic Fairy had mentioned, Xu Qing was about to return. However, not long after he walked out, when he passed by a store, a faintly discernible voice rang out from the store.


    The ghost lane was silent, so the faint sound of singing was quite conspicuous.


    The voice didn¡¯t feel out of place and fused with the market.


    ¡°The previous life is not here, but the afterlife is always here. I cut off the lovesickness and drew the mortal world¡­¡±


    The instant this song entered Xu Qing¡¯s ears, he stopped in his tracks and abruptly turned his head to look.

 Chapter 498 - 498 The Hell Path

    498 The Hell Path


    The place where the singing came from was a dark store.


    The shopkeeper was a multi-eyed ghost. It floated above the store and its entire body was covered in eyes.


    As Xu Qing stared at it, half of the multi-eyed ghost¡¯s eyes looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care and walked over. He looked at a small bronze bottle among the many items on the ground.


    ¡°Sound-catching bottle.¡±


    Xu Qing immediately recognized it.


    He had once obtained a sound-catching bottle. Later on, he used that bottle to capture the tune of the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts and used it to attract the giant pulling the sun¡¯s carriage, finally obtaining Golden Crow Refines All Life.


    However, under the pressure of the giant, the sound-catching bottle had shattered.


    The singing voice came from the bottle.


    Xu Qing fell silent for a while. He then pointed at the sound-catching bottle and looked at the multi-eyed ghost. After that, he threw out a pouch that contained a portion of the souls.


    After the multi-eyed ghost caught it and checked, all its eyes narrowed as though it was thinking. Very soon, it shook its head.


    Xu Qing glanced at the ghost in front of him.


    He knew that most of the ghosts and monsters in the market were greedy, so he threw out another leather pouch. However, this time, there was a hint of coldness in his eyes that was clearly warning the other party.


    Perhaps it was because there were enough souls, or perhaps it was because of the coldness, the multi-eyed ghost nodded after some thought.


    Xu Qing picked up the sound-catching bottle and covered it. As the sound of singing disappeared, he turned and left.


    After returning to the inn, Xu Qing looked at the small bronze bottle in his hand as he waited for the dawn to break. A deep sense of doubt rose in his mind.


    ¡°This voice is indeed the voice of the woman in the pentagonal wooden hut in the ghost cave.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious that someone used a sound-catching bottle to store her voice¡­¡±


    Xu Qing recalled the scene in the ghost cave back then. As the woman sang, the divine eye in the depths of the ghost cave slowly closed.


    He didn¡¯t know if this song was only targeted at that god or if this voice itself contained some unfathomable power that could make gods close their eyes.


    However, no matter what, Xu Qing felt that it was very worth it to buy this sound-catching bottle.


    Not long later, as the departure time was about to arrive, footsteps rang out from outside the room. Xu Qing kept the small bottle and tidied his clothes before pushing open the door and walking out.


    Most of the disciples of the Eight Sects Alliance were gathered in the inn, but the captain wasn¡¯t around.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised. Others might hesitate about the ghost lane but the captain definitely wouldn¡¯t be able to hold it in.


    However, it was obvious that going to the county capital was the most important thing in the captain¡¯s mind. Hence, just before the departure time, the captain entered in a hurry from outside. His eyes were still filled with excitement as he arrived beside Xu Qing.


    ¡°Little Qing, did you go to the ghost lane? Let me tell you, there are good things there.¡±


    Xu Qing was about to speak when his expression changed at the next instant. All the disciples in the inn were the same.


    An astonishing pressure spread out from outside the inn.


    This pressure emitted an indescribable coldness, causing the people in the inn to feel as though they were caged in eternal ice. There was also a great fear that rose uncontrollably in everyone¡¯s minds.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with this feeling. The first time he encountered bizarre entities, he had a similar feeling.


    At the same time, during the three months when he became a Treasure Bearer, he felt similar things from the depths of the forbidden zones when he gazed through the Taboo magic treasure.


    Just as everyone¡¯s minds were trembling, Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s figure walked out of the inn¡¯s room and arrived at the inn¡¯s entrance in one step. She lifted her hand and gently pushed forward.


    As the door of the inn opened, everything outside¡­ was different from what Xu Qing had seen when he returned earlier.


    The ghost lane was still there, as was the normal market.


    It was as though white and black, yin and yang had appeared at the same time. The two markets overlapped and turned blurry.


    Amidst this blurriness, a black ship that was thousands of feet long silently appeared from the void and floated in the sky.


    This black ship was riddled with holes and was extremely dilapidated. The sails on it were also tattered, revealing the aura of decay and age. At the same time, it also carried an extremely dense aura of death.


    Its arrival brought forward an icy oppression that seemed capable of freezing everything.


    This was a ghost ship.


    It stopped in mid-air, as though this market was a port. It would stop here for a short time and wait for the people who wanted to board it.


    ¡°Get on the ship!¡± Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s voice calmly rang out. With a step, she directly stepped into the sky and entered the gloomy ghost ship.


    Xu Qing and the captain looked at each other and took a step forward at the same time, heading straight for the sky. The others also braced themselves and flew up. Very soon, the group from the Eight Sects Alliance stepped on the ghost ship.


    As they stepped in, the cold feeling became even more obvious. The dilapidation of this ghost ship was also reflected clearly in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    More than half of the deck had rotted, and many places were filled with holes. In fact, the stern of the ship was so dilapidated that it looked like it was about to disintegrate. There were no signs of any ghosts in this ghost ship.


    However, the gloominess here was extremely intense.


    Xu Qing also discovered that it wasn¡¯t just the Eight Sects Alliance who boarded the ship. There were dozens of cultivators in the city square who chose to board the ship at this moment. Among them, Xu Qing saw the two Sword Holders he had seen on the way.


    After the two of them stepped onto the ghost ship, they also looked at Xu Qing and the captain.


    They were both surprised to see each other again. The two Sword Holders nodded at Xu Qing and the captain but didn¡¯t say anything else and walked into the cabin.


    The cabin was also decaying.


    Xu Qing entered the cabin and saw that everyone had found a place to sit down. Purple Mystic Fairy and Lord Fifth were also meditating not far away.


    Hence, he found a corner where he could see everything and sat down. The captain surveyed the surroundings and chose to sit beside Xu Qing.


    ¡°Where there¡¯s a ghost lane, there¡¯s a ghost ship.¡± Zi Xuan¡¯s voice rang out in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    This time, it didn¡¯t just appear in his mind. Xu Qing noticed that the captain and the other Alliance disciples were all looking at Purple Mystic Fairy, who was sitting not far away.


    ¡°As for the ghost ship, it¡¯s the most common phenomenon in the Wanggu Continent. It can bring people to travel far away. Its speed far surpasses that of an ordinary flying ship. After all, the flying ship flies in the air, while the ghost ship moves between life and death.¡±


    ¡°A place with death is equivalent to pulling a rope for it that allows it to pass through.¡±


    ¡°In the next month, we will ride this ghost ship across the land. You guys must remember that after the ghost ship starts moving later, you can¡¯t open your eyes this month.¡±


    ¡°This is a taboo on the ghost ships.¡± As Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s voice echoed, everyone nodded.


    ¡°Xu Qing, Chen Erniu, the two of you, take out the cloud beasts¡¯ flesh and place them on the deck outside the cabin. That¡¯s our ship tickets.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and stood up with the captain to walk outside the cabin. They then took out the two cloud beast giant corpses and placed them outside. The two Sword Holders also did the same. They threw out a portion of the flesh here.


    The other people did the same as well.


    After doing all this, Xu Qing returned and discovered that the captain was still outside.


    ¡°Xu Qing, go and drag him back.¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy calmly spoke. On the way, she was like this in front of others. Only when there was no one else would she reveal a strange gaze at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing felt that this was more comfortable. At that moment, he turned around and went to search. He saw the captain outside an entrance to the warehouse on the deck.


    The captain¡¯s expression was filled with deep curiosity. He was squatting there and probing, as though he wanted to go down and take a stroll. When he noticed Xu Qing¡¯s arrival, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Little Qing, there¡¯s a treasure in this ghost ship that can speed up our cultivation. I heard a voice summoning me just now, wanting to exchange it for some items!¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks. After some thought, he squatted beside the captain and lowered his head to take a look.


    ¡°Deceit?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a high chance that they want to lure me down, so I¡¯m wondering if I should find an opportunity to do something.¡±


    The captain grinned. This was what he admired the most about Xu Qing. The two of them didn¡¯t need to explain much to understand each other¡¯s meaning.


    ¡°Not now. When we reach our destination, we can take a look at the situation.¡± Xu Qing thought about it and transmitted his voice.


    ¡°Alright. Otherwise, if there¡¯s really a problem, it¡¯ll be troublesome if this ghost ship doesn¡¯t take us with it.¡± The captain nodded and the two of them returned to the cabin.


    The moment they stepped in, Purple Mystic Fairy glared fiercely at the captain.


    ¡°Nihility ghosts are sealed in the ghost ship. If you want to die, go and die by yourself.¡±


    The captain felt a little aggrieved. Hence, he looked at Xu Qing bitterly. It was clearly decided by the two of them together¡­


    Xu Qing lowered his head and sat cross-legged at the side, pretending not to see the captain.


    Not long later, just as the first rays of the sun were about to appear, this ghost ship suddenly trembled and began to blur.


    Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s voice also entered the minds of the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s disciples at this instant.


    ¡°Close your eyes!¡±


    Everyone instantly closed their eyes.


    As he closed his eyes, Xu Qing could sense that the vibrations of the ghost ship were becoming increasingly intense, as though it was shuttling back and forth.


    Very soon, the first rays of the sun appeared between heaven and earth, and this ghost ship also disappeared from the sky. The overlapping ghost shop on the marketplace on the ground dissipated, and the marketplace returned to normal.


    As for the ghost ship, the cold intent grew stronger and stronger as the ship continued to move. The surroundings were even more silent, and only the trembling of the ship continued.


    Although Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were closed, the shadow transmitted a scene in his mind.


    On the scene was the dilapidated cabin of the ghost ship.


    Everyone had their eyes closed. Only the captain¡­ stuck an eye out of the shirt on his chest and observed his surroundings.


    This eye was very bizarre and carried a hint of blue light, emitting malevolence and gloominess. It seemed to have fused with the surrounding atmosphere like a ghost eye.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised. He controlled the shadow to look at the place where the flesh was piled outside the cabin. Very soon, he saw countless shadows there. These shadows all had red eyes and fought for the flesh madly.


    Occasionally, when they were biting, they would turn their heads and greedily look at everyone in the cabin.


    The cruelty and malevolence emitted by them were extremely obvious, but they restrained themselves from entering the cabin.


    In the end, a few of them hesitated for a long time after they finished eating. It was as though they couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore and chose to crawl into the cabin and drift around in front of everyone.


    When they passed by Purple Mystic Fairy, one of them silently disappeared. Another one disappeared when they passed by Lord Fifth.


    Another one appeared in front of Xu Qing and sniffed his face. The red light in its eyes intensified and it opened its mouth. However, at the next instant, as Xu Qing took a breath, this ghost suddenly trembled and was directly sucked into Xu Qing¡¯s mouth, suppressed in the Heavenly Palace.


    There was also a ghost floating at the captain¡¯s side, staring at his ghost eye. After noticing that its companions had disappeared in the surroundings, this ghost was clearly terrified. Just as it was about to leave, the captain¡¯s ghost eye transformed into a large mouth at the next instant.


    It swallowed the ghost. After that, it transformed back into its eye form as though nothing had happened and even winked at Xu Qing.


    Outside the cabin, a large number of ghosts were still fighting for food, not paying attention to the deaths of their companions in the cabin.


    A long time later, as the last piece of flesh was eaten, these ghosts slowly drifted on the ghost ship. They controlled the ghost ship like ship workers, causing its speed to increase by a lot.


    It shuttled toward the pitch-black netherworld in front of it.

 Chapter 499 - 499 Eyes of the Twilight Race (1)

    499 Eyes of the Twilight Race (1)


    It was pitch-black outside the ghost ship, with the only thing present being the endless chill.


    Through what the shadow saw, Xu Qing looked at the hell-like void outside the ghost ship. He suddenly recalled the terrifying saying of the great terrors that countless cultivators feared when they advanced to the Foundation Building realm.


    When a cultivator attempted advancing to the Foundation Building realm, it was as though they had become a bright lantern which attracted the existences from another world.


    For example, the little mute back then had failed at this stage and had been possessed.


    If it wasn¡¯t for Xu Qing, he would probably have been completely destroyed.


    At that moment, the darkness outside the ghost ship gave Xu Qing the feeling that it was that world.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. The passage of time here wasn¡¯t obvious. It seemed to be an instant or a long time until an intense light suddenly emerged in the darkness.


    This light carried heat and spread over a large distance. As it tore through the darkness, it also reflected a dazzling desert from the torn hell.


    At the next instant, the ghost ship directly rushed into the desert. The instant it shuttled in, the ghost ship¡­ disappeared.


    Everyone on the ship immediately felt the pulling gravity.


    ¡°You can open your eyes now.¡±


    As Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s voice rang out, the disciples of the Eight Sects Alliance opened their eyes one after another. What greeted their eyes was a burning desert.


    An endless sea of fire spread in all directions. The sky distorted because of this and the red sun in the sky emitted an astonishingly high temperature as well.


    The sun here was clearer and larger than what Xu Qing could see in the Yinghuang Province.


    It was as though the sun was directly above this desert.


    Or rather, this desert¡­ was the area closest to the sun.


    The ghost ship couldn¡¯t exist here, so it disappeared.


    With a wave of Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s hand, a flying ship that was like an azure dragon appeared, causing everyone to land inside one after another.


    The flying ship bore the scorching sun and shuttled through the sea of fire, moving forward rapidly.


    As for the other passengers on the ghost ship, they also had their own methods. The two Sword Holders took out magic artifacts that looked like hats. They didn¡¯t rise into the air but tunneled into the ground and disappeared.


    ¡°This is the last leg of the journey. After flying across this desert for three months, we will arrive at the capital of Fenghai County.¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy spoke softly.


    Amidst the scorching sun, her voice was like a clear spring, causing everyone¡¯s minds to relax a lot.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and a strange glint appeared in his eyes. Although the experiences on this journey were brief, he saw many things.


    This increase in knowledge and experience was something that couldn¡¯t be provided by the Yinghuang Province.


    The vastness of the world seemed to have opened a corner for him.


    There were nonhuman races in this desert.


    Half a month later, as the flying ship moved forward and an extinguished area appeared on the ground. Green smoke rose from the area.


    As the green smoke curled into the air, they actually formed the outlines of humanoid figures.


    Although they were still blurry, one could roughly see that there were men and women, old and young.


    It was like a race living a normal life.


    There was even a semblance of a city in places with dense green smoke.


    Xu Qing and most of the other disciples found this scene unbelievable. Only the captain seemed to be used to it and didn¡¯t find it strange.


    While they were staring at the race formed by the smoke, many of the figures formed by the green smoke lifted their heads and looked at the flying ship in the sky.


    This scene caused Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s expression to turn solemn, and for the first time, she floated out of the flying ship and bowed to the smoke city.


    ¡°Human cultivators of the Yinghuang Province, here to escort our Alliance¡¯s Sword Holders to the county capital. Please forgive us for passing through your territory.¡±


    After Purple Mystic Fairy cupped her fists, Xu Qing also cupped his fists. All the other disciples also bowed to the ground solemnly.


    The smoke below churned and a large number of smoke figures appeared.


    They looked at the flying ship and seemed to be in deep thought. Very soon, they cupped their fists and returned the greeting.


    Purple Mystic Fairy heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡°This is the Smoke Race, and it¡¯s also the most difficult race to deal with on this journey. They don¡¯t care about the vast majority of human forces, but they revere the Sword Holder.¡±


    ¡°This race was born under the scorching sun and are natural assassins. Their figures can fuse all auras and are incomparably bizarre. You guys will have to be more careful when you encounter them in the future. Don¡¯t easily become enemies and try your best to form good relations with them.¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy reminded.


    Xu Qing nodded and looked at the smoke city on the ground behind him, firmly memorizing the characteristics of this race.


    Xu Qing and the others saw many strange races on the way.


    A month later, the color of the desert changed. It was no longer yellowish-red but slowly crystallized¡­


    This formed a reflection. The light of various colors intertwined. Although it was gorgeous, it was extremely dazzling. If one¡¯s cultivation base wasn¡¯t enough and looked at it for a long time, they would be blinded.


    The flying ship looked like it was shuttling through a sea of light.


    Here, Xu Qing saw the two Sword Holders again.


    Clearly, this part of the desert was the destination of these two Sword Holders. At that moment, the two of them were fighting against invisible existences in the sea of light on the crystallized land.


    Sword light flowed in all directions, and the sound waves were astonishing. Waves of spell fluctuations spread out.


    Beside them was the nonhuman girl who had been lying on the back of the female Sword Holder. At this moment, the black bandage on the little girl¡¯s eyes had been removed. She was looking straight at the sun that could burn everything.

 Chapter 500 - 500 Eyes of the Twilight Race (2)

    500 Eyes of the Twilight Race (2)


    Her eyes were filled with light and seemed as though they could absorb sunlight, causing her eyes to become brighter and brighter.


    The two tentacles on her forehead were also swaying, weaving runes one after another that fused into her eyes.


    However, this process clearly couldn¡¯t be interrupted, so the two Sword Holders were protecting her.


    What stopped her from absorbing the sunlight was some invisible existence.


    They seemed to have fused with the light. One could only see that the light circulating around them was more intense and distorted frequently.


    ¡°That¡¯s a light monster!¡± On the flying ship, Purple Mystic Fairy slowly spoke when she saw this scene.


    ¡°When light gains intelligence, they turn into light monsters. Most of them appear in places with dense sunlight. In reality, they are light, so they are very difficult to deal with or kill. They will only dissipate when night falls.¡±


    When Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s voice rang out, the two Sword Holders on the ground were clearly no match for the light monsters and suffered injuries. It seemed like they had underestimated the difficulty of this mission.


    Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    The captain also looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Senior, this person helped us before. Disciple wants to go down and help.¡± Xu Qing bowed to Purple Mystic Fairy.


    ¡°Do you need my help?¡± Purple Mystic Fairy asked gently.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother and I are enough. If we¡¯re not their match, we¡¯ll have to trouble Senior,¡± Xu Qing said calmly. After Purple Mystic Fairy nodded, his body swayed and he left the flying ship.


    The captain coughed.


    ¡°Actually, Senior can make a move now¡­¡±


    Purple Mystic Fairy glared at the captain. The captain shrunk his head and hurriedly flew out. He followed Xu Qing and headed straight for the ground.


    Noticing the two¡¯s arrival, the two Sword Holders who were fighting revealed grateful expressions. Among them, the male Sword Holder whom Xu Qing and the captain had seen in the Yinghuang Province quickly spoke.


    ¡°Thank you, Fellow Daoists. There are more light monsters than what we usually encountered in the past. Please help us protect this Twilight Race kid.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and arrived at an extremely fast speed. As soon as he landed, he sensed a hint of killing intent surging toward him from the sea of light in front of him. Its speed was astonishing.


    A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. As the poison pill in the third Heavenly Palace shook, the intent of the Poison Restriction spread throughout his body.


    At the next moment, a mournful cry rang out from the sea of light in front of him. After that, one could see a beam of light turning pitch-black and rapidly dissipating.


    This scene caused the eyes of the two Sword Holders to light up. The captain¡¯s side also progressed smoothly. A blue light flashed on his body and in an instant, endless cold intent spread out.


    This coldness was extremely terrifying. Wherever it passed, there would only be darkness and no light. It was as though this coldness could freeze the light.


    Light was frozen.


    After being frozen, it couldn¡¯t flow or move, so the surroundings naturally turned pitch-black.


    It had to be said that here, the captain¡¯s terrifying ice power surpassed Xu Qing¡¯s.


    The addition of the two of them reduced the burden on the two Sword Holders. Very soon, the crisis here was slowly resolved. The light monsters in the surroundings also felt that they were difficult to deal with and dispersed one after another.


    ¡°Thank you, Fellow Daoists!¡±


    The two Sword Holders¡¯ cultivation levels were at the three palaces Golden Core Realm. At that moment, although they were grateful toward Xu Qing and the captain, they couldn¡¯t help but be vigilant.


    This was instinct.


    In this world, if one didn¡¯t have this instinct, they would die early.


    Among the two of them, the one who had seen Xu Qing and the captain in the Yinghuang Province was filled with shock.


    He had seen heaven¡¯s chosens and outstanding talents before, but he remembered that these two people in front of him were only in the Foundation Building realm back then. Now, they were actually on par with him. Moreover, from their attacks, it was obvious that they were even stronger.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t thanked you for giving us the treasure back then. It was just a casual act today.¡± Xu Qing cupped his fists and returned the greeting as he spoke seriously.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Moreover, my junior brother and I are also Sword Holders. When we see other Sword Holders, we naturally have to help.¡± The captain laughed and pointed out his and Xu Qing¡¯s identities.


    Upon hearing this, the two Sword Holders¡¯ expressions turned serious and they each took out their command swords.


    Xu Qing and the captain also took out theirs. The four command swords shone with resplendent light. When the two Sword Holders saw this scene, they clearly relaxed and their vigilance was greatly reduced.


    ¡°I¡¯m Chen Tinghao. This is my beloved, Sun Liying. Thank you very much for this. Looks like we were a little careless when we accepted this mission.¡±


    Chen Tinghao sighed with emotion. After that, he took out a jade slip and handed it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you guys half of the military credits for this mission. Don¡¯t refuse. This is how we Sword Holders interact. We¡¯re comrades!¡±


    Hearing this, Xu Qing and the captain didn¡¯t refuse. After taking the jade slip, the four of them chatted while waiting for the Twilight girl to absorb the sunlight.


    Chen Tinghao and Sun Liying learned that Xu Qing and the captain were going to the county to report for duty. At the same time, Xu Qing and the captain also understood the other party¡¯s mission this time.


    The Twilight Race was one of the rare allies of the human race.


    Their talent was to use their eyes to absorb sunlight and then they could sell their eyeballs in an area without the sun.


    This time, Chen Tinghao and Sun Liying had accepted a mission to escort this little girl here to absorb the sunlight because the sunlight here was the densest.


    Not long later, the girl finished absorbing. She closed her eyes again and put on the black ribbon. She was much exhausted and weakened, and was carried on the back of Sun Liying.


    Because they were also returning to the county capital, under Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s invitation, the two of them chose to board the flying ship with them.


    On the flying ship, Chen Tinghao and Sun Liying greeted Purple Mystic Fairy respectfully.


    Purple Mystic Fairy also expressed her welcome. She hoped that Xu Qing could make more friends with the Sword Holders before he entered the county capital.


    However, her cultivation level was too high. If she stayed here, the pressure on Chen Tinghao and Sun Liying would be extremely huge. Hence, after she welcomed them, she returned to the cabin. Before she left, she smiled and asked Xu Qing to entertain them as the host.


    They communicated happily.


    Hence, as the flying ship moved toward the county capital, Chen Tinghao returned the favor and introduced the county capital in detail to Xu Qing and the captain.


    ¡°The county capital is the core of Fenghai County. Basically, the large forces in every province have established branches in the county. However, they are at the bottom of the entire county capital system and can be considered sixth tier. The fifth tier above them is the various government offices of the county.


    ¡°Above them are the three major forces and a family in Fenghai County. They are the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect, the Primordial Lightning Lineage, the Blood Frost Sect, and Marquis Yao¡¯s Dao Residence!¡±


    ¡°Among them, Marquis Yao¡¯s Dao Residence is the most special. The ancestor who founded the family was one of the 36 heavenly marquises of our human race in the past. He was bestowed the word ¡®Dao¡¯ by the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether. Only then could they continue to use the name Dao Residence in their name.¡±


    Chen Tinghao¡¯s voice gradually rang out as the flying ship sped.


    They were getting closer and closer to the county capital.

 Chapter 501 - 501 Large Bird Qingqin

    501 Large Bird Qingqin


    Lord Fifth had told Xu Qing some things about the county capital. However, after all, it wasn¡¯t as intuitive as what the Sword Holders in the county knew.


    Through Chen Tinghao¡¯s description, Xu Qing gained a deeper understanding of the forces in the county capital.


    For example, there were many forces who established their branches in the county capital like the Eight Sects Alliance.


    These sects were overlords in their respective provinces but here, they had no choice but to lower their heads.


    This was because above them were the three major sects.


    These three major sects could be said to be the three strongest sects in the entire Fenghai County. That was why they could build their main sects in the county capital.


    ¡°There are many disciples from the three major sects in the Sword Holding Palace, so to a certain extent, the three major sects are almost one with the Sword Holding Palace. They fully support any decision of the Sword Holding Palace. This is also the survival way of our three major sects in Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°The two of us are disciples of the Primordial Lightning Lineage.¡± Chen Tinghao smiled.


    Under his explanation, Xu Qing also understood the foundation of the Yao Residence. As a powerful aristocratic family, it could be said that they were an absolute influential class.


    ¡°Although Heavenly Marquis Yao died back then, the foundation he laid still exists. Even though the Yao family has been expelled from the Grand Imperial Capital Region, it is still a towering tree in Fenghai County that is on par with the three great sects.¡±


    ¡°However, compared to the entire county, the three major sects and the Yao family can only be considered the fourth tier.¡±


    ¡°There are two great nonhuman races above the three sects. They are in the third tier.¡±


    Chen Tinghao had a straightforward personality, especially when he was talking to Xu Qing and the captain, who were also Sword Holders. It was as though the moment he knew that they were Sword Holders, he instinctively let down his guard against the two of them.


    This was completely different from when Xu Qing was in the sect.


    ¡°The two great nonhuman races are the Holy Demon Race and the Quasi-Immortal Race!¡±


    At the mention of the two nonhuman races, Chen Tinghao¡¯s expression turned a little gloomy.


    Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s gazes also narrowed slightly. Lord Fifth clearly knew something about them. However, to the other disciples of the Eight Sects Alliance, this information was something they didn¡¯t know in the past.


    ¡°After the two fellow Daoists go to the county capital, you must be careful of these two races.¡± Sun Liying who was sitting beside Chen Tingmao played with her hair and spoke softly.


    ¡°Among them, the members of the Holy Demon Race were born with two faces, one at the front and other at the back. They look strange but at the same time, their schemes go deep.¡±


    ¡°As for the Quasi-Immortal Race, they are similar to the human race but are extremely arrogant. Their characteristic is that their hair and brows are white. Even their pupils are the same. They have terrifying combat strength.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and remembered the characteristics of these two races. Chen Tinghao sighed.


    ¡°These two great nonhuman races are the strongest races in Fenghai County other than our human race. Under the balance and compromise of the county governor, we are barely able to coexist peacefully, but the conflict is gradually increasing.¡±


    ¡°However, the situation is still manageable for now. After all, the Holy Wave Race in the Holy Wave Large Region where our Fenghai County is located is covetous of the only place in its territory that isn¡¯t under their control.¡±


    ¡°There are internal and external troubles!¡± The captain suddenly spoke.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, internal troubles and external troubles.¡± Chen Tinghao punched his leg.


    ¡°In the capital, the two great nonhuman races are filled with ambition. Outside the capital, the Holy Wave Race¡¯s intention to annex it has never been extinguished. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the afterglow of the human race is still there, Fenghai County would have been devoured long ago.¡±


    ¡°Our human race only has one region and seven counties. We can¡¯t lose any more territory.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He had heard of and felt the afterglow of the human race before.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about these. When you reach the county capital, you can experience it yourself.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s continue the talk about the forces in the county capital. In the county capital, there are three palaces that belong to the second tier. They are the Sword Holding Palace, the Observance Palace, and the Law Palace!¡±


    ¡°Our Sword Holding Palace controls everything related to battles; battle with foreign races and arresting criminals.¡±


    ¡°As for the Observance Palace, it is in charge of rites, etiquette, education, announcing the emperor¡¯s imperial decree, and inspection. It also has the responsibility of recording the history of our human race.¡±


    ¡°As for the Law Palace, they are in charge of the trial and the rules of law. They have their own law-enforcement cultivators. They have the right to monitor everything related to the rules.¡±


    ¡°The human race has the Upper Mystic Five Ministries and the Lower Mystic Nine Ministries. However, Fenghai County has its county system, so it has only been equipped with the three ministries for many years. These three palaces are all from the Upper Mystic Ministries.¡±


    Xu Qing knew that the status of the Sword Holding Palace was definitely extremely high in the county. When he heard that the Sword Holding Palace belonged to the second tier, it matched his judgment. As for the first tier above the three palaces, he could guess who it was.


    ¡°The first tier is the county governor!¡± Chen Tinghao¡¯s expression was solemn.


    ¡°It¡¯s rumored in the external world that the county governor is indecisive and has an overly soft personality. He often compromises. However, in reality¡­ in the hearts of us Sword Holders, other than the Palace Master, the person we respect the most is the county governor.¡±


    ¡°For the past 800 years, the county governor has guarded Fenghai County. Although he didn¡¯t make any contribution to the expansion of the territory, he has balanced the situation inside and outside and is conscientious. As a result, Fenghai County is still in the hands of our human race. The 13 provinces of Fenghai County are still intact, unlike the other six counties that are gradually losing their territories.¡±


    Chen Tinghao took a deep breath and looked at Xu Qing and the captain.


    ¡°In the past 800 years, the county governor has encountered a total of 47 assassinations¡­¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his expression changed. The captain also took a deep breath.


    Chen Tinghao sighed softly and didn¡¯t continue talking about the county governor. Instead, he told Xu Qing and the captain about the many customs in the county. Just like that, time flowed by and a month and a half passed.


    As the desert gradually became sparse, a green land was slowly reflected in the eyes of everyone in the flying ship.


    The ground was covered in plains and there weren¡¯t many mountain ranges. Moreover, the anomalous substances here were also thin. The spiritual energy here was clearly much denser than in the other areas.


    Even the sky was clearer and brighter.


    Xu Qing stood at the bow of the ship and looked at all of this. A sense of transparency rose as he saw the many cities on the ground.


    In a place directly below the ship, he could see the people there. They had smiles on their faces and they looked full of hope.


    This was rare in the other provinces where the mortals would have to struggle to survive.


    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± Chen Tinghao smiled.


    ¡°Here, we can use the teleportation array of any place to head outside the county capital. There¡¯s a public teleportation point not far ahead. We can go there.¡±


    Chen Tinghao pointed into the distance. Xu Qing looked over and his eyes suddenly gleamed with a sharp light.


    The captain raised his brows, and the other disciples in the surroundings also revealed solemn expressions.


    In the direction Chen Tinghao was pointing at, a gray cloud suddenly appeared in the sky. The range of these clouds was extremely large, almost enough to cover a city.


    At that moment, the gray cloud was moving rapidly. One could vaguely see a large bird in the clouds.


    This large bird looked extremely strange. It had three heads and each of them looked sinister and savage.


    Its stomach was very large and its wings were very small. The fur on its body gave off a chaotic feeling but there were astonishing divinity fluctuations being emitted by it.


    Its claws seemed to be holding something that couldn¡¯t be seen clearly.


    At that moment, it was approaching the flying ship. Wherever it passed, it would stir up a storm, transforming into a tornado that connected heaven and earth. Its aura was powerful and vast.


    ¡°It¡¯s Senior Qingqin!¡± Chen Tinghao was stunned.


    ¡°Senior Qingqin is a friend of the previous county governor. 800 years ago, when the previous county governor returned to the Imperial City, he invited him. However, he didn¡¯t go over but lived in Fenghai County and would fly out occasionally. He is a prehistoric mutant and his bloodline can be traced back to the ancient sovereign¡¯s era. It¡¯s said that his ancestor once followed the ancient sovereign.¡±


    The instant Chen Tinghao finished speaking, a mournful cry rang out from the person in the bird¡¯s claws.


    ¡°Save me, save me. I¡¯m a Sword Holder. I got 600-foot-long light during the heart inquisition!¡±


    The voice was tragic and filled with intense fear. Xu Qing felt that it was a little familiar, while the captain¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this Ning Yan? Why is he being treated as food?¡±


    Xu Qing naturally saw him as well. He chose to ignore Ning Yan, who had attacked him before. However, when Chen Tinghao heard Ning Yan¡¯s words, he hurriedly rose into the air and cupped his fists and bowed to the large bird as he spoke loudly.


    ¡°Sir Qingqin, please calm down. Can you wait for me to investigate if this person is really a member of my Sword Holder? If so, please be magnanimous¡­¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Chen Tinghao strangely. It was the same for the captain. He then looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡®He doesn¡¯t know him, but wants to help just because the other said ¡®Sword Holder¡¯?¡¯ The captain didn¡¯t say this but Xu Qing had already understood the meaning of his gaze. Hence, he fell into deep thought.


    ¡°You guys will be the same in the future.¡± Sun Liying seemed to have guessed what Xu Qing and the captain were thinking and spoke softly. After that, she rose into the air and stood beside Chen Tinghao, also greeting the large bird.


    The captain immediately became vigilant. He felt that perhaps the other Sword Holders were like this. However, if he encountered danger and reported ten feet of light, no one might come to save him. Hence, he didn¡¯t speak much on the way, afraid that others would ask about the length of his light.


    At that moment, Purple Mystic Fairy also walked out of the cabin and stood beside Xu Qing, staring at the sky warily.


    In the sky, as Chen Tinghao¡¯s Dao companion greeted, the large bird circled in the air. Its three heads and six eyes swept across the flying ship, as though it was confirming something.


    After that, it released its claws.


    Ning Yan let out a blood-curdling cry as his body fell. Chen Tinghao immediately caught him. When he brought him back to the flying ship, the large bird in the sky let out an unpleasant caw. After that, it spread its small wings and flapped them as it carried the gray cloud away.


    ¡°Why do I feel like it glanced at me just now?¡± The captain was surprised.


    Wu Jianwu also nodded rapidly at the side. A hint of trance appeared in his eyes as he thought to himself.


    ¡°I feel that it¡¯s looking at me. Could it be that¡­ it sensed the aura of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether from me?¡±


    Xu Qing was also pondering.


    At that moment, Chen Tinghao grabbed Ning Yan tightly and was about to ask about his identity. Ning Yan, who was still in a state of shock, immediately saw the captain and Xu Qing.


    His eyes instantly widened and his body trembled. He struggled again, as though he didn¡¯t want to step on the ship.


    Chen Tinghao was a little surprised and looked at Xu Qing and the captain.


    ¡°You guys know each other?¡±


    ¡°I do. This little fellow is a Quasi-Sword Holder from our Yinghuang Province.¡± The captain smiled and emphasized the word ¡®quasi¡¯.


    Chen Tinghao smiled and let go, tossing Ning Yan onto the ship.


    Xu Qing coldly glanced at Ning Yan.


    Ning Yan trembled even more. He also felt grief and indignation in his heart. It wasn¡¯t easy for him to reach this place, but as soon as he arrived, that large bird grabbed at him for no reason.


    Now that he was out of danger, he actually encountered Xu Qing, who would seek revenge for the smallest grievance.


    Just as he was feeling incomparably nervous, he saw Purple Mystic Fairy and his eyes instantly revealed an intense glint. He suddenly ran over and knelt down with a plop, speaking loudly.


    ¡°Ancestor, I¡¯ve finally found you.¡±

 Chapter 502 - 502 Pawn

    502 Pawn


    Ning Yan¡¯s sudden kneeling surprised everyone.


    Purple Mystic Fairy glanced at him indifferently, as though she was used to such actions.


    ¡°Mystic Nether Sect?¡±


    ¡°Ancestor, you¡¯re wise. I¡¯m a cultivator of Mystic Nether Sect. When I was in the sect, I admired the sect ancestor of the 3,700 Mystic Nether Sects of the Yinghuang Province.¡±


    The captain had a strange expression. Xu Qing frowned and recalled the specialness of the Mystic Nether Sect.


    Due to the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, there were many Mystic Nether Sects. Sects of all sizes would call themselves the Mystic Nether Sect if they had even a slight connection to the ancient sovereign.


    For example, back at the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain, Xu Qing and the captain had seen a Mystic Nether Sect.


    This Ning Yan was clearly from a similar sect. After all, Purple Mystic Fairy knew very well if he cultivated the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s cultivation arts. Hence, thinking of the greeting, she nodded and let him travel with them.


    Ning Yan panicked. He didn¡¯t want to be on the ship but he didn¡¯t dare to refuse. He could only bite the bullet and hide at the edge of the corner, not daring to look at Xu Qing. He felt uneasy, like a bird startled by the twang of a bow.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over and prepared to settle the score with the other party when there was no one around.


    However, the captain¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint. He walked over and circled the nervous Ning Yan a few times. He looked interested as he asked.


    ¡°Kid, there¡¯s something wrong with you. You were toyed with by the large bird but you didn¡¯t die. Your injuries aren¡¯t very serious either.¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Chen, my bloodline showed atavism when I was young and the power of my bloodline is protection,¡± Ning Yan hurriedly explained.


    When the captain heard this, he licked his lips and laughed. He went up and hugged Ning Yan¡¯s neck as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be afraid of Xu Qing. I¡¯m his eldest senior brother. You should have heard those rumors about Xu Qing being extremely respectful to me when you were at the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, right? Let me tell you, that¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°In the future, you just have to listen to me. You¡¯re my brother, so you¡¯re Xu Qing¡¯s brother. What¡¯s the most important thing between brothers? Friendship, right?!¡±


    Ning Yan didn¡¯t dare to say no and hurriedly nodded.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain. He felt that this scene was a little familiar, as though he had seen it on someone before. As such, he glanced at Wu Jianwu at the side.


    Wu Jianwu was also stunned. He thought of his previous encounter and looked at Ning Yan sympathetically.


    The captain was hoodwinking Ning Yan as the flying ship moved forward. It wasn¡¯t far from the teleportation point Chen Tinghao had suggested.


    That place was actually the last teleportation location on the route of the Eight Sects Alliance.


    ¡°After this teleportation, we¡¯ll arrive at the county capital. Xu Qing, I just asked my good friends in the palace here¡­ Only now did I know that you actually got a 100,000 feet long light!¡±


    Chen Tinghao looked at Xu Qing in shock. Previously, he had gone out on a mission and hadn¡¯t returned for a long time, so he only learned of this when they entered the range of the county capital.


    ¡°There are still many things I don¡¯t understand. If I do anything inappropriate in the future, I hope Brother Chen can remind me.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was sincere as he cupped his fists.


    ¡°Naturally. Xu Qing, your light is unprecedented in Fenghai County. Do you know what this means?¡± Although there was envy in Chen Tinghao¡¯s eyes, there was no hint of jealousy.


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°It means that you¡¯re the one who can be trusted the most. It means that you¡¯re very upright and it will be of great help when you take up your post.¡± Chen Tinghao sighed with emotion.


    ¡°Post?¡± Xu Qing knew that he was going to be arranged to take up a post but he didn¡¯t understand the details. Hence, he asked.


    ¡°According to the rules, new Sword Holders have to serve in the county capital for three years before they can go out. You will be arranged to take up a post after you take the oath.¡±


    ¡°The military contributions obtained from different posts are different, so they are very important.¡±


    ¡°After all, to us Sword Holders, everything is related to military contributions!¡±


    ¡°Among the many posts in the Sword Holding Palace, it is the easiest to obtain military contributions in patrolling, inspection, and other related departments. There¡¯s also information and law enforcement. However, the opportunities for those in internal affairs to obtain military contributions are fewer.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also a special post where you can obtain more military contributions. However, that place never recruits new Sword Holders, and veterans can¡¯t apply either. All the Sword Holders in that post are specially recruited by the Palace Master¡¯s decree.¡±


    Chen Tinghao¡¯s eyes revealed fascination.


    ¡°The person has to have an extremely clean background and a pure mind to be qualified.¡±


    Xu Qing was a little curious and looked at Chen Tinghao.


    ¡°That¡¯s a Pawn!¡±


    ¡°Pawn?¡± Xu Qing was stunned.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, a Pawn. A Pawn of the Prison Department. You¡¯ll know when you reach the county later. One of the greatest characteristics of the county capital is the Myriad Races Prison!¡±


    Chen Tinghao smiled and there was a hint of pride on his face.


    ¡°The people imprisoned by the Prison Department are all the ferocious people of the myriad races and bizarre entities from ancient times until now. That place is the largest prison in the entire Fenghai County. Most of the prisoners there are people who have killed countless beings. They are extremely savage but even their expressions will change when they hear about the Pawns.¡±


    ¡°Because all the people from the Prison Department claim that they are just a pawn.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, there was the term ¡®Pawn¡¯. They intimidate all evil.¡±


    At this point, the fascination in Chen Tinghao¡¯s eyes deepened and turned into desire.


    ¡°My sect¡¯s past ancestor was specially recruited by the Palace Master as a Pawn. Unfortunately, he died in the line of duty many years ago.¡±


    At this point, Chen Tinghao shook his head.


    ¡°However, Xu Qing, you can¡¯t go to the Prison Department. Although the Pawns are special, you¡¯re even more special. A Sword Holder with 100,000 feet long light will definitely be respected by everyone. Maybe the next time I see you, I¡¯ll have to give you a Sword Holder salute.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the distant. Actually, he wasn¡¯t particularly concerned about taking up a post. After coming to the county capital, he looked at everything here and the complexity in his heart grew stronger and stronger. Hence, he spoke softly.


    ¡°Brother Chen, is Mount Morning Glow here?¡±


    ¡°Mount Morning Glow?¡± Chen Tinghao glanced at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Mount Morning Glow is in Morning Glow Province which is one of the three provinces closest to the capital. That place has long become the trial ground of my Sword Holding Palace and outsiders aren¡¯t allowed to enter. If a Sword Holder wants to go there, they have to spend a certain amount of military contributions.¡±


    ¡°The military contributions required aren¡¯t small because that place was the resting place of an ancient sun. At the same time, it¡¯s also the place where the sun fell. From time to time, streams of light will overflow from the long river of time and shine there.¡±


    ¡°Every stream of light before the sun fell contains Dao runes. They are also top-grade materials for refining weapons and pills. There are very few of them and every time they appear, they will be recorded.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He looked calm but there were intense fluctuations in his mind. This was the first time he knew about Mount Morning Glow in such detail.


    Chen Tinghao didn¡¯t ask Xu Qing why he was interested in Mount Morning Glow. Instead, he reminded him.


    ¡°If you want to go to Mount Morning Glow, you have to accumulate military contributions well.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    Not long later, the flying ship arrived at the location of the teleportation array. As Purple Mystic Fairy walked out and the flying ship was put away, more than a hundred cultivators landed on the ground one after another.


    On the ground, there was an ancient teleportation array in the shape of an altar. Its range was very large and its entire body was grayish-black. One could see long marks intertwining and flickering with light.


    There were Sword Holders guarding the surroundings. They clearly knew Chen Tinghao very well as they greeted him happily. A few of them even hugged him.


    Their emotions allowed Xu Qing to have a better understanding of the Sword Holders.


    Very soon, under the arrangement of these Sword Holders, the group of people from the Eight Sects Alliance walked into the teleportation array. Under the shockingly vast light, they completed the last teleportation of this trip.


    When they appeared, they were already outside the county capital!


    An astonishingly huge statue was reflected in everyone¡¯s eyes the moment their figures appeared.


    It was a statue of Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether. It was astonishingly vast, as though it could support the world.


    Compared to it, everyone was like dust. In fact, if an ordinary person lifted their head, they wouldn¡¯t be able to see everything about the statue.


    It stood on the ground with the sky above its head. The clouds only reached its waist and it required the cultivators to focus extremely before they could barely see it in its entirety from afar.


    The statue¡¯s hands were raised as though it was embracing the world. Between the statue¡¯s hands was a majestic floating city.


    That was the county capital.


    The size of this city was several times larger than the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s city cluster. There was endless light inside that transformed into a sea of light.


    There were three smaller palaces floating around it.


    Although they were smaller than the city, any one of these palaces would occupy an extremely vast area on the ground.


    Xu Qing was shocked when he saw the three palaces and the city.


    However, what caused even greater waves in his mind was the ground.


    Directly below the floating capital, under the feet of the ancient sovereign¡¯s statue, the ground was as smooth as a mirror. Under the mirror¡­ was a super large prison built underground.


    The mirror-like ground above the prison was translucent. If one stood high in the sky and lowered their head, they would be able to see that there were many layers underground, like an abyss.


    That place was the Prison Department that Chen Tinghao had mentioned earlier, the largest prison in Fenghai County!


    In the air between the prison and the floating city was a huge ancient bronze sword.


    This sword was vast and majestic. The sword light it emitted was resplendent and could be seen in all directions.


    The character ¡®Ôª¡¯ was engraved on the body of the sword. It was a Sword Holder¡¯s sword.


    The sword slowly rotated, emitting an indescribable terrifying pressure.


    It guarded the capital while suppressing the prison!


    This wasn¡¯t the end. There were some buildings on the ground that attracted the attention of everyone from the Eight Sects Alliance.


    They were the pentagonal sword pavilions built around the prison!


    These Sword Pavilions were arranged in circles and in an extremely orderly manner. However, their heights varied. The tall ones were almost the height of the capital city, and the short ones were only dozens of feet tall.


    There were so many of them that there were probably more than 100,000 of them. Each of them was separated by 10,000 feet, forming a ring that circled dozens of times.


    ¡°Those are the Sword Pavilions. When the Sword Holders come to the capital for duty, they will put down their spirit swords here and form a Sword Pavilion. It¡¯s also where the Sword Holders usually stay!¡±


    ¡°As long as the Sword Holder doesn¡¯t die, the Sword Pavilion won¡¯t dissipate. If someone dies in battle, their details will be read out by the deacons in a specific ritual before the Sword Pavilion disappears.¡±


    ¡°Welcome to the Sword Holder¡¯s headquarters in Fenghai County and the county capital!¡±


    Chen Tinghao laughed and bowed to Xu Qing and the others. He originally planned to leave but he discovered that the Eight Sects Alliance seemed to be waiting for someone. Hence, he didn¡¯t leave but waited with them.


    The Eight Sects Alliance was indeed waiting.


    They were waiting for the people from the branch sect. On one hand, Purple Mystic Fairy had come personally. On the other hand, they could not enter the county capital casually, and needed someone to guide them.


    Originally, according to the agreement, the people from the branch sect should have arrived long ago. However, after waiting for a while, they still didn¡¯t see any branch sect disciples.


    A dark glint appeared in Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s eyes. She had already used the jade slip to transmit her message but she didn¡¯t receive any response.


    ¡°There should be a problem,¡± Lord Fifth, who was standing beside Purple Mystic Fairy, said in a low voice.


    The person guarding the branch sect wasn¡¯t an ancestor-level cultivator, so it was impossible for them to neglect Purple Mystic Fairy. They also didn¡¯t have the guts to do it, but they didn¡¯t appear.


    There was only one explanation for this.


    Something had happened to the branch sect.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. Such a thing had happened just after they arrived. This matter clearly couldn¡¯t be explained by coincidence.


    ¡°Are they targeting us?¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. The captain¡¯s eyes also shone with a cold glint. The two of them looked at each other.

 Chapter 503 - 503 Showing Off Before an Expert

    503 Showing Off Before an Expert


    However, one couldn¡¯t rely on guesses and judgment to determine something. There could be other reasons for why the branch sect didn¡¯t come to welcome them.


    As for what the reason was, it could be known easily. They just had to make a trip to the branch sect.


    Purple Mystic Fairy lifted her head and looked at the capital in the sky.


    Although the branch sect didn¡¯t appear and couldn¡¯t guide them, it wasn¡¯t difficult for her to resolve this matter.


    The eyes of Lord Fifth also revealed a hint of coldness. As for the others, most of them were deep in thought. Many of them secretly glanced at Xu Qing and the captain.


    Chen Tinghao and Sun Liying also sensed that something was amiss. After asking politely, Chen Tinghao immediately spoke.


    ¡°Senior Zi Xuan, Fellow Daoist Xu Qing, Fellow Daoist Erniu, I¡¯ll ask later if something happened to your Eight Sect Alliance¡¯s branch sect. However, if it¡¯s just guiding you into the city, we can help.¡±


    As he spoke, he immediately took out a jade slip and transmitted his voice.


    When Xu Qing and the captain heard this, they bowed to Chen Tinghao to express their gratitude.


    Purple Mystic Fairy nodded slightly. If there was no need, she didn¡¯t want to use her connections in the county capital on her first day here, especially on such a small matter like entering the city.


    Moreover, the most important thing was that this was the county capital and there were many experts here. She couldn¡¯t be as fearless as she was in the Yinghuang Province.


    Here, she had to be more cautious.


    This was especially so when they had just arrived.


    Hence, she first needed to figure out what had happened to the branch sect of the Eight Sect Alliance.


    With Chen Tinghao¡¯s help, three beams of light quickly flew out of the county capital above and transformed into three people.


    These three people wore brownish-black standard-issue robes and their bodies were surrounded by lightning. Clearly, they were from the same sect as Chen Tinghao.


    However, they didn¡¯t look like a Sword Holder.


    After they arrived, they exchanged pleasantries. Under Chen Tinghao¡¯s introduction, Xu Qing knew that these three people were Primordial Lightning Lineage disciples who were on patrol duty in the city.


    When the three of them heard Chen Tinghao introduce Xu Qing and the captain as new Sword Holders, they were clearly even more polite. Their expressions were filled with respect as they escorted the group of people from the Eight Sects Alliance into the county capital.


    This scene caused Xu Qing, who was good at observing, to gain another understanding of the status of the Sword Holder.


    At the same time, he instinctively looked at the city that was getting closer and closer.


    This city looked circular from afar and was incomparably vast. There were high walls surrounding it and countless rune marks flickered inside, forming waves of terrifying pressure.


    This was especially so when they got close. This pressure was extremely astonishing. When it swept past them, it seemed to be verifying their identities.


    With Chen Tinghao and the three patrols as guarantors, Xu Qing and the others didn¡¯t encounter any obstacles during the verification of their qualifications to enter the city. They successfully stepped into the county capital.


    As he stepped in, a majestic city was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    Although the capital was large, it was orderly. There were many buildings on the long streets and most of them were made of green jade with purple and red roofs. It looked imposing but at the same time, there was a natural sense of solemnity.


    Also, because the city was filled with spirit plants and trees, this solemn atmosphere also carried a hint of elegance.


    Dense spirit qi was constantly emitted from every brick, tile, blade of grass, and tree, enveloping the surroundings, causing the entire capital city to be filled with vitality.


    There were many mortals and cultivators inside, and the streets were bustling with activity.


    The buildings looked imposing from afar. Up close, there was no lack of aesthetic beauty. There were many courtyard houses with large doors and small houses that exuded exquisiteness.


    Regardless of scale or appearance, they weren¡¯t something the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s city cluster could compare to. The difference in foundation between the two sides was obvious.


    What shocked Xu Qing the most were two places.


    Firstly, because the capital city floated on the chest of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether¡¯s statue, the first thing one saw when they lifted their heads was not the god¡¯s fragmented-face or the sun and moon, but the head of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether¡¯s statue.


    Its holy intent, its gaze that looked at all living beings, and the hint of pity for all living beings in its expression were clearly expressed.


    Secondly, after stepping into the city, Xu Qing had a feeling that he was standing at the peak of Fenghai County. His body, soul, and everything seemed to have faintly fused with Fenghai County the moment he entered this city.


    This feeling was incomparably strange. Xu Qing had never felt a similar feeling in any city he had gone to before.


    This place was clearly not the tallest building in Fenghai County.


    ¡°That¡¯s the power of luck,¡± Purple Mystic Fairy said softly.


    ¡°As the capital of a county and the core of the entire Fenghai County, the luck of Fenghai County is gathered here. Although luck is illusory, it does exist.¡±


    ¡°However, most of them are gathered above the orthodoxy of the various races. It¡¯s difficult for sects and other forces to have them.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    As they moved forward, Chen Tinghao introduced the county capital.


    ¡°The entire county is divided into the 9 rings and 77 districts. As for the details, you¡¯ll naturally know later, so I won¡¯t say much.¡±


    Because they had to rush to the branch sect as soon as possible, Chen Tinghao didn¡¯t explain it in detail. Instead, after knowing the address of the branch sect, he brought them there as quickly as possible.


    The branch sect of the Eight Sects Alliance was located in the southwest direction of the capital, in District 59.


    The location couldn¡¯t be said to be remote, but it wasn¡¯t close to the core either. However, from the outside, it could be considered a good courtyard residence. One could faintly see fake mountains and flowing water inside, bringing with it some elegance.


    However, there wasn¡¯t a single branch sect disciple here now. Moreover, the gate of the courtyard was also sealed by black talismans.


    Looking at the seal, the expressions of the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s disciples turned unsightly. Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s gaze swept across the seal and she expressionlessly took out a jade slip and began to ask her acquaintances in the county capital.


    This seal already explained everything.


    Something had indeed happened to the branch sect.


    ¡°Zhang Siyun?¡± After Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past the seal, he looked at the captain. The captain and Xu Qing looked at each other and their eyes slowly narrowed.


    He and Xu Qing were both from the Homicide Department. Not only had they seen seals, but they had also used similar items.


    Hence, they knew that generally speaking, sealing a residence meant that the matter hadn¡¯t been thoroughly investigated. Hence, outsiders weren¡¯t allowed to step in and destroy it. They had to wait for the corresponding department to deal with it.


    Moreover, they had encountered such a thing on their very first time in the county capital. The possibility of them being targeted was extremely high. As for who did it¡­ Xu Qing thought about it and deduced Zhang Siyun had the motive and the ability.


    After all, Zhang Siyun was recruited directly. It was enough to show his background in the county capital.


    Chen Tinghao also frowned when he saw this seal. He took out a jade slip and inquired about it. His three fellow sect members also asked around.


    The capital was too large, so unless it was a matter within one¡¯s jurisdiction, it was impossible for everyone to know about the matters in other areas.


    However, as the local heads of the county capital, they soon obtained an answer.


    ¡°Seven days ago, the branch sect here was taken away by the Law Palace on suspicion of overstepping their bounds. They are currently being interrogated.¡± Chen Tinghao raised his brows and looked at Xu Qing and the others.


    At that moment, Purple Mystic Fairy also learned the answer from an acquaintance but it was more detailed.


    ¡°The order was sent by the director of the Third Department of the Law Palace, Yao Yunhui. Overstepping one¡¯s authority can be serious or a small matter. This is clearly intentional. Xu Qing, among the new Sword Holders of the Sword Holding Court this time, what¡¯s the surname of that person from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect?¡±


    ¡°His surname is Zhang, Zhang Siyun!¡± Xu Qing said in a low voice.


    ¡°Do you guys have any conflicts?¡± Purple Mystic Fairy asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°Then, it should be him. I found out from my good friend that this Yao Yunhui is a member of the Yao family. Back then, she married into the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect which caused the Yao family to be unhappy. Her Dao companion¡¯s surname was Zhang who passed away early. The two of them had a son.¡± A cold glint flashed in Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°From the looks of it, the goal of overstepping the authority isn¡¯t the branch sect but Xu Qing!¡± Lord Fifth said hoarsely.


    ¡°The other party is a little impatient. Seven days is an awkward time period for interrogation. Little Qing, if we were preparing to do something similar in the Homicide Department back then, what would we do?¡±


    The captain spoke softly from the side. Xu Qing lifted his head and looked into the distance as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Set up a trap and kill the target in one strike.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. If we were strong, there would be no need for such a plan. We would just capture them directly. We would only do this if we were wary. However, we wouldn¡¯t be so anxious. We would set up more traps and not alert the enemy. We would wait for an opportunity to deal a fatal blow and not give the other party the possibility of counterattacking.¡±


    The captain licked his lips.


    ¡°If you¡¯re in such a hurry, there¡¯s only one goal ¨C slander. So, capture a group of people first and wait for the target to appear before taking him away with the excuse of cooperating with the investigation. At the same time, be more arrogant. It¡¯s best if you make the other party angry and arrest him. The Homicide Department doesn¡¯t do such a thing often because it¡¯s too crude.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Wu Jianwu didn¡¯t understand and asked blankly. When Ning Yan heard this, he secretly glanced at him disdainfully.


    ¡°This is an opportunity for a small matter to become bigger. After wrapping the matter up a little, we can directly put the target on the wanted list. Otherwise, we can only deal with it slowly.¡± The captain¡¯s voice was cold as he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Little Qing, how do you plan to resolve this matter?¡±


    ¡°This matter is very easy to resolve,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Resolving it is very simple. We just have to think about how to counterattack.¡±


    ¡°Just modify the method of the Pilotage Department.¡±


    ¡°Interesting. How dare they scheme against us two old members of the Homicide Department!¡± The captain laughed.


    The conversation between the two caused everyone in the surroundings to take a deep breath.


    Chen Tinghao was the same. The gaze he used to look at Xu Qing and the captain contained a deeper meaning.


    Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s eyes revealed admiration. Lord Fifth also smiled.


    ¡°Zhang Siyun¡¯s mother should be sending someone over soon.¡± Xu Qing looked into the distance. After his voice rang out, two figures whistled out from the streets he was looking at.


    Even before they arrived, their murderous intent spread out intensely, enveloping this place.


    ¡°They¡¯re here.¡± A dark glint flashed in the captain¡¯s eyes as the two figures approached rapidly.


    They instantly appeared in front of everyone.


    These two people wore blue Daoist robes and had a black cape on their backs. They were similar to the Daoist robes of the Sword Holding Palace but with a greater emphasis on uniformity. Their expressions were gloomy. They ignored Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s existence and looked around before focusing on Xu Qing.


    ¡°You¡¯re Xu Qing?¡±


    ¡°We disciples of the Law Palace have interrogated the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s branch sect and found out that Xu Qing is suspected of overstepping his authority. Therefore, the Law Palace has summoned Xu Qing for investigation.¡±


    ¡°If you resist, the Law Palace has the right to kill. If you refuse the investigation, the Law Palace has the right to use force.¡±


    ¡°If an outsider interferes with the law enforcement of the Law Palace, they will be suppressed.¡±


    The two of them were at six palaces Golden Core Realm. Their voices deliberately spread in all directions, causing many passersby in the surroundings to hear them.


    After that, the two of them didn¡¯t capture Xu Qing immediately. Instead, their gazes landed on the other disciples of the Eight Sects Alliance, especially Purple Mystic Fairy. They glanced at her a few more times, as though they were giving them time to react.


    At that moment, Chen Tinghao and the disciples of the Eight Sects Alliance looked at Xu Qing and the captain. This scene was really¡­ exactly the same as what they had said earlier.


    Xu Qing had worked in the Homicide Department for three years. From an ordinary member of the Homicide Department, he had become the director of the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department. He was extremely familiar with these tricks.


    The captain was even more experienced.


    Upon seeing the other party speak like this, Xu Qing cupped his fists toward Purple Mystic Fairy.


    ¡°Senior, I can handle this matter. It¡¯s fine.¡±


    Xu Qing then cupped his fists toward Lord Fifth and Chen Tinghao. Finally, he glanced at the captain and walked toward the two Law Palace disciples.

 Chapter 504 - 504 Xu Qings Counterattack (1)

    504 Xu Qing¡¯s Counterattack (1)


    ¡°Lead the way,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    His actions caused the eyes of the two Law Palace disciples to narrow slightly. They sized up Xu Qing and hesitation rose in their minds. After looking at each other, they gritted their teeth and took out their torture instruments before walking toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought and the captain raised his brows.


    At this moment, the two of them completely confirmed the other party¡¯s motive from this illogical scene.


    The captain smiled sinisterly.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t resist. He allowed the two people from the Law Palace to put the torture instruments on him and walked forward.


    Because he walked too slowly, a disciple of the Law Palace berated him.


    Xu Qing turned his head and cast a deep glance at him. He didn¡¯t speak and followed the two of them into the distance.


    Purple Mystic Fairy looked at all of this. She chose to believe that Xu Qing could handle it. However, she still took out a jade slip and contacted her good friend in the county capital. She used her own method to add another guarantee to this matter.


    Chen Tinghao was the same. He wasn¡¯t a warm-hearted person. He was just warm-hearted toward the Sword Holders. At this moment, he immediately contacted the Sword Holding Palace and reported this matter.


    ¡°Everyone, there¡¯s no need to panic. It¡¯s obvious that the other party wants to slander Little Qing. The motive is too obvious and their methods are crude.¡±


    ¡°If such a crude method can still be effective on Junior Brother, then our many years of work in the Homicide Department will be in vain.¡±


    ¡°This matter will be resolved in three to five days at most. At that time, you guys just have to believe me and do as I say.¡± The captain looked in the direction Xu Qing had left in and felt anger rising in his heart.


    This was the first time he had seen his junior brother being taken away like this in front of him.


    At that moment, outside the city, in one of the side halls of the three floating huge palaces where the Law Palace was located, Zhang Siyun was standing carefully at the side with a nervous expression.


    No outsider had ever seen him like this.


    Zhang Siyun, who was usually gloomy, ruthless, and cold, would only have such an expression in front of someone. That was his mother.


    Right now, his mother was sitting at a chair not far away, flipping through the archives of the Law Palace.


    She was clearly a human, but her long pitch-black hair, snow-white skin that looked fragile, and that beautiful little face made her look like a fairy in paintings.


    She was so beautiful that she seemed to be untainted by mortality.


    She didn¡¯t look like Zhang Siyun¡¯s mother at all. She looked more like his elder sister.


    She sat there upright, revealing her beautiful curves and her ample chest.


    Zhang Siyun didn¡¯t dare to breathe loudly. He lowered his head and waited silently.


    After a long time, there was a knock on the door outside the side hall. As the woman¡¯s light voice rang out, the door opened.


    The two cultivators who had taken Xu Qing away earlier respectfully walked in and knelt down to the woman.


    ¡°Greetings, Lord.¡±


    ¡°Lord, Xu Qing has been sent to prison. Unfortunately, the other party¡¯s sect didn¡¯t resist at all during the process and Xu Qing didn¡¯t resist arrest either¡­ I wonder how we should deal with this next?¡±


    ¡°This small sect isn¡¯t brainless. There¡¯s no need to do anything more. Just lock him up.¡± The woman put down the dossier and lifted her head. She looked at her two subordinates and calmly spoke.


    The two cultivators¡¯ minds stirred uncontrollably when they looked at the woman. Although they saw her often, every time they saw her, they couldn¡¯t help but feel restless.


    This superior¡¯s beauty carried a fatal temptation, but they also knew how ruthless the other party was. Hence, they shivered and hurriedly lowered their heads to agree, choosing to leave.


    Seeing that his mother¡¯s two subordinates had left, Zhang Siyun couldn¡¯t hide the emotions in his heart. He looked at his mother expectantly.


    The origin of this matter was that after he arrived, he told his mother the reason for the defeat in the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court. This led to the capture of the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s branch sect.


    The entire thing was arranged by his mother. She first captured the branch sect and interrogated them to find out some things that seemed related but weren¡¯t, before she locked onto Xu Qing.


    Now that they had captured Xu Qing, Zhang Siyun¡¯s thoughts became lively.


    ¡°Mother, Xu Qing has two life lanterns on him¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Zhang Siyun¡¯s mother calmly said.


    Zhang Siyun¡¯s mind shook and he didn¡¯t dare to speak.


    ¡°Your father was a piece of trash. I originally thought that you would be better, but I didn¡¯t expect you to be a piece of trash as well. You can¡¯t even get a Sword Holder Command. In the end, your Grandmaster still had to recruit you directly.¡±


    Zhang Siyun lowered his head, feeling bitter.


    Looking at her son, Yao Yunhui sighed softly inwardly. She was indeed a little disappointed in Zhang Siyun.


    ¡°Yun¡¯er, you have to take things one step at a time. Xu Qing achieved 100,000 feet long light. The emperor personally chose him and even the Dao bell of the Sword Holding Palace in Fenghai County rang once for him. He is the center of attention. He even holds the prestige of the Yinghuang Province. Do you really think he can be touched casually?¡±


    ¡°Mother, are you going to fish?¡± Zhang Siyun fell into deep thought.


    ¡°At least you¡¯re not fully stupid. That¡¯s right. The first reason I locked him up was to see who would speak up to stop the imprisonment and who would coldly watch. After all, he got boundless light. I don¡¯t believe no one is willing to stand up for him.¡±


    ¡°We can only make a move on Xu Qing right now, when he has just arrived and hasn¡¯t grown his wings yet. Once he really reports for duty, who would dare to rashly provoke him?¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t be too anxious when doing things.¡±


    ¡°Besides, this matter can¡¯t convict him at all. My second goal in capturing him isn¡¯t to convict him!¡±


    ¡°In three days at most, I¡¯ll let him go on the grounds that the investigation needs more time, and I will release their branch sect people as well.¡±


    ¡°However, because the investigation isn¡¯t over, there will be a stain on his resume that he is suspected of overstepping his bounds.¡±

 Chapter 505 - 505 Xu Qings Counterattack (2)

    505 Xu Qing¡¯s Counterattack (2)


    ¡°This stain can cover the glory of his 100,000 feet light, but it¡¯s still not enough. This matter still needs to be recorded several times in different ways. After many times, his boundless radiance will dim in the eyes of the world. We can then make arrangements against him.¡±


    ¡°No one will be able to say anything at that time. As for his life lanterns, you can¡¯t take them directly even if you want them. Change the method. After you hand them over, exchange for them with your contributions. Only then will you obtain them properly.¡±


    ¡°When doing things, it¡¯s not all about fighting and killing. You still need more experience.¡±


    Zhang Siyun¡¯s mother spoke softly. Her voice was like a clear spring, but this spring was pitch-black and contained venom.


    Zhang Siyun took a deep breath and bowed deeply to his mother.


    At the same time, in the prison of the Law Palace, Xu Qing sat cross-legged in the cage and looked around calmly.


    The cage here wasn¡¯t the prison of the county capital but a temporary place of imprisonment of the Law Palace. There were such cells in the Homicide Department too.


    There weren¡¯t many prisoners here, but because there was no ventilation, stench and humidity permeated the air.


    Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation base was also completely suppressed under the effect of the torture tools. However, this was only on the surface. He had too many ways to recover his cultivation.


    Regardless of whether it was the shadow, the Poison Restriction in his body, or the power of the purple moon, they could all allow him to do this.


    However, he wasn¡¯t in a hurry.


    He had already verified his safety. This matter was targeted at him, but the effect of 100,000 feet light was also displayed at this moment.


    After he put himself in the other party¡¯s shoes, everything became clearer.


    ¡°They are deliberately smearing my reputation and leaving a stain to remove the invisible protection granted by the 100,000 feet light.¡±


    ¡°Not a bad idea, but the method is very crude.¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    In his judgment, the other party would probably release him in a few days with the excuse of delaying the investigation. However, the matter hadn¡¯t been resolved, so there would definitely be a mark on his resume.


    To the human orthodoxy who paid attention to the resumes, his resume would not be clean anymore.


    Other than the 100,000 feet light, there would also be a doubt of overstepping his authority.


    Although it was only suspicion, the other party would probably follow up with some other arrangements to complete their goal.


    This matter seemed ingenious but in reality, the other party didn¡¯t have any higher-level schemes.


    A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. It was very easy to resolve this matter but what he wanted wasn¡¯t just to resolve it. That wasn¡¯t his personality, what he wanted was to counterattack.


    Just like back in the slums, if he couldn¡¯t immediately kill someone who revealed hostility, he would think of a way to make them feel pain.


    Back then, when the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor chased after him, he could clearly have escaped but he still chose to return and burn the Diamond Sect. It was because of his personality.


    However, the method of counterattack was naturally different in different environments.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes.


    He had already thought of a way to counterattack.


    Time flowed by and very soon, three days passed.


    The disciples of the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s branch sect who had been imprisoned for ten days were all released by the Law Palace.


    In these ten days, although they were interrogated, the questions they were asked were all random and didn¡¯t have any specific topic. As a result, even now, they didn¡¯t know the reason for their imprisonment.


    The moment they walked out of the Law Palace, they saw Purple Mystic Fairy and the others waiting outside after receiving the news.


    ¡°Greetings, Fairy!¡± The sect master of the branch sect was from the Third Peak. The instant he saw Purple Mystic Fairy, he felt ashamed and hurriedly walked out. He then cupped his fists and bowed.


    Looking at the people from the branch sect, Purple Mystic Fairy nodded. She fell into deep thought when she didn¡¯t see Xu Qing in the crowd.


    Lord Fifth was the same.


    Only the captain put on a nervous expression and gestured at Wu Jianwu.


    Wu Jianwu hurriedly took out a recording jade slip.


    Other than them, Chen Tinghao also came to pick Xu Qing up. This time, he didn¡¯t come alone but called over ten Sword Holders who were on good terms with him.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Xu Qing?¡±


    While everyone was surprised, Xu Qing¡¯s figure slowly walked out of the Law Palace under the push of the two Law Palace cultivators.


    ¡°Having 100,000 feet long light and you¡¯re actually suspected of overstepping your bounds. You¡¯re lucky this time.¡±


    ¡°When you return, I hope you¡¯ll think about it carefully. Your matter has not concluded yet.¡±


    The two Law Palace cultivators spoke coldly. After bringing the expressionless Xu Qing out, they were about to untie his torture tools.


    However, at that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and his gaze dimmed as he spat out a large mouthful of blood.


    When this mouthful of blood landed on the ground, it was a shocking sight. At the same time, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body erupted with blood mist. One could see wounds appearing on his body.


    Any one of these wounds was a shocking sight. They were so deep that even his bones could be seen. Moreover, they seemed to have been covered by a spell, so they wouldn¡¯t have been exposed. However, they were extremely clear at this moment.


    Countless wounds appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s face, neck, and exposed skin. One could imagine that there were definitely more under his clothes.


    This was because blood had already spread and soaked his entire robe.


    All of this gave people the feeling that during the three days Xu Qing was imprisoned, he had suffered inhuman torture. The people who tortured him almost skinned him alive.


    Even his internal organs burst at this moment. The bones in his body also fractured on a large scale and he fell limply.


    He was on the verge of death!

 Chapter 506 - 506 Xu Qings Counterattack (3)

    506 Xu Qing¡¯s Counterattack (3)


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s counterattack.


    It was like hitting a snake at its weak point. The logic behind this counterattack was the same. He was going to create the scene that the other party didn¡¯t want to see happen, and turn the small matter into a big matter.


    Just like back then, he saw how Huang Yan had blown up the matter of the Pilotage Department.


    This time around, Xu Qing was doing the same. However, he needed the captain¡¯s cooperation. He had no worries about this. He believed that the captain would perform exceptionally well.


    ¡°Xu Qing!!¡± The captain let out a loud shout and rushed out, hugging Xu Qing¡¯s falling body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was dim as he spat out another mouthful of blood. More blood flowed out of his body and his eyes were turning dim.


    They were true injuries, not fake ones.


    Be it the wounds on his flesh or the injuries in his organs, they were all real. The cultivation base in his body was also in chaos and cracks appeared in the Heavenly Palaces.


    As for the torture tools on his body, they possessed the power to seal cultivation base.


    Under these instruments of torture, it was impossible for him to cause inflict such injuries to himself. In that case, there was clearly only one answer¡­


    ¡°Law Palace!¡±


    ¡°What monstrous crime did my junior brother commit for you guys to torture him to such extent?!¡±


    The captain¡¯s hair was disheveled as he screamed in fury.


    ¡°Law Palace! Tell me, what crime did my junior brother commit?!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s just an ordinary new Sword Holder. He¡¯s here to report for duty and was taken away by you on the first day he arrived. You placed torture tools on him, sealing his cultivation in front of us. It¡¯s been three days. It¡¯s only been three days but he¡¯s already in such an inhuman state!!¡±


    The captain was extremely indignant, and Purple Mystic Fairy was also overflowing with anger. At this moment, the anger of all the disciples of the Eight Sects Alliance was earth-shattering. Even Chen Tinghao and the Sword Holders¡¯ eyes were filled with intense anger as they stepped forward in unison.


    This scene instantly caused a commotion in the Law Palace. The minds of the two Law Palace cultivators who brought Xu Qing out also rumbled and they were filled with confusion. They didn¡¯t attack Xu Qing. In these three days, no one touched Xu Qing.


    However, those injuries were as real as they could get.


    As everyone¡¯s anger shook the surroundings, Xu Qing¡¯s shadow trembled slightly¡­


    The captain, who was hugging Xu Qing, had veins bulging on his neck. His eyes were red as he laughed crazily.


    ¡°Junior Brother, why aren¡¯t you breathing? We agreed that we would protect the human race together and hold the sword for the human race together!¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, who tortured you like this? Why did they do this? Could it be because of jealousy and hatred toward your 100,000 feet light, or because you offended Zhang Siyun?¡±


    ¡°Why are you so stupid? Zhang Siyun¡¯s mother is a member of the Law Palace. I already said that you shouldn¡¯t have come here, but you said that you believe in the fairness of the human race and the light of the Sword Holder!¡±


    ¡°We used eight months to come here just to face such slander and murder?!¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, what¡¯s the use of your 100,000 feet light when it couldn¡¯t even protect you from these petty people?!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the use of being chosen by the emperor when it couldn¡¯t even protect you from being tortured?!!¡±


    ¡°So a Sword Holder can be bullied like this?¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, today, Eldest Senior Brother will give up his identity as a Sword Holder to seek justice for you!¡±


    ¡°Law Palace, if my junior brother is really guilty, take out the evidence and I won¡¯t say anything. However, if my junior brother is clearly innocent but he was harmed and abused by you guys, then this matter¡­ will not end here!¡±


    ¡°The heavens won¡¯t tolerate this!¡±


    ¡°This matter cannot be tolerated by the 100,000 feet light!¡±


    ¡°The emperor¡¯s appointment decrees that this matter won¡¯t be tolerated!¡±


    The captain roared crazily. His voice was so loud that it spread throughout the Law Palace and even further away.


    It was unknown who performed the seals, but thunder rumbled in the sky at this instant, shaking the heavens and the earth. As lightning flashed, it illuminated the face of the statue of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, making it even more dignified.


    The sky was angry and so was the ancient sovereign.

 Chapter 507 - 507 Six Words of the Sword Holding Palace (1)

    507 Six Words of the Sword Holding Palace (1)


    Seeing this scene, the expressions of the two Law Palace cultivators who were escorting Xu Qing changed drastically. Endless shock and anger rose in their hearts. They were very sure that they hadn¡¯t tortured Xu Qing.


    Not only did they not do it, but no one in the Third Department did it.


    During these three days in prison, they didn¡¯t even go to see Xu Qing.


    At that moment, in their anger, they spoke one after the other.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. We didn¡¯t torture him!¡±


    ¡°This is clearly fabricated by you guys. Don¡¯t you know what kind of place the Law Palace is? You actually dare to slander the Law Palace!¡±


    Seeing that the captain¡¯s acting was already in place, Zi Xuan knew that it was her time to act. She took a step forward. With this step, the Nihility cultivation base instantly erupted from her body.


    Thousands of Dao threads flowed in her eyes, and her terrifying energy fluctuations caused the sky and earth to change color as rumbling sounds rang out in all directions.


    Even in the county capital, Nihility was still Nihility. Their anger alone could shake the surroundings. Her expression was gloomy and furious. She didn¡¯t bother with the two nameless pawns who were trying to defend themselves but looked into the depths of the Law Palace.


    ¡°Zi Xuan, a human sect cultivator from the Yinghuang Province, escorted my Alliance¡¯s boundless light holder. The emperor personally appointed the new Sword Holder, Xu Qing, to enter the county. I hope the Law Palace can give me an explanation for this. Is my Alliance¡¯s Dao Child Xu Qing being framed due to jealousy or is he really guilty?!¡±


    The Law Palace was very large and the location of the Third Department was only a small portion of it. However, regardless of whether it was the captain or Zi Xuan, their voices were loud and spread in all directions.


    Many cultivators from the Law Palace heard it from their respective locations. Originally, when they heard the captain¡¯s shout, some experts from the Law Palace were dissatisfied and prepared to go over to stop the commotion.


    After all, causing such trouble in the Law Palace would in itself arouse the disgust of the Law Palace.


    However, after hearing that the matter involved jealousy, some of them stopped.


    The word ¡®jealousy¡¯ clearly revealed personal grudges. It had nothing to do with official matters or with them, so there was naturally no reason for them to interfere.


    Even those who still had a dignified expression on their faces and wanted to stop the captain stopped one after another after hearing the captain mention the great emperor.


    After all, there weren¡¯t many stupid people here.


    Even the colleagues who were close to the Third Department¡¯s director, Yao Yunhui, hesitated when they saw Zi Xuan stepping forward.


    Other than Zi Xuan¡¯s attitude, the dozens of indignant Sword Holders also made them hesitate.


    No one came to stop the situation, so this matter naturally became bigger and bigger. The Sword Holders even sent messages to summon their colleagues. Seeing that the situation had changed, Zhang Siyun¡¯s mother couldn¡¯t sit still anymore.


    She realized how difficult Xu Qing was. She also understood that she couldn¡¯t let this matter continue like this. Otherwise, it would be extremely disadvantageous to her.


    After all, this matter didn¡¯t make sense to begin with. It would have been fine if she had followed her original plan, but now, the other party¡¯s counterattack was too swift and sharp, and it directly hit the critical point.


    Hence, she walked out of her office with a gloomy expression. With a step, she arrived outside the prison of the Third Department and appeared in front of everyone.


    Her arrival immediately made the two disciples of the Law Palace heave a sigh of relief and they hurriedly ran to greet her.


    At the same time, everyone from the Eight Sects Alliance and the Sword Holders also looked at Yao Yunhui.


    This was especially so for Zi Xuan. Her aura fluctuated, causing the weather to change. Her beautiful eyes were cold as she looked at the peerless beauty in front of her who was on par with her in terms of appearance.


    Yao Yunhui fell silent. Her cultivation wasn¡¯t at Nihility but only at the Spirit Repository. If she was in a place with no one around, she would naturally be afraid of Zi Xuan. However, in the Law Palace, she wasn¡¯t afraid.


    However, she came to deal with a problem. Hence, she took a deep breath and bowed to Purple Mystic Fairy. When she turned to look at Xu Qing, her eyes revealed apologies as she spoke softly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, this matter is due to my Third Department¡¯s negligence. As the director, I will definitely investigate thoroughly and give you an explanation. The Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s branch sect and you, Xu Qing, are only here to cooperate with the investigation. Now that all the investigation is finished, you guys have been found to not have committed the crime of overstepping your authority.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I ordered your release. However, now that such a problem has happened, no matter what the reason is, it¡¯s not important. There¡¯s no need to look at the prison¡¯s recording. This is my responsibility.¡±


    Yao Yunhui spoke sincerely. After she finished speaking, she even took out a jade slip, as though she was really investigating this matter.


    Her words were filled with deep meaning. She seemed to be apologizing but in reality, she was using her identity as the director of the Third Department.


    As such, it naturally implied that she didn¡¯t know anything. It was as though everything was a random act by her subordinates. At the same time, she stood up and said that it was her responsibility.


    She also mentioned that everything was an investigation and using release as evidence that this matter wasn¡¯t caused by personal grudges.


    This removed herself from this matter.


    In the end, she even pointed out the recording with a hint of warning.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to narrow slightly. As for the captain, he raised his brows and glanced at Yao Yunhui.


    Although the other party¡¯s plan was rough, her methods of dealing with problems were not bad.


    ¡°I¡¯m investigating the cause and effect of this matter and will provide an answer very soon. Xu Qing¡¯s injuries are very serious. I have a Spirit Accumulation Pill here. Please accept it and treat your injuries first.¡±


    Yao Yunhui took out a pill with an apologetic expression.


    This pill shone with a gentle light. One look and one could tell that it was definitely extraordinary.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, not to mention you who was personally appointed by the emperor, even mortals are treated equally in the eyes of our Law Palace. It¡¯s our duty to enforce the law impartially.¡±


    As Yao Yunhui spoke, she placed the pill to the side. After that, the jade slip in her hand flickered. After she focused her attention and checked it, a dignified expression instantly appeared on her face. She looked at the two disciples of the Law Palace beside her.

 Chapter 508 - 508 Six Words of the Sword Holding Palace (2)

    508 Six Words of the Sword Holding Palace (2)


    ¡°So it¡¯s you two. I¡¯ve already found out that the two of you did this illegally.¡±


    Before the two disciples could speak, Yao Yunhui waved her hand.


    At the next instant, the two of them let out mournful cries. Their bodies rumbled and they spat out a large mouthful of blood as they were directly swept into the distance.


    ¡°Arrest them.¡±


    Immediately, disciples from the Third Department flew out and carried away the two people whose life and death were unknown.


    Yao Yunhui dealt with the scene extremely quickly and directly. Of course, this was also because she received information that the prison recordings were destroyed by someone and couldn¡¯t be used as evidence.


    After dealing with her two subordinates, she bowed to Xu Qing and Zi Xuan with a guilty expression.


    ¡°I neglected to manage this matter and caused Xu Qing to suffer. I think Xu Qing¡¯s injuries are very serious. You should go back and rest first. This matter has been investigated. I¡¯ll personally give you an explanation later.¡±


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The other party¡¯s various actions instantly resolved most of this situation. If he continued to pester about his injuries, the situation would change, giving off an overbearing feeling.


    Xu Qing pondered. Although there wouldn¡¯t be a problem with his resume now, he felt that it wasn¡¯t enough if it ended like this. Hence, he opened his mouth slightly, as though he wanted to say something.


    However, his injuries were too serious and he was extremely weak. His divine sense and voice couldn¡¯t be transmitted. When the captain saw this, he moved his ear closer to listen. Very soon, the anger on his face turned into disbelief and he cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°What, Junior Brother, those two b*stards whose fate is unknown took 30 million spirit stones from you?¡±


    Yao Yunhui¡¯s beautiful eyes narrowed slightly and her mood couldn¡¯t help but fluctuate. She once again realized how troublesome Xu Qing was. Even though she had neutralized the other party¡¯s counterattack, the other party instantly changed his method and continued to create difficulties for her.


    30 million spirit stones wasn¡¯t a small sum to her either. This feeling of extortion made her feel as though she had eaten dog shit and had no choice but to swallow it.


    However, she couldn¡¯t get angry. She took a deep breath and suppressed her emotions. After casting a deep glance at the captain and Xu Qing, she squeezed out a smile and slowly nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯ll investigate this matter. If¡­¡±


    Before she could finish speaking, Xu Qing spat out another mouthful of blood. The aura of his body became even weaker. The captain had a look of grief and indignation on his face and immediately fed Xu Qing medicinal pills. He even laughed bitterly as he fed him.


    ¡°Is this still the Law Palace? They can beat us up at will and rob us openly. Junior Brother, did we really come to the human race¡¯s capital?!¡±


    ¡°The heavens won¡¯t tolerate this. This matter¡­¡±


    Seeing that the situation was about to change again, the veins on Yao Yunhui¡¯s forehead twitched and anger rose in her heart. However, she knew that she couldn¡¯t continue delaying, so she gritted her teeth and spoke.


    ¡°It will take time to investigate this matter, but the Third Department can pay 30 million spirit stones first!¡±


    Her heart was bleeding when she said this.


    When the captain heard this, his head started to heat and his heartbeat sped up a little. After licking his lips, he hurriedly moved closer to Xu Qing again. This time, Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak¡­


    However, the captain clenched his right hand into a fist and punched the tiles ruthlessly. As the tiles shattered and exploded, his eyes were bloodshot and his voice became hoarse as he spoke loudly.


    ¡°What, they won¡¯t let go of the 17 sets of killing array formations and 57 magic artifacts I lent you?¡±


    The captain¡¯s heart seemed to be torn apart and his eyes were completely red.


    Xu Qing looked at the captain and felt the heat in the other¡¯s heart. He nodded.


    Yao Yunhui¡¯s breathing was unprecedentedly hurried and her emotions were fluctuating intensely. She stared fixedly at the captain. Her disgust for this person had already surpassed her hatred for Xu Qing.


    Just as she was about to speak, a terrifying divine sense spread out from the depths of the Law Palace, enveloping this place as though it was examining it.


    After sensing this divine sense, Yao Yunhui¡¯s mind shook. She knew that what she had done had already caused the higher-ups to be unhappy. Hence, she could only grit her teeth again and put on a calm expression.


    However, she had underestimated the captain. Just as her calmness surfaced, the captain wailed.


    ¡°The three magic treasure fragments Master gave were also taken away?¡±


    ¡°The fellow Daoists of the Sword Holder spent over ten million spirit stones to buy the specialties of my Seven Blood Eyes, but they actually took that money as well? That¡¯s the hard-earned money of the Sword Holders.¡±


    ¡°Ah, and the three Heavenly Palace Pills Purple Mystic Fairy gave you. They actually dared to take them away?¡±


    Zi Xuan¡¯s expression darkened as she coldly looked at Yao Yunhui.


    At the side, the Sword Holders, including Chen Tinghao, looked at the captain with a strange gaze and nodded one after another.


    This scene made Yao Yunhui unable to suppress the monstrous anger and hatred in her heart. This blatant blackmail that had turned into a collective blackmailing made her feel extremely aggrieved.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing¡¯s fingers moved, indicating that it was about time and they should stop now.


    He felt that if the captain continued, this would backfire.


    The captain was a little unwilling. Just as he was about to continue, Xu Qing spat out another mouthful of blood.


    Only then did the captain shut up. With an expression of grief and indignation, he carried Xu Qing and walked toward Purple Mystic Fairy. Finally, under Yao Yunhui¡¯s gaze, everyone from the Eight Sects Alliance quickly left.


    As they left, this place fell silent. The terrifying divine sense that came from the depths of the Law Palace transformed into a calm voice.


    ¡°Director Yao, this is the Law Palace, the Palace of Justice of the human race. The right given to you is to uphold justice for the human race, not a place for you to resolve your private grudges. You have overstepped your bounds in this matter.¡±


    Yao Yunhui¡¯s mind shook and she lowered her head.


    ¡°The Sword Holding Palace sent an official document just now. There¡¯s only one sentence with seven words in it.¡±


    ¡°Yao Yunhui, are you courting death?¡±


    Yao Yunhui took a deep breath and fell silent for a long time before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°Palace Master, I know my mistake.¡±


    ¡°Conduct yourself well.¡± The terrifying divine sense dissipated after speaking these three words.


    Yao Yunhui stood silently on the spot. After a long time, she expressionlessly walked into her office.


    As soon as she entered, she saw Zhang Siyun waiting there with a concerned expression.


    ¡°Mother¡­¡±


    ¡°Yun¡¯er, those two colleagues of yours aren¡¯t simple.¡± Yao Yunhui walked up to her son and spoke expressionlessly.


    Zhang Siyun¡¯s mind shook. Just as he was thinking of what to say, Yao Yunhui ruthlessly slapped him.


    This slap was very strong. Zhang Siyun crashed into the wall and bled. When he landed, half of his face was already bulging, his internal organs were churning and he spat out blood again.


    ¡°Trash!¡±


    ¡°Your father is trash. The Grand Affairs Immortal Sect is trash. You¡¯re also trash!¡±


    Yao Yunhui gritted her teeth and vented the anger in her heart in this slap.


    Faced with his mother¡¯s scolding, Zhang Siyun didn¡¯t dare to refute. He didn¡¯t even dare to wipe the blood flowing out of his mouth. He could only lower his head. He had experienced this scene countless times since he was young.


    After scolding Zhang Siyun, Yao Yunhui sat on her chair and took a deep breath. After calming her emotions again, she picked up the bowl of white fungus soup at the side and took a sip before lifting her head.


    That pair of gem-like eyes on her flawless face looked in the direction of the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s branch sect. The corners of her small mouth curled up slightly, revealing a beautiful arc.


    ¡°Warning me? This is more interesting.¡±

 Chapter 509 - 509 Purple Moon Heavenly Palace

    509 Purple Moon Heavenly Palace


    The matter of the Eight Sects Alliance was successfully resolved.


    In the courtyard residence, the branch sect held a welcoming banquet for Xu Qing and the others.


    During this time, the captain was extremely smug and exchanged toasts with others, becoming quite familiar with those Sword Holders.


    Most of these people had also heard that there was someone among the Sword Holders in the Yinghuang Province who had gotten 10 feet light.


    From the captain¡¯s performance today, they could guess who it was. However, they were all people who were experienced in the ways of the world. With the spirit stones and Chen Tinghao¡¯s enthusiastic introduction, they naturally wouldn¡¯t take the initiative to expose it and got along quite well.


    Zi Xuan didn¡¯t participate in the banquet but got someone to send some pills to Xu Qing.


    Each of these pills was her personal item and was extraordinarily precious.


    When Xu Qing received the pills, although he didn¡¯t say anything, there were still some waves in his mind.


    However, he wasn¡¯t good with words and didn¡¯t know what to say. He could only thank her through voice transmission.


    ¡°Kid, when did you become so polite?¡±


    In the voice transmission jade slip, Zi Xuan¡¯s voice carried some temptation. When it landed in his mind, it was like tickling an itch.


    ¡°I¡¯m in the first building. If you have any cultivation problems, you can secretly look for me.¡±


    The last sentence in the jade slip caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to skip a beat. He silently kept the jade slip and calmed his emotions.


    Although his injuries were serious, he recovered very quickly. After all, he was the one who got the shadow to inflict those injuries. He knew his limits.


    Moreover, compared to the many life-and-death crises in the past, his current injuries could only be considered light injuries.


    Hence, he naturally participated in the banquet. Seeing the captain toasting the others, Xu Qing asked Chen Tinghao about Yao Yunhui.


    ¡°In the past, the nobility ranks of the human race could be inherited. However, after this generation¡¯s Human Emperor ascended the throne, the hereditary system was abolished. Hence, the current head of the Dao Residence isn¡¯t a heavenly marquis nobility.¡±


    ¡°However, his ancestor contributed to the human race after all, so regardless of whether it¡¯s the county governor or the Palace Master, they will call the head of the Yao family the marquis. This marquis has three children ¨C two sons and a daughter. Yao Yunhui is the daughter of the marquis.¡±


    ¡°Yao Yunhui was once an influential figure in the county capital. Back then, she married into the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect of your Yinghuang Province, causing many discussions to arise in the capital. To the Dao Residence, the difference in status between the two sides was too great. After that, I heard that her Dao companion passed away early. She left her son in the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect and returned to the Yao residence.¡±


    ¡°Her background is extraordinary and she has a lot of connections in the county capital. I heard that she has some connections with Deacon Sima from the Sword Holding Palace who came from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. He¡¯s also a director of the Third Department of the Law Palace.¡±


    Chen Tinghao introduced Yao Yunhui to Xu Qing earnestly.


    ¡°However, our Sword Holding Palace isn¡¯t afraid of the Law Palace. Deacon Sima is also not the kind of person who likes to play favorites. You don¡¯t have to worry about that. Also¡­ actually, no one likes the Yao Residence.¡±


    Chen Tinghao was about to pick up the wine glass when his Dao companion glanced at him. He felt a little awkward and wanted to drink but didn¡¯t dare to. Hence, he coughed and continued to speak to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Our Sword Holding Palace and the Yao Residence¡¯s ideals don¡¯t match.¡±


    ¡°In terms of intimidation against the two major nonhuman races and the Holy Wave Race in the county, our Sword Holding Palace advocates intimidation and doesn¡¯t hesitate to fight. The Palace Master has proposed many times to purge Fenghai County and suppress the Holy Demon Race and the Quasi-Immortal Race.¡±


    ¡°As for the Yao family, they strongly oppose it. They feel that killing wouldn¡¯t solve the problem and advocate a deeper integration with the nonhuman races. Hence, in the entire county, the Yao family has the most interaction with the Holy Demon and Quasi-Immortal. There are even intermarriages. They also visited the Holy Wave Race many times and acted like slaves to them.¡±


    Chen Tinghao¡¯s expression revealed disdain.


    ¡°I really wonder if the Heavenly Marquis would crawl out of his coffin and slap these spineless descendants to death if he knew about this.¡±


    At this point, Chen Tinghao couldn¡¯t help but pick up the wine flask and take a big gulp.


    When his Dao companion saw this, she shook her head helplessly. However, the gentleness in her eyes was clearly visible.


    The banquet didn¡¯t last long. Xu Qing and the captain saw them off and walked in the courtyard.


    The bright moonlight scattered under the two of them. A breeze blew over, lifting Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s hair and scattering the smell of alcohol on their bodies in all directions.


    ¡°Little Qing, we¡¯ve finally arrived at the county capital!¡± The captain was clearly filled with joy as he smiled and spoke. He took out an apple and took a big bite.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the statue of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether. He then nodded.


    ¡°Do you still remember what I said to you back then? In this life, we¡¯ll travel together!¡±


    ¡°The county capital isn¡¯t our end point. It¡¯s just our starting point.¡±


    ¡°We now have to gain a foothold in the Sword Holding Palace. Junior Brother, after I¡¯m done familiarizing myself with this place, I¡¯ll bring you to continue doing big things!¡±


    ¡°We have to stir up the wind and clouds in Fenghai County. We will make the large domain of Holy Wave change its name because of our arrival!¡± The captain showed a rare moment of ambition and heroism. He finished the apple in one bite and took out a tangerine.


    Xu Qing instinctively became vigilant and looked at the captain who was different from usual.


    ¡°We also have to let everyone know that when we join forces, our light will exceed 100,000 feet!¡±


    ¡°We have to let everyone understand that we are good brothers who can do anything for each other!¡± As the captain spoke, he secretly sized up Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing nodded calmly.


    ¡°Therefore, the report in half a month will be especially important. This concerns the choice of our posts. Different departments have different military contributions and responsibilities. Whether we can change the Holy Wave in the future and let the human race rise will depend on our starting point.¡±


    The captain continued to speak. His words were very exaggerated, as though this post would determine the fate of the human race.


    ¡°And then?¡± Xu Qing asked calmly. He had heard from Chen Tinghao that the reporting date for the new Sword Holders was in half a month.


    ¡°Then, we need to work. Junior Brother, we have to spend money. Moreover, when we do big things in the future, we have to spend money to buy information. So¡­ the compensation that the old demonic woman will give us later, cough, how about we split it equally?¡±


    ¡°Just this?¡± Xu Qing was surprised. He thought it was a big deal.


    ¡°No problem.¡±


    Seeing that Xu Qing agreed so readily and acted like it was a small matter, the captain instantly became vigilant.


    He felt that Xu Qing¡¯s situation seemed to be a little better than his. This made him wake up and he thought to himself that he had to pay attention and be more broad minded.


    He waved his hand.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I¡¯ll give you a 10% discount on the eight million spirit stones you owe me!¡±


    Xu Qing ignored him and walked toward his residence.


    The captain laughed happily and bade farewell to Xu Qing before returning to his residence. The place he lived in was specially chosen by him. It was covered by a rockery and trees, so the sunlight couldn¡¯t shine directly into his room.


    The captain felt that places that couldn¡¯t even be looked at by the sun were more suitable for his identity as a Sword Holder.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about these. After he returned, he instinctively made arrangements in the surroundings. Only then did he enter and sit down cross-legged, recalling the things that had happened in the past few days since he came to the county capital.


    After that, he took out the bamboo slip and engraved Yao Yunhui¡¯s name on it, lining it up with Zhang Siyun.


    Yao Yunhui¡¯s matter was just a small interlude.


    After carving it, Xu Qing thought about finding an opportunity to silently kill the mother and son.


    ¡°There¡¯s also the red woman and that Ning Yan.¡± Xu Qing glanced at the bamboo slip and frowned.


    ¡°There are a lot of names that haven¡¯t been crossed out.¡±


    Looking at so many names that hadn¡¯t been crossed out, Xu Qing felt a little uneasy. Hence, he lifted his head and looked at the dark night outside, pondering for a moment.


    ¡°I have to increase my cultivation base as soon as possible and get rid of them one by one.¡±


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and began to cultivate.


    Time flowed by. Four days later, the Law Palace sent over spirit stones, pills, three magic treasure fragments, and array formations and magic artifacts. This marked the end of this matter.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t take them alone. Regardless of whether it was the captain or the disciples who went to the Law Palace to pick him up back then, the compensation was distributed to all of them.


    He even gave some to Lord Fifth and Purple Mystic Fairy.


    He kept the rest, including the Heavenly Palace Pills.


    This pill had powerful effects. After eating three of them, the fourth Heavenly Palace in his body finally materialized.


    As the rumbling sound in his body echoed, Xu Qing looked at the Fourth Heavenly Palace that was shining in his sea of consciousness. Anticipation rose in his heart and he fell silent.


    ¡°The intrinsic mosasaur or¡­ the purple moon?¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t think for too long before a determined glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°The intrinsic mosasaur will have to go back again.¡±


    When Xu Qing thought of this, he immediately used all his strength to guide the purple moon in his sea of consciousness, allowing it to slowly fuse into the Fourth Heavenly Palace. Finally, it sat in the depths of the Heavenly Palace.


    At the next moment, an incomparably tight connection appeared in his mind.


    Before this, he already had control over the purple moon. However, the purple moon¡¯s power was too vast, so it was difficult for him to use it. It was like a kid pushing a carriage.


    However, with the help of the connection with the Fourth Heavenly Palace, this control became a little easier than before.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t attempt it immediately. Instead, he closed his eyes and nurtured it. It was only ten days later when his Fourth Heavenly Palace completely stabilized that he opened his eyes.


    The instant he opened his eyes, an intense purple light bloomed from them, causing everything in the surroundings to sink into a sea of purple.


    The Fourth Heavenly Palace also shone with a resplendent purple light.


    Looking at the purple moon flickering continuously inside, Xu Qing had a feeling that if he activated it fully, his entire body would instantly be filled with the god¡¯s aura that belonged to him.


    In other words, anomalous substances!


    These anomalous substances could invade and affect all cultivators.


    If he added the enhancement of the Poison Restriction Pill, the might of these anomalous substances with him as the source would be even greater. The density would also increase, and the speed at which they invaded everything would become astonishing.


    ¡°What I cultivate now is the Dao or the god¡­¡± Xu Qing looked at his third and fourth Heavenly Palaces and then at the intrinsic mosasaur that was constantly being moved over as he mumbled.


    ¡°The current me, coupled with an emperor-level cultivation art, already possess the combat strength of five palaces.¡±


    ¡°After fusing with the shadow, I can unleash the pure physical strength of the six palaces!¡±


    ¡°If I include the Poison Restriction and the purple moon, I can also fight against seven palaces. Moreover, I should definitely win!¡± A sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. His current combat strength was already at the extreme peak among ordinary Golden Cores.


    ¡°No matter what I cultivate, the most important thing is to increase my combat strength!¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. He calculated the time and realized that there was only one night left before he had to report for duty.


    Tomorrow morning was the day of reporting.


    ¡°I wonder where my post will be after I report?¡±


    Xu Qing thought of Mount Morning Glow and Chen Tinghao telling him that he needed a large number of military contributions to go to Mount Morning Glow.


    ¡°Military contributions!¡± A sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. After a long time, he closed his eyes and concealed this sharpness, silently waiting for time to pass.


    The night passed.


    The next day, the moment the sun rose, Xu Qing stood up and calmly changed into the white Daoist robe of the Sword Holder and put on a cape.


    He took a deep breath and pushed the door open.


    The sunlight from outside cascaded over and shuttled past Xu Qing¡¯s surroundings, as though merging his figure into the light. The ones that passed through his hair seemed to shine with colorful lights.


    From afar, there seemed to be a bright fire rising from his body.


    All the passing disciples cast sidelong glances at him.


    Purple Mystic Fairy stood on the second floor of her residence and looked at Xu Qing. A strange expression couldn¡¯t help but appear in her eyes.


    In another part of the branch sect¡¯s courtyard, not far from Xu Qing¡¯s place. In a residence where the rockery and trees blocked the sunlight, the captain pushed open the door.


    He stretched and was about to walk out when he saw Xu Qing in the light and was stunned.


    ¡°You can do that?¡±


    The captain turned his head and looked at his house before looking at Xu Qing. He suddenly felt that his house wasn¡¯t worthy of his status as a Sword Holder.

 Chapter 510 - 510 The Strongest Combat Power of the New Generation

    510 The Strongest Combat Power of the New Generation


    The county capital in the morning was filled with gentle sunlight. Different from the Seven Blood Eyes, the people here smiled more.


    It was also different from the Eight Sects Alliance. There were fewer anomalous substances in the county capital. Moreover, there was no humidity, coldness, or fishy smell from the Forbidden Sea.


    It was the same for people¡¯s clothes.


    Regardless of whether it was the commoners who woke up early for work or the shopkeepers, they wore much better clothes.


    The main thing was color.


    In the cities of the Nanhuang Continent, the clothes of the mortals were monotonous. There was not much change even in the Eight Sects Alliance.


    In this county capital, however, everyone wore colorful clothes which gave off a feeling of liveliness.


    Because it was still early to report, Xu Qing and the captain didn¡¯t choose to fly. Instead, they walked at a moderate pace.


    Xu Qing had been in closed-door cultivation for half a month and didn¡¯t go out. He planned to take this opportunity to familiarize himself with the environment.


    He looked at the long street that was gradually becoming lively in the surroundings. After a long time, he looked at the sky.


    At that moment, there were many Sword Holders heading to the Sword Holding Palace. Their clothes were uniform, so it was hard to tell if they were the new batch. However, the energy fluctuations from each of them were extraordinary.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised. After all, this was the county capital. The outstanding talents from the various provinces were gathered here, so there were naturally many experts.


    ¡°Master said that a great era has arrived, so heaven¡¯s chosens are appearing frequently. The number of new Sword Holders from the various provinces this time are different from usual.¡± The captain was beside Xu Qing, eating an apple as he looked at the sky.


    ¡°However, Little Qing, you don¡¯t have to worry about being unfamiliar. I, your eldest senior brother, am extremely reliable in my actions. During this period of time, I¡¯ve already spent a lot of money to buy information and know the new heaven¡¯s chosens from the various provinces like the back of my hand. I even know a lot about the three sects, one family, and the two major nonhuman races.¡±


    The captain¡¯s expression was smug, as though his spirit stones were all spent on good information.


    Xu Qing nodded. Just like how he liked to observe the environment in a new place, the captain liked to obtain information about the new place.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that the Sword Holding Palace isn¡¯t selling posts.¡± At the thought of the posts, the captain sighed with some regret.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain but remained quiet.


    The captain looked depressed as he fiercely took a bite of the apple.


    ¡°This Sword Holding Palace is good in everything but it¡¯s a little unreasonable.¡±


    Due to the fact that he only got ten feet light, the captain wasn¡¯t confident about getting a good post.


    During this period of time when Xu Qing was cultivating, he had gone out many times to find Chen Tinghao to inquire about any hidden things about this. He originally wanted to give him some gifts for a good post.


    However, after asking around, he discovered that such a thing was impossible. The Sword Holding Palace was different from other places and was extremely strict about this. All posts were appointed by the higher-ups and there were also assessments.


    Seeing that the captain was depressed, Xu Qing was about to say something. However, at that moment, he suddenly looked into the distance and his expression changed slightly.


    The captain also looked over.


    In the sky, a group of special cultivators was whistling over.


    Their clothes were different from the human race¡¯s. Although they were still Daoist robes, they weren¡¯t loose but were tight fitting.


    Moreover, the upper part of the robe was woven with golden threads and the lower part was wrapped in silver threads.


    It looked a little strange. The energy fluctuations these people gave off were astonishing and their appearances were even more special.


    There were men and women among them, but regardless of which of them it was, their exposed skin was snow-white. Moreover, it was the same for their brows and hair. Even their pupils were the same, giving off a feeling of holiness.


    The sunlight shone on their gold and silver Daoist robes, refracting a resplendent light, adding a hint of splendor and arrogance to them.


    ¡°Quasi-Immortal Race?¡± The captain revealed a curious expression. This was also the first time he had seen cultivators of this race.


    Xu Qing sized them up.


    These cultivators were indeed not humans. This was because other than their white hair and eyes, they also had white wings on their backs. Their features were exactly the same as the Quasi-Immortal Race of the two great nonhuman races in Fenghai County that Chen Tinghao had introduced back then.


    What made Xu Qing solemn was an extremely special existence among these Quasi-Immortal cultivators.


    It was a figure in black armor.


    The other party also had wings but they were black. Their face was covered by a mask so their appearance couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. Their drifting hair was also black.


    The aura on their body clearly surpassed that of other Quasi-Immortals. Moreover, they even emitted anomalous substances.


    There was no liveliness in their eyes, like a puppet.


    ¡°That black-colored one should be the famous immortal puppet of the Quasi-Immortal Race.¡± The information the captain bought was useful at this moment.


    ¡°Immortal puppet?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. This Quasi-Immortal Race is good at making puppets, especially the black immortal puppet. It¡¯s a battle puppet unique to their race. The method of making it is unknown but I heard that it¡¯s quite powerful.¡±


    The captain spoke in a low voice.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought as he watched the group of Quasi-Immortals head to the core area of the capital, gradually disappearing without a trace.


    The feeling that the immortal puppet gave him was similar to that of a deviant ghost but also somewhat different.


    Xu Qing was a little far away, so he couldn¡¯t make a proper judgment.


    The two of them retracted their gazes and continued forward. They observed their surroundings along the way and saw some disciples from the three major sects. They also saw many cultivators of the Holy Demon Race.


    The Quasi-Immortal Race liked to stay in their ancestral lands in the county capital and rarely went out to interact with other races.


    As for the Holy Demon Race, they liked doing business.


    More than 40% of the shops in the county capital were opened by the Holy Demon Race.


    The Holy Demon Race¡¯s body was burly and was more than 20 feet tall, like a small giant.


    Other than the normal face, there was also a face at the back of their heads. When they spoke, their faces would occasionally rotate and change. Those who weren¡¯t familiar with them would feel very uncomfortable when they saw it.


    This was especially when some of the Holy Demon Race had both male and female faces. There were no obvious gender characteristics on their bodies, so it was very difficult to distinguish their gender.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but take a few more glances at this strange race.


    It was only when it was close to the reporting time that the two of them flew toward the Sword Holding Palace.


    When they arrived, there were already some people waiting outside the Sword Holding Palace.


    These were all new Sword Holders from the various provinces. There were young men and women, and most of them had arrived at the county capital very early.


    The number of new Sword Holders from the various provinces of Fenghai County varied. The highest number a province gave out was seven to eight spots, and the lowest was three spots like the Yinghuang Province.


    At that moment, there were more than 30 people here. They spread out and some were in groups of three to five. They were all waiting.


    Xu Qing even saw Qing Qiu in the crowd.


    The other party wasn¡¯t alone. Beside her was an ordinary-looking young girl who was holding something.


    ¡°I almost didn¡¯t recognize you without the red clothes. Isn¡¯t this Qing Qiu? I think you can wear the red clothes inside. Only then will you match that large scythe.¡±


    The captain smiled and greeted her. His gaze swept past the young girl beside Qing Qiu and took a few more glances at the item in her hand.


    Qing Qiu had set off earlier than the Eight Sects Alliance and arrived at the county capital a few months earlier than Xu Qing and the others. Hence, she made some acquaintances.


    The young girl standing beside her was one of them.


    The two of them had some similarities. One had an aura that forbade living to get close and had cold eyes under the mask.


    The other one was holding some melon seeds in her hand. Every one of the seeds emitted divine fluctuations. Upon closer inspection, they seemed to be formed from flesh.


    She kept eating, her mouth filled with blood and her expression cold.


    After hearing the captain¡¯s words, the young girl lifted her head and glanced at the captain.


    ¡°Sister Qing Qiu, you know them. One of them is Xu Qing, right?¡± the young girl asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, two fools,¡± Qing Qiu said calmly. The evil ghost on the scythe on her shoulder was rapidly chanting in her mind.


    ¡®Mad Dog is here. For some reason, he¡¯s clearly talking normally but I can¡¯t help but want to beat him up. The others are all Sword Holders and this one is a b*stard. We can find an opportunity to perish together with him and eliminate the evil for the Sword Holders!¡¯


    ¡®As for Ghost Hand, let¡¯s not provoke him. He¡¯s not easy to deal with. Perishing together with him isn¡¯t a good choice¡­¡¯


    ¡®Don¡¯t be rash.¡¯


    Qing Qiu was already used to the babbling of the evil ghost. At this moment, she was expressionless and allowed the other party to nag.


    At the same time, the captain also transmitted his voice to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Do you see the person beside Qing Qiu?¡±


    ¡°This woman isn¡¯t simple. She doesn¡¯t have a name and everyone calls her Night Spirit. It¡¯s said that the melon seeds in her hand are a type of divine flesh that is extremely beneficial to the nourishment of the body. However, it seems like she can never finish eating them. Some people suspect that this item might be a part of her body!¡±


    ¡°The information introduced a lot of things about this woman. She lived in an abyss in the forbidden zone since she was young. Many years ago, an ancestor of the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect encountered her and brought her back to the sect to nurture her. This woman has a cold personality. It¡¯s said that she can transform into a greater demon!¡±


    Xu Qing listened to the captain¡¯s words and glanced at the young girl eating the fleshy melon seeds. After that, he shifted his gaze to a corner in the distance where a youth was meditating with his eyes closed.


    When he arrived earlier, he had looked around. Other than the bizarre aura of the young girl, this youth also gave him a sense of danger.


    ¡°That person¡¯s name is Shan He.¡± The captain noticed Xu Qing¡¯s gaze and introduced.


    ¡°This is also an extraordinary heaven¡¯s chosen. He comes from the Blood Frost Sect of the three great sects. His family is a large force in the Blood Frost Sect. I heard that as soon as he was born, he had a birthmark with the pattern of mountains and rivers on his body, so he was given the Dao name ¡®Shan He1¡¯ by Blood Frost¡¯s ancestor.¡±


    ¡°This person has astonishing talents and possesses two emperor-level cultivation arts!¡±


    As the captain spoke, the youth who was meditating opened his eyes and coldly looked at Xu Qing.


    Clearly, when Xu Qing sensed these people, they also sensed the pressure from Xu Qing.


    Both sides looked at each other. The moment they retracted their gazes, something flew over from the distant sky.


    It was a black wooden coffin.


    On it lay a youth wearing the Sword Holder¡¯s Daoist robe but it was covered in wrinkles.


    His eyes were hazy as he yawned, looking like he hadn¡¯t woken up yet.


    However, his appearance caused most of the Sword Holders here to be vigilant. Xu Qing also sensed danger.


    ¡°This person should be Wang Chen, who is said to be the closest to having Primordial Lightning Physique in this generation of Primordial Lightning Lineage.¡±


    ¡°Interesting. I can sense some aura of a seal from him. Little Qing, that one outside isn¡¯t this person¡¯s main body. It¡¯s the one in the coffin.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded as a dark glint appeared in his eyes. He could sense the fluctuations of a life lantern from the coffin.


    After walking out of the Nanhuang Continent, experiencing the Yinghuang Province, and coming all the way to the county capital, he had gained more experience and knowledge. He also saw more life lanterns.


    Although life lanterns were rare, it was only relatively speaking. The stronger one was and the more powerful they were, the more impossible it was for them to lack life lanterns.


    ¡°There are many experts.¡± Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. Regardless of whether it was Night Spirit, Shan He, or this Wang Chen, they all gave a feeling of power.


    Although the auras of the other new Sword Holders in the surroundings weren¡¯t as strong as these three, all of them were extraordinary.


    Xu Qing knew that he couldn¡¯t underestimate them just because their auras were a little weak. He wasn¡¯t the only one in this world who understood the principle of hiding his trump cards.


    Anyone who had experienced life and death knew how to use their trump cards. Unless it was a critical moment, they would rarely take the initiative to reveal them.


    ¡°Although these three are strong, Little Qing, there¡¯s a monster among the new Sword Holders this time!¡± The captain sighed and Xu Qing was moved.


    To be able to make the captain say the term ¡®monster¡¯, this person¡­ must not be simple.


    Just as he was about to ask, an astonishing aura rumbled over from afar.


    The strength of the aura caused the expressions of everyone here to change.


    Night Spirit stopped eating the melon seeds and quickly wiped the blood from the corners of her mouth. The coldness on her face turned into obedience and admiration.


    Shan He stood up from his cross-legged position with a fanatical expression.


    Wang Chen immediately got up from the coffin and instinctively tidied his clothes, looking ingratiatingly at the source of the aura.


    At the same time, as the aura arrived, a heroic voice rang out from the sky.

 Chapter 511 - 511 Righteous Spirit

    511 Righteous Spirit


    As the voice echoed, a person walked over from the sky.


    This person looked to be in his mid-twenties. He wasn¡¯t burly and only had a medium build.


    His appearance wasn¡¯t the delicate type either. Instead, he had thick brows and large eyes.


    His arms were slightly longer than ordinary people and his eyes were bright, as though they contained the stars, causing his entire person to emit a heroic aura.


    He strode over from the sky, letting out a majestic aura.


    He didn¡¯t deliberately spread out his cultivation base energy but the pressure emitted from his body was so strong that it seemed to be able to suppress everything. What shocked Xu Qing even more was that the Golden Crow totem on his body emitted an intense burning sensation.


    Previously, when he faced Shan He and others, although the Golden Crow also emitted heat, it was far inferior to what it was emitting now.


    The youth who walked over also had an emperor-level cultivation art. The void behind him tore apart and a golden dragon roared out, coiling between the heavens and the earth with a shocking aura.


    Every dragon scale emitted a dazzling light, and every dragon beard contained divine light. The sharpness in its dragon eyes made it look like it was a lord looking down on the world.


    Not only that, but the golden dragon also had a sword in its mouth.


    That was¡­ the Emperor Sword of the Sword Holders!


    This person was someone who had successfully comprehended the Emperor Sword.


    If that was all, it would be fine. What caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to stir even more was that he could sense life lanterns in the other party¡¯s body.


    There weren¡¯t just one but three!


    In Xu Qing¡¯s perception, the light of the three life lanterns in the youth¡¯s body was suppressed by his body. It wasn¡¯t easy for outsiders to sense it and only those who possessed life lanterns could sense them.


    Strong, extremely strong!


    This was what Xu Qing felt most directly.


    He had only felt that Shan He and the others were dangerous but it wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t fight them. However, at this moment, the feeling the youth who walked over gave Xu Qing was like an immovable mountain.


    The other party¡¯s aura was shockingly dense and incomparable.


    At the same time, as he arrived, the surrounding Sword Holders cupped their fists respectfully. However, most of them had smiles on their faces.


    ¡°Brother Kong!¡±


    ¡°Greetings, Brother Kong!¡±


    ¡°Brother Kong, it¡¯s been a long time since we last met. Your cultivation has improved again.¡±


    The youth laughed. When he returned the greeting to everyone, the young girl who had wiped the blood from the corners of her mouth seemed to have become a pretty girl from a small family. She ran to the youth¡¯s side and seemed to have plucked up the courage to speak.


    However, the youth pinched her face.


    ¡°Little Night Spirit, I haven¡¯t seen you for more than a year. You¡¯ve grown taller.¡±


    As he spoke, Shan He and Wang Chen also quickly walked over and greeted the youth.


    ¡°Little He, don¡¯t be gloomy all day. Smile more.¡±


    ¡°And you, you sleep in the coffin every day. Come drink with me later.¡± The youth¡¯s voice was hearty. While he was reminiscing with these old friends, the captain was also transmitting his voice to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Do you see him? The monster I¡¯m talking about is this person, Kong Xianglong. He¡¯s the number one person in the current generation of the human race in Fenghai County. A 24-year-old Golden Core with ten palaces. Such a talent hasn¡¯t appeared in a thousand years!¡±


    ¡°In the information I bought, there is a lot of information about this person. He has three life lanterns on him.¡±


    ¡°He also possesses two emperor-level cultivation arts. One is the Emperor Sword and the other is the Golden Dragon Heaven Surveying Art.¡±


    ¡°The information also mentioned that he has a Taboo magic treasure fragment that has been sacrificially refined five times.¡±


    ¡°Also, a year ago, this person killed a Holy Wave Race Nascent Soul cultivator when he had a combat strength of nine Heavenly Palaces!¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice was filled with emotion. When Xu Qing heard this, he was also moved.


    ¡°This Kong Xianglong has a heroic personality. He¡¯s open and aboveboard and has a wide range of friends. In the end, most of the human cultivators who fight against him will become his good friends. However, he¡¯s extremely savage to other races. It¡¯s said that he dismembers them into pieces!¡±


    ¡°But these aren¡¯t the main points I want to talk to you about.¡± The captain transmitted his voice as he looked at Kong Xianglong, who was laughing and chatting with others. A hint of admiration appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Little Qing, some people look very good but they are actually sanctimonious. However, some people are really what they seem. After I saw his information previously, I originally didn¡¯t believe that this person was really open and aboveboard.¡±


    ¡°Hence, I used my method to investigate him. In the end, I discovered that this person is the same as what he shows!¡±


    ¡°His three life lanterns weren¡¯t given to him by the elders but obtained with his strength. Although he is a new Sword Holder, it¡¯s said that he has lived in the Sword Holding Palace since he was young and was born in a family of laborers.¡±


    ¡°After that, because he risked his life to obtain military contributions, he was allowed to cultivate with military contributions. He fought in many battles against the nonhuman races and was at the frontline every battle, resulting in him being on the verge of death many times as he continue to rise.¡±


    ¡°He used his military contributions to exchange for one of the three life lanterns and an emperor-level cultivation art. Among them, he successfully comprehended the Emperor Sword twice!¡±


    ¡°The second life lantern was given to him in front of everyone after his best friend sacrificed himself, allowing him to walk the unfinished path on behalf of the other party.¡±


    ¡°He snatched the third life lantern from the Holy Wave Race!¡±


    ¡°I, your Eldest Senior Brother, also admire such a person.¡± The captain said in a rare admiring tone.


    When Xu Qing heard this, the waves in his mind were intense. Hence, he looked at Kong Xianglong.


    Almost at the same time that he looked over, Kong Xianglong had also finished exchanging pleasantries with his old friends. His gaze swept over and landed on Xu Qing as he laughed loudly and walked over.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing that you¡¯re the glorious Xu Qing of the Yinghuang Province!¡±


    ¡°Greetings, Senior Brother Kong.¡± Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯ve heard about the matter with you and the Law Palace. I¡¯ve long disliked that woman from the Yao family. She only knows how to scheme from behind and use the rules as her weapon. What she does is only things done by those gutless b*stards.¡±


    ¡°You did well!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go drinking together later. My treat!¡± As Kong Xianglong laughed, another person walked over from afar. It was Zhang Siyun.


    His expression was gloomy. When he heard those words, he coldly glanced at Kong Xianglong.


    However, the moment his cold gaze glanced at Kong Xianglong, Night Spirit¡¯s gaze turned hostile. Shan He narrowed his eyes while Wang Chen smiled with killing intent in his eyes.


    They all stared at Zhang Siyun.


    Zhang Siyun was stunned for a moment before he immediately restrained himself and silently walked to the edge of the crowd.


    Kong Xianglong turned his head and glanced over, a hint of displeasure appearing in his eyes. He knew that Zhang Siyun¡¯s mother was Yao Yunhui from the Law Palace.


    He also understood that the other party¡¯s mother was standing up for her son, but he couldn¡¯t stand such a thing. He had grown up in the Sword Holding Palace and had worked there. He had been influenced by the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s mission to protect the human race.


    Hence, it was fine for Sword Holders to compete with each other, but that kind of internal strife with no justifications was what he hated the most. Hence, he hated Zhang Siyun¡¯s actions.


    However, he truly admired Xu Qing.


    However, they were unrelated to each other and if he said too much, it would cause a misunderstanding. Hence, after smiling at Xu Qing, he turned and left.


    Throughout the entire process, he didn¡¯t even glance at the captain.


    Just ten feet light, he felt that there was a high chance that the other wasn¡¯t a good person.


    After he left, his friends immediately gathered together. Qing Qiu didn¡¯t like to interact with too many strangers, so she declined Night Spirit¡¯s invitation and stood alone.


    ¡°Brother Kong, why are you so enthusiastic about that Xu Qing?¡±


    After Qing Qiu left, Shan He was a little puzzled and asked Kong Xianglong.


    Wang Chen and Night Spirit also looked over. In reality, they didn¡¯t have a bad impression of Xu Qing but they didn¡¯t have a good impression of him either.


    This was because the Great Emperor personally appointed him. They were a little unconvinced.


    ¡°Let me tell you guys. It¡¯s fine if you have hostility toward others, but don¡¯t have hostility toward this Xu Qing,¡± Kong Xianglong said with a smile.


    ¡°Emperor¡¯s appointment is just an empty title. It¡¯s not important. What¡¯s important is that Xu Qing got 100,000 feet long light in the heart inquisition. Such a person is the most trustworthy comrade.¡±


    ¡°Brother Kong, you got 87,000 feet long light. You¡¯re also trustworthy!¡± Night Spirit spoke softly from the side, her admiration even more obvious.


    ¡°It¡¯s precisely because of this that I understand the inner quality represented by the 100,000 feet light even more. Believe me, I have never misjudged people. Moreover, the Great Emperor has endorsed him. If you can become friends with such a person, they will be friends for the rest of your lives.¡±


    ¡°However, in the future, I have to find an opportunity to remind Xu Qing to be careful of his eldest senior brother who only got 10 feet light. I took a glance just now and felt that that fellow doesn¡¯t look like a good person.¡±


    While Kong Xianglong and the other three were communicating here, the captain was also persuading Xu Qing.


    ¡°Little Qing, I take back what I said earlier. I think that although this Kong Xianglong has a good personality, you guys shouldn¡¯t get too close.¡±


    Xu Qing was surprised and looked at the captain.


    The captain coughed.


    ¡°You have to remember that I¡¯m your eldest senior brother!¡±


    Earlier, he had sensed that Kong Xianglong was very enthusiastic about Xu Qing. This enthusiasm and the other party¡¯s personality made it very easy for others to treat him as their eldest senior brother. This made the captain a little vigilant.


    Xu Qing smiled when he heard that. He then took out an apple from his storage bag and handed it to the captain.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, eat an apple.¡±


    The captain was immediately happy. He took the apple and took a bite. He felt that this apple was so sweet, so he waved his hand.


    ¡°Forget it, the spirit stones you owe me will be¡­ Uh, 30% off!¡±


    The smile on Xu Qing¡¯s face silently retracted. He then lifted his head and looked in the direction of Kong Xianglong.


    The captain sighed.


    ¡°70% off!¡±


    Xu Qing was about to speak but at the next instant, his expression turned solemn. The captain also immediately stood up straight. The Sword Holders in the surroundings were all the same. All of them instantly lifted their heads and looked at the Sword Holding Palace in front of them.


    This huge palace building of the Sword Holding Palace seemed to only have one building, but in reality, it contained a large cluster of halls. At this moment, these new Sword Holders were only at the periphery.


    In front of them was the outer hall of the Sword Holding Palace.


    This hall had a gilded treasure roof with blue tiles, red pillars, and raised eaves.


    It also had another name, the Oath Hall.


    As this place fell silent, footsteps rang out from the hall ahead. Very soon, five figures walked out of the palace. Under the illumination of the sunlight, they fell into everyone¡¯s eyes.


    Among these five people, one was at the front and the other four were at the back.


    The one at the front was a middle-aged man with a tall and straight figure. He wore an official¡¯s uniform and exuded a dignified aura.


    His body was covered in overlapping shadows, as though there were ten thousand of them in his body. It also gave off the feeling that it was about to accumulate to a hundred million.


    The four people behind him were all old men. Every one of them seemed to have countless shadows overlapping on their bodies, as though they could envelop the sky and form countless bodies.


    Although they were still very far from a hundred million, the dignity they emitted from standing there was still earth-shattering.


    ¡°I¡¯m Ling Chengzi, the Deputy Palace Master of the Sword Holding Palace in Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°The four people behind me are the four deacons of Fenghai County¡¯s Sword Holding Palace. Today, the five of us will read the Dharma rites for you, teach you the rules, assign your posts, and witness your oaths.¡±


    ¡°Now, read the rite,¡± the Deputy Palace Master said calmly. A Sword Holder deacon walked out from behind him and his voice spread in all directions.


    ¡°The first rule of the Sword Holder¡­¡±


    This time, there weren¡¯t many complicated rituals. Everything was very simple. The words fell into the minds of every Sword Holder.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn. The others were the same.


    A long time later, the ceremony ended.


    ¡°The Sword Holder has three rules, seven principles, and sixty-nine articles, which you must firmly remember.¡±


    ¡°You come from various provinces and have your own rules of survival in your respective provinces. You all have your own personalities and ways of living.¡±


    ¡°You might act arrogant and think you are outstanding, and this is acceptable, but only during the early stages when you are joining the Sword Holders. From now on, you have to remember one thing.¡±


    ¡°Sword Holders can trust their backs to their comrades!¡±


    ¡°This is completely different from the sects you come from.¡±


    ¡°In the sects, the interests are paramount. But in the Sword Holding Palace, duties are paramount, the human race is paramount, and friendship is equally paramount.¡±


    ¡°This is the first concept you have to engrave in your minds after becoming Sword Holders!¡±


    ¡°After that, you will have a secret training that will last for seven days. During these seven days, you will master all kinds of secret arts that only Sword Holders can possess. During this time, there will also be the inheritance of the human race¡¯s history and the explanation of the customs of the myriad races.¡±


    ¡°If you pass the assessment in seven days, your posts will be assigned.¡±


    ¡°However, one of you doesn¡¯t need to take the assessment. Your post will be arranged now.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, take nine steps!¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. Under the gazes of the surrounding Sword Holders, he walked out with a solemn expression.

 Chapter 512 - 512 Inheritance From Time (1)

    512 Inheritance From Time (1)


    Noon had come and gone and with the sun changing its position, the sunlight no longer shone on the Oath Hall but scattered behind Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing walked out of the group of solemnly standing Sword Holders. The sunlight reflected off of him, setting him apart from the others.


    The captain looked at Xu Qing¡¯s figure. He sighed with emotion but also felt smug. He thought to himself, ¡®This is my junior brother.¡¯


    Qing Qiu was in the crowd. Her pretty face was expressionless under the mask. She glanced at Xu Qing and felt a little disgusted. Hence, she turned her head and looked in the direction of the Nanhuang Continent.


    She didn¡¯t like such sunny days. She liked it when the wind blew and snow fell.


    This was because every time she looked at the distant world on a snowy day, she would vaguely see a small and skinny figure walking over warily while sticking to the corners of the wall and nodding at her.


    ¡®Brother Kid¡­¡¯ Qing Qiu mumbled inwardly.


    ¡®I¡¯ll definitely go to the Nanhuang Continent to look for you as soon as possible. I feel that the so-called heaven¡¯s chosens here are inferior to you. If you were in their shoes, you would be stronger than any of them!¡¯


    While Qing Qiu looked into the distance, Kong Xianglong and the others looked at Xu Qing. The others still had unconvinced looks in their eyes, but Kong Xianglong didn¡¯t.


    He was smiling, and his smile contained blessings.


    It wasn¡¯t just to Xu Qing. He was the same to his friends as well.


    Under everyone¡¯s gazes, Xu Qing calmly walked forward. After taking nine consecutive steps, he cupped his fists in front of everyone and bowed respectfully to the five people in front of the hall in front of him.


    ¡°Greetings, Lords.¡±


    The Deputy Palace Master and the four deacons looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s name was already known by the five of them. Back then, the ringing of the Dao bell alarmed the entire Sword Holding Palace and even the county governor asked about it.


    Now that they had personally seen Xu Qing¡¯s figure under the sunlight and the red flames on his white clothes, the four deacons nodded inwardly.


    The Deputy Palace Master¡¯s eyes revealed admiration and his expression became a little gentler.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you got 100,000 feet light in heart inquisition and the emperor personally appointed you which is a first for my Fenghai County. Therefore, with the Palace Master¡¯s decree, you are hereby enlisted as the Palace Master¡¯s edict bearer!¡±


    ¡°You will follow the Palace Master from now on. I hope you can temper yourself more. Don¡¯t let down the praise of the Great Emperor and the chime of the Dao Bell!¡±


    ¡°I respect the decree!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn as he cupped his fists and bowed again.


    He wasn¡¯t too surprised by this arrangement but he still felt some regret.


    He didn¡¯t want to be an edict bearer. He wanted to go to a department similar to the Homicide Department.


    As soon as the Deputy Palace Master spoke, the minds of many new Sword Holders shook. The gazes they used to look at Xu Qing were filled with intense envy.


    The edict bearer was equivalent to getting a civilian post beside the Palace Master. Although such a position didn¡¯t have any rights, he would represent the Palace Master. After taking his post, anyone who saw him had to be polite.


    This was especially so when the Palace Master never had an edict bearer before. Xu Qing was the first.


    In everyone¡¯s eyes, this in itself represented how much the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master valued Xu Qing. Through this action, he told the world how important the 100,000 feet light and Great Emperor¡¯s appointment was.


    One could imagine that after this matter spread, all the new participants in the Sword Holder assessments in the future would pay more attention to heart inquisition.


    Although this position suited the glory Xu Qing had obtained, there were still some unconvinced Sword Holders here.


    For example, Zhang Siyun.


    He stared at Xu Qing and the disgust in his heart was intense, especially when he still felt a piercing pain on his left cheek even though the swelling had gone. That was where his mother had slapped him.


    ¡®I¡¯m not trash!¡¯ Zhang Siyun gritted his teeth and roared inwardly.


    The Deputy Palace Master and the others who were standing in front of the Oath Hall didn¡¯t care about others¡¯ reactions. Even though Zhang Siyun¡¯s ancestor was among them, he didn¡¯t even glance at Zhang Siyun from the start to the end.


    ¡°Xu Qing, although you¡¯ve been appointed by the Palace Master and don¡¯t need to take the assessment, you still have to go to the seven days of secret training.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded solemnly before returning to the Sword Holders¡¯ lineup. His calm and experienced actions caused the five people in front of the Oath Hall to nod inwardly again.


    ¡°All of you, listen up.¡± The Deputy Palace Master retracted his gaze from Xu Qing and glanced at all the Sword Holders below.


    ¡°The command sword you obtained in your respective Sword Holding Court is not only a voice transmission item of the Sword Holders but also an artifact to check your contributions. At the same time, it is also the foundation of the Sword Pavilion.¡±


    ¡°In a while, you can use this to build your Sword Pavilion under the city. This Sword Pavilion will accompany you for the rest of your lives. It¡¯s the same even if you are sent out to work.¡±


    ¡°The higher the height of the Sword Pavilion, the greater the glory it represents. I hope that one day, someone among you can form a 100,000 feet tall Sword Pavilion.¡±


    ¡°Only after you die will your Sword Pavilion be removed by the Sword Holding Palace. However, your names will be written in the Oath Hall. The future Sword Holders will have to pay their respects to you every time they make an oath. You will never be forgotten.¡±


    The Deputy Palace Master slowly spoke. After saying this, he flicked his sleeve and the dazzling light in the hall behind him instantly scattered in all directions. All the doors were completely open, allowing everything inside to be clearly reflected in the eyes of all the Sword Holders.


    There was clearly another space in the hall, and the actual range exceeded the hall itself.


    There were countless command swords inside.


    Some were intact, some were damaged, and some only had fragments. There were even some who seemed to have lost their sword bodies and were replaced with spirit tablets.


    A sense of heroism assaulted everyone.


    There were too many spirit tablets and command swords inside. The whole hall was filled with them.


    These were all the Sword Holders who had died in battle in Fenghai County over the countless years!


    Every one of them was once a heaven¡¯s chosen of the human race.

 Chapter 513 - 513 Inheritance From Time (2)

    513 Inheritance From Time (2)


    Every one of them had their own stories.


    Looking at those tablets and swords, Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook. He felt a spiritual impact spreading out from the hall and gushing into his mind.


    Vaguely, he seemed to hear the shouts of countless Sword Holders before they died and saw countless white-clothed figures.


    They had the human race behind them, so they would rather die in battle than take even a step back.


    The shock became even more intense.


    They laughed as they threw themselves to their deaths. They roared as they killed the enemies. Before they died, they shouted their oaths with no regrets.


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to become a Sword Holder. I¡¯m loyal to my duty and not afraid of sacrifice.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to become a Sword Holder. I will never betray the human race. I¡¯m always prepared to fight.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to become a Sword Holder. I will fight for the human race and protect it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to become a Sword Holder. I will slash all dangers and bring light to the world.¡±


    More and more of them gradually gathered together. It was like the sound of heaven and earth, echoing through the world. At the same time, it instinctively came from the mouths of every Sword Holder here.


    Gradually, everyone¡¯s voices fused with the words spoken by those figures, as though they had become one.


    That heroic aspiration that came from the incomplete heroism seemed to have been passed down at this moment through time and space.


    This was the oath of all new Sword Holders.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know how he left the Sword Holding Palace. Even when he was walking on the streets, the scenes from the Oath Hall still replayed in his mind.


    All of this was completely different from when he was in the sect.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t the only one. The captain was the same. All the Sword Holders were the same. Even someone like Zhang Siyun had a dazed expression.


    It was only when he returned to the courtyard of the branch sect and his residence that Xu Qing regained his senses.


    He lifted his head and looked at the night sky outside in the direction of the Sword Holding Palace. He couldn¡¯t help but take a deep breath. He knew why he was like this. It was because the Oath Hall contained astonishing soul fluctuations.


    There were too many heroic souls there. They didn¡¯t have any malice toward the new Sword Holders at all. They only expressed their regrets and ambitions that they hadn¡¯t fulfilled.


    Through this method, they told the new Sword Holders¡­


    What was a Sword Holder!


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred. In reality, on the trip here, he had already sensed from Chen Tinghao¡¯s behaviors that the Sword Holders were very different from the sect cultivators.


    He fell silent.


    He wouldn¡¯t feel a sense of belonging toward any faction, regardless of whether it was the sect or the Sword Holding Palace. Regardless of what he saw or felt, it was impossible for him to lose his vigilance.


    He wanted to observe more.


    After a long time, Xu Qing took a deep breath and composed himself. He then took out his Sword Holder command sword.


    After today¡¯s report and oath, this command sword became a little different.


    Many of its functions had been activated. As his divine sense fused into it, information about military contribution exchange appeared in his mind.


    Military contribution was extremely important to the Sword Holder because any item could be exchanged for military contributions. In this information, Xu Qing even saw life lanterns and the inheritance of emperor-level cultivation arts.


    However, the amount of military contributions needed was extremely great. Some even required battle merits.


    Military contributions and battle merits were different.


    The former could be gained through the various missions issued by the Sword Holding Palace and accumulated through one¡¯s posts. As for the latter¡­ it was obtained through issuance and was divided into five levels.


    Among them, grade one battle merits were the rarest and so on.


    Xu Qing swept his divine sense over and finally looked at the information about exchanging for the inheritance. He found Mount Morning Glow inside.


    ¡°3,000,000 military contributions and grade three battle merits can be exchanged for one time comprehension in Mount Morning Glow.¡±


    Looking at these, determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I have to think of a way to obtain military contributions!¡±


    The captain was also doing the same. At that moment, in his residence, the captain rubbed his forehead while sensing the exchange information in his command sword. His eyes gradually lit up.


    ¡°So many good things!¡±


    After his breathing hastened slightly, he quickly locked onto emperor-level cultivation arts. He ignored the others and only stared at one. His eyes revealed an unprecedented desire.


    ¡°Ancient Dao Seal Decree, incomplete!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been searching for this cultivation art for a very, very long time. As expected, it¡¯s in the capital!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes revealed intense desire and another face of his appeared in his pupils. It also opened its eyes, revealing madness.


    After a long time, he barely suppressed the desire in his heart. He then took a deep breath and looked in the direction of Xu Qing¡¯s residence.


    ¡°Little Qing, Eldest Senior Brother said that in this life, he will definitely do his best to travel with you.¡±


    ¡°As long as I obtain this decree, I can really¡­ travel with you in this life.¡±


    The captain mumbled softly.


    After the oath of the new Sword Holders was taken, on the morning of the third day, the seven-day secret training of the Sword Holders began.


    The location of this secret training was also in the Sword Holding Palace. It was in the Knowledge Hall.


    In the morning, as the time for the secret training arrived, all of the 51 new Sword Holders arrived on time. They were all sitting upright in the Knowledge Hall.


    The Knowledge Hall was different from the other halls. There were many tables inside and the layout was like a school.


    Xu Qing sat on the right side of the hall, behind the captain.


    On his left was Qing Qiu, and on his right was Kong Xianglong.


    As usual, Qing Qiu ignored Xu Qing. Kong Xianglong smiled at Xu Qing and spoke kindly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve learned these things when I was a worker in the past. They¡¯ve been pretty useful when completing missions over the years. If there¡¯s anything you don¡¯t understand, you can ask me.¡±


    Xu Qing cupped his fists and thanked him. The captain in front turned his head and glanced at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you can ask me too.¡±


    Kong Xianglong smiled but didn¡¯t speak.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and nodded.


    The captain was satisfied and was about to continue speaking. However, at the next instant, he quickly turned around and sat upright. The other Sword Holders were the same because a person walked over from outside the hall.


    This person was a middle-aged man in a black Daoist robe. His body was very thin and his face was sallow, giving off a sickly feeling. He was a Nascent Soul cultivator and was coughing as he walked over.


    This lasted until he shuttled through the tables in the hall and walked to the front. He sat on a chair and looked at everyone in the hall.


    ¡°When I speak, I don¡¯t like to be interrupted, so if there¡¯s anything you don¡¯t understand¡­ it¡¯s that your comprehension ability isn¡¯t good.¡±


    ¡°If someone interrupts me, then I¡¯ll ask you to leave.¡±


    ¡°By the way, you can call me Sick Ghost. I¡¯m in charge of teaching you the Sword Holder¡¯s secret art of hiding things.¡± The Sick Ghost coughed again. This time, it was very intense and he spat out a mouthful of blood.


    As blood flowed out, the poison hidden in the blood¡­ silently spread out at this moment.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.

 Chapter 514 - 514 Poison Demon Takes Action

    514 Poison Demon Takes Action


    This poison was colorless and odorless and extremely difficult to detect. Even if one had some understanding of medicine, they wouldn¡¯t be able to sense it immediately.


    Only those who specialized in the Dao of Poison would instinctively sense the existence of poison.


    Just like Xu Qing.


    He instantly sensed this poison and frowned imperceptibly.


    This was a poison he had never seen before. He couldn¡¯t smell the composition of the medicinal herbs inside and could only sense that it contained biological poison sacs. Moreover, it should be a mix of poison. Just one of them wasn¡¯t of much use.


    ¡®They still need the cooperation of other poisons to activate.¡¯


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever but he was vigilant inwardly. Although he wasn¡¯t afraid of poison and his body contained even more potent poison, his cautious personality still made him flick his fingers slightly and poison spread out in the surroundings.


    It was to protect himself.


    If the other party¡¯s poison contained something unexpected, Xu Qing would have a way to deal with it.


    After doing this, Xu Qing was expressionless as he listened attentively to the lesson.


    When everyone in the surroundings saw Sick Ghost coughing up blood, they all looked at each other in dismay. However, Kong Xianglong was sitting upright. Respect could be seen in his eyes. Clearly, he knew Sick Ghost. At the same time, the qi and blood in his body instinctively circulated, vaguely forming a protective barrier.


    There were some who did the same, but not everyone.


    At that moment, Sick Ghost coughed violently a few more times. A weakened expression appeared on his face as he wiped the corners of his mouth.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Back then, when I was a spy in the Holy Wave Race, I was injured by those bastards.¡±


    ¡°As for the secret art of the Sword Holder to hide things, this is very useful. In the future, you will face all kinds of missions and battles. It will definitely involve information and the transfer of items.¡±


    ¡°In that case, if you are in the enemy¡¯s camp or are about to be killed, how to ensure that the things you hide won¡¯t be leaked? This secret art will teach you how to form a small space that belongs to you.¡±


    Sick Ghost slowly spoke. Although his voice was weak, it still clearly entered everyone¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Moreover, this space has a secret key. Everyone¡¯s secret key is different, just like a true spirit incantation. However, since you set it up yourself, you naturally have to remember to turn in a backup of the secret key. Don¡¯t worry, in the entire Sword Holding Palace, only the Palace Master has the right to know everyone¡¯s secret key. Others will only be told when the missions require it.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. This method of hiding items was novel to him.


    The captain¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡®Only the Palace Master knows everyone¡¯s secret key. In that case, if I change the secret key to a sentence, such as protecting the human race, won¡¯t it indirectly increase his good impression of me? When others find out, they will also feel deep veneration.¡¯


    While the captain was thinking about the feasibility of this matter, Sick Ghost continued to speak.


    ¡°The purpose of this backup is to ensure that the other Sword Holders can find that storage space on your body and take out your last words and items when you are dead.¡±


    The captain blinked and felt that his thoughts were a little inauspicious, so he dismissed them.


    After Sick Ghost finished introducing the art, he began to impart relevant cultivation art.


    Although he didn¡¯t allow others to speak, Sick Ghost¡¯s teaching was very detailed. However, during this period, he spat out blood many times and his body seemed to be on the verge of collapse. He only finished the lesson after the morning passed.


    Very soon, the Sword Holders began to try using the secret art.


    ¡°You guys can cultivate on your own after you return.¡± After Sick Ghost finished speaking, he stood up. As though he had stood up too quickly, blood flowed out of the corner of his mouth. After wiping it away with an indifferent expression, he walked to the entrance of the Knowledge Hall.


    Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly turned his head and looked at everyone in the hall with a smile.


    ¡°By the way, I¡¯m actually not only talking about the secret art to hide things in this lesson. I¡¯m also using my actions to tell you that as a Sword Holder, you have to be vigilant at all times.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you notice that I¡¯m not wearing the Sword Holder¡¯s Daoist robe?


    ¡°Have you seen anyone in the Sword Holding Palace who doesn¡¯t wear the Sword Holder¡¯s Daoist robe?¡±


    ¡°Must the people who entered the class be Sword Holders? Where¡¯s your vigilance? Have you forgotten three rules, seven principles, and sixty-nine articles?¡±


    ¡°Even if there are really plainclothes, the normal process would require the Sword Holders to introduce their identities. This is a very simple test. The results of the test¡­ Some of you are too inexperienced.¡± As Sick Ghost spoke, he waved his right hand.


    Immediately, more than ten of the 51 Sword Holders fell to the ground and fainted. The remaining ones looked at Sick Ghost.


    The captain, Qing Qiu, Kong Xianglong, and the others were among them.


    ¡°If I was really an enemy, then these people would be dead.¡±


    Sick Ghost glanced at the ones who didn¡¯t collapse and smiled.


    ¡°This batch of Sword Holders is indeed different from the past. However, from the start to the end, not many people noticed the abnormality of my uniform, so you still failed.¡±


    ¡°Being unconscious is bad, but you guys are not much better. This will be recorded in the assessment.¡± After Sick Ghost finished speaking, he flicked his sleeve and his clothes changed, becoming the Daoist robe of the Sword Holder.


    After that, he took out some pills and threw them at the unconscious Sword Holders. He then looked at Xu Qing and the others with a spurious smile.


    ¡°However, there were a few who passed the test. Whose eye is this?¡± As Sick Ghost spoke, he grabbed an eye from behind him.


    The captain coughed.


    ¡°And this melon seed.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also this trace of evil ghost intent.¡±


    ¡°And this hair that suddenly appeared.¡±


    ¡°And this wisp of fog, could it be that you enslaved a member of the Smoke Race?¡± Sick Ghost¡¯s gaze swept past the captain, Night Spirit, Qing Qiu, Shan He, and Wang Chen.


    ¡°The five of you pass!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, footsteps rang out from outside the hall. Four figures that emitted a murderous aura suddenly appeared. The Sword Holder Daoist robes on their bodies were a little different. There was a black sword embroidered on their collars.


    ¡°Sick Ghost, someone saw through your test. Someone sent a voice transmission to our Law Enforcement Department and asked us to capture you.¡± Among the four of them, a middle-aged law enforcer calmly spoke.


    ¡°Oh? Who is it?¡± Sick Ghost smiled. When he looked at everyone in the hall, Kong Xianglong stood up and cupped his fists at him.


    ¡°Kid, you¡¯re good. You clearly know me but you can still look past the barrier formed by cognition and see the essence. This is much more amazing. Your results are excellent!¡± Sick Ghost¡¯s eyes lit up and he nodded in admiration. He was about to leave.


    The captain coughed again and spoke somewhat embarrassedly.


    ¡°Sir, there¡¯s another eye¡­¡±


    Sick Ghost was stunned and looked at the captain.


    ¡°It¡¯s in your storage bag.¡± The captain blinked.


    After Sick Ghost lowered his head and checked, he waved his hand and took out an eye from his storage bag. He held it in his hand and looked at it. His eyes revealed a strange glint as he carefully sized up the captain a few times.


    ¡°Not bad, to be able to make me not notice it. Although there are tricks, it¡¯s also extremely good. Your results are also excellent. Oh right, what¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Chen Erniu¡­¡± The captain replied carefully.


    Sick Ghost fell silent and cast a deep glance at the captain.


    He had heard of this name before. At this moment, he shook his head and turned to leave.


    Xu Qing hesitated for a moment and looked at the other party¡¯s weakened body that was filled with his poison.


    He could tell that the other party wasn¡¯t someone who was proficient in the Dao of Poison. It should be poison formed naturally from the injuries in his body and he used it as a weapon.


    Previously, this person had spat out blood many times, so Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but release more poison as he was on guard. He wasn¡¯t sure if this poison would cause a drastic change when mixed with Sick Ghost¡¯s injuries.


    However, just in case, Xu Qing still stood up.


    ¡°Lord.¡±


    Sick Ghost stopped in his tracks again and turned to look at Xu Qing. In reality, he had been paying attention to Xu Qing previously and knew that the other party had 100,00 feet of light. However, in the end, he was still a little disappointed.


    In his opinion, although Xu Qing didn¡¯t fall for his move, he didn¡¯t hide any tricks on him. Also, he didn¡¯t see the problem with his robe. This made him look slightly mediocre and stiff.


    However, now that he was stopped, he still felt some anticipation.


    ¡°Xu Qing, did you secretly hide anything on me?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Sick Ghost was curious. He couldn¡¯t sense anything else.


    ¡°Poison¡­¡± Xu Qing said apologetically.


    Sick Ghost was stunned.


    ¡°There are many poisons mixed together. I wonder if it will affect Lord¡¯s injuries. It¡¯s very easy for the poison to undergo drastic changes when they are mixed.¡±


    The expression of Sick Ghost changed.


    ¡°Lord, you¡­ should hurry up and go back to find someone to detoxify the poison.¡±


    ¡°Also, fellow colleagues, the same goes for you. I¡¯m sorry about this but you don¡¯t have any hidden injuries, so the poison is on the surface. I haven¡¯t activated it yet, so it can be neutralized.¡±


    Xu Qing finished speaking in one breath and took out a large number of antidotes, distributing them to the dumbfounded crowd. After that, he apologetically looked at Sick Ghost who was standing there in a daze with a rapidly changing expression.


    ¡°Lord, your body has been stimulated by your poison. I don¡¯t have an antidote. Hurry up and find an alchemy expert¡­¡±


    The surroundings were completely silent. Everyone looked at Xu Qing with shock in their eyes. Regardless of whether it was Shan He, Wang Chen, or Kong Xianglong, they were all the same.


    Only the captain looked like he knew this would happen and calmly swallowed a large number of antidotes.


    Just as Sick Ghost was about to say something, he spat out a mouthful of black blood and his face instantly turned greenish-black. He was quickly supported by the four law enforcers beside him to look for the alchemy masters of the Sword Holding Palace.


    The hall fell silent again.


    Immediately after, the sound of gulping rang out. Everyone was swallowing antidotes. After those unconscious people woke up and were informed of the situation, their expressions changed drastically and they quickly swallowed the pills.


    There were also whooshing sounds. All the tables around Xu Qing were moved away. Kong Xianglong also instinctively moved away. Qing Qiu was even faster.


    Xu Qing sat down silently. He was already used to this loneliness. At least he still had Eldest Senior Brother.


    The captain was still as calm as ever. Ever since he got to know Xu Qing, the number of antidotes in his storage bag hadn¡¯t decreased. At this moment, he took out another handful and ate them like they were candies. At the same time, he looked proudly at Kong Xianglong and thought to himself.


    ¡®What¡¯s the big deal? One look and I can tell that you don¡¯t have enough foresight.¡¯


    Being swept by the captain¡¯s gaze, Kong Xianglong smiled bitterly. He braced himself and moved the table over again. He then laughed at Xu Qing and took out a few antidote pills to eat.


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    At that moment, the atmosphere in the hall revealed a strangeness amidst the relative silence. Many Sword Holders secretly glanced at Xu Qing.


    One could imagine that this matter would soon spread throughout the Sword Holding Palace¡­


    Not long later, footsteps rang out from the hall and another Sword Holder walked over.


    This person was an old man. Different from Sick Ghost, the sense of dignity he emitted was very strong and even more gloomy. When he walked over, his footsteps landed on the ground and popping sounds rang out. His qi and blood were violent.


    When he reached the front, the old man turned and coldly swept his gaze across everyone. Finally, his gaze landed on Xu Qing.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who intensified Sick Ghost¡¯s poison?¡±

 Chapter 515 - 515 Sovereigns of the Human Race! (1)

    515 Sovereigns of the Human Race! (1)


    The old man¡¯s voice was cold and contained a hint of killing intent.


    There was also a baleful aura that instinctively emitted from him, which was further enhanced by his serious expression that concealed malevolence.


    Xu Qing could sense that this old man was also at the Nascent Soul realm but his aura felt stronger than Sick Ghost¡¯s. He nodded in acknowledgment.


    ¡°Very good.¡± The old man looked at Xu Qing and laughed a cold laugh.


    ¡°Sick Ghost relied on the characteristic of coexisting with the Holy Wave Race¡¯s poison to always release poison. However, he has limited knowledge when it comes to the Dao of Poison. This batch of Sword Holders is quite impressive!¡±


    ¡°Your name is Xu Qing, isn¡¯t it? Come over here. As a reward for poisoning Sick Ghost, I¡¯ll allow you to assist me in explaining the myriad races.¡±


    Xu Qing stood up and walked toward the old man, and stood by his side.


    The old man¡¯s gaze moved away from Xu Qing and looked at everyone in the hall.


    ¡°You can call me Ghost Hand. I¡¯m in charge of explaining some common characteristics and fatal points of the myriad races to you.¡±


    Qing Qiu instinctively glanced at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing focused. He could sense a strong smell of blood from the old man. At the same time, he also noticed that the reverence in Kong Xianglong¡¯s expression surpassed the latter¡¯s reverence for Sick Ghost.


    Just as Xu Qing was in deep thought, Kong Xianglong¡¯s voice transmission rang out in his ears.


    ¡®Pawn.¡¯


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He knew the meaning of Pawn. This meant that this old man in front of him was from the Prison Department.


    His interest in the content the other party was about to explain increased greatly.


    Previously, when he was in the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Homicide Department, he had interacted with some nonhuman races and knew that the body structures of many races were extremely different from the human race. This also made their fatal points different.


    For example, the Bizarre Fiend Race and the Starfish Race had different fatal points.


    ¡°Smoke Race, this race was born under the sun and lives within the breath of the heavens. They don¡¯t seem to have any fatal points, but in reality, their bodies are riddled with them. You need to use wind spells to stimulate¡­¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, catch.¡±


    The old man spoke calmly, then waved his right hand. Immediately, a piece of ice appeared in front of him and floated in front of Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing immediately caught it.


    Being at such a close distance, he could sense it more clearly than others.


    This ice was transparent and he could faintly see a wisp of smoke sealed inside.


    ¡°You can even make it more simple. For example, you can seal them in ice.¡±


    After introducing the Smoke Race, the old man flicked his sleeve and kept the ice before continuing to introduce the other races.


    ¡°The Cloth Hair Race can turn their enemies into puppets using their innate talent. Their fatal area is their third finger. That¡¯s where their lifeline is.¡±


    The old man waved his hand again, and a small, skinny corpse appeared in front of him. It also floated in front of Xu Qing and was controlled by Xu Qing with a spell. He then moved the corpse around according to the old man¡¯s request.


    This corpse was green and there was a horn on its head. Its entire body was naked and wrinkled.


    ¡°Xu Qing, find his third finger.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Xu Qing immediately lifted the right hand of the corpse and showed the half-broken third finger to all the Sword Holders.


    ¡°There¡¯s also the Two Faces Race, a close relative branch of the Holy Demon Race.¡±


    ¡°Due to the alliance agreement, the Holy Demon Race can¡¯t kill wantonly, but the Two Faces Race can. Like the Holy Demon Race, they have powerful physical prowess. The moment their two faces rotate, strike their glabellas.¡±


    The old man waved his hand again and took out a Two Faces Race¡¯s corpse that was more than 20 feet tall. Blood was dripping from his glabella.


    Xu Qing¡¯s perception was even clearer. He could tell that the injury on the Two Faces was a sword mark. The sword had penetrated through the entire head and the two glabellas.


    The expressions of the Sword Holders in the surroundings turned solemn. All of them became fully engrossed in what was being said.


    The old man continued to speak, describing a hundred nonhuman races in great detail. With each explanation, he would take out a specimen of that race. Every specimen looked like they had died not long ago.


    There were also some who were still alive and were directly killed by the old man in front of everyone.


    Gradually, the stench of blood in the hall became denser.


    During this process, Xu Qing gained a lot.


    Not only could he see clearly, but his perception was also thorough. He could also sense many details.


    ¡°The last one is a Quasi-Immortal.¡± At this point, the old man grinned as though his mood became better from killing earlier. He took out a wine gourd and took a big gulp.


    ¡°The ones you saw earlier were all hunted down and killed by me to use in this presentation. Every one of them has cruelly killed human cultivators which includes Sword Holders as well. All of them are wanted by the Sword Holding Palace.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m very happy that there aren¡¯t any pedantic people in your batch who feel sympathy for the foreign races. There were occasionally such idiots in the early years.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not easy to get close to the Quasi-Immortals. I brought this one out of the Prison Department. Unfortunately, it¡¯s the same as the Holy Demon Race, it can¡¯t be killed.¡± As the old man spoke, he waved his hand and the Quasi-Immortal appeared in front of everyone.


    This Quasi-Immortal cultivator was unconscious and was floating in the air.


    ¡°Look carefully. The Quasi-Immortal Race is similar to the human race but they have five hearts. This is their strength and their regenerative ability is very strong. They have few fatal points. Compared to the hearts, I personally feel that their kidneys are more fatal.¡±


    ¡°Of course, if you encounter it in the future, you can try to dismember it. That way, nothing will go wrong.¡±


    ¡°What I¡¯m talking about is the fatal points of the physical bodies of the various races. There are differences because of different arts and techniques, so you¡¯ll have to assess these on the spot.¡±

 Chapter 516 - 516 Sovereigns of the Human Race! (2)

    516 Sovereigns of the Human Race! (2)


    ¡°There¡¯s one more thing I have to remind you about the Quasi-Immortals. The immortal puppets of the Quasi-Immortals are stronger than their clansmen. They are killing machines that were created for battle.¡±


    ¡°Every immortal puppet is at least in the Nascent Soul realm. I don¡¯t know the details of the production process, but I know that it was refined using live Quasi-Immortals. You can imagine how cruel the process is. The goal is to stimulate their resentment and madness, and then combine it with some special anomalous substances to produce an ability similar to invading all things.¡±


    With that, the old man put away the Quasi-Immortal cultivator and took another large gulp of wine.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that I can¡¯t dismember this Quasi-Immortal in front of you. The three races have an alliance. One of them stipulates that if the criminals of the three races are caught committing crimes in the territory of another race, they can only be imprisoned for ten years at most before they have to be transferred back to their own race.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the same for the Holy Demon Race, the Quasi-Immortal Race, and our human race.¡±


    The old man shook his head and no longer bothered everyone as he walked out.


    Xu Qing also returned to his chair and sat down.


    At that moment, it was already afternoon outside, and the sun was already setting on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the sky.


    As the sunset deepened, a figure walked into the Sword Holding Palace.


    He was an old man clothed in a green robe. His hair was white and his eyes sparkled. The scholarly aura coming from him was unmistakable even from a distance.


    As he walked over, all the Sword Holders who saw him greeted him respectfully.


    ¡°Greetings, Deputy Governor.¡±


    The Palace Masters of the three palaces were second only to the County Governor in terms of authority. Below this level was the Deputy Governor.


    The Deputy Governor had a smile on his face as he walked toward the Knowledge Hall. On the way, he looked at the surrounding halls and smiled as he spoke to the Sword Holder beside him.


    ¡°Thinking about it, the last time I came here was ten years ago. Yesterday, I heard from the county governor that the new Sword Holders are impressive. I can take this opportunity to take a look at the elites of our human race.¡±


    The Deputy Governor was accompanied by the leader of the four deacons of the Sword Holding Palace, who broke into a smile upon hearing this.


    ¡°These brats still have much to learn. The Deputy Governor is very knowledgeable. If you could give them some pointers, it would be their great fortune.¡±


    The Deputy Governor nodded happily and followed the deacon to the Knowledge Hall.


    The moment they entered, everyone in the hall saw the deacon escorting someone and stood up to greet him. Xu Qing was the same and looked at the two people walking over.


    ¡°This is the Deputy Governor of my Fenghai County. He will explain to you about the history of the human race and how to save yourself through plants and vegetation when you are in danger.¡±


    The deacon spoke solemnly.


    ¡°The Deputy Governor is a paragon of virtue and benevolence. Six years ago, he improved the white pills and developed the plain pills. The effect of this pill on dissipating anomalous substances has more than doubled. This great feat has alleviated the sufferings of the people in the county, sparing them from the torment of the anomalous substances.¡±


    At this point, the deacon cupped his fists and bowed to the Deputy Governor.


    The Deputy Governor returned the greeting and sighed with emotion.


    ¡°I cannot accept the praise of immeasurable virtue. It takes time to nurture the herbs for the plain pills. Right now, they can only be provided to the commoners in the county capital. If it can be popularized in the entire 13 provinces of the county and even the entire human race, it can then be considered a virtue.¡±


    ¡°Lord is humble.¡± The deacon spoke respectfully before bidding farewell and leaving. It was only when he walked out of the Knowledge Hall that the Deputy Governor, who was the focus of Xu Qing and the others, smiled and walked to the chair. After taking his seat, he spoke warmly.


    ¡°Everyone, sit down. Your deacon overpraised me. I¡¯m just a scholar.¡±


    Everyone bowed respectfully before sitting down. They then looked at the Deputy Governor in front of them.


    Xu Qing looked at the other party and sensed an aura similar to Grandmaster Bai and the Great Elder of the Sword Holding Court. This made him instinctively have a good impression of him.


    This was especially so when he heard about the plain pills earlier. It aroused his interest and he prepared to buy one to study later.


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s lesson was also very interesting. He explained the history of the human race. From the glory of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether to the worship of the myriad races in the Wanggu Continent until the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived and the Wanggu faced its calamity.


    After that, the focus was on the successive human emperors of the human race in the era after the god¡¯s fragmented-face.


    Some of them were muddle-headed, some were wise. Some were trying to revive the human race, while some were content with the status quo.


    ¡°In the year 37938 of the Eastern Triumph Calendar, the Human Sovereign Eastern Triumph was eager for military glory. He ignored the dissuasion and mobilized the entire race to start a war with the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. This battle ended in a huge defeat, with tens of thousands of years of accumulation of our human race gone to waste, and countless young men buried in the foreign soil. After that, our strength declined sharply, and it became a turning point for our human race. History calls it the Mystic Heaven Incident.¡±


    ¡°In the year 21435 of the Holy Sky Calendar, the series of consequences of the Mystic Heaven Incident erupted cumulatively. Our human race lost 39 regions that had been ours for tens of thousands of years. Billions of our people became refugees, enslaved by the nonhuman races and scattered throughout Wanggu.¡±


    ¡°Those commoners who are scattered in the nonhuman races¡¯ territories, generations after generations, live without knowledge of their race and die without knowing where their homes are. Some of the better off can form small countries but they are also facing enslavement and destruction at all times.¡±


    ¡°It was only during the Mirror Cloud Era, several years later, that our human race had a chance to rise again. The Human Sovereign Mirror Cloud was wise and virtuous. There was also a small country in the Purple Green Region that was able to rise against the heavens and occupied the region.¡±


    ¡°This country¡¯s name was Purple Green. Its king was ordinary, but its crown prince was peerlessly shocking and is known as the number one outstanding talent of the human race after the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived. He was born with the luck of the human race. The moment he was born, wails rang out from all the forbidden regions in the Wanggu Continent. Strange blood flowed and spread outside the various forbidden regions.¡±


    ¡°Later generations researched and believed that he was the savior created by the vast world of the Wanggu Continent with the power of the world. He was given the mission of unifying the Wanggu Continent.¡±


    ¡°This Crown Prince Purple Green, who could suppress an era, and the Human Sovereign Mirror Cloud suppressed two opposite directions. Under the joint efforts of the two of them, our human race finally stabilized the situation of constantly losing our territories.¡±


    ¡°At that time, the human race still had three regions and 27 counties, with the large region of Purple Green under our feet, which is now the Holy Wave Large Region!¡±


    ¡°This peerless heaven¡¯s chosen fell.¡±


    ¡°He died on the soil of the Purple Green Kingdom. Those who participated in the killing were all terrifying individuals, including the sleeping god of the earth who also took action. The Human Sovereign Mirror Cloud was unable to reinforce him in time. From then ona?| there was no longer Purple Green in this world. That peerless heaven¡¯s chosen finally died in an overseas continent far away from here.¡±


    ¡°On the day he died, the Wanggu¡¯s mountain ranges quaked as though they were shouting. The billions of rivers flowed against the current as though they were crying. The fragmented-face of the god in the sky also opened its eyes because of this.¡±


    ¡°Years later, as the Purple Green disappeared and the Grand Duke Holy Wave was appointed as the region lord, in the year 1257 of the Dao World Calendar, even though the Human Sovereign Dao World was wise and virtuous, everything still changed. The Black Heaven Race rose and invaded our human race!¡±


    ¡°The human sovereign personally led the expedition and the entire race resisted. We could have successfully repelled the Black Heaven Race but at the critical moment, the Grand Duke Holy Wave rebelled and handed a region to Black Heaven. He even mixed his blood with theirs and turned against his own race!¡±


    ¡°After this battle, the human race lost two regions and 20 countiesa?| This incident is known as the Rebellion of the Holy Wave.¡±


    ¡°From that moment on, the name of the large region of Purple Green was changed to Holy Wave.¡±


    As the Deputy Governor spoke, his voice seemed to lead everyone on a journey through time, allowing them to witness the history of the human race. The story was poignant and emotional, filled with moments of excitement as well as sorrow.


    ¡°Just like that, the territory of our human race went from covering the entire Wanggu Continent to only one region and seven counties. Now, it¡¯s year 2931 of the Mystic War Calendar. I hope that our Human Sovereign Mystic War will bring back the holy light.¡±


    The Deputy Governor sighed softly.


    ¡°The future depends on you. I hope you can inherit the ancient style and become Sword Holders who can truly protect the human race and not just look for your own benefits!¡±


    Everyone fell silent.


    Xu Qing lowered his head. His hands had clenched tightly at some point in time. They were clenched so tightly that they turned white.

 Chapter 517 - 517 Everything Follows the Environment (1)

    517 Everything Follows the Environment (1)


    Accidents always appeared suddenly, stirring up waves that flooded one¡¯s mind.


    Xu Qing was listening to the Deputy Governor talk about the history of the human race. This was the first time he had heard of the human race¡¯s past. He was instinctively immersed and wasn¡¯t prepared at all when he heard the name he didn¡¯t want to hear the most.


    From the Deputy Governor¡¯s words, it seemed that this person¡­ had once made a major contribution to the human race.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t that great. His thoughts were very simple. He would find that crow and kill it.


    As for what the other party had done in the past, whether it was really as the Deputy Governor had said or it was fabricated by later generations. Xu Qing felt that there was no need for him to think about it.


    Perhaps there was indeed a concept of good and evil in this world, but most of the time, things weren¡¯t that simple between humans, but rather complex.


    So, good and evil were rare in the true sense of the word, and they were mostly rooted in differences in standpoints.


    In order to survive, a person snatched the last white pill of another person. As a result, that person mutated and died. The robber continued to commit such acts and eventually managed to survive.


    In the eyes of everyone who was killed by him and the world, he was evil.


    However, after he survived, he went on to do many good deeds that saved even more people. In the eyes of those people, he was a good person.


    So, was he evil or good?


    Some things were not easy to distinguish. This was because no matter what choice was made, it would be considered wrong by someone. The act of distinguishing itself contained different standpoints.


    The answer to a question from different perspectives was different.


    Xu Qing had seen too many real-life cases when he was young and was also ignorant about this.


    Although he hadn¡¯t understood everything yet, he knew the direction.


    Stick to his heart.


    It was enough.


    If you want to kill me, I¡¯ll kill you.


    If you try to rob me, I¡¯ll kill you.


    If you want to harm me, I¡¯ll kill you.


    You killed my parents, so I want to kill you even more!


    Xu Qing lifted his head from his lowered posture. His gaze was clear as he looked at the Deputy Governor.


    After the Deputy Governor finished narrating the history of the human race, his gaze fell upon the outstanding talents gathered in the hall. Coincidentally, at this moment, his gaze landed upon Xu Qing.


    The two of them looked at each other.


    The Deputy Governor nodded.


    ¡°Next, I will explain to you how to survive in a desperate situation by relying on vegetation. Of course, the limitation here is that the desperate situation you¡¯re in contains vegetation.¡±


    ¡°This is actually very common. The number of vegetation in the Wanggu Continent surpasses the myriad races themselves.¡±


    ¡°If you can stand at an absolute height and look down upon the entirety of Wanggu, you will discover that even after the eradication of myriad races, Wanggu remains relatively unchanged. However, if all vegetation were to be wiped out, the changes in Wanggu would be extremely obvious.¡±


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s voice was hoarse, and against the backdrop of his aged figure, this voice seemed to carry the weight of time itself, gradually seeping into the minds of all those present.


    ¡°I won¡¯t teach you specific methods. You have to figure that out on your own after class. I¡¯ll only present you with a framework. This is also the direction of my research over the years.¡±


    ¡°That is¡­ to change the characteristics of a plant. For example, turning an ordinary plant into a medicinal herb, a spirit grass into a poisonous grass, or a poisonous grass into a spirit grass. This will give you one more way to save yourself in a dangerous environment.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He had thought about this direction before.


    According to Grandmaster Bai, he could use the technique of balancing yin and yang to change the properties of the herbs. This change could be achieved by using other herbs to match with the harvested herbs according to their different properties.


    However, this method had some flaws. There were some medicinal herbs that couldn¡¯t be changed by adjusting the two extremes of yin and yang.


    While Xu Qing was pondering, so too were the others.


    Although everyone¡¯s attainments in plants and vegetation were ordinary, they still had some understanding of it. After all, in this world, alchemy pills were indispensable.


    The Deputy Governor smiled and looked at everyone. After that, he waved his hand and took out a flower pot. There was a small red flower in it.


    The stem of this flower was green. It had three petals, each of which had many small scales like that of a fish. Due to the scales, the red flower gave off a demonic feeling.


    ¡°Red Phosphorus Flower.¡± Xu Qing recognized it at a glance. This highly toxic flower was rare and was one of the plants that couldn¡¯t be altered by adjusting the two extremes of yin and yang.


    ¡°Watch carefully.¡±


    The Deputy Governor took out a small bottle and poured the liquid inside into the soil. As he observed the changes in the red-scaled flower, he continued to pour different medicinal liquids.


    After doing this, he waved his hands; immediately, his dense cultivation base energy spread out and augmented the flower pot, accelerating the absorption of the medicinal liquid by the red phosphorus flower in the soil.


    Gradually, a miraculous scene appeared.


    The color of the red-scaled flower gradually shifted to white and a fragrant aroma wafted out in all directions.


    Everyone in the hall was amazed, while Xu Qing was shocked.


    This scene looked simple but the more one understood, the more shocked they would be.


    Xu Qing was very clear that the yin-yang extreme technique couldn¡¯t change the red-scaled flower. However, the method used by the Deputy Governor had actually achieved this. This caused Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to reveal an intense glint.


    ¡°Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°If you want to change the state of a medicinal herb, you don¡¯t need to use a drastic approach, nor do you need to transform it externally by harmonizing yin and yang. In my opinion, what is needed is to transform it in a subtle way.¡±


    ¡°Subtly, you change the environment it is in and change its nutrients. Let it slowly absorb them without knowing it and influence it from the inside.¡±


    ¡°To be precise, it wasn¡¯t me who changed its state but its own strength that changed its state. What I did was to create an environment and nutrients that guided its direction.¡±

 Chapter 518 - 518 Everything Follows the Environment (2)

    518 Everything Follows the Environment (2)


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s eyes were filled with encouragement as he looked at everyone who was deep in thought in the hall.


    ¡°This is the framework I am imparting to you. With this as the foundation, you¡¯ll be able to achieve twice the result with half the effort if you study the Dao of plants and vegetation.¡±


    ¡°I will explain some of this knowledge to you for the next seven days. If you can¡¯t fully comprehend it by then, you can spend your military contributions to come to my office and continue learning from me.¡±


    With that, the Deputy Governor rose from his seat and walked out of the hall.


    Everyone stood and bowed respectfully to the Deputy Governor.


    Xu Qing was the same. He found this lesson to be greatly inspiring.


    With the departure of the Deputy Governor, today¡¯s class came to an end. Everyone walked out of the hall one after another.


    At that moment, dusk had passed and the bright moon had risen.


    The moon today was very beautiful. There were no clouds in the sky and the moon shone brightly.


    Xu Qing, who was about to return to the branch sect with the captain, had just left the main hall when Kong Xianglong¡¯s hearty voice rang out from behind him.


    ¡°Xu Qing.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll all be comrades in the future, so let me treat you to a drink. I won¡¯t beat around the bush ¨C I want to make friends with you.¡±


    ¡°These friends of mine are also curious about you. You¡¯ve just arrived in the county capital, so you might not know much about the Sword Holding Palace. I¡¯ll explain it to you later.¡±


    ¡°What do you think?¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he halted in his steps and turned his head to look at Kong Xianglong who was walking over. The other party had a sincere expression on his face, and his smile was warm. Behind him were Shan He and the others.


    Xu Qing hesitated. The other party was so sincere in inviting him and he indeed planned to understand more about the Sword Holders. However, it seemed that the other party didn¡¯t like the captain.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Chen, if you don¡¯t have time¡­¡± Kong Xianglong appeared carefree, but that was simply his personality. It was just that he couldn¡¯t be bothered to use his brain. However, this didn¡¯t mean that he was stupid. At this moment, he could naturally perceive the source of Xu Qing¡¯s hesitation.


    Hence, he suppressed the vigilance he had against Chen Erniu and calmly spoke.


    ¡°I have time!¡± The captain coughed. He was very satisfied with Xu Qing¡¯s way of taking care of him.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    Kong Xianglong didn¡¯t care too much if there was an additional person. Just as the group was about to leave, Night Spirit grabbed Qing Qiu, who was about to leave.


    Qing Qiu had no choice but to tag along.


    Just like that, the seven of them flew out of the Sword Holding Palace.


    Behind them, Zhang Siyun walked out of the Knowledge Hall. When he saw this scene, he let out a cold snort and left alone.


    Kong Xianglong and the others had grown up in the county capital and were naturally very familiar with taverns and restaurants. However, they didn¡¯t choose a luxurious place, but rather an ordinary tavern.


    There weren¡¯t many customers inside. The owners were an old couple and were clearly familiar with Kong Xianglong¡¯s group. When they came out with the dishes and saw them, they immediately smiled


    ¡°Little Kong is here. You made new friends?¡±


    ¡°Uncle Zhou, Auntie Zhou.¡± After Kong Xianglong arrived, he hurriedly ran over and took the plates of dishes, helping to deliver them to the next table. The customers at the table weren¡¯t intimidated by the presence of a group of Sword Holders and instead teased.


    ¡°Little Kong, are you here to help again?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m drinking while doing miscellaneous chores.¡± Kong Xianglong chuckled. After putting down the plates, he took some wine pots and walked over to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Why are you all standing there? Sit down. I brewed the wine here. It¡¯s not mixed with water at all.¡± Kong Xianglong pulled everyone to a table and sat down. He placed the wine pots down, looking like the owner.


    Qing Qiu was amazed by this scene. Xu Qing also took a few more glances at Kong Xianglong, while the captain seemed to have been aware of it all along.


    Just as Kong Xianglong was about to speak, another table of customers shouted for the bill. He hurriedly got up and ran over. His movements were very familiar, and he didn¡¯t seem to be the same person as back then at the Sword Holding Palace.


    ¡°Big Brother Kong has lived in poverty since young. He used to work as a laborer in the Sword Holding Palace and also took on a few odd jobs outside to earn spirit coins.¡± Night Spirit glanced at Xu Qing and the others and explained.


    ¡°He worked as a server for three years in this tavern. He only resigned after he started cultivating and had more missions outside. However, every time we gather, he still chooses this place because Uncle Zhou and Auntie Zhou have been very kind to him.¡±


    ¡°Brother Kong is a nostalgic person.¡± Shan He instinctively maintained a gloomy expression and spoke coldly.


    Xu Qing looked at the busy Kong Xianglong. He had never encountered such a person before.


    Very soon, Kong Xianglong ran back. After he sat down, he picked up a wine pot and laughed at everyone.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy today to have made new friends. Come, let¡¯s drink!¡±


    Shan He and the others lifted the wine pots. Xu Qing, the captain, and Qing Qiu also picked up the wine pots. After everyone looked at each other, they drank it together.


    They were all young people and drank quickly. Although alcohol was nothing to cultivators, it could still liven up the atmosphere, especially with Kong Xianglong¡¯s hearty laughter and enthusiasm.


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s boldness was also reflected in his drinking habits. It was clear that he was a person who loved wine, as he continued to empty one pot after another.


    Gradually, Xu Qing and Qing Qiu relaxed. However, the two of them still couldn¡¯t stand each other and ignored each other.


    As for the captain, he was very sociable and kept drinking with Shan He and the others.


    ¡°Little He, Night Spirit, and Wang Chen, I know the three of you aren¡¯t convinced about Xu Qing being appointed by the Emperor, but let me tell you, the greatest taboo among the heaven¡¯s chosens of the human race is jealousy. You¡¯ve heard the history of the human race today. Our human race isn¡¯t as strong as it used to be, and if we still fight among ourselves, our future will be bleak.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you guys think, but I¡¯m convinced by Xu Qing. A hundred thousand feet is a hundred thousand feet.¡±

 Chapter 519 - 519 Everything Follows the Environment (3)

    519 Everything Follows the Environment (3)


    Kong Xianglong sighed. Under his words, the expressions of Shan He and the other two relaxed a little. They tried to approach Xu Qing and the others but they were clearly guarded against the captain and couldn¡¯t relax for a while.


    Just like that, after three rounds of wine, when the dishes were served, Kong Xianglong smiled and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you guys haven¡¯t gone to comprehend the Emperor Sword yet, right? It¡¯s the same for Little Night Spirit. I succeeded in comprehending it last year, so I can share some experience with you guys.¡±


    Xu Qing was a little moved. Such experiences of insight were extremely precious and generally, few people would talk about them. The captain was also surprised and even Qing Qiu lifted her head.


    ¡°Why are you making such expressions? It¡¯s just the experiences and insights into the Emperor Sword.¡± Kong Xianglong laughed.


    Wang Chen, who had been silent the entire time, spoke softly.


    ¡°Brother Kong¡¯s personality is like this. He was the one who gave me my life lantern.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t give you your life lantern. We snatched it together.¡± Kong Xianglong slapped Wang Chen¡¯s shoulder, but his hand passed through it.


    ¡°Brother Kong, my main body is at a critical moment in cultivation¡­¡±


    Kong Xianglong smiled but didn¡¯t mind. He told about his experience of the Emperor Sword to Xu Qing and the others.


    As time passed, the group continued to drink more, especially after the captain brought out some spirit wine brewed by the Seven Blood Eyes. Mortals couldn¡¯t drink this wine as even a single sip would cause them to die from drunkenness.


    However, to cultivators, it was considered a good wine.


    This made Kong Xianglong have a better impression of his captain.


    In the end, even though everyone was a cultivator, they still felt a little drunk.


    This was because no one circulated their cultivation base to dissipate the effect of alcohol.


    This naturally made them more talkative. Shan He was no longer gloomy. Instead, he started cursing the Yao family. He expressed extreme dissatisfaction with the Yao family¡¯s close relationship to the nonhuman races.


    Even the County Governor and Deputy Governor were mentioned. People sighed at the former and also expressed their understanding and admiration for him, while the latter was widely recognized for his vast knowledge, extraordinary talents, and contributions to the prosperity of the capital.


    In the end, the captain even competed in drinking with Kong Xianglong, causing the atmosphere to be extremely lively.


    Only around midnight did everyone leave the tavern and go their separate ways.


    Although this gathering couldn¡¯t turn them into friends immediately, it did help them become somewhat more familiar with each other.


    On the way back to the branch sect, the captain put his arm around Xu Qing¡¯s neck and looked like he was looking down on the world.


    ¡°Let me tell you, Little Qing, these people can¡¯t hold their alcohol well. I only used 10% of my abilities. And that Kong Xianglong is even worse, he can¡¯t outdrink me!¡±


    Xu Qing smiled and nodded in agreement.


    It was a night of silence.


    In the next six days, the lessons in the Knowledge Hall continued. This batch of new Sword Holders learned more Sword Holder secret arts and knowledge.


    In the middle, the Sword Holding Palace also organized training courses in smaller groups.


    Under the arrangements of the Sword Holding Palace, although the classes were held in some halls of the Sword Holding Palace, the space within was transformed into an otherworldly environment.


    Under the continuous grouping, everyone slowly became familiar with each other.


    There was once when Xu Qing and Qing Qiu were assigned to a group. The two of them completed an ambush test together. Although they both kept cold expressions, their cooperation was surprisingly seamless. This made Qing Qiu feel disgusted.


    There was also a time when Kong Xianglong and the captain formed a team for a search operation.


    However, they failed.


    Because the captain couldn¡¯t help taking a bite of the item.


    After that, Kong Xianglong secretly reminded Shan He and the others to be careful of Chen Erniu.


    ¡°That fellow has a dog¡¯s nose and searches based on instinct. His eyes even glow and he likes to take a bite of whatever things there are. When you go out on missions with him in the future, you must pay close attention to the mission items!¡±


    Just like that, seven days passed in the blink of an eye and the secret training ended.


    It had to be said that the seven days of secret training in the Sword Holding Palace was very useful. Seven days ago, everyone was unfamiliar with each other. However, seven days later, other than familiarity, there was even some friendship.


    Although it wasn¡¯t deep, this was a seed.


    The seed that would make them into comrades.


    Of course, Zhang Siyun was an exception.


    While everyone was participating in the final assessment of the secret training, Xu Qing obtained an appointment token. He was told that there was no need for him to undergo the assessment and he would need to report for duty to the Palace Master.


    The Palace Master wasn¡¯t in the Sword Holding Palace.


    He was in the Prison Department.


    Guarding the Prison Department was the responsibility of all the Sword Holder Palace Masters of Fenghai County.


    Hence, Xu Qing left the Knowledge Hall. He took the appointment token and headed toward the first prison in Fenghai County.

 Chapter 520 - 520 Fenghais First Prison (1)

    520 Fenghai¡¯s First Prison (1)


    The first prison in Fenghai County belonged to the Sword Holding Palace. Its reputation spread far and wide, striking fear into the hearts of many.


    The people imprisoned inside were wicked criminals from all races, including the Holy Demon Race, the Quasi-Immortal Race, and even the Holy Wave Race. Humans who had committed major crimes were also incarcerated here.


    Since ancient times, other than the Holy Demon and the Quasi-Immortal who had an agreement with the human race, none of the criminals from the other races could come out alive.


    The reason why these criminals were suppressed and not killed immediately was because their cultivation bases were used as a power source of the county¡¯s Taboo magic treasure.


    Therefore, as long as the prisoners weren¡¯t wiped out in one go and as long as there were replenishments, it didn¡¯t matter if thousands or tens of thousands of them died. To a certain extent, the criminals here could be arbitrarily dealt with by the Prison Department.


    As a result, this prison was filled with the aura of death, so sinister that one could imagine how terrifying and cruel the Pawns working here were.


    For example, the Ghost Hand that had taught Xu Qing previously was one of the Pawns. The baleful aura on him was so strong that Xu Qing clearly sensed it.


    In addition, according to Xu Qing¡¯s understanding of the seven days of secret training, this prison in Fenghai County had a very long history, and was built in the same era as Fenghai County.


    Its construction was personally supervised by the first Sword Holding Palace Master of Fenghai County.


    It had a total of 177 floors. Every floor was tampered with spatial methods, endless restrictions, and countless array formations.


    Even a Nihility expert wouldn¡¯t be able to escape.


    This was because other than the terrifying defense of this prison, the Sword Holding Palace Master guarded it all year round.


    This tradition of the Palace Master guarding the prison had existed from the moment the prison was built. It was proposed by the first Sword Holding Palace Master. From then on, the successive Palace Masters of Fenghai County¡¯s Sword Holding Palace followed this tradition for generations. They placed their office and residence in the prison and guarded it themselves.


    Hence, every Palace Master would also be the head of the Prison Department.


    Other than imprisoning and providing a power source for the Taboo magic treasure, this prison also had another use, and that was intimidation.


    This was one of the methods the human race used to intimidate the nonhuman races in Fenghai County.


    For countless years, the number of cultivators imprisoned in the prison was a secret. Only the Prison Department knew.


    According to the rough statistics made by outsiders, this number¡­ was like the stars in the sky.


    When this information appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, he had already left the Sword Holding Palace. At that moment, he was speeding through the sky toward the Prison Department on the ground.


    From the sky, the entrance of the prison on the ground was transparent, allowing one¡¯s vision to penetrate the barrier without obstruction and see into the depths of the prison.


    Except for the first dozen or so floors, which were still visible, the lower floors were pitch-black, like an endless abyss or a frigid ghost cave, exuding a palpable chill.


    As Xu Qing approached the prison, the oppressive atmosphere became even more intense. When he finally reached the ground level, he stood at the edge of the deep pit of the Prison Department and personally experienced the pressure emanating from this Abyss Prison.


    He even felt a tremor under his feet, as though a behemoth was struggling underground.


    At the same time, the fiendish aura rising from the deep pit intensified, accompanied by waves of mournful roars.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and took out his appointment token before proceeding toward the entrance.


    As he got closer, an invisible barrier appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s perception. Then, a terrifying divine sense, like angry waves, pressed down from all directions.


    It contained brutality and a sense of expulsion.


    It was as though an invisible giant was waving its massive hand and slapping at him.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook but he stood his ground. He raised the appointment token in his hand and spoke calmly.


    ¡°Sword Holder Xu Qing, reporting for duty.¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, the terrifying divine sense instantly gathered on the appointment token in Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    A moment later, this divine sense slowly dissipated. The invisible barrier shone with a red light. After it became tangible, it transformed into a gate that was still flowing with blood.


    This gate emitted an ancient and profound, filled with the sense of the passage of time. Countless runes surfaced on it, each exuding a powerful intent. They combined into a huge beast head that glared at Xu Qing angrily.


    Xu Qing looked at it with a calm expression.


    After a long time, the gate creaked and slowly opened, and an ordinary-looking middle-aged cultivator stepped out.


    He wore the Daoist robe of a Sword Holder, similar in appearance to Xu Qing¡¯s own, but with one key difference: instead of the fiery red patterns on Xu Qing¡¯s robe, the patterns on his robe were black.


    There was also a scar on his face, formed by some kind of spell that could not be removed. The skin in that area withered, giving him an extremely sinister appearance.


    His eyes were slanted like triangles. As he lifted his eyelids slightly, he swept his gaze across Xu Qing, paying particular attention to his face. He then spoke with a sinister smile.


    ¡°Welcome to the Prison Department.¡±


    With that, he turned and stepped into the gate.


    Xu Qing glanced around before following the middle-aged cultivator. The moment he stepped through the red gate, he passed through the barrier and appeared on the other side of it.


    Other than the huge deep pit in front of him, there was also a staircase that circled down the edge of the deep pit .


    Xu Qing followed the Pawn along the stairs.


    A chilling aura gushed over from below, accompanied by waves of howls and mournful cries that continued to reverberate. The tremors formed by the tumbling of the behemoth were even more intense here.


    At the same time, black was the main theme here, and darkness pervaded everything.

 Chapter 521 - 521 Fenghais First Prison (2)

    521 Fenghai¡¯s First Prison (2)


    Even the sunlight falling from above couldn¡¯t dispel the murky atmosphere here.


    However, these weren¡¯t the main focus of Xu Qing¡¯s attention. As he climbed down the stairs and arrived at the top floor of the prison, he noticed that there were cells lining the walls of the deep pit.


    Every cell was a huge area.


    Within each area, there were countless cages.


    Xu Qing could faintly see countless criminals of all races shouting inside.


    Moreover, there was a strong smell of blood emanating from the surrounding soil, filling the area with a pungent stench.


    Xu Qing remained silent, his face unchanged, as he continued forward.


    The Pawn occasionally turned his head to look at Xu Qing. Upon noticing Xu Qing¡¯s composure, he gradually looked more interested.


    As the two of them continued to walk deeper, Xu Qing saw more Pawns.


    The Pawns here weren¡¯t young and were in this gloomy place all year round, causing them to emit a cold and murderous aura. Some of them were even holding mutilated corpses in their hands with blood still dripping from them.


    That kind of cruelty that exuded from their bones made Xu Qing squint his eyes.


    In addition, he discovered that when the Pawns saw him, some acted as if they were indifferent to his presence, some showed cruel looks, and some frowned with scrutiny.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay attention to these gazes. He could sense that every Pawn here had a very powerful cultivation base. Any one of them placed outside would be a remarkable figure.


    They gave him the feeling of a wolf pack.


    The Sword Holding Palace outside was also filled with wolves, but the wolves in the Prison Department were even more savage, bloody, and xenophobic.


    They rejected everyone who wasn¡¯t a Pawn. In their hearts, there were only two identities: peers or criminals.


    Xu Qing was neither a criminal nor a Pawn, and his appearance was very concealed, giving these pawns the feeling that a sudden light had appeared in the night, or a lost lamb wandering into a pack of wolves.


    Despite the various gazes directed at him, Xu Qing calmly followed the Pawn in front to the 89th floor.


    This was the centermost part of the entire prison. There were 88 floors above and 88 floors below.


    There were no prison cells on this floor, only a black hall with 21 huge pillars in the surroundings. These pillars connected the upper and lower floors, and also had wyverns coiled around them.


    Their vertical pupils coldly stared at Xu Qing. The lights in the surroundings were also incomparably dim. Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see too far and was only able to discern a figure sitting cross-legged in the depths of the hall.


    Here, the expression of the Pawn who led the way became respectful and his eyes revealed fanaticism. He spoke with reverence.


    ¡°Palace Master, I¡¯ve brought him here.¡±


    With that, the Pawn stood up and retreated until he left the 89th floor. He then waited outside.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and cupped his fists as well. He then bowed toward the figure in the depths of the hall.


    ¡°Sword Holder Xu Qing greets the Palace Master.¡±


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing¡¯s voice rang out, a huge eye suddenly opened in the darkness in the depths of the hall. This eye was over 100 feet tall and its vertical pupils were yellow. There were many black dots scattered inside. The edge of the pupil in the middle was swaying irregularly like smoke.


    Under the eye, a tall figure sat cross-legged. He appeared to be middle-aged and was wearing black armor. In front of him lay a long spear, and his black hair swayed in front of the vertical pupil. The terrifying aura emanating from him distorted the surroundings. and the terrifying fluctuations caused the surroundings to distort.


    Xu Qing only took a glance and his mind rumbled. He faintly felt as though he was looking at a god.


    The other party didn¡¯t have any anomalous substances but the pressure he emitted could affect everything. It was as though he was the god of this prison!


    He was the current Palace Master of the Sword Holding Palace!


    He slowly opened his eyes and coldly looked at Xu Qing.


    His gaze was like lightning. The moment it landed on Xu Qing, every inch of flesh and blood in Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. It was as though his body and soul couldn¡¯t withstand the gaze and were about to collapse.


    Fortunately, the other party quickly retracted his gaze. Xu Qing¡¯s face was pale and his mind was shaken. The Sword Holding Palace Master said the first sentence after meeting Xu Qing.


    ¡°As Sword Holders, every one of us is a sharp sword of the human race. We have to be prepared to die for the human race at all times.¡±


    The Palace Master¡¯s voice was deep and powerful, containing dignity as it spread in all directions. It also echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, exploding inside like lightning.


    ¡°Although there are differences in cultivation levels and positions among Sword Holders, regardless of whether it¡¯s you or me, we are in essence one of the swords that protect the human race!¡±


    ¡°I originally didn¡¯t want to give special treatment to anyone, but you were appointed by the Great Emperor and outsiders are watching. Hence, I passed down a decree and asked you to be my follower.¡±


    ¡°However, this is for outsiders to see and also to respect the emperor. It¡¯s not because you, Xu Qing, a new Sword Holder who hasn¡¯t done anything, are really worth it.¡±


    ¡°In my opinion, you¡¯re no different from the other new Sword Holders, let alone those who have made great contributions.¡±


    The Palace Master slowly spoke. As his words echoed, the pressure became even more intense. The entire 89th floor trembled under these words.


    ¡°Do you understand this?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. He felt that what the Palace Master said made sense. In reality, he didn¡¯t like this edict bearer post that much.


    ¡°The Sword Holding Palace isn¡¯t a place to nurture flowers. If you think that you can rest easy here with the emperor¡¯s personal appointment, you might as well scram back to the Yinghuang Province and enjoy the glory of your 100,000 feet light there.¡±


    The Palace Master continued.


    Xu Qing fell silent for a few breaths. He endured the pressure and discomfort and lifted his head to speak in a low voice.


    ¡°Palace Master, is there a place in this world where you can rest in peace?¡±


    The Palace Master looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if there¡¯s really a place where one can rest in peace, but I think some people can rest in peace because others have endured the storm for them.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also another type of peace of mind. It¡¯s to kill all the enemies who can disturb you. Naturally, you¡¯ll have nothing to worry about.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to owe others, so I can¡¯t be the former.¡±


    ¡°I want to be the latter and have always been the latter.¡± Xu Qing rarely spoke so much. After he finished speaking, he bowed deeply and didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    The Palace Master looked at Xu Qing and a sharp glint appeared in his eyes. After a long silence, he spoke.


    ¡°The position of the edict bearer can be hung on you, but I don¡¯t need you to do anything related now. Go and serve as a Pawn of the Prison Department first. Let me see how you can become the second type of person who can rest in peace.¡±


    Xu Qing agreed. After bowing, he left the floor under the Palace Master¡¯s gaze.


    After watching Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappear, the Palace Master calmly spoke.


    ¡°How is this kid?¡±


    ¡°Every word he said was sincere.¡± A buzzing sound echoed through the 89th floor, like the low roar of a behemoth. It also stirred up waves of storms that spread out on the floor.


    The huge wyverns coiled on the 21 pillars lowered their heads and trembled.


    ¡°I think so too.¡± The Palace Master calmly spoke. When he lifted his right hand, a jade slip appeared in it.


    This jade slip was sent by the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court. It recorded the information about Xu Qing in detail.


    However, the starting point was Peerless City. It was when that place disappeared when the god opened its eyes.


    ¡°He experienced the god opening its eyes twice, but didn¡¯t die. He stumbled and rose from the slaughter. Such a person is worthy of being nurtured by me.¡± The Palace Master closed his eyes.


    * * *

 Chapter 522 - 522 He Is Hell (1)

    522 He Is Hell (1)


    Xu Qing was outside the 89th floor, looking at the Pawn waiting there.


    This Pawn with a scar on his face had clearly received the decree and understood that Xu Qing would be taking up his post here. Hence, he crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, sizing Xu Qing up.


    Although he had checked it when he was outside previously, at that time, he was examining as though he was looking at an outsider. Now, it was different. After he swept his gaze over, he looked at Xu Qing¡¯s peerlessly handsome face.


    ¡°Kid, with such good looks, you¡¯ll be at a disadvantage here. To those vicious criminals, your appearance isn¡¯t intimidating enough and you will become the object of their mockery and ridicule.¡±


    The middle-aged Pawn still had a fake smile.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He lifted his head and looked at the Pawn.


    When he met Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the middle-aged Pawn could see the calmness in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He laughed.


    ¡°Interesting. Follow me.¡± The Pawn pressed his back against the wall and stood up. In the dark Prison Department, they walked up the steps in circles.


    When they passed by the greenish-black cell doors everywhere, he would occasionally glance inside and curse a few times.


    No matter how noisy the criminals in the cells were, they would instantly fall silent after the Pawn cursed.


    Xu Qing was pensive. He noticed that in the vast space in each cell he passed, there were hundreds of small cages containing all sorts of criminals from different races.


    They had strange appearances and many of them weren¡¯t humanoids. After Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past the several cells, he even saw the Sea Corpse Race.


    After observing the cells, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked at the pitch-black abyss below the stairs.


    Waves of cold air rose from below, accompanied by deep roars.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to look. Below the 89th floor is Area C. That¡¯s not a place you can go to, even I don¡¯t have the qualifications.¡± The Pawn at the front calmly spoke.


    ¡°This place used to be a ghost cave?¡± Xu Qing suddenly asked.


    ¡°You¡¯ve quite some knowledge. That¡¯s right, this place was indeed a ghost cave in the past. When the Prison Department was built, it was suppressed by someone from the Imperial City.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    As the Pawn spoke, his expression suddenly darkened. He kicked open the door of the cell at the side and walked in before slamming the door closed.


    At this moment, the door became blurry and the inside couldn¡¯t be seen clearly.


    Xu Qing waited there with a calm expression.


    A while later, the cell¡¯s door opened. The middle-aged Pawn smiled sinisterly as he wiped the blood on his face and walked out.


    ¡°Inside is a criminal from the Horned Merchant Race. It once slaughtered the small sect I was in. After I became a Pawn, I applied for leave and went out to capture it. Every time I see it, I can¡¯t help but go up and tidy it up. However, I have to be careful not to kill it; otherwise, I¡¯ll have no fun in the future.¡±


    Different from when he came, the Pawn was clearly more relaxed now. After saying this to Xu Qing, he even whistled and continued forward.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze lingered on the cell. At that moment, it was completely silent, with a thick fog of blood permeating the air. Clearly, all of this wasn¡¯t as simple as what the other party had said.


    However, all of this was normal even in the Homicide Department back then. Xu Qing didn¡¯t mind and continued to follow the other party.


    On the way, Xu Qing saw even more Pawns. Most of them were in the cells. Clearly, they each had their own prison cells to guard and not many went out.


    Different from when they came in, every time the middle-aged Pawn saw a colleague, he would introduce them.


    ¡°A newbie is here.¡±


    Every time they heard this, those Pawns who emitted an intense bloody and baleful aura would reveal looks of interest. After sizing up Xu Qing, some of them actually followed.


    A while later, when Xu Qing was followed by more than 30 Pawns, someone urged.


    ¡°Old Li, it¡¯s about time. We¡¯re already in Area D17. There¡¯s no point in going further. Everyone still has work to do, there¡¯s no need to drag things out.¡±


    The middle-aged Pawn grinned and stopped in front of a cell.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do it here.¡±


    As he spoke, he kicked open the cell door and waved at Xu Qing before walking in.


    Xu Qing glanced at the 30-odd Pawns behind him.


    All of these people¡¯s eyes lit up like a pack of wolves in the night as they looked at him.


    Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Are you guys gambling?¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the Pawns started laughing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bet on myself.¡± Xu Qing took out a bag that contained about 100 spirit stones and placed it to the side.


    He then walked into the cell.


    ¡°Interesting.¡± The dozens of Pawns outside looked at each other and became even more interested as they walked in one after another.


    The moment Xu Qing stepped into the cell, his vision blurred. It was as though he had entered another space and appeared in an empty space. There were over a hundred huge cages surrounding him.


    Some of the criminals inside were sinister, some were gloomy, some looked mischievous, and some had strange glints in their eyes. However, no one spoke. All of them were staring at Xu Qing and the Pawns.


    The middle-aged Pawn who was the first to enter swept his gaze across the surroundings.


    ¡°Your new toy is here. You¡¯re lucky this time.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s up to your performance now. As usual, whoever tears off a piece of his flesh will be able to move freely in Area D17¡¯s cell for the next month without being locked up and without fear of retaliation. That¡¯s the rule.¡±

 Chapter 523 - 523 He Is Hell (2)

    523 He Is Hell (2)


    As soon as the middle-aged Pawn spoke, heavy breathing rang out from all the cages in the surroundings. Numerous gazes that were filled with cruelty and madness looked at Xu Qing in unison, as though they wanted to use their gazes to tear Xu Qing into pieces.


    In their eyes, Xu Qing appeared as a delicious and tender snack, arousing their sadistic tendencies. After all, the prospect of relative freedom and not being locked up for a month was something they craved intensely.


    Even though they knew that those who could become Pawns weren¡¯t simple, the fact there were so many of them boosted their courage.


    Moreover, every one of them were grave sinners who had killed many humans. They were locked up here and tortured day and night, but their hostility hadn¡¯t been completely obliterated.


    Moreover, Xu Qing¡¯s beautiful appearance caused them to be even more excited. Coupled with their hatred for the Sword Holders, all of this immediately caused the ferocious atmosphere here to boil with increasingly hurried breathing.


    Seeing this, the middle-aged Pawn smiled and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Kid, this is the rule of our Prison Department. All new Pawns have to suppress an area. If you fail, you can only be an assistant to others and can¡¯t be qualified to be a Pawn.¡±


    ¡°Only those who succeed are qualified to guard a cell. I wish you a good time. Let us see how many you can kill.¡±


    As he spoke, the middle-aged Pawn walked to the side of the cell¡¯s gate. After he stood beside the other pawns, he waved his right hand. Immediately, creaking sounds echoed as the cages in the cell were opened.


    At the same time, the shackles on these criminals that suppressed their cultivation bases were unlocked.


    Waves of Golden Core aura erupted.


    Most of the people imprisoned in Area D were Golden Core cultivators.


    Although the spirit energy in them was weakened due to the long-term suppression, the hundred of them with their respective methods, as well the ferocious aura emanating from them, made it impossible for anyone except for a high-level Sword Holder with a strong will to be able to resist their ferocity.


    Moreover, there were many among them who were good at physical combat. This made the battle more difficult from a conventional point of view.


    At that moment, these criminals rushed out one after another.


    Some were fast, some were slow, some rushed head on and were about to attack. Some were good at observing, some had terrifying bodies, and some had astonishing spells.


    Like a group of demons dancing wildly, the ferocious beasts were released from their cages and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    As for Xu Qing, who was standing in the center of the vast space, he was like a little lamb that could be torn apart and played into pieces by them.


    This scene caused the expressions of the Pawns at the entrance of the cell to reveal playfulness.


    All of them had experienced this before, so they were looking forward to seeing the newbie experience all of this. Of course, if Xu Qing faced life and death, they would naturally make a move.


    This was just a tradition, not bullying and killing among Pawns.


    ¡°Kid, remember to beg for mercy if you can¡¯t handle it. If it¡¯s too late, we won¡¯t have time to save you,¡± the middle-aged Pawn said with a smile.


    Xu Qing nodded and rushed forward, heading straight for the first nonhuman in full armor who had arrived in front of him.


    Amidst the savage grin of the nonhuman, Xu Qing ruthlessly slammed into it.


    With a loud bang, the nonhuman¡¯s smile froze as it felt a violent force rushing toward it. Its body trembled, and blood spurted out. Just as horror appeared on its face, a dagger appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s hand and he ruthlessly slit its neck.


    The force was so great that the head flew up and blood splattered out like a fountain.


    At the next moment, Xu Qing suddenly retreated and collided with another nonhuman. Before the nonhuman could react, the dagger in Xu Qing¡¯s hand stabbed behind him continuously.


    After that, it slashed upward, from its abdomen to its glabella.


    He then crouched down and dodged the spell that whistled over his head, then rushed toward the third nonhuman. He bent his knees and leaped up, directly colliding with the other party¡¯s face.


    The nonhuman could only let out a short scream before its head shattered.


    The blood that gushed out in the surroundings sounded like a gurgling stream, and the sound of the falling bodies echoed with a thud. The gates of hell seemed to have been opened, unleashing a demon of slaughter.


    Xu Qing had attacked too quickly. Before most could react, Xu Qing¡¯s speed suddenly erupted and he appeared in front of a four-armed nonhuman with a crystal gem on its forehead.


    This nonhuman looked violent and had a powerful body. Its four arms clenched into fists as it tried to punch Xu Qing.


    However, Xu Qing was much faster. He grabbed one of the nonhuman¡¯s arms and his powerful physical strength erupted. As the nonhuman¡¯s expression changed, its arm was guided by a huge force and directly blasted into its body.


    Blood spurted out. The instant its expression changed to one of horror, Xu Qing¡¯s right hand turned translucent and pierced into its chest, breaking through its four Heavenly Palaces.


    Under the gaze of everyone in the surroundings, Xu Qing dragged out four dim golden cores that were still connected to the nonhuman¡¯s flesh. He crushed them all and absorbed them into his body.


    Xu Qing picked up the nonhuman¡¯s large body and threw it to the side toward another group, before rushing toward another nonhuman.


    He pierced the nonhuman¡¯s throat with his fingers. He then took out its golden cores and absorbed them.


    Next was the eighth, twelfth, seventeenth¡­


    The criminals finally started realizing how terrifying Xu Qing was. All of them started to cooperate with each other. Some got close, and some cast spells from further away.


    They formed an inescapable net.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s speed was too fast and his body was astonishingly powerful. Seeing that the spells in the surroundings were about to reach him, the Golden Crow manifested and let out a cry, resisting the spells from dozens of criminals.

 Chapter 524 - 524 He Is Hell (3)

    524 He Is Hell (3)


    Xu Qing rushed through the colorful light of spells and arrived in front of another nonhuman.


    This nonhuman was one of the spell casting cultivators. It had wings but it wasn¡¯t a Quasi-Immortal, and looked more like a crow-man.


    After noticing Xu Qing¡¯s arrival, the crow-man¡¯s eyes contracted and he tried to retreat, but it was already too late. Xu Qing grabbed its neck and smashed it into the wall at the side.


    As the wall rumbled, the crow-man¡¯s neck exploded and its head was destroyed. Its corpse then fell to the ground.


    ¡°What a pity.¡±


    Xu Qing felt regret in his heart. He didn¡¯t have time to pull out the other party¡¯s golden cores.


    With a swing, the crow-man¡¯s corpse smashed into the distance.


    Looking at the ferocious nonhuman criminals in the surroundings, Xu Qing licked his lips and rushed out again.


    He didn¡¯t use poison. Xu Qing felt that it wasn¡¯t worth it to use his trump cards here. In fact, he rarely used spells either. In a flash, he arrived behind a criminal in the blink of an eye, causing its expression to change drastically. It attempted to dodge, but it was too late.


    Xu Qing¡¯s right hand directly penetrated its back and grabbed its heart. As he crushed it, he also probed into its Heavenly Palaces and grabbed four dim golden cores.


    Just like that, mournful cries continued to ring out from D17¡¯s cell.


    Moreover, the cries became even more shriller and fearful.


    30, 40, 50¡­


    Xu Qing¡¯s killing speed became faster and faster. The cruelty of his attacks and his agility were even more astonishing. At that moment, his entire person was like a blood shadow as he grabbed the neck of a nonhuman and pulled out its golden cores amidst its cries of despair.


    A criminal launched a sneak attack from behind right at this moment. However, the instant it got close to Xu Qing, his shadow swayed. At the next instant¡­ half of the nonhuman¡¯s body disappeared, as if it was devoured by an invisible mouth.


    The slaughter continued.


    In the time it took for an incense stick to burn, the stench of blood permeated the air. The ground was covered in corpses, most of which had their Heavenly Palaces destroyed. Their golden cores had been extracted and they had turned into desiccated corpses, with their qi and blood devoured by Xu Qing¡¯s Golden Crow. They died an extremely miserable death.


    There were also some whose heads were either destroyed or their heads were separated. It was a tragic sight.


    There were also a few special races whose bodies were scraped alive by Xu Qing.


    At this point, the remaining dozens of nonhuman criminals finally couldn¡¯t suppress their fear despite their ferocious nature.


    In their eyes, Xu Qing¡¯s expression clearly hadn¡¯t changed at all from the start. However, the feelings they felt had already turned upside down.


    Previously, Xu Qing was like a snack or a lamb to them. However, now, he was a ferocious wolf that had thrown away its lamb skin. In fact, this description wasn¡¯t appropriate either. That was a walking hell!


    All of this caused monstrous waves to surge in their minds and their bodies shivered.


    ¡°He¡¯s definitely not a Pawn from Area D!¡±


    ¡°When the Pawns from Area D attack, their emotions will fluctuate. He-his didn¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°This is a malignant star. He clearly suffered many injuries but he hasn¡¯t even frowned. Such a person¡­ I give up. Lord Pawn, we give up!!¡±


    It wasn¡¯t that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t injured. With so many criminals joining forces and Xu Qing not using his trump cards, he would naturally be injured.


    However, the more injured he was, the more savage he became. This was especially so when he caught up to one of the criminals and smashed his head into its face, shattering its head into pieces.


    This scene had terrified the remaining criminals. They looked at Xu Qing with extreme fear. In their eyes, Xu Qing¡¯s cruelty surpassed theirs.


    When they saw Xu Qing¡¯s face covered in blood turning his head and looking at them, their determination collapsed uncontrollably. They ran crazily toward the Pawns.


    The Pawns by the gate of the cell were also shocked. The scene today was something they would never forget for the rest of their lives.


    They looked at the corpses all over the ground, at the viscous blood gathered on the ground, at the criminals who were scattering in horror, and at the incomparably calm Xu Qing.


    Everyone gasped, and their minds stirred intensely. Their expressions were incomparably solemn.


    They had seen killing before and were all people who killed. Hence, what they were shocked about wasn¡¯t Xu Qing¡¯s act of killing but Xu Qing¡¯s expression during the killing.


    Even though they were also ferocious people, they couldn¡¯t do what Xu Qing did. From the start to the end, his expression did not fluctuate at all like an ancient well.


    Regardless of whether it was killing or being killed, it was very difficult to control one¡¯s emotions. They would naturally fluctuate.


    The horror and despair of the killed and the excitement and enjoyment of the killer were almost impossible to fake.


    There would eventually be subtle changes in the expressions.


    It was the same for all the Pawns in Area D.


    Only those who had killed to the extreme, or those who had experienced hell in the human world, could change killing into their instinct. Only then could their emotions remain calm in this state.


    They had seen such people before.


    That was Pawns who worked in Area C below the 89th floor and was of a higher level than them.


    Any Pawn there was such a person!


    ¡°Area C!¡±


    These Pawns instinctively looked at each other. Under this solemnity, the gaze they used to look at Xu Qing was no longer as playful as before. Instead, their gazes carried deep respect and intense light.

 Chapter 525 - 525 Mysterious Area

    525 Mysterious Area


    Xu Qing¡¯s massacre continued, and hell was still moving.


    In fact, what the Pawns in Area D saw was both correct and incorrect.


    What was correct was that Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t fluctuate at all during the massacre.


    What was incorrect was that¡­ he wasn¡¯t controlling his emotions.


    Time and time again, he had crawled out of a pile of corpses and wandered on the verge of death. He had seen the god open its eyes twice, and struggled to survive. He no longer needed to control his emotions.


    Killing was his instinct.


    If you want to harm me, I¡¯ll kill you.


    The initial malice and cruelty of these criminals had already determined the outcome. Regardless of whether it was here or outside, it was the same.


    Xu Qing was relentless in his attacks, showing no mercy because of the criminals¡¯ mental breakdown or their desperate wails.


    He continued to attack.


    He caught up to one prisoner after another who was fleeing in fear and killed them by attacking their fatal spots which he had learned from the secret training.


    Of course, he still needed the golden cores, so the process was accompanied by mournful cries that continued to echo through the area.


    After another half an incense stick of time passed, Xu Qing held the head of a Two Faces Race cultivator in his left hand and stood among the corpses.


    He stood calmly under the dense stench of blood, and looked at the solemn-looking Pawns at the entrance of the cell.


    ¡°Finished.¡±


    Xu Qing threw down the head in his hand and spoke softly.


    The Pawns¡¯ expressions were solemn. After a long time, they bowed to Xu Qing in unison.


    The middle-aged Pawn at the front spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Welcome, Brother Xu Qing, to the Prison Department!¡±


    Behind him, all the Pawns spoke in unison.


    ¡°Welcome, Brother Xu Qing, to the Prison Department!¡±


    In any place, the strong were respected.


    It was the same for the Prison Department. However, other than being powerful, they also had to feel that they were the same kind of people.


    If someone could do this, they would naturally obtain their recognition.


    And, if that someone could go beyond it, then what they would obtain would definitely be respect.


    This is what Xu Qing did.


    Xu Qing bowed and returned the greeting. Sensing that the Fifth Heavenly Palace was rapidly materializing in his body, he asked.


    ¡°Can I kill those from the other cells?¡±


    When the Pawns, they sighed with emotion.


    ¡°Xu Qing, although we can kill the prisoners here, it¡¯s still not good to kill too many of them. You¡¯ve already used up our quota for this month.¡±


    The middle-aged Pawn smiled bitterly.


    ¡°However, there¡¯s no need to worry. Every month, many criminals are captured to replenish the numbers. According to everyone¡¯s tacit understanding, we can kill as many criminals as we capture.¡±


    As he spoke, the middle-aged Pawn pushed open the cell door. When everyone walked out, Xu Qing glanced at the place where he had placed his pouch earlier.


    The surrounding Pawns coughed dryly and looked at each other. They each took out some spirit stones and handed them to the middle-aged Pawn.


    After the middle-aged Pawn took it, he sighed.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy to have a newbie in the team. I thought I could make a fortune, but¡­¡± He shook his head and distributed the spirit stones to three to five Pawns.


    These Pawns took them with a smile. They were the ones who had bet on Xu Qing¡¯s victory.


    After that, the middle-aged cultivator kept some of the remaining spirit stones and gave them to Xu Qing according to certain odds.


    Xu Qing¡¯s previous judgment wasn¡¯t wrong. These people followed him because they wanted to bet.


    Most of them were betting that Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t be able to hold on for long and the banker was none other than the middle-aged Pawn. Clearly, although some people bet that Xu Qing would succeed, and obtained benefits, Xu Qing also obtained a lot.


    After all, his odds were very high.


    He was satisfied with the spirit stones.


    The other Pawns each had their own cells to guard. After they bade farewell, the middle-aged Pawn brought Xu Qing to the registration office.


    On the way, his attitude was completely different from before.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, I¡¯m usually stationed on the 35th floor. If you have any questions in the future, feel free to find me. I¡¯ll bring you to register now, and you¡¯ll be allocated a cell and a Pawn¡¯s Daoist robe. Your aura will also be recorded so that you can enter on your own.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. As he walked, he passed by many cells. His gaze would look at them from time to time with some regret.


    This expression was noticed by the middle-aged Pawn. He smiled and spoke.


    ¡°Actually, there¡¯s another way. That is, you need to suppress Area D1 on the 88th floor. At that time, you can choose to advance to a Pawn of Area C.¡±


    This time, his smile wasn¡¯t fake but sincere.


    ¡°After becoming a Pawn in Area C, you won¡¯t have any restrictions on dealing with criminals. Moreover, you¡¯ll be rewarded with more military contributions.¡±


    ¡°Under the 89th floor?¡± Xu Qing asked. He had heard the other party mention Area C before.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. The Prison Department is divided into four areas: A, B, C, and D. All the floors above the 89th are Area D.¡±


    ¡°Below the 89th floor is Area C. As for Area B and Area A, they¡¯re not something we can know about. In reality, Area C is already very mysterious. I¡¯ve never been there and don¡¯t know how many floors it contains.¡±


    ¡°I only know that among the criminals imprisoned there, the weakest is in the Nascent Soul realm. Moreover, their cruelty far surpasses that of prisoners in Area D.¡±


    As he spoke, the middle-aged Pawn brought Xu Qing to the registration office on the ninth floor. There, Xu Qing obtained the Daoist robe with black flames and recorded his aura.


    The cell he was going to guard was also arranged.


    ¡°Area D132.¡± After seeing the cell Xu Qing was guarding, the middle-aged Pawn¡¯s expression was a little surprised. He took a few more glances at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was puzzled and looked at the other party.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡±


    ¡°D132. How should I put it? It¡¯s both a blessing and a curse. It¡¯s on the 57th floor.¡± The middle-aged Pawn shook his head and looked at Xu Qing with a complicated gaze.


    Xu Qing frowned.


    ¡°This has nothing to do with the criminals. Although the criminals inside are indeed more ferocious than those in the other cells, it¡¯s still Area D after all. It¡¯s a curse because many of its successive guardians have died mysteriously outside.¡±


    ¡°However, not all the guardians died. There were still some who were fine. It¡¯s a blessing because our Palace Master was the guardian of Area D132 when he was at the Golden Core Realm.¡±


    ¡°There hasn¡¯t been a new guardian for Area D132 for almost a hundred years.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze froze. This matter attracted his attention.


    Hence, he took out the jade slip that recorded the information of the prisoners in Area D132 and scanned it with his divine sense.


    There were very few prisoners in Area D132. At first glance, Xu Qing didn¡¯t see any problems. However, he didn¡¯t plan to go to Area D132 immediately. Instead, he planned to go back and research first.


    Just like that, after Xu Qing asked some more questions about the Prison Department, he left the first prison of Fenghai County.


    When he arrived in the outside world, it was already dusk.


    Xu Qing felt that today had been very eventful. From meeting the Palace Master to serving as a Pawn, killing criminals, and his Fifth Heavenly Palace near to completing its materialization.


    ¡°Next, I have to build the Sword Pavilion.¡± After walking out of the Prison Department, Xu Qing looked at the circles of the Sword Pavilions of different heights on the ground and arrived at the outermost layer. He then took out his command sword and stabbed it into the ground 10,000 feet away from the last Sword Pavilion.


    At the next instant, the command sword shone with a resplendent light and rumbling sounds rang out. A 100-foot-tall Sword Pavilion stood in front of him, identical to the other Sword Pavilions in the surroundings.


    100 feet was also the base height.


    As the Sword Pavilion was formed, Xu Qing kept the sword. He then entered the Sword Pavilion.


    This pavilion looked to be 100 feet tall from the outside but that wasn¡¯t the case from the inside. It was similar to the structure of the cave abodes and was divided into several rooms for alchemy, weapon refinement, closed-door cultivation, and even rooms to receive guests.


    There was also a spirit gathering array, so the spirit qi in the Sword Pavilion was very abundant. It was much more comfortable to cultivate here than outside.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t return to the branch sect but chose to rest here.


    As for the necessary protective barriers, such as array formations and poison, Xu Qing naturally wouldn¡¯t forget them.


    Although the Sword Pavilion¡¯s defense wasn¡¯t ordinary to begin with, Xu Qing still arranged it according to his habits before he felt at ease.


    After that, he sat down and closed his eyes to cultivate.


    Time passed.


    During this time, he also received a voice transmission from the captain, informing him that all the new Sword Holders¡¯ assessments had ended. He also told Xu Qing in a very boastful tone about the post he had obtained.


    ¡°The Sword Holding Palace still thinks very highly of your Eldest Senior Brother. They arranged for me to work in the Office of Merit Records!¡±


    ¡°That chick Qing Qiu was assigned to inspection, Kong Xianglong is in charge of tracking down suspects in the field. Among all the newly promoted Sword Holders, including you, there are only five in administration posts, and I¡¯m one of them.¡±


    The captain was incomparably smug. The sound of eating an apple could be heard from the jade slip.


    ¡°Xu Qing, what about you? Are you busy as an edict bearer for the Palace Master?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Xu Qing was a little surprised at the captain¡¯s smugness.


    ¡°Little Qing, you don¡¯t understand, do you? Let me tell you, others might snort disdainfully at my post, but they¡¯re stupid. The moment I obtained the post, I could tell that this place isn¡¯t simple.¡±


    ¡°The Office of Merit Records. This is a place for reviewing military contributions. If I use it well, I¡¯ll have great authority.¡±


    ¡°At the same time, I also have a macro view of who¡¯s earning military contributions at a rapid pace, and based on the tasks they¡¯ve completed and their cultivation level, I can calculate the increase range of military contributions for all the Sword Holders. This way, I can easily determine which tasks are the easiest and yield the most military contributions.¡±


    ¡°In addition, as long as I have enough statistics, I can see any areas that are more suitable for obtaining military contributions. This location is too critical. If I study carefully, I can even see a lot of information from the clues inside.¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice was filled with excitement. He was extremely satisfied with this position.


    After Xu Qing heard this, a strange expression appeared on his face. He felt that perhaps when the Sword Holding Palace arranged this post for the captain, they didn¡¯t think so deeply¡­


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about it. I want to continue digging up this Office of Merit Records. Little Qing, wait. It won¡¯t be long before I find a good way and area to obtain military contributions. I¡¯ll bring you there!¡±


    The captain ended the call excitedly and immersed himself in his research.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing also felt some anticipation.


    ¡°Military contributions!¡± Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the distant world. That was the direction of Morning Glow Province and also the location of Mount Morning Glow.


    ¡°There¡¯s also the Emperor Sword. I still have a chance to comprehend it. I have to do it as soon as possible.¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath and took out the command sword.


    He needed to make an appointment in advance to comprehend the Emperor Sword. After all, there were many Sword Holders and there was a limited number of spots every day. Hence, Xu Qing used the command sword to make an appointment. The time was at dusk the next day.


    After doing this, Xu Qing thought of D132. He took out the prisoner¡¯s information jade slip and read it carefully.


    There weren¡¯t many prisoners in Area D132, only 14. Moreover, they had all been imprisoned for more than 500 years, some even for 1,000 years. During this period, no new prisoners were locked up, and the prisoners inside hadn¡¯t died.


    However, because there were no guards for the cell for the past hundred years, the prisoners could only stay in the cages. Only some spirit qi would seep in at a fixed time, allowing them to maintain their basic survival.


    Xu Qing studied the slip for a long time, but even until dawn, he didn¡¯t see many special things about the cell.


    If there was really one, it would be that the prisoners from Area D132 lived longer than the other cells.


    After pondering for a while, Xu Qing decided to take a look.


    Hence, after dawn, he went to the Prison Department and went straight to the 57th floor. He stood in front of the cell gate in Area D132.


    The greenish-black cell door exuded ancientness.


    Xu Qing stood silently for a while as determination appeared in his eyes. He then slowly pushed open the cell gate that hadn¡¯t been opened in the past hundred years¡­


    An aura of decay spread out from the gap in the slowly opening gate, permeating the surroundings.


    The many Pawns on the other floors were also leaning forward on the stairs and looking at where Xu Qing was.


    ¡°D132, it¡¯s opened again.¡±

 Chapter 526 - 526 The 14 Prisoners of D132 (1)

    526 The 14 Prisoners of D132 (1)


    D132 had a total of 14 prisoners.


    Compared to the hundreds or even thousands of criminals in the other cells in Area D, the number of prisoners here was too small.


    It was so small that Xu Qing didn¡¯t need to think too much before the information about all the prisoners appeared in his mind.


    At that moment, as the gate of D132¡¯s cell opened and the decaying aura spread out, Xu Qing stood at the gate and calmly watched.


    It was pitch-black inside the gate.


    Xu Qing pondered for a few breaths before walking over.


    He stepped into the dark space behind the cell step by step. He then waved his hand and the cell gate slammed shut.


    The sound spread out and entered the ears of all the Pawns who were paying attention, turning into waves in their minds.


    It was still dark inside cell D132. Only the sound of footsteps echoed.


    That was Xu Qing¡¯s footsteps. He didn¡¯t use the Pawn¡¯s authority to turn on the lights here because compared to the light that revealed everything, Xu Qing felt that the darkness here suited him more.


    He liked to move in the dark to begin with.


    After he got used to the darkness, he was able to discern his surroundings although it was still dim.


    Just like the cell he had carried out the massacre, there was a huge square in the center of D132, surrounded by cages.


    Xu Qing walked along the corridor outside the cages, passing by one empty room after another, until he stopped outside the 19th cage.


    This cage was occupied.


    It was a figure sitting cross-legged with its back facing Xu Qing. It was so tall that its head almost touched the ceiling of the cage.


    It was completely naked, but had countless tentacles swaying on its body. Some long, some short, and they draped over its body like threads of clothing.


    The giant seemed completely indifferent to Xu Qing¡¯s presence and continued with its meal. The sound of its chewing echoed throughout the room, and its head shook as if it were tearing apart its food.


    Outside the cage, Xu Qing stood still and watched with a cold gaze.


    Through the shadow, he could clearly see that the thing the giant was eating was its tentacles.


    At the same time, he also saw the prisoner¡¯s appearance.


    According to the prisoner¡¯s information, it was a cloud beast.


    On the way to the county capital, Xu Qing had seen cloud beasts in Yunfeng Province. They didn¡¯t have intelligence and their bodies were above 1000 feet tall. This figure in front of him was much smaller in height and its appearance was slightly different.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and continued walking. Very soon, after seven to eight cages, he saw the second prisoner.


    This was a female prisoner.


    She was a human.


    Her entire body was covered in dirt and bite wounds.


    One could barely make out that she was quite beautiful, and her figure was even more enchanting. At that moment, she was crouching in a corner, holding a straw doll in her hands as though she was coaxing it to sleep.


    When Xu Qing passed by, she sensed him. She lifted her left index finger to her lips and shushed him softly.


    It was as though she was reminding Xu Qing not to disturb the child¡¯s rest.


    The ground of the cage she was in was covered in straws and countless torn dolls.


    Xu Qing stared coldly as the information about this woman appeared in his mind. This woman was once a heaven¡¯s chosen from the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect.


    In her early years, she had a fortuitous encounter and ate heavenly treasures like the longevity fruit. Originally, there were high hopes placed on her, but it was discovered that she was actually cooking and eating human infants.


    This matter caused quite a commotion back then.


    She should have been executed, but most of the families of the infants she had killed requested that she suffer a fate worse than death and endure endless torture.


    Hence, she was imprisoned here.


    At that moment, Xu Qing fixed his gaze on the torn straw dolls scattered on the ground of the cage. Their eyes were wide open, fixed on the woman. Suddenly, they opened their mouths and let out cries, pouncing toward her.


    This included the straw doll in the woman¡¯s arms. It crazily bit the woman.


    The woman trembled as the straw dolls bit her, but she didn¡¯t resist. Instead, she lifted her head and smiled at Xu Qing. Her smile was strange, as though she was greeting Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing watched for a while before retracting his gaze and leaving, walking toward the next prisoner.


    Just like that, he walked more than half a circle around the cell and compared the information of the criminals inside one by one. At the same time, he was also observing if there were any problems with them.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t too curious about why Area D132 was so unlucky. However, since he was the one guarding this cell, he had to control everything here.


    Through his observation, the most direct feeling Xu Qing got was that the criminals in Area D132 were even stranger than the ones he had killed previously.


    In fact, the seventh prisoner wasn¡¯t even a flesh creature.


    It was a millstone that was spinning on its own.


    It continued to rotate, emitting a suction force, as though it wanted to absorb and crush all the substances in the cage.


    Even Ghost Hand hadn¡¯t introduced this race. According to the prisoner¡¯s information, this was a stone demon.


    It was a rare race that was born after the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived.


    Right now, Xu Qing was standing in front of the 237th cage. The creature imprisoned in it was the 13th prisoner he saw in this cell.


    The other party didn¡¯t have a body and only had a head. It rolled on the ground of the cage. After noticing Xu Qing, it suddenly stopped and stared at Xu Qing with its red eyes, revealing a happy smile.


    ¡°This is too fun. You¡¯re clearly dead but you don¡¯t even know it. How fun. You¡¯ll die in the hands of a straw-hat cultivator next time, but you¡¯re already dead. How can you die again?¡±


    ¡°You died a tragic death. Your body collapsed but your head was still there. The cultivator said that he wanted to bring your head somewhere.¡±

 Chapter 527 - 527 The 14 Prisoners of D132 (2)

    527 The 14 Prisoners of D132 (2)


    ¡°So tragic, so tragic.¡±


    ¡°Everyone is looking for you but they can¡¯t find you¡­ Haha, they don¡¯t know where you were buried but I know, I saw it.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to resolve it? As long as you throw me into the cage where the cloud beast is and let me stay there, I¡¯ll help you resolve it. How does that sound?¡±


    ¡°You have to believe me. I¡¯m the only one who helped guard this place. Those Pawns who didn¡¯t die were actually because of me.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. After carefully observing the head, he walked away and went to the cage that imprisoned the last prisoner.


    This place was even more special.


    There were no cultivators in the cage and there was only a painting.


    It was a painting floating in the air.


    The painting depicted four generations of a family sitting together. There were a total of 23 of them and they were all smiling.


    In the middle was an old man. Surrounded by his descendants, he smiled the happiest. His expression was perfectly portrayed by the painter.


    Looking at the painting, a strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. This was also a new race born in the world after the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived. Their name was the Painting Race.


    This race didn¡¯t exist in reality. They lived their entire lives in paintings.


    However, they said that the world was in the painting and they were the ones outside.


    After a long time, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and turned to leave. When he returned to the cage where the first prisoner was imprisoned, the cloud beast that was eating suddenly stopped chewing and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Don¡¯t believe 237. No matter what it says, don¡¯t believe it.¡±


    237 was the cage where the strange head was located.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with it. He walked to the cell gate and sat down cross-legged. As he looked at the dark prison, a look of contemplation appeared in his eyes.


    He found these prisoners very interesting.


    Time slowly passed. Other than a few voices, D132 was relatively quiet.


    There were no strange or evil occurrences.


    Xu Qing was still sitting cross-legged. He hadn¡¯t touched any items here or said a word.


    In fact, regardless of whether he was walking or sitting cross-legged at this moment, his body was filled with the power of the Poison Restriction.


    It didn¡¯t spread out but surrounded his body, isolating him from everything in the external world.


    This was his usual cautiousness.


    As for the rumored curse in D132, Xu Qing still hadn¡¯t sensed it.


    He prepared to slowly investigate.


    At that moment, seeing that the day was over and it was time for him to leave, Xu Qing stood up.


    He had already applied to comprehend the Emperor Sword yesterday. The appointment time was after he got off work today.


    However, the instant Xu Qing stood up, he abruptly turned his head and looked at the cage that imprisoned the human woman.


    He saw a figure there.


    It was the figure of a little boy.


    He stood in front of the woman¡¯s cage and seemed to be saying something to her.


    A sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He lifted his right hand and waved it. The black iron stick instantly flew over, flickering with waves of red lightning. It instantly arrived in front of the woman¡¯s cage and directly smashed into the wall.


    However, the little boy¡¯s figure strangely disappeared.


    Xu Qing expressionlessly walked over. When he got close, the black iron stick where the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was quickly returned and sent a mental transmission to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Master, there¡¯s nothing here.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the woman in the cage. This woman was still curled up in a corner and smiling at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing stared at her for a long time before turning to walk back to the cell gate. He then walked out of the cell.


    As the greenish-black prison gate closed with a bang, Xu Qing transmitted his divine sense to the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t see it?¡±


    ¡°Ah? Master, see what? In my perception, there was nothing there.¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor hurriedly spoke carefully. At the same time, he felt uneasy.


    He felt that he had fallen out of favor¡­ so he cherished this opportunity very much. However, he really didn¡¯t sense anything.


    Xu Qing frowned and asked the shadow.


    ¡°¡­Mast¡­ No¡­¡± The shadow replied shakily. Just like the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, it also felt that it had fallen out of favor.


    A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He then glanced at D132.


    He currently needed to go to comprehend the Emperor Sword, as it was almost the appointed time, so he suppressed the thought of entering again to investigate and left the Prison Department.


    When he walked out of the Prison Department, it was almost dusk outside. The clouds were slightly dark, and it was obvious that it would rain tonight.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t think about D132 anymore. He soared into the air and was about to head to the Sword Holding Palace when a thousand-foot-long Sword Pavilion below suddenly erupted with resplendent light. As rumbling sounds echoed, dozens of sword lights shot out and scattered in all directions.


    An old man in a Sword Holder¡¯s Daoist robe hurriedly flew out from the Sword Pavilion. He performed a series of hand seals with both hands to stop the sword lights. Coincidentally, one of the sword lights headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Its speed was so fast and the strength of its aura surpassed that of a Golden Core cultivator. It was a Nascent Soul attack.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression darkened and he abruptly retreated. The Purple Heaven Infinite Crown above his head shone brightly as he dodged amidst the rumbling sounds.


    The sword light whistled past him.


    ¡°Little friend, I¡¯m very sorry!!¡± After Xu Qing dodged, the old man had already blocked the other sword qi. At that moment, he looked at Xu Qing apologetically.


    ¡°I was studying a cultivation art just now and an accident happened.¡± The old man smiled bitterly. Although he was at the Nascent Soul realm, he clearly felt bad and cupped his fists repeatedly.


    Xu Qing frowned and glanced at the old man before sweeping his gaze across the surroundings. He felt that the other party didn¡¯t do this on purpose. After all, if the latter wanted to kill him, one Nascent Soul sword qi wasn¡¯t enough.

 Chapter 528 - 528 The 14 Prisoners of D132 (3)

    528 The 14 Prisoners of D132 (3)


    Moreover, this was the county capital and he had just left the Prison Department. If someone wanted to kill here, they would have to finish it in one strike.


    After some thought, Xu Qing nodded.


    Although there was a high chance that this matter was just an accident, Xu Qing was even more vigilant and headed straight for the Sword Holding Palace at full speed.


    He arrived very quickly. After using up the one time Emperor Sword comprehension opportunity as a new Sword Holder, Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared as the array formation in the Sword Holding Palace was activated. He then appeared at the place to comprehend the Emperor Sword in the Sword Holding Palace.


    This place was similar to the place of comprehension in the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court. It was also a huge rock with a sword engraved on it. The surrounding ground was filled with array formations and chains wrapped around the large rock.


    When Xu Qing arrived, there were already seven to eight people comprehending it. He swept his gaze and noticed that three of them were new Sword Holders of his batch.


    Their eyes were closed and there was a protective barrier around their bodies.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and found a corner to sit cross-legged.


    Previously, he had almost succeeded in the Sword Holding Court. Although the Sword Holder from the Sword Holding Court said that this was what everyone felt, Xu Qing felt that it wasn¡¯t the case.


    This was because in his sea of consciousness, the phantom of the Emperor Sword was still there. Even now, it had not completely dissipated and most of it was still there.


    In addition to the comprehension insights Kong Xianglong had shared with all of them earlier, Xu Qing felt that he was very confident that he could succeed this time around.


    Hence, anticipation rose in his heart. He sat cross-legged and closed his eyes, fusing his perception into the huge rock in front of him.


    The instant his perception came into contact with the rock, the blurry feeling from back then surfaced in front of his eyes again.


    However, this time around, Xu Qing didn¡¯t spend much time. Through the layers of fog, he saw the simple and unadorned sword shadow.


    Staring at the Emperor Sword, Xu Qing continued to get closer. That sword became clearer and clearer in his eyes. He vaguely seemed to hear the sound of the sword and saw figures appearing around the sword.


    Those figures¡¯ appearances couldn¡¯t be seen clearly but their movements were very uniform.


    They drew their swords and slashed!


    It was that simple.


    However, the feeling Xu Qing got was different. The sword slashes of every figure stirred up waves in his mind, transforming into a storm that echoed with rumbling sounds.


    As the storm and rumbling grew increasingly intense, he could vaguely see someone slashing down with a sword. The sea was divided, and deep fissures formed at the bottom of the sea. Moreover, the sword qi persisted and the fissure didn¡¯t close.


    He also saw the ground collapsing under someone¡¯s sword strike. Almost half of a province turned into dust that drifted with the wind.


    He even saw someone slashing the forbidden zone; the forbidden zone was directly swept back and shattered.


    Other than that, most of the sword slashes were targeted at the nonhuman races. Countless nonhuman races died under the sword strikes, and the mournful cries before they died seemed to be still echoing at this moment.


    This lasted until he saw a figure whose face couldn¡¯t be looked at directly.


    This person wore an emperor¡¯s robe and looked extraordinarily mighty and noble. He stood in the sky and slashed at an existence that had stood up from the deep sea. Its entire body was covered in tentacles that emitted endless anomalous substances.


    After the sword strike, the existence that walked out of the deep sea let out an earth-shattering roar. Its body shattered into countless pieces and fused into the sea.


    The person wearing the emperor¡¯s robe was the emperor of the Sword Holding Palace.


    And the creature from the deep sea¡­ seemed to be a god.


    These scenes were like images that were imprinted in the long river of time. After they kept appearing, as Xu Qing¡¯s mind trembled, in the end, all the Sword Holder figures overlapped.


    They transformed into a sword!


    The Emperor Sword.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred with monstrous waves.


    Six hours later, his figure disappeared from the place of enlightenment.


    The moment he opened his eyes, a resplendent sword shadow flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    He was still shocked. After a long time, he took a deep breath and looked at his sea of consciousness.


    Over there, he could clearly see an Emperor Sword shining brightly.


    The Emperor Sword had been comprehended successfully!

 Chapter 529 - 529 So Close, Yet Worlds Apart (1)

    529 So Close, Yet Worlds Apart (1)


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and silently sensed the Emperor Sword in his sea of consciousness. He had a feeling that the Emperor Sword had completely fused with him.


    It became an inseparable part.


    This feeling caused him to feel a sense of strength.


    This was the enhancement brought about by the emperor-level cultivation art, and he also felt a sense of familiarity with the sword. This was a change brought about by his deep comprehension of the Emperor Sword.


    He was familiar with every part of the sword¡¯s structure, every inch of sharpness in the blade, and every stream of light flowing in its body.


    However, this sense of familiarity was ultimately somewhat fleeting and unreal, like the reflection of the moon in the water. He still needed to continue studying and experiencing it until he finally turned the illusory into real, turning it into an instinct engraved in his soul.


    ¡°Only then can I advance to the second level and increase my comprehensive combat strength by one palace,¡± Xu Qing mumbled.


    A long time later, he looked at his right palm. With a thought, piercing light spread out from the lines on his palm and rapidly gathered, gradually taking shape and forming a sword shadow.


    It contained an aura of sharpness that seemed to want to slay all living beings.


    It also had a vast and mighty aura, as if it could crush all the gods and demons in the world.


    Xu Qing could sense that the emperor-level cultivation art of the Sword Holders wasn¡¯t meant for protection in essence, but for killing. The baleful aura on it was extremely heavy.


    This was a sword that slaughtered to protect.


    Xu Qing understood and a sharp glint appeared in his eyes. It resonated with the sword light in his palm and fused together.


    Vaguely, he seemed to hear the sound of a sword cry. That voice contained familiarity and recognition.


    Vaguely, he seemed to see the countless figures he had seen when he was comprehending earlier. Each figure was holding the Emperor Sword, smiling at him as they witnessed a successor who would walk the same past as them.


    Xu Qing bowed toward the void.


    He was bowing to this sword as well as the predecessors


    From this moment on, he finally possessed two emperor-level cultivation arts.


    Golden Crow Refines All Life could devour everything in the world.


    The Emperor Sword could kill all living beings below the sovereign.


    Although the latter still needed time to nourish if he wanted to erupt with strength that surpassed his own, he had formed the Sword Seed. Everything was just a matter of time.


    Looking at the Emperor Sword formed by the sword qi, Xu Qing suppressed the waves in his heart. After a long time, he finally regained his composure, and a pensive expression settled on his face.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be easy for me to nurture the Emperor Sword Art for many years, so the key for me is to turn it into one of my trump cards in every battle. I have to become more familiar with it and turn it from illusory to real as soon as possible and advance it to the second level to increase my combat strength by one palace.¡±


    ¡°Increasing the familiarity requires a sword¡­¡± Xu Qing suddenly understood. He unsheathed the command sword.


    Looking at this sword, he found himself lost in thought. He came to realize another use of this sword.


    In addition to being necessary for the Sword Holders¡¯ daily needs and constructing the Sword Pavilion, this sword also had a hidden function, which was to increase familiarity with the sword for those who successfully comprehended the Emperor Sword.


    This was because it¡­ looked exactly the same as the Emperor Sword.


    ¡°As expected of the Sword Holding Ministry that has lasted to this day. Its every action contains profound meaning and foundation.¡± Xu Qing sighed with emotion.


    ¡°With such a foundation, I think in the countless years of the Sword Holding Ministry, a large number of Sword Holders have comprehended the Emperor Sword. Even if there aren¡¯t any who succeeded on the first try, it shouldn¡¯t be strange for them to succeed in two attempts.¡±


    Xu Qing reminded himself that he couldn¡¯t be complacent just because he had succeeded in two tries. After all, Kong Xianglong had also succeeded in two attempts.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing took a deep breath and walked out.


    However, he didn¡¯t know that the moment he successfully comprehended the Emperor Sword, the Palace Master, who was meditating on the 89th floor of the Prison Department, slowly opened his eyes.


    The huge vertical pupil on his back suddenly opened.


    ¡°There¡¯s another person who has comprehended the Emperor Sword in two attempts. His name is Xu Qing.¡±


    A deep voice echoed, stirring up a storm on the 89th floor.


    This voice was none other than the one which had spoken to the Palace Master after Xu Qing left.


    The Palace Master fell into deep thought and calmly spoke a moment later.


    ¡°How¡¯s D132?¡±


    ¡°That place is special. Although I¡¯m the artifact spirit of the Prison Department, I don¡¯t have the right to take a look. However, bad luck is already following Xu Qing around. Also, only you know the secret of D132. You can tell him directly. I¡¯m also curious about how many secrets there are.¡± The voice in the storm transformed into a rumbling sound that spread in all directions.


    ¡°D132¡­¡± The Palace Master¡¯s eyes revealed reminiscence.


    ¡°There¡¯s more than one secret there.¡±


    ¡°However, I¡¯ve never been biased. Everything depends on fate. If there¡¯s still bad luck on his body in seven days, go and remove him from his post of D132¡¯s guardian. Change it to some other cell. This means that he¡¯s not fated with this fortune.¡±


    The Palace Master calmly spoke and closed his eyes.


    At the same time, in the Sword Holding Palace, Xu Qing was walking out.


    ¡°Since I¡¯m here, I¡¯ll make a trip to the medicinal shops to buy some poisonous grass. I can¡¯t neglect my research in the Dao of Poison. Also, I have to buy some plain pills to study.¡±


    Xu Qing soared into the air and headed straight for the capital.


    At that moment, it was already late at night. Dark clouds shrouded the sky and thunder rumbled. It was evident that a storm was brewing and rain was imminent.


    However, regardless of whether it was day or night, most of the shops were open. After all, the main customers were cultivators who didn¡¯t have a particular time for buying goods.


    However, the instant Xu Qing soared into the air outside the Sword Holding Palace and was about to step into the county capital, thunder rumbled in the sky. A bolt of lightning suddenly descended from the clouds and headed straight for Xu Qing, who was in the air.


    This bolt of lightning looked like a tree branch, with countless forks that split off in all directions.


    Its speed was extremely fast and its might was even more astonishing. It seemed like a heavenly tribulation had descended.

 Chapter 530 - 530 So Close, Yet Worlds Apart (2)

    530 So Close, Yet Worlds Apart (2)


    Although it was sudden, Xu Qing had already ingrained a sense of vigilance in his soul. Almost at the instant the bolt of lightning arrived, he quickly retreated and dodged.


    As he watched the lightning bolt streak past him and crash into the ground, Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned grim as he gazed up at the sky.


    His eyes were illuminated by the lightning in the sky, reflecting a sharp light.


    Dark clouds filled the sky and thunder rumbled. There didn¡¯t seem to be anything too abnormal except for lightning swimming around. Everything seemed to be a coincidence.


    ¡°Something¡¯s wrong!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. Regardless of whether it was the scattering of the Sword Holder¡¯s sword lights earlier or the lightning this time, it was too much of a coincidence.


    This made him instinctively think of D132 and what the middle-aged Pawn, Old Li, had said.


    ¡°More than half of its previous guardians died mysteriously outside.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. With a step, he arrived at the edge of the county capital. He retracted his gaze from the sky and looked at the ground below.


    Although it was night and dark clouds were everywhere, with the help of the dazzling light from the lightning streaking across the sky and his cultivation base, Xu Qing could still see the Prison Department on the ground clearly.


    The two coincidences caused him to fall into deep thought.


    As he pondered, Xu Qing walked into the county capital and spread out his perception.


    ¡°Not everyone guarding D132 died.¡±


    ¡°Only a portion of them died accidentally.¡±


    ¡°The Palace Master should know the secrets inside.¡±


    ¡°Then why did he arrange for me to be there¡­ Is it a test or something else?¡±


    Questions surfaced in Xu Qing¡¯s mind as he walked toward the medicinal shops.


    Thunder rumbled endlessly in the sky and the rain seemed to be accumulating the power to descend. There were very few commoners on the streets and most of the pedestrians were cultivators.


    An hour later, Xu Qing saw a medical shop. His body swayed and he quickly approached. When he stepped in, Xu Qing frowned.


    There were seven to eight cultivators buying medicinal herbs and pills in the shop. Among them, Xu Qing recognized a woman wearing the Daoist robe of a Sword Holder.


    It was Qing Qiu, who was carrying the evil ghost scythe.


    Qing Qiu had planned to buy some pills here before returning to the Sword Pavilion. After noticing Xu Qing, her beautiful brows under the mask furrowed slightly. The sound of the evil ghost inhaling echoed in her mind.


    ¡°This Xu Qing is like a lingering ghost, he seems to be following us. We won¡¯t take this path in the future. I think this Xu Qing is too dangerous, and we should steer clear of him. Otherwise, I fear that you won¡¯t be able to control yourself and end up perishing together with him!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not worth it to perish together with him. It¡¯s better to use this mutual destruction on others, such as the Mad Dog.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past Qing Qiu but he didn¡¯t care. When he walked straight to the counter, the voice of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor rang out in his mind.


    ¡°Master, I have something that I wanted to tell you before.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. After telling the shopkeeper about the herbs he wanted to buy, he calmly spoke in his mind.


    ¡°Shoot.¡±


    ¡°Master, that red woman¡¯s scythe has an artifact spirit.¡±


    ¡°This artifact spirit didn¡¯t sense me, so every time it sees Master, it¡¯s cursing. It thinks that Master can¡¯t hear it, but it doesn¡¯t know that as a high-level lightning soul, I can sense it.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had actually heard the divine sense of the evil ghost beside Qing Qiu a long time ago, but he didn¡¯t say anything. He originally planned to reveal it at a critical moment as a sign of contribution.


    However, the incident in the cell made him uneasy and he was worried that he would be thought to be useless. Hence, he hurriedly told him about this.


    ¡°I eavesdropped on that ghost¡¯s words. It seems like they have a way to perish together with others. Master, you have to be careful when you kill this red woman in the future.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought and glanced at Qing Qiu¡¯s scythe.


    ¡°He¡¯s looking at me! His gaze is wrong, very wrong!¡± In Qing Qiu¡¯s mind, the evil ghost screamed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave quickly. I have a bad feeling. This Xu Qing seems to have sensed something. After all, he was personally appointed by the emperor and now, he¡¯s also the edict bearer of the Palace Master. We can¡¯t afford to offend him. Moreover, I feel that there¡¯s something wrong with his body. It gives me a very bad feeling.¡±


    As the evil ghost screamed, the voice of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind again.


    ¡°Master is mighty. With that glance, the other party¡¯s tiny artifact spirit was frightened to death. Master, don¡¯t worry. In the future, I¡¯ll help you keep an eye on this imp. Hmph, it dares to have ill intentions against You Lingzi¡¯s master. This imp has a death wish. With me around, no evil spirit can harm my master. It has to get past me first!¡±


    ¡°Also, Master, I think you can actually show your domineering aura occasionally. Uh, that¡¯s what it says in the book. The king of kings is domineering. I think Master can use that to frighten that imp artifact spirit.¡±


    ¡°After that, I¡¯ll find an opportunity to instigate a rebellion. In that case, we¡¯ll definitely have no problems killing the red woman.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor quickly spoke, showing his value.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    At that moment, the shopkeeper had already taken out the medicinal herbs he needed. When he was settling the bill, Xu Qing thought of the plain pills and asked.


    ¡°Do you have any plain pills?¡±


    The shopkeeper smiled and nodded. He then took out a pill bottle from under the counter and placed it in front of Xu Qing.


    ¡°One spirit coin, ten plain pills.¡±


    Xu Qing was a little surprised. This price was already extremely low. One had to know that in the Yinghuang Province, even the white pills were much more expensive than this.


    ¡°The Deputy Governor is wise and kind. He developed this pill of boundless merits so that the people in the county could be protected from the invasion of anomalous substances. Hence, this price is basically just the minimum cost required to preserve the pill¡¯s potency. It¡¯s not much different from giving them away for free.¡±


    Xu Qing praised the Deputy Governor inwardly. He gave out a spirit coin and kept the pill bottle. He planned to go back and study the plain pills to learn the Deputy Governor¡¯s alchemy method.


    After buying them, Xu Qing turned and walked out of the medical shop.


    Qing Qiu saw the scene of Xu Qing buying alchemy pills and some memories of the past involuntarily rose in her mind. She thought of the scavenger campsite in the Nanhuang Continent.


    She recalled her time as a shop assistant in the general store at the campsite. A small and skinny figure in a large leather coat with a dirty face had walked up to her with caution, keeping his distance from all outsiders, to purchase white pills.


    Qing Qiu frowned.


    She didn¡¯t understand why the memory of her Brother Kid, who represented beauty in her life, surfaced when she saw that disgusting Ghost Hand buying pills.


    In her opinion, this was a form of blasphemy.


    Hence, she cast an even more disgusted glance at Xu Qing¡¯s back view. She then picked up the medicinal pills she had bought here and left. She flew out of the county capital and headed toward the ground.


    She didn¡¯t stay in the Litu Sect¡¯s branch in the county capital and didn¡¯t have a good impression of the Litu Sect. Hence, in comparison, she preferred the Sword Pavilion.


    However, before she could get close to the Sword Pavilion, she frowned again.


    ¡°Ghost Hand again. He¡¯s haunting us like a ghost. Could it be that he¡¯s here to harm us!¡± The screams of the evil ghost rang out in her mind, its voice filled with horror.


    ¡°I understand. He glanced at me just now and discovered me. He¡¯s here to perish together with us!¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Qing Qiu gritted her teeth and felt frustrated. She turned her head and her gaze was filled with ferocity as she looked at Xu Qing who was flying over from afar.

 Chapter 531 - 531 A Mysterious Clue

    531 A Mysterious Clue


    Xu Qing was also returning to his Sword Pavilion. He, who had been vigilant the entire way, naturally noticed Qing Qiu.


    He guessed the reason. A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he continued on his way toward the ground without stopping.


    At this moment, Qing Qiu also guessed the reason for Xu Qing being there. However, the evil ghost kept screaming in her mind which made her even more frustrated, and she shouted at the evil ghost.


    ¡°If you continue to nag, I¡¯ll perish together with you!¡±


    The evil ghost instantly fell silent.


    Just like that, Qing Qiu and Xu Qing landed at the outermost layer of the Sword Pavilions. They were separated by ten thousand feet and their gazes met again. After that, they frowned and stepped into their respective Sword Pavilions.


    They were neighbors.


    This matter couldn¡¯t be said to be too coincidental. After all, there were a total of 51 new Sword Holders this time. Moreover, they were all building the Sword Pavilions at the same time. It was natural for them to be close to each other.


    Of course, the main point was that Xu Qing didn¡¯t like crowds. Hence, he didn¡¯t build the Sword Pavilion in the first few days. Instead, he only built it yesterday.


    Qing Qiu was also a loner, so the possibility of them becoming neighbors naturally increased.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about this. After returning to his Sword Pavilion, he first checked his surroundings, making sure there was nothing wrong. Only then did he sit down cross-legged and begin to study the Emperor Sword he had comprehended.


    The Emperor Sword in his sea of consciousness was a little different from when he had just succeeded in comprehending it. Its light was no longer bright and dazzling. Instead, after having a root, it emitted a profound and heavy aura.


    It also emitted traces of sword qi.


    The sword qi didn¡¯t scatter in disorder; instead, they surrounded the Emperor Sword like threads, forming ring after ring.


    There were a total of 11 rings.


    Xu Qing noticed that the twelfth ring also existed but there was only half of it.


    Clearly, it wouldn¡¯t be long before it was complete.


    ¡°This is the nurturing of the Emperor Sword.¡±


    Xu Qing calculated the time and estimated that he should be able to form more than a hundred rings of sword qi every day based on the progress he had made since successfully comprehending the Emperor Sword.


    The more sword qi there was, the greater the might of this strike.


    ¡°In a year, it can form 30,000 to 40,000 rings. In ten years, it will be 300,000 to 400,000 rings. In a hundred years¡­¡± Xu Qing estimated inwardly and felt that it was too far away.


    ¡°However, even if it hasn¡¯t been nurtured for so long, it should still possess considerable power when used normally.¡±


    Xu Qing sensed the sharpness of the Emperor Sword in his sea of consciousness and suddenly thought of Kong Xianglong¡¯s emperor-level cultivation art that had transformed into a golden dragon.


    At that time, the golden dragon had the Emperor Sword in its mouth.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought and the tattoo on his back was immediately activated. Under the heat, the Sword Pavilion shone brightly. The Golden Crow¡¯s figure appeared behind him and danced in the surroundings.


    Waves of burning phoenix feathers fluttered down, creating a peerlessly beautiful scene. Xu Qing guided the Emperor Sword in his sea of consciousness, causing it to gradually rise from the top of his head.


    After it completely appeared, the Golden Crow let out a joyous cry and flew over. It opened its beak and held the Emperor Sword. After that, its entire body trembled and it seemed to have changed, revealing sword qi intent.


    Its tails were the same. As they danced, it felt like they contained sword qi.


    Its might had increased by a lot.


    ¡°So emperor-level cultivation arts can fuse together in such a way¡­¡± Xu Qing fell into deep thought. However, he felt that it was more likely that it was because of some characteristics of the Emperor Sword.


    Xu Qing observed the Emperor Sword in his sea of consciousness with interest, but he couldn¡¯t be certain about his previous guess. Nonetheless, he was able to sense that the Golden Crow had become even more powerful, and the Emperor Sword¡¯s nurturing wasn¡¯t impacted as well. He put aside his thoughts and took out the plain pills to study.


    As time passed, heavy rain poured down outside. Amidst the pitter-patter of the rain, Xu Qing delved deeper into his research on the pill.


    He analyzed several plain pills before he finally discerned their refinement method.


    ¡°The technique is exquisite, but it isn¡¯t the key. The reason why this pill can greatly dissipate anomalous substances is because there are some extremely unique medicinal herbs inside.¡±


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t tell what they were. This made him think of what the Deputy Governor had said about everything following the environment. Clearly, these unknown medicinal herbs inside were transformed by the Deputy Governor using this method.


    Xu Qing took one out and placed it in his mouth before swallowing it. After sensing it carefully again, he confirmed that the effect of this pill was extraordinary and was full of praise for it. However, he vaguely felt that there were some flaws in this plain pill and it wasn¡¯t perfect.


    But he was powerless to change it. To some extent, this pill has already opened up a new path in the Dao of medicine.


    As he sighed with emotion, the sky outside began to brighten. With the clouds and the rain, the sky looked a little dim. Although it was still early in the morning, it looked a little like twilight.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and glanced over before closing his eyes and resting for a while. After that, he walked out of the Sword Pavilion and made his way to the Prison Department in the rain.


    As he got closer to the Prison Department, Xu Qing recalled his two accidents and a sharp glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Today, I have to find out the secret of D132. Otherwise¡­ I¡¯ll kill all the criminals in D132!¡±


    Xu Qing strode through the rain-drenched ground, splashing through puddles of water. He entered the invisible barrier of the Prison Department and walked through it.


    Although it was raining heavily outside, it couldn¡¯t penetrate the barrier and enter the Prison Department. However, the air inside still felt humid.


    Despite the humid atmosphere, Xu Qing¡¯s calm expression remained unchanged as he descended the spiral staircase.


    On the way, he saw a few Pawns he had seen before. After exchanging greetings, Xu Qing didn¡¯t head to Area D132 immediately.


    He went to the cell on the 35th floor and found Old Li, who was handling a prisoner¡¯s corpse.


    Old Li was the middle-aged prison guard who had shown Xu Qing around the Prison Department on his first day.


    ¡°Senior, I have something to ask.¡± Upon seeing Old Li, Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed.


    Old Li was also willing to befriend a newbie like Xu Qing. Hence, he threw the corpse in his hand into the deep pit outside the stairs and turned toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    After a brief silence, Xu Qing asked about the guardians in Area D132 who hadn¡¯t died. He also asked if there were any of them still in the Prison Department.


    ¡°There is!¡±


    Old Li recalled and nodded.


    ¡°That D132 is strange. I remember Chen Boli was the last guardian a hundred years ago. After working for three years, he changed the cell and is now on the 77th floor.¡±


    ¡°However, even since Chen Boli became the guardian of D132, his personality has become strange. He¡¯s usually unwilling to communicate with others. If you look for him, you have to bring something. Xu Qing, do you have anything hard that can be used to sharpen a blade?¡±


    Xu Qing rummaged through his storage bag and saw the tables and chairs he had obtained in the Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy¡¯s cave abode back then. He felt that they were hard enough, so he nodded.


    ¡°That makes things easier. I¡¯ll bring you there.¡±


    Old Li led Xu Qing to the 77th floor where they saw an old man with a pockmarked face.


    This old man was crouching in a corner with walls behind him and on both sides, as if seeking a sense of security. In the dim light, he looked eerie and terrifying.


    At that moment, he was forcefully sharpening his blade.


    As the blade scraped against the whetstone, an ear-piercing sound reverberated in the surroundings.


    After noticing Xu Qing and Old Li¡¯s arrival, the old man lifted his head and cast a gloomy glance, looking like he didn¡¯t want strangers to approach him.


    ¡°Brother Chen, this is Xu Qing, a newbie. He¡¯s D132¡¯s new guardian. He has some questions to ask you.¡± Old Li introduced before quickly bidding farewell, seemingly not wanting to linger here for long.


    The old man didn¡¯t say anything. His gaze moved away from Old Li¡¯s back and landed on Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed. After that, he took out the Nether Fairy¡¯s table and chair from his storage bag and placed them at the side.


    ¡°Senior, these items are very hard.¡±


    He could sense that this old man¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t simple.


    The old man glanced at the table and chair and lifted his right hand to grab them. He scraped his blade on them and looked satisfied.


    ¡°What do you want to ask? How to avoid an accidental death?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. Through the other party¡¯s words, he felt that his previous judgment wasn¡¯t wrong. Hence, he cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°Senior, please enlighten me.¡±


    ¡°You can already sense the bad luck?¡± The old man carefully sized up Xu Qing and asked.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    The old man¡¯s expression changed slightly as he placed the saber in his hand to the side.


    ¡°It seems that the ominousness accumulated in D132 is already extremely dense. It actually reacted to you so quickly.¡±


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s very simple to avoid an accidental death. As long as you don¡¯t leave the Prison Department, you¡¯ll be fine. Or you just need to have a strong fate which I don¡¯t have, so when I was in charge of D132, I never left the Prison Department. This was also what the previous guardian told me.¡±


    The old man looked at Xu Qing as though he was looking at a dead person.


    ¡°You have to be careful. Generally speaking, those with bad luck won¡¯t be able to survive for more than a month.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. After a long time, he slowly spoke.


    ¡°Senior, the ominousness you¡¯re talking about, does it come from the prisoners in D132? Could there be something special about them? However, this is Area D of the Prison Department. If these prisoners really have such ability, they should be imprisoned in an even deeper cell.¡±


    The old man nodded and then shook his head.


    ¡°The criminals of D132 aren¡¯t special by themselves. It¡¯s just that after they were locked up and survived in this cell, they became ominous. Of course, this is my judgment. I feel that they have become a part of the ominousness.¡±


    ¡°As for the true ominousness, it might be D132 itself, or it might be one of the prisoners there. However, Palace Master didn¡¯t bother with it, so I think the former is more likely.¡±


    ¡°Did the head in cage 237 ask you to send it to the cloud beast¡¯s room?¡±


    ¡°No need to listen to it, someone has tried. It¡¯s useless.¡±


    As the old man spoke, he began to comment on the prisoners in D132 for Xu Qing. Every one of them was very detailed.


    ¡°The thirteenth prisoner is that head. It does have some ability but not much. Don¡¯t listen to it for too long, or you¡¯ll be affected.¡±


    ¡°The last one is the Painting Race. The 22 figures in that painting are all a part of it. This one has been imprisoned for the longest time but it¡¯s also the quietest. I¡¯ve never seen it go out during my tenure.¡±


    Just as the old man said this, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Senior, aren¡¯t there 23 people from the four generations in the painting of the Painting Race?¡±


    ¡°Impossible. It¡¯s 22.¡± When the old man heard this, his eyes narrowed as well.


    Xu Qing fell silent for a long time before nodding. He then asked about some details. After that, he took out some spirit stones and placed them at the side before bidding farewell.


    Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s back view, the old man suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Xu Qing, all the guardians who were stationed in Area D132 are people the Palace Master values. It is his test. I heard that other than many secrets, there¡¯s also a huge fortune hidden there. Unfortunately, I didn¡¯t find it.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die accidentally, go to the ninth floor and change to a new cell. Every newbie has the qualifications to change cells once.¡±


    ¡°After the change, you¡¯ll be fine. However, the list of people who guarded D132 in the past will not contain your traces.¡±


    ¡°As for D132¡¯s mysteriousness, I once heard a guardian say something. I¡¯ll tell you.¡±


    ¡°When you think you¡¯ve discovered everything, there¡¯s actually more waiting for you.¡±

 Chapter 532 - 532 Shadow Explodes

    532 Shadow Explodes


    Xu Qing fell silent when he heard this. His eyes narrowed slightly and he fell silent for a long time before cupping his fists and bowing.


    The old man didn¡¯t speak anymore and continued to sharpen his blade.


    Xu Qing left and returned to Cell D132 on the 57th floor. He looked at the greenish-black cell gate in front of him and pushed it open before walking in.


    As soon as he entered, he heard the shout from the head in cage 237.


    ¡°Pawn, Pawn, are you back?¡±


    ¡°How is it? Didn¡¯t you get unlucky when you went out? Hurry up and throw me to the cloud beast. I¡¯ll help you neutralize your bad luck.¡±


    ¡°Believe me.¡±


    ¡°If you still don¡¯t believe me, then you¡¯re really done for. I¡¯ve already seen it. You died very miserably, but you don¡¯t know. You don¡¯t know how many times you¡¯ve died.¡±


    ¡°Also¡­ do you really think this is your first time guarding D132?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t say anymore. I can¡¯t say anymore. Hurry up and throw me to the cloud beast. If you throw me over, I¡¯ll dare to continue telling you the truth.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly walked on the corridor and passed by the cages where the prisoners were in. He then walked to the head and opened the cage. Amidst the excitement on the head¡¯s face, Xu Qing carried it in his hand.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, that¡¯s right. Haha, Cloudy, I¡¯m coming.¡±


    Amidst the excitement of the head, Xu Qing carried it to the cage where the millstone was and threw it in.


    The millstone trembled as though it was very surprised, but it also emitted some joy.


    As for the head, the excitement on its face instantly turned into horror as it let out a mournful cry.


    ¡°Let me out. I don¡¯t want to be here.¡±


    ¡°Lord Pawn, I was wrong. This place is cursed. D132 is cursed. I can slightly neutralize it for you.¡±


    ¡°However, I didn¡¯t lie to you earlier. I really saw it. You¡¯ve really died many times. I didn¡¯t lie to you.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with it. He went to the cage where the last prisoner was. He looked at the painting that was floating and the 23 figures inside before suddenly speaking to the shadow.


    ¡°Eat it.¡±


    At the next instant, the shadow revealed greed. It spread out from under Xu Qing¡¯s feet and into the cage.


    As it spread in, an evil intent spread from it and enveloped the surroundings. At the same time, the entire D132 suddenly fell silent.


    The head no longer screamed, the millstone no longer spun, the cloud beast no longer chewed, and the straw dolls no longer cried¡­


    Only the painting of the Painting Race was shaking.


    As the shadow got closer, the shaking became increasingly intense. When the shadow was less than three feet away from it, the old man in the painting suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Lord Guardian, the one in the lower right edge isn¡¯t of our race.¡±


    Xu Qing immediately looked over and his gaze landed at the bottom right corner of the painting.


    There was a little boy drawn there. He stood there smiling and looked no different from the other figures in the painting.


    However, after the old man spoke, the little boy in the painting frowned. The shadow immediately lunged toward the little boy. With a cracking sound, it seemed to have bitten something.


    After that, it returned to Xu Qing. As for the painting, it wasn¡¯t damaged but the little boy inside was gone. It had been swallowed by the shadow.


    However, the instant the shadow returned, an unprecedented scene appeared.


    The shadow¡¯s body suddenly trembled. Under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, it instantly collapsed and shattered into pieces, while letting out a wailing sound.


    Its body exploded!


    A blurry figure crawled out and fused into the surrounding darkness while laughing. Even though the black iron stick rushed over quickly, it still missed. The little boy disappeared.


    It was obvious that it was impossible for the shadow to die just like that. Although its body shattered into many pieces, they quickly fused together. After it recovered, it was clearly weaker but it hurriedly transmitted what it wanted to say to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Luck¡­ Swallow¡­ Explode, explode¡­¡±


    It seemed to be very afraid that Xu Qing would think it was useless. This time, its description was actually quite clear.


    Xu Qing turned his head to look at the place where the little boy had disappeared.


    ¡°Luck?¡± Xu Qing mumbled.


    At that moment, the black iron stick returned and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor manifested. He quickly glanced at the weakened shadow and then looked at Xu Qing. He instantly became nervous.


    He had failed twice. Although the shadow had also failed, it had made up some nonsense about luck.


    ¡®This brat shadow has learned bad habits. Damn it!¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor snorted coldly inwardly. He felt that there was an 80% chance that the shadow was spouting nonsense because it didn¡¯t want to show its incompetence. Hence, he thought to himself, ¡®Little shadow, you can¡¯t compare to me.¡¯


    ¡®Since you¡¯re spouting nonsense, I¡¯ll add some spice to it. This way, when the demon discovers that something is wrong, you¡¯ll be in big trouble. As long as I extract myself, I won¡¯t be implicated.¡¯


    He had read too many books and some of them also had descriptions of luck. Moreover, most of them were necessary items for the protagonist.


    ¡°Luck? Master, I can¡¯t see luck. In this aspect, I¡¯m inferior to the knowledgeable Little Shadow. But since it said so¡­¡±


    ¡°Congratulations, Master. Master is indeed blessed by the heavens. That¡¯s why you can encounter luck here!¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor hurriedly spoke.


    Xu Qing frowned and looked over.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor perked up and hurriedly recalled the contents of the book.


    ¡°Master, according to the explanation and train of thought Little Shadow gave, if it¡¯s not wrong, I should be able to guess why some guardians of D132 encountered accidents and died for no reason.¡±


    ¡°If Little Shadow isn¡¯t wrong, then I know the secret of D132.¡±


    ¡°This place contains a wisp of luck. It should be a part of the power of luck of Fenghai County. For some reason, it exists here and has transformed from invisible to tangible.¡±


    ¡°As for the reason why those former guardians died, it was because their luck wasn¡¯t ordinary. It exceeded the limit, so it backfired and created misfortune and inexplicable events.¡±


    At this point, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was stunned because he felt that this explanation seemed¡­ extremely reasonable.


    ¡®Was the Little Shadow telling the truth?¡¯


    While the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s mind was shaking, Xu Qing frowned even more. This was the first time he had heard of luck. When his master introduced Crown Prince Purple Green, he said that the other party seemed to have been born from gathering the luck of the Wanggu Continent.


    Just as Xu Qing was thinking, his expression suddenly changed. He abruptly looked to the right in the distance. A figure appeared in the darkness. It was the little boy who had disappeared earlier.


    He stood there and looked at Xu Qing curiously.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor rushed out, but the little boy disappeared. However, he quickly appeared on the other side and continued to look at Xu Qing curiously.


    This time around, Xu Qing noticed that the other party¡¯s gaze was on his right wrist!


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred and he lifted his right hand.


    The little boy¡¯s sight also followed his hand.


    Xu Qing fell silent. His right wrist looked normal but he knew that there were golden threads hidden there. Back then, when he had fused the poison pill and narrowly escaped death, the golden threads had flickered and a series of inexplicable coincidences had happened.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Xu Qing lifted his right hand and suddenly asked the little boy.


    In Cell D132, as Xu Qing¡¯s words echoed, all the prisoners were extremely quiet.


    The cloud beast turned around and the woman crawled to the edge of the cage. The stone patterns on the millstone formed eyes and the head in the corner also looked over¡­


    Even the painting of the Painting Race became blurry. An illusory old man¡¯s figure stuck to the railing of the cage and paid attention to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about these prisoners. He looked at the little boy and waved his right hand.


    The little boy¡¯s gaze followed Xu Qing¡¯s right hand. It was as though in his eyes, Xu Qing¡¯s right hand had become the only thing in this world. His expression was very strange, with a hint of confusion.


    When he heard Xu Qing¡¯s words, his gaze moved away from the hand and met Xu Qing¡¯s gaze.


    A moment later, he opened his mouth as though he was saying something, but no sound or divine sense spread out. Even the shape of his mouth didn¡¯t change at all.


    Xu Qing frowned.


    However, the little boy¡¯s expression was very strange. After he finished speaking, his ears twitched a lot, as though he had heard a response. His eyes lit up as he spoke again.


    After that, he listened attentively.


    In the end, he seemed to have heard a response that made him happy. Hence, he became excited. After taking a look at Xu Qing, he patted his chest and retreated, merging into the darkness again.


    At the same time, in the county capital¡¯s territory, located about a month¡¯s journey away from the capital and near the border of the Netherworld Province, there was a range of continuous mountains.


    One end was deep into the Netherworld Province, and the other end was in the county capital.


    This mountain range was very strange. The soil and rocks were all purple.


    Terrain of this color was rare and the mountain range¡¯s name was the Purple Spirit Mountain Range.


    At that moment, in this part of the Purple Spirit Mountain Range that was located in the county capital, there was an abyss.


    This abyss was very large and the bottom was pitch-black. One couldn¡¯t see the details and could only see waves of purple fog spreading out from the abyss. When it slowly rose into the air, two figures were approaching from outside the abyss.


    Among these two figures, one was old and the other was young. The old man was none other than the old man from Panquan Road. The young girl was naturally the flawlessly beautiful Ling¡¯er.


    Previously, they were riding on the flying giant that had an agreement with their race. After they were brought to the county capital, the other party left. Hence, they walked to the Purple Spirit Mountain Range on their own.


    Now, they were finally close to his destination.


    ¡°Ling¡¯er, the Wood Spirit Race is about to arrive. According to the ancient agreement, you can obtain an inheritance here. However, there are risks in this matter. You need to recuperate for a period of time and wait for your bloodline to stabilize before you can attempt it.¡±


    ¡°During this period of time, you have to be completely focused. You¡­¡± As the old man from Panquan Road spoke, he suddenly noticed that Ling¡¯er was a little distracted.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Father, a kid is talking to me.¡± Ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes revealed a hint of surprise.


    ¡°What kid?¡± The old man from Panquan Road was surprised and looked around.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Maybe it¡¯s the Wood Spirit Race.¡± Ling¡¯er blinked. This was the first time she had lied to her father. She knew that the other party didn¡¯t like Xu Qing, so she felt that it was better not to tell him about this.


    At the same time, in her mind, she quickly replied to the voice of the child that suddenly echoed in her mind.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I was the one who put this thread of fate. Who are you? Have you seen my Brother Xu Qing? Where are you guys?¡±


    ¡°In the county capital?!¡± Ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes lit up even more.


    ¡°Yes, yes. You actually don¡¯t have a single friend? Alright, of course I can be friends with you. However, you have to help me take care of my Brother Xu Qing. I¡¯ll look for you guys in a while.¡±


    The old man from Panquan Road was suspicious and carefully sized up Ling¡¯er a few times.


    ¡°Father, let¡¯s go quickly.¡± Ling¡¯er smiled and looked very happy. Her smile was filled with innocence and beauty.


    The old man from Panquan Road became even more suspicious, but he didn¡¯t know what had happened. Hence, after some thought, he shook his head and continued to exhort.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make any mistakes. This inheritance is very important. You can¡¯t fail. That¡¯s a matter of life and death. In a while, when you reach the Wood Spirit Race, go into seclusion to stabilize your bloodline. I¡¯ll make a trip to the county to buy some auxiliary items for you.¡±


    ¡°I know, Father.¡± Ling¡¯er pulled the old man¡¯s arm and said cutely.


    At that moment, the mountain breeze blew over, blowing her black hair up and caressing her peerlessly beautiful face.


    Ling¡¯er lifted her hand and tucked her hair behind her ear. With the help of this action, she quickly turned her head in the direction of the county capital. The corners of her mouth curled up into a smile.

 Chapter 533 - 533 Mountains and Clouds Covering the Blue Sky

    533 Mountains and Clouds Covering the Blue Sky


    At the same time, in Area D132.


    Xu Qing frowned and looked at the place where the little boy had disappeared. After a long time, he walked toward the cage where the Painting Race was.


    Perhaps it was because of the threat from the shadow earlier, the old man from the Painting Race didn¡¯t hide this time around. Instead, the moment he saw Xu Qing, he hurriedly approached the railing and cupped his fists respectfully.


    ¡°Shui Mozi, the sinner of the Painting Race, greets the Guardian.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Xu Qing looked at the illusory old man in front of him and asked in a low voice.


    ¡°Lord Guardian, it¡¯s luck!¡± The old man didn¡¯t hesitate at all and replied in a low voice.


    When Xu Qing heard this, his gaze turned sharp.


    Under his gaze, the old man¡¯s body trembled slightly. He felt that this guardian in front of him was very different from what he had seen before.


    In reality, he didn¡¯t really care about the guardians. After all, his race was special. Even if the people in these paintings were destroyed or even if the painting itself was destroyed, it would be fine. They were all illusions.


    However, at that instant earlier, the life-and-death crisis brought about by the guardian¡¯s shadow made him have a strong feeling that the other party could eat him.


    This made him nervous. After all, if he was eaten, it would be very painful.


    Hence, he noticed the change in Xu Qing¡¯s gaze and hurriedly continued.


    ¡°Lord Guardian, I don¡¯t know why that luck is here either. It was already here when I was locked up.¡±


    ¡°I still have to thank the Lord Guardian for your help because that luck always likes to stay in the world of our Painting Race. With it around, I don¡¯t dare to appear. I even felt like it wanted to eat me.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, I couldn¡¯t remind you previously. I hope you can forgive me.¡±


    The old man hurriedly explained. He also knew that his words were not believable, as he had no intention of reminding the Pawn from the start.


    However, he still had to say it.


    After all, sometimes, explaining and not explaining were completely different in a sense.


    At the very least, this represented his sincere attitude.


    Xu Qing coldly glanced at the old man from the Painting Race. He didn¡¯t believe much of the other party¡¯s words and couldn¡¯t be bothered to interrogate him.


    After turning around and returning to the cell gate, Xu Qing spread out his shadow and gave it the order to watch this place.


    This could be considered a reward for it.


    The shadow was instantly excited. It revealed happy emotions as though it had a new toy. It quickly split into 14 parts which then spread into the 14 cages.


    The cloud beast stopped eating because the shadow was helping it eat because of its curiosity.


    The woman trembled even more and stopped coaxing the straw doll to sleep. This was because after the shadow appeared, those straw dolls stood up one after another with trembling bodies and circled around it with extremely obedient behaviors.


    In the end, they even surrounded the woman with the shadow, watching her like a hawk.


    The millstone was still spinning, but it wasn¡¯t spinning on its own. Instead, the head was using all its strength to push it.


    Both sides were horrified. This was because in the cage they were in, a shadow whip manifested and continued to whip.


    In the cage with the painting of the Painting Race, the expressions of the 22 figures changed from their previous smiles to fear. This was because the shadow¡¯s main body was lying on it and licking it here and there.


    The entire cage was filled with peace at this moment.


    Only the little boy would occasionally look at Xu Qing. His gaze would always land on his right wrist and his curiosity gradually wasn¡¯t as intense as before. In the end, he simply sat cross-legged opposite Xu Qing and supported his chin as he looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing also looked at it.


    He knew that this little boy was the secret of this D132.


    Time flowed by and before long, half a month had passed.


    During this half a month, Xu Qing didn¡¯t encounter inexplicable things when he went out again. As for D132, it became extremely normal under his supervision.


    However, every time the prisoners inside looked at Xu Qing, they would express some horror.


    This was because they were all missing something.


    It was all the shadow¡¯s doing.


    Its curiosity was too strong. It always liked to take a bite here and a bite there¡­ Fortunately, these prisoners were bizarre entities and would recover after a night.


    The head was no longer rambling, but would occasionally let out a sigh when Xu Qing passed by.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stomp me to death. I don¡¯t want to be trampled to death. It hurts.¡±


    The little boy also became familiar with Xu Qing. Basically, every day when Xu Qing came, it would immediately manifest and sit at the side.


    It was as though he was following some agreement to protect Xu Qing.


    Sometimes, it would even look for the shadow and watch it terrorize the prisoners.


    As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡­ Under his pitiful expression, Xu Qing didn¡¯t keep him in his storage bag. Hence, other than the shadow, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was also roaming free in D132.


    He was very interested in that millstone. Somehow, he discussed it with the shadow and managed to bring the cage of the millstone under his management.


    The shadow was most interested in the Painting Race. It especially liked to lie on it and lick it from time to time.


    As time passed, the painting became blurry.


    Looking at all of this, Xu Qing silently calculated the time in his mind. According to his communication with the other Pawns in the past half a month, he knew that the Pawns of the Prison Department had a monthly share of dealing with prisoners.


    However, if the distribution was according to the number of prisoners in the cells, Xu Qing calculated that he would only get two.


    He felt some regret.


    ¡°There are too few prisoners in D132.¡±


    Just as Xu Qing was thinking about how to replenish the prisoners, the old man from the Painting Race pleaded with a trembling voice.


    ¡°Lord Guardian, this old man has a secret to tell you. I don¡¯t ask for anything else but that after the Lord Guardian hears it, if you think this old man¡¯s secret is not bad, then¡­ can you take this shadow back?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever and he didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°Lord Guardian¡­ How many prisoners are we holding in our D132?¡±


    The old man spoke with a trembling voice.


    This sentence contained deep horror, as though he was also extremely helpless and had no choice but to tell Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing frowned and looked over coldly.


    He had known about the 14 criminals here when he arrived and had already checked them one by one. Moreover, he had already found out the secret about D132.


    Now that this old man from the Painting Race suddenly asked this, he seemed to be deliberately mystifying things.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze turned slightly cold and he was about to retract his gaze.


    However, at the next instant, his expression suddenly changed as he recalled carefully.


    ¡°Lord Guardian, you also sensed it, right¡­¡±


    When the old man from the Painting Race saw this, his voice trembled.


    ¡°Lord Guardian, are there really 14 criminals here?¡±


    ¡°Lord Guardian, recall carefully.¡±


    ¡°In your memory, how many prisoners are there?¡±


    ¡°Have you really discovered the secret of D132?¡±


    The old man¡¯s voice grew weaker and weaker until it finally disappeared.


    Xu Qing looked at the cage the other party was in and his eyes gleamed.


    The other party¡¯s words carried a hint of inducement. Xu Qing could already tell this.


    However, no matter what, he still confirmed it in his mind and recalled the memories in his mind.


    On the first day he came here, he had already checked the cages here one by one.


    There were a total of 14 prisoners. The first was a cloud beast, the second was a human woman, the third was a millstone¡­ The 13th was a head, and the 14th was the Painting Race.


    ¡°14. That¡¯s right.¡± After Xu Qing pondered carefully, he took out the information jade slip and checked it very carefully. There were still 14 of them.


    However, for some reason, Xu Qing felt that something was amiss.


    However, he couldn¡¯t say what was wrong. Hence, Xu Qing stood up and walked toward the cage where the cloud beast was.


    After taking a look, he walked a large circle along the corridor until he reached the old man from the Painting Race. He counted and there were 14 of them.


    At that moment, outside the Painting Race¡¯s cage, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. He stared at the blurry painting and gave the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor an order.


    In an instant, the black iron stick flew out and circled the entire cell. It flew into every cage to investigate and finally returned, telling Xu Qing that everything was normal.


    Xu Qing fell silent and released his shadow to investigate again. The shadow even swept past every prisoner and finally transmitted a divine sense fluctuation.


    It was the same as what he had investigated previously.


    There were indeed 14 criminals.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression darkened. He controlled his shadow to move a portion of the painting away, revealing the old man in the painting completely.


    The old man from the Painting Race also looked at Xu Qing. His expression was filled with panic as he wailed.


    ¡°Sir, I had no choice but to spout nonsense. Just now, the black shadow was about to eat me up. I had no choice but to buy some time for myself like this. Otherwise, I¡¯ll be gone. Sir, you¡¯re magnanimous. Forgive me once, just once!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak and his gaze turned even colder.


    The old man trembled and his panic turned into fear. After that, he quickly spoke.


    ¡°What I¡¯m going to say next is a true secret. Lord Guardian, actually, the true prisoner our Prison Department is suppressing is¡­ a god!¡±


    ¡°Tell me in detail,¡± Xu Qing slowly said.


    ¡°Lord Guardian, I don¡¯t know the details either. I heard from a prisoner who was even older than me here in the past that when the Prison Department was built, they sealed a god¡¯s clone¡­ This is also the reason why the successive Palace Masters guard this place.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He thought of the first time he came and the roars he heard from the deep pit. He also thought of the tremors that would occasionally come from the Prison Department.


    He also thought about how they dealt with the corpses here. They threw the corpses into the deep pit as though they were feeding something.


    These thoughts filled his mind and expanded until they finally occupied his entire mind, diluting the doubts he had about the old man from the Painting Race.


    After a long time, Xu Qing glanced at the old man and completely recalled his shadow from the painting.


    Although the shadow was unwilling, it had no choice. It could only focus its attention on the other prisoners and continue playing.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was the same and went to the millstone.


    Area D132 returned to normal.


    That lucky little boy also appeared again. It seemed to have been following Xu Qing the entire time, maintaining a certain distance and never leaving.


    Time slowly passed and several days passed.


    Xu Qing was normal. Although he had occasionally pondered over the old man¡¯s words, they had unknowingly dissipated in his mind.


    On this day, when it was time for his shift to end, he, who had left D132 and was preparing to return to the Sword Pavilion, saw an acquaintance in the Prison Department.


    It was Kong Xianglong.

 Chapter 534 - 534 Memory (1)

    534 Memory (1)


    Kong Xianglong worked in the field office and was in charge of catching criminals.


    He had brought in a criminal today. When Xu Qing saw him, he was chatting happily with a few familiar Pawns on the ninth floor. Beside him was a dying Two Faces Race¡¯s clansman.


    The cultivation base of this Two-Faced Race member was extraordinary. Despite his heavy injuries, the fluctuations of his Golden Core Seven Palaces were still very intense, indicating that he was an extraordinary person in his race. Otherwise, it was impossible for him to have seven Heavenly Palaces.


    However, he was in a miserable state now. His body was covered in wounds as if he had been severely beaten up. Moreover, he had lost a leg, and from the looks of it, it seemed to have been torn off forcibly.


    Kong Xianglong was also injured but he didn¡¯t seem to mind it. When he caught sight of Xu Qing, his eyes lit up and he flashed a smile.


    ¡°Xu Qing!¡±


    ¡°Brother Kong.¡±


    Xu Qing returned the greeting. The surrounding Pawns also smiled and greeted Xu Qing. During this period of time, Xu Qing had been stationed in Area D132 for a while now and had successfully guarded it without changing his post, which had become a topic of discussion among the Pawns.


    This was especially so when he went out every day and returned unscathed. This earned him even more admiration.


    Upon seeing Kong Xianglong, Xu Qing also smiled. His gaze then landed on the wounds on the other party¡¯s body.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just small injuries. Xu Qing, you became a Pawn? Haha, as I expected.¡±


    Kong Xianglong swept his gaze across the dark fire patterns on Xu Qing¡¯s Daoist robe and also noticed the expressions of the surrounding Pawns. He didn¡¯t seem too surprised that Xu Qing had become a pawn.


    ¡°Actually, when I heard that you went to become the Palace Master¡¯s edict bearer, I guessed¡­¡±


    ¡°What did you guess?¡± Before Kong Xianglong could finish speaking, a cold and dignified voice rang out from the steps of the ninth floor.


    As the voice echoed, the cold figure of the Palace Master appeared. His every step emitted a pressure.


    All the Pawns instantly became serious and bowed in unison.


    ¡°Greetings, Palace Master.¡±


    Xu Qing also bowed. Kong Xianglong¡¯s body trembled and he hurriedly lowered his head to greet him.


    Xu Qing noticed that Kong Xianglong seemed to be extremely afraid. In fact, his forehead was covered in sweat.


    The pressure from the Palace Master was huge. As he got closer, an oppressive feeling filled the entire ninth floor.


    While the surroundings were silent, the Palace Master¡¯s figure walked in front of everyone.


    He glanced at the Two Faces Race criminal lying on the ground. After that, his gaze landed on Kong Xianglong and he spoke coldly.


    ¡°With your cultivation, you could clearly capture and suppress this cultivator alive with a single strike. Why did you use two strikes, are you becoming complacent because the outside world is praising you as the heaven¡¯s chosen of this generation? You didn¡¯t learn anything else but you learned pride very quickly.¡±


    After saying that, he looked at Xu Qing with the same coldness.


    ¡°And you, what are you doing here instead of going back to cultivate? Are you being complacent just by suppressing D132? Besides, did you really suppress them? If you have the ability, go and suppress D1 to advance to Area C!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. The Palace Master¡¯s words caused him to fall into deep thought.


    As for the Palace Master¡¯s temper, Xu Qing already knew it. During this period of time, as he gradually got familiar with the other Pawns, he had heard people talking about how strict this generation¡¯s Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master was with others.


    Coupled with the first time they met and the other party¡¯s scolding, Xu Qing knew that there was no point in saying anything at this moment.


    Kong Xianglong lowered his head and didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything? I¡¯m asking you!¡± The Palace Master¡¯s gaze swept past Xu Qing and landed on Kong Xianglong.


    Kong Xianglong hesitated and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°At that time, the Two Faces Race cultivator had a few quasi-human maidservants nearby. They were pitiful people. I was afraid that the might of my attacks would be too great and injure the innocent, so¡­¡±


    Quasi-human wasn¡¯t a race. They were born from the mating of human and nonhuman. Their fates were sometimes even more miserable.


    The Palace Master fell silent and spoke after a long time.


    ¡°Even so, how could you be injured against just a Golden Core with seven palaces? What private matters have you been up to?!¡±


    Sweat broke out on Kong Xianglong¡¯s forehead, but he had no choice but to speak up.


    ¡°He still has some accomplices. They ran away. Although they weren¡¯t on the wanted list, I saw the heartless things they did, so I chased after them and killed them all. After that, I encountered a tough opponent and also killed him, which caused my injuries.¡±


    The Palace Master coldly glanced at Kong Xianglong and turned to walk toward the steps. However, a cold voice echoed.


    ¡°It¡¯s excusable, but you didn¡¯t abide by the rules of the Sword Holder and caused additional trouble. You will be punished with seven days of imprisonment. Take him away!¡±


    With that, the Palace Master left.


    Xu Qing looked at Kong Xianglong sympathetically.


    He felt that the Palace Master was too old-fashioned and unreasonable.


    Kong Xianglong sighed and glanced at Xu Qing as he smiled bitterly.


    ¡°If I had known this would happen, I would have left after sending him off. I was a step too late. How unlucky.¡±


    As he spoke, the Pawns at the side walked over solemnly. After restraining the Two Faces Race prisoner on the ground, they walked in front of Kong Xianglong.


    Kong Xianglong resigned himself to fate and lifted his hands. He was then shackled and brought away.


    Before he left, he even turned his head and waved at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing silently watched this scene. He only left the Prison Department and returned to the Sword Pavilion after Kong Xianglong¡¯s figure disappeared.


    After sitting down cross-legged, Xu Qing looked at the dark night outside. The scene of Kong Xianglong being reprimanded and sent to prison appeared in his mind.


    Through this matter, he could clearly sense that the Sword Holding Palace Master was a strict follower of rules and regulations. Just like how he reprimanded him, even a heaven¡¯s chosen like Kong Xianglong was treated the same.


    ¡°Such a Sword Holding Palace¡­¡± Xu Qing¡¯s gaze looked at the night.


    He suddenly felt that it was quite good. The rules here were even simpler. Although everything depended on strength, contributions and rules were equally important.

 Chapter 535 - 535 Memory (2)

    535 Memory (2)


    ¡°No wonder, when Brother Chen told me that Zhang Siyun¡¯s grandmaster was one of the four deacons, he said that the other party wasn¡¯t a person who played favorites. With such a Palace Master, such actions would not be permitted.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. After experiencing these small matters again and again, he had unknowingly gained a preliminary understanding of the Sword Holding Palace.


    At the same time, he thought of what the painting old man had said.


    ¡°The god¡¯s clone is imprisoned in the depths of the Prison Department!¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head. He felt that it was enough for him to know about this matter. It wasn¡¯t something he could investigate and verify.


    Hence, he buried this matter in his mind and closed his eyes to sense the Fifth Heavenly Palace.


    His Fifth Heavenly Palace was about to take shape. According to his judgment, it would complete its materialization in about five to six days.


    ¡°The further it goes, the slower the materialization speed will be.¡±


    Hence, Xu Qing had been thinking about whether he should put in his life-bound mosasaur¡­


    He felt that the first four Heavenly Palaces were not bad. Compared to them, the mosasaur was a little ordinary.


    The formation of the Heavenly Palace¡¯s golden core could be achieved not only by integrating external objects, but also by one¡¯s own cultivation art. Xu Qing pondered about the potential outcome of fusing an emperor-level cultivation art with the Heavenly Palace.


    In theory, this was possible but Xu Qing lacked some information. Hence, after some thought, he braced himself and took out the voice transmission jade slip to transmit his voice to Purple Mystic Fairy.


    ¡°Senior, are you there?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s voice rang out from the jade slip almost instantly.


    Xu Qing fell silent and there was no further reply from the jade slip.


    He could tell that Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s tone wasn¡¯t right. He didn¡¯t know when he had provoked the other party, so he sent a voice transmission to Lord Fifth to ask about the integration of an emperor-level cultivation art into the Heavenly Palace.


    ¡°Ah? Didn¡¯t Purple Mystic Fairy tell you? Before we came to the county capital, your master had communicated with her about fusing your emperor-level cultivation art as a golden core.¡±


    ¡°A few days ago, I even saw Senior Zi Xuan inviting some of her good friends to the sect and asking about something similar. After all, every emperor-level cultivation art is different and the method of integration is also particular. She even specially visited the three great sects and paid some price to go to their Scripture Pavilion to research.¡±


    ¡°If you carelessly fuse it, although it won¡¯t be harmful, it won¡¯t succeed.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He didn¡¯t know that Zi Xuan had done so many things for him and waves of emotions rose in his mind. Hence, he picked up the jade slip and transmitted his voice to Zi Xuan.


    ¡°Senior¡­¡±


    ¡°Mm, who are you?¡± Zi Xuan¡¯s voice rang out from the jade slip.


    ¡°Xu Qing¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s that Xu Qing who chose to stay in the Sword Pavilion and never returned in order to avoid me?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know how to reply and could only speak softly.


    ¡°I heard from Lord Fifth¡­ Thank you, Senior!¡±


    A light snort rang out from the jade slip.


    ¡°Your Fifth Heavenly Palace is about to take shape, right? Come see me on the day it takes shape. Oh right, I like to eat the osmanthus cake from the south of the city.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Xu Qing heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. He hurriedly kept the jade slip and made a mental note of the osmanthus cake.


    ¡°I have to find an opportunity to repay Purple Mystic Fairy in the future.¡± Xu Qing wasn¡¯t good at expressing his emotions. Hence, he took out the bamboo slip and carved Zi Xuan¡¯s name on the other side. The records there were all people who had done him a favor.


    ¡°Also, I have to hurry up with my military contributions.¡± Xu Qing frowned slightly when he thought of his military contributions.


    After becoming a Pawn, he had a clearer understanding of obtaining military contributions. Normally speaking, as a Pawn, he would have a fixed military contribution every month.


    It wasn¡¯t much, and he was too far from his target. If he wanted to obtain more, he had to go out and complete missions.


    However, even the missions didn¡¯t give much. Those missions with more rewards were usually team missions or Nascent Soul missions.


    However, in the end, with this accumulation, there would be a day when he reached the required number. Hence, he planned to complete all kinds of missions near the county capital in the following days.


    After making this decision, Xu Qing closed his eyes and began to meditate.


    Time flowed by. When dawn was about to arrive, Xu Qing suddenly opened his eyes.


    ¡°I seem to have forgotten something¡­¡± Xu Qing frowned and pondered. A moment later, his eyes narrowed.


    ¡°The Palace Master asked me if I really suppressed D132.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. He felt that something was amiss with this sentence. What was most amiss was how he felt that his memory was so bad that he almost forgot it after he returned.


    ¡°That¡¯s not right!¡± Xu Qing abruptly lifted his head. He was very confident in his memories. He shouldn¡¯t have forgotten such a thing.


    ¡°When did my memory start to be bad?¡± A look of contemplation appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. After recalling his experiences, his eyes gradually narrowed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll only unknowingly forget the memories related to D132. I won¡¯t forget anything else.¡±


    ¡°And this situation also started when I became the guardian of D132!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook.


    He suddenly thought of something the previous guardian, the old man who sharpened his blade, had said to him that day.


    ¡°When you think you¡¯ve discovered everything, there¡¯s actually more waiting for you.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. After a long time, he mumbled with a cold gaze.


    ¡°I was affected by D132.¡±


    At that moment, it was dawn outside.


    However, there wasn¡¯t much bright sunlight. The sky was gray and rain fell.


    This was the rainy season in the county capital and it would last for several months.


    Xu Qing stood up and a cold glint appeared in his eyes. He pushed open the Sword Pavilion¡¯s door and walked toward the Prison Department amidst the wind and rain.


    The instant he stepped into the Prison Department, he transmitted his thoughts to the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and shadow at the same time.

 Chapter 536 - 536 Memory (3)

    536 Memory (3)


    ¡°From this moment on, use the recording jade slip to record all my subsequent actions.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and shadow were stunned and hurriedly obeyed.


    ¡°Master, what happened?¡± The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor asked carefully.


    ¡°I suspect that there¡¯s a certain power that interferes with my cognition and weakens my memories of certain things.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes turned increasingly cold. He walked into the Prison Department, the 57th floor, and¡­ Area D132!


    It was unknown when it started, but Area D132 wasn¡¯t as dark and cold.


    It was unknown when it started, but the head didn¡¯t speak much. The cloud beast no longer ate its tentacles and the spinning of the millstone became rough. However, the old man from the Painting Race appeared frequently.


    Perhaps the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had contributed in this aspect.


    After Xu Qing entered D132 and sensed everything here, this thought rose in his mind.


    The little boy also appeared and stood not far away from him. There was a hint of helplessness in his eyes. When Xu Qing saw this, his mind sank. After that, he didn¡¯t bat an eyelid and walked on the corridor as usual, walking past the cages that held prisoners.


    When he walked to the millstone, he saw that the strange-looking head didn¡¯t roll on the ground. Instead, it appeared on the millstone and stared at Xu Qing with a strange expression.


    It looked at Xu Qing, and Xu Qing also looked at it.


    It didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°Why are you so quiet today?¡± Xu Qing calmly asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be trampled to death. Besides, have you seen anyone talking to a dead person?¡± The head smiled strangely.


    ¡°I have,¡± Xu Qing replied.


    The head was stunned.


    ¡°Not only have I seen it before, but I¡¯ve also said it before,¡± Xu Qing said seriously.


    The head revealed a strange expression. After that, it swayed left and right and faced Xu Qing with the back of its head.


    Xu Qing walked onwards until he reached the cage where the Painting Race was. He looked at the clean-looking old man inside and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Repeat everything you said to me before. If you miss a word, I¡¯ll kill you.¡±


    The old man was stunned.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. With a wave of his hand, his shadow spread out and extended to the other party¡¯s cage again.


    The old man hurriedly spoke. His memory was very good. He told Xu Qing everything he had said before.


    Xu Qing nodded and returned to the cell gate. He then closed his eyes and meditated.


    A day passed and nothing happened on this day. It was no different from usual. When it was time to get off work, Xu Qing walked out of D132.


    He returned to the Sword Pavilion without stopping.


    The instant he sat down, Xu Qing spoke.


    ¡°You Lingzi, you first.¡±


    The black iron stick flew out and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor quickly manifested. His expression was incomparably solemn. With a wave of his hand, a recording jade slip appeared and scenes appeared on it.


    The person on the screen was none other than Xu Qing.


    It recorded his actions from the moment he stepped into the Prison Department until he entered D132 and finally left. It was very detailed and clear without missing anything.


    This was especially so for the words of the old man from the Painting Race. They were all recorded.


    Xu Qing watched it for a long time but didn¡¯t see anything abnormal. Hence, he transmitted his divine sense to the shadow. Very soon, the shadow also released the scenes it recorded.


    After the comparison, everything seemed normal.


    A look of contemplation appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as a thought involuntarily rose in his mind.


    ¡°Could it be that I¡¯m thinking too much?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. After suppressing this thought, he continued to check the jade slip¡¯s recording. In the end, his eyes suddenly narrowed and landed on the old man from the Painting Race in the jade slip.


    The other party¡¯s voice rang out from the jade slip.


    ¡°Lord Guardian¡­ How many prisoners are we holding in our D132?¡±


    ¡°In your memory, how many prisoners are there?¡±


    ¡°Sir, I had no choice but to spout nonsense. Just now, the shadow was about to eat me up. I had no choice but to buy some time for myself like this. Otherwise, I¡¯ll be gone. Sir, you¡¯re magnanimous. Forgive me once, just once!!¡±


    Xu Qing stared at the recording and listened to the words of the old man again and again. In the end, he performed a series of hand seals and put the scene of the old man pleading for forgiveness in loop before speaking softly.


    ¡°You Lingzi, Little Shadow, listen to this. Was this old man talking to me?¡±

 Chapter 537 - 537 Severing the Cause and Effect by Forgetting (1)

    537 Severing the Cause and Effect by Forgetting (1)


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was stunned and the shadow revealed countless eyes.


    ¡°Is it possible that this sentence is an explanation for an existence I didn¡¯t notice¡­¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Moreover, from the start to the end, this painting old man addressed me as ¡®Lord Guardian¡¯. Only in this sentence did he say ¡®sir¡¯.


    ¡°Such an obvious gap but I strangely neglected it previously.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed coldness.


    ¡°Then, how many criminals are there in D132?¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes as he recalled.


    ¡°The first one is a cloud beast.¡±


    ¡°The second is the human woman.¡±


    ¡°The third one is the millstone.¡±


    ¡°Thirteenth¡­¡± Xu Qing paused and an icy aura rose from his entire body.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the fourth?¡± Xu Qing mumbled as his pupils constricted.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was about to speak but he was also stunned. He couldn¡¯t remember either. After that, his entire body trembled and horror appeared in his eyes.


    The shadow was also at a loss.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the fifth one? Or rather, from the fourth to the twelfth one, who are they? Why can¡¯t I remember?¡± Xu Qing spoke softly. He took out the prisoner¡¯s information jade slip and checked it. No matter how he counted, there were 14 of them.


    However, he just couldn¡¯t remember the nine in the middle.


    It was incomparably bizarre.


    There were records of them in the jade slip. Xu Qing felt that he had seen them but he couldn¡¯t remember them.


    ¡°That previous guardian also introduced the prisoners. He didn¡¯t seem to¡­ mention the nine in the middle. However, I actually felt that it was normal at that time.¡±


    ¡°Interesting.¡± A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He opened his storage bag, wanting to record everything he had learned. However, after some thought, he didn¡¯t use the jade slip but took out a blank bamboo slip.


    He had many bamboo slips in his storage bag.


    On this bamboo slip, he engraved everything he was thinking about word by word.


    In the last line, Xu Qing wrote five words and a question mark.


    The power of a god?


    After doing this, Xu Qing walked out of the Sword Pavilion in the dark night.


    It was still raining outside. There were puddles everywhere on the ground. Xu Qing walked on them and arrived at the Prison Department.


    As he walked on the steps of the Prison Department, the sound of his footsteps spread far away, forming echoes.


    This was the first time Xu Qing came to the Prison Department at night. The surroundings were even darker. Only the lights on the walls that were lit some distance away emitted a dim glow.


    In the pitch-black surroundings, these lights were insignificant.


    Xu Qing calmly walked down the steps step by step. He didn¡¯t want to wait until dawn because there was no difference between day and night to him.


    However, as time passed, he was worried that his memories would become blurry again. Hence, he planned to take action immediately.


    He wanted to see the prisoners from the fourth to the twelfth.


    Just like that, in the silence and darkness, Xu Qing arrived at the 57th floor of the Prison Department. He arrived in front of the greenish-black cell gate of D132 and pushed it open.


    ¡°Are there fourth to twelfth prisoners or not?!¡±


    Amidst the creaking sounds echoing in the silence, Xu Qing expressionlessly walked in. With a bang, the gate closed.


    D132 was as pitch-black as ever.


    The moment he walked in, Xu Qing faintly felt someone in the cages looking at him. At the same time, the little boy¡¯s figure also appeared beside him. Its eyes were filled with helplessness and concern.


    Xu Qing noticed the boy¡¯s expression and frowned.


    He had come here this time because of this gaze!


    When he checked the jade slip earlier, he discovered that there was no sign of the little boy in the recording. However, he remembered the helpless look in the other party¡¯s eyes.


    That was why he came here late at night. His goal was to find out why the little boy¡¯s gaze was like this.


    This was his only goal.


    ¡°What¡¯s here?¡± Xu Qing lifted his right wrist and looked at the little boy.


    The little boy opened its mouth and seemed to say something. However, no matter what it said, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t hear him. It was as though they were in different time and space.


    Even though Xu Qing used many methods, such as writing, he was still unable to communicate with the little boy. In the end, when the dawn was about to appear, Xu Qing sighed softly and gave up.


    He glanced at D132 once again, his gaze sweeping past the 14 prisoners. Everything was normal.


    Hence, he turned around and prepared to leave. However, the instant his hand touched the cell gate, Xu Qing suddenly showed a hint of confusion.


    ¡°I came here late at night just to communicate with luck? This isn¡¯t in line with my personality!¡±


    ¡°I could have done it during the day when I am on duty. Why did I come at night?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ seem to have forgotten some things.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and turned to look at D132. It was the same as in his memories.


    ¡°That¡¯s not right!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    ¡°My memory isn¡¯t that bad, but I just can¡¯t remember¡­¡±


    ¡°Could it be that some kind of power has affected me?¡±


    ¡°When I was coming here, I might not have been affected, so I came. However, after entering this place, I forgot my motive¡­ In that case, I should have discovered some clues.¡±


    As he looked, he suddenly opened his storage bag. He rummaged through it and after carefully checking every item, he took out a bamboo slip.


    A large number of words were densely engraved on this bamboo slip.


    Xu Qing frowned. He was familiar with the bamboo slip but he didn¡¯t remember any words on it. Hence, he checked it carefully. As he read, his expression changed.

 Chapter 538 - 538 Severing the Cause and Effect by Forgetting (2)

    538 Severing the Cause and Effect by Forgetting (2)


    ¡°What are the fourth to twelfth cages holding?¡±


    ¡°God¡¯s power?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred intensely. He was familiar with the handwriting. It was his handwriting but the content was completely unfamiliar to him. In the end, he abruptly lifted his head and looked around.


    ¡°It affected my memory?!¡± Killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The Third Heavenly Palace in his body shook and the aura of the Poison Restriction spread out and enveloped his entire body. After that, he took a deep breath and used the power of the Fourth Heavenly Palace for the first time.


    It was the Purple Moon Heavenly Palace.


    With a thought from Xu Qing, the Fourth Heavenly Palace trembled. A wisp of purple moonlight bloomed in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness and enveloped his entire body. At this moment, the formless life level of his body suddenly increased.


    His expression became cold and his eyes were ethereal. Although his appearance didn¡¯t change, he gave off the feeling that he was no longer a human with emotions but a god that looked down on all living beings.


    With this attitude, Xu Qing went to look at D132 again.


    With this glance, D132¡¯s appearance changed drastically in his eyes.


    This place wasn¡¯t black at all but red. It was bright red and the ground was covered in blood. Be it the walls or the cages, they were all blood-colored.


    Only one area emitted light. That was the place where the little boy was beside him.


    Because they were very close, the light emitted by the little boy also enveloped Xu Qing.


    He was in the light, and other than the blood-colored light, there was also a dense blood fog, as though it wanted to invade but was blocked.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook. He abruptly looked at the cage where the cloud beast was in. Inside¡­ wasn¡¯t the cloud beast but a headless stone lion!


    Its entire body was greenish-black and emitted a dense ominous feeling.


    After that, he looked at the cage where the human woman was in. That place had also changed, as though the veil had been lifted, revealing the true scene. The woman inside was no longer a beauty but a skeleton.


    A gigantic straw doll was in the cage. Its entire body was blood-colored and countless straws kept falling down. It transformed into small straw dolls and kept devouring the woman¡¯s skeleton. After eating it, it spat it out and pieced it back together.


    It was as though it would continue tearing it for generations.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the huge straw doll even turned its head and grinned at Xu Qing.


    As for the cage that imprisoned the millstone and head, it was also different from before. The millstone had vanished, replaced by a massive water vat that emitted an ancient aura. Within the vat was a murky liquid, and a black lotus had bloomed, sending out countless branches that spread throughout the area surrounding the cage.


    Many of them directly pierced into the head, causing the head to have a pained expression.


    At that moment, the head noticed Xu Qing¡¯s gaze. However, its expression was very strange. There was helplessness in it as it spoke in a weakened voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m the only one who hasn¡¯t changed. I told you, I¡¯m a good guy¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and swept his gaze toward the other cages. What he saw caused monstrous waves in his mind.


    He didn¡¯t see the fourth to twelfth prisoners.


    He saw a huge finger that pierced through a hundred cages. This finger emitted an indescribable divine might and the blood that flowed from it illuminated the whole cell red.


    The blood fog and blood were all born because of It.


    That was¡­ the god¡¯s finger.


    In the last cage, the old man from the Painting Race had a sinister expression. His body was emaciated, with half of it naked and covered in bite marks. He was drawing with his fingers.


    Countless paintings floated in the cage and the scrapped paintings filled the ground. Upon closer inspection, every painting inside depicted Xu Qing!


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the old man turned his head and grinned.


    ¡°Good morning, Lord Guardian.¡±


    This was D132¡¯s true appearance.


    There weren¡¯t fourteen prisoners here but six.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned grim. After carefully examining the paintings, he made his way to the location of the headless stone lion. With a wave of his right hand, the array formation of the cage was activated, causing the stone lion to crumble and shatter with a resounding rumble.


    Next was the straw doll. It was also torn into pieces by the array formation, followed by the water vat¡¯s black lotus and head.


    Xu Qing stomped the head into pieces. Before it died, it let out a sigh.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you believe me?¡±


    Finally, it was the Painting Race. Under the strange smile of the old man, Xu Qing flicked his sleeve, and a ball of flames whistled past, incinerating everything.


    After doing this, he gazed at the finger for a long while, lost in thought. Eventually, he turned around and walked out.


    This finger was D132¡¯s true secret.


    In the end, what was imprisoned here was actually this god¡¯s finger. It was just that Xu Qing didn¡¯t understand why such a thing was placed in Area D.


    Xu Qing looked at the little boy and saw that the light outside its body was resisting the blood intent emitted by the god¡¯s finger. He suddenly understood.


    ¡°The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was wrong. Misfortune isn¡¯t caused by being unable to withstand the enhancement of luck, but it comes from a curse. The god¡¯s curse. Luck is here to suppress the curse.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, the past guardians will be indirectly affected by the curse and suffer misfortune.¡±


    ¡°This is a cognitive curse. The way to break it is very simple. You just have to see through everything.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, you are the true guardian here.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke softly.


    The boy nodded.


    Xu Qing was silent. He walked to the cell gate and looked at the bamboo slip in his hand. He crushed it and scattered it on the ground.


    He no longer needed this item. He planned to resign from D132¡¯s post. This place was bizarre. Even though he had seen through cause and effect, he wasn¡¯t willing to stay here any longer.


    Hence, he restrained his purple moon and Poison Restriction and pushed open the cell gate.


    The moment he walked out, as the gate closed, Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and frowned.


    ¡°Unfortunately, that little boy can¡¯t communicate. However, he doesn¡¯t seem to have any ill intentions toward me. It¡¯s more like curiosity.¡±


    ¡°Forget it. However, there are only 14 prisoners in D132. That¡¯s too few.¡±


    Xu Qing felt that he should think of a way to increase the number. With such thoughts in mind, Xu Qing gradually walked away. He wanted to see Kong Xianglong, who was currently imprisoned.


    After Xu Qing left, everything in D132 was as usual.


    The cloud beast was still chewing, the human woman was still coaxing the straw doll to sleep, the millstone was still spinning, and the painting of the Painting Race didn¡¯t disappear. The old man sighed.


    ¡°Why is there such a terrifying fellow here? He wakes up every day. When will it end? Even when we remind him, he will wake up and kill us; even if we don¡¯t remind him, he¡¯ll still wake up after analyzing the situation.¡±


    The head at the millstone screamed when it heard this.


    ¡°I¡¯m more annoyed than you. It was all normal when this guy came the first time. After the second time he came, he woke up. From then on, he would wake up every day. Moreover, every time he woke up, he would stomp me to death, and that part never changed!¡±


    ¡°Does it feel that good to stomp on me? I told him countless times not to step on me. Damn it, I want to kill him. No, straw hat will kill him. He¡¯s destined to die!¡±


    Amidst the commotion, the little boy¡¯s figure appeared at the entrance of the cell. It picked up the shattered bamboo slip pieces. Carrying them with it, it made his way toward a hidden and undetectable corner of the cell and threw the pieces over.


    In here¡­ there was a pile of bamboo slip fragments.


    There were words on each fragment. They were all Xu Qing¡¯s handwriting.


    If one were to calculate carefully, they would discover that the number of bamboo slips was only one less than the number of days Xu Qing had been on duty here.


    Perhaps tomorrow, there would be another shattered bamboo slip.


    The little boy let out a deep sigh and disappeared without a trace. When it reappeared¡­ it was already outside D132, standing behind Xu Qing.


    No one could see it, not even Xu Qing.


    It followed silently, as though he was abiding by a promise. It was going to protect Xu Qing until the young lady who was willing to be friends with it arrived.


    That was the agreement.


    However, it was a little vexed because the person it wanted to protect no longer needed its protection from the second day onwards.


    He had seen through everything about D132 and it on that day. He also didn¡¯t need its help to neutralize his bad luck, he broke the bad luck himself.


    Hence, he would wake up every day, gain enlightenment, and carry out a massacre here.


    Due to the influence of the god and the suppression power of the Prison Department, he would forget everything every day.


    The cycle repeated.


    This was D132. It was also the core of the Prison Department¡¯s strength.


    Misfortune indeed didn¡¯t come from luck. It came from a curse, a god¡¯s curse.


    No one could withstand it. One could only forget and sever cause and effect.


    * * *

 Chapter 539 - 539 The Most Miserable God in History

    539 The Most Miserable God in History


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s treatment was not bad and he was imprisoned in D3.


    That place was on the first floor, so there was plenty of light. Also, there was no one else in the cell.


    After Xu Qing asked around, he found out that the first ten cells were prepared for their own people. Usually, those Sword Holders who made mistakes would be locked up here and Kong Xianglong was a frequent visitor of these cells.


    ¡°Unfortunately, it was too sudden this time and I didn¡¯t prepare any wine¡­¡± At that moment, Kong Xianglong, who was sitting in the cage in D3, smacked his lips and looked at Xu Qing pitifully.


    He was really craving wine.


    Xu Qing looked around. After confirming that Kong Xianglong was the only one locked up here at the moment, he took out a flask of wine from his storage bag and sent it in.


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s eyes lit up. He quickly grabbed it, opened it, and took a long swig. With a loud burp, he erupted into joyful laughter.


    ¡°Awesome! I don¡¯t feel anything when I drink it every day, but when I can¡¯t have it, I really miss it.¡±


    ¡°Come, Xu Qing. Accompany me for a drink.¡± As he spoke, Kong Xianglong lifted the wine flask and toasted Xu Qing through the railing.


    Xu Qing performed a series of hand seals and the cell gate of D3 was instantly locked. After that, he took out a flask of wine and drank it as well.


    Kong Xianglong was even happier. The two of them took a swig each and drank very comfortably. Xu Qing even took out a few apples and handed them to Kong Xianglong.


    However, after Kong Xianglong ate one, he felt that it was tasteless, so he continued to drink.


    Xu Qing ate an apple and drank the wine. Kong Xianglong spoke more than usual.


    ¡°I¡¯ve stayed in these few cells on the first floor. Sometimes, I was lucky and didn¡¯t get caught. Sometimes, I was unlucky and was reported. This time, my luck was even worse and I directly encountered the Palace Master.¡±


    At the mention of the Palace Master, Kong Xianglong sighed repeatedly.


    ¡°By the way, Xu Qing, what have you been busy with during this period of time? I think your cultivation is about to make a breakthrough. Why haven¡¯t you broken through yet? If you break through quickly, we can do missions with more military contributions together.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent for a moment. He recalled that the other party also had an emperor-level cultivation art and even had ten Heavenly Palaces. Hence, he briefly explained his choice for the Fifth Heavenly Palace and asked for guidance.


    ¡°I have experience with this. Fusing an emperor-level cultivation art into the Heavenly Palace is different from fusing ordinary cultivation arts. It requires a specific ritual and a Dao Protector. At that time, I used my military contribution to exchange for an emperor-level cultivation art, and also hired a deacon to be my Dao Protector. Forget it, this is a little vague, I¡¯ll show you instead.¡±


    Kong Xianglong waved his right hand and his body became translucent. The ten Heavenly Palaces were clearly revealed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    There were six below the life fog and four within the life fog.


    Among the four palaces, three were formed by life lanterns that shone with resplendent light. Their shapes were strange and each of them emitted astonishing fluctuations.


    The other Heavenly Palaces were also extraordinary, especially two of them.


    One of them was coiled with a golden dragon and emitted a golden light, giving off a noble feeling. When Xu Qing looked at it, the golden dragon on it suddenly lifted its head and stared at Xu Qing with bright eyes.


    The Golden Crow also manifested behind Xu Qing at this moment. It circled inside D3 and looked at the golden dragon.


    Both sides controlled their auras with a look of scrutiny.


    As for the other emperor-level Heavenly Palace, it was a sword palace. It looked similar to the Sword Holding Palace and emitted supreme sword might with an extremely sharp aura.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook when he saw all of these. He originally planned to ask for verbal guidance and hadn¡¯t expected Kong Xianglong to completely reveal his Heavenly Palace to him.


    One had to know that the Heavenly Palaces were a person¡¯s secret. Unless one trusted someone, they wouldn¡¯t reveal them easily.


    However, Kong Xianglong didn¡¯t seem to have any scruples and directly revealed them to Xu Qing.


    ¡°What are you dazing around for? Not only have you seen them, but Little He and Little Chen have also seen them.¡±


    Kong Xianglong laughed. Although his cultivation base energy couldn¡¯t spread out due to shackles, it was still possible to reveal the Heavenly Palaces inside him.


    ¡°Do you see them? They are the Heavenly Palaces formed by my two emperor-level cultivation arts. You should have also comprehended the Emperor Sword, right? I sensed a resonance just now. When your Emperor Sword reaches the second level later, it can also become a sword palace.¡±


    Kong Xianglong focused on his two emperor Heavenly Palaces and explained them to Xu Qing, allowing him to see them more clearly.


    Seeing Kong Xianglong¡¯s Heavenly Palaces with his own eyes, Xu Qing was a little moved. A solemn expression appeared on his face as he stood up and bowed deeply to Kong Xianglong.


    ¡°Thank you, Brother Kong.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for thanks between brothers.¡± Kong Xianglong restored his body to normal and took a big sip of wine.


    ¡°When you integrate the emperor-level cultivation art later and activate the Fifth Heavenly Palace, I¡¯ll see if there are any missions with more military contributions and call you. There are many such missions in our field office. Little He and Little Chen told me many times to find such missions. They also lack military contributions to exchange for inheritances.¡±


    Xu Qing thanked him seriously and drank with Kong Xianglong for a while. When it was time for his shift to end, he left. He didn¡¯t return to the Sword Pavilion but went to the south of the city to buy osmanthus cake.


    He was going back to the branch sect to look for Purple Mystic Fairy tonight.


    The Fifth Heavenly Palace had completely materialized yesterday. Xu Qing planned to put Golden Crow Refines All Life inside it to form his first emperor Heavenly Palace.


    ¡°My life-bound mosasaur¡­ will have to give way again. I¡¯ll use it next time!¡±


    Xu Qing took a look at the mosasaur coiled in his natal magic aperture.


    Under the influence of his aura, the mosasaur also lifted its head and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°It¡¯ll definitely be next time!¡± Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. He arrived at the south of the county capital and found a shop that sold osmanthus cakes.


    At the same time, after Xu Qing left the Prison Department, the Palace Master, who was sitting cross-legged in the main hall on the 89th floor, opened his eyes. He lifted his head and looked up. He frowned and let out a cold snort.


    ¡°A Pawn is drinking with a prisoner in the Prison Department. How improper!¡±


    ¡°When the two of them were drinking earlier, you pretended not to see. Now that they¡¯ve finished drinking, one left and the other is sleeping, and you open your eyes now and act pretentious? Who are you showing it to? Me?¡±


    A low voice rang out from the void behind the Palace Master. The huge eye with a vertical pupil suddenly opened, and the pupil in it burned like fire, stirring up a storm that circled around this floor.


    The Palace Master didn¡¯t care about the artifact spirit¡¯s mockery. He retracted his gaze with a cold expression and pondered for a moment before speaking slowly.


    ¡°Since the two of them agreed to go out¡­ send a letter to the Yao family in my name.¡±


    ¡°The content is still ¡®Yao Yunhui, are you courting death?''¡± The voice in the storm was loud like a bell, echoing endlessly.


    ¡°Six words.¡± The Palace Master¡¯s voice was cold.


    ¡°Xu Qing is my edict bearer.¡±


    ¡°To issue a decree twice for a Sword Holder, isn¡¯t this against your principles? Or is it because the bad luck on Xu Qing¡¯s body is gone? Eh, that¡¯s right. The bad luck on his body suddenly disappeared some time ago. Let me think, it seemed to have disappeared after he went to D132 for the second time.¡±


    ¡°How strange. His bad luck is gone so suddenly. This Xu Qing went to D132 the second time more than a month ago. What happened? It¡¯s a pity that I don¡¯t have the authority and can¡¯t see it. Sigh, it¡¯s so annoying. I¡¯m an artifact spirit but I don¡¯t have authority over D132.¡±


    In the storm, the muffled sound was like thunder rumbling.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that. Yao Yunhui doesn¡¯t understand,¡± the Palace Master said calmly, ignoring the other party¡¯s mention of Xu Qing¡¯s misfortune and D132.


    ¡°A Sword Holder can die in battle. That¡¯s their home and glory.¡±


    ¡°However, they can¡¯t die at the hands of a despicable person. That is a humiliation. I can¡¯t accept this happening to any Sword Holder.¡±


    The rumbling of the storm paused for a moment before it shouted again.


    ¡°Including Zhang Siyun? A secret letter came from the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court. Zhang Siyun has a god in his body. The imperial capital probably knows about this through the emperor¡¯s statue. Some people are very interested in him.¡±


    The Palace Master fell silent. After a long time, he shook his head.


    ¡°As long as he¡¯s still a Sword Holder, I won¡¯t allow him to be used as bait. I¡¯ll think of a way to deal with the god in his body!¡±


    ¡°What about Chen Erniu?¡±


    The voice in the storm suddenly became intense and sharp.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you can¡¯t see the problem with him. Besides, if I didn¡¯t sense wrongly, I should have seen his previous life. However, I can¡¯t remember it. How strange, why can¡¯t I remember it?¡±


    The voice in the storm was filled with frustration. In the end, it turned into a roar. At the same time, a roar rang out from the lowest level of the pit in the Prison Department. It seemed to be responding, as though it wanted to overlap with the voice of the artifact spirit.


    ¡°I can¡¯t remember, I can¡¯t remember, I¡¯ve forgotten¡­ Who am I? I need to think hard about who I am. I am¡­¡±


    The Palace Master¡¯s expression remained composed. He slowly lifted his right hand and pressed down slightly.


    With this push, the 177 floors of the Prison Department shook at the same time, emitting a resplendent light that gathered at the center of the various floors, which was the middle of the deep pit.


    177 huge runes formed there. At the same time, they cascaded down to the bottom of the deep pit.


    As rumbling sounds echoed, the roar at the bottom of the deep pit slowly weakened and finally dissipated.


    The roars in the 89th floor also dissipated at the same time. The huge vertical pupil behind the Palace Master slowly closed.


    Just as it was about to completely close, the vertical pupil revealed confusion and a weak voice rang out.


    ¡°Who am I¡­¡±


    ¡°You are the artifact spirit of my Prison Department!¡± The Sword Holding Palace Master said in a low voice.


    When the vertical pupil heard this, it revealed understanding and calmed down.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, I remember now. I¡¯m an artifact spirit. I¡¯m the artifact spirit of the Prison Department. My mission is to suppress all prisoners.¡±


    The eye completely closed.


    The Sword Holding Palace Master looked at the closed vertical eye and frowned. A hint of gloom appeared on his face as he muttered inwardly.


    ¡°He has come to his senses a little frequently over the years¡­¡±


    At that moment, if someone could probe the Palace Master¡¯s mind, they would definitely be incomparably shocked by the word ¡®He¡¯.


    This was how the gods were addressed.


    Clearly, that vertical pupil wasn¡¯t an artifact spirit of the Prison Department at all.


    All along, the vertical pupil which was conversing with the Palace Master thought that it was an artifact spirit, but in reality, He was the only reason why the previous Palace Masters of the Sword Holding Palace guarded the Prison Department.


    His true identity was the last clone of the unknown god sleeping in the Immortal Forbidden!


    Looking at the eye that was closed, the Sword Holding Palace Master thought of what the other party had said.


    ¡°To be able to make Him feel familiar, there must be something wrong with Chen Erniu. However, the emperor acknowledged him and gave him a chance to become a Sword Holder. In that case, he is a Sword Holder.¡±


    ¡°That means, he is my subordinate.¡±


    ¡°My subordinates can die on the battlefield, but they can¡¯t die by treachery!¡±


    The Palace Master said inwardly. This was his principle.

 Chapter 540 - 540 Golden Crow Descends Into the Heavenly Palace (1)

    540 Golden Crow Descends Into the Heavenly Palace (1)


    The osmanthus cake in the county capital wasn¡¯t cheap.


    One portion had five pieces and cost a spirit coin.


    The reason for this seemed to be because some spiritual plants had been added to the osmanthus cake. As for the osmanthus itself, the shopkeeper said that it was transported from Lin Lan Province.


    Xu Qing bought three portions.


    He ate while moving toward the branch sect.


    It had to be said that the taste of the osmanthus cake in the county capital was indeed quite good. When Xu Qing arrived at the branch sect, he had already finished his portion. After that, he took a deep breath and strode into the branch sect.


    On the way, he saw a few disciples of the Eight Sects Alliance. Every one of them was very respectful when they saw Xu Qing. Even Huang Yikun helplessly greeted Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing nodded and walked toward the branch sect¡¯s residence A.


    He felt a little nervous when he thought of Purple Mystic Fairy. Regardless of her cultivation or her various emotions, she was beyond Xu Qing¡¯s reach.


    However, he had no choice but to go.


    Hence, he took a deep breath and stepped into residence A. After passing through a few courtyards, he arrived at the courtyard where Room A1 was located.


    This place was also a large courtyard with many fake hills and flourishing vegetation. There were also many maidservants.


    Clearly, even in the county capital, Purple Mystic Fairy still had requirements for the quality of life.


    When these maidservants saw Xu Qing, their eyes lit up and bowed in greetings with curious expressions. After Xu Qing walked far away, they looked at Xu Qing¡¯s back and couldn¡¯t help but whisper to each other. From time to time, they would even laugh coquettishly.


    However, regardless of whether it was Xu Qing or them, they couldn¡¯t see that there was a little boy who had entered the courtyard. It stood beside the group of maids curiously and pricked up its ears to listen to their discussion.


    At that moment, Xu Qing had already arrived outside Room A1. His expression turned solemn as he cupped his fists and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Disciple Xu Qing requests an audience with Purple Mystic Fairy.¡±


    The door of the room slowly opened and Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s figure walked out. She was wearing a purple palace dress today. Her black hair draped over her shoulders. She looked noble and elegant, and emitted spiritual charm like an immortal.


    However, her beautiful eyes were filled with a hint of anger. This emotion caused her peerlessly beautiful face to look more lively, as though a fairy had walked into the world.


    Her appearance seemed to add a hint of light to the dusk night. When it was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, it became an indelible reflection that grew deeper and clearer.


    Zi Xuan walked up to Xu Qing.


    When she saw the paper bag in Xu Qing¡¯s hand, the anger in her eyes melted into joy.


    ¡°I was still wondering why you came so late. So the little kid still remembers what I said.¡±


    ¡°Junior doesn¡¯t dare to forget Senior¡¯s words.¡± Xu Qing tried his best not to be so nervous and said solemnly. After he finished speaking, he handed over the osmanthus cake with both hands.


    Zi Xuan smiled and took it, and was about to speak.


    Xu Qing began to take out items one after another from his storage bag.


    Green bean cake, immortal dew pancake, pineapple crisp, pea cake, almond pancake, nine layered cake¡­


    There were a total of more than 50 types, and there were two portions of each.


    When the maidservant at the side saw this scene, she hurriedly stepped forward and took them with a tray. Very soon, the pastries on the tray piled up into a small mountain.


    Zi Xuan was stunned for a moment and looked at Xu Qing strangely. It was the same for the maidservant who was holding the tray.


    After Xu Qing finished taking out everything, he took a deep breath and spoke seriously to Purple Mystic Fairy.


    ¡°Junior doesn¡¯t know what Senior likes other than osmanthus cakes, so I bought everything I could.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s words were sincere. He held great respect for knowledge and understood that not only did he need Purple Mystic Fairy to guide him on integrating an emperor-level cultivation art into the Heavenly Palace, but he also needed her protection


    He would remember this kindness in his heart. That was why he spent time buying so many pastries. This was also the reason why he came late.


    When Zi Xuan heard this, her phoenix-like eyes landed on Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. After staring at them for a while, ripples appeared in her heart. The displeasure she had felt during this period of time completely dissipated. She then turned her head and instructed the maid softly.


    ¡°Put these pastries in my room. Be careful not to break them.¡±


    The maid hurriedly nodded. After she entered the room, she glanced at Xu Qing and Zi Xuan before leaving.


    She felt that she shouldn¡¯t stay here right now.


    Ignoring the maid, Purple Mystic Fairy¡¯s lips curved upwards, revealing a gentle smile on her flawless face. She waved her hand and the surroundings underwent a transformation. The green stone slabs turned into grassy meadows, the artificial mountain became a towering peak, the flowers and shrubs transformed into tall trees, and a pavilion appeared nearby.


    ¡°Xu Qing, come.¡±


    Zi Xuan walked into the pavilion and sat there. At that moment, a gentle wind blew over, lifting her black hair. It also fluttered her dress and pressed it tightly against her body, accentuating her curves when she sat down.


    The dress looked even more perfect on her.


    Xu Qing hesitated and walked over, sitting opposite Zi Xuan.


    Sitting here, he could see more clearly and a familiar fragrance seeped into his nose.


    That fragrance was very pleasant.


    He could only sit here because the stone stool was here.


    ¡°Tell me about the matter with the Prison Department in the past month or so.¡± Zi Xuan placed one hand on the stone platform at the side and supported her chin. Her eyelashes fluttered as she looked at Xu Qing.


    In this moment, her demeanor had changed from the mature and elegant woman who had walked out of the room earlier. She was no longer as gentle and dignified as she was when she saw the osmanthus cake. Instead, she exuded the aura of a young girl, and her age was indiscernible from her appearance. Yet, she remained peerlessly beautiful.


    Even though Xu Qing had experienced this transformation several times before, he still couldn¡¯t resist its allure. He admitted that¡­ from head to toe, this Purple Mystic Fairy in front of him exuded an astonishing charm.

 Chapter 541 - 541 Golden Crow Descends Into the Heavenly Palace (2)

    541 Golden Crow Descends Into the Heavenly Palace (2)


    This attraction caused him to be unable to feel the slightest bit of disgust. Everything the other party did could only give him a good impression.


    Hence, Xu Qing tried his best to calm his emotions and softly recounted his story in the Prison Department, including his acquaintance with Kong Xianglong, his opinion of the unreasonable Palace Master, and so on.


    Everything was brief. However, neither he nor Zi Xuan noticed that not far away from the pavilion, a little boy was squatting there and looking at them curiously.


    It tilted its small head and its expression was filled with confusion. It carefully sized up Zi Xuan, as though it was trying to determine if the other party had any ill intentions.


    Its first feeling was that the other party didn¡¯t have any ill intentions, but it also felt that she seemed to be a little possessive, so it didn¡¯t dare to get too close.


    This made it a little vexed. It simply sat down and ignored them.


    Zi Xuan gazed at Xu Qing attentively, taking in every word he said. As the bright moon shone high in the sky, Xu Qing finished talking about his post to her. Zi Xuan¡¯s expression remained gentle as she spoke softly.


    ¡°I can tell that you¡¯re¡­ a little confused about the Sword Holder.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Zi Xuan.


    ¡°It¡¯s very difficult for you to accept such an organization and you haven¡¯t encountered anything similar, so you have doubts. Due to your self-protection instincts, you want to stay away because you don¡¯t want to have a shackle.¡±


    Zi Xuan smiled gently.


    ¡°Follow your heart. Don¡¯t think too much and continue to observe calmly. When you start having respect for this organization and the people in it, you might have an answer.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind trembled as he fell into deep thought. He then stood up and bowed to Zi Xuan.


    ¡°Kid, close your eyes.¡±


    Xu Qing hesitated for a moment before closing his eyes.


    The instant he closed his eyes, Zi Xuan gently moved closer to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly. He could sense that the fragrance had become denser at this moment, as though a breath had landed on his face.


    The instant he wanted to open his eyes, Zi Xuan¡¯s finger gently tapped his forehead.


    A lively and seductive voice echoed in his ears.


    ¡°Kid, you have to calm your heart. Imagine your Fifth Heavenly Palace becoming it. You might have seen it before, but I don¡¯t know if you saw it as clearly as this¡­¡±


    As Zi Xuan¡¯s voice rang out, an image entered Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. It was a dragon carriage!


    In the deep sea, the dragon carriage was being pulled by a giant.


    It was also the sun¡¯s carriage.


    ¡°This is the way to fuse an emperor-level cultivation art into the Heavenly Palace. Every emperor-level cultivation art is different. Golden Crow Refines All Life¡­ requires a dragon carriage.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook and he instantly understood. Although the dragon carriage that appeared in his mind was very clear, it was still a little lacking.


    This was because Xu Qing had truly stepped onto the dragon carriage.


    In fact, he had stayed there longer than most people. That was why he had obtained the complete inheritance of Golden Crow Refines All Life.


    However, this image was also extremely important. He could combine it with the dragon carriage in his memories, making this memory clearer and the dragon carriage even clearer in his perception.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled intensely. The stone stool he was sitting on transformed into a cushion and the pavilion transformed into a pagoda that protected him.


    The surrounding grassland turned into countless small people, each with a solemn expression, facing away from Xu Qing and toward the distance, vowing to protect him with their lives.


    As for those large mountains, they became giants. After they stood up from the ground, they emitted vast might.


    The trees were the same.


    Everything here directly became the best shelter Zi Xuan had prepared for Xu Qing. Although the possibility of an accident happening was negligible, she was still worried.


    Hence, she sat cross-legged beside Xu Qing and personally protected him.


    Just like that, Xu Qing¡¯s breakthrough began.


    His Fifth Heavenly Palace first changed its appearance and was gradually transforming into the appearance of the dragon carriage. At this moment, the image in his mind that Zi Xuan had paid a huge price to obtain and the memories of the dragon carriage that he had personally experienced played a key role.


    His Fifth Heavenly Palace rapidly changed and finally completely transformed into a dragon carriage. Moreover, it was even more realistic than the image and emitted a shocking aura.


    After sensing his Fifth Heavenly Palace, Xu Qing¡¯s heart was filled with joy and he spoke softly.


    ¡°Golden Crow returns to the carriage and the moon rises!¡±


    The totemic tattoo on Xu Qing¡¯s back suddenly shone. The Golden Crow manifested and soared toward the sky. It spread its wings in the sky and let out a cheerful cry. After circling several times in the air, it headed straight for Xu Qing.


    It directly rushed into Xu Qing¡¯s body through the top of his head, flying into his sea of consciousness and into the dragon carriage formed by the Fifth Heavenly Palace. When it reached the depths, the Golden Crow shone and transformed into a blurry youth.


    The youth¡¯s appearance was actually Xu Qing¡¯s.


    He was dressed in a black-gold emperor robe and adorned with a matching-colored emperor crown on his head. His noble demeanor and imposing presence were accentuated as he sat upright in the dragon carriage that was formed by the Fifth Heavenly Palace.


    In the Fifth Heavenly Palace, rainbow flames flickered and transformed into the shadow of the Golden Crow.


    As it rumbled in all directions, the might of Golden Crow Refines All Life also soared. Its tail directly doubled from the previous 19 to 42.


    Looking at the tails, Xu Qing suddenly had a realization.


    When it reached a hundred, Golden Crow Refines All Life would advance to the third level!


    Xu Qing suddenly opened his eyes and everything in the surroundings disappeared. Regardless of whether it was the pagoda or the small people, as well as the giants in the distance, they all disappeared without a trace the instant he opened his eyes.


    This was the courtyard outside Building A1. Xu Qing sat cross-legged on the ground. When he lifted his head, he saw Zi Xuan¡¯s back view at the door.


    ¡°The sky is already bright. Aren¡¯t you going to work today?¡± Zi Xuan stood by the door and turned, smiling at Xu Qing.


    The sky was already beginning to lighten as the night had passed.


    Xu Qing looked at Zi Xuan and gratitude appeared in his eyes. He stood up and cupped his fists, bowing deeply.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me Senior. Call me by my name,¡± Zi Xuan said softly.


    Xu Qing hesitated.


    ¡°Thank you, Zi Xuan.¡±


    ¡°Why does it sound so strange¡­¡± Zi Xuan shook her head helplessly.


    ¡°Come, I¡¯ll teach you. You have to say, Zi Xuan, thank you. Your voice has to be gentler.¡± Zi Xuan looked at Xu Qing with anticipation.


    Xu Qing fell silent and spoke softly.


    ¡°Zi Xuan, thank you.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Zi Xuan¡¯s eyes lit up. The corners of her mouth curled up into a beautiful smile as she nodded slightly and spoke softly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you don¡¯t have to thank me.¡±


    As the two of them spoke, the atmosphere seemed to change a little.


    A long time later, Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and bowed again.


    ¡°Disciple will take his leave first.¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke, he walked out. Just as he was about to leave the courtyard, Zi Xuan¡¯s lazy and enchanting voice rang out from behind him.


    ¡°After some time, accompany me to meet a few of my best friends in the county capital. This is the second thing you promised me.¡±


    Zi Xuan¡¯s coquettish voice contained a hint of demonic charm. It was like the cry of a kite or the phoenix, but it was also gentle and warm.


    It possessed a strange power that could seep into one¡¯s heart and transform into water of heart that gradually heated up.

 Chapter 542 - 542 Yao Yunhui, Think More About His Goodness (1)

    542 Yao Yunhui, Think More About His Goodness (1)


    The sun emerged from the horizon, and its rays illuminated the ground. Everywhere they touched, darkness dissipated, and light spread in all directions.


    The streets of the county capital also became lively.


    Xu Qing walked on the way to work while sensing the Fifth Heavenly Palace within him.


    The emperor-level cultivation art¡¯s tattoo was still there, and the enhancement to his combat strength didn¡¯t disappear because Golden Crow Refines All Life had fused into the Fifth Heavenly Palace.


    This emperor-level cultivation art still possessed the power of a palace.


    However, its might was clearly greater, and it was the same for the Fifth Heavenly Palace.


    It could even be said that if he met someone who also possessed five Heavenly Palaces, and if both sides were to compare from the most basic perspective without looking at any cultivation techniques or magic treasure fragments, even the most stunning and outstanding individual from the myriad races would not have an edge over him.


    If they were someone below the outstanding talents, Xu Qing would far surpass them.


    This was because any of his Heavenly Palaces was earth-shattering. They might not be unparalleled in the world but they weren¡¯t much inferior.


    The life palaces formed by the two life lanterns, the palace formed by the Poison Restriction Pill, the Purple Moon Heavenly Palace, and the Golden Crow Dragon Carriage Heavenly Palace.


    This was the foundation Xu Qing had formed in his journey to here.


    He had risked his life to obtain each of them.


    It was a rare occurrence for a person¡¯s strength to suddenly emerge. More often than not, strength was developed through gradual accumulation.


    Xu Qing was like this.


    That was why he could cross realms to fight.


    At that moment, Xu Qing was in a very good mood. When he passed by a breakfast stall, the familiar smell reminded him of the fried dough sticks he used to eat at the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°I wonder when I can return.¡±


    Xu Qing reminisced inwardly and turned his gaze towards the Yinghuang Province. He missed Old Master Seventh and the ancestor Xue Lianzi, as well as the breakfast shop in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and walked toward the breakfast shop here. He sat down and ordered a serving. After he ate it, a satisfied expression appeared on his face. Although the taste wasn¡¯t as good as the one in his memory, it was still alright.


    While he was eating breakfast, the little boy squatted not far away and looked at Xu Qing eagerly.


    As though it felt very bored, it sized up the surroundings and looked at the bustling streets. As it looked, its gaze suddenly froze and landed on a two-story building not far away.


    At the window of the building, there appeared to be a figure who had been standing there earlier, staring at Xu Qing with a resentful gaze.


    The little boy was curious and disappeared.


    When it appeared, it was already in the building. It saw a very beautiful woman reprimanding a youth.


    ¡°Trash, not only did Xu Qing obtain the edict bearer token, but he also became a Pawn of the Prison Department. You¡¯re actually in an administrative post, organizing documents!¡±


    ¡°And, you¡¯re actually calmly accepting it. Where¡¯s your pride as the number one genius in the Yinghuang Province? Why didn¡¯t you look for your grandmaster?!¡±


    The person who was reprimanded was Zhang Siyun.


    The woman in the little boy¡¯s eyes was naturally Zhang Siyun¡¯s mother, Yao Yunhui.


    Because her identity was too sensitive to head to the Sword Holding Palace and there were some things that couldn¡¯t be said on a jade slip, she invited Zhang Siyun¡¯s grandmaster who was looking for Zhang Siyun to meet here today. However, on the way, she received a voice transmission from her family telling her about the warning from the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master.


    Her family also solemnly warned her not to provoke the Sword Holding Palace.


    This made Yao Yunhui feel very uncomfortable. When she saw Xu Qing earlier, her disgust towards him grew even stronger. As a result, when she looked at her son, anger welled up inside her.


    Zhang Siyun lowered his head and hated Xu Qing even more. Every time his mother compared Xu Qing to him, the hostility in his heart grew stronger and stronger.


    In reality, he had looked for Grandmaster but the other party had looked at him strangely. He didn¡¯t know why but he didn¡¯t dare to mention it in the face of his mother¡¯s anger and could only silently endure it.


    In addition, he actually felt that his work of organizing the documents wasn¡¯t completely useless. At the very least, in the past month, he had found a few places where others had recorded wrongly and had even received praise from the department.


    However, he knew that he couldn¡¯t say it.


    ¡®It was better in Yinghuang Province.¡¯ Zhang Siyun sighed softly inwardly.


    As she cursed, Yao Yunhui suddenly took out a voice transmission jade slip. Soon after, her expression became even more gloomy, and in the end, she crushed the jade slip.


    ¡°You have work to do? We clearly made an appointment a few days ago, but you¡¯re making excuses now? Is it because you heard about the decree issued by the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master?!¡±


    ¡°The people from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect are all spineless and extremely stupid!¡± Yao Yunhui¡¯s expression turned ugly as she rebuked angrily.


    Zhang Siyun sighed inwardly and spoke softly.


    ¡°Mother¡­¡±


    ¡°Scram!¡± Yao Yunhui said coldly.


    Zhang Siyun fell silent. After a long time, he stood up and bowed to his mother before turning to leave. His expression became increasingly lonely and he hated Xu Qing even more.


    As he walked on the streets for a while, his body suddenly convulsed and he felt dizzy. He quickly leaned against the wall beside him to support himself.


    The outline of a red moon flashed in his eyes and a sinister expression appeared on his face, but it disappeared in an instant.


    It took him a long time to recover.


    ¡°Is there a problem with the cultivation art? This is the seventh time I am feeling such dizziness.¡± Zhang Siyun¡¯s expression was ugly. He pondered for a moment and continued walking away.


    In the pavilion, the little boy didn¡¯t bother with Zhang Siyun who had left.


    It stood beside Yao Yunhui and its attention was on the other party. It curiously sized her up and a look of contemplation appeared in its eyes, as though it was analyzing this woman¡¯s malice toward Xu Qing.


    Yao Yunhui sat there and all the anger on her face disappeared at this moment. She picked up the lotus seed soup on the table and took a sip.


    Her movements were very elegant, as though she wasn¡¯t the one who had lost her composure earlier.

 Chapter 543 - 543 Yao Yunhui, Think More About His Goodness (2)

    543 Yao Yunhui, Think More About His Goodness (2)


    ¡°Yun¡¯er, Mother¡¯s meanness and fierceness are to stimulate your persistence and courage. I hope you can become a talent. Back then, your father wasn¡¯t bold enough and didn¡¯t understand my good intentions.¡±


    Yao Yunhui muttered inwardly as a cold glint appeared in her eyes.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you snatched Yun¡¯er¡¯s fortune and ruined his future. I won¡¯t let go of this matter. I can¡¯t touch you in the county capital but as long as you leave the county capital, I have plenty of ways to frame you. I won¡¯t kill you either. I want Yun¡¯er to see your downfall and gain confidence.¡±


    Sensing the thoughts of the woman in front of it, a look of distress appeared on the little boy¡¯s face.


    It had promised the young miss that it would protect Xu Qing.


    However, it couldn¡¯t kill. After thinking about it, it simply blew at Yao Yunhui.


    This breath landed on Yao Yunhui¡¯s face.


    Yao Yunhui¡¯s hand that was holding the spoon paused. For some reason, the thoughts in her mind changed a little. It was as though there was a thought spreading in her mind, telling her to think more about the good of others.


    ¡°That Xu Qing isn¡¯t completely detestable.¡±


    Yao Yunhui mumbled. But right when she finished speaking, she was stunned. She looked around suspiciously and stood up.


    ¡°Something¡¯s wrong!¡± Her expression was ugly and she immediately used a spell to investigate. However, everything here was normal.


    Seeing that the effect wasn¡¯t particularly good, the little boy standing beside her was even more vexed. Hence, it blew out another breath.


    Yao Yunhui¡¯s body trembled and a look of contemplation appeared in her eyes. After a long time, she muttered.


    ¡°Xu Qing doesn¡¯t seem to be too unreasonable.¡±


    Yao Yunhui¡¯s eyes widened in shock at her own thoughts. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, she immediately performed a series of hand seals to protect herself. She then conducted a thorough examination of her mind and soul.


    Everything was normal.


    However, she still left this place immediately. When she reappeared, she was already in an alley in the distance. As she moved forward, she recalled what had happened earlier.


    ¡°Although Xu Qing isn¡¯t particularly detestable, I still have to punish him a little.¡±


    The instant this thought appeared, the little boy who was following her seemed to be a little angry. Hence, it blew nine breaths in a row this time.


    Yao Yunhui¡¯s entire body trembled intensely and her breathing was hurried. The disgust she felt for Xu Qing rapidly decreased and she even had a good impression of him.


    After a long time, she muttered.


    ¡°Xu Qing is also innocent. Yun¡¯er was also somewhat wrong in his actions¡­¡±


    Seeing this, the little boy clapped its hands in satisfaction. It felt that it had done its work, so it left happily.


    At that moment, Xu Qing had already finished his breakfast and arrived at the Prison Department. As usual, he walked down the steps to the 57th floor and stepped into D132.


    The pitch-black interior became a little brighter the moment he stepped in. Other than that, nothing else changed.


    The cloud beast still had its back facing him. The human woman was still coaxing the straw doll to sleep and the millstone was still spinning.


    As for the head, it looked like it had nothing to live for at this moment and said something that would be repeated every day.


    ¡°Don¡¯t step on me. I don¡¯t want to be stepped on¡­¡±


    Xu Qing walked in the corridor and checked the criminals one by one. After checking all the 13 criminals in front, he arrived before the old man from the Painting Race.


    The old man respectfully bowed to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Good morning, Lord Guardian.¡±


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He coldly glanced at him and left. He sat at his usual place of meditation. The shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor also flew out and began their day of fun.


    The little boy also appeared. He sat at the side, allowing Xu Qing to see it.


    Helplessness appeared in its eyes. It knew that it wouldn¡¯t be long before Xu Qing would probably react and wake up.


    This was indeed the case. As Xu Qing meditated, he looked at everything in his surroundings and doubts slowly rose in his mind.


    ¡°I seem to have forgotten some things. This place seems too peaceful¡­¡±


    ¡°Why do I have a vague feeling that this place should be red?¡±


    ¡°The Palace Master seemed to have said something to me. Also, why did the little boy look helpless and the head said it was trampled to death many times?¡±


    ¡°My memory won¡¯t suddenly deteriorate. It started when I became the guardian of this place¡­¡±


    ¡°Could it be that I¡¯m affected?¡± Xu Qing opened his storage bag and rummaged through it, carefully checking all the items. Everything was normal.


    He frowned. After a while, he lifted his head and looked at the cell. His expression gradually turned ugly. He suddenly had an intense feeling, as though there was a veil covering everything he was seeing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze became increasingly cold. The Poison Restriction Pill in his body suddenly spread out and the power of the Purple Moon Heavenly Palace erupted at the same time. At the next instant, his aura changed and his life level increased.


    At the same time, a wail rang out from the cage. It was the sound of the head.


    ¡°He woke up again! Please don¡¯t step on me. Can you use another method?!¡±


    The old man from the Painting Race sighed and closed his eyes, preparing to be burned to death.


    Xu Qing stood up with a gloomy expression and walked over.


    A moment later, this place fell silent. After destroying everything other than the god¡¯s finger, Xu Qing looked at the finger. He could sense a terrifying fluctuation coming from it.


    He knew that he couldn¡¯t touch it. The huge difference between the two of them would cause him to collapse and die the moment he touched the finger.


    He had this understanding.


    Hence, a long time later, Xu Qing took out a bamboo slip and carved everything. His entire body was cold as he walked to the cell door. He didn¡¯t turn his head and stood there for a long time before he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Will I wake up every day? Will I know every day that there are six prisoners here instead of 14 prisoners? Will it be that other than that god¡¯s finger, the other five are actually undying here, no matter how many times I kill them?¡±


    The little boy appeared helplessly and nodded.


    ¡°Did I carve some words or other measures to remind myself? However, after I leave, they will be erased by the god¡¯s power. Even if I use external objects to record them here, they will disappear the moment I bring them out.¡±


    The boy continued to nod.


    ¡°When I push open the door, I¡¯ll forget everything, right? Does the Palace Master know?¡±


    ¡°This is good fortune and a test?¡±


    The little boy still nodded.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He knew that the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor similarly couldn¡¯t remember this place.


    A long time later, he suddenly laughed.


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s continue. I think if I push open the gate one day and don¡¯t forget all of this, that will be the moment I truly obtain this fortune.¡±


    The little boy nodded helplessly.


    ¡°I should have said this many times too, right?¡±


    Xu Qing smiled and looked at the bamboo slip in his hand that recorded all of this. A dark glint flashed in his eyes as he muttered inwardly.


    ¡®Actually, there¡¯s another way, and that is for me to plant karma here. When it matures¡­¡¯


    Xu Qing fell silent for a while before crushing the bamboo slip and throwing it on the ground.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble you with something. Help me keep this broken slip and place it where the other bamboo slips are. I think I should have carved many of them.¡±


    The little boy nodded and lifted its hands as though it was counting, wanting to tell Xu Qing how many there were¡­


    Xu Qing smiled and took a deep breath. He then pushed open the cell gate and walked out.


    On the steps of the Prison Department, Xu Qing pondered about the military contributions as he walked.


    ¡°There are no changes to the 14 criminals in D132. All of them are normal. In that case, I have to spend more energy on gaining military contributions.¡±


    Just like that, several days passed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s schedule had changed a little. During the day, he would go to Area D132 as usual to guard it. At night, he would begin to complete various military contribution missions, such as capturing and searching for criminals, assisting other departments, and so on.


    On the third day following Kong Xianglong¡¯s release from prison, Xu Qing had just gotten off duty and was walking out of the Prison Department when he received a voice transmission from him.


    ¡°Xu Qing, there¡¯s a big job with a lot of military contributions. Are you coming?¡±

 Chapter 544 - 544 Black-Clothed Guard! (1)

    544 Black-Clothed Guard! (1)


    Xu Qing was going to participate.


    The big job Kong Xianglong was talking about was a secret order given to him by the field office.


    Originally, secret order missions didn¡¯t allow other departments to participate.


    However, Kong Xianglong thought that since Xu Qing and his other friends also needed military contributions, he coaxed and pestered before obtaining this opportunity to let the other Sword Holders participate as helpers.


    Moreover, he was willing to act as a guarantor for this.


    Other than some Sword Holders from the field office, Xu Qing, Shan He, Wang Chen, and Night Spirit were also participating.


    As for the mission¡­


    ¡°This is a rescue mission.¡±


    In the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s field office late at night, Xu Qing and the others arrived one after another. A total of 17 Sword Holders had gathered here and were looking at Kong Xianglong, who had a solemn expression on his face.


    ¡°We¡¯ll set off first. I¡¯ll tell you in detail about the missions on the way. However, according to the rules, any voice transmission jade slips you have will have to be sealed.¡±


    ¡°Until we return after completing the mission, you won¡¯t be able to transmit any messages to the outside world through jade slips. Only I, as the person in charge of this task, can do it.¡±


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s expression was solemn. After he finished speaking, he waved his hand. Immediately, the Sword Holder in charge of this matter walked out. After cupping his fists at everyone, he stepped forward and sealed the voice transmission jade slips.


    The method of sealing was very simple and was done using restrictions.


    As this person performed a series of hand seals, restrictions landed on everyone.


    ¨¨? ?¨¦?¡¯ looked at the others and found that no one had any objections. He also knew that this was something that should be done when going on a mission. After carefully checking the restrictions, he allowed his communication jade slip to lose its effect.


    This restriction indeed only had this effect and nothing else.


    Before he came here, he sent a voice transmission to Fairy Zi Xuan1 to tell her that he was going out for a task. At the same time, he also applied for leave from the Prison Department.


    At that moment, the restriction seals were completed. With a wave of Kong Xianglong¡¯s hand, everyone set off for the teleportation hall of the Sword Holding Palace. They stepped in one after another and teleported together.


    As the array formation shone, the figures of the 17 of them disappeared.


    When they appeared, they were already in a place that was very far away from the county capital. That was the border between the county capital and Tianyun Province.


    ¡°In three days, we will reach another teleportation point. However, from now on, we have to hide our tracks. Everyone, change out of the Sword Holder¡¯s clothes and let¡¯s set off.¡±


    Under the pitch-black night sky, Kong Xianglong looked at everyone beside him and spoke in a low voice.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn. He could already tell that this mission was not an ordinary one. After all, it gave a lot of military contributions, so it made sense for it to have a certain level of danger. He changed out of the Sword Holder Daoist robe.


    No one spoke. After they were done, they sped through the night under Kong Xianglong¡¯s lead.


    ¡°Now, I¡¯ll tell you about the mission.¡±


    ¡°The mission this time is to receive a spy from our Sword Holding Palace who was hiding in the Holy Wave Race!¡±


    ¡°This spy has been hiding in the Holy Wave Race for many years and has returned recently. Our mission is to receive him at the border and protect him all the way back to the Sword Holding Palace.¡±


    As Kong Xianglong sprinted, he spoke to the people around him.


    ¡°As for whether his identity was exposed, whether he found any significant clues, and why he couldn¡¯t teleport back and escape, you might have some thoughts about this. However, I¡¯m telling you now that you don¡¯t have to think about it. This isn¡¯t something we should know.¡±


    Kong Xianglong looked at Xu Qing, Shan He, and the others. Clearly, he wasn¡¯t saying this to the Sword Holders from the field office but to remind Xu Qing and the others.


    Xu Qing nodded. As an old member of the Homicide Department, he naturally understood this logic.


    Shan He and the others also indicated that they understood.


    ¡°However, there¡¯s one thing I firmly believe in. There will be no problem with this spy¡¯s identity. It¡¯s absolutely impossible for him to betray the Sword Holder.¡±


    ¡°Also, I personally analyzed that this spy¡¯s return should have its own cover. The person we¡¯re going to receive might not be him. It might be a waste of effort.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a high chance that there are other teams carrying out this mission as well, but the direction should be different from ours.¡±


    ¡°The palace must have arranged for experts as well, but I don¡¯t know if they are around us.¡± Kong Xianglong looked at Xu Qing and the others and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Big Brother Kong, why did you have to go into such detail this time around?¡± Shan He¡¯s gaze swept past Xu Qing.


    Night Spirit frowned and also glanced at Xu Qing.


    In reality, they also felt a little repulsed by Xu Qing¡¯s participation this time around. It wasn¡¯t that they were annoyed but they weren¡¯t used to it.


    After all, as a team, they had never let anyone else join them.


    Xu Qing was the only one in all these years.


    Wang Chen, on the other hand, had an indifferent expression as he yawned and sat on the coffin.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever and he didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°This is Xu Qing¡¯s first time participating in a mission with us. To avoid misunderstandings, we naturally have to make things clear in advance,¡± Kong Xianglong said with a smile.


    Hearing Kong Xianglong¡¯s words, Night Spirit and Shan He fell silent.


    The Sword Holders from the field office pretended not to see all of this. In reality, they were very familiar with Shan He and the others. After all, these three people would always be around for Kong Xianglong¡¯s field missions.


    Just like that, the group sped through the night.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t the fastest but he wasn¡¯t the slowest either. As he followed, he analyzed the mission inwardly. At the same time, he recalled the history of the myriad races explained by the Deputy Governor during the secret training.


    The Holy Wave Race was a race formed after the Grand Duke Holy Wave betrayed the human race back then. As traitors of the human race, they were mortal enemies like fire and water.

 Chapter 545 - 545 Black-Clothed Guard! (2)

    545 Black-Clothed Guard! (2)


    They had integrated themselves with the Black Heaven Race and even received blood from them to merge with their own people. As a result, for generations, a trace of black blood remained in the red blood of the Holy Wave Race.


    Moreover, during the friction in the past years, the Holy Wave Race was even more savage than the Black Heaven Race when it came to fighting against the human race. It was as though the more cruel they were to the human race, the more they could prove themselves.


    At the same time, they were also covetous of the only Fenghai County in the Holy Wave Large Region that hadn¡¯t been unified by him.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that it still had scruples about the human emperor¡¯s region, it would have devoured Fenghai County long ago.


    However, both the human race and Fenghai County knew that there would eventually be a battle between the two sides in the future.


    The current balance was so fragile that it could be broken by any disturbance.


    In reality, it wasn¡¯t just Fenghai County. During the secret training, Xu Qing knew that the other six counties were in a similar situation. Some counties had even lost several provinces.


    ¡°The storm is moving and the buildings are collapsing.¡± This was the helpless voice of the Deputy Governor that day.


    As Xu Qing pondered, three days passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Kong Xianglong told him about the code names.


    Every time they went out on a task, no one would call out their names. They would each have a temporary code name.


    ¡°Kid.¡±


    Xu Qing said softly. This was his code name for this mission. He also planned to keep using this code name.


    ¡°Alright, this time, I¡¯m called Brother Long. Haha, just call me that.¡± Kong Xianglong smiled.


    Very soon, everyone arrived at the second teleportation point. Through this place, they teleported to another place. After a few more days, they finally arrived at the Lin Lan province.


    This was one of the border provinces between Fenghai County and the Holy Wave Race.


    ¡°There¡¯s one last teleportation and we can reach the border area.¡±


    After arriving here, everyone¡¯s vigilance was incomparably intense. Although this place was still within the territory of Fenghai County, it was still connected to the Holy Wave territory.


    Even though there was a rule between the two races that if any Nascent Soul cultivator dared to take half a step out of their respective borders, they would immediately be killed by Taboo magic treasures, they had no choice but to be wary.


    Moreover, high-level Heavenly Palace Golden Core cultivators were equipped with some items with great lethality.


    It was late at night, the moon obscured by dark clouds. Bolts of lightning swam across the sky, accompanied by deafening rumbles. The rain poured down heavily at this moment.


    In the heavy rain, the 17 figures continued to move toward the teleportation array.


    Not long after, as the rain intensified, a simple stone fortress city appeared in the distance. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes turned cold as he sensed the smell of blood.


    The expressions of Shan He, Wang Chen, and Night Spirit also changed slightly.


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s eyes had narrowed long before they reached their destination. The moment he lifted his right hand, everyone immediately squatted down, their faces serious and alert.


    ¡°There was no signal from the teleportation point at the designated time. Something went wrong.¡±


    ¡°Kid, Enchantress, Sun Spirit, and River Path, the four of you will each move with three people. As for me, I¡¯ll go alone. We will enter from five different directions simultaneously and eliminate any nonhuman races we encounter!¡±


    ¡°If you encounter a high ranked Golden Core, delay and wait for me.¡± Kong Xianglong immediately made a decision.


    After saying that, he rushed out and headed straight for the fortress in front. Xu Qing turned his head and looked at the Sword Holders from the field office. These people instantly chose Shan He¡¯s group.


    The remaining three were too late and they looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Fellow Daoists, don¡¯t follow too closely.¡± Xu Qing threw out three pill bottles that contained specialized antidotes.


    After Xu Qing joined the Sword Holder, in order to avoid what happened in the Knowledge Hall back then from happening again, he prepared some antidotes that could somewhat neutralize the poison that wasn¡¯t from the Poison Restriction.


    However, his poison was a compound poison. Although the antidote had an effect, they couldn¡¯t inhale the poisoned air.


    However, if they were a little further away, it was okay for them to follow since the poison would be diluted.


    Xu Qing then set off. The others were the same. The three of the field officers looked at each other and followed behind Xu Qing.


    Very soon, the 17 Sword Holders split into five directions and approached the fortress.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop at all. His body instantly rushed over and the Poison Restriction Pill in his body shook. Poison intent permeated his entire body without spreading out. He then waved his hand; immediately, a large amount of poison powder spread out.


    After doing all this, he had already stepped into the fortress. As soon as he entered, he heard the rumbling of spells in the distance. A cold snort rang out from ahead, and at the next instant, a figure approached at an extremely fast speed.


    The other party was a middle-aged man in a black robe. His appearance was no different from a human¡¯s except for a black line between his brows. His Golden Core cultivation base of five palaces erupted. However, before he could get close to Xu Qing, his expression changed and horror appeared in his eyes as he spat out a large mouthful of black blood.


    ¡°What poison is this!¡±


    He wasn¡¯t surprised by the poison. What he was surprised about was that the poison was too intense. Just by taking a breath, he felt his internal organs burning and his vision turning black.


    However, he no longer had the qualifications to continue being shocked. Xu Qing¡¯s speed was too fast. He got close in an instant, and the dagger given by the captain appeared in his hand. He grabbed the handle wrapped in the shroud cloth and flashed past the middle-aged man.


    The dagger grazed the middle-aged man¡¯s neck and his head flew up.


    Xu Qing crouched down and stepped into the night, changing from prey to a hunter. He walked all the way to a dark corner. As he moved forward, he suddenly sped up and waved his dagger in front of him.


    Before a figure who suddenly rushed out could make a move, its head seemed to have been delivered to Xu Qing. It flew up high in disbelief.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t even glance at it. With a sway, he disappeared again.


    A Holy Wave Race cultivator who was hiding in the dark was looking around, ready to attack, when his expression suddenly changed. He was about to counterattack but it was too late.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure strangely appeared behind him. The dagger didn¡¯t stop at all and slashed across his neck.


    Xu Qing frowned as a whistling sound rang out from behind him. However, as red lightning and the shadow¡¯s eyes opened, the body of the person who ambushed Xu Qing shook and the iron stick directly pierced through his forehead.


    Spells continued to erupt from everywhere in the fortress and the sounds of fighting rang out non-stop. Kong Xianglong¡¯s low shout rang out in the air as he rose into the air. There were four Holy Wave Race members with the combat strength of eight palaces around him.


    To have the combat strength of eight palaces, it could be seen that these four people shouldn¡¯t be ordinary people in the Holy Wave Race. Each of them had an emperor-level cultivation art.


    They were clearly using standardized emperor-level cultivation art. They each manifested black demonic hands that overlapped and emitted astonishing might. Moreover, they formed a formation and even used four magic treasure fragments.


    All of this wasn¡¯t for the sake of killing. This was because it was too difficult to kill Kong Xianglong. Hence, their goal was only to form a trapping array to trap Kong Xianglong.


    At the same time, lightning filled the sky, as though it was attracted and was about to descend. Its target was Kong Xianglong.


    When Xu Qing saw all of this, his eyes turned even colder. However, he didn¡¯t rush over. Instead, he turned his head and looked at the darkness ahead.


    A figure was walking over step by step.


    ¡°Interesting. The Sword Holders of the human race this time are a little different from the ones we, the black-clothed guards, usually encounter.¡±


    The Holy Wave Race also had a department similar to the Sword Holding Palace called the Black-Clothed Guard.


    At that moment, the whistling sound of wind rang out from behind Xu Qing. The three Sword Holders from the field office rushed over. After they sensed the poison on the way, they ate many antidotes.


    This was after Xu Qing had restrained himself after killing people and retracted a portion of the poison. Otherwise, the antidotes would be useless.


    On the way, they also saw many Holy Wave Race members who had lost their heads and died in one strike.


    Every one of them had the combat strength of the five palaces like them.


    Hence, their minds were already shaken by Xu Qing.


    They had heard that this batch of new Sword Holders was different from the past. There were a few monstrous geniuses among them and Xu Qing was among them. However, they had never seen him make a move before.


    Now that they had personally seen how terrifying Xu Qing was, they had a deep impression of him.


    In reality, they were also outstanding talents. They had remarkable battle results when they carried out missions alone. However, in comparison, they were still inferior.


    ¡°There are three more.¡± As the three Sword Holders from the field office appeared, a figure emerged from the darkness. He was dressed in a black Daoist robe embroidered with golden flames, and in the dark night, it appeared as though holy fire was burning, emanating extraordinary fluctuations.


    A massive black hand, formed by an emperor-level cultivation art, rose behind him. The hand bore six Heavenly Palaces, revealing the immense combat strength of this individual¡¯s seven palaces as the pressure spread out.

 Chapter 546 - 546 The Strength of the Strongest Generation (1)

    546 The Strength of the Strongest Generation (1)


    Noticing the arrival of the three Sword Holders behind him, Xu Qing decided to end the battle quickly.


    These three people¡¯s cultivation levels were all at the five Heavenly Palaces. Perhaps they each had their own methods, but it was obvious that they were no match for the black-clothed guard of the Holy Wave Race.


    The three Sword Holders looked grim when they saw the black-clothed guard walking out from the darkness.


    As Sword Holders, their honor and principles prevented them from choosing to flee. Instead, they closed in immediately and circulated their cultivation bases. One of them spoke quickly.


    ¡°Kid, let¡¯s stall this person together.¡±


    ¡°You guys can¡¯t hold me back.¡± The black-clothed guard of the Holy Wave Race who walked out had a disdainful expression that contained cruelty. Just as he was about to attack, a sharp glint rose in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Shadow Prisoner¡¯s Restriction, Devil¡¯s Decree.¡±


    ¡°Immortal art breaks the spirit, heaven and earth is my fate.¡±


    Xu Qing had asked the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to create these 16 words back then. It was to ensure that he wouldn¡¯t be suspected when he fused with the shadow in front of outsiders.


    As he spoke, with a thought from Xu Qing, the shadow suddenly spread out from the dagger in his hand, forming a coffin that instantly enveloped Xu Qing.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body turned dark, emitting dense anomalous substances. Even though the surroundings were pitch-black at this moment, with the help of the lightning that flashed across the sky, one could still see the space around Xu Qing distorting.


    There was also a sense of horror that instinctively rose in the hearts of everyone who was watching, as though their life level had been shaken.


    However, because of Xu Qing¡¯s words earlier, this scene gave people the feeling that it was a unique secret technique.


    Even though the anomalous substances made their hearts palpitate, most of them only felt that this secret technique was eerie and mysterious.


    Just as the three Sword Holders were feeling shocked, Xu Qing suddenly lifted his head. Rampant physical strength erupted from his body.


    The shadow fusion technique sacrificed the power of his spell cultivation in exchange for extreme physical might.


    When Xu Qing had four Heavenly Palaces, he could display the physical strength of the six palaces under this technique. Now that he had five Heavenly Palaces, the physical combat strength he erupted with had reached seven palaces.


    The battle prowess of the seven palaces of the physical body was even more powerful than spells. In terms of lethality and explosive power, it was also extremely astonishing.


    As the secret technique was activated and a violent aura erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s body, a storm rose in the surroundings, rumbling in all directions.


    Airwaves surged in all directions. The three Sword Holders from the field office retreated in shock and fear.


    Even the Holy Wave Race cultivator¡¯s expression changed.


    Xu Qing made his move.


    He was like lightning, so fast that it was difficult for others to see him clearly. Amidst the intense sounds, Xu Qing appeared in front of the black-clothed guard and punched out.


    The first punch gathered all of Xu Qing¡¯s physical strength.


    The Holy Wave Race cultivator¡¯s pupils constricted. The changes in this human in front of him were too great and his entire body was filled with anomalous substances. His heart sank and he performed a series of hand seals to form a protective barrier around his body. He even took out a magic artifact to block the punch.


    In the blink of an eye, the two sides came into contact.


    A shocking boom rang out and the Holy Wave Race cultivator¡¯s body trembled. He felt his internal organs churning and his breathing was hurried as he staggered back.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop. He took a step forward and caught up, continuing to punch.


    The second punch, the third punch.


    The power in them shattered the surroundings.


    The Holy Wave Race cultivator didn¡¯t dare to be careless. He performed another series of hand seals and the black hand formed by the emperor-level cultivation art behind him suddenly descended with a terrifying fluctuation, slapping toward Xu Qing with a thunderous force.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t dodge at all and attacked with all his might.


    The fourth punch, the fifth punch, the sixth punch.


    Booming sounds rang out through the area. The Holy Wave Race cultivator retreated step by step and his countenance became increasingly pale. All the protective barriers around his body collapsed one after another. That huge black hand also found it difficult to block Xu Qing¡¯s power.


    Xu Qing¡¯s speed became even faster. He threw out the seventh punch, the eighth punch, and the ninth punch.


    With a cracking sound, the Holy Wave Race cultivator spat out a mouthful of blood. One of the magic apertures in his body directly collapsed, and even a Heavenly Palace collapsed. His body rolled back and he cried out involuntarily with a horrified expression.


    ¡°What cultivation art is this!¡±


    It was Under the Nine Springs.


    This move looked like a spell but it was actually a physical secret technique!


    In Foundation Building, it could destroy magic apertures, and after reaching the Golden Core realm, it could shatter the Heavenly Palace.


    As a Heavenly Palace collapsed, this Holy Wave Race cultivator sensed how terrifying Xu Qing was. The feeling of life-and-death crisis became intense, and he desperately wanted to escape.


    His mission was to not let the Sword Holders in this direction rush in. At the very least, he had to stall for time.


    However, his life was more important than the mission.


    He rapidly retreated. However¡­ it was too late.


    The instant he retreated, he didn¡¯t notice that his body was already filled with countless little black bugs. They were biting crazily. Under their devouring and poison, the expression of the Holy Wave Race cultivator changed drastically and he let out a miserable cry.


    Black blood gushed out and his complexion turned greenish-black. The horror in his eyes grew denser as Xu Qing approached him like a ghost soldier seeking death.


    He didn¡¯t delay the kill just to get the other party¡¯s golden cores. This wasn¡¯t his personality. He directly stabbed at the Holy Wave Race cultivator¡¯s chest.


    However, the black-clothed guard from the Holy Wave Race was no ordinary opponent. He quickly evaded the attack and performed a series of hand seals with both hands. Then, he took out a magic treasure fragment to form a protective barrier that resembled a turtle shell. He blocked with all his might, while the black line between his brows split open, and black threads shot out like needles, aiming directly at Xu Qing.


    The opponent dodged in time, and Xu Qing¡¯s remaining strength dissipated, making it difficult for him to continue his attack. However, his reaction speed was still extremely fast.

 Chapter 547 - 547 The Strength of the Strongest Generation (2)

    547 The Strength of the Strongest Generation (2)


    With a sudden roll forward, Xu Qing propped himself up using his hands, and as he did so, he gathered all his leg strength and delivered a powerful kick to the black-clothed guard¡¯s chest.


    The turtle shell shone as it made contact with Xu Qing, and it caved in before shattering. Despite this, it was able to hold up against the attack. However, the force of Xu Qing¡¯s strike was too powerful, and it caused the black-clothed guard¡¯s body to be lifted off the ground slightly. The black threads emanating from his forehead also became slightly disordered.


    Taking advantage of this opportunity, Xu Qing also leaped into the air and closed the distance again. The dagger in his hand flashed with a cold light as he stabbed at the depression in the turtle shell. Coupled with the power of the shroud cloth, he ignored the defense and directly penetrated it.


    The black-clothed guard let out a mournful cry. The instant Xu Qing stabbed the dagger in, he moved it upward.


    It directly cut through the Holy Wave Race cultivator¡¯s chest to his neck, his mouth, and his forehead!


    With blood gushing out, the upper body of the Seven Palaces cultivator from the Holy Wave Race was split into two by Xu Qing¡¯s dagger. As his body split apart and spread to both sides, he died instantly.


    This series of attacks had astonishing speed and also displayed Xu Qing¡¯s combat style.


    Looking at the corpse, Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. He sensed a familiar aura from the Holy Wave Race¡¯s corpse.


    The purple moon in the Fifth Heavenly Palace in his body also swayed slightly at this moment.


    ¡°Red moon¡¯s aura?¡±


    A strange look appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes but it quickly dissipated. He knew that now wasn¡¯t the time to think about this matter. Hence, he put away the other party¡¯s storage bag and turtle shell fragment and sensed the dim Heavenly Palaces in the corpse.


    ¡°The Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art can¡¯t be used in the state of shadow fusion. After a cultivator dies, their sea of consciousness will collapse and the Heavenly Palaces will also collapse. Their Golden Cores will be tainted and can¡¯t be used anymore.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have any regrets.


    If there were no outsiders here and he wasn¡¯t on a mission, then regardless of whether he released the Poison Restriction or used other methods, he would have prolonged the battle a little longer so that he could extract the cores.


    However, with others around, although he could obtain the golden cores if he delayed, the three Sword Holders from the field office would definitely be in danger. Moreover, if other black-clothed guards came to reinforce, the final outcome would be hard to say.


    After weighing the pros and cons, it was better to end the battle quickly. After all, there were many opportunities to obtain the cores.


    After killing the man, the shadow covering Xu Qing¡¯s body quickly gathered on his forehead and transformed into an eye. He then nodded at the three shocked Sword Holders and disappeared into the night.


    The three of them looked at the Holy Wave Race cultivator who had died tragically on the ground and then in the direction Xu Qing had left in. They looked at each other and each took a deep breath.


    They were once heaven¡¯s chosens from their respective provinces. However, after coming to the county capital, they realized that there was always someone better. There were many people who were stronger and more talented than them.


    Regardless of whether it was Kong Xianglong, Shan He, or the current Xu Qing, they were all much more powerful.


    ¡°It¡¯s said that the Sword Holders of this batch have surpassed the past. There are a few monstrous geniuses among them. As expected!¡±


    However, the three of them didn¡¯t lose their confidence because of this. Their eyes revealed sharpness as they sped forward. However, they no longer chose Xu Qing¡¯s location but another location.


    At the same time, Xu Qing¡¯s figure also arrived at the center of the fortress.


    The battle here was equally intense.


    There were many black-clothed guards lying in ambush here. At this moment, when Shan He, whose code name was River Path, attacked, his blood qi erupted and a chill enveloped the surroundings. Wherever he passed, rumbling sounds would ring out in all directions.


    Moreover, the more he killed, the denser the blood intent became and his combat strength continued to increase.


    This was a secret art of the Blood Frost Sect. It cultivated a lump of killing aura. If this aura didn¡¯t dissipate, it would become stronger the more one killed.


    Towards the end, he even laughed loudly as though he had fallen into madness. This was very different from the usually gloomy him.


    As for Night Spirit whose code name was Enchantress, she was also extraordinary.


    She, who came from the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect, transformed into a green-skinned demon that was 30 feet tall. Her entire body emitted green fog and her body was translucent. She would pass through everything and only take the heart and brain. She was incomparably savage.


    Her special cultivation art allowed her to ignore all physical attacks and her attacks were even more cruel. Occasionally, she would devour the enemies.


    As for everyone who fought against her, were covered in bruises and injuries.


    Also, Wang Chen, whose code name was Sun Spirit, was also ferocious. His main body didn¡¯t step out from the coffin.


    That clone was a natural assassin. It fused into all auras and appeared and disappeared mysteriously.


    Occasionally, it would dissipate and form in the enemy¡¯s body, directly tearing through their body. Blood would taint the fog, but it only needed to sway to splatter blood in all directions and its misty body would continue forward.


    There were also bolts of heavenly lightning that were attracted from the sky and descended in all directions, exploding wildly.


    As a disciple of the Primordial Lightning Lineage, his combat strength was 30% stronger than usual in this thunderous weather.


    Xu Qing could sense how powerful any of these three people were when he saw them attacking.


    Similarly, the three figures who had noticed Xu Qing¡¯s arrival saw the strange eye on his forehead and sensed the fluctuations from the seven palaces from Xu Qing¡¯s body. Their minds shook.


    What gave Xu Qing the most intense impact was Kong Xianglong in the sky.


    Even though the four black-clothed guards of the Holy Wave Race with the combat strength of eight palaces trapped him with emperor-level cultivation arts and magic treasures fragments and even guided the lightning tribulation to descend, they were still helpless against him.


    After noticing that his companions had all displayed their abilities to kill their way here, Kong Xianglong seemed to feel a little embarrassed. He glared and let out a loud shout.


    The ten Heavenly Palaces on his body erupted in unison. The golden dragon roared and rushed into the clouds, tearing the sky apart. As the clouds shattered, he slapped his forehead and a red robe instantly flew out from the top of his head. After it manifested outside, it directly draped over his body.


    The moment the red robe covered his body, blood mist erupted into the sky and the night turned into a blood-colored night.


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s combat strength also rose on a large scale at this moment. An earth-shattering baleful aura rose from his body and swept out fiercely.


    Amidst the rumbling, the four black-clothed guards all spat out blood. The black hands formed by the emperor-level cultivation arts collapsed and the fragments of their magic treasures were sent flying. All of them quickly retreated, wanting to leave.


    However, it was too late. Kong Xianglong¡¯s body swayed and he directly appeared in front of someone. With a cruel expression, he slapped the other party¡¯s head. With a boom, the black-clothed guard¡¯s head exploded and his upper body also collapsed.


    Kong Xianglong moved again and arrived in front of the second black-clothed guard. While the other party was shocked, he lifted his hands and directly pierced into the other party¡¯s chest, ruthlessly tearing him apart. Amidst a mournful cry, this person was torn into two alive.


    As for the other two, they couldn¡¯t escape either. One of them was devoured by the golden dragon and the other was enveloped by the blood fog, corroding into blood.


    Upon seeing this scene, Xu Qing recalled what the captain had said about Kong Xianglong being extremely cruel to nonhuman races.


    As for that red robe, Xu Qing could sense the fluctuations of the Cloth Race from it.


    ¡°That is the Taboo magic treasure fragment that Brother Long refined five times.¡± Wang Chen¡¯s misty body manifested beside Xu Qing. His eyes contained a dark glint as he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Kid, your physical body secret art¡­ is very strong! Let¡¯s find a time later to spar?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better stay away from me,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    ¡°What if I don¡¯t?¡± Wang Chen raised his brows.


    ¡°Then I won¡¯t restrain my poison anymore. You might have to change your clone,¡± Xu Qing said calmly.


    At the next instant, Wang Chen disappeared. When he reappeared, he was already in the distance and coughed awkwardly at Xu Qing.


    At that moment, Kong Xianglong also returned from the sky and landed on the ground. His gaze swept across everyone and he discovered that although the Sword Holders from the field office were injured and some even heavily injured, there were no deaths. Hence, he was relieved.


    He then looked at Xu Qing and nodded before shouting at Wang Chen.


    ¡°Sun Spirit, you made a clone of the Smoke Race and you¡¯re complacent? Ah, you didn¡¯t learn anything else but you learned to be proud quite quickly. How about you spar with me?!¡±


    ¡°Brother Long, I was wrong,¡± Wang Chen hurriedly said.


    ¡°Hurry up and repair the teleportation array!¡±


    ¡°Roger.¡± Wang Chen hurriedly ran over and began to repair the array formation.


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, he suddenly felt that the Kong Xianglong at this moment was somewhat similar to when the Palace Master criticized the latter.

 Chapter 548 - 548 Dream That Will Never Fade (1)

    548 Dream That Will Never Fade (1)


    The torrential rain persisted, saturating the earth and beating relentlessly against the fortress walls.


    As the teleportation array was located in an open area, the rain quickly washed away the blood on the ground.


    From time to time, thunder rumbled and lightning flashed. Wang Chen¡¯s smoke clone was quickly repairing the array formation and adjusting its destination.


    After all, this place had been infiltrated by the black-clothed guards, so even if the teleportation array was repaired, it would be hard to guarantee the safety of the intended destination.


    Hence, the safer way was to change the destination of the teleportation.


    During the repair process, Kong Xianglong frequently looked in the direction of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s borders with a gloomy expression.


    ¡°This place doesn¡¯t seem like it was specially set up for me. It¡¯s impossible for them to know my whereabouts. Moreover, if they were targeting me, they wouldn¡¯t have sent so few people.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s more like they are stopping everyone who approaches the border. There shouldn¡¯t be a problem with this teleportation array fortress.¡± Xu Qing spoke in a low voice from the side.


    ¡°The Holy Wave Race should be searching for the spy.¡± Shan He walked over and slowly said.


    ¡°Could it be that our route is the real one?¡± Night Spirit asked in surprise. After that, she instinctively looked around. This was because according to their previous analysis, there was a high chance that there would be experts secretly following the true rescue route.


    ¡°Not necessarily. The performance of the Holy Wave Race has also exposed that they haven¡¯t grasped our spy¡¯s true route yet. Therefore, they should be searching the border areas of many provinces.¡±


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    Xu Qing nodded inwardly.


    For this mission, everyone understood that there was a high chance that they were just a diversion. The return of the spy who was hiding in the Holy Wave Race must be something similar to nine falsehoods and one truth.


    This makes it difficult for the Holy Wave Race to accurately locate and kill him, and there are also spies of the Holy Wave Race in Fenghai County. Therefore, the movements of the Sword Sect to some extent represent the accurate route of the spy.


    This was also the reason why the field office had sent many teams.


    In fact, Xu Qing even felt that it was possible that all the support teams on the surface were smoke to confuse the Holy Wave Race. There might even be a secret team taking action.


    In addition, it was also possible that the spy who had returned from the Holy Wave Race didn¡¯t need any support.


    This was a game of chess between the two sides.


    However, through this matter, Xu Qing once again sensed the decline of the human race.


    For example, although there were restrictions on the entry of Nascent Soul cultivators, the fact that so many Holy Wave Race cultivators below the Nascent Soul realm could come was enough to show that the defense line of Fenghai County was weak.


    Everyone understood this.


    Not long later, amidst a series of thunderous explosions, the teleportation array was repaired.


    Regardless of whether the support this time was real or fake, the group had confirmed that they were going to continue forward. At this moment, they quickly stepped into the teleportation array and disappeared in the heavy rain.


    When they reappeared, they were in a secluded valley at the boundary of the Lin Lan province.


    ¡°Stay vigilant. There should be quite a lot of infiltrators from the Holy Wave Race here. I¡¯ll first investigate the hiding place of the spy we¡¯re going to receive. I hope he¡¯s still alive.¡±


    The moment he walked out, Kong Xianglong spoke in a low voice. At the same time, he took out a compass.


    There was a series of secret communication methods between the Sword Holders, and the usage was different for each mission. Only the person in charge of the mission knew.


    For example, this compass was the special magic artifact assigned for this mission. It would guide them to the location of the spy.


    Their mission was to find the other party and leave.


    During the secret training, the Sword Holding Palace had imparted this knowledge to everyone.


    Kong Xianglong performed a series of hand seals and pointed at the compass. Immediately, the needle on it spun rapidly. It didn¡¯t simply point in a direction but transformed into an image.


    There was a red dot on the screen that was some distance away from here. At that moment, it was flickering weakly.


    Seeing the blinking red dot, everyone heaved a sigh of relief inwardly.


    This meant that the other party was still alive.


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s spirits were also lifted as he began to make arrangements for everyone.


    He couldn¡¯t be rash in receiving the spy. If he went over directly, it was very likely that the other party¡¯s location would be exposed.


    Therefore, the first thing he had to do was to attract the Holy Wave Race away and cleanse them at the same time. At the same time, he had to receive the spy. These three steps had to be carried out together.


    Xu Qing¡¯s task was to clean up this area as much as possible. He was cooperating with Night Spirit.


    As for the team who would lure the Holy Wave Race, it consisted of Shan He, Wang Chen, and the others.


    Kong Xianglong would go to receive the spy by himself.


    Hearing Kong Xianglong¡¯s arrangements, Xu Qing nodded. Their approach was conventional and a necessity. Hence, they quickly split into three parties.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and he fused into the night. He then began to search for the Holy Wave Race members in the surroundings.


    It was the same for Night Spirit. The field office Sword Holders in their team also spread out.


    Time flowed by. An hour later, as rumbling sounds echoed, fluctuations of spells rang out from afar.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked over. That was the location of Shan He and Wang Chen. They were in charge of attracting the attention of the Holy Wave Race.


    However, very soon, Xu Qing frowned.


    This was because as he moved forward, he didn¡¯t find any traces of the Holy Wave Race in this area. It was as though the other party didn¡¯t exist. This didn¡¯t match with their previous assessment that the other party was searching for the spy.


    ¡°Something¡¯s wrong!¡± Xu Qing became even more vigilant.


    Shan He and Wang Chen also discovered that something was amiss. Their baiting operation didn¡¯t attract any members of the Holy Wave Race.


    This bizarre scene caused everyone¡¯s hearts to sink.

 Chapter 549 - 549 Dream That Will Never Fade (2)

    549 Dream That Will Never Fade (2)


    Not long after, a spell was cast, and a bright signal flare shot up into the sky, illuminating the area. This was the emergency gathering signal.


    Looking at the signal flare, Xu Qing¡¯s heart sank. He knew that there was indeed a problem.


    This was because the signal had been sent from the location where Kong Xianglong had gone to.


    If everything went according to plan, Kong Xianglong wouldn¡¯t have released the signal flare there. He would have only informed everyone after he had left with the spy.


    Xu Qing immediately changed directions and rushed toward the location of the signal. After the amount of time it took for an incense stick to burn out, he finally arrived. From afar, he could see Kong Xianglong, Shan He, and the others.


    This was a plain and about a thousand feet in front of them, there was a person lying on the ground, on the verge of death.


    The person lying on the ground was a young man of about 15 or 16 years old. His body was drenched in blood and he had numerous wounds all over his body, some of which were so deep that his bones were visible.


    In fact, upon closer inspection, one could see that other than the skin on his face, the other areas were peeled off!


    Clearly, he had experienced unimaginable torture.


    Most of his bones were shattered and not a single magic aperture was left in his body.


    From the points of collapse, it could be seen that this youth was actually a heaven¡¯s chosen with 120 magic apertures.


    He was also blind in one eye. His eyeball had been dug out and placed in his mouth, and his two ears were cut off.


    He was even poisoned and was rotting.


    He wouldn¡¯t be able to survive. At this moment, he only had a few moments of life left.


    It was a shocking sight.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn and a cold glint flashed in his eyes. When he quickly walked over, he noticed that there was an array formation set up on the ground within a thousand feet of the youth.


    He didn¡¯t understand array formations but he could sense the shocking killing intent here. This array formation was extraordinary and could be considered a killing array.


    That youth was placed at the center of this killing array.


    ¡°This youth isn¡¯t the spy we want to receive, but he should be related. It was like this when I arrived here. Also, there¡¯s this jade slip left behind by the Holy Wave Race!¡±


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s eyes were red. He gritted his teeth and let out a low shout as he activated a jade slip he had found here.


    Immediately, a calm voice rang out from the jade slip and echoed in the surroundings.


    ¡°Hello, Sword Holders.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that we can¡¯t meet you, but we, the black-clothed guards, left a small gift for you, Sword Holders. I hope you like it. Please admire it.¡±


    His voice was cold and cruel. In the end, he even smiled.


    This was a voice recording.


    At the side, Shan He, Wang Chen, Night Spirit, and the other Sword Holders who had also rushed over, looked at everything and listened to the voice recording on the jade slip with anger.


    The matter was very clear. They didn¡¯t need to think too much to understand everything.


    With the help of the fortress, the Holy Wave Race managed to delay the Sword Holders¡¯ rescue operation. Meanwhile, they also managed to locate the target that the Sword Holder had been waiting to receive.


    However, it was obvious that this target wasn¡¯t the true spy. Hence, they tortured him until he was on the verge of death. After that, they set up this killing array and left.


    The goal of the black-clothed guards of the Holy Wave Race was to let the Sword Holders see the death of the mission target with their own eyes.


    Once one stepped into this array formation, it would be activated. The people inside would die, and so would those who stepped in. In fact, it was very likely that the method to activate it wasn¡¯t limited to just stepping in. There might also be other unknown triggers that could activate the array formation.


    Moreover, even if the array formation didn¡¯t activate, the youth inside would have already lost his life. At this moment, he only had one breath left and would die at any moment.


    This was the viciousness of the Holy Wave Race.


    Everyone fell silent.


    At that moment, Wang Chen, who was skilled in array formations, squatted down and carefully examined the array. He then lifted his head with a bitter expression on his face and spoke softly to Kong Xianglong.


    ¡°This is the Spirit Heart Absolute Killing Array unique to the Holy Wave Race¡¯s black-clothed guards. It is said that this array was passed down from the Black Heaven Race and uses humans as the core. That youth has completely fused with this array, and it will be triggered once someone steps into the array, no matter what method is used. Even controlling bizarre entities is useless. The principles of this array are still being studied by the Deputy Governor, but unfortunately, there has been no result yet.¡±


    ¡°It is a one-time use array and there¡¯s no way to remove it. Moreover, that youth¡­ is also at the end of his rope.¡±


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s eyes turned even redder and his breathing became hurried.


    Xu Qing looked at the unconscious youth in the array formation and silently walked to the edge of the array formation. He didn¡¯t know if the shadow could succeed, so he spoke softly.


    ¡°I can give it a try, but I¡¯m not sure if it will succeed¡­¡±


    Kong Xianglong clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. Just as he was about to speak, the eyelids of the youth in the array formation trembled slightly and he weakly opened his eyes.


    There was pain in his eyes as he looked at Xu Qing and the others blankly.


    ¡°You guys¡­ are Sword Holders?¡± The youth¡¯s voice was extremely weak as he mumbled softly with a hint of distrust.


    Everyone instantly looked over.


    Xu Qing took out his command sword, as did Kong Xianglong and the others. As the command swords shone brightly, a hint of light appeared in the dim eyes of the youth who was lying there on the verge of death.


    ¡°The mark my father imprinted on my soul allows me to sense that you are Sword Holders¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for letting you see me like this.¡± The youth seemed to care a lot about the Sword Holder. He tried his best to make himself look more dignified but he couldn¡¯t do it.


    ¡°My father is a human and my mother is from the Holy Wave Race¡­ I¡¯m not a Sword Holder.¡±


    ¡°However, I know your secret art of hiding items. My father taught me that.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t tell those black-clothed guards of the Holy Wave Race. No matter how they interrogated me, I didn¡¯t say anything!¡± The youth seemed to have regained some strength in his voice. He tried his best to smile but the pain caused his smile to lose its beauty.


    ¡°Father asked me to bring something here and hand it to the Sword Holders. He told me that this item won¡¯t be destroyed. You can take it away after I die.¡±


    ¡°I completed the mission.¡±


    The youth tried his best to maintain a smile, as though this was his last act of dignity. The completion of the mission finally caused him to reveal a satisfied expression, but the severity of his injuries caused his smile to slowly fade and his aura to weaken even further.


    The pain in his body caused his voice to tremble.


    ¡°My father is a Sword Holder. He has always been proud of being a Sword Holder. I also wanted to become a Sword Holder, but I¡¯m not a human. He said that as long as I complete this mission, I can stay in Fenghai County and become a Sword Holder!¡±


    ¡°I have finished the mission, but I can¡¯t be a Sword Holder anymore¡­¡±


    These words moved Xu Qing.


    Kong Xianglong and the others were also shaken.


    ¡°I really wanted to¡­ become a Sword Holder like Father¡­¡±


    The youth mumbled. He didn¡¯t seem to have much strength to keep his eyes open, and they were slowly closing. But before they shut completely, he struggled to perform a series of hand seals and open his storage space.


    A package appeared beside him.


    This scene caused indescribable thoughts to rise in everyone¡¯s minds. Waves and waves of emotions filled their bodies and minds, pressing down on them.


    ¡°You¡¯re a Sword Holder!¡± Kong Xianglong looked at the youth and spoke loudly, raising the command sword in his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to become a Sword Holder. I¡¯m loyal to my duty and not afraid of sacrifice.¡±


    Kong Xianglong roared the Sword Holder¡¯s oath. Everyone in the surroundings also spoke at the same time. Xu Qing was the same. His heart stirred intensely.


    The youth¡¯s body trembled. His eyes, which were about to close, suddenly opened. He looked at everyone and mumbled the same thing.


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to become a Sword Holder. I will never betray the human race. I¡¯m always prepared to fight.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to become a Sword Holder. I will fight for the human race and protect it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m willing to become a Sword Holder. I will slash all dangers and bring light to the world.¡±


    The youth¡¯s voice fused with everyone¡¯s voice.


    At the next instant, he closed his eyes and the satisfied smile on his face became eternal until an earth-shattering explosion erupted from the array formation.


    He was dead and the array formation exploded.


    The violent wind and waves swept in all directions, lifting everyone¡¯s clothes and hair. After a long time¡­ as the storm dissipated, the youth¡¯s corpse disappeared without a trace.


    Only a box appeared at the place of his death.


    It was a wish box.


    It was an opened wish box.


    That was the information he had used his life to deliver.

 Chapter 550 - 550 The Nightmare of the Black-Clothed Guard

    550 The Nightmare of the Black-Clothed Guard


    What was a Sword Holder?


    Xu Qing muttered inwardly.


    In the past, he didn¡¯t understand what it meant to be a Sword Holder. In fact, his original intention of becoming a Sword Holder wasn¡¯t driven by the desire to protect the human race.


    After all, it was impossible for him, who had walked through the misery of the human world since he was young, to have much feelings for the human race.


    His truest thought was that he hoped that he could survive and live a little better until he killed the crow and the eagle.


    As for why he became a Sword Holder, firstly, the captain wanted to become a Sword Holder. Secondly, after he became a Sword Holder, he could have an additional layer of protection. Thirdly, he planned to use his right as a Sword Holder to find the crow¡¯s traces.


    In fact, at critical moments, the identity of the Sword Holder would become his weapon to kill the crow.


    These thoughts were actually selfish, but Xu Qing was not alone in having them. Whenever a new Sword Holder appeared in different provinces, they would also have similar thoughts.


    Other than those who had lived in the Sword Holding Palace since they were young, it was impossible for cultivators from other places to have any grand ambition of protecting the human race.


    However, following the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holder Ceremony and the heart inquisition, there were some changes.


    However, it was only a little and didn¡¯t change much. It only allowed Xu Qing to understand the concept of a Sword Holder.


    It was only when he arrived at the county capital that he saw Kong Xianglong, who was different from the others. He saw a few heaven¡¯s chosens who were hostile to him, but he could sense that they didn¡¯t have any ill intentions towards him. He also saw the stern, but clearly protective Palace Master.


    He also experienced the oath of the Sword Holders and heard about the history of the human race.


    It was impossible for all of this to leave no traces on his mind.


    In the end, some of this settled in his heart.


    And now, he saw another scene that caused his heart to stir.


    That quasi-human youth with 120 magic apertures, the youth who yearned to become a Sword Holder, the youth who didn¡¯t reveal any information despite being tortured by the Holy Wave Race.


    The other party recited the Sword Holder oath and smiled. Then, he closed his eyes and dissipated with the destroyed array formation.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know this person and this was also the first time he had seen him. Moreover, Xu Qing had seen too many deaths. Hence, what caused waves in his heart wasn¡¯t the youth¡¯s death.


    It was the other party¡¯s dream and choices.


    This person could clearly have a better future but he chose this path of no return.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t quite understand, but he knew that deep down he actually did.


    However, due to his guarded nature, he was not one to easily accept outsiders, let alone fully embrace them and keep them close to his heart.


    Even now, it was still the same.


    However, he knew that in his eyes, the Sword Holder had unknowingly become different.


    He had more respect for them.


    He might have no sense of belonging, but he respected Kong Xianglong¡¯s sincerity, the Palace Master¡¯s strictness, the oaths of the Sword Holder, and this youth who had passed away.


    Hence, he cupped his fists and bowed deeply toward the place where the youth had disappeared.


    The wind blew over at that moment, stirring up the dust created by the collapse of the array formation, dispersing the ashes of the youth. It also scattered the aura contained in the wish box on the ground in front of everyone.


    This aura was a little special and carried the fragrance of osmanthus.


    As Kong Xianglong walked towards the spot where the youth¡¯s ashes had scattered, his eyes brimmed with grief and indignation. When he reached there, he knelt down and scooped up a handful of soil from the ground. He then carefully placed it into a bottle before picking up the opened wish box.


    ¡°Our mission is completed.¡± Kong Xianglong held the wish box and spoke softly with his back facing everyone.


    Xu Qing remained silent and the others didn¡¯t speak either.


    The mission to provide support had failed, but with the information obtained, regardless of whether it was successful or not, the mission was completed.


    ¡°Kid, you should return to the county capital. Help me hand this item to the field office,¡± Kong Xianglong said in a low voice. He raised his right hand and gestured, sending the wish box hurtling towards Xu Qing, who deftly caught it.


    As he held the wish box in his hand, the sweet fragrance of osmanthus inside became even more prominent.


    ¡°You guys can go back with Kid. I¡¯m not in a good mood and am going to stroll around and relax alone.¡±


    Kong Xianglong didn¡¯t turn around and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Okay, Brother Long, it¡¯s good for you to relax alone. Kid, you can go back. I have some personal matters to deal with, so I won¡¯t go with you,¡± Shan He clenched his fist, with veins bulging on it, and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°What a coincidence. Me too. I¡¯m going to make a trip to my old home, so I won¡¯t be going back for the time being.¡± Wang Chen¡¯s expression was gloomy as he calmly spoke. After he finished speaking, he looked at the distant horizon.


    ¡°I¡¯ll accompany Brother Long.¡± Night Spirit looked at Kong Xianglong with a determined gaze.


    Xu Qing looked at them. After a few breaths of silence, he threw the wish box in his hand to a Sword Holder from the field office behind him. The other party caught it and wanted to say something but hesitated.


    ¡°I have a private matter to deal with. You guys can leave.¡± Xu Qing was expressionless as he slowly spoke.


    As soon as he finished speaking, Shan He, Wang Chen, and Night Spirit all looked over in unison with surprised expressions.


    Kong Xianglong turned around and also looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Kid, you don¡¯t have to do this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll return the greeting.¡± Xu Qing looked at Kong Xianglong and spoke seriously.


    Kong Xianglong fell into silence. After a long while, he finally nodded and silently walked away into the distance.


    The three of them quickly followed. The direction they were heading was the border of Fenghai County.


    That was also the border of the Holy Wave Race.


    Xu Qing also strode forward like an arrow leaving the bow, following the four of them.


    He naturally knew what they were going to do.


    It wasn¡¯t strange for Kong Xianglong to not abide by the rules when he went out on missions, let alone when he saw the miserable state of the youth. With his personality, he naturally couldn¡¯t take this lying down.


    In addition, the cold voice left behind in the black-clothed guard¡¯s jade slip still echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Xu Qing felt that since the other party had given a gift to the Sword Holders, they naturally had to return the favor. Only then would it be considered polite.


    As the five of them quickly left, the Sword Holders from the field office stared at them in silence.


    Their eyes were filled with envy and rueful emotions. However, in the end, they still chose to return after bowing to Xu Qing and the others.


    Not all Sword Holders went against the rules.


    They couldn¡¯t go because they had an even more important mission at this moment.


    They would safely send this item back to the county capital.


    This was their core mission.


    Hence, after the Sword Holder¡¯s bow, the Sword Holders from the field office left in the night.


    The cold wind at that moment carried the chill of the night, like a harbinger of death wielding a scythe and following Xu Qing and the others.


    It whistled past them, blowing on their clothes and lifting strands of hair.


    However, when it landed on their faces and seeped into their hearts, it wasn¡¯t as cold as the killing intent in their hearts.


    Killing intent rose from each of them.


    As their speed increased, it became increasingly intense.


    This night was without the moon but the wind was strong. It was still a night of killing.


    Their speed had already been unleashed to the extreme. From the moment Xu Qing chose to return the greeting, regardless of whether it was Shan He, Wang Chen, or Night Spirit, the way they looked at him changed completely.


    It contained recognition and some other emotions.


    Shan He¡¯s entire body emitted a blood mist. His entire person was enveloped in the fog, like a lump of bloody figure from the netherworld.


    Night Spirit had transformed back into a demon. This time, she didn¡¯t transform into a green-faced malicious ghost but a scarlet-boned firebird that carried death.


    Wang Chen kept his smoke clone and the coffin opened for the first time. A dwarf in luxurious robes walked out.


    After smiling at Xu Qing, he licked his lips and his entire body emitted a chill. Wherever he passed, the ground would be frozen.


    Kong Xianglong was surrounded by a golden dragon and his entire body emitted terrifying fluctuations. Every step he took covered thousands of feet and he looked extraordinarily mighty.


    As for Xu Qing, he wasn¡¯t inferior to them.


    The shadow shrouded his entire body as the physical strength of the seven palaces surged violently, and his speed was like lightning. He moved like the spirit of the night.


    They sped through the dark night like five grim reapers, getting closer and closer to the black-clothed guards of the Holy Wave Race who were returning but hadn¡¯t left the Lin Lan Province.


    During this time, they also communicated and clarified their battle plan. Although they didn¡¯t know the exact number of enemies, with their experience and understanding, they could easily allocate targets.


    Finally, before dawn broke, at the moment when the night was the densest, they saw dozens of figures speeding ahead.


    Each of them wore a black Daoist robe, and there were a total of over 60 of them!


    Their speed wasn¡¯t particularly fast, suggesting that they were in good spirits after completing the mission. As they rushed forward, there were occasional bursts of laughter.


    However, they were still quite vigilant. Almost at the instant Xu Qing and the others rushed over, these black-clothed guards immediately sensed them and looked in their direction.


    However, it was useless to sense it.


    Kong Xianglong was the first to rush over. He let out a low shout and directly charged in.


    Xu Qing was the second. Like a bolt of black lightning, he directly collided with a black-clothed guard with five palaces. The black-clothed guard¡¯s flesh was badly mangled and could only let out a short cry before he stopped breathing.


    As blood spurted out, Shan He and the other two also rushed over.


    At this moment, a massacre erupted.


    Furious shouts erupted from the black-clothed guards, and they immediately put up a resistance.


    As a team that had entered deep into the human race¡¯s Fenghai County, their combat strength and experiences were naturally abundant.


    Among them, there were more than 40 people with combat strength of five or six palaces and 12 with seven palaces.


    Most of these seven palaces possessed emperor-level cultivation arts unique to the black-clothed guards.


    As for the eight palaces, there were two of them.


    These two individuals had not formed the Heavenly Palaces with five life fires, but had reached the limit of four fires which limited them to seven palaces. With the addition of an emperor-level cultivation art, they possessed the combat strength of eight palaces, making them quite extraordinary.


    Other than them, there were three other leaders.


    They were half-step Nascent Soul cultivators.


    Such strength would be the backbone of any sect. However, to the Holy Wave Race, who occupied the Holy Wave Large Region, this was just a small team.


    Coupled with the ones who had ambushed Xu Qing and the others earlier, it could be seen that not only did the Holy Wave Race¡¯s small teams have many members and experts, but their cultivation levels were also stronger.


    After all¡­ their Holy Wave Race was the ruler of the Holy Wave Large Region. The foundation formed by the people of a whole region caused them to have countless experts.


    In comparison, a county was naturally inferior.


    However, this time, the Sword Holder team was different from the ones they had encountered in the past!


    At that moment, as the two sides collided, a massive battle broke out. The three half-step Nascent Soul cultivators charged towards Kong Xianglong while the two black-clothed guards with eight palaces were about to follow, when suddenly a coffin appeared and blocked their way. Dwarf Wang Chen appeared with a wicked smile on his face, and the Smoke Race¡¯s clone appeared beside him.


    At the same time, Night Spirit appeared from the side and Shan He arrived as well. The three of them combined their efforts to engage in battle against the two black-clothed guards with eight palaces, buying time for Kong Xianglong and Xu Qing to make their moves.


    The former was fighting against the three strongest half-step Nascent Soul cultivators here.


    The latter was fighting against everyone other than these.


    This was the allocation they had made on the way here.


    At that time, Xu Qing had said something.


    ¡°I¡¯m good at group battles.¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and took out his dagger.


    The Poison Restriction Pill in the Third Heavenly Palace in his body circulated fully.


    Countless little black bugs spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s body, forming an astonishing black fog. They carried a terrifying aura and fatal poison that enveloped the surroundings.


    This poison acted quickly.


    As the black-clothed guards let out mournful cries, Xu Qing remained calm. He lowered his head slightly and charged towards the crowd.


    There was also the black iron stick where the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was. At this moment, it transformed into red lightning and rampaged.


    Also, the eye of the shadow on Xu Qing¡¯s forehead rapidly blinked. It spread out and fused into the shadows of the surrounding black-clothed guards, beginning to devour them.


    At this moment¡­


    The nightmare descended.

 Chapter 551 - 551 The Stench of Blood Fills the Air, and the Poison Spreads Far and Wide (1)

    551 The Stench of Blood Fills the Air, and the Poison Spreads Far and Wide (1)


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t wrong. He was indeed good at group battles.


    Once the poison of his Third Heavenly Palace erupted, its lethality was astonishing. Ever since Xu Qing obtained the Poison Restriction Pill, he had never completely let it spread.


    Even now, he was restraining it.


    After all, the poison of the Third Heavenly Palace didn¡¯t distinguish friend from foe. Other than him who would be fine, regardless of whether it was the shadow or the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, they would probably collapse.


    Although he had restrained it, its power was enough to shock the minds of the black-clothed guards.


    Almost instantly, three black-clothed guards with five palaces let out terrified cries as their bodies rapidly began to rot. The flesh on their faces started falling off, and blood dripped from their bodies. Even their eyeballs fell off.


    However, they didn¡¯t feel any pain.


    This was what was even more terrifying about Xu Qing¡¯s poison. It could silently corrode everything. By the time the enemy sensed the pain, the poison would have already seeped into their bones.


    Amidst these cries of horror, Xu Qing¡¯s figure was like the wind of death as he appeared in front of a black-clothed guard with six palaces. He instantly slashed across his neck.


    With a tearing sound, blood spurted out.


    The head rolled down and was kicked up by Xu Qing. With a whistling sound, it transformed into an afterimage that headed straight for another black-clothed guard. It exploded in front of him and poisonous blood splattered everywhere.


    The expression of this Holy Wave Race cultivator changed and he retreated, but he couldn¡¯t avoid the fate of death.


    Xu Qing remained emotionless as he took a step forward. The physical strength of his seven palaces erupted in a complete display, causing a violent storm that thundered in all directions. From afar, it looked like a terrifying hurricane had suddenly formed out of nowhere.


    With his incredible speed, Xu Qing mercilessly collided with the black-clothed guard.


    Flesh and blood splattered everywhere.


    Among the people in the surroundings, three more black-clothed guards were poisoned. They screamed and cried, but their bodies quickly melted into blood that flowed on the ground.


    This scene caused the hearts of all the surrounding cultivators to skip a beat in horror.


    ¡°This poison is too powerful!¡±


    ¡°Everyone, disperse!¡±


    Not only did the black-clothed guards who were fighting with Xu Qing disperse, but the expressions of Kong Xianglong, Shan He, and the others not far away also changed. They quickly moved away from this area with the people they were fighting with.


    They wanted to get away from Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing remained calm and collected. The more he used the Poison Restriction, the more he felt that everything was under his control. At that moment, he appeared in front of the ninth black-clothed guard with seven palaces like a ghost.


    The instant he got close, he waved the dagger in his hand forcefully. The black-clothed guard wasn¡¯t ordinary either. He actually erupted with physical strength at this moment and grabbed the dagger, wanting to block it.


    However, the moment the other party grabbed the dagger, the piercing force from the shroud erupted rapidly. The expression of the black-clothed guard changed, and he felt an incomparable piercing pain in his palm. His mind and soul were also assaulted by a sensation of being pricked by ten thousand needles.


    When he instinctively let go, Xu Qing¡¯s dagger had already pierced into his throat with unstoppable force.


    This was the second move Xu Qing had prepared for his dagger. It was also the power contained in the shroud cloth.


    The price was that every time he held the dagger, he would suffer that piercing pain. His entire body felt as though it was pierced by countless sharp needles.


    However, Xu Qing was already used to all of this and didn¡¯t care at all.


    He took out his dagger and was about to continue when his expression changed slightly. He suddenly took a step to the side and dodged a flying sword that whistled past.


    When he turned his head, Xu Qing saw another black-clothed guard with seven palaces using an emperor-level cultivation art to form a huge black hand that was moving toward him.


    However, this time around, Xu Qing didn¡¯t need to make a move. Two black-clothed guards with six palaces suddenly revealed a bizarre smile. They turned around in unison and rushed toward their companion with the seven palaces, and self-destructed.


    They were still shouting when they rushed out.


    ¡°My master greets you!¡±


    This bizarre scene caused the expressions of all the black-clothed guards to change drastically.


    At the next instant, the bodies of the two black-clothed guards exploded loudly, forming an impact that swept toward the seven palaces cultivator.


    After suffering the explosion, the seven palaces cultivator spat out a mouthful of blood. His expression was one of shock and anger as he lifted his right hand and grabbed the black iron stick that was launching a sneak attack.


    However, he couldn¡¯t control the red lightning that jumped up from the iron stick. It instantly entered his head, causing him to tremble.


    Xu Qing¡¯s dagger also rapidly arrived at this moment. He stabbed into this person¡¯s heart and quickly made another strike. He stabbed seven times in a row, piercing through him with each strike. It was extremely savage.


    As the blood-curdling screams rang out, Xu Qing noticed that his poison had mostly spread. Most of the black-clothed guards in the surroundings were rotting and every one of them was in fear. Their cultivation levels were also uncontrollably weakening.


    ¡°It¡¯s about time.¡± Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. The shadow eye on his forehead directly expanded into a black coffin. As the lid opened, Xu Qing rushed out.


    Of course, during this process, he didn¡¯t forget to shout out a seemingly indistinct incantation to hide his secret of shadow fusion.


    The instant he appeared, Xu Qing activated the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art. His right hand instantly turned translucent and he ruthlessly stabbed into the chest of a black-clothed guard with six palaces.


    No matter how the other party struggled, it was useless. He entered the Heavenly Palaces and grabbed the golden cores, ruthlessly pulling them out.


    The cores still had veins attached to it.


    Amidst the miserable cries of pain, the Golden Crow behind Xu Qing manifested. 42 long feather flames spread in all directions, causing the pitch-black darkness of the dawn to brighten at this moment.


    An intense glint appeared in the Golden Crow¡¯s eyes. The moment Xu Qing took out his Golden Core, it directly devoured the black hand formed by the black-clothed guard¡¯s emperor-level cultivation art.

 Chapter 552 - 552 The Stench of Blood Fills the Air, and the Poison Spreads Far and Wide (2)

    552 The Stench of Blood Fills the Air, and the Poison Spreads Far and Wide (2)


    The shadow wasn¡¯t to be outdone and quickly spread out.


    The three parties absorbed at the same time.


    At the next instant, this black-clothed guard¡¯s emperor-level cultivation art collapsed. His body shriveled and his Heavenly Palaces were destroyed.


    Anyone who saw this would be incomparably shocked at the viciousness of Xu Qing¡¯s attacks.


    Shan He¡¯s group wasn¡¯t much inferior. Night Spirit transformed into a one-eyed giant with green fur all over its body. It was a one-eyed heavenly demon unique to the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect and its eyes emitted a dim soul light.


    The creature¡¯s upper body was even more monstrous, with four lumps of flesh growing out of it and forming four huge fingers. At the tip of each finger was a sinister face that devoured and bit at the enemy. Even when they were severed, they grew back instantly.


    As for Shan He, his entire body was covered in a mist of blood and his injuries were extremely severe. He mainly helped his companions withstand the attacks, but his cultivation technique and bloodline were clearly unique. The more severe his injuries were, the stronger he became.


    Right now, he didn¡¯t care about his injuries. He had completely gone crazy and was extremely violent. There was only killing in his eyes and nothing else.


    The dwarf Wang Chen also went all out. His entire body was covered in lightning and the canopy above his head formed a life lantern of lightning. His speed was incredibly fast.


    In fact, his body was also rapidly changing. Gradually, he was no longer a dwarf but had grown taller and transformed into a youth.


    However, his entire body was covered in black totemic tattoos that seemed like seals. In that moment, they were unlocking one after another, forming an even more terrifying aura and fluctuations.


    With every totem seal opened, there would be an additional nonhuman figure beside him.


    There were dozens of figures of Light Race, Rock Demon Race, and Buppha Race.


    The Smoke Clone was also there to provide assistance, fighting to the death alongside them against the two black-clothed guards with eight palaces.


    Each of them took out their magic treasure fragments, and while they were still no match for the two black-clothed guards, the three of them spared no expense and heavily injured them. In the end, they managed to stall the two black-clothed guards.


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s side was even more awe-inspiring. The golden dragon behind him roared and his whole body was like a god descending into the mortal world. Blood-colored cloth also appeared beside him and shrouded the surroundings. He was fighting the three half-step Nascent Soul cultivators by himself.


    Despite being only at the Golden Core realm, he showed no signs of weakness when besieged by three half-step Nascent Soul cultivators. In fact, he emitted an unparalleled aura of dominance.


    ¡°This is the monstrous team of this generation from the Sword Holding Palace!¡±


    One of the black-clothed guards let out a cry of alarm, and the others began to feel fear creeping in as they scrambled to escape the scene.


    However, before they could escape far, they started to cough up black blood and their bodies rapidly began to decay, turning into pools of blood.


    Xu Qing¡¯s attacks continued. The Golden Crow let out a joyous cry and continued to devour. Xu Qing¡¯s bizarre nether hand also continued to enter one Heavenly Palace after another.


    Unfortunately, the speed of his attacks couldn¡¯t compare to his poison.


    When he killed 19 black-clothed guards, there were only seven black-clothed guards left.


    Three of them were fighting against Kong Xianglong, while the other two were fighting against Shan He and the others.


    There were two more people, whose bodies had also rapidly rotted. Despite being more than halfway decomposed, they walked towards Xu Qing step by step, before finally kneeling down with a loud thud. Their eyes were filled with despair and horror, yet they still spoke with fanatical voices.


    ¡°Master, please accept the gift that our Black-clothed Guards offer you!¡±


    As they spoke, they opened their Heavenly Palaces and took out their golden cores, handing them over with both hands.


    Xu Qing waved his bizarre nether hand. After absorbing them, the two black-clothed guards each raised their hands in endless horror. They pressed their heads together in an extremely orderly manner and bent them forcefully.


    Cracking sounds echoed out as their heads turned and were twisted off.


    Even after they died, their faces still retained a smile.


    Killing was not a source of fear for those present, as they had all taken many lives. But the sight of the people rotting away and the bizarre manner in which they suicided were far more chilling and unsettling than straightforward acts of killing.


    Hence, this scene instantly caused all the living friends and foes to tremble in their hearts as they looked at Xu Qing.


    At that moment, Xu Qing was standing on the blackish blood pool. There weren¡¯t many corpses in the surroundings and most of them had turned into blood.


    The Golden Crow behind him shone and let out a loud and clear sound. Its phoenix feathers drifted with flames, creating a peerlessly beautiful scene. At the same time, a gust of wind blew over and lifted Xu Qing¡¯s hair, revealing that pair of calm eyes that showed no emotions.


    Stepping on the bloody pool, Xu Qing walked toward the two black-clothed guards with eight palaces who were stalled by Shan He and the other two.


    His speed became faster and faster. The Third Heavenly Palace in his body rapidly shook and emitted a suction force, causing all the Poison Restriction aura here to quickly gather around him.


    His surroundings turned black at a speed visible to the naked eye. Boundless black fog enveloped him that contained countless little black bugs.


    Amidst the changing expressions of Shan He¡¯s group and the shock of the two black-clothed guards, Xu Qing appeared before them.


    He instantly approached a black-clothed guard with eight palaces and covered the latter with the black fog.


    Outsiders couldn¡¯t see anything in the fog and their perception couldn¡¯t enter either. They could only hear rumbling and screams coming from inside.


    As a result, the opponents of Shan He and the others were no longer two people with eight palaces but one person. The situation instantly reversed.


    After the amount of time it took for an incense stick to burn out, when Kong Xianglong tore a half-step Nascent Soul cultivator into pieces, Shan He and the other two had also completed their kill.


    As monstrous geniuses, although they were inferior to Kong Xianglong, they still possessed peak combat strength of the seven palaces.


    The three of them joined forces and used all their trump cards. They risked being heavily injured and finally killed the black-clothed guard with eight palaces.


    As this person died, a mournful cry rang out from the black fog Xu Qing was in. After that, the sound of footsteps rang out and Xu Qing¡¯s figure walked out step by step.


    There was a strange glint in his eyes, as though he was thinking.

 Chapter 553 - 553 The Stench of Blood Fills the Air, and the Poison Spreads Far and Wide (3)

    553 The Stench of Blood Fills the Air, and the Poison Spreads Far and Wide (3)


    His entire body was covered in injuries.


    The injuries on his body were severe. His chest and heart area were badly mangled, and there was a hole in his abdomen. One of his legs was twisted, and a large piece of flesh was missing from his neck, as if it had been bitten off.


    There was also blood at the corner of his mouth, and his arm that was holding the dagger hung unnaturally.


    As he walked, blood spewed from his mouth and he tossed the crushed eyeball to the ground.


    The poison fog behind him churned and instantly surged toward him, entering his body.


    As the poison fog dissipated at a speed visible to the naked eye, it finally revealed the aftermath of the battle behind Xu Qing. A figure was now standing there in the clearing.


    It was none other than the black-clothed guard with eight palaces who had been swept into the fog by Xu Qing.


    More than half of his body had rotted, and his stomach was cut open. His Heavenly Palaces had collapsed and all of his golden cores had been taken out.


    In his one remaining eye, disbelief still lingered.


    Shan He and the others cast their gazes upon Xu Qing, each of them with a glint of admiration in their eyes.


    Xu Qing also looked at them and spat out another mouthful of blood as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Sorry for the wait, it was a bit difficult to kill him.¡±


    As Xu Qing¡¯s voice echoed, the corpse of the black-clothed guard behind him collapsed onto the ground.


    With Xu Qing¡¯s current combat strength, it was naturally difficult for him to kill the black-clothed guard with eight palaces.


    In a fight for survival, any and all kinds of means would be used. Xu Qing¡¯s neck was viciously bitten off by the other party, leaving a large piece of flesh missing.


    However, the gains from this battle were also huge.


    In addition, he had sensed the aura of the red moon on the other party¡¯s body. This was also the reason for the pensive look in his eyes when he walked out.


    However, now wasn¡¯t the time to think about this. Almost at the instant Xu Qing walked out, a mournful cry rang out from the sky.


    The second half-step Nascent Soul cultivator¡¯s neck was forcefully twisted off by Kong Xianglong.


    The eyes of the last half-step Nascent Soul cultivator were filled with extreme horror.


    He wasn¡¯t only frightened by Kong Xianglong, but also the cruelty of the other Sword Holders. Without any hesitation, he turned around and fled.


    Kong Xianglong laughed sinisterly and chased after him. Xu Qing calmly lifted his hand and straightened his twisted leg before giving chase as well.


    This scene caused Shan He and the other two to show even more approval. They were also heavily injured but no one cared now. They rushed out, their killing intent even more intense than before.


    Since they were returning the greeting to the black-clothed guards, they naturally had to kill them all to comply with the etiquette.


    This place wasn¡¯t far from the border to begin with. Hence, the moment the half-step Nascent Soul cultivator saw the border, Xu Qing and the others caught up to him.


    The five of them attacked at the same time and with Kong Xianglong suppressing the enemy, there was no suspense¡­


    As a thunderous boom echoed, the body of the half-step Nascent Soul cultivator collapsed and shattered into pieces, raining down blood on the surrounding area.


    The instant he died, a violent aura spread out from the Holy Wave Race¡¯s territory outside the boundary. A figure rapidly approached and a furious roar echoed.


    ¡°Sword Holders!¡±


    Seeing this, Kong Xianglong suddenly shouted.


    ¡°Call your father1.¡±


    ¡°This place is the territory of our human race¡¯s Fenghai County. Any nonhuman Nascent Soul cultivator in the Holy Wave Region who takes half a step in will be killed on the spot by the Taboo magic treasure of Fenghai County!¡±


    ¡°Come, you f*cker!¡±


    With that, Kong Xianglong turned and ran. As for Shan He and the other two, they had already run hundreds of feet away while he was talking.


    As for Xu Qing, his movements were even faster than theirs. He was already 1,000 feet away¡­


    Everyone sprinted rapidly.


    Outside the boundary, the figure that arrived suddenly stopped and transformed into a middle-aged cultivator of the Holy Wave Race who was wearing a black-clothed guard¡¯s Daoist robe.


    His expression was extremely ugly. He gritted his teeth and stared coldly at the backs of Kong Xianglong, Xu Qing, and the others. The killing intent in his eyes rose intensely.


    However, in the end, he still didn¡¯t dare to step past the border!

 Chapter 554 - 554 A Cup of Turbid Wine, Drinking in a Group (1)

    554 A Cup of Turbid Wine, Drinking in a Group (1)


    Xu Qing ran very quickly.


    As soon as he sensed the overwhelming aura approaching from outside the boundary, he wasted no time in fleeing.


    This was an instinctive reaction he had developed after doing many big deeds with his captain.


    Shan He and the others were not far behind, showing that they too possessed keen instincts.


    Only Kong Xianglong was a little slower because he spent some time saying those words.


    Xu Qing felt that Kong Xianglong was actually somewhat similar to the captain to a certain extent. It was just that the captain was slow because of greed, while Kong Xianglong was clearly doing it for his posture.


    Xu Qing sighed with emotion. He felt that it would be great if the captain could join them. However, there was nothing he could do about this. This group of people clearly didn¡¯t trust the captain.


    The group of them sprinted rapidly, pushing themselves to their limits. They ran tirelessly until the sky began to brighten, and by then they had covered a considerable distance. After confirming that the enemy didn¡¯t chase after them, with a sigh of relief, they slowed down and finally came to a stop on a grassy plain.


    They had done too many things that night.


    This was especially so after the battle with the black-clothed guards. Every one of them was in an exhausted state.


    At that moment, as they relaxed and lay down, all of them felt their bodies go limp and were unwilling to get up.


    It was the same for Xu Qing. Although the injuries on his body were recovering, the mental fatigue was still very intense.


    Shan He¡¯s blood qi dissipated and he felt a sense of weakness churning within him.


    Night Spirit returned to her original form and lay there as though she didn¡¯t have much breath left.


    Wang Chen wailed as he drew seals on himself, as though he was afraid that if he drew too slowly, he would cause a huge problem.


    Kong Xianglong was also panting. However, he was clearly more relaxed than the others. Looking at Xu Qing and the others, he suddenly laughed louder and louder.


    The three of them looked at each other and laughed loudly as well. A sense of joy filled their hearts, but as they laughed, they grimaced because of the pain from the wounds.


    Xu Qing also smiled.


    ¡°It felt good killing them!¡± Kong Xianglong waved his hand and took out five bottles of wine. After throwing the bottles to the others, he raised it high.


    Xu Qing lifted the wine bottle. Shan He, Wang Chen, and Night Spirit were all the same. The way they looked at Xu Qing was no longer as distant as before. Instead, they revealed a friendly expression.


    ¡°Let¡¯s drink!¡±


    Everyone took a big gulp. After they put the bottle down, they laughed again.


    However, as they drank, they thought of the youth who dreamed of becoming a Sword Holder and sighed.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    Regardless of whether it was the wine, laughter, or sighs, the distance between them was quickly closed. The friendship between people would often form after experiencing some things together.


    Especially when they made mistakes together¡­


    ¡°When we return this time, we¡¯re probably done for. We¡¯ll definitely be locked up by the Palace Master. In fact, those close to the Holy Wave Race will even spread some rumors, especially the Yao family.¡±


    ¡°Sigh, everyone, keep a low profile during this period of time after we return.¡± Kong Xianglong stood up and stretched his body as he spoke to everyone, especially when he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you should be in an even worse state. I understand the Palace Master. As a Pawn of the Prison Department, the Palace Master will definitely punish you more.¡± Kong Xianglong blinked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Xu Qing, you¡¯re done for.¡±


    ¡°Sigh, but Xu Qing, you have to think this way. As a Pawn, you¡¯re locked up in the Prison Department. This experience must be very beautiful.¡±


    Shan He and the others joked around with Xu Qing. At the same time, they were also watching Xu Qing¡¯s reaction.


    They didn¡¯t have any ill intentions. This was how they acknowledged each other and how brothers got along.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°The Pawns in Area D are all my colleagues. I¡¯m very familiar with them. If we¡¯re really imprisoned¡­¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at Kong Xianglong and the others and spoke seriously.


    ¡°I will simply be returning home. I welcome you guys to be locked up in my house.¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, Kong Xianglong silently took a sip of wine. Shan He and the others smiled bitterly and sighed gloomily. However, the gazes they used to look at Xu Qing became even friendlier, especially Shan He. He coughed and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°That Xu Qing, can you lock me up in a cell guarded by a female Pawn¡­¡±


    Before he could finish speaking, he was kicked by Wang Chen.


    ¡°Ignore him. There¡¯s something wrong with this fellow¡¯s brain. What¡¯s so good about female Pawns? Xu Qing¡­ When the time comes, make an exception and arrange a cage with more female prisoners for me.¡±


    Wang Chen¡¯s eyes lit up with anticipation.


    At the side, Shan He wasn¡¯t convinced and replied with a few sentences. Very soon, the two of them started arguing.


    This scene was very different from when Xu Qing had seen them before. Clearly, everyone had many faces, and it would change depending upon whether the other was a stranger or a friend.


    Night Spirit swept a cold glance at them with disdain in her eyes. She then took out a handful of flesh melon seeds and ate them.


    Kong Xianglong smiled at Xu Qing and asked about Xu Qing¡¯s divine art.


    ¡°Xu Qing, your poison is indeed potent, but what really intrigues me is your ability to make your hand transparent. You forcefully entered the other party¡¯s Heavenly Palaces and pulled out their golden cores. This cultivation art¡­ is extremely bizarre!¡±


    As soon as Kong Xianglong spoke, the three of them also looked at Xu Qing. They were also curious.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he didn¡¯t hide anything. He lifted his hand and waved it. Immediately, his right hand became transparent and appeared in front of Kong Xianglong.


    ¡°This is a cultivation art imparted by my master. It has a certain relationship with the Bizarre Fiend Race.¡±


    Kong Xianglong sensed it and praised.


    ¡°After this cultivation art is fully mastered, you will probably be able to make your entire body enter this state.¡± After saying that, he seemed to think about it.

 Chapter 555 - 555 A Cup of Turbid Wine, Drinking in a Group (2)

    555 A Cup of Turbid Wine, Drinking in a Group (2)


    ¡°If it¡¯s the Bizarre Fiend Race, I¡¯ll give you a gift later. I killed one of them before and it left something behind.¡±


    After saying that, he saw that Xu Qing seemed to be about to speak. Hence, he smiled and waved his hand.


    ¡°No need to refuse between brothers.¡±


    Upon hearing Kong Xianglong¡¯s words, Xu Qing glanced at him and nodded. Then, Shan He and Wang Chen joined in the discussion. They didn¡¯t hold back and showcased their own cultivation techniques, without hiding anything.


    This inspired Xu Qing greatly, as he gained more insights into the spells of the three great sects. He was particularly intrigued by Night Spirit¡¯s demon transformation technique.


    ¡°The demon transformation technique is a unique technique of the sect. It¡¯s said that this technique has an extremely long history. However, due to the sect¡¯s rules, I can¡¯t say much. You can learn it yourself.¡± Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s curiosity about this technique, Night Spirit spoke while eating the flesh melon seeds.


    ¡°I can tell you simply that cultivating this technique isn¡¯t difficult. What¡¯s difficult is that you have to comprehend the sect¡¯s great demon totem and move it in your sea of consciousness. When you reach a certain level, you can use the demon transformation technique to transform it into the great demon.¡±


    She even displayed it.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook. He thought of his Ghost Emperor Mountain. To a certain extent, his Ghost Emperor Mountain could also be seen as a great demon.


    In that case, if he mastered the demon transformation technique, wouldn¡¯t he be able to make use of this cultivation art to manifest the Ghost Emperor Mountain?


    This method was much simpler than what his master had said.


    Xu Qing was instantly tempted.


    ¡°If you like it, then go and learn it.¡± Kong Xianglong smiled.


    ¡°The three great sects have a close relationship with the Sword Holding Palace, so they have an agreement with each other. Any Sword Holder can spend a certain amount of military contribution points to learn spells from the three great sects.¡±


    This was the first time Xu Qing had heard of this. He nodded in interest, already making plans to learn this demon transformation technique when he returned.


    At that moment, it was almost noon. After resting and recovering for a while, everyone got up and started to hurry onward.


    The journey back was smooth, without any unexpected events. Kong Xianglong and the others became more familiar with Xu Qing during the journey. It was only before the last teleportation that Kong Xianglong spoke to Xu Qing in a low voice.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯m not trying to sow discord but let me remind you. Be careful of your eldest senior brother. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s a good person.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Chen Erniu has a shifty look on his face. With his ten feet of light, I will think it normal if he betrays us one day.¡± Shan He also looked like he deeply agreed.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he spoke seriously.


    ¡°My eldest senior brother and I have experienced many life-and-death situations. He¡¯s one of the people I trust the most.¡±


    Kong Xianglong didn¡¯t say anything else and patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder. As the light of the teleportation shone, everyone¡¯s figures disappeared.


    When they reappeared, they weren¡¯t directly in the Sword Holding Palace but in a valley not far from the county capital.


    There was a small teleportation array there that was usually hidden. It was Kong Xianglong¡¯s secret base.


    This was Kong Xianglong¡¯s plan and his experience.


    He felt that if they appeared through the teleportation array in the Sword Holding Palace, there would definitely be a record.


    Hence, he chose to teleport to this valley. This way, the risk of being discovered would be lower. Moreover, after a few days, they could deny that they had just returned.


    ¡°I secretly set up this place. Until now¡­¡± In the valley¡¯s teleportation array, Kong Xianglong smiled and spoke to Xu Qing and the others. However, before he could finish speaking, the teleportation array instantly activated on its own.


    At the next instant, everyone¡¯s figures disappeared. When they reappeared, they were already in the teleportation array on the square in the Sword Holding Palace.


    As they appeared, everyone panicked. They saw the Palace Master standing outside the array with a solemn expression that seemed to contain a haze as he coldly looked at them.


    Clearly, what Kong Xianglong thought of as a secret array formation had long been modified by the Palace Master. He had also specially waited for them here.


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s body trembled slightly, and Shan He and the others also felt guilty. Xu Qing lowered his head and was prepared to be reprimanded and punished.


    As a Sword Holder, it wasn¡¯t a small matter to disobey the rules in a mission.


    However, after waiting for a long time, the Palace Master still didn¡¯t speak. Hence, Xu Qing lifted his head slightly and noticed that the Palace Master¡¯s gaze was sizing up each of them carefully, as though he was checking their injuries.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t the only one who lifted his head. The others also lifted their heads in surprise.


    Looking at the gazes of the five people in front of him, the Palace Master snorted coldly.


    ¡°What are you standing here for? Aren¡¯t the others teleporting? Hurry up and leave!¡±


    With that, the Palace Master turned and left with a cold expression.


    It was as though he had come this time to see if their injuries were too serious. At this moment, he discovered that all of them were energetic and lively, so he was relieved.


    ¡°Strange!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s actually no punishment!¡±


    ¡°Is he concerned about us?¡± Everyone looked at each other in surprise. At that moment, they hurriedly walked out of the array formation and dispersed.


    Xu Qing also heaved a sigh of relief. He looked in the direction the Palace Master had left in and suddenly felt that the other party wasn¡¯t that unreasonable. Hence, his body swayed and he left the Sword Holding Palace.


    At that moment, in the Sword Holding Palace, Yao Yunhui and Zhang Siyun were heading out.


    Yao Yunhui was very dissatisfied with her son¡¯s position. She had invited Zhang Siyun¡¯s grandmaster, Deacon Sima, many times but the other party kept on refusing.


    Hence, she had no choice but to personally come and talk to him today.


    Now that the conversation was over, she was about to leave with Zhang Siyun when she suddenly saw Xu Qing leaving.


    Zhang Siyun also saw Xu Qing and disgust appeared in his eyes. However, he didn¡¯t notice his mother¡¯s expression. When she stared at Xu Qing¡¯s back view, she actually looked a little dazed.


    Yao Yunhui stopped in her tracks. Recently, for some reason, every time she thought of Xu Qing and wanted to scheme against him, a thought would appear in her mind, telling her to think more about Xu Qing¡¯s good points.


    This thought kept rising in her heart, entangled with her disgust for it. It grew deeper and deeper until it finally turned into dense complexity.


    Noticing that his mother had stopped in her tracks, Zhang Siyun couldn¡¯t help but look over. He discovered that his mother¡¯s expression was constantly changing, so he was a little worried.


    ¡°Mother¡­¡±


    Today, Yao Yunhui was wearing a black cloud skirt. It contrasted with her snow-white skin and made her look even more moving.


    This was especially so for her perky breasts and long legs that were faintly discernible under her dress.


    She had a slender waist and jade-like legs. Even though she had stopped in her tracks and didn¡¯t move, she still exuded an indescribable temptation.


    Coupled with the beautiful curves of her waist and butt, all of this caused her cold face to hide endless enticement, like a fire sealed in ice.


    At that moment, she looked at the departing Xu Qing. As the complicated emotions in her heart churned unceasingly, she actually muttered for some reason.


    ¡°Yun¡¯er, do you think Xu Qing looks a little like your father?¡±


    Zhang Siyun¡¯s body trembled and his expression changed drastically.


    His eyes were wide open and an indescribable shocking wave rose in his mind. It was as though a million heavenly lightning bolts had exploded in his mind in unison, resounding through him as he cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    After Yao Yunhui finished speaking, she sensed that something was wrong. Her expression turned cold as she spoke gloomily.


    ¡°They¡¯re both trash.¡±


    After saying that, Yao Yunhui let out a cold snort. A look of disgust appeared on her pretty face as she quickly left.


    Her long dress outlined her graceful back view. As she twisted her waist, it attracted the gazes and souls of many Sword Holders in the surroundings.


    When Zhang Siyun heard this, he heaved a sigh of relief and wiped the sweat that had broken out on his forehead.


    This was the first time in his life that he felt a sense of relief when he heard his mother scold his father.


    At the same time, in the air above the county capital, another person also saw Xu Qing¡¯s departing figure.


    This was an old man.


    He stared in the direction Xu Qing had left in with a dumbfounded expression. He rubbed his eyes forcefully and widened his eyes to confirm it. His heart couldn¡¯t help but tremble.


    ¡°This¡­ this¡­¡±


    ¡°This is too f*cking unlucky!¡±


    ¡°Why am I seeing this little bastard here!!¡±


    This person was none other than the old man from Panquan Road. He had come to the county to purchase some supplementary items needed for Ling¡¯er¡¯s inheritance and didn¡¯t have much contact with the outside world recently. Now that he was done buying and was about to leave, he saw Xu Qing.


    After the disbelief, the old man also shivered and felt incomparably grateful.


    ¡°Fortunately, I didn¡¯t let Ling¡¯er follow me!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t let Ling¡¯er know that this evil brat Xu is here!¡±


    The old man from Panquan Road gritted his teeth fiercely and left quickly, afraid that Xu Qing would notice him.


    ¡°I won¡¯t come to the county capital again!¡±

 Chapter 556 - 556 Bizarre Nether Transformation (1)

    556 Bizarre Nether Transformation (1)


    Xu Qing returned and immediately used his voice transmission jade slip to inform Fairy Zi Xuan.


    This was Zi Xuan¡¯s request to him and Chen Erniu on the way to the county capital from the Eight Sects Alliance.


    After all, they were in foreign lands and danger could descend at any time. Zi Xuan¡¯s true mission in guarding the branch sect was to add another layer of protection to the Sword Holders of the Eight Sects Alliance.


    The voice transmission ended and Xu Qing returned to his Sword Pavilion. He didn¡¯t enter immediately but checked the surroundings. After confirming that there were no traces of his arrangements being triggered, he walked in.


    This was a habit that had been engraved in his bones.


    In the Sword Pavilion, Xu Qing took a deep breath and recalled the entire process of this mission, analyzing if he had done anything wrong. It was only when night fell outside that he ended the review.


    However, the figure of the youth lying on the verge of death in the killing array was deeply engraved in his memory.


    ¡°His father should be that true spy¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled.


    He didn¡¯t know if that mysterious spy treated the youth as an abandoned pawn to become one of the diversions that concealed his tracks.


    Or maybe there were even more existences like the youth.


    Or perhaps, the spy intentionally made himself a target to mask the true information he wanted to transmit and hid it among others.


    Everything was unknown.


    Xu Qing thought for a while before shaking his head. After that, he recalled the black-clothed guard with eight palaces whom he had killed.


    ¡°With my current combat strength, I can kill cultivators with eight palaces if I go all out. However, for the nine palaces¡­ it will be difficult.¡± Xu Qing fell silent. He knew that the combat strength of the eight palaces was basically the limit of the vast majority of four life fires aptitudes.


    Of course, there might be even more monstrous existences among them. Although they hadn¡¯t opened the 121st magic aperture, they might have grasped two emperor-level cultivation arts or possessed life lanterns.


    Such a person had the possibility of possessing the combat strength of nine palaces.


    ¡°Other than that, there¡¯s a high chance that those cultivators who have reached the limit of the Heavenly Palaces will also attempt to break through and step into the Nascent Soul realm.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed a hint of contemplation.


    It wasn¡¯t that easy to break through to the Nascent Soul realm, so many people at the extreme of the Golden Core realm were in the Nascent Formation realm. The process was a little mysterious, so they were mostly known as half-step Nascent Soul cultivators or fake Nascent Soul cultivators.


    Xu Qing had also made a judgment about this fake Nascent Soul¡¯s combat strength through this mission.


    ¡°It surpasses the eight palaces and nine palaces and is infinitely close to the ten Heavenly Palaces!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still too weak. I have to speed up my cultivation. Also, I have to make a trip to the Demon Transformation Sect as soon as possible to learn the demon transformation technique.¡± Xu Qing felt that if his analysis wasn¡¯t wrong, the demon transformation technique could to a certain extent manifest the Ghost Emperor in his sea of consciousness.


    ¡°I wonder how much the Ghost Emperor can enhance me after manifesting.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s heart was filled with anticipation.


    ¡°I hope everything goes smoothly. If that¡¯s the case, perhaps I¡¯ll have a Ghost Emperor Palace in the future!¡±


    ¡°My limit is ten Heavenly Palaces. I¡¯ve already completed five of them. As for the remaining five¡­ the Sword Palace can be considered one. If this Ghost Emperor Palace is possible, I¡¯m short of three choices.¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it.


    ¡°Oh right, there¡¯s also the intrinsic mosasaur.¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and ended his analysis and contemplation.


    ¡°Then, the most urgent thing in front of me now is military contributions. I took half a month off previously and there are still seven days left. There¡¯s no point in returning early.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed desire. Whether to learn the demon transformation technique or go to Mount Morning Glow, he needed military contributions.


    Everything depended on military contributions.


    ¡°There should be quite a lot of military contributions for this mission but it¡¯s still not enough¡­¡± Xu Qing took out his command sword and began to search for missions. Very soon, he found a capture mission in the county capital.


    He checked his injuries and walked out of the Sword Pavilion to earn military contributions.


    Just like that, days passed.


    Xu Qing had never heard anyone mention the follow-up to their mission.


    He didn¡¯t know who the real spy was, nor did he know if the other party had been successfully rescued.


    Everything came to an end as the mission ended.


    Seven days later, Xu Qing, who was immersed in earning military contributions, received a urging from the Prison Department. His vacation was over.


    Hence, he could only stop earning military contributions and go to the Prison Department to work early in the morning.


    As he walked on the steps of the Prison Department, Xu Qing felt the familiar coldness. He greeted the few Pawns from Area D he encountered while still pondering about the military contributions.


    When he reached the entrance of D132¡¯s cell, he pushed the cell gate open and walked in.


    After not coming for half a month, the prisoners here were no different from before.


    The cloud beast was still eating its tentacles, and the human woman was still coaxing the straw doll in her arms to sleep. The old man from the Painting Race had a kind look in his eyes as he shouted good morning. The millstone was spinning. Only the head¡¯s eyelids rolled back and sighed.


    ¡°It just stopped for half a month. Why are you back again?¡±


    As usual, after Xu Qing expressionlessly checked the prisoners one by one, he returned to the place where he had been meditating. Just as he sat down, he suddenly frowned and looked around.


    Today, he didn¡¯t see the little boy.


    This situation was a little abnormal. In his memory, every time he came, the little boy would be the first to appear.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the luck?¡± Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the cage where the Painting Race¡¯s old man was.


    The old man from the Painting Race bowed and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Luck¡­ there seems to be a problem. I haven¡¯t seen it for a few days.¡±


    Xu Qing frowned and spread out his perception throughout the cell. He then got up and searched every cage.


    Finally, he stopped in a corner and saw the little boy lying there on the verge of death.

 Chapter 557 - 557 Bizarre Nether Transformation (2)

    557 Bizarre Nether Transformation (2)


    The little boy¡¯s body was very dirty. Its body was blurry and at the same time, it revealed an unprecedented weakness.


    Its condition wasn¡¯t good. It seemed to be in great pain and its body continued to tremble.


    Upon noticing Xu Qing walking over, it slowly lifted its head. Its expression was extremely dispirited and it almost couldn¡¯t open its eyes. However, it still revealed a smile to Xu Qing and tried its best to stand up to follow and continue protecting him.


    However, it couldn¡¯t do it anymore. In the end, it could only look at Xu Qing helplessly. It opened its mouth as though it wanted to say something but couldn¡¯t.


    Compared to its usual liveliness, the little boy at this moment made one instinctively feel pity.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. He sat down and observed the little boy carefully.


    He gradually realized that the source of the other party¡¯s agony was a swirling wisp of black gas writhing within its body.


    This black gas was affecting and changing the little boy.


    The shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor also appeared. The former sized up the little boy curiously while the latter revealed a solemn expression.


    ¡°Master, according to the books I read, I can roughly guess its situation.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor spoke in a low voice.


    Xu Qing looked over.


    ¡°It has been tainted. It must have encountered some unclean things somewhere.¡±


    When the little boy heard this, it nodded weakly.


    Seeing that his guess was true, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor knew that it was time for him to perform. Hence, his expression was solemn as he bowed to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Master, according to my experience, lightning can suppress all unclean evil things. If Master allows it, I can try to use my heavenly tribulation¡¯s lightning to purify its pollution.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He didn¡¯t understand luck and didn¡¯t know what to do to help the little boy relieve its pain. However, he thought of the Palace Master.


    ¡°Does the Palace Master know of your existence?¡± Xu Qing asked softly.


    The little boy nodded.


    ¡°Does he know your current state?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    The little boy weakly raised his hand and gestured. Xu Qing frowned. He couldn¡¯t understand.


    The shadow suddenly spoke.


    ¡°It seems¡­ saying that the Palace Master¡­ helped it to ease¡­ recover quickly¡­¡±


    The shadow clearly had similar experiences in this aspect, so it vaguely understood some of it.


    The little boy nodded lightly. Its body seemed to have become even weaker and its eyes were slowly closing.


    Xu Qing fell silent and looked at the distressed little boy. He allowed the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to give it a try.


    Upon getting the approval, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor immediately raised his hand. Red lightning appeared in his palm, and he released a trace of it on the little boy.


    As the lightning fused into it, the little boy¡¯s body trembled. A trace of black gas was destroyed.


    Seeing that it was effective, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor used more lightning. Very soon, the black gas in the little boy¡¯s body continued to decrease and its sense of weakness slowly dissipated, beginning to recover.


    This method couldn¡¯t remove the root cause. There was still a wisp of black gas in the little boy¡¯s body that couldn¡¯t be dispersed and was still spreading out more.


    This still alleviated its pain. Hence, very soon, the little boy stood up happily and circled around Xu Qing.


    Looking at the trace of black gas in the little boy¡¯s body, Xu Qing felt that this matter wasn¡¯t that simple.


    However, since the Palace Master had already sensed it, this matter wasn¡¯t something he could handle.


    In reality, that was indeed the case. When Xu Qing arrived at D132 again the next day, the little boy had completely recovered. The black gas in its body was completely gone and it was in its usual cheerful self.


    Everything returned to normal. Xu Qing also began his daily routine of working during the day and earning military contributions at night.


    Despite his consistent efforts to earn military contributions, he remained far from reaching his goal. However, one night as he was preparing to set out for more contributions, he received a voice transmission from Kong Xianglong.


    ¡°Xu Qing, are you in the Sword Pavilion? If you¡¯re there, I¡¯ll look for you. The military contributions from the previous mission have been released.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s spirits were lifted.


    Very soon, he saw Kong Xianglong flying over from the Sword Holding Palace.


    Upon seeing Xu Qing, Kong Xianglong laughed and threw a storage bag at Xu Qing.


    ¡°There are two items inside. One is the military contributions certificate. I¡¯ve already helped you record and verify it. You only need to fuse it into your command sword to add the corresponding military contributions.¡±


    ¡°The other is the gift I promised you. Also, I¡¯ve been pondering over your offensive methods during this period of time. I think that if you incorporate the anomalous substances into your bizarre nether hand, its might will be even greater. Moreover, the bizarre nether hand¡¯s origin is nonhuman race to begin with, so if you do this, you need to balance the anomalous substances in your body. This is my suggestion. You can give it a try later.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about it. I have something to do and have to make a trip to the Prison Department. Sigh, the Palace Master has summoned me, so I have no choice but to go.¡± Kong Xianglong sighed. After cupping his fists at Xu Qing, he hurriedly left without waiting for Xu Qing to say anything.


    Looking at Kong Xianglong¡¯s back view, Xu Qing thanked him inwardly. He then cupped his fists and bowed.


    After returning to the Sword Pavilion, he opened the storage bag. There were indeed two items inside. Other than the military contributions certificate, there was also a blue ice cube.


    There was a heart sealed inside!


    This heart was translucent. If one didn¡¯t observe carefully, it would be very difficult to notice it. Moreover, it wasn¡¯t dead and had a hint of vitality.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He recognized that this was the heart of the Bizarre Fiend Race.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with the Bizarre Fiend Race. Back then, he had captured one alive and refined it.


    In reality, it was also this matter that gave Old Master Seventh inspiration for the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art.


    This refinement also allowed Xu Qing¡¯s body to possess the foundation to cultivate the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art.

 Chapter 558 - 558 Bizarre Nether Transformation (3)

    558 Bizarre Nether Transformation (3)


    After that, through Huang Yikun¡¯s fingers, Old Master Seventh¡¯s inspiration had the possibility of being realized. In addition, there was the Bizarre Nether Heart of Sima Ru and countless sects¡¯ similar Dao Seizing techniques, finally forming this Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art.


    Therefore, in theory, the heart of the Bizarre Fiend Race could strengthen the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art.


    However, the number of bizarre fiends was too small. Moreover, with Xu Qing¡¯s current cultivation, there wasn¡¯t much meaning in using the heart of a Foundation Building bizarre fiend. He needed the Golden Core realm¡¯s Bizarre Fiend Heart.


    This heart that was sealed in the blue ice was from a Golden Core realm bizarre fiend.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked in the direction Kong Xianglong had gone to.


    To him, this gift was very heavy.


    After a long time, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked at the ice. Determination appeared in his eyes as he circulated the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art. His arm quickly turned translucent.


    Without any hesitation, he extended his right hand into the ice.


    It pierced through the ice and grabbed at the Bizarre Nether Heart!


    The moment they came into contact, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled.


    The Bizarre Nether Heart that was sealed in the blue ice emitted an intense struggle. One could vaguely hear a furious roar echoing in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, revealing madness. However, Xu Qing ruthlessly grabbed the heart and forcefully suppressed this repulsive force.


    The Bizarre Nether Heart dissipated at a speed visible to the naked eye. A while later, it completely disappeared and was fused into Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation art.


    At the next moment, a large number of mixed memory fragments appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, rumbling in his mind like a storm.


    They were the remnant memories of the owner of the Bizarre Nether Heart.


    It also contained crazy emotions, as though it wasn¡¯t willing to be devoured and wanted to disperse Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness. However, as Xu Qing let out a cold snort, the Ghost Emperor in his sea of consciousness emitted an intense light.


    At the next instant, these memory fragments were crushed like rotten weeds. After they dissipated, Xu Qing¡¯s Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art circulated on its own.


    Gradually, not only did his right hand turn translucent, but his left hand¡­ also began to change at this moment.


    An hour later, Xu Qing took a deep breath and lifted his hands.


    Both his arms were translucent.


    This way, when he used this Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art against enemies in the future, he would be even more agile and his absorption speed would be faster.


    Looking at his hands, Xu Qing revealed a satisfied expression as he thought of what Kong Xianglong had said about condensing anomalous substances.


    ¡°Poison should be fine too,¡± Xu Qing mumbled.


    ¡°That¡¯s not appropriate either. That¡¯s equivalent to telling the enemy that I¡¯m good at the Dao of Poison. Moreover, the effect of my poison spreading out is even better¡­ Of course, this can occasionally be done. It can be used to confuse others and make them pay attention to my hands, ignoring the poison that permeates the surroundings.¡±


    Xu Qing was about to change his train of thought when his voice transmission jade slip suddenly vibrated. The first thing he heard was a long sigh.


    After that, the captain¡¯s resentful voice echoed.


    ¡°Little Qing, you have changed.¡±


    Xu Qing started.


    ¡°You can abandon those female cultivators after fooling around, but I¡¯m your Eldest Senior Brother. You can¡¯t do this.¡±


    ¡°We agreed on brotherhood and to travel together in this life, but in the end, it was only me who thought so¡­¡±


    The captain¡¯s hidden bitterness seemed to be able to penetrate the jade slip and permeate Xu Qing¡¯s Sword Pavilion.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother¡­¡±


    Xu Qing hesitated for a moment. Just as he transmitted his voice, the captain sighed again.


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that I was in the Office of Merit Records and saw that your military contributions had suddenly increased by a large sum, I wouldn¡¯t even know¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Junior Brother. Eldest Senior Brother wishes you well. I hope that you and Kong Xianglong will have a blissful relationship for a hundred years¡­¡±


    Xu Qing felt that the more Eldest Senior Brother spoke, the more nonsense he spouted. Generally speaking, this meant Eldest Senior Brother had a request. Hence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, are you short of spirit stones?¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, in your eyes, is Eldest Senior Brother such a person?!¡± In the jade slip, the captain snorted coldly.


    ¡°Alright, Eldest Senior Brother. Since you don¡¯t lack it, forget it.¡± Xu Qing was unmoved and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Cough¡­ Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, don¡¯t. Actually, its not much.¡± In the jade slip, the captain coughed dryly. He was indeed short of spirit stones.

 Chapter 559 - 559 The Mysterious Great Void World (1)

    559 The Mysterious Great Void World (1)


    ¡°It¡¯s mainly because the cost of buying information is quite high. However, Little Qing, don¡¯t worry, it is all spent on where it matters the most!¡±


    The captain¡¯s awkward laughter spread from the jade slip.


    ¡°Listen, if I pull this off, we¡¯ll be rolling in riches. Even if you go on ten perilous missions for a decade, you won¡¯t be able to match my success this time!¡±


    ¡°Therefore¡­ I need your sponsorship, Junior Brother.¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice was filled with pride and anticipation for the future.


    Xu Qing was also a little curious when he heard this. With his understanding of the captain, this matter was really possible. However, the degree of madness would definitely be extremely great.


    Hence, after some thought, Xu Qing agreed to the spirit stone sponsorship.


    Currently, he had enough spirit stones, but what he needed was military contributions. As a result, after a brief exchange with the captain, he had intended to send them to the captain or arrange for the other party to pick them up. However, he was unaware of the captain¡¯s busy schedule tonight.


    Hence, the two of them agreed to meet at the Demon Transformation Sect tomorrow.


    Xu Qing also informed the captain that they could utilize military contributions to gain access to the cultivation arts of the three great sects. The captain¡¯s interest was piqued upon hearing this.


    ¡°There¡¯s such a thing? I haven¡¯t heard of it.¡±


    ¡°I understand. From the perspective of the Sword Holding Palace, they don¡¯t really want to see that the Sword Holders under them are all from the three great sects. It¡¯s fine now, but there will be some hidden dangers in the future in the long term, so they didn¡¯t publicize the information about using military contributions to learn from the three great sects. However, out of magnanimity, they didn¡¯t stop it either.¡±


    ¡°However, from the perspective of the three great sects, they naturally hope that all the Sword Holders are related to them. Hence, they allowed the imparting of cultivation arts.¡±


    ¡°However, generally speaking, the Sword Holding Palace is the dominant force and the three sects are bound to it. This should also be the way of survival for the three great sects.¡±


    The captain¡¯s analysis was comprehensive. When Xu Qing heard this, he nodded. He felt that what the captain said made sense.


    After the two of them agreed on a time tomorrow, the captain ended the voice transmission.


    After putting down the voice transmission jade slip, Xu Qing continued to ponder about the enhancement of his hands from the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art.


    ¡°As for fusing anomalous substances¡­ Actually, there¡¯s no need for me to limit myself to anomalous substances or poison.¡± Xu Qing thought about it. As the Third Heavenly Palace in his body trembled, the power of the Poison Restriction spread out and fused into his hands.


    In an instant, his hands emitted a dense poison intent. After that, the poison transformed again, forming anomalous substances that belonged to him.


    After the Fourth Heavenly Palace shook, Xu Qing¡¯s hands turned purple. The power of the purple moon permeated his hands at this moment.


    ¡°With such a change, the enemy will be unable to guard against me in a life-and-death battle. At critical moments, I¡¯ll be able to deal a fatal blow.¡±


    The way Xu Qing thought about problems had always been to start from concealment and surprise. This was related to his growth from when he was young and also the style of the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    A night passed as Xu Qing adjusted his Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art. The next day, Xu Qing didn¡¯t go to the Prison Department. Instead, he applied for three days of leave and went to the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect.


    As one of the three major sects in Fenghai County, the location of the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect was located in the southwest direction of the county capital and occupied a large area.


    There were many teleportation arrays around it, allowing the true sect territory that was some distance away to maintain a close relationship with the county capital.


    There was only one mission for the branch sect here, and that was to serve the Sword Holders.


    When Xu Qing arrived, he saw many Sword Holders entering and exiting. The captain had long arrived. He squatted not far away and waved at Xu Qing as he ate an apple.


    ¡°Little Qing, over here.¡±


    Xu Qing walked over.


    The captain threw an apple over.


    Xu Qing caught it and took a bite before passing the spirit tickets to the captain.


    Looking at the spirit tickets, the captain was incomparably excited. After taking a big bite of the apple, he spoke mysteriously.


    ¡°Junior Brother, don¡¯t worry. According to my plan, it won¡¯t be long before we can do something big.¡±


    ¡°How high is the risk?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s no risk at all!¡± The captain looked confident.


    Xu Qing nodded. He understood that this meant that the risk was incomparably great.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about it anymore. I¡¯m going to look for Wu Jianwu. This guy spent a lot of spirit stones to carry out a Sword Holder substitute assessment through my connections. Today, he¡¯s going to carry out the emperor¡¯s heart inquisition. I gave him some of the materials I used back then last night and made him feel that his money was well spent.¡±


    The captain stood up.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look at the results and see if he also got ten feet!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes revealed anticipation as he left excitedly.


    Xu Qing silently glanced at the captain¡¯s back view. He felt that the captain must have a grudge with Wu Jianwu. Otherwise, why would he scam someone twice in a row?


    After watching the captain leave, Xu Qing entered the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect.


    The Great Void Demon Transformation¡¯s branch sect, which was established in the county capital, had a ring-shaped overall appearance. Under the encirclement of circles of buildings, it formed a Great Void Formation that was unique to the sect.


    Every building was carved with strange-looking ferocious beasts. Some were sinister, savage, and some were calm and auspicious. Most of them were creatures of the forbidden zones, but there were also some nonhuman races.


    However, in the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect¡¯s understanding, they could all be used as demon seeds.


    The place to learn the demon transformation technique was in the magic impartation hall.


    This hall wasn¡¯t a hall in the usual sense, but rather a series of stone cubicles, each independent and isolated from the others.


    There were a hundred of them.


    After spending a certain amount of military contributions, Xu Qing was politely brought here by the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect disciple. He chose a cubicle and walked in.


    In the cubicle, Xu Qing saw the array formation carved on the ground and a stone tablet.


    The stone tablet wasn¡¯t very old and didn¡¯t contain much sense of passage of time. However, the runes on it exuded an ancient charm.

 Chapter 560 - 560 The Mysterious Great Void World (2)

    560 The Mysterious Great Void World (2)


    Clearly, this stone tablet was copied and not truly an isolated item.


    However, to be able to be placed here, it must be a unique item that didn¡¯t affect one¡¯s comprehension of cultivation arts. Hence, after Xu Qing checked, he sat down cross-legged and took a deep breath as he looked at the stone tablet with determination.


    ¡°The military contribution points required for comprehension are quite high. I have three days of comprehension time. It¡¯s best if I can succeed in one go!¡±


    ¡°I hope this demon transformation technique matches my judgment and can allow my Ghost Emperor Mountain¡­ to materialize.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate. His perception spread out and fused into the stone tablet in front of him.


    The instant he came into contact with the stone tablet, he heard roars that seemed to come from ancient times echoing in his mind.


    These roars grew increasingly intense, drowning him like a storm. His body trembled and he could sense an eruption of teleportation power.


    This was completely different from the comprehension experiences he had previously. Xu Qing opened his eyes and what appeared in front of him was nothingness.


    The place he was at was no longer the enlightenment cubicle of the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect. He had actually been teleported into the body of a translucent fish.


    This fish¡¯s body was 100 feet long and some parts were covered in black runes. On them were depictions of crying faces, and faint cries echoed from them as it floated forward in the void.


    There was also a green lantern in front of the fish that emitted a dim and eerie light. In the void, it was like a ball of ghastly ghost fire that was guiding the way.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook. This scene was beyond his expectations. Just as his expression changed and he stood up from the fish¡¯s body with a sense of vigilance, an ancient voice reverberated in the fish¡¯s body.


    ¡°A trial-taker of the demon transformation technique.¡±


    ¡°The place you¡¯re going to now is the true place of comprehension of the demon transformation technique.¡±


    ¡°That place¡­ is called the Great Void World.¡±


    ¡°The Great Void World is an extremely mysterious world fragment that our sect¡¯s ancestor accidentally discovered. You will complete the contract with the Great Void World there. Once you succeed, you will have the ability to transform into a demon from now on.¡±


    ¡°The demon transformation technique doesn¡¯t need comprehension, it only depends on the contract.¡±


    ¡°What you really need to comprehend is the demon body that will be transported into your sea of consciousness in the future after you succeed in the contract. The principle of demon transformation is actually to borrow the power of the Great Void World to help you materialize the demon. That¡¯s why¡­ there¡¯s such a contract.¡±


    ¡°The signing of this contract doesn¡¯t necessarily mean success. There¡¯s a high chance of failure. Moreover, the Great Void World is cunning. Whether you can successfully sign the contract in the end will depend on your luck.¡±


    ¡°However, please remember that this is a top-secret of our sect. It can¡¯t be divulged to outsiders. Those who violate it will be punished!¡±


    ¡°Regardless of success or failure, after you enter the Great Void World, you can return here by silently chanting ¡®Return to Fish¡¯. I wish you good luck.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. He could tell that this ancient voice wasn¡¯t only transmitted to him. From the other party¡¯s tone, he could tell that it was a voice recording.


    Just as Xu Qing was thinking, his eyes suddenly narrowed. He saw an incomparably huge statue of a one-eyed being in the distant void.


    There was a gaping hole in the stone statue¡¯s chest.


    The stone statue¡¯s face was blurred, with only its open mouth discernible. From a distance, it looked like the entrance to another world.


    The fish Xu Qing was in leaped up and arrived in front of the stone statue.


    After the translucent fish¡¯s body twitched, it spat out a bubble. Xu Qing¡¯s body entered the stone statue¡¯s mouth in this bubble.


    At the next instant, what appeared in front of Xu Qing was a world that exceeded his imagination.


    The world was shrouded in a thin fog, accompanied by eerie whispers that echoed through the mist. What made it even more eerie was a massive white object.


    The first thing that caught Xu Qing¡¯s attention was creases that were like a wave. After that, it grew larger and larger until the white object was completely revealed.


    It was a huge brain!


    Not only were there creases on it, but there was also a clear central groove. At the same time, there were two slightly smaller brown cerebellums beside the dark-colored brain stem.


    It floated in the fog and one could see veins that looked like blood vessels and nerves under it, like messy tree branches.


    This brain wasn¡¯t unique in this world of fog.


    Xu Qing¡¯s pupils contracted. There were a lot of brain trees in the fog. They were all moving in the fog. At that moment, hundreds of them had appeared in his surroundings and there were even more in the depths of the fog.


    The overall number couldn¡¯t be counted.


    Moreover, every brain tree here was squirming and whispering.


    ¡°There¡¯s another one.¡±


    ¡°Shh, lower your voice. Don¡¯t scare him away.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s another one in the distance. I wonder if they know each other.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but this one looks delicious. I heard that the Void Race is going to war. We have to be careful.¡±


    ¡°Come, choose me. Let¡¯s sign a contract.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to transform into a demon? I can help you achieve it, as long as you¡­ give me a portion of your memories.¡±


    ¡°Any memory can be sacrificed to me. As long as I¡¯m satisfied, I¡¯ll sign a contract with you.¡±


    All the voices seemed to be speaking in a low voice. It was extremely bizarre.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. This was the first time he had encountered such a comprehension of a cultivation art. As he coldly looked around, a brain tree floated toward him.


    ¡°They¡¯re all lying to you and want to eat you up. Sign a contract with me. You just need to raise your hand for me to touch. I only want a small portion of your memories. Give them to me. I¡¯m so hungry. Hurry up and give them to me¡­¡±


    The brain emitted a mental voice that was filled with desire and greed. As it spoke, the brain was still squirming rapidly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t believe it. It has deceived many people. Previously, it ate a companion of yours until he lost all his memories and forgot to sign a contract with it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s very cunning. If you choose me, I¡¯ll only eat a little. Give it to me.¡±


    ¡°Choose me¡­ I¡¯m so hungry. I want to eat. If you don¡¯t give it to me, I won¡¯t let you leave!¡±


    The sounds in the surroundings instantly increased. Dozens of brains headed straight for Xu Qing and surrounded him. They revealed desire but also unconcealed malice and greed.


    Xu Qing fell silent as he recalled the ancient voice on his way here.


    This was a strange fragmented world called the Great Void. One could activate the demon transformation technique by signing a contract with this place. From what he was seeing now, the way to sign a contract was to let one of the brain trees eat a portion of his memories, and moreover, it had to be satisfied.


    This was the cunning part. Whether they were satisfied or not, they had the final say.


    ¡°Memory¡­¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and suddenly looked at the brain that emitted the most malice as he spoke softly.


    ¡°I choose you.¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing lifted his hand.


    The constantly squirming brain instantly arrived and touched Xu Qing¡¯s palm.


    ¡°Then, which memory do you want to give me¡­¡± As the voice rang out, an unholy and greedy consciousness headed straight for Xu Qing¡¯s mind. However, it didn¡¯t seem to be able to take the initiative to choose and needed Xu Qing to release his memory to it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give my memories of D132 to you. Let¡¯s see if you can remember and taste the things I can¡¯t remember.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were cold as he spoke softly.


    At the next instant, the brain that came into contact with his palm suddenly trembled.

 Chapter 561 - 561 The Ghost Emperor Descends! (1)

    561 The Ghost Emperor Descends! (1)


    In the bizarre world, a scene that was even stranger than this place was happening.


    In the endless fog, as Xu Qing released D132¡¯s memories, the brain tree that was filled with greed and malice couldn¡¯t help but tremble.


    It saw an existence it couldn¡¯t see. This place didn¡¯t have the suppression of the Prison Department¡¯s power, so it couldn¡¯t forget after seeing it.


    Moreover, it was a unique existence that existed by devouring memories. All of this caused the pain it was feeling to be extremely intense. In the end, it even let out a blood-curdling scream.


    The other brain trees in the surroundings seemed to rarely encounter such a thing or it had been a long time since they experienced it. At this moment, all of them emitted curious emotions.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s that delicious?¡±


    ¡°I want to give it a try too.¡±


    These words made Xu Qing immediately understand that these brains from the Great Void World were a little naive.


    Amidst the curiosity of these brain trees, the screams of the brain in front of Xu Qing became mournful.


    Regardless of whether it was the cerebrum or the cerebellum, they were squirming intensely. The brain stem even twitched and even emitted an intense struggle, wanting to retreat.


    However, Xu Qing grabbed it tightly. His fingers sank into it, preventing it from breaking free. He then calmly spoke.


    ¡°Is it delicious?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± The agonizing cry of the brain tree became more astonishing and spread in all directions. At the next instant, it directly exploded, shattering into countless pieces that splattered in all directions.


    Its body and soul were destroyed.


    Its death caused the surroundings to instantly fall silent. No matter how naive the other brains were, they all came to their senses. All of them instantly retreated and screams rang out.


    ¡°Why did it explode!¡±


    ¡°What memory did it eat?!¡±


    ¡°What did you feed it?!¡±


    Xu Qing expressionlessly shook the slime off his hand and fell into deep thought.


    This was a method he had thought of on the spur of the moment. It could also be used as a test against D132.


    In reality, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t as clueless about D132 as he looked on the surface.


    Although he didn¡¯t know the details, he had long analyzed a portion of the answers from the bamboo slips that keep on decreasing, the words of the head, and various other details.


    A terrifying existence was in D132. He should have woken up many times but he couldn¡¯t remember it.


    ¡°It must be related to the god.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps that¡¯s an existence that can cause everyone who sees and remembers it to fall into a curse and die?¡±


    ¡°Therefore, there¡¯s a high chance that the Prison Department¡¯s suppression is to make everyone who sees it forget, thereby severing the cause and effect?¡±


    ¡°Is this why I can¡¯t remember that memory?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He vaguely remembered that the previous guardian of D132 had told him that when you thought you knew the answer, there were actually more waiting for you.


    ¡°Then before I forget, is this the answer I get? Or is there a deeper secret that I don¡¯t know? And how many of my answers are correct?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and his gaze landed on the other brain trees.


    He felt that this strange Great Void World was very interesting. Not only could he obtain the demon transformation technique here, but he could also use it to probe D132.


    Xu Qing was prepared to give it another try. Hence, he took a step forward and directly appeared in front of a brain tree. The other party¡¯s body trembled and it was about to dodge when Xu Qing lifted his right hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s very delicious. Come and eat.¡±


    The brain seemed to be struggling but its thirst for memory still made it carefully approach and touch Xu Qing¡¯s palm. The other brain trees also observed.


    However, at the next instant, the brain tree that came into contact with Xu Qing trembled intensely and let out a mournful cry. Just as all the creases on it distorted intensely and were about to explode, Xu Qing quickly spoke.


    ¡°What did you see?!¡±


    ¡°I saw¡­¡±


    Before it could finish speaking, the brain tree shattered into pieces.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was ugly. He turned his head and looked at the next brain tree.


    All the brains in the surroundings instantly retreated. All of them emitted clear fluctuations of horror and left crazily.


    Xu Qing was a little unwilling. Hence, he chased after one of them and soon caught up to it. As the other party screamed, he came into contact with it and spoke softly.


    ¡°Come, it¡¯s delicious.¡±


    Just like that, time flowed by. Three days later, when the time limit was up, the big fish waiting in front of the statue sucked forcefully. Immediately, Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared in the big fish¡¯s body.


    As the big fish turned its head and returned, Xu Qing, who had appeared in its body, turned his head and looked at the statue. His eyes were filled with regret.


    ¡°Unfortunately, I didn¡¯t completely probe the answer and only found a portion. If I had more time¡­¡±


    Xu Qing muttered inwardly. He felt that this place would become the place where he could unlock the secrets of D132.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that the amount of military contribution points to enter here is too much.¡±


    Shaking his head, Xu Qing lifted his hand, revealing a rune that bore resemblance to the brain tree, floating in his palm.


    This was the contract with the Great Void World.


    Every trial taker who came here would be given such a rune as a contract after they successfully satisfied the brain tree, allowing them to transform into demons in the future.


    Moreover, other than the cultivators bearing the consumption of transforming into demons, the Great Void World would also share a portion of the consumption.

 Chapter 562 - 562 The Ghost Emperor Descends! (2)

    562 The Ghost Emperor Descends! (2)


    As for the ratio of consumption borne by the two sides, it differed from person to person, based on the contract signed with the brain trees in the Great Void World.


    Xu Qing suppressed the regret in his heart and waved his hand again. A second, third, fourth¡­


    In the end, a total of 32 runes floated in front of him.


    Each of them was a contract that could allow him to manifest the image in his sea of consciousness. As for the consumption, the Great Void World bore most of it, while he would only pay a little.


    Xu Qing understood the reason.


    This was the kind recognition from the brain trees in the Great Void World.


    There were so many runes because the weight of this recognition was very heavy.


    Xu Qing flicked his sleeve and kept the 32 runes, before closing his eyes and meditating.


    Time flowed by and unknowingly, his body trembled again. The feeling of teleportation appeared and his figure disappeared from the big fish¡¯s body, returning to the enlightenment cubicle of the Great Void Demonic Sect¡¯s branch sect in the county capital.


    As the teleportation ended, Xu Qing opened his eyes and recalled his experiences in the past three days. Finally, he took a deep breath and stood up to walk out of the cubicle.


    He wanted to return to the Sword Pavilion and try to see if the demon transformation technique could materialize the Ghost Emperor as he had thought.


    With this thought in mind, Xu Qing flew out of the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect¡¯s branch sect and headed straight for the ground. After he arrived at his Sword Pavilion, he immediately stepped in and activated the surrounding array formation defense.


    After doing this, Xu Qing checked his cultivation room.


    The cultivation room of the Sword Pavilion formed a space of its own with a very large area.


    After confirming that this place could barely accommodate the Ghost Emperor, anticipation appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He took out a contract rune of a brain tree and slowly fused it into the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness.


    As he got closer, the rune shone with a resplendent light.


    The light grew larger and larger until it transformed into a sea of light that enveloped the Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    Immediately, a blurry mountain peak appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s body, gradually replacing his figure.


    Although it was much smaller than the true Ghost Emperor Mountain, it was still astonishing. Upon closer inspection, one could see that this mountain was a humanoid figure sitting cross-legged and meditating!


    It was translucent and blurry, but its monstrous ferocity couldn¡¯t be hidden. One could vaguely see that this humanoid figure was wearing pitch-black armor and holding a huge blade. He carried two worlds on his shoulder.


    He was like the spirit of an evil god.


    His armor emitted a power of destruction, and his huge blade seemed to be able to cut through the world.


    An astonishing energy fluctuation filled with cruelty, madness, and anger toward the world emitted from his body.


    There was also a rod that vaguely manifested on the figure¡¯s knees, emitting a terrifying pressure.


    This figure was none other than the Ghost Emperor!


    As for his appearance, it was 80% similar to Xu Qing!


    However, its entire figure was only 10% materialized and didn¡¯t have any substance. But just this 10% surpassed the endurance limit of the Sword Pavilion, and rumbling sounds rang out, as though it was about to shatter.


    As cracking sounds echoed, the contract rune in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness shattered into pieces.


    The sea of light dissipated and the Ghost Emperor phantom outside Xu Qing¡¯s body also instantly dissipated.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and he opened his eyes, spitting out a large mouthful of blood. However, his eyes revealed intense excitement.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. He had yearned for the Ghost Emperor Mountain to manifest for a long time but he was unable to do so. It was only at that instant earlier that he finally felt hope of success.


    Although he still failed in the end, this was because the contract rune had reached its limit.


    ¡°Ten runes should be enough to complete one manifestation!¡± Xu Qing was tempted. He took a deep breath and suppressed the thought of continuing to try.


    He only had 31 contract runes left now, and he felt a little pained to waste them in a test.


    ¡°It can be used as my trump card. Based on rough calculations, I should be able to use the Ghost Emperor¡¯s body three times.¡±


    A sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. At the same time, he was thinking about how he should continue to accumulate military contributions to make a trip to the Great Void World after using up all the contract runes.


    Just as he was calculating this matter, his voice transmission jade slip vibrated and the captain¡¯s lifeless and confused voice rang out.


    ¡°Junior Brother¡­¡±


    Xu Qing started and took out the voice transmission jade slip.


    ¡°What happened again?¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, what do you think is the reason? Why?¡± In the jade slip, the captain¡¯s voice was filled with bitterness and deep confusion.


    ¡°I sold the answers to that fool Wu Jianwu at a high price, and even watched as he recited them all. I was even worried that he would forget and tested him several times. I even watched as he walked toward the heart inquisition. In the end, I watched as he¡­ got a light that was 50,000 feet long!¡±


    ¡°Fifty thousand feet!!¡±


    ¡°Same answers, but why am I only ten feet? I originally planned to let him be ten feet too, so I could have a companion¡­¡±


    Xu Qing tacitly agreed. After a long time, he comforted, ¡°Even ten feet has a good point. At least, this is unique.¡±


    The jade slip fell silent. After a long time, the captain¡¯s despondent voice rang out.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you really don¡¯t know how to comfort people.¡±


    ¡°Do you think that Wu Jianwu put himself in the shoes of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether and recited a poem in front of the emperor?¡±


    ¡°No, I have to ask!¡±


    Xu Qing held the jade slip and felt a lot of sympathy for the captain. Considering the friendship between fellow disciples, Xu Qing mourned for a few breaths¡­


    After that, he quickly kept the jade slip and got up to head out. He then began to accept missions to earn military contributions.


    Time flowed by and Xu Qing wasn¡¯t sure if the captain finally got an answer. During this period of time, his main focus was on military contributions.


    There were many missions to patrol, search, capture, and assist.


    Among them, Shan He, Wang Chen, and Night Spirit helped him many times. They were from different departments. Every time there was a mission, regardless of the scale of the mission, they would call everyone over.


    Occasionally, Kong Xianglong would also call them to complete big missions together. Although the contribution points were distributed, the speed of completion was astonishing.


    After Zi Xuan heard that Xu Qing yearned for military contributions, she issued an order as the person in charge of the Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s branch sect. Hence, the Sword Holders who had come out of the Eight Sects Alliance in the past also helped.


    After all, Xu Qing¡¯s position was the Palace Master¡¯s edict bearer. This identity and his 100,000 feet long light caused many people to be willing to befriend him.


    Moreover, they all came from the Alliance.


    Previously, it was because Xu Qing was too low-key and rarely interacted with others, so no one had this chance.


    Now that Zi Xuan had given the order, everyone was more than willing. Very few people would reject such an easy way to build a good karma.


    In the end, Xu Qing completed six to seven missions every night.


    His military contributions began to increase rapidly. Even though it wasn¡¯t high, as he watched the number of military contributions continue to increase, a sense of satisfaction still rose in his heart.


    Such a crazy mission acceptance also caused Xu Qing¡¯s reputation in the county capital to spread more and more.


    As for the Prison Department, Xu Qing continued to go over during the day. Everything was normal and there were no more problems with the little boy.


    Half a month later, Xu Qing, who had just walked out of D132, was about to continue accepting missions. However, before he could leave the Prison Department, his Sword Holder¡¯s command sword sent a decree from the Sword Holding Palace.


    ¡°Xu Qing, come to the Sword Holding Palace immediately!¡±


    The voice was very dignified, revealing a cold and murderous intent that left no room for doubt.


    * * *

 Chapter 563 - 563 Ill Intentions

    563 Ill Intentions


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and looked at the command sword in his hand with a hint of contemplation.


    This decree came very suddenly and mentioned no reason. As for the voice, it was a little familiar. After recalling carefully, he remembered that it belonged to Deacon Sima from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was deep. He thought of Zhang Siyun and the Yao family.


    ¡°Why is Deacon Sima looking for me?¡±


    While Xu Qing was thinking, his sword vibrated again. This time, it was Kong Xianglong¡¯s voice transmission.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you also received the decree, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Xu Qing had a faint answer in his mind.


    ¡°Then there¡¯s no mistake. Little He, Little Chen, and the others also received it. Sigh, it should be the follow-up to our killing of the Holy Wave Race cultivators.¡±


    After knowing that Xu Qing had also received the decree, Kong Xianglong hurriedly ended the voice transmission. He was on his way to the Sword Holding Palace.


    Xu Qing also left the Prison Department.


    At that moment, the sky was enveloped in dusk, with the setting sun resembling red clouds that smeared across the sky. The afterglow scattered onto the ground, casting an eerie crimson hue, as if illuminating the land with blood.


    Xu Qing took a glance at the sky before flying toward the Sword Holding Palace.


    The status of a deacon was high and mighty in the Sword Holding Palace. Each of them had their own main responsibilities. Among them, Deacon Sima¡¯s responsibilities were mostly related to law enforcement and the discipline of the Sword Holder.


    Hence, regardless of whether it was Kong Xianglong or Xu Qing, they couldn¡¯t ignore his order.


    Before long, Xu Qing arrived at the Sword Holding Palace, still lost in thought on how to deal with the situation. As soon as he arrived, he saw Kong Xianglong and Night Spirit.


    ¡°Don¡¯t admit it no matter what!¡± Seeing Xu Qing flying over, Kong Xianglong immediately transmitted his voice.


    Xu Qing nodded. Not long later, Shan He and Wang Chen also rushed over. Their expressions were gloomy and grim.


    After arriving beside Xu Qing and Kong Xianglong, Shan He directly cursed.


    ¡°Brother Kong, Xu Qing, what is the Sword Holding Palace doing? Were we in the wrong?¡±


    ¡°Little He!¡± Kong Xianglong glared.


    Shan He snorted and didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on yet. Come, let¡¯s not make Deacon Sima wait too long.¡± Kong Xianglong slowly spoke and led the way.


    Xu Qing thought about it and turned to look at the furious Shan He and Wang Chen¡¯s smoke clone. He then spoke softly.


    ¡°It might be better if more people see it.¡±


    Shan He and Wang Chen immediately understood and took out their jade slips. Night Spirit did the same.


    Kong Xianglong didn¡¯t stop them but the large strides he took changed into small steps.


    Just like that, the group of them stepped through the gate of the Sword Holding Palace. After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, they finally arrived at the Discipline Hall where Deacon Sima was.


    Dozens of people were standing solemnly outside the Discipline Palace.


    All of them had cold expressions and their cultivation levels weren¡¯t ordinary. Their clothes weren¡¯t the Daoist robes of the Sword Holding Palace but yellow. There was ¡®µÀ1¡ä embroidered on their sleeves.


    Upon seeing Xu Qing and the others, the dozens of people present cast their gazes in their direction.


    Kong Xianglong raised his eyebrows and refrained from speaking. He stood outside and cupped his fists toward the Discipline Hall in a respectful gesture.


    ¡°I, Kong Xianglong, am here in response to Deacon Sima¡¯s decree.¡±


    ¡°They are cultivators of the Yao family.¡± Wang Chen¡¯s smoke clone reminded Xu Qing softly. After that, like Kong Xianglong, he cupped his fists and spoke.


    Xu Qing, Shan He, and Night Spirit also greeted.


    As everyone spoke, a cold snort rang out from the Discipline Hall. After that, three people walked out of the hall.


    The person in the middle was none other than Zhang Siyun¡¯s grandmaster, Deacon Sima.


    On his left was an old man wearing the same Daoist robe as the Yao family¡¯s cultivators. However, his Spirit Repository cultivation base energy was extremely obvious. His eyes seemed to contain lightning, and he swept his gaze across Xu Qing and the others expressionlessly.


    And to Deacon Sima¡¯s right, there was another one.


    The instant they saw this person, the pupils of Xu Qing and the others narrowed.


    This person wasn¡¯t a human.


    He was from the Holy Wave Race.


    It was none other than the black-clothed guard from the Holy Wave Race who had shouted at Xu Qing and the others but didn¡¯t cross the border.


    This person clearly had a certain status in the Holy Wave Race. His cultivation was also at the Spirit Repository. As his aura spread out, four powerful, secret repositories faintly appeared behind him.


    He stood on Deacon Sima¡¯s right and coldly swept his gaze across Xu Qing and the others.


    When he saw the Holy Wave Race in the Sword Holding Palace, Xu Qing felt that this was like a joke. While it was extremely ironic, he also noticed that Kong Xianglong and the others were all panting.


    At this moment, Deacon Sima calmly spoke to the old man from the Yao family on the left.


    ¡°Steward Sun, they are here. You can ask them now.¡±


    The old man from the Yao family nodded. He first cupped his fists and bowed to Deacon Sima. After that, he turned his head and coldly looked at Xu Qing and the others. His expression was incomparably gloomy and his voice was murderous as he spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°Such audacity!¡±


    ¡°Without even knowing the truth and for no reason, you cruelly tortured and killed the Holy Wave Race¡¯s envoy¡¯s followers who visited my Fenghai County!¡±


    ¡°You deserve death for destroying the diplomacy of our two races!¡±


    Xu Qing frowned. There was something wrong with the other party¡¯s words. The main point wasn¡¯t killing, but not knowing the truth and having no reason.


    This reprimand gave Xu Qing the feeling that the other party wanted them to give him the reason.


    However¡­ according to Xu Qing¡¯s secret training and understanding in the Sword Holding Palace, he was very clear that the matter of receiving the spy couldn¡¯t be said openly. The two races had an unspoken mutual understanding regarding the matters of spies.


    However, if they said it openly, it would be a different matter, and would only cause trouble.


    Also, their answers might allow the other party to find some clues.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. Shan He and the others also quickly understood this logic. No one was stupid and no one spoke. Kong Xianglong even put on a confused expression.


    ¡°Torturing and killing the followers of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s envoy? Impossible. We¡¯ve been cultivating during this period of time. Everyone can testify for each other.¡±


    The old man from the Yao family let out a cold snort, as though he couldn¡¯t be bothered to argue with Kong Xianglong. A respectful expression appeared on his face as he cupped his fists toward the Holy Wave Race cultivator.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Chen, what do you think?¡±


    The middle-aged black-clothed guard from the Holy Wave Race glanced at Xu Qing and the others. He suddenly smiled and turned to speak to Deacon Sima.


    ¡°Deacon Sima, the reason for this is actually because the envoy group discovered a spy with unknown origins on the way here. That kid stole an important item of our race.¡±


    ¡°Hence, the envoy ordered for his arrest. However, in the end, not only did they not find the spy, but the followers of the envoy group were also cruelly killed by your Sword Holding Palace.¡±


    ¡°Was the spy who stole the important item of my race sent by your Sword Holding Palace? He was deliberately sent to our place to steal the item? Our two races have been on good terms for generations. Is this the intention of your Sword Holding Palace, Fenghai County, or your human race?¡±


    At this point, the eyes of the middle-aged black-clothed guard of the Holy Wave Race lit up. He raised his right hand and waved it. Immediately, a jade slip appeared, and an image flickered inside.


    The image recorded the scene of Xu Qing and the others killing that half-step Nascent Soul cultivator and escaping. It also included what Kong Xianglong had said at the end.


    A cold glint appeared in the eyes of Kong Xianglong and the others.


    Xu Qing was expressionless but his gaze was equally cold.


    Deacon Sima¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. After glancing at the recording, he shook his head.


    ¡°My Sword Holding Palace never had such a decree or spies.¡±


    The old man from the Yao family said coldly.


    ¡°If there are no spies and they weren¡¯t on a mission, then what these people did was completely private. Killing Holy Wave Race cultivators in an attempt to cause a war between the two races is unforgivable!¡±


    ¡°Guards, detain them and send them to the Holy Wave Race to comfort those heroes who died tragically!¡±


    As soon as the old man from the Yao family finished speaking, the dozens of Yao family cultivators on the square immediately circulated their cultivation bases and walked toward Xu Qing and the others.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Kong Xianglong lifted his head. The instant his gaze revealed hostility, rainbows suddenly appeared behind the square and whistled over.


    The commotion was extremely great, causing the sound of air breaking to ring out as they headed straight for the square.


    Following the rumbling sounds, numerous figures descended. They were all Sword Holders!


    They were the Sword Holders of the Eight Sects Alliance.


    Over the years, most of the Sword Holders of the Eight Sects Alliance had been arranged to work in other provinces. However, the ones who were currently in the county capital had all arrived.


    Previously, on the way, Xu Qing had sent them a voice transmission.


    As they descended, these Sword Holders of the Eight Sects Alliance spread out their baleful auras and guarded Xu Qing and the others. They then looked at the Yao family members with sinister smiles and disdain.


    ¡°Interesting. Capturing the Sword Holder in our Sword Holding Palace?¡±


    ¡°Come, come, come, take your grandfather2 to the Holy Wave Race as well!¡±


    ¡°To comfort the heroic spirits of the Holy Wave Race?¡±


    ¡°F*cking b*stards!¡±


    As they spoke, these Sword Holders circulated their cultivation bases and their auras soared into the sky, filled with killing intent.


    The Yao family cultivators stopped in their tracks.


    Steward Sun of the Yao family snorted coldly. Just as he was about to speak, whistling sounds rang out in the distance again!


    Another group of Sword Holders whistled through the air and rushed over.


    There were a hundred or so in this group, and all of them emitted monstrous murderous auras. They were all from the Primordial Lightning Lineage. After receiving Wang Chen¡¯s notice, they quickly rushed over.


    As they got closer, thunder rumbled, shaking the heavens and the earth.


    Chen Tinghao was among them. He sneered and growled.


    ¡°Who dares to touch my Sword Holder!¡±


    The other Sword Holders of the Primordial Lightning Lineage also cursed one after another.


    ¡°So what if we killed the Holy Wave Race? So what? I¡¯ve even eaten them before!¡±


    ¡°Yao family, do you still have any shame?!¡±


    Seeing this scene, the hearts of all the Yao family cultivators trembled.


    However, all of this wasn¡¯t over. In an instant, whistling sounds rang out from afar again!


    Sword Holders from the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect and the Blood Frost Sect also arrived rapidly. There were hundreds of them and their auras were imposing.


    The Sword Holders of the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect had already transformed into demons, filling the sky with their large bodies. They were like a group of demons dancing wildly, and even the color of the world seemed to change.


    The Blood Frost Sect also emitted monstrous blood qi. Rumbling sounds rang out in all directions, and wind and clouds surged. Cold voices rang out, echoing in all directions.


    ¡°Insisting on being a dog instead of a human!¡±


    ¡°Calling you dogs is an insult to dogs!¡±


    ¡°B*stards who are worse than pigs and dogs!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s see who dares to touch our Sword Holder!¡±


    Nearly a thousand Sword Holders¡¯ majestic auras resounded through the clouds and surrounded this place. They stared at the Yao family and the Holy Wave Race cultivator with dense bloodlust.


    The killing intent was so intense that it caused the heavens and the earth to tremble.


    It was as though as long as the Yao family dared to make a move at all, they would destroy everything, leaving no one alive.


    Facing such a baleful aura, the expressions of the Yao family¡¯s cultivators changed drastically.


    This was especially so when there were still many murderous Sword Holders approaching rapidly from afar.


    When Steward Sun saw all of this, his heart trembled intensely. His breathing became slightly hurried and his eyes narrowed.


    A mutiny seemed to be about to happen.


    ¡°Deacon Sima!¡± Steward Sun suddenly turned his head to look at Deacon Sima. The expression of the black-clothed guard of the Holy Wave Race at the side was also extremely gloomy.


    Deacon Sima¡¯s expression still didn¡¯t change. He spoke with a fake smile.


    ¡°Manager Sun, I called them over for the sake of the Yao Residence. You¡¯ve finished asking them and you heard their answers.¡±


    ¡°Everything is very clear. We didn¡¯t send the spy, nor did we kill the followers of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s envoy. As for the recording jade slip, I can forge a lot of it. If you like it, I¡¯ll give you some later.¡±


    Deacon Sima stroked his beard and smiled as he spoke softly.


    ¡°I have done my part, but your Yao family is a little insensitive to speak like this in my Sword Holding Palace.¡±


    ¡°You said the wrong thing and incited the public anger of the Sword Holding Palace. Even I can¡¯t help you with this.¡±

 Chapter 564 - 564 Walking Alone (1)

    564 Walking Alone (1)


    ¡°You!¡±


    Steward Sun¡¯s expression instantly turned ugly. He looked at the battle-ready Sword Holders who were surrounding them like a pack of vicious wolves and then at the envoy of the Holy Wave Race beside him.


    His expression changed and he complained inwardly.


    In reality, he didn¡¯t want to come either. After all, bringing the Holy Wave Race to the Sword Holding Palace to capture the Sword Holders was already a ridiculous thing. However, the marquis had ordered him to make sure the envoy of the Holy Wave Race was satisfied. Hence, he could only grit his teeth fiercely at this moment, and his eyes revealed a ferocious glint.


    ¡°The marquis has ordered the capture of Kong Xianglong and the other four!¡±


    Deacon Sima frowned. As for the black-clothed guard of the Holy Wave Race, the gloominess on his face faded a little. He smiled slightly and a deep glint flashed in the depths of his eyes.


    This time, he had followed the clan¡¯s delegation team here. In reality, his main purpose wasn¡¯t to find trouble with Kong Xianglong and the others, but to observe the Yao family.


    He had been observing the expressions of all the Yao family cultivators, and even used a secret technique to verify if they were putting on a show.


    At that moment, the dozens of Yao family cultivators on the square were complaining inwardly when they heard Steward Sun. However, they had no choice but to move forward under this order. Their cultivation bases circulated wildly and their auras rose, wanting to rush toward Xu Qing and the others.


    Just as a battle was about to occur, a cold snort rang out from the sky.


    ¡°How unseemly!¡±


    At the next instant, a force that shook heaven and earth descended from the sky like an avalanche, suppressing the surroundings.


    The entire Discipline Hall shook violently and the hearts of the cultivators in the surroundings churned. The dozens of Yao family cultivators couldn¡¯t move at all, as though they were being pressed down by thousands of mountains.


    Immediately after, a figure walked over from the sky.


    This person was an old man. There were a thousand Dao threads circulating in his eyes. That was the manifestation of the first stage of Nihility, Shattering Thousand Dao.


    He wore the Sword Holder Daoist robe. As he walked, the sky behind him distorted and countless illusory bodies appeared, surging into the depths of the sky, causing the entire Sword Holding Palace to tremble. That was the manifestation of the second stage of Nihility, Illusory and Truth Myriad Transformations.


    Shortly after, the illusory scenes of space shattering appeared one after another in his surroundings. It was as though worlds would be born around him on their own. These worlds were like bubbles that formed in a short period of time before shattering.


    That was¡­ the sign of Nihility¡¯s third stage, Infinite Imagination!


    However, there weren¡¯t many worlds around the old man. He hadn¡¯t truly stepped into the third stage and could only be said to have taken a step forward.


    Even so, he was already extremely powerful, and with his appearance, the entire Sword Holding Palace fell silent.


    Xu Qing immediately recognized that the other party was the Deputy Palace Master of the Sword Holding Palace who appeared when the Sword Holders swore the oath.


    ¡°Greetings, Deputy Palace Master!¡± Deacon Sima was the first to cup his fists and bow respectfully.


    Xu Qing, Kong Xianglong, and the others also quickly cupped their fists. Very soon, all the Sword Holders in the surroundings greeted in unison.


    ¡°Greetings, Deputy Palace Master!¡±


    The Deputy Palace Master was expressionless. He coldly looked at Steward Sun, whose expression had changed drastically, and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Scram!¡±


    Steward Sun¡¯s body trembled. He wanted to speak but didn¡¯t dare to. He could only lower his head and bow to the black-clothed guard of the Holy Wave Race before leaving rapidly with the trembling Yao family cultivators.


    Ignoring the Yao Family, the Deputy Palace Master coldly looked at the Holy Wave Race cultivator.


    ¡°And you, you¡¯re an envoy, so I¡¯ll give you the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to escape as a gesture of our human race¡¯s etiquette. However, if you can¡¯t escape back to the Holy Wave in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, I¡¯ll kill you.¡±


    The expression of the black-clothed guard of the Holy Wave Race changed and he instantly flew out, heading straight for the teleportation array in the distance.


    After doing this, the Deputy Palace Master looked at Xu Qing and the others and snorted coldly.


    ¡°The few of you are quite bold. On the orders of the Palace Master, the five of you are to be imprisoned in the Prison Department for a month!¡±


    ¡°Deacon Sima, escort them to the Prison Department!¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head. Shan He and the others sighed inwardly and also lowered their heads.


    However, Kong Xianglong didn¡¯t tremble. He would only be afraid when facing the Palace Master. Now, he was only in a low mood, thinking that he still couldn¡¯t escape the prison in the end.


    ¡°I obey the decree!¡± Deacon Sima spoke solemnly.


    He could naturally tell that the escort here meant guarding them on the way, in case the Holy Wave Race or the Yao family made a move.


    ¡°All of you, disperse. Don¡¯t make a fuss. Remember that you¡¯re Sword Holders!¡±


    After the Deputy Palace Master finished speaking, he left with a cold expression.


    Deacon Sima looked at Kong Xianglong and the others. He then walked over. After his gaze swept past them one by one, it landed on Xu Qing as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯m the deacon of the Sword Holding Palace before I am the cultivator of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.¡± Outsiders had to ponder over Deacon Sima¡¯s words before they could understand the meaning.


    However, as the person involved, Xu Qing immediately understood. Hence, he cupped his fists and bowed. However, he didn¡¯t believe everything and still needed to verify it.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll send you guys to the Prison Department.¡± Deacon Sima walked ahead.


    Kong Xianglong sighed at Xu Qing. As for Shan He and Wang Chen, they blinked and moved closer to Xu Qing before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°Xu Qing, we are going to your house, we¡¯ll rely on you.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded silently. Everyone sighed and followed Deacon Sima out of the Sword Holding Palace.


    While they were moving toward the Prison Department, in a circular altar building in the center of the county capital.


    This altar was very large but the center was empty.


    There were three palaces on it. They were black, red, and white. There were even more subsidiary halls in the surroundings. The buildings were tall and majestic.


    The tops of the three main palaces were covered in different colored tiles. Their appearances were extraordinary and unique.


    These buildings were mystical. They seemed to exist on the altar but in reality, they didn¡¯t.

 Chapter 565 - 565 Walking Alone (2)

    565 Walking Alone (2)


    This was because when one stood in this cluster of palace and looked out, what they saw wasn¡¯t the county capital but nothingness.


    In this nothingness, only this cluster of palaces existed.


    At that moment, there were three people in the white palace.


    Two were sitting opposite each other and playing chess, while one stood in the middle and stared at the chessboard.


    The person playing chess was none other than the Sword Holding Palace Master. Facing him was a middle-aged scholar in a brocade robe.


    This person¡¯s face was fair and there was a hint of gentleness to it. Right now, he was smiling as he picked up a black chess piece and placed it on the chessboard. He even used his finger to poke the chess piece.


    ¡°Palace Master, your contributions are too great. If you aren¡¯t careful, you¡¯ll become an overbearing dragon that flies to the horizon without being able to return.¡±


    ¡°Something was said quite correctly in the Sword Holding Palace just now.¡± The Palace Master looked at the chessboard and calmly spoke.


    ¡°What?¡± The brocade-robed scholar asked with a smile.


    ¡°Marquis, you f*cking b*stard!¡± The Palace Master was expressionless as he looked up at the brocade-robed scholar coldly.


    This brocade-robed scholar was none other than the head of the Yao family, the current generation¡¯s Marquis Yao.


    He didn¡¯t seem angry when he heard this. Instead, he laughed. After that, he stood up and cupped his fists and bowed to the person who was watching them play chess.


    ¡°County Governor, the chess game has been decided. There¡¯s no need to continue. The visit of the Holy Wave Race is a friendly visit. I¡¯ll take my leave first and go receive them.¡±


    With that, Marquis Yao left. His back view looked a little bleak in the darkness, revealing a hint of loneliness.


    The person watching the chess game was an old man in a long hemp robe. He looked ordinary and his expression was gentle. There was no pressure or aura at all. When he heard this, he smiled and nodded.


    He was the county governor of Fenghai County.


    ¡°County Governor, I still don¡¯t trust him.¡± Looking at the departing Marquis Yao, the Palace Master calmly spoke.


    ¡°Brother Liangxiu.¡± The county governor smiled and sat opposite the Palace Master. As he cleared the chessboard, he spoke softly.


    ¡°I know that you deliberately displayed the aura of an arrogant dragon in the chess game just now to remind Yao Tianyan not to let the fake show come true and ultimately become an arrogant dragon.¡±


    ¡°However, you prefer resolute and aggressive measures, while Brother Tianyan prefers to make alliances. Both of you have set up a situation where you are like water and fire, which was originally a top-secret plan that the three of us jointly formulated.¡±


    ¡°All these years, outsiders have been cursing the Yao family, calling them shameless, brainless, and traitors. Cursing them for intermarrying with a foreign race, calling them arrogant, and saying that the entire family is inferior to pigs and dogs.¡±


    ¡°The number of people in the Yao family who know of this plan can be counted on one hand, and they can¡¯t even mention any of this. They can only endure all of this bitterly. Yao Tianyan¡­ this flirtatious scholar who was famous in the Grand Imperial Capital Region back then and an outstanding heaven¡¯s chosen was willing to bear the infamy. He has suffered more than you.¡±


    ¡°Everything is because of my incompetence, because my Fenghai County is unstable, because our human race is in decline. We have no choice but to put on such a show.¡±


    The Sword Holding Palace Master fell silent. After a long time, he looked into the distance and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°County Governor, you don¡¯t have to undervalue yourself. If it wasn¡¯t for your painstaking management, Fenghai County would have long been devoured by the Holy Wave.¡±


    ¡°I understand what you¡¯re saying. I also know that it¡¯s harder for him than me and I know his sacrifice better. However, I¡¯m worried that some people in the Yao family will really become a group of arrogant dragons.¡±


    ¡°Even if the leader has the human race in his heart, he can¡¯t turn back. He has no choice but to forget his original intention, just like the former Grand Duke Holy Wave.¡±


    The County Governor fell silent. After a long time, he spoke softly.


    ¡°Even you, who knows, have doubts. This means that he¡¯s not far from completely deceiving the Holy Wave Race.¡±


    At that moment, dusk had passed and the sky was dark. Fortunately, the bright moon was hanging and the moonlight shone on the human world, landing outside the deep pit of the Prison Department.


    After escorting Xu Qing and the others here, Deacon Sima left.


    Kong Xianglong looked at the familiar Prison Department and let out a long sigh. Shan He and the others were also dejected. Only Xu Qing walked in front and greeted a few Pawns who had come to receive them. He watched as they put shackles on Shan He and the others with cold expressions.


    However, he¡­ didn¡¯t have any.


    In fact, a familiar Pawn even gave Xu Qing a shackle.


    Hence, Xu Qing personally put the shackle on Kong Xianglong.


    ¡°As expected, it¡¯s different¡­¡± Kong Xianglong and the others watched this scene. They noticed that when these Pawns spoke to Xu Qing, they would have smiles on their faces, as though they were on the same side.


    However, to them, they were expressionless.


    Hence, everyone revealed looks of envy.


    Old Li was also among the Pawns. After he glanced at Kong Xianglong and the others, he spoke to Xu Qing in a low voice.


    ¡°I heard about what happened outside the Discipline Hall today. Let¡¯s go. Your cell is ready.¡±


    As Old Li spoke, he winked at Xu Qing and led the way.


    Just like that, Xu Qing and the others escorted Kong Xianglong and the other three into the Prison Department.


    They walked all the way to Area D10. The moment he pushed open the cell gate, Xu Qing saw the layout inside and smiled.


    Although Area D10 was still a prison cell, there were a total of 30 jars of wine inside. There were also many foods that could only be bought with spirit stones outside.


    There were even five specially repaired cages that contained futons needed for meditation.


    Although it was still simple, it was much better than those prisoners.


    When Kong Xianglong and the others saw this, they perked up and looked at the cold-faced Pawns.


    Old Li calmly spoke.


    ¡°We heard about what happened to you. You were punished and imprisoned. As Pawns, we naturally have to monitor you. However, as Sword Holders, everyone thinks that you did a good job!¡±


    ¡°Treat this like your own home and take it as a break for this month. If you need anything, tell Xu Qing. Xu Qing, your D132 can¡¯t be left unguarded. You can open the cell yourself too. Don¡¯t forget to report for duty later.¡±


    After saying that, Old Li and the others looked at Xu Qing and the others with solemn expressions.


    ¡°Lastly, we¡¯ll say it again. You guys did a good job killing them!¡± After saying that, all the Pawns here took out their command swords in unison and performed a Sword Holder salute to Xu Qing and the others.


    After the ceremony, the Pawns turned and left.


    Area D10 immediately fell silent.


    Xu Qing silently walked to the wine jars. With a wave of his hand, four jars flew toward Kong Xianglong and the others. After each of them caught one, everyone looked at each other and laughed.


    ¡°Bottoms up!¡± Kong Xianglong¡¯s laughter grew louder and louder as he took a big swig.


    Xu Qing also smiled and took a big swig.


    After that, he helped everyone remove the shackles on their bodies. They were only symbolic outside, and were unnecessary here.


    Just like that, time flowed by. It was as though these five had returned to the time when they were lying on the plains happily after killing the black-clothed guards of the Holy Wave Race. Moreover, they were no strangers to each other now, so they had many topics to talk about.


    Shan He and Wang Chen often bickered.


    On the other hand, Night Spirit accompanied Kong Xianglong every day. Even a blind person could sense that she liked Kong Xianglong.


    As for Xu Qing, he would occasionally walk out of the cell and make a trip to D132.


    Other than the fact that he couldn¡¯t leave the Prison Department or do missions, everything was no different from his usual routine.


    Every time Xu Qing left Area D10, he would do it calmly. As D132¡¯s guardian, he couldn¡¯t ignore D132. That would be dereliction of duty.


    Xu Qing felt that he absolutely couldn¡¯t do something like that.


    Time flowed by and half a month passed.


    Mortals might be extremely bored after they were imprisoned for half a month, but to cultivators, their single seclusion might last longer than this time. This was especially so when there was wine and meat. They even had friends to chat and laugh with. Hence, their lives were quite comfortable.


    On this day, Xu Qing returned from his shift. As soon as he stepped into Area D10, he felt that something was amiss.


    Today, Area D10 was too quiet.

 Chapter 566 - 566 Meeting Best Friends

    566 Meeting Best Friends


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred.


    In the past, when he returned from work, Area D10 would be very lively. The sounds of Shan He and Wang Chen bickering could be heard non-stop. However, today, Shan He was actually sitting cross-legged on the square.


    He was actually cultivating.


    His expression was solemn and carried obvious persistence. It was as though he was using his actions to tell everyone that he, Shan He, was a determined person. Even though he was in prison, he still didn¡¯t forget to cultivate.


    Any place could be a place for him, Shan He, to temper himself.


    As for Wang Chen, his main body had also come out of the coffin. At that moment, he was sitting in the cage with a serious expression. His hands were clenched tightly, as though he was regretting his mistake.


    He even controlled his clone of the Smoke Race to write on the walls of the cage with a brush.


    The article was voluminous. What it said was all about recognizing his mistake. Coupled with his expression, it gave people the feeling that he had written his thoughts and was assiduously reflecting on them.


    Anyone who saw it would think that he was putting in a lot of effort.


    There was also Kong Xianglong.


    He was even more exaggerated. Although he was also sitting in his cage, he was facing the wall and reflecting. His back was facing the outside world as he loudly spoke words of regret.


    ¡°Night Spirit, I think I made a huge mistake this time. Although the Palace Master imprisoned me for a month, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s enough. I have to punish myself and not disappoint him.¡±


    ¡°Come, Night Spirit, beat me on behalf of the Palace Master. Only by doing this every day will my heart feel better.¡±


    As he spoke, Kong Xianglong¡¯s expression also changed. Sometimes, he looked repentant, sometimes he was filled with grief and indignation, sometimes he sighed, and sometimes he was impassioned.


    These emotions vividly expressed the heartache in his heart.


    Night Spirit held a rod and stood behind Kong Xianglong, nodding solemnly.


    ¡°To be able to recognize your mistake means that you¡¯ve grown up, Brother Kong. You were too impulsive in the past, and I have made mistakes as well. We should hold each other accountable and supervise each other.¡±


    As she spoke, she ruthlessly hit Kong Xianglong¡¯s back with the rod. Her voice was extremely loud and spread in all directions.


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, he silently walked to his cage. He then took out a bamboo slip and the iron stick. After that, he took out his shackles and naturally put them on.


    His movements were very skilled, as though he would do this every time he returned.


    After putting on the shackles, Xu Qing revealed a serious expression. He took the iron stick and carved the commandments of the Sword Holder on the bamboo slip.


    Over and over again, it was as though he was repeating this process every day to understand his mistake.


    It gave off a feeling that he was not engraving them on the bamboo slip but in his mind.


    Moreover, since he was the only one with shackles on him, it further emphasized his strictness toward himself.


    Just like that, time slowly passed. Two hours later, a cold snort echoed in the cell.


    ¡°All of you are sharp like monkey cubs.¡±


    As the voice echoed, the Palace Master¡¯s figure appeared in the square. Shan He looked up blankly. After seeing the Palace Master clearly, he hurriedly greeted with a look of regret.


    Wang Chen also hurriedly stood up and bowed to the Palace Master from his cage. He opened his mouth as though he wanted to say something, but in the end, it all turned into regret on his face.


    Kong Xianglong and Night Spirit were the same. Xu Qing was the same.


    As everyone greeted, the Palace Master placed his hands behind his back and swept his gaze across them one by one.


    ¡°You guys are quite capable.¡±


    ¡°You completed the mission, and actually chased the black-clothed guards to the border!¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯re so energetic, I¡¯ll give you something to do. Shan He, after you¡¯re released from prison, you¡¯ll work in the law enforcement office as well. Go and capture criminals.¡±


    ¡°Wang Chen, don¡¯t you like to sleep in the coffin? After you¡¯re released from prison, you¡¯ll take night patrol.¡±


    ¡°Night Spirit, you too. The Inspection Department asked for people some time ago. Go and take up the post.¡±


    ¡°Kong Xianglong, aren¡¯t you unable to remember the rules of the Sword Holder? After you get out, you¡¯ll work in the Discipline Hall as well. You¡¯ll be in charge of admonishing those who don¡¯t follow the rules.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, since you have so much energy, go and suppress D1 later and serve as a Area C Pawn.¡±


    The Palace Master calmly spoke, his voice echoing through the cell.


    Everyone lowered their heads and pretended to realize their mistake.


    ¡°Also, I¡¯ll give you guys another secret mission. You can check it after you¡¯re released from prison.¡±


    ¡°A spy sent a message. Recently, many immortal puppets of the Quasi-Immortal Race have appeared in the Holy Wave Race. They suspect that the Quasi-Immortal Race is secretly trading war items with the Holy Wave Race. This matter is rather sensitive. The few of you, use your own methods to secretly investigate it.¡±


    ¡°If anyone can find any evidence, I¡¯ll give them a second-class battle merit and 500,000 military contributions.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes instantly lit up. Kong Xianglong, Shan He, and the others were the same. All of their eyes gleamed.


    500,000 military contributions was already a huge sum, let alone the fact that they were given battle merits as well!


    It was extremely difficult to obtain battle merits, and almost impossible to obtain under normal circumstances unless it was an extremely dangerous mission.


    Up until now, only Kong Xianglong had a third-class battle merit. That was something he had obtained after risking his life to infiltrate the Holy Wave Race.


    However, now, as long as they found evidence of the transaction between the Quasi-Immortal Race and the Holy Wave Race, they would be able to obtain a second-class battle merit. Everyone was extremely tempted.


    Seeing the glint in Xu Qing and the others¡¯ eyes, the Palace Master nodded slightly and didn¡¯t speak anymore. He then turned and left.


    After he left, the cell fell silent.


    Everyone looked at each other and could see each other¡¯s desire for battle merits. After that, all of them returned to their original positions. They continued to meditate, repent, and continue to carve.


    Two hours later, Kong Xianglong coughed.


    ¡°He is gone.¡±


    Shan He let out a long sigh of relief and lay down.


    Wang Chen¡¯s smoke clone dissipated and his main body let out a long sigh. After pretending for so long, he felt that his expression was about to freeze.


    Night Spirit also put away the rod and went forward to apply medicine for Kong Xianglong. Kong Xianglong didn¡¯t mind this small injury and took out a jar of wine to take a big gulp with a smug expression.


    ¡°Fortunately, I reacted quickly. Otherwise, we would be in trouble this time. I guessed that the Palace Master would definitely come for a sudden inspection.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing¡¯s adaptability is also quite amazing. Although the Palace Master also knows what we¡¯re like, he¡¯s too inflexible. Hence, we still have to show some sincerity on the surface.¡±


    Kong Xianglong instinctively looked around. Every time he bad-mouthed the Palace Master, he would be a little wary.


    Xu Qing removed the shackles on his body and walked out of the cage. He looked at everyone and pondered about the Quasi-Immortal Race.


    Wang Chen also ran over and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Brother Kong, how did you know that the Palace Master was here?¡±


    ¡°I naturally have my own methods. It¡¯s a secret.¡± Kong Xianglong laughed.


    ¡°Secret? Forget it then. Oh right, Brother Kong, are you familiar with the Quasi-Immortal Race?¡± Wang Chen didn¡¯t care much about the reason.


    ¡°I¡¯m not very familiar with the Quasi-Immortal Race, but I think we can do this. However, the difficulty of this matter isn¡¯t small.¡± Kong Xianglong shook his head.


    ¡°Could it be related to our previous mission? Could it be that the true information sent back from the rescue mission was about this?¡± Shan He crawled up and asked in surprise.


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be that simple,¡± Xu Qing said softly.


    ¡°Regardless of whether it¡¯s information or not, the Quasi-Immortal Race has gone a little overboard. A war resource like the immortal puppet was actually secretly sold to the Holy Wave Race!¡± A cold glint appeared in Night Spirit¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s useless to think too much now. After we get out, we¡¯ll each use our own methods to investigate first.¡± Kong Xianglong pondered. Everyone discussed for a while before they went to rest.


    Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.


    This afternoon, the sky outside was dark and rain was pouring. It was time to be released from prison.


    As the cell gate opened, Shan He was the first to rush out excitedly, followed by Wang Chen.


    Kong Xianglong and Night Spirit weren¡¯t in a hurry, and Xu Qing didn¡¯t care either. In any case, his life in this month was basically no different from usual.


    ¡°I hope we can still be together the next time we enter.¡± Outside the prison, Kong Xianglong looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was about to speak when he suddenly looked into the distance.


    There was a woman¡¯s figure standing in the rain, holding an oil-paper umbrella. Her long purple dress fluttered in the wind like a violet in the rain.


    She waved gently at Xu Qing.


    She was Fairy Zi Xuan.


    Noticing that someone had come to pick Xu Qing up, Kong Xianglong left with Night Spirit. Before he left, he took a few more glances at Zi Xuan. After that, he looked at Xu Qing as though he realized something. He winked and wanted to say something but was pulled away by Night Spirit.


    Xu Qing hesitated for a moment before walking toward Zi Xuan. As soon as he got close, a maid beside Zi Xuan came to him with an umbrella. She sent him to Zi Xuan and left with the umbrella.


    ¡°Fairy.¡±


    Xu Qing bowed. He knew that the other party wouldn¡¯t like it if he called her senior, but he felt strange calling her by her name. Hence, he decided to change the way he addressed her.


    Under the oil-paper umbrella, Zi Xuan looked at Xu Qing and smiled gently, handing the umbrella in her hand to Xu Qing.


    The instant Xu Qing took it, Zi Xuan naturally moved closer to him.


    Today, she clearly had put on some makeup. Her hair was tied up and her exquisite little face was flawless. Her already beautiful face also had more color than usual. She looked natural and unrestrained, valiant and heroic.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Zi Xuan smiled.


    Because Zi Xuan was too close, Xu Qing¡¯s body instinctively stiffened. He looked at the sky and didn¡¯t know where the other party wanted him to go.


    ¡°Accompany me to meet my two best friends. Didn¡¯t I tell you before? Have you forgotten?¡±


    Seeing Xu Qing¡¯s puzzled look, Zi Xuan laughed softly. Her beautiful eyes revealed a strange glint.


    When such a beautiful gaze landed on anyone, it would make their heartbeat involuntarily race.


    Xu Qing hurriedly lowered his head and followed Zi Xuan.


    Among the two people under the umbrella, one wore a purple dress and the other wore a white robe.


    Although the colors were distinct, the sleeves of the clothes overlapped in the wind and rain, forming a beautiful scene.


    They walked into the distance and soared into the air, heading to the county capital and the Apricot Flower Pavilion in the city.


    The Apricot Flower Pavilion wasn¡¯t a restaurant but a unique private courtyard. There were pavilions, ponds, and water terraces nestled among the green pines and verdant cypresses. Looking at them in the rain, they exuded a unique charm.


    There were also rockeries, flower beds, and green bamboo.


    At that moment, outside the four-sided pavilion in the center of the courtyard, dozens of maidservants stood with umbrellas in their hands. Every one of them was beautiful and exuded a youthful aura. They also highlighted the three women sitting in the pavilion.


    These three women were all peerless beauties.


    The woman wearing a green Daoist robe, with bright eyes, was playing a flute. Waves of melodious music spread in the wind and rain. Her expression was beautiful and filled with freedom.


    Another woman wore a long aqua blue dress. Her black hair was tied up with the same color silk, accentuating her jade-like skin. She was sitting carefully at the side.


    From her demeanor, she seemed to be a junior.


    Her jade-like fingers gently plucked the strings of the zither, complementing the sound of the flute.


    The last woman was dressed in gorgeous palace clothes and exuded a graceful aura. However, her pretty face was as clean as a lotus and her expression was indifferent, as though she wasn¡¯t tainted by a single speck of dust of this mortal world.


    She sat at the main seat and the corners of her mouth curled into a faint smile. At that moment, she lifted her head slightly and looked at the figures walking over from afar.


    ¡°Sister Zi Xuan, long time no see.¡±


    At the end of her vision, under the oil-paper umbrella, Zi Xuan and Xu Qing¡¯s figures were walking over.


    As the woman in palace clothes spoke, the two women beside her also stopped playing. The flute-playing female cultivator smiled and looked at Zi Xuan with a friendly gaze.


    However, when the woman in the aqua-blue dress who was plucking the strings of the zither saw the two people walking over, especially when her beautiful eyes landed on Xu Qing, a complicated expression involuntarily appeared on her face.


    She was Yao Yunhui.


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 567 - 567 Do You Want Erniu?

    567 Do You Want Erniu?


    Xu Qing also saw Yao Yunhui and frowned slightly. However, he was here with Fairy Zi Xuan today, so it wasn¡¯t convenient for him to say anything.


    As they neared the pavilion, the gazes of the woman in palace clothes and the female cultivator in the Daoist robe landed on Xu Qing in unison.


    Their gazes were filled with curiosity when they noticed that the two of them were under an oil-paper umbrella. They smiled, but didn¡¯t say anything.


    Xu Qing fell silent. At the same time, he sensed the cultivation levels of the two women in the pavilion other than Yao Yunhui.


    Just like Zi Xuan, a thousand Dao threads flowed in their eyes like starlight. They were at the first stage of Nihility.


    While Xu Qing was observing, Zi Xuan¡¯s lotus-like footsteps had already moved slightly. She walked into the pavilion and smiled.


    ¡°Sister Feihe, Sister Shitao, long time no see.¡±


    The woman in palace clothes and the woman in Daoist robe smiled sweetly. The former smiled at Zi Xuan while the latter continued to size up Xu Qing. Her red lips parted slightly and a sweet laughter rang out.


    ¡°Sister Xuan, who is this little friend?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s Xu Qing, the person I like.¡± Zi Xuan was straightforward. As soon as she spoke, Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what to say.


    He was a little overwhelmed.


    Not only him, but the expressions of the woman in palace clothes and the Daoist-robed female cultivator also changed slightly. The spiritual glint in their eyes intensified.


    Only Yao Yunhui was a little dazed when she heard this.


    Zi Xuan¡¯s beautiful eyes swept past her two best friends and she smiled gently, indicating for Xu Qing to sit beside her. After that, she pointed at the Daoist-robed woman and smiled at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, this is younger sister Li, Li Shitao, one of the three deacons of the Observance Palace.¡±


    ¡°This is elder sister Yao, Yao Feihe. She¡¯s Marquis Yao¡¯s younger sister.¡±


    From the start to the end, Zi Xuan didn¡¯t even glance at Yao Yunhui.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart was in a mess, and could only cup his fists in greeting.


    Li Shitao blinked her beautiful eyes and covered her mouth as she laughed and teased Xu Qing.


    ¡°So you¡¯re Xu Qing. Do you know that you¡¯re the first person I¡¯ve seen Sister Xuan introduce like this? Hurry up and tell us how you moved Sister Xuan so much.¡±


    Yao Feihe clearly had a more stable personality than Li Shitao. She didn¡¯t joke with Xu Qing but spoke in a gentle voice.


    ¡°Previously, I heard that Sister Zi Xuan¡¯s Alliance produced a peerless genius. From the looks of it today, he¡¯s even better than the rumors.¡±


    Zi Xuan¡¯s direct introduction caused the two women to be quite interested in Xu Qing. They didn¡¯t act like high-level cultivators but treated him as a peer. However, it was inevitable that they would joke around.


    ¡°A few days ago, we invited Sister Xuan but she kept on rejecting us, so this was the reason. You wanted to give us a surprise.¡±


    ¡°Now that I think about it, a month ago, she asked us about the emperor-level cultivation art merging with the Heavenly Palace. I think it was also prepared for you, right?¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he could only nod. His expression was solemn and uncomfortable.


    Just Zi Xuan alone was enough to make him nervous. Now that he was facing her best friends¡¯ teasing, he, who wasn¡¯t good with words and had never had such an experience, didn¡¯t know how to deal with it.


    The more he was like this, the more Sister Li felt joy in teasing him.


    ¡°Eh, little brother, why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡±


    ¡°Aiya, Sister Xuan, your Xu Qing is so shy.¡±


    Realizing that Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what to say, Zi Xuan¡¯s beautiful eyes flickered.


    ¡°How have you been all these years? How is your relationship with Senior Brother Chen from the Primordial Lightning Lineage?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention him!¡± Li Shitao sighed and her gaze landed on Xu Qing again.


    ¡°Little brother, do you have any good friends by your side? Introduce one to me.¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it and nodded.


    ¡°I have a senior brother¡­¡±


    When Zi Xuan heard this, she immediately coughed and changed the topic, glancing at Yao Yunhui.


    ¡°She is?¡±


    If it was any other time, Yao Yunhui definitely wouldn¡¯t be so silent. However, today, her aunt called her here. She also didn¡¯t expect that her aunt, who even her father had to be polite to, was actually a close friend of Fairy Zi Xuan.


    She sighed inwardly and suppressed her complicated feelings as she stood up and bowed to Zi Xuan.


    ¡°Yunhui greets Fairy Zi Xuan.¡±


    Zi Xuan nodded indifferently and looked at Yao Feihe.


    ¡°Sister Yao, what is the meaning of this?¡±


    ¡°Yunhui was rash in her actions before. I specially called her over today to apologize to you and Xu Qing.¡±


    Yao Feihe noticed that Zi Xuan¡¯s way of addressing her had changed. She knew that Zi Xuan didn¡¯t like it, so she explained softly.


    Her original intention was to get her niece to apologize to Zi Xuan. Today, when she saw the other party introducing Xu Qing like this, she instantly understood all the reasons. Hence, her words also changed.


    She was different from Li Shitao. Li Shitao had always had a lively personality and made friends with all kinds of people. However, as the younger sister of Marquis Yao, she cared a lot about the quality of her friends.


    For example, although Zi Xuan¡¯s Alliance was in a remote place and couldn¡¯t be considered a large faction, regardless of intelligence or aptitude, she was a top-notch person. Such a person¡¯s future was ever-changing. You could never underestimate her because of her background. Perhaps with an opportunity, she would be able to reach a level that even you had to look up to.


    This was especially so since she knew very well that her brother had sacrificed his reputation for Fenghai County and she couldn¡¯t tell anyone about this. Hence, although the Yao family seemed huge, they were actually unstable.


    She couldn¡¯t let the Yao family continue to make enemies. This was also the fundamental reason why she wanted to turn hostility into friendship.


    She also made the same judgment about Xu Qing. However, the other party hadn¡¯t truly grown up after all. She still had to observe how he would do in the future.


    After she finished explaining, she looked at Yao Yunhui with a stern expression.


    Yao Yunhui lowered her head. In reality, she no longer had the thought of scheming against Xu Qing. Instead, her feelings were getting more and more complicated. Seeing Xu Qing walking together with Fairy Zi Xuan today, especially with Fairy Zi Xuan¡¯s introduction, made her feel an inexplicable jealousy.


    She also knew that this jealousy was inexplicable, but she couldn¡¯t control it.


    When she heard her aunt¡¯s words, she bowed to Zi Xuan and Xu Qing.


    ¡°Yunhui is also a pitiful person. Her husband passed away early. It¡¯s not easy for a widow with a child.¡± Yao Feihe looked at Zi Xuan and said softly.


    Zi Xuan¡¯s expression was calm. She didn¡¯t agree or disagree. Instead, she chatted about the past with Yao Feihe and Li Shitao. Their laughter soon rang out through the pavilion.


    As for Yao Yunhui, under her aunt¡¯s arrangement, she played the zither at the side. The tune coupled with the wind and rain exuded a different charm.


    From the start to the end, Xu Qing didn¡¯t express his stance on this. He didn¡¯t know the true relationship between Fairy Zi Xuan and Marquis Yao¡¯s sister, so he couldn¡¯t reveal any inclinations on this matter.


    In reality, to him, it didn¡¯t matter if he reconciled or not. It wouldn¡¯t affect his choice.


    If there was a chance, he would still deal with the mother and son and end things once and for all.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze turned cold as he glanced at Yao Yunhui. Coincidentally, Yao Yunhui also lifted her head and looked at Xu Qing.


    The instant their eyes met, Yao Yunhui instinctively avoided his gaze. The sound of the zither became slightly chaotic.


    Xu Qing frowned and felt surprised. At the same time, he became vigilant.


    He felt that the other party must have some ulterior motives, so the killing intent in his heart fluctuated slightly. However, he controlled it very well and didn¡¯t reveal it at all.


    Just like that, as time flowed by, when dusk arrived, Zi Xuan ended her conversation with her two best friends and bade farewell.


    Before she left, Li Shitao, who was also leaving, smiled at Xu Qing and continued to joke.


    ¡°Little brother, you said earlier that you will introduce me to your senior brother. I¡¯ll remember it.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the other party seriously and nodded.


    Li Shitao was satisfied. She waved at Zi Xuan and slowly walked away.


    At that moment, the rain outside also stopped. On the way back to the branch sect, Zi Xuan and Xu Qing walked side by side and spoke slightly.


    ¡°These two are my good friends in the county capital. Li Shitao seems to have a lively personality but she¡¯s actually quite scheming. However, she¡¯s responsible and can be trusted at critical moments.¡±


    ¡°As for Yao Feihe, her ambition is far-reaching and not something Fenghai County can hold, and she doesn¡¯t have many friends. Although she has a utilitarian heart, she has her own principles. Today, she took the initiative to call Yao Yunhui over to reconcile. You don¡¯t have to worry about this. Just act according to your principles.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. This was also what he was thinking.


    Zi Xuan didn¡¯t speak anymore. Her footsteps were brisk, indicating her good mood.


    Xu Qing followed beside her. Under the moonlight, their shadows stretched behind them until they arrived at the entrance of the branch sect.


    There was a chill in the wind. That was the scent of winter approaching.


    ¡°Winter is coming. The autumn rain passed so quickly¡­¡± Zi Xuan turned around and her bright eyes reflected the moonlight. Under the moonlight, she was exceptionally beautiful.


    She gently helped Xu Qing tidy his clothes that were blown by the wind. She then smiled gently as Xu Qing¡¯s body stiffened.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you have to progress faster¡­¡±


    She spoke softly and cast a deep glance at Xu Qing. After that, she turned and walked into the branch sect. Her graceful back view and the purple dress gradually moved away, and the fragrance was no longer there.


    The maidservants who followed behind also bowed to Xu Qing and followed.


    Xu Qing stood in front of the branch sect and looked at the departing Zi Xuan. The other party¡¯s last words echoed in his mind.


    After a long time, he nodded, cupped his fists, and bowed before turning to leave.


    He didn¡¯t return to the Sword Pavilion but accepted missions to earn military contributions.


    In the next few days, Xu Qing worked hard to accumulate military contributions. The daily missions that gave the most military contributions were none other than capturing wanted criminals. Hence, Xu Qing remembered most of the wanted criminals. He had a deep impression of one of them.


    This was because this wanted criminal had a nickname. Just like him, he was also known as Kid.


    Seven days later, after accumulating his military contributions to a certain extent, Xu Qing went to the ninth floor of the Prison Department. There, he used his considerable military contributions to apply for the guardian assessment of Area D1.


    This assessment was also the only way for Area D Pawns to advance to Area C.


    Only by suppressing the criminals in Area D1 could one advance to Area C and have the qualifications to head to the floors below 89th.


    To the Prison Department, Area D and Area C were completely different places.


    The latter was mysterious and profound. The Pawns there were even more savage. Most of their cultivation levels were in the Nascent Soul realm. Any one of their identities and statuses surpassed the Pawns of Area D by a great extent.


    Becoming a Pawn in Area C was one of the things that all the Pawns in Area D yearned for the most.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s application immediately attracted the attention of the Pawns from Area D.


    Just like that, under the gazes of many Pawns from Area D, Xu Qing stepped into Area D1, which was located on the 88th floor!


    Two hours later, as the cell gate of Area D1 opened, a figure covered in blood staggered out step by step.


    It was Xu Qing.


    He was slightly out of breath and one of his legs was crippled. The path behind him was stained with a long trail of blood.


    His arms were also dislocated and there were many parts where he suffered serious injuries.


    The injuries were so deep that his bones could be seen, especially his back. There was a huge wound from the back of his neck to his waist.


    There was also a wound that connected from his forehead to the right corner of his mouth. His flesh was exposed and blood still dripped from there.


    The people imprisoned in Area D1 were all Golden Cores with nine palaces.


    Although many years of suppression had caused them to be extremely weak, every one of them was once a heaven¡¯s chosen of their respective races. Even though Xu Qing had activated the Poison Restriction fully, the price he had to pay wasn¡¯t small.


    At that moment, when he walked out, Xu Qing spat out a piece of flesh he had bitten off. He then grinned at everyone who was waiting outside.


    ¡°They¡¯re all dead.¡±


    Behind him, inside the open gate of D1¡¯s cell, the ground was covered in so much blood that it looked like a pool of blood. There were no corpses inside.


    Due to the Poison Restriction Pill, all the corpses melted into a part of the blood pool.

 Chapter 568 - 568 The World in the Painting (1)

    568 The World in the Painting (1)


    Snowfall separated autumn and winter.


    Five months after Xu Qing arrived at the county capital, winter arrived silently as the first snow fell.


    Snowflakes landed on the roofs of the buildings and the hair of the pedestrians on the streets.


    As it painted the entire land, it was as though there were more white-haired people in the city.


    The first snowfall came suddenly and heavily.


    They also landed outside the Prison Department and on the Sword Pavilions.


    Xu Qing, who was wearing a white Sword Holder Daoist robe, walked toward the Prison Department in this snow-colored world.


    Today was the day he went to Area C for duty.


    A few days ago, he had completed the suppression of Area D1 and passed the advancement assessment. From that moment on, he was no longer a Pawn of Area D but a Pawn of Area C.


    As for his duty as D132¡¯s guardian, he didn¡¯t cancel it.


    The Pawns in Area C wore uniforms that were similar to those in Area D, with the only difference being a black badge at their collars.


    This badge looked like a tree branch.


    If the Prison Department were compared to a big tree, then the Pawns in Area D would be like leaves, and Area C would be like branches.


    As he walked down the steps of the Prison Department, Xu Qing could clearly sense the glory represented by this badge. This was because all the Pawns in Area D who saw him greeted him respectfully.


    Xu Qing returned the greeting and walked to the 88th floor. When he passed by the 89th floor and stepped down the steps that led to the 90th floor, he took a deep breath and revealed a solemn expression.


    ¡°The 90th floor¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled. His footsteps were firm as he slowly walked down.


    Tapping sounds rang out from under Xu Qing¡¯s feet.


    That was the sound of his footsteps landing on the steps. They echoed in the surroundings and were quite conspicuous in this quiet environment.


    As for the lights from the top of the Prison Department, they couldn¡¯t fully illuminate the depths of the 90th floor. Therefore, the world that Xu Qing saw became increasingly dim.


    When he reached the last step to the 90th floor, Xu Qing stopped in his tracks.


    This place was completely different from Area D.


    The ground was damp and covered in moss. It was clearly only a floor away, but when Xu Qing looked at it, he felt as though he was in a different world from Area D.


    Although this place was also ring-shaped, there were no cells, let alone cell gates!


    The entire circular wall was filled with murals.


    The murals filled the walls. It depicted the sun, moon, clouds, mountains, rivers, buildings, and all living beings!


    It was like it depicted a complete world!


    However, the colors were monotonous and dark.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart shook. Looking at this painting, he thought of D132¡¯s Painting Race.


    A long while later, Xu Qing walked toward the mural. After sizing it up carefully, his pupils narrowed.


    These murals seemed to be alive and everything inside was changing. Clouds and fog were drifting, and the mountains and rivers were changing.


    It was as though that place was really a dark world and Xu Qing was standing outside the world, looking at everything.


    ¡°There¡¯s only one cell on the 90th floor.¡±


    A cold and familiar voice suddenly rang out from behind Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing turned around and saw a figure walking over from the darkness.


    It was a tall old man. His gaze was cold and his entire body emitted a dense baleful aura. If one stared at him for too long, ghostly cries and howls would appear in their minds.


    It was as though countless living beings had died in his hands, causing countless resentful spirits to circle around him, emitting malice to all living beings.


    ¡°Greetings, Senior Ghost Hand!¡±


    Xu Qing immediately recognized that the person before him was the mentor who had previously explained the fatal points of living beings of all races to them during the secret training of the Sword Holders.


    Back then, as his assistant, Xu Qing had personally seen the old man take out countless corpses. There were even some who were killed on the spot.


    Xu Qing had heard from Kong Xianglong before that the person in front of him was a Pawn, but he had never encountered him in the Prison Department in the past few months. This made him suspect that this person was on a deeper floor.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t too surprised to see him. He bowed respectfully.


    The old man glanced at Xu Qing with a hint of admiration.


    ¡°I remember you, the little fellow who poisoned Sick Ghost.¡±


    ¡°You advanced from Area D so quickly. Not bad.¡±


    The old man smiled. However, the baleful aura on his body was too strong. His smile also carried a sinister feeling. If it was an ordinary person, they might feel goosebumps. However, Xu Qing was used to it and felt that this was normal.


    Noticing that Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, the old man felt even more satisfied. In reality, when he chose Xu Qing as his assistant back then, he had thought very highly of him.


    He walked closer to Xu Qing and looked at the murals as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Most of the Pawns in Area C are Nascent Soul cultivators. Do you know why?¡±


    ¡°Is it because the method of suppressing criminals in Area C is different from Area D?¡± Xu Qing thought about it and replied.


    ¡°I thought you would say that the criminal¡¯s cultivation base is deeper.¡± The old man smiled.


    ¡°The cultivation bases of the criminals in Area C are indeed deeper. There are Nascent Soul criminals and Spirit Repository criminals as well. However, this isn¡¯t the main point. The main point is¡­ only Nascent Soul Pawns can withstand the rules of a small world without being crushed.¡±


    The old man¡¯s gaze was still on the murals and his voice echoed in all directions.


    ¡°The rules of the small world?¡± Xu Qing fell into deep thought and also looked at the murals.


    ¡°From the 90th floor to the 122nd floor, it¡¯s all Area C. There are a total of 33 floors.¡± The old man slowly spoke.


    ¡°Area C doesn¡¯t have any cells like Area D. Every floor only has such murals.¡±

 Chapter 569 - 569 The World in the Painting (2)

    569 The World in the Painting (2)


    ¡°Every mural is a small world! These 33 small worlds are the cells in Area C!¡±


    As soon as Ghost Hand spoke, a strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Previously, when he saw the murals, he had a guess, especially since he had experienced the Great Void World. Hence, he wasn¡¯t completely ignorant of existences like small worlds.


    However, he was still shocked by the abilities of the Prison Department.


    ¡®Using the 33 small worlds as the cells in Area C, then what will Area B and Area A below be like?¡¯ Xu Qing took a deep breath.


    As for the old man¡¯s words, they were still echoing.


    ¡°This old man is the prison lord of the first world of the 33 worlds. I lead a group of Pawns of the first world of Area C to guard this world!¡±


    ¡°Your duty is in the first world. However, your cultivation level hasn¡¯t reached the Nascent Soul realm and it¡¯ll be difficult for you to withstand the power of laws of a world on your own. I¡¯ll bring you to this world first and let you experience it.¡±


    As the old man spoke, he spat out a mouthful of black fog at the murals.


    As the fog landed and spread in all directions, the colors of the murals became livelier.


    It was no longer dark but more colorful. In the end, it became colorful and lifelike.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The old man placed his hands behind his back and walked toward the murals that had regained its color.


    Xu Qing followed behind and stepped into the mural with the old man, entering the first world of the 33 worlds.


    What appeared in front of Xu Qing was an endless void.


    In the depths of the void, there was a gray continent covered with a red barrier of light.


    It was filled with countless runes formed by array formations and restrictions, forming an astonishing seal that enveloped the entire continent.


    Moreover, those runes flickered with a certain pattern, causing at least a million runes to flicker at the same time and circulate eternally.


    As the array formation seal rotated, four illusory statues appeared in the surroundings of the continent.


    These four statues were incomparably huge and looked extremely different from humans. They looked more like ferocious beasts.


    Their heads were the size of the continent. They were lined up in the north, south, east, and west. They lowered their heads at the same time and stared at the continent.


    Their gazes gathered and transformed into the sun and moon.


    As the array formation runes shone, the four figures slowly changed directions. Hence, the sun and moon alternated.


    Such a majestic scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s emotions to fluctuate intensely.


    ¡°This is the first world. The void here was extracted by the first Palace Master from the Void World and fused into this place to hide the aura of the first world.¡±


    In the void, the old man stood in front and spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°You can see the runic seal on the outer shell as the laws of this world that were refined by my Sword Holding Palace. Those four statues are the four original Heavenly Dao bodies of this world.¡±


    ¡°Now, leave your mark in the array formation. This way, you won¡¯t be suppressed by the rules after you step in.¡±


    As he spoke, the old man took a step forward and landed in the array formation¡¯s seal. He shuttled over and directly landed on that continent.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he performed a series of hand seals and imprinted his mark into the light shell array formation before walking over.


    As the continent became clearer and clearer in his eyes, their figures passed through everything and appeared in the clouds in the sky.


    Below him was the mountain range of this small world.


    ¡°The moment this world was transformed into a prison, the rules were set. Outsiders can¡¯t reproduce here.¡±


    The old man slowly spoke and continued walking.


    As Xu Qing followed, he noticed that the range of this world wasn¡¯t small. The overall terrain was mainly deserts and wilderness, and the spirit qi was extremely thin. In fact, as soon as he arrived, he felt as though he was about to suffocate.


    It was as though his entire body was bound by an invisible force and suppressed by endless mountain peaks. His strength was severely restricted and he couldn¡¯t unleash all of it.


    Fortunately, very soon, as the array formation in the external world circulated, he instantly returned to normal and felt relaxed.


    This experience allowed him to gain a better understanding of this prison.


    The weather in this world was extremely harsh. From his high vantage point, he could see sandstorms sweeping across some places. The wind inside possessed the power to cut bones.


    In some places, poisonous rain poured down, and every being could only cry in misery.


    There were also places where magnetic storms filled the air. Many Heavenly Daos descended and killed everything.


    ¡°In the 33 worlds prison, countless races and bizarre entities are imprisoned. They are all tortured in the small world and their lives are not up to them. All the rules here are controlled by our Prison Department.¡±


    The old man waved his hand and the desert on the ground instantly changed. Mountains rose from the ground and the terrain actually became a crisscrossed mountain range.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. He waved his hand again and the mountain range here was instantly erased. Endless water vapor gathered and a large amount of seawater seeped out of the ground. At the next moment, this place actually transformed into a sea.


    Moving mountains and overturning seas, all the changes were within his grasp.


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, his expression turned solemn.


    ¡°Xu Qing, do you know why prison makes people feel fear?¡± The old man looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Because of deprivation,¡± Xu Qing replied solemnly.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Deprive them of what originally belonged to them and turn what they were used to into something they dreamed of but couldn¡¯t have again. The pain formed by this contrast is the most heart-wrenching.¡±


    The old man looked at the sea below and his voice echoed.


    ¡°The principle of the 33 worlds prison is to use the laws of the small world to transform it into a cage, allowing all the Nascent Soul cultivators imprisoned in this prison to be attacked by this world.


    ¡°We don¡¯t restrict their cultivation levels. They are still Nascent Souls but they are Nascent Souls of small worlds.¡±


    ¡°The four life fires Foundation Building realm in the Wanggu Continent is almost comparable to the Nascent Soul realm in a small world. The power of one palace Golden Core realm is almost the same as the mid-stage Nascent Soul realm.¡±


    ¡°As a result, the prisoners, who were accustomed to wielding great power with just a single technique in the ancient continent of Wanggu, now experience a sharp decline in their power. The feeling of being bound by the heavens and earth will make them, who have experienced the beauty of the outside world, more desperate and more miserable.¡±


    ¡°The simplest thing that once belonged to them has now become the most extravagant desire.¡±


    ¡°This is the prison of Area C of the Prison Department.¡± The old man looked at Xu Qing and spoke in a low voice.

 Chapter 570 - 570 Only the Pawns Reign in This World (1)

    570 Only the Pawns Reign in This World (1)


    In the first world of the 33 worlds of the Prison Department.


    The red sun hung high in the sky, emitting endless heat that baked the ground.


    The sky here didn¡¯t have the fragmented-face of the god, but the anomalous substances here were still extremely dense.


    The anomalous substances that permeated the Wanggu Continent not only affected Wanggu itself but also all the small worlds that were connected to it.


    However, the sun and moon here didn¡¯t have any gods resting there. They were formed from the gazes of the four primordial heavenly Dao of this world after being altered by the Sword Holding Palace.


    Now, under the sun formed by the gazes, heat waves churned and the clouds thinned, causing the two figures, one old and one young, walking in the sky to be especially distinct.


    The old man was Ghost Hand.


    The youth was Xu Qing.


    ¡°The job of an Area C Pawn is actually very simple. It¡¯s to patrol this world.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not the only Pawn in this world. Including you, there are a total of 67 Pawns here. Your place of duty and time will be arranged when you can descend to this world alone.¡±


    ¡°Before that, what you need to do is to follow me. I¡¯ll bring you to familiarize yourself with everything here.¡±


    Ghost Hand spoke as he moved forward.


    Xu Qing respectfully nodded.


    ¡°You have two benefits as a Pawn of Area C.¡± Ghost Hand smiled and took out a flask of old wine, taking a big gulp.


    ¡°The first benefit is that there¡¯s no limit to killing every month. However, you can¡¯t kill too much either. Think about it yourself.¡±


    ¡°The second benefit is actually what all the Area C Pawns care about the most. That is to comprehend in this small world.¡±


    ¡°All the nomological laws in the world are under our control. Hence, it¡¯s more suitable for cultivators to comprehend the circulation of the world and study how the Heavenly Dao is formed.¡±


    ¡°This is the key to advancing to the Spirit Repository. The secret repository of Spirit Repository cultivators requires the Heavenly Dao to guard it.¡±


    ¡°Although you haven¡¯t even reached the Nascent Soul realm, there are benefits to comprehending it in advance. When your cultivation level is high enough to patrol alone later, you will sense the corresponding benefits. Of course, how much you gain will depend on your luck.¡±


    Xu Qing memorized it.


    This was the first time he had heard things related to the Spirit Repository. Although he could ask his master and Fairy Zi Xuan about these questions, he still expressed his gratitude to Ghost Hand for telling him.


    Ghost Hand smiled and took another sip of wine. When he passed by a wilderness, he lowered his head and chuckled.


    ¡°Oh right, I forgot to mention just now. As a Pawn from Area C, you have to feed them occasionally.¡±


    After saying that, Ghost Hand waved his hand. Immediately, some useless pills that contained a large amount of anomalous substances and only had a little spirit energy were thrown down.


    ¡°Watch carefully. It¡¯s time for fun.¡± Ghost Hand licked his lips and looked at the ground.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze also landed.


    The instant they looked over, the ground in the wilderness suddenly exploded and skinny figures rushed out.


    Some of these figures had human forms but most of them were from nonhuman races. They had different appearances and there were even spirit plants.


    At that moment, they rushed out in unison. All of their eyes revealed madness and desire as they rushed toward the useless pills. They attacked each other savagely, fighting to the death.


    It was as though to them, these useless pills were like supreme treasures, causing them to go crazy.


    Xu Qing saw a blue-scaled nonhuman with six arms. In order to obtain a useless pill, he didn¡¯t hesitate to destroy half of his arm. After devouring the pill, he showed a satisfied expression and fled in a frantic manner.


    However, it was still too late. A group of nonhuman races rushed over and tore him apart to obtain the medicinal power that could be digested.


    There was an area where hundreds of prisoners fought with bloodshot eyes. In the end, the cultivator who succeeded in snatching the pill revealed a look of desire despite his bloodied body as he swallowed the pill.


    Things like this were playing out everywhere. Whenever the alchemy pills fell, almost every pill would result in a bitter fight.


    Very soon, this wilderness was covered in corpses. As for the surviving criminals, they also noticed Xu Qing and Ghost Hand in the sky. All of them revealed looks of reverence as they knelt down, as though they were looking at a god.


    ¡°This area is filled with those who were captured in the past hundred years, so it¡¯s still lively and more fun.¡±


    ¡°Before that mutilated Six Armed Race cultivator was captured, he used his seven nascent souls¡¯ power to kill the Observance Palace cultivators. At that time, he had quite some fame. However, here, although he¡¯s still a Nascent Soul cultivator, he¡¯s extremely fragile after being assimilated by this small world.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also the cultivator of Winged Race with wings on its back whom I captured personally. It¡¯s even more powerful. It once wreaked havoc in the Morning Glow Province with its eight nascent souls¡¯ power. How do you think they feel when they think about how they could do whatever they wanted outside but now, they¡¯re in such a miserable state?¡±


    Ghost Hand grinned.


    Xu Qing looked at the ground and could tell that the cultivation bases of these criminals were fragile. They were clearly Nascent Soul cultivators and so were their auras. However, the feeling he got was that he could crush them to death with a single finger.


    ¡°As for those useless pills, the reason why they yearn for them is because the spirit qi here is exhausted. In order to survive and not die, they have to allow their cultivation bases to exist. Hence, they risk dying once to snatch them.¡±


    Xu Qing frowned. He felt that there was something wrong with Ghost Hand¡¯s words. In order not to die, they risk dying once. This was a little contradictory.


    Ghost Hand smiled but didn¡¯t explain immediately. Instead, he brought Xu Qing forward.


    They passed by mountain ranges and deserts until they finally arrived at a vast plain.


    At this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s pupils contracted.


    He saw countless figures meditating cross-legged on the ground.


    These myriad races that were sitting cross-legged and meditating didn¡¯t move at all.

 Chapter 571 - 571 Only the Pawns Reign in This World (2)

    571 Only the Pawns Reign in This World (2)


    Although they had vitality, it was extremely dim. The entire plain contained a terrifying array formation that was continuously extracting their life force and cultivation base from them.


    ¡°There¡¯s another rule in this world, and that is reset.¡±


    ¡°Other than those who are granted death by the Pawns, the other prisoners who die here will undergo a reset once a month and revive during the reset. Moreover, a portion of their memories and all recorded items are permanently erased.¡±


    ¡°After dying many times, they became walking meat without any memories and vigor. They become the power source for the operation of the county¡¯s Taboo magic treasures.¡±


    ¡°Do you know, Xu Qing, for a prisoner, the pain comes from having memories, because everything in those memories becomes a contrast to the present, and it¡¯s heart-wrenching.¡±


    ¡°However, at the same time, memory is also their only private possession left. It¡¯s incomparably precious and is everything that supports them after they lose their freedom. Hence, the gradual deprivation of their memories will make them feel even more fear.¡±


    ¡°However, if they don¡¯t fight for the alchemy pills and don¡¯t replenish their spirit energy, they¡¯ll die even faster. That¡¯s why they don¡¯t hesitate to die once in exchange for a chance to not die too many times.¡±


    ¡°Drinking poison to quench their thirst must feel very good.¡± Ghost Hand smiled cruelly.


    Xu Qing nodded. He had understood the personality of this old Pawn back then during the secret training.


    At that moment, his gaze swept over, and he suddenly looked at an area in the crowd that was a little different.


    The ground there was red and different from the color of the plains. From the sky, this small area was very conspicuous.


    There were more than 40 prisoners sitting cross-legged inside. They were all from the Quasi-Immortal Race.


    Xu Qing had seen one of them before.


    It was the specimen that Ghost Hand had brought back then when he was explaining the fatal points of the myriad races.


    ¡°The three races have an alliance, so there¡¯s nothing we can do. These Quasi-Immortal Race members can only be imprisoned for ten years at most before they are sent back.¡± Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, Ghost Hand took another sip of wine and spoke helplessly.


    ¡°Although it¡¯s very difficult to erase too many memories in such a short period of time, it¡¯s still a little useful. However, 300 years ago, in order not to destroy our friendship with the Quasi-Immortal Race, the County Governor ordered that Quasi-Immortal Race criminals¡¯ memories shall not be erased.¡±


    ¡°Ever since then, the Quasi-Immortal Race criminals here are only treated as short-term spirit stones.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. He thought of the secret mission regarding the Quasi-Immortal Race¡¯s immortal puppets that the Palace Master had told him. Hence, he paid more attention.


    ¡°Senior Ghost Hand, have you fought against the immortal puppets of the Quasi-Immortal Race?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°Immortal puppet? I¡¯ve fought it before but that thing is too strange. Its entire body is covered in anomalous substances and it¡¯s extremely difficult to damage. It can also recover on its own.¡± After Ghost Hand finished speaking, he glanced at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Are you interested in the immortal puppet?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°Then I suggest you consult the Deputy Governor. He¡¯s very knowledgeable. I heard that he once studied the immortal puppets of the Quasi-Immortal Race.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this. Let¡¯s go. There are more such places ahead.¡±


    Ghost Hand walked forward.


    Xu Qing followed behind.


    The two of them flew across this plain with an astonishing range and saw the sea and the withered jungle.


    With the alchemy pills that Ghost Hand occasionally threw down, Xu Qing saw many life-and-death battles erupt like before, as well as places where the array formation absorbed life force.


    He also saw some Pawns of Area C on the way. These people were in charge of different areas and greeted Ghost Hand respectfully when they saw him.


    Under Ghost Hand¡¯s introduction, these Pawns from Area C also swept their gazes at Xu Qing and nodded slightly. However, most of their expressions were cold.


    ¡°Later, when you can withstand the rules of this place and patrol alone, they will naturally accept you. The current you¡­ isn¡¯t good enough.¡±


    ¡°Also, do you know why they are respectful to me? It¡¯s not because I¡¯m the prison leader of this world. These guys are all arrogant to the core. There are even people with higher cultivation bases than me.¡±


    Ghost Hand took a sip of wine and revealed a hint of smugness. Such an expression was rarely seen on him.


    When Xu Qing heard this, a hint of curiosity appeared on his face. He then looked at Ghost Hand.


    Ghost Hand laughed and tapped his forehead with his finger.


    ¡°My aptitude is average. I¡¯ve been unable to break through to the Spirit Repository even after being in the Nascent Soul realm for more than 800 years, but I¡¯ve never used the Emperor Sword in my life!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve nurtured it for 800 years! How powerful do you think it will be once I use it?¡±


    ¡°800 years?¡± Xu Qing was moved. He knew the might of the Emperor Sword. The longer it was nurtured, the greater its might. There was once a Nascent Soul cultivator who nurtured the sword for 2,000 years and killed Nihility.


    However, that was in records and he didn¡¯t see it with his own eyes.


    Today was the first time he saw someone nurturing the Emperor Sword for nearly a thousand years.


    This was too difficult to achieve. After all, cultivators experienced life-and-death battles frequently. At some critical moments, they had no choice but to use the sword.


    If they wanted to nurture it for so long, they needed a huge opportunity and luck.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s expression, the smugness on Ghost Hand¡¯s face deepened.


    ¡°As a Pawn, my sword is to protect this world.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it. When my lifespan is about to reach the end and I¡¯m no longer a Pawn, I¡¯ll go out and find a powerful nonhuman that I don¡¯t like, and kill it, eliminating a threat for our human race. This way, I won¡¯t have lived in vain and my death will have some value.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, a look of admiration appeared on his face and he bowed to Ghost hand to show his respect.


    Clearly, having this sword strike that had been nurtured for 800 years was something that Ghost Hand was quite satisfied with. Seeing that Xu Qing was so respectful, he laughed and took another large gulp of wine before walking forward happily.


    Just like that, several hours passed in the blink of an eye. Under the guidance of Ghost Hand, Xu Qing became increasingly familiar with this prison world. The two of them ended their trip and prepared to return to the Prison Department.


    However, at this moment, Ghost Hand suddenly turned his head and looked at the ground below. His expression darkened.


    What he was looking at was a withered forest. Among the large number of withered trees, there was a large tree that towered into the sky. Although its trunk was also withered, it was still thick. There was also an aged face on it.


    At that moment, the eyes of this face slowly opened, revealing green eyes. It looked at the sky at Xu Qing and Ghost Hand with a hint of fear.


    ¡°Greetings, Lord Ghost Hand.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you not to leave the place you were at? You actually disobeyed and moved here.¡± In the sky, Ghost Hand¡¯s expression was gloomy as he spoke coldly.


    After that, he pointed at the tree and introduced it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Remember this guy. It¡¯s not an ordinary treant but the only Wood Spirit Race member in the entire Prison Department.¡±


    ¡°Although its race is ordinary now, in the past era¡­ they were extraordinary.¡±


    Ghost Hand slowly spoke.


    Xu Qing stared and sized up the Wood Spirit Race member.


    ¡°Before Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, Ancient Sovereign Spirit Mansion who hailed from the Ancient Spirit Race unified the Wanggu Continent. At that time, the Ancient Spirit Race was a supreme race in the Wanggu Continent and was even known as the Heavenly Fate Race.¡±


    ¡°The five-elemental spirits under their commands had their own lineage.¡±


    Ghost Hand calmly spoke.


    ¡°However, later on, it declined. The Ancient Spirit Race¡¯s bloodline was almost extinct and the five spirits lineage under them fell apart. A remnant group of the Wood Spirit Race survived in my Fenghai County. Because they have gentle personalities, they live in peace with others.¡±


    ¡°This is a member of this group, but its personality is different from its race. It¡¯s very bloodthirsty. 300 years ago, it caused chaos everywhere and was captured by me to be suppressed here.¡±

 Chapter 572 - 572 A Bamboo Stick Bridges Across Time and Space

    572 A Bamboo Stick Bridges Across Time and Space


    As he spoke, Ghost Hand flicked his sleeve, and bolts of lightning instantly formed and fell.


    After continuously bombarding this place, he let out a cold snort and left.


    Xu Qing glanced at the Wood Spirit Race member whose body was mostly shattered on the ground. He then retracted his gaze and followed him.


    On the ground, the huge withered tree face revealed a bitter expression. As its body trembled and swayed, its gaze landed on Xu Qing¡¯s departing back.


    ¡°There¡¯s actually a thread of spiritual luck on his right wrist¡­¡±


    Several hours later, at the end of this small world, Ghost Hand and Xu Qing ended their trip.


    Before he left, Xu Qing requested Ghost Hand to let him experience the feeling of enduring the rules alone.


    After all, this was something he had to complete in the future. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t be able to patrol alone and would have to follow others every time. If so, it would be meaningless for him to become an Area C Pawn.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Ghost Hand glanced at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Only Nascent Soul cultivators can withstand the descent of a world¡¯s laws and walk with them. Although Golden Cores can do it as well, only a few among them can achieve it. Moreover, most of them will collapse in three to five breaths of time.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. After that, his expression turned solemn as he nodded and bowed.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Ghost Hand didn¡¯t say anything else and directly released the pressure that he was resisting for Xu Qing.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body rumbled, as though countless mountains were pressing down on him. His body emitted cracking sounds and even his soul was trembling. An intense feeling of tearing also appeared on his body.


    It was as though he would tear into pieces at any moment.


    Ghost Hand shook his head and was about to retract this power when Xu Qing¡¯s Golden Crow rose at this moment. His physical strength erupted completely and he actually withstood the pressure.


    However, it was still difficult. His body trembled violently but as time passed, Ghost Hand¡¯s expression gradually changed.


    After a hundred breaths, Xu Qing barely lifted his head and looked at Ghost Hand.


    ¡°Senior, I should be able to withstand the descent of the laws.¡±


    Ghost Hand¡¯s expression changed and his eyes slowly revealed a bright light.


    ¡°Kid, you are quite good. Not only is your body powerful, but your soul is also astonishing. Most cultivators can¡¯t do this with your cultivation base.¡±


    After Ghost Hand finished speaking, he flicked his sleeve and the pressure on Xu Qing instantly lightened. The rules were then shared by Ghost Hand again.


    From extreme pressure to instant relaxation, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. He clearly felt that his physical strength had increased a little in the short span of a hundred breaths.


    It was as though it had been refined again.


    This caused Xu Qing¡¯s spirits to be lifted.


    ¡°However, don¡¯t be complacent. Although there are very few Golden Cores who can do this, it¡¯s not like there aren¡¯t any.¡± Ghost Hand smiled and didn¡¯t say anything else. He performed a series of hand seals and left this small world with Xu Qing.


    When they reappeared, they were already outside the prison world and in the void.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t complacent because he had persisted for a hundred breaths. He thought of the Ancient Spirit Race the other party had mentioned earlier and asked.


    ¡°Ancient Spirit Race?¡± Ghost Hand recalled.


    ¡°It is a strange race. From the perspective of history, I think there¡¯s a certain reason why this race is known as the Heavenly Fate Race.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s said that this race¡¯s innate talent is extremely astonishing and is related to luck. It can enhance one¡¯s luck and also outsiders¡¯. I¡¯m not too sure about the details.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s rumored that its Spirit Emperor borrowed the luck of the Wanggu Continent to break through the Ancient Sovereign Realm and step into a higher level but failed, causing the luck of the Wanggu Continent to be exhausted. 90% of the entire race¡¯s bloodline was wiped out overnight, ending the era that belonged to their Ancient Spirit Race.¡±


    The two of them walked out of the murals and returned to the 90th floor of the Prison Department.


    ¡°That¡¯s all for today. Since you can barely withstand the descent of the rules, continue to adapt to it. Let¡¯s see how long it will take for you to truly withstand the descent of the rules and complete your patrol.¡±


    Ghost Hand gave a few words of encouragement, drank some wine, and turned to leave.


    Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed to Ghost Hand¡¯s departing figure. After that, he left the Prison Department with mental fatigue and returned to the Sword Pavilion.


    On the way, he recalled the scenes in the prison world. He was still a little shocked by the abilities of the Sword Holding Palace. At the same time, he thought of the 40-odd Quasi-Immortal Race members in the small world.


    ¡°The Quasi-Immortal Race¡­¡±


    ¡°If I want to investigate the immortal puppet, unless I can head to the Quasi-Immortal Race or the Holy Wave Race, it will be too difficult to investigate.¡±


    Xu Qing suppressed the fatigue in his mind and fell silent.


    If he wanted to find out more about this matter, the obstruction would be great and it would be difficult to avoid. However, Xu Qing was very thirsty for 500,000 military contributions, especially for that second-class merit.


    After all, not only did he need military contributions to go to Mount Morning Glow, but he also needed battle merits.


    A deep look appeared in his eyes. After doing some mental analysis, he suddenly had a thought.


    ¡°Actually, there¡¯s another direction, and that is to start with the immortal puppet itself. This requires me to understand how the immortal puppet was made.¡±


    As he muttered inwardly, Xu Qing thought of what Ghost Hand had said about the Deputy Governor having some research into immortal puppets. Hence, he took out the Sword Holder command sword and used his military contributions to apply for an opportunity to meet the Deputy Governor to learn.


    The entire county acknowledged that the Deputy Governor was knowledgeable, so when they had questions and needed help, they would usually ask him for guidance.


    However, the Deputy Governor usually assisted the County Governor in managing the county and was busy with official businesses. Hence, when the application would be approved depended on the Deputy Governor¡¯s own time.


    Xu Qing¡¯s luck wasn¡¯t bad. After returning to the Sword Pavilion and meditating for an hour, he received a reply from the Deputy Governor.


    ¡°Xu Qing?¡±


    ¡°Deputy Governor.¡± Xu Qing took out a jade slip and respectfully greeted.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± The Deputy Governor¡¯s voice carried a hint of fatigue. Clearly, he had just finished his work.


    Xu Qing knew that it wasn¡¯t good to take too much time, so he simply stated his request to understand the immortal puppet.


    ¡°Immortal puppet, if you have time now, come over. I¡¯ll bring you to take a look.¡±


    Upon hearing the Deputy Governor¡¯s reply, Xu Qing¡¯s spirits were lifted. He left the Sword Pavilion and headed straight for the city.


    The night was still young, and the county capital was ablaze with light. Many shops were open for business and the streets were filled with mortals. Occasionally, one could see the Sword Holders and the patrols patrolling the streets.


    Xu Qing headed straight for the Deputy Governor¡¯s residence in the east of the city. When he arrived before the residence, he explained his intentions to the guards, and was led to the study room of the Deputy Governor.


    ¡°Sword Holder Xu Qing requests to see the Deputy Governor.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn as he cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°Come in.¡± The Deputy Governor¡¯s tired voice rang out from the study.


    Xu Qing gently pushed open the door of the study. He then saw the Deputy Governor and a few of his assistants concocting medicinal liquids.


    Among them was a new Sword Holder who was in the same batch as Xu Qing.


    When the Sword Holder saw Xu Qing, he nodded. After that, he followed the Deputy Governor¡¯s instructions and prepared the medicinal liquid.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t disturb them. He stood at the side and swept his gaze across the study. He saw many flowers and potted plants. Some of them were medicinal herbs, and some were ordinary flowers.


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s expression was filled with fatigue, but his eyes were filled with vigor. Moreover, it was obvious that they had reached a critical moment.


    Under his full concentration, bottles of medicinal liquid were mixed together. When it was finally completed, he quickly walked to a basin of camphor laurel and gently poured the medicinal liquid into the soil.


    However, it was obvious that there was a deviation in the medicinal liquid. The plant withered at a rapid speed.


    ¡°Sigh.¡±


    The Deputy Governor rubbed his forehead. He looked at Xu Qing and was about to speak, when his voice transmission jade slip vibrated. After he took it out to take a look, his expression became a little solemn.


    ¡°Xu Qing, the County Governor has called for me. I can¡¯t explain the immortal puppet to you today. This is some information I recorded about the immortal puppet previously. You can comprehend it yourself and ask me if there¡¯s anything you don¡¯t understand.¡±


    As though the matter was a little serious, the Deputy Governor didn¡¯t say anything. After handing Xu Qing a recording jade slip, he tidied his robe.


    Before he left, he nodded apologetically at Xu Qing and instructed the assistants in the study to continue concocting the potions. After that, he hurriedly stepped into the air and left.


    Xu Qing took the jade slip and cupped his fists.


    Seeing that the assistants had begun to concoct the medicinal liquid again, Xu Qing knew that it wasn¡¯t convenient for him to look at it anymore. Hence, he bade farewell and left the Deputy Governor¡¯s residence.


    On the way back to the Sword Pavilion, the bustle in the county gradually dissipated. Although many shops were still open, some snack stalls were closing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and he saw a small stall selling candied fruits packing up. Looking at the red candied fruits, he thought about it and bought a stick.


    Xu Qing took a bite before glancing at the candied fruits in his hand.


    The taste was quite good, and was much better than the ones found in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The sweetness and sourness mixed with the coldness made Xu Qing recall his memories of being in Peerless City when he was young.


    He glanced at the stall selling candied fruits. The vendor there had already left.


    ¡°I should have bought a few more.¡± Xu Qing mumbled and took another bite.


    The taste was still there.


    Just like that, under the moonlight, he ate the candied fruits while checking the information about the immortal puppet in the jade slip given by the Deputy Governor.


    The records in the jade slip were very detailed and were even equipped with many pictures. Clearly, the Deputy Governor had studied this topic deeply.


    Xu Qing roughly looked at the information and felt rising admiration toward the Deputy Governor¡¯s profound knowledge. Just as he was about to leave the city, his expression suddenly changed. He lifted his head and looked into the distance.


    In the distance, a middle-aged cultivator in a black robe was sprinting, his speed astonishing. As he ran, he continuously waved his hand, scattering poison powder that drifted with the wind.


    The poison was very powerful. When they landed on some plants, they instantly withered and emitted a stench.


    There was another person chasing after him.


    The pursuer was a woman in a Sword Holder Daoist robe and a mask on her face. She carried a huge evil ghost scythe. She was Qing Qiu.


    The killing intent in her eyes was extremely intense and her entire body emitted a baleful aura as she chased after the middle-aged cultivator.


    However, the other party had the same five palaces¡¯ combat strength as Qing Qiu. Coupled with the poison that spread out with the wind, Qing Qiu couldn¡¯t close the distance easily.


    Xu Qing took a look. He had been doing missions frequently during this period of time and immediately recognized that this black-clothed man was a wanted criminal. In his memory, the other party had a nickname, Kid.


    Hence, Xu Qing had some impression of it.


    However, since Qing Qiu was chasing after him, he didn¡¯t plan to participate and was about to leave.


    However, at the next instant, as the wind blew over, some poison floated in front of Xu Qing.


    This bit of poison wasn¡¯t much to Xu Qing but after the wind blew past, the remaining half of the candied fruit in his hand turned black rapidly and emitted a foul smell.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression instantly darkened. He lifted his head and coldly glanced at the black-clothed man who had fled into the distance. He suddenly lifted his right hand and waved it; the candied fruit bamboo stick in his hand flew out.


    Its speed was so fast that it created a sharp sound of air being torn apart as it headed straight for the black-clothed man.


    In that instant, the bamboo stick of the candied fruit pierced through the black-clothed man¡¯s head.


    As the smelly black candied fruits fell one after another, the black-clothed man¡¯s eyes widened and he fell on the ground, dead.

 Chapter 573 - 573 Those Who Call Themselves Kid, Die! (1)

    573 Those Who Call Themselves Kid, Die! (1)


    Xu Qing was a little unhappy.


    The candied fruit was very delicious. The similar taste evoked some of his memories of Peerless City. Hence, he didn¡¯t eat very quickly on the way and chewed and swallowed every mouthful slowly.


    However, the poisonous wind spoiled the candied fruit.


    After killing the man, Xu Qing coldly looked at Qing Qiu who was walking over. Although he didn¡¯t have a good impression of this woman, she was still on a mission after all. Hence, he spoke coldly.


    ¡°I won¡¯t snatch your military contributions.¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing turned and left. Qing Qiu¡¯s voice also rang out coldly.


    ¡°Who cares about these military contributions!¡±


    As her voice echoed, Qing Qiu walked over. She didn¡¯t bother with Xu Qing who had left and arrived in front of the black-clothed man in a few steps.


    The first thing she did was not take out his storage bag but step on the corpse¡¯s head.


    The bamboo stick only penetrated the head, but under Qing Qiu¡¯s stomp, the head shattered into pieces.


    Even Xu Qing, who had walked far away, heard the loud sound. He turned his head and took a look.


    Qing Qiu, who was standing beside the corpse, didn¡¯t seem to be appeased. She continued to stomp on the corpse, crushing it completely.


    Xu Qing was a little surprised by this savage scene. He guessed that this person must have offended Qing Qiu deeply. He retracted his gaze and left the county capital, heading straight for the Sword Pavilion.


    From the start to the end, Qing Qiu didn¡¯t even glance at Xu Qing. After crushing the black-clothed man¡¯s corpse, she picked up the storage bag from the mangled corpse and stared at the meat paste on the ground with disgust in her eyes.


    ¡°Are you worthy of calling yourself Kid? How dare you taint this word?!¡± Qing Qiu snorted coldly.


    This wanted criminal wasn¡¯t originally her mission target. However, ever since she saw that the other party¡¯s nickname was Kid on the wanted list, she had her eyes on him and wanted to kill him.


    In Qing Qiu¡¯s heart, the term ¡®Kid¡¯ was extremely sacred and represented beauty. Hence, she wouldn¡¯t allow anyone to taint it.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, that¡¯s right. Kill him, perish together with him!¡± The evil ghost only dared to speak after Xu Qing¡¯s figure was completely gone. It hooted in Qing Qiu¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Alright, have you investigated the matter I asked you to do?!¡± Qing Qiu said coldly in her mind.


    ¡°I¡¯ve checked. Four months later, there¡¯s a high chance that the convoy from the Holy Wave Race who will come to buy mica stones will pass by the Heavenly Moon Canyon and return to their race from there. However, that location isn¡¯t very suitable for ambushing and robbery. Are you sure you want to do this?¡±


    The evil ghost quickly spoke.


    Qing Qiu didn¡¯t speak. Under the moonlight, she turned and walked into the distance.


    ¡°If you really want to do this, I think we have to be prepared to perish with them. Although I¡¯ve been waiting for this day for a long time, I think you still need to consider it more.¡±


    The evil ghost was a little hesitant.


    ¡°I need enough military contributions to reduce my time in office. I have to snatch their goods and exchange them for military contributions!¡± Qing Qiu calmly transmitted her thoughts.


    ¡°Is it worth it? There are still three years. It¡¯s only been half a year now.¡± The evil ghost sighed. It wanted to perish with the enemy but it didn¡¯t want to die with some ordinary people.


    ¡°Actually, the most suitable target to perish with is Mad Dog¡­¡±


    Qing Qiu automatically ignored some of the evil ghost¡¯s words and spoke calmly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait for three years. I want to go to the Nanhuang Continent in a year.¡±


    ¡°Have you given it some thought? Three years have already passed, so what harm could another three years do?¡± The evil ghost persisted in its persuasion, refusing to give up.


    ¡°No way!¡±


    ¡°Recently, I¡¯ve been feeling quite restless. I have this constant feeling that my Brother Kid is facing a life-and-death crisis in the Nanhuang Continent. I can¡¯t just sit around.¡±


    ¡°I now have the ability to protect him. I want to find him. I owe him my life!¡±


    Qing Qiu, who was walking in the darkness, touched the small stone in her arms. Her eyes revealed determination as she walked further and further away.


    At that moment, Xu Qing had already returned to the Sword Pavilion.


    After he sat down, he took out the Deputy Governor¡¯s jade slip and studied it carefully.


    Time flowed by. When the sky was about to turn bright, Xu Qing lifted his head and a look of contemplation appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Immortal puppets have to be refined from the living beings and they have to be willing¡­¡±


    He had already read the contents of this jade slip many times and studied it carefully. He now had a better understanding of the immortal puppet creation of the Quasi-Immortal Race.


    However, this was a top secret of the Quasi-Immortal Race after all, so it was impossible for the Deputy Governor to reach its true core.


    However, the content recorded in the jade slip was enough for Xu Qing.


    ¡°Regardless of whether it¡¯s the secret technique, the transformation method, or the Nine Refinements of the Quasi-Immortal mentioned in it, these are actually not important¡­ What¡¯s important is how the Quasi-Immortal Race chose their clansmen as materials.¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes as the memories of those Quasi-Immortal Race members in the prison world appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Is it possible that the agreement between the three races for the prisoners to be sent back after ten years has other motives and meanings for the Quasi-Immortal Race? For example¡­¡±


    ¡°Refine the criminals who returned into immortal puppets?¡±


    ¡°Normally speaking, if a criminal experiences many deaths in the prison world, they will lose all their memories. This way, to a certain extent, they will satisfy the conditions of being willing.¡±


    A sharp glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He thought of what Senior Ghost Hand had said about the County Governor¡¯s orders 300 years ago.


    ¡°In order not to affect the friendship with the Quasi-Immortal Race, the County Governor ordered not to erase the memories of the prisoners of the Quasi-Immortal Race? This matter¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. This matter seemed to be because the County Governor was kind, but according to the information Xu Qing had now, it was obvious that the County Governor knew the process of making the immortal puppet and that was why he gave this order.

 Chapter 574 - 574 Those Who Call Themselves Kid, Die! (2)

    574 Those Who Call Themselves Kid, Die! (2)


    However, his justification was for the sake of the friendship between the two races. This forced the Quasi-Immortal Race to tacitly agree.


    ¡°You can¡¯t just look at the surface of things.¡±


    Xu Qing sighed with emotion. He had felt this when he was in the Seven Blood Eyes. The Eight Sects Alliance was slightly better, and in this county capital, this feeling was even more intense.


    ¡°From the looks of it, I should think of a way to leave something on the criminals of the Quasi-Immortal Race who are about to be sent back¡­¡±


    Xu Qing pondered over the feasibility of this matter.


    When the sky outside turned bright, a dark glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He got up and went to the Prison Department. He didn¡¯t go to D132, nor did he go to Area C. He first went to the ninth floor.


    There, with his identity and authority as a Pawn in Area C, he checked the information of all the prisoners in Area D and finally found a clue.


    Not all the Quasi-Immortal Race members were imprisoned in Area C.


    There were close to 300 Quasi-Immortal prisoners in Area D.


    Among them, 17 were about to reach the ten-year deadline. Not long later, they would be sent back to the Quasi-Immortal Race.


    ¡°There must be some among the 40-odd Quasi-Immortals in the first prison world too.¡±


    ¡°Although making an immortal puppet requires a Nascent Soul cultivation, the cultivation of these people imprisoned in Area D isn¡¯t enough. It¡¯s hard to say what the final outcome will be.¡±


    After checking the prisoners¡¯ information, Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He then turned and left. In Area D27, he found the Pawn there and greeted him before making arrangements.


    Regardless of whether it was the authority of the Pawn in Area C or Xu Qing¡¯s reputation in Area D, the arrangements progressed smoothly.


    In a cage in D27, Xu Qing saw the Quasi-Immortal Race he wanted to see under the lead of this cell¡¯s Pawn.


    The middle-aged man¡¯s entire body was white. Even though he was in prison, he still gave off a holy feeling. Now that he was sitting cross-legged and meditating, even though he sensed the Pawns¡¯ arrival, his expression was calm. There was a sense of arrogance that seeped from his bones.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯ll leave this Quasi-Immortal to you, but don¡¯t kill him¡­¡± The Pawn from D27 had seen the blood pool in D1 before, so he reminded him.


    Xu Qing nodded and cupped his fists in thanks.


    ¡°Play to your heart¡¯s content.¡± The Pawn smiled and returned the greeting before turning to leave.


    Xu Qing turned his head and opened the cage door. The moment he walked in, the Quasi-Immortal Race member lifted his head. His eyes contained a hint of disdain as he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    The instant the Quasi-Immortal Race member spoke, Xu Qing expressionlessly took a step forward. He raised his right hand and directly slapped the top of the Quasi-Immortal Race¡¯s head. As his palm landed, his cultivation base spread out. The Quasi-Immortal Race member¡¯s body trembled and he spat out a mouthful of blood, directly fainting.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t like to waste his breath and wasn¡¯t willing to speak too much. Hence, he knocked him out with a single palm strike.


    While the other party was unconscious, Xu Qing squatted down and studied the body structure of the Quasi-Immortal Race.


    After carefully investigating, a look of contemplation appeared in his eyes. As he pondered over how to attack, he continued to study the Quasi-Immortal Race. From time to time, he would slash a few times to check his flesh and bone structure.


    Not long later, when Xu Qing was still analyzing, the Quasi-Immortal Race cultivator¡¯s body trembled. The continuous pain woke him up. Just as he was about to open his eyes, Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°The person you killed is my close friend!¡± With that, he slapped again.


    With a bang, the Quasi-Immortal Race member, who had yet to open his eyes, fainted again.


    Just like that, time flowed by. When the Quasi-Immortal Race cultivator woke up 12 times from the intense pain, Xu Qing finally finished studying his body.


    At that moment, this Quasi-Immortal Race member was already covered in injuries.


    ¡°The best way is to let my anomalous substances exist in his body. Only then will it be the most hidden and not be discovered. As for the little black bugs¡­ forget it. I can¡¯t underestimate the Quasi-Immortal Race.¡±


    ¡°However, the anomalous substances shouldn¡¯t be discovered.¡±


    When Xu Qing thought of this, he waved his right hand. After the fog in the surroundings enveloped him and blocked the surrounding perception, the third palace in his body trembled. This time, it wasn¡¯t poison that spread but a trace of anomalous substances that belonged to him.


    These anomalous substances could invade all things, and he would be the source of all existences that were invaded by it.


    He carefully controlled this trace of anomalous substances, allowing it to enter the body of the Quasi-Immortal Race and lurk at the location of his kidney.


    He didn¡¯t choose the heart because in the Quasi-Immortal Race had five hearts and had powerful recovery ability. Even if he destroyed four of them, they wouldn¡¯t die.


    However, back then, during the secret training, Ghost Hand had said that the kidneys were their fatal point.


    Hence, after slowly hiding his anomalous substances in the kidney of the Quasi-Immortal Race, Xu Qing dispersed the fog that covered his figure and turned to leave, heading to the cell where the second Quasi-Immortal Race member was imprisoned.


    After he left, the Quasi-Immortal Race member who was covered in injuries and on the verge of death woke up. His expression revealed intense anger and he even checked his body carefully. After confirming that although his injuries were serious, his life was safe, he gritted his teeth fiercely and his eyes revealed ferocity.


    He recalled what the other party had said before and knew that this person had specially come to take revenge.


    ¡°I¡¯ve killed many people. Which one of them is his close friend?¡±


    ¡°However, this isn¡¯t important. I¡¯ll be sent back to the race soon. When I get out, I¡¯ll definitely return this torture by several times!¡±


    While the resentment in the heart of the Quasi-Immortal Race was intense, Xu Qing did the same thing to all the Quasi-Immortal Race members who were about to be sent away.


    Every time, he would change his appearance. Every time, he would incriminate them with similar reasons.


    All of this was to prevent these Quasi-Immortal Race members from sensing that he had tampered with their bodies.


    They, who lacked information and communication, mistakenly thought that it was a personal grudge.


    After doing this, Xu Qing left Area D and went to Area C.


    There were two Quasi-Immortal Race members in Area C who would be released soon. However, although Xu Qing could withstand the descent of the small world¡¯s rules, it was difficult for him to move freely. Moreover, his time was limited.


    Hence, he could only put the two members of the Quasi-Immortal Race aside for now.


    In the following time, he used all his energy to adapt to the descent of the rules of the small world in Area C. He stepped into the small world again and again and endured the intense pain of his body collapsing again and again.


    However, he could only endure for at most 300 breaths of time. It was far from enough time for him to find the Quasi-Immortal Race members and implant his anomalous substances.


    ¡°I have to withstand at least 2,000 breaths of time.¡±


    After Xu Qing made a judgment, he worked even harder.


    Also, every time he came to work, he would bring a flask of wine for the old man. He knew that the other party liked to drink.


    After giving wine several times, Xu Qing respectfully asked about the technique to carry the rules of the small world when the other party was drinking. He believed that there must be a similar technique.


    At first, Ghost Hand didn¡¯t say anything. Later on, after drinking Xu Qing¡¯s wine several times, his admiration for Xu Qing grew, so he told him.


    Xu Qing listened very seriously. After that, he tried it out in the small world, tempering himself many times.


    His improvement was very fast and the time he could withstand the descent of the rules was getting longer and longer. A month later, the time he could last had increased from 300 breaths to 1,000 breaths.


    During this process, something happened in Fenghai County.


    There were cultivators from the Black Heaven Race who appeared in Fenghai County. They were secretly captured by experts from the Sword Holding Palace and tortured to extract a confession. In the end, they were sent to Area C to be suppressed.


    This matter was a secret that outsiders didn¡¯t know about. Xu Qing only knew about it due to his identity as a Pawn in Area C.


    The day they were sent over was when he was on duty. Just as he entered the 90th floor, Xu Qing saw Ghost Hand and many Pawns from the first world prison taking over the prisoners.


    This was the first time he had seen the Black Heaven Race.


    If the turning point that led the human race to decline was the battle with the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, then the Black Heaven Race was an assassin who waited for an opportunity to ruthlessly cut down half of the human race when the human race finally regained some vitality.


    It was also at that time that the Holy Wave Race chose to become a subordinate race of the Black Heaven Race.


    In fact, from a historical point of view, Grand Duke Holy Wave¡¯s betrayal back then was more like a premeditated plan. However, times had changed and very few people knew the exact truth.


    Xu Qing knew even less about this. All his history knowledge was given by the Deputy Governor during the Sword Holder¡¯s secret training.


    However, Xu Qing knew that the Black Heaven Race didn¡¯t like sunlight. Hence, this race forcefully destroyed the sun that originally existed above them, causing it to fall.


    From then on, there was only the moon in the entire Black Heaven Race¡¯s territory.

 Chapter 575 - 575 Birth of the Strongest Meat Shield! (1)

    575 Birth of the Strongest Meat Shield! (1)


    From this, one could see how powerful the Black Heaven Race was.


    And today, he finally saw cultivators of the Black Heaven Race.


    A total of four Black Heaven cultivators were sent to Area C.


    Their appearances were different from humans.


    The members of the Black Heaven Race were a little small and skinny, about the same height as a twelve or thirteen-year-old human child.


    Their entire body was gray, their head was very large, and they had no eyelids, as though they would never close their eyes.


    Moreover, their eyes were large and pitch-black.


    Their hair was like spikes standing on end like weapons.


    Even on the dim 90th floor, there was a faint sharp glow emitted from these hair.


    Right now, their bodies were covered in multiple layers of chains and their expressions were extremely dejected. Their bodies were riddled with torture wounds, so severe that their bones were visible.


    Long black needles engraved with countless tiny runes were pierced into their heads.


    While Xu Qing was observing them, the Sword Holders who escorted the Black Heaven Race prisoners completed the handover process with Ghost Hand. After noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, Ghost Hand glanced at the four Black Heaven Race members and killing intent appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°The Black Heaven Race is rare in our Fenghai County.¡±


    As he spoke, he called out to the Pawns in Area C beside him and asked them to escort three Black Heaven cultivators into the small world.


    When those Pawns from Area C looked at the Black Heaven Race, they revealed sinister smiles and there was even a savage glint in their eyes. Clearly, to them, such a rare item must be very fun.


    ¡°Remember not to kill them. Keep them for future people to practice with. Don¡¯t hog them all to yourself.¡± Ghost Hand scolded. The Pawns didn¡¯t mind. They laughed and left with the three Black Heaven people.


    Very soon, only Xu Qing, Ghost Hand, and a Black Heaven member were left on the 90th floor.


    ¡°Come, Xu Qing. The lesson during the secret training was lacking specimens. Let¡¯s continue your lesson today.¡±


    Ghost Hand licked his lips and looked at the dying Black Heaven. He walked over with a sinister smile and lifted him up.


    ¡°The Black Heaven Race doesn¡¯t like sunlight. This is their fatal flaw. However, don¡¯t be deceived by this saying. This doesn¡¯t mean that they can¡¯t withstand the light at all. After all, there¡¯s a moon in the Black Heaven Race.¡±


    ¡°In reality, the sunlight must be extremely dense for it to be fatal; otherwise, it will at most make them uncomfortable.¡±


    Ghost Hand¡¯s eyes were filled with cruelty as he explained to Xu Qing in detail.


    ¡°Pay attention to the eyes of the Black Heaven Race. Countless imprints have gathered there. Most of the cultivation methods of the Black Heaven Race are related to the eyes. They are best at enslavement art.¡±


    As he spoke, he grabbed the right eye of the Black Heaven cultivator. Amidst its mournful cries, he dug out its eyeball.


    As black blood splattered everywhere, Ghost Hand threw the eyeball to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing calmly caught the eyeball. After observing it carefully, he clearly saw countless runes in the black eyeball. They were densely packed, as though they were arranged into some kind of array formation.


    ¡°This thing can be used as a magic artifact. I¡¯ll give it to you as a souvenir.¡±


    Xu Qing knew that this item was definitely precious. He expressed his gratitude by bowing and cupping his fists, and carefully kept the eyeball.


    ¡°It¡¯s precisely because the Black Heaven Race¡¯s cultivation and talent are special that the divine sense of the Black Heaven Race¡¯s cultivators is ranked at the top even among the myriad races. Their divine sense is so strong that it can kill without leaving a trace, control all things, and enslave countless races.¡±


    ¡°As for the experts of the Black Heaven Race, they can materialize things out of nothing.¡±


    Ghost Hand continued to poke around the Black Heaven Race cultivator in his hand and introduced it to Xu Qing in detail.


    ¡°Due to this, there will be brain crystals in the brains of the Black Heaven Race. Their value is even greater.¡±


    ¡°The brain crystal is also the key for cultivators of this race to absorb anomalous substances and use them for cultivation. There were once humans who took it out and tried to fuse it into their bodies, but they all failed.¡±


    ¡°What I¡¯m saying is only the foundation power of this race. Black Heaven Race is extremely huge, so there are many sects and families inside with countless paths and spells of all kinds.¡±


    ¡°In addition, there¡¯s their hair. This is also the most basic weapon of the Black Heaven Race. It contains poison that can dim and extinguish souls. If you encounter them in the future, you have to be careful.¡±


    Ghost Hand was about to continue when Xu Qing hesitated for a moment before speaking softly.


    ¡°Senior, can you give me a strand as a memento?¡±


    Ghost Hand laughed. He directly broke off three of the Black Heaven Race¡¯s hair spikes and threw them to Xu Qing. After that, he continued to explain the Black Heaven Race to Xu Qing.


    Towards the end, he simply spoke while dissecting the Black Heaven Race cultivator.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change from the start until the end. He didn¡¯t have any pity because he knew that if he was captured by the Black Heaven Race, there was a high chance that the same thing would happen to him.


    The mortal feud between the two races was known by everyone in Wanggu.


    However, he felt that this time, Senior Ghost Hand didn¡¯t seem to be teaching a lesson. Instead, he seemed to be using the lesson as an excuse to satisfy his hobby.


    However, Xu Qing pretended not to see it and listened very carefully.


    Just like that, two hours later, under Ghost Hand¡¯s unsatisfied gaze, the lesson ended.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that there are too few specimens. I¡¯ll explain it to you properly next time.¡± Ghost Hand licked his lips and took out a wine flask to take a big gulp. He hummed a small tune happily and walked into the small world.


    There were no longer four Black Heaven cultivators in Area C but three.


    Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed, watching as the other party left.

 Chapter 576 - 576 Birth of the Strongest Meat Shield! (2)

    576 Birth of the Strongest Meat Shield! (2)


    Xu Qing¡¯s life didn¡¯t change because of the arrival of the criminals from the Black Heaven Race. Everything was as usual. Every day, other than occasionally going to D132, he spent the vast majority of his time going to the World Prison to withstand the rules.


    The time he lasted also increased from 1,000 breaths to more than 1,500 breaths. Just as he was getting closer and closer to the target he had set for himself, the captain, who had disappeared for a long time, suddenly transmitted his voice.


    ¡°Junior Brother, are you in the Sword Pavilion?¡±


    At that moment, Xu Qing had just returned to the Sword Pavilion. When he heard the way the captain addressed him, he knew that there were either outsiders or something happened. Hence, he sent a voice transmission to reply.


    After about fifteen minutes, the captain brought Ning Yan who had an apprehensive expression on his face.


    As soon as they entered Xu Qing¡¯s Sword Pavilion, the captain pushed Ning Yan and shot Xu Qing a look as he laughed.


    ¡°Junior Brother, this kid has something to tell you but he didn¡¯t dare to come himself, so he begged me to be the middleman.¡±


    Xu Qing stood up and cupped his fists and bowed to the captain. After that, he coldly looked at Ning Yan.


    Being swept by Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, Ning Yan instinctively shivered and his face turned a little pale. In reality, he had no choice but to look for Chen Erniu and get him to help contact Xu Qing.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing¡­¡± Ning Yan hurriedly greeted.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with him. Instead, he looked at the captain.


    The captain once again sighed inwardly that it was really comfortable to be with Xu Qing. With just a sentence from him, the other party knew what he was thinking. That bow earlier was clearly to give him face in front of outsiders.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t this kid get Quasi-Sword Holder status in the Yinghuang Province? Hence, he has to take the assessment again in the county capital. He has passed all the tests, but the last segment requires a Sword Holder from the province to recommend him.¡±


    ¡°His social skills are mediocre, and Qing Qiu ignored him. Initially, I intended to recommend him due to us being from the Yinghuang Province, but he rejected me.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to help him?¡± The captain winked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing knew at a glance that the captain had either taken benefits or had something he needed Ning Yan to do. Otherwise, the captain wouldn¡¯t take on this matter without benefits.


    Xu Qing thought about it. If it was just Ning Yan coming here, he would naturally reject him. However, since his senior brother had already spoken, he fell silent for a moment before nodding.


    Seeing that Xu Qing had agreed, Ning Yan was instantly pleasantly surprised. He realized that the rumors about Chen Erniu being unreliable were false. Today, he witnessed firsthand how impressive Chen Erniu was since he was able to convince Xu Qing to agree.


    He hurriedly thanked him, and they decided to meet at the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s records office in seven days. He then bowed and left.


    The captain didn¡¯t leave. After Ning Yan left, he sat opposite Xu Qing and took out an apple to eat as he smiled.


    ¡°Little Qing, this Ning Yan¡¯s character is alright. There¡¯s no big problem. Don¡¯t worry and recommend him.¡±


    ¡°Captain, do you need him?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°His cultivation art is special. Back then, when he was played by Qingqin for so long, he was actually unscathed¡­¡± A strange glint appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°I secretly bit him but I actually couldn¡¯t bite through his skin, so there must be something wrong with him!¡±


    Xu Qing had a strange expression as he glanced at the captain.


    The captain pretended not to see and continued to speak.


    ¡°He said that his bloodline went through atavism, but I don¡¯t believe him. This Ning Yan must have a secret, but I¡¯m not very concerned about the details. However, if we use his advantage of having thick skin and thick flesh well, it will be really useful when we do big things in the future.¡±


    ¡°Think about it. In the past, when we encountered danger, we could only flee for our lives. If we encountered area bombardment, we wouldn¡¯t even be able to hide. This Ning Yan¡­ is very resistant!¡±


    The captain blinked.


    Xu Qing also blinked.


    ¡°Believe me, Little Qing, I won¡¯t be wrong. This Ning Yan is a talent, so we have to make arrangements in advance. We can¡¯t wait until we need the other party to express goodwill.¡±


    The captain had a look of strategic planning on his face. When Xu Qing heard this, he replied.


    ¡°Wu Jianwu too?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention him¡­¡± The captain fiercely took a bite of the apple and spoke gloomily. After that, he changed the topic and put on a mysterious expression.


    ¡°Little Qing, have a few Black Heaven cultivators been locked up in your Prison Department recently?¡±


    After asking, the captain¡¯s eyes lit up as he looked at Xu Qing with anticipation.


    Although he knew that the captain had always been well-informed, this matter was a secret to begin with. Xu Qing only knew about it due to his identity as a Pawn. Hence, he glanced at the captain in surprise.


    ¡°Think of a way to observe those few Black Heaven cultivators. It¡¯s best if you can record their way of speaking, actions, physical appearance, and everything else. The more detailed the better.¡±


    ¡°Give it to me after you¡¯re done recording it. I have great use for it!¡± Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s expression, the captain knew that he was right. The glint in his eyes intensified as he licked his lips and spoke softly.


    ¡°Little Qing, it¡¯s almost time for us to do something big.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    Right now, he yearned for military contributions. Over the years, although the captain¡¯s actions were usually unreliable, every time he did something big¡­ the gains were quite good. Of course, the risks were equally high.


    However, Xu Qing felt that living in this world was actually a risk in itself.


    Since that was the case¡­ as long as the gains were good enough, the risk was worth it.


    This was especially so since he had invested a lot of spirit stones this time.


    ¡°Is it related to the Black Heaven Race?¡± Xu Qing fell into deep thought and looked at the captain.


    The captain put on an unfathomable expression and sat there eating an apple as he smiled proudly at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Little Qing, I told you before that the Sword Holding Palace thinks highly of me. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have given me this important position.¡±


    ¡°During this period of time, I¡¯ve long studied the Office of Merit Records thoroughly. I know the mobilization and arrangements of any Sword Holder like the back of my hand.¡±


    ¡°Unless this person doesn¡¯t record his military contributions, under my eyes that can see through everything, there¡¯s nothing that can be hidden.¡±


    The captain was arrogant, as though he was guiding everything.


    Xu Qing sighed with emotion and some admiration rose in his heart. He really admired the captain. After all¡­ such an inconspicuous civilian job could actually be of so much use in the captain¡¯s hands.


    To be able to do this, it was enough to show that the captain was much more of a talent compared to Ning Yan.


    ¡°Little Qing, you¡¯re still too inexperienced. You have to learn more from me, understand? Don¡¯t think about going out to adventure with those bad kids every day. What¡¯s the use?¡±


    ¡°You work yourself to death on a trip, and still can¡¯t get much military contributions.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of this, I have no choice but to scold you. After all, I had to take care of everything alone during this period of time.¡±


    Xu Qing blinked and could hear the captain¡¯s dissatisfaction. This was the third time the captain had expressed such emotions during this period of time.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s expression revealed the admiration that had risen in his heart earlier.


    At the same time, he took out a large apple and handed it to the captain.


    The captain originally didn¡¯t want to take it but he instinctively received it. He glanced at Xu Qing and was about to speak when Xu Qing softly spoke.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, some time ago, Fairy Zi Xuan brought me to see a few of her best friends in the county capital. One of them is called Li Shitao. She¡­¡±

 Chapter 577 - 577 If I Dont Enter Hell, Who Will? (1)

    577 If I Don¡¯t Enter Hell, Who Will? (1)


    ¡°Hmm?¡± The captain was stunned, not understanding the meaning of Xu Qing¡¯s sudden words.


    ¡°What has it got to do with me? What¡¯s going on? Little Qing, are you showing off to me? If it wasn¡¯t for my letter¡­¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain.


    The captain coughed.


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for that letter¡­¡±


    His expression turned serious and he spoke solemnly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve actually wanted to tell you for a long time. We cultivators need to be alone. Only then can we have an iron-like will to complete our beliefs. Only then can we calmly face all difficulties!¡±


    ¡°Woman, heh, is it as delicious as an apple?¡± The captain fiercely took a bite of the apple and revealed a hint of disdain.


    ¡°They are the peaks and boulders that block our way. They are shackles that affect the speed of drawing our swords and are a hell. You have to be careful about this. Don¡¯t learn from Old Third. Previously, when I advised you to follow Fairy Zi Xuan, it was mostly a joke.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed when he heard this. He thought about it carefully and felt that what the captain said made sense. He nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother is right. In that case, I won¡¯t introduce you to Fairy Zi Xuan¡¯s best friend.¡±


    The captain was stunned. His eyes widened and he stopped eating the apple.


    ¡°What did you say? Introduce me?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded, looking a little embarrassed.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, I was wrong. Originally, Senior Li Shitao of Observance Palace asked me to introduce her to someone. I was too narrow-minded, and didn¡¯t think of it affecting your will and beliefs, Eldest Senior Brother.¡±


    ¡°Li Shitao? It doesn¡¯t sound bad. Um¡­ is she good-looking?¡± the captain suddenly asked.


    ¡°Quite okay.¡± Xu Qing was surprised and nodded.


    The captain perked up but tried his best to control himself. He stood up and placed his hands behind his back. He then let out a long sigh.


    ¡°Junior Brother¡­ Your Eldest Senior Brother has been alone for 26 years. It¡¯s a little too long.¡±


    The captain turned his head and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°We cultivators need to be alone.¡± Xu Qing hesitated.


    ¡°In a cultivator¡¯s life, there is companionship, magic, wealth, and land. Among them, companionship is ranked first!¡± The captain said solemnly.


    ¡°The peaks and boulders that block the way forward.¡± Xu Qing hesitated.


    ¡°If we don¡¯t understand the mountain, how can we cross it!¡± The captain said righteously.


    ¡°They are shackles that will affect the speed of drawing our sword and are a hell?¡± Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    The captain¡¯s expression was sorrowful. He looked at the world outside the window of the Sword Pavilion and sighed softly.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t enter hell, who will?¡±


    Xu Qing silently looked at the captain. The captain didn¡¯t feel awkward at all and shamelessly looked at Xu Qing.


    A long time later, Xu Qing sighed and nodded.


    ¡°Captain, you should eat more pomelos.¡±


    The captain was extremely excited and didn¡¯t mind Xu Qing mentioning the pomelos again. He ran to Xu Qing¡¯s side and took out three large apples. He handed them to Xu Qing with a radiant expression.


    ¡°Junior Brother, Eldest Senior Brother didn¡¯t dote on you for nothing. Ahem, I¡¯ll wait for your good news.¡± With that, the captain left happily.


    Looking at his eldest senior brother¡¯s departing back view, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed contemplation. Although his eldest senior brother¡¯s words were inconsistent, Xu Qing still felt that the other party¡¯s previous words made sense.


    ¡°Only with a calm mind can one be steadfast.¡± Xu Qing mumbled. He then closed his eyes and focused on meditation.


    In the blink of an eye, four days passed.


    During these four days, Xu Qing dispersed all his distracting thoughts and calmed the waves that had once risen in his heart. He recovered his state of mind from back then in the Yinghuang Province and completely immersed himself in adapting to the descent of the rules of the small world.


    Finally, on the late night of the fourth day, he successfully increased his endurance to 2,000 breaths of time.


    ¡°I can try now.¡±


    After a short rest, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. He didn¡¯t go off duty immediately but entered the mural world again on the 90th floor.


    Walking in the void, Xu Qing arrived outside the eggshell-like light barrier with great familiarity. He rushed forward and shuttled through, appearing above the small world in the clouds.


    A huge pressure instantly descended. It was as though mountains had fallen and an invisible feeling of shackles rose in his heart.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and cracking sounds rang out from it. However, his expression didn¡¯t change at all.


    This was the place he usually used to temper himself.


    He was already familiar with the feeling of being suppressed by the mountains.


    In the past, he would stop here. However, today, he didn¡¯t stop at all and took a step forward.


    With every step he took, a loud bang rang out between the heavens and the earth. It was as though a mountain rock had fallen to the ground. The commotion was huge and the color of the sky changed as wind and clouds surged.


    This scene looked astonishing but in reality, it was because Xu Qing couldn¡¯t lift something heavy as though it was light. He was enduring the rules of a world, so every step he took caused a drastic change in the world.


    Wherever he passed, lightning flashed and thunder rumbled. The surrounding clouds churned, looking extremely astonishing.


    As Xu Qing continued to move, the expressions of the hidden nonhumans on the ground changed when they saw Xu Qing.


    Although they also knew that Xu Qing¡¯s performance hadn¡¯t reached the state where he could walk around freely, they understood that the more it was like this, the more dangerous it was.


    This was because he couldn¡¯t completely control the rules, so it was inevitable that the rules would be messed up¡­


    This was indeed the case. Just as Xu Qing¡¯s body descended a little, seven to eight climatic changes appeared around him. Sometimes, it was acid rain, sometimes it was thunderstorms, and sometimes it was violent winds¡­


    The ground under his feet was also affected. The plains transformed into mountains and the mountains transformed into lakes that kept changing and couldn¡¯t be stabilized. It would only be settled after he left.


    During this process, the criminals there¡­ suffered great misfortune.


    Hence, when Xu Qing lowered his head, the first thing he saw was a large number of criminals rushing out from hiding places on the ground and fleeing in fear.

 Chapter 578 - 578 If I Dont Enter Hell, Who Will? (2)

    578 If I Don¡¯t Enter Hell, Who Will? (2)


    Of course, there were also some criminals who had died too many times and were about to completely lose their memories. Their eyes shone as they headed straight for Xu Qing, wanting to borrow the power of the uncontrolled rules to commit suicide.


    If they died from the rules, they wouldn¡¯t be reset. It could be considered a form of relief.


    Xu Qing frowned. He lifted his right hand and pressed down as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Space is restricted around me and no one can approach me!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the invisible rules of this world on his body suddenly trembled. At the next instant, cracking sounds rang out from the world and invisible threads spread out from all living beings, spreading out from everything in the world and finally gathering beside Xu Qing.


    New rules were established.


    Those criminals who wanted to commit suicide were immediately expelled just as their bodies were about to approach. It was difficult for them to get close at all, let alone fly.


    They had to wait for Xu Qing to leave before they could fly again.


    After doing all this, Xu Qing calculated the time and knew that he couldn¡¯t delay for too long. He gritted his teeth and rushed forward.


    On the way, his body kept cracking. He even circulated the rules, causing the ground to seem to shrink under his feet, exchanging for an even faster speed.


    Finally, he arrived at the plain where the group of Quasi-Immortal Race prisoners were.


    This was the first thing he had to do.


    After arriving at the place, he immediately changed the rules. He raised his right hand and grabbed. Immediately, two criminals from the Quasi-Immortal Race rose into the air and were swept away by Xu Qing.


    When he arrived at a place with no one around, he did the same thing he did to the Quasi-Immortal criminals from Area D. After successfully planting his anomalous substances in these two Nascent Soul cultivators, Xu Qing fell silent.


    ¡°If their memories aren¡¯t erased, the possibility of them becoming immortal puppets would also be reduced¡­ However, the Quasi-Immortal Race isn¡¯t stupid. They will definitely suspect something if there were suddenly those with their memories erased. Therefore, I can¡¯t be too extreme.¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it and decided to send one of the two unconscious Quasi-Immortal Race members back to his original location while leaving the other outside.


    ¡°I¡¯ll come here often to observe during this period of time. Before this Quasi-Immortal Race member outside completely loses his memory, I will send him back and only let a portion of his memory be erased.¡±


    Xu Qing had just finished doing it and left the Quasi-Immortal Race in the wilderness. Just as he was about to do the second thing, his expression changed and he suddenly turned his head.


    A person had appeared 5000 feet behind him at some point in time!


    This person was also wearing a Pawn¡¯s Daoist robe and was one of the Pawns from Area C. He was coldly staring at Xu Qing and then at the Quasi-Immortal Race cultivator in the wilderness. A dark glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the guard from Area C and sensed the fluctuations of his Nascent Soul cultivation.


    He had seen the other party before but they hadn¡¯t exchanged any words.


    Facing this person¡¯s question, Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He looked at this area and revealed an apologetic expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing an experiment.¡±


    The Pawn coldly looked at Xu Qing and then glanced at the Quasi-Immortal Race member who was about to wake up on the ground.


    ¡°This is the place I¡¯m guarding. You should have told me in advance. The County Governor has ordered that the prisoners of the Quasi-Immortal Race shall be spared the pain of losing their memories¡­ Today¡¯s matter will only happen once.¡±


    With that, he turned and left this place without stopping Xu Qing.


    After all, everyone was a Pawn. Although Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t in the Nascent Soul realm, he still had the right to deal with criminals. Although this matter was a little against the rules, they didn¡¯t have any grudges against each other. The other party also revealed an apologetic expression, so he couldn¡¯t be bothered to take it seriously.


    Xu Qing also knew that he had been careless. His actions were inappropriate and unreasonable.


    Actually, he wouldn¡¯t have made this mistake. After all, this was what he did in Area D.


    However, he had just attempted to patrol today and the area and time hadn¡¯t been assigned to him yet, so he didn¡¯t know who was in charge of this area. It was inevitable that he would be careless.


    ¡°I apologize.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn. He cupped his fists and bowed to the Pawn who had left.


    The Pawn who had left waved his hand with his back facing Xu Qing. Most of the displeasure in his heart dissipated.


    When the other party¡¯s figure couldn¡¯t be seen anymore, Xu Qing turned and left. He originally had a second thing to do and that was to find the three Black Heaven cultivators and leave marks on their bodies to observe.


    However, at this moment, he changed his mind and didn¡¯t search. Instead, his body rose into the air and left this small world.


    As the feeling of the laws descending on him dissipated, Xu Qing let out a long breath and returned to the Prison Department.


    After appearing in the Prison Department, Xu Qing immediately found Ghost Hand and told him that he could withstand the laws and patrol independently.


    In a corner of the 90th floor, Ghost Hand, who was lying on a rocking chair and drinking, lifted his head and sized up Xu Qing.


    ¡°So fast?¡± Ghost Hand¡¯s expression was one of surprise. He performed a series of hand seals and pointed at the mural. Immediately, the mural emitted a gentle light. The original picture inside was blurry, forming a new scene.


    The scene was of Xu Qing patrolling inside. However, it only revealed Xu Qing descending on the world and didn¡¯t reveal his subsequent actions.


    ¡°Kid, you¡¯re not bad, not bad.¡± Ghost Hand didn¡¯t look anymore. He waved his hand and dispersed the scene, tossing a token to Xu Qing.


    ¡°You¡¯re in charge of guarding the East 13 area.¡±


    Xu Qing took the token and solemnly nodded. After that, he thought about it and spoke softly.


    ¡°I put a member of the Quasi-Immortal Race outside their assigned area for an experiment¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a small matter.¡± Ghost Hand chuckled. He was naturally well aware of this matter. As the Prison Lord, he was very clear about the things in the Prison World. He also understood that all the Pawns under him were actually dishonest and did all kinds of things related to their private matters.


    However, at the end of the day, they were all Sword Holders with no ill intentions. At most, they would just make things convenient for themselves.


    He turned a blind eye to such a thing.


    After all, even he would occasionally do this.


    Xu Qing taking the initiative to say this made him very happy.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing knew that he had done the right thing.


    There was no point in hiding some things. Instead, it would cause unnecessary suspicion. Hence, after pondering, he spoke again.


    ¡°Senior, I want to take a look at those few Black Heaven cultivators.¡±


    Ghost Hand laughed and pointed at the jade slip in Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    ¡°When I explained it to you last time, I could tell that you¡¯re quite interested. You can take a look at the place you¡¯re guarding.¡±


    Xu Qing was stunned when he heard that. He then bowed deeply to Ghost Hand and turned to leave.


    Looking at the departing Xu Qing, Ghost Hand took a sip of wine as admiration appeared in his eyes.


    He indeed admired Xu Qing very much. Regardless of whether it was his method of poisoning Sick Ghost at the start, his comprehension ability later on, or his constant politeness, this was very rare.


    He could even patrol independently with his Golden Core cultivation base, Everything showed that Xu Qing was extraordinary.


    More importantly, he had a 100,000 feet long light and was arranged to guard D132. Ghost Hand was very clear about the meaning behind the latter.


    Hence, he arranged for Xu Qing to oversee the place where those few Black Heaven cultivators were imprisoned. This was because everyone would fight over the chance to have those Black Heaven Race prisoners, after all they were rarely seen here.


    However, no one could say anything if they were given to a newbie who had achieved 100,000 feet light in heart inquisition. Moreover, this would also allow Xu Qing to get familiar with his other colleagues in Area C.


    ¡°Kid, you have to work hard. That East 13 area has a good fortune today.¡± Ghost Hand took a large chug of wine and lay on the rocking chair, humming a small tune.

 Chapter 579 - 579 Original Extreme Heaven Saber

    579 Original Extreme Heaven Saber


    Xu Qing stepped into the mural world again and descended.


    As the laws of a world pressed down on his body, he took a deep breath and took out the token. According to the guidance, he went to the East 13 area that he needed to guard in the future.


    This area was very large. Ghost Hand hadn¡¯t brought him there before, so Xu Qing took a little while to reach there.


    The terrain here consisted mainly of volcanoes, with red ground and surging magma.


    Those three Black Heaven cultivators were suppressed in three separate volcanoes.


    They were being tortured using the light and heat emitted by the volcano, which imitated the power of the sun.


    Xu Qing flew over to take a look and even took out a Black Heaven cultivator to observe carefully. 500 breaths later, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡°The aura of the red moon is much denser than that in the Holy Wave Race¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled.


    In reality, when Ghost Hand explained and dissected the Black Heaven Race in front of him back then, Xu Qing had already sensed the aura of the red moon in the Black Heaven Race¡¯s body.


    This aura came from their black blood.


    Now, he confirmed this.


    ¡°This is also the reason why I sensed the aura of the red moon on the Holy Wave Race¡¯s body. It¡¯s because there¡¯s a trace of the Black Heaven Race¡¯s bloodline fused into the bodies of the Holy Wave Race cultivators.¡±


    ¡°From the looks of it, could it be that the Black Heaven Race is the same as the Divine Realm cultivator represented by the totem on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar in the Yinghuang Province? They both believe in the evil god who covered Its eyes in the red moon?¡±


    Xu Qing felt vigilant. He was very clear that the purple moon in the Fourth Heavenly Palace was formed by a wisp of aura he had plundered from the red moon.


    ¡°Black Heaven Race¡­¡± Xu Qing fell silent. He felt that his judgment should be correct. This also matched the saying that there was no sun but only the moon in the Black Heaven Race.


    After a long time, Xu Qing suppressed his thoughts and transmitted his divine sense to the shadow, leaving shadow eyes on the three Black Heaven Race members to observe them.


    At the same time, he also placed jade slips to record their actions.


    After that, Xu Qing thought about it. In order to let them communicate with each other and find out more details, he simply locked these three Black Heaven cultivators in a volcano.


    After doing this, Xu Qing captured another nonhuman prisoner. He wanted to try the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art and see if he could devour the other party and increase his cultivation.


    Unfortunately, although Xu Qing could crush these criminals with his combat strength, the difference in their cultivation realms caused the effect of Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art to not have good effect.


    Xu Qing felt that if devouring the cores of Golden Cores were compared to eating candied fruits, no matter how hard the candied fruits were, he could still eat them. After all, there was a layer of sugar wrapped around them. They would be melted and digested once they entered his body.


    As for devouring a Nascent Soul, it was as though the outer layer of the candied fruit was covered in a layer of iron. It wasn¡¯t easy to digest.


    Xu Qing could understand this. After all, no matter how fragile the other party was, their realm was still that of a Nascent Soul cultivator. The difference in levels made it difficult for him to unleash his Golden Core cultivation art normally.


    Of course, it wasn¡¯t that there was no solution, but it was much more troublesome. It wasn¡¯t as convenient as devouring Golden Core cultivators.


    Xu Qing felt that his method might be wrong. Hence, he planned to wait until he could withstand the rules of the world for longer before trying to find a solution. He calculated the time and prepared to leave.


    Today, he had arrived twice. Now that his body was carrying the rules of the small world, he was about to reach his limit.


    Just as Xu Qing was about to leave, the color of the sky suddenly changed in the distance. The clouds and fog in the sky transformed on their own and became a black mass with bolts of lightning swimming in them.


    It was like a heavenly tribulation.


    There were also many lightning bolts that overflowed and landed on the ground. This caused the ground there to collapse and gravel to splatter in all directions. Moreover, the range was still expanding.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He hadn¡¯t created this scene.


    ¡°Did other Pawns arrive?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed as he moved closer. Wherever he passed, wind and clouds would stir.


    From afar, it looked like a celestial body surrounded by violent power was speeding away.


    The instant Xu Qing got close, a figure suddenly rushed out from the ground under the heavenly tribulation. It was a tall nonhuman with blue skin and a single horn on his head.


    This nonhuman only had one eye and thick arms with nine fingers on each. At that moment, his expression was filled with anxiety and madness as he rushed toward the thunderclouds in the sky.


    He was transcending the tribulation!


    When Xu Qing saw this, he immediately understood that there were no other Pawns here. The reason why the world had changed was because of this nonhuman.


    This person was extremely extraordinary. His cultivation was actually close to breaking through in this small world, causing the laws of the small world to transform into heavenly tribulation to suppress him.


    This matter was rare in small worlds. During this period of time, as Xu Qing understood this prison world, he was very clear that¡­ it was impossible for the other party to succeed.


    If the laws of this world weren¡¯t controlled by the Sword Holding Palace, the other party might have a chance of success. However, although Xu Qing hadn¡¯t seen the suppression of the heavenly tribulation here before, according to his understanding, its might would be earth-shattering.


    This place originally wasn¡¯t guarded. Presumably, this was also the reason why the nonhuman chose this place.


    However, this criminal clearly didn¡¯t expect Xu Qing to arrive today.


    ¡°Senior Ghost Hand arranged for me to come here. Could it be that he knows about this?¡± Xu Qing came to a realization. At the same time, a shocking bang rang out from the tribulation cloud.


    Thunder rumbled and the sky changed color. Bolts of lightning fell from the clouds in unison. They didn¡¯t directly bombard the nonhuman that was rushing over but quickly gathered together.


    It actually formed a long saber formed by lightning under the clouds.


    This saber was filled with endless lightning and was dazzling.


    A supreme mighty force descended into the world. It contained the rules of the operation of this small world, the laws of the world, and the power of the Heavenly Dao.


    It emitted Dao rhythms!


    The saber beam was even more dazzling at this moment, causing the color of the world to change. It was as though the world had completely dimmed at this moment. Only the light of this saber became the only light in the world!


    It displayed endless strength, stirring up the sound of the sky breaking as it slashed at the nonhuman!


    This was the true heavenly saber!


    What it killed wasn¡¯t the body but the Dao!


    The saber slashed down and instantly pierced through the nonhuman¡¯s body.


    The blue-skinned nonhuman¡¯s body trembled and he let out a mournful cry. As his body trembled, he coughed out blood violently.


    His Nascent Soul cultivation couldn¡¯t hold on and collapsed in the blink of an eye!


    The Nascent Soul in his body instantly turned gray and flew away. All his Heavenly Palaces were instantly destroyed and the Foundation Building life fires were also extinguished. His Dao foundation collapsed and all his cultivation was gone!


    ¡°I¡¯m not willing!!¡±


    This nonhuman¡¯s voice was incomparably miserable. However, it was obvious that he was helpless under the rules and laws of this world. He could only die with resentment. His body landed on the ground with a boom and he turned into a mortal. He lost everything and was on the verge of death.


    At that moment, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the criminal or the other party¡¯s unwilling roars. He landed on a mountain peak and his eyes widened. Lightning echoed in his mind and monstrous waves stirred.


    He stared fixedly at the heavenly saber formed by countless lightning bolts in the sky.


    That saber strike kept appearing in his mind and became the only thing in it.


    ¡°That saber¡­ that saber¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled. His body trembled and a storm seemed to sweep through his mind.


    The change in his state of mind also caused the laws of heaven and earth in the surroundings to transform. Countless clouds and mist appeared above him, sometimes turning into acid rain, sometimes into electromagnetic storm, and sometimes into lightning.


    Even the surroundings of the mountain peak he was on were the same.


    Everything outside the mountain was blurry. One moment, it was the sea, then the plains, then the desert, and then it returned to a volcano.


    The sky changed color and the wind and clouds churned.


    As for the nonhuman cultivator who had failed to transcend the tribulation, he had also disappeared without a trace under the changes in the laws of heaven and earth. He might have died or fled.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay attention to this person. All his attention was on the saber of heavenly tribulation.


    Even though this heavenly tribulation saber was slowly dissipating in the distance, it became increasingly clear in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    The feeling this saber strike gave him was very similar to the saber slash he had seen from the statue in the Extreme Heaven Dao Temple in the forbidden zone beside the scavenger campsite back then.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled.


    ¡°Can it be that¡­¡±


    He had a faint judgment that the peerless expert who created the Extreme Heaven Saber back then might have seen a Dao-Slaying Heavenly Saber like today.


    However, upon closer inspection, there were also differences.


    The Dao Temple¡¯s Extreme Heaven Saber was a cultivator¡¯s saber, and this saber was the saber of heavenly tribulation.


    The two were similar in that they came from almost the same source. The difference was that the Dao runes contained were different, so the direction of the slash was different.


    The former killed the body while the latter slashed the Dao.


    ¡°If I can fuse its comprehension with the Extreme Heaven Saber¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed and his breathing became slightly hurried.


    He instinctively raised his right hand and copied the saber strike in his mind. His right hand also waved, wanting to use the Dao Slaying Saber formed by the laws of the world.


    However, even if Xu Qing¡¯s comprehension ability was astonishing, it was impossible for him to succeed with just a glance.


    Hence, dozens of breaths later, as the shadow of the heavenly saber formed by the lightning in the sky slowly dissipated, the saber shadow that appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind gradually became blurry.


    In the end, no matter how unwilling Xu Qing was, it was still difficult for him to retain it and it gradually dissipated.


    He also tried to use his authority to form this saber strike in the sky again, but it was ineffective.


    Clearly, the appearance of this saber of heavenly tribulation was outside his authority.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t give up. He immediately closed his eyes and began to meditate.


    Just like how he had comprehended in front of the Ghost Emperor Mountain back then, he tried his best to slow down the dissipation of the saber shadow in his mind and tried his best to remember it.


    Hundreds of breaths passed in the blink of an eye.


    Xu Qing opened his bloodshot eyes. He lifted his head and looked at the sky that had returned to normal. He then sighed softly.


    His comprehension¡­ failed.


    On one hand, the time when the heavenly saber appeared was too short. On the other hand, he was already reaching his limits in this small world, so his state wasn¡¯t good.


    Also, this heavenly saber¡¯s level was extremely high. To a certain extent, it could be seen as the original version of the Extreme Heaven Saber.


    All of this made it very difficult for him to succeed.


    ¡°I was too anxious.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. After analyzing the reason for his failure, he had no choice but to soar into the air and leave this small world.


    The moment he went out, as his body relaxed, fatigue instantly surfaced in his entire body.


    Every time he left the small world, he would have this feeling. This was because his cultivation wasn¡¯t high enough and the burden of enduring the rules of a world was extremely great.


    However, he didn¡¯t care about these. A look of contemplation appeared in his eyes as he analyzed.


    ¡°If I want to comprehend this saber strike, I have to let it appear a few more times¡­ I have to be in a state of relaxation and completely free of distractions.¡±


    ¡°Only then will there be a possibility of comprehending this Dao Slaying Heavenly Saber.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He lowered his head and looked at the small world below, having a direction in his mind.


    ¡°I¡¯ve grasped two saber strikes of the Extreme Heaven Saber. If I can succeed in comprehending this Dao-Slaying Heavenly Saber, this strike can be my third strike.¡±


    After Xu Qing arrived at the county capital, he didn¡¯t leave the city that much or go out to search for the Extreme Heaven Dao Temples, so the number of Extreme Heaven Saber¡¯s saber moves didn¡¯t increase.


    In addition, he also understood that with the conditions for comprehension of the Extreme Heaven Saber Art, most of the Extreme Heaven Dao Temples were ruined.


    After all, as long as someone succeeded once, it would lose its effect.


    This also meant that the difficulty of accumulating the Extreme Heaven Saber moves was extremely great. One needed an opportunity to find a Dao temple that hadn¡¯t been successfully comprehended or kill those who had comprehended it.


    Xu Qing returned to the Prison Department.


    ¡°I won¡¯t return to the Sword Pavilion for now!¡±


    The moment he walked out of the mural world, Xu Qing turned his head and looked at the scene in the small world.


    Determination appeared in his eyes. He simply found a corner on the 90th floor and sat cross-legged to cultivate.


    Four hours later, when Pawns entered and exited the small world one after another, Xu Qing¡¯s body returned to normal under the circulation of the purple crystal.


    He didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He stood up and stepped into the mural, enduring the descent of the laws and entering the small world again.

 Chapter 580 - 580 Enlightenment, Mosasaur (1)

    580 Enlightenment, Mosasaur (1)


    This time around, Xu Qing activated the power of rules and flew quickly in the area he was guarding, searching for suitable criminals. At the same time, he took out a jade slip to screen the name list.


    What he was looking for were all cultivators who were at the perfected Nascent Soul Realm when they were captured. Such criminals were only a step away from the heavenly tribulation.


    Very soon, Xu Qing locked onto four of them. As he performed a series of hand seals, he borrowed the power of rules to search. Not long later, he found a cultivator from the Winged Race.


    This criminal was hiding in a cave underground and meditating.


    At the next instant, as the cave he lived in rumbled, the ground collapsed and a huge gap exploded. Amidst the rumbling, the expression of the Winged Race prisoner changed.


    Although his reaction was fast, it was useless under absolute strength.


    A huge force descended from the sky and directly pulled him into the air.


    It didn¡¯t allow him to refuse or struggle at all.


    Due to the weakening by the power of rules, Xu Qing could crush all criminals here.


    In an instant, the Nascent Soul of the Winged Race, who was all-powerful outside and could kill Xu Qing with a single hand, was grabbed by the neck by Xu Qing.


    ¡°Lord.¡±


    Although he felt aggrieved, the Winged Race cultivator still spoke carefully with a fawning expression.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. His gaze was cold. After taking a closer look, he threw the Winged Race member to the side. After that, he took out a few medicinal pills and threw them over.


    These pills contained dense spirit energy and were good pills in the outside world. Here, they were even more precious. When the Winged Race prisoner saw them, he was stunned. However, what appeared in his eyes wasn¡¯t joy but hesitation.


    He was very clear that there must be a reason for this abnormality. Hence, he looked at Xu Qing nervously.


    ¡°Lord, this¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you want to eat them yourself, or do you want me to cripple you and stuff them in?¡± Xu Qing calmly asked.


    Viciousness rose in the heart of the Winged Race prisoner, but he forcefully suppressed it. He knew the consequences of not complying, so he gritted his teeth and picked up the medicinal pills, swallowing them all.


    However, he was careful and controlled the speed of the absorption.


    Xu Qing frowned and directly slapped down. The Winged Race cultivator let out a mournful cry. His body almost collapsed and he was on the verge of death.


    However, it was only because his body was weak. As the pills fused into his body, the spirit qi in his body quickly recovered. After Xu Qing checked, he felt that it wasn¡¯t enough and opened his mouth again, throwing down a few more pills.


    As these pills fused into his body, an energy fluctuation near to breaking through spread out from the Winged Race cultivator.


    When he was captured, he was already at the limit of the Nascent Soul realm. After so many years, he had already reached the level of breaking through. However, to advance to the Spirit Repository, he needed the Heavenly Dao. He clearly didn¡¯t have it, so he would definitely fail to break through.


    However¡­ regardless of whether it was a failure or not, it wouldn¡¯t affect the activation of the rules of heaven and earth here, forming the saber of heavenly tribulation.


    This fluctuation instantly shocked the Winged Race cultivator. He knew what Xu Qing was trying to do and was about to speak, but it was too late. The sky instantly surged with clouds and tribulation clouds filled the air.


    The Winged Race cultivator let out a sharp cry and suddenly jumped up, speeding into the distance. He also kept attacking himself, wanting to suppress his cultivation base and dissipate the heavenly tribulation.


    However, after a few attacks, his entire body trembled and stopped. He revealed a fanatical and exaggerated expression but there was horror in his eyes.


    His body seemed to be controlled as he forcefully turned around and knelt down in front of Xu Qing.


    ¡°Master¡­ I¡¯m willing¡­ to¡­ die!¡±


    The incoherence in his words meant that the shadow¡¯s control over him was unstable. At this moment, the Winged Race member struggled even more intensely. His expression changed and his fanatical expression quickly dissipated. His expression became distorted and he was about to break free.


    Thunder rumbled in the sky. The Dao Slaying Heavenly Saber formed by countless lightning suddenly landed on the Winged Race.


    The moment it landed, the shadow left. The Winged Race cultivator, who had returned to normal, had no chance of dodging. He let out mournful cries and was slashed down by the heavenly saber.


    A rumbling sound echoed in all directions.


    Xu Qing sat cross-legged in his original location and didn¡¯t care about the Winged Race prisoner who was on the verge of death after his Dao foundation was cut off. He lifted his head and looked at the heavenly saber, comprehending again.


    300 breaths of time passed in a flash.


    As the tribulation clouds slowly dissipated and the heavenly saber also disappeared, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed contemplation.


    After a while, he stood up and walked toward another area to search for another suitable specimen.


    Just like that, several days passed.


    As Xu Qing attempted to comprehend Dao Slaying Saber again and again, it was time to meet Ning Yan.


    On this day, at dusk, the sky was filled with orange light that formed a gorgeous light. It flowed on the ground like water and landed on the roof and plaza of the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s records office.


    There were many Sword Holders lined up there.


    They were all reserve candidates from the various provinces.


    Some of them had anxious expressions and were waiting bitterly. Ning Yan was one of them.


    From time to time, he would look into the distance. His heart was uneasy and he was worried about gains and losses. He had been waiting for half a day already.


    Behind the table, there was a middle-aged Sword Holder with a solemn expression. This person was in the Golden Core realm and there was a faint flash of lightning in his eyes. Clearly, he was from the Primordial Lightning Lineage and his energy fluctuations were extraordinary.


    At that moment, he lifted his head and looked at the seven to eight reserve candidates who were frequently looking into the distance.


    ¡°Most of the reserve candidate recommendation records have been completed. You¡¯re the only ones left.¡±


    ¡°Have you guys found anyone from your same province to recommend you?¡±


    These seven to eight substitutes all had bitter expressions. Some explained, while others remained silent.


    Ning Yan hurriedly nodded and bowed to the middle-aged Sword Holder.


    ¡°Please wait a little longer. My recommender promised me that he would come.¡±

 Chapter 581 - 581 Enlightenment, Mosasaur (2)

    581 Enlightenment, Mosasaur (2)


    ¡°Who are you looking for?¡± The middle-aged Sword Holder frowned and slowly spoke.


    Ning Yan hesitated but didn¡¯t say Xu Qing¡¯s name. Right now, he wasn¡¯t sure if the other party would really come. If he mentioned his name but the latter didn¡¯t come, he would become a joke.


    In addition, he had undergone the reserve candidate assessment with these people at the same time. The competition for the top reserve candidate was intense, so it was inevitable that there would be some conflicts.


    At that moment, there were three young and impetuous youths in the crowd. They were the people who had friction with him.


    When these three people saw that Ning Yan was anxious and didn¡¯t mention the recommender, mockery flashed on their faces. Although it wasn¡¯t that obvious, Ning Yan still saw it.


    This expression made Ning Yan feel a little uncomfortable.


    One of them even laughed softly.


    ¡°To be first in the reserve candidate assessment, but no one came to recommend him. We can see his character.¡±


    Ning Yan fell silent.


    The middle-aged Sword Holder was expressionless. He didn¡¯t care about these hot-blooded youths¡¯ words. There were many such people. After all, everyone had different personalities. Some were gloomy, while others were direct.


    However, after becoming a Sword Holder, most of them would change.


    Hence, he flipped through Ning Yan¡¯s resume and noticed that the latter was from the Yinghuang Province. He lifted his head in surprise and glanced at Ning Yan.


    ¡°You¡¯re from the same province as Brother Xu Qing?¡±


    Ning Yan nodded.


    Among the three reserve candidates who had conflicts with him, one of them chuckled.


    ¡°If Big Brother Xu Qinq, who has 100,000 feet light, is unwilling to recommend someone, it can really be seen that there¡¯s indeed something wrong with a certain someone.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the use of fighting so hard in the first place?¡±


    ¡°You guys have a death wish!¡± Ning Yan¡¯s expression was gloomy as he looked over. The other party had provoked him several times. In addition, he was anxious at this moment, so the viciousness in his heart couldn¡¯t help but rise.


    ¡°Why? Do you want to fight with us here?!¡± The three youths looked at Ning Yan with unfriendly gazes. They wanted to enrage Ning Yan.


    Ning Yan gritted his teeth as the viciousness in his eyes gradually rose.


    As for the middle-aged Sword Holder at the records office, he coldly watched this scene. Every time a reserve candidate assessment happened, something similar would happen. After all, there would naturally be conflicts in places with many people. Hence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°If you want to fight, settle it outside before coming back.¡±


    When the three youths heard this, they immediately rose into the air. One of them pointed at Ning Yan.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you steal our limelight? Do you dare to fight again?!¡±


    ¡°What you said isn¡¯t right. Why wouldn¡¯t Ning Yan dare? He wants to wait for his recommender, so he can¡¯t fight with us. Right, Ning Yan? I¡¯ve already thought of a reason for you to refuse.¡±


    The other youth smiled and spoke.


    A cold glint flashed in Ning Yan¡¯s eyes. Just as he was about to fly out, a calm voice rang out from afar.


    ¡°Ning Yan, I was delayed by something and came a little late.¡±


    As the voice rang out, a figure rapidly approached from the distant sky.


    Under the sunlight, this person¡¯s long hair fluttered in the wind. His white Daoist robe was whiter than snow. Coupled with his handsome face, everyone who saw him would instinctively focus on him.


    It was Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t agree to something easily. Once he agreed, he would definitely do it.


    Since he had agreed to recommend Ning Yan, he wouldn¡¯t deliberately stall for time. He had been busy comprehending the Dao Slaying Saber during this period of time, so he was late.


    As for not liking Ning Yan, he still felt the latter unpleasant. However, since the captain felt that this person was useful, Xu Qing was prepared to observe more.


    As soon as he arrived, the hearts of all the reserve candidates in the records office shook. All of their eyes revealed respect as they greeted him in unison. The hearts of the three youths who had a conflict with Ning Yan also trembled. They hurriedly lowered their heads, not daring to continue acting rashly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s reputation in the Sword Holding Palace wasn¡¯t small now and he was known as one of the monstrous geniuses of this batch. He even had a good relation with the other monstrous geniuses of this batch. Provoking one was equivalent to provoking everyone.


    Moreover, now that all of them held important positions and had formed their own forces, no one was willing to offend them.


    The middle-aged Sword Holder at the record office also laughed and stood up to welcome him.


    Back then, when Xu Qing, Kong Xianglong, and the others were confronting the Yao family at the Sword Holding Palace, this person was among the many Sword Holders who came. He had met Xu Qing once and knew what Xu Qing and the others had done. He also admired them very much.


    Ning Yan was even more excited. He quickly stepped forward. To him, Xu Qing¡¯s voice was like the sound of nature and his figure was like a rainbow. The fluctuations of his emotions made him feel extremely grateful.


    Xu Qing nodded at Ning Yan. After that, he cupped his fists and returned the greeting to the middle-aged Sword Holder.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble Brother Zhou. I am here to recommend Ning Yan.¡±


    When the Sword Holder heard Xu Qing call out his surname, his eyes immediately lit up. He thought to himself that this person was able to gain the acceptance of Kong Xianglong and others not only due to his 100,000 feet light, but also because of his character and behavior.


    Many Sword Holders had gone to the Discipline Hall at that time. Although everyone had met each other later and Wang Chen and the others had introduced them, time was tight after all.


    To be able to remember his surname in such a situation was an ability.


    Hence, he laughed and spoke.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing¡¯s recommendation means that this Ning Yan has an upright personality.¡± After saying that, he immediately recorded for Ning Yan to pass. He then looked at Ning Yan with a stern gaze.


    ¡°Ning Yan, I hope that after you become a Sword Holder, you will do your job dutifully. Don¡¯t embarrass Brother Xu Qing!¡±


    Ning Yan hurriedly nodded.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stay any longer. After saying a few words to this Sword Holder surnamed Zhou, he bade farewell and left under the respectful gazes of everyone in the surroundings.

 Chapter 582 - 582 Enlightenment, Mosasaur (3)

    582 Enlightenment, Mosasaur (3)


    He still had to return to the Prison Department to continue comprehending.


    When he returned and passed by the ninth floor of the Prison Department, Xu Qing had just appeared on the steps when he heard the Palace Master¡¯s stern voice from afar.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think that you¡¯re extraordinary just because others call you a great heaven¡¯s chosen. In my eyes, you, Kong Xianglong, are a new, immature Sword Holder.¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and looked over. He noticed that Kong Xianglong was standing at the intersection with his head lowered.


    The Palace Master, who was opposite him, had a dignified expression as he reprimanded coldly.


    ¡°Even though you look stunning in the eyes of others, you don¡¯t abide by the rules of the Sword Holder and have missed work many times for personal reasons. Sooner or later, you¡¯ll cause a calamity. Do you understand this?¡±


    The Palace Master¡¯s voice contained some anger.


    ¡°The Sword Holding Palace isn¡¯t a place to raise flowers, and there¡¯s no need for people who don¡¯t abide by the rules. If you think you can rely on your petty tricks to cause trouble here¡­¡±


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, he understood that Kong Xianglong must have been discovered to have done something private when he was sent over to hand over the prisoners, causing the Palace Master to reprimand him. He would probably be locked up again.


    ¡®Why is the Palace Master always keeping an eye on Brother Kong?¡¯


    Xu Qing was a little surprised but he knew that the other party was in a fit of anger. Hence, he immediately lowered his head and walked toward the tenth floor.


    However, before he could walk down the steps, Kong Xianglong actually refuted.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything wrong. I¡¯ve completed the mission and obtained the mission item. It¡¯s just that I returned two days late. Those victims¡¯ lives were in danger. Do I need to leave them in the lurch?!¡±


    ¡°Impudent!¡± The Palace Master let out a cold snort. This voice was like heavenly lightning rumbling in all directions, causing the Pawns in the surroundings to be shocked. Xu Qing also took a deep breath and turned his head to look.


    Kong Xianglong lifted his head with an unconvinced expression. As for the Palace Master, his anger clearly intensified and his eyes emitted a cold glint.


    ¡°You¡¯re capable now, aren¡¯t you? You¡¯ve learned how to talk back. If you want to be like this, you might as well scram from the county capital and find a small place to enjoy the vanity of your hero.¡±


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s body trembled. After a long time, he lowered his head.


    ¡°Do you remember the first thing I said to you when you became a Sword Holder?¡± The Palace Master looked at Kong Xianglong.


    ¡°As Sword Holders, every one of us is a sharp sword of the human race. We have to be prepared to die for the human race at all times,¡± Kong Xianglong said loudly.


    Xu Qing was familiar with this sentence. Back then, on the 89th floor, when he first saw the Palace Master, the other party¡¯s first sentence was the same. It was exactly the same.


    At that moment, the Palace Master¡¯s words were filled with sternness.


    ¡°I hope that you will die on the battlefield in the future and not in some despicable scheme!¡±


    ¡°With your personality, it won¡¯t be difficult to plot against you. Men, lock him up for two months. No one is allowed to visit him during this period!¡±


    The Palace Master flicked his sleeve and turned to leave. When he passed by Xu Qing, he glared.


    ¡°What are you looking at? Have you discovered D132¡¯s secret? Have you finished comprehending Area C? Hurry up and go!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Xu Qing lowered his head and left quickly.


    Before he left, he glanced at Kong Xianglong and discovered that the other party was also looking at him. The two of them looked at each other helplessly.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and quickly rushed toward the 90th floor. While he sighed with emotion at the Palace Master¡¯s strictness, a contemplative look appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Does the Palace Master know that I¡¯m comprehending?¡±


    Xu Qing understood that it wasn¡¯t difficult for the Palace Master who controlled the entire Prison Department to find whatever he wanted to know.


    However, with so many things going on in the Prison Department, the Palace Master still knew about his movements. This meant that the Palace Master was paying attention to him.


    Xu Qing arrived at the 90th floor lost in thought. Upon entering, he immediately spotted Ghost Hand sitting there drinking. Ghost Hand smiled when he saw Xu Qing.


    ¡°You must have been reprimanded by the Palace Master. I could hear the shout even here.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and felt a little depressed. Being reprimanded this time around could be considered an undeserved calamity.


    ¡°The Palace Master¡¯s personality is like this. He¡¯s strict with everyone, especially himself.¡± Ghost Hand threw a flask of wine and smiled.


    ¡°The more he scolds you, the more he cares about you.¡±


    Xu Qing recalled his previous guess.


    ¡°The Palace Master doesn¡¯t have any disciples and his descendants have died in battle, so he pays a lot of attention to talented Sword Holders. It¡¯s the same for you and Kong Xianglong.¡±


    Ghost Hand sighed with emotion and took a sip of wine.


    ¡°His descendants died in battle?¡± Xu Qing looked at Ghost Hand.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Newbies don¡¯t know about this, but most of the old people do. The Palace Master had two sons who were both Sword Holders with astonishing aptitude.¡±


    ¡°However, one died on a mission to infiltrate the Holy Wave Race; he committed suicide in order not to be captured alive. The other died because someone schemed against him.¡±


    Ghost Hand sighed and didn¡¯t say anything else.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He lifted his head and glanced at the 89th floor above. After a long time, he bowed to Ghost Hand and walked toward the mural, stepping into the small world.


    The four criminals who met the requirements in the East 13 area had already been executed. However, three days ago, Xu Qing had made a deal with the other Pawns from Area C, exchanged the criminals in his area for a few people who met the requirements.


    At that moment, he was sitting cross-legged on a volcano and looking at the sky. As the world rumbled, the heavenly saber appeared again.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. Right now, he was no longer as anxious as he was at the start. Instead, he was at peace. He silently watched and comprehended, quietly imprinting it in his mind.


    Saber shadows formed again and again in his mind.


    However, they collapsed and dissipated time and time again.


    Even so, Xu Qing still persisted.

 Chapter 583 - 583 Enlightenment, Mosasaur (4)

    583 Enlightenment, Mosasaur (4)


    Half a month later, after comprehending many times, there were only a few nonhuman prisoners left that he had exchanged for.


    Xu Qing no longer continued to use the prisoners¡¯ breakthrough to draw the saber of heavenly tribulation. Instead, he kept recalling and carving the saber in his mind. He also tried to copy the movement of the saber.


    In his mind, a rather stable saber image finally appeared. He carefully maintained it and slowly deepened it.


    This process was very boring, like forging a peerless sharp blade.


    Gradually, the saber emitted a sharp glow. In reality, at this point, Xu Qing knew that he could end it.


    However, he sensed that although the saber he comprehended at that moment had astonishing might, it wasn¡¯t the saber that could slash the Dao that he had envisioned. Instead, it could slashed the body and soul.


    ¡°It¡¯s different from what I imagined¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and decided not to end it. Instead, he continued to copy and deepen the saber image in his sea of consciousness. He wanted to see what would happen if he continued to comprehend.


    Sometimes, if the method was wrong, it¡¯s fine if the forging time was short, but if the forging took too long, what you would get would not be a sharp blade but scrap metals.


    Hence, half a month later, when he continued to comprehend time and again, his mind suddenly trembled. The saber strike he copied in his sea of consciousness still collapsed.


    Due to the blood and sweat he had entrusted to it for a long time, as the saber image shattered into pieces, Xu Qing¡¯s body also trembled violently and he spat out a large mouthful of blood.


    ¡°How could this be¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was dispirited. He was unwilling.


    Regardless of whether it was the Extreme Heaven Saber or the image of the Ghost Emperor Mountain, he didn¡¯t feel it so difficult. Moreover, he had clearly formed the image of comprehension earlier but in the end, for some reason, it collapsed.


    It was as though the saber strike¡¯s outline could be copied but he couldn¡¯t copy it on a deeper level.


    ¡°Is my method wrong?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He closed his eyes and fell into deep thought.


    After a long time, he gave up on comprehending the saber strike itself. Instead, he recalled the criminals who had their Dao severed and the scenes of their Dao foundation collapsing after the saber strike landed.


    As the scene kept appearing in his mind, Xu Qing¡¯s body suddenly trembled and he opened his eyes.


    ¡°My direction is wrong!¡±


    ¡°All my previous comprehensions were based on the previous method, but those were all based on the body and soul. For example, the Extreme Heaven Saber slashed the body and the Ghost Emperor Mountain suppressed the soul.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true comprehension. That¡¯s just copying. What I need this time is genuine comprehension.¡±


    ¡°The Dao-Slaying Saber formed by these rules isn¡¯t the saber of Heavenly Tribulation, but the saber of the Heavenly Dao!¡±


    ¡°On a deeper level, it uses rules to cleanse the spiritual energy in a cultivator¡¯s body. The moment the saber descends, the spiritual energy is affected. It¡¯s as though¡­ it no longer belongs to the cultivator!¡±


    ¡°The main point of this saber strike isn¡¯t to slash but to make the cultivator¡¯s spirit qi reject the cultivator and collapse on its own!¡±


    ¡°This strike, or rather, this move, is more like¡­ a decree!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried and an intense glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°The decree commands spirit qi and makes it reject cultivators?¡±


    ¡°How do you do it?¡±


    An answer instantly rose in his mind.


    Spiritual energy was the essence. If one treated spiritual energy as an existence like anomalous substances, then whose aura was spiritual energy¡­


    Xu Qing thought of the four Primordial Heavenly Daos outside this small world. Their gazes gathered to form the sun and moon, transforming into laws and rules.


    ¡°Spiritual energy comes from the laws, and the laws come from the Heavenly Dao?¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled as a strange glint appeared in his eyes.


    After prisoners were imprisoned in this small world, they would be invaded and assimilated by the small world and eventually fuse with this world. Hence, the laws of this small world could dissipate their cultivation.


    ¡°Therefore, this strike was formed by the Heavenly Dao using the laws to transform into a decree and slash down!¡±


    ¡°Then what is the Heavenly Dao?¡±


    A look of contemplation appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. After a long time, he took a deep breath and stood up, walking away from this small world. When he arrived outside the continent, he stopped in the void and lowered his head to look at the four huge primordial Heavenly Daos outside the light barrier.


    He observed very seriously and carefully. He even spread out his perception, immersing himself completely.


    Time flowed by. Seven days later, Xu Qing felt waves of comprehension.


    ¡°These four Heavenly Daos aren¡¯t corporeal objects. They are existences that seem to be alive but aren¡¯t. They seem to be dead but aren¡¯t.


    ¡°Such existences don¡¯t have their own will.¡±


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s observation. At the same time, it was also the answer he had obtained from asking Fairy Zi Xuan in the past seven days.


    This answer reminded Xu Qing of the Wanggu Continent.


    According to his understanding, experts who had grasped the laws of the Wanggu Continent could also perform this Heavenly Dao Saber Art in the Wanggu Continent. However, this point was extremely difficult.


    This was because the Heavenly Dao of the small world was controlled by the Sword Holding Palace, so it could be used.


    However, there shouldn¡¯t be anyone who could control the Heavenly Dao of the Wanggu Continent.


    Without anyone controlling it, the Heavenly Dao wouldn¡¯t have any self-awareness. It only had instincts formed by laws.


    At that moment, Xu Qing suddenly understood what the Spirit Repository Realm was.


    He also understood why Ghost Hand had said that the Spirit Repository Realm required one to comprehend the Heavenly Dao and that there had to be a Heavenly Dao guarding their secret repository.


    That was because only the Heavenly Dao could shoulder the laws and command them.


    Spirit Repository Realm experts could already use the laws of their Heavenly Dao on the Wanggu Continent. Although it couldn¡¯t be used for a long time, it could be modified for some time to form their strongest state.


    It was similar to the Foundation Building Mystic Brilliance Form.


    After understanding these, Xu Qing had a deeper understanding of this Heavenly Dao Saber.


    He finally understood why he had been failing previously.


    This was because this strike contained laws that only the Spirit Repository could grasp. Moreover, the Spirit Repository controlled it by relying on the Heavenly Dao in the secret repository as a carrier.


    Hence, he failed. No matter how he copied it, it was impossible for him to succeed.


    He lacked a carrier that could carry the laws!


    ¡°So that¡¯s how it is!¡±


    Xu Qing completely understood.


    ¡°Carrier¡­¡±


    He thought of the Poison Restriction Pill, the life lanterns, the emperor-level cultivation arts, the purple moon¡­


    In the end, he gave up.


    Ultimately, these were all external objects.


    There was only one thing that was most suitable.


    That was¡­ the mosasaur.


    It was his intrinsic mosasaur!


    ¡°The Heavenly Dao in my future secret repository!¡±


    This was an item that truly belonged to him!


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed.

 Chapter 584 - Chapter 584 Mosasaur Transforms Into the Heavenly Dao!

    Chapter 584 Mosasaur Transforms Into the Heavenly Dao!


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Chapter donated by Anonymous


    Without any hesitation, Xu Qing stepped into the small world again and sat cross-legged on the volcano in the East 13. He looked at the sky. After a long time, he slowly closed his eyes and sensed the intrinsic mosasaur in his body.


    Under the guidance of the aura, the life-bound mosasaur manifested in Xu Qing¡¯s mind and also stared at him.


    This intrinsic mosasaur was transformed from the eighth level of the Sea. Transformation Art when Xu Qing was at Qi Condensation. At that time, it was called the Forbidden Sea Dragonwhale. After that, he comprehended many Forbidden Sea creatures and all the changes in their forms, finally forming the body of a mosasaur.


    When he was in the Foundation Building realm, he used this as his natal magic aperture. It was only when he advanced to the Golden Core that the mosasaur had to keep on giving way.


    Until today¡­


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll use my life-bound mosasaur to bear the law of Dao Slaying.¡±


    Xu Qing acted decisively, lifting his right hand and waving it. The distant mountain peak rumbled and a nonhuman prisoner was immediately brought to him.


    This was the last specimen he had exchanged with the other Pawns. No matter how many there were¡­ the others were unwilling to continue exchanging.


    ¡°It should be enough.¡± Xu Qing looked at the nonhuman prisoner in front of him and muttered inwardly.


    At that moment, the prisoner¡¯s body was trembling as he looked at Xu Qing with despair. He knew his fate and quickly spoke.


    ¡°Sir, I¡¯m willing to attract the saber of heavenly tribulation for you. My sins are grave and I know that I can¡¯t be released. I only hope that after you gain something, you can erase me and spare me the pain of losing my memories.¡±


    The nonhuman¡¯s eyes were pleading.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He let go and put it down, tossing out the medicinal pills.


    This nonhuman prisoner gritted his teeth fiercely and flew into the distance with the pills. His eyes revealed determination. After swallowing them, he circulated his cultivation with all his might, trying to break through.


    At the next instant, the sky rumbled and clouds quickly formed. A large amount of lightning filled the air. Very soon, the Dao-Slaying Heavenly Saber that looked like it was formed by countless bolts of lightning but was actually formed by the laws appeared in the sky again.


    As the saber light shone resplendently and reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn as he began to imprint.


    This time, he didn¡¯t brand the saber into his mind but engraved it on the life-bound mosasaur in his body. In an instant, a roar rang out from Xu Qing¡¯s body and the life-bound mosasaur suddenly manifested outside.


    Xu Qing was completely focused, and he quickly drew with his right hand.


    Using the mosasaur as a drawing board, his memories as paint, and his perception as a brush, he drew the Dao-Slaying Saber on the mosasaur little by little.


    Time flowed by and the Dao Slaying Saber fell from the sky. The nonhuman prisoner laughed bitterly and his cultivation collapsed. His body landed on the ground and he was on the verge of death.


    As for Xu Qing¡¯s drawing, it wasn¡¯t over. He was still drawing.


    It was just that¡­ after the life-bound mosasaur used as a drawing board withstood the laws Xu Qing had copied, it gradually found it difficult to hold on and showed signs of collapsing. Cracks formed inside and spread throughout its body, looking like it was about to shatter into pieces.


    It let out a mournful cry.


    Xu Qing frowned and glanced at his life-bound mosasaur. He knew that this was because the level of the mosasaur wasn¡¯t high enough. However, changing to other items wasn¡¯t in line with Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts.


    After pondering, the two life lanterns in Xu Qing¡¯s body instantly emitted a canopy that enveloped the life-bound mosasaur and ruthlessly suppressed it.


    The life-bound mosasaur¡¯s body trembled. Under the protection of the life lanterns, it barely stabilized a little.


    However, it wasn¡¯t enough.


    Xu Qing thought about it. As the Third Heavenly Palace trembled, the Poison Restriction Pill emitted anomalous substances that fused into the life-bound mosasaur, augmenting it.


    These anomalous substances were controlled by Xu Qing and wouldn¡¯t harm the mosasaur.


    Time passed, one day, two days, three days¡­


    Xu Qing was completely immersed and seemed to have forgotten himself. There was only the Dao Slaying Saber in his eyes. Even though his limit of 2,000 breaths had passed, he didn¡¯t pay attention.


    The power of laws on his body didn¡¯t crush his body to the point of collapse. This was because¡­ as Xu Qing drew again and again, the laws and rules on his body were continuously branded on his life-bound mosasaur.


    The mosasaur was sharing the burden.


    At the same time, the experience he had gained from his failures in the past two months also played a role at this moment.


    It was like nutrients, causing Xu Qing to be even more familiar with the imprinting of the Dao Slaying Saber.


    During this time, the mosasaur couldn¡¯t withstand it again. Xu Qing spread out his emperor-level cultivation art and augmented it.


    Seven days, ten days¡­


    The mosasaur wailed and its body trembled even more. Every time Xu Qing drew on it, it would become blurry. Even with many enhancements, it was at its limit.


    Xu Qing also understood that if his life-bound mosasaur was destroyed, he would be affected as well.


    However, Xu Qing had a ruthless personality. At this moment, a sharp glint appeared in his eyes. The Fourth Heavenly Palace suddenly trembled and the power of the purple moon spread out. This wisp of god¡¯s power fused into the mosasaur¡¯s body and augmented it again.


    The mosasaur¡¯s body trembled as Xu Qing drew again.


    Half a month later, when the mosasaur held on to the extreme, Xu Qing finally completed the last stroke.


    As this stroke landed, Xu Qing spat out a large mouthful of blood that landed on the mosasaur¡¯s body. It was like the finishing touch, causing the mosasaur¡¯s body to tremble and a bloody light to appear, as though it had been enchanted.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body instantly became dispirited and weakened.


    In this half a month, he had exhausted an unprecedented amount of mental energy.


    However, the spirit in his eyes was extremely bright.


    The appearance of the intrinsic mosasaur in front of him had changed drastically. Threads that flickered with bright light appeared on its body. These threads filled its entire body and seemed to contain some pattern as they flickered.


    At every moment and every breath, a fixed number of lights would flicker at the same time. Other than that, there were also countless runes and marks that emitted an ancient aura on the mosasaur¡¯s entire body.


    Some were big and some were small, some were bright and some were dark.


    All of this caused the mosasaur at this moment to finally have a trace of¡­ the auras of the four Primordial Heavenly Daos that Xu Qing had seen outside the small world.


    Although it was only a trace, it was still shocking.


    ¡°I¡¯ve finally barely succeeded!¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. There were too many laws contained in that Dao Slaying Saber. Even though his comprehension ability was astonishing, his cultivation was limited after all. At that moment, he had only imprinted 10% of the saber strike,


    Although it was only 10%, its might still surpassed all the divine arts and spells Xu Qing had mastered. This was because it was formed by the laws.


    ¡°This is my third Extreme Heaven Saber, the Heavenly Dao Saber!¡± Xu Qing leaned on the rocky mountain beside him, stood up, and pointed at the life-bound mosasaur in front of him.


    Immediately, the mosasaur let out a deafening roar and soared into the sky, dancing through the clouds. Wherever it went, it left behind a trail of lightning bolts that filled the surroundings. The intent of the laws was even more apparent on its body.


    In fact, the world even changed at this moment. One could vaguely see the sun and moon appearing at the same time in the sky.


    That was the manifestation of the gazes of the four Primordial Heavenly Daos outside the small world gathering here.


    They were looking at the mosasaur from afar.


    They were like an old man staring at a newborn baby.


    The mosasaur also sensed the gazes. It lifted its head and looked at the endless sky, letting out a piercing sound.


    The world trembled.


    Auspicious clouds rose in the sky and the sky was filled with a red glow.


    At this moment, the sky of the entire small world was filled with multicolored light, causing all the Pawns and prisoners who saw this scene to be shocked.


    ¡°An auspicious sign!¡±


    ¡°This is a change in the rules!¡±


    ¡°What happened?!¡±


    At the place Xu Qing was at, the nonhuman prisoner who had lost his cultivation base witnessed this scene from the start to the end. He was already extremely shocked and his eyes were filled with disbelief.


    He looked at the mosasaur and then at Xu Qing. His heart felt like it was being bombarded by lightning, transforming into tempestuous waves.


    ¡°Golden Core cultivation¡­ condensed the embryonic form of the Heavenly Dao?! Even if it¡¯s only a trace, this is still the embryonic form of the Heavenly Dao!!¡±


    He wasn¡¯t the only one. All the Pawns here also felt a huge fluctuation in their minds. They rushed over from everywhere, wanting to find out the reason.


    In fact, outside the small world, on the 90th floor of the Prison Department, Ghost Hand, who was drinking, almost forgot to swallow the wine. His eyes were wide open as he looked at the small world in disbelief.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on!¡±


    ¡°I asked him to go to the East 13 area because the saber of heavenly tribulation would appear there. I wanted him to comprehend the meaning of this saber strike and comprehend a heavenly saber that could cut through the body and soul. But he¡­ but he¡­¡±


    Ghost Hand looked as though he had seen a ghost. He didn¡¯t even notice that the wine in his hand had spilled.


    ¡°He actually created the embryonic form of the Heavenly Dao!!¡±


    ¡°How is this possible? A Golden Core cultivator possesses the embryonic form of the Heavenly Dao? What the hell is that mosasaur!!¡±


    In the small world, in the East 13 area, when everyone rushed over because of the endless auspicious light rising in the sky, Xu Qing was vigilant. With a wave of his hand, he directly kept the mosasaur.


    As soon as the mosasaur disappeared, the world returned to normal.


    After that, Xu Qing looked at the criminal at the side. When the criminal saw this scene, he knew very well what was going on. A pleading look appeared in his eyes. He wasn¡¯t asking for life but death. Xu Qing nodded. With a wave of his hand, the rules descended, killing this criminal and freeing him.


    After that, he quickly went to the location of the three Black Heaven Race members and kept the shadow eyes and the recording jade slip. He then turned and headed straight for the sky, leaving this small world and returning to the Prison Department.


    The moment he appeared on the 90th floor, he saw Ghost Hand.


    Ghost Hand wasn¡¯t sitting on a rocking chair but standing in front of the mural, as though he was specially waiting for Xu Qing.


    ¡°What happened inside?¡± Ghost Hand suppressed the shock in his heart and tried his best to calm down. He smiled at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing blinked. Although there was no need to hide it, he understood that everything wasn¡¯t absolute. There were some things¡­ even if there was a high chance that everyone knew, there was still a need to pretend to be muddle-headed.


    Hence, he revealed a blank expression and shook his head.


    Ghost Hand glanced at Xu Qing with a spurious smile. After a long time, he laughed and scolded.


    ¡°Kid, not bad. Your vigilance isn¡¯t bad.¡±


    With that, Ghost Hand took out a flask of wine and took a big gulp. He hummed a tune and went to the rocking chair. Clearly, he was in a good mood. After he sat on the rocking chair, he slowly spoke.


    ¡°However, this is too fake. Remember not to deny it directly when you encounter similar things in the future. You have to give a fake answer. For example, if someone asks, you can say that you comprehended a saber strike that can sever body and soul.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He felt that what Senior Ghost Hand said made sense. Hence, he remembered these words and bowed seriously to the other party before turning to leave.


    After walking out of the Prison Department, he transmitted his voice to the captain.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, the recordings of the Black Heaven Race are complete. I¡¯m also free for some time¡­ When are we setting off?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve finally replied to me. Little Qing, two months have passed. Where¡¯s my Taotao?¡± The captain¡¯s bitter sigh came from the jade slip.


    ¡°Taotao?¡± Xu Qing started.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Didn¡¯t you want to introduce Li Taotao to me?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He remembered that the other party¡¯s name was Li Shitao¡­.


    ¡°You¡¯ve learned bad things. You actually made me wait bitterly for two months.¡± The captain sighed sadly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been quite busy recently¡­¡±


    Hearing the captain¡¯s hidden bitterness, Xu Qing then remembered that he wanted to introduce them. He had completely forgotten about this.


    ¡°Little Qing, my happiness is in your hands. Some time ago, I went to the Observance Palace and secretly took a look at my Taotao. Cough, not bad.¡±


    The captain coughed.


    Xu Qing kept this matter in his mind and spoke.


    ¡°Mm, after we are done with this big thing, I¡¯ll introduce you. You can come and take the recordings of the Black Heaven Race.¡±


    Hearing Xu Qing¡¯s guarantee, the captain¡¯s heart itched with anticipation. However, he also knew that doing the big deed was important. Hence, he arrived in a hurry that night. After he took the recording jade slips of the Black Heaven Race, he left a message.


    ¡°Little Qing, I have everything ready. I only lack this. Wait three days. I¡¯ll come and find you in three days and tell you about my plan in detail!¡±.

 Chapter 585 - Chapter 585 True Immortal Ten Guts

    Chapter 585 True Immortal Ten Guts


    Translator. Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Chapter donated by Anonymous


    After watching the captain leave, Xu Qing fell silent.


    Although he still didn¡¯t know the details of the big deed the captain was talking about, he had a rough guess. He understood that this trip wouldn¡¯t be short.


    Hence, he decided to apply for a long leave first and buy all kinds of things he needed for the next three days. After everything was prepared, Xu Qing returned to the Sword Pavilion and took out the eye of the Black Heaven Race that Ghost Hand had given him to study.


    This item was mystical and possessed some enhancement effects to spirit. However, when Xu Qing used the power of the Purple Moon Heavenly Palace to control it, it underwent an abnormal change.


    Three days passed in the blink of an eye.


    During these three days, every time dusk fell, the sky in the county capital would be a little different from usual. Perhaps it was because of the season, but the sky was no longer dim yellow but red.


    It dyed the ground and all the buildings red like blood.


    It was hard to tell if it was an auspicious sign or an ominous sign.


    It was the same for three consecutive days.


    Standing in the Sword Pavilion, Xu Qing looked at the sky. For some reason, he suddenly felt some uneasiness in his heart. This feeling came very suddenly but quickly dissipated.


    Xu Qing revealed a puzzled expression. He had never sensed such a feeling before. Now that he thought about it, it was as though this sense of uneasiness came from his life-bound mosasaur.


    Just as Xu Qing was pondering, a person walked over from the red glow.


    It was the captain.


    He rushed over excitedly. When he saw Xu Qing, he chuckled and performed a series of hand seals to set up an array formation in the surroundings. He then got Xu Qing to activate the Sword Pavilion¡¯s array formation. After blocking the surroundings, he spoke mysteriously.


    ¡°Little Qing, everything is ready. This time, it¡¯s just the two of us. I won¡¯t call the others.¡±


    ¡°I originally wanted to call out to Ning Yan, but after this kid passed the assessment, he actually disappeared. I searched for a long time but couldn¡¯t find him. Could it be that he knows that I want to use him as a meat shield?¡±


    The captain sighed regretfully.


    Xu Qing was also surprised when he heard this. After some thought, he asked.


    ¡°Will there be any problem if he doesn¡¯t participate?¡±


    ¡°It originally had a great impact, but with the recordings on the Black Heaven Race you gave me, it doesn¡¯t matter if Ning Yan participates or not.¡± The captain¡¯s eyes revealed a glint as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Little Qing, we won¡¯t act rashly this time. We¡¯ll use our intelligence. I¡¯ll bring you to¡­ the Holy Wave Race!¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    ¡°Are we going to the Holy Wave Race by pretending to be from the Black Heaven Race?¡±


    The captain laughed and beamed with joy.


    ¡°Little Qing, you understand me best. That¡¯s right, we¡¯re going to the Holy Wave Race this time by pretending to be Black Heaven Race. Think about it, the Holy Wave Race is a slave of the Black Heaven Race. We¡¯ll pretend to be their master and all our plans will progress smoothly.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. There were still many details that needed to be resolved. However, the captain was clearly very talented in disguise, so Xu Qing wasn¡¯t worried about these details.


    He analyzed the general direction and felt that this matter could be carried out.


    ¡°Where are we going in the Holy Wave Race?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°The Holy Wave Race¡¯s Great Wilderness East County!¡± The captain said in a low voice.


    ¡°In the Holy Wave Large Region, there are 14 counties. Among them, this Great Wilderness East County borders Fenghai County. There¡¯s a strange land inside called the True Immortal Ten Guts!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze froze. He didn¡¯t know much about the Holy Wave Race but when he heard this name, he still instinctively felt a little strange and uncomfortable all over.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s expression, the captain spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Do you think this name is very strange? True Immortal Ten Guts. It refers to ten mutated trees that meander like intestines.¡±


    ¡°The True Immortal Ten Guts have existed for an extremely long time. Before the god arrived, its territory covered more than half of the region. They were worshiped by all races in this region.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s said that at that time, everything in this region was covered by the branches of this tree. There were countless corpses hanging on them, and they were all sacrificed to It. It¡¯s said that this way, one can obtain a blessing. Even the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether didn¡¯t stop this custom of this region.¡±


    ¡°Of course, this is because there¡¯s a legend about this True Immortal Ten Guts.¡± The captain¡¯s eyes revealed a dark glint.


    ¡°Legend has it that this True Immortal Ten Guts was transformed from the last member of the Calamity Immortal Race who became an immortal countless years ago!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze froze.


    ¡°The Calamity Immortal Race is mysterious and unfathomable. They think that the intestine is the core of the life that originates everything. At the moment of immortal ascension, one must open up their body and use it to release the spiritual intestine into the world, and absorb the nutrients of the world.¡±


    ¡°Legend has it that this Calamity Immortal Race¡¯s cultivator succeeded in the end. He transformed into a true immortal of the Wanggu Continent, and this True Immortal Ten Guts was his main body¡­ However, the god arrived and imprisoned him, and he is now in a deep sleep.¡±


    As the captain spoke, he took out an apple and a peach. He handed the apple to Xu Qing, while he took a bite of the peach and continued to speak.


    ¡°This is a true immortal?¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath. This was different from the immortal he had imagined.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t expect immortals to be like this, right? Little Qing, your understanding of this world is still insufficient. You have to learn more from Eldest Senior Brother in the future.¡± The captain bit the peach with a smug expression.


    Xu Qing felt that it made sense and nodded seriously.


    The captain¡¯s eyes were filled with deep meaning as he spoke softly.


    ¡°What do you think immortals are like? We humans think of them as sage-like existences who have left the world and are ethereal.¡±


    ¡°However, the perception of every race is different. The Calamity Immortal Race thinks that immortals are the ten intestines, while the many nonhuman races portray immortals in all kinds of appearances.¡±


    ¡°In the future, we will go to many places, and you will see countless strange things.¡±


    ¡°This world is very fun.¡± The captain smiled.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred as he looked into the distance.


    The captain¡¯s voice continued.


    ¡°The trees of the True Immortal Ten Guts extend into an endless jungle. We¡¯re going there this time!¡±


    ¡°That True Immortal Ten Guts Jungle produces a large number of True Immortal Dao Fruits every hundred years. These fruits have a peculiar appearance, exactly resembling the eyes.¡± ¡°This fruit can¡¯t be consumed. If you eat it, you¡¯ll go crazy and develop multiple personalities. Even those people from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect don¡¯t dare to eat it, even though their cultivation art requires multiple personalities.¡±


    ¡°However, this True Immortal Dao Fruit is a rare material for refining artifacts. It can increase the might of the magic artifact by a large extent, so it¡¯s quite expensive.¡±


    ¡°As for the officials of our county, because we don¡¯t trade with the Holy Wave Race, they issue missions to purchase such Dao fruits all year round. Each Dao fruit will give 10,000 military contributions!¡±


    ¡°This time, if we get a few hundred Dao Fruits, won¡¯t that be a few million military contributions?¡±


    ¡°How is it, Little Qing? Isn¡¯t your Eldest Senior Brother amazing? This is the core of the big deed that I dug out after digging for a long time in the Office of Merit Records. Of course, this is only the first target. There are still other things¡­¡±


    The captain¡¯s expression was a little smug. After eating the peach, he took out another peach and took a bite.


    Xu Qing instinctively put on a look of admiration as contemplation appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Junior Brother, can you not be so perfunctory? I was the one who taught you how to change your expression¡­¡± The captain looked at Xu Qing eagerly.


    Xu Qing nodded. His eyes widened and his expression was filled with disbelief. After that, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, other than the trees, what other arrangements and dangers are there in the surroundings of the True Immortal Ten Guts? Moreover, the Holy Wave Race should also be looking to pluck such an important item.¡±


    The captain looked at the change in Xu Qing¡¯s expression and reluctantly accepted it. As he ate the peach, he continued to explain his plan.


    ¡°That True Immortal Ten Guts is dangerous, but after all, It is in a deep sleep.¡±


    ¡°In the surrounding jungle, because of the existence of the Dao fruits, several small cities have been formed over the countless years. Most of these small countries are subordinate to the four great dynasties in the Holy Wave Large Region,


    ¡°Every time the Dao fruits mature, these small cities will be in charge of collecting them and paying tribute to their respective dynasties.¡±


    ¡°There is indeed danger, but with our status as the Black Heaven Race, as long as the details are handled properly, we can succeed!¡±


    The captain licked his lips and madness appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°The key to this matter is how we go over. If we go as the Black Heaven Race, it will be a little abrupt,¡± Xu Qing said softly.


    The captain was confident and looked like he had everything planned out.


    ¡°Every time the True Immortal Ten Guts Trees¡¯ Dao fruits are close to maturity, they require special nutrients called mica stones. Although they can be produced in other places, there isn¡¯t much of it. Only Fenghai County¡¯s Morning Glow Province produces it abundantly.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, every time these Dao fruit are about to mature, many of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s merchant groups will secretly infiltrate and secretly transport the mica stones. Although the government doesn¡¯t trade with the Holy Wave Race, the Yao family supports the Holy Wave Race.¡±


    ¡°This has always been an important source of income for the Yao family.¡±


    At this point, the captain looked into Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Do you understand what I mean, Little Qing?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Let one of the convoys take the initiative to send us into the Holy Wave Race!¡±


    The captain laughed, his eyes shining.


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already planned it out. Back then, I asked you to observe the actions of those few Black Heaven cultivators to disguise ourselves better as Black Heaven cultivators. I¡¯m confident in this matter and I¡¯m also prepared.¡±


    ¡°Although the capture of the Black Heaven Race by the Sword Holding Palace was secretive, I have secretly spread this matter to a target convoy. However, they don¡¯t know how many Black Heaven Race members have been captured.¡±


    ¡°What we have to do next is to put on a show. We need the cooperation of another Sword Holder¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re close to Kong Xianglong. How about I leave this matter to you?¡± The captain said in a low voice.


    Xu Qing thought about it and nodded.


    ¡°Then, it¡¯s settled. We¡¯ll set off tomorrow morning!¡± The captain took a deep breath and his eyes revealed anticipation as he swallowed the peach in his hand.


    ¡°Little Qing, we¡¯ll be rich this time and there¡¯s definitely no danger. We¡¯re going over as masters!¡±


    Xu Qing understood. This trip was extremely dangerous but he was very well-prepared. Moreover, once they succeeded, the military contributions gained would indeed be astonishing. Hence, his eyes also revealed anticipation. He had an incomparable thirst for military contributions.


    As for how the two of them would return after this matter was completed, Xu Qing didn¡¯t ask. He and the captain had done many major things. The rhythm of the two of them was to work together in the early stages and leave it to fate after they succeeded.


    After watching the captain leave, Xu Qing took out the voice transmission jade slip and transmitted his voice to Kong Xianglong. He didn¡¯t say everything and only mentioned his request. When Kong Xianglong heard this, he laughed.


    ¡°Pretending to be a member of the Black Heaven Race? What an idea. Bring me along!¡±


    ¡°My eldest senior brother and I¡­¡± Xu Qing hesitated.


    ¡°Uh¡­ then I won¡¯t go. Xu Qing, I know you don¡¯t like to hear it but I still have to remind you. Be careful of your eldest senior brother. His ten feet light means he¡¯s unreliable. Don¡¯t be scammed by him.¡±


    Xu Qing smiled bitterly and chatted with Kong Xianglong for a while more. After agreeing on the details, he ended the voice transmission.


    Seeing that it was already late, Xu Qing checked his storage bag. He thought of how the time he was going out this time was uncertain, so he sent a voice transmission to Fairy Zi Xuan to tell her that he was going out.


    After doing this, he sat cross-legged and meditated, waiting for dawn.


    However¡­ before dawn arrived, someone arrived outside his Sword Pavilion.


    She was Fairy Zi Xuan.


    After entering the Sword Pavilion, the fragrance on her body filled the entire place. She looked at Xu Qing with a gentle expression as she spoke softly.


    ¡°I won¡¯t stop you from going out to do things, but the protection you have isn¡¯t enough. Let me give you something.¡±


    Outside the door behind her beautiful figure, the moonlight was like a river, flowing on her dress and landing on the ground.


    Under the moonlight, Zi Xuan seemed to be standing in the moon river. Her elegant expression and gentle gaze were like a lotus flower blooming in the moon river, guarding the peace that belonged to her..

 Chapter 586 - Chapter 586 Chen Erniu: I Became Blind

    Chapter 586 Chen Erniu: I Became Blind


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Chapter donated by Anonymous


    Looking at Zi Xuan, Xu Qing hesitated for a moment. The words of the mountain peaks and shackles that the captain had said appeared in his mind.


    Back then, he felt that what the captain said made sense. Moreover, he had been busy comprehending during this period of time, so he only transmitted his voice to Fairy Zi Xuan to ask about the Heavenly Dao. He didn¡¯t talk much or meet her.


    Looking at Fairy Zi Xuan, Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°Greetings, Senior.¡±


    Upon hearing Xu Qing¡¯s term of address, Fairy Zi Xuan raised her brows. After sizing up Xu Qing a few times, many guesses rose in her mind. She felt that something was amiss.


    Ever since two months ago, she had felt that Xu Qing¡¯s emotions seemed to have changed. Right now, this feeling was even more obvious. After all, compared to men, women were more sensitive to details.


    ¡®Could it be that Chen Erniu is itching for a beating again?¡¯


    Zi Xuan immediately guessed the key, but she didn¡¯t bat an eyelid. After she stepped into the Sword Pavilion, she lifted her jade-like hand and waved it gently.


    Immediately, the door of the Sword Pavilion behind her closed with a bang.


    Zi Xuan then sat down cross-legged with a gentle expression and took out a pill bottle.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you said through voice transmission that you were going out for a trip. Are you leaving Fenghai County?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°In that case, the protection you have on you isn¡¯t enough. Come, sit down.¡± Zi Xuan looked at Xu Qing and spoke softly.


    This gaze caused Xu Qing to sigh inwardly. He silently walked over and sat cross-legged opposite Zi Xuan.


    At such a close distance, the familiar fragrance assaulted Xu Qing¡¯s nose again and lingered in his mind.


    ¡°You should have the protective item given by your master on you, but if you are leaving Fenghai County, you still lack a concealment method.¡± Zi Xuan placed the pill bottle in her hand to the side.


    ¡°This pill bottle contains the blood of the Sword Emperor. I obtained it in the battle when the emperor of the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region went out to wreak havoc in the Yinghuang Province and was jointly suppressed by the Yinghuang Province¡¯s sects and the Sword Holding Court.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve gained some results through this blood over the course of many years. There¡¯s not much left now. Today, I¡¯ll use the blood of the Sword Emperor and my own Dao to draw a concealment talisman for you.¡±


    ¡°Because the blood of the Sword Emperor is going to be used to draw the talisman, once this talisman is formed, its level will be extremely high. It can hide all of your aura for some time, causing outsiders to not be able to see your human identity or your true appearance.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook when he heard this. He looked at the pill bottle that Fairy Zi Xuan had placed at the side. He knew very well that the value of this item was extremely great.


    ¡°Unless you provoked an existence at the fourth stage of Nihility. However, such an existence is someone who lives in a high place no matter where it is. The possibility of you encountering them isn¡¯t very high.¡±


    ¡°However, you have to remember that this blood talisman is volatile and won¡¯t last long. It will dissipate in three months at most.¡± Fairy Zi Xuan¡¯s voice was gentle and filled with reminders.


    Xu Qing opened his mouth, wanting to say something. However, before he could say anything, the corners of Zi Xuan¡¯s mouth curled up into a smile.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to say anything. Take off your clothes.¡±


    Xu Qing started.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? I naturally have to draw the talisman on you.¡± Zi Xuan blinked, her eyes filled with a teasing look.


    If it was anyone else, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t hesitate. However, he was always nervous when facing Fairy Zi Xuan. However, he also understood the importance of this concealment talisman. Hence, he took a deep breath and took off his Daoist robe, revealing his refined upper body.


    Zi Xuan¡¯s gaze swept over and her pretty face turned slightly red. She then lifted her right hand and pointed at Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder.


    Immediately, Xu Qing turned his body while sitting cross-legged with his back facing Zi Xuan.


    ¡°You have to calm your mind.¡±


    Zi Xuan exhaled like an orchid. Her voice was like a feather landing on Xu Qing¡¯s body, sweeping through his mind and stirring up waves of ripples.


    Xu Qing was very nervous. He had never experienced such a thing since he was young. His heart instinctively beat faster. When his body stiffened, Fairy Zi Xuan, who was behind him, picked up the pill bottle. After pouring out a drop of golden blood, her expression became solemn.


    ¡°Xu Qing, this talisman is complicated. It needs to be completed in one go and can¡¯t be interrupted.¡±


    As she spoke, she lifted her jade-like fingers and dipped them on the blood of the


    Sword Emperor. She then began to draw runes on Xu Qing¡¯s back.


    Her fingers slid with fast and slow motion as they moved on Xu Qing¡¯s back. Wherever they passed, other than drawing golden marks, they also caused Xu Qing¡¯s skin to tremble slightly.


    All the hairs on his body stood on end.


    ¡°That sensation of fingers tracing his body felt like hair gently caressing him, seeping into his heart from his skin and creating more ripples. As the sensations accumulated,


    Xu Qing¡¯s scalp began to tingle uncontrollably.¡±


    His heartbeat became faster and faster, and his breathing couldn¡¯t help but become hurried.


    In the end, Xu Qing gritted his teeth fiercely and took many deep breaths. The Grasswood Scripture appeared in his mind and he silently recited it inwardly.


    This method was indeed effective. Gradually, his heart calmed down.


    Just like that, time slowly passed.


    As Xu Qing recited the Grasswood Scripture for the third time, dawn broke outside and his forehead became covered in sweat. Meanwhile, Zi Xuan was halfway done with the concealment talisman.


    ¡°Next is the front body.¡± Zi Xuan¡¯s voice was also a little different from before. Before Xu Qing could distinguish it carefully, his body instantly spun half a circle under Zi Xuan¡¯s gentle control.


    He was now facing Zi Xuan.


    The fragrant breath inevitably landed on his face. He could even see Zi Xuan¡¯s trembling eyelashes, as well as the slight blush that was rapidly surfacing on her skin.


    ¡®She¡¯s nervous too?¡±


    Xu Qing started.


    He had never seen such an expression on Zi Xuan before. Just as these thoughts surfaced in his mind, Zi Xuan coughed lightly. Her pretty face was slightly red and her eyelashes trembled slightly. However, her eyes were very bright as she pointed at Xu Qing¡¯s chest.


    She began to draw the talisman.


    The moment her hand came into contact with his skin, Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled. After that, he closed his eyes and calmed his breathing. He then continued to recite the Grasswood Scripture and tried his best to calm himself down.


    As for Zi Xuan¡¯s fingers, they were like flowing water, gently stroking his body, becoming an obstacle for him to memorize the scripture. As golden runes appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s body, that intense feeling caused waves to rise in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    After the amount of time it took for an incense stick to burn out, when the sky was bright outside, Zi Xuan¡¯s finger returned to Xu Qing¡¯s chest and paused slightly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, your heart is beating so fast.¡± Zi Xuan¡¯s voice was very soft but it still clearly echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears in the quiet Sword Pavilion.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and opened his eyes. He then saw Zi Xuan whose face was flushed red.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move. This is the last stroke.¡± As their eyes met, Zi Xuan¡¯s voice trembled slightly.


    Her fingers moved slightly, moving from Xu Qing¡¯s chest to his neck, to his chin, and behind his ear. Her body also slowly moved closer.


    Xu Qing was incomparably stiff. The Grasswood Scripture couldn¡¯t take shape in his mind and his eyes were filled with confusion.


    Seeing that Zi Xuan was getting closer and closer, the captain¡¯s excited voice suddenly rang out from outside the Sword Pavilion.


    ¡°Little Qing, are you ready? Come out. Let¡¯s set off.¡±


    ¡°Eh, why is there an additional layer of defense here?¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, what are you doing?¡±


    As the captain¡¯s voice rang out, Zi Xuan quickly retracted her fingers and stood up nervously. Although she usually teased Xu Qing like a big sister, she had never experienced anything Xu Qing hadn¡¯t experienced before.


    At that moment, her face was red as she tidied her black hair to hide the panic in her heart. She coughed and didn¡¯t dare to look at Xu Qing as she quickly spoke.


    ¡°Take care on the way.¡±


    As she spoke, Zi Xuan turned around. Her graceful back view carried a hint of haste as she walked toward the Sword Pavilion¡¯s door. With a wave of her hand, the door opened, revealing the captain outside with a surprised expression.


    At the next instant, the captain¡¯s expression changed from surprise to shock. His eyes were wide open as he stared blankly at Zi Xuan. He then glanced at Xu Qing, who was putting on his clothes.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see it, I didn¡¯t see anything!¡±


    The captain hurriedly took a few steps back and closed his eyes. Waves surged in his mind as he wondered if something indescribable had happened between these two.


    ¡°Chen Erniu.¡± Before the captain could continue thinking, Zi Xuan calmly spoke.


    ¡°Disciple is here!¡± The captain closed his eyes and replied loudly.


    ¡°Last month, the Eight Sects Alliance sent a letter saying that the ancient snake skeleton in the secret land has some dirt again.¡±


    The captain¡¯s mind shook. He could tell that there was a hint of criticism in these words, so he quickly wondered if he had made any mistakes. Very soon, he found the reason and thought to himself that he must have crashed into the other party¡¯s good thing¡­ He had seen a scene he shouldn¡¯t have seen, so he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Fairy, there was a problem with my cultivation yesterday. For some reason, my eyes have gone blind.¡±


    Zi Xuan let out a cold snort and continued.


    ¡°Also, I have a close friend named Li Shitao. A few days ago, she told me that she saw a sneaky fellow secretly looking at her while eating peaches in the Observance Palace. Was it you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s definitely not me. I definitely won¡¯t peek, and I only eat apples!¡± The captain¡¯s expression was solemn as he spoke without hesitation.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Zi Xuan didn¡¯t say much. After a few simple sentences, she left quickly.


    It was only after Zi Xuan left that the captain opened his eyes. After looking around, he quickly stepped into the Sword Pavilion and looked at Xu Qing in disbelief.


    ¡°What happened!¡±


    Xu Qing had already put on his Daoist robe. His expression was calm and he was surprised to hear the captain¡¯s words.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Eh?¡± The captain was stunned. He carefully sized up Xu Qing a few times and softly asked.


    ¡°You and Fairy Zi Xuan¡­¡±


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, we should set off.¡± As Xu Qing spoke, he walked out of the Sword Pavilion.


    Behind him, the captain looked at Fairy Zi Xuan¡¯s blurry back view. He then glanced at Xu Qing and took out a peach to take a bite. He chuckled and quickly chased after him.


    There was no snow today but the wind was blowing heavily. However, this didn¡¯t affect the clear sky. Moreover, because there were few clouds, the sky looked blue.


    Hence, the first rays of the morning sun became especially dazzling, casting their light upon the ground and the two people standing far away, stretching out their figures.


    A gentle breeze blew over, bringing about a sound.


    ¡°Junior Brother, tell Eldest Senior Brother, did you become an adult last night?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, why aren¡¯t you saying anything? Are you shy?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Aiya, forget it, forget it. Senior Brother won¡¯t tease you anymore. My dear Junior Brother, you must remember to introduce my Taotao to me when we return. I also want to become an adult.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    His teasing words were accompanied by laughter that echoed out. As the two of them moved further and further away, the laughter slowly became a whisper..

 Chapter 587 - Chapter 587 Do Something Big, We’re Serious

    Chapter 587 Do Something Big, We¡¯re Serious


    Translator. Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    In the afternoon.


    The winter sun shone brightly in the cloudless sky, illuminating the distant Ink Mountain Range.


    The Ink Mountain Range earned its name from the stark contrast of its black and white geology, devoid of any vegetation. The only inhabitants of this barren terrain were groups of ink snakes.


    The two-toned rocks of the mountain range overlapped in a striking pattern, resembling an ink painting spread out across the landscape when viewed from afar.


    Six people sat atop one of the peaks in this ink painting.


    The group of six sat in different spots ¨C one person sat alone, another in the center, and the remaining four at the back.


    The captain sat alone, perched at the highest point with a smug expression. He sat cross-legged and gazed past Xu Qing, fixing his eyes on the four individuals behind him.


    The four people at the back were Kong Xianglong, Shan He, Wang Chen, and Night Spirit. They ignored the captain and looked at Xu Qing, who was sitting in the center, with intense curiosity.


    This place was the place Xu Qing and Kong Xianglong had agreed on. The latter would cooperate with Xu Qing and put on a show later.


    ¡°Then, shall we begin?¡± Under the anticipation of Kong Xianglong and the others, the captain calmly spoke.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    The captain lifted his chin and assumed an aloof posture. He took out two pill bottles and threw one to Xu Qing.


    ¡°There¡¯s a Mystic Heaven Demon Moon Pill in each pill bottle; it can change our body structure and achieve true changes in our flesh and blood. This way, after we transform into the Black Heaven Race, we can pretend to be real.¡±


    As soon as the captain spoke, Kong Xianglong raised his brows in surprise. Beside him, Shan He took a deep breath.


    ¡°Mystic Heaven Demon Moon Pill? This is a top-secret pill of the Cloth Race. It¡¯s expensive and very rare. I heard that the ingredients for every pill are from their clansmen who undergo transformations!¡±


    Wang Chen and Night Spirit also looked at Chen Erniu with shock evident on their faces.


    The captain spoke in a nonchalant manner, as if it wasn¡¯t worth mentioning.


    ¡°This pill is average. Originally, there was a better choice but the Cloth Race owes me a favor. After knowing that I have such a request, they crossed several provinces and personally delivered them to the county capital for me. They knelt for seven days and seven nights to implore me. Sigh, it¡¯s hard to refuse such feelings, so I could only accept it.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was strange. He took the pill bottle and glanced at the captain before looking at the frowning Kong Xianglong and the others. Clearly, no one believed the captain¡¯s words.


    The captain shook his head and sighed, putting on a look of unwillingness to say more about this matter. He then took out the pill from the pill bottle.


    As soon as this pill appeared, it emitted a dazzling red light and a strange fragrance spread out. Xu Qing took a sniff and felt that his flesh and blood seemed to be squirming on their own.


    In front of everyone, the captain swallowed this pill. After that, his body trembled and a piece of clothing could be seen forming outside his body.


    This cloth was completely gray and continued to cover the captain¡¯s entire body.


    After that, it suddenly shrunk. The captain¡¯s body immediately changed under the effect of the cloth. His limbs became slender and his body became small and skinny. However, his head was a little larger. His eyelids also disappeared and his eyes became large,


    His hair also changed under the cover of the cloth, forming sharp spikes like hedgehogs.


    Just like that, a Black Heaven Race member appeared in front of everyone.


    This miraculous scene caused Kong Xianglong and the others to reveal strange gazes. Although most of them had heard of the Cloth Race having such a wondrous pill, they still found it unbelievable when they saw it with their own eyes today.


    Seeing that the captain¡¯s transformation was complete, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate to take out the pill. After swallowing it, he felt his flesh and blood rapidly changing as though a portion of his flesh and blood had been sent outside his body, forming clothes that looked like the Black Heaven Race.


    At the next instant, in the eyes of Kong Xianglong and the others, Xu Qing¡¯s appearance changed and he also became a member of the Black Heaven Race.


    He had gray skin, a small and skinny body, a large head, and a head full of sharp spike-like hair.


    The clothes on his body also formed.


    That cloth wasn¡¯t a Daoist robe but dark red armor that covered his entire body,


    ¡°The blood of the Black Heaven Race is black. Also, although there are no flaws in your auras, the language, actions, and spells of the Black Heaven Race are different from us humans.¡± Looking at Xu Qing and Chen Erniu, Kong Xianglong suppressed his urge to participate and reminded them.


    ¡°This matter is naturally within my preparations.¡± The captain smiled proudly and threw a black stone to Xu Qing.


    ¡°This is a black blood stone. After eating it, the color of the blood in your body will change for some time.¡±


    As he spoke, the captain swallowed it in one gulp and bit himself. Black blood seeped out of the torn flesh. Coupled with the aura on his body, it was exactly the same as the Black Heaven Race.


    ¡°As for spells¡­¡± A dark glint flashed in the captain¡¯s black eyes. The void in front of him distorted and a blurry spear rapidly formed.


    After that, he waved his right hand. Immediately, his body trembled. At the next instant, countless ink snakes on this mountain crawled out from all directions and gathered together, raising their heads at the captain as though they were obeying him.


    This scene instantly caused Shan He to stand up abruptly. Wang Chen and Night Spirit also gasped and revealed looks of disbelief. Kong Xianglong¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    Everything was exactly the same as the Black Heaven Race in their memories. They enslaved all races and created something out of nothing.


    In fact, if they hadn¡¯t seen the process of the other party¡¯s transformation with their own eyes, they would have thought that Chen Erniu was a Black Heaven Race member.


    Xu Qing was also shocked.


    Seeing everyone¡¯s reaction, the captain smiled mysteriously. With a wave of his hand, the snakes dispersed and the spear disappeared. He then spoke meaningfully.


    ¡°Junior Brother, this time, Eldest Senior Brother will definitely bring you to do a big job. In the future, don¡¯t randomly accept missions with others. Those military contributions are too little. Accepting missions depends on who leads the team.¡±


    Kong Xianglong snorted coldly.


    Xu Qing smiled bitterly and swallowed the black stone in his hand. After causing his blood to change, he was also curious about how the captain could cast the Black Heaven Race¡¯s spell. However, when he thought of the mysteriousness of the captain, there didn¡¯t seem to be anything strange about this.


    ¡°I should be able to do it too.¡± Xu Qing fell into deep thought and recalled the eye of the Black Heaven Race member he had studied for three days.


    ¡°Then, Junior Brother, the usual rules?¡± The captain swept his gaze across Kong Xianglong and the others. After that, he looked at Xu Qing and licked his lips.


    Xu Qing understood immediately. A hint of hesitation appeared in his large black eyes as he nodded.


    Kong Xianglong and the others were surprised when they heard this. They didn¡¯t know what the usual rules of the two meant.


    Just as they were pondering, the captain suddenly took a step forward. He lifted his right hand and an ice spear appeared, piercing into Xu Qing¡¯s chest. After it pierced through, the ice spear exploded, transforming into countless sharp ice blades that directly erupted on Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    In that instant, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body was covered in black blood, but the captain wasn¡¯t done yet. His right hand clenched into a fist and punched Xu Qing¡¯s right arm. After breaking it with a cracking sound, when Xu Qing inhaled, the captain quickly arrived and opened his mouth, wanting to bite him.


    Xu Qing glared and instantly retreated as he spoke..


    ¡­


    ¡°My turn!¡±


    ¡°Haha, a habit, a habit. It wasn¡¯t intentional. Your turn.¡± The captain was a little embarrassed.


    Xu Qing endured the pain and his gaze was unfriendly. He instantly moved closer and a black dagger appeared in his right hand, piercing through the captain¡¯s stomach.


    The captain wailed.


    As blood spurted out, Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop. He slashed upward and pulled out the dagger again, He then changed directions and continued to stab. After seven to eight slashes in a row, the captain was covered in injuries. Xu Qing instinctively slashed the captain¡¯s neck.


    With this strike, the captain¡¯s head almost fell off.


    The captain¡¯s eyes widened and he quickly retreated, speaking in an unconvinced tone.


    ¡°The Sword Holders have been chasing us for a long time, so we have to have sword injuries!¡± As he spoke, he took out his command sword and stabbed Xu Qing seven to eight times.


    Xu Qing endured the pain and as more blood flowed out, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Since we were chased for a long time, we don¡¯t have time to rest. Our wounds have started rotting.¡± As he spoke, he began to release poison. At the next instant, the captain screamed miserably. The wounds on his body were rotting.


    ¡°We have been hiding everywhere. The spirit energy here is insufficient and we¡¯re in a very weakened state!¡± The captain continued to attack.


    ¡­


    ¡°The Black Heaven Race doesn¡¯t like sunlight. After a long time, their bodies will be corroded!¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath and attacked again.


    Just like that, the two of them exchanged blows. This scene caused Kong Xianglong and the other three to be dumbfounded. After a while, the four of them gasped and instinctively looked at each other.


    ¡°That serious?¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing once said that he and his eldest senior brother experienced many life-and-death situations¡­¡± Shan He said in a low voice.


    Everyone agreed deeply.


    A long time later, the captain grabbed the dagger Xu Qing stabbed over and spoke weakly.


    ¡°Little Qing, we¡­ this should be enough. If we continue, we¡¯ll really be gone.¡±


    Xu Qing panted. One of his hands pressed down on the ice blade that the captain stabbed over.


    ¡°This should be enough.¡±


    The two of them stopped at the same time. The captain looked at the sky.


    As dusk settled in, the sky turned a deep shade of red, resembling bloodstains. Far off in the distance, dust billowed into the air and the ground trembled with the roars of ferocious beasts.


    ¡°The target convoy has arrived. Junior Brother, it¡¯s our turn to perform. Although we have a plan, we¡¯ll need to adapt to the situation!¡± As he spoke, the captain stood up and clutched his stomach while fleeing rapidly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned solemn as he looked over at Kong Xianglong and the others. After cupping his fists, he turned and fled at full speed toward the sky.


    Kong Xianglong and the other three were invigorated. After personally witnessing Xu Qing and Chen Erniu¡¯s actions, their expressions changed and endless admiration rose in their hearts.


    They were much more shocked because the two had worked extremely hard to hurt each other earlier. They felt that Xu Qing and Chen Erniu were serious, so they also became serious.


    Their expressions revealed balefulness and cruelty as they rose into the air and chased after the captain and Xu Qing. ¡°Let¡¯s see where you can escape to in our human territory!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re heavily injured and won¡¯t be able to hold on for long!¡±


    ¡°Everyone, be careful. The Black Heaven Race is good at enslavement. There must be a reason why they fled in this direction.¡±


    In order to make it more realistic, Night Spirit crushed a jade slip. In an instant, a beam of light soared into the sky and exploded, forming the shape of a sword.


    That was the symbol of the Sword Holder.


    At that moment, a convoy was moving forward majestically 50 kilometers away.


    There were no less than a few hundred carriages in it, and each of them was about a thousand feet in size. They were covered in black canvas and were being dragged by four-legged behemoths with red skin.


    On every four-legged behemoth, there was a cultivator from the Holy Wave Race. They didn¡¯t have Nascent Soul cultivators and most of them were in the Foundation Building realm. As for the Golden Cores, there were about ten of them.


    Most of them had two or three palaces.


    Three of them had four palaces. As for the strongest, he was a youth. He wore a brocade robe and had an extraordinary appearance. The black line between his brows was especially clear. Clearly, his bloodline wasn¡¯t ordinary and he possessed the combat strength of six palaces.


    They were the convoy from the Zenith Nation, one of the 36 cities around the True Immortal Ten Guts in the Great Wilderness East County of the Holy Wave Large Region.


    They came to Fenghai County with the clearance token given by the Yao family to transport the mica stones.


    This stone was special and couldn¡¯t be placed in a storage bag. Hence, it needed a convoy.


    The Yao family¡¯s token also allowed them to have a certain degree of unimpeded travel in Fenghai County. However, they were also aware about the conflict with the human race, so if the strength of the person who came was too high, it would attract too much attention.


    On the contrary, it was better to not possess much threat.


    After all, they were here to transport, not to kill. Now that they had collected the mica stones, the convoy sped all the way without stopping at all, rushing toward the border.


    Just as they were about to reach the Ink Mountain Range, as the sky rumbled and the Sword Holder¡¯s signal appeared, there was immediately some commotion in the convoy.


    The youth with extraordinary appearance and temperament suddenly lifted his head and coldly looked at the sky.


    ¡°Sword Holder?¡±.

 Chapter 588 - Chapter 588 Qing and Niu Escapes (1)

    Chapter 588 Qing and Niu Escapes (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    On the Ink Mountain Range, Xu Qing and the captain were fleeing rapidly in the sky.


    More than half of their blood-colored armor had shattered and their bodies were covered in shocking injuries.


    Many of the wounds had rotted and their auras were extremely weak.


    They even had some fatal injuries on their bodies. One of Xu Qing¡¯s arms was limp, there were several holes in his stomach, and the location of his heart was badly mangled. It seemed like it had exploded and he had barely managed to keep it together.


    The captain was in a similar state. There was a serious wound on his kidney area, and the most serious injury was on his neck. It was as though it was about to split apart. However, it had to be said that the vitality of the Black Heaven Race was tenacious.


    Even with such injuries, they still sped with all their might while the black blood kept splattering on their way.


    It was as though death was nothing to them.


    Shan He and the others were chasing after them furiously.


    Kong Xianglong wasn¡¯t around. He was speeding in another direction at full speed, rushing toward the place where the signal had come from.


    As they chased, the murderous auras of Shan He and the others filled the air. From time to time, they would perform hand seals and attack with powerful spells.


    Booming sounds continued to echo at this moment. Xu Qing and the captain were also extraordinary. At that moment, a cold glint flashed in the captain¡¯s eyes and a large number of spears instantly transformed behind him, whistling toward the back.


    This wasn¡¯t a spell of the human race but an illusion spell of the Black Heaven Race. Its might was astonishing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s counterattack was even sharper. As a sharp glow flashed his eyes, he abruptly turned his head. Immediately, the black light in his eyes lit up and actually turned the area behind him black. It was like a black spot that had appeared in the sky and rapidly expanded into the shape of a palm as it grabbed at Shan He and the others.


    The darkness inside seemed to be able to devour sunlight. In the blink of an eye, it reached thousands of feet and looked very astonishing.


    This scene caused the hearts of Shan He and the others to tremble. They almost thought that they had encountered the true Black Heaven Race.


    The captain¡¯s heart skipped a beat. This method was a genuine Black Heaven technique.


    Amidst the rumbling, Shan He and the others had no choice but to dodge. They used their full strength to disperse the black light, but Xu Qing¡¯s attack wasn¡¯t over.


    He suddenly stopped. When he faced Shan He and the others, his breathing was hurried. The black light in his eyes flickered again, emitting extreme black color.


    He slowly lifted his right hand and grabbed fiercely at the three of them.


    Under this grab, a powerful spiritual energy erupted into the sky, causing Xu Qing¡¯s simple grab to possess physical strength. However, it wasn¡¯t like the black hand but¡­ was for control!


    In an instant, the body of Shan He, who was at the front, trembled and a hint of struggle appeared in his eyes. However, this struggle quickly dissipated. He suddenly turned his head and looked at Wang Chen, his eyes revealing a ferocious glint.


    The blood qi in his entire body directly erupted. His body seemed to be out of control as he charged toward Wang Chen.


    This sudden change caused Wang Chen¡¯s expression to change drastically. Night Spirit was also shocked.


    The two of them didn¡¯t have time to chase anymore and quickly blocked Shan He. Night Spirit didn¡¯t hesitate to spit out a mouthful of blood in her demon transformation state and transformed into a blood sword that slashed in front of Shan He.


    This was a technique that specialized in dealing with spiritual control. At this moment, Night Spirit instinctively thought of the method to deal with the innate talent of the Black Heaven Race that Kong Xianglong had told them.


    With this slash, there was a loud rumbling sound as though an invisible thread had been severed.


    Shan He trembled fiercely as he recovered. However, his expression was incomparably dispirited and his eyes revealed horror.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind buzzed and he spat out a mouthful of blood. Exhaustion appeared on his face and he fled rapidly without turning his head.


    When he passed by the Holy Wave Race¡¯s convoy below, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. His expression was cold as he raised his right hand and grabbed the ground.


    Immediately, the four-legged behemoth¡¯s entire body trembled as it was grabbed. Its body seemed to be crushed by the void and it distorted at a speed visible to the naked eye. In the blink of an eye, it collapsed into a badly mangled state. Its life force was forcefully extracted.


    Xu Qing inhaled and fused this vitality into his body. The fatigue on his face clearly dissipated a little. Just as he wanted to continue, Shan He and the others chased after him again.


    Xu Qing let out a cold snort and suddenly waved his hand. Dozens of Holy Wave Race cultivators rose into the air in horror, along with seven to eight four-legged beasts,


    and were thrown toward Shan He¡¯s group. Their eyes instantly revealed hatred, as though there could be no peace between them.


    After doing this, Xu Qing sped into the distance.


    The captain was a little dumbfounded. Xu Qing¡¯s performance surprised him greatly and it didn¡¯t match his plan. However, he quickly reacted and suppressed the waves in his mind as he sped along with Xu Qing.


    They quickly left.


    In the air, the anger of Shan He and the others filled the air as they attacked. Amidst the rumbling, the bodies of the Holy Wave Race members who were swept over instantly collapsed and were destroyed by the three of them.


    However, the strange thing was that not a single one of these Holy Wave Race members let out a scream. Even their last glance before death was still filled with hatred.


    On the ground, with Xu Qing¡¯s previous attack, the Holy Wave Race¡¯s convoy was already in chaos. The remaining Holy Wave Race cultivators were all shocked. Even the Golden Core cultivators inside were anxious and their expressions rapidly changed.


    At the same time, the youth with the combat strength of six palaces suddenly rose into the air.


    ¡°Sword Holding Palace, we are the convoy of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s Zenith Nation. We have the token of your Fenghai County¡¯s Marquis Yao!¡± As he spoke, the youth quickly took out a jade slip and pinched it. Immediately, a rune manifested in the air..

 Chapter 589 - Chapter 589 Qing and Niu Escapes (2)

    Chapter 589 Qing and Niu Escapes (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios.


    It was the Yao family¡¯s rune, representing protection!


    After doing this, he looked at the three of them with a gloomy expression.


    The expressions of Shan He and the other two were ugly. They let out a cold snort and ignored the Holy Wave Race convoy, continuing to pursue in the direction Xu Qing and the captain had fled in.


    As they chased, the three of them instinctively looked at each other and saw the doubts and shock in each other¡¯s eyes.


    In their opinion, Chen Erniu¡¯s attack was still considered normal. However, Xu Qing¡­


    truly shook them.


    Xu Qing¡¯s two attacks weren¡¯t just authentic methods of the Black Heaven Race but also had terrifying might. They gave off the feeling that he wasn¡¯t an ordinary Black Heaven Race member.


    In fact, if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that they had seen Xu Qing transform with their own


    eyes and that he had 100,000 feet light in heart inquisition, they would have thought that the other party was really from the Black Heaven Race.


    Moreover, Shan He seemed like only his body was controlled, but Night Spirit and Wang Chen could sense clearly that even his intelligence was affected.


    Even those people from the Holy Wave Race were controlled body and mind.


    As for the details, because their understanding of the Black Heaven Race was limited, they weren¡¯t sure, but they instinctively felt fear.


    ¡®It¡¯s clearly an act. Why do I feel like it¡¯s real¡­¡¯ Shan He smiled bitterly and sighed.


    Wang Chen and Night Spirit also smiled bitterly. When they had continued their chase, the traces of Xu Qing and the captain had already dissipated. Kong Xianglong arrived very soon and gave the order to search with a gloomy expression.


    Just like that, time flowed by and very soon, night fell.


    In a hidden cave in the Ink Mountain Range, Xu Qing sat cross-legged and meditated. From time to time, he would spit out black blood and heal his injuries with all his might.


    The captain sat at the side with a gloomy expression and didn¡¯t say a word.


    A long time later, a black glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He lifted his head and looked at the moon in the dark night as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°The moon of the Holy Wave Region doesn¡¯t have a soul.¡±


    The captain looked at Xu Qing. After a moment of silence, he also looked at the moon outside and sighed softly.


    ¡°Lord, I miss home too.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain. The term ¡®lord¡¯ wasn¡¯t part of their previous plan. However, he didn¡¯t reveal any abnormalities and calmly spoke.


    ¡°How¡¯s your contact with the Cloth Race? We have to buy the Profound Heaven Demon Moon Pill to disguise as a human as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°The Cloth Race¡­ Hmm?¡± Just as the captain spoke, his expression instantly changed. He coldly glanced at the entrance of the cave. Under his gaze, a muffled sound rang out from outside the cave.


    An anxious voice then rang out from outside.


    ¡°I¡¯m a small cultivator from the Holy Wave¡¯s Zenith Nation. I request to see the two upper race lords.¡±


    A cold glint flashed in the captain¡¯s eyes. Just as he was about to attack, Xu Qing lifted his right hand slightly and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    A figure quickly walked over carefully from the entrance of the cave. It was none other than the youth with the combat strength of six palaces in the Holy Wave Race¡¯s convoy.


    The captain narrowed his eyes and calmly moved closer to Xu Qing, standing between Xu Qing and the youth.


    The youth from the Holy Wave Race walked over. When he saw Xu Qing and Chen Erniu, he took a deep breath and immediately knelt down with a respectful expression.


    ¡°Greetings, upper race!¡±


    ¡°How did you find us?¡± The captain¡¯s pitch-black eyes revealed a cold glint.


    ¡°Reporting to the upper race, I have a rare spirit pet that can search for traces based on the aura of the blood¡­ After I saw the two upper race members during the day, I secretly searched for the blood on the road before coming here.¡±


    The youth from the Holy Wave Race said in a low voice.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and calmly watched. ¡°What are you here for!¡± The captain spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Lords, the Sword Holders are searching outside now. No matter what plan the lords has, it will be very difficult to carry out. Why don¡¯t¡­ I escort the lords back to my Holy Wave Race first?¡±


    ¡°If the upper race has any needs, our Zenith Nation will do our best to fulfill it.¡±


    ¡°I only hope that after the lords are satisfied, you can bestow me the blessing of the Black Heaven!¡± The youth lifted his head and his eyes revealed fanaticism as he looked at Xu Qing and the captain.


    It was a night of silence.


    The next morning, outside the Ink Mountain Range, the hundreds of red-skinned four-legged beasts of the Holy Wave Race strode forward as usual. Amidst the rumbling sounds from the ground, they sped into the distance.


    A carriage on the rear bounced a little strongly as the four-legged beast jumped,


    However, none of the mica stones inside fell off.


    Only the scolding of the Holy Wave Race cultivator and the special whip in his hand continued to whip the four-legged beast, causing it to speed up despite the pain.


    As the convoy continued to move rapidly, they stirred up the dust on the ground which was then blown away by the wind.


    From afar, the dust here kept rising like a storm.


    Sunlight fell, attempting to penetrate the moving storm, but it was helpless.


    However, very soon¡­ amidst waves of hurried whip sounds, the roars of the ferocious beasts instantly intensified. Their footsteps stopped one after another, as though their bodies were being strangled.


    The storm also stopped.


    When the dust gradually dissipated, the figures of hundreds of four-legged beasts and the vigilant Holy Wave Race cultivators standing on them were revealed.


    ¡°Sword Holders, what is the meaning of this?!¡± A gloomy voice that contained a hint of anger rang out from the head of the ninth four-legged beast.


    Immediately after, the youth with extraordinary bloodline stood up and looked ahead.


    The void distorted where he looked and four figures quickly formed.


    ¡­


    The person in front was none other than Kong Xianglong. His expression was cold and his eyes were filled with ferocity as he swept his gaze across the four-legged beasts, as though he was searching for something.


    The three people beside him were Shan He, Wang Chen, and Night Spirit. They spread out and were also paying attention to the four-legged beasts. ¡°We have Marquis Yao¡¯s letter token!¡± The expression of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s youth changed as he spoke again.


    ¡°Noisy!¡± Kong Xianglong waved his hand and the Holy Wave Race youth spat out a mouthful of blood. The right side of his face instantly swelled up and his body was sent flying thousands of feet to the left, colliding with a mountain.


    ¡°Search carefully!¡± Kong Xianglong didn¡¯t even look at the Holy Wave Race youth as he calmly spoke.


    Shan He and the others immediately flew into the convoy and searched the carriages one after another. They also checked every cultivator, but found nothing.


    Kong Xianglong let out a cold snort and left. Shan He and the others also quickly followed him.


    It was only after they had moved far away that the youth from the Holy Wave Race stood up and returned to the ninth four-legged beast. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and spoke as though nothing had happened.


    ¡°Let¡¯s continue on our way.¡±


    Very soon, the ground rumbled and dust rose again. The convoy headed in the direction of the border.


    Two hours later, the youth stood up and performed a series of hand seals with his right hand. His body then rapidly shrunk and in the blink of an eye, he seemed to have disappeared, turning into extremely tiny specks of dust.


    The red skin on the four-legged beast¡¯s body also magnified infinitely in his eyes, becoming an endless red land.


    ¡­


    It was filled with crisscrossing fissures and countless huge translucent fur. They were like trees and pillars but very soft.


    At that moment, under one of the huge fur that blocked the sunlight and cast a shadow, Xu Qing and the captain were sitting cross-legged and cultivating.


    ¡°Lords, you can rest assured now, the Sword Holders have left.¡± The youth from the Holy Wave Race quickly arrived and knelt on one knee in front of Xu Qing and the captain, his eyes revealing fanaticism..

 Chapter 590 - Chapter 590 Unexpected Encounter

    Chapter 590 Unexpected Encounter


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Xu Qing glanced at the youth in front of him and nodded slightly.


    Last night, under the earnest request of this youth from the Holy Wave Race, he and the captain agreed to the other party after a long while of deliberation. They were going to use the Holy Wave Race¡¯s convoy to leave this area where the Sword Holders were searching for them.


    As for whether they would go to the Zenith Nation after entering the Holy Wave Race, Xu Qing didn¡¯t give a conclusion.


    The place they were arranged to hide was on the skin of the four-legged beast. This method was ingenious and even concealed their aura. Clearly, the Holy Wave Race was very good at this concealment technique.


    ¡°I have not failed the upper race and have successfully deceived the Sword Holders. We should not encounter any unexpected obstacles on our next journey. We will reach the Holy Wave Race within a month.¡±


    The Holy Wave Race youth spoke while retrieving two lotus leaves from his storage bag. He held them above his head in a gesture of reverence.


    ¡°I have only seen the upper race twice in my hometown, and both times from a distance. Although my father has spoken to me about the upper race¡¯s culture many times, I am still not very knowledgeable. However, I have heard that the upper race likes to consume moon dew before dawn, so I ordered someone to collect it.¡±


    Xu Qing was calm but his mind was a little shaken. Although he had some understanding of the Black Heaven Race, he didn¡¯t know such details and didn¡¯t know about their love of consuming moon dew.


    Moreover, this Holy Wave Race youth¡¯s words were ambiguous. He seemed to be speaking normally but it also contained a hint of probing.


    Hence, he was not sure if the Black Heaven Race really liked to drink moon dew.


    He remained silent.


    The captain smiled faintly and raised his right hand to grab at the air. Immediately, the two lotus leaves flew toward him. He didn¡¯t drink the moon dew inside but gently dabbed his finger in it. After that, he smeared the dew on his eyes.


    The moon dew rapidly evaporated, and a layer of membrane appeared in the captain¡¯s black eyes, as though it was covering them. His expression also revealed a hint of comfort.


    ¡°You¡¯re considerate. You can leave now.¡±


    From the start to the end, this youth from the Holy Wave Race didn¡¯t have any change in his expression other than the fanaticism. When he heard this, he respectfully retreated until he took nine steps back and stood up to leave. As he rose into the air, his figure grew larger and larger. Finally, he returned to his normal size and appeared on the four-legged beast.


    Time flowed by and before long, half a month had passed.


    During this half a month, this youth from the Holy Wave Race knew his limits and didn¡¯t disturb Xu Qing and the captain too much. Occasionally, when he appeared before them, he would request to meet them from afar and only approach after he was allowed.


    His words and actions didn¡¯t reveal any abnormalities. It was as though he really treated the two of them as upper race members.


    However, occasionally, he would respectfully and cleverly ask about the culture and customs of the Black Heaven Race. Every time, his face would have a look of fascination.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know much about this, so he didn¡¯t speak. Everything was handled by the captain.


    The captain had clearly done his homework very well this time. His understanding of the Black Heaven Race was extremely high and he had even pointed out the other party¡¯s mistakes twice.


    ¡°Who told you that the Black Heaven God Mountain is used for sacrifices? That¡¯s the place where moonflowers bloom and where the god once descended. It¡¯s where the God Palace is now.¡±


    ¡°Blackscale City under the God Mountain? What a pity. That city was gazed at by the god¡¯s fragmented-face 60 years ago and has already disappeared. Not many people in the external world know about this.¡±


    Regardless of whether it was his expression or tone, the captain didn¡¯t reveal any flaws. It gave Xu Qing the feeling that the captain had really lived in the Black Heaven Race.


    This also caused the fanaticism in the eyes of the Holy Wave Race youth to intensify.


    However, this person¡¯s probing didn¡¯t completely disappear. There was one time when the sunlight was at its strongest at noon. Although he didn¡¯t appear, the fur that covered the sunlight shifted imperceptibly, causing the strong sunlight to directly fall on Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    Xu Qing frowned and waved his hand slightly. Immediately, the fur that blocked the sun returned to its original angle. Although there weren¡¯t many such small matters, Xu Qing and the captain handled them very well every time. Hence, the probes slowly stopped.


    On this day, in the Lin Lan province, the Holy Wave Race¡¯s convoy approached the Heavenly Moon Canyon.


    The Heavenly Moon Canyon was very large. According to the speed of the convoy, it would take three days to pass through here. After leaving the canyon, they would reach the border in another week.


    Because Lin Lan Province was a province that bordered the Holy Wave Race, when the convoy arrived here, the Holy Wave Race cultivators all heaved a sigh of relief and their tense nerves relaxed a little.


    After spending the night outside the canyon, the next morning, the convoy majestically stepped into the canyon and galloped inside.


    The day passed very quickly. When dusk was about to arrive, they were already close to the middle section of the canyon.


    The sides of the canyon were covered with jagged and towering mountain rocks, blocking out part of the sunlight, causing the canyon to look a little dim.


    In the distance, in a hidden cave at a high place, a woman in red opened her eyes, revealing a cold glint.


    This woman wore a mask and had a huge evil ghost scythe beside her. It was Qing Qiu.


    She had been here for half a month and her target was the mica stone convoy that had returned.


    These convoys were of various sizes. In order not to alert the enemy, Qing Qiu had already let go of a few small convoys, waiting for the largest envoy.


    ¡°They¡¯re here, they¡¯re here!!¡± When Xu Qing and the Holy Wave Race¡¯s convoy approached this area, the voice of the evil ghost immediately rang out in Qing Qiu¡¯s mind.


    ¡°This convoy is one of the targets you asked me to investigate previously. They are from the Zenith Nation in the Great Wilderness East County. Although it¡¯s a small country, the number of mica stones they are transporting this time is quite a lot.¡±


    ¡°From what I sensed, they have a hundred or so cultivators in the convoy, and there aren¡¯t many Golden Cores. The strongest is six palaces!¡±


    ¡°They are a good target. The six palaces is a suitable target for us to perish together with!¡±


    As the evil ghost¡¯s voice clamored, a cold glint flashed in Qing Qiu¡¯s eyes. As she circulated her cultivation base, her entire body emitted a red light. Under the activation of her secret art, there were actually fluctuations of the combat strength of six palaces.


    Clearly, in the past few months, her cultivation had finally broken through and formed four Heavenly Palaces. Coupled with an emperor-level cultivation art and secret art, her combat strength had reached six palaces.


    ¡°According to their speed, they will reach us in about fifteen minutes!¡±


    The evil ghost¡¯s voice was filled with excitement. However, it clearly didn¡¯t notice the captain and Xu Qing in the convoy. Qing Qiu also never expected Xu Qing and the captain to be in the convoy.


    She licked her lips and the cold glint in her eyes grew increasingly intense as she waited silently.


    At the same time, in the convoy, Xu Qing lifted his head and looked into the distance. The voice of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had just rang out in his mind.


    ¡°Master, I sensed an artifact spirit¡¯s divine sense sweeping over just now. It¡¯s the red woman¡¯s scythe evil ghost.¡±


    Xu Qing raised his brows.


    The captain at the side suddenly lifted his head and looked into the distance with at surprised expression. Clearly, he had his own way of sensing it.


    ¡°Interesting. You sensed it too, right?¡± The captain smiled and turned to transmit his voice to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t too surprised that the captain could sense it. After a look of contemplation appeared in his eyes, he replied through voice transmission.


    ¡°If her target isn¡¯t this convoy, we shouldn¡¯t complicate things.¡±


    ¡°What if it is?¡± The captain smiled faintly.


    ¡°The killings in Fenghai County will be investigated, we will capture her and kill her when we reach Holy Wave Race¡¯s territory,¡± Xu Qing calmly said. ¡°You really want to kill her? Haha, alright. Before you kill her, let¡¯s take a look at what she looks like. She wears a mask all the time.¡± The captain narrowed his eyes and looked at Xu Qing with a hint of teasing in them.


    Xu Qing was surprised and frowned.


    In the evening.


    The afterglow landed on the ground with a faint yellow glow. When it landed on the canyon, it was even dimmer, causing the canyon to welcome night in advance. As the hundreds of red-skinned four-legged beasts moved forward, the ground continued to tremble. A loud explosion erupted from the front of the convoy.


    The ground there suddenly exploded. Countless gravel splattered in all directions and array formation runes fell from the sky, enveloping the surroundings like a large net.


    There was also a blood-colored light that descended like a sea of blood, permeating all areas, causing the canyon to instantly be filled with blood.


    Amidst the exclamations and chaos, a small and skinny figure flew out from the dusk. She wore a large red robe, an exquisite white mask, and a huge evil ghost scythe.


    As the figure appeared, an ancient voice that sounded like it was chanting echoed through the world.


    ¡°Litu inherits luck, and Dao marks are difficult to find. Mystic Nether Sovereign, bless and guide. Battle soul, descend. Help my sect to set off on the journey!¡±


    When the chanting spread in all directions, the world was affected by a certain force and waves of cold wind actually appeared in the canyon.


    This wind swept through everything. Wherever it passed, all the Holy Wave Race cultivators who sensed it would tremble as though they had been invaded by ice. Waves of horror rose in their hearts.


    The cold wind whistled over from all directions and gathered around the evil ghost scythe in the red-clothed woman¡¯s hand in the blink of an eye.


    The evil ghost¡¯s eyes flickered, emitting a scarlet light. After that, it suddenly opened its mouth and bit at the woman¡¯s arm.


    At the next instant, the woman in red¡¯s entire body trembled and overlapping shadows formed outside her body. It was as though a battle soul was being guided over and fusing into her body.


    One could vaguely see that the battle soul was an armored female general. It manifested behind the woman in red and enhanced her cultivation strength. This scene caused the woman in red to be like an emissary of death that wanted to harvest all lives.


    Not only that, but there was also an endless red light emitting from her.


    That was the Blood Domain of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect!


    The moment the domain unfolded, another personality appeared and replaced Qing Qiu.


    At the next instant, a bizarre smile spread out from Qing Qiu¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Hehehe.¡±


    Her laughter coupled with her expression gave off an endless sense of madness. Her speed erupted and fused with the blood color. She charged toward the people from the Holy Wave Race with the sea of blood.


    The evil ghost scythe in her hand tore through the sky. The sharp blade seemed to be able to cut through the void. Wherever it passed, the sky would change color and the wind would surge.


    No one could stop her at all.


    Even the expression of the youth with the extraordinary bloodline of the Holy Wave Race changed drastically as he hurriedly rushed out to stop her. However, although he also had the combat strength of six palaces, he was slower than Qing Qiu.


    After all, they were a convoy, not the black-clothed guards in charge of killing.


    Qing Qiu dodged slightly and headed straight for the crowd with intense killing intent.


    ¡°Hehehehe.¡±


    The cultivators of the Holy Wave Race could do nothing. As the scythe swept out, their bodies were instantly cut into pieces.


    Qing Qiu¡¯s attacks were ruthless and destructive. Clearly, she wanted to kill everyone here.


    During the massacre, blood splattered on her body, causing the color of blood in her eyes to intensify.


    This was especially so for the act of licking away the blood. That sense of madness intensified to the extreme.


    The Qing Qiu at this moment was what Xu Qing remembered from the first time they met.


    It was also the origin of the word ¡®Woman in Red¡±!


    It could even be said that without Xu Qing and the captain, and if this convoy didn¡¯t have any trump cards, there was a high chance that Qing Qiu¡¯s ambush would succeed.


    Even though this convoy had hidden their trump cards, with Qing Qiu¡¯s current combat strength and speed, she could still plunder a portion of the mica stones.


    It was just that¡­ it was impossible for Xu Qing and the captain to watch Qing Qiu continue with this. They didn¡¯t care if the Holy Wave Race died or not but they couldn¡¯t die before bringing them to the Holy Wave Race.


    Hence, when Qing Qiu forced back the Holy Wave Race youth with a single strike and cut open another Golden Core cultivator of the Holy Wave Race, the captain made his move.


    He flew out of the four-legged beast¡¯s body as though he had appeared out of thin air. He instantly transformed from mini figure to normal size, revealing the appearance of the Black Heaven Race. He let out a cold snort.


    ¡°Human, how dare you!¡±.

 Chapter 591 - Chapter 591 Erasing From the Bamboo Slip

    Chapter 591 Erasing From the Bamboo Slip


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°Human.¡± The captain¡¯s eyes revealed disdain. He lifted his slender gray right hand and pressed it toward Qing Qiu.


    With this push, the void around Qing Qiu instantly distorted and collapsed, directly suppressing her.


    ¡°Black Heaven Race!¡±


    Qing Qiu¡¯s eyes narrowed and she retreated. However, she was still a step too late.


    As the captain attacked, the battle soul that was guided outside her body directly distorted, as though it was about to collapse.


    Qing Qiu wasn¡¯t an easy target either. At this critical moment, her eyes flashed with red light and she directly swung the scythe at the captain.


    The scythe emitted a sharp sound that tore through the air like a wheel spinning at high speed. It sliced through the void with a terrifying force and headed straight for the captain.


    Qing Qiu, who was retreating, performed a series of hand seals with both hands. Her eyes revealed madness as she let out a sharp cry at the captain. The battle soul that was about to collapse behind her immediately left her body and pounced toward the captain, opening its mouth to devour him.


    The captain didn¡¯t dodge at all. He allowed the evil ghost¡¯s scythe to approach and slash through his forehead. As black blood spurted out, his body was also cut into two.


    However, as the scythe pierced through the captain¡¯s body and slashed onto the four-legged beast, the captain¡¯s body that had been cut in half strangely fused back together.


    He even bit at the battle soul that was about to devour him.


    A 1000-foot-long mouth appeared in front of the captain. Compared to this mouth, the incoming battle soul was like a piece of fat meat, and it was swallowed by the captain..


    As he chewed, he took a step forward and arrived in front of Qing Qiu, whose expression had changed. With a wave of his right hand, over a hundred spears instantly appeared out of thin air, trapping Qing Qiu.


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°I want her alive.¡±


    ¡°I respect the order!¡± The captain spoke loudly. This was originally discussed with Xu Qing before he attacked.


    With a wave of his hand, the hundred spears distorted and transformed into long fur that wrapped around Qing Qiu¡¯s body, tying her up.


    Qing Qiu struggled and reluctance appeared in her eyes. Just as she was about to cast a secret art, the captain punched her mask and knocked her out.


    The force of this punch wasn¡¯t small and the mask directly shattered into pieces, revealing a delicate and pretty face.


    The captain didn¡¯t care about her appearance. He grabbed the ropes on Qing Qiu¡¯s body and coldly looked at the Holy Wave Race members in the surroundings with displeasure.


    The youth from the Holy Wave Race hurriedly stepped forward. His face revealed gratitude and he immediately knelt down.


    ¡°Thank you for helping.¡±


    ¡°Set off immediately. We have to leave Fenghai County in three days!¡± The captain said coldly. With that, he carried Qing Qiu back to the four-legged beast and shrunk his body.


    The youth from the Holy Wave Race watched as the captain left. After he stood up, the gratitude and fanaticism in his expression dissipated. He berated the surrounding clansmen who were still in shock.


    Very soon, their convoy moved forward again and their speed was clearly much faster.


    At that moment, on the four-legged beast¡¯s skin, the captain threw the unconscious Qing Qiu to the side. When Qing Qiu fell on the ground, some fragments of the mask on her face fell, revealing even more of her small face.


    ¡°Since you don¡¯t like her, I¡¯ll give her to you.¡± The captain smiled and transmitted his voice. He sat at the side and played with the scythe. The scythe was trembling at this moment and the evil ghost on it revealed a fawning expression.


    Xu Qing nodded. His cold gaze swept toward Qing Qiu and then toward her face.


    It was an extremely beautiful face. She had fair skin, a small nose bridge, and cherry lips. She looked to be 16 or 17 years old.


    With her eyes closed, she gave off an impression of being a daughter from a humble family, exuding a sense of youthful innocence and naivety. This appearance didn¡¯t have any ferocity and carried an innate weakness. She was like the little sister next door, a huge difference from her usual appearance.


    In this cruel world, this kind of weakness would instinctively be exploited without any restraints.


    Xu Qing took a look and was about to retract his gaze when he suddenly felt that the other party¡¯s appearance was a little familiar. Hence, he carefully sized up the other party and gradually frowned. He stood up and walked over.


    The captain had a spurious smile on his face and there was a hint of teasing in his expression. He watched the show while flicking the scythe lightly. Immediately, the evil ghost on it let out a blood-curdling cry and fainted.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the captain. He quickly walked in front of Qing Qiu. After examining her carefully, a hint of dazedness appeared in his eyes. However, he wasn¡¯t very sure. Hence, he removed Qing Qiu¡¯s storage bag. He even searched it and took out a small stone from the side of her chest.


    Looking at this small stone, Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred.


    Some scenes buried in his memories surfaced at this moment.


    It was a wooden hut. In the corner squatted a little girl with a huge scar on her face. She was trembling while being vigilant against anyone who got close.


    The scene changed to the Beastfight Arena. The little girl held the bamboo stick in her hand. On it were the words ¡®giant-horn python¡¯. At this moment, the despair in the little girl¡¯s eyes was very clear.


    The scene changed again. Under the moonlight, outside the gate, the little girl¡¯s stubborn voice rang out. She said that she would repay him and then staggered away in the moonlight.


    There were many subsequent scenes, be it the white pills from the general store, the figure sweeping the floor in the wind and snow, or the eyes of the other party when she caught up to him and gave him candy.


    In the end, the memory froze on the scene of the sunset. The little girl was holding her brother¡¯s hand and turning her head back with every step she took as she slowly left.


    As the scene unfolded, some sounds rang out and echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Brother Kid, every time I¡¯m unhappy, my mother will give me candy, and I¡¯ll be happy when I eat it.¡±


    ¡°This is my last piece of candy. I will give it to you.¡±


    ¡°Brother kid, you have to be happy!¡±


    ¡°My brother is here to pick me up. Brother Kid, do you want to leave with me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. When I grow up, we can still meet. Brother Kid, I said that I would repay you for saving my life. I will definitely do it!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving¡­ Brother Kid.¡±


    The scenes and voices in his memories continued to echo in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. After a long time¡­ Xu Qing sighed softly. This sigh contained the memories of the past. It was filled with emotions and sighs.


    He lowered his head and looked at Qing Qiu¡¯s face. Her delicate and pretty face gradually overlapped with the little girl in his memory.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. She¡¯s from the Litu Sect and she can¡¯t recognize me because the changes in me¡­ are too great.¡±


    Xu Qing sighed softly. Regardless of whether it was his dirty face that hadn¡¯t been cleaned for many years in the scavenger campsite or his own growth over the years, it caused that small and skinny youth to change greatly. Amidst his emotional fluctuations. Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the small stone in his hand. This scar removal stone was already worn out by a lot. Clearly, it was often used.


    A long time later, Xu Qing placed the small stone back to its original location. He then took the storage bag and returned to his previous spot.


    Right now, it wasn¡¯t suitable for him to reveal his identity. Moreover, it had been many years since they last met, so it was unknown if the other party was still the same as before. All of this caused Xu Qing to feel no need to reveal his identity for the time being.


    In his opinion, it wasn¡¯t very important if they recognized each other or not. Just like how he had said the words ¡®wishing you peace¡¯ before the little girl left back then.


    ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re safe.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. He then took out the bamboo slip and erased the name ¡®woman in red¡¯. After that, he looked at the captain and recalled the captain¡¯s previous actions.


    ¡°The old man told me. I investigated further and I only found it out before we set off. I originally planned to give you a surprise.¡± The captain coughed dryly and blinked.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and didn¡¯t bother.


    A day later, Qing Qiu woke up.


    The instant she woke up, she didn¡¯t open her eyes immediately. Instead, she controlled her heartbeat and aura, maintaining her unconscious state as she tried to sense her surroundings.


    She first sensed that her cultivation base had been sealed and couldn¡¯t be unsealed.


    This caused her heart to sink. At the same time, the voice of the evil ghost disappeared from her mind. She knew that the evil ghost scythe had either been taken away or sealed.


    These two discoveries made her understand that her current situation was extremely dangerous and her storage bag was gone.


    Fortunately, she didn¡¯t have any injuries on her body and she wasn¡¯t tied up. Also, she felt that the small stone on her chest was still there. This was a blessing amidst misfortune.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re awake, there¡¯s no need to pretend.¡± Just as Qing Qiu was trying to break her cultivation seal, Xu Qing¡¯s cold voice rang out in her ears. Qing Qiu remained calm and became even more careful.


    Xu Qing glanced at Qing Qiu and didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    When the captain saw this scene, he perked up and sized up the two of them playfully.


    The next day, Qing Qiu helplessly opened her eyes. She could sense that the seal in her body was extremely powerful. That wasn¡¯t a method of the human race but a form of spiritual mark. It should be a sealing technique of the Black Heaven Race.


    With her current ability, she couldn¡¯t disperse it. As for her current location, she had already determined it. She knew that this was the skin of the four-legged beast and she was on it after being shrunk by a special technique.


    It would be too fake if she still didn¡¯t wake up. Hence, after she opened her eyes, she immediately stood up and looked at the two Black Heaven Race cultivators in front of her with coldness in her eyes.


    This was the first time she had seen the Black Heaven Race and knew that there were Black Heaven Race members in the Holy Wave Race¡¯s convoy. This matter was too big.


    In her anxiety, she also saw her evil ghost scythe in the hands of the Black Heaven Race member who had captured her alive. The evil ghost had fallen into a deep sleep.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you kill me?¡± Qing Qiu suddenly asked.


    The captain glanced at Qing Qiu with a spurious smile but didn¡¯t say anything. Xu Qing fell silent for a moment before calmly speaking.


    ¡°Be quiet during this period of time. We¡¯ll release you in three months.¡±


    Qing Qiu sneered. She didn¡¯t believe this. ¡°I have some dealings with your Litu Sect. This is also the reason why I didn¡¯t kill you.¡±


    The captain was the one who spoke after seeing that Xu Qing was about to speak.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and fell silent.


    Qing Qiu also looked at the captain and fell silent. She understood that there was no need to be stubborn now. She might as well pretend to cooperate and see what the other party wanted. At the same time, she would find an opportunity to escape.


    ¡°The small stone on your chest means a lot to you, right? That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t take it away.¡± The captain¡¯s expression was cold as he spoke coldly with a hint of threat.


    Xu Qing frowned.


    Qing Qiu looked calm, but her heart trembled. However, she tried her best not to reveal anything. This was because once she revealed her concern, it would be equivalent to telling the other party the answer.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you go in three months. At that time, I¡¯ll return this scythe to you. Of course, if you play some tricks, I¡¯ll crush that small stone first and crush it bit by bit.¡± The captain¡¯s voice was hoarse and his tone was like that of an evil person. He even lifted his finger and knocked on the scythe.


    The unconscious evil ghost trembled again.


    Qing Qiu fell silent and stared fixedly at the captain. After a long time, she gritted her teeth and nodded.


    Just like that, time flowed by and another day passed very quickly. As the convoy arrived at the border of the Lin Lan province and stepped into the territory of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s Great Wilderness East County, that youth clearly heaved a sigh of relief.


    All the clansmen in the convoy relaxed one after another. Here, they wouldn¡¯t encounter any danger from the human race.


    As for Xu Qing and the captain, they were also invited by the youth. They dissipated their concealment and appeared in the external world.


    Looking at everything unfamiliar here and in the direction of Fenghai County, Qing Qiu¡¯s heart sank. There was also a hint of sorrow. She knew that she wouldn¡¯t be able to escape for the time being.


    ¡°Two upper race members, we¡¯re safe now.¡± The Holy Wave Race youth had a smile on his face and there was still fanaticism in his eyes. He cupped his fists toward Xu Qing and the captain..

 Chapter 592 - 592 Kneeling

    592 Kneeling


    It was noon and the sunlight was strong. The wind blew from the north, lifting everyone¡¯s hair.


    Xu Qing stood on this unfamiliar land and turned his head to look at Fenghai County like Qing Qiu. After a long time, he retracted his gaze and calmly sized up his surroundings.


    This was his instinct. When he went to any unfamiliar place, the first thing he would do was to familiarize himself with the environment.


    The landscape stretched out before him, with the dark brown land covered in sand and gravel. The mountains in the distance rose and fell, but there was hardly any greenery to be seen. Occasionally, patches of half-melted white snow could be spotted.


    Actually, there was nothing different about the world here. After all, the difference between the Holy Wave Race and the human race was very small in essence, other than the fact that their blood was mixed with the blood of Black Heaven.


    While Xu Qing was observing the environment, the captain glanced at the Holy Wave Race youth and nodded in response to his words.


    The fanaticism in the eyes of this youth from the Holy Wave Race became even more intense. His expression was also sincere as he spoke to Xu Qing and the captain again.


    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to the help of the two lords, otherwise our caravan may not have returned intact. I implore the two lords of the upper race to come to my Zenith Nation and let me do my best to host you.¡±


    ¡°Also, in my hometown, the True Immortal Ten Guts Trees are about to bear Dao fruits. The next few months will be very lively, and there will be some phenomena. Although it cannot compare to the upper race, it is one of the wonders of the Holy Wave Domain.¡±


    ¡°As for the items you need, my king will definitely gather them for you.¡±


    After the youth from the Holy Wave Race finished speaking, he took a few steps back and bowed respectfully to Xu Qing and the captain.


    Xu Qing remained silent and looked at the captain.


    The captain narrowed his eyes with a hint of deep meaning in them. After exchanging glances with Xu Qing, he calmly spoke to the youth.


    ¡°Might as well.¡±


    When the youth heard this, his expression was filled with joy and excitement. He ordered the convoy to move forward.


    Very soon, as the sounds of the whipping echoed, the convoy sped forward.


    The captain and Xu Qing didn¡¯t hide anymore. They were sitting on the four-legged beast, and were wearing black robes in order to avoid the direct sunlight.


    As for Qing Qiu, she was like a servant. She was sitting with her head lowered behind the two of them while enduring the killing intent in her heart.


    The Holy Wave Race didn¡¯t have the qualifications to use the teleportation array in the human race¡¯s territory, so it took a long time to travel. However, it was different here. Very soon, their convoy arrived at a public teleportation array of the Holy Wave Race.


    The convoy from the Zenith Nation quickly stepped into the teleportation array. As the array formation rumbled, the four-legged beasts disappeared one after another. It took an hour for the whole convoy to be teleported to the western region of the Great Wilderness East County.


    This was the place where the True Immortal Ten Guts was located. It was also the territory of 36 small cities.


    As soon as he appeared, Xu Qing looked to the west.


    That place was relatively dark.


    The landscape was dominated by several colossal trees that twisted and turned like intestines, reaching up to the sky. Their branches and leaves intertwined, forming a vast canopy resembling an umbrella.


    It was extremely vast and covered half of the sky.


    The canopy formed by the interwoven huge trees blocked the sunlight and created a dimly lit area. The only source of light was the countless human-shaped lanterns floating around, which made normal life possible in this area.


    This scene was very astonishing.


    In this large area filled with lanterns, other than the dense jungle, there were also many small cities. They were built in circles with the giant trees as the center.


    Every city had its own colors. Some were monochrome, and some were multicolored.


    All of this gave off an exotic atmosphere. At the same time, the astonishing pressure from the huge tree in the distance spread in all directions like the sea, causing waves of emotions to surge in the hearts of everyone who came.


    ¡°Lords, this is the True Immortal Ten Guts where my Zenith Nation is located. The completely white city in front is my Zenith Nation.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already informed the king. They¡¯re probably preparing to welcome us. My lords, please.¡±


    The gaze of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s youth was still fanatical. As he led Xu Qing and the captain forward, he introduced enthusiastically.


    ¡°Lords, it¡¯s said that this True Immortal Ten Guts was transformed from the last pure-blooded member of the Calamity Immortal Race who became an immortal. It has existed for an extremely long time¡±


    ¡°Every hundred years, the trees will bloom and bear fruits. This is also the reason why we have to transport mica stones.¡±


    ¡°These fruits are extraordinary. They are considered extremely rare refining items¡±


    As the carriages moved forward, a white city gradually appeared in front of everyone.


    Although this was a small city, its range was very large. It was about the same size as the main city of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    At that moment, there were already many cultivators waiting outside the city.


    There were hundreds of cultivators present, including many Golden Cores and Nascent Soul cultivators. The middle-aged man in the king¡¯s robe was especially powerful, with the three secret repositories behind him emitting astonishing cultivation fluctuations.


    Upon seeing this scene, Qing Qiu¡¯s breathing hastened slightly and her mood became even bleaker. She knew that there was little hope of her escaping.


    Xu Qing and the captain maintained their composure. At that moment, the youth looked at his hometown with a rueful expression and a sense of familiarity. As he moved forward, he continued to speak respectfully.


    ¡°Lords, it¡¯s also because the value of the Dao Fruits in my hometown is extremely great that every time this happens, many despicable outsiders will use all kinds of methods to sneak into this place.¡±


    ¡°Especially the human race. In the past, they either sneaked in or disguised themselves as nonhumans to trade here. Sometimes, they would even transform into members of our Holy Wave Race.¡±


    ¡°Our 36 cities have made a report. They disguised themselves as our Holy Wave Race members more than 900 times and secretly infiltrated more than 700 times. In order to obtain the fruits, those foreign races used all kinds of methods.¡±


    ¡°By the way, Lords, do you know that there have been about 30 times since ancient times when people disguised themselves as the Black Heaven Race members and came to our True Immortal Ten Guts¡¯ 36 cities?¡±


    The youth from the Holy Wave Race smiled and crushed a jade slip. His body instantly disappeared and when he reappeared, he was already outside the distant Zenith Nation, standing in front of the king.


    His smile was still there, but the fanaticism on his face was replaced by intense mockery. He stood there and smiled as he slowly spoke to Xu Qing and the captain.


    ¡°Lords of the upper race, welcome to our Zenith Nation. So are you humans or are you from other races?¡±


    ¡°The first time I saw you, I sensed that there was something wrong with you. It was too coincidental. I knew that the Black Heaven Race was active in your human race and I happened to encounter you guys who were being chased.¡±


    ¡°You wanted to deceive me and bring you guys to the Holy Wave Race. As a small cultivator, I naturally have to agree when facing the upper race. Although there were twists and turns on the way, I finally managed to deceive you guys.¡±


    ¡°It seems my trip wasn¡¯t in vain. Father, can this be considered my contribution?¡±


    This youth from the Holy Wave Race had a charming smile on his face. As he spoke, many of the Holy Wave Race cultivators beside him smiled and looked at Xu Qing and the captain mockingly.


    The Spirit Repository king laughed and looked at his son in admiration.


    This sudden scene surprised Qing Qiu. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at the two members of the Black Heaven Race in front of her in surprise.


    She originally thought that these two were really from the Black Heaven Race, but now that everything had reversed, she was caught off guard.


    However, she quickly discovered that the expressions of these two Black Heaven Race members didn¡¯t change much. Hence, her heart stirred.


    Qing Qiu wasn¡¯t wrong. Xu Qing¡¯s expression showed no changes.


    Although the captain¡¯s expression was gloomy, he didn¡¯t overreact either. He only looked coldly at the Zenith Nation entourage in front of him and spoke calmly.


    ¡°The Holy Wave Race is quite bold. Call your state preceptor over.¡±


    As soon as the captain spoke, everyone from the Zenith Nation sneered. The king narrowed his eyes. The prince who had tricked Xu Qing and the captain laughed when he heard this.


    ¡°Lords, you two are a little forgetful. Didn¡¯t I tell you just now? Since ancient times, the 36 cities have recorded more than 30 instances when outsiders pretended to be from the Black Heaven Race. How do you think we sensed it? Since you¡¯re still continuing the pretense, I¡¯ll reveal your true colors.¡±


    ¡°Originally, on account of our friendship on our way here, I wanted to leave some face for you guys. Forget it now.¡±


    The youth spoke with a teasing expression before waving his hand. The white city behind him rumbled, and a massive black statue rose into the air from within the city.


    This statue was over 300 feet tall and had the appearance of the Black Heaven Race.


    It was covered in armor and had its arms crossed. There was also a moon totem carved on its forehead that emitted a powerful aura.


    ¡°We request the Black Heaven Statue to verify this person¡¯s identity!¡± The prince revealed a sinister expression as he laughed and pointed at the captain.


    As his finger pointed, the huge Black Heaven Statue shook and emitted a dazzling black light. It slowly turned its head and looked at the captain coldly.


    After a glance, as the captain¡¯s body trembled, thunderous rumbling sounds rang out from the mouth of the statue.


    ¡°His faith is mixed and his race is chaotic. He¡¯s not from the Black Heaven Race.¡±


    As soon as the statue¡¯s voice rang out, killing intent erupted from all the Holy Wave Race cultivators outside the Zenith Nation. The Holy Wave Race¡¯s prince laughed even more proudly as disdain appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Are you still stubborn?!¡±


    ¡°And you!¡±


    ¡°We request the Black Heaven Statue to inspect this person!¡± The prince disdainfully pointed at Xu Qing.


    At the next instant, the high and mighty Black Heaven Statue looked down at Xu Qing from mid-air. However after a glance, under everyone¡¯s surprise, it actually shook.


    This shaking was extremely intense. It even affected the black light emitted by its body, causing the light to fluctuate even more intensely.


    Wherever it passed, the world would distort.


    Amidst the shock and disbelief of the surrounding Holy Wave Race members, this statue took large strides toward Xu Qing and knelt down.


    An unprecedented fanaticism appeared in its eyes as it let out a loud shout.


    ¡°Greetings, Master!!¡±

 Chapter 593 - 593 The God Status (1)

    593 The God Status (1)


    There was an instant silence outside the city gate of the Zenith Nation.


    The members of the Holy Wave Race widened their eyes, initially at a loss, then shocked.


    No matter what their cultivation levels were, no matter how they suspected Xu Qing and Chen Erniu previously, at this moment, they could only look at the Black Heaven Statue kneeling there in excitement.


    Their hearts were in turmoil and they were completely dumbfounded.


    Even the mind of the Spirit Repository Realm king rumbled. An unprecedented storm stirred in his mind and swept through his sea of consciousness. The three secret repositories behind him also distorted.


    The most shocked person was none other than the youth who had escorted Xu Qing and Chen Erniu all the way here.


    As the prince of the Zenith Nation, he had always been confident about his intelligence. On the way here, he had pretended to be stupid, and thought that he had successfully tricked the two small thieves at their own game. However, now that everything had reversed, he didn¡¯t even know how to react.


    At that moment, his eyes were open the widest and his mind was shaken the most. A million lightning bolts seemed to explode in his mind as he fell into a daze.


    ¡°Wha what¡±


    ¡°How is this possible!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the Black Heaven Statue!¡±


    His body trembled and his breathing became hurried as he felt an intense sense of unreality.


    Among the 36 cities, not every city had the qualifications to request the statue from the upper dynasty. Only four cities had this qualification, and these four cities belonged to the forces of the direct line of the four great dynasties of the Holy Wave Race.


    Hence, this prince of a small country knew very well what the Black Heaven Statue represented.


    It symbolized the Black Heaven Race!


    And the statue that symbolized the Black Heaven Race was actually kneeling down to the other party. This matter was beyond ridiculous, let alone what the statue shouted out


    Those two words were like the laws of the Heavenly Dao. The sound echoed in all directions and lingered in the air.


    Qing Qiu was also shocked. At this moment, she felt that her thoughts were in a mess.


    However, before this thought could take root, it was changed in the next instant. Moreover, it wasn¡¯t a simple reversal but an earth-shattering reversal.


    This was because the word ¡®Master¡¯ represented too much. If one thought about it deeply, it would completely shock everyone.


    In an instant, all the gazes here gathered on the expressionless Xu Qing. These gazes contained horror, complexity, shock, and disbelief.


    Even though the captain had made plans and communicated with Xu Qing on the way here, he clearly didn¡¯t expect the effect to be so exaggerated.


    Only Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm from the start. As for what he was thinking, outsiders didn¡¯t know.


    Anyway, calmness was his usual expression and he was very good at maintaining it.


    Previously, on the way, he and the captain had discovered the problem with the Holy Wave Race¡¯s youth.


    Firstly, the other party¡¯s cultivation base was very weak. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn¡¯t dare to probe. This was because once the probing result was successful, only death awaited the other party.


    Secondly, as a lower race, it was unreasonable to probe the upper race like this. No matter how ingenious it was, it was wrong.


    However, it would be too fake if he directly believed them without probing.


    This was the reason why that youth from the Holy Wave Race probed on the way. He wasn¡¯t trying to probe the truth but was worried that they would see through his thoughts, so he deliberately probed.


    It was a way of doing things in reverse thinking.


    It was also this action that allowed Xu Qing and the captain to see some clues. As for how to deal with him, Xu Qing had already thought of it on the way.


    Previously, he had studied the eyes of the Black Heaven Race in the county for three days. What he obtained wasn¡¯t only the progress in spells but also the effect of his Purple Moon Heavenly Palace on his eyes.


    He vaguely understood that after he disguised himself as the Black Heaven Race, he might be even more distinguished than the true Black Heaven Race to a certain extent.


    This was because the Black Heaven Race believed in the Red Moon, and the Purple Moon in his Fourth Heavenly Palace was formed from the authority he had plundered from the Red Moon. It also possessed the status of a god.


    To a certain extent, he was the same as the Red Moon.


    This was also the reason why the Black Heaven Statue greeted him as ¡®master¡¯.


    Even cultivators who were extremely pious and came into close contact with the Red Moon all year round would find it difficult to see the problem. This was because this power came from the same source and belonged to the level of a god.


    Only the Red Moon herself would be able to see through it.


    At that moment, everyone was shocked and the surroundings were silent. The captain¡¯s expression revealed anger and his cold voice echoed in all directions.


    ¡°Such guts!¡±


    ¡°With your identities, what right do you have to investigate the divine son of my Black Heaven Race?!¡±


    ¡°If you ruin our race¡¯s important matter, your deaths won¡¯t be worthy of pity!¡±


    As the captain¡¯s voice rang out, the Black Heaven Statue kneeling in front of Xu Qing suddenly erupted with black light. Its entire body emitted an astonishing baleful aura as it turned its head and looked at everyone from the Zenith Nation.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. He could sense that he could give orders to this Black Heaven Statue.


    As the captain¡¯s voice rang out and the baleful aura of the Black Heaven Statue spread, gasps rang out from the Zenith Nation. The king of the Zenith Nation quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Greetings, upper race!¡±


    After him, all the Holy Wave Race members at the city gate stepped forward with trembling hearts and greeted Xu Qing in unison.


    ¡°Greetings, upper race!¡±


    The prince of the Zenith Nation directly knelt down and shouted with a trembling voice.

 Chapter 594 - 594 The God Status (2)

    594 The God Status (2)


    ¡°Greetings, upper race!¡±


    His mind was in a mess. This was like a dream.


    When Qing Qiu, who was behind Xu Qing, saw this scene, her mind buzzed. At the same time, she also felt intense killing intent in her heart. She understood that this Black Heaven Race member in front of her had an extremely high status.


    ¡®If I kill him¡¯ Qing Qiu lowered her head and hid the killing intent in her heart.


    As everyone¡¯s hearts fluctuated, Xu Qing walked forward. He stepped on the Black Heaven Statue in front of him step by step and stood above its head. He then sat down and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Your guess is correct. I¡¯m indeed pretending.¡±


    As his voice rang out, the surrounding people lowered their heads one after another.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretending to be an ordinary member of the Black Heaven Race.¡±


    After he finished speaking, the Fourth Heavenly Palace in his body shook; the Black Heaven Statue under him stood up and emitted a shocking pressure in all directions. As the black light spread out, wind and clouds surged, changing the color of the sky.


    The captain moved forward and stepped on it as well, standing on the top of the statue behind Xu Qing, looking down at the ground disdainfully.


    The Black Heaven Statue rose into the air and looked down domineeringly.


    The figures of Xu Qing and the captain above its head were blurry, as though they had fused into the night sky under the canopy of the sky, emitting a mysterious aura.


    On the ground, all the cultivators of the Holy Wave Race were shocked. The king had a hesitant expression, but he understood that he had to bow again.


    ¡°Greetings, Divine Son!¡±


    After that, all the Holy Wave Race members bowed in unison.


    At this moment, the prince¡¯s eyes revealed fanaticism and his voice was the loudest.


    He was from the Holy Wave Race, and this race was once a human race. Hence, there was also human nature in this prince. It was human nature to be more determined than normal when it came to the conviction gained after questioning.


    Under the worship of the Holy Wave Race, Xu Qing and the captain didn¡¯t leave. They were invited by the king to enter the Zenith Nation. They didn¡¯t need to explain their thoughts to the Zenith Nation and the Zenith Nation didn¡¯t dare to ask.


    However, when they entered the city, the captain asked about the True Immortal Ten Guts and learned that there were still nine days before the Dao fruits bloomed.


    Xu Qing and the captain entered the palace of the Zenith Nation. As for the Black Heaven Statue, it floated above the palace and guarded the surroundings.


    As for Qing Qiu, the captain had requested for her to change into the uniform of a maid and become a female servant during this period of time.


    Qing Qiu could only agree with gritted teeth.


    The news of the arrival of the Black Heaven Race¡¯s divine son was impossible to hide, as its implication was too great. Very soon, all the 36 cities heard about it. All of them were shocked and inevitably had some doubts.


    Three days passed.


    During these three days, Xu Qing¡¯s main focus was on studying the Black Heaven Statue. Also, the captain asked him about the matter of the statue kneeling.


    When the two of them had communicated on the way, Xu Qing didn¡¯t mention the Purple Moon, and only mentioned the aura of the Red Moon.


    ¡°I also have the aura of the Red Moon. That¡¯s not right. Why didn¡¯t that thing kneel down to me? It even said that my faith is mixed and my bloodline is chaotic. It¡¯s just speaking nonsense.¡± The captain was a little unhappy.


    Xu Qing thought about it and told him about the concealment talisman that Fairy Zi Xuan had drawn on him.


    The captain had an envious expression and let out a long sigh. He couldn¡¯t help but take out a peach and eat it.


    Outside the hall, the king brought his son to visit and respectfully invited them.


    ¡°Lord Divine Son, the 36 cities earnestly request to hold a banquet for you.¡±


    ¡°Lord Divine Son isn¡¯t interested in this!¡± In the hall, the captain spoke for Xu Qing.


    The king lowered his head when he heard this. One couldn¡¯t see the change in his expression as he continued to speak respectfully.


    ¡°I was rash. I¡¯ll inform the other cities immediately. In addition, the state preceptor of our Zenith Nation has also returned and requests to see the Lord.¡±


    ¡°Not seeing!¡± The captain continued.


    The king continued to keep his head lowered. After standing there for a long time, he spoke again.


    ¡°My son, Muye, has offended the lord. I have already severely punished him. Does the Lord have any other instructions?¡±


    The captain narrowed his eyes. He could hear other meanings in these words and looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was calm. He looked at the prince who was kneeling beside the king.


    ¡°Muye? You once said that you yearned to be bestowed with the blessing of the Black Heaven.¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, the Holy Wave Race youth immediately lifted his head. His eyes revealed fanaticism as he kowtowed heavily.


    The King of the Zenith Nation still lowered his head, not revealing any emotions.


    ¡°Two Mystic Heaven Demon Moon Pills and 100,000 True Immortal Ten Guts¡¯ Dao fruits.¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t waste his breath and directly mentioned the items needed for the blessing.


    He knew very well that although he had to put on a show, if he went too far, it would just backfire, and there would be uncontrollable variables.


    He couldn¡¯t underestimate anyone. Even a prince had such a scheming mind, let alone the king in front of him and the cultivators of the Zenith Nation.


    As for exposing his own needs after speaking in such a way, coupled with his repeated refusals before that led to more speculation, it was exactly the outcome that Xu Qing had hoped for.


    This was because Ghost Hand had taught him that he couldn¡¯t blindly deny anything. He had to give a false answer. Only then would it be more true.


    Hence, when his voice rang out and the king frowned slightly, Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Muye, come forward.¡±


    The king was stunned. When the youth beside him heard this, his breathing hastened and his gaze became even more fanatical. He stood up and respectfully walked into the hall, kneeling in front of Xu Qing and speaking loudly.


    ¡°Divine son!¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his right hand. As the Fourth Heavenly Palace in his body shook, a wisp of special anomalous substances formed by the Purple Moon gathered on his index finger which he then tapped on the forehead of the prince.


    After the tap, the prince¡¯s entire body trembled and the cultivation base in his body erupted. A hint of purple light flashed in his eyes and an aura infinitely close to the Red Moon¡¯s erupted from his body.


    There was even a sense of holiness coming from him. The gaze he used to look at Xu Qing was no longer fanatical but pious. He directly prostrated himself on the ground and bowed.


    ¡°Master!¡±


    This scene caused waves of shock to surge in the king¡¯s mind again. His expression changed rapidly and his breathing became hurried.


    With his cultivation base, although he couldn¡¯t see through Xu Qing, he could see through his son. He could clearly sense that at this moment, there was an additional hint of the Black Heaven Race¡¯s aura on his son¡¯s body and his mental energy had changed.


    This aura fused into his flesh and blood and into his cultivation base. It also allowed him, who obtained the blessing, to use a portion of the Black Heaven Race¡¯s talent.


    This was exactly the same as what he had seen in the noble sons of the kings and dukes who had been blessed by the Black Heaven Race in the dynasty. In fact, it even surpassed those blessings.


    In the Holy Wave Race, where status was very important, this aura represented that their status and identity would be completely different from now on.


    Amidst the huge waves in his heart, the king looked at Xu Qing. Xu Qing also looked at him.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. He used his actions to express his stance.


    The previous few rejections were a gesture, and it wasn¡¯t a transaction but an instruction!


    This was in line with the identity of the Black Heaven Race.


    Moreover, it wasn¡¯t excessive.

 Chapter 595 - 595 Meeting an Acquaintance in a Foreign Land

    595 Meeting an Acquaintance in a Foreign Land


    The Holy Wave Race was a race formed after the Grand Duke betrayed the human race back then. They retained some of the inherent thoughts of the human race in the past.


    For example, hierarchy.


    In reality, it was fine in Fenghai County and other counties. Because they were either enclaves or exclaves, the sense of hierarchy wasn¡¯t that clear and strict. However, it wasn¡¯t the case in the Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    Due to the fact that the Holy Wave Race was relatively intact as a whole and shared common characteristics with the Grand Imperial Capital Region, the sense of hierarchy was equally intense. It was deeply ingrained in the consciousness of every member of the race.


    The members of the Holy Wave Race were divided into six levels according to their family registry, with the upper two levels being known as the nobles, the middle two as soldiers, and the bottom two were slaves.


    For example, the king of the Zenith Nation and his son were at middle level.


    In the Holy Wave Race, one¡¯s status was extremely important. Unless one¡¯s cultivation base reached a heaven-defying level, it would be very difficult to change it. After all, the bloodline of those with higher identity was more outstanding and they had more resources. The possibility of an expert appearing among them was naturally higher.


    In the Holy Wave Race, the right to raise the registry was equivalent to controlling the core of the Holy Wave Race. This right was only possessed by the Black Heaven Temple.


    Every dynasty had a Black Heaven Temple.


    The Black Heaven Statue was a gift from the temple.


    This kind of raising the registry was the blessing of the Black Heaven.


    The person being blessed would get an aura that was closer to the Black Heaven Race.


    Hence, for countless years, under the subtle influence of the Black Heaven Race, the members of the Holy Wave Race had an incomparable desire to have their registry raised.


    This was also the reason why the mind of the king of the Zenith Nation was in turmoil.


    Even though he had many doubts previously, after seeing his son being blessed with his own eyes, his heart was shaken.


    The change in that aura was real, and he knew very well that not every member of the Black Heaven Race could bless others.


    Those who could do this were either experts of the Black Heaven Race or temple cultivators.


    The Black Heaven Race had a god. The Holy Wave Race was aware of this and the other races also knew of it. Although most of them weren¡¯t willing to admit it, this was the reality.


    The god of the Black Heaven Race slept on the red moon and was worshiped by them for generations.


    It was also because of the protection of the god that the Black Heaven Race had god attendants and temples. They were the rulers of the Black Heaven Race.


    After these thoughts rose in the mind of the king of the Zenith Nation, he took a deep breath and bowed respectfully.


    After he left, he immediately gave the order to collect the Profound Heaven Demon Moon Pills. At the same time, he contacted the other cities about the distribution of the True Immortal Ten Guts fruits this time.


    However, this process wasn¡¯t smooth.


    The other 35 cities didn¡¯t believe in this matter as strongly as he did. After all, this matter was too unbelievable. One had to know that over the countless years, many outsiders had infiltrated as Black Heaven Race members, but none of them were real.


    Due to this, the king of the Zenith Nation didn¡¯t report this matter to the dynasty immediately. He was going to wait for the other cities to confirm before reporting it.


    After all even if he was 99% sure, if there was really a problem, it would be fine if he didn¡¯t report it. He could still resolve it on his own. If he reported it, he would probably be implicated and be blamed for misconduct.


    Just like that, seven days passed.


    Although there were still two days before a large number of True Immortal Dao Fruits matured, in reality, in the past few days, Dao fruits were already maturing sporadically and could be plucked outside the True Immortal Ten Guts jungle.


    At the same time, those outsiders who used all kinds of methods to infiltrate also took action one after another. Some succeeded, while others failed. Every day, the patrol team formed by the 36 cities would capture many outsiders who snuck in.


    The outcomes were different. Some were executed and hung on the Ten Guts Canopy as a warning, while others were either punished and chased away or imprisoned for various reasons.


    Even so, because the Dao fruits were extremely valuable, there were still many infiltrators.


    As for the captain, after he sensed that a portion of the Dao fruits had ripened, he couldn¡¯t suppress the desire in his heart and discussed it with Xu Qing before deciding to make a move.


    Xu Qing thought so too.


    These few days, they had been staying in the palace. It looked safe but in reality, they were in great danger. Although he was confident that there was nothing wrong with his identity, he was still a little worried about whether he could really hide it from experts. After all, nothing was absolute.


    Moreover, the concealment talisman on his body was constantly dissipating.


    Therefore, time was very important.


    Hence, on the morning of the eighth day, Xu Qing and the captain left the palace. Prince Muye led a group of guards and followed them to the outer perimeter of the True Immortal Ten Guts.


    ¡°Master, this place is our Holy Wave Race¡¯s True Immortal Ten Guts. The fruits in the depths haven¡¯t ripened and we can¡¯t enter yet.¡± Outside the jungle, Muye¡¯s eyes were filled with piety as he spoke respectfully.


    ¡°The interior of the True Immortal Ten Guts jungle is filled with terrifying pressure all year round and it¡¯s difficult to step in. Only on the day the fruits completely ripen will the pressure there dissipate.¡±


    During this period of time, Muye would kneel in front of Xu Qing¡¯s room almost every day, preparing to be summoned at any time. It could be said that he was the most loyal person to Xu Qing in the entire Zenith Nation.


    On one hand, Xu Qing had raised his identity. On the other hand, it was also because the source of the anomalous substances that had fused into his body was Xu Qing¡¯s. Hence, there was nothing wrong with calling him master.


    Xu Qing sensed the familiar anomalous substances in the other party¡¯s body and nodded slightly. After that, he looked at the pitch-black jungle in front of him with no end in sight. He then lifted his head and looked at the ten main trees that meandered into the sky in the distance, forming a huge canopy.


    Even now, he couldn¡¯t imagine that this was formed from the intestines of the Calamity Immortal Race¡¯s immortal.


    ¡°Master, you shouldn¡¯t scan this place with your senses at night for the next few days. In the past, during the period when the True Immortal Ten Guts¡¯ fruits matured, a special aura would form here.¡±


    ¡°You will be invaded by it if you sense it, and it¡¯s harmful.¡±


    Hearing Muye¡¯s words, the captain who was walking in front asked curiously.


    ¡°Harmful? How is it harmful?¡±


    ¡°Lord, it will cause hallucinations. There are records that someone once saw the scene of the Calamity Immortal Race¡¯s cultivator becoming an immortal. After that, they went crazy and cut open their stomach to imitate the immortal.¡±


    Muye respectfully spoke.


    The captain¡¯s eyes lit up. He approached a tree and pulled down an eye-like fruit, placing it in his storage bag.


    This place belonged to the periphery of the True Immortal Ten Guts. There were many eye fruits hanging on the trees. Some were open, and some were closed.


    ¡°The open-eye fruits can be plucked.¡± Muye explained.


    Looking at the captain picking continuously, Xu Qing placed his hands behind his back and calmly spoke.


    ¡°How many Dao Fruits are there in total?¡±


    ¡°Master, there are about 300,000 Dao fruits every 100 years.¡± Muye hurriedly answered.


    ¡°Muye, get your men to pluck them for me,¡± Xu Qing suddenly said.


    Muye immediately nodded and turned to call out to all his followers. They walked toward the fruits that looked like open eyes and spread out to pick them.


    Their actions were very proficient. They plucked very quickly and it didn¡¯t take long for them to pluck more than ten. When Xu Qing saw this scene, his heart raced a little.


    This was over 100,000 military contributions!


    After noticing the desire in Qing Qiu¡¯s eyes, Xu Qing suppressed the excitement in his heart and calmly spoke.


    ¡°You can go pick them too.¡±


    Qing Qiu instantly rushed out and headed straight for the fruits.


    Xu Qing had already unsealed her cultivation base a few days ago. However, he was worried that she would ruin things, so he didn¡¯t give her the storage bag. Instead, he gave an empty storage bag for temporary use.


    Looking at Qing Qiu¡¯s departing back, the corners of Xu Qing¡¯s mouth curled into a smile. However, he quickly restrained his smile and looked in the captain¡¯s direction.


    At that moment, the captain¡¯s eyes were shining brightly as he grabbed one Dao fruit after another and muttered something that outsiders couldn¡¯t hear.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over and guessed that the captain must be counting his military contributions.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s composure isn¡¯t enough. What¡¯s there to count?¡± Xu Qing clasped his hands behind his back and shook his head inwardly.


    Not long after, Muye respectfully sent over the 25 Dao fruits they had picked. Xu Qing picked them up and placed them in his storage bag as he muttered inwardly.


    ¡°250,000!¡±


    After that, he looked at Muye and the Holy Wave Race cultivators who continued to pluck the fruits and silently counted.


    ¡°26, 28, 31¡±


    As for whether the captain¡¯s actions would expose them, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t care less. Just like that, after counting for an hour, the ripe fruits in this area were all plucked.


    They had plucked about a hundred of them and were about to head to other areas to continue when sounds of chaos rang out from the jungle in the distance.


    Muye immediately became vigilant and arrived in front of Xu Qing like a guard. He ordered the surrounding Holy Wave Race guards to go over and check the situation. Not long later, someone returned.


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s the patrol team from Cloud Nation. They captured a few infiltrators. Among them, there¡¯s a descendant of the Calamity Immortal Race. They surrounded and captured him just now.¡±


    ¡°Descendant of the Calamity Immortal Race?¡± Xu Qing remembered that the captain and others had said that the True Immortal Ten Guts were transformed from the last member of the Calamity Immortal Race who had become an immortal.


    ¡°Master, pure-blooded Calamity Immortal Race no longer exists. However, there are many mixed-blood descendants in the Holy Wave Domain. It¡¯s not good for us to kill such cultivators. We¡¯ll mostly imprison them until the fruits are plucked and release them.¡±


    Just as Muye was explaining, footsteps rang out from afar and deep shouts echoed.


    ¡°What right do you have to capture me? I¡¯m a descendant of the Calamity Immortal Race. This is the place where my ancestor became an immortal!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here to take some Dao fruits. What reason do you have to stop me? I don¡¯t want much. I only want 30!¡±


    ¡°If you dare to touch me here, I¡¯ll die in front of you. Let my blood spill on the ancestor. The ancestor will definitely be furious when he wakes up!¡±


    When the voice rang out, the captain¡¯s gaze became focused. Xu Qing¡¯s gaze also flickered slightly.


    Very soon, a group of cultivators from the Holy Wave Race who weren¡¯t from the Zenith Nation escorted seven to eight cultivators who had snuck in here and passed by Xu Qing and the others.


    After seeing Xu Qing and the captain, the expressions of these Holy Wave Race cultivators changed. They had also heard about the two of them and hurriedly greeted them.


    Among the seven to eight cultivators they were escorting, there was a youth who emitted a different aura. His forehead had a totemic tattoo that was twisted like a snake or intestines.


    The youth was shouting loudly with an indignant expression. When his gaze swept past Xu Qing and the captain, he was stunned because he recognized the Black Heaven Race.


    At the next instant, when he saw Qing Qiu, his body trembled slightly. However, he quickly regained his composure and continued to curse, while quickening his footsteps.


    Qing Qiu retracted her gaze. Her expression didn¡¯t change at all, as though she didn¡¯t know him.


    The captain snorted coldly and narrowed his eyes.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over as he muttered inwardly.


    ¡®Ning Yan, he actually came here?¡¯

 Chapter 596 - 596 Escalating Situation (1)

    596 Escalating Situation (1)


    The person who claimed to be a descendant of the Calamity Immortal Race was none other than Ning Yan.


    Xu Qing remembered that the captain had said that ever since Ning Yan passed the reserve candidate assessment, he had gone missing. The captain searched for a long time but couldn¡¯t find him.


    Originally, the plan for this operation was to bring Ning Yan along and use him as a shield at critical moments.


    Now that he looked at it, this kid had actually secretly come to the True Immortal Ten Guts


    ¡®Could it be that the awakened bloodline he mentioned belongs to the Calamity Immortal Race? Or is this identity fake?¡¯ Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts churned but his expression was calm. He calmly glanced at Ning Yan.


    As for Chen Erniu, the corners of his mouth curled into a meaningful smile.


    Qing Qiu still pretended not to know him.


    Ning Yan¡¯s heart was racing slightly. He didn¡¯t know those two people from the Black Heaven Race.


    However, he instinctively felt a chill run down his spine, especially that Black Heaven Race member who had a meaningful smile on his face. It made him feel flustered.


    ¡®Why is this Black Heaven cultivator smiling at me like that?¡¯


    Ning Yan was nervous. His gaze quickly swept past Qing Qiu. Although the other party wasn¡¯t wearing a mask and her clothes had changed, her aura didn¡¯t change at all. He naturally could tell her identity at a glance.


    After all, they were both from the Yinghuang Province and were competitors at the start. Hence, he had paid a lot of attention to Qing Qiu.


    However, at this moment, he didn¡¯t want to know why Qing Qiu was there. Instead, he grumbled inwardly. This was because he had not changed his appearance.


    However, he wasn¡¯t being careless. Due to some special reasons, he couldn¡¯t fundamentally change his appearance and aura. Hence, he had to conceal them with a magic artifact. However, after he was captured earlier, all of his magic artifacts were taken away.


    He only wanted to leave as soon as possible. He could faintly feel a deep sense of uneasiness rising in his heart.


    This was indeed the case. Ning Yan didn¡¯t manage to walk far before the captain suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Calamity Immortal Race? Interesting, I want this person.¡±


    Ning Yan¡¯s scalp felt like it was about to explode. His breathing became hurried and his mind shook violently.


    ¡®Did he see through my identity? That is impossible!¡¯ Ning Yan was anxious and terrified. A large number of rumors about the Black Heaven Race appeared in his mind.


    However, he wasn¡¯t allowed to decide on this matter. When those Holy Wave Race cultivators heard this, they didn¡¯t hesitate at all and hurriedly agreed. They immediately escorted Ning Yan to Chen Erniu and handed over the rope that bound Ning Yan respectfully with both hands.


    Chen Erniu nodded slightly and took the rope. After pulling it, Ning Yan had no choice but to take a few steps forward while trembling.


    Looking at Chen Erniu, whose smile was a little scary, Ning Yan quickly revealed a fawning expression.


    ¡°Greetings, my lord.¡±


    ¡°I wonder how the intestines of the Calamity Immortal Race taste.¡± The captain bared his teeth at Ning Yan and licked his lips.


    Waves surged in Ning Yan¡¯s mind and his expression rapidly changed. Just as he was about to retreat, he was pulled by the rope and couldn¡¯t step back. His entire person trembled intensely as he spoke in a trembling voice.


    ¡°Sir, don¡¯t joke with me My flesh and blood are stinky, they are not delicious at all.¡±


    Qing Qiu sighed inwardly. Originally, she didn¡¯t have any feelings of like or dislike for this Ning Yan. They were just passersby. However, now that she was in a foreign land and saw her fellow countrymen in such a miserable state and facing the danger of being eaten, waves of emotions rose in her heart and sorrow couldn¡¯t help but surface on her face.


    Noticing Qing Qiu¡¯s expression, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the captain and calmly spoke.


    ¡°What do you want this Calamity Immortal Race for? Are you interested in their intestines?¡±


    ¡°Lord Divine Son, it¡¯s naturally not about this.¡± The captain bowed to Xu Qing and spoke respectfully.


    When Ning Yan heard this, he immediately heaved a sigh of relief. However, the captain quickly continued.


    ¡°Some time ago, I was studying the Bloodline Refinement Pill. I have used the bloodline of most of the races, but I haven¡¯t tried the Calamity Immortal Race yet, so I plan to bring him back and refine him.¡±


    As he spoke, the captain even looked at Ning Yan with a ferocious smile. His eyes revealed anticipation, as though he was looking at the quality of the medicinal pill. He even licked his lips.


    Ning Yan¡¯s mind was buzzing. Previously, when he heard the other party speak, he had just relaxed. Now that he heard this, he immediately shook even more. His body and mind were occupied by endless fear and tears couldn¡¯t help but flow down.


    ¡°Sir, I I know many places where my race is located. Many of their bloodlines are denser and more exuberant than mine. Can I use them in exchange?¡±


    The captain stroked his chin with a spurious smile. He didn¡¯t speak and continued to size up Ning Yan¡¯s entire body.


    Ning Yan became even more afraid and despair appeared in his eyes.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the captain and Ning Yan. He looked at the sky and then at the depths of the jungle.


    He discovered that more than 90% of the fruits here were unripe. Moreover, there was an obvious difference in size between them. It didn¡¯t look like they could all mature in a day.


    Hence, he slowly spoke to Muye, who was standing respectfully beside him.


    ¡°Can all the fruits mature by tomorrow?¡±


    Muye hesitated. After some thought, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Master, the time should be tomorrow. However, according to the records in the ancient books, the time for the Dao fruits to mature is only an approximate and not precise. However, even if they don¡¯t mature by tomorrow, they will definitely mature in seven days at most.¡±


    Xu Qing frowned slightly. He didn¡¯t want to stay in the Holy Wave Race¡¯s territory for too long, afraid that there would be uncontrollable changes. However, he was a little unwilling to leave just like that.


    ¡®I can hold on for seven days!¡¯ Xu Qing muttered inwardly. He then turned and walked in the direction of the Zenith Nation.

 Chapter 597 - 597 Escalating Situation (2)

    597 Escalating Situation (2)


    Muye hurriedly followed behind and the group left.


    The captain calmly pulled the rope in his hand and Ning Yan¡¯s body shook as he followed. His heart was filled with confusion, grief, anger, fear, and regret.


    Everything was completely inconsistent with his plan. According to his plan, even if he failed this time, he wouldn¡¯t be in danger. His identity as a member of the Calamity Immortal Race would cause him to be imprisoned for a period of time at most before he would be released.


    After all, this place was transformed from the last pure-blooded member of the Calamity Immortal Race who had become an immortal. The Calamity Immortal Race was the true natives of the Holy Wave Domain, so they had many descendants.


    As a latecomer, the Holy Wave Race wasn¡¯t willing to easily cause a conflict between the two races.


    In fact, there was a high chance that he would be able to take away one or two Dao fruits when he was released. This was an extremely good deal, so he came here.


    However, he never expected to encounter the Black Heaven Race here


    As Ning Yan was dragged forward, he looked up at Qing Qiu with sorrow and grievance in his heart. He realized that the expression in Qing Qiu¡¯s eyes was similar to his.


    Just like that, these aggrieved two people followed Xu Qing and the captain back to the palace of the Zenith Nation under the escort of a group of Holy Wave Race guards.


    After arriving here, Xu Qing sat cross-legged and meditated in the hall as usual. Qing Qiu sat beside him and gritted her teeth. She didn¡¯t completely submit to her status as a maidservant but was constantly searching for an opportunity to escape.


    The captain was different from usual. After he returned, he dragged Ning Yan with intense anticipation. Despite Ning Yan¡¯s anxious and terrified expression, he couldn¡¯t resist and was dragged into a side hall while pleading for mercy.


    Very soon, Ning Yan¡¯s mournful wail rang out from the side hall.


    ¡°Sir, you, you, you What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    The wails quickly turned into screams.


    Qing Qiu¡¯s body trembled. She didn¡¯t know what was happening in the side hall, and her perception couldn¡¯t sense it either. However, she could imagine countless soul-stirring scenes from this mournful cry.


    She glanced at Xu Qing, who was as calm as ever, and gained a better understanding of the cruelty of the Black Heaven Race.


    ¡®The Black Heaven Race deserves to die, especially these two!¡¯ Qing Qiu¡¯s thoughts churned.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about these. To him, those screams were clearly from being bitten by the captain.


    ¡®He probably couldn¡¯t take a bite before because he was a Sword Holder. Now that his identity has changed, with his personality, he will definitely study Ning Yan¡¯s body carefully.¡¯


    Xu Qing spread out his perception and fused it into the Black Heaven Statue floating above the palace. He continued his research. This was what he was most interested in other than waiting during this period of time.


    ¡®If I can bring it back to Fenghai County¡¯


    Xu Qing felt anticipation in his heart.


    This Black Heaven Statue was very extraordinary. The power of the Red Moon contained in it was dense and was emitting anomalous substances at all times. Although Xu Qing could give it an order, it was still a little inappropriate to take it away.


    Firstly, this statue couldn¡¯t be stored in his storage bag and it was too bright. Secondly, if it really faced the Red Moon, this statue would probably instantly change sides.


    If he took it away, it would undoubtedly be a lightning bomb that could erupt at any time.


    ¡®Unless I can completely replace the Red Moon¡¯s power in it with my Purple Moon power.¡¯


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. This was the direction of his research.


    As Xu Qing continued his research, dusk arrived. The sky outside the canopy slowly darkened. In the area around it, the human-shaped lanterns that used life fire as light also slowly grew weaker.


    In the dim world, outside the palace of the Zenith Nation, dozens of Holy Wave Race cultivators were standing solemnly on the altar where Black Heaven Statue was originally located.


    The surroundings had long been sealed off and an array formation had been set up, preventing outsiders from sensing it.


    Among the dozens of people on the altar, most of them were at the perfected Nascent Soul Realm. Only five of them had cultivation levels that surpassed everyone and had reached the Spirit Repository Realm.


    The king of the Zenith Nation was one of them.


    In front of everyone stood an old man in a black robe. This old man¡¯s skin was red and he looked very strange. The four secret repositories behind him emitted a terrifying pressure.


    He was the state preceptor of the Zenith Nation. At that moment, his expression was gloomy. He lifted his head and looked at the distant palace before looking at everyone. He let out a cold snort.


    ¡°This is ridiculous!¡±


    ¡°All of you are the rulers of your countries. I don¡¯t believe that you guys are so muddle-headed that you don¡¯t even have the most basic judgment?¡±


    ¡°What kind of status does the Black Heaven Race have? How could they come here through a convoy?!¡±


    ¡°Not to mention that one of the two imposters has mixed faith and chaotic bloodline. How can he be from the Black Heaven Race?!¡±


    ¡°Also, their maid is the new Sword Holder of the human race. Her name is Qing Qiu. You¡¯ve found out about this. Why are you still hesitating?¡±


    The old man reprimanded. Everyone silently lowered their heads and didn¡¯t speak, but their gazes swept past the king of the Zenith Nation.


    In reality, regarding Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s identities, even now, they mostly didn¡¯t believe it. However, the statue kneeling down and the aura of the blessing were real.


    This caused them to be confused.


    ¡°Also, ruler, I checked your son¡¯s blessing. It¡¯s just a smokescreen. If you don¡¯t believe me, just send him to the dynasty and let them take a look.¡± The old man said coldly and then looked at the palace.


    ¡°The most laughable thing is these two. Although they have some tricks up their sleeves to be able to fool you, their greatest flaw is that out of all things they could disguise themselves to, one of them disguised as Black Heaven¡¯s Divine Son?¡±


    ¡°Hmph, this old man has been cultivating in the Black Heaven Race for many years. There are many fellow Daoists in the Black Heaven Race but I¡¯ve never heard of the Black Heaven Temple having a divine son!¡±

 Chapter 598 - 598 Escalating Situation (3)

    598 Escalating Situation (3)


    ¡°The Black Heaven Statue is a lifeless object, and you may not be familiar with it because you haven¡¯t been to Black Heaven Race. However, in reality, the Black Heaven Statue has done similar things in the past. These incidents were mainly due to the fluctuations in the tidal cycle of the god power within its body.¡±


    ¡°These two imposters should have researched the Black Heaven Race very well. The timing they seized was also quite ingenious.¡±


    A cold glint flashed in the old man¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°However, they still miscalculated. When I was cultivating in the Black Heaven Race back then, I obtained a Black Heaven Spirit bestowed by the temple!¡±


    ¡°The spirit of the Black Heaven Temple has intelligence. It only needs to sense it once to reveal everything!¡±


    As he spoke, the old man lifted his right hand to his forehead and pointed. His body trembled and he coughed up a large mouthful of blood. His glabella split open and a black shadow emerged from within.


    As soon as it appeared, it stirred up waves of cold wind that swept in all directions, causing the hearts of all the Holy Wave Race members here to tremble. The blood that belonged to Black Heaven in their bodies were also drawn in, and the black lines on their forehead became increasingly clear.


    ¡°Spirit, please check!¡±


    The old man took a deep breath and respectfully spoke. As the spirit let out a sinister laugh, its body rose into the air. When it looked at the palace, the old man¡¯s expression was gloomy as he spoke to everyone in the surroundings.


    ¡°After the spirit checks, King of the Zenith, personally capture those two audacious thieves alive. I¡¯m going to¡±


    Before the old man could finish speaking, the spirit in the sky suddenly trembled. Black light erupted from its entire body and spread in all directions like a sea of light. Its eyes revealed an unprecedented intense light and its body trembled even more intensely.


    In the end, it let out a blood-curdling scream and its ghost eyes exploded.


    Its body rolled back and landed on the altar. It instantly kowtowed toward the palace repeatedly.


    ¡°Master!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s Master¡¯s aura!¡±


    ¡°We mortals can¡¯t look straight at him!!¡±


    The spirit was blinded and its body kept trembling. However, its voice was filled with extreme agitation and fanaticism. This scene instantly caused the minds of all the Holy Wave Race members in the surroundings to rumble.


    The Zenith Nation¡¯s king¡¯s breathing became hurried. Even someone as suspicious as him was truly convinced at this moment.


    The other kings also felt their scalps tingle and waves of emotions surged in their minds. They no longer had any reason to doubt it and their eyes revealed fanaticism.


    ¡°Wha what¡±


    The instant their minds stirred, the Black Heaven Statue floating above the palace suddenly opened its arms and rose 10,000 feet in the sky.


    Above its head, Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s figures were vaguely revealed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was cold and filled with displeasure as he looked at the ground.


    The captain beside him had a furious expression. The anger of seeing his divine son being offended erupted from his eyes. He spoke in such a cold voice that it spread like a furious, cold wind.


    ¡°Your paranoia isn¡¯t a flaw. However, if you cross the line, it becomes a great disrespect.¡±


    As the captain spoke, muffled thunder rang out from the sky and the color of the sky changed.


    At this instant, a moon-shaped totem shone on Xu Qing¡¯s forehead. His body also emitted fluctuations that surpassed the mortal world from the Purple Moon Heavenly Palace.


    In an instant, all the Holy Wave Race members in the entire Zenith Nation felt the trace of blood in their bodies that belonged to Black Heaven boiling uncontrollably.


    The bodies of the 36 kings all trembled and they lowered their heads to the statue in the sky.


    The state preceptor was also in a state of turmoil. He glanced at the Black Heaven Spirit who was still kowtowing at the side. His breathing was hurried but he still lowered his head and greeted the sky.


    The cultivation base of any one of them surpassed Xu Qing¡¯s. When facing ordinary low-level cultivators from the Black Heaven Race, they might be able to use their cultivation base to barely level their identities. However, now that they felt the dignity from the divine son and the suppression from their bloodlines, they couldn¡¯t stay calm.


    However, they didn¡¯t feel any humiliation. This was because from the start to the end, the two Black Heaven Race members didn¡¯t overly cling to their identities.


    ¡°You will be excused just this once.¡± Xu Qing spoke for the first time.


    As his calm voice echoed, he cast a deep glance at everyone before disappearing.


    The statue also returned to its normal height and floated above the palace, closing its eyes again.


    The entire city fell silent.


    At the altar, the state preceptor of the Zenith Nation took a deep breath and suppressed the shock in his heart. He immediately transmitted his orders to the King of the Zenith Nation.


    ¡°Report this matter to the dynasty secretly. A member of the Black Heaven Race has arrived in the True Immortal Ten Guts. It¡¯s suspected that his bloodline is supreme. We don¡¯t have the qualifications to receive him. Also, send your son who has been blessed by the divine son to the dynasty!¡±


    ¡°Regardless of whether this matter is true or false it¡¯s a major incident!¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s true¡± The old man took a deep breath.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid all the Black Heaven Temples in the four dynasties of the Holy Wave Race will be shaken. Moreover, your son¡¯s future status will be extremely high!¡±


    As the state preceptor spoke, a gust of wind blew over. The True Immortal Ten Guts Trees swayed and the canopy rustled.


    The wind was rising.


    The wind tonight was very strong.


    The canopy formed by the True Immortal Ten Guts swayed in the sky and their sounds spread in all directions. Wind blew through the world, stirring up dust on the ground and whistling past the buildings in the Zenith Nation.


    The bells hanging under the eaves of the houses emitted a crisp sound due to the wind, especially the ones in the palace.

 Chapter 599 - 599 Escalating Situation (4)

    599 Escalating Situation (4)


    Amidst the series of sounds, Xu Qing retracted his gaze from the dark night and looked at the captain at the side.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, we can¡¯t stay too long. Even if the Dao fruits haven¡¯t completely ripened, we¡¯ll have to leave in two days.¡± Xu Qing transmitted his voice.


    Previously, upon sensing the other party¡¯s probing, they were able to neutralize it, but they understood that this meant the situation was inevitably spiraling out of their control.


    ¡°I think there¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡± The captain fell silent and glanced at Xu Qing.


    No matter how he sensed it, Xu Qing was really like the true Black Heaven Race.


    Not only did the statue kneel before him, but he could also bless the Holy Wave Race. Now, even the Black Heaven Spirit with intelligence knelt


    The combination of these three things made the captain¡¯s thoughts race.


    ¡°Little Qing, how exactly did you do it? This can¡¯t be due to the aura of the Red Moon.¡± The captain¡¯s curiosity was intense.


    Xu Qing thought about it. This time around, he didn¡¯t hide anything and sent a voice transmission in reply.


    ¡°Back then, I plundered a trace of the power of the god the Black Heaven Race believes in in the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, so I should have been mistaken for the Red Moon.¡±


    As soon as he said this, the captain¡¯s eyes widened and he gasped. Although he had guessed it earlier, now that he heard Xu Qing¡¯s answer, waves of emotions still rose in his mind.


    After a long while, the captain suddenly stood up and paced around before looking at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother, should we do something big?!¡±


    There was madness in the captain¡¯s eyes.


    Xu Qing sighed. He knew what the captain wanted to do. This was also the reason why he had hidden the Purple Moon from him previously.


    ¡°Since you are as real as real can be, why don¡¯t we go to the Black Heaven Temple and get them to send us to the Black Heaven Race¡±


    ¡°The effect of the concealment talisman on me will last at most another month and a half. Once it disappears, although there won¡¯t be any change to my aura, I might still be seen through, especially the god in the Red Moon. As long as It takes a look at me, I¡¯ll be gone.¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head firmly.


    The captain was dispirited, but he also knew that doing this wasn¡¯t madness but courting death. Hence, after pondering for a moment, he gritted his teeth.


    ¡°We¡¯ll continue to bring people to collect Dao fruits tomorrow. Although most of them aren¡¯t ripe yet, we can¡¯t care less. We¡¯ll go to other areas to collect the ripe fruits.¡±


    ¡°Then, we¡¯ll wait a few more days. Little Qing, the Dao fruit is only one of the things we are here for. The truly good thing is the True Immortal Ten Guts. This is a rare opportunity for us!¡±


    Xu Qing hesitated and gritted his teeth.


    ¡°Three days at most!¡±


    When the captain heard this, madness appeared in his eyes and he nodded.


    ¡°Alright, five days at most!¡±


    ¡°Also, I¡¯ll release the news tomorrow. Since it¡¯s like this, it¡¯s fine if they want to suspect us. Anyway, you¡¯re real. I¡¯ll release the news to those cities. We can give blessings but they have to exchange for it with treasures!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes were a little red.


    Two days later, Xu Qing and the captain split up. Xu Qing did his best to collect the Dao fruits while the captain released the news about the blessings to the other cities. While they were doing this, a group of people from the Zenith Nation teleported over to the capital of the Heavenly Wind Dynasty of the Holy Wave Race.


    The person leading the group was none other than the state preceptor of the Zenith Nation. Muye was in the group too. The moment they arrived at the Heavenly Wind Dynasty, they reported the matter of the Black Heaven Race.


    This matter originally didn¡¯t attract the attention of the Heavenly Wind Dynasty. After all, the highnesses of the four great dynasties of the Holy Wave Race didn¡¯t care much about ordinary people from the Black Heaven Race. However, when the corresponding departments inspected Muye, they got shocking results. This matter gradually caused waves in the dynasty.


    ¡°The aura of the Black Heaven is so dense that it¡¯s at the first grade and even surpasses it!¡±


    ¡°All the bloodline checks are real. He was indeed blessed!¡±


    ¡°Even the Black Heaven Temple can¡¯t directly raise someone from the fourth grade to the first grade!¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a simple blessing. This is a divine blessing!¡±


    After the results of these investigations were reported, outsiders didn¡¯t know what the higher-ups of the Heavenly Wind Dynasty and the royal family were thinking but two decrees were soon issued.


    The first decree was to send Muye to the Black Heaven Temple for inspection and approval.


    The second decree was to arrange for the black-clothed guards to immediately head to the Zenith Nation as guardian protectors of Xu Qing and the captain while secretly monitoring them.


    * * *

 Chapter 600 - 600 Seize!

    600 Seize!


    Xu Qing was very anxious.


    Four days had passed since the inspection by the spirit.


    In these four days, the total number of Dao fruits they obtained had already reached more than a thousand and the captain had spread the news of his blessings to the outside world which attracted many Holy Wave Race members to earnestly request for their registry to be raised.


    Under the captain¡¯s operation, they obtained a lot of rare treasures.


    However, their true target, the True Immortal Ten Guts Trees, hadn¡¯t completely matured.


    As time passed, Xu Qing slowly felt uneasy. This feeling of uneasiness was the same as when he was in the county capital. It all came from his heavenly dao mosasaur. In addition, Muye had also disappeared for a long time.


    He could faintly sense that Muye was in a place very far away from here.


    ¡°He should have been sent to the Holy Wave Race¡¯s dynasty¡± Xu Qing fell silent and checked the Dao fruits he had obtained. After calculating the military contributions, the thought of leaving grew increasingly intense.


    However, the captain was unwilling.


    ¡°Little Qing, let¡¯s stay for another day!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a big client asking for a blessing tomorrow. Besides, I heard someone saying that when they were cultivating recently, they sensed the fluctuations of the True Immortal Ten Guts. This means that they are about to mature.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s wait a little longer. After all, this opportunity is rare. If we can enter the interior of the True Immortal Ten Guts, our trip this time will have a perfect ending. I¡¯ve been waiting for this day for a long time.¡± The captain¡¯s eyes were filled with desire and madness. He licked his lips and quickly transmitted his voice.


    ¡°We can¡¯t eat the Dao fruits outside, but I¡¯ve researched and learned that the Dao fruits growing in the true Ten Guts Trees should be edible and extraordinary. Every bite must be an explosion of spiritual energy.¡±


    ¡°You also want to speed up your cultivation, right? I guarantee that we can do it this time.¡±


    ¡°The most important thing is Little Qing, this time, Eldest Senior Brother is going to give you an earth-shattering and peerless great fortune! I can¡¯t talk about it now. This matter is profound; it can only be done and not be said. Believe me!¡±


    ¡°As for the method to leave, I have prepared a very powerful treasure that can instantly teleport us back to Fenghai County. However, the expenditure of using this item is astonishing, so I still need the True Immortal Ten Guts¡¯ main body.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent for a while and glanced at the captain. After recalling everything in the past, he gritted his teeth and agreed to wait for another day.


    Just like that, the night of the fourth day arrived.


    In the middle of the night, when Xu Qing was studying the Black Heaven Statue, his mind suddenly stirred and waves surged in his sea of consciousness.


    In his blurry perception, a huge ball of fire erupted in the direction of the True Immortal Ten Guts. The flames burned with intense ferocity, sending shockwaves across the area.


    However, when he opened his eyes, everything disappeared.


    A strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Is this the fluctuation phenomenon that Muye and the captain mentioned about the True Immortal Ten Guts?¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and looked at the darkness in the distance before closing his eyes again.


    A long time later, he sensed that the ball of flames was slowly reforming. As it continued to burn, Xu Qing seemed to see a white-robed figure dancing in the sky where the True Immortal Ten Guts was.


    The white-robed figure wasn¡¯t alone. Countless figures gradually appeared around him and danced together.


    These figures danced in a bizarre way that carried certain mysteries. It was like a ritual dance to please the heavens.


    As they danced, the flames intensified, increasing in momentum.


    There were also waves of drumbeats echoing from there, crashing on Xu Qing¡¯s mind, attempting to replace his heartbeat.


    There were also ancient chantings that Xu Qing had never heard before.


    Gradually, he sensed that a huge gap seemed to have opened in the sky in the illusion. In that gap, there seemed to be an unimaginable existence staring at the ground as though it was waiting.


    After an unknown period of time, an excited voice rang out from the dancing figure in the center. He lifted his right hand and slashed, tearing open his abdomen. Lines of meandering intestines floated out of his stomach and twisted into the air like snakes.


    As they danced and the drum beats continued, these intestines kept twisting.


    After that, all the figures in the surroundings lifted their hands and slit open their stomachs, causing their intestines to float. From afar, countless intestines rose into the air.


    eaglesnov1,o


    However, as Xu Qing¡¯s third and fourth Heavenly Palaces shook, and the power of the Poison Pill and the Purple Moon surged through his body, his mind began to stir. The compulsion to open his stomach gradually weakened.


    In the direction of the True Immortal Ten Guts Tree, Xu Qing sensed the sea of fire surging and emitting a shocking blood light that filled the entire world. His body suddenly trembled, and he opened his eyes, awakening from the illusion.


    The sky outside lit up.


    The light source was the human-shaped lanterns floating under the canopy. As the sky outside the canopy changed, they lit up again, illuminating the surroundings.


    Upon first whiff, the scent appeared to be that of burning flesh, carrying a sharp and unpleasant odor. However, after inhaling it more deeply, it transformed into an unusual fragrance that invaded the senses and permeated the mind.


    Xu Qing¡¯s sixth Heavenly Palace was already halfway formed because of the massacre in Area C. Now, under this fragrance, it actually shook slightly. It was as though it had been stimulated, and its materialization sped up.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes lit up.


    At that moment, the captain also sensed something strange and rushed out of the side hall. His eyes revealed madness and desire. His breathing was hurried as he looked in the direction of the True Immortal Ten Guts.


    ¡°The True Immortal Ten Guts have bloomed!¡±


    Almost at the instant the captain¡¯s voice rang out, rumbling sounds rang out from the location of the True Immortal Ten Guts. There were a total of 12 sounds, and each one was more intense than the last. In the end, it was as though the world was about to be split open.


    Immediately after, amidst the intense sounds, Xu Qing witnessed the huge canopy above the area slowly shrinking, causing the sunlight from the external world to pour into the area that hadn¡¯t seen sunlight for a hundred years.


    Upon closer inspection, the canopy wasn¡¯t shrinking. Instead, the tree trunks that were entangled inside were separating from each other.


    This process lasted for an hour. As the outside world completely lit up and sunlight streamed in, the canopy disappeared.


    The ten huge tree trunks that didn¡¯t touch each other and snaked in different directions appeared in the eyes of all the spectators.


    The ten tree trunks were like ten intestines, swaying between heaven and earth!


    Countless fruits rapidly formed on it, transforming into countless eyes that were looking at the ground.


    Xu Qing rose to his feet, his eyes fixed on the True Immortal Ten Guts tree which had finally bloomed. He exchanged a glance with the captain, and they both saw the excitement in each other¡¯s eyes. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, they made their way out of the main hall.


    Qing Qiu and Ning Yan were also taken aback by the sudden changes in the True Immortal Ten Guts. However, before they could investigate further, Xu Qing gestured for them to follow him and they had no choice but to comply and trail behind him.


    The group wasted no time and left the main hall, ready to head towards the True Immortal Ten Guts. However, as they were about to fly out of the Zenith Nation, the teleportation array suddenly shone and made a loud rumbling noise. In the next instant, several black-clothed figures materialized from the array.


    A middle-aged man, leading the group of black-clothed guards, emerged from the teleportation array. He appeared to be at the Spirit Repository Realm, just like the king of the Zenith Nation. As he arrived, he immediately spotted Xu Qing and the captain and rushed towards them.


    The black-robed figures behind him moved in unison. Their expressions were murderous as they rushed forward.


    There were a total of 300 of them, and the weakest among them was at four Heavenly Palaces. Among them, there were more than 40 with seven-eight Heavenly Palaces and 10 Nascent Soul cultivators.


    The sudden appearance of the black-clothed guards made Xu Qing and the captain feel uneasy. Qing Qiu and Ning Yan gasped at this unexpected arrival of the black-clothed guards.


    The Sword Holders weren¡¯t unfamiliar with this kind of clothes and this murderous aura, as well as the silver leaves embroidered on the robes. They were their sworn enemy in the Holy Wave Race the black-clothed guards.


    Moreover, looking at this formation, it was clearly a complete squadron.


    The captain might have never seen the Spirit Repository middle-aged man in the lead, but Xu Qing had seen him more than once.


    The first time he saw this person was when Kong Xianglong killed a quasi-Nascent Soul cultivator at the border. The other party had appeared near the border and was furious.


    The second time they met was at the Sword Holding Palace. This person was brought there by the Yao family to question Xu Qing and the others.


    Now, it was the third time!


    ¡®It¡¯s him!¡¯ Killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. This middle-aged man had already arrived rapidly with his black-clothed guards.


    As they got closer, not only did this person¡¯s figure become clear in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, but the black-clothed guards behind him were also reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over and suddenly locked onto someone.


    This person was a youth. He was handsome and had an extraordinary aura. His cultivation base was even more astonishing. Although he wasn¡¯t a Nascent Soul cultivator, he had the combat strength of nine palaces. The black-clothed guard¡¯s Daoist robe had two silver leaves on it, one more than the other Golden Cores and comparable to the ten Nascent Soul cultivators.


    Xu Qing noticed that the youth had a life lantern in his body.


    As it had transformed into a life palace, outsiders couldn¡¯t sense it very clearly, but Xu Qing saw it clearly. It was a blue stone lantern.


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past the youth, the middle-aged black-clothed guard at the front bowed to Xu Qing, cupping his fists and speaking in a deep voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m Zhou Xingwu, the head of the black-clothed guards of the Heavenly Wind Country. I¡¯m here to escort you!¡±


    After Zhou Xingwu bowed, the black-clothed guards in the surroundings instantly spread out and surrounded Xu Qing and the captain in an arc.


    When Qing Qiu and Ning Yan saw this scene, their breathing hastened slightly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm and he didn¡¯t speak. The captain at the side lifted his chin and frowned slightly as he spoke.


    ¡°All of you can leave. It¡¯s not up to you to decide if we want to go to the Heavenly Wind Country or not.¡±


    Zhou Xingwu was expressionless and didn¡¯t even glance at the captain. Instead, he looked at Xu Qing and spoke.


    ¡°I have the monarch¡¯s order. I hope you won¡¯t make things difficult for us.¡±


    He knew that this was the divine son who was suspected to have a supreme bloodline. Although the monarch¡¯s decree required him not to be negligent, as a black-clothed guard, he naturally had his own way of dealing with things.


    As he spoke, he lifted his right hand. Immediately, the black-clothed guards in the surroundings spread out again, changing from a semi-encirclement to a complete encirclement. However, none of them emitted the slightest baleful aura. All of them lowered their heads respectfully and didn¡¯t circulate their cultivation bases. However, their attitudes were very determined.


    When the captain saw this scene, his eyes narrowed. Just as he was about to speak, Xu Qing suddenly spoke softly.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, Zhou Xingwu¡¯s gaze darkened slightly. He noticed that the other party was looking at the son of the governor-general behind him.


    ¡°Lord, I¡¯m Lin Yuandong.¡± Being stared at by Xu Qing, this son of the governor-general immediately took a step forward. His expression was cold as he cupped his fists.


    Xu Qing nodded and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Zhou Xingwu, take out his life lantern. I want it.¡±

 Chapter 601 - 601 The Divine Son Makes a Trip

    601 The Divine Son Makes a Trip


    Xu Qing¡¯s words were very natural. It wasn¡¯t an order but an instruction from an upper race to a lower race.


    The captain was surprised. Xu Qing¡¯s words were really ingenious, as though he was a general!


    The black-clothed guard¡¯s actions of forcing them were originally that of a general. When Xu Qing retaliated, he also acted like a general.


    As soon as Xu Qing spoke, the expressions of all the black-clothed guards in the surroundings changed drastically. Lin Yuandong¡¯s entire body trembled and his breathing became uncontrollably hurried.


    The life lantern in his body had already transformed into a Heavenly Palace and became a part of him. If it was taken out¡­ it would basically destroy a palace and injure him severely. In fact, it would cause irreversible damage to his foundation.


    If this happened elsewhere, it would basically be a situation where they wouldn¡¯t rest until one of them died.


    Ever since he was young, Lin Yuandong had always been a favored son of the heavens regardless of whether it was before or after he became a black-clothed guard. His father held a high position and authority. His aptitude was also astonishing and he rose steadily among the black-clothed guards.


    Moreover, his second grade identity also allowed him to possess a noble bloodline in the Holy Wave Race. He stood above most people and had always felt a sense of superiority.


    However, today, he felt like he was like a dog that had suffered an extremely great humiliation. Most importantly, the other party had delivered the humiliation with such ease and naturalness that it did not seem to be out of place.


    No matter what status he, Lin Yuandong, had in the Holy Wave Race, it was useless in front of the Black Heaven Race. Only if he was from the royal family, would he have some say, but if this person in front of him was really a divine son, even the royal family would be useless.


    After all, the Holy Wave Race¡¯s existence relied on the Black Heaven Race. Their relationship was not that of equals, but rather a master-subordinate one.


    Zhou Xingwu¡¯s expression also changed!


    He couldn¡¯t maintain the coldness from the start. At that moment, his eyes narrowed as he looked at Xu Qing. All kinds of thoughts raced in his heart.


    In reality, the monarch¡¯s decree didn¡¯t require him to invite these two Black Heaven Race members back to the capital. It was his own way of doing things.


    However, he didn¡¯t expect the other party to speak like this. This formed an irresolvable situation.


    It was impossible for him to follow the instructions and take out Lin Yuandong¡¯s life lantern. If he did so, he wouldn¡¯t be able to gain a foothold in the black-clothed guards in the future and would deeply offend the governor-general.


    The governor-general wouldn¡¯t dare to anger the Black Heaven Race, but it was still easy for him to punish him.


    However, if he didn¡¯t listen¡­ it would be very difficult to maintain the situation of him making a strong invitation earlier.


    Just as he was feeling troubled, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed coldly as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Zhou Xingwu frowned. All the black-clothed guards¡¯ breathing was hurried as they looked at him.


    From what they knew, if the head really took out Lin Yuandong¡¯s life lantern because of this sentence, their lives would actually be in the hands of that Black Heaven Race.


    Lin Yuandong¡¯s eyes were also red as he looked at Zhou Xingwu.


    ¡°Lord Divine Son.¡±


    As the voice rang out, the king of the Zenith Nation quickly arrived. After bowing respectfully to Xu Qing, he coldly glanced at Zhou Xingwu.


    To him, the Black Heaven Race¡¯s divine son was naturally real and had to be real no matter what.


    That way, it would be true that his son had been blessed and raised to the first grade identity. Hence¡­ no matter what, this matter was true before the Black Heaven Temple came to a conclusion.


    Hence, he was naturally extremely unhappy with Zhou Xingwu¡¯s actions. However, as the people from the same side, he still had to mediate.


    ¡°Lord Divine Son, this life lantern has already been tainted in this kid¡¯s body and is dirty. However, I know that there are life lanterns in the Heavenly Wind Country that haven¡¯t been assigned. Why don¡¯t we change to another one?¡±


    Zhou Xingwu immediately nodded and cupped his fists toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°Lord, I¡¯ll contact the higher-ups immediately. The moment you step into my Heavenly Wind Country, a life lantern will be presented to you.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was devoid of any expression. However, the more he was like this, the more he gave off an air of dignity.


    The captain¡¯s face twisted with anger as he bellowed in a low voice.


    ¡°Presumptuous. You want my race¡¯s divine son to move to retrieve a mere life lantern?!¡±


    Xu Qing praised inwardly. The captain¡¯s words silently changed the concept of heading to Heavenly Wind Country.


    When the Zenith Nation¡¯s ruler heard this, he also looked at Zhou Xingwu and deliberately displayed the displeasure on his face.


    Zhou Xingwu sighed inwardly. He knew that it was already impossible for him to forcefully invite the other party to the Heavenly Wind Country unless he really took out Lin Yuandong¡¯s life lantern.


    Otherwise, if he continued to forcefully invite them like he had done at the start, he would be neglecting the Black Heaven Race. Moreover, the king of the Zenith Nation in front of him would definitely not allow him to do this.


    However, he had doubts as to why these two people rejected going to the Heavenly Wind Country. This doubt turned into suspicion.


    However, he was very clear that this was something the higher-ups would have to decide, and not something he could meddle in. It would be fine if the other party was fake but if he was real, he wouldn¡¯t have a good ending if he meddled in too much.


    Hence, he lowered his head and bowed.


    ¡°I was negligent. I¡¯ll report the matter of the life lantern back to the upper country immediately.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at Lin Yuandong and shook his head.


    ¡°I have a lot of life lanterns. I don¡¯t lack your Holy Wave Race¡¯s. However, this carved blue stone lantern is a little unique. I want this.¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, Lin Yuandong, who was being stared at by him, trembled. His expression revealed grief and indignation as he clenched his fists tightly. Nervousness, anger, and other emotions rapidly filled his mind but he didn¡¯t dare to erupt or refute.


    He was very clear that if he said anything disrespectful, it wouldn¡¯t be as simple as losing his life lantern.


    The humiliation of being suppressed by the upper race made his heart feel like it was filled with poisonous fire.


    Zhou Xingwu also frowned, and his expression gradually darkened.


    The captain secretly swallowed his saliva and thought to himself, ¡®Xu Qing, you¡¯re too crazy. If you force him like this and the other party really makes a move, we¡¯ll be finished.¡¯


    ¡®Zhang San is right. This Little Qing¡­ is even crazier than me!¡¯


    As everyone¡¯s hearts raced, Xu Qing walked toward Lin Yuandong.


    As he got closer, the pressure represented by the name ¡®Black Heaven Race¡¯ rose intensely in the hearts of every Holy Wave Race cultivator here.


    Seeing that Xu Qing had walked up to Lin Yuandong, a cold glint flashed in Zhou Xingwu¡¯s eyes as some unknown thoughts brewed in his mind.


    Lin Yuandong¡¯s forehead glistened with sweat and his body trembled violently, displaying his intense grief, indignation, and grievance. As those emotions threatened to overwhelm him and turn into despair, Xu Qing standing before him suddenly broke into a smile.


    This smile instantly dissipated all the oppression here.


    As he smiled, Xu Qing gently patted Lin Yuandong¡¯s shoulder and spoke gently.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, I¡¯m just joking.¡±


    Lin Yuandong¡¯s body shook and he was dazed.


    Xu Qing shook his head and smiled. He then turned and walked toward the location of the True Immortal Ten Guts in the distance.


    The captain blinked and immediately followed behind. As for Qing Qiu and Ning Yan, after seeing this scene with their own eyes, their minds stirred and they hurriedly followed behind.


    As for the black-clothed guards blocking the way, all of them instinctively moved aside to make way and bowed respectfully to Xu Qing.


    As Xu Qing walked further away, the black-clothed guards all exchanged glances and let out a collective sigh of relief with complicated expressions on their faces.


    This was especially true for Lin Yuandong, whose breathing was still hurried. His state of mind had instantly reversed from intense nervousness and despair, which actually turned to gratitude towards Xu Qing.


    This gratitude contained reverence for Xu Qing¡¯s unpredictability.


    What was a big shot?


    Everyone had a different definition of a big shot. However, at the end of the day, they were someone who could affect your emotions with their joy and anger. If they liked you, you would be relieved. If they were angry, you would be afraid. They could decide your emotions and life and death with a single word.


    This was a big shot.


    These black-clothed guards looked at the departing Xu Qing and remembered the words their ancestors had told them that the dignity of the Black Heaven Race couldn¡¯t be offended.


    Before this, they knew about these things but it was different from experiencing it.


    After all, the Black Heaven Temple was high and mighty and they couldn¡¯t come into contact with it.


    However, at that moment, the way they looked at Xu Qing was filled with the same reverence that Lin Yuandong felt.


    In the distance, Xu Qing¡¯s voice rang out again.


    ¡°Zhou Xingwu, I want to see a life lantern before sunset today. Also, what are you guys waiting for? Follow me to the depths of the True Immortal Ten Guts, and the king of the Zenith, you should come too.¡±


    The king hurriedly agreed. He was extremely firm in Xu Qing¡¯s identity as a member of the Black Heaven Race and had to be firm as well because his son¡¯s future glory depended on it.


    Xu Qing naturally knew this. This was also the hidden reason why he had blessed Muye previously. Sometimes, the bond of sharing glory and loss could make ordinary people willingly choose to be blind.


    ¡°We respect the decree.¡± Zhou Xingwu also lowered his head. He didn¡¯t have much pressure on this matter. He only needed to pass the message. It was up to the higher-ups to decide if they should give a life lantern or not.


    However, he sighed with emotion at the actions of the Black Heaven Race.


    He took out a jade slip and left a message, handing it to his subordinate to teleport back to Heavenly Wind Country. He then led the group of black-clothed guards and caught up to Xu Qing and the other three. Lin Yuandong, among them, worked even harder to protect Xu Qing¡¯s surroundings and remain vigilant.


    The captain was in high spirits. Occasionally, he would sweep his gaze across the black-clothed guards in the surroundings and then look at the calm Xu Qing. He was extremely excited. He felt that this trip was really satisfying. As a Sword Holder, they were actually making the black-clothed guards guard them and open a path.


    ¡®The few subsequent tribulations in the depths of the True Immortal Ten Guts are passable, but the danger is extremely great after the first tribulation is reversed. With these black-clothed guards clearing the way, everything will be much easier.¡¯


    Just like that, the group slowly approached the jungle of the True Immortal Ten Guts Tree. This place had changed from before. At this moment, all the fruits had ripened and looked like opened eyes. Under the sunlight, these eyes emitted a dark glint as they coldly looked at everyone who was approaching.


    In the distance, the ten huge blackish-brown meandering tree trunks soared into the sky, emitting a terrifying aura. An intense sense of oppression also descended upon the world. Compared to the trees, the people on the ground were like ants.


    This True Immortal Ten Guts had a majestic aura that affected everyone¡¯s qi and blood, disturbing their minds, causing everyone who got close to it to instinctively feel fear.


    ¡°Lord Divine Son, many bizarre entities appear when the True Immortal Ten Guts bloom. Your status is high and supreme, please take care of your divine body and don¡¯t enter the depths. If you really need anything, I and Head Zhou Xingwu can help you get them.¡±


    The king of the Zenith, who was following behind Xu Qing, looked solemnly into the depths of the True Immortal Ten Guts and spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°What kind of bizarre entity? Tell me.¡± Xu Qing looked into the distance calmly.


    Hearing Xu Qing¡¯s curiosity, the king of the Zenith Nation cupped his fists and spoke respectfully.


    ¡°Lord Divine Son, according to the records of our 36 cities, once every hundred years, when the Dao fruits of the True Immortal Ten Guts are formed and the Ten Guts Trees bloom, there will be temporal and spatial disturbances inside.¡±


    ¡°Most people who enter will get lost inside and find it difficult to return. Occasionally, some people force their way out and have described the process of entering different time and space. Some have even claimed to see that Calamity Immortal ascend to immortality with their own eyes.¡±


    The king of the Zenith Nation spoke respectfully. He could understand the reason why the divine son didn¡¯t know about this. After all, to the Black Heaven Race, who lived in another region, the Holy Wave Region¡¯s Great Wilderness East County was just a remote small area.


    Even though the other party was knowledgeable, it was reasonable for him not to know the details of this place.


    ¡°Other than that, there are curses in the depths. There are even records of great cultivators of Nihility dying there.¡± The king of the Zenith Nation said with a wary expression.

 Chapter 602 - 602 Lord, This Is Your Life Lantern!

    602 Lord, This Is Your Life Lantern!


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    The king of the Zenith Nation continued.


    ¡°There is also a power in the depths of the True Immortal Ten Guts that makes people go crazy. All the people who are invaded by this power go crazy and don¡¯t differentiate friend from foe. They seem to have their perception changed and think that they are from the Calamity Immortal Race.¡±


    ¡°However, what¡¯s even stranger is that among the records of the 36 cities, none of the people who escaped death in the depths had a good ending. Moreover, the way they died was through their stomachs being slit open and their intestines flying out.


    ¡°Some cut open their stomachs themselves, but some¡­ are opened from the inside by the intestines. Hence, there¡¯s a saying in the records that the depths of the Ten Guts have the power to activate the intestines of life.¡±


    ¡°There are still more changes. Every time the True Immortal Ten Guts bloom, the bizarre entities that appear will have some differences. They¡¯re not the same, so it¡¯s even more dangerous.¡±


    ¡°Generally speaking, our 36 cities won¡¯t step into the depths. We¡¯ll only collect Dao fruits on the periphery. Oh right, there¡¯s also a rumor about the True Immortal Ten Guts¡­¡±


    The king of the Zenith glanced at Xu Qing and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°This is a rumor among the descendants of the Calamity Immortal Race. It says that the many dangers in the True Immortal Ten Guts are actually to stop others from disturbing it. If this place is compared to a tomb, those dangers are prepared for tomb raiders.¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t know the correct way to enter, so they will die. It¡¯s like all the dangers here are like puzzles. Only by grasping the correct method can one enter it safely.¡±


    ¡°However, even the descendants of the Calamity Immortal Race, the natives of this region, don¡¯t know the correct method. Hence, it is only a rumor.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. His gaze then casually swept past the captain. He recalled what the captain had said earlier about giving him an earth-shattering and incomparably great fortune.


    ¡®Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s familiarity with this place doesn¡¯t seem to be obtained from just the information in the county capital.¡¯


    Xu Qing walked while thinking.


    Just like that, time flowed by. The day passed and the sky dimmed. The setting sun enveloped the sky. Xu Qing and the others also arrived at the boundary of the depths from the outer perimeter of the True Immortal Ten Guts.


    The boundary was man-made. A long line encircling the entire True Immortal Ten Guts was drawn on the ground with special paint.


    Here, everyone stopped.


    The gains from today were quite big for Xu Qing.


    With the king of the Zenith Nation leading the way and the black-clothed guards picking the Dao fruits, Xu Qing now had more than 3,000 Dao fruits.


    As for the dangers, they didn¡¯t encounter much. Occasionally, some sporadic bizarre entities would appear but they were all easily resolved by the black-clothed guards.


    Moreover, Lin Yuandong had risked his life many times to protect Xu Qing. Every time Xu Qing nodded at him, it would make him excited.


    ¡°Lord Divine Son, let¡¯s stop here. This line is formed by the ancestors of the 36 cities. It represents extreme danger.¡±


    ¡°The Mystic Heaven Demon Moon Pills are already on the way to the Zenith Nation. As for the Dao Fruits, I¡¯ve communicated with the other cities. In half a month, when all the cities finish plucking them, they will send them to you.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the captain. After a long while, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Zhou Xingwu, is my life lantern here?¡±


    When Lin Yuandong heard this, his body trembled. Zhou Xingwu, who had been silent the entire time, spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Lord, the voice transmission here is restricted. I don¡¯t know how the progress is. I think we¡¯ll know by the time we return.¡±


    ¡°Go back and check. Bring the life lantern over. I¡¯ll wait here.¡± Xu Qing sat cross-legged and meditated as he calmly spoke.


    Zhou Xingwu frowned. The other party¡¯s words gave him the feeling that he didn¡¯t plan to return to the Zenith Nation and was going to the depths of the True Immortal Ten Guts.


    ¡®Is this divine son so anxious about the life lantern?¡¯ Zhou Xingwu narrowed his eyes. As he fell silent, the king of the Zenith Nation suddenly spoke after casting a deep glance at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Could it be that Lord Divine Son has a secret art that can activate the withered bloodline contained in life lanterns and neutralize some of the curses of the True Immortal Ten Guts?¡±


    Hearing the king speak like this, Xu Qing was a little surprised. When he looked at the king, the other party tilted his head and didn¡¯t meet his gaze. Instead, he spoke in a low voice to Zhou Xingwu.


    ¡°Sir Zhou, the divine son has instructed. Hurry up and go!¡±


    Zhou Xingwu thought about it and suppressed the doubts in his heart. No matter what, this matter didn¡¯t have much to do with him. He just had to do his job. Hence, he left a portion of the black-clothed guards behind and left this place with the rest, heading straight for the Zenith Nation.


    This place fell silent. As the sky gradually darkened, the king of the Zenith Nation stood in silence, looking at the Zenith Nation before looking out towards the horizon.


    That place was the direction of the Heavenly Wind Country and also where his son was currently. A complicated expression appeared on his face.


    The captain glanced at Xu Qing without batting an eyelid. As for Xu Qing, he had already spread out his perception. The dim red glow faintly emitted a hint of pressure. That was the Black Heaven Statue.


    Xu Qing had naturally prepared before he decided to enter the True Immortal Ten Guts. Although he hadn¡¯t completely filled the Black Heaven Statue with the power of the Purple Moon, this didn¡¯t affect the transmission of his orders.


    A long time later, as the surrounding black-clothed guards sat and waited, the king of the Zenith Nation suddenly turned and said to Xu Qing softly.


    ¡°Lord Divine Son, how¡¯s my son¡¯s aptitude?¡±


    ¡°Muye¡¯s intelligence isn¡¯t ordinary and his aptitude is good. It¡¯s the identity of Holy Wave that limits his future,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    The afterglow of the setting sun shone in the eyes of the king of the Zenith Nation, covering his expression, causing outsiders to be unable to see the changes in his expression and gaze. They could only hear him muttering.


    ¡°I¡¯m a soldier at the fourth grade registry. It¡¯s destined for it to remain the same unless there are heaven-defying cultivators among my descendants. Fortunately, he was blessed by the divine son and was promoted to the highest first grade.¡±


    ¡°Lord Divine Son, your goal has always been the depths of the True Immortal Ten Guts, right? As the divine son of the Black Heaven Race, logically speaking, if you have your eyes on something, the temple will naturally give the order to the Holy Wave Race and help you get it.¡±


    ¡°Or perhaps there will be Dao Protectors following you to such a dangerous place¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart sank. The captain took a few steps closer to Xu Qing but they quickly discovered that the black-clothed guards in the surroundings had all closed their eyes. Unknowingly, they had fallen into a deep sleep.


    ¡°I understand. Lord Divine Son, you must have an enemy in the Black Heaven Race. Your enemy has a lot of influence, and there are more than one divine son. Do you need to compete with each other?¡±


    ¡°Therefore, you came here by yourself this time for the unknown fortune of this place, just like the competition for the throne of the Heavenly Wind Dynasty. However, although you have enemies, small fries like us won¡¯t be affected even if you bless us.¡±


    ¡°After all, this wouldn¡¯t match the status of the upper race.¡±


    The king of the Zenith Nation mumbled before looking at Xu Qing with a deep gaze.


    ¡°Lord, this time, after you¡­ step into the depths of the True Immortal Ten Guts, will you return?¡±


    ¡°You¡­ won¡¯t be returning, right?¡± A deep look appeared in the eyes of the king.


    Xu Qing looked into his eyes. No matter how he looked at it, the other party¡¯s muttering earlier was just him comforting himself.


    After all, to be able to become the ruler of a country, even if it was a small country, their intelligence was definitely not ordinary.


    However, at this point, it was no longer important whether he had any doubts or not. The matter of raising his registry had already tied them together.


    ¡°I have other things to deal with and won¡¯t be returning,¡± Xu Qing said calmly. Although he answered the other party, there was nothing wrong with this sentence.


    When the king of the Zenith Nation heard this, he didn¡¯t speak.


    The black-clothed guards in the surroundings woke up at this moment. There was no abnormality in their expressions. Clearly, they didn¡¯t realize that they had been sleeping at all.


    Just like that, time flowed by. When night fell, whistling sounds rang out from afar. When the eyes of the king of the Zenith Nation flashed coldly, Zhou Xingwu led his subordinates and rapidly approached.


    Zhou Xingwu¡¯s expression was calm, but there were waves rising in his mind. What caused waves in his mind was the life lantern. He had indeed received a life lantern!


    The Heavenly Wind Dynasty had actually teleported the life lantern over. This matter allowed him to confirm Xu Qing¡¯s identity by another 30%. After he arrived, he cupped his fists and bowed. With a wave of his hand, a red life lantern appeared in his hand and he handed it to Xu Qing.


    Even with Xu Qing¡¯s control over his emotions, his heart still raced when he saw this life lantern. He lifted his hand and grabbed at the air. The red life lantern flew over and landed in his hand.


    This life lantern looked like a blood-colored wing.


    The feather carvings were lifelike and emitted waves of fiendish aura. One look and one could tell that it was a lantern that mainly focused on killing. It was extremely extraordinary and the fluctuations emitting from it were even more astonishing.


    Holding the life lantern, Xu Qing felt a little dazed. He really didn¡¯t expect it to be sent just like that.


    This was a life lantern. He had risked his life to obtain the two in his body.


    ¡®The third one!¡¯ Xu Qing suppressed the fluctuations in his heart. He knew that the life lantern couldn¡¯t be placed in a storage bag and it wasn¡¯t suitable for him to absorb it now. He still needed to check a little later. Hence, he kept the life lantern in his pocket.


    As for Qing Qiu and Ning Yan, their minds shook violently when they saw Xu Qing putting the life lantern into his pocket.


    ¡®F*cking Black Heaven Race. I worked so hard but I still couldn¡¯t get a life lantern. With just a sentence from him¡­¡¯ Qing Qiu gritted her teeth.


    Ning Yan also took a deep breath, finding it difficult to calm down.


    ¡°Lord Divine Son, the life lantern has arrived. What should we do next?¡± The king of the Zenith Nation bowed respectfully to Xu Qing and asked for instructions.


    ¡°Enter the depths of the True Immortal Ten Guts!¡± Xu Qing said in a low voice and stepped past the line.


    The captain followed closely behind with a dark glint in his eyes. Qing Qiu and Ning Yan had no choice but to follow.


    Zhou Xingwu hesitated.


    ¡°Lord Zhou, your duty is to protect the divine son. The journey ahead will be dangerous. Cooperate with me. We must ensure the safety of the divine son.¡± The king of the Zenith Nation spoke solemnly and crossed the boundary.


    Zhou Xingwu frowned and didn¡¯t speak. After pondering for a moment, he also entered with the black-clothed guards.


    The instant they all entered the boundary, a sudden change occurred in the depths of the True Immortal Ten Guts!


    The dancing figure in Xu Qing¡¯s perception last night actually appeared in the distance at this moment.


    The surroundings formed an illusory sea of fire that enveloped it, causing its dancing body to sway with the flames.


    Vaguely, more figures appeared. Even the ancient chanting echoed.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to sink.


    The captain¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint. No one noticed that at this moment, a face that looked identical to him appeared in the depths of his eyes.


    The face in the pupil opened its mouth, emitting a sound that no one could hear. From the shape of its mouth¡­ it was exactly chanting the same thing as the ancient chant that was blown over by the wind.


    However, at the next instant, the face in the captain¡¯s eyes disappeared. He blinked and a strange smile appeared on his face.


    At the same time, the black-clothed guards and the king of the Zenith Nation also looked at the changes in the distance with solemn expressions.


    ¡°Lord Divine Son, be careful. Something¡¯s wrong. This place is different from the past. Regardless of whether it¡¯s my experience or the records, this illusion should have appeared only when we reached the extreme depths.¡±

 Chapter 603 - 603 Shebi Corpse and Aluoe

    603 Shebi Corpse and Aluoe


    Xu Qing nodded slightly as a dark glint appeared in his eyes. He cast a quick glance at the captain before scanning his surroundings with a keen eye.


    In addition to the boundary defined by the 36 cities on the ground, there were several distinct differences between the depths and periphery of the True Immortal Ten Guts.


    Firstly, the jungle in the depths was even denser and more intertwined. In the dark of the night, the trees seemed to transform into sinister ghosts and monsters, giving off an eerie feeling. Occasionally, whispers could be faintly heard, adding to the overall bizarre atmosphere.


    Secondly, there were more Dao Fruits in the depths. Those countless eyes didn¡¯t remain open but kept blinking and swaying, and looking around.


    Thirdly, there were no dried leaves or fallen branches on the ground in the depths.


    The ground here was clean and there was only soil.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and waited for the black-clothed guards to explore ahead before walking forward under the protection of Lin Yuandong.


    As they walked in, the eyes hanging on the branches that were looking around gradually turned and stared fixedly at everyone.


    Hints of malice spread out from these eyes and fused into everyone¡¯s minds.


    Everyone stopped in their tracks and circulated their cultivation bases warily. They waited for a long while but didn¡¯t discover any other changes in these eyes. They cautiously continued forward.


    The Dao fruits in the depths of the True Immortal Ten Guts couldn¡¯t be plucked. They would melt into stinky liquid after being touched.


    They encountered some dangers as they continued forward. However, with the Spirit Repository cultivators, Zhou Xingwu and the king of the Zenith Nation, along with those black-clothed guards, Xu Qing was safe and sound on the way.


    Two hours later, as they reached deeper and deeper, one of the black-clothed guards who was scouting ahead suddenly let out a mournful cry.


    His body was wrapped by a black shadow and lifted up from the ground, hanging upside down in the air. Before the others could save him, the black-clothed guard started bleeding violently and his body withered at a visible speed.


    In the blink of an eye, he became a dried corpse.


    Dozens of densely packed egg-sized bumps grew out of his withered body. After a short moment, they all burst and yellow liquid flowed out, revealing sinister eyes that looked at everyone.


    The expressions of the cultivators here turned solemn. They had already noticed corpses hanging in the trees behind the withered corpse!


    The number of corpses was so high that there were no less than tens of thousands of them.


    Almost every branch had dried corpses. There were even some dried corpses that were stuck together.


    These corpses had rotted and dried up. The clothes on their bodies were also tattered.


    Looking at the styles of the clothes, they were from different races.


    At the next moment, the bumps on some corpses burst open. Yellow liquid flowed out, and sinister eyes appeared on them, looking at everyone with dense malice.


    There were also some corpses whose bodies fell off from the branches like ripe fruits.


    Very soon, corpses fell one after another.


    The expression of the king of the Zenith Nation changed. There was no record of this scene in the 36 cities.


    ¡°There¡¯s something very wrong with the True Immortal Ten Guts this time.¡± The eyes of the king narrowed and he quickly glanced at Xu Qing. He then glanced at the black-clothed guards but didn¡¯t say anything.


    Xu Qing took a few steps back. At that moment, a corpse that had landed on the ground suddenly moved.


    Its head swayed mechanically and its neck turned in reverse. A large number of eyes that covered its entire face focused on Xu Qing and the others. Then, it rushed out towards them like a wild beast, its movements erratic and aggressive.


    A black-clothed guard attacked immediately and slashed the corpse into two.


    However, dozens of corpses on the ground moved, followed by hundreds. In the blink of an eye, all the corpses on the ground jumped up and let out soundless roars as they pounced crazily at everyone.


    The wind blew again. Many of the corpses on the tree trunks moved and struggled to escape, letting out unintelligible screams.


    Zhou Xingwu¡¯s expression was gloomy. With a wave of his hand, a large number of corpses in front of him collapsed. All the black-clothed guards also moved to stop the corpses. Booming sounds and spell fluctuations instantly spread in all directions.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t make a move. He watched all of this coldly while the captain stood beside him with narrowed eyes.


    However, this wasn¡¯t the only danger here. Very soon, more corpses appeared running from the depths of the jungle.


    In fact, there were even some malevolent bodies that had fused together from a large number of corpses and emitted high Golden Core combat strength.


    There were many similar fused corpses.


    This place instantly fell into chaos.


    Not long later, a shocking roar rang out from the depths of the jungle. In an instant, dozens of corpses appeared, and their entire bodies emitted fluctuations comparable to Nascent Soul cultivators.


    As the ground shook, a behemoth formed by over a hundred corpses appeared in the distance. The energy fluctuations that were comparable to the Spirit Repository caused everyone¡¯s expressions to change drastically.


    What was especially shocking was that there wasn¡¯t just one Spirit Repository corpse but several.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s expression to change as he quickly retreated.


    The captain¡¯s eyes gleamed as he transmitted his voice to Xu Qing.


    ¡®As expected, there¡¯s Shebi[1] tribulation. Little Qing, we will definitely get the astronomic fortune I told you about previously!¡¯


    ¡®Eldest Senior Brother, have you been here before?¡¯ Xu Qing transmitted his divine sense.


    ¡®I¡¯ve never been here in this life.¡¯ The captain looked at the Ten Guts that towered into the sky in the distance and muttered.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. Just as he was about to continue asking, the captain¡¯s expression suddenly changed. He grabbed Ning Yan, who was currently looking at those corpses in horror. He then sped into the distance and quickly transmitted his voice.


    ¡°Little Qing, follow me!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He lifted his right hand and grabbed at Qing Qiu. As Qing Qiu¡¯s heart trembled, Xu Qing grabbed her shoulder and chased after the captain.


    When the four of them left, Zhou Xingwu, who was fighting against those corpses, suddenly turned his head. After he saw Xu Qing and the others leaving, he was about to chase after them.


    However, at the next instant, the king of the Zenith Nation, who was fighting against two Spirit Repository corpses, spat out a mouthful of blood and retreated, looking like he was not a match for them.


    Without his obstruction, the two corpses headed straight for Zhou Xingwu.


    The king of the Zenith Nation also went forward to obstruct Zhou Xingwu.


    Zhou Xingwu¡¯s expression changed and he had no choice but to give up on pursuing. As he quickly dodged, he looked at the king of the Zenith Nation with a dark expression.


    ¡°Lord Zhou, I¡¯m sorry. The divine son has private matters of the Black Heaven Race to deal with. It¡¯s not convenient for us to follow him. Don¡¯t force it,¡± the king of the Zenith Nation said calmly.


    ¡°Are you sure they¡¯re really from the Black Heaven Race? They¡¯re in such a hurry and didn¡¯t ask us to follow them. There must be a problem!¡± Zhou Xingwu¡¯s expression was gloomy.


    ¡°Then, Lord Zhou, are you sure that they¡¯re really not from the Black Heaven Race?¡± The king of the Zenith Nation spoke softly.


    ¡°Besides, the decree you received doesn¡¯t include investigating if they¡¯re real or fake. Everything is decided by the higher-ups. Why do you have to take responsibility?¡±


    Zhou Xingwu no longer spoke. He naturally understood the logic, and what he wanted to hear was actually these words. This way, even if something really happened, he would have an explanation.


    Taking advantage of the opportunity when the corpses were attracted by the black-clothed guards, Xu Qing and the other three sped through the jungle. The captain led the way and his speed erupted completely. He carried the trembling and terrified Ning Yan and kept jumping up and down.


    Ning Yan was on the verge of tears. He didn¡¯t know why the other party still wanted to hold him at a time like this. This clearly couldn¡¯t be with good intentions. He definitely wanted to use him to do something.


    Qing Qiu had the same thought.


    Xu Qing held her and followed behind the captain, shuttling through the jungle.


    Qing Qiu was filled with grief and indignation. She wanted to struggle, but she knew that it was unrealistic.


    During the entire process, Xu Qing didn¡¯t say a word. While keeping up his vigilance against the surroundings, he also observed the captain from time to time.


    He didn¡¯t continue to ask for the specific reason.


    Xu Qing felt that since he had chosen to trust his eldest senior brother, there was no need for him to ask about it immediately.


    This was especially so after the captain¡¯s words earlier had partially resolved his doubts.


    ¡®Just because he didn¡¯t come here in this life doesn¡¯t mean that he didn¡¯t come here in his previous lives¡­¡¯ Xu Qing muttered inwardly. His body swayed as he dodged the tree branches in front of him and moved forward in the jungle with the captain, getting closer and closer to the depths.


    He could tell that the path the captain took wasn¡¯t a straight line but a detour, as though he was searching for something.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, what are you looking for?¡± Xu Qing asked through voice transmission.


    The captain¡¯s breathing was clearly hurried and the light in his eyes was intense. What he revealed wasn¡¯t madness but unprecedented desire.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking for Aluoe. Why isn¡¯t it out yet? There shouldn¡¯t be anything wrong. First, it is the Shebi Corpse Tribulation, and then it should be the Aluoe tribulation¡­¡±


    The instant the captain responded, a sound suddenly rang out from afar.


    Toc!


    Toc, toc!


    Toc toc toc!


    This sound immediately attracted the attention of the two of them. When they looked over, they noticed a three-foot-tall bird perched on a nearby tree. The bird¡¯s body was almost entirely devoid of feathers. A portion of its body was badly mangled, with blood oozing out of the wounds.


    The bird¡¯s eyes were blank and there were only two empty black holes where its eyes should have been. It moved jerkily as it pecked at the tree.


    As for the area it was in, it gave off a strange feeling. If this area was compared to a painting, then there were a large number of holes in the painting.


    A corner on the left, a corner on the right. Many parts had disappeared and it looked like it was riddled with holes.


    As for the places that disappeared, they were pitch-black, as though they were nothingness.


    When this strange scene fell into the eyes of Xu Qing and the others, the sound of wood pecking echoed again.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. He noticed that the sound emitted by the bird pecking at the wood had strangely materialized and transformed into a distorted note that floated to the side.


    The place it landed on rapidly blurred as though it was devoured.


    Regardless of whether it was soil or trees, they all disappeared the instant the musical notes came into contact with them, turning into black holes.


    ¡°This is the place!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes widened in surprise at this scene. When new notes formed and flew to the side, he quickly motioned to Xu Qing. While holding Ning Yan, he rushed towards the notes.


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and grabbed Qing Qiu as he rushed out.


    In the blink of an eye, the four of them came into contact with the musical notes, the power of the musical notes erupted. The four of them disappeared, their spots turning into black holes.


    The bird continued to peck at the wood and produce notes.


    All the areas in the surroundings continued to disappear. Finally, after everything disappeared, the featherless bird flapped its wings and flew, heading in another direction while letting out unpleasant cries.


    Not long later, it found a large tree and perched on it, resuming its pecking action. The notes appeared again and the surroundings disappeared again, repeating the same cycle.


    Under the blood-colored sky, purple mountains crisscrossed. There was no sun or moon in the sky and the source of the light was the dark red ground which instead illuminated the sky.


    This was the place where Xu Qing appeared after coming into contact with the musical note.


    There were no flowers, grass, or trees in the surroundings. Regardless of whether it was the ground or the mountain range, they weren¡¯t made of soil or rocks. When Xu Qing stepped on them, he felt that they were soft but also hard. They felt like flesh.


    As the red light spread out, Qing Qiu¡¯s breathing hastened slightly. Like Xu Qing, she was observing her surroundings. Ning Yan¡¯s entire body trembled. After touching the ground, he instantly wailed.


    ¡°It¡¯s over. We¡¯ve been devoured by the nightmare of the Calamity Immortal Race. We can¡¯t get out of here¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± The captain glanced at Ning Yan.


    Ning Yan immediately fell silent. With a long face, he squeezed out a fawning expression and looked at the terrifying Black Heaven Race in front of him.


    [1] A creature of Chinese folklore.

 Chapter 604 - 604 Fine? Fine!

    604 Fine? Fine!


    ¡°You know quite a lot. Tell me what the nightmare of the Calamity Immortal Race is.¡± The captain looked interested.


    Ning Yan shrunk his head, not daring to say anything.


    ¡°It¡¯s rumored that after the pure-blooded Calamity Immortal Race members die, the calamity in their bodies will turn into a nightmare. It¡¯s like a sealed world, trapping the person who disturbs their corpse inside for eternity. Their flesh and bones will gradually disappear until only their heart is left, merging with the nightmare.¡±


    As Ning Yan spoke in a trembling voice, Qing Qiu narrowed her eyes and quickly looked around.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change much. His gaze landed in the distance. When he continued to observe, the captain chuckled.


    ¡°As expected of a descendant of the Calamity Immortal Race. You actually know about the Aluoe Tribulation. Not bad, not bad.¡±


    Almost at the instant the captain spoke, a thumping sound rang out. It was like the sound of a heartbeat. As it echoed, the ground trembled and the mountain range swayed. It was as though blood was flowing inside, emitting even more blood light.


    As the sky became increasingly red, Xu Qing and the others were also enveloped by the blood light. Very soon, Xu Qing frowned. He discovered that his body was disappearing.


    A piece of flesh the size of a fist was missing from his right leg.


    There was no blood flowing down, nor was there any pain. It happened silently.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t panic. After checking his wound, the Third Heavenly Palace¡¯s Poison Restriction Pill circulated in his body and poison intent filled his entire body.


    The others also began to see their flesh disappearing. Half of Qing Qiu¡¯s palm disappeared, and Ning Yan¡¯s right ear and a small portion of his face also disappeared at this moment.


    ¡°It¡¯s starting. It¡¯s over!¡±


    Ning Yan let out a blood-curdling scream, his eyes revealing horror and despair. However, almost as soon as his cry rang out, the captain took something and stuffed it into Ning Yan¡¯s open mouth with a slap.


    After that, he patted Ning Yan¡¯s stomach. Ning Yan¡¯s eyes widened and he involuntarily swallowed the thing in his mouth before speaking with a horrified expression.


    ¡°You, you, you, what did you feed me?¡±


    ¡°Be good. You¡¯ll know in a while.¡± The captain had a spurious smile on his face. After he finished speaking, he looked at Xu Qing.


    Noticing the captain¡¯s gaze, Xu Qing tilted his head and looked at him. On the way here, the captain¡¯s various performances had already confirmed his guess.


    ¡®Junior Brother, do you believe me?¡¯ The captain smiled and transmitted his voice.


    Xu Qing nodded and waved his right hand. The Purple Moon Heavenly Palace in his body swayed and the aura that belonged to the Purple Moon spread out and fused into Qing Qiu¡¯s body.


    It didn¡¯t invade her body but spread throughout her entire body, helping her resist the destructive power of this place. After that, under Qing Qiu¡¯s complicated and confused expression, Xu Qing calmly transmitted his voice to the captain.


    The captain laughed heartily. With just a sentence from him, Xu Qing knew what he wanted to express. This sense of tacit understanding was really satisfying. He replied with his divine sense.


    ¡®Junior Brother, I know you have many questions, but right now, this thing can¡¯t be said and can only be done. Just believe me. The king of the Zenith Nation is right. The way to enter the True Immortal Ten Guts is like fiddling with a puzzle. You can¡¯t barge in forcefully. The Shebi corpses from before were the first piece of the puzzle, and the current Aluoe is the second piece.¡¯


    ¡®We need about an hour here. We can leave in two hours at most.¡¯


    Xu Qing nodded and sat down cross-legged. While waiting silently, he also circulated more of the Purple Moon¡¯s aura on Qing Qiu¡¯s body.


    Qing Qiu felt increasingly complicated. This wasn¡¯t the first time she felt that the Black Heaven member in front of her was treating her differently.


    ¡®This evil Black Heaven must have ulterior motives!¡¯


    Qing Qiu took a deep breath and silently told herself.


    Just like that, time slowly passed. The captain¡¯s body was dissipating, but he clearly had a way to resist and the speed of dissipation wasn¡¯t fast. As for Xu Qing and Qing Qiu, the dissipation was even slower.


    Only Ning Yan didn¡¯t have anyone to help. However, the strange thing was that he didn¡¯t continue to dissipate.


    However, he felt more alarmed than happy. This was because he discovered that although he wasn¡¯t dissipating, his stomach was gradually bulging.


    It was as though something was being nurtured in his stomach¡­


    Looking at his stomach, Ning Yan¡¯s face turned pale and his eyes opened wide. He instinctively looked at the captain and begged.


    ¡°Lord, what did you feed me? Why do I feel that there¡¯s something wrong with my stomach¡­¡±


    As he spoke, Ning Yan¡¯s stomach suddenly swelled outwards, becoming even larger. He became extremely nervous.


    Qing Qiu gasped and Xu Qing also had a strange expression. He recalled Wu Jianwu¡¯s beloved beasts.


    ¡°How do you feel in your stomach?¡± The captain quickly walked to Ning Yan¡¯s side. His eyes were filled with anticipation as he asked softly.


    ¡°I feel something kicking in my stomach.¡± Ning Yan was really about to cry.


    ¡°Have a peaceful pregnancy!¡± The captain coughed.


    Ning Yan wanted to curse, but he didn¡¯t dare. At that moment, his forehead was covered in sweat and he was feeling grief and indignation. He suddenly felt the thing in his stomach begin to move, as though it was pressing against his navel and drilling out.


    ¡°Lord, it, it, it¡­¡±


    Ning Yan was horrified. At the next moment, his robe that covered his belly revealed a sharp point at the navel.


    Xu Qing and the other two immediately looked over.


    Compared to the captain¡¯s anticipation, Xu Qing was more curious.


    As for Qing Qiu, her heart shook when she saw this scene. She felt extremely wary of the evil methods of the Black Heaven Race.


    Ning Yan¡¯s mind was filled with endless horror and he started screaming. Immediately after, his Daoist robe tore open and tender green vines snaked out.


    These vines were slender and rapidly intertwined with each other. They continued to extend and grow longer and longer. Very soon, they were 30 feet long. Their color also turned brown and emitted an ancient aura.


    ¡°Youling Vine!!¡± Ning Yan looked at the vine and cried out involuntarily.


    A hint of surprise appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes as he took a few more glances at Ning Yan.


    ¡°Interesting. I am realizing that you know quite a lot.¡±


    The vines that grew out of Ning Yan¡¯s stomach bent at a height of 30 feet. In just over ten breaths of time, it actually bent into a circle.


    The instant they connected, fluctuations appeared in the circle, causing ripples to spread outwards like those on the surface of a body of water. It was as if the circle had transformed into a circular gate.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± The captain winked at Xu Qing and directly entered the circle.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate. He grabbed Qing Qiu and headed straight for the circle. Ning Yan became anxious. Just as he was about to call for help, a hand stretched out from the circle and grabbed the part of the vine that was connected to Ning Yan¡¯s stomach. With a tug, it pulled Ning Yan¡¯s body into the circle.


    At the next instant, the vines that formed the circle rapidly retracted after Ning Yan left and finally disappeared.


    When everyone reappeared, they were still in the jungle of the True Immortal Ten Guts. However, it wasn¡¯t the area where the bird was previously. Instead¡­ they directly arrived at the deepest part of the True Immortal Ten Guts.


    In other words, they were right under the Ten Guts Trees!


    The moment they appeared, intense waves rose in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. This was the closest he had ever been to the True Immortal Ten Guts.


    Each of the Ten Guts Trees in front of him was a thousand feet thick and clustered together, occupying an area of ten thousand feet. They meandered in different directions in the air until they rose into the clouds.


    Countless slender leaves grew on them. Every single leaf seemed to contain some kind of laws and emitted dense spirit qi fluctuations. One could imagine the astonishing value of any one of them.


    There were also countless branches spreading out. The value of those branches clearly surpassed the value of the leaves by a great extent. There was a faint glow of treasure light circulating on them that not only contained the power of laws but also Dao charms.


    Any one of them was a supreme treasure.


    As for the tree itself, it was completely blackish-brown. Other than the forked branches and leaves, the tree trunk was covered in bulging eyes. At that moment, they stared at Xu Qing and the others. The tree gave off a fishy stench and emitted an astonishing pressure.


    It gave off the feeling that these Ten Guts Trees¡­ were alive!


    Or rather, this true immortal was alive!


    Under this pressure, Xu Qing¡¯s vision blurred.


    It was as though the Ten Guts Trees had transformed into a shocking figure and was performing a ritual dance. There was also a sea of fire and countless cultivators dancing in the surroundings.


    This blurriness caused Xu Qing to feel extremely uncomfortable. The world in front of him kept changing. Sometimes, it was the True Immortal Ten Guts Trees, and sometimes, it was the sea of fire and dancing cultivators. They gradually overlapped with each other.


    His body seemed to twist as well, and the intestines in his body shook as though they were about to leave his body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing fastened. The power of the third Heavenly Palace¡¯s Poison Pill and the fourth Heavenly Palace¡¯s Purple Moon erupted at the same time and spread throughout his body, before spreading toward Qing Qiu as well. Only then did the blurriness in his vision dissipate a little.


    Qing Qiu¡¯s face was pale as she gritted her teeth tightly. Her eyes were bloodshot and she could barely hold on.


    The captain also circulated his cultivation base. A face appeared in his pupils. The face in the pupils also had another face. They overlapped layer by layer, sharing the pressure from the Ten Guts Trees.


    Only Ning Yan was normal. His entire body emitted a bronze luster. At the same time, the vines on his stomach undulated and swayed, synchronizing with the Ten Guts Trees.


    He originally wanted to escape, but the other end of the vine was grabbed by the captain. No matter what he tried, he couldn¡¯t break the vine, and could only sit there in a daze.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. After his mind recovered, he immediately observed his surroundings.


    The soil under the True Immortal Ten Guts Trees was dark red. Similarly, there were no withered leaves or broken branches on the ground. Hence, Xu Qing instinctively cast his gaze on the leaves and branches of the Ten Guts Trees in front of him.


    ¡®There are so many branches. I should be fine if I break off one!¡¯ Xu Qing licked his lips and looked at the captain. At that moment, the captain also looked at him. The two of them could see the intention in each other¡¯s eyes.


    Xu Qing rushed forward.


    The captain dragged the unwilling Ning Yan and rushed out as well. He instantly arrived under a tree and made a move with Xu Qing.


    The captain tore off three leaves and stuffed them into his mouth.


    Xu Qing broke off a branch.


    After the two of them were done, they looked at each other.


    ¡°Fine?¡±


    ¡°Fine!¡±


    As they spoke, the True Immortal Ten Guts Trees suddenly shook intensely. An awakening energy spread out from it.


    This scene instantly caused Ning Yan to gasp. He looked at Xu Qing and the captain as though he was looking at someone who was courting death. At this moment, he could truly sense the madness and abnormality of these two people.


    However, at the next instant, Qing Qiu also moved. She actually tore off a leaf and ate it.


    ¡°Damn, why are you like this too!¡±


    Seeing that the Ten Guts Trees were shaking even more, Ning Yan¡¯s eyes revealed horror.

 Chapter 605 - 605 The Identity of the Divine Son Shocks the Temple

    605 The Identity of the Divine Son Shocks the Temple


    After eating the leaf, doubts suddenly rose in Qing Qiu¡¯s heart. She looked at Xu Qing and the captain suspiciously.


    She felt that this scene was a little familiar and thought of the detestable Ghost Hand and Mad Dog.


    However, when she recalled Black Heaven¡¯s divine son¡¯s attitude toward her, she felt that it was impossible. After all, Ghost Hand and she didn¡¯t like each other. If he had the chance to kill her, he definitely wouldn¡¯t be soft-hearted.


    While Qing Qiu was pondering, Xu Qing glanced at the leaves. He licked his lips and was about to pluck off a piece. However, the trembling of the Ten Guts Trees was too intense now. The tree trunks that spread to the sky swayed, stirring up a strong wind that swept in all directions.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing could only regretfully withdraw this thought.


    The captain turned to look at Qing Qiu and smiled.


    ¡°You want this fortune too? Alright, on account of¡­ ahem, I¡¯ll count you in.¡± As he spoke, the captain took out the evil ghost scythe and tossed it to Qing Qiu.


    Qing Qiu¡¯s heart shook as she caught the scythe, and she could hear the evil ghost¡¯s tearful complaints in her mind. She looked at the captain and Xu Qing in confusion.


    Xu Qing threw Qing Qiu¡¯s storage bag over.


    Qing Qiu¡¯s breathing hastened slightly. She grabbed her storage bag and immediately pulled out a mask to cover her face. As her mind calmed down, she was once again suspicious of Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s identities. After asking the evil ghost in her mind and getting no result, she suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Who exactly are you guys?!¡±


    ¡°How dare you speak to my clan¡¯s divine son like that.¡± The captain glared.


    Xu Qing helplessly coughed and reminded the captain to stop playing.


    The captain chuckled and didn¡¯t speak anymore. Instead, he jumped onto the Ten Guts Tree in front of him. After waving at Xu Qing, he leaped up.


    Ning Yan was stunned and suspicious. He looked at the captain and Xu Qing¡¯s figures and fell into deep thought.


    However, he didn¡¯t have to think for long before the vine on his stomach was tugged and he involuntarily moved with the captain.


    His doubts were immediately replaced by grief and indignation.


    Xu Qing calmly stepped on the Ten Guts Tree, speeding upward.


    Qing Qiu gritted her teeth and quickly followed.


    Just like that, as the awakening aura of the True Immortal Ten Guts Trees continued to intensify and its swaying became more and more intense, the four of them ran on the tree for a thousand feet.


    From this location, they could see the jungle on the ground if they lowered their heads. However, the altitude wasn¡¯t enough to see the edges of the jungle further away.


    Just as he was looking around, Xu Qing suddenly felt an itch on the back of his right hand. When his gaze swept over, his pupils narrowed.


    There was a small bump on the back of his right hand and a crack appeared on it. Almost at the instant Xu Qing looked over, this crack opened.


    Its gaze was deep as it met Xu Qing¡¯s gaze.


    A similar change happened to Qing Qiu¡¯s body. An eye grew out of her arm.


    As for the captain, an eye appeared at the back of his head.


    Ning Yan was slightly better, but there were bumps all over his body. It didn¡¯t seem like it would be long before they turned into eyes.


    ¡°There¡¯s no mistake. As expected, there¡¯s the Biseye tribulation!¡±


    The captain laughed loudly. When he turned his head and looked at Xu Qing, his eyes revealed madness.


    ¡®Little Qing, the good fortune that I told you before is about to appear!¡¯


    As he transmitted his voice, the captain raised his hand and bit the new eye on his arm and chewed it before swallowing it. He then continued to move up.


    This scene caused Ning Yan to feel extremely uncomfortable. He seemed to have thought of some bad memories and his grief and indignation grew even more intense.


    Xu Qing looked at the eye on the back of his hand and the power of the Poison Restriction spread out in his body. In an instant, the eye turned black and rotted until it was blind.


    After that, he expressionlessly lifted his left hand and a dagger appeared which he then stabbed into the rotting flesh.


    He turned the dagger and dug out the piece of meat. In order to prevent even more strange things from happening, he didn¡¯t throw it away but kept it in a storage bag.


    After doing this, he continued forward. Eyes continued to grow on his body, and he killed them with the Poison Restriction¡¯s power before digging them out.


    Gradually, the number and speed of eye growth increased, and more wounds appeared on his body.


    Xu Qing frowned. He could sense that the speed and number of eyes had increased explosively.


    At that moment, over a hundred bumps instantly appeared on his body, eyes rapidly forming on them. In the time it took for seven to eight breaths, Xu Qing¡¯s arms, thighs, chest, back, neck, and even his face were covered in eyes.


    As the eyes appeared, his sea of consciousness also became chaotic and some inexplicable souls appeared in it. These souls were exactly the same as his body, as though they were a part of it.


    However, their expressions were different. Some were sinister, some were crying, some were laughing, some were wailing, some were decisive, and some were cowardly.


    Sensing these souls in his sea of consciousness, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. He discovered that with every eye that appeared, there would be an additional soul in his sea of consciousness.


    These souls didn¡¯t have the ability to possess. They contained different personalities, like independent personalities trying to fuse into his soul and affect him.


    Once they succeeded, Xu Qing would become a lunatic with countless personalities.


    The captain¡¯s body was also covered in eyes. It was the same for Qing Qiu.


    Only Ning Yan was still considered normal. From the start to the end, no eyes appeared on his body. Only bumps grew on him. Although there were cracks on them, his skin was too hard and those eyes couldn¡¯t open.


    Even when countless bumps overlapped, they still couldn¡¯t open. The countless bumps pressed on each other, destroying each other.


    After sensing the specialness of these souls, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate. The Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness emitted a suppressive force that suppressed the souls that appeared.


    When he used the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art to seize the enemy¡¯s golden cores, it would passively absorb some of the enemy¡¯s wills and thoughts. The function of the Ghost Emperor Mountain was to suppress these thoughts.


    As the suppressive light shone, all the souls that appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness started collapsing.


    Their collapse also gave Xu Qing quite a lot of benefits. His soul was being rapidly nourished and strengthened.


    This discovery caused all the eyes on Xu Qing¡¯s body to light up. He stopped killing them with poison and allowed those eyes to grow.


    The method the others used was different from Xu Qing¡¯s but they were all ingenious.


    At first, the captain ate the eyes. However, as more eyes grew, he used some unknown method to grow countless large mouths on his body. They continuously swam around his body and devoured one eye after another.


    Ning Yan was normal. Most of the bumps on his body had suffocated on their own, and they couldn¡¯t form a personality soul. This piqued the captain¡¯s interest. He grabbed the vine in his hand and pulled the trembling Ning Yan to his side, studying him as he moved.


    As for Qing Qiu¡­ she didn¡¯t destroy those eyes.


    Personalities were a great fortune for her. Her Blood Domain needed personalities to begin with. At this moment, her eyes revealed a strange glint and her breathing was slightly hurried. Clearly, the benefits she obtained were astonishing.


    In fact, her body gradually emitted an aura that surprised Xu Qing.


    However, the appearance of the eyes still had an extreme limit. After the amount of time it took for an incense stick to burn out, when they reached a height of more than 8,000 feet, the eyes no longer formed.


    Xu Qing felt some regret. The poison path¡¯s power spread out and he instantly became covered in blood.


    Hundreds of eyes rotted and turned into black water that flowed down.


    It was also at this moment that the captain at the front stopped in his tracks.


    After calculating with his fingers and looking around, he caused everyone¡¯s expressions to change when he proceeded to cut open his stomach, take out an intestine, tear it open, and throw it onto the branch beneath his feet.


    The instant they came into contact, the captain¡¯s intestine fused into the tree trunk. After that, he looked at Xu Qing with bright eyes.


    Xu Qing fell silent for two breaths before cutting open his stomach. He then calmly cut off a piece of intestine and threw it on the branch.


    The captain then turned to look at Qing Qiu expectantly.


    No one could see the change in Qing Qiu¡¯s expression due to her mask. However, in the end, Qing Qiu turned her head and didn¡¯t cut her intestine.


    The captain looked somewhat regretful. Ning Yan, who was at the side, gasped. Even though he had experienced many bizarre things on the way, he still felt that these two people from the Black Heaven Race were crazy.


    This was because as they continued to move up, he saw that these two Black Heaven Race cultivators would cut off a portion of their intestines and fuse them into the branch almost every thousand feet. As he looked at the endless branches, an absurd thought rose in his heart.


    ¡®Will their intestines be enough? Will they come and cut my intestines if there¡¯s not enough? Well, it¡¯s nothing to worry about, they won¡¯t be able to cut my stomach open¡­ No, that guy is too dangerous. He might have other ways to cut my stomach and intestines!¡±


    Ning Yan¡¯s mind was a little chaotic and he felt much more despair.


    Just like that, they continued to move up the True Immortal Ten Guts Tree.


    Time passed unknowingly and dawn arrived. The first rays of the sun rose between sky and earth. From afar, it looked like the distant sky was burning with flames.


    However, far away, on the other side of the sky, in the capital of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s Heavenly Wind Dynasty, a gust of wind blew past the ground.


    The sun was setting here, and the sunset glow filled the sky.


    Amidst the resplendent red glow, a black light that spread through the entire capital suddenly erupted from the central altar of the city and headed straight for the sky.


    This black light contained supreme power that could devour all radiance, devour all laws, and refine all light.


    The originally bright sky was covered by this black light.


    From afar, it looked like a black spot grew in the sky with a lingering red glow.


    Under the black spot, there was a temple at the altar.


    This was the Black Heaven Temple!


    A bell rang out from the temple, emitting an ancient feeling, as though it was echoing through time. At the same time, the black spot in the sky slowly transformed into a huge face of the Black Heaven Race.


    This was an old man from the Black Heaven Race. His hair had already turned white and his skin was filled with wrinkles. The remaining red glow in the sky was absorbed and turned into his eyelids.


    His appearance caused the hearts of all the Holy Wave Race members in the Heavenly Wind City to tremble. They knelt down one after another with reverence on their faces.


    In the palace, the monarch of the Heavenly Wind Dynasty and all the nobles and ministers lowered their heads and knelt respectfully.


    The moment they knelt down, the face formed by the black spot in the sky slowly opened its eyes.


    Its eyes were deep and one could faintly see countless Dao marks flowing past. The black spot also became blurry, as though countless overlapping shadows from different times were gathered on this face.


    In the surrounding sky, countless small worlds formed and dissipated.


    In the end, these small worlds seemed to be nutrients and transformed into wisps of black gas that flowed and spread in the surroundings of the black spot, devouring the light and forming blurry mountains, rivers, land, and myriad lifeforms.


    From afar, it looked like a true great world that existed at the end of the sky.


    However, this great world was still in its infancy and hadn¡¯t stabilized.


    One could imagine that if the great world really stabilized one day, it would be carried on someone¡¯s shoulders.


    When such an existence descended into the world, it would no longer be Nihility but¡­ a living Soul Accumulation!


    The world was silent. All living beings in the capital lowered their heads. After a long time, an ancient voice spread throughout the city.


    ¡°Heavenly Wind.¡±


    ¡°Here!¡± In the palace, the Heavenly Wind¡¯s Monarch respectfully replied.


    ¡°Go and welcome the divine son!¡±


    ¡°I respect the Black Heaven God¡¯s decree!¡±


    The Heavenly Wind Monarch¡¯s heart stirred as he spoke in a low voice.


    At this moment, the wind between heaven and earth¡­ grew even stronger.

 Chapter 606 - 606 Worshiping Heaven!

    606 Worshiping Heaven!


    Meanwhile, in the Great Wilderness East County, on the True Immortal Ten Guts Tree.


    Xu Qing and the others were still moving up.


    The captain was still cutting his intestines, and his expression revealed persistence and madness.


    Xu Qing gritted his teeth and did the same. He cut off another section of his intestine and fused them into the tree.


    Although he didn¡¯t know the exact reason why the captain was doing this, he, who had experienced many things in his cultivation journey until now, could already tell that after stepping into the depths of the True Immortal Ten Guts, the captain¡¯s actions resembled a ritual.


    Moreover, they hadn¡¯t encountered the dangers such as the chaotic time and space and curses that the king of the Zenith Nation had mentioned.


    All of this caused the rumors about the descendants of the Calamity Immortal Race to surface in Xu Qing¡¯s mind many times.


    ¡°The dangers in the True Immortal Ten Guts are like puzzle pieces. If the wrong method is used to enter, danger will be lurking everywhere. Only by mastering the correct method can we safely move in it.¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and looked at the captain in front.


    ¡®The moment we stepped past the boundary of the True Immortal Ten Guts, the captain should have done something, which caused the Shebi Corpse Tribulation to appear. This might be the first piece of the puzzle.¡¯


    ¡®The second piece of the puzzle is the featherless bird, the Aluoe Tribulation.¡¯


    ¡®Then, we directly appeared under the Ten Guts Trees, and the third puzzle piece appeared, which is the Biseye Tribulation.¡¯


    ¡®After experiencing these three tribulations, the captain began to cut his intestines and fuse them into the tree.¡¯


    ¡®In that case, there might be more tribulations.¡¯ Xu Qing fell into deep thought. As he moved forward with difficulty, he looked at the ground below.


    At that moment, they were already at an altitude of more than 20,000 feet. A violent wind blew here, and the ground had shrunk by a lot. Not only could he see the entire jungle, but he could also see the 36 cities that had turned into colorful spots on the ground.


    ¡®What exactly is the good fortune that the captain is talking about?¡¯


    Staring at the ground, a question rose in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. However, before he could continue to think deeply, his expression suddenly changed. He retracted his gaze and looked ahead.


    He wasn¡¯t the only one whose expression changed. The captain also stopped in his tracks and looked at the distant tree trunk.


    On the blackish-brown tree trunk in front of them, pieces of tree bark suddenly squirmed. In the blink of an eye, the tree barks rose one after another and turned into flesh buds.


    Every flesh bud was about five feet long and a foot thick. The color of their bodies was no different from the tree trunk. At the head of each bud, the fleshy layers split apart like a blossoming flower, revealing their bloody flesh and sharp fangs.


    Slime was dripping heavily from these open ghastly mouths.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze froze. He could tell that these flesh buds were extraordinary.


    Ning Yan and Qing Qiu¡¯s expressions also turned solemn. Only the captain¡¯s eyes were filled with more madness as he laughed loudly.


    ¡°The sky is about to open!¡±


    As soon as the captain¡¯s voice echoed, the countless flesh buds on the tree trunk, numbering over 100,000, opened their gaping mouths. In unison, they stood upright and began to sway, their mouths facing the sky while their bodies trembled violently.


    They looked like they were shouting with all their might and roaring at the sky. However, there was no sound.


    It was as though the sounds they emitted were different from the sounds cultivators could hear. Hence, in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, they were emitting soundless roars.


    It wasn¡¯t just the gut tree that everyone was on. The same scene was happening on the other nine gut trees in the surroundings.


    All of this was very bizarre.


    What was even stranger was that under these soundless shouts from the million or so flesh buds, the color of the sky changed!


    A crack was vaguely forming at the end of the sky.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred. He had seen this scene with his perception before.


    At that time, there was also such a crack in the sky.


    He still remembered that in the scene he saw with his perception, there was an unimaginable existence in the crack.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly. At that moment, the surrounding world distorted. After that, the captain¡¯s entire body shook as though he had been bombarded by something invisible and he took a few steps back.


    It wasn¡¯t just him. Ning Yan¡¯s body also shook, and the evil ghost in Qing Qiu¡¯s hand let out a scream.


    After that, Xu Qing also sensed that invisible thing.


    He didn¡¯t know what it was but he felt as though something had landed on his body. At the next instant, his mind rumbled and waves of intense pain came from his body. In an instant, his flesh became numb and a sense of extermination spread throughout his body, dimming his life force.


    ¡°Lightning tribulation?¡± Although he couldn¡¯t see it, Xu Qing immediately made a judgment with his perception.


    This feeling was exactly the same as being struck by lightning.


    The scream of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor also proved this.


    ¡°Master, it¡¯s lightning. This is lightning but strangely, it can¡¯t be seen or sensed. What kind of lightning tribulation is this?¡±


    As Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed, the rumbling in his mind echoed again. There seemed to be countless lightning in front of him. Under his inability to sense them, they continued to pour over, stopping him from moving forward.


    While everyone continued to step back, the captain revealed a crazed smile.


    ¡°This is the Gatha Voice Tribulation!¡±


    ¡°In the understanding of the Calamity Immortal Race, the way to become an immortal is to open your stomach and place your intestines in the world, connecting everything.¡±


    ¡°Similarly, in their understanding, the appearance and essence of the lightning tribulation are also different from many races.¡±


    ¡°They believe that when the world was just born, an existence named Gatha wanted to overthrow the Heavenly Dao. In the end, it failed and was sealed in the nothingness of the world by the Heavenly Dao, causing the world to not be able to remember or sense it.


    ¡°This existence wasn¡¯t willing to dissipate, so it often roared in the void. Its roar¡­ transformed into a voice that would spread out in any corner of the world or any area.¡±


    ¡°This is the appearance of the lightning in the Calamity Immortal Race¡¯s understanding.¡±


    ¡°In order to hide it, the Heavenly Dao bestowed the law of light on the Gatha Voice, causing it to turn from invisible to visible. It was named as lightning tribulation, lightning, thunderbolt, and so on.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, all living beings only know lightning and think that they know its essence. However, in the eyes of the Calamity Immortal Race, this is the voice of Gatha.¡±


    The captain explained while laughing wildly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred when he heard this. This was the first time he had heard lightning being explained like this.


    Just as he was about to speak, the captain tugged at the vine. Ning Yan screamed and flew over. He was held in front by the captain like a shield.


    Ning Yan was already cursing endlessly in his mind, but he didn¡¯t dare to let out a single word. As the sorrow and anger in his heart continued to rise, the captain continued to move forward while using him as a shield.


    All the invisible lightning directly struck Ning Yan¡¯s body.


    Ning Yan wailed and screamed unceasingly. However, the toughness of his skin caused even Xu Qing to be moved.


    He was actually unscathed under such bombardment.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother is right. There¡¯s definitely something wrong with this Ning Yan!¡±


    Very soon, the captain crossed this area filled with flesh buds.


    When he was far away, he threw Ning Yan down and shouted.


    ¡°Catch!¡±


    As Ning Yan let out a blood-curdling cry while falling, his body was grabbed by Xu Qing.


    ¡°Lord Divine Son, I¡­¡± Tears welled up in Ning Yan¡¯s eyes. When he looked at Xu Qing mournfully, Xu Qing imitated the captain and lifted him as a shield before rushing forward.


    Ning Yan wailed.


    Very soon, Xu Qing successfully passed through this area. As he sighed with emotion at Ning Yan¡¯s tenacity, he threw him back to Qing Qiu.


    ¡°No, it hurts.¡± Ning Yan cried. He suddenly regretted having such defense.


    A strange glint appeared in Qing Qiu¡¯s eyes. She grabbed the vine growing out of Ning Yan¡¯s stomach as though it was a supreme treasure and rushed out as well.


    Just like that, dozens of breaths later, Qing Qiu finally ran out of the flesh bud lightning area and handed the lifeless Ning Yan to the captain.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡± The captain shook his head.


    When Ning Yan heard this, he felt as though he had survived a calamity. However, his heart quickly skipped a beat. Just as he felt a little uneasy, the captain looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother, the good fortune I mentioned earlier is there.¡± The captain pointed at the crack in the sky.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    They were now at an altitude of more than 30,000 feet and were still some distance away from the sky. However, when they stood here and lifted their heads, the crack in the sky could already be seen clearly.


    ¡°I still can¡¯t say it now, but very soon, I¡¯ll be able to tell you everything!¡±


    With that, the captain took a step forward. At this moment, the robe on his body changed from black to white.


    It no longer looked like a Daoist robe but more like a special ceremonial robe.


    As the wind blew over, he took nine steps forward and waved his hands, dancing on the branch.


    His dance postures were actually a little similar to the figure formed by the Ten Guts Trees that Xu Qing had seen earlier. While Xu Qing was amazed, the captain started chanting.


    Unlike the ancient and obscure chanting he sensed in the illusion, the captain¡¯s voice was very clear.


    ¡°Majestic Heavens, shine upon the earth below, gather the spirits of the ancient, four tribulations to please the ancestor.¡±


    ¡°Shebi corpse tribulation, eroding the past and the present.¡±


    ¡°Aluoe¡¯s tribulation, a thin path.¡±


    ¡°Biseye tribulation, burial.¡±


    ¡°Gatha Voice tribulation, concealed and withering.¡±


    The surroundings rumbled and transformed into flames that soared into the sky, forming countless dancing figures that spread in all directions and appeared on the Ten Guts Trees.


    From afar, it looked like a majestic scene of hundreds of thousands of Calamity Immortal Race cultivators dancing to please the heavens and worshiping the heavens together.


    The sky changed color and the wind and clouds churned. Thunder rumbled through the clouds.


    The captain¡¯s dance movements emitted a bizarre rhythm. At this moment, his voice became even more impassioned. Finally, he bowed to the sky and chanted loudly.


    ¡°The sacrificial tribulation has been completed, and the sky has opened a crack. I wish the Wanggu Heavenly Dao to partake in this!¡±


    The hundreds of thousands of Calamity Immortal Race figures in the surroundings bowed in unison.


    Boom!


    Boom!!


    Boom!!!


    The sound of the world being split apart rang out from the sky. Under the deafening sound that spread through the world, the crack in the sky suddenly opened!

 Chapter 607 - 607 Super Great Fortune!!

    607 Super Great Fortune!!


    The sky split open!


    From afar, it looked like a heavenly eye that was opening!


    The inside was blurry and couldn¡¯t be seen clearly, but waves of earth-shattering supreme and majestic power of laws flowed out into the world.


    As the Pawn of Area C, Xu Qing had once carried the laws of a world for several months in the small world. Hence, his perception of laws was very sharp. The mosasaur heavenly Dao in his body was also shaking and emitted a hint of familiarity.


    It was as though the existence in the heavenly eye came from the same source as it!


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled. He looked at the captain who was dancing. Although the other party¡¯s white Daoist robe covered his body, his dancing movements were exactly the same as the figure of the Calamity Immortal Race in his perception.


    ¡®Was Eldest Senior Brother a member of the Calamity Immortal Race in one of his past lives?¡¯


    ¡®This is on another level from the other things I did with Eldest Senior Brother!¡¯


    Many thoughts rose in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Qing Qiu was already dumbfounded. She looked at everything in horror. This experience could be said to be the most impactful in her life of more than ten years.


    She was captured by the Black Heaven Race and forced to become a maidservant. She personally watched as these two people from the Black Heaven Race were suspected until they became distinguished guests. After that, she watched helplessly as they walked into the depths of the True Immortal Ten Guts. Finally, here¡­ she saw worshiping heaven.


    Not everyone could worship heaven.


    Moreover, the figures of the Calamity Immortals that appeared in the surroundings clearly used that Black Heaven member as the core.


    As Qing Qiu¡¯s heart trembled, Ning Yan was completely stunned. His breathing was hurried as he looked at everything with a look of disbelief.


    At this moment, as the captain danced, as the hundreds of thousands of figures of the Calamity Immortal Race danced in the surroundings, as the Ten Guts Trees swayed intensely, a mournful roar rang out from the end of the sky.


    ¡°Junior Brother, help me stop him!¡± The captain hurriedly said.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate. With a sway of his body, he directly moved in front of the captain and summoned the Black Heaven Statue. The Black Heaven Statue rapidly descended from the sky.


    ¡°His weakness is his eyes. Attack his eyes!¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice carried a hint of anxiety. By the time he finished speaking, the figure rushing over from the end of the tree had already gotten close with astonishing speed and was clearly reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    The moment he saw this figure, Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled.


    This figure wasn¡¯t a living person but a corpse of the Calamity Immortal Race. Different from humans, the Calamity Immortal Race had a totem mark between their brows. It was like an intestine or a snake, winding and twisting, forming an eye-like appearance.


    However, these weren¡¯t the main points. What caused Xu Qing¡¯s mind to rumble was the appearance of the Calamity Immortal Race.


    The corpse of the Calamity Immortal Race appeared withered and emitted an aura of death, and its split-open stomach revealed rotting intestines that writhed like snakes. However, Xu Qing¡¯s familiarity with the captain allowed him to notice the striking similarity between the sunken face of the Calamity Immortal and the captain.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with this coldness. It was the same as the captain¡¯s.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook, but he didn¡¯t have time to think too much now. The speed of the corpse was too fast. In a flash, its body disappeared, as though it had transformed into a violent wind that pounced toward Xu Qing.


    The instant Xu Qing¡¯s mind erupted with an intense sense of danger, the Black Heaven Statue appeared before him and blocked.


    A rumbling sound rang out.


    It stirred up violent fluctuations that swept everywhere.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body shook and he spat out a large mouthful of blood. As his body rolled back, he saw the Black Heaven Statue blocking the corpse and taking the fatal blows for him.


    The Black Heaven Statue¡¯s body kept on shaking, but it blocked everything like a mountain!


    The corpse resembling the captain let out a deafening roar, and the Spirit Repository¡¯s energy surged from its body violently as it tried to break free. But the Black Heaven Statue glimmered with a powerful black light, firmly grasping the corpse with both hands and refusing to release its grip.


    Before Xu Qing could heave a sigh of relief, roars also rang out from the other nine guts trees in the distance. Figures appeared at their ends and rushed over here.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed and he quickly performed a series of hand seals. Immediately, a sharp whistling sound rang out from the sky as the second, third, and fourth Black Heaven Statue descended in unison.


    These three statues were given by the other three dynasties to the 36 cities. Although Xu Qing didn¡¯t head to the other cities, he had long formed a connection with them through the statue of the Zenith Nation and could give them orders.


    These four Black Heaven statues were his trump cards in this trip to True Immortal Ten Guts.


    The three statues appeared and did their best to stop the corpses, but they clearly couldn¡¯t hold on for long. Fortunately, the captain was almost done with the ritual.


    As the captain lifted his head, madness appeared in his eyes, and a scene that caused surging waves in Xu Qing¡¯s mind appeared.


    The captain waved his hand and took out pieces of flesh of different colors and sizes. Every piece of flesh emitted astonishing divine fluctuations.


    Xu Qing recognized one of them at a glance. It was none other than the flesh of Binding.


    There were a total of 33 pieces of flesh. The different auras also represented that they came from different divine creatures. Not only that, but the captain also took out nine small black bottles. After crushing them all, nine drops of blood containing divinity floated out.


    There was a drop inside that Xu Qing could sense contained the aura of the Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy.


    Then, the captain slapped his forehead and spat out black soil. This soil quickly gathered together and formed a palm-sized statue.


    That was¡­ the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s ancestral corpse statue!


    This wasn¡¯t the end. The captain continued to vomit. Very soon, another eight small statues were spat out. Their appearances were different, and their auras weren¡¯t those of the Sea Corpse Race.


    There were 33 pieces of divine flesh, nine drops of divine blood, and nine astonishing statues.


    After the captain took all of these out, his eyes were filled with fanaticism as he shouted.


    ¡°Son, wake up. It¡¯s time to eat!¡±


    With that, he waved his hand. All these items rose into the air and fused together in the sky, forming a lump of flesh that headed straight for the crack in the sky.


    The captain then bowed again. Under the worship of the hundreds of thousands of Calamity Immortals in the surroundings, the flesh lump entered the crack in the sky.


    As the sound of chewing rang out, the crack shook and the sound of the world being split apart rang out again.


    The crack was torn again!


    This time, it directly split open for thousands of feet!!


    It revealed a portion of the scene inside.


    Inside the crack was a void, and within the void, there faintly existed a huge creature, which was difficult to see clearly, but could vaguely be seen as a gigantic humanoid figure.


    The stomach of this humanoid existence seemed to be split open.


    Xu Qing only took a glance and the piercing pain in his eyes made him feel as though his eyes were about to shatter. Fortunately, the Poison Restriction Pill and the Purple Moon power surged in at the same time. Only then did he barely prevent himself from going blind. However, blood flowed out from his eyes.


    Immediately after, the corpses that were fighting against the Black Heaven Statues looked at the sky and knelt down.


    While Xu Qing was feeling shocked, the captain lifted his head while kneeling and looked at the crack in the sky. After seeing that the existence inside seemed to be moving, his eyes contained unprecedented madness as he laughed maniacally.


    ¡°Junior Brother, in this life, I finally did one of the few things I wanted to do in the past. This is all thanks to you!¡±


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for your appearance this time, it would be extremely difficult for me to reach this step. In fact, even with the protection of the Holy Wave Race, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to enter here at all. Once I fail, I¡¯ll have to once again accumulate for hundreds of years or even longer.¡±


    ¡°Now, I can tell you everything!¡±


    ¡°Do you know what that is?!¡± The captain pointed at the sky.


    ¡°That¡¯s the Heavenly Dao!¡±


    ¡°There are 100,000 Heavenly Dao in the Wanggu Continent, and each of them controls an area of operation. Above them are 99 Immemorial Heavenly Dao that have existed since ancient times!¡±


    ¡°What you¡¯re looking at now isn¡¯t the 100,000 ordinary Heavenly Dao of the Wanggu Continent or the 99 Immemorial Heavenly Dao!¡±


    ¡°The Calamity Immortal Race is an unprecedentedly shocking race. The reason why their immortal ascension method is to use intestines to connect everything is because their race has been doing the same thing as the 3,173 races that appeared in the history of the Wanggu Continent in different times!¡±


    ¡°That is¡­ to create the Heavenly Dao.¡±


    ¡°They want to create the 100th Immemorial Heavenly Dao of the Wanggu Continent!¡±


    ¡°This plan lasted for countless eras. Before the Calamity Immortal Race, the last race among the 3,000-odd races to do this was the Ancient Spirit Race. The Spirit Sovereign almost succeeded, but in the end, he still failed and suffered a huge backlash. Their entire race was almost extinct.


    ¡°After that, the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived and the tribulations descended, causing an obstacle to appear in the plan of these 3,000-odd races that had continued for countless years. As the last successor, the Calamity Immortal Race was only a step away from success on the foundation they had built!¡±


    ¡°This step is to send the ten intestines of the last pure-blooded member of the Calamity Immortal Race who became an immortal into the body of this created Heavenly Dao. It will become the intestine of the Heavenly Dao that connects to the Wanggu Continent. After it is connected, it will awaken!¡±


    ¡°Back then, the Calamity Immortal Race was only a step away, and what I am doing today is completing this step!¡±


    ¡°The 99 Immemorial Heavenly Dao of the Wanggu Continent don¡¯t have perception or subjective consciousness. They¡¯re a mess. As for this 100th Immemorial Heavenly Dao, it¡¯s the same. However, after it awakens, its hidden consciousness will be controlled by its creator!¡±


    ¡°Since ancient times, the 3,000-odd races that participated in this matter are all its fathers, but they are all dead. As for us¡­ we also sent our flesh, blood, and intestines to the Ten Guts Trees. After the Heavenly Dao fused them into its stomach, it was equivalent to us investing in the Heavenly Dao at the last moment and becoming one of the fathers of the Heavenly Dao!¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, is this not an earth-shattering super great fortune?!¡±


    The captain laughed wildly at the sky. Just as Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred with shocking waves, a loud sound rang out from the sky. A large hand that was snow-white like jade and emitted an astonishing fragrance stretched out from the crack in the sky.


    Its appearance caused the sky to change color and the ground to quake.


    Countless laws overflowed from this hand and spread out into an endless range. In the blink of an eye, they enveloped the Great Wilderness East County and instantly covered the Holy Wave Large Region.


    Mountains and rivers, vegetation, the land, all living beings, everything was covered by it.


    Amidst the intense fluctuations in the minds of countless living beings, this large hand slowly descended and grabbed the Ten Guts Trees, slowly pulling them up!


    The Ten Guts Trees shook and Xu Qing and the others¡¯ bodies swayed. However, compared to the changes at this moment, the waves in Xu Qing¡¯s mind surged astonishingly high.


    The captain¡¯s voice kept echoing in his mind.


    ¡®Invest in the Heavenly Dao? Become the father of the Heavenly Dao?¡¯


    Xu Qing mumbled and his breathing became increasingly hurried.


    At the side, Qing Qiu and Ning Yan¡¯s minds were also completely buzzing at this moment, stirring up a huge storm like never before. At the next instant, the two of them cut open their stomachs at the same time, wanting to fuse their intestines into the trees.


    ¡°It¡¯s too late. Haha, you guys didn¡¯t listen to me previously. It¡¯s too late now.¡±


    The captain laughed loudly. The excitement in his expression was especially intense.


    ¡°Junior Brother, although it will take some time for the 100th Immemorial Heavenly Dao to completely awaken and enter Wanggu, you will soon discover the benefits of being the father of the Heavenly Dao!¡±


    ¡®Kong Xianglong¡¯s small circle who has to spend so much effort for measly military contributions won¡¯t be able to compare to us even if they work their entire lives!¡¯


    The captain transmitted his voice proudly.

 Chapter 608 - 608 Heavenly Dao Birth Certificate

    608 Heavenly Dao Birth Certificate


    The Heavenly Dao descended!


    The sound formed by the snow-white hand reaching out and rubbing the edge of the crack was earth-shattering. The sound that descended into the world rang out through the clouds and echoed in the sky.


    The color of the sky changed and storms appeared.


    As the hand of the Heavenly Dao grabbed the Ten Guts Trees and slowly pulled them up, the power of the Heavenly Dao spread to the ground through the Ten Guts Trees.


    With a tug, the ground rumbled. As the trees were pulled out, the dark red soil exploded and fissures spread in all directions. It was as though countless earth dragons had crawled out and churned the soil, causing the ground to fluctuate intensely. The mountains in the distance also collapsed one after another.


    Rumbling sounds rang out from the jungle around the Ten Guts Trees. Trees fell one after another and the ground under them collapsed. Roots that belonged to the True Immortal Ten Guts Trees continued to be dragged up.


    The rumbling sound was deafening.


    It didn¡¯t just affect the True Immortal Ten Guts jungle but also the 36 surrounding cities.


    This was an unprecedented calamity to them.


    As for the Holy Wave Race cultivators from the cities, their expressions changed drastically in shock. However, they didn¡¯t dare to stop or get close at all.


    They didn¡¯t dare to stop because of the identity of the Black Heaven Race.


    They didn¡¯t dare to get close because the descent of the peerless hand of the Heavenly Dao from the crack in the sky made it so that outsiders couldn¡¯t get close to this place at all. The laws of heaven and earth here were extremely chaotic.


    Bolts of lightning descended and acid rain formed. Poison mist spread out and electromagnetic force erupted.


    The earth quaked, the mountains shook, and storms appeared violently.


    The expressions of the king of the Zenith Nation, Zhou Xingwu, and the hundreds of black-clothed guards changed drastically. They were extremely fearful. At this moment, even the heart of the king of the Zenith Nation wavered.


    ¡°Heaven¡­ Heavenly Dao!!¡±


    ¡°Could that person really be Black Heaven Divine Son?!¡±


    This scene was too shocking. It seemed that only someone with the identity of Black Heaven Divine Son could barely match it.


    Zhou Xingwu¡¯s mind shook violently in disbelief. At the side, Lin Yuandong¡¯s eyes revealed unprecedented fanaticism. It was as though if the divine son descended right now and asked him to take out his life lantern, he would definitely not be as indignant as before but would be willing.


    The change in his emotions was only one aspect. He felt that if a big shot like the divine son wanted his life lantern, he definitely wouldn¡¯t lose out. After all¡­ that was a big shot!


    The changes in the world continued and were still intense.


    It wasn¡¯t just this place. At this moment, there were drastic changes in the entire Holy Wave Large Region. The bloodlines of the descendants of the Calamity Immortal Race, who were scattered in the various counties, boiled. All of them knelt in the direction of the True Immortal Ten Guts.


    Amidst a series of monstrous booms, as the ground completely collapsed and soil fell from the sky like rain, the endless roots of the True Immortal Ten Guts were finally uprooted by the hand of the Heavenly Dao.


    The endless roots were a complicated mixture of thick and thin. When they spread out, they were like a net formed by the laws of heaven and earth. Every one of them seemed to contain the intent of the Dao.


    Qing Qiu grabbed the branch beside her tightly while a huge storm was going on in her mind.


    Even now, as someone who was personally experiencing it, she found it unbelievable. The horror in her heart also surged.


    Ning Yan was completely dumbfounded. Right now, he was hanging in the air in shock.


    After his previous act of cutting his stomach and taking out the intestine failed, he didn¡¯t manage to grab the branch and fell from the tree.


    However, the captain was grabbing the vine on his stomach, so he didn¡¯t fall. Instead, he hung in the air and swayed.


    Xu Qing was also in a daze. He instinctively grabbed the branch at the side and his body swayed intensely with the guts tree. He looked at the captain who was laughing wildly and waves of emotions surged in his mind.


    He knew that every time he went out with his captain, the things they would do would be of huge magnitude.


    For example, on the Merfolk Island, the other party had risked half of his body to bite the flesh of Binding. Another example was the Sea Corpse Race. The captain had staked it all to absorb the spiritual energy and even took a bite of the statue before he left.


    Another example was the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain¡­


    Every time, the things they did were huge. However, compared to this time, Xu Qing felt that those were all child¡¯s play and couldn¡¯t be compared at all.


    ¡°Become the father of the Heavenly Dao!¡±


    As Xu Qing¡¯s mind fluctuated intensely, the large hand of the Heavenly Dao in the crack in the sky had already pulled the ends of the guts trees into the crack and stuffed them into its stomach.


    Then, the large hand grabbed the lower part of the trees.


    The ten guts trees shook intensely. The Heavenly Dao¡¯s hand continued to lift the trees and put them into its stomach.


    As the ten guts trees fused with its stomach, they started shining and began to soften, as though they were about to transform from the form of the trees into its intestines.


    The captain laughed.


    ¡°Junior Brother, the first benefit of becoming the father of the Heavenly Dao is here!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes revealed desire. The instant he spoke, two rainbow lights appeared in the crack in the sky and shot out. One flew toward the captain and the other toward Xu Qing.


    These two rainbow lights descended at the same time, and enveloped the captain and Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. He wasn¡¯t sure what this rainbow light was but he could sense that it contained the laws of heaven and earth, supreme Dao charms, and some kind of recognition.


    ¡°This is our investment certificate. Haha, it can also be called our son¡¯s birth certificate. It¡¯s imprinted with our aura, so you can call it the father acknowledgement letter as well.¡±


    The captain jumped about with joy. As he laughed wildly, the world rumbled again. Endless spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged crazily from all directions.


    This was extremely pure spiritual energy that didn¡¯t contain a single trace of anomalous substances. It flowed toward Xu Qing and the captain like it was baptizing them.


    ¡°Heavenly Dao Merit!!¡± Ning Yan, who was hanging in the air, cried out involuntarily. After that, his heart ached with regret.


    If he could return to the past, he felt that even if it was his internal organs, as long as he still had a breath left, he could give everything away. He also wanted to become the father of the Heavenly Dao.


    ¡°Who would have thought that these two people from the Black Heaven Race would be so crazy!!¡±


    This feeling of missing out caused him to feel like he was going to go crazy. At that moment, his eyes turned red as he opened his mouth, wanting to absorb the spiritual energy. Although he wasn¡¯t the one being given it, he could still obtain some from such a close distance.


    Qing Qiu didn¡¯t recognize this rainbow light, but after sensing the spiritual energy in the surroundings and hearing Ning Yan¡¯s exclamation, her breathing became hurried and she also absorbed it.


    The ones with the greatest benefits were naturally the captain and Xu Qing.


    The captain¡¯s body was trembling at this moment. He quickly absorbed the power of heaven and earth that surged over and transformed it into the power to undo the seals. Very soon, the aura on his body rose and became stronger.


    Xu Qing was the same. Under this unprecedentedly dense power of heaven and earth, the sixth Heavenly Palace in his body took shape in ten breaths.


    After that, rumbling sounds echoed in his mind. Xu Qing didn¡¯t have time to think too much. The first thing that appeared in his mind was the tree branch he had obtained earlier.


    The branch of the guts tree was originally at most a supreme treasure. However, as the ten guts trees fused into the heavenly law, its level naturally rose.


    Xu Qing was about to place the guts tree branch he had obtained into the Sixth Heavenly Palace.


    However, the instant he took it out, he suddenly paused. He looked at the large hand in the crack in the sky, as well as the ten guts trees in the surroundings. A dark glint flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°Mosasaur!¡±


    Xu Qing growled inwardly.


    At the next instant, the mosasaur, which had been waiting for a long time and was filled with intense desire, soared into the sky from Xu Qing¡¯s body with a loud and clear roar.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He immediately waved his hand and threw the branch to the mosasaur.


    The mosasaur¡¯s eyes erupted with sharpness and swallowed the tree branch. After that, its body swayed. Under Xu Qing¡¯s divine sense, it actually resolutely rushed toward the crack in the sky!


    When the captain saw this scene, his eyes widened. After coming to this True Immortal Ten Guts Tree, he let out a shocked cry for the first time.


    ¡°The embryonic form of the Heavenly Dao!¡±


    ¡°Y-y-you, how did you get it? I tried my best all these years but I couldn¡¯t get it!¡±


    ¡°The embryonic form of the Heavenly Dao encountering the created Immemorial Heavenly Dao¡­ This scene, this scene¡­ is something I dreamed of having even in my dreams.¡± The captain¡¯s breathing was hurried and his mind fluctuated intensely. This was something he dreamed of and yearned for.


    As the captain spoke, the mosasaur flew into the crack in the sky, rushing to the side of the Immemorial Heavenly Dao in the crack.


    The Immemorial Heavenly Dao¡¯s action of pulling the guts trees paused at this moment.


    Vaguely, in the crack, it was as though the two Heavenly Daos were looking at each other. At the next instant, the Immemorial Heavenly Dao¡¯s body trembled and it actually emitted a golden aura and bestowed it to the mosasaur.


    ¡°The origin of the Heavenly Dao. Is he f*cking treating the embryonic form of the Heavenly Dao as his godson?¡±


    As the captain cried out in surprise, the mosasaur let out a shocking roar. Its body continued to expand in the crack and even denser Heavenly Dao fluctuations erupted from its body.


    Finally, after absorbing to the limit, the mosasaur¡¯s entire body shone with a resplendent golden light. Its eyes actually revealed spirituality as it emitted its respect toward the Immemorial Heavenly Dao. After that, its tail swayed and it flew out of the crack, returning to Xu Qing.


    Under the flickering of the golden light that filled the sky and the captain¡¯s intense envy, the golden mosasaur surged into Xu Qing¡¯s body and headed straight for the Sixth Palace!


    At the next moment, the Sixth Heavenly Palace shone with a golden light.


    This was the light of the Heavenly Dao, the Heavenly Dao Palace!


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and his cultivation base instantly soared. At this moment, a wisp of Dao charm actually appeared on his body, fusing with the world and shaking the surroundings.


    The manifestation of his Heavenly Palaces continued. The Seventh Heavenly Palace was rapidly forming.


    ¡°We are the fathers of the Immemorial Heavenly Dao. Your mosasaur is the godson of the Heavenly Dao. In that case, it is your grandson and also my grandson?¡±


    The captain watched everything from the side and muttered sourly.

 Chapter 609 - 609 Nether Spirit Blood Wing Lantern

    609 Nether Spirit Blood Wing Lantern


    Dense power of heaven and earth surged over like a tide. At this moment, the sky distorted and the sky seemed to have transformed into a sea of spiritual energy.


    The Immemorial Heavenly Dao in the crack moved its large hand again, pulling the ten guts trees into the crack bit by bit and continuously absorbing it.


    Xu Qing, the captain, and the others also slowly approached the crack.


    Xu Qing and the captain weren¡¯t the only ones who benefited. Although Ning Yan and Qing Qiu didn¡¯t get as much as the two of them, they also benefited greatly. Their cultivation bases were fluctuating.


    Xu Qing at this moment felt his emotions rising and falling, as he sensed his Sixth Heavenly Palace.


    This Sixth Heavenly Palace was completely golden. With the Heavenly Dao in the depths, a sea formed in the Heavenly Palace. The mosasaur swam around and emitted waves of Dao charms.


    The power of heaven and earth in the surroundings continued to surge over. Xu Qing¡¯s heart pounded quickly and desire rose in his heart. He immediately absorbed them into the Seventh Heavenly Palace.


    Tens of breaths later, Xu Qing abruptly lifted his head, his eyes revealing a resplendent light. More than half of the Seventh Heavenly Palace had materialized.


    70%, 80%, 90%¡­


    As Xu Qing took a deep breath, his Seventh Heavenly Palace manifested by 99%.


    ¡°The item which will go into this Heavenly Palace¡­¡± Xu Qing¡¯s mind raced. He had cultivated the Extreme Heaven Saber for a short period, so it wasn¡¯t suitable to use it now. He also wasn¡¯t qualified to use it as a golden core.


    The Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art was special. Although it was called a cultivation art, it was actually more of a divine ability. It was different from Golden Crow Refines All Life and wasn¡¯t suitable.


    As for the black iron stick and shadow, Xu Qing immediately cut them off.


    Although these two were extremely obedient under his methods, Xu Qing still didn¡¯t completely trust them, let alone place them in the Heavenly Palace.


    Although there were magic treasure fragments in the storage bag that could be used as external objects, they were still a little inferior.


    ¡°The purple crystal can be used as well, but this item is the core existence on me. I know too little about it and can¡¯t make the decision easily.¡±


    ¡°Other than this, there¡¯s actually something else that can be used!¡± As countless thoughts flashed through Xu Qing¡¯s mind, he didn¡¯t hesitate anymore and immediately activated the Ghost Emperor Mountain in his sea of consciousness.


    He moved it to the Seventh Heavenly Palace.


    The instant they came into contact, the Seventh Heavenly Palace trembled violently. The Seventh Heavenly Palace was actually rejecting the Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He had encountered a similar rejection before.


    That was when he tried to place the Poison Restriction Pill in the Heavenly Palace.


    Back then, because the poison of the Poison Restriction Pill was too ferocious, it took time to fuse. What he had to do was not die before the fusion was completed.


    After experiencing all kinds of torture and pain, he finally succeeded in placing the Poison Restriction Pill in the Heavenly Palace.


    Xu Qing understood that although the Purple Moon¡¯s status was extremely high, he was the one who plundered it after all. In the end, it was an item that completely belonged to him. The Golden Crow and mosasaur were the same, so there was no rejection.


    However, although this Ghost Emperor Mountain was also formed from his comprehension, at the end of the day, it was still a copy. To a certain extent, it was half an external object and didn¡¯t completely belong to him.


    If he wanted to place it in the Heavenly Palace and completely fuse them, it wouldn¡¯t be strange for it to reject him.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He opened his mouth and sucked fiercely. Immediately, the boundless power of heaven and earth in the surroundings gushed over crazily, entering the Seventh Heavenly Palace to augment it and increasing its strength to fuse the Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    At the next instant, the Ghost Emperor Mountain trembled and slowly overlapped with the Seventh Heavenly Palace.


    This process wasn¡¯t very fast but it wasn¡¯t as slow as the Poison Restriction Pill back then. This was especially so now that the power of heaven and earth in Xu Qing¡¯s surroundings was incomparably dense. This allowed him to have an endless stream of help.


    Time flowed by. As the ten guts trees continued to fuse into the crack in the sky, the Ghost Emperor Mountain¡¯s fusion was also proceeding.


    30%, 50%, 70%¡­


    Xu Qing sat down cross-legged and grabbed the tree branch at the side tightly. After stabilizing his body, all the pores on his body were controlled and opened. His abdomen contracted and he inhaled again. Immediately, the power of heaven and earth in the surroundings surged over in waves.


    Finally, 30 breaths later, the Ghost Emperor Mountain completely fused with the Seventh Heavenly Palace. As a rumbling sound echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, the Seventh Heavenly Palace completely took shape.


    Its appearance wasn¡¯t a palace but more like a temple.


    In the temple, the Ghost Emperor sat cross-legged and meditated. There were two long sabers behind him and an Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar on his knees. Its entire body emitted a shocking divine charm. However, from its appearance, it was already identical to Xu Qing!


    The instant the Seventh Heavenly Palace took shape, Xu Qing¡¯s body emitted even more powerful fluctuations. As his aura rose, Xu Qing could clearly sense how powerful he was at this moment.


    Compared to him from before when he hadn¡¯t entered the True Immortal Ten Guts, the difference was like heaven and earth.


    ¡°The fortune this time is indeed great!¡±


    ¡°However, it¡¯s still not over!¡±


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and sensed that the power of heaven and earth in the surroundings was showing signs of exhaustion. He knew that the first gift he had obtained from helping the Heavenly Dao complete was about to end.


    Hence, he lifted his right hand and took out the blood-winged life lantern.


    As his left hand formed a seal, the power of heaven and earth in the surroundings surged over. It didn¡¯t fuse into his body but rushed into the life lantern.


    He wanted to borrow the power of heaven and earth here to cleanse this life lantern


    After all, this item was sent by the Holy Wave Race. He could not use it easily.


    Regardless of whether this life lantern had some flaws or was hiding some hidden arrangements, they would be cleansed by the power of heaven and earth.


    In the blink of an eye, under the integration of the power of heaven and earth, the blood light of the life lantern flickered and became increasingly intense. Finally, it erupted with light.


    After cleansing several times in a row, Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and performed a series of hand seals with his left hand. Immediately, the seven Heavenly Palaces in his body circulated at the same time. The power of the Ghost Emperor descended and cleansed the lantern.


    After that, the power of the Golden Crow gushed in, followed by the power of the Purple Moon and the aura of the Poison Restriction. Finally, the mosasaur manifested and spat out golden light.


    After washing the life lantern inside and out in so many ways, Xu Qing finally relaxed and no longer hesitated to fuse it into his body.


    As the life lantern disappeared from his hand, very soon, another Heavenly Palace appeared in the life fog in his sea of consciousness.


    The life fog churned and Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness trembled. Blood light erupted from the Heavenly Palace that was gradually forming and pierced through the life fog. At the same time, the third life lantern Heavenly Palace took shape.


    In an instant, all the information about this third life lantern appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    This lantern was called the Nether Spirit Blood Wing Lantern.


    Its enhancement was different from Xu Qing¡¯s two life lanterns. It wasn¡¯t for defense, nor was it for killing as it looked. It only had one use, and that was speed!


    Those who possessed this life lantern would have an extremely astonishing speed that could erupt with several times their own speed.


    It should have been a pair. If there were both of them, not only would its speed be even more terrifying, but it would also form an incomparably terrifying lethality.


    Although he only had one wing now, Xu Qing was still satisfied. This was especially so after he sensed the speed enhancement of this life lantern.


    The harvest this time was incomparable.


    Regardless of whether it was military contributions or the Heavenly Dao, it was enough to make people envious to the extreme. His cultivation level also soared from five Heavenly Palaces to eight Heavenly Palaces.


    Moreover, because the Eighth Palace was formed from the life lantern, it added to his extreme limit of palaces, increasing the number of Heavenly Palaces he could have from ten to eleven.


    The power of heaven and earth gradually dissipated. Although his ninth Heavenly Palace hadn¡¯t fully materialized, it was already almost half completed. The gut tree they were on was less than 10,000 feet away from the crack in the sky.


    Seeing that the tree was continuously melting, Xu Qing had the intention to leave. Hence, he looked at the captain.


    Compared to before, the captain¡¯s aura had clearly risen by an extremely large extent. Even though Xu Qing had become stronger now, he still couldn¡¯t see through him.


    However, Xu Qing was already used to this.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, we should leave.¡±


    When Qing Qiu and Ning Yan heard this, they opened their eyes in shock.


    Ning Yan revealed a hint of nervousness. However, compared to Ning Yan¡¯s confusion, Qing Qiu more or less had some answers to Xu Qing and Chen Erniu¡¯s identities. Her expression under the mask was filled with complications.


    The captain licked his lips and looked at the hand of the Heavenly Dao above.


    ¡°Let¡¯s wait a little longer.¡±


    Xu Qing followed the captain¡¯s gaze and looked at the snow-white hand. With his understanding of the captain, he immediately understood what the other party wanted to do.


    He wasn¡¯t surprised. After all, every time the captain finished something big, he would say this.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s expression, the captain blinked.


    ¡°Junior Brother, this matter has blown up too much. I¡¯m afraid it¡¯ll be difficult for us to leave with ordinary methods. However, I told you before that I have a great treasure.¡±


    ¡°After this item is used, although it can¡¯t get us to a fixed destination, it can still allow us to teleport over a long distance. I¡¯ve adjusted the direction to Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°However, the power source needed to operate this item is too great. In order for us to leave successfully, I plan to greet my son.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Xu Qing nodded.


    The captain coughed and laughed.


    ¡°Um, if anything happens to me later, Junior Brother, you must remember to kick me into the teleportation array.¡±


    As soon as the captain finished speaking, Qing Qiu fell silent and turned her head with an unknown expression.


    However, Ning Yan¡¯s expression changed. When he heard Fenghai County, he abruptly looked at Xu Qing and the captain. Previously, although he was muddle-headed and didn¡¯t react, he already had doubts in his heart. It was just that what happened later was too fast and too shocking, so he didn¡¯t have time to think too much.


    Now that he had calmed down, the doubts in Ning Yan¡¯s heart grew increasingly intense as he looked at Xu Qing and the captain.


    However, the instant his gaze landed on Xu Qing and the captain, madness appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes. When the Heavenly Dao¡¯s large hand released and grabbed a tree trunk 1000 feet away, his body suddenly rushed forward like a hyena.


    ¡°Heavenly Dao¡­ I wonder what it tastes like.¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes emitted an intense light. In an instant, he arrived beside his son¡¯s large snow-white hand and hugged it. He then tilted his head slightly back. His mouth opened wide and he suddenly bit down on the hand.


    Crack!


    ¡ª-

 Chapter 610 - 610 Heavenly Wind Monarch

    610 Heavenly Wind Monarch


    The Heavenly Dao¡¯s snow-white hand emitted a strange fragrance, like an extremely delicious meat.


    Looking at that large hand, Xu Qing licked his lips and quickly looked at the captain.


    The madness in the captain¡¯s eyes was extremely intense and his movements were incomparably familiar. At that moment, as his limbs hugged the Heavenly Dao¡¯s hand, he bit the Heavenly Dao¡¯s hand with all his might.


    Perhaps it was because he was the father of the Heavenly Dao and coupled with the merit from before, the captain really seemed to have bitten down on something. After forcefully swallowing it, he laughed crazily.


    ¡°Worth¡­¡±


    However, before he could finish speaking, under Qing Qiu and Ning Yan¡¯s dumbfounded gazes, the captain¡¯s voice suddenly changed into a wail.


    It was as though he had eaten something that couldn¡¯t be digested. His stomach instantly swelled up and exploded.


    As flesh and blood splattered everywhere, an extremely dense Heavenly Dao aura spread out from the hole in his stomach. One could see that it was a piece of golden skin.


    The captain¡¯s eyes widened and he released his hands to cover his stomach. However, it was still too late. The power of collapsing didn¡¯t stop and rapidly spread throughout his body.


    In the blink of an eye, the captain¡¯s hands collapsed and his lower body exploded. Regardless of whether it was his intestines or legs, they completely collapsed and scattered in all directions, turning into countless pieces of minced meat.


    As blood filled the sky, his upper body wasn¡¯t spared either and exploded as well.


    His abdomen shattered into pieces and his chest directly crumbled apart. His internal organs rapidly dissipated. Finally, amidst the badly mangled flesh, only his hardest head was left.


    It was unknown how the captain¡¯s head survived but it was still barely intact. The wails from his mouth could still be heard. At that moment, he swung it and headed straight for the golden skin, biting it.


    This time, he didn¡¯t swallow it but held it in his mouth. His eyes revealed madness again as he tried his best to shake his hair and hang himself on a branch. As he chewed, he made up for what he hadn¡¯t finished saying earlier.


    ¡°¡­it!!¡±


    Qing Qiu gasped. Ning Yan was dumbfounded. He had seen people courting death before, but it was really rare to see someone courting death like this person in front of him. In comparison, he felt that being bitten a few times earlier was nothing.


    As for the Heavenly Dao, it also sensed that it had been bitten. After its large hand paused, a puzzled gaze landed from the crack, as though it didn¡¯t know what that head was doing.


    Its hand wasn¡¯t injured at all. Clearly, what the captain had bitten off was just a piece of skin.


    After failing to find anything, the Heavenly Dao continued to grab the ten guts trees and stuffed them into its stomach in the crack.


    Seeing this scene, Xu Qing immediately dispelled the thought of taking a bite. At the same time, the captain¡¯s wild laughter echoed in all directions.


    ¡°Haha, I¡¯ve finally eaten the Heavenly Dao!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave, let¡¯s leave.¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, I don¡¯t know where we¡¯ll be teleported to either. Anyway, the approximate range isn¡¯t wrong. We will leave it to fate!¡±


    These four teleportation arrays were all translucent and had a range of 10,000 feet. They were filled with the aura of the Heavenly Dao.


    Clearly, the piece of skin the captain had bitten off was effective at this moment.


    The moment the four array formations were formed, an earth-shattering teleportation power rose from them. After that, it transformed into four lights. One of the two densest ones enveloped the captain and the other flew toward Xu Qing.


    The other two headed toward Ning Yan and Qing Qiu.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing knew that he didn¡¯t need to kick the captain to the teleportation array.


    Very soon, amidst Qing Qiu and Ning Yan¡¯s hurried breathing, the color of the sky changed and a storm brewed. As four earth-shattering booms echoed, the teleportation was activated!


    In that instant, everyone¡¯s figures disappeared from the area of the Ten Guts Trees.


    After they disappeared, the large hand that stretched out from the crack continued to pull the remaining ten guts trees without stopping. Very soon, it stuffed the remaining trees and countless roots into the crack.


    When the last root dissipated in the sky, the crack slowly closed and finally disappeared.


    Everything returned to normal.


    It was just that¡­ the ground was a mess.


    The True Immortal Ten Guts that had stood here for countless years were gone.


    There was only a huge deep pit on the ground and fissures that extended out of it like spiderwebs.


    As for the 36 cities, more than half of their cities had collapsed. All the Holy Wave Race members were shaken by this scene, and their minds were still buzzing.


    The king of the Zenith Nation looked at the sky from afar. Endless thoughts surged in his mind and his breathing was hurried. His right hand alternated between clenching and relaxing. Clearly, he was struggling inwardly.


    Zhou Xingwu, who was beside him, was also shocked. While he was silent, Lin Yuandong, who was behind him, suddenly spoke loudly.


    ¡°The divine son is mighty!¡±


    Zhou Xingwu wanted to say something, but in the end, he didn¡¯t. As for the king of the Zenith Kingdom, he completely let go of his right hand at this moment. Determination appeared in his eyes as he cupped his fists and bowed to the sky.


    ¡°Farewell, Divine Son!¡±


    As the king of the Zenith Nation spoke, the group of cultivators behind him all bowed to the sky.


    In the end, Zhou Xingwu also lowered his head.


    At this moment, the sky that had returned to normal suddenly changed again. An endless sea of light appeared in the sky and spread in all directions. Amidst the clouds and mist, a huge figure in an emperor¡¯s robe appeared.


    The wide golden emperor robe displayed holy might. The nine dragons embroidered on it seemed to really exist and were sealed on the robe. They flowed like water, emitting a noble aura.


    The red crown on the figure¡¯s head was like a red sun, forming a huge red halo behind the figure.


    The most eye-catching thing was the crown tassels hanging down from the emperor¡¯s crown. There were a total of 24 tassels in front and behind. Each tassel was embedded with 12 jade pearls. While they covered the figure¡¯s face, they also emitted a resplendent light, making it even harder for one to look straight at the figure.


    One could only vaguely see that the person in the emperor¡¯s robe was a middle-aged man.


    The moment he appeared, the color of the world changed and the ground rumbled. An intense pressure enveloped the surroundings like an avalanche.


    The instant he saw this figure, Zhou Xingwu immediately knelt down.


    ¡°Monarch!¡±


    The king of the Zenith Kingdom also trembled and knelt down. All the black-clothed guards and all the Holy Wave Race members of the 36 cities knelt down to the figure in the sky.


    ¡°Monarch!¡±


    In the Heavenly Wind Dynasty, the so-called monarch was actually a king to a certain extent.


    The only ancestral emperor in the entire Holy Wave Race was in the Ancestral Emperor¡¯s Court that was above the four dynasties in the Holy Wave Race!


    The person who came was naturally not the ancestral emperor who had not appeared for ten thousand years. He was the monarch of the Heavenly Wind Dynasty who had received the decree of the Black Heaven Temple and personally came to welcome the divine son.


    He stood between heaven and earth with an expressionless face. He first glanced at the deep pit of the True Immortal Ten Guts on the ground and then looked at the place where the crack had appeared in the sky. After a long silence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Mu Tianzheng.¡±


    ¡°Here!¡± The king of the Zenith Nation replied loudly.


    ¡°Your son, Muye, has done a meritorious service in welcoming the divine son. The temple has bestowed him the qualifications of a divine servant.¡±


    When the king of the Zenith Nation heard this, endless excitement stirred in his heart. His body trembled and he bowed repeatedly to the sky.


    ¡°Mu Tianzheng thanks the monarch!¡±


    When the Heavenly Wind Monarch heard these words of gratitude, his deep gaze glanced at the king of the Zenith Kingdom who was kneeling there. After that, he looked into the distance and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Since the Divine Son has the intention to avoid me, I¡¯ll let you guys search for him and tell him about the Black Heaven¡¯s summoning decree.¡±


    With that, the Heavenly Wind Monarch turned and took a step into the void. Before he disappeared, he paused for a moment and gently grabbed at the place where the teleportation arrays had appeared.


    Immediately, the area rumbled and collapsed. All traces completely dissipated. They couldn¡¯t be traced or investigated.


    After doing this, the Heavenly Wind Monarch expressionlessly disappeared.


    On the ground, Zhou Xingwu fell into deep thought as he muttered inwardly.


    ¡®The monarch came so timely¡­¡¯


    The king of the Zenith Nation acted as though he didn¡¯t see the scene in the sky. The moment he stood up, he immediately ordered his subordinates to scatter and search for the divine son.


    This search went beyond this area. The various departments and branch forces of the Heavenly Wind Dynasty, under the decree of the Heavenly Wind Monarch, combed through the entire territory to locate the divine son.


    This mighty commotion of searching for the divine son was delayed by three days because it took time for the decree to be transmitted.


    However, not only did the Black Heaven Temple in the Heavenly Wind Dynasty issue a decree. Very soon, the other three dynasties of the Holy Wave Race also received the decree from their respective temples and began to search.


    The Red Spirit Dynasty and the Moon Fog Dynasty were particularly zealous in their search. The Black Heaven Temples, which had been dormant for many years, also joined the search efforts.


    In fact, countless races that were dependent on the Black Heaven Race and the Holy Wave Race also received the stern decrees of the two dynasties and the temples and joined the search.


    Just like that, this search for the divine son gradually caused a stir in the entire Holy Wave Large Region.


    Martial law was imposed on their borders.


    The situation continued to escalate


    This scene naturally attracted the attention of Fenghai County. After they used their methods to investigate a portion of the reason, the county was shaken. A huge commotion erupted in the three palaces, including the Sword Holding Palace.


    ¡°The Black Heaven Race¡¯s divine son?¡±


    ¡°The True Immortal Ten Guts Tree that has stood for countless years is gone? From now on, the Holy Wave Race will have one less miraculous place?¡±


    ¡°The Black Heaven Temples issued a decree to the four dynasties?¡±


    ¡°The high priests of the Black Heaven Temples of the Red Spirit Dynasty and the Moon Fog Dynasty personally went out?¡±


    ¡°Why did the high priest of the temple in the Heavenly Wind Dynasty only give the order and not go out? Moreover, he tacitly allowed the Heavenly Wind Monarch to delay for three days?¡±


    The upper echelons of Fenghai County held an emergency meeting. At the same time, a large number of Sword Holders also received missions and headed to the borders to be in charge of martial law, guarding against the Holy Wave Race taking the opportunity to cause trouble.


    Kong Xianglong and the others also accepted a similar mission. When they went out, they looked at each other and noticed the deep suspicion in each other¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be them, right?¡± Shan He mumbled.


    ¡°Impossible. After all, it¡¯s the divine son. Don¡¯t spout nonsense and scare others!¡± Wang Chen¡¯s heart trembled as he shook his head forcefully.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, haha. I was thinking too much. This matter caused such a huge storm in the Holy Wave Race. How could it be the two of them!¡± Shan He forced out a laugh.


    ¡°But I remember that when Xu Qing and Chen Erniu left, they mentioned that the place they were going to was none other than the True Immortal Ten Guts. They even said something about doing something big¡­¡± Night Spirit said hesitantly.


    Everyone fell silent.


    A long time later, Kong Xianglong suppressed the trembling in his heart and spoke solemnly.


    ¡°Maybe there was another group of Black Heaven Race there.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, that should be the case!¡± When Shan He and the others heard this, they hurriedly nodded before remaining silent. Other than rushing on their way, their expressions more or less carried a hint of trance.

 Chapter 611 - 611 Straw Hat Cultivator Appears!

    611 Straw Hat Cultivator Appears!


    Fenghai County, Quzhao Province.


    The azure sky stretched far and wide, and the sun¡¯s radiant light illuminated the expansive plains. The fields were adorned with patches of various colors, painting a vivid and picturesque scene.


    Upon closer inspection, one could see that these patches covering the plains were all clothes. There were clothes of all kinds for men, women, old, and young. There were also many that looked like hats and gloves.


    This was the territory of the Cloth Race.


    From time to time, colorful garments belonging to children could be seen rising up into the air. They swirled and played in groups, flying around in the sky like cheerful birds, creating a peaceful and beautiful sight.


    However, very soon, a crack appeared in the void of this gorgeous and beautiful world.


    A blood-curdling howl pierced the air. At the next instant, a head rolled down and landed on the ground. After rolling a few times, it stopped with its face facing the ground.


    As it fell and tumbled on the ground, the impact caused a gust of wind that scattered a multitude of clothes in all directions before they quickly drifted back. Despite its best efforts, the head struggled to adjust its orientation, its strength too feeble to do so.


    However, this minor setback did not pose a challenge to the father of Heavenly Dao. The head stuck out its tongue and tapped the ground with force, using the momentum to turn around and stand upright. It looked around in surprise.


    ¡°Cloth Race?¡±


    This head was none other than the captain.


    The moment he saw the surrounding Cloth Race, the captain was pleasantly surprised. He knew that he had successfully returned to Fenghai County.


    ¡°I have a good friend in the Cloth Race.¡±


    The captain mumbled. Under the influence of his aura, a woman¡¯s glove flew over rapidly. It danced around him excitedly, as though it was very happy.


    The captain laughed and recognized this glove as his good friend. Just as he was about to speak, a group of hats flew over from afar. Their appearance of fighting to be first caused the captain¡¯s expression to change.


    Fortunately, his good friend hurriedly flew to the hats. It was unknown how the Cloth Race communicated with each other, but the group of hats circled the captain a few times and left reluctantly.


    Watching the hats leave, the captain heaved a sigh of relief. With the help of the glove, he rose into the air and looked around with a smug expression.


    ¡°It went very smoothly this time, haha.¡±


    ¡°I wonder how Little Ah Qing is. That kid isn¡¯t simple. He should be fine. I¡¯ll grow my body here first.¡±


    At the thought of this, the captain tried his best to lift his head and look at the glove that was grabbing his hair. He licked his lips and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Little Right, what delicious food do you people from the Cloth Race have? Bring me to try them¡­ Also, is there anything fun that can broaden my horizons?¡±


    When the female glove heard this, it lifted its index finger and bent it many times, as though it was nodding. With his eyes shining with anticipation, the captain flew further and further away.


    Several days later, on the desert that the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ flying ship had passed by several provinces away from here, the sunlight was like fire. There was no vegetation on the ground, only a dense heat wave that distorted the world permeated the surroundings.


    A moment later, a thousand-foot-long magic warship whistled past.


    This magic warship was oval-shaped and looked very peculiar. It had more than ten pairs of translucent sails that were like long sabers or wings. The ship¡¯s color was a distinctive shade of purple-black and it emitted a chilling glow.


    There was an evil ghost totem at the bow of the ship. It was a soul body formed by the souls that were suppressed in the magic apertures by the fiendish fire and fused into the magic warship.


    All of this caused this magic warship to emit the energy of a Golden Core Realm.


    In the cabin of the magic ship, Xu Qing, who had undone his disguise and returned to his human appearance, was sitting cross-legged and meditating.


    It had been three days since he was teleported back. When he appeared, he was in the desert.


    Although the weather here was bad and even cultivators didn¡¯t want to endure the extreme heat for too long, at least he didn¡¯t appear in an extremely dangerous place. This allowed Xu Qing to heave a sigh of relief.


    He then immediately took out his magic warship and sat inside to avoid the high temperature. Over these three days, he also organized his gains from this trip.


    ¡°My cultivation base has directly advanced from five Heavenly Palaces to eight Heavenly Palaces. Half of the Ninth Heavenly Palace has also formed!¡±


    ¡°Brother Kong was able to kill an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator when he had the combat strength of nine palaces. I should be able to do the same now. If I go all out¡­¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like I can¡¯t kill ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators even if their cultivation levels are deeper!¡±


    ¡°Now, there are only ninth, tenth, and eleventh Heavenly Palaces left. Once they are all completed, I can attempt to break through and advance to the Nascent Soul realm!¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and thought of his other gains. His mood fluctuated a little.


    ¡°3,142 Dao Fruits!¡±


    ¡°A life lantern!¡±


    ¡°All kinds of pill and weapon refinement materials that contain spiritual charm!¡±


    ¡°Investing in the Heavenly Dao!¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. After organizing all his gains, he was very satisfied with this trip.


    ¡°I wonder how Qing Qiu is doing.¡±


    Xu Qing recalled the teleportation earlier. After pondering for a moment, he felt a little worried. However, Xu Qing knew that the other party wasn¡¯t a weak woman. Someone who could survive the opening of the god¡¯s fragmented-face¡¯s eyes wasn¡¯t simple.


    Hence, after some thought, he felt that there was no need for him to worry.


    He didn¡¯t even consider Ning Yan. As for the captain¡­


    Xu Qing felt that perhaps even if he died, the captain wouldn¡¯t die. Even if he only had a head left, it probably wouldn¡¯t be long before he would be up and kicking again.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to worry about Eldest Senior Brother. He can return to the county capital himself. What I have to do now is to hurry back.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the concealment talisman drawn by Zi Xuan on his body.


    These runes had changed greatly. From the initial redness, their color was now extremely dim. In fact, if one didn¡¯t look carefully, they wouldn¡¯t be able to see them at all.


    ¡°Three months isn¡¯t up yet¡­¡± Xu Qing sighed. However, he could understand it. After all, the appearance of the Heavenly Dao, the descent of merit and the integration of the power of heaven and earth invisibly washed away this concealment talisman


    It was already quite amazing for it to still continue working.


    ¡°I have to return as soon as possible!¡± Xu Qing looked at the world outside the magic warship. He was aware that what he had done in the Holy Wave Race this time could be said to be earth-shattering.


    It would definitely lead to a massive search.


    Although he was in Fenghai County now, the concealment on his body was about to dissipate. This caused Xu Qing to feel uneasy. The Sixth Heavenly Palace also gave him this feeling.


    This uneasiness caused Xu Qing to frown. Due to the distance and environment here, it was difficult for the command sword to transmit its voice. Hence, he performed a series of hand seals with both hands and pressed down on the magic warship, causing its speed to increase greatly. It also turned transparent and hid in the sky.


    After doing this, Xu Qing felt a little more at ease. He closed his eyes and adjusted his breathing.


    Just like that, another seven days passed.


    The last concealment rune on Xu Qing¡¯s body dissipated.


    When it dissipated, it was night outside. Although the sunlight was no longer there, the high temperature was still there. Heat waves permeated the air outside the magic warship.


    Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes. After he lowered his head to check his body, a look of doubt appeared on his face. He pondered and walked out of the cabin.


    As soon as he stepped outside, the intense heat wave hit him like a physical blow. Within seconds, sweat poured down his face and soaked through his clothes. But Xu Qing pushed aside his discomfort and strode to the bow of the ship, his eyes scanning the barren, scorching desert. His expression grew increasingly grim.


    ¡°Something¡¯s wrong.¡±


    ¡°Not only has the uneasiness in my mind not dissipated in the past few days, but it has become more intense. Especially when the concealment talisman disappeared earlier, my heart almost skipped a beat.¡±


    Xu Qing sensed the Sixth Heavenly Palace in his body and noticed that the Heavenly Dao Mosasaur was rapidly swimming inside, revealing anxiety.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time the Heavenly Dao Mosasaur¡¯s warning had appeared. Xu Qing remembered that the first time it appeared was in the county capital before he and the captain left.


    It had existed since then but it wasn¡¯t too intense. It was just a faint feeling.


    However, at that instant earlier, this feeling of uneasiness instantly rose.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked in the direction of Fenghai County. This place wasn¡¯t far from Fenghai County. With his current speed, it would take him about a month. After he arrived at Fenghai County, he could use any city¡¯s teleportation array.


    If he didn¡¯t use the magic warship, he could shorten this time by relying on his own speed.


    ¡°Ten days!¡± Xu Qing mumbled and looked in other directions.


    This desert¡¯s range was extremely vast. The information he knew during the Sword Holder¡¯s secret training appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. Because Quzhao Province was formed from deserts, the high temperature wasn¡¯t suitable for the human race. Hence, few forces of the human race existed here. Although it had Sword Holding Court, it was in the distant oases at the edge of the desert.


    It would take much longer to reach there than the county capital.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. After some thought, he put the magic warship away. He didn¡¯t fly toward the horizon but headed straight for the ground.


    Since the human race¡¯s cities where he could use teleportation arrays were far away and this sense of unease was so intense, Xu Qing didn¡¯t plan to continue flying foolishly or change paths.


    The former was dangerous, while the latter didn¡¯t have much meaning.


    He prepared to take the unconventional path and attempt to use the teleportation arrays of other races.


    After all, this was Fenghai County, the territory of the human race. In that case, logically speaking, the Smoke Race wouldn¡¯t make things too difficult for him.


    With this thought in mind, Xu Qing sped toward the desert.


    When dawn wasn¡¯t far away, he finally found a city of the Smoke Race. The instant he got close, fog rose from the Smoke Race and streams of unfriendly divine sense immediately locked onto him.


    Xu Qing immediately took out the Sword Holder¡¯s command sword and cupped his fists politely.


    ¡°I¡¯m the Sword Holder of the human race¡¯s Prison Department. I have an important mission on hand and don¡¯t dare to delay military matters. Therefore, I implore the Smoke Race to let me use your teleportation array. I will pay the fees accordingly and remember this favor as well as make sure it is recorded in the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s records. Please make an exception!¡±


    The divine senses that spread out from the Smoke Race¡¯s city swept past the command sword in Xu Qing¡¯s hand. After a long time, there was a reply.


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head respectfully and waited silently.


    This wait lasted for more than two hours. Xu Qing looked at the bright sky and respectfully asked again.


    ¡°Continue to wait!¡± The voice of the Smoke Race was cold.


    ¡°May I know how long it will take? Time is really tight and I don¡¯t dare to delay.¡± Xu Qing spoke politely.


    ¡°Unknown.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he no longer waited and immediately sped into the distance. A chill rose in his heart. It was normal for the other party to disagree. He could even understand if the other party directly rejected him.


    However, to make him wait like this, there was some malice.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and his cultivation base erupted completely. The Blood Wing Lantern shone with a red light in his body. With its enhancement, his speed soared and he directly transformed into a rainbow that disappeared into the horizon in the blink of an eye.


    Time flowed by and six days passed.


    After Xu Qing activated the Nether Spirit Blood Wing Lantern, he finally shortened the time by four days despite the huge consumption of the spirit energy in his body. Right now, he was close to the territory of the county capital.


    The depth of his foundation was also revealed in these six days. His state was still at its peak at this moment. Only his spirit felt a little tired after being on high alert for so many days.


    During this time, Xu Qing had considered finding a place to hide and see where the uneasiness came from. However, when this thought rose, not only did the Heavenly Dao¡¯s warning not decrease, but the anxiety emitted by the mosasaur also intensified.


    At that moment, he was only two hours away from the province in front of him, but he didn¡¯t relax at all. His speed erupted again. However, at this moment, at the end of his vision, a figure suddenly appeared.


    He was blocking his path!


    He wore a rain cape and a straw hat, and his aura was cold.


    ¡°Just a little bit more and you would have escaped.¡±


    A deep voice filled with dense killing intent echoed in all directions.

 Chapter 612 - 612 Stress Response

    612 Stress Response


    Xu Qing reacted almost at the instant the straw hat cultivator¡¯s words rang out.


    He immediately retreated, and pinched the disorder teleportation talisman he had been holding since six days ago. There was no pause, as though he was already about to do this.


    However, no teleportation fluctuations spread out. The surrounding world seemed to have frozen at this moment, causing all the teleportation power to be instantly sealed!


    Xu Qing¡¯s disorder teleportation talisman was of a high grade, and could ignore space seals under normal circumstances, unless the other party had gathered information to specifically target him. They had planned for a long time and prepared a higher-grade space sealing item.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s heart didn¡¯t stir at all, nor was his thoughts affected by the fact that he couldn¡¯t teleport. He continued to retreat.


    As he retreated, the eight Heavenly Palaces in his body circulated fiercely. Three canopies appeared above his head. One was the Rainbow Wind Song that protected his body, one was the black umbrella that protected his soul, and the other was the Nether Spirit Blood Wing that enhanced his speed.


    The image of the Purple Moon appeared in his pupils. The Poison Restriction Pill erupted from his entire body and the image of the Ghost Emperor Mountain appeared behind him, emitting monstrous might.


    There was also the Heavenly Dao Mosasaur that appeared in the sky and roared.


    With this roar, the power of the Heavenly Dao spread out, causing the shackles in this area to loosen greatly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s reaction was too fast. From the moment he sensed the enemy¡¯s appearance until now, he used all the methods he had instantly.


    At that moment, he rose into the air and tried to escape this sealed area that was weakened by the Heavenly Dao Mosasaur.


    The expression of the straw hat cultivator changed. He let out a cold snort and stepped out, heading straight for the sky. His right hand formed a seal and pressed down on the sky.


    Immediately, countless runes manifested around him, imprinting the sky and cutting off Xu Qing¡¯s escape.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was ugly. As his body swayed, he changed directions and attempted to forcefully teleport.


    However, the straw hat cultivator took out a handful of sand and threw it in all directions. The shackles here were immediately augmented and the space froze even more, blocking Xu Qing¡¯s teleportation.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. This straw hat cultivator had clearly been preparing for a long time. At this moment, in order to prevent any accidents, he bit the tip of his tongue and spat out a mouthful of golden blood.


    The sky rumbled and the shackles that had been severely weakened by the mosasaur¡¯s Heavenly Dao, instantly stabilized.


    After doing this, he looked at Xu Qing and said with a hoarse voice.


    ¡°Xu Qing, long time no see.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t escape. No one will disturb us for the time being.¡±


    As he spoke, this person took off the straw hat, revealing the face of a middle-aged man who had experienced the vicissitudes of life. The most eye-catching thing was his eyes. Regardless of whether it was his pupils or the whites of his eyes, they had all turned light golden.


    His golden eyes gave off a holy feeling, and at this instant, an aura of divinity spread out from his body.


    He was also the last god specimen that Crown Prince Purple Green had left in the Yinghuang Province!


    Back then, when Xu Qing and the others left the Eight Sects Alliance, Chu Tianqun had sworn an oath before the grave of his son that he would kill Xu Qing.


    However, Xu Qing never left the county capital. He couldn¡¯t find an opportunity and it was extremely risky to infiltrate the Sword Holding Palace.


    Hence, he had been waiting in the surrounding territory of the county capital. When Xu Qing went out with Kong Xianglong¡¯s group, he originally planned to make a move. However, for some reason, the terrifying large bird, Qingqin, suddenly appeared and heavily injured him for no reason.


    Although he had escaped, his injuries were extremely serious and had yet to fully recover.


    He refused to give up, despite the high price he had paid to keep track of Xu Qing¡¯s whereabouts. When he recently learned that Xu Qing had left his location, he didn¡¯t hesitate to expend his divinity to cast a divine art. Using Xu Qing¡¯s name and the blood and hair items he had previously collected as an exclusive medium, he was able to divine Xu Qing¡¯s location.


    Unless Xu Qing kept using methods to conceal himself, his location would always be divined.


    As he looked at Xu Qing, Chu Tianqun¡¯s eyes were filled with dense malice and killing intent. He felt that the reason why Saintly Star was in such a miserable state in the end wasn¡¯t only because of his father but also because of Xu Qing.


    Most importantly, Xu Qing had killed his beloved son.


    This intense hatred had tormented his heart day and night. He smiled sinisterly at Xu Qing.


    When he thought about how he was about to take revenge for his beloved son and how he was about to cruelly torture and kill this damn Xu Qing, a sense of joy rose in his heart.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed as he stared at Chu Tianqun in front of him. He recognized him at a glance and also saw the golden light in his eyes and the divinity in the surroundings.


    Back then, Xu Qing didn¡¯t forget the powerful strength Saintly Star displayed as a god specimen. He continued to retreat, while circulating all the Heavenly Palaces in his body.


    Seeing that Xu Qing was about to escape, Chu Tianqun laughed loudly.


    ¡°You¡¯re just a Golden Core cultivator. Under the imprisonment of my divinity, where can you escape to?¡±


    As he spoke, Chu Tianqun waved his hands and circulated his cultivation base. An early-stage Nascent Soul fluctuation spread out violently from his body.


    The surroundings rumbled and the ground shook from the intense energy.


    He then pounced on Xu Qing like an eagle. Due to his speed, he instantly got close.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was grim. However, after sensing the other party¡¯s cultivation, he couldn¡¯t help but be stunned when he compared him to the Pawns in Area C.


    ¡°Early-stage Nascent Soul realm?¡±


    Xu Qing was puzzled but it instantly turned into vigilance. He felt that there was something wrong here. It was impossible for the other party to be only at the early-stage Nascent Soul realm.


    After all, back then, Saintly Star had displayed astonishing strength as a semi-finished god specimen. As the father of Saintly Star, Chu Tianqun was naturally stronger. In his memory, the other party had been at the peak of the Nascent Soul realm two years ago.


    Slowly, madness rose in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡®The Heavenly Dao Mosasaur can break through the shackles of this place but it will require time!¡¯


    ¡®Although I¡¯m not his match I can only go all out!¡¯


    The madness in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes became obvious. At this moment, he was very clear that he had to stake everything to stall for time. Hence, the instant Chu Tianqun rushed over, the qi and blood in Xu Qing¡¯s body churned. Eight Heavenly Palaces circulated madly and the Golden Crow rose. Even after forming the combat strength of nine palaces, his strength was still increasing.


    Finally, it stopped when he was infinitely close to the combat strength of ten palaces.


    Chu Tianqun got close.


    The two sides collided in mid-air.


    A shocking rumbling sound rang out. Amidst the intense rumbling, Xu Qing took a few steps back while Chu Tianqun also retreated. Disbelief appeared in his eyes.


    ¡®Still pretending!¡¯ Xu Qing was highly vigilant and completely revealed his trump card.


    The poison of the Third Heavenly Palace was released unprecedentedly from his body, crazily venting in all directions. Wherever it passed, the surrounding space instantly distorted.


    As the space was permeated by the power of the Poison Restriction, anomalous substances that belonged to Xu Qing were also born in this area. They formed an invasive power and combined with the power of the Poison Restriction, they killed everything.


    This scene caused Chu Tianqun¡¯s expression to change. He quickly performed a series of hand seals with both hands and golden light flashed in his eyes. The divinity fluctuations in his body spread out and resisted the invasion with all his might.


    ¡®Even at this point, he¡¯s still pretending!¡¯ Xu Qing¡¯s heart sank. He felt that the other party must be preparing some shocking method or was teasing him.


    A cold glint flashed in his eyes. He gritted his teeth and continued to use his full strength.


    The Golden Crow appeared behind him and dozens of tails swept out, causing flames to rise.


    The Golden Crow used all its strength and charged straight for Chu Tianqun!


    This wasn¡¯t the end. The black iron stick also flew out. The eyes of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor revealed a determination to die as he sensed Xu Qing¡¯s madness.


    He spared no expense in erupting endless red tribulation lightning that headed straight for Chu Tianqun.


    The shadow was also using all its strength.


    ¡°Die! Die! Die!!¡±


    All of this was like a violent storm, surging toward Chu Tianqun with absolute determination.


    Chu Tianqun¡¯s expression completely changed at this moment. He quickly performed a series of hand seals and used his divine abilities to defend. However, the poison in the surroundings was too strong and Xu Qing¡¯s methods were too many. In an instant, he had to retreat.


    ¡°That¡¯s not right. He¡¯s so strong but he is still retreating. He¡¯s going to unleash his trump card!¡±


    Xu Qing gritted his teeth and firmly clenched his right hand behind his back.. As he chanted inwardly, he suddenly slashed at Chu Tianqun, as though he was holding an invisible sword hilt.


    The resulting slash caused the world to shift colors, and the winds and clouds to churn with ferocity. The resplendent sword light, carrying with it an aura of unparalleled strength, surged toward Chu Tianqun with overwhelming force.


    From afar, the sword light in front of Xu Qing transformed into a magnificent sword, emanating a sovereign aura that was truly domineering. It was as though an emperor had descended, wielding his sword to vanquish evil and restore order to the world.


    This was the Emperor Sword!


    Before the Emperor Sword landed, the Purple Moon Heavenly Palace in Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled intensely. In an instant, the Purple Moon manifested in the pupils in his eyes and transformed into a beam of purple light that hit the face of Chu Tianqun.


    They gathered into the shape of a moon!


    Xu Qing was already prepared for the other party to use his trump card. At that moment, the veins on his forehead bulged and he waved his hands and pointed. Immediately, the power of the Purple Moon erupted on Chu Tianqun¡¯s face and the Emperor Sword landed at the same time.


    Chu Tianqun let out a mournful cry and his body rumbled as though it was about to collapse.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed and his body instantly turned blurry. He fused with the shadow in exchange for extreme physical strength.


    At that moment, his terrifying body that had surpassed ten palaces had a speed that was truly comparable to lightning. He rushed toward Chu Tianqun with his dagger and was ready to face his trump card.


    His dagger directly slit open Chu Tianqun¡¯s neck.


    In an instant, Chu Tianqun¡¯s head flew up and his tattered and tortured body fell to the ground.


    Xu Qing panted as he stood there warily. When he saw this scene, he was stunned.


    ¡°Dead?¡±

 Chapter 613 - 613 The Power of God, Infinite Resurrection!

    613 The Power of God, Infinite Resurrection!


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression darkened.


    There must be a reason for this abnormality. The reason why he attacked with all his might earlier was because the Heavenly Dao Mosasaur¡¯s warning earlier was extremely intense, to the point of causing his heart to skip a beat.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t think that such a life-and-death tribulation would pass so easily.


    He suddenly lifted his right hand. With a thought, the poison that filled the surroundings headed straight for Chu Tianqun¡¯s corpse. After it enveloped the head and body, Chu Tianqiong¡¯s corpse rotted at a rapid speed.


    After more than ten breaths, it completely turned into black water that sluiced into the sand.


    However, the space seals were still there.


    That sense of uneasiness didn¡¯t disappear.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was grim. With a sway of his body, he headed straight for the sky and attacked with all his might, trying to get away from this place. However, just as he was attacking, an intense sense of danger suddenly erupted in his mind.


    Xu Qing abruptly turned his head and looked at the ground.


    The area where Chu Tianqun had died earlier erupted with a golden light. This golden light distorted the void and changed the laws, as though it was affecting space-time. An unbelievable scene appeared.


    The time there¡­ actually reversed!


    Xu Qing personally saw the black water that had formed from Chu Tianqun¡¯s corpse rise into the air from the sand. After it fused together, it formed Chu Tianqun¡¯s corpse. After that, his head rolled back to the corpse.


    At the next moment, all the injuries on it disappeared. Its eyes also abruptly opened and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I underestimated you.¡± The revived Chu Tianqun¡¯s eyes were filled with golden light as he spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to have divine power too¡­¡± Chu Tianqun¡¯s body swayed. When he took a step forward, his cultivation base erupted. This time, he was no longer at the early-stage Nascent Soul realm but was at the mid-stage Nascent Soul realm.


    Although it was an increase of a small realm, Xu Qing knew that from the Foundation Building realm onwards, every small realm was actually like a large realm. The difference between them was extremely great and some could even instantly kill those that are two small realms below them.


    An intense sense of danger rose in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. He was extremely vigilant against this resurrection ability.


    This wasn¡¯t some spell or divine ability, nor was it a life substituting magic treasures. It gave Xu Qing the feeling that¡­ it contained the power of god!


    ¡°As a god specimen, I¡¯m different from the other test subjects. I¡¯m even more different from Yun¡¯er,¡± Chu Tianqun said calmly.


    ¡°My divine power is resurrection. Infinite resurrection.¡±


    Chu Tianqun looked at Xu Qing. In reality, if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the large bird, Qingqin, had inexplicably heavily injured him a few months ago, his cultivation would have been infinitely close to the peak of the Nascent Soul realm.


    Qingqin was a prehistoric mutant bird and even possessed divinity. It was an extremely high-level divine creature. Although its divine light couldn¡¯t obstruct his divine resurrection, the injuries it left behind and his cultivation base were still affected even after he resurrected.


    His recovery was extremely slow, and when he circulated his cultivation base greatly, the impact would be even greater.


    Looking at Xu Qing, Chu Tianqun narrowed his eyes, revealing a dark glint.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you all this, so¡­ what is your divine power?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say a word. Killing intent flashed in his eyes. Under the state of the shadow fusion, the extreme physical strength erupted again and headed straight for Chu Tianqun at an astonishing speed.


    He instantly got close.


    However, right now, Chu Tianqun¡¯s speed was much faster than before. With a step, he was 1000 feet away. His expression was calm as he raised his right hand and pressed it against the ground.


    ¡°The sword move Yun¡¯er displayed in the past was incomplete due to his cultivation. Since there¡¯s enough time, I¡¯ll let you see the secret technique of the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect¡­ the 12 Heaven and Earth Swords!¡±


    As his voice echoed, Chu Tianqun lifted his right hand that was pressing against the sand on the ground. As he lifted it, the desert land in the surroundings that was thousands of feet wide instantly trembled. It was as though an earth dragon was churning below.


    A vast amount of sand rose into the air and covered the sky, casting a dark, ominous shadow over the desert terrain below.


    After that, the sand in the air quickly coalesced into large swords that surrounded Chu Tianqun.


    There were a total of twelve of them.


    Every large sword was ten thousand feet long and emitted a terrifying sword force, causing the void to tremble and shatter. Killing intent swept through the world, causing the hot desert to feel cold.


    They slashed toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly. The feeling these 12 swords gave him completely surpassed the sword moves displayed by Saintly Star back then. Not only was their power much higher, but their essence was also different.


    He didn¡¯t have time to think too much. He was ready to dodge, but the 12 large swords attacked from different directions, blocking all escape routes and slashing him.


    Blood flowed out of the various injuries on his body. The canopies above his head shone with light, and the Infinite Crown also appeared. The enhancement of the Nether Spirit Blood Wings produced a wing on his back.


    As the wing flapped, Xu Qing¡¯s speed under the extreme physical state was enhanced even more. It was as though he could tear through the void and teleport.


    He instantly dodged and punched a large sword.


    The physical strength that surpassed ten Heavenly Palaces erupted violently. Even though these swords weren¡¯t ordinary, cracks still appeared when Xu Qing¡¯s fist landed on the sword.


    There were very few people in the world who had reached the extreme of the body like him.


    A strange glint appeared in Chu Tianqun¡¯s eyes as he lifted his right hand and pointed.


    ¡°Wind!¡±


    At the next instant, before Xu Qing could destroy the 12 large swords one by one, they disintegrated on their own, their fragments transforming into countless grains of sand that surrounded Xu Qing, forming a swirling storm that surged into the sky.


    From afar, the appearance of this storm was also in the shape of a sword.


    Its rotation speed was astonishing, and it formed a strangling force around Xu Qing, causing the wounds on his body to rapidly multiply as if countless sharp blades were slashing him.


    Seeing that he was in danger, Xu Qing leaped into the air. As the wing on his back flapped rapidly, he rushed to the end of the storm at this astonishing speed.


    Countless sand granules chased after him, but they were slower.


    Chu Tianqun frowned slightly and waved his right hand.


    ¡°Refine!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the sand changed its shape again. One by one, they shot out in all directions, covering an area of tens of thousands of feet. After they enveloped Xu Qing again, they suddenly contracted and transformed into a huge gourd sword!


    Xu Qing was enveloped by the gourd.


    The power of refinement erupted explosively from within. Wind and fire coiled around it and when it covered Xu Qing¡¯s figure, the cry of a Golden Crow rang out from the gourd.


    Immediately after, the Golden Crow¡¯s figure manifested and continued to expand. 1000 feet, 5000 feet, 10,000 feet, 30,000 feet¡­ Finally, it reached 50,000 feet.


    The gourd burst open. As the Golden Crow soared into the sky, Xu Qing, who had undid the shadow fusion, appeared on the Golden Crow¡¯s body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body was covered in blood, but his eyes blazed with a fierce determination. He resembled a savage beast, with his killing intent at its peak. With a single sway, the Golden Crow let out a deafening roar and stirred up a raging sea of flames, spanning thousands of feet. The flames surged towards Chu Tianqun.


    The power of the Poison Restriction erupted and rumbled over from all directions. As the dense anomalous substances permeated the air, the shadow appeared again, as well as the black iron stick.


    There was also the Emperor Sword that spat out from the Golden Crow¡¯s mouth, heading straight for Chu Tianqun.


    The rumbling sound was like heavenly lightning, directly exploding in this area.


    The ground quaked and the sky changed color. A golden light enveloped Chu Tianqun, spreading out fiercely like a barrier that protected him from the attack.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body shook and he spat out a mouthful of blood as he retreated.


    The Golden Crow let out a wail. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s body was about to dissipate and the shadow was much dimmer. The Emperor Sword also dimmed. However, the barrier formed by the golden light also fluctuated intensely and dense cracks appeared on it.


    The power of the Poison Restriction covered everything and under Xu Qing¡¯s control, it quickly entered through the gaps. In the blink of an eye, the golden barrier was completely turbid. Chu Tianqun frowned as his body started rotting again.


    Even though he had divinity and divine power, it was obvious that he couldn¡¯t avoid the poison. It was inevitable!


    ¡°You used this divine curse on Yun¡¯er back then, right¡­ After experiencing it personally, I can tell that it contains great terror!¡±


    ¡°However, it¡¯s a pity that you don¡¯t seem to have grasped it perfectly, and can only use its external power. Hence, the methods I prepared earlier can resist it!¡± Chu Tianqun looked deeply at Xu Qing and at the moment when the golden light collapsed, he performed a one-handed seal and pointed two fingers upwards while uttering a word.


    ¡°Calamity!¡±


    Immediately, the air above blurred and nine vortices appeared. As they rotated, a black coffin was revealed.


    There were a total of nine of them. They fell from the air and landed on the ground.


    They shattered into pieces and nine corpses walked out.


    The bodies of these nine corpses were badly mangled. The way each corpse died was different. One had died from drowning, one from burns, one¡¯s stomach was cut open and the internal organs were destroyed, one had bled to death, one¡¯s blood vessels had burst¡­


    Their bodies were in an extremely miserable state, as though they had endured endless torture when they were alive. After taking a closer look at their faces, it wasn¡¯t difficult to see that they were all Chu Tianqun.


    At the same time, countless souls grew on these nine badly mangled corpses.


    There were so many of them that it was shocking.


    Those souls were either weeping or wailing. Their voices spread in all directions.


    There were men, women, old, and young.


    These were the nine corpses formed by Chu Tianqun after he destroyed nine small human countries and refined all the humans there.


    After these nine corpses appeared, they turned their heads in unison and inhaled at Chu Tianqun. The Poison Restriction that had fused into Chu Tianqun¡¯s body actually all rolled back and was shared by them.


    ¡°Using the bloodline of the kins to fuse into the corpses and condense countless souls of the kins into the heads, coupled with my nine blessed corpses, it can form the calamity to share the divine curse.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, even I don¡¯t know how much I prepared to kill you.¡±


    Chu Tianqun looked at Xu Qing. After he calmly spoke, his right hand formed a seal and pointed two fingers upwards. His left hand formed a seal and pointed two fingers downwards, before pointing them at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Go!¡±


    The nine calamity corpses around him turned their heads and stared fixedly at Xu Qing. They transformed into nine afterimages, heading straight for Xu Qing!

 Chapter 614 - 614 Transforming Into a God

    614 Transforming Into a God


    Booming sounds spread.


    Xu Qing spat out a mouthful of blood and his expression was grim as he continuously retreated.


    He could only retreat!


    This was the first time he had seen his Poison Restriction¡¯s power being neutralized. Or rather, it was more appropriate to say it was delayed. When combined with infinite resurrection, this delay would extend to a certain extent.


    However, Xu Qing could sense that his poison¡­ was still there!


    Even if the other party reversed space-time and resurrected, the poison would still exist in the depths of his body. This was the terrifying aspect of his Poison Restriction.


    However, after being delayed, although the poison was terrifying, Xu Qing knew that if this continued, he might not have a chance to wait for the poison to erupt.


    These nine corpses had an undying body. Xu Qing¡¯s attacks had no effect on them. It was as though the souls on their bodies were enduring all of the attacks for them.


    This was also Chu Tianqun¡¯s method to delay the Dao of Poison.


    He transferred the poison in his body to the nine corpses and into countless souls.


    As for the countless souls, although they were wailing and weeping, Xu Qing felt that they were willing to do so.


    It was as though Chu Tianqun was their faith and their god!


    This, in fact, was one of the gods¡¯ abilities!


    The nine corpses possessed undying ability. Moreover, they were all at early-stage Nascent Soul realm. Xu Qing could fight one early-stage Nascent Soul, but nine of them together were a fatal danger.


    Seeing that it was getting more and more dangerous, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He still had two trump traps he hadn¡¯t used. However, these two trump cards were the most powerful when they were used for the first time. Especially the Ghost Emperor Mountain, he would only have one chance to manifest it.


    ¡°The key is the souls. It¡¯s useless to suppress these souls. Either destroy them or¡­ subdue them!¡±


    At the thought of this, determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He suddenly lifted his right hand and the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art instantly circulated. His right hand turned translucent and he stabbed his own chest.


    The cold hand penetrated his body and directly entered his sea of consciousness, reaching into the Fourth Heavenly Palace and grabbing the¡­ Purple Moon inside!


    He was using the power of the Purple Moon with the Heavenly Palace. Just like a small horse-drawn carriage, although this item came from the same source as Xu Qing, due to his limited strength, he could not unleash its strength completely.


    The only way to unleash its might was to take it out and use it directly.


    At that moment, as Xu Qing grabbed the Purple Moon, the veins on his forehead bulged and intense pain spread throughout his body. However, he didn¡¯t even frown. His gaze was still calm and filled with killing intent as he ruthlessly tugged.


    Immediately, his Fourth Heavenly Palace trembled. Xu Qing took out the Purple Moon with his right hand and lifted it high.


    In that instant, endless purple light erupted between his fingers, transforming into a vast sea of purple light that spread endlessly in all directions.


    In the Divine Realm, purple light was divine power, and the Purple Moon at its source was a god!


    As the purple light erupted, the expression of Chu Tianqun¡¯s main body changed drastically. His mind even rumbled as he cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°God¡¯s authority!¡±


    ¡°This is impossible!!¡±


    As he spoke, he spat out a large mouthful of golden blood and tears of blood flowed down his eyes. He seemed to be about to go blind. His body trembled violently and he couldn¡¯t help but want to cover his eyes and worship.


    At the same time, his body also distorted at this moment. All his flesh and blood seemed to have developed their own consciousness and were trying to separate from his body. However, he was a god specimen after all. His divine power suppressed the rebellion intensely and tried to maintain a balance.


    If even he was like this, there was no need to mention his calamity corpses.


    These corpses had gone blind and they knelt down one after another while letting out mournful cries. The anomalous substances in their bodies were incomparably dense, and they were about to mutate.


    As for the human souls on their bodies, they no longer wailed or weeped after being invaded. They seemed to have changed their faith as their expressions revealed unprecedented piety.


    One by one, they left the corpses¡¯ bodies and flew toward the Purple Moon in Xu Qing¡¯s right hand.


    Without the support of the souls, the nine corpses¡¯ bodies showed signs of collapsing.


    Chu Tianqun also couldn¡¯t continue to delay the power of the Poison Restriction. The poison in his body erupted and he rapidly rotted.


    Killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Just as he was about to continue, at the next instant, waves appeared in the sky and a huge sense of danger rose in his heart. This danger surpassed all his perceptions in the past. It was soul-stirring and carried an ominous feeling, as though it was a great terror.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed drastically.


    The Heavenly Dao Mosasaur in the sky also let out a mournful and hurried cry.


    Vaguely, it was as though an indescribable existence had sensed the aura of the Purple Moon. It seemed to be awakening and was searching.


    The color of the sky was faintly red at this moment.


    The image of the Red Moon and the terrifying god statue appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, as well as the sound of breathing he had heard on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    This was actually Xu Qing¡¯s greatest worry. He knew how he got this Purple Moon.


    At that moment, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. As the anxious voice of the Heavenly Dao Mosasaur rang out, he immediately placed the raised Purple Moon into the Heavenly Palace in his body. He also retracted the Poison Restriction Pill and used all his strength to hide the god power contained in it.


    After doing this, he headed straight for Chu Tianqun at an astonishing speed. In the blink of an eye, he got close and a dagger appeared in his right hand. He then slashed at Chu Tianqun¡¯s neck!


    However, at the next instant, a golden light erupted from Chu Tianqun¡¯s body and blocked Xu Qing¡¯s dagger, even rebounding the attack. Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and blood flowed out as he rapidly retreated.


    The instant he fled, Chu Tianqun, who was rotting, suddenly opened his eyes. After casting a deep glance at Xu Qing, he lifted his head and slapped his forehead.


    His head collapsed and he instantly died.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was ugly. As he retreated, he quickly looked at the sky.


    At that moment, the faint red light in the sky had already dissipated. The anxious voice of the Heavenly Dao Mosasaur was no longer there. This allowed Xu Qing to heave a sigh of relief. He knew that his Poison Restriction power had successfully concealed the Purple Moon¡¯s aura.


    He immediately flew into the sky and tried to tear open the seal here.


    Although the might of the seal here was astonishing, the Heavenly Dao Mosasaur¡¯s status was higher. Most of the seal had already disintegrated.


    However, Xu Qing was dissatisfied. He felt that the Heavenly Dao Mosasaur should be very powerful. Why was it taking so much time to break a seal?


    Even though this seal was prepared by Chu Tianqun with all his might and contained his divine power.


    It was still too slow.


    The mosasaur felt aggrieved.


    Xu Qing used his full strength to tear a gap in the seal. Just as he was about to teleport, his gaze passed through the gap and saw the external world. His heart sank and his movements paused.


    The external world¡­ wasn¡¯t the part of the desert as this place!


    Outside the seal was a world filled with fog and smoke.


    The mosasaur let out a cry as though it was explaining, as though it was telling Xu Qing that this wasn¡¯t its home ground.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°You really tore it open. Unfortunately¡­ I¡¯ve already taken precautions. Do you really think this is still the Wanggu Continent?¡±


    ¡°This is the Smoke World that is completely refined and controlled by the Smoke Race. It¡¯s not a small world but the remaining fragment of an ancient great world that was only inferior to the Wanggu Continent.¡±


    ¡°This is a supreme treasure that surpasses Taboo magic treasures!¡±


    ¡°I traded a hundred drops of divine blood for a chance to open it. Either I die or you die. Only one of us can leave alive today.¡±


    On the ground, as time reversed, Chu Tianqun¡¯s figure reappeared and returned to normal. However, there were some areas on his face that were still in a rotting state.


    There were also some parts that emitted purple light.


    That was caused by Xu Qing¡¯s divine power. Even if he resurrected, he wouldn¡¯t be able to erase it.


    Due to this, Chu Tianqun looked very sinister right now.


    Xu Qing stood in the air and looked at Chu Tianqun.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    Xu Qing headed straight for Chu Tianqun.


    ¡°Kill me?¡± Chu Tianqun laughed sinisterly. He sat down cross-legged and performed a series of hand seals with both hands. Immediately, golden light appeared in the surroundings and enveloped his body. Golden light erupted from his eyes as well and his entire body turned golden at this moment.


    Even his hair turned golden.


    An intense feeling of holiness erupted from his body. His expression was no longer sinister but indifferent. It was as though his life level had increased, causing all emotions to be redundant.


    In this indifference, he closed his eyes and ignored Xu Qing who was rushing over. Waves of murmurs rang out like scriptures.


    ¡°Follow the path of darkness, from the first stage of the Underworld Divine Transcendence to the Spirit Darklight¡­¡±


    As soon as the voice rang out, this imprisoned world shook intensely.


    This wasn¡¯t a scripture, this was the mumbling of a god!


    Chu Tianqun himself was a god specimen, so he used his divine power to simulate the murmurs he heard and transmitted them to the world.


    The surroundings distorted and became blurry. Endless anomalous substances rose in the entire area, invading and mutating everything. In fact, the mutated beasts even started to appear from nothing in the surroundings.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind trembled intensely. His body was also affected and anomalous substances that didn¡¯t belong to him appeared.


    ¡°Darkness, Light, Essence, Morals,¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell from the sky. His eyes were red as he lifted his head and stared at the mumbling Chu Tianqun. The other party¡¯s figure was a blur in his eyes and was overlapped by countless images. Vaguely, it seemed as if a shape of an indescribable god was emerging and transforming before his eyes.


    His mind was extremely chaotic at this moment. His breathing was hurried and his body was a little out of control. The other party¡¯s murmurs seemed to have materialized and were everywhere in his sea of consciousness, mind, magic power, and flesh and blood.


    The pain of being torn apart spread from his entire body.


    The scene of him seeing the god¡¯s eye in the ghost cave under the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar appeared once again.

 Chapter 615 - 615 The Box in the Heart

    615 The Box in the Heart


    However, this time was different from the ghost cave!


    Back then, in the ghost cave, Xu Qing had seen a true god. After the other party opened Its eyes, the invasion formed affected all existences in the ghost cave.


    That might was irresistible, unbearable, and unfathomable.


    In fact, it wasn¡¯t just his body that was disintegrating back then. Even the magic power in his body and the thoughts that surfaced in his mind seemed to be disintegrating and turned into individual entities.


    He had felt that his everything was about to collapse.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the appearance of the centipede woman, he would probably have faced an unimaginable crisis at that time. Even if he relied on himself to barely wait until the singing voice from the pentagon wooden hut rang out to comfort the god, the delay would have caused him to suffer immense damage.


    Even if he didn¡¯t die, he would mutate into a lifeform like the deviant ghosts in the ghost cave.


    Although the situation right now was similar, the difference was like heaven and earth.


    Although Chu Tianqun¡¯s murmurs used his divine body as a medium to simulate the murmurs of the gods, at the end of the day, this wasn¡¯t the descent of a true god. It was just an imitation.


    Even though the god¡¯s image had appeared behind him, it was intrinsically different from everything Xu Qing had experienced in the ghost cave.


    Moreover, the current Xu Qing was also different from back then in the ghost cave.


    Xu Qing jerked his head upward, his eyes appearing bloodshot and glimmering with an unusual intensity.


    He fixed his gaze on Chu Tianqun, who sat cross-legged and enveloped in a radiant golden glow. Despite the countless fleshy tendrils sprouting from his body as the world around him warped and contorted, he paid them no heed and allowed them to grow unchecked.


    It wasn¡¯t that he was without means to resist Chu Tianqun¡¯s divine power.


    Regardless of whether it was the Heavenly Dao Mosasaur, the Ghost Emperor Mountain, or the sound-catching bottle that contained the sound of a woman singing, they were all methods that could be effective.


    The power of the Poison Restriction and the Purple Moon could also allow him to resist the mutters.


    However, killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. What he wanted to do wasn¡¯t to resist but suppress!


    Using divine power to suppress divine power!


    Xu Qing wanted to give it a try.


    This was because Chu Tianqun¡¯s use of the god¡¯s power gave him inspiration.


    ¡®Can I do it too?¡¯


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly.


    Being in this Smoke Race¡¯s fragmented world seemed dangerous but it was also an opportunity. At the very least, this place was relatively hidden.


    ¡®In that case, if I don¡¯t use much, coupled with the concealment of the Poison Restriction and this world fragment¡­¡¯ Determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he looked at the crack in the sky.


    The moment he had the thought, even the sky was affected by Chu Tianqun¡¯s muttering. The Heavenly Dao Mosasaur, which could clearly still move freely, suddenly swung its tail and slammed the crack.


    The gap that Xu Qing had torn open earlier instantly blurred and closed again, returning to its original confined state.


    Immediately after, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on Chu Tianqun. The Third and Fourth Heavenly Palaces in his body circulated at the same time.


    The mysterious Poison Restriction from the Divine Realm instantly spread in Xu Qing¡¯s body. The instant it filled all his flesh and blood, the fleshy tendrils on his body immediately rotted and turned into black blood that flowed down.


    The sounds that entered his body were also killed by the poison. All resistance was neutralized and all separation was erased.


    After that, the Poison Restriction spread out of his body and fused into the surrounding void, causing even more chaotic distortions and blurriness to appear in his surroundings.


    The anomalous substances that belonged to him formed by the power of his Poison Restriction also grew at this moment. They continued to circle around Xu Qing as the center, as though Xu Qing had become a lifeform with the characteristics of a god.


    It wasn¡¯t over yet. The next moment, the purple moon inside Xu Qing¡¯s body suddenly spread out, turning his flesh and blood purple. In the end, his whole body became purple.


    The purple light emitted by his body affected the external world, causing the surrounding area to instantly be filled with resplendent purple light.


    Under the envelopment of this purple light, another type of anomalous substance that belonged to Xu Qing was born.


    It was formed by the Purple Moon. After it invaded all things, it would use Xu Qing as the source.


    At that moment, they rapidly entangled with the anomalous substances of the Poison Restriction and circled Xu Qing together. They continued to spin and in the blink of an eye, they formed a storm that connected to the sky and swept in all directions with rumbling sounds.


    One could faintly see an illusory Purple Moon in the storm.


    That was formed from the god¡¯s authority and true divine power.


    Behind the Purple Moon was a pair of black eyes that couldn¡¯t be dyed by the purple light.


    This pair of eyes contained endless poison and infinite restrictions.


    Two different divine powers erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s body. They didn¡¯t fuse or overlap. Instead, they resisted and coexisted at the same time.


    They were emitting Their divine might at this moment!


    As this divine might permeated the air, an indifferent expression appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s face. His body emitted a supreme dignity and his life status started rising intensely!


    Finally, with the enhancement of the two god authorities, it reached an astonishing level. It was as though¡­ Xu Qing had become an embryonic and incomplete new god.


    The shadow trembled and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor shivered. They immediately knelt in front of Xu Qing. Compared to the reverence of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, the shadow emitted incomparable fanaticism and piety.


    Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes. A golden light spread out from his eyes and finally enveloped his entire body. He seemed to be filled with holiness.


    ¡°Shadow Prisoner¡¯s Restriction, Devil¡¯s Decree, immortal art breaks the spirit, heaven and earth is my fate.¡±


    Xu Qing had asked the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to fabricate this incantation to hide the shadow fusion secret technique. At this moment, he didn¡¯t have any special meaning when he chanted it and only spoke casually.


    However, it caused the shadow to be stunned and even more excited.


    Moreover, the tone of the sentence that came out of Xu Qing¡¯s mouth felt ambiguous. It was as though every word was enhanced by countless pieces of information that contained other meanings. When it spread, the world seemed to change.


    Everything here distorted endlessly. All the changes from the god¡¯s murmurs formed again through Xu Qing¡¯s words.


    The ground quaked and all the sand began to collapse. Countless phenomena appeared around Xu Qing and roars that seemed to have come from bygone eras rang out mournfully.


    Following that, the ground shattered and blurry flesh tentacles rose. The appearance of the entire world changed drastically, filled with bizarre entities and unknownness.


    Everything was invaded and everything was in chaos. The world swayed and distorted strangely.


    The source of all this was none other than Xu Qing.


    Under the enhancement of the two divine powers, although he was incomplete and only in the embryonic stage, his life status had indeed reached an unbelievable level in this instant.


    Hence, to a certain extent, his voice was the god¡¯s voice.


    Chu Tianqun was only simulating, but Xu Qing wasn¡¯t. In essence, his voice was a true murmur!


    Although it wasn¡¯t as strong as the other gods, it was enough to suppress Chu Tianqun.


    Chu Tianqun¡¯s murmurs instantly became ¡®chaotic¡¯. From being incomprehensible previously, it became understandable.


    ¡°Godhead follows the underworld, the underworld surpasses the spirit¡­ sun¡¯s virtue and moon¡¯s essence¡­¡±


    As his chest heaved, he opened his eyes and looked at Xu Qing in horror. Just as he was about to continue speaking, the golden light outside his body collapsed.


    As it collapsed, countless mutations erupted on his body.


    His body began to disintegrate and his thoughts were becoming independent. Everything about him severely mutated when Xu Qing spoke. The murmurs from his mouth turned into mournful cries.


    In this crucial moment, Chu Tianqun drove his right hand into his own eye. As he plunged downward, his eyeball burst apart and a torrent of golden blood erupted in a mist that rapidly expanded, countering the divine voice emanating from Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t feeling good either. The power he erupted with at this moment wasn¡¯t something his body could withstand. As his voice rang out, his body also began to collapse.


    However, this attempt allowed Xu Qing to clearly realize that the two types of god power in his body had more possibilities to be developed, but at the same time, they also posed an extreme danger.


    Unless he became stronger, he would die if he wasn¡¯t careful when using them.


    After suppressing Chu Tianqun¡¯s mutters, he immediately withdrew the Poison Restriction and Purple Moon.


    The storm dissipated and the world returned to normal.


    Meanwhile, as the golden blood continued to spread, Chu Tianqun let out a piercing, mournful cry, yet he persevered and managed to subdue his mutation. In that moment, his countenance twisted into a malevolent scowl as he soared into the heavens, bellowing out a defiant roar.


    ¡°You¡¯re clearly a cultivator! You¡¯re clearly a cultivator!¡±


    ¡°How can this be? How can you suppress me!!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it!¡±


    Chu Tianqun¡¯s face was covered in golden blood, his features contorted and twisted with madness. With his sole remaining eye fixed intently upon Xu Qing below, he raised his right hand and drove it straight through his own chest. Clutching his beating heart firmly in his grasp, he wrenched it from his body.


    Blood spurted out as he crushed the beating golden heart in his hand.


    Flesh and blood scattered everywhere as a box appeared in the heart!


    If Old Master Seventh was here, he would be able to recognize at a glance that this item was very similar to the box Crown Prince Purple Green held that day. However, upon closer inspection, there were some differences. They weren¡¯t the same and this one seemed to be much cruder.


    As Chu Tianqun crushed the box, a beam of light shot out.


    It was the gaze of a god!


    The instant he sensed this light, Xu Qing¡¯s heart shook violently. The Poison Restriction and Purple Moon in his body actually showed signs of being suppressed at this instant.


    This light didn¡¯t shoot in all directions. It materialized and fused into Chu Tianqun¡¯s right hand, causing his palm to be extremely resplendent. He lifted it and pressed it toward Xu Qing, letting out a low shout.


    ¡°Divine technique, future, stay not!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. He knew very well that the god specimens grasped mysterious and unfathomable techniques. For example, Saintly Star had used an astonishing technique back then. Although he failed in the end, it left an extremely deep impression on Xu Qing.


    The instant Chu Tianqun spoke, Xu Qing immediately sensed the changes in his surroundings.


    Images appeared around him. There were hundreds and thousands of these scenes, and his figure was reflected in each of them.


    Some meditated peacefully, some ran in panic, some died, and some wailed endlessly¡­


    There were countless scenes.


    Those¡­ were all Xu Qing¡¯s future in the next moment.


    These images overlapped and turned into an picture book. As Chu Tianqun waved, the pages of the picture book rapidly flipped.


    He wanted to find a scene of Xu Qing¡¯s death and capture it from the changing future, turning it into reality.


    This was a divine technique.


    Xu Qing had experienced a similar scene when he faced Saintly Star back then.


    At that time, the solution was to interfere with the future and control fate again.


    But Saintly Star had been an unfinished product, and his divine technique was far from perfected. Moreover, there had been no such box to aid in his battle.


    Now, however, Chu Tianqun had clearly given it his all. The appearance of the box and the gaze from within fused into his palm, causing great waves to surge in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Yet, there were two sides to every coin. To Xu Qing, personally experiencing such a terrifying and relatively complete divine technique could be considered a gain to a certain extent.


    At least at this moment, his perception of this divine technique was even more comprehensive than before. At this moment, countless information appeared in his mind.

 Chapter 616 - 616 The Ghost Emperor Descends!

    616 The Ghost Emperor Descends!


    It wasn¡¯t that he wanted to receive this information, but when he saw that light and the divine technique, it automatically appeared in his mind, as though they were contained in the god¡¯s light and technique.


    The passive acquisition caused Xu Qing¡¯s veins to swell continuously. Waves of piercing pain rang out in his mind. His eyes turned bloodshot, even bulging as though they were about to explode.


    While enduring this pain, as the information in his mind surfaced, he suddenly understood some phenomena in this world.


    In the eyes of the god, the life of every living being was an incomparably clear picture book.


    When It saw you, the countless images formed by your past and future overlapped and fused with each other, changing each other.


    Every action, even taking an extra step forward, moving faster for a moment, or stopping for a moment, could affect the future and become variables that produced different branches.


    Therefore, the future scenes were countless and varied. They gathered into a vast river that overlapped into a picture book of life.


    This picture book was very heavy. Mortals naturally couldn¡¯t sense or withstand it. Even cultivators could only see a portion of it when their cultivation bases reached a certain level.


    Only when they reached the peak would they be able to see it more completely.


    This was because after the complete picture book was seen, the information in that instant was not something that could be withstood by those with ordinary life status. Moreover, this was only information from an individual picture book.


    If one looked at all the living beings in the world and the world itself, its ¡®weight¡¯ would reach an unimaginable level.


    The amount of information that could erupt in an instant would cause varying degrees of destruction according to the cultivation of the recipient.


    This was one of the reasons why you couldn¡¯t look directly at the gods.


    This was because there was also a picture book like this on the god¡¯s body. It not only contained the future but also a lot of indescribable information.


    There were more of them and they were heavier.


    Hence, sometimes, perhaps the god didn¡¯t have the intention of killing mortal beings. When these beings looked at It, they would passively receive endless information. If they couldn¡¯t withstand the information, their body would either mutate or they would perish on the spot.


    Only the fragmented-face of the god in the sky was different.


    When the face closed Its eyes, living beings could look at It.


    Only when It opened Its eyes would everything erupt.


    Compared to other gods, this seemed to be a manifestation of weakness. However, the invasion of the face was the most impactful among the gods, enveloping the entire Wanggu Continent and invading everything.


    It was as though even the other gods were within the range of Its invasion. This was because the place It looked at three times would be called the Divine Realm.


    It was very contradictory.


    It couldn¡¯t be explained.


    He strongly sensed the terror of the hand that had fused with the light.


    That was a completely different god¡¯s authority from the Poison Restriction and the Purple Moon. Moreover, it was purer.


    The feeling of life-and-death crisis couldn¡¯t help but erupt in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. He immediately circulated the Poison Restriction Pill and the power of the Purple Moon in his body to resist this terrifying divine technique.


    Gradually, the images of the future around him became blurry and showed signs of dimming.


    The speed of the flipping of the pages also decreased.


    However, it didn¡¯t go away. The two sides were in a stalemate.


    When Chu Tianqun saw this scene, his expression became even more sinister.


    In order to kill Xu Qing, he had staked everything and used the core source of his body.


    The gaze in the box was the core of this god specimen body. The modification of his body was also due to the box.


    In fact, according to the information he had in his mind, although the modification method of the other four specimens, including his son, was similar, they had no such box in their hearts.


    Only he had it. This was also the reason why he could retain his consciousness.


    The eruption of the origin would severely affect his resurrection ability.


    However, he no longer cared about this. What he cared about was that the countless future images formed by the divine technique he had paid such a price to cast were actually starting to blur.


    Not only that, but even flipping the pages became more and more strenuous. All of this was what he cared about the most. At that moment, the madness in his eyes became even more intense.


    He couldn¡¯t accept such an outcome, so he opened his mouth and took a deep breath.


    Under this suction, his body below the waist instantly withered. He lost all his flesh and blood and all his bones melted. In an instant, his lower body turned into ashes.


    As it dissipated, the divine power source contained in it flowed back to Chu Tianqun¡¯s upper body and finally gathered at his throat, becoming a second light. It shot out of his mouth and fused into his right hand that was using the divine technique.


    The light on his right hand increased greatly. At the same time, it erupted with an unprecedented vast divine might, causing the entire world to dim. Only his hand was left as the only source of light.


    The world blurred and distorted. Chu Tianqun lifted his hand and grabbed at Xu Qing again.


    ¡°Die! Die! Die!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s body, which had just stabilized, trembled intensely again.


    The countless images in the surroundings also became clear again.


    Chu Tianqun¡¯s expression revealed deep hatred and madness. He let out a low shout and quickly waved his right hand, rapidly sweeping across the images around Xu Qing.


    He kept searching for the one he wanted the most.


    Xu Qing¡¯s pupils contracted. His internal organs, every inch of flesh, blood, bones, and even his soul emitted an indescribable intense pain.


    It was as though a red soldering iron had pierced into his stomach and was stirring maliciously.


    His face turned pale due to the massive loss of blood, and he staggered back.


    The feeling of death enveloped his life. At the same time, he saw that in the images around him, there was a picture that was becoming clearer and clearer from the countless futures, as though it was about to be extracted.


    That scene was of his body collapsing and all his resistance failing. In the end, only his head was left and he died here. Chu Tianqun carried his head and went to the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain.


    There was a grave there. He placed the head in front of the grave to offer sacrifice.


    The words in front of the gravestone were clearly visible.


    That was Saintly Star¡¯s tomb.


    In this future, there were a series of different follow-up branches; Chu Tianqun dying in the hands of Zi Xuan, Xue Lianzi, his master, or dying due to his body collapsing by itself. There was even one branch where he died in the hands of Crown Prince Purple Green.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were bloodshot. The gaze from the box the other party had crushed was vast and divine. In addition, Chu Tianqun was clearly risking his all.


    He had clearly formed a killing trap. As for the way to resolve this situation, the most direct solution Xu Qing could think of now was to suppress his future and make it impossible for the other party to change the images.


    ¡®Since the Poison Restriction and Purple Moon aren¡¯t enough, what if I bring out the phantom of Soul Accumulation that shoulders two large worlds. Let¡¯s see how you affect my future!¡¯


    Xu Qing gritted his teeth and lifted his right hand. Immediately, 30 Great Void World¡¯s demon transformation runes appeared in front of him.


    Amidst their rapid burning, a huge mountain peak manifested behind Xu Qing.


    At first, this mountain peak was still blurry, but as the 30 demon transformation runes burned, it became clearer rapidly.


    The instant it covered and replaced Xu Qing¡¯s figure, the mountain transformed into a human figure sitting cross-legged and meditating!


    The figure wore pitch-black armor and held a large blade in its hand. In front of its knees was the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, and it carried two large worlds on its shoulders.


    Every inch of armor on his body contained the power of destruction, and the large blade seemed to be able to cut through the world.


    Endless ferocity spread out from his body, transforming into astonishing fluctuations that carried cruelty, madness, and anger toward the world.


    The world shook, the desert shattered, and cracks appeared in the void.


    It was the Ghost Emperor who looked 80% similar to Xu Qing!


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure had completely disappeared. After he completely fused with the Ghost Emperor, the Ghost Emperor Mountain rose into the air. His eyes suddenly opened and he looked at Chu Tianqun below.


    His eyes were like the sun and moon, emitting a resplendent light that illuminated this world. It caused monstrous waves in Chu Tianqun¡¯s mind and he let out a cry of disbelief.


    ¡°Wha¡­ what¡­¡±


    ¡°Is this a f*cking Golden Core?¡±


    Even though Chu Tianqun was in a crazed state, he was still completely shaken awake by this scene. He never expected Xu Qing to have so many terrifying things on him.


    ¡°Two god authoritiesa?| and a phantom of the two worlds Soul Accumulation. Is this the Ghost Emperor?!¡±


    As Chu Tianqun¡¯s mind rumbled, the Ghost Emperor landed toward the ground and Chu Tianqun!


    Instantly, a dominating aura erupted from him and swept across the world. As he descended, the earth shattered into countless pieces and scattered around. Chu Tianqun spurted out a mouthful of blood and let out a miserable scream as his broken body plummeted rapidly.


    As the Ghost Emperor descended and Chu Tianqun¡¯s blood spilled forth, the countless images of the future that had surrounded Xu Qing began to fade. First, they grew blurry, then indistinct, until they ultimately dissipated altogether.


    Instantly, the entire fragmented world swayed. Chu Tianqun laughed bitterly and looked at the earth-shattering figure that was continuously falling from above. He then looked at Xu Qing¡¯s body that vaguely existed in the depths and let out a despairing cry.


    ¡°Using two god authorities and the phantom of the Ghost Emperor to suppress the futurea?| what a big move!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, if I can¡¯t sever your future, then what of your past? I will erase your past and ensure you are forgotten by this world!¡±


    As Chu Tianqun roared, half of his already broken body withered and turned into ashes. He could sense that if he continued to use his divine power source like this, his endless resurrection ability would dissipate. However, he was already determined to kill Xu Qing no matter the price.


    The divine light fused into his hand and he pointed up fiercely.


    ¡°Divine technique, the past, leave blank!¡±

 Chapter 617 - 617 What Did I See... (1)

    617 What Did I See¡­ (1)


    The future existed in imagination, while the past existed in memories.


    Then, when all traces of a person in this world were erased, his relatives and friends would all choose to forget. It was like he had never appeared in their lives.


    It was as though he was a blank in their memories.


    Did he really exist at this moment?


    Perhaps he was, but no one knew, no one remembered, and everything was forgotten.


    However, it was also possible that if those memories were all a blank, he would really dissipate into nothingness. There would be no name, no past, and no future.


    This was another ability of the god, the ability to target the past.


    Forget.


    As Chu Tianqun expended his origin power to increase his divine power again, the operation of this fragment of the ancient great world seemed to have stopped and turned still.


    At the same time, Chu Tianqun¡¯s body and the figure of the Ghost Emperor Mountain that landed on his head were also frozen.


    The entire world was silent and frozen. Only Chu Tianqun¡¯s divine soul that was surrounded by divine light flew out of his forehead, becoming the only existence in the world that could move.


    He lifted his head and looked around with reverence.


    ¡°This¡­ Is this leaving blank?¡±


    Chu Tianqun mumbled. This was also the first time that he had used such an extreme divine art. In his eyes, this world was different from reality.


    The sky didn¡¯t exist, nor did the ground. Everything was gone.


    It was as though everything he had seen earlier was fake.


    There was only a ball of fog floating in the void. That was¡­ the place Xu Qing was at earlier.


    Looking at the fog, Chu Tianqun knew that that was the place he was going to. As long as he could close the door of memories of everyone who remembered Xu Qing in that fog, this divine technique would succeed.


    Without any hesitation, Chu Tianqun¡¯s soul swayed and headed straight for the fog, entering and sinking deep into it.


    In this endless fog, countless doors appeared in front of Chu Tianqun. These doors were of various sizes, some were round, some were square, and some had strange shapes. Some were new and some were ancient, and the materials were different.


    They were densely packed together, forming a passageway.


    ¡°It¡¯s here!¡± Chu Tianqun waved his hand. Immediately, the divine light on his soul erupted, forming seals that quickly imprinted themselves on the doors in front of him.


    Every gate represented a living being¡¯s memories of Xu Qing.


    In this continuous blurriness, Chu Tianqun¡¯s soul moved extremely fast in the passage and the divine light spread out in all directions, sealing the surrounding doors one after another.


    Seeing that everything was going smoothly, Chu Tianqun¡¯s eyes revealed excitement.


    However, at this moment, among the many doors, there was a circular door. As Chu Tianqun¡¯s divine light sealed it, it didn¡¯t blur at all. Instead, after it was touched by the divine light, it silently opened.


    A blood-colored eye suddenly appeared behind the door and stared fixedly at Chu Tianqun.


    With this glance, the entire passageway distorted and the power of a god erupted. Chu Tianqun¡¯s divine soul let out a blood-curdling scream. At the critical moment, his divine soul¡¯s right hand exploded, forming a resplendent divine light to block the power of the glance. After that, he quickly flew out of this range.


    When he reached a safe place, there were still palpitations in his eyes.


    He knew that that eye¡­ was a god.


    This was also the reason why he didn¡¯t activate this divine technique leave blank until the final moment.


    The range of this technique was very large. Some people might easily choose to forget the memories, but some people weren¡¯t willing to forget it. The latter¡­ would become an obstacle for Chu Tianqun.


    At the same time, this would easily attract the attention of the external world, causing a huge variable in this killing trap.


    In addition, it was also possible that he would attract an earth-shattering calamity. After all, his understanding of Xu Qing wasn¡¯t little. If he encountered a terrifying existence, it would cause an intense backlash to him.


    He could only hope that his god power could influence the terrifying existences who remembered Xu Qing, even if for a short time.


    What he needed wasn¡¯t eternal forgetting. He only needed no one to remember Xu Qing for a moment when the world was still.


    At that moment, he could truly kill Xu Qing here.


    ¡°Xu Qing has divine techniques, so it makes sense that there are gods in his memories. Fortunately, my divine light¡­ can help me offset it.¡±


    ¡°And I don¡¯t need to seal all the doors. As long as there aren¡¯t more than ten unsealed doors, I can heavily injure him the moment I complete the divine technique.¡±


    Chu Tianqun¡¯s expression revealed determination. With a sway, he continued to rush forward and once again emitted divine light to seal the surrounding doors. When he sealed the 30th door, another door opened loudly.


    The sound of chewing rang out from within.


    This sound was like a nightmare. Those who heard it couldn¡¯t help but go crazy, as though their bodies were being devoured. Chu Tianqun let out a tragic cry and instantly self-destructed one of his legs, transforming into divine light to block the attack.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. He has two god authorities, so it¡¯s normal for him to have memory doors of two gods!¡±


    Chu Tianqun shivered a little but he still continued forward. However¡­ behind the 50th door, a blood-colored gate suddenly opened.

 Chapter 618 - 618 What Did I See... (2)

    618 What Did I See¡­ (2)


    Endless redness erupted from the gate.


    ¡°How can there be more!!¡±


    Chu Tianqun was horrified. His other leg also exploded, and waves of emotions surged in his mind. Just as he was hesitating about whether he should continue forward, a crack above him instantly opened like a door.


    The moment the sound of breathing rang out from the crack, Chu Tianqun¡¯s soul let out a rumbling sound. His eyes widened as he saw an unimaginably huge humanoid figure in the crack. The pressure emitted by its body caused him to scream again and he had no choice but to explode his last arm to block it.


    ¡°Heaven¡­ Heavenly Dao!¡±


    At that moment, only half of Chu Tianqun¡¯s soul body was left, and he didn¡¯t have any limbs. He looked at this passageway in horror. Right now, he had only walked less than 10% of the path.


    There were still endless doors left.


    He couldn¡¯t see the details clearly but he could vaguely see a huge chair in the depths.


    ¡°Why is there a chair?!¡±


    Chu Tianqun trembled. He didn¡¯t dare to continue forward.


    ¡°There¡¯s something wrong with this Xu Qing. There¡¯s something wrong with him!!¡±


    Just as Chu Tianqun¡¯s mind stirred, a door in front of him actually opened on its own. A large badly mangled hand stretched out, carrying with it blurriness and distortions.


    Chu Tianqun let out a blood-curdling scream and continued to self-destruct his body parts to evade the hand. The situation was developing in a direction that was far beyond his expectations.


    At this moment, banging sounds rang out from countless doors in the passageway in front of him. That was¡­ the sound of the doors being bombarded from inside!


    It was as though the terrifying existences behind those doors had smelled the sweetness and went crazy, wanting to break through the doors.


    ¡°Wha¡­ what¡­¡±


    Chu Tianqun¡¯s soul shook and he abruptly turned around to escape.


    However, he was still a step too late. Countless doors¡­ opened in unison.


    A mournful cry rang out from Chu Tianqun¡¯s soul and he instantly self-destructed!


    At the next instant, Chu Tianqun returned to reality. As he let out a despairing cry, half of his body directly collapsed. Even the divine light couldn¡¯t stop the collapse and only his head was left on the ground.


    His expression was filled with horror, shock, and disbelief.


    With his return, the world restored its operation.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body shook in the air and also recovered. His expression instantly darkened. He didn¡¯t know what had happened. At that moment, as he looked at Chu Tianqun, who was only left with a head amidst his screams, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He controlled the Ghost Emperor Mountain to speed up the suppression toward Chu Tianqun. As the Ghost Emperor Mountain descended, Chu Tianqun laughed bitterly.


    ¡°Can¡¯t resist, can¡¯t defeat¡­¡± Chu Tianqun¡¯s vision was already blurry. Amidst this bitter laughter, he suddenly spoke loudly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, do you know that I¡¯m actually¡­ just a container? If It appears, you¡¯ll still die.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. The Ghost Emperor Mountain rumbled and was about to press down. However, at that moment, the forehead of Chu Tianqun¡¯s withered head suddenly tore open and a translucent hand that didn¡¯t belong to him slowly stretched out.


    This hand was snow-white with no hair at all. It was as though it was made of white jade and was filled with holiness and bizarreness. When these two contradictions fused together, it caused the whole world to shake.


    The hand waved gently at Xu Qing three times, stirring up three wisps of wind.


    ¡°Divine technique, present life, long-cherished wish!¡±


    A calm and unfamiliar voice with supreme might echoed from between Chu Tianqun¡¯s brows. After these three gentle waves, the hand turned into ashes and dissipated.


    Chu Tianqun¡¯s head tilted to the side, on the verge of death.


    The three wisps of wind erupted with an indescribable might!


    The first wisp of wind silently touched Xu Qing¡¯s Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    The Ghost Emperor Mountain rumbled. The consumption of transformation increased sharply at this instant. In just a breath of time, the power of the demon transformation runes dissipated completely and the Ghost Emperor disappeared, revealing Xu Qing, who was sitting cross-legged inside.


    The second wisp of wind blew over.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and the Poison Restriction and Purple Moon in his body instantly slowed down. As this wind permeated the air, his body lost all color and turned black and white.


    It wasn¡¯t just him. The colors in the surroundings also faded at this instant, turning black and white.


    It was as though they had become an ink painting.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body also fused into the painting at this moment, becoming a person in the painting.


    An intense life-and-death crisis erupted in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. That feeling of fear and trepidation allowed him to clearly sense the descent of death.


    After his body became a person in the painting, it rapidly withered. In the blink of an eye, he was only skin and bones and his life force began to dim.


    Right now, he could not transform into the Ghost Emperor Mountain. The Poison Restriction and Purple Moon were delayed, and his life lanterns and everything else also became a part of this painting. Only the Heavenly Dao Mosasaur in the sky was able to barely move. It transformed into a saber and slashed down.


    However, it was still young and didn¡¯t have enough strength. It let out a blood-curdling scream and retreated.


    The third wisp of wind directly landed on the painting figure that Xu Qing had become.


    It was as though water had been poured on a painting, gradually turning into inky liquid and slowly blurring the painting.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body stiffened and his mind became sluggish. As he lowered his head with difficulty, he saw his body melting.


    The life substitution jade slip his master had given him back then shattered, but it still couldn¡¯t stop his body from turning into ink. The feeling of death enveloped Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    He had used up all his methods. This battle didn¡¯t look tragic but in reality, the might of divine techniques was fully displayed. Life and death were extremely fragile under divine abilities of this level.


    In reality, being able to fight the other party until now and make him perish together already showed Xu Qing¡¯s foundation.


    ¡°Am I going to die?¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly and his consciousness gradually blurred. However, just as more than half of the body in the painting became blurry and rapidly dissipated, a wisp of golden light suddenly emitted from his right wrist in the black-and-white painting.


    This golden light continued to shine and grew increasingly intense.


    Originally, it would just remain hidden. However, in this black-and-white painting, its color was clearly highlighted and it became a third color.


    As it appeared, the entire painting shook. This golden light rapidly spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s right hand and covered his entire body in the blink of an eye, helping him withstand the third wisp of wind at the most critical moment.


    As the golden light faded, the painting containing Xu Qing shattered, and his emaciated form tumbled to the ground. Upon hitting the ground, he coughed up a mouthful of blood.


    The dim golden light also disappeared and returned to his right wrist.


    The color was extremely dim, as though it could dissipate at any moment. In fact, there were countless cracks densely covering the golden thread.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. Even though his injuries were serious and he was extremely weak, he still lowered his head and looked at his right wrist. A huge wave of emotions surged in his heart and his expression was filled with confusion.


    A long time later, his expression turned cold as he lifted his head and stared at Chu Tianqun.


    Chu Tianqun was already at the end of his rope. At the moment of his death, he barely opened his eyes and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°You still didn¡¯t die¡­¡±


    Xu Qing walked toward Chu Tianqun step by step. When he reached the head, he could sense that the other party had already lost the ability to resurrect. A cold glint appeared in his tired eyes as he lifted his foot and stomped down!

 Chapter 619 - 619 Do You Know Yearning?

    619 Do You Know Yearning?


    Chu Tianqun closed his eyes bitterly.


    ¡°It¡¯s over¡­¡±


    However, the eternity he imagined seemed to have arrived a little too slowly. A few breaths later, Xu Qing¡¯s hoarse voice rang out in Chu Tianqun¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Do you hate Crown Prince Purple Green and Night Dove?¡± Xu Qing looked at Chu Tianqun and retracted his foot that was about to land on his head.


    Chu Tianqun didn¡¯t seem to hear him and continued to close his eyes.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re about to die and you couldn¡¯t kill me, do you want to see me find them?¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°This way, regardless of whether they die or I die, you will have gotten your revenge.¡±


    Chu Tianqun slowly opened his eyes and looked at Xu Qing. At that moment, his life was already nearing the end. Even if Xu Qing didn¡¯t destroy his head, he wouldn¡¯t be able to survive for long. The flames of his life had already begun to extinguish.


    ¡°So, can you tell me where Purple Green and Night Dove are?¡± Xu Qing looked at the void in the distance as he calmly asked.


    Chu Tianqun didn¡¯t speak. The light in his eyes slowly dimmed and his head withered even more, beginning to dissipate piece by piece.


    A few breaths later, Xu Qing shook his head. Since the other party didn¡¯t say anything, it was useless to ask further. Just as he was about to kill him completely, Chu Tianqun suddenly spoke softly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, do you know how to change the color of the sea?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he looked at Chu Tianqun.


    Chu Tianqun looked at Xu Qing. At that moment, most of his face had dissipated and his voice became softer.


    ¡°When you understand how to do it, you¡¯ll know the answer.¡±


    After Chu Tianqun finished speaking, he closed his eyes and his head turned into dust, dissipating in front of Xu Qing. He was completely dead.


    His body, soul, and everything else fused into the dust which then scattered in this world fragment.


    With Chu Tianqun¡¯s death, this world distorted and gradually blurred before disappearing. A desert appeared around Xu Qing, along with scorching heat and the familiar aura of heaven and earth.


    Wanggu Continent.


    Chu Tianqun used 100 drops of his divine blood to trade with the Smoke Race for an opportunity to open their world fragment. The way to leave was very simple. Either Xu Qing died or he died.


    When there was only one person left, he could leave.


    Xu Qing looked at the sand under his feet. After a while, he turned and looked in the direction of the Smoke Race. At the end of his vision, smoke was curling, vaguely forming a blurry figure of the Smoke Race.


    Xu Qing coldly looked at him.


    A long time later, the figure of the Smoke Race disappeared without saying a word.


    Xu Qing turned around. His expression didn¡¯t change at all as he strode toward the border without decreasing his speed. Two hours later, he finally walked out of this desert and stepped into the territory of the county capital.


    Gazing upon the serene green mountains and rivers, Xu Qing found himself unable to suppress the pain caused by his injuries. He began to cough up blood repeatedly, and his essence, energy, and spirit were all greatly depleted. Stumbling and swaying, he retrieved his magic warship and struggled to climb aboard. Collapsing to the side, he activated the ship and sped away with all the speed it could muster.


    Far away from the desert.


    When he saw the Smoke Race cultivator earlier, Xu Qing relied completely on his firm will to suppress his injuries and not reveal any weakness.


    His injuries were actually extremely serious. Regardless of whether it was his soul or body, he had exhausted a lot of energy in this battle with Chu Tianqun. In the end, he was even hit by the wisp of wind produced by the terrifying white jade hand.


    The life substitution jade slip had already shattered. If not for the golden light on his wrist, he would have died.


    ¡°I have to rush back to the county capital as soon as possible!¡±


    Xu Qing wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and sensed the weakness spreading out from his body. He felt lingering fear when he recalled the battle with Chu Tianqun.


    ¡°What exactly is that golden light!¡± After resting for a long while, Xu Qing looked at his wrist with a dazed expression.


    The golden thread on his wrist had helped him twice now, and both times were during a life-and-death crisis. If it was a favor, the favor was too great.


    Xu Qing decided to investigate the golden light when he returned to the county capital.


    ¡°And the Smoke Race¡­¡± Xu Qing looked in the direction of the desert with a confused gaze.


    This matter didn¡¯t make sense.


    ¡°Even while being in Fenghai County, the Smoke Race provided Chu Tianqun with help, providing a battlefield for him to kill a Sword Holder. It¡¯s not that they can¡¯t do this, but there is a certain risk in this¡­¡±


    ¡°Is it worth it?¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. His injuries flared up once again and he spat out another mouthful of blood. Overwhelmed by a wave of intense weakness, he closed his eyes and began to concentrate on his healing.


    Four hours later, he arrived at the teleportation array of a city. Despite his pale complexion and weak state, he forced himself to open his eyes and disembarked from the magic warship. After putting it away, he walked into the teleportation array.


    As the teleportation fluctuations spread, Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared amidst the flickering light.


    At the same time, within the territory of the capital of Fenghai County, in an endless primitive forest within the deep green mountain range, there was a huge basin.


    From the sky, one could see countless trees in the basin. They were connected by a suspension bridge woven from vines.


    Countless wooden houses were built on these trees, forming a huge village.


    There were groups of palm-sized small people with crystal-like bodies shuttling inside as though they were playing with each other.


    Their bodies emitted a resplendent light under the sunlight. As they continued to move, they gave off the feeling of flowing light.


    As laughter rang out, one could vaguely see faces appearing on many huge trees. Waves of gentle aura spread out from them and permeated the place, forming a thin fog.


    Some of these faces were in deep sleep, and some opened their eyes and looked at the small people gently.


    Every time a large tree face opened its eyes, it would attract the arrival of many crystal figures. They would jump with joy beside the trees and their expressions were mostly filled with admiration.


    This was the location of the Wood Spirit Race in Fenghai County.


    The Wood Spirit Race was a very special race.


    The clansmen were divided into two forms. When they were young, their bodies were only the size of a palm and their entire bodies were crystal clear. The Wood Spirit Race in this form was also an expensive medicinal ingredient.


    After they reached adulthood, they would choose a large tree and fuse into it, becoming one with it and transforming into a treant.


    Although most of the members of the Wood Spirit Race had gentle personalities, because their childhood form had considerable medicinal value to many races, the Wood Spirit Race didn¡¯t have much contact with the outside world. This was their way of protecting their children.


    In the center of the Wood Spirit Race¡¯s village, there was a huge tree that towered into the sky. Although it couldn¡¯t compare to the True Immortal Ten Guts, the tree crown was so large that it covered an area of 10,000 feet.


    There was a temple in this tree.


    To be precise, the tree grew on the temple and enveloped it, becoming a part of its body.


    There was a statue enshrined in the temple.


    The statue looked like a beautiful woman wearing armor and surrounded by dragons and snakes. She held a spear in her hand and her entire body emitted waves of intense battle intent.


    Behind the statue was a secret passage step. If one walked down the steps, they could enter the underground.


    At the end of the steps, in the deepest depths of the underground, there was an ancient altar.


    This altar was octagonal and pitch-black. It was above an abyss and there were only these stairs connected to it. From afar, it looked like it was suspended in the air.


    On the altar, the old man from Panquan Road stood at the edge with red, teary eyes and an expression of unprecedented anxiety. He was trembling with nervousness.


    ¡°Ling¡¯er!¡±


    ¡°Ling¡¯er, wake up!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t scare me. Wake up¡­¡±


    The direction he was looking at wasn¡¯t the altar beside him but the cliff at the edge of the abyss thousands of feet away from the altar.


    Countless caves dotted the cliff, with numerous skeletons sitting cross-legged and meditating among them. Their bodies bore the marks of time, having perished countless years ago.


    In one of the caves, Ling¡¯er, who was wearing a long white dress, was sitting cross-legged.


    Her face was pale and blood was flowing from the corners of her mouth. Her white dress also had shocking blood stains.


    She closed her eyes and didn¡¯t move at all.


    ¡°Ling¡¯er!!¡± The voice of the old man from Panquan Road shook even more. As his voice continued to echo, Ling¡¯er¡¯s eyelashes trembled slightly and she slowly opened them.


    It was as though even opening her eyes was very strenuous for her. At that moment, she could barely look at her father in the distance. It took her a long time to form a smile.


    ¡°Father, I¡¯m fine¡­¡±


    The heart of the old man from Panquan Road shook. He looked at Ling¡¯er with deep sorrow in his eyes.


    ¡°It must be Xu Qing!!¡±


    He brought Ling¡¯er here to receive the inheritance, which is an experience that Ling¡¯er¡¯s clan must undergo at this time. Success meant prolonging life, while failure meant the curse would erupt and lead to death.


    The inheritance process was a lengthy and delicate one, and the old man had been extremely cautious and protective of Ling¡¯er. Everything had been going smoothly until yesterday, when Ling¡¯er suddenly coughed up blood and fatal injuries appeared on her.


    ¡°Father¡­ don¡¯t spout nonsense. It has nothing to do with Brother Xu Qing¡­¡±


    ¡°It is me who is useless¡­¡±


    Hearing her father speak like this, Ling¡¯er was a little anxious and spoke with difficulty.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, that¡¯s right. It has nothing to do with Xu Qing. It¡¯s fine. I know that I was mistaken about your Brother Xu Qing. Don¡¯t be nervous. Take your time to heal your injuries. It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine. After your inheritance is over, I will bring you to find your Brother Xu Qing.¡±


    The old man from Panquan Road hurriedly spoke, his voice trembling even more.


    When Ling¡¯er heard her father¡¯s words, her pale little face revealed a happy smile.


    ¡°Really, Father¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true, it¡¯s true. Father swears that it¡¯s true!¡± The old man from Panquan Road nodded vigorously.


    Ling¡¯er¡¯s smile became even happier as she spoke softly.


    ¡°Father, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll work hard¡­ I¡¯ll work hard¡­ My inheritance will definitely succeed.¡±

 Chapter 620 - 620 This Is Lingers Life thread! (1)

    620 This Is Ling¡¯er¡¯s Life thread! (1)


    In a teleportation array that was still some distance away from the county capital, light flickered and Xu Qing¡¯s figure walked out.


    His face was pale and the feeling of weakness grew increasingly intense. As soon as he appeared, he didn¡¯t hesitate to head straight into the distance, using his fastest speed to enter a desolate mountain and search for a hidden cave.


    The moment he stepped into the cave, blood gushed out again, and he almost blacked out. However, he gritted his teeth and used a few spells to seal the surroundings.


    According to his past experiences, he should have recovered at least half of his strength in a day.


    But now, it wasn¡¯t even 10% recovered.


    As the pain from his internal organs continued to invade, Xu Qing also sensed the reason why his injuries were recovering so slowly this time.


    His internal organs had all shattered, his flesh had withered greatly, and his bones were filled with countless cracks.


    These were the source of the intense pain.


    As for being listless, it was because the light of his soul was dim now.


    However, these were actually nothing to Xu Qing. It wasn¡¯t like he hadn¡¯t experienced injuries that were more serious and miserable than this in the past. What made him grim was that other than these injuries, there were also countless thin needles in his body!


    These needles didn¡¯t have a physical form and seemed to be formed from light that had shattered countless times. They permeated Xu Qing¡¯s body and continued to shine.


    It was these needles that were causing his injuries to recover slowly.


    Fortunately, he had been suppressing them and only a few areas of his bones had needles, and most of his bones weren¡¯t affected yet.


    ¡°The power of a god¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled. His expression was gloomy and ruthlessness appeared in his eyes.


    In reality, on the way back, he had already tried many methods to disperse these needles. Although they weren¡¯t ineffective, they were very slow.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t wait that long.


    This was because the Heavenly Dao warning didn¡¯t disappear at all with Chu Tianqun¡¯s death. Instead, it was even more intense!


    He was on pins and needles all the way back.


    Moreover, as he got closer to the county capital, the sense of danger continued to grow.


    Xu Qing immediately realized that the danger¡­ came from the county capital!


    He recalled that the first time this sense of danger appeared, it was also in the county capital. After that, he went to the Holy Wave Race. Although the sense of danger was still there, it wasn¡¯t intense anymore.


    It was only when he returned to Fenghai County that this sense of danger rose again.


    ¡°What¡¯s the reason!¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He couldn¡¯t understand but he knew that no matter what, he had to recover from his injuries as soon as possible and maintain his combat strength at its peak. He couldn¡¯t wait. Moreover, before his injuries recovered, he needed to be on guard against the county.


    This was also the reason why he didn¡¯t rush back to the county capital immediately.


    ¡°If I want to recover faster, I can only use a special method!¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and determination appeared in his eyes. The Third Heavenly Palace in his body circulated and the power of the Poison Restriction erupted, spreading to every inch of his flesh and blood.


    It wasn¡¯t to resist and neutralize the needles formed by the power of the god but to invade his body. His body started rotting rapidly.


    He took out his dagger coldly and scraped the flesh on his body.


    First, he started with an arm. He scraped off his poisoned flesh piece by piece along with the light needles inside. The ear-piercing sound of friction with bones echoed in the surroundings and pain that was countless times more intense than before hit him.


    Xu Qing trembled and his entire body was drenched in sweat.


    This was the solution he thought of. Since the light needles were being dispelled extremely slowly, he would just dig them out. He used the Poison Restriction to cleanse his body as well as stop the light needles from shifting to another part.


    Xu Qing was a ruthless person. He was ruthless to the enemy but even more ruthless to himself.


    He continued to dig out pieces of flesh until his body reached the extreme of what it could endure. He immediately stopped and looked at the golden thread on his wrist.


    He instinctively didn¡¯t want to trigger the power of the golden light, so he couldn¡¯t let himself be on the verge of death.


    Sensing that the golden thread was fine, he circulated the purple crystal to recover the flesh he had dug out. After he gained strength, he continued to scrape the flesh off other parts.


    Just like that, the cycle repeated. Four days later, Xu Qing finally took out all the light needles.


    During this time, he continuously took medicinal pills. The purple crystal also circulated the entire time, causing his recovery power to increase even more.


    As for the light needles in his sea of consciousness, Xu Qing relied on the power of the Purple Moon and the Poison Restriction to force them into his flesh before he dug them out.


    After doing all this, Xu Qing was too exhausted to even open his eyes. The pain he felt couldn¡¯t be described with words, but this price allowed his body to begin to take a turn for the better.


    Three days later, Xu Qing¡¯s injuries completely recovered.


    After walking out of the cave, he looked at the sunset in the sky and let out a long breath. A long while later, his expression revealed determination.


    With a sway of his body, he left this place and headed for the teleportation array.


    In the end, he still had to make a trip back to the county capital. On one hand, he needed to exchange the Dao Fruits for military contributions. On the other hand, he also had to head to the Great Void World to continue collecting demon transformation runes.

 Chapter 621 - 621 This Is Lingers Life Thread! (2)

    621 This Is Ling¡¯er¡¯s Life Thread! (2)


    Just like that, that night, Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared in the county capital¡¯s teleportation array. The moment he walked out, he looked at the familiar county capital and the huge statue of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether. He suppressed his racing heart and returned to the Sword Pavilion.


    After he sat down, he immediately transmitted his voice to the captain but didn¡¯t receive any response.


    He understood that the captain shouldn¡¯t have returned yet. Hence, he transmitted his voice to Zi Xuan and told her that he was safe.


    Zi Xuan instantly replied, her tone filled with concern. It didn¡¯t take long for her to appear outside Xu Qing¡¯s Sword Pavilion.


    Under the moonlight, Zi Xuan, who was wearing a blue dress, looked at Xu Qing with concern in her eyes.


    ¡°Why did you go out for so long this time?¡± As she spoke, Zi Xuan¡¯s gaze landed on Xu Qing. After carefully checking and discovering that there was indeed nothing wrong, she heaved a sigh of relief.


    Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°I encountered something on the way and was delayed.¡± Xu Qing said softly when he sensed Zi Xuan¡¯s concern.


    Zi Xuan nodded. She seemed to be busy with some matters, so after sensing that Xu Qing was fine, she gave him a few instructions and left in a hurry.


    Looking at Zi Xuan¡¯s departing figure, Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Fairy, I¡¯ve been feeling a sense of trepidation recently. Take care.¡±


    Zi Xuan stopped in her tracks and turned to look at Xu Qing. She then smiled sweetly and nodded before leaving.


    Xu Qing fell silent for a bit before transmitting his voice to Kong Xianglong and asking if anything had happened in the county recently. He found out that other than the Holy Wave Race¡¯s commotion due to Black Heaven Divine Son, everything in the county was normal.


    Moreover, Kong Xianglong wasn¡¯t in the county capital. He was on a mission outside. He hurriedly asked Xu Qing about the matter in the Holy Wave Race.


    ¡°Mm, yes. There was another Black Heaven Race group there¡­¡± Xu Qing coughed. There was no way to explain this matter.


    ¡°I obtained a few thousand¡­¡± Facing Kong Xianglong¡¯s question, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hide the number. At the next instant, he heard Kong Xianglong¡¯s gasp coming from the command sword.


    ¡°Thousands?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ There¡¯s also a portion that belongs to you guys,¡± Xu Qing replied.


    ¡°Good brother!! Xu Qing, don¡¯t be in a hurry to sell them. With the Ten Guts Trees gone, the price of this thing will definitely skyrocket. Ahem, although we¡¯re all Sword Holders, sometimes¡­ we have to seize the opportunity!¡± Kong Xianglong coughed and quickly replied.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised. Although Kong Xianglong was a loyal and faithful Sword Holder, no one would think that there were too many military contributions. The two of them exchanged a few more words and ended the voice transmission.


    ¡°Everything is normal in the capital, but the source of the sense of danger is here. Does that mean that this danger in the county capital is only targeted at me?¡± Xu Qing put down the command sword and fell silent.


    He didn¡¯t think that he was overthinking and his vigilance didn¡¯t decrease.


    After paying a certain amount of military contributions, Xu Qing headed to the Great Void World again.


    Regardless of where the danger came from, Xu Qing felt that as his trump card, he had to make sure it was ready to be used as soon as possible. After all, although he had fused it into a Heavenly Palace, he still needed the demon transformation runes to share the burden.


    However, after integrating into the Heavenly Palace, his control over the Ghost Emperor Mountain was much more smooth.


    In the gloomy world filled with whispering brain trees, his appearance immediately caused an uproar.


    Wherever he passed, countless brain trees shuddered and screamed as they evaded him.


    Xu Qing had been too ruthless last time, so much so that although he didn¡¯t come for a while, the news about him had long spread among these brain trees.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation base wasn¡¯t comparable to before. Although the brain trees fled from him, he quickly caught up. Just like that, when the time limit arrived, Xu Qing teleported out in satisfaction.


    ¡°75!¡± When he walked out of the branch sect, Xu Qing touched his storage bag and went to the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s library. He wanted to find the origin of the golden thread on his wrist.


    Unfortunately, the library was a sea of books. Xu Qing couldn¡¯t find any information even though he searched until very late. He called it a day and returned to his Sword Pavilion.


    ¡°I¡¯ll continue looking for information tomorrow. I have to find it!¡±


    ¡°If that doesn¡¯t work, I¡¯ll go to the Prison Department and ask the Palace Master. After that, I won¡¯t come out for a while.¡± Xu Qing felt that since the county capital was dangerous to him, the safest place would definitely be the Prison Department.


    After all, the Palace Master stayed there.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing sat down cross-legged and closed his eyes.


    The world outside was pitch-black. Late at night, Xu Qing finished his cultivation. He opened his eyes and lowered his gaze to his right wrist. He then gently stroked it with his left hand.


    ¡°This golden thread¡­ what exactly is it?¡±


    A thunderous sound rang out in the sky. As the rumbling sound echoed, a strong wind blew, turning into a whimpering sound that echoed outside the Sword Pavilion.


    The storm was about to arrive.


    The night was even darker than before.


    The sky was covered by endless clouds. Only muffled thunder rumbled continuously, as though a god was roaring.


    What followed were bolts of lightning that lightened the world for moments.


    It illuminated the county capital and the jungle mountain range where the Wood Spirit Race was located.


    The wind picked up, causing the trees to sway and rustle. Suddenly, heavy rain poured down from the sky, drenching the human world.


    Amidst the storm, a pained cry pierced through the sky from the basin. It was enough to make the scalps of everyone who heard it tingle.

 Chapter 622 - 622 This Is Lingers Life Thread! (3)

    622 This Is Ling¡¯er¡¯s Life Thread! (3)


    This voice carried endless sorrow and heart-wrenching pain that spread everywhere. Thunder couldn¡¯t suppress it and the wind and rain couldn¡¯t conceal it.


    As lightning flashed, a disheveled figure rushed out of the Wood Spirit Race¡¯s territory crazily.


    This figure was an old man.


    His eyes were bloodshot and his face was covered in tears. His body trembled uncontrollably as he rushed towards the county capital with all his might.


    The wind and rain became even heavier, pouring down the entire night.


    It only began to slow down at dawn. The world was filled with hazy mist and the clouds in the sky dissipated slightly. The rising sun seemed weak, and the dim yellow light barely illuminated the world.


    Outside the Prison Department, in a Sword Pavilion, Xu Qing opened his eyes. After ending a night of cultivation, he stood up and walked out of the Sword Pavilion.


    He walked in the light rain.


    ¡°I will continue to search for the origin of the golden light in the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s library. It¡¯s a pity that the little boy from D132 cannot communicate; otherwise, he should know some clues about the golden thread.¡±


    ¡°However, I can confirm it with him after I find a clue.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. He then rose into the air and headed straight for the Sword Holding Palace.


    Very soon, he stepped onto the wet green stone platform at the edge of the Sword Holding Palace. Just as he was about to walk toward the library, his expression suddenly changed. He abruptly turned his head and looked at the distant world.


    At that moment, an old man with bloodshot eyes and an extremely mournful expression was flying crazily toward the Sword Holding Palace.


    As he flew, he continued to let out mournful roars.


    ¡°Xu Qing, Xu Qing, Xu Qing!¡±


    His voice was extremely loud. Not only did it contain his cultivation energy, but he also seemed to have used all his strength to shout the name.


    It was the old man from Panquan Road.


    He didn¡¯t know Xu Qing¡¯s exact location, but he knew that Xu Qing was a Sword Holder. Therefore, he resorted to shouting when he got close. However, this was the county capital. He had long lost his sense of propriety, and before he could get close, he was immediately locked on by numerous divine senses and couldn¡¯t move forward.


    The old man from Panquan Road¡¯s hair was disheveled as he searched for Xu Qing. However, he couldn¡¯t spot him at the Sword Holding Palace in the distance. Standing in the wind and rain, he gazed at the unfamiliar county capital, and shouted with a mix of grief and indignation.


    ¡°Xu Qing! Come out!¡±


    His shout spread in all directions, causing many Sword Holders to frown. Several patrolling Sword Holders walked toward him solemnly.


    ¡°Who¡¯s making a ruckus!¡±


    ¡°I am looking for Xu Qing. I beg you, please bring me to him. I have a huge matter to discuss with Xu Qing!!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be anxious. Just wait here. Someone will inform you.¡± The Sword Holder, who had walked in front of the old man from Panquan Road and stopped him, noticed the madness in the other party¡¯s eyes and comforted him while being vigilant.


    In the Sword Holding Palace, Xu Qing looked at the old man who was stopped in the distance and recognized him. They weren¡¯t close, and the old man¡¯s appearance was sudden and unexpected.


    Just as Xu Qing was thinking, the voice of the old man from Panquan Road, who was stopped in the distance, rang out again.


    ¡°There¡¯s no time, there¡¯s no time.¡± As he spoke, the old man, who had completely lost his mind, charged forward.


    ¡°Xu Qing, Xu Qing, where are you? Help me, help me!!! The golden thread on your body¡­¡±


    The old man¡¯s body trembled and blood seemed to be about to drip from his eyes as he shouted crazily. This time, almost as soon as his voice rang out, a violent wind suddenly swept over from the Sword Holding Palace.


    Xu Qing instantly appeared in front of the old man, and lifted his right hand to signal the Sword Holders in the surroundings to stand down.


    The surrounding Sword Holders respectfully bowed to Xu Qing and dispersed. Xu Qing didn¡¯t have the mind to return the greeting right now. He stared at the old man from Panquan Road and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°The golden thread on my body?¡±


    Looking at Xu Qing, the old man from Panquan Road stepped forward and grabbed him while shouting anxiously.


    ¡°Xu Qing, come with me. We need to save Ling¡¯er!¡±


    Xu Qing dodged and coldly looked at the crazy old man in front of him.


    ¡°Speak clearly!¡±


    The old man¡¯s face was haggard and he had an anxious expression. However, he had also regained some rationality at this moment. He knew that Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what Ling¡¯er had done at all. With the other party¡¯s cautiousness, it was impossible for him to leave with him just like that.


    ¡°Xu Qing, the golden thread on your body is Ling¡¯er¡¯s life. In order to save you, she¡¯s already on the verge of death!!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no time to waste here. Come with me. I¡¯ll tell you on the way!¡±


    With that, the old man from Panquan Road flew away rapidly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook.


    The golden thread on his wrist was his secret. Only he knew how much the golden thread had done for him. He had never shared this information with anyone before. As he thought about how the old man knew about it, even though there were still unknowns surrounding this matter, he couldn¡¯t calm down and his breathing turned slightly hurried.


    With a step, Xu Qing rushed out and caught up to the old man from Panquan Road. As he sped along with the other party, he quickly spoke.


    ¡°Ling¡¯er¡¯s life? Ling¡¯er? The one who appeared on Merfolk Island?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have much of an impression of the name Ling¡¯er. Back then on Merfolk Island, a young girl had given him many activated anomalous substances but he had only met her once. He hadn¡¯t seen her since.


    ¡°You don¡¯t even know who Ling¡¯er is¡­¡± The old man from Panquan Road laughed bitterly. His expression revealed endless sorrow and a sense of absurdity rose in his heart.


    ¡°Silly girl, you¡¯re really a silly girl. How can there be a silly girl like you in this world¡­¡±

 Chapter 623 - 623 This Is Lingers Life Thread! (4)

    623 This Is Ling¡¯er¡¯s Life Thread! (4)


    For some reason, Xu Qing felt a sharp pain in his heart as he heard this, but before he could say anything, the old man from Panquan Road suddenly turned his head and started laughing miserably. He fixed his gaze on Xu Qing, and his eyes were filled with blood, with the blood vessels covering the entire range of his eyes, emitting a blood-red light.


    ¡°Ling¡¯er is my daughter, the white snake. What you saw on Merfolk Island was her first transformation!¡±


    ¡°The golden thread on your body is her life thread. It can augment your luck and block calamities for you. If you die, she dies, but if she dies¡­ you¡¯ll still be fine!!¡±


    The old man from Panquan Road gritted his teeth.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook.


    ¡°Ling¡¯er has been injured three times because of you! Three times!¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, think back properly. The first time was more than two years ago!¡±


    ¡°The interval between the second time and the first time isn¡¯t long!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind was in turmoil and his breathing became increasingly rapid as he recalled all the times the golden thread had helped him. The first time the golden thread appeared was more than two years ago when he was in the land of the Sea Corpse Race. He had borrowed the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo magic treasure to traverse the cycle of life and death.


    He opened the 121st magic aperture during that moment of life and death.


    At that time, at his most dangerous moment, the golden thread appeared and resolved his crisis.


    Not long later, when he and the captain left the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain, he had tried to place the Poison Restriction Pill in the Third Heavenly Palace on the way. In the end, in the extremely dangerous situation, the golden light appeared again, producing a series of coincidences that resolved the crisis for him again.


    ¡°There¡¯s also the third time!¡± The old man¡¯s eyes were filled with sorrow as he roared at Xu Qing.


    ¡°The third time was not long ago. I don¡¯t know what you encountered but it must have been a life-and-death crisis. How do you think you survived? Huh?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Ling¡¯er. Ling¡¯er took on the danger in your place when she was accepting the inheritance!!¡±


    ¡°And last night¡­ her inheritance failed.¡±


    The old man cried, his voice whimpering.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body shuddered violently and a monstrous rumbling sound rang out in his mind. It was as though millions of lightning bolts had exploded in his mind.


    He, who had suffered in his childhood and struggled through the cruel world, wasn¡¯t at ease if he didn¡¯t kill all his enemies. He would seek revenge for the smallest grievance.


    Likewise, he valued debts of gratitude even more highly. He deeply remembered the gratitude that Captain Lei, Grandmaster Bai, Old Master Seventh, and Lord Sixth had shown him.


    ¡°She¡­ took on the danger for me¡­¡± The blood in Xu Qing¡¯s entire body flowed unprecedentedly rapidly. He abruptly turned his head and grabbed the crying old man, his eyes revealing a sharp glint.


    ¡°How is she now?¡±


    Xu Qing grabbed very hard, and the sound of cracking bones echoed through the air. But the old man had already forgotten the pain. In his mind, the more force Xu Qing used, the greater the chance of saving Ling¡¯er.


    This meant that the other party cared.


    ¡°Inheritance failed, soul fell into the abyss¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. The canopies appeared above his head fiercely. The Nether Spirit Blood Wing materialized behind him and the mosasaur appeared under his feet, letting out a deafening roar. The shadow rose and enveloped him. His physical strength that surpassed the ten palaces towered into the sky.


    ¡°Point the direction!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s voice was hoarse and his eyes revealed determination. The moment he spoke, he grabbed the old man from Panquan Road and rushed forward rapidly.


    His speed was so fast that it was comparable to teleportation, stirring up a deafening sound of air being torn apart. This was Xu Qing¡¯s fastest speed!


    Wherever he passed, the sky rumbled and endless ripples echoed in the void.


    The Wood Spirit Race was isolated from the world, so they didn¡¯t build teleportation arrays. However, their location wasn¡¯t far from the county capital, so the old man had reached the capital in half a night¡¯s time.


    However, Xu Qing arrived before the Wood Spirit Race¡¯s basin in less than an hour!


    * * *

 Chapter 624 - 624 The Great World on the Spirit Emperors Corpse (1)

    624 The Great World on the Spirit Emperor¡¯s Corpse (1)


    In the basin, the large trees where the Wood Spirit Race members had fused into opened their eyes and stared at Xu Qing.


    The young clansmen were no longer playing, and looked sad. This sadness spread out and enveloped the entire basin.


    They didn¡¯t stop Xu Qing and allowed him to head straight for the towering tree in the center.


    The temple¡¯s gate had already opened for him.


    The moment Xu Qing entered the temple, his eyes immediately landed on the statue and the offerings. However, he wasn¡¯t in the mood to observe them. Following the old man¡¯s lead, he headed straight for the secret tunnel and descended down the steps.


    Xu Qing could hear the old man from Panquan Road¡¯s hurried breathing echoing in the pitch-black passageway. Despite the man¡¯s best efforts, Xu Qing felt that his speed was too slow. He grabbed the old man and rushed forward with lightning speed. It was as though he was passing through the void, directly reaching the end of the steps and the altar that seemed to be hanging in the abyss.


    He immediately looked around and his gaze fell upon a figure dressed in white robes, sitting cross-legged and meditating among the countless caves tens of thousands of feet ahead.


    She was a very beautiful young girl. Her flawless face carried a hint of serenity and innocence. However, at this moment, her face was extremely pale and there was no movement at all.


    However, the dried blood at the corners of her mouth and on her dress caused unprecedented waves in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. His expression revealed extreme complexity.


    He recognized that the other party was indeed the innocent girl who appeared on Merfolk Island.


    He remembered that back then, the other party had skipped happily to him and asked a question.


    ¡°Senior Brother, do you like snakes or do you like to eat snake gallbladders?¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent. He recalled the words of the old man on the way. According to the other party, this young girl was also the white snake he had seen before¡­ Xu Qing remembered that the last time he saw the other party was at the Seven Blood Eyes, under the restaurant.


    The little white snake had flown out and coiled around his right wrist.


    ¡°Right wrist¡­ golden thread¡­ life thread¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled. Looking at the lifeless girl, his heart was first touched by the other party¡¯s sacrifice for him before intense guilt rose.


    This debt of gratitude was too great.


    However, he didn¡¯t understand why she would do this for him even though he hadn¡¯t interacted much with her.


    Every beautiful thing he had encountered in his life was real, but there was a reason behind it.


    Captain Lei¡¯s kindness to him was from the flames of the cremated corpses. The other party saw a hint of warmth in the world and after his life was saved, he treated him as his son.


    Grandmaster Bai was good to Xu Qing because of his persistence in the Dao of plants and his desire for knowledge. This gave him the thought of imparting his knowledge to him.


    Old Master Seventh gave Xu Qing a chance because he admired his style of doing things


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t understand Ling¡¯er.


    ¡°Why?¡± Xu Qing looked at the young girl and mumbled softly.


    The old man from Panquan Road stood beside Xu Qing and looked at Ling¡¯er sadly as he spoke.


    ¡°Because she likes you.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    The old man sighed. The wrinkles on his face piled up, forming bitterness.


    ¡°Xu Qing, there are many things in life that don¡¯t have just one answer and one criterion. I know you don¡¯t understand but if you keep thinking that there must be a reason for all the beauty you encounter in life, then Xu Qing, your thinking has entered a dead end.¡±


    ¡°There are actually many types of love. There are no fixed standards. Some love is devotion, some love is care, some love is admiration, some love is abuse, some love is attraction, and some love is reminiscence.¡±


    ¡°There are all kinds of people and all kinds of things happen in this world. If a person can only accept the path they acknowledge, that is being narrow-minded. Only when you can accept other paths can you be said to have grown.¡±


    The old man whispered softly. No matter how anxious he was, he had to make everything clear. He wanted Xu Qing to understand that there was no reason for many things in this world and there wasn¡¯t a need for there to be a reason.


    This concerned whether Ling¡¯er could be saved or not from that Spirit Abyss.


    When Xu Qing heard these words, the string in the deepest part of his heart shook slightly. The waves it stirred spread throughout his body and mind.


    ¡°Tell me, how do I save her?¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath and stared at Ling¡¯er in the distance.


    ¡°You only have seven days!¡± The old man suppressed the anxiety in his heart and his gaze landed on Xu Qing.


    ¡°After Ling¡¯er¡¯s inheritance failed, her soul fell into the Spirit Abyss. Her body would have withered and turned into a skeleton. I used my Dao of Sealing to seal her body but I can only seal it for seven days.¡±


    ¡°You have to find Ling¡¯er¡¯s soul in the Spirit Abyss within seven days!¡± The gaze of the old man landed on the abyss under the altar.


    ¡°Unless one has the Spirit Abyss Talisman, outsiders can¡¯t enter this Spirit Abyss. However, the last talisman was brought down many years ago and the other party didn¡¯t come out.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not Ling¡¯er¡¯s true father, nor am I of the Ancient Spirit Race, so I can¡¯t enter. Only the Ancient Spirit Race and those who are entangled by life threads can enter.¡±


    ¡°This is why I looked for you,¡± the old man said hoarsely.

 Chapter 625 - 625 The Great World on the Spirit Emperors Corpse (2)

    625 The Great World on the Spirit Emperor¡¯s Corpse (2)


    ¡®Ancient Spirit Race? Spirit Abyss?¡¯ Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred. He had heard of the Ancient Spirit Race but he didn¡¯t ask right away.


    Almost a day had passed from the given seven days. He looked at the old man.


    ¡°Do you have information on the abyss?¡±


    ¡°Give them to me. I¡¯ll look at them myself.¡±


    The old man immediately took out several jade slips. After he passed them to Xu Qing, a pleading expression appeared on his face.


    ¡°Please, on account that Ling¡¯er took on your danger for you, you must save her.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Ling¡¯er in the distance. Three life-and-death crises appeared in his memory. He nodded silently and moved to the edge of the altar, facing the abyss. Without any hesitation, he took a step forward.


    The icy airflow whistled around him and invaded his entire body. It was as though his body and soul were about to be frozen.


    Xu Qing stared at the abyss below. As his cultivation base circulated, the shadow also spread in all directions. Poison Restriction power permeated the air. After that, his perception fused into the jade slips given by the old man.


    As pieces of information gushed into his mind, Xu Qing gained a clear understanding of Ling¡¯er and everything in the Spirit Abyss.


    Countless years ago, in an era even before the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether¡¯s era, a race had unified the Wanggu Continent.


    That was the Ancient Spirit Race.


    In his later years, the Spirit Emperor of the Ancient Spirit Race gathered the strength of the entire race and luck to do something that shook the entire Wanggu Continent.


    This matter was related to the Heavenly Dao.


    However, the Spirit Emperor was different from the Calamity Immortal Race. He was also different from the 3,000-odd races similar to Calamity Immortal Race. He didn¡¯t want to create a Heavenly Dao but to replace it and possess the Heavenly Dao with his own body.


    Creation was a merit.


    Possession was a great sin.


    In the end, the Spirit Emperor failed and suffered the backlash of all the Heavenly Daos in Wanggu. His race¡¯s bloodline was cursed. At the critical moment, the Spirit Emperor relied on his terrifying cultivation base to bring most of his race into his great world.


    They tried to use this to avoid the calamity but even so, they couldn¡¯t escape the curse in the end.


    The Spiritual Emperor fell.


    His great world withered and transformed into a realm of death. All the Ancient Spirit Race members in it were instantly killed, but the terrifying aspect of this curse wasn¡¯t so simple.


    Under the curse, all the dead Ancient Spirits turned into ghosts who continued to wail in pain day and night.


    This Spirit Abyss of the Wood Spirit Race was one of the entrances to the Ancient Spirit Emperor¡¯s great world.


    There were many such entrances in the Wanggu Continent.


    Although the Ancient Spirits were cursed, there were still some bloodlines that wandered the Wanggu Continent. They would occasionally appear in this long period of time.


    For example, the skeletons Xu Qing had seen in the caves of the cliff walls were the descendants of the Ancient Spirits. They had come here to accept the inheritance but failed and died.


    The reason why they came here was because after they transformed from snakes into humans, their bloodline curse made it difficult for them to maintain the transformation. Moreover, they would be in a state where their bloodline could collapse at any moment.


    Hence, they had to head to the entrances to the Ancient Spirit Death Nation and borrow the power of the Ancient Spirit Death Nation to suppress the cursed bloodline in their bodies.


    Only then could they truly transform into a human.


    However, this wasn¡¯t just a one-off thing. Every once in a while, they would have to borrow the power of the Ancient Spirit World to suppress the curse. Moreover, there were huge risks in this process.


    If they failed, their souls would be devoured by the Ancient Spirit Death Nation and become a part of the ghosts.


    Xu Qing put the jade slips away. As his body continued to sink, he glanced at his right wrist. After sighing softly, determination appeared on his face and his speed erupted once again.


    He fell like a shooting star, and got closer and closer to the source of the coldness.


    Waves of repulsive force also spread out from the Spirit Abyss. However, as a possessor of the life thread of an Ancient Spirit Race member, this repulsion quickly dissipated.


    Xu Qing continued to fall in the darkness.


    After a long time, a colossal object appeared in the fog.


    It was a rotting giant snake that emitted a strong sense of death.


    This snake was already dead, and there was a great world on its head.


    This world was a blur and waves of wails spread out from it. These heart-wrenching wails fell into Xu Qing¡¯s ears. His body was suddenly sucked away by a huge suction force and he headed straight for the great world.


    As he got closer and closer, the giant snake¡¯s body grew larger and larger. Very soon, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see the giant snake¡¯s entire appearance. Only the blurry great world that was emitting wails became clearer.


    In the end, a rumbling sound echoed out as Xu Qing¡¯s body heavily smashed into this world.


    When the loud sound spread, a pit appeared on the ground that looked like rotting flesh.


    Xu Qing walked out step by step and immediately checked his surroundings.


    The sky here was surrounded by fog and there was no sun or moon. There were only will-o¡¯-the-wisps that were faintly discernible in the fog. The pale and dim light turned the world hazy.


    The land here was filled with rotting flesh. There were no mountains or trees. It was desolate and emitted an endless aura of death.


    This aura was extremely cold. It was invading Xu Qing¡¯s body constantly, as though it wanted to corrode his flesh. Clearly, this place had dense malice toward all living beings.

 Chapter 626 - 626 The Great World on the Spirit Emperors Corpse (3)

    626 The Great World on the Spirit Emperor¡¯s Corpse (3)


    In an instant, a multitude of black spots emerged on Xu Qing¡¯s body, as the aura of death surrounded him.


    ¡°Ancient Spirit Emperor¡¯s great world,¡± Xu Qing murmured as he looked around. The power of the Poison Restriction in his body spread out instantly.


    Immediately, a sizzling sound emanated from his body. Numerous small entities with sinister ghost heads and slender bodies like maggots were expelled from the black spots on his body and fell to the ground. As they writhed, they transformed into black fog and dissipated.


    After they dissipated, the spots no longer formed and his body gradually recovered.


    ¡°How should I look for her?¡± Xu Qing sensed the malice of this great world. A hint of contemplation appeared in his eyes as he looked at his right wrist.


    ¡°The Ancient Spirit Race is related to luck¡­¡±


    With a thought from Xu Qing, the Sixth Heavenly Palace in his body shook. The Heavenly Dao Mosasaur inside emitted an aura that gushed into his wrist.


    There were no changes to his wrist.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t give up and continued to fuse the aura of the Heavenly Dao into his right wrist. After a long time, his right wrist suddenly felt a little warm. The golden thread that was hidden deep in his bones slowly surfaced on his flesh.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    Looking at the golden thread that was filled with countless cracks, he sighed inwardly and the guilt he felt deepened.


    He lifted his hand and sensed his surroundings. Shortly after, he abruptly looked to the right.


    When his wrist moved in this direction, the heat was clearly stronger.


    ¡°It¡¯s this direction!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was filled with determination. Even though there was danger in this great world, he couldn¡¯t care less now. He immediately rushed toward that direction.


    His cultivation base erupted completely and he transferred all his strength into speed. The power of the Poison Restriction also spread out. Wherever he passed, the space rumbled, stirring up waves of air-piercing sounds.


    After the amount of time it took for an incense stick to burn out, Xu Qing suddenly lifted his left hand and pressed down. Immediately, the Golden Crow appeared behind him and let out a cry, emitting flames that illuminated the surroundings as it headed straight for the ground.


    The instant the Golden Crow rushed over, a huge ghost hand suddenly formed below Xu Qing. It originally wanted to grab him but at this moment, it came into contact with the Golden Crow.


    This ghost hand¡¯s entire body was greenish-black and it was covered in pustules. Every pustule was filled with countless souls that were howling mournfully. They stared fixedly at Xu Qing, revealing madness and greed.


    The ghost hand directly collapsed under the impact of the Golden Crow. As it shattered, the souls contained in it gathered together and pounced toward Xu Qing.


    However, before they could get close, flames of the Golden Crow swept past. Pained cries and screams rang out from the mouths of those souls and they died like a moth throwing itself to the fire.


    Xu Qing followed the guidance of the golden thread and continued to speed.


    However, not long later, a gigantic malevolent ghost face suddenly appeared in front of him. It opened its mouth and was about to devour him.


    Xu Qing frowned. He could sense that the reason for this was because the souls here possessed a curse. However, now wasn¡¯t the time to think about it. Xu Qing didn¡¯t slow down and continued forward.


    An hour later, when the heat from the golden thread on his wrist grew increasingly intense, something that caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to tremble happened.


    The sound of something breaking rang out from his wrist!


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed and he abruptly lowered his head.


    The golden thread shattered at this moment and fell off Xu Qing¡¯s wrist.


    A sense of loss rose in his heart.


    After that, it turned into intense uneasiness and a piercing pain.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing quickened as he attempted to grasp the scattered golden threads. However, once the golden thread snapped, it started to quickly dissipate.


    He was unable to hold them.


    Vaguely, it was as though a blurry figure was fading away from his memories¡­


    A sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The mosasaur in the Sixth Heavenly Palace in his body suddenly appeared above his head and spat out a large amount of Heavenly Dao power that surged toward the golden threads.


    The mosasaur sensed Xu Qing¡¯s anxiety, and crazily released the power of its Heavenly Dao.


    This method was indeed useful but there were some things that weren¡¯t that simple to reverse. Even though the mosasaur¡¯s Heavenly Dao energy had fused into it, causing the dissipation of the golden threads to slow down, it still couldn¡¯t stop them from dissipating.


    Clearly, just the power of the mosasaur wasn¡¯t enough to stop the golden threads from dissipating.


    Looking at the golden threads that continued to dissipate, the piercing pain in Xu Qing¡¯s heart continued to intensify. He closed his eyes and when he opened them after three breaths of time, his left eye had turned purple and there was a purple moon in his pupils that was extremely bright.


    As for his right eye, it turned black, containing endless poison. At the same time, the Purple Moon appeared behind him and a pair of black indifferent eyes appeared behind the Purple Moon.


    The surroundings instantly turned blurry and the world distorted. The power of god authorities erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s body, causing his life status to continuously increase. Xu Qing stared at the dissipating golden threads and spoke.


    ¡°Stay!¡±


    As soon as this voice rang out, the sky rumbled and the ground trembled.


    This was a method of using the god¡¯s power that Xu Qing had learned from Chu Tianqun¡¯s simulated murmurs. With the help of two god authorities, he made himself look like a new god. In that case, the words he said were the voice of the god.


    Xu Qing felt that since the power of the mosasaur wasn¡¯t enough, what if he added the god¡¯s voice¡­


    As soon as the god¡¯s voice rang out, the dissipating golden threads shook. Under the dual power of the god¡¯s voice and the mosasaur, the dissipation slowly stopped!

 Chapter 627 - 627 The Great World on the Spirit Emperors Corpse (4)

    627 The Great World on the Spirit Emperor¡¯s Corpse (4)


    Although most of the golden thread was gone, a portion of it was still left behind.


    After Xu Qing nervously grabbed it, he felt the heat emitted from it. Endless anxiety rose in his heart and he sped in the direction guided by the heat at full speed.


    He needed to find Ling¡¯er¡¯s soul as soon as possible. As for how to leave after finding it, the old man from Panquan Road had told him the way. Among the several jade slips the other party had given him, one was special.


    Once this jade slip was crushed, the old man would borrow the strength of the entire Wood Spirit Race in the external world to cast a spell that could assist their return.


    ¡°There are only six days left¡­¡±


    As Xu Qing sped, wherever he passed, the world would rumble. To this dead world and those souls, his existence was like an extremely bright torch.


    Souls of the dead appeared from everywhere and pounced toward Xu Qing with endless malice.


    The ground even exploded and withered hands stretched out, revealing rotting corpses which then rushed toward Xu Qing with greed and madness.


    ¡°Scram!¡±


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s life status was extremely high. As soon as the god¡¯s voice came out, the surroundings distorted and a large number of souls dissipated.


    Because these ghosts contained a curse, the invasion of anomalous substances could only destroy them and couldn¡¯t make them worship him. More souls continued to form and very soon, a soul sea formed in front of Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was grim. He couldn¡¯t maintain his life status formed by the overlapping of the two gods¡¯ authorities for a long time. He temporarily withdrew the Purple Moon and used all his strength to activate the Poison Restriction Pill.


    The release of the poison was even more intense than when he faced Chu Tianqun back then.


    This place was a sealed great world which was a suitable ground for Xu Qing to erupt with the Poison Restriction.


    At the next instant, under the spread of the Poison Restriction, a violent storm formed in Xu Qing¡¯s surroundings and continued to spread out in all directions. 100 feet, 1000 feet, 5000 feet, and finally 10,000 feet!


    The area within 10,000 feet was filled with Xu Qing¡¯s Poison Restriction power. In this area, the souls and malicious ghosts that appeared would distort like they were being corroded and let out even more mournful wails.


    It was the same for the corpses that rushed out from the ground. Even though they weren¡¯t alive, Xu Qing¡¯s poison turned them into ashes.


    After all, this was a power from the Divine Realm, a kind of divine curse!


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes filled with killing intent, but his speed didn¡¯t decrease as he charged ahead. The Poison Restriction spread out with unprecedented strength, and he was accompanied by countless wails. Anomalous substances that belonged to him grew and moved around him, making the might of the Poison Restriction even stronger.


    Its range expanded from 10,000 feet to 13,000 feet.


    However, there were too many souls here and they kept appearing. It was as though this world of death had come alive at this moment.


    While the individual lethality of a single soul was average, their numbers formed a terrifying pressure.


    Seeing that he was stopped, Xu Qing gritted his teeth fiercely. The Purple Moon power suppressed in his body erupted again and endless purple fog spread out from his body and spread in all directions, dying the ground purple!


    The corpses had just crawled out when their bodies trembled and were turned into ashes by the purple fog. The ashes accumulated on the ground had already reached an astonishing height.


    The Golden Crow manifested and Xu Qing rode it, rushing forward rapidly amidst the sea of flames produced by it.


    The purple fog on the ground surrounded it. As Xu Qing moved, corpses continuously dissipated. However, outside the purple fog, there were an endless number of corpses filling all the way to the horizon.


    Even the sky was filled with crazed evil spirits. Although the poison storm managed to destroy countless numbers of them, more continued to pour in.


    In the dim world, the only source of light was the blazing fire emitted by the Golden Crow, which illuminated the sky with its dazzling flames. As the sea of flames churned, it continued to move forward relentlessly.


    It was like a beam of light.


    Around this light, evil spirits and corpses blotted out the sky and covered the earth. They were filled with madness, greed, and hatred for life as they tried to extinguish the flames and cover the light.


    Time passed.


    This beam of light continued to move forward rapidly in this dim world, streaking across the sky.


    After a day had passed, Xu Qing¡¯s body was covered in wounds and his Daoist robe was drenched in blood. Despite his injuries, he pressed on, finally escaping the sea of ghosts. Exhausted and with bloodshot eyes, he saw a wide black river ahead.


    The river was vast and raging like the River Styx.


    Countless skeletons floated on it, and many faces were bobbing while crying.


    At the end of the river, Xu Qing saw a red sedan chair carried by many souls.


    On the front and back poles of the sedan chair were jars of different colors, appearing as if they had grown from the poles themselves. Despite the swaying motion of the sedan chair, the jars remained motionless.


    There was a long entourage around the sedan chair. Most of the figures had the heads of snakes and the bodies of humans. They wore bright red robes and were moving forward.


    There was also an ear-piercing suona sound that was coming from the front of the entourage.


    At that moment, the cold wind blew on this underworld river, stirring up waves. At the same time, it blew up a corner of the sedan chair¡¯s curtain, revealing the figure of a young girl sitting in a daze. Her face was pale and she was wearing a wedding dress.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression froze. His gaze wasn¡¯t on the young girl but on the pole in front of the sedan chair. It was the white one among the four jars!


    The shattered golden thread in his palm emitted an unprecedented heat!

 Chapter 628 - 628 Gurgle Gurgle

    628 Gurgle Gurgle


    The wedding-like procession continued to move forward, and the ear-piercing sound of the suona that was like a funeral dirge, continued to reverberate.


    The four jars placed on the poles like they were some kind of tribute were of four colors: blue, black, red, and white.


    Xu Qing looked at all of this from the sky and a cold glint appeared in his eyes. With a sway, he moved toward the sedan chair.


    His appearance immediately attracted the attention of the entourage. Among them, seven to eight snake-headed soul figures headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all as he continued to move forward. His gaze was focused on the sedan chair and nothing else was in his vision.


    With every step he took, the underworld river would rumble fiercely. His aura was like a sharp blade that continued to show its edge on his body.


    As for the seven to eight soul figure, they quickly arrived before, but the instant they got close, the wind from the Poison Restriction blew past. Immediately, their souls rotted and they let out mournful cries.


    Just as they were about to dissipate, they strangely fused together and transformed into a huge soul figure that was more than ten feet tall. It spread its arms and roared as it pounced toward Xu Qing.


    However, this soul shadow came to a sudden stop in front of Xu Qing. After that, cracks appeared on its body and rapidly spread throughout its body. It then collapsed and exploded uncontrollably. Its pieces turned into dust and scattered on the underworld river.


    Xu Qing expressionlessly retracted his fist and continued to speed forward. Just as he was about to get close, the long entourage in front of him disappeared like a bubble.


    Further in the distance, the entourage appeared again. They didn¡¯t stop and continued forward.


    This time, the curtain of the sedan chair was lifted by a hand that was like white jade. The young girl sitting inside stretched out her long neck and coldly looked at Xu Qing.


    This was the first figure Xu Qing encountered that wasn¡¯t a crazed soul. However, this young girl was clearly not completely normal. Her expression seemed to only contain coldness. The moment she looked at Xu Qing, dozens of snake-headed souls in the entourage around her emitted a ferocious intent as they rushed toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with these rushing souls. He looked at the sedan chair and pointed his right hand at the sky.


    Immediately, the sky rumbled and the poison mist storm descended, landing in front of the sedan chair and stopping it.


    After that, he lifted his foot and stomped on the underworld river. In an instant, a purple fog spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s body and quickly fused into the river, changing the color of the river and spreading forward rapidly.


    It sealed the whole area.


    The entourage blurred again, as though they were about to disappear. However, under the cover of the Poison Restriction and Purple Moon, their teleportation failed.


    The entourage instantly turned their heads and stared fixedly at Xu Qing before rushing toward him.


    The underworld river churned violently. A large number of corpses crawled out from it and countless evil souls rose into the air.


    Xu Qing¡¯s speed didn¡¯t decrease as he sped forward. The black iron stick appeared beside him and flickered with lightning, stirring up bolts of lightning that quickly stabbed toward those souls.


    It continued to pierce through the souls.


    The shadow also spread out. Even though it felt disgusted, it still devoured those souls crazily.


    The souls that were rushing toward Xu Qing let out mournful cries. They either collapsed, or melted from the poison, or were devoured.


    Xu Qing got closer and closer to the sedan chair. From time to time, he would grab at the air, grabbing the souls that rushed to his side and crushing them.


    As he moved forward, the aura on his body became increasingly terrifying. At the same time, an ear-piercing suona sound suddenly rang out from afar.


    It formed a force that could target the soul and attacked Xu Qing.


    However, this bit of strength was nothing to Xu Qing, who had withstood the mutterings of a god. The black umbrella materialized, and he paid no attention to the suona. He took a step forward and landed, causing the suona¡¯s tone to change into shattering sounds and screams.


    The souls in the surroundings continued to collapse and die. Xu Qing¡¯s figure was like a demonic god, unable to be stopped at all.


    Just as he was about to approach the sedan chair, the curtain of the sedan chair quickly lifted and the young girl in the wedding dress walked out. Her expression was still cold and fluctuations that were infinitely close to the Nascent Soul realm spread out from her body.


    At this moment, her hands grew long fingernails that were incomparably sharp. Her eyes also revealed double pupils as she stared at Xu Qing.


    Afterwards, her face turned black, with rotting scales spreading across her features as she charged towards Xu Qing with frightening speed.


    Her speed wasn¡¯t slow and she even stirred up waves of dense aura of death. However, the instant she got close to Xu Qing, Xu Qing suddenly disappeared.


    Before the snake woman could react, a hand that was like an iron clamp stretched out from beside her and grabbed her neck.


    It was Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    The snake woman tried to break free immediately, but a shocking force came from this hand. With a cracking sound, her neck was instantly crushed.


    Xu Qing waved his hand and threw the snake woman¡¯s body into the distance.


    However, the snake woman didn¡¯t die. She let out a mournful cry in the air. Just as she was about to struggle, the Poison Restriction storm descended and enveloped her.


    Immediately after, the purple fog also arrived and surrounded her, forming a restraining force.


    All of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened the instant the snake woman got close to Xu Qing.


    After doing this, Xu Qing remained expressionless, not even sparing a glance at the snake woman¡¯s screams. He walked towards the side of the sedan chair where the white jar was positioned.


    The scorching heat emitted by the shattered golden thread in his palm guided him to this jar.


    Xu Qing carefully picked up the white jar and gently opened it.


    A wisp of soul rose from the jar like fog and slowly gathered in the air. Finally, it transformed into a little white snake. It wasn¡¯t clear and was a little blurry, as though it was incomplete.


    Xu Qing looked at the white snake and the image of the young girl in the white dress meditating in the cave appeared in his mind.


    It was very weak, as though it wanted to open its eyes but didn¡¯t have the strength. Xu Qing put his hand closer to the little white snake.


    As though it could sense Xu Qing¡¯s aura, even though the little white snake didn¡¯t have the strength to open its eyes, it shook slightly. It instinctively landed on Xu Qing¡¯s hand and gently rubbed it, revealing a sense of familiarity.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart softened. After his right hand gently closed, his gaze swept past the other three jars.


    These three jars also had souls, but they didn¡¯t belong to Ling¡¯er.


    They should also be Ancient Spirits who experienced the same thing as Ling¡¯er. Their inheritance failed and their souls fell into this world.


    However, in order to avoid negligence, Xu Qing still waved his hand. The three jars were immediately opened and souls of different colors spread out, each taking shape. Xu Qing checked carefully. After confirming that there was no Ling¡¯er¡¯s soul, he retracted his gaze and turned to look at the place where he had imprisoned the snake woman with the poison mist and purple fog.


    The scene of the snake woman sitting in the sedan chair appeared in his mind.


    ¡°She might be absorbing¡­¡±


    This was also the reason why Xu Qing didn¡¯t completely erase it earlier. The way the four jars were placed on the poles gave off the feeling that they were tributes waiting to be enjoyed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed coldness as he walked over.


    The shadow spread out behind him and the black iron stick followed on his right. As for the Poison Restriction, it spread out in front of him and the purple fog also parted to form a path, allowing Xu Qing to walk to the snake woman.


    The snake woman¡¯s soul body was in the midst of collapse, but her expression was still cold. It was as though other than this emotion, there were no other emotions in her mind.


    Xu Qing coldly glanced at the snake woman. The Golden Crow manifested behind him. As flames filled the air, the huge Golden Crow sucked at the snake woman. Immediately, the snake woman¡¯s soul body trembled and dissipated, transforming into soul fog.


    Amidst the fog, there were a few strands of soul threads of different colors. One of them was white.


    Xu Qing¡¯s left hand transformed into bizarre nether form, entering the soul fog. He then gently took out the white soul thread and fused it into the little white snake¡¯s body.


    The little white snake¡¯s body trembled and its blurry state became clearer. It slowly opened its eyes, which were a little dazed as it let out a sound.


    ¡°Gurgle, gurgle¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart ached. He discovered that Ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes were still filled with confusion and did not have much spirit. That feeling of incompleteness still existed. At that moment, it slowly seemed like she was about to fall asleep again.


    Through those shattered golden threads, Xu Qing could sense that there was guidance in the direction the underworld river flowed in.


    That was where another part of Ling¡¯er¡¯s soul was.


    Xu Qing looked into the depths of the underworld river.


    Deep shouts came from the end of the underworld river at this instant. This shout could intimidate the soul, and even the river shook. The world fluctuated, as though a god was breathing in the depths.


    An endless sense of danger continued to rise in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. It grew denser and denser, becoming a horrifying sensation that spread throughout his body.


    It was as though every inch of his flesh was reminding Xu Qing that that place¡­ was very dangerous.


    This feeling gradually became a haze that enveloped his mind.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He looked at the little white snake that had fallen asleep again in his palm. He then lifted his head and looked into the depths of the underworld river.


    After a long time, he closed his right hand. As the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art circulated and his entire arm became translucent, his right hand reached into his chest until it entered his sea of consciousness. He gently put down Ling¡¯er¡¯s sleeping soul there.


    This place was currently the safest place on Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    After doing this, Xu Qing walked toward the end of the river.


    There were some things that he had to do even if it was dangerous. He wouldn¡¯t let down anyone who treated him well.


    As he moved forward, the shouts from the depths of the underworld river echoed even more.


    As Xu Qing listened, he suddenly lifted his right hand and pointed at the sky. Immediately¡­ in this dim great world, a purple moon slowly rose into the air with fog formed by poison.


    As the light scattered down, purple intent descended on the ground.


    This was the first time in countless years that a moon appeared in this great world that originally didn¡¯t have a moon!

 Chapter 629 - 629 Eye Hidden in the Sky

    629 Eye Hidden in the Sky


    The pitch-black underworld river ebbed and flowed, and the countless faces floating on it continued to wail and scream.


    They were all members of the Ancient Spirit Race. After receiving the curse, they couldn¡¯t rest in peace even in death, sinking into a sea of pain.


    Even though they had long lost their consciousness and were only left with instincts, this torture still existed.


    The voice was mournful and ear-piercing.


    To people who heard it for the first time, they would feel very uncomfortable and their minds might even be torn apart. However, after listening for an entire day, Xu Qing was already used to it.


    At that moment, he was standing on the river and looking at the sky.


    In the dusky sky that was filled with fog, his Purple Moon continuously emitted purple moonlight. The poison mist that lingered in front of the moon seemed to have enveloped the moonlight with a layer of poison gauze.


    As he stared at the Purple Moon, the Purple Moon Heavenly Palace in Xu Qing¡¯s body circulated faster. His eyes also emitted a dense purple color that reflected the moonlight in the sky.


    After a long time, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked into the depths of the underworld river, sensing the terrifying fluctuations faintly coming from there.


    Even though he was so far away, the shock still turned into waves that kept rising in his mind.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s perception, only gods could do this.


    ¡°Is the Spirit Emperor really dead?¡± A look of contemplation appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He recalled the giant snake he had seen when he descended to this great world.


    The other party seemed to only have this great world on it but Xu Qing was very clear that this didn¡¯t mean that the other party was only at the first stage of Soul Accumulation at its peak.


    After all, if that was the case, it was impossible for the other party to unify Wanggu.


    However, his footsteps didn¡¯t stop. He continued forward, moving faster and faster.


    Time passed and very soon, three days passed.


    In these three days, nearly 10% of the sky in this world had completely turned purple. The purple color of the ground also became increasingly dense. Waves of anomalous substances that belonged to Xu Qing continued to gather from all directions as he moved forward.


    It slowly transformed into a dense purple fog around him and the area it enveloped grew larger and larger. From afar, it looked like a strange cloud formed by the descent of an unknown existence.


    This was the first time Xu Qing had released the Purple Moon¡¯s power to such an extent. It was also because of the arrival of the Purple Moon that the souls of this great world underwent some changes. They became increasingly manic and crazy.


    The invasion from the Purple Moon seemed to have stimulated the curse in their bodies.


    During these three days, Xu Qing also encountered many powerful corpses and evil souls on the underworld river. However, these souls in the underworld river were different from the ones Xu Qing had encountered in the wilderness.


    They were territorial and wouldn¡¯t pursue endlessly. As long as Xu Qing moved far from them, most of them would stop chasing.


    After Xu Qing discovered this, he didn¡¯t waste his time on them. He would immediately move away and avoid them when he encountered them.


    When the fourth day was about to arrive, Xu Qing¡¯s expression suddenly changed.


    The surface of the river in front of him suddenly churned violently. The aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator erupted and spread in all directions. A huge face rose from the river.


    This face was a full 100 feet long and many parts of it were rotting, while other parts were covered in gray scales. At that moment, as the river water fell from its sides, its gaze landed on Xu Qing, as though it was probing him.


    At the next instant, as though it had sensed something, the face suddenly distorted and let out a roar of grief and indignation. As soon as the voice rang out, the river in front of it directly exploded under the sound waves.


    A strong wind that carried a stench assaulted Xu Qing¡¯s face, causing his Daoist robe to flutter. Xu Qing frowned and was about to move around it when the water surface on the right of the face churned again and a second face appeared.


    It was also 100 feet in size and its appearance was similar. The two faces were connected by a wisp of black fog. They rose into the air, blocking Xu Qing¡¯s path.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Very soon, the third face, the fourth face¡­ and the eleventh face appeared and rose above the underworld river, forming a fan shape. All of them let out indignant roars toward Xu Qing.


    The roars from the eleven faces were earth-shattering. Xu Qing was sent back due to the sonic boom. When he moved back hundreds of feet in the air, the river below exploded again.


    A huge rotting bird head rose from within and its broken wings broke out of the water on its sides.


    After rising into the air, it immediately charged toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s pupils contracted as he saw the complete appearance of the corpse in front of him.


    This was a huge ferocious bird that was over 3,000 feet long. Its appearance was somewhat similar to a phoenix. Its body was mostly rotting and tainted weapons were pierced all over its body.


    As for the 11 faces, they were formed by its tail feathers.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned solemn as he noticed something under the ferocious bird¡¯s neck. Countless rope-like black flesh was connected to a human-shaped skeleton.


    It was as though the phoenix was formed from the flesh of the humanoid skeleton.


    The skeleton was dressed in a tattered red robe and despite his face being mostly rotted away, one could still discern that he was a young man. His gaze was fixed on Xu Qing, and his contorted expression conveyed a sense of profound grief and indignation.


    He let out a strange cry and rushed towards Xu Qing with lightning-fast speed. In an instant, he arrived in front of Xu Qing, and with a wave of his hand, his cultivation base erupted, forming countless black snowflakes that whistled toward Xu Qing.


    As he attacked, the phoenix above him also let out an ear-piercing cry. It opened its mouth wide and pounced upon Xu Qing.


    Its tail feathers swayed and its eleven faces spat out poisonous fog in unison. There were densely-packed maggots in the churning fog.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and started to retreat, but as he did, he raised his right hand and punched out, stirring up a violent wind that swept through the snow. At the same time, a sea of fire formed above him.


    The Golden Crow manifested in the fire and rushed out, heading straight for the phoenix.


    Immediately after, Xu Qing¡¯s shadow appeared behind him, transforming into a giant tree filled with eyes that pounced toward the poisonous fog spat out by those faces.


    All of this took a long time to describe but it happened in an instant. Both sides instantly attacked each other, setting off a series of deafening explosions in the sky.


    In a short period of time, they exchanged dozens of moves.


    Xu Qing¡¯s Poison Restriction also spread out but the youth actually sensed it and grabbed at the underworld river. Immediately, the underworld river¡¯s water surged rapidly and surrounded the youth, using the countless souls in the underworld river to resist Xu Qing¡¯s poison.


    This method was similar to Chu Tianqun¡¯s but in comparison, the number of souls in the underworld river was endless, and the river seemed to come from the same source as this youth. With a wave of his hand, more river water soared into the sky like black pythons that attacked Xu Qing from all directions.


    Xu Qing retreated rapidly.


    He could sense that this youth¡¯s cultivation was rather bizarre. The youth seemed to be able to absorb power from the underworld river as his cultivation level was continuing to increase. At the start, he was still at the early-stage Nascent Soul realm. The feeling he gave Xu Qing was similar to Chu Tianqun.


    As Xu Qing retreated, the Nether Spirit Blood Wing appeared on his back. His speed suddenly soared and he quickly flew out, wanting to move around the youth.


    The other party¡¯s cultivation was very strong and his spells were also bizarre. He didn¡¯t want to waste time fighting this youth.


    The power of the Purple Moon would come in handy later, so it wasn¡¯t suitable to waste it here.


    However, just as Xu Qing ran in another direction, the youth suddenly turned his head. The phoenix that was connected to him flapped its wings, stirring up a violent wind. Its speed was equally astonishing as it headed straight for Xu Qing like lightning. It even teleported and directly appeared in front of Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing frowned and circled around again, continuing to speed forward. However, very soon, the youth¡¯s corpse rapidly approached and let out a cry as he charged over again.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. With a wave of his hand, 30 demon transformation runes appeared. The Seventh Heavenly Palace in his body shone brightly at this moment. Under the rapid burning of the demon transformation runes, the Ghost Emperor¡¯s figure manifested into the world.


    As soon as the Ghost Emperor appeared, the color of the world changed. The surrounding void trembled and the river collapsed, forming a huge deterrence that enveloped the surroundings.


    ¡°Scram!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was cold. If the other party continued to pester him, even if he didn¡¯t want to, he would spend some time to completely kill him.


    The corpse youth clearly sensed danger. His pursuing body came to an abrupt stop and he quickly landed on the underworld river. He lifted his head and stared fixedly at Xu Qing while letting out low growls.


    The river water in the surroundings churned, creating waves. Lines of water flew out and surrounded the youth.


    Xu Qing coldly glanced at the corpse youth before speeding into the distance.


    On the underworld river, the corpse youth looked at Xu Qing¡¯s back view and hesitated for a moment. In the end, he gave up on chasing. He let out a roar and sank into the river.


    ¡°That corpse must have been a heaven¡¯s chosen when it was alive!¡± In the distant sky, Xu Qing withdrew the Ghost Emperor Mountain and glanced at the underworld river behind him. The wing on his back flapped as he continued forward, getting closer and closer to the depths of the underworld river.


    A day later, on the fifth day after he descended into this great world, Xu Qing finally arrived at the end of the river. A hazy black palace was reflected in his eyes.


    Its size was comparable to the county capital!


    Although it was riddled with holes and filled with dilapidation, a monstrous pressure rose from it. It was incomparably vast and at the same time, a dense sense of time spread out, revealing endless ancientness.


    It was like a palace that had been forgotten in time.


    The energy fluctuations and the aura of death coming from the palace seemed to be boundless. In the depths of the palace, black flesh filled the place, piling up into an extremely tall mountain peak.


    On the top of this flesh mountain, hundreds of souls floated like sacrifices.


    This was because behind these souls, there was a crack that was thousands of feet long in the sky. It was as though¡­ there was an eye hidden in the sky there.


    At that moment, even though it was closed and didn¡¯t open, the supreme divine might that was pouring out from it caused the surroundings to distort and everything to be in a blur.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred greatly. He looked at the flesh mountain peak at the depths of the palace and the hundreds of souls on it. Even though he was very far away, the guidance from the shattered golden thread allowed him to clearly sense that¡­ the soul Ling¡¯er lacked was there!

 Chapter 630 - 630 The Mad Xu Qing!

    630 The Mad Xu Qing!


    In the dim sky, clouds churned and the pressure from the god pressed down on Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    His mind continued to buzz, and his body trembled uncontrollably. He lost the ability to fly and fell to the decaying ground.


    The moment he landed, the internal organs in his body churned and he spat out a large mouthful of blood.


    Blood oozed out of all his seven orifices, and the tremendous pressure caused cracks to appear on his body


    His flesh burst open.


    His white Sword Holder Daoist robe was dyed red from the inside out in the blink of an eye.


    While the intense pain was spreading through his entire body, Xu Qing struggled to lift his head and stared at the distant horizon.


    At the end of his vision, other than the hundreds of souls that were like sacrifices, there were more than ten faintly discernible green fog swimming in all directions. They were like dragons and snakes, emitting waves of roars that echoed in all directions.


    To Xu Qing, all of this was like a ritual.


    ¡°Offering to the god¡­¡±


    This wasn¡¯t the first time he had seen a god, but he still couldn¡¯t shake off that immovable feeling and the shaking that came from the level of life.


    In the end, it transformed into a supreme will that couldn¡¯t be resisted, forming divine might.


    It suppressed Xu Qing¡¯s mind, causing his soul to feel a tearing pain.


    Even though the Poison Restriction¡¯s power covered his entire body, it couldn¡¯t stop all of this.


    This was different from the god¡¯s eye he had seen in the ghost cave back then. It was also different from the divine power on Chu Tianqun¡¯s body.


    Their pressure distorted the surroundings and blurred the world, causing everyone¡¯s flesh and blood to be activated. It was as though the various parts of the body had split into countless individuals and disintegrated.


    However, the power emitted by this eye in the sky caused one to feel intense pain and the tearing of their body and soul.


    ¡°It looks like a god but not like a god¡­¡±


    As the divine might enveloped Xu Qing, countless cries and roars echoed in the palace at the foot of the flesh mountain.


    Immediately after, countless evil ghosts with terrifying auras rushed out of the palace.


    All of them looked extremely sinister. The bigger ones were thousands of feet tall and even the small ones were hundreds of feet tall.


    Some had snake bodies and some had human bodies. The fluctuations emitted by any one of them surpassed the phoenix Xu Qing had seen before.


    Clearly, those who were qualified to worship the god in the palace were people with terrifying cultivation levels when they were alive.


    There were so many of them that it was endless!


    After all, this was the great world of the Spirit Emperor and the burial place of his race. In fact, Xu Qing guessed that there were other such palaces in this world.


    Seeing countless evil souls and corpses rapidly approaching him, madness appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    His right hand instantly turned translucent and penetrated his chest without any hesitation. He entered the Fourth Heavenly Palace and grabbed the Purple Moon inside.


    He pulled it out!


    Purple light erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s chest. Just like when he fought against Chu Tianqun back then, Xu Qing lifted the hand that was holding the Purple Moon high and let out a deep shout.


    ¡°Back down!!¡±


    This time, he wasn¡¯t using the power of the Purple Moon to resist the divine might. Instead, the moment he lifted it, he didn¡¯t hold back at all and completely activated its divine source.


    The color of the world changed at this moment!


    As the wind and clouds churned, a dazzling purple light flowed out from between the fingers of Xu Qing¡¯s right hand and soared into the sky, forming a purple pillar of light. The moment it reached the sky, ring-shaped ripples appeared in the clouds.


    It scattered the clouds, revealing the purple moon hanging there.


    They reflected each other at this instant!


    The endless purple fog also formed a hurricane around Xu Qing, surrounding the purple pillar of light and connecting to the world.


    If the intensity of the fluctuations of the Purple Moon when Xu Qing used it cautiously were considered to be one.


    During the battle with Chu Tianqun back then, the fluctuations emitted were 10.


    Now, it was 100!


    Such a full-powered release naturally formed a powerful signal!


    It only had one use: to attract the Red Moon!


    In an instant, a supreme divine might that shook the whole world erupted from outside this great world, sweeping through the void as though it was searching.


    Wherever it passed, the void collapsed and small worlds trembled and shattered.


    The great world of the Spirit Emperor also shook. At this moment, the sky turned soul-stirring red.


    An incomparably indifferent and lofty will seemed to be able to find this place at any moment and descend upon it.


    This scene caused the corpses and evil ghosts rushing toward Xu Qing to instantly stop.


    Their malevolent expressions were replaced by endless horror!


    The distant palace and flesh mountain peak also shook and the crack in the sky suddenly shrank.


    Looking at all of this, unprecedented madness rose in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He lifted the Purple Moon high and looked at the crack in the sky.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re the Spirit Emperor, but I¡¯ll take it that you are.¡±


    ¡°Since you can accept the sacrifices and make the disordered souls here offer sacrifices to you, I don¡¯t believe that you don¡¯t have any consciousness. You should also know what I have in my hand!¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, a series of thunderclaps rang out from the world. The sounds were extremely loud and rumbled in all directions. There were also bolts of lightning that streaked past, illuminating the ground.


    The divine might was even more majestic than before.


    ¡°If I die or if I will it, I can guide my Mother Goddess here.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s body shook intensely under this divine might, but the madness in his eyes didn¡¯t decrease at all.


    ¡°If She sees an existence like you, She will definitely be very happy. At that time, you will be food!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice echoed and the divine might became even more intense. As the world trembled, the terrified corpses and evil souls around him let out sharp screams one after another.


    ¡°Get back! If you dare to take half a step forward, I¡¯ll guide the Mother Goddess to descend to this world!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were bloodshot as he stared fixedly at the crack in the sky. He clenched the divine source in his hand fiercely and the signal formed by the reflection of the Purple Moon in the sky became even more intense.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s trump card!


    It was also when he decided to come here to find the other half of Ling¡¯er¡¯s soul that he determined to use this.


    Hence, he had released the power of the Purple Moon and let it rise into the air.


    Moreover, on the way, he kept releasing the Purple Moon¡¯s power, causing it to become denser and denser.


    Everything was for this moment!


    Using the descent of the Red Moon to threaten the Spirit Emperor!


    Xu Qing¡¯s surroundings were filled with endless corpses and evil souls, while the black palace ahead was like the skull of an evil god.


    As for the crack in the sky, it was the source of divine might!


    As Xu Qing¡¯s words echoed and the signal produced by the Purple Moon¡¯s fluctuations spread out, a furious roar rang out from the crack in the sky.


    It was also different from the roar produced by the lightning earlier. This was the first roar that the eye in the sky truly let out after Xu Qing appeared.


    As the roar echoed, all the corpses and evil souls around Xu Qing made a path!


    The path led to the imperial palace and the mountain of flesh!


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He lifted the Purple Moon high and looked at the path in front of him as he walked over.


    On both sides of him were sinister-looking and extremely savage corpses and evil souls.


    However, Xu Qing no longer cared. Following this path, he walked past evil ghosts and corpses. The divine might retreated in front of him. Finally, he walked out of the densely-packed encirclement and arrived in front of the palace.


    Standing there, Xu Qing fell silent for a moment before he stepped in. He walked all the way to the end of the palace and stepped onto the steps of the flesh mountain.


    From the start to the end, he didn¡¯t lower his hand at all. The determination and madness on his face didn¡¯t reduce at all.


    Just like that, Xu Qing stepped on the steps and climbed to the top of the flesh mountain peak step by step, standing at the top of the mountain.


    He looked at the world.


    He could finally see more clearly.


    At that moment, there were two colors in the sky.


    One was the original dim yellow color of this great world. It filled almost 90% of the sky and one could vaguely see countless fog churning, transforming into malevolent ghost faces and dragon heads.


    They roared and screamed in the sky, forming a series of muffled thunder. Occasionally, the lightning that flashed would illuminate the land, reflecting the endless corpses and soul sea at the foot of the flesh mountain.


    There were also rotting birds flying around in the sky, locking onto Xu Qing with ferocity. Their grayish-black eyes clearly emitted a dense aura of death but their decayed bodies still emitted divine fluctuations.


    Clearly, they were all divine beasts when they were alive.


    There were even more dragons and snakes. The dragons were in the clouds in the sky, and the snakes were all revealed in the rotting flesh on the ground.


    The underworld river in the distance was also boiling at this moment. Many ancient existences buried in the river were awakened, and rose from the river one after another.


    There were thousand-foot-long fog bodies and corpse generals¡­


    In fact, even further away, countless war chariots and fog banners appeared in the world. A baleful aura rose and blotted out the sky.


    This place was only one of the many altars in this great world. From this, Xu Qing could imagine how powerful and majestic the Ancient Spirit Race was in the past.


    As for the other color in the sky, it was purple.


    This purple color occupied a very small area but it was extremely dense. It was like a nail was firmly nailed here. Even though it was surrounded by dim yellow, it still emitted a sharpness that belonged to it.


    Its light transformed into a beam and gathered on the top of the flesh mountain. Xu Qing, who was standing there, kept on holding the Purple Moon high.


    Xu Qing was calm.


    Although his eyes were bloodshot and his gaze was filled with madness, he wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with such madness.


    After going out with the captain to do so many big things, Xu Qing was already used to this.


    At that moment, he was looking at the closed eye in the sky!


    This eye was so big that a portion of it was still hidden behind the crack.


    In front of the huge eye, among the hundreds of souls floating on the mountain peak, there was a wisp of soul. It was Ling¡¯er in her young girl form!


    Amidst the black soul light, Ling¡¯er trembled, hugging her knees tightly with both hands.


    Revised: Overwhelmed with fear, she kept her head lowered, refusing to look at her surroundings. The soul light seemed to create a barrier around her, cutting her off from the outside world and leaving her unaware of what was happening beyond it.


    Looking at the trembling Ling¡¯er, Xu Qing¡¯s grip on the Purple Moon tightened slightly.

 Chapter 631 - 631 Linger, Dont Be Afraid, Ill Bring You Home

    631 Ling¡¯er, Don¡¯t Be Afraid, I¡¯ll Bring You Home


    Under the dim sky, Xu Qing¡¯s figure stood at the top of the flesh mountain that was filled with divine might and stared at the sky.


    The moment his gaze landed on Ling¡¯er¡¯s soul body, the little white snake in his sea of consciousness also opened its eyes. It sensed something and let out a sound.


    ¡°Gurgle, gurgle¡­¡±


    As the soul voice of the same source appeared, Ling¡¯er¡¯s soul in the air trembled and wanted to lift her head to sense it.


    However, the 18 green fog dragons and snakes in the surroundings suddenly swam around and emitted dense luck, forming a shackling force that blocked Ling¡¯er¡¯s senses.


    The moment luck burst forth, the little white snake in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness instinctively emitted a hint of desire.


    These dragons and snakes were formed from the luck of the Ancient Spirit Race.


    Their appearances were clear and their scales emitted green light and were lifelike.


    Even though they were cursed by the Heavenly Dao, according to legends, the Ancient Spirit Race was the Heavenly Fate Race that gathered luck in the Wanggu Continent. Hence, even now, there was still a heavenly fate that belonged to them.


    A sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Since Ling¡¯er¡¯s soul couldn¡¯t be summoned back, he directly rushed toward Ling¡¯er¡¯s soul.


    The dragons and snakes formed by the green luck immediately let out threatening roars.


    It was as though as long as the emperor gave the order, they would instantly devour Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t moved and continued to approach Ling¡¯er¡¯s soul. The power of the Purple Moon spread out as well. Those dragons and snakes were restless but they had no choice but to retreat.


    As they retreated, the shackles dissipated.


    Ling¡¯er¡¯s soul no longer trembled. When her origin perception returned, Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared in front of her.


    He immediately took Ling¡¯er¡¯s soul without hesitation.


    The instant they came into contact, the black light outside Ling¡¯er¡¯s soul dissipated. As for the little white snake in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, it appeared outside Xu Qing¡¯s body under the attraction of the same source and flew into the space between Ling¡¯er¡¯s brows.


    Ling¡¯er¡¯s body shook and her eyelashes trembled slightly. She slowly lifted her head and the first thing she saw was Xu Qing¡¯s figure.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing¡­ Is this a dream¡­¡±


    Ling¡¯er¡¯s face was filled with confusion. After muttering, her soul body felt waves of weakness. Clearly, she had left her body for too long and couldn¡¯t hold on much longer.


    ¡°Ling¡¯er, don¡¯t be afraid. I¡¯ll bring you home.¡±


    The moment the jade slip shattered, outside the Ancient Spirit Emperor Great World, in the Wood Spirit Race in Fenghai County, the body of the old man who had been anxiously waiting at the edge of the altar above the Spirit Abyss for several days suddenly trembled.


    His haggard face and all his wrinkles shook, as though there was a power called hope rising from all over his body. His bloodshot eyes instantly revealed an unprecedented brightness.


    He quickly performed a series of hand seals. His body shook and his heartbeat sped up. At this moment, the blood in his entire body flowed rapidly, stimulating the sealing power in his bloodline.


    There were also streams of spiritual energy that belonged to the Wood Spirit Race. At this moment, the roots of the large trees in the basin spread out and rapidly gathered toward the old man.


    The old man¡¯s eyes turned red. The blood vessels in his body instantly bulged and his head split open. Countless tentacles danced and broke off on their own!


    Large amounts of blood spurted out from the tentacles and gathered in front of the old man, forming a 30-foot-long lump of blood that kept squirming.


    ¡°Activate!!¡±


    Amidst the rumbling, the blood lump spun rapidly and locked onto the jade slip¡¯s guidance, tearing open a small and narrow gap!


    It connected to the location of the jade slip!


    Endless death energy immediately spread out from the gap and filled the surroundings. Through this gap, the old man saw Ling¡¯er in Xu Qing¡¯s arms!


    This gap was extremely unstable and couldn¡¯t be maintained for long. It was already starting to close.


    At this moment, the crack in the sky above Xu Qing suddenly shook. The eye of the Spirit Emperor seemed to be about to open.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. He could sense a divine might that was even more terrifying and astonishing than before was being released right now.


    The world was blurry and everything was distorted. As the eye slowly opened, a fluctuation of awakening spread violently.


    All the corpses and the evil souls knelt down.


    Xu Qing felt an unprecedented intense pain and was barely able to hold on by relying on the Purple Moon¡¯s power.


    All of this happened in the blink of an eye. Xu Qing retreated without the slightest hesitation, approaching the gap that the old man from Panquan Road had opened behind him.


    The gap was extremely unstable at this moment and was rapidly disappearing. From it came the anxious shout of the old man.


    ¡°Ling¡¯er!!¡±


    Xu Qing immediately sent the unconscious Ling¡¯er¡¯s soul into the gap.


    After that, he stood in front of the gap and Ling¡¯er. He used his body to block the monstrous divine might emitted by the Spirit Emperor¡¯s eye that was gradually opening in the sky.


    Xu Qing felt his body tearing apart even more intensely. He was injured all over his body and blood flowed out rapidly. However, his obstruction played a key role.


    The old man grabbed Ling¡¯er¡¯s soul. He seemed to want to save Xu Qing too but it was too late now. He could only retract his hand. Almost at the instant he retracted his hand, the gap couldn¡¯t be maintained and collapsed and dissipated.


    Xu Qing smiled.


    His pale face revealed a smile for the first time since he arrived in this great world filled with death.


    He was aware that the gap had become too small and he couldn¡¯t pass through it himself. However, it didn¡¯t matter. He had succeeded.


    He found Ling¡¯er¡¯s soul and sent her out safely.


    At that moment, the crack in the sky completely opened!


    An incomparably huge yellow vertical pupil appeared in the sky, staring at Xu Qing.


    At this moment, the endless corpses and souls in the surroundings lowered their heads and let out fanatical shouts.


    ¡°Emperor!¡±


    The deafening sound spread throughout the world.


    They weren¡¯t the only ones. The dragon heads in the fog in the sky, the giant snakes that were moving on the ground, the terrifying figures in the underworld river, and the countless war chariot fiends in the distance also let out deep shouts the moment the eye opened.


    ¡°Emperor!!¡±


    In the sky, the huge eye was filled with indifference. The surroundings of the dim yellow pupil were burning with black flames.


    A pressure comparable to that of a god enveloped the great world.


    The injuries on Xu Qing¡¯s body erupted uncontrollably.


    It was as though the Spirit Emperor¡¯s ability could magnify all injuries by several times in an instant. This was also the source of tearing.


    Facing It, the more serious one¡¯s injuries were, the greater the reaction. Under the effect of this strange power, even light injuries would become serious injuries in the blink of an eye.


    Moreover, because the tearing continued, it was equivalent to the body being cut open layer by layer.


    One could imagine that with this ability, when the Spirit Emperor was at his peak, it would definitely be extremely difficult for those enemies to deal with him. They couldn¡¯t be injured at all. As long as they were slightly injured, their injuries would instantly be enhanced to the extreme.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body continued to collapse under the tearing. His flesh separated piece by piece, but were being forcefully pieced together by the Purple Moon¡¯s power.


    The intense pain from this process surged like a huge wave, especially the feeling of his flesh being squeezed. It turned into a heart-wrenching trembling. However, the right hand he raised didn¡¯t loosen at all and grabbed even tighter.


    He lifted his head with great difficulty and looked at the Spirit Emperor!


    In an instant, endless information directly rushed into Xu Qing¡¯s mind. It continued to fill, explode, and churn in his mind.


    This information was chaotic and contained cruelty and madness. Xu Qing¡¯s head bulged as though it was about to explode.


    There was also a terrifying will that swept through Xu Qing¡¯s mind, shaking his sea of consciousness as though it wanted to crush his soul. The power of the Poison Restriction rose to resist it.


    The mosasaur let out a roar and rose from the Sixth Heavenly Palace to block it as well.


    As the mosasaur appeared, this extremely powerful will paused slightly. Clearly, it had recognized the Heavenly Dao on the mosasaur.


    A divine sense that was like lightning echoed indifferently in Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    ¡°The Crimson Goddess Source in your hand should have been plundered.¡±


    The blood vessels in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes had now turned into cracks and blood flowed out of the corner of his eyes. He looked at the blurry giant eye above and spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°So what?¡±


    As he spoke, the Purple Moon light in Xu Qing¡¯s right hand erupted again. The Fourth Heavenly Palace in his body shook violently and the Purple Moon in the sky shone with the same moonlight. At the edge¡­ it began to turn red.


    This redness was spreading.


    It was as though behind the Purple Moon, an incomparably dense blood color was enveloping it from outside the world.


    ¡°Either let me leave or we¡¯ll die together!¡± Xu Qing said word by word with great difficulty.


    Although the countless information he passively obtained from looking at the giant eye made his head feel like it was about to explode and he felt an intense sense of madness, he more or less obtained some understanding from this information.


    Gods could devour each other.


    Once the Red Moon descended, with the current state of the Spirit Emperor, he would indeed become food.


    This information caused Xu Qing to be certain that his threat would definitely be effective.


    He was already unable to hold on anymore. The intense pain in his body and the endless chaotic information in his mind made him feel like the world was spinning. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the Purple Moon¡¯s power had become a signal at this moment and was being intensified by something to an extreme degree, his body and soul would have long been destroyed.


    However, the gaze of the gigantic eye in the sky was still intense. Xu Qing made up his mind and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Red Moon, Red Moon¡­¡±


    As Xu Qing called out, the color of the sky changed. Large patches of red spots directly formed in the sky. There were more and more of them and they began to stretch, wanting to connect together.


    This was Xu Qing taking the initiative to summon the Red Moon!


    Using his authority to take the initiative to summon was on a completely different level from the passive guidance earlier.


    The sky was bright red.


    The huge eye instantly narrowed and hurried breathing echoed in the world. Shock and anger transformed into a shout that contained suppressed emotions.


    ¡°Scram!¡±

 Chapter 632 - 632 Rising Storm

    632 Rising Storm


    Although the voice from the Spirit Emperor was earth-shattering, it was as though he was worried that the fluctuations of his emotions would cause Xu Qing to collapse and die immediately. From there, it would transform into a fixed coordinate that was difficult to erase. Hence, the divine might and tearing power were clearly restrained.


    Xu Qing, who was about to collapse, finally caught his breath.


    His body staggered back and he was about to leave. However, when he lifted his head and looked at the dragons and snakes formed by the green luck floating below the huge eye, he recalled the desire Ling¡¯er had emitted in his sea of consciousness earlier. Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred slightly. He lifted his hand and pointed as he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Respected Ancient Emperor, I want to borrow a strand of luck and return it with an item of equal value in the future!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the divine might in the surroundings that had been retracted by the Spirit Emperor fluctuated again. That huge eye stared coldly at Xu Qing, and the majestic pressure was even more intense than before.


    ¡°I¡¯m not demanding it, I¡¯m only borrowing,¡± Xu Qing explained seriously.


    That huge eye in the sky looked at the red spots in the sky. After that, it swept its gaze across Xu Qing and stared at his Heavenly Dao Mosasaur.


    A while later, a wisp of green luck fog swayed and headed straight for Xu Qing. After Xu Qing caught it, the green fog transformed into a green crystal.


    It was crystal clear and peerlessly beautiful. One look and one could tell that it was a supreme treasure.


    Immediately after, a deep shout rang out from the giant eye.


    ¡°Scram immediately!¡±


    After saying that, the eye closed and no longer looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing immediately sped into the distance, leaving the flesh mountain and the palace. The blood wing manifested on his back, increasing his speed to the extreme.


    To prevent any accidents from happening, Xu Qing didn¡¯t return the Purple Moon to the Fourth Heavenly Palace. Instead, he spread out the poison mist to hide the signal and looked at the sky from time to time.


    He was worried that the Red Moon would descend and that the Spirit Emperor would open his eyes again.


    Under these two concerns, Xu Qing could only erupt with all his speed and speed along the path he had come from.


    Just like that, several days passed, and in these days, Xu Qing didn¡¯t encounter any obstruction. When he returned to the place he landed, perhaps it was because the signal mark was hidden or maybe it was because of the efforts of the Spirit Emperor, the Purple Moon in the sky had already dimmed and the red spots had become blurry.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t dare to stay any longer and rushed into the sky.


    As the ground became smaller and smaller, a suction force also came from the ground. Finally, when he fully rushed out, Xu Qing quickly kept the Purple Moon back into the Heavenly Palace and used the Poison Restriction to conceal it.


    He waited with trepidation for a long time. After confirming that there was nothing wrong, he continued to move and appeared in the Spirit Abyss. He grabbed the cliff at the side tightly, anchoring his body so that it wouldn¡¯t be sucked away.


    The cold cliff emitted waves of coldness that invaded his body. Xu Qing circulated the purple crystal and climbed up as he healed his injuries.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    Xu Qing would occasionally stop to rest. Six hours later, he finally saw the altar above. He also saw the old man from Panquan Road who was sitting cross-legged and continuously performing hand seals with a worried expression, trying to open another gap.


    Xu Qing glanced at him then looked at the stone cave on the cliff. When he saw the white-clothed girl sitting cross-legged there, he heaved a sigh of relief inwardly.


    Ling¡¯er¡¯s face was no longer pale. She was breathing and her face was rosy. Clearly, she had regained her life force.


    However, her soul had left her body for too long, so she had to recuperate and couldn¡¯t wake up for some time. The old man had put up protective barriers around her.


    When Xu Qing looked at Ling¡¯er, the old man who had failed to cast the spell time and time again on the altar was suddenly stunned. He abruptly lowered his head and looked at the Spirit Abyss. When he noticed Xu Qing, who was grabbing the wall and climbing up bit by bit, his eyes widened and he cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°You¡­ you actually returned on your own?¡±


    The gaze of the old man was as though he had seen a ghost. He had cast many spells in the past few days and even invited the Wood Spirit Race to open the gap again, but he failed every time.


    He also understood that even if he really succeeded, he probably wouldn¡¯t be able to save Xu Qing. After all, the Spirit Emperor had opened his eyes at that time.


    Hence, he was very worried. On one hand, he felt complicated when he thought of how Xu Qing died to save Ling¡¯er. On the other hand, he was worried that after Ling¡¯er woke up and found out about this, she wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand the shock.


    However, now, when he was drowned in worries, he actually saw Xu Qing climbing back on his own.


    ¡°That¡¯s the Spirit Emperor¡­¡± The old man mumbled in daze.


    It was only when Xu Qing leaped onto the altar and appeared in front of him that the old man gasped. Just as he was about to speak, Xu Qing panted and waved his hand, handing over the green luck crystal he had obtained from the Spirit Emperor.


    ¡°This is for Ling¡¯er.¡±


    The old man instinctively took it. After taking a look at it blankly, his eyes widened again and his mind rumbled. He stood up and exclaimed in shock.


    ¡°Ancestral luck imperial qi!!¡±


    His heart raced as he clenched his fists tightly. His mind was shaken. He was very clear that the value of this item was extremely high, especially to the descendants of the Ancient Spirit Race.


    If Ling¡¯er absorbed this ancestral luck imperial qi, not only would her bloodline become even denser, but the curse on her body would also be eased to a certain extent by it.


    This item, in the era of the Ancient Spirit Race back then, was the luck of the imperial family.


    It could allow Ling¡¯er¡¯s cultivation to advance by leaps and bounds.


    Seeing the other party¡¯s expression, Xu Qing felt relieved. He looked at Ling¡¯er, who was recuperating in the stone cave. The scenes in the great world appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Ling¡¯er¡¯s bloodline origin was damaged this time and she will only wake up in a month. However, with this ancestral luck imperial qi, not only can her bloodline recover, but it can also advance to another level.¡±


    The old man hurriedly spoke.


    Xu Qing nodded as waves of fatigue rose in his mind. After that, he took out a black iron token.


    ¡°Do you recognize this?¡±


    This token was oval-shaped and engraved with complicated runes. It emitted a black light and its entire body was cold. There were also faint teleportation fluctuations coming from it. Xu Qing had obtained it from a corpse he had killed when he was rushing in the Spirit Emperor Great World.


    At that time, he felt that this item was somewhat extraordinary, so he kept it.


    ¡°This is the Spirit Abyss Talisman!¡±


    ¡°This item is rare outside but there are many in the great world. After a special method is used along with the integration of magic power, it can allow outsiders to teleport into the Spirit Abyss at any time. At the same time, if you think of a location in your mind, you can teleport to that location in the great world.¡±


    The old man explained. Right now, in his eyes, Xu Qing was completely different from before. Even now, he couldn¡¯t understand how the other party had resolved that fatal crisis.


    Xu Qing nodded. After some thought, he kept the item. He cast a deep glance at Ling¡¯er and turned to leave.


    ¡°You¡­ aren¡¯t you going to wait for Ling¡¯er?¡±


    The old man asked hesitantly.


    ¡°I have some trouble on me and it¡¯s not suitable for me to stay. We¡¯ll meet again in the future,¡± Xu Qing said softly and walked toward the steps, gradually leaving.


    Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s departing figure, the old man stood on the spot. The scene of the other party using his body to block the divine might and protect Ling¡¯er in the gap he had opened earlier appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Brat, although you have many shortcomings and aren¡¯t likable, you¡¯re still a person who clearly distinguishes gratitude and grudges and values relationships!¡±


    The old man mumbled.


    It was dusk outside the Wood Spirit Race. Red clouds filled the sky like blood.


    Xu Qing appeared in the sky. As the evening wind swayed his clothes, there was a hint of worry in his eyes as he looked in the direction of the county capital.


    The reason why he left the altar was partly because Xu Qing didn¡¯t know if there would be consequences of taking the initiative to summon the Red Moon in the great world.


    Another reason¡­ was that the sense of danger he had felt a few months ago was extremely intense the moment he left the Spirit Abyss.


    ¡°Could it be the Red Moon?¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes as many thoughts appeared in his mind. His body swayed and he was about to move forward. However, at that moment, the ground suddenly quaked!


    Countless trees swayed violently, as though an invisible ripple had transformed into a violent wind that swept over from afar.


    Cracks spread in the mountain ranges. The ground in the distance also churned and the earth shook.


    The color of the sky suddenly changed and a huge explosion that spread through half of Fenghai County rang out from the direction of the county capital. It was as though¡­ something there had exploded.


    The sound itself shattered the red clouds.


    Black clouds rose in the sky and spread out in all directions like a tide. Dusk was wiped out in the blink of an eye and the entire world became dark!


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook violently. He felt the violent wind and the impact. When his body couldn¡¯t control itself and retreated in mid-air, he saw a huge figure shining with white light appearing at the end of the sky in the direction of the county capital.


    This figure was an old man. He towered into the sky and emitted a terrifying pressure. Countless small worlds rapidly formed and collapsed, emitting vast might in his surroundings.


    Although he couldn¡¯t compare to a god, the feeling Xu Qing got from him surpassed that of the Palace Master.


    The old man¡¯s eyes revealed reluctance as he looked at Fenghai County. Gradually, black spots appeared on his body one after another. More and more of them appeared and quickly covered his entire body. The old man opened his mouth as though he wanted to say something¡­


    However, in the end, he couldn¡¯t say a word. His body was devoured by the night and slowly dissipated, completely melting into the darkness.


    Silently¡­ perished!


    Lightning surged unprecedentedly.


    Amidst the rumbling and explosion, droplets of rain fell from the sky and soon started pouring heavily. It landed on the mountain range, the soil, the vegetation, and the countless races in Fenghai County.


    It also landed on Xu Qing whose mind was filled with endless storms.


    He had seen that figure from afar a few times in the county capital.


    ¡°County Governor¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled with disbelief.

 Chapter 633 - 633 An Unprecedented Change!

    633 An Unprecedented Change!


    The sky was pitch-black.


    Only bolts of lightning appeared amidst the rumbling thunder, tearing apart the black sky.


    The cold rain continued to fall, drenching the land of Fenghai County.


    Xu Qing gazed in the direction of the county capital in a daze, and great waves stirred in his mind.


    ¡°The County Governor died¡­¡±


    Xu Qing had only seen the County Governor a few times in the Sword Holding Palace. He didn¡¯t have any contact with him and only heard about him from others.


    He knew that Fenghai County was still intact and hadn¡¯t been devoured and divided by the Holy Wave Race because of the contributions of the previous county governors.


    The incumbent county governor had governed Fenghai County for 800 years. Despite not actively expanding the territory, he maintained a delicate balance internally and externally, showing great conscientiousness. Thanks to his leadership, Fenghai County remained under the control of the human race, with all its 13 provinces remaining intact, unlike the other six counties that had gradually lost their territories over the past thousand years.


    And today, this old man had fallen.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know the details, nor did he know what had happened in the county capital. As his emotions fluctuated, he thought of Zi Xuan, Kong Xianglong, and the others.


    He immediately took out the command sword and voice transmission jade slip. However, before he could inquire, the command sword and jade slip emitted an intense vibration at the same time. Countless information erupted.


    ¡°Xu Qing, are you in the Prison Department? How are you?!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, the County Governor died without any warning!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, where are you? The Prison Department has collapsed!!¡±


    ¡°Countless criminals have fled and the capital is in chaos!¡±


    The instant Xu Qing¡¯s perception fused into the command sword and jade slip, information violently gushed in his mind. There were voice transmissions from Kong Xianglong, Shan He, and the others, as well as some Sword Holders Xu Qing knew and Pawns from the Prison Department.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body shuddered as a shiver rose from the bottom of his heart. At this moment, it rapidly spread throughout his body and finally transformed into a rumbling sound in his mind.


    ¡°The Prison Department collapsed?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s heart was in turmoil. He found it unbelievable and immediately asked Kong Xianglong about it with the command sword.


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s voice was filled with grief and indignation.


    ¡°Xu Qing, the Prison Department exploded! Right now, there are too many criminals escaping¡­ The Palace Master, Deputy Palace Master, and deacons are relying on the county capital¡¯s taboo to fight against the god¡¯s clone imprisoned in the Prison Department.¡±


    Xu Qing was about to continue asking when Zi Xuan¡¯s trembling voice rang out from the voice transmission jade slip.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you¡­ where are you? Are you alright¡­ I¡¯m at the Prison Department but I didn¡¯t find you¡­¡±


    Zi Xuan¡¯s voice was shaky. When Xu Qing heard this, he immediately replied. After knowing that Xu Qing was fine, Zi Xuan heaved a sigh of relief. She was about to continue asking but Xu Qing¡¯s heart was in an extreme mess right now. After a few hurried words, he immediately transmitted his voice to Kong Xianglong.


    ¡°Xu Qing, if you¡¯re not in the county capital, find a place to hide immediately. Don¡¯t return yet. You can return in a few days.¡±


    ¡°A large number of prisoners from the Prison Department have escaped. You¡¯re a Pawn. You will be in extreme danger if you encounter them, in addition¡­ something major has happened!¡±


    ¡°I just received news that the Holy Wave Race¡¯s army has appeared at the border of Fenghai County. This is premeditated! Xu Qing, the war is about to begin!¡±


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s voice was hurried. When he finished speaking, it revealed determination.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind was in constant turmoil, with these events unfolding too quickly. He took a deep breath, landed on the ground and hid his aura.


    He wasn¡¯t far from the county capital. With his cultivation, he could reach it in an hour. In that case, the prisoners from the Prison Department wouldn¡¯t take long to reach here.


    Although most of the prisoners imprisoned in the Prison Department were weak, once those in Area C returned to the Wanggu Continent, without the suppression of the small world¡¯s Heavenly Dao, their combat strength would instantly return to its original strength.


    Hence, Kong Xianglong was right. He needed to hide himself first and wait for everything to stabilize before returning in a few days. That was the best choice.


    ¡°Fenghai County is going to be in chaos.¡± Deep underground, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gradually revealed sharpness.


    After a long time, he took out the jade slip and first transmitted his voice to the old man from Panquan Road to tell him everything, asking him to inform the Wood Spirit Race to be on guard. After that, he transmitted his voice to the captain.


    However, there was still no response from the captain.


    Xu Qing frowned. After some thought, he transmitted his voice to Qing Qiu but couldn¡¯t reach her as well.


    Xu Qing sighed softly and kept the voice transmission jade slip. He then sat cross-legged and meditated to calm his mind.


    Time flowed by and a day passed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s command sword trembled intensely and the Palace Master¡¯s tired voice echoed.


    ¡°All the Sword Holders outside the county capital¡¯s territory, return immediately the moment you receive this notice. The time limit is tonight!¡±


    ¡°I have three things to tell you.¡±


    ¡°Firstly, the County Governor has died.¡±


    ¡°Secondly, the prisoners from the Prison Department have escaped. On the way back, you can do everything you can to protect your safety.¡±


    ¡°Thirdly, the Holy Wave Race has invaded Fenghai County. According to the information, the ancestral emperor of the Holy Wave Race has awakened and ordered the entire race to start a war.¡±


    ¡°Sword Holders¡­ The war is here.¡±


    Xu Qing silently put away the command sword. He then checked his storage bag, and sensed his condition. A cold glint appeared in his eyes as he rose into the air.


    It was noon, and the sky presented a peculiar sight. An expansive net spanned across the entire expanse.


    This net flickered with crystalline light and covered an endless range.


    Waves of pressure spread out from the crystal net. Almost at the instant Xu Qing appeared, the net in the sky flickered, as though it was recording him.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought and sped in the direction of the county capital.


    On the way, he became even more vigilant than before. When he was about to reach the county capital, he received a voice transmission from Kong Xianglong.


    In the voice transmission, Kong Xianglong told Xu Qing that the chaos in the county capital had been temporarily suppressed by the joint efforts of the three Palace Masters and the Deputy Governor. At the same time, because of the arrival of the war, the Sword Holding Palace Master, who was in charge of the war, would temporarily take over the position of County Governor.


    Two decrees had already been sent out today.


    One was to summon the Sword Holders, and the other was to seal the entire territory and fully activate the county capital¡¯s Taboo magic treasure.


    The large net in the sky was the county capital¡¯s Taboo magic treasure.


    Xu Qing looked at the crystal net and put away his command sword. He then flew toward the county capital, reaching it not long later.


    The appearance of the entire county had changed drastically from when Xu Qing left.


    The floating capital city was filled with a large number of cracks that made it look like it was riddled with holes. The three Upper Mystic Palaces around it were also damaged.


    The most shocking thing was the ground.


    The deep pit where the Prison Department used to be had already collapsed and the entrance was blocked by countless gravel.


    Huge cracks spread in all directions with that place as the center.


    The Prison Department no longer existed.


    Other than that, there were several times more Sword Holders and patrolling cultivators in the county capital than before. They were scattered in all directions and were on high alert. Most of their expressions were filled with grief and indignation with a hint of killing intent.


    Next was the anomalous substances and the remnant spell fluctuations. They hadn¡¯t completely dissipated here, causing many places to look distorted and blurry.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart sank. The moment he got close, many patrolling Sword Holders approached him vigilantly. There were also some divine senses that enveloped the surroundings. They only slowly dissipated after sensing Xu Qing¡¯s identity.


    Xu Qing silently walked toward the Prison Department.


    At the entrance of the blocked pit, some Pawns from the Prison Department were casting a spell, causing a narrow passageway to be opened there. After sensing Xu Qing¡¯s arrival, these Pawns turned their heads one after another.


    No one spoke, and their expressions were all cold and sinister, like predatory beasts ready to devour their prey.


    Xu Qing silently walked over and looked at the gap that had been opened. He then stepped in and followed the passageway into the depths. The cells in the surroundings were now in ruins.


    Looking at these, a cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes until he arrived at the cell where D132 used to be.


    D132¡¯s gate was already in pieces. Half of the area inside was crushed by the boulders, and the remaining cages were shattered. The prisoners inside had all disappeared.


    The little boy also disappeared.


    Xu Qing was silent. He walked to a corner and saw a small mountain formed by a pile of bamboo slip fragments.


    Every bamboo slip recorded a similar content.


    A long time later, Xu Qing left, taking those bamboo slip fragments with him to the 89th floor.


    In Area C, Xu Qing looked at the shattered murals in the surroundings. The small world¡­ had already collapsed.


    ¡°You¡¯re here.¡±


    A hoarse voice rang out from beside the collapsed rubble in the distance.


    Ghost Hand, who was covered in injuries, was sitting in the darkness. There were scattered alcohol flasks around him and he was even holding one in his hand. He looked at Xu Qing and laughed bitterly.


    ¡°They all ran away. All of them ran away cleanly.¡±


    ¡°I killed a few but I couldn¡¯t kill them all¡­¡±


    Xu Qing walked over and looked at the heavily injured Ghost Hand who even had his cultivation base shattered. He could sense the dense intent of death emanating from the other party¡¯s body. He silently took out some medicinal pills and placed them to the side.


    ¡°I won¡¯t die yet. Xu Qing, do you have wine?¡± Ghost Hand threw the empty pot in his hand to the ground, producing clanking sounds.


    Xu Qing nodded and took out a wine flask from his storage bag, handing it over.


    Ghost Hand held the flask with a trembling hand and took a big swig. Immediately after, he started coughing violently and his face looked an abnormal red. He panted as he looked at the shattered murals and muttered.


    ¡°How could I die so easily? Xu Qing, do you know that I have been nurturing my sword for hundreds of years? However, I didn¡¯t use it¡­ too many people escaped. I can only slash down one with this sword. I don¡¯t want to waste it like this.¡±


    ¡°I prepared this for the sake of protecting Area C. I want to kill that bastard who destroyed the Prison Department¡­¡±


    ¡°Before I slash it down, I won¡¯t die.¡± Ghost Hand muttered, his voice firm.


    Xu Qing was silent. He cupped his fists and bowed, leaving with mixed feelings.


    At that moment, in the Holy Wave Large Region, in an extremely special plain. This place didn¡¯t belong to any county and was located in the center of the Holy Wave Large Region. It was the holy land of the entire Holy Wave Race.


    The terrain here was fully white.


    It wasn¡¯t covered in snow but gravel.


    Every single one of them contained dense spirit qi. There were also countless human-shaped statues in all directions of the plains that emitted an ancient aura.


    They were the personal guard army of the Grand Duke Holy Wave, who had betrayed the human race back then.


    Now that time had passed, all the cultivators in the army had turned into statues that stood on the white plain. From afar, they gave off a sacred feeling.


    The source of this holiness was a white temple that was the only building in the plain.


    This was the ancestral temple of the Holy Wave Race and also the place where their ancestral emperor slept.


    At that moment, outside the temple, four tall figures were kneeling there motionlessly.


    These four people were all wearing emperor robes and crowns. They were the monarchs of the four great dynasties of the Holy Wave Race. The Heavenly Wind Monarch was also among them.


    ¡°Ancestor, we have implemented the plan,¡± the Heavenly Wind Monarch said respectfully.


    ¡°Ancestor, the Red Spirit Army has already entered Fenghai County. Also, we have found some clues about the Black Heaven Divine Son. Please make a decision.¡± The Red Spirit Monarch spoke in a low voice.


    The temple was silent. After a long time, an aged voice that seemed to come from the river of time echoed in the white plains.


    ¡°Let¡¯s put the matter of the divine son aside for now. We have to prioritize the important things first!¡±


    ¡°We respect the decree of the ancestral emperor!¡± The four monarchs bowed respectfully.

 Chapter 634 - 634 Edict Bearer

    634 Edict Bearer


    Xu Qing walked out of the collapsed Prison Department with a gloomy expression.


    He looked at the dilapidated capital city above and flew over. Very soon, he arrived at the city and headed straight for the Eight Sect Alliance¡¯s encampment.


    On the way, wrecked buildings continuously entered Xu Qing¡¯s vision. Clearly, the drastic changes yesterday had a great impact on this bustling capital city.


    As for the usually bustling crowd on the streets, there were only few pedestrians now and their expressions were filled with hesitation, confusion, nervousness, and fear.


    The strange death of the county governor was already enough to make people panic. The collapse of the Prison Department was even more shocking. In addition, the news of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s invasion spread, causing a huge haze to rise in these people¡¯s hearts.


    There were even some cultivators who couldn¡¯t hide the fear on their faces. After all, not everyone was a Sword Holder.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and sped all the way.


    Very soon, he arrived at the Eight Sect Alliance¡¯s base.


    With Zi Xuan presiding over it, the branch sect could be considered intact. However, most of the Alliance disciples inside were packing their luggage, preparing to leave.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over but he didn¡¯t stop. He headed straight for Fairy Zi Xuan¡¯s residence. There, he saw Zi Xuan and her best friend, Li Shitao.


    The two of them had solemn expressions and were discussing important matters. When Zi Xuan saw Xu Qing, her gloomy face revealed a hint of gentleness.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I was about to look for you later. I received an emergency summon from the sect and can¡¯t stay here. I have to teleport back today.¡±


    ¡°The Corpse Forbidden has erupted. The Sword Holding Palace has already sent an order to all the human forces of the Yinghuang Province to resist the calamity of the Corpse Forbidden.¡± Zi Xuan¡¯s voice was solemn.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart sank. Back then, he was the first to discover the issue with the Corpse Forbidden. He naturally knew what had happened inside.


    ¡°In reality, back then, the Eight Sects Alliance and the Sword Holding Court already knew that the Holy Wave Race was behind the calamity of the Corpse Forbidden and were also on guard, so you don¡¯t have to be too worried about your master.¡±


    ¡°The Holy Wave Race¡¯s motive for triggering an uproar in the Corpse Forbidden has also been revealed now. They want to use this to restrain the forces of some provinces in Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, these are troubled times. Right now, you should be safer by the side of the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master, so I didn¡¯t ask you to return with me. You must be¡­ vigilant.¡±


    Concern appeared in Zi Xuan¡¯s eyes. She took out three jade slips and handed them to Xu Qing.


    ¡°One is concealment, just like the concealment runes I drew for you before. The other is a large-scale teleportation talisman. You can use it to avoid danger at critical moments.¡±


    ¡°The last one contains a wisp of my divine sense. It can help you resist a fatal blow.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred. After silently taking them, he took out tens of Dao Fruits and handed them over. After all, this item had miraculous effects in weapon refinement and alchemy. The Sword Holding Palace was rich in materials and didn¡¯t need them urgently. However, to the Eight Sects Alliance, these Dao Fruits were quite useful.


    While leaving, Zi Xuan kept looking back at Xu Qing many times. The two of them looked at each other until they were beside the teleportation array. As the light spread out, Zi Xuan and the branch sect¡¯s disciples disappeared.


    Li Shitao clearly had a lot on her mind. After Zi Xuan left, she nodded at Xu Qing and left hurriedly.


    Looking at the empty teleportation array, Xu Qing¡¯s expression slowly turned numb. He was once very familiar with this feeling. It was as though he had returned to the time when he was alone in the slums.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to report to the Sword Holding Palace,¡± Xu Qing mumbled. When he turned to leave, the light of dusk landed on his Daoist robe and suffused it with blood color, lengthening his shadow.


    Dusk passed and the instant night fell, Xu Qing arrived at the Sword Holding Palace.


    When he appeared, Kong Xianglong, who had received his voice transmission, flew over at full speed from the Sword Holding Palace. After he got close, his eyes revealed surprise when he saw Xu Qing.


    Clearly, Kong Xianglong had sensed the change in Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation. After all, compared to before he left, Xu Qing¡¯s change was too great. It even made Kong Xianglong feel as though he was facing a Nascent Soul cultivator.


    If it was any other time, Kong Xianglong would definitely ask curiously. However, now that the situation in the county capital had changed drastically, he wasn¡¯t in the mood. After he got close, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I just received a message from the border. The power of the Taboo magic treasure can¡¯t completely stop the Holy Wave Race¡¯s army and can only slightly slow them down.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. The Sword Holders are returning. Tonight, the Palace Master is going to arrange a battle plan for all the Sword Holders in the county capital.¡±


    ¡°Now¡­ you¡¯re the true edict bearer.¡± Kong Xianglong stared at Xu Qing and spoke softly.


    Xu Qing nodded calmly. He was very clear that behind the identity of Pawn, his original position was the edict bearer of the Palace Master.


    Not long after Xu Qing stepped into the Sword Holding Palace, he received a summon from the Palace Master.


    In the depths of the Sword Holding Palace, in the Sword Holder Hall, Xu Qing saw the Sword Holding Palace Master standing in front of a huge light map. His eyes were bloodshot and his expression was incomparably solemn.


    The Palace Master¡¯s body carried a hint of blood and the fatigue on his body was very strong. Clearly, he hadn¡¯t rested at all since the drastic changes in the county.


    There were seven to eight Sword Holders in the surroundings. The four deacons and the Deputy Palace Masters were all there. All of them had varying degrees of injuries on their bodies, with the two Deputy Palace Masters being the most seriously injured.


    These were the injuries they had sustained while suppressing the imprisoned god in the Prison Department alongside the Palace Master the previous day. They hadn¡¯t had a chance to fully recover yet, as they were currently occupied with the Palace Master¡¯s assignments and arrangements.


    Following the Palace Master¡¯s instructions, the four deacons and the two Deputy Palace Masters nodded with solemn expressions and left one after another. When they passed by Xu Qing, most of them nodded at him with deep meaning in their eyes.


    After a long time, when there was no one else in the hall, the Palace Master retracted his gaze from the light map and turned to look at Xu Qing with a strict expression.


    ¡°Sword Holder Xu Qing, reporting for duty.¡± Xu Qing solemnly cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°Xu Qing, organize the list of Sword Holders who returned and find out who didn¡¯t return. Find out the reason and arrange for the meeting tonight. Any issues?¡±


    The Palace Master spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°I respect the decree,¡± Xu Qing said solemnly.


    The Palace Master nodded and ignored Xu Qing. He had too many things to deal with. Right now, Fenghai County was filled with internal and external troubles. The moment the County Governor died, all the burden was on him.


    Xu Qing knew his limits. He bowed and left. After walking out of the main hall, he took out his command sword and began to get busy according to the Palace Master¡¯s instructions.


    His edict bearer identity was finally being put to use. He had the right to inquire about any records and all the Sword Holders had to cooperate. However, he wasn¡¯t strong enough alone. Hence, after pondering for a moment, Xu Qing transmitted his voice to Kong Xianglong.


    Very soon, Kong Xianglong, Shan He, Wang Chen, and Night Spirit arrived where Xu Qing was. With their cooperation, Xu Qing quickly sorted out the list of those who arrived and the reasons for those who didn¡¯t return.


    Finally, he set the meeting for two hours later, at midnight, and determined the venue. Utilizing his authority, he promptly notified all the Sword Holders about the meeting.


    ¡°On the orders of the Palace Master, all the Sword Holders need to arrive for the meeting in the first square in the East District of the Sword Holding Palace at midnight!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s voice echoed in the command swords of all the Sword Holders.


    This was the first time he truly spoke as the edict bearer.


    Very soon, it was midnight.


    All the Sword Holders who were present in the city gathered on the First Square of the East District. With their inherent discipline, there was no need for additional organization. At that moment, nearly 100,000 Sword Holders stood in densely packed lines, arranged according to their cultivation levels.


    No one spoke. Only their eyes revealed anger and murderous intent.


    The death of the County Governor, the collapse of the Prison Department, and the arrival of war. These series of things wouldn¡¯t make the Sword Holders fear but only make their killing intent stronger.


    With so many furious Sword Holders gathered in one place, their auras gathered together and filled the surroundings, forming a terrifying vortex in the sky.


    The four deacons and the Deputy Palace Masters descended one after another. Finally, in front of all the Sword Holders was the solemn and dignified Palace Master.


    As for Xu Qing, he was walking behind the Palace Master.


    All the Sword Holders directed their gazes towards Xu Qing. His expression remained impassive as he positioned himself at a distance of thirty feet from the Palace Master. Standing there in silence, he fixed his eyes on the Palace Master, waiting for the proceedings to begin.


    The Palace Master¡¯s gaze swept across everyone in the site. After a long time, his deep voice spread in all directions.


    ¡°Sword Holders, the war has arrived.¡±


    ¡°The Holy Wave Race¡¯s ambitions for our Fenghai County haven¡¯t stopped at all for countless years. This isn¡¯t the first time they have started a war, and all their previous attempts have failed!¡±


    ¡°In the past thousand years, I, the deceased County Governor, and all the rulers have long been prepared to face this battle.¡±


    ¡°Even though the first batch of enemy troops formed by the Red Spirit Dynasty and the Moon Fog Dynasty of the Holy Wave Race has already entered Fenghai County, I¡¯m still filled with confidence.¡±


    ¡°If everyone is loyal to their duty and doesn¡¯t make any mistakes, we can be like the martyrs of the past and prove that we can also protect Fenghai County, win the storm of war and survive the threat of the Holy Wave.¡±


    ¡°With the help of the Observance Palace, the 379 ally races, including the Holy Demon Race, will also participate in this war. I have talked with the Quasi-Immortal Race as well, and they will seal their ancestral land and not take half a step out in this war.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, we aren¡¯t weak in this war,¡± the Palace Master calmly said, with no agitation in his tone.


    ¡°However, there are some things you need to know.¡±


    ¡°Today, in our imperial region, two things happened.¡±


    ¡°Firstly, the new County Governor and reinforcements appointed by the Human Emperor should have arrived by tomorrow through teleportation. However, they were stopped by the Black Heaven Race at noon today. Their fate is unknown.¡±


    ¡°Secondly, the Black Heaven Race¡¯s army is advancing toward the imperial region. This means that Fenghai County will have to face the invasion of the Holy Wave Race on its own for the foreseeable future.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, this might be a long battle.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, this might be a lone battle.¡±


    ¡°No matter what, this is the situation we have to face. However, this doesn¡¯t affect our determination to defend to the death because we have nowhere to retreat.¡±


    ¡°The 13 provinces have already been occupied by the Holy Wave Race¡¯s army. However, the power of Fenghai County¡¯s Taboo magic treasure has completely activated to block them, forming a stalemate and buying us some time.¡±


    ¡°We have to resolve a few problems during this time.¡±


    ¡°Corpse Forbidden and Cloth Forbidden. The two places are in chaos and a portion of the province¡¯s strength has to be focused on them. This is the Holy Wave Race¡¯s goal.¡±


    ¡°The Prison Department collapsed and the prisoners escaped. All of this is creating chaos in Fenghai County, causing us to be troubled internally and externally. This also is the goal of the Holy Wave Race.¡±


    Heavy breathing rang out. The Palace Master¡¯s words made everyone, including Xu Qing, truly realize the danger that Fenghai County was in.


    However, the calmness in the Palace Master¡¯s voice was like a divine needle that stabilized the sea, causing everyone¡¯s minds to slowly calm down. Only killing intent and resolve continued to rise.


    Looking at everyone, the Palace Master paused for a moment and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. If the sky collapses, I¡¯ll hold it up!¡±

 Chapter 635 - 635 Fenghai Warfare

    635 Fenghai Warfare


    With Palace Master¡¯s steadfast and unyielding character, he didn¡¯t need to speak a lot, just this sentence was enough.


    All the Sword Holders focused their gazes on the Palace Master. Their gazes were filled with persistence, respect, and trust.


    ¡°All of you made an oath the moment you became Sword Holders.¡±


    ¡°Protect the human race, slash all dangers, and bring light to the world.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a slogan. You guys have shouted it before, and so have I. And now¡­ we have to do it,¡± the Palace Master said calmly.


    ¡°So, from now on, you need to treat each other as brothers and do your best to help each other. Don¡¯t waver and don¡¯t admit defeat!¡±


    ¡°We will live and die with Fenghai County!¡±


    ¡°Even if the entire Fenghai County falls into chaos and collapses in the future¡­ our human army will continue the battle under the Human Emperor¡¯s sacred mandate.


    ¡°When the time comes, the fire of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s inheritance will finally be extinguished!¡±


    The Palace Master stared at the 100,000 Sword Holders.


    ¡°Now, I will give the order!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, record.¡±


    The Palace Master¡¯s voice was cold and grim.


    Xu Qing took three steps forward and took out a jade scroll, ready to record.


    ¡°All human forces in Fenghai County, except for Yinghuang Province and Quzhao Province, which are currently engaged in containing the outbreak in the Corpse and Cloth Forbidden, will be conscripted!¡±


    ¡°The Holy Wave Race has invaded to exterminate our race. If those sects and forces don¡¯t listen to the order, even if they don¡¯t die in the hands of the Holy Wave Race, they shall be listed as traitors of our human race.¡±


    ¡°Inform the Sword Holding Court of the various provinces and get them to form an army with the human cultivators of their provinces. They will immediately head to the west and prepare for battle.¡±


    ¡°Inform the Observance Palace to organize the alliance army with the foreign races. Order the Yao family to cooperate and guard the northern battlefront!¡±


    ¡°Inform the Law Palace to organize the three major sects in the county capital to form a bridge between the two major war zones in the north and west and help with logistics!¡±


    ¡°Inform the Deputy Governor to use the county system to protect the county capital and maintain the public security.¡±


    ¡°Also¡­ Inform all foreign races and forces in Fenghai County that haven¡¯t participated in the war. Regardless of whether they are evil or bizarre, in order to prevent internal chaos during the war, all cultivators at the Spirit Repository and Nihility Realm must participate in the war. Not a single one can stay back. Those who disobey will face race extermination!¡±


    ¡°Four deacons.¡±


    The four Sword Holding Palace deacons, including Daoist Sima, immediately walked forward and bowed solemnly to the Palace Master.


    ¡°The four of you are in charge of supervising. If anyone disobeys, kill!¡±


    ¡°We respect the decree!¡± The four deacons nodded solemnly.


    Xu Qing recorded all the orders that were given. This was his duty. After the meeting, he had to immediately execute the orders and record the results.


    ¡°Brother Yunfan, Brother Shentu!¡± The Palace Master turned his head and looked at the two Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Deputy Palace Masters at the side. These two old men took a step forward with respectful expressions.


    ¡°The escape of the prisoners from the Prison Department needs to be resolved as soon as possible. 30% of the Sword Holders in the county capital will stay behind to guard the county capital, and 70% will be divided into 700 platoons of 100 members each. They can be further divided into smaller squads.


    Each of you will be in charge of a territory. Several Pawns will be allocated to you to kill the fugitives!¡±


    ¡°Arrest them if you can. If it¡¯s inconvenient, kill them all.¡±


    ¡°Please lead them, Deputy Palace Masters. You have to finish this in ten days. In ten days, gather at the county capital and head to the battlefield!¡±


    The two Deputy Palace Masters immediately nodded.


    The 100,000 Sword Holders below also emitted killing intent and agreed in unison.


    This was especially so for the Pawns. All of them had cold expressions and their killing intent was even denser. After all, their duty was to suppress criminals and they were extremely familiar with them. With the cooperation of the other Sword Holders, their efficiency would be even higher.


    In reality, even if the Palace Master didn¡¯t give this order, the Pawns had long come to a consensus. That was¡­ they would capture the criminals of the cells they were guarding themselves.


    Regarding this, Xu Qing also had this consensus!


    With the orders issued, all the Sword Holders immediately began to move. Most of them left the county capital under the arrangement of the two Deputy Palace Masters.


    Although Xu Qing didn¡¯t go out, the work he had to do was extremely cumbersome. He almost didn¡¯t have any time to rest. He had to help the Palace Master deal with the complicated government affairs and organize the battle reports from everywhere.


    After the meeting ended, Xu Qing also stood at the side during the small-scale meeting the Palace Master had called for between the Observance Palace and the Law Palace. While recording everything, he also quickly released the Palace Master¡¯s decrees.


    Very soon, Xu Qing¡¯s voice spread through the internal forces of the Sword Holding Palace to the various provinces of Fenghai County. After the decrees were transmitted, the various forces in Fenghai County learned of the edict bearer of the Palace Master overnight.


    Xu Qing followed the Palace Master closely. In the following few days, he witnessed how mentally fatigued the Palace Master was. Almost every day, the Palace Master had to maintain communication with the Deputy Governor and the other two Palace Masters.


    During this process, more decrees were issued. In an instant, Fenghai County was in turmoil.


    As for the battle reports that Xu Qing needed to compile, there were also more and more of them. In the end, he simply recruited some Sword Holders to his side and established the Secretariat Department.


    Qing Qiu was among them.


    She had returned two days ago. Xu Qing knew about it immediately due to this position and recruited her.


    After seeing Xu Qing, Qing Qiu¡¯s expression was clearly complicated and strange. However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t have the time to say much and quickly arranged a lot of things.


    ¡°If only the captain was here¡­¡± While being busy, Xu Qing thought of the captain many times. However, it was a pity that there was no news of him.


    Other than that, there would occasionally be visitors from foreign races. Usually, Xu Qing would be the one to receive them.


    At that moment, in the reception hall of the Sword Holding Palace, Xu Qing rubbed his forehead as he looked at the furious nonhuman cultivator in front of him.


    This was an envoy of the Spirit Ears Race. This race looked similar to the human race but they had an additional pair of ears. Moreover, they had dual pupils, their skin was grayish, and they were bald.


    ¡°Lord Xu, it¡¯s not that our race doesn¡¯t want to participate in the war. The ancestor and the others really can¡¯t leave. Once they leave, our race¡¯s great enemy, the Purple Water Race, will definitely take advantage of the chaos and invade us.¡±


    Xu Qing was holding a jade slip in his hand. The primary reason for the influx of envoys from various foreign races was the decree that mandated the involvement of Spirit Repository and Nihility cultivators from their respective races in the ongoing war.


    This triggered a lot of backlash from various forces, but they dare not resist, so they could only come here to complain and protest.


    ¡°Your race has nine late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, 37 mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, 145 early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, and over 300 Golden Core cultivators. Your strength is comparable to the Purple Water Race¡­ How can they take advantage of the chaos?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was cold as he stared at the nonhuman in front of him. As soon as he spoke, the expression of the Spirit Ears Race¡¯s envoy changed. The number Xu Qing mentioned was accurate and in reality, this was a secret of their race. 30% of the number Xu Qing mentioned were secret cultivators who hadn¡¯t been exposed to the outside world.


    After being exposed, he hesitated and was about to speak when Xu Qing received the Palace Master¡¯s summoning order. Hence, he stood up and calmly spoke.


    ¡°You can either comply or your entire race will be exterminated. Qing Qiu, take over here. If he doesn¡¯t comply, inform Deacon Sima.¡±


    Qing Qiu nodded and walked in front of the Spirit Ear Race cultivator. Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with him and left for the Sword Holder Hall.


    There were too many who came for the same reason as the Spirit Ears Race. Their thoughts were very simple. The experts of their race didn¡¯t want to go to the battlefield and be tied to Fenghai County.


    They might also have other thoughts. For example, if Fenghai County lost, the races and forces that still had experts would be able to secretly plunder some benefits. With the chaos of war, as long as they were careful, they wouldn¡¯t have to worry about being exposed.


    This was actually what the Palace Master was worried about. Hence, he issued this mandatory decree.


    The four deacons had already exterminated a few races during these few days.


    ¡°There are internal and external troubles.¡±


    Xu Qing muttered inwardly. What kind of state was the entire Fenghai County in now? The Secretariat Department knew about it the best.


    All the battle reports had to be gathered at his place. After he sorted them out, he would report them to the Palace Master immediately.


    This was the Palace Master¡¯s order. During wartime, everything was simple. At the same time, Xu Qing¡¯s responsibility was extremely heavy. Not only did he have to organize the battle reports, but he also had to confirm their accuracy.


    As he pondered, Xu Qing soon arrived at the Sword Holder Hall.


    As the only edict bearer of the Palace Master, he didn¡¯t have to announce his visit. As the Sword Holders outside the hall respectfully lowered their heads, Xu Qing quickly walked in.


    At that moment, the Palace Master wasn¡¯t the only one in the hall. The Deputy Governor and the other two Palace Masters were also present. There was even a middle-aged cultivator dressed like a scholar.


    Xu Qing had seen this person these few days and knew that he was Marquis Yao.


    Right now, these five people were arguing.


    ¡°Brother Liangxiu, at such a moment, how can we overly oppress the various races in the county? If we can¡¯t resolve this matter in a short period of time, our preparations for forming an army will be delayed when the Taboo¡¯s power dissipates!¡±


    The person who spoke was Marquis Yao.


    ¡°What Tianyan said makes sense. Liangxiu, isn¡¯t this a little inappropriate? We can use other methods to make use of these experts of the other races.¡±


    The Deputy Governor sighed softly and spoke.


    The Palace Masters of the Observance Palace and the Law Palace were a woman and a man. At this moment, they just watched without speaking.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and arrived behind the Palace Master. With a quick glance, he noticed the cold expression on the Palace Master¡¯s face as he attentively listened to Marquis Yao and the Deputy Governor. Hence, he stood there and didn¡¯t disturb him.


    A long time later, the Sword Holding Palace Master calmly spoke.


    ¡°Xu Qing, read out today¡¯s battle report.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and took a step forward, calmly speaking.


    ¡°The Corpse and Cloth Forbidden erupted on a large scale. Among them, the calamity of the Corpse Forbidden was the greatest, followed by the Cloth Forbidden. In the end, with the efforts of the Yinghuang Province and Quzhao Province, they successfully restrained their respective forbidden regions. The situation is currently in a stalemate. According to the report from the Sword Holding Courts of the two provinces, they can maintain this for a month.¡±


    ¡°Among them, the Seven Blood Eyes of the Eight Sects Alliance in the Yinghuang Province invited 93 foreign races of the Forbidden Sea and the Nanhuang Continent to help.¡±


    ¡°The Sword Holding Courts in other provinces have completed the conscription today. They have gathered 37 large sects, 975 medium-sized sects, and 7,831 small sects. They have already headed to the western battlefield.¡±


    ¡°A total of 39 large and small human sects refused to obey the decree. According to the orders issued by the Sword Holding Palace, they have been dealt with by their respective Sword Holding Courts as a warning to others.¡±


    ¡°30% of the alliance army of the foreign races organized by the Observance Palace and the Yao family has reached the northern battlefield. The remaining 70% asked for a huge amount of resources and haven¡¯t initiated any action yet.¡±


    ¡°The Law Palace has organized the three major sects in the county capital to be fully armed. In particular, the three major sects have mobilized the entire sects to send the first to sixth batch of strategic resources to the battlefield.¡±


    ¡°Among the foreign races and forces that have never participated in battles, 421 races refused to send out their experts. Only 215 races responded to the decree. The four deacons exterminated 13 races today, which has had a significant deterrent effect.


    ¡°The transfer of authority over the human race¡¯s Taboo magic treasures was completed an hour ago.¡±


    ¡°The Sword Holders killed 49,513 criminals today. This is 10% more than yesterday, but 971 Sword Holders were sacrificed.¡±


    ¡°The western battlefield is in imminent danger. Several third stage Nihility experts have appeared from the Holy Wave Race. The Earth Dynasty has participated in the battle. The county capital¡¯s Taboo¡¯s net has moved back by 35,000 kilometers.¡±


    ¡°The Heavenly Wind Dynasty appeared on the northern battlefield today, and its monarch personally led the army.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke softly. After he finished giving the report, he took a step back.

 Chapter 636 - 636 Loneliness and Adversity

    636 Loneliness and Adversity


    The hall fell silent.


    Regardless of whether it was the Deputy Governor, Marquis Yao, or the two Palace Masters, they all had some knowledge of the situation. However, their information was not as detailed and comprehensive as the Sword Holding Palace.


    After all, the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master was the temporary county governor, and everything related to the warfare was managed by the Sword Holding Palace. The information here was naturally the most complete.


    ¡°Did you hear that?¡± The Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master slowly spoke.


    ¡°Deputy Governor, it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to use better methods to make those foreign races send out their experts, but we don¡¯t have time.¡±


    The Deputy Governor fell silent.


    ¡°Marquis Yao, why aren¡¯t 70% of the alliance army moving out? How dare they demand for such a huge amount of resources!¡± The Sword Holding Palace Master¡¯s voice revealed a hint of killing intent.


    ¡°As for the 400-odd races and forces that refused to send experts, what do you think they will do once Fenghai County is in chaos? Marquis Yao, have you thought about it?!¡±


    ¡°Now that the two battlefronts are in danger and Fenghai County has already reached such a state, why do I need to hear your nonsense to kill some nonhumans?!¡±


    The Sword Holding Palace Master¡¯s tone caused the entire hall to feel cold.


    ¡°What if those nonhuman races join forces to resist?¡± Marquis Yao frowned. His expression was gloomy as he looked at the Sword Holding Palace Master.


    ¡°Kill.¡± The Sword Holding Palace Master calmly said.


    ¡°If they are forced to send experts, what if those experts rebel during the war? Can you kill them all?!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, inform the four deacons to continue exterminating those disobedient races. Let¡¯s see who dares to disobey.¡± The Sword Holding Palace Master slowly spoke, ignoring Marquis Yao.


    Xu Qing nodded and recorded it.


    ¡°Kong Liangxiu, you¡¯re headstrong and self-opinionated. If Fenghai County can¡¯t be defended, those nonhuman races will¡­¡± Marquis Yao stood up and stared at the Sword Holding Palace Master.


    The Sword Holding Palace Master coldly looked at Marquis Yao.


    ¡°If Fenghai County is destroyed, why would I still consider those nonhuman races?¡±


    Marquis Yao stared at the Sword Holding Palace Master. He flicked his sleeve and turned to leave.


    ¡°Yao Tianyan, when are the nonhuman races of the Alliance moving?¡± The eyes of the Sword Holding Palace Master narrowed slightly as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°In a day!¡± Marquis Yao¡¯s cold voice came from outside the hall.


    The Deputy Governor sighed and stood up to bow to the Sword Holding Palace Master before leaving as well. As for the other two Palace Masters, they stood up expressionlessly and left the hall.


    Very soon, the entire hall fell silent. Only Xu Qing and the Palace Master were left.


    After everyone left, the Palace Master remained silent for a long time before taking out a jade slip and gently pinching it. He looked in the direction of the Yao Residence and frowned.


    ¡°Is it him?¡±


    At the same time, Marquis Yao, who had left the Sword Holding Palace, had a look of anger on his face. After he returned to his office, the anger on his face disappeared and turned into a deep gloom as he muttered.


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be Kong Liangxiu. In that case, who exactly murdered the County Governor¡­¡±


    Time flew by, and before they knew it, ten days had already elapsed.


    During these ten days, Xu Qing didn¡¯t have any time to rest at all. Every day, more and more battle reports came from everywhere, and they continued to increase as military forces reached the two major battlefields in the north and west. The battle with the Holy Wave Race also continued in a tragic direction.


    The battle reports would come every moment.


    Marquis Yao indeed did what he said back then. Who knew how he did it, but he only used a day to make those nonhumans of the Alliance participate in the war.


    As for him, he and most of the Yao Residence¡¯s clansmen went to the northern battlefield.


    Before he set off, he didn¡¯t see anyone.


    However, Xu Qing saw the Palace Master walking out of the main hall and looking in the direction Marquis Yao had left in.


    As for the missions of the four deacons and the two Deputy Palace Masters, under their forceful tactics, they finally intimidated all the nonhuman races who didn¡¯t participate in the battle, causing the experts in their races to have no choice but to obey the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s decree and join the army.


    Hence, other than in the battlefields, there were no Spirit Repository and Nihility cultivators in Fenghai County.


    This was the case even among the escaped prisoners.


    The operation to capture them was carried out thoroughly. The ones with the higher cultivation were prioritized first. Although many of the weaker prisoners were able to escape, the stronger ones were all killed..


    Very soon, the Sword Holders who went out to clear them out began to return. On the tenth day, all of them returned to the county capital.


    At this moment, the battlefield had reached a critical juncture.


    The battle reports Xu Qing received revealed endless misery. The number of casualties every day was a shocking sight and it was increasing. Late at night on the tenth day, he received an urgent report from the west and north.


    The entire net of the Taboo magic treasure of the county capital was about to collapse and couldn¡¯t last for long. Once it collapsed, the Holy Wave Race¡¯s army would storm into the county like a flood.


    However, the reinforcements of the human race still hadn¡¯t arrived.


    In fact, Xu Qing knew through the battle reports that the imperial region and the other counties, which were extremely far away from here, were also encountering a similar situation. The Black Heaven Race¡­ had moved out on a large scale.


    The various subordinate races under it had also made their moves. In an instant, the entire human race¡¯s territories were facing a crisis.


    When Xu Qing handed this battle report to the Palace Master, the Palace Master clearly knew of it beforehand and was wearing armor in the hall.


    This armor was black and consisted of over a hundred pieces that emitted a terrifying might.


    Upon seeing Xu Qing, his expression was as solemn as ever as he waved at him.


    ¡°Come, help me put on the armor.¡±


    Xu Qing silently walked over and picked up the armor pieces. When he was putting it on for the Palace Master, the latter stood there and looked at the setting sun in the distance. He suddenly smiled.


    ¡°The last time I wore armor, my eldest son was still by my side. It¡¯s been many years.¡±


    Looking at the Palace Master who had clearly aged a lot during this period of time, Xu Qing recalled what Ghost Hand had told him about the death of the Palace Master¡¯s children.


    ¡°My eldest son committed suicide. Back then, I arranged for him to infiltrate the Holy Wave Race. After he completed his mission, his identity was exposed. In order not to affect my plan, this kid committed suicide,¡± the Palace Master said calmly.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He picked up another piece of armor and continued to put it on the Palace Master.


    ¡°My other son was too straightforward and valued emotions and righteousness, but also flirtatious which is quite contradictory, so it¡¯s very easy for him to be schemed against.¡±


    ¡°However, no one knows that he still has an heir left behind. That grandson of mine¡­ is very, very good.¡± The Palace Master smiled. This was the first time Xu Qing saw a smile on the Palace Master¡¯s face.


    As for the grandson he mentioned, after Xu Qing found out that the Palace Master¡¯s surname was Kong a few days ago, he already had a guess.


    The smile dissipated from the Palace Master¡¯s face after Xu Qing put on the last piece of armor.


    His expression became solemn again, giving off the feeling that his personality was extremely rigid and harsh. He took the helm from Xu Qing and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Pass down the order to the Observance Palace and the Law Palace to send the two Palace Masters to the northern war zone. We must defend it!¡±


    ¡°As for me, I¡¯ll lead 100,000 Sword Holders to the western battlefield. I¡¯ll go and see how much those old fellows of the Holy Wave Race have improved.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded solemnly.


    ¡°Palace Master, when are we setting off? I¡¯ll go make some preparations.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to go to the battlefield. I¡¯ll arrange for a substitute to replace you for others to see.¡± The Palace Master looked at Xu Qing with a deep gaze.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened as he gazed at the Palace Master. Clad in the pitch-black armor, a palpable baleful aura emanated from him, enveloping his figure. It seemed as if the roars of ferocious beasts reverberated around him, while malevolent souls materialized on the surface of his armor.


    ¡°You will carry out a confidential mission.¡± The Palace Master¡¯s gaze landed on Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, as though he wanted to take a closer look at him.


    ¡°After about fifteen minutes, set off for the Morning Glow Province. Go to the secret area of the Sword Holding Palace there and investigate something for me!¡±


    After saying that, the Palace Master handed a jade slip to Xu Qing.


    This jade slip was the simple slip he had gently pinched when he was alone in the hall a few days ago.


    Xu Qing took the jade slip with a solemn expression and didn¡¯t speak.


    The Palace Master turned his head and looked at the setting sun outside the hall. After a long time, he slowly spoke with a hoarse voice.


    ¡°Half a month ago, it was the same sky when the County Governor¡­ died.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, if I die in battle, hand this jade slip to the new official county governor.¡±


    ¡°The jade slip contains the clues I found regarding the sudden death of the old county governor¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook as he looked at the Palace Master.


    The Palace Master continued to look at the sunset outside.


    ¡°The old county governor¡¯s death is filled with bizarreness. It isn¡¯t as simple as the Holy Wave Race assassinating him. The old county governor was half a step into Soul Accumulation Realm. How could he die silently without any resistance? If I didn¡¯t understand him, I would have thought that he did this on purpose!¡±


    ¡°However, he really died, and there is something really off about his death.¡±


    ¡°However, time waits for no man. I don¡¯t have time to continue investigating.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know who the Human Emperor will send to Fenghai County, but you can just give it to him.¡±


    ¡°The reason why I am giving it to you is because I don¡¯t trust anyone here. My grandson is very impulsive and isn¡¯t suitable for such a task!¡±


    ¡°Yao Tianyan, the Deputy Governor, the Law Palace Master, and the Observance Palace Master might all be the culprits behind the scenes. The death of the old county governor and the collapse of the Prison Department must have been caused by our own people in the county capital. In fact, in the eyes of some people, I¡¯m the most suspicious!¡±


    ¡°The person behind this is hiding too deeply. If we don¡¯t dig him out, Fenghai County will be in a precarious situation¡­ Xu Qing, I believe that you¡¯re not the culprit¡¯s subordinate. It¡¯s not because of your background but because of your heart inquisition radiance.¡±


    The Palace Master spoke softly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. The Palace Master¡¯s words caused great waves in his mind.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you another token. This token can allow you to head to any secret lands of the Sword Holding Palace in Fenghai County. You don¡¯t need battle merits and you won¡¯t cause any fluctuations in the array formations of the secret lands. You can sneak in and investigate.¡±


    ¡°In addition, this token also contains a one-time chance to use the county capital¡¯s Taboo magic treasure to ensure your safety during the investigation.¡±


    The Palace Master took out a blue token and handed it to Xu Qing. After that, he turned and walked out of the hall. When he reached the door, he spoke with his back facing Xu Qing.


    ¡°Do you still remember the first thing I said when I saw you in the Prison Department a year ago?¡±


    ¡°I remember!¡± Xu Qing looked at the Palace Master.


    ¡°Say it out loud.¡±


    ¡°As Sword Holders, every one of us is a sharp sword of the human race. We have to be prepared to die for the human race at all times,¡± Xu Qing said loudly.


    The Palace Master laughed and put on the helm of his armor. The moment he stepped out of the hall, his voice echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears.


    ¡°I¡­ am also a Sword Holder!¡±

 Chapter 637 - 637 Clues Left Behind by the Palace Master

    637 Clues Left Behind by the Palace Master


    That night, the Observance and Law Palace Masters left the city and headed to the northern war zone, while the 100,000 Sword Holders of the Sword Holding Palace set off in a majestic manner under the lead of the Palace Master.


    These 100,000 people were the elite forces that the entire Fenghai County had accumulated for hundreds of years.


    Any one of them was once an outstanding person in the various provinces. After many rounds of assessment, they finally became a Sword Holder.


    Every one of them had carried out many missions. Regardless of whether it was killing or resolve, they had experienced many tempering.


    It could even be said that they were the core of Fenghai County and were responsible for its future.


    However, today, the 100,000 Sword Holders were mobilized.


    They headed toward the western warzone with determination, with pledges to fight to the death, and with the oaths they had made in the past.


    Xu Qing stood on a mountain peak outside the city and concealed himself. In the dark night, he looked in the direction the army had left in. His hair and the corners of his clothes fluttered in the wind.


    He silently stared for a long time before turning around and fusing into the darkness, moving toward the Morning Glow Province.


    He was like a lone wolf walking in the dark night.


    ¡°Morning Glow Province¡­¡± In the darkness, Xu Qing, who was moving at full speed, felt waves in his mind.


    This was because Mount Morning Glow was in the Morning Glow Province.


    Back then, the thing he yearned for the most when he came to the county capital was to head to Mount Morning Glow. However, he never expected that he would do it in such a way.


    As he moved forward, Xu Qing took out the jade slip given by the Palace Master and began to check it.


    Before the Palace Master set off, he told him a lot and expressed his thoughts clearly.


    The sudden death of the County Governor was filled with bizarreness and anyone could be the mastermind.


    The information contained in the jade slip caused Xu Qing to pause, his breath quickening slightly.


    ¡°Radiant Life Calamity Pill?¡±


    Xu Qing muttered inwardly. Even he who had a deep understanding of the Dao of Medicine had never heard of such a pill.


    In the Palace Master¡¯s jade slip, there was a detailed introduction to this pill. It was a forbidden pill that was strictly prohibited and destroyed during the era of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether. Its recipe had long been lost and forgotten.


    In fact, the ban on this pill back then was supported by all the races. The higher-ups of every race hated this pill deeply.


    This Radiant Life Calamity Pill was useless to ordinary cultivators but to the rulers of the various races, it was an irresolvable calamity pill that could kill them.


    This was because its principle was related to luck.


    After that, during the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether¡¯s era, this pill appeared again and killed many people of the human race who had gathered luck. It also killed many nonhuman rulers. There were even three nonhuman emperors who died from this pill.


    Regardless of whether it was the human race or the nonhuman races, as long as they were in the Wanggu Continent, those with high status would naturally gather the luck of their race.


    This luck could allow one to possess a certain level of heavenly fate. However, at the same time, if this luck transformed into a calamity, the backlash would be terrifying.


    During the investigation in the past half a month, the clues that the Sword Holding Palace Master gathered all led him to this Radiant Life Calamity Pill.


    Xu Qing¡¯s pupils contracted as the information left behind by the Palace Master appeared in his mind.


    ¡°According to my investigation, there are many possibilities for the County Governor¡¯s death. However, among these many possibilities, there are only a few¡­ that can affect the Prison Department that I¡¯m guarding at the same time.¡±


    ¡°What the Prison Department was suppressing is the last clone of the god sleeping in the Immortal Forbidden. The suppression method is related to fortune, transforming it into the power of forgetfulness, making the god¡¯s clone believe that it is the artifact spirit of the Prison Department.¡±


    ¡°For subsequent investigators, you can review the file and refer to D132 regarding the Prison Department. D132 is a miniature version and also a representative of the department. You can also consult my edict bearer, Xu Qing. This kid is the last D132 guard and one of the future successors I¡¯m nurturing. He¡¯s trustworthy.¡±


    ¡°The Prison Department¡¯s D132 is formed by the spread of suppression. There¡¯s a finger of the god¡¯s clone inside and a spirit formed by the fortune of Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°The power of the god¡¯s clone makes everyone who remembers It to fall into endless misfortune. According to past records, this bad luck will become more terrifying until the person dies.¡±


    ¡°As for the function of D132¡¯s luck spirit, it is to erase the memories of those who see the finger, thereby severing the cause and effect.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, under normal circumstances, no matter what happens in the county, even if it is the death of the county governor, it¡¯s impossible for it to implicate the Prison Department. This is because the Prison Department has experienced the appointment and dismissal of many county governors.¡±


    ¡°After eliminating several possibilities one by one, I finally narrowed the target to the Radiant Life Calamity Pill. As for why I made this connection, the subsequent investigators can refer to classified document 19 for further details.¡±


    ¡°However, all of this is based on the limited clues I have investigated. Time is pressing, and since the enemy is in the dark while I am in the light, I cannot expose my suspicions. Moreover, the battlefronts are in a precarious situation, and the safety of Fenghai County is more important, so it¡¯s difficult for me to discreetly conduct further investigations.¡±


    ¡°Hence, I am sending my edict bearer Xu Qing to secretly investigate and verify a clue.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the Morning Glow.¡±


    ¡°This is because to activate the Radiant Life Calamity Pill, a certain condition is required, which is the light before the sun sets. This type of light is extremely fleeting.¡±


    ¡°However, this light will occasionally form on Mount Morning Glow.¡±


    ¡°With the mastermind¡¯s cunning and deceptive tactics, there is a strong possibility that this investigation may not yield any significant results, but it must be pursued nonetheless. As for the outcome¡­ if I fall in battle, please consult Xu Qing.¡±


    Xu Qing stood on the plains in the dark and silently kept the jade slip. He then looked in the direction of the western battlefront. After a long time, he sped toward the Morning Glow Province.


    Just like that, several days passed.


    While everyone was thinking that he was still following the Palace Master and had already headed to the battlefield, Xu Qing activated the concealment jade slip that Fairy Zi Xuan had given him and silently arrived at the province line between the county capital and the Morning Glow Province.


    This province line wasn¡¯t small. Occasionally, a special wind would blow here.


    Wherever this gust of wind swept, numerous intermingled spatial cracks emerged in the air, hindering aerial movement and making flight nearly impossible. They could only move on the ground. Strangely enough, this powerful wind seemed to exclusively target the sky, leaving the ground unaffected by its disruptive force.


    Legend had it that this wind was a unique climate formed after the sun fell in the Morning Glow Province. It was known by the locals as the solar wind.


    When the solar wind blew, unless one¡¯s cultivation was astonishingly powerful, it would be difficult to resist.


    They could only fly after the wind ended.


    Morning Glow Province could only be entered through this area.


    Xu Qing sped all the way. When the wind blew, he landed on the ground, and flew again when it ended.. On the way, he also saw the huge impact of the war on Fenghai County.


    The small human countries everywhere were in a state of panic.


    The villages and towns in the wilderness became increasingly desolate.


    Xu Qing saw fear of war and confusion about the future on every human he saw on the way.


    The nonhuman races were also the same, but Xu Qing, who had put on an ordinary long robe, could still see greed and ambition in them.


    He could imagine that once Fenghai County lost the war and the Holy Wave Race¡¯s army rushed over, these nonhuman races in Fenghai County would probably immediately turn against the human race and take advantage of the chaos to plunder everything.


    ¡°The Palace Master¡¯s decrees are correct. If the experts from the nonhuman races weren¡¯t recruited, the danger would have been even greater.¡±


    A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. As he continued on his way, he also saw territories of the human sects. All of them had activated their sect-sealing array formations. The vast majority of their cultivators had already been recruited to the battlefield.


    Other than that, Taboo magic treasures from large sects were also floating in the sky. They were all under the control of the Taboo magic treasure in the county capital, and were being used in unison.


    Over the past few days, the sky kept changing colors, and storms surged randomly.


    Xu Qing knew that this was formed by the activation of Taboo magic treasures.


    At that moment, at noon, the sky rumbled again. Xu Qing lifted his head and saw streams of resplendent light flowing rapidly from the large net, emitting an astonishing pressure. They were divided into two parts which headed to the west and north.


    Over there, the power formed by these Taboo magic treasures from the human forces would form a huge lethality.


    The sky rumbled every once in a while, continuously reminding Xu Qing that the war was going on tragically.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and continued forward.


    Another two days passed.


    He was only a night¡¯s journey away from the Morning Glow Province. When the solar wind appeared again, Xu Qing, who was speeding on the ground, saw a village.


    There was something wrong with this village.


    Everything inside was extremely illogical. It was completely different from the villages he knew.


    For example, the trees in the village didn¡¯t grow on the ground but in the air.


    There was also a group of birds floating in the sky. Although their wings were flapping, they couldn¡¯t move forward, as though they were restricted there.


    Under the solar wind, they were gradually becoming broken.


    On the ground, things were even more bizarre. The houses in the village were actually built upside down, and there were even many areas that intermittently appeared and disappeared, as if experiencing glitches.


    At the entrance of the village, there was a bald mutt with a human face. It bared its teeth and let out a low growl at Xu Qing.


    When Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over, dusk dissipated and night fell.


    In that instant, everything here changed again. As the sky turned dark, everything returned to normal and it became a very ordinary small mountain village.


    As for the dog at the entrance of the village, it became a tall and silly guy. He bared his yellowish teeth at Xu Qing and kept waving.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He didn¡¯t have time to waste here. He moved around the village and was about to leave.


    However, at that moment, the village behind him suddenly shook. All the buildings grew slender legs and stood up from the ground, chasing after Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks. When he turned around, all the buildings in the village squatted down. The silly guy at the entrance of the village was still baring his yellow teeth and waving at Xu Qing.


    The entire village gave off a sense of malice.


    Xu Qing took a look and walked over.


    The shadow hidden behind him in the night emitted excited emotions that continued to spread. There was also the sound of gulping, echoing in the quiet night.


    ¡°Hungry¡­ hungry¡­¡±


    Upon hearing the shadow¡¯s gulping sounds, Xu Qing could sense the shadow¡¯s fluctuating emotions. He couldn¡¯t help but recall that when he was in the Ancient Spirit Emperor Great World, the shadow had endured the disgust and eaten many evil souls.


    It then had to vomit all of them out.


    That display of loyalty made Xu Qing feel that it should be rewarded. Hence, he quickened his pace.


    In an instant, he arrived before the village and stood in front of the silly guy who was giving him a bizarre smile.


    Seeing that Xu Qing had walked over, the silly guy was about to speak when the shadow behind Xu Qing couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore and pounced over.


    As the black shadow enveloped him, the silly guy disappeared.


    As the sound of chewing rang out from the shadow and echoed through the entire village, all the buildings in the village trembled.


    Many eyes grew out of these houses and trees. When they looked at Xu Qing, their pupils rapidly contracted.


    ¡°Go and eat.¡± Xu Qing stood on the spot expressionlessly and calmly spoke.

 Chapter 638 - 638 Ancestor Pure Heaven and the Sea Conqueror Stone Demon

    638 Ancestor Pure Heaven and the Sea Conqueror Stone Demon


    While swallowing the silly guy, the shadow heard Xu Qing¡¯s words and immediately emitted intense excitement.


    It was like a loyal dog that had finally obtained its master¡¯s permission while restraining its endless desire. Its entire body let out terrifying fluctuations as it rushed out crazily.


    The buildings in the village sensed Xu Qing¡¯s formidable presence and quickly attempted to escape, their legs extending to propel them forward. However, their efforts proved futile.


    In an instant, the shadow emanating from under Xu Qing¡¯s feet expanded, enveloping the area around him. As it advanced, the fleeing houses emitted chilling cries of fear and despair.


    The screams didn¡¯t last long before they were replaced by sounds of chewing.


    ¡°Del¡­ delic¡­ ious¡­¡±


    The shadow was extremely happy. Its body even distorted and countless black tentacles rose from it, chasing after the fleeing houses.


    From afar, this scene was extremely bizarre, and outsiders would be horrified if they saw this scene. The way Xu Qing controlled the bizarre entity was even stranger than bizarre entities.


    Just like that, the trees disappeared one after another, and the houses were torn into pieces and devoured by the shadow.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor also manifested. He emitted lightning sparks, as though he was reminding Xu Qing that he had also contributed in the past.


    Xu Qing ignored him.


    The vigilance of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor rose intensely at this moment. He felt that his presence was getting lower and lower.


    According to the books he had read before, many of the pets by the main character¡¯s side had unknowingly disappeared because of their weakening presence.


    He had once thought that the authors had forgotten about them. However, after experiencing it personally now, he knew that it wasn¡¯t the case. It was because those pets weren¡¯t working hard enough and it had nothing to do with the author.


    ¡°I have to breakthrough as soon as possible and strive to possess the power of the Nascent Soul faster than Demon Xu. That way, my presence will definitely be extremely powerful!¡±


    While the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was resolving himself, the shadow was eating more and more excitedly.


    Perhaps it was too delicious, the shadow even manifested a tongue. After sucking on the ground, it licked here continuously until there was a three feet deep pit. A furious roar rang out from the depths of the ground.


    ¡°You¡¯re going too far!¡±


    Many fleshy tentacles that were similar to the shadow¡¯s but were solid objects crawled out of the ground. As they shot out, the shadow pounced over excitedly.


    However, these tentacles suddenly spat out a large amount of black fog to block the shadow.


    The shadow exhibited an insatiable appetite, inhaling and devouring the surrounding fog with heightened exhilaration. Its excitement grew palpable, as if it had stumbled upon something truly amusing. With swift and relentless movements, it closed in on the tentacles.


    After that, countless pieces of flesh flew out from the ground and gathered in the distance, forming a flesh behemoth with the appearance of a qilin but tentacles all over its body.


    The beast glanced ominously at the shattered shadow which had rapidly reassembled without any damage.


    ¡°What bizarre entity is this!¡±


    ¡°Hurry up and eat,¡± Xu Qing calmly said. He was in a hurry.


    When the shadow heard this, it immediately emitted a ferocious intent at the flesh behemoth. It directly rose from the surrounding ground and transformed into a huge coffin. Countless eyes opened on it as it rushed toward the behemoth.


    ¡°Controlling bizarre entity? Interesting.¡±


    ¡°Looks like in the 200 years I¡¯ve been locked up in the Prison Department, many strange things and spells have appeared outside. In that case¡­ I¡¯ll eat you first!¡±


    As the flesh behemoth roared, its body exploded, transforming into countless pieces of flesh that shot toward Xu Qing.


    In an instant, it arrived in front of Xu Qing and gathered around him, as though wanting to envelop him.


    ¡°Prison Department?¡±


    When Xu Qing heard the other party¡¯s words, a cold glint appeared in his eyes. He lifted his right hand and ignored the pieces of flesh and blood that enveloped him in the surroundings. He directly stretched it to the side and grabbed a slippery item among the countless pieces of flesh and blood before pulling it ruthlessly.


    The tragic screams were even more intense than before. The flesh pieces in the surroundings all turned into ashes and dissipated. Only the small black imp in Xu Qing¡¯s hand was shivering violently.


    The imp¡¯s entire body was wet. It only had one eye and half of its head was missing. The back of its head only had some brain matter left, as though someone had dug it out.


    Its wounds had yet to recover.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t find it strange. He knew that not everyone among the Pawns liked to kill. There were some who loved to research.


    They were those with ideals and ambitions and would often dissect and research the nonhuman races.


    This black imp should have just been studied when it fled.


    The shadow quickly arrived and surrounded Xu Qing. It then curiously looked at the imp in Xu Qing¡¯s hand that was of the same color as it.


    ¡°Do you dare to kill me? My bosses are Ancestor Pure Heaven and the Sea Conqueror Stone Demon. They came out of D132. Have you heard of D132? That¡¯s the cruelest and most mysterious place in the Prison Department. If you dare to touch me, they¡¯ll definitely kill you!¡±


    The imp trembled and shouted in fright. He clearly didn¡¯t know Xu Qing¡­


    After all, there were too many prisoners in the Prison Department and Xu Qing had not been to all the cells. Most of the people who had seen him had been killed by him.


    Xu Qing originally wanted to crush the imp to death but after hearing its words, a strange glint appeared in his eyes. He threw it to the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor at the side.


    ¡°Interrogate the location,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor hurriedly nodded. He looked at the trembling imp and the color of the shadow. A sinister smile appeared on his face as he slowly moved a bit away.


    Very soon, waves of even more tragic cries spread.


    These cries didn¡¯t last long. In about just seven minutes, the imp confessed everything, although the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor looked a little unsatisfied.


    After knowing the direction, Xu Qing headed straight for the location.


    An hour later, an illusory mountain peak formed by black fog entered Xu Qing¡¯s vision.


    This mountain was filled with a black aura and evil intent. Ordinary people would feel a strange chill from looking at it and wouldn¡¯t dare to near it.


    ¡°Master, according to Little Blackie, there are many bizarre entities on this mountain. They were all recruited by the two bosses he mentioned after the Sword Holders went to the battlefield.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor held the dying imp in his hand and respectfully explained it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t I and Little Blac¡­ Shadow go over first. When those bosses come out, we¡¯ll¡­¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that.¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t have time to waste and quickly approached the foggy mountain peak.


    Under the effect of the concealment talisman, not only was his aura unable to be sensed, but even his cultivation base was concealed.


    He rushed into the fog mountain and waved his hand, spreading the power of the Poison Restriction.


    Very soon, waves of roars rang out from the foggy mountain peak. Ghostly figures appeared one after another but before they could sense Xu Qing, all of them let out mournful cries and collapsed from the poison.


    Looking at these, the terror in the eyes of the imp, who was in the hand of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, grew increasingly intense.


    Xu Qing continued to climb the foggy mountain. Wherever he passed, all the bizarre entities in a range of hundreds of feet from him would disappear tragically.


    Just like that, Xu Qing got closer and closer to the mountain peak.


    At this moment, after sensing that something was amiss in its territory, a sharp voice rang out arrogantly from the top of the mountain.


    ¡°Which ignorant dog dares to behave atrociously at my place!¡±


    As this familiar voice rang out, a head rose into the air from the top of the mountain. Under it was a mighty and extraordinary huge stone lion.


    Although the two looked very uncoordinated, the pressure they emitted was quite extraordinary. It enveloped the surroundings with astonishing ferocity.


    Xu Qing expressionlessly looked over.


    The imp became excited and quickly let out a cry for help.


    ¡°Boss, save me!!¡±


    The eyes of the head in the air emitted a ferocious glint as it looked below.


    ¡°Who dares to touch my subordinate? Are you courting¡­ huh?¡±


    The head spoke ferociously. However, before it could finish speaking, it saw the expressionless Xu Qing standing there.


    ¡°Huh? Huh?¡±


    With just a glance, the eyes of the head widened. Its pupils constricted and its head shook violently.


    It seemed to be in disbelief as it blinked its eyes rapidly to confirm what it saw was real.


    As for the imp in the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s hand, it was still shouting.


    ¡°Boss, it¡¯s this guy. Kill him!¡±


    As soon as the imp finished speaking, the head in the air let out an extremely terrified scream that resounded through the clouds.


    ¡°F*ck!!¡±


    The head¡¯s mind buzzed and its expression changed drastically as it turned and ran.


    As for the stone lion, it was even faster than it. At that moment, it used all its strength on its four legs and even its tail swayed rapidly. It threw off the head and ran with all its might.


    After the head was thrown off, it rolled a few times. It couldn¡¯t care less about its sorry state and quickly fled while screaming repeatedly.


    ¡°You, you, you, why is it you? Didn¡¯t you go to the battlefield? Didn¡¯t all the Sword Holders go to the battlefield! Damn it, why are you here!!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He took a step forward and directly arrived in the air, chasing after them.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor quickly followed behind him. As for the imp in his hand, it was completely dumbfounded. It stared blankly at the two bosses from D132 who were famous and majestic but were fleeing crazily now.


    ¡°Boss¡­ You guys¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up. He¡¯s the boss. He¡¯s the f*cking guardian of D132!¡±


    The head in the distance was about to cry. If not for the fact that it was in a hurry to escape, it would have devoured that imp.


    ¡°I just regained my freedom¡­ Damn it, it actually brought this damn guy here! He¡¯s already stomped me to death countless times!¡±

 Chapter 639 - 639 Not One Less!

    639 Not One Less!


    When it thought about how it had actually met the Pawn not long after regaining freedom, the head was filled with grief and indignation.


    If it was an ordinary Pawn, it could even deceive them since they didn¡¯t understand it. However, facing Xu Qing, it didn¡¯t dare to resist at all and could only flee with all its might.


    It had been killed by Xu Qing countless times and knew how ruthless Xu Qing was. Ignoring everything else, the fluctuations of god¡¯s authority on Xu Qing¡¯s body already shocked it. There was also the devouring shadow¡­


    Moreover, every time Xu Qing woke up, he would step on it to death. After experiencing it too many times, instead of getting used to it, it developed a deep fear for Xu Qing.


    It fled even faster. The stone lion in front of it was the same.


    Xu Qing moved unhurriedly while coldly looking at the fleeing head and stone lion. With the influence of D132 gone, many memories of D132 had surfaced in his mind during this period of time.


    He also remembered why he crushed the bamboo slip every time.


    The bamboo slips he had taken out from D132 had long become extraordinary. They gathered the power of the god while also being filled with the forgetting luck.


    As they piled up again and again, their essence had completely changed.


    ¡°It should be that every time I woke up, I thought of this and wanted to use D132¡¯s power to create a unique treasure.¡±


    As Xu Qing fell into deep thought, the Nether Spirit Blood Wing appeared on his back. With a flap, his speed erupted explosively and he directly crossed thousands of feet, appearing beside the head.


    His speed was so fast that the head only felt a blur and saw Xu Qing before it. It immediately screamed in fright when it saw Xu Qing lifting his leg.


    ¡°Ahhh, this again!¡± The head wailed and instinctively closed its eyes. At the next instant, there was a bang.


    Xu Qing¡¯s right foot landed and crushed the head. After that, he expressionlessly looked at the stone lion in the distance and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Get back here!¡±


    The stone lion in the distance paused and shivered violently. It wanted to continue fleeing but it didn¡¯t dare to. Recalling its countless experiences of being burned to death, it finally obediently turned around and hopped back to Xu Qing¡¯s side while wagging its tail. With a plop, it knelt down.


    Xu Qing coldly glanced at the stone lion. Regardless of whether it was his memories that were slowly surfacing or the pieced-together content on those broken bamboo slips, they all made him understand that this stone lion was D132¡¯s cloud beast.


    To be precise, the cloud beast was in a state suppressed by luck, and its true appearance was this headless stone lion.


    This was also the reason why the head had asked Xu Qing to send it to the cloud beast when it first saw Xu Qing. It wanted to be the head of the stone lion.


    At that moment, the minced meat that was the head under Xu Qing¡¯s feet rapidly fused together. Very soon, the head recovered. After it fixed itself, it hurriedly screamed.


    ¡°Lord Guardian, I¡­¡± Xu Qing stomped it again.


    With a bang, it shattered.


    The stone lion¡¯s body shuddered and its tail swayed even more forcefully.


    ¡°It¡¯s over, it¡¯s over. Without D132¡¯s forgetfulness, I¡­¡±


    Bang, it shattered again.


    Just like that, an hour passed. After crushing it 17 to 18 times, Xu Qing left.


    However, he didn¡¯t travel on foot this time. Instead, he was riding the headless stone lion. As for the head¡­ it was tied to the stone lion¡¯s tail.


    As the stone lion moved forward, its two hind legs kept kicking the head. The head was filled with grief and indignation but it didn¡¯t dare to flare up at Xu Qing. Hence, it kept cursing the stone lion.


    When the stone lion heard the curses, its tail swayed and its hind legs kicked even more ruthlessly.


    Xu Qing originally planned to kill these two D132 criminals. However, it was obvious that the D132 criminals had been imprisoned with the god¡¯s finger for a long time. Under that influence, they already possessed some strange changes, or rather, a special curse. The price was unknown.


    This curse allowed them to quickly revive every time they died.


    Xu Qing remembered it was the same in D132 back then.


    Since he couldn¡¯t kill them and couldn¡¯t let them escape, he simply brought them along.


    However, this scene was quite strange.


    The headless stone lion ran very quickly and its hind legs kicked heavily. The head, which was tied to its tail, wailed and cursed. As for Xu Qing, he sat expressionlessly on the stone lion¡¯s back. From time to time, he would point in a direction and the stone lion would run toward that direction.


    Just like that, when dawn was about to arrive, Xu Qing gradually saw the Morning Glow Province.


    ¡°Morning Glow Province?¡± The bruised and swollen head spat out a stone it had bitten onto from the leg of the stone lion. It then saw Morning Glow Province and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Sir, Sir, reporting!¡±


    ¡°That old fart from the Painting Race is in the Morning Glow Province. Not only is he there, but our D132¡¯s god finger is also there!¡±


    Xu Qing raised his brows and turned to look at the head.


    The head hurriedly revealed a fawning expression and its tone was filled with righteousness.


    ¡°Those criminals are too much. They don¡¯t have any gratitude at all. The Prison Department was so good to us. They gave food, drinks, and accommodation. Where can we find such a good place in this chaotic world? But they actually broke out of prison!¡±


    ¡°Sir, actually, when I got out, I started to miss life in the Prison Department very much. Every time I recall it, I sigh with emotion. I miss it very much. So, with my upright head, I have to report these criminals!¡±


    ¡°Sir, in reality, it¡¯s that old fart from the Painting Race. He was the one who led the escape!¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he fell into deep thought and looked at the Morning Glow Province.


    As the Palace Master¡¯s edict bearer, not only did he control the information of the entire Fenghai County, but he also knew a lot about the collapse of the Prison Department that day.


    The collapse of the Prison Department was due to the sudden dissipation of the suppressive power. After that, the god¡¯s clone in the Prison Department awakened its memories and erupted, trying to piece itself together from the state of dismemberment.


    Fortunately, the Palace Master was guarding the Prison Department at that time. With his intervention, as well as the assistance of the deacons and the Deputy Palace Masters of the Sword Holding Palace, even using the power of the county¡¯s Taboo magic treasure, they re-sealed the partially awakened brain and most of the body of the god¡¯s clone.


    However, during this process, due to the death of the County Governor and the explosion of the Prison Department, the entire county was in chaos. Hence, a large number of prisoners took the opportunity to escape, including a small portion of the god¡¯s clone.


    After the statistics were tabulated, two fingers and an eye had disappeared. However, these parts had paid a price and were heavily injured when they fled.


    Previously, during the arresting operation, the Sword Holders had found a finger and captured it with the help of the two Deputy Palace Masters.


    As for the remaining finger and an eye, there were no clues at all. They didn¡¯t know where they were hiding. Actually, if the arrest operation lasted a little longer, they could still be found. However, the danger of the war caused the Sword Holders to not have the time.


    From the looks of it, if what the head said was true, D132¡¯s finger was hidden in the Morning Glow Province.


    As Xu Qing pondered inwardly, the head¡¯s eyes blinked rapidly in delight. It felt that if Xu Qing went to look for the painting old man, iti would either be free after Xu Qing was killed or the old man would be captured as well. This way, D132 would be mostly reunited.


    When it thought about how it was captured but the other cellmates of D132 were free outside, it felt especially unhinged. It thought that cellmates should stay together.


    At the thought of this, it hurriedly continued to speak.


    ¡°Lord, after the explosion in the Prison Department that day, that painting old man from D132 escaped with the god¡¯s finger¡­¡±


    Xu Qing coldly glanced at the head and calmly spoke.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like to hear lies.¡±


    The head shook and he hurriedly changed its tone.


    ¡°It¡¯s the god¡¯s finger. It clearly had its own independent consciousness. At that time, it didn¡¯t respond to the summoning of the other parts of the clone but escaped with the painting old man. The lion and I had no choice but to follow.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ On the way, I heard the painting old man communicating with the finger. It seems that the finger wants the old man to draw a body for It.¡±


    ¡°However, It is a god and is different from us. Hence, the old man said that this painting needed some special paint, so they came to the Morning Glow Province to find the remains of the sun that had fallen there. The old man wanted to use those remains as paint.¡±


    This time around, the head didn¡¯t dare to conceal the truth. It knew very well that when facing this terrifying Xu Qing, it had to avoid going too far with its schemes. Otherwise, if the other party felt that it was lying, it would be the one suffering.


    Hence, it didn¡¯t hide anything and told him everything it knew in detail.


    Xu Qing fell silent and patted the neck of the stone lion under him. The stone lion hurriedly cast a spell and the wind rose in the surroundings, increasing its speed by a lot as it sped toward the Morning Glow Province.


    As he got closer, information about the Morning Glow Province appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    The Morning Glow Province was different from the other provinces in Fenghai County.


    There was no land here, only an extremely huge deep pit that occupied almost 90% of the entire Morning Glow Province.


    Legend had it that this astonishing deep pit was where the sun fell down countless years ago when the fragmented-face of the god arrived.


    Therefore, the entire Morning Glow Province appeared to be an unfathomable abyss. This abyss was like a pitch black sea, with only occasional glimpses of towering peaks standing on its surface.


    Almost 80% of these mountain peaks were submerged in this abyssal sea. A small portion of the mountain peaks that were exposed became the habitat of the races in the Morning Glow Province.


    The layout of these mountain peaks was special. They were pitch-black and contained crystals. It was said that after the sun fell back then, the high temperature it emitted burned the ground here, leading to this terrain.


    It was also this unique terrain that caused this province to produce a material called mica stone.


    Among these many abyssal sea peaks, in the center of the Morning Glow Province, there was a huge mountain known as Mount Morning Glow. It was also where the Morning Glow Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court was located.


    Other than that, the solar wind in the Morning Glow Province was even stronger than in the province lines. In fact, it existed all year round in the depths of this province.


    As a result, the Morning Glow Province became a region where teleportation was rendered impossible. Flying was also greatly hindered. In response to this, after countless years of development, a type of large-scale ship that could navigate the treacherous abyssal sea was designed.


    Because of the existence of such a large-scale magic artifact, there were many ports at the edges of the Morning Glow Province.


    At that moment, Xu Qing was walking toward a medium-sized port. He had changed his appearance and his aura. The stone lion and the head also obediently changed their appearances under his gaze.


    The port in the distance had a similar style to that of the ones in the Seven Blood Eyes. After all, this abyssal sea was no different from the sea to a certain extent. It even looked the same color.


    One could see long, straight piers extending from the harbor, reaching into the depths of the pitch-black abyssal sea, forming a network of docks. However, there were no boats or cargoes docked in the surroundings.


    However, there were many cultivators waiting at the docks. There were very few humans among these cultivators and the vast majority of them were nonhumans with different appearances.


    As Xu Qing walked over, the bustling sounds entered his ears.

 Chapter 640 - 640 Joyflower

    640 Joyflower


    Currently, human cultivators couldn¡¯t be seen as easily as before in Fenghai County. Under the unified order of the various provinces¡¯ Sword Holding Courts, most of them had gone to two battlefields in the north and west.


    The human sects and forces didn¡¯t send just their Spirit Repository and Nihility cultivators. Other than leaving some kindling for the sect, almost the entire power of these forces was mobilized.


    Hence, the majority of cultivators Xu Qing saw in the ports of the Morning Glow Province were nonhumans.


    These nonhuman races who lived in Fenghai County had been protected by the human race to a certain extent for countless years.


    Although the protection wasn¡¯t very great, they weren¡¯t chased out of the county and could be considered to have a settling place for their races.


    However, when he thought of how they had rejected in every way possible when they were asked to send their experts to participate in the battle, Xu Qing shook his head.


    He could understand these nonhuman races and knew that they felt that this war had nothing to do with their race. It didn¡¯t matter much to them who ruled Fenghai County.


    Since that was the case, why should they help?


    From their perspective, it might not be wrong but Xu Qing wasn¡¯t a saint who pitied these myriad races. His standpoint caused him to have no good impression of these nonhuman races.


    This was especially when he saw the Smoke Race members among these nonhuman races.


    The Smoke Race didn¡¯t only exist in the desert. There was fog and smoke in the abyssal sea, and places with fog were a suitable dwelling place for this race.


    Their bodies were made of smoke, so unless one had a special understanding of them, it was very difficult to distinguish their gender or see their specific appearance.


    Only lumps of smoke could be seen drifting around the docks, moving back and forth as though they were searching for something.


    There was also a special black puppet among them. There were many gaps on it that could allow the Smoke Race to enter and control it.


    Xu Qing, who was sitting on a turtle¡¯s back, naturally attracted the gazes of the Smoke Race. After all, the turtle he was riding on didn¡¯t have a head and its tail had a fist-sized barnacle parasitizing it.


    However, compared to those strange-looking nonhumans at the docks, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t out of place. There were even some nonhumans beside him riding on corpses.


    As for the Smoke Race, Xu Qing felt a deep disgust toward them. Previously, in the desert, this race¡¯s attitude was filled with malice. Moreover, the fragment of the great world where Chu Tianqun fought with him was also lent by this race.


    Xu Qing calculated the time. When he was stopped by Chu Tianqun, he was only two hours away from stepping into the county capital¡¯s territory. These two hours¡­ were delayed by the Smoke Race.


    However, he didn¡¯t forget about his secret investigation. Hence, after his gaze swept over, he suppressed his killing intent and didn¡¯t bother with it. Instead, he continued to sit on the back of the stone lion that had transformed into a turtle and silently waited at the pier for the arrival of the ship.


    Very soon, those Smoke Race members seemed to have not gained anything here and quickly left, continuing to search at the other piers.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care what they were looking for but he heard many nonhuman cultivators discussing in low voices after the Smoke Race members left.


    ¡°The Smoke Race has been searching for days. I wonder what they¡¯re looking for. I heard that they¡¯re not only searching at the ports but also on the abyssal sea.¡±


    ¡°They are saying that they are searching for the remains of the fallen sun. However, the remains of the sun have long been searched and taken away by the human race and other races in the countless years. In the past thousand years, there has been no record of any new remains being discovered.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He then glanced at the Smoke Race members in the distance.


    Two hours later, when there were many more nonhumans waiting for the ship, whimpering sounds rang out from the fog on the distant abyssal sea.


    The nonhumans on the docks all looked over.


    Accompanying the sounds were gusts of cold wind.


    This wind blew along the abyssal sea to the harbor. Gradually, some strange-looking giant ships appeared in the surging fog and slowly became clear.


    There were two types of them.


    One was like a swallow that was thousands of feet long. There were many exquisite and luxurious pavilions on its back and there were also many maidservants with rabbit ears. All of them had sweet appearances and graceful figures.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and he recognized that this was the Spirit Rabbit Race. It was a large race but they didn¡¯t have their own territory. All their clansmen were scattered in several provinces and relied on the experts of the powerful races for survival.


    As for the other type of huge ship, perhaps it shouldn¡¯t be called a ship because they looked more like huge leaves. They had four slender rod-like legs that went deep into the bottom of the abyss fog.


    These leaves were enormous, spanning about a thousand feet in length. They had a simpler design compared to the swallow ships, and their quantity far surpassed that of the swallow ships. In fact, they made up for 90% of the total ships present.


    As they arrived, the cultivators at the various piers leaped up and chose the ships according to the directions they were going.


    Xu Qing noticed the energy fluctuations of a few Nascent Soul cultivators among them. The ships they boarded were those few swallow ships, while the rest boarded the leaf ships. He immediately realized that these two types of ship were prepared for different cultivation levels.


    He observed for a while and found a leaf ship that was heading to Green Fog Mountain. He then boarded it.


    Green Fog Mountain also belonged to the central area of the Morning Glow Province and wasn¡¯t far from Mount Morning Glow.


    Xu Qing felt that it was a little inappropriate to head straight to Mount Morning Glow. Since he was carrying out a secret investigation, he planned to rely on his cultivation to cross a distance and head to Mount Morning Glow after reaching Green Fog Mountain.


    Although Xu Qing felt that he couldn¡¯t cross the distance for a long time relying solely on his own cultivation, he believed that he could do it within a short period of time.


    After stepping onto the leaf ship, Xu Qing swept his gaze across the surroundings.


    This leaf ship was extremely simple. There were no buildings or maidservants. There were only a few green-robed men wearing ghost masks sitting cross-legged at the front, in charge of navigating the ship.


    As for the cultivators who boarded the ship, there were more than 30 of them. Other than seven of them sitting together, the others were all alone and spread out.


    The thousand-foot-wide area could accommodate them.


    Xu Qing found a corner and sat down cross-legged. His gaze then landed on the three green-robed cultivators.


    His understanding of the Morning Glow Province was mostly from the dossiers of the Sword Holders. For example, the people in charge of ferrying here was a Merchant Alliance called Dawn.


    This Merchant Alliance was formed by many forces in the Morning Glow Province, and the Sword Holding Court here was naturally among them. After all, the uniqueness of the Morning Glow Province caused the ferrying of boats and ships here to be incredibly profitable.


    The uniforms of the Dawn Merchant Alliance were such green robes.


    After sizing them up carefully, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past the other cultivators on the ship. Only then did he close his eyes and silently meditate.


    About fifteen minutes later, a portion of the large ships at the harbor began to set off.


    The leaf ship Xu Qing was on was one of them. After they paid the fee, as the leaf ship shook, the four thin legs under them slowly moved forward. Strong wind blew and with no obstruction, they landed on everyone on the leaf ship.


    As the leaf ship continued to move forward and gradually left the port, when the wind blew a little stronger, a thin light barrier spread out from the ship and enveloped the surroundings, blocking the wind.


    However, the feeling of turbulence and shaking became even stronger.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about these. He closed his eyes and rested. Just like that, three days passed.


    During these three days, Xu Qing occasionally opened his eyes and looked around. What he saw was the endless great abyssal sea. He felt the cold air that filled the place and saw some strange existences of the abyssal sea.


    There were winged whales, countless dancing red lanterns, and huge two-headed bats. However, these mutated beasts clearly had an agreement with the Dawn Merchant Alliance. Although they appeared in the surroundings, they didn¡¯t attack the leaf ship.


    Xu Qing also saw a huge flower that was ten thousand feet long blooming under a relatively shallow part of the abyssal sea.


    The red color of this flower was very conspicuous. Its stamens floated above the abyssal sea and spread in all directions.


    Their appearance attracted the gazes of many nonhuman cultivators on the ship. Their expressions were strange.


    This was because at the end of those swaying stamens, there were females from different races. In fact, Xu Qing even saw humans.


    They were graceful and in line with the aesthetic standards of every race. They didn¡¯t have any clothes covering them at all. After they appeared, they flirted and waved at the cultivators on the leaf ship.


    ¡°Sir, our luck isn¡¯t bad.¡± When Xu Qing looked at the stamens, he heard the sound of the barnacle on the turtle¡¯s tail. This barnacle was the disguise of the head. At that moment, its eyes were revealed as it looked at the external world in fascination.


    ¡°Joyflower, my favorite flower back then.¡±


    Xu Qing frowned. He didn¡¯t know of such flowers.


    ¡°Joyflower is a special bizarre plant in the Morning Glow Province. When this bizarre plant blooms, its stamens will transform into the appearance of women from different races to enchant passersby.¡±


    ¡°Once they are successfully enchanted, they will be dragged down to the bottom of the abyssal sea and sucked dry. Ordinary Foundation Building cultivators will die in three to five breaths of time. Golden Cores can last a little longer but not too long.¡±


    ¡°Only a talented person like me could truly taste the supreme bliss brought about by the joyflower.¡±


    The head mumbled and his eyes revealed reminiscence.


    ¡°So, was this how your body disappeared?¡± The one who interrupted the head wasn¡¯t Xu Qing but the large turtle under him.


    The head glared and just as it was about to speak, Xu Qing suddenly spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    In an instant, the turtle and barnacle no longer made any sound. Xu Qing sat cross-legged and spread out his perception, spreading it to the place where the seven nonhumans were gathered in a group. Earlier, he faintly heard them mention the Sword Holding Court.


    As he paid attention, their voices gradually became clearer.


    ¡°This is a chaotic world. I heard that only when the number of races in the Morning Glow Province decreases greatly will an evil bizarre plant like the joyflower bloom¡­¡±


    ¡°The human race is doomed this time and the Sword Holding Palace is also in danger. Have you heard? It seems that many races and rogue cultivators have designs on this Sword Holding Court on Mount Morning Glow.¡±


    ¡°I also vaguely heard that someone seems to be calling for rogue cultivators, bandits, and murderers from the various races to attack Mount Morning Glow in the near future and invade the Sword Holding Court.¡±


    ¡°The human race is in a precarious situation. I¡¯ve indeed seen many unfamiliar faces these few days. They shouldn¡¯t be native cultivators of the Morning Glow Province.¡±


    ¡°This matter has nothing to do with us. Let¡¯s hurry back to the race. We can¡¯t care less about the life and death of the human race. If the human race is defeated in the end¡­ it¡¯s not impossible for us to take a share of the loot.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I heard that the Sword Holding Court is very rich¡­¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he frowned slightly. A hint of coldness appeared in his eyes, but his expression suddenly changed and he looked at the fog on the distant sea.


    Vaguely, seven black puppets that were 100 feet tall appeared in the fog. They walked on the sea and their eyes revealed a red glow as they looked at the leaf ship with hostility.


    It was the Smoke Race.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He looked at the black puppets of the Smoke Race and judged their cultivation and combat strength.


    As they got closer, wisps of fog crawled out of the cracks on the black puppets¡¯ bodies. They transformed into blurry figures outside. While examining the leaf ship, most of the fog drifted away and surrounded the leaf ship.


    As for the seven huge black puppets, they stood in front of the leaf ship, blocking its way.


    The four legs under the leaf ship shook slightly and didn¡¯t dare to move anymore. The hearts of the cultivators on the ship trembled. Many of them immediately put up their guard.


    The three green-robed cultivators wearing ghost masks also quickly stood up. One of them cupped his fists and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Fellow Daoists of the Smoke Race, what are you here for?¡±

 Chapter 641 - 641 Don’t Make Noise in Front of the King of Hell

    641 Don¡¯t Make Noise in Front of the King of Hell


    The Smoke Race cultivators surrounding the leaf boat remained silent, ignoring the inquiries of the green-robed cultivator. They proceeded to board the ship, disregarding its defenses and freely moving around the ship¡¯s passengers.


    As the expressions of all the cultivators changed, a few figures of the Smoke Race arrived at Xu Qing¡¯s side and circled him a few times. Malevolent faces appeared in the fog and kept scrutinizing him.


    A long time later, the Smoke Race members left the ship and returned to the puppets. They knelt down and bowed to the puppet in the center.


    ¡°Lord, among these 35 cultivators, six of them smell wrong.¡±


    Buzzing sounds rang out from those foggy figures and the expressions of the cultivators on the ship changed again.


    However, before they could do anything, at the next moment, the eyes of the seven puppets revealed a red light, especially the one in the center. Its red light was so intense that it dyed the entire leaf ship blood red.


    ¡°Kill.¡±


    A cold voice rang out from the puppet¡¯s mouth, and the kneeling figures of the Smoke Race in front of it rapidly rose into the air and gathered into six huge faces that rushed toward the leaf ship with malevolence.


    The combat strength comparable to the six Heavenly Palaces erupted from these six faces.


    This kind of high Golden Core combat strength was the backbone of the various races at any time. Not to mention that there was no Spirit Repository or Nihility in the entire inland of Fenghai County now. As the highest combat strength, Nascent Soul cultivators were guarding their races in this chaotic war. Hence, the high palace Golden Core was already an extremely powerful combat strength.


    These six faces rushed into the leaf ship and headed straight for the six cultivators. Three of them were lone wolves, two were gathered in a group, and the last one was a green-robed cultivator from the Merchant Alliance.


    Sounds of fighting erupted instantly. Even though the six of them resisted, they were clearly affected by the red light of the black puppets. Five of them were directly devoured by the six faces of the Smoke Race.


    Only one escaped with a bewildered expression. However, before he could escape far, the puppet in the center instantly blurred and caught up to him. It pressed down with its palm and the surroundings trembled. The fleeing cultivator let out a mournful cry and his body shattered into pieces.


    ¡°Fake Nascent Soul.¡± Xu Qing frowned, deep in thought.


    He had already determined that the six faces of the Smoke Race weren¡¯t individuals but formed by a group of clansmen. As for the seven puppets, other than the one in the center that had the combat strength of a fake Nascent Soul, the others had combat strength of seven to eight palaces.


    This level of combat strength was about the same as a team of black-clothed guards from the Holy Wave Race.


    ¡°They should be the elites of the Smoke Race.¡±


    Xu Qing suppressed his killing intent. He didn¡¯t want to be exposed as soon as he arrived. Hence, he sat there silently. However, he had long spread out the Poison Restriction in the surroundings and was ready to use it at any time.


    Just as Xu Qing decided to continue hiding, the six faces of the Smoke Race floated in the air and swept their gazes toward the remaining people on the leaf ship again.


    The remaining cultivators on the ship were shocked and furious. The two green-robed cultivators felt the same. They had to watch helplessly as their companion was killed. Anger appeared in their eyes but they didn¡¯t dare to say anything and could only endure it.


    ¡°Lord, the magic artifact¡¯s prompts haven¡¯t weakened. There are¡­ still abnormalities here.¡±


    After a few breaths of silence, the puppet with the combat strength of a fake Nascent Soul calmly spoke.


    ¡°Then kill them all.¡±


    When the cultivators on the leaf ship heard this, they instantly fled in all directions.


    However, it was too late. The six faces formed by the members of the Smoke Race split into 12 in the blink of an eye with each of them possessing the combat strength of five palaces. As they chased after the cultivators, other than the fake Nascent Soul puppet, the other six puppets also flew out and attacked the cultivators.


    With the combat strength of seven to eight Heavenly Palaces, it was easy for the puppets to kill these scattered cultivators. In the blink of an eye, mournful cries rang out from the surroundings.


    What attacked Xu Qing was one of the 12 faces of the Smoke Race. This face was formed by a large number of members of the Smoke Race. It looked similar to a human and vaguely looked like a middle-aged woman. After it got close to Xu Qing, it opened its mouth and pounced upon him sinisterly. There was also a large number of foggy whiskers that spread out, forming hand seals to cast spells.


    Xu Qing coldly looked at the approaching face.


    The instant he looked over, the face suddenly shook and it let out a mournful cry. Even though its body was formed by fog, it couldn¡¯t escape the power of the Poison Restriction. It began to dissipate as though it was corroded.


    This face rapidly retreated in horror and even collapsed on its own, turning into a large amount of fog that scattered in all directions in an attempt to neutralize the Poison Restriction. However, it still didn¡¯t have any effect. It was still being corroded intensely and its screams became even more mournful.


    In the blink of an eye, it was completely destroyed.


    This scene immediately attracted the shocked and furious gazes of all the Smoke Race members. Two puppets quickly arrived and attacked Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing frowned slightly. He was carrying out a secret investigation, so he hadn¡¯t planned to make a move. However, since he had made a move now, according to his personality, he could only kill them all.


    ¡°If no one knows, the secret investigation will still be a secret.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly and took out his dagger. With a sway, he disappeared. The two puppets who had arrived hit the air. They immediately knew that the situation wasn¡¯t good and were about to retreat, but Xu Qing silently appeared behind a puppet. The dagger sliced through its neck.


    His cultivation base circulated violently. In an instant, the puppet¡¯s body shook and collapsed. As it shattered into pieces, a lump of gray fog flew out of it and tried to escape.


    However, the shadow appeared silently and swallowed it in one gulp.


    ¡°I want them alive.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke before rushing out and colliding with another puppet. That puppet also shook and exploded. The gray fog inside couldn¡¯t escape and was enveloped by the lightning erupting from the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    All of this happened in the blink of an eye. In the blink of an eye, the two puppets and one face were destroyed, causing the expressions of the Smoke Race cultivators who had returned after killing the other cultivators to change.


    This was especially so for the fake Nascent Soul puppet. The red light in its eyes became even more intense. Just as it was about to give the order, miserable cries rang out from the faces formed by the clansmen around it.


    The 11 faces all let out mournful cries. Their bodies continued to corrode and dissipate. The expressions of the Smoke Race inside revealed pain as they wailed in horror.


    Nothing they did worked. Their fog bodies visibly lost their life force and turned into smoke.


    ¡°You!!¡± The fake Nascent Soul puppet¡¯s body trembled and it turned to flee. The other four puppets beside it also instantly fled.


    But it was too late.


    Xu Qing immediately appeared in front of the fake Nascent Soul puppet.


    He could even kill a true Nascent Soul cultivator, let alone a fake Nascent Soul cultivator.


    The eight Heavenly Palaces in Xu Qing¡¯s body erupted and the power of the Poison Restriction spread out. Although the power of the Purple Moon didn¡¯t spread out, it gathered on his finger and bombarded the fake Nascent Soul puppet.


    The puppet¡¯s entire body shook violently. The shadow arrived and enveloped Xu Qing, causing his physical strength to instantly surpass ten palaces. Even an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator would be injured after getting hit by such an extreme physical body. As for the fake Nascent Soul¡­


    Under Xu Qing¡¯s punch, the fake Nascent Soul puppet exploded. Xu Qing¡¯s right hand entered the puppet and grabbed a ball of white fog.


    This fog rapidly distorted and transformed into the face of a young girl, revealing horror. Just as she was about to speak, Xu Qing ruthlessly squeezed her. Half of her body collapsed and she fainted.


    After doing this, Xu Qing turned his head and his gaze landed on the last four puppets. They were all in a sorry state now. They were being restrained by the shadow, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, the head, and the stone lion.


    Xu Qing walked over expressionlessly. Under his attack, all four puppets collapsed and the gray fog inside were captured alive.


    The reason why he didn¡¯t kill them was because Xu Qing wanted to know what the other party was looking for and how they found the abnormalities.


    Xu Qing had felt that something was amiss when he was at the port.


    ¡°What is your Smoke Race looking for?¡± Xu Qing sat cross-legged on the leaf ship and held a gray ball of fog in his hand, and calmly asked.


    The leaf ship under him was clearly a living creature. At that moment, it was trembling.


    As for the gray fog in his hand, it rapidly distorted and transformed into a face. It stared fixedly at Xu Qing without saying a word.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t waste time on it. The Poison Restriction in his body spread out and the foggy face instantly let out a mournful cry. The despair in the voice caused the other Smoke Race members in the surroundings who were captured alive by Xu Qing to shiver even more.


    A moment later, the foggy face¡¯s body and soul were destroyed. Xu Qing grabbed the second member of the Smoke Race and calmly asked the same question.


    The other party hesitated.


    Xu Qing threw it to the shadow.


    ¡°Eat.¡±


    The shadow excitedly opened its mouth and swallowed fiercely. It even deliberately let out an ear-piercing chewing sound. Accompanied by the grinding sounds and the miserable cries, the other Smoke Race members looked at Xu Qing as though they were looking at the King of Hell.


    Xu Qing grabbed the third member of the Smoke Race. This time, before he asked, the gray-colored Smoke Race member hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°It¡¯s a mission given by the upper echelons. They asked us to search for and kill those with abnormal reactions inside and outside the Morning Glow Province. During this period of time, we cannot let them approach the depths of the province.¡±


    ¡°As for the method we use to detect abnormalities, it¡¯s through auras¡­ We can smell the auras of cultivators with human bloodlines. Even if it¡¯s just a little, we can still smell it.¡±


    Xu Qing was stunned. The stone lion, head, and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor instinctively looked at Xu Qing. They remembered that the Smoke Race didn¡¯t seem to smell any abnormality from Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought and interrogated the other gray Smoke Race members. The answer he obtained was the same. They only knew that this was a mission issued by the upper echelons of the race, but didn¡¯t know the reason for it.


    Even though Xu Qing tortured them, the answer was the same.


    Hence, Xu Qing looked at the last member of the Smoke Race, the white fog girl in the fake Nascent Soul puppet.


    The young girl had already woken up. After being stared at by Xu Qing, she trembled and opened her eyes.


    ¡°I also only know those¡­¡±


    Xu Qing waved his hand and was about to throw her to the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor for interrogation. However, the shadow at the side hurriedly revealed a clear desire, as though it was telling Xu Qing that it could do it too.


    Xu Qing thought about it and threw her to the shadow.


    ¡°Interrogate.¡±


    The shadow was excited. As the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s heart trembled and felt an intense sense of danger, the shadow opened its mouth and swallowed the white fog girl.


    It was unknown how the torture was done, but it only lasted for seven to eight minutes. When the shadow spat out the white fog girl again, unprecedented fear appeared in the eyes of the girl. In fact, her consciousness was a little blurry. Her fog body shivered violently and she let out a hurried and miserable cry.


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk, I¡¯ll talk. It was the human race¡¯s Marquis Yao who looked for my race and entrusted our race¡­¡±


    Just as the foggy girl said this, her body seemed to have triggered some restriction. Before she could finish speaking, her body and soul were destroyed, turning into smoke that dissipated in all directions.


    When Xu Qing heard this, a huge commotion stirred in his mind.


    Ten breaths later, he calmed his emotions and looked at the place where the fog girl had dissipated. A look of contemplation appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Marquis Yao?¡±


    A long time later, Xu Qing suppressed this matter in his mind and patted the large leaf ship under him.


    ¡°To Mount Morning Glow. I¡¯m in a hurry.¡±


    The leaf ship shuddered and its four legs that were as thin as poles trembled as it moved forward.

 Chapter 642 - 642 One Step, Lonely Goose; One Step, Demon (1)

    642 One Step, Lonely Goose; One Step, Demon (1)


    On the pitch-black abyssal sea, the leaf ship moved extremely fast, almost ten times faster than before. It strode crazily, as though it was afraid of wasting Xu Qing¡¯s time.


    When it sensed Xu Qing¡¯s gloomy expression, it sped up again.


    After learning about what the Smoke Race was doing, Xu Qing gave up on the idea of going to Green Fog Mountain. He was going to rush to Mount Morning Glow immediately. At the same time, a huge haze rose in his heart.


    On one hand, he was worried about the war in the two major war zones in the north and west. On the other hand, the information from the Smoke Race made it very difficult for him not to associate it with the suspected culprit in the jade slip given by the Palace Master.


    ¡°The matters on the battlefield aren¡¯t something I can control¡­ The only thing I can do is to complete the mission given by the Palace Master.¡± After a long time, Xu Qing muttered to himself.


    Just like that, time flowed by and several days passed. In these few days, there were more streams of light in the large net in the sky than before. From this, Xu Qing could determine that the war in the north and west should have reached an extremely intense level.


    He sighed softly and looked at the distant world.


    Finally, on the fourth night, Mount Morning Glow was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    This mountain was very special. Its color wasn¡¯t black but rainbow-colored.


    At first glance, it looked like it was pieced together, but it was actually a single entity.


    Moreover, its size clearly surpassed any mountain Xu Qing had seen on his way here. It stood on the abyssal sea and shot into the sky. The part above the surface of the sea was almost 100,000 feet tall.


    Under the moonlight, the rainbow colors of Mount Morning Glow were reflected in all directions, forming a gorgeous halo.


    Xu Qing could vaguely see its majestic part below the abyssal sea that was even more vast.


    As he got closer, Xu Qing felt waves of pressure spreading out from the mountain and enveloping the surroundings. At the same time, the solar wind was also extremely powerful here. Wherever it passed, not only would the whimpering sound of the wind echo, but countless spatial cracks would also appear. They quickly healed and formed again, repeating this cycle.


    Looking at this mountain, Xu Qing felt a little complicated as well as rare waves of uneasiness. These emotions blended together, ultimately forming a feeling of anxiety and worry.


    It was the mission given by the Palace Master, but more importantly¡­ his parents¡¯ graves were there.


    Xu Qing stood on the leaf ship and stared at Mount Morning Glow. After a long time, he suppressed all his thoughts and took a deep breath. He walked out of the leaf ship and moved toward Mount Morning Glow.


    As for the leaf ship¡­ almost at the instant Xu Qing left, it sank. Afraid that it would disturb Xu Qing if it left too late, it dived into the depths of the abyssal sea in the blink of an eye and left rapidly.


    The head on the stone lion¡¯s tail looked at this scene from afar with an intense envy¡­


    After about fifteen minutes, Xu Qing reached Mount Morning Glow. He felt an invisible barrier surrounding the surroundings of Mount Morning Glow.


    This was the array formation of Mount Morning Glow¡¯s Sword Holding Court.


    This array formation prevented entry to anyone who wasn¡¯t allowed to enter. Even if the Sword Holders from the other provinces wanted to come, they had to have authority. Only the Sword Holders from their province could enter.


    Only by spending battle merits to exchange for the qualifications to enter the secret land could one truly enter unimpeded.


    However, to the current Xu Qing, this barrier no longer existed. The authority of the jade slip given by the Palace Master was so high that it was as if the Palace Master had personally arrived.


    Hence, his arrival wouldn¡¯t cause any fluctuations in the array formation, nor would there be any secret places that could obstruct him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll complete the investigation before searching for my parents¡¯ graves.¡±


    Determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He took out the jade pendant given by the Palace Master and walked into the array formation on Mount Morning Glow without causing any fluctuations.


    The instant his footsteps landed on Mount Morning Glow, ripples rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. A mysterious bloodline connection made his breathing hurried and he felt a piercing pain in his heart.


    That was his bloodline resonating with his parents¡¯.


    With his cultivation, he could sense his bloodline. It was also this perception that made Xu Qing instinctively press his hand against his chest.


    ¡°Father¡­ Mother¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled, his eyes a little red.


    In the eyes of outsiders, Xu Qing was a decisive person who killed and attacked ruthlessly. Moreover, his emotions weren¡¯t very obvious. However, this was forced by life and wasn¡¯t his nature.


    Now, on this Mount Morning Glow, the scenes of Peerless City involuntarily appeared in his mind.


    After a long time, Xu Qing lowered his head and completely concealed his aura. He also suppressed the ripples in his heart. He knew that he had to complete the Palace Master¡¯s mission first.


    He silently walked up the mountain.


    There were over a hundred palaces of various sizes built near the top of the mountain.


    The materials of these palaces were all made of stone from Mount Morning Glow, so they were also rainbow-colored. Moreover, they were built in an imposing manner, and emitted holiness under the moonlight.


    Compared to the Yinghuang Province, the Sword Holding Court here was much larger in scale. The number of Sword Holders guarding here also surpassed the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court.


    However, in this wartime, 99% of the Sword Holders in the Sword Holding Court of Mount Morning Glow had already headed to the battlefield. As Xu Qing walked, he felt that this huge Sword Holding Court was extremely quiet.


    Xu Qing saw less than 30 Sword Holders here. He also secretly noticed that most of these Sword Holders were patrolling and their expressions were extremely vigilant. Clearly, they had heard of the external world transmitting messages that someone wanted to attack the Sword Holding Court.

 Chapter 643 - 643 One Step, Lonely Goose; One Step, Demon (2)

    643 One Step, Lonely Goose; One Step, Demon (2)


    Most of these cultivators who stayed behind were low Golden Cores. The one with the highest cultivation level was a Nascent Soul Sword Holder. His aura was similar to Chu Tianqun¡¯s, at the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm.


    Xu Qing glanced at the other party¡¯s location from afar and checked the Sword Holding Court¡¯s array formation.


    It was definitely not easy to break through this array formation. Coupled with the Taboo net in the sky, it could ensure that any Sword Holding Court in Fenghai County would be in a safe state.


    After making his judgment, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and moved stealthily toward the top of the mountain.


    His goal was the Sword Holding Court¡¯s archives.


    The Palace Master¡¯s jade pendant and his own concealment allowed his journey to proceed smoothly. After about fifteen minutes, he found the building where the dossiers were stored.


    There were also restrictions here that prevented others from entering casually. However, as the jade pendant in Xu Qing¡¯s hand emitted a gentle light, the restrictions blurred.


    Before he stepped in, Xu Qing transmitted his divine sense to the shadow. Very soon, the shadow spread out like a bag, enveloping the stone lion and the head.


    Xu Qing took a look and confirmed that there was nothing wrong. Only then did he take a step in and sense it carefully. After confirming that there were no Sword Holders on duty in the archives, he walked in and began to flip through the dossiers here.


    This building had a total of four floors and there were a lot of dossiers. Xu Qing couldn¡¯t finish reading them all in a short period of time. Hence, he mainly searched for records about morning glow.


    After a while, on the third level, he found a dossier that required extremely high authority to peruse.


    After opening the restriction on it, Xu Qing checked it.


    He frowned after reading it for a while.


    What was recorded in this dossier was indeed about the morning glow. According to what was recorded in the dossier, morning glow was the light emitted by the sun before it fell. It had intelligence, and wasn¡¯t a dead object.


    Over the years, it had appeared a total of 752 times.


    However, this was actually a little contradictory. This was because if the sun had really fallen, it should have erupted with all its light in one go back then. It was impossible for the morning glow to appear occasionally over the countless years.


    The Sword Holding Palace researched this and discovered that although the morning glow was related to the fallen sun to a certain extent, it wasn¡¯t completely formed by it.


    It was more like a lifeform that had naturally formed in this area after the sun had fallen and changed the laws of heaven and earth in a portion of this area.


    That was why it would occasionally appear over the countless years.


    Moreover, it only appeared on Mount Morning Glow.


    This point was also recorded in the dossier. It was rumored that Mount Morning Glow was the place where a mouthful of the sun¡¯s blood splattered before it died. The sun¡¯s blood was rainbow-colored, so this mountain became rainbow-colored.


    The aura of the sun here was also one of the conditions needed to form the morning glow.


    It also had an astonishingly powerful effect in weapon refinement.


    In addition, the research of the Sword Holding Palace also stated that the morning glow had a powerful effect when resisting the power of the gods. Hence, due to various reasons and because there were very few of them, the Sword Holding Court had detailed records of every morning glow that appeared.


    These records included the time when the morning glow appeared and where they ended up.


    Xu Qing checked but didn¡¯t find too many issues with this. There were records of every morning glow that had appeared. Most of them had been sent to the Sword Holding Palace and a small portion had been traded by other forces.


    The Sword Holding Court also recorded the whereabouts of the people who sold or bought it.


    Xu Qing searched for a long time but this was all he could find.


    ¡°Unless I investigate the whereabouts of each of them one by one, it¡¯ll be very difficult to find any clues.¡± Xu Qing frowned. His gaze turned pensive as he looked at the vast number of dossiers.


    At the same time, in the depths of the abyssal sea in the Morning Glow Province¡­ this place was filled with endless anomalous substances. There was also an extremely terrifying pressure that carried the will of death that enveloped the surroundings.


    Everything was blurry and distorted, as though it was a world where the god had opened Its eyes.


    Any cultivator who arrived here would be affected. They would either die or mutate.


    This was a forbidden zone that prohibited life.


    The source of all this was a sun¡¯s corpse that seemed to have long disappeared from the outside world.


    The old man with the brush and ink stood on the massive corpse, trembling as he gazed at a thousand-foot-long finger floating in front of him, emanating a terrifying divine power.


    ¡°Lord¡¯s abilities know no bounds. I heard that the myriad races have searched for the corpse for countless years, but couldn¡¯t find it. However, Lord found it as soon as you arrived. Lord is indeed a mighty god!¡±


    ¡°However, the sun¡¯s corpse has fallen for too long, it lacks vitality and is difficult to use as paint.¡±


    The painting old man spoke with a shaky voice.


    ¡°Only by sending more living creatures in to fill it with vitality will there be a possibility of turning it into paint¡­¡±


    When the god¡¯s finger heard this, it turned slightly in another direction. As the surroundings blurred and distorted, its figure instantly disappeared.


    Seeing that the finger had left, the painting old man instantly frowned.


    ¡°What should I do¡­ After I finish painting, It will definitely kill me. However, I¡¯ll be killed even if I don¡¯t paint¡­¡±


    At this moment, it was just before dawn.


    The sky was pitch-black. Although the bright moon hung high in the sky, the moonlight couldn¡¯t penetrate the fog in the Morning Glow Province. Hence, the entire abyssal sea was still pitch-black.


    Only those peaks that stood on the sea could penetrate the fog and see the bright moon in the sky.


    However, most of the mountains in the abyssal sea weren¡¯t tall, so the brightest place in the entire Morning Glow Province was Mount Morning Glow.

 Chapter 644 - 644 One Step, Lonely Goose; One Step, Demon (3)

    644 One Step, Lonely Goose; One Step, Demon (3)


    Xu Qing stood on the third level of the archives and looked at the sky through the wooden window. The mountain breeze blew over, blowing his long hair and revealing his eyes that reflected the moonlight.


    ¡°If I want to investigate the clues, it will take a very long time with just my strength.¡± Xu Qing mumbled inwardly and slowly frowned.


    He couldn¡¯t tell anyone about this, including the Sword Holders who were guarding this place. This was because if the Palace Master¡¯s judgment was correct, the person behind the scenes who killed the County Governor would definitely have terrifying authority.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t dare to place his trust even in the Sword Holders.


    Because the cost of misplaced trust could be a matter of life and death for him.


    After pondering for a long time, Xu Qing checked some more dossiers and finally left the archives, and walked through the quiet and empty Sword Holding Court.


    The closer it was to dawn, the darker the world became as the bright moon dimmed. This was an inevitable process before dawn.


    During this time, the wind would often carry a chill that surpassed its usual coolness. It brushed against Xu Qing¡¯s body, causing his Daoist robe sleeves to flutter in the breeze.


    Xu Qing walked silently on Mount Morning Glow. He was going to look for his parents¡¯ graves to pay his respects.


    He had waited for this day for a very, very long time.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart was filled with fluctuating emotions and thoughts, like ripples spreading across the surface of a calm lake.


    They couldn¡¯t be pressed down or buried.


    As they grew increasingly intense, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled which was very rare for him.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t control it either. He closed his eyes and his perception spread out. Following the guidance of his bloodline, he silently walked forward and passed by a house. There was bloodline resonance here.


    He passed by a mountain rock. There was bloodline resonance here as well.


    When he walked past a tall pavilion, he felt the bloodline resonance there as well.


    Xu Qing walked for a long time and passed through many areas until he finished walking through half of Mount Morning Glow that was revealed above the abyssal sea.


    Finally, at the top of the mountain, he stopped and stood there in a daze.


    The wind was even stronger here. The pitch-black sky also slowly turned red as the sun rose, like it was burning. Gradually, light penetrated the clouds and landed on the abyssal sea, landing on various mountain peaks and illuminating Mount Morning Glow.


    Rainbow light emitted from every mountain rock on Mount Morning Glow. After reflecting the sunlight, it formed a gorgeous halo, becoming the sole spectacle at this moment.


    From afar, it looked like the rainbow-colored mountain on the black sea seemed to have become the source of all light, trying to compete with the sun for brilliance.


    Its light enveloped the surroundings. As the sky became brighter and the sun rose into the sky, the rainbow-colored light of Mount Morning Glow also became brighter, continuously emitting dazzling multicolored light in all directions.


    Why was it that he had walked through all the areas and every location had the bloodline resonance?


    Why couldn¡¯t he find the graves even though his senses told him that they were near him?


    ¡°I buried our parents on Mount Morning Glow.¡± This was what Crown Prince Purple Green had told Xu Qing back then.


    Right now, Xu Qing understood the meaning behind it.


    ¡°Father and Mother¡¯s grave is this Mount Morning Glow itself¡­ They are buried in the depths of this mountain, so the moment I stepped onto this mountain, I sensed the guidance of my bloodline.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and looked at Mount Morning Glow under his feet. He wanted to enter the interior of this mountain but Mount Morning Glow was special. With his cultivation, he couldn¡¯t do this.


    A long, long time passed.


    Xu Qing silently knelt down. His hands touched the mountain rocks and he lowered his head.


    No one here could sense his existence, and naturally, no one saw that as Xu Qing lowered his head, water droplets flowed down his face and the tip of his nose, drenching the mountain rocks like ink.


    Only the rainbow-colored light on Mount Morning Glow continued to spread, as though it had transformed into a gentle hand that was gently patting Xu Qing¡¯s trembling body.


    After an unknown period of time, Xu Qing¡¯s forehead touched the mountain rocks.


    ¡°Father¡­ Mother, may you rest in peace¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled with a shaky voice that only he could hear.


    Finally, he lifted his head. There was no trace of any tears on his face.


    He stood up and walked down the mountain silently.


    Endless sunlight scattered down, illuminating Xu Qing¡¯s back view and also completely illuminating Mount Morning Glow.


    The multicolored light was dazzling, gorgeous, and bright.


    Xu Qing left.


    His desire had never been complicated. He only wanted to come to Mount Morning Glow and pay his respects to his parents¡¯ graves.


    After a long time, Xu Qing, who had walked to the foot of the mountain, turned his head and looked at the rainbow-colored mountain for a long time.


    ¡°In the future, when I have no more regrets, I want to stay here.¡±


    Xu Qing muttered softly and closed his eyes.


    When he opened his eyes again after a few breaths, he retracted all the thoughts. His eyes revealed coldness again as he walked away, his footsteps becoming increasingly firm.


    He was going to a canyon under the abyssal sea outside Mount Morning Glow. That place wasn¡¯t far from Mount Morning Glow and was the last place in the records where the morning glow formed.


    He was going to check if there were any clues.


    The world under the abyssal sea was different from the world above. The fog isolated the sunlight, and the cold isolated the warmth.


    Xu Qing followed Mount Morning Glow into the darkness. His speed became faster and faster, transforming into an afterimage that moved deeper and deeper into the darkness until he reached the bottom of Mount Morning Glow.

 Chapter 645 - 645 One Step, Lonely Goose; One Step, Demon (4)

    645 One Step, Lonely Goose; One Step, Demon (4)


    It was also the bottom of this part of the abyssal sea.


    This eerily silent place was filled with anomalous substances and evil aura. Occasionally, green will-o¡¯-the-wisps would appear in the surroundings.


    ¡°After the sun fell, it also emitted anomalous substances¡­¡± After Xu Qing sensed the situation, he fell into deep thought. He then sped forward with vigilance.


    He knew clearly that there was definitely danger in the abyssal sea where anomalous substances were dense. Many evil creatures would definitely be born here. In reality, this was also the reason why the Morning Glow Province cultivators didn¡¯t travel underground.


    Just like the Forbidden Sea, no one knew how many terrifying existences there were under the abyssal sea.


    Prolonged stay here would cause the danger to surge dramatically.


    Other than being vigilant, Xu Qing also used more concealment methods, and rapidly sped toward the canyon.


    Four hours later, Xu Qing, who had left the range of Mount Morning Glow¡¯s array formation, arrived at his destination.


    The so-called canyon was actually a huge chasm at the bottom of the abyss. It was a thousand feet wide and stretched for thousands of feet.


    Black fog drifted out of the chasm and fused into the surroundings.


    After Xu Qing saw it from afar, he was about to rush over when his expression suddenly changed. He swiftly crouched down, seeking cover behind a large rock, his gaze fixed upon the billowing fog emanating from the distant canyon.


    Xu Qing sensed some familiar fluctuations from the fog.


    ¡°Delicious¡­ Smoke¡­¡± Almost at the same time that Xu Qing probed, the shadow also quickly transmitted its divine sense. When it spread out, the stone lion and the head that were enveloped by it were revealed.


    After the two of them appeared, they didn¡¯t dare to move at all. The feeling of being eaten that they felt when they were enveloped by the shadow made them tremble in fear.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the lion and the head. He stared at the canyon for a while and noticed that there were indeed figures of the Smoke Race in the fog. However, he didn¡¯t act rashly. Instead, he gave the shadow an order and let it spread over to investigate.


    The shadow rapidly moved forward on the ground and entered the canyon. Not long later, it returned and expressed what it saw to Xu Qing. However, the expressions were very blurry, as though the things it saw were too complicated.


    Even the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was somewhat confused.


    Xu Qing frowned. He waved his hand and removed the head from the stone lion¡¯s tail, tossing it to the shadow.


    ¡°Bring it along.¡±


    Under the terrified gaze of the head, the shadow swallowed it in one gulp and headed straight for the canyon. When it returned a while later, the head hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°They are assembling a magic treasure. After my careful observation, coupled with my rich knowledge, I recognized at a glance that it¡¯s a one-time-use item that can interrupt the effect of Taboo magic treasures.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor frowned at the side. His gaze swept past the head and he vaguely felt more danger.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he looked at the canyon with a cold gaze.


    It wasn¡¯t difficult to guess the motive of the Smoke Race who were assembling such a magic treasure near the Mount Morning Glow. Their target was most likely Mount Morning Glow.


    This guess was a little rash and there was a chance that it could be used elsewhere.


    However¡­ it was fine if he was wrong. It wasn¡¯t important to Xu Qing. He already had a bad impression of the Smoke Race. In addition, Mount Morning Glow had a different significance in Xu Qing¡¯s heart now.


    Hence, he could just destroy the canyon where the Smoke Race was located.


    ¡°Since they have Nascent Soul cultivators, it won¡¯t be easy for me to kill my way in.¡± Xu Qing waved his right hand. Immediately, the Third Heavenly Palace shook and the power of the Poison Restriction spread out, rapidly spreading in all directions through his body.


    After that, he used his perception to sense the direction the cold wind blew from. He silently arrived at a place with a strong wind and released poison again.


    Just like that, he used an hour to continuously spread the power of the Poison Restriction. Finally, he calculated and confirmed that it was enough. Killing intent appeared in his eyes as he pointed forward.


    Immediately, the poison that filled the surroundings surged and whistled toward the canyon along with countless little black bugs.


    In the blink of an eye, all the poison rushed into the canyon.


    Very soon, mournful cries and roars rang out from the canyon.


    At the same time, in the depths of the abyssal sea that was some distance away, a thousand-foot-long finger was speeding fearlessly. Wherever it passed, all living creatures would be restrained behind it.


    There were hundreds of cultivators from various races behind it, unable to escape. All of them had looks of despair.

 Chapter 646 - 646 Golden Crow Swallows the Sun (1)

    646 Golden Crow Swallows the Sun (1)


    Outside Mount Morning Glow, beside the canyon, Xu Qing squatted there and took a look before turning to leave.


    Behind him, sounds of wailing and furious roars furious roars, accompanied by thunderous rumbling, resonated throughout the surroundings.


    Shortly after, Smoke Race puppets rushed out of the canyon. Their divine senses erupted at full strength and swept through the surroundings with grief, indignation, and fury.


    The canyon was in a state of chaos, with only a handful of surviving members from the once hundreds of Smoke Race members. Most had died body and soul from Xu Qing¡¯s Poison Restriction.


    Xu Qing¡¯s poison was too vicious.


    Even those who didn¡¯t die were wailing in pain. No matter what they did, they couldn¡¯t stop the rotting state of their bodies. They could only watch helplessly as their fog bodies corroded and gradually turned into dust.


    The magic treasure they were placing in the canyon was also damaged by this unforeseen event. The envelopment of the poison mist caused the anomalous substances in the magic treasure to rapidly aggravate, decreasing its durability.


    ¡°Who is it!¡±


    Shouts rang out from outside the canyon. The seven to eight Smoke Race Nascent Soul cultivators controlled their puppets, anxiously searching for the culprit.


    Their puppets were also rapidly rotting under the Poison Restriction. Even their true bodies, which were hiding, couldn¡¯t escape from the Poison Restriction.


    Hence, they were extremely anxious. They wanted to find the true culprit and find the antidote. Even though they had to hide themselves according to the plan, they couldn¡¯t care less now. They erupted with full strength and spread out to search.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s concealment jade slip was given to him by Fairy Zi Xuan. It wasn¡¯t something these Nascent Soul cultivators could see through. Moreover, after he released the poison earlier, he had only taken a glance before leaving. Now, he was already close to Mount Morning Glow.


    After sensing the energy fluctuations in the direction of the canyon, Xu Qing was expressionless. He was going to wait for all the Smoke Race members there to die before going over to investigate.


    ¡°Under normal circumstances, they would definitely die in two hours. In that case, waiting six hours should be even more safe.¡± Xu Qing pondered and moved forward rapidly. However, at this moment, an intense palpitation suddenly erupted in his mind.


    Xu Qing abruptly turned his head. His breathing became slightly hurried as he sensed an astonishing aura coming from the direction of the canyon. This aura was filled with terror but he was also somewhat familiar with it.


    As the aura appeared, the environment under the abyssal sea was also affected. The anomalous substances clearly became more active.


    What shocked Xu Qing even more was that everything here began to distort and turn blurry.


    ¡°God!¡±


    Xu Qing thought of the old man from the Painting Race and instantly determined the source of this aura. His expression turned gloomy as he sped up.


    He could sense that this aura didn¡¯t erupt from the canyon but rushed into the canyon from another direction.


    ¡°It should be attracted by the energy fluctuations there!¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t this god¡¯s finger bring the painting old man to find the sun¡¯s remains? Why would it come here¡­ Are there sun¡¯s remains in the canyon?¡±


    Instead, he had planned to report this matter to the Sword Holding Palace after completing the mission.


    Moreover, the Morning Glow Province was so big, so the possibility of them encountering each other wasn¡¯t inevitable.


    After all, the remains of the sun had long been searched for and taken away by the human race and the various forces.


    The vicinity of Mount Morning Glow was searched extra thoroughly, so it was impossible for the sun¡¯s remains to exist here.


    Hence, in such a large Morning Glow Province, the probability of him encountering the god¡¯s finger wasn¡¯t high.


    ¡°Did the head and the stone lion attract it?¡± Xu Qing gloomily looked at the stone lion.


    The stone lion immediately trembled and continued to sway its body, as though it wanted to tell Xu Qing that all of this had nothing to do with it. The head also hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Lord, it¡¯s not me. It¡¯s really not me. I don¡¯t have the ability to lure the god¡¯s finger over.¡±


    The head was about to cry. He was really innocent.


    Killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He made up his mind that after he was safe, he would definitely teach the stone lion and the head a lesson. He retracted his gaze and continued to speed forward.


    He didn¡¯t dare to use the power of the Poison Restriction and restrained it completely. The Poison Restriction had a concealment effect and it was obvious from how it was able to conceal the aura of the Purple Moon. However, that was when the Red Moon wasn¡¯t nearby, so the Poison Restriction was able to display an effect of blocking the signal.


    Now, he wasn¡¯t sure if it would have the opposite effect if he used it.


    Xu Qing anxiously used all his might to activate the concealment jade slip. However, in just over ten breaths of time, the energy fluctuations behind him suddenly became intense. The blurriness and distortion in the surroundings were also more intense than before.


    When that palpitation erupted to the extreme, a terrifying divine sense spread out from the fog behind Xu Qing, enveloping the surroundings.


    It enveloped Xu Qing as well.


    Immediately after, rumbling sounds rang out in all directions. Amidst the intense blurriness, an astonishing finger that was a thousand feet long suddenly appeared in front of Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body shook. All the parts of his body trembled intensely, sending him a monstrous sense of danger.


    They even showed signs of separating and becoming independent entities. His body continued to twist, as though it was about to break into pieces.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. The power of the Poison Restriction and the Purple Moon in his body erupted at the same time, enveloping his entire body as he rapidly retreated.


    However, it was useless.


    This time around, it was different from when it was in the Prison Department. In the Prison Department, this finger was in a suppressed state. However, it was free now. Although it had been heavily injured when it broke out of prison, no matter how serious its injuries were, it wasn¡¯t something Xu Qing could resist.

 Chapter 647 - 647 Golden Crow Swallows the Sun (2)

    647 Golden Crow Swallows the Sun (2)


    Almost at the instant the god authorities in Xu Qing¡¯s body spread out and his life level increased, his mind rumbled intensely. His body directly lost control under the eruption of the divine sense of the god¡¯s finger and was pulled over.


    The power from the god¡¯s finger ignored everything Xu Qing did and sucked his body to the back, where he collided with a group of despairing nonhumans.


    The stone lion and the head were also pulled along.


    The latter screamed.


    ¡°Boss, Boss, it¡¯s me. It¡¯s me. I¡¯m the head. We¡¯re cellmates¡­¡±


    The finger didn¡¯t respond to the head¡¯s shouts. At that moment, It lifted its fingertip and looked in the direction of Mount Morning Glow with some hesitation.


    In the end, It didn¡¯t get close. It disappeared from there and appeared in an extremely far location, before teleporting again and moving toward the aura of other living beings.


    Behind It were more than 500 cultivators who had been captured by It, and there were many from the Smoke Race among them.


    Xu Qing¡¯s arrival didn¡¯t attract any attention. The thoughts of all the cultivators were filled with despair and horror.


    Their bodies were also in a bizarre state.


    Almost none of them were complete.


    They were all divided into countless pieces. Their eyes, nose, ears, internal organs, and limbs were independent.


    It was the same for the Smoke Race. The fog was divided into countless portions.


    However, under the power of the god¡¯s finger, they were all piled up and couldn¡¯t leave. Hence, various parts of these bodies were stuck together in a mess.


    This scene was strange and filled with unknown.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was ugly. At that moment, his mind was still rumbling but he didn¡¯t give up. He quickly circulated the two god authorities in his body and used all his strength to suppress his body that was threatening to fall into pieces.


    Under his suppression, he barely managed to maintain his complete body. When he lifted his head with great difficulty and looked ahead, he could only see a hazy scene and feel the boundless fog flowing rapidly.


    Xu Qing realized that he was being dragged at high speed by the god¡¯s finger.


    ¡°What exactly is this god¡¯s finger trying to do?!¡± Xu Qing forcefully calmed himself down and quickly searched for a way to escape.


    ¡°The Prison Department relied on luck to suppress it¡­¡± As all kinds of thoughts raced in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, a rumbling sound suddenly rang out from all directions. At the next instant, the god¡¯s finger stopped.


    The sudden stop from extremely fast speed directly caused the organs of many cultivators to collapse and explode. Xu Qing also spat out a mouthful of blood.


    Fortunately, he had the divine source and his physical body was extremely powerful. Although a large number of cracks appeared on his body, it was still intact.


    Right now, he was able to barely see his surroundings.


    A rotting lump of flesh that was ten thousand feet long was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    Before Xu Qing could continue checking, his body and a large number of organs of all the cultivators in the surroundings were thrown into the gigantic flesh.


    The moment they came into contact, the flesh squirmed and split open, enveloping all the incoming organs. Some parts of some organs were revealed, while others were completely devoured.


    They quickly fused into the flesh.


    The stone lion and the head were also pulled along.


    Wails and screams rang out from the cultivators who were enveloped. Some were voices and and some were divine senses that contained endless pain.


    More than half of Xu Qing¡¯s body was enveloped by this flesh. As the mournful cries echoed in the surroundings, huge waves of emotions rose in his mind.


    This was because he didn¡¯t feel any pain from the corrosion. Instead, the instant his body was enveloped by this huge piece of flesh, he felt the Golden Crow emitting surprise and an extremely powerful desire.


    ¡°This is the remains of the sun?!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened. As his mind rumbled, he abruptly turned his head and looked at the old man from the Painting Race not far away.


    At that moment, the old man from the Painting Race noticed the head and the stone lion. He also noticed Xu Qing.


    Their eyes met.


    ¡°Haha, we¡¯re reunited¡­¡± Only the face of the head was revealed. At that moment, its eyes glanced at the old man.


    The old man didn¡¯t bother with the head. He looked at Xu Qing with a strange glint in his eyes, wanting to get close.


    ¡°Lord Guardian?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve made a contribution!¡± Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    The old man stopped in his tracks.


    Xu Qing¡¯s words caused a dark glint to appear in the eyes of the old man.


    He carefully sized up Xu Qing a few times. In his eyes, this guardian didn¡¯t have the slightest fear on his face. That calm expression was as though this wasn¡¯t a place of confinement but as if he was in D132.


    This scene caused the paranoid old man to have no choice but to temporarily suppress the thoughts in his mind. He felt that something was amiss, so he swept his gaze toward the head.


    However, before he could speak, amidst a large number of wails, the god¡¯s finger in the air buzzed and directly appeared in front of the old man. Its majestic and terrifying divine sense locked onto him.


    The old man tried his best not to tremble and squeezed out a fawning smile.


    ¡°Great chosen god, you are the god of the sky who will revive on the sun¡¯s corpse. You are destined to unify Wanggu and achieve the supreme level.¡±


    The pressure from the god¡¯s finger clearly decreased a little, emitting a roar that echoed in the sea of consciousness of all cultivators.


    The old man wasn¡¯t able to control his body well and trembled. However, his expression didn¡¯t reveal anything. He still had that incomparably pious appearance and spoke as though he was praying.


    ¡°Chosen god, the day of your revival is approaching. The paint for your body has been half completed. If it was a lowly god, it would be enough to draw their body with this paint. However, you are the chosen god. I must draw the most perfect body in this world for you.¡±

 Chapter 648 - 648 Golden Crow Swallows the Sun (3)

    648 Golden Crow Swallows the Sun (3)


    ¡°You cannot be blasphemed.¡±


    ¡°Therefore¡­ I still need some life to make the activity of this flesh match the status of the great god chosen by the heavens.¡±


    The god¡¯s finger emitted a buzzing sound, as though It was a little frustrated. Some of the wounds on Its body cracked under the shaking.


    However, It didn¡¯t care at all. After circling the sky a few times, it suddenly disappeared amidst the distortion and blurriness in the surroundings.


    Upon seeing this scene, Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and various thoughts raced in his mind. He realized that his current state was a life-and-death crisis but it was also a huge opportunity.


    He could sense that the Golden Crow totemic tattoo on his back was constantly heating up, revealing intense desire. However, it was firmly suppressed by Xu Qing, not allowing its aura to spread out at all.


    It wasn¡¯t time yet.


    Seeing the conversation between the old man from the Painting Race and the god¡¯s finger, Xu Qing¡¯s first feeling was that the state of this god¡¯s finger was a little off¡­


    ¡°Its mind appears to be clouded?¡±


    Xu Qing quickly analyzed. After that, he placed himself in the shoes of the old man from the Painting Race and used the other party¡¯s perspective to tackle this issue.


    ¡°Head, why are you here too? Did you not hide well and was found by the Lord Guardian?¡± After the god¡¯s finger left, the old man from the Painting Race heaved a sigh of relief. He looked at the head that only had its face exposed and walked over to pat it.


    ¡°Why should I answer you? If you have the ability, kill me. We¡¯re all from the same cell. Do you think I¡¯m afraid of you?¡± The old man didn¡¯t look angry. He smiled and raised his hand, slapping it ruthlessly.


    The head shattered loudly.


    The old man from the Painting Race squatted there with his smile unchanged. He turned his head and looked at Xu Qing, his eyes revealing deep meaning.


    ¡°Lord Guardian, you didn¡¯t finish just now. How did I make a contribution?¡±


    ¡°Let me think. Lord Guardian, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re trying to tell me that you let yourself be captured by the god and that you aren¡¯t alone. There are many experts from Fenghai County in the Morning Glow Province, such as the Palace Master, Marquis Yao, and Deputy Governor. Their goal is to capture the god¡¯s finger?¡±


    ¡°You let yourself be captured to be the coordinates, so those big shots have already sensed this place. You said that I made a contribution because I stalled the god¡¯s finger and bought you precious time to find this place?¡±


    ¡°But, Lord Guardian, I¡¯m not a three-year-old child. Do you think I¡¯ll believe these words?¡± The old man licked his lips. As his eyes revealed hostility, he took out the flesh and other matters that had splashed out after the head was shattered.


    Very soon, the head revived. Just as it was about to curse, the old man smiled and spoke.


    ¡°Head, we¡¯re all on the same side. I killed you to save you. Stop fooling around. Also, thank you for helping me get the Lord Guardian. You¡¯re right. Our D132 are about to reunite.¡±


    The head sneered and its eyes revealed mockery. It didn¡¯t accept or deny it but rolled around to find the stone lion.


    The old man didn¡¯t bother with the head. He came to Xu Qing¡¯s side and squatted down, licking his lips.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the old man. He expressionlessly swept his gaze across the surroundings and sensed that there was a restriction power here that prevented him from escaping.


    This restriction was set up by the god¡¯s finger and was very difficult to break.


    After checking, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the painting old man and he calmly spoke.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to probe like this. If you want to survive, hurry up and tell me the entire situation.¡±


    The old man raised his brows.


    The head in the distance laughed mockingly as it searched for the stone lion.


    ¡°Old man, you¡¯re usually so shrewd. Why are you so stupid now? We¡¯re all f*cking reunited here. Either you finish drawing the body for the finger and we¡¯ll be killed together, or we quickly think of a way to survive. Why are you still probing here? What a waste of time. Aren¡¯t you tired?¡±


    The words of the head caused the painting old man to sigh inwardly. In reality, this was indeed what he was worried about. His body was marked and he couldn¡¯t escape. There were also restrictions in the surroundings. He really wanted his probing words to be true¡­


    However, he knew that this was impossible. Even if Xu Qing admitted it, he would feel that he had been deceived. Hence, he sighed amidst his complicated and conflicted mentality.


    ¡°What can you do? Everyone is going to die¡­¡±


    ¡°Step back!¡± Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    The painting old man looked at Xu Qing and was about to speak, but Xu Qing ignored him. Xu Qing had already verified his thoughts through the conversation between the other party and the god¡¯s finger earlier.


    A drowning person would grab even a straw to save themselves. However, this straw had to be realistic and couldn¡¯t be too perfunctory.


    The timing was about right now. Xu Qing¡¯s memories of D132 had recovered to a great extent after the collapse of the Prison Department. He was very sure that he had never used the power of the Golden Crow in D132.


    He mainly used the god¡¯s authorities.


    Hence, this old man didn¡¯t know that he had the Golden Crow.


    Moreover, they were in a hurry when they broke out of prison, so it was impossible for them to gather information about him. With the strangeness of the head, although it might know, there was a high chance that this painting old man didn¡¯t know.


    However, this wasn¡¯t important.


    If he didn¡¯t know, the effect would naturally be the best. However, even if he knew, Xu Qing had other ways to deal with it.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing no longer suppressed the Golden Crow. In an instant, fiery power erupted completely and the Golden Crow flew to the flesh of the sun¡¯s corpse.

 Chapter 649 - 649 Golden Crow Swallows the Sun (4)

    649 Golden Crow Swallows the Sun (4)


    The sun¡¯s remains spasmed like it was alive.


    Rumbling sounds appeared in the surroundings. When the blurry and distorted intent became even more obvious, an earth-shattering heatwave erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s body. As it rumbled and spread in all directions, the expression of the old man from the Painting Race changed drastically and he quickly retreated, looking at Xu Qing in surprise.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all but a large number of golden patterns appeared on his face.


    These patterns spread from the totemic tattoo on his back to his entire body.


    The astonishing power from the sun¡¯s remains continued to gather toward Xu Qing as the Golden Crow crazily absorbed it.


    The void shook and the ground showed signs of churning. The fog above also transformed into a vortex with a shocking aura.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart raced. Through the excitement and desire transmitted by the Golden Crow, he understood that this was an enormous opportunity for him.


    However, he needed time. This was a huge feast for the Golden Crow, and it would take a lot of time to consume the gigantic flesh of the sun.


    This scene also caused the painting old man and the head that had finally gotten the stone lion out to gasp. However, the latter¡¯s exclamation felt a little fake.


    ¡°Absorbing the flesh of the sun¡­¡± As the painting old man mumbled, his eyes revealed a strange glint.


    ¡°Back then, at D132, I felt that the fluctuations on the Lord Guardian¡¯s body were extraordinary. I didn¡¯t expect it to be related to the sun!!¡±


    ¡°I understand now. Sir, you heard that the god¡¯s finger is searching for the sun¡¯s remains here, so you deliberately came here to let the god¡¯s finger take the initiative to bring you over, right?¡±


    ¡°But how did you know that I would trick the god¡¯s finger into capturing people? I get it, it is very easy to explain. After so many years, the sun¡¯s corpse must have lost its vitality, and the way to replenish its vitality is naturally life!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, that¡¯s it!¡±


    ¡°Brilliant, truly brilliant!¡±


    ¡°Sir, I admire your ability to scheme against the god. I understand now. That¡¯s why you said that I made a contribution earlier. Yes, I truly did!¡±


    ¡°Sir, since you can deduce this, you must have a way to escape. There¡¯s no mistake!¡±


    The more the painting old man spoke, the more excited he became.


    The head blinked and confusion appeared in its eyes.


    Ever since Xu Qing ascended Mount Morning Glow, he and the stone lion were enveloped by the shadow. When they appeared later, they saw Xu Qing poisoning the canyon. After that, the god¡¯s finger arrived. Hence, they didn¡¯t know what happened during this period of time.


    At that moment, when it heard the old man¡¯s words, the head shook. It suddenly felt that what the old man said made sense. Otherwise, why would Xu Qing not go to the battlefield during war but come to this Morning Glow Province?


    However, it vaguely felt that something was wrong.


    He automatically ignored the head. However, Xu Qing was a little puzzled by the painting old man. The other party¡¯s cooperation was too perfect, to the point that it seemed like a self-guided performance from start to finish.


    Even if a drowning person was anxious to survive, they would not do this.


    While Xu Qing was pondering, the old man knelt down excitedly.


    ¡°Lord Guardian, please save me on account of me reminding you conscientiously in D132 and on account of my contribution this time.¡±


    ¡°That evil finger asked me to draw a body for it, but I didn¡¯t dare to. After I finish drawing, it will definitely eat me. I can feel its hunger, so I used the excuse that the corpse lacks vitality and can¡¯t become paint. I¡¯ve been delaying for a long time.¡±


    Xu Qing coldly looked at the old man but couldn¡¯t see any clues from his expression. There was nothing wrong with all his expressions and words.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t believe that this matter would be so simple.


    This was especially so when he swept his gaze across the flesh of the sun. The large number of nonhumans were no longer wailing but had completely melted and absorbed by the sun¡¯s corpse.


    These were all scammed to death by the painting old man in order to survive.


    However, since the other party was so cooperative, Xu Qing had no reason to expose him. He needed time. On one hand, he wanted to absorb the sun¡¯s remains. On the other hand, he wanted to wait for the finger to return again.


    Regardless of whether there was a problem with the old man or not, he couldn¡¯t let the other party take the initiative here. The opportunity to seize the initiative was the moment the finger returned.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°I need time.¡±

 Chapter 650 - 650 Golden Crow Dao Nascent Accompanies the Morning Glow (1)

    650 Golden Crow Dao Nascent Accompanies the Morning Glow (1)


    ¡°Lord Guardian, I have a plan that can stall for time for you. This is also the method I thought of for myself to escape previously. Originally, I wasn¡¯t confident, but with you around and my cooperation, there won¡¯t be a problem.¡±


    The painting old man said excitedly.


    ¡°Lord Guardian, when the finger returns later, I¡¯ll tell it that you have the Golden Crow Body. Hence, your appearance caused this skeleton to be fully active, and there¡¯s no need to fuse other living beings.¡±


    ¡°After that, I¡¯ll draw for the finger. I can control this process and draw slower. I¡¯ll only finish drawing after you give me a signal.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve thought it through. It will look like I¡¯m drawing a body, but I will be drawing a flesh cage. After that god¡¯s finger was heavily injured by the Prison Department, its consciousness became blurry. Besides, outsiders won¡¯t be able to understand painting. I¡¯m confident that it¡¯ll be very difficult for it to sense what I¡¯m doing.¡±


    ¡°After it fuses into it and discovers that it¡¯s a cage, it will be time for us to escape!¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s drawn from the remains of the sun, the might of this cage isn¡¯t small. Originally, I estimated that I could trap it for a few days, but with your Golden Crow, I think I can trap it for more than half a month.¡±


    ¡°This time will be enough for us to escape. What plan do you have? I can cooperate to complete it.¡±


    After the painting old man said so much in one go, he added.


    ¡°By the way, Lord Guardian, you might not know but during this period of time, I discovered that after this finger broke out of prison and was injured by the Palace Master with the Taboo magic treasure, there seems to be a problem with its mind. It has become a little forgetful¡­¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the old man and nodded. He then closed his eyes in silence and absorbed the power of the sun¡¯s remains with all his might. At that moment, the Golden Crow had already spread out and stretched its body inside the remains.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s perception, as the Golden Crow crazily absorbed it, its tails continued to grow one after another. By now, there were already more than 60 of them.


    According to Xu Qing¡¯s previous judgment, after the Golden Crow broke through 99 tails, his Golden Crow Refines All Life would advance to the third level.


    The might of the third level was the Nascent Soul realm!


    Also, because the Golden Crow was placed in the Fifth Heavenly Palace, once the Golden Crow advanced, Xu Qing¡¯s Fifth Heavenly Palace would undergo an earth-shattering transformation and form a fake Nascent Soul body that belonged to the Fifth Palace in advance.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing was filled with some anticipation.


    Time flowed bit by bit. As the Golden Crow absorbed the remains, the aura on Xu Qing¡¯s body continued to rise, becoming more and more astonishing. The head and the painting old man felt terror from the energy fluctuations.


    The sun¡¯s corpse also became more and more active and a sense of revival appeared.


    At that moment, in the distant abyssal sea, the terrifying divine sense that belonged to the god¡¯s finger rumbled over. In an instant, the finger appeared here with a large number of nonhuman cultivators tied behind it. Among them, there were the most numbers of Smoke Race.


    These Smoke Race members were all incomplete. They were flicked by the finger and all of them landed on the sun¡¯s corpse.


    Even so, the return of the finger still made Xu Qing a little nervous. When he opened his eyes and looked at the finger, the finger clearly sensed the abnormality in the sun¡¯s flesh. Its divine sense swept over.


    At the side, the painting old man had an excited expression as he spoke loudly.


    ¡°Great Master, you¡¯re indeed the chosen god. I discovered that you actually captured an extraordinary fellow.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s him!¡± The painting old man pointed at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Lord, you might not remember this person. He¡¯s our D132¡¯s guardian. I checked him carefully just now. This person has the Golden Crow Body. He¡¯s a descendant of the sun.¡±


    ¡°His appearance is a blessing given to you by the world. He alone is enough to allow this sun¡¯s flesh to possess a certain level of life activity.¡±


    ¡°I can draw your divine body now!¡±


    ¡°I am extremely excited to be able to have the honor of personally painting the divine body of the chosen god!¡± The painting old man¡¯s expression was incomparably pious. He knelt under his finger and spoke excitedly.


    The god¡¯s finger emitted a buzzing sound and abruptly spun, locking onto the sun¡¯s remains and emitting waves of clear fluctuations of desire.


    As soon as this fluctuation appeared, the surroundings trembled and the void began to shatter. Cracks appeared on the ground.


    The painting old man was startled. He lifted his hand and was about to draw when Xu Qing endured the discomfort he felt from facing a god and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Great god, it¡¯s a pity that the sun¡¯s activity isn¡¯t enough now. You can check it. Give me a little more time and I can make the activity of this sun¡¯s corpse even greater. The body drawn by the completely active sun¡¯s flesh will be even more perfect and the success rate will be higher.¡±


    ¡°After all, the sun¡¯s remains are rare. A failure means one less remains.¡±


    ¡°Great god, why don¡¯t you wait a little longer?¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke, the Golden Crow in his body spread out in a large area, causing the flesh of the sun¡¯s corpse to emit an even denser aura of recovery. After the terrifying divine sense of the god¡¯s finger swept over, it stopped moving, as though it was thinking.


    At the side, an undetectable glint flashed in the painting old man¡¯s eyes. Xu Qing¡¯s words were different from the plan they had discussed previously.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the old man. He looked at the god¡¯s finger and suppressed the nervousness in his heart before speaking again.

 Chapter 651 - 651 Golden Crow Dao Nascent Accompanies the Morning Glow (2)

    651 Golden Crow Dao Nascent Accompanies the Morning Glow (2)


    ¡°Great god, for example, the Smoke Race you brought back this time. Their special body structure is very suitable for increasing the sun¡¯s life activity. You saw for yourself that they are very useful, so if there are more of them, the sun¡¯s life activity will be even better.¡±


    ¡°In addition, if there¡¯s a ray of morning glow, it can also allow the sun¡¯s remains to reach the extreme in an instant!¡± Xu Qing gritted his teeth and slowly spoke.


    He had seen the records of Mount Morning Glow. The last light had appeared more than 70 years ago and had already been taken out by the Sword Holding Palace. It had been a long time since the last morning glow appeared.


    From the start to the end, Xu Qing didn¡¯t tell any lies. Everything he said was true.


    He could indeed increase the sun¡¯s life activity even more. The uniqueness of the Smoke Race could indeed provide very good support. As for the morning glow, it was related to the fall of the sun to begin with. If the sun¡¯s remains could absorb it, it would naturally be perfect.


    After the god¡¯s finger¡¯s divine sense swept over, Its body emitted frustrated fluctuations. A few breaths later, It suddenly disappeared from this place and headed straight for the distance.


    Watching the finger leave, Xu Qing heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. He was taking a gamble earlier. He was betting that this god¡¯s finger¡¯s obsession with the body surpassed everything.


    Moreover, since the painting old man could use this method to control the god¡¯s finger to some extent, Xu Qing felt that he could do it too. Moreover, his words were persuasive. He had seized the initiative.


    ¡°Sir, you have good methods.¡± The painting old man smiled, his gaze flickering slightly.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with him. Now that the finger had left, he immediately urged the Golden Crow to increase its absorption speed. Moreover, if the god¡¯s finger really went to find the morning glow, it would definitely take some time to return.


    This was because not only was the morning glow rare, but it hadn¡¯t appeared for a long time. Hence, in Xu Qing¡¯s judgment, it was impossible for the god¡¯s finger to find it.


    As for the Golden Crow¡¯s tails, it had already soared to more than 80.


    It wasn¡¯t far from breaking through.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mood was surging. He was confident that the moment his Golden Crow broke through to the third level, he would be able to escape. At the same time, with the help of the one-time chance to use the Taboo magic treasure that the Palace Master had given him, he was very confident that he could escape.


    The head in the distance had long seen through the hidden game between Xu Qing and the painting old man. Hence, it secretly climbed onto the stone lion¡¯s back and whispered to it, preparing to take the opportunity to escape after the two of them came to a conclusion.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    The aura on Xu Qing¡¯s body grew denser and denser. The Golden Crow also had 93 tails.


    It continued.


    94, 95, 96¡­


    The instant the tail reached 97, intense fluctuations suddenly came from the distant abyssal sea. At the next instant, the god¡¯s finger actually returned!


    This time, thousands of members of the Smoke Race were curled up behind it. All of them were in despair and let out miserable wails.


    If that was all, it would be fine. What caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to tremble intensely was that there was actually a rainbow-colored gorgeous light on that finger!


    It was extremely resplendent and emitted an incomparably astonishing pressure. It gave Xu Qing the feeling that it was much more precious than the branches of the Ten Guts Trees.


    The instant he looked at the beam of light, Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened and his eyes widened. The name directly appeared in his mind.


    ¡®Morning glow!!¡¯


    The Golden Crow, which was absorbing the sun¡¯s remains, also emitted an intense desire as though it wanted both the remains and this light.


    ¡®It really found it?¡¯ Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred greatly. He felt that this was unbelievable.


    He didn¡¯t know how the god¡¯s finger did it. Morning glow was extremely rare and hadn¡¯t appeared for a long time. But now¡­ It actually brought one back.


    As for the thousands of Smoke Race members, he didn¡¯t care. At that moment, all his attention was gathered on the ray of light.


    If it was any other time, Xu Qing¡¯s heart would fluctuate intensely when he saw such good fortune. However, now¡­ he felt a little conflicted.


    He needed time.


    Hence, he told the finger that the Smoke Race could provide support and the morning glow could let the sun¡¯s life activity reach the extreme.


    He originally thought that the god¡¯s finger would take a long time to return. This way, he would have enough time to complete the advancement of his Golden Crow and escape from the restrictions in the surroundings.


    However, he never expected that the god¡¯s finger would return so quickly¡­ and even bring back morning glow.


    Just as Xu Qing¡¯s mind was fluctuating, with a flick of the god¡¯s finger, thousands of Smoke Race members let out screams and cries and headed straight for Xu Qing, merging into the flesh of the sun around him.


    In that instant, these Smoke Race members became nutrients that were rapidly absorbed by the flesh.


    As for the supreme treasure-like morning glow, it also headed straight for Xu Qing¡­


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    This light instantly approached and entered the flesh around him. At the next moment, it was sucked over by the Golden Crow, forming a rainbow-colored light that scattered in all directions from the flesh of the sun.


    From afar, the sun¡¯s corpse seemed to have really revived.


    Waves of powerful fluctuations spread out from within and surrounded the surroundings with rumbling sounds. The nourishment from the thousands of Smoke Race members also hastened the life activity of the flesh.


    The Golden Crow¡¯s tails directly reached 99.


    The 100th one was rapidly appearing. At this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation level also soared. An aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator continuously formed from the Golden Crow¡¯s body.

 Chapter 652 - 652 Golden Crow Dao Nascent Accompanies the Morning Glow (3)

    652 Golden Crow Dao Nascent Accompanies the Morning Glow (3)


    The god¡¯s finger emitted a buzzing sound. After Its divine sense swept across the flesh of the sun, It ignored Xu Qing¡¯s Golden Crow and headed straight for the painting old man, pressing against his forehead.


    A brutal divine sense erupted from the finger, as though It couldn¡¯t wait any longer. The madness and killing intent were overflowing so much that if Its body still couldn¡¯t be drawn, Its anger would destroy the surroundings in an instant.


    The old man felt an intense chill of death and spoke loudly.


    ¡°No problem, chosen god. I¡¯ll draw your body now!¡±


    As he spoke, the old man hurriedly took out his brush and hooked it toward the flesh of the sun¡¯s corpse where Xu Qing was. Immediately, a wisp of qi and blood spread out from the flesh and gathered in front of the old man¡¯s brush tip. It was as though it had turned into paint and ink. After he dipped his brush in it a few times, he quickly drew at the side.


    With a few strokes, the outline of a body was roughly formed.


    After noticing this scene, the violent intent from in the god¡¯s finger subsided a little, transmitting an intense desire. It didn¡¯t bother with Its surroundings and focused all Its divine sense on the outline of the body formed by the old man.


    ¡°Lord Heaven¡¯s Selection, you can fuse your divine sense into it. As I paint, it will gradually fuse with this body from the start. This is a method I specially thought of for Lord Heaven¡¯s Selection over these few days. It can greatly increase the success rate and reduce rejection.¡±


    The old man quickly spoke. Perhaps due to the toll of painting or to emphasize his efforts, his appearance had transformed significantly, losing the elegance he once possessed. Instead, madness gleamed in his eyes, and his hair was disheveled.


    The god¡¯s finger instantly fused Its divine sense into the outline of the body. As the old man drew, the fusion deepened and the body slowly became clearer.


    Xu Qing was extremely anxious. He knew that he didn¡¯t have much time left. Once the old man finished drawing the body, the outcome would be completely out of control.


    This was especially so since he didn¡¯t trust that old man. The other party¡¯s cooperation earlier was clearly intentional. Although he didn¡¯t know the exact motive, it was ultimately malicious.


    ¡®I have to finish the Golden Crow¡¯s advancement before this old man finishes painting¡­¡¯ Xu Qing gritted his teeth and checked the progress of his Golden Crow¡¯s 100th tail.


    This last tail was extremely important. It was only halfway formed, and was progressing slowly.


    ¡°Faster!¡± Xu Qing roared inwardly.


    The Golden Crow also sensed Xu Qing¡¯s anxiety and crazily absorbed the flesh of the sun¡¯s corpse, even refining and devouring the Smoke Race members who had yet to completely fuse.


    Just like that, the time it took for an incense stick to burn passed.


    The scene here looked extremely bizarre from afar.


    An old man with disheveled hair and bite marks all over his body was painting crazily with bloodshot eyes. What he was painting was a body that was thousands of feet long.


    Right now, the skeleton of this body had been drawn and flesh was forming. It looked bizarre and shocking.


    It also emitted the energy fluctuations of the sun, especially as the divine sense of the god¡¯s finger fused into it. There was also divine might spreading out and the intent to revive appeared.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were closed and he didn¡¯t move at all. However, the area of the sun¡¯s flesh he was in withered rapidly.


    This withering was partly because of Xu Qing¡¯s absorption and partly because the old man used it to paint.


    Further away, the stone lion dragged the head and was carefully moving away from here. Very soon, it encountered a restriction and couldn¡¯t go any further. It started panicking immediately.


    ¡°These two fellows are throwing the blame to the other party. I saw it¡­ Heavens, my eyes, this is too terrifying!¡±


    A strange glint appeared in the eyes of the head. It activated its ability to see what the future was like. However, with just a glance, it wailed silently.


    ¡°They¡¯re all dead, all of them are dead¡­¡± The head was about to cry. It felt that it was so unlucky and even began to miss the time when it was in the Prison Department. At this time, the Golden Crow finally formed its 100th tail.


    In that instant, the Golden Crow was clearly excited and wanted to rush into the sky and let out a cry. However, Xu Qing immediately restrained it!


    The Golden Crow felt like it was strangled.


    It could only obediently return to Xu Qing¡¯s body and enter his Fifth Heavenly Palace.


    Xu Qing¡¯s Fifth Heavenly Palace was formed by the emperor cultivation art Golden Crow Refines All Life. With the return of the Golden Crow, its shape suddenly changed. It no longer had the appearance of the Golden Crow but the figure of a youth.


    This youth wore an emperor¡¯s robe and crown. His appearance was unmistakably that of Xu Qing. However, his body wasn¡¯t made of flesh and blood but was filled with endless magic power and the Golden Crow¡¯s¡­ Dao Nascent.


    Although he still looked blurry and was only in the embryonic stage, the moment he appeared, a fluctuation that far surpassed the Golden Core realm erupted from the Fifth Heavenly Palace.


    Violent fluctuations filled Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness. As the Golden Crow advanced to the third level, the Fifth Heavenly Palace couldn¡¯t be called a Heavenly Palace anymore.


    It transformed into a hotbed that contained the Dao Nascent!


    To a certain extent, this palace was the Nascent Soul realm. However, because Xu Qing¡¯s other Heavenly Palaces hadn¡¯t reached this stage yet, his realm at this moment was¡­ the fake Nascent Soul realm!


    The increase in his combat strength was also earth-shattering. Xu Qing sensed the restriction in the void. It was formed by countless transparent chains. He could sense the subtle changes in the divine power in the surroundings. It was the figures of countless tiny worms.

 Chapter 653 - 653 Golden Crow Dao Nascent Accompanies the Morning Glow (4)

    653 Golden Crow Dao Nascent Accompanies the Morning Glow (4)


    He could also sense the aura contained in the body of the old man from the Painting Race. It contained a new life.


    Previously, he couldn¡¯t use his perception at the microscopic level. Now that he swept his gaze over it, it was incomparably clear.


    This was because the essence of its perception had undergone a transformation and given birth to a divine consciousness!


    Divine consciousness was something that only Nascent Soul cultivators possessed. It was the power formed by the fusion of the Dao Nascent and soul. It was the foundation for casting divine powers.


    Before reaching the Nascent Soul realm, spells were only spells.


    After reaching the Nascent Soul realm, there were divine powers above spells.


    Not only that, but as the Golden Crow successfully advanced to the third level, a majestic nourishing power also erupted from the Fifth Heavenly Palace, nourishing Xu Qing.


    This was the effect of Golden Crow Refines All Life. Every time it devoured something, it would nourish Xu Qing.


    However, this time, the nourishing power was unprecedented.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body was tempered again, and because the nourishment was too great, it fused into the other Heavenly Palaces in his body. Even the Ninth Heavenly Palace rapidly manifested.


    Xu Qing¡¯s First Heavenly Palace was the black umbrella lantern, the Second Heavenly Palace was the Rainbow Wind Song Lantern, the Third Heavenly Palace was the Poison Restriction Pill, the Fourth Heavenly Palace was the Purple Moon, the Fifth Heavenly Palace was the Golden Crow emperor-level cultivation art, the Sixth Heavenly Palace was the Heavenly Dao Mosasaur, the Seventh Heavenly Palace was the Ghost Emperor Mountain, and the Eighth Heavenly Palace was the Nether Spirit Blood Wing Lantern.


    The Ninth Heavenly Palace was originally half completed in the Ten Guts Trees. Now, under the nourishment, its materialization fastened rapidly. 70%, 80%, 90%¡­


    After the amount of time it took for an incense stick to burn out, the Ninth Heavenly Palace was 99% materialized. It was only lacking an item to be its core.


    ¡°Core item¡­ Golden Crow, spit out the light!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind raced and his divine consciousness immediately descended on the Fifth Heavenly Palace. The eyes of the Golden Crow Dao Nascent inside opened, revealing a rainbow-colored light. At the next instant, it opened its mouth and spat out a beam of light.


    It was the morning glow.


    This light flickered as it headed straight for the Ninth Heavenly Palace.


    The moment it fused into it, the Ninth Heavenly Palace instantly became a rainbow palace. Its entire body was crystal clear and it emitted boundless rays of light. The morning glow that had fused into it had transformed into a light sphere. Xu Qing could vaguely see a huge living being that looked like a phoenix sleeping there.


    The sun that had fallen here wasn¡¯t a Golden Crow but another lifeform. As for the reason why Xu Qing¡¯s Golden Crow could devour it, it was because they essentially came from the same source.


    At that moment, as the Ninth Heavenly Palace was formed and the morning glow fused into it, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation broke through!


    As his combat strength soared crazily, he discovered that the nourishment from the Golden Crow wasn¡¯t over. His Tenth Heavenly Palace was actually forming!


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook and endless desire rose in his heart. He opened his eyes and looked at the old man from the Painting Race and the god¡¯s finger.


    The painting old man noticed the changes in Xu Qing. His gaze flickered slightly, but he pretended that he didn¡¯t see it and continued painting.


    The body he was painting was now half-formed. Its divine might was even more astonishing as it continued to spread in all directions, causing the distortion and blurriness in this place to become even more intense. It even formed a vast storm.


    Seeing this scene, Xu Qing made a decision.


    ¡°If I escape now, once that old man stops drawing and uses the excuse that he lacks paint, there¡¯s a high chance that the god¡¯s finger will come after me¡­¡±


    ¡°Now is not the time to escape. I have to wait for the instant the finger fuses into the body!¡±


    Xu Qing calmed himself down. As he waited, he circulated the nourishing power from the Golden Crow in his body and gushed it all into the Tenth Heavenly Palace.


    As for the item to place in the Tenth Heavenly Palace once it was completed, he had already thought of it.


    ¡°This time, I will fuse it with the purple crystal!¡±

 Chapter 654 - 654 Purple Crystal Terrifies the Heavenly Palaces

    654 Purple Crystal Terrifies the Heavenly Palaces


    Noticing that Xu Qing didn¡¯t take the opportunity to escape, the old man from the Painting Race turned grim.


    ¡®This kid is too cautious. In that case, I can only use another plan!¡¯


    The old man snorted inwardly and continued painting.


    At that moment, the nourishing power from the Golden Crow in Xu Qing¡¯s body rapidly surged into the Tenth Heavenly Palace. Waves of rumbling sounds echoed in his sea of consciousness and the Tenth Heavenly Palace quickly materialized.


    ¡°After a Foundation Building cultivator forms five balls of life fire, they will be able to materialize a maximum of eight Heavenly Palaces, excluding the life lanterns.¡±


    ¡°Among my ten Heavenly Palaces, three of them were formed by life lanterns. Now, my seventh palace of the eight Heavenly Palaces is forming.¡±


    ¡°Once this palace is formed, I¡¯m only one palace away from the Perfected Golden Core Realm!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts moved rapidly and the power of the Golden Crow¡¯s nourishment continued to erupt. Just like that, time passed bit by bit. When 70% of the god¡¯s body was drawn and the sun¡¯s flesh was seriously withered, the Tenth Heavenly Palace in Xu Qing¡¯s body was more than 50% materialized.


    ¡°Soon.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart rose with anticipation. He really wanted to know what would happen when he placed the purple crystal in the Tenth Palace.


    Hence, while paying attention to the old man, he observed the materialization of the Heavenly Palace.


    Very soon, his Tenth Heavenly Palace¡¯s materialization reached 90%.


    Tens of breaths later, when the god¡¯s body was only missing a head, the Tenth Heavenly Palace in Xu Qing¡¯s body finally materialized by 99% amidst the earth-shattering rumbling in the sea of consciousness.


    ¡°Purple crystal!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s hand turned translucent and he pierced his chest. He endured the discomfort and intense pain and grabbed the purple crystal inside.


    He didn¡¯t take it out but pushed it inwards and sent it to his sea of consciousness.


    ¡°Fuse!¡± The anticipation in Xu Qing¡¯s heart was extremely intense at this moment.


    However, just as the purple crystal got close to his sea of consciousness and before it could completely enter it, an intense rejection erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    This rejection wasn¡¯t from one palace but from all the Heavenly Palaces in Xu Qing¡¯s body. At this moment, they instinctively emitted intense fluctuations.


    Xu Qing was startled.


    The rejection of the Heavenly Palaces seemed to have stimulated the purple crystal, as though it couldn¡¯t be offended. A trace of an incomparable supreme power that surpassed the heavenly might was emitted from the purple crystal.


    This trace contained extreme domineeringness. It was vast and supreme, as though it could suppress the world and everything.


    The purple crystal seemed to have transformed into an ancient, majestic divine mountain.


    Compared to it, Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness was like a small pocket.


    It was impossible to use a pocket to contain a huge object.


    Cracks started appearing in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, and his ten Heavenly Palaces also started shaking violently.


    Regardless of whether it was the black umbrella lantern, the Rainbow Wind Song Lantern, or the Nether Spirit Blood Wing Lantern, the supreme fire on them that seemed to burn eternally actually showed signs of extinguishing!


    It was as though even they, who were born from the bloodline of the ancient sovereigns and rulers, couldn¡¯t withstand this trace of suppression power from the purple crystal.


    They even showed signs of shattering.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t expect this scene. His expression changed drastically like never before. Even the Heavenly Palace where the Poison Restriction Pill was located revealed a scene that he couldn¡¯t believe.


    The Poison Restriction Pill, this divine curse power from the Divine Realm, contracted intensely. It grew blurry, as if it was being erased. It became highly unstable, exhibiting signs of potential collapse and imminent explosion.


    There was also the Purple Moon Heavenly Palace. The Purple Moon originated from the Crimson Goddess, but it was shaking in the Heavenly Palace, akin to a vulnerable young girl encountering a menacing hoodlum. It also started showing signs of shattering.


    These situations had never happened before!


    ¡°Wha¡­¡± Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried and was in extreme shock. He never expected such a situation.


    Even the Heavenly Dao Mosasaur Palace and the Ghost Emperor Mountain Palace were also shaking violently at this moment. The emotions transmitted by the mosasaur contained extreme horror as though it had seen a terrifying existence.


    As for the figure of the Ghost Emperor Mountain, it slowly lowered its head toward the purple crystal, revealing its submission.


    The Golden Crow, which had reached the third level and transformed into a Dao Nascent, was extremely nervous and let out waves of whimpers.


    All of this caused Xu Qing¡¯s mind to be like the surface of the sea under a storm. Large waves surged and thunder rumbled.


    He knew that his purple crystal wasn¡¯t ordinary. After all, even the shadow was suppressed by it. However, he never expected it to be this terrifying.


    He had only moved the purple crystal slightly closer to his sea of consciousness and hadn¡¯t really placed it in the Heavenly Palace, but the Heavenly Palaces in his sea of consciousness were like little girls who were faced with a bully. They displayed extreme changes and looked like they didn¡¯t want the purple crystal to come over.


    They instinctively emitted some rejection under this stimulation, but it caused the purple crystal to suppress them domineeringly.


    If Xu Qing were to insist on moving the purple crystal closer to his sea of consciousness, his sea of consciousness wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand it and would instantly shatter into pieces. All the Heavenly Palaces would also instantly collapse.


    Xu Qing¡¯s hands trembled. He felt that what he was holding wasn¡¯t a purple crystal but a world-destroying lightning. Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all and gently moved it away from his sea of consciousness, carefully placing it back in his chest.


    As the purple crystal left, his sea of consciousness finally stopped shaking and returned to normal.


    ¡°What exactly is it!¡±


    Xu Qing was completely soaked in cold sweat. He felt that his understanding of the purple crystal was really too little. However, he understood that now wasn¡¯t the time to think about these things. Hence, he forcefully suppressed the palpitations caused by this matter.


    ¡°If the purple crystal can¡¯t be contained¡­¡± Determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He then took out the bamboo slips that contained the power of D132¡¯s guardian and the god¡¯s finger.


    These broken bamboo slips recorded Xu Qing¡¯s understanding every time he woke up. They were an item he had created on his own with the help of D132.


    They were filled with the two different powers of memory and forgetting. After Xu Qing took them out, he sent them into his sea of consciousness and into the Tenth Heavenly Palace.


    The instant he placed them in, all the pieces of the bamboo slip shattered and turned into ashes. They gathered again and finally¡­ formed a bamboo slip that shone with blood light.


    The bamboo slip was engraved with densely-packed characters. That was Xu Qing¡¯s handwriting.


    These characters were sometimes blurry, sometimes clear, sometimes completely gone, and sometimes covering all of the bamboo slip. Dense blood light shone from it, dying the Tenth Heavenly Palace red.


    The appearance of the Tenth Heavenly Palace also changed. It actually became D132!


    The blood light on it was exactly the same as the light on the god¡¯s finger.


    However, upon closer inspection, Xu Qing saw some white threads mixed in the blood light. As they intertwined and fused into one, the bamboo slip floating in the Heavenly Palace that looked like D132 emitted endless evilness under this red and white light.


    The moment it took shape, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation base soared. It could even be said that at this moment, Xu Qing had basically reached the peak of the Golden Core realm.


    Looking back at the history, there had been people like him in the Wanggu Continent, but they were definitely extremely rare.


    In his Heavenly Palaces, there were Poison Restriction Divine Curse, Purple Moon Divine Source, and Misfortune Divine Power.


    Just these three were enough to shock anyone, let alone when there was also Heavenly Dao Mosasaur, the figure of the Ghost Emperor Mountain, and the morning glow formed by the fall of the sun.


    Such a Golden Core couldn¡¯t be treated as a Golden Core at all. If Xu Qing encountered Chu Tianqun again, he could suppress him easily and in a very short time.


    In fact, if he wanted to, he could attempt to break through the major realm now and advance to the Heavenly Mandate Dao Nascent Realm, which was the Nascent Soul realm.


    However, Xu Qing hadn¡¯t reached his limit yet. There was still one palace left to complete the limit of the eight palaces formed by his five life fires.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing took a deep breath. His gaze flickered, revealing a sharp glint as he looked at the old man from the Painting Race.


    At that moment, the body that the old man had drawn for the god had roughly formed, but it had no pinky on its right hand.


    Other than that, the head¡¯s outline was already drawn and only its face was missing.


    As Xu Qing looked at the old man, the old man also looked at Xu Qing. After smiling bizarrely at Xu Qing, he lifted his right hand that was holding the brush and quickly drew the face of this body.


    It was¡­ Xu Qing¡¯s face!


    Just as the coldness in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes intensified, the old man quickly made two strokes to draw the eyes on the face. Immediately, the huge body he drew started to emit signs of coming to life.


    ¡°Great chosen god, this is the body I drew for you. It¡¯s completed!¡±


    After the old man finished drawing, he immediately retreated with all his speed.


    The god¡¯s finger emitted excited and ecstatic fluctuations and rushed toward the body, rapidly fusing into it. The surrounding restriction also swayed intensely and showed signs of loosening.


    Xu Qing moved at this moment.


    With a boom, he flew out of the withered part of the sun¡¯s flesh and ran in another direction at full speed. With the help of the loosening of the restriction, he was able to directly pass through it.


    The painting old man was the same. As the two of them fled at lightning speed, the heads and the stone lion also rushed out.


    The god¡¯s finger didn¡¯t have the time to care about them. It was doing its best to fuse into the body, and the body was getting smaller and smaller.


    Countless flesh buds started growing on the finger, forming countless flesh threads that rapidly drilled into the body.


    Under Its efforts, the eyelids of the body began to twitch, as though they were about to open.


    The distortion and blurriness in the surroundings became increasingly intense. As the violent energy storm roared and the last strand of flesh entered the body, its eyelids finally opened.


    However, the instant the body opened its eyes, cracks appeared on it and rapidly spread until they covered all the areas. A loud explosion echoed¡­


    This body actually shattered into pieces!


    A huge energy wave swept in all directions.


    A furious roar also spread with the rising dust. It was filled with madness and anger as it immediately spread through an endless range.


    The head and stone lion was immediately hit by the roar and exploded.


    In the distance, the painting old man¡¯s body also turned blurry from the impact and showed signs of dissipating. However, he wasn¡¯t frightened. Instead, regret appeared on his face as he muttered inwardly.


    ¡°It couldn¡¯t restrain the god? What a pity, it was such a good opportunity. Forget it, forget it. It¡¯s more important to escape now.¡±


    The old man sighed inwardly, but he let out an impassioned shout.


    ¡°Lord god, don¡¯t panic. I didn¡¯t prepare one body for you, but two!¡±


    ¡°One is a painting and the other is real, so they¡¯re exactly the same. You¡­ can try another one!¡±

 Chapter 655 - 655 Possession by a God

    655 Possession by a God


    The furious roar reverberated in the depths of the abyssal sea.


    As the body collapsed, the god¡¯s finger rushed out from the rapidly dissipating flesh. The pressure it emitted carried the intent of destruction.


    The head and the stone lion had long collapsed. The old man from the Painting Race clearly had a special method, as he was still able to hold on. The words he shouted clearly had an effect.


    In an instant, the god¡¯s finger that was filled with endless anger suddenly chased after Xu Qing.


    Although Its mind wasn¡¯t clear and It was a little forgetful due to Its injuries, It could still recognize that Xu Qing¡¯s appearance was exactly the same as the body It had just fused into.


    Hence, It gave up on chasing after the old man and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing had already escaped some distance away and sensed the changes behind him. His expression turned gloomy. In reality, after he saw the old man putting his face in the god¡¯s body earlier, he had already guessed the other party¡¯s thoughts.


    However, the brush was in the other party¡¯s hand and it concerned the god¡¯s finger. Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t have any way to forcefully change the god¡¯s thoughts, but he could influence whether the old man¡¯s escape was successful or not.


    At that moment, when the god¡¯s finger chased after Xu Qing, the old man revealed a hint of satisfaction but he still felt some regret.


    ¡°What a pity. In the end, I still couldn¡¯t control the god. Even though it¡¯s just the little finger of a god¡¯s clone, its life level is so high that I can¡¯t touch it.¡±


    ¡°However, with this experience, I¡¯ll be able to scheme more thoroughly in the future. There¡¯s still a chance of success. The world in this painting[1] is actually so interesting. If I can control the god here, then¡­¡±


    When the old man thought of this, his heart burned.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity about this god finger¡­¡±


    The old man sighed and quickly glanced in the direction Xu Qing had fled in.


    ¡°However, this guardian came at the right time and can even be considered to have provided me with quite a bit of help in my escape. He¡¯s one of the few good people in this painting world. I really can¡¯t bear to part with him. I wish him peace.¡±


    The old man smiled and was about to speed up. However, at this moment, a malicious intent suddenly came from behind him and locked onto him.


    The instant he sensed this malice, the expression of the old man changed. When he turned his head, his eyes widened and his pupils constricted violently.


    A gigantic mosasaur had appeared behind him at some point in time.


    Its grayish-black body was covered in sharp scales, and its huge dragon eyes emitted a cold light that locked onto it tightly. The mosasaur¡¯s body was thousands of feet long. Compared to it, the old man was like an ant.


    This scene instantly caused the old man to tremble. His heart trembled intensely and he cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°Heavenly Dao!¡±


    The old man¡¯s breathing became hurried. A monstrous wave rose in his heart and his mind was rumbling. The first thing he was afraid of was the god¡¯s finger and the second thing he was afraid of was luck!


    Back then, D132 was the intersection of these two powers. Luck suppressed the god and severed all cause and effect. At the same time, it also suppressed the prisoners who had become a little different because of the god¡¯s finger.


    However, the latter¡­ could suppress the god¡¯s finger. Hence, to companion existences like him, it was a natural nemesis!


    The Heavenly Dao was the source of the power of luck.


    The old man instinctively let out a blood-curdling scream. It was as though he had seen a peerless ferocious beast as he rapidly retreated, wanting to distance himself from the mosasaur behind him.


    ¡°Damn it, damn it, damn it.¡±


    ¡°This place¡­ Why is there a Heavenly Dao? What¡¯s wrong with this mosasaur? Could it be an ancient existence born from the sun¡¯s remains in the abyssal sea in this painting?¡±


    The old man from the Painting Race felt his scalp go numb. As he rapidly retreated, he discovered that the mosasaur was opening its mouth. A huge commotion immediately stirred in his mind.


    ¡°Why is it targeting me?¡±


    The old man wailed. All his methods were useless in front of the Heavenly Dao. No matter how he resisted, it was useless. In his anxiety, he directly flew into the world inside the painting.


    However, at the next instant, the mosasaur charged forward and entered the painting as well, chasing after him to the death.


    The painting where the old man entered was floating on the ground. The figures of the four generations in the painting expressed deep horror. They were disappearing one after another, as though they were being devoured.


    The feeling of fear permeated the painting and grew increasingly intense.


    However, this old man was clearly quite capable. Although he couldn¡¯t resist the Heavenly Dao head-on, he still had a way to stall for time.


    This was actually one of the reasons why Xu Qing didn¡¯t immediately use this method when he absorbed the sun¡¯s remains. At that time, the old man was drawing and the god¡¯s finger was beside him. If he used it, it would easily cause a backlash.


    Now that the god¡¯s finger was chasing after Xu Qing, this old man thought that he had schemed against Xu Qing. However, in reality, Xu Qing had also been plotting against him.


    To a certain extent, there was no winner between them.


    The old man was in danger, and so was Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was fleeing rapidly. However, the divine might from the god¡¯s finger was like the vast sea. In just three to five breaths of time, his surroundings became seriously blurry and distorted.


    The god¡¯s finger rushed out of the fog with madness and persistence.


    Xu Qing abruptly turned his head. The power of the Poison Restriction erupted and the Purple Moon divine source rapidly spread in his body. At the same time, the phantom of the Ghost Emperor Mountain appeared behind him and the Golden Crow manifested above. The Dao Nascent in it sat upright inside with a sharp glint in its eyes.


    There was rainbow-colored light that spread in all directions with Xu Qing as the source, causing Xu Qing to be filled with holiness.


    There was a bamboo slip floating in front of him. It emitted the same energy fluctuations as the god¡¯s finger and also contained a suppression effect.


    There was also a token that Xu Qing lifted high. The moment he turned around, he shouted.


    ¡°Taboo!¡±


    In that instant, the large net that filled the entire Fenghai County suddenly shone. Countless streams of light gathered above Xu Qing from all directions.


    Taboo magic treasures weren¡¯t something that just anyone could use. The user required a sufficient understanding of them. Hence, many times, even if one had the authority to forcefully activate them, it would be very difficult for them to unleash too much strength.


    This was because they weren¡¯t familiar with the operation of the Taboo.


    After all, Taboo magic treasures were the vital point of any faction. Naturally, they wouldn¡¯t let others study and experience them easily.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s situation was a little better. Old Master Seventh¡¯s deep love for him caused him to be a Treasure Bearer who was in charge of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo back then. His previous research, by analogy, provided him with great help in his current development.


    Hence, the light that gathered in the sky shone extremely brightly.


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing erupted with all his might, the god¡¯s finger instantly arrived 100 feet in front of Xu Qing. After Its violent divine sense locked onto Xu Qing, a muffled but intense roar echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°You¡­ stole¡­ my body. Return it to me!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn. As he carefully retreated, he used all his trump cards. He endured the huge waves in his mind and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t snatch your body. It was that painting old ghost who deliberately drew my appearance in order to escape. You should go and look for him!¡±


    ¡°Return¡­ to¡­ me!¡± As Xu Qing retreated, the god¡¯s finger closed in by 30 feet and the divine sense It emitted became even more violent.


    ¡°There are many messy things in my body. It¡¯s really not suitable. You can sense it with your perception.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried as he spread his shadow in the surroundings.


    The shadow showed up while trembling, cowering under Xu Qing¡¯s feet.


    ¡°Return it¡­ to me!¡± The god¡¯s finger didn¡¯t listen to Xu Qing at all. The madness in Its divine sense intensified and It moved closer to Xu Qing.


    Seeing this, madness appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    His right hand suddenly landed and the power of the Poison Restriction in his body erupted completely. The image of the Purple Moon rushed out rapidly and headed straight for the god¡¯s finger in front of him. The morning glow on his body instantly became piercing, forming a sea of light that enveloped the finger.


    The Golden Crow above his head went all out. As its hundred tails danced, the power of the Dao Nascent rose and roared at the god¡¯s finger.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Xu Qing took out the demon transformation runes and activated Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    At the next moment, the Ghost Emperor Mountain directly materialized. Under Xu Qing¡¯s command, it charged toward the god¡¯s finger.


    After that, Xu Qing ruthlessly squeezed the Palace Master¡¯s token.


    He summoned the Taboo power.


    The resplendent light gathered by the large net in the sky trembled and headed down intensely, forming a huge hand of light that was tens of thousands of feet long.


    Amidst the rumbling, the huge hand of light landed. The abyssal sea in this area collapsed as it headed straight for the god¡¯s finger below.


    At this moment, Xu Qing erupted with all his combat strength.


    Loud explosions rang out, but¡­ his enemy wasn¡¯t a cultivator but a god.


    Even though it was only a pinkie of the god¡¯s clone, the terrifying power it had was still beyond comprehension.


    His poison mist didn¡¯t have much effect on the god¡¯s finger. In Its frenzied state, It didn¡¯t care about corrosion at all. Moreover, Its godly body allowed It to completely resist the corrosion.


    As for the Purple Moon source, Xu Qing had too little of it. Against cultivators, this source was unimaginably powerful. However, against the god¡¯s finger, it couldn¡¯t put up much of a fight with its meager quantity.


    Moreover, the god¡¯s finger didn¡¯t have a clear state of mind. All that was left was desire and violence.


    In an instant, the god¡¯s finger pierced through the Poison Restriction and the Purple Moon, approaching Xu Qing. However, it was blocked by the morning glow.


    Although the morning glow had an effect on resisting the god, it couldn¡¯t last for too long.


    Seizing this opportunity, the Golden Crow fiercely attacked It, while the Ghost Emperor Mountain descended with a resounding impact. The hand of light also neared It at this moment.


    This Taboo hand grew larger and larger as it landed, forming an extermination force. Together with Xu Qing¡¯s other methods, it blasted onto the god¡¯s finger.


    All of Xu Qing¡¯s methods were used in an instant.


    Xu Qing immediately used all his strength to flee, leaving an afterimage.


    Behind him, the deafening explosions caused the color of the sky and earth to change. This area under the abyssal sea completely exploded, shattering into pieces and countless gravel flew in all directions. The violent fluctuations it stirred up swept through everything.


    Xu Qing was affected and spat out large mouthfuls of blood. His face turned extremely pale, but even while staggering, he continued to run.


    However, in just over ten breaths of time, an earth-shattering roar rang out from the range where Xu Qing had attacked earlier. After that, a long river of flesh and blood rushed out from it at an extreme speed.


    Its speed was so fast that it instantly caught up to Xu Qing. Xu Qing knew that he could no longer fight back. In this life-and-death crisis, madness appeared in his eyes as he used all his strength to activate the purple crystal in his body!


    At the next instant, this squirming river of flesh and blood that carried extreme madness, instantly enveloped Xu Qing.


    ¡°My¡­ my¡­¡±


    ¡°Return¡­ to¡­ me!¡±


    The deranged murmurs of the god¡¯s finger echoed. In the abyssal sea, Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared. The place he was at was completely replaced by a squirming mountain of flesh and blood.


    Terror and evil intent spread out from the hundreds of feet-long flesh mountain.


    [1] For those who forgot, the Painting Race thinks the outside world is a painting.

 Chapter 656 - 656 It Doesnt Want to Possess...

    656 It Doesn¡¯t Want to Possess¡­


    The abyssal sea was completely silent.


    This place belonged to a remote place in the depths of the Morning Glow Province, rarely visited by anyone. Moreover, in order to increase the life force of the sun¡¯s flesh, the god¡¯s finger had gone everywhere to capture cultivators of the various races, leaving the surroundings desolate and devoid of any signs of life.


    Needless to say, both the explosion of the sun¡¯s remnants and the presence of the god¡¯s finger had led to an unprecedented concentration of anomalous substances in this area. There were even faint signs of this area transforming into a forbidden zone.


    Even the head and stone lion recovered extremely slowly under the energy fluctuations of the god¡¯s finger. Right now, they were still in their shattered state and hadn¡¯t recovered.


    In the painting that the old man from the Painting Race was in, there were less than five members left.


    The devouring continued.


    Hence, no one knew that an extremely bizarre thing was happening in the mountain of flesh and blood.


    The mountain of flesh and blood formed by the god¡¯s finger was rapidly squirming. Xu Qing was enveloped by this mountain.


    The flesh and blood of the god¡¯s finger were all around his body. Right now, they were flowing into his body continuously. Intense pain erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s entire body like a tide.


    He felt like he was being cut alive.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body continued to tremble. However, no matter how he resisted, it was useless. He couldn¡¯t stop the flesh and blood outside his body from entering. Just like that, time flowed by and the flesh and blood mountain that enveloped Xu Qing began to slowly shrink.


    After the time it took for an incense stick to burn out, more than half of the flesh and blood mountain had disappeared, revealing the outline of Xu Qing¡¯s figure. His expression was distorted and endless pain was clearly revealed.


    It wasn¡¯t over yet. The flesh and blood continued to crazily infiltrate the pores on Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    Another incense stick of time passed and Xu Qing¡¯s figure became clearer and clearer. At that moment, only a small amount was left of the mountain of flesh and blood. It transformed into countless threads and slowly crawled into Xu Qing¡¯s forehead.


    Very soon, it disappeared.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t move at all. His expression was frozen in pain and he had lost all his perception of the external world. His body had already been completely penetrated by the flesh and blood of the god¡¯s finger.


    In his meridians, his flesh, blood, and bones, these strands of flesh and blood were everywhere. They were connected to each other and emitted terrifying anomalous substances. They kept modifying Xu Qing¡¯s body to frame an environment that was suitable for Its existence.


    Although the purple crystal on Xu Qing¡¯s chest still emitted a purple light, the effect of this light was only to allow his body to continue repairing. It didn¡¯t resist the modifications from the god¡¯s flesh and blood.


    To a certain extent, its recovery power even made the modification by the god¡¯s finger a little smoother.


    No matter what kind of damage was caused, it would quickly recover.


    Hence, the flesh and blood threads formed by the god¡¯s finger didn¡¯t pay attention to the purple crystal. As they continued to invade Xu Qing¡¯s body, Xu Qing¡¯s appearance started changing.


    This scene was extremely bizarre. What was even stranger was that after these flesh sprouts spread, they rapidly weaved outside Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    Vaguely, meridians and blood vessels were weaved by these flesh and blood threads. The process was exactly the same as when the old man from the Painting Race drew previously.


    It was as though through the observation earlier, the god¡¯s finger had learned how to draw. Right now, every piece of flesh sprout was a paintbrush, and It itself was a painting material.


    Just like that, a body that was thousands of feet long was slowly outlined by these flesh sprouts.


    Clearly, the god¡¯s finger wanted to use Xu Qing¡¯s body as Its core and mold an outer shell.


    As time passed, the outer shell became more and more fleshy. Bones were formed and covered by flesh and blood. Countless flesh sprouts swayed and gathered to form four limbs. They then spread out above like flowers before entangling together again to form a neck.


    Next was the head. Through the somewhat hollowed-out outer shell, one could see that more and more flesh sprouts were spreading out from Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    In the end, these flesh sprouts squirmed on his neck, forming a head.


    His facial features also began to appear. From the looks of it, it was Xu Qing¡¯s appearance.


    An hour later, this outer shell was completed. The hollow spots on it started to disappear rapidly as the flesh squirmed and skin formed.


    When the last crack dissipated, a perfect body that was more than 3,000 feet tall appeared in the abyssal sea.


    Its slender body, broad shoulders, and muscular chest matched the golden ratio and contained terrifying power. Coupled with its demonic appearance, its entire body emitted an extreme devilish charm.


    The hair on this body wasn¡¯t black, but purple.


    At that moment, the purple hair fluttered in the wind, making the body look even more demonic. As a divine might spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s body, a divine intent spread out from the body. It was enough to make anyone who saw it shudder with awe.


    This was the body of a god!


    However, at that moment, other than its long purple hair fluttering in the wind, no other parts moved. Even its eyelids were closed.


    This was because it still lacked a spirit.


    After the god¡¯s finger built a body that was suitable for It, It wanted to proceed with the last step, which was¡­ possession.


    It wanted to devour Xu Qing¡¯s soul and transform Its divinity into the soul of this body, thus achieving true independence!


    Once It succeeded, It would be able to transform from a pinkie of a god¡¯s clone into a new god with an endless future.


    This was Its dream. At the same time, the dream of the old man from the Painting Race was to replace It.


    At that moment, It had completed more than half of this dream. It was only lacking the last and simplest thing: devouring the soul. It only needed an instant to devour the souls of mortals, after all It was a god in essence.


    At the next instant, the consciousness of the god¡¯s finger contained in this body gathered together, heading straight for the soul in the depths of Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    A cold and evil intent was sensed by Xu Qing¡¯s dizzy soul. He couldn¡¯t struggle but his fighting spirit still existed.


    Even though he had lost control of his body, the control of his divine consciousness, and his perception of the external world, there was a crazy thought brewing in his mind.


    ¡°Back then, the shadow was also much more powerful than me. The possession it initiated was something I couldn¡¯t resist back then. Similarly, the current me is also unable to resist the god¡¯s finger.¡±


    ¡°The purple crystal has the power to make the ten Heavenly Palaces in my sea of consciousness tremble. It was able to halt the shadow¡¯s possession in the past. Today¡­ can it also thwart the possession by the god¡¯s finger?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s soul emitted a sense of madness. In reality, this was also the reason why he gave up resisting. He could only watch helplessly as the god¡¯s power molded a shell outside his body. He could only watch helplessly as the other party worked hard to do everything. He was waiting¡­


    He was waiting for the other party to devour his soul.


    At this moment, what he had been waiting for had arrived.


    In an instant, as the cold and evil intent invaded and the danger of death descended, the purple crystal in Xu Qing¡¯s chest seemed to have been offended.


    A vast and astonishing power spread out from the purple crystal, forming a supreme sea of purple light that could suppress everything. With domineeringness, it headed straight for the consciousness of the god¡¯s finger and collided fiercely.


    The rumbling sound was like countless heavenly lightning bolts exploding in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. Under the earth-shattering eruption, the originally blurry consciousness of the god¡¯s finger was actually stimulated to awaken at this moment. It let out a mournful and shocked cry.


    ¡°What¡­ what is this!!¡±


    ¡°How can such an existence exist in this body!!¡±


    ¡°This power¡­ this power¡­¡±


    An intense horror reverberated from within the consciousness, containing an unknown and indescribable fear towards the purple crystal. In the midst of this reverberation, the consciousness of the god¡¯s finger retreated madly. It¡­ no longer wanted to possess this body.


    Xu Qing made the right bet!


    He recalled that after he obtained the purple crystal, it was basically a passive existence. He had faced many life and death crises but it didn¡¯t show any effect. He was certain that it wouldn¡¯t do anything even if he died.


    It only showed its power once when the shadow tried to possess him.


    This was enough to show that the purple crystal wasn¡¯t interested in its vessel and didn¡¯t care if the vessel was in a life-and-death crisis. It only showed an interest when something tried to possess its vessel.


    It was the same for the shadow back then and the god¡¯s consciousness now.


    At that moment, the god¡¯s consciousness emitted endless horror. The recovery of Its rationality allowed It to have the ability to think and judge. Hence, It decisively gave up on possessing the body and retreated rapidly like the ebbing tide.


    However, it was too late.


    Back then, the shadow had done the same thing but it didn¡¯t succeed.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s purple crystal emitted a terrifying fluctuation. The sea of purple light enveloped the consciousness of the god¡¯s finger.


    As the god¡¯s consciousness let out a miserable cry, a sealing power directly spread out from the purple crystal.


    ¡°No!!¡± The god¡¯s finger emitted an intense struggle and a roar echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Clearly, to It, this was a life-and-death crisis that was even more intense than what Xu Qing had experienced earlier.


    Under this rapid struggle and resistance, the 3,000-foot-long body in the abyssal sea shook violently. A malevolent ghost face faintly appeared on the chest of the body and protruded, spreading out ten feet, wanting to rush out.


    However, at the next instant, a purple light spread out like a large hand and enveloped it. With a ruthless tug, the ghost face let out a blood-curdling scream and was pulled back.


    Despair rose unprecedentedly in the consciousness of the god¡¯s finger.


    ¡°Who the hell are you!¡±


    ¡°What is this!!¡±


    This roar contained grief, indignation, and an increasingly intensifying madness. As the huge body trembled, the consciousness of the god¡¯s finger continued to struggle, wanting to escape.


    However, It couldn¡¯t do it.


    At that moment, Xu Qing also sensed that something was wrong¡­ He discovered that the power of the purple crystal wasn¡¯t without limits. It wasn¡¯t able to complete the sealing in an instant like when it sealed the shadow back then. Instead, there appeared a push and pull competition with the consciousness of the god¡¯s finger.


    Moreover, his soul also felt a tearing pain, as though it was about to wither.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that the purple crystal¡¯s power isn¡¯t enough, but I can¡¯t endure its full strength¡­¡±


    Xu Qing came to a realization. After that, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

 Chapter 657 - 657 Considerate God: The Tradition of the Prison Department

    657 Considerate God: The Tradition of the Prison Department


    ¡°The seal is only half completed.¡± A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and he fell silent.


    The god¡¯s finger, whose consciousness was no longer blurry, was extremely difficult to deal with. As It struggled, It also sensed that the purple crystal in Xu Qing¡¯s body didn¡¯t seem to be increasing in strength when sealing It.


    It reacted immediately.


    ¡°Your ability isn¡¯t enough to handle this treasure!¡±


    The consciousness of the god¡¯s finger emitted emotions of surprise. Its struggle instantly became violent and It tried Its best to break free. It could sense that Its consciousness wouldn¡¯t be awake for long because it had been heavily injured many times.


    Hence, It wanted to leave this bizarre and terrifying body as soon as possible and flee as far as possible.


    However, although the purple crystal couldn¡¯t unleash its true strength because of Xu Qing¡¯s weakness, the sea of purple light emitted by it was still terrifying. No matter how the god¡¯s finger struggled, It was still unable to break out and escape.


    As such, the god¡¯s finger became extremely anxious. Under the intense fluctuations of Its consciousness, It became more frustrated and became even crazier. It continued to struggle wildly in Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    It looked the same as Xu Qing¡¯s Heavenly Palaces; like a little girl facing a bully. It was just that the god¡¯s finger was even more unyielding and wasn¡¯t willing to submit.


    Xu Qing frowned. He could sense that his soul was showing signs of withering as the other party struggled. If this continued and he didn¡¯t let the other party leave, while the purple crystal would be fine, his body and soul would be destroyed.


    Xu Qing sighed. He felt that the purple crystal was a little useless.


    However, he could understand it. The useless one should be him¡­ After all, this wasn¡¯t sealing the shadow but sealing a god. The difficulty and the amount of power needed were like the difference between heaven and earth.


    However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t willing to let the god¡¯s finger leave just like that.


    Hence, a deep shout rang out from his soul.


    ¡°My ability is indeed unable to support and control this heavenly fate divine crystal yet, but this isn¡¯t important. What¡¯s important is that if I risk everything, even if I die, I can still seal you!¡±


    ¡°So, don¡¯t force me!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice was filled with determination.


    ¡°Heavenly fate divine crystal?¡± The consciousness of the god¡¯s finger suddenly paused.


    It could sense that what Xu Qing said wasn¡¯t a lie. He could indeed seal It if he sacrificed his life.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. When I was born, the luck of the Wanggu Continent gathered and created this heavenly fate item in my body!¡± Xu Qing explained seriously.


    The god¡¯s finger was filled with uncertainty. If it was any other time, It naturally wouldn¡¯t believe this. But now¡­ It couldn¡¯t see through the authenticity.


    ¡°Let me leave. I¡¯ll give up on possession. Otherwise, even if you really seal me, your body and soul will be destroyed. Although I will lose my freedom after being sealed, I will still be alive!¡±


    At that moment, the god¡¯s finger didn¡¯t want to think about whether it was true or false. It felt Its consciousness starting to show signs of blurring, so It shouted.


    However, he didn¡¯t want this.


    Firstly, with his vengeful personality, he couldn¡¯t allow the other party to leave just like that, especially since¡­ this was the god¡¯s finger. No matter how he looked at it, this was a good fortune where opportunities and danger coexisted.


    Secondly, he didn¡¯t dare to let the other party leave. Once the other party chose to crush him to death after leaving, Xu Qing knew that he would definitely die.


    Moreover, even if It didn¡¯t crush him to death immediately, the other party might find an opportunity to kill him after It left.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t let the other party escape.


    Also, the purple crystal was his deepest secret. He couldn¡¯t let this secret be exposed.


    In addition, Xu Qing could also tell that other than struggling intensely and resisting, this god¡¯s finger seemed to have no other way to hurt him in the half-sealed state.


    After a few breaths of silence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already said that my ability is still unable to support and control this heavenly fate divine crystal. Before you possessed me, I also told you that there are many messy things in my body.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want you to come in because I can¡¯t control them!¡±


    ¡°Let me go!!¡± The consciousness of the god¡¯s finger interrupted Xu Qing¡¯s words. The furious roar grew even louder and as It struggled, Xu Qing¡¯s soul withered even more.


    Seeing that he was in danger, Xu Qing made up his mind.


    ¡°Shut up. If I had a way to make you leave, I would have released you long ago!¡±


    Xu Qing transmitted his divine consciousness that transformed into a deep shout that echoed in his sea of consciousness, causing the furious roar of the god¡¯s finger to pause for a moment.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t let me leave, I¡¯ll make you die. If you die, I¡¯ll be sealed. There will be a day when I have a chance to recover!¡± The consciousness of the god¡¯s finger struggled again.


    ¡°There will be a day when you recover?¡± Xu Qing sneered.


    ¡°You should have sensed it earlier. Are you forgetful or did you deliberately not mention it? It¡¯s fine. Then, you can carefully sense what they are!¡±


    The god source in Xu Qing¡¯s Purple Moon Heavenly Palace was activated. As it spread through his entire sea of consciousness, it also formed a powerful signal mark.


    To Xu Qing, this was a familiar action. This wasn¡¯t the first time he had used the Purple Moon as a threat.


    Now, he only had to do what he had done to the Spirit Emperor.


    However, because this was the Wanggu Continent, Xu Qing didn¡¯t completely transmit the signal. Instead, it enveloped his body. However, as long as he died, the power of the Purple Moon would automatically emit energy fluctuations, causing the Red Moon to instantly sense it.


    The consciousness of the god¡¯s finger trembled. After a long time, It gritted Its teeth and spoke.


    ¡°The origin of the Crimson Goddess!¡±


    When It had rushed into Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness earlier, Its mind was still in a state of confusion. Although It sensed it, Its instinct was to possess Xu Qing¡¯s soul.


    After that, It triggered the purple crystal and was startled awake. Under that terrifying power, all It could think of was to escape.


    ¡°Not only can I use the life-bound heavenly fate divine crystal to seal you, but I also have other ways to kill you. When the Crimson Goddess descends, she will definitely devour you. If I die, you won¡¯t be able to survive either!¡±


    The consciousness of the god¡¯s finger felt extreme anxiety and signs of blurriness appeared uncontrollably.


    Seeing that it was effective, Xu Qing shouted again.


    ¡°There¡¯s also this!¡± Xu Qing activated the power of the Sixth Palace¡¯s Heavenly Dao. Although the mosasaur was outside, the aura of the Heavenly Dao in the Sixth Heavenly Palace still existed.


    ¡°Heavenly Dao!¡± The consciousness of the god¡¯s finger shook again.


    ¡°There¡¯s also this divine curse!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s Third Heavenly Palace swayed and the Poison Restriction spread out, enveloping the surroundings.


    The consciousness of the god¡¯s finger didn¡¯t know what to say anymore. At that moment, Its clarity was rapidly dissipating and the sense of chaos gradually replaced it.


    ¡°So, you don¡¯t have to feel aggrieved. I also don¡¯t want you to stay but I can¡¯t do it now. However, this doesn¡¯t mean that I can¡¯t do it in the future,¡± Xu Qing said calmly.


    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t believe¡­ you¡­¡± The consciousness of the god¡¯s finger let out another low roar.


    Xu Qing sensed that the other party¡¯s consciousness had begun to blur again. Hence, his voice became a little gentler.


    ¡°I can promise you that after my cultivation base increases, I¡¯ll definitely let you leave. In fact, if we get along very well, I can even mold a body for you¡­¡±


    ¡°You also know that when I was born, the luck of the Wanggu Continent gathered and the heavenly fate transformed into a divine crystal to accompany me. Therefore, your status won¡¯t be humiliated with me. Moreover, I indeed have the qualifications to mold your body in the future.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I¡­no¡­¡± The god¡¯s consciousness became even more blurry.


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice became gentler.


    ¡°Stop struggling. If you continue to struggle, even if I die, you will also be devoured. As a god, you should know the pain of being devoured alive by another god. Do you want to become food?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ I¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know you don¡¯t want to, so don¡¯t struggle. Stay here with me in peace. We still have endless possibilities in the future.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to live or die?¡± Xu Qing asked in the end.


    ¡°Live¡­ I¡­¡± The consciousness of the god¡¯s finger emitted a sense of loss.


    ¡°I promise you!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s voice was filled with determination.


    ¡°Hurry up and rest. Leave everything to me. I¡¯ll help you.¡± As Xu Qing¡¯s divine consciousness gently spread out, a gap spread out in his sea of consciousness, opening the Tenth Heavenly Palace that had transformed into D132.


    ¡°Go, you¡¯re very familiar with that place. Go and rest¡­¡±


    The consciousness of the god¡¯s finger became even more confused. It instinctively glanced at D132. That place indeed felt very familiar. Hence, It hesitated a little before slowly moving over until It stopped in front of D132.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much. You¡¯ll get frustrated if you think too much. Believe me¡­ I¡¯ll mold your body and send you away!¡± Xu Qing said firmly.


    The consciousness of the god¡¯s finger fluctuated a few times before it slowly surged into D132. It went to the place where it had once pierced dozens of cages and transformed into a huge blood-colored finger that gradually fell asleep.


    However, just as Xu Qing heaved a sigh of relief, D132 suddenly shook.


    The god¡¯s finger transmitted a divine sense.


    ¡°Lacking¡­ people¡­¡±


    ¡°They will come and accompany you very soon,¡± Xu Qing promised solemnly.


    It was dusk in the outside world. Amidst the red sky, Mount Morning Glow, which was some distance away from Xu Qing¡¯s 3,000-foot-tall body, was currently facing a great crisis.


    The interior of Mount Morning Glow was filled with oppression. The array formation on the outside distorted intensely and more than ten points were shattering, pierced by black sharp spikes from the outside.


    There were countless nonhuman cultivators outside the array formation. All of them had sinister and greedy expressions. Many of them were actually prisoners from the Prison Department.


    They had all been summoned over during this period of time and gathered here to attack Mount Morning Glow.


    ¡°There must be a lot of treasures on Mount Morning Glow. Now that most of the Sword Holders are at the frontline, there are not many guards here. Fellow Daoists, this is our chance to take revenge!¡±


    ¡°Blow open the array formation, kill your way to the Sword Holding Court, kill the Sword Holders, and snatch this place away. Also, I¡¯m interested in this mountain itself. Everyone, you can try to see if you can blast it open!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. The Morning Glow Province shall no longer have Mount Morning Glow. Only then will it be considered a grand achievement!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about being retaliated. The human race of Fenghai County¡­ is destined to be destroyed this time!¡±


    ¡°The Sword Holding Court in other places is also being besieged. Moreover, I have good news for everyone. I have definite news that the two major battlefields in the north and west of Fenghai County are in a critical state and can collapse at any moment!¡±


    ¡°Break the array formation, kill all the Sword Holders, and destroy Mount Morning Glow!¡±


    Waves of demon-like roars continuously echoed outside the array formation. Killing intent surged from these countless nonhuman races.


    Booming sounds continued to erupt as streams of spell light, accompanied by some huge magic artifacts, bombarded the array formation on Mount Morning Glow, causing it to distort even more and fluctuate intensely.


    As for the dozens of Sword Holders left on Mount Morning Glow, all of their expressions were filled with determination. They looked at the only Nascent Soul Sword Holder in front of them.


    ¡°Defend this place to death!¡± The Nascent Soul Sword Holder looked in the direction of the distant battlefield in Fenghai County and spoke softly.


    Although his voice was weak, it carried determination.

 Chapter 658 - 658 Gaining Without Effort!

    658 Gaining Without Effort!


    In the abyssal sea, the place where the god¡¯s finger had attempted possession was dead silent.


    The anomalous substances here were extremely dense, resulting in distorted surroundings. This caused this area to gradually become a forbidden zone.


    The source of this forbidden zone was a towering body that stood in the depths.


    This body was 3,000 feet tall and looked like a demonic god.


    It didn¡¯t have any clothes on its body and was standing naked. Clouds and fog flowed around it. It seemed lifeless, like an inanimate object. However, the runes etched on its skin emitted a faint, elusive light, oscillating between darkness and brilliance. These ancient symbols exuded an ancient aura, infusing a semblance of vitality into its otherwise motionless form.


    The faintly visible muscular body amidst the fog gave a sense of facing a giant mountain, with broad shoulders that seemed capable of shouldering the sky. The perfect proportions and powerful aura, along with the handsome and somewhat devilish face, all gave off a sense of evilness in this fog of anomalous substances.


    It exuded a fatal attraction.


    As time passed, this demonic god-like body slowly emitted a rainbow-colored glow.


    At the start, this light was still weak but it gradually became brighter and more resplendent. In the end, multicolored light spread from it, creating a holy intent around this demonic god body.


    All of this caused this body to be a perfect fusion of evil and holy.


    After a long time, this huge body shook slightly and slowly began to disintegrate.


    First, it was its head, then the neck, then body and limbs. It was as though its armor had been removed, transforming into countless flesh and blood threads that returned to the interior of the body, Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    A long time later, when all the flesh and blood threads fused into Xu Qing¡¯s body, the 3,000-foot-long demonic god¡¯s body disappeared. Xu Qing, who was standing there, suddenly opened his eyes and revealed a hint of confusion. Everything before had happened in his sea of consciousness. Now that he was awake, it was as though he had woken up from a dream.


    The instant he opened his eyes, he spat out a mouthful of black blood.


    However, he didn¡¯t show any signs of being injured. Instead, a sense of transparency filled every part of his body. There were also waves of physical strength that far exceeded what he had before that filled Xu Qing¡¯s entire body at this instant.


    As it continued to burst forth, Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly. The confusion in his eyes also quickly dissipated.


    ¡°My body¡­¡± Xu Qing lowered his head. After sensing his body, his heart beat wildly for a while.


    This body made him feel familiar but also unfamiliar. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he moved forward. He actually broke through the air, causing a sharp sound of air being torn apart and appeared thousands of feet away in the blink of an eye.


    This speed was extremely astonishing.


    As for the place he was at earlier, there was still an afterimage that was slowly dissipating.


    ¡°My speed¡­¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath, visibly moved.


    A strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. His right hand clenched into a fist and punched forward.


    He clearly didn¡¯t use any spells, but just the strength of his body caused a vortex to appear in the void in front of him. As a rumbling sound erupted, a storm exploded in all directions in front of him. Everything in its way was destroyed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s pupils contracted and a huge commotion rose in his mind. He could clearly sense that his body was extremely different from before.


    Not only did his speed and strength increase by a large extent, but even his toughness had increased. His resistance to attacks seemed to be different from before.


    It was as though his entire body had undergone a tremendous transformation in this short period of time.


    His physical body¡¯s level had changed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heartbeat sped up and waves of thumping sounds rang out from his chest, echoing in all directions. He circulated his Poison Restriction Pill, causing it to spread throughout his body, testing the tolerance of this body to divine power.


    Very soon, Xu Qing realized that his body had adapted to the Poison Restriction.


    In the past, when he used the Poison Restriction, his body would be corroded as well. However, with his resistance and control, the corrosion wasn¡¯t too serious. In addition, with the recovery ability of the purple crystal, he was able to offset the corrosion.


    This offset only lasted if he used it for a short time, but if he used Poison Restriction for a long time, he would be in danger as well.


    However, now that he sensed his body, he clearly sensed that this flaw had almost disappeared.


    His current body was more suitable for him to unleash the power of the Poison Restriction.


    Xu Qing then tried the Purple Moon and discovered that this body could withstand more when displaying the power of the Purple Moon.


    It was as though this body was originally prepared to adapt to the god¡¯s power.


    ¡°Divine body¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled as this term appeared in his mind.


    After that, he cast other spells one after another. After verifying them one by one, Xu Qing finally confirmed that the changes to his body this time were comprehensive.


    This fortune made him extremely excited, but he also had a feeling of gaining without putting any effort. However, he quickly dispelled this thought and muttered.


    ¡°I risked a lot to get this!¡±


    ¡°Moreover, this state shouldn¡¯t be a true god¡¯s body yet¡­¡± Xu Qing recalled the 3000-foot-long outer shell in his memory and perception before he woke up. He then looked into his current body and sensed a large number of golden threads in his body.


    There were endless golden threads that permeated every part of his body. Every one of them contained a sense of holiness. Xu Qing could sense that they were harmless and could be controlled.


    The source of control wasn¡¯t spells or cultivation. Only the power of the Poison Restriction and the Purple Moon could control them.


    However, he couldn¡¯t make these golden threads leave his body and form the outer shell.


    ¡°From the looks of it, the 3,000-foot-long outer shell previously was the true body of a god. However, it¡¯s a pity that I¡¯m unable to form it now¡­¡± Xu Qing muttered inwardly. He knew that this was because the divine power in his body wasn¡¯t enough.


    ¡°The god¡¯s finger prepared it for Itself.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s divine sense swept past the Tenth Heavenly Palace in his sea of consciousness.


    In D132¡¯s cage, the blood-colored finger was lying there, sleeping.


    It was as though it was too lonely inside, so It couldn¡¯t sleep well. Occasionally, it would tremble a few times.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that I can¡¯t control it, but one day, I¡¯ll be able to control the purple crystal and completely seal it. I¡¯ll be able to control it like a shadow.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts weren¡¯t restricted by what he had said to the finger previously. His master had once imparted this point to him. At that time, they had gone to many sects to steal secret manuals and spells. Before they left, Old Master Seventh asked Xu Qing to bow to those sects and told him that it could be considered as returning the favor. If they were enemies in the future, he could kill them without worries.


    It was the same at this moment.


    Xu Qing felt that what his master said made sense. Hence, he cupped his fists and bowed to the front.


    Although there was nothing in front of him and it was just fog, Xu Qing understood that some things would work if one was sincere. It mainly depended on sincerity.


    If he was sincere, then even if there was nothing in front of him, it was still equivalent to thanking the god¡¯s finger.


    This logic was imparted to Xu Qing by Old Master Seventh. Xu Qing felt that it was very right.


    However, in order to make the other party sleep more comfortably, Xu Qing looked around after bowing.


    After sensing for a moment, his body swayed and he disappeared from the spot, transforming into an afterimage that appeared in the distance.


    There was a yellowed painting on the ground.


    The old man was the only one left from the four generations in the painting. His expression was filled with horror but he wasn¡¯t lonely. This was because although he was the only one among his race in this painting, there was a malevolent mosasaur beside him that was opening its mouth at him.


    Looking at this painting, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze turned cold. He lifted his right hand and grabbed at the air. Immediately, the painting flew up from the ground. When it landed in Xu Qing¡¯s hand, the mosasaur sensed something and quickly flew out of the painting.


    After letting out a cry at Xu Qing, it burped and entered Xu Qing¡¯s body, returning to the Sixth Heavenly Palace.


    ¡°Get out here!¡± Xu Qing coldly looked at the painting and calmly spoke.


    The mosasaur in the Sixth Heavenly Palace trembled, but it quickly realized that this sentence wasn¡¯t meant for it, so it calmed down.


    The old man in the painting shivered even more and didn¡¯t dare to disobey. He quickly crawled out of the painting and transformed into a human, floating in front of Xu Qing and looking at him in horror.


    His body couldn¡¯t help but tremble and cold sweat covered his forehead. His eyes were filled with uncertainty.


    ¡°You¡­ Are you the chosen god or the guardian?¡± The old man asked carefully.


    He couldn¡¯t tell who the person in front of him was.


    Xu Qing was expressionless as he sent a divine sense to the shadow.


    The shadow immediately rose from the ground, emitting a terrifying aura. It assumed a sinister posture and bared its fangs and brandished its claws.


    That was what it looked like on the surface but in reality, the shadow was extremely terrified. When Xu Qing was being possessed earlier, it had hidden itself. It was somewhat looking forward to the crystal being destroyed by the god¡­


    This way, it might be able to use the opportunity to be free.


    However, when the powerful purple crystal suppressed the god¡¯s finger easily, the shadow¡¯s fear instantly reached an extreme and it felt despair.


    However, it didn¡¯t want to die yet. Hence, in order to show its loyalty, it hurriedly swallowed its saliva. Countless eyes appeared on its body and all of them stared fixedly at the old man. They were like vicious dogs, letting out threatening growls.


    The instant he saw the shadow, the expression of the old man changed drastically and he exclaimed.


    ¡°You, you, you¡­ You¡¯re the guardian!!¡±


    ¡°How is this possible? Weren¡¯t you possessed by the god¡¯s finger? How can the god¡¯s possession fail?¡±


    The old man trembled violently. He naturally recognized the shadow. After all, back then, in D132, the shadow was extremely interested in him.


    Xu Qing coldly swept his gaze over. The shadow instantly understood and transformed into a vicious dog. It pounced over and bit the old man crazily.


    The old man immediately screamed in pain.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with them and walked toward the head and the stone lion.


    The heads and the stone lion hadn¡¯t completely recovered yet, so even if they wanted to escape, they couldn¡¯t do it.


    The stone lion¡¯s legs hadn¡¯t recovered and the head was only half-grown.


    After seeing Xu Qing¡¯s figure, the two of them shook violently.


    Just like the old man, they didn¡¯t know if Xu Qing was still Xu Qing. However, the voice of the old man earlier allowed them to make a judgment.


    However, this judgment brought about even more fear.


    ¡®Even a god can¡¯t possess him? Heavens¡­¡¯ The head wanted to cry, especially when it saw the old man being bitten by the shadow and wailing. It hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Congratulations, Lord. I had guessed earlier that a lowly god could never be a match for you. Also, based on how sly the old geezer is, Lord should just kill him!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m really excited. Our D132 is finally about to have a reunion!¡± The head had a fawning expression as it quickly spoke.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor flew out of Xu Qing¡¯s storage bag and reminded him.


    ¡°Master, these words aren¡¯t sincere. It looks like it¡¯s trying to curry favor, but the way its eyes are rolling shows that this person is thinking about how to escape. Just like Little Shadow, these guys are all rebellious. Once something happens to Master, they will definitely be the first to gloat at your misfortune. My suggestion is to suppress them thoroughly!¡±


    The head¡¯s expression changed as it looked at the black iron stick. It gasped and was about to refute.


    Xu Qing coldly looked at the head. He then lifted his right hand and waved it. Immediately, his Tenth Heavenly Palace manifested outside. It was covered in a layer of purple light which sealed the red light of the Tenth Heavenly Palace within it.


    The moment D132 appeared, the head was stunned. Its eyes widened, revealing confusion and disbelief.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you want a reunion? Go in,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.

 Chapter 659 - 659 The Figure on the Joyflower

    659 The Figure on the Joyflower


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice didn¡¯t have any fluctuations of emotions. When it landed in the head¡¯s ears, the head shivered even more.


    It really didn¡¯t expect that the reunion it had mentioned would really happen.


    This scene dumbfounded it.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was extremely excited as he urged.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going in yet!¡±


    This time around, the head was really about to cry. Just as it was about to say something, Xu Qing lifted his hand and waved it. Immediately, it was forcefully sent into D132 amidst its screams.


    It was placed in the cell that it originally belonged to.


    The instant it entered the cell, the head immediately sensed the existence of the god¡¯s finger. The wails and screams turned into horror.


    ¡°This, this, this¡­¡±


    Before it could completely react, the stone lion was sent to D132 as well. It landed in the cell it used to be in and lay there. Its body then transformed into the appearance of a cloud beast.


    After sensing its surroundings in a daze, it silently turned around and ate its tentacles. It was as though this was the only way it could feel at ease.


    However, every time its tentacles were eaten, they would transform into the appearance of the head.


    It could be seen how much it hated the head for talking about reunion.


    After noticing this scene, the head really cried.


    However, before many tears fell, D132 shone again. The old man from the Painting Race appeared.


    In order to give the god¡¯s finger a sense of familiarity, Xu Qing didn¡¯t kill the old man. Instead, he sent him to D132.


    The old man, whose body was covered in bite marks and riddled with holes, was also dumbfounded the instant he saw D132. This was especially so when he looked at the familiar cell, listened to the wails of the head, and looked at the sleeping finger of the god. His expression turned dazed.


    ¡°D132 will be complete soon.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s voice entered the Tenth Heavenly Palace and echoed.


    The head cried and the stone lion continued to bite its tentacles. The old man from the Painting Race shivered.


    The god¡¯s finger clearly sensed the former familiarity and slept much more peacefully.


    After doing this, Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the Tenth Heavenly Palace. He looked in the direction of Mount Morning Glow before speeding off.


    Previously, he couldn¡¯t travel under the abyssal sea for a long time but his current body could do this.


    Just like that, time slowly passed.


    If it was his previous body, his five senses wouldn¡¯t be so sharp. After confirming again, Xu Qing listened attentively.


    Under his concentration, the voice slowly became clearer.


    ¡°Help¡­ Is anyone there? Help¡­ Save me¡­¡±


    The voice was very weak and when it landed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears, he felt that it was a little familiar.


    After some thought, Xu Qing immediately recognized it.


    ¡°Ning Yan?¡±


    Xu Qing was surprised. He looked at the pitch-black abyssal sea in his surroundings and recalled that the other party hadn¡¯t returned after being teleported away at the Ten Guts Tree.


    ¡°Solar wind is a frequent occurrence in this area, and there are numerous spatial cracks. Could it be that he landed here during the teleportation and encountered an unforeseen mishap, preventing him from returning?¡±


    Xu Qing was curious and followed the voice. An hour later, he saw a huge bewitching flower blooming in the distance.


    It was the joyflower.


    The hundreds of feet-wide flower was covered in colorful petals. As it continued to squirm, hundreds of stamens drifted in the surroundings, transforming into the women of nonhuman races.


    They didn¡¯t spread out of the abyssal sea but clustered around the flower disc. All of them had joyous expressions as they continued to absorb.


    On the enormous flower disc, countless petals swirled around, revealing a figure lying there faintly.


    It was Ning Yan.


    His clothes were disheveled, and his body appeared emaciated, resembling a mere skeleton on the brink of death.


    His eyes, once filled with vitality, now reflected confusion and dullness. He trembled as the women surrounding him drained his energy, leaving him weaker and weaker. In a feeble voice, he let out a desperate cry for help.


    ¡°Help¡­ help¡­¡±


    The joyflower was a unique plant in Morning Glow Province. Xu Qing had seen one on the way here and had heard from the head that ordinary muscular men would have their life essence sucked away by the joyflower in just three to five breaths of time, turning into dried corpses.


    Even a Golden Core expert wouldn¡¯t be able to last long.


    The characteristic of this flower was that when it bloomed, its stamens would transform into the opposite sex of various races. Moreover, every one of them met the mainstream aesthetic standards to attract travelers.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was a little strange as he glanced at the huge joyflower in front of him.


    It was smaller than the one he had seen on the way but it was even more flirtatious.


    All of the women it created had rosy skin and plump figures. They were extremely charming. Clearly, Ning Yan had provided them with rich nourishment.


    ¡°This Ning Yan¡­ If he was truly transported to this place, how long has he been here? And yet, he¡¯s still alive!¡± Xu Qing exclaimed, his surprise evident. Recalling the events at the Ten Guts Tree, he found himself increasingly convinced of the captain¡¯s judgment.


    ¡°There¡¯s something seriously wrong with him.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He swept his gaze across the skinny Ning Yan and prepared to save him.


    After all, the other party was his and the captain¡¯s weapon, and was quite handy to use. It would be a pity if he left him in the lurch.


    Xu Qing calmly walked over.


    As soon as he got close, the joyflower immediately sensed danger. The transformed stamens surrounding Ning Yan turned in unison and stared at Xu Qing.


    Different from when they encountered other travelers, these stamen nonhumans clearly sensed danger this time. They bared their teeth at Xu Qing and let out a threatening sound.


    Xu Qing was expressionless as he approached step by step.


    Seeing this, the joyflower shook and spat out a large amount of pink fog. While the fog spread, the flower actually started moving and trying to escape.


    In the fog, the transformed stamens left Ning Yan¡¯s body and headed straight for Xu Qing, trying to stop him.


    However, before they could get close, the few nonhumans at the front instantly let out sharp cries. Their bodies rotted at a speed visible to the naked eye and turned into black water that splashed on the ground.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He could sense that the Poison Restriction activated much faster with his current body.


    As he pondered, Xu Qing continued walking.


    Wherever he passed, all the stamens in the surroundings rotted and withered. The beautiful faces of the nonhumans revealed fear and retreated while screaming.


    They looked like they were saying, ¡®don¡¯t come over.¡¯


    Xu Qing found this scene inexplicably familiar.


    He thought of the scene of his Heavenly Palaces and the god¡¯s finger facing the purple crystal.


    Xu Qing frowned. He didn¡¯t like this scene. Hence, he lifted his foot and stomped down. Immediately, the ground rumbled. The stamens of the joyflower shattered.


    Only the joy flower without a stamen was left, shaking in horror.


    Xu Qing was satisfied. He walked to the flower disc and pulled out the skinny and trembling Ning Yan from the large number of flower petals.


    Ning Yan was naked. At that moment, he looked at Xu Qing weakly, his eyes revealing a pleading look.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, why are you here¡­ Help¡­ Save me¡­¡±


    When Xu Qing saw that the youth in front of him had been tortured to such an extent, he sighed inwardly. He now had a better understanding of how terrifying this world was.


    He took out a medicinal pill and fed it to Ning Yan. He then took out a piece of clothing to cover him and supported him out of the joyflower.


    As he left, the joyflower behind him was immediately filled with poison mist and rapidly rotted. In the end, amidst mournful cries, it collapsed and turned into a large pool of black water.


    The moment the joyflower perished, Ning Yan, who was being supported by Xu Qing, paused for a moment. Some spirit returned to his eyes and he immediately turned to look at the joyflower with a complicated expression.


    ¡°Can¡¯t bear to part?¡± Seeing Ning Yan¡¯s expression, Xu Qing was surprised.


    ¡°No¡­¡± As Ning Yan trembled, he hurriedly looked at Xu Qing, his eyes revealing gratitude.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, I won¡¯t forget your kindness in saving my life! How did you know I was here¡­¡±


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Xu Qing asked calmly.


    He wanted to know if the other party had recognized his identity in the Ten Guts Trees¡¯ ground.


    However, regardless of whether he recognized or not, it wasn¡¯t important. After all, if word got out that the four of them were involved in that incident, none of them would have a good ending.


    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Yan hesitated for a moment before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, I came to Morning Glow Province to carry out a mission and was caught by this damn joyflower. I was trapped for a long time¡­¡±


    ¡°So you don¡¯t know about the current situation in Fenghai County?¡± Xu Qing looked at Ning Yan.


    Ning Yan was stunned. He didn¡¯t know what was happening outside. In reality, Xu Qing¡¯s guess earlier was right. He had indeed fallen here when he was teleported. He had planned to leave but he encountered the joyflower.


    At the start, that joyflower was still a small flower with ordinary might. However, as time passed, the flower grew larger and larger and the suction force grew stronger¡­ Hence, he couldn¡¯t break free and was sucked until now.


    From Ning Yan¡¯s expression, Xu Qing could see the answer.


    ¡®Looks like he hasn¡¯t guessed that it¡¯s me¡­¡¯ Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything else and walked forward.


    Ning Yan felt uneasy. He was already afraid of Xu Qing in the past. Now that he saw him again, for some reason, he instinctively became even more afraid. He could vaguely sense that Xu Qing seemed to be much stronger and more terrifying than in his memories. Hence, he hurriedly followed behind Xu Qing carefully.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing¡­ Where are we going?¡± Ning Yan asked nervously in a low voice.


    ¡°To Mount Morning Glow.¡± Xu Qing spoke calmly.


    Just like that, time slowly passed. As Xu Qing and Ning Yan moved forward, they got closer and closer to Mount Morning Glow.


    At the same time, the crisis on Mount Morning Glow had reached a critical moment.


    Sharp black spikes shot out from all directions and bombarded the array formation of Mount Morning Glow.


    The intense impact caused the array formation to shake intensely, echoing with a series of rumbling sounds.


    At this moment, there were thousands of sharp black spikes on the array formation of Mount Morning Glow.


    The array formation looked close to shattering.

 Chapter 660 - 660 A Ray of Morning Glow Shocks a Thousand Devils (1)

    660 A Ray of Morning Glow Shocks a Thousand Devils (1)


    Sharp spikes struck the array formation on Mount Morning Glow with destructive power.


    They were specially prepared to break and restrict array formations.


    After they pierced the protective array formation of Mount Morning Glow, they formed black lightning that connected together. As the lightning flashed, even though the array formation of Mount Morning Glow was powerful, it was ultimately weakened.


    ¡°It¡¯s about to be blasted open!¡±


    ¡°Haha, everyone, work harder!¡±


    ¡°After we blast it open, we¡¯ll rush in and kill everyone. We¡¯ll snatch everything and destroy this mountain!¡±


    This siege of Mount Morning Glow was premeditated. At that moment, there were over a thousand cultivators around Mount Morning Glow.


    Their core leaders were more than 80 prisoners from the Prison Department. The remaining were rogue cultivators and villains who had been summoned by them.


    In fact, there were even traces of some large clans in the Morning Glow Province behind them.


    For example, the black spikes that were used to break the array formation on Mount Morning Glow and the various arrangements were definitely not something ordinary cultivators could possess. They were usually only possessed by large clans.


    As for cultivation bases, among these thousand-odd cultivators, the majority were Foundation Building and Golden Core cultivators. Although there were also Nascent Soul cultivators among them, there weren¡¯t many of them. There seemed to be only three on the surface.


    Among these three Nascent Soul cultivators, two were men and one was a woman. They were all nonhuman cultivators. One of the men had scales on his face and the other had four arms. The woman looked middle-aged but the strange thing about her was that she had a charming little face on her forehead.


    Judging from the aura emitted by their bodies, the middle-aged woman was at the mid-stage Nascent Soul realm and the other two were at the early-stage Nascent Soul realm.


    They were prisoners from Area C who had escaped from the Prison Department and were also the ones who openly attacked Mount Morning Glow.


    At that moment, the three of them stared at Mount Morning Glow with coldness in their eyes.


    ¡°The fact that these remaining guards of the Sword Holding Court didn¡¯t request reinforcements and even advised other human sects not to come is contrary to our judgment.¡±


    ¡°It was the judgment of those few large races, not ours. Speaking of which, our cooperation is going really well. Since the current situation is like this¡­ we might as well snatch it first!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve wanted to taste the flesh of the Sword Holders for a long time.¡±


    These three nonhuman Nascent Soul cultivators laughed sinisterly and immediately ordered the surrounding array-breaking weapons to be activated. Very soon, more black spikes shot out and bombarded the array formation.


    The array formation fluctuated intensely, causing waves in the entire Mount Morning Glow.


    As for the dozens of Sword Holders who were guarding Mount Morning Glow, they all felt indignation when they felt the mountain shaking. They were very clear that this was a defense battle that they had no chance of winning.


    This was because they had no reinforcements, and there would be no reinforcements.


    The main force of the Sword Holding Court of Mount Morning Glow and the human race had all gone to the battlefield. All the Taboo magic treasures¡¯ control was taken over by the county¡¯s Taboo. They were fighting a life-and-death battle with the Holy Wave Race to protect Fenghai County. It was difficult for there to be reinforcements.


    The only possible reinforcements they could request were from the human sects in the Morning Glow Province.


    These invaders had disruptive magic artifacts that were continuously activated. However, they would occasionally pause, as though they were deliberately leaving a space for Mount Morning Glow to request for help.


    ¡°The goal of these invaders in this siege of Mount Morning Glow isn¡¯t just our Sword Holding Court, but also the other human sects within Morning Glow Province. Their intention is to make us seek reinforcements, thus luring all human forces in Morning Glow Province to leave their defensive formations.¡±


    ¡°They are using Mount Morning Glow as bait!¡±


    Among the dozens of Sword Holders, the Nascent Soul Sword Holder¡¯s eyes were filled with resolve to die.


    ¡°Therefore, I didn¡¯t ask for help. I even made use of the space the other party deliberately left to inform all the human sects in the Morning Glow Province that they absolutely couldn¡¯t come to support us at all!¡±


    ¡°This time, we¡¯re going to fight alone.¡±


    ¡°We have no authority to use the Taboo net. The human race is in a precarious situation¡­¡±


    ¡°However, I believe in the Palace Master. Our human race will definitely win this battle. Even if we die here, when the army returns victorious, all these villains and nonhuman races who participated in this siege will have to pay the price of extermination!¡±


    The Nascent Soul Sword Holder let out a deep shout. The dozens of Sword Holders beside him also panted and were prepared to die.


    At that moment, an earth-shattering explosion rang in all directions.


    The deep sea churned and the mountains swayed.


    The array formation of Mount Morning Glow collapsed.


    As the array formation shattered, the ferocious giants, demons, and ghosts in the outside world all let out greedy and excited roars and surged toward Mount Morning Glow.


    On Mount Morning Glow, the Sword Holders who were guarding it rushed out. Magic artifacts that were set up on Mount Morning Glow were activated, emitting a dazzling light that bombarded everything.


    The battle instantly began.


    The might of the magic artifacts of Mount Morning Glow was astonishing, stopping the first wave of rogue cultivators.


    However, the enemy was well-prepared. At the next instant, the three Nascent Soul nonhumans made a move and light curtains descended from the sky.


    They were shackles formed by the magic treasures given by the large races. They transformed into several huge palms that enveloped Mount Morning Glow and suppressed the magic artifacts set up on this mountain.


    Many of the magic artifacts on Mount Morning Glow shattered.


    The second and third waves of vicious rogue cultivators rushed over with red eyes.


    Danger rose unprecedentedly.


    Seeing this, madness appeared in the eyes of the Nascent Soul Sword Holder. He roared and counterattacked with all his might with the dozens of Sword Holders beside him.

 Chapter 661 - 661 A Ray of Morning Glow Shocks a Thousand Devils (2)

    661 A Ray of Morning Glow Shocks a Thousand Devils (2)


    However, this counterattack was like a small boat under a broken dam. It was insignificant.


    In an instant, they were all injured.


    The Nascent Soul Sword Holder was heavily injured by the joint attacks of the three Nascent Soul nonhumans.


    There was no sign of bitterness on his face. Instead, a glint of madness flickered in his eyes. He swiftly retreated and regrouped with the other Sword Holders. As he observed the severe injuries suffered by his comrades and witnessed the grief and indignation reflected on their faces, a resolute expression crossed his own. He retrieved a voice transmission jade slip from his storage bag.


    ¡°All the human sects in the Morning Glow Province, this is the Sword Holding Court on Mount Morning Glow. This is the last time I¡¯m telling you¡­ that you can¡¯t come out to save us!¡±


    ¡°Continue to maintain your sect¡¯s protective array and wait for¡­ our human race to return victorious! After that, tell my Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master what happened here!¡±


    ¡°All of you who are invading us, whether you are rogue cultivators or if you are from some organizations, as well as the large races behind you, I and my fellow Sword Holders will wait for all of your races in the underworld!!¡±


    ¡°Sword Holders, so what if you die while protecting the human race?!¡± Sun Hai laughed loudly. All the Sword Holders beside him no longer thought too much and laughed out loud in despair.


    Their laughter felt ear-piercing to the rogue cultivators in the surroundings. All of them were filled with ferocity and were about to rush over.


    Just as they were about to attack¡­


    An earth-shattering cry suddenly rang out from the direction of the abyssal sea.


    As the fog in the abyssal sea churned, a huge Golden Crow stirred up an endless sea of fire and headed straight for Mount Morning Glow with an astonishing aura.


    This Golden Crow¡¯s entire body emitted a black light and there was an endless sea of fire in its surroundings. Its 100 tails spread out and emitted terrifying fluctuations.


    There was a little person wearing an emperor¡¯s robe and crown sitting cross-legged above its head.


    A cold glint appeared in this little person¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t look angry, but his body contained monstrous killing intent and emitted the aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator. He rode the sea of fire that blotted out the sky.


    An aura that could devour mountains and rivers spread out as the Golden Crow cried and the little person stood up!


    His appearance immediately caused the expressions of the nonhuman cultivators on Mount Morning Glow to change. In particular, the eyes of the three Nascent Soul prisoners narrowed slightly.


    The middle-aged woman coldly commanded.


    ¡°Jiao Lin, go and kill that Golden Crow!¡±


    As her voice rang out, the scaled Nascent Soul cultivator¡¯s eyes flashed with killing intent. It led a group of cultivators and rushed out, heading straight for the Golden Crow.


    As for the Sword Holders of Mount Morning Glow, their expressions changed completely, especially the Nascent Soul Sword Holder. He shouted anxiously.


    ¡°Don¡¯t come over. No matter who you are, leave quickly!¡±


    The sky was covered at this moment!


    The entire sky instantly turned pitch-black, as though it had transformed into a black sea. One could vaguely see a mosasaur swimming inside and roaring. Its huge body continued to descend.


    It emitted a powerful pressure that suppressed the countless rogue cultivators below.


    In an instant, the entire Mount Morning Glow shook intensely. The bodies of those cultivators whose cultivation levels weren¡¯t high enough immediately collapsed.


    In the darkness brought by the pitch-black sky, countless eyes appeared. Every time they blinked, the nonhuman cultivators here felt their hearts trembling and lost their perception.


    There was also a red bolt of lightning that jumped inside and moved at high speed, piercing through the nonhumans who had lost their perception.


    Amidst the shock of these cultivators, a beam of light appeared in the abyssal sea.


    It tore through the air, producing a sharp sound¡­ Morning Glow!


    Within the rainbow-colored light, there was a figure.


    He was no longer wearing ordinary clothes but the white Daoist robe of the Sword Holder. His eyes were endlessly cold and his killing intent seemed to pierce the sky.


    He was Xu Qing.


    The moment Xu Qing saw Mount Morning Glow from afar, he heard the explosion and saw the collapse of the array formation.


    Regardless of whether it was his duty or the importance of Mount Morning Glow to him, he definitely wouldn¡¯t allow this place to be tainted and blasphemed.


    Hence, he immediately made his move.


    At that moment, in the sky, his Golden Crow collided with the scaled Nascent Soul nonhuman. As the sea of fire erupted, a rumbling sound shook the world.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over but didn¡¯t pay much attention to it. After his Golden Crow reached the third level, it already had the combat strength of a Nascent Soul cultivator. There was no need for him to control it. With the spirituality of the emperor-level cultivation art, the Golden Crow was enough to deal with the Nascent Soul nonhuman.


    He continued to speed forward. With the enhancement of his almost god-like body, he instantly stepped on Mount Morning Glow and collided with a Golden Core cultivator.


    The extreme speed brought about a terrifying impact. Even though this nonhuman Golden Core cultivator¡¯s body was extraordinary, he didn¡¯t even have time to let out a scream before his body collapsed and exploded.


    Xu Qing moved past him.


    In the blink of an eye, he arrived in front of another nonhuman Golden Core cultivator. Before the cultivator could react, Xu Qing expressionlessly slashed his neck with the dagger.


    This strike was extremely forceful, decapitating the nonhuman. Blood spurted out like a fountain.


    This familiar scene caused the coldness in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes to intensify. He leaped into the air and performed a series of hand seals. Immediately, morning glow¡¯s light spread from his body and flew toward the dumbfounded Sword Holders in the distance.


    After it enveloped them, Xu Qing immediately released the Poison Restriction.


    He went all out!


    Given the current situation, he didn¡¯t have the time to worry about exposing himself.


    Wherever the poison mist spread out, all the nonhuman cultivators in its way screamed and shouted as their bodies rotted and turned into black blood.


    As Xu Qing¡¯s poison spread out in a large area, the shadow also went mad.


    In order to make a contribution and prove its loyalty, it used all its strength. It borrowed the darkness in the surroundings and began to parasitize a large area.


    It controlled the nonhuman cultivators one after another. Under their horror, their bodies let out a strange cry and rushed toward their companions, using the power of self-destruction to perish together.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had also gone crazy from killing. In order to increase his value and obtain a stronger presence, he erupted with red lightning that shuttled in all directions.


    There was also the Heavenly Dao Mosasaur. It breathed out; immediately, the power of the magic treasures from the large races on Mount Morning Glow was affected and distorted. At the same time, the protective magic artifacts on Mount Morning Glow were bestowed with luck. They activated again and shone brightly.


    Explosions rang out everywhere. Xu Qing¡¯s arrival had immediately changed the situation.

 Chapter 662 - 662 Its You! Its You!!

    662 It¡¯s You! It¡¯s You!!


    Xu Qing descended with the morning glow.


    He used all his methods at this moment, even using the demon transformation runes. He activated the Ghost Emperor Heavenly Palace in his body and an extremely terrifying Ghost Emperor Mountain appeared in the sky of Mount Morning Glow.


    It didn¡¯t land but acted as a deterrence.


    Its existence caused waves in the hearts of all enemies who were hiding in the dark. They didn¡¯t dare to act rashly.


    Although it didn¡¯t descend, the extreme pressure caused by the appearance of the Ghost Emperor still killed many nonhumans.


    This still wasn¡¯t the strange part.


    What was truly strange was when Xu Qing spread out the aura of his D132. Bad luck instantly descended on all the invading cultivators.


    The manifestation of bad luck was extremely terrifying on the battlefield. Spells that shouldn¡¯t have flown over suddenly fell on these invaders because of various accidents. Dangers that shouldn¡¯t have appeared also silently arrived.


    Some were crippled by their companions, while others accidentally fell down as they retreated. Before they could stand up, they were poisoned to death.


    There were also people who were halfway through casting their spells when they suffered a backlash.


    This scene shocked everyone, causing the expressions of the cultivators from the various races who had invaded Mount Morning Glow to change drastically. There were also some prisoners among them. When they saw Xu Qing, they felt that he looked familiar and recognized him soon after. They cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°He¡¯s a Pawn, the Pawn of Area D. He¡¯s Demon Xu!!¡±


    At the same time, among the two Nascent Soul cultivators in the air, the nonhuman with four arms instinctively shuddered and stared fixedly at Xu Qing.


    ¡°He¡¯s Xu Qing! A Pawn from Area C of the Prison Department!!¡±


    This nonhuman was one of the prisoners in Area C. He was a cultivator from the East 13 Area that Xu Qing was in charge of.


    ¡°He¡¯s just a Pawn, what can he do? Even if he has some ability, he won¡¯t be able to cause much waves. The north and west battlefields are in a precarious state, so it¡¯s impossible for the Sword Holder experts to have time to return, nor will they return on a large scale. Let¡¯s attack together and kill him! This person has many secrets on him. They¡¯ll all be ours!¡±


    The middle-aged woman sized up Xu Qing a few times and her expression revealed killing intent as she headed straight for Xu Qing.


    The four-armed cultivator gritted his teeth and revealed a ferocious expression as he charged forward together with her. A sinister armor instantly appeared around his body. This armor was formed from his life force and was filled with tenacity. From afar, it looked like a turtle shell.


    These two Nascent Soul cultivators immediately neared Xu Qing and blocked him.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. He had already sensed that there seemed to be only three Nascent Soul cultivators here. The highest cultivation level was only at the mid-stage but the greatest danger didn¡¯t come from them.


    It came from the sky.


    There was an aura there that locked onto this area, causing Xu Qing to feel some pressure.


    ¡°I wonder if it¡¯s a cultivator or some other arrangement¡­¡±


    His physical strength rose unprecedentedly at this moment.


    His body that had been modified by the god¡¯s finger was several times stronger than before. Now that he combined it with the shadow¡¯s secret technique, the terrifying power he displayed had already surpassed the extreme limits of the Golden Core realm.


    With just a slight movement, he instantly neared the four-armed Nascent Soul cultivator. Xu Qing ignored the incoming divine abilities and spells and punched.


    The punch directly shattered the turtle shell formed by the four-armed nonhuman¡¯s life force. The four-armed cultivator spat out a mouthful of blood with a horrified expression and retreated rapidly.


    Xu Qing was a little surprised. He had thought that his punch would kill the other party.


    ¡°The nonhuman races have many innate talents¡­ This guy¡¯s outer shell is a little hard.¡±


    The four-armed nonhuman was completely shaken. His internal organs were tearing and showing signs of collapse. He knew very well that his life armor was extremely hard, so he had not even imagined that his armor would be unable to withstand a single punch.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Before he could finish speaking, Xu Qing caught up to him. Just as he was about to throw another punch, the middle-aged woman with a charming face on her forehead quickly stopped him. She performed a series of hand seals, forming a huge fog umbrella that enveloped Xu Qing.


    Countless charming faces appeared on the umbrella and were trying to bewitch Xu Qing. After they got close, these charming faces all transformed into malevolent faces and pounced upon him.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. Morning glow emanated from his body like a peacock spreading its tail, and vaporized the middle-aged woman¡¯s fog umbrell. The sinister faces immediately let out terrified cries and dissipated one after another. The middle-aged woman also had no choice but to retreat.


    The morning glow was a supreme light that could resist the power of gods. A single touch of it could easily erase spells.


    This was also the terrifying aspect of this light.


    All of this happened too quickly. By the time the middle-aged woman¡¯s expression changed, Xu Qing had already rushed out and charged straight for the retreating four-armed nonhuman.


    This four-armed nonhuman immediately tried to teleport, attempting to create distance between them. However, the powerful restriction in place extended beyond Mount Morning Glow, limiting his teleportation range. Xu Qing instantly caught up with his extreme speed and threw a second punch.


    At this critical moment, the four-armed nonhuman looked crazed and stopped retreating. He turned around and clenched his four arms together, forming a huge fist, resisting with all his might.


    His race¡¯s innate talent was their physical strength. His strongest trump card wasn¡¯t spells but his own body.


    He used all his strength. In fact, two nascent souls appeared behind him, supporting him with all their might.


    However, compared to Xu Qing, his body was too inferior.


    The moment they came into contact, the four-armed nonhuman¡¯s hands couldn¡¯t withstand the force. His flesh disintegrated, his bones shattered, and the force continued to invade, destroying all his hands before destroying his body.


    Even a nascent soul was directly shattered.


    Only a lone nascent soul was left which retreated while screaming.


    Just as Xu Qing was about to chase after it, the middle-aged woman who had been sent back gritted her teeth and performed a series of hand seals with both hands. Immediately, her face and the charming face on her forehead blurred and directly swapped. After she transformed into a charming woman, she spat out a mouthful of red fog at Xu Qing.


    This fog contained intense emotions of desire. Once one was tainted by it, it would cause one¡¯s emotions to go out of control and cause them to have the intention of submitting to her.


    This was also the spell she was famous for. Back then, she had relied on this spell to enslave many experts of the same realm.


    However, today, she met Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t even look at it. He lifted his right hand and pointed. Immediately, an image of the Purple Moon formed on the red fog.


    At the next instant, the red fog churned, emitting extremely intense fluctuations before exploding. The middle-aged woman¡¯s expression changed drastically. She spat out a mouthful of blood, and her face turned purple from the backlash.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop and instantly caught up to the four-armed nascent soul.


    ¡°Why are you only targeting me!!¡± This four-armed nascent soul screamed in despair.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have the time to determine if the other party¡¯s voice contained any sound spells. Hence, he immediately used morning glow on it before patting it lightly.


    The four-armed nascent soul¡¯s eyes widened. It couldn¡¯t dodge at all and shattered into pieces.


    At the same time, the Golden Crow in the sky let out a cry and swallowed the scaled Nascent Soul cultivator. All the cultivators who heard the sound of chewing felt their hearts tremble.


    The deaths of the two Nascent Soul cultivators was a huge impact to their morale. They immediately lost any thoughts of fighting and fled crazily.


    They were originally a motley crew, so it was only right for them to escape when their battle intent was gone.


    Moreover, Xu Qing¡¯s poison continued to spread and reap the lives of the invading cultivators. Hence, in their hearts, Xu Qing was an evil fiend that was even more savage than them.


    The middle-aged female cultivator who had made several attempts to attack but was thwarted by Xu Qing also took a step back. Her expression turned solemn.


    She was horrified.


    She could naturally tell that the person in front of her wasn¡¯t at the Nascent Soul realm and was only at the pseudo-Nascent Soul realm. However, the terrifying combat strength he displayed had already reached an unbelievable level. She had never encountered or heard of such a person in her life.


    Ning Yan was also fighting on the battlefield. He shivered when he saw this scene.


    ¡°How is this a Golden Core¡­ This strength is too perverted!!¡±


    After killing the four-armed nonhuman, Xu Qing looked at the middle-aged woman. Killing intent flashed in his eyes. The instant he was about to chase after her, his expression suddenly turned grim.


    He directly retreated to Ning Yan¡¯s side. Before Ning Yan could react, Xu Qing patted his stomach with familiarity.


    Ning Yan¡¯s Daoist robe instantly split open, revealing the emerald-green vine he had carefully hidden inside. Xu Qing swiftly seized hold of it.


    Ning Yan was stunned.


    At the same time, at the place Xu Qing was at earlier, the void instantly collapsed. A black palm appeared out of thin air and pressed down.


    Although the sneak attack failed, the energy fluctuations it stirred up spread out in all directions with a terrifying might. A black figure with two wings walked out and emitted the energy of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. He immediately moved, leaving behind an afterimage and arriving before Xu Qing.


    ¡°Die!¡±


    Almost at the instant the black figure arrived, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He grabbed the vine and used Ning Yan¡¯s body as a shield.


    When the black figure struck Ning Yan, a muffled groan came out of his mouth in the next moment. The black figure was sent flying and looked at Ning Yan in disbelief.


    Ning Yan was unscathed.


    At that moment, Ning Yan even forgot to scream. He turned his head and foolishly looked at the vine on his stomach. He then lifted his head and stared blankly at Xu Qing, his eyes completely wide open.


    He then let out an earth-shattering and tragic cry.


    ¡°You, you, you¡­ That was really you!!!¡±

 Chapter 663 - 663 Xu Qing Represents the Palace Master! (1)

    663 Xu Qing Represents the Palace Master! (1)


    Xu Qing ignored Ning Yan¡¯s cries. He summoned inwardly, and the Golden Crow in the sky let out a screech, swooping down.


    It instantly got close and half of it fused into Xu Qing¡¯s body. Its large wing fluttered outside, and its tail feathers swayed with astonishing aura.


    Xu Qing¡¯s aura also skyrocketed at this moment.


    From afar, Xu Qing, who was surrounded by the Golden Crow¡¯s wings and tails, looked like the reincarnation of an emperor.


    The power of the Nascent Ninth Palace filled his entire body.


    The energy of his physical body also gave off the feeling of a Nascent Soul cultivator. This caused Xu Qing to have the power of two nascent souls.


    Such combat strength was unprecedented on a Golden Core cultivator.


    Rumbling sounds rang out. The energy fluctuations from the two sides formed a huge wave that transformed into ripples that spread everywhere. It also spread out Xu Qing¡¯s poison mist.


    Those fleeing rogue cultivators who had left the range of Mount Morning Glow were hit by this spreading poison.


    The ground was covered in black poisonous water. Even the cultivators fleeing in the sky fell into the abyssal sea.


    Out of the thousand invaders, less than 40% were left now, and every one of them looked terrified.


    The magic artifacts on Mount Morning Glow were in activated state. Their powers affected both the ground and sky. All the invading cultivators knew that¡­ it was all over.


    Xu Qing might have arrived alone, but him killing two early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators shook the hearts of these cultivators.


    Moreover, the Poison Restriction fully displayed its might in this battle.


    The term ¡®poison cultivator¡¯ became a nightmare in the hearts of all the living rogue cultivators.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t let down his guard. He coldly stared at the winged black figure in the sky. His right hand grabbed the vine on Ning Yan¡¯s stomach, prepared to use him at any time.


    This person wasn¡¯t an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator. His body emitted the fluctuations of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, emitting waves of powerful strength. Moreover, the sneak attack earlier gave Xu Qing a different feeling.


    He felt the other party was similar to the immortal puppet of the Quasi-Immortal Race. However, there were some differences.


    A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. With a wave of his hand, he used the Palace Master¡¯s token to take over the magic artifacts on Mount Morning Glow, causing them to change directions and lock onto the figure in the sky.


    He quickly weighed the difference between the two sides.


    Now, it was easy for him to kill an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.


    After all, when a Golden Core cultivator had the combat strength of ten palaces, other than having no divine abilities, divine consciousness, and being unable to teleport, they were no different from a Nascent Soul cultivator.


    He could easily resist divine consciousness attacks with his third level Golden Crow and divine source.


    As for teleportation, his own speed combined with the Nether Spirit Blood Wings had the same effect in short range.


    This was the reason he was able to kill the four-armed Nascent Soul earlier with just a few punches.


    However, there were differences between the Nascent Soul cultivators.


    For example, in the Golden Core realm, some people reached perfection realm with just six palaces, while others had eight. If they had life lanterns, their limits could reach 13 palaces.


    Among ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators, having one nascent soul meant early stage, three nascent souls were at the middle stage, five nascent souls were at the late stage, and six nascent souls were at the perfected stage.


    For that four-armed cultivator to be suppressed in the Prison Department, the limit of his cultivation in the future was most likely not just six nascent souls. However, he didn¡¯t have time to continue growing.


    Hence, although it seemed like Xu Qing was fighting someone in a different realm against the four-armed nonhuman, his strength completely suppressed the latter¡¯s.


    As for ordinary mid-stage cultivators, it was difficult for Xu Qing to kill them before.


    When he faced Chu Tianqun, who barely had three nascent souls left after being injured, although Xu Qing won a narrow victory, he was also heavily injured. His injuries were unprecedentedly serious. If it wasn¡¯t for Ling¡¯er and the purple crystal, he would have died in battle.


    However, now that his body had been modified by the god¡¯s finger, it made up for this deficiency.


    Even though he couldn¡¯t unleash the true divine body, his strength and speed had increased by three times, and he also obtained the power of a nascent soul. It was physical body nascent soul.


    And its strongest point was defense!


    Because this body contained countless golden threads, its defense was extremely terrifying.


    Even if he didn¡¯t use divine techniques, he could fight against a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator with three nascent souls. If he used his divine techniques, Xu Qing could kill a mid-stage cultivator with four nascent souls without any injuries.


    If it was five nascent souls, Xu Qing would be able to fight them if he unleashed his full strength, but the outcome of the battle was unknown. There was a high chance that he wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything to the other party and the other party would be helpless against his body.


    ¡°Now, my physical strength is comparable to one nascent soul, the Golden Crow is one nascent soul, and Shadow Fusion Technique is also one nascent soul, which is the power of three Nascent Souls. Coupled with my divine techniques, I have the power of four nascent souls!¡±


    ¡°My strongest point is the defense of my body. This body can¡¯t be harmed in the Nascent Soul realm.¡±


    Through the previous fights, Xu Qing quickly judged his limit. The cold glint in his eyes gradually intensified. He could sense that the black figure in the sky should be around the combat strength of five nascent souls.


    At that moment, the middle-aged woman also rapidly flew into the air and arrived beside the black-winged nonhuman. Her expression revealed reverence as she spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Sir, there¡¯s something wrong with this Pawn. When are the various races that subsidized this matter going to act?¡±

 Chapter 664 - 664 Xu Qing Represents the Palace Master! (2)

    664 Xu Qing Represents the Palace Master! (2)


    As she spoke, she spat out a mouthful of black blood. Her body was clearly rotting. Although she suppressed it with all her might, she couldn¡¯t suppress it completely.


    The miserable outcomes of those who were poisoned caused her to be terrified and she had the thought of retreating.


    ¡°Interesting.¡± The black-winged nonhuman coldly glanced at Xu Qing.


    He noticed that the magic artifacts on Mount Morning Glow had locked onto him and also saw the rogue cultivators scattering like startled birds. He knew that the situation was hopeless.


    In addition, Xu Qing gave him an extremely strange feeling. He sensed that Xu Qing¡¯s body wasn¡¯t simple and the cultivator who was being used as a weapon by him also gave him a bad feeling.


    There was also the human-shaped mountain in the sky. The deterrence of this mountain was too strong, causing him to feel wary.


    The mosasaur that was staring fixedly at him amidst the clouds also looked like a difficult opponent. In the end, his gaze swept across the poison mist that filled the air below and his pupils constricted slightly.


    ¡°His methods are so strange¡­ That morning glow is also very difficult to deal with. Before the situation in the northern and western battlefield is confirmed, those nonhuman races only dare to hide in the dark and subside. A group of rats who don¡¯t dare to show their faces. Now¡­¡±


    The black-winged nonhuman was becoming extremely wary. Hence, after casting a gloomy glance at Xu Qing, he grabbed the middle-aged woman who was on the verge of collapse and flew away.


    His departure ended this siege of Mount Morning Glow.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t chase after the black-winged nonhuman. He held Ning Yan and eliminated the scattered cultivators. His speed was very fast and his attacks were very ruthless. Gradually, blood flowed like a river and the screams became fewer and fewer.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and the shadow also spread out to pursue. The mosasaur sank and breathed out.


    Only after killing all the enemies that were in his sight did Xu Qing withdraw everything. He then removed the morning glow that protected the dozens of Swordholders.


    These Sword Holders¡¯ injuries weren¡¯t light but their eyes were filled with shock, excitement, and disbelief. They looked at Xu Qing with reverence and fanaticism, and greeted him.


    ¡°Greetings, Edict Bearer Xu!¡±


    The old man, Sun Hai, quickly stepped forward and bowed solemnly to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Greetings, Edict Bearer Xu!¡±


    Previously, through the commotion of those criminals, they had already confirmed Xu Qing¡¯s identity. They remembered Xu Qing because he had issued many decrees of the Palace Master to the entire Fenghai County recently.


    His name had already spread throughout Fenghai County¡¯s Sword Holding Courts


    As for the position of the edict bearer, it was naturally higher than ordinary Sword Holders. Hence, there was nothing wrong with Sun Hai greeting respectfully.


    Among ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators, the cultivation of five nascent souls was already close to the peak. In fact, they were the absolute backbone of any sect or faction.


    After all, compared to the outstanding heaven¡¯s chosens, the number of ordinary cultivators who advanced with three life fires and six palaces was the greatest. After they advanced to the Nascent Soul realm, their limit was six nascent souls. Hence, anyone with five nascent souls couldn¡¯t be underestimated.


    Xu Qing not only killed two early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, but he also made the Nascent Soul cultivator with five nascent souls choose to retreat. Such combat strength was even more shocking when displayed by a Golden Core cultivator.


    If Xu Qing hadn¡¯t come to Mount Morning Glow to investigate, it would probably have collapsed at this moment. This matter seemed to be a coincidence but in reality, there were already many similar incidents happening throughout Fenghai County.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t well-informed here. I only know that after the northern and western battlefield entered a precarious situation, some races with ulterior motives subsidized a large number of rogue cultivators and gave array breaking formations to invade Sword Holding Courts of three provinces. Fortunately, the human sects who went out to fight weren¡¯t implicated.¡±


    Sun Hai spoke bitterly.


    ¡°The actual number is probably even more serious. However, they only dare to hide in the dark. As long as our human race is able to succeed in defending the northern and western battlefield, they won¡¯t dare to openly attack the Sword Holding Courts. It¡¯s not difficult to guess their motive. This is a pledge of allegiance to the Holy Wave Race after we lose the war.¡±


    ¡°I only hope that after our human race survives this calamity, we will kill all these nonhuman races with ulterior motives!¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent. It was now the break of dawn, and the darkness was being dispelled by the rising sun in the distance. The dark night was dispersed by the rising sun in the distance. Sunlight poured down on Mount Morning Glow, making it shine with a radiant glow.


    Xu Qing stared at Mount Morning Glow. Although this place was a mess due to the battle, its rainbow light made everything look beautiful.


    ¡°Everything will be fine.¡± Xu Qing, who was illuminated by the rainbow-colored light, spoke softly under the sunlight.


    Three days later, after the array formation was repaired and reactivated, Xu Qing left Mount Morning Glow. When he came, he was alone. When he returned, Ning Yan followed him.


    The reason why he left so quickly wasn¡¯t only because he had already investigated the clues he needed but more importantly¡­ he received the Palace Master¡¯s decree on the third day.


    ¡°Xu Qing, regardless of whether there are any results from the investigation, put it aside for now. Hurry up and return to the county capital!¡±


    ¡°The northern and western battlefronts are in danger. We need troops and supplies. I can¡¯t return from the frontlines, so I¡¯ll give you the right to handle this matter on my behalf and cooperate with the Deputy Governor.¡±

 Chapter 665 - 665 Xu Qing Represents the Palace Master! (3)

    665 Xu Qing Represents the Palace Master! (3)


    ¡°You have full authority over my token now!¡±


    The Palace Master¡¯s voice was filled with deep fatigue. The moment his voice transmitted, a golden light descended from the large net in the sky, heading straight for the Palace Master¡¯s token on Xu Qing¡¯s body. Waves of cracking sounds echoed as this token was fully activated.


    ¡°I respect the order!¡±


    Xu Qing replied solemnly. He didn¡¯t ask anything. He knew that the battlefield was in a precarious situation and also understood the importance and urgency of this decree.


    He was also very clear that the war must have reached a critical stage. Otherwise, the Palace Master wouldn¡¯t have made such an arrangement. He should have been able to calmly mobilize his troops and obtain supplies.


    Only an extremely urgent matter would make him ask Xu Qing to stop the investigation and carry out an even more important mission.


    ¡± Palace Master doesn¡¯t trust others, be it Marquis Yao who is fighting in the northern battlefront, the Law and Observance Palace Masters, or the Deputy Governor who stayed behind. That¡¯s why he asked me to work with the Deputy Governor to handle the matter of the supplies and soldiers for the frontlines.¡±


    ¡°It seems like he wants me to share some burdens for the Deputy Governor, but he is actually asking me to monitor the Deputy Governor. Moreover, with the Palace Master¡¯s way of doing things, he should have made other arrangements as well. There must be other Sword Holders implementing them everywhere. I might just be one of them here.¡±


    Xu Qing was worried about the battlefield, so he hurriedly left Mount Morning Glow with Ning Yan.


    Fortunately, he didn¡¯t come for nothing. In the three days before the Palace Master¡¯s decree arrived, he had communicated with Sun Hai and indirectly inquired about the morning glow. He found out that every time the morning glow emerged, it would slowly and continuously form some special rainbow powder in the area where it appeared.


    This powder usually appeared for a duration of ten years. At the start, it would glow weakly, but this light couldn¡¯t be used or collected and would gradually dissipate as time passed.


    The powder that was formed in the end no longer contained the morning glow and thus ended this phenomenon.


    This detail helped Xu Qing find some clues.


    The clues he found didn¡¯t come from the details of the 700-odd rays of light recorded in the archives, but from the god¡¯s finger.


    Xu Qing felt that since the other party could find the morning glow that hadn¡¯t been recorded, someone who had the will would definitely be able to do it.


    Hence, he tried to call out to D132¡¯s sleeping finger. After finally awakening Its consciousness a little, Xu Qing communicated gently. Under various promises, he asked the other party about the location of morning glow.


    The communication process wasn¡¯t very smooth. The other party was really too forgetful.


    It took Xu Qing three days to search through many areas before he finally found the place where the god¡¯s finger had discovered the morning glow. That place was a remote underground crack.


    In the crack, Xu Qing saw a puppet that had died not long ago. There was still a hint of the aura of the god¡¯s finger on it, but its appearance was completely shattered. He could only see a rough outline.


    There was also some rainbow-colored powder that contained a weak morning glow, but the light was dissipating slightly. Xu Qing judged that it would indeed take about ten years for it to completely dissipate.


    There was a small amount of powder which emitted an even weaker glow. From the looks of it, it would completely dissipate in another year or two. These powders were mostly on the puppet¡¯s body.


    Clearly, someone had set up this puppet here to collect the powder and erase traces.


    From this judgment, it wasn¡¯t difficult to know that a ray of morning glow had appeared here eight to nine years ago!


    However, just like Xu Qing¡¯s ray of morning glow, the Sword Holding Court didn¡¯t have any records on this ray too. Clearly, as soon as it appeared, it was directly taken away before it could fly out.


    This discovery made Xu Qing realize that the Palace Master¡¯s guess about the Radiant Life Calamity Pill was most likely correct.


    In other words, there was a high chance that the County Governor¡¯s death was related to this pill.


    Xu Qing and Ning Yan left Mount Morning Glow with this clue. The shattered puppet was also taken away by Xu Qing.


    Teleportation couldn¡¯t be done in this province. Hence, the two of them sped all the way to the county capital.


    On the way, Ning Yan opened his mouth many times to say something but when he saw that Xu Qing¡¯s expression was still gloomy, he was afraid and didn¡¯t dare to ask. However, the complicated feelings in his heart were still earth-shattering even now.


    In reality, when he was at the Ten Guts Tree, he already felt that something was wrong and had made a guess that even he himself didn¡¯t believe. However, Xu Qing¡¯s familiar slap earlier made him feel as though his soul had been slapped out.


    ¡°The person who bit me must be Chen Erniu. Could that guy be a mad dog? Not only did he bite me, but he also bit the Heavenly Dao in the end. He ended up having his body destroyed and only head was left. Serves him right!¡±


    Ning Yan was filled with grief and indignation, but there was nothing he could do. He recognized the vine on his stomach and knew that it was extremely difficult to remove.


    He had been communicating with the Sword Holders on Mount Morning Glow for the past three days. When he found out that the County Governor had died and the Holy Wave Race had invaded, the shock in his heart was extremely intense. Compared to this, he suddenly felt that this matter of his was nothing.


    Just like that, three days passed.


    During these three days, Xu Qing used his full speed and brought Ning Yan out of the Morning Glow Province and crossed the province line, stepping into the territory of the county capital.


    There was no need to continue hiding his tracks here. He found a teleportation array and returned to the county capital.

 Chapter 666 - 666 Xu Qing Represents the Palace Master! (4)

    666 Xu Qing Represents the Palace Master! (4)


    When he left the capital, the atmosphere in the county was filled with panic and an undercurrent of brewing chaos.


    Upon his return, Xu Qing quickly noticed the difference. The northern and western battlefronts were in a state of emergency, teetering on the edge of danger. The defense line of Fenghai County was on the verge of collapsing at any moment.


    However, the people in the county capital were clearly in a much better state than before. Although they still carried fear of the future, they held hope too.


    Even the shops were operating normally. Everything was orderly. At least on the surface, the devastation brought about by the war couldn¡¯t be seen.


    Xu Qing, who had left the teleportation array and was walking on the streets, roughly understood the reason through the discussions of the surrounding crowd and the occasional shouts of the cultivators stationed here.


    ¡°Don¡¯t panic, everyone. Don¡¯t rush or cause a commotion. The Deputy Governor has already said that the Sword Holding Palace and all the sects and forces of our human race are participating in the war to protect our Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, the Deputy Governor also clearly told us that our reinforcements are on their way. It won¡¯t be long before the crisis is suppressed and resolved. Everything will return to normal.¡±


    ¡°During this period, anyone who causes trouble or raises prices will be severely punished!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be afraid. The heavens won¡¯t change and there won¡¯t be any chaos. Haven¡¯t the few nonhuman races in the surroundings been suppressed by the Deputy Governor these few days? Besides, the Deputy Governor also said that the Palace Master is protecting us at the frontline. We can¡¯t cause trouble internally!¡±


    As he moved forward, Xu Qing¡¯s mind also fluctuated. The Deputy Governor had clearly done many things during this time. As for Ning Yan, who was behind Xu Qing, he looked around and listened to the conversation. His heart was also in turmoil.


    Xu Qing had just reached the Sword Holding Palace when he immediately received a voice transmission from the Deputy Governor.


    ¡°Xu Qing? I received a decree from the Palace Master asking you to return from the battlefield to deal with military matters. Come to my place first.¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. He knew that the situation was urgent, so he arranged for Ning Yan to be with the Sword Holders who stayed behind to guard the Sword Holding Palace, and arrived at the Deputy Governor¡¯s residence.


    There were many cultivators inside and outside the Deputy Governor¡¯s residence. A large number of missions were issued by the Deputy Governor and completed by these cultivators.


    Someone immediately reported Xu Qing¡¯s arrival. Very soon, he saw the Deputy Governor in the hall.


    The other party looked much more haggard and aged than before. His eyes were bloodshot.


    At that moment, he received a medicinal pill from an old servant beside him. After glancing at it, he placed it to the side and didn¡¯t swallow it immediately.


    Generally speaking, at this level of cultivation, it was very difficult for one to be so fatigued. Only mental pressure could ignore cultivation bases and exhaust one¡¯s mental strength.


    ¡°The Deputy Governor has been doing his best to pacify the people and mediate the situation with other forces. Under such internal and external troubles, it¡¯s no wonder that the pressure on him is extremely great. Even the old injuries to his soul showed signs of relapsing. However, he can¡¯t eat too many medicinal pills¡­ Sigh.¡±


    The old servant beside the Deputy Governor sighed softly when he saw Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, recently, I¡¯ve received urgent reports from the Sword Holding Courts in many provinces. The Sword Holding Court in the five provinces has been invaded and occupied by rogue cultivators under the support of some large races. The Palace Master is right. These races deserve to die ten thousand times for their crimes!¡±


    ¡°I can lend you the city¡¯s cultivators to go take back our territories.¡±


    The County Governor looked at Xu Qing and spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°In addition, I received a decree from the Palace Master earlier. The frontline¡¯s situation is tragic and countless people have died or are injured. The number of troops and supplies needed is huge. I¡¯ll think of a way. If you have any solutions, you can tell me, and I¡¯ll handle it accordingly.¡±


    Xu Qing bowed respectfully, fully aware of the heavy burden placed upon the Deputy Governor. The responsibility of maintaining stability in the rear during times of war was no easy task. Ensuring order and coherence in such a challenging situation was a complex endeavor.


    ¡°Thank you, Deputy Governor. I¡¯m going to collect supplies and buy them from other races in Fenghai County. Deputy Governor, please approve.¡±


    The Deputy Governor nodded.


    ¡°At this critical moment, if we forcefully demand resources, it will be quite difficult and time-consuming. Moreover, the method of purchasing is much gentler. There¡¯s no problem with this. Even if the finances of the county are tight, we still have enough to do this.¡±


    Xu Qing thanked him and left the Deputy Governor¡¯s residence. He didn¡¯t waste any time. After he returned to the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Secretariat Department, he immediately issued a decree to collect supplies from the entire Fenghai County. He also arranged for people to head to the Quasi-Immortal Race, which was sealed off, to discuss the purchase of supplies.


    As the decrees were sent out one after another, the hundreds of Sword Holders who stayed behind to guard the Sword Holding Palace immediately responded.


    Previously, when the Palace Master was still around, Xu Qing dealt with official business like this every day and gave orders. Hence, there were no obstructions at this moment. The Sword Holders who stayed behind went to carry out the orders immediately.


    However, Xu Qing was anxious. He understood that his cultivation wasn¡¯t enough to complete this mission at all. After he had gone to the Morning Glow Province, he deeply sensed the hidden malice of those nonhuman races.


    He knew that even if he wanted to buy the supplies, he would probably encounter some obstacles, let alone get more troops for the battlefield.


    ¡°If I want to complete the Palace Master¡¯s mission and provide help to the frontline¡­ I need a powerful combat strength deterrence. I can¡¯t completely trust the Deputy Governor!¡± Xu Qing fell silent. He stood in the office and looked at the sky outside.


    At that moment, it was nighttime. Dark clouds filled the sky. Droplets of rain gradually fell, pattering on the limestone outside the hall.


    As the rain fell, a cold aura swept up from the ground and spread out, blowing onto Xu Qing¡¯s legs.


    ¡°Master, the ancestor, and Zi Xuan¡­ They¡¯re all resisting the Corpse Forbidden and don¡¯t have spare time.¡±


    ¡°I wonder where Senior Brother went. There¡¯s still no news of him.¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent. In the end, he turned his head and looked in the direction of the desert outside the county capital. The figure of a three-headed bird appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Large bird Qingqin!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s impression of Qingqin stopped at the first time he came to the county capital. The other party had once appeared in the sky with Ning Yan in its mouth. Wherever it passed, it would stir up a storm, transforming into a tornado that connected heaven and earth. Its aura was powerful and vast.


    At that time, Chen Tinghao had told him that the large bird, Qingqin, was a prehistoric mutant. Its bloodline could be traced back to ancient times and its ancestor had once followed the ancient sovereign.


    As for its identity, it was a friend of the previous County Governor. When the previous County Governor returned to the Imperial City 800 years ago, he had invited it. However, Qingqin didn¡¯t follow him. Instead, it stayed in Fenghai County.


    Qingqin¡¯s status was extraordinary. Even the Palace Master didn¡¯t conscript her.


    ¡°According to what Chen Tinghao said back then, Qingqin is sympathetic to the human race. Now that we¡¯re in a crisis, I can give it a try.¡±


    ¡°Also¡­¡±


    A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°If Qingqin refuses, I wonder if this big bird is afraid of the Red Moon!¡±


    Xu Qing had no choice. If he wanted to provide the urgently needed troops and supplies to the frontline, he could only take the unorthodox path.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing walked out and found the busy Ning Yan. Without any explanation, he grabbed him and left.


    ¡°Senior¡­ Senior Brother Xu Qing, where are we going?¡± Ning Yan¡¯s body trembled. Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s expression, he felt uneasy.


    ¡°I¡¯m bringing you to meet an old friend.¡±


    ¡°An old friend?¡± Ning Yan was shocked. After that, he took a deep breath and asked carefully.


    ¡°Is it Senior Brother Erniu?¡±

 Chapter 667 - 667 Irritable Large Bird!

    667 Irritable Large Bird!


    Xu Qing shook his head and firmly grasped Ning Yan¡¯s neck before stepping in the teleportation array within the Sword Holding Palace. Ignoring Ning Yan¡¯s confusion, they stood at the center as the array ignited, bathing them in a brilliant glow. In an instant, their figures vanished.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing and Ning Yan¡¯s figures emerged from a teleportation array of the county capital near the desert.


    The Sword Holding Palace had many teleportation arrays in the county capital. Not all of them were built in cities. There were also some in the wilderness that required special methods to activate and had their own protective barriers.


    This teleportation array was one of those special ones.


    The moment they appeared, Xu Qing warily swept his gaze across the surroundings.


    Although he had already confirmed that this place was safe through the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s array formation sensing before he teleported, his instinct made him confirm it once more.


    It was only when he sensed that everything was fine that Xu Qing walked out of the protective barrier of the teleportation array. He stood on the stone slab that had many weeds growing on it and looked at the sky.


    It was still late at night and the dark clouds that covered more than half of the county also enveloped this place. The rain pattered on the withered grass on the plains, emitting a bone-piercing cold.


    Also, because there were no tall buildings in the surroundings, the wild wind blew over unscrupulously, stirring up rain and echoing in his ears.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, w-where are we going?¡± Ning Yan was very nervous. He looked at the desolate plains and was filled with trepidation.


    ¡°Ning Yan, when we came to the county capital to report back then, I saw you nearby,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    ¡°Ah?¡± Ning Yan was stunned and hurriedly nodded.


    ¡°At that time, you were in Senior Qingqin¡¯s claws. Now, bring me to the place where you met Senior Qingqin.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept across the black clouds in the sky as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Wha¡­¡± Ning Yan shuddered. He was afraid of Xu Qing and also that large bird. Back then, the other party looked like it wanted to eat him up, causing him to have nightmares for a long time.


    He instinctively wanted to think of a way to tactfully refuse. Xu Qing turned his head and stared at Ning Yan with a solemn expression.


    ¡°Ning Yan, this matter concerns the life and death of the 100,000 Sword Holders and millions of human cultivators in the frontlines. Help me find Senior Qingqin. I¡¯ll report your contribution to the Palace Master!¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Ning Yan hesitated. Seeing this, Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Otherwise, I¡¯ll get someone to send you to the Morning Glow Province to reunite with the joyflower.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Ning Yan spoke solemnly.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, you¡¯re underestimating me. Since this concerns Fenghai County, I¡¯ll definitely do my best.¡±


    ¡°Back then, I met Senior Qingqin when I was flying not far away from here. Senior Brother Xu Qing, I¡¯ll lead the way!¡± Ning Yan¡¯s expression was solemn, looking like he was worried about Fenghai County. His body soared in the rain and headed straight for the sky.


    Just like that, the two of them sped through the sky and very soon arrived at the place where Ning Yan had met Qingqin. The surroundings were empty. There were no mountain peaks or jungles. It didn¡¯t look like the resting place of a large bird.


    Xu Qing had a puzzled expression.


    Ning Yan¡¯s heart trembled. He was afraid that Xu Qing would discover the truth and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, it¡¯s really here. Back then, when I flew past this place, I saw a storm and was captured.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at Ning Yan who instinctively avoided his gaze.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He had originally brought Ning Yan over to find Qingqin¡¯s traces and didn¡¯t have any other thoughts about Ning Yan.


    However, now, he felt that he was a little too benevolent. Hence, after retracting his gaze, he took a deep breath and suddenly shouted at the surroundings.


    ¡°Senior Qingqin, I¡¯m Sword Holder Xu Qing. I¡¯m here to greet you!¡±


    ¡°In order to express my sincerity, I specially brought the Sword Holder Ning Yan who provoked you last time to apologize to you in person.¡±


    As soon as he spoke, Ning Yan¡¯s expression changed. He was indeed lying to Xu Qing and didn¡¯t bring Xu Qing to the place where he had really met Qingqin. On one hand, he was afraid of Qingqin, and on the other hand, it concerned his own secrets.


    Last time, when Qingqin appeared and captured him, he told the public that he had encountered it randomly, but in reality, that wasn¡¯t the case¡­ However, when he thought about how far he was from Qingqin¡¯s nest, Ning Yan calmed down and began to think about how he could explain himself later.


    However, before he could think of an explanation, an extremely unpleasant and ear-piercing screech suddenly rang out from the black sky. It was unknown if it was because of him or Xu Qing.


    As soon as this voice rang out, the color of the sky changed and a storm brewed.


    The sky directly exploded and countless black clouds collapsed. When the rain fell crazily and roughly, a bird head that was ten thousand feet long was revealed from the collapsed clouds.


    Its red eyes flickered in the sky and its gaze seemed to have materialized, locking onto the location of Xu Qing and Ning Yan.


    Immediately after, a second head and a third head poked out from the black clouds in the distance. Each of them was ten thousand feet long and incomparably astonishing.


    It was the large bird, Qingqin.


    It was actually resting in the dark clouds.


    Because the way it appeared was too intense, countless bolts of lightning formed and struck down, illuminating its 100,000-foot-long stomach in the clouds.


    It was too big.


    From what Xu Qing saw, half of the sky seemed to be enveloped by it.


    Perhaps it was because it was disturbed from its slumber, Qingqin was a little irritated. As it let out a cry, it inhaled and the rain that fell down due to the collapse of the clouds actually flowed back, transforming into three long rivers that were sucked into its mouth.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to tremble. He realized that Qingqin was in its true form, so it was much larger than what he had seen in the past.


    His cultivation base had increased by a large extent compared to when he came to the county capital back then. He had also experienced many things and could make some judgment on the strength of Nihility experts.


    Right now, he saw that the eyes of Qingqin had countless Dao threads in them. There were even overlapping shadows on its body. In the lightning around it, small worlds formed and were destroyed one after another.


    Although it hadn¡¯t reached the level of unity, the pressure emitted by its majestic body that was over hundred thousand feet long was enough to shake the world.


    Great waves rose in Xu Qing¡¯s mind while Ning Yan¡¯s heart pounded fiercely. His eyes were filled with disbelief because this wasn¡¯t the place where he had discovered Qingqin back then.


    Qingqin¡¯s nest was very, very far away from here¡­


    ¡°Why is it here? That¡¯s not right. Qingqin is very lazy and rarely goes out! Could it be¡­ Could it be that it has its eyes on me!¡±


    Ning Yan trembled. Xu Qing took a deep breath and withstood the immense pressure from the sky. He took a few steps forward and cupped his fists and bowed to the three huge heads in the broken clouds in the sky.


    ¡°Sword Holder Xu Qing greets Senior Qingqin.¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke, the three heads that were revealed in the black clouds let out a cracking sound at the same time. This sound was like countless lightning bolts exploding, rumbling in all directions and stirring up a violent storm, causing Xu Qing¡¯s body to involuntarily retreat. As for Ning Yan, he immediately wailed.


    ¡°We¡¯re done for. What Qingqin hates the most is being woken up from its sleep. We¡¯re done for!!¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Xu Qing shouted. After barely stabilizing himself, he bowed to the sky again.


    ¡°Senior Qingqin, now that the Holy Wave Race has invaded and Fenghai County is in danger, I implore you to come out of seclusion. It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t want to go to the battlefield or fight. You just have to follow me for the time being and allow me to take advantage of the situation.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s words were sincere. After he finished speaking, he bowed again.


    However, Ning Yan, who was beside him, was about to cry. He couldn¡¯t care less about Xu Qing¡¯s reprimand and hurriedly reminded him.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, it¡¯s useless. I guessed your thoughts earlier. It is said that Qingqin¡¯s ancestor followed the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether and eventually died in battle for him, but this is only a beautiful description given by the humans.¡±


    ¡°The truth is that Qingqin¡¯s ancestor, as a peerless ferocious bird at that time, was originally enemies with the ancient sovereign. Later on, because of the situation and the ancient sovereign promised to protect its descendants, it died fighting for the ancient sovereign.¡±


    ¡°When the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived, the ancient sovereign left the Wanggu Continent and didn¡¯t fulfill his promise back then. The relationship between them has been severed.¡±


    ¡°As for Qingqin, although it was friends with the previous County Governor, this is also because that County Governor had once helped it greatly. After he left, the karma between them was settled. This is also the reason why Qingqin didn¡¯t leave with him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve read the records of Fenghai County for the past 800 years. Although Qingqin isn¡¯t hostile toward the human race, it didn¡¯t help much either. Everything is based on its personal preferences.¡±


    ¡°Qingqin has always had a bad temper. This is a publicly acknowledged fact. Its ancestor was a ferocious bird famous for devouring all races in the world back then!¡±


    ¡°We disturbed its sleep and thus angered it.¡±


    ¡°Also, back then, I didn¡¯t die from its claws not because of my strong body, but because it was wary of my bloodline, I¡­¡±


    Ning Yan hurriedly explained everything he knew. His voice was trembling, and in his panic, he even said a little about some things he couldn¡¯t say.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn. He had many questions about Ning Yan¡¯s words but now wasn¡¯t the time to probe. This was because a huge sense of oppression came from the sky.


    Qingqin¡¯s three huge and sinister heads hung outside the clouds and fog. With ferocious momentum, they moved closer to Xu Qing and Ning Yan.


    At such a close distance, Xu Qing could clearly see that these three malevolent heads didn¡¯t have many feathers on them. Their wrinkled purple-red skin was filled with cracks, and looked quite ugly. Their red eyes also revealed frustration from being disturbed. Their huge and sharp beaks emitted a terrifying pressure.


    Compared to the gigantic Qingqin, Xu Qing and Ning Yan were like ants.


    Ning Yan hurriedly erupted with the power of his bloodline in an attempt to resolve his crisis. He couldn¡¯t care less about Xu Qing at this moment.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. He didn¡¯t move, but the Purple Moon in his body had already risen from the Heavenly Palace. Just as he was about to speak, the frustration in Qingqin¡¯s three heads dissipated after they smelled him.


    The head on the right suddenly sank. After it reached under Xu Qing, it pushed up and gently carried Xu Qing¡¯s body on its head.


    Xu Qing started.


    Ning Yan¡¯s eyes widened so much that they were about to pop out. His mind was filled with monstrous waves of disbelief as he exclaimed out involuntarily.


    ¡°What¡­ the hell¡­¡±


    Ning Yan¡¯s mind was in chaos. He was so stunned that his mind went blank.


    It was as though even his ability to think stopped at this moment.


    The scene in front of him really shocked him too much.


    His origins were mysterious. Hence, when he was at the Ten Guts Tree, he knew most of the things the captain took out and also knew many things that Xu Qing didn¡¯t know. He also understood Qingqin¡¯s ferocity and its relationship with the human race.


    That was why he told Xu Qing that previously. From what he knew, to the extraordinary Qingqin, regardless of whether Fenghai County was controlled by the human race or not, there was actually no difference.


    Even if the Holy Wave Race occupied this place, they wouldn¡¯t rashly make a move against it. Basically, there would be no change to its life.


    Hence, he knew that Qingqin wouldn¡¯t help or fight.


    But now¡­


    He saw that the arrogant Qingqin actually lifted Xu Qing and put him on its head.

 Chapter 668 - 668 This Race Should Be Destroyed

    668 This Race Should Be Destroyed


    The waves surging in Ning Yan¡¯s mind shook his entire body.


    He was aware of how high and mighty Qingqin¡¯s three heads were. Each of its heads had a significant meaning.


    The center head was its life. The left and right also had different meanings. To put Xu Qing on its right head was absolutely impossible in Ning Yan¡¯s understanding.


    This had nothing to do with the cultivation base and was related to Qingqin¡¯s recognition. The only person who was lifted by the center head was its master. Regardless of whether it was the current Qingqin or the ancestor back then, they had never recognized a master.


    As for the left head, only its descendants could appear there. If outsiders stepped on it, it would be a huge insult to it. It would definitely fight them to death.


    As for those who could sit on its right head, it represented that Qingqin recognized them as people of the same level. It was just like a close friend of the human race. Back then, the previous County Governor stood there.


    ¡°Qingqin thinks that Xu Qing is its friend?¡±


    Ning Yan gasped and looked at Xu Qing, who was standing on Qingqin¡¯s right head, as though he was looking at a god.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time he looked at Xu Qing like this. Previously, after knowing that Xu Qing was the so-called Black Heaven Divine Son, huge waves had surged in his mind.


    Now, it was the same.


    He really couldn¡¯t imagine why this was the case. Hence, the first thought in his mind was that Qingqin also believed in the Red Moon and treated Xu Qing as a divine son.


    ¡°But in that case, it shouldn¡¯t be the right head.¡±


    Ning Yan was at a loss.


    Xu Qing was also at a loss. He had already been prepared to threaten Qingqin with the Red Moon. However, the development of the matter exceeded his imagination. Before he could threaten it, Qingqin revealed goodwill.


    At this moment, even though Xu Qing didn¡¯t know the meaning behind Qingqin¡¯s three heads, the other party took the initiative to lift him up. The meaning revealed by this scene was naturally incomparably clear.


    ¡°What is going on¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind was a little chaotic. However, before he could think of a reason, Qingqin let out a roar. As the world rumbled, its huge body rushed out of the clouds.


    The black clouds in the sky completely collapsed. Amidst the lightning that spread out like a pool, Qingqin¡¯s complete body was revealed.


    It had ten thousand feet long heads and a hundred-thousand-foot-long stomach. Its entire body was purple-red, but its wings were very small.


    The feathers on its body gave off a chaotic feeling, but there were astonishing divine fluctuations being emitted by them.


    After rushing out of the clouds, it circled the sky. Wherever it passed, the sky would change color and ear-piercing cries resounded through the sky.


    Xu Qing stood on its right head and looked down at the ground. An unprecedented feeling surfaced in his mind. After that, he took a deep breath and bowed solemnly to the other two heads.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior!¡±


    Looking at all of this, an unbelievable thought suddenly rose in Ning Yan¡¯s mind.


    ¡°The reason why Qingqin appeared here and not in its nest¡­ Is it because of Xu Qing?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that as long as Xu Qing is in the county capital, it will follow him¡­ Haha, how is that possible?¡± Ning Yan was startled by his own thoughts.


    However, shortly after, he felt that this answer perfectly explained everything.


    Otherwise, how could it appear here by chance after Xu Qing called for it, so far away from its nest?


    ¡°They know each other? No, they don¡¯t know each other, but then what is going on!!¡± Ning Yan was completely confused, and Xu Qing also suppressed the various questions in his mind.


    No matter what, now wasn¡¯t the time to think about this. Although he guessed that the Palace Master would definitely have many ways to resolve the urgent situation at the frontline, Xu Qing was clear that he had to complete his mission as soon as possible.


    ¡°Senior Qingqin, please follow me back to the county capital.¡± Xu Qing cupped his fists and spoke.


    Qingqin nodded. Just as it was about to fly out, Xu Qing thought of Ning Yan and hurriedly told it.


    Qingqin glanced sideways and disgust appeared in its eyes. However, it still grabbed Ning Yan with its claws amidst his screams. It then moved forward like lightning.


    This place was clearly very far from the capital city, but as Qingqin moved, the void became blurry and the world distorted. Under the series of lightning explosions, the county was in sight in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.


    This speed was something Xu Qing had never felt before. While he was in shock, Qingqin¡¯s appearance attracted the attention of the county capital city.


    The city¡¯s array formation was activated and the Deputy Governor¡¯s figure appeared in the air. When he looked at Qingqin, his expression changed. When he noticed Xu Qing standing on its right head, he was stunned for a moment before he heaved a long sigh of relief.


    ¡°Xu Qing, this matter concerns the protection of the county capital, so¡­¡± The Deputy Governor didn¡¯t finish his sentence and didn¡¯t ask why Xu Qing was with Qingqin. He knew that everyone had secrets. There was no need to probe too much.


    However, his intentions had also been expressed. He wouldn¡¯t allow Qingqin to enter the city. This was his duty.


    This matter could be understood. Xu Qing nodded. After he respectfully explained to Qingqin, Qingqin let out a cry and flew into the clouds to rest inside. Xu Qing¡¯s figure landed alone. After greeting the Deputy Governor, he headed straight for the Sword Holding Palace.


    When he arrived at the Secretariat Department, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. With Qingqin¡¯s help, he had the combat strength to resolve all obstacles. Hence, the first thing he did after returning was to inquire about the collection of resources from the nonhuman races.


    Very soon, the information was gathered. Qing Qiu, who wasn¡¯t arranged to go to the battlefield and stayed behind in the Sword Holding Palace, personally reported to Xu Qing.


    ¡°There are 57,840 races in Fenghai County. 70% of them responded and 30% didn¡¯t respond.¡±


    ¡°Half of the nonhuman races that gave a response are willing to provide supplies at a fair price.¡±


    ¡°As for the other half, they demanded a high price, about 3 to 10 times the normal price, especially¡­¡±


    At this point, Qing Qiu hesitated for a moment before looking at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Continue.¡±


    ¡°Especially those races that are attached to the Quasi-Immortal Race. They asked for an astronomical price. Take healing pills as an example. They wanted 1,000 spirit stones for pills that cost 20 spirit stones! As for magic artifacts that originally cost hundreds of thousands of spirit stones, they would easily start at 10 million spirit stones.¡±


    ¡°The prices they demanded for offensive magic artifacts are even more ridiculous.¡±


    ¡°As for the Sword Holders sent to the Quasi-Immortal Race, their entry was rejected. The Quasi-Immortal Race told us that they complied with the Palace Master¡¯s request and chose to close their territory, asking us not to disturb them.¡±


    After Qing Qiu finished speaking, she silently stood at the side. She had never hated these nonhuman races so much.


    Hearing Qing Qiu¡¯s report, a cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. His thoughts were actually the same as the Palace Master¡¯s. They didn¡¯t need so many nonhuman races in Fenghai County.


    However, he could understand that the decline of the human race made it difficult for them to act domineeringly like in the past.


    Over the years, the Holy Wave Race didn¡¯t want to see a completely unified Fenghai County. Hence, only this balance could reduce the friction of the war.


    However, from the results, it seemed that some things were inevitable.


    Hence, Xu Qing fell silent for a while before calmly speaking.


    ¡°Provide me with information on the race that offered the most absurd price. Additionally, retrieve all the files related to this race and search for any past offenses they may have committed that were only recorded by the Sword Holding Palace and not dealt any punishment.¡±


    Xu Qing closed his eyes.


    At that moment, the sky outside was pitch-black. It was the moment before dawn.


    The darkness in the outside world invaded the Secretariat Department. Xu Qing, who was sitting there, looked like he had fused into the darkness.


    Looking at Xu Qing, Qing Qiu felt a killing intent brewing on the other party¡¯s body. She lowered her head and agreed. After she left, she immediately gathered everything Xu Qing needed.


    After the time it took for half an incense stick to burn out, when dawn was about to arrive, Qing Qiu returned to the Secretariat Department and handed Xu Qing a jade slip.


    ¡°The Full Spirit Race is located in the mountainous region in the Qiling Province in the northwest of the county capital. This race isn¡¯t large and doesn¡¯t have distinct sects. They reside in a clan and have a total of four branches, which they refer to as the Four Veins.¡±


    ¡°They are good at alchemy and are attached to the Heavenly Sound Family of the Quasi-Immortal Race. They also enjoy certain provisions of the alliance treaty between the Quasi-Immortal Race and the human race. They are exempted from having to pay the annual tributes and have autonomous governance over an area of 50,000-kilometer area around the Qiling Mountains.¡±


    ¡°In the past 800 years, the Four Veins have violated the regulations of the human race a total of 18,931 times. Out of these, more than 1,300 cases were deemed to have violated the first-level regulations and were subjected to compulsory enforcement, while the remaining cases were left unresolved.¡±


    ¡°In addition, relying on their affiliation with the Quasi-Immortal Race, they didn¡¯t send their Spirit Repository and Nihility experts to the battle.¡± Qing Qiu glanced at Xu Qing and said softly.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He stood up and walked out.


    ¡°Xu Qing, should we report this matter to the Deputy Governor and apply for the county office to send someone to ask them to cooperate?¡± Qing Qiu recalled the scenes at the Ten Guts Tree and couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    The moment he stepped out of the Secretariat Department, the sun rose in the sky. Boundless light was rapidly dispelling the night.


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle this matter.¡±


    Under the sunlight, Xu Qing was expressionless. His cold voice rang out as he leaped up.


    The sky rumbled and a pressure descended. As the hearts of countless people in the county trembled, the majestic body of Qingqin appeared in the sky.


    It blotted out the sky.


    The huge shadow covered the sun. When it enveloped the county capital, Xu Qing stood on its right head. He squatted down and lifted his right hand to gently stroke its purple-red skin as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Senior, if you¡¯re free, how about we make a trip to the Qiling Mountains and exterminate a race?¡±


    ¡°Gah!¡±


    When Qingqin heard Xu Qing¡¯s words, it seemed to be a little excited. It lifted its three heads at the same time and roared at the sky.


    Its voice pierced through the sky, shaking the clouds and shocking the world!


    Its wings that didn¡¯t have many feathers flapped fiercely, stirring up a huge storm that spread wildly.


    Its huge body headed northwest.


    Its speed was so fast that it caused a sharp sound of air being torn apart. In the blink of an eye, it disappeared.

 Chapter 669 - 669 Dark Clouds Suppress the Immortal, Immortals Shock and Anger (1)

    669 Dark Clouds Suppress the Immortal, Immortal¡¯s Shock and Anger (1)


    There were four provinces in the northwestern part of the county capital.


    The extreme west was the Linlan province, which was where the current western battlefield was located. The snowy plains in the north was the Taihe province, which was the northern battlefield.


    In the gap between these two provinces, there was a province called the Yutian province.


    Due to the constant melting and nourishment from the snow plains in the far north, the terrain of the Yutian Province remains moist. Additionally, there are volcanic remnants underground, which lead to the continuous rise of mist and rain into the sky, resulting in abundant rainfall. That is how the province earned its name[1].


    The fourth province was near Yutian Province. It was called Qiling Province.


    This name came from a famous mountainous region in this province.


    Mountainous regions and mountain ranges were different.


    The latter was a series of connected mountain peaks and ridges that extended endlessly like meridians with obvious folds.


    Mountainous regions didn¡¯t have obvious folds and were mostly distributed in some volcanic zones. It resembled a massive complex formed by countless independent peaks and the land itself.


    The Full Spirit Race lived in this 50,000-kilometer-wide mountain region.


    The members of this race were all tall with an average height of 50 feet. Their cultivation method leaned toward the physical body, especially after they attached themselves to the Quasi-Immortal Race. Following the traditions of the Wanggu Continent, they were bestowed with the bloodline of the Quasi-Immortal Race, causing their race to change and grow wings.


    However, because they had a huge body, the wings weren¡¯t able to provide them with flying ability. It was more like a symbol.


    The reason why the Quasi-Immortal Race valued them so much was because the Full Spirit Race had exceptional skills in weapon forging and alchemy.


    There were countless forging and alchemy workshops in the Qiling Mountains. Some were run by individual clansmen, and some were jointly created by many people.


    There were at least hundreds of thousands of them.


    The clanking sounds and the medicinal fragrance emitted by alchemy existed all year round in this mountainous region. Earth fire was continuously drawn out from various areas, so the climate of this mountainous region was mainly hot.


    It could be said that at every second, a large number of medicinal pills and magic artifacts would be made by them and flowed into the market.


    There were also restricted areas where they dried medicinal materials. There were so many of them that it was astonishing.


    With the earth fire and their innate talents, the medicinal pills and magic artifacts that came from this race were often considered good-grade on the market and were quite expensive.


    However, no matter how high the price was, it was impossible for a pill that usually cost 20 spirit stones to be priced at 1,000 spirit stones.


    If it was before the war, it would be impossible for such a ridiculous thing to happen. Not to mention buying them, even if the Sword Holding Palace wanted them, they only needed to send a decree.


    Even though they were attached to the Quasi-Immortal Race, the Full Spirit Race knew the path of balance very well. They wouldn¡¯t offend the human race over such a small matter. Even now, they had their own reasons behind increasing the price so much.


    ¡°This high price is to express our standpoint to the Quasi-Immortal Race!¡±


    ¡°During this war, there¡¯s a high chance that this enclave of the human race won¡¯t be able to survive.¡±


    The leaders of the Four Veins wore luxurious clothes and carried many luxurious decorative magic artifacts.


    As for the temple they were in, there were two statues enshrined in it, one in front and one behind. The statue in front looked similar to them, and the one at the back was an immortal in the sky.


    It was the ancestor of the Quasi-Immortal Race.


    In front of these two statues was almost 10,000 precious spirit fruits and top-grade medicinal pills, emitting dense spirit qi fluctuations.


    This was their respect for these enshrined ancestral statues.


    These spirit fruits or medicinal pills were resources that were urgently needed on the frontline battlefield.


    Up until now, there were many casualties in this war to defend Fenghai County.


    It would be an exaggeration to say that one of these medicinal pills and spirit fruits could save a life. However, ten of them would be enough to save one.


    However, none of these four leaders cared about the life and death of the human race on the battlefield. From their standpoint, they only cared about the impact of the future situation on their race.


    ¡°However, we still have to give face to Marquis Yao. After all, in the past few hundred years, Marquis Yao has provided us with a lot of convenience. In order to build an image that we repay the gratitude shown to us, we still have to give some medicinal pills.¡±


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll first sell a large portion for a high price to express our stand to the Quasi-Immortal Race. Then, we¡¯ll give a small portion to establish our image. In the end, we¡¯ll sell a small portion at a fair price to represent our stance.¡±


    ¡°This is actually the thought of all the clansmen. Before I came here, I asked our clansmen and all of them agreed that we should sell the pills at a high price at this time. After all¡­ the human race is rich.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the same for my branch. Many clansmen even proposed to clear the warehouse of those shoddy medicinal pills that were originally going to be thrown out. However, this can easily cause trouble. What a pity.¡±


    ¡°Since everyone has the same thoughts, let¡¯s do it the old way. One branch will support the human race, one branch will repay the debt of gratitude, one branch will observe and remain silent while secretly contacting the Holy Wave Race to express goodwill, and one branch will continue to express its standpoint to the Quasi-Immortal Race!¡±


    ¡°In order to make this matter look more real, we will argue for a few days and put on an act¡­¡±


    The four leaders smiled at each other and stood up one after another. Just as they were about to end this secret meeting, a terrifying pressure that shocked everyone and even caused their hearts to skip a beat suddenly descended from the sky.


    [1] Yutian(ÓêÌï) means rainy fields.

 Chapter 670 - 670 Dark Clouds Suppress the Immortal, Immortals Shock and Anger (2)

    670 Dark Clouds Suppress the Immortal, Immortal¡¯s Shock and Anger (2)


    The instant the expressions of the four leaders changed, the earth quaked and the mountains shook. An explosive sound erupted throughout the Qiling Mountains.


    The sky above the ancestral mountain where the temple was located was filled with a purple-red light. A three-headed strange bird that was over 100,000 feet long rushed out of the clouds and grabbed the temple on the mountaintop with its two huge claws.


    It ignored the defense of the mountain, the restrictions around the temple, and everything else. Amidst a huge boom, the entire temple and the statues inside shattered into pieces.


    The massive bird¡¯s claws firmly grasped onto the mountain, and with a powerful flap of its wings, the ancestral mountain of the Full Spirit Race was lifted from the ground.


    As boulders rolled down, dust rose up, and countless trees and beasts fell, the ancestral mountain tilted and rose into the air.


    All the members of the Full Spirit Race who noticed this scene were dumbfounded and couldn¡¯t react at all.


    This was especially when they saw the figure standing on one of the strange bird¡¯s heads. At this moment, the figure was extremely eye-catching.


    He wore a white Sword Holder Daoist robe, had long hair that looked like black and purple, and an extremely handsome but frosty face.


    Qingqin rose into the air. Under a cry that resounded through the clouds, it clenched its claws. Immediately, countless cracks appeared on the ancestral mountain and rapidly spread. The mountain shattered into pieces in the air.


    The four leaders of the Full Spirit Race spat out mouthfuls of blood. Their expressions were filled with shock and anger after barely managing to escape.


    Looking at the collapsed ancestral mountain, the terrifying bird, and Xu Qing on it, waves of heart-wrenching shouts rang out crazily.


    ¡°Qingqin!?¡±


    ¡°Sword Holder!!¡±


    ¡°Senior Qingqin, what¡¯s the meaning of destroying my race¡¯s ancestral mountain temple!!¡±


    The cultivation levels of these leaders were all at Spirit Repository. However, they didn¡¯t completely form a secret repository but were in the nurturing stage of the first secret repository.


    It was extremely slow and difficult to nurture a secret repository. Hence, most of the Spirit Repository cultivators were actually at the nourishing stage. Only by forming the embryonic form of a world in the secret repository and possessing the Heavenly Dao could it be considered a complete secret repository.


    However, even at the nourishing stage, their cultivation was enough to suppress all Nascent Soul cultivators.


    As the four of them shouted, dozens of Sword Peaks in the distance shook at the same time. The lakes on the two sides of a mountain churned with massive waves.


    The lake water swept up and gathered in one direction and formed a pair of eyes.


    It stared solemnly at Qingqin.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Qingqin, why are you here?!¡±


    After these huge eyes opened, a voice that was like a deep bell chime rang out from the ground. Immediately after, a huge figure over 80,000 feet tall slowly stood up from the ground.


    The head looked even more sharper.


    This being was none other than the only Nihility ancestor in the Full Spirit Race.


    Dao marks circulated in its eyes and countless figures overlapped outside its body. There were also some small worlds that seemed to be about to form but couldn¡¯t really appear. It was the phenomenon of the perfected second stage of Nihility, half a step into the third stage.


    At that moment, it looked calm but was extremely wary.


    ¡°Gah!¡± In the air, Qingqin let out a disdainful voice. Xu Qing, who was standing on the top of its right head, coldly looked at all of this and spoke solemnly.


    ¡°In the past 800 years, the Full Spirit Race has violated the human race¡¯s rules 18,931 times and hasn¡¯t been punished for them.¡±


    ¡°In this wartime, you didn¡¯t comply with my Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master¡¯s decree that the Spirit Repository and Nihility cultivators must participate in the war.¡±


    ¡°I have come here today to deliver the retribution for all the crimes you have committed over the past 800 years!¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing¡¯s voice rang out, the entire Qiling Mountains was in an uproar. Hundreds of thousands of clansmen walked out from all directions and glared angrily at the giant bird in the sky.


    The ground was filled with giants, and they emitted astonishing qi and blood power.


    ¡°Our race¡¯s affiliation with the Quasi-Immortal Race isn¡¯t a violation of the alliance with the human race, but now, a Sword Holder came and destroyed our mountain. You want to break the alliance?!¡± For the first time, the huge figure on the ground looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Are you going to cause an internal strife at this critical moment?¡±


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He turned and bowed to the center head of Qingqin.


    ¡°Senior Qingqin, please destroy this race.¡±


    Qingqin¡¯s eyes lit up and its body shook with excitement. It had been a long time since it exterminated a race. Many times, when it woke up, it would sigh with emotion. It felt that as a great ferocious beast, if it didn¡¯t exterminate races, it wouldn¡¯t be worthy of its bloodline.


    Furthermore, it had not consumed living beings for a long time, spending its days swallowing the wind and clouds.


    However, it still chose to restrain itself previously. After all, the human race in Fenghai County was maintaining the overall situation. Although it didn¡¯t feel anything, it couldn¡¯t be bothered to destroy it.


    Moreover, its big brother in the Nanhuang Continent, whom it respected the most, also warned it to restrain its ferocity and not kill the various races, especially the human race, lest it walked the path of its ancestors.


    Making friends was the way of longevity.


    However, since its big brother¡¯s friend, who its big brother asked to take care of, made such a request, and he was even a Sword Holder, it felt that there was no reason for it to reject such a good thing.


    As for why this human and its big brother were brothers, this had nothing to do with it. It only knew that it could never repay its big brother¡¯s kindness in this life. Hence, it definitely had to fulfill its big brother¡¯s request.

 Chapter 671 - 671 Dark Clouds Suppress the Immortal, Immortals Shock and Anger (3)

    671 Dark Clouds Suppress the Immortal, Immortal¡¯s Shock and Anger (3)


    After an excited cry, Qingqin¡¯s entire body emitted monstrous ferocity and it swooped down.


    ¡°Wait!!¡± The Full Spirit Ancestor felt a sudden jolt in his mind and quickly shouted.


    However, it was useless.


    Qingqin¡¯s speed was so fast that it instantly landed from the sky.


    The ground rumbled and quaked intensely. Countless mountains either shook violently or shattered when the 100,000-foot-long body landed.


    The storm caused by Qingqin spread in all directions, and the aura of a perfected third stage Nihility cultivator erupted.


    The members of the Full Spirit Race in the surrounding 5,000 kilometers didn¡¯t even have the right to resist as they directly exploded.


    When one looked down from the sky, they could see that this pervasiveness formed waves of blood that dyed everything red. As Qingqin excitedly inhaled, the endless river of flesh and blood instantly flowed back into its three heads.


    Like it was eating porridge, it only chewed a few times before swallowing it.


    The four leaders felt as though their scalps were about to explode. All of them were heavily injured in this storm.


    Two of them were more heavily injured and were too slow in escaping. Their vision blurred and a huge beak appeared in front of each of them. They were swallowed in one bite.


    They screamed in despair, but after a crunching sound, their voices stopped abruptly.


    It was as though to Qingqin, these two were like peanuts and tasted a little better than porridge.


    This scene filled the Full Spirit Race members with extreme terror. The two surviving leaders, who were fortunate enough to escape death, turned pale and were overwhelmed by shock and fear. They desperately fled for their lives.


    The eyes of the Full Spirit Ancestor revealed shock and anger. He roared and his 80,000-foot-long body strode toward Qingqin, wanting to stop it.


    After consuming blood, Qingqin was clearly even more excited. Its eyes turned blood red, and the messy feathers on its body also quivered, stirring up a violent wind. Its three large mouths opened at the same time and let out excited cries.


    Ga ga ga ga!


    It didn¡¯t bother with the charging Full Spirit Ancestor and evaded him, clawing the mountain peaks rapidly.tain peak.


    The mountains collapsed and were mixed together with the ground by Qingqin¡¯s feet.


    Following Qingqin¡¯s movements, Xu Qing immediately stepped back from the head and stood on its body.


    This was because Qingqin¡¯s three heads were moving rapidly. They pecked at the ground like a rooster devouring its food, swiftly striking down one wailing member of the Full Spirit Race after another.


    To Qingqin, these were all food.


    However, as soon as he spoke, Qingqin immediately emitted ferocious intent. All the feathers on its body stood up. It was as though Xu Qing¡¯s words made it instinctively feel protective of its food.


    However, it quickly restrained itself. It recalled that after it met the big brother of the Nanhuang Continent back then, it had been reminded many times by the other party that it couldn¡¯t monopolize the food. Hence, it let out a cry and threw a dying Golden Core Full Spirit Race member to Xu Qing.


    It was worried that Xu Qing would ask for the high Golden Core and Nascent Soul cultivators as well, so it swallowed them all in one bite.


    Xu Qing¡¯s right hand entered the body of the Full Spirit Race member and pulled out the Heavenly Palaces to absorb.


    He could tell that Qingqin wasn¡¯t willing to share¡­


    Facing such an existence, he could only discuss with it. It was impossible for him to control it. However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to control it either. At that moment, he sat down cross-legged and let Qingqin devour crazily.


    However, very soon, the Full Spirit Ancestor caught up and punched Qingqin while roaring furiously.


    He knew the difference between him and the other party. At the same time that he attacked, the entire Qiling Mountains shook. One spell after another rose into the air and gathered to form a 100,000-foot-long hammer.


    This was their race¡¯s Taboo. It erupted with full strength and smashed fiercely at Qingqin.


    A ferocious glint appeared in Qingqin¡¯s eyes. It lifted its right head and used the top of its head to ruthlessly knock the falling hammer.


    With a boom, the 100,000-foot-long hammer formed by the Taboo magic treasure was forced back. As for Qingqin, its right head swayed a few times but it was unscathed.


    However, this hit seemed to have stimulated its ferocity. Its eyes revealed bloodthirst and madness as it let out an ear-piercing sound. Its neck rapidly extended and caught up to the hammer, pecking at it crazily.


    The head on the left also moved and attacked the Full Spirit Ancestor.


    The rumbling sound was deafening. The huge body of the Full Spirit Ancestor couldn¡¯t withstand Qingqin¡¯s head slam and spat out blood as he staggered back.


    However, the left head was clearly becoming berserk. It chased after him, colliding, biting, or spitting out countless terrifying divine abilities.


    The battle between the two affected the surrounding space, causing countless distortions and blurs in the world.


    This was a phenomenon that was close to a god¡¯s domain.


    It was using its Heavenly Dao to replace the state of the external Heavenly Dao.


    Only the head in the center ignored everything. Its eyes revealed greed and its neck extended as it devoured the Full Spirit Race members who were fleeing in all directions and ate one mouthful at a time. The rows of feathers on its body rapidly flapped as it consumed its prey.

 Chapter 672 - 672 Dark Clouds Suppress the Immortal, Immortals Shock and Anger (4)

    672 Dark Clouds Suppress the Immortal, Immortal¡¯s Shock and Anger (4)


    Xu Qing looked at all of this. He wasn¡¯t a saint, so he naturally wouldn¡¯t pity the Full Spirit Race. However, looking at Qingqin¡¯s rampage, he had a deeper understanding of the meaning of the ferocious bird.


    He could sense that the more Qingqin swallowed, the crazier it became. Its ferocity was even about to suppress its rationality.


    As the ground cracked and spells rose, a huge pill furnace that covered the entire Qiling Mountains appeared in a blur.


    This was also a Taboo magic treasure of the Full Spirit Race. It was transformed from a dead Nihility of their race.


    This pill furnace was extremely vast. Volcanoes erupted everywhere under the earth vein, forming heat for it. Everything in the surrounding 50,000-kilometer range was being refined by the pill furnace.


    Disdain appeared in the eyes of Qingqin¡¯s center head. Its body shook and emitted a purple-red light.


    The light avoided Xu Qing and gathered above him. As Qingqin¡¯s center head emitted an ear-piercing cry that resounded through the clouds, the purple-red light instantly swept outwards.


    When the purple-red light touched them, the mountain corroded and the members of the Full Spirit Race would immediately age. It was as though all their vitality had been sucked away. The huge pill furnace also shook intensely.


    Seeing that the pill furnace had actually withstood its natal divine light, Qingqin was a little angry and used the purple-red light again.


    The pill furnace couldn¡¯t withstand it anymore and turned purple-red before exploding. Even the hammer in the sky shattered. The ancestor of the Full Spirit Race let out a cry of despair.


    ¡°This is the natal divine light that only divine birds possess. Your bloodline actually atavized to the point of forming the divine light!¡±


    Qingqin¡¯s eyes were filled with ferocity, as though the appearance of the divine light had caused its rationality to decrease once again. In fact, even Xu Qing was feeling danger. He immediately materialized his Golden Crow.


    At the same time, the Morning Glow Heavenly Palace in his body shone, forming a multicolored light that enveloped the Golden Crow and him before spreading outwards.


    Although it was insignificant compared to Qingqin¡¯s divine light, it looked extremely similar.


    As the rainbow-colored light spread out, Qingqin¡¯s center head suddenly looked at Xu Qing. Its eyes revealed surprise and friendliness. Its rationality also returned a little because of this familiarity.


    ¡°Gah!¡±


    Qingqin emitted a resounding cry of delight. Its feathers stood on end, forming a protective barrier around Xu Qing. The three heads exuded a renewed sense of ferocity as they locked their gaze onto the ancestor of the Full Spirit Race.


    It looked like it had eaten the snacks and was about to eat the main meal.


    However, at this moment, Qingqin¡¯s three heads suddenly looked at the sky. The ancestor of the Full Spirit Race also rapidly retreated. His expression revealed excitement as he bowed to the sky.


    The sky rumbled as a huge gap opened in it. From this gap, three huge figures descended.


    These three figures each formed a 100,000-foot-long projection behind them. There were two men and one woman. They wore white robes and were completely snow-white. Their brows and hair were white and they had white wings on their backs.


    As for their appearances, they were all peerlessly beautiful.


    It was the Quasi-Immortal Race.


    Moreover, their aura wasn¡¯t inferior to Qingqin¡¯s.


    After descending, the woman in the middle coldly looked at Qingqin and spoke.


    ¡°Qingqin, why did you devour our subordinate race!¡±


    After Qingqin¡¯s ferocious gaze swept past the three of them, the wings on its back spread open, revealing Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing walked out expressionlessly and walked along Qingqin¡¯s neck to its right head. He then looked at the sky.


    At that moment, he was enveloped by Qingqin¡¯s divine light, isolating him from the pressure from the sky.


    His appearance should have attracted the attention of everyone but the three people in the sky didn¡¯t even glance at him. It was as though in their eyes, an ant like Xu Qing wasn¡¯t worthy of their attention.


    ¡°Qingqin, we won¡¯t pursue this matter. You¡¯ve also finished eating. Leave immediately.¡± The woman looked at the center head of Qingqin and spoke coldly.


    Qingqin¡¯s center head and left head ignored them. At this moment, they were entangled together, poking at each other¡¯s feathers on the neck. However, the right head rose high, attracting attention.


    It looked like it had nothing to do with the other two heads.


    This scene forced the three Quasi-Immortal Race members to glance at Xu Qing. However, they didn¡¯t take him seriously.


    The woman in the center took out a jade slip and transmitted her divine sense.


    ¡°Deputy Governor of Fenghai County, your Human Race¡¯s Sword Holding Palace has invaded our subordinate race and destroyed our 800-year alliance agreement. My Quasi-Immortal Race shall no longer follow your Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master¡¯s request to seal our territory. We will immediately remove the barrier.¡±


    ¡°This matter is the fault of your human race, not our race. Not only do you have to give our race an explanation and hand over the culprit, but your Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master also needs to give our race an explanation!¡±


    As the divine sense of this woman from the Quasi-Immortal Race spread, the color of the world changed. Xu Qing¡¯s voice transmission jade slip also vibrated.


    Xu Qing ignored the jade slip. On the way here, he had already thought of everything. He calmly spoke.


    ¡°I can give you an explanation.¡±


    ¡°I wonder if we should release the god imprisoned in the Prison Department, will this explanation be enough?¡±


    ¡°The county capital has the protection of the power formed by countless Taboo magic treasures in the entire Fenghai County. It¡¯s not that simple to break it open. Moreover, they are all mortals and tasteless.


    As for your Quasi-Immortal Race¡¯s territory, there are many experts there. I believe they will be even more delicious to the hungry god.¡±


    ¡°Is this explanation enough?¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, the expressions of the three members of the Quasi-Immortal Race in the sky instantly darkened. The cultivator on the left let out a cold snort.


    ¡°How dare you!¡±


    As the berating voice rumbled like thunder, the woman from the Quasi-Immortal Race¡¯s gaze landed on Xu Qing for the first time.


    ¡°Interesting. You actually dare to speak like this with such a low cultivation. Do you know what you¡¯re saying?!¡±


    ¡°Of course I know.¡± A hint of madness appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I also know that the battlefields in the north and west are in dire need of supplies. A large number of people are dying at every moment and the front line is collapsing. The entire Fenghai County is about to collapse. If there are still no supplies, the Holy Wave Race¡¯s army will definitely break through the defense line. Since that¡¯s the case, why wouldn¡¯t I dare?¡±


    ¡°If the front lines fall, the Holy Wave Race will either destroy the human race or enslave us to a fate worse than pigs and dogs. Since we¡¯re going to die either way, why should the Sword Holding Palace still seal any god for the various nonhuman races in Fenghai County? Whether we die at the hands of the Holy Wave Race or the god, it makes no difference.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s the latter, you nonhumans will be buried with us as well. It¡¯s worth it.¡±


    ¡°So, what makes you think I don¡¯t dare?¡± As Xu Qing spoke, he lifted his right hand and a token that shone with golden light appeared in his hand.


    It was the Palace Master¡¯s token.


    This token had been given full authority by the Palace Master.


    Xu Qing held the token and looked at the Quasi-Immortal Race members in the sky as he spoke seriously.


    ¡°Not only do I dare, but I also have the authority to do it.¡±


    ¡°Do you guys¡­ dare?¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, Qingqin shuddered. The two heads that were poking each other¡¯s feathers also quickly lifted their heads and looked proudly at the sky.


    ¡°Gah!¡±

 Chapter 673 - 673 Xu Qings Friendly Negotiation

    673 Xu Qing¡¯s Friendly Negotiation


    Xu Qing¡¯s words reverberated throughout the surroundings.


    His voice was calm, and there was only a hint of madness in his eyes.


    After experiencing so many things and engaging in friendly negotiations on multiple occasions, Xu Qing was already adept at discussing matters in a more amicable manner.


    For example, he had reached an agreement with the Ancient Spirit Emperor and the god¡¯s finger with his gentle discussion. Such successful cases made Xu Qing feel no psychological pressure from the Quasi-Immortal Race before him.


    He was very clear that when discussing business, sincerity was the most effective weapon.


    He had to be sincere in order to move the other party.


    The simpler and more direct, the better the effect.


    Hence, what he said earlier was the truth.


    If Fenghai County was going to fall, then why should the Sword Holding Palace seal the god for the various races?


    Releasing the god regardless of life or death was the most logical action.


    It was logical and the pros and cons were clear. This would allow this friendly negotiation to have the effect it deserved.


    Hence, after Xu Qing finished speaking, the three Quasi-Immortal Race cultivators in the sky had ugly expressions.


    They were all ancestors with extremely high statuses in the Quasi-Immortal Race. However, even they had to admit that once Xu Qing really unsealed the god, then¡­ the Quasi-Immortal Race, who was also in the county capital, would definitely be the first target to be devoured by the god.


    This was because there were indeed too many mortals in the capital city and it was protected by a net formed by many Taboo magic treasures. It was clear to see which choice the god would make¡ªwhether to exert great effort to devour mere snacks or to indulge in a lavish feast with minimal effort.


    Although this would mean that Fenghai County would completely collapse.


    However, the reality now was that if they didn¡¯t have enough supplies, the collapse of the frontline would definitely happen. The outcome would be the same.


    As such, Xu Qing¡¯s question ¡®do you guys dare?¡¯ continued to echo in the minds of the three Quasi-Immortal Race ancestors.


    After a long time, the female Quasi-Immortal Race cultivator spoke.


    ¡°You¡¯re the first human I¡¯ve seen who dares to threaten us with such a cultivation base. Your true goal in coming to the Full Spirit Race first should be to lure us out. Good plan, good scheme.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s naturally better for us if Fenghai County maintains its original state.¡±


    ¡°So, what are your demands?¡±


    ¡°This is a negotiation.¡± Xu Qing seriously corrected her.


    He wasn¡¯t surprised by the other party¡¯s compromise. As long as one was rational, they would deal with such a matter like this. He knew that the matter wasn¡¯t over yet.


    ¡°All the resources needed for the battlefield are to be sold at a reasonable price, and we are allowed to purchase on credit!¡± Xu Qing looked at the three people in the sky and slowly spoke.


    ¡°You have really opened my eyes to what a negotiation is. As for your request¡­ so be it! All the subordinates of our Near Immortal Clan will comply.¡± The Quasi-Immortal woman expressionlessly glanced at Xu Qing.


    ¡°The alliance agreement continues. Since the Palace Master suggested sealing your territory, you shall maintain it.¡± Xu Qing spoke again. This request wasn¡¯t too much. The three Quasi-Immortal Race members pondered for a moment and nodded.


    ¡°However, you have to stop killing the Full Spirit Race!¡±


    In reality, this was also beneficial to them. They didn¡¯t want to participate in the battle. This was also the reason why they had agreed when the Palace Master went to negotiate back then. It was just that now, there were additional concerns about Xu Qing releasing the god.


    However, it didn¡¯t matter. If they were given some time to specially prepare for this, they could still avoid it to a certain extent. It was just that it would take a longer time.


    The discussion was over. As for the details, everything was simple during wartime. They didn¡¯t make a contract and Xu Qing wasn¡¯t worried that the other party would go back on their word.


    The other nonhuman races would probably know very soon that the Quasi-Immortal Race had compromised and more than half of the Full Spirit Race had been wiped out. Naturally, they wouldn¡¯t dare to act rashly.


    Now that the discussion was over, the gap behind the three Quasi-Immortal Race members opened again. The woman suddenly spoke.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it. There was actually no need to hide it. It was too easy for the other party to know. Hence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Zhang Siyun!¡±


    Xu Qing had a cautious personality. Even though it was very easy for the other party to know his information, he didn¡¯t want to say it out loud. This was especially so now that everything was over. It was very easy to be careless when it seemed like everything was going smoothly.


    This was because he wasn¡¯t sure if Nihility cultivators had a way to deal a fatal attack to someone by asking them their name.


    Just as Xu Qing answered, a rumbling sound rang out from the distant sky. A figure sped over from the direction of the capital city. His speed was so fast that it was quite astonishing. In fact, even the sky formed overlapping shadows. In an instant, this person arrived.


    He was the Deputy Governor.


    His expression looked grim and anxious. After he appeared, his gaze swept past the three people from the Quasi-Immortal Race and then toward Xu Qing. Noticing that Xu Qing was fine, his expression softened slightly as he let out a low shout.


    ¡°Zhang Siyun, how dare you? I¡¯ll definitely report this to the Palace Master after this!¡±


    With that, he cupped his fists at the three Quasi-Immortal Race members with an apologetic expression.


    ¡°The three of you, this is a misunderstanding. It is indeed a critical situation on the battlefield, and Zhang Siyun committed this sin out of deep concern. I promise you, once the war is over, I will provide you with a satisfactory explanation for this matter!¡±


    The three Quasi-Immortal Race members snorted coldly.


    ¡°Deputy Governor, your human race has produced a good seedling. He dares to threaten us.¡±


    ¡°Zhang Siyun, hurry up and apologize to the three Quasi-Immortal ancestors!¡± The Deputy Governor berated Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing blinked and hurriedly lowered his head. He then cupped his fists toward the three Quasi-Immortal Race members and spoke sincerely.


    ¡°Junior was anxious about the war zone and has offended you. Please forgive me.¡±


    The three people from the Quasi-Immortal Race no longer spoke. They had different thoughts as they turned and walked toward the gap in the sky.


    However, at this moment, the expression of the woman in the center suddenly changed and she spat out a mouthful of purple blood. She abruptly turned her head and looked at Xu Qing before sweeping her gaze across the Deputy Governor. Her expression was gloomy and her gaze hid a deep meaning.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He could tell that the other party had probably cast some spell but it was obvious that¡­ she had failed.


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s eyes widened in hesitation.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    The woman gritted her teeth and didn¡¯t speak. It wasn¡¯t good for her to explain it. As an ancestor of a race, she tried to attack using the name. It was fine if she succeeded, but she failed¡­


    To her, it had been a casual move. She didn¡¯t care if it succeeded or not. However, what she didn¡¯t expect was that not only did it fail, but it also caused a backlash.


    Moreover, she even felt as though she was gazed at by an existence in the dark.


    Her expression was ugly as she quickly entered the gap and disappeared.


    After they left, the distant Full Spirit Ancestor took a few steps back and looked at everything bitterly. As for the Deputy Governor, he stood in the air and looked at Xu Qing before sighing.


    ¡°You took too big a risk this time.¡±


    ¡°Gah!¡± Qingqin¡¯s three heads locked onto the Deputy Governor. It seemed to be a little dissatisfied with him reprimanding its big brother¡¯s friend like this, especially since this little guy even let it have a full meal. Moreover, this little guy could use divine light like it and its big brother.


    Seeing this, the Deputy Governor smiled bitterly and cupped his fists and bowed to Qingqin.


    Only then did Qingqin retract its gaze.


    ¡°Thank you for coming, Deputy Governor. I¡¯ve caused you trouble.¡± Xu Qing felt apologetic. He knew that he was indeed very crazy this time around. Hence, he cupped his fists and bowed.


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s cooperation earlier also made him feel a little closer.


    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble. It¡¯s all for the sake of Fenghai County. It¡¯s just that next time¡­ you can tell me in advance.¡± The haggardness on the Deputy Governor¡¯s face was clearly more deep than a few days ago.


    ¡°The Palace Master asked you to return and cooperate in this matter. It¡¯s a sign of trust in you and also in me. Let¡¯s go, we¡¯ll return to the county capital together.¡±


    As the Deputy Governor spoke, he waved at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing nodded. Qingqin flapped its wings and rose into the air. It looked at the messy Full Spirit Race territory below with some reluctance.


    At that moment, almost 40% of the Full Spirit Race had died. This was an extremely huge blow to a race, especially since the leaders of two branches had been devoured by Qingqin.


    Xu Qing also swept his gaze over but remained silent. Amidst the silence and bitterness of this race, he left with the reluctant Qingqin.


    On the way back to Fenghai County, Xu Qing sent a voice transmission and ordered the Secretariat Department to let them spread this news to the various races. They would immediately begin the trade of supplies. At the same time, they would arrange for someone to come to the Full Spirit Race to receive the supplies.


    Just like that, after he returned to the Sword Holding Palace, three days passed.


    In these three days, all the nonhuman races in the entire Fenghai County, regardless of their size, were shaken intensely. They had heard about the Full Spirit Race and knew about the compromise made by the Quasi-Immortal Race.


    This matter caused a huge commotion among the various races. At the same time, Xu Qing¡¯s name was naturally investigated. Everything about his past appeared in front of the higher-ups of the various races.


    ¡°His exact background is unknown. We only know that this person entered the Nanhuang Continent¡¯s Seven Blood Eyes when he was young and worked in the Homicide Department. As soon as he took the post, he killed countless criminals. His methods are cruel and he¡¯s good at using poison!¡±


    ¡°While the Seven Blood Eyes was fighting with the Sea Corpse Race, he and his senior brother boldly infiltrated the Sea Corpse Race and stole their ancestral statue¡¯s nose, when they were just at Foundation Building. He also killed the former Dao Child of the Eight Sects Alliance, Saintly Star. He suppressed all the heaven¡¯s chosen of the same generation in the Eight Sects and domineeringly became the new Dao Child of the Eight Sects Alliance!¡±


    ¡°He participated in the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holder Trial and suppressed the Dao Child of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect and a group of outstanding talents of the same province. He secured first place with an unparalleled demeanor. He even manifested 100,000 feet long light in the Heart Inquisition by the Emperor, becoming the first to do so in Fenghai County!¡±


    ¡°After stepping into the county capital, he was appointed as the only edict bearer of the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master. He also became a Pawn of the Prison Department¡¯s Area C!¡±


    ¡°In the early stages of the war, this person cooperated with the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master to handle official matters and established the Secretariat Department. His reputation soared and many people believes him to be a candidate for the next Palace Master position.¡±


    ¡°On Mount Morning Glow, this person was like a divine weapon that descended from the sky, saving Mount Morning Glow from danger. He killed two early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators and caused a mid-stage and late-stage cultivator to choose to retreat. In that battle, he poisoned and killed hundreds of rogue cultivators. His methods were extremely cruel. Anyone who was poisoned would turn into black water and their bodies and souls would be destroyed!¡±


    ¡°This person has a skill to devour other people¡¯s Heavenly Palaces. It can be judged that once he advances to the Nascent Soul realm, he will definitely eat nascent souls. He¡¯s a living demon!¡±


    ¡°From the looks of it, this person cooperated with Qingqin to devour the Full Spirit Race and threatened the three ancestors of the Quasi-Immortal Race. This person¡¯s past experiences have always been crazy!¡±


    All kinds of information continued to spread in Fenghai County. Xu Qing¡¯s name was known by many and his name shook the entire county.


    After Ning Yan found out about this, he couldn¡¯t help but sigh with emotion.


    ¡°You still don¡¯t know that the crazy things this person did included disguising himself as Black Heaven¡¯s Divine Son, destroying the Ten Guts Trees, and becoming the father of the Heavenly Dao. He almost¡­ reached the highest level in the Holy Wave Race.¡±


    Qing Qiu was also in a daze after hearing these rumors. She suddenly realized a problem. Xu Qing was from the Nanhuang Continent.


    She recalled the way the other party looked at her during the trip to the Ten Guts Trees. A guess that she couldn¡¯t believe had just risen in her mind when it was killed by her again.


    ¡°Impossible, this person is extremely detestable. Absolutely impossible!¡±


    Qing Qiu took a deep breath and suppressed the thoughts in her mind. The instant she did so, Xu Qing, who was sitting in front of her, cast a puzzled glance at her.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Why aren¡¯t you continuing to report on the supplies provided by the various races!¡±


    Qing Qiu nodded like she had transformed into a maid back then on the Holy Wave Race¡¯s territory and instinctively continued to report obediently. However, after saying this, she suddenly reacted. She let out a cold snort inwardly and her face under the mask assumed a cold and arrogant expression again.

 Chapter 674 - 674 Body Is Very Honest

    674 Body Is Very Honest


    As news of Xu Qing¡¯s suppression of the Full Spirit Race spread, his reputation soared to new heights. Not only that, but the provision of resources from various clans became noticeably smoother, with no clan daring to demand exorbitant prices anymore.


    After all, the human race hadn¡¯t fallen yet.


    After all, Xu Qing had found the power to exterminate an entire race.


    It was only right for the collection of resources to be smooth.


    ¡°Shuiming Race provided 180,000 Sea Spirit Healing Pills and three war magic artifacts.¡±


    ¡°Listening Ears Race sold 130,000 drops of their blood. This blood contains medicinal properties and can suppress serious injuries for a short period of time. They also provided a war magic artifact.¡±


    ¡°Ghost Lane provided medicinal pills for free and is willing to send malicious ghost troops to the battlefield. Their request is to let them collect the souls of the Holy Wave Race in the battlefield.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also the Full Spirit Race. This race¡­ took the initiative to give out a million excellent-grade medicinal pills. They don¡¯t want a single coin.¡±


    Qing Qiu¡¯s heart was filled with tumultuous emotions. She keenly sensed the apprehension and wariness from the various races in Fenghai County towards what Xu Qing did recently.


    As a Sword Holder, Qing Qiu was very clear about the concept of the Sword Holding Palace.


    This was especially so after Xu Qing arranged for her to be in the Secretariat Department. This allowed her perspective of the overall situation to broaden quite a bit and she obtained a rare experience.


    All of this allowed her to understand that what Xu Qing had done this time was actually what the Palace Master had wanted to do back then.


    However, the timing and difficulty were different. Before the war, they were restrained from all sides. If they tried to do this back then, it would definitely cause a backlash. Moreover, the Holy Wave Race was eying the county covetously, so it would have been unwise to take such measures at that time.


    The situation was equally challenging when the war started. There were multiple factors at play and their delicate balance was crucial. It was like navigating through a maze or a quagmire. If one rashly rushed in, it would disrupt the overall situation and could lead to disastrous consequences in the war.


    Only in this situation where the frontline was in a tense situation and the experts of most races were conscripted could they truly cut through all the shackles and be swift and decisive.


    Of course, the prerequisite was that one had to have the strength to crush everything and negotiate on equal terms with the powerful races.


    ¡®This kind of game of standing on the shoulders of giants looks simple but the requirements for the person executing it is very high. Not only do they have to be tough and determined, but they also have to be ruthless and bold. They also have to be crazy enough but without losing their rationality. They have to cleverly give others a way out. Using offense as defense, retreating to advance¡­¡¯


    Qing Qiu glanced at Xu Qing. Even though she hated him, admiration for him still rose in her heart.


    ¡®An ordinary person won¡¯t be able to achieve all these factors. If it were me¡­ I might possess determination, ruthlessness, and madness, but when it comes to how to exercise discretion, make calm judgments, and engage in rational negotiation, I am not as competent as him.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what Qing Qiu was thinking. He slowly replied after some thought.


    ¡°The medicinal pills given by the Full Spirit Race are not enough. What I saw in their race was definitely not this little. Ask them to provide more, but we should not excessively exploit them. It¡¯s not the right time for that. So, for the rest, we will buy them.¡±


    ¡°As for Ghost Lane¡¯s request¡­ I can agree with it in principle, but inform them that it needs to be confirmed with the Palace Master. Ask them to send the malicious ghost troops to the battlefield first and communicate with the Palace Master.¡±


    ¡°All the supplies must arrive here within three days. We will send them to the battlefield all at once.¡±


    Qing Qiu nodded in agreement. Just as she was about to leave, Ning Yan arrived outside the Secretariat Department.


    ¡°Reporting to the edict bearer!¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Ning Yan. Facing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, Ning Yan instinctively shuddered. He stood up straight and spoke loudly.


    ¡°The Wood Spirit Race¡¯s envoys have come to visit and request to see the Lord.¡±


    Almost at the same time that Ning Yan spoke, Xu Qing¡¯s voice transmission jade slip vibrated. Xu Qing scanned it with his divine consciousness. The old man¡¯s voice echoed in his mind.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I have brought the second batch of the Wood Spirit Race to participate in the battle of the human race!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. He immediately stood up and walked out to personally welcome them.


    The Wood Spirit Race was an ally of the human race. Previously, when the Palace Master was recruiting, they had sent a batch of clansmen to the northern battlefield with the alliance army organized by Marquis Yao.


    This wasn¡¯t a large race to begin with, but they were actually sending out a second wave of reinforcements. This was the first time any race had done this in this war.


    Very soon, outside the Sword Holding Palace, Xu Qing saw the old man from Panquan Road standing there and the thousands of Wood Spirit Race members floating in the air behind him.


    Their tree-like figures were very bulky and emitted an extraordinary aura. Clearly, they were all elites.


    Beside the old man from Panquan Road stood an elderly.


    This old man was also a treant. His face was ancient and revealed wisdom. There were also extraordinary fluctuations emitting from his body. His eyes had a thousand dao threads, showing that he was at the first stage of Nihility.


    ¡°Xu Qing, this is the great elder of the Wood Spirit Race.¡± When the old man from Panquan Road saw Xu Qing, he hurriedly introduced.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze froze before quickly cupping his fists and bowing.


    ¡°Greetings, elder. Thank you for your support!¡±


    ¡°Edict Bearer Xu, there¡¯s no need to be so polite. You¡¯re a Spirit Venerable of my race to begin with. In terms of status, you¡¯re on par with our clan leader. Moreover, the human race has protected my race for many years. My Wood Spirit Race naturally has to repay the kindness.¡±


    ¡°Previously, I was in closed-door cultivation and was about to break through. I owe it to the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master for allowing me to be exempted from fighting. Now that I¡¯ve completed my breakthrough, how can I stay back?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what the Spirit Venerable meant but he guessed that it must be related to Ling¡¯er. Hence, he bowed again and immediately ordered someone to help them settle down. He arranged for them to escort the supplies of the various races to the western war zone in three days and deliver them to the Palace Master.


    The Wood Spirit Race was gentle by nature and this Great Elder didn¡¯t underestimate Xu Qing because of his cultivation. On one hand, it was because of Ling¡¯er and on the other hand, it was because of Xu Qing¡¯s current identity in the Sword Holding Palace.


    More importantly, he was aware that he could only befriend this young man in front of him and not offend him.


    On the way here, he had also heard about the Full Spirit Race and knew about Xu Qing¡¯s negotiations with the Quasi-Immortal Race. Hence, he could see very clearly that Xu Qing was the one who had resolved the matter of the supplies required for the front lines.


    This in itself was a huge battle merit.


    If Xu Qing resolved the issue of military reinforcements, then after the two merits were stacked, the effect would be so great that it could allow him to have astonishing authority in the Sword Holding Palace in Fenghai County.


    The prerequisite was that the human race won the war.


    The two waves of support from the Wood Spirit Race had exhausted the entire race. This matter was a gamble. They were betting that the human race would win this battle and that Fenghai County would still be in the hands of the human race in the future.


    If the bet was successful, it could protect the Wood Spirit Race for the next thousand years.


    With their connection to Xu Qing, their status might even rise up by a level.


    Hence, the Wood Spirit Race¡¯s great elder didn¡¯t have any objections to Xu Qing¡¯s arrangements. He knew that the Holy Spirit Protector still had something to discuss with the Spirit Venerable, so he bade farewell and left.


    After he left, the old man from Panquan Road sized up Xu Qing a few times. His expression revealed satisfaction but he didn¡¯t seem to want to reveal his true thoughts. He quickly restrained his satisfaction and coughed.


    ¡°Although the Wood Spirit Race came here because they wanted to gamble, Ling¡¯er¡¯s contribution is very great in this!¡±


    ¡°Ling¡¯er is still in seclusion?¡± Xu Qing nodded. He took out a jade slip and instructed people to host the Wood Spirit Race, and also checked the resources sent by the various races.


    ¡°There¡¯s still some time. To Ling¡¯er, the good fortune this time will take a long time to digest.¡± After the old man finished speaking, he didn¡¯t know what to say. Xu Qing wasn¡¯t good at chatting with others and kept dealing with official business.


    A long time later, the old man coughed.


    ¡°Um, don¡¯t you have anything else to ask?¡±


    Xu Qing was surprised and glanced at the old man.


    ¡°For example, Ling¡¯er¡¯s past, what the good fortune she obtained can change, whether she occasionally woke up during this period of time, aren¡¯t you going to ask!!¡± The old man was a little dissatisfied.


    Xu Qing frowned.


    ¡°Why would I ask you about these things? I¡¯ll just ask Ling¡¯er.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± The old man opened his mouth and wanted to refute, but on careful thought, that did seem to be the case. However, he still felt stifled.


    After Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over, he sensed the other party¡¯s emotions.


    He was very familiar with such things. The captain was always like this. He looked into the old man¡¯s eyes and spoke seriously.


    ¡°I actually can¡¯t trust the Wood Spirit Race completely. The transportation of supplies is very important. I hope that Senior will pay more attention and ensure that there¡¯s nothing wrong. Right now, in the capital, the only person I can trust is Senior.¡±


    When the old man heard this, he was instantly satisfied. He laughed and spoke proudly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. When the supplies arrive later, I¡¯ll personally activate my innate art and seal them heavily. I¡¯ll also do my best to keep an eye on them on the way and make sure nothing goes wrong.¡±


    Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed deeply.


    Seeing Xu Qing like this, the old man was incomparably happy. He felt that this brat Xu knew how to respect him and wasn¡¯t that hateful anymore.


    Three days passed.


    The supplies from the nonhuman races arrived as scheduled. Finally, under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the Wood Spirit Race, the old man, and the others escorted the supplies to the western battlefield.


    Although there were teleportation arrays on the way, teleportation couldn¡¯t be used in some areas for various reasons. The overall time needed to reach the western battlefront was about five to six days.


    After sending off the Wood Spirit Race, Xu Qing stood on the stone slab at the edge of the Sword Holding Palace and looked at the sky.


    Behind him were Ning Yan, Qing Qiu, and a group of Sword Holders from the Secretariat Department. They looked at Xu Qing with deep respect in their eyes.


    This was especially so for Qing Qiu. All kinds of emotions rose in her heart as she tried to suppress her respect for Xu Qing. The scythe on her shoulder sighed faintly in her mind.


    ¡®Ah Qiu, stop resisting¡­ I can already sense the conflict in your heart. What¡¯s there to be unconvinced about? Isn¡¯t it a very normal choice to lower your head to the great and handsome Edict Bearer Xu?¡¯


    ¡®Shut up. Ever since you were caught and knew that there was an artifact spirit beside Xu Qing, you started to speak like this. It¡¯s disgusting!¡¯


    ¡®In the past, you kept on saying you wanted to perish together with the enemy, so why not just die already!¡¯ Qing Qiu snorted coldly in her mind.


    ¡®How can a disgusting person like you understand what I¡¯m thinking? I, Qing Qiu, will never be like you, easily bowing down to others!¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s the same with Xu Qing!¡¯


    Xu Qing naturally didn¡¯t know what Qing Qiu was thinking.


    At that moment, it was early in the morning. A refreshing wind blew over, lifting Xu Qing¡¯s long hair. He looked at the sky and earth for a long time, his eyes filled with contemplation.


    During this period of time, he had been thinking about a question.


    How to provide troops for the battlefield.


    Just a few thousand people from the Wood Spirit Race wasn¡¯t enough for the front lines.


    This was a protracted battle. Facing the Holy Wave Large Region that surpassed Fenghai County by a lot, even with the resistance of the entire county¡¯s Taboo magic treasures, casualties still appeared at every moment.


    Supplies could only slightly improve the tense situation at the front lines. However, if they wanted to continue the war, the demand for troops would continue to increase.


    A long time later, Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Qing Qiu.¡±


    ¡°Ah, here!¡± Qing Qiu was mentally reprimanding the scythe. Her heart was filled with pride, but when she heard Xu Qing¡¯s voice, her body couldn¡¯t help but tremble. She hurriedly took a step forward and stood upright.


    ¡°Organize all the information on the Quzhao Prefecture¡¯s Cloth Forbidden and the Yinghuang Prefecture¡¯s Corpse Forbidden for me in fifteen minutes.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm as he looked in the direction of the Yinghuang Prefecture.


    ¡°I will follow the order! I guarantee that it will be brought to you in fifteen minutes!!¡± Qing Qiu puffed out her chest and instinctively spoke loudly. Her voice was filled with passion, just like when she had faced the Palace Master before.


    ¡®Who was it who said that she won¡¯t submit?¡¯ The scythe¡¯s sarcastic tone reverberated in Qing Qiu¡¯s mind.


    ¡®Shut up. I¡¯m feigning civility. I¡¯m doing this for the sake of the war!¡¯ Qing Qiu reacted and immediately scolded.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going?¡± Xu Qing glanced over when he saw that Qing Qiu was still standing there.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Qingqin¡¯s posture was upright. She instinctively spoke loudly again and quickly left.

 Chapter 675 - 675 Im Back! (1)

    675 I¡¯m Back! (1)


    Qing Qiu worked extremely hard to organize all the information about Quzhao Province and Yinghuang Province for Xu Qing. She even considerately divided them into two jade slips.


    She then brought them to Xu Qing, who was resting in the Secretariat Department.


    She wasn¡¯t doing this job alone. There were other Sword Holders who helped her. After confirming that there were no mistakes, she had to add her mark.


    This was a measure set in place to prevent any loopholes and establish accountability.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and took the jade slips.


    It was impossible to obtain a source of troops from those nonhuman races right now. Hence, Xu Qing could only think of two places, which were Quzhao Province and Yinghuang Province.


    Due to the eruption of the Cloth Forbidden and Corpse Forbidden, these two provinces were ordered by the Palace Master to stay back and suppress the two forbidden regions. They couldn¡¯t allow the two forbidden regions to cause chaos during war.


    There were a total of 13 provinces in Fenghai County.


    If the power of these two provinces could be released, it would be equivalent to providing nearly 20% of the front line¡¯s strength.


    To the front lines, this was an extremely huge amount of military assistance.


    However, this matter was too difficult. Even though Xu Qing could ask Qingqin to take action, it was still quite difficult to resolve this situation.


    He began to study the information about these two provinces.


    ¡°The calamity of the Cloth Forbidden has basically been suppressed, but this is the most critical moment. Right now, under the coordination of the Sword Holding Court, the entire Quzhao Province is doing its best to put the final seal. In order to prevent the Cloth Forbidden from counterattacking, we can¡¯t take out any forces. It will take another month.¡±


    Xu Qing frowned and sighed inwardly.


    A month was too long. Looking at the way the war was progressing, it would be too late by then.


    However, if they didn¡¯t seal the forbidden region, the province would first be thrown into chaos. All the human sects in the province would have their foundations destroyed and countless humans would mutate and become food for the forbidden region.


    If it spread, the interior of Fenghai County would definitely be in more chaos.


    Moreover, most of the nonhuman races in these two provinces were also participating in the sealing. After all, their situation was different from the other provinces. The danger at their doorstep forced the nonhuman races in these two provinces to make a move.


    Hence, it was very difficult for Xu Qing to issue this decree.


    The situation was worse in the Yinghuang Province. Even though most of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s forces including more than 90 races on the Forbidden Sea worked together to resist the Corpse Forbidden eruption, they could only barely suppress the chaos.


    Right now, they were in a stalemate.


    Xu Qing carefully read the information in the jade slip. After a long time, when he was reviewing the information about the Yinghuang Province, his eyes suddenly narrowed. He noticed that there was a piece of information recorded in the Sword Holding Court¡¯s routine reports.


    ¡°However, after communication, these two large factions have agreed not to take half a step out of their territories during this period of time.¡±


    ¡°The three souls of the Suppression Mountain and the seven spirits of the Ghost Emperor Mountain were all transformed from the Ghost Emperor¡¯s soul. The remaining marks of the Ghost Emperor Mountain can only be destroyed by Soul Accumulation. Hence, they all have undying bodies. Forcing them into battle will inevitably result in friction, and if there is no sincerity, it will be of no benefit to the sealing of the Corpse Forbidden and will only distract our attention.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, in order to avoid complicating matters and wasting time, the Sword Holding Court has decided to allow them not to fight.¡±


    Xu Qing stared at this message and fell silent for a long time. He then stood up and paced around the Secretariat Department.


    His gaze alternated between determination and hesitation, as though he was weighing the pros and cons.


    Qing Qiu and Ning Yan rarely saw Xu Qing so hesitant. Even when he was acting as the Black Heaven Divine Son, they had never seen Xu Qing like this. Hence, after they looked at each other, they instinctively didn¡¯t dare to breathe loudly.


    Just like that, Xu Qing frowned and took dozens of steps. After that, he sensed the Ghost Emperor Palace in his body and stopped in his tracks. He looked at the sky outside as determination appeared on his face.


    ¡°Qing Qiu and Ningyan, the two of you will preside over the Secretariat Department, overseeing the compilation of front line information and monitoring the progress of transporting supplies. Qing Qiu, you are granted the authority to utilize the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s array to communicate urgent matters to me through the command sword.¡±


    Qing Qiu hurriedly puffed out her chest and was about to agree loudly when she thought of her pride. Hence, she suppressed her instincts and pretended to be calm as she nodded.


    Ning Yan didn¡¯t have so many worries and said yes. After that, he asked curiously.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu, are you going out?¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at Ning Yan but didn¡¯t answer this question. He didn¡¯t want to tell others his exact whereabouts. Hence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make a trip to the Cloth Forbidden.¡±


    With that, Xu Qing walked out of the Secretariat Department. He then soared to the sky.


    The large bird, Qingqin, let out a deep cry and three huge heads appeared from the clouds. They looked at Xu Qing excitedly and expressed a swallowing action, as though they wanted to exterminate another race.


    The right head quickly reached below Xu Qing and carried him.


    As Xu Qing¡¯s divine sense spread out, Qingqin¡¯s eyes revealed an intense expression. It flapped its wings fiercely and the sky above the county capital instantly exploded. Amidst the rumbling sounds, Qingqin disappeared from this area with Xu Qing.


    Qingqin¡¯s speed wasn¡¯t much slower than using teleportation arrays in short distances. For longer distances, the teleportation arrays were much more convenient and faster. However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to expose his exact whereabouts in advance. Although he also understood that the possibility of this happening wasn¡¯t high, he still had to be cautious.


    Hence, after leaving the range of the county capital, he found a teleportation array of the Sword Holding Palace and stepped in with Qingqin, who had shrunk its size.

 Chapter 676 - 676 Im Back! (2)

    676 I¡¯m Back! (2)


    Just like that, after a few days, Xu Qing and Qingqin appeared at the border of the Yinghuang Province, outside the northern plains.


    Although it was noon, the sunlight here seemed to only have light left and no warmth. Hence, the cold wind whistled past, stirring up a sea of snowflakes that circled the world.


    The cold wind was bone-piercing and the ground was covered in silver. Only the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar that stood in the distance was earth-shattering, giving off a spectacular feeling.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s memories, there were countless tents surrounding the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, causing this place to become a gathering place for humans like a city.


    But now, most of the tents here were empty. The cold wind blew past, causing countless tents to sway and emit rustling sounds.


    Only a few elderly figures would occasionally appear, wearing many layers of clothes.


    These people weren¡¯t Sword Holders but residents.


    Clearly, the Sword Holding Court didn¡¯t let these aged people participate in the battle.


    Xu Qing glanced at the black palace at the top of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. He could sense that there weren¡¯t many Sword Holders there.


    ¡°Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar¡­¡± Xu Qing gestured for Qingqin to circle in the sky.


    Amidst the clouds and fog that gathered because of Qingqin¡¯s arrival, Xu Qing, who was in the fog, stared at this earth-shattering pillar. This time around, if he wanted to achieve his goal, he needed to use this Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar to verify it.


    Hence, Xu Qing suddenly lifted his right hand and grabbed at the air.


    At the same time, the Ghost Emperor Palace in his body circulated and the Ghost Emperor, who was meditating, suddenly opened his eyes.


    In an instant, the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar trembled intensely. This scene immediately attracted the attention of the rogue cultivators and the Sword Holding Court. As their expressions changed, they also sensed the huge figure of a bird that was faintly discernible in the clouds in the sky.


    ¡°Who are you?!¡±


    After arriving at the Yinghuang Province, it was meaningless to hide it. Xu Qing took out his command sword and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Xu Qing.¡±


    As Xu Qing¡¯s voice rang out, with a flap of Qingqin¡¯s wings, the clouds and mist that filled their surroundings dissipated. His figure was instantly noticed by the Sword Holders.


    In other provinces, perhaps the Sword Holders would first have to identify the name before identifying Xu Qing¡¯s appearance. From there, they would have a preliminary understanding of his identity. After that, they would verify it with the command sword.


    However, in the Yinghuang Province, Xu Qing¡¯s appearance was deeply ingrained in the minds of all the Sword Holders.


    After all, back then, his advancement and 100,000 feet long light had appeared under the witness of all the Sword Holders in the Yinghuang Province. Hence, after the Sword Holding Court¡¯s array formation spread out and confirmed Xu Qing¡¯s command sword, the figures of the Sword Holders quickly flew out.


    ¡°Xu Qing!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Edict Bearer Xu!¡±


    Xu Qing was a little familiar with most of these Sword Holders. After they saw Xu Qing, their expressions became friendly and they immediately greeted him. One of the Sword Holders who was in charge of guarding took a step forward and spoke respectfully.


    ¡°Edict Bearer Xu, do you want to activate the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar? Do you need our cooperation?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head. With the ghost cave being suppressed under the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, the pillar couldn¡¯t be activated rashly. He was only here to give it a try. He suddenly grabbed with his right hand and the trembling of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar became even more intense.


    However, he understood that this was all he could do. It was impossible for him to truly take it out with his current cultivation.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s goal wasn¡¯t to take out the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar but¡­


    ¡°Artifact spirit!¡± Xu Qing suddenly spoke. His voice was like the rumbling of thunder. He was calling out to the artifact spirit on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. This was his goal.


    A long time later, as the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar trembled, a low cry that spread through the world spread out from the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    The sound pierced through the nine heavens and shook the surroundings. At the same time, a pair of huge eyes appeared on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar. An ancient feeling spread in all directions. When it looked at Xu Qing, its eyes clearly revealed doubt.


    This scene shocked the Sword Holders. They naturally knew that the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar had an artifact spirit. However, this artifact spirit was usually in a deep sleep. In the entire Sword Holding Court, only the Great Elder could communicate with it.


    However, after Xu Qing called out for it, the other party actually woke up.


    Xu Qing stared into the eyes of the artifact spirit. The Ghost Emperor Palace in his body shook even more. The eyes of the Ghost Emperor, who was sitting cross-legged inside, also revealed a sharp glint.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He felt that it wasn¡¯t enough. Hence, with a wave of his hand, he borrowed the power of the demon transformation runes. The color of the world behind him changed and clouds surged in all directions. A blurry Ghost Emperor Mountain descended.


    ¡°Ghost Emperor Mountain!¡±


    ¡°What¡­ the hell¡­¡±


    To the cultivators from the other provinces, they weren¡¯t that familiar with Ghost Emperor Mountain and wouldn¡¯t immediately understand its meaning. However, to the cultivators from the Yinghuang Province, the existence of Ghost Emperor Mountain was extremely clear. They recognized it at a glance and their expressions changed drastically.


    As for the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, it also shook intensely at this moment. The doubt in the eyes of the artifact spirit immediately turned into confusion and there was a hint of excitement.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. Everything he did on this trip depended on the Ghost Emperor Palace. Hence, he had to verify if his thoughts were true.


    ¡°Artifact spirit, do you recognize me?¡± Xu Qing suddenly asked.


    ¡°The Emperor is reviving!¡± After a few breaths of silence, the artifact spirit on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar transmitted a vast divine sense. It didn¡¯t answer Xu Qing¡¯s question and said four words that contained other meanings.

 Chapter 677 - 677 Im Back! (3)

    677 I¡¯m Back! (3)


    This didn¡¯t match Xu Qing¡¯s judgment. According to his plan, it should be something like an inheritance.


    However, it didn¡¯t matter. The awakening of the artifact spirit was in line with Xu Qing¡¯s first step of plan. Hence, he spoke softly.


    ¡°Then, can you tell this matter to the three souls and seven spirits? Tell them¡­ that I¡¯m coming.¡±


    If a vendor wanted to prove that their goods were good and effective, they needed the recognition and trust of the customers.


    If a vendor walked over and directly spoke to the customers, the effect would be very bad. Even if he took out some evidence, the effect wouldn¡¯t be that good.


    However, if one had a considerable amount of endorsement, the result would naturally be different.


    This was the reason why Xu Qing came to the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    This step was very important.


    However, if this step didn¡¯t succeed, Xu Qing had other methods. It was just that they were much more tortuous.


    His ultimate goal was to become a vendor and make a deal with the three souls and seven souls of the Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    The artifact spirit of the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar was his endorsement.


    After about fifteen minutes, when the artifact spirit used its special method to transmit this matter to the three souls and seven spirits, Xu Qing left.


    He stood on Qingqin¡¯s right head and sped in the direction of Three Spirits Suppression Mountain.


    As he headed south, the wind and snow gradually dissipated. The ground gradually lost its white color and turned emerald green. When the vast Immortal Enrichment River appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s vision, memories from the past surfaced in his mind.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t expect that he would return in such a way after leaving for so many years. In the silence, Qingqin let out a deep cry and pulled Xu Qing out of his flashback.


    ¡°Senior, it¡¯s not easy to exterminate a race now but I¡¯ll find an opportunity,¡± Xu Qing hurriedly said.


    Qingqin felt some regret. It flapped its wings and followed Xu Qing¡¯s guidance, rapidly approaching the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain. Under its extreme speed, it didn¡¯t take long for the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain to appear in sight.


    This place was made up of bone mountains and forests. Human skin was stuck everywhere and their hair turned into felt. The wind scattered the hair and dyed the ground black.


    From the air, it was even more obvious that the entire place was a living hell with mountains of corpses and seas of blood.


    In the past, Xu Qing didn¡¯t understand why the Sword Holding Court would allow such a force to exist. However, now, he was very clear that the Ghost Emperor hadn¡¯t really died. His level was so high that his three souls and seven spirits also possessed the power of immortality.


    This made them extremely special. As long as the Ghost Emperor¡¯s divine breath existed, they wouldn¡¯t die.


    It wasn¡¯t that they were truly undying but that they couldn¡¯t be destroyed.


    If they were forced into a corner and gave up on their independence, the Ghost Emperor¡­ would awaken.


    At that time, the life and death of Fenghai County would be decided with a thought by the revived Ghost Emperor.


    According to the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s judgment of such ancient Soul Accumulation cultivators, they would be extremely hungry the moment they woke up. It wasn¡¯t impossible for them to devour a province and even a whole county.


    Hence, the successive county governors treated the Ghost Emperor like a forbidden region.


    At the end of the day, the human race was still in decline. If it was during the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era, the three souls and seven spirits could be suppressed easily. Even if the Ghost Emperor revived, he would not be able to avoid the fate of suppression.


    These three souls and seven spirits also knew that moderation was key, so they didn¡¯t expand their forces too much. They already had all kinds of races in the small countries in their territories.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have a good impression of these three souls. However, now that the front lines were in danger, there were some things that he still had to do even if he didn¡¯t like them.


    At that moment, as they arrived, the wind and clouds surged on Three Spirits Suppression Mountain. The ground quaked and cracks appeared in the sky. There were originally three huge mountain peaks here but now, there were only two left.


    The mountain where the Nether Fairy used to reside had long collapsed, leaving only a small hill.


    There were two huge thrones above the mountain peaks.


    On the mountain on the right, the surroundings of the throne forged from the bones of a colossal beast were filled with countless souls. A huge but skinny figure was sitting there.


    His entire body was skinny and the huge sarcoma on his back that was filled with greenish-red blood vessels was squirming rhythmically. It emitted rumbling sounds like war drums that echoed through the world and shook one¡¯s mind.


    This figure was none other than the earth soul of the three souls, the Spirit Venerable Sun Execution!


    He lifted his head and coldly looked at Qingqin who was speeding over from the sky.


    As for the tallest mountain peak beside it, it was enveloped by a dense black fog and the figure inside couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. Only waves of breathing echoed from within.


    That was where the strongest soul of the Ghost Emperor Mountain, the Spirit Venerable Embryonic Light, was!


    Countless Three Spirits Suppression Mountain cultivators sensed the pressure from the sky. As they trembled, the Spirit Venerable Sun Execution suddenly opened his mouth.


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    ¡°Gah!¡±


    With Qingqin¡¯s ferocious nature, how could it stop just because of a word from the Spirit Venerable Sun Execution? Hence, after a ferocious cry, Qingqin continued to circle around the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain.


    In fact, the head on the left extended and swept rapidly across the ground, devouring one cultivator after another.


    The sound of chewing rang out and horrifying screams rang out from everywhere. As though it felt that the taste wasn¡¯t bad, Qingqin landed on the ground.


    Its huge body was even taller than the Three Spirit Mountains. It stood there and kept eating the snacks that were fighting to escape and wailing in the surroundings, while looking at the earth soul provocatively.


    However, it also knew Xu Qing¡¯s general goal this time around. Hence, after taking a glance, it extended its right head above the mountains and looked down.


    Spirit Venerable Sun Execution remained silent and ignored his subordinates who were fleeing in all directions. Instead, he stared at Xu Qing, who was standing on Qingqin¡¯s right head.

 Chapter 678 - 678 Im Back! (4)

    678 I¡¯m Back! (4)


    ¡°I remember you. You little bug, you actually dare to come here!¡± Sun Execution said coldly.


    Xu Qing looked at the huge Spirit Venerable Sun Execution under the protective light emitted by Qingqin. He calmly and slowly spoke.


    ¡°If I¡¯m a bug, then what are you?¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t waste his breath. The Ghost Emperor Palace in his body shook and he even activated the demon transformation runes. Immediately, the figure of the Ghost Emperor Mountain descended behind him.


    The moment its majestic body and vast pressure appeared, it opened its eyes, causing the sky and earth to change color. The entire Three Spirits Suppression Mountain shook.


    However, the Spirit Venerable Sun Execution¡¯s expression was as calm as ever.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a comprehension shadow that has fused into the Heavenly Palace, manifested by the power of the great void demon runes. Although this requires all kinds of things to accomplish, you¡¯re not the only one who can do it. Us three souls and seven spirits are still here. What are you trying to say? Are you the reincarnation of the Ghost Emperor? Or you inherited the Ghost Emperor¡¯s legacy?¡±


    Spirit Venerable Sun Execution looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°What a joke! The artifact spirit is ultimately not one of us. As a servant, its perception is somewhat one-sided, and it is even subservient to the human race. The information it conveys at your behest is utterly useless.¡±


    ¡°This battle is a battle between your human race and the Holy Wave Race. We won¡¯t make a move. You have already reached our bottom line by forcing Nether Fairy to participate in the battle.¡±


    With that, Sun Execution closed his eyes.


    Xu Qing remained calm, knowing that this trade would not be so easy. Given the other party¡¯s cultivation realm, it was clear that they understood his purpose for coming here. This was normal, so he calmly spoke up.


    ¡°What if I advance to the Nascent Soul realm with the Ghost Emperor Palace?¡±


    ¡°After reaching the Nascent Soul realm, the image of the Ghost Emperor can become my dao nascent. If I take another step forward, I¡¯ll advance to the Spirit Repository realm and use the Ghost Emperor as the foundation of a secret repository and fuse with the Heavenly Dao.¡±


    ¡°At that time, is it still important how I manifested it?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s voice echoed.


    However, Sun Execution still kept his eyes closed and spoke.


    ¡°The Ghost Emperor becoming your foundation? A secret repository at the Spirit Repository realm has to plunder the Heavenly Dao from a small world and refine it inside. Heavenly Dao is arrogant and can¡¯t be forced even if it¡¯s refined. Moreover, it¡¯s not one with the Ghost Emperor, so how can they be fused?!¡±


    ¡°What if the Heavenly Dao is my own and listens to me?¡± Xu Qing waved his hand and the sky changed color. The mosasaur manifested and emitted the pressure of the Heavenly Dao. At the same time, it also showed its life connection with Xu Qing.


    The eyes of the Spirit Venerable Sun Execution abruptly opened. For the first time, his expression changed.


    On the mountain where the heaven soul was at, the black fog no longer churned. The breathing sounds instantly disappeared.


    Xu Qing continued.


    ¡°If my cultivation can still advance and I become Nihility, I can use my Nihility power to manifest a world and move the true Ghost Emperor Mountain inside to form a ghost world. Coupled with the Ghost Emperor image fused with the Heavenly Dao in the secret repository, they will overlap¡­¡±


    ¡°Would you still think it¡¯s impossible if at that time, I obtained the Ghost Emperor¡¯s inheritance?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too far in the future and it¡¯s unknown if you can accomplish it!¡± The Spirit Venerable Sun Execution fell silent for a while before replying. His gaze toward Xu Qing became a little more solemn.


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why you didn¡¯t do this. Perhaps it¡¯s because of your identities that you can¡¯t do this. Or maybe it¡¯s because of mutual checks and balances.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not important. What you said about it being too far in the future is also not important.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s important is that I gave you a possibility!¡±


    ¡°A possibility that I can complete when I grow up.¡±


    ¡°As long as I complete the inheritance, even if I can¡¯t completely control the Ghost Emperor Mountain, I can still let you guys escape the restraints of the Ghost Emperor Mountain while retaining your undying characteristics. You can become independent and obtain true freedom.¡±


    ¡°This is a transaction. You can consider me as a casual chess piece. The artifact spirit probably knows this too.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke seriously. This was the desire of the Ghost Emperor¡¯s three souls and seven spirits that he had analyzed based on his previous understanding and the information from the Sword Holding Palace.


    They yearned for independence and freedom, but didn¡¯t want to lose their status as undying.


    Sun Execution fell silent. He had to admit that the hypothesis given by the Sword Holder in front of him was logical and feasible. It was indeed as the other party had said. Xu Qing would just be a casual piece for them. They had a lot to gain if he succeeded, and wouldn¡¯t lose anything even if he didn¡¯t.


    He looked at the black fog where heaven soul was.


    ¡°It¡¯s not worth it to fight against the Holy Wave Race for this casual chess piece.¡± A sharp voice that was like the sound made by the grinding of bones rang out from the black fog.


    Xu Qing heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. At this point in the transaction, the value of his goods had already been revealed.


    Actually, he also knew he was storytelling. None of them was stupid. However, as long as his story was good enough, feasible, and logical, it could attract investment. Of course, the prerequisite was whether it was worth it and how much to invest.


    The next step was to look at the price.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to go to the frontline battlefield to fight the Holy Wave Race. I only want you to make a move once at the Corpse Forbidden!¡±


    ¡°Using one move in exchange for this casual chess piece. You will obtain another possibility and path to your freedom.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke softly.


    This time, he didn¡¯t threaten them. He was being honest. What he said was true and realistic. Of course, the prerequisite was that he could grow and advance time and again.


    Hence, it was ultimately still a story.


    However, this story was perfect and the price for it was relatively small.


    A stupid person might be influenced by emotions and make other judgments.


    However, it was obvious that these two souls weren¡¯t stupid. Hence¡­ unless someone offered a better value, the possibility of not agreeing was very small.


    Three Spirits Suppression Mountain fell silent.

 Chapter 679 - 679 Half-Step Soul Accumulation! (1)

    679 Half-Step Soul Accumulation! (1)


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t rush them. After not seeing a reply from the heaven soul and earth soul even after a while, he didn¡¯t say anything more and only left a sentence.


    ¡°Both Spirit Venerables should consider it further. At dusk tonight, I¡¯ll be waiting on Mount Sea Gazing outside the Eight Sects Alliance.¡±


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, he transmitted his divine sense to Qingqin. Qingqin burped and lifted its head, letting out a cackle. It flapped its wings fiercely and soared into the air.


    Clouds and fog came from the sky and enveloped Qingqin¡¯s surroundings. Soon, countless bolts of lightning flashed in the dark clouds. Very soon, Qingqin rushed out amidst rumbling sounds. As the clouds and fog exploded, Qingqin¡¯s huge figure was already moving toward the Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    Two hours later, the Ghost Emperor Mountain was in sight.


    The mountain formed by the Ghost Emperor was extraordinarily mighty. Although it was covered in dried and decayed vegetation and a layer of lichen, it was still difficult to hide the ferocity of its armor and the dense baleful aura emitted by the two huge blades.


    It sat there and faced the direction of the Forbidden Sea. Its head was slightly lowered as if it was waiting¡­


    Looking at the vast mountain, Xu Qing¡¯s heart also stirred.


    When Old Master Seventh brought him here to comprehend, they didn¡¯t see the seven spirits of the Ghost Emperor Mountain. They only lived in the town at the foot of the mountain.


    Now that he was gazing at the Ghost Emperor Mountain again, the Ghost Emperor Palace in Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled slightly.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and his eyes gleamed. He crushed the demon transformation runes and as Qingqin moved closer, the image of the Ghost Emperor appeared behind him.


    The color of the sky changed and storms appeared.


    From afar, the two Ghost Emperor Mountains, one big and one small, one real and one fake, seemed to be staring at each other.


    At this moment, roars rang out from the true Ghost Emperor Mountain. Seven streams of black smoke soared into the sky from the two large worlds on the Ghost Emperor Mountain.


    Every one of them was a thousand feet wide and emitted terrifying fluctuations. They transformed into seven huge smoke faces and looked down at the ground.


    Their appearances were all different. There were humans, beasts, men and women, old and young. The face in the middle even looked similar to the Ghost Emperor¡¯s.


    Their appearance distorted the surrounding space. The clear sky also darkened and waves of oppression descended.


    As the sky changed, the malevolence and cruelty on their faces became even denser. They were looking at Xu Qing with hostility.


    At the same time, ghosts flew out of the two large worlds on the shoulder of the Ghost Emperor Mountain and spread in all directions. Not only were there malicious ghosts, but there were also many bizarre entities.


    They were all sinister existences born after the Ghost Emperor Mountain¡¯s great world fell.


    At that moment, they covered the sky and the earth, as though the gate of hell had opened and ten thousand ghosts had descended.


    However, these were nothing to Qingqin. In fact, after it took a look, its three heads revealed interest, as though they wanted to have a taste of these malicious ghosts.


    Xu Qing stood on Qingqin¡¯s right head and looked at the seven huge faces in the sky. He calmly spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯ve finished talking to the artifact spirit and the heaven soul and earth soul. I won¡¯t talk about the specifics again. You should already know something.¡±


    ¡°Today at dusk, I¡¯ll be waiting on Mount Sea Gazing outside the Eight Sects Alliance.¡±


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, he cupped his fists and bowed.


    Actually, he didn¡¯t have to come to this place. After all, although the three souls and seven spirits were two forces, they came from the same source. Xu Qing didn¡¯t believe that the other party wouldn¡¯t notice what he did and said on the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain.


    However, sometimes, even though you knew the other party¡¯s needs, you still had to maintain a certain attitude.


    Just as Xu Qing turned around and was about to leave, the first spirit of the seven faces, who looked the same as the Ghost Emperor Soul, suddenly spoke in a voice that rumbled like lightning.


    ¡°Show me your Heavenly Dao!¡±


    Xu Qing paused.


    He turned his head and stared at the first spirit. He lifted his right hand and waved it in the sky. Immediately, roars rang out from the dark sky.


    The clouds and fog seemed to have transformed into an ocean, and the mosasaur leaped out. Its long red beard hung down and swayed as it swam in the clouds. The astonishing aura of the Heavenly Dao clearly spread out from its body.


    The seven spirits fell silent.


    Xu Qing waited for a while before recalling the mosasaur. After that, he cupped his fists toward Qingqin¡¯s head in the center. Qingqin understood Xu Qing¡¯s intentions and brought Xu Qing to circle around the Ghost Emperor Mountain before leaving like lightning.


    As time passed, dusk slowly arrived.


    At dusk, there was no red glow. The sky was a sallow color, like an old man in his twilight years struggling to stay in the human world, unwilling to die.


    Thus, the light of this dusk carried a tinge of twilight, casting a dusky hue upon Mount Sea Gazing, located outside the Eight Sects Alliance.


    Xu Qing stood at the top of the mountain. To his right was the Eight Sects Alliance. A protective array had already been activated there and the entire place was under martial law. In order to prepare for the failure of the Corpse Forbidden¡¯s sealing, it was now in a semi-sealed state.


    The Taboo magic treasures of the various sects had long risen into the air and were activated. From time to time, they would erupt with earth-shattering lights that rushed into the depths of the Forbidden Sea.


    In front of him was the black Forbidden Sea.


    The waves churned and slammed into the mountain rocks below, creating waves of brown water foam. They piled up at the edge of the sea and would form again when some dissipated.


    The anomalous substances from the Forbidden Sea also continued to spread out and invade the surroundings.


    ¡°The Corpse Forbidden is there.¡± Xu Qing looked into the depths of the Forbidden Sea, muttering inwardly.


    He was waiting.


    The sky gradually darkened and dusk slowly deepened. The darkness was rapidly devouring the light. When the black color between heaven and earth became the main theme that enveloped everything, a huge figure suddenly appeared in the sky.

 Chapter 680 - 680 Half-Step Soul Accumulation! (2)

    680 Half-Step Soul Accumulation! (2)


    With a skinny body and a sinister-looking head, the person who came was none other than the Spirit Venerable Sun Execution!


    He wasn¡¯t alone. On his head stood a dwarf.


    This dwarf was dressed in a black robe, with small, narrow eyes that protruded outwards. His eyebrows drooped down to his cheeks, while his chin was sunken, causing his beard to curl inward, resembling a pair of fangs.


    He looked quite ugly, but to be able to stand on the head of the Spirit Venerable Sun Execution, his identity was self-evident.


    Wisps of black fog around the dwarf transformed into centipedes that continued to entangle and swim, emitting ear-piercing hisses as they looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll only attack once.¡± The heaven soul dwarf spoke calmly, his voice hoarse and raspy.


    At the same time, muffled roars rang out from the black sky. The clouds churned and seven huge faces were faintly discernible in the haze. They also looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°We¡¯ll only attack once!¡±


    The seven faces spoke in unison, their voices rumbling in all directions.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. It was a transaction to begin with, so there was no need for etiquette between them. It was fine as long as they had an agreement.


    The seven spirits were at the first stage of Nihility. Among them, the first spirit had reached the second stage.


    The earth soul also emitted stage two overlapping images. As for the dwarf, he gave Xu Qing an unfathomable feeling. Presumably, the other party was the leader of the three souls and seven spirits. He must be even more extraordinary.


    Even if these combat strengths were only used once, they would be extremely useful at critical moments.


    Needless to say, they didn¡¯t come alone. In the surroundings, Xu Qing could sense the auras of the evil cultivators of the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain and countless malicious ghosts.


    These were the two large factions of the Yinghuang Province. Coupled with Qingqin, Xu Qing had more confidence in speeding up the sealing of the Corpse Forbidden and releasing a portion of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s combat strength.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing took a step forward. Qingqin¡¯s figure appeared from the void and lifted Xu Qing. After its ferocious gaze swept through the surroundings, it let out an ear-piercing hiss and whistled toward the Forbidden Sea.


    Behind Qingqin, the earth soul licked its lips and chased after it. The dwarf on its head had his hands behind his back and was expressionless.


    Above them, the clouds churned as the seven huge faces flew over together.


    One could see countless malicious ghosts in the clouds. Their momentum was great, like a group of demons dancing wildly.


    The sky looked sinister, and the Forbidden Sea at night was also the same.


    The sea was turbulent and the anomalous substances were everywhere. There were undercurrents surging under the surface of the sea. Occasionally, traces of sea beasts could be seen.


    Most of their bodies had varying degrees of rotting. If one took a closer sniff, they could even smell the stench of rotting corpses other than the fishy smell.


    Clearly, the eruption of the Corpse Forbidden caused the Forbidden Sea to be heavily tainted. After all, the true location of the Corpse Forbidden was at the bottom of the sea. The chaos from its eruption affected more than half of the Forbidden Sea.


    Xu Qing soon saw monstrous waves surging in a certain direction from afar. The wind also grew stronger and stronger.


    Under the enhancement of each other, huge waves that were hundreds of feet, thousands of feet, and even higher surged up from the surface of the sea. After they slammed down heavily, they erupted with a deafening sound.


    The entire Forbidden Sea seemed to have transformed into an irritable giant that was crazily venting the intense pain.


    There were also powerful spell fluctuations that spread out from the direction of the Corpse Forbidden.


    Xu Qing also saw that the color of the sea was gradually changing. There was a golden color permeating an area of it, as though the Corpse Forbidden territory was gradually transforming into a golden sea.


    The closer he got to the Corpse Forbidden, the more golden the sea was. In the end, it shone extremely brightly.


    Chanting sounds started to appear and became increasingly loud, as though countless people were shouting.


    ¡°People often lose their way, but it is not the way that loses people. People often seek life, but it is not life that seeks the path.¡±


    ¡°The divine and mysterious objects possess spirits and individualities. Their acquisition is beyond human control, and their loss is beyond human grasp.¡±


    This chanting contained an effect that shook the soul. When Xu Qing heard this, his expression couldn¡¯t help but change. He felt his mind buzzing, as though his soul was about to leave his body.


    Fortunately, Qingqin¡¯s head swayed and emitted a purple-red light. Xu Qing¡¯s body also shone with the light of the morning glow. Only then did he suppress the restlessness in his soul.


    As for the two souls and seven spirits behind him, their eyes revealed a strange glint as they looked at the Forbidden Sea.


    At this moment, a shocking array formation was activated in the Forbidden Sea.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over. He saw a large number of cultivators from the Yinghuang Province and also the current appearance of the Corpse Forbidden.


    It was a huge golden face.


    This face covered a large area of the sea and the range was the size of the Corpse Forbidden. It protruded from the surface of the sea and seemed to be struggling with all its might, as though it wanted to rush out of the sea.


    Waves of terrifying fluctuations continued to spread out from the face that had its eyes closed.


    This place was also the source of the rotting stench that invaded all living beings in the surroundings.


    The feeling it gave Xu Qing was very different from the gods. This golden face wasn¡¯t a god but more like it was formed from a god¡¯s aura.


    The reason why it couldn¡¯t rush out was because a large blood-colored net formed by 999 blood threads enveloped it and firmly suppressed it.


    The ends of these nearly 999 blood threads were nailed to the sea and suppressed by the cultivators from the Yinghuang Province.

 Chapter 681 - 681 Half-Step Soul Accumulation! (3)

    681 Half-Step Soul Accumulation! (3)


    There were a total of 1,998 points distributed in all directions.


    Every point was the core of an array formation, so 1,998 array formations were formed.


    These array formations gathered together and formed an earth-shattering giant array formation.


    The range of this array formation enveloped the entire Corpse Forbidden and firmly restricted the face. From the sky, one could see more than a thousand cultivators sitting in each array formation.


    There were even Xu Qing¡¯s acquaintances among them.


    The total number of the cultivators was more than 2 million.


    This was a terrifying number formed from the cultivators of the various forces in the Yinghuang Province and the Forbidden Sea.


    In fact, there were even Qi Condensation cultivators among them, showing that the Yinghuang Province and the various races of the Forbidden Sea had gone all out this time.


    They were all chanting scriptures.


    ¡°I hold the energy of heaven and earth and seal the ghosts with my Dao spell.¡±


    ¡°The spell depletes the metal, snaps the wood, dries the water, extinguishes the fire, and shatters the mountain.¡±


    ¡°The seal causes ghosts to commit suicide, prayers to be severed, and the gods to bind themselves.¡±


    ¡°The Yin and Yang paths are sealed, and they shall not contradict each other.¡±


    The voices of more than two million people gathered together, forming the sound of scriptures that shook the heavens and the earth.


    It was as though countless lightning bolts were constantly exploding in this area. The words seemed to have the power of spells, causing the divine might to dim.


    This scene caused the expressions of the two souls and seven spirits to change. Xu Qing was also moved.


    There were two array formations with even stronger auras. One was in the sky and the other was at the bottom of the sea.


    What reinforced the sky array formation was the power of 26 Taboo magic treasures. More than half of the Taboo magic treasures in the Yinghuang Province had their projections gathered here.


    The levels of these Taboo magic treasures were also clearly visible.


    The most powerful Taboo projection at the top was a bronze bell that had existed for countless years and emitted an ancient aura.


    Every time it rang, it could cause the Corpse Forbidden face below to frown.


    It contained the power of emotions that could affect the mind of all things.


    It was from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    Under the large bell were three Taboo magic treasure projections that were one level lower. Among them, there was a statue with its arms crossed and in kneeling posture. Its entire body was pierced with countless sharp swords. Its expression was filled with pain but also piety.


    There was also a green spear that emitted extreme sharpness and a dense baleful aura.


    The last Taboo magic treasure projection on this level was the huge ancient mirror of the Seven Blood Eyes. At this moment, all seven eyes on it opened, shining with a bizarre light.


    Below them were the projections of the Taboos of the Eight Sect Alliance, Litu Sect, and other Taboos of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    However, these were all inferior to the sky array formation itself.


    This array formation was also a Taboo magic treasure. It came from the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court and was the foundational power of the Sword Holding Court in this province. There were a total of two array formations, Yin and Yang. The sky was Yang and the deep sea was Yin.


    The two array formations augmented each other and continued to suppress the face.


    On the Yin array formation, more than 80 Nihility cultivators from the Yinghuang Province were sitting cross-legged.


    Other than the Nihility experts of the Eight Sects Alliance, there were also experts from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, the Litu Sect, and some ancestors of the other races.


    The Sword Holding Court¡¯s Nihility experts were at the front.


    The few Nihility cultivators Xu Qing had seen back then in the Sword Holding Court were all among them, including the Great Elder. He emitted a terrifying pressure and was in charge of nearly 10% of the array formation alone.


    Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy sat beside him with a helpless expression. However, she had no choice but to help.


    Xue Lianzi, Old Master Seventh, and Fairy Zi Xuan were also among them.


    Old Master Seventh had already broken through. In fact, from the location he was sitting in, his position seemed to be even higher than Ancestor Xue Lianzi¡¯s.


    All of this over the course of a month had finally led to a stalemate situation with the Corpse Forbidden.


    Although the power of the Corpse Forbidden was astonishing, the power of an entire province could still seal it. It was just that it would require time.


    The arrival of Xu Qing and the others immediately attracted a lot of attention. In an instant, countless divine senses gathered from all directions and enveloped Xu Qing¡¯s location.


    At this moment, not only did the two souls and seven spirits have solemn expressions, but even Qingqin restrained some of its ferocity. Clearly, they were all intimidated by the formations set up by the Yinghuang Province.


    In the golden face, the ancestors of the various sects sitting cross-legged on the Yin Array opened their eyes and looked at the sky.


    Old Master Seventh, Xue Lianzi, and Zi Xuan¡¯s gazes immediately landed on Xu Qing. The two of them were a little surprised but Old Master Seventh seemed to be in deep thought.


    As for the Great Elder of the Sword Holding Court, after he saw Xu Qing, he glanced at Qingqin and the two souls and seven spirits behind it. A strange glint appeared in his eyes and he wasn¡¯t surprised at all.


    He knew that Xu Qing was coming.


    In reality, when Xu Qing stepped into the Yinghuang Province and was on the way to the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain, he had already contacted the Great Elder of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court. He told him about his plan and also told him about the Ghost Emperor Palace, obtaining the other party¡¯s agreement.


    After all, there was a certain risk in this matter. There was a certain chance that the three souls and seven spirits would betray them.


    Although the probability of this happening was very small from a logical point of view, he had no choice but to be wary.


    Hence, Xu Qing communicated with the Great Elder.


    The other party had agreed with this matter and told him to bring them with peace of mind.


    ¡°Sword Holder Xu Qing greets the Great Elder!¡± Xu Qing stood on Qingqin¡¯s right head and cupped his fists.


    ¡°I¡¯ve invited the nine seniors, Heaven and Earth Souls and seven spirits, to make a move once. Senior Qingqin is also willing to make a move. Please make a decision.¡±


    Qingqin let out a deep cry in agreement.


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, he bowed respectfully to Old Master Seventh and Ancestor Xue Lianzi behind the Great Elder.

 Chapter 682 - 682 Half-Step Soul Accumulation! (4)

    682 Half-Step Soul Accumulation! (4)


    ¡°Greetings, Master, greetings, Ancestor.¡±


    After that, he looked at Zi Xuan. Zi Xuan smiled slightly and his eyes were filled with light.


    Old Master Seventh stroked his beard. The ancestor was beaming with joy and looked very smug. However, they couldn¡¯t afford to be too distracted right now.


    The Great Elder didn¡¯t waste any time and immediately spoke.


    ¡°Xu Qing, show me your Ghost Emperor Mountain!¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. The last time he went to the Great Void World, he had obtained a large number of demon transformation runes. It was enough to support him to unleash his Ghost Emperor body many times.


    As he crushed the demon transformation runes, the Ghost Emperor Mountain manifested.


    The figure of the Ghost Emperor was earth-shattering. It stood tall in the sky and emitted a violent pressure. This was especially so for the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar on its knees, which shone with a resplendent light.


    What was even more astonishing was its face. It was Xu Qing¡¯s face.


    As soon as the Ghost Emperor appeared, the minds of the more than two million cultivators from the Yinghuang Province and the various races trembled.


    They naturally knew of the existence of the Ghost Emperor Mountain. Hence, when they saw that Xu Qing had actually transformed into it, they were naturally shocked.


    Among the people who were the most moved, Old Master Seventh could be considered one.


    He looked at the Ghost Emperor Mountain in disbelief. The manifestation technique he had taught Xu Qing before the latter headed to the county capital appeared in his mind.


    Actually, that was what he said based on theory. He didn¡¯t think that Xu Qing would really succeed. However, now¡­ he saw with his own eyes that this Ghost Emperor Mountain had really materialized.


    Although the method was different from what he had said back then, at the end of the day, it had really materialized.


    ¡°It really succeeded?¡± Old Master Seventh was at a loss.


    At this moment, the Great Elder suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Spirit Venerable Embryonic Light, Spirit Venerable Sun Execution, and the fellow Daoists of the seven spirits, this old man already knows about your transaction with Xu Qing. I can bear witness here today, so you can rest assured.¡±


    ¡°Since you are only making a move once, gather in the image of the Ghost Emperor Mountain and fuse into it for a short period of time. This can be taken as making a move once. Please!¡±


    ¡°Everyone, we need to do our best to enhance the Ghost Emperor¡¯s materialized image so that it doesn¡¯t collapse. Also, Senior Qingqin, please spread out your natal divine light. Together, we¡¯ll make sure the Ghost Emperor¡¯s image doesn¡¯t collapse and last for at least a breath.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, use your perception well. This is an opportunity for you to support the Yinghuang Province!¡±


    The Great Elder¡¯s voice was like a flood that spread through the world.


    The Spirit Venerable Sun Execution fell silent. The dwarf above his head cast a deep glance at the Great Elder. Although the other party¡¯s request had exceeded his expectations, it was reasonable.


    This matter couldn¡¯t be considered a conspiracy. After all, they didn¡¯t want the Ghost Emperor to revive, nor did the various forces in the Yinghuang Region. This was especially so now that the battle at the front line was in a precarious situation and the Corpse Forbidden¡¯s sealing was also at a critical moment.


    Even if there was a trap, he had ways to resolve it. Hence, the dwarf nodded and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°The Sword Holding Palace does place a lot of importance on you. Forget it. Although we are just casually investing, I hope you can really succeed in the future!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, his body transformed into a beam of white light that headed straight for the Ghost Emperor that Xu Qing had transformed into. As he fused into it, the Ghost Emperor Mountain suddenly shook and its aura soared, directly reaching the third stage of the Nihility. Countless small worlds formed in its surroundings.


    A strange glint appeared in the eyes of the Spirit Venerable Sun Execution. He had never faced such an experience before. At this moment, he also stepped forward and transformed into a second white light.


    After instantly merging, the aura of the Ghost Emperor Mountain erupted again. The small worlds in the surroundings began to shatter and started to orbit endlessly.


    Immediately after, the seven spirits transformed into seven lights that fused into the Ghost Emperor Mountain one after another.


    Right when it looked like the Ghost Emperor¡¯s image couldn¡¯t hold on and was about to collapse, purple-red light flashed from Qingqin¡¯s body as it strengthened it.


    There were also the 2 million cultivators here who were using the power of the array formations to strengthen the image.


    Immediately, the image of the Ghost Emperor became unprecedentedly clear and a shocking pressure descended.


    It was as though the Ghost Emperor had descended!


    Amidst the formation and destruction, the countless small worlds in the surroundings began to fuse into one and gathered in the large world on the Ghost Emperor¡¯s left shoulder, causing the large world to shine with brilliance and recover a portion of its divine brilliance from its original dimness.


    An aura infinitely close to the Soul Accumulation realm descended on this Forbidden Sea.


    The sky shattered. This aura was supreme, as though it was above everything!


    A large area of the Forbidden Sea instantly caved in. It looked like the Forbidden Sea was bowing its head!


    Regardless of whether it was forces from the Yinghuang Province¡¯s forces or the Forbidden Sea, regardless of whether it was the cultivators of the various races or the strange existences at the bottom of the sea, all of them were shocked. An instinctive reverence toward the Ghost Emperor¡¯s image erupted in their hearts.


    It then produced extreme shaking before transforming into uncontrollable horror.


    A terrifying will that made one unable to resist, unable to dodge, and could only submit descended from the sky.


    It was as though all living beings had to immediately kneel in front of it.


    It was as though all the races in front of it had to lower their heads and pray to it.


    It was extremely domineering.


    Even the chanting of scriptures was instantly suppressed, and the surrounding array formations shook even more. Even the golden face stopped struggling and felt a huge threat. Its eyes seemed to be about to open.


    This was half a step into the Soul Accumulation realm.


    It only lacked Nether Fairy to enter Soul Accumulation.


    However, the Great Elder didn¡¯t release Nether Fairy. This was a restraint.


    As long as Qingqin¡¯s divine light was withdrawn, the Ghost Emperor would collapse. This was also a restraint.


    The enhancement from the 2 million cultivators here was also to restrain it.


    Moreover, this illusory emperor came from Xu Qing. Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s connection with it was also a restraint.

 Chapter 683 - 683 Half-Step Soul Accumulation! (5)

    683 Half-Step Soul Accumulation! (5)


    ¡°Ghost Emperor, you only have the power to use one strike. Why aren¡¯t you suppressing the Corpse Forbidden!¡± The Great Elder roared.


    The Ghost Emperor, who was about to collapse at any moment, revealed a hint of confusion in his eyes. However, he still lifted his right hand and pressed down on the Corpse Forbidden below.


    With this push, the world seemed to collapse.


    Countless dao marks appeared and countless laws were revealed.


    There were even wisps of the aura of the Heavenly Dao spreading out from the void, blessing the Ghost Emperor and increasing his might!


    All kinds of phenomena appeared between heaven and earth. There were people standing tall, behemoths roaring, heavenly maidens scattering flowers, and the shadows of ancient sovereigns watching.


    As the palm landed, it seemed to replace the sky and smashed down.


    There was a deafening sound!


    Its power was extremely vast.


    The surroundings rumbled and the Forbidden Sea collapsed.


    The seawater exploded crazily and swept in all directions, affecting the entire Forbidden Sea, stirring up an endless storm that swept through all the islands. The water level on the surface of the sea rose by a thousand feet.


    The golden face was instantly drowned, but it was unwilling. It opened its eyes wide and let out a low roar, trying to struggle.


    However, the surrounding sealing net erupted with full force at this moment. After the chanting of the Dao scriptures, lightning surged once again, forming a suppressing power that tightly bound it.


    The face let out an unwilling roar, but had no choice but to sink.


    The power of a whole province and nearly a hundred Forbidden Sea races, combined with a large number of experts and Taboo magic treasures, were gathered to reach a stalemate with the Corpse Forbidden eruption. Originally, they still needed some time to gradually complete the seal.


    However, with the palm strike of the half-step Soul Accumulation being, this process was instantly sped up.


    If it was only the half-step Soul Accumulation being, it would be impossible to seal the Corpse Forbidden in one strike.


    Only with the power gathered by the Yinghuang Province that formed a stalemate could this palm strike act a weight that pressed down on the scales, ultimately forming this situation that sped up the sealing.


    Both were indispensable for this.


    As the golden face on the surface of the sea sank and the blood-colored net completely covered this place, the Ghost Emperor¡¯s image in the sky couldn¡¯t hold on anymore and collapsed.


    Before dissipating, the dazed Ghost Emperor didn¡¯t look at anyone here. Instead, he looked into the depths of the Forbidden Sea, and opened his mouth as though he wanted to say something, but in the end, no words came out.


    With a boom, he turned into ashes and dissipated.


    The Heavenly Dao left far away and seemed to be sighing.


    All the phenomena cracked, as though they were shattering the Dao.


    Nine beams of light flew out of his collapsed body, transforming into two souls and seven spirits. They looked confused and their emotions fluctuated visibly.


    This experience caused great waves in their hearts.


    However, they knew that it was very difficult for such a thing to happen a second time unless they could make Xu Qing willingly display it again. Moreover, the image would need Qingqin¡¯s divine light to protect it. The most important thing was the cooperation of the Sword Holding Court, the gathering of the power of a province and nearly a hundred nonhuman races, dozens of Taboo magic treasures, and nearly a hundred Nihility cultivators.


    This was clearly impossible.


    The calamity of the Corpse Forbidden was finally temporarily resolved!


    No one could erase a forbidden region. Hence, since ancient times, the solution to any calamity from a forbidden region was to seal it.


    The calamity of the Corpse Forbidden was mostly due to man-made factors.


    In order to make the war smoother and restrain the combat strength of Fenghai County, the Holy Wave Race had long arranged for people to open a gap in the mysterious ancient bronze door in the Corpse Forbidden.


    The appearance of this gap caused the Corpse Emperor to be devoured.


    Without the emperor, the various existences in the Corpse Forbidden lost any source of intimidation and began to wreak havoc.


    This was one of the calamities.


    As for the ancient bronze door that had a gap opened and emitted the aura of a god, it was the second calamity.


    Therefore, other than preventing the various evil existences in the Corpse Forbidden from causing chaos outside, this seal also closed the door.


    This was also the most critical and difficult aspect of the sealing array formations, and required over 2 million people to gather.


    Even though the door was only opened slightly, it wasn¡¯t that easy to close.


    Ever since the war started, the Yinghuang Province had spent a lot of effort and finally sealed that door by just a trace. The appearance of the half-step Soul Accumulation sped up this process and finally completed the seal.


    Next was the relatively easier cleaning up work.


    Xu Qing¡¯s harvest was equally huge.


    His expression was a little dazed. Through the connection with the Ghost Emperor¡¯s image, his mind seemed to have experienced an earth-shattering baptism just now.


    This baptism gave him an extremely deep understanding.


    The appearance of a half-step Soul Accumulation cultivator was a soul-stirring visual and mental impact to outsiders. It could be compared to an image.


    At the end of the day, no matter how clearly outsiders saw it, they could only ¡®see¡¯ it.


    However, it was different for Xu Qing.


    He was one of the creators of this visual and mental impact. He participated in it and was an indispensable part of it.


    The comprehension he obtained naturally exceeded that of ordinary people.


    After all, that was the power of a half-step Soul Accumulation. It was as though it was guiding Xu Qing¡¯s future, opening a window to the Soul Accumulation realm.


    The main manifestation was in his cognition and soul.


    His cognition was greatly broadened. This would allow him to be more calm in the future when facing experts and his mentality would be stronger!


    As for his soul, it was deeply tempered by this experience.


    Although this harvest wasn¡¯t direct, it was enough for Xu Qing to digest for a long time.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and looked at the Great Elder and the others who had appeared from the Yin Array after the golden face was sealed.

 Chapter 684 - 684 Half-Step Soul Accumulation! (6)

    684 Half-Step Soul Accumulation! (6)


    He knew that although this opportunity was to seal faster, no matter what, this was a huge opportunity given by the Great Elder. Hence, he cupped his fists and bowed solemnly to the Great Elder.


    The Great Elder nodded slightly, his weary face showing appreciation. He held a high regard for Xu Qing, who emerged from Yinghuang Province.


    Xue Lianzi was naturally the same, let alone Old Master Seventh. At this moment, he stroked his beard and the smugness on his face had reached a level that it was visible to everyone.


    Zi Xuan¡¯s beautiful eyes were filled with a strange expression. It was as though at this moment, in her eyes, the light from Xu Qing¡¯s body was the most dazzling.


    This lasted until a loud and clear cry echoed in all directions, causing everyone¡¯s gazes to land on Qingqin.


    Qingqin stood proudly in the air, as though it was reminding everyone that its contribution wasn¡¯t small either.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Qingqin!¡± The Great Elder solemnly cupped his fists and bowed.


    All the Nihility experts behind him also thanked Qingqin. The two million cultivators below also bowed in unison.


    Such a grand commotion caused Qingqin to feel quite satisfied. It instinctively looked in the direction of the Nanhuang Continent. It was puzzled as to why its big brother didn¡¯t come. However, on second thought, its big brother didn¡¯t like to participate in the battle between races.


    The two souls and seven spirits in the distance also recovered at this moment. The leader, the heaven soul dwarf, had a cold expression. He glanced at the Great Elder and finally looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Our side of the deal is completed. We¡¯ll be waiting for you.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded solemnly.


    The heaven soul turned and disappeared into the void. The earth soul also left the same way. The seven spirits turned into smoke and dissipated into thin air. Throughout the entire event, they didn¡¯t pay any attention to Nether Fairy.


    After all, she was held by the Sword Holding Court. If they were to take her back, the Sword Holding Court wouldn¡¯t be able to stay at ease. In that case, it was better to let her stay as a hostage. This way, everyone would be comfortable.


    Nether Fairy was a little disappointed but also helpless. She knew her companions too well. Although they were born from the same source, they cared more about freedom.


    As the two souls and seven spirits left, after arranging the clean up task, the Great Elder gathered Xu Qing and the group of Yinghuang Province¡¯s Nihility ancestors for a discussion.


    Among the Nihility cultivators who participated in the discussion, the Eight Sect Alliance¡¯s Alliance Leader was also among them. The way he looked at Xu Qing was a little different from before and there was a hint of solemnity.


    ¡°Xu Qing, tell me what you think.¡± The Great Elder rubbed his forehead and spoke hoarsely.


    As soon as he finished speaking, the gazes of dozens of Nihility cultivators landed on Xu Qing. If it was any other cultivator, their hearts would probably tremble intensely.


    However, Xu Qing had experienced too many things and had even seen a few gods. He could withstand Nihility¡¯s gaze that didn¡¯t contain pressure.


    Xu Qing spoke softly.


    ¡°The Palace Master passed a decree to me, asking me to collect supplies and troops in Fenghai County on his behalf. I¡¯ve completed the collection of the supplies. Calculating the time, they should have reached the battlefield.¡±


    ¡°As for the source of troops, I thought of Quzhao Province and the Yinghuang Province.¡±


    At this point, Xu Qing looked at the Great Elder.


    The Great Elder nodded and swept his gaze across the people around him as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°What do you guys think?¡±


    Xue Lianzi was the first to speak.


    ¡°Let¡¯s fight!¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He stood behind Xue Lianzi and nodded gently.


    Zi Xuan looked at Xu Qing and spoke softly.


    ¡°The Mystic Nether Sect will fight.¡±


    The other ancestors of the Eight Sects Alliance also fell silent for a moment before agreeing. The Alliance Leader smiled at Xu Qing, his eyes revealing praise.


    ¡°My Eight Sects Alliance naturally supports our Dao child and the human race.¡±


    ¡°Then what about the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, the Litu Sect, and the other human forces in my Yinghuang Province?¡± The Great Elder turned his head and looked at the other Nihility cultivators.


    There were more than ten Nihility experts of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. They looked at each other and knew that there was no reason to refuse, so they could only nod.


    As for the Litu Sect, after pondering for a moment, they all tacitly agreed to this matter.


    ¡°In that case, Edict Bearer Xu, please give the order on behalf of the Palace Master!¡± The Great Elder¡¯s gaze swept past everyone and finally looked at Xu Qing with a solemn expression.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned serious. He took out the Palace Master¡¯s token and raised it high. As the token shone, Xu Qing¡¯s voice carried the dignity given by the token as it echoed in all directions.


    ¡°The various forces of the Yinghuang Province shall be conscripted and led by the Sword Holding Court. Head to Quzhao Province immediately to help resolve the calamity of the Cloth Forbidden. Gather the strength of the two provinces and support the western frontline!¡±


    ¡°We shall obey the Palace Master¡¯s decree!¡± The Great Elder bowed solemnly.


    All the Sword Holders behind him lowered their heads and acknowledged the decree. A murderous intent started to rise from their bodies.


    The other races and sects¡¯ Nihility experts also lowered their heads to the token.


    Two hours later, the alliance army organized by the Great Elder gathered.


    The various races of the Forbidden Sea that had come to help suppress the Corpse Forbidden were unwilling to participate in such a war. They bade farewell and left. The Sword Holding Court didn¡¯t make things difficult for them and politely sent them off.


    As for the Yinghuang Province, not everyone participated. Other than a portion of the various sects and races who stayed behind to guard, a portion of them were arranged to stay on the Corpse Forbidden to clean up the mess.


    Among them, under the appointment of the Great Elder, Old Master Seventh and Zi Xuan were asked to stay behind and guard the Corpse Forbidden. There was no need for them to go to the battlefield.


    After Xu Qing heard this appointment, he glanced at the Great Elder. He understood that this might be related to him. After all, the dangers on the battlefield were too great.


    Xu Qing tacitly agreed to this.


    The remaining ones joined the alliance army, and the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ team was led by Xue Lianzi.


    At the same time, under the push of the Great Elder, the Taboo authorities of the various forces in the Yinghuang Province were also fused into the county capital¡¯s Taboo magic treasure, causing a golden net to appear in the sky of the Yinghuang Province. After covering all the ranges, the county capital¡¯s Taboo power became stronger.


    Just like that, the alliance army of the Yinghuang Province began to advance toward Quzhao Province.


    Tens of thousands of huge and small flying magic vessels soared through the sky, carrying the Yinghuang Province¡¯s army.


    Wherever they passed, the sky was blotted out and the sun was hidden.

 Chapter 685 - 685 Junior Brother, Im Here!! (1)

    685 Junior Brother, I¡¯m Here!! (1)


    The momentum of the army was so great that it seemed to have the power to destroy anything in its path, causing all the evil forces in its way to flee far away.


    The sky howled, and the earth rumbled, as an atmosphere of solemnity and killing intent continued to rise.


    Xu Qing left Qingqin¡¯s right head and arrived in the Sword Holding Court¡¯s giant ship at the front.


    Xue Lianzi was here.


    Xu Qing specially came here to ask about the Corpse Forbidden. Back then, he was the one who discovered this matter. That large hand from the bronze door had left a deep impression on him.


    ¡°The Corpse Forbidden is the same as other forbidden regions. It was formed when the god¡¯s fragmented-face opened its eyes twice.¡±


    ¡°According to the records of the Corpse Forbidden in the ancient books and the many years of exploration, the first thing the god saw countless years ago was an ancient bronze door in the depths of the Forbidden Sea, causing it to transform. It then looked at that door the second time.¡±


    ¡°In reality, it¡¯s the same for many other forbidden regions as well. They are all formed with some special items as their source. Some people analyzed that every time the god¡¯s fragmented-face opens its eyes, it seems to be searching for some item. Of course, there are also people who think that the god¡¯s fragmented-face is screening for something.¡±


    If it was anyone else who asked, Xue Lianzi wouldn¡¯t have explained in such detail. However, it was different since it was Xu Qing who was asking.


    He slowly spoke and told everything he knew to his favorite grand-disciple.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He recalled that back then, he had used the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo to see the broken zither in the forbidden zone beside the Nanhuang Continent¡¯s scavenger campsite.


    ¡°As for the emperor of the Corpse Forbidden, it¡¯s actually a life form formed by the aura emitted by the ancient bronze door and has fused with anomalous substances over the countless years.¡±


    ¡°This is also the reason why it didn¡¯t put up any resistance when it was devoured by the bronze door. You can actually treat forbidden regions as a ranch to a certain extent.¡±


    Xue Lianzi looked at Xu Qing and spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that the rancher is only managing it on behalf of others. It¡¯s also a lamb. The true rancher is in a deep sleep.¡±


    ¡°They are all waiting. They are waiting for the god¡¯s fragmented-face to take a look for the third time, so that they can truly awaken in the baptism of the third gaze, turning their area into a Divine Realm.¡±


    This was the first time Xu Qing had heard of such a saying. After a moment of silence, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°What about the Phoenix Forbidden?¡±


    ¡°Phoenix Forbidden¡­ is different.¡± Xue Lianzi shook his head.


    ¡°The source of the Phoenix Forbidden isn¡¯t an item but the Flame Phoenix itself. And the Flame Phoenix doesn¡¯t need to be asleep; it has always been awake.¡±


    ¡°The Flame Phoenix can wait for the god to open Its eyes for the third time, or it can choose not to wait and advance on its own.¡±


    ¡°So, Flame Phoenix is different.¡±


    ¡°Gah!¡± Qingqin¡¯s proud cry rang out outside the huge flying ship.


    Xu Qing was surprised. He looked at Qingqin outside the huge ship.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, it lifted its right head, revealing dissatisfied emotions.


    Xu Qing understood this expression.


    He understood that Qingqin wanted to exterminate an entire race¡­


    ¡°Senior, we¡¯re not in a hurry. There will be a chance.¡± Xu Qing hurriedly comforted.


    Only then did Qingqin¡¯s right head droop down. It continued to inhale and exhale the clouds, looking bored.


    Xue Lianzi noticed this scene and fell into deep thought.


    ¡°Your master is a capable person. It¡¯s his good fortune to accept you and your senior sister as his disciples, and also your good fortune. So, you must live well and grow well. Don¡¯t worry about anything else. While this old man can still jump around, I¡¯ll protect you!¡±


    Xue Lianzi glanced at Xu Qing with deep appreciation.


    ¡°Ah? Senior Sister and I? What about Eldest Senior Brother and Third Senior Brother?¡± Xu Qing was surprised.


    ¡°Them? Hehe, I forgot.¡± Xue Lianzi snorted coldly.


    ¡°We cultivators can¡¯t be affected by lust. Your third senior brother was originally doing well, but he just had to seduce the Saintess of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. In the end, he didn¡¯t succeed in escaping the marriage, and the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect used it as a leverage to capture him last year.¡±


    ¡°Look at how miserable he has become in the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. This is the outcome of his cultivation being insufficient!¡± Xue Lianzi looked angry.


    ¡°If his cultivation was high enough, like your master, which Dao companion would dare to say no to him?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was strange. He glanced at the ancestor, not sure if there was any other meaning to the other party¡¯s words.


    ¡°The current situation is too tragic to look at. Your master can¡¯t be bothered to save him and I don¡¯t want to bring him back either.¡±


    ¡°Your eldest senior brother has also succumbed to desires. wrote a letter to your master, requesting his assistance in arranging a marriage proposal to someone named Tao. He¡¯s neglecting his duties as a Swordbearer and neglecting his cultivation, consumed by his desires!¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    ¡°Fourth, your temperament is quite good. You have to remember that for us cultivators, the focus should be on cultivating our abilities rather than getting entangled in worldly desires.¡±


    ¡°When you reach Nihility, you¡¯ll be able to find all kinds of Dao companions; tall, short, fat, thin, whatever you want. There will be all kinds of female cultivators lining up for you to choose from.¡±


    ¡°As someone who has gone through it, you can trust my advice. You need to work hard and strive for excellence!¡±


    Xue Lianzi spoke earnestly.


    Xu Qing hesitated for a moment before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°Uhh, what about Second Senior Sister and Huang Yan¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s different!¡± Xue Lianzi coughed and glanced at Qingqin outside without saying anything else.


    Xu Qing was a little surprised. He noticed Xue Lianzi¡¯s gaze and the scene of Huang Yan sensing him when he used the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo appeared in his mind.

 Chapter 686 - 686 Junior Brother, Im Here!! (2)

    686 Junior Brother, I¡¯m Here!! (2)


    At that time, he felt that Huang Yan wasn¡¯t simple.


    ¡®I think Huang Yan said that he has a brother in the county capital who would take care of me¡­¡¯ At the thought of this, an unbelievable thought suddenly surfaced in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. His heart skipped a beat and he instinctively looked at Qingqin.


    Qingqin had agreed so easily previously, and Xu Qing had no idea why.


    After pondering, Xu Qing restrained this thought, deciding to find an opportunity to ask Qingqin.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    Under the arrangements of the Sword Holding Court, the army of the Yinghuang Province launched a large-scale teleportation, shortening the journey to Quzhao Province. Hence, three days later, the army was only six hours away from Quzhao Province.


    During these three days, Xu Qing accompanied Xue Lianzi and gained a complete understanding of what had happened within the sect during his absence.


    He also visited the Great Elder many times to tell him what he knew about the front line situation and the real-time information he had received about the Cloth Forbidden from the Secretariat Department, planning a coordinated strategy.


    ¡°The Cloth Forbidden in Quzhao Province is at the edge of the Cloth Race¡¯s territory. That place isn¡¯t a jungle but an incomparably huge black burial cloth.¡±


    ¡°This burial cloth is filled with ominousness, permeated with anomalous substances. All living beings who enter it seem to have stepped into a strange world that is completely isolated from the outside world.¡±


    ¡°In essence, the calamity this time is the revival of this black burial cloth.¡±


    ¡°The first to bear the brunt isn¡¯t the Sword Holding Court and the human race in Quzhao Province, but the Cloth Race.¡±


    ¡°The Cloth Race isn¡¯t actually a native race of the Quzhao Province. They are a new race born after the fragmented-face of the god arrived and the Cloth Forbidden was formed.¡±


    ¡°They reject death and yearn for beauty, which is incompatible with the environment of the Cloth Forbidden. Therefore, they split off and formed their own clan outside. It is because of this that they are in conflict with the Cloth Forbidden, and the two cannot coexist peacefully.¡±


    ¡°Hence, guarding the Cloth Forbidden is an instinctive action of the Cloth Race.¡±


    ¡°This time, Quzhao Province has gathered the strength of a province and is almost done sealing the Cloth Forbidden. According to the information given by Quzhao Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court, the situation has been greatly controlled.¡±


    This was the information Xu Qing had received from Qing Qiu. The Great Elder also had some understanding of this but it wasn¡¯t as comprehensive as the Secretariat Department¡¯s summary.


    ¡°Then this time, with our help, we can speed up the completion of this seal.¡± The Great Elder spoke in a deep voice.


    Xu Qing nodded. His gaze swept past the Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy, who had shrunk to the size of an ordinary person behind the Great Elder.


    As a prisoner, she had no freedom, so she was also conscripted to the battle.


    Sensing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the Nether Fairy snorted and ignored him.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care. He then chatted with the Great Elder for a while. As the army got closer and closer to Quzhao Province, he left the huge ship and returned to Qingqin¡¯s right head.


    ¡°Senior Qingqin, do you¡­ know Huang Yan?¡±


    ¡°Gah?¡± Qingqin¡¯s three heads that were pecking at the feathers on each other¡¯s necks blinked at the same time.


    Xu Qing looked at it and probed.


    ¡°Senior Qingqin, why don¡¯t we communicate with our divine senses?¡±


    ¡°Gah!¡±


    Qingqin¡¯s eyes revealed dissatisfaction, as though it was more persistent in relying on its ¡®gah¡¯ sounds to transmit its words. Hence, all three heads shook their heads and were about to let out a cry, when they suddenly looked in the distance in unison.


    It wasn¡¯t the only one. The Yinghuang Province army also immediately activated spells and locked onto the front.


    They had arrived at Quzhao Province.


    The reason why everyone was so solemn was because an extremely dense aura of death rose from the ground of Quzhao Province, changing the sky and everything.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s memories, the land of the Quzhao Province mainly consisted of plains. Moreover, the place they had entered now belonged to the Cloth Race¡¯s territory.


    The Cloth Race¡¯s territory was colorful and very beautiful.


    But now¡­ this place was covered in grayish-white.


    It was an incomparably huge shroud!


    Upon closer inspection, one could see that this shroud was formed by countless Cloth Race members. They fused together and formed such a vast shroud.


    There were shirts, pants, hats, gloves, and all kinds of clothes. However, they weren¡¯t colorful but uniformly grayish-white.


    Terrifying fluctuations spread out from the shroud, affecting the sky, causing the sky here to be dark. It was the color of decayed corpses, causing one to involuntarily feel oppressed.


    As for the grayish-white color of the ground, it revealed desolation and emitted a dense aura of death. In fact, one could even sense that the Cloth Race members who formed this shroud were all dead.


    This was a cloth formed by using their corpses.


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    As the Yinghuang Province¡¯s army entered, the group finally saw the army formed by the various sects and races of the Quzhao Province.


    There were more than a million of them. Under the command of the Quzhao Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court, they were scattered at the edge of the huge shroud. There were people from all races inside. They went all out to lift the astonishing cloth and gradually advance.


    There were also Taboo magic treasures with different appearances circling the sky, emitting threads that connected to the shroud and lifted it with all their might.


    What they were covering was a gigantic black burial cloth. Compared to it, the cultivators were like ants, insignificant.

 Chapter 687 - 687 Junior Brother, Im Here!! (3)

    687 Junior Brother, I¡¯m Here!! (3)


    The huge shroud was still the most eye-catching.


    At that moment, it had already covered the chest area of the burial cloth. Dozens of Nihility cultivators were using divine to bombard the burial cloth under the lead of the Great Elder of the Quzhao Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court.


    What fought against them were ferocious figures formed by the black gas emitted by the black burial cloth.


    There were people from all races among these figures. They wore the same black burial clothes and emitted astonishing anomalous substances.


    At the bottom, the black burial cloth itself was like an abyss, giving off a terrifying evil intent. Countless strands of black gas twisted around it as though they were struggling with all their might.


    Waves of horrifying roars as well as breathing sound rang out from it.


    Every time it exhaled, a black fog of death would erupt. Even the Nihility cultivators had to dodge it. The shroud would sway due to it.


    This was the seal formed by the power of the Quzhao Province.


    The arrival of the Yinghuang Province had long caught the attention of Quzhao Province, and the cultivators of the various races in Quzhao were filled with excitement.


    On the way here, Xu Qing had already contacted the Sword Holding Court in Quzhao Province with his authority. Hence, they weren¡¯t surprised but had been looking forward to it for a while.


    ¡°Thank you for your assistance, Edict Bearer Xu and fellow Daoists of the Yinghuang Province!¡±


    ¡°Please activate the suppression power and cooperate with us to complete the seal!¡±


    The Great Elder of the Quzhao Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court was a middle-aged cultivator. His gaze swept across the Yinghuang Province¡¯s army with excitement.


    Xu Qing nodded. He knew that now wasn¡¯t the time to exchange pleasantries. As he gently stroked Qingqin¡¯s head, it let out a cry and threw out a beam of divine light at the black burial cloth.


    As the divine light descended, a large number of the sinister figures formed by the black gas instantly collapsed. The burial cloth shook and a furious roar spread out of it.


    The cultivators from the Yinghuang Province also rushed out. Under the command of the various sects, as the Sword Holding Court¡¯s Yin-Yang Formation landed, they sat down cross-legged on the array formation with great familiarity and the sound of chanting echoed again.


    ¡°I hold the energy of heaven and earth and seal the ghosts with my Dao spell.¡±


    ¡°The Yin and Yang paths are sealed, and they shall not contradict each other.¡±


    The color of the world changed, and the wind and clouds surged. As the Yin-Yang Formation shone and the chants echoed, a suppression power descended.


    The ground rumbled and the black burial cloth trembled clearly. With the addition of the Yinghuang Province, the exhausted cultivators of Quzhao Province stimulated their remaining strength and spread the shroud at an even faster speed.


    At that moment, Xu Qing, who was standing on Qingqin¡¯s right head, swept past the top of the black burial cloth. His voice transmission jade slip suddenly shook and a voice that he hadn¡¯t heard in a long time rang out.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I¡¯m here! I see you. You¡¯re finally here. Come and help me!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. After he and the captain separated, there was no news from the other party. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that he firmly believed that the captain wouldn¡¯t die even if he only had his head left, Xu Qing would have thought that the captain was done for.


    Hence, he had been a little worried.


    Now, he actually heard the captain¡¯s voice here in Cloth Forbidden.


    Xu Qing looked over.


    In the black burial cloth that was half-covered below, among the many figures formed by the endless fog, there was a figure waving at Xu Qing. He vaguely looked a little similar to the captain.


    Because the distance was a little far and the hazy fog, Xu Qing could only see a blurry outline. Moreover, the other party also emitted black gas. At first glance, it wasn¡¯t much different from the malevolent foggy figures.


    After Xu Qing took a look, suspicion rose in his mind.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of the Cloth Forbidden being able to produce illusions¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not an illusion! Little Qing, come and save me!¡±


    Xu Qing raised his brows and stood on Qingqin¡¯s right head. He lowered his head and observed carefully. His gaze locked onto the figure that was suspected to be the captain and he gradually saw the black fog churning behind the other party. Large hands formed, as though they were about to capture him with madness and anger.


    This scene clearly showed that he had done something infuriating.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing confirmed the other party¡¯s identity.


    ¡°Senior Qingqin, that person is my senior brother. Sorry to trouble you¡­¡± Xu Qing said to Qingqin.


    Qingqin was constantly letting out purple-red light in the surroundings. Every time it spread its light, many Cloth Forbidden figures would collapse. It took this opportunity to devour them like drinking wine.


    After hearing Xu Qing¡¯s words, Qingqin¡¯s head swayed.


    ¡°Gah!¡±


    Its huge body rumbled as it headed straight for the thick fog of the Cloth Forbidden below. Wherever it passed, all the Cloth Forbidden figures who rushed out let out mournful cries. They were either scattered by the light, directly smashed into pieces, or devoured alive.


    In the blink of an eye, Qingqin brought Xu Qing deep into the Cloth Forbidden.


    This scene immediately attracted the attention of the Yinghuang Province and Quzhao Province¡¯s Sword Holding Courts. The expressions of the two great elders changed and they rushed out at the same time.


    In their eyes, Xu Qing¡¯s current identity was extraordinary. They couldn¡¯t afford to lose him.


    Xue Lianzi also moved immediately. His cultivation was clearly inferior to the two great elders but he was the first to rush toward Xu Qing.


    After all, the latter was his family. On this battlefield, regardless of whether it was the life and death of others or the seal, the safety of his family was the most important. Hence, he didn¡¯t leave too far away.


    When the three of them rushed out, Qingqin had already brought Xu Qing deeper into the Cloth Forbidden. As they sank, everything in the surroundings turned pitch-black. Thick anomalous substances gathered from all directions. At the same time, the roars from the Cloth Forbidden became even more ear-piercing.

 Chapter 688 - 688 Junior Brother, Im Here!! (4)

    688 Junior Brother, I¡¯m Here!! (4)


    The blurry figure of the captain became much clearer. He was rushing out of the Cloth Forbidden with all his might, but the countless large hands behind him were about to catch up.


    At this critical moment, the captain went all out. Madness appeared in his eyes and his entire body swayed. Immediately, countless eyes grew on his body and left his body, heading straight for the large hands. After they struck the hands, they erupted.


    Many large hands were directly destroyed in the explosion. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the captain headed straight for Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother!¡± The captain lifted his right hand, wanting to grab Qingqin. The distance between the two of them was only 1,000 feet.


    To Qingqin, a thousand feet long was within its reach. However, the instant Qingqin¡¯s right head was about to reach over, the expressions of its three heads instantly changed and all the feathers on its body stood up in unison.


    An intense life-and-death crisis rose in its mind.


    A terrifying pressure erupted from the depths of the Cloth Forbidden, rumbling the world. Xu Qing and Qingqin were the first to bear the brunt.


    There was even a deep roar that was like muffled thunder coming from behind the captain.


    ¡°Evil thief!!¡±


    Amidst this roar, more large hands appeared. Moreover, the veins on them bulged, making them look even more sinister. Their speed was also much faster.


    In the deepest area of the Cloth Forbidden, a pair of red eyes suddenly opened. They were filled with madness and anger as they rapidly enlarged.


    Clearly, the face where the eyes were located was rapidly approaching.


    The captain became anxious and the madness in his eyes intensified. His raised right hand directly transformed into a long saber and slashed across his neck, cutting off his head.


    After that, his headless body spun and used all its strength to kick the head ruthlessly toward Xu Qing.


    After instantly reaching Xu Qing, the captain finally heaved a sigh of relief. Qingqin also retreated immediately.


    Almost at the instant the captain¡¯s head was grabbed by Xu Qing, 1000 feet away, the captain¡¯s headless body was ruthlessly swallowed by a huge mouth that suddenly appeared. At the same time, a huge face appeared.


    The enormous face, as if soaked in water for a long time, was rotting and bloated, exuding a strong nauseating odor. It gnashed its teeth with all its might, as if filled with intense hatred.


    The red light in its eyes contained madness. At that moment, it saw the head in Xu Qing¡¯s hand and roared again, stirring up monstrous black fog as it charged toward Xu Qing crazily.


    Qingqin let out a powerful cry and flew with all its might. In the blink of an eye, it rushed out of the Cloth Forbidden.


    Just as the huge face was about to catch up to it, the two great elders and Xue Lianzi attacked at the same time. There was also the suppression power of the Yinghuang Province that ruthlessly suppressed it.


    The face let out a shocking roar and paused for a moment. However, seeing that the captain¡¯s head was getting further away, it actually struggled intensely and tried to chase after him.


    However, at that moment, the shroud of Quzhao Province had already swept over rapidly. The instant the face broke free from its restraints and continued to chase, the shroud covered the area above it.


    ¡°Evil thief, I¡¯m going to kill you!¡±


    Its roar was earth-shattering and revealed extreme hatred.


    However, the suppression power of the two provinces was extremely powerful. As the chanting echoed and the cultivators of the various races in Quzhao Province continued to enforce the seal, the shroud continued to cover it. In the end, the protruding face couldn¡¯t break through it and could only be suppressed.


    However, it continued to shout.


    ¡°Evil thief! Shameless! I¡¯ll bite you to pieces and devour you!¡±


    When the distant Nether Fairy heard this voice, she was moved. Clearly, she recalled her tragic past and felt empathy. She couldn¡¯t help but curse inwardly.


    ¡®Little thief, I¡¯ll definitely not let you off. I¡¯ll kill you sooner or later and eat you!¡¯


    Xu Qing, who was on Qingqin¡¯s right head, had a strange expression on his face as he watched this scene and listened to everything. At the same time, his heart palpitated intensely.


    He glanced at the face on the shroud that was still struggling crazily despite being suppressed. He then turned his head to look at the captain¡¯s head in his hand.


    At the same time, Qingqin¡¯s center and left heads also stared at the captain. The two great elders of the Sword Holding Courts and the cultivators from the two provinces also looked at the captain¡¯s head.


    This scene caused the captain to gasp. He hurriedly spoke loudly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve made a contribution!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve made a great contribution for the Sword Holding Palace and Quzhao Province!¡±


    ¡°Do you know why this brainless fellow in the Cloth Forbidden didn¡¯t completely revive? It¡¯s because of me. I carried the recognition I have toward the Sword Holder, the determination to save Quzhao Province, the love for the human race, and the huge risk of life and death as I headed into the depths of the Cloth Forbidden alone!¡±


    ¡°The instant this brainless fellow was about to revive, I bit a few mouthfuls of its soul heart, causing it to be incomplete!¡±


    ¡°This interrupted its awakening!¡±


    The captain was a little anxious. He knew that his appearance and actions this time would easily cause a misunderstanding. This was also the reason why he immediately explained.


    If people thought that he had caused the calamity of the Cloth Forbidden, the trouble would be extremely great.


    He never imagined that his adventure with his little friend would lead to such earth-shattering events. Now, having narrowly escaped death, he looked around and saw that the world he once knew had gathered millions of cultivators from two provinces.


    All of them seemed to have unfriendly gazes. He didn¡¯t know what had happened in the external world, so he couldn¡¯t help but be anxious when he saw this scene.


    He felt that this formation seemed to want to kill him in passing.


    The captain shivered and felt even more aggrieved. He wailed inwardly that he didn¡¯t cause this!


    When everyone heard the captain¡¯s words, their expressions were different. Quzhao Province¡¯s cultivators didn¡¯t seem to believe him. After all, the huge face below was still roaring angrily¡­


    Hence, the cultivators of Quzhao Province looked at Xu Qing and the Great Elder of the Yinghuang Province.


    The Yinghuang Province¡¯s Great Elder frowned slightly.


    He had a deep impression of Chen Erniu. At that moment, he was weighing the authenticity of the other party¡¯s words, so he looked at Xue Lianzi.


    After all, this Chen Erniu was a disciple of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Xue Lianzi spoke solemnly.


    ¡°Chen Erniu is one of the most outstanding disciples of my Seven Blood Eyes. He grew up in the Seven Blood Eyes since he was young and is honest. He has always been obedient and never causes trouble. I believe his words.¡±

 Chapter 689 - 689 Purgatory (1)

    689 Purgatory (1)


    Hearing the ancestor¡¯s words, the captain was overwhelmed with emotion and looked at Xue Lianzi with tears welling up in his eyes.


    The other party¡¯s figure became incomparably majestic in his heart, emitting a warm light.


    This time around, he was really frightened by the formation of millions of cultivators from the two provinces. The fact that the ancestor had stepped forward bravely, fair judgment, and the correct understanding of himself had deeply touched the captain, turning his inner frustration into profound gratitude.


    He felt that there was still warmth and true feelings in the human world!


    He was still the little grand-disciple whom the ancestor doted on the most.


    The captain lifted his eyelids forcefully, wanting to look at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He grabbed the captain¡¯s head and looked at the cultivators of Quzhao Province and the two great elders from the Yinghuang Province as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°According to the intelligence summarized by the Secretariat Department, the calamity in the two provinces is related to the Holy Wave Race. Furthermore, the information from the classified report, codenamed 214, has confirmed their involvement in awakening the Cloth Forbidden.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, the sealing of the Cloth Forbidden was clearly smoother than the Corpse Forbidden. Comparing the information received from the two provinces, even if Quzhao Province didn¡¯t receive reinforcements, it will take at most a month to resolve the calamity of the Cloth Forbidden, while the Yinghuang Province would have taken much longer.¡±


    ¡°When I was in the Secretariat Department, I had doubts about this. I originally thought that it was because the Corpse Forbidden¡¯s god door was making the sealing more difficult. However, from the looks of it now, it should have some connection with Chen Erniu¡¯s actions in the Cloth Forbidden.¡±


    The captain was overwhelmed with emotion once again.


    He quickly nodded. His haggard appearance and unshaven beard revealed a strong sense of misery. This appearance more or less possessed some persuasiveness.


    The most persuasive voice came out from afar.


    ¡°The chaos in the Cloth Forbidden has nothing to do with this little friend of the human race. On the contrary, he has helped our race a lot.¡±


    Everyone immediately looked over and saw clothes flying out from the shroud below, transforming into various colors in the air. They were none other than the Cloth Race.


    However, the number of survivors from the Cloth Race wasn¡¯t much.


    The one speaking in the front was an empress¡¯s robe. A large number of guards¡¯ uniforms gathered behind it.


    The cultivators here immediately greeted them with cupped fists. The Cloth Race had paid the most for the seal on the Cloth Forbidden. The words of the empress robe naturally carried a lot of weight.


    Seeing the Cloth Race appear, the captain hurriedly retched a few times. However, he felt that it wasn¡¯t working, so he quickly spoke.


    ¡°Little Qing, help me.¡±


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He stuffed his hand into the captain¡¯s mouth. After fiddling around, he pulled out a glove from the captain¡¯s mouth.


    It was unknown how the captain hid it, but the glove was piled up and filled with creases. After it was taken out, the captain blew on it and it straightened and returned to its original state.


    It was none other than Miss Five-Finger.


    She woke up in a daze. After she flew out, she swayed and circled the captain¡¯s head a few times before sobering up and emitting a happy mood. She waved at the captain and flew toward her race.


    Xu Qing noticed that there was something wrong with the captain¡¯s gaze when he looked at the glove. It was too gentle. Xu Qing had never seen such a gaze from the captain before.


    However, he knew that now wasn¡¯t the time to ask, so he didn¡¯t speak.


    The seal of the Cloth Forbidden was considered completed after the black burial cloth was completely enveloped by the shroud.


    Two hours later, the Quzhao Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court coordinated a large number of human cultivators in the province and joined the Yinghuang Province to support the front lines.


    The army left the Cloth Forbidden imposingly.


    As for Qingqin, when the army activated a large-scale teleportation array in the Quzhao Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court and teleported, it let out a cry of farewell to Xu Qing.


    It helped Xu Qing because of its older brother¡¯s instructions. However, this didn¡¯t mean that it didn¡¯t have its own standpoint and would follow him to the end without hesitation.


    Although it didn¡¯t have a bad impression of the human race, it didn¡¯t have a good impression of them either. Moreover, it had no intentions to get involved in a war between races. This was also the reason why it had rejected the Palace Master¡¯s invitation previously.


    It was willing to help Xu Qing personally. However, it wasn¡¯t willing to help the human race fight another race.


    Qingqin never transmitted any divine sense and only spoke with its cries. However, Xu Qing looked at Qingqin and seemed to understand its decision.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Qingqin!¡±


    Xu Qing stood on the giant ship and cupped his fists as he bowed solemnly.


    Qingqin circled in the sky and its three heads looked at Xu Qing. In the end, it let out a series of cries.


    Ga ga ga gah!


    It flapped its wings and headed straight for the sky.


    Xu Qing stared at the sky. After Qingqin¡¯s figure completely disappeared, the captain sighed.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect so many things to happen during this period of time.¡±


    A small body was growing under the captain¡¯s head. The chubby little hands should be cute, but with the head of an adult, he looked very strange.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze across the surroundings and discovered that everyone here was entering the teleportation array. Hence, he lowered his head and looked at the captain as he asked through voice transmission.


    ¡°Senior Brother, what exactly did you do inside?¡±


    The captain sighed.


    ¡°I feel aggrieved too. After we teleported from the Ten Guts Tree, the place I appeared at was the territory of the Cloth Race. I met my good friend, Sister Five-Finger, here, so I suggested going to a fun place in their race. I didn¡¯t expect that as we entered it, the Cloth Forbidden f*cking awakened!!¡±

 Chapter 690 - 690 Purgatory (2)

    690 Purgatory (2)


    ¡°It¡¯s fine if it awakened, but it swallowed my Sister Five-Finger!¡±


    ¡°It swallowed my Sister Five-Finger in front of me. What else could I do? I chased after her and entered the depths of this Cloth Forbidden. I narrowly escaped death inside and finally saved Sister Five-Finger!¡±


    ¡°But you also know my personality. Am I the kind of person who suffers losses?!¡±


    ¡°So, in my anger, I simply walked deeper and saw a large fellow whose heart was floating in the air. It should be reviving and its entire body emitted a fragrance. Hence, in order to take revenge, I swallowed a few mouthfuls of the soul heart it needed to revive.¡±


    The captain coughed and placed his hands behind his back as he looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing looked at the captain. He recalled the cursing and extreme anger on that face earlier. It shouldn¡¯t be as simple as swallowing a few mouthfuls.


    Xu Qing could only believe half of the captain¡¯s words due to the lack of information, but he could confirm that the captain indeed wasn¡¯t the one who caused the chaos in the Cloth Forbidden.


    However, he didn¡¯t believe what the captain said at the end.


    He felt that with the captain¡¯s personality, he must have done something earth-shattering inside. Presumably, even the Holy Wave Race didn¡¯t expect such an unpredictable variable to appear in their meticulous plan.


    However, at the end of the day, the captain¡¯s action caused the sealing to be easier.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze across the short captain and slowly spoke.


    ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll record it for you later. It can be considered a great contribution.¡±


    When the captain heard this, he beamed with joy and laughed.


    ¡°That¡¯s my junior brother. Haha, this is for you.¡±


    The captain looked around and quickly took out a green crystal the size of an egg, stuffing it into Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    This crystal was clearly sealed. At first glance, it looked like nothing special. Only by holding it in his hand could he sense the astonishing fluctuations contained in it. After Xu Qing caught it, his soul instinctively emitted a desire.


    Even the god¡¯s finger in D132¡¯s Heavenly Palace shook.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°Cough, do you know why I said that that big fellow in the Cloth Forbidden is brainless?¡± The captain smiled spuriously and winked at Xu Qing. He then lifted his chubby little hand and pointed at the green crystal.


    ¡°The reason¡¯s this.¡±


    Xu Qing gasped and looked at the captain in disbelief.


    ¡°Nothing, nothing. It¡¯s just a small half of the demigod body that that big guy molded for itself.¡± The captain burped and his expression was incomparably arrogant. He quickly glanced at Xu Qing, wanting to see Xu Qing¡¯s envy.


    ¡°Demigod?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°Of course, sigh, it¡¯s just so-so. It¡¯s not anything particularly good. Little Qing, you came late. If you had come earlier, I wouldn¡¯t have eaten so much and only have this much left for you.¡±


    The captain coughed. Although his tone was humble, his face showed clear smugness.


    ¡°Come, show Senior Brother your envious expression.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and made his gaze fixated. He then opened his mouth as though he was shocked. After putting on this expression, he kept the green crystal with a clear conscience and prepared to continue absorbing it on the way.


    ¡°Sigh, Little Qing, your expression isn¡¯t right. Here, add a click of the tongue and take a sharp breath.¡± The captain was not satisfied and immediately corrected him.


    Xu Qing felt that it made sense and tried. However, he couldn¡¯t do it well no matter what.


    Seeing that Xu Qing was so obedient, the captain felt smug inwardly. However, he shook his head on the surface.


    ¡°You need to train more!¡±


    The captain and Xu Qing got off the huge ship. When they walked toward the teleportation array, he stretched and casually asked through voice transmission.


    ¡°By the way, Little Qing, did you gain anything during this period of time?¡±


    As he spoke, the captain stepped into the teleportation array.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing much. I just obtained a god¡¯s body.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly transmitted his voice and also stepped in.


    As the formation rumbled, the captain suddenly turned his head and seemed to shout something, but Xu Qing couldn¡¯t hear clearly. He only saw the captain¡¯s expression as if he had taken a sharp breath, followed by widened eyes and an incredulous look. He even bit down on his tongue slightly from the shock.


    ¡°Oh, so this is clicking the tongue?¡± Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    At the next instant, the light of the array formation enveloped the surroundings, drowning the two of them and the cultivators from the other two provinces.


    In the Yutian province.


    The territory of this province was long and narrow. On its left was the Linlan Province where the western battlefield was located, and on the right was the Taihe Province which was where the northern front line was at.


    The climate was mainly warm and humid all year round.


    This climate also caused the bodies of the various races in the Yutian Province to be much larger than the cultivators of the other provinces, many being 50 feet tall like the Full Spirit Race members which Qingqin ate a lot of.


    The entire province was filled with rainforests with some mountains. Within these mountains, it was common to find one volcano for every ten mountains, although eruptions were not frequent.


    Ever since the war began, the Yutian Province has been primarily used for logistical purposes due to its strategic location. Unless there were specific instructions, the resources were gathered and allocated from Yutian Province.


    To a certain extent, this place could be considered a part of the war zone, and the Law Palace was in charge of guarding it.


    Although the majority of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s army was effectively contained at the border, there were some smaller forces that had managed to infiltrate the three provinces due to the loss of territory in the northern region prior to the war and despite the coordinated efforts of the allied forces and the Taboo barrier set up by the capital city.


    They were adept at hiding and possessed magic treasures that could temporarily shield them from the Taboo barrier. As a result, it was difficult to eradicate them unless significant efforts were made to search and hunt them down.

 Chapter 691 - 691 Purgatory (3)

    691 Purgatory (3)


    They had all received specialized training and most of them were black-clothed guards. Moreover, they were scattered around, so it was even more difficult to quickly eliminate them.


    Their main objective was to destroy and stop the supply transportation in this war zone.


    After all, not all resources could be placed in the storage space. And not all items were suitable to be teleported through teleportation arrays. There were many things that required manual delivery.


    At that moment, outside a large teleportation hub in the Yutian Province, thousands of black-clothed guards were launching an assault.


    All of them had extraordinary cultivation bases and astonishing combat strength.


    After all, just like the Sword Holders, black-clothed guards were outstanding people in their respective places.


    Although not every one of them could fight above their level, they often showed more powers than those of the same realm.


    Their mission now was to destroy the large-scale teleportation array here.


    This array formation covered an area of 50 kilometers. Every time it was activated, it could theoretically accommodate hundreds of thousands of human cultivators at the same time.


    The sounds of fighting continued to ring out from the edge of the array formation.


    Although there were many cultivators guarding this array formation, most of them were disciples of the Law Palace. In terms of experts, they were inferior to the Sword Holding Palace and were naturally inferior to the black-clothed guards.


    Fortunately, they had a certain advantage in terms of numbers due to a portion of the alliance army and Sword Holders staying behind to guard the array. More reinforcements were rushing to the scene following the shimmering of the teleportation array.


    However, the hundreds of magic artifacts floating in the sky, activated by the black-clothed guards, continued to disturb the teleportation array¡¯s operation.


    There were also some black-clothed death soldiers who broke through the blockade and self-destructed after approaching the teleportation array. The fluctuations they stirred up caused the teleportation array to shake.


    However, overall, the array formation was still intact and everything was still working smoothly.


    Those who broke through the blockades were restricted to less important areas.


    This was because of Yao Yunhui, who was in charge of protecting this teleportation array.


    As the director of the Law Palace¡¯s Discipline Department, Yao Yunhui fought off the invasion of the black-clothed guards many times with her Spirit Repository cultivation.


    At this moment, she no longer had the enchanting allure she possessed in the capital. She had put on her battle armor, and though weariness was evident on her face, a strong sense of determination and killing intent spread from her.


    Under her arrangements, as everyone continued to encircle and suppress, this invasion from the black-clothed guards couldn¡¯t last long and it was looking difficult for them to succeed.


    Seeing that they didn¡¯t succeed even after attacking for a long time, the black-clothed guards had the intention to retreat. Their leader¡¯s eyes revealed regret as he coldly glanced at Yao Yunhui, who was staring at him from afar.


    He knew that he couldn¡¯t stay for too long, so he gave the order to retreat.


    This trembling was extremely abrupt, causing both sides to be shocked. At the same time, the countless gravel on the ground actually rose on their own amidst the trembling. It was as though a huge attraction force had descended from the sky, causing countless dust and gravel to float in the air.


    Some loose buildings, rubble, corpses, and blood also rose into the air uncontrollably. In this moment, everything seemed uncontrollable, especially the blood that ascended and left behind chilling trails in the air.


    The magic artifacts of the black-clothed guards in the sky couldn¡¯t continue to interfere with the teleportation array. Instead, they exploded one after another under this fluctuation.


    This scene shocked all the cultivators present. As their hearts trembled, their hair also fluttered and depressions appeared on their bodies. There were even some whose cultivation levels were insufficient that the blood in their bodies seeped out.


    Fortunately, no one died.


    However, this scene still caused everyone to gasp. They also noticed the source of all this.


    What caused this change wasn¡¯t the sky but the ground.


    The huge teleportation array that covered a radius of 50 kilometers.


    This array formation was operating!


    This explosive level of activation caused everyone¡¯s breathing to become hurried. Other than at the start of the war, there had never been such a soul-stirring energy fluctuation.


    The only thing that could cause such a reaction from the large-scale teleportation array was because it was being worked to its limit!


    This meant that the number of people teleporting here numbered hundreds of thousands.


    ¡°How is this possible!¡±


    ¡°Now that my race and the human race are intertwined at the frontline, it¡¯s impossible for the human race to have any more troops. Could it be an outside force?¡±


    ¡°The possibility of foreign races interfering is extremely small. My race has already promised all the foreign races in Fenghai County that after we capture Fenghai County, the interests of the various races will remain the same!¡±


    ¡°Which nonhuman race would send their entire race here?!¡±


    The expressions of the thousands of black-clothed guards who were originally about to retreat changed drastically. As their hearts trembled, they saw a shocking light erupt from the 50-kilometer-long teleportation array.


    This light was piercing and extremely resplendent, instantly illuminating the dark sky until it was translucent and bright, as though it was daytime.


    Amidst this light, deafening booms spread in all directions from the array formation.


    ¡°No matter what, I can¡¯t let them teleport over!¡±


    ¡°All black-clothed guards, charge forward and stop the teleportation!¡±


    As the black-clothed guard leader gave the order, thousands of black-clothed guards rushed out one after another, heading straight for the teleportation.


    ¡°Do your best to stop them. Kill anyone who gets close to the array formation!¡± Yao Yunhui¡¯s eyes narrowed as she ordered sternly. She even personally rushed out to stop the leader of the black-clothed guards.

 Chapter 692 - 692 Purgatory (4)

    692 Purgatory (4)


    When a large-scale teleportation array was activated, it would emit a pressuring force. Other than its own array formation pressure, there would also be the pressure from the people being transported.


    Only then would there be a guarantee of there being no issue with the teleportation.


    Almost at the instant these black-clothed guards rushed over and were stopped by the Law Palace cultivators, an earth-shattering sound rang out from the array formation. As rumbling sounds erupted, more than a hundred figures appeared!


    The black-clothed guard leader¡¯s judgment was both correct and wrong.


    Yes, there would indeed be hundreds of thousands or even more cultivators teleporting over, but what they never expected was that the first wave was all Nihility!


    The descent of more than a hundred Nihility cultivators caused the color of the sky to change and the wind to surge. The surrounding space shook and fissures spread on the ground.


    Regardless of whether it was the black-clothed guards, the Law Palace, or the alliance army of the nonhuman races, everyone¡¯s eyes were wide open and their hearts were filled with endless shock.


    ¡°What¡­ the hell¡­¡±


    ¡°How is this possible!¡±


    ¡°Human reinforcements!¡±


    All the black-clothed guards felt as though their scalps were about to explode. All of their expressions changed drastically and their minds buzzed as they rapidly retreated. Compared to them, the cultivators of the Law Palace were extremely excited.


    ¡°Human reinforcements!¡±


    ¡°Reinforcements are here!¡±


    ¡°The reinforcements have finally arrived!!¡±


    In the midst of the excitement among the human cultivators who were not on the front lines but still in the war zone, one could glimpse the hardships they had endured over the past month. Their struggles had forced them to constantly suppress the rising despair in their hearts in order to persevere.


    Some people even started crying and let out excited roars.


    Yao Yunhui was also moved and a dazed expression appeared on her face.


    She originally thought that there would be no reinforcements. She originally thought that the war would ultimately end up in despair.


    If even they were like this, it could be imagined that when those warriors at the front lines who were constantly fighting on the verge of death saw the reinforcements not long later, they would definitely be ten to a hundred times more excited than the cultivators here.


    At the next instant, the ancestors of the various sects from the Quzhao Province and the Yinghuang Province flew out. Someone waved his hand and the world seemed to collapse. The thousands of black-clothed guards were as fragile as paper and directly collapsed and exploded, forming flowers of flesh and blood.


    It was as though these blood flowers were welcoming the arrival of reinforcements.


    After that, these hundred or so Nihility cultivators spread out and checked the teleportation array. After ensuring that the surroundings were safe, the array formation rumbled again amidst the excitement of the surrounding cultivators.


    Their appearance gathered together and emitted an extremely violent aura, causing thunder to ring out in the sky. It continued to explode in all directions, shaking the world.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. As the hundreds of thousands of troops gathered and the array formation shone, another large batch of cultivators descended.


    It shook the heavens and the earth!


    It was only when the million-strong army from the two provinces appeared that the captain and the others arrived. At that moment, the light of the array formation was still flickering, gathering on the last figure.


    As this figure continued to form, everyone on the array formation was asked to leave. The captain was among them.


    After the entire array formation was emptied, the million-odd cultivators of the two provinces in the sky instinctively turned solemn under the gazes of the two Sword Holding Court great elders. They looked at the array formation and waited for the figure inside to emerge.


    This scene also caused the expressions of the surrounding cultivators from the Law Palace to turn solemn. Yao Yunhui, who was about to go forward to greet them, also stopped in her tracks and couldn¡¯t help but look at the only figure in the teleportation array.


    She vaguely felt that he looked a little familiar.


    At the next instant, as the array formation shone to the extreme, that figure rapidly became clear.


    Xu Qing appeared!


    Almost at the instant he appeared, the million cultivators in the surroundings, including the two great elders of the Sword Holding Court, cupped their fists and bowed to Xu Qing.


    They didn¡¯t say anything and only bowed.


    However, the bow of these million people formed a powerful aura that shook the heavens and the earth, causing the wilderness to rumble. The heavenly wind echoed and thunder exploded in all directions.


    In fact, there was even the invisible power of fate and fortune gathering here.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at everything.


    He knew that the title of an edict bearer was not befitting of the reverence he was receiving.


    However, right now, he represented the Palace Master, so he was barely qualified to receive such respect.


    More importantly, the cultivators from the Yinghuang Province and Quzhao Province were released under his lead and appeared here.


    Hence, he deserved this bow!


    Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed in return.


    ¡°Edict Bearer Xu, please give the order on behalf of the Palace Master!¡± The great elder of the Yinghuang Province spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°Reinforcements from the Yinghuang Province and Quzhao Province, move out at full speed and head to¡­ the western front line!¡± Xu Qing lifted his head and held the Palace Master¡¯s token high as he spoke loudly.


    ¡°We obey the decree!¡±


    The million people roared in unison.


    In the distance, Yao Yunhui was stunned. Her mind was buzzing and her expression was dazed. Everything in front of her seemed to have disappeared, leaving only the tall figure in the array formation who was bowed to by a million people.


    It left a deep impression on her.


    The human reinforcements from the Yinghuang Province and Quzhao Province didn¡¯t stay in the Yutian Province. The moment Xu Qing gave the order on behalf of the Palace Master, the million-strong army moved.


    They quickly moved toward the western front line.


    Yao Yunhui and the group of Law Palace cultivators had their own responsibilities and didn¡¯t follow. However, after the army left, the waves in the hearts of everyone in the 50-kilometer-long teleportation array were still huge and couldn¡¯t dissipate.


    The figure who walked out of the teleportation array last and was bowed to by a million cultivators was specially ingrained in their minds.

 Chapter 693 - 693 Purgatory (5)

    693 Purgatory (5)


    ¡°That¡¯s the edict bearer of the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master¡­¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing!¡±


    ¡°I heard that Xu Qing and Director Yao¡­ have some conflicts.¡±


    Although the cultivators of the Law Palace didn¡¯t pay as much attention to Xu Qing as the Sword Holding Palace, they had still heard of him.


    This was especially due to the events in the early stages of the war. Because the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master was acting as the County Governor, Xu Qing naturally attracted the attention of the entire county when he stood beside him.


    However, no matter what, it was far inferior to the shock they got from the previous scene.


    At that moment, some people recalled the rumors about Xu Qing and Yao Yunhui. Hence, they secretly looked at Yao Yunhui.


    Yao Yunhui fell silent.


    Waves of emotions rose in her heart. Everything from the past appeared in front of her eyes. As the scenes turned vivid in her mind, her feelings turned complicated.


    After a long time, she suppressed the waves in her heart and ordered the surrounding Law Palace cultivators.


    ¡°Guard the teleportation array strictly!¡±


    Her identity, cultivation, and experiences during this period of time caused Yao Yunhui to emit a lot more dignity.


    As the order was given, everyone in the surroundings lowered their heads and agreed, putting away the emotions that had been stirred up by the arrival of the army.


    However, the arrival of the army still gave them hope for this war.


    This hope was like fire, burning the Yutian Province and rising in the Linlan province. It also began to shine on the western front line.


    At the current moment, on the western front, both the human race and the Holy Wave Race were taking a brief rest after a thirteen-day conventional battle.


    The battlefield was divided into two distinct parts, separated by a massive ravine.


    At the end of the ravine was the Sky Ridge Mountain Range. That was originally the third gateway to Linlan Province.


    Once you passed beyond the mountains, there was a vast region separated by the Heaven¡¯s Eye Abyss and the Nine Provinces Plain, which was the territory of the Holy Wave Race.


    From a high altitude, the Sky Ridge Mountain Range looked like a giant dragon that couldn¡¯t struggle. It lay there and had no choice but to submit.


    The overall view revealed multiple areas in ruins, with several mountains having collapsed and emitted thick black smoke.


    There were also a large number of magic artifact fragments that filled the surroundings.


    Those were the traces of war.


    This place was originally the third line of defense for the human race against the Holy Wave Race. However, half a month ago, as a result of the partial collapse of the Taboo treasures of Fenghai County, this place¡­ was breached.


    The human army had no choice but to retreat 5,000 kilometers and defend the fourth defense line with the help of the reformed Taboo net.


    Hence, at this moment, there were no humans in the Sky Ridge Mountain Range. Instead, there was an armored Holy Wave Race army.


    There were no less than millions of them. In fact, in the huge area behind the mountain range that one couldn¡¯t see the end of, there were even more tents.


    It wasn¡¯t just the Holy Wave Race. There were also countless races that had been enslaved by it.


    As for the Sky Ridge Mountain Range itself, it had been modified by the Holy Wave Race in the past half a month. Countless fortifications and millions of tall spires had been built.


    Bolts of lightning swam at the top of the spires, forming a huge net of lightning that enveloped the surroundings.


    From time to time, lightning would be guided into the sky, emitting deafening thunder. The dark clouds were outlined by this spectacle, revealing the presence of numerous colossal entities hidden within the misty sky.


    These colossal beings, each spanning ten thousand feet in size, had a uniform diamond-shaped form. They all possessed a single red eye at their center


    There were no less than a hundred thousand of them.


    These beings loomed within the boundless expanse of clouds in the sky, spreading across the battlefield of the frontlines. They emitted a terrifying aura and their roars continued to echo in the surroundings.


    As their sound reverberated, the surrounding space seemed to distort and blur, as if the gods were murmuring.


    These were the war magic artifacts that the Black Heaven Race had provided to the Holy Wave Race.


    Their sound could destroy one¡¯s mind, the pressure they emitted could crush flesh, and the spells they released could shatter everything.


    The most dangerous thing was the harvesters they emitted.


    They were strange existences that couldn¡¯t be seen or sensed. They appeared on the battlefield like grim reapers, causing huge casualties to the human race.


    Their attacks were not limited to individual combat; they also unleashed devastating assaults.


    The anomalous substances emitted from their bodies were different from the forbidden zones and regions.


    That was a type of serious contamination that specifically targeted the human race.


    Within the range of the grim reapers, the human forces often withered away after only a few encounters. Their bodies would eventually undergo a transformation, and the points of transformation would be triggered, turning them into mindless, mutated beasts.


    These were only one of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s war methods.


    The sky above the battlefield was black and gloomy. There were even black snowflakes flowing down.


    These snowflakes were another method of the Holy Wave Race.


    They looked like snow, but upon closer inspection, each of these countless snowflakes had thin limbs and sinister faces.


    They were everywhere, capable of materializing as individual spells or joining forces to unleash powerful divine techniques that span the entire battlefield. Their mere inhalation or contact with human forces proved highly toxic, inflicting severe harm upon them.


    They had endless transformations and could even transform into weapons in the hands of the Holy Wave Race cultivators.


    They were extremely hard to guard against.


    In the clouds, there were rhombus-shaped magic artifacts. Under the clouds, endless black snow floated.


    However, this wasn¡¯t all.


    The ground was activated by the Holy Wave Race.


    Countless soil and corpses gathered, forming huge broken hands that walked on the ground.


    With the appearance of each broken hand, a portion of the ground there would cave in and be quickly filled up by the black snow.


    These broken hands were holding black iron chains.


    The number of chains seemed endless, extending into the sky and piercing through the clouds, converging above the mist.


    At the end of the sky above the clouds, there was a huge black vortex.


    This vortex looked like the sun. As it rumbled, all the iron chains that spread over from the ground entered the vortex.


    As the broken hands on the ground pulled, the iron chains rustled, as though an even more terrifying existence was slowly being pulled out.


    Waves of stench spread out from the vortex, forming more black clouds that transformed into even denser black snow that continued to fall.


    When the armies of the Yinghuang Province and Quzhao Province got close to the front line area and transmitted their orders to the front line command center, waiting for the decree to allow them to get close, the Holy Wave Race battlefield they saw was like this.


    Xu Qing stood in front of the army and looked at everything from afar. A huge wave rose in his heart. At the same time, he also noticed the countless corpses on the battlefield.


    Mountains of corpses were piled up and seas of blood covered everything.


    Xu Qing had killed many people in his life but even he was shocked by this battlefield.


    There were too many corpses.


    Almost half of it had some parts missing. All he could see was flesh and blood, and smell their stench.


    War was like a millstone of the world. Under its crushing, all living beings, including them, couldn¡¯t escape destruction.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s memories, the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain was already a living hell. However, compared to this place, it was insignificant.


    This was the true purgatory.


    The captain and the others also fell silent.

 Chapter 694 - 694 Cannibalistic World (1)

    694 Cannibalistic World (1)


    After a long time, Xu Qing looked at the human defense line.


    A large golden net that connected the world cut into the battlefield like a huge curtain.


    Regardless of whether it was the sky, the ground, or all the methods of the Holy Wave Race, they were all blocked by the golden net outside the human race¡¯s fourth defense line.


    This huge golden net was extremely vast. Not only did it connect to the world from top to bottom, but it also extended to an endless range in both left and right.


    If one could see the entire border of Fenghai County, they would be able to see how large the range was. It connected to the northern battlefield, and also covered the entire border between Fenghai County and the Holy Wave Race.


    Here, in the golden net, on the fourth ravine of the human race¡¯s defensive line, countless defensive forces were built. A large number of military tents spread out here.


    The countless human cultivators here were exhausted, but were constantly building and maintaining this place.


    Rows of powerful war magic artifacts stood endlessly at the edge of the ravine, pointing in the direction of the Holy Wave Race.


    There were hundreds of thousands of them and they were all shining now, causing the void in front of them to distort. There were even spatial cracks that appeared and deafening rumbling sounds kept echoing.


    This wasn¡¯t an explosive sound but the sound of accumulation.


    The explosions were not visible spells that could be seen with the naked eye; they were specifically aimed at countering the power of the black snow¡¯s power.


    Once they were fully activated, it could make the black snow of the Holy Wave Race lose the ability to combine and melt in advance.


    This ubiquitous rumbling was already the norm at the front line.


    There were also hundreds of Nihility cultivators sitting cross-legged in the golden net. They were the controllers of Taboo magic treasures. They would borrow the power of the Taboo to interfere with the Holy Wave Race¡¯s rhombus-shaped magic artifacts.


    At the same time, they also had the mission to mark the harvesters and send cultivators to kill them.


    There were also extremely tall war puppets on the ground.


    These puppets carried the characteristics of the human race. Any one of them was like a hill. They stood on array formations and each of them required a large number of cultivators to activate it together.


    What was most soul-stirring were the nine huge Emperor Swords!


    Nine huge swords that were as tall as the sky were floating in the air.


    As they emitted supreme dignity, they also erupted with a soul-stirring deterrence. Moreover, upon closer inspection, one could see that these nine Emperor Swords were formed from countless Emperor Swords.


    They could be used as a whole to intimidate. They were the powerful trump cards of the human race in this war.


    There was also a huge Dao bell in the sky.


    This bell was bestowed by the Imperial Capital¡¯s Sword Holding Headquarters the moment the Fenghai County¡¯s Sword Holding Palace was built.


    It was originally hung in the Sword Holding Palace but now, it was placed on the battlefield. This was because it was¡­ a supreme treasure of Fenghai County¡¯s Sword Holding Palace. Back then, it was also the foundation power of the Sword Holding Palace like the Prison Department.


    Its effect was not only external but also internal


    Externally, the bell could chime and kill everything, but internally, it was used to awaken.


    Hundreds of thousands of bronze coffins were around the huge Dao bell. Every coffin had layers of seals drawn on them.


    The people lying inside weren¡¯t dead.


    There were men and women, old and young. They were those who had been specially prepared for war by the Sword Holding Palace over the years!


    Most of them had lived in relative peace for a long time, and hadn¡¯t used their Emperor Swords when they were at the end of their lifespan. Hence, they requested to be put to sleep and fuse the Emperor Sword into their lives.


    They were all waiting for the moment when they would be awakened and slash down the sword they had cultivated with their life.


    There were also people who knew that their cultivation had reached the end, so they were willing to be sealed for Fenghai County and nurture the Emperor Sword.


    Every one of them knew that the moment they woke up would definitely be the most dangerous moment in Fenghai County.


    Now, 30% of the hundreds of thousands of coffins were empty.


    The Sword Holders among them had already been awakened in the previous battle. Without any hesitation, they slashed down the last sword strike formed by their lives.


    As all of this was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, dozens of figures flew out of the fourth wave of defense in Fenghai County and headed straight for the army Xu Qing and the others were in.


    The person in the lead was none other than the Deputy Palace Master of the Sword Holding Palace.


    The fact that he personally came to welcome them had already made his attitude clear.


    His exhausted expression was filled with excitement. Such emotional fluctuations were rare for a great cultivator at his level.


    Kong Xianglong was also in the crowd. He was injured and his spirit was very low. Only when he saw Xu Qing did he force a smile.


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, his heart sank and he had a bad premonition.


    However, now wasn¡¯t the time to ask. After the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Deputy Palace Master rapidly approached, his voice echoed.


    ¡°Brother Mingyi, Brother Gongze!¡±


    The great elders of the Sword Holding Courts from the Yinghuang Province and Quzhao Province also quickly walked out and bowed to the Deputy Palace Master.


    ¡°You¡¯ve come just in time, very timely!¡± The Deputy Palace Master took a deep breath and suppressed the excitement in his heart before immediately speaking.


    ¡°The Palace Master has ordered!¡±


    ¡°All the Nihility cultivators and leaders of the various sects in Quzhao Province and Yinghuang Province, head to the main tent immediately. The Palace Master has summoned you!¡±


    ¡°The rest of you, set up camp on the spot and wait for the arrangements.¡±


    The Deputy Palace Master cupped his fists and bowed heavily to the humans from the two provinces. After that, his gaze landed on Xu Qing and a strange glint appeared on his face.

 Chapter 695 - 695 Cannibalistic World (2)

    695 Cannibalistic World (2)


    ¡°Edict Bearer Xu, you should come too.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded solemnly.


    The group didn¡¯t waste any time and immediately left with the Deputy Palace Master.


    Before he left, Xu Qing glanced at the captain.


    The captain had now grown to the size of a seven or eight-year-old child. He stood beside a Spirit Repository deacon from the Sword Holding Court like a child.


    After noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, he waved at Xu Qing, indicating that he would look for Xu Qing later.


    Xu Qing nodded and quickly followed everyone. Very soon, they arrived at the defense line of Fenghai County.


    As he walked in, Xu Qing saw countless injured human cultivators.


    The warriors at the front line clearly knew that reinforcements from the two provinces had arrived. Hence, almost the instant Xu Qing and the others stepped into the defense line, countless human cultivators walked out of their tents. Their eyes were filled with excitement as they looked at Xu Qing and the others.


    Among them were disciples of the various sects, rogue cultivators, and Sword Holders. The severity of their injuries varied but the moment they saw them, they cupped their fists and bowed to Xu Qing¡¯s group.


    After so long in battle, their misery, their bitterness, and their exhaustion had become overwhelmingly intense, yet they had not lost hope. They longed to see a glimmer of hope.


    At this moment, hope appeared!


    Xu Qing could sense their emotions. As he continued forward, he saw more front line warriors.


    At the start, these people were silent, cold, bitter, and some still had killing intent in their eyes. However, after noticing Xu Qing¡¯s group, their emotions turned into excitement.


    There were also some Sword Holders from the Sword Holding Palace, including Chen Tinghao and his Dao companion.


    Their injuries weren¡¯t light. After seeing Xu Qing, Chen Tinghao smiled. His Dao companion was gently bandaging his wound. When she noticed Xu Qing, she smiled slightly.


    However, they didn¡¯t say anything. This was because the closer they were to the defense line, the louder the rumbling sounds here became. The sound wave power formed by the countless magic artifacts filled the surroundings and was deafening.


    Xu Qing nodded. When he saw that although Chen Tinghao¡¯s injuries were serious, he was recovering, he felt a little relieved.


    Xu Qing had a good impression of these two people. Back then, when he first arrived at the county capital, not only did they warmly tell him a lot of information, but they also took his side in the Law Palace.


    Xu Qing took a few more glances before retracting his gaze.


    Very soon, the group of them arrived in front of the commander¡¯s tent at the edge of the ravine under the lead of the Deputy Palace Master.


    This was the command center at the front line.


    Hundreds of guards were standing around it and there were also many administrative Sword Holders waiting solemnly. Every time a decree was issued from the commander¡¯s tent, they would immediately record it and oversee the execution.


    ¡°Tell the Seventh Army to head to the front line immediately and keep an eye on any changes in the Holy Wave Race¡¯s movements!¡±


    ¡°Divide the Ninth Army into smaller groups and tell them to try to enter the battlefield area to collect data on the changes in the black snow!¡±


    ¡°Also, get the Prison Department to arrange a team to go out and kill the black-clothed guards who infiltrated the rear. The construction of the fifth defense line can¡¯t be destroyed!¡±


    The solemn voice of the Palace Master continued to ring out. As everyone outside the tent received the order, they immediately began to implement it.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was filled with scrutiny as he instinctively swept his gaze across these administrative Sword Holders.


    As for the administrative Sword Holders here, they also noticed Xu Qing. They were all stunned for a moment before respect appeared in their eyes. After receiving the orders, they bowed slightly when they passed by Xu Qing.


    Their identities, responsibilities, and the situation made such reverence unnecessary in most areas on the front line.


    However, when facing Xu Qing, they had to show it.


    This was because they were all members of the Secretariat Department. They were the first batch of subordinates Xu Qing had recruited after establishing the Secretariat Department during the preparation stage of the war.


    Back then, although Xu Qing didn¡¯t come to the battlefield, most of the people from his Secretariat Department followed the army.


    Xu Qing nodded slightly, indicating for them to quickly go to work. After these Secretariat Department disciples left one after another, the Deputy Palace Master quickly stepped forward and respectfully spoke from outside the tent.


    ¡°Palace Master, all the Nihility and the people in charge of the Yinghuang Province and Quzhao Province have arrived.¡±


    ¡°Enter!¡± The Palace Master¡¯s dignified voice rang out from the large tent.


    All the Nihility cultivators outside the tent had solemn expressions as they walked toward the tent and entered one after another.


    Very soon, other than the personal guards guarding the tent, only Xu Qing, Kong Xianglong, and the others were left outside.


    While waiting, Xu Qing looked at the haggard Kong Xianglong who was in a daze.


    ¡°Brother Kong, what happened?¡± Xu Qing asked softly.


    ¡°Night Spirit¡­ is dead,¡± Kong Xianglong said in a low voice. His voice was filled with sorrow and bitterness, and his haggard face didn¡¯t have any luster.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind shook. He knew that Night Spirit liked Kong Xianglong.


    ¡°Before she died, she told me that she liked me¡­¡±


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s body trembled slightly as he grabbed Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder. His eyes were red and his hands were trembling.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I feel so sad.¡±


    As Kong Xianglong spoke, his eyes turned even redder. Finally, he closed his eyes.


    Xu Qing silently allowed Kong Xianglong to grab his shoulder.


    He had experienced life-and-death separation more than once, so he could understand this feeling. It was an unreal feeling that one couldn¡¯t get used to.


    All he could do was stand beside Kong Xianglong and pass him a flask of wine.


    Kong Xianglong took the flask and muttered after taking a big gulp.


    ¡°So there are times when alcohol has no taste.¡±


    Kong Xianglong let go of Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder and patted him gently before turning to leave.


    He was emotionally distressed, and only followed the Deputy Palace Master after hearing that Xu Qing had arrived.

 Chapter 696 - 696 Cannibalistic World (3)

    696 Cannibalistic World (3)


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    The scene of the first time he saw Night Spirit in the Sword Holding Palace appeared in his mind.


    The young girl who was eating the flesh melon seeds, the young girl who told him that he could go to the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect to learn the Demon Transformation Art, the young girl who only had Kong Xianglong in her eyes and heart.


    After a long time, Xu Qing sighed softly.


    ¡°This world is cannibalistic.¡± Xu Qing mumbled with mixed feelings.


    A long time later, as Nihility experts walked out of the tent, including Xue Lianzi and the two great elders of the Sword Holding Courts, the Palace Master¡¯s voice rang out from the tent.


    ¡°Xu Qing, come in.¡±


    Xu Qing stepped into the large tent.


    The moment he entered, he saw the Palace Master seated in the center. He also saw a massive sand table formed by spells in the tent.


    This sand table map outlined the entire western front with remarkable accuracy. He could see the Sky Ridge Mountain Range that served as a portion of the defense line.


    The map extended across the entire western region, connecting with the northern front in undulating directions. Its range was extremely large.


    This was to be expected, as it was a large-scale war encompassing a vast area.


    Although this place was only a portion of the overall defense line, since the Palace Master¡¯s command center was at this place, this place became the core of the defense line.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and shifted his gaze away from the sand table to look at the Palace Master.


    The Palace Master was clearly more haggard than before. His eyes were bloodshot and he had injuries on his body. The armor he had put on him back then was still on his body, as though he had never taken it off.


    As for the baleful aura, it was even denser than before.


    At that moment, he sat there, giving Xu Qing the feeling that he was like a peerless ferocious beast that had gathered the momentum of the entire army. He was constantly choosing people to devour, causing those who saw him to feel their hearts skip a beat.


    ¡°Greetings, Palace Master.¡± Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°I¡¯ve received the supplies you sent over earlier.¡±


    The Palace Master stared at Xu Qing. He seemed to want to retract the baleful aura on his body but the gathering of the army¡¯s fate prevented him from easily dissipating this baleful aura. Hence, he tried his best to make his expression gentler and his eyes revealed deep admiration.


    ¡°I also know the reason why the troops of the two provinces are gathered. You¡¯ve made a great contribution this time!¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head and calmly spoke.


    ¡°This is what I should do. Also, regarding Mount Morning Glow, I¡­¡±


    Xu Qing had just finished speaking when the color of the sky outside changed. It was as though the stars had shifted and the ground was filled with killing intent. It trembled intensely, as though dragons and snakes had risen from the ground.


    There were also waves of whistling sounds from the Holy Wave Race cultivators that echoed through the world.


    After a short period of rest, the war erupted again!


    The killing intent blew like a strong wind from the direction of the Sky Ridge Mountain Range, relentlessly pounding against the Taboo net of Fenghai County.


    The golden net shook and emitted a piercing light.


    The violence contained in this wind even swept through the ravine¡¯s defense line and whistled past the tents of the human race in Fenghai County, causing countless tents to sway violently.


    It also landed outside the Palace Master¡¯s large tent, blowing the tent flap open. The tent flap rapidly lifted inwards, revealing the sky filled with black clouds in the external world and countless bolts of lightning streaking across the sky.


    Boom!


    A loud explosion rang out from the ground and the sky at the same time.


    Xu Qing¡¯s long hair fluttered in the wind. His mind seemed to have synchronized with his hair, as it shook with intense waves.


    The sound was like the roars of countless behemoths, surpassing the lightning on the battlefield and echoing in all directions like a bell.


    The Palace Master was expressionless but the baleful aura on his body became even more dense at this moment, causing the weather to change again. He stood up and threw a jade slip to Xu Qing before walking out of the tent.


    ¡°This jade slip records some information about the battlefield. You can leave and study it first. I¡¯ll give you a day to familiarize yourself with the battlefield.¡±


    ¡°This is just a conventional battle, far from reaching the scale of a major war. How to familiarize with it? Grasp the details yourself.¡±


    ¡°In short, from tomorrow onwards, you will resume your duty as the edict bearer!¡±


    Xu Qing immediately nodded.


    The Palace Master walked out of the large tent. At that moment, all the members of the Secretariat Department had returned. They stood solemnly and waited for the orders.


    Xu Qing stood behind the Palace Master and looked at the distant battlefield. Other than the countless strange changes in the sky, he saw the Holy Wave Race cultivators rushing over like the sea.


    Some of these cultivators were flying in the sky and some were speeding on the ground. They were all wearing armor and their killing intent was intense.


    Their lineup was centered on the huge broken hands that had been activated. They were divided into several formations that blotted out the sky and covered the earth.


    Very soon, decrees rang out from the Palace Master¡¯s mouth. The human army of Fenghai County was like a ferocious beast that had woken up from a nap. At this moment, it opened its eyes and began to counterattack.


    Xu Qing also cupped his fists and left. He was very clear that he, who had just arrived at the battlefield, didn¡¯t understand the rhythm of the war and the advantages and disadvantages of the various armies.


    The position of the edict bearer wasn¡¯t something that could be casually controlled in this war. After all, other than issuing orders, they also needed to monitor the degree of completion and analyze and summarize it.


    This required a detailed grasp of the details of the battlefield.


    One day was actually not enough.


    Even though the jade slip given by the Palace Master recorded the information of the battlefield, it was still not enough.


    Therefore, in order to familiarize himself with the battlefield as soon as possible, he needed to find a vantage point that provided a comprehensive view of the battlefield. This position should allow him to observe the war from a macro perspective, while also allowing him to easily enter the battlefield.

 Chapter 697 - 697 Cannibalistic World (4)

    697 Cannibalistic World (4)


    Although staying by the Palace Master¡¯s side fulfilled the first condition, the Palace Master was in the core area. It wasn¡¯t suitable for him to enter the battlefield immediately. Even if he wanted to go, he would have to ask for instructions, which seemed overly passive.


    Hence, while explosions continued to erupt everywhere, Xu Qing looked around for a suitable location. Finally, his gaze landed on the huge mountains of piled abandoned puppets near the front line.


    Every war puppet in Fenghai County was controlled by a large number of cultivators. They usually stayed on the array formations set up on the ground, allowing them to maintain their peak state at all times.


    However, most of them were already damaged in the war and couldn¡¯t be repaired. They were all piled up and used as spare parts to repair other puppets. At the same time, they could also be used as a part of bunkers.


    Additionally, during critical moments, they could also serve as a contamination source that could be thrown and detonated.


    Xu Qing rapidly approached a mountain formed by the pile of abandoned puppets.


    As the fighting had resumed, there weren¡¯t many people guarding this place. Only a crippled old man sat there and looked at the battlefield with a numb expression.


    Although Xu Qing¡¯s arrival attracted his attention, he only glanced at him listlessly and didn¡¯t bother with him.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say much. After he arrived, he leaped up and stepped on those scraps, directly reaching the top.


    Standing there, he took out the jade slip given by the Palace Master. As he checked it, he looked at the battlefield.


    This location was considered a relative vantage point. It allowed Xu Qing to have a clearer view of the entire battlefield.


    Outside the golden net, rumbling sounds filled the sky.


    In the sky, the huge rhombus-shaped magic artifacts from the Holy Wave Race continuously emitted a deafening buzzing sound that echoed in all directions, causing the void to distort. Bolts of lightning swam inside and occasionally landed on the ground, rumbling everything.


    There was also a pressure emitted from the blood-colored eyes of those rhombus-shaped magic artifacts that descended on the battlefield. It strengthened the Holy Wave Race cultivators and suppressed the human army.


    Through the jade slip, Xu Qing knew what these rhombus-shaped magic artifacts were. At that moment, as far as he could see, many human cultivators were covered in blood. Part of it came from the enemy, and the other part was the contamination caused by the increasing density of anomalous substances on their bodies


    These rhombus-shaped magic artifacts from the Black Heaven Race had bizarre power that intimidated everyone.


    However, the human race also had a way to deal with it. As the golden net formed by the county¡¯s Taboo shone, Xu Qing saw that the hundreds of Nihility experts sitting cross-legged on it and in charge of the operation of the array formation seemed to have transformed into source points that spread out all their cultivation and fused into the golden net.


    Immediately, huge golden faces protruded from the golden net and let out soundless roars. They rushed out and collided with the rhombus-shaped magic artifacts in the sky.


    After the loud collision, those rhombus-shaped magic artifacts were affected and unable to show their effects.


    However, the black snow that permeated the battlefield was pervasive and difficult to restrain. At this moment, it was falling continuously.


    They would sometimes transform into spells that bombarded the human cultivators. At other times, they would gather in large groups and transform into humanoid beasts, charging into the army.


    Some landed in front of the Holy Wave Race cultivators and formed weapons, greatly increasing the cultivators¡¯ powers.


    There was also black snow that landed on the human cultivators. Even though the Fenghai County cultivators tried their best to avoid it, there was too much black snow here and it was too dense.


    The bodies of those cultivators who were touched instantly trembled. The black snow transformed into poison, causing the anomalous substances in their bodies to directly surpass the critical point. In an instant, mournful cries spread in all directions. Many of them directly mutated and roared crazily, not distinguishing friend from foe.


    It was extremely tragic.


    However, since the battle between the human race and the Holy Wave Race had lasted until now, they naturally had a way to deal with it.


    Soon, amidst Xu Qing¡¯s shaken state of mind, a tremendous roar echoed from the defensive line. Towering spikes of awe-inspiring magic emerged, their pointed tips directed towards the battlefield. Amidst the deafening clamor, they unleashed ferocious soundwaves, pulsating with power.


    As the soundwaves passed through, the black snow trembled rapidly and melted away, transforming into black water that evaporated in an instant. Eventually, it dissipated into black mist and dispersed.


    The human race in Fenghai County finally had a moment to catch their breath. The fighting armies swiftly withdrew, making way for other groups of army that had been preparing for battle for a long time to quickly take their place.

 Chapter 698 - 698 Red Spirit Monarch (1)

    698 Red Spirit Monarch (1)


    This sight left Xu Qing breathless, as the staggering number of casualties on both sides unfolded before his eyes in such a short span of time.


    Many human cultivators died bizarrely. The enemies were clearly still far away, but in the next instant, that area seemed to have been swept by an invisible blade and all of them died.


    After death, they mutated into irrational mutated beasts.


    Roars, screams, self-destructive blasts, furious roars, accompanied by the thunderous rumbling of magical artifacts, filled Xu Qing¡¯s ears.


    On the whole, the human race in Fenghai County didn¡¯t have enough strength to counterattack and could only be in a defensive state.


    ¡°Fenghai County originally had 13 provinces. Because they lost the three provinces in the early stages and Quzhao and Yinghuang couldn¡¯t participate in the battle, they only had the strength of eight provinces left. Back then, during the preparation for the war, I remember that they were divided into eight armies!¡±


    Xu Qing suppressed the waves of emotions that rose in his heart because of the tragic battlefield and quickly analyzed and checked.


    ¡°There are no unified mandatory plans. After all, this isn¡¯t a mortal battle. Moreover, each province has its own characteristics, so it¡¯s not easy to forcefully break their habits.¡±


    ¡°Therefore¡­ these eight armies each have their own complete system that includes supplies, magic artifacts, coordination, and so on.¡±


    ¡°For example, the Third Army is in charge of maintaining the power of the magic spikes.¡±


    ¡°The only area where the entire county is involved is the county¡¯s Taboo. The hundreds of Nihility cultivators present there were transferred from various armies, representing only a fraction of Fenghai County¡¯s Nihility cultivators.¡±


    ¡°Among them, the ones directly under the Sword Holding Palace are the war puppets, the Dao bell in the sky, and the Emperor Sword of the Sword holders!¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and looked around. He noticed that the people from Quzhao Province and Yinghuang Province weren¡¯t here and the number of troops here seemed to be lacking.


    This reminded Xu Qing of the sand table he had seen in the Palace Master¡¯s tent.


    ¡°The defense line is very long and the front line is divided into many war zones. Hence, Quzhao Province, Yinghuang Province, and the forces of another two provinces are arranged on the other defense lines.


    ¡°This is the core war zone where the command center is located!¡±


    ¡°The Palace Master established the command center here. Is he using himself as bait? He wants to restrain the main force of the Holy Wave Race¡­¡±


    ¡°Perhaps there are other arrangements.¡± Xu Qing lacked relevant information and didn¡¯t have a particularly good understanding of the plan.


    However, this didn¡¯t affect his familiarity with the battlefield.


    After dividing the battlefield into war zones, Xu Qing divided the majestic area he was in into over a hundred parts.


    This method of division made it easier for him to understand the battlefield faster.


    ¡°Fenghai County is in the Western Area and the Holy Wave Race is in the Eastern Area.¡±


    ¡°At this moment, the West 1, West 3, West 4, and West 8 areas are close to the edge of the golden net and are on standby. They are prepared to replace the army fighting in the East 5, East 7, and East 11 areas at any time.¡±


    ¡°West Two and West Five have mobilized the war puppets, and three areas are receiving them.¡±


    ¡°As for the eastern area where the Holy Wave Race is located, the dozens of zones, namely the third, sixth, fourteenth, seventeenth, and so on, are also changing their positions and formations. East 2 has become more conspicuous because of this¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not right. The Holy Wave Race¡¯s formation has transformed into an arrow. The East 2 is the arrowhead!¡±


    Xu Qing observed the entire process. After making a quick judgment, he abruptly looked at the East 2 outside the golden net.


    After the Holy Wave Race¡¯s formation changed, tens of thousands of broken hands appeared from the ground.


    Each of them grabbed a huge iron chain and rushed out. As the iron chain was pulled, a huge explosion reverberated through the sky, causing the vortex to tear even wider.


    More black snow poured down from there like an avalanche, heading straight for the battlefield.


    Just as Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed, the huge Emperor Sword floating in the sky above the Fenghai County¡¯s defense line suddenly shone. It was as though it had been waiting for this moment.


    A large number of sword lights whistled out, transforming into a sea of swords that headed straight for the vortex in the sky.


    It instantly got close and exploded, causing the vortex to roar in pain.


    As for the large amount of black snow that poured out, they also rolled back under the sea of swords.


    At the same time, at the highest point in the sky of the Fenghai County¡¯s army, the huge Dao bell that was floating around a large number of bronze coffins emitted a vast and majestic bell ring.


    It exuded ancientness and an aura that could shatter everything.


    The bell rang seven times. Every time it rang out, it distorted the battlefield. Countless Holy Wave Race cultivators¡¯ bodies directly collapsed and shattered into pieces. At the same time, numerous illusory figures were revealed on the battlefield.


    Those illusory shadows didn¡¯t look like the Holy Wave Race. They looked like mantises and were hundreds of feet tall. Their bodies emitted special anomalous substances that invaded the places they were at while they attacked the human army.


    Xu Qing knew that they were harvesters formed by the rhombus-shaped magic artifacts of the Black Heaven Race.


    In their special state, they couldn¡¯t be sensed and were extremely difficult to deal with. The Taboo power of the golden net had to be used to mark them.


    However, at that moment, under the pressure of the bell, their figures were revealed.


    At the next instant, the human war puppets that had been on standby for a long time instantly rushed out.


    The ten thousand puppets transformed into ten thousand giants and charged into the battlefield, heading straight for the harvesters.


    War was a game of chess.


    Defense could turn into offense at any time, and there was more than one method to do it.


    The overall situation looked complicated but in reality, it was very simple. It was just that the price to pay for every step of the millstone¡¯s operation was too great.


    Regardless of right or wrong, it needed flesh.

 Chapter 699 - 699 Red Spirit Emperor (2)

    699 Red Spirit Emperor (2)


    This was because what was grinded out of the millstone was only death. As for victory or defeat, that was just an appendage.


    Xu Qing silently watched the battlefield.


    The sky over the battlefield showed no significant changes in daylight; it remained dim and gloomy as far as the eye could see.


    This held true even during the daytime, and at night, the darkness only intensified.


    Screams, blood, and anomalous substances were the main theme here. No one knew how long this cruel music would last.


    One could imagine how great the sense of oppression would be if this kind of endless slaughter continued.


    Under such pressure, what kind of despair would rise?


    Xu Qing silently retracted his gaze. He had seen most of the macroscopic details of the battlefield. The killing continued. The various methods of both sides continued to be displayed on the bloody millstone.


    Death had already become the norm.


    Surviving was a miracle.


    However, at least for now, Xu Qing didn¡¯t see too many deserters.


    ¡°There¡¯s no room for retreat.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. Standing on the abandoned puppet mountain, he turned his head and looked at Fenghai County. Even he, who had experienced countless hardships alone since he was young, had something to worry about today, let alone others.


    Worry was what a living being should have.


    After a long time, Xu Qing retracted his gaze from Fenghai County and looked at the rhombus-shaped magic artifacts that were constantly emitting the power of distortion in the sky.


    ¡°There¡¯s a hint of the power of the Red Moon on these magic artifacts.¡±


    This was something Xu Qing had sensed. At the same time, the black snow that permeated the battlefield also gave him a similar feeling.


    However, the distance was a little far, so the feeling wasn¡¯t very clear.


    Xu Qing pondered for a moment before leaving the abandoned puppet mountain and heading to the battlefield.


    When he passed by the place where the numb-looking old man was sitting, the old man shouted at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Come back alive!¡±


    His voice was hoarse and indistinct.


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and vaguely heard the other party¡¯s shout. He then looked at the old man.


    He didn¡¯t know the other party and neither of them had spoken earlier. This was the first sentence.


    The old man didn¡¯t speak anymore. He looked at the battlefield with a sorrowful expression.


    Xu Qing fell silent and nodded. He then transformed into a rainbow and rushed toward the golden net in front of him.


    He wanted to go to the battlefield to sense the black snow and the power of the rhombus-shaped magic artifacts in the sky. If these two types of existences were really activated by the power of the Red Moon, Xu Qing felt that he might be of greater help to this war.


    Hence, he unleashed his full speed and instantly crossed the golden net, stepping on the ground formed by the accumulation of flesh and blood.


    The stench of blood was even denser than in the large net and the wet wind waves formed by the spray of blood gushed over without any obstruction and landed on Xu Qing¡¯s face.


    It was damp and stinky.


    Even the most bloodthirsty person would feel nauseous and uncomfortable when they smelled this smell.


    Because the number of deaths was too high, this place contained extreme despair.


    Under the influence of this emotion, people¡¯s eyes instinctively turned bloodshot. Whether it be from fear or excitement, the redness in their eyes remained constant, especially when these two emotional fluctuations intertwined.


    Entering the battlefield gave Xu Qing a different feeling than watching it from afar.


    The impact of vision, the eruption of hearing, and the overwhelming smell all contributed to a more vivid experience.


    The pained faces, the cruel malevolence, the pursuit and retreat, the madness and confusion. It was like a painter was outlining these scenes incomparably meticulously in front of Xu Qing.


    In fact, unknowingly, the other party had also drawn him into the painting, becoming an insignificant point in this war scene.


    Beside this point, a figure of the Holy Wave Race whistled over with malevolence and cruelty, grabbing at Xu Qing¡¯s head.


    The black snow formed a magic artifact that was like a ghost claw and erupted with extraordinary might. However, the instant the Holy Wave Race cultivator¡¯s cruel smile appeared, Xu Qing disappeared.


    At the next instant, a black dagger slit his neck.


    As the blood splattered and the head flew up, this Holy Wave Race cultivator saw a figure standing beside a headless corpse.


    Xu Qing licked away the blood that splattered onto the corner of his mouth. The salty and astringent taste caused his red eyes, which had been tainted by war, to emit the baleful aura hidden in his body.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t waste time. He instantly rushed out and the power of the Poison Restriction spread out, enveloping his body.


    Wherever he passed, as long as he got close, the bodies of all the Holy Wave Race members would tremble. Blood-curdling screams that he couldn¡¯t hear rang out from under their armor as their bodies rotted.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t worried about accidentally injuring others because there were clearly more Holy Wave Race members on this battlefield. Moreover, his poison surrounded the surface of his body and to a certain extent, he could control it freely. The possibility of allies being poisoned wasn¡¯t high.


    As he moved forward, he began to observe the black snowflakes that were everywhere on the battlefield at close range. He allowed them to land on his body and carefully sensed the power of the Red Moon contained in them.


    However, as he probed, the snowflakes that landed on his body emitted unstable fluctuations. Their structure collapsed on its own.


    ¡°Yes and no¡­¡± Xu Qing fell silent.


    There was indeed a trace of the power of the Red Moon in these snowflakes, but the amount was too little and insignificant.


    What it contained was mainly some kind of chaotic power. Xu Qing could only influence it to a small extent. In fact, if he was slightly careless, the snow would collapse.


    If he wanted to truly control it, he still needed to observe and experiment.


    As for the poison contained in it, it was nothing in front of Xu Qing¡¯s own poison.

 Chapter 700 - 700 Red Spirit Monarch (3)

    700 Red Spirit Monarch (3)


    However, after these black snow transformed into spells, their might was very strong. This was especially so when a large number of snowflakes combined.


    ¡°It contains some kind of unstable chaotic power that is filled with malice and is guiding these snowflakes to fuse together¡­¡±


    As Xu Qing pondered, he tried to collect some. After that, he headed to other areas.


    He wanted to sense the rhombus-shaped magic artifacts in the sky and see if it was like the black snow.


    However, the magic artifacts were too big a target and the danger level was extremely high.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s target was the harvesters.


    He rushed toward a harvester that was fighting against a war puppet in the distance.


    As for the anomalous substances on the battlefield, Xu Qing also observed them.


    ¡°These are active anomalous substances. They aren¡¯t emitted from the forbidden region but were manufactured by someone!¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and his shadow spread out, crazily absorbing the anomalous substances in the surroundings.


    To the shadow, active anomalous substances were clearly more suitable for growth.


    At the same time, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor also flew out and moved around Xu Qing, protecting him.


    As he moved forward, the slaughter continued.


    There were too many Holy Wave Race members on the battlefield. As Xu Qing shuttled rapidly, blood gradually invaded his Daoist robe. Even more splashed on his face and hands and dripped down to the ground.


    Time slowly passed. Wherever Xu Qing passed, corpses would fall.


    He was very cautious. Even though his eyes were red, he was still calm and didn¡¯t stay in one location for too long. Whenever he noticed the appearance of Spirit Repository experts, he would flee immediately.


    Just like that, not long later, Xu Qing finally approached the place where a war puppet was fighting against a harvester.


    After being on the battlefield for a long time, Xu Qing also sensed the difficulty of human cultivators.


    This was because here, the deafening rumbling was much stronger than in the range of the golden net, drowning out all the mournful cries.


    After a long time, both sides who were fighting instinctively became deaf.


    They couldn¡¯t hear the screams of others or their own wails.


    After a person lost their hearing, two contradictory perceptions would overlap in their minds. On the one hand, the battlefield in their eyes turned infinitely vast and extremely tragic.


    On the other hand, in their perception, they became extremely insignificant because they couldn¡¯t hear anyone¡¯s voice.


    This state would make one more focused on killing, but at the same time, it would also cause one¡¯s mind to be on the verge of collapse.


    Xu Qing had seen many such people on his way, especially on the corpses. Some of them instinctively pressed their ears at the moment of death, not wanting to listen to the endless rumbling.


    This was the case for both the human race and the Holy Wave Race.


    At that moment, under Xu Qing¡¯s feet was such a damaged corpse.


    After taking a glance, he silently retracted his gaze and stared at the fight between the harvester and the war puppet. Their battle was coming to an end and the war puppet had the advantage.


    Both sides were hundreds of feet tall. The puppets in Fenghai County were in human form and the harvesters were in the form of mantises. Their attacks were extremely savage. Every time they bombarded each other, flesh and blood would fly everywhere or a large number of puppets would collapse.


    The range of the impact wasn¡¯t small. The combat strength they displayed had already surpassed the Nascent Soul realm and reached the level of the Spirit Repository.


    On the battlefield, half of the ten thousand war puppets and those harvesters were either dead or injured.


    Very soon, the battle that had been going on for a long time ended. The war puppet of Fenghai County finally blasted the harvester apart. After it shattered into pieces, it didn¡¯t stop at all and quickly left.


    Xu Qing immediately stepped forward and arrived in front of a piece of harvester¡¯s flesh. He sensed the remaining aura inside and very soon, he sensed that it indeed contained the power of the Red Moon. Moreover, it was clearly denser than in the black snow.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. Just as he was about to carefully sense it again, a drastic change suddenly occurred on the battlefield!


    The Palace Master¡¯s voice carried an unprecedented solemnity that echoed through the battlefield.


    ¡°All armies, return immediately!!¡±


    Almost at the instant the Palace Master¡¯s voice rang out, the sky changed color. A shocking explosion that surpassed the operation of the war magic artifacts rang out from the vortex in the sky.


    This sound was too loud and suppressed everything, causing the cultivators on both sides of the battlefield to seem to have regained their hearing.


    Peng peng!


    Peng peng!


    Peng peng!


    A majestic sound that was like a heartbeat rang out from the huge vortex in the sky. As it resounded through the world, a huge eye directly appeared from the vortex.


    This eye was grayish-white and lifeless, filled with death. The instant it appeared, a dense aura of death spread out from it, enveloping the battlefield.


    At the next instant, the huge eye suddenly rushed out. Immediately, the vortex in the sky that wasn¡¯t small was directly opened and a red head flew out!


    That wasn¡¯t a human head but a red bird head!


    It only had a head but no body.


    There was a neat incision on the neck of this bird head, as though someone had cut it off with a sharp blade when it was alive.


    This bird¡¯s head was too big. Compared to it, Qingqin¡¯s body was like that of a child compared to an adult.


    It immediately occupied more than half of the sky. In the dead eye was a huge emperor¡¯s throne!


    There was a person sitting on it.


    This person wore a royal robe and an emperor¡¯s crown. His face was covered by bead curtains and his appearance couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. However, there was an earth-shattering pressure that swept in all directions like a storm.


    That terrifying bird head was only his carriage.


    The Holy Wave Race cultivators on the battlefield were filled with excitement and awe as they witnessed this scene, immediately dropping to their knees in reverence.

 Chapter 701 - 701 Red Spirit Monarch (4)

    701 Red Spirit Monarch (4)


    ¡°Monarch!¡±


    ¡°Monarch!!¡±


    Countless members of the Holy Wave Race were kneeling on the ground with fanatical expressions.


    At the same time, on the fourth defense line, the Palace Master¡¯s huge illusory body that was tens of thousands of feet tall appeared. With feet planted on the ground and head reaching the sky, an aura of terror emanated from its entire body, causing the surrounding sky to change color.


    The Dao Bell of the Sword Holders floated on his left and emitted waves of ancient bell tolls. The 100,000-foot-long Emperor Sword appeared on his right and emitted shocking killing intent.


    Behind him, the void distorted and spun, forming a huge eye that looked at the incoming monarch.


    ¡°Old Ghost Red Spirit.¡±


    The person who came was none other than the monarch of the Red Spirit Dynasty, one of the four great dynasties of the Holy Wave Race!


    On the clearly demarcated battlefield, a confrontation unfolded between the figure of the Red Spirit Monarch and the Palace Master.


    The golden net seemed to divide the scenes clearly.


    Outside the golden net, an imposing imperial aura pervaded the world, enveloping it in a divine presence.


    Inside the golden net, baleful intent rose and a domineering aura shook the sky.


    The pressure from these two huge figures filled the entire battlefield and affected the whole province, causing countless lives in the Linlan Province to tremble at this instant.


    The Red Spirit Monarch and the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master were too powerful. Just the confrontation of their gazes caused a tremendous change in the world.


    Countless images of small worlds appeared in the void between the two sides.


    It was like a worldly phenomenon.


    These small worlds, originating from their respective origins, were colliding in the sky, and countless illusory figures flew out from within, engaged in a fierce battle. In this heart-pounding moment, the collapse of small worlds was a constant occurrence.


    However, more small worlds continued to form, and it was evident that many small worlds from both sides were rapidly converging under the resounding clashes.


    The auras of the two of them were rapidly rising during this process. Clearly, completing the unification in the end and forming an illusory large world was within the scope of their cultivation.


    To be able to reach this step and achieve an illusory large world represented the fourth stage of Nihility.


    If they could raise the illusory large world high up and turn it into reality, they could carry it on their shoulders, and merge their souls with it to completely illuminate it and transform it into a new realm.


    That was the true realm of Soul Accumulation!


    Clearly, regardless of whether it was the Red Spirit Monarch or the Palace Master, they hadn¡¯t reached this level. After all, between the fourth stage of Nihility and the realm of Soul Accumulation, there was a huge fissure that seemed to have been broken off!


    Even so, the fourth stage of Nihility could still be considered an overlord.


    At this moment, under the collision of their respective worlds, the sky shattered, the dark clouds collapsed, and lightning transformed into scattered starlight.


    On the ground, only the mighty figures from both sides whose cultivation levels had reached the Spirit Repository dared to look at the sky at this moment.


    Occasionally, a few daring cultivators from both sides would dare to gaze at these figures for a moment longer. However, their audacity was met with a swift and brutal end as their eyes bulged and exploded, their bodies and souls annihilated in an instant.


    Xu Qing only took a glance before large waves surged in his mind. The waves were endless and his soul felt as though it was about to be torn apart. Intense pain spread throughout his body but his body was intact.


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath. He understood the reason for all of this. His body was more tough than his soul.


    He took out the green crystal the captain had given him. As he absorbed it, he quickly retreated toward the golden net with the surrounding human armies.


    The rumbling sound that echoed through the world surpassed all the war magic artifacts on the battlefield.


    As for the Holy Wave Race¡¯s army, their battle intent was clearly high. Following the order of the commander-in-chief, the Holy Wave Race¡¯s army quickly charged toward the human army like a tide.


    As the human race continued to retreat, the Red Spirit Monarch¡¯s cold voice rang out from the sky.


    ¡°Kong Liangxiu, if it wasn¡¯t for the blessing of luck in Fenghai County that helped you gather the large world, you wouldn¡¯t be my match.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re one of the four monarchs of the Holy Wave Race but you don¡¯t have the blessing of the fortune of the Holy Wave Region. Don¡¯t you know the reason?¡± The Palace Master retorted.

 Chapter 702 - 702 Grievous News!! (1)

    702 Grievous News!! (1)


    The battle on the ground was even more chaotic. Although the Holy Wave Race¡¯s attack was ferocious, with the enhancement of the golden net and the rumbling of countless magic artifacts, the various human armies retreated in an orderly manner.


    War puppets, that were controlled by a large number of cultivators, also rushed out to provide reinforcement.


    These puppets were of various sizes. The largest was 10,000 feet tall and the smallest was hundreds of feet tall. Each of them contained many array formations and the number of cultivators gathered inside was different.


    There were thousands of people at most and nearly a hundred at least.


    These war puppets were the ones who had killed the harvesters earlier.


    The cultivators inside them fused their cultivation bases into one and erupted with combat strength comparable to Spirit Repository at different stages.


    Very soon, the human army on the battlefield approached the golden net and rapidly retreated.


    At the same time, the Red Spirit Monarch looked at the Palace Master and spoke again with a heavenly might.


    ¡°Kong Liangxiu, the human race is fighting the Black Heaven Race too. The scale of that war far surpasses this place, so the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region is powerless to send reinforcements. You don¡¯t have to wait, you won¡¯t get any reinforcements.¡±


    ¡°The battle in the Grand Imperial Capital Region is being watched by the various large races in the Wanggu Continent. As long as your human race shows the slightest sign of decline, those races will destroy your human race.¡±


    ¡°Do you know why all of this happened?¡± Red Spirit asked calmly.


    ¡°This is because the hunting ceremony of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Dynasty, which has been established for four hundred thousand years, is approaching. The ancient covenant is also coming to an end. No race wants to become their prey. So, at this moment, the human race without the regional war artifact is naturally the best offering. By offering you, the other races can enjoy another hundred thousand years of peace.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ Kong Liangxiu, the tide has turned, and you don¡¯t have much time left. I can give you a chance to surrender to our Holy Wave Race. That is the only way for you to protect Fenghai County.¡±


    These words coming from the Red Spirit Monarch¡¯s mouth weren¡¯t only directed at the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master but spread throughout the entire battlefield. They even penetrated the golden net and landed in the ears of all the human cultivators here.


    Clearly, this was intentional.


    In an instant, everyone who heard it felt their minds shake. Red Spirit¡¯s words contained a mysterious power, causing despair to rise uncontrollably.


    ¡°In order to destroy my Fenghai County¡¯s heart of resistance, you used your imperial body to say such ridiculous words. Red Spirit Monarch, you¡¯re anxious.¡±


    The Palace Master¡¯s voice was as calm as ever. There were no fluctuations at all. He was like a boulder that possessed the ability to stabilize the sea despite the impact of the tempestuous waves.


    As his voice spread, the human cultivators of Fenghai County quickly calmed down.


    At the next instant, the Palace Master¡¯s figure took a step forward. As he raised his right hand, the Emperor¡¯s Sword beside him gleamed with a radiant brilliance. Its shape transformed into a long spear, which he grasped firmly and thrust directly towards Red Spirit.


    They moved extremely fast and their figures could not be seen clearly by the cultivators below, but the fluctuations coming from their fight were incomparably intense.


    The slaughter on the battlefield also continued.


    After all the human armies retreated, the county shone with the Taboo light. Taboo magic treasures from the various sects in the entire Fenghai County transformed into artifact spirits on the large net and erupted completely, whistling toward the external world in an attempt to stop the invasion.


    However, Fenghai County was only a county after all. It was far inferior to the Holy Wave Race which occupied a whole region. Hence, the rhythm was always on the Holy Wave Race¡¯s side.


    Even though they were only facing the Red Spirit Dynasty now, it was still difficult for them to resist. They could only barely hold on and wait for the reinforcements to arrive.


    Time slowly passed just like that.


    Very soon, seven days passed.


    Regardless of whether it was night or day, rumbling sounds constantly echoed as the slaughter continued.


    Although the Palace Master didn¡¯t return, under the command of the Deputy Palace Master and the great elders of the Sword Holding Courts, everything was still in order. After the defense line experienced several collapses, it finally held on.


    More than half of the fifth defense line, which was 5,000 kilometers away, had been built.


    Xu Qing entered the battlefield more than once and had adapted to the rhythm of the war. He was also familiar with the changes in the various armies. He had killed many enemies and also received many injuries.


    Although he had the purple crystal to help him heal, the mental fatigue was still there. It continued to accumulate, creating a suffocating sensation.


    He even encountered the Spirit Repository cultivators of the Holy Wave Race on the battlefield several times.


    Fortunately, he didn¡¯t go too deep and barely survived. However, there was one time when he was heavily injured and on the verge of death.


    In the end, he met Kong Xianglong and joined his team. Together with Shan He and hundreds of others, they controlled a war puppet and participated in the battlefield.


    Under the crazy attacks of the Holy Wave Race, Fenghai County didn¡¯t have the time to rest at all in these seven days. Everyone¡¯s nerves were tense.


    Only when the army alternated would there be a short period of rest. Every time this happened, Kong Xianglong would lie on the ground and stare at the sky in a daze without saying a word.


    It was the same for Shan He. He didn¡¯t usually drink, but at this moment, he leaned against the huge puppet that was covered in various damages and drank heavily.


    He was clearly young, but there was now an additional sense of vicissitudes on his face.


    Xu Qing had heard that Wang Chen¡­ had also died in battle half a month ago, three days after Night Spirit¡¯s death.

 Chapter 703 - 703 Grievous News!! (2)

    703 Grievous News!! (2)


    Wang Chen had sacrificed his life while providing support to Shan He.


    The remains of Wang Chen were not found during the lulls in the war when both sides were clearing the battlefield. His body had been intertwined with countless others, making it impossible to recover his complete remains.


    Xu Qing silently looked into the distance. The world was dark and red light flickered from time to time along with deafening explosions.


    In that direction was another war front in the western war zone. It was also the place where the army of the Yinghuang Province was guarding.


    The captain was there, and so was Ancestor Xue Lianzi.


    ¡°I hope they¡¯re fine.¡± Xu Qing mumbled inwardly.


    He couldn¡¯t transmit his voice through the jade slip. This was restricted in the battlefield and only battle reports could be transmitted.


    Suppression and silence were the rhythm of this battlefield.


    The time to rest and reorganize was very short.


    As the order to act arrived, Kong Xianglong got up and wordlessly headed straight for the war puppet that was covered in broken flesh and blood.


    This was already the seventh puppet they had exchanged in these seven days.


    Shan He carefully put the wine flask away and walked over as well.


    Xu Qing silently stood up and boarded the puppet with the hundreds of cultivators gathered in the surroundings. He then sat cross-legged inside.


    As his cultivation base spread out, the puppet¡¯s entire body instantly trembled. It slowly emitted a pressure and walked toward the battlefield.


    As it moved, a lot of minced meat scattered down from the gaps between the puppet¡¯s joints. There were flesh and blood of the harvesters but most of them were of the Holy Wave Race cultivators.


    After they fell on the ground, they were crushed again by the war puppets walking over from behind.


    Xu Qing was in charge of the left hand of the war puppet he was in, controlling its destructive power.


    Xu Qing, who was inside the war puppet, was in charge of the left hand, which possessed the power of destruction. He sat cross-legged within it, gazing at the approaching battlefield through the protective barrier on the surface. Unconsciously, he had acquired a numbness in his expression, just like many others, due to the relentless nature of the war.


    When he passed by the abandoned puppet mountains, Xu Qing saw that there were no longer any living people there.


    The body of the crippled old man who had once told him to come back alive lay amidst a pile of abandoned puppet remains, surrounded by a purplish-black aura, evidence of being consumed by the anomalous substances.


    Xu Qing had seen too many such corpses in the Nanhuang Continent.


    For a battlefield with millions of combatants, the death of one person often goes unnoticed by anyone other than their fellow squad members and the recording officials.


    He died silently.


    Xu Qing remained silent. At the next instant, the puppet he was in rushed out of the golden net and gathered together with tens of thousands of identical puppets to form an army that charged over.


    Time flowed by.


    On the dusk of the tenth day, the Palace Master returned.


    His appearance caused the morale of the human race in Fenghai County to clearly rise. Everyone¡¯s eyes seemed to have some glimmer.


    As for this regular battle, with the return of the Palace Master, the Holy Wave Race chose to rest and recuperate, and there was a break.


    During this time, both sides would send small teams to the battlefield to retrieve the intact bodies of their own forces as much as possible. While there might be occasional clashes during these retrieval tasks, the instinctual choice for both sides was to avoid unnecessary confrontation.


    Xu Qing also left Kong Xianglong¡¯s team as he was recalled to the main tent by the Palace Master.


    When he saw the Palace Master again, he didn¡¯t see any injuries on him. In fact, his eyes revealed a dense fire of life, and the baleful aura on his body was even stronger.


    This didn¡¯t make sense.


    The battle between the Palace Master and the Red Spirit Monarch had lasted for so long. It was impossible for him to not suffer any injuries.


    Xu Qing looked at the Palace Master and hesitated for a moment. He then gently told him the information he had found in the Morning Glow Province. At the same time, he took out the Palace Master¡¯s token and handed it over with both hands.


    The Palace Master took it. After taking a look, he threw it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°There are a total of two such tokens. Take this one. Perhaps it can provide you with the strength to protect yourself in the future. Even if a new county governor arrives and the token loses all its authority, I have bestowed upon it the power to activate the Taboo magic treasure once, and that cannot be revoked.¡±


    ¡°Palace Master¡­¡± Xu Qing looked at the old man in front of him as waves of emotions rose in his mind.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gained some grasp of the battlefield, right?¡± The Palace Master interrupted Xu Qing. He looked at Xu Qing with a solemn expression while sighing inwardly.


    He thought very highly of Xu Qing. Originally, he was prepared to pay attention to him for a long time and nurture him well, allowing him to eventually become one of the successors. However, the arrival of war changed everything.


    There wasn¡¯t enough time.


    ¡°I already have some understanding.¡± Xu Qing lowered his head and spoke softly.


    ¡°Next, record my orders as the edict bearer!¡± The Palace Master¡¯s gaze landed outside the large tent as he calmly spoke.


    Xu Qing immediately took out the recording jade slip.


    ¡°Order the Sixth and Seventh Corps to retreat by 5,000 kilometers and set up camp at the fifth defense line.¡±


    ¡°Order the armies of the Yinghuang Province and Quzhao Province to retreat 19,000 kilometers and station themselves in the Eternal Rain Mountain Range.¡±


    ¡°Order the Fourth and Fifth Corps to retreat by 35,000 kilometers and set up camp at the border of the Yutian Province.¡±


    ¡°Order the Prison Department to disperse throughout the Linlan Province and eliminate all the black-clothed guards. They must clear the route to Yutian Province.¡±


    ¡°Order the Yutian Province to activate the large-scale teleportation array at all times from this moment on!¡±


    ¡°Send a secret order to the First Corps to head to the Yutian and the Qiling Province, inspect the burning of the earth fire, and speed up the evacuation of the mortals in both provinces.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard these orders, he lifted his head and looked at the Palace Master.


    ¡°Palace Master, if we do this, only the Sword Holding Palace and the Second and Third Corps will be left here.¡±


    The Palace Master closed his eyes and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Pass the orders!¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head and retreated. Just as he was about to walk out of the large tent, he couldn¡¯t help but speak softly.

 Chapter 704 - 704 Grievous News!! (3)

    704 Grievous News!! (3)


    ¡°Palace Master, Brother Kong¡¯s mood has been a little down recently¡­¡±


    The Palace Master didn¡¯t speak.


    Xu Qing waited for a moment before leaving silently.


    After he left, the Palace Master opened his eyes. The exuberant fire of life in his eyes rapidly dimmed but it was quickly ignited again. The price was the blood flowing out of the corner of his mouth.


    Outside the large tent, Xu Qing saw Kong Xianglong standing there.


    Kong Xianglong looked at Xu Qing and nodded. As the summons rang out from the tent, Kong Xianglong walked in.


    Looking at the desolate Kong Xianglong, Xu Qing sighed softly. However, he had no choice but to calm down. He gathered the Secretariat Department and began to pass down the orders.


    Just like that, the time on the battlefield passed day by day.


    The war continued and became more and more intense. The casualties increased drastically every day. As the corps were transferred out one after another, the campsite became also much emptier than usual.


    Only corpses continued to be piled up there.


    Xu Qing walked in the military camp and moved silently. It had been 23 days since he arrived at the battlefield.


    In these 23 days, he had seen too many deaths, seen countless misery, seen the purgatory of the human world, and he had long gotten used to the rumbling sounds.


    Today was another break between the battles. He came here to find some people to join his Secretariat Department.


    This was because the Secretariat Department had the responsibility to go to battle as well. So far, over a hundred people had died.


    Now, there were not enough people in the department.


    When he thought of the number of deaths in the war he saw every day, Xu Qing¡¯s footsteps felt a little heavy. The Palace Master¡¯s figure appeared in his mind. The other party was clearly becoming more and more abnormal.


    The fire of life couldn¡¯t be so dense in any person¡¯s eyes. Moreover, it was so overpowering that it even concealed the baleful aura emitted by his body.


    Sadness appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    As a cultivator, even though he couldn¡¯t tell at the start, he naturally understood after so long.


    The Palace Master was burning his potential. As for the terrifying power he obtained after burning it, it wasn¡¯t released by the Palace Master. Instead, it stayed in his body as though it was accumulating strength.


    ¡°Are the reinforcements from the imperial city really not coming?¡± Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. This question was in the minds of all the soldiers.


    Even though Xu Qing was an edict bearer and had access to a lot of information about the battlefield, he¡­ knew nothing about it.


    A long time later, Xu Qing sighed softly. When he walked past the corpses, he suddenly stopped in his tracks and abruptly turned his head toward a certain direction.


    There were two bony corpses there in a hugging posture. There were many wounds on their bodies and there were also dense anomalous substances. Even though they were dead, they still didn¡¯t let go of each other.


    Even though they only had their upper bodies left.


    Xu Qing silently walked over and stood there, looking at the two corpses.


    ¡°Senior Brother Chen¡­¡±


    The two corpses hugging each other were Chen Tinghao and his Dao companion.


    Xu Qing had seen them when he arrived at the front line more than 20 days ago. At that time, Chen Tinghao was injured and his Dao companion was bandaging him. After seeing Xu Qing, they even smiled at him.


    But now, they were separated forever.


    Xu Qing waved his hand and took off the cloak of his Daoist robe, covering the two corpses. A while later, he mumbled softly.


    ¡°Rest in peace.¡±


    Xu Qing closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he left this place. The horn of a new round of war also rang out from the battlefield at this moment. The war had begun again.


    The rhythm and frequency clearly sped up.


    ¡°Circulate all Taboo magic treasures and release 70% of the Taboo power!¡±


    ¡°Order the war puppets to use the damaged puppets as one-time weapons and throw them onto the battlefield!¡±


    ¡°Inform the Sword Holders to prepare the Emperor Sword!¡±


    ¡°Activate the magic spikes, and increase their strength to tier 3. Split them into five groups and pierce the battlefield.¡±


    ¡°Inform the entire army to be prepared to retreat to the fifth defense line.¡±


    The Palace Master stood outside the large tent and gave orders. Right now, his divine sense could cause the sky and earth to change color. There was no longer a need for the Secretariat Department to transmit the decrees one by one. All the arrangements were made with a single thought from his mind.


    However, what he saw was the overall picture. It was impossible for him to focus on every single detail.


    He still needed Xu Qing to dispatch the disciples of the Secretariat Department to the battlefield. They would assist in overseeing the battle and gathering information. This would facilitate the Palace Master in verifying and assessing the overall situation.


    Soon, the intense battle between the two sides erupted on the battlefield, and this time, it was even more difficult than before. On one hand, witnessing the fierce clashes firsthand, and on the other hand, gathering information from different areas of the battlefield, Xu Qing felt a sense of impending disaster, as if a towering building was on the verge of collapse.


    ¡°Palace Master, the level of fatigue of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s cultivators is wrong! The black snow has also become 50% denser than before!¡±


    ¡°According to the casualty report and the operation of their magic artifacts and the difference in their formation¡­ the Secretariat Department has analyzed that the Holy Wave Race has received secret reinforcements!¡±


    Almost at the same time that Xu Qing spoke, in the sky, in the far north, a storm swept through the sky, connecting to the ground as it whistled toward the battlefield.


    In an instant, rainwater was swept up in the storm, swirling through the heavens and earth, and pouring down onto the battlefield.


    This rain was a blood rain.


    It blew from the far north.


    At the same time, Xu Qing¡¯s command sword emitted an urgent buzzing sound. A battle report from the northern war zone was transmitted here with unprecedented urgency.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing turned hurried and his mind shook after looking at the information. Even with his strong composure, his expression changed drastically in an instant, and he tightly gripped the command sword.


    Outside the large tent, in addition to the Palace Master, there were also the Deputy Palace Master, two deacons, and the great elders who were in charge of the Second and Third Corps.

 Chapter 705 - 705 Grievous News!! (4)

    705 Grievous News!! (4)


    They also sensed that something was amiss and looked at Xu Qing and the Palace Master.


    The Palace Master¡¯s body quivered subtly, indicating that he had detected the message that Xu Qing had received through the authority of the magic treasures in the county capital.


    The Palace Master of the Sword Holding Palace, who had always been steadfast like a boulder and served as a pillar of stability during Fenghai County¡¯s most perilous times, now wore a sorrowful expression for the first time in front of everyone.


    He looked toward the north.


    However, regardless of whether it was shuddering or sorrow, it was only for an instant. At the next instant, all these fragile emotions were gone from the Palace Master¡¯s face.


    His body still stood tall and straight, his expression was still solemn, and his gaze was still firm.


    ¡°Palace Master¡­¡± The great elders of the Second and Third Corps hesitated.


    ¡°Xu Qing, read it!¡± The Palace Master calmly spoke. His voice was steady. Even now, he was still the stabilizing force.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath.


    ¡°A battle report came from the northern front!¡±


    ¡°The net of Taboo in the north has collapsed and can¡¯t be restored. The alliance army of the various races has suffered a major defeat, with countless casualties.¡±


    ¡°The Holy Wave Race¡¯s Heavenly Wind Dynasty and Earth Dynasty have invaded the Taihe province!¡±


    ¡°The Palace Master of the Law Palace has fallen in battle!¡±


    ¡°The Palace Master of the Observance Palace has fallen in battle!¡±


    ¡°All the clansmen of the Yao family who were advancing in the north have died in battle. Marquis Yao has gone missing on the battlefield, and his fate is unknown.¡±


    When Xu Qing¡¯s words landed in the ears of the Deputy Palace Master and everyone else, it was like a thunderclap had exploded in their ears. Their breathing paused and they all looked at the Palace Master.


    However, the Palace Master laughed.


    ¡°I finally understand it¡­ Don¡¯t be afraid, don¡¯t be afraid.¡± The Palace Master looked at the battlefield as he spoke softly.


    ¡°The final battle is coming.¡±


    Almost at the instant the Palace Master¡¯s voice rang out, a huge change occurred on the battlefield. All the Holy Wave Race cultivators seemed to have received the same command, and a resounding cheer erupted from each of them. After that, the army actually retreated in unison.


    Very soon, they withdrew from the battlefield and retreated to the Sky Ridge Mountain Range. All the rhombus-shaped magic artifacts in the sky also retreated.


    Their departure caused the clouds in the sky to thin a lot, revealing the huge vortex high up.


    Black snowflakes cascaded down from it. The iron chains that were grabbed by countless broken hands on the ground were being pulled crazily at this moment. A breath that contained death spread out from the vortex in the sky.


    Just a trace of it caused the sky to be shrouded in the twilight of winter, enveloped in an intense darkness.


    Green fog rose from the ground.


    The iron chains that extended into the vortex frosted at a speed visible to the naked eye and turned into ice chains.


    After the Holy Wave Race retreated from the battlefield, two earth-shattering huge figures stood up from both sides of the mountain range.


    On the left was Red Spirit Monarch.


    The person on the right also wore an emperor¡¯s robe and crown. Clearly, he was also a monarch of the four great dynasties of the Holy Wave Race!


    Their tall figures seemed to be able to touch the sky as they stared at the large tent where the Palace Master was.


    ¡°Kong Liangxiu, the northern front has collapsed. Our army has already entered Fenghai County, and the Black Heaven¡¯s regional war artifact is descending. Everything is about to end.¡±


    ¡°You know what a regional war artifact is, so you can try to stop it. We won¡¯t interfere, but¡­ you can¡¯t stop it.¡±


    A vast voice echoed through the world. The expressions of all the Sword Holders outside the tent showed determination and killing intent. The Palace Master lifted his head and looked at the two monarchs standing in the Sky Ridge Mountain Range. His calm voice spread in all directions.


    ¡°Yes, everything is about to end.¡±


    With that, the Palace Master turned his head and looked at Fenghai County before speaking softly.


    ¡°Pass down the order. The Second and Third Corps will retreat by 5,000 kilometers immediately. You are not allowed to fight.¡±


    ¡°All Fenghai County cultivators here are not allowed to fight.¡±


    ¡°All the other eight corps who have retreated to the corresponding locations, stay there and guard the place. You can¡¯t participate in this fight.¡±


    ¡°All the Sword Holders here shall retreat by 5,000 kilometers!¡±


    As soon as the Palace Master spoke, the expressions of everyone in the surroundings changed. Xu Qing abruptly looked at the Palace Master.


    The Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Deputy Palace Master took a step forward and his weathered face revealed a hint of weariness as he spoke in a deep, somber voice.


    ¡°You are permitting no one to fight, other than you yourself¡­ Palace Master, I¡¯m old. I¡¯ll accompany you.¡±


    ¡°Palace Master, my cultivation level may not be high, but my blood still carries some warmth. I couldn¡¯t help but notice the chilling aura emanating from that regional treasure, and I have a strong desire to experience its cooling effect,¡± Deacon Sima said with a smile on his face, despite the deathly intent in his eyes, as he took a step forward.


    ¡°Among the four deacons, Old Zhou and Old Song have left, leaving only Sima and me. Palace Master, you mustn¡¯t show favoritism. I must also follow you.¡±


    Deacon Sun, who had presided over the oath-taking of Xu Qing¡¯s batch, also smiled and took a step forward.


    The others also spoke one after another. At that moment, the cold power from the vortex in the sky became increasingly intense.


    The sky was completely rendered into a gloomy hue. As the vortex turned, chilling gusts of air swept through, shrouding the heavens and the earth, obscuring everything in a hazy veil.


    As it passed by, clouds and mist seemed to freeze, and the rising green smoke from the earth was also frozen in mid-air, transforming into irregular pillars that chilled the heart at first sight.


    The Palace Master calmly spoke.


    ¡°Am I still the Palace Master?¡±


    Everyone fell silent.


    ¡°Do you want the end of the Sword Holding Palace?¡±


    ¡°Did those human soldiers die in vain?¡±


    ¡°All of you shall follow the orders!¡±


    The Palace Master let out a cold voice and walked toward the battlefield. With a wave of his right hand, a vast storm surged into the sky and swept through the area, causing the bodies of countless cultivators in the defense line to tremble. They were forced to retreat until they were 100,000 feet away.


    In the dim world, only a lonely figure who had never removed his armor was left on the entire fourth defense line.


    Yellow sand rose in the wind and frost rose from the ground.


    Everything was hazy.


    Only that figure walked further and further away, his aura becoming stronger and stronger. With a wave of his hand, the Dao bell floating in the sky emitted a buzzing sound and left the circle of coffins. It flew out alone and headed straight for the vortex to suppress it.


    After that, the Palace Master¡¯s hoarse voice spread in all directions.


    ¡°Red Spirit, Moon Fog, do the two of you dare to fight against me!¡±

 Chapter 706 - 706 Standing Alone, Eternal Heroes (1)

    706 Standing Alone, Eternal Heroes (1)


    The vortex rumbled and the cold power it emitted turned the iron chains into ice. The dim light in the sky was like a black mirror.


    The terrifying existence inside was slowly emerging.


    A massive Dao Bell was floating outside the vortex, adorned with countless ancient runes that were shimmering and emitting a resonant chime. It exuded a formidable suppressive force.


    However, the aura from the vortex was too powerful and couldn¡¯t be completely suppressed. Even though the Dao Bell used all its might and even cracks began to appear on its body as though it was overdrafting its powers, it still couldn¡¯t stop the arrival of the regional treasure.


    The winds of annihilation spread outward from the vortex, appearing like a spinning wheel from a distance. It relentlessly turned, carrying a bone-chilling coldness in all directions, as if plunging the world into an eternal winter.


    More frost rose from the ground and the endless flesh, blood, and corpses were frozen. With a gust of the wind, they turned into ashes.


    Black snow started falling, blanketing the ground and obscuring everything in a hazy veil.


    Only a figure remained. Step by step, he walked toward the hazy world while burning his cultivation base, entering the distorted and extremely cold world.


    This figure was reflected in the eyes of all the Fenghai County cultivators, including Xu Qing. He became the only image in their eyes.


    He wore a set of black armor that was made for war and had long gray hair that had turned white from the burning of his life.


    In the cold wind, the cloak behind the Palace Master swept to the side, fluttering like a flag.


    The stirred-up frost sand whistled through the battlefield, releasing a sense of ancientness.


    ¡°Palace Master¡­¡±


    Xu Qing was filled with grief and indignation.


    The figure under the setting sun walked further and further away. As his aura rose, not only was he the only figure in everyone¡¯s eyes, but he also attracted the attention of heaven and earth.


    In front of the Palace Master stood the immense army of the Holy Wave Race, stretching as far as the eye could see. Two colossal figures of the monarchs loomed over the horizon, casting a dark and ominous presence that enveloped the sky. The atmosphere was filled with a sinister aura, shrouding everything in perpetual gloom.


    Behind him, 100,000 feet away, were the Second and Third Corps, as well as the tens of thousands of Sword Holders who had survived.


    The Palace Master was standing alone!


    Looking at all of this, all the human cultivators felt sorrow and their hearts churned intensely. Their eyes, which were already dyed red by the battlefield, revealed even more blood color at this moment.


    Kong Xianglong also lifted his head and looked at the figure. At this moment, light appeared in his dim eyes again. However, amidst this light, his body couldn¡¯t help but tremble.


    As waves surged in everyone¡¯s hearts, the Deputy Palace Master¡¯s hoarse voice echoed with the same grief.


    ¡°Everyone!¡±


    ¡°We¡­ retreat!!¡±


    Everyone fell silent until the Deputy Palace Master spoke again.


    ¡°This is the Palace Master¡¯s order. Execute it!¡±


    The Deputy Palace Master roared and waved his hand, summoning a powerful gust of wind. The deacons of the Sword Holding Palace and the great elders of the two large corps also commanded the army to retreat.


    However, everyone kept turning their heads and looking behind them even though they couldn¡¯t see anything.


    That figure had already fused into the darkness until a resplendent light tore through the chaos and soared into the sky in the direction of the battlefield.


    The sky rumbled and the ground trembled. Endless sword intent stirred the wind and clouds, dispelling the darkness, causing the sky and earth to change color.


    It was a sword light, an Emperor Sword!


    There were a total of nine Emperor Swords gathered in Fenghai County¡¯s Sword Holding Palace. Four of them had been used already. This was the fifth one.


    As soon as this sword appeared, it tore through the haziness, shattering and distorting the space. It soared into the sky from the battlefield and headed straight for the two Holy Wave Race monarchs on the Sky Ridge Mountain Range.


    The sword was like a huge dragon that parted everything on its way.


    Its light illuminated the pale expressions of countless Holy Wave Race cultivators. Its intent intimidated the minds of all the invading enemies.


    ¡°Kong Liangxiu, the result is already set. What¡¯s the point of burning your life?¡±


    On the Sky Ridge Mountain Range, the Red Spirit Monarch spoke in a deep voice and took a step forward. The moment his foot landed, the world rumbled.


    He lifted his right hand and countless small worlds appeared in the surroundings. Finally, they all gathered in his palm.


    They transformed into an illusory great world three inches from his palm.


    This was the sign of the fourth stage of Nihility.


    He gently pressed it.


    The world trembled and everything became blurry again.


    Only the storm erupted unprecedentedly and swept in all directions, causing countless fragments to rise from the frozen ground. They were like falling ice meteors that swept in all directions.


    The Sky Ridge Mountain Range shook intensely and countless gravel fell off.


    When everything became clear again, Xu Qing and all the Fenghai County cultivators saw that a gap of 100,000 feet wide had appeared in the Sky Ridge Mountain Range!


    A huge ravine that extended for hundreds of kilometers from the direction of the battlefield pierced through the Sky Ridge Mountain Range.


    Red Spirit Monarch was moving back step by step outside the Sky Ridge Mountain Range.


    All the Holy Wave Race cultivators were horrified.


    In front of them, the ground distorted and the Palace Master¡¯s figure was revealed in a blur. Fire that burned his life and cultivation rose from his body. His footsteps were firm as he walked over step by step. His hoarse voice echoed with his footsteps.


    ¡°As long as the Fenghai stands, I have no regrets about this sacrifice.¡±


    This sentence spread throughout the battlefield. When it entered the ears of the retreating human army, a second resplendent sword light rose shockingly.


    This was the sixth sword.


    As soon as this sword appeared, the ground on the battlefield shattered. A piercing sword light shook the heavens as it headed straight for the Red Spirit Monarch in this purgatory-like world.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. As the Palace Master walked forward and his entire body continued to burn, the seventh and eighth swords also appeared.

 Chapter 707 - 707 Standing Alone, Eternal Heroes (2)

    707 Standing Alone, Eternal Heroes (2)


    This time, the Moon Fog Monarch also stepped forward with a solemn expression. He stood beside the Red Spirit Monarch and attacked together.


    The sky and the ground collapsed with the energy fluctuations continuing to sweep in all directions.


    Everything became blurry again.


    This time, the reason for the blurriness wasn¡¯t because of the chaos and distortion, nor was it because of the frost and the collapse of the sky. Instead, it was because most cultivators couldn¡¯t see the scene clearly with their cultivation.


    Even Xu Qing¡¯s vision was blurry. He could only see three figures fighting to the death. Every time they came into contact, there would be a loud explosion.


    This rumbling sound that surpassed thunder formed a sound wave that filled everyone¡¯s minds, forcing them to continue retreating.


    It was the same in the direction of the Holy Wave Race.


    Sword qi swept out fiercely, destroying everything in its path.


    Until the next moment, a thunderous roar echoed through the sky, accompanied by the sound of shattering. Countless floating chunks of earth exploded, separating the three figures engaged in battle.


    Only then did everything become slightly clearer.


    The Palace Master¡¯s footsteps were finally interrupted. He lifted his head and looked at the sky.


    More than half of the Sky Ridge Mountain Range behind the Red Spirit Monarch and the Moon Fog Monarch had collapsed, forming numerous ravines that stretched as far as the eye could see. At this moment, both of them lifted their heads and gazed at the sky.


    All the cultivators of the Holy Wave Race, including the human army of Fenghai County, lifted their heads. Endless waves rose in their hearts as they looked at the sky.


    ¡°Black Heaven¡¯s Abyssal Maw has descended.¡± After the battle with the Palace Master, the Red Spirit Monarch¡¯s face was pale and he spoke hoarsely.


    The source of the rumbling and shattering sounds in the sky was the huge vortex.


    The extreme cold power emitted by the vortex had already reached a level where it could freeze lives. The vortex itself had also solidified and the edge of a weapon could be vaguely seen!


    The black surface emitted peerless killing intent and a thick aura of death.


    It unleashed a terrifying and bone-chilling coldness that could make even Nihility shiver.


    The Dao bell that was suppressing it outside was shaking intensely. Cracks appeared on it and this item bestowed by the Imperial City began to shatter.


    This was because it was facing a supreme war artifact.


    Its material was mysterious and was bestowed by the Red Moon. It was rumored that it was transformed from a god¡¯s weapon that was destroyed by the Red Moon.


    It emitted extreme cold, turning the world into a restricted zone.


    This was a regional war artifact.


    The regional war artifact was the foundation of a race. Its might far exceeded one¡¯s imagination. It was an existence that could intimidate gods.


    It held the same level of significance as the Taboo magic treasures of the Wanggu Continent¡¯s sects.


    Its existence was one of the reasons that determined a race¡¯s strength.


    The Holy Wave Race didn¡¯t have regional artifacts.


    Most of the races didn¡¯t have it.


    The human race had it in the past, but it was gone now.


    Possessing a regional artifact meant that race had the means to safeguard themselves from invasion, deter enemies, and possess the power to conquer other races within the Wanggu Continent.


    What appeared here wasn¡¯t the true body of this Black Heaven Race¡¯s regional artifact, but a projection.


    Even so, the power it emitted wasn¡¯t something Nihility could resist or stop.


    The area around it would wither and perish.


    When the cold reached an extreme, it would mean destruction. Everything would cease to exist.


    On the distant golden net, countless artifact spirits appeared and let out mournful cries. They wanted to resist but they couldn¡¯t and were continuously shattering.


    When this scene fell into the eyes of the human army in Fenghai County, all of them were dazed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind went blank.


    Their world was replaced by darkness.


    On the battlefield, the gazes of the Red Spirit Monarch and the Moon Fog Monarch landed on the Palace Master. Red Spirit slowly spoke.


    ¡°Soldiers, listen up. March toward Fenghai County. The target is the county capital. Gather with the Heavenly Wind and Earth!¡±


    As his voice rang out, tens of millions of deep shouts rang out from the endless land behind him. After they fused together, they shook the world.


    ¡°We obey!¡±


    After this voice appeared, the endless army, as well as more races from the Holy Wave Region, appeared like a tide.


    After that, the Red Spirit Monarch and the Moon Fog Monarch walked toward the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master.


    They got closer and closer.


    ¡°I have a sword!¡± The Palace Master, who was standing in front of the endless army, looked at the vortex in the sky and spoke softly. He lifted his right hand and made a grabbing posture behind his back.


    A resplendent Emperor Sword slowly took shape in his hand. This was the ninth Emperor Sword and also the sword that belonged to the Palace Master.


    As he spoke, the hundreds of thousands of bronze coffins floating in the air in the golden net opened at the same time!


    There was also the same voice that echoed in all directions.


    ¡°I have a sword!¡±


    ¡°I have a sword!!¡±


    ¡°I have a sword!!!¡±


    Voices rang out from the opened coffins as figures appeared one after another.


    They were Sword Holders who had lived in relative peace since ancient times and chose to sleep at their final stage of life to cultivate the Emperor Sword. They chose to use their swords at the most critical moment in Fenghai County!


    Streaks of sword light erupted from these awakened Sword Holders.


    Hundreds of thousands of sword lights flashed in the sky and gathered into a river of swords that headed straight for the Palace Master. At the same time, the bodies of these Sword Holders rapidly withered and finally dissipated into the world as though they had been erased.


    Before they dissipated, they looked in the direction of their hometown in Fenghai County.

 Chapter 708 - 708 Standing Alone, Eternal Heroes (3)

    708 Standing Alone, Eternal Heroes (3)


    There was nostalgia, blessings, relief, and reminiscence. However, there was no regret.


    ¡°I have a sword.¡±


    The Palace Master lifted his head. Hundreds of thousands of sword lights gathered in his hand and fused with his Emperor Sword. The light was so resplendent that even the cold in the sky seemed to avoid it.


    The sword shook the sky and the sound reverberated through the ages.


    ¡°I will protect my homeland!¡±


    As he spoke, the Palace Master drew his sword and slashed down at the Red Spirit and Moon Fog.


    With this sword strike, the earth quaked and the heavens trembled.


    With this sword slash, the divine weapon lost its light and the extreme cold was warded off.


    The two monarchs were visibly moved and the countless cultivators were shaken. The hundreds of thousands of swords became the only resplendent light in the world. They took the Heavenly Dao, transformed it into rules, severed evil thoughts, and killed the invasion.


    The Red Spirit Monarch hastily retreated and took out a red bird carriage to block the sword slash.


    The withering sword qi passed through the forehead of the bird beast.


    It was split into two.


    Red Spirit¡¯s expression was filled with horror. The great world appeared and blocked the Emperor Sword. An ear-splitting explosion rang out as the great world became illusory again and again until it blurred and collapsed.


    Red Spirit spat out a mouthful of blood and his cultivation fell. Amidst his shock and anger, the sword beam slashed through his forehead!


    Even though Moon Fog went all out to help Red Spirit, he couldn¡¯t prevent the latter¡¯s body from collapsing and could only protect the soul. His own body was slashed into two.


    His emperor¡¯s robe was torn apart and his emperor¡¯s crown was cut into two. The curtain beads flew everywhere and he retreated in panic.


    The might of the sword finally dissipated.


    The sky was clear again and the earth was silent.


    The Palace Master stood alone, with no sword in his hand, as blood gushed from his mouth, cascading down like a crimson rain upon the ground.


    However, this blood rain was destined to not land on the ground. When the sword might dissipated, extreme cold emerged from the vortex in the sky again. A cold wind of annihilation erupted from within and swept out.


    Wherever it passed, the world froze into nothingness, and holes appeared in this nothingness.


    The Dao bell, bestowed by the Imperial Capital¡¯s Sword Holding Headquarters when Fenghai County was established, rang out with its final toll, transforming into an echo of extinction.


    The bell shattered into pieces.


    More than half of the Black Heaven Race¡¯s regional artifact emerged from the vortex in the sky with the momentum of crushing everything.


    The pitch-black color emitted endless evil, causing the sky to be dark.


    The sharp halberd body, with its infinite ferocity, cleaved the earth with ruthless edges.


    The net of Taboo in Fenghai County was extremely distorted. The artifact spirits transformed from the various Taboo magic treasures in Fenghai County wailed mournfully and died in large numbers.


    The Taboo net was on the verge of collapsing


    The Moon Fog Monarch had retreated thousands of feet away with a disheveled expression and only had his upper body left. A large number of flesh threads emanated from his body, constantly weaving together. He looked at the Palace Master¡¯s figure with fear.


    ¡°Kong Liangxiu, do you still have a sword?!¡±


    Beside him floated a soul. It was the Red Spirit Monarch whose body had completely collapsed and couldn¡¯t be reconstructed. His divine soul had also been heavily damaged. Unlike a normal soul shadow, his soul was covered with countless red threads that penetrated deep into his soul, weaving into a net. While it protected his soul, it was also invading and binding it.


    That was the method of the Black Heaven Race and the fate of the Holy Wave Race.


    However, with its enhancement, the soul was given extremely high protection, restricting anything foreign.


    At that moment, he looked at the Palace Master and spoke solemnly.


    ¡°The power of your sword destroyed my body, shattered my great world, broke my Dao foundation, destroyed half of Moon Fog¡¯s body, and shook my soul. Kong Liangxiu, you¡¯re quite something!¡±


    The Palace Master looked with some regret in his eyes and sneered.


    His smile was filled with cracks that spread throughout his body, and his armor was covered in even more cracks.


    He didn¡¯t care about these, nor did he respond to the Moon Fog Monarch¡¯s words. He turned around and walked toward the large net that was shattering. As he walked forward step by step, his body became taller.


    It grew larger and larger. The armor on his body couldn¡¯t withstand his size and shattered on its own. It continued to fall like its armor pieces were being removed.


    One piece at a time.


    When he walked past the battlefield and finally arrived at the large net that was collapsing, his body had already become hundreds of thousands of feet tall. His gaze passed through the broken ice net in front of him and looked at the human army that was 50 kilometers away from here.


    ¡°Palace Master¡­¡±


    The human army cried miserably.


    Kong Xianglong couldn¡¯t stand steadily anymore. Xu Qing supported him with bloodshot eyes. Even though he couldn¡¯t see the scenes earlier clearly, he could roughly make them out.


    The others were the same.


    Outside the ice net, the Palace Master stared at everyone and spoke solemnly.


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t die? What¡¯s there to cry about? All of you, stand properly!¡±


    The human army immediately stood upright, albeit with sorrow!


    Looking at this group of human children, the Palace Master nodded slightly. His gaze swept past everyone in the army and stopped on Xu Qing for a breath of time, filled with anticipation.


    His gaze then lingered on Kong Xianglong for two breaths. There was reluctance and relief.


    His gaze lingered on the Deputy Palace Master for three breaths of time. Outsiders didn¡¯t understand but the Deputy Palace Master understood the meaning of this gaze. He nodded heavily and endless sorrow rose in his heart. He knew that the Palace Master was entrusting the child to him.


    Finally, as Kong Xianglong trembled even more, the Palace Master¡¯s gaze landed in the direction of the county capital. After that¡­ the last piece of armor on his body fell.


    As the regional war artifact in the vortex emitted an even more terrifying destruction, the Holy Wave Race¡¯s army on the battlefield moved forward again¡­


    The Palace Master turned his back to Fenghai County and spread his arms, merging into the collapsing net behind him.


    At the next instant, small worlds appeared on the large net before gathering into a large world where the Palace Master was burning.


    At this moment, all the coldness on the Taboo net rapidly surged into the Palace Master¡¯s world and gathered on him.

 Chapter 709 - 709 Standing Alone, Eternal Heroes (4)

    709 Standing Alone, Eternal Heroes (4)


    He had completely fused with the Taboo net!


    After burning his lifespan, burning his cultivation, and slashing down that sword, he was indeed at the end of his rope. However, he still chose to burn himself.


    He had transformed into a part of the county¡¯s Taboo net and used his burning to stall for time.


    ¡°Pass the order¡­ All human armies in the Linlan province, retreat to the county capital.¡±


    The Palace Master spoke in a deep voice. Endless extreme cold gathered from the surroundings and roared in front of him. All of them surged over, causing the Palace Master to become an ice sculpture.


    However, he could still support the world.


    He could still block the extreme cold for Fenghai County.


    Even now, his tone and expression didn¡¯t have the slightest fragility.


    A hint of gold appeared on the Taboo net again.


    With his integration, not only could this Taboo net last a little longer here, but it could also protect all the territories of Fenghai County.


    Regardless of whether it was in the north or the west, the golden net appeared behind the retreating Fenghai County¡¯s army to stop the pursuing Holy Wave Race army.


    The golden net rose from the originally occupied lands again, trying to stop the life-and-death tragedies that were happening in this war.


    The source of all this was the dissipating body of the Palace Master.


    The pain formed by the cold from the regional artifact¡¯s extermination power was indescribable.


    However, the Palace Master didn¡¯t seem to be affected. His limbs had already dissipated into dust and his body was dissipating. His face slowly drooped and he couldn¡¯t open his eyes.


    The Red Spirit Monarch and the Moon Fog Monarch stopped the army from advancing. They stood in front of the golden net. Regardless of whether it was the two of them or the endless army behind them, they were all silent.


    However, at the next instant, the expressions of the two people suddenly changed as they abruptly looked at the void to the right of the Palace Master.


    An indifferent voice rang out from the void.


    ¡°Kong Liangxiu, I could have chosen not to appear and just watched you die. However, you won my respect, so I came to ask you. Are you holding on to your last breath, waiting for me?¡±


    As the voice echoed, a black figure formed by fog appeared in front of the Palace Master¡¯s face.


    The appearance of this figure caused the hearts of everyone on the battlefield to tremble.


    This was the case for the Holy Wave Race and the human army of Fenghai County.


    Only the two monarchs¡¯ gazes were reserved, as though they weren¡¯t surprised.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened as he stared fixedly at that figure. He recalled what the Palace Master had asked him to investigate and his breathing became hurried. He tried his best to observe the other party¡¯s appearance.


    Unfortunately, that foggy figure was completely blurry.


    The Palace Master¡¯s eyes, which were originally closed, suddenly opened and he looked at the foggy figure in front of him.


    ¡°Was it you who killed the County Governor?¡± The Palace Master¡¯s deep voice echoed in all directions.


    ¡°Yes.¡± The black figure nodded and spoke softly.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you arrange for someone to investigate? Unfortunately, you investigated in the wrong direction.¡±


    The Palace Master fell silent.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask me who I am?¡± The black figure asked.


    ¡°Would you answer?¡±


    The black figure shook his head and sighed.


    ¡°Then, goodbye, Kong Liangxiu.¡± The black figure took a few steps back, cupped his fists and bowed before disappearing into the void.


    However, just as his figure was about to completely dissipate, the Palace Master¡¯s eyes suddenly emitted a resplendent light. A soul-stirring Emperor Sword gathered in his eyes and rushed out rapidly, slashing at the black figure.


    Its speed was astonishing, not giving the other party any chance to dodge. Moreover, the timing was right before the other party dispersed. Hence, in the blink of an eye, this Emperor Sword instantly pierced through his forehead.


    It even traced its origin and headed to the endless void to pursue the main body of this phantom. It wanted to kill all the bodies that were connected to it. Regardless of the past, present, or future, they were all within the range of this sword.


    The black figure¡¯s body paused and completely dissipated. However, there was a murmur that echoed through the world.


    ¡°As expected, you still have another sword.¡±


    ¡°I have no past, no future, and I never had the present. Kong Liangxiu, there aren¡¯t many people I admire. You can be considered one of them. I let you slash me and leave a mark in my mind so that I won¡¯t forget you.¡±


    The Palace Master stared at the void. His cold gaze transformed into eternity until the frost drowned his face.


    Ashes flew.


    ¡°Palace Master!!¡±


    The human army¡¯s hearts were bleeding and they wailed endlessly.


    The Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master had fallen.


    The sky of Fenghai County collapsed again.


    The sky rumbled at this moment, as though it had experienced sorrow. It transformed into a rain of blood, stirring up a storm. When it landed on the ground, it turned into blood ice.


    Amidst the blood ice, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and his eyes were filled with sorrow. His heart seemed to be grabbed tightly by an invisible large hand and he felt suffocated.


    The memories he had of the Palace Master kept appearing in his mind.


    The sound of crying echoed in all directions. Pain permeated the surroundings.


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s body couldn¡¯t hold on anymore and he fell to the ground. Tears flowed down his face. Helplessness and sorrow took over him.


    This lasted until he sobbed silently.


    At that moment, a rumbling sound echoed between the heavens and the earth. The large net of Taboo magic treasure shattered into pieces.


    After the collapse of the northern front line, the western front line also collapsed.


    This scene announced the failure of Fenghai County.


    Endless extreme cold transformed into a storm that whistled over from ahead. As it swept in all directions, the ground trembled intensely.


    In the storm, the Holy Wave Race¡¯s army was moving forward.


    The sky was filled with cold air and it was impossible to tell if it was night or day. However, in reality, it was the break of dawn.


    Though the frost covered the sky, the rainbow would eventually appear. It was just a matter of waiting for the storm to pass and the sun to rise.


    The Palace Master¡¯s blood transformed into rain.


    The despair and grief of Fenghai County caused the wind to stir.


    The moment the Holy Wave Race¡¯s army crossed the fourth defense line, the sun rose into the sky in the distance.


    Golden light spread from the sky and formed a sea.


    That wasn¡¯t just sunlight.


    In the sea of light, there were countless flags fluttering like rainbows.


    There were also countless golden-armored figures shining like rainbows.


    There were also countless black dragons¡¯ roars and the fluctuations of countless array formations.


    The color of the sky changed and storms appeared.


    At the pinnacle of the sky, a four-clawed golden dragon that was a million feet long tore through the void and roared into existence. Its mighty voice resonated through the stars, shaking the very clouds as it surged forward.


    The Holy Wave Race¡¯s army paused in unison. Red Spirit and Moon Fog abruptly lifted their heads.


    This was because on the back of the golden dragon, there was a golden palace chair with a dignified figure sitting on it.


    He wore a yellow robe, but wasn¡¯t a king or emperor.


    The four-clawed golden dragon represented his identity.


    ¡°The seventh son of the Human Emperor!¡±

 Chapter 710 - 710 At the Peak of Fenghai, We Sing Our Aspirations (1)

    710 At the Peak of Fenghai, We Sing Our Aspirations (1)


    In April, Year 2932 of the Mystic War Calendar, the Fenghai County Governor died. The Holy Wave Race¡¯s army invaded three provinces and the Black Heaven Race invaded the Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    Fenghai County immediately entered a state of emergency.


    In June of the same year, Fenghai County defended alone for nearly two months. The northern front collapsed. The Observance Palace¡¯s Palace Master, Li Rongyu, died in battle; the Palace Master of the Law Palace, Zhang Hengxin, died in battle; Yao Tianyan went missing; and the alliance army suffered countless casualties. They were routed for 100,000 kilometers.


    A day after the defeat in the north, the western front collapsed. The Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master, Kong Liangxiu, died on the battlefield.


    At the critical moment of the human race in Fenghai County, the seventh son of the Human Emperor, against all objections, carried deep concerns for the county. After breaking through the heavy seals of the Black Heaven Race, he finally arrived in Fenghai County.


    The Seventh Prince led a mighty army of 60 million troops from the Imperial Capital. With the might of the Upper Mystic Five Ministries, he used the 49 generals of the Eastern Triumph to sweep through the northern front.


    After killing the 7 million enemy cultivators from the Holy Wave Race¡¯s Heavenly Wind and Earth Dynasties that had invaded the northern region, he used their flesh and blood to erect an indestructible defense line in the northern front.


    He then personally led 27 generals and 113 commanders to the western front on the four-clawed golden dragon carriage.


    When the western front collapsed and the human race in Fenghai County was at the critical moment of life and death, he stopped the Holy Wave Race¡¯s Red Spirit and Moon Fog Dynasties and even personally attacked, heavily injuring the two monarchs.


    The Seventh Prince, leading by example, opened the path to victory for the human race. Not only did he heavily injure the two monarchs, but he also killed more than 6 million troops in the western war zone.


    The monarchs¡¯ blood flowed and dyed the sky red. The Seventh Prince didn¡¯t care about his own safety and coordinated with the generals to use the human race¡¯s forbidden secret technique, sealing half of the province and restricting the spread of the Black Heaven Race¡¯s regional artifact.


    This was to preserve the defeated army of the western front.


    After that, he integrated the remnants of the northern and western army and established a unified battlefront. A mighty army of millions joined with the human cultivators of Fenghai County to guard the borders of Fenghai County. He also dispatched three generals and ten commanders with a portion of the Imperial City¡¯s cultivators to sweep through the entire Fenghai County to eliminate the black-clothed guards and rebel forces.


    The entire Fenghai County was excited, while those with evil intentions trembled in fear!


    The evil aura in Fenghai County was cleared out and there were signs of peace for the human race in the county.


    The Alliance of the races cheered and the thousand races complied.


    In July of the same year, after suffering a defeat, the Holy Wave Race launched a total offensive, forming a terrifying army that pressed forward.


    The Seventh Prince, with his remarkable talent and strategic vision, employed excellent tactics of leading the united force. He adopted a strategy of luring the enemy deep into his territory and then initiated a counteroffensive. He ignited the earth fires in the Yutian Province and Qiling Province, causing numerous volcanoes to erupt and shaking the earth and mountains. The flames spread across the Linlan Province and Taihe Province, engulfing the four provinces in a devastating fire.


    Within the four provinces, darkness prevailed. Only the undying earth fire continued to surge into the sky and burn for more than a month.


    The Holy Wave Race¡¯s army were in an extremely disadvantageous position and countless people died. In the end, their invasion was completely blocked.


    The news of this great victory spread to the other provinces of Fenghai County. All the races in the entire county cheered.


    The Deputy Governor requested for the prince to preside over the county capital many times, but he was rejected every time. However, after this great victory, the Prince, deeply concerned for his soldiers, finally agreed to lead a force of ten million battle-hardened warriors and journey to the capital city in seven days¡¯ time.


    Today was the third day before the prince set off.


    At the border of the Qiling province, Xu Qing silently sat on a boulder and looked at the distant world.


    Compared to before, his appearance was very different.


    The Daoist robe of the Sword Holder had been replaced with tattered armor, and his once long hair was now short. His entire body was dirty and covered in grime, while the scent of blood lingered in the air. His lips had cracked numerous times, showing signs of extreme dryness.


    His eyes revealed intense fatigue.


    In his vision, the sky was dark and thick smoke billowed. The once green mountains, clear rivers, and the warm land were now pitch-black and there were still lingering flames everywhere.


    Amidst the ruins, he could see countless charred bones¡­


    Xu Qing stared at these and fell silent.


    After a long time, he heard footsteps behind him. It was Kong Xianglong.


    His attire was similar to Xu Qing¡¯s. He was equally tired and lonely. After he walked to Xu Qing¡¯s side, he sat at the side and looked at the distant world as he spoke in a low and hoarse voice.


    ¡°Xu Qing, go and rest. I¡¯ll take over the watch. When I came, I saw your eldest senior brother, and he asked me to tell you to go back quickly.¡±


    ¡°The Deputy Palace Master told me in the morning to follow him to the county capital in three days. He also mentioned you.¡±


    ¡°The Secretariat Department is no longer around. There¡¯s no point in you staying here, so I helped you agree.¡±


    Kong Xianglong calmly spoke. His voice was a little numb and there were no emotions in it.


    Xu Qing silently stood up and looked at the extended defense line in the surroundings. Most of the people here were the human cultivators from Fenghai County and the army from the Imperial City was camping at the second defense line further away.


    After a long time, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and patted Kong Xianglong¡¯s shoulder. He then took out a flask of wine and placed it to the side.


    It was the remaining half of the wine after he had stood guard here for a day and night.


    Kong Xianglong picked up the wine flask and took a big gulp. The moment Xu Qing turned to leave, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Xu Qing, did you see that figure¡­¡±


    Xu Qing closed his eyes, covering his weary eyes, and nodded.


    Kong Xianglong fell silent. After a long time, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°What do you think of this prince?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a ruthless person,¡± Xu Qing said hoarsely.


    He recalled the scene of the four-clawed golden dragon descending from the sky and the figure on it as the large net of Taboo magic treasure collapsed.


    ¡°Detonating the earth fires in the two provinces. The old man¡­ The Palace Master was already carrying out this matter back then, so he has been helping the human race in the two provinces settle down in other places. But this Prince is ruthless. In his eyes, there is only victory, only fame, and no regard for human lives!¡±

 Chapter 711 - 711 At the Peak of Fenghai, We Sing Our Aspirations (2)

    711 At the Peak of Fenghai, We Sing Our Aspirations (2)


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    ¡°Xu Qing, have you seen the battle report? It speaks of glorious achievements, like severely injuring the two monarchs. What an accomplishment!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also this prince. If he had arrived earlier that day, even if it was just by fifteen minutes¡­¡± Kong Xianglong laughed bitterly and didn¡¯t continue speaking. Instead, he took another big gulp of the wine and waved at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing stood on the spot for a long time before leaving silently.


    It had been a month since the Palace Master died in battle.


    With the arrival of the Seventh Prince, the Secretariat Department no longer had any meaning to exist and was forgotten. As for Xu Qing and the Sword Holders of the Secretariat Department, they were arranged to be on the battlefield.


    After a few twists and turns and experiencing a series of battles until now, Xu Qing understood this Seventh Prince¡¯s style of doing things.


    As long as he could get victory, no cost was too great.


    It was indeed as Kong Xianglong had said. Human lives were nothing in his eyes. Most of the races and mortals in the Yutian and Qiling Provinces hadn¡¯t evacuated completely.


    However, because he saw the opportunity, he chose to detonate the earth fires.


    There were indeed many people from the Holy Wave Race who died in this month, but there were also many humans.


    This was especially so for the original army of the western front.


    They were the vanguard in every battle.


    Right now, there weren¡¯t many of them left. They were continuously scattered and mixed into other armies. Every one of them had been tempered into elite soldiers who had fought a hundred battles in this war.


    Xu Qing and Kong Xianglong had also participated many times. However, under the care of the Deputy Palace Master and the other old men, they barely avoided a few missions where their deaths were certain. Currently, they belonged to the 4th Legion of the 3rd commander under the command of the 17th general of the Imperial Capital Army.


    They were in charge of the defense line in this area.


    At that moment, it was dusk. The afterglow turned brown due to the smoke and scattered on the mountain path Xu Qing was on.


    Xu Qing walked silently until he returned to the military camp built in a valley not far away.


    There were hundreds of cultivators here, all of whom were from the former western front army. Although there weren¡¯t many of them, they weren¡¯t few either. However, there wasn¡¯t much noise.


    Everyone¡¯s bodies were covered in wounds. Some were healing, some were meditating, and some were in a daze.


    There were also corpses that were piled up and hadn¡¯t been transported away.


    When Xu Qing walked over, some of them lifted their heads and looked at him.


    Among them were Sword Holders, disciples of the various sects, and former Secretariat Department members.


    Xu Qing also looked at them and fell silent.


    In a tent at the edge of the military camp, Xu Qing saw the captain.


    Although he was also in a sorry state and the armor he wore was filled with cracks, the captain was in good spirits and his body had long grown back.


    At that moment, he was squatting there and holding a black horn in his mouth. He chewed on it as though he was verifying its toughness.


    There was also a military pot burning with fire crystals at the side. There was some meat stewing in it and under the gurgling sound, it emitted waves of fragrance.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, I¡¯m back.¡± Xu Qing walked into the tent.


    This tent was their residence.


    Although the Seventh Prince was very strict with the war zone, after a large number of Sword Holders from the Sword Holding Palace died in battle, the Deputy Palace Master, together with all the elders of the Sword Holding Court, submitted petitions to the prince multiple times. Eventually, the Prince agreed to allow the heavily depleted sects of the Sword Holders to withdraw from the battlefield and return to their territory.


    However, the agreement to leave was only granted to a portion of the sects, and it had to be done in batches.


    Thus, the Seven Blood Eyes, with Xue Lianzi severely injured and the majority of its disciples dead in the battle, departed from the battlefield as the fourth batch of the sects ten days ago.


    As a Sword Holder, the captain didn¡¯t leave. He was originally in charge of another area near this place but due to his maneuvering, he was arranged to stay with Xu Qing.


    ¡°I calculated that you should be back around this time. Hurry up and come over, let¡¯s eat.¡± The captain looked at Xu Qing. He laughed and called Xu Qing to the pot.


    ¡°I went to the campsite of those people of the Imperial Capital during the day and saw that they ate well, so I took some. Also, I saw that they also obtained a few Holy Wave Race battle beasts.¡±


    The captain pointed to the pot.


    ¡°Want to try it?¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and admired his ability to make friends.


    Ever since the Imperial City¡¯s army arrived, the captain had been heading to the other party¡¯s campsite all day. He had made many friends and also obtained a lot of information. From time to time, he would bring back these nourishing items. He grabbed a piece of the meat, placing it in his mouth.


    The taste was indeed not bad. Moreover, after eating it, waves of warmth rose in his body, transforming into traces of spirit qi that nourished his cultivation.


    ¡°Not bad, right?¡± The captain smiled proudly. He sat at the side and grabbed a piece to eat as he spoke.


    ¡°I heard from Old Kong that we¡¯ll return in three days. I feel that I haven¡¯t returned to the county capital in a long time. I have to sell the Dao fruits we obtained when we return this time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve asked around. Even in the Imperial City, that thing is good stuff.¡± As the captain spoke, he looked around and whispered.


    ¡°I also heard that the war in the Grand Imperial Capital Region is still ongoing. This time, the Black Heaven Race has invaded with full force and there are other races that are restless. Fenghai County is the only place where the human race has won.¡±


    ¡°I heard that the victory here caused many large races with different thoughts in the surroundings of the Grand Imperial Capital Region to restrain themselves and choose to wait and see¡­ Everyone knows about this Seventh Prince now.¡±


    ¡°Furthermore, I have learned that the Human Emperor has twelve sons and three daughters, but there is no struggle for succession among them. The Human Emperor is known for his powerful methods and is in the prime of his life. He has a cold and ruthless demeanor, showing little concern for familial ties. His decisions are solely based on what is advantageous for the race.¡±

 Chapter 712 - 712 At the Peak of Fenghai, We Sing Our Aspirations (3)

    712 At the Peak of Fenghai, We Sing Our Aspirations (3)


    ¡°This is apparent from the actions of the Seventh Prince. It seems he has no intention of returning to the imperial capital. And if you recall his actions since his arrival, it appears that he is treating Fenghai County as his own territory.¡±


    The captain said meaningfully.


    ¡°This is a big game of chess. Although I don¡¯t know what will happen next, the sky of Fenghai County has changed¡­ So, Junior Brother, don¡¯t be too persistent. Death is the norm in this world. Survival is the most important.¡±


    ¡°Just like this stew, although it¡¯s difficult to cook, given enough time, it will become tender. Therefore, all the sorrows and emotions in this world will be healed by time. If it seems otherwise, it¡¯s only because time hasn¡¯t passed yet.¡±


    ¡°Before the ancestor returned, he told me to work hard in my cultivation and not think about romantic relationships. When my cultivation level is high in the future, what kind of woman won¡¯t I have? After I pondered over this sentence, it made a lot of sense.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the same regarding Fenghai County. If it¡¯s not suitable for us, we can just leave. When we get stronger in the future, we¡¯ll still sweep through everything when we return. The various races will line up to attach themselves to us.¡±


    The captain had a proud expression. He grabbed a large piece of meat and placed it in Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    Xu Qing took the meat and silently took bite after bite with great force.


    As the battle between the Holy Wave Race and Fenghai County was stopped by the flames of the four provinces, the Holy Wave Race¡¯s army had no choice but to temporarily halt their invasion. Meanwhile, in the holy land covered in white sand in the center of the Holy Wave Race, the four monarchs of the Holy Wave Race were kneeling in the temple of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s ancestral emperor.


    In front of them was a seat made of special blood crystals.


    Seated on it was a figure shrouded in darkness, their features obscured and indistinct. Only wisps of black aura emanated from their body, merging with the blood crystals as if purifying their bloodline.


    ¡°Ancestor, everything was done according to plan.¡±


    ¡°However, the Black Heaven Race seems to have some suspicions.¡±


    The Red Spirit Monarch already had a new body. However, his face was a little pale, as though his blood and qi were still in a state of collapse. He spoke in a low voice.


    Beside him, Heavenly Wind, Moon Fog, and Earth also lowered their heads.


    After a long time without a response, the Heavenly Wind Monarch spoke.


    ¡°Ancestor, our Holy Wave Race lost more than 30 million people in this battle. This seventh son of the Human Emperor is ruthless and decisive. If that person who cooperated with us¡­ deceived us or the Seventh Prince broke the contract¡­¡±


    The Heavenly Wind Monarch didn¡¯t continue before he was interrupted by the Moon Fog Monarch.


    ¡°Heavenly Wind, this is a plan set by the ancestral emperor. We just need to complete it. You should restrain those thoughts.¡±


    The other two monarchs remained silent and didn¡¯t show any expressions.


    After a long while, a voice full of desolation emanated from the blurry figure on the blood crystal seat.


    ¡°You four need not probe any further. I know your thoughts are diverse. Some of you wish to break away and gain independence, some still harbor the belief that you are part of the human race, some are eyeing my position, and others seek a stronger master. In the past, I paid no attention to your actions, but this time, whoever dares to sabotage my plan, I will eliminate them and find a new monarch.¡±


    The four monarchs lowered their heads.


    ¡°Red Spirit.¡±


    The Red Spirit Monarch¡¯s expression turned solemn.


    ¡°You¡¯ve sacrificed a lot this time. The race will make it up to you. Although your Dao is broken, I will find a way to replenish it for you!¡±


    The Red Spirit Monarch shivered and bowed deeply.


    ¡°As for what you said about the Black Heaven Race¡¯s suspicion, I was the one who told the Black Heaven Race. After all, the truth can only be hidden for longer if it¡¯s hidden in another truth.¡± A hoarse voice rang out from the body on the seat. The four monarchs had different expressions when they heard this.


    ¡°Heavenly wind.¡± The hoarse voice echoed again.


    The Heavenly Wind Monarch took a deep breath.


    ¡°I understand your concerns. However, that Seventh Prince clearly wants to be a hero. After all, in the eyes of the world, no matter what he did in the past, he still caused 30 million of our Holy Wave Race to die. As for how many humans died and who died, no one cares.


    The human race thirsts for heroes and what they are seeing is a glorious figure. As for the black and white inside, other than the people affected and the families of the deceased, no one will care how many bones are buried in the shadows.


    In the future, he can even expand the territory and open up a path for the human race for tens of thousands of years. With such a flourishing plan, even if more people die, who will say ¡®no¡¯?


    The success of a general is accompanied by the deaths of ten thousand soldiers.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, in order to become a hero of the human race, at least before he succeeds, he definitely won¡¯t break the agreement. He will also successfully deliver what we need.¡±


    ¡°As for you guys, you will have to do the same for the future of our race. A temporary sacrifice is inevitable. Since we have completed the first step of our plan, let¡¯s see how the people who bridged the gap between us and the Seventh Prince will play this big chess game.


    Most importantly, the method that person gave me is effective.¡±


    ¡°As you command!¡±


    The four monarchs below were excited when they heard this and bowed respectfully.

 Chapter 713 - 713 Returning to the County Capital

    713 Returning to the County Capital


    Time flowed by.


    Three days passed in a flash.


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s army that was heading to the county capital gathered on the morning of the fourth day and began their journey.


    Xu Qing, the captain, and Kong Xianglong were all in the crowd.


    As the army moved forward and gradually left the defense line, Xu Qing turned his head and looked toward the north and west.


    In these two months, he had experienced many things and seen too many life-and-death situations.


    At that moment, there were many cultivators who looked in the north and west like him. Most of them were Sword Holders from Fenghai County.


    After a long time, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked at the four-clawed golden dragon surrounded by hundreds of black dragons in the distance.


    Even if only a tiny part of its massive body was visible through the clouds and mist, it exuded a sense of divinity. Not to mention the figure sitting in the carriage.


    The people on the ground, including Xu Qing, were insignificant compared to this dignified figure high above in the sky. They seemed like mere dust particles in comparison, utterly inconsequential.


    Xu Qing recalled something the teacher had said when he was in the slums.


    ¡°What defines a big shot? It¡¯s actually quite simple. When you look in a crowd, you can see him clearly and remember him. Because in your eyes, whether you like it or not, he is the one and only.


    When his gaze sweeps across the crowd, he sees everyone and not individuals.¡±


    ¡°So, when will you be able to accomplish it? When the city lord walks past us and pays special attention to you, you can be considered a big shot.¡±


    Xu Qing remembered these words very clearly at that time. Afterwards, when the god¡¯s fragmented-face opened its eyes and he infiltrated the city lord¡¯s residence to search for cultivation arts, he did manage to make the city lord, who had become a corpse and died with grievances, retain his figure in his listless and dim pupils.


    At that moment, he glanced at the Seventh Prince in the clouds and retracted his gaze. His face was expressionless as he followed the army.


    Several hours later, the army arrived at the large-scale teleportation array that had been built. Amidst the continuous teleportation, Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared into the sea of light with his comrades in the surroundings.


    When he appeared, he was already outside the county capital.


    Not all of the army could enter the city.


    Xu Qing and most of the army could only standby on the ground.


    Only a few were qualified to follow the Seventh Prince and be teleported to the city.


    Standing on the land of the capital city, Xu Qing lifted his head. When he looked at the city above, he heard loud cheers coming from the familiar capital.


    The sound was deafening and echoed through the area.


    The sky emitted an auspicious rainbow light, and the three palaces emitted resplendent light as a foil.


    In the city, all the houses were decorated with streamers. A main street that led straight to the teleportation array from the County Governor¡¯s residence was renamed the Prince Road.


    The street was adorned with colorful lights and covered in fresh flowers. Countless people lined both sides of the street, welcoming and cheering.


    ¡°Victory!¡±


    ¡°Victory!¡±


    ¡°Victory!¡±


    The sound of gongs and drums filled the sky. The Deputy Governor brought a group of people from the city, including the Quasi-Immortal Race, the Holy Demon Race, and many nonhuman ancestors. As the array formation shone, they bowed respectfully the moment the Seventh Prince¡¯s figure appeared.


    ¡°Greetings, Seventh Prince!¡±


    In the sky, the four-clawed golden dragon breathed in and out a red glow that was extremely resplendent. On the ground, the Seventh Prince walked out with a smile and faced everyone.


    In an instant, the commotion reached its peak.


    However, all of this had nothing to do with Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing silently stood with the army outside the city and listened to the commotion.


    After a long time, a decree was transmitted to the army, asking the imperial capital¡¯s army to set up camp and move around on their own. The Sword Holders from the former western war zone were finally allowed to move freely.


    Unless there was a specific situation, they didn¡¯t have to head to the battlefield anymore.


    This was due to the earnest pleas from the Deputy Governor and the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Deputy Palace Master. The Prince, understanding the hardships faced by the Sword Holders, graciously granted their request.


    Xu Qing left the army and returned to his Sword Pavilion.


    The moment he stepped in, he lay on the bed and instantly fell asleep without taking out the armor.


    He slept until dusk the next day.


    When he woke up, there was a large amount of messages in his voice transmission jade slip and command sword.


    Because the battlefield didn¡¯t allow voice transmission, the jade slips were all sealed. Hence, they could only receive the voice transmissions after returning to the county capital.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I couldn¡¯t reach you before, and it was not until today when I saw your senior brother that I felt relieved, knowing that you¡¯re safe. I accompanied the Wood Spirit Race and returned ahead of time. Things in the county capital are different from what we had imagined. In this battle, the Wood Spirit Race suffered heavy losses, and I also had a close brush with death¡­ If you have the chance, come visit the Wood Spirit Race. Ling¡¯er is waking up soon.¡±


    This message was from the old man from Panquan Road.


    ¡°Xu Qing, come and drink with me when you¡¯re awake.¡±


    This was Kong Xianglong.


    ¡°Junior Brother, tell me when you wake up. I¡¯ll come to get the Dao Fruits.¡±


    This was the captain.


    ¡°Edict Bearer Xu, you have to be careful. I¡¯ve received news that the nonhuman races who were intimidated by you back then have jointly submitted a petition saying that you destroyed the unity of Fenghai County. Although this matter was suppressed by the Deputy Governor with all his might, you have to pay attention.¡±


    This was Qing Qiu.


    After a brief reply, Xu Qing put down the jade slip and stretched lazily. He removed his armor and waved his hand, causing mist to gather around his body, swiftly cleansing him.


    There was no point in cleaning up on the battlefield. On one hand, it served no purpose, and on the other hand, the thick smoke and the pervasive scent of death in that environment made it impractical to repeatedly engage in such a task unless someone had an obsession with cleanliness.


    After washing up, Xu Qing changed into a new Daoist robe. The captain, who was also completely fresh and clean, came with anticipation.


    Previously, on the battlefield, Xu Qing had told the captain that he only brought a portion of the Dao Fruits with him and left most of them in the county capital.


    The moment they met, Xu Qing took out a storage bag from the storage compartment of the Sword Pavilion and threw it over before the captain could speak.


    ¡°50-50,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    The captain instantly beamed with joy.


    ¡°It¡¯s enough, haha. I can finally exchange for the Ancient Dao Seal Decree. Little Qing, let me tell you, I worked hard to obtain military contributions for this!¡±


    The captain was satisfied and kept the storage bag. His gaze landed on Xu Qing as he smiled.


    ¡°Little Qing, do you want to exchange for a life lantern? The military contributions from the Dao Fruits are enough and the battle merits have been distributed. Look at how many battle merits you obtained? I obtained four grade five battle merits and two grade three battle merits!¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he took out his command sword and checked it.


    ¡°Xu Qing, the Sword Holder, has been verified by the Military Discipline Department. In the war of Fenghai County, you have obtained one grade two battle merit, four grade three battle merits, seven grade four battle merits, and eleven grade five battle merits.¡±


    Xu Qing started. He didn¡¯t expect so much.


    ¡°Haha, quite a lot, right? I heard that this was personally submitted by the Deputy Palace Master of the Sword Holding Palace. Basically, everyone has it.¡± The captain smiled and said. After that, he looked around and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°You slept immediately yesterday. Let me tell you, a lot has happened since yesterday. Ever since the Seventh Prince arrived, the situation in the county capital has changed.¡±


    ¡°Three of his generals have been concurrently appointed as the palace masters of the Sword Holding Palace, Observance Palace, and Law Palace.¡±


    ¡°The great elders of the Sword Holding Courts of four provinces have been marked for negligence, including the great elder of our Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court. There are many reasons. One is losing the prisoner. That woman, Nether Fairy, went to great lengths on the battlefield, even risking severe injuries and a decline in her cultivation, to forcefully break free from the restraints and take advantage of the chaos to escape.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also the Quasi-Immortal Race and the Holy Demon Race. The positions of the two races and the human race have changed in the alliance. I don¡¯t know what method Seventh Prince used, but in a day, they were willing to attach themselves to the human race in Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°Other than that, more than 400 nonhuman races chose to increase the annual tributes and hand over their military rights at the same time.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about it. I¡¯m going to exchange the contributions. Oh right, Little Qing, the Deputy Governor has already informed us that a funeral will be held tomorrow for the County Governor and the three Palace Masters who died in battle.¡±


    Xu Qing watched as the captain left. He stood outside the Sword Pavilion and looked around. The county capital that he was clearly familiar with had become a little unfamiliar now.


    Everything was different.


    Xu Qing suddenly missed the Seven Blood Eyes and his master.


    A long time later, he bought a few pots of wine in the city and went to Kong Xianglong¡¯s Sword Pavilion.


    Kong Xianglong was drinking alone. When he saw Xu Qing, he tried to smile, but he couldn¡¯t. In the end, he picked up the wine flask and finished it in one gulp.


    Xu Qing silently accompanied at the side and drank with Kong Xianglong. The two of them didn¡¯t speak.


    When the night passed and dawn was about to break, Xu Qing spoke softly.


    ¡°Brother Kong, the funeral is about to begin.¡±


    Kong Xianglong silently lifted his head. After a long time, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Xu Qing, wait for me outside.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and walked out of the Sword Pavilion.


    Not long later, when the door of the Sword Pavilion opened and Kong Xianglong walked out, his face no longer had stubble and he no longer smelled of alcohol.


    That neat white Sword Holder Daoist robe made him feel as though he had returned to the time before the war.


    ¡°The old man never allowed me to call him grandfather, so I couldn¡¯t be bothered to do so. I¡¯ve lived alone since I was young,¡± Kong Xianglong said softly.


    ¡°However¡­ he is a strict person. If he sees me being so drunk like before, he¡¯ll probably wear that stern face and scold me again. Although he can¡¯t scold me anymore now, let¡¯s still try to make him happy.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you agree, Xu Qing?¡± Kong Xianglong looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing nodded lightly.


    Kong Xianglong took a deep breath and walked forward.


    Xu Qing left the Sword Pavilion with him. As the bell tolls rang in the city and the entire city was filled with solemnity, they arrived in the city¡­ in front of the statue of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    At that moment, hundreds of thousands of cultivators were already standing there.


    The Sword Holding Palace, Observance Palace, Law Palace, and county office cultivators were all present.


    More figures were rapidly approaching from all directions. Some of them were handicapped, some had yet to recover from their injuries, some had red eyes, and some were filled with grief and indignation.


    They were all cultivators who had survived in the western war zone.


    On the ground, the Imperial City¡¯s army walked out and bowed their heads in silent mourning.


    In the city, every family instinctively walked out. Men, women, old, and young silently looked at the statue of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    At this moment, at the northern and western front line, all the cultivators and Sword Holders from the various provinces of Fenghai County who hadn¡¯t returned let go of everything and faced the direction of the county capital with endless sadness on their faces.


    The human sects that had served in the western front and returned to their respective provinces also rang the bell of their sects at this moment, echoing in all the provinces and in all directions.


    The entire county was mourning.

 Chapter 714 - 714 Guyue Zhangan

    714 Guyue Zhangan


    The capital city was held in front of its chest by the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether statue. There was a huge square in its vicinity.


    This square was enough to accommodate a million people. It was paved with green stone slabs and an altar with 99 steps. 999 huge dragon pillars were erected in all directions.


    At that moment, only hundreds of thousands of people were allowed to gather beneath the altar.


    These hundreds of thousands of people stood there silently. Among them, there were Sword Holders, members of the Observance Palace, the Law Palace, and the county office. All of them were neatly dressed but their expressions were filled with mourning.


    There was a black flower pinned on their chests.


    Xu Qing and Kong Xianglong¡¯s arrival attracted some gazes. There was sadness, complexity, and reminiscence in these gazes¡­


    When they reached the Sword Holders¡¯ team, the Sword Holders in front of them cleared a path that led to the front. Xu Qing stopped in his tracks.


    Kong Xianglong continued to walk forward without any expression. When he reached the front, he lowered his head and remained motionless.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t go over. He stood beside the captain.


    The captain patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder. The two of them fell silent and waited in this solemnity.


    Silence enveloped the surroundings, with only a sense of mourning gathering among the hundreds of thousands of cultivators. It spread throughout the city, ascended within the three palaces, and extended across the entire county.


    The sky churned with clouds and mist, and the dim sky shed tears in response to the sorrow here.


    The rain landed on the slabs, producing splashing sounds. It also soaked the people gathered here.


    No one blocked the rain, allowing it to drench them.


    After fifteen minutes, thunder rumbled and countless bolts of lightning flashed in the clouds. Several figures walked step by step to the square and up the steps.


    The appearance of these people caused the hundreds of thousands of cultivators here to lower their heads.


    Among these figures were the Deputy Palace Masters of the Sword Holding Palace, the Law Palace, and the Observance Palace. Additionally, there were three middle-aged individuals who had changed into casual clothes but still exuded a lingering aura of killing intent.


    These three were the generals who had been arranged by the prince to take over the three palaces.


    The Deputy Governor was also among them, walking with a solemn expression.


    At the forefront of this group of people stood a young man dressed in a yellow robe.


    With long black hair cascading down his shoulders, fair complexion, sharp facial features, and starry eyes beneath his sword-like eyebrows, this person possessed not only a handsome appearance but also an indescribable air of nobility.


    The world seemed to dim in front of him.


    He walked in front as though it was inevitable for everyone to follow behind him.


    He was the seventh son of the Human Emperor who had saved Fenghai County from danger, suppressed the evil forces, and caused all races to support him!


    Currently, in Fenghai County, he was the only one qualified to preside over today¡¯s funeral.


    At that moment, under the bow of the people beside him, the Seventh Prince stepped on the steps and walked to the highest point.


    He was the only one there.


    Only he had the qualifications to stand there.


    Standing alone in the high platform, the Seventh Prince lifted his head and stared at the huge statue of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether in front of him. A hint of reverence appeared in his eyes. After that, he lowered his head and knelt down in front of the statue.


    ¡°The 3,915th descendant, Guyue Zhangan, humbly requests the blessings and protection of the Imperial Ancestor!¡±


    As soon as he knelt down, the Deputy Governor, the generals, the commanders, the Deputy Palace Masters, and the others bowed as well.


    The hundreds of thousands of cultivators below also bowed respectfully.


    There was no need for them to kneel because in the place where the Seventh Prince was, after he knelt, no one else had the qualifications to kneel with him.


    The Seventh Prince kowtowed nine times, then stood up and turned around, looking down at the people below.


    His figure was a little blurry in the rain. Only the statue of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether behind him became clearer and looked more solemn.


    A long time later, a sorrowful voice reverberated through the world.


    ¡°The mighty wind roars, the great tide surges. The flood symbolizes the dragon, the fierce fire rebirths the phoenix.¡±


    ¡°We present our homage to the venerable Imperial Ancestor Mystic Nether and the current reigning emperor Mystic War. Our human race has ensured the prosperity of Fenghai for eight centuries, bringing peace for over ten generations.¡±


    ¡°Countless heroes have been birthed by the three palaces.¡±


    ¡°The Palace Master of the Observance Palace, showing respect to the virtuous and humble to the lower ranks; the Palace Master of the Law Palace, displaying humility and courage; the Palace Master of the Sword Holding Palace, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and dedication.¡±


    ¡°Sun and moon dim in the presence of the majestic aura of the heroic souls of Fenghai. Our ancestors have endured countless glories and humiliations for the prosperity of the county, witnessing the ebb and flow of triumphs and tribulations.¡±


    ¡°Sorrow befalls us and the stars mourn. Lives are lost, but the memories remain, and tears fall as a testament to our grief. The overwhelming sadness engulfs us, and we cannot help but succumb to its embrace.¡±


    The Seventh Prince paused. His eyes were filled with sorrow and his expression was grim.


    Everyone on the ground was filled with sorrow. There were weeping sounds that echoed throughout the square.


    ¡°Yet the flame of the human race shall never be extinguished, and the spirit of humanity will remain indomitable. I shall beseech the Emperor to enshrine the heroic souls of the Fenghai in the Temple of Spirits, erect the Monuments of Eternal Peace, and offer everlasting incense!¡±


    ¡°The ancient laid out a bright path from which heroes emerged and will continue to emerge. Heaven continues to move, and we embody it by ceaselessly striving for improvement; we shall embody the earth¡¯s tolerance by our great virtue.¡±


    ¡°The predecessors are revered by countless people and their legacy remains eternal.¡±


    ¡°The descendants will never forget them.¡±


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s mournful voice spread through the world. At this moment, the tolling of the bells from the various provinces and sects in Fenghai County reached here as well as the entire Fenghai County.


    The entire county mourned.


    Under the city of the county capital, the highest Sword Pavilions on the ground, which represented the Palace Masters, collapsed and turned into dust.


    The cries couldn¡¯t be contained anymore as the hundreds of thousands of cultivators wept. Their tears had long fused with the rain.


    Xu Qing¡¯s vision was a little blurry. He couldn¡¯t tell if it was the sorrow in his heart or the blurry rain. He vaguely seemed to see the figure of the Palace Master standing there again.


    This figure was infinitely tall and majestic. After the County Governor died, that figure supported the sky of Fenghai County.


    Sadness churned in his heart. Xu Qing suddenly recalled something Fairy Zi Xuan had said in the past.


    ¡°Xu Qing, when you start having respect for this organization and the people in it, you might have an answer.¡±


    At that time, Xu Qing was confused. He actually didn¡¯t agree with the style of the Sword Holders that much. Now, in the rain, the sorrow in his heart contained deep respect.


    Unfortunately, the figure in the rain could only stay in his memories. The physical item left on him was the Palace Master¡¯s token.


    With the death of the Palace Master and the taking over of the Sword Holding Palace by the Seventh Prince¡¯s general, all rights were withdrawn. Only the right to use the county¡¯s Taboo magic treasure once that the Palace Master had left behind when he was alive remained.


    After a long time, in this world enveloped by sorrow, the voice of the Seventh Prince spread again.


    This time, there was no sadness. Instead, it was filled with incomparable determination and shocking killing intent, causing lightning to flash and thunder to rumble. The four-clawed golden dragon also emitted endless ferocity.


    ¡°I hereby announce to the entire Fenghai that the identity of the person behind the death of the County Governor, the calamity of war, the downfall of the Three Palaces, and the bloodshed of the heroes has been found out!¡±


    Xu Qing abruptly lifted his head.


    ¡°The descendant of the human race¡¯s Heavenly Marquis, Yao Tianyan, has shown utmost treachery. He has consistently defended nonhuman races, colluded with the Holy Wave to murder the County Governor, and plunged Fenghai into the flames of war. He has betrayed the human race and caused the loss of countless lives!¡±


    ¡°Upon thorough investigation, it has been revealed that he is responsible for the collapse of the northern front line. His crimes are heinous and severe. I hereby declare Yao as a wanted criminal. Furthermore, I will submit a report to the Emperor, calling for his nationwide pursuit within the territories of the human race!¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, a monstrous anger erupted from the hundreds of thousands of cultivators below. Even the commoners in the city who heard these words erupted with anger.


    What Marquis Yao had done all these years had long caused the dissatisfaction of too many humans, and he was always scolded and cursed by many.


    Showing favoritism towards nonhuman races, marrying his people to the nonhumans, colluding with them. His actions betrayed the human race and abandoned all sense of righteousness. Groveling before the nonhumans.


    All these curses had continued for 800 years.


    In the eyes of the world, it was as though the interests of the nonhuman races were the most important in Marquis Yao¡¯s eyes. The honor of the nonhuman races were the most important.


    Compared to this, the human race was nothing to him.


    This point, which had been accumulated in the hearts of the cultivators in the county capital for the past 800 years, had long transformed into intense indignation. When Xu Qing first arrived at the county capital, he had heard the people around him cursing Marquis Yao more than once in private.


    When viewed in this context, his betrayal was logical!


    In fact, many voices had already spread when the County Governor died, suspecting the culprit to be Marquis Yao.


    At that moment, the eyes of the cultivators from the three great palaces were incomparably red.


    The killing intent surged unprecedentedly.


    The death of the Palace Master was a profound pain in the hearts of all the Sword Holders in Fenghai County, and seeking revenge for the Palace Master was their collective mission.


    ¡°Kill Marquis Yao!¡±


    ¡°Vengeance for the Palace Masters!¡±


    ¡°Vengeance for the County Governor!¡±


    ¡°Vengeance for the heroes who sacrificed themselves in my Fenghai County!!¡±


    ¡°The entire Yao family deserves to die!!!¡±


    Intense killing intent also emitted from the military camp on the ground. Countless soldiers emitted a murderous aura in unison which rose to the sky and stopped the rain!


    Yao Yunhui, who was in the crowd, trembled and sorrow appeared in her eyes. The people around her all glared at her angrily and retreated some distance away. It was as though they felt that being near her would make them dirty.


    She opened her mouth to speak but couldn¡¯t find the strength to make a sound.


    It was the same for Zhang Siyun. Very soon, the mother and son were taken away by a group of Imperial City soldiers.


    The Seventh Prince, who was on the high platform, clearly saw the abnormal movements in the crowd. His gaze casually swept past Zhang Siyun, and it flashed imperceptibly.


    At that moment, in the Yao Residence, the younger sister of Marquis Yao, Yao Feihe, was crying silently. Drops of tears landed on her neat clothes.


    ¡°Brother¡­ Is it worth it?¡±


    Yao Feihe closed her eyes. Shortly after, the residence shook as the people arranged by the Seventh Prince barged in and all the women, children, old and young who stayed in the family were restrained.


    She didn¡¯t resist at all and allowed the group of soldiers to capture her.


    The moment these women and children of the Yao family were brought out of the Yao residence, many commoners standing outside the gate cursed them non-stop. The hatred in their eyes seemed to want to devour their flesh and blood.


    Li Shitao arrived a step slower. She stood there with a look of grief and indignation, but she was helpless.


    The anger of countless people from the county could drown all voices.

 Chapter 715 - 715 Classified Document 19

    715 Classified Document 19


    On the square, Xu Qing looked at Yao Yunhui and Zhang Siyun who had been taken away.


    He thought of what the Smoke Race on Mount Morning Glow had said about Marquis Yao sending them to stop people.


    He then thought of Marquis Yao¡¯s past actions and the disappearance on the battlefield.


    From the surface, it seemed that there was indeed a huge problem with Marquis Yao.


    Even the Palace Master had doubts about Marquis Yao.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t understand why such a person would bring all the members of his race to the battlefield other than women and children and let them die in battle.


    As for the women and children, why did they stay and wait for the reckoning?


    Moreover, at the start of the war, the reason why the alliance army of the hundred races headed to the northern war zone was because Marquis Yao personally negotiated with them.


    After these reasons were combined, this whole situation seemed to not make sense.


    Xu Qing knew that he wasn¡¯t the only one who understood this.


    But now¡­ no one could say anything.


    On one hand, Marquis Yao was unpopular. On the other hand, there was no evidence to prove that he didn¡¯t betray the human race.


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    From what he knew, the war in Fenghai County was no longer a simple battle between two races.


    In reality, the moment the Palace Master died in battle and the Seventh Prince arrived, Xu Qing could already smell that there was something deeper going on.


    ¡®This Seventh Prince isn¡¯t simple. He is manipulating people¡¯s hearts!¡¯


    The captain transmitted his voice.


    ¡®He created a public target, manipulating the trend and the sentiments!¡¯ The captain narrowed his eyes and said softly.


    ¡®Now, almost the entire Fenghai County is his territory. Not only is his identity supreme, but he also has the great contribution of saving Fenghai County and is supported by countless people. In reality, if he had arrived a little earlier on the western front, perhaps the Palace Master wouldn¡¯t have died.¡¯


    ¡®However, if the Palace Master hadn¡¯t died, this prince¡¯s halo wouldn¡¯t be so dazzling. Some of the glory would have been taken away by the Palace Master.¡¯


    ¡®However, he came late, and the halo belongs to him alone.¡¯


    ¡®He turned the tide and became famous throughout the world through this battle.¡¯


    ¡®I know you¡¯ve long suspected what I¡¯m saying. Junior Brother, although you have a good relationship with Kong Xianglong, you have to remember not to be rash. This person isn¡¯t someone to be trifled with.¡¯


    ¡®Look at how the Deputy Palace Masters, Deputy Governor, and the others have chosen to remain silent. Even Kong Xianglong is keeping quiet. There are many people who understand, and we aren¡¯t the only ones!¡¯


    ¡®It¡¯s enough for minor characters like us to protect our friends and relatives. There are too many things that we can¡¯t meddle in at the moment.¡¯


    The captain patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder.


    Xu Qing looked at the sky. He naturally knew about all of this long ago and had buried it in his mind for a long time.


    ¡®Eldest Senior Brother, I understand.¡¯


    ¡®If the Palace Master didn¡¯t die and the Taboo didn¡¯t collapse, he wouldn¡¯t have arrived. Perhaps this is also the reason why the Palace Master was seeking death and made those arrangements for the army when he was alive.¡¯


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and recalled every word and arrangement the Palace Master had made when he was alive.


    The rain fell for the whole day.


    However, the funeral wouldn¡¯t last for so long. It only lasted for two hours.


    With the departure of the Seventh Prince, the funeral was over.


    Everyone dispersed dejectedly. The captain was worried about Xu Qing and reminded him many times. He had already exchanged for the Ancient Dao Seal Decree and was prepared to find a place to undo his seals.


    However, this process required time.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I¡¯m going into seclusion for about half a month. Remember not to be rash. After I come out of seclusion, we¡¯ll look at what the situation is. If it doesn¡¯t look good, we¡¯ll resign as Sword Holders.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    After confirming that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t agreeing half-heartedly, the captain hurriedly left.


    Xu Qing was indeed not just placating the captain. He knew that his words carried little weight, and he understood that regardless of his identity or cultivation level, he was not sufficient to play a crucial role in this intricate and complex war.


    However, the scenes of the Palace Master when he was alive kept appearing in his mind.


    After a long time, Xu Qing sighed softly and returned to his Sword Pavilion.


    Xu Qing mumbled as he looked at his surroundings.


    ¡°I miss the Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and silently meditated.


    As the twilight faded outside, the moon rose high, and the night descended. Around midnight, a bitter voice came from outside his sword pavilion.


    ¡°Xu Qing, are you there?¡±


    Xu Qing opened his eyes. That was Kong Xianglong¡¯s voice. He got up and pushed open the Sword Pavilion¡¯s door, and saw the drunk Kong Xianglong.


    Under the moonlight, Kong Xianglong¡¯s face revealed a smile that was uglier than crying.


    ¡°Night Spirit is dead, Wang Chen is dead, and Shan He is heavily injured and recuperating in his sect. I¡­ I can¡¯t find anyone to drink with.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, can you accompany me again for a drink?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and took a few steps back.


    Kong Xianglong grinned and staggered in. After he sat down, he threw a flask to Xu Qing and took another flask to take a big gulp.


    ¡°Guess who I saw in the afternoon?¡± Kong Xianglong squeezed out a smile and looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing took the wine flask and took a sip before shaking his head.


    ¡°The Seventh Prince.¡±


    ¡°Deputy Palace Master brought me there. The Prince knew that the Palace Master was my old man, so he commended me and even gave me a task.¡±


    ¡°He asked me to reorganize the Prison Department. I mentioned you and he agreed to let me make my own arrangements. Haha, should I be grateful?¡±


    Kong Xianglong spoke loudly and started laughing. However, not only was his smile ugly, but his laughter was also filled with deep emotions. In the end, he spat a mouthful of thick phlegm to the side.


    ¡°F*ck him!¡±


    ¡°The first batch of prisoners is the Yao family¡¯s people.¡±


    ¡°Is he asking me to kill the people of the Yao family? Does he really think I¡¯m stupid? Could it be that the figure who appeared in front of the old man at the last moment was also Marquis Yao?¡±


    Kong Xianglong laughed loudly as a cold glint appeared in his eyes. He then took another big gulp.


    ¡°I went to take a look at those people from the Yao family. They are just women and children. Moreover, Zhang Siyun isn¡¯t around. I heard that he was released after Deacon Sima vouched for him.¡±


    ¡°However, I think acting silly is also good. After killing them, I might have more opportunities to interact with the Prince and understand the truth of this war.¡±


    He lowered his head, his voice containing hysteria and gloominess.


    ¡°Xu Qing, what do you think?¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at Kong Xianglong. After the war, everyone around the other party died. Because of this, Kong Xianglong¡¯s personality went through some changes.


    With Xu Qing¡¯s understanding of Kong Xianglong and his tone right now, he could tell that the other party was really thinking of killing them.


    In order to understand the truth and get close to the Seventh Prince, Kong Xianglong was willing to do things that went against his principles in the past.


    Xu Qing stayed silent and spoke softly after a long while.


    ¡°If we can make a choice, I suggest not to kill them.¡±


    Kong Xianglong lifted his head and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t answer but looked into Kong Xianglong¡¯s eyes.


    Under his gaze, the coldness in Kong Xianglong¡¯s eyes slowly dissipated. Finally, he became dispirited and drank the wine slowly.


    Xu Qing accompanied him. Just like last night, the two of them drank silently.


    After a long time, Kong Xianglong put down the wine flask and lay down. He looked at the ceiling of the Sword Pavilion and muttered.


    ¡°I miss the past. Xu Qing, do you still remember this time last year when the few of us went out together¡­¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. The memories emerged in his mind. At that time, the two of them along with Night Spirit, Wang Chen, and Shan He had gone out on a mission to rescue the Sword Holder spy in the Holy Wave Race and obtained an empty wish box.


    Later, they exacted revenge on the black-clothed guards of the Holy Wave Race at the border, avenging the youth, before making a hasty retreat. Eventually, they reached a plain where exhaustion overcame them, and they all collapsed on the ground.


    Their relationship had deepened a lot after that incident.


    ¡°What a pity¡­¡± Kong Xianglong shook his head and picked up the wine flask again. However, it was empty, just like the wish box back then.


    Xu Qing passed his flask over and Kong Xianglong sat up to take it.


    ¡°By the way, the Seventh Prince¡¯s men are leaving with the empty wish box we obtained during our mission. They said that this is evidence of Marquis Yao¡¯s conspiracy.¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head when he heard that and recalled the empty wish box back then.


    ¡°What was originally inside? Did they have an answer later?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s top secret. I¡¯m only qualified to know because I¡¯m the person in charge of this mission. Moreover, this information hasn¡¯t been declassified yet¡­ Forget it, there¡¯s nothing to hide from you.¡±


    Kong Xianglong took a sip of wine.


    ¡°Through the remnant aura in the box, they discovered that it once contained an ancient pill called the Life Calamity Pill.¡±


    As soon as Kong Xianglong spoke, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly narrowed. He grabbed Kong Xianglong¡¯s arm and stared into his eyes.


    Kong Xianglong was stunned.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Radiant Life Calamity Pill?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, it¡¯s that pill.¡± Seeing Xu Qing¡¯s expression, Kong Xianglong also became serious and sobered up.


    ¡°Xu Qing, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. He recalled the investigation jade slip given by the Palace Master and asked after a long time.


    ¡°Brother Kong, the information you mentioned that hasn¡¯t been declassified is classified document 19?¡±


    Kong Xianglong completely sobered up when he heard Xu Qing accurately name the code of the document. His eyes gleamed as he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°What exactly is going on?!¡±


    Xu Qing took out the investigation jade slip that the Palace Master had given him back then and handed it to Kong Xianglong.


    As for that secret scroll, after he returned to the county capital from Mount Morning Glow, he had neglected it because he was too busy taking care of the lack of resources and troops on the battlefield.


    After all, the Palace Master already knew about this secret scroll. His mission was only to confirm the matter related to morning glow. As for how to investigate, the Palace Master would arrange it.


    But now, it was different.


    Kong Xianglong grabbed the jade slip and quickly checked it. Gradually, his body trembled and his breathing became hurried. In the end, he grabbed the jade slip tightly and looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing spoke softly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve investigated the morning glow. There¡¯s indeed one ray that isn¡¯t recorded.¡±


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s eyes were bloodshot as he spoke anxiously.


    ¡°That figure who appeared in front of the old man at the last moment!¡±


    ¡°He was the one who killed the County Governor with this pill? No wonder there were no signs of a fight when the County Governor died back then.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°But what I don¡¯t understand is, even if this pill is truly powerful, how did they poison him? I am skilled in the use of poison, and I know that there are many ways to administer poison. However, given the high cultivation of the County Governor, it would be extremely difficult to poison him without his awareness.¡±


    ¡°Especially considering that the County Governor has experienced multiple assassination attempts throughout his life, he must be cautious. Even with trusted individuals, he would not let down his guard completely. The fact that his death was sudden suggests that the poisoner employed a method of poisoning that was well-hidden and deeply concealed.¡±


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, he fell silent.


    Kong Xianglong also fell silent.


    A long time later, Kong Xianglong stood up and cupped his fists toward Xu Qing, bowing deeply.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you don¡¯t have to investigate this matter anymore. It¡¯s too dangerous. Let me do it!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak.


    Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s expression, Kong Xianglong wanted to say something but hesitated. In the end, he sighed softly. He knew Xu Qing¡¯s personality. The other party used silence to reject this matter.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go together!¡± Kong Xianglong took a deep breath and said in a deep voice.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    At that moment, it was almost dawn and the wine was gone. After the conversation, Kong Xianglong had no intention of continuing to drink. He stood up and prepared to leave.


    Before he left, he glanced at the place where he spat. He scratched his head and wiped it with his sleeve


    ¡°Brother Kong, this is for you. Give some to Shan He. As for Night Spirit and Wang Chen¡¯s shares¡­ you can deal with them together.¡± Xu Qing took out a storage bag and handed it to Kong Xianglong.


    ¡°This is?¡± Kong Xianglong was stunned.


    ¡°Dao fruits,¡± Xu Qing said softly.

 Chapter 716 - 716 Red Moon Crimson Goddess!

    716 Red Moon Crimson Goddess!


    Kong Xianglong silently took the storage bag and left the Sword Pavilion.


    The sky outside was already starting to brighten. After watching Kong Xianglong leave, Xu Qing stood there, gazing into the vast expanse. Memories of the wish box from their previous mission flooded his mind.


    ¡°Osmanthus fragrance,¡± Xu Qing mumbled.


    He had checked that wish box back then and remembered that there was a faint osmanthus fragrance coming from it.


    At that moment, muffled thunder rumbled in the sky. It was the season of rain in the county capital. Very soon, the pattering rain fell on the ground again.


    The first rays of the morning also became a little dimmer due to the cover of the rain, causing the people who woke up early to be in a daze for a moment. It was as though dusk was coming again before noon.


    Xu Qing returned to the Sword Pavilion and sat down cross-legged, calming down before continuing to meditate.


    His current cultivation level was almost at the peak of the Golden Core realm. He was only one Heavenly Palace away from perfection.


    After the accumulation during the war, it wouldn¡¯t be long before this Heavenly Palace reached 99% materialization.


    ¡°The item to place in this palace¡­¡±


    Xu Qing sensed his Emperor Sword.


    ¡°If there¡¯s no other choice, I¡¯ll place the Emperor Sword in it.¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and began to cultivate.


    Just like that, time flowed by and very soon, half a month passed.


    In this half a month, Xu Qing seemed to have been forgotten.


    He didn¡¯t leave the Sword Pavilion, and not many people came to look for him. After the Seventh Prince entered the county capital, everything changed.


    On the streets, there were clearly more cultivators from the Imperial Capital. What followed was gradually militarized control and the visits of the various races in Fenghai County.


    The three great palaces were also reorganized. After the Seventh Prince arranged for the three generals to be the Palace Masters, the three palaces became his army as well.


    A large number of Sword Holders from the Imperial Capital¡¯s Sword Holding Headquarters also entered Fenghai County¡¯s Sword Holding Palace and took over the various departments. It was the same for the other two palaces.


    The military discipline was enforced even more strictly.


    There were many people who were killed in the past half a month for violating military discipline.


    Even soldiers from the Imperial City were among those who were executed!


    Kong Xianglong had discussed this with Xu Qing before, and his tone was a little complicated.


    In addition, the Seventh Prince made an announcement to all the sects in Fenghai County.


    His words were harsh and unquestionable. He demanded all sects to serve in the military. Additionally, the authority over the Taboo magic treasures of the various sects was not returned.


    Although this matter caused some waves, considering the general trend, no one could stop it.


    Those nonhuman races also couldn¡¯t escape the strict measures. They were ordered to hand over half of their resources and join the alliance army to fight for the human race.


    Under Kong Xianglong¡¯s lead, the reconstruction of the Prison Department began.


    However, its location was changed, relocated to the Sword Holding Palace.


    The first batch of prisoners was indeed the women and children of the Yao family. Although the demands for their execution were extremely high, Kong Xianglong didn¡¯t make a move. He chose to accept Xu Qing¡¯s suggestion.


    Although Zhang Siyun had the guarantee of Deacon Sima, he couldn¡¯t escape an investigation. In the end, he chose to testify and expose his mother¡¯s clan.


    This behavior was thought to be loyal to the human race, so he escaped this calamity and wasn¡¯t held accountable with the Yao family.


    After all, his surname wasn¡¯t Yao.


    His identity as a Sword Holder was also retained.


    At this point, in the entire Fenghai County, there was only the Seventh Prince¡¯s voice.


    Not only did his subordinates settle in the county capital, but they also spread to the Sword Holding Courts in the various provinces of Fenghai County. Moreover, because he had saved Fenghai County, he was welcomed warmly by everyone.


    Around the same time, a rumor started spreading in the county capital and gradually to the various provinces.


    The Immortal Forbidden was about to open.


    Fenghai County, being the first stop of Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether when he arrived from the sea, had a special area called the Immortal Forbidden.


    In the past, it was called the Immortal Land, not the Immortal Forbidden..


    It was one of the 36 palaces of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    Every Immortal Land was a world. In the past, not only were there rare treasures, but they also contained dense immortal qi. That was an energy that was of a higher level than spirit qi.


    Hence, in the era of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, these 36 palaces were the royal domains, where many exotic beasts were also kept for hunting purposes.


    However, after the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived, everything changed.


    As the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, other sovereigns of various races and rulers left one after another, the 36 palaces became desolate. Many of them were abandoned. Some even became places for nonhuman races as the human race lost its territories..


    There were also a few gods who entered and rested inside, causing the anomalous substances inside to be extremely dense.


    The Immortal Land in Fenghai County was just like this.


    There was a god sleeping there.


    Its breath tainted the entire Immortal Land, causing it to be filled with death. It was a forbidden zone for life, so it was known as the Immortal Forbidden.


    Since ancient times, the human race had only opened the Immortal Forbidden once.


    The strong cultivators from the Grand Imperial Capital Region tried to obtain the divine source inside but failed. Although they didn¡¯t awaken the god, the power emitted by It during Its slumber had created a clone.


    This clone almost caused a monstrous calamity for Fenghai County. In the end, the human race suppressed the clone. Although they couldn¡¯t destroy it, it was dismembered by the human race¡¯s State Preceptor.


    Due to special reasons, they couldn¡¯t take it away, so it was ultimately sealed here. Moreover, the county capital was also relocated to this place. They also used the entrance of the Immortal Forbidden to build the Prison Department that shook the entire Fenghai County.


    They used the luck seal and deceived the soul, making it think that it was an artifact spirit. Making it seal itself was also a strategy left behind at that time.


    Now, after many years, the news that the Immortal Forbidden was about to open again stirred the hearts of countless people.


    Even though there were some sporadic rumors about this matter before this, the County Governor and Deputy Governor didn¡¯t agree with this matter at that time. The Sword Holding Palace Master also hesitated.


    This was because it was too dangerous.


    A small accident might cause a calamity in Fenghai County and cause lives to be plunged into misery and suffering, becoming food for the god.


    However, it was difficult to disobey the imperial decree, so Fenghai County could only delay the opening time.


    Now, there was only the Seventh Prince¡¯s voice in Fenghai County.


    Hence, after the rumors of the opening of the Immortal Forbidden, the Seventh Prince¡¯s decree was officially issued.


    The Immortal Forbidden would be opened in half a month.


    The first batch of people to enter would be the Sword Holders. They had to complete specific missions inside and lay the foundation for the second batch of people to enter.


    As soon as this decree was issued, Fenghai County was even more shaken, especially the county capital.


    Everyone was in a state of panic.


    However, due to their trust in the Seventh Prince and the strength of the troops, the panic was quickly appeased. The preparations for activating the Immortal Forbidden also proceeded orderly.


    Countless soldiers from the Imperial City continued to clean up the former Prison Department and excavate there, opening one seal after another. Under the effect of the county capital¡¯s Taboo magic treasure, they opened a path to the Immortal Forbidden.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know much about the Immortal Forbidden but as a Pawn of the Prison Department, he knew a little more than others.


    This was especially so after his Heavenly Palace transformed into D132. He was very clear that¡­ the finger in the Heavenly Palace was the clone formed by the aura emitted by the god from the Immortal Forbidden back then.


    The finger of a clone was already so astonishing. Back then, the human race had to gather its strength to defeat the clone. Even then, they could only dismember and seal it, and couldn¡¯t kill it.


    It could be imagined how powerful this god was.


    Xu Qing had sealed the finger and from the other party¡¯s reaction after seeing his Purple Moon origin, he could tell that the other party was very afraid of the Red Moon.


    Clearly, there were different levels among gods.


    Red Moon was evidently stronger than the god in the Immortal Forbidden!


    However, to cultivators, a god was still an existence that was difficult to shake.


    Xu Qing was on the list of the first batch to enter the Immortal Forbidden. Kong Xianglong, the captain, and most of the Sword Holders from the Sword Holding Palace in Fenghai County were among the first batch.


    At this moment, Xu Qing was walking on the streets of the capital city. As he looked around for medicinal pills, he also tried to call out to D132¡¯s finger.


    He wanted to understand more information about the Immortal Forbidden because he felt that there was something wrong with this matter of activating the Immortal Forbidden during the war.


    However, the god¡¯s finger was in a deep sleep. Xu Qing¡¯s normal calls couldn¡¯t awaken it. Hence, after he bought the medicinal pills, he hesitated whether he should use the Purple Moon to stimulate it. However, the god¡¯s finger actually shook and woke up on its own.


    This was because Xu Qing saw someone.


    Zhang Siyun.


    Although the Sword Holder¡¯s white Daoist robe had its own elegance, the person in this Daoist robe had a haggard expression. His eyes were bloodshot and he was in an extremely sorry state.


    Zhang Siyun silently walked on the streets. When he saw Xu Qing, if it was in the past, he would definitely be filled with hatred. However, now, after taking a look, he lowered his head bitterly and quickly walked away.


    Behind him, there were a few unfamiliar faces following him, as though they were monitoring everything about him.


    Xu Qing looked at these expressionlessly but a shocking wave was erupting in his mind.


    The source of this huge fluctuation was the shout of the god¡¯s finger echoing in his mind.


    ¡°Crimson Goddess has parasitized his body, this is Red Moon¡¯s clone!¡±


    ¡°Moreover, it¡¯s still in the stage of awakening. Hurry up and run!¡±


    The shout of the god¡¯s finger contained intense nervousness, as though it was even more panicked than Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly but he still maintained his rationality. He discovered that after the god¡¯s finger woke up, its thoughts were very clear and not as chaotic as before.


    Hence, Xu Qing suppressed the shock he felt and tried his best to transmit his divine sense.


    ¡°It hasn¡¯t awakened though, right?¡±


    ¡°Soon, soon. It¡¯s about to wake up. Huh? Something¡¯s amiss¡­ He has your human race¡¯s array formation on him. Kid, you humans are actually taking the initiative to help the Red Moon Crimson Goddess occupy this body!¡±


    ¡°In at most a month, Crimson Goddess will definitely wake up!¡±


    ¡°What are you humans doing? That¡¯s a High God, Crimson Goddess!!¡±


    The god¡¯s finger roared and an obscure divine consciousness spread out from Its body. It used Xu Qing to check its surroundings. After noticing that the original Prison Department had been excavated, it suddenly trembled intensely and cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°That¡¯s an Immortal Land. It¡¯s about to be opened!!¡±


    ¡°The Crimson Goddess¡¯ clone and the opening of the Immortal Land are appearing at the same time¡­ You, you, you¡­ You humans, are you going to feed my main body to the Crimson Goddess!!¡±


    The god¡¯s finger screamed.

 Chapter 717 - 717 What Can Be Done if One’s Strength Is Not Enough to Accomplish Great Tasks? (1)

    717 What Can Be Done if One¡¯s Strength Is Not Enough to Accomplish Great Tasks? (1)


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks as great waves rose in his mind.


    The scream of the god¡¯s finger contained fear toward its guess. After all, it was in a deep sleep most of the time and didn¡¯t know about the matters in the external world. It only learned of these things after probing right now.


    However, Xu Qing was well aware that there had already been rumors about the opening of the Immortal Forbidden when he first arrived in the capital over a year ago, but ultimately, nothing came of it.


    Hence, he had many doubts about the opening of the Immortal Forbidden during this war.


    Now, the words of the god¡¯s finger seemed to enlighten Xu Qing. The broken threads instantly connected and he gained a clearer understanding.


    This realization caused his breathing to become hurried. He hurriedly left the city and returned to his Sword Pavilion. He then sat down and began to organize his thoughts.


    The god¡¯s finger was still mumbling. Clearly, it was deeply shocked by the human race¡¯s audacious action.


    As Xu Qing continued to organize his thoughts, a complete outline appeared in his mind after a while.


    ¡°The first thread is Zhang Siyun¡­ Back then, in the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar, the captain and I were at a height of 30,000 feet. From the mark of the dead cultivator from the Divine Realm, we sensed the Red Moon to varying degrees.¡±


    ¡°The captain obtained the aura, and I¡­ obtained the divine source!¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. These things were what he had confirmed through numerous incidents.


    ¡°Zhang Siyun also reached 30,000 feet, so he can naturally sense it. Back then, after Zhang Siyun was heavily injured and fell down from the height of 30,000 feet and narrowly escaped death, I felt intense palpitations at night.¡±


    ¡°From that moment on, I realized that the Red Moon was looking for me. However, I wasn¡¯t sure what changes Zhang Siyun had undergone. Now, it should be at that time when Zhang Siyun was parasitized by the Red Moon!¡±


    A dark glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he recalled everything back then. He then thought of the emperor¡¯s heart inquisition.


    ¡°Is it possible to conceal this during the emperor¡¯s heart inquisition? If Zhang Siyun was really parasitized by the Red Moon back then, why did the emperor confirm that everything was normal, letting him come to the county capital?¡±


    After Xu Qing thought about it, he combined it with what the god¡¯s finger had said. The human race was helping speed up the awakening of the Red Moon in Zhang Siyun¡¯s body. Hence, he came to a realization.


    ¡°I should have known back then.¡±


    ¡°This matter can be easily confirmed!¡± Xu Qing took out the command sword, wanting to transmit his voice to the Great Elder of the Sword Holding Court in the Yinghuang Province to ask. However, after taking out the command sword, his expression was a little gloomy.


    ¡°I forgot that after the Palace Master left, I no longer have the right to casually transmit my voice across provinces.¡±


    Xu Qing sighed softly. However, this matter was fine. Although he didn¡¯t have the authority, he could rely on military contributions to exchange for such cross-province voice transmissions. Xu Qing had a huge number of military contributions, so he quickly exchanged for the right to make a call and asked the Great Elder of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court about Zhang Siyun.


    If it was anyone else who asked, even if it was Kong Xianglong, the Great Elder would ignore them.


    However, Xu Qing had a different status in the eyes of the Great Elder.


    Hence, very soon, Xu Qing learned everything.


    ¡°During the emperor¡¯s heart inquisition back then, I already knew that a god had parasitized Zhang Siyun. However, I didn¡¯t know which god it was, and because it was a serious matter, I immediately reported it to the Palace Master.¡±


    ¡°After that, I continued to pay attention to this matter. The Palace Master told me once that as long as Zhang Siyun is still a Sword Holder, he won¡¯t allow anyone to use him as bait!¡±


    ¡°Moreover, the main body of the emperor¡¯s statue is in the Imperial City, so the Imperial City also knows about Zhang Siyun.¡±


    The aged voice of the Great Elder echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. After saying this, his tone was a little solemn and contained concern.


    ¡°Xu Qing, Fenghai County is different from before. I¡¯ve also heard that the Immortal Forbidden is about to be opened. Back then, many people didn¡¯t agree with this and even the County Governor and Deputy Governor objected. However, the decree came from the Imperial City and we can¡¯t resist it. We could only delay it slightly, and this delay wouldn¡¯t continue for long. After that, when the war arrived, no one mentioned it. I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re asking about this, but you¡­ must be cautious.¡±


    Xu Qing could sense the concern in the Great Elder¡¯s voice. He then asked about the impact of the escape of Spirit Venerable Nether Fairy on the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court.


    ¡°This falls on my shoulders. I failed to adequately oversee Nether Fairy, resulting in her escape and our inability to deliver her to the Prince to restrain the awakening of the Ghost Emperor. Now, Nether Fairy is nowhere to be found, along with the two souls and seven spirits. The situation in Yinghuang Province carries significant peril, causing even the Prince to hesitate in his arrival¡­¡±


    The Great Elder coughed and sighed in self-blame.


    Xu Qing felt a little strange when he heard this. After thinking about it carefully, he felt that there was a high chance that the Great Elder had taken the initiative to release the Nether Fairy. It was also possible that she hadn¡¯t gone missing at all.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing¡¯s heart relaxed slightly. After the conversation ended, his eyes gleamed.


    ¡°The opening of the Immortal Forbidden is of great significance. Hence, a year ago, the County Governor, Deputy Governor, and the Palace Master weren¡¯t very supportive. But now, the County Governor, the Palace Master, and many others have fallen. Only the Deputy Governor is still around.¡±


    ¡°As for Zhang Siyun, he no longer has the protection of the Palace Master, so someone wants to send him into the Immortal Forbidden and awaken the Red Moon in his body, turning him into a Red Moon clone to devour the god in the Immortal Forbidden?¡±


    ¡°But why do this? What¡¯s the benefit of doing this to the Imperial City?¡± Xu Qing lacked relevant clues and couldn¡¯t analyze the answer.


    As for the god¡¯s finger, after muttering to itself, it retracted all its aura and hid itself tightly. The fluctuations of its slumber disappeared as though it had entered a state of death.

 Chapter 718 - 718 What Can Be Done if One’s Strength Is Not Enough to Accomplish Great Tasks? (2)

    718 What Can Be Done if One¡¯s Strength Is Not Enough to Accomplish Great Tasks? (2)


    No matter how much Xu Qing called out, there was no response whatsoever.


    ¡°But no matter what, when the Red Moon awakens, I¡¯ll definitely be in big trouble!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was ugly. The first thought in his mind was to leave the county capital and avoid entering the Immortal Forbidden.


    However, after this thought rose, another thought also rose in his mind.


    ¡°There will definitely be opportunities in this storm!¡±


    ¡°The Immortal Forbidden contains countless rare treasures and endless opportunities. The danger is the god sleeping inside. However, if the Red Moon devours It, the Immortal Forbidden will be exposed completely.¡±


    ¡°Red Moon is a god of the Black Heaven Race. Since the prince dared to awaken It here, he must have a follow-up plan to ensure his safety. Moreover, he has many subordinates in Fenghai County now. As long as he isn¡¯t completely crazy, he won¡¯t sacrifice the entire Fenghai County to the Red Moon¡­¡±


    ¡°In that case, if I can avoid Red Moon¡¯s detection and enter the Immortal Forbidden, it will be a huge opportunity.¡± After Xu Qing thought about it, he instinctively transmitted his voice to the captain.


    After all, Xu Qing felt that the captain was better at such things that were related to gods.


    However, the captain was still in seclusion and didn¡¯t respond.


    Xu Qing suppressed the thoughts in his mind and chose to meditate. He needed to wait for the captain to come out of seclusion and discuss with him to see how to better proceed with the plan.


    After all, it was too dangerous.


    After Red Moon woke up, he wouldn¡¯t be the only one in trouble. The captain had also plundered Its aura. Although It didn¡¯t take the initiative to search for it, if It saw the captain in the Immortal Forbidden, It would probably slap him to death.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    The time for the Immortal Forbidden to be opened was slowly approaching. The original Prison Department had already been completely dug out, revealing a huge, bottomless black pit from where dense anomalous substances spread out.


    Although these anomalous substances were dispersed by the soldiers of the Imperial City with a special array formation, the array couldn¡¯t block the wild shrieks and howls that came from the deep pit.


    It was as though there was a hell at the bottom of the deep pit.


    The sound coming from inside spread throughout the entire county capital city. Regardless of day or night, all the beings in the city could hear it clearly. All of them were shocked and nervous.


    Xu Qing had also been paying attention to the deep pit. It was only six days before the opening day that he finally received the captain¡¯s voice transmission.


    ¡°Little Qing, hahahaha, I used the Dao Seal Decree to safely undo an extremely important seal. This way, I can really travel with you in this life!¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice was filled with excitement. When it entered Xu Qing¡¯s mind, he could clearly sense the captain¡¯s joy. Hence, he smiled and congratulated him. After that, he quickly told him the information he had organized earlier.


    The captain was originally laughing, but his laughter was quickly replaced by heavy panting.


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, the captain directly turned off the voice transmission.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. With a wave of his hand, he opened the door of his Sword Pavilion and began to count silently.


    ¡°One, two, three¡­ seven.¡±


    The captain¡¯s skinny figure with disheveled hair appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. His speed was almost at the Nascent Soul realm. With a whoosh, he headed straight for the Sword Pavilion, stirring up a strong wind that spread out. In the blink of an eye, he arrived at the entrance of Xu Qing¡¯s Sword Pavilion.


    The captain didn¡¯t stop at all and directly walked in. He then closed the door and stared straight at Xu Qing, his eyes revealing ecstasy.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you knew that after I opened, I would be in a hungry state, so you specially prepared such a big gift for me.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. Although the captain looked incomparably skinny and looked like a hungry ghost, the strength of his aura far surpassed what it was in the past.


    Originally, in the western war zone, the strength displayed by the captain was only about seven to eight Heavenly Palaces. However, now, in Xu Qing¡¯s perception, the other party was infinitely close to the Nascent Soul realm. He seemed to be only half a step away from breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm.


    Moreover, there seemed to be more to his strength than that.


    Clearly, the Ancient Dao Seal Decree that the captain had exchanged for was extremely useful to him.


    However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t too surprised. The captain had always been like this.


    He looked into the captain¡¯s eyes and nodded seriously.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Eldest Senior Brother. I guessed that your breakthrough this time would have a different outcome, so I racked my brains to help you think about great tasks.¡±


    The captain laughed loudly and was very satisfied with Xu Qing¡¯s attitude. This made him feel like he was the eldest senior brother again. Hence, he lifted his hands and rubbed them as he walked around Xu Qing¡¯s Sword Pavilion.


    ¡°Junior Brother, this is a peerless opportunity bestowed by the heavens. After the Red Moon descends and devours the Immortal Forbidden¡¯s god, after They finish their dogfight, we¡­¡±


    ¡°We can plunder more in the Immortal Forbidden.¡± Xu Qing nodded.


    The captain revealed a look of dissatisfaction and glanced at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Little Qing, you¡¯ve been with small fries for a long time. Why don¡¯t you have any ambitions? How can those little trash items from the Immortal Forbidden be worthy of our status as the fathers of the Heavenly Dao!¡±


    ¡°This time, we have to plan to snatch a piece of the Immortal Forbidden¡¯s god¡¯s flesh when the two gods are fighting. From what you said, the Immortal Forbidden¡¯s god is a little weak but It¡¯s still a god. Let¡¯s secretly snatch a piece from Red Moon¡¯s mouth. If we succeed, that will be truly impressive!!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes turned red.


    When Xu Qing heard this, his breathing became hurried and his eyes also turned red. In reality, he wanted to do the same but it was unrealistic. Hence, he suppressed the waves in his mind and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, it¡¯s impossible for the two of us to accomplish it by ourselves. Besides, if we don¡¯t handle it well, not only will we lose our lives, but the Imperial City¡¯s plan will also be disrupted and it will affect Fenghai County. So, we can¡¯t be greedy.¡±


    The captain also frowned and fell silent.


    ¡°What you said makes sense. At the end of the day, we¡¯re too weak. Sigh, we can¡¯t eat this fat meat in front of us¡­¡± The captain was a little irritated. In the end, he sat in front of Xu Qing and let out a long sigh, wanting to speak.


    However, at the next instant, his eyes suddenly widened and he slapped his thigh.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, we¡¯ll look for Master!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, when the old man was young, he was a pioneer in doing these things. How did I end up like this? It¡¯s all because he used to take me along a few times. Although I can be impulsive at times, I believe it¡¯s all the old man¡¯s influence that corrupted me!¡±


    Xu Qing abruptly lifted his head, his eyes revealing an intense light.


    The light in the captain¡¯s eyes was equally bright. The two of them looked at each other and the light in their eyes became even brighter.


    ¡°Master?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen the old man in a while. The last time I saw Ancestor Xue Lianzi, I asked about him. The old man¡¯s cultivation seems to have broken through again. This doesn¡¯t make sense!¡±


    ¡°The old man¡¯s cultivation improved so quickly. He must have secretly eaten something behind our backs!¡±


    The captain slapped his thigh fiercely again, looking like his parents had eaten good food behind his back before he realized it.

 Chapter 719 - 719 But Im His Master! (1)

    719 But I¡¯m His Master! (1)


    Hearing the captain¡¯s words, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but recall that when he went to the Corpse Forbidden earlier, he saw that his master¡¯s location on the array formation seemed to be even more crucial than the ancestor¡¯s.


    He nodded in deep agreement.


    Seeing that Xu Qing agreed with his suggestion, the captain beamed with joy and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°We can¡¯t transmit our voices to Master, and it¡¯s not a good idea to use the Sword Holding Court to relay the message either¡­¡±


    The captain blinked and his gaze swept past Xu Qing.


    ¡°We can only trick Master into coming here first and talk about this face to face.¡±


    ¡°So?¡± Xu Qing was puzzled. There was something wrong with the captain¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Therefore¡­ we have to consider carefully how to make Master rush over immediately.¡±


    The captain coughed.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you see, in this situation, one of us has to pretend to be on the verge of death, and it has to be convincing. Although if we say I¡¯m close to death, our master would come rushing anxiously in an instant because he cares a lot about me. However¡­ I am alright even if I have just my head left, so master will probably suspect it as a deception immediately.¡±


    ¡°There isn¡¯t any secret code?¡± Xu Qing was expressionless as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°There¡¯s no code word. There¡¯s really no such thing!!¡± The captain covered his face and let out a long sigh. After stealing a glance at Xu Qing, he continued to speak.


    ¡°I can only trouble you, Junior Brother. For the sake of being more realistic, don¡¯t resist. I¡¯ll be gentler and try to make sure your injuries recover in seven days.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, at most I¡¯ll break your legs, put a few more holes, shatter a hundred or so bones, and let some brain matter spill out. We¡¯ve done this many times before, I have experience.¡±


    ¡°Most importantly, when Master comes and sees your injuries, he won¡¯t think that we lied to him. After that, we¡¯ll naturally tell him about this. Things will definitely go smoothly. Don¡¯t worry, I used to do this often.¡±


    The captain chuckled, eager to give it a try. Every time he removed his seals, he wanted to establish the dignity of his senior brother status in front of Xu Qing.


    This was especially so since he almost couldn¡¯t catch up to Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation speed previously. Hence, this time around, his heart was burning with passion and he planned to establish his might.


    Xu Qing nodded and took out his command sword, exchanging for the right to transmit his voice to the Sword Holding Court¡¯s great elder. He then quickly transmitted his voice.


    ¡°Great Elder, please help me pass a message to my master.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and continued to transmit his voice with the command sword. Outsiders couldn¡¯t hear this voice transmission.


    ¡°Please tell Master that my eldest senior brother wants to marry a cloud beast in the county. I can¡¯t dissuade him. The wedding is in three days. He doesn¡¯t dare to tell Master. I have taken it upon myself to invite Master to attend the wedding.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± The Great Elder fell silent before chuckling. Clearly, he could hear the true meaning in these words, so he calmly replied.


    ¡°I believe your master must be very happy to hear about this.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Great Elder!¡± Xu Qing said solemnly. After that, he put down the command sword and looked at his eldest senior brother who had a suspicious expression.


    ¡°Junior Brother, why do I feel that something is amiss? Did you follow what we said earlier?¡± The captain carefully sized up Xu Qing.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, you have to believe me.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was serious as he looked into the captain¡¯s eyes.


    The captain kept feeling that something was wrong, but he still rubbed his hands, his eyes shining.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be gentler. Junior Brother, I just broke through and am very powerful now. I can use you to practice.¡± As the captain spoke, he was about to attack.


    Xu Qing looked at his eldest senior brother and shook his head.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, the message I transmitted is poison injuries, and it¡¯s a poison that I can¡¯t detoxify.¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing took out some poisonous grass from his storage bag and swallowed it.


    The captain¡¯s eyes widened as he looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing looked at the captain with an innocent expression.


    ¡°If I were to claim injuries, Master wouldn¡¯t believe it, as they are quite common. That¡¯s why I mentioned poison. You know that I am proficient in Dao of Poison, and if I am unable to detoxify it, it indicates the severity of the poison.¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke, he took out some finished poison powder and swallowed it.


    When the captain saw that Xu Qing was eating poison, he instinctively felt that there was a trap here. However, it seemed to be logical. Moreover, Xu Qing seemed to have eaten a lot in just a short while.


    However, when he thought of his past experiences, he blinked and put on a spurious smile.


    ¡®Junior Brother, this move of yours is still too inexperienced. Do you really think I¡¯ll believe you? Hehe.¡¯ After the captain calmly spoke, he stretched his back.


    ¡°It will take at least three days to reach here from the Yinghuang Province even by teleportation. Alright, I won¡¯t beat you. You can continue eating by yourself. Eat more. I¡¯ll leave first to gather information about the Immortal Forbidden.¡±


    With that, the captain placed his hands behind his back and left with a smug expression.


    Xu Qing watched as the captain left. He then shook his head and continued to eat poison.


    Outside the Sword Pavilion, the captain had a calm expression as he swaggered forward. It was only when he reached the city that he found a corner and quickly lowered his head to look at his right hand.


    An eye grew out of his palm, reflecting the scene of Xu Qing eating poison.


    ¡°He¡¯s still eating? Could it be that he sensed my planted eye? Impossible. My seal is undone now, Little Qing shouldn¡¯t be able to sense it.¡± The captain was a little hesitant.


    ¡°Let¡¯s continue to observe.¡±


    Just like that, two days passed. There was only one night left before the fastest time needed to rush over from the Yinghuang Province. The captain once again arrived at Xu Qing¡¯s Sword Pavilion. After entering, he patted his stomach and sat in front of Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. His entire body was greenish-black and he looked like he had been seriously poisoned.

 Chapter 720 - 720 But Im His Master! (2)

    720 But I¡¯m His Master! (2)


    ¡°Um¡­ Junior Brother, there¡¯s no need to be like this, right?¡±


    The captain looked at Xu Qing and felt even more hesitant. He had observed many times in the past two days and discovered that Xu Qing was really taking poison and didn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°After Master comes, once he discovers that we lied to him, he will definitely be very angry.¡± As Xu Qing spoke, he took a stalk of poisonous grass and took a few bites.


    ¡°So, if I¡¯m a little more miserable, Master won¡¯t be so angry.¡±


    The captain¡¯s heart skipped a beat. At the same time, he was also worried about the implications of Xu Qing¡¯s analysis. If it turned out to be true, although Master would be angry when he arrived, Xu Qing¡¯s sincere attitude and thorough performance indicated a great deal of respect for Master.


    Lying also had its own ways.


    In that case, there was a high chance that Master¡¯s anger would subside.


    But if Master saw that he was completely fine¡­ based on his understanding of his master, Master would definitely think that he was disrespecting him.


    After all, no matter what the reason was, he had to have a good attitude when lying to his master.


    It would have been fine if there was no comparison, but there was a comparison now.


    At the thought of this, the captain felt conflicted and glanced at Xu Qing bitterly.


    Seeing that time was passing bit by bit and the sky outside was starting to brighten, the captain gritted his teeth fiercely and stretched out his hand to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Give me some poison!¡±


    Xu Qing had a surprised expression.


    ¡°You want it too?¡±


    ¡°Give it to me!¡± The captain¡¯s face was filled with grief and indignation.


    Xu Qing silently handed the poison over.


    The captain took it and swallowed it with his eyes closed. Very soon, his face turned greenish-black. Seeing that Xu Qing was still eating, he wailed inwardly and continued eating.


    Just like that, time flowed by. Two hours later, when the sky outside was completely bright, Xu Qing¡¯s voice transmission jade slip suddenly vibrated. Xu Qing hurriedly picked it up and Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice rang out in a deep voice.


    ¡°Where are you guys?!¡±


    Hearing Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice, the captain quickly swallowed all the poison in his hand. After that, he pretended to be on the verge of death and lay there, trying his best to tremble.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and told his master about his Sword Pavilion. He then lifted his hand and opened the door of the Sword Pavilion.


    Not long later, Old Master Seventh¡¯s figure silently appeared outside the Sword Pavilion. It was as though an invisible brush had drawn him there.


    He expressionlessly walked into the Sword Pavilion. Xu Qing wanted to stand up but he couldn¡¯t help but spit out a mouthful of poisonous blood. He lowered his head and spoke softly.


    ¡°Master¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re quite good at pretending. Do you realize that deceiving your master is wrong? Judging by the severity of your poison, you¡¯ve been eating for several days, right? Well, at least your attitude is decent,¡± Old Master Seventh glanced at Xu Qing and his expression slightly eased.


    When the captain saw this scene, he lay there and struggled with all his might. He pretended to stand up and spat out a mouthful of blood as well.


    Old Master Seventh sneered. He walked past the captain and kicked him casually. With a bang, the captain was kicked from his lying state to sitting upright, his butt landing on the ground.


    ¡°You¡¯re not even pretending. From the looks of it, you shouldn¡¯t have eaten for long. Are you copying your junior brother?¡±


    ¡°Master, I missed you.¡± The captain felt his butt hurting, so he looked at Old Master Seventh pitifully.


    At the side, Xu Qing had a bitter expression and wanted to say something but hesitated.


    Old Master Seventh let out a cold snort and glared at the captain. When his gaze landed on Xu Qing, it softened again.


    ¡°Fourth, you¡¯ve never liked to lie. I know about this. Your Eldest Senior Brother must have forced you, after all, he is a habitual offender.¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head and spoke softly.


    ¡°Master, Eldest Senior Brother and I thought of it together.¡±


    ¡°At a time like this, you still want to speak up for your Eldest Senior Brother.¡± A look of praise appeared in Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes. He quickly took out a few expensive antidote pills and handed them to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Hurry up and eat them to detoxify the poison. You¡¯re too honest.¡±


    With that, Old Master Seventh turned his head and glared fiercely at the captain.


    ¡°Look at you. As the eldest, you actually forced your junior brother like this. If you wanted to call me over, couldn¡¯t you transmit the secret code? Your junior brother doesn¡¯t know of it because he joined late, but don¡¯t you know it? Didn¡¯t I teach you when I brought you out in the past?


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Did you become arrogant again as soon as the seal was lifted? Feeling restless again?¡±


    The captain shivered and hurriedly shook his head. Realizing that Xu Qing was looking at him, the captain coughed awkwardly.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He placed all the antidotes in his hand into his mouth and took out a few medicinal herbs to consume. The poison in his body was instantly neutralized.


    The poisonous herbs he had eaten in the past two days were all mutually reinforcing and counteracting. They were a type of compound poison. As long as he swallowed key herbs, he would be able to instantly detoxify the poison.


    As for the captain, he only ate a portion, so his face was greenish-black.


    Noticing that Xu Qing¡¯s expression was rapidly recovering, the captain¡¯s eyes widened. Just as he was about to speak, he was interrupted by Old Master Seventh¡¯s cold snort.


    ¡°Alright, tell me what trouble you guys have caused to trick me into coming.¡±


    When the captain heard this, he wanted to speak again but Old Master Seventh glared at him.


    ¡°Shut up. I¡¯ll get angry if I listen to you!¡±


    The captain felt aggrieved and depressed. He thought to himself that he had planned to establish his might in front of Little Qing after the seal was undone. Why did things turn out like this¡­


    ¡°Fourth, you talk.¡±


    Xu Qing had a respectful expression as he told his master in detail about what he had told the captain. This also included the matter of him obtaining the god¡¯s finger and his body being modified.


    This was also the first time the captain knew such details, and his eyes opened wide in surprise.


    Old Master Seventh glanced at the captain. His expression was as usual, as though this matter didn¡¯t cause any waves for him. It was just that his eyelids occasionally twitched slightly.


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, Old Master Seventh calmly snorted.


    ¡°The two of you are quite daring to scheme against gods with your Golden Core cultivation. Fortunately, you still have brains in the right place to tell me about this.¡±


    ¡°I understand. You don¡¯t have to worry about this. You can enter the Immortal Forbidden.¡±


    With that, Old Master Seventh turned and walked out. Before he left, he glared fiercely at the captain again before his figure slowly blurred and dissipated.


    When he appeared, he was already in the capital city. While hiding his aura, his breathing was also hurried. His mind had long stirred with monstrous waves as he muttered.


    ¡°I took in a monster¡­¡±


    He couldn¡¯t help but laugh proudly.


    ¡°But I¡¯m his master!¡±


    At that moment, in the Sword Pavilion, the captain was gazing quietly at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother, what message did you send Master? Why did he look so angry when he saw me?¡±


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, so there¡¯s really a secret code.¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Sigh, it¡¯s just a small matter.¡± The captain stood up, embraced Xu Qing, and took out a green stone that Xu Qing was familiar with, placing it into Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    His smile was sincere and his eyes were filled with kinship as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Junior Brother, Eldest Senior Brother was joking with you. Don¡¯t you feel that the bitterness and sadness from the war have faded a little?¡±


    ¡°After we returned, I was very worried about your state.¡±


    Xu Qing started and looked at the captain.


    The captain smiled at Xu Qing, his eyes filled with gentleness. At that moment, the sunlight from outside streamed in through the open door, casting its warm glow upon the captain, making him appear radiant.


    ¡°You, you always keep everything to yourself, hardly showing any emotions, especially when it comes to sadness. It¡¯s not good to be like this.¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, you¡¯re not alone. There¡¯s the ancestor, Master, me, Second Sister, and Third Brother. We all care about you. We¡¯re a family, so you don¡¯t have to suppress everything in your heart. You can tell us.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, in this lifetime, we¡¯ll travel together, and I mean it. It¡¯s not just you and me, but our whole family has to travel together!¡±


    The captain said softly. At this moment, he was like a big brother.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. Just as endless warmth rose in his heart, the captain coughed.


    ¡°So, can you help me detoxify the poison?¡±

 Chapter 721 - 721 Broken Sword Life Lantern! (1)

    721 Broken Sword Life Lantern! (1)


    Xu Qing still gave the captain the antidotes, allowing him to successfully neutralize the poison.


    The captain happily ate a peach and patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have to worry about this. Master is more knowledgeable than us and has a better grasp on things. We just have to wait to obtain benefits.¡±


    ¡°By the way, Little Qing, help me talk to Old Kong. I¡¯m bringing a good friend to his place today.¡±


    ¡°You are going to see Brother Kong, but you want me to greet him? Who are you bringing?¡± Xu Qing glanced at the peach in the captain¡¯s mouth and fell into deep thought.


    The captain coughed. After looking around, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°I went yesterday¡­ That Old Kong is too petty. To think that I helped him carry Shan He back then. Hmph, he must be jealous that I¡¯m your Eldest Senior Brother, so he doesn¡¯t like me. Sigh, I feel aggrieved too. If he has the ability, go find our master and acknowledge him as his master.¡±


    ¡°As for who I¡¯m bringing, who else could it be? Of course, it¡¯s my beloved Taotao[1].¡± The captain put on a calm expression, but his face was filled with smugness.


    ¡°You guys met?¡± Xu Qing glanced at the captain.


    ¡°Of course, after I accidentally saw Taotao outside the Yao Residence a few days ago, I noticed that part of her was really big¡­ ahem, that expression was filled with depression and unhappiness was written all over her face. Little Qing, my heart ached at that time, so I went up to comfort her and told her that I had a way to bring her to meet the Yao family.¡±


    After the captain finished speaking, he looked at Xu Qing eagerly and took a bite of the peach.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I¡¯ve bragged too much¡­ This is a major turning point for me.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He took out his command sword and transmitted his voice to Kong Xianglong. After that, he nodded expressionlessly at the captain.


    The captain laughed happily before leaving impatiently.


    Watching the captain¡¯s figure gradually disappear in the distance, Xu Qing felt that the emotions accumulated in his heart due to various experiences on the battlefield had eased a lot compared to usual.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother said that making yourself stronger is the foundation.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and closed his eyes. When he opened them a moment later, the light in his eyes had become as calm as before. He walked out of the Sword Pavilion and went to the Sword Holding Palace.


    He was prepared to exchange his merits for a life lantern.


    To him, the fastest way to increase his cultivation and combat strength was the life lantern.


    ¡°Among the ten Heavenly Palaces I have now, seven of them are cultivated and three are formed by life lanterns.¡±


    ¡°To Heavenly Palace cultivators, the number of life lanterns they can use are based on the number of their life fires. I had five balls of life fire, so I can fuse five life lanterns at most.¡±


    Amidst his contemplation, Xu Qing arrived at the Treasure Hall of the Sword Holding Palace.


    This hall was specially in charge of exchanging items for military contributions. Due to the distribution of contributions from the war previously, most of the surviving Sword Holders came here to exchange for the items they needed. When Xu Qing arrived, he saw a few familiar faces.


    There were also some soldiers from the Grand Imperial Capital Region. Although they weren¡¯t Sword Holders, they were still qualified to exchange for the items in the three palaces. However, their proportion was slightly reduced compared to the county Sword Holders.


    This detail was part of the proposal put forward by the Deputy Palace Master and others to the Seventh Prince, and it eventually became the implemented plan.


    The Treasure Hall was not only in charge of exchanging contributions but it was also in charge of collecting various items. All Sword Holders could send their spoils of war over in exchange for military contributions.


    This formed a cycle. Not only were there some mysterious incomplete scrolls, but there were also high-level cultivation arts and powerful magic artifacts in the Treasure Hall. They even had two life lanterns!


    There was no difference between the ranks of these two life lanterns. It was just that the power they possessed was different. One of them had been exchanged and there was only one left.


    Not only did the exchange require military contributions, but it also required grade two battle merits. With Xu Qing¡¯s current contribution points, he could only exchange for one.


    Xu Qing observed it for a long time before exchanging it. He was cautious all the way until he returned to the Sword Pavilion. He didn¡¯t encounter any accidents on the way and wasn¡¯t surprised.


    This reminded him of what Kong Xianglong had told him a few days ago. The Seventh Prince was enforcing military discipline strictly.


    In reality, whether it was the exchange of Dao Fruits for military merits upon their return or other matters related to personal interests, be it Xu Qing or Kong Xianglong, all the former Sword Holders of Fenghai County were not deliberately subjected to difficulties or malicious plundering.


    No matter what they exchanged for or sold, it was a personal matter. The Sword Holding Palace didn¡¯t covet it in the past and wouldn¡¯t do so in the future.


    Especially those who exchanged for the items in the Treasure Hall. Every one of them had battle merits that they had risked their lives to exchange for the cultivation items they needed. If they were to be targeted and their hard-earned rewards taken away, it would be a situation of shedding blood and tears, which was absolutely unacceptable. This was what the Seventh Prince had said.


    ¡°Using kindness and might at the same time. This Seventh Prince is quite amazing. He doesn¡¯t fancy such a small benefit at all. His ambition isn¡¯t here.¡±


    Back then, when Kong Xianglong had said these words with a complicated expression.


    Xu Qing recalled everything that had happened after the Seventh Prince arrived and sighed with emotion.


    From a personal perspective, he didn¡¯t like this prince. However, from the perspective of the race, the final outcome of what the other party did was beneficial to the race.


    Right and wrong, merits and demerits, were subjective.


    Xu Qing shook his head and put away these thoughts. He then took out the life lantern he had exchanged.


    It was a broken black sword.


    It emitted a sharp aura that contained astonishing baleful aura. Clearly, the bloodline that formed this life lantern came from an extremely murderous being. That was why the life lantern formed by the bloodline contained such killing intent. Moreover, its appearance was different from other life lanterns.


    [1] Tao means peach, he says Big Peach here, referring to her large breasts.

 Chapter 722 - 722 Broken Sword Life Lantern! (2)

    722 Broken Sword Life Lantern! (2)


    The difference between getting the life lantern from the Sword Holding Palace and snatching it outside was that there would be a record of the origin of this lantern.


    When Xu Qing exchanged for the life lantern, he got a jade slip that recorded the information of this lantern.


    ¡°This lantern is called the Broken Immortal God Devourer. The source of its bloodline is the ninth Heavenly General of the Mystic Nether Era of the human race. However, it¡¯s not the Heavenly Marshal¡¯s own lantern but of his descendant. It was separated from the great general after he died in battle in the era of the Human Sovereign Eastern Triumph.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about killing, breaking myriad laws, and devouring blood.¡±


    ¡°It is suspected that evil thoughts may dwell within, as many who merged with it before gradually became insane and bloodthirsty. Therefore, it is not to be taken lightly, and caution is advised.¡±


    Xu Qing sensed the content in the jade slip and then looked at the black broken sword in front of him. After some thought, regardless of whether it was effective or not, he circulated the purple crystal in his body and suppressed it just like how he had suppressed the shadow back then.


    After suppressing it a hundred times in a row, Xu Qing felt a little more at ease.


    The shadow at the side trembled when it saw this scene.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t look at it. He picked up the black broken sword again. After some thought, his right hand became translucent, enveloping the broken sword. He held it near his sea of consciousness, approaching D132.


    He paused for a moment before sending it into D132.


    Although the god¡¯s finger had restrained its aura and was in a deep sleep, Xu Qing still rubbed the sword against the finger a few times before feeling more assured.


    He suppressed it with the purple crystal to eliminate any evil thoughts. If they weren¡¯t completely eliminated, he was warning them by putting the broken sword near the god¡¯s finger.


    It was a warning that the evil thoughts that might exist in this broken sword had to be obedient.


    After doing this, Xu Qing thought about it and circulated the Heavenly Dao Mosasaur. After it manifested in his body, it swallowed the broken sword in one gulp and refined it again with the Heavenly Dao inside it.


    After that, he simply placed it beside the purple crystal as though he was feeding the crystal.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know if it was an illusion but he vaguely heard a mournful cry.


    Xu Qing blinked and didn¡¯t care. At that moment, he was completely at ease and truly fused this black broken sword into his body.


    At the next instant, above the life fog in his sea of consciousness, the sea of fog rumbled and lightning flashed. An ancient Heavenly Palace in the shape of a sword formed inside.


    It rapidly manifested. The entire process only lasted for about fifteen minutes.


    This was the eleventh Heavenly Palace in Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    The instant it appeared, a powerful fluctuation erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s body and filled the entire Sword Pavilion. The aura on his body was much more powerful than before, as though it had transformed into a sharp sword that had been unsheathed. The baleful aura was even denser, as though it wanted to destroy the world.


    If a Nascent Soul cultivator was here and sensed Xu Qing¡¯s energy, they would be dumbfounded. This was because Xu Qing¡¯s ten Heavenly Palaces earlier were already astonishing enough but now, he was even stronger.


    After all, everyone¡¯s Heavenly Palace contained different items for suppression. This variety in combinations led to a significant gap between the Golden Core cultivators, apart from their cultivation realms.


    cultivators in the Heavenly Palace like Xu Qing, who possessed such quantity and quality of golden cores, were rare in the entire Wanggu Continent. While it wasn¡¯t to say that there were none, each one of them was an extraordinary individual with great fortune and often stood out as an outstanding figure within their clan. They were usually renowned throughout their entire race.


    ¡°Whether I can obtain the last life lantern is not something I need to consider for now. Right now, I¡¯m about the same level as the great circle of perfection!¡±


    Xu Qing judged after sensing his aura.


    Inside his sea of consciousness, there were not only eleven complete Heavenly Palaces, but also one that was in the process of materialization, and more than half of it had already been completed.


    ¡°I hope this trip to the Immortal Forbidden can help me complete the last palace other than the life lantern!¡±


    A bright glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. After a while, he closed his eyes and nurtured the Heavenly Palace formed by the life lantern.


    Time slowly passed.


    The day of the opening of the Immortal Forbidden arrived


    As his command sword vibrated, Xu Qing opened his eyes from his meditation. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes before it slowly restrained itself. He expressionlessly stood up and walked out of the Sword Pavilion, where he saw Kong Xianglong waiting for him.


    The two of them looked at each other and walked toward the original location of the Prison Department together.


    Dense anomalous substances spread out from the huge pit there, and waves of wild shrieks and howls rang out.


    It was as though all living beings were crying and screaming, shaking the minds of anyone who heard them.


    If a cowardly person heard these shrieks and cries, their timidity would erupt doubly and they would try to get as far away as possible.


    However, half of the cultivators who were arranged to enter the Immortal Forbidden were Sword Holders from Fenghai County who had survived many battles.


    Although some of them had lost limbs and hadn¡¯t fully recovered, their aptitude wasn¡¯t ordinary, and they had undergone the baptism of war. As a result, these individuals who emerged from such hellish trials emitted a monstrous murderous aura, showing that they had killed countless enemies.


    All of them had experienced many life-and-death situations and weren¡¯t afraid of anything.


    Their temperaments had been refined to the extreme.


    Hence, in the eyes of the other cultivators in the surroundings and the various races who were watching, these people who gathered at the edge of the deep pit gave off an extremely special aura.


    Although there weren¡¯t many of them, even in a crowd, they were easily recognizable.


    And now that they had gathered together and formed an army, this aura was even more obvious.


    The soldiers who came from the Grand Imperial Capital Region, despite having experienced their fair share of battles, paled in comparison to the severity of the trials endured by these Sword Holders. They stood beside them, serving as mere background figures.


    It wasn¡¯t just these soldiers of the Imperial City. All the cultivators in the surroundings seemed to have become background figures at this moment.


    No matter who arrived, it was hard to capture the notice of these Sword Holders.


    This lasted until Xu Qing and Kong Xianglong appeared.


    The two tall and skinny figures walked over from afar. Their white Sword Holder Daoist robes emitted a cold presence.


    One had a rough face and stubble, while the other had an extraordinary jade-like face and calm gaze.


    The moment they appeared, the silent Sword Holders all turned their heads and looked at the two of them. Their eyes revealed a glimmer as they saluted and made way.


    Xu Qing and Kong Xianglong didn¡¯t stop in their tracks. They walked into the crowd and walked to the front. They stood together with the dozens of Spirit Repository Sword Holders.


    Although their cultivation levels weren¡¯t high enough, their contributions and statuses were enough for them to stand here.


    After they arrived, their auras fused into one with their comrades here without any obstruction, as though they were a part of them.


    This scene caused waves in the hearts of countless spectators in the surroundings. It was the same for the imperial soldiers and cultivators of the various races.


    In the sky, the Seventh Prince, who was walking over, also cast his gaze at the two figures standing in front of this group of veteran Sword Holders for the first time.


    ¡°He¡¯s that Xu Qing?¡± The Seventh Prince asked softly.


    The Deputy Governor beside him replied.


    ¡°Your Highness, it¡¯s him. Xu Qing used to be the edict bearer of the previous Palace Master of the Sword Holding Palace. He was also the one who made a record in my Fenghai County by achieving 100,000 feet long light in the heart inquisition trial. When the front line was in urgent need of supplies, he was the one who prepared them. He was the one who coordinated the reinforcements from the two provinces and made a great contribution to Fenghai County. He is also one of the few grade two battle merit holders in this war.¡±


    ¡°100,000 feet light in Heart inquisition?¡± The Seventh Prince didn¡¯t care about those contributions but his gaze froze when he heard these words.


    ¡°Yes.¡± The Deputy Governor smiled.

 Chapter 723 - 723 Immortal Forbidden

    723 Immortal Forbidden


    On the ground, those who could stand in front of this group of experienced cultivators were all Spirit Repository Sword Holders. As middle-ranking members of the Sword Pavilion, they were the leaders of various squads during the war.


    Each one of them, after countless battles, was an extraordinary individual. Even if they were later dispersed into other squads, they quickly gained recognition through their determination to kill and their bravery.


    After going through so much, there were many who recognized them, but those whom they acknowledged were few.


    Not only did they need to be their own people, but they also needed to have significant achievements and a respected identity to earn their admiration.


    Xu Qing had the achievements and Kong Xianglong had the identity.


    This was also the reason why these Sword Holders tacitly agreed to them standing in the front.


    Now that they were here, Xu Qing, Kong Xianglong, and the surrounding comrades looked at each other in silence. Their gazes then landed on the deep pit in front of them.


    The deep pit was pitch-black and bottomless.


    The anomalous substances here were clearly even denser. However, when they got close to Xu Qing, Xu Qing instinctively felt a sense of comfort, as though he could absorb them.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He knew that his body had been modified by the god¡¯s finger but now wasn¡¯t the time to explore. There were many experts here and he didn¡¯t want to be exposed.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t absorb it and even spread out the power of the Heavenly Palaces, forming an isolating barrier.


    The cries and wails were even more intense here. As they impacted his mind, scattered Sword Holders arrived one after another.


    Qing Qiu and Ning Yan were among them.


    As well as the captain.


    However, the veteran Sword Holders didn¡¯t make way for them. Qing Qiu and Ning Yan could only stand outside. However, the captain didn¡¯t care about it, and walked forward while greeting the Sword Holders.


    Those expressionless cultivators who had been through a hundred battles found it difficult to maintain their expressions when it came to the captain. They all smiled bitterly.


    They had a deep impression of Chen Erniu.


    In the past few months at the front line, Chen Erniu¡¯s reputation wasn¡¯t small. After all, he liked to make friends. Almost everyone who survived had seen him.


    Particularly notable was his role in retrieving the bodies of fallen comrades during lulls in the fighting, and he even saved some severely injured and unconscious soldiers, bringing them back to safety.


    ¡°Brother, move aside. I want to go over.¡±


    ¡°Haha, Old Cao, don¡¯t think that just because your cultivation is high, you can stop me from going over. At that time, I was the one who dragged you out of the pile of corpses. Have you forgotten that I was the one who stuffed your intestines back for you?¡±


    ¡°Little Li, your arm is growing a little slowly. I¡¯ll get you some medicine later. I have experience.¡±


    The captain¡¯s journey was smooth and he successfully cleared a path through the crowd. He walked to Xu Qing and Kong Xianglong¡¯s side and greeted the other Spirit Repository Sword Holders with great familiarity.


    Those Spirit Repository Sword Holders had strange expressions on their faces when they saw their captain. Some of them had also been carried out by Chen Erniu, and almost all of them had eaten the meat Chen Erniu had given them.


    Kong Xianglong rolled his eyes. Although his impression of Chen Erniu had changed after the war, his inherent impression of him still made him dislike him a little.


    The captain didn¡¯t care about it at all. After he greeted everyone, he put his hand around Kong Xianglong¡¯s shoulder. While Kong Xianglong was trying his best not to shake him off, the captain chuckled.


    ¡°Old Kong, what kind of expression is that? Why are you so impatient when you see me? Don¡¯t forget that I was the one who carried Shan He back!¡±


    Kong Xianglong fell silent.


    When the captain saw this, he felt smug inwardly. He then hugged Xu Qing and winked before transmitting his voice.


    ¡®Have you seen the old man? I haven¡¯t seen him these few days. He can¡¯t have escaped, right? We lied to him, so he also wants to deceive us?¡¯


    After transmitting his voice, the captain even looked around, searching for his master.


    Xu Qing was also surprised. On the way here, he had also secretly checked the surroundings but couldn¡¯t find any traces of his master.


    Just as the small army formed by all the veteran Sword Holders experienced some emotional fluctuations because of the captain¡¯s arrival, the Seventh Prince and the higher-ups of the county descended from the sky.


    The yellow-robed Seventh Prince had long flowing hair and an extraordinary appearance. His eyes were slender and ethereal, and he emitted a noble aura that manifested an illusory dragon. Beside him were the Deputy Governor, the generals of the three palaces, the Deputy Palace Masters, many generals, and commanders.


    Among them, there was a person dressed in blood-red armor and wearing a grim-looking helmet that obscured his face, revealing only a pair of cold eyes. He stood there, emanating a strong aura of bloodthirst.


    The arrival of this group of people caused the surroundings to freeze. Even the anomalous substances from the deep pit of the Prison Department were suppressed and the roars coming from them paused.


    As all eyes were fixed on him, the Seventh Prince cast his gaze upon the land.


    The Sword Holders of Fenghai County weren¡¯t the only ones surrounding the deep pit. There were also the soldiers of the Imperial City and the cultivators of the other two palaces.


    They were all the first batch of people to enter.


    As his gaze swept over, the Seventh Prince calmly spoke.


    ¡°The Immortal Forbidden concerns the human race¡¯s war, and is of great significance.¡±


    ¡°You are the first group to enter and are also the elites of my race. Now, I order you to open a path in four days to eliminate the evil demons and provide conditions for the second group to enter.¡±


    ¡°When the second group arrives, you can retreat and return.¡±


    ¡°This is your mission.¡±


    ¡°General Blood Nightmare.¡±


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s voice reverberated through the area. The figure in blood-colored armor stepped forward and knelt in front of the Seventh Prince.


    ¡°I¡¯m here!¡±


    The Seventh Prince took out the ceremonial sword and handed it to the kneeling Blood Nightmare.


    ¡°I wish you victory.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Your Highness!¡± Blood Nightmare said solemnly. He received the sword with both hands and stood up. He looked at the ground and his voice spread like a cold wind.


    ¡°Immortal Forbidden, open!¡±


    Following his voice, a huge boom rang out from the bottom of the deep pit.


    Due to the astonishing depth, the sound echoed endlessly and fluctuations spread in all directions.


    The entire ground was quaking. In fact, many mountains in the distance began to collapse because of the fluctuations.


    Cracks appeared across the vast land spanning tens of thousands of kilometers. Rising from these cracks were billows of green smoke, shrouding the sky and obscuring the sun and moon. The world plunged into darkness and gloom.


    The source of all this was the deep pit. It was as though the gates of hell had been opened and the anomalous substances were released unprecedentedly intensely. They soared into the sky and churned densely.


    Although there were array formations that had been prepared in advance that were constantly circulating and purifying the surroundings, it was still difficult to disperse the anomalous substances that had accumulated for endless years.


    However, since the Seventh Prince had proposed to open the Immortal Forbidden, he was naturally prepared. Soon, a large number of soldiers arrived, each one carrying several fist-sized cages.


    After opening the cages, numerous figures bound by chains instantly flew out.


    They were all prisoners of war from the Holy Wave Race.


    They had clearly been planted with some special items. After they appeared, their expressions were filled with horror as they were thrown into the anomalous substances. Their bodies seemed to have transformed into black holes as they began to crazily absorb the anomalous substances.


    In the blink of an eye, many of these Holy Wave Race cultivators let out extremely mournful cries.


    Due to the special item planted in their bodies, they didn¡¯t collapse. Instead, they became mutated beasts with no intelligence. After that, the imperial capital¡¯s cultivators pulled them back, sealing them in the cages again.


    One batch after another.


    This scene caused the hearts of many people in the surroundings to tremble intensely.


    The Seventh Prince was expressionless as he watched all of this. This lasted until more than 2 million prisoners of war were thrown into the anomalous substances. After all of them transformed into mutated beasts, 80 to 90% of the anomalous substances emitted from the deep pit finally dissipated.


    ¡°Send these two million mutated soldiers to the battlefield and Toss them to the front line of the Holy Wave Race as a small gift.¡±


    ¡°Continue bringing the remaining prisoners of war here every day and let them absorb the anomalous substances.¡±


    ¡°We have to ensure that the anomalous substances here won¡¯t affect Fenghai County.¡±


    The Seventh Prince calmly spoke. After he finished speaking, he turned and looked at the people behind him.


    ¡°So, is this acceptable?¡±


    The Deputy Governor remained silent. The Deputy Palace Masters of the three palaces and others lowered their heads in tacit agreement.


    At this moment, the various races in the surroundings were trembling with fear.


    ¡°Then, the first batch of people can enter.¡± After the Seventh Prince finished speaking, he turned and left amidst the respectful farewells of everyone around him.


    The Deputy Governor and the generals of the three palaces stood in the sky and didn¡¯t follow. They were in charge of the safety and support of the outside world.


    As for the person in charge of this first trip, it was General Blood Nightmare. Under his arrangements, the first group of people started moving toward the deep pit.


    Other than the Sword Holders on the ground, there were four deacons of the Sword Holding Palace who entered the deep pit.


    Among these four, other than Daoist Sima and Deacon Sun, the other two were Sword Holders under the command of the Seventh Prince, and they were at the second stage of Nihility.


    There were also the Law Palace and the Observance Palace cultivators who were led by their respective deacons.


    As they flew toward the deep pit, under various orders, the cultivators on the ground, including the soldiers of the Imperial City, began to enter the Immortal Forbidden one after another.


    The Sword Holding Palace army that Xu Qing was in also started moving.


    Very soon, hundreds of thousands of human cultivators stepped into the deep pit. When General Blood Nightmare also disappeared in the deep pit, soldiers from the Imperial City activated countless array formations around the pit.


    Layers of envelopment made this place impregnable.


    In the deep pit, the figures of cultivators whistled forward in groups.


    The vanguard at the front was in charge of scouting. Once a certain area was deemed safe by them, the rear forces would arrive in an orderly manner.


    The deeper they went, the heavier the cold air and the denser the anomalous substances.


    After a while, they finally reached the bottom, and there, Xu Qing saw a massive stone cone formation emitting an ancient aura.


    Huge stone pillars engraved with complicated runes stood here. Each of them was the core of the array formation.


    The center of the formation had collapsed, and in the midst of numerous scattered rocks at the edges, there was an irregular large cavity.


    Following the cavity, one could see the existence of a world below.


    That place was the Immortal Forbidden and also one of the 36 palaces of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    It was originally not underground, but due to the changes in the Earth¡¯s crust and the seal imposed by the ancient humans, it ended up being buried in the abyss.


    As Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept across the area, the captain beside him was also observing. At that moment, more people arrived, including Qing Qiu and Ning Yan.


    Noticing Ning Yan, the captain was delighted and rushed over, embracing Ning Yan by the neck and pulling him towards Xu Qing. His eyes sparkled, but he tried to put on a sincere expression.


    ¡°Little Ningning, I¡¯ve missed you so much. Did you miss me?¡±


    Ning Yan glanced at the captain with a spurious smile as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°I don¡¯t miss you.¡±


    At the same time, in a residence in the capital city, Ning Yan opened his eyes in a daze. His eyes were a little dazed. After looking around, his eyes suddenly widened and he rushed out.


    After using his fastest speed to reach the edge of the city, he looked down and discovered that the array formation was filled with people. He instantly wailed inwardly.


    ¡°It¡¯s over. How could I have fallen asleep? This can¡¯t be.¡±


    ¡°I also want to go to the Immortal Forbidden. This, this, this¡­ What should I do?¡±


    With a mournful face, Ning Yan quickly glanced around and hurried back, afraid of being caught in the act of desertion. However, on his way back, Ning Yan gradually discovered something terrifying.


    That was¡­ he seemed to have lost his identity, name, and traces of his existence.


    This sounded mysterious. To put it simply, those who were originally familiar with him forgot his name and identity when they saw him and treated him as a stranger.


    It was as though his identity and name had been taken away.


    ¡°Divine technique!!¡±


    This realization made Ning Yan shudder. There was a faint voice in his mind telling him to find a place to hide, and that in a few days, everything would naturally return to normal.

 Chapter 724 - 724 It’s Hard to Disobey Master’s Order

    724 It¡¯s Hard to Disobey Master¡¯s Order


    In the deep pit of the Prison Department, the figures of cultivators continued to descend around the stone cone array formation where the Immortal Forbidden was located.


    Xu Qing, who was among the first to arrive, didn¡¯t approach the cavity where the array formation had shattered. Instead, he leaned closer and sized it up warily.


    The world inside the cavity was the Immortal Forbidden. That place was dark and filled with fog.


    The density of anomalous substances was extremely high there.


    Everything was hazy and distorted, with only vague glimpses of numerous palaces and buildings deep inside. There were also echoes of eerie screams resonating from within, as if that place was the true gateway to the netherworld.


    While Xu Qing was observing the environment, the captain beside him looked at Ning Yan, who was being hugged by him, in surprise.


    The other party¡¯s answer made him feel that this kid must be asking for a beating.


    Hence, he had a spurious smile on his face as he patted Ning Yan¡¯s head and licked his lips.


    ¡°Little Ningning, you¡¯re not obedient.¡±


    Ning Yan also had a spurious smile on his face as he looked at the captain. He seemed to want to lift his right hand, as though he was preparing to hit someone or struggle .


    However, after looking around, he still restrained himself and turned his head, ignoring the captain.


    Seeing Ning Yan like this, the captain was satisfied.


    He naturally didn¡¯t believe that Ning Yan had the courage to fight against him, so he must have wanted to free himself from his grasp. However, it was evident that in the end, the other party remembered his kindness and was moved enough to give up resistance.


    ¡°That¡¯s more like it, Little Ningning. I really miss you very much.¡±


    The captain chuckled and pulled Ning Yan in front of Xu Qing, winking at him. Outsiders couldn¡¯t understand that expression, but Xu Qing knew what the other party was expressing with a glance.


    This was telling Xu Qing that he had to use the weapon well this time around.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He glanced at Ning Yan and was about to speak when a large number of cultivators descended. A group of black-robed cultivators who emitted very obscure fluctuations whistled over from above.


    The aura emanating from these people was mostly cold and different from that of regular cultivators. It seemed as though they practiced a highly unique set of techniques that appeared individualistic, yet intertwined with one another.


    While these people gave off a peculiar sensation, there was also an instinctive urge to distance oneself from them.


    This could be seen from the fact that the surrounding soldiers instinctively took a few steps back when they saw them.


    What Xu Qing paid attention to was that among this group of cultivators whose heads were covered and whose entire bodies were enveloped in black robes, there was a cultivator with an aura that was different from others.


    This person was surrounded and appeared to be protected, but there was also an underlying sense of being restricted.


    His footsteps staggered. When he landed here, the anomalous substances wind that blew out of the hole in the array formation lifted a corner of his robe and revealed half of his face.


    It was Zhang Siyun.


    Compared to half a month ago, there were noticeable differences.


    Half a month ago, Zhang Siyun¡¯s face was haggard and pale, and he appeared completely listless. But now, his face was covered with numerous red blood vessels, resembling a spider¡¯s web. It looked eerie, and his expression seemed to be filled with pain.


    Seeing this scene, Xu Qing immediately retracted his gaze. He recalled the words of the god¡¯s finger back then.


    ¡°Red Moon is about to awaken.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly took a few steps back.


    The captain beside him also saw all of this. The smile on his face had already disappeared and he also retreated a little. Ning Yan, who was being held by the captain, also took the opportunity to retreat.


    It was unknown if Ning Yan was doing it on purpose but when he retreated, he chose to stand in front of Xu Qing and the captain, blocking the vision of some of the black-robed men.


    After the group of black-robed men arrived, they swept their gazes across the surroundings and stood silently in a corner.


    The original cultivators there also instinctively distanced themselves.


    After a long time, the figure of General Blood Nightmare, who was in charge of this exploration, descended from above and floated above the hole in the array formation. A baleful aura erupted from his body and spread in all directions. He lowered his head and looked at the hole as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Nihility first, followed by the Spirit Repository.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the deacons of the three palaces and the generals of the Imperial City immediately walked out and headed straight for the hole.


    The fog in the cave churned and a faint mournful roar rang out. A while later, when it became quiet, white light flickered in the fog in the depths of the cave.


    ¡°Army, enter!¡±


    General Blood Nightmare let out a low shout and took a step forward, stepping into the hole. The others also followed one after another.


    Xu Qing and the captain were among them. Qing Qiu and Kong Xianglong were also among them.


    As everyone leaped down, a hazy world was instantly reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    This world seemed endless, with the land appearing blurry and faintly revealing buildings hidden within the mist. However, being high above, the view was limited, and only a vague sense of ancientness could be perceived.


    It was hard to see the details.


    The surroundings were distorted. Not only was the world filled with anomalous substances, but countless shrieks also rang out from the foggy world below.


    As for the sky, it was man-made.


    It appeared like a massive mirror, but not a smooth one. Instead, it had an arc-shaped curve, especially in the area they had entered, where the curvature was even more pronounced.


    The surrounding sky caved in here, forming a passageway that was like a huge bottle mouth.


    Looking at all of this, Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled. At the same time, he felt the comfort from his body becoming increasingly intense, as though it was yearning to absorb it.


    He didn¡¯t dare to act rashly at this moment. When he restrained himself again, the captain¡¯s words rang out from the side.


    ¡°Junior Brother, do you think this place is a bottle?¡±


    The captain held onto Ning Yan and stood beside Xu Qing, looking at everything in the surroundings. At the same time, Xu Qing seemed to have sensed something and quickly turned his head. He saw the group of black-robed men surrounding Zhang Siyun and their departing figures.


    After these people entered the Immortal Forbidden, they seemed to have a fixed target, and directly disappeared into the deep fog.


    Xu Qing and the captain became anxious.


    The two of them looked at each other and transmitted their voices.


    ¡®That¡¯s not right. Junior Brother, where¡¯s Master?¡¯


    ¡®Could it be that Master used a special method to arrive? Or maybe he changed his appearance, so it¡¯s normal for us to not be able to sense him.¡¯ Xu Qing thought about it and replied via voice transmission.


    The captain nodded.


    ¡®That makes sense. The old man has always been sly, so he should have used a method we don¡¯t know about to enter. Besides, I know him too well. He probably started drooling when he heard about the gods. He would never turn a blind eye to it; he¡¯ll definitely seek our help to make sure everything is in order.¡¯


    ¡®So, the two of us should hurry down now and have some snacks first.¡¯ The captain¡¯s eyes lit up as he looked down.


    After some thought, Xu Qing nodded.


    The two communicated through voice transmission. While Ning Yan was being held tightly by the captain, who seemed afraid that he might escape, Ning Yan looked at the captain indifferently when the fog flowed in front of them, partially obscuring their vision.


    The captain and Xu Qing, who didn¡¯t notice this, finished communicating and reached a consensus. They then headed straight down with the army.


    The captain continued to hold Ning Yan. The two of them walked in front while Xu Qing followed behind.


    Very soon, they descended on the foggy land with the cultivators from all directions. As soon as they landed, rumbling sounds rang out and the sounds of fighting echoed in the fog.


    One could faintly see some huge mutated beasts appearing from the fog. They were fighting against the Nihility and Spirit Repository cultivators who had arrived earlier.


    As they descended, the buildings on the ground became much clearer than before.


    This was a cluster of palaces with an extremely large range that covered the entire land.


    Countless palaces and temples formed a city.


    It was filled with vicissitudes and ancientness, but it also contained extreme bizarreness.


    This was because these buildings were all wrapped in purple-black flesh and were squirming.


    Not only were the buildings the same, but the ground was also covered in flesh.


    ¡°Everyone, clear the surroundings and open up a safe area!¡±


    A cold voice rang out from the fog.


    This was the decree of General Blood Nightmare. The hundreds of thousands of cultivators who descended immediately got busy.


    According to different divisions of labor, some controlled the war puppets to rush into the fog and fight.


    Some quickly constructed array formations here, causing the power of the array formation to envelop the surroundings.


    Some even began to purify the surroundings, driving away the anomalous substances and flesh in this area.


    Many of them moved in small teams.


    Most of the people who did this were the Sword Holders and the soldiers of the Imperial City.


    Xu Qing and the captain were among them. As for Qing Qiu, Kong Xianglong, and the others, there were too many people around them and they couldn¡¯t find them.


    Just like that, a small safe area was soon opened up and it continued to expand in all directions.


    If someone encountered an obstruction in any direction and couldn¡¯t resolve it themselves, experts would arrive very quickly after they got the report and clear the obstruction.


    Everything was arranged in an orderly manner by General Blood Nightmare.


    During this time, Xu Qing and the captain also saw the mutated beasts in the fog. They were ferocious beasts that were also purple-black in color. They didn¡¯t have any intelligence and their bodies were filled with anomalous substances. They had high combat strength.


    Moreover, the larger their bodies were, the more astonishing their combat strength was.


    Half a day after they arrived here, when everyone had opened up a certain range of the safe zone, they began to rest and reorganize.


    After all, the anomalous substances here were too dense. Every once in a while, they would have to do their best to remove them from their bodies to prevent themselves from mutating.


    During this period, after Xu Qing communicated with the captain, the two of them accepted a scouting mission and chose to leave. Of course, Ning Yan was also among them.


    ¡®It¡¯s useless to stay here. We aren¡¯t afraid of anomalous substances. We have to hurry up and find some snacks to try. We can¡¯t come here for nothing. Also, we have to use Ning Yan well.¡¯


    The captain held Ning Yan and spoke to Xu Qing through voice transmission as he ran forward.


    Xu Qing glanced at Ning Yan and felt some sympathy. In the past half a day, the other party hadn¡¯t disappeared from the captain¡¯s arms. Clearly, the captain was worried that his weapon would run away.


    As for Ning Yan, he seemed to have resigned himself to his fate. Occasionally, he would have some struggling emotions but in the end, he still tacitly agreed.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, doesn¡¯t your arm feel sore? How about letting go of Ning Yan?¡±


    ¡°What if it is sore? I want to protect our little Ningning!¡± The captain said righteously as he looked at Ning Yan.


    ¡°Little Ningning, don¡¯t worry. If you follow me this time, you¡¯ll definitely have meat to eat!¡±


    With that, the captain couldn¡¯t help but stroke Ning Yan¡¯s head again.


    He didn¡¯t know why, but ever since the first time he touched Ning Yan¡¯s head, he had instinctively fallen in love with this action. It was as though touching Ning Yan¡¯s head gave him a strange pleasure.


    Ning Yan¡¯s breathing hastened slightly. After staring deeply at the captain, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°You guys want to get something good? I investigated some information before I came in and know of a place. There should be some good things there. I¡¯ll bring you guys there.¡±


    When the captain heard this, he looked at Ning Yan and blinked, his face filled with surprise. However, he secretly transmitted his voice to Xu Qing.


    ¡®Junior Brother, isn¡¯t this Ning Yan a little abnormal?¡¯


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm but doubts rose in his mind.


    In reality, from Ning Yan¡¯s reaction just now, he also sensed that there was something wrong with the other party. After all, he was the one who brought Ning Yan back from the Morning Glow Province and arranged for him to be in the Secretariat Department.


    Hence, he had some judgment about the tone of Ning Yan¡¯s voice. At that moment, there was something wrong with the other party¡¯s words. It didn¡¯t seem to be a tone that belonged to Ning Yan.


    Hence, just as he was about to transmit his voice to inform the captain of his doubts, a familiar cold snort suddenly echoed in his mind.


    This cold snort contained a warning. When Xu Qing heard this, he shivered and his expression instantly turned solemn. He immediately transmitted his voice to the captain.


    ¡®Eldest Senior Brother, I brought this Ning Yan back from the Morning Glow Province previously. I understand that something happened to him in the province, so his personality has changed a little. Everything¡­ is normal!¡¯


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, a familiar humming sound echoed in his mind, filled with satisfaction.

 Chapter 725 - 725 Madness of the Poison Restriction

    725 Madness of the Poison Restriction


    Xu Qing lowered his head and sighed inwardly.


    He never expected that their master was actually standing beside them.


    That snort that contained a warning earlier allowed Xu Qing to understand that his master was going to teach his eldest senior brother a lesson.


    Hence, he looked at the captain sympathetically and wanted to remind him. However, his master¡¯s cold snort let him know that it was best not to remind him.


    When the captain heard Xu Qing¡¯s words, he still glanced at Ning Yan suspiciously.


    Ning Yan put on a sincere smile.


    ¡°Captain, I did a lot of research before I came. Besides, you know that my bloodline is special. I also vaguely sensed that there might be good things there just now.¡±


    The captain blinked and then looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing coughed. Just as he was about to give the captain a hint, he discovered that Ning Yan was looking at him with a spurious smile.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned serious.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, let¡¯s leave quickly. I believe in Ning Yan.¡±


    The captain felt that something was amiss, so he lifted his hand and patted Ning Yan¡¯s head.


    ¡°Little Ningning, you¡­¡±


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother!¡±


    Seeing that his eldest senior brother was still courting death, Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled and he hurriedly interrupted.


    ¡°Senior Brother, Ning Yan is actually quite pitiful. You shouldn¡¯t keep holding onto him and refusing to let him go. I know the reason you¡¯re doing this is because Ning Yan once spoke ill of our master, so you want to punish him.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± The captain was stunned, but immediately reacted like a monkey. His eyes suddenly widened and the hand he used to touch Ning Yan stiffened for a moment.


    He sensed that something was wrong with Xu Qing¡¯s words. Hence, he carefully looked at Ning Yan and slowly withdrew his right hand.


    However, unable to resist his curiosity, he still wanted to make sure. He approached Ning Yan¡¯s abdomen and gave it a pat.


    Smack!


    Xu Qing closed his eyes.


    Ning Yan expressionlessly allowed the captain to slap his stomach.


    There were no vines.


    The captain gasped. In this cold world, sweat began to break out on his forehead and he smiled awkwardly.


    Ning Yan calmly looked at the captain. That gaze contained deep meaning, causing the captain¡¯s body to gradually shiver. He instinctively took a few steps back and arrived beside Xu Qing before suddenly speaking.


    ¡°Little Qing, why did you ask me to pat Ning Yan¡¯s stomach when we were outside? You¡¯re too rude. Have you forgotten what Master taught us? Let me tell you, Master treated us like his own sons. We can¡¯t repay him in this life!¡±


    ¡°Therefore, we have to listen to Master¡¯s words seriously and remember them in our hearts. This is because every time we take the wrong path, as long as we remember Master¡¯s words, they can guide us in the right direction!¡±


    The captain spoke righteously.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and looked at the captain. He then chuckled and turned his head.


    He had already done his best. Eldest Senior Brother was courting death and he really couldn¡¯t be saved, nor did he want to save him.


    ¡°Do you want to pat it again?¡± Ning Yan calmly asked.


    The captain shivered and hurriedly shook his head. His gaze landed on Ning Yan but he also felt that this wasn¡¯t good. He was worried that the other party would think that he was looking at his stomach, so he endured the trembling and looked at Ning Yan¡¯s face.


    However, he felt that it was inappropriate. He was worried that the latter would think that he was looking at the head. After all, he had touched it too many times previously.


    As expected, Ning Yan noticed the captain¡¯s gaze and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Do you want to pat my head a few more times?¡±


    The captain shook his head like a rattle-drum, and lamented inwardly. When he recalled the comfortable sensation he felt, his whole body trembled even more intensely. Immediately, he turned his head and reprimanded Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I need to scold you. Last time, when Ning Yan spoke ill of Master, I wanted to beat him to death. You shouldn¡¯t have stopped me!¡±


    ¡°Forget it, forget it. This time, I won¡¯t make things difficult for you, Ning Yan. You better be careful. If you dare to speak ill of my master in the future, don¡¯t blame me for being heartless!¡±


    ¡°In my life, as long as I, Chen Erniu, see anyone who disrespects my master in the slightest, I will kill them without mercy!¡±


    ¡°So, Junior Brother, don¡¯t stop me in the future. Otherwise, I¡¯ll fall out with you. For Master, I, Chen Erniu, can risk my life!¡±


    The captain spoke loudly.


    Ning Yan¡¯s expression softened slightly.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He suddenly pointed at the fog in the distance.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, look at the fog over there. Doesn¡¯t it look a little like the cloud beasts we encountered back then?¡±


    ¡°Cloud beast? This place is so dangerous!¡± The captain blinked and looked over. He immediately exclaimed.


    He then assumed an extremely vigilant stance, standing by the side of Ning Yan, as if he would throw himself into danger without hesitation to protect him.


    These words seemed to have provoked Ning Yan. He let out a cold snort and glared fiercely at the captain.


    The captain felt aggrieved and looked at Ning Yan fawningly.


    ¡°The two of you, follow me.¡± Ning Yan headed straight for the depths of the fog.


    Xu Qing instantly followed without looking at the captain.


    The captain gritted his teeth and hurriedly followed. When he reached Xu Qing¡¯s side, he put on an innocent expression. After that, he took out a green stone and quickly handed it over.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression softened.


    Just like that, the three of them sped forward. With Ning Yan in the lead, they continued to move forward in the cluster of palaces filled with flesh and blood.


    Although they encountered some bizarre entities and mutated beasts on the way, they were easily dealt with.


    Those at the Golden Core realm were quickly killed by the captain.


    As for the terrifyingly powerful mutated beasts, as soon as their presence was revealed, they trembled one by one, their bodies rapidly aging until they turned into ashes.


    This scene caused waves in Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s hearts.


    When a mutated beast that was thousands of feet long and emitted the aura of the perfected first stage of Nihility appeared in the distance and also trembled before turning into ashes, Xu Qing was completely shaken.


    The captain also blinked crazily. The two of them couldn¡¯t help but look at each other.


    Although they knew that their master was good at hiding and no one knew his true combat strength other than himself, to be able to cause a first-stage Nihility to instantly collapse, this combat strength was at least at the second stage of Nihility.


    ¡®It definitely isn¡¯t the limit!¡¯ The captain transmitted his voice.


    Xu Qing nodded vigorously in deep agreement.


    Ning Yan, who was in front, turned his head and glanced at the two of them. He then smiled proudly.


    The captain hurriedly fawned over him. Xu Qing blinked, his expression filled with obedience.


    The deeper they went, the denser the anomalous substances became. Xu Qing clearly felt his body trembling uncontrollably. An intense desire spread out from every inch of his flesh and gathered in his mind.


    Xu Qing understood that this was because his body had been modified by the god¡¯s finger, so it came from the same source as this place.


    Previously, there were too many people and Xu Qing didn¡¯t dare to absorb it. However, it was relatively safe now. After hesitating for a moment, Xu Qing finally released the restraints on his body and slightly absorbed a little of the anomalous substances here.


    As the anomalous substances rapidly fused into him, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. An unprecedented sense of comfort instantly filled his entire body.


    All his hair instinctively opened. As wisps of anomalous substances rapidly fused into him, he could clearly sense that his body was being nourished and becoming stronger!


    As the anomalous substances fused into his body, the golden threads in his body also rapidly stretched and circulated. As they became more active, they also absorbed the anomalous substances that fused into his flesh and blood.


    They then produced a wisp of golden spiritual energy.


    It looked like spiritual energy but wasn¡¯t spiritual energy. Xu Qing swept his divine consciousness over and could vaguely sense the aura of a god.


    ¡°This is¡­¡± Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried and his heart trembled.


    Although this golden spirit energy-like existence was only a wisp, the moment it appeared, the Poison Restriction, Purple Moon, and Ghost Emperor Mountain in his Heavenly Palaces trembled at the same time and suddenly spread out to absorb it, as though they wanted to grab the golden energy.


    Especially for the Poison Restriction Pill, it was like a withered land encountering sweet nectar, or a famished person finding a delicious meal. It went completely berserk, emanating a terrifying aura.


    This aura actually caused Purple Moon and Ghost Emperor Mountain to pause slightly.


    Hence, the Poison Restriction was able to grab most of the energy. A total of 50% was absorbed by it. Purple Moon swallowed more than 30% and the Ghost Emperor only got over 10%.


    After absorbing it, the recovery of the Poison Restriction Pill became even more obvious. Purple Moon¡¯s purple light also flickered and became increasingly resplendent, as though it was nourished. It was as though it had been a long time since it had truly been replenished.


    The Ghost Emperor Mountain was the same. Its eyes gleamed.


    All of this caused a huge commotion in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. At the same time, the desire from his body grew even more intense.


    Hence, he gritted his teeth and let go of another portion of the suppression. Immediately, a vortex appeared around Xu Qing and the anomalous substances in all directions rumbled over.


    When the fog in the surroundings flowed rapidly, the wails and roars that filled the surroundings suddenly stopped at this moment.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart skipped a beat and he hurriedly suppressed himself.


    The captain abruptly turned his head and looked at Xu Qing in disbelief.


    Ning Yan also stopped in his tracks. The gaze he used to look at Xu Qing was filled with surprise.


    Xu Qing blinked and was about to explain when the ground trembled at the next instant. Clouds surged crazily in the surroundings and groups of mutated beasts actually rushed over from everywhere.


    Their roars contained greed and were filled with madness, as though an indescribable delicacy had appeared before them.


    An intense sense of danger erupted in Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    Ning Yan¡¯s body swayed and he instantly got close to Xu Qing and the captain. After grabbing them, he leaped forward and disappeared.


    Very soon, the place they were at was filled with countless malevolent and anxious mutated beasts. Waves of even more mournful roars continued to spread out, as though they were searching but to no avail.


    It was only after a long time that their anxiety slowly calmed down. When they dispersed, Ning Yan¡¯s figure was revealed 50 kilometers away with the captain and Xu Qing.


    As soon as they appeared, the captain immediately looked at Xu Qing and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you, you, you¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Ning Yan glared.


    The captain hurriedly lowered his head.


    Ning Yan let out a cold snort. When he turned his head to look at Xu Qing, his expression changed. He became amiable and his eyes were filled with admiration as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Fourth, was it caused by your body?¡±


    Xu Qing was also trembling with fear. Earlier, he had sensed that those mutated beasts were clearly irritable. The feeling of wanting to devour him was extremely intense.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Master. I told you guys before that this body of mine has been modified by the god¡¯s finger.¡± Xu Qing hurriedly spoke. There was no need to pretend not to recognize his master.


    Back then, when Old Master Seventh arrived and Xu Qing described his scheme, he told him everything. After all, he had to explain why he knew that Red Moon wanted to devour the Immortal Forbidden¡¯s god.


    ¡°Master, I¡¯ll do my best to restrain myself and not trigger the predatory instinct of the mutated beasts.¡±


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath. At that moment, his heart was still palpitating.


    ¡°Fourth, you¡¯re wrong. The reason those mutated beasts came here is not to devour you, but rather, it¡¯s their instinct driving them to be devoured by you. It¡¯s because they themselves were formed from the source of your body.¡±


    ¡°However, it¡¯s not suitable to do that now. This is because the source of that finger, which is the god sleeping here, isn¡¯t dead yet.¡±


    ¡°When It dies, you can devour them without worry. Otherwise, there will ultimately be hidden dangers due to the god¡¯s will.¡±


    ¡°Also, has divine essence been born?¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint.


    ¡°That¡¯s a golden spirit energy-like existence.¡±


    As Old Master Seventh spoke, he lifted his right hand and a wisp of faint golden energy appeared in it.


    ¡°This is it.¡±


    Old Master Seventh looked at Xu Qing with dense anticipation in his eyes.


    Xu Qing lifted his hand and activated the Heavenly Palaces in his body. A long time later, a trace of golden energy that was much smaller than Old Master Seventh¡¯s but had an even denser color appeared.


    Old Master Seventh looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing looked at Old Master Seventh.


    A long time later, Old Master Seventh laughed loudly.


    ¡°Very well, indeed my worthy eldest disciple. In the future, the two of us, master and disciple, shall dominate the world together, hahaha.¡±


    When the captain heard this, he also raised his hand. After a long while, he silently retracted it and coughed.


    ¡°Master, there¡¯s still me. I¡¯m your eldest disciple¡­¡±

 Chapter 726 - 726 Human Races Immortal Art

    726 Human Race¡¯s Immortal Art


    ¡°You? If you don¡¯t work hard, you¡¯ll be the Fourth in the future and Xu Qing will be the eldest senior brother!¡±


    Old Master Seventh snorted coldly.


    As soon as he said this, it was like millions of lightning bolts exploded in the captain¡¯s mind. The rumbling sound caused his eyes to widen and his breathing to become hurried. His mind was incomparably chaotic.


    He thought that if such a day really came¡­


    The captain shuddered and his expression turned solemn.


    ¡°Master, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll definitely work hard. What romantic relationship? In the future, I, Chen Erniu, will cut off all ties. I have to focus on cultivation and work hard to do great things!¡±


    Old Master Seventh nodded in satisfaction. After that, he looked at Xu Qing but didn¡¯t speak.


    Xu Qing blinked and immediately put on a shocked expression as he looked at the golden energy in his master¡¯s palm.


    Although it was a little late, Xu Qing felt that even if he was late, it was better than nothing.


    As expected, after seeing Xu Qing¡¯s attitude, Old Master Seventh was even more satisfied.


    ¡°Fourth, this is the divine essence. I studied Saintly Star¡¯s body and comprehended it from the large number of bizarre plants in the Yinghuang Province and the Nanhuang Continent before transferring it into my body.¡±


    ¡°I have to say that the technique Illuminate grasped is indeed amazing.¡±


    ¡°The so-called gods are just existences that are different from us cultivators. It¡¯s just that they are of a higher level and stronger!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that they can¡¯t be replaced. I even have a bold guess, but I¡¯m still searching for those lost ancient books to verify it.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, after so many eras, most of the ancient books have been lost. Only the wish boxes that are scattered in the world have sporadic records of what I want.¡±


    ¡°When I find the evidence, I¡¯ll tell you.¡±


    Old Master Seventh calmly spoke with an unfathomable expression.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. He had always admired his master. This was even more so at this moment. He bowed respectfully.


    The captain hurriedly did the same.


    Seeing that these two disciples were obedient, Old Master Seventh felt incomparably comfortable.


    ¡°Let¡¯s continue forward. Master will bring you to a good place. I¡¯ve been to a Mystic Nether Palace before and know that every palace has a special place.¡±


    As Old Master Seventh spoke, he walked forward.


    An hour later, the three of them continued forward and slowly entered the cluster of palaces.


    However, the range of this cluster of palaces was too large. Even though they had walked so far, they were still in the eastern region. There was still quite a bit of distance between them and the center of the eastern region.


    However, they had already arrived at the destination Old Master Seventh had mentioned earlier.


    This was a somewhat special palace.


    Although it was also filled with flesh, the appearance of this flesh was a face filled with pain.


    It was impossible to tell if this face was of a male or a female. It also had no hair. It was purple-red and its blood vessels were diffused. While it emitted dense anomalous substances, it also revealed the power to affect emotions.


    All living beings who saw it couldn¡¯t help but feel distorted emotions.


    This would affect their mind and make them go crazy.


    Even though the captain was extraordinary, he was still affected a little at this moment. His breathing was hurried and a large number of mouths appeared on his body, continuously swimming around. It was incomparably bizarre.


    Xu Qing was fine.


    The god¡¯s finger was one of the clones of the sleeping god here. The body it had specially forged for itself could allow Xu Qing to absorb the anomalous substances here to give birth to divine essence. In that case, it could naturally ignore the power of this place.


    ¡°It¡¯s here.¡± Outside the flesh-faced palace, Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    ¡°This is a place of fortune. You¡¯ll know when you enter later.¡±


    As Old Master Seventh spoke, his entire body emitted a golden light. At this moment, he actually gave off a holy feeling. However, he didn¡¯t emit any aura, as though he had hidden himself to the extreme.


    Even with the naked eye, he was blurry and couldn¡¯t even be remembered.


    This scene caused waves to surge in the captain and Xu Qing¡¯s hearts again.


    Xu Qing had seen a few gods before, so he was very clear that this was already a portion of an ability similar to gods. They couldn¡¯t be remembered and it could be considered extreme concealment.


    ¡°Master, you¡­¡± Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but speak. The impact this scene brought him was even greater than the death of the first stage Nihility mutated beast earlier.


    ¡°The divine essence I stole contains the power of time and concealment.¡±


    Old Master Seventh walked in front and a calm voice rang out.


    As he got closer to the palace in front of him, the face became increasingly distorted, as though it was about to come to life. The pain was even more obvious and it was aging at a visible speed.


    In the blink of an eye, wrinkles filled it.


    However, it was obvious that the face was different from the mutated beasts and bizarre entities Xu Qing¡¯s group had encountered previously. It was stronger, so it tried to resist.


    However, as Old Master Seventh moved forward, this resistance became extremely fragile and the face continued to age even faster. In fact, its edges even began to dissipate.


    The captain rubbed his eyes forcefully and transmitted his voice to Xu Qing.


    ¡®Little Qing, Master is so strong. Why are we still working hard? How good would it be to stay in the Seven Blood Eyes and be fed? Junior Brother, I feel so safe at this moment¡­¡¯


    Before Xu Qing could answer, Old Master Seventh¡¯s cold snort rang out from ahead.


    ¡°Safe my ass. If it was really safe, would I need to sneak in? This Seventh Prince isn¡¯t simple. Any one of his generals is extraordinary. Moreover, that Blood Nightmare seemed to have sensed me from the start!¡±


    ¡°Also, I can sense other foreign auras here. Your group isn¡¯t the only one who came this time.¡±


    ¡°After this job is done, even I have to lie low. The two of you mere Golden Cores actually schemed to snatch from the gods. You¡¯re too bold. After this matter is done, find an opportunity to leave the county capital and return to the Seven Blood Eyes, and wait for me.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression froze. When the captain heard this, he seized the opportunity and spoke fawningly.


    ¡°Master is mighty. We only dared to plan because we have you, Master.¡±


    ¡°You only know how to flatter!¡± Old Master Seventh said calmly as he moved forward.


    When the captain heard this, he didn¡¯t feel reprimanded at all. Instead, he was incomparably smug.


    As Old Master Seventh walked over, the struggle and distortion of the face would become even more intense.


    A moment later, when Old Master Seventh arrived before the face, fog rolled over. This huge face let out an unwilling roar and turned into ashes in front of the three of them, revealing a red temple buried inside.


    This temple exuded an ancient aura. The gate was closed and it was silent inside.


    The color of the temple emanated a sinister undertone, yet it also carried a sense of ethereality.


    It seemed as if the blood-red hue was not blood itself, but rather an exquisite elixir or nectar.


    The contradiction in the atmosphere stirred up primal instincts, causing rumbling sounds from within Xu Qing¡¯s stomach, a manifestation of hunger. The captain¡¯s eyes widened, and drool began to trickle down his chin.


    ¡°You guys, step back a little,¡± Old Master Seventh slowly said.


    Xu Qing quickly retreated. Seeing that the captain was retreating a little too slowly, Xu Qing grabbed him and pulled him back until he was 1000 feet away. Old Master Seventh walked to the entrance of the red temple with a solemn expression. He then lifted his right hand and gently pressed down.


    With a boom, the red temple¡¯s gate opened.


    Red light flowed out, transforming into a huge illusory face that devoured Old Master Seventh.


    Old Master Seventh let out a cold snort and his entire body flickered with golden light. He lifted his right hand and pressed forward. Immediately, the illusory face paused in front of him and finally transformed into countless blood-colored butterflies that spread out.


    Wherever these blood-colored butterflies passed through, they corroded the void, emanating an aura that left both Xu Qing and the captain startled.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay now,¡± Old Master Seventh calmly said and walked into the temple.


    Xu Qing and the captain hurriedly ran over. After they stepped into the temple, they saw a shocking hall.


    The interior of the temple was filled with majesty.


    In the center was a vast statue. It wasn¡¯t of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether but an unfamiliar existence. It didn¡¯t seem to have been recorded in the history of the human race.


    He wore a blood-colored Daoist robe and stood there with his hands raised, as though he wanted to hug the entire temple.


    Around him, there were hundreds and thousands of mask-like faces on the inner walls of the temple.


    These faces were of similar size, varying in age and gender, displaying a range of emotions such as joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness.


    They were all stuck to the walls, and upon closer inspection, these faces were actually human skins.


    The atmosphere created by a large number of faces was naturally extremely bizarre. At that moment, as Xu Qing and the other two arrived, these human skin masks looked at them in unison. The holes in their eyes emitted a dark light.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed and the captain gasped.


    ¡°This place is called the Immortal Arts Hall. Every palace of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether has such an Immortal Arts Hall. It contains a large number of special immortal arts of that time.¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression was calm as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Immortal Arts are actually different from the beauty you imagine. They aren¡¯t elegant and gorgeous but contain terror.¡±


    ¡°Every face here is an immortal art. There¡¯s no need to comprehend or cultivate. You can use it as long as you stick it on your face.¡±


    ¡°Such a method naturally requires a certain price. Any immortal art requires the absorption of life force. When wearing this human skin as a mask, each time it is used, it tightens more and more until it can no longer be removed. The entire body¡¯s flesh and life force are absorbed into it, and then¡­ the user transforms into a new human skin mask.¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s tone was calm but the words he said shocked Xu Qing. He now had a better understanding of immortal arts.


    As for the captain, he seemed to know a little about this and wasn¡¯t surprised. Only his expression revealed a hint of complication but it quickly disappeared.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be overly worried. Overall, immortal arts are quite powerful, containing various unfathomable mysteries. So, if used wisely, they can be advantageous to you. Additionally, each person can only take one immortal art mask in the Temple of Immortal Arts. Taking more than one will result in a curse. Once you have taken a mask here, you won¡¯t be able to obtain another one from the Temples of Immortal Arts in other palaces.¡±


    After Old Master Seventh finished speaking, he lifted his head and looked at the statue in the temple. There was a hint of emotion in his calm tone.


    ¡°As for this statue, it¡¯s a Human Emperor that history has chosen to forget. He created many immortal arts in his life.¡±


    ¡°Based on some scattered clues from ancient texts, I came to know of the existence of this figure. Perhaps it was done to glorify the human race and immortal arts, but after the reign of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, this figure was hidden away in history.¡±


    ¡°And the immortal arts were also stored in the thirty-six palaces, turned into forbidden arts, no longer passed down. However, ancient records state that during that era, the immortal arts created by this emperor made great contributions to the human race, saving numerous human countries.¡±


    ¡°The rise of any race has light and darkness. This is normal.¡±


    After Old Master Seventh finished speaking, he looked at his two disciples, particularly focusing on Xu Qing, implying a deeper meaning.

 Chapter 727 - 727 The Truth About the Opening of the Immortal Forbidden! (1)

    727 The Truth About the Opening of the Immortal Forbidden! (1)


    ¡°Eldest, Fourth, the two of you should pay your respects.¡±


    Old Master Seventh looked at the statue and slowly spoke.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he was about to bow when the captain suddenly spoke.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for me to bow.¡±


    Xu Qing blinked and stopped bowing. Old Master Seventh frowned and looked at the captain.


    ¡°What are you up to now?¡±


    The captain¡¯s gaze was fanatical as he looked at Old Master Seventh.


    ¡°Master, in my world, you are the supreme being, surpassing all others. While others may bow before the Great Emperor, I bow to you, Master, and you are the true exalted Great Emperor in my heart.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, it¡¯s useless for me to bow down to the other Great Emperors. I only have Master in my heart, so there¡¯s naturally no need for me to bow down to others!¡±


    The captain¡¯s words were matter-of-fact and one couldn¡¯t tell whether he was lying or not. It was as though this was what he thought. After he finished speaking, his face was filled with reverence.


    It was as though his master wasn¡¯t only an emperor but also a god in his heart.


    This became more obvious when his respectful expression was mixed with reverence.


    Hence, this expression could be said to be the peak performance.


    When Old Master Seventh heard this, he snorted. At first glance, his expression was still cold, but upon closer inspection, his brows had relaxed and there was a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.


    Even the gaze he used to look at the captain became much gentler.


    It was as though he felt that although this disciple had many problems, at the end of the day, his attitude was still not bad. Respecting one¡¯s master and knowing the importance of loyalty was a great quality and virtue.


    One flaw couldn¡¯t hide the splendor of the jade.


    At the thought of this, Old Master Seventh calmly spoke.


    ¡°You¡¯re not young anymore, always being cheeky and playful, never serious. Fine, I understand your intentions. If you don¡¯t want to pay respects, then let it be.¡±


    With that, Old Master Seventh looked at the human skin masks in the temple as though he was searching.


    The captain was in high spirits and bowed deeply to Master. After that, he glanced at Xu Qing from the corner of his eyes, filled with pride.


    Xu Qing witnessed all of this with his own eyes and couldn¡¯t help but admire the captain even more. He could tell that before he entered the sect, the captain must have been the favorite of his master.


    After all, most people liked this kind of flattery that was shown in different ways at different times.


    Xu Qing still cupped his fists and bowed once to the statue of the Human Emperor. After that, he bowed three times to Master.


    Bowing once was a form of respect to outsiders.


    Bowing three times is an expression of deep affection towards family ties.


    When the captain saw this scene, he chuckled at Xu Qing.


    The corners of Old Master Seventh¡¯s mouth curled up. He raised his right hand and grabbed upward. Immediately, a human skin mask that was at a higher location was absorbed by him from the inner wall of the temple.


    The human skin mask flew over and landed in Old Master Seventh¡¯s hand.


    That was a young face, with a fierce and savage expression, exuding endless brutality. When held by Old Master Seventh, it emitted a strong desire for flesh and blood, wrapping around his hand as if to devour it.


    ¡°Eldest, this is most suitable for you.¡±


    Old Master Seventh shook his hand and this immortal art human skin mask flew straight for the captain.


    The captain grabbed it.


    The skin mask instantly wrapped around the captain¡¯s right palm. The sound of chewing rang out, as though it was trying to bite it.


    The captain shook it but realized that he couldn¡¯t shake it off.


    Others might be horrified at this moment, after all, their palms were being bitten.


    However, the captain was different. He revealed a curious expression and allowed the mask to envelop his palm and devour it continuously.


    ¡°You actually want to bite me?¡± The captain felt that it was fun and simply moved the hand closer to his face.


    At the next instant, the skin mask sensed something and quickly let go of the captain¡¯s palm, revealing a bloody palm filled with bite marks. After that, it pounced toward the captain¡¯s face with dense malice and greed.


    In the blink of an eye, it enveloped the captain¡¯s face and quickly covered it. Finally, it transformed into a complete mask that was completely worn on the captain¡¯s face.


    The captain¡¯s aura suddenly changed and so did his appearance. He exuded an unfamiliar feeling.


    There was also a cold intent that spread out in all directions, as though he turned into a different person.


    The captain¡¯s body trembled and he closed his eyes.


    This scene caused a strange glint to appear in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. After sensing carefully, his expression froze.


    He discovered that even with his understanding of the captain, he didn¡¯t have the slightest hint of familiarity when he looked at the masked captain.


    In fact, if he hadn¡¯t seen the change in the captain¡¯s appearance with his own eyes, he definitely wouldn¡¯t have been able to recognize him if he encountered him in another place.


    Under this mask, not only did the captain¡¯s aura change, but even the fluctuations of his soul were different.


    ¡°This immortal art human skin mask by itself possesses a certain amount of concealment power.¡± Old Master Seventh looked at his eldest disciple and spoke to Xu Qing.


    When Xu Qing nodded, the captain suddenly opened his eyes. His gaze was unfamiliar. After coldly glancing at Xu Qing, he glanced at Old Master Seventh.


    Xu Qing was expressionless while Old Master Seventh let out a cold snort.


    ¡°You¡¯re still playing! Are you itching for a beating?¡±


    When the captain heard this, he chuckled. Although his aura was still unfamiliar, the familiar feeling returned by quite a bit.


    ¡°Master, Junior Brother, this mask is a little interesting. I can sense that it wants to fuse with my face and contains deep malice. At the same time, countless voices of men, women, old, and young gathered together and shouted two words in my mind.¡±


    ¡°The shout in your mind is the name of the immortal art. Chant it and you can use the immortal art. However, depending on your cultivation level, its strength will differ.¡±

 Chapter 728 - 728 The Truth About the Opening of the Immortal Forbidden! (2)

    728 The Truth About the Opening of the Immortal Forbidden! (2)


    After Old Master Seventh told him how to use it, under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the captain thought about it and said two words.


    ¡°Heavenly Dog!¡±


    The next moment, the captain shuddered, and a large amount of red mist emanated from the mask, enveloping his entire body. As a tremendous aura descended, those mists actually transformed into a giant red dog.


    It was salivating with extreme greed. Its eyes were red, and its heavy breathing was horrifying.


    It looked as though it was extremely hungry and wanted to devour someone.


    When Xu Qing instinctively took a few steps back, the heavenly dog that the captain had transformed into let out a roar, shaking the entire temple and rapidly dissipating. When the captain¡¯s figure reappeared, he took off the mask.


    The process of taking it off wasn¡¯t particularly smooth. One could see countless red threads between the mask and the captain¡¯s face.


    It took a certain amount of strength for the captain to remove the mask.


    However, he wasn¡¯t nervous at all. Instead, he revealed excitement and surprise.


    ¡°Master, this immortal art is perfect. It comes with a storage space. If the thing I eat can¡¯t be digested, it can still be stored. It¡¯s very suitable for me!¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he nodded in deep agreement.


    Old Master Seventh also laughed.


    ¡°It does suit you.¡±


    With that, Old Master Seventh raised his right hand and grabbed at the top of the temple. Immediately, another human skin mask was grabbed by him.


    This was the face of an old man. It was filled with sorrow and wrinkles. Different from the heavenly dog immortal art from before, this human skin mask didn¡¯t have any thoughts of struggle or malice.


    It was quiet and there was a faint sigh that echoed in all directions.


    Old Master Seventh sensed it and shook his head slightly.


    ¡°Fourth, your senior brother¡¯s heavenly dog and this mask are the ones with the highest cultivation levels here. Unfortunately, this one isn¡¯t quite suitable for you, which is a pity. I¡¯ll give you a different one, but the other ones aren¡¯t of as high rank as these two.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he looked at the human skin mask.


    ¡°Master, what immortal art is this?¡±


    ¡°Compassion.¡±


    Old Master Seventh sighed and lifted his head to look at the other masks. At the thought that the eldest¡¯s mask was so good, he felt that it would be inappropriate if Fourth¡¯s mask was inferior.


    When the captain heard this, he stepped forward and handed the heavenly dog mask to Xu Qing.


    ¡°This is for you. Haha, Junior Brother, although this immortal art is not bad, it¡¯s not of much use to me.¡±


    Xu Qing knew that this was the captain¡¯s good intentions and his heart felt warm. He rejected it and looked at his master.


    ¡°Master, what¡¯s the specific effect of the immortal art, compassion?¡±


    ¡°When you wear this human skin mask and activate the immortal art, compassion, you can share half of the damage and pain endured by the person you look at.¡±


    After Old Master Seventh finished explaining, he continued to search for other skin masks, wanting to find an immortal art that was suitable for Xu Qing.


    When the captain heard this, he laughed.


    ¡°Master, what else is there to choose? This is so suitable for me. I¡¯m a very compassionate person.¡±


    Old Master Seventh didn¡¯t listen to the captain¡¯s nonsense, but he knew the recovery speed of his eldest disciple¡¯s body. He also knew that although the two of them usually tricked each other, their relationship was very deep.


    He was about to speak when Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Master, this technique is actually more suitable for me.¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, are you compassionate?¡± The captain was surprised.


    Old Master Seventh also revealed a curious expression.


    ¡°I have a friend. It¡¯s very compassionate.¡± Xu Qing added with a serious expression.


    ¡°Its appearance is also very suitable.¡±


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, the D132 Heavenly Palace body trembled. The lifeless and bored head inside instantly disappeared. Xu Qing moved it outside the Heavenly Palace and threw it to the ground.


    After being suddenly taken out of the Heavenly Palace and thrown to the ground, the head rolled a few times, feeling a little stunned.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Before it could see its surroundings clearly, Xu Qing stepped on it, crushing it.


    The captain and Old Master Seventh were equally stunned.


    ¡°Your friend?¡± The captain glanced at the bloody mud on the ground.


    When Xu Qing nodded, the piece of flesh and blood mud quickly gathered. Very soon, the head appeared again. It looked at Xu Qing with a long face and wailed.


    ¡°Lord, what did I do wrong? I didn¡¯t curse you today.¡±


    Xu Qing was expressionless. With a wave of his hand, he sent it into the Heavenly Palace. He then looked at the captain and master with strange expressions as he spoke seriously.


    ¡°It¡¯s my friend. Very compassionate.¡±


    The captain blinked. Old Master Seventh coughed and passed the benevolent face in his hand to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Since Fourth¡¯s friend is so benevolent, it¡¯s indeed very suitable!¡±


    Xu Qing took the human skin mask and thought about it before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°Master, I still have a few friends who are also benevolent. Since each person can obtain one mask, can they also obtain immortal arts similar to benevolence here?¡±


    When the captain heard Xu Qing¡¯s suggestion, his eyes lit up. As for Old Master Seventh, he fell silent. After a long time, he looked at the faces in the surroundings and finally shook his head.


    ¡°Based on my many years of experience and the things I have gone through, I have learned an important lesson: moderation is key in everything.¡±


    ¡°Especially with these immortal arts, each one carries great consequences and manifests in mysterious ways. The curses and unpredictable methods involved are best avoided, and it¡¯s advisable not to acquire too many of them.¡±


    ¡°Even if every one of your friends took one, in the end, their karma will still be gathered on you, Fourth.¡±


    ¡°Especially if the mask is taken by nonhumans. It may bring about greater karmic consequences or trigger hidden curses that are unknown to us. It¡¯s best to exercise caution in such matters.¡±


    ¡°So, I suggest that the next time you visit a similar place, you can guide someone who you find displeasing to try the mask first, in a similar manner. If that person doesn¡¯t die and no subsequent calamities occur, then you can proceed to take the masks safely.¡±

 Chapter 729 - 729 The Truth About the Opening of the Immortal Forbidden! (3)

    729 The Truth About the Opening of the Immortal Forbidden! (3)


    ¡°Even if you don¡¯t seize them, you can use a similar method if it proves to be safe. After all, the Immortal Arts Hall won¡¯t run, and there isn¡¯t only one palace.¡±


    Old Master Seventh was always steady in his actions. Xu Qing had known this before. Now that he heard these words, he agreed even more and felt that he had learned a little more.


    The captain felt some regret but didn¡¯t dare to refute. However, he more or less felt that the older the old man got, the more timid he became.


    After retrieving the immortal art, Old Master Seventh didn¡¯t stay here. He brought Xu Qing and the captain away from the Immortal Arts Hall. As they walked out, flesh grew back around the temple under the permeation of anomalous substances.


    Within moments, the bloody flesh face that had dissipated in pain and distorted reappeared. It stood there and opened its mouth, as though it was letting out a soundless wail.


    Looking at the face, Old Master Seventh lifted his head and looked at the pitch-black sky that was like a mirror. After a long time, he slowly spoke.


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be long before the Red Moon awakens. The two of you probably won¡¯t obediently return to the location of the army. Forget it, there are still many mystical opportunities in the Immortal Forbidden. Be careful and don¡¯t be too radical.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving to make some arrangements.¡±


    ¡°After you guys explained your plan to me last time, I secretly investigated this matter. After combining it with my analysis, I have made some guesses.¡±


    When Xu Qing and the captain heard this, they immediately listened attentively.


    This was especially so for Xu Qing. He really wanted to know the inside story of the opening of the Immortal Forbidden. He really couldn¡¯t understand the purpose of opening this place at this time and feeding the sleeping god to Red Moon.


    Red Moon was the god of the Black Heaven Race. Now that the Black Heaven Race was fighting against the human race, Xu Qing¡¯s most direct feeling was that they wanted to curry favor with the Red Moon by offering sacrifices to It at this moment.


    What was the point of doing this?


    Due to not having enough information, it was like there was fog in front of him that hid everything.


    ¡°Master¡¯s guess is?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    Old Master Seventh stared in the direction of the core of the palace clusters in the distance, his eyes filled with profound meaning, and spoke in a deep and solemn tone.


    ¡°This matter is unlikely to be the personal action of the Seventh Prince. Although he is a prince and has numerous powerful individuals by his side, with a formidable army at his command, it may seem glorious on the surface. However, the Emperor is still in power and in his prime. Rumors speak of his formidable methods and ambitious aspirations. Even if these are just rumors, there is no smoke without fire. At least for now, the human race is still far from the competition for the throne.¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s gaze became increasingly deep.


    ¡°However, this Seventh Prince is also ruthless and decisive. Regardless of his methods, the ultimate result is that he successfully resolved the crisis of the Imperial City being besieged by the Black Heaven Race and various other factions. This has brought some relief to the situation in the Imperial City.¡±


    ¡°This outcome is advantageous for the Human Emperor and the human race. Even if there were sacrifices and hidden implications along the way, they are not important compared to the overall situation. The greater good takes precedence!¡±


    ¡°However, everything has a bottom line. For example, the Immortal Forbidden is related to the gods, so it¡¯s impossible for the Seventh Prince to make a decision by himself.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, the opening of the Immortal Forbidden is a decree of the Human Emperor. The Seventh Prince is only executing it!¡±


    ¡°With this understanding, the fog can be cleared to some extent.¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s calm voice echoed in Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s ears. The captain seemed to have understood and Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    ¡°If you stand in the position of the Emperor and look at the overall situation, you will realize that what the Human Emperor desires most at present is undoubtedly related to war. Whether it is ending the war or achieving victory in the war, everything revolves around war.¡±


    ¡°Then what can he do to end or win the war?¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes revealed a dark glint, as though it contained eternity.


    ¡°It is to possess a regional war artifact!¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice was resolute.


    ¡°But that alone is far from enough. Behind the Black Heaven Race stands the Red Moon deity. Through the communication and invocation of all the high priests of the Black Heaven Race, with sacrificial rituals, there is a probability that they can summon the projection of the Red Moon.¡±


    ¡°So, the first step is to obtain a regional war artifact that can deter the enemies. However, the second step is to find a way to prevent the Red Moon from descending.¡±


    ¡°Then, how can we stop the Red Moon from descending?¡±


    ¡°Since the human race cannot control the Red Moon and cannot simply rely on passive bargaining with It to determine the fate of the entire race, there will be no trade-off. So, how can we prevent It from coming or delay Its arrival for a very long time?¡±


    Old Master Seventh looked at Xu Qing and the captain.


    ¡°Make the Red Moon unable to descend due to accidents, such as putting it to sleep?¡± Xu Qing suddenly asked. The captain at the side also spoke at the same time.


    ¡°Every time I eat too much, I want to instinctively fall asleep to digest the gains¡­¡±


    After the two of them finished speaking, their eyes widened at the same time. It was as though lightning was rumbling in their minds and they both gasped.


    Old Master Seventh smiled, his eyes revealing wisdom.


    ¡°This is just one piece of evidence, and we cannot be certain that it is indeed the case. Therefore, we need to analyze this matter from another perspective as well.¡±


    ¡°For example, when the Human Emperor is contemplating the answer and the war situation has just eased, he chooses to open the Immortal Forbidden and actively assists in the awakening of the Red Moon parasitizing Zhang Siyun.¡±


    ¡°What you saw before was obscured by mist. Due to the nature and understanding of the god¡¯s finger, It saw Its main body was about to be devoured. However, in reality, Its statement itself has revealed the answer.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, you¡¯re still young after all. Even if your thinking is meticulous, there are still areas where you may overlook certain things.¡±


    Old Master Seventh stared at Xu Qing and spoke earnestly.


    When Xu Qing heard this, many thoughts rose in his mind. He carefully recalled the words of the god¡¯s finger and suddenly spoke.

 Chapter 730 - 730 The Truth About the Opening of the Immortal Forbidden! (4)

    730 The Truth About the Opening of the Immortal Forbidden! (4)


    ¡°Master, do you mean that the god¡¯s finger was sure that the Red Moon wanted to devour Its main body?¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes showed satisfaction as he nodded in agreement.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. With such a firm belief, there can only be one answer: It is convinced that once the Red Moon sees Its true body, It will surely devour It.


    This is Its understanding. In that case, the essence revealed by this understanding is that when gods encounter each other, the stronger ones will devour the weaker ones.¡±


    ¡°Combined with the fact that the god in the Immortal Forbidden is sleeping and has never gone out, the probability of this answer is above 80%.¡±


    ¡°Just like what I told you guys before, after my research, I discovered that there¡¯s actually nothing much about gods. They¡¯re just existences of a higher level than us.¡±


    ¡°When mortals eat too much, they will feel sleepy and be lazy, not wanting to do anything. It¡¯s even more so for cultivators. For example, if the eldest eats too much, he will instinctively fall asleep. It¡¯s the same for me if I eat too much, and it¡¯s the same for you. Even though we don¡¯t go into deep sleep, we still have to enter seclusion to absorb the gains.¡±


    ¡°As for the duration of closed-door cultivation or slumber, it will be determined by the food.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred greatly. The captain kept licking his lips. Clearly, after verifying from two directions, they all pointed to the same answer.


    ¡°Then, is the answer clear now?¡± Old Master Seventh asked softly.


    ¡°The Human Emperor took the initiative to help the Red Moon awaken and send It to the Immortal Forbidden. He wanted It to enter the absorption and digestion stage after devouring the Immortal Forbidden¡¯s god!¡±


    ¡°If anything happens to the Black Heaven Race at this time, the Red Moon won¡¯t care. This is because to It, the Black Heaven Race is just a servant. It¡¯s impossible for It to not eat or sleep because of a servant!¡±


    ¡°And the Red Moon will require a certain amount of time to digest. During this period of time¡­ the Black Heaven Race will no longer have the protection of the god!¡±


    ¡°The Human Emperor is waiting for this opportunity!¡±


    Xu Qing organized his thoughts and quickly spoke. A sense of enlightenment rose in his mind. At this moment, it was as though the world was clear and the clouds had dissipated. His understanding was incomparably clear.


    In fact, under the enlightenment of this thought, the twelfth Heavenly Palace that was forming in his body instantly sped up and was getting closer and closer to perfection.


    As Old Master Seventh guided him step by step, Xu Qing¡¯s perspective expanded like the creation of heaven and earth. His mind was uplifted infinitely, and his understanding and thought process transcended the limitations of the immediate surroundings. He ascended to a higher level of perception, allowing him to have an overarching view of the entire situation.


    Old Master Seventh could have said nothing or directly given the answer. However, doing so would have provided limited improvement to Xu Qing¡¯s understanding.


    Under his guidance, Xu Qing slowly analyzed everything. This breakthrough in understanding was undoubtedly a blessing!


    He was receiving teachings all the time.


    Respect appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He looked at Old Master Seventh and bowed deeply.


    Old Master Seventh had a smile on his face. Seeing that Xu Qing was thoroughly convinced, his heart was filled with pride and a sense of comfort.


    ¡°Then what about the regional war artifact? Master, what do you think? Seize it?¡± The captain was also greatly shocked and looked at his master with reverence.


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s smile froze. He hadn¡¯t thought of the captain¡¯s question, and felt a headache coming on when he saw that Xu Qing was also looking at him inquisitively.


    With the image he had just established, he couldn¡¯t just say that he didn¡¯t know¡­


    ¡®Why does the eldest lack observational skills!¡¯ Old Master Seventh felt displeased, but he didn¡¯t show it on the surface and calmly spoke.


    ¡°I have long judged this matter.¡±


    ¡°But not everything can be directly told by me. Consider this matter as a homework assignment for you. Ponder over it, and I will see which one of you shows more comprehension. I will reward the one who excels.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded, feeling even more admiration for his master.


    The captain was a little suspicious and glanced at his master.


    Seeing that Chen Erniu was about to speak, Old Master Seventh snorted inwardly and made a mental note. After that, he took out a translucent human skin mask and handed it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°This item is an immortal art I obtained in an Immortal Art Hall many years ago. It has only one use, and that is concealment. Extreme concealment.¡±


    ¡°Fourth, the moment the Red Moon wakes up, wear this human skin mask immediately. This is the first level of concealment but it¡¯s not safe yet. Remember to find a place with a lot of flesh and blood immediately and dig a pit to bury yourself. Hide under the aura of the sleeping god. This is the second level of concealment.


    You yourself have some methods. This is the third level of concealment. My concealment divine technique will also augment you. This is your fourth level of concealment!¡±


    ¡°With all these, as long as the Red Moon doesn¡¯t specially search for you here with all Its might, you¡¯ll be fine for a short period of time. When the Red Moon wakes up, It will definitely be attracted by the sleeping god, so you will be okay as long as you are cautious.¡±


    ¡°However, remember one thing. After you wear the mask, you can¡¯t move. Your cultivation level isn¡¯t high enough. If you move, there will be a flaw in the concealment.¡±


    Upon hearing his master¡¯s words, warmth rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. He lowered his head and bowed.


    ¡°Master, please take care of yourself as well.¡±


    Old Master Seventh smiled and his eyes revealed satisfaction. He deeply admired Fourth¡¯s emphasis on relationships.


    He lifted his right hand and patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder. After augmenting him, he turned to leave.


    The captain hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Master, what about me?¡±


    Old Master Seventh glanced at him in disdain.


    ¡°Compared to the sleeping god, who would care about your aura?¡±


    Even so, Old Master Seventh still waved his hand and used the concealment divine technique to augment the captain. After that, with a sway, he disappeared from this place.


    Seeing that his master had left, the captain let out a long sigh of relief. He then looked at Xu Qing with shining eyes.


    ¡°Little Qing, on the way here, I saw something good. At that time, the old man moved too quickly, so I didn¡¯t speak. Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go and see what that thing is.¡±

 Chapter 731 - 731 Hand That Can Create All Things (1)

    731 Hand That Can Create All Things (1)


    Seeing the captain¡¯s eyes shining, Xu Qing was about to nod. However, at that moment, a cold snort rang out from beside the two of them.


    ¡°What good thing? Also, when did I become an old man?¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and the captain¡¯s expression also changed. The two of them instinctively looked in the direction of the familiar voice.


    The void distorted and their master¡¯s figure was revealed.


    ¡°This is your second lesson. Sometimes, what you see might not be true. In the future, wait till you are out of a certain range before you discuss things.¡±


    Old Master Seventh calmly spoke.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and remained silent, while the captain pulled a long face. Neither of them expected that their master had actually stayed hidden nearby when he had clearly left.


    ¡°Alright, I just remembered that Fourth¡¯s cultivation is about to break through, so I came back to remind him.¡±


    ¡°Fourth, it¡¯s not a hard thing for you to break through to the Nascent Soul realm. However, the Heavenly Mandate Nascent Soul is a stage in cultivation that requires attracting the heavenly tribulation five times. Each time you experience it, it becomes more formidable.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. He had some understanding of this.


    ¡°However, in the Nascent Soul realm, the increase in combat strength is only secondary. The key is to accumulate enough heavenly mandates through the heavenly tribulations, which will be crucial for Spirit Repository.¡±


    ¡°According to my experience, every time the heavenly tribulation is activated with many nascent souls, although the might of the heavenly tribulation will be extremely high, once you succeed, you will obtain a lot of heavenly mandates.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, if you get any good fortune in this Immortal Forbidden, don¡¯t be in a hurry to attract the heavenly tribulation. I¡¯ll tell you the details later.¡±


    Old Master Seventh reminded him and glared at the captain before turning to disappear.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. This content was something he didn¡¯t know about in the past.


    While he was deep in thought, the captain blinked and pulled Xu Qing away quickly. He only heaved a sigh of relief after they had walked far away.


    ¡°Master is too good to us. Little Qing, I think I¡¯ve gained more understanding through this lesson.¡±


    ¡°I feel the same way.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and deeply agreed.


    ¡°We can¡¯t repay Master¡¯s love in this life.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, we have to work even harder and strive to protect Master in the future!¡± Xu Qing said solemnly.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Junior Brother. We should use this as our target!¡± The captain¡¯s face lit up. He spoke as he walked with Xu Qing.


    Several hours later, they looked at each other.


    ¡°He shouldn¡¯t be around anymore, right?¡±


    ¡°I think so¡­¡± Xu Qing surveyed his surroundings.


    ¡°This old man is unpredictable!¡± The captain smiled bitterly and said in a low voice.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go to the place I mentioned earlier. There must be something good there!¡±


    With that, the two of them quickly left.


    Time slowly passed.


    Three days had passed since the opening of the Immortal Forbidden.


    In these three days, the first group of hundreds of thousands of human cultivators had already established a safe area of 500 kilometers.


    Compared to the entire Immortal Forbidden, this range was extremely inconspicuous. Even in the eastern region, this range was only a hundredth of its territory.


    This Immortal Forbidden, which was formerly one of the thirty-six palaces of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, was enormous.


    This was understandable. After all, every palace of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether was actually a small world.


    And because the god was in a deep sleep, this place had never been fully explored since ancient times. It contained numerous rare treasures, ancient texts, and possibly even remnants of the ancestral heritage of the human race.


    Even though they were invaded by the anomalous substances, it wasn¡¯t like they couldn¡¯t be used.


    Moreover, the current Wanggu Continent¡¯s research on anomalous substances was already profound and they possessed methods to dispel anomalous substances. For instance, they used these methods to expel anomalous substances from the Taboo magic treasures.


    Hence, the Imperial Capital naturally attached great importance to this Immortal Forbidden. It wasn¡¯t something that could be completely opened in a short period of time.


    According to the plan, the Immortal Forbidden would continue to be excavated for months until they finally explored the surroundings and pushed to the palace in the center step by step.


    The prerequisite for all of this was that there were no more gods here.


    At that moment, the captain and Xu Qing were standing 50 kilometers away from that safe area. They were resting on the roof of a tall palace.


    In these three days, they searched many places in the surroundings and obtained some gains. They also saw many palaces breaking down. It seemed that the reason was because the sealed environment here had been broken.


    They also encountered many dangers in this exploration.


    For example, the good thing the captain had mentioned was actually a huge statue that was breaking down after being invaded by the anomalous substances.


    When the two of them got close, this statue actually came alive.


    It was extremely dangerous.


    Fortunately, the concealment Old Master Seventh had given them had extraordinary effects, and the two were able to avoid it with thumping hearts.


    After this incident, the captain sighed repeatedly. The feeling of seeing fat meat but not being able to eat it made the captain¡¯s eyes turn redder and redder.


    Along the way, they faced numerous challenges and setbacks until they finally arrived at a peculiar palace, but they were unable to enter it.


    Hence, after many failed attempts, the two of them were currently resting on a relatively safe rooftop five kilometers away from the palace.


    The captain was still gritting his teeth as all kinds of thoughts ran through his mind.


    ¡°Little Qing, this place is too vast, and our information is too limited. But I have a feeling that there must be treasures inside that palace, otherwise, there wouldn¡¯t be four statues covered by flesh in the surroundings.¡±


    When the captain¡¯s voice rang out, Xu Qing was looking at the area opened up by the human army in the distance.


    The anomalous substances in that area had already been expelled and were isolated by a barrier formed by an array formation. Looking around, in the dim world, the only resplendent light shone in the safe zone.

 Chapter 732 - 732 Hand That Can Create All Things (2)

    732 Hand That Can Create All Things (2)


    Although the surroundings were enveloped by anomalous substances, the barrier could hold for some time.


    Through the light barrier, one could see several peculiar buildings inside, shaped like triangles and constructed entirely of spirit stones. They resembled towering spires, emanating astonishing energy fluctuations while maintaining an invisible connection between each other.


    It was like a huge array formation.


    Teams could be seen coming and going, intermittently, consisting of cultivators like Xu Qing and the captain who had accepted exploration missions.


    Apart from that, the items inside the palaces within 500 kilometers had been moved out, and their appearances have been modified to become part of the formation.


    And the most astonishing thing was that there are nine colossal white crystals floating in the sky, each with a size of a hundred thousand feet, resembling mountains.


    These nine crystals were brought by General Blood Nightmare. Originally, they weren¡¯t that big, but in the past three days, they had become increasingly large.


    They floated in the air like nine black holes, absorbing anomalous substances.


    To be precise, it wasn¡¯t absorbing but filtering.


    The anomalous substances were drawn into them, assimilated, and then dissipated.


    In this cyclic process, faint golden threads were formed within the white crystals.


    ¡°Absorbing the divine essence that is drifting in the anomalous substances?¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    He didn¡¯t know the final usage of these nine mountain-like crystals, but according to the understanding his master had expanded for him, they might be prepared for the battle at the front line.


    ¡°Stop looking at that. It has nothing to do with us. Little Qing, I have an idea!¡± The captain suddenly sat up and pulled Xu Qing as he spoke in a low voice.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze from the distant world and turned to look at the captain.


    ¡°You¡¯re still thinking about that palace?¡±


    ¡°Of course! The palaces we¡¯ve seen in the past few days without any guardians are just trash. The ones guarded by one statue are okay, but it is the only one guarded by four statues!¡±


    ¡°Although it¡¯s nothing compared to the sleeping god, since we¡¯re here, we have to get something good ourselves.¡±


    The captain licked his lips and madness appeared in his eyes.


    The image of the special palace that the captain had been eyeing came to mind for Xu Qing. It had four corners, each with a statue infested with flesh and blood. Though they had partially dissipated, most of their bodies were still intact.


    The fluctuations emitted by them were astonishing.


    As for the palace guarded by those statues, its design was also different, not resembling a typical palace, but rather a square shape.


    Xu Qing remembered that there were numerous ventilation holes on the roof, about the thickness of fingers.


    Those holes were peculiar as they were not covered by flesh and blood, clearly avoided by it.


    As for what was inside that square palace, Xu Qing had no idea. Xu Qing had tried using the shadow, but the shadow couldn¡¯t approach that area. That palace seemed to block any attempts at probing.


    ¡°Actually, after the Red Moon wakes up and the sleeping god here is devoured, it will be much easier to enter there. Must we do it now?¡± Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    ¡°At that time, there will be even more people searching. Even if we get it, we won¡¯t be able to protect it. Moreover, most of the palaces here have begun to break down. I¡¯m afraid we won¡¯t be able to wait anymore. Also, Little Qing, according to my intuition, the treasures there are extraordinary!¡±


    The captain licked his lips.


    ¡°My plan is very simple. We¡¯ll make another trip later. Just like last time, you can absorb the anomalous substances in the surroundings there and attract the attention of the statues. After the four statues leave, I¡¯ll go in and get the things!¡±


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you unable to open the door last time?¡±


    Xu Qing asked. They had already tried this method before. Xu Qing took a huge risk here but the captain couldn¡¯t even open the door.


    ¡°It¡¯s different this time. I have a solution. At most, I¡¯ll risk it!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes were red as he gritted his teeth and spoke.


    Xu Qing fell silent. Seeing that the captain was so persistent, he nodded.


    ¡°Thirty breaths at most.¡±


    ¡°No problem!¡± The captain was excited and pulled Xu Qing over hurriedly. Xu Qing took a deep breath and decided not to rest anymore. He was also very curious about the items in the special palace.


    Just like that, the two of them quickly left the roof and sped into the distance.


    They went all out in concealment. After about fifteen minutes, a black square-shaped palace appeared in their eyes.


    Looking at the flesh and blood-infested statues standing at the four corners of the palace and sensing the terrifying energy fluctuations coming from them, Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s breathing became much lighter. The two of them looked at each other and split up.


    Xu Qing rushed out rapidly. A portion of the suppressed absorption power in his body spread out. Immediately, the anomalous substances in the surroundings headed straight for him and gushed into his body through the pores on his body.


    That feeling of extreme comfort was infatuating, as though his soul was about to float up. The continuous strengthening of his body made him instinctively not want to reject this comfort.


    Those with weak wills would easily be immersed in it in an instant and ignore everything.


    Even Xu Qing had to use a lot of willpower to maintain his calm.


    As he absorbed them, the golden threads in his body quivered, emitting an intense desire. They continued extending and expanding. In fact, Xu Qing felt that his body seemed to have grown a little larger.


    At the same time, the statues outside the black square palace lifted their heads one after another. On their distorted faces that were covered in flesh, their eyes lit up with red light.


    At the next instant, they moved at the same time.


    Xu Qing sensed it and his heart trembled. He took out the mask his master had given him and held it in his hand. As he rapidly absorbed, he silently calculated the time. In just over ten breaths of time, a sense of calamity descended from the sky.

 Chapter 733 - 733 Hand That Can Create All Things (3)

    733 Hand That Can Create All Things (3)


    When the life-and-death crisis erupted intensely, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate to put on the mask and crawled into the ground covered by flesh and blood, not moving at all.


    His face tensed up and all traces of him were covered.


    At the next instant, rumbling sounds echoed out as four terrifying energy fluctuations spread out, as though they were instinctively searching.


    However, after Xu Qing put on the mask, as long as he didn¡¯t move, he could maintain a highly concealed state. Hence, in the perception of the four statues that only had instincts left, Xu Qing didn¡¯t exist.


    He and the captain had tested it before and discovered that if he moved while wearing the mask, it would be fine if he was far away. If he was close, the four statues could still vaguely sense him.


    This point was different from the statues they had seen in the few palaces they had been to before. This also showed how special this black square palace was.


    ¡°I hope the captain can succeed.¡±


    While Xu Qing was muttering inwardly, the captain was speeding crazily. Taking advantage of the statues being attracted away, he headed straight for the black palace.


    This time, the captain didn¡¯t attempt to open the door. Instead, after he got close, he headed straight for the roofs that were filled with countless small holes. After he arrived, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. His eyes were filled with madness as his body suddenly shook.


    His body directly disintegrated bizarrely, transforming into thousands of finger-sized meat strips that entered through the ventilation holes.


    These small ventilation holes clearly couldn¡¯t be so simple. They contained a terrifying restriction power and instantly erupted, causing a large number of meat strips to collapse.


    The remaining ones squirmed at the front and transformed into the captain¡¯s face. They were like human-faced worms that kept biting, trying to break through the restrictions.


    However, the restrictions here were too strong. Very soon, more than 90% of the captain¡¯s meat strips collapsed. When there were less than 30 left, every worm spat out an incomplete token that was filled with an ancient aura.


    They were the Ancient Dao Seal Decrees.


    They emitted a faint yellow light, causing the structure of the 30-odd human-faced worms to change and reveal the luster of crystals. Although more than half of them still collapsed, four of them successfully entered.


    After they landed through the small holes in the roof, they saw the inside scene.


    In the entire palace, there was only one item placed in the center.


    The surroundings were empty.


    This item was a severed arm.


    It was a thousand feet long.


    The severed position appears to have undergone excessive tissue growth, forming a large tumor-like mass with numerous tentacles protruding from it, swaying in the surroundings.


    As for the five fingers of the arm, they were in an extended state, and within the palm, there was a gaping mouth with numerous sharp spikes crisscrossing inside, partially hidden from view.


    ¡°What the hell is this!¡±


    In the hall, the captain¡¯s exclamation rang out from the mouths of the four crystal worms. After that, the four crystal worms quickly fused together and transformed into a small crystal person.


    It was the captain¡¯s figure.


    However, his face wasn¡¯t that of the captain but a human skin mask that revealed malevolence and greed.


    He immediately chanted and used the heavenly dog immortal art.


    At the next instant, a huge dog appeared in the hall. With endless greed, it swallowed the severed arm.


    After that, the crystal figure separated again, transforming into four worms that headed straight for the small holes above and crawled out madly. However, 30 breaths of time had passed by now.


    The four statues that had failed to find Xu Qing had already rushed back.


    Under their pressure, the restrictions of the black palace seemed to be slightly enhanced.


    As the captain struggled to squeeze through the narrow passage, he ultimately got stuck within the restrictive barrier. He was trapped, unable to move up or down. With the eruption of the barrier, a force of destruction enveloped him, and he became increasingly anxious.


    Just as this happened, a sudden wave of energy, indicating the absorption of anomalous substances, emanated from a distance. The four statues shook violently and quickly turned back. Amidst the resounding echoes, the captain took the opportunity to make a sudden charge forward.


    Finally, all four crystal worms emerged and merged into a small figure, swiftly dashing forward to escape.


    After about fifteen minutes, everything returned to normal. The four statues returned and stood in the corners motionlessly.


    At the agreed meeting place with the captain, Xu Qing was crouched there, looking disheveled and spitting out blood, still trembling from the shock.


    Previously, when he saw that the captain hadn¡¯t returned, he knew that something had gone wrong. Hence, he attracted the statues again. Although he hid in time, the statues went crazy and bombarded the surroundings.


    Although Xu Qing was hidden, he was still affected.


    Xu Qing suddenly turned his head and caught sight of a rapidly approaching crystal figure, recognizing the face of the captain on it.


    Before Xu Qing could ask, the captain¡¯s body swayed and he grew rapidly. Very soon, he transformed back into his original self. However, his face was pale and he was extremely weak. He lay on the ground and panted. However, his eyes were filled with excitement.


    ¡°Fortunately, I have the decree. Otherwise, I would be finished this time. However¡­ it was worth it!¡±


    Seeing that the captain was fine, Xu Qing heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡°What was inside?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what it is either, but I feel that it¡¯s a huge treasure.¡± The captain panted heavily and took out the human skin mask with a smug expression. After putting it on his face, he transformed into the heavenly dog and spat out.


    As the heavenly dog¡¯s throat continued to squirm, a large amount of saliva splattered down. A thousand-foot-long severed arm was directly spat out and fell to the ground.


    Before Xu Qing could take a closer look, the large mouth in the palm of the severed arm suddenly opened and swallowed the captain who was closest to it.

 Chapter 734 - 734 Hand That Can Create All Things (4)

    734 Hand That Can Create All Things (4)


    The captain¡¯s figure was instantly swallowed.


    The sudden turn of events startled Xu Qing, and his expression changed. His right hand produced a dagger, and he swiftly slashed it towards the severed arm.


    However, his invincible dagger didn¡¯t have the slightest effect this time around. Not only was it unable to cut through the palm, but the counteracting force emitted by it sent Xu Qing back.


    His eyes darkened and he immediately activated the poison in his body. Just as he was about to poison the palm, the five fingers of the palm suddenly shone with different colors of light. As they circulated, cracking sounds echoed.


    The colorful lights flowed from the fingers to the arm and converged on the swollen mass, causing it to radiate with dazzling brilliance. Then, the lights returned to the fingers once again.


    Immediately after, five ribbons of light spread out from these five fingers and floated in the air, rapidly circling each other, outlining the shape of a heart.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. These five ribbons of light seemed to be weaving. Under Xu Qing¡¯s dumbfounded gaze, in just three to five breaths of time, a five-colored peach actually appeared in front of him.


    Immediately after, the light on the fingers dissipated and returned to normal. The palm opened wide and spat out the captain¡¯s body.


    ¡°Supreme treasure! Little Qing, come and eat!¡±


    After the captain got up, he looked at the peach floating in the air with an extremely excited expression. After letting out a cry of surprise, he rushed over and bit at the peach.


    Xu Qing hesitated but didn¡¯t move.


    As for the peach, it shook and the light on it dimmed. Under the captain¡¯s bite, it collapsed and turned into black water that emitted a rotting smell that landed in the captain¡¯s mouth.


    The captain¡¯s expression changed and he immediately retched. His face was still filled with disbelief and confusion.


    ¡°How could this be? Damn it, this thing is a lie. It asked me what I wanted and I said I wanted a peach that would allow me to achieve Soul Accumulation after eating it.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was strange. He looked at the black water all over the ground and then at the palm. Finally, his gaze landed on the dejected captain.


    ¡°Captain, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, I was deceived!¡± The captain gritted his teeth.


    ¡°After this thing swallowed me, a voice inside asked me what I wanted to make. It said that it could use life force to create all things. After I made the request, it made this trash.¡±


    The more the captain spoke, the angrier he became. He went up and kicked the arm. However, he still wasn¡¯t appeased. He simply opened his mouth and bit down fiercely.


    However, immediately after, he let out a blood-curdling scream. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He saw the captain¡¯s teeth falling out and gasped.


    ¡°So tough!!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes also widened as he looked at the severed arm. There was only a bite mark on it but the skin wasn¡¯t broken.


    ¡°To be able to make my teeth break, this thing isn¡¯t simple. Could it be that I used it wrongly? Little Qing, you try it.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He walked up and took a look. He then lifted his hand and pressed it on the large mouth of the palm. At the next instant, the large mouth opened and a huge suction force spread out. Xu Qing didn¡¯t dodge and allowed the suction force to envelop him before he was swallowed.


    A moment later, the five fingers of the palm shone again. A five-colored ribbon of light flew out and began to weave. Very soon, a mirror appeared in the air.


    It was the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo magic treasure.


    Regardless of appearance or aura, it looked genuine.


    When the captain saw this scene, anticipation appeared in his eyes. At that moment, the broken palm opened its mouth and Xu Qing¡¯s body was spat out. The instant he appeared, he immediately looked at the mirror in the air.


    Previously, after he was swallowed, he appeared in a blood-colored space. A calm voice rang out in his ears, telling him that he could use his life force to create all things.


    Hence, Xu Qing created this mirror. At the same time, he discovered that his life wasn¡¯t sucked away. It was as though this severed arm was already damaged and had lost the ability to absorb.


    Looking at the mirror, Xu Qing lifted his hand and grabbed. Immediately, the mirror arrived before him. The instant it touched it, it turned into black water that splashed all over the ground.


    Xu Qing frowned and the captain sighed.


    ¡°We¡¯ve made a loss this time!¡±


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, do you think during the era of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, this severed arm could really create all things?¡±


    The captain thought about it and nodded.


    ¡°It should have been damaged because it was seriously invaded by the anomalous substances for too long. However, if that¡¯s the case, this thing is indeed a supreme treasure. No, I have to try again.¡±


    As the captain spoke, he immediately approached the severed arm and was devoured many times. He tried again and again and made all kinds of items. There were even mortal items, but none of them could be truly used. They all turned into black water.


    Xu Qing also tried a few times, but the result was the same.


    However, after many experiments, the two of them figured out another way to use this palm. After being devoured, if they didn¡¯t create items, they could use it as a shelter.


    Its sturdiness was incomparably astonishing. The two of them probed and finally made a judgment.


    ¡°This sturdiness has already reached the Nihility realm!¡±


    The captain took another bite and said with extreme certainty.


    Xu Qing nodded and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°The material of this thing isn¡¯t flesh and blood. It¡¯s more like a specially forged tool. It¡¯s very suitable as a shield.¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes lit up again. He finally felt a little better and felt that he hadn¡¯t made a loss this time.


    ¡°Haha, this item will be our shield and Ning Yan will be the hammer. Perfect!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Junior Brother. We¡¯ll carry this hand and go to other places to take a look.¡±


    Xu Qing also felt that using this item as a shield, combined with their concealment, was indeed suitable for this place.


    As a result, in the fog of this Immortal Forbidden, one could see a thousand-foot-long severed arm rapidly moving forward on the ground.


    The five fingers of the severed arm had already been bent by Xu Qing and the captain with all their might. They even lifted it and smashed it on the ground, finally forming a clenched fist.


    With it covering them, Xu Qing and the captain felt a sufficient sense of security.


    Just like that, time flowed by. As the two of them continued to search, the fourth day arrived.


    The human army here had opened an escape path, which wasn¡¯t mandatory but voluntary.


    Some left, while others chose to stay and continue exploring. On the night of the fourth day, the second group of the human army arrived.


    The second group of people who descended was mainly the Imperial City¡¯s army. There were even more black-robed people among them. After they arrived, they quickly spread out and entered the unknown area of the Immortal Forbidden.


    Xu Qing and the captain, who were almost 250 kilometers away from the safe zone of the human race, didn¡¯t see all of this.


    However, they weren¡¯t too far away after all. Although they couldn¡¯t see it with their eyes, the signal towers built in the safe zone could still transmit some notices to the command sword within a certain range.


    At that moment, as the command sword vibrated, Xu Qing and the captain learned about the arrival of the second group. They also learned that three days later, the third group would descend.


    On this night, a strange light red color appeared in the sky of the Immortal Forbidden.


    It was slowly spreading.


    An intense palpitation rose in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    There was also a Heavenly Dao warning that was transmitted intensely in his sea of consciousness.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, we have to hurry. I have a feeling that the Red Moon¡­ is about to awaken. The time should be when the third group arrives in three days.¡± Xu Qing sat on the severed arm and spoke solemnly.


    The captain squatted at the side and nodded. After that, he pointed ahead and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Junior Brother, look over there. I didn¡¯t pay much attention earlier. I just realized that there¡¯s actually such a place here.¡±


    Xu Qing turned his head and saw a cluster of palaces surrounded by flesh and blood walls.


    ¡°Look, they¡¯re still intact. They¡¯re different from what we encountered previously and haven¡¯t begun to dissipate and decay. Although flesh and blood are enveloping them, they somewhat resemble the form of a phoenix. Could it be the residential area of a certain concubine of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether?¡±


    ¡°Female cultivators usually like to bathe and be clean. If it is really the residence of the concubine, do you think there will be a place like the immortal pool there? Will there be some clothes and items like the ones in Nether Fairy¡¯s cave abode? Also jewelry and so on¡­¡±


    ¡°There should also be ornaments. There are usually a lot of these trinkets in the residences of female cultivators. Just recall Nether Fairy. Those are all treasures.¡±


    The captain¡¯s breathing was hurried and his eyes were shining.


    ¡°Besides, this is the eastern district. I don¡¯t study much, so I¡¯m not very clear about it. However, I feel that the lady residing in the eastern palace must be extraordinary!¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his gaze also froze. At that moment, the dry cough of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor rang out in his mind.


    ¡°Master, um¡­ according to the books I read about palace battles, most of the people living in the eastern palace seem to be the empress, crown prince, and princess¡­¡±

 Chapter 735 - 735 Purple Mystic Supreme Clarity Lantern (1)

    735 Purple Mystic Supreme Clarity Lantern (1)


    Upon hearing the voice transmission from the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, Xu Qing looked up and glanced at the distant palace, deep in thought. He then turned to look at the captain and noticed the excitement on his face and in his eyes, as if it was about to overflow.


    This was different from the madness when he saw treasures in the past.


    ¡®Last time at Nether Fairy¡¯s place, Eldest Senior Brother showed the same expression. He seems to have an intense obsession with taking away female cultivators¡¯ items.¡¯


    Xu Qing was surprised and couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    When the captain heard this, he smiled proudly.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand. Let me tell you, Little Qing, this is my experience. Female cultivators have the most treasures around them. The more outstanding and beautiful a female cultivator is, the more they are likely to have valuable treasures. Countless people will line up to give them gifts. I saw many similar scenes in my previous lives.¡±


    ¡°Think back to Nether Fairy¡¯s abode. Wasn¡¯t it like this? There were countless treasures.¡±


    The countless treasures in Nether Fairy¡¯s cave abode appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind and he deeply agreed.


    ¡°I feel ashamed of the act of trying to please those female cultivators by giving them gifts, so I secretly made a vow in the past to help them share the burden of the gifts.¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, what is the most important thing in being a good person? It is kindness and helping others! So our actions are driven by kindness!¡±


    The captain spoke earnestly.


    Xu Qing was stunned for a moment. Although he felt a little strange, regardless of whether it was his tone or expression, the captain was very certain. It seemed to make sense.


    ¡°You¡¯re still too young. You definitely won¡¯t go wrong by listening to me. I¡¯m your Eldest Senior Brother. How can I trick you?¡±


    The captain patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We still have at least three days. After the third group descends, the Red Moon will probably awaken. We¡¯ll strive to get more good things in these three days. Let¡¯s go and see what treasures are in these palaces first.¡±


    The captain licked his lips and called out to Xu Qing. The two of them held onto the severed arm and moved closer to the phoenix palaces.


    Because the Red Moon could wake up at any time, Xu Qing didn¡¯t continue asking and moved forward at full speed.


    Just like that, the severed arm moved rapidly on the flesh and blood ground and got closer and closer to the phoenix palaces. A while later, the severed arm suddenly stopped.


    Xu Qing and the captain simultaneously felt a sense of danger coming from ahead.


    Through the gaps between the fingers of the severed arm, they could see a flesh city wall ahead, encircling the area and creating a boundary between the inside and outside.


    The range of the flesh city wall wasn¡¯t small, and it housed nine phoenix palaces.


    There were no guardian statues. There weren¡¯t even roars of the mutated beasts here.


    ¡°It¡¯s too quiet,¡± Xu Qing said softly.


    ¡°Something is fishy.¡± The captain nodded.


    The two of them looked at each other. Xu Qing immediately gave the shadow an order. In an instant, the shadow under him spread forward to investigate. As for the captain, he raised his hand and directly bit off a finger.


    After spitting it out, his finger transformed into a crystal worm and rushed forward rapidly.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised by this. On the way, he had seen the captain do this many times.


    This was their respective scouting techniques. By cooperating with each other, they could search for the source of danger in many directions and avoid danger.


    Just like that, time slowly passed. When Xu Qing¡¯s shadow got closer to the city wall outside the phoenix palaces, the worm formed by the captain¡¯s finger had already reached the flesh city wall from another direction.


    It leaped over, but in an instant, a purple light flashed.


    The crystal worm¡¯s body paused in mid-air and was sliced into several pieces as though an invisible sharp blade had appeared.


    The life force of this worm was powerful. Even though it was torn apart, it quickly transformed into individual entities and continued to rush over. However, the arrangements in this area were not ordinary. Soon, the power of the restrictions erupted, instantly reducing the worms to ashes.


    The ashes were then dispersed by a rejection force.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. After the captain¡¯s worm turned to ashes, there was actually a sealing power that erupted from it, directly enveloping the place where the worm dissipated.


    The void twisted, and an eye manifested, only to be instantly suppressed and shattered.


    The captain let out a muffled groan and spat out a mouthful of blood, frowning.


    ¡°Why is there still a restraining force? Little Qing, this place isn¡¯t simple!¡±


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s scouting also encountered an obstacle. As soon as the shadow touched the flesh and blood city wall, a tragic cry rang out from the shadow. Its body was actually severed.


    However, the shadow was relentless. Even when severed, its remaining part on the wall self-destructed immediately, dispersing into numerous fragments, spreading out in all directions, attempting to explore a large area.


    However, this action seemed to have triggered a deeper level of restrictions here. In the next moment, the surroundings within the flesh and blood wall became blurred, and a terrifying wave of energy swept out from within, erupting with a resounding boom.


    Moreover, a purple light shimmered from within, and wherever it passed, the shadow that had been severed and dispersed into countless fragments emitted a mournful and desperate scream before being completely obliterated.


    The light even spread out toward the outside as it traced the shadow back to its origin.


    The purple light instantly became resplendent and shot out. There was also a cold intent that invaded the surroundings faster than the purple light.


    It descended.


    As the purple light enveloped everything before them, turning the world into a dense blackness, both Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s faces turned pale. The darkness swallowed their vision, leaving them momentarily blinded.


    Just as the two of them were about to dodge, the purple light suddenly paused and reversed, causing Xu Qing and the captain to see the world in front of them once again as the brightness returned to their eyes.

 Chapter 736 - 736 Purple Mystic Supreme Clarity Lantern (2)

    736 Purple Mystic Supreme Clarity Lantern (2)


    The remaining part of the shadow outside the blood and flesh city wall escaped the disaster and returned to Xu Qing¡¯s side, trembling with a sense of grievance and fear, conveying its emotions.


    ¡°Can¡¯t¡­ enter.¡±


    At this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was filled with strangeness as he stared intently at the courtyard shrouded by the blood and flesh city wall. A tremendous wave surged within him, and his eyes carried an air of incredulity.


    The captain¡¯s breathing was heavy.


    ¡°Junior Brother, this is a little troublesome. I wonder who lived here back then. It really restrains me, especially that purple light just now¡­¡±


    Before the captain could finish speaking, Xu Qing suddenly interrupted.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, I feel that this place¡­ looks a little familiar. Also, did you hear it just now?¡±


    The captain started and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Familiar? Hear what?¡±


    ¡°There was a sigh in that purple light earlier,¡± Xu Qing said softly.


    The captain¡¯s expression changed. He grabbed Xu Qing¡¯s arm and spoke solemnly.


    ¡°Junior brother, in this world, the knowledge we have of other races is not comprehensive. After the appearance of the fragmented-face of the god, there have been numerous unknown and terrifying entities. The gods are just a part of it, and there are other indescribable existences. Don¡¯t be fooled by my madness. In fact, before I took you on those major tasks, I had prepared extensive information and clues in advance. However, this Immortal Forbidden is different.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have much information about this place, but generally speaking, when you encounter something that only you can hear and others cannot, it usually indicates extreme danger. Especially considering that a special being as me did not hear anything, there must be a significant issue involved here.¡±


    The captain¡¯s expression was solemn.


    ¡°We won¡¯t enter it for now. We¡¯ll wait for the god to die first before deciding if we should explore after seeing the situation.¡±


    It was extremely rare for the captain to say such things.


    To be able to make the captain choose to give up on the fatty meat for the time being, it also indirectly showed that this place was extraordinary.


    Xu Qing nodded. Just as he was about to leave with the captain, he swept his gaze across that area from the corner of his eyes. His body suddenly trembled. In the courtyard enveloped by flesh and blood, a figure vaguely appeared in the purple light.


    It was a woman.


    She wore a long purple dress and looked like a blooming violet in the faint light. At the same time, she stood there alone and silently looked at Xu Qing.


    That familiar gaze caused waves of shock to surge in Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Junior Brother!¡±


    The captain sensed that Xu Qing was in a daze and his expression changed. He tugged at Xu Qing forcefully.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body shook. He looked at the captain and then turned his head to look at the location of the familiar figure. There was nothing there. The purple figure had disappeared.


    Even the entire area enveloped by the flesh and blood city wall began to blur. He could vaguely see that it was decaying and about to cease to exist.


    This scene wasn¡¯t an exception. In reality, it wasn¡¯t just here. On their way here, Xu Qing and the captain had seen such scenes more than once.


    It was as though after the ancient seal was opened, the aura of the external world gushed in, affecting the environment here. Everything that shouldn¡¯t have existed for so long began to return to its origin and was about to turn into nothingness.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was a little blank as he mumbled softly.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, did you see her?¡±


    Seeing Xu Qing like this, the captain became anxious. He hadn¡¯t seen anything.


    ¡°Junior Brother, we¡¯re not going to explore anymore. Let¡¯s go back. We¡¯ll go back now. Something¡¯s wrong with you!¡±


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Xu Qing said softly.


    He looked at the place that was decaying and gradually turning blurry. He recalled everything he had sensed, heard, and seen previously. He also sensed that his Heavenly Dao didn¡¯t give any warning about the danger here, so he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, do me a favor.¡±


    ¡°What are you trying to do!¡± The captain had a premonition and his expression changed.


    ¡°That place is about to decay and dissipate. After the god dies, this place should completely disappear¡­ So, I want to go in and take a look now. Wait for me outside.¡±


    ¡°I refuse!¡± The captain shook his head.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t go in and take a look, the doubts in my heart will continue to stay. Moreover, my Heavenly Dao isn¡¯t giving any warning about it. It should be safe.¡± Xu Qing stared at the captain.


    After a long time, the captain let out a long sigh.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go together!¡±


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, the power there restrains you. Although it¡¯s dissipating now, it still has a considerable impact on you. Besides, if we go together, I won¡¯t be able to enter.¡±


    After Xu Qing persuaded him a little, the captain reluctantly agreed. Xu Qing took a deep breath and fused into the severed arm.


    There were restrictions there and it was impossible to enter under normal circumstances. Hence, the solution Xu Qing thought of was to fuse himself into the inside of the severed arm and get the captain to throw the severed arm in from outside.


    This way, Xu Qing would be able to enter.


    If that place wasn¡¯t dissipating, Xu Qing would wait for a safer time to enter. However, it was too late now and the doubts in his heart were extremely deep.


    This was because that figure was none other than Fairy Zi Xuan, who shouldn¡¯t have appeared here.


    Seeing that Xu Qing had fused into the severed arm, the captain gritted his teeth fiercely and grabbed it with both hands. He waved it with all his might and threw it toward the range of the dissipating flesh and blood city wall.


    In an instant, the severed arm whistled and drew an arc, heading straight ahead.


    The moment it entered the range of the flesh and blood city wall, the restrictions there erupted once again and swept out several times. However, this severed arm was extremely tough. Although its skin and flesh were lacerated and bones were revealed in some places, it was still relatively intact. It landed in the courtyard and quickly recovered.


    Very soon, the palm of the arm opened wide and Xu Qing walked out.


    He stared at his surroundings.

 Chapter 737 - 737 Purple Mystic Supreme Clarity Lantern (3)

    737 Purple Mystic Supreme Clarity Lantern (3)


    At that moment, the central palace among the nine phoenix palaces, which was in the process of dissipating and decaying, suddenly emitted a purple light.


    A similar light also emitted from Xu Qing¡¯s storage bag. After that, a jade slip flew out on its own and floated in front of Xu Qing.


    This jade slip was given to Xu Qing by Zi Xuan before she left. It contained her protective power.


    After it appeared, it shone brightly and reflected the light of the palace in the center.


    A blurry figure appeared amidst the purple light spreading out from the palace. It floated in the air and stared into the distance.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred.


    That figure was none other than Zi Xuan!


    However, now that he was close, he noticed that the other party was a little different from the Zi Xuan in his memories. It wasn¡¯t the appearance but the temperament.


    The figure in front of him seemed to be even colder, as though she didn¡¯t have many emotions.


    Xu Qing remained silent. After a while, he walked forward.


    As he got closer, all the restrictions here seemed to make way for him, allowing Xu Qing to safely walk to the front of the phoenix palace in the center. He took a deep breath and pushed open the gate of the palace that had never been opened in countless years.


    The gate silently opened and a pitch-black hall was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    There were no lights in the hall and everything was dim. Even the faint light from the outside could not disperse the darkness in the hall.


    Xu Qing stood there for a while to get used to the darkness, and then saw the environment of the hall.


    The entire hall was empty. There were no chairs at all and there was only a statue standing in the center. The surroundings were empty and emitted endless cold silence.


    One could imagine that when the door of the hall was closed, this place was no different from a cage.


    Only that statue stood eternally.


    This statue was of a woman, and it was not Zi Xuan.


    However, her appearance was also beautiful and graceful. It seemed that she had aged gracefully without attempting to conceal the signs of time, as there were faint crow¡¯s feet around the corners of her eyes.


    Her expression carried a gentle smile, radiating warmth and compassion, as well as a comforting aura that instinctively put people at ease.


    In her hands, she held a lantern, cradling it in her embrace as if it were the most precious treasure.


    This lantern was very special. It was made of purple stone and looked like a blooming redbud. There was also a purple phoenix resting on it. Its wings were spread out and it was lifelike.


    The instant he saw this lantern, Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly.


    It was a life lantern, or more accurately, a lantern sculpture crafted based on the concept of a life lantern.


    Xu Qing had never seen it before but he felt a sense of familiarity. The source of that familiarity came from the dream that Fairy Zi Xuan had once told him about.


    ¡°I often have a dream. It has been many years¡­ In the dream, it was a pitch-black world with only a lantern.¡±


    ¡°It is extinguished, devoid of any flame. I cannot reach or touch it. It seems so far away, yet also strangely close.¡±


    ¡°But I imagine it should look like a blooming redbud, with a purple phoenix perched on it, its wings spread wide, as if in full bloom.¡±


    ¡°This lantern has always appeared in my dreams, and every time it is extinguished. In that world, there is always darkness without any light.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was a little dazed.


    In the past, he thought that this was just a dream that Fairy Zi Xuan had mentioned, until he saw Zi Xuan¡¯s figure outside, and until this moment, when he saw this lantern sculpture.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know where the real life lantern was. Perhaps it was in the holy land, or perhaps it had dissipated in the passage of time.


    ¡°Zi Xuan, why did she dream of this lantern and why did her figure appear in the purple light outside¡­¡±


    ¡°What kind of karma does she have with this lantern¡­¡±


    As Xu Qing muttered inwardly, in this dark hall, Zi Xuan¡¯s figure silently appeared beside the statue. She stared at the statue, and her eyes revealed fondness and bitterness.


    She then turned to look at Xu Qing. There were some ripples in her cold eyes as she opened her mouth and said something.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t hear it. He only saw that after Zi Xuan finished speaking, her expression changed. Sorrow appeared on her face, and she began to step back continuously. At the same time, a blurry figure emerged from behind Xu Qing and entered the hall, passing through his body.


    This scene caused Xu Qing to be shocked. He abruptly turned his head to look at the figure who had passed through him.


    That was a tall young man, wearing an imperial robe adorned with a four-clawed golden dragon. He had a nine-jeweled emperor¡¯s crown on his head and exuded no visible aura. However, with just one glance, it felt as though one could sense the overwhelming majesty of the heavens.


    His back was facing Xu Qing as he stood in front of Zi Xuan and said something.


    Zi Xuan shed tears and looked up, gazing at the outside world with a profound sense of nostalgia and sorrow in her eyes. Through her pupils, Xu Qing caught a glimpse of a crumbling sky and a gigantic fragmented face descending from the heavens.


    This scene caused Xu Qing to immediately realize that what he was seeing now wasn¡¯t real.


    It was more like a recording of a past scene!


    Just like how Zi Xuan seemed to be looking at him earlier but in reality, she was looking in the direction he was in.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, Zi Xuan was shaking her head repeatedly and seemed to be admonishing, while throughout the encounter, the figure in the imperial robe remained silent and extended his hand, as if inviting Zi Xuan to leave this place with him.

 Chapter 738 - 738 Purple Mystic Supreme Clarity Lantern (4)

    738 Purple Mystic Supreme Clarity Lantern (4)


    Zi Xuan¡¯s eyes showed determination as she shook her head once again.


    The young man in the imperial robe remained silent for a while before taking out a small purple bottle from his pocket. He walked gently towards the sculpture and poured a few drops of liquid from the bottle into the purple lantern.


    This liquid was transparent, like oil.


    After doing this, he placed the small bottle that didn¡¯t have much oil left to the side. Then, he silently turned around, his expression filled with sadness and a touch of anguish.


    As he turned around, his appearance also came into view for Xu Qing. He bore a striking resemblance to Zi Xuan, resembling her as if they were siblings.


    He walked toward the door of the hall and passed through Xu Qing, walking further and further away¡­


    As he disappeared, the door of the hall slowly closed.


    Zi Xuan, who was beside the statue, lifted her head with a sorrowful expression. She leaned against the statue and sat there. Gradually, the entire hall descended into darkness.


    As the darkness enveloped the hall, the light emanating from the lantern sculpture on the statue, even with the presence of the oil, gradually dimmed and eventually vanished completely.


    Coldness descended.


    Darkness replaced everything. Only a sigh continued to echo.


    In the next moment, the darkness suddenly disappeared and transformed into purple light. After a brief pause in mid-air, it swiftly surged towards the distant blood and flesh walls.


    As the purple light left, the coldness dissipated very quickly. Everything in front of Xu Qing returned to normal.


    The captain was beside Xu Qing and his breathing was hurried as he exclaimed.


    ¡°Junior Brother, this is a little troublesome. I wonder who lived here back then. It really restrains me, especially that purple light just now¡­¡±


    At the same time, the remaining part of the shadow outside the blood and flesh city wall escaped the disaster and returned to Xu Qing¡¯s side, trembling with a sense of grievance and fear, conveying its emotions.


    ¡°Can¡¯t¡­ enter.¡±


    Xu Qing frowned and stared at the courtyard behind the flesh-and-blood walls in the distance.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, I feel that this place looks a little familiar. Also, did you hear that just now?¡±


    ¡°Familiar? Hear what?¡± The captain was stunned.


    ¡°There was a sigh in that purple light,¡± Xu Qing said solemnly.


    The captain¡¯s expression changed and he was about to speak. However, at this moment, 500 kilometers away, a rumbling sound suddenly rang out from the safe zone established by the human army.


    The distance was a little far, so they couldn¡¯t see the scene clearly. They could only faintly sense the fluctuations of the ground. At the same time, a message came from their command swords.


    ¡°The third group has arrived. By the order of the Seventh Prince, we inform the first group of people who arrived here that you have made significant contributions to the Immortal Forbidden Plan during these seven days. However, there may be changes in this area in the future. The first group may choose to leave within the next six hours. As for the second group, they are required to stay for a minimum of seven days before they can leave, and so on.¡±


    After Xu Qing and the captain each checked their command swords, they looked at each other. They naturally wouldn¡¯t leave like this. Hence, they put away their command swords and sat on the severed arm, continuing to look at the flesh and blood city walls.


    The captain was about to ask Xu Qing about the sigh. However, before he could speak, he suddenly started and abruptly looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing also reacted and looked at the captain.


    ¡°The third group came so quickly?¡±


    ¡°I remember that the second group just arrived¡­¡±


    The pupils of the two of them constricted. They quickly took out their command swords and carefully read the content just now. Finally, when they saw the word ¡®seven days¡¯, their hearts stirred greatly.


    ¡°Seven days?¡± The captain narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°When we got close to this place previously, it was the fourth day, the day the second group arrived.¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was grim.


    ¡°In our perception, it has only been about fifteen minutes since we came here. However, from the command sword, three days have already passed!¡±


    A dark glint appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°What have we done in the past three days?¡±


    Xu Qing looked grave. He looked at the flesh-and-blood city walls and the nine phoenix palaces inside. He had a vague sense that he had forgotten something, and the familiarity of that area felt unchanged.


    He had similar experiences in D132 before, but it seemed different from what he was experiencing here.


    However, no matter what, he still immediately circulated the power of D132 Heavenly Palace and spread it throughout his body.


    The captain¡¯s expression was also gloomy. A face appeared in his eyes and his body emitted a cold aura. Together with Xu Qing, he looked at the flesh and blood city wall.


    The two of them fell silent for a long time but didn¡¯t get close. Instead, they chose to step back.


    As they retreated, the nine phoenix palaces within the flesh wall began to erode and dissipate. This scene caused both Xu Qing and the captain to pause their steps.


    The erosion and dissipation also paused.


    With each step forward, the erosion and dissipation of the palaces reversed, but when they retreated, the palaces were eroded once again.


    When they retreated 10,000 feet away, the nine phoenix halls within the flesh and blood city wall had already eroded and dissipated into time. Only a broken statue remained in the location of the central palace.


    The erosion was serious, so its features and gender couldn¡¯t be discerned clearly. Its arms were also gone, and there was only a fragmented sculpture left.


    Next to it, there was a conspicuous small purple bottle.

 Chapter 739 - 739 Heavenly Mandate Dao Nascent Realm (1)

    739 Heavenly Mandate Dao Nascent Realm (1)


    The captain was conflicted.


    Xu Qing frowned.


    They had previously attempted to approach the nine phoenix palaces within the area of the flesh and blood city wall, but encountered a strange power. Getting close would cause this power to reappear, while moving away would result in the erosion of the whole place.


    The changes there were determined by the person who arrived.


    However, if one got too close, unpredictable things would happen, and they would be trapped in a distorted state where time passed unnoticed.


    ¡°Little Qing, do you remember that you said you were familiar with that place just now? Was the feeling strong?¡±


    The captain suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Very strong.¡± Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°Given that, do you think it¡¯s possible that we have already explored this place multiple times within these three days?¡±


    ¡°Although I also feel a sense of familiarity, it¡¯s very faint. In that case, is it possible that you were the one who entered it? So, your sense of familiarity is stronger than mine?¡±


    The captain looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and spoke softly.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, when we didn¡¯t receive the command sword¡¯s notice earlier and sensed the passage of time, according to the subsequent developments, I asked you, Eldest Senior Brother, to help me. I might have made use of the defense of the severed arm and merged into it, and then you threw the severed arm inside.¡±


    ¡°If so, there¡¯s a high chance that I was able to pass through the restrictions. I then got out of the severed arm inside the courtyard and explored the phoenix palace.¡±


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, he looked at the severed arm, wanting to find evidence from it. However, the severed arm possessed strong recovery abilities. From the looks of it, there didn¡¯t seem to be any changes to it.


    However, there were still some traces of newly-grown flesh. This discovery caused the two of them to narrow their eyes.


    A dark glint appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°So, you have indeed explored many times but you can¡¯t remember what you saw inside¡­ Junior Brother, think about it carefully and see if you can remember.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and recalled carefully. However, the memories in his mind didn¡¯t have any flaws. Everything was connected perfectly and he couldn¡¯t find any gaps.


    Xu Qing frowned. This was similar to D132, but there were also differences.


    D132 exhibited two levels of phenomenon, external and internal.


    Due to the influence of the power of luck, there was a relative balance there, making it appear normal to ordinary people. This was the external phenomenon.


    However, the underlying truth was always present. It¡¯s just that most people were unable to see it. Nonetheless, its impact was still felt, and that was why previous guardians stationed there met with unfortunate fates.


    Once someone awakened to the truth beneath the external facade due to various unexpected circumstances, their perception would be altered when they left D132 and they forgot everything.


    As for the reason behind the repetitive cycle, it was because every day, Xu Qing would awaken inside and lose the cognitive memory of his awakening each day.


    This caused a feeling of repetition.


    The phoenix palaces in front of them didn¡¯t seem to have such dual phenomena. It was one layer which formed a cycle of its own.


    Xu Qing quietly analyzed. He then circulated the Poison Restriction Pill and the Ghost Emperor Mountain. The power of the Heavenly Dao spread out at the same time and the might of D132 spread out.


    In an instant, his life level rose. Amidst the surging wind and clouds in the surroundings, the captain, who was seeing this scene for the first time, had a strange glint in his eyes and clicked his tongue.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay attention to the captain. At that moment, as his level continued to increase, he looked toward the phoenix palaces.


    Everything was normal.


    Xu Qing was stunned. After some thought, he tried his best to circulate the golden threads in his god¡¯s body. A golden light flashed in his eyes as he looked over again.


    This time, it was a little different.


    The phoenix palaces were there but they were blurry and were enveloped by a purple light. The light seemed ethereal, giving a sense of being in between reality and illusion, as if time was passing by it.


    This was just a feeling and was hard to put in words.


    A while later, Xu Qing restrained everything and sighed softly. He looked at the captain at the side and shook his head.


    ¡°I can¡¯t remember.¡±


    The captain sighed.


    ¡°However, Eldest Senior Brother, I have a solution. There¡¯s a high chance that I can get that purple bottle.¡± Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    The captain¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    Xu Qing lifted his right hand. As D132 shook in his body, the stone lion and the head were extracted. The head had learned its lesson this time, so after they landed on the ground, it hurriedly put on a flattering expression and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Greetings to the great and supreme Lord Guardian!¡±


    The stone lion didn¡¯t have a head or mouth and couldn¡¯t speak. However, its tail swayed rapidly while prostrating on the ground.


    The captain had seen the head but he had never seen the stone lion before. When he saw it, he revealed an interested expression and sized it up a few times.


    ¡°Junior Brother, these are your friends, right? I¡¯ve seen that head before. At that time, I felt that it was a little interesting. This lion also looks very good. I can smell the scent of a cloud beast from it. Also¡­ these two friends of yours are very strange. Not only do they possess luck, but they were also cursed. These two powers seem to have reached a balance.¡±


    ¡°To be able to reach a balance with luck, it means that there¡¯s a high chance that this curse came from a god¡­ Junior Brother, you¡¯ve heard of the term ¡®accomplice of a tiger¡¯, right? That ¡®accomplice¡¯ is referring to the ghosts of creatures that have been devoured by the tiger. It¡¯s rumored that those who are killed by a tiger will turn into a special kind of ghost that will linger around it. Your two friends are such ¡®accomplices¡¯!¡±


    The captain gave a spurious smile.


    Upon hearing those words, the stone lion trembled and its eyes widened. It quickly glanced at the captain, filled with astonishment and suspicion. This was the second time they encountered someone who could immediately perceive the abnormalities around them.


    The first was Xu Qing, and the second was the person in front of them.

 Chapter 740 - 740 Heavenly Mandate Dao Nascent Realm (2)

    740 Heavenly Mandate Dao Nascent Realm (2)


    ¡®He referred to Demon Xu as ¡®Junior Brother¡¯. They must be fellow disciples. As expected, those who have a good relationship with the demon are all monstrous geniuses!¡¯ The head was shaken. Previously, when it was summoned by Xu Qing, it was immediately crushed. After it recovered, it was instantly sent back.


    At that time, its attention was all on that terrifying existence, so it didn¡¯t take a closer look at this second person. At this moment, it couldn¡¯t help but activate its ability to take a closer look.


    After taking a look, the head suddenly let out a blood-curdling scream and its eyes instantly exploded.


    ¡®Mouths, countless mouths, iron chains, iron chains from the Netherworld¡­ Seals, endless seals. Heavens, what am I seeing? Divine skeletons, countless divine skeletons!¡¯


    The head exploded loudly.


    Xu Qing looked at the captain, but the captain showed an innocent expression.


    The stone lion shivered even more.


    A long time later, the head came back to life. It trembled uncontrollably and quickly looked down, behaving in an extremely submissive and obsequious manner. It dared not look up and its mind echoed with a deep sense of despair.


    It recalled the third person it had seen when Xu Qing summoned it earlier.


    At that time, although Xu Qing quickly recalled it, it kept on shivering for a long time in D132. It felt that the third person was too terrifying, so terrifying that it hadn¡¯t dared to activate its ability.


    ¡®These are three great terrors!¡¯


    Xu Qing was curious. Even though he knew that the captain had many secrets, the head¡¯s reaction was a bit exaggerated. Nevertheless, he was aware that it was not the right time for inquiries, so he looked at the head with a cold gaze and calmly spoke.


    ¡°You two, go and fetch the purple bottle from there. If you perform well, I will consider reducing your sentence.¡±


    ¡°Great Guardian, actually, whether you reduce our sentence or not is not important. As long as you can¡­¡± the head hurriedly spoke, but the words were cut off before they could be finished.


    The stone lion by the side lifted its two front paws and stomped forcefully on the ground, then turned around and charged forward.


    The head, seeing this, became anxious and quickly rolled away, landing on the neck of the stone lion, heading straight towards the ruins.


    Xu Qing observed closely. The captain also narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°Can they do it?¡±


    ¡°They are prisoners of D132 and have been immersed in D132¡¯s power for a long time. They should be able to do it.¡± After Xu Qing explained the principles behind D132, the captain¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡°There¡¯s such a magical place in the Prison Department!¡±


    After uttering those words, the captain noticed a trace of sadness in Xu Qing¡¯s expression, knowing that he was reminded of his life in the Prison Department, the Palace Master, and the peace they once had. The captain sighed deeply, patting Xu Qing on the shoulder, and then pointed towards the distance.


    ¡°They can really do it!¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked over. At that moment, the stone lion was running rapidly toward the flesh city walls and leaped up. It was as though their existence was special and the power of the restrictions here had no effect on them.


    Xu Qing watched as the stone lion leaped into the blood and flesh city wall and began circling inside, seemingly searching for something. Despite the purple bottle not being far from them, the lion couldn¡¯t seem to find it.


    Xu Qing frowned.


    Things took a turn for the better. It seemed to be the idea of the head, as they separated from each other and then collided with great force. They shattered into pieces and fell to the ground.


    Soon, they revived once again, full of vigor, and continued to dash forward for a certain distance. Then, they collided once more, repeating this cycle over and over again. Surprisingly, they gradually approached the purple bottle.


    ¡°Those two are quite smart. They are using the moment of revival to use the energy inside them mixed with luck and curse to explore their surroundings,¡± the captain chuckled.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    Under their watchful eyes, the stone lion and the head went through over a dozen deaths, finally reaching the location of the purple bottle. Without any hesitation, the head opened its mouth and grabbed the bottle, swiftly returning with the stone lion.


    As they left, the broken statue began to blur until it turned into dust and dissipated.


    Then, the surrounding flesh and blood walls surged forward, completely engulfing the area.


    During this process, the stone lion and head also ran back crazily until they returned to Xu Qing¡¯s side. The head let go of the purple bottle hanging in its mouth and was about to continue currying favor when Xu Qing waved his hand and kept them away.


    The captain picked up the purple bottle. The instant he touched it, his body trembled visibly. As Xu Qing focused his attention, the captain recovered, wearing an expression of disbelief and taking a deep breath.


    ¡°This is¡­ the Bottle of Time!¡±


    After saying that, the captain instinctively looked around quickly, then grabbed Xu Qing and swiftly left the area.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind was filled with questions, but he sensed the seriousness of the captain¡¯s demeanor. He held his tongue, refraining from speaking, until they had completely left the area and found a relatively safe place. There, the two of them crouched inside the severed arm. The captain¡¯s breath was heavy, and his eyes glowed with intense light.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, what is the Bottle of Time?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    The captain shushed him and checked his surroundings again. After confirming that there was nothing wrong, he quickly performed some sealing gestures and set up additional protections around their location. With an exhilarated expression, he immediately began to speak.


    ¡°Little Qing, we made a killing this time!!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve come across the description of the Bottle of Time in some ancient texts. It was a rare item exclusively used by the imperial family during the era of Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether. Whenever one appeared, it would attract the special attention of the imperial family. For those who were not of imperial family, if they were found to possess it privately, it would lead to the extermination of their entire family. It was considered a grave crime.¡±

 Chapter 741 - 741 Heavenly Mandate Dao Nascent Realm (3)

    741 Heavenly Mandate Dao Nascent Realm (3)


    ¡°However, it¡¯s said that back then, when the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether brought the imperial family and a portion of the human race away from this world, he took all the Bottles of Time with him. Why is there one here?!¡±


    Seeing Xu Qing¡¯s confusion, the captain spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°The origin of the Bottle of Time is unknown and not many people know of it. However, all the ancient sovereigns who unified the Wanggu World in the past would collect them.


    ¡°Rumors, these are just rumors, but it is said that the Bottle of Time contains a huge secret regarding the formation of the Wanggu World. There are also people who say that it holds the method for the ancient sovereigns and rulers to break through their shackles.¡±


    ¡°There are even rumors saying that the Bottle of Time contains a supreme inheritance.¡±


    ¡°There are all kinds of rumors, and it is said that a Bottle of Time will emerge naturally once in an era.¡±


    ¡°In short, it is shrouded in mysteries, and is treated as an exclusive item of the imperial family.¡±


    ¡°However, for countless years, it seems that no one has truly deciphered the secrets within it. But this bottle has the ability to capture and retain time, and it also serves as a container, preserving objects from decaying.¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, I know why that area was so mysterious. It¡¯s because there was a period of time that was intercepted by the Bottle of Time and kept spreading out in a continuous loop.¡±


    This was the first time Xu Qing had heard of this item and he was very shocked. He instinctively thought of the wish box and the sound-catching bottle and asked about them.


    ¡°Wish box and sound-catching bottle? Actually, those two things are both replicas made according to the Bottle of Time. One imitated its imperishable effect and the other imitated the power of intercepting time!¡±


    After the captain finished explaining, he shook the purple bottle in his hand.


    ¡°There¡¯s something inside. From the sound of it, it¡¯s liquid!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes lit up even more. He smelled it and looked intoxicated.


    ¡°It¡¯s very fragrant. I don¡¯t know what it is but I feel that it¡¯s edible. Junior Brother, how about we eat it?¡±


    The captain looked at Xu Qing and licked his lips before passing the bottle to him.


    ¡°Smell it.¡±


    Xu Qing took it and placed it in front of his nose. A strange fragrance entered his nose and transformed into an aura that flowed through his entire body. It didn¡¯t cause the god¡¯s body to react but the four life lanterns in his sea of consciousness shook intensely.


    They revealed endless desire, as though this item was extraordinary to life lanterns.


    The twelfth Heavenly Palace that hadn¡¯t completed its materialization also swayed. Clearly, the item in the Bottle of Time was also of great help to the Heavenly Palace¡¯s materialization.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed.


    However, he still had some hesitation. After all, the liquid inside was of unknown origin and had existed for countless years. However, Xu Qing ultimately chose to believe in the captain.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat!¡± Xu Qing nodded heavily.


    The captain chuckled and took the bottle. After shaking it, he poured it into his mouth. Immediately, a drop of transparent but incomparably viscous liquid flowed down the mouth of the bottle and into his mouth.


    There was another drop at the back. Before it could fall, the captain placed the small bottle in front of Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing opened his mouth. At the next instant, the second drop of viscous liquid landed in his mouth.


    They closed their eyes and began to digest.


    At this moment, Xu Qing felt as though his body was about to explode. An earth-shattering aura exploded in his mouth and gushed into his body through his throat, spreading throughout his body and gathering in his sea of consciousness.


    The Heavenly Palaces formed by the four life lanterns in his sea of consciousness trembled intensely. Just like how the Poison Restriction Pill reacted after sensing the divine essence, they emitted extreme desire.


    Clearly, in the long passage of time, they had withered considerably and rarely encountered such nourishment. After all, although they resided within Xu Qing¡¯s body and provided him with support, they were not formed from his bloodline.


    After absorbing the nourishment, the life fires on them burned brighter than ever before. The blaze soared high, illuminating all directions. Even the mist within the sea of consciousness became clear under this radiance.


    As the flames surged with the intensifying light, the aura of the four life lanterns also rose significantly. Their forms underwent subtle changes, and faint silhouettes of tiny meditating figures seemed to manifest on their wicks.


    This scene caused great waves in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. He knew what those tiny people were.


    They were nascent souls!


    Although they were illusory and hadn¡¯t truly formed, from their speed of formation, they weren¡¯t far away.


    As the liquid in the Bottle of Time continued to erupt with energy, the life fires on the four life lanterns grew increasingly intense, as though oil had been dripped into them.


    The tiny people on the wicks became clearer and clearer. Their appearances were a mirror image of Xu Qing.


    After a dozen breaths, the black umbrella lantern, which had been with Xu Qing the longest, suddenly emitted a burst of light. A powerful force surged from within, causing the tiny figure on it to transform from illusion to reality.


    Within the flames, it became incredibly clear, and its eyes suddenly opened wide. It seemed to make eye contact with Xu Qing¡¯s consciousness across the flames, as if they were gazing at each other.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind trembled and the aura of his cultivation base fluctuated, emitting a powerful force that surpassed before.


    At the same time, a canopy also manifested above Xu Qing¡¯s head.


    It was different from before. The color of the canopy that appeared this time was even more obvious and looked more real. Under its illumination, Xu Qing, who was sitting cross-legged, really looked like a young sovereign.


    He was filled with dignity.


    However, this wasn¡¯t the end. Very soon, amidst the pleasant whistling sounds of his Rainbow Wind Song Lantern, the tiny person on the wick opened its eyes.


    The second canopy appeared!


    Next, a nascent soul formed in the Nether Spirit Blood Wing Lantern, followed by the Broken Immortal God Devourer Lantern!


    Xu Qing, who was sitting cross-legged under the four canopy, emitted a multicolored light. The black umbrella was at the top, rainbow colors surrounded him, a blood wing appeared behind him, and a murderous aura spread out from him.

 Chapter 742 - 742 Heavenly Mandate Dao Nascent Realm (4)

    742 Heavenly Mandate Dao Nascent Realm (4)


    Combined with his handsome appearance, this scene would undoubtedly shake the hearts and minds of countless people if witnessed in the outside world. One might even mistake him for a royal prince of the human race, if they were unaware of his true identity.


    As the four nascent souls appeared one after another, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation soared rapidly. At this moment, an earth-shattering fluctuation and a terrifying power surged within him. The five nascent souls, including the Golden Crow Nascent Soul, erupted with immense force.


    At the same time, a sense of impending heavenly tribulation emerged faintly in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. However, it was still lacking a little. It required a stronger sense to fully attract it.


    As for the power of the liquid in the Bottle of Time, there was still a trace of it left. Under Xu Qing¡¯s guidance, it headed straight for the twelfth Heavenly Palace that he had been waiting to materialize for a long time.


    It was already mostly materialized. As it absorbed the power of the liquid, the materialization sped up. Very soon, it reached 80%, 90%, and finally 99%!


    The twelfth Heavenly Palace shone with a dazzling light and kept swaying.


    It only lacked an item to be completely formed!


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and saw the captain looking at him with a look of pity on his face.


    The captain¡¯s aura was clearly much stronger than before. Just like Xu Qing, he emitted the fluctuations of a Nascent Soul cultivator. However, it was difficult to tell how many nascent souls there were.


    ¡°Little Qing, the nascent souls born from the life lanterns in your body are almost close to attracting the power of the first tribulation!¡±


    Noticing that Xu Qing had woken up, the captain took a deep breath and his expression revealed some regret.


    ¡°The life lantern is a supreme treasure. However, it¡¯s a pity that we don¡¯t have the bloodline of the ancient sovereigns and rulers, so we can¡¯t give birth to the life lantern ourselves. External life lanterns can never fully integrate with our own bloodline, and thus we cannot achieve the state where the life lanterns become the furnace of the Spirit Repository, placed within the five secret repositories, continuously burning and refining everything into the foundation of our own secret repositories, as the descendants of the legendary ancient sovereigns and rulers did.¡±


    ¡°This is also the reason why those great cultivators who have reached the Spirit Repository don¡¯t have much desire for life lanterns. It¡¯s not that the life lanterns aren¡¯t good but that we can¡¯t use them in the future. Sigh.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. Although he didn¡¯t know that the life lanterns could turn into a furnace in the Spirit Repository, he also sensed that as his cultivation level increased, the enhancement of the life lantern was about to reach its end.


    ¡°Is there no way to completely fuse it with our bloodline?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°This is the method that everyone has been seeking throughout history, but unfortunately, it is impossible to achieve unless one¡¯s cultivation reaches the realm of the ancient sovereigns and rulers. Only then can one reverse everything, allowing their bloodline to form life lanterns and bestowing this blessing upon their descendants as well.¡±


    The captain shook his head.


    Xu Qing nodded but he didn¡¯t have too many regrets. After all, the life lanterns would provide help even at the Nascent Soul realm. Moreover, Xu Qing felt that the life lantern should be at its strongest in the Nascent Soul realm.


    The captain patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Let me think of a way. Who knows, maybe we can find a way to achieve it. But for now, let¡¯s put that aside. Master probably didn¡¯t expect us to have the fortune of this Bottle of Time previously, so he left in a hurry and didn¡¯t talk about Nascent Soul in detail. In that case, I¡¯ll explain it to you in detail first.¡±


    ¡°Different races have different names for the Nascent Soul realm. Some call it the Heavenly Mandate Realm, some call it the Dao Nascent Realm, and some call it the Heavenly Mandate Nascent Soul Realm. Each name is actually determined and modified based on the previous ancient sovereigns who unified the world.¡±


    ¡°After the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether unified the world, he established a fixed name for it, known as the Heavenly Mandate Dao Nascent. In reality, it all means the same thing. The word ¡®Dao¡¯ was added in order to unify the understanding among the various races.¡±


    ¡°As for the heavenly mandate, it¡¯s a type of heavenly tribulation.¡±


    As the captain spoke, Xu Qing combined his previous understanding of the Heavenly Mandate Dao Nascent Realm and gradually gained a comprehensive understanding.


    In reality, in the understanding of the human race, Heavenly Mandate Dao Nascent was considered to be attained when at least one dao nascent had experienced the baptism of heavenly tribulation.


    It could be considered a true step into this realm. Without experiencing the heavenly tribulation, no matter how many nascent souls there were, in theory, the cultivator would only be a fake Nascent Soul.


    It was the same during the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era. However, as the unification of the human race disappeared, the saying also changed.


    According to the understanding of the different races, there were various interpretations. Many races felt that even if they hadn¡¯t experienced the heavenly tribulation, as long as the dao nascent appeared, it would signify the Nascent Soul realm.


    As for the heavenly tribulation, it was the shackles of the Nascent Soul Realm. Each time a new Nascent Soul appeared, they accumulated their power to face the heavenly tribulation. When they underwent the baptism of the heavenly tribulation, it signified breaking through the shackles once.


    The Wanggu World was too big and there were many races. Their physiques were also different. For example, the Quasi-Immortal Race¡¯s understanding was completely different from the other races. Hence, it was very difficult for them to have a unified understanding of this realm.


    Regarding the methods of advancement, they also differed based on the different races, so there were strong and weak methods.


    But ultimately, they could be broadly classified into two categories. One was to choose to attract the heavenly tribulation after the birth of the second nascent soul, thereby advancing to the Heavenly Mandate realm.


    The second category was less common and involved allowing all the Heavenly Palaces to transform into nascent souls and collectively undergoing the heavenly tribulation, resulting in a drastic and earth-shattering transformation all at once.


    The latter was difficult, but once the cultivator succeeded, the power of the heavenly mandate they would obtain would be even stronger and would be of great help in the Spirit Repository Realm in the future.


    After stepping into the realm of Heavenly Mandate Dao Nascent, the method of advancement was different from that of Heavenly Palace Golden Core. It required undergoing the Heavenly Mandate Tribulation, where all the nascent souls experienced a major breakthrough each time they went through the tribulation.


    There were a total of five tribulations. After experiencing them all, the cultivator would reach the great circle of perfection.


    It was fraught with danger, so the strength of the nascent souls needed to be enhanced and grown continuously in order to have the capability to undergo the tribulation. Otherwise, if the tribulation failed, the nascent soul would irreversibly collapse and permanently disappear.


    At this stage, the life lantern was indeed at its most powerful state. This was because even if the life lantern tribulation failed, it wouldn¡¯t disappear. Hence, one could try many times after failing.


    Xu Qing understood all of this. When he looked at his twelfth Heavenly Palace, the captain suddenly raised his hand and handed the Bottle of Time to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Put this item in your twelfth Heavenly Palace!¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the captain.


    ¡°Although this thing is a treasure, I have no use for it. My cultivation is to remove my seals.¡± The captain chuckled and winked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Thank you, Eldest Senior Brother.¡± Warmth rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. Over the years, he had long treated the captain and Old Master Seventh as his indispensable family.


    Xu Qing¡¯s childhood experiences had made him cold-hearted, but deep inside, he longed for family.


    As they had gone through so much together, facing life and death situations time and again, Xu Qing had unconsciously come to see the captain as an older brother, filling a place in his heart that he had longed for.


    Xu Qing took the Bottle of Time and placed it in his twelfth Heavenly Palace without hesitation.


    The Heavenly Palace rumbled as it fully materialized. Moreover, unlike the other Heavenly Palaces, this twelfth palace emitted waves of time power. In the midst of it all, Xu Qing faintly heard a familiar sigh echoing from the depths of time.


    This sigh stunned him.


    That was¡­ Zi Xuan¡¯s voice.


    Xu Qing was about to probe carefully when a deafening boom rang out from the sky. Cracks began to appear, emanating from the distant horizon, swiftly spreading across the entire sky.


    The sky seemed to have turned into a spider web.


    A crimson color erupted in the sky!


    Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s expressions changed at the same time.

 Chapter 743 - 743 The Descent of Crimson Goddess (1)

    743 The Descent of Crimson Goddess (1)


    The sky above the Immortal Forbidden was enveloped in a crimson hue, as if the entire sky had been transformed into a sea of blood.


    It was covered in fine cracks.


    Amidst the crimson backdrop, the cracks appeared even more profound, and upon closer inspection, it became apparent that they were not naturally formed.


    It seemed more like they were man-made.


    They looked like runes covering the sky!


    Just a glance shook the mind, triggering emotions of fear. One would be unable to control themselves, as though this was an instinctive act of life.


    Hence, Xu Qing and the captain weren¡¯t the only ones who were shaken. At that moment, in the safe zone spanning over 1,000 kilometers in the Immortal Forbidden, all the human cultivators felt the same.


    Great waves stirred in everyone¡¯s hearts as a sense of impending calamity suddenly rose.


    The majority of the cultivators in the safe zone were from the second and third waves of arrivals. As for the first wave of cultivators, most of them had chosen to leave, so only a few remained. Now, their expressions were changing rapidly in response to the unfolding events.


    The source of the change in the sky was located at the core area of the Immortal Forbidden, precisely where the main palace stood.


    The once magnificent palace had undergone a drastic transformation, now covered in endless flesh, forming a massive tumor that engulfed the vast palace and its surrounding courtyards.


    From a distance, the size of this fleshy mass spanned tens of thousands of feet, with numerous thick blood vessels extending in all directions. As it pulsated like a beating heart, its vibrations reverberated throughout the area.


    Thump, thump, thump.


    Every time it beat, there would be a thunderous sound that echoed in all directions.


    Under the resonating sound, the very fabric of this place distorted, shrouded in a hazy and intense otherworldly aura. The anomalous substances were so dense that they no longer resembled mere mist but instead coalesced into eerie shadows that floated between heaven and earth, paying homage to the fleshy mass.


    Following the sprawling blood vessels on the ground, a similar scene unfolded 500 kilometers away. However, instead of a fleshy mass, there stood a towering spike shooting up into the sky.


    This sharp spike was pitch-black like the tip of a blade, emitting waves of cold aura. It stood there like a peerless weapon.


    The divine weapons in this place were not just one.


    Similarly, 500 kilometers away, there was an identical sharp spike that soared into the sky. There was even a third spike 500 kilometers away!


    If one looked down from a high altitude, they would see clearly that there were a total of twenty-seven spikes, originating from the palace and piercing through the western region.


    It seemed as if there was a colossal beast buried beneath the grounds of the palace, and the exposed spikes were from the beast¡¯s dorsal armor.


    However, at that moment, above the heart of the palace, there was an octagonal formation in the sky, as if embedded in the celestial dome, shimmering with a crimson light.


    It seemed to contain a certain law, making the sky redder every time it flickered.


    The material of this array formation was unknown and its range was about 10,000 feet. Compared to the colossal below, other than the red light, it wasn¡¯t anything strange.


    However, this place was the source of the entire crack in the sky.


    Within the octagonal array formation, there were a total of 361 black-robed men within a 10,000-foot range.


    Among them, 360 were sitting cross-legged, chanting complicated incantations.


    This wasn¡¯t the language of the human race. Every sound carried a bizarre intent. In fact, during this incantation, they would occasionally raise their hands at the same time, and stab into their bodies, digging out one of their internal organs.


    They held it in their hands and raised it high like a sacrificial offering.


    Those organs rapidly withered and transformed into wisps of black gas that gathered at the center of the array formation.


    The 361st person was there.


    Although he was also wearing a black robe, because his body was trembling violently, the hood of the robe had fallen back, revealing a malevolent face filled with crimson veins.


    It was Zhang Siyun.


    He knelt there and lifted his head high, facing the sky with an expression of agony. The veins on his face twisted, faintly tracing the shape of a crescent moon, while tears of blood streamed from his eyes.


    His left eye was blind, only a hollow socket remained, but it was filled with countless blood vessels that spread outwards, merging into the surrounding formation and being further enhanced by its power, radiating outwards.


    Following the meridians, the cracks on the sky were formed by the blood vessels emanating from Zhang Siyun¡¯s blinded left eye!


    As the incantations echoed, the blood vessels on his face squirmed faster and faster, and the outline of the red crescent moon became clearer.


    At the same time, the black gas that gathered here was also absorbed by his body, turning into blood color and becoming nutrients, speeding up the formation of the red moon.


    His hands slowly lifted, approaching his face, as if in a final act to cover his eyes once his right eye also went blind.


    This shape was the same as the statue on the moon Xu Qing had seen in his sea of consciousness back then.


    At this moment, the three hundred and sixty black-robed figures around Zhang Siyun became fervent, chanting their incantations. They each raised their hands and began to dig out their own livers, holding them up as offerings.


    This scene was extremely bloody and incredibly eerie, filled with boundless wickedness.


    Xu Qing and the captain left the area they were in previously. They didn¡¯t continue to look for treasures, but were searching for an area with dense flesh and blood.


    Although this place was filled with purple-red flesh and blood, for safety, the more flesh and blood there were, the better.


    Just like that, two hours later, as Xu Qing¡¯s sense of danger grew increasingly intense, they saw a collapsed ruin. The area here was originally very large but now, it was enveloped by a large amount of flesh and blood, like a mountain of flesh.

 Chapter 744 - 744 The Descent of Crimson Goddess (2)

    744 The Descent of Crimson Goddess (2)


    Vaguely, they could see ancient marks from some broken walls that were exposed outside the flesh and blood.


    ¡°Junior Brother, let¡¯s choose this place.¡±


    The captain looked around and spoke in a low voice.


    Xu Qing also observed his surroundings. After nodding, the two of them walked into this area of flesh and blood.


    On the way, when he saw the word ¡®East¡¯ on the mostly decayed plaque, Xu Qing had a guess about this place.


    ¡°East Palace? Usually, the place where the crown prince lives is called the East Palace.¡± The captain glanced at it with regret in his eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that this place has already collapsed and is heavily corroded. Otherwise, there would definitely be treasures.¡±


    Xu Qing also felt some pity. On their way here, they saw many palaces. He had a deep understanding of the wealth during the era of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    This was only the eastern region of the Immortal Forbidden, and the area they explored was far from covering all of the eastern region.


    The Immortal Forbidden was too large. If they wanted to completely explore this place, they would need a large amount of manpower and it would probably take more than a few months.


    ¡°I wonder if we¡¯ll have a chance to enter again in the future.¡± As the captain sighed with emotion, the two of them searched around and finally chose a collapsed side hall. After cleaning it up, they dug a hole in the flesh.


    The flesh and blood in the Immortal Forbidden were squirming at all times. As soon as the hole was dug out, the edges began to close, wanting to close again. Hence, Xu Qing and the captain didn¡¯t hesitate and immediately crawled in.


    Very soon, their figures entered the flesh hole. When the external parts gradually closed, the two of them were still digging deeper into the flesh.


    When they reached a certain depth and were enveloped by flesh and blood and dense anomalous substances, they sat down cross-legged.


    ¡°I wonder how Master plans to benefit here.¡± Xu Qing looked at the pitch-black surroundings. When he spoke softly, the sigh that echoed in his mind after fusing with the Bottle of Time appeared.


    That sigh echoed in his mind, as though stirring up some memories.


    ¡°Little Qing, do you want to see the battle between gods?¡± The captain chuckled. With a wave of his hand, an eye appeared in his palm. This eye blinked a few times and instantly reflected the blood-colored sky.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°I placed a few eyes outside just to see this battle between gods with my own eyes. However, there¡¯s also a risk of being exposed. Hence, we¡¯ll wait for Red Moon to wake up and be busy devouring the god here before we watch. It¡¯ll be much safer then.¡±


    The captain spoke proudly. He covered the eye on his palm.


    ¡°Let¡¯s wait. I reckon the Red Moon won¡¯t be far from awakening.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and put on the human skin mask that contained the power of concealment. The power of the Poison Restriction in his body spread to his sea of consciousness and enveloped the Purple Moon Heavenly Palace. There was also the power of the Heavenly Dao, Ghost Emperor Mountain, and morning glow, further concealing his Purple Moon.


    After doing this, he closed his eyes in the darkness and didn¡¯t move at all.


    His mind recalled the scenes in the phoenix palace and the waves caused by the sigh.


    Time slowly passed.


    Six hours later, the sky outside suddenly resounded with a deafening roar, a sound so immense that it spread in all directions and reached the interior of the flesh where Xu Qing and the captain were located.


    The two of them were shaken to the core, and a sense of palpitation surged within them like never before.


    There was no need to observe. A clear realization dawned upon Xu Qing.


    He understood that the Red Moon was about to awaken.


    The sky above was now saturated with intense crimson, casting a red glow upon the land, enveloping all the structures and flesh in a crimson hue.


    The purple color within was swiftly being overwhelmed and overshadowed by the blood-like hue, as the essence of blood gradually became the sole dominant presence in this place.


    Even the twenty-seven spikes trembled slightly, and the beating heart showed signs of disruption. A sense of awakening emanated from the earth, as if something was stirring within.


    At the same time, within the octagonal formation in the sky, all the black-robed figures, after sacrificing their internal organs and left eye, simultaneously raised their hands and gouged out their right eyes.


    The instant they were offered, Zhang Siyun¡¯s right eye withered, turning into a hole and a large amount of blood flowed out of it.


    Even more cracks appeared in the sky.


    Zhang Siyun¡¯s two hands covered his eyes, and there was no longer any pain on his face. Instead, a smile slowly formed at the corners of his mouth.


    A vast and astonishing supreme will that was extremely terrifying suddenly erupted from Zhang Siyun¡¯s body.


    The sky, the ground, everything turned red under this will.


    A red moon rose in the sky of the Immortal Forbidden!


    The ground quaked and a horrified roar rang out from the depths of the ground.


    ¡°Crimson Goddess!¡±


    The ground churned and countless palaces collapsed. The flesh and blood that filled the entire Immortal Forbidden trembled and the 27 sharp spikes emitted an intense light.


    As for the location of the heart, as it squirmed, the flesh and blood spread outwards, and a 100,000-foot-long golden eye formed and opened.


    The surroundings distorted and the anomalous substances erupted with full strength at this moment.


    The entire world turned blurry. The figures worshiping in the surroundings screamed one after another and dissipated in unison. At the same time, the octagonal array formation in the sky that was seen by this huge eye instantly disintegrated into ashes.


    The bodies of the 360 black-robed men mutated and exploded, turning into a rain of blood.

 Chapter 745 - 745 The Descent of Crimson Goddess (3)

    745 The Descent of Crimson Goddess (3)


    The rainwater then underwent a strange transformation in mid-air, turning into countless golden eyes that surrounded the gigantic eye. All of them opened wide, fixating their gaze on the sole entity present in the sky.


    At the focal point of their gaze, there was a figure floating in mid-air, kneeling with hands covering the eyes like a statue.


    It was Zhang Siyun.


    His figure stood out distinctly, unaffected by the gaze of the god¡¯s eye. It seemed that the gaze held little significance to him, as if it were inconsequential.


    The Red Moon shone brightly behind him, its crimson light still radiant.


    It became the only clarity in the entire Immortal Forbidden.


    The upturned corners of his mouth grew wider, exuding an indescribable elegance despite the sinister and terrifying nature. His hands fell from his eyes, and he slowly stood up.


    An immense wave of terror emanated from It, enveloping the heavens and the earth.


    Its long black hair instantly transformed into a blood-red color, extending behind It and eventually becoming the sky itself.


    On top of Its head, a crown adorned with sharp spikes manifested, and within it, three ferocious faces could be clearly seen, trapped and wailing in agony.


    The aura emanating from these three faces was undoubtedly divine.


    They had been fashioned into a crown and now adorned the head of Zhang Siyun¡¯s head.


    All the blood vessels on Zhang Siyun¡¯s face converged at Its brow at this moment, forming a crimson lunar mark.


    The holes in Its eyes seemed to contain two seas of blood that emitted a soul-stirring red light.


    Its black Daoist robe turned into ashes and a golden robe covered Its entire body.


    This robe was immense, with its corners spreading in all directions, encompassing the earth.


    From a distance, this scene was incredibly awe-inspiring, shaking the hearts and souls of all beings.


    Its hair was the sky, and Its robes were the earth.


    It stood between heaven and earth like the lord of the world.


    Combined with Zhang Siyun¡¯s handsome appearance, an incomparable sense of divinity permeated Its entire being.


    It was enough to make all living beings collapse at a single glance, to plunge them into an endless sea of suffering with a single sound.


    If they wanted to survive, they could only worship.


    At this moment, Its divine might towered into the sky.


    All the distortions and haziness formed by the opening of the huge eye on the ground were instantly replaced and suppressed.


    As for the anomalous substances here, they also rapidly changed from their source, turning into red fog that was imprinted on Its golden robe, forming red patterns.


    ¡°Interesting.¡±


    The Crimson Goddess spoke softly.


    All of the human race¡¯s plans had been sensed the instant She woke up.


    To gods, there was no need to analyze or guess. The moment They saw something, They would understand everything.


    All information was stored within the body, placed in the world. When the gods looked over, mortals couldn¡¯t conceal anything, and everything about them was revealed.


    However, the Human Emperor¡¯s overt plan was indeed effective. For the Crimson Goddess, the moment She saw the awakened god in the Immortal Forbidden, it was like a delicious piece of meat placed before Her mouth, arousing Her irresistible instinct to devour.


    ¡°Special body, not bad.¡±


    The voice that emanated from the Crimson Goddess¡¯s mouth was not the language of the human race, but all the races could understand it. It was the god¡¯s voice.


    The sound echoed, and the Immortal Forbidden instantly experienced a catastrophic upheaval. The ground cracked, and the cracks in the sky widened, revealing the pitch-black soil outside. The soil quickly turned red in response to the Crimson Goddess¡¯s influence.


    It was as though this Immortal Forbidden couldn¡¯t withstand Her voice.


    The ground trembled intensely and golden blood flowed out of the eye in the palace. The 27 sharp spikes shone with terrifying energy and roars echoed in all directions.


    ¡°High God Crimson Goddess, my master, Zhuan Yu, the Heavenly Executioner and Five Remnants, ignited His divine fire in the land of the wicked, and is also a high god!¡±


    The Crimson Goddess lowered Her head, Her blood-red eyes fixed upon the colossal eye below. The corners of Her cracked mouth oozed golden drool, and each droplet fell like a golden meteor, streaking across the sky, leaving a resounding impact upon the earth, corroding the ground and leaving behind deep craters.


    All the substances inside were disintegrated by the saliva.


    Without paying any attention to the roaring from the colossal eye on the ground, the Crimson Goddess raised her right hand and gently made a grabbing motion towards the earth.


    With that grabbing motion, the ground of the entire Immortal Forbidden trembled violently like never before. Starting from the center of the palace, five enormous ravines, each spanning fifty kilometers in width, appeared on the surface.


    The length of each one was different. The shortest was 100 to 150 kilometers, and the longest was 250 kilometers. They were arranged in a fan-shaped pattern, extending from northwest to northeast direction.


    It was like five fingers!


    In addition to these five ravines, the ground also sank tens of thousands of feet deep, and numerous smaller gorges appeared, tearing open the surface in the southwestern, southern, and southeastern directions.


    From the sky, it appeared to be a colossal palm-print spanning nearly 500 kilometers in size!


    It was as though an invisible giant hand had descended from the sky and landed in the forbidden region.


    And the indentations of its five fingers coincided with the locations where the twenty-seven spikes extended.


    As Zhang Siyun¡¯s right hand slowly transitioned from an open state to a grip, the colossal palm print on the ground also followed suit. From the tips of the five fingers, the ground sank even deeper.


    As a large amount of soil crumbled into dust, the entire Immortal Forbidden was in upheaval. The roars of the Immortal Forbidden¡¯s god echoed through the sky. Simultaneously, the twenty-seven spikes emitted a dazzling golden light. In the blink of an eye, these twenty-seven beams of golden light soared into the sky.


    From afar, every golden light contained extreme sharpness that could penetrate the world. They were like 27 divine weapons that headed straight for the Crimson Goddess.

 Chapter 746 - 746 The Descent of Crimson Goddess (4)

    746 The Descent of Crimson Goddess (4)


    As the Crimson Goddess¡¯s red moon shimmered at Her brow, a brilliant red glow emanated from behind Her, spreading outwards and transforming into a vast sea of blood in the sky. The heavens and earth trembled as the twenty-seven beams of golden light collided with the sea of blood, creating twenty-seven enormous crimson whirlpools.


    The whirlpools continued to spin relentlessly, but they couldn¡¯t be penetrated, while the twenty-seven golden beams were visibly being assimilated, devoured by the sea of blood.


    In the midst of the intense upheaval on the earth, a sense of terror and panic emanated from the god¡¯s will. As the Crimson Goddess drooled even more, Her eyes gleamed with dreadful hunger and greed. With a forceful motion, She raised Her right hand and clenched it tightly.


    The earth emitted a cracking sound as the five deep ravines made contact with the hidden god beneath the ground.


    Gold and red collided at this moment, causing the earth to upheave with countless flesh, palace ruins, and debris. It was evident that the god residing beneath the ground was struggling furiously.


    Amidst the deafening roar, as the ground rolled and tumbled, the corners of the Crimson Goddess¡¯s mouth continued to curl upwards. She made a fierce tugging motion.


    Immediately, the ground within 500 kilometers completely collapsed. That invisible huge palm completely grabbed the Immortal Forbidden god and pulled It out of the ground.


    As the land collapsed, a massive blood and flesh vine, resembling a serpent, was pulled out from within. Its body extended for tens of thousands of kilometers.


    As rumbling sounds spread out, a ravine that stretched for tens of thousands of kilometers was formed.


    The sky turned dim, and countless red lightning bolts swept across in all directions. Amidst the bursts, one could see the pulled-out Immortal Forbidden god, resembling a snake or a dragon, but Its body lacked scales. Instead, It appeared as a massive flesh strip composed of purplish-red flesh.


    In the midst of Its struggling and contortions, on the body of this god, one could see sharp spikes, spaced 500 kilometers apart from each other. There were a total of twenty-seven spikes.


    It was as if a thick thread had been tied to twenty-seven needles.


    This was the slumbering god of the Immortal Forbidden. In the midst of Its contortions and roars, the twenty-seven spikes swiftly thrust towards the invisible hand, but they couldn¡¯t pierce it. However, their envelopment faintly outlined the contours of the invisible hand.


    This scene was enough to shake the hearts of all living beings.


    In the perception of cultivators, this battle was like a legend. It was hard not to feel reverence.


    On the ground, many areas were affected by such a huge fluctuation, but the eastern region suffered the least damage.


    Clearly, this was also the reason why the human race chose the eastern region. Everything¡­ was within the plan.


    Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s hearts were also trembling intensely. The moment the Crimson Goddess attacked earlier, the captain had already opened his palm, revealing the eye inside. From the different perspectives of the large number of eyeballs placed outside, a relatively complete image was formed.


    Xu Qing and the captain roughly saw everything clearly.


    However, due to the power of the god, the captain¡¯s eyeballs were constantly collapsing, so the image wasn¡¯t very clear. Only the eyes in the eastern zone¡¯s range were able to see more.


    It was inevitable for the image to be blurry.


    However, this didn¡¯t affect the two of them from having more feelings and understanding of how terrifying the Crimson Goddess was.


    To them, the Immortal Forbidden¡¯s god was like the heavenly might, an unshakeable existence that even approaching would lead to their deaths. But for the Crimson Goddess, She could pull It out with a raise of Her hand.


    Moreover, looking at the struggle of the Immortal Forbidden¡¯s god, the gap between the two gods was obvious.


    ¡°The gods of the Wanggu Continent are so powerful that they surpass the comprehension of many lives. And these beings that cultivators refer to as gods are perhaps, to ordinary people, creators themselves!¡±


    The captain took a deep breath and muttered with a strange glint in his eyes.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I want to eat Red Moon¡­¡±


    Xu Qing, who was at the side, was startled. He restrained all his aura and didn¡¯t dare to emit any fluctuation. When he heard the captain¡¯s words, he didn¡¯t find it unexpected. After all, he had heard similar mad ramblings from the other party countless times before.


    ¡°Good luck.¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, do you also support me? I¡¯m planning to make some arrangements. Actually¡­ I¡¯ve planned it before, but I failed in that life.¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes gleamed as he licked his lips.

 Chapter 747 - 747 Snatching Food From the Tiger’s Mouth! (1)

    747 Snatching Food From the Tiger¡¯s Mouth! (1)


    At this moment, apart from the stillness of the captain and Xu Qing, all the human cultivators in the eastern region¡¯s safe zone were filled with immense trepidation.


    Most of them were sitting cross-legged and meditating, unable to observe or perceive the events happening in this realm. They relied on the collective power of the group and the formations to protect themselves.


    In the battle of the gods, even a single glance could annihilate one¡¯s body and soul if their life level was insufficient. Even if one didn¡¯t directly look but employed a method similar to the captain¡¯s, it still required the support of one¡¯s life level or the possession of special objects.


    However, it was evident that not everyone in the human army in this area possessed special objects. Therefore, there were only a few cultivators who could witness that battle.


    Outside the Immortal Forbidden, near the shattered array, there was another group of people waiting at the depths of the Prison Department.


    The Seventh Prince was among them.


    The expressions of the Deputy Governor, the generals of the various palaces, and a large number of almighty experts from the Imperial City¡¯s army were extremely solemn. In fact, the four-clawed golden dragon in the sky outside also looked completely focused.


    They were all looking at the hole in front of them.


    That place had been sealed up and replaced by a light screen. What was projected on it was none other than the Crimson Goddess and the Immortal Forbidden¡¯s god.


    ¡°Your Highness, everything is going according to plan.¡±


    ¡°As predicted by His Majesty and the state preceptor, the Crimson Goddess, upon awakening, intends to devour the Immortal Forbidden god.¡±


    ¡°We are uncertain if the second phase of the plan will proceed smoothly. After all, the Crimson Goddess will not take too long to absorb the Immortal Forbidden god. Moreover, if She were to descend upon the outside world, it could pose a threat to the entire Fenghai County.¡±


    Beside the Seventh Prince stood a figure cloaked in black robes, who spoke in a low voice with a sharp and chilling tone.


    As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding Fenghai County cultivators all lowered their heads with complicated expressions.


    The Seventh Prince stared at the light screen and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Before I came, Father asked me if I was afraid of dying in this place. At that time, I said I was willing to sacrifice myself for the cause of the human race!¡±


    ¡°If the Crimson Goddess breaks out, although I may not have the power to stop her, I will not escape either. I, Guyue Zhangan, am also willing to be buried together with Fenghai.¡±


    ¡°At that time, Father looked at me and said something. He said that gods are just beings of a higher order than us, and Their so-called omniscience and omnipotence are only relative to beings weaker than Them.¡±


    ¡°So, even gods can be exploited, as long as there is a strategy.¡±


    ¡°The Crimson Goddess will definitely not be satisfied¡­¡±


    The Seventh Prince said softly.


    At that moment, in the Immortal Forbidden, the god that was like a thick thread was still struggling. Its twisted form unleashed a dazzling and blinding golden radiance from the twenty-seven needle-like spikes. With a destructive force capable of shattering heaven and earth, they coiled and attempted to pierce into the invisible hand of the Crimson Goddess.


    Each of the twenty-seven spikes would be considered a supreme treasure in the Wanggu Continent. However, in the face of the Crimson Goddess, they were unable to mount a significant resistance. Even if they managed to stab into the hand, they still found themselves unable to break free from Her grasp.


    The piercing sound of friction, accompanied by the roars of the Immortal Forbidden¡¯s god, echoed throughout this realm.


    From a distance, the Immortal Forbidden god appeared like a snake whose vital point was grabbed tightly, being gradually pulled towards the Crimson Goddess.


    Every time It twisted, the void would shatter. Every time It roared, the surroundings collapsed.


    Both the sky and land were affected, causing this place to seem like a battlefield that had turned into ruins.


    The Crimson Goddess, who had descended upon the body of Zhang Siyun, had fully opened Her mouth, stretching the corners to the ears in an exaggerated manner. This terrifying and ferocious sight instilled boundless fear.


    Among the countless sharp teeth, there was a tongue formed by numerous strands of hair protruding from the mouth of the Crimson Goddess.


    At the tip of this tongue, there was a blurry face that looked like the face of a woman. Although her eyes were closed, her expression still revealed greed and hunger.


    A large amount of saliva gushed out from under the tongue and flowed onto the ground, causing more deep pits to appear.


    From a macro perspective, it was an incomprehensible and supreme power surpassing the level of cultivators. The collision between them revealed faint glimpses of golden radiance and bloody light, accompanied by hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of divine techniques taking shape.


    Every time they formed, they would instantly collapse before appearing again in the blink of an eye.


    It seemed that divine techniques, for Them, required no deliberate effort, as they naturally manifested with every movement.


    However, from a microscopic perspective, They looked like primitive beings; one seeking to devour, while the other was on the verge of being devoured.


    There was no sense of holy feeling that one would expect from a god, yet those who witnessed this scene through various means couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of holiness rising within them.


    It was as though the word ¡®holy¡¯ had unknowingly distorted its meaning many years ago after the god¡¯s fragmented-face descended.


    Simultaneously, in the eyes of all who witnessed this, there was a distinct sense that the Immortal Forbidden god¡¯s divine authority of oblivion seemed to have no effect in the presence of the Crimson Goddess.


    The difference between the two was too great. It was like a child facing an adult.


    It wasn¡¯t that the Immortal Forbidden god wasn¡¯t strong, but the level of the Crimson Goddess was too high!


    Just as the Immortal Forbidden god was about to be devoured, its serpentine form unleashed a ferocious roar, and in the next instant, it willingly chose to collapse and disintegrate on its own.

 Chapter 748 - 748 Snatching Food From the Tiger’s Mouth! (2)

    748 Snatching Food From the Tiger¡¯s Mouth! (2)


    With a thunderous boom, the colossal form of the Immortal Forbidden god erupted in a violent explosion. Countless flesh and blood transformed into a radiant golden river, hanging horizontally across the sky.


    With this method, It finally broke free from the Crimson Goddess¡¯s hand.


    This river of flesh and blood rapidly gathered in the sky. It didn¡¯t return to its snake form but transformed into another form.


    The outline of a fish could be vaguely seen.


    As for the 27 sharp spikes, they were also enveloped in flesh and blood, forming fish bones.


    The ground quaked and the purple-red flesh and blood that covered every palace in the entire Immortal Forbidden shook, transforming into flesh ropes that sped into the air and fused into the fish-shaped body.


    They intertwined with it and rapidly filled it up.


    As the purple-red flesh and blood rose into the air, the captain and Xu Qing had no obstacles to hide them.


    Xu Qing remained motionless, exerting all his effort to conceal himself, while the captain did the same.


    For Crimson Goddess, the fish-shaped entity before Her emitted a strong scent of food. Like the stars hidden by the sun, It captured the full attention of Her avatar.


    After gathering all the flesh, the colossal entity floating in mid-air underwent a significant transformation, completely transforming into a large, purplish-red fish.


    It had no fish scales, and its mouth was filled with countless spikes, exuding a terrifying divine aura. Particularly striking were the two golden whiskers swaying by its side.


    Even more eerie was its tail, which was not flat but raised like a peacock¡¯s, with numerous rows of spikes swaying and forming a large, illusory face.


    The face had an indeterminate gender and did not resemble a human face. It had four eyes and lacked a nose, with only a large, tightly closed mouth below the eyes.


    Intricate runes permeated It, obscuring Its already blurry face.


    However, a divine power emanated from It, spreading endlessly. The sense of holiness was rekindled within the hearts and minds of all who witnessed this.


    Furthermore, the endless information emanating from Its body flowed into the minds of all who beheld It, causing them to go mad and unknowingly begin to lose their memories.


    If they were to look at It for too long, all their memories would eventually vanish, replaced entirely.


    This was the true body of the Immortal Forbidden god.


    As the Crimson Goddess gazed at the fish, Her saliva flowed even more, and She took steps forward with a radiant red glow emanating from Her body. The cracks in the sky became even deeper and more profound.


    As She got closer, the eyes of the face on the tail of the god fish erupted with golden light. It opened its mouth and spat forward.


    Immediately, golden bubbles flew out.


    These bubbles contained large worlds, with countless lives thriving and propagating for generations on them. It was very likely that they didn¡¯t know that the world they were in was just a bubble from the mouth of a god.


    As the bubbles flew out and shattered, they unleashed immense power which enveloped the Crimson Goddess.


    Seizing this opportunity, the god fish¡¯s body rapidly became transparent, while the surroundings sank into a void, as if forming a black hole.


    It wanted to escape from this place.


    The Crimson Goddess, driven by greed, would not let the prey slip away from Her grasp. She swiftly moved forward, causing ripples in all directions, turning everything into a sea of red.


    As for the shattered bubbles, they were imprinted on Her robe, forming intricate patterns.


    She waved Her right hand.


    The void depression instantly turned into a sea of blood, engulfing everything in its path. The transparent form of the god fish was forced to reappear. Fear filled Its eyes as It attempted to retreat, but in the presence of Crimson Goddess, food was simply food.


    Beams of crimson light radiated from the red moon in the sky, from the blood sea that had engulfed the void, and from the cracks in the sky. They were countless in number, converging towards the god fish in an instant.


    Depriving it of any chance to escape, these crimson beams of light, like streamers, swiftly entangled and bound the god fish in mid-air.


    No matter how the god fish struggled or roared, it was useless.


    From the moment the Crimson Goddess appeared, It truly was just a fish.


    With a hungry intent, the Crimson Goddess approached the god fish in just one step.


    Her eyes gleamed with joy as her mouth opened wide, stretching to an indescribable extent. Finally, Her tongue emerged like a snake, reaching out towards the struggling god fish.


    Then, the face of a woman on her tongue opened its eyes, radiating boundless crimson light.


    A divine voice emerged, transforming into an endless whisper that reverberated through the heavens and earth.


    ¡°Open the door.¡±


    The instant these three words syllables were uttered, the god fish let out an unprecedented, piercing scream. Its flesh and bones ignited, and golden flames forcefully surged upward, forming the outline of a well in mid-air.


    In the blink of an eye, this well transformed into reality.


    Within it, darkness engulfed everything. That was the entrance leading to the land of the wicked!


    How could a mere fish make Crimson Goddess so joyful and excited? Even if it possessed a special physique, it was nothing more than a snack to Her.


    The real feast lied in utilizing the connection between this god fish and Zhuan Yu to open the gateway to the land of the wicked.


    The Crimson Goddess intended to descend upon the land of the wicked and devour High God Zhuan Yu who had ignited His divine fire there!


    This was the Human Emperor¡¯s overt plan and also the second step of the plan that the Seventh Prince had mentioned earlier!

 Chapter 749 - 749 Snatching Food From the Tiger’s Mouth! (3)

    749 Snatching Food From the Tiger¡¯s Mouth! (3)


    What determined the duration of the slumber was food.


    Xu Qing and the captain were overwhelmed by a tremendous wave of emotions after observing this scene from the blurry scenes projected by the eye.


    As all the eyes focused on this place involuntarily converged, Zhang Siyun who had become an avatar of the Crimson Goddess shone with an unprecedented light.


    The countless runes formed by the cracks in the sky of the Immortal Forbidden also shimmered.


    The entire sky turned red and began to rotate.


    It spun faster and faster, eventually forming a crimson vortex.


    Amidst the resounding rumble, a moon faintly emerged within the vortex.


    As if the vortex in the sky connected to an unknown realm, and within that realm, a gigantic blood moon hung in the sky.


    That was the real Red Moon!


    On the Red Moon, there was a kneeling statue with hands covering its eyes. At this moment, the hands of the statue slowly lowered down.


    Its lips curled up, revealing a greedy expression.


    This was the true form of the Crimson Goddess!


    It was evident that entering the land of the wicked and devouring a high god could not be accomplished solely through the avatar. Therefore, the Crimson Goddess intended to descend personally to that realm.


    As She stood up from the Red Moon, the world around Her underwent a drastic change. The earth trembled, and a deafening roar echoed in all directions, heralding the beginning of destruction. She took a single step forward.


    With this step, She transcended time, space, and the vortex, crossing over from the unknown realm into¡­ the ancient well beneath the golden flames of the god fish.


    As Its true body emerged, the awakened avatar within Zhang Siyun began to blur, with a significant portion of Its power being drained away. The crown atop Its head also became hazy and indistinct.


    After retrieving more than half of the clone¡¯s power, the Crimson Goddess¡¯ main body walked into the deepest part of the ancient well and descended into the land of the wicked!


    The ancient well rumbled, and as the god fish let out a piercing scream, a furious roar echoed from within the forcibly formed well.


    No one knew what was happening in the land of the wicked.


    However, golden blood flowed out from the ancient well, spilling outward. Along with it came the sound of chewing and roaring, faintly echoing through the vast space.


    The echoes resounded in the Immortal Prohibition, in Fenghai County, throughout the entire Holy Wave Large Region, in the Black Heaven Large Region, and even in the Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    It also echoed in the large regions of many other races.


    This sound resounded in more than 40 large regions.


    At this moment, the Wanggu Continent trembled.


    At the same time, golden blood also surged forth from under the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    Similar scenes unfolded in the depths of the Forbidden Sea and in countless ghost caves scattered throughout the various provinces, counties, and regions of the Wanggu Continent, exuding the shocking power of divine blood.


    The myriad races were shocked and all living beings trembled.


    Not only that, but all the forbidden zones and forbidden regions fell into dead silence at this time. No sound rang out, and the existences inside remained silent.


    Streams of terrifying divine senses rose from many areas of the Wanggu Continent, paying attention to this place.


    Even the fragmented-face of the god in the sky seemed to turn Its head slightly but It didn¡¯t open Its eyes.


    What They were focused on was not Fenghai County which was just a corner of the land, but rather the land of the wicked that appeared to be located underground, yet it was far from being so easily discovered¡­


    As for the Immortal Forbidden in Fenghai County, the cause of all this turmoil, not many paid attention to it. Even though a scene of devouring a god was unfolding here, it was still not as captivating compared to the appearance of the gods Themselves.


    In the Immortal Forbidden at this moment, after the main form of the Red Moon departed for the land of the wicked, the avatar residing in Zhang Siyun¡¯s body turned Its head in Its ethereal state. Amidst the flowing drool, It fiercely swallowed the god fish.


    With Its enormous mouth, replacing Its own body, Its upper jaw reached the sky while Its lower jaw reached the earth. It devoured the god fish in one gulp, biting down on it, continuously breaking it down and digesting it, gradually swallowing it bit by bit.


    Moreover, after biting it, It began to return to the red vortex in the sky.


    It intended to drag the god fish into the swirling vortex.


    No one dared to disturb the Crimson Goddess¡¯ meal. Even though this was only an avatar and most of Its strength had been taken away by Its main body, no one dared to disturb It at all.


    Most of the humans in the Immortal Forbidden had fainted from the series of energy fluctuations. Their entire bodies were invaded by anomalous substances and many of them died. They naturally didn¡¯t dare to have any thoughts about the avatar.


    Even the Seventh Prince and the others at the entrance of the Immortal Forbidden remained silent.


    At this moment, a sudden change occurred!


    As the jaws of the avatar devoured half of the god fish¡¯s body and was dragging it toward the vortex, a crack suddenly appeared in the blood-colored sky.


    This crack was especially eye-catching in the blood-colored sky because its color was extremely different!


    It erupted with white light.


    This light was snow-white. Amidst the dazzling light, a hand stretched out!


    It was a snow-white hand that was a thousand feet long.


    It was as though it was formed from white jade and emitted the same holy intent as a god.


    As It appeared, the surroundings instantly distorted and became a blur. As the anomalous substances that belonged to this white jade hand spread in all directions, It grabbed at the god fish that was bitten by the Crimson Goddess¡¯ avatar!


    In the distance, Xu Qing saw the blurry scene through the eye on the captain¡¯s palm. The instant he vaguely saw all of this, his heart stirred. This was because¡­ he had seen that white jade hand before!

 Chapter 750 - 750 Snatching Food From the Tiger’s Mouth! (4)

    750 Snatching Food From the Tiger¡¯s Mouth! (4)


    When he fought with Saintly Star¡¯s father, Chu Tianqun, in the small world of the Smoke Race, the astonishing divine technique the other party ultimately revealed was this white jade hand.


    Xu Qing distinctly remembered that the white jade hand had emerged from Chu Tianqun¡¯s body and pointed directly at him. If it weren¡¯t for Ling¡¯er¡¯s protection, he would have perished long ago.


    Although the hand back then was far smaller than what he saw now, the feeling the two gave him was exactly the same.


    His mind churned intensely as the word ¡®Illuminate¡¯ rose in his mind.


    Amidst Xu Qing¡¯s intense state of mind, the white jade hand, like snatching food from the tiger¡¯s mouth, directly penetrated into the body of the god fish, grabbed hold of its fish bones and forcefully pulled them outward.


    With a loud bang, three of the twenty-seven sharp spine fish bones on the body of the god fish were forcefully pulled out by the white jade hand, leaving behind a pointed gap.


    And surprisingly, Its actions did not trigger an extreme reaction from the Crimson Goddess¡¯ avatar.


    It was as though after having the main meal, the snacks weren¡¯t that important to Her.


    The most important thing was the timing chosen by the white jade hand!


    This timing was precisely when the Crimson Goddess¡¯ main body was unable to be distracted, fully engrossed in devouring in the land of the wicked, while the power of the avatar was greatly weakened and drained.


    Moreover, there was another possibility. That was¡­ the Crimson Goddess tacitly agreed to this behavior.


    As for the details, no one knew.


    In any case, regardless of the underlying causes during this period, at this moment, the white jade hand had already pulled out more than half of the three spikes.


    Everyone who saw this scene was shocked.


    Most of the people outside the entrance of the Immortal Forbidden were the same. All of their expressions changed. Only the Seventh Prince narrowed his eyes slightly.


    However, just as the large white jade hand was about to finish pulling out the three spikes, another change occurred in the sky!


    Another crack suddenly appeared beside the god fish.


    As the rumbling echoed, snow-white light also erupted from the second crack.


    A white jade-like hand that was exactly the same as the previous one but much smaller, only a thousand feet long, rapidly extended out.


    The timing It chose was even more precise.


    Its angle of appearance was particularly cunning, positioned below the body of the god fish.


    There was an unhealed wound there.


    The white jade small hand, resembling a ferocious beast, swiftly extended into the wound, grabbing hold of a fish bone inside, and forcefully pulled it out.


    With a boom, more than half of the fish bone was pulled out.


    Clearly, compared to the others, this white jade small hand was relatively weak, so at this moment, cracks appeared all over its arm, as if it was on the verge of collapsing. However, there was a faint sense of madness erupting from within, willing to pay any price, willing to do whatever it takes.


    It was as though even if it died, it had to get this fish bone!


    In the blink of an eye, the white jade small hand forcefully pulled out the fish bone and swiftly returned towards the crack.


    During this process, it finally couldn¡¯t hold on any longer and collapsed extensively.


    However, the madness within it erupted even more intensely. Using the remaining part of the arm, it managed to deliver the fish bone that it snatched to the crack before completely disintegrating.


    It disappeared!


    It came swiftly, and it departed swiftly. Regardless of the timing or the angle of retrieval, everything was executed with utmost perfection.


    The large white jade hand had pulled out the three fish bones and sensed this scene, pausing slightly.


    The expressions of the people at the entrance of the Immortal Forbidden changed once again. For the first time, a look of surprise and doubt appeared in the eyes of the Seventh Prince.


    Xu Qing and the captain also gasped.


    The appearance of the small white jade hand and the rhythm of plundering gave them a sense of familiarity.


    This was very in line with the style of the Seventh Peak¡­


    Waiting silently in concealment, patiently biding their time. Once the opportunity arose, they would unleash an extreme frenzy, launching a devastating strike, and swiftly escaping thousands of kilometers away.


    The two of them instinctively looked at each other and saw the suspicion and uncontrollable excitement on each other¡¯s faces.


    In the sky above, the large white jade hand, after a momentary pause, did not hesitate any further. It firmly grasped the three spikes and swiftly retracted.


    At the moment the white jade hand disappeared into the crack, the Crimson Goddess¡¯ avatar, still biting half of the god fish, dragged it into the blood-colored vortex.


    At the next instant, They disappeared in the vortex.


    The vortex rapidly dimmed, turning from a deep red to a light red until it completely dissipated. The sky returned to normal.


    However, without the support of the god¡¯s power, the countless cracks in the sky began to collapse. They fell off piece by piece and landed on the ground.


    The Immortal Forbidden seemed to be about to collapse. Even the ground, after losing the cover of the blood light, revealed an endless mess that was riddled with holes.


    Many areas turned into deep pits and the ground completely turned into ruins.


    Only the dense anomalous substances continued to spread here, causing everything to turn dark.


    However, that palpitation disappeared from Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s hearts as the Crimson Goddess left.


    After the two of them heaved a sigh of relief, the captain suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Junior Brother, quickly absorb them!¡±


    ¡°Our time is limited. I reckon that the Seventh Prince¡¯s men will arrive very soon. Either the collapse of this place will be alleviated and there¡¯s a high chance that it will be sealed and everyone will be ordered to leave, or this place will continue to collapse.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He had the same judgment.


    Hence, he immediately let go of himself and began to absorb the anomalous substances that had no more will!

 Chapter 751 - 751 New Master of the Immortal Forbidden!

    751 New Master of the Immortal Forbidden!


    Xu Qing had long yearned for the anomalous substances of the Immortal Forbidden.


    Previously, when he attempted to absorb it in the presence of his master, the convergence of those anomalous substances had greatly benefited Xu Qing. Since then, he had been suppressing his instincts and exerting great restraint.


    He was like a hungry person who had a feast before him, but he had no choice but to suppress the urge and endure the extreme desire.


    This was because he knew that if he had started feasting at that time, he would first attract the attention of the mutated beasts here and then the human army.


    Also, before the Immortal Forbidden god was dead, if he absorbed too much of the anomalous substances here, his body would eventually be affected by the will present in those anomalous substances.


    With the Red Moon also present, everything became an uncontrollable variable.


    Even though Xu Qing had the purple crystal and methods to protect himself, nothing was absolute. Relying too much on the purple crystal at a critical moment wasn¡¯t a good habit.


    But now, all obstacles were gone.


    When the Immortal Forbidden god fought with the Crimson Goddess, it took away all the purple-red flesh and blood to form its main body, including those mutated beasts infected by its flesh and blood.


    Moreover, the Immortal Forbidden was on the verge of collapse now and the human army didn¡¯t have the time to pay attention to all the areas.


    This was an unprecedented opportunity.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all and immediately started absorbing.


    In an instant, the anomalous substances left behind here surged over like a tide from all directions and rapidly entered through the pores on his body.


    His body felt extremely relaxed. Every inch of flesh in his body revealed desire as he absorbed with all his might.


    In the blink of an eye, a vortex formed outside Xu Qing¡¯s body due to the speed of the anomalous substances being absorbed.


    As the vortex churned, Xu Qing, who was sitting cross-legged, heard the captain¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I sensed through the cracks in the sky that the human army outside is repairing the sky. Based on their progress, you have at most about fifteen minutes. During this period, I will protect you and conceal any fluctuations. You need to hurry up!¡±


    Xu Qing could not respond verbally. At this moment, the golden threads within his body were in the process of expanding, spreading relentlessly within his flesh. It was as if a parched land was crazily absorbing all the nutrients available.


    Hence, he only nodded to indicate that he understood.


    The anomalous substances here were actually a little different from before. Other than the remnants of the Immortal Forbidden god, they were also mixed with the aura of the Crimson Goddess.


    Previously, when the Crimson Goddess¡¯ main body passed by, it caused the anomalous substances in this relatively sealed Immortal Forbidden to be even denser.


    To others, these anomalous substances were like a potent poison that needed to be immediately neutralized by taking pills or using various methods. Delaying the treatment could lead to drastic mutations.


    Xu Qing still had to be careful when devouring the anomalous substances of other gods. However, he didn¡¯t need to exercise such caution when it came to the anomalous substances of the Crimson Goddess.


    This was because he had the Purple Moon divine source. To some extent, he was actually the most suitable vessel for the descent of the Red Moon.


    So at this moment, as he absorbed, regardless of whether it was the anomalous substances of the Immortal Forbidden god or the Red Moon, they were all drawn into him. In the next instant, strands of golden divine essence were born within Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    The Poison Restriction Pill, the Purple Moon Heavenly Palace, and the Ghost Emperor Mountain, these three existences that most needed the nourishment of divine essence, trembled successively, their longing becoming overwhelmingly strong. They each transformed into black holes, rapidly absorbing the divine essence.


    This created a cycle within Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    The integration of anomalous substances was the first step, the birth of divine essence by the golden threads was the second step, and the immediate division of each thread of divine essence was the third step.


    Each stage in this cycle would determine the speed of absorbing the anomalous substances.


    At that moment, the Poison Restriction, Purple Moon, and Ghost Emperor Mountain resembled three colossal furnaces, spinning at an extreme speed and burning ferociously. The suction force generated from their intense activity was transmitted to the golden threads, and from there, it was transmitted to the outside world.


    In an instant, the surrounding anomalous substances gathered at an accelerated pace towards Xu Qing.


    Within moments, the vortex outside his body expanded to a thousand feet and continued until it reached 5,000 feet, 8,000 feet, and finally reached 10,000 feet.


    In an unending stream, wave after wave of infinite anomalous substances continued to surge into Xu Qing, intensifying the momentum that was building up.


    At that moment, with the absence of the Immortal Forbidden god, Xu Qing seemed to have become the new master of the Immortal Forbidden.


    The captain, who was helping to conceal the energy fluctuations, widened his eyes and gasped.


    ¡°Such a large range!¡±


    The captain gritted his teeth, raised his hands, and pressed them firmly against his forehead. Suddenly, his entire body radiated a blue light, and a chilling aura spread in all directions, enveloping the swirling vortex that had spread from Xu Qing, further enhancing the concealment.


    If it were anywhere else, the effect of this enhancement might not be very good. The changes happening here was like a torch in the darkness, quite conspicuous.


    However, if that torch were placed within a sea of flames, it would not stand out as much.


    And right now, the chaotic Immortal Forbidden was a sea of fire.


    As the captain had said, it was safe as long as the absorption was not prolonged.


    However, Xu Qing knew that time was tight. Hence, he fully immersed himself in the process, and more divine essence continued to be born.


    His body had expanded by another size under the stretching of the golden threads, reaching nearly a height of ten feet.


    Radiating with golden light, his entire body was adorned with numerous intricate runes that shimmered on his skin, exuding a sense of divinity.


    It was as though he was no longer mundane, but filled with the aura of a god.


    Upon noticing the changes in Xu Qing, the captain instinctively salivated and his nose twitched rapidly as he took several sniffs.


    ¡°It smells even better than Ning Yan.¡±


    The more the captain smelled, the more he drooled and his eyes lit up.


    ¡°I really want to take a bite, just a bite¡­¡±


    The captain swallowed his saliva but discovered that he was drooling even more¡­


    At the same time, as the captain struggled with his inner conflict, the Poison Restriction Pill within Xu Qing¡¯s body also underwent a transformation. After absorbing enough divine essence, the black golden core in the Heavenly Palace cracked with a series of popping sounds.


    The cracks multiplied, and a wave of revitalization spread from within.


    Although the Purple Moon Heavenly Palace and Ghost Emperor Mountain were a little slower, they began to undergo similar changes.


    After about eight minutes, when Xu Qing¡¯s absorption reached its peak, the cracks in the Poison Restriction Pill had spread throughout the entire surface of the golden core. With a final cracking sound, it shattered completely.


    A tiny black figure rushed out, appearing identical to Xu Qing. It was none other than the Dao Nascent formed by the Poison Restriction Pill.


    After flying out, the black figure opened its mouth wide and swiftly swallowed the shattered shell of the Poison Restriction Pill. As it consumed the remains, its body trembled, emanating a terrifying power of poison restriction that was noticeably more formidable than before.


    The black radiance intensified to an extreme level, erupting and illuminating the sea of consciousness, spreading throughout every inch of Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    The captain, who had been paying attention to Xu Qing, sensed something and his expression changed.


    ¡°The smell has changed. Although he smells better, I feel that after taking a bite, it will be the end of my life. Wha¡­ what poison is this?¡±


    While a surge of astonishment filled the captain¡¯s heart, Xu Qing¡¯s aura surged once again.


    This time, the source of the eruption was the Purple Moon Heavenly Palace!


    The power of the Poison Restriction and the purple crystal had intercepted and plundered a trace of divine source from the Red Moon projected in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, forming the Purple Moon


    Because it had become Xu Qing¡¯s item, it was dyed purple.


    Since ancient times, such a thing rarely happened. Generally speaking, only gods of a higher level or the same level could plunder each other.


    So, when the Red Moon realized that a trace of Her divine source had disappeared, the first thing She did when She woke up was to be vigilant. Even as an all-powerful and all-knowing being, She could not find any trace of Her divine source.


    That trace of divine source vanished into thin air.


    Hence, She immediately thought that another god had harbored ill intentions toward Her.


    At that moment, within the Purple Moon Heavenly Palace, the power of the divine source that originally belonged to the Red Moon was rapidly transforming. Within the Purple Moon, a faint figure began to take shape and stepped out from within it.


    Dressed in a purple robe with purple hair, the figure bore a striking resemblance to the Red Moon, yet it had the appearance of Xu Qing.


    That was Xu Qing¡¯s Purple Moon Dao Nascent!


    At the moment of its appearance, the purple figure¡¯s lips curled into a smile. It elegantly raised its right hand and beckoned towards the purple moon behind, transforming it into a mark on its forehead.


    Then, it walked to the end of the Heavenly Palace and sat upon the throne, looking past the sea of consciousness at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing swept his divine consciousness over. He could sense the feeling of looking at himself from every Dao Nascent.


    The feeling of them becoming one made Xu Qing understand that from this moment on, this former Red Moon¡¯s divine source truly belonged to him and had begun to grow within him.


    If the growth continued and everything unfolded as expected, then as time passed, when Xu Qing¡¯s Purple Moon Dao Nascent reached its peak, it may have the potential to take control of the Red Moon and replace it, becoming the High God Purple Moon.


    In fact, at that time, he could change the perception of all living beings, making them forget about the former Red Moon and believe that the Purple Moon had always been the eternal existence throughout the ages.


    ¡°Master is right. Gods¡­ are simply beings of a higher level than us. So, it¡¯s not impossible to replace them.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and continued absorbing.


    After the Poison Restriction Pill and the Purple Moon Heavenly Palace formed Dao Nascents, there were already seven Dao Nascents within him!


    Four of them came from the four life lanterns.


    The other one was formed from the emperor-level cultivation art, Golden Crow Refines All Life.


    With the addition of the Poison Restriction and the Purple Moon, at this moment, the power of the seven Dao Nascents surged from every inch of Xu Qing¡¯s body, greatly increasing his combat strength. Compared to before entering the Immortal Forbidden, the difference was like night and day.


    However, this wasn¡¯t the end.


    As the Ghost Emperor Mountain absorbed the power of divine essence for close to fifteen minutes, the Ghost Emperor Heavenly Palace rumbled, and the Ghost Emperor¡¯s body inside shook violently.


    The original body shattered completely, and in the midst of this collapse, a Dao Nascent emerged.


    As if undergoing a phoenix¡¯s rebirth, it emerged anew from the midst of death.


    The eighth Dao Nascent was formed!


    The power of the eight Dao Nascents erupted with a resounding force. As Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled, his aura soared to the heavens, and at that moment, he opened his eyes.


    He saw the vast collapse of the Immortal Forbidden first.


    The second thing he saw was the captain looking at him with profound regret and tangled emotions.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother?¡±


    Noticing the captain¡¯s expression, Xu Qing flinched.


    ¡°Little Qing, you¡¯re even more fragrant but the toxicity is also greater. You¡¯re not delicious¡­¡±


    The captain sighed.


    Xu Qing ignored him. He stood up and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, stop fooling around. We should leave.¡±

 Chapter 752 - 752 Familiarity

    752 Familiarity


    As Xu Qing stood up, the surrounding anomalous substances dispersed outward. His body, towering over ten feet tall, emanated an aura of mystery within the mist.


    With the extraordinary fluctuations emanating from his body, the mist-like anomalous substances seemed to bow down before him as they churned and swirled.


    In fact, Xu Qing could sense that he could use his own strength to trigger the eruption of the anomalous substances here to some extent.


    After the Immortal Forbidden god perished, everything here was gradually coming under his control.


    ¡°Unfortunately, my current cultivation is not sufficient to absorb too much of the anomalous substances in this place,¡± Xu Qing sighed inwardly, suppressing his desire.


    He could actually still absorb it but there was no time. If he continued to absorb, he would definitely be exposed.


    Another reason that led Xu Qing to give up on absorbing the anomalous substances was the fact that the god¡¯s finger in D132 was showing signs of restlessness.


    ¡°The purple crystal is too weak to fully seal the god¡¯s finger. Once the god¡¯s finger absorbs the anomalous substances here, It will likely break free from my body soon¡­¡±


    Xu Qing sighed inwardly, feeling that the purple crystal was somewhat useless.


    While Xu Qing was sighing with emotion, the captain glanced at Xu Qing¡¯s ten-foot-tall body and compared it to his own, raising an eyebrow.


    Xu Qing understood his meaning. With booming sounds, he shrank from his towering height of ten feet and, in the blink of an eye, transformed into his normal size. He immediately felt a difference in his body.


    Before this, Xu Qing knew that his body was extraordinary, but he couldn¡¯t control the golden threads within his body, making it difficult for him to fully manifest his divine physique.


    Now, he realized that he could control some of it and could freely transform to a height of ten feet.


    The normal body and the transformed body of ten feet height were two different states, and the latter allowed Xu Qing to unleash even stronger power.


    Seeing that Xu Qing had transformed into an ordinary person, the captain was satisfied. Just now, after he noticed that Xu Qing had become larger, he almost couldn¡¯t resist undoing another seal to become larger.


    He was about to speak when a deafening roar echoed through the sky. More cracks collapsed, and a large white net appeared in the sky.


    Upon closer inspection, one could see that there were many human army cultivators on the ropes of the large net.


    This net was set up by them outside the sky and was still expanding as they continued their efforts.


    Immediately after, the fourth wave of human troops descended from the distant entrance.


    The leader wasn¡¯t the Seventh Prince but the generals of the three palaces.


    The moment they descended, a large number of cultivators from the Imperial Capital Army behind them spread out. As they cleared out the anomalous substances, they repaired the crack in the sky and worked together from the inside out to stabilize the realm.


    Clearly, this was also the reason why the human army arrived a little late.


    At the same time, the command sword on Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s bodies also vibrated as the cracks in the sky were repaired and the human race¡¯s safe zone was restored.


    A decree was issued.


    It required the first three groups of human cultivators leave this place within two hours.


    Two hours later, the Immortal Forbidden would be transformed into a special area. Unless one held an exclusive token, they couldn¡¯t take half a step into it.


    At the same time, everyone was informed that anyone who stayed behind without authorization would be dealt with for defying the order.


    ¡°According to Master¡¯s previous judgment, this Seventh Prince has successfully completed the Human Emperor¡¯s instructions. At this moment, everything here can be regarded as his reward.¡±


    The captain smirked and swept his gaze around, a hint of madness gleaming in his eyes, as he spoke in a low, intense tone.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you can leave first. I¡¯ll stay here for a while.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and noticed the madness in his eyes. He knew that it would be difficult to persuade his senior brother, who had such a look in his eyes.


    However, staying here would pose greater risks than benefits. After all, the passage out was controlled by the Seventh Prince. If something were to go wrong in this Immortal Forbidden, it would be difficult to escape.


    Xu Qing thought about it and nodded.


    ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll leave first. Master must be waiting for me outside after obtaining the best item. I¡¯ll go and share it with him. Don¡¯t worry, Eldest Senior Brother, you can stay here and have fun.¡±


    Xu Qing started walking away..


    The captain was stunned and quickly ran to Xu Qing¡¯s side.


    Xu Qing was surprised.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, I¡¯m returning to the campsite. What are you doing?¡±


    The captain laughed and put his arm around Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯ve changed my mind. That old man is too cunning, and I¡¯m worried that you¡¯re not good at communicating with him. Forget it, forget it. For the sake of my junior brother, I won¡¯t covet the treasures here!¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and looked into the captain¡¯s eyes.


    The captain blinked with a sincere expression. After that, he urged.


    Just like that, the two of them sped all the way. An hour later, both of them deliberately infected themselves with some anomalous substances to conceal themselves and returned to the safe zone established by the human army.


    Although there were magic artifacts here that could expel anomalous substances, the invasion of anomalous substances was still serious. Many disintegrated and mutated flesh could be seen on the ground.


    Clearly, the descent of the Crimson Goddess and the struggle of the Immortal Forbidden god had an impact on this place as well. Basically, every cultivator who survived was covered in anomalous substances and could only suppress it for now. They had to leave this environment before they could expel it further.


    At that moment, many people were rising into the air and flying toward the exit.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze across the surroundings. He didn¡¯t know many people and didn¡¯t see Qing Qiu or Kong Xianglong. Hence, he took out his command sword and transmitted his voice to ask.


    He learned that Qing Qiu had left after seven days, and Kong Xianglong had just left not long ago.


    After receiving Xu Qing¡¯s voice transmission, Kong Xianglong told him to wait outside.


    Seeing that everything was fine, Xu Qing heaved a sigh of relief inwardly.


    Previously, because of their master, it wasn¡¯t good for them to tell others and they couldn¡¯t let anyone follow them. After all, at that time, Xu Qing¡¯s location was actually even more dangerous.


    Hence, Xu Qing and the captain secretly left, having no time to care about Kong Xianglong and Qing Qiu. However, he had privately told them that there would be a drastic change here and told them to be more careful.


    Clearly, Qing Qiu was obedient. Although Kong Xianglong didn¡¯t leave so early, from the looks of it, he was still safe.


    Hence, Xu Qing and the captain looked at each other. Determination appeared in their eyes as they headed straight for the sky.


    They moved extremely fast. As they continued to rise into the air, the Immortal Forbidden continued to shrink in their eyes.


    It was only when they were in the sky that Xu Qing finally saw the palm print of the Crimson Goddess left behind in the distant land with his own eyes. He also saw the huge ravine where the Immortal Forbidden god¡¯s aura was located in the western region.


    Even from a high altitude, the palm print was extremely clear and emitted waves of terrifying might. One could imagine how terrifying the power of the Crimson Goddess was.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and lingering fear rose in his heart. The captain, who was at the side, spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°After the Crimson Goddess successfully devours the god, although She will fall into a deep sleep, once She finishes digesting and wakes up, She will definitely be even more terrifying. I wonder if the Human Emperor has any follow-up arrangements.¡±


    Xu Qing had thought of this question before but he didn¡¯t have an answer.


    The two of them retracted their gazes and flew into the entrance in the sky in silence. They then left the Immortal Forbidden, arriving at the location of the shattered array formation in the depths of the Prison Department.


    From here, they sped all the way and passed by dozens of large nets formed by array formations. The function of these large nets was to isolate the anomalous substances here.


    The two of them passed through successfully and gradually saw the exit of the deep pit above their heads. They also saw the pitch-black night sky.


    At that moment, it was night in the external world.


    Ten breaths later, their figures finally flew out of the deep pit and into the external world.


    The cool wind blew on the two of them with a hint of freshness, lifting their long hair and fluttering the corners of their clothes.


    Compared to the sealed Immortal Forbidden, this wind that blew at one¡¯s face would instinctively refresh one¡¯s mind.


    The moon in the sky wasn¡¯t red either.


    This caused Xu Qing and the captain to subconsciously heave a sigh of relief.


    The military camps in the distance had disappeared!


    There were tens of millions of troops from the Imperial City. It was impossible for all of them to enter the Immortal Forbidden. Moreover, on their way back, Xu Qing and the others saw at most a million Imperial City troops who had entered the Immortal Forbidden.


    Just as Xu Qing was feeling puzzled, he saw Kong Xianglong.


    Kong Xianglong was originally sitting cross-legged at the edge of the deep pit and waiting for Xu Qing. When he saw Xu Qing, he got up and quickly approached.


    The anomalous substances on his body weren¡¯t too dense and were dissipating. Clearly, after he exited, he used some methods to quickly remove the anomalous substances.


    After he got close and sensed Xu Qing¡¯s gaze on the military camp¡¯s location, Kong Xianglong explained.


    ¡°They¡¯ve all left. I heard that they left five days ago and used the county capital¡¯s teleportation array to go to the front line.¡±


    ¡°I only found out after I came out. There should be some major movements at the front line¡­ This is because the Seventh Prince also teleported away an hour ago. This time, none of the cultivators in Fenghai County were recruited.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze froze. He thought of his master¡¯s judgment. Everything the Human Emperor did was for this war. Now that the overt plan against the Crimson Goddess had just been completed, the army moved to the front line.


    ¡°Something major is about to happen!¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath and looked at the captain. At that moment, the captain was also looking at him.


    The two of them had the same thought in their minds.


    That was, the human race¡¯s regional war artifact should be revealed soon.


    ¡®It should all be clear soon.¡¯ The captain transmitted his voice.


    Just as Xu Qing was in deep thought, Kong Xianglong sighed softly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I feel that there are many things in this matter that I can¡¯t figure out. If you guess some things, remember to tell me.¡±


    After saying that, Kong Xianglong took out two pill bottles and handed them to Xu Qing and the captain.


    ¡°These are plain pills. Although the opening of the Immortal Forbidden was arranged layer by layer, many anomalous substances still spread out. In addition, most of the people who returned were covered by dense anomalous substances, so the plain pills were sold out. It¡¯s very difficult to buy them.¡±


    ¡°These are some of my previous stock.¡±


    The captain chuckled and took it. After opening it, he swallowed the two plain pills inside.


    Medicinal fragrance spread out and permeated the surroundings, causing the anomalous substances here to dissipate a little.


    Xu Qing took a sniff at the side and felt a sense of familiarity. It seemed like a mixture of medicinal aroma with a subtle hint of something else. It felt vaguely familiar to him, so he reached out and took a closer whiff.


    This plain pill was the result of the Deputy Governor¡¯s improvement on the white pills. Its effect was twice that of white pills. benefiting the human race. It was a great merit of Fenghai County.


    However, it was unfortunate that due to the scarcity of raw materials and the difficulty of refining, these pills couldn¡¯t be popularized throughout the entire county. They could only be prioritized for distribution within the county capital.


    But over the years, it benefited a large number of people, especially in terms of price, which was even lower than that of the white pills, making it affordable for ordinary people as well.


    Although he didn¡¯t need it himself, there were some matters that were his own secret. So, after accepting the pill, Xu Qing expressed his gratitude and also informed Kong Xianglong about the speculation of their master.


    Previously, there were variables and many things couldn¡¯t be said. Now that everything was over, Kong Xianglong had the qualifications to know the truth.


    Upon hearing Xu Qing¡¯s words, Kong Xianglong¡¯s body trembled visibly. His breathing became slightly hurried and his eyes turned bloodshot. He clenched and unclenched his fists a few times.


    Clearly, he recalled the Palace Master¡¯s death and wanted to say something, but he ultimately fell silent.


    After a long time, he relaxed his fists and spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°I hope that our human race will win!¡±


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s expression turned melancholic as he waved his hand to Xu Qing and walked away. His departing figure seemed desolate, despite his young age, carrying an air of weariness.


    ¡°Kong Xianglong is quite a character!¡±


    The captain looked at Kong Xianglong¡¯s departing figure and spoke softly.

 Chapter 753 - 753 The Smell of Osmanthus

    753 The Smell of Osmanthus


    Xu Qing fell silent. He knew the source of Kong Xianglong¡¯s loneliness and bleakness.


    After hearing the analysis from his master in the forbidden land, Xu Qing also had similar feelings in his heart. The Palace Master, the County Governor, and even the entire Fenghai County, were all just pawns in a greater scheme.


    The Palace Master clearly understood all of this before he went to the battle and died.


    However, throughout his life, he wielded his sword with unwavering loyalty to the human race, traversing through eventful years. Therefore, the Palace Master had no regrets sacrificing himself for the sake of the human race.


    The only thing he was worried about was his homeland, his grandson, and the young warriors under his command. Therefore, after deducing certain things, he chose to sacrifice himself in order to do everything possible, without jeopardizing the overall situation, to save Fenghai County.


    ¡®As long as the Fenghai stands, I have no regrets about this sacrifice.¡¯


    Xu Qing recalled this sentence many times. It contained the determination in the Palace Master¡¯s heart before he jumped toward his death.


    And this was indeed the truth. After the Palace Master died, the Seventh Prince¡¯s army arrived and resolved everything, becoming the heroes of the human race.


    Kong Xianglong also realized these things and remained silent.


    However, in the end, his choice was similar to his grandfather¡¯s.


    He chose to wish the human race a great victory in this war.


    This way, his grandfather¡¯s death would be even more meaningful.


    Xu Qing sighed softly and silently left with the captain for the Sword Pavilion.


    The captain didn¡¯t speak on the way. When they returned to the Sword Pavilion, the captain patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Little Qing, you¡­¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and a dark glint appeared in his eyes as he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°That¡¯s not right!¡±


    The captain¡¯s gaze froze.


    ¡°Master¡¯s judgment isn¡¯t wrong but there should be more than this¡­ I¡¯ve seen that white jade hand before!¡± Xu Qing recalled carefully and was increasingly certain of this matter.


    The captain said nothing.


    In the Immortal Forbidden, they had seen two white jade hands, one big and one small. The small white jade hand was something their master had obtained from studying the god specimen. As for who the big white jade hand belonged to, it was self-evident.


    However, he didn¡¯t say anything from the start because he was worried that Xu Qing would be agitated.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t continue, and sat there with no expression on his face.


    The captain sighed. Master had told him some things, so he could guess the waves in Xu Qing¡¯s heart, and accompanied him silently.


    When the sky outside gradually brightened and he saw that Xu Qing was still silent, the captain coughed and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Junior Brother, why do you think Master isn¡¯t here yet?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°Junior Brother, with my understanding of the old man, I suspect that the old man should be beside us.¡±


    As soon as the captain said this, Xu Qing lifted his head. There were some fluctuations in his eyes.


    ¡°Believe me, Little Qing, Master likes to peep. I experienced it firsthand when you weren¡¯t in the sect. I suspect that our Master might have been waiting for us here in the Sword Pavilion, or perhaps he is using some means to sense our presence.¡±


    At first, the captain only wanted to find a topic to talk about. However, as he spoke, his eyes widened. He vaguely felt that what he said made sense. He took a deep breath and suddenly stood up, looking around.


    ¡°Master, Master, come out. I see you!¡± The captain bowed excitedly toward a corner.


    Xu Qing was puzzled. His previously slightly turbulent mood was also suppressed by the captain¡¯s words and actions as he looked at that corner.


    However, no matter how the captain bowed, nothing changed.


    The captain blinked and turned in another direction, continuing to bow.


    ¡°Haha, Master, I actually didn¡¯t see you. I just felt an additional aura here. You know that I¡¯m very sensitive to this.¡±


    The direction the captain bowed to was still quiet as before.


    Xu Qing had a strange expression. The captain revealed a surprised expression. After some thought, he suddenly looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother, do you still have the mask Master gave you?¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and had a guess. He immediately took out the translucent mask that contained an immortal art and respectfully placed it to the side. He then stood up and bowed.


    The captain also had a solemn expression as he cupped his fists and bowed.


    After that, they waited for a long time but there were no changes to the mask. Hence, they looked at each other.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, maybe you are thinking too much¡­¡±


    ¡°Believe me, I know Master too well.¡±


    The captain had an extremely confident expression. However, time passed, the sky outside changed from morning to noon and then to dusk, but there was no change in the mask, and they hadn¡¯t received any voice transmissions from their Master.


    Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    The captain looked at the mask and gritted his teeth.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I have no choice. I can only take out my trump card!¡±


    After saying that, under Xu Qing¡¯s attention, the captain coughed dryly and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Junior Brother, let me tell you a secret. Do you know why I¡¯m so keen on helping female cultivators resolve the problem of getting too many gifts? That¡¯s because many years ago, there was an old man we both know. You know who he is, so I won¡¯t tell you. In short, this old man went to deliver a gift to a female cultivator. After he finished giving it, he actually brought me to take the gift¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Before the captain could finish speaking, a low shout that seemed to contain anger from embarrassment rang out from the translucent mask.


    Xu Qing gasped. The captain quickly gave Xu Qing a smug look. After that, he put on a long face and knelt in front of the mask.


    ¡°Master, you scared me to death. I was worried about your safety. I really had no choice but to do this. Now that I know that you¡¯re fine, I¡¯m relieved.¡±


    ¡°Shut up! I¡¯m running for my life!!¡± Old Master Seventh roared from the mask.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression instantly turned solemn. The captain¡¯s expression also changed and he immediately fell silent. Worry involuntarily rose in the hearts of the two of them. They didn¡¯t say a word and waited silently.


    The wait was very torturous and Xu Qing was extremely worried. The captain¡¯s face at the side was also filled with solemnity and there was a hint of malevolence.


    The night passed. When the next morning arrived, the mask moved slightly and floated up from the ground. Under Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s nervousness, Old Master Seventh¡¯s hoarse voice rang out.


    ¡°I¡¯ve finally escaped. Isn¡¯t it just a spike? Is there a need to search like this?¡±


    Hearing Old Master Seventh¡¯s words, Xu Qing and the captain finally heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡°The two of you, find a time to return to the Seven Blood Eyes in the near future. I¡¯ve gained a lot this time. After refining that spike, I can get a big treasure for each of you. This is a divine spike, a true godly item. Moreover, it¡¯s from a special physique!¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Don¡¯t come back too quickly, or else you¡¯ll expose us. How about this? You guys come back in a month. By then, the refinement will be almost over.¡±


    ¡°Also, I can¡¯t be distracted during this period of time, so don¡¯t cause trouble. Also, Eldest, swallow this mask and hide its aura!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s do this for now. I am going to look for a place to enter seclusion. We¡¯ll talk about it when you return to the Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    After Old Master Seventh finished speaking, the mask slowly landed on the ground and remained motionless.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, about Master¡­¡± Xu Qing fell silent and looked at the captain.


    The captain smiled and stepped forward to pick up the mask before stuffing it into his mouth. As his throat squirmed, he swallowed it forcefully. After burping, he winked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°The old man can still explain these things. It means he¡¯s alive and kicking.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Master isn¡¯t as good as me when it comes to doing big things, but when it comes to running away¡­ I¡¯ve never seen anyone better at it than him. Think about it, who the hell can comprehend concealment ability after studying a god specimen that contains the power of time?¡±


    The captain also sighed with emotion. He didn¡¯t lie to Xu Qing. He really believed that their master was fine.


    After saying that, he looked at the sky outside. Just as he was about to speak, his voice transmission jade slip vibrated.


    Xu Qing immediately looked over. After the captain took it out, his eyes lit up. He instinctively licked his lips and chuckled at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Little Qing, I¡¯ll leave for now. Taotao is looking for me.¡±


    With that, the captain hurriedly left for the Observance Palace. On the way, he even took out a peach. After taking a bite, he raised his hand and looked at the eye growing in his palm.


    He used it as a mirror and looked at his appearance. After confirming that he was still so outstanding, his eyes lit up and he sped up.


    As he watched the captain¡¯s figure disappear, a sense of blessing emanated from Xu Qing¡¯s gaze. He then withdrew his gaze and looked at the empty Sword Pavilion. The inner turmoil that had been stirred by the Illuminate¡¯s matter had now subsided and turned into tranquility.


    ¡°In a month, when I return to the Seven Blood Eyes, I have to talk to Fairy Zi Xuan.¡±


    After the Bottle of Time fused into Xu Qing¡¯s Heavenly Palace, a sigh had echoed in his mind. After a long time, he closed his eyes and was about to cultivate, but soon, he opened his eyes and took out the plain pill bottle Kong Xianglong had given him.


    Previously, outside the deep pit, when the captain swallowed the pills, the medicinal fragrance released was mixed with some other smells. Xu Qing felt that it was a little familiar at that time, as though he had smelled it somewhere before.


    However, he didn¡¯t sense it in detail as he was telling the truth to Kong Xianglong.


    Now that he had calmed down, he recalled this matter. Although he didn¡¯t think much of it, due to his cautious personality, he still opened the pill bottle and placed it in front of him to sniff it, wanting to confirm what medicinal herb it was.


    ¡°There are many medicinal herbs¡­¡± Xu Qing fell silent. In order to search for that smell that seemed to be familiar, he took a few more sniffs and identified it carefully.


    Not long later, Xu Qing finally locked onto that familiar smell from the many scents.


    This smell was extremely light. Before Xu Qing obtained the god¡¯s body, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to sense it. Only with his current body could he vaguely smell it.


    ¡°This is¡­ the smell of osmanthus?¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. However, at the next instant, his pupils contracted and he suddenly lowered his head, staring fixedly at the pill in his hand. A look of disbelief appeared on his face and his breathing became unprecedentedly hurried.


    ¡°The smell of osmanthus!¡±


    Lightning seemed to rumble in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. In order to confirm that he hadn¡¯t smelled wrongly, he simply crushed a plain pill and placed the powder in front of his nose, carefully distinguishing it.


    The smell of osmanthus became clearer and clearer.


    Xu Qing was stunned for a long while. The medicinal powder on his palm scattered down.


    ¡°This is the smell that was in that empty wish box¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s emotions fluctuated intensely. He found the source of the familiarity. Back then, when he and Kong Xianglong were on a mission, he had held the empty wish box in his hand.


    At that time, the smell emitted by the box was the smell of osmanthus. It was exactly the same as the smell in the plain pill!!


    Over the years, plain pills had become a necessity for all the cultivators and mortals in the entire county capital!


    Hundreds of millions of people had eaten it!

 Chapter 754 - 754 The Truth Is Out! (1)

    754 The Truth Is Out! (1)


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    After a long time, he lifted his head. The waves in his heart transformed into waves in his mind that continued to surge.


    ¡°Deputy Governor¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled.


    He didn¡¯t have much contact with the Deputy Governor but he had a lot of respect for him.


    This respect came from the other party¡¯s alchemy attainment and the scholarly aura on his body that was similar to Grandmaster Bai and the Great Elder of the Sword Holding Court.


    Xu Qing still clearly remembered the gentle voice and appearance of the other party in the Sword Holding Palace when he first arrived at the county capital, as well as the great merit of plain pills that Deacon Sun had mentioned.


    Even after the war started, Xu Qing saw the other party¡¯s exhausted appearance many times.


    He also recalled the scene when he faced the Quasi-Immortal Race. The other party had rushed over and tacitly helped him.


    After the Seventh Prince arrived, the Deputy Governor smoothly integrated into his side, but this didn¡¯t mean anything.


    Many subsequent beneficial events for Fenghai County were initiated by the County Magistrate himself, along with the Deputy Palace Master of the Three Great Palaces, who made multiple petitions to the Seventh Prince in order to secure them.


    For example, when Xu Qing had just returned, the Deputy Governor had suppressed the coalition of clans that had been formed to retaliate against Xu Qing¡¯s orders.


    The rules and protections that were established after the war, as well as the exchanges and benefits gained, were also the result of the Deputy Governor¡¯s multiple consultations with the Seventh Prince, advocating for the interests of the Sword Holders.


    There were many things that involved the Deputy Governor.


    The fact that he was trusted by the Palace Master to remain in the county capital indicates that while the Palace Master may have had some doubts, there was still a significant level of trust.


    During the war, the Deputy Governor showed no hesitation and wholeheartedly dedicated himself to the frontline battle, earning the trust and becoming the backbone of countless commoners.


    One of the reasons that the front lines were able to last for so long was the Deputy Governor.


    He was a person who had accomplished great merits.


    He was the person who protected the people at the rear during war.


    He was the person who fought for advantages for Fenghai County many times after the war ended and the Seventh Prince took over.


    Xu Qing felt that it was a little unreal to say that he was the culprit behind everything.


    Before this, he didn¡¯t see any signs that there was a problem with the Deputy Governor, nor did he obtain any evidence.


    Xu Qing suppressed the various waves in his mind.


    This matter was too big, so he couldn¡¯t make a rash decision. Instead, he treated this matter as a clue and added it to his analysis.


    After that, he recalled the contents of the Palace Master¡¯s jade slip and the results of his investigation on Mount Morning Glow.


    ¡°According to the records in the classified document 19, the empty wish box once contained a Radiant Life Calamity Pill. The Palace Master knew this, which is why he identified it as the cause of the County Governor¡¯s death.¡±


    ¡°Because there are very few ways to silently and effortlessly cause the death of the County Governor with such formidable cultivation. Unless it was the work of someone at the Soul Accumulation Realm, but if that were the case, there would be no need for this war.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, all the signs point to the Radiant Life Calamity Pill.¡±


    Xu Qing murmured as he sorted through all the clues he had gathered in his mind, forming a coherent train of thought.


    ¡°But to refine the Radiant Life Calamity Pill, one needs morning glow, which is why the Palace Master asked me to investigate. And secondly, there is the matter of the method of poisoning.¡±


    This aspect was something Xu Qing had discussed with Kong Xianglong before. He couldn¡¯t fathom what method could have been used to make the County Governor, who had reached the half-step Soul Accumulation Realm with the blessing of fortune, unable to detect the poisoning.


    ¡°According to my investigation, there was a morning glow which wasn¡¯t recorded. This piece of evidence allows the possibility of the Radiant Life Calamity Pill being used.¡±


    ¡°As for the method of poisoning¡­¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head and looked at the powdered pill on the ground. He then took out the last plain pill from the pill bottle and held it in his hand as he observed it carefully.


    Xu Qing had studied the plain pills once before. At that time, his conclusion was that the effect of these pills in dispelling anomalous substances had indeed surpassed that of the white pills.


    The refinement method was unique, and Xu Qing couldn¡¯t analyze it even with his understanding of alchemy.


    Many of the medicinal herbs inside didn¡¯t seem to be a match. Instead, they were formed after the medicinal effects of the herbs were modified.


    This was the Deputy Governor¡¯s unique Dao of Medicine. By changing the external environment of the medicinal herbs, it would unknowingly change and affect them, forcing them into producing the effects he needed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he thought of this crucial point.


    At this moment, it was as though a large hand had appeared in his mind, quickly pushing away all the fog. This caused the content of the lesson the Deputy Governor had taught to their group of new Sword Holders to clearly appear under the fog.


    ¡°If you want to change the state of a medicinal herb, you don¡¯t need to use a drastic approach, nor do you need to transform it externally by harmonizing yin and yang. In my opinion, what is needed is to transform it in a subtle way.¡±


    ¡°Subtly, you change the environment it is in and change its nutrients. Let it slowly absorb them without knowing it and influence it from the inside.¡±


    ¡°To be precise, it wasn¡¯t me who changed its state but its own strength that changed its state. What I did was to create an environment and nutrients that guided its direction.¡±


    These were the Deputy Governor¡¯s exact words back then.


    In the past, no matter how Xu Qing thought about these words, he only had admiration toward the Deputy Governor. He was very respectful to the Deputy Governor who could think of such a method.


    This was because the other party had indeed successfully modified the white pills. Using this method, he created plain pills that benefited the humans in the county capital.


    However, now that he recalled these words, a shocking bolt of lightning rumbled through Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°If the words ¡®medicinal herb¡¯ that the Deputy Governor mentioned in class back then were changed to the County Governor, everything¡­ would be logical.¡±

 Chapter 755 - 755 The Truth Is Out! (2)

    755 The Truth Is Out! (2)


    ¡°If you want to poison the County Governor, you don¡¯t need to use a drastic approach. What is needed is to do it in a subtle way.¡±


    ¡°Subtly, you change his environment¡­ And that environment is the humans in the county capital.¡±


    ¡°Subtly, you change the nutrients he needs¡­ When combined with the principles of the Radiant Life Calamity, won¡¯t that be fortune?¡±


    ¡°Let the County Governor slowly absorb it without knowing and influence him from the inside.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that the Deputy Governor changed the County Governor¡¯s state but that the County Governor¡¯s own strength changed his state. What the Deputy Governor did was to create an environment and nutrients that guided his direction.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled slightly and the waves in his mind grew greater and greater.


    ¡°Therefore, the Deputy Governor didn¡¯t directly poison the County Governor. He treated the County Governor as a medicinal herb. The target of his poison¡­ is all the humans in the county capital¡¯s territory, which is the environment where the medicinal herb is located!¡±


    ¡°Using harmless and cheap plain pills as a carrier, he infused it with the power of the Radiant Life Calamity, making hundreds of millions of humans consume it over the years. This changed their fortune and altered the nourishment of the County Governor.¡±


    ¡°This is using the fortune of the human race in the county capital to change and influence the County Governor, thereby achieving the goal of poisoning him.¡±


    ¡°Such a method¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. This train of thought was logical. Everything was completely clear at this moment.


    In the past, the empty wish box contained a Radiant Life Calamity Pill. Because it had been stored in the wish box for too long, even though the pill had been taken out for many years, the osmanthus-like smell still lingered and didn¡¯t completely dissipate.


    Back then, the mission content was that the human race¡¯s spy in the Holy Wave Race had escaped with a huge secret.


    Looking at it now, the true spy should have died. Xu Qing and the others had obtained the empty wish box from the youth who was the son of the spy.


    As a result, the classified document 19 was created to provide a foundation for the subsequent investigation into the County Governor¡¯s demise.


    It was clear. Everything was clear now.


    Xu Qing then thought of D132¡¯s little boy. The other party was transformed from a wisp of fortune in Fenghai County. It had appeared dispirited after the wish box was retrieved.


    At that time, Xu Qing felt that the other party was weak and there was something unclean in his body.


    However, the little boy quickly recovered, so Xu Qing didn¡¯t think much of it. With the limited information he had at that time, it was difficult for him to piece everything together.


    After that, the County Governor died, the Prison Department collapsed, and the little boy disappeared.


    Xu Qing thought that it was due to the collapse of the Prison Department, which caused the little boy to dissipate. But now, it seems that this was not the case!


    And perhaps the Palace Master, after perfecting the classified document 19, was also investigating this matter. However, unfortunately, he was not omniscient, and time was running out. With the death of the County Governor and the arrival of the war, his efforts were hindered.


    In the end, he could only suspect everyone.


    Xu Qing¡¯s scalp went numb.


    This was especially so when he thought of how countless humans thought that plain pills were a great merit. Moreover, the Deputy Governor had even openly told the answers to the whole world.


    However¡­ no one could see the truth from it.


    The plain pill was a huge lie!


    The Deputy Governor had been openly mocking everyone in Fenghai County!


    Lightning bolts continuously exploded in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, and the memories of the Deputy Governor¡¯s gaze during their lesson flashed through his mind.


    The gaze that seemed gentle at the time now appeared to contain hidden mockery and a sense of amusement. It was as if, for the Deputy Governor, this was nothing more than a game of riddles.


    ¡®I told you the answer, I told everyone the answer, but how come you still haven¡¯t realized it?¡¯


    The magnitude of this revelation was overwhelming, to the point that upon realizing the truth, a sense of clarity and unease surged within Xu Qing.


    ¡°Why did the Deputy Governor do this? He and Illuminate¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. However, halfway through his sentence, he paused.


    ¡°Actually, Chu Tianqun already told me the answer before he died.¡±


    Xu Qing always remembered what Chu Tianqun had told him when he asked him about Purple Green and Night Dove¡¯s whereabouts.


    ¡°When you know how to change the color of the sea, you¡¯ll understand everything.¡±


    Xu Qing silently lifted his head and looked at the capital city in the night sky.


    ¡°The color of the sea can be easily changed using the method of the Deputy Governor. Just alter the color of the countless rivers that flow into the sea, and gradually, the sea will unknowingly undergo a change in color.¡±


    ¡°This is the answer.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled.


    ¡°Deputy Governor could be Purple Green or Night Dove.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s him. He poisoned the County Governor.¡±


    ¡°That mysterious man in black who appeared on the battlefield back then wasn¡¯t Marquis Yao. He was the Deputy Governor.¡±


    Xu Qing understood the truth.


    But he didn¡¯t know whom he should report this matter to anymore.


    The person who asked him to investigate all of this had already passed away.


    Currently, the Deputy Governor was the backbone of Fenghai County. All the elders of the county looked up to him, and with the great merit of his plain pill, he has gained the favor of the Seventh Prince and the trust of the common people.


    He was like the sun in the sky.


    Considering the actions of the Seventh Prince after his arrival, it was not difficult to see that the two of them were clearly cooperating with each other.


    ¡°The reason why the white jade hand appeared in the Immortal Forbidden Land was because this was originally a transaction!¡±


    Xu Qing sighed softly and pushed open the Sword Pavilion¡¯s door. He stood at the door and looked at the night sky.


    A long time passed, and in the distant sky, a bright light appeared, illuminating the sky.


    Its appearance caused dawn to break much faster than before.


    As the sky brightened, the earth also resonated with warmth.


    At the same time, all the cultivators in Fenghai County received a notice from the Deputy Governor.


    ¡°Human Emperor Mystic War has raised the regional treasure that belongs to our human race in the Black Heaven Race¡¯s region 20 hours ago!¡±

 Chapter 756 - 756 Human Races Regional Treasure, Sun of Dawn! (1)

    756 Human Race¡¯s Regional Treasure, Sun of Dawn! (1)


    Mystic War Calendar, Year 2932, end of October.


    The descendant of the 3,915th generation of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, the seventh son of the Great Heavenly Supreme Emperor Mystic War, Guyue Zhangan, following the imperial decree, saved Fenghai and opened the ninth palace of Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    The Seventh Prince summoned the Crimson Goddess of the Black Heaven to the ninth palace who devoured the malevolent god in the palace, eliminating the hidden danger in Fenghai County and ensuring a millennium of peace for the county.


    By fulfilling the supreme decree of the Great Heavenly Supreme Emperor Mystic War, the scales of victory in the war tilted towards the human race.


    This event shocked the surrounding regions and stirred up awe among the ancient tribes and races.


    The myriad races in Fenghai County cheered, the human race raised their heads high, and the Human Emperor praised and commended the Seventh Prince¡¯s great achievements.


    In the same month, after nine days of the opening of the ninth palace of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, the Great Heavenly Supreme Emperor Mystic War finally displayed his heavenly might after the Grand Imperial Capital Region was besieged by the Black Heaven Race for several months.


    He threw a Sun of Dawn into the Black Heaven Race¡¯s territory.


    This round object, massive and radiant like the sun, symbolized the rise of the human race. It self-destructed within the region of the Black Heaven Race, releasing boundless light and overwhelming flames.


    It burned the entire region of the Black Heaven Race, causing the sky to collapse and the earth to crack. Countless members of the Black Heaven Race perished, and all Black Heaven Tribe cultivators were severely wounded.


    A storm swept across all directions, engulfing everything in its path. It turned the sea of fire into an eternal blaze and made the light shine brightly for all to behold.


    The pitch-black region of the Black Heaven Race was enveloped in light.


    A rough estimate indicated that this light and heat would last for several decades, with its impact extending far beyond. For centuries to come, darkness would struggle to prevail in the Black Heaven Race¡¯s region, as the embers of the fire continued to smolder.


    Countless lives would die and the form of the newborn clansmen would change.


    Upon the revelation of this event, shockwaves reverberated through Wanggu, leaving all races astonished. The races that had participated in the siege of the human imperial region immediately retreated, closing off their borders, trembling with fear.


    The attention of the upper races were drawn, causing the world to shake.


    This event marked the beginning of an unprecedented era, a grand era not seen for tens of thousands of years.


    The name of Human Emperor Mystic War became renowned and widely known throughout the world.


    On the day when the Sun of Dawn was unleashed, the Human Emperor announced to all the races of the world that from that day onwards, the human race would bid farewell to the status of prey. We¡­ have gained the ability to protect ourselves!


    This was because the Sun of Dawn was a regional war artifact!


    Moreover, it wasn¡¯t formed by gods but by humans!


    That same month, after suffering such a heavy blow, the Black Heaven Race¡¯s army was filled with shock and raging fury, but they did not retreat.


    Instead, they intensified their efforts and showcased their own regional war artifact, destroying thirty percent of the imperial region in retaliation.


    The Black Heaven Race, stubborn and unrepentant, arrogantly dismissed the claims of the Human Race, believing them to be false.


    With their narrow perspective, they judged that the Human Race¡¯s regional treasure was not created but rather claimed that the Human Race¡¯s Sun of Dawn was fundamentally different from traditional regional treasures.


    It didn¡¯t have a fixed form but was a one-time method.


    Hence, the Black Heaven Race firmly believed that it must be an ancient relic, with only one existing!


    The war horns continued to sound.


    Mystic War Calendar, Year 2932, November.


    On the seventh day after the first deployment of the Sun of Dawn, the mighty presence of the Human Emperor Mystic War once again manifested. One more Sun of Dawn was unleashed towards another territory of the Black Heaven Race and near the borders of the Holy Wave Large Region.


    The two Suns of Dawn unleashed an immense conflagration, releasing an eternal light. In an instant, the second region of the Black Heaven Race crumbled, the land was incinerated, and the sky turned fiery red.


    Countless members of the race wailed in agony as they decayed within the light and turned to ashes within the flames. Whether they were cultivators or ordinary beings, including those who had attached themselves to the Black Heaven Race, the scene was incredibly tragic.


    The number of deaths was unfathomable, as if a divine might had descended upon them.


    The impact extended to the Holy Wave Large Region as well, with scorching storms sweeping through, destroying everything in their path.


    As soon as this matter was out, all the races paying attention to the war fell silent.


    The Black Heaven Race trembled. Amidst their mournful cries, they sacrificed countless members and used their divine techniques, attempting to summon the Crimson Goddess and bring divine punishment upon the human race.


    However¡­ they failed.


    Three rituals and three failures.


    The Black Heaven Race¡¯s morale collapsed, and they were forced to retreat. The imperial army of the human race pursued them relentlessly, resulting in a bloody battle that stained the heavens and earth. The Black Heaven Race suffered a major defeat and had no choice but to rely on their regional war artifact to defend their territories and create an icy barrier to block the advance of the human race.


    This battle completely shook countless races in Wanggu. The illustrious might of the human race was once again manifested. Human Emperor Mystic War lived up to his name.


    Although the human race had achieved a great victory, Human Emperor Mystic War wasn¡¯t greedy and didn¡¯t kill his way into the Black Heaven Race. Instead, he told the various parties in Wanggu that the creation of the Sun of Dawn was proposed by Human Emperor Mirror Cloud tens of thousands of years ago.


    The journey was filled with many twists and turns, but it was finally completed now.


    As for the principle behind it, the Human Emperor Mystic War didn¡¯t keep it a secret. They had already used the Sun of Dawn, so it would be very difficult to keep this matter a secret. Since it would be known sooner or later, it was better to be open and aboveboard. It would show the spirit of the human race and intimidate those with evil intentions.


    The Sun of Dawn was related to the Twilight Race!


    Everyone knew that the Twilight Race was an ally of the human race. Their eyes were extremely special and could absorb sunlight, store light and heat. They sold the eyes throughout the entire Wanggu Continent.


    However, very few people knew that tens of thousands of years ago, there was no Twilight Race in the Wanggu Continent. The Twilight Race¡­ was a branch of the human race and was created during the Human Emperor Mirror Cloud¡¯s era.


    Their eyeballs were miniature Suns of Dawn.


    It was hard to tell whether this news was true or false. The schemes of the human race that had started since tens of thousands of years ago caused the hearts of all living beings to palpitate. This was especially so for the series of arrangements prepared for this war.


    And the war wasn¡¯t over yet.


    That same month, when the Black Heaven Race was defeated, the seventh son of the Human Emperor Mystic War, who was in Fenghai County, personally led an army of 60 million to attack the Holy Wave Race after saving Fenghai County and making a great contribution to the human race.


    The army destroyed everything, getting back the three provinces lost by Fenghai County. They then entered the depths of the Holy Wave Large Region and fought all the way. Blood flowed like a river and blood rained down from the sky.


    The Holy Wave Race retreated step by step, losing countless lives and their territories.

 Chapter 757 - 757 Human Races Regional Treasure, Sun of Dawn! (2)

    757 Human Race¡¯s Regional Treasure, Sun of Dawn! (2)


    The seventh prince, bestowed with divine power, possessed extraordinary talents and a brave heart. Regardless of his own safety, he fearlessly fought against the enemy, expanding the territories and subduing half of the region.


    The four monarchs were shocked and furious. At the critical moment, the ancestral emperor of the Holy Wave Race broke through and carried a large world on his shoulder. Finally, he stepped into the Soul Accumulation Realm, causing a transformation in the heavens and earth of the Holy Wave Large Region.


    He also severed his connection with the Black Heaven Race¡¯s bloodline, allowing the Holy Wave Race to leave the Black Heaven and regain their freedom.


    As soon as the Soul Accumulation appeared, clouds surged in all directions. The destructive momentum of the seventh son of the Human Emperor came to a halt, and a standoff ensued. At this critical moment, the Seventh Prince displayed his benevolence and virtue, influencing the Holy Wave Race and offering them a proclamation of peace.


    The Holy Wave Race was tired of war, and the Seventh Prince was extremely sincere. In the end, the Holy Wave Race¡¯s ancestor deeply understood his intentions and agreed to return to the human race.


    This event was of great significance, stirring the entire human race and garnering the expectations of the Human Emperor.


    However, the matter of returning couldn¡¯t be completed in a short period of time. It required detailed negotiations between both parties to work out the specifics.


    And as the one leading all of this, the Seventh Prince would stay in the Holy Wave Large Region to oversee the process and ensure its completion.


    Hence, this war that lasted for half a year came to an end.


    In this war, the Black Heaven Race suffered extremely heavy losses. The human race won a huge victory and intimidated all races.


    This war was especially significant for the Seventh Prince. He saved Fenghai, fulfilled the imperial decree, expanded the territory, and led the return of the Holy Wave Race; this series of achievements elevated his reputation to new heights. He was hailed as a hero and considered a potential candidate for the future crown successor.


    Regardless of whether it was the humans in Fenghai County or the other counties, after seeing all these results and reports, their morale soared and they were extremely excited.


    In the shrines dedicated to the Human Emperor Mystic War, a longevity tablet for the Seventh Prince was added.


    After all, this was the first time the human race had expanded its territory since the Mystic War Calendar!


    In fact, if one were to trace back, this was also the first time the human race had recovered their territory after the Human Emperor Eastern Triumph lost!


    One could imagine how meaningful it was.


    The Holy Wave Race had defected during the Dao World Era. This event was a pain not only for the Human Emperor Dao World at that time but also for the entire human race. Now, in the Mystic War Calendar, they were influenced by the Seventh Prince and returned to the human race. This was truly an extraordinary achievement!


    At this point, this chess game finally came to an end.


    What outsiders saw was just the surface. The intricacies and judgments of the inner workings were subjective and multifaceted, and couldn¡¯t be fully comprehended and summarized in a few words.


    Moreover, this was a war.


    War was not simply a matter of fighting and killing, a back-and-forth between adversaries. Such portrayals were often oversimplified or fictionalized.


    The reality of war was often much more complex than the bloody scenes witnessed on the battlefield.


    Even the human race in Fenghai County, other than the participants, didn¡¯t understand the complexities of this war, and there was no need for them to understand, because only ignorance could provide them with a sense of happiness and peace.


    Xu Qing sat in the Sword Pavilion, holding the command sword in his hand, silently reading the war reports and information that came in. He remained in deep silence, contemplating the significance of each report.


    Outside, waves of cheers echoed every day.


    Twenty days had passed since he discovered the truth.


    In these twenty days, there were battle reports and announcements every day, just like the cheers outside.


    The entire capital city was in high spirits. All the mortals had smiles on their faces. Even the Sword Holders in Fenghai County who had personally seen the Palace Master die in battle had looks of joy and relief on their faces.


    Kong Xianglong hadn¡¯t appeared for a few days. He was drinking alone and kept drinking.


    Xu Qing was also drinking. He picked up the wine flask beside him and took another sip.


    Several days later.


    As the dust settled completely, the Seventh Prince returned to Fenghai County before the negotiations started with the Holy Wave Race.


    His return ignited the hearts of the people in the county capital. They held an even more solemn ceremony than before, as though they were receiving the Human Emperor.


    This ceremony lasted for an entire day. Late at night, in a pavilion in the County Governor¡¯s residence, the Seventh Prince stood there alone and looked at the distant world.


    After a long time, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    As the words echoed, a figure appeared silently by the side of the Seventh Prince. With a gentle countenance and no signs of hostility, it was none other than the Deputy Governor.


    ¡°I help you, you help me. It¡¯s a fair exchange, no need for thanks.¡±


    The Deputy Governor smiled and looked at the sky with the Seventh Prince. His expression was filled with emotions.


    The Seventh Prince remained silent. After a long time, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°What I want is credit. What the Holy Wave Race wants is the method to dispel the Black Heaven Race¡¯s bloodline and the possibility of attaining the Soul Accumulation. We have obtained what we wanted.¡±


    ¡°Then, is what you want really just the item left behind by the Human Emperor Mirror Cloud in the Imperial Palace?¡±


    The Deputy Governor smiled gently.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m not lying. Also, you forgot to mention something. I also want to become the County Governor of Fenghai County.¡±


    The Deputy Governor continued softly.


    ¡°And the Emperor actually had a regional treasure all along. Impressive tactics, clever scheming. No wonder you wanted to cooperate with me, because if we look at it normally, you wouldn¡¯t have gained much credit in this war. It was all the achievement of the Emperor. Your original task was simply to rescue Fenghai and, most importantly, to provide an opportunity to activate the regional treasure by feeding the Crimson Goddess.¡±


    ¡°Is the gathering of fortune in Fenghai County that important to you?¡± The Seventh Prince acted as though he didn¡¯t hear him and calmly spoke.


    ¡°The fortune that has been purified by the Radiant Life Calamity Pill is significant indeed. And the former county governor was the one I carefully selected as the most suitable substitute.¡±


    ¡°After the poison was absorbed by him, the fortune of Fenghai County became harmless. This fruit is almost ripe, and it is my gift to my lord.¡± The Deputy Governor said warmly. He didn¡¯t hide anything and wasn¡¯t worried that the other party would go back on his word.


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s pupils constricted as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Who exactly are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just a nameless person.¡±

 Chapter 758 - 758 Human Races Regional Treasure, Sun of Dawn! (3)

    758 Human Race¡¯s Regional Treasure, Sun of Dawn! (3)


    The Seventh Prince remained silent and nodded after a while.


    ¡°Three days from now, there will be a grand ceremony where I will announce the position of the county governor. After that, Fenghai County will be your personal property, and you can handle it as you wish.¡±


    ¡°As for the Human Emperor Mirror Cloud¡¯s relic you desire, the conditions for its acquisition have been included in the terms of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s return to the human race. The reasons for this arrangement are also well-founded.¡±


    ¡°So even if my father becomes aware of it, he will ultimately prioritize the bigger picture and agree to it. Thus, he will open the ancestral land and retrieve the relic. Only he can do this; no one else can.¡±


    ¡°However, I¡¯m very curious. It¡¯s just a bowl, yet you planned so meticulously¡­¡±


    The Seventh Prince looked at the Deputy Governor.


    The Deputy Governor smiled and spoke softly.


    ¡°I can tell you, but I also have a curiosity. What if the people of Fenghai, including their fortunes, were all devoured by my lord after I have given them to him? What would you do?¡±


    ¡°From a personal standpoint, that¡¯s your private possession and not my concern. From the standpoint of the race, I¡¯ll come to suppress you,¡± the Seventh Prince calmly said.


    The Deputy Governor laughed and turned to walk away.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t answered my question.¡± The Seventh Prince was expressionless.


    The Deputy Governor uttered a single sentence without turning back, and continued to walk away.


    ¡°If I said that it was a bowl made from my lord¡¯s skull, would you believe it?¡±


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s eyes instantly gleamed.


    He knew that the imperial palace in the Grand Imperial Capital Region was rebuilt by the Human Emperor Mirror Cloud and held many ancient mysteries. It had a history that could be traced back to the time of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    During his lifetime, the Human Emperor Mirror Cloud had many beloved possessions, but the only item he took with him to the grave was a bowl.


    That bone bowl was buried beside him in a coffin of the same size. The entire tomb had a layout that looked like two emperors were buried side by side.


    As for what bone this bowl was made of and who it belonged to, no one knew and there were no records at all.


    The truth had completely been erased in the passage of time. There were only guesses left. Many people said that it was the skull of the Purple Green Kingdom¡¯s crown prince, the close friend of the Human Emperor Mirror Cloud.


    The Seventh Prince didn¡¯t ask further.


    The Deputy Governor continued to walk away, gradually disappearing from sight.


    While the Seventh Prince was gazing at the other party¡¯s departing figure, wisps of aura appeared around him and transformed into black-robed men.


    They were similar to the ones who appeared beside Zhang Siyun.


    The leader bowed to the Seventh Prince and spoke in a cold and sharp voice.


    ¡°Your Highness, as long as you give the order, we can make sure he dies here. We have long investigated his background. It¡¯s an organization called Illuminate. As for his identity¡­¡±


    The Seventh Prince shook his head.


    ¡°What you found out is what he wants you to know.¡±


    ¡°Everything will be done according to the agreement I made with him.¡±


    ¡°Also, have you found any trace of twelfth brother?¡±


    The Seventh Prince rubbed his forehead and slowly spoke.


    ¡°Your Highness, we¡¯ve already investigated the whole county but we still haven¡¯t found any traces of the twelfth highness. Although there were clues guiding us to Fenghai County before, we have found no leads here.¡±


    The black-robed man lowered his head.


    The Seventh Prince showed a pensive expression, shook his head after a moment, and then turned around to leave.


    Soon, the news about the upcoming ceremony spread far and wide with the return of the Seventh Prince. It reached all corners of the land, and every race and every faction of the human race became aware of the event.


    This was because this was a coronation ceremony.


    The new county governor would be personally crowned by the Seventh Prince during this ceremony.


    From now on, this county governor would become a supreme existence in Fenghai County. His every word and action would have the power to determine the lives and deaths of countless individuals. The three palaces, all cultivators, and every Sword Holder would also be under his command.


    Within the thirteen provinces of Fenghai County, any sect or power would be annihilated by a single decree from the county governor.


    Moreover, the county governor would be blessed with the fortune of the county, breaking through the limitations of his cultivation and reaching a relative peak state.


    This peak was the peak of the county.


    While possessing such power and authority, it also came with the responsibility of protecting the human race and safeguarding Fenghai County.


    Though the official announcement of the new county governor had not been made, almost everyone in Fenghai County could easily speculate on the likely candidate.


    This was because¡­ in the entire Fenghai County, after experiencing so many unforeseen events, the only qualified person left was the Deputy Governor!


    The Deputy Governor had the great merit of developing plain pills, earning the admiration of the people. During the war, he worked diligently to protect the rear lines, and after the arrival of the Seventh Prince, he made numerous efforts to benefit Fenghai County.


    These achievements were left in the eyes and hearts of the world and were deeply admired.


    If the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master was still alive, he would naturally be the first choice. Even the other two Palace Masters had the qualifications. However, now, only the Deputy Governor was left.


    Not only was he the backbone of everyone, but he also became the representative of the old faction of Fenghai County.


    Hence, in the eyes of everyone, it was only right for him to accept the title of County Governor.


    Xu Qing also got this information. He continued to drink, flask after flask.


    ¡°There are still nine days left for a month to be over. In nine days, I¡¯ll be able to return to the Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    ¡°I will need to go visit Fairy Zi Xuan¡­ and Ling¡¯er. Before I leave, I have to go and see if she has woken up.¡±


    ¡°Also, I don¡¯t know what Master refined, but it must be a great treasure.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother still has many great things to do in the future. I wonder what the next one will be. I have to cultivate well and work hard to improve myself. Since we¡¯ve said that we¡¯ll be traveling together in this life, I can¡¯t fall too far behind.¡±

 Chapter 759 - 759 Human Races Regional Treasure, Sun of Dawn! (4)

    759 Human Race¡¯s Regional Treasure, Sun of Dawn! (4)


    ¡°I have to sweep Captain Lei¡¯s grave, pay my respects to Grandmaster Bai¡¯s grave, and also wipe Lord Sixth¡¯s tombstone.¡±


    ¡°There are too many things to do. Also, I wonder how Huang Yan is doing now. I still haven¡¯t been able to confirm his identity.¡±


    ¡°Ancestor Xue Lianzi is getting old.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I saw Senior Brother Zhang San, Yanyan, and Ding Xue.¡±


    ¡°I have so many things to do. I really can¡¯t continue staying in the county capital or do anything rash.¡± Xu Qing took a big gulp of wine.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, that¡¯s how it is.¡±


    ¡°My cultivation level is too weak. I can¡¯t shoulder the mountain. I participated in the war of Fenghai County and have no regrets about this place.¡±


    ¡°Sword Holder¡­ I might not be suitable for it, but it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ve struggled to survive alone in this cruel world since I was young. There are many things that I can¡¯t control.¡±


    ¡°My dream since I was young was to survive and live well¡­¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head and continued to drink until there were only seven days left for a month to end.


    This day was also the day of the grand ceremony.


    Xu Qing originally didn¡¯t intend to go. He wanted to wait until seven days later before leaving with the captain.


    However, for some reason, when the bell of Fenghai County rang and the command sword vibrated, he still instinctively put down the wine flask and silently walked out of the Sword Pavilion. He flew to the city and walked to the square where the souls of Fenghai County¡¯s heroes were once honored.


    There were many people here but they were all standing in perfect order.


    All the cultivators from the three palaces had arrived, totaling hundreds of thousands of people gathered here. Each one wore an excited expression, dressed in brand new garments, with hopeful eyes.


    The same was true for the Deputy Palace Masters of the three palaces. Their worries dissipated, and even the Sword Holders who had participated in the war had excitement in their eyes.


    The human race had experienced a great victory and possessed their own regional treasure. They were no longer prey. This series of news caused them to be in extremely high spirits.


    Moreover, half of the Holy Wave Large Region now belonged to the human race. Such a flourishing age hadn¡¯t been seen for a long time.


    Not to mention that after the negotiations in the coming days, the Holy Wave Race would merge with the human race. It was equivalent to the human race having an additional region from now on, marking a historic moment that had not happened for tens of thousands of years.


    As for Fenghai County, it would welcome the new county governor that everyone wanted. Everything seemed to be developing beautifully.


    The captain, Kong Xianglong, Qing Qiu, and Ning Yan were all in the crowd.


    After seeing Xu Qing, the captain went forward and wrapped his arms around Xu Qing¡¯s neck. He took a sniff and had a surprised expression.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Previously, I sent you a voice transmission. You said that you were in closed-door cultivation. Why do you smell like you drank a lot of alcohol?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head and smiled.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    The captain was puzzled. Just as he was about to continue asking, the bell rang and the golden dragon in the sky spat out multicolored light. The Seventh Prince, wearing a yellow robe and a crown adorned with nine jade tassels, descended from the sky with an air of superiority.


    His majestic steps were imposing, and his tall figure displayed extraordinary charisma.


    His arrival instantly elicited cheers from hundreds of thousands of people on the square.


    ¡°Forever victory!¡±


    ¡°Forever victory!¡±


    ¡°Forever victory!¡±


    As the Seventh Prince smiled and nodded, he walked towards the platform. Behind him followed dozens of people, each one wearing official robes.


    Among them were the generals of the three palaces, the generals and commanders of the imperial army, and even the masked General Blood Nightmare, who was responsible for the exploration in the Immortal Forbidden.


    Other than them, there was also the Deputy Governor!


    He remained as usual, with a gentle smile on his face and a compassionate look in his eyes. One could faintly sense a hint of emotion and gratification within him, as if he felt relieved and pleased with the great victory of the human race.


    They walked through the sky and approached the platform. Eventually, they stood near the platform, with only the Seventh Prince taking the steps to reach the highest point of the platform. With his back facing the majestic statue of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, he looked out toward the vast land below.


    In an instant, the hundreds of thousands of cultivators under the platform fell silent. All of them had solemn expressions as they looked at the prince and the statue of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether behind him.


    Xu Qing also lifted his head. As he stared at this scene, his heart trembled and struggled with conflicting emotions.


    Xu Qing had already grown accustomed to it. These twenty-three days, he had lived like this. At this moment, he wanted to drink, but he had no wine, so he murmured softly in his mind.


    ¡®After the ceremony ends, I have to buy more medicinal herbs.¡¯


    ¡®I have to exchange the remaining military contributions as soon as possible in the next few days. It will probably be a long time before I come here again.¡¯


    ¡®Hmm, I also have to buy some magic artifacts and other items.¡¯


    Xu Qing tried his best to think about what else he had to do before leaving. While he was suppressing the struggles in his heart, the Seventh Prince, who was standing on the platform, cupped his fists and bowed to the hundreds of thousands of people on the ground.


    ¡°The present of Fenghai County has been safeguarded by me, and also by all of you. It is what we have protected together!¡±


    ¡°The victory belongs to me, but it belongs to you more. It belongs to the soldiers who fought at the front line!¡±


    ¡°Therefore, at today¡¯s ceremony, I want to pay my respects to you first, and you will pay your respects to the heroic souls with me!¡±


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s expression was solemn. After he finished speaking, he turned toward the direction of the battlefield and bowed deeply.


    His words caused waves in the hearts of everyone present. They instinctively cupped their fists and bowed.


    ¡°I hope that our human race will be safe forever. I hope that our human race will regain its glory!¡±


    The voice of the Seventh Prince echoed, causing the heavens and earth to rumble, and auspicious signs filled the sky!

 Chapter 760 - 760 Where the Heart Leads To (1)

    760 Where the Heart Leads To (1)


    Clouds shimmered, spreading across the horizon, creating a magnificent and breathtaking scene of resplendent brilliance.


    The colors of the clouds were also changed, permeating a golden glow and hanging high in the sky, as if bearing witness to this grand ceremony.


    The roaring of the four-clawed golden dragon echoed, releasing even more radiance, and faintly, there were large illusory figures of past generations of county governors, as if they were all present, witnessing everything.


    However, they were only phantoms formed by fortune.


    In addition, there were showers of spiritual energy, falling upon the earth and completely dispersing the remaining anomalous substances.


    Countless plants grew healthily and all living beings in the capital city felt their cultivation bases rising. Some of their chronic illnesses and injuries also started showing signs of recovery.


    It was as though a golden age had arrived.


    This scene caused all the cultivators here and everyone in the city to cheer.


    There were also representatives sent by the various races in Fenghai County. When they saw this from afar, they couldn¡¯t help but feel reverence.


    Even the Quasi-Immortal Race lowered their heads respectfully.


    Outside the platform, some of the generals from the Imperial Capital¡¯s army who accompanied the Seventh Prince showed fervent expressions. To them, the Seventh Prince had led them to victory and allowed every general to achieve extraordinary feats.


    This also included the generals of the three palaces.


    The Deputy Governor stood there, gazing at the sky, and a tinge of nostalgia appeared in his expression. It seemed to hold memories, as if he had once seen someone achieve similar feats, and even surpass it by far, in a bygone era.


    ¡®It¡¯s fine. Everything has returned to its rightful place. My Lord, after the completion of the transaction with the Holy Wave Race, within three days, I will be able to offer all the beings in Fenghai County, extracting the supreme karmic fruit formed from their fortune, and present it to you.¡¯


    The Deputy Governor smiled and muttered inwardly. Even someone as scheming as him couldn¡¯t help but feel some waves in his heart. However, the trance formed by this recollection quickly dissipated from his face.


    He continued to smile gently, and the crow¡¯s feet at the corners of his eyes became even clearer.


    Xu Qing, who was at the back of the crowd, also lifted his head and stared. However, what he was looking at wasn¡¯t the Seventh Prince but the huge statue of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    Another sentence echoed in his mind.


    ¡°Sword Holders, anyone below the emperor can be killed!¡±


    This sentence had been echoing in his mind for more than twenty days, but continued to be suppressed by him.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, what reason should we find to leave later?¡± Xu Qing softly transmitted his voice to the captain beside him.


    ¡°Simple. I¡¯ve thought about it. It¡¯s been two years since we came here. Using some military contributions can reduce the requirement for newly appointed Sword Holders to stay in the capital for three years. When the time comes, we can choose to be deployed elsewhere, and then I¡¯ll handle things in a way that we can return to Yinghuang Province.¡±


    The captain spoke proudly.


    ¡°Has it been two years?¡± Xu Qing felt that time passed a little quickly.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s been two years.¡±


    The captain also felt a little emotional.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll be 20 this year.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Little Qing. You haven¡¯t completely grown up yet.¡± The captain laughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m already 20 years old.¡± Xu Qing also smiled.


    At that moment, amidst the cheers from all directions, the Seventh Prince, who was on the platform, raised his hand slightly. In an instant, the hundreds of thousands of people on the square fell silent. Gradually, the city also fell silent.


    ¡°Sons and daughters of my Fenghai County, you¡¯ve suffered in the past half a year.¡±


    The Seventh Prince spoke softly.


    ¡°I saw the blood you shed. The Human Emperor saw your sacrifice. The human race saw your sacrifice.¡±


    ¡°The war is over.¡±


    ¡°Our human race has achieved a great victory!¡±


    ¡°The Black Heaven Race has bullied our human race for tens of thousands of years. They paid the price for it. On the Imperial City Battlefield, hundreds of millions of members of the Black Heaven Race died, and the Suns of Dawn that erupted in their two regions killed ten times this number!¡±


    ¡°Our human race¡¯s regional treasure is earth-shattering, and its most terrifying aspect is that it is not a short-lived effect. It will continue to burn within the Black Heaven Race¡¯s territory for 60 years!¡±


    ¡°In this 60-year period, a hundred times more Black Heaven Race members will die, and all their newborns will undergo some changes in their forms. Though they also possess a regional war artifact, they only have one and lack the determination to go all out. Therefore, they can only endure the situation, and even their revered Crimson Goddess is in a state of deep slumber!¡±


    ¡°As for our human race, we released three regional war artifacts in this battle and there is even more of it.¡±


    ¡°Our human race has made a new history. The whole world knows of the Human Emperor Mystic War!¡±


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s voice was passionate and resounded through the sky.


    ¡°Under our joint efforts, we defended Fenghai County!¡±


    ¡°Not only that, but I got back the three provinces that were lost!¡±


    ¡°Not only did I get back the three provinces, but I also took back half of the Holy Wave Large Region!¡±


    ¡°In this half a region, there are nine counties and a hundred provinces.¡±


    Cheers of excitement rose in all directions again.


    The Seventh Prince stared at the ground with determination in his eyes and his voice became a little deeper.


    ¡°However, I know that some people might think that my actions are a little cruel and that my actions are to turn Fenghai County into my territory.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already reported this matter to the Human Emperor and obtained his approval. Hence, today, I¡¯ll choose a person you¡¯re familiar with to become the county governor of Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°From now on, I¡¯ll leave Fenghai County and might never return. I¡¯ll head to Holy Wave and guard the border for the human race!¡±


    After the prince finished speaking, before anyone could react, he faced the statue of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether. After bowing, he turned around and lifted his head to look at the illusory figures of the past county governors in the sky. He cupped his fists and bowed again.

 Chapter 761 - 761 Where the Heart Leads To (2)

    761 Where the Heart Leads To (2)


    ¡°Fenghai can¡¯t be without a guardian, and the generations of its county governors have all been heroes.¡±


    ¡°Today, I, Guyue Zhangan, will use my identity as the seventh son of the Human Emperor Mystic War to promote someone to be the new county governor. After asking the heaven, earth, and people, I will report to the Human Emperor and grant the appointment!¡±


    ¡°Deputy Governor!¡± The Seventh Prince looked below the platform.


    The Deputy Governor smiled and bowed slightly.


    ¡°You refined plain pills and benefited the human race in the capital city, causing tens of millions of humans to suffer less from the invasion of anomalous substances. This is the first merit!¡±


    ¡°You were conscientious as the Deputy Governor. You supported the County Governor and helped the people. You worked hard and contributed greatly. This is your second merit!¡±


    ¡°During the war, you protected the rear and stabilized the hearts of the people in the county, contributing your efforts to the front line war. This is your third merit!¡±


    ¡°From now on, you will lead the cultivators of Fenghai County and restore the operation and reconstruction of Fenghai County. This will be the fourth merit!¡±


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s voice spread far and wide, reaching every corner of the city. The hundreds of thousands of people in the square, and tens of millions of people in the city all heard him. Their respectful gazes converged on the Deputy Governor.


    The Deputy Governor had a benevolent expression.


    Xu Qing lowered his head. He didn¡¯t want to look. He kept on telling himself that there were still seven days. In seven days, he would be able to return to the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡®The ceremony is about to end.¡¯


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly.


    At that moment, the Seventh Prince had finished saying all the merits. Amidst the waves of cheers, he smiled and nodded at the Deputy Governor.


    The Deputy Governor walked out calmly. Step by step, under the gazes of everyone, he walked up the steps and onto the platform, walking to the Seventh Prince¡¯s side.


    Wind rose from all directions.


    That wasn¡¯t formed by a spell, but an invisible fortune was gathering here.


    From all the mortals in the capital city and all the cultivators, traces of fortune were rising into the air.


    Vaguely, the clouds in the sky also dimmed a little. As fortune gathered, a huge vortex appeared in the sky.


    It was gradually becoming clearer.


    ¡®This is the blessing of a county¡¯s fortune. Although it¡¯s not very useful for us, to Nihility cultivators, with the fortune of this county, it¡¯s not impossible for them to increase their strength by one stage or even reach half a step into the Soul Accumulation realm!¡¯


    ¡®With the enhancement of fortune, this person can be considered a true supreme existence in Fenghai County.¡¯


    The captain spoke in an envious low voice.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and remained silent.


    At that moment, the Seventh Prince looked at the Deputy Governor.


    The Deputy Governor spoke gently.


    ¡°I ask the heaven, can I serve as the guardian of Fenghai County?¡±


    The coronation ceremony of the county governor was a significant event that involved asking the heavens, the earth, and the people. It was a tradition and protocol established by the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    The heavens here referred to the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether. As a member of the imperial family, the Seventh Prince could replace the heavens here. He looked at the Deputy Governor and nodded.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, thunder rumbled in the sky, as though a million lightning bolts had exploded. As the loud bang echoed, the vortex formed by fortune became clearer and clearer, vaguely forming a crown.


    The emperor¡¯s crown had twelve tassels, the region governor¡¯s crown had ten tassels, the prince¡¯s crown had nine tassels, and the county governor¡¯s crown had five tassels.


    This was an ancient rule that had been preserved until now.


    At that moment, what manifested in the sky was a five-tasseled crown formed by fortune.


    The instant the thunder rumbled, the crown that was formed from the power of fortune of Fenghai County suddenly emitted the sound of a child crying, echoing in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Xu Qing abruptly lifted his head and looked at the sky. That crying sound was faintly discernible but from the reactions of the others in the surroundings, no one seemed to notice it.


    ¡®Eldest Senior Brother, did you hear that?¡¯ Xu Qing suddenly asked.


    The captain¡¯s expression had no changes. He cast a deep glance at Xu Qing before shaking his head.


    ¡®I didn¡¯t hear it, and neither did you.¡¯


    Xu Qing fell silent. He knew that that was the cry of luck, the cry of the little boy of D132. His senior brother was the same as him in the Heavenly Dao level. Hence, he would definitely be able to hear it.


    At that moment, the sound of crying rose and fell in his ears, transforming into waves in his heart.


    ¡®I still have many things to do. I still have to return to the Seven Blood Eyes¡­ My cultivation level isn¡¯t high enough. I want to survive. It won¡¯t be too late to resolve everything when my cultivation level is higher in the future.¡¯


    Xu Qing muttered inwardly. However, as he comforted himself, a mournful voice in his mind told him that the person in front of him was the murderer who killed the County Governor and indirectly caused the Palace Master¡¯s death.


    This person had also planned the calamity in Fenghai County for many years.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s own voice but he suppressed it again.


    ¡®What has it got to do with me? Yes, it has nothing to do with me¡­ I¡¯m just a small fry who wants to survive. I have a master and senior brother. I can¡¯t implicate them.¡¯


    Xu Qing clenched his fists.


    On the platform, the Deputy Governor¡¯s expression was calm as he continued speaking.


    ¡°I ask the earth, can I serve as the guardian of Fenghai County?¡±


    The earth here referred to the territory of Fenghai County and was a part of the ceremony. With the Seventh Prince¡¯s identity, he could answer on behalf of it.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Lightning erupted again and thunder rumbled. Powerful airwaves formed and spread in all directions. As they churned and shook the sky, more fortune gathered. The crown became even clearer and was slowly floating down.


    The crying became even more intense, as though it had turned into pleading.


    Xu Qing¡¯s chest heaved and his heart churned. He lifted his head and stared silently.


    From his perspective, it was as though the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether¡¯s hands were holding the crown of fortune and was about to wear it on the Deputy Governor¡¯s head.


    Once he wore the crown, the Deputy Governor would become the county governor. With the enhancement of fortune, the entire Fenghai County would be dominated by him.

 Chapter 762 - 762 Where the Heart Leads To (3)

    762 Where the Heart Leads To (3)


    From then on, the heaven and earth of Fenghai County would belong to Illuminate.


    If that happened, Captain Lei¡¯s death, Grandmaster Bai¡¯s death, and Lord Sixth¡¯s death would all become regrets.


    And, it was hard to tell if Old Master Seventh could escape the investigation of an entire country because of his white jade hand.


    ¡°It should be fine. Master will definitely be fine. However, what if¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyelids narrowed slightly. He clenched his fists and then relaxed them. After that, when he clenched them again, the captain¡¯s hand landed on Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Junior Brother, why don¡¯t we go back in a while?¡±


    The captain spoke softly. The hand that pressed down on Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder was very forceful.


    The Deputy Governor on the platform had a gentle smile on his face. His gaze swept past the hundreds of thousands of people below and also Xu Qing. Finally, he looked further away and spoke softly.


    ¡°I ask the people, can I, a son of Fenghai, serve as its guardian?¡±


    This was the last ritual. The Seventh Prince didn¡¯t have the status to answer it. The ones who answered this question should be people of Fenghai County.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Yes!!¡±


    ¡°Yes!!!¡±


    Almost at the instant the Deputy Governor spoke, sounds rang out from the hundreds of thousands of people under the platform. More sounds rang out from the mouths of the mortals in the city, echoing through the world.


    This was the will of the people!


    Everyone was united!


    This was the recognition of heaven, earth, and humans!


    The fortune in the sky rumbled. As lightning rumbled, the five-tasseled crown that represented the guardian of a county instantly took shape. Fortune gathered, the ground quaked, and the sky rippled.


    The pleading cries turned into despair before gradually weakening in Xu Qing¡¯s ears.


    At that moment, the crown fell from the sky as though it was being held by the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, slowly crowning the Deputy Governor.


    The struggles in Xu Qing¡¯s heart intensified to the extreme. In the end, they transformed into heavenly lightning that rumbled and exploded, shattering all his thoughts. He lifted his head and sighed softly.


    As he sighed, he exhaled a gust of turbid air that had been suppressed in his body for more than 20 days.


    He knew he shouldn¡¯t do certain things. Over these days, he used countless reasons to convince himself of what was the right course of action.


    ¡®But in the end, I can¡¯t deceive my own heart.¡¯


    ¡®I can¡¯t say the word ¡®yes¡¯¡­¡¯


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, I can¡¯t suppress it anymore.¡±


    Xu Qing murmured softly, and as the captain¡¯s pupils contracted, as Kong Xianglong gasped, and as Qing Qiu stared in astonishment, his body soared high above the ground, leaving everyone around him utterly puzzled.


    With hundreds of thousands of people on the ground, Xu Qing rose into the air alone!


    His entire body was enveloped by multicolored light and the mosasaur appeared above his head. Canopies appeared one after another and were extremely resplendent.


    It attracted the attention of countless people.


    The Seventh Prince looked over.


    The Deputy Governor stared.


    Hundreds of thousands of cultivators looked up one after another.


    The instant the crown of fortune was about to land and the despairing child¡¯s cries were about to dissipate, Xu Qing stood in the air and looked at the world.


    At this moment, he didn¡¯t want to consider whether his actions were right or wrong. He wanted to do what his heart wanted.


    Despite the countless words of persuasion he had told himself for over half a month, at this moment, they seemed feeble and powerless. He could no longer suppress the surging emotions and thoughts that arose within him.


    Perhaps, his thoughts would change in the next moment, and if given another chance, he might not act the same way again.


    But right now, he didn¡¯t want to think of it.


    His voice echoed in all directions.


    ¡°I, Xu Qing, the one who got 100,000 ft of light in the Emperor¡¯s Heart Inquisition, object!¡±


    He finally said it. He also had to add the words ¡®100,000 ft of light in the heart inquisition¡¯. That was a qualification.


    After he finished speaking, an unprecedented sense of relaxation and transparency surfaced in Xu Qing¡¯s entire body. The gloominess that he had suppressed for more than 20 days was swept away.


    To hell with the dilemma!


    To hell with weighing the pros and cons!


    The people¡¯s sentiment couldn¡¯t bury his heart.


    The general trend couldn¡¯t suppress his soul.


    What was right and what was wrong? All of these¡­ F*ck them!


    At this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were very bright. His body seemed to be emitting light and the power of fortune in the sky also began to boil. Vaguely, it actually spread out from the five-tasseled crown that had taken shape and gathered above Xu Qing¡¯s head bit by bit!


    A slightly smaller five-tasseled crown was crowned on Xu Qing¡¯s head!


    That was the recognition by Fenghai¡¯s fortune, the recognition of the Heavenly Dao!


    Although not many people could see it, there were people who saw it!


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s words were like a shocking bolt of lightning that instantly exploded in all directions. It rumbled in the minds of everyone who heard it, causing the hundreds of thousands of people in the square to instantly fall silent.


    Immediately after, gasps rang out in all directions like a violent wind.


    The sky changed color.


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s gaze froze as he looked at the top of Xu Qing¡¯s head. A huge commotion rose in his heart. He knew Xu Qing.


    The only thing that made him remember Xu Qing wasn¡¯t Xu Qing¡¯s contribution or his small identity as the edict bearer of the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master. It was¡­ the 100,000 ft of light in the Emperor¡¯s Heart Inquisition!


    Xu Qing¡¯s achievement of 100,000 ft of light was unprecedented in the history of Fenghai County. Others were only aware that it was extremely rare and important. It indicated that Xu Qing was someone reliable and trustworthy, and it would greatly benefit his future promotion.


    However, as a prince, he knew more than others. He understood that the Emperor¡¯s Heart Inquisition meant that had left his name on the statue of the Great Emperor in the Imperial City!


    Although the statue of the Great Emperor wasn¡¯t a regional treasure, it was still an item of inheritance. It had protected the human race many times and all the human emperors had to worship it.


    Even the Human Emperor would value those who left their names with the Great Emperor. Even he, a prince, couldn¡¯t touch such a person easily.


    Killing someone who got 100,000 ft of light in the heart inquisition would have too great an impact on his reputation.

 Chapter 763 - 763 Where the Heart Leads To (4)

    763 Where the Heart Leads To (4)


    It was also because of the Emperor¡¯s Heart Inquisition that Xu Qing¡¯s voice caused intense waves when it landed in the ears of the listeners.


    If today was Xu Qing¡¯s first day in the county capital, then even if he had the endorsement of the emperor, he wouldn¡¯t cause such a commotion.


    No one knew or understood him, so he would just be a name.


    Everything was just an appearance. The people of Fenghai County knew that he was extraordinary, but it wasn¡¯t that important.


    But now, it was different.


    Xu Qing had unknowingly walked into the hearts of the humans in Fenghai County. His assistance provided great help to the western front line. His identity as an edict bearer allowed countless people to know of his existence.


    His subsequent participation at the front line also allowed those cultivators who had fought many battles to deeply understand and acknowledge him.


    To Fenghai County, he was one of their own, especially to the Sword Holders. They were comrades who had experienced life and death together and could trust each other with their backs!


    With such a foundation, his 100,000 feet of light in heart inquisition put a halo around him and made him become the center of attention.


    It made him stand out, causing him to be deeply remembered and acknowledged by the people of Fenghai County. The Sword Holders even instinctively thought of the Palace Master when they saw him.


    Even Kong Xianglong couldn¡¯t achieve this.


    This was because everyone only found out about Kong Xianglong¡¯s identity after the Palace Master died. During the war, other than the middle period, Xu Qing was the one who stayed beside the Palace Master.


    And so, his words at this moment were like thunder, exploding in all directions, making the square silent, and the entire city seemed to tremble.


    After experiencing all these events, Xu Qing had already realized that the hearts of the people were the most elusive and easily influenced thing in this world.


    In their eyes, compared to Xu Qing, the Deputy Governor was the one truly benefiting everyone.


    To them, Xu Qing was much inferior to the Deputy Governor.


    Even the cultivators from the three major palaces, although they were shaken at the moment, their expressions showed confusion, surprise, and bewilderment. All of this made Xu Qing realize what he had to face.


    Clarity was a crime.


    As the words of Xu Qing echoed, the Deputy Palace Master of the Sword Holding Palace, the old man who had tearfully watched the fall of the Palace Master, suddenly rushed out and roared at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, did you practice another level of the technique I gave you? You are confused! I warned you before not to be greedy for progress, but why didn¡¯t you listen!¡±


    The Deputy Palace Master roared in anger, but there was obvious nervousness in his eyes. He quickly turned around, bowed towards the platform, and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Your Highness, County Governor, there¡¯s a problem with Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation. Please don¡¯t take offense. This old man will punish him when we return!¡±


    Almost at the same time as the Deputy Palace Master¡¯s voice rang out, Deacon Sima and Deacon Sun from the Sword Holding Palace also rose into the air and bowed toward the platform.


    The veteran Sword Holders were also about to rise into the air. There were more than 100,000 of them, including Kong Xianglong, the captain, Qing Qiu, and Ning Yan.


    No matter what, no matter how big of a mistake Xu Qing had committed, they instinctively stepped forward to protect him. Xu Qing would do the same for them. They were comrades!


    This was especially so for the captain. His body emitted a blue light.


    In the sky, when the Deputy Palace Master saw this, he immediately shouted and stopped everyone from rising into the air. He continued to bow toward the platform.


    The Seventh Prince narrowed his eyes and his gaze landed on the top of Xu Qing¡¯s head. The waves in his heart were still there. After that, his gaze landed on the hundred thousand-odd cultivators in the crowd below. He understood that if he didn¡¯t handle today¡¯s matter well, there would be chaos.


    And even if it was handled well, there would still be some stains on the matter of the Deputy Governor becoming the County Governor. After all, this was an objection by the holder of the 100,000 ft of light in heart inquisition who was also recognized by the fortune of Fenghai County. Even his father would have some contemplation.


    However, what did this have to do with him? He had fulfilled the agreement. If the Deputy Governor couldn¡¯t receive it, it had nothing to do with him.


    Hence, the Seventh Prince didn¡¯t speak. He wanted to see how the Deputy Governor would handle this.


    The Deputy Governor stood on the platform and looked at Xu Qing, and spoke softly.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I also want to hear the reason for your objection. Also, Xu Qing, I remember giving you lessons before.¡±


    ¡°The nonsense of a kid. County Governor, why do you have to take it seriously?¡± Before Xu Qing could speak, the Deputy Palace Master of the Sword Holding Palace cupped his fists again. After that, he turned his head and berated Xu Qing.


    ¡°Hurry up and go back!¡±


    As he spoke, he took a few steps back and was about to leave with Xu Qing. His cultivation spread throughout his body to guard against any sudden changes from the generals of the Imperial Capital and the Deputy Governor.


    ¡°Li Yunshan, stop!¡± The Deputy Governor calmly spoke.


    The Deputy Palace Master stopped in his tracks. This was his name but he still took a few steps back and arrived beside Xu Qing. He then looked at the Deputy Governor, and spoke bitterly but firmly.


    ¡°County Governor, Xu Qing was the edict bearer of the Palace Master and a Sword Holder. He is young and ignorant but he doesn¡¯t deserve to die. Before the Palace Master died, he entrusted me with his life, so¡­ I have to protect him!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, Deacon Sima and Deacon Sun spread out their cultivation bases. The auras of the more than 100,000 cultivators who had fought a hundred battles instantly erupted.


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s eyes flickered as he looked at the Deputy Governor.


    The Deputy Governor stared at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing stepped forward and bowed to the Deputy Palace Master beside him, the two deacons, and the over 100,000 comrades on the ground. After that, he lifted his head and spoke softly in a calm voice.


    ¡°In April this year, after the war broke out, when the Palace Master led the army forward, he gave me a secret mission to investigate the cause of the County Governor¡¯s death!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the Deputy Palace Master, who originally wanted to stop him, paused. The hundreds of thousands of cultivators here also felt waves in their hearts as they looked at Xu Qing.


    Under the attention of everyone, Xu Qing expressionlessly took out the jade slip given by the Palace Master. This was evidence.


    ¡°After half a year of investigation, I have finally completed the investigation. In this case, besides Marquis Yao, there are still some suspicious elements, and it seems that there may be another culprit. However, with the passing of the Palace Master, I no longer have anyone to report to. Deputy Governor¡­ may I report to you here? I want to provide more truth about the death of the County Governor, so that all the people of the human race in Fenghai County can have a clearer understanding of this matter.¡±


    ¡°Deputy Governor, please correct me!¡±


    On the ground, the captain sighed. The blue light in his eyes intensified as he prepared to undo his seal.


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s body trembled and his eyes turned bloodshot. He abruptly looked at the Deputy Governor.


    Ning Yan shrunk his head and secretly glanced at the Seventh Prince, sighing inwardly.


    Qing Qiu fell silent, but the hand that was holding the scythe exerted some force.


    There was also an unfamiliar Sword Holder who was hidden in the crowd. He looked at Xu Qing with admiration and pride. However, at the same time, there was also helplessness. A hint of golden light flashed in his eyes.


    Under the platform, among the generals brought by the Seventh Prince, the masked Blood Nightmare, who was once in charge of the exploration of the Immortal Forbidden, lifted his head slightly at this moment. A glint flashed in his eyes.


    The surroundings were silent. Everyone couldn¡¯t help but look at the Deputy Governor when they heard Xu Qing¡¯s words. The cause of the County Governor¡¯s death was the pain of the entire Fenghai County.


    Needless to say, this was the last order of the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master.


    Even the mortals in the city fell silent when they heard this. The hearts of the people swayed.


    Compared to the Deputy Governor, Xu Qing¡¯s reputation was inferior.


    However, compared to the Palace Master and the County Governor, the Deputy Governor was inferior.


    The Deputy Governor looked at Xu Qing solemnly, as though he was getting to know him once again. A moment later, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

 Chapter 764 - 764 Deputy Governor, Please Correct! (1)

    764 Deputy Governor, Please Correct! (1)


    During these more than twenty days, while convincing himself with countless reasons, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but ponder another possible outcome.


    Hence, he had always understood that once he stepped out, the calamity that awaited him would roughly be divided into three possibilities.


    The first possibility was that he would be killed instantly after he appeared. Although this possibility existed, it wasn¡¯t high.


    After all, everyone would be looking. Although he went against them, it was an objection and not causing trouble.


    Hence, there was a second possibility, and that was to be convicted and imprisoned. From then on, his life and death would depend on a single thought of others.


    As for the third possibility, it was that everything would go smoothly but there would be huge hidden dangers in the future, attracting endless calamities.


    Of course, the prerequisite was that he failed.


    Hence, the first thing Xu Qing mentioned when he walked out was his 100,000 ft light in the Emperor¡¯s Heart Inquisition. This was to resolve the first possibility. As for the appearance and protection of the Deputy Palace Master and the others later, it wasn¡¯t within his expectations.


    This allowed him to successfully pass the first step. After that, from the moment he said the will of the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master and took out the jade slip to prove it, he passed the second step.


    Even though there was a conclusion before this, Xu Qing¡¯s words were not meant to overturn that conclusion or protect Marquis Yao. Instead, he wanted to resolve more mysteries and provide the people of Fenghai County with more specific details to understand the situation better.


    Although the people¡¯s hearts were with the Deputy Governor, he ultimately couldn¡¯t compare to the old county governor.


    And the Palace Master¡¯s illustrious contributions weren¡¯t something that could be easily forgotten.


    Xu Qing used words to bring these two mountains out. Coupled with his achievement in the heart inquisition, he exchanged for a chance to speak.


    The former swayed the mortals of the city.


    The latter shook the Fenghai cultivators who participated in the battle.


    This was also the reason why in the end, the Deputy Governor cast a deep glance at Xu Qing, as though he was reacquainting himself with him.


    This was because as long as Xu Qing¡¯s previous words revealed the slightest hint of protecting Marquis Yao and overturning the previous conclusion, he could instantly suppress it.


    At that moment, the world fell silent.


    Amidst the opportunities he created, under the gazes of everyone and the convergence of the fortune crown above his head, Xu Qing stood in the air and took a deep breath.


    He understood that his next words were extremely important. He couldn¡¯t make any mistakes. If he said anything wrong, he would be consigned to eternal damnation.


    Hence, he fell silent for a few breaths of time. He stared at the Deputy Governor and spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°In April this year, the old county governor mysteriously died and the Holy Wave Race invaded at the same time. The 800-year peace in Fenghai County was broken because of this. The Black Heaven Race invaded the human race¡¯s imperial region and stopped the new county governor and reinforcements from being sent, causing Fenghai County to be isolated and helpless. The situation was unstable and everyone was in a state of panic.¡±


    ¡°The Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master took the responsibility of the county governor in the face of danger, and protected Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°In the same month, as an edict bearer, I followed the Palace Master to handle the battle reports. At the end of April, the front line of Fenghai County reported an emergency. The Palace Master led the Fenghai County army and fulfilled the Sword Holder¡¯s oath to protect Fenghai County. He personally went to the front line. At that time, I was the one who armed the Palace Master.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice echoed in all directions. These words weren¡¯t without meaning. He wanted to stir the memories of hundreds of thousands of people here. He wanted the mortals in the city to recall the scene half a year ago.


    He wanted them to know who had protected everything at that time.


    ¡°Before the Palace Master left, he didn¡¯t let me accompany him. Instead, he used a substitute to cover it up and sent me to the Morning Glow Province to investigate the cause of the old county governor¡¯s death.¡±


    ¡°The Palace Master suspects that the cause of the old county governor¡¯s death stems from a pill called the Radiant Life Calamity Pill. This pill has been famous since ancient times and has been recorded in history. The principle of its activation is to detonate the fortune. The denser the fortune, the greater the lethality.¡±


    ¡°The old county governor had the fortune of the whole of Fenghai. His death shows the use of Radiant Life Calamity.¡±


    ¡°As for why the Palace Master associated the Radiant Life Calamity Pill with it, there are records in the classified document 19 in the Sword Holding Palace. I don¡¯t know if this scroll is still there, but even if it isn¡¯t, before the County Governor died, the Sword Holding Palace had a mission to receive the spy in the Holy Wave Race and obtained an empty wish box. There were many people who participated, and it is all evidence.¡±


    ¡°However, to use the Radiant Life Calamity Pill, you have to satisfy one condition. That is, you need a morning glow. Perhaps it is available in other regions as well, but it appears in the Morning Glow Province as well. Hence, the Palace Master asked me to go there and investigate if there is any morning glow that hasn¡¯t been recorded.¡±


    ¡°Everything I said is clearly recorded on this jade slip!¡±


    ¡°After that, I followed the Palace Master¡¯s orders and headed to the Morning Glow Province, and resolved the crisis of the Morning Glow Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court. I investigated there and obtained the results. This matter can be verified by the Sword Holding Court in the Morning Glow Province. There are traces along the way, and I also have a jade slip which recorded the scenes. As for the results, there was indeed a morning glow that appeared in the Morning Glow Province many years ago and it wasn¡¯t recorded.¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, Kong Xianglong soared into the sky and spoke loudly.


    ¡°I participated in the rescue of the spy. I can prove the existence of the classified document 19 and the empty wish box. The content is exactly the same as what Xu Qing said!¡±


    In an instant, the hundreds of thousands of cultivators on the platform. The entire city was also shaken.


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s gaze was reserved, while the Deputy Governor was expressionless.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and continued.


    ¡°I reported all of this to the Palace Master. In the same month, the Palace Master died in battle, but I continued to investigate secretly.¡±


    When Xu Qing said this, the Deputy Governor sighed softly.


    ¡°Brother Liangxiu, you thought of the same thing as me.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s gaze moved away from Xu Qing and looked at the hundreds of thousands of soldiers. His voice contained a hint of sorrow.

 Chapter 765 - 765 Deputy Governor, Please Correct! (2)

    765 Deputy Governor, Please Correct! (2)


    ¡°What Xu Qing said is also what I thought. I¡¯ve read that classified document 19.¡±


    ¡°Actually, Brother Liangxiu wasn¡¯t the only one investigating. I was also investigating secretly. However, this matter is too big. I still have a little doubt. The County Governor¡¯s cultivation level is sky-high. Who could poison him unknowingly?¡±


    ¡°This matter concerns the cause of the County Governor¡¯s death. As for the County Governor, he¡¯s not only my colleague but also a close friend. He¡¯s also the hero of Fenghai County. I also hoped that his cause of death was accurately determined so that we could seek true justice and avenge him!¡±


    ¡°It was only when the war came to an end that I finally had some results and announced all of this. However, what Xu Qing said makes sense. We should let the human race in Fenghai County know the truth.¡±


    After the Deputy Governor finished speaking, he lifted his right hand and waved it. Immediately, a chessboard appeared in the air.


    There was an unfinished game on this chessboard, and the black and white chess pieces were fighting.


    ¡°This is the County Governor¡¯s chessboard. Other than the County Governor, there are also me, Brother Liangxiu, and Yao Tianyan who usually played on this board.¡±


    ¡°Only the four of us have touched the chessboard.¡±


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s eyes were filled with reminiscence. He sighed softly and turned to cup his fists toward the Seventh Prince.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble Your Highness to use the imperial blood to manifest the life calamity like how we discovered the hidden poison back then.¡±


    The Seventh Prince was expressionless. After glancing at the Deputy Governor, he bit his fingertip. A drop of red blood fell from his fingertip and flew toward the chessboard.


    That drop of blood contained an astonishing bloodline power, causing the bodies of all the humans to tremble. At the next moment, the drop of blood landed on the chessboard.


    Immediately, the chessboard seemed to have its veil lifted and waves of black gas emitted from it. Upon closer inspection, one could see that the source of the black gas came from the chess pieces.


    ¡°This black gas is the poison of the Radiant Life Calamity. We can¡¯t see or sense it. It¡¯s the same for the County Governor. Only the bloodline of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, who unified the Wanggu Continent, has the power to make it reveal itself.¡±


    ¡°The person who poisoned him used this chessboard.¡±


    As soon as the Deputy Governor spoke, the surroundings were in an uproar.


    The authenticity of this scene was extremely intense.


    As for the Deputy Governor, he felt bitter at this moment. He looked at the world with reluctance and spoke softly.


    ¡°Actually, as a deputy governor, I had planned to stand guard for one last time after taking over as the county governor. With the remaining years of my life, I intended to cultivate a successor from among the Deputy Palace Masters of the three palaces. Li Yunshan, you were my first choice.¡±


    With that, the Deputy Governor raised his hand and pressed it on the drop of blood that had not yet dissipated from the chessboard. Instantly, blood qi spread rapidly along his fingers, and wherever it passed, a thick black aura emerged from his body.


    After the blood aura completely swept over, the Deputy Governor was covered in it, and black lines could be seen on his skin. His appearance¡­ was very similar to the illusory scene before the County Governor died.


    ¡°Because I am poisoned too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve touched the chess pieces on that chessboard more than once. I have been enduring it all along.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, didn¡¯t you see my fatigue when you came to visit me once? I know very well that this poison can¡¯t be neutralized by medicines. That¡¯s why I told the servant that I won¡¯t take the medicine.¡±


    ¡°The County Governor died and Brother Liangxiu died. I won¡¯t be able to live for long either. Only Yao Tianyan escaped. Who is the murderer?¡±


    The Deputy Governor smiled bitterly.


    As his words echoed, the black gas on his body was revealed. It was like millions of lightning bolts exploded in the clouds, shaking everyone.


    Even Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred greatly. His originally firm faith wavered slightly at this moment.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you¡¯re a good kid. What happened today further proves that you indeed have the heart and virtue worthy of the great emperor¡¯s recognition. Very good, very good,¡± the Deputy Governor said softly with a gentle expression.


    ¡°Now, with your 100,000 feet long light, do you agree to let me become the county governor and protect you all from now on?¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    This sentence was filled with benevolence in everyone¡¯s ears. Only the Seventh Prince, who was at the side, felt even more wary of this Deputy Governor.


    This was because he understood that this was¡­ trying to destroy the heart!


    So what if you got 100,000 ft light in the Emperor¡¯s Heart Inquisition?


    So what if you went against the prevailing trend?


    ¡®I didn¡¯t fly into a rage out of humiliation and attack, nor did I kill in exasperation. I am just trying to reason with you. After that¡­ I want to hear you say the word ¡®yes¡¯.¡¯


    With the hearts of the people, I¡¯ll kill your heart of 100,000 ft light.


    The ground was silent as countless gazes looked at Xu Qing.


    The captain¡¯s expression was a little sinister. Ning Yan shrunk his head and wariness appeared in his eyes. Qing Qiu¡¯s face was expressionless but she tightened her grip on her scythe.


    In the crowd, the ordinary-looking person who had revealed pride toward Xu Qing frowned and stared at the Deputy Governor, emitting an unfriendly aura.


    Under the platform, the masked General Blood Nightmare moved his right foot slightly, as though he was about to step forward¡­


    At that moment, Xu Qing lifted his head and spoke softly.


    ¡°After the Palace Master died, I continued to investigate this matter because I think just finding evidence of morning glow doesn¡¯t mean that the cause of the old county governor¡¯s death was the Radiant Life Calamity Pill. Because the old county governor is half a step into the Soul Accumulation realm, it¡¯s too difficult to poison him.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s words caused many people to frown. At that moment, he seemed to have forgotten everything the Deputy Governor had said earlier and didn¡¯t see the Deputy Governor¡¯s black aura. He continued to speak from where he had been interrupted earlier.


    ¡°I began to think about how I could poison the old county governor silently. I¡¯m good at the Dao of Medicine but I didn¡¯t have an answer. However, I thought of the smell of osmanthus in the wish box.¡±

 Chapter 766 - 766 Deputy Governor, Please Correct! (3)

    766 Deputy Governor, Please Correct! (3)


    The moment Xu Qing said this, the Deputy Governor¡¯s pupils narrowed imperceptibly. His expression darkened slightly, but he spoke in a calm voice.


    ¡°You are too stubborn. Li Yunshan, take him away and give him a proper lesson in place of Brother Liangxiu.¡±


    The reality was already so clear. In the eyes of many people, Xu Qing¡¯s actions were overstepping his bounds.


    While the Deputy Palace Master of the Sword Holding Palace was hesitating, Xu Qing continued to speak expressionlessly.


    ¡°Twenty-three days ago, after I returned from the Immortal Forbidden, I smelled a similar smell from the plain pills.¡±


    The instant the words ¡®plain pill¡¯ came out of Xu Qing¡¯s mouth, before anyone could react, a dangerous aura instantly rose from the Deputy Governor¡¯s body. He lifted his right hand and flicked his sleeve.


    ¡°Ridiculous!¡±


    As his voice rang out, a wave of Nihility energy erupted from the Deputy Governor¡¯s sleeve and instantly enveloped Xu Qing.


    The Deputy Palace Master¡¯s expression changed. He used all his strength to block but he was still forced back, unable to match the Deputy Governor who was enhanced by fortune. However, at this moment, the clouds exploded and the sound of metal clashing rang out from the sky.


    ¡°Gah!¡±


    A three-headed giant bird appeared.


    Its speed was so fast that it directly appeared under Xu Qing. Its right head landed under Xu Qing¡¯s feet. After lifting him up, its three heads locked onto the Deputy Governor in unison. Its entire body was covered in spikes, emitting a monstrous ferocious intent. It let out an ear-piercing cracking sound!


    The sound waves exploded, forming a rumbling sound that shook the surroundings, causing the whole city to shake and the sky to change color!


    The mortals in the entire city gasped. Hundreds of thousands of cultivators on the ground were shaken. The Seventh Prince¡¯s expression froze and the Deputy Governor¡¯s expression was unsightly, no longer calm.


    Only Qingqin was the center of attention.


    Only its cracking sound resounded through the clouds.


    The only thing that could surpass its attention was the figure standing on its raised right head¡ªthe slender figure dressed in a white sword cultivator robe, whose clothes fluttered in the wind!


    The four canopies shone with a resplendent light and the mosasaur roared, breathing out a morning glow. The figure of the Ghost Emperor Mountain stood behind him and there was a faint river of time that seemed to be lingering around him.


    At this moment, it was as though Edict Bearer Xu, who had represented the Palace Master half a year ago, had returned!


    The various races who were observing everything in the surroundings were all shocked. Their mental shadow from back then emerged again!


    Xu Qing continued.


    ¡°A plain pill. It¡¯s the same plain pill that hundreds of millions of mortals in the city have eaten over the years.¡±


    ¡°At that time, I understood the method of poisoning.¡±


    ¡°The murderer didn¡¯t directly poison the old county governor. Over the years, he diluted countless portions of the Radiant Life Calamity and fused them into plain pills which were consumed by all the humans in the city.


    The instant he said these, it was like a huge lightning exploded beside the hearts of the hundreds of thousands of cultivators and in the ears of countless mortals in the city.


    The weight of these words was too heavy!


    Even more gasps, exclamations, chaotic sounds, and restless sounds erupted.


    ¡°Using countless people as poison to change the fortune of all living beings in the entire city, causing everyone to become a poison catalyst. The poisoned fortune merged with the County Governor at all times, causing the County Governor to be silently poisoned.¡±


    Xu Qing continued to speak. The city was completely in an uproar. The hurried breathing of hundreds of thousands of people under the platform was earth-shattering, stirring up a huge storm.


    ¡°The plain pill is poisonous?¡±


    ¡°How is this possible!!¡±


    ¡°But everything is reasonable and logical.¡±


    ¡°Plain pills are made by the Deputy Governor. He is the only source of it. All the medicinal shops have to go to the Deputy Governor¡¯s residence to collect them!¡±


    ¡°What is real and what is fake!¡±


    ¡°Here¡­ what¡¯s the truth?!¡±


    There was an uproar.


    To everyone, what Xu Qing said was extremely shocking, causing their scalps to turn numb and cause monstrous waves.


    Kong Xianglong gasped. All the Sword Holders trembled. The expressions of the Deputy Palace Masters also changed drastically.


    This was especially so for the Deputy Governor. He stared at Xu Qing. He didn¡¯t expect the other party to be able to investigate to this extent.


    Xu Qing looked at the land of the city and spoke softly.


    ¡°Everyone in the entire city is poisoned. I don¡¯t know how this poison will act up in the future and what calamity it will bring once it acts up.¡±


    ¡°I, Xu Qing, the holder of 100,000 ft light in the Emperor¡¯s Heart Inquisition, will be responsible for every word I say.¡±


    ¡°Deputy Governor, my report is over. Please correct me!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice continued to echo in all directions. Regardless of whether they believed him or not, all gazes on the platform landed on the Deputy Governor in unison.


    They weren¡¯t the only ones. At that moment, the mortals in the city also looked in the same direction with mixed emotions of shock and anger.


    This was because this concerned the personal safety of each of them!


    When anything concerned the individual, no matter how small it was, it was still a huge matter.


    At this moment, very few people would consider anything else. All of them only wanted an answer at this moment!


    ¡®Are the plain pills you gave us all these years poisonous or not?!¡¯


    Xu Qing was once again on the side of the popular sentiment!


    The first time, he used the prestige of the County Governor and the Palace Master to disperse the popular sentiment of the Deputy Governor, allowing him to have the qualifications to speak.


    Soon after, it was neutralized by the Deputy Governor.


    This time around, he used everyone¡¯s safety to bring them to his side. He gathered the momentum and forced the Deputy Governor.

 Chapter 767 - 767 Deputy Governor, Please Correct! (4)

    767 Deputy Governor, Please Correct! (4)


    All of this was not something that Xu Qing learned on his own but rather from the series of events in the county capital. He learned how to use the sentiments of the people from the Seventh Prince.


    Later, in the Immortal Forbidden, Old Master Seventh opened the door of cognition for him, allowing him to understand that he needed to stand at a higher level to see the big picture, gain clarity, and truly reach the pinnacle.


    Over the past seven years, he had gone from being a scavenger in a slum to where he stood today. His character and mentality had been like an uncut gemstone, continuously polished and refined through learning and experiences, until it finally radiated its brilliant light.


    The teacher in the slum taught him how to read, giving him the foundation of knowledge.


    Captain Lei taught him to be tolerant, providing him with a sense of belonging and warmth.


    Grandmaster Bai taught him about plants and vegetation, drawing parallels between human life and nature, guiding him on the path of a human.


    Old Master Seventh taught him about perspective, way to do things, and broadened his horizons.


    The captain taught him about ferocity and the need to fight for what he wanted, even against the odds.


    The Seventh Prince taught him about the way to use the people¡¯s sentiments, reverse black and white, and how to embrace the path of a conqueror without looking back.


    The Palace Master taught him about righteousness and the oath of a Sword Holder ¨C that some things are worth dying for, and certain beliefs are worth protecting at all costs.


    The Deputy Governor taught him about strategy and calculation ¨C how everything changes with the situation, and how to control the world in the palm of his hand.


    Whether directly or indirectly, many people had taught Xu Qing and allowed him to mature in the past seven years.


    Until today!


    In an instant, the fortune above the Deputy Governor¡¯s head that had formed a five-tasseled crown shook.


    A large amount of fortune dispersed from it and headed straight for Xu Qing, bringing with it waves of cheers that outsiders couldn¡¯t sense.


    As it continued to gather, the crown that had been floating above Xu Qing¡¯s head became increasingly enriched.


    In the eyes of those who could see this scene, Xu Qing, who was standing on Qingqin¡¯s right head, was shining with light. The crown on his head emitted monstrous fortune and was strengthening him.


    Vaguely, there was also the figure of a little boy jumping for joy in the crown.


    It was as though it was telling everyone who could see who was the orthodox right now!


    Who was the person worthy of Fenghai¡¯s fortune!


    Who was the true Fenghai¡¯s son!


    With the blessing of fortune and the convergence of the people¡¯s will, the world changed colors, and winds and clouds surged, forming a mighty momentum gathering the heavens, the earth, and the human.


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s expression changed.


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s eyes sparkled as he gazed at Xu Qing. Like the Deputy Governor, in this short period of time, he had reevaluated Xu Qing multiple times.


    ¡°This kid isn¡¯t an ordinary person!¡±


    Just as the Seventh Prince was in deep thought and the Deputy Governor was about to speak, Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed deeply. After he lifted his head, he spoke softly.


    ¡°Through this bow, I express my gratitude for the teachings and guidance you, Deputy Governor, provided before. Now that I¡¯ve bowed, my heart is at ease, and I can finally speak freely about certain matters.¡±


    ¡°Deputy Governor, I know you¡¯re from Illuminate.¡±


    ¡°The cultivators of Illuminate disdain lying and emphasize everything being reasonable. Just as you taught and clarified during our previous session, revealing the answers openly, you showed the boldness to set up a logical plan. Therefore, it is also reasonable for such a plan to be exposed.¡±


    ¡°Deputy Governor, please correct me.¡± Xu Qing stared.


    As soon as these words were spoken, the light in the Seventh Prince¡¯s eyes became even more intense. Previously, the Deputy Governor wanted to destroy Xu Qing¡¯s halo of 100,000 feet of light. Now, Xu Qing¡¯s reply was also destroying the halo around the Deputy Governor.


    According to his cooperation with the Deputy Governor until now, the other party indeed disdained lying. Everything was based on reason.


    ¡®I¡¯ll answer whatever you ask.¡¯


    But now, if he admitted it, it would be equivalent to having no possibility of concealment and all his plans would be for naught.


    However, if he didn¡¯t admit it, it would go against his principles, and it would cause conflict within himself.


    The Deputy Governor fell silent.


    After a long while, he deeply looked at Xu Qing, let out a sigh that seemed even wearier, and exuded an aura of exhaustion. Then, he took out a plain pill and transformed into a tall figure visible to the whole city. In front of everyone, he swallowed the pill and spoke softly.


    ¡°Plain pill, non-poisonous.¡±


    Everyone in the surroundings was shocked.


    ¡°Xu Qing, this old man doesn¡¯t know why you¡¯re slandering me like this but on account of your previous battle merits, I still can¡¯t bear to kill you. I¡¯ll lock you up in the Sword Holding Palace and ask about the catalyst behind this. Li Yunshan, this is my bottom line. You¡¯re in charge of guarding and questioning.¡±


    ¡°Men!¡±


    After he finished speaking, rumbling sounds rang out from the ground and numerous figures suddenly rose into the air. One of them was the old servant beside the Deputy Governor that Xu Qing had seen back then.


    He looked at Xu Qing regretfully and a second-stage Nihility energy fluctuation erupted from his body.


    As for the Deputy Governor, with a wave of his hand, a vortex appeared beside him. With a loud rumbling sound, a black-armored puppet with a blurred face emerged from the vortex and walked step by step.


    Death aura permeated the air and its eyes were cold. A fourth-stage Nihility energy fluctuation erupted from its body.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re not Purple Green,¡± Xu Qing said softly.


    The Deputy Governor was expressionless as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Take him down.¡±

 Chapter 768 - 768 The Disciple of the Crown Prince, Bai Xiaozhuo (1)

    768 The Disciple of the Crown Prince, Bai Xiaozhuo (1)


    At this moment, the entire city was in turmoil, with winds howling and thunderous roars echoing from all directions.


    The four-clawed golden dragon¡¯s eyes gleamed with golden light. After looking at the Deputy Governor, it looked at the expressionless Seventh Prince.


    The golden dragon fell silent, and a hint of sorrow could be seen in its eyes as it disappeared into the clouds. Only a resounding dragon¡¯s roar echoed throughout the land, shattering the clouds, as if trying to bring brightness to the world and allow the sunlight to pour down.


    Unfortunately, even though it was noon, the waves from the city still distorted the sky, causing the sky to be dim. This also caused the statue of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether to become dim, as though it was covered by dust.


    Its hands were lifted as though it was embracing the tens of millions of terrified mortals in the city.


    The gazes of the nonhumans flickered and they retreated one after another. This was the matter of the human race and they didn¡¯t want to participate in it at this moment.


    Everyone was waiting.


    They were waiting for the conclusion to be reached.


    The Deputy Governor ultimately didn¡¯t have the courage of Crown Prince Purple Green. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to admit everything, and therefore, he chose to suppress the truth.


    However, a crack had already formed in his heart.


    That was caused by Xu Qing.


    In the darkness of the sky and amidst the rumbling, the instant the Deputy Governor¡¯s decree was issued, the puppet he summoned from the vortex erupted with the strength of a fourth stage Nihility cultivator and took a step toward Xu Qing.


    Fourth stage Nihility was definitely not ordinary!


    This level of cultivation could be described as extremely rare in the entire Fenghai County. Any one of them had an illustrious reputation.


    Such an existence was actually refined into a puppet. The horror represented by this was extremely astonishing.


    This was especially so since the puppet¡¯s face was badly mangled and his true appearance couldn¡¯t be seen at all. His identity became a mystery.


    Almost at the instant the puppet walked over, lightning exploded and countless dao marks appeared above Qingqin, forming countless overlapping figures that transformed into endless small worlds that were like mountain ranges.


    In the center was the puppet¡¯s figure.


    He lowered his head and looked at Xu Qing with lifeless eyes. With a lift of his hand, a terrifying aura that shook the heavens and earth surged forth, disregarding Qingqin as it rushed overwhelmingly toward Xu Qing.


    Qingqin¡¯s entire body trembled, and countless small worlds descended around it, as if containing some kind of law that could suppress foreign beings. It caused Qingqin to experience a momentary pause in its movements.


    The Deputy Palace Master Li Yunshan, Deacon Sima, and Deacon Sun, were furious and anxious when faced with such a terrifying power. Although they weren¡¯t the ones targeted, they couldn¡¯t get close.


    As for Xu Qing, the moment the vortex appeared and the puppet walked out, his thoughts had already scattered into his storage bag. At that moment, a huge severed arm suddenly appeared in front of him.


    It was the item Xu Qing and the captain had obtained in the Immortal Forbidden. This was also one of the contingencies Xu Qing had prepared for himself in the confusion he had felt for the past twenty or so days.


    The aura descended.


    Amidst the rumbling, the severed arm shook and its flesh split open. Five of its fingers directly exploded and countless cracks appeared on the back of its palm. However, it didn¡¯t collapse.


    Within this short period, Qingqin broke free from the restraints and swung its right head, tossing the severed arm behind it. It then lifted its three heads and let out a sound that resounded through the clouds.


    ¡°Gah!¡±


    This voice directly exploded many small world phantoms. Its body rushed out and headed straight for the puppet!


    It had promised its big brother that it would protect Xu Qing in the county capital. It wasn¡¯t willing to go to the front line but this was the county capital, its territory. And it liked the little guy who knew how to shoot light like it and had brought it to enjoy a feast.


    Moreover, it had never seen anyone like Xu Qing, who could walk out calmly when the world was silent. Even though its cultivation was not as strong as the puppet¡¯s, it still stepped forward to protect Xu Qing!


    A rumbling sound erupted in the sky.


    As for the severed arm that Xu Qing had fused into, it landed on the ground.


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s old servant charged toward the severed arm.


    The Deputy Palace Master blocked the way and shouted.


    ¡°Retreat! This is a matter of my Sword Holding Palace!¡±


    Just as the old servant narrowed his eyes, Deacon Sima and Deacon Sun quickly arrived.


    At the same time, the figures of veteran Sword Holders quickly gathered around the severed arm.


    This scene caused the surroundings to tremble. The subordinates of the Deputy Governor immediately rushed out and approached the severed arm, confronting the Sword Holders here.


    At that moment, the sky and ground were at daggers drawn. The Deputy Governor on the platform looked at all of this with a disappointed expression as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Since the Sword Holding Palace is against the decree and isn¡¯t willing to correct themselves, this old man will correct Brother Liangxiu¡¯s edict bearer on his behalf.¡±


    As he spoke, he took a step out of the platform and into the sky. He flicked his sleeve.


    With half of the fortune gathered on him, he had reached the fourth stage of Nihility. The ground rumbled and countless cultivators had no choice but to retreat. It was the same for the Deputy Palace Master and the others.


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s old servant faced no more obstacles. With a sway of his body, he instantly appeared above the severed arm. A strange glint appeared in his eyes as he grabbed at the severed arm.


    Everyone¡¯s minds churned. The moment they were extremely anxious and furious, the captain¡¯s entire body flickered with blue light. He lifted his right hand and pressed it against his forehead, wanting to tear something off. Suddenly, the old servant¡¯s expression changed and his pupils contracted. He actually retreated.


    A large golden net suddenly appeared in the sky.


    Rumbling sounds filled the sky. The golden net filled the sky and enveloped the ground. It was adorned with shimmering lights, exuding a brilliant radiance.


    After the war, everyone in Fenghai County recognized this phenomenon. This was¡­ the Taboo magic treasure of the county capital.

 Chapter 769 - 769 The Disciple of the Crown Prince, Bai Xiaozhuo (2)

    769 The Disciple of the Crown Prince, Bai Xiaozhuo (2)


    Xu Qing had the right to use it once. The Palace Master had given this authority to him.


    As soon as the Taboo appeared, all the mortals in the city were shocked. The cultivators in the square felt waves of emotions rising in their hearts. The golden net was rapidly falling and continuously shrinking as it headed for the severed arm.


    The old servant¡¯s expression changed again and he retreated even faster.


    However, that golden net didn¡¯t cause any damage to him. This was because to Xu Qing, it wasn¡¯t worth it to use the one-time use opportunity of the Taboo magic treasure on this old servant.


    In that instant, under everyone¡¯s gaze, the golden net covered the severed arm.


    Xu Qing then walked out of the severed arm. His face was pale and he spat out a large mouthful of blood. His chest caved in and intense pain spread throughout his body. Even with the protection of the severed arm, he was still seriously injured.


    However, he still stood there on the severed arm, welcoming the incoming golden net.


    In the blink of an eye, the golden net covered his figure, forming a lump of golden flames that protected him.


    From afar, compared to the world, this flame seemed to be just a sprout. It was like a spark, insignificant and powerless.


    Xu Qing looked around with rising emotional fluctuations.


    He knew that the moment he walked out just now, he had already pierced through the sky of Fenghai County.


    And those who broke through the sky must bear its weight.


    He hadn¡¯t expected the Deputy Palace Master and the deacons to step forward for him. Moreover, he didn¡¯t summon Qingqin.


    However, they came forward one by one.


    There were also more than 100,000 comrades. They were all looking at him with resolve in their eyes. They¡­ believed in him.


    Xu Qing wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. He suddenly felt that he had more courage.


    Among the hundreds of thousands of cultivators here, only 30% were Sword Holders. The remaining 70% came from the other two palaces and the Deputy Governor¡¯s residence. Their expressions were filled with hesitation.


    However, Xu Qing was no longer afraid.


    Humans were like this. No matter how much they hesitated and weighed the pros and cons, once they threw caution to the wind, they would find that there was nothing to hold them back anymore.


    It was a pity that the person who got close to him earlier wasn¡¯t the Deputy Governor but that old servant. He was unable to use his trump card, and had to change his plan.


    The fourth-stage Nihility puppet was also out of his expectations.


    ¡°I only have one chance¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. He needed to create another opportunity for the Deputy Governor to approach him.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing took a deep breath and looked at the Deputy Governor.


    ¡°Deputy Governor, since you¡¯re unwilling to admit your identity as Illuminate, I¡¯ll continue to call you Deputy Governor. Actually, if you want to take me down, there¡¯s no need to send anyone else. You¡¯re a high and mighty Nihility, I¡¯m just a fake Nascent Soul cultivator. I don¡¯t think I can survive against you.¡±


    At this point, blood flowed out of the corner of Xu Qing¡¯s mouth. However, he continued to speak.


    ¡°Deputy Governor, Illuminate¡¯s actions are extreme and likes blood-colored performances. Is what is happening here your blood-colored performance?¡±


    ¡°But I feel that it¡¯s very lousy.¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°What¡¯s bad isn¡¯t this performance but you. You even suppressed your heart and violated the principle of reason. You don¡¯t deserve to be called Illuminate.¡±


    The Deputy Governor calmly looked at Xu Qing. His expression didn¡¯t change at all as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°With your contribution to Fenghai and your achievement of 100,000 ft light in the Emperor¡¯s Heart Inquisition, I can¡¯t bear to kill you. Don¡¯t walk toward the wrong path and seek death.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he smiled, his gaze calm.


    ¡°With a cunning mind like yours, to be willing to talk so much to me, you must have seen through my clumsy words to lure you closer. Although I¡¯m not Illuminate, I feel that Illuminate¡¯s straightforwardness is very good. I¡¯ll also be straightforward. I do have a way to kill you, as long as you get close to me.¡±


    ¡°So, Deputy Governor, are you afraid of a tiny fake Nascent Soul like me? Do you dare to get close?¡±


    ¡°I know that you don¡¯t dare to because you don¡¯t even dare to say your true identity and name.¡± Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°And who are you putting on this performance for? Crown Prince Purple Green? I think he¡¯ll shake his head because you dare to do it but don¡¯t dare to admit it. So this is what Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s people are like. I think Crown Prince Purple Green must be the same kind of character, no wonder he perished and couldn¡¯t rise to prominence.¡±


    Xu Qing smiled.


    ¡°Or perhaps, it¡¯s actually you who isn¡¯t worthy of following Crown Prince Purple Green?¡±


    The Deputy Governor remained calm throughout Xu Qing¡¯s speed, but the last two sentences finally triggered a hint of fleeting coldness in his eyes.


    The heart-slaying intensified a lot at this moment.


    The Deputy Governor lifted his head and looked at the sky before speaking in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s time for this farce to end. Seventh Highness, I apologize for this spectacle you had to witness.¡±


    The Seventh Prince didn¡¯t say anything and watched everything with a smile.


    After the Deputy Governor finished speaking, he lifted his right hand and waved it. Immediately, another vortex appeared beside him. A fourth stage Nihility energy erupted from it. As the sound of footsteps rang out, a second puppet walked out.


    It was the same armor, the same design, the same terrifying energy, and the same badly mangled flesh.


    His appearance caused everyone¡¯s hearts to tremble violently.


    One puppet was already astonishing, but now, there was actually a second fourth stage Nihility puppet. Before everyone could calm down, the Deputy Governor¡¯s voice echoed in the ears of countless mortals in the entire city.


    ¡°Sword Holder Xu Qing is deluded, spreading rumors and causing turmoil. He has acted in a highly rebellious manner and is unworthy of the result of the heart inquisition. His title as Sword Holder shall be revoked and he is to be executed on the spot to restore peace and tranquility!¡±


    The moment the Deputy Governor¡¯s voice spread in all directions, the second puppet stepped out.

 Chapter 770 - 770 The Disciple of the Crown Prince, Bai Xiaozhuo (3)

    770 The Disciple of the Crown Prince, Bai Xiaozhuo (3)


    It headed straight for Xu Qing!


    The Deputy Governor still didn¡¯t approach Xu Qing!


    At this moment, a soft sigh rang out from the void.


    As soon as this voice rang out, the Seventh Prince and his generals all lifted their heads. Even the Deputy Governor¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    A figure seemed to have been drawn out of nothingness by a painter and appeared in front of Xu Qing. He then lifted his right hand and pressed down on the puppet that was walking over.


    The sky rumbled and the ground trembled.


    The puppet that was walking over stopped in its tracks and lifted its head numbly to look at the person in front of Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled violently. He looked at the familiar figure in front of him and his eyes turned a little red. He lowered his head like a child who had done something wrong.


    ¡°Master!¡±


    The person who appeared was none other than Old Master Seventh who had been hiding in the crowd.


    He told his disciple that he would leave and hide. However, in reality, the best hiding place was naturally the most dangerous place which was the capital city.


    In addition, after such a major event in the Immortal Forbidden, how could he be at ease with his two disciples? All of this made him feel that hiding in the city was the best choice.


    Hence, he told Xu Qing and Chen Erniu to leave in a month because he planned to secretly follow them.


    At this moment, he chose to walk out.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s red eyes and seeing Xu Qing¡¯s expression as though he had done something wrong, Old Master Seventh let out a deep shout.


    ¡°Lift your head!¡±


    Xu Qing trembled and lifted his head.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you have to remember this. Master thinks that you didn¡¯t do anything wrong in this matter and is proud to have a disciple like you!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what preparations you have made, but I¡¯m your master! How can a master stand at the side and watch his disciple risk his life while remaining indifferent?¡±


    ¡°You kowtowed to me and offered me tea. From that moment on, it became my responsibility to protect you.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also me!¡± In the crowd on the ground, blue light flashed and the captain¡¯s figure rushed out. He was about to attack earlier but his junior brother had always had tricks up his sleeve, so he was preparing to appear at a critical moment.


    Seeing his master walk out, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He instantly arrived and stood beside Xu Qing and smiled.


    ¡°How can you do something big without me!¡±


    At this moment, countless gazes from all directions converged on the three of them. The fortune above Xu Qing¡¯s head erupted with even greater intensity.


    Even the sky was affected, causing a massive vortex to appear in it, visible to the naked eye. Lightning spread within it and thunder rumbled.


    It affected everyone in the city.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. When the waves continued to surge in his sea of consciousness, Old Master Seventh lifted his head and looked at the Deputy Governor.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen Purple Green before!¡±


    There were fluctuations in the Deputy Governor¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°My fourth disciple said the truth. You¡¯re indeed not worthy of following Crown Prince Purple Green. This is because you¡¯ve been scheming for too long and don¡¯t have any spirit.¡±


    The Deputy Governor closed his eyes and opened them a few breaths later. The fluctuations dissipated and a calm voice rang out.


    ¡°The Yinghuang Province¡¯s Eight Sects Alliance has violated their superiors and rebelled. Announce to the entire Fenghai County to destroy this alliance!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re trying to scare me? I¡¯ll f*ck you up!¡± Old Master Seventh laughed and took a step forward, heading straight for the Deputy Governor. The second puppet took a step forward and instantly blocked him. The fight started immediately.


    Old Master Seventh wasn¡¯t a match for the puppet, but he had too many methods and even used divine techniques. If he faced a true fourth-stage Nihility, he might not be a match. However, he could fight a fourth-stage puppet for a short period.


    The situation changed drastically. Everyone experienced many twists and turns today.


    As the entire city continued to shake, killing intent flashed in the Deputy Governor¡¯s eyes. He was aware that this matter couldn¡¯t be delayed any longer. Hence, he took a step forward and was about to suppress everything.


    However, at this moment, Old Master Seventh, who was fighting against the puppet, roared.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know that you¡¯re here. My disciple can be considered to have stepped forward for you. Why aren¡¯t you f*cking showing yourself!! Do you want my two disciples to risk their lives!!!¡±


    Almost at the instant Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice rang out, a blood-colored figure suddenly rushed out from under the platform. Its speed was so fast and its appearance was so abrupt that it exceeded everyone¡¯s imagination.


    In the blink of an eye, this blood-colored figure directly arrived in the sky and arrived beside the first puppet that was fighting with Qingqin.


    He wore blood-colored armor and a blood-colored mask. His entire body emitted a monstrous blood light. The person who rushed out was actually General Blood Nightmare!


    His appearance caused the expressions of the other generals beside the Seventh Prince to change. Only the Seventh Prince¡¯s expression was as usual and he wasn¡¯t surprised at all.


    Xu Qing also looked at Blood Nightmare.


    Amidst the commotion in the surroundings, General Blood Nightmare performed a series of hand seals with both hands and quickly pressed down on the puppet fighting with Qingqin. He even let out a shout.


    ¡°Law Palace¡¯s Palace Master, Brother Hengxin, wake up!!¡±


    As soon as General Blood Nightmare¡¯s voice rang out, the hundreds of thousands of cultivators in the square were all shocked and thunder rumbled in their minds.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart was in turmoil.


    The cultivators of the Law Palace were shocked and furious.


    The mortals in the city were even more shaken.


    This was because the Law Palace¡¯s Palace Master, Zhang Hengxin, was reported to have died in battle on the northern front line!


    Following General Blood Nightmare¡¯s shout, the puppet¡¯s body suddenly trembled. Waves appeared in its listless eyes and its body emitted an intense struggle. Its hands subconsciously lifted and it actually assumed the same seal as the General Blood Nightmare, instinctively cooperating.


    The instant the palm imprints of both sides intersected, the puppet let out a mournful and ear-piercing roar. The armor on its body shattered, revealing a body that was covered in countless wounds, as though it had been pieced together.

 Chapter 771 - 771 The Disciple of the Crown Prince, Bai Xiaozhuo (4)

    771 The Disciple of the Crown Prince, Bai Xiaozhuo (4)


    A remnant soul rose from the puppet¡¯s body and appeared in the outside world, transforming into an extremely tall existence.


    The appearance of the body could be destroyed, but the appearance of the soul would exist forever.


    The face of this soul¡­ belonged to none other than the Palace Master of the Law Palace, one of the three great palaces in Fenghai County!


    In an instant, the expressions of everyone in the city who saw this scene changed drastically.


    The remnant soul couldn¡¯t exist forever, and was already dissipating. It couldn¡¯t speak and its gaze was fixed on Fenghai. Just like the County Governor and Kong Liangxiu in the past, it revealed reluctance.


    Anger rose from the Law Palace cultivators on the ground and they glared at the Deputy Governor.


    General Blood Nightmare turned and looked at the Deputy Governor. He removed his mask, revealing a face that everyone was familiar with.


    ¡°Deputy Governor, long time no see!¡±


    ¡°Yao Tianyan, why aren¡¯t you hiding anymore!¡± The Deputy Governor looked at that face and sighed again. He had sighed many times today.


    The emotions of the hundreds of thousands of people under the platform swayed. This General Blood Nightmare was actually Marquis Yao, who had disappeared from the battlefield and was convicted of treason!


    The city was in an uproar again. This series of changes caused the minds of countless people to go blank.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. He immediately turned his head and looked at the other puppet, trying to find a familiar trace. However, he didn¡¯t. It wasn¡¯t the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master¡­


    At that moment, Marquis Yao spoke softly.


    ¡°I originally didn¡¯t want to appear, the old county governor had shown kindness to my family. The promise I made to him back then hasn¡¯t been fulfilled yet, but I have no choice. The way of the world is unpredictable.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m already at such an old age, and I can¡¯t just let a good child of our human race fall like this. Throughout my life, I¡¯ve experienced too much, reached the peak, been praised, and also been heavily criticized. I¡¯ve experienced glory and infamy. If I have to die, then so be it. Besides¡­ the few family members I have left were also saved by this child. This debt of gratitude is too great.¡±


    After saying that, he looked at Xu Qing with a gentle gaze before looking at the Deputy Governor.


    ¡°And you, Deputy Governor, your calculations were indeed amazing, deceiving all of us and causing us to distrust each other and be suspicious. But you still missed one step. Brother Hengxin, Rong Yu, and I, while at the frontlines, we each placed a soul-binding spell on the other, so that we could truly trust each other.¡±


    ¡°And you coveted their bodies, turning their fallen forms into puppets. As a result, our soul-binding spells became the means to awaken their lingering souls. Though it can only manifest for a moment before dissipating, it¡¯s enough.¡±


    As Marquis Yao¡¯s voice rang out, hundreds of thousands of people below the platform heard it. Tens of millions of people in the city heard it. The heavens heard it, and the earth heard it!


    Endless anger erupted from the entire city.


    Countless gazes gathered from all directions and a shocking killing intent rose from everyone.


    The entire city was unprecedentedly united in directing their killing intent toward the Deputy Governor.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and sensed everything. He knew that he was just a spark but at this moment, he had finally ignited a world.


    Everything was extremely clear. All the evidence was conclusive.


    ¡°Using Xu Qing¡¯s words, Deputy Governor, your plan is reasonable and it¡¯s reasonable for us to expose it. Do you dare to admit it?¡±


    ¡°Please correct me.¡±


    Marquis Yao calmly spoke.


    The Deputy Governor fell silent. A long time later, he exhaled a mouthful of turbid air similar to what Xu Qing had exhaled earlier. His entire person seemed to have relaxed. He then turned his head and glanced at the Seventh Prince on the platform.


    The Seventh Prince was expressionless.


    Marquis Yao appeared among his generals. Naturally, the Seventh Prince had a hand in this. In reality, he was the one who secretly saved Marquis Yao on the battlefield.


    One of his goals for doing this was to leave a method to keep the Deputy Governor in check.


    The second goal was that once his father discovered what he had done, this would be the point to clear the suspicion. This was because this could prove that he wasn¡¯t sincerely cooperating. Everything was for the sake of the human race, and the Human Emperor only looked at the results.


    With his understanding of his father, as long as he could prove this point, he would be safe. Compared to the losses, the rewards of success were immense: becoming a hero of the human race, expanding the territory, and leading the return of the Holy Wave Race, all of which were extraordinary achievements.


    Thus, he would never lose.


    As for the Deputy Governor exposing him now, he was looking forward to it.


    This was because no matter what the other party said, no one would believe him. His stain would also disappear forever.


    However, he was certain that the other party wouldn¡¯t do that. This was because the transaction of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s return hadn¡¯t been completed and the other party hadn¡¯t obtained the bowl he wanted.


    Moreover, fundamentally speaking, he didn¡¯t plan to break the contract either. It was just that the other party couldn¡¯t receive it.


    Everything had nothing to do with him.


    Hence, from the start to the end, he didn¡¯t help the Deputy Governor or Xu Qing. He only watched the show but what he observed was mostly Xu Qing and he firmly engraved it in his mind.


    After staring at the Seventh Prince, the Deputy Governor turned his head. Under the countless gazes that wanted to kill him, he swept his gaze across everyone in the surroundings. In the end, he looked at Xu Qing seriously.


    It was this person in front of him who he had never cared about. In the end, he ignited everything and killed his heart.


    He knew Xu Qing. He had recognized him from the first moment he saw him in the Sword Holding Palace.


    He had heard that his lord had a younger brother in this life, but he didn¡¯t care. How could someone who had seen a giant dragon fancy a snake?


    He originally thought that the other party¡¯s appearance was only similar to his master¡¯s and that they couldn¡¯t be compared at all.


    But now, he didn¡¯t think so.


    He saw his master¡¯s brilliance from Xu Qing.


    Hence, he spoke softly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you asked for my identity and name previously. I can tell you now.¡±


    A look of reminiscence appeared in the Deputy Governor¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m the Purple Green Kingdom¡¯s Fenghai County Governor, Bai Xiaozhuo.¡±


    ¡°I was the county governor here tens of thousands of years ago. This place was originally mine.¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, the hearts of everyone in Fenghai County trembled. Xu Qing¡¯s gaze froze.


    The name of the Holy Wave Large Region was changed by the Grand Duke Holy Wave after he betrayed the human race. Before this, it was called the Purple Green Region. During the time of the even more ancient Human Emperor Mirror Cloud, this region was called the Purple Green Kingdom.


    The emperor of this country had fallen and the crown prince was in charge of the country.


    At that time, Fenghai County was still known as Fenghai County.


    In the 9315th year of the Purple Green Calendar, the crown prince died in the Nanhuang Continent in autumn.


    In the same year, the Purple Green Kingdom was destroyed.


    The disciple of the crown prince, the last county governor of Fenghai County, Bai Xiaozhuo, laughed mournfully. When he saw the entire county¡¯s cultivators die in front of him, he wept blood and mutilated himself. Only half of his face was left, which was the same as the god¡¯s fragmented-face.


    Before he died, he had said.


    ¡°I will follow the crown prince and awaken a thousand years before him to protect him.¡±

 Chapter 772 - 772 Return from Ancient Times (1)

    772 Return from Ancient Times (1)


    As the words of the Deputy Governor echoed, tens of thousands of cultivators beneath the altar were filled with great turbulence. As for the ordinary people of the city, many of them were bewildered because they were unaware of much of the history mentioned.


    It was only after Xu Qing became a Sword Holder that he learned about the simplified history of the human race during the Deputy Governor¡¯s lesson.


    That was also the first time he learned of the condensed version of Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s life.


    At that moment, Marquis Yao, the Deputy Palace Masters of the three palaces, and the others in the surroundings all had dazed expressions. The gazes they used to look at the Deputy Governor became complicated.


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s true identity was surprising but it also seemed reasonable.


    Over the years, the other party¡¯s administrative duties as a deputy governor and the various decrees during the war revealed his familiarity with government affairs.


    Thinking back to the arrangements made by the Deputy Governor during the war, everything was orderly. If they removed the fatigue he revealed, one could see that he was at ease doing those things.


    Not to mention the reconstruction and recovery after the war.


    Everything was done appropriately under the Deputy Governor¡¯s decrees.


    He had indeed done very well. In fact, in the hearts of many people, they felt that he had done a better job than the old county governor.


    Not everyone possessed such an ability. Other than their familiarity with government affairs, they also needed to have a general perspective of the entire Fenghai County.


    Hence, Xu Qing believed the Deputy Governor¡¯s words. However, he had other doubts. Why could the other party also reincarnate? What did he offer?


    However, no matter what, this couldn¡¯t erase the sins committed by the Deputy Governor.


    Regardless of whether it was poisoning the old county governor or causing chaos in Fenghai County by colluding with the Holy Wave Race which indirectly caused the Palace Master¡¯s death. Every stroke was a blood calamity.


    The killing intent from the entire city rose again.


    ¡°Xu Qing.¡±


    The Deputy Governor didn¡¯t bother with the countless murderous gazes in the surroundings, nor did he look at Marquis Yao and the others. It seemed that right now, in his eyes, there was no one else other than Xu Qing, someone he had previously overlooked and underestimated.


    The captain, who was standing beside Xu Qing, took a few steps back. He knew that today, Xu Qing was the main character.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you the answer you want, and I also have a question for you.¡±


    The Deputy Governor stared at Xu Qing and calmly spoke.


    ¡°This place is my territory to begin with. Is it unreasonable for me to take back my things?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°Your territory has already been destroyed with the Purple Green Kingdom.¡±


    After saying that, Xu Qing looked at the hundreds of thousands of people under the platform and the entire city.


    ¡°The current Fenghai County is everyone¡¯s home.¡±


    His words echoed through the world. Countless people¡¯s eyes lit up and unanimous agreement rose in their hearts.


    The Deputy Governor laughed.


    ¡°Then why were you the only one who stood up previously? I remember that you¡¯re not from Fenghai. You¡¯re from the Nanhuang Continent.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. The county was silent, and the world was silent.


    These words were like a bolt of lightning that landed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, transforming into waves of ripples that wanted to drown everything. However, there was a blood-stained figure that couldn¡¯t be hidden no matter what.


    ¡°There¡¯s an old man I respect very much.¡±


    ¡°He died in battle. But in my heart, he¡¯s still alive.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke softly.


    Sadness rose in the hearts of the Sword Holders. They knew who Xu Qing was talking about. The image of the Palace Master who died to protect Fenghai County had long transformed into eternity in their minds.


    That scene of merging with the Taboo net and collapsing bit by bit in the cold was the pain that would remain in the hearts of all the cultivators who survived at the western front line.


    This was especially so when the Palace Master said that his sword was to protect his home before he died. This was deeply imprinted in the hearts of every Sword Holder.


    ¡°It¡¯s that simple?¡± The Deputy Governor was a little surprised.


    ¡°Do I need anything else?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s tone was calm.


    ¡°I thought you would say a lot.¡± The Deputy Governor smiled.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. He lifted his head and looked at the sky.


    The figure of the old man in his mind became clearer and clearer.


    Actually, there was something he didn¡¯t say. That old man had used his words and actions and died in battle to let him know what it was to be a Sword Holder.


    Hence, Xu Qing took a deep breath and his deep voice echoed through the world.


    ¡°Sword Holders, the evidence is conclusive. You can kill anyone below the emperor.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the world rumbled. Bolts of lightning streaked across the sky and wisps of killing intent rose from the county. The eyes of the more than 100,000 Sword Holders in the square who had fought a hundred battles were bloodshot.


    They knew this sentence.


    Although the cultivators from the Law Palace and Observance Palace didn¡¯t make the Sword Holder¡¯s oath, they all knew the rights and responsibilities of the Sword Holding Palace.


    They weren¡¯t the only ones who knew. The mortals in the city also knew.


    At this moment, the wind blew.


    The strong wind whistled, blowing through the world. The clothes of the tens of millions of people who walked out of their houses in the city fluttered in the wind. The fortune on their bodies also rose and gathered toward Xu Qing.


    At this moment, everyone¡¯s hearts were moved!


    At this moment, the world trembled!


    At this moment, fortune gathered from all directions and condensed above Xu Qing¡¯s head, forming an incomparably clear crown of glory that could be seen by mortals.


    With the weight of the crown and the enhancement of fortune, the mosasaur in Xu Qing¡¯s body roared and directly transformed into a nascent soul.


    This nascent soul was the embodiment of fortune, and its appearance shook the heavens and the earth, causing the sky to rumble and the vortex to expand even further.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s ninth nascent soul!


    There was also the light of morning glow spreading out from Xu Qing¡¯s body, forming a rainbow-colored nascent soul!


    The morning glow nascent soul¡¯s brightness seemed to make the world lose its color.


    This was the tenth nascent soul!


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Under the envelopment of fortune, D132, which was in Xu Qing¡¯s body, also trembled. A tiny figure quickly formed inside. Its figure was similar to the little boy back then but its appearance was of Xu Qing.


    Its appearance made D132 complete. The hearts of the stone lion, the painting old man, and the head inside trembled as they knelt down in front of the eleventh nascent soul!

 Chapter 773 - 773 Return From Ancient Times (2)

    773 Return From Ancient Times (2)


    The river of time outside Xu Qing¡¯s body became a little clearer. A figure walked out of the river.


    As he walked over from time, he became clearer. There was nothing colorful or glorious about him. Instead, he was a kid in ragged clothes with a dirty face, as though he had crawled out of a pile of corpses.


    However, his eyes revealed determination, as though no matter how arduous his life was, it still couldn¡¯t make him lower his head. He wanted to continue walking, he wanted to survive!


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s twelfth nascent soul!


    As soon as this nascent soul appeared, the mountains and rivers trembled. Among the hundreds of thousands of people on the ground, Qing Qiu¡¯s body trembled unprecedentedly. Her breathing was hurried and she looked at the nascent soul in a daze.


    ¡°Brother Kid¡­¡±


    At this moment, Xu Qing was unaware of everything else. His entire cultivation roared and surged, and in an instant, he formed four nascent souls, allowing his cultivation to greatly advance, reaching the state where he possessed the power of all twelve nascent souls.


    At that moment, the heavenly lightning gathered in the depths of the sky. It was the power of the heavenly tribulation.


    The appearance of the twelve nascent souls caused the heavenly tribulation to manifest earlier than its time.


    The sky darkened and lightning filled the sky, like millions of silver snakes.


    The hundreds of thousands of cultivators in the square and the mortals in the city were shocked.


    Just as the heavenly tribulation was about to descend, the little boy on the fortune crown that had gathered above Xu Qing¡¯s head suddenly lifted his head and roared at the sky.


    ¡°Scram!¡±


    With this roar, Xu Qing¡¯s 12 nascent souls rose into the air at the same time and roared at the heavenly tribulation in the sky.


    ¡°Scram!¡±


    Their roars gathered and formed a power that shook the heavens and earth. Following their roars, hundreds of thousands of people in the square shouted.


    ¡°Scram!¡±


    The mortals in the city shouted as well.


    ¡°Scram!¡±


    Fortune acknowledged him and all living beings supported him. Lightning exploded and the heavenly tribulation collapsed. It was forced to retreat.


    Following that, endless heavenly mandates descended, enveloping the twelve nascent souls and baptizing them.


    As the heavenly mandates enveloped him, Xu Qing lifted his right hand and held it behind him, as though he was holding an invisible sword.


    ¡°I have a sword!¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, the eyes of the more than 100,000 Sword Holders in the square turned red. The blood-stained figure that was left in their memories seemed to have appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s body and overlapped with him.


    Hence, roars filled with bloodlust rang out from their mouths.


    ¡°I have a sword!¡±


    ¡°I have a sword!¡±


    One after another, voices gathered together, surpassing the sound of heavenly lightning. Looking over, the Sword Holders drew their swords one after another.


    Beams of sword light erupted from the ground and headed straight for Xu Qing. They gathered in Xu Qing¡¯s hand and quickly formed a sword.


    It was the Emperor Sword of the Sword Holder.


    This sword was resplendent and dazzling.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. In a residence in the county capital, a crippled old man walked out of the house. He was dressed very neatly and his eyes revealed intense battle intent. He was the Pawn of the Prison Department¡¯s Area C, Ghost Hand!


    He also had a sword. When the Prison Department collapsed, he held it in. He told Xu Qing that if he found the culprit who destroyed the Prison Department, he had to tell him.


    He had waited for this day for a long time.


    At that moment, he lifted his right hand and held it behind him as he roared.


    ¡°I have a sword!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, he drew his sword. Immediately, an Emperor Sword that had been nurtured for 800 years towered into the sky from his back, transforming into a rainbow that was earth-shattering and incomparable as it headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Just this strike alone could destroy the Spirit Repository and shake the Nihility.


    This sword instantly arrived and quickly fused into Xu Qing¡¯s Emperor Sword, causing the Emperor Sword in his hand to instantly increase by several times. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were bright as he looked at the Deputy Governor.


    ¡°I have a sword to protect my home!¡±


    The sword slashed down!


    The sword light illuminated the sky and the sword qi destroyed everything. It carried the oath of the Sword Holder and his thoughts about the Palace Master as it headed straight for the Deputy Governor.


    In the sky, Old Master Seventh¡¯s body swayed as he headed straight for the Deputy Governor.


    Killing intent erupted from Marquis Yao¡¯s eyes as blood light surged into the sky. He also rushed out.


    Qingqin also let out a roar and rushed over.


    There were also the Deputy Palace Masters, deacons, as well as the surrounding cultivators from the Law Palace and the Observance Palace. All of their cultivation erupted and they attacked the Deputy Governor.


    An all-out attack with an unstoppable momentum.


    The Deputy Governor lowered his eyes and didn¡¯t dodge.


    It was as though it was all over!


    Not far away, his old servant¡¯s expression changed and he quickly retreated. However, under the power of the surroundings, he had no right to dodge.


    Sword light flashed and the old servant¡¯s head flew up. His body exploded and collapsed. As flesh and blood splattered everywhere, the face of the head that flew up melted like ice and snow, revealing its true appearance.


    It was Night Dove!


    He wasn¡¯t the only one. All the people of the Deputy Governor in the surroundings couldn¡¯t escape death and their bodies and souls were destroyed. All the strength blasted toward the Deputy Governor.


    The Deputy Governor stood in the air and didn¡¯t dodge at all. However, the moment this destructive force landed, he lifted his head and looked at Xu Qing behind the sword light. After that, he closed his eyes.


    This sword light had gathered everyone¡¯s strength, contained the will of the entire city, and carried the might of fortune.


    In an instant, it landed on the Deputy Governor.


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s body trembled and a pained expression appeared on his face. His hair was the first to turn into ashes, and his clothes and flesh melted together in the blink of an eye. His body was crushed by the force and started caving in.


    His flesh and blood were instantly wiped away by the sword. His ribs turned from smooth to rough, finally shattering into dust and spreading over his organs.


    This process happened in the blink of an eye.


    In the blink of an eye, the Deputy Governor¡¯s figure was no longer human. His limbs shattered as well, turning into dust.


    The only thing left was a spine that was connected to his head.


    The spine couldn¡¯t hold on anymore and disappeared at a speed visible to the naked eye, and the power spread toward the head.

 Chapter 774 - 774 Return From Ancient Times (3)

    774 Return From Ancient Times (3)


    Half of his face disappeared from the world.


    However, a wisp of golden light suddenly spread out from the other half of his face, rapidly covering the entire head, like a broken golden mask.


    This light flickered and was indestructible.


    Marquis Yao, Qingqin, Old Master Seventh, all the cultivators here, and the power of Xu Qing¡¯s sword all stopped in front of this broken mask.


    No matter how strong their power erupted, it couldn¡¯t be destroyed at all.


    The golden fragmented-face with its eyes closed in the air made one instinctively feel a sense of familiarity. Just as waves of emotions rose in their hearts, the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face opened its eyes.


    His gaze landed on the city.


    In an instant, the color of the sky changed and clouds surged in all directions. Fortune wailed and mortals wept blood.


    Endless anomalous substances descended monstrously at this moment. They rose from plants, humans, buildings, all areas, and everything!


    The sky was blurry and the ground distorted.


    It was as though doomsday had arrived.


    This familiar scene allowed everyone to recognize the source of familiarity¡­ the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face was exactly the same as the fragmented-face of the god in the sky in terms of form!


    Other than the difference in appearance, there was no difference.


    All the cultivators were shaken, and the mortals cried out in horror.


    The sky churned and the clouds rumbled as they spread out in all directions. It was as though a pair of invisible hands of gods had parted the sky, revealing the horizon of dusk. It also revealed the fragmented-face of the god that had existed forever after the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era.


    Its hair was drooping and Its size surpassed the stars.


    It floated outside the Wanggu Continent. All living beings on the Wanggu Continent could see It when they lifted their heads.


    Perhaps it was because they could see It at any time, so people were already used to It. However, at this moment, all living beings had no choice but to look at It again.


    Its eyelids twitched slightly but in the end, It didn¡¯t open Its eyes.


    However, below it, when the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face opened its eyes, it still shook the world.


    Back then, Crown Prince Purple Green had only opened a box in the Eight Sects Alliance.


    Now, the gaze that appeared in the county capital was even more astonishing than the gaze in the box back then.


    The world distorted and everything became blurry. As wails echoed in all directions, the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face looked at Marquis Yao.


    Marquis Yao¡¯s body trembled violently and three colored flowers appeared above his head. On the three flowers sat a figure of a heavenly marquis. However, it seemed that Marquis Yao¡¯s bloodline wasn¡¯t refined, so the figure was incomplete. After it dissipated, two of the three colored flowers were directly cut off.


    Only a single flower was left, but had withered.


    Marquis Yao spat out a mouthful of blood and retreated with heavy injuries, letting out a deep shout.


    ¡°You actually sacrificed yourself into half a regional treasure!¡±


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all as he looked at Qingqin.


    Qingqin let out a mournful cry and its body turned blurry. An ancient figure rose from its back, as though it could devour the world. Although its bloodline was exquisite, its level was insufficient.


    Qingqin was dyed red with blood as it retreated.


    After that, the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face¡¯s gaze landed on Old Master Seventh.


    A white jade hand appeared behind Old Master Seventh. Amidst the resplendent light, it seemed to have the same source as the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face. However, his cultivation wasn¡¯t high enough and he bled from his seven orifices. He had no choice but to retreat. He stared at the Deputy Governor and spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°Purple Green could reincarnate due to being stunning and extraordinary, but now, I know why you can reincarnate. You¡¯re really ruthless!¡±


    The Deputy Governor fell silent. His gaze swept past the Deputy Palace Masters of the three palaces and their souls suffered heavy injuries. When his gaze swept past the deacons of the three palaces, their bodies turned greenish-black and they began to mutate.


    All the Nihility cultivators were suppressed.


    Be it cultivators or mortals, they were all wailing in pain.


    The entire city was starting to turn into a forbidden zone.


    The blood-colored rain, accompanied by rumbling thunder, scattered onto the ground, burying the county capital in the rain. It even drenched the statue of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether and slid down his forehead to the corner of his eyes like blood tears.


    If it could open its eyes, then what it would see would be a ghost territory.


    The source of all this was none other than the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face.


    As for the two puppets that the Deputy Governor had taken out earlier, the remnant souls inside had already dissipated. They were no longer affected and regained their mobility. They followed their original instructions and headed straight for Old Master Seventh, Marquis Yao, and Qingqin.


    As the blood rain drenched them, it also revealed what was originally on their bodies but couldn¡¯t be seen by others. It was light emitted from the places where their bodies were sewn together.


    Each of them had a box in their bodies.


    Just like Chu Tianqun, these two modified puppets were also god specimens and were clearly more advanced.


    If Bai Li was the first-generation god specimen, Saintly Star was the second-generation god specimen, and Chu Tianqun was the perfected second-generation god specimen, then these two puppets were the third-generation!


    This was also the reason why their cultivation levels were at the perfected third stage of Nihility but their explosive strength was comparable to a fourth stage Nihility. However, they hadn¡¯t formed a large world and only had countless small worlds.


    Old Master Seventh had already discovered this point when the first puppet attacked Qingqin.


    At that moment, as the Deputy Governor¡¯s gaze swept over, the sound of explosions echoed in the sky again.


    The ground was dark and Xu Qing stood there silently. He saw the misery in his surroundings and heard the wails of all living beings. The world was hazy in his eyes and everyone was in pain.


    Sparks could start a prairie fire but the blood rain could also extinguish it.


    Ideals seemed to be a joke in front of strength.


    Only the captain¡¯s body flickered with blue light. At that moment, he turned his head and cast a deep glance at Xu Qing, as though he was bidding farewell.

 Chapter 775 - 775 Return From Ancient Times (4)

    775 Return From Ancient Times (4)


    He was about to walk out.


    ¡°Senior Brother, this is my affair. If you were to perish, even if I were to live on, I would regret it for the rest of my life.¡±


    Xu Qing pressed hard on the captain¡¯s shoulder, then looked into his eyes and said softly.


    The captain remained silent. At the same time, the power of the Purple Moon surged within Xu Qing, the Poison Restriction Pill erupted, the force of D132 emerged, and the phantom of the Ghost Emperor Mountain appeared behind him.


    The captain sighed inwardly.


    Those who broke through the sky had to bear its weight, but this weight was too heavy.


    Xu Qing silently walked forward, his body suddenly growing to over ten feet tall, shouldering the dense anomalous substances in this place. He looked up at the fragmented-face of the Deputy Governor in the air.


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s eyes stared at Xu Qing and his divine sense echoed in all directions.


    ¡°Xu Qing, do you know that this place¡­ is the place where I died back then? After the crown prince died in the Nanhuang Continent, I was here looking at the fragmented-face of the god in the sky while digging out my flesh bit by bit, carving myself into the appearance of It.¡±


    ¡°I prayed to see my lord again in the future.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, you were right when you said that I¡¯m not worthy of following my lord. Back then, many people said the same thing.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, I didn¡¯t dodge your attack just now to punish myself.¡±


    ¡°But my plan must still be completed, and I cannot leave yet. So, I choose to reveal my true form, accepting the aura of the Wanggu willingly, no longer pure, making myself without a past, present, or future, eliminating any possibility of reincarnation, solidifying my current form.¡±


    ¡°From now on, the previous moment is my past. This moment is my present and the next moment is my future.¡±


    ¡°I, Bai Xiaozhuo, rarely explain so much to others, but I think you¡¯re worth it.¡±


    The Deputy Governor spoke softly and his gaze landed on the city.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that I can¡¯t wait for the most suitable time. In the end, I didn¡¯t become the county governor. Without the blessing of Fenghai County¡¯s fortune, I can only forcefully push many things¡­ Sigh.¡±


    The Deputy Governor sighed. Deceiving all living beings, being recognized by heaven, earth, and human as the county governor, and obtaining the fortune of the entire Fenghai County ¨C this was what he yearned for.


    In his plan, the aid he provided to the human race allowed the human¡¯s fortune to transform from weak to vigorous. After all, he contributed to expanding their territory and the return of the Holy Wave Race.


    This way, he could use Fenghai¡¯s fortune to guide even more fortune of the human race.


    This was the most critical step in all his plans.


    But now, he had failed.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you¡¯ve succeeded. Even if I kill everyone here, it¡¯ll still be difficult for me to complete my plan perfectly. I can only force it.¡±


    ¡°By forcing me to harvest the fruit before it fully ripened, you disrupted many of my plans and might even have caused me to lose the trust of my people.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He could tell that the Deputy Governor wanted to speak.


    ¡°Back then, I offered myself to the god in exchange for an opportunity to follow the crown prince, but the god ignored me. Hence, I willingly transformed myself into a magic treasure and was willing to give up my soul and everything. The god still ignored me.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know what the god wanted until the fall of the Purple Green Kingdom. At that moment, I realized what It desired. With tears in my eyes, I slaughtered all the people in the county, whether cultivators or ordinary folks, regardless of age. They didn¡¯t resist, allowing me to act as I pleased. After I killed all the inhabitants of the county, It finally nodded in approval.¡±


    ¡°At that time, I promised the souls of the people I killed that I would bring them back together.¡±


    ¡°Now, my people, all of you, return from the land of the wicked.¡±


    His voice contained the feeling of time, as though it had come from tens of thousands of years ago and drifted through the long river of time, echoing in the present.


    Amidst the blood rain, amidst the anomalous substances, the bodies of all living beings in the county trembled. Their expressions turned from pain to numbness. The aura of life rose above everyone¡¯s heads, accompanied by traces of fortune that were forcefully extracted.


    Their bodies began to wither and caved in, but they didn¡¯t die.


    It wasn¡¯t just the human race. At this moment, the mountains and rivers in the county capital shook. From the ground, from the river, from the vegetation, from the mountain peaks.


    Endless life and fortune continued to rise and were forcefully extracted, gathering toward the capital city.


    At the same time, in the 13 provinces of Fenghai County, other than the three lost and burned provinces, all the remaining sects and forces, as well as the ancestral lands of the various races, were shaking.


    It was the same in the Yinghuang Province.


    The entire Fenghai County trembled, and the newer mountain ranges collapsed one after another, while the ancient mountains that had disappeared in the passage of time rose from the earth.


    Since the existence of the Purple Green Kingdom until now, tens of thousands of years had passed. The terrain of the entire Fenghai County had changed greatly, but no matter how great the change was, it was reversing at this moment.


    The terrain that belonged to the Purple Green Kingdom was reappearing.


    Rivers formed and mountain ranges rose. If one overlooked the entire Fenghai County from a high altitude, they would discover that these mountain ranges that had returned from ancient times formed an incomparably huge rune.


    As the rune gradually completed, and the hearts of all the people in Fenghai County surged with emotions, three enormous and fishbone-like divine spikes shot up from three different directions, piercing through the sky and reaching the heavens.


    After penetrating the firmament, they created ripples that covered the entire sky of Fenghai County, transforming into a second layer of the sky.


    This sky was like a painting.


    The world in the painting wasn¡¯t the Wanggu Continent but a pitch-black world.


    The familiar aura made Xu Qing immediately recognize that the world within the painting was the place where every cultivator attracted malevolent spirits when building their foundation.


    Foundation Building cultivators needed a simulated life lantern to protect them. Only its fire could protect them. Foundation Building cultivators who didn¡¯t have a life lantern would attract great terror.


    This was something that every cultivator was informed about before they started the foundation building.


    However, no one knew what that world was.


    Due to an accident in the foundation building, the mute was possessed by an evil soul and was later saved by Xu Qing.


    Now, Xu Qing knew that that world was called the land of the wicked.


    It was also the place the Crimson Goddess headed to!

 Chapter 776 - 776 Xu Qings Trump Card! (1)

    776 Xu Qing¡¯s Trump Card! (1)


    The key to opening the land of the wicked was the three sharp bones of the fish!


    Xu Qing recognized these three sharp spikes at a glance. They were the items that had been snatched away by the huge white jade hand in the Immortal Forbidden.


    At this moment, he finally understood what the three sharp spikes were used for.


    The sky rumbled. In the second sky formed by the three sharp spikes, black fog churned and waves of soul-stirring wild shrieks and howls spread in all directions.


    In the pitch-black fog painting, countless evil souls lifted their heads. The moment they looked out one after another, the call from the Deputy Governor turned into countless karma threads.


    One end connected to the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face and the other end surged into the land of the wicked, landing in the souls of the people who had once died in Purple Green Kingdom¡¯s Fenghai County, transforming into a guiding force.


    Evil souls that were guided crawled out of the second sky along the threads of karma. They looked greedily at the ground and at every living person here.


    This was the Deputy Governor¡¯s big move.


    What he wanted to offer to his lord wasn¡¯t just a life fruit that gathered the lives and fortune of all living beings in Fenghai County, but also¡­ the return of Fenghai County!


    With this, he could atone for his crimes.


    As for the living beings in Fenghai County, they were the vessels he had prepared for the people who had returned from the land of the wicked.


    However, the time was not yet fully ripe, and the fruit was not completely matured. He had not yet deceived the people into becoming the county governor of Fenghai County and gained the fortune of the county.


    Therefore, he couldn¡¯t fulfill the plan of smoothly guiding the return of the dead.


    As a result, when those wandering souls forcibly descended, at the moment of being impacted by the aura of Wanggu, only one in ten could survive, and the rest perished miserably.


    However, there were too many evil souls.


    Countless evil souls still descended on Fenghai.


    The Deputy Governor was a man of his word. He followed the agreement and the Seventh Prince¡¯s men weren¡¯t affected.


    At that moment, the Seventh Prince¡¯s heart was also in turmoil. He didn¡¯t expect the Deputy Governor to have such a plan. He originally thought that it was just a sacrifice. He didn¡¯t even expect the three fish bones to be used here.


    ¡°Bai Xiaozhuo!¡± The Seventh Prince narrowed his eyes. He was panting slightly and wanted to lift his feet.


    This matter was too big, so big that it moved him.


    The eyes of the surrounding generals and commanders gleamed as they looked at him.


    In the sky, the four-clawed golden dragon let out a deep roar and looked over as well.


    On the ground, Ning Yan was in the crowd. As he trembled, his eyes were a little red. He also looked at the Seventh Prince.


    However, in the end, the Seventh Prince, who had been staring at the Deputy Governor, still¡­ didn¡¯t move.


    As a prince, he knew too many secrets. This understanding formed during his growth allowed him to clearly judge the situation in front of him.


    He understood that the Deputy Governor¡¯s extraordinary strength at this moment required an extremely high level force to suppress.


    For example, the arrival of the Soul Accumulation or if Zhang Siyun was still around.


    This was because the Deputy Governor in this state was a delicacy to the Crimson Goddess.


    Unfortunately, the Crimson Goddess was in a deep sleep.


    As for the other gods, most of them hid after Crimson Goddess¡¯ previous actions.


    As for the fragmented-face of the god in the sky, according to the secret scrolls in the Imperial City, he knew that there were various races that traded with the fragmented-face since ancient times.


    However, it was only a transaction. The fragmented-face wouldn¡¯t open Its eyes for them.


    In history, the only time the fragmented-face opened Its eyes for a human was because of Purple Green.


    Therefore, if he forcefully attacked, although he could stop the tragedy from happening, the price would be too great. It would require him to risk his life and completely consume his greatest foundation.


    He would be breaking the contract and exhausting his greatest foundation, risking his own death. The Seventh Prince felt that it was not worth sacrificing them for Fenghai County.


    His foundation shouldn¡¯t be wasted here and at this moment.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t move. He was waiting for the subsequent developments of this matter. His mind was rapidly judging how to deal with the aftermath in a way that would be most beneficial to him.


    As for the calamity in Fenghai County¡­ How could he make any contributions if there wasn¡¯t chaos?


    Therefore, he directly ignored the people in the surroundings who were looking at him.


    From the start to the end, Xu Qing didn¡¯t look at the Seventh Prince. This was because he knew that pinning his hopes on the Seventh Prince was a type of naivety.


    The four-clawed golden dragon in the sky wailed again. Its dragon eyes instinctively landed on Xu Qing who was on the ground.


    Xu Qing silently lifted his hand. The flames of the county¡¯s Taboo magic treasure left his body and transformed into a large golden net. Just like how it had protected Fenghai County previously, it spread in all directions, stopping the souls in the sky.


    ¡°It¡¯s useless. The Crimson Goddess devoured the god of the land of wicked, causing it to lose its suppression. That¡¯s why things went so smoothly for me. You cannot stop it either.¡±


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face spoke softly.


    Xu Qing looked at the Deputy Governor and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Then, now that you¡¯ve returned to your true self, do you dare to get close to me?¡±


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face fell silent and cast a deep glance at Xu Qing.


    ¡°At this moment, unless a god descends or the Human Emperor arrives, no one can suppress me.¡±


    ¡°However, you¡¯ve asked me this question many times, so I¡¯ll give you this chance. Let me see what trump card you have.¡±


    ¡°You can come over by yourself.¡±


    The Deputy Governor calmly spoke.


    Xu Qing walked toward him.


    The ground was endlessly blurry.


    The sky distorted.


    The suppressive force made it incomparably difficult for all the Nihility cultivators. As for the two god specimen puppets, their divine might towered into the sky in the blood rain. They blocked everything.


    The captain silently looked at Xu Qing¡¯s back view and laughed.


    ¡°Little Qing, if you and Master die, I¡¯ll accompany you.¡±


    ¡°Alright!¡± Xu Qing spoke softly without turning his head.

 Chapter 777 - 777 Xu Qings Trump Card! (2)

    777 Xu Qing¡¯s Trump Card! (2)


    The captain smiled and muttered inwardly.


    ¡°Junior Brother rarely acts rashly. He should have his own trump card. However, he actually acted like a senior brother to stop me. Hmph.¡±


    ¡°Forget it. Seeing that he cares about me, I won¡¯t fuss over this. Since he doesn¡¯t want me to undo the seal now, there¡¯s no reason for him to stop me if he fails later.¡±


    ¡°I have to think about what kind of posture to put on and what words to say when I make a move later to make the end of this life even more exciting and shocking.¡±


    ¡°After all¡­ damn it, I wonder if I¡¯ll have a next life after unlocking the final seal this time¡­ Calculating the number of times, there¡¯s a high chance that I won¡¯t have a next life. It¡¯s a pity; I¡¯m still young, with Taotao waiting for me, Sister Five-Finger looking forward to my return, and many more junior sisters in the future. I haven¡¯t settled down yet¡­¡±


    The captain counted with his fingers before sighing.


    Xu Qing walked toward the sky. However, as he got closer, the pressure from the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face made it increasingly difficult for him to walk. The distance of a thousand feet was like the difference between heaven and earth.


    When he walked another 100 feet, many parts of Xu Qing¡¯s body became badly mangled and blood flowed out of his mouth. As he staggered, he lifted his hand and waved it. Immediately, the power of the 12 nascent souls erupted, enhancing his entire body as he continued forward.


    After 130 feet, the black umbrella life lantern nascent soul dimmed; after 160 feet, the Rainbow Wind Song nascent soul became blurry; after 190 feet, the Nether Spirit Blood Wing nascent soul concealed itself; after 220 feet, the Broken Immortal God Devourer nascent soul distorted.


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and panted. He tried his best to lift his head and look at the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face.


    The Deputy Governor was also staring at him.


    ¡°There¡¯s still 780 feet.¡±


    The golden crow manifested above Xu Qing¡¯s head and transformed into a nascent soul body, augmenting his entire body as he moved forward. After that, he shone with the morning glow and moved forward again.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. The mosasaur in Xu Qing¡¯s body manifested and roared at the sky. He then walked another tens of feet.


    Just like that, the nascent souls in Xu Qing¡¯s body exerted their strength one after another. The Poison Restriction nascent soul, Purple Moon nascent soul, and Ghost Emperor nascent soul continued to augment him, causing him to continue moving forward. Every time, he would move forward by tens of feet.


    This lasted until he reached 300 feet, 400 feet, 500 feet¡­ Finally, the figure of that kid was revealed. After it overlapped with Xu Qing, he reached 560 feet!


    ¡°Is this the limit?¡± The Deputy Governor, who was 440 feet away, shook his head slightly.


    Xu Qing fell silent. A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he lifted his right hand and pressed it down on the ground below. A deep voice rang out.


    ¡°Come!¡±


    Under the city, the blurry ground instantly trembled. Countless Sword Pavilions collapsed, as though an earth dragon had flipped over. The source of all this came from the depths of the Prison Department, from the¡­ Immortal Forbidden there.


    Back then, when Xu Qing was in the Immortal Forbidden, he had already experienced that after the Immortal Forbidden god was devoured, he could absorb the remaining anomalous substances in it. It was just that his ability was limited and he was worried that D132¡¯s god finger would awaken, so he restrained his actions.


    But now, he didn¡¯t plan to restrain himself.


    This was because he wanted to awaken D132¡¯s god finger!


    As he beckoned, a rumbling sound rang out from the Immortal Forbidden in the Prison Department.


    The power of anomalous substances inside directly surged out along the exit and broke through all the array formations, forming a dense black gas that surged into the sky from the deep pit of the Prison Department.


    From afar, it looked like a black dragon had risen into the air and was heading straight for Xu Qing.


    In that instant, these anomalous substances enveloped Xu Qing and crazily entered his body. Xu Qing¡¯s expression was filled with pain, and his body emitted cracking sounds as it was forcibly expanded beyond its limit. He went from being ten feet to 20 feet, 30 feet¡­


    When he reached 100 feet tall, he was like a giant.


    The momentum was immense, and distortion appeared all around. A gods¡¯ aura also erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s body, magnificent and powerful.


    The god¡¯s finger that was sleeping in D132 in his body also woke up at this moment as the golden threads in Xu Qing¡¯s flesh and blood stretched out and anomalous substances of the same source filled Xu Qing¡¯s entire body.


    The instant It woke up, Xu Qing¡¯s body emitted an even denser divine aura. A roar that didn¡¯t sound human came out from Xu Qing¡¯s mouth.


    His eyes changed, showing confusion, and his expression revealed a divine aura.


    His body was rushing toward the Deputy Governor.


    ¡°Ah, what are you doing!¡±


    A roar rang out from Xu Qing¡¯s body. The god¡¯s finger was completely awakened from the stimulation.


    The instant It woke up, the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face was in front of It.


    The other party¡¯s level and aura caused It to tremble. It also saw the second sky, which was formed by the fish bones of Its main body.


    After that, It noticed the changes in the world. The distortion and blurriness in all directions made It instinctively panic.


    While this was causing monstrous waves in Its mind, Xu Qing crossed over 300 feet and shouted.


    ¡°Hurry up and attack!¡±


    The god¡¯s finger was shocked and furious. It wanted to escape but was restricted by the purple crystal and couldn¡¯t leave. It wanted to struggle but at that moment, the control of Its body was with Xu Qing.


    Although the integration of the anomalous substances from the same source allowed It to obtain the possibility of exploding Xu Qing¡¯s body. However, as Xu Qing experienced his first Nascent Soul Tribulation and his cultivation base soared, the purple crystal also emanated significantly more power.


    All of this caused the god¡¯s finger to have the chance to break free but it couldn¡¯t do it in a short period.


    However, It immediately sensed that it would be able to leave Xu Qing¡¯s body in about fifteen minutes, and it might even be possible to possess the body.


    It had also sensed that Its main body had died which made It feel mixed joy. It had some fears toward the outside world, yet It felt happy that It had the possibility of becoming Its main body.

 Chapter 778 - 778 Xu Qings Trump Card! (3)

    778 Xu Qing¡¯s Trump Card! (3)


    At that moment, seeing that Xu Qing was charging forward and that the small fragmented-face was looking at It with a strange gaze, Its consciousness spun rapidly. However, no matter what was going on, It understood that It had to resolve the current crisis first.


    ¡®This kid gave me a chance! For the sake of freedom, I¡¯ll give it my all. After this, I¡¯ll devour this kid!¡¯


    It roared and went all out; divine power rumbled, causing Xu Qing¡¯s body to increase explosively from over 100 feet to 300 feet tall. Xu Qing lifted his right hand and the god¡¯s finger fused into Xu Qing¡¯s index finger.


    In the blink of an eye, Xu Qing¡¯s index finger shone with a golden light as it ruthlessly blasted toward the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face.


    At the same time, Old Master Seventh and the other two who were fighting against the two puppets in the sky also attacked separately at this moment, not caring about being injured.


    Purple-red light erupted from Qingqin¡¯s entire body, forming a sea of light that shot toward the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face.


    A thousand-foot-long white jade hand manifested behind Old Master Seventh, breaking through the distortion and slapping over.


    As for Marquis Yao, he was the most powerful cultivator in this place. At this moment, his eyes revealed a resolute expression. A blood-red flower bloomed above his head, and as it swayed, the flower¡¯s stem curved like a big bow. With a withering motion, a blood-red arrow took form.


    The bow was drawn, and the blood arrow carried an earth-shattering might, sweeping through the mountains and surging like an ocean. It shot directly towards the fragmented-face of the Deputy Governor.


    The Deputy Governor didn¡¯t dodge. He looked at Xu Qing with disappointment in his eyes and transmitted his divine sense.


    ¡°As expected, the god¡¯s finger in your body is your trump card. Xu Qing, your cultivation isn¡¯t high enough. I¡¯ve long seen through your concealment clearly.¡±


    ¡°If the main body of this finger appeared, it could indeed suppress me. However, It was devoured by the Crimson Goddess. Unfortunately, Xu Qing, I gave you a chance but you still failed.¡±


    The golden light from the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face spread out, forming an outline. It lifted its left hand and waved it at the sky. Immediately, a golden light exploded and transformed into a large golden umbrella above his head.


    While blocking the power from Marquis Yao and the other two, the Deputy Governor lifted his right hand and pressed down on Xu Qing¡¯s index finger.


    They instantly came into contact.


    A rumbling sound echoed out. The Deputy Governor¡¯s palm that was pressing toward Xu Qing¡¯s finger couldn¡¯t withstand it and instantly collapsed.


    The power of the god¡¯s finger destroyed everything and instantly got close. However, at the same time that the Deputy Governor¡¯s blurry hand collapsed, a white jade hand stretched out from the Deputy Governor¡¯s body. It was small at first but it instantly grew huge and grabbed Xu Qing¡¯s finger.


    Immediately, the god¡¯s finger trembled and It couldn¡¯t move forward at all, nor could It break free.


    A terrifying force erupted from the white jade hand and spread through Xu Qing¡¯s entire body.


    While the god¡¯s finger was shocked and furious, Xu Qing¡¯s god¡¯s body was badly mangled and began to decay. Many parts of it collapsed and fresh blood filled the air. Many golden threads broke.


    Before Xu Qing could feel heartache, the god¡¯s finger felt extreme heartache. As It roared, It erupted with all Its might, wanting to protect this body. However, It could only delay it and couldn¡¯t resolve it.


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    The golden umbrella above the Deputy Governor¡¯s head rumbled.


    Under the attacks of Marquis Yao, Old Master Seventh, and Qingqin, the golden umbrella couldn¡¯t withstand it and collapsed.


    However, a second large white jade hand stretched out from the Deputy Governor¡¯s body and pressed down on Marquis Yao¡¯s arrow, Old Master Seventh¡¯s divine power, and Qingqin¡¯s light again.


    When the shocking sound rang out, the Deputy Governor ignored the people behind him. From the start to the end, there was only Xu Qing in his eyes.


    At that moment, he shook his head with regret in his eyes. Just as he was about to speak, Xu Qing interrupted.


    ¡°I¡¯m finally close to you.¡±


    The Deputy Governor started. The instant the fragmented-face¡¯s single eye contracted, Xu Qing crushed an extremely special token in his left palm!


    This token only had one use, and that was teleporting to the designated area.


    Due to the location of the teleportation, its level was extremely high. Moreover, this token was also a treasure and there wasn¡¯t a lot of it in the world.


    Its name was the Spirit Abyss Talisman.


    The place it designated for teleportation was called the Spirit Abyss.


    There were no gods or human emperors there, but there was an existence that was much higher in level than the current human emperor.


    This existence had once unified the entire Wanggu Continent. When he was in power, Mystic Nether hadn¡¯t attained the Dao and the sky didn¡¯t have the fragmented-face of the god.


    It was only after his death that the Wanggu Continent fell into the chaotic war of the myriad races again. Hence, the human race rose and there was the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether in the future.


    This person was the Ancient Spirit Emperor who had led the Ancient Spirit Race to unify Wanggu!


    The Spirit Abyss World was the place where he brought his clansmen to in his death, and he¡­ was reviving.


    Back then, Xu Qing had seen the huge eye of the Ancient Spirit Emperor. Although the pressure it gave him wasn¡¯t as terrifying as the Crimson Goddess¡¯, it wasn¡¯t inferior to the Immortal Forbidden god. In fact, it was even slightly stronger than the Immortal Forbidden god.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s trump card!


    Everything that happened previously was just a cover-up. He couldn¡¯t believe what the Deputy Governor said, so he had to display the god¡¯s finger before he displayed this trump card to attract the Deputy Governor¡¯s attention and close the distance to the greatest extent.


    Only when the other party thought that he had seen through his trump card, could he use his true trump card.


    He only had one chance.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t a prophet and didn¡¯t know of the Deputy Governor¡¯s methods. He could only analyze the approximate strength of the other party. However, no matter how strong the other party was, he could still use this trump card.


    Xu Qing had originally wanted to use this trump card on Purple Green.


    However, the Deputy Governor wasn¡¯t Purple Green, so he felt a little regretful.


    As for whether it would really be of use, Xu Qing didn¡¯t know. If he headed to the Spirit Abyss to face the Ancient Spirit Emperor again, he wasn¡¯t confident that he would be fine like before.


    However, he felt that since gods could devour each other and since the Crimson Goddess could devour the Immortal Forbidden god, the Ancient Spirit Emperor who was like a god should be willing to devour some existence inferior to him during the recovery process to speed up the recovery.

 Chapter 779 - 779 Xu Qings Trump Card! (4)

    779 Xu Qing¡¯s Trump Card! (4)


    After all, the Ancient Spirit Emperor should have been hungry for a very long time¡­ The occasional entry of souls of the race couldn¡¯t satisfy his hunger, and obviously, there weren¡¯t many donors either.


    All of these thoughts were what Xu Qing had previously. The moment he crushed the token, a huge suction force instantly erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s palm.


    He quickly thought of the mountain of flesh in the palace above which he had seen the eye of the Ancient Spirit Emperor.


    Back then, the old man from Panquan Road had told him how to use this Spirit Abyss Talisman. He had once said that the user could designate the location of the teleportation.


    Due to his level, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t resist this suction. Even the Deputy Governor couldn¡¯t resist it.


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s white jade hand that was holding onto the god¡¯s finger also couldn¡¯t resist the suction force.


    They came into contact.


    In an instant, this suction force spread out with the two of them as the center. Its aura was majestic and the world lost its color.


    The anomalous substances in the surroundings were dispersed and the light of dusk reappeared in the sky. As the ground distorted, the images of mountains and rivers were also reflected. The suction force was vast and mighty, rising in all directions and erupting endlessly.


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s expression changed drastically. It was too late for him to retreat.


    He had been too confident in himself.


    As the suction force enveloped them, the figures of the two people in the center instantly disappeared from the air above the platform!


    The captain¡¯s breathing was hurried. He quickly performed a series of hand seals with both hands, as though he was sensing something.


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression was gloomy as he looked at the Seventh Prince who hadn¡¯t made a move at all.


    Marquis Yao was also shocked and Qingqin roared.


    With the departure of the Deputy Governor, the anomalous substances lost their source. The distortion in the sky was dissipating and the blurry land was also changing. The drastic changes in the entire Fenghai County stopped.


    The large net formed by the Taboo magic treasure in the sky continued to shine, blocking all the descending souls. Many people began to wake up from their daze. The ancient mountain ranges that had appeared in Fenghai County also shook one after another.


    However, it wasn¡¯t over yet. Those two puppets were still powerful enemies. Unless the Deputy Governor died and the connection between them was severed, they would continue to fight.


    The Seventh Prince stared at the two puppets.


    If these two puppets lost the connection and became inactive, that would be when he would make a move.


    ¡®Who exactly will win? The teleportation token Xu Qing crushed in the end was of extremely high level. It can¡¯t be underestimated.¡¯ The Seventh Prince mumbled inwardly and continued to wait.


    Before reaching a conclusion, he wouldn¡¯t place his bet on either side.


    Everything in the Spirit Abyss World that was filled with the souls of countless ancient spirits was silent.


    The sky here was dim, and so was the ground.


    There was no sound at all. The entire world seemed to be filled with only images.


    In this endless world, there was a palace.


    Countless evil spirits were dancing around it.


    In the palace, there was a tall mountain of flesh. A giant eye floated in the sky above the mountain peak.


    It was closed, as though there was nothing in this world that could break Its peace and disturb Its slumber.


    There were offerings of fresh souls in the surroundings, releasing wisps of soul essence that merged with the giant eye. At the same time, golden dragons coiled around, forming one rune after another. These runes, along with the soul essence, were delivered into the giant eye.


    The souls from all directions occasionally halted in unison, turned their heads towards the giant eye, and bowed silently. Then, they continued to drift and sway.


    There were also countless corpses on the ground. Every one of them was sinister and emitted bloodthirst and madness. However, they stood silently and didn¡¯t move at all. They would only move when they bowed together.


    This place wasn¡¯t the only imperial palace.


    Further away, there were many similar palaces.


    Each of them had a mountain of flesh and an identical giant eye.


    However, at that moment, among the many palaces, the giant eye that Xu Qing had visited before, which was surrounded by countless souls and was floating above the flesh mountain, suddenly trembled.


    The peace seemed to have been broken and Its sleep seemed to have been disturbed.


    It suddenly opened and glared at the sky. A divine sense that caused the entire Ancient Spirit World to tremble erupted from this giant eye and swept through the endless earth.


    ¡°Brat, you still dare to come!!¡±

 Chapter 780 - 780 Bai Xiaozhuo, the End (1)

    780 Bai Xiaozhuo, the End (1)


    Although the one who transmitted the divine sense was only the giant eye above the palace Xu Qing had been to back then, in reality, at this moment, the eyelids of all the giant eyes in the palaces in the entire Ancient Spirit World twitched slightly.


    Ever since His race was destroyed by the backlash of the fortune of the Wanggu Continent and He had to suffer the curse while hiding here with Its clansmen, the Ancient Spirit Emperor, who wanted to revive, had never been as aggrieved as last time.


    With His status and His former glory, one could imagine the fluctuations in His mind when He shouted at Xu Qing to scram before.


    After all, in His eyes, Xu Qing was just an ant. Such an ant actually used the mark of the Crimson Goddess to threaten him. Not only did he take back the soul of the offering from him, but he also extorted an ancient spirit luck.


    This kind of disrespect caused Him to take several months to slowly calm down.


    But now, the other party actually dared to appear again!


    The Ancient Spirit Emperor was not as powerful as before. His revival after falling had diminished His ability to contemplate, and His schemes were not as profound as before. His thinking had become simpler due to the sluggishness of His mind.


    However, His pride still existed. His status was still that of the ancient emperor who had once unified Wanggu.


    In front of Him, Mystic Nether was just a junior.


    Hence, when faced with the familiar aura that had arrived again, His first reaction was monstrous anger. At that moment, as His divine sense erupted, the ground rumbled and the sky changed colors.


    In the sky, all the souls lifted their heads and sensed the emperor¡¯s anger. They all roared, forming a sound wave that rose into the sky.


    On the ground, all the corpses emitted extreme ferocity as they raised their bone blades.


    The underworld river churned and huge creatures rose from it. The clouds in the sky churned like the sea and black banners appeared. Countless troops appeared from the void.


    Amidst the monstrous hostility from the entire Ancient Spirit World, a huge vortex appeared on the flesh mountain of the imperial palace that Xu Qing had been to before.


    That place was the place where he had sent Ling¡¯er away back then, before the Ancient Spirit Emperor opened His huge eye.


    A rumbling sound rang out from the vortex as two figures appeared.


    One big and one small, one on the left and one on the right.


    The large one was 300 feet tall, the small one was ordinary but it held the larger one¡¯s finger. The two of them looked incredibly close, holding hands as they materialized!


    ¡°You brought a helper?¡±


    The Ancient Spirit Emperor was shocked and furious. His huge eyes suddenly widened, and His golden gaze lit up the entire world.


    The surroundings were distorted and blurry. There were also special anomalous substances permeating the air, causing all external forces to be disintegrated and suppressed here.


    The divine authority of the Ancient Spirit Emperor also erupted in this gaze.


    His divine authority could cause the enemy¡¯s condition to worsen tenfold after being injured!


    Light injuries turned into serious injuries and serious injuries turned into death!


    Before the two figures that appeared in the vortex could completely become clear, they trembled. Clearly, they were affected by the power of divine authority.


    As for the one on the left, half of the god¡¯s body had collapsed.


    The body of the one on the right turned blurry and dissipated like it was wiped out, revealing a fragmented-face.


    After sensing his surroundings, the fragmented-face¡¯s expression changed drastically like never before. In fact, his expression even became distorted. This was the first time such a degree of change had appeared on the Deputy Governor¡¯s face.


    Even when everything about him was exposed previously, he hadn¡¯t shown much shock.


    It was impossible for him not to be moved and shocked. This was because¡­ he saw the giant eye and also sensed the shocking level of power emitted by It.


    Although It wasn¡¯t as strong as the Crimson Goddess, it surpassed the Immortal Forbidden god. It could even be said that this giant eye in front of him was a god.


    As for the other party¡¯s identity, he had guessed it through this place.


    ¡°Ancient Spirit Emperor?!¡±


    He never expected that Xu Qing¡¯s trump card was actually the Ancient Spirit Emperor!


    This exceeded his expectations and his perception. The Ancient Spirit Emperor had hidden himself too deeply. If it wasn¡¯t for Ling¡¯er, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t have known either.


    Hence, at this moment, the Deputy Governor¡¯s heart trembled intensely. He didn¡¯t hesitate at all and wanted to retreat. His entire body shone with golden light as he wanted to reverse the teleportation and leave this terrifying place.


    However, how could Xu Qing let him have his wish!


    Almost at the instant the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face tried to escape, Xu Qing bowed respectfully to the Ancient Spirit Emperor even while his body was badly mangled.


    ¡°Great Ancient Spirit Emperor, this junior is here to deliver food to you. This is the first sum of interest from borrowing your ancient spirit luck. After you digest it, I¡¯ll send you the second sum of interest!¡±


    ¡°Interest?¡±


    The huge eye of the Ancient Spirit Emperor started. After that, it abruptly widened and His gaze shifted away from Xu Qing, focusing on the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face who was about to escape.


    Previously, His attention was all on Xu Qing. Now that He was staring at the Deputy Governor, His thunderous heartbeat suddenly rang out from the ground of the entire Ancient Spirit World.


    Thump, thump, thump!


    The underworld river trembled, as though it was formed from the saliva of the Ancient Spirit Emperor. At that moment, it suddenly expanded by several times and rolled out in all directions before disappearing on a large scale.


    The sound of swallowing filled the surroundings with a terrifying intent that caused one¡¯s scalp to turn numb.


    The Deputy Governor was shocked and furious. He spared no expense and even cracks appeared on his fragmented-face, erupting with endless golden light as he sped up his escape.


    Xu Qing was also affected by the golden light and his body collapsed again. The god¡¯s finger wailed and blocked with all Its might, trying to repair this body!


    At the same time, the golden light on the Deputy Governor¡¯s side shone and transformed into a sharp spike that rushed into the vortex, wanting to make it flow against the current and blast open an exit as it rushed over rapidly.


    However¡­ the Deputy Governor¡¯s current state was a delicacy to the Crimson Goddess, let alone the Ancient Spirit Emperor who had been hungry for countless years and could only absorb some of the clansmen¡¯s souls that had accidentally fallen into the Spirit Abyss.

 Chapter 781 - 781 Bai Xiaozhuo, the End (2)

    781 Bai Xiaozhuo, the End (2)


    The underworld river churned violently. It seemed that He had secreted too much saliva and couldn¡¯t swallow it all, causing the underworld river to widen and grow larger. It then soared into the sky and headed straight for the vortex.


    The Ancient Spirit Emperor was too hungry.


    His huge eyes revealed an intense light, causing the color of the world to change.


    As for the exit opened by the Deputy Governor, it instantly collapsed under the gaze of the Ancient Spirit Emperor. It was replaced by the underworld river that swept over, enveloping the Deputy Governor in the river.


    At the end of the underworld river, the sound of swallowing rang out. This sound was terrifying and contained greed, excitement, and desire. It transformed into a suction force that wanted to devour the delicious Deputy Governor.


    Just as he was about to be pulled into the depths of the underworld river, the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face flashed and two huge white jade hands appeared, ruthlessly tearing in all directions.


    As the power of time flowed by, the suction force of the underworld river paused for a moment. He took the opportunity to escape again.


    At this moment, a vast divine sense echoed in the Ancient Spirit World.


    ¡°My world has no time.¡±


    This divine sense contained divine might and was unquestionably domineering. The underworld river instantly returned to normal. When the suction force rose again, the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face couldn¡¯t withstand it and a cracking sound rang out.


    The two white jade hands collapsed and turned into countless fragments that landed in the underworld river as though they were devoured.


    The Deputy Governor let out a sharp cry. Even though cracks appeared on his fragmented-face, he still used all his strength to activate the golden light to spread out.


    He had already given it his all. As the light spread out, one could faintly see a totemic tattoo on his fragmented face.


    This tattoo had actually been there all along. It was just that no one could see it previously. Now that he was suppressed by the Ancient Spirit Emperor, it was revealed.


    The tattoo was a painting. The painting portrayed the ancient Fenghai County.


    It was exactly the same as the terrain that was formed when the outside world was modified.


    This was the core of the ability which the Deputy Governor used to bring the ancient Fenghai County to present times.


    Back then, before he died, he used the blood of the people he killed to carve it!


    Now that it appeared, it was reflected in the sea of light.


    While the waves were magnificent, this Fenghai County was like a mirage.


    This was not merely the power of time; it was the result of the Deputy Governor harnessing a series of previous plans, extracting a segment of time from the River of Time, and combining it with the power of the outside world¡¯s Fenghai County. This convergence triggered the awakening of the ancient tattoo on his face, leading to the return of the ancient Fenghai County.


    With its enhancement, it suppressed the underworld river.


    The surging waves of the underworld river indicated that it was on the verge of being severed and destroyed. The river¡¯s water seemed to be evaporating and was decreasing visibly.


    The ancient Fenghai County appeared from the golden light at this moment, as though it was about to descend on this Ancient Spirit World. This would block the mouth of the Ancient Spirit Emperor and provide an opportunity for the Deputy Governor to escape.


    ¡°Everything there is food.¡±


    His leisurely divine sense spread in all directions and landed on the sea of light with a decree that looked like a restraining order.


    At the next moment, the ancient Fenghai County in the sea of light couldn¡¯t maintain its clarity and began to blur.


    The rivers inside collapsed and the mountain peaks collapsed. As rumbling sounds echoed, endless ancient spirits and evil souls whistled over with greed and madness.


    They didn¡¯t fear death and headed straight for the sea of light. No matter how the Deputy Governor destroyed them, it was useless. There were too many evil souls.


    They rushed in crazily, drowning the sea of light and surging into the scene of the collapsing ancient Fenghai County, just like the scene back in the outside world.


    The cycle of the Heavenly Dao seemed to have circulated once.


    After those ancient spirits and evil souls rushed in, they began to devour.


    Regardless of whether it was the ground or the sky, all living beings and all things were targets they devoured.


    This was because the emperor had told them that these were all food!


    The underworld river churned and the suction force became even greater.


    The Deputy Governor looked at all of this and sighed.


    A piece of his fragmented-face shattered amidst this sigh. Its shape was irregular. After it fell off, it transformed into a golden light that headed straight for the dim sky.


    In an instant, this golden light tore through the air. After the sky disappeared, the world trembled and a loud cracking sound rang out. A golden light flickered in the sky and a sword tip appeared.


    This sword was golden in color and seemed to penetrate the sky. It directly pierced through the sky and headed toward the ground.


    It landed on a mountain peak on the Ancient Spirit World.


    The mountain peak collapsed and only the golden sword stood tall, becoming the center of attention.


    A storm stirred up on the ground and countless evil souls let out roars. The Ancient Spirit Emperor didn¡¯t stop them.


    Very soon, the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face shed a second piece, a third piece, a fourth piece¡­


    They all rose into the air. The sound of the sky shattering continued like thunder exploding. A second ten-thousand-foot-long golden sword fell from the sky. After it pierced into the ground, the third, fourth, and fifth swords all landed.


    As for the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face, there were fewer and fewer of it as it continued to shatter and fall off. Finally, it shattered into pieces and rose into the air in unison.


    There were a total of 33 swords.


    All of this happened in the span of a few breaths. Very soon, the world lost its color. The 33 large swords formed a ring that enveloped an area of 5,000 kilometers. In the center was the location where the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face had collapsed.


    At that moment, the 33 Swords shone with golden light, transforming into golden threads that connected together.


    It formed a peerless array formation.


    In the array formation, the 33 large swords rumbled. Time seemed to have returned within 5,000 kilometers. The underworld river stopped and a figure formed again from the place where the Deputy Governor had dissipated earlier.


    He no longer looked like a fragmented-face but had returned to his human form.


    Moreover, he looked much younger and his clothes weren¡¯t of the present era.


    It exuded an ancient aura.


    It was as though what appeared at this moment wasn¡¯t the Deputy Governor but the true body of the Purple Green Kingdom¡¯s Fenghai County Governor, Bai Xiaozhuo.

 Chapter 782 - 782 Bai Xiaozhuo, the End (3)

    782 Bai Xiaozhuo, the End (3)


    He stood among the 33 Swords and looked at the ground. He then looked at the huge eye of the Ancient Spirit Emperor that had been staring at him. His expression was a little bleak as he bowed to the huge eye.


    ¡°The subject of the Purple Green Kingdom greets the Ancient Spirit Emperor.¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯re unwilling to let me leave and insist on devouring me, I can only employ the methods I used in the outside world here.¡±


    The huge eye of the Ancient Spirit Emperor did not show any change, but there was a dark glint that flashed in the depths.


    Bai Xiaozhuo pointed at Xu Qing on the ground.


    ¡°Ancient Spirit Emperor, I will open the gate of the land of the wicked and connect it to your Ancient Spirit World. Whatever consequences, whatever catastrophes may arise, it is not my will, but all because of this kid.¡±


    In the depths of the underworld river, while being protected, Xu Qing was originally involuntarily pulled towards the source of the chewing sound. However, as the underworld river came to a standstill, his body also halted in place.


    But throughout the entire process, he remained in a posture of bowing.


    He didn¡¯t resist and was extremely respectful.


    Even though he was pointed at by Bai Xiaozhuo, he didn¡¯t lift his head.


    Even though the meaning behind Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s words was similar to what he had done in the past, Xu Qing didn¡¯t show any change. After bringing the other party here and revealing his intentions, Xu Qing understood that everything was out of his control.


    He had already done his best.


    Hence, Xu Qing lowered his head and closed his eyes, ignoring them.


    The Ancient Spirit Emperor didn¡¯t mind either. He only looked at the Deputy Governor. The sound of him swallowing his saliva faintly echoed.


    Bai Xiaozhuo fell silent as uneasiness rose in his heart.


    However, no matter what, he had to try. Hence, he lifted his hands to the sky and chanted.


    ¡°Using my karma to guide the land of the wicked, my people¡­ return!¡±


    As his voice rang out, outside the Ancient Spirit World, in the sky above Fenghai County, the second sky that was barely blocked by the golden net suddenly swayed.


    As the ancient mountain ranges on the ground collapsed more and more, under the horror of all the living beings in Fenghai County, the sky suddenly disappeared and a large number of evil souls that rushed out returned.


    In an instant, the second sky was gone.


    Immediately after, in the depths of the Spirit Abyss, a huge vortex appeared on the corpse of the huge snake Xu Qing had seen in the void back then.


    This vortex rumbled and rotated with a majestic aura. It was the second sky that had disappeared from the outside world like a painting.


    At this moment, it was spread out here.


    The huge snake trembled.


    Countless roars rang out from the second sky and a large number of souls rushed out. There was no interference from the aura of the Wanggu Continent here. These souls of the Purple Green Kingdom successfully descended and headed straight for the huge snake.


    However, the instant they landed,


    The huge snake suddenly opened its eyes. Its eyes were listless and pale. Its body suddenly rotated at this instant, emitting a terrifying pressure. It actually slammed into the vortex with the Ancient Spirit World above its head.


    There was no rumbling or fluctuations from the collision.


    There was only soundless destruction.


    The huge snake collapsed and the Ancient Spirit World above its head collapsed as well.


    At the same time, the second sky and the countless souls that were rushing out of it also collapsed, including the land of the wicked in part of the vortex.


    They burst like bubbles and were annihilated in the void.


    The vortex no longer existed.


    In the Ancient Spirit World, above the 5,000-kilometer-long area formed by the 33 golden swords, nothing appeared in the sky.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised.


    In the huge eye of the Ancient Spirit Emperor, there was only a faint glint of light.


    The Deputy Governor fell silent. He looked up at the sky that didn¡¯t change at all and sensed the failure of his summoning. At the same time, he also felt a piercing pain.


    He could faintly see countless of his people wailing and being destroyed.


    A few breaths later, he seemed to have aged a lot. He lowered his head and looked at Xu Qing, sighing softly.


    ¡°Have you used a similar method before?¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the Deputy Governor and nodded.


    Previously, when the other party used this method, Xu Qing had already expected it. He didn¡¯t believe that the Ancient Spirit Emperor wouldn¡¯t take care of this flaw after receiving his threats before.


    As for what method He used to neutralize it, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t sure but it must be related to concealment.


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s expression also allowed Xu Qing to guess that other than hiding the true Ancient Spirit World, the Ancient Spirit Emperor had also set up a counterattack method.


    The Deputy Governor fell silent.


    At that moment, the light of the 33 large golden swords in the surroundings began to dim. The suppressed underworld river churned again and the devouring power erupted again.


    Looking at these, the Deputy Governor¡¯s expression was bitter.


    All his schemes and preparations were useless now.


    Right now, he had the same feeling that the Immortal Forbidden god did when It encountered the Crimson Goddess.


    The source of all these variables¡­ was Xu Qing.


    The Deputy Governor cast a deep glance at Xu Qing. His expression changed from bitterness to calmness.


    ¡°I failed.¡±


    He spoke softly and didn¡¯t attempt to summon the god¡¯s fragmented-face. He knew that it was meaningless. The other party wouldn¡¯t open Its eyes for him. The transaction had already been completed the moment he woke up.


    He also didn¡¯t attempt to use his own method to seek help from Crown Prince Purple Green.


    This was because he had failed and let down his lord. He was too ashamed to see him and ask for help. He also didn¡¯t want his lord to confront this Ancient Spirit Emperor for him.


    ¡°Fortunately, I helped Lord get his skull back. As for that Seventh Prince who likes to weigh the pros and cons, he didn¡¯t attack me previously. In that case, after seeing all my plans, he won¡¯t dare to easily break the contract.¡±

 Chapter 783 - 783 Bai Xiaozhuo, the End (4)

    783 Bai Xiaozhuo, the End (4)


    The Deputy Governor let out a long sigh and closed his eyes.


    The 33 large swords in the surroundings dimmed and were drowned by the endless underworld river. His figure was also drowned and swept into the depths.


    In the depths of the underworld river, there was a huge mouth that drooled endlessly as the Deputy Governor got closer and closer.


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s body was about to be devoured.


    At that moment, a bolt of purple lightning suddenly streaked across the sky. It was earth-shatteringly powerful and pierced through more than half of the sky in the Ancient Spirit World.


    The sky seemed to be about to be torn into two.


    Xu Qing suddenly lifted his head and the Deputy Governor¡¯s body trembled.


    All the giant eyes above the palaces in the Ancient Spirit World instantly opened in unison and looked at the sky.


    More mouths appeared in all directions, and more underworld rivers swept across the world.


    The entire Ancient Spirit World was shaken.


    The evil souls, corpses, and banners that were dozens of times more numerous than before all appeared at this instant. Giant figures that were a thousand feet, ten thousand feet, or even ten thousand feet crawled out of the depths of the ground with a terrifying aura and roared at the sky.


    At this moment, the Ancient Spirit World seemed to have come alive.


    The ground churned as though an even larger creature was moving. It used its actions and gaze to warn the lightning in the sky.


    This is my food. No one can take it away!


    The sky and ground were in a standoff.


    A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he stared at the sky. Killing intent rose in his eyes and the god¡¯s finger in his body trembled violently.


    It was really afraid.


    It had thought that after about fifteen minutes, It would be able to plunder this body. Hence, after It realized that the Deputy Governor¡¯s fragmented-face wasn¡¯t easy to deal with, It didn¡¯t use its full strength. It planned to conserve its strength and wait for Xu Qing to die before parasitizing and escaping.


    However, It didn¡¯t expect Xu Qing to bring It here.


    At the moment of arrival, the eye of the Ancient Spirit Emperor didn¡¯t only shock the Deputy Governor but also It.


    The hungry gaze of the Ancient Spirit Emperor and the sound of Him gulping caused the god¡¯s finger to shiver in fear. When It thought of the tragic death of Its main body, It started panicking.


    And now, there was another such powerful aura.


    ¡°This kid¡­ If I can survive today and not be devoured, I¡¯ll definitely stake it all to possess him the instant I get out. I definitely can¡¯t let him continue running around!!¡±


    As the finger trembled, the Deputy Governor¡¯s expression was filled with excitement. After that, he felt ashamed and knelt down, calling out to his lord.


    The purple lightning in the sky became brighter. After a long time, a familiar voice echoed in this world.


    ¡°Senior, I want his time.¡±


    ¡°Not giving!¡± The divine sense of the Ancient Spirit Emperor rumbled with domineeringness.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already obtained it.¡± The purple lightning flickered in the sky.


    All of the Ancient Spirit Emperor¡¯s eyes turned cold.


    ¡°Then get lost!¡±


    Purple lightning instantly gathered and finally transformed into a face that was similar to the god¡¯s fragmented-face in the sky. It stared at the ground and Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He was extremely familiar with that face.


    ¡°Brother, you¡¯ve really grown up.¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, all the eyes of the Ancient Spirit Emperor fluctuated. As for the god¡¯s finger in Xu Qing¡¯s body, it was trembling to the extreme and didn¡¯t even dare to wail.


    ¡®I don¡¯t want my body anymore! I want to get away from him!¡¯


    The god¡¯s finger trembled.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. His gaze was calm and he didn¡¯t speak.


    The face in the sky didn¡¯t continue speaking. Its deep gaze stared at Xu Qing for a few breaths before it finally dissipated into the sky.


    As for the Deputy Governor in the underworld river, he kowtowed respectfully.


    ¡°Crown Prince, Xiaozhuo can¡¯t follow you anymore. I hope you¡­ stay safe.¡±


    After Bai Xiaozhuo finished speaking, he lifted his head and looked at the sky. There was reluctance and reminiscence in his eyes.


    After that, he stood up. Without needing the underworld river to stir, he walked toward the mouth of the world. It was as though he was sacrificing himself, and his expression was completely calm.


    The moment he got close, he didn¡¯t turn his head but a voice rang out.


    ¡°Xu Qing, Fenghai County is yours. Treat it well.¡±


    With that, Bai Xiaozhuo took a step forward and was drowned in the mouth.


    As the sound of chewing rang out, the body and soul of the Purple Green Kingdom¡¯s Fenghai County Governor were destroyed.


    He was devoured by the Ancient Spirit Emperor.


    His life was difficult to describe; different perspectives saw it differently, from loyalty to wickedness, from honesty to cunning, making it hard to summarize in one word.


    Very soon, a sigh of satisfaction echoed through the Ancient Spirit World.


    Perhaps it was because the taste was too good, or perhaps it had been too long since He had eaten such food, all the huge eyes of the Ancient Spirit Emperor in this world narrowed comfortably.


    Very soon, they all looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Is the one in your body the second sum of interest you prepared for me?¡±

 Chapter 784 - 784 Treading Through the Thorns, Advancing Towards the Throne! (1)

    784 Treading Through the Thorns, Advancing Towards the Throne! (1)


    The Ancient Spirit Emperor¡¯s divine sense echoed through the entire Ancient Spirit World like thunder.


    Not only could the listener hear it with their ears but they could also sense it with their minds. Even their souls would instinctively tremble under this divine sense.


    That was the intimidation and suppression from life level.


    The god¡¯s finger suddenly stiffened.


    Fear erupted like a tide, transforming into grief, indignation, and despair that filled Its mind.


    Xu Qing¡¯s broken body also trembled under the lockdown of the divine sense.


    Even though his body was extraordinary, it was still rapidly destroyed. His injuries were constantly expanding and the remaining divine power in him couldn¡¯t hold them back for too long.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t have the time to pay attention to his injuries. He tried his best to calm himself down.


    He was aware that, at this moment, he couldn¡¯t make any direct moves that would anger the other party.


    But before Xu Qing could speak, the Ancient Spirit Emperor showed impatience. His divine sense rumbled, causing the sky to darken further. The underworld river churned again, revealing countless bones that were horrifying to behold.


    A majestic suction force erupted at this instant. It was like a huge vortex that enveloped Xu Qing, revealing greed and desire.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and the flesh on his body was instantly sucked away. The aura of life also rapidly scattered and he was gradually rotting.


    The god¡¯s finger in his body wailed mournfully. Under this suction force, Its soul was dissipating, transforming into wisps of black fog that were extracted from Xu Qing¡¯s entire body and gathered in the air, forming the shadow of an illusory finger.


    The process was excruciatingly painful for the god¡¯s finger. It felt that Its life was really miserable.


    It was clearly a god as well¡­


    However, Its main body had been devoured by the Crimson Goddess, and now It was getting devoured as well. It didn¡¯t know what was going on. Its divine authority was misfortune, and yet misfortune had befallen upon Itself.


    It struggled to break free, but it was futile. The more It resisted, the tighter the grip on It became as though It was a prey caught in a predator¡¯s jaws.


    More soul fog spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    From afar, these soul fog rose and distorted the surroundings, blurring the void around Xu Qing.


    There was also the god¡¯s aura that emitted from the god¡¯s finger that had changed from illusory to corporeal.


    Xu Qing fell silent. The Ancient Spirit Emperor wasn¡¯t only absorbing the god¡¯s finger, but also his life and divine essence.


    As the other party continued to extract Its essence, the god¡¯s finger was falling from Its god status to the level of a cultivator.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised by the malicious intent of the Ancient Spirit Emperor.


    The relationship between him and the Ancient Spirit Emperor wasn¡¯t harmonious to begin with. It was impossible for the other party¡¯s attitude toward him to instantly change because of a piece of food.


    This was also the reason why Xu Qing wasn¡¯t willing to use the Spirit Abyss Talisman unless it was absolutely necessary.


    Those who drove tigers and devoured wolves were like walking on the edge of a cliff. If they were not careful, they would die at the bottom of the abyss.


    However, his previous sincerity gave him a chance to talk at this moment.


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Your Majesty, are you satisfied with the interest from before?¡±


    The Ancient Spirit Emperor ignored him. It was as though all His attention was on the snack above Xu Qing that was becoming clearer.


    As for Xu Qing¡¯s life that was also being extracted, the Ancient Spirit Emperor didn¡¯t care. It was like the sesame seeds that would make the snack more fragrant.


    Seeing this, the god¡¯s finger fell into complete despair. Just as Its figure became clearer and was about to be completely extracted from Xu Qing¡¯s body, Xu Qing¡¯s voice rang out again without any fluctuations.


    ¡°Your Majesty, what you are absorbing right now is not the second installment of interest. This is the tool that I will be borrowing from you temporarily, and if you take it back, there might not be any interest in the future.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s words seemed to fall on deaf ears, and the Ancient Spirit Emperor didn¡¯t respond at all. However, as his words spread, the Ancient Spirit Emperor¡¯s massive eyes suddenly turned towards him with a hint of surprise.


    Countless evil souls arrived from all directions and circled around while emitting an intense desire to devour.


    All of this transformed into dense malice that spread through the world, forming an intense pressure that descended on Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing calmly stared at the huge eye, ignoring the fact that his body had collapsed again. As blood flowed, his originally 300-foot-long body was now only the size of an ordinary person and had countless injuries.


    ¡°Your Majesty, there¡¯s a lot of food outside but I¡¯m probably the only one who¡¯s willing to send them to you.¡±


    ¡°If you devour the tool you are lending to me and me as well, then the interest will be gone.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were clear, and he didn¡¯t lie. He simply presented the ownership of the god¡¯s finger in a different way, allowing for smoother communication with the Ancient Spirit Emperor.


    He believed that an existence like the Ancient Spirit Emperor could sense his sincerity.


    If it weren¡¯t for the intervention of the god¡¯s finger at the critical moment, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t have been able to approach the fragmented-face of the Deputy Governor and teleport him to this place.


    The suction force from the underworld river suddenly paused.


    Only the sound of swallowing saliva repeatedly echoed, seemingly suppressing the intense hunger and greed emanating from within, sending shivers down one¡¯s spine.


    Every living being who heard this sound would instinctively feel an overwhelming fear, as if they were about to be devoured and consumed as food.


    The god¡¯s finger had materialized by about 80% now. Despite the despair, the realization that Xu Qing was trying to protect It stirred a mix of excitement, nervousness, and indescribable emotions within It.

 Chapter 785 - 785 Treading Through the Thorns, Advancing Towards the Throne! (2)

    785 Treading Through the Thorns, Advancing Towards the Throne! (2)


    The interplay of hope and despair created a complex mix of ambivalence within the god¡¯s finger¡¯s consciousness, causing immense turmoil. This tidal wave of emotions overwhelmed the resentment It held against Xu Qing.


    This was because It understood that the only person who could save It now was Xu Qing.


    Hence, It hurriedly agreed with Its divine sense.


    The Ancient Spirit Emperor¡¯s huge eye stared at Xu Qing.


    The world slowly fell silent.


    Only the sound of swallowing and the wind formed by heavy breathing echoed here.


    After a moment, the suction force that surrounded Xu Qing dissipated, and the vortex within the underworld river vanished. Amidst the resounding echoes of the earth, the underworld river continued to flow as it had before.


    The god¡¯s finger that was floating above Xu Qing¡¯s head lost the restraints and rapidly returned to Xu Qing¡¯s body while trembling.


    After experiencing so much, It had narrowly escaped death and was filled with trepidation. Meanwhile, as Xu Qing¡¯s body began to disintegrate and his divine essence diminished, it left no room for It to continue causing trouble and instead brought about a profound sense of weariness.


    Its consciousness began to blur and It couldn¡¯t maintain clear thoughts.


    At the same time, these experiences caused It to feel an immense sense of danger from the outside world. This feeling was very intense and transformed into a seed that took root in Its mind.


    Hence, It instinctively wanted to return to the familiar D132.


    The atmosphere there made It feel comfortable. After all, almost all of Its life was spent in D132¡­


    Over there, It felt secure and at peace and slowly fell asleep.


    The divine sense of the Ancient Spirit Emperor spread out in all directions.


    ¡°I want a remnant god for the next interest!¡±


    ¡°If there¡¯s no remnant god, this world won¡¯t be open to you.¡±


    As his divine sense echoed, soul threads spread out from the evil souls in the sky. They gathered in front of Xu Qing and intertwined into a token.


    It was the Spirit Abyss Token Xu Qing had crushed earlier.


    ¡°Now, leave!¡±


    The Ancient Spirit Emperor calmly spoke. A vortex gate appeared behind Xu Qing.


    Through it, Xu Qing could see the abyss of the Wood Spirit Race.


    Xu Qing looked at the vortex and then at the token. Finally, he looked at the huge eye of the Ancient Spirit Emperor that was slowly closing. He was a little surprised.


    He originally thought that even if he could leave this time, he would definitely be imprinted with some marks or restrictions.


    However, he didn¡¯t expect that the other party didn¡¯t do anything.


    ¡®He disdains to do that to me and isn¡¯t worried that I¡¯ll attract other gods¡­ Coupled with the failure of the Deputy Governor to guide the land of the wicked previously, the Ancient Spirit Emperor should have hidden the Ancient Spirit World to an extremely deep level.¡¯


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought and looked around. He suddenly felt that perhaps the place he was at now wasn¡¯t even the Ancient Spirit World from back then.


    No one would be able to find the true Ancient Spirit World again.


    However, no matter what, Xu Qing still sensed the spirit of the Ancient Spirit Emperor, who had once unified Wanggu. Hence, he lowered his head and bowed respectfully. He took the token with both hands and turned to walk toward the vortex.


    Just as he was about to step into the vortex, the divine sense of the Ancient Spirit Emperor echoed with dignity again.


    ¡°Seeing that the food you gave me wasn¡¯t bad, human brat, let me remind you.¡±


    ¡°Although the life lanterns in your body allow you to stand out in the low level, they are mixed and aren¡¯t formed by your bloodline. Moreover, each of them contains their own karma. It will be difficult for them to be perfect in the future.¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and turned to look at the huge eye of the Ancient Spirit Emperor.


    ¡°Your Majesty, is there a way to resolve it?¡±


    ¡°When you deliver the food I want, I can tell you.¡±


    The huge eye no longer transmitted Its divine sense and completely closed.


    Xu Qing nodded and fell into deep thought. Eldest Senior Brother had mentioned the issue about the life lanterns before. At this moment, the Ancient Spirit Emperor also said something similar.


    Xu Qing fell silent and bowed to the huge eye of the Ancient Spirit Emperor before walking into the vortex.


    The vortex rumbled and the sound spread in all directions. At the next instant, as Xu Qing¡¯s figure left, the vortex disappeared from the world.


    After Xu Qing disappeared, everything in the entire Ancient Spirit World suddenly turned blurry.


    Regardless of whether it was the ground or the sky, all the evil souls, skeletons, and the underworld river shattered like bubbles.


    In the end, all the worlds gathered into a bead that fell from the pitch-black void and continued to sink toward the endless Spirit Abyss.


    A long time later, at the bottom of the pitch-black Spirit Abyss, a withered hand that was covered in black spots and emitted a stench silently stretched out. It caught the bead and placed it in its mouth, producing the sound of chewing.


    A long time later, a sigh of satisfaction echoed.


    ¡°Delicious.¡±


    ¡°I hope that next time, that kid will be able to deliver an even more delicious food. Moreover, his body is also delicious¡­ When he grows a little, I can devour him.¡±


    ¡°And that Purple Green¡­ Interesting.¡±


    At that moment, in the Wood Spirit Race¡¯s altar, at the entrance of the Spirit Abyss, a figure was slowly climbing up the endless cliff¡­


    The seriousness of his injuries affected his speed, but the hope of escaping death seemed to have given Xu Qing more strength.


    He was approaching the exit bit by bit, returning to the world step by step.


    Blood followed his figure and stained the cliff of the Spirit Abyss, forming a bloody trail.


    Xu Qing gritted his teeth and climbed while resisting the suction force that spread out from the Spirit Abyss. However, not everything went according to one¡¯s will.


    Xu Qing¡¯s consciousness was slowly dissipating.


    Even though he didn¡¯t want to, the fatigue in his mind and the weakness in his body gradually arrived like a tide, sweeping into his sea of consciousness and drowning him.


    Xu Qing¡¯s vision blurred and the darkness began to invade everything, but before he fell unconscious, he seemed to vaguely see a white figure rapidly approaching from the exit above.

 Chapter 786 - 786 Treading Through the Thorns, Advancing Towards the Throne! (3)

    786 Treading Through the Thorns, Advancing Towards the Throne! (3)


    Fenghai County.


    The instant Bai Xiaozhuo died, the mountains and rivers that had risen from the ground after returning from ancient times in the various provinces of the county trembled in unison.


    They were already in the midst of collapse after the second sky disappeared, but as if some will was supporting them, they didn¡¯t completely collapse.


    However, at this moment, these ancient mountains and rivers completely collapsed and shattered into pieces.


    They then disappeared in the air. It was as though tens of thousands of years had passed in an instant, and they all turned into dust and dissipated.


    The sky became clear and the ground slowly returned to its previous terrain.


    However, everything was still a mess.


    The scars left behind by this battle covered the entire Fenghai County.


    The number of deaths of the various races was even greater, especially the small sects and countries of the human race. Countless of them were destroyed.


    The previous war had already caused Fenghai County to suffer great losses, and the calamity from the Deputy Governor made things even worse for Fenghai County, which was in the midst of recovery.


    At that moment, everyone in the various provinces was in a daze. Many casualties didn¡¯t even know the reason for the calamity.


    Mourning and crying filled the world.


    It was the same sight at the core of this drastic change.


    The sense of sorrow spread throughout the capital city. Even as the blood rain from the rolling thunder in the sky diminished over the land, the sadness grew stronger.


    Slowly appearing in the sky above, the night sky and the bright moon silently watched over everything.


    Under their gazes, the two god specimen puppets in the air above the platform emitted cracking sounds from their bodies. Their attacks gradually slowed down and their auras gradually dissipated.


    The Deputy Governor¡¯s death caused them to lose their source. Hence, their opened eyes were also slowly closing. They were about to lose all their auras.


    At that moment, the Seventh Prince raised his head, his majestic voice echoing throughout the entire city, reaching the ears of all the common people who were in despair.


    ¡°The Deputy Governor has caused chaos and destroyed our Fenghai. This has infuriated both heaven and earth, and it can¡¯t be tolerated!¡±


    ¡°All soldiers, hear my order. Suppress all the rebels and return peace to Fenghai County!¡±


    As the Seventh Prince¡¯s voice echoed, the generals and commanders around him rose into the air. He also headed straight for the two puppets who were about to lose all signs of life.


    His speed was extremely fast. In an instant, dozens of generals and commanders approached and an earth-shattering sound resounded through the clouds.


    The Seventh Prince displayed unparalleled courage, as if he was releasing the pent-up anger that had been building within him, and he struck one of the puppets with a resounding force.


    Because he went all out, he transformed into a massive illusory figure that manifested into the world, allowing the mortals in the city to see him clearly.


    His generals and commanders also attacked with heavy force. Hence, very soon, the two puppets lost their combat strength and fell to the ground, losing all signs of life.


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s transformed figure opened his arms, using his body to block the blood rain.


    The blood rain landed on his body, forming corrosive marks. However, the Seventh Prince continued blocking it and didn¡¯t let it fall. In the end, under the roar of the golden dragon in the sky, the blood rain dissipated.


    At the same time, tens of millions of soldiers outside the city rose into the air.


    They each cast spells and formed a large array formation to disperse the anomalous substances here.


    The Seventh Prince was a benevolent person. He ordered all the soldiers to head to the city to save the mortals.


    Under his decree, countless mortals were rescued at the critical moment of mutation. As for the anomalous substances in the city, they also began to dissipate on a large scale.


    Occasionally, there would be excited cheers and praises that carried gratitude for the Seventh Prince¡­


    However, not everyone would become blind, deaf, or foolish, allowing themselves to be easily deceived. Therefore, the cheers were not as numerous, and many people remained in silence.


    This was especially so for the hundreds of thousands of cultivators from the three palaces around the platform. All of them looked coldly at the Seventh Prince who had performed these actions. Their eyes were filled with disappointment, anger, and mockery.


    There was also bitterness.


    Some thought of the Palace Master.


    Some people remembered that after the death of the Palace Master, the mourning words contained only one phrase: ¡°Fulfilling duty with loyalty.¡±


    All his credit and glory had unknowingly become the halo of this Seventh Prince.


    At that moment, it was as though what had happened to the Palace Master back then was about to repeat itself.


    This was because they were the only ones who knew the truth, and the opinions of these hundreds of thousands of people were just a small ripple in the ocean when placed in the county or the entire human race.


    As for mortals, the cognition barrier made them susceptible to influence, and human nature inherently contained the attribute of forgetfulness.


    It wouldn¡¯t be long before their memories of this event would instinctively blur and they would be attracted by a new thing.


    As long as the Seventh Prince used the plain pill as a breakthrough point, he would be able to resolve all the issues relatively easily.


    After all, compared to the evil of the Deputy Governor, the poison of the plain pill was something that was closely related to everyone.


    Outside the city, those who didn¡¯t know the truth would be even more easily affected. What they would always hear would be another answer.


    Especially when the person in question, the Seventh Prince, had just expanded the county¡¯s territory and led the return of the Holy Wave Race. He had also resolved the crisis of Fenghai County and made extraordinary contributions.


    This halo was like an invincible armor, so many would believe in his words.


    Gradually, the human hearts would be washed away by the waves and slowly dissipate until they were buried in a corner of history.


    Unless Xu Qing was still alive and returned immediately!


    In that case, the meaning would be completely different.


    Before the human hearts were shaken, there would be a source of convergence and fortune would have a place to return. Everything would be different then.


    However, everyone understood that the probability of this happening was very low.

 Chapter 787 - 787 Treading Through the Thorns, Advancing Towards the Throne! (4)

    787 Treading Through the Thorns, Advancing Towards the Throne! (4)


    Marquis Yao looked at all of this and closed his eyes, sighing inwardly.


    He understood that his existence was about to become an important bargaining chip for the Seventh Prince to snatch all the fruits.


    This was because he was ultimately saved by the Seventh Prince and also walked out as the Seventh Prince¡¯s general.


    The Deputy Palace Masters of the three palaces could only remain silent.


    Qingqin let out a mournful cry, feeling powerless.


    Old Master Seventh stood beside his eldest disciple.


    The captain opened his mouth to speak but Old Master Seventh shook his head and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    ¡°Before Xu Qing left, he told me that he had grasped a way to neutralize the poison of the plain pill and save all the human race from it!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve eaten plain pills before, and while others may propose methods of resolution, I don¡¯t believe them. I only believe in Xu Qing who stepped out and exposed all of this!¡±


    The words of Old Master Seventh were incredibly astute, spreading throughout the entire county, instantly capturing the minds of countless people. Even the pupils of Seventh Prince constricted in response.


    The captain¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint as he thought to himself, ¡®As expected of my master. The older the ginger, the spicier it is.¡¯ He nodded and remained silent.


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice also caused hundreds of thousands of cultivators to look at him.


    Marquis Yao¡¯s eyes gleamed and hope appeared on Qingqin¡¯s face. The Deputy Palace Masters of the three palaces lifted their heads and looked at Old Master Seventh.


    The person who understood Xu Qing the most here was naturally his master.


    Hence, Old Master Seventh¡¯s words held different weight in the hearts of these hundreds of thousands of cultivators.


    Especially the implications contained within his words ¨C perhaps some hadn¡¯t fully realized it before, but now, they were beginning to understand.


    The Seventh Prince calmed his emotions and calmly spoke.


    ¡°You guys have too deep a prejudice against me!¡±


    ¡°Regarding today¡¯s events, you may think I didn¡¯t personally take action, but did I not? I did take action!¡±


    ¡°I was the one who saved Yao Tianyan. I didn¡¯t stop his appearance, so I tacitly agreed to his actions.¡±


    ¡°If Yao Tianyan didn¡¯t deliver the most critical evidence, what¡¯s the use of Xu Qing¡¯s hot-bloodedness?¡±


    ¡°I naturally sensed some clues about the identity of the Deputy Governor. This is also the reason why I saved Yao Tianyan back then. I originally wanted to wait for the Holy Wave Race to return and the overall situation of the human race to stabilize before dealing with this matter.¡±


    ¡°Because I can¡¯t let the momentum that was gained from the sacrifice of countless cultivators and heroic souls dissipate because of the passage of time!¡±


    ¡°This time is the time to take back our homeland. Our rear can¡¯t be chaotic!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I forcefully endured it.¡±


    ¡°And how could a mere Bai Xiaozhuo set up such a huge plan? There must be a mastermind behind him, which is his so-called lord!¡±


    ¡°Therefore, after I understood everything, I chose to wait for his lord to appear. The other possibility is that if I don¡¯t make a move, his lord won¡¯t either. I¡­ am a form of deterrence and your support!¡±


    ¡°You can choose not to understand or question me, but you can¡¯t deny the meaning of my being here.¡±


    The hundreds of thousands of cultivators fell silent and no one bothered to reply.


    The Seventh Prince sighed softly. After that, his gaze became stern.


    ¡°You can wait, but the reconstruction of Fenghai County can¡¯t wait. The recovery of all the humans in the city can¡¯t wait, let alone the rescue of tens of millions of humans!¡±


    ¡°At such a critical moment, there¡¯s definitely a possibility that the nonhuman races will cause trouble. Your families, the sects you¡¯re in, and your hometown are all in danger.¡±


    ¡°Marquis Yao, listen up. The three palaces, listen up. Soldiers of Fenghai County, listen up!¡±


    ¡°Follow the Imperial City¡¯s army and head to the provinces of Fenghai to suppress all the chaos and save all the affected humans. This is your duty!¡±


    The hundreds of thousands of cultivators had complicated expressions. The Seventh Prince was right and they couldn¡¯t refute him at all. This was indeed their duty.


    However, if they dispersed now, everything would be gone.


    It wasn¡¯t that they couldn¡¯t reunite, but that would take a long time. At that time, everything might have already changed and black and white might be reversed.


    This was a move to break their unity.


    The expressions of the Deputy Palace Masters were gloomy. Marquis Yao sighed and was about to speak when he suddenly turned his head and looked into the distance.


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s body trembled and he instantly turned his head to look into the distance.


    The captain was the same. His breathing was slightly hurried and his eyes revealed a blue glint. His expression was filled with surprise.


    There was also Qingqin who let out excited cries in the sky.


    ¡°Gah!¡±


    The hundreds of thousands of cultivators also sensed it.


    The Seventh Prince frowned imperceptibly and looked at the distant world.


    A rainbow was whistling toward the city at an extremely fast speed.


    This speed was definitely not something a fake Nascent Soul possessed. It was the speed of Nihility.


    Everyone saw that the being who emitted such astonishing speed was a huge Wood Spirit Race member.


    On his shoulder stood a tall and straight figure in a blood-stained robe.


    His Daoist robe fluttered in the wind and his gaze was firm, seemingly containing stars. He was so handsome that the world lost its color.


    He was Xu Qing.


    There was also a small white snake coiled around his right hand, looking at the city curiously.


    His appearance instantly caused the cultivators in the county to become excited and cheers rang out. The sound waves were earth-shattering, causing the surroundings to rumble and the world to resonate.


    In the sky, the four-clawed golden dragon also roared. Its body emitted a golden light that augmented Xu Qing. It even spat out auspicious clouds, causing the world to be dazzling, causing all the humans in the city to clearly see Xu Qing.


    This was the first time it had spread auspicious signs for someone else other than the prince.


    Hence, even more cheers rang out from the city and resounded through the clouds. It was even more majestic than when the Seventh Prince returned from the victory against the Holy Wave Race after the Palace Master died in battle.


    Even the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether statue started shaking.


    In the past, Xu Qing stood in the capital city, looking up as the Seventh Prince was carried away by the adoring crowds, and he could only remain silent amidst the multitude.


    Today, within the capital city, the Seventh Prince stood atop the platform, looking at Xu Qing returning amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the people, and he could only remain silent as well.


    There was also an endless fortune that rose from all directions and gathered toward Xu Qing.


    During the process of his arrival, it rapidly gathered above his head until it transformed into something that could be seen by all humans¡­


    A crown!

 Chapter 788 - 788 Where the Human Hearts Belong, Only Dao and Righteousness

    788 Where the Human Hearts Belong, Only Dao and Righteousness


    Those who broke through to the sky had to bear its weight.


    This weight was so huge that it could destroy their body and soul.


    However, if they could endure it, it would be akin to a rebirth through nirvana.


    A nirvana cultivator should soar through the nine heavens, becoming the sole focus of the world.


    At this moment, Xu Qing, who had returned after treading through the thorns, was a nirvana cultivator.


    After experiencing all the calamities before, the figure reflected in the eyes of the people in the capital city was like the most resplendent light in the world.


    This brilliance, towering thousands of feet high, ignited the emotions of the people in the capital and ignited the suppressed hearts of the citizens of Fenghai County, which had endured continuous hardships.


    The world boiled over and everyone cheered for him.


    The sound waves churned and the wind blew.


    Everyone in Fenghai County had suffered a lot this past year.


    The fall of the former county governor cast a shadow over the hearts of the people, and the sudden onset of war, coupled with the demise of the Palace Master, was like a thunderclap that descended amidst this shadow, tearing through Fenghai County. Among all those who survived, it left behind profound wounds.


    The end of the war caused the unstable Fenghai County to recover a little. However, the change in the Deputy Governor made people feel despair.


    Everyone was extremely anxious. They were at a loss, bitter, and helpless. They needed someone to appear and change everything. They needed someone to lead them and break through everything.


    They had once thought that this person was the Palace Master, but the Palace Master had died in battle.


    They had once thought that it was the Seventh Prince or the Deputy Governor¡­


    However, today, they felt that this person was Xu Qing!


    At that moment, the sky changed color and there were endless auspicious signs. The cheers on the ground were endless and the sound waves rumbled in all directions. Regardless of whether it was men, women, old or young, mortals or cultivators, in their eyes and hearts, there was only Xu Qing¡¯s figure.


    Right now, the gazes of all beings in Fenghai County¡¯s capital were gathered on Xu Qing.


    The golden dragon roared and Qingqin let out a cry. Fortune from every human, from the sky, and from the ground continued to gather, causing the crown halo on Xu Qing¡¯s head to become even more dazzling.


    Amidst the cheers, someone shouted the words ¡®county governor¡¯!


    Very soon, this form of address was acknowledged. Many voices shouted out one after another.


    ¡°County governor!¡±


    ¡°County governor!¡±


    When the atmosphere in the entire city was extremely enthusiastic, the great elder of the Wood Spirit Race, who was escorting Xu Qing back, stopped a thousand feet away from the capital city.


    Xu Qing, who was on his shoulder, watched all of this and great waves rose in his heart.


    After all, he was only 20 years old. Even though he had learned a lot from his master and captain, at this moment, he was unable to calm his emotions. He had never thought of becoming the county governor.


    Before this, he didn¡¯t have this thought at all.


    He had merely followed his heart.


    Hence, he stood outside the city and fell silent for a few breaths.


    A sense of confusion rose in his heart.


    When the cries in the county capital grew louder and louder, Xu Qing took a deep breath and suppressed the waves in his heart as he walked forward step by step.


    After stepping into the city, he headed straight for the platform.


    Wherever he passed, mortals and cultivators alike would bow to him.


    The crown on his head became increasingly eye-catching.


    This lasted until Xu Qing arrived at the square.


    The instant he arrived, the eyes of the hundreds of thousands of cultivators from the three palaces revealed an intense glint. They cupped their fists and bowed to Xu Qing!


    No one asked them to do this, but after witnessing everything with their own eyes, they instinctively wanted to do so.


    For their respective Palace Masters, for solving the death of the former county governor, for resolving the calamity that befell Fenghai County, for stepping out alone¡ªany of these reasons was enough to make them willingly and sincerely bow in reverence.


    The bow of hundreds of thousands of cultivators caused the crown of fortune on Xu Qing¡¯s head to emit a rumbling sound. It became more resplendent and its radiance exceeded 100,000 feet.


    The Deputy Palace Masters smiled and cupped their fists.


    Among them, Li Yunshan had a gratified expression.


    The deacons also bowed. They looked at Xu Qing in a daze.


    Old Master Seventh didn¡¯t pay his respects, nor did the captain. Among the people in Fenghai County, only the two of them had the identity to do this. This was because they were from the same lineage as Xu Qing.


    The pride in Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t be concealed at all.


    The captain was the same. He puffed out his chest and revealed a smug expression.


    The Seventh Prince, who was in the sky, looked at Xu Qing who was walking over and everything in his surroundings. He understood that from now on, no one in Fenghai County would be able to shake Xu Qing at all.


    Marquis Yao stared at Xu Qing and a smile appeared on his face. There was a deep meaning in his eyes and a hint of determination.


    Today, he was going to do something groundbreaking, something that had never been done in the history of the human race!


    Among everyone here, only he had the qualifications to push this matter forward.


    The possibility of this matter succeeding was almost zero since it was difficult to shake the ancient traditions.


    However, many things cannot be left undone simply because they seem impossible to accomplish.


    Even if he failed, as long as he did it, it would be the attitude of Fenghai County. Even the Human Emperor had to weigh the pros and cons carefully.


    Moreover, it didn¡¯t matter if he failed. Even if he couldn¡¯t succeed directly now, as long as he did it, it would definitely happen in the future.


    ¡®I believe the heroic souls of the old county governor and Brother Liangxiu in heaven will agree with me.¡¯


    Marquis Yao mumbled inwardly and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡®This child, for both the public and personal reasons, I will create an indestructible body for him in Fenghai County!¡¯


    At the thought of this, Marquis Yao cupped his fists and bowed deeply to Xu Qing. His voice was solemn as it spread in all directions.


    ¡°I ask heaven!¡±


    As soon as Marquis Yao spoke, the surroundings seemed to explode. Everyone¡¯s emotions were completely ignited at this moment. The Seventh Prince let out a long sigh inwardly.


    Previously, the shouts were sporadic and were nothing much. After all, no matter how much they shouted, they were just agitated words and couldn¡¯t be taken seriously.


    However, the meaning of Marquis Yao¡¯s words was different. This was because asking the heaven, earth, and human was the ritual for the coronation of the county governor!


    In the history of the human race, there had never been a case of a fake Nascent Soul cultivator serving as a county governor. This matter would definitely attract the attention of the Human Emperor.


    Especially since this matter was propelled by Yao Tianyan. As one of the contributors to the battle against the Deputy Governor, as one of the few elderly survivors during the war, as someone who suffered unjustly, and being one of the former five giants of Fenghai County, he was indeed qualified to do this.


    ¡®There¡¯s a high chance that Father won¡¯t agree but he also has to weigh the will of Fenghai County. No matter what, Yao Tianyan is risking everything to tell the world, the entire human race, and the Human Emperor that Fenghai County¡­ only recognizes Xu Qing.¡¯


    ¡®The people¡¯s hearts have been ignited by him into an eternal fire.¡¯


    The Seventh Prince fell silent. He knew that the situation was hopeless.


    At that moment, the sky shone. The bodies of the previous county governors appeared one after another and spread to the horizon, standing in all directions as though they were witnessing this moment.


    Thunder rumbled in the sky. Although the heavens didn¡¯t respond, this thunderclap was the sound of heaven in Fenghai County.


    ¡°I ask the earth!¡±


    A strange glint appeared in Marquis Yao¡¯s eyes. As soon as he spoke, the ground rumbled as though it was responding.


    ¡°I ask the human!¡±


    Marquis Yao looked at the city.


    The hundreds of thousands of cultivators in the square and the millions of mortals in the city all spoke at this moment.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Countless voices gathered together, as though heavenly might had descended on the world.


    This represented the people¡¯s hearts and the will of Fenghai County.


    This was the choice of Fenghai County!


    Xu Qing¡¯s emotions surged under the attention of everyone.


    He stared at his surroundings with a myriad of emotions. In the end, it transformed into a bow.


    He bowed deeply to Marquis Yao, the three palaces, and the entire city.


    From now on, regardless of whether the Human Emperor acknowledged him or not, in Fenghai County, even if he didn¡¯t have the status of a county governor, his words would still carry incomparable weight.


    His identity would be at the peak of Fenghai County.


    Under the moonlight, no one paid attention to the Seventh Prince. After a moment of silence, the Seventh Prince suddenly smiled. In this game, he acknowledged his defeat.


    With a smile, he chose to depart, leading his army away from Fenghai County. He would return to the Holy Wave region, for that was his stage.


    Before leaving, he turned his head to gaze at Xu Qing from a distance. After his return and the grand ceremony, Xu Qing¡¯s figure was extremely clear in his mind.


    ¡°Other than Yao Tianyan, there¡¯s another person in Fenghai County who is worthy of being remembered.¡±


    ¡°Because of such a lone hero, it doesn¡¯t seem unacceptable for me to be reprimanded by Father.¡±


    The Seventh Prince left calmly.


    The calamity brought by the Deputy Governor ended just like that.


    The power of Fenghai County was quickly mobilized. As hundreds of thousands of cultivators spread out, they began to disperse the anomalous substances and save the mortals. Everything was orderly.


    The rescue missions of the various provinces in Fenghai County were also carried out under the orders from the capital city.


    At the same time, regarding the various causes and effects of the Deputy Governor¡¯s rebellion this time, there was no need to hide anything. All the information was published throughout Fenghai County, allowing everyone to know the truth.


    The curtain of the County Governor¡¯s Ceremony fell.


    Mystic War Calendar, Year 2932, the end of November.


    The upheaval in Fenghai County was caused by the Deputy Governor who was a member of Illuminate, and his true name was Bai Xiaozhuo. He was once the county governor of Fenghai County in the era of Purple Green Kingdom. He reincarnated using divine techniques and returned with the intent to disrupt Fenghai County, attempting to draw forth an ancient arrival and bring calamity to the people.


    Xu Qing, the holder of 100,000 feet light in the Emperor Heart Inquisition and a Sword Holder, walked out alone during the County Governor Coronation. He didn¡¯t care about life and death and remained true to his heart. He turned the tide, exposed the conspiracy, resolved the crisis in Fenghai County, and saved it from the calamity.


    The Human Emperor was moved.


    That same month, the Human Emperor issued five edicts, with the first edict sternly reprimanding the Seventh Prince for his oversight and giving him an official warning.


    The second edict declared a manhunt for the Illuminate members throughout the entire human race territory, commanding all counties to conduct immediate self-inspections. It also ordered the establishment of relevant departments within the Upper Mystic Five Palaces, dispatching them immediately to patrol all regions and eliminate any Illuminate-related elements.


    The third edict appointed Yao Tianyan, a descendant of the Heavenly Marquis lineage, as the acting county governor of Fenghai, and selected Zheng Kaiyi, a prominent cultivator, to assume the role of deputy governor. The edict also granted Fenghai County to recommend the next candidate for the position of county governor by itself. Those who meet the criteria of Nihility cultivation base were eligible for recommendation by Fenghai County.


    The fourth edict removed the generals from the position of the palace masters of the three palaces in Fenghai County and appointed the Deputy Palace Masters as the new leaders.


    The fifth edict awarded the Sword Holder Xu Qing with a golden plaque, a yellow robe, qualifications for the Imperial Academy, and first-class battle merits.


    Five imperial edicts were announced to the world.


    In an instant, the human race¡¯s regions were all shaken. Xu Qing¡¯s name spread everywhere.


    As for the appointments in the imperial edicts, there were two places where key information was clearly revealed. One was Zheng Kaiyi¡¯s appointment, and the other was the right to self-recommend in Fenghai County.


    Clearly, the Human Emperor attached great importance to this, but the rules couldn¡¯t be changed.


    However, he had to consider Fenghai County¡¯s attitude. Hence, he appointed Old Master Seventh.


    Because everyone in Fenghai County knew about Old Master Seventh¡¯s relation with Xu Qing.


    As for the self-recommendation, it clearly meant that as long as Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation reached Nihility, he¡­ would be the Fenghai County Governor.


    The catastrophe of Fenghai ended just like that. Everything began to recover.


    For Xu Qing, a new starting point and new horizons were about to set sail.

 Chapter 789 - 789 Xu Qing, Do You Have a Dao Companion? (1)

    789 Xu Qing, Do You Have a Dao Companion? (1)


    Mystic War Calendar, Year 2932, December.


    The winter wind carried snowflakes as it walked through the outskirts of the capital. Passing by withered trees and desolate fields, the snowflakes fluttered like fine powder.


    It seemed as if they were determined to fill the cracks formed by the return of the ancient Fenghai on the ground.


    They reached the heart of the city where they merged with the streets, rooftops, and bustling crowds, transforming into white mist. In this alternate form, they coexisted with the world.


    Half a month had passed since the calamity brought by the Deputy Governor.


    In the past half month, much like the wind and snow working to mend the cracks in the earth, the three palaces of the capital city, along with the Sword Holding Courts of ten provinces and various major sects, had all been putting their efforts into the reconstruction of Fenghai County.


    A large number of veteran Sword Holders also went out to the various provinces and joined the rescue team, suppressing all the races who were causing trouble during this chaos.


    Gradually, most of the negative influence brought about by the calamity dissipated and everything began to recover.


    Even though Marquis Yao and Old Master Seventh weren¡¯t familiar with each other, with their shared bond with Xu Qing, after interacting with each other, they each developed an appreciation for the other.


    It seemed that their personalities were somewhat similar, so they coordinated well together.


    And finally, after this wind and snow, the dawn also fell upon Fenghai County.


    The Deputy Palace Masters of the three great palaces assumed their roles as palace masters. The one in the Sword Holding Palace was Li Yunshan. As the oldest deacon, Deacon Sun took over the position of deputy palace master.


    Daoist Sima had other missions.


    As for Xu Qing, his life was not much different from before, and the rewards from the imperial edicts of the Human Emperor had not yet arrived. However, he understood the significance of the rewards from his master and Marquis Yao.


    The golden plaque was a token of exemption from death. As long as one hadn¡¯t committed a crime of treason, it granted immunity from death once.


    The yellow robe was a special bestowal from the imperial family, a symbol of elevated status.


    The qualification for the Imperial Academy provided an opportunity to further one¡¯s education at the Human Race¡¯s Imperial Academy. There, the accumulated knowledge and inheritances of the entire human history were preserved, which could greatly aid in the breakthrough to the Nihility.


    Apart from these, among each batch of students at the Imperial Academy, the one who ranked first in the assessments would have an opportunity to be tested and selected by the holy land. Once they passed the holy land¡¯s test, they could be recruited to the holy land.


    The holy land was high and mighty outside the Wanggu Continent.


    In the nearly 3,000 years of the Mystic War Calendar, no student had successfully passed the test.


    As for the first-class merits of the human race, they were a huge honor. There were less than a hundred people alive who possessed such merits.


    But these rewards were not necessities for Xu Qing. His life continued as usual, with only a change in his place of residence.


    He lived in the Sword Holding Palace now, in the hall of the edict bearer which he used back then.


    Under the suggestion of Marquis Yao and Old Master Seventh, the Secretariat Department was reorganized by Xu Qing and became an extremely special department in Fenghai County. It was no longer in charge of one palace but the entire Fenghai County.


    His status was extraordinary.


    Xu Qing¡¯s identity in Fenghai County was still the edict bearer.


    His duty was to help Marquis Yao and Old Master Seventh organize the information of the entire county and help manage Fenghai County.


    There were also many more members of the Secretariat Department than before. Other than the Sword Holding Palace, the other two palaces also established branches of the Secretariat Department. In fact, under Kong Xianglong¡¯s suggestion, the various provinces of Fenghai County also established a branch of the Secretariat Department to cooperate with the Sword Holding Courts of their provinces.


    This matter was handled by Kong Xianglong.


    He also joined the Secretariat Department, along with Shan He, who had recovered from his injuries.


    Seeing that an outsider like Kong Xianglong had such great authority, the captain felt a little sour. Hence, he instigated Xu Qing to develop the Secret Department in the various provinces and sects.


    The captain recommended himself to be the person in charge of the Secret Department. Moreover, he was extremely enthusiastic and left the capital city with a sense of purpose.


    Before he left, he patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder, his expression filled with pride.


    ¡°Junior Brother, the old man has become the deputy governor and is protecting this family business for us. As the eldest brother, I can¡¯t idle around either. I¡¯ll manage the Secret Department!¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the excitement on the captain¡¯s face that couldn¡¯t be concealed. He recalled a transfer order regarding Li Shitao from the Observance Palace previously and looked around.


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± The captain was taken aback. He was feeling quite ambitious, but Xu Qing seemed to be looking around, making him a bit uneasy.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking for Li Shitao,¡± Xu Qing said honestly.


    ¡°Your sister-in-law insisted on following me. I¡¯m very annoyed but there¡¯s nothing I can do.¡±


    The captain coughed and didn¡¯t continue this topic. Instead, he put his arm around Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder and leaned closer to speak in a low voice.


    ¡°Little Qing, let me tell you. I am not going out for romantic affairs. I have two things to do. One is the Secret Department, and the other is¡­ I¡¯ve been thinking about something major recently!¡±


    ¡°If we succeed in this big matter, us brothers will be amazing. Therefore, I plan to go out and collect information about the Moon Worship Region. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡±


    ¡°The Moon Worship Region?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He was very sensitive to the word ¡®moon¡¯ now.


    The captain lifted his finger to shush Xu Qing as he whispered.


    ¡°When I return, I¡¯ll tell you in detail. In short, Junior Brother, be prepared to go out. This time, Eldest Senior Brother will bring you to do something absolutely great!¡±


    The captain licked his lips and his eyes revealed the madness that Xu Qing was familiar with. After that, he hummed a small tune and left majestically with many people.


    Xu Qing stood on the green stone platform at the edge of the Sword Holding Palace. After watching the captain leave, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Come out.¡±


    As Xu Qing¡¯s voice rang out, Ning Yan popped his head out of the pavilion not far away and laughed awkwardly before quickly running to Xu Qing¡¯s side.


    He was afraid of the captain and worried that he would be called along, and hiding was useless. So, during this time, he often came to Xu Qing, pleading for assistance.

 Chapter 790 - 790 Xu Qing, Do You Have a Dao Companion (2)

    790 Xu Qing, Do You Have a Dao Companion (2)


    ¡°Lord Edict Bearer, I think I can be your scribe!¡±


    Ning Yan spoke loudly.


    ¡°Have you found Qing Qiu?¡± Xu Qing glanced at Ning Yan.


    ¡°I found her, this b*tch¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze turned cold.


    Ning Yan shuddered and hurriedly changed his words.


    ¡°Lord Qing Qiu previously assisted the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Litu Sect and headed to the Nanhuang Continent¡­¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and didn¡¯t speak again.


    Ning Yan quickly moved away, and when he was quite far, he let out a sigh of relief, thinking that Xu Qing had gained a more prominent aura in the past half month. He understood that it was the pressure created by the fortune of Fenghai County surrounding him.


    This kind of pressure made it so that even though Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation was just at the first stage of Nascent Soul, ordinary people of the same realm would find it difficult to contend against him.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with Ning Yan. He turned and walked toward the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s library.


    During this half month, he frequently visited there, and at his request, the records from the Law Palace, the Observance Palace, and even the County Governor Residence were all brought over.


    There were a lot of them.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, who is Qing Qiu?¡±


    On the way to the Library, Xu Qing¡¯s right sleeve revealed a small white snake, its innocent and curious eyes blinking as it asked the question.


    ¡°A childhood companion. After we meet later, I will introduce you to her.¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head and lifted his left hand to gently stroke the little white snake¡¯s head as he spoke softly.


    His touch made the small white snake feel very comfortable. It even narrowed its eyes and let out a bell-like laugh.


    ¡°Gurgle gurgle.¡±


    Xu Qing also smiled. Previously, at the bottom of the Spirit Abyss, before he lost consciousness, it was Ling¡¯er who saved him again.


    As for Ling¡¯er¡¯s cultivation and absorption of the ancient spirit¡¯s luck, she hadn¡¯t completed them yet. The process was slow, so she could only coil around Xu Qing¡¯s right wrist in the form of a little white snake.


    Just like that, Xu Qing returned to the Library and continued to search for all the books and information here. Time flowed by and three days passed.


    Xu Qing felt some regret. Although he had gained something, it wasn¡¯t much.


    What he wanted to find was the introduction of the life lantern and how to completely fuse it into his body.


    The captain had said that many people had tried to do it since countless years ago, but no one had succeeded.


    Through these few days of flipping through the ancient books, Xu Qing knew that what the captain said wasn¡¯t completely correct.


    In history, there had been people who had succeeded.


    That was before the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived. Before the era of the Ancient Spirit Emperor, there was an ancient ruler who took an unorthodox path.


    Generally speaking, cultivators could change their own bloodline and give birth to a life lantern within their bodies after reaching the sovereign or ruler realm. Subsequent generations could then enjoy the benefits, and the life lantern formed during the Foundation Establishment stage.


    However, the path this ruler took was the opposite.


    Just like Xu Qing, he killed the descendant of an ancient ruler when he was in the Foundation Building realm. He dug out the life lantern and fused it into his body. After experiencing a narrow escape, he really managed to fuse the life lantern into his bloodline and completely turn it into his own. After that, he experienced many life-and-death calamities and soared into the sky, becoming a ruler.


    In the records collected by the Deputy Governor, there were only a few words about the introduction of this ruler. After all, it was too ancient.


    In fact, this bit of information was only recorded because of such a heaven-defying event.


    As for whether it was true or false, it was hard to tell.


    ¡°Light from beyond the sky?¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. The records of that ruler had mentioned these five words. It seemed that the reason why the other party could fuse with the life lantern was because of a mysterious thing called light from beyond the sky.


    However, the light from beyond the sky had only been mentioned in the records of the ruler. Xu Qing hadn¡¯t found any clues about it in any other books these few days.


    In fact, Xu Qing had even asked his master a few days ago but his master said that he had never heard of it. Xu Qing had also asked Marquis Yao about it and the other party told him that he would ask a friend in the Imperial City.


    With regret, Xu Qing returned to the Secretariat Department and dealt with the official documents sent by the various provinces. It was only at noon the next day that he received a voice transmission from Marquis Yao.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯ve helped find some of the information you want. Also, I have something for you. Can you come to my residence?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes lit up. He immediately stood up and left the Sword Holding Palace, heading straight for the Yao Residence.


    On the way, he saw that the streets of the county capital were bustling with activity. The smiles on everyone¡¯s faces were clearly much more than before.


    The plain pills they had eaten in the past were actually no longer poisonous. On this point, Marquis Yao and his master had gathered all the alchemy masters in Fenghai County and carefully studied them.


    They announced that it was non-poisonous.


    However, people were still suspicious because it was closely related to their well being. Hence, Marquis Yao suggested using harmless pills to resolve it.


    Hence, there was a medicinal pill known as harmonizing that was provided to the human race in the county capital for free.


    The effect of this pill was to strengthen the body.


    In the end, everyone was happy.


    This matter also taught Xu Qing a lesson, allowing his understanding of human nature to deepen a little.


    However, no matter what, the process and outcome were good. Hence, Xu Qing composed himself and arrived at the Yao Residence.


    The entire Yao Residence attached great importance to welcoming Xu Qing. Those clansmen who had been released from the Prison Department already knew that it was because of Xu Qing¡¯s words that everyone was spared from death.


    Hence, the moment Xu Qing arrived at the Yao Residence, the members of the Yao family behaved extremely respectfully. There was gratitude in their eyes as they bowed in unison outside the gate.


    ¡°Welcome, Edict Bearer Xu.¡±


    The crowd was filled with the old, young, women, and children. Yao Yunhui and Yao Feihe were among them.


    The former¡¯s expression was complicated. Her originally charming face was now filled with haggardness. Her once curvy body had also lost a lot of weight now. However, not only did her beauty not decrease, but because of this weakness, it also made one feel pity for her.

 Chapter 791 - 791 Xu Qing, Do You Have a Dao Companion (3)

    791 Xu Qing, Do You Have a Dao Companion (3)


    As for Yao Feihe, although she was still dressed in palace clothes, the imprisonment and the calamity of her family made her look much more haggard. She was no longer as graceful as when Xu Qing first met her. Instead, she looked more like a mortal.


    She looked at Xu Qing and bowed together with Yao Yunhui.


    Xu Qing stepped forward to help the elderly people up from the crowd, then looked at Yao Yunhui and the others, finally turning his gaze towards Yao Feihe.


    ¡°Marquis Yao is my senior. You all don¡¯t need to be like this.¡±


    ¡°My Yao family will always remember Young Master Xu¡¯s kindness,¡± Yao Feihe said softly. After that, under the respectful gazes of the surrounding clansmen, she and Yao Yunhui brought Xu Qing into the Yao Residence.


    One of the two women stood at the side and the other at the back.


    The fragrance permeated the surroundings and Xu Qing felt a little uncomfortable. The little white snake on his wrist quietly stuck its head out and looked around curiously.


    Just like that, he went all the way to the main hall of the Yao family.


    Marquis Yao stood there and looked at him with a smile.


    ¡°Greetings, County Governor.¡± Xu Qing quickened his pace and bowed respectfully.


    Marquis Yao smiled and gestured for Xu Qing to sit down. He didn¡¯t sit at the main seat but moved to the side.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing¡¯s respect for him deepened, and he also took a seat at a side position.


    As for Yao Yunhui and Yao Feihe, they personally poured tea for the two of them.


    Yao Yunhui was the one who poured tea for Xu Qing.


    She poured tea into the cup in front of Xu Qing, and looked at him. Her expression seemed a bit trance-like, as if memories were passing by before her eyes.


    She never expected that in less than two years, the new Sword Holder back then had actually reached such a stage.


    This trance caused the tea to overflow and spread on the table. Xu Qing turned his head and glanced at her.


    Only then did Yao Yunhui react and hurriedly take a few steps back.


    Yao Feihe was also in a daze.


    The source of complexity in her heart was different from Yao Yunhui but it was also very deep. She still remembered that when she first saw Xu Qing, it was her best friend, Zi Xuan, who introduced him to them.


    At that time, she actually didn¡¯t care too much. After all, Xu Qing had only been a small Sword Holder back then. Even if he had the emperor¡¯s recognition, he still hadn¡¯t grown up.


    As for her, she was Marquis Yao¡¯s younger sister and had a place in the Imperial City.


    She talked with him back then because she valued Zi Xuan. She believed that Zi Xuan¡¯s future was limitless. With her talents, she could easily stand by a great figure and deter anyone from disrespecting her in the slightest.


    However, what followed was the upheaval of her judgment. She saw Xu Qing again, and this time, the other party was already the publicly acknowledged future county governor of Fenghai County. Her brother had also cleared his name because of Xu Qing and her entire race had avoided death because of him.


    At that moment, she recalled the past. It turned out that Xu Qing, who was beside Zi Xuan back then, was originally a towering tree. It was just that she didn¡¯t recognize him.


    How could she not be in a daze?


    Amidst this trance and complexity, she felt even more envious of Zi Xuan.


    Marquis Yao also noticed his sister and daughter¡¯s expressions. He was a little surprised and his expression couldn¡¯t help but be strange. He looked at Xu Qing and then at his daughter. After that, his gaze swept past his sister.


    He coughed.


    Yao Yunhui and Yao Feihe immediately lowered their heads and left the main hall.


    At that moment, only Marquis Yao and Xu Qing were left in the main hall.


    Marquis Yao looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever as he looked at Marquis Yao.


    A long time later, a smile appeared on Marquis Yao¡¯s face.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you don¡¯t have a Dao companion yet, right?¡±


    Xu Qing started. Before he could speak, the little white snake in his sleeve instantly stuck its head out and stared at Marquis Yao with an unfriendly gaze.


    ¡°Gurgle, gurgle!¡±


    Marquis Yao swept his gaze over and smiled slightly, no longer mentioning this matter. Instead, he made a grabbing posture, taking out an item and placing it in front of Xu Qing.


    This was a blood-colored lantern in the shape of a wing.


    ¡°This lantern is for you.¡±


    Marquis Yao spoke slowly with deep meaning.

 Chapter 792 - 792 Last Nights Evening Breeze, Tonights Starry River (1)

    792 Last Night¡¯s Evening Breeze, Tonight¡¯s Starry River (1)


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    He recognized this lantern. It was the Nether Spirit Blood Wing Lantern!


    Back then, when he disguised as a member of the Black Heaven Race, he had gotten a Nether Spirit Blood Wing Lantern from the Holy Wave Race and fused it into his body to form one of the dao nascents.


    However, the one he had was the left wing.


    It augmented speed.


    As for the one in front of him, it was the right wing.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought and lifted his head to look at Marquis Yao.


    Marquis Yao¡¯s gaze was deep and he had a smile on his face. He picked up the teacup at the side and took a sip without saying anything.


    Xu Qing fell silent. Previously, he was very clear that regardless of whether it was the County Governor or the Palace Master, they weren¡¯t simple people. As for Marquis Yao, who was once one of the five giants, it was the same.


    After all, not everyone could become friends with the various nonhuman races and gain their trust.


    Not everyone could endure until the end before waiting for an opportunity to erupt.


    Needless to say, the other party had the courage to massacre all the clansmen who harbored ill intentions toward the nonhuman races.


    Regardless of whether it was scheming or methods, Marquis Yao was extremely proficient.


    Gifting this lantern was naturally not a coincidence.


    ¡®In the battle at the platform earlier, the life lantern canopy I displayed ultimately became a flaw¡­¡¯ Xu Qing muttered inwardly. He knew this but at that time, he had no way to hide it.


    Presumably, it was because of this that Marquis Yao noticed this point and locked onto his disguise in the Holy Wave Race. He then used his connections to get this lantern for him.


    Noticing the contemplation on Xu Qing¡¯s face, Marquis Yao smiled. He hoped that Xu Qing would think more about it. Only then could his temperament grow faster.


    Seeing that it was about time, Marquis Yao put down the teacup in his hand and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Although there are other clues about the Holy Wave Race¡¯s battle, their losses are still very great. For example, those small countries around the Ten Guts Trees and some black-clothed guards have already died.¡±


    At this point, Marquis Yao paused for a moment. His gaze then landed on Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Some died before, and some died in this half a month. As for the movement of the Heavenly Wind Palace, many records were lost. The Heavenly Wind Monarch is also very regretful about this.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze fluctuated.


    ¡°Xu Qing, with your current identity, you are eligible to know some things. Back then, the County Governor, Brother Liangxiu, and I had a plan. That was to let me gain the trust of the Holy Wave Race and come into contact with the Heavenly Wind Monarch, instigating him to rebel and allowing him to return to the human race!¡±


    As soon as Marquis Yao spoke, Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred.


    He recalled that the ones who had appeared on the northern battlefield were none other than the Heavenly Wind Monarch and the Moon Fog Monarch. This was clearly one of the reasons why Marquis Yao was able to avoid death after being heavily injured.


    ¡°I already accomplished 80% of the plan. As long as I had another ten years¡­ but unfortunately, plans don¡¯t always go as expected. In the previous battle at the northern front, Moon Fog Monarch came with great force, and there even seemed to be members of our human race among the enemy troops¡­¡±


    A cold glint appeared in Marquis Yao¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°The cause of deaths of Brother Hengxin and Brother Rongyu isn¡¯t that simple. After I managed to escape due to the Heavenly Wind Monarch holding back, the Seventh Prince appeared and resolved everything, coincidentally appearing in front of me and rescuing me. I understood the implications, but could only accept that I became his hidden ace.¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent, picked up the nearby teacup, and gazed at the water within it, watching as ripples formed on the surface of the tea.


    Marquis Yao looked at Xu Qing and spoke again.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I told you all of this because I hope you can see the situation clearly. The current you is no longer just a Sword Holder.¡±


    ¡°There are some identities and some chess pieces that have to be used. I heard that the Heavenly Wind Monarch is currently discussing the details of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s return with the Seventh Prince on behalf of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s ancestor. This also includes the allocation of certain territories.¡±


    ¡°A few counties are undergoing the handover, and my Fenghai County also needs to expand¡­¡±


    ¡°While the Holy Wave Race has severed their relationship with the Black Heaven Race, based on my interactions with them over the years, I believe that according to the nature of the Holy Wave Race, they definitely won¡¯t choose one side unilaterally. They should still have some covert connections with the Black Heaven Race.¡±


    ¡°For example, in the delegation from the Heavenly Wind Country this time, there are some former high-ranking members from the Black Heaven Race. I¡¯ve heard that one of them was personally favored by the Black Heaven Divine Son.¡±


    Marquis Yao¡¯s gaze was clear as he looked at Xu Qing.


    It was rare for him to be so open with others.


    Xu Qing was expressionless but he was thinking fast. After experiencing these events, he trusted Marquis Yao to a certain extent. Moreover, the other party had already said it to this extent, so he had nothing to hide.


    Hence, after some thought, Xu Qing put down the teacup in his hand and took out a jade slip, emitting a wisp of his Purple Moon¡¯s aura as he passed it to Marquis Yao.


    ¡°Muye.¡±


    After Marquis Yao took the jade slip, he pondered for a moment and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Xu Qing, although I guessed that you pretended to be Black Heaven¡¯s Divine Son in the Holy Wave Race and I know some general details, I¡¯m not clear about the specifics. So, is this Muye trustworthy?¡±


    ¡°I can decide his life and death with a thought.¡±


    Xu Qing said softly.


    When Marquis Yao heard this, he laughed and nodded. He then told Xu Qing about the light from beyond the sky.


    ¡°As the name suggests, this light is a mysterious beam of light in the void outside the Wanggu Continent. Its origin is unknown and it¡¯s extremely rare. There are even fewer who fall into the Wanggu Continent and it¡¯s very difficult to preserve.¡±


    ¡°It was like this before the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived. After the fragmented-face arrived, this light completely disappeared.¡±


    ¡°It can indeed melt life lanterns but the price is very high. It will consume one¡¯s life force.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he felt some regret in his heart. He knew that wanting to obtain the light from beyond the sky was undoubtedly like searching for a needle in a haystack. It was almost impossible.


    Hence, after exchanging pleasantries, Xu Qing bade farewell.

 Chapter 793 - 793 Last Nights Evening Breeze, Tonights Starry River (2)

    793 Last Night¡¯s Evening Breeze, Tonight¡¯s Starry River (2)


    By the time Xu Qing walked out of the Yao residence, it was already dusk. Ling¡¯er¡¯s voice rang out in Xu Qing¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, you have to be careful of those two female cultivators!¡±


    ¡°The way they look at you isn¡¯t right, especially the one who poured you tea. I think her issue is even greater. Brother Xu Qing, you have to be careful. I think they might want to harm you.¡±


    Ling¡¯er¡¯s expression was serious.


    When Xu Qing heard this, his heart froze. He recalled carefully and thought of the matter with Zhang Siyun. He felt that Yao Yunhui might still have some thoughts, so he nodded.


    As for Yao Feihe, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t understand but he also paid attention to this matter.


    Seeing that Xu Qing acknowledged her, Ling¡¯er was very happy. She felt that she was very useful and could help Brother Xu Qing sense many external dangers. Hence, she flew out of Xu Qing¡¯s sleeve and whispered into his ear.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, I¡¯m actually quite useful. After I transform, I¡¯ll even do household chores.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and I can sing too! I¡¯ve learned a few songs from the Wood Spirit Race¡¯s sisters. I¡¯m really smart!¡±


    ¡°Can I sing a song for you?¡±


    Ling¡¯er¡¯s voice was filled with happiness. Xu Qing smiled upon hearing this and nodded.


    Ling¡¯er softly hummed, her voice like a drizzling rain, echoing in Xu Qing¡¯s ears. Like a clear spring, it flowed into his heart.


    ¡°The moonlight is faintly warm, flowing over the green vine fence from yesterday. The rain lines are not dry yet, breaking and then continuing, turning longing into a light¡­¡±


    ¡°Not speaking of eternal companionship in the next life, just saying that meeting again is fate.¡±


    ¡°No regrets in this lifetime. May the flowers bloom as a promise to stay by your side. In the next life, a glance back, a slight smile, even if thousands of years have passed¡­¡±


    Ling¡¯er¡¯s tender voice flowed in Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    Under the setting sun, he walked through the streets of the capital city, concealing his aura and blurring his traces. He passed through the crowds, the clamor, and entered into tranquility.


    The evening breeze swirled around him, as if it had heard the song, lifting his dark hair to sway with the melody.


    The rosy glow of twilight also arrived, casting its glow on the small white snake. In its faint shimmer, the silhouette of a young girl could be vaguely seen, blushing and softly singing.


    In the distance, in the Deputy Governor¡¯s residence, Old Master Seventh stood in a building and looked at the streets.


    He looked at Xu Qing with a smile.


    Marquis Yao¡¯s figure walked out of the void and stood beside him.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to be young.¡± Old Master Seventh sighed with emotion.


    Marquis Yao also cast his gaze on Xu Qing in the distance and smiled.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s good to be young.¡±


    ¡°So, my disciple saved your entire family and helped you clear your name. You better make sure to protect him well.¡±


    Old Master Seventh looked at Marquis Yao.


    ¡°If he hadn¡¯t stepped out, no one would have a chance to object at that time.¡±


    ¡°You still don¡¯t believe me.¡± Marquis Yao sighed softly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been pondering a question these days. On that day¡­ if I hadn¡¯t shouted those words, would you have appeared?¡± Old Master Seventh¡¯s gaze was deep as he stared at Marquis Yao.


    Marquis Yao looked at Xu Qing in the distance and pondered seriously. His mind recalled the scene half a month ago. After a long time, he spoke softly.


    ¡°I believe I would still have stepped forward.¡±


    Old Master Seventh didn¡¯t speak. His gaze landed on the setting sun in the sky. After a long time, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°How was your conversation with my disciple?¡±


    ¡°He gave me a name. I¡¯ll get someone to contact him as a check and balance against the Seventh Prince.¡± Marquis Yao¡¯s calm voice rang out.


    ¡°He hasn¡¯t returned the three provinces of our Fenghai County. Fenghai County lacks intimidating power.¡±


    At this point, Marquis Yao looked at Old Master Seventh.


    ¡°How are the puppets transformed from Brother Hengxin and Brother Rongyu¡¯s corpses?¡±


    Old Master Seventh shook his head.


    ¡°That¡¯s a new generation of god specimens. It¡¯s a little difficult to activate them, but I¡¯ve already thought of a way. I¡¯ll make a trip back to the Seven Blood Eyes in the near future to retrieve the research I left there.¡±


    ¡°In addition, we have to migrate the Seven Blood Eyes to the county capital.¡±


    Marquis Yao nodded. The migration of the Seven Blood Eyes was a matter of course. He didn¡¯t ask further and turned to leave.


    After Marquis Yao left, Old Master Seventh lowered his head and looked at his palm.


    In his palm, there was a rune formed by divine essence.


    This was a trinket he had studied previously. It only had one use and that was to test for lies.


    The principle was that the god was omniscient and omnipotent. Although it was only relative, with the help of this attribute, one could still determine if something was the truth or a lie to a certain extent.


    Under Old Master Seventh¡¯s gaze, the runes on his palm flickered.


    A long time later, Old Master Seventh nodded.


    ¡°He said it sincerely but he can¡¯t be trusted completely. After all, the human heart will change.¡±


    ¡°Since this Fenghai County belongs to Fourth, then¡­ it must be his.¡±


    A sharp glint appeared in Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes. After some thought, he took out a jade slip and transmitted his voice to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Fourth, I¡¯m going to make a trip to the Seven Blood Eyes in three days. It¡¯s been a long time since you went back. Come with me this time.¡±


    Old Master Seventh said with anticipation.


    ¡°To not return to one¡¯s hometown when wealthy is like walking through the night in embroidered clothes¡­¡±


    In the Sword Holding Palace, Xu Qing, who had just returned, was immersed in Ling¡¯er¡¯s singing. After a long time, he noticed the vibration of the voice transmission jade slip and heard his master¡¯s words.


    ¡°Ling¡¯er, do you want to return to the Seven Blood Eyes?¡± Xu Qing looked at Ling¡¯er.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m even from the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Intelligence Department,¡± the small white snake replied happily.


    Seeing Ling¡¯er¡¯s excited expression, many familiar figures in the Seven Blood Eyes appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. He also wanted to make a trip back to the Seven Blood Eyes to visit Lord Sixth¡¯s grave.


    There was also Captain Lei and Grandmaster Bai. It had been a long time since he went to pay his respects.


    Since he had chosen to head out, there was something Xu Qing planned to do.


    Hence, he took the jade slip and transmitted his voice to his master.

 Chapter 794 - 794 Last Nights Evening Breeze, Tonights Starry River (3)

    794 Last Night¡¯s Evening Breeze, Tonight¡¯s Starry River (3)


    ¡°Master, can we pass by the Smoke Race on our journey?¡±


    ¡°I have a grudge to settle with them.¡±


    Xu Qing held grudges, he always had, from childhood to now.


    Three days later, a great wing of the Seven Blood Eyes rose into the sky.


    Its black wings emitted a majestic aura. The fake mountains and buildings on it could accommodate 100,000 cultivators.


    Old Master Seventh stood in the tallest building in the great wing. Xu Qing was the only one beside him.


    But behind them, there were a thousand cultivators accompanying them, all of them battle-hardened warriors from the Sword Holding Palace, led by Daoist Sima. They were appointed by the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master, Li Yunshan, and Marquis Yao.


    These 1,000 people were Xu Qing¡¯s guards on this trip.


    This was protection for Xu Qing.


    As for Daoist Sima, other than his identity as a deacon, he also had another identity, which was a Dao Protector.


    He would be responsible for all of Xu Qing¡¯s safety in Fenghai County in the future.


    In the sky, other than the great wing, there was also a huge figure that was faintly discernible. It was Qingqin.


    Originally, it had no intention of following, but when Xu Qing informed it that it could have a meal, it suddenly became spirited and quickly arrived.


    It was a little impatient from waiting and let out a cackling sound.


    The sound resonated through the heavens, spreading in all directions, reaching countless common folk and cultivators in the county capital.


    Under everyone¡¯s gazes, Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed to Daoist Sima and his 1,000 comrades behind him. The great wing rumbled and whistled toward the sky.


    Under the clear sky spanning thousands of miles, a rainbow streaked across, creating ripples that scattered in all directions.


    The great wing¡¯s speed was already astonishing. After Qingqin flapped its wings to augment it, its speed surpassed lightning. In less than a day, they arrived at the edge of the county capital and saw the vast desert.


    The moment they flew in, the majestic aura from the great wing and Qingqin¡¯s hunger and ferocity formed a murderous aura, causing the sky here to become blurry. The wind and sand on the ground paused for a moment, and the heat seemed to have dissipated greatly amidst this murderous aura.


    Only killing intent rose in all directions with the great wing and Qingqin as the source.


    ¦Ñ¦Ánd¦Ásn¦Ïv¦Ål.c¦Ïm


    On the way, Daoist Sima and the 1,000 Sword Holders learned that the first stop on this trip was the location of a branch of the Smoke Race.


    To them, after experiencing the baptism on the battlefield and walking through mountains of corpses and seas of blood, massacre wouldn¡¯t cause much waves in their hearts.


    Hence, they were all very calm at this moment. However, the more this was the case, the more the killing intent from their bodies suppressed the surroundings.


    As the great wing whistled deeper, the hearts of the various races in the desert palpitated.


    Even the light monsters didn¡¯t dare to appear.


    The Smoke Race wasn¡¯t a large race. Their form was ethereal. Basically, their race existed wherever there was smoke.


    It was also this characteristic that caused the Smoke Race to have many branches.


    As for the matter of this race colluding with Illuminate, Xu Qing had informed Marquis Yao after the Deputy Governor¡¯s failure. Hence, the cleanup had already begun half a month ago.


    Despite their efforts to salvage the situation and resolve the conflict, it was in vain. The people of the human race, tormented by the upheaval caused by the Deputy Governor, needed an outlet for their emotions. Those associated with him would inevitably face retribution.


    Hence, the branches of the Smoke Race were suppressed one after another. Even if there were some who escaped, there weren¡¯t many.


    However, Xu Qing was the one who specially suggested a branch city of the Smoke Race.


    That was the place where he had teleported back from the Ten Guts Trees. He had sensed great danger and went to earnestly request for a teleportation, but he had been deliberately stalled.


    Xu Qing still remembered that when he was respectfully waiting outside that race¡¯s city, he had sensed the malice of the other party¡¯s race. The gazes of the clansmen in the city when they looked at Xu Qing from afar were also cold.


    It was also this delay that caused Xu Qing to be intercepted by Chu Tianqun at the edge of the desert. This led to a life-and-death battle and the battlefield was even a fragment of the Smoke Race¡¯s small world.


    If it wasn¡¯t for Ling¡¯er, Xu Qing would have died in that battle.


    In fact, after he walked out, there was even a huge figure from the Smoke Race staring at him.


    Xu Qing would always remember this grudge.


    At that moment, as the great wing whistled, Xu Qing looked at the desert. His eyes were cold, and as though it could sense Xu Qing¡¯s emotions, Qingqin let out an ear-piercing cry.


    Half a day later, the location of the Smoke Race in Xu Qing¡¯s memory was in sight.


    From afar, it was filled with smoke. An illusory city with no substance was faintly discernible in the smoke.


    To the Smoke Race who lived in the smoke, the ethereal smoke body was their main body, and the puppets stored in the small world were their parasitic combat items.


    In just half a month, the human race¡¯s sanctions caused the small world of the Smoke Race to collapse and more than half of it was destroyed. The remaining ones were also sealed. The Smoke Race was no match against the power of the human race.


    As for this place, it was also because of Xu Qing¡¯s suggestion that it was deliberately kept after it was sealed. The members of the Smoke Race inside suffered until now in fear and unease.


    Now, Xu Qing¡¯s arrival blew the horn of the destruction of this branch race.


    Qingqin was the first to rush over and let out an excited cackling sound. Purple-red light erupted and tore open the barrier. Three heads crawled in at the same time and sucked fiercely.


    A mournful cry spread in all directions and countless smoke surged into Qingqin¡¯s mouth. She devoured happily and let out an excited cry.


    With Daoist Sima¡¯s order, the thousand Sword Holders transformed into rainbows and killed their way into the Smoke Race.


    Xu Qing stood on the great wing and coldly looked at everything.


    He didn¡¯t have an overflowing heart of pity. From the moment this race colluded with Illuminate, this outcome was destined.

 Chapter 795 - 795 Last Nights Evening Breeze, Tonights Starry River (4)

    795 Last Night¡¯s Evening Breeze, Tonight¡¯s Starry River (4)


    Whether driven by self-interest or changing sides, those who chose to support Illuminate against the human race had to be prepared for the possibility of annihilation in the aftermath of their failure.


    An eye for an eye was the law of survival in this cruel world.


    This extermination didn¡¯t last long. After all, it was only a branch.


    Under the suppression of absolute power, there was no possibility of resistance.


    Four hours later, the smoke dissipated and ceased to exist.


    Qingqin felt a little unsatisfied and let out a cry at Xu Qing, as though it was asking if there was anything else to eat¡­


    Xu Qing thought about it and nodded.


    Qingqin was instantly excited. As it circled happily in the sky, the group continued on their way.


    On the way to the teleportation point, Xu Qing took out a bamboo slip from his storage bag and crossed out the Smoke Race name carved on it with an iron stick.


    At the side, Old Master Seventh glanced at the bamboo slip and saw Crown Prince Purple Green written at the top. He also saw that among the many names that had been crossed out toward the rear, there was one that hadn¡¯t been crossed out. It was very conspicuous.


    It was the word ¡®captain¡¯ and there were many question marks beside it.


    Old Master Seventh was caught between laughter and tears as he pointed.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the captain¡¯s name. He was about to cross it out when he paused for a moment.


    ¡°The ones who are crossed out are basically all dead. It¡¯s inauspicious.¡± Xu Qing explained to his master. After he kept the bamboo slip, he looked at the iron stick in his hand.


    The iron stick trembled slightly with a sign of respect.


    ¡°Master, that fish bone?¡± Xu Qing felt that the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and shadow couldn¡¯t keep up with his combat strength at all. Hence, he had the thought of changing his weapon.


    This thought was sensed by the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and the vibration of the iron stick intensified.


    The shadow also began to distort, emitting emotions of fear and begging for mercy.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with it but Ling¡¯er sensed it. She stuck her head out and looked at the shadow curiously.


    The shadow trembled and changed its strategy, trying to curry favor with Ling¡¯er.


    Hearing Xu Qing¡¯s words, Old Master Seventh smiled slightly. He had long sensed the messy things on his disciple¡¯s body. However, after finding out that Xu Qing even had a god¡¯s finger in his body, he was no longer surprised.


    ¡°I¡¯ve divided that fish bone into three parts and am refining them. Calculating the time, they should be ready in half a month.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s three fish bones are gone.¡±


    Old Master Seventh felt regretful. He had also asked about Xu Qing¡¯s teleportation during the battle at the platform. Xu Qing had told him everything.


    The shadow continued to curry favor with Ling¡¯er and even split into various shapes, causing Ling¡¯er to laugh happily. The great wing leaped across the desert and teleported from the nearest teleportation point, approaching the Yinghuang Province.


    Two days later.


    The white snow plains in the Yinghuang Province were reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    The wind here was even colder than in the county capital. There were also more snowflakes falling from the sky and sweeping up from the ground in an endless stream, blocking one¡¯s vision and blurring the surroundings.


    However, amidst the snowstorm, thousands of figures waiting here become even more distinct, their presence becoming clearer.


    The person in the lead was the Great Elder of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court.


    The moment the great wing got close, the Great Elder¡¯s expression was solemn. He cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°Welcome, Deputy Governor.¡±


    The thousands of people behind him also bowed.


    This was etiquette, and was necessary.


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s identity was no longer the sect master of the Seven Blood Eyes. He was a deputy governor now.


    In the crowd, other than the Sword Holders, there were also some sect cultivators.


    These sect cultivators were divided into two groups. One group wore black Daoist robes with blood patterns on them. They were from the Litu Sect.


    The other group wore golden robes that exuded a sense of luxury and seemed to carry a hint of immortality. They were from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    Regardless of whether they wore the blood-stained black robes or the transcendent golden ones, their expressions were filled with profound respect.


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression showed no emotions. It was as though with his age, he was already indifferent to all of this. The emotions and desires of returning to their hometown in glory for mortals wouldn¡¯t cause any waves to him.


    Xu Qing, who was at the side, noticed his master¡¯s expression and felt admiration in his heart. He felt that he was inferior to his master in this aspect because there were still waves in his heart.


    ¡°Master, Junior Brother¡­¡±


    From afar, a sigh rang out from the crowd of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. A figure wearing a Seven Blood Eyes Daoist robe and a tall hat with the character ¡®½û¡¯ on it walked out of the crowd quickly.


    Xu Qing immediately recognized that it was his third senior brother.


    However, the other party¡¯s appearance made him gasp.


    He was too skinny and his spirit was dispirited, as though his body had been hollowed out.


    Moreover, there were seven to eight young women following behind Third Senior Brother, and every one of them was carrying a baby in their arms.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened. Old Master Seventh was expressionless as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Ridiculous!¡±


    This voice was filled with coldness. Xu Qing immediately realized that his master was really angry.

 Chapter 796 - 796 Eyes Adorned With Flowers, Heart Set on the Stars (1)

    796 Eyes Adorned With Flowers, Heart Set on the Stars (1)


    Third Senior Brother quickly took a few steps forward and surpassed the crowd. Under the strange expressions of the cultivators in the county capital, he leaped onto the great wing and knelt in front of Old Master Seventh.


    ¡°Master, back then, you said that it would be difficult for me to cross the love barrier, so you made disciple wear ¡®½û[1]¡¯ hat. Today, the disciple¡¯s heart has passed the love barrier, and I earnestly request to return.¡±


    Third Senior Brother¡¯s voice carried a touch of melancholy and a hint of softness. After speaking, he smiled at Xu Qing, but in this state, his smile was rather unattractive and lacked the elegance he had in the past.


    At the same time, the female disciples of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect who were carrying the children also instinctively followed. However, they were stopped in front of the great wing by the gazes of the Sword Holders.


    ¡°There are only eight of them. It¡¯s not enough. You can return to the sect after you reach 99.¡±


    Old Master Seventh calmly spoke. With a flick of his sleeve, Third Senior Brother¡¯s figure rolled back and was chased out of the great wing.


    In the air, Third Senior Brother sighed and knelt down in front of the great wing in front of everyone.


    Under the control of Old Master Seventh, the great wing flew forward.


    As for the Great Elder of the Sword Holding Court, as well as the ancestors of the Litu Sect and the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, they were invited up.


    On the balcony of the main building, they reported the situation of their sects to Old Master Seventh, while the Great Elder of the Sword Holding Court also presented a report on the restoration of the Yinghuang Province in the past half a month.


    During their discussion, Xu Qing kept standing at the side. He looked at his third senior brother, who was getting further and further away from the great wing, many times.


    Third Senior Brother continued to kneel there. The Dao companions behind him also knelt down.


    As for the two ancestors from the two sects who reported to Old Master Seventh, they were also secretly observing Xu Qing. They were very clear about Xu Qing¡¯s identity in Fenghai County.


    ¡°Deputy Governor, 70% of the repair and rebuilding of the Yinghuang Region has been completed. It¡¯s estimated that everything will be completed in half a month or so. Also, the half of the god specimen you ordered earlier has also been prepared.¡±


    After the Great Elder finished speaking, he bowed respectfully. After that, he looked at Xu Qing and smiled.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was respectful. He had always respected this Great Elder.


    Old Master Seventh gave a few more instructions before the Great Elder and the Litu Sect¡¯s ancestor left respectfully.


    Only the ancestor of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, who was also Daoist Sima¡¯s junior brother, stood there hesitantly. He instinctively turned his head and looked at his senior brother outside the building.


    Daoist Sima was expressionless.


    The ancestor of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect smiled bitterly and cupped his fists at Old Master Seventh.


    ¡°Deputy Governor, the third highness¡­¡±


    ¡°That is a matter for your Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. I asked to give him back from your sect, but didn¡¯t you tell me at that time that he had committed a major mistake and it warrants punishment?¡±


    Old Master Seventh calmly spoke.


    ¡°Although I¡¯m the Deputy Governor, I can¡¯t play favorites and bully others with my power. Since Third is in the wrong, eight Dao companions aren¡¯t enough punishment. 99 should be a good lesson for him.¡±


    When the ancestor of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect heard this, he felt bitter in his heart. He knew that his actions back then had caused the other party to be dissatisfied. Today, he had no choice but to let the third highness come. After all, his master had become the Deputy Governor. If the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect was still stubborn, there would definitely be a calamity.


    Hence, he had no choice but to feed the other party a lot of tonics in advance. However, it was still difficult to hide the fact that he had been hollowed out.


    He could only bite the bullet and speak.


    ¡°Deputy Governor, our Grand Affairs Immortal Sect doesn¡¯t have that many holy maidens¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s your business. Remember, the punishment for Third must be the identity and bloodline of the holy maidens. You may leave.¡±


    Old Master Seventh was expressionless.


    The ancestor of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect wanted to say something else, but when he saw the cold glint in Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes, he sighed inwardly. He couldn¡¯t help but feel a little emotional and disbelief.


    He really didn¡¯t expect that the sect master of a small sect whom he originally didn¡¯t care about would become the deputy governor overnight. Moreover, his cultivation level was hidden so deeply.


    He understood that this matter had to be resolved. Otherwise, the future of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect in Fenghai County would be extremely challenging.


    The ancestor of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect was anxious but he could only leave. When he walked to his senior brother, Daoist Sima, outside the building, he tried to say something.


    ¡°Don¡¯t covet other people¡¯s things. Go and repay what you should repay.¡±


    Daoist Sima calmly spoke.


    The ancestor of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect fell silent for a few breaths, appearing somewhat aged and desolate, before leaving the great wing.


    In the building, as the great wing flew toward the Eight Sects Alliance, Old Master Seventh stood there without saying a word.


    After about fifteen minutes, Xu Qing hesitated and spoke softly.


    ¡°Master, about Third Senior Brother¡­¡±


    ¡°Ignore him!¡± Old Master Seventh snorted coldly.


    ¡°Third¡¯s thoughts have always been profound, driven by self-interest, and he excels at concealing his emotions. He¡¯s patient and temperamental.¡±


    ¡°Why do you think he provoked the holy maiden of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect and why did he stage the runaway marriage? Does he not know that once the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect finds out about his identity, they will definitely capture him?¡±


    ¡°His goal is to make the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect take the initiative to capture him and bring him back in the way he wants.¡±


    Old Master Seventh spoke meaningfully, not only to Xu Qing but also to Daoist Sima outside the pavilion.


    Daoist Sima fell silent.


    Xu Qing fell silent. His master¡¯s words revealed a key piece of information, and that was¡­ Third Senior Brother¡¯s identity.


    Seeing Xu Qing¡¯s doubts, Old Master Seventh calmly spoke.


    ¡°There was originally nothing special about the Yinghuang Province. It was only when the Ghost Emperor passed away 10,000 years ago and his body nourished the entire province that the Yinghuang Province became different.¡±


    ¡°Among them, the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect has the most orthodoxies and is good at domains. That¡¯s why it leaped from an inconspicuous small sect back then to the number one sect in the Yinghuang Province now.¡±


    [1] Forbid/Restrict.

 Chapter 797 - 797 Eyes Adorned With Flowers, Heart Set on the Stars (2)

    797 Eyes Adorned With Flowers, Heart Set on the Stars (2)


    ¡°Because, in the year when the Ghost Emperor passed away, a baby was born within the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. He was born from the convergence of the Ghost Emperor¡¯s bloodline with the heavens and earth. After that, he led the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect to rise all the way, and though he eventually fell, he left behind his bloodline.¡±


    ¡°This bloodline is considered the descendant of the Ghost Emperor and the leader of every generation of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.¡±


    ¡°However, with each generation, the bloodline became thinner and thinner until it lost its prominence. But occasionally, individuals with a strong bloodline still emerge. Your Third Senior Brother is the only one from the current generation who possesses the bloodline of the Ghost Emperor.¡±


    ¡°Third was born 30 years ago. As his bloodline became denser, when he was in his teens, someone from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect wanted to refine him into a treasure. However, with the help of his supporters, he escaped and became my disciple.¡±


    ¡°However, his desire for revenge is intense and he couldn¡¯t wait that long. Hence, he used many years of planning and preparation to return to the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not afraid of death. Although he appears to be a member of the human race, he¡¯s not truly one. His bloodline talent allows him to revive on any descendant after death, though it¡¯s difficult for his consciousness to fully awaken. That¡¯s why your Third Senior Brother indulged himself in the Forbidden Sea for years, producing numerous offspring. I suspect that even he might not be aware of the exact number.¡±


    ¡°He aims to give all his ancestors a chance at revival, using this to accumulate power to eventually overthrow the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. Perhaps one day, even some ancestor might revive on him. The ½û mark on him was formed for this purpose, but my cultivation is limited, and whether it can help him suppress those ancestors is unknown.¡±


    ¡°The Grand Affairs Immortal Sect knows all of this but they still kept sending Dao companions to him under house arrest, probably having found other methods of refining bloodlines and turning the situation around. However, ultimately, this is an act of betrayal and deceit. If he wasn¡¯t my disciple, I might not bother, but since he is, the situation is different.¡±


    ¡°The method of reconciliation needs to be considered by the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect itself. However, one thing is clear: my disciple has kowtowed to me. Therefore, I will protect him. Anyone who dares to harm him, I will annihilate their entire sect and clan.¡±


    Old Master Seventh calmly spoke. When Xu Qing heard this, his heart trembled. Third Senior Brother¡¯s talent was similar to the parasitic life forms of the Bizarre Fiend Race but it was even more evil.


    Daoist Sima, who was outside the building, wasn¡¯t surprised by this. As the previous ancestor of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, he naturally knew many things. Hence, after a long silence, he turned his head and bowed to the building.


    ¡°Deputy Governor, this is my junior brother¡¯s fault. I will make him give a satisfactory explanation.¡±


    Old Master Seventh didn¡¯t speak.


    Xu Qing fell silent. From his standpoint, it wasn¡¯t good for him to say much about this.


    Just like that, the great wing whistled and crossed the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain a day later. It followed the tributary of the Immortal Enrichment River and approached the Forbidden Sea until the Eight Sects Alliance appeared in front of it.


    The bell rang twenty one times, shaking the sky. This was the highest etiquette, representing the lofty respect of the Eight Sects Alliance.


    As the bell rang, the Alliance Leader of the Eight Sects Alliance and the ancestors of the various sects welcomed them outside the sect.


    Xue Lianzi and Zi Xuan were among them.


    Xue Lianzi¡¯s expression was filled with smugness and Zi Xuan¡¯s face was filled with gentleness.


    Most of the other sect¡¯s ancestors had similar expressions. Only the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect¡¯s ancestor had a desolate expression.


    As for the Alliance Leader of the eight sects, his expression was gentle and one couldn¡¯t tell if he was happy or angry at all. Only the instant the great wing appeared did he show a moment of trance and complexity. However, he quickly returned to normal and bowed respectfully to the great wing.


    The others all bent down.


    The Eighth Sects¡¯ main city was decorated with lanterns and streamers. Countless disciples looked at the sky with excitement and anticipation. The Seven Blood Eyes disciples among them looked extremely proud and in high spirits.


    ¡°Welcome, Deputy Governor and Edict Bearer Xu.¡±


    When the voices of the eight sects spread through the sky, Xue Lianzi¡¯s laughter was very obvious.


    Putting aside the matter of the third disciple, Old Master Seventh smiled and walked out of the great wing with Xu Qing, heading towards the Eight Sects Alliance.


    Looking at the familiar faces in front of him, especially when he saw Zi Xuan, Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred slightly. He thought of the lantern in the Immortal Forbidden.


    Zi Xuan was also looking at Xu Qing. Seeing that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t acting as usual, the smile on her face became even gentler.


    As they got closer, Old Master Seventh first brought Xu Qing to greet Xue Lianzi.


    Xue Lianzi¡¯s face was flushed red, as though this moment was the highlight of his life. His laughter was so loud that it spread in all directions.


    After that, it was Old Master Seventh exchanging greetings with everyone.


    This time, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t leave. His identity was no longer that of a Dao Child. As the future county governor, he had to be with Old Master Seventh because this would be a situation he would often face in Fenghai County in the future.


    Just like that, the welcoming ceremony lasted for more than two hours and came to an end. Under the respectful gaze of the Eight Sects Alliance Leader, Old Master Seventh and Xu Qing left and followed Xue Lianzi back to the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ territory.


    The 1,000 Sword Holders from the county capital stayed guard over the sect.


    Qingqin lay in the clouds in the sky and looked at the Nanhuang Continent.


    ¡°Should I go and see Big Brother?¡±


    On the ground, Zi Xuan looked at Xu Qing and the others who had left. She knew that they had many things to do, and it was inappropriate for her to go over now.


    She was about to return to the Mystic Nether Sect in a good mood when her gaze swept past the Alliance Leader at the side. She saw the complexity in his eyes and chuckled before turning into a rainbow and leaving.


    Although she didn¡¯t say a word, this light laughter revealed all the meaning.


    The Alliance Leader fell silent as her laughter echoed in his mind. It was very ear-piercing, causing the complicated feelings he suppressed to surge again.


    A long time later, he closed his eyes. When he opened them again, they had resumed their gentleness.

 Chapter 798 - 798 Eyes Adorned With Flowers, Heart Set on the Stars (3)

    798 Eyes Adorned With Flowers, Heart Set on the Stars (3)


    He had to maintain this persona.


    After all, he had never revealed any direct malice toward Xu Qing and the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Hence, maintaining gentleness was his basic plan.


    This was also a manifestation of human nature.


    In truth, much of the evil in this world resided within the heart. How long it could stay hidden depended on the external circumstances that provided opportunities for release.


    Some individuals could conceal their darkness for years, while others might manage to conceal it for a lifetime, perhaps even until death.


    It was just uncertain how long this Alliance Leader could keep his hidden intentions concealed.


    At that moment, in the Seven Blood Eyes, Xu Qing was pouring tea for the ancestor, Xue Lianzi.


    Xue Lianzi¡¯s injuries hadn¡¯t completely recovered. The emotional fluctuations today caused his face to be flushed red from joy. Although he would occasionally cough, it had been a long time since he was so excited.


    ¡°Good, good, good!¡±


    Faced with Xu Qing pouring the tea, Xue Lianzi laughed loudly and took it. He finished it in one gulp, leaving not a drop behind. His eyes revealed dense relief and admiration as he spoke loudly.


    ¡°Little Seven, you¡¯ve taken in a good disciple. If it wasn¡¯t for your disciple, you wouldn¡¯t have been able to become the deputy governor. You¡¯re borrowing the light of your disciple.¡±


    Old Master Seventh stood at the side and was proud when he heard this.


    ¡°So, I advise you to quickly expel the others from your apprenticeship. Just Fourth and Second are enough.¡±


    ¡°The useless Eldest and Third are an eyesore.¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head and didn¡¯t speak. He had heard these words from Xue Lianzi several times.


    ¡°Ancestor, what you said makes sense. I¡¯ll think about it later.¡± Old Master Seventh nodded and smiled.


    ¡°Ancestor, about what I told you earlier?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t go, but I support you in moving the Seven Blood Eyes to the county capital.¡± Xue Lianzi put down his teacup and looked at Old Master Seventh with a rueful expression.


    ¡°It¡¯s not easy for the Seven Blood Eyes to develop to this point, , but over the years, I¡¯ve witnessed both peaks and declines. There are many things we have to plan ahead and be vigilant about .¡±


    ¡°The Nanhuang Continent is our first foundation. With your second disciple around, I¡¯m relieved.¡±


    ¡°However, we can¡¯t leave the Yinghuang Province unguarded. This is the second foundation of our Seven Blood Eyes and also a layer of protection.¡±


    ¡°The county capital is the third foundation you and your disciple went to establish.¡±


    ¡°This way, if anything happens in the future, the Yinghuang Province will be your retreat path and the Nanhuang Continent will also be your retreat path.¡±


    ¡°Only then can we protect the foundation of my Seven Blood Eyes and allow it to exist forever.¡±


    Xue Lianzi¡¯s gaze was deep. His age and experience allowed him to view problems with stability as the first element.


    Old Master Seventh both agreed and disagreed with this.


    Seeing that the two elders were about to continue discussing, Xu Qing stood up and bade farewell. After he left the hall, he walked through the familiar sect territory and encountered some fellow disciples from the past.


    Everyone who saw him would excitedly cup their fists in greeting from afar.


    Looking at these, Xu Qing turned his head and looked behind him.


    1000 feet behind him, the little mute was standing there, staring fixedly at Xu Qing. Just like before, every time Xu Qing returned, he would appear and silently guard him.


    Xu Qing nodded and walked toward Lord Sixth¡¯s grave. He arrived very soon. Looking at Lord Sixth¡¯s tombstone, Lord Sixth¡¯s voice and appearance appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    A long time later, he took out a flask of wine and poured it on the soil.


    ¡°Lord Sixth, Night Dove is dead.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke softly.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that his head was smashed into pieces and I couldn¡¯t bring it back.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll definitely take good care of Purple Green¡¯s head and try to bring it back intact.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. He stayed in front of Lord Sixth¡¯s grave for a long time. The little white snake also crawled out of his sleeve and climbed onto Xu Qing¡¯s neck. It gently stroked Xu Qing¡¯s cheek, as though it was comforting him.


    When dusk arrived, Xu Qing stood up and bowed before leaving.


    Walking on the mountain steps of the sect, he saw a familiar face.


    It was a woman in her twenties. She wore an orange-yellow Daoist robe and had a beautiful appearance. Her body emitted waves of pill fragrance. However, her expression was a little desolate, as though many emotions were piled up in her heart and couldn¡¯t dissipate.


    After seeing Xu Qing, she clearly felt a little uneasy.


    ¡°Senior¡­ Senior Brother Xu Qing.¡±


    ¡°Junior Sister Gu, long time no see.¡± Xu Qing smiled calmly.


    This woman was Gu Muqing.


    Upon hearing Xu Qing¡¯s voice, Gu Muqing was a little dazed, as though she didn¡¯t know what to say.


    Seeing the other party standing there foolishly, Xu Qing was a little surprised. After waiting for a while, he chose to leave.


    After Xu Qing had walked far away, Gu Muqing lowered her head. There were some things she didn¡¯t have the courage to say in the end.


    In the distance, Ling¡¯er crawled out of Xu Qing¡¯s collar and looked at Gu Muqing¡¯s figure with curiosity in her eyes.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, I feel that that young miss seemed to be very nervous just now and wanted to say something. What¡¯s wrong with her? Should we go and ask?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be a big deal. I¡¯ll ask Master later.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes. If there¡¯s really trouble, Brother Xu Qing, we can help.¡±


    Ling¡¯er nodded.


    Xu Qing had experienced Ling¡¯er¡¯s warm-heartedness during this period of time. Hence, he smiled and agreed. He walked further and further away and left the sect.


    When Xu Qing¡¯s figure completely disappeared, a sigh rang out from beside Gu Muqing. Her master walked out and silently hugged Gu Muqing.


    ¡°Master.¡±


    Looking at her master who was like a mother, Gu Muqing¡¯s eyes turned red.


    ¡°Silly girl, you still have a chance. Work hard!¡± Gu Muqing¡¯s master looked at her disciple and could only comfort her.

 Chapter 799 - 799 Eyes Adorned With Flowers, Heart Set on the Stars (4)

    799 Eyes Adorned With Flowers, Heart Set on the Stars (4)


    Gu Muqing nodded her head vigorously with determination in her eyes.


    Xu Qing, who had left the sect, took out the voice transmission jade slip and transmitted his voice to Zhang San.


    Zhang San had been waiting for a long time. The instant Xu Qing transmitted his voice, a message instantly returned.


    ¡°Haha, Xu Qing, I¡¯m at the port.¡±


    A smile appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s face. He put away the jade slip and headed straight for the port. Very soon, he saw Zhang San there.


    It had been two years since they last met, and Zhang San¡¯s cultivation had already reached three life fires. He had also gained a bit of weight compared to before, clearly living a comfortable life. He even had a few junior female disciples from the Second Peak by his side.


    It was unknown how he handled it, but their relationship seemed to be very harmonious.


    Seeing that Xu Qing had arrived, Zhang San was in high spirits. He went up and hugged Xu Qing tightly, laughing loudly.


    The smugness in his heart could no longer be described with words. During this period of time, Zhang San was smiling even when he was meditating. He felt that his investment back then had increased countless times.


    Who would have thought that a member of a small Homicide Department in the Nanhuang Continent would actually become a big shot in Fenghai County, the future county governor?


    He could even envision, from this moment onward, that his influence in Fenghai County would be as vast as the sky.


    Xu Qing could sense Zhang San¡¯s excitement and also began to smile. Returning to the Seven Blood Eyes, seeing an old friend, made him feel at ease. The exhaustion brought about by the experiences in the county capital before had also dissipated considerably.


    He took out his magic warship and handed it to Zhang San.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang, I¡¯ll have to trouble you to help me upgrade the magic warship.¡±


    After experiencing the first heavenly tribulation, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation had officially advanced to the Nascent Soul realm. At this point, the magic warship was somewhat inadequate for him. What he needed was a spirit liner that was more powerful, faster, and superior in all aspects.


    Boat, ship, warship, liner.


    These were the four levels of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ magic boat system. Above the liner were great wings like Old Master Seventh¡¯s.


    However, Old Master Seventh¡¯s great wing was of a much higher level.


    ¡°No problem. Although my cultivation level isn¡¯t high enough, we have money now. I¡¯ll invite a few elders of the Sixth Peak over and direct them into refining a peerless liner for you!¡±


    ¡°As for your magic warship, it¡¯s meaningless now. It¡¯s better to build a new one than upgrade it.¡±


    Zhang San didn¡¯t accept the magic warship and patted his chest.


    Xu Qing kept the magic warship and thanked him with a smile.


    ¡°By the way, Xu Qing, the dividends from the port over these years have been with Ding Xue. She¡¯s been keeping them for you. That girl, every time she never trusts me. Every single spirit coin has to be checked, and if even one is missing, she gets all anxious with me.¡±


    As Zhang San spoke, he shook his head and exchanged a few more pleasantries with Xu Qing. As the sky gradually darkened, Xu Qing bade farewell.


    Zhang San focused on the construction of the spirit liner. Even when night fell, he continued to make the blueprint.


    Under the night sky, Xu Qing walked in the port area and looked at the waves on the surface of the sea. The sound of waves rang out in his ears and the scenes of his life in the Seven Blood Eyes appeared in his mind.


    After a long time, he put down the magic warship at his berth and walked up.


    The seawater undulated and the magic warship swayed slightly. This familiar feeling made Xu Qing feel unprecedented peace.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, I sense that you seem to have the intention of parting ways. Are you planning to go to the Imperial Academy?¡± Ling¡¯er emerged from Xu Qing¡¯s collar, asking curiously.


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    His master¡¯s words made him understand that with his current cultivation, there was not much meaning in going to the Imperial Capital¡¯s Imperial Academy.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking about Eldest Senior Brother. I wonder how his investigation into the Moon Worship Region is going,¡± Xu Qing said softly.


    ¡°The Moon Worship Region? Brother Xu Qing, in any case, Ling¡¯er will follow you wherever you go. After I transform, I¡¯ll be quite powerful, you know.¡±


    Ling¡¯er said innocently.


    Upon hearing this, Xu Qing chuckled. Ling¡¯er¡¯s presence added a bit of companionship to his usually solitary days.


    Just as he was about to speak, his divine consciousness sensed that someone from outside had arrived. Hence, he looked outside.


    After more than ten breaths, Ding Xue¡¯s melodious voice rang out from outside the magic warship.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, are you there?¡±

 Chapter 800 - 800 Three Women, One Snake, One Man (1)

    800 Three Women, One Snake, One Man (1)


    The voice, delicate yet full of charm, like the patter of raindrops, drifted into the magic warship and reached Xu Qing¡¯s ears, also catching Ling¡¯er¡¯s attention.


    Ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes widened as she looked outside suspiciously.


    Xu Qing remained unfazed, and with a casual gesture, he dispelled the protective barrier of the warship. At the moment when the barrier dissipated, Ding Xue¡¯s figure emerged, stepping gracefully through the moonlit hues.


    The person who appeared before Xu Qing¡¯s eyes had shoulder-length hair, dressed in a purple robe that draped down. Her hair was tied up with a golden ribbon, which shimmered under the moonlight. The ancient bronze sword she carried on her back added an aura of heroism.


    Yet, she wasn¡¯t lacking in charm. Her eyes were both playful and seductive, with a smile that carried emotions. The corners of her petite mouth lifted slightly, her red lips slightly parted, exuding an inviting allure that seemed to beckon for a tender kiss.


    Coupled with her youth, Ding Xue, who had arrived, actually transformed into a woman exuding subtle seductiveness after not seeing her for two years.


    As the moonlight played upon this delicate figure that perpetually enticed and stirred the senses of the opposite sex, it seemed to blush in its own right, its radiance carrying a shy grace as it flowed.


    Xu Qing was also a little surprised. He instinctively looked at the shore further away.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that, Brother Xu Qing?¡± Ding Xue¡¯s cheeks turned slightly red as she stepped into the cabin.


    ¡°I¡¯m not looking at you. I¡¯m looking for Zhao Zhongheng,¡± Xu Qing said honestly.


    Ding Xue¡¯s ample bosom heaved slightly, indicating that Xu Qing¡¯s somewhat clueless remark carried a considerable impact. However, for Ding Xue, such words held little significance.


    Difficulties, weren¡¯t they just meant to be overcome?


    As her beautiful eyes flickered, she walked in front of Xu Qing. Looking at the face in front of her that made one yearn for it, Ding Xue¡¯s heart skipped a beat and she couldn¡¯t help but gulp.


    While she made a conscious effort to restrain herself, deep down, she still felt regret about her failure to win Xu Qing over during their encounter on the Merfolk Island back then.


    ¡®It¡¯s all Zhao Zhongheng¡¯s fault. Hmph, but it doesn¡¯t matter. Where there¡¯s a will, there¡¯s a way!¡¯


    Ding Xue cheered herself on. She then took out a stack of spirit tickets and placed them in front of Xu Qing. In the process, she intentionally revealed her snow-white jade arm.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, this is the profit of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Port 176 in the past two years. No matter how shrewd Zhang San is, he can¡¯t compare to my meticulousness. Not a single spirit coin less.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. Previously, when he was with Senior Brother Zhang San, he already knew that Ding Xue had been helping him collect benefits for the past two years. Xu Qing was very grateful for Ding Xue¡¯s kindness.


    Especially when he recalled those times when he was at his poorest, the respect Ding Xue had shown for knowledge by offering those spirit stones. This made Xu Qing harbor a favorable impression of Ding Xue.


    Hence, he smiled and took the spirit tickets. He took out a small portion and handed them to Ding Xue.


    ¡°These are for you.¡±


    Ding Xue blinked, not immediately reaching for the spirit tickets. Instead, she played with the edge of her clothing, a look of hesitation on her face. After a few breaths, she felt the timing was about right in her heart. From her storage bag, she took out an immaculate white bottle and placed it aside.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, this is the osmanthus lotus seed soup I personally brewed. I plan to send it to Aunt and Uncle. You can help me taste it first.¡±


    Xu Qing hesitated but there was no reason to refuse. Hence, he took it and frowned slightly after taking a sip.


    ¡°A little sweet.¡±


    Ding Xue¡¯s small face flushed red as she said shyly.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, you¡­ I know.¡±


    Xu Qing felt that this sentence was a little strange. Just as he was about to speak, Ding Xue had already stood up with a red face.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, I¡¯ll leave first. You just returned and have to rest well. I¡¯ll look for you tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Also, thank you for the allowance.¡±


    Ding Xue picked up the spirit tickets at the side and her face turned even redder. She quickly ran out. After leaving the magic warship, she revealed a smug expression on the shore.


    ¡°As expected, the methods Aunt taught me are effective. Positioning myself as a butler indeed works. But to win over Brother Xu Qing, I can¡¯t rush it. I need to be patient and work quietly, gently smoothing things over. Only this way can I lower his guard, and then, unknowingly, he¡¯ll be melted by me.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, I shouldn¡¯t be too proactive. I need to present myself as the prey, just like Aunt said. She used this approach to win over Uncle back in the day.¡±


    When Ding Xue thought of this, she began to list out her plan. It was very meticulous¡­


    In the cabin, Xu Qing frowned. Ding Xue¡¯s words earlier were a little ambiguous.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing.¡± Ling¡¯er crawled out of Xu Qing¡¯s collar and her tone was serious.


    ¡°You have to be careful of her. Earlier, I sensed that the way she looked at you was filled with aggression. She seems to have a very strong motive. I heard from my father that there are many people who are good at possession. Her gaze has this meaning. Brother Xu Qing, she¡¯s a bad person.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Xu Qing¡¯s first instinct was caution, but he then found it somewhat unlikely. Nevertheless, he couldn¡¯t help but become a bit more guarded in his heart.


    Seeing that Xu Qing still agreed with her, Ling¡¯er was very happy.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, I¡¯m amazing. I can especially observe the details of other people¡¯s expressions. With me around, I¡¯ll definitely help you distinguish who the bad guys are.¡±


    Xu Qing smiled and was about to meditate. However, he quickly lifted his head and looked outside.


    Not long later, the voice of an excited woman with a trembling voice rang out from outside the boat.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, you¡¯re finally back¡­¡±


    Outside the warship, a girl dressed in black stood there, holding a large clay jar in her hands, which was slung over her shoulder.


    That jar was much larger than her skinny body and looked very incongruous.


    But it was precisely because of this that it highlighted her uniqueness even more ¨C her fair complexion, delicate willow-leaf eyebrows, and eyes that, while not large, seemed to reveal her inner world entirely.

 Chapter 801 - 801 Three Women, One Snake, One Man (2)

    801 Three Women, One Snake, One Man (2)


    Inside, there was an abundance of infatuation, fervor, and a kind of pathological attachment.


    From her bare arms, countless blood streaks could be seen ¨C marks from self-inflicted scratches.


    Apart from this, her dainty nose and mouth stood out prominently on her charming face. Her hair tied up in a ponytail added a touch of delicacy.


    The graceful appearance, the entranced gaze, the scars on her arms ¨C all of these combined to create an incredibly unique presence.


    Yanyan.


    She leaped up and was about to collide with the magic warship¡¯s barrier. Xu Qing¡¯s magic warship possessed the power of a Golden Core; considering Yanyan¡¯s cultivation at the perfected Foundation Building realm, she would definitely suffer a severe backlash.


    But she didn¡¯t care at all.


    Xu Qing understood Yanyan¡¯s mentality. Hence, he dispersed the protective barrier and allowed Yanyan to enter.


    The moment she stepped on the deck, Yanyan¡¯s expression revealed a hint of regret. She seemed to be prepared to be heavily injured and was also filled with anticipation, so she felt a little uncomfortable when she came out unscathed.


    However, at the thought of what was to come next, she trembled with excitement once again. She swiftly entered the cabin, slamming the clay jar down beside her. With a wave of her hand, an entire set of restraints appeared with a clattering sound.


    There were needles, knives, pincers, saws¡­


    It was even more comprehensive than two years ago. In fact, many of them even were stained black with old blood.


    This set of torture tools had clearly been used many times. It was tainted with vengeful spirits and baleful aura that filled the entire cabin.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, let¡¯s¡­ let¡¯s begin.¡±


    Yanyan¡¯s nostrils flared, her breathing quickened. She raised her hand and slapped the clay jar.


    As the jar shattered, wisps of smoke rose from it. They were the Smoke Race.


    Although the humans had punished the Smoke Race after the calamity brought by the Deputy Governor, there were still some who sensed it in advance and escaped, or they were out and didn¡¯t return.


    There were experts and ordinary people among them.


    The ones who appeared from the jar were the latter. Although there were quite a lot of them, most of them emitted the fluctuations of Foundation Building cultivators. There were some Golden Cores, but they were in an extremely weakened state.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, my grandmother brought me to catch them. It¡¯s a pity that we didn¡¯t find the big ones. There are only these fish and prawns but they¡¯re enough for us to play with.¡±


    ¡°After you were gone, it was boring for me to play alone.¡±


    Yanyan¡¯s eyes were filled with excitement and anticipation. She raised her hand and grabbed. Immediately, a figure of the Smoke Race was hooked over by her and floated in her palm while struggling. A large number of knives flew over from the side and circled the surroundings at high speed, forming a mini vortex of knives.


    Other than the smoke being torn apart, no screams rang out.


    This was because no matter how much the Smoke Race members were torn, they would instantly fuse together again. This way, the pain of tearing wouldn¡¯t last and it would be very difficult for them to cry out in pain.


    Although that was the case, Yanyan was still mesmerized by the sight of the Smoke Race¡¯s body being torn apart. As her body trembled increasingly, she couldn¡¯t help but look at Xu Qing.


    Just as she was about to speak, she discovered that Xu Qing¡¯s expression seemed to be indifferent. This caused her to involuntarily be stunned for a moment before she hesitantly spoke.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, don¡¯t you like this anymore?¡±


    As she spoke, Yanyan¡¯s eyes revealed trepidation. Even the aura on her body began to dissipate and become chaotic. Her expression was nervous and contained despair.


    She cared a lot about Xu Qing¡¯s answer and this answer could also affect her inner world.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He could tell that something was wrong with Yanyan.


    Two years ago, although the other party was abnormal, she was far from being as crazy as she was now. The scratches on her arms were filled with new and old injuries. One could imagine that her entire body was filled with injuries.


    The suffocation in the depths of her eyes was like the instinctive cry for help of a drowning person before they died.


    Her illness had become even more serious.


    Whether it was torturing others or torturing herself, only in the pinnacle of pain and distortion could she breathe freely, finding a sense of enjoyment.


    A deep glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes when an aged voice that outsiders couldn¡¯t hear rang out in his ears.


    ¡®Xu Qing, please help this old woman¡¯s only granddaughter¡­ Due to her body having no anomalous substances, she has been plagued by inner demons since childhood, and her personality has grown increasingly cruel and violent. Though I often purify her, the malevolent thoughts entwined with her nature are impossible to eradicate.¡¯


    ¡®Especially after her failed attempt to advance to the Golden Core stage, her mental state was on the brink of collapse. While I am able to protect her physical body, the turmoil within her heart has reached its limit. If it¡¯s not torturing others, it¡¯s torturing herself, and she has become even more reclusive. I can do nothing else; she only acknowledges you.¡¯


    It was the voice of Yanyan¡¯s grandmother, Esteemed Master Dongyou, filled with a bitter tone.


    Xu Qing fell silent, gazing at Yanyan. He also noticed the despair in her eyes and the weakening of her aura. It seemed as though her mind was riddled with wounds, shrouded in a heavy buildup of suppressed emotions.


    ¡°Childish!¡± Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    Yanyan lifted her head and looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He lifted his right hand and grabbed. Immediately, a wisp of smoke from the Smoke Race flew over. The moment it appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s palm, cold air spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s body and gathered over. In an instant, under cracking sounds, an ice block was formed, freezing the smoke inside.


    Xu Qing waved his hand and the needles in the torture set instantly flew over. Under the enhancement of Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation, they pierced through the ice and into the body of the Smoke Race member who was frozen and couldn¡¯t move.


    Screams immediately rang out from the ice cube. As the knives arrived, they pierced into the ice block one by one, cutting through the sealed Smoke Race member.


    Due to being frozen, the severed portions of the Smoke Race member couldn¡¯t reunite. Soon, the ice block split into dozens of fragments. Xu Qing placed each fragment on the ground, arranging them into ¡®´ó¡¯ shape, with a gap between each one.


    The torment of being able to perceive and see, yet unable to touch, restore, or reform¡ªthis agony encompassed not only the physical body but also the anguish of the spirit.

 Chapter 802 - 802 Three Women, One Snake, One Man (3)

    802 Three Women, One Snake, One Man (3)


    The screams became even more heart-rending.


    Intense light emanated from Yanyan¡¯s eyes, her breath quickened again, and her body trembled with a renewed sense of excitement.


    Xu Qing paid no attention and tossed the ice fragments to Yanyan. Once again, he reached out and the second wisp of Smoke Race arrived. This time, Xu Qing didn¡¯t use ice; instead, he used poison.


    The poison dispersed and rapidly merged with the smoke. The poison not only affected its body but also corroded its soul.


    Hence, the tragic wails rang throughout the cabin even more intensely.


    Yanyan¡¯s excitement soared further. Those tragic cries were like the most beautiful melody in her ears.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Xu Qing coldly spoke.


    ¡°Tear off a piece of your cloth for me.¡±


    Yanyan was extremely obedient. She immediately tore off a large piece of clothes on her body. Because she used too much strength, it revealed her skin that was covered in scars.


    However, she didn¡¯t care at all. She quickly crawled in front of Xu Qing like a puppy and handed the cloth over with both hands.


    Taking hold of the cloth, Xu Qing gave a slight wave, causing it to dampen while carrying a sealing power. Then, he retrieved the third wisp of Smoke Race and pressed it directly onto the cloth.


    Immediately, the fabric turned black and the figure of the Smoke Race was clearly revealed.


    Xu Qing threw it to Yanyan and calmly spoke.


    ¡°This way, it will lose the freedom of its body and soul.¡±


    ¡°Blindly pursuing physical cruelty, whether towards oneself or enemies, is just one means among many, not the entirety. Overindulging in it demonstrates immaturity.¡±


    ¡°The torture of mind is a higher level.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    Yanyan¡¯s body trembled and her red lips parted slightly. The more she was reprimanded by Xu Qing, the more intense the joy she felt. The infatuation in her eyes reached the extreme. She lifted her hand and bit her finger, handing it to Xu Qing slowly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze turned cold.


    Yanyan lowered her head and retracted her finger, placing it in her mouth to suck.


    The accumulated frustrations within her consciousness were rapidly dissipating, and her cultivation seemed to be rising.


    It was as though the first Heavenly Palace was about to be formed.


    However, it was still a little lacking.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing sighed inwardly and lifted his index finger.


    Almost at the instant he lifted his finger, Yanyan immediately crawled over and rapidly sucked on it. Her eyes narrowed and she seemed to be about to sublimate. Her expression revealed extreme comfort, revealing unprecedented satisfaction.


    It was as though she had been waiting for this day for a long time.


    Her Heavenly Palace suddenly formed at this moment!


    The shock to her heart became overwhelming, causing Yanyan to lose consciousness.


    At the next instant, Esteemed Master Dongyou¡¯s grateful voice rang out from outside the cabin.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡±


    Immediately after, Yanyan¡¯s body disappeared and was moved away by Esteemed Master Dongyou, leaving the warship.


    The cabin was completely silent.


    A long time later, Ling¡¯er stuck her head out of Xu Qing¡¯s collar and stared blankly at the place where Yanyan was at earlier. Xu Qing felt a little awkward and was about to explain when Ling¡¯er suddenly gasped.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, this is a demon. She¡¯s even worse than the one before. She actually bit your finger. You have to be careful!¡±


    Before Xu Qing could speak, a gentle laugh echoed in the cabin.


    ¡°What a cute little girl.¡±


    As soon as this voice rang out, Xu Qing¡¯s body instantly stiffened.


    When Ding Xue appeared, he could ignore her; when Yanyan arrived, he could suppress her. However, within this Eight Sects Alliance, there was a woman who managed to unsettle Xu Qing¡¯s state of mind every time they crossed paths.


    Whether it was the first meeting where she hooked her chin, the ever-changing style when they traveled in the ship, the lingering gaze within the county capital, or the bare-skin confrontation during the protective spell¡ª


    What you knew, she understood better than you did; what you didn¡¯t understand, she still understands.


    What you knew, she understood them even better than you did; what you didn¡¯t understand, she still understood.


    She knew what you were thinking in your heart; even the thoughts you weren¡¯t aware of, it seemed she understood them too.


    Impeccable.


    As the voice echoed and Xu Qing¡¯s body instinctively stiffened, this peerless beauty walked over from the void.


    Dressed in a white gown with subtle purple accents, she wore a matching moon-patterned silk belt around her waist. Her lustrous black hair was styled in a princess bun, adorned with a hairpin featuring a pearl flower, with tassels cascading from it.


    Her exquisitely beautiful face bore finely arched eyebrows, and her eyes sparkled like stars.


    With the corners of her mouth upturned, a lingering smile spread, seemingly able to captivate the hearts of all who looked upon her. Her demeanor was poised and noble, radiating a refined elegance, as if she were a lotus untouched by worldly dust.


    Yet, on her face that seemed to smile and not smile, there was a hint of resentment, a touch of sorrow, as she gazed at Xu Qing.


    This person was the peerless Fairy Zi Xuan.


    Ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes suddenly widened and she instinctively hid.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and stood up to bow.


    ¡°Greetings, Fairy.¡±


    Zi Xuan chuckled lightly and walked naturally towards Xu Qing. She raised her hand to brush away some dust that had fallen onto him, ensuring that none of it tainted even a single strand of his clothes.


    She then tidied the creases on his clothes.


    After that, she looked deeply into Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The moment their eyes met, she spoke softly.


    ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re safe.¡±


    A simple sentence, just five words, yet it contained care, concern, worry, and longing. All these emotions converged within those five words, vividly conveying themselves into Xu Qing¡¯s heart, warming him.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. Unknowingly, this warmth spread to his heart, causing his stiff body to relax a little. He allowed Zi Xuan to hold his hand and sit at the side.

 Chapter 803 - 803 Three Women, One Snake, One Man (4)

    803 Three Women, One Snake, One Man (4)


    The familiar fragrance wafted into his nostrils, and the tassels from Zi Xuan¡¯s hair swayed gently as she took her seat. With a single glance, it seemed as if one¡¯s thoughts could be drawn in, causing even the spirit to sway in tandem.


    Xu Qing was somewhat absent-minded, instinctively feeling a bit uneasy.


    Zi Xuan¡¯s beautiful eyes were filled with anticipation as her gentle voice spread throughout the cabin.


    ¡°I understand your heart¡¯s desire, and I see your path ahead. I won¡¯t stop you, but I want to tell you, if I had known about this back then, I would have stood by your side.¡±


    ¡°You should know that what I say is not insincere.¡±


    ¡°My character is firm. Once I decide on something, I won¡¯t change my mind. No matter who tries to persuade me, even if the world crumbles, I won¡¯t regret it.¡±


    Zi Xuan¡¯s voice turned into ripples in Xu Qing¡¯s heart, fluctuating continuously.


    He believed it.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t recall what he had seen in the palace in the Immortal Forbidden. He only recalled that there was a lantern there and a figure identical to Zi Xuan there.


    However, when he heard Zi Xuan¡¯s words, it seemed to overlap with a certain scene buried in the depths of his memory. Although he still couldn¡¯t remember the details of the scene, he remembered this feeling.


    Indeed, her personality was such that no one¡¯s persuasion could change it in the slightest.


    After a long time, Xu Qing spoke softly.


    ¡°I know.¡±


    The smile on Zi Xuan¡¯s face became even more beautiful.


    ¡°Your master invited me to bring the Mystic Nether Sect and a portion of the Seven Blood Eyes to the county capital. The two sects are going to integrate in the future and establish a new sect. I agreed.¡±


    ¡°He asked me to give this new sect a name.¡±


    ¡°I came here to ask you what you think of the name Qing Xuan Sect.¡±


    Xu Qing hesitated but ultimately nodded.


    Zi Xuan¡¯s gentle gaze landed on Xu Qing¡¯s face and then at his collar. In the end, she smiled and told Xu Qing some things about the future plans of the Qing Xuan Sect.


    She was talking about serious matters, but her pleasant voice gave off an extremely comfortable feeling, causing one to unknowingly forget the passage of time.


    Xu Qing gradually relaxed.


    It was late at night when Zi Xuan spoke softly.


    ¡°I came here for another matter as well. I want to create a new protective tattoo for you. Come, take off your clothes.¡±


    When Xu Qing¡¯s relaxed body stiffened again, Zi Xuan let out a pleasant laugh. A teasing look appeared in her eyes as she stood up and left the magic warship. Only her gentle voice echoed in the cabin.


    ¡°Then, Ah Qing, see you in the county capital.¡±


    The cabin slowly fell silent.


    After a long time, Xu Qing let out a long sigh of relief. When he instinctively lowered his head to look at his collar, Ling¡¯er slowly crawled out. Her eyes were filled with nervousness as she hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing! This is the most dangerous. She¡¯s a great demon king!!¡±


    ¡°Too terrifying, Brother Xu Qing. Compared to this demon king, those bad girls from before are not even on the same level.¡±


    Xu Qing coughed and comforted Ling¡¯er.


    While Ling¡¯er was still skeptical, several days passed.


    During this time, Yanyan went into seclusion, and Zi Xuan didn¡¯t reappear. Only Ding Xue occasionally came to be by Xu Qing¡¯s side, but her plans couldn¡¯t be put into action.


    On one hand, Zhao Zhongheng appeared. Although he was extremely nervous around Xu Qing, he gritted his teeth and followed behind Ding Xue. The determination in his expression when he glanced at Ding Xue, left Xu Qing quite amazed.


    On the other hand, Xu Qing hadn¡¯t returned for two years, and there were many matters he needed to handle. His different identity also led various sects within the Yinghuang Province to come and pay their respects to Old Master Seventh in these few days. Occasionally, Old Master Seventh would involve Xu Qing as well.


    Just like that, ten days later, amidst the frustration in Ding Xue¡¯s heart, Xu Qing prepared to leave.


    He wanted to make a trip to the Nanhuang Continent to pay his respects to Captain Lei.


    Before he left, Old Master Seventh gave him a long jade box.


    ¡°Inside this box is the divine weapon I crafted using that god fish bone. You can use your journey outside to become familiar with it. This item holds considerable power and can serve as your protective gear.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, for you, this fish bone weapon shares the same origin as your body. It¡¯s most suited for you to use.¡±


    Inside the jade box was a black spike, about the thickness of a finger, adorned with natural patterns. A terrifying aura circulated within it, accompanied by divine fluctuations that spread in all directions.


    Although it was a dead object, the moment Xu Qing looked over, its entire body shook, as if it were imbued with breath.


    It resonated with Xu Qing¡¯s breathing, forming a tug on his bloodline.


    The sensation that it was an extension of himself allowed Xu Qing to keenly sense its sharpness. As a sense of palpitation arose, Old Master Seventh spoke softly.


    ¡°In the eyes of the god, ordinary things are extremely fragile and it¡¯s difficult to injure them at all. However, this item¡­ can injure the god. It contains the divine authority of misfortune.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, I named it the Spike of Misfortune.¡±

 Chapter 804 - 804 Old Ground, Old Acquaintances, Old Stories (1)

    804 Old Ground, Old Acquaintances, Old Stories (1)


    Outside the Yinghuang Province, on the black Forbidden Sea, the waves surged, and the thick aura of anomalous substances transformed into a chilling atmosphere, corroding all the various sea races. Even the scorching noon sunlight couldn¡¯t melt away these anomalous substances.


    It also couldn¡¯t illuminate the mysterious depths of the sea.


    Because of this, for countless years, there have been numerous legends about the Forbidden Sea, especially stories about divine creatures.


    Only the large races on the sea or high-level cultivators knew that although those divine creatures were powerful, they weren¡¯t invincible.


    Moreover, in this world, the fragmented-face wasn¡¯t the only god, so¡­ the most terrifying presence within the depths of the Forbidden Sea wasn¡¯t the divine creatures, but the slumbering gods.


    Gods could slumber within the sun and the moon, reside within Immortal Forbidden, and exist in the land of the wicked. Therefore, the Forbidden Sea that encircled the Ancient Antiquity Continent was also a natural choice for the slumber of gods.


    cThis was especially so since¡­ the Forbidden Sea was too big.


    Just the sea area between the Yinghuang Province and the Nanhuang Continent was incomparably vast, let alone outside the Nanhuang Continent.


    In fact, even the sea area where the Nanhuang Continent was located was merely a coastal region when compared to the entirety of the Forbidden Sea.


    The former name of the Forbidden Sea was the Endless Sea, which already spoke to its extent.


    It seemed to constitute a world of its own, facing off against the continent, challenging the heavens, and standing as if an independent realm.


    Outside the Yinghuang Province, waves were churning. In the sky, a black great wing was moving forward.


    This was Old Master Seventh¡¯s great wing, and he had allowed Xu Qing to use it in Fenghai County.


    The great wing had a spirit and didn¡¯t need to be controlled personally. As long as there was enough power source and authority, anyone could control it for a short period of time.


    The people who went out with Xu Qing were the 1,000 Sword Holders and Daoist Sima from the county capital, as well as Qingqin, who was soaring in the sky.


    Under the cackling sound of Qingqin, other birds didn¡¯t dare to rise to a comfortable altitude. They had to stay at low altitudes, occasionally diving into the sea to catch prey and quickly returning.


    It was also because of this that many plesiosaurs were attracted. They would often burst out of the water¡¯s surface in an instant, biting the low-flying birds and crashing back into the sea with a roar, creating even larger waves.


    Xu Qing stood on the balcony of the great wing and his gaze landed on the surface of the sea. As he looked at the large waves caused by a plesiosaur, he recalled the scenes of his first trip to the sea back then.


    After a while, Xu Qing withdrew his gaze and looked at the fish bone spike he was holding.


    In the sunlight, this black spike seemed like a black hole, absorbing light while emanating an even more astonishing aura.


    Many Sword Holders outside the tower had serious expressions upon sensing it. However, here with Xu Qing, due to his connection to it through his physical body, while there was a sense of pressure, there was also a stronger sense of resonance.


    At this moment, as he gazed at the Spike of Misfortune, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes showed contemplation. After a moment, he suddenly spoke up.


    ¡°You Lingzi.¡±


    In an instant, the black iron stick flew out of Xu Qing¡¯s storage bag and floated in front of him. As it trembled, the figure of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor appeared and greeted Xu Qing.


    ¡°Master!¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was already extremely nervous. The feeling of impending calamity was incomparably intense. His voice was trembling and his heart was filled with despair.


    He had always felt that as long as he didn¡¯t work hard, he would definitely be killed by Xu Qing. This thought came from his personality and was deeply rooted. Hence, every time Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation level increased, he would feel his heart pounding.


    Today, the appearance of the fishbone allowed him to know that what was going to happen was coming.


    Although he had used all his strength, he still couldn¡¯t keep up with Xu Qing.


    It wasn¡¯t that he wasn¡¯t working hard, but the other party was really walking too quickly.


    ¡°Master, I¡¯m already prepared. In the books I¡¯ve read in my life, all the main characters have their cultivation bases advancing by leaps and bounds. It¡¯s very difficult for ordinary people to accompany them for the rest of their lives.¡±


    ¡°This further proves that Master is an existence like those protagonists.¡±


    ¡°However, I understand that I can¡¯t drag you down. I don¡¯t ask for anything else but I only hope that Master will give me a quick death on account of my dedication and hard work in these few years.¡±


    ¡°If there is a next life, I will surely follow Master once again, serving by your side and witnessing you reach the pinnacle of heaven and earth.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s face was filled with sorrow. Even at this moment, the gaze he used to look at Xu Qing was still filled with loyalty. This was the only chance he thought he had to save himself¡­


    He understood that he knew too many secrets. If he was Xu Qing, he would also have killing intent. Hence, he tried his best to move Xu Qing and make him put away his killing intent on account of his hard work.


    If he became soft-hearted and released him on impulse, it would be perfect.


    Xu Qing cast a meaningful glance at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    He didn¡¯t sense the other party¡¯s loyalty, but he had seen the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s practical actions over the years. They had helped him a lot.


    The grudge from back then could be considered resolved.


    After all, the iron stick was no longer enough to support his cultivation. Even though he had sacrificially refined it once, the difference in level was huge when compared to the fish bone.


    Hence, today, Xu Qing originally planned to undo the other party¡¯s seal and let him leave to resolve the karma. As for secrets, he had other methods to guard them from being mentioned.


    However, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s words made Xu Qing retract what he was about to say after some thought. A contemplative look appeared in his eyes. He felt that he might be able to give the other party a chance.


    While the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was nervous, he also secretly heaved a sigh of relief.


    He felt that his words had worked. This fiend in front of him was finally touched by him. The hesitation in his eyes was evidence. The other party was weighing his contributions and hard work to see if they could offset death.

 Chapter 805 - 805 Old Ground, Old Acquaintances, Old Stories (2)

    805 Old Ground, Old Acquaintances, Old Stories (2)


    ¡®It¡¯s too difficult. I just want freedom and survival. Why is it so difficult?¡¯


    As the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor felt increasingly indignant, determination flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He lifted his right hand and performed a series of hand seals. Immediately, flames rose and enveloped the iron stick.


    He wanted to burn the iron stick and refine it.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was shocked.


    ¡°Master, I¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you an opportunity. Bear with it,¡± Xu Qing said in a low voice. He performed a series of hand seals with both hands and the twelve nascent souls opened their eyes at the same time and spat out their life fire.


    The five life lanterns also manifested and enhanced the fire.


    In an instant, under the wails of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, the iron stick that had fused with his two lightning tribulations began to melt, gradually turning into molten iron.


    This molten iron was actually the main body of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    The screams of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor became even more miserable. The shadow kept twisting and trembling in fear, quickly currying favor with Ling¡¯er, who was watching everything.


    Just like that, time flowed by and the wails of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor became weaker and weaker. When it was almost impossible to hear, the iron stick completely melted into red molten iron.


    Xu Qing performed another series of hand seals with both hands and pointed. Immediately, the red molten iron transformed into threads that headed straight for the fish bone. They didn¡¯t fuse into it but flowed into the patterns on the fish bone.


    At the same time, Xu Qing mobilized his divine essence in his body, augmenting it.


    Finally, the moment the temperature of the molten iron decreased and solidified, it was completely embedded in the fish bone.


    The fish bone¡¯s appearance changed drastically.


    With a black base and red patterns, an even denser killing aura circulated from it.


    As an artifact spirit, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor also indirectly half fused with the fish bone through this method.


    His existence was too different from the fish bone, so it was impossible for him to become the artifact spirit of the Spike of Misfortune. Only by embedding the coat could it indirectly control the Stinger of Misfortune.


    Although the weapon might not be as agile, with assistance from Xu Qing, it could still kill enemies on its own, which was much better than before it had an artifact spirit.


    Moreover, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor would be tainted by the god fish bone at all times and his state would gradually change.


    This way, one day, he might be able to qualitatively transform and become an artifact spirit of the divine weapon.


    However, during this process, the degree of pain it felt would be much more intense than before. After all, this transformation was equivalent to slowly being reborn. That torture was hard to describe.


    Moreover, he had to ensure that he didn¡¯t die in the future and wasn¡¯t devoured¡­


    All of this caused the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to be a little stunned. He could sense everything. There was not only confusion but also joy in his heart. Although the process was painful and it was hard to say if he would live or die in the future, at least he had survived today¡¯s calamity.


    ¡®Fortunately, I¡¯m quick-witted. Otherwise, I would be dead today!¡¯


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor rejoiced and sighed with emotion. Just as he was about to speak, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed encouragement as he spoke.


    ¡°You Lingzi, I originally planned to give you freedom, but since you want to follow me forever, I¡¯ll help you this time.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s eyes widened when he heard this. Immediately after, a huge commotion stirred in his heart and his body trembled intensely. However, at the next instant, he suddenly reacted.


    ¡®This is a test for me, a trap. That¡¯s right, that¡¯s it. This is a test of my loyalty. Too cunning.¡¯


    At the thought of this, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor spoke loudly.


    ¡°Master, since I started following you, I¡¯ve come to realize a truth: being at ease is more important than being free!¡±


    ¡°The joy I¡¯ve felt all these years is unprecedented in my life. I can¡¯t bear to lose that sense of ease. If I can¡¯t follow you, I¡¯ll definitely be in extreme pain. In fact, just thinking about it now makes me feel inconsolable grief.¡±


    ¡°Master, I don¡¯t want freedom. I just want to follow you because compared to freedom, I thirst for a sense of ease more.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s words moved Ling¡¯er. She looked at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and whispered to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, this old man is a good person.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was deep but he didn¡¯t explain. After a few words of encouragement, he kept the fish bone. After that, he lowered his head and looked at the shadow under his feet.


    The shadow was so frightened that it trembled and quickly transmitted its emotions.


    ¡°Breakthrough¡­ soon¡­ Master¡­ Madam¡­ soon¡­ I will become powerful¡­ useful!!¡±


    The shadow was really afraid. Previously, it had seen how even the god¡¯s finger couldn¡¯t escape from the purple crystal. Hence, it had long fallen into despair and only hoped to survive.


    Hence, in his nervousness, it said everything it could.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He had an idea in his heart that might speed up the shadow¡¯s breakthrough. Previously, he couldn¡¯t do it but now, he was confident.


    Xu Qing no longer looked at the shadow. He sat down cross-legged and began to meditate.


    Among his 13 Heavenly Palaces, 12 of them had formed their nascent souls and had experienced a heavenly tribulation.


    Only the Heavenly Palace formed by the Nether Spirit Blood Wing Lantern obtained at the end didn¡¯t have a nascent soul yet. However, with the help of the other nascent souls, it formed a siphoning effect, causing the nascent soul of the fifth lantern to rapidly take shape.


    ¡°Soon.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly and closed his eyes to cultivate.


    Time flowed by. Seven days later, the great wing crossed the sea and finally arrived at the Nanhuang Continent. From afar, Xu Qing saw the Seven Blood Eyes where he had lived for many years.


    Compared to when he left, this place hadn¡¯t changed much. It was still prosperous and lively with people coming and going. He also saw many Seventh Peak disciples¡¯ boats entering and exiting the port.


    Although the seven mountain peaks in the distance had been brought to the Yinghuang Province back then, they had long been rebuilt. Everything was normal except for the blood eyes on the mountain peak.

 Chapter 806 - 806 Old Ground, Old Acquaintances, Old Stories (3)

    806 Old Ground, Old Acquaintances, Old Stories (3)


    The arrival of the great wing caused a stir among the people within the Seven Blood Pupils. While countless individuals looked up from below, Xu Qing was trying to transmit a message to his Second Senior Sister, but it didn¡¯t go through.


    When Old Master Seventh sent him off, he had mentioned that Second Senior Sister was in seclusion, attempting a breakthrough.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t stay in the Seven Blood Eyes. As the great wing moved, he left this place and sped toward the eastern part of the Nanhuang Continent.


    To Xu Qing in the past, the Nanhuang Continent was very large. It was so large that he had to undergo teleportation no matter where he went. However, after experiencing so many things and looking at the Nanhuang Continent again, Xu Qing already understood why Old Master Seventh said that the Nanhuang Continent was an island back then.


    Compared to the Wanggu Continent, the Nanhuang Continent was indeed just an island.


    With the great wing¡¯s speed, Xu Qing arrived at the scavenger campsite in just half a day.


    The place was still as dirty and chaotic as before, and the scavengers inside were no longer familiar to Xu Qing.


    For those scavengers who wandered between life and death, unless they were very lucky, their lifespan would usually only be a few years.


    Xu Qing looked at all of this from the sky. A while later, he walked over alone and stepped into this familiar and unfamiliar scavenger campsite.


    As he walked, Xu Qing passed by scavengers and buildings. The natural concealment aura from his body caused him to be forgotten in the eyes of mortals.


    This was the ability of D132¡¯s nascent soul.


    There was an increased difficulty to affect cultivators and make them forget, but within the scavenger camp, this ability could erase everything.


    Xu Qing silently walked over. His target was very clear.


    It wasn¡¯t his former residence he was heading to, but the small street that had been stained with blood years ago.


    There was a general store there.


    The shop was still there but the shopkeeper was no longer the same as before.


    Across the street from the shop, under the eaves of a building, sat a figure in a black robe.


    The robe concealed their frail body, and their face was obscured. Only a massive demon scythe rested on their shoulder, indicating their presence.


    It was Qing Qiu.


    Around her, there were a few scavengers¡¯ corpses that no one dared to take away. Clearly, they were people who didn¡¯t know their place and provoked her. After all, not everyone in this world had normal thoughts.


    It was also because of Qing Qiu¡¯s existence that this small street was very quiet. All the owners of the shops were trembling and didn¡¯t dare to speak.


    She had clearly been here for some time. Perhaps it was to investigate some clues, or perhaps she couldn¡¯t believe what she had seen in the county capital.


    Hence, she waited here silently.


    Perhaps even she herself didn¡¯t know what she was waiting for.


    The sound of footsteps rang out from this empty street.


    Xu Qing walked toward Qing Qiu step by step until he reached her side.


    Qing Qiu looked ahead but didn¡¯t turn her head. Her grip on the evil ghost¡¯s scythe tightened slightly before slowly relaxing. She didn¡¯t speak.


    Xu Qing followed her gaze and looked at the general store.


    Vaguely, he seemed to see a dirty little girl with a scar on her face busying herself in the shop.


    It had been seven years.


    Seven years ago, when they met here among the scavengers, they were all lucky survivors who had experienced the gaze of the god¡¯s fragmented-face.


    Seven years later, they returned again.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak and Qing Qiu was also silent. However, her shoulders began to tremble.


    After a long time, Xu Qing took out a small ball of oil paper and placed it on the ground in front of Qing Qiu.


    ¡°Someone once gave me a piece of candy here and told me that when she was sad, she would feel better after eating it.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke softly.


    ¡°I can roughly guess the waves in your heart, but I want to tell you that I ate that piece of candy back then and resolved the sadness in my heart. I bought this piece for you from the Seven Blood Eyes.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice was filled with reminiscence. After he finished speaking, he turned and left. After taking more than ten steps, Xu Qing stopped in his tracks. He didn¡¯t turn his head and spoke solemnly.


    ¡°Also, remember to report back to the Secretariat Department.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Qing Qiu replied instinctively. After she finished speaking, she reacted and immediately lowered her head, gripping her scythe tightly.


    The corners of Xu Qing¡¯s mouth curled up and he didn¡¯t say anything else as he walked into the distance.


    After he left, the wind blew, stirring up the dead leaves on the ground. It also caused the oil paper to sway. It also landed on Qing Qiu¡¯s body, shaking her mind.


    Previously, when she saw Xu Qing¡¯s nascent soul above the platform in the county capital, her heart stirred like never before.


    That sudden scene was a little hard for her to accept.


    She couldn¡¯t believe that the source of her efforts to become stronger, the person she had been longing to find in the Nanhuang Continent, was actually by her side for the past two years.


    Moreover, he was so outstanding and powerful that even she, who wasn¡¯t willing to admit that she was inferior, had no choice but to admit this fact.


    This caused her to be at a loss and endless complicated feelings rose in her heart. This was because all her efforts and bitter cultivation in the past were all for the sake of protecting that important figure in her life one day.


    Just like back then, when the other party stood in front of her and replaced the bamboo slip to protect her.


    This was her pursuit and also her dream.


    But now, the person she wanted to protect didn¡¯t need her to do anything at all.


    In fact, these few days, she recalled the past in the county capital. Ever since the Ten Guts Trees, she had actually been silently protected.


    Hence, she came here with a complicated heart. While she slowly sorted out all of this, she also had some anticipation. Would she meet Brother Kid here?


    And she really met him.


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    Qing Qiu gritted her teeth and thought of her instinctive response earlier. Hence, she angrily lifted her hand and reached for the oil paper in front of her. However, when she touched it, it became incomparably gentle. She treated it like a treasure and held the ball of oil paper in her palm.

 Chapter 807 - 807 Old Ground, Old Acquaintances, Old Stories (4)

    807 Old Ground, Old Acquaintances, Old Stories (4)


    She gently opened it, revealing a piece of shiny rock candy.


    She didn¡¯t eat. As she stared, the corners of her mouth under the mask revealed a smile.


    The evil ghost scythe looked at all of this and spoke excitedly.


    ¡°Ah Qiu, you must grasp it. This is a good opportunity given by the Heavenly Dao. In the future, you have to obediently listen to Lord Xu Qing. Do whatever he asks you to do. Don¡¯t refuse.¡±


    ¡°In that case¡­ we¡¯ll have a chance to perish together with the Nihility experts in the future. In fact¡­ it¡¯s not impossible for us to perish together with a god!¡±


    ¡°Heavens, if we can perish together with a god in this life, that will be our supreme glory!!¡±


    The evil ghost scythe was so excited that its body trembled and its eyes revealed a red light.


    This time, Qing Qiu didn¡¯t shout at it to shut up. Instead, she fell into deep thought.


    After leaving the scavenger campsite, Xu Qing was walking in the forbidden zone toward Captain Lei¡¯s grave.


    This time around, Ling¡¯er didn¡¯t speak. She wanted to say something but she sensed that Xu Qing¡¯s mood was a little low after entering the forbidden zone. Hence, she obediently kept quiet and snuggled against Xu Qing¡¯s cheek.


    However, in her heart, she muttered.


    ¡®Is that young lady Brother Xu Qing¡¯s childhood companion? Her emotions were originally fluctuating greatly but when she saw that piece of candy, she immediately recovered.¡¯


    ¡®Candies are so useful? Then I¡¯ll buy some when I get back.¡¯


    ¡®Then, if there¡¯s a day when Brother Xu Qing is unhappy, I¡¯ll take it out and give it to him.¡¯


    Just as Ling¡¯er thought that she had learned something useful, Xu Qing arrived at Captain Lei¡¯s grave.


    There was more wild grass here.


    The gravestone was still there.


    Xu Qing silently leaned against a large tree as he looked at the gravestone.


    At that moment, it was already dusk. The thin fog in the surroundings was gradually becoming denser.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about these. He took out two pots of wine, placed one by the grave, and held the other in his hand, lifting it high.


    ¡°Captain Lei, I did something big a few days ago¡­¡±


    Xu Qing smiled and spoke as he drank.


    He talked about the county capital, the Sword Holder, the war, and the Palace Master.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother said that I¡¯ve grown up. That¡¯s right, it¡¯s been seven years¡­ Captain Lei, you told me before that time can blur everything. That¡¯s why you didn¡¯t want to wait anymore after waiting for so long.¡±


    ¡°But why is it that sometimes when I close my eyes, I still really want to eat the food you used to cook back then¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. After the Peerless City disappeared, he had wandered around everywhere. Captain Lei was the first person to give him the forgotten warmth of family, and he couldn¡¯t forget him.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and drank one mouthful after another.


    When dusk passed and night fell, the fog in the surroundings grew thicker and thicker. When it drowned out everything, Xu Qing¡¯s murmurs rang out within the fog.


    ¡°Captain Lei, I miss you¡­¡±


    A long time later, Xu Qing sighed softly and kowtowed to the grave, then stood up and left the place. He walked step by step towards the depths of the forbidden zone.


    Back then, he had obtained the shadow here, so he wanted to let the shadow absorb the anomalous substances in this forbidden zone to see if it could make a breakthrough.


    The shadow also fluctuated after Xu Qing entered the forbidden zone.


    Moreover, as Xu Qing went deeper, the fluctuations became clearer and clearer. While emitting desire, it spread out in all directions under Xu Qing¡¯s feet.


    Wherever it passed, trees would begin to sway and gradually turn into coffins that were covered in eyes.


    As the shadow spread out, the fog here suddenly became even denser and emitted waves of avaricious intent, as if within the depths of the mist, malevolent gazes were fixated on Xu Qing and the shadow.


    What followed was waves of rustling sounds, as though countless existences were whispering. They drifted over from the fog in this silent forbidden zone.


    Xu Qing glanced at the fog with a cold gleam in his eyes, but he continued walking forward. He walked past the temple ruins of the past and ventured deeper into the forbidden zone. The fog was exceptionally dense here, constantly spreading. Faintly, amidst this fog, he heard a singing voice.


    This was the second time he had heard a singing voice in the forbidden zone.


    There was a legend about this forbidden zone. It was said that those who heard the singing voice and managed to survive would receive a gift from the forbidden zone. They would be able to see the person they desired to see when they heard the singing voice for the second time.


    At that moment, as the singing voice drifted, the surroundings became cold. A cold aura spread from all directions.


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks. He lifted his head and looked at the fog in the distance. There¡­ were footsteps coming from there.

 Chapter 808 - 808 Phoenixs Kin (1)

    808 Phoenix¡¯s Kin (1)


    The silent forbidden zone turned eerie as the haunting melody drifted through.


    The ethereal voice brought with it a chilling sensation, freezing the ground in its wake. Blades of grass turned into frosty needles, and towering trees transformed into icy sculptures.


    The song seemed to be an intrinsic part of the night, so its presence didn¡¯t shatter the silence of this place; instead, it deepened the aura of the forbidden zone.


    Xu Qing stood there and listened silently. Some waves rose in his heart as his memories from seven years ago surfaced.


    This was the second time he had heard the song.


    To scavengers, the singing voice in the forbidden zone was the source of their fear. Those who heard it were basically dead.


    However, the current Xu Qing was different from back then.


    Back then, he didn¡¯t have much strength to protect himself. He could only shiver in the cold and wait for death to arrive.


    Now, even though he was standing on land that wasn¡¯t Fenghai County, he could still sense the fortune gathering from Fenghai County.


    Only that terrifying bizarre entity could breach this aura of fortune.


    Not to mention the sky above, where the great wing was faintly visible, and higher up, where Qingqin was gazing from.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t feel fear because of the singing voice. Instead, his eyes revealed anticipation as he stared in the direction of the footsteps.


    He was waiting for a figure to appear there.


    The shadow had already spread to a range of 1,000 feet, as if it had become a special forbidden zone. Within this 1,000 feet, all the vegetation transformed into eyes and all the large trees into coffins.


    Countless eyes opened at this moment, surrounding Xu Qing and staring at him together.


    The bizarre aura from the shadow also erupted at this moment, revealing cruelty, hunger, and fear.


    At that moment, if one looked at the forbidden zone from a high altitude, they would be able to see that it was filled with thick fog. Only the 1000-foot-long area where Xu Qing was at was the only clear place.


    As for the singing voice in the fog, it was gradually becoming clearer. The sound of footsteps was getting closer and closer.


    When it was a thousand feet away from Xu Qing, the singing continued but the footsteps stopped.


    One could vaguely see a pair of straw sandals dyed red with blood at the edge of the fog.


    This pair of sandals didn¡¯t exist in Xu Qing¡¯s memories. He had never seen them before.


    On the straw sandals, fog churned and gradually formed a figure. This was also a stranger. It was a woman wearing a black robe.


    The robe was very large, as though it covered the forbidden zone behind her. As she arrived, the vegetation in the surroundings bent down and the large trees distorted, as though they were also worshiping her.


    There were also anomalous substances that spread out and fused into the fog, causing the fog to surge even more, forming a pressure that enveloped the surroundings.


    Her eyes were even more special. One was red and the other was white.


    Countless souls could be seen in the red eyes, and in the white eyeball were endless skeletons.


    At that moment, these eyes were staring at Xu Qing and also at Xu Qing¡¯s shadow.


    ¡°Food!¡±


    A hoarse voice rang out from her mouth. It came from the fog, from the vegetation, and from the entire forbidden zone. It continued to echo, forming lingering sounds.


    The eyes of the shadow within a thousand feet revealed a dark glint. As they locked onto this woman, the fear it felt was incomparably intense.


    ¡°Forbidden zone¡¯s¡­ master¡­¡±


    The emotions from the shadow rapidly entered Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was cold and this black-robed woman was about to step within a thousand feet of Xu Qing. However, she stopped in her tracks and suddenly lifted her head to look at the sky, falling silent.


    A long time later, the voice rang out again.


    ¡°Leave!¡±


    This sound transformed into rejection that rose from the entire forbidden zone.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He cupped his fists and bowed to the master of the forbidden zone as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Sorry to disturb you.¡±


    The fog churned and was gradually about to drown the woman¡¯s figure. The repulsive force also became even more intense at this moment. There was also a hint of malice in it, as though it was looking for an opportunity.


    However, the pressure from the sky clearly made it feel some fear. Hence, it didn¡¯t turn this malice into action.


    Seeing that the figure of the master of the forbidden zone continued to blur, Xu Qing politely spoke.


    ¡°Have you forgotten some things?¡±


    The foggy figure turned a deaf ear.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was still polite as he spoke softly.


    ¡°This forbidden zone will give a gift to those who hear the singing voice for the second time. It will allow them to see the figure they want to see the most.¡±


    ¡°Today is the second time I¡¯ve heard the singing.¡±


    The foggy figure coldly swept its gaze across Xu Qing but didn¡¯t bother with him. It turned and walked into the fog. As it became increasingly blurry, the coldness in the surroundings became even denser. The lingering sound still echoed in the world, forming an even denser drive.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression darkened and his gaze turned cold. He stopped being polite and slowly spoke.


    ¡°Great wing!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the sky rumbled and a thousand-foot-long great wing instantly descended. It emitted a terrifying pressure. There was also Daoist Sima and the thousand Sword Holders. Their auras spread out one after another and suppressed the forbidden zone.


    The forbidden zone trembled and the fog churned intensely. The figure who was about to leave stopped in its tracks. When it turned around, its body emitted dangerous fluctuations as it stared at Xu Qing with a sinister expression.


    ¡°My request isn¡¯t unreasonable.¡±


    Xu Qing looked into the eyes of the master of the forbidden zone and slowly spoke.


    ¡°Senior Qingqin.¡±


    In the sky, there was a cracking sound that could pierce through metal and rocks. It was as though it had waited for a long time before it was finally summoned by Xu Qing. It echoed in all directions with excitement. There was also a powerful wind that slapped the forbidden zone like an invisible hand.


    Qingqin¡¯s body descended.


    The ground trembled and the fog collapsed on a large scale. The intensity of the churning reached the extreme.

 Chapter 809 - 809 Phoenixs Kin (2)

    809 Phoenix¡¯s Kin (2)


    The eyes of the master of the forbidden zone shone and her entire body emitted a monstrous ferocity. Faintly, from the depths of this forbidden zone, there came a sharp sound of a zither.


    The sound of the zither resonated throughout the entire forbidden zone, causing the domain to tremble. From within the trees emerged skeletal figures, and from the vegetation emerged malevolent spirits, one after another.


    They erupted with killing intent toward Xu Qing.


    The appearance of this place also changed drastically under the zither music.


    If the entire forbidden zone had been concealed by a veil previously, it was now lifted, revealing its true form. Many of the plants and vegetation here were formed by malevolent spirits, and a number of the towering trees were composed of piles of skeletons.


    Normal plants and trees constituted about forty percent of the area, while the remaining sixty percent of the forbidden zone was pervaded by skeletons.


    Those were the countless beings who had perished here over many years.


    ¡°This forbidden zone isn¡¯t yet at its peak strength, only halfway through its transformation. When it reaches its full transformation, it will be a truly formidable forbidden zone. At that point, it will be beyond our capability to suppress, requiring even more manpower.¡±


    ¡°Right now though, we can attempt to seal it.¡±


    Daoist Sima¡¯s figure walked out of the great wing. He looked at the master of the forbidden zone and spoke to Xu Qing.


    Daoist Sima¡¯s words caused the zither music in the depths of the forbidden zone to become even sharper. The surrounding skeletons also let out roars.


    The shadow also revealed the emotions of desire to Xu Qing.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with these. After he bowed to Daoist Sima, he looked at the master of the forbidden zone and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Please reveal the person I want to see. This is the rule of this forbidden zone.¡±


    The sound of the zither reverberated with determination as the master of the forbidden zone spoke coldly.


    ¡°The dignity of the forbidden zone is inviolable!¡± She declared, raising her hand, and the entire forbidden zone began to reinvigorate, repelling and expelling, erupting in full force.


    The battle was about to begin.


    Xu Qing lifted his right hand and pointed at the sky.


    ¡°Taboo!¡±


    In the capital city of the county, which was extremely far away from here, the Taboo magic treasure trembled. A golden light flashed in the sky and it instantly headed in the direction of the Nanhuang Continent.


    Marquis Yao, who was handling official business in the County Governor¡¯s residence, sensed something. He looked up and smiled, not minding it.


    In an instant, the golden light appeared in the sky above the Nanhuang Continent and above the scavengers¡¯ forbidden zone. It transformed into a large golden net that enveloped the forbidden zone, emitting a terrifying suppression.


    The zither music stopped abruptly.


    For the first time, the expression of the master of the forbidden zone changed. She abruptly lifted her head and stared fixedly at the golden net in the sky. The fog behind her churned because of the shock she felt.


    The skeletons and evil souls that occupied 60% of the forbidden zone also paused.


    A long time later, the master of the forbidden zone retracted her gaze. She fell silent for a moment before waving her hand. Immediately, a red fog separated from her body and began to gather at the side.


    This fog seemed to be formed from her source, as she appeared a little blurry after separating it.


    The process of gathering wasn¡¯t fast, as though there was some unwillingness. However, in the end, it still slowly formed a pair of sandals.


    Those were the sandals Captain Lei wore before he died.


    A wave of emotions surged within Xu Qing as the fog distorted, gradually forming Lei¡¯s figure. Separated by the fog, their eyes met, locked in a silent exchange.


    His expression revealed relief and emotion.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes turned slightly red.


    ¡°Captain Lei¡­¡±


    Captain Lei smiled and nodded at Xu Qing. After that, he looked around and seemed to sigh softly. He then slowly retreated until he turned into fog again and dissipated.


    The pair of sandals also gradually retreated until they disappeared into the fog.


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    He recalled something Captain Lei had said back then.


    ¡°Don¡¯t wait, for waiting till the end will ultimately result in emptiness¡­¡±


    ¡°Emptiness?¡± Xu Qing mumbled. He was still waiting as he looked at the fog.


    He was waiting for the figure that might appear next.


    Since the legend of this forbidden zone allowed one to see the person they wanted to see after hearing the singing voice for the second time, Xu Qing felt that other than Captain Lei, he also wanted to see Grandmaster Bai and Lord Sixth.


    He also wanted to see his parents.


    However¡­ as time passed, and after waiting for a while, Xu Qing didn¡¯t witness the appearance of the second pair of sandals. This left him feeling somewhat desolate, his mood heavy and somber as he gazed towards the master of the forbidden zone.


    ¡°Senior, aren¡¯t there other figures?¡±


    The eyes of the master of the forbidden zone narrowed as she stared fixedly at Xu Qing.


    Qingqin let out a deep cry, the great wing spread out its might, and the Taboo net shone.


    The master of the forbidden zone fell silent.


    Gradually, Lord Sixth¡¯s figure appeared in the fog.


    Lord Sixth¡¯s expression was a little blank at first before he fell into deep thought. Finally, his gaze landed on Xu Qing.


    He smiled.


    Looking at Lord Sixth, sadness rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. He cupped his fists and bowed heavily.


    Lord Sixth smiled and returned the greeting. His figure slowly blurred until he disappeared into the fog.


    The fog began to return.


    ¡°I wonder if Senior can lure Grandmaster Bai and my parents out. If there¡¯s a certain price, I can pay it.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke politely.


    However, his politeness was ignored by the master of the forbidden zone. The dignity from the forbidden zone caused the sound of the zither to rise again. It was incomparably sharp. The expression of the master of the forbidden zone was extremely cold and her cold voice echoed.


    ¡°The Flame Phoenix has decreed that the Nanhuang Forbidden Zone shall not be violated, and those who trespass upon the Nanhuang Forbidden Zone shall be suppressed by the Phoenix Forbidden!¡±


    The surrounding skeletons all roared.


    Even though the Taboo net in the sky, Qingqin, and Daoist Sima¡¯s pressure erupted at this instant, the brutality here still rose.


    The forbidden zone could be suppressed and sealed but its dignity couldn¡¯t be violated.


    However, at the next instant, a purple-red light flashed from Qingqin¡¯s entire body. The head in the center revealed pride and disdain. With a sway of its, a red feather appeared in its mouth.

 Chapter 810 - 810 Phoenixs Kin (3)

    810 Phoenix¡¯s Kin (3)


    In the instant the feather appeared, the forbidden zone trembled. The figure in the black robe, the master of the forbidden zone, hesitated for a moment, then lowered her head in submission. The distant sound of the zither turned into a trembling note.


    This was the feather of the Flame Phoenix.


    For the Nanhuang Continent, the Flame Phoenix wasn¡¯t only the ruler of the Phoenix Forbidden but also the entire continent. It was also the emperor of all the forbidden zones in this continent.


    The fog returned and continued to squirm and gather.


    However, it was very strange. This time, no matter how the master of the forbidden zone tried, the three figures still couldn¡¯t form.


    Xu Qing¡¯s parents¡¯ figures only formed an outline before dissipating. As for Grandmaster Bai, although the outline had formed, it couldn¡¯t be clearly seen. In the end, it could only dissipate.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s gaze to freeze as he looked at the master of the forbidden zone.


    A long time later, under Qingqin¡¯s cracking voice, the hoarse voice of the master of the forbidden zone echoed.


    ¡°Two human souls were sacrificed to the god. I have no power to summon them.¡±


    ¡°And one soul isn¡¯t in Wanggu.¡±


    With that, the master of the forbidden zone fused into the fog. The thick fog here also retreated rapidly and gathered in the deepest part of the forbidden zone from all directions, forming a sealing force that blocked the external world and itself.


    Clearly, this trip was extremely unpleasant for her. Hence, after saying everything, she sealed herself.


    What followed was the rejection from the entire forbidden zone.


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    He had already guessed that he might not be able to see his parents¡¯ figures. Back then, Peerless City was sacrificed to the god¡¯s fragmented-face.


    However, Grandmaster Bai¡¯s soul made Xu Qing a little puzzled.


    ¡°Not in Wanggu?¡±


    Xu Qing frowned. He recalled Grandmaster Bai¡¯s death and finally looked in the direction of Purple Earth.


    His last stop in the Nanhuang Continent was to go to Purple Earth to pay respects to Grandmaster Bai and visit his childhood companions.


    ¡°Looks like I have to ask Chen Feiyuan and Ting Yu about the details of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s death.¡±


    After that, he cupped his fists toward Daoist Sima and Qingqin.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble the two seniors to wait for me for a few days. I plan to let a spirit pet of mine evolve here.¡±


    Daoist Sima glanced at the shadow under Xu Qing¡¯s feet and nodded slightly before leaving with his men. As for Qingqin, she let out a cackle, before flying straight toward the area blocked by the fog in the depths of the forbidden zone.


    Clearly, it was quite interested in the master of the forbidden zone.


    The zither music trembled and the fog churned. Qingqin¡¯s figure disappeared into the fog.


    As for what would happen inside, it was hard for Xu Qing to judge. However, no matter what the outcome was, Qingqin, who had the Flame Phoenix feather, wouldn¡¯t suffer a loss.


    Hence, Xu Qing turned and walked toward his house in the forbidden zone back then.


    At that moment, dawn wasn¡¯t far away. At the moment dawn broke, Xu Qing arrived at the place where he had fought with the Thunder Team and the black-scaled wolf back then.


    Xu Qing sat down cross-legged and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Back then, I sealed you here.¡±


    ¡°Then today, use this place as the boundary. Don¡¯t go deep into the forbidden zone or the cluster of temples. You can spread to other places as you please.¡±


    ¡°Let me see how much you can grow.¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, the shadow under his feet instantly spread out for a thousand feet. Countless eyes opened from within. When they looked at Xu Qing, they transmitted their emotions.


    ¡°Thank you¡­ Master¡­¡±


    With that, the 1000-foot-long range instantly blurred and spread rapidly in all directions, far away from Xu Qing, covering the vegetation that hadn¡¯t been transformed by the master of the forbidden zone.


    Endless anomalous substances gathered from all directions and surged into the shadow. The sound of chewing spread from all directions.


    Regardless of whether it was plants or trees, they seemed to be the shadow¡¯s food.


    It was the same for the mutated beasts here. Their wails echoed in the forbidden zone. After the scavengers who entered heard the wails and sensed the change in their surroundings, they all trembled and chose to escape immediately.


    The shadow thought a little but ultimately, didn¡¯t dare to devour these scavengers. It wasn¡¯t sure of Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts about this, so it continued to devour the mutated beasts and anomalous substances here.


    Gradually, its aura became stronger and stronger. As for the plants and trees it devoured, they didn¡¯t really disappear. Instead, their appearances changed; the plants and vegetation grew eyes and the trees became coffins.


    The mutated beasts devoured by the shadow would grow a large number of eyes and revive.


    It was as though it was using this method to devour the authority of this forbidden zone.


    Just like that, three days passed.


    Approximately 10% of the forbidden zone emitted the aura of the shadow and had its appearance changed.


    The shadow seemed to be full and couldn¡¯t continue to devour. It receded from all directions and returned to the place where Xu Qing was sitting cross-legged. It emitted fluctuations of joy and indicated that it was about to break through.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and looked over coldly.


    ¡°Barely at the point of breakthrough after devouring 10%, useless.¡±


    The originally smug shadow shivered and hurriedly transmitted its emotions.


    ¡°Continue¡­ slowly¡­ stronger¡­¡±


    ¡°Break through as soon as possible.¡± Xu Qing snorted coldly.


    The shadow shuddered and hurriedly shrank. Very soon, a huge tree that was 1,000 feet tall appeared in front of Xu Qing.


    The massive tree stood tall, its canopy resembling an umbrella, exuding an astonishing aura. Amidst its grandeur, it also emitted a remarkable presence. Its branches were devoid of leaves but covered in a multitude of crimson eyes.


    However, what was revealed in each of its eyes wasn¡¯t cruelty but obedience.


    Hence, it looked even more bizarre.


    Ling¡¯er peeked out from the cuff of Xu Qing¡¯s sleeve, gazing at the towering tree. With a delicate voice, she spoke.


    ¡°Good luck!¡±


    Her words clearly encouraged the shadow, causing it to be extremely excited. As the tree swayed intensely, waves of earth-shattering rumbling sounds rang out from its body.

 Chapter 811 - 811 Phoenixs Kin (4)

    811 Phoenix¡¯s Kin (4)


    In the next moment, the towering tree transformed, taking the shape of a massive coffin adorned with numerous eyes. Its aura grew even stronger, carrying an unmistakable sense of death that spread in all directions.


    Afterward, it turned into a swirling vortex of blackness, from which struggling cries echoed. The third stage of the shadow¡¯s transformation was taking shape.


    Xu Qing stared at the black vortex with anticipation.


    The effect of the shadow was miraculous at certain times. Hence, after understanding the terrifying suppressive power of the purple crystal, he hoped that the shadow could become stronger.


    ¡°What will the third stage be?¡±


    As Xu Qing mumbled, a rumbling sound rang out from the black vortex. Its range instantly expanded from 1,000 feet to 10,000 feet.


    It wasn¡¯t erect but spread out like a black cloud that covered the sky.


    Waves of black rain scattered onto the ground from the vortex. Upon closer inspection, one could see that this wasn¡¯t rain but shadows.


    Gradually, the area within 10,000 feet was pitch-black, as though this area had been isolated.


    This scene caused Xu Qing to be a little moved.


    Daoist Sima and the Sword Holders in the sky also glanced over.


    Thunder rumbled from the vortex and a huge face actually appeared.


    That face was unfamiliar. At that moment, it was clearly roaring but what came out was the sound of thunder. It was as though its voice had been plundered and given the concept of thunder.


    Its existence didn¡¯t last long. In just a few breaths, it disappeared into the vortex again. At the same time, the fluctuations of the Nascent Soul realm spread out from the vortex.


    Its form also rapidly changed. Gradually, it was no longer a vortex but 10,000 feet black curtain. In the sky, it was like a black spot.


    A powerful emotional fluctuation spread from the curtain.


    ¡°I¡­ strong¡­ great!¡±


    Xu Qing snorted coldly.


    In an instant, this emotional fluctuation emitted horror and its meaning changed.


    ¡°I¡­ weak¡­ small.¡±


    Right after that, without waiting for Xu Qing to inquire, the shadow that had transformed into the black curtain immediately displayed its new ability. Countless stars appeared within the vast expanse of the curtain.


    It was as though this 10,000-foot-long area wasn¡¯t a black spot but a starry sky.


    Those stars were actually eyes. They emitted a resplendent light and started flickering.


    ¡°Master¡­ I conceal¡­ escape¡­ teleportation¡­¡±


    The shadow¡¯s emotions fluctuated as it quickly informed him of its abilities.


    Xu Qing frowned. This time around, other than the process and appearance being a little strange, the shadow¡¯s abilities didn¡¯t seem to be that outstanding.


    Sensing Xu Qing¡¯s dissatisfaction, the vast curtain trembled and the shadow hurriedly emitted emotional fluctuations again.


    ¡°Eyes¡­ possession¡­ seal¡­¡±


    ¡°Is that all?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s gaze turned slightly cold.


    The shadow trembled even more and spoke loudly.


    ¡°I¡­ possess¡­ god!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly narrowed. He stood up and looked at the ten thousand feet wide curtain.


    ¡°Future¡­¡± In the sky, all the eyes blinked.


    Xu Qing was expressionless as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Get back here.¡±


    Ling¡¯er chuckled as the vast curtain instantly landed on the ground and returned behind Xu Qing while shivering.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, Little Shadow is very hardworking.¡±


    After saying that, Ling¡¯er winked at Xu Qing.


    The shadow trembled and its emotions fluctuated from being touched. It had never felt such a feeling before. All its perception previously came from Xu Qing¡¯s coldness.


    Hence, the only warmth in this coldness instantly made it incomparably grateful to Ling¡¯er. It didn¡¯t know how to repay her. Hence, it twisted its body and displayed all kinds of tricks, causing Ling¡¯er to laugh.


    This laughter caused the shadow to emit joyous emotions. However, at the next instant, when it saw Xu Qing¡¯s expressionless face, it shuddered and didn¡¯t dare to show too much joy.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the shadow. He stood up and headed straight for the great wing. The moment he stepped on it, Daoist Sima cast a meaningful glance at Xu Qing. As for his comrades, they smiled one after another.


    Xu Qing also smiled. He thanked them and turned to look into the depths of the forbidden zone.


    Seemingly sensing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, from deep within the forbidden zone, the fog churned and Qingqin¡¯s spirit soared out with a joyful caw, echoing through the sky.


    As for what it did there, outsiders didn¡¯t know.


    Xu Qing was a little puzzled. He glanced at the forbidden zone. The fog there rapidly gathered and he couldn¡¯t see anything.


    However, Qingqin was fine, so Xu Qing didn¡¯t think too much about this matter. Very soon, the great wing headed straight for Purple Earth.


    That was Xu Qing¡¯s last stop on this trip.


    After experiencing the incident in the forbidden zone, he intended to inquire whether there were any unusual circumstances before Grandmaster Bai¡¯s death.


    Back then, when he went to Purple Earth, he only focused on getting revenge for Grandmaster Bai¡¯s death and overlooked his life before that.


    The words of the master of the forbidden zone made Xu Qing feel that there was probably a secret hidden in this matter.

 Chapter 812 - 812 Assassination at the Grave (1)

    812 Assassination at the Grave (1)


    Purple Earth had an extraordinary meaning to the human race of the Nanhuang Continent.


    Especially for the scavengers and mortals, Purple Earth symbolized imperial authority and privilege. Anyone who emerged from Purple Earth seemed to have a halo on their body, standing above the rest.


    Their attire always appeared splendid and pristine.


    It made one yearn for it.


    Hence, being able to enter Purple Earth and stay there was the dream and pursuit of many people in the Nanhuang Continent.


    However, it was a pity that those who could truly do it were extremely few.


    All of this was because Purple Earth was originally the capital of the last human nation in the Nanhuang Continent.


    Although the nation that shared the name with the legendary Purple Green Kingdom had perished, its eight major clans had persisted through time.


    They represented the indigenous power of Nanhuang Continent, holding sway over governance and commanding the entire continent. They also maintained an old affiliation with the Phoenix, receiving its protection.


    They rarely left Nanhuang Continent throughout their lives, and others were hesitant to provoke them.


    In their perspective, the entirety of Nanhuang Continent, regardless of whether it was the Seven Blood Eyes, the Litu Sect, or the enigmatic True Words, ultimately all fell under the category of outsiders.


    As a result, being closed-off, conservative, and proud became the defining characteristics of Purple Earth.


    However, today, the mortals who lived in Purple Earth saw an unbelievable scene.


    The eight great families were all mobilized.


    Their direct descendants were all dressed gorgeously. They stood outside the eastern gate of Purple Earth and lined up in a long line.


    All of them wore respectful expressions.


    The patriarchs of the eight great families stood at the front with solemn expressions, and there were elders of their families beside them.


    Everyone looked toward the east.


    Even some elderly individuals, who had passed down their treasures and techniques to the younger generation and whose own cultivation had greatly declined, becoming so weak that they needed assistance to walk, appeared on the city walls, gazing into the sky from there.


    They were waiting silently.


    This scene was extremely rare in Purple Earth, which emphasized class.


    There was basically nothing in the Nanhuang Continent that could make the eight great families of the sealed Purple Earth attend so grandly. Moreover, from the looks of it, this was only a welcoming ceremony.


    Hence, this scene in the morning caused countless guesses to arise among the mortals of Purple Earth.


    Outside the eastern gate, in the crowd of the eight great families, there were two people standing with the patriarchs.


    Given their seniority, they would have never been able to stand here. However, today, they were specially allowed to appear here.


    Hence, many gazes gathered on them. Even the patriarchs of the few families would occasionally glance at them from the corner of their eyes.


    These two people were a man and a woman.


    The man was handsome and there was a hint of gloominess between his brows.


    The woman was beautiful and her face was filled with nervousness and anticipation. However, there was also some disbelief on her face.


    They were Chen Feiyuan and Ting Yu.


    What happened in Fenghai County a month ago was too shocking, so the Nanhuang Continent had also heard of it. The eight great families of Purple Earth naturally investigated this matter more clearly.


    They knew that the identity and status of that edict bearer named Xu Qing soared into the sky after the calamity in the county capital ended.


    In fact, they even investigated Xu Qing¡¯s background and knew that he was from the Nanhuang Continent.


    As such, after they were told that Xu Qing was about to arrive, the eight great families attached great importance to this welcoming ceremony.


    Though they were closed-off and conservative, it also depended on who they were facing. Within the boundaries of Nanhuang Continent, they could naturally display their arrogance, but when it came to Fenghai County, they dared not.


    ¡°Feiyuan, do you think Xu Qing¡­ is still the same as him back then?¡± Ting Yu felt a little apprehensive as she spoke softly.


    Grandmaster Bai¡¯s death was a huge blow to Ting Yu.


    As she grew older, her personality also changed, becoming much more delicate. If it weren¡¯t for Chen Feiyuan¡¯s protection, she could have easily been used for political marriage.


    ¡°Ting Yu, forget what happened when we were young.¡±


    Chen Feiyuan spoke calmly, his voice naturally carrying a tinge of darkness. It wasn¡¯t intentional on his part; rather, it was a habit developed from growing up in a family marked by scheming and power struggles. In the battles for family influence, he had developed this habit.


    ¡°It would naturally be better if Xu Qing held on to the past, it¡¯s also normal if his personality has changed.¡±


    ¡°Especially this time, his arrival and the prior notice¡­ there¡¯s a deeper meaning behind this matter.¡±


    Chen Feiyuan¡¯s words made Ting Yu fall silent.


    Just like that, time flowed by. An hour later, a cawing sound resounded through the sky. This sound echoed in all directions, causing the clouds and fog in the sky to surge.


    Qingqin¡¯s huge body covered the sky. When the shadow fell and enveloped the Purple Earth, the figure of the great wing appeared in the sky and whistled over.


    The aura was imposing, stirring up a strong wind that blew the clothes of the cultivators from the eight great families on the ground. Everyone¡¯s expressions instantly turned solemn as they looked at the sky.


    Xu Qing and Daoist Sima walked out of the great wing together. The moment they arrived in front of the eastern gate of Purple Earth, everyone from the eight great families cupped their fists and bowed.


    ¡°Greetings, Edict Bearer Xu and Deacon Sima.¡±


    There was also the sound of a bell ringing out from Purple Earth. It also rang out 21 times, echoing in all directions to show grandness.


    For the courtesy shown by others, Xu Qing had always responded in kind. Therefore, he exchanged pleasantries with the eight great families. He then turned his gaze to Chen Feiyuan and Tingyu, a smile appearing on his face as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Senior Brother Feiyuan, Senior Sister Ting Yu.¡±


    Ting Yu was very excited, while Chen Feiyuan was expressionless. However, he looked around many times with hidden vigilance.

 Chapter 813 - 813 Assassination at the Grave (2)

    813 Assassination at the Grave (2)


    Xu Qing sensed Chen Feiyuan¡¯s vigilant look. Just as he was in deep thought, the eight great families warmly invited him. Xu Qing thought for a moment and stepped into Purple Earth.


    The eight great families had prepared a grand banquet but Xu Qing tactfully rejected them, saying that he wanted to pay his respects to Grandmaster Bai.


    The patriarchs naturally knew about Xu Qing¡¯s relationship with Grandmaster Bai. They could also tell that Xu Qing wanted to reminisce with his old friends, so they all agreed.


    Among them, the Bai family¡¯s patriarch didn¡¯t mention the matter of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s tomb being buried in the public cemetery. On the other hand, the Chen family¡¯s patriarch had a knowing look in his eyes and spoke with a smile.


    ¡°In that case, we won¡¯t disturb Edict Bearer Xu any longer. My son Feiyuan will accompany you. He will be in charge of the security during your stay here.¡±


    After giving him a brief glance, Xu Qing nodded and expressed his gratitude with a fist salute. The eight great families left, leaving only Chen Feiyuan and Ting Yu behind.


    Seeing that everyone had left, Ting Yu couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore and quickly walked up to Xu Qing.


    As she gazed at the figure from her memories, she vaguely seemed to see the dirty little child who used to eavesdrop on the conversations near the tent in the scavenger camp.


    Time flew by, seven years had passed since their parting. Since that day, she hadn¡¯t seen Xu Qing again. Even when their teacher was killed, and he had come to pay his respects, she had only caught a glimpse of his back.


    Later, Chen Feiyuan had told her about Xu Qing taking revenge for their teacher.


    ¡°Junior Brother¡­¡±


    Ting Yu¡¯s eyes reddened.


    ¡°Senior Sister Ting Yu.¡± While the relationship between Tingyu, Chen Feiyuan, and him wasn¡¯t as close as his relation with the captain, the pure and uncomplicated connection from their childhood, free from any interests, was deeply ingrained in Xu Qing¡¯s memories.


    That period of time wasn¡¯t long but it was precious to Xu Qing.


    While sighing with emotion, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on Chen Feiyuan. The other party¡¯s cultivation was clearly only at the Foundation Building realm but his aura was very bizarre, as though his body contained a storm.


    This reminded Xu Qing of the scene when he had used the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo to see Chen Feiyuan nurturing treasure.


    The Purple Green bloodline could coexist with magic treasures. This ability had been plundered by the eight great families over the years and had become their talent.


    ¡°Senior Brother Feiyuan, the item in your body¡­¡± Xu Qing looked at Chen Feiyuan and spoke softly.


    However, before he could finish speaking, Chen Feiyuan¡¯s expression turned solemn. He cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°Greetings, Edict Bearer Xu.¡±


    Xu Qing paused. Chen Feiyuan¡¯s performance and the scene in front of the east gate earlier caused Xu Qing to have a guess. Hence, he turned his head and looked at Daoist Sima.


    Daoist Sima fell silent for a few breaths before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°This is arranged by Marquis Yao, and all preparations have been perfected. There won¡¯t be any problems.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    This time, he came to Purple Earth without prior notice. The previous appearance of the eight great families and Chen Feiyuan¡¯s vigilance had given Xu Qing a hint. Coupled with these circumstances, he had already figured out everything.


    Marquis Yao should be fishing.


    It was the same as when his master brought him out and hid in the dark, attracting people who coveted the life lantern. Although Fenghai County had stabilized, there were still many thieves hidden in the dark.


    Some groups with ulterior motives are also unwilling to see peace and stability appear in Fenghai County. In fact, there might even be remnants of Illuminate, and especially with the Seventh Prince, precautions must be taken.


    Xu Qing had an extraordinary identity. Once he died, it would definitely cause waves in Fenghai County that was in the midst of stabilizing.


    But there was no need to guard against thieves everyday. Therefore, Marquis Yao intended to expel all those with malicious intentions within Fenghai County at once. Xu Qing¡¯s departure naturally became the focal point.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He glanced in the direction of the county capital silently.


    When Chen Feiyuan, who was at the side, heard the conversation between the two of them, his expression eased. He originally thought that this was Xu Qing¡¯s arrangement and that setting up a trap in front of their teacher¡¯s grave was the reason why he felt disgusted at the start.


    As for Tingyu, she was far less scheming than Chen Feiyuan and Xu Qing, so she didn¡¯t even realize the misunderstanding between the two men and how the misunderstanding was resolved in just a few sentences.


    However, she also noticed that Chen Feiyuan seemed somewhat distant towards Xu Qing. So, she stepped forward and grabbed Chen Feiyuan and Xu Qing, forcing them to stand closer together. Then, she smiled brightly.


    ¡°Chen Feiyuan, don¡¯t think that just because you¡¯ve grown up, you can ignore your senior sister¡¯s words. And Xu Qing, Chen Feiyuan might seem cold on the surface, but he actually pays a lot of attention to your affairs in the county. As he grows older, he tends to keep his true thoughts hidden.¡±


    Chen Feiyuan coughed.


    Xu Qing laughed.


    The three of them looked at each other. It was as though they had returned to the tent in the scavenger campsite back then, when they sat together and listened to Grandmaster Bai¡¯s lecture.


    A long time later, they walked to the cemetery.


    Daoist Sima followed from a few steps behind. He looked at the figures of the three youths in front of him and sighed inwardly as he thought of his junior brother.


    ¡®I have to persuade him again. Don¡¯t covet other people¡¯s bloodline and cause a calamity for the whole sect.¡¯


    At that moment, it was already noon. Although it was winter, the sky was clear today, with only a few clouds drifting at low altitude.


    The wind wasn¡¯t as chilly either, and the mild sunlight fell upon Xu Qing and the other two. Accompanied by this gentle weather, they arrived at the public cemetery.


    This place was already under martial law and was surrounded by the guards of the eight great families. During Xu Qing¡¯s visit, they would be under the command of Chen Feiyuan, responsible for ensuring security.


    In front of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s grave, there was never a lack of incense and flowers. Regardless of whether it was Chen Feiyuan, Ting Yu, or the people he had helped in his life, they would often come to pay their respects.

 Chapter 814 - 814 Assassination at the Grave (3)

    814 Assassination at the Grave (3)


    Gazing at the tombstone, memories of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s presence flashed through Xu Qing¡¯s mind. He picked up the incense stick that Ting Yu handed him, lit it, and placed it in front of the grave. He then knelt down and kowtowed.


    Parents bestowed the body and soul, education shaped one¡¯s life, hence a teacher was as important as parents in one¡¯s life.


    Old Master Seventh was like this, and so was Grandmaster Bai.


    He understood this principle since he was a child. He realized that in this chaotic world, those who earnestly imparted knowledge were forever deserving of gratitude.


    However, the instant Xu Qing kowtowed, the few clouds floating at a low altitude in the sky suddenly swayed. There was no preemptive burst of killing intent, no forewarning chill.


    These clouds suddenly changed, forming a huge cloud palm that rapidly pressed down on Xu Qing, who was in front of the tomb on the ground.


    Its speed was so fast and it appeared so suddenly. It was as though it had been lying in ambush here for a long time in advance, making it very difficult for others to guard against it. Moreover, the power of Nihility erupted from the cloud palm, carrying the intent of extermination. It was about to descend.


    However, nine figures suddenly appeared around it.


    The patriarchs of the eight great families who had left earlier appeared out of thin air and emitted the cultivation fluctuations of the Spirit Repository. There was also a white-haired old man who emitted a Nihility aura that headed straight for the cloud palm.


    This old man was the publicly acknowledged ancestor of the eight great families and the only Nihility in Purple Earth.


    The two sides collided violently. As the cloud palm rolled back, Purple Earth¡¯s ancestor¡¯s eyes revealed a sharp glint as he gave chase.


    As for the patriarchs, they quickly landed and helped Xu Qing neutralize the aftershocks emitted by the cloud palm.


    Everything was instantly resolved.


    Xu Qing continued to kowtow without any change in his expression.


    Ting Yu was shocked by this scene and her breathing turned hurried. Chen Feiyuan¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. This was originally something he had applied to the higher-ups of Purple Earth in advance in order to set up security.


    However, at that moment, the moment Xu Qing kowtowed and his forehead touched the ground, fog suddenly rose from the surrounding ground. Many figures of the Smoke Race crawled out and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    There were hundreds of them and all of them had extraordinary cultivation bases. They were also extremely fast, clearly trained in assassination.


    However, before they could get close to Xu Qing, the sky distorted and a large seal suddenly manifested, emitting terrifying fluctuations.


    That was a treasure formed by the fusion of the magic treasures of the eight great families. Although it wasn¡¯t as powerful as a Taboo, it was at the peak level among magic treasures.


    After Chen Feiyuan crushed a jade slip, it instantly appeared and descended violently toward the ground.


    Xu Qing was unscathed but the Smoke Race members who appeared in the surroundings let out mournful cries and collapsed one after another.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Almost at the instant the magic treasure seal appeared, the third wave of assassination attempts erupted. This time, the people who came didn¡¯t come from the sky or the ground but from the wind.


    Thousands of figures directly transformed from the wind that blew from all directions. They looked like they were from the Smoke Race but their auras were different from the Smoke Race. Clearly, Smoke Race was just a disguise to hide their real race.


    The instant they appeared, the great wing in the sky rumbled. Thousands of Sword Holders descended in unison and fought around the cemetery.


    A bolt of black lightning suddenly streaked across the sky, forming a rift. Three figures rushed out from this rift.


    These three were all Nihility.


    Two were at the second stage, and one was at the third stage.


    They also concealed the characteristics of their race and used a special method to transform into the appearance of the Smoke Race. The instant they appeared, the clouds exploded and a clear cawing sound rang out as Qingqin charged straight for the three of them.


    The sky rumbled. As the battle erupted, a fourth figure silently crawled out of the rift in the sky, transforming into a beam of light that headed straight for Xu Qing.


    His speed was extremely fast, but Daoist Sima immediately took a step forward and flicked his sleeve, instantly sweeping up the newcomer and starting a battle in the sky.


    While battles went on in both the sky and ground, the body of a member of the eight great families suddenly trembled. The breath emitted from his nostrils actually transformed into two small misty figures that rushed toward Xu Qing.


    He was already near to Xu Qing, so this sudden scene immediately created a huge crisis. However, a hand stretched out from the void beside Xu Qing and grabbed the two small people, squeezing them ruthlessly.


    Miserable cries rang out as the two small people collapsed and turned into countless remnant fog. As they retreated, the hand from the depths of the void rushed forward and one person walked out.


    Xu Qing recognized him. He was none other than the original Deputy Palace Master of the Law Palace. He nodded at Xu Qing and chased after the remnant fog.


    At the same time, in the sky, outside the huge black lightning rift, an even larger rune appeared and teleportation fluctuations spread. Seven to eight people walked out.


    The person in the lead was Li Yunshan. Beside him were the Palace Master of the Observance Palace and the deacons of the three palaces.


    After they appeared, they directly rushed into the black rift. At the next moment, rumbling sounds echoed through the sky.


    A look of confusion appeared in Ting Yu¡¯s eyes. Just as she was about to speak, she was dragged away by Chen Feiyuan.


    At this moment, Xu Qing had finished kowtowing. When he lifted his head and looked at the sky, golden light flickered in the sky, as though it had transformed into a golden heavenly sea. The county capital¡¯s Taboo magic treasure was being projected here.


    It spread through the sky.


    In the golden net that spread in all directions, a majestic face was faintly discernible.


    It was Marquis Yao.


    Countless small worlds formed in its surroundings. Under the enhancement of the Taboo magic treasure and the county capital¡¯s fortune, those small worlds were forcefully brought together, forming a large world!

 Chapter 815 - 815 Assassination at the Grave (4)

    815 Assassination at the Grave (4)


    It directly suppressed the black lightning rift.


    ¡°Fourth stage of Nihility!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. At that moment, the green smoke emitted by the lit incense stick in front of him suddenly transformed into a finger and pressed down on Xu Qing.


    The killing intent spread in all directions, locking onto Xu Qing¡¯s body and soul. If it landed, it could destroy Xu Qing, body and soul.


    However, the instant this finger appeared, the void beside it distorted and another person walked out, blocking in front of Xu Qing as he let out a deep shout.


    ¡°Scatter!¡±


    The voice carried a terrifying fluctuation but it avoided the damage to the tomb and directly landed in the smoke finger.


    The smoke exploded.


    The figure of the person who arrived was also clearly reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    He was the Great Elder of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court.


    He was Grandmaster Bai¡¯s master.


    After he appeared, he turned his head and looked at Xu Qing before looking at Ting Yu and Chen Feiyuan. He then nodded and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Xu Qing, continue paying your respects.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. After cupping his fists, he looked at Grandmaster Bai¡¯s tombstone and lowered his head to kowtow.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for disturbing your sleep¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled softly. He understood Marquis Yao¡¯s thoughts. He could comprehend this matter, but he wasn¡¯t informed beforehand.


    Xu Qing understood that the reason he wasn¡¯t informed was because Marquis Yao guessed that he wouldn¡¯t agree to have the location set at Grandmaster Bai¡¯s grave, or perhaps the battlefield wasn¡¯t determined by their side.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and kowtowed heavily.


    Once, twice, thrice¡­


    This time, Marquis Yao¡¯s preparations were very thorough, combined with the cooperation from Purple Earth, so it didn¡¯t take long for the thousands of assassins around to either die or be captured. The battle in the sky also didn¡¯t last too long.


    After sensing that Xu Qing had such an arrangement beside him, the assassins already had the intention to retreat.


    At the same time, a rain of blood flowed from the black lightning rift as Marquis Yao¡¯s great world entered it.


    Gradually, this assassination attempt ended. Although the battle was still going on, the battlefield was already away from Purple Earth as the assassins tried to flee.


    The world slowly fell silent.


    This assassination attempt from the hidden rebellious forces in Fenghai County had failed. Perhaps this wasn¡¯t their whole plan, or perhaps they could have set it up better.


    However, the constraints of time, the failure in choosing the battlefield, or some unforeseen factors, all led to this outcome.


    Because today¡¯s events gave Xu Qing the feeling that it was more like a performance.


    ¡°Maybe this isn¡¯t Marquis Yao fishing but closing the net after he received some information¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    The Great Elder of the Sword Holding Court in the Yinghuang Province saw Xu Qing¡¯s expression and slowly spoke.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hold a grudge against Marquis Yao. He actually paid a lot more. He used the Taboo of the county capital and his meager fortune to forcefully gather the great world. What he paid to do this was his lifespan.¡±


    ¡°As the acting County Governor, his connections in the various races will be the foundation of his future governance of Fenghai County. It will also be a completely different style of doing things from the old county governor.¡±


    ¡°Probably, some races gave information after deciding to pledge allegiance.¡±


    ¡°In order to strengthen the stability of Fenghai and intimidate the other forces, as well as to guard against some people outside the county, Marquis Yao couldn¡¯t show fear. Hence, he chose to establish his might.¡±


    ¡°After all, there is no true fourth-stage Nihility almighty in Fenghai County.¡±


    At this point, the Great Elder cast a meaningful glance at Xu Qing.


    ¡°In addition, it will also erase one of your weaknesses from the enemy¡¯s understanding. After all, to be able to set up a trap in front of your teacher¡¯s grave is enough to show that the emotions of the mortal world can¡¯t shake your heart. This way, no one will target you with this method in the future.¡±


    ¡°Of course, this is just my personal judgment.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He understood the current situation in Fenghai County very well and could sense Marquis Yao¡¯s intentions.


    At that moment, when he lifted his head and looked at the surrounding battlefield, Chen Feiyuan quickly walked over from afar and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Purple Earth¡¯s side has captured many of them alive. Other than some who will be interrogated, how should we deal with the others?¡±


    Xu Qing composed himself and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Kill.¡±

 Chapter 816 - 816 Dao Mandate Heavenly Demon, 13 Nascent Souls (1)

    816 Dao Mandate Heavenly Demon, 13 Nascent Souls (1)


    Xu Qing had always been cold to enemies.


    Chen Feiyuan nodded and glanced at Xu Qing, sighing inwardly. After his teacher¡¯s death, he lost his protection and had to learn to be ruthless and cold in the internal struggles of the family.


    ¡°But Xu Qing, from a very young age, had already developed what I later learned as instinct.¡±


    Chen Feiyuan¡¯s understanding of Xu Qing mainly came from his investigation after he participated in the family¡¯s power struggle.


    Regardless of whether it was the name of the Kid in the scavenger campsite, the camp leader later on, or the path of slaughter after joining the Seven Blood Eyes, all of these made Chen Feiyuan understand Xu Qing even more.


    He understood that Xu Qing¡¯s personality and methods of doing things were also something he had to learn.


    At this moment, without saying much, Chen Feiyuan took out a sound transmission jade slip and gave the order to execute the assassins.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay much attention to the specific details. He didn¡¯t stay in Purple Earth for too long either. After spending three days with Chen Feiyuan and Ting Yu, and bidding farewell with the eight great families, Xu Qing left.


    When he left, Ting Yu cried.


    Since the passing of their teacher, Ting Yu¡¯s vulnerability seemed to have become more apparent all of a sudden. Partings seemed to affect her even more.


    Her feelings toward Xu Qing were no longer the simple curiosity and infatuation in her childhood. As she grew up, the bond they shared as fellow disciples became a rare source of warmth for her amidst the cold Purple Earth and cunning eight great families.


    Life was often like that: old things were replaced with the new, as if nothing had changed. The colder the world, the more likely such occurrences were, and emotions in the world weren¡¯t limited to just romantic love.


    As for the depth of emotions, it couldn¡¯t be measured solely by the length of time.


    But she made an effort to restrain herself, not shedding tears in front of Xu Qing. Instead, after he left, she couldn¡¯t help but lean on Chen Feiyuan¡¯s shoulder and burst into tears.


    Chen Feiyuan looked at his senior sister who had grown up with him and felt the sadness that parting brought her.


    ¡°Senior Sister, do you remember what Teacher often said?¡±


    ¡°The world is the guest house of all living beings. Time is a passerby since ancient times¡­¡± Chen Feiyuan¡¯s voice entered Ting Yu¡¯s ears. Ting Yu lifted her head and muttered softly.


    ¡°As long as we don¡¯t die, we will meet again.¡±


    The same words also came from Xu Qing, who was standing on the great wing in the sky.


    The wind from the sky blew over, swaying his clothes and lifting his long hair. As the great wing moved, these words appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, as well as Grandmaster Bai¡¯s expression when he said these words.


    During these three days in Purple Earth, he asked Chen Feiyuan and Ting Yu about many details of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s life. He asked whether there were any close friends aside from Old Master Seventh, whether there were any unusual behaviors, and if he had spoken any peculiar words before he was killed, and so on.


    Chen Feiyuan was at a loss about this but Ting Yu had a sharp memory. Under her recollection and description, Xu Qing didn¡¯t find anything abnormal about Grandmaster Bai.


    There was only one thing¡­ Ting Yu told him that their teacher had a habit of looking at the sky.


    This habit didn¡¯t exist from the start. It only appeared a year before he was killed.


    Xu Qing silently lifted his head and looked at the sky.


    ¡°Outside Wanggu¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    However, at the end of the day, Xu Qing did not have an accurate answer to Grandmaster Bai¡¯s matter and could only bury this matter in his mind. He left Purple Earth on the great wing, crossing the Forbidden Sea and returning to the Yinghuang Province.


    During this process, Xu Qing also made a trip to the Phoenix Forbidden.


    He wanted to verify Huang Yan¡¯s identity.


    However, even though Qingqin cawed inside the Phoenix Forbidden, Flame Phoenix didn¡¯t have any reaction. The entire Phoenix Forbidden was enveloped by a fog.


    Xu Qing stared at it for a long time before choosing to leave.


    However, the moment he walked out of the Phoenix Forbidden, he received a voice transmission from Second Senior Sister.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I¡¯m in the Phoenix Forbidden and I¡¯m pregnant. However, due to this, there were some minor issues during my breakthrough in cultivation. It¡¯s quite bothersome, all thanks to that annoying fatty Huang Yan. I¡¯m so frustrated.¡±


    ¡°Huang Yan is helping me resolve it, but we can¡¯t go out to see you. Also¡­ Huang Yan asked me to tell you that what he said to you back then is still valid.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re unhappy outside, return to the Nanhuang Continent.¡±


    After Xu Qing received Second Senior Sister¡¯s message, he took a deep breath and looked at Qingqin.


    Qingqin let out a cry. Its expression was also filled with excitement and curiosity. Clearly, it had also sensed the strangeness in the Phoenix Forbidden.


    ¡°Is Huang Yan really the Flame Phoenix?¡±


    Although all the clues pointed to this point, Xu Qing still felt that it wasn¡¯t real when he recalled his memories of Huang Yan.


    Finally, with these emotions, Xu Qing saw the Yinghuang Province from afar.


    On this trip back, Xu Qing didn¡¯t stay in the Eight Sects Alliance for too long. A few days later, Old Master Seventh left with half of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples and more than half of the Mystic Nether Sect¡¯s disciples and teleported to the county capital.


    Zi Xuan had already set off in advance and was in charge of choosing the location of the new sect in the county capital.


    After they left, the Alliance Leader of the Eight Sects Alliance still had a smile on his face. His expression even revealed some emotion and reluctance as he bid farewell to Old Master Seventh.


    There were still eight sects in the Eight Sects Alliance. There were no changes.


    As for the Qing Xuan Sect that was about to be established in the county capital, it was a separate sect. Moreover, regardless of status or future development, it would far surpass the Eight Sects Alliance.


    With Old Master Seventh¡¯s deputy governor identity and the addition of Xu Qing¡¯s name, the various forces in Fenghai County understood that even though the Qing Xuan Sect was weak now, it wouldn¡¯t be long before there would be another super sect in Fenghai County.

 Chapter 817 - 817 Dao Mandate Heavenly Demon, 13 Nascent Souls (2)

    817 Dao Mandate Heavenly Demon, 13 Nascent Souls (2)


    With this, Xu Qing¡¯s journey came to a complete end.


    During this trip, he visited many places and fulfilled many desires. His inner world became much clearer. On the fourth day after returning to the capital city, Xu Qing¡¯s thirteenth nascent soul was formed within the Nether Spirit Blood Wing Lantern.


    The left wing excelled in speed, while the right wing was focused on offense.


    The instant the phantom of the right wing was born, a shocking killing intent erupted from this nascent soul, surpassing all the other lanterns.


    After sensing its sharpness, Xu Qing thought for a moment and then took out a jade slip.


    This was given to him by Old Master Seventh on the way back to the county capital.


    What was recorded inside was the Nascent Soul cultivation art that Old Master Seventh had specially created for him.


    Dao Mandate Heavenly Demon Art.


    Similar to how Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art was created for Xu Qing, this cultivation art that Old Master Seventh crafted for him was tailored to Xu Qing¡¯s personality, style, and abilities, making it unique.


    Xu Qing recalled Old Master Seventh¡¯s arrogant expression when he gave him the cultivation art and warmth rose in his heart. His understanding of this cultivation art these few days also made him understand that it was extremely difficult to mold such a cultivation art.


    In addition, if one wanted to cultivate it, they needed many special items as support to form the source of the cultivation art.


    Old Master Seventh had already prepared these items for him.


    Looking at the jade slip, the contents of the cultivation art appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    The moment the cultivators of the various races of the Wanggu Continent stepped into the Nascent Soul realm, the focus of their cultivation was different from before.


    They needed a heavenly mandate.


    Heavenly mandate was an indescribable thing that only appeared in the Nascent Soul realm.


    It was different from fortune.


    To be precise, the heavenly mandate was the most basic power that formed the laws of heaven and earth. It could be likened to the notes in a melody, the strokes in writing, and the bricks in constructing a building.


    Its role was not only to nourish and facilitate the growth of the nascent souls but also to integrate into them, continuously accumulating within. Eventually, after experiencing five heavenly tribulations, it would gather together to form a secret repository.


    The number of heavenly mandates determined the success rate of forming a secret repository, and at the same time, it was also the foundation of the formation of the secret repositories.


    Once the heavenly mandates were sufficient, after forming the secret repository, the excess heavenly mandates could transform into nomological laws in the secret repository, allowing it to have all the prerequisites for the birth of the Heavenly Dao.


    Therefore, to Nascent Soul cultivators, heavenly mandate was extremely important.


    If they wanted to obtain more heavenly mandates, they had to endure the heavenly tribulation.


    Generally speaking, the power of the first heavenly tribulation might be ordinary, but each subsequent one became more terrifying than the last.


    The fourth heavenly tribulation could even be considered extinction-level, and not many people could survive it.


    The life lantern¡¯s nascent soul was better off. After failing the heavenly tribulation, the nascent soul wouldn¡¯t dissipate, as the punishment would be borne by the life lantern.


    However, if an ordinary nascent soul failed, it would be heavily injured and required significant efforts to barely recover.


    As for more severe cases, they would collapse directly, lost forever, unable to be reconstructed.


    As a result, at the Nascent Soul realm, many people didn¡¯t dare to transcend the tribulation and were willing to stop here.


    Although there seemed to be quite a lot of Spirit Repository cultivators, that was because the number of cultivators in the Wanggu Continent was huge. In reality, every Spirit Repository cultivator had experienced the life-and-death test of the heavenly tribulations.


    Of course, the Wanggu Continent had existed for so many years and there were countless researches done on the Nascent Soul tribulations, leading to a wide variety of methods.


    Some were indeed effective, but came at a significant cost. Others were merely attempts to deceive, with extremely demanding conditions for cultivation that were purely theoretical.


    Only some treasured techniques in the large sects or emperor-level cultivation arts that could be cultivated could truly allow cultivators to reduce their losses during the tribulations and increase the possibility of success to obtain more heavenly mandates.


    Other than that, in the various races, they more or less grasped some precious cultivation arts.


    These cultivation arts could allow one to transcend the tribulation almost unscathed. However, the conditions for cultivation were mostly extremely strict. It wasn¡¯t something that could be obtained by simply cultivating. One also needed the help of some natural treasures.


    These methods weren¡¯t spread.


    Coupled with the existence of class, it became something that only the influential could enjoy.


    However, no matter what, at the Nascent Soul realm, cultivators first had to let their nascent souls grow.


    Regardless of whether it was the spiritual energy of the world, devouring other people¡¯s nascent souls, eating natural treasures and medicinal pills, the goal of everything was to allow the nascent souls to withstand the heavenly tribulation and obtain the heavenly mandates to nourish them. After that, they would continue to grow and transcend the tribulation.


    This was the foundation.


    Unless it was an extremely special cultivation art, it was all based on this principle.


    The Dao Mandate Heavenly Demon Art that Old Master Seventh had given Xu Qing was the opposite. It exuded domineeringness and carried the style of the Seventh Peak.


    It continued the bizarre art and still focused on devouring.


    However, what it devoured was no longer the Heavenly Palace¡¯s golden core but the heavenly mandates of nascent souls!


    It devoured the heavenly mandates obtained by others after transcending the tribulations and changed them to its own heavenly mandates.


    Heavenly mandate was the best item to nourish one¡¯s nascent souls. Hence, cultivating this art didn¡¯t require any natural treasures. One only needed to keep killing.


    Therefore, it was called Dao Mandate.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was a little strange. He felt that this word ¡®Dao¡¯ should have been embellished by Old Master Seventh. Perhaps Mandate Plundering would be more accurate, not the kind of stealing associated with theft, but the kind associated with robbery.


    As for the words ¡®Heavenly Demon¡¯, they also had meanings.


    This was the second specialty of this cultivation art. It could allow the cultivator to disintegrate the nascent souls they devoured.


    The heavenly mandates in the nascent souls would become nourishment for the cultivator, while the other parts were condensed outside the body, forming the illusory Heavenly Demon Body.


    This Heavenly Demon Body looked similar to a clone but its essence was completely different.


    It could take on countless forms and accompany the main body into battle as a fighting force.

 Chapter 818 - 818 Dao Mandate Heavenly Demon, 13 Nascent Souls Success (3)

    818 Dao Mandate Heavenly Demon, 13 Nascent Souls Success (3)


    And these weren¡¯t the greatest uses of the Heavenly Demon Body. Its goal was to replace the calamity!


    The heavenly tribulation would continue to grow stronger. If one failed, their nascent soul would be damaged and collapse. However, since the goal was to obtain the heavenly mandate, then¡­ the passing the heavenly tribulation was actually just a formality.


    Letting his Heavenly Demon Body transcend the tribulation had the same effect.


    If one collapsed, there would be a second, a third¡­


    As long as he succeeded once, the power of the heavenly mandates would descend, and he could use dao mandate art to take it.


    This was the style of the Seventh Peak and also Old Master Seventh.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he waved his hand and took out three pill bottles.


    The cultivation of the Dao Mandate Heavenly Demon Art required a special item just like how the Bizarre Nether Dao Snatching Art required a Bizarre Nether Heart.


    Firstly, it required all the nascent souls of the cultivator to have appeared and undergone at least one heavenly tribulation, containing some degree of heavenly mandates within them.


    This was the foundation.


    Next was the items in the three pill bottles.


    The first pill bottle contained the corpse of a headless Nascent Soul cultivator of the Bizarre Fiend Race.


    Old Master Seventh had searched for a long time before he found one for Xu Qing. After all, this race was rare.


    Its effect was to increase Xu Qing¡¯s bizarre nether¡¯s strength, allowing him to snatch the enemy¡¯s nascent souls.


    In the second pill bottle was a lump of blood-colored vortex that emitted a holy intent.


    This was the marrow that Old Master Seventh had refined from the god fish¡¯s bone. Due to the death of the god in the Immortal Forbidden, it had no owner and could be controlled in peace.


    Its method of use was also very special. It required Xu Qing¡¯s Heavenly Dao Nascent Soul to fuse with it. From then on, he could use the power of the Heavenly Dao to extract the heavenly mandates of the enemy¡¯s nascent souls.


    The third pill bottle contained 100,000 evil spirits.


    Back then, Bai Xiaozhuo had used three fish bones in conjunction with the Purple Green¡¯s dead souls¡¯ location to open a gap in the land of the wicked, causing a large number of evil souls to descend. Although they were quickly teleported to the Ancient Spirit World, there were still some left outside.


    Not only were these evil souls terrifyingly ferocious, but they were mixed with a large number of miscellaneous thoughts. Their memories when they were alive and after they died caused them to fall into madness.


    Later on, they were found by Old Master Seventh and refined inside this special small bottle.


    Once the miscellaneous thoughts of the evil spirits inside were refined, they would be the seeds of the Heavenly Demon Body. Although he would be marked by the land of the wicked after killing too many of these evil spirits, Xu Qing¡¯s body was special. As long as the number wasn¡¯t too great, it was fine.


    Xu Qing looked at these and sighed with emotion. He now had a deeper understanding of the words tailor-made.


    This Dao Mandate Heavenly Demon Art was equivalent to optimizing all of Xu Qing¡¯s abilities to the greatest extent. After some adjustments, it finally formed a unique exclusive technique.


    ¡°I have everything. What I need now is my last nascent soul to transcend the tribulation.¡± Xu Qing sensed his 13th nascent soul and vaguely sensed that there would be a tribulation in a few days.


    ¡°There¡¯s another thing left as well. It¡¯s the refinement of the miscellaneous thoughts and memories of the evil spirits of the land of the wicked.¡±


    Xu Qing picked up the small bottle of the evil spirits and checked it. He felt that the refinement speed was a little slow.


    ¡°It will take a few months¡­¡± Xu Qing fell silent, and soon, a dark glint appeared in his eyes as he thought of a solution.


    Just as he was thinking about the feasibility, his voice transmission jade slip vibrated. After Xu Qing took it out, he saw that the voice transmission was from Marquis Yao.


    Xu Qing fell silent for a few breaths before fusing his divine consciousness into it and speaking respectfully.


    ¡°Greetings, County Governor.¡±


    Marquis Yao¡¯s voice echoed in his mind.


    ¡°Xu Qing.¡±


    ¡°Muye has been contacted.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°So far, everything is going smoothly. According to our request, Muye will push for the handover of a county of the Heavenly Wind Nation Country to our Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°However, there are still some problems. This county is a little far from our Fenghai and it¡¯s not bordered. There¡¯s not much meaning to having it.¡±


    Marquis Yao calmly spoke and didn¡¯t say much. After telling Xu Qing about Muye, he chatted with Xu Qing about the current situation in Fenghai County, including the dependence of the nonhuman races and the matter of the Seventh Prince still not returning the three provinces.


    He was using his own method to shape Xu Qing¡¯s view of the overall situation.


    Throughout the entire process, they didn¡¯t talk about Purple Earth. Xu Qing also didn¡¯t ask. The two of them had an unspoken mutual understanding and Xu Qing¡¯s words were still respectful.


    This respect caused Marquis Yao, who was in the Yao Residence, to smile.


    He recalled Xu Qing¡¯s past, especially after his identity and status had changed, and realized that throughout it all, Xu Qing seemed to have changed very little.


    ¡®It¡¯s rare to maintain your original principles.¡¯


    Marquis Yao mumbled inwardly and ended his conversation with Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing put down the jade slip and looked in the direction of the Yao Residence.


    Although there were some areas where Marquis Yao¡¯s methods of doing things were debatable, no matter what, such a deep-minded person guarding Fenghai County would still give others a sense of stability.


    The prerequisite was that you believed him.


    After a long time, Xu Qing retracted his gaze. With Old Master Seventh around, this wasn¡¯t a problem he should think about. Although it was rumored in the external world that his status was extremely high, Xu Qing was very clear that no matter what, he was just a fake Nascent Soul cultivator.


    If he took others for granted, he would lose his original principles.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t like such a person. He also didn¡¯t want to become someone he hated.


    Hence, he treated everything the same as before. He maintained respect and vigilance and didn¡¯t treat himself as a big shot.


    Only in terms of perspective and vision, he made efforts to absorb all the knowledge from the outside world to make himself more complete.


    Xu Qing kept the jade slip and closed his eyes to meditate, completely immersing himself in his cultivation.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    Three days later, a vortex of tribulation clouds appeared in the sky above the Sword Holding Palace. As it rumbled, a bolt of heavenly lightning suddenly descended, heading straight for the Edict Bearer Hall Xu Qing was in.

 Chapter 819 - 819 Dao Mandate Heavenly Demon, 13 Nascent Souls Success (4)

    819 Dao Mandate Heavenly Demon, 13 Nascent Souls Success (4)


    Xu Qing¡¯s 13th nascent soul also rose into the air to welcome the heavenly lightning.


    Amidst the rumbling, the power of the lightning tribulation permeated the surroundings of Xu Qing¡¯s nascent soul, transforming into arcs of lightning that scattered in all directions. Immediately after, the second heavenly lightning descended with an even more violent aura.


    The intent to kill rose from Xu Qing¡¯s offensive nascent soul. Its gaze was filled with ferocity as it charged straight toward the heavenly tribulation.


    The rumbling sound spread in all directions, attracting the attention of everyone in the city, especially those in the Sword Holding Palace. They knew that this was Xu Qing¡¯s Nascent Soul Heavenly Tribulation. There were a total of three lightning in the first tribulation.


    Although the possibility of an accident happening was very small, Old Master Seventh and Zi Xuan looked up from different places and were prepared to help.


    The third lightning tribulation descended and enveloped Xu Qing¡¯s nascent soul. As the nascent soul let out a sharp cry, the heavenly tribulation was over. The clouds and fog scattered in all directions and multicolored light descended, forming the aura of heavenly mandate that surged into Xu Qing¡¯s 13th nascent soul.


    This time, the aura of heavenly mandate that descended was much less compared to the turmoil during the calamity brought by the Deputy Governor, as undergoing a single nascent soul tribulation was the easiest. Therefore, the rewards naturally couldn¡¯t compare to undergoing twelve nascent soul tribulations.


    However, this didn¡¯t matter. The Dao Mandate Heavenly Demon Art would allow Xu Qing¡¯s future cultivation to replenish the heavenly mandates. Right now, he was finally no longer a fake Nascent Soul cultivator.


    In the Edict Bearer Hall, as the offensive nascent soul returned and fused into his body, Xu Qing opened his eyes. A purple glint appeared in his eyes as he mumbled softly.


    ¡°Nascent Soul!¡±


    When the 13 palaces were completed, they all transformed into Nascent Souls and experienced the first tribulation.


    ¡°In that case, I¡¯m only one step away from cultivating the Dao Mandate Heavenly Demon Art!¡±


    Xu Qing took out the pill bottle his master had given him.


    This bottle seemed to contain the universe and to a certain extent, it could be considered a storage item. The evil spirits inside were in the process of being refined.


    Xu Qing stared at these evil souls. After some thought, determination appeared in his eyes. Previously, he had an idea to speed up the refinement. After these few days of analysis, he felt that it was very feasible.


    Xu Qing stood up and walked out of the Edict Bearer Hall, heading straight for the territory of the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect.


    After the war, although the strength of the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect, which was tied to the Sword Holding Palace, was similarly damaged, it wasn¡¯t difficult for such a super sect to recover.


    Hence, when Xu Qing arrived, he saw that there were still many disciples in the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bring an entourage with him. His target was very clear. The place he wanted to go was the Great Void World controlled by the Great Void Demon Transformation Sect.


    Through the teleportation in the sect, Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared from the city. When he reappeared, he was already in the void, still in the body of the skeleton fish.


    Xu Qing was already very familiar with heading to the Great Void World. Hence, not long later, when he saw the huge statue with a gaping hole in its chest, his body was enveloped by the bubble spat out by the skeleton fish.


    In an instant, Xu Qing entered the Great Void World.


    The moment he appeared, the brain trees in the surroundings that were originally leisurely trembled. They remembered Xu Qing¡¯s aura and retreated abruptly, fleeing in all directions.


    There was also countless information that transformed into fluctuations that continuously spread out in all directions, informing all the clansmen that the bandit was here again!


    Hence, Xu Qing, who had descended here, saw empty surroundings and fleeing figures in the distance.


    Ling¡¯er stuck her head out of his collar and looked around curiously.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, where is this? Why are they fleeing? They seem to be very afraid of you.¡±


    ¡°This is the Great Void World, a very interesting place. They aren¡¯t fleeing. This is their way of welcoming.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke. With a step, a pair of blood-colored wings appeared on his back. As the wings flapped, his speed erupted and he instantly caught a brain tree that was fleeing a little slower.


    The brain tree immediately emitted a sharp divine sense.


    ¡°Not eating, not eating, not eating!¡±


    Xu Qing grabbed it. He then took out the pill bottle that contained the evil spirits and borrowed the storage power inside to send the brain tree in.


    This was the solution Xu Qing thought of.


    The brain trees of the Great Void World liked to eat memories and carried malice and greed. They would continuously deceive those who arrived, causing them to forget the process of the transaction.


    This way, they could trade again and again until the other party became a person with no memories.


    Xu Qing felt that these brain trees should be very suitable for purifying evil spirits. After all, the latter was filled with miscellaneous thoughts and memories.


    The brain tree had been wailing in agony, but upon entering the pill bottle and noticing countless evil spirits, it began to tremble.


    It was trembling with excitement.


    It rapidly approached a soul and countless bolts of lightning flashed in the brain. As it contracted, it seemed to have absorbed something. The soul¡¯s expression was no longer sinister but blank.


    ¡°It¡¯s effective!¡±


    Xu Qing was excited. He immediately flew out and continued to capture them.


    However, he knew that excessiveness in all things should be avoided. Therefore, after capturing over thirty of them, he stopped and left without continuing.


    Although there were only over 30 brain trees, the speed at which they devoured memories was very fast. It was enough to speed up the refinement greatly.


    He did some calculations. With these brain trees, these evil spirits would meet his cultivation requirements in five days at most.


    Hence, Xu Qing left in satisfaction and returned to the Sword Holding Palace. He then entered seclusion and cultivated the Dao Mandate Heavenly Demon Art.


    Just like that, half a month passed in the blink of an eye.


    When Xu Qing transformed the Dao Mandate Heavenly Demon Art into a cultivation seed to lay a foundation for himself and continuously nurture it, he received a voice transmission from his master.


    ¡°Fourth, the Seventh Prince sent an envoy to deliver an invitation.¡±


    ¡°He has invited you to the place where the Ten Guts Tree was located to participate in the celebration of the Holy Wave Race¡¯s return.¡±


    ¡°The Seventh Prince and the Holy Wave Race have reached a preliminary agreement, and once the Human Emperor approves it and issues the imperial decree, the Holy Wave Race will officially return to the human race.¡±


    ¡°Other than inviting you to the celebration, he also invited you to one of his private banquets to discuss the ownership of the three provinces of Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°According to our information, many of the nobles¡¯ sons, disciples of almighty figures, or elites who are famous in the Imperial Capital have been invited to participate.¡±


    ¡°So, are you going?¡±


    At the same time that Xu Qing heard his master¡¯s words, a banquet was being held in the Ten Guts Trees¡¯ location.


    With the disappearance of the Ten Guts Trees, the appearance of this area had changed drastically. A huge deep pit formed on the ground.


    The Seventh Prince occupied this place and it became the garrison headquarters. Hence, the surroundings of this deep pit were filled with military camps and there was no end to it.


    The small countries in the surroundings had also become the residences of the generals of the Imperial City¡¯s army. Especially a small nation named ¡®Te Chi,¡¯ whose palace was colored deep blue, was favored by the Seventh Prince.


    Hence, the palace of that small country became the Seventh Prince¡¯s temporary residence.


    At that moment, in the main hall of the palace, laughter rang out endlessly. Many young men and women in luxurious clothes were sitting there. Any one of them carried a noble aura. They were from the Imperial Capital.


    The Seventh Prince sat at the main seat, looking down with a smile. However, nobody noticed the disdain in his eyes as he glanced at the group of people below.


    Only when he looked at the woman beside him did the disdain in the Seventh Prince¡¯s eyes disappear, replaced by a hint of depth.


    ¡°Imperial Sister, your arrival this time is quite sudden.¡±


    The woman, seated at the same level as the Seventh Prince, appeared to be in her twenties. Her complexion was as fair as snow, and her eyes were like cold water as if they could see through everything.


    The fingers that picked up the wine glass were slender and smooth, with a hint of pink amidst the snow-whiteness.


    She was dressed in aqua blue attire, embroidered lightly with peach blossoms, and her outfit was elegant. Her dark hair was elegantly tied up in a high bun with an exquisite jade hairpin.


    The neckline was slightly open, revealing the graceful, fair, and slender curve of her neck, giving off an even more cold and proud aura.


    Upon hearing this, her red lips parted slightly and a cold voice rang out.


    ¡°Seventh Brother, are you guessing why I came?¡±


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s gaze was deep. He picked up the wine glass and glanced at the wine inside as he smiled and spoke.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±

 Chapter 820 - 820 Fanning the Flames, Borrowing a Knife to Kill Someone (1)

    820 fanning the flames, borrowing a knife to kill someone (1)


    during the early stages of the war, the three provinces in fenghai county that were taken away by the holy wave race were taken over by the seventh prince after the war ended.


    however, even now, he hadn¡¯t returned them to fenghai county.


    this matter was reasonable. after all, the seventh prince had conquered the three provinces and fenghai county had made preparations for a compensated agreement.


    however, the seventh prince had shown no intention of negotiating previously. within those three provinces, there are still many of the seventh prince¡¯s troops stationed.


    since this was an internal matter of the human race, the holy wave race wouldn¡¯t interfere. these three provinces produced spirit stones and possessed many mines that contained precious refining materials, making them quite valuable for the future recovery of fenghai county.


    hence, they couldn¡¯t give them up.


    it was only during this occasion that the seventh prince extended an invitation to xu qing and broached the topic of discussing ownership.


    ¡°marquis yao hoped that you could make a trip there, but i didn¡¯t agree immediately. fourth, you can decide on your own.¡±


    ¡°however, in terms of safety, there¡¯s no major problem. if anything happens to you on this trip, the seventh prince won¡¯t be able to escape responsibility. with his personality, he won¡¯t be so stupid.¡±


    old master seventh pointed out the pros and cons to xu qing.


    xu qing fell silent. he thought of some of marquis yao¡¯s previous arrangements, including the county that fenghai county was secretly taking over.


    that place didn¡¯t border fenghai county. to fenghai county, it was of little value but to the seventh prince, it had a different meaning.


    ¡°from the looks of it now, marquis yao should have expected this. his plan is indeed brilliant.¡±


    xu qing thought about it. eldest senior brother hadn¡¯t returned yet, so he still had some time here.


    marquis yao, his master, and everyone he met during his travels were all putting efforts for the stability of fenghai county. since he had enjoyed more than half of the fortune of fenghai county, he naturally had to bear the corresponding responsibility.


    in addition, he was sure that the day eldest senior brother returned would be the day he left the county.


    xu qing had also investigated the location of the moon worship region. it was very far from fenghai county, on the other side of the holy wave region, separated by a long river called sacrificial yin.


    that place was naturally the territory of the human race during the ancient sovereign mystic nether era. however, it was lost over time, and now, it did not belong to the black heaven race either.


    however, it had another name in the black heaven race.


    spirit enclosure.


    enclosure had a lot of meaning. it could be a land for raising livestock or place where essences gathered.


    as for the details, the information xu qing checked didn¡¯t have any more descriptions. this might also be the reason why the captain went out to collect more information.


    hence, xu qing wanted to do something for fenghai county before he left. he didn¡¯t refuse.


    just like that, a few days later, a large army set off from fenghai county.


    this trip was led by the sword holding palace¡¯s palace master, li yunshan. there were also two new deputy palace masters from the observance palace and the law palace accompanying him.


    there were also six deacons from the three palaces.


    the army was mainly composed of the cultivators of the sword holding palace. they chose 20,000 sword holders who had experienced many battles, and left fenghai county in a majestic manner.


    kong xianglong also participated in this trip.


    after the calamity brought by the old deputy governor, kong xianglong rarely drank alcohol. other than his own cultivation, he spent most of his energy on the secretariat department and obtained great authority.


    he was also valued by li yunshan who treated him as the future successor of fenghai county¡¯s sword holding palace.


    the army moved majestically on thousands of huge warships. their enormous shadows covered the mountains and rivers on the ground.


    at the front was a huge ancient bronze sword. li yunshan and the nihility experts of fenghai county were all on it.


    behind the ancient sword was old master seventh¡¯s great wing. its black body gave off a murderous feeling, stirring up a violent wind that enveloped the surroundings.


    xu qing was looking at the distant sky from a building on the great wing.


    the mountain range on the ground undulated. after the army went through several teleportations, they appeared at the previous western front line territory.


    when they arrived here, all the flying warships stopped in the sky.


    countless gazes landed on the ground. they looked at the land that hadn¡¯t completely recovered, the several fissures that the sword holding palace master had slashed down back then, and¡­ the place where the palace master had died in battle.


    everyone lowered their heads and mourned for him.


    xu qing stared and bowed deeply.


    kong xianglong was expressionless beside xu qing and only closed his eyes.


    after a long time, the flying warships continued forward, leaving this sad battlefield toward the direction of the holy wave race.


    kong xianglong opened his eyes but didn¡¯t look behind him. instead, he looked in the direction of the holy wave race and calmly spoke.


    ¡°xu qing, i want to see what kind of people those human elites from this generation are.¡±


    after kong xianglong was in charge of the entire county¡¯s layout of the secretariat department, his attire changed. at that moment, he was wearing black armor and his entire person emitted a murderous aura.


    his gaze was cold and his expression was dignified.


    with this appearance, he already vaguely resembled the figure of the old palace master.


    his cultivation base had also increased. two years ago, he had ten heavenly palaces. after experiencing many things, as the number one heaven¡¯s chosen in fenghai county back then, not only did the number of heavenly palaces increase, they were also already in the process of forming nascent souls.


    kong xianglong¡¯s choice was the same as xu qing¡¯s previous choice. he wanted to wait for all his nascent souls to form before he underwent the tribulation, so that he could obtain more heavenly mandates.


    from his aura and energy fluctuations, it seemed like he would undergo his tribulation in a few months at most.


    ¡°they shouldn¡¯t be simple,¡± xu qing said softly.


    just like that, several days passed in the blink of an eye.


    the group entered the holy wave race¡¯s territory, encountering no dangers or obstacles along the way. with the help of the teleportation arrays here, they arrived at the area where the ten guts trees used to be on the evening of the day of the private banquet hosted by the seventh prince.

 Chapter 821 - 821 Fanning the Flames, Borrowing a Knife to Kill Someone (2)

    821 fanning the flames, borrowing a knife to kill someone (2)


    the place had changed significantly from what xu qing remembered in his memory.


    looking around, all he could see were the countless camps of the seventh prince¡¯s imperial army, stretching endlessly in every direction.


    now that he was back, xu qing couldn¡¯t help but look at the sky, memories of the past scenes flooding his mind.


    after a while, he withdrew his gaze and amidst the reception by the subordinates of the seventh prince, the army was arranged to set up camps outside. he and kong xianglong were invited to the palace for the banquet.


    li yunshan and the others weren¡¯t invited to join.


    after all, in the eyes of the seventh prince, there were only a few individuals from fenghai county who he would remember, and kong xianglong was invited only due to his grandfather.


    so, not long after the army had set up camps, xu qing and kong xianglong followed the subordinates of the seventh prince, entering that small country known as te chi. as they journeyed through, they found most houses abandoned.


    the entire area had been taken over by the imperial forces, and the city exuded an aura of solemn killing. the ground was marked with dried bloodstains.


    compared to this, the dark blue palace was especially conspicuous in the city. the music and laughter inside also drifted out and entered xu qing and kong xianglong¡¯s ears.


    the two of them looked at each other with calm expressions and walked into the palace.


    the moment they stepped in, the singing and dancing in the luxurious palace continued but the laughter stopped. many gazes gathered on the two of them.


    similarly, everything in the palace was reflected in xu qing and kong xianglong¡¯s eyes.


    the seventh prince sat at the front. at that moment, he was smiling as he looked at xu qing.


    beside him was a beautiful woman with a cold expression. she was also in the main seat like him, so it could be seen that their statuses were the same.


    below the two of them, there were more than ten youths on both sides of the hall. there were men and women among them and most of them had extraordinary cultivation levels. they were at least at the nascent soul realm. there were even a few who emitted the fluctuations of the spirit repository.


    most of the people there had remarkable appearances and were dressed extravagantly. while there were a few in simple attire, their star-like eyes and unique aura made them stand out even more.


    yet, from their gaze and expressions, it was difficult to discern the attitudes of these individuals. after all, having grown up in the imperial capital, they possessed a certain level of sophistication and composure, even if not overly deep.


    when they looked at xu qing and kong xianglong, the seventh prince lifted his hand slightly. immediately, the singing and dancing in the hall stopped. the music stopped, and only his laughter echoed in the hall.


    ¡°xu qing, kong xianglong.¡±


    xu qing solemnly cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°greetings, seventh highness.¡±


    only the reckless would openly reveal their inner likes and dislikes, and such individuals were clearly absent here. even if there were any, they would likely be intentionally doing so.


    for example, kong xianglong was expressionless. although he also bowed, he didn¡¯t say anything.


    seventh prince didn¡¯t seem to mind kong xianglong¡¯s actions. he looked at xu qing with admiration in his eyes and spoke to everyone.


    ¡°this individual is the one you guys mentioned before, xu qing from fenghai county. he has been praised by his majesty, granted a golden plaque, a yellow robe, qualifications to the imperial academy, and first-class battle merits of the human race.¡±


    with that, the seventh prince pointed at the people at the banquet and began to introduce them to xu qing.


    ¡°xu qing, this is zhou tianzhi. he¡¯s a heaven chosen of the imperial capital¡¯s taisui academy and is overflowing with talent.¡±


    ¡°this is luo jinsong, a descendant of the heavenly marquis luo yun.¡±


    ¡°this is fairy liuling. she¡¯s from the creator¡¯s manor. the creator¡¯s manor researches gods and our human race¡¯s sun of dawn also has something to do with them.¡±


    ¡°this is the grandson of the supreme commander meng.¡± the seventh prince smiled and introduced them to xu qing one by one.


    most of the people here were descendants of nobles. their families had either produced heavenly marquises or had high-level ancestors now. there were also a few famous people in the imperial city.


    ¡°there¡¯s also huang kun. brother huang and xu qing are from the same lineage. he works in the sword holding ministry and his ancestor is the great deacon of the sword holding ministry.¡±


    those cultivators he pointed out also smiled and nodded at xu qing.


    xu qing returned the greetings one by one.


    one of them attracted xu qing¡¯s attention.


    ¡°xu qing, you might not have seen this person before but he¡¯s also a member of your fenghai county. he¡¯s the heaven chosen of the great void demon transformation sect, zhang qifan. 30 years ago, he went to the imperial capital to study and returned with the princess recently.¡±


    the person introduced by the seventh prince was a middle-aged man. he stood up and cupped his fists toward xu qing. his expression was filled with emotion and admiration.


    finally, the seventh prince¡¯s expression turned solemn. he stood up and bowed to the cold woman beside him before turning to speak to xu qing.


    ¡°xu qing, this is my elder sister, princess anhai.¡±


    xu qing calmly cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°greetings, princess.¡±


    beside him, kong xianglong also lowered his head to greet.


    princess anhai was still cold. she nodded slightly and didn¡¯t say anything.


    when the seventh prince saw this scene, his eyes narrowed slightly. very soon, he returned to normal and called xu qing to take a seat.


    xu qing nodded and sat at the end of the left side of the hall with kong xianglong, near the entrance.


    as he sat down, the singing and dancing started again and the sounds of laughter rang out again. zhang qifan from the great void demon transformation sect, who was sitting opposite xu qing, picked up his wine glass and toasted xu qing from afar.


    the smile on his face was sincere and filled with emotion.


    when xu qing saw this, he raised his wine glass. after drinking it, a voice rang out from beside him.


    ¡°xu qing, it¡¯s our first meeting and i shouldn¡¯t be so presumptuous, but i am extremely curious¡­ what did you answer in the emperor heart inquisition to make the light extend 100,000 feet?¡±


    the person who spoke wasn¡¯t zhang qifan but the youth sitting to the left of xu qing and kong xianglong.


    he was dressed in a light yellow robe, his appearance handsome as well, but his expression seemed accustomed to softness, giving him an air of kindness and benevolence.

 Chapter 822 - 822 Fanning the Flames, Borrowing a Knife to Kill Someone (3)

    822 fanning the flames, borrowing a knife to kill someone (3)


    he was looking at xu qing with a smile.


    xu qing remembered that when the seventh prince introduced him earlier, he had mentioned this person¡¯s identity. he was the grandson of the current supreme commander and his name was meng yunbai.


    as meng yunbai spoke, the woman sitting on the other side also looked over.


    this woman wore a simple blue dress, her appearance was beautiful, and she had a ponytail. however, her eyes had a pair of pupils that emitted an eerie vibe, causing anyone who was stared at by her to instinctively feel a shiver down their spine.


    the seventh prince introduced this woman as fairy liuling, someone from the creator¡¯s manor.


    ¡°you have the smell of god on you.¡±


    fairy liuling stared at xu qing. she looked young but her voice was that of an old woman. it was very bizarre.


    xu qing turned his head and his gaze landed on meng yunbai. he then looked at fairy liuling. just as he was about to politely decline, meng yunbai smiled and suddenly spoke again.


    ¡°we can make a deal. you can tell me the answer. as for me, i¡¯ll tell you which of the people here today has ill intentions toward you and the source of these ill intentions. how about it?¡±


    when kong xianglong heard this, he fell into deep thought. he had already discovered that these people from the imperial city weren¡¯t simple.


    as for this person, what he should want wasn¡¯t an answer but to use this to express his attitude. it was difficult to judge whether his intentions were good or evil, but it was clear that he wanted to sway xu qing¡¯s understanding.


    after all, what he said could be true or false.


    however, in kong xianglong¡¯s opinion, this trick was useless in front of xu qing.


    xu qing glanced at meng yunbai and took out a jade slip from his storage bag, handing it over.


    ¡°what is this?¡±


    meng yunbai raised his brows. after taking it, he scanned it with his divine consciousness and his eyes abruptly widened. he then looked at xu qing.


    ¡°is it through this? it¡¯s so complete!¡±


    ¡°yes, almost all the answers to the heart inquisition¡¯s questions over the years in the seven counties of the human race are here.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    the captain had bought this jade slip back then and gave xu qing a copy later.


    meng yunbai was stunned for a moment and looked at xu qing suspiciously. he instinctively didn¡¯t believe him but there were many answers in this jade slip that were incomparably detailed. it even marked the depth of the responses. it was apparent that a considerable amount of effort and resources went into organizing this information.


    just as he was hesitating, someone at the banquet unknowingly mentioned black heaven divine son, who had once appeared in this area.


    many people in the holy wave race knew and heard about this. although most of the witnesses had died, the rumors couldn¡¯t be stopped. even the human race gradually became aware of it.


    ¡°speaking of this black heaven divine son, although i don¡¯t know the details, i heard that the deep pit outside was formed because of him. it can be seen that his methods are astonishing.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that no one knows why he appeared here and why the ten guts trees disappeared.¡±


    ¡°the black heaven race is evil, and this divine son is probably even more so. he¡¯s likely following the path of sacrifice, and there¡¯s a high probability that he offered the ten guts trees of the calamity immortal race to his master, the crimson goddess.¡±


    ¡°seventh highness, after your triumph in the holy wave race, have you been able to trace the whereabouts of that black heaven divine son?¡±


    everyone spoke one after another. when black heaven divine son was mentioned, regardless of their identities, their words revealed fear. clearly, the words ¡®black heaven divine son¡¯ carried a lot of weight to them.


    the seventh prince shook his head.


    ¡°i¡¯ve heard of this matter and also asked some of the holy wave race members. according to their description, this black heaven divine son¡¯s cultivation is astonishing and his status is supreme. with a wave of his hand, he can descend the power of the crimson goddess and even make the statue of the black heaven race kneel and call him master.¡±


    ¡°however, it¡¯s a pity that he didn¡¯t leave any traces behind before he disappeared. however, the imperial sister should know more about the black heaven race. after all, you are the supervisor of the creator¡¯s manor.¡±


    after the seventh prince finished speaking, he looked at princess anhai beside him.


    princess anhai was expressionless as she spoke in a voice that was as cold as her expression.


    ¡°this black heaven divine son should be from the moon worship region. only there will the true dependents of the crimson goddess be herding for him.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he processed this piece of information, something he previously claimed to be unaware of. hearing it now, he seemed to be deep in thought.


    beside him, kong xianglong picked up his wine glass and took a sip, trying his best to control himself from looking at xu qing.


    even now, he still remembered that xu qing and his senior brother had transformed into the appearance of the black heaven race in front of him. after that, they headed to the place he was standing at now.


    it was also after they came here that the matter of black heaven divine son spread¡­


    as for the others, they all nodded slightly when they heard princess anhai¡¯s words. only the seventh prince suddenly looked at xu qing and smiled.


    ¡°xu qing, fenghai county isn¡¯t that far from here. have you heard of this black heaven divine son?¡±


    ¡°i heard about it afterwards.¡± xu qing lifted his head and looked into the seventh prince¡¯s eyes with a serious expression.


    the seventh prince smiled and didn¡¯t speak again.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was as usual and there were no changes at all. everyone here also slowly changed the topic and discussed major matters of the ancient races, such as the flame moon mystic heaven race¡¯s hunt.


    speaking of this, some people¡¯s expressions became indignant.


    there was also the matter of the holy wave race¡¯s return and the contributions the seventh prince had made this time. the seventh prince was all smiles throughout the conversation.


    they also talked about the situation of the sun of dawn and other human counties.


    occasionally, they would talk about some strange stories from other regions.


    xu qing and kong xianglong had never heard of most of these things, so they remained silent.


    this lasted until someone shifted the topic to xu qing.


    ¡°seventh highness, i have a straightforward personality and will offend others with my words. you reminded me of this back then but today¡­ i still can¡¯t help it. some people are really ungrateful and despicable!¡±


    the person who spoke was the descendant of the heavenly marquis luo. when the seventh prince introduced him, he called him luo jinsong.

 Chapter 823 - 823 Fanning the Flames, Borrowing a Knife to Kill Someone (4)

    823 fanning the flames, borrowing a knife to kill someone (4)


    when he spoke, he was looking straight at xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s expression remained calm. he had experienced too much of the ugliness of human nature in his childhood, so he was well aware that when someone started by describing their own personality, it often meant that their subsequent words were intentional.


    and at this moment, he heard the faint voice of meng yunbai in his ear.


    ¡°brother xu qing, this guy luo jinsong isn¡¯t as straightforward as he claims to be. let me tell you, most of the so-called heavenly marquises¡¯ descendants in the capital are just wearing a glorious facade. they lack real power, true talent, and their bloodlines have become diluted.¡±


    ¡°this luo jinsong is one of them. he¡¯s a little smart and wants to follow the seventh prince. however, the seventh prince doesn¡¯t fancy him. so, today, he wants to make things difficult for you in public to curry favor with the seventh prince.¡±


    ¡°he¡¯s not foolish, and he understands that behaving this way might not please the seventh prince. but in the end, as long as everyone perceives him as the direct subordinate of the seventh prince, whether he truly is or not becomes inconsequential.¡±


    ¡°however, he doesn¡¯t understand that cleverness alone is still just cleverness.¡±


    as meng yunbai transmitted his message, luo jinsong stared at xu qing with a look of hatred.


    ¡°in order to save fenghai county, seventh highness endured tremendous pressure and defied public opinion. when the human race fought against the black heaven race, he brought his army to fenghai county and resolved its danger. this is a life-saving grace.¡±


    ¡°later on, the seventh highness led the way, unafraid of life and death, and bravely pushed forward. the holy wave race kept retreating. if it weren¡¯t for his ancestor¡¯s breakthrough, the entire holy wave large region would be under our human race¡¯s control today!¡±


    ¡°despite this, he achieved unprecedented accomplishments and made the way for the holy wave race¡¯s return, bringing glory to our ancestors. but behind the scenes, someone used despicable means to defame him! this led to the seventh highness being criticized by his majesty for negligence!¡±


    distorting the truth and blurring the facts. all of this could be said to be vividly displayed by luo jinsong.


    everyone at the banquet instantly fell silent.


    the seventh prince calmly spoke.


    ¡°shut up.¡±


    when luo jinsong heard this, he immediately stood up and bowed to the seventh prince. after lifting his head, he spoke resentfully.


    ¡°his highness is benevolent and righteous and isn¡¯t willing to argue with petty characters. however, i can¡¯t stand it. even after having their lives saved, some people are so ungrateful. if you really have the ability, go and expand your territory yourself. there¡¯s no need to scheme.¡±


    with that, he sat down and picked up the wine flask, taking a large chug.


    everyone in the surroundings had different expressions as they looked at xu qing.


    meng yunbai was the same.


    xu qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. he naturally wouldn¡¯t believe all of meng yunbai¡¯s voice transmissions.


    as for the source of luo jinsong¡¯s words, at first glance, it was because he felt injustice for the seventh prince. however, xu qing¡¯s understanding had already adjusted and was no longer limited to what was in front of him.


    he had learned to view problems from a higher perspective.


    hence, this seemingly reasonable scene had some clues when viewed from a different perspective.


    it was hard to say that luo jinsong¡¯s actions were completely to curry favor with the seventh prince.


    it was more like he was deliberately opening some scars to cause waves.


    xu qing glanced at the calm princess anhai beside the seventh prince. he chose to remain silent and not enter the trap.


    beside him, kong xianglong was still focused on what was in front of him, but his anger was rising and just as he was about to retort, xu qing pressed down on his shoulder. after that, he stood up and looked at the seventh prince and the princess.


    ¡°your highness, princess, it¡¯s my first time here today and i¡¯m a little tired. if there¡¯s nothing else, i¡¯ll take my leave first.¡±


    there was a deep meaning in the seventh prince¡¯s eyes. a smile appeared on his face and he was about to speak.


    however, at this moment, the heaven¡¯s chosen of the fenghai county¡¯s great void demon transformation sect, zhang qifan, who was sitting opposite xu qing, suddenly slammed the table in front of him. a boom rang out and he stood up, glaring angrily at luo jinsong.


    ¡°what a bunch of nonsense!¡±


    ¡°i, zhang, have returned recently and communicated with the sect and many good friends. only then did i know the truth of this battle and edict bearer xu¡¯s efforts!¡±


    ¡°you said he saved fenghai county? when my fenghai county defended the invasion of the holy wave, where were the reinforcements?¡±


    ¡°when countless people died at the front lines, where were the reinforcements?¡±


    ¡°my fenghai county relied on the strength of a county to resist a region and persisted bitterly for a few months. the sword holding palace master died in battle and countless people died in battle. who was the one who stood on the bones of these sacrificed people and only had military contributions in his eyes at that time?¡±


    ¡°at that time, if the reinforcements had arrived earlier, even if it was just fifteen minutes early, the sword holding palace¡¯s palace master wouldn¡¯t have died tragically. according to what i know, the reinforcements set off from the imperial city very early on! don¡¯t tell me they had to wait until almost everyone is dead before they arrive? isn¡¯t it just because they were worried about survivors sharing the credit?!¡±


    ¡°as for negligence¡­ if illuminate was really allowed to ascend, will my fenghai county still be the territory of the human race?!¡±


    ¡°who can be sure if it was negligence?¡±


    zhang qifan was filled with righteous indignation and spoke angrily.


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. kong xianglong also understood and looked at xu qing.


    this person¡¯s words were too abrupt.


    clearly, someone was forcibly treating these people as knives!


    some things were not suitable to be revealed when fenghai county had just stabilized.


    the time wasn¡¯t ripe yet. to fenghai county, which had experienced the war and the calamity in the county capital, recuperating was the most important thing now. if there were any more waves, it would only cause an even greater commotion.


    most importantly, after experiencing all these calamities, fenghai county didn¡¯t trust any outsiders.


    however, it was obvious that someone had an unknown motive and wanted the situation here to be more chaotic.

 Chapter 824 - 824 Those Who Touch Fenghai’s Reverse Scale, Die! (1)

    824 those who touch fenghai¡¯s reverse scale, die! (1)


    in the area of the ten guts trees, the bright moon hung high up in the sky. amidst the pitch-black canopy, it seemed to stand out distinctly.


    yet occasional clouds drifted before the moon, gradually obscuring the clear distinction between the two sides.


    just like the hidden undercurrents present within the palace banquet at this moment.


    this undercurrent caused the situation between fenghai county and the holy wave large region to turn chaotic.


    some things, when said by xu qing and kong xianglong, were natural. they had experienced the battlefield and seen all the changes that fenghai county had experienced. they were witnesses to everything.


    however, it was inappropriate for zhang qifan to say them.


    although he was from fenghai county, he hadn¡¯t experienced all of this. it was as if an outsider was expressing the grievances of others, pretending to deeply understand and share their anger as if it was their own.


    this was too deliberate.


    and evidently, the development of events might not have been so deliberate initially.


    but due to xu qing¡¯s heightened understanding, he prevented kong xianglong from getting angry, causing the situation to change. the manipulator behind the scenes had to make hasty adjustments and introduce an outsider to deliver the lines that should have belonged to xu qing and kong xianglong.


    continuing to develop everything according to the manipulator¡¯s intended direction, the situation continued to unfold, growing even more murky.


    as for what impact this matter would have on fenghai county, the orchestrator clearly didn¡¯t care.


    the focus of all these maneuvers was quite evident ¨C it was directed against the seventh prince.


    so, the answer was actually quite obvious.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t the only one who understood. most of the people who were at the banquet were clear about this.


    even though there had been praises sung for the seventh prince in previous conversations, language was one of the most unpredictable things in this world.


    those who believed in it would be giving the initiative to the person who spoke.


    kong xianglong looked at xu qing. xu qing was expressionless, as though he didn¡¯t hear zhang qifan¡¯s words. he then turned and walked out.


    kong xianglong was the same. although he was burly and looked careless, he was actually a meticulous person. however, he still needed experience, so he didn¡¯t react immediately.


    at this moment, he understood the situation and knew that fenghai county was used as a knife to probe the seventh prince. he wasn¡¯t willing to participate.


    after all, stability was the foremost requirement for the current situation in fenghai county. additionally, the power struggles within the imperial family could turn exceedingly bloody or instantly transform from hostility into friendship. those caught in the middle usually didn¡¯t fare well.


    one moment they were pieces on the board, the next they might become sacrifices.


    the two of them ignored everything and prepared to leave. this caused everyone at the banquet to have different thoughts.


    a deep glint appeared in meng yunbai¡¯s eyes as he smiled.


    princess anhai was expressionless.


    the seventh prince picked up the wine glass and took a sip. his expression didn¡¯t change at all.


    as for zhang qifan, his gaze flashed imperceptibly and anger filled his face. he flicked his sleeve and was about to leave as well.


    however, at the next moment, the very straightforward luo jinsong¡¯s eyes widened and he looked like a boor. his neck was red and veins bulged.


    he suddenly stood up, his nascent soul¡¯s aura erupting into a storm, forming a tempest. a massive phantom materialized behind him, clad in armored battle attire. as it appeared, an aura of malevolence surged.


    on the armor, there were 12 imprints that looked like totems. every mark was luo jinsong¡¯s face.


    moreover, the fluctuations emitted by each face contained the heavenly mandates. they had experienced a life tribulation.


    at that moment, the ferocious intent spread out. he took a step forward and headed straight for zhang qifan at the speed of lightning.


    ¡°impudent!¡±


    luo jinsong attacked furiously. zhang qifan also turned his head and emitted killing intent. he raised his right hand and grabbed the air, directly drawing a blood-colored longsword. his left hand even performed a series of hand seals and pressed on his glabella.


    in an instant, a demonic aura erupted from his body and wings instantly grew on his back. his body withered like a skeleton. he held the blood sword and fought luo jinsong.


    at this moment, three people from the crowd suddenly rushed out and headed straight for zhang qifan.


    in a four-on-one battle, there was no suspense at all. in the blink of an eye, zhang qifan spat out a mouthful of blood and the blood sword in his hand collapsed. his body staggered back to xu qing and kong xianglong¡¯s side.


    kong xianglong frowned. xu qing¡¯s expression was calm and he didn¡¯t bother with him. he continued to walk out. he felt that this was a farce. the methods of the person who set up the trap were very crude.


    at this moment, luo jinsong, who was emitting a baleful aura, sneered.


    ¡°although kong liangxiu seems to have made a lot of contributions, he was greedy and rash to have such an outcome. if he was calmer and persisted for another fifteen minutes, wouldn¡¯t the seventh highness¡¯ reinforcements have arrived?¡±


    ¡°you can¡¯t blame others for his death!¡±


    as soon as luo jinsong finished speaking, xu qing, who was about to leave, suddenly stopped in his tracks. his gaze instantly turned cold. kong xianglong, who was beside him, was even more furious. he abruptly turned his head and stared fixedly at luo jinsong.


    ¡°you f*cking fart!¡±


    kong xianglong couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore. this humiliation had reached a point where he couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore. hence, as he let out a low shout, he took out his command sword and transmitted his voice. after that, he took a step forward.


    however, xu qing¡¯s hand pressed onto kong xianglong¡¯s shoulder.


    kong xianglong was currently in the fake nascent soul stage and could break through in a few months. hence, it wasn¡¯t suitable for him to fight against luo jinsong, who was at the first tribulation of the nascent soul realm.


    the instant he pressed down on kong xianglong, xu qing took a step forward. his speed was so fast that he instantly appeared in front of luo jinsong who was letting out a powerful aura.


    a cold glint appeared in his eyes. the name and glory of the palace master couldn¡¯t be humiliated. this was his bottom line and also the reverse scale of fenghai county.

 Chapter 825 - 825 Those Who Touch Fenghais Reverse Scale, Die! (2)

    825 those who touch fenghai¡¯s reverse scale, die! (2)


    anyone who touched this reverse scale would have to pay the price.


    regardless of whether the other party¡¯s identity was a descendant of the heavenly marquish or not, xu qing wanted to kill him at this moment.


    he didn¡¯t want to resort to assassination afterward either, as some matters required a discrete approach while certain truths had to be openly communicated to all.


    however, xu qing knew that if he wanted to kill here, the obstruction wouldn¡¯t be small. hence, the only feasibility was to end the battle quickly.


    hence, he directly targeted luo jinsong¡¯s chest.


    luo jinsong¡¯s eyes narrowed. xu qing¡¯s speed made him wary, and the aura he emitted made him even more vigilant. however, he didn¡¯t have the slightest fear. as he laughed sinisterly, the qi and blood in his entire body erupted, forming a blood-red fog that rushed into the phantom behind him.


    immediately, the baleful aura on his body deepened and the muscles on his body bulged, revealing countless sinister-looking veins.


    his bloodline talent gave him physique enhancement.


    at that moment, as his qi and blood erupted, his body expanded explosively, reaching nearly 20 feet, with arms as thick as xu qing¡¯s waist. he reached out with his hand, aiming to grab the outstretched arm of xu qing.


    he raised his right hand simultaneously, aiming to grab as well, as if trying to seize with both hands and create a tearing force.


    however, at the next instant, xu qing¡¯s body instantly blurred and turned translucent, allowing luo jinsong¡¯s hands to approach.


    they caught nothing!


    xu qing¡¯s body could shuttle through matter in this bizarre nether state. his speed didn¡¯t decrease at all as he continued to charge toward luo jinsong.


    luo jinsong¡¯s expression changed. he knew that the situation wasn¡¯t good and wanted to retreat, but it was too late.


    however, his reaction was also extremely fast. his eyes widened in anger as he roared at the approaching illusionary xu qing.


    immediately, the phantom behind him erupted with red light and left luo jinsong¡¯s body, taking a step toward xu qing.


    the red light formed an illusory sea of blood that suppressed xu qing.


    however, in the blink of an eye, a golden light flashed, and the fishbone which was controlled by the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor appeared, stabbing fiercely at the sea of blood and the bloody phantom in front of him.


    under the sharpness and level of the fishbone, it was like a hot knife through butter. regardless of whether it was the blood sea or the iron-blooded figure, they were all instantly penetrated.


    borrowing this gap, xu qing¡¯s bizarre body erupted with speed and passed through luo jinsong¡¯s body in the blink of an eye.


    when he arrived behind luo jinsong, a nascent soul was in his hand!


    it was one of luo jinsong¡¯s nascent souls.


    xu qing squeezed fiercely and the nascent soul immediately let out a mournful cry and collapsed. the heavenly mandates inside followed xu qing¡¯s hand and quickly fused into his body, nourishing him.


    as for the remaining portion of the nascent soul, with a wave of xu qing¡¯s hand, it turned pitch-black at a speed visible to the naked eye. in the end, it transformed into a black phantom that emitted a cold and evil aura and floated behind xu qing.


    this was his first heavenly demon body.


    luo jinsong¡¯s entire body trembled violently and horror appeared in his eyes. he spat out a large mouthful of blood. as he staggered forward, his entire body turned pitch-black and many parts of his body started to rot.


    ¡°wha¡­¡±


    just as he was about to speak, xu qing¡¯s figure blended into nothingness. without a sound, he appeared before the towering body of luo jinsong like a ghost.


    a dagger had appeared in his hand, and he ruthlessly slashed it across luo jinsong¡¯s neck.


    the head flew!


    the head landed loudly on the ground. after rolling a few times, it stopped in front of the seventh prince and princess anhai.


    the eyes of the head were still open, revealing horror and disbelief. it was as though even at his death, he couldn¡¯t imagine why he would be decapitated in an instant when their cultivation levels were clearly about the same and he had the physique enhancement.


    the poison on the dagger wound erupted and shortly after, the head turned into black water.


    his body was also melting.


    however, xu qing¡¯s mind didn¡¯t relax at all. he immediately slashed at luo jinsong¡¯s poisoned body that had lost its head.


    however, the instant they came into contact, a crack actually appeared on the headless luo jinsong¡¯s chest, and red flames erupted from within.


    this fire was filled with an astonishing aura and was definitely not an ordinary item. as soon as it appeared, heat waves rose in all directions and headed straight for xu qing, instantly drowning him.


    at the same time, a figure the size of an ordinary person rushed out of the crack on luo jinsong¡¯s body. he was holding a black and gold-patterned heaven and earth gourd in hand. the sea of flames was emanating from this gourd.


    this person looked exactly the same as luo jinsong.


    the instant he appeared, he immediately took out a large number of antidote pills and swallowed them. his eyes revealed coldness as he looked at xu qing, who was enveloped by flames. just as he was about to speak, his expression changed again in the blink of an eye.


    the sea of fire that enveloped xu qing actually decreased rapidly. in just a breath or two, all the flames gushed into xu qing¡¯s mouth and he swallowed them.


    as the flames disappeared, xu qing¡¯s figure was revealed. his expression was a little strange as his gaze landed on the heaven and earth gourd luo jinsong was carrying. an imperceptible strange glint flashed past his eyes.


    ¡°although the luo family has declined, the cultivation art of their heavenly marquis ancestor back then was still passed down. it¡¯s called the profound sky rhythmic technique. each time the vessel is shed, the physical body gains more blessings.¡±


    meng yunbai¡¯s voice transmission rang out in xu qing¡¯s ears.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care. at that moment, many people in the surroundings stood up and shouted.


    ¡°stop!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s not appropriate to make a killing move on such an occasion!¡±


    ¡°both of you, there are always alternatives to violence in any situation.¡±


    a few even walked out.


    in fact, many guards rushed in from outside the main hall due to the commotion here.

 Chapter 826 - 826 Those Who Touch Fenghais Reverse Scale, Die! (3)

    826 those who touch fenghai¡¯s reverse scale, die! (3)


    seeing this, luo jinsong heaved a sigh of relief in his heart. his eyes were cold as he glanced at xu qing and was about to retreat.


    xu qing didn¡¯t stop him. he lifted his gaze from the heaven and earth gourd and looked at luo jinsong, speaking with a calm tone.


    ¡°you can¡¯t neutralize my poison.¡±


    luo jinsong¡¯s expression changed. just as he was about to take out more antidotes again, his body instinctively trembled. after that, his entire body turned greenish-black again.


    a huge panic surged within him, his breath became rapid, and his entire cultivation started running as he attempted to suppress the poison. he turned to look at the seventh prince and princess anhai, seemingly seeking assistance.


    however, before he could finish speaking, black blood flowed out of his seven orifices. his tongue and ears were the first to fall down and turn into black water. a whimpering wail rang out from his throat, but his body continued to rot rapidly.


    flesh fell off piece by piece. in just three to five breaths of time, luo jinsong¡¯s entire body melted into black water.


    before he disappeared, he took one last look at princess anhai. his remaining eyeballs revealed a pleading look, but he got no response.


    this scene finally caused the expressions of the surrounding people to change drastically.


    previously, they didn¡¯t think much of xu qing¡¯s method of plundering nascent souls. it wasn¡¯t that there weren¡¯t any similar methods. even if it was poison, it was the same.


    when xu qing changed into a spiritual form, it caused some of them to be surprised.


    however, they didn¡¯t have any change in expression. it was the same even when xu qing cut off luo jinsong¡¯s head.


    they knew that luo jinsong wouldn¡¯t die.


    however, it was different now.


    luo jinsong had clearly neutralized it but the poison still existed and it erupted incomparably ferociously. hence, many gazes landed on xu qing.


    this was especially so for meng yunbai. the way he looked at xu qing was filled with confusion and wariness.


    beside him, fairy liuling from the creator¡¯s manor had an unprecedented solemn expression on her face. she looked at the black water and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°divine curse poison!¡±


    as soon as she spoke, everyone¡¯s hearts trembled.


    there was a strange glint in the seventh prince¡¯s eyes. for the first time, princess anhai looked straight at xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was calm as he walked step by step to the place where luo jinsong had turned into black water. he didn¡¯t mind the rotting blood and took out the heaven and earth gourd from the blood. after putting it away, he bowed to the seventh prince and princess anhai.


    ¡°i killed this person because he insulted the heroic soul of our human race. the old palace master served the human race and fenghai his entire life. his sacrifice was deeply mourned by the emperor, and he has agreed to honor him in the ancestral temple, where he will forever be revered.¡±


    ¡°but this person, while being a descendant of a heavenly marquis, has insulted our hero and attempted to attract chaos to fenghai county. his intentions are suspicious, and he is likely related to the remnants of the illuminate!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s tone didn¡¯t fluctuate much, and his expression didn¡¯t change at all. after he finished speaking, he lifted his head and took a few steps back before turning to walk toward kong xianglong.


    as for zhang qifan, who was beside kong xianglong, xu qing didn¡¯t bother with him at all.


    he didn¡¯t explicitly reveal the details of today¡¯s events, but through his actions, he conveyed the message that he and kong xianglong were not mere tools in the hands of others. regardless of any conflicts between them, it was their own affair.


    ¡®it has nothing to do with us.¡¯


    at the same time, it also told everyone that they had to pay a price for touching fenghai county¡¯s reverse scale.


    the corners of the seventh prince¡¯s mouth curled into a smile, and princess anhai¡¯s gaze drooped slightly.


    the hearts of everyone in the surroundings also turned solemn. their understanding of xu qing became clearer.


    ¡°this person is not to be trifled with.¡±


    this was their consensus. as for luo jinsong¡¯s death, they didn¡¯t pay attention to it. the troubles of others had nothing to do with them.


    just as everyone¡¯s gazes followed xu qing to the door, xu qing suddenly stopped in his tracks and turned to look at the seventh prince. after some thought, he spoke.


    ¡°seventh highness, can you return the three provinces in fenghai county?¡±


    as soon as xu qing said this, the seventh prince fell silent. a hint of an elusive smile appeared on princess anhai¡¯s face. she picked up the wine glass and took a small sip.


    a long time later, the seventh prince smiled and spoke gently.


    ¡°there are still some rebels in the three provinces. after all of them are cleaned up, fenghai county can take over.¡±


    this wasn¡¯t his original thought.


    however, xu qing¡¯s question made it impossible for him to reject him directly. after all, xu qing defined luo jinsong¡¯s actions as instigation and this was what he hoped for.


    as such, he chose to take a step back when it came to the ownership of the three provinces. although he didn¡¯t give a deadline, he expressed his attitude.


    xu qing cupped his fists and turned to leave with kong xianglong. from the moment they attacked until now, he and kong xianglong didn¡¯t look at zhang qifan at all.


    as for zhang qifan, his expression was calm and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking. at this moment, he actually returned to his seat and continued to drink.


    the entire banquet was soon filled with laughter again, as though nothing had happened. only the black blood on the ground would occasionally be swept by someone¡¯s gaze, turning into fluctuations in the depths of their hearts.


    it was very late at night when the banquet ended after princess anhai got up to rest.


    in the empty hall, only the seventh prince was left sitting there. his expression was calm as he drank alone and laughed to himself.


    ¡°imperial sister, i built the stage for you. so, it turns out you wanted to perform this trick for me.¡±


    ¡°however, as intelligent as you are, why are you so clumsy this time?¡±


    the seventh prince narrowed his eyes and his hand that was holding the wine glass paused as he fell into deep thought. very soon, his expression darkened and a cold glint erupted in his eyes.


    ¡°checks and balances!¡±


    time slowly passed and seven days passed.


    the holy wave race¡¯s return ceremony was held.


    during this period, xu qing and kong xianglong didn¡¯t head out of the fenghai army¡¯s camp.


    he was studying the heaven and earth gourd he had obtained from luo jinsong. specifically, the flames inside.

 Chapter 827 - 827 Those Who Touch Fenghais Reverse Scale, Die! (4)

    827 those who touch fenghai¡¯s reverse scale, die! (4)


    the flames were incredibly unique. despite intending to avoid them after sensing their terror, the flames still touched him, causing some to burn within him. this combustion triggered a change in the purple crystal.


    the purple crystal unexpectedly emitted a pulling force, actively absorbing the flames that had fused with his body. soon after, a faint light seemed to radiate from within.


    in that instant, the light illuminated xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness. though it lasted only a moment, he noticed that his first lantern, the large black umbrella, was missing its tip, as if it had melted away!


    this was the reason why xu qing¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint earlier. at that moment, a wave of thoughts surged within him, but the situation was not appropriate to examine it closely. therefore, once he returned to the camp, xu qing immediately entered seclusion to study this matter.


    meng yunbai had come to visit and fairy liuling had also invited him.


    however, they were all tactfully rejected by xu qing. on one hand, he didn¡¯t have time and on the other hand, he didn¡¯t want to participate in any matters of the imperial city.


    he and kong xianglong had reported the matter of the private banquet to li yunshan after they returned. the other party¡¯s judgment was the same as theirs and even saw things more clearly.


    ¡°looks like other than participating in the holy wave race¡¯s return ceremony, the seventh prince intentionally invited us here to see the true purpose of princess anhai¡¯s sudden visit.¡±


    ¡°xu qing, you did the right thing by killing luo jinsong. he deserves death for humiliating the old palace master! i¡¯ll report this matter to marquis yao. with his methods and the righteousness we occupy, it won¡¯t cause trouble.¡±


    these were li yunshan¡¯s exact words after he found out about the banquet.


    on the seventh day, the holy wave race¡¯s return ceremony began.


    this ceremony was grand. someone from the imperial city read the imperial decree, the true bodies of the four great monarchs of the holy wave race arrived, and the projection of the ancestral emperor descended.


    when the projection appeared, the colors of the sky and earth changed, winds roared, and the entire ten guts tree region became incredibly oppressive.


    that was the pressure from the soul accumulation.


    in fact, even time and space seemed to turn chaotic in this short period of time, and this was only a projection of the soul accumulation.


    it gave xu qing the feeling that he had met a god but there were differences that he found difficult to describe.


    ¡°soul accumulation¡­ indescribable and returning to nothingness, it embodies formlessness and imagelessness, an elusive state. its beginning or end cannot be seen.¡±


    at the venue of the ceremony, li yunshan spoke softly with a rueful expression.


    xu qing looked at the sky.


    in the sky, he saw the four monarchs of the holy wave race and behind them, a blurry but vast figure that seemed to support the world. he couldn¡¯t see its head or feet. it seemed endless and omnipresent.


    the holy wave race¡¯s ancestor emperor didn¡¯t stay for long. after hearing the imperial decree, his body dissipated into the world.


    the imperial decree gave extremely high recognition and praise to the holy wave ancestor, restoring the ancestral title and conferring upon him the title of ¡®grand duke holy wave¡¯


    as for the name of the holy wave large region, it didn¡¯t change. it was just that there was only half of the original area. the remaining part was named the deep blue large region.


    this region didn¡¯t include fenghai county. it was under the control of the seventh prince¡¯s army and served as a military command center. princess anhai was appointed to assist in governance and administrative matters.


    with this, the ceremony was finally over. xu qing and the others also chose to return to fenghai.


    however, before they left, something happened. the seventh prince returned the three provinces that belonged to fenghai county in advance. at the same time, he also gave four more provinces to fenghai county, allowing fenghai county to have 17 provinces from now on.


    the seventh prince was the one who took the initiative to propose this matter, and princess anhai also approved of it.


    at the same time, guanyue county, which was covertly taken over by fenhai, smoothly transitioned its control to the deep blue large region.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t very clear about what exactly happened. although he guessed that there would be an exchange after marquis yao told him about the matter of guanyue county back then, xu qing didn¡¯t know what was involved in the process.


    this was a choice that could only be made by those at the level of marquis yao and old master seventh.


    however, he could more or less see some of the future situation from the imperial decree.


    in the deep blue large region, the military and political administration were separated due to the presence of princess anhai.

 Chapter 828 - 828 Little Qing, Are You Ready to Do Something Big?

    828 little qing, are you ready to do something big?


    at the center of the boundary between the holy wave large region and the deep blue region was the ten guts tree.


    the army of fenghai county county was roaring forward in the area now renamed as the deep blue large region, stretching from the ten guts tree towards the location of fenghai county.


    many huge warships sped through the sky.


    the recent imperial edict from the emperor didn¡¯t directly provide favorable terms for fenghai county. however, with the checks on the seventh prince and the emergence of princess anhai, fenghai county suddenly gained a sense of significance.


    however, the act of both sides vying to win over fenghai county was more of a scenario imagined in common perception. in reality, for the noble families who had reached such positions, while attempts to seek allegiance may occur, they wouldn¡¯t be excessive in their efforts.


    as for the additional four provinces given by the seventh prince, it was likely that there was more to it than met the eye.


    this was because they wouldn¡¯t allow fenghai county to become a significant bargaining chip. of course, as long as fenghai county wasn¡¯t stupid, it would certainly obtain a highly favorable environment for recovery.


    this was also what fenghai county needed.


    xu qing let out a long sigh of relief.


    at that moment, he was sitting cross-legged in the secret chamber of the great wing and had ended his cultivation. the breath he exhaled slowly dissipated in front of him.


    this fog he breathed out was of high temperature, causing the temperature in the secret chamber to rise a little and become hot.


    xu qing looked at the fog in front of him and felt the temperature inside. his eyes shone brightly.


    ¡°i didn¡¯t expect to gain such a harvest from this trip!¡±


    xu qing mumbled. his heartbeat sped up slightly and fluctuated.


    the source of everything was the flames in the heaven and earth gourd.


    after xu qing¡¯s research these few days, not only did he confirm that the fire in the heaven and earth gourd was harmless, but he also confirmed its melting effect on the life lantern!


    this fire was strange. after absorbing it, it would cause the purple crystal to actively absorb it.


    after that, some unbelievable changes would appear. the purple crystal flickered with purple light and reflected into xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness. when it shone on the life lanterns in the life fog, the light could melt them!


    this dissolution wasn¡¯t temporary and changed the shape of the life lantern.


    up until now, xu qing had never encountered such a thing. from what he knew, life lanterns were basically indestructible.


    this point was also reflected in the information xu qing had read.


    ¡°light from beyond the sky?¡±


    xu qing mumbled but quickly rejected this guess.


    this was because in the introduction of the ancient ruler who had obtained the light from beyond the sky, it only said that the other party had used the light from beyond the sky to fuse his bloodline into the life lantern and the life lantern became his own item.


    this was fundamentally different from what xu qing was experiencing now.


    the main focus of xu qing¡¯s research these few days was whether this dissolution would cause the life lantern to completely disappear and be unable to be used.


    ¡°it won¡¯t!¡±


    xu qing lifted his hand and a red crystal the size of a fingernail appeared in his hand.


    he had already verified that during the dissolution process of the life lanterns, they would transform into some elusive substances that scattered within his sea of consciousness and merged into his own bloodline. it seemed to alter his bloodline slightly, giving it a different quality.


    at the same time, impurities were also diluted out, such as this red crystal, which was the unassimilable part of the dissolved life lantern.


    xu qing didn¡¯t know what use this red crystal had. when he held it in his hand, he could sense that this item contained some essence of the life lantern. it could shine on its own and emit heat.


    after observing, xu qing put the red crystal away with anticipation.


    ¡°if there¡¯s enough of this fire, i can stimulate more purple crystal light, causing all my life lanterns to dissolve and fuse into my bloodline.¡±


    ¡°at that time¡­ can i use this substance to mold my own life lantern?!¡±


    xu qing felt that this method was feasible in theory. however, it was a different path from that ancient ruler. the other party had fused his bloodline into the life lantern and changed the ownership of the life lantern.


    however, xu qing was the opposite. he was dissolving the life lantern and scattered it into his bloodline, using his bloodline to shape it.


    ¡°although the theory is feasible, it still needs to be verified, so the key is to have enough of this fire!¡±


    xu qing looked at the heaven and earth gourd.


    the fire inside here was not endless; during this period of time, in xu qing¡¯s experiments, most of it had been consumed. now, there was less than a layer left.


    xu qing had asked around about its origins while he was in the ten guts tree area, and obtained an answer from palace master li yunshan.


    ¡°this is the heavenly fire found at the border between the moon worship region and the lhokha region!¡±


    ¡°the lhokha region is an enclave of the flame moon mystic heaven race, located in the southernmost part of their territory, and it holds significant strategic importance. it borders the moon worship region, and at the boundary between the two regions, there is an inland sea. however, this sea is not composed of water but of flames. the deeper you go into the sea, the more terrifying the power of the flames becomes. it has the ability to incinerate everything in its path.¡±


    ¡°however, this sea of fire wasn¡¯t formed naturally but descended from the sky.¡±


    ¡°at the center of the heavenly fire sea, there is a rift in the sky. boundless waves of flames pour down from within, forming a waterfall of fire that gradually transformed into a sea.¡±


    ¡°also, the heavenly fire is special. once you leave that range, it will slowly turn into ordinary fire. only some special materials can barely hold it. your heaven and earth gourd is clearly forged from that kind of material, but even then, it won¡¯t be able to store it for long.¡±


    these were li yunshan¡¯s exact words.


    recalling it all, the southern regions of the wanggu continent became clearer in xu qing¡¯s mind, and a rudimentary map he had seen in the records before appeared in his mind.


    the northwestern part of fenghai county was now the deep blue region. the northern part of this region was the holy wave region, and the western part of the holy wave region was a long river called sacrificial yin.


    beyond this river was the mysterious moon worship region.


    the northeastern border of its territory bordered the remote region of the flame moon mystic heaven race.


    ¡°the moon worship region¡­¡± a sharp glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he stood up and pushed open the secret chamber¡¯s door. the cool wind from the outside blew over, dissipating the heat surrounding his body.


    the army had already entered fenghai county, and it wouldn¡¯t be long before they arrived at the county capital.


    walking into a pavilion, kong xianglong was gazing at the sky. he turned around and glanced at xu qing.


    ¡°did you gain something?¡±


    xu qing nodded with a smile. he stood beside kong xianglong and turned toward the direction of the moon worship region. his eyes revealed anticipation and fascination. at the same time, he took out a voice transmission jade slip and transmitted his voice to the captain.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, how¡¯s the collection of information on your side? i also have a piece of news here.¡±


    very soon, the voice transmission jade slip vibrated. the captain¡¯s long-lost voice carried a hint of laziness and smugness as it echoed in xu qing¡¯s ears.


    ¡°i returned a few days ago. i was waiting for you to return from our child¡¯s place.¡±


    ¡°alright, i¡¯ll reach the county capital in about four hours.¡±


    they didn¡¯t discuss it in detail. after it ended, the anticipation in xu qing¡¯s heart grew even stronger. kong xianglong looked at xu qing suspiciously and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°xu qing, don¡¯t tell me you and your unreliable eldest senior brother are going to do something big again?¡±


    xu qing patted kong xianglong¡¯s shoulder and whispered.


    ¡°do you want to join us?¡±


    kong xianglong took a deep breath and looked around. his expression was hesitant. he hesitated for a long time before shaking his head.


    ¡°i¡¯m afraid i¡¯ll be sold by your senior brother. can¡¯t you see that ning yan is scared to death when he sees your senior brother?¡±


    xu qing deeply agreed. he felt that ning yan probably wouldn¡¯t be able to escape this time either. after all, he was still very useful as a weapon.


    the army teleported several times in fenghai county and returned to the county capital four hours later.


    just as he got off the great wing, xu qing received the captain¡¯s urging. hence, after greeting his master, who came to welcome him, he left in a hurry. he didn¡¯t return to the sword holding palace but found the captain in a tavern in the city.


    this was the place the captain had called him to.


    upon entering, xu qing saw li shitao coming out of the captain¡¯s chamber. seeing xu qing, li shitao smiled and didn¡¯t say much, then left the tavern.


    xu qing blinked and walked into the chamber, where he saw a table full of food and drinks. the captain was sitting on the side, nibbling on a peach. he looked up and his gaze swept over xu qing before he spoke arrogantly.


    ¡°sigh, little qing, i understand your worries in the past. if you¡¯re too outstanding, and girls are this proactive, it can be quite bothersome.¡±


    as the captain spoke, he lifted his sleeve and wiped his face, even though it was already clean. it seemed like he wanted to convey to xu qing that there was a lip print there before.


    ¡°look, she insisted on calling me over to accompany her for lunch. it¡¯s really frustrating.¡±


    the captain sighed.


    xu qing¡¯s expression became peculiar as he glanced at the table full of dishes, each made from precious spiritual ingredients that must have been quite expensive. while there were two sets of bowls and chopsticks, one of the sets was empty, while the other was piled up like a small mountain.


    clearly, someone was picking up food for the other.


    as for who was feeding whom, xu qing didn¡¯t find it important; as long as the captain was happy, that was what mattered.


    hence, he showed an envious expression.


    this expression made the captain feel extremely comfortable. after finishing the peach in a few bites, he brought xu qing to a corner and waved his hand to form a restriction. he spoke solemnly.


    ¡°little qing, are you mentally prepared to do something big?!¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he knew that this was the captain¡¯s prelude. generally speaking, what he was about to say next would probably be shocking.


    hence, xu qing cooperated with the other party¡¯s solemn expression and his expression turned solemn as well. he then nodded seriously.


    seeing that xu qing was so obedient, the captain was even happier. he coughed and his eyes gleamed as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°junior brother, actually, you should have been the county governor this time!¡±


    ¡°however, your cultivation level isn¡¯t high enough and you can¡¯t take on the role.¡±


    ¡°however, why should we let marquis yao take charge of our things? hence, i started to think about how to allow our cultivation to advance by leaps and bounds!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve finally thought of a solution!¡±


    xu qing raised his brows and looked at the captain.


    ¡°what method?¡±


    the captain had a proud expression as he looked at the sky and calmly spoke.


    ¡°let¡¯s go¡­ and devour red moon!¡±


    xu qing fell silent. after that, he stood up and prepared to leave.


    he didn¡¯t want to court death so meaninglessly. the captain had lost his mind. he couldn¡¯t fix this situation on his own, so he was going to get the assistance of their master.


    realizing that xu qing was about to leave, the captain panicked and grabbed xu qing.


    ¡°sigh, wait for me to finish.¡±


    xu qing was expressionless as he looked at the captain. he wanted to go to the moon worship region but he didn¡¯t want to become food for the crimson goddess. that was a high god who could devour the immortal forbidden¡¯s god with just a clone.


    xu qing felt that he would have to be completely crazy to take the initiative to deliver himself to her door.


    ¡°junior brother, think about it. red moon is in a deep sleep. this is a heaven-sent opportunity. if we devour her, once we succeed, even if we only devour a little, you¡¯ll instantly be able to reach the spirit repository. in fact, if we eat more, it¡¯s not impossible for us to reach nihility!¡±


    the captain¡¯s eyes were a little red, revealing the madness xu qing was familiar with.


    ¡°junior brother, when have i not succeeded in the major things i brought you to do before?¡±


    xu qing hesitated and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, did you do anything similar in your previous lives?¡±

 Chapter 829 - 829 Moon Robbers Team

    829 moon robbers team


    the captain blinked.


    ¡°that¡¯s not important. we¡¯ll talk about it later. let¡¯s talk about the red moon first.¡±


    ¡°junior brother, you have to think about it the other way around. if we don¡¯t devour her this time, once she wakes up, she¡¯ll be able to find us with just a thought!¡±


    ¡°you have her divine source and i have her aura. we are basically thieves to her, and will definitely be killed.¡±


    ¡°so, we have to kill her before she wakes up!¡±


    ¡°she¡¯s just a woman, no need to be afraid!¡± the captain took out a peach and took a fierce bite.


    xu qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly as thoughts churned in his mind. his eyes were a little bloodshot. he knew that the captain was up to something big. he had suspected that it wasn¡¯t a minor matter before, but he hadn¡¯t anticipated it being this significant.


    ¡°senior brother, tell me in detail.¡±


    xu qing gritted his teeth.


    when the captain heard this, excitement appeared on his face and he quickly spoke.


    ¡°little qing, the moon worship region is an extremely special region. to the black heaven race, that place can be said to be an existence similar to a holy land. or rather, that place is a holy land.¡±


    ¡°because¡­ the moon worship region is a place the red moon has to pass through!¡±


    ¡°red moon is red moon, and crimson goddess is crimson goddess!¡±


    the captain looked at xu qing with a serious expression.


    xu qing nodded and listened attentively.


    ¡°you first need to understand a concept clearly, and that is¡­ the crimson goddess resides and slumbers on the red moon, which is a celestial body¡ªa star, a moon, a unique heavenly body!¡±


    ¡°therefore, if we want to devour the crimson goddess, we have to first enter her resting place, the red moon!¡±


    ¡°but the red moon is in the sky, and although it follows a certain trajectory, its whereabouts are hard to trace. even if we see it, getting close is difficult.¡±


    ¡°however, it¡¯s different in the moon worship region. there¡¯s a shocking statue on the repentance plain in the center of this region!¡±


    speaking of this statue, the captain¡¯s expression was somewhat peculiar, filled with a mixture of emotions and a touch of nostalgia.


    upon seeing this, xvqing pondered for a moment.


    ¡°this statue is incredibly tall, despite being in a kneeling posture of repentance. it seems to support the heavens and the earth, its height defying description, as if it reaches infinitely close to the top of the sky.¡±


    ¡°every time the red moon passes by that spot along its trajectory, it will whiz past the top of the statue¡¯s head. so standing at the top of the statue, the red moon seems almost within reach. that location is also where the red moon is at its lowest point. the information i¡¯ve gathered allows me to be certain of this.¡±


    ¡°therefore, from there, the moment the red moon moves past, we can leap with all our might and step onto the red moon.¡±


    with that, the captain took out a peach. after taking a bite, he looked at xu qing.


    ¡°as for what we¡¯ll do after we step into the red moon, i have prepared and made plans for it. crimson goddess¡­ i¡¯m definitely going to devour her this time!¡±


    the captain¡¯s eyes were red with madness.


    a hint of contemplation appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he asked.


    ¡°senior brother, the identity of this statue?¡±


    when the captain heard this, he fell silent for a few breaths. he casually threw a peach to xu qing and spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°that statue was a human ruler who refused to leave with the ancient sovereign mystic nether. the original moon worship region was his territory!¡±


    ¡°he and the crimson goddess originally had an unprecedented battle there back then. in the end, the ruler died in battle. however, there should be other grudges between him and the crimson goddess, so the crimson goddess cursed his physical form to eternal prostration and transformed his territory into a pasture.¡±


    ¡°after that, every once in a while, when the lives in the moon worship region mature, the red moon will come and devour all living beings. be it mortals or cultivators, they are all food.¡±


    ¡°especially cultivators, it consumes them according to their cultivation levels, starting from the highest. the first to be devoured are those in the nihility. the curse¡¯s existence also means that all life born within the moon worship region can never leave it for even a step during their entire lives. any transgression against this rule will result in instant death.¡±


    ¡°therefore, the cultivators in the moon worship region are all in pain and conflict. the end of their cultivation is death. however, living in that harsh environment, if they don¡¯t cultivate, it will be very difficult for them to live for long. it¡¯s become an inescapable dilemma.¡±


    the captain¡¯s tone was deep as he fiercely took a bite of the peach.


    ¡°after all, the moon worship region lacks a genuine sun; only artificial light sources and sporadic bursts of heavenly fire illuminate the entire realm, but they carry immense harm.¡±


    ¡°especially considering that there are also the dependents of the crimson goddess present there, herding for her. thus, in the minds of many high-ranking members of various races, this moon worship region is referred to as red moon¡¯s spirit enclosure.¡±


    xu qing remained silent, combining the information he had previously found. he could imagine the misery within the realm of the moon worship region, and how the various races living there must have suffered. in such an environment, their characters were undoubtedly pushed to their limits, bringing out the worst aspects of their natures to the extreme.


    ¡°purgatory,¡± xu qing mumbled. just as he was about to take a bite of the peach in his hand, the captain suddenly lifted his head and looked at xu qing in surprise.


    ¡°why do you have a peach?¡±


    ¡°you gave it to me.¡±


    xu qing was surprised.


    the captain hurriedly took it away and placed an apple in xu qing¡¯s hand.


    xu qing glanced at the captain and took a bite of the apple. he then thought of the heavenly fire and asked.


    ¡°heavenly fire? i haven¡¯t paid much attention to that place, but i¡¯ve gathered some scattered information,¡± the captain said, taking a moment to organize his thoughts in his mind.


    ¡°it is said that the core of the sea of fire, that rift in the sky, has existed since ancient times. it was originally small, but over time, it has grown larger and larger.¡±


    ¡°very few people know what¡¯s inside the rift. many races have tried to explore it over countless years, but it seems they have all been unsuccessful. all we know is that it¡¯s like an endless realm of fire, and entering it means certain death.¡±


    ¡°junior brother, are you planning to go to the heavenly fire sea?¡± the captain asked curiously.


    xu qing nodded.


    ¡°that¡¯s convenient then. according to my deductions, although the arrival of the red moon is imminent, it won¡¯t be happening too soon. and for this major event, i still have some arrangements to complete within the moon worship region.¡±


    ¡°this way, we can ensure greater certainty when the red moon arrives. so, you have ample time. we¡¯ll quietly leave in these few days. you focus on your tasks, and i¡¯ll take our weapon to complete the other arrangements.¡±


    ¡°then, we¡¯ll meet at the unending heavenly bull mountain. this place here.¡±


    as the captain spoke, he took out a map of the moon worship region and pointed to one of the areas.


    ¡°how is it, little qing? are you going to do this or not?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly. after a long time, he nodded.


    ¡°let¡¯s go first. as for whether we¡¯ll act or not, let¡¯s decide after looking at the situation.¡±


    ¡°also, eldest senior brother, you still haven¡¯t told me. have you done such a thing in the past?¡± xu qing looked at the captain.


    the captain coughed and lifted his finger that was on the map, tapping it again.


    ¡°think carefully about the name of this mountain.¡±


    ¡°unending heavenly bull mountain?¡± xu qing¡¯s expression was strange.


    unending meant that there was no end to it. heavenly bull[1]¡­


    the captain looked smug.


    ¡°that¡¯s a mountain i named, didn¡¯t expect it to be passed down to later generations. little qing, within that mountain lies my corpse from a certain era.¡±


    ¡°at that time, luck wasn¡¯t on my side. i failed in devouring a god, all because my teammates back then were so unreliable. though i managed to escape, i didn¡¯t survive for much longer.¡±


    ¡°the reason why i said to meet there is because i¡¯m going to bring you to rob the tomb first.¡±


    xu qing was caught between laughter and tears.


    ¡°rob your own tomb?¡±


    the captain was beaming with joy.


    ¡°just the thought of such a thing is exciting. besides, this is also one of the preparations for devouring the crimson goddess.¡±


    just like that, the captain discussed some details with xu qing. the two of them confirmed everything and decided to set off in three days. as for how to leave, they had a common understanding.


    xu qing¡¯s identity was a little special. if he left fenghai county, there might be some hidden dangers. hence, the best way was for no one to know that he had left.


    hence, xu qing only told his master and zi xuan. the two of them didn¡¯t agree at first but in the end, they still tacitly agreed. however, they gave xu qing some protective items.


    after that, xu qing announced to the public that he was going into seclusion.


    before he went into seclusion, he made a trip to zhang san¡¯s place. the other party had also migrated to the county capital with the seven blood eyes. during this period of time, he had been creating a spirit liner for xu qing, and it was already completed.


    after xu qing took it, he disappeared from everyone¡¯s sight.


    time flowed by and a month passed.


    everything was normal in the county and there were no changes. the construction of the qing xuan sect was also completed. under zi xuan¡¯s guidance, everything was orderly and it was starting to develop properly.


    as for fenghai county, after all the major events stopped, it was able to rest and enter a stable period.


    with old master seventh and marquis yao holding down the fort, especially with the display of marquis yao¡¯s stage four nihility, the various races in fenghai county restrained their thoughts.


    at that moment, at the western edge of the holy wave large region, a convoy of mortal carriages was making its way along the official road.


    this was a caravan from an escort agency of the holy wave race. alongside their official duties, they also took on some private tasks, escorting traveling merchants to a few small countries near the sacrificial yin river.


    in the long convoy at this moment, a seventeen or eighteen-year-old youth with freckles all over his face was sitting helplessly on a carriage. he held the reins of the horse like a coachman, occasionally giving weak tugs and shouting hoarsely.


    it was ning yan.


    beside him stood a young man, hands behind his back and head held high, gazing into the distance with a proud expression.


    the sunlight seemed to add a halo to his body, revealing a hint of holiness.


    ¡°the lord of the mortal realm has arrived, with the sounds of drums and gongs welcoming him from the heavens and earth!¡±


    upon hearing this, ning yan felt a surge of annoyance. how did his shouts turn into drums and gongs? he was growing tired of the person beside him, who had been reciting nonsensical poems throughout the journey.


    so he cast a sidelong glance and muttered.


    ¡°what madness is this?!¡±


    when wu jianwu heard this, he glared and revealed disdain as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°the wind rustles, chickens and ducks caw, and upon closer look, it¡¯s just a child!¡±


    ning yan glared angrily.


    wu jianwu stared proudly.


    at that moment, the captain¡¯s very enthusiastic divine sense voice rang out from the carriage.


    ¡°this poem isn¡¯t bad and has the lingering charm of the ancient sovereign. as expected of the great heaven¡¯s chosen of the first peak of the seven blood eyes that i invited. he¡¯s known as the strongest successor of the ancient sovereign mystic nether. come, let us hear another poem!¡±


    upon hearing these words, wu jianwu became excited and extremely pleased. meanwhile, ning yan rolled his eyes, lowered his head in silence, and vented his frustration by vigorously flicking the reins in his hand.


    in the carriage, xu qing glanced outside. xu qing had expected the captain to bring ning yan out, but wu jianwu was also here, making him a little puzzled.


    at this moment, ling¡¯er emerged and hung on xu qing¡¯s ear, looking at the captain.


    the captain winked at ling¡¯er and whispered to xu qing.


    ¡°let¡¯s coax that fool first. he¡¯s very useful in my plan!¡±


    with that, the captain announced.


    ¡°from now on, the few of us are the moon robbers team. brothers, let¡¯s do our best!¡±


    [1] the captain¡¯s name is chen erniu. niu means bull/ox/cow.

 Chapter 830 - 830 New Disciple of the Yin Yang Flower Sect, Xu Qing (1)

    830 new disciple of the yin yang flower sect, xu qing (1)


    at the border between the holy wave large region and the moon worship region, there were some small mortal countries scattered around, as well as some markets prepared for those traveling along the river.


    after all, as long as outsiders didn¡¯t stay too long in the moon worship region, they wouldn¡¯t be affected by the curse. hence, there were some trades carried out here.


    as for the boundary, it was actually a majestic river.


    the name of the river was sacrificial yin. it surrounded the entire moon worship region and enveloped it.


    the river water was red all year round, like blood. even the smell was the same. occasionally, a gust of wind would blow across the river, blowing the smell of blood to the shore and spreading in all directions.


    those who didn¡¯t understand all of this would instinctively be vigilant after smelling this scent. however, as they got closer to this area, most of the passersby were used to it.


    it was the same for the convoy xu qing and the others were in.


    the traveling merchants and those escort guards clearly often took this path, so their expressions didn¡¯t change.


    xu qing took a sniff and fell into deep thought.


    other than the smell of blood, there was also a faint aura of the crimson goddess.


    however, this aura was extremely weak. if xu qing didn¡¯t have the purple moon, it would be impossible for him to sense it.


    ¡°there is a curse here.¡±


    ling¡¯er suddenly spoke. her voice was crisp and pleasant to the ears.


    inside the carriage, the captain stretched with a yawn, pulled back the curtain, glanced outside, and broke into a smile.


    ¡°this is the smell emitted from the sacrificial yin. that river wasn¡¯t naturally formed; it¡¯s the result of crimson goddess gathering the life force of beings in the moon worship region, transforming their blood, and imprinting a curse in it.¡±


    ¡°this river isn¡¯t dangerous to outsiders. as long as you give enough sacrifices, you can enter and leave. however, to the various races in the moon worship region, it¡¯s the door of a cage.¡±


    ¡± calculating the time, we¡¯ll be able to reach the shore by dusk today. we¡¯ll be able to enter the moon worship region in a few days.¡± the captain¡¯s eyes revealed anticipation.


    after they left fenghai county, they hid all the way in the deep blue region. they were even more careful when they stepped into the holy wave large region. in the end, under xu qing¡¯s suggestion, they sneaked into this convoy and moved forward.


    walking among the mortals was a better way to conceal themselves than using spells.


    just like that, they arrived here in a month.


    very soon, dusk arrived. the sky was covered in a red glow, and it was the same color as the river water that was reflected in xu qing and the others¡¯ eyes.


    the monochromatic scene of that river gave off a feeling that was not beautiful, but rather eerie and ominous.


    at this place, xu qing and the others left the convoy and stopped by the banks of the sacrifice yin river.


    the surging river rolled southward, emanating a strong scent of blood. faintly, one could see skeletal remains bobbing in the river, the remains of those who had tried to escape from the moon worship region.


    under the corrosion of the river, their appearances when they were alive could no longer be seen. however, from the size of the bones, it could be seen that there were many children among them.


    ¡°the moment the living beings in the moon worship region are born, they are food,¡± the captain said calmly.


    ling¡¯er looked at all of this and sighed softly. she didn¡¯t say anything but moved closer to xu qing. it was as though the warmth on xu qing¡¯s body could make her feel safer.


    xu qing fell silent and lifted his head to look at the fragmented-face of the god in the sky.


    wasn¡¯t the entire wanggu continent the same as the moon worship region?


    ning yan, who was behind the two of them, already had a mournful expression on his face, and it became even more bitter.


    he didn¡¯t want to come. he was living well and comfortably in the city, but he was forcefully brought to such a damn place.


    he knew about the moon worship region.


    it was also because he had heard of this large region that he was very afraid of it and wasn¡¯t willing to go near it.


    ¡®that damn chen erniu is too much!¡¯ ning yan cursed inwardly, but he didn¡¯t dare to show it on his face at all. he was afraid of being bitten.


    compared to his unwillingness, wu jianwu was extremely willing to join this time.


    even though this river looked bizarre, it didn¡¯t affect the pride in his heart. at this moment, he stood on the shore and took a deep breath before speaking loudly.


    ¡°i saw the setting sun and the lonely smoke, the great river¡¯s waves churning for seventy thousand years!¡±


    ¡°good poem!¡± when the captain heard this, his eyes lit up and he praised.


    wu jianwu coughed and lifted his chin. just as he was about to speak again, he saw xu qing frowning. he hurriedly stopped talking.


    xu qing was a little tired of listening. on the way, the other party had made up no less than a hundred poems. at that moment, with a wave of his hand, the spirit liner appeared and landed on the river.


    xu qing¡¯s spirit liner was designed by zhang san. the sixth peak¡¯s elders worked together to forge it for him. its shape was already completely different from his magic warship. it had even left the scope of a ship.


    this was zhang san¡¯s ingenious design.


    it looked like a hunchbacked old woman. it was 5,000 feet tall and wore a wide black robe.


    numerous pavilions were built on its hunched back for use as cabins.


    its robe spread out on the river, creating layers of ripples. this was the sail of the liner.


    what was even stranger was the old woman¡¯s hands.


    its right hand held a lantern that emitted a faint green light. flames burned inside and mournful cries rang out from time to time.


    this was the power source.


    as for its left hand, there was a red eye floating there, constantly looking in all directions.


    this was a replica of the seven blood eyes¡¯ taboo magic treasure.


    xu qing was shocked when he obtained such a spirit liner previously. now that it had landed on the long river, regardless of whether it was ning yan or wu jianwu, their hearts stirred when they saw it.


    ¡°is this your seventh peak¡¯s spirit liner?¡± wu jianwu took a deep breath and spoke in human language.


    the captain smiled at the side.


    ¡°looks like zhang san has some thoughts about binding.¡±


    this old woman¡¯s appearance was very similar to a god of the merfolk island, binding.

 Chapter 831 - 831 New Disciple of the Yin Yang Flower Sect, Xu Qing (2)

    831 new disciple of the yin yang flower sect, xu qing (2)


    xu qing nodded and didn¡¯t say anything else. with a sway of his body, he directly stepped onto the old woman¡¯s back and looked into the distance.


    the others also quickly boarded. very soon, as the lantern in the old woman¡¯s hand flickered, the black robes that were like sails in the surroundings instantly fluttered. her figure sped away on the river.


    the range of the sacrificial yin river wasn¡¯t small and it was also extremely wide. with the speed of xu qing¡¯s spirit liner, it took him five days to cross half of it.


    during this time, they encountered some dangers. however, under the probing of the replica of the seven blood eyes¡¯ magic treasure, they avoided most of them.


    however, there would still be some unexpected situations.


    for example, at that moment, countless bloody-red long hair rushed out of the river and coiled around the spirit liner, and also rapidly spread toward xu qing and the others.


    however, xu qing and the captain didn¡¯t need to make a move.


    wu jianwu had been waiting for a long time to show off his skills. he flicked his sleeve and dozens of ferocious beasts appeared around him.


    some of these ferocious beasts flew into the sky, some rushed into the river, and there was even a parrot that let out an ear-piercing cry. it spread its wings and landed on the top of wu jianwu¡¯s head.


    the parrot raised its head proudly, resembling a rod, and looked around, its human-like voice echoing.


    ¡°my father roams the world, who among the immortals dares not to submit!¡±


    wu jianwu had a proud expression as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°the wu family has eight hundred sons, who in the vast world dares to be wild!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression turned strange, ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes opened wide, ning yan gasped, and the captain¡¯s eyes lit up.


    as wu jianwu spoke, another bear flew out of his sleeve. with a sway of its body, it transformed into hundreds of feet tall and stood in front of wu jianwu, roaring.


    the sound was like thunder rumbling. it stretched out its arms and grabbed the hair that was spreading over, tearing them apart.


    each of those fierce beasts was quite extraordinary. although their appearances were diverse, there seemed to be a common ancestry in their bloodlines. they coordinated perfectly with each other and disregarded the differences between them. it appeared as if their bloodline was of a significant level.


    very soon, under their attacks, some of the hair shattered and returned to the river.


    with an air of pride, wu jianwu stood tall, and the parrot on his head also raised its head vigorously. the movement seemed rather awkward, but it was clear that they had practiced this many times and had become accustomed to it.


    at that moment, they opened their mouths at the same time and were about to say their lines.


    however, the danger wasn¡¯t resolved. the entire river suddenly churned intensely and the smell of blood became even more intense. countless blood red long hair rushed out of the river and headed straight for the air.


    in the blink of an eye, the hair formed a huge figure that was thousands of feet tall. this figure only had an outline and no flesh and blood.


    it looked like a skeleton and emitted a terrifying pressure.


    it looked down at xu qing and the others.


    ¡°tribute!¡±


    a blurry sound accompanied by a deep roar rang out from the mouth of the huge blood-colored figure. as it echoed through the world, the blood river in the surroundings also began to churn. a second one, a third one, a fourth one¡­


    a total of 37 similar figures appeared one after another and surrounded xu qing and the others.


    after each of them appeared, they would say the same word.


    ¡°these are the river spirits of the sacrificial yin river, and it¡¯s a custom here to offer tributes,¡± the captain explained, well-prepared for this. with a wave of his hand, he tossed a storage bag into the river.


    as for what was inside, xu qing didn¡¯t know. however, as the storage bag landed, these figures slowly blurred until more than half of them disappeared.


    as for the remaining few, just as they were about to dissipate, they suddenly looked at ning yan at the same time.


    ¡°tribute!¡±


    ning yan¡¯s expression changed.


    the captain also frowned. he knew that ning yan¡¯s bloodline wasn¡¯t ordinary, but he didn¡¯t expect that it would cause the river spirits to ask for tributes a second time.


    ¡°i wonder if the river spirits are delicious¡­¡± the captain looked around and felt that there might be more river spirits here, so he sighed.


    fortunately, he was very well-prepared this time around. although he wasn¡¯t happy, he still took out another storage bag. just as he was about to throw it out, xu qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°senior brother, let me try?¡±


    the captain fell silent and nodded.


    ¡°alright, the tributes i prepared have their uses in the moon worship region as well.¡±


    xu qing took a few steps forward and looked at the blood-colored figures in front of him, and calmly spoke.


    ¡°make way.¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, his eyes revealed a purple light. the purple moon nascent soul in his body opened its eyes at this instant and displayed its might. it transformed into a manifestation of level and descended with a hint of divine authority.


    in an instant, the fluctuations of the sacrificial yin river fell silent and the wind seemed to pause. everything seemed to have frozen the moment xu qing¡¯s purple moon power appeared.


    the few river spirits suddenly trembled and quickly lowered their heads, kneeling down.


    ¡°greetings, divine envoy.¡±


    the same voice rang out from the surroundings as more river spirits appeared.


    from dozens to hundreds, until there were thousands of them, and even more continued to appear.


    they all knelt down respectfully.


    although ning yan was prepared for this scene, his heart still raced.


    ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes widened in confusion. the captain was beaming with joy as he thought to himself that with little qing around, the chances of success in this trip to the moon worship region would be infinitely great.


    as for wu jianwu, he gasped. the parrot on his head also trembled and forgot to maintain its posture of raising its head.


    just like that, after a short period of silence in the surroundings, xu qing¡¯s calm voice echoed out.


    ¡°escort.¡±


    ¡°we obey the god¡¯s decree!¡±


    the human-shaped river spirits formed by bloody red long hair spoke at the same time. they walked over one by one and surrounded xu qing¡¯s spirit liner. their presence was overwhelming, exuding a tremendous aura, as they provided an escort forward.

 Chapter 832 - 832 New Disciple of the Yin Yang Flower Sect, Xu Qing (3)

    832 new disciple of the yin yang flower sect, xu qing (3)


    the river water rippled and surged, accelerating their progress, causing the river¡¯s surface to contort as if in prostration. witnessing this scene, wu jianwu¡¯s body trembled, and while he was in a daze, the captain approached him, wrapping an arm around his neck and speaking softly.


    ¡°big jianjian, i didn¡¯t lie to you before, right? do you want to be like this one day?¡±


    wu jianwu definitely wanted that, and so was destined to be unable to escape the captain¡¯s demonic clutches.


    hence, very soon, he was pulled to the side by the captain who muttered something in his ears. wu jianwu¡¯s eyes were filled with struggle and excitement. in the end, his excitement surpassed everything.


    ¡°fool!¡± ning yan snorted inwardly.


    xu qing didn¡¯t bother with these. he was sensing these river spirits.


    they were different from the black heaven statue of the holy wave race back then. they were more like living creatures because xu qing could sense the reverence of these river spirits.


    in fact, he could even faintly sense wisps of fragrance after he spread out the power of the purple moon nascent soul.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes flashed. the purple moon nascent soul rose above his head and emitted waves of pressure. at the same time, it also gently sucked at a river spirit.


    immediately, the fragrance flowed into the mouth of the purple moon nascent soul through the river spirits.


    as it swallowed, an extremely comfortable feeling appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind. as for his purple moon nascent soul, its body also trembled and it clearly grew a little.


    at the same time, the river spirit, whose fragrance had been sucked away, revealed a pious expression.


    xu qing¡¯s heartbeat sped up slightly. he instinctively felt that this fragrance was a good thing. just as he was about to continue, a sense of danger rose in his mind. this allowed him to immediately restrain his actions.


    ¡°this is the red moon¡¯s ranch. in theory, if the red moon can absorb it, so can i. however, it can easily detect such plundering in its territory. if the stimulation is too great and it awakens early¡­¡±


    xu qing felt regret and didn¡¯t continue. he was going to see the situation in the moon worship region before deciding.


    just like that, under the escort of thousands of river spirits, xu qing¡¯s spirit liner sped along the sacrificial yin river, getting closer and closer to the shore.


    this scene was vast and incomparably astonishing, so it naturally attracted attention.


    xu qing and the others weren¡¯t the only ones heading to the moon worship region. in reality, due to the uniqueness of the moon worship region, cultivators from the nearby regions would occasionally enter and trade items inside.


    at that moment, there were dozens of ships on the sacrificial yin river. after offering tributes, they were allowed to pass. thus, they witnessed a scene that left them incredulous and astonished.


    all the boats came to an instinctive halt, and the cultivators within them had various reactions, with countless speculations arising in their minds.


    ¡°to be escorted by thousands of river spirits¡­ what kind of identity do they have?!¡±


    ¡°could they be from the red moon shrine? and perhaps even from its higher echelons!¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s only one answer, and only the red moon shrine could have such status.¡±


    ¡°the people of red moon shrine rarely appear. this is the first time i¡¯ve seen them.¡±


    these guesses caused everyone¡¯s hearts to palpitate. they, who visited the moon worship region all year round, were very clear that in this cursed region, all living beings were lambs. only the red moon shrine was high and mighty and herded the lambs for the god.


    hence, they all lowered their heads and only set sail again after the thousands of river spirits had left.


    just like that, another two and a half days passed. xu qing and the others finally crossed the sacrificial yin river and saw the shore and the moon worship region.


    the land here was dark black.


    the sky was dim, devoid of a sun, with only the moonlight stretching endlessly. it bathed the entire realm of the moon worship region in a mysterious veil, cloaking the land in darkness.


    as for the place where xu qing and the others went ashore, it was a barren mountain peak.


    some birds hid in the night and let out bitter cries. as for the ground, one could occasionally see decayed bones.


    xu qing put away his spirit liner. the moment everyone stepped onto this land, the thousands of river spirits bowed toward the shore. only then did they enter the river and disappear.


    the captain looked around with a reminiscent expression as he sighed with emotion.


    ¡°after so many years, i¡¯ve returned to this region again.¡±


    ¡°junior brother, we¡¯re actually relatively safe now that we¡¯re here. the crimson goddess is in a deep sleep. as long as we don¡¯t expose our identities, we¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    xu qing nodded. here, there was basically no one who knew them.


    the captain patted xu qing¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°then let¡¯s part ways here. you go and handle your matters. i¡¯ll bring little ningning and big jianjian to do something.¡±


    ning yan felt bitter when he heard this. wu jianwu¡¯s face was filled with excitement. he felt that he was very valued.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze swept past them and he silently blessed them inwardly. after that, he looked at the captain.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, take care!¡±


    this was their agreed upon route, and their current location was at the eastern border of the moon worship region. from here, if they continued eastward, they wouldn¡¯t be very far from the heavenly fire sea that xu qing wanted to reach.


    ¡°i¡¯ll be alright. with little ningning and big jianjian protecting me, who dares to touch me?¡±


    the captain winked at xu qing. after that, he lifted his right hand and slapped his forehead. immediately, his body changed and he transformed into a graceful middle-aged cultivator. his appearance also became much more handsome.


    especially the smirk on his face and the smugness in his expression gave him a somewhat wicked aura.


    at that moment, with a spurious smile, the captain¡¯s right hand conveniently patted the stomach of the weeping ning yan. ning yan¡¯s entire body trembled and his appearance changed, turning into a maidservant.


    clearly, he had been aware of this beforehand, so there was no surprise on his part. however, his previously bitter expression now took on a sense of being often bullied in his maidservant guise.

 Chapter 833 - 833 New Disciple of the Yin Yang Flower Sect, Xu Qing (4)

    833 new disciple of the yin yang flower sect, xu qing (4)


    meanwhile, wu jianwu¡¯s face was filled with anticipation. the captain didn¡¯t show favoritism and also gave him a pat. his appearance was obscured as he transformed into a young boy.


    seeing the changes in the captain and the other two, xu qing wasn¡¯t surprised. as the captain unlocked more seals, he gradually had a wide range of methods.


    ¡°junior brother, i¡¯ve also prepared your identity for you.¡±


    the captain threw a jade slip to xu qing.


    ¡°from now on, you are a wandering disciple of the yin yang flower sect in the moon worship region. your name is tian qingzi.¡±


    ¡°this is an identity jade slip that can be used as a travel permit. in the chaotic lands of the moon worship region, every country and race requires a travel permit to travel anywhere. the yin yang flower sect holds a significant position here, responsible for the ceremonial dances of the red moon temple. so, they¡¯re a major sect and are quite influential!¡±¡±


    xu qing glanced at the captain and took the jade slip. he could sense that the captain was extremely well-prepared this time. the other party must be determined to devour the red moon¡¯s heart.


    ¡°then we¡¯ll separate here first. after that, we¡¯ll meet at the unending heavenly bull mountain. no matter who arrives first, we¡¯ll wait for the other for a period of time.¡±


    ¡°if the other party doesn¡¯t come, we¡¯ll hide and head to the place the other party went to search.¡±


    after saying that, the captain raised his right hand and made a grabbing motion in the void. a fan appeared and he flicked it open with a swish. he casually waved it a few times, exuding an air of leisure and contentment.


    ¡°junior brother, remember, my current identity is called wei yangzi[1]. i¡¯m also a disciple of the yin yang flower sect, your eldest senior brother! in the next few months, this name will definitely be famous in the moon worship region. you¡¯ll probably hear it on the way.¡±


    ¡°let¡¯s go!¡± the captain exclaimed, waving his hand at xu qing. amidst xu qing¡¯s farewell bow, he, along with ning yan and wu jianwu, walked off into the distance.


    ning yan was a little reluctant. from time to time, he would turn his head and look at xu qing with a helpless expression.


    xu qing pretended not to see it and sent the three of them off.


    the captain walked for more than 100 feet and stopped in his tracks. he seemed to have thought of something as he turned around and shouted.


    ¡°little qing, that yin yang flower sect, you can consider visiting it when you have the time. the identity is genuine. this sect emphasizes the balance between yin and yang, complementing each other. i think you can really learn a lot there. with your talent, you should be able to learn quickly. this way, in case you encounter any demoness, you¡¯ll have self-defense skills and won¡¯t be taken advantage of!¡±


    when ling¡¯er heard this, she hurriedly crawled out of xu qing¡¯s collar and spoke loudly.


    ¡°with me around, brother xu qing won¡¯t be taken advantage of by any demoness!¡±


    seeing that the captain was about to speak, xu qing expressionlessly took out a peach and took a bite.


    the captain glared and mumbled a few words before pulling the two people beside him away.


    xu qing watched them leave until the captain and the other two disappeared into the night. ling¡¯er¡¯s expression was filled with anticipation as she spoke shyly.


    ¡°brother xu qing, can this be considered our date?¡±


    xu qing smiled and nodded. with a sway of his body, he headed straight for the distance. his appearance had also changed. it wasn¡¯t so outstanding and had become much more ordinary.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    the night passed.


    that night, xu qing sped through the land of the moon worship region. he saw many skeletons on the ground, including those of various races. most of them had died from the eruption of anomalous substances.


    there were also some who died in battles.


    all of this was within xu qing¡¯s expectations. the special environment in the moon worship region caused this place to be filled with death and malice.


    there were even a few areas where xu qing fell silent after seeing them.


    they were pits of bones.


    in an area near the shore, xu qing discovered dozens of huge pits with a range of 100,000 feet. every pit was filled with countless bones.


    from the scratches on the bones made by sharp weapons, it could be seen that the flesh and skin had been removed forcefully. clearly, this made it easier to eat.


    ling¡¯er remained silent.


    looking at these, xu qing silently left. the vigilance in his heart also increased endlessly. when morning arrived and a few dim artificial light bodies appeared in the sky, the ground was no longer pitch-black but a dim yellow color.


    this color was the norm in the moon worship region.


    xu qing stood on a bare mountain peak and looked into the distance. after identifying his location, he took out the map jade slip his captain had given him and checked it.


    ¡°this area is called little altar. after a journey of half a month across this area, there¡¯s a place where two races have formed an alliance. once i pass through there, i¡¯ll reach the heavenly fire sea.¡±


    xu qing put away the jade slip and moved forward in the dim yellow sky.


    just like that, days passed.


    half a month later, xu qing, who had crossed the little altar and was about to enter the border of the two races¡¯ alliance, had a better understanding of the name of the area behind him.


    there were over a thousand bone pits there. they were arranged in the shape of a crescent moon and at the center, there was an ancient altar the size of a city.


    xu qing didn¡¯t get close, as even from afar, he could sense some remnant aura of the red moon there.


    ¡°spirit enclosure.¡±


    xu qing mumbled and stepped into the territory of the two races¡¯ alliance.


    however, the instant he entered the border, xu qing stopped in his tracks and looked ahead.


    very soon, dim lights appeared on the ground in front of him. many irregular-shaped mirrors rose from the ground and shone at xu qing.


    most of these mirrors were as tall as a person. the mirrors were blurry and there were some cracks, but they still reflected xu qing¡¯s figure.


    the strange thing was that xu qing¡¯s figure in these mirrors had malice in his eyes as he let out a cold voice.


    ¡°permit!¡±


    [1] wei yang is unending of unending heavenly bull mountain.

 Chapter 834 - 834 In Contest With Heaven, There Is No Day of Exchange (1)

    834 in contest with heaven, there is no day of exchange (1)


    the map jade slip provided by the captain was evidently not focused on this area, as the previous investigations had a different direction. therefore, the details recorded were not very comprehensive, merely indicating the general locations.


    however, it did mention that these two races weren¡¯t humans.


    they were the mirror image race and heavenly mask race.


    right now, the ones who appeared in front of xu qing and asked for a travel permit were from the mirror image race.


    members of this clan have bodies made of mirrors, starting from small mirror fragments in their infancy to reaching immense sizes as they grow.


    it was one of the bizarre entity races.


    it was also a new race that had appeared after the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived.


    members of this clan had both male and female characteristics, and they reproduced at a rapid pace. their innate ability allowed them to reflect their enemies within their mirrors, enabling them to exert a certain degree of control over them.


    there were also some who liked to enslave other races and possess them.


    however, to be able to do this, one needed an even stronger talent. only the nobles of this race could do so.


    at that moment, these mirror image race members who were stopping xu qing were only the border guards of this race. most of their cultivation levels were at the foundation building realm which was similar to the cultivation base of xu qing¡¯s current identity.


    hence, they did not hide their malice at all in front of xu qing. it was as though as long as xu qing couldn¡¯t show the permit, they would instantly rush out and kill him.


    after all, in their eyes, the human race was only a low-grade race.


    xu qing was expressionless as he coldly looked at these mirror image race members. he would remember the other party¡¯s malicious gaze.


    however, now wasn¡¯t the time to make a move. after all, this place belonged to the other party. after xu qing swept his gaze across them, he focused his attention on his reflection in the mirror.


    after that, he took out the jade slip of the yin yang flower sect that his captain had given him and threw it over. he wanted to see how the other party would touch a material object.


    at the next instant, xu qing, who was reflected in the mirror, stretched out his hand.


    this person¡¯s hand was the same as xu qing¡¯s in the mirror. however, after he stretched out his hand, it transformed into a cloud of black gas. it grabbed the jade slip as though it was checking it.


    very soon, they got the result and all of them frowned.


    the malice and greed in their eyes didn¡¯t dissipate much. they repeatedly sized up xu qing, clearly unwilling to let him leave just like that.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was cold as he stared at the other party.


    a while later, those mirror image race members looked at each other and chose to restrain themselves.


    clearly, the name of the yin yang flower race was effective. hence, in the end, these mirror image race border guards fused into the ground again and disappeared.


    xu qing glanced at the place where they had hidden. the dark-black soil there was as usual.


    this scene caused a strange feeling to emerge in xu qing¡¯s heart.


    ¡°why did they fuse into the ground?¡±


    xu qing was puzzled. this point wasn¡¯t marked on the map jade slip.


    hence, xu qing paid attention to this matter. after he retrieved the jade slip, he walked into the distance and entered the territory of the two races¡¯ alliance.


    although the ground here was also dark black, the dim yellow sky was different from the little altar. perhaps it was because it was close to the sea of fire, the sky here was clearly brighter.


    the pits of bones were finally gone.


    the villages and towns were reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he moved forward.


    it was different from the human cities.


    the buildings of the mirror image race were made of soil. they looked pitch-black, like mud castles.


    xu qing walked all the way and saw many of them.


    even if it was a larger city, at most, it would have a mud castle with a more complicated range and structure.


    overall, it was filled with a sense of desolation and roughness.


    in the mirror image race¡¯s territory, everything was quiet. there was no laughter or hustle and bustle here. there were only mirrors walking around the mud castles and flying occasionally.


    all the mirror image race members didn¡¯t seem to like to speak much. they could express their thoughts and communicate with each other with just a glance.


    such a race was destined to be xenophobic.


    xu qing¡¯s appearance attracted their attention. malicious gazes kept sweeping over from all directions but xu qing hadn¡¯t encountered anyone who took the initiative to attack.


    not everyone of the mirror image race cultivated; there were more mortals among them. however, their bodies weren¡¯t a single intact mirror. cracks marred them, with some having seven or eight, while others had countless.


    the latter emitted weakness and death aura.


    furthermore, their shapes were varied; some were humanoid while others were beast-like. they all appeared dirty.


    there were even some composed of countless broken mirror pieces pieced together, creating a rather bizarre appearance. at the same time, xu qing also noticed that within this alliance territory of two races, there were also humans present.


    however, the human race was clearly in a disadvantaged position here and there weren¡¯t many of them. most of them lived in the cities of the mirror image race and had low statuses.


    when they saw xu qing, most of their expressions were numb.


    xu qing looked at them, feeling powerless to change the situation.


    this place wasn¡¯t far from the human race¡¯s territory, especially after the holy wave race returned, and there was only the sacrificial yin separating them. however, no one could resolve the curse of this region.


    in reality, the human race was in a similar situation in other regions. back then, because of the unification by the ancient sovereign mystic nether, all the regions in the wanggu continent were human territory. hence, after the great defeat of the human sovereign eastern triumph, countless humans were separated and it was difficult for them to return to the human territory.


    after generations, there might be rises but most of them would have to live with inferior status.


    some of them still knew that they were humans, while others had slowly forgotten about their glory. their bloodlines were also extremely impure.


    there were also some who looked in the direction of the human race¡¯s grand imperial capital region, yearning to return.


    however, the long journey and the complicated relationships between the various regions caused only experts to have the qualifications to return. the countless mortals didn¡¯t have the ability to do so.

 Chapter 835 - 835 In Contest With Heaven, There Is No Day of Exchange (2)

    835 in contest with heaven, there is no day of exchange (2)


    they could only wait for the day a new sovereign of the human race might appear and unify wanggu, allowing them to return.


    tens of thousands of years of waiting had made it an extravagant hope.


    ling¡¯er sighed softly at all of this.


    this was because it was the same for the ancient spirit race. they waited even longer but there was still no result.


    although the ancient spirit emperor seemed to still be around, the experience in the spirit abyss caused ling¡¯er to have doubts about the ancient spirit emperor. she didn¡¯t know if the other party was still the spirit emperor who had led the ancient spirit race to unify wanggu.


    xu qing looked at these and could only leave silently. he stepped into the heavenly mask race after crossing the territory of the mirror image race.


    this race¡¯s territory was covered with mountain ranges and had few plains.


    they were also a bizarre entity race, but they had a body of flesh and blood. it was just that all their clansmen wore a mask on their faces, or rather, the masks were their faces.


    as for their figure, it was similar to the human race but taller.


    most of them were more than ten feet tall. the masks on their faces didn¡¯t have ordinary facial features and were covered with all kinds of patterns.


    the malice from them was even more intense than what was shown by the mirror image race. anyone who saw xu qing would look at him with greed and evil.


    however, the aura from xu qing¡¯s body caused the heavenly mask race members to restrain their malice. however, there were still some who were ignorant.


    as xu qing moved along the mountain range, he encountered several ambushes.


    one could imagine the outcome.


    the buildings in this race¡¯s territory were also tall and gave off an unpleasant stench.


    however, this race¡¯s members clearly breathed in and out the air of this place all year round, so they couldn¡¯t smell it. they had long been completely used to everything here.


    xu qing didn¡¯t see any humans here.


    he had only seen a tavern in a city of the heavenly mask race.


    the owner was an old couple from the heavenly mask race. the masks on their faces emitted kindness, but among the bones hanging at the door that contained a large amount of flesh, there were human bones and the bones of their own race.


    the weak were devoured.


    this was true anywhere.


    even in nanhuang continent, it wasn¡¯t rare to see cannibalism at the bottom.


    ¡°chaotic world¡­¡±


    xu qing sighed softly and left. when he reached the border of the heavenly mask race, he arrived at the destination of his trip.


    heavenly fire sea.


    what reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes was an endless pool of red magma. flames rose from it, as though it was eternal and indestructible, blocking his vision.


    this area was too large. even though xu qing rose into the air to take a look, he still couldn¡¯t see the end.


    under the illumination of the sea of fire, the sky was also bright. as flames surged into the sky, extreme heat spread out from it.


    there were also waves of rumbling echoing in the sea of fire. from time to time, bubbles could be seen exploding on the surface of the magma, splashing up a large amount of earthly fire, as though a world-destroying flower had bloomed.


    after staring at it for a moment, xu qing charged ahead. as the destructive flowers exploded, he flew forward.


    he didn¡¯t plan to absorb the fire here immediately. instead, he planned to take a look and find the most suitable place to cultivate.


    after all, he didn¡¯t know if there would be any strange manifestations when he refined the life lanterns, which might lead to unnecessary troubles and scrutiny.


    there were cultivators moving around here.


    after all, this fire was helpful in alchemy and weapon refinement, and there were ways to store the extraordinary fire to a certain degree.


    it was a valuable commodity.


    there were also some cultivators who were good at the dao of fire who chose to cultivate here.


    hence, regardless of whether it was outsiders or local cultivators, xu qing occasionally saw them as he flew.


    some of them were alone, and some were in groups of three to five. there were members from all races.


    most of them were vigilant against each other. when outsiders got close, they would quickly distance themselves.


    overall, there were more cultivators from the mirror image race and the heavenly mask race.


    having dealt with this sea of fire for years, they naturally had numerous ways to mitigate the intense heat here and enhance their resistance in this environment.


    xu qing also discovered something special. there were some cultivators here who held something that looked like a compass in their hands. they seemed to be searching for something as they moved around.


    xu qing watched all of it silently. his understanding of this sea of fire wasn¡¯t comprehensive and this wasn¡¯t a good place to ask around. hence, he habitually observed.


    xu qing continued to speed across the sea of fire. although he restrained his speed, he wasn¡¯t slow either. but, even after three days, he still didn¡¯t see the end of the sea of fire.


    ¡°the area is too vast, and trying to explore it all would undoubtedly take a long time¡­¡±


    however, in the past three days, xu qing learned of the reason those cultivators were moving around while holding a compass.


    they were searching for a type of white stone.


    this stone seemed to be an item naturally formed by this sea of fire. it was similar to spirit stones but it was clearly more valuable. moreover, there weren¡¯t many of them and they were often hidden under magma. one needed a compass to sense them and collect them.


    xu qing saw these from afar.


    however, the other party was incomparably vigilant and revealed hostility. xu qing knew his limits and didn¡¯t get close. after clearing his doubts, he quickly left.


    after flying for a few more days until he completely entered the sea of fire and very few cultivators in the surroundings could see him, xu qing dispelled his previous thought.


    ¡°it¡¯s good to try it here first!¡±


    xu qing fell silent and looked at the surface of the sea. after that, he lifted his hand and released a protective barrier that landed on ling¡¯er.


    ling¡¯er knew that xu qing wanted to cultivate, so she didn¡¯t disturb him. she only spoke in a crisp voice.


    ¡°brother xu qing, you¡¯ll definitely succeed. my talent can also be displayed a little now. i can help brother xu qing sense if there are bad people in the surroundings!¡±

 Chapter 836 - 836 In Contest With Heaven, There Is No Day of Exchange (3)

    836 in contest with heaven, there is no day of exchange (3)


    xu qing smiled. in this unfamiliar world, what he had seen these few days was darkness. however, with ling¡¯er accompanying him, he didn¡¯t feel lonely.


    hence, after nodding, xu qing arranged everything. his eyes revealed anticipation as he headed straight for the surface of the sea below.


    he instantly landed and flames rose around him. the purple crystal in xu qing¡¯s body trembled.


    as xu qing opened his mouth and inhaled, the surrounding flames headed straight for his mouth. after xu qing swallowed them, he thought about it and lifted his hand to touch the surface of the magma.


    the temperature was very high.


    however, his hand was fine.


    ¡°my body should be able to withstand it.¡± when xu qing thought of this, he directly sank into the magma.


    when more than half of his body had submerged in the magma, xu qing took a deep breath. he could sense extreme heat enveloping his body. that burning sensation formed a piercing pain.


    ¡°i can¡¯t go any further.¡±


    while being vigilant of his surroundings, he opened his mouth and continued to absorb the flames in the surroundings.


    very soon, under the continuous absorption, the purple crystal in his body shone with six beams of light, completely illuminating xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    under this light, the life fog became less blurry. the five life lanterns inside became clearer.


    xu qing¡¯s heart was filled with anticipation. although he couldn¡¯t control the direction of the light formed by the purple crystal, as long as it was reflected in the life fog from his sea of consciousness, the first thing to be illuminated would definitely be the large black umbrella life lantern.


    this life lantern that he had obtained from the temple on the merfolk island back then showed signs of melting again under the reflection of the six beams of light.


    a tip of the umbrella frame was no longer sharp. it gradually became round and irregular, until it finally turned into a droplet of liquid and fell.


    when this droplet of liquid smashed into the sea of consciousness, it was like heavenly lightning rumbling in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    as his body trembled, wisps of strange substances from the life lantern scattered in his sea of consciousness and fused into his bloodline.


    everything was exactly the same as what xu qing had verified previously.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. he took a deep breath and absorbed more flames, forming six beams of purple light again and continuing to refine his life lantern.


    two hours later, the second drop of liquid dripped from the umbrella life lantern. during this process, the nascent soul formed by the life lantern also manifested. as the life lantern melted, the nascent soul began to blur.


    xu qing immediately stopped and observed carefully.


    until he was certain that his nascent soul hadn¡¯t been damaged but had instead merged with the melted life lantern, relieving himself of the tension, xu qing continued his process.


    three days passed.


    under the abundant flames, as xu qing continued to melt the life lantern, 30% of the large black umbrella gradually melted.


    at that moment, it no longer looked like a life lantern but a broken umbrella.


    the density of the strange substance that formed the life lantern in his bloodline also increased correspondingly.


    xu qing had a strong feeling that when the concentration reached a certain level, there was a high chance that he would be able to mold a life lantern that completely belonged to him.


    at the thought of this, xu qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly. however, he still restrained himself and continued to absorb the flames. he then got up and quickly left this place.


    after flying for a day, he changed to another location and sank into the magma again to absorb the flames.


    being in an unfamiliar environment, the vigilance and caution in xu qing¡¯s personality seemed to have returned to when he first entered the seven blood eyes.


    he knew that he couldn¡¯t stay in one place for too long. if he did that, the danger level would increase.


    after changing his location, xu qing first checked his surroundings to confirm that there was nothing wrong here.


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that this sea of fire isn¡¯t suitable for setting up array formations. otherwise, it would be much simpler.¡±


    xu qing mumbled. after some thought, his body slowly turned blurry and transformed into the translucent state of the bizarre fiend race.


    using this method, he hid himself and then absorbed the surrounding flames.


    under the continuous illumination of the beams of light from the purple crystal, the deformed black umbrella life lantern melted again. however, the closer it was to the end, the slower the melting speed of the life lantern.


    this was especially so for the location of the lantern stand.


    hence, three days later, when xu qing changed his location again, the life lantern had only melted by 50%.


    ¡°it¡¯s alright, there¡¯s enough time!¡±


    xu qing wasn¡¯t in a hurry and continued to maintain his rhythm. he didn¡¯t stay anywhere for more than three days and changed his location again and again to absorb it.


    just like that, his large black umbrella life lantern gradually increased from 50% melted to 60%, 70%, 80%¡­


    during this time, some red crystals also formed on his body. every time they formed, he would immediately keep them.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t sure what this item was but it wasn¡¯t good to expose them..


    his caution wasn¡¯t useless.


    ¡°high-grade heavenly fire crystal!!¡±


    on the heavenly fire sea, a team of mirror image race cultivators was speeding through the air.


    they were different from their clansmen xu qing had seen before. their bodies weren¡¯t mirror bodies but had physical bodies. however, their appearances were inconsistent and their bodies came from various races.


    and between each of their brows, there was a diamond-shaped mirror fragment. it was red in color and didn¡¯t have any cracks or stains. it looked transparent.


    they were descendants of the nobility of the mirror image race. their bloodline far surpassed that of ordinary clansmen. moreover, they had enslaved nonhumans and made them their puppet bodies.


    the person in the lead was a mirror image cultivator with three pairs of wings on his back. his entire body was covered in pitch-black scales and he held a compass in his right hand. there was a location marked on it that shone with a resplendent red light.


    ¡°my luck isn¡¯t bad today. i actually found a high-grade heavenly fire crystal!¡±


    ¡°most of these high-grade heavenly fire crystals are hidden at the bottom of the sea. occasionally, a few will surge out as the magma flowers explode, but there aren¡¯t many of them.¡±

 Chapter 837 - 837 In Contest With Heaven, There Is No Day of Exchange (4)

    837 in contest with heaven, there is no day of exchange (4)


    ¡°let¡¯s go quickly. if we¡¯re too late and the other parties find it, we¡¯ll have to fight again.¡±


    these mirror image race cultivators spoke in low voices with excited expressions as they sped up.


    however, at the next instant, their expressions changed. the red dot on the compass in the leader¡¯s hand disappeared.


    ¡°damn it, someone took it away!¡±


    ¡°let¡¯s see who snatched this crystal!¡±


    similar things didn¡¯t happen only to them. at that moment, there were some cultivators on the other side of the sea who were investigating this. there were even some who sensed it more than once.


    ¡°it will appear every two to three days and disappear instantly every time it appears.¡±


    ¡°then how did the cultivator who obtained the heavenly fire crystal find and take it away so quickly?¡±


    further away, the cultivators from the heavenly mask race also used the compass to sense this scene. outsiders didn¡¯t know the meaning of high-grade heavenly fire crystals, but they, who were here all year round, couldn¡¯t be any more clear about their value.


    ¡°there must be a reason why such sacrificial items appeared one after another in such a short period of time!¡±


    ¡°go and invite the state preceptor over. his compass can locate things more accurately and even penetrate fire warding barriers to a certain extent!¡±


    while a storm was rising in the outside world, xu qing was wholeheartedly melting the life lantern in his body. at that moment, his black umbrella life lantern had already melted to more than 90%. it was only a little away from completely melting.


    ¡°at most a day!¡±


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he surveyed his surroundings. although he didn¡¯t know about the commotion in the outside world, the mosasaur had sent him many warnings these few days. this caused xu qing to be even more vigilant.


    hence, he lowered his head and looked at the magma that drowned his chest. he gritted his teeth and sent ling¡¯er into his mosasaur heavenly palace. after that, he sank into the magma.


    in an instant, magma covered the surroundings and everything was normal.


    xu qing¡¯s aura was also erased by the magma.


    however, he couldn¡¯t sink too deep. at most, he could sink to a depth of five feet. amidst the indescribable heat that permeated his entire body, xu qing gritted his teeth and sped through the magma.


    this would completely dissipate his aura and traces.


    only when he was far away from his previous location and his body had reached its limit did he sit cross-legged again and start absorbing the fire.


    at the next instant, endless flames surged into xu qing¡¯s body. the purple crystal trembled slightly and emitted even more light.


    time slowly passed.


    20 hours passed in the blink of an eye. xu qing¡¯s black umbrella life lantern emitted the sound of shattering. the remaining residue finally transformed into a drop of turbid liquid that dripped into xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    with a boom, the water droplet exploded, leaving behind lingering sounds.


    the black umbrella life lantern completely dissolved after nearly a month.


    the lingering sound stirred up endless ripples. it also blew into the sky, attracting surging heavenly lightning that rumbled and erupted.


    at that moment, a strong tremor shook through xu qing¡¯s body uncontrollably. inside the magma, his eyes snapped open, fearless of the scorching heat. a rapidly expanding mist clouded his vision, twisting and shifting, protecting him from the intrusion of the magma.


    at that moment, the density of the mysterious substance that formed the life lantern in his bloodline had reached the extreme.


    as the heavenly lightning continued to rumble and the magma around xu qing churned, a huge vortex appeared above the sea of fire with xu qing as the center.


    the surroundings distorted. the speed of the vortex was clearly extremely fast, but it was as though it didn¡¯t notice the sea of fire outside the range of 10,000 feet, everything outside that range was normal.


    only within 10,000 feet, the time seemed to be different.


    as the vortex spun with extreme speeds, xu qing sat cross-legged inside. his body shone with a flickering light and an aura of life was forming and erupting on his body.


    an even greater storm happened in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, where the large black umbrella life lantern had disappeared.


    numerous purple threads spread out from xu qing¡¯s body and gathered there.


    as the threads continued to fuse, a new life lantern was forming.


    this life lantern completely used xu qing¡¯s bloodline as its source. it was unique in this world!


    the appearance of the life lanterns of any ancient sovereign and ruler was just like this.


    since ancient times, those who could achieve the level of ruler after the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived were extremely rare in the entire wanggu continent.


    hence, it was the same for the appearance of a new life lantern.


    however, at this moment, such a life lantern that had never appeared in the world was being born!


    the first to appear was a purple circular jade disc, tilted and standing upright, with twenty four hour time divisions marked around it. each division was covered in numerous runes, giving the purple jade disc a complex and mysterious appearance.


    in the center, under the convergence of the purple threads from xu qing¡¯s entire body, it gradually formed a gnomon needle!!


    there was also a ball of light that floated up with the gnomon as the center, spinning around it.


    upon closer inspection, one could see that the person sitting cross-legged inside was xu qing¡¯s nascent soul!


    the light he emitted landed on the gnomon and formed a needle-like shadow that was slowly moving!


    this was¡­ a sundial!


    xu qing¡¯s life lantern!


    the purple jade served as a disc and the azure gold gnomon served as a needle.


    the lights circled the sky and casted shadows of time.


    as the gnomon¡¯s movement advanced, the light and shadow remained eternal. in the contest against heaven, there was no day to exchange!

 Chapter 838 - 838 Young People Do Not Observe Martial Virtues! (1)

    838 young people do not observe martial virtues! (1)


    the sundial life lantern that had replaced the large black umbrella and appeared in the life fog was shining brightly.


    although the disc was jade, when the light flickered, it actually had a faint crystal texture, making it dazzle like a treasure.


    the feeling it gave xu qing was that the material seemed to be a little similar to his purple crystal. it was as though this life lantern was an extension of the purple crystal.


    this could be verified from the fact that the shadow was trembling intensely at this moment and the god¡¯s finger in the d132 heavenly palace seemed to be struggling in its sleep.


    the purple crystal seemed to have undergone some changes with the appearance of the sundial.


    as for what the changes were, xu qing didn¡¯t know exactly.


    however, he could clearly sense that the gnomon needle on the sundial that was like a bone spike emitted fluctuations that came from the same source as him. this was what his bloodline had transformed into!


    as for this gnomon, at first glance, it looked like a needle. however, there was a small carving at the tip.


    if it was magnified many times, one could clearly see that it was an ordinary-looking purple chair.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze froze.


    as for the light floating around the gnomon, it was like the sun. as it slowly moved around the gnomon, it formed a shadow that landed on the jade disc.


    on the intricate scale, they moved with incredible clarity.


    xu qing¡¯s heart churned intensely.


    he could faintly guess why the life lantern he had molded had such a shape.


    all of this had a lot to do with the purple crystal.


    ¡°is this a manifestation of the purple crystal fusing with my bloodline?¡±


    ¡°and the aura on it¡­¡±


    xu qing muttered inwardly. as the needle shadow moved, his life lantern emitted an aura similar to the bottle of time.


    this was time!


    however, it wasn¡¯t the same as the time outside.


    as it revolved, an immense power surged within, affecting the depths of xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, causing it to churn.


    it influenced his physical body, making it tremble.


    this also affected the outside world, causing the 10,000-foot-long vortex to isolate the surroundings under the rumbling rotation, forcefully synchronizing the time within this area with xu qing.


    as a result, within and outside this 10,000 feet radius, it was as if two worlds had emerged, leading to disturbances and eruptions along the edges, warping everything.


    this was the phenomenon emitted by the wanggu continent¡¯s laws colliding with the new life lantern¡¯s laws as they formed in this world. different life lanterns produced different phenomena. this was recognition from the wanggu continent.


    very few people could recognize this scene. after all, since ancient times, very few people had seen this scene with their own eyes.


    within the 10,000 feet vortex, xu qing was currently sitting cross-legged, his entire body radiating a purple glow. a mysterious aura pervaded him, and his heart surged with waves of emotions that refused to settle, constantly undulating.


    he looked at the sundial that had gathered in his sea of consciousness. regardless of whether this life lantern was formed from the fusion of the purple crystal and his bloodline, the feeling of coming from the same source from the sundial allowed xu qing to clearly understand that this was his life lantern.


    it was completely different from the feeling he had when he obtained the other life lanterns.


    even though the other life lanterns had fused into xu qing¡¯s body, at the end of the day, they had nothing to do with xu qing¡¯s bloodline. to xu qing, they were just dead things.


    he could use them and borrow their strength, but in the end, he couldn¡¯t reach the heights of their true owners.


    therefore, to the cultivators of the wanggu continent, although the life lantern was good and a supreme treasure, it was only valuable to those below the spirit repository.


    once they reached the spirit repository, it would be useless. they even had to take it out from their body to reduce karma.


    this was a shared understanding among all who cultivated life lanterns that were not their own.


    however, from now on, it was different for xu qing.


    this life lantern that was born from his bloodline could transform into a huge furnace when he was in his spirit repository, laying the same foundation as the ancient rulers.


    under the furnace, once xu qing entered the spirit repository, he could put all matter into the secret repository and refine them, making them his own and strengthening his secret repository. this opened that path of the strongest to him.


    this was an incomparable advantage that only the descendants of the ancient sovereigns and rulers possessed.


    xu qing had even gone further. he wasn¡¯t the descendant of the sovereigns and rulers who enjoyed the blessings. he had now become the person who founded the blessings. hence, the life lantern still had too many mysteries that needed him to explore them one by one.


    right now, he could only sense that the power contained in his life lantern was related to time.


    as for its might, he hadn¡¯t tried it yet. however, his subconscious perception allowed him to understand that his life lantern¡¯s combat strength was similar to the other life lanterns. it wasn¡¯t the kind of life lantern that instantly gave a monstrous power that could ignore cultivation and suppress everything.


    xu qing felt some regret about this.


    however, he also understood that that was unrealistic.


    ¡°the greatest difference between my own life lantern and the other life lanterns is alive and dead. to me, the other life lanterns are dead things. they don¡¯t have any potential to speak of and are only borrowed.¡±


    ¡°however, my life lantern exists with my life. it possesses unlimited potential and can grow with me.¡±


    ¡°as for the power of time on it, it should come from the purple crystal.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. as for the details, he knew that the environment he was in wasn¡¯t suitable for him to immerse himself in and ponder over. after all, the 10,000 feet vortex in the surroundings was too eye-catching.


    ling¡¯er also quickly transmitted her voice.


    ¡°brother xu qing, run quickly. the bad guys are here. there are so many bad guys!¡±


    ling¡¯er¡¯s voice was filled with nervousness. although xu qing¡¯s heavenly dao warning was also intense, it had been the same these few days. there weren¡¯t many changes now. this was enough to show that ling¡¯er¡¯s perception was even more accurate in this aspect.

 Chapter 839 - 839 Young People Do Not Observe Martial Virtues! (2)

    839 young people do not observe martial virtues! (2)


    hence, without any hesitation, xu qing suppressed all thoughts, plunged his body into the magma, and swiftly began to dive forward, rapidly distancing himself from the area.


    at the same time, he kept the red crystals that had appeared on his body after the life lantern was formed.


    this time, more than 20 crystals appeared at once.


    as he left, the 10,000 feet long vortex gradually slowed down.


    six hours after xu qing left, the vortex completely dissipated. not long later, a group of mirror image race cultivators rushed over from afar.


    even though the vortex had dissipated, the leftover energy here was still astonishing. as soon as those mirror image race cultivators got close, someone immediately exclaimed.


    ¡°there¡¯s something wrong here!¡±


    as he spoke, the person who exclaimed retreated rapidly. his possessed body actually withered at a speed visible to the naked eye. it wasn¡¯t merely life force being drained away, but life itself slipping away!


    this person¡¯s expression changed drastically.


    the other mirror image race cultivators also gasped.


    ¡°either an expert has descended here or some mysterious magic treasures have appeared under the heavenly fire sea. it¡¯s related to time. this matter is too big!¡±


    ¡°besides, the compass sensed more than 20 high-grade heavenly fire crystals at once. this number¡­ can be used for battle!¡±


    after everyone looked at each other, their eyes revealed wariness and greed.


    ¡°the state preceptor is on his way here. let¡¯s investigate first!¡±


    ¡°inform all the clansmen in the heavenly fire sea to come here immediately!¡±


    these mirror image race cultivators immediately spread out and searched separately after transmitting their voices.


    it wasn¡¯t just the mirror image race cultivators who arrived. there were also many cultivators in the distance. after sensing the changes in the compass, all of them panted in greed and headed straight here.


    some were alone, and some were in groups. among them, the heavenly mask race had the largest number. they were heading straight for this place from another direction.


    the area within 5,000 kilometers was like an invisible vortex that gathered all the cultivators from all directions.


    at that moment, xu qing¡¯s heavenly dao warning was incomparably intense. ling¡¯er¡¯s voice also trembled as she hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°brother xu qing, there are too many people here. also, i feel that there are two very strong existences rushing over from further away.¡±


    xu qing frowned. the first thing he thought of was the vortex formed by his life lantern that attracted the attention of all directions. however, this couldn¡¯t explain the many heavenly dao warnings from before.


    ¡°could it be the red crystals?¡±


    xu qing remained silent. however, in an instant, he suddenly paused and pushed his hand above the magma.


    almost at the instant he pushed up, a huge force descended into the sea of fire, forming a huge mask. it sank into the magma and came into contact with xu qing¡¯s palm.


    amidst the resounding boom, a vast area of magma sank by ten feet, and as flames scattered, the figure of xu qing became visible once more.


    with the pressure coming from both the inside and outside, the sea of fire was like a balloon that was squeezed and showed signs of eruption.


    at the next instant, xu qing sped into the air. a sea of magma rose behind him and a huge flower bloomed.


    when the flames rained down, xu qing saw the person who attacked him.


    it was a cultivator from the heavenly mask race. his tall body that was almost 70 feet tall made him look like a mighty being, especially with his golden armor that shone with a piercing light in the fire.


    his cultivation base was also extraordinary. the seven nascent souls in his body sat cross-legged and transformed into seven huge masks outside his body. they each had their eyes closed and were at the peak of the second tribulation. they didn¡¯t seem to be far from the third tribulation.


    what attacked xu qing earlier was one of them.


    ¡°sneaking around in the magma. you lowly human, are you trying to avoid being searched?¡±


    the heavenly mask race cultivator coldly looked at xu qing. the mask on his face was formed by a large number of colorful lines. at that moment, the lines in his eye sockets circulated, forming two vortexes that transformed into eyes.


    these eyes possessed a special power which was why he could see xu qing under the magma.


    ¡°the mirror image race is sealing off the surroundings. are they looking for you?¡±


    the heavenly mask race cultivator stared at xu qing and walked over step by step as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°in that case, you were the one who took the heavenly fire crystals?¡±


    ¡°i only want five. give them to me and i¡¯ll pretend i didn¡¯t see you. you can think about it, but don¡¯t take too long. there are many cultivators here and they are all searching.¡±


    no matter who it was, in the face of such words and in such an environment, unless one¡¯s cultivation was high enough to crush the opposition, it was inevitable that they would weigh the pros and cons. hence, the instant these words were spoken, the body of the heavenly mask race member suddenly swayed.


    his speed erupted, stirring up a shocking aura as he headed straight for xu qing.


    he was so fast that he instantly got close. what he used was the moment xu qing weighed the pros and cons. however, his plan failed. xu qing didn¡¯t weigh the pros and cons and attacked at the same time.


    to xu qing, such a method wasn¡¯t worth mentioning. he could see the other party¡¯s thoughts very clearly.


    in an instant, this place rumbled and the heavenly mask race member was forced back. his expression changed, revealing a look of surprise and greed.


    ¡°13 nascent souls, five life lanterns!!¡±


    ¡°no wonder i felt that something was amiss. you¡¯re not from the moon worship region!¡±


    the heavenly mask race cultivator licked his lips excitedly.


    ¡°you actually have five life lanterns! looks like you¡¯re a great heaven¡¯s chosen of the human race from another region who barged into our moon worship¡­ i wonder what you will taste like.¡±


    as he spoke, the heavenly mask race cultivator performed a series of hand seals with both hands. immediately, the seven nascent soul masks behind him opened their eyes and stared at xu qing in unison. a shrill sound rang out.

 Chapter 840 - 840 Young People Do Not Observe Martial Virtues! (3)

    840 young people do not observe martial virtues! (3)


    the piercing sound created ripples that spread through the air with a formidable force.


    xu qing retreated swiftly. the shadow secretly spread out as he held the fishbone in his hand. murderous intent filled his heart.


    he knew that he had to end the battle as soon as possible. if he were to attract more opponents, escaping would become incredibly difficult. in an instant, wings formed on his back, propelling him forward with astonishing speed as he charged towards the incoming enemy.


    the heavenly mask race cultivator sneered and rushed forward.


    however, before the two sides could touch again, xu qing¡¯s pupils suddenly constricted. he saw a blurry figure silently appearing behind the heavenly mask race cultivator.


    there were no signs at all. while the heavenly mask race cultivator remained completely unaware, the figure suddenly lifted its left hand and placed it near its mouth, gesturing xu qing to remain quiet.


    it then pressed down on the head of the heavenly mask race cultivator.


    a cultivation base infinitely close to the spirit repository flashed from this figure. the heavenly mask race cultivator couldn¡¯t resist at all. the moment he sensed it, the horror on the mask turned eternal.


    with a bang, his tall body directly collapsed. it was the same for his seven nascent souls. all of them shattered except for the mask on his face.


    countless pieces of flesh and blood as well as the spirit flesh of nascent souls were drawn toward the mask. after the mask turned blood-colored, the blurry figure grabbed it.


    ¡°my luck isn¡¯t bad. this little fellow from the heavenly mask race is indeed a noble. he allowed me to collect another heavenly eye.¡±


    when the hoarse voice rang out from the blurry figure, xu qing retreated as though he was facing a great enemy.


    that figure also became a little clearer at this moment.


    this was a skinny old man who looked like a skeleton. his eyes were cold and he gave off a fierce aura. however, from the looks of it, he was a human.


    he glanced at xu qing.


    ¡°a human from another region?¡±


    xu qing was extremely vigilant. he took a few steps back and the poison restriction power surrounded his entire body. his fishbone was hidden and the shadow hid in the flames, spreading in the surroundings without revealing anything.


    the pressure this human old man gave xu qing was extremely great.


    the other party¡¯s cultivation level seemed to be at the spirit repository realm but it also didn¡¯t seem to be. clearly, he was concealing his cultivation base. however, no matter what, he was at least at the perfected fifth tribulation nascent soul realm.


    xu qing couldn¡¯t judge this person¡¯s intention. hence, he chose not to answer.


    he didn¡¯t believe that the other party would continue to stay here after killing a member of the heavenly mask race.


    xu qing¡¯s judgment wasn¡¯t wrong. as the old man spoke, his gaze swept through the surroundings. after that, he looked at xu qing again.


    he didn¡¯t seem to care about xu qing¡¯s silence. instead, he lifted his right hand and performed a series of hand seals. immediately, fluctuations of human bloodline erupted from the two of them at the same time.


    seeing this, the old man¡¯s expression softened slightly.


    ¡°kid, seeing that you¡¯re also a human, let me remind you. hurry up and place the heavenly fire crystals in your storage bag in this box if you don¡¯t want to be chased by the entire heavenly fire sea cultivators.¡±


    as the old man spoke, he threw out a black jade box that floated on the magma.


    the material of this jade box was special. it was actually not invaded or damaged by the magma.


    ¡°10,000 spirit stones, it includes the information fee and the price for the box!¡± the old man stared at xu qing.


    at that moment, an aura erupted in the distance and was approaching.


    xu qing didn¡¯t say anything else. he took out a storage bag and threw it over before leaving immediately with an extremely fast speed.


    ¡°you don¡¯t want the box?¡± just as the old man spoke, the box that was on the magma suddenly disappeared.


    this scene caused the old human to raise his brows.


    ¡°you have some tricks up your sleeve.¡±


    with that, he turned and sped away in another direction, instantly disappearing without a trace.


    there were very few times when kindness came suddenly. hence, xu qing heaved a sigh of relief when the old man asked for spirit stones. however, his vigilance naturally wouldn¡¯t decrease.


    as he left, he focused on hiding his aura and observing his surroundings. after confirming that the other party didn¡¯t chase after him, he let go of the poison that he had spread everywhere.


    this was another confirmation.


    as for the black box, he had gotten the shadow to envelop it and take it away.


    as he sped, the shadow emitted fluctuations of emotions to him. it verified that there were no hidden arrangements on the box. it was just a box made of a special material.


    only then did xu qing take it and check it again. after confirming that there was nothing wrong, he released the poison restriction and circulated it in the box. only then did he feel relieved.


    he then dove into the magma and placed all the 30-odd red crystals into the box.


    ¡°according to my previous judgment and the words of the heavenly mask race member, i have heavenly fire crystals on me? in that case, there¡¯s a high chance that they are these red crystals formed by the remnants of the life lantern.¡±


    ¡°this box can block its aura?¡±


    ¡°i have to verify it as soon as possible.¡±


    as xu qing pondered, he flew out of the magma. since the heavenly mask race could see under the magma, there wasn¡¯t much meaning in moving under the magma.


    a dark glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he left.


    just like that, four days passed.


    in these four days, perhaps the box was really useful. although xu qing encountered nonhuman cultivators, most of them ignored him and flew past. occasionally, there would be a few who wanted to stop him and check but they were instantly killed by xu qing.


    he also obtained a compass and more than one black box.


    this item seemed very ordinary. most of the cultivators here had it. some of them were empty, while others had a few white stones.


    xu qing tested his thoughts in a place with no one around. he discovered that once he took the red crystal out of the box, it would be revealed on the compass. after he stored it, it would disappear from the compass.

 Chapter 841 - 841 Young People Do Not Observe Martial Virtues! (4)

    841 young people do not observe martial virtues! (4)


    ¡°it is indeed effective!¡±


    even so, xu qing still threw the old man¡¯s box away. even though he had sensed that there was nothing wrong earlier, he couldn¡¯t be certain that there weren¡¯t undetectable methods at play.


    however, before he threw it away, he put some poison inside. after that, he used the box he snatched as a storage item and gradually left this area of the heavenly fire sea.


    a day after he left, the mysterious human old man suddenly appeared at the place where he had thrown the box. after searching for a while, he found the box.


    however, as soon as he touched it, the old man¡¯s expression changed and he quickly threw it away. he immediately took out antidote pills and swallowed them while cursing.


    ¡°what the hell? are all the youths from the other regions so treacherous? not only do they throw things around, but they also release poison. they don¡¯t care about martial ethics!¡±


    the old man said resentfully and turned to leave. however, at the next instant, he lowered his head and saw his rotting hand. after discovering that the antidote pills had no effect, he gasped.


    ¡°what the f*ck is this poison!¡±


    while the old man¡¯s heart was pounding, xu qing was coldly looking at a trembling mirror image race cultivator in front of him. the other party originally had three companions who had been summoned by the race to help seal and inspect this large area.


    after seeing xu qing, they stopped and questioned him, wanting to check his storage bag.


    xu qing had encountered such a thing several times in the past few days. he wasn¡¯t the only one being searched. other than the heavenly mask race, the mirror image race was checking all the foreign races.


    hence, xu qing took action. after killing a few of them, he captured this person alive and communicated amicably.


    ¡°the purpose of the top-grade heavenly fire crystals is to offer them to the red moon shrine¡­¡±


    ¡°the red moon temple arrives every hundred years, floating beneath the cracks in the depths of the heavenly fire sea. it waits there to collect offerings from various races in the nearby areas, and the heavenly fire crystals are one of those offerings.¡±


    ¡°other than that, there will be other requests every time. everything has to be satisfied.¡±


    the member of the mirror image race in front of xu qing trembled as he spoke.


    his body was covered in injuries, especially the mirror on his forehead. there were more than ten cracks on it and a fishbone was floating in front of his head.


    xu qing fell silent. this was already the fourth mirror image race cultivator he had asked on the way. the answer he obtained was the same. he also asked about the arrival of the mirror image race¡¯s state preceptor who was also in the heavenly fire sea.


    he also knew that the state preceptor¡¯s cultivation was at the spirit repository. moreover, there were a total of three spirit repository experts in the mirror image race. as for how many secret repositories they had, ordinary clansmen didn¡¯t know.


    presumably, the heavenly mask race was in a similar situation.


    ¡°no nihility?¡±


    xu qing was a little surprised.


    he didn¡¯t believe that there wasn¡¯t a nihility cultivator. moreover, even if there really wasn¡¯t one, the spirit repository experts were still a threat to him.


    hence, xu qing became even more vigilant and glanced at the fishbone.


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor in the fish bone immediately understood. he stabbed fiercely and the fishbone directly pierced through the mirror. as a cracking sound echoed, the body and soul of the mirror image race cultivator were destroyed.


    his nascent souls had already been seized by xu qing previously.


    when xu qing left, there were more than ten heavenly demon bodies floating behind him.


    they were like ghosts, emitting a cold aura as they floated around xu qing, causing xu qing¡¯s entire person to be filled with an evil intent.


    ¡°no matter what, it¡¯s best to leave first.¡±


    xu qing fell silent and flew toward the shore.


    even he couldn¡¯t stay in this area of the heavenly fire sea for a long time. the heat was terrifying, and every time the magma flower exploded, it would cause the temperature here to increase even more.


    xu qing could sense that his body was almost at the limit of its endurance. hence, he planned to return to the shore to rest before changing directions to continue refining his life lanterns.


    after all, there were too many cultivators from the two races in this area of the heavenly fire sea.


    also, he had to find a safe place to study the specific uses of his sundial life lantern.


    during these few days, although he researched it, the surroundings were filled with danger and he couldn¡¯t calm his mind.


    ¡°and that old man, what¡¯s his identity?¡±


    xu qing had also asked the mirror image cultivator about this but the other party didn¡¯t recognize his description. presumably, the appearance that the old man revealed was fake.


    all of this made xu qing very vigilant.


    just like that, several days later, amidst his caution, xu qing finally left the heavenly fire sea and arrived at a shore.


    there, he chose a bare mountain peak, dug out a cave abode as his temporary residence, and set up array formations around it.


    it was only when everything was done that xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged, heaved a long sigh of relief.


    after he barely felt a sense of security, he didn¡¯t hesitate. his mind fused into his sundial life lantern and through the guidance of his bloodline, he carefully dug out the effects of this lantern.


    seven days passed in the blink of an eye.


    in the pitch-black cave abode, xu qing slowly opened his eyes. a hint of excitement appeared on his face.


    ¡°i see.¡±

 Chapter 842 - 842 Time Stands Still (1)

    842 time stands still (1)


    after xu qing studied the life lantern formed after the purple crystal light fused with his bloodline, he discovered that its ability was indeed related to time but it wasn¡¯t absolute.


    for example, the physical defense effect of the large black umbrella didn¡¯t disappear because it was dissolved. it still existed.


    moreover, it was even stronger than before.


    also, the time difference between the sundial and the time outside was about 14 hours.


    xu qing didn¡¯t know what secrets this time difference contained, and didn¡¯t have an answer even after thinking about it for a while.


    in the span of seven days, he attempted to accelerate the sundial, but the lantern fire transformed with the nascent soul seemed to be pulled, making it difficult to achieve.


    trying to make it reverse was also the same.


    trying to cause it to stop also gave the same result.


    this sundial clearly originated from him but it continued to spin on its own. even though xu qing controlled the nascent soul to leave, the lantern fire still existed and continued to move in a fixed way.


    this appearance was similar to when xu qing first obtained the purple crystal.


    this lasted until xu qing thought of a solution.


    he couldn¡¯t change the rotation of the light, nor could he make the sundial rotate on its own. however, he could control the gnomon!


    after all, the gnomon was the condensation of his bloodline.


    he could control the gnomon to leave the sundial and fly it out.


    during his attempt, he discovered that the moment the gnomon left it, the sundial seemed to have lost its direction and guidance. the lights also stopped moving.


    consequently, there was no longer any concept of time, regardless of how the lantern fire continued to illuminate¡ªit was merely a state of transparency.


    in fact, there were even faint signs of the sundial showing signs of decay.


    after xu qing placed the gnomon back in, the sundial recovered. the light continued to move and the needle¡¯s shadow returned to normal.


    the time was still calculated from the moment the gnomon flew out.


    from a certain perspective, the time between the departure of the gnomon and its return seemed to have disappeared.


    ¡°in that case, can it be understood that it was stopped?¡±


    xu qing mumbled as a dark glint appeared in his eyes. he felt that his method might not be correct but no matter what, this was the first ability he had discovered from the life lantern.


    the moment the sundial lost its needle, time seemed to have stopped. at the moment when ling¡¯er was about to peek out from the cuff of xu qing¡¯s sleeve and climb towards his ear, xu qing lowered his head and looked over. ling¡¯er¡¯s body paused instantly.


    motionless.


    it was as though the time that belonged to her had stopped.


    this process only lasted for an instant because xu qing discovered that the decay of the sundial was related to this.


    this discovery caused a huge commotion in xu qing¡¯s heart.


    ¡°the moment i pull out the gnomon, will the time in the surroundings stop under my gaze?¡±


    xu qing hurriedly tried a few more times. ling¡¯er was still at a loss and didn¡¯t know what had happened. she didn¡¯t know that she had stopped many times.


    she tried her best to crawl toward xu qing¡¯s ears and her body paused. the distance that she could reach very quickly in the past seemed incomparably far to her now.


    after a long time, she finally crawled to xu qing¡¯s ear and looked at him shyly.


    ¡°brother xu qing, why are you looking at me like that?¡±


    xu qing found this sentence a little familiar. however, at that moment, his thoughts were churning, so he didn¡¯t think too much about it. after nodding, he asked.


    ¡°ling¡¯er, did you feel anything amiss just now?¡±


    ling¡¯er shook her head in surprise.


    xu qing fell into deep thought and continued to study.


    ling¡¯er was curious but she also knew that her brother xu qing was busy at that moment. hence, she found a comfortable posture and swayed there, playing by herself.


    xu qing fell silent.


    ¡®ling¡¯er didn¡¯t sense that she had stopped. in that case, how large is the range of this ability¡­¡¯


    xu qing¡¯s heart stirred. he walked out of the cave abode and looked at the dim sky and land. he sensed the wind in the surroundings and the heat contained in it and then looked in the direction of the sea of fire in the distance.


    he thought about it but still didn¡¯t dare to.


    xu qing felt that with his current cultivation and the sundial that had just been formed, if he spread out the power of stillness on a large scale, such as looking at the circulation of the starry sky, the flow of the wind, and the trajectory of the world, there was a high chance that his body and soul would be destroyed instantly.


    if the operation of the wanggu continent was compared to a surging behemoth, any law inside would be a part of the power of the behemoth. right now, he was just an inconspicuous rope.


    one could imagine the outcome if he tried to strangle the behemoth with such a rope.


    ¡°forget it¡­¡±


    xu qing fell silent. however, he felt that if this ability was used in battle, its might would be extremely astonishing.


    ¡°let¡¯s name this ability ¡®time stasis!''¡±


    xu qing mumbled. he had a feeling that there should be more abilities to the sundial life lantern. he needed to slowly study and explore them.


    ¡°there¡¯s no hurry. the most important thing now is to refine the other four life lanterns.¡±


    his body had recovered in these seven days and was at its peak state. he could go to the heavenly fire sea to continue cultivating. moreover, after experiencing the envelopment of magma fire, his resistance to the heavenly fire had also increased.


    hence, xu qing didn¡¯t waste any time. he sped through the darkness and gradually walked into the place of flames, stepping into the sea of fire.


    this time around, xu qing had learned his lesson from the past. he went to even further places and paid attention to the appearance of his red crystals at all times. at the same time, he changed locations more frequently.


    this was to ensure that his refinement could be carried out safely.


    as for whether a ten thousand-foot-long vortex would appear in the end, xu qing wasn¡¯t sure.


    there was no way to hide this matter, so he chose a more remote location.


    just like that, 20 days passed.


    it was unknown if it was because of the enhancement from the sundial or because of the lantern itself, but the refining speed of the rainbow wind song lantern was slightly faster than the black umbrella life lantern.

 Chapter 843 - 843 Time Stands Still (2)

    843 time stands still (2)


    as it melted drop by drop, the density of the life lantern¡¯s substances in xu qing¡¯s bloodline increased again. this similar feeling made him aware that his life lantern was about to be formed.


    finally, on the 23rd day, xu qing, who was immersed in the magma, abruptly opened his eyes.


    a 10,000-foot-long vortex appeared in his surroundings. as it rumbled, the rainbow wind song lantern completely disappeared. the second sundial life lantern manifested in the life fog in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    it was exactly the same as the first sundial!


    this was what a lantern that was truly born from the bloodline should be like.


    it was the same for those rulers and their descendants.


    if outsiders wanted to gather a complete set, the difficulty was much greater than assembling mismatched life lanterns.


    as it appeared, the needle¡¯s shadow began to move. in terms of time, there was also a difference of 14 hours between it and the first sundial life lantern.


    the two sundials operated at the same time, causing the flow of time outside the range of 10,000 feet to collide even more intensely. one could vaguely see spatial cracks being torn apart.


    while it was shocking, xu qing also realized that the ability of his second life lantern also retained the soul defense of the rainbow wind song.


    moreover, the mutual reinforcement between the two sundial lamps was particularly astonishing, greatly surpassing the past record.


    the time stasis art he had developed had its power increased twofold.


    as for the red crystals, xu qing immediately stored them in the box, isolating their aura.


    logically speaking, he had already done his best to conceal as many traces of this refinement as possible.


    only this vortex might attract attention, but due to its remote location, it wouldn¡¯t draw too much attention. it wouldn¡¯t be as sensitive as the compass detecting the heavenly fire crystals.


    xu qing originally thought that this would allow him to avoid trouble to the greatest extent. however, sometimes, fate was unpredictable.


    for example, at this moment, within this 10,000-foot-radius, as the vortex continued to spin, three red crystals were swept out of the depths of the magma and rotated with the vortex.


    when xu qing saw this, his expression changed. he instinctively wanted to collect them but after some thought, he still gave up.


    even if he put them away now, the compass would have already sensed them. hence, xu qing gritted his teeth and quickly left without collecting them.


    he didn¡¯t fancy these things.


    if he could use this to lure away the people who were paying attention, it would be more convenient for him to hide.


    as for what had happened in the heavenly fire sea a month ago, although it was eased by the lack of results in the end, the mirror image race and the heavenly mask race didn¡¯t give up.


    it was because they had calculated that a considerable number of heavenly fire crystals had appeared, amounting to dozens.


    even if there were repetitions, the true number wouldn¡¯t be small. after all, more than 20 of them appeared at the same time last time.


    this number was enough for them to attach great importance to it. even the state preceptor had personally come.


    therefore, almost the instant the heavenly fire crystals were swept out of the fire sea by the vortex, they had already locked onto this location. they originally thought that the heavenly fire crystals would disappear instantly like before.


    however, after sensing that the compass still showed them, they immediately made a rush for this location.


    xu qing, who was far away from the vortex, was moving extremely fast without stopping. however, he soon felt something amiss.


    a team of mirror image race cultivators in the distance seemed to have locked onto xu qing. they intercepted him from another direction. among them, there were four golden core cultivators and two emitted nascent soul fluctuations.


    one had experienced one tribulation and the other had experienced two tribulations.


    after noticing xu qing, their expressions were excited. the golden cores retreated and immediately informed their race. as for the two nascent soul cultivators, they headed straight for xu qing.


    ¡°you can still find me?¡±


    xu qing frowned. he deeply sensed the trouble brought about by the lack of information in an unfamiliar place.


    ¡°could it be that fire crystals can be sensed even when placed in the box?¡±


    killing intent flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. during this period of time, he had accumulated a lot of killing intent in his heart. seeing this, his killing intent instantly intensified.


    ¡°since i lack information, i will just kill more and find out the reason!¡±


    the poison restriction in xu qing¡¯s body spread out again and his shadow spread rampantly. the fishbone emitted a sharp light and all the nascent souls in his body emitted energy fluctuations.


    he was about to attack.


    however, at that moment, a familiar blurry figure suddenly appeared behind the two mirror image race cultivators who were rushing toward xu qing. it lifted its hands and patted them.


    in the face of absolute strength, the two mirror image race cultivators couldn¡¯t even dodge. the moment they opened their mouths to scream, they directly collapsed and exploded. their flesh shattered together with their nascent souls. just like what xu qing had seen back then, their flesh and blood rapidly gathered.


    this time, they didn¡¯t gather into a mask but the mirrors of this race which were then taken away by the old man.


    his body swayed. those golden core mirror image race members who were transmitting their voices to their race didn¡¯t have the right to resist and instantly died, turning into mirrors and stored away.


    after doing this, the old man glared at xu qing.


    xu qing frowned and also looked at the other party. he noticed that there was a mirror-like glove on the old man¡¯s right hand that seemed to have some kind of isolating effect.


    ¡°kid, why are you causing so much trouble!¡±


    the old man said angrily.


    ¡°if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that we¡¯re both humans, i wouldn¡¯t have bothered with you!¡±


    ¡°you look like a human from another region. are you from the human race¡¯s grand imperial capital region? are you a descendant of those nobles?¡±


    ¡°you¡¯re so unscrupulous here because you have good aptitude and complete life lanterns?¡±


    ¡°let me tell you, this is the moon worship region. here, the human race is at the bottom of the hierarchy and is food!¡±

 Chapter 844 - 844 Time Stands Still (3)

    844 time stands still (3)


    ¡°once the living beings in the moon worship region understand their fate, acts of cruelty and brutality become instinctive behaviors for everyone.¡±


    ¡°do you believe that if you continue like this, in less than two months, you¡¯ll be placed in the sacred cities of the mirror image and heavenly mask races, and they will savor you bit by bit?¡±


    the old man immediately reprimanded him.


    xu qing calmly took a few steps back and spoke.


    ¡°what are you trying to say?¡±


    ¡°what am i trying to say? kid, why did you throw away the box i gave you? do you know that the state preceptor of the mirror image race has a special ability that can see through most concealment? only my box can block his perception because it has my enhancement.¡±


    ¡°i sold it to you out of goodwill but not only did you throw it away, you even put poison in it!¡±


    ¡°take it out, the antidote!¡±


    the old man finally got to the main point.


    xu qing was expressionless. he didn¡¯t want to delay the other party here. hence, he took out a pill bottle and threw it over.


    ¡°my poison is a compound poison. the antidote must be taken continuously for seven days. swallow three pills at the first appearance of the morning sun each day, and cultivate in place for seven complete rotations of qi circulation.¡±


    ¡°and since there is no sun in this place, you¡¯ll have to estimate the time yourself, and as for the quantity, you should also double it.¡±


    ¡°you can¡¯t stop during this period.¡±


    as xu qing spoke, he threw out another pill bottle.


    ¡°the poison has already acted up. you can¡¯t waste time. otherwise, if you can¡¯t detoxify the poison, don¡¯t blame me.¡±


    as xu qing spoke, he was prepared for the other party to attack and retreated immediately.


    the old man caught the pill bottle and was about to speak when a sensation of being locked onto this location came from afar. his expression changed, and he glared fiercely at xu qing. he turned around as if about to leave, but ultimately heaved a sigh, tossing a box to xu qing.


    ¡°i hope what you said about the antidote is true. take this and you can hide the aura.¡±


    with that, the old man quickly left.


    xu qing fell silent. he then took the box and left as well.


    after analyzing the other party¡¯s words on the way, determination appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he put the fire crystals in this box and sent it to d132, using the aura of the god¡¯s finger to suppress it.


    after that, he took it out and scanned it with the poison restriction. finally, he released the purple moon nascent soul to cleanse it.


    only then did he speed up.


    five days passed in the blink of an eye.


    during these five days, xu qing didn¡¯t encounter the mirror image race members who seemed to know his location. even if he occasionally encountered this race, the other party would only pass by in a hurry and ignore him.


    ¡°could it be that what that old man said is true?¡±


    xu qing hesitated. the antidote he gave the other party was fake.


    there were no medicinal pills that could neutralize the poison of the poison restriction. the only way was for him to personally withdraw it.


    xu qing thought about it. he still had some doubts about this matter, so he didn¡¯t pay attention to it. instead, he found a place and continued to refine his third life lantern.


    this was the nether spirit blood wing lantern¡¯s left wing.


    ¡°the life lanterns of the others are all the same. only this nether spirit blood wing is divided into left and right¡­¡±


    xu qing stared at his third life lantern and some guesses rose in his heart. after that, he began to refine it.


    seventeen days later, in the western part of the sea of fire, on the vast magma, a ten thousand-foot-long vortex appeared again.


    this time, there were no heavenly fire crystals being swept out, and because the fluctuations here were remote, they didn¡¯t attract much attention.


    several hours later, when the ten-thousand-foot-long vortex disappeared, xu qing was already speeding in the distance.


    his expression was filled with fatigue. his body¡¯s tolerance for the heavenly fire had reached its limit. he needed to go back and recuperate before he could continue.


    however, the excitement in his eyes didn¡¯t decrease because of fatigue. instead, it increased.


    ¡°three sundials!¡±


    the third life lantern in xu qing¡¯s body had already been replaced by a similar sundial. the enhancement from the same source was even more powerful now, causing xu qing¡¯s speed to increase by about 70%.


    now that he was moving at full speed, ordinary cultivators couldn¡¯t see him clearly with their naked eyes. they could only see afterimages.


    ¡°i wonder what will happen after all five of them are refined.¡±


    anticipation rose in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he had a faint feeling that after he refined all five life lanterns and the sundial life lanterns formed by his bloodline completely became a set, there might be an even more profound change.


    at the thought of this, xu qing took a deep breath and sped forward.


    several days later, xu qing, who was speeding, suddenly stopped in his tracks and stopped above the sea of fire. he looked into the distance and a strange expression appeared on his face.


    wherever his gaze landed, there was a faint rumbling sound echoing as the power of a spell spread out. the sea of fire seemed to be drawn over and slowly gathered there, as though it was refining something.


    what attracted xu qing¡¯s attention was that he could sense his poison restriction in that direction.


    previously, when he first encountered that old man, although the other party was poisoned, it was obvious that he hadn¡¯t been tainted much. in addition, with the isolation of the mirror gloves, his aura wasn¡¯t very obvious.


    however, after so long, the power of the poison restriction was already dense and couldn¡¯t be completely isolated. hence, xu qing sensed it.


    ¡°it¡¯s already so intense¡­¡±


    xu qing knew how terrifying his poison restriction was. hence, after some thought, the other party didn¡¯t seem to be lying to him.


    ¡°let¡¯s go take a look.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s body swayed as he moved closer to that area.


    he was prepared to see how that old man was now before weighing whether he should retract the poison.


    as he got closer, xu qing¡¯s expression turned solemn. he didn¡¯t hesitate at all and hid in the magma.


    he saw many cultivators from the mirror cloud race. there were dozens of them. although there were many golden cores among them, there were also eight to nine nascent soul cultivators. their cultivation levels ranged from one tribulation to three tribulations.


    what made xu qing even more vigilant was that he had seen an array formation here.

 Chapter 845 - 845 Time Stands Still (4)

    845 time stands still (4)


    because of the special environment on the heavenly fire sea, it was very difficult to set up array formations. this was also what troubled xu qing previously. however, an array formation actually existed here.


    an array formation that could be set here must be extraordinarily powerful.


    that array formation was also very strange. it was a huge mirror.


    this mirror spanned a thousand feet and floated in the sky. the surrounding mirror image race cultivators were all channeling their energy into it.


    as for the giant mirror facing the magma, it illuminated the sea of fire and trapped a person.


    the one trapped was none other than that human old man.


    at this moment, his entire body was covered in a dark green-black hue, with many areas in a state of decay, revealing bones underneath. his body was trembling as it endured the suppression from the array formation mirror.


    the concealment around his body had also been erased. although he was still an old man, he wasn¡¯t skinny. instead, his body was burly and his expression was dignified as he stared at the mirror above.


    the mirror reflected the sea of fire and his figure. other than that, the mirror protruded, forming a face that was coldly looking at him.


    ¡°duanmu zang!¡±


    ¡°normally, you come and go without a trace, assassinating the heaven¡¯s chosen of our race. but now, how did you end up in such a sorry state?¡±


    ¡°now, if you kneel and choose to submit, i can offer you a chance to become a part of our mirror clan, freeing you from your humble human lineage, and aiding you in rising to the spirit repository once again.¡±


    ¡°although the path of all living beings is fraught with death, at least while you¡¯re alive, you¡¯ll live more freely, without having to hide and flee like this.¡±


    ¡°think about it carefully. if you¡¯re still stubborn when my main body arrives, you won¡¯t have the qualifications to choose.¡±


    an ancient voice echoed in all directions, but the human old man laughed sinisterly.


    ¡°bullshit!¡±


    ¡°my human bloodline is incomparably noble. how can you mixed races compare to us?!¡±


    ¡°how long is the history of the mirror image race? our human history dates back to the start of wanggu. not to mention the distant past, even in the recent ancient sovereign mystic nether¡¯s era, when the ancient sovereign unified wanggu, your mirror image race was nothing, not even born yet!¡±


    ¡°stubborn!¡± a cold snort rang out from the giant mirror in the sky.


    the surrounding mirror image race cultivators understood and spread out their cultivation base with all their might, channeling it into the giant mirror, causing the suppression of the array formation to suddenly increase. the old man¡¯s entire body rumbled but he still struggled to hold on.


    actually, he had long fallen into despair. the source of all this was the poison in his body.


    at the start, he had underestimated the terror of this poison. however, it was too late when he truly discovered how terrifying it was.


    his body, soul, and everything else were seriously corroded. this also caused his concealment technique to dissipate and he was tracked down by the mirror image race.


    he was trapped here.


    ¡°that human kid is a good-for-nothing!¡±


    duanmu zang cursed in his heart. he indeed didn¡¯t have any good intentions at the start. however, after sensing that xu qing was a human, he changed his mind. he only wanted to mark him and find an opportunity to rob him. he didn¡¯t plan to kill.


    however, he didn¡¯t expect to be poisoned by such a difficult and terrifying poison.


    ¡°the antidote is also fake!¡±


    while duanmu zang smiled bitterly in his heart, xu qing hid under the magma in the distance and watched everything. most of those mirror image race cultivators were augmenting the array formation, increasing the power of the trap and didn¡¯t notice what was happening under the magma.


    after all, to them, no race in this area dared to provoke them, especially since the state preceptor¡¯s array treasure was displaying its might. when others saw it, they would naturally avoid it.


    xu qing weighed the pros and cons and made a decision when he thought of the help that the box had provided him during this period of time.


    ¡°save him once!¡±


    the instant this thought appeared, the poison restriction pill in xu qing¡¯s body suddenly spread out, rising along the magma and permeating the surroundings.


    as he lifted his right hand, he took out the fish bone. the shadow also spread in all directions, ready to strike.


    at the next instant, a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he rushed out from under the magma.


    the 13 nascent souls erupted in unison and an earth-shattering force surged in xu qing¡¯s body.


    the gnomons on the three sundials in his body were also trembling. they could be pulled out at any time to form the power of time stasis.


    kill!

 Chapter 846 - 846 Why Didn’t You Say That You Were So Strong Earlier! (1)

    846 why didn¡¯t you say that you were so strong earlier! (1)


    at the nascent soul realm, the difference between cultivators was astonishing. with different foundations, the small differences in the past would be magnified countless times.


    because it involved the number of nascent souls and the number of tribulations, as well as the experiences of different races and individuals, the difference in strength couldn¡¯t be seen at a glance like the heavenly palace golden core realm.


    unless the difference was extremely great and one¡¯s aura could be sensed.


    otherwise, they would have to weigh the pros and cons carefully when attacking fellow nascent soul cultivators.


    however, fundamentally, all races had one basic understanding.


    ¡°the first tribulation is to imbue the fake nascent soul with true meaning, allowing it to truly become a dao nascent, possessing the power of a nascent soul.


    as for the second tribulation, it enhanced the nascent soul and increased its power by twofold. at the third tribulation, the nascent soul would have three times its original strength!


    for example, the heavenly mask race cultivator xu qing had encountered previously. he was a heaven¡¯s chosen of his race. although he didn¡¯t have a life lantern, he still had seven dao nascents and had experienced two tribulations.


    therefore, his basic combat strength could be seen as the combat strength of 14 nascent souls.


    this was also the reason why he still attacked after sensing xu qing¡¯s 13 nascent souls.


    his past cultivation foundation could be seen through this. he had seven heavenly palaces when he was at the golden core realm and four life fires when he was at the foundation building realm.


    his magic aperture would definitely be 120.


    he didn¡¯t reach the extreme of 121 apertures.


    after all, on xu qing¡¯s journey, he had never encountered anyone who had truly reached 121 magic apertures other than saintly star and kong xianglong.


    perhaps there were more, but xu qing couldn¡¯t judge since he didn¡¯t see them.


    however, these were only the basics. in the heavenly palace golden core realm, heavenly palaces could still be used as a way to judge strength. however, the changes in the fight between nascent soul cultivators were extremely great.


    other than realms, there were also treasures and cultivation arts. it also included the different talents of the various races and their adaptability in actual combat.


    every one of them was very important and could determine the outcome of the battle.


    hence, the power of the nascent souls couldn¡¯t be used as absolute judgment of combat strength. it could only be used as a simple reference.


    many times, they would need to fight to know who was stronger and who was weaker.


    it was the same for xu qing.


    all 13 of his nascent souls had experienced a tribulation, so theoretically speaking, the foundation he had now was the combat strength of 13 nascent souls.


    however, his dao nascents were too special. there was an emperor-level cultivation art, something related to gods, supreme treasures like the heavenly dao¡¯s enhancement and the bottle of time, there was also the morning glow and the sundial life lantern.


    all of these factors caused xu qing¡¯s combat strength to surpass the normal range at the nascent soul realm. it was equivalent to allowing the strength of his dao nascents to be comparable to a cultivator who had experienced two tribulations.


    in other words, the most basic combat strength xu qing possessed now was 24 nascent souls!


    the reason why it wasn¡¯t 26 was because he still had two life lanterns that hadn¡¯t been refined. once the remaining two were turned into sundials, he would have the combat strength of 26 nascent souls.


    however, xu qing was still cautious. this was because just because he could make the dao nascents special didn¡¯t mean that others couldn¡¯t. moreover, it was the same logic for treasures and cultivation arts.


    this was also why nascent soul cultivators couldn¡¯t easily decide a battle when fighting each other.


    after these thoughts flashed through xu qing¡¯s mind, his body soared into the sky from the magma. his 13 nascent souls erupted completely, forming a terrifying combat strength comparable to 24 nascent souls as he headed straight for the sky.


    his speed was so fast that he instantly appeared in front of a one tribulation mirror image nascent soul cultivator.


    the expression of the mirror image race cultivator changed. even though he had channeled half of his energy into the array formation, his rich combat experience and adaptability still made him instantly retract most of his attention and the six nascent souls in his body erupted.


    he even spat out a flying sword. the mirror at his forehead shone, illuminating xu qing¡¯s figure. his face turned blurry and he actually became similar to xu qing.


    this was one of the racial talents. it enhanced his body, allowing his combat strength to instantly leap to the level of eight nascent souls.


    this talent coupled with his reaction speed was already very extraordinary. if it was another first tribulation cultivator launching the sneak attack, they would probably not succeed.


    however, if the absolute difference in strength was too great, then many uncontrollable variables would have no choice but to be controlled.


    hence, when xu qing moved past, a cold light flashed and the head of the mirror image race cultivator was directly separated from his body.


    blood gushed out crazily. by the time the sound spread, xu qing had already rushed toward another nascent soul.


    at the same time, xu qing¡¯s poison restriction also spread in the surroundings. its target wasn¡¯t nascent soul cultivators but those golden cores.


    as xu qing¡¯s strength increased, his poison restriction pill also displayed an even more vicious and terrifying might. as it spread, at least seven golden core cultivators screamed in fright.


    before they could even react, their bodies instantly turned purple-black and began to rot.


    heart-rending screams spread in all directions.


    there were also a few golden core cultivators whose bodies trembled and their eyes instantly turned pitch-black. a demonic smile appeared on their faces as they suddenly turned around and headed straight for the giant mirror array formation. after they got close, they suddenly self-destructed.


    as the rumbling echoed, a red bolt of lightning surrounded a fishbone as it shuttled through the enemies, killing all the golden cores in its path.


    this scene caused the expressions of the mirror image race cultivators to change intensely.


    chaos erupted almost instantly.


    duanmu zang, who was resisting the pressure of the giant mirror, was also stunned. after noticing those poisoned mirror image race cultivators, his pupils constricted and he immediately recognized the source.


    ¡°it¡¯s that treacherous kid!¡±


    hence, he shouted.


    ¡°don¡¯t waste time. end the battle quickly and kill the nascent soul cultivators outside. if the energy to the array formation is stopped, i¡¯ll be able to escape!¡±

 Chapter 847 - 847 Why Didnt You Say That You Were So Strong Earlier! (2)

    847 why didn¡¯t you say that you were so strong earlier! (2)


    ¡°we have to be fast. the state preceptor of the mirror image race is on his way here!¡±


    as soon as duanmu zang finished speaking, the gaze of the face on the giant mirror shifted. just as it was about to look at xu qing, duanmu zang laughed loudly. he didn¡¯t care that his injuries were acting up and his cultivation erupted.


    eight nascent souls rose from his body. each of them possessed the power of five tribulations. what was even more astonishing was that behind these eight nascent souls, the image of a secret repository vaguely appeared.


    however, this secret repository had collapsed and was filled with desolation. clearly, it was caused by the failure at the moment of breakthrough.


    even so, the strength of the old man¡¯s combat strength soared greatly with the appearance of the image of the secret repository. this caused the giant mirror face in the sky to have no choice but to retract its gaze from xu qing and suppress him with all its might.


    booming sounds echoed through the sky and xu qing attacked even faster.


    there was no need for duanmu zang to remind him. the moment he decided to attack, xu qing knew that this battle had to end as soon as possible.


    hence, at that moment, the poison restriction erupted, the shadow wreaked havoc, and the fish bone danced amidst the enemies. xu qing rapidly approached another nascent soul cultivator of the mirror image race.


    however, at this moment, the other mirror image race cultivators also reacted. two two-tribulations nascent soul cultivators and one three-tribulations nascent soul cultivator sped toward him from different directions.


    seeing that they were getting close, the morning glow in xu qing¡¯s body suddenly shone and swept out fiercely.


    the color in the surroundings was directly replaced by rainbow colors. the people who arrived stopped one after another and they retreated separately. as for xu qing, his body directly transformed into the bizarre nether state and directly passed through the body of the mirror image race cultivator in front of him.


    he grabbed the two nascent souls and crushed them.


    dozens of heavenly demon bodies rushed into the body of the mirror image race cultivator with malevolence.


    at the next moment, an extremely tragic scream echoed from the mouth of the mirror image race cultivator. his body trembled and rapidly withered. xu qing then retreated abruptly.


    almost at the instant he retreated, a gigantic vortex was blasted out by the three-tribulations mirror image cultivator who rushed over.


    ¡°lowly human, you¡¯re courting death!¡±


    as the mirror image race cultivator let out a low shout, seven nascent souls shone in his body. among them, five had undergone three tribulations and two had passed two tribulations, erupting with terrifying combat strength close to 20 nascent souls.


    behind him, a black mirror manifested and augmented him. in the mirror was a huge bat that blasted sound waves at xu qing.


    he held a spear that was surrounded by countless wailing resentful spirits that spread out like smoke with astonishing aura.


    this wasn¡¯t the end. there were a total of two people that had undergone three tribulations here. now, the other one was also approaching.


    this person wore black armor and seven lumps of ghost fire floated above his head.


    every one of them was transformed from his nascent soul. the cloak behind his armor fluttered and countless eyes formed on it. all of them opened wide and glared at xu qing.


    not only that, but there were also four two-tribulations mirror image race members who sped over from all directions and surrounded xu qing.


    this scene caused duanmu zang¡¯s expression to turn solemn. although it would be easy for him to kill these mirror image race members after he broke free, he wasn¡¯t sure about xu qing¡¯s combat strength.


    ¡°this kid¡¯s nascent souls are a little bizarre!¡±


    at that moment, poison mist filled the surroundings and the screams became increasingly mournful. the six mirror image nascent soul cultivators were already nearing xu qing.


    right at this moment, xu qing¡¯s eyes turned cold. he instantly pulled out the gnomon on a sundial in his body and his gaze landed on the three-tribulations mirror image cultivator closest to him.


    at that instant, time stopped on the first sundial in xu qing¡¯s body.


    this power of stillness followed his gaze and affected the mirror image cultivator in the outside world.


    the three tribulations mirror image race cultivator¡¯s body paused with his expression still looking malevolent. his body seemed to have been frozen, as though time that belonged to him had stopped.


    although it only took an instant for him to return to normal, to cultivators at the nascent soul realm, an instant was the difference between life and death.


    xu qing¡¯s dagger slashed across this person¡¯s neck the instant he recovered. blood spurted out and his head flew up.


    xu qing didn¡¯t have time to absorb too much. after grabbing two nascent souls and crushing them, he had to put back the gnomon on the sundial. the decaying of the sundial disc was also far more serious than when he tested it on ling¡¯er.


    however, it wasn¡¯t irreversible and was currently recovering.


    while the other mirror image race members were in shock, he looked at the other three tribulations cultivator and pulled out the gnomon on the second sundial.


    a monstrous storm stirred in the mind of the mirror image race cultivator and his eyes revealed horror and disbelief. the scene he saw earlier was that his companion had suddenly stopped for some reason.


    he didn¡¯t resist or struggle at all. it was as though he had become a puppet and was directly killed by the human cultivator.


    ¡°this is¡­¡± before he could continue thinking, xu qing¡¯s gaze landed.


    in an instant, the three tribulations cultivator¡¯s body trembled and he lost his perception, losing everything. the instant he recovered, he saw xu qing¡¯s face.


    his head flew up and his nascent souls withered.


    everything happened in two breaths of time.


    the surrounding two-tribulations mirror image race cultivators cried out involuntarily. at that moment, their scalps turned numb from fright and shock. they instantly retreated and wanted to escape.


    xu qing didn¡¯t bother with them and headed straight for the giant mirror array formation.


    ¡°this item is the supreme treasure of the mirror image race¡¯s state preceptor and is difficult to destroy. however, now that there¡¯s no one to augment it, things will be easy. step back. i¡¯m prepared to self-destruct a nascent soul and blast open a gap!¡±


    duanmu zang suppressed the shock he felt from xu qing¡¯s attacks and let out a shout, wanting to self-destruct.


    however, xu qing lifted his right hand and pointed. the red lightning transformed by the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor shot over from afar.

 Chapter 848 - 848 Why Didnt You Say That You Were So Strong Earlier! (3)

    848 why didn¡¯t you say that you were so strong earlier! (3)


    with its speed, it instantly got close. it controlled the fish bone and stabbed fiercely at the giant mirror.


    the face on the giant mirror abruptly looked at xu qing. just as it was about to speak, its expression changed drastically.


    the fish bone ignored all the defense of the mirror and directly penetrated it, piercing into the mirror like a hot knife through butter.


    with a cracking sound, the mirror shattered.


    xu qing didn¡¯t look at duanmu zang. he turned and waved his hand.


    the poison in the surroundings headed straight for him. it was the same for the shadow. the fish bone transformed into a red light and landed in xu qing¡¯s hand.


    xu qing¡¯s speed erupted as he headed straight for the distance, fleeing from this place.


    from the start to the end, he didn¡¯t say a word.


    he arrived like lightning and left silently.


    at that moment, the giant mirror trembled intensely. the cracks on it continued to spread and its face distorted. its expression changed rapidly as it stared fixedly at xu qing who had left.


    as for duanmu zang, who was trapped by it, he also gasped. after that, he hurriedly stopped the self-destruction of his nascent soul and rushed out through the gap. he then swung the collapsed secret repository toward the giant mirror.


    boom!


    more cracks appeared on the mirror and fell from the sky, smashing into the magma.


    the face inside opened as though it wanted to say something, but the damage was so serious that it was difficult for it to transmit its divine sense.


    duanmu zang let out a cold snort and spat a mouthful of thick phlegm at it.


    this phlegm was very heavy and smashed into the mirror¡¯s surface, causing it to sink into the magma.


    after doing this, duanmu zang turned and left rapidly.


    six hours after they left, a firestorm stirred up in the distance. there was a huge figure in it. it wore a golden robe and had no face. its entire face was a golden mirror.


    he rushed over and stopped here, lowering his head to look at the magma.


    the image of the surroundings was reflected on his face.


    after a long time, he grabbed at the air. the mirror that had sunk into the magma was instantly retrieved. he held it for a while, and from within the mirror face, a cold voice emanated.


    ¡°human race¡­¡±


    at the same time, on the heavenly fire sea 5,000 kilometers away, xu qing was still speeding away. he didn¡¯t stop at all for the past three days. while hiding himself, he continued to approach the shore.


    during these three days, the sky here became brighter and the flames seemed to be a little denser than before. the blooming of magma flowers also became more frequent.


    this caused the temperature here to continue rising and spread a feeling of burning souls.


    ¡°i have to return to the shore as soon as possible. if this continues, even if my body can still hold on, my soul will melt.¡±


    xu qing felt the drying feeling from his hair and his soul showed some signs of drying. he pondered and was about to continue moving forward when he calmly spoke at the next instant.


    ¡°senior, you¡¯ve followed me for so long, there¡¯s no need for it.¡±


    a long time later, xu qing continued to move forward.


    during these three days, he would do this every two hours.


    although he could sense the aura of the poison restriction, xu qing understood that once he made a certain understanding a habit, it would cause negligence. in this chaotic world, a single negligence might result in a miserable outcome.


    hence, even though he didn¡¯t sense the aura of the poison restriction, he still spoke like this.


    just like that, another day passed. xu qing stopped in his tracks and spoke calmly.


    ¡°senior, do you like to hide so much?¡±


    this time, there was a response¡­


    ¡°hmm?¡±


    a surprised voice rang out from more than 100 feet to xu qing¡¯s right. that place quickly distorted and duanmu zang¡¯s body was revealed.


    there was a bubble outside his body that isolated some of his aura. there was also a cloth wrapped around his right hand. it was this item that completely isolated the aura of the poison restriction.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. he took a look and vaguely felt that it was a little familiar.


    ¡®how did this kid sense me?¡¯


    duanmu zang was puzzled. when he thought of xu qing¡¯s attack earlier, he felt that there was a high chance that the other party still had some strange methods hidden.


    ¡®of course, it¡¯s also possible that this kid has been shouting like this every once in a while!¡¯


    ¡®sly!¡¯


    duanmu zang let out a cold snort in his heart. he noticed xu qing¡¯s gaze on the cloth in his right hand but didn¡¯t explain. instead, he glared at xu qing.


    ¡°kid, you¡¯re so heartless!¡±


    ¡°this old man has no intention of harming you. i even gave you a box to hide the aura of the heavenly fire crystals, but you gave me a fake antidote!¡±


    xu qing frowned.


    ¡°however, seeing that you helped me out earlier, i won¡¯t fuss over it.¡± seeing xu qing frown, the old man¡¯s tone hurriedly softened. after that, he lifted his hand and coughed.


    ¡°we¡¯re all humans. why don¡¯t¡­ you remove it for me?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was as usual as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°10,000 spirit stones!¡±


    the old man took a deep breath and glared at xu qing. after a long time, he smiled bitterly and shook his head. he then threw out a storage bag. it was the same storage bag which xu qing had given to him previously.


    after xu qing took it, he counted and confirmed that there was nothing wrong.


    seeing that xu qing still wanted to count, the old man¡¯s temper rose again. however, he still endured it.


    ¡°is that okay?¡±


    xu qing nodded. he then lifted his right hand and grabbed at the old man. immediately, the old man¡¯s body trembled and the power of the poison restriction in his body instantly surged. amidst his pained expression, it crawled out of his body.


    in the end, it transformed into a black fog that headed straight for xu qing. it fused into xu qing¡¯s body and disappeared.


    with the disappearance of the poison restriction, the old man clearly felt his body relax. the power of his cultivation surged and his recovery began to return to normal.


    he heaved a long sigh of relief and looked at xu qing.


    xu qing took a few steps back with an extremely vigilant expression.


    the old man¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°kid, considering how powerful you are, why didn¡¯t you attack during those first two times and instead had me step in?¡±


    ¡°i didn¡¯t have the chance,¡± xu qing replied calmly, speaking the truth.

 Chapter 849 - 849 Why Didnt You Say That You Were So Strong Earlier! (4)

    849 why didn¡¯t you say that you were so strong earlier! (4)


    the old man fell silent upon hearing this. he thought this kid really didn¡¯t know how to talk. so, he turned to leave, but after taking a few steps, he glanced back at xu qing.


    ¡°the heavenly fire is coming soon. find a place to avoid it.¡±


    the old man threw an umbrella to xu qing.


    ¡°this umbrella can resist the heavenly fire for some time but not for too long. you¡¯re on your own.¡±


    with that, his body swayed and he was about to fuse into the void.


    xu qing took the umbrella. after checking, he sensed the other party¡¯s kindness. hence, he thought about it and shouted at the old man who was about to disappear.


    ¡°wait a minute.¡±


    the old man¡¯s body paused as he looked at xu qing in surprise.


    xu qing lifted his hand and extracted the last wisp of poison from the other party¡¯s body¡­


    this was left behind by xu qing to prevent the old man from suddenly attacking earlier.


    at that moment, with the appearance of the poison, the old man¡¯s expression changed again. he glared at xu qing and panted a few times before laughing angrily.


    ¡°no sense of martial honor!¡±


    xu qing was expressionless. his experiences since he was young made him understand the need to be cautious, especially in this unfamiliar large region.


    and from beginning to end, he had no intention of harming anyone.


    the old man glanced at xu qing and finally nodded.


    ¡°forget it. your vigilance can be considered normal.¡±


    after saying that, he thought about it and took out a jade slip, tossing it to xu qing.


    ¡°if you really can¡¯t find a place to avoid the fire, go there.¡±


    the old man turned and disappeared.


    xu qing took the jade slip and kept it after glancing at it. he knew what heavenly fire was. it was a unique phenomenon in the moon worship region. every time this happened, the sky of the entire moon worship region would become bright.


    ¡°it should be related to this sea of fire.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t know the details previously but he could make a guess now. when he thought of the increasing heat these few days, he fell into deep thought and sped up his departure.


    a few days later, xu qing returned to the shore. it wasn¡¯t the place of seclusion from before. he didn¡¯t want to go to the same place a second time.


    after landing on the shore, he looked at the sky.


    compared to two months ago, the flames in the sky were even more intense now, and the churning of the magma in the heavenly fire sea was also more intense.


    the rumbling from the sky and sea of fire was like thunder rumbling.


    there were fewer cultivators here compared to before.


    in fact, the ground was quaking, as though some colossus was about to rise from the sea of fire.


    this reminded xu qing of the first time he saw the border guards of the mirror image race hiding underground.


    ¡°could this be a way to avoid the heavenly fire?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought. he found a place far away from here and dug a large hole in the ground. after he crawled in, he cast a spell to cover it. after hiding underground, he sat down cross-legged and began to recover his body.


    although it was the body of a god, that heavenly fire sea was mysterious and unfathomable. the high temperature under the magma gave xu qing an even more terrifying feeling. he could at most sink by about ten feet.


    xu qing didn¡¯t dare to continue. this fire burned his soul and the absorption of the purple crystal couldn¡¯t guarantee that he wouldn¡¯t be injured.


    just like that, days passed. xu qing was deep underground. as he recovered, he studied his sundial life lanterns and occasionally chatted with ling¡¯er.


    he wasn¡¯t lonely.


    seven days later, when his body returned to its peak, xu qing sensed the changes in the outside world.


    during these seven days, the temperature grew higher and higher.


    it was the same even though he was underground. the surrounding soil began to turn red.


    this lasted until a rumbling sound rang out from the sky like thunder. through his divine consciousness perception, xu qing saw a scene that caused huge waves in his heart.


    the heavenly fire sea erupted like a tsunami.


    as the magma churned intensely, it stirred up waves. as it spread to the shore, a pair of huge broken hands that were countless feet long rose into the air from the vast sea of fire.


    these severed hands had huge growths at the end of their arms, with numerous tendrils extending from them, and the palm lines on the hand were extremely clear.


    they rose into the air and slowly performed hand seals.


    magma surged and was drawn into the sky, dispersing and rapidly covering the horizon in all directions.


    the sky was bright.


    endless flames fell from the sky, burning the ground.


    this was the reason why this area was bare and irregularly-shaped. it was also the main reason why there were no plants.


    its range was so large that it covered the two races¡¯ alliance territory. it continued to spread from the east to the west until it enveloped the entire moon worship region.


    ¡°heavenly fire crossing the sky¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled when he saw this scene.

 Chapter 850 - 850 There’s a Kind of Lie Called Hope (1)

    850 there¡¯s a kind of lie called hope (1)


    the so-called heavenly fire crossing the sky was a unique climate change in the moon worship region.


    there were many different theories about the principles behind its formation, with some people suggesting that it was caused by the tidal forces of the red moon. it was observed that the closer the red moon approached, the more frequent the occurrence of ¡®heavenly fire crossing the sky¡¯ became.


    some people said that the ruler who had been killed by the red moon was returning.


    every time the phenomenon of heavenly fire crossing the sky appeared, the entire moon worship region would be lit up. the sea of fire in the sky churned and rose from the east until it enveloped the entire sky.


    the further away they were from the east, the more intense the light and heat became. at the same time, there were also different degrees of fire rain.


    this would last for several months before the sea of fire in the sky returned and fell into the fire sea in the east again. this could be considered a cycle.


    during this process, in the entire eastern part of the moon worship region, other than places like little altar, most places would burn in the fire rain.


    almost all the buildings and plants would be in ruins.


    this was also the reason why the cities in the territory of the two races were mostly made of mud and were crude. only their shared holy city, with the enhancement of the almighty experts of the two races and some special methods, could barely withstand the corrosion of the fire rain but even then, it would suffer some extents of damage.


    every time the heavenly fire returned, they would start rebuilding. the soil also had to be changed to dispel the fire poison, as it was the source of sustenance for mortal food crops.


    fortunately, heavenly fire crossing the sky only appeared once every few decades and wasn¡¯t too frequent. its destructive force was mainly focused in the east, so the other areas weren¡¯t heavily affected. it wasn¡¯t difficult for cultivators to reconstruct the land with spells.


    ordinary clansmen had to think of a way to enter the holy city to take refuge before that. however, this required them to pay a considerable price. if they didn¡¯t meet the conditions¡­ they could only hide underground.


    with the physiques they had formed from generations of adapting to the heavenly fire, they could avoid this calamity.


    this was also the reason why the border guards xu qing saw were all hiding underground. they needed to undergo their own decomposition before the arrival of the heavenly fire, merging themselves with the soil beneath.


    the heavenly mask race also had a similar method.


    however, these methods were all adaptations that the locals had evolved to suit their environment, something xu qing didn¡¯t possess.


    at that moment, the surroundings of the underground cave he was in were incomparably hot. the soil began to crystallize and amidst the high temperature, an intense sense of discomfort appeared in xu qing¡¯s heart.


    ¡°it¡¯s almost close to the temperature on the surface of the magma, and this is only the beginning¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s forehead broke into a sweat, and his body felt sticky. gradually, he couldn¡¯t retain moisture within his body, and this made him feel uneasy. he swiftly retreated even deeper into the earth.


    it was only when he reached a certain range that he felt a little better. however, the danger in his mind and the warning alerts sent by the mosasaur were still intense.


    hence, he didn¡¯t retract his divine consciousness and paid close attention to the outside world.


    in his perception, the outside sky was now glaring with flames, and the molten lava churned across the sky. as that pair of severed hands made a series of hand seals, the fire seemed to be driven away and continued to expand.


    a large amount of fire rain fell and many mountain peaks began to melt, becoming increasingly irregular.


    the world of this region was filled with endless flames. thick smoke billowed and the temperature increased sharply.


    in xu qing¡¯s judgment, its terrifying level was already comparable to the heat he felt when he was ten feet in the magma.


    ¡°this can¡¯t go on!¡±


    the sense of danger grew increasingly intense in xu qing¡¯s heart. he looked deeper into the ground and a contemplative look appeared in his eyes.


    it wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t continue, but there was ultimately a limit to his body. after all, there was a squeezing force in the wanggu continent. if xu qing sank too deep, he would find it difficult to withstand this pressure.


    ¡°moreover, i don¡¯t know if the heavenly fire will spread deeper¡­ if its spreading power exceeds the limit of my sinking, it will be a dead end for me.¡±


    xu qing weighed the pros and cons. this was only the first day of the heavenly fire and he could sense that it would definitely be even more terrifying in the future.


    xu qing quickly took out a jade slip.


    in this jade slip was a simple map. it was given to him by the old man, duanmu zang, before he left. he was also the one who told xu qing that the heavenly fire was coming. he said that if xu qing really had nowhere to go, he could come to the location of the map.


    xu qing decided to take a look first. if it really didn¡¯t work, he would gamble and move deeper underground or leave the two races¡¯ territory at full speed and stay away from the source of the fire.


    at the thought of this, he headed straight for the ground.


    he didn¡¯t choose to move underground as it would affect his speed. at that moment, his body entered the high temperature. the closer he was to the ground, the more terrifying the temperature.


    when he broke through the soil and appeared on the ground, burn marks appeared on xu qing¡¯s body.


    the intense pain spread.


    the temperature outside had already exceeded the temperature of when he was ten feet under the magma. even though xu qing¡¯s body wasn¡¯t ordinary and it could recover fast, the pain of being burned was still intense.


    most importantly, even though xu qing had the support of the sundial life lanterns, he couldn¡¯t withstand the invasion of this heavenly fire on his soul for too long.


    this was also the reason why he couldn¡¯t refine the heavenly fire for a long time.


    the physical body was one aspect, and the soul was another.


    this was especially so when compared to his body, xu qing¡¯s soul was much more fragile.


    ¡°i can¡¯t stay too long!¡± xu qing¡¯s breathing was filled with heat. when it entered his body, it was as though it was burning him from inside.


    he didn¡¯t hesitate at all and rushed out. as he sped through the sea of fire, he also took out the umbrella that duanmu zang had given him. after he propped it up, the temperature was somewhat isolated.


    xu qing¡¯s body relaxed and his speed increased.


    as he rushed forward, his entire person stirred up a storm. wherever he passed, flames would rumble.


    just like that, two days passed and the temperature became even more astonishing. everywhere he saw seemed to be blurry and distorted due to the heat. his divine consciousness was also isolated and the umbrella showed signs of collapsing.

 Chapter 851 - 851 There’s a Kind of Lie Called Hope (2)

    851 there¡¯s a kind of lie called hope (2)


    fortunately, the location marked on the jade slip had already appeared in the distance.


    that place didn¡¯t look anything special. it should have been a collapsed abandoned mine pit but at this moment, it was melting in the sea of fire. there were no signs of life at all.


    xu qing quickly arrived. he swept his gaze across the surroundings and frowned.


    no matter how he looked at it, this place didn¡¯t look like a place where one could take refuge. even though he could enter the mine through some gaps, the heat emitted from it wasn¡¯t any less than the outside.


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that my divine consciousness is isolated. the range of my divine consciousness isn¡¯t large, so it¡¯s difficult for me to sense more.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. he glanced at the umbrella that was about to collapse and then at the mineshaft.


    ¡°however, with duanmu zang¡¯s performance on the sea of fire, if it¡¯s really a hiding place, it makes sense. after all, if it was casually seen through, it can¡¯t be considered a hiding place.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought before entering through the gap in the abandoned mine pit in front of him. as soon as he stepped in, the heat assaulted his face.


    xu qing remained silent and vigilant as he continued forward. he was going to take a look at the situation.


    even after walking for two hours, he still didn¡¯t reach the end of the mineshaft. the heat was still intense. xu qing¡¯s expression suddenly changed and he looked into the distance.


    vaguely, he saw a figure lying there motionlessly.


    it was impossible to tell if they were male or female. he could only see that the other party seemed to be wearing thick armor. beside them was an open umbrella to block the high temperature.


    this was the only person xu qing saw after the heavenly fire crossing the sky. hence, he made the shadow spread out, enveloping the figure first. after he sensed the fluctuations of emotions, xu qing was a little surprised as he moved toward the other party.


    in an instant, he arrived in front of the figure.


    at this distance, even though his perception was relatively isolated, xu qing could still probe.


    this was a human cultivator with a cultivation base of the foundation building three life fires. at this moment, he was already on the verge of death.


    he wore black armor that covered all his body parts. the material of this armor was also very special. it could isolate high temperatures to a certain extent.


    the umbrella at the side also attracted xu qing¡¯s attention.


    this umbrella was exactly the same as the one duanmu zang had given him.


    xu qing fell into deep thought. he lifted his head and looked into the depths of the mineshaft. he then grabbed the figure before continuing forward.


    just like that, another hour passed. xu qing finally arrived at the end of the mineshaft. there was nothing there. the surrounding soil crystals and the high temperature gathered, causing the heat here to be even stronger.


    standing there, xu qing looked around and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°senior, i picked this person up on the way. he¡¯s here to look for you, right?¡±


    as soon as xu qing spoke, a cold voice instantly rang out from the wall.


    ¡°there¡¯s no use for clansmen who don¡¯t follow the rules!¡±


    even so, the wall at the side still distorted and transformed into a vortex. duanmu zang¡¯s figure walked out and lifted his right hand, grabbing the human xu qing had picked up.


    xu qing let go and the armored human youth headed straight for the vortex. after he was caught by duanmu zang, he threw him behind him. after that, he looked at xu qing.


    ¡°kid, what are you doing here?¡±


    after interacting with him a few times, xu qing had some judgment about this old man¡¯s habit of asking the obvious. hence, he didn¡¯t say anything about the other party giving him the jade slip but directly accepted this behavior.


    ¡°100 spirit stones a day!¡±


    the old man snorted coldly.


    ¡°1,000 a day!¡±


    ¡°deal!¡±


    xu qing nodded.


    the old man glanced at xu qing and took a few steps back.


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and spread out the poison restriction in his body. while preparing to erupt with all his strength if he encountered an ambush, he took a step and headed straight for the vortex.


    as he stepped in, his figure disappeared and the vortex quickly dissipated. everything returned to normal.


    on the other side of the wall, when xu qing appeared, he was in a cave. in the surroundings, there were many incomplete statues. some had no heads and some lacked limbs.


    other than that, the entire cave was empty.


    the human youth was nowhere to be seen. only duanmu zang sat cross-legged on the neck of a headless statue in the distance and stared at xu qing.


    xu qing quickly checked his surroundings and sensed behind him. after that, his eyes narrowed.


    at the entrance behind him was a huge wall. on it were thousands of masks and a similar number of mirrors.


    these masks were all refined using special methods after the death of the heavenly mask race members. it was the same for the mirror.


    the mask of the heavenly mask race member who wanted to attack xu qing was also among them.


    ¡°in order to adapt to this place, these two races have evolved many abilities over the generations. using them to block the sea of fire, coupled with some special methods and the arrangements here, we can avoid the heavenly fire to a certain extent.¡±


    the old man calmly spoke with a hint of pride in his voice.


    ¡°when the heavenly fire crosses the sky, it usually lasts for a hundred days. it¡¯s 1,000 a day, so 100 days is 200,000 spirit stones. hand them over.¡±


    xu qing raised his brows and glanced at the old man before speaking seriously.


    ¡°100 days is 100,000.¡±


    ¡°100,000 for one person. you have a snake, so isn¡¯t that 200,000?!¡± the old man glared.


    ¡°i don¡¯t have that many spirit stones.¡±


    xu qing spoke the truth. he had a lot of spirit tickets but he didn¡¯t have many spirit stones on him. hence, he took out a magic artifact and placed it at the side.


    ¡°i¡¯ll use this item to offset it.¡±


    the old man swept his gaze over and grabbed it, nodding.


    ¡°this works.¡±


    with that, a cold glint appeared in his eyes and his tone was murderous as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°seeing that you¡¯re a human, i helped you this time. however, listen carefully. outside this cave is the forbidden zone. if you barge in¡­ don¡¯t blame me for not considering our human ties!¡±

 Chapter 852 - 852 Theres a Kind of Lie Called Hope (3)

    852 there¡¯s a kind of lie called hope (3)


    xu qing nodded.


    the old man cast a meaningful glance at xu qing before turning and disappearing from the cave.


    xu qing calmly checked his surroundings and confirmed that there was nothing wrong here. he could also tell that those statues were very ancient. there were no human statues but figures entwined with dragons and serpents, exuding an aura of martial prowess.


    although they were all partially damaged, when looked at as a whole, it seemed that these statues were worshiping. and this place, with its inherent chilliness, resembled more of a tomb.


    ¡°was this place originally a tomb?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought and found a statue. when he sat down cross-legged, ling¡¯er crawled out of his collar and also looked around before speaking quietly.


    ¡°brother xu qing, this place seems to be related to our ancient spirit race.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart stirred as he looked at ling¡¯er.


    ling¡¯er carefully checked her surroundings and whispered.


    ¡°brother xu qing, those statues are indeed the statues of the ancient spirit race. in our race, as children, we¡¯re snakes, and as adults, we take on human forms. if the bloodline is strong, after breaking through the restraints of cultivation, a celestial dragon will be born alongside us. from then on, the dragon and snake protect us, making us invulnerable to all methods.¡±


    ¡°judging from the specifications here, it¡¯s the tomb of a sage of our race.¡±


    ¡°generally speaking, the tombs of my race contain many levels. brother xu qing, there should be an even larger tomb below. this is only the first level.¡±


    ¡°i can sense that the restrictions on the tomb are still in place. i should be able to open the entrance to the next level,¡± ling¡¯er said happily, feeling like she could finally help brother xu qing.


    when xu qing heard this, he took a closer look at his surroundings. after that, he patted ling¡¯er¡¯s head and spoke softly.


    ¡°there¡¯s no need to open it. since the current master doesn¡¯t want us to disturb him, we¡¯ll wait here for the heavenly fire to end and leave.¡±


    xu qing was a person who knew his limits. since the two sides were trading, unless it was absolutely necessary, he was willing to abide by the rules of the transaction.


    ling¡¯er fell into deep thought. she felt that brother xu qing¡¯s actions were different from her father¡¯s. hence, she remembered this matter and prepared to learn.


    time flowed by and half a month passed.


    the heavenly fire in the outside world became even more terrifying, burning everything. nothing existed and all living beings lived in fear.


    from afar, the scene looked like the wrath of a god.


    the rumbling sound even surpassed lightning. the entire heavenly fire sea had sunk greatly and most of the magma inside was absorbed into the sky. as for the severed hands, they had already left.


    in the mineshaft, in the ancient spirit race¡¯s tomb, xu qing kept his promise and didn¡¯t take half a step out of the cave. he had been cultivating the entire time and duanmu zang didn¡¯t appear again. everything was fine.


    ling¡¯er was also very obedient and didn¡¯t probe further. she was satisfied as long as she was by brother xu qing¡¯s side.


    however, occasionally, she would feel that she was a little useless.


    ¡®i have to quickly digest the power of the ancient spirit royal family¡¯s luck in my body and speed up the advancement of my bloodline,¡¯ ling¡¯er thought to herself and began to do just that.


    on the seventeenth day, xu qing¡¯s cultivation was interrupted by a visitor.


    as the light of an array formation shone on the ground of the cave, a cautious figure quickly walked out.


    it wasn¡¯t duanmu zang but a human youth in green clothes.


    xu qing opened his eyes and recognized that this person was the person who had fainted half a month ago. the other party was still in a weak state but he was no longer in danger.


    clearly, the armor was very effective and duanmu zang definitely put in efforts to save this person.


    however, the fire toxins within his body were difficult to dispel, and several areas had been scorched and withered, blood-red and unable to regenerate, giving him a somewhat grim appearance.


    when xu qing looked over, the human youth¡¯s face was filled with trepidation. he quickly took a few steps and knelt down in front of xu qing.


    ¡°junior shi pangui thanks senior for saving my life!¡±


    xu qing sized up this human youth a few times. the other party¡¯s name was a little strange but he didn¡¯t ask further and calmly spoke.


    ¡°it¡¯s nothing. even if i didn¡¯t make a move, senior duanmu would have saved you.¡±


    the human youth was still kowtowing. after kowtowing three times to xu qing, he stood up and looked at xu qing as he nervously spoke.


    ¡°no matter what, it was senior who saved me. this junior will remember this kindness.¡±


    as he spoke, he took out a food box and placed it to the side.


    ¡°junior knows that senior¡¯s cultivation is profound and i don¡¯t have anything valuable. these are some homemade snacks made by my wife. thank you, senior!¡±


    after the human youth finished speaking, he stood up and bowed to xu qing again. he then respectfully retreated and returned to the array formation, disappearing.


    xu qing looked at the food box, which contained some well-cooked pastries emitting a delightful aroma. they looked exquisite and were clearly prepared with great care.


    with xu qing¡¯s expertise in poisons, he could tell with just a sniff whether something was toxic. sensing no danger, he picked up a pastry and noticed ling¡¯er was salivating. so, he took a bite and, after confirming its safety, handed a piece to ling¡¯er.


    ling¡¯er ate it in one bite and her eyes narrowed.


    ¡°gurgle gurgle.¡±


    clearly, the taste wasn¡¯t bad, so ling¡¯er couldn¡¯t help but let out the voice she had when she was still a snake.


    seeing that ling¡¯er liked it, xu qing smiled and gave it all to her.


    he then closed his eyes and continued to cultivate.


    time passed day by day. in the following days, shi pangui came many times. every time, he would bring food with him respectfully.


    there were a few times when he wanted to say something but hesitated. in the end, he couldn¡¯t hold it in and his eyes revealed desire as he asked xu qing about the human race in the foreign region.


    ¡°senior, i heard from the old king that you¡¯re from another region? outside¡­ what are we humans like?¡±


    shi pangui¡¯s expression was filled with nervousness and intense anticipation.

 Chapter 853 - 853 Theres a Kind of Lie Called Hope (4)

    853 there¡¯s a kind of lie called hope (4)


    he was unable to leave the moon worship region in this life. from the moment he was born, his fate was set. but when he was very young, the people around him told him about the glory and strength of the human race.


    however, what he witnessed with his own eyes was the humbleness of the human race, being prey for the other races.


    various hardships and sorrows, a multitude of things, had shaken his heart and left him feeling lost.


    actually, no matter the answer, it couldn¡¯t change his current situation. however, he wanted an answer.


    he wanted to know if the humans outside were really as the elders had told him, that they were filled with glory and beauty.


    this would become the support and pride in his heart.


    xu qing looked at the human youth in front of him and fell silent for a few breaths.


    his silence caused the light in shi pangui¡¯s eyes to slowly dim.


    ¡°the humans outside live and work in peace. their lives are very good and there aren¡¯t many disputes. everything is very good. the human emperor of this generation has both brawn and brains. some time ago, he fought against the black heaven race and even won by a landslide.¡±


    ¡°other races have to lower their heads in front of us humans. they can either choose to submit to us and become a subordinate race, or face the destruction of their entire race.¡±


    ¡°the human emperor also is worried about the situation in the moon worship region. everything will get better.¡±


    a smile appeared on xu qing¡¯s face as he spoke casually.


    his words and smile caused shi pangui¡¯s eyes to light up. his breathing was hurried and he was incomparably excited.


    ¡°i knew it!¡±


    ¡°zhou wangbei even argued with me yesterday that the human race is lowly outside as well. i knew it was impossible. our human race¡¯s bloodline is noble. the moon worship region is like this because we have no choice. my race once unified wanggu and will definitely be glorious outside!¡±


    ¡°thank you, senior!¡±


    shi pangui was excited. after bowing to xu qing, he left excitedly. he wanted to go back and tell these things to his dao companion and his family and friends.


    xu qing watched as the other party¡¯s figure disappeared and sighed softly in his heart.


    he understood the reason for the other party¡¯s name, ¡®pangui¡¯. it signified the hope for the return of the human race¡¯s glory.


    wangbei was named so because it meant gazing at the north, because the human race¡¯s grand imperial capital region was in the north.


    in reality, after these few days of interaction, xu qing had already guessed what was going on in the lower levels of this tomb.


    there should be a group of humans there, and the king they were talking about was duanmu zang.


    he protected some humans, allowing them to avoid the suffering outside and live here.


    this was also the reason why the other party warned him not to leave this place.


    respect rose in xu qing¡¯s heart. he stood up and looked behind him. he then cupped his fists in the distance and bowed.


    as he bowed, duanmu zang¡¯s blurry figure appeared on a statue in the distance. he looked at the place where shi pangui had left and then at xu qing in silence.


    a long time later, his hoarse voice echoed in the cave.


    ¡°thank you.¡±


    ¡°did the humans outside really win the war?¡± duanmu zang looked at xu qing.


    xu qing nodded solemnly.


    ¡°the holy wave large region now belongs to the human race, and the human race also has its own regional treasure.¡±


    duanmu zang took a step and arrived beside xu qing. this was the closest the two had ever been; in the past, their encounters had always been at a greater distance.


    duanmu zang then sat at the side and threw a wine flask to xu qing.


    ¡°tell me in detail.¡±


    xu qing took the wine flask and took a sip. he then frowned and simply took out his wine from his storage bag, tossing it to duanmu zang.


    duanmu zang took it and his eyes lit up after drinking it.


    and so, as they drank, xu qing slowly began to narrate the events outside to duanmu zang, but he concealed his identity and role he played in the war. he portrayed the events as if he were just an ordinary bystander.


    duanmu zang listened attentively without saying a word.


    after a long time, the wine was finished and xu qing also finished narrating.


    duanmu zang narrowed his eyes and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°this seventh prince, what you see is his actions and the human emperor¡¯s decree. however, you neglected one thing. his mother¡¯s race!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression froze.


    ¡°for a prince, even if he has the courage, in such a situation, he must have a profound foundation to act so effortlessly. so, i believe that his maternal race may not be human, or if they are human, they must be of extraordinary status!¡±


    ¡°the human emperor is also interesting. i feel that he actually knows everything clearly¡­ because if you look at the results, the outcome of everything seems to be within control.¡±


    ¡°it is like there¡¯s a large hand behind the scenes that is controlling everything.¡±


    after duanmu zang finished speaking, he looked at xu qing, saying with a meaningful tone.


    ¡°the starting point of this matter is fenghai county. if i were the human emperor, i would have surely arranged a trusted person in advance to be stationed in fenghai county, serving as my eyes.¡±


    ¡°however, that person¡¯s cultivation level can¡¯t be too high as it would lead to suspicions.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was calm but waves were surging in his heart.


    duanmu zang didn¡¯t say anything further. he stood up and walked into the distance. when his figure gradually blurred, he suddenly paused and turned to look at xu qing.


    ¡°do you want to take a look at my home?¡±

 Chapter 854 - 854 Firefly in the Night (1)

    854 firefly in the night (1)


    in the dim cave, duanmu zang floated in the air and looked at xu qing.


    his voice echoed in the surroundings.


    xu qing stood up and bowed to duanmu zang, nodding.


    ¡°thank you.¡±


    previously, duanmu zang had thanked him because he had beautified the outside world and given the people here hope.


    now, he was thanking duanmu zang for putting trust in him.


    duanmu zang waved his hand and a vortex appeared in front of him. he walked in and waited for xu qing in the vortex.


    xu qing took a step forward and entered the vortex.


    for the first time in the past month, he left the first floor of the tomb chamber. as he entered the vortex, a mortal world was reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    it was still underground, but the range was much larger than where he was previously. it was an underground city.


    it was bustling with activity and laughter drifted out of the city at this instant, drifting into xu qing¡¯s ears. ling¡¯er also revealed her head and looked in the direction of the city.


    that city was filled with humans. there were more than 100,000 of them.


    this was the first time xu qing had seen a human city after coming to the moon worship region. this was also the first time he had seen so many of his races.


    even though he was mentally prepared, xu qing¡¯s mind still fluctuated at this moment. he also saw that the soil dome here was covered by a massive blue curtain.


    this curtain was very large, spreading out in the sky like the blue sky.


    there were also some white clouds drawn on it, filling it with beauty.


    although this was an underground city, there were actually green plants inside. there were also crops growing in the empty space further away.


    there was also a huge ball of light floating in the air. inside it was actually heavenly fire. it was sealed in a bottle using a special method, turning it into the sun.


    a radiant light spilled forth, and a sense of vitality filled the cave as the voices of children reciting echoed throughout.


    on his way here, the humans xu qing saw were numb due to their lowly status as food.


    hence, xu qing was extremely aware that to be able to build such a human city here and protect so many of his race, the boldness and magnanimity needed to be incomparably vast.


    after all, not all experts were willing to protect the mortals. to many experts and mighty figures, living well was often more important than anything else.


    ¡°this is my homeland,¡± duanmu zang said softly.


    respect rose in xu qing¡¯s heart and he bowed again.


    his perception of duanmu zang changed with the passage of time, especially now. what he saw and felt caused his perception to change drastically.


    duanmu zang looked at the city with a gentle expression. his eyes reflected the light of the heavenly fire and a smile appeared on his face.


    it was like a kind old man looking at his descendants.


    ¡°the human race in the moon worship region has endured incredibly difficult lives due to certain historical reasons, marked by unbearable suffering. i too experienced this in my childhood.¡±


    ¡°what you see before you are mostly the unfortunate people suffering torment and hardship within the alliance of the two races.¡±


    duanmu zang spoke softly. at this moment, he was a completely different person from when he was fighting against the nonhuman races on the heavenly fire sea.


    it was as though when he returned here, all his cunning, insidiousness, and ruthlessness had instinctively disappeared.


    what was left was only warmth.


    ¡°my abilities are limited; i can¡¯t save everyone. i can only do my best to help, rescue as many as i can, and gradually, this is the result.¡±


    duanmu zang¡¯s words and the scene before xu qing were incredibly moving. he now understood that within the moon worship region, a sanctuary for the human race like this was undoubtedly a place of survival amidst adversity.


    to experts, this was a shackle.


    while emotions surged in his heart, xu qing followed duanmu zang into the city.


    the buildings within the city were mostly simple, and the people¡¯s clothing was plain, lacking extravagance. there were no shops or markets around either.


    there were no transactions here, only mutual help.


    smiles were evident on the faces of every human xu qing observed. he saw middle-aged individuals, youths, and children.


    the only thing was that there were no elderly people.


    ¡°the old people are all willing to die. they don¡¯t want to waste food.¡±


    when duanmu zang said this, his expression carried a hint of sadness. however, this sadness was quickly hidden amidst the excitement of everyone in the surroundings.


    ¡°king!¡±


    ¡°greetings, king!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s grandpa king. hello, grandfather.¡±


    ¡°grandpa king, i¡¯ve been looking at the clouds in the sky for a long time. why aren¡¯t they moving?¡±


    the surrounding crowd surged over. the middle-aged men¡¯s expression was filled with respect, and the youths¡¯ expression was filled with excitement. as for the children, they quickly ran over as though they had seen their relatives and circled duanmu zang.


    duanmu zang was all smiles as he carried a little boy and smiled.


    ¡°of course the clouds in the sky will move. it¡¯s just that it¡¯s asleep now. after it wakes up, it will move. it will definitely move.¡±


    amidst the laughter, everyone¡¯s gazes also landed on xu qing. they were a little nervous but there was more kindness. it was as though as long as someone was brought by duanmu zang, they would be like family to them.


    xu qing silently followed duanmu zang as they walked through the city. along the way, he observed many such scenes and even noticed that there was a school within the city.


    ¡°history has to be passed down and civilization has to continue. even though the human race is suffering and struggling in the moon worship region, i think we still have to let more humans understand our former glory.¡±


    ¡°it can¡¯t be forgotten.¡±

 Chapter 855 - 855 Fireflies in the Night (2)

    855 fireflies in the night (2)


    duanmu zang looked at the school and sighed with emotion.


    xu qing also looked at the school. the sound of reading rang out from there, talking about the history of the human race.


    many of the parts were wrong and beautified.


    there were also some places in this city that imparted cultivation and herbal knowledge. it could allow mortals to have the chance to grasp extraordinary powers.


    there were even more children there.


    when he arrived, xu qing heard a little girl¡¯s voice coming from inside.


    ¡°teacher, i know about the seven-leaf grass you mentioned, but i¡¯ve searched many places, and i couldn¡¯t find it. and as for the soaring bullwood, i couldn¡¯t find it either!¡±


    duanmu zang also heard this voice and spoke softly.


    ¡°the cultivation techniques and knowledge of plants and trees here are some that i personally know, while others i obtained through theft or trade from the outside. most of them are ancient texts and no longer hold much significance. for example, when it comes to plants, most of them are not found in the current moon worship region.¡±


    ¡°however, it¡¯s still knowledge in the end. perhaps¡­ it will be useful in the future.¡±


    xu qing nodded silently.


    the two of them left and continued to walk around the entire city. xu qing also saw many low-level cultivators like shi pangui. they were all guards in the city and were in charge of trading for the necessities needed by the city when there was no heavenly fire.


    time slowly passed.


    when the blue curtain in the sky gradually darkened as the heavenly fire dimmed and many items that flickered like starlight appeared, xu qing finally finished walking through the entire city.


    those starlights were formed by the mirrors of the mirror image race.


    under the night sky, duanmu zang stood outside an empty house. he turned his head and looked into xu qing¡¯s eyes. after looking at him for a long time, he spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°how¡¯s my home?¡±


    ¡°senior is virtuous!¡±


    xu qing said solemnly.


    ¡°i don¡¯t deserve the word ¡®virtuous¡¯.¡± duanmu zang shook his head.


    ¡°what you see is that i¡¯m protecting them, but in reality¡­ they are also accompanying me.¡±


    ¡°therefore, i said that this place is my home.¡±


    duanmu zang spoke softly and walked into the distance. just as xu qing was about to follow, duanmu zang¡¯s voice echoed.


    ¡°the heavenly fire crossing the sky will last for another two months. you can stay here for the time being.¡±


    xu qing stopped in his tracks. he knew the weight of this sentence because to duanmu zang, this was equivalent to letting him stay at his house.


    hence, he solemnly cupped his fists and bowed.


    duanmu zang left. he also lived in this city. after his figure disappeared from sight, xu qing turned his head and looked at the residence behind him.


    in his perception, the simple building exuded a warmth that the moon worship region didn¡¯t have.


    just like that, xu qing stayed in it.


    ling¡¯er also chose to temporarily transform. her small face was filled with joy as she decorated the small house, as though she was trying her best to use her actions to tell xu qing that she indeed knew how to do housework.


    looking at ling¡¯er¡¯s busy figure, a smile appeared on xu qing¡¯s face. his entire person slowly relaxed as he attempted to integrate into this city.


    the process of integration wasn¡¯t difficult.


    the kindness from everyone could melt all the gaps. it also made xu qing¡¯s state of mind increasingly stable.


    the sky alternated between black and blue, and heavenly fire brightened and dimmed. half a month passed.


    in the past half a month, shi pangui visited seven to eight times. every time, he would bring exquisite food. his wife¡¯s culinary skills were very good and ling¡¯er especially liked the cakes she sent.


    however, ling¡¯er didn¡¯t immediately appear in front of others in her transformed form. later on, when they got familiar, she showed herself to shi pangui.


    after noticing ling¡¯er, shi pangui was stunned for a moment. when he visited again, he was no longer alone. instead, he brought a woman who was about the same age as him and a little girl.


    ¡°senior, this is my wife and my younger sister.¡±


    shi pangui respectfully spoke. the woman and the little girl beside him nervously bowed to xu qing.


    a gentle expression appeared on xu qing¡¯s face. previously, when he asked shi pangui why he went out that day, the other party had said that he went to buy medicine for his wife.


    his wife¡¯s body was weak and she often fell sick. two months ago, her condition worsened and shi pangui was anxious. hence, even though he knew that the heavenly fire was coming, he still took the risk to go out to the other two races¡¯ cities to buy medicine.


    this action was very dangerous but he had no choice.


    ¡°the old king protects more than 100,000 humans. we can¡¯t always look for the king when something happens.¡±


    this was what shi pangui said when he answered xu qing¡¯s question.


    the people here were grateful and respected duanmu zang. hence, they didn¡¯t want anything to distract him, and did their best to take care of themselves.


    xu qing didn¡¯t encounter many kindnesses in his life. hence, after his gaze swept past shi pangui¡¯s wife, he fell silent for a moment. he then took out some medicinal pills from his storage bag and gave them to shi pangui.


    ¡°your partner has accumulated the yin poison from the underground cavern and the yang evil from the heavenly fire, creating an incompatible situation like that of water and fire within her. these pills can neutralize it. if taken continuously, while not completely resolving the issue, they can certainly suppress it to some extent.¡±


    shi pangui and his wife were excited and grateful. the couple was about to kneel down and thank xu qing when xu qing waved his hand and helped them up.


    ¡°having eaten your snacks so many times, it¡¯s only right that i give you these pills. there¡¯s no need to be like this.¡±


    shi pangui and his wife were even more touched. as for the little girl beside him, she secretly watched as xu qing took out the storage bag with the pill bottle and fell into deep thought.


    very soon, their family left. they were going to send the little girl to school.


    after they left, ling¡¯er picked up the snacks and took a bite happily. she then looked at xu qing, her eyes forming the shape of a crescent moon as she felt proud in her heart.


    ¡°big brother xu qing is the most upright person i know. he doesn¡¯t let his status get to his head just because someone has a lower cultivation level. he¡¯s warm-hearted.¡±

 Chapter 856 - 856 Fireflies in the Night (3)

    856 fireflies in the night (3)


    seeing ling¡¯er looking at him like this, xu qing was surprised.


    ¡°what¡¯s wrong, ling¡¯er?¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s nothing.¡± ling¡¯er blushed and ran to xu qing¡¯s side. she grabbed his arm and said softly.


    ¡°brother xu qing, let¡¯s go out for a walk, okay?¡±


    xu qing looked at the sky. at that moment, it was noon outside. hence, he nodded and walked out of the house with ling¡¯er, strolling around the city.


    throughout the journey, ling¡¯er was joyful, bouncing around xu qing like a child. her adorable demeanor brought smiles to the residents of the city who saw her.


    some households even brought out their own food, and as ling¡¯er walked by, she greeted everyone with joy and enjoyed the food offered to her.


    looking at ling¡¯er¡¯s innocent appearance, xu qing smiled.


    as they walked, they passed through streets and avenues, eventually arriving at the school.


    today¡¯s lesson in the school was still about plants and vegetation. as the voice rang out, xu qing stopped in his tracks and looked over.


    the school was open to all. all the children in the city could come over to listen to the lesson. the person talking about the plants was a middle-aged woman. she had lost her lower body and was sitting in a wheelchair, teaching solemnly.


    the children in the surroundings were seven to eight years old and the oldest was 13 to 14 years old. they listened attentively, especially the little girl. her eyes were wide open as she listened and took notes, completely absorbed in the lesson.


    this little girl was shi pangui¡¯s sister.


    looking at these children, xu qing thought of himself at the scavenger campsite. at that time, he was also extremely serious after obtaining grandmaster bai¡¯s approval.


    he watched for a long time before leaving with light steps.


    time passed day by day and another half a month passed.


    out of the three months of heavenly fire crossing the sky, xu qing stayed in the first level of the tomb for a month and a month in this city.


    he didn¡¯t like crowds, so he spent most of his time silently cultivating in his house. however, ling¡¯er couldn¡¯t stay idle. in the beginning, she would beg xu qing to go with her. later on, after she became familiar with the residents of the city, she would run out in a hurry every day.


    although he wasn¡¯t too worried that anything would happen to ling¡¯er, xu qing still arranged for the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor to follow her.


    ling¡¯er¡¯s popularity far surpassed xu qing¡¯s in this city. this was especially so after shi pangui¡¯s wife introduced her. she got to know many older sisters and aunties.


    these people all liked her very much and were also curious about her relationship with xu qing.


    every time this happened, ling¡¯er would blush shyly.


    so, the older sisters and aunts began imparting various methods to her. some advised her to learn how to cook, saying that to capture a man¡¯s heart, one must start by winning his stomach.


    ling¡¯er was tempted and studied seriously.


    others told her that as a woman, she should be skilled in sewing and mending. her man should not wear clothes patched by others. this advice further piqued ling¡¯er¡¯s interest.


    she was prepared to make all of brother xu qing¡¯s clothes herself in the future.


    and so, on the fifth day after ling¡¯er started learning to cook, xu qing tasted her cooking for the first time in his life. she worked diligently for over two hours and finally prepared a few dishes for him.


    looking at the pitch-black vegetables, xu qing looked at ling¡¯er¡¯s expectant and apprehensive eyes as he took a bite.


    he chewed carefully and swallowed slowly.


    ¡°brother xu qing, how is it? does it taste good?¡±


    ling¡¯er was nervous.


    xu qing fell silent. after a long time, he smiled.


    ¡°delicious.¡±


    ling¡¯er was happy.


    ¡°then, brother xu qing, eat more.¡±


    xu qing hesitated and finally ate them all. just as he was about to meditate, ling¡¯er excitedly spoke.


    ¡°brother xu qing, i¡¯ll cook tomorrow as well.¡±


    xu qing fell silent for a few more breaths before nodding.


    ling¡¯er wasn¡¯t the only one who was popular in this city. after the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor took human form, he slowly gained everyone¡¯s recognition. in fact, he even surpassed ling¡¯er in popularity.


    the reason for all of this was when he passed by a storytelling venue while protecting ling¡¯er. he overheard the storyteller inside speaking endlessly, and feeling disdainful, he decided to take human form and recite a book he had read before.


    to the people in the moon worship region, what the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor said was extremely refreshing, especially since the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor had mixed up some events that had happened to xu qing.


    this made his recitation even more vivid, and it received continuous applause and approval from the audience.


    initially, there were quite a few listeners, and as time went on, the audience grew day by day. the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor had been by xu qing¡¯s side for a long time, constantly on edge, and he hadn¡¯t experienced such adoration in a while.


    so, feeling a bit restless, he secretly went to the storytelling venue several times while ling¡¯er was learning to cook and sew.


    for example, at this moment, he sat in a long pavilion surrounded by hundreds of people.


    looking at everyone, the diamond sect coughed and calmly spoke.


    ¡°in our last storytelling session, the seven blood eyes sent out tens of thousands of magic boats, encircling the merfolk island.¡±


    ¡°that ancestor of the merfolk island is not a good person. he¡­¡±


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor narrated with great skill, enrapturing everyone. his voice rose and fell, easily drawing people into the story. even duanmu zang, who was hidden in mid-air, nodded in approval as he listened.


    when dusk arrived and the blue curtain in the sky dimmed, the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor paused and coughed lightly.


    ¡°to know what happens next, please tune in next time. tomorrow at this time, i¡¯ll be here to continue.¡±


    the crowd was eagerly listening to the crucial moment, and upon hearing those words, they immediately became anxious, erupting in a chorus of excitement.


    ¡°ah, please finish this part.¡±


    ¡°short, this is extremely short!¡±


    ¡°what did i hear all afternoon? i can¡¯t remember anything!¡±


    ¡°no, let¡¯s go another round. how can it stop here!¡±

 Chapter 857 - 857 Fireflies in the Night (4)

    857 fireflies in the night (4)


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor smiled.


    ¡°the old man has read thousands of storybooks. this seemingly plain part actually contains hidden mysteries. you can¡¯t just swallow it all, you have to savor it carefully to truly appreciate the flavor.¡±


    with that, amidst the laughter in the surroundings, the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor hummed a tune and left with his hands behind his back, continuing to protect ling¡¯er in secret.


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor and ling¡¯er each had their own excitement. the shadow was very envious. it also wanted to go out and play but didn¡¯t dare to. every day, it could only lie on the ground and look eagerly at xu qing, who was meditating like a log.


    however, xu qing also had visitors. other than shi pangui, his sister, that little girl, would occasionally run over.


    every time this eleven or twelve-year-old girl came, she would bring xu qing some food like sweet potatoes and obediently place them at the side.


    after that, she would look at xu qing nervously, looking like she wanted to say something but didn¡¯t say it.


    after a few times, she finally couldn¡¯t hold it in and asked a question.


    ¡°big brother, you¡­ you know alchemy?¡±


    she remembered the matter of xu qing giving her sister-in-law the medicinal pills back then.


    xu qing nodded.


    the little girl immediately became excited. she took out a small notebook and asked a question about plants.


    ¡°seven-leaf grass, also known as anomalous-expelling grass, is the whole herb of the monocotyledonous rice plant and a spiritual grass. it is a perennial herb that grows in shaded and open, damp places, not in the places where there are lingering spirits.¡±


    xu qing told her gently.


    when the little girl heard this, she immediately wrote it down and quickly asked another question. her questions were all about plants. many of them were questions she had asked the teacher but didn¡¯t get a proper answer.


    xu qing patiently explained in detail while the little girl continued to ask questions one after another. as xu qing explained, he could also see the other party¡¯s persistence in plants and vegetation as well as her outstanding memory ability.


    the latter was the foundation of learning plants and vegetation.


    this question-and-answer session lasted for four hours before ending.


    a few days later, the little girl came again. this time, she brought more sweet potatoes and respectfully placed them at the side before asking.


    xu qing looked at the sweet potatoes and smiled as he explained in detail.


    when dusk arrived, the little girl let out a long sigh of relief and left happily. however, that night, her brother brought her to xu qing¡¯s place and reprimanded her for disturbing the senior.


    looking at this nervous family, xu qing was about to speak when he noticed a hint of stubbornness on the little girl¡¯s face. he thought about it but didn¡¯t say anything and only nodded.


    xu qing wanted to see if that little girl would continue to come.


    several days later, she came again.


    this time, she changed her method and carefully took out an ordinary medicinal herb from her arms.


    ¡°teacher, is this the goldturn grass you mentioned?¡±


    xu qing had a strange expression. this was an ordinary grass.


    so, he looked at the little girl with a meaningful gaze and explained the method of distinguishing goldturn grass from similar herbs and plants.


    the little girl seemed to feel that this method was effective, so she would come almost every day and deliberately ask about other herbs.


    every time, xu qing would explain in detail.


    just like that, time passed, and soon, the heavenly fire crossing the sky neared its end.


    according to the time, the sea of fire would return to its original state in ten days at most. the next heavenly fire crossing the sky would occur decades later.


    ¡°it¡¯s time to leave.¡±


    xu qing murmured, looking at the house he lived in. his senses spread out in all directions, and he found ling¡¯er learning embroidery with some aunties. he also located the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor, who was narrating in the long pavilion.


    looking at the humans in the city, xu qing fell silent for a long time before sighing softly.


    ¡°are you leaving?¡±


    duanmu zang¡¯s voice echoed in xu qing¡¯s ears. his figure also silently appeared in the house and looked at xu qing.


    xu qing nodded.


    duanmu zang fell silent and sat down after a long time.


    ¡°your wine isn¡¯t bad.¡±


    xu qing smiled and took out more than half of the wine flasks he had prepared in his storage bag. he then placed it in a storage bag and handed it to duanmu zang.


    after duanmu zang took it and took a look, a smile appeared on his face. he looked at xu qing and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°i won¡¯t take your wine for nothing. i saw that you were running around in the heavenly fire sea earlier. you should be using the fire there to cultivate some spell, right?¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll lend you a secret treasure. this treasure can resist the fire to a certain extent and allow you to sink deeper into the magma. this way, you won¡¯t be exposed and you¡¯ll be much safer.¡±


    as he spoke, duanmu zang raised his right hand and opened his palm.


    inside was an eyeball that was filled with brown blood vessels. it exuded a bizarre aura as it stared at xu qing.

 Chapter 858 - 858 Separation, a Long Journey Ahead (1)

    858 separation, a long journey ahead (1)


    the instant he saw the eyeball, xu qing¡¯s gaze froze. ling¡¯er, who had already arrived and was beside him, blinked but didn¡¯t say anything. she then took a few steps closer to xu qing.


    the eye on duanmu zang¡¯s palm glanced at ling¡¯er but immediately looked back at xu qing again.


    the flickering brown blood vessels in the eye revealed an aura of decay. there was also a stench spreading out, enveloping the entire house. at the same time, there were faint mournful screams echoing in the surroundings.


    ¡°what is this?¡± xu qing looked at duanmu zang.


    ¡°this eye is the bizarre entity i obtained when i found this place back then. its fire-repelling ability is astonishing, but you have to subdue it. this shouldn¡¯t be difficult for you. moreover, it¡¯s very timid. if you terrorize it a few more times, it won¡¯t dare to cause trouble.¡±


    ¡°i once borrowed its power to explore under the magma.¡±


    ¡°the heavenly fire sea is filled with mystery, so if you want to cultivate inside, it¡¯s best if you don¡¯t sink beyond 10,000 feet.¡±


    ¡°there are restrictions of the red moon shrine below 10,000 feet. it¡¯s difficult for anyone to enter at all. i¡¯ve even seen the mutated beasts in the heavenly fire sea die from the edge of the restrictions at 10,000 feet.¡±


    duanmu zang¡¯s expression was solemn. after he finished speaking, he threw the eyeball in his hand to xu qing.


    after xu qing caught it, the eye continued to stare fixedly at him, emitting evilness and malice.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was calm as he played with it.


    ¡°senior, in the moon worship region, are there many places with restrictions and arrangements of the red moon shrine like in the heavenly fire sea?¡±


    duanmu zang took out a flask of wine xu qing had given him and sat at the side before taking a sip. he nodded with a complicated expression.


    ¡°quite a bit.¡±


    ¡°in the moon worship region, the red moon shrine is supreme. their will determines the life and death of all living beings. if any race shows the slightest disrespect, their outcome will be extremely miserable.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought. he sat opposite duanmu zang and continued to ask.


    ¡°senior, i want to know more about the red moon shrine. i wonder if it¡¯s convenient for you to tell me more?¡±


    duanmu zang sized up xu qing a few times.


    ¡°kid, in the moon worship region, the red moon shrine has the same status as the god. it can¡¯t be blasphemed at all.¡±


    ¡°so, you shouldn¡¯t provoke them. otherwise, they can easily kill you and even have ways to sacrifice you, subjecting you to a curse that keeps you trapped here forever.¡±


    duanmu zang¡¯s expression was cold but he spoke with good intentions. this was especially so after he had interacted with xu qing during this period of time. with his life experience, he could make out many things and his impression of xu qing kept changing.


    hence, although his expression was stern, his words carried a hint of reminder.


    xu qing nodded. he knew his limits and understood that although he had the purple moon, he couldn¡¯t underestimate any dependents of the red moon. however, he was aware that since he had come to this place, there might be situations where avoiding them wouldn¡¯t be so straightforward.


    more understanding of the red moon shrine would increase the possibility of him avoiding it. hence, he asked for some details.


    when duanmu zang heard this, he thought about it and slowly spoke.


    ¡°it¡¯s good for you to know more. it¡¯ll make it easier for you to understand how terrifying the red moon shrine is here.¡±


    ¡°the red moon shrine, on behalf of the crimson goddess, oversees the moon worship region. periodically, each race is required to offer tributes.¡±


    ¡°the red moon shrine doesn¡¯t care about the death of the races because every time the crimson goddess comes, more than half of the living beings in the entire moon worship region will be devoured.


    ¡°therefore, the mission of the red moon shrine is to gather food and store it before the crimson goddess arrives. also, after the crimson goddess leaves, it will once again nurture the various races, causing them to be like crops that keep growing.¡±


    duanmu zang¡¯s tone was calm, as though he was talking about someone else¡¯s story and not his fate.


    xu qing listened silently.


    ling¡¯er watched the two of them drink. after some thought, she ran to the kitchen and rolled up her sleeves, preparing to make a meal for the two of them.


    this was taught by the elder sisters and aunties. when men drank, a virtuous wife should cook a few dishes to show her virtue.


    ling¡¯er¡¯s actions caused xu qing to involuntarily lift his head and sweep his gaze over. he wanted to say something but hesitated after seeing ling¡¯er in high spirits.


    although duanmu zang had also seen it, he naturally wouldn¡¯t take it to heart. at that moment, he drank the wine and told him in detail what he knew about the red moon shrine.


    the locals¡¯ understanding of the red moon shrine exceeded the intelligence obtained by other regions.


    xu qing listened attentively. a moment later, duanmu zang¡¯s hoarse voice echoed.


    ¡°calculating the time, the red moon shrine should be here soon. after you leave, remember to lower your head when you see them from afar. they¡¯re very easy to recognize. they¡¯re all red.¡±


    ¡°generally speaking, as long as we don¡¯t take the initiative to provoke them, the red moon shrine won¡¯t care about the various races and rogue cultivators. it¡¯s like an elephant doesn¡¯t care about ants.¡±


    duanmu zang mocked himself.


    ¡°what they value is only whether the various races have completed the preparations for the offerings. if they can¡¯t complete it, their race will be used as an offering.¡±


    ¡°for example, more than 40 years ago, the baidian race, who lived in the north, didn¡¯t fulfill the requirements of the temple. hence, a divine envoy descended with some divine servants and harvested 70% of their race to make up the numbers.¡±


    ¡°what¡¯s the cultivation level of the divine envoy?¡± xu qing asked.


    ¡°outsiders don¡¯t know the exact number of envoys from the red moon shrine. their races are all different and their cultivation levels are all at the nihility realm. as for the divine servants, they are in the spirit repository. as for those below the spirit repository, they are divine slaves.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought and spoke after some thought.


    ¡°is there a divine son?¡±


    ¡°there is!¡± duanmu zang¡¯s eyes revealed fear.


    ¡°there¡¯s a divine son in the red moon shrine. it¡¯s said that he¡¯s red moon¡¯s true family and his cultivation level is unknown. actually, to him, cultivation level is no longer important. what¡¯s important is the power of the god he has mastered.¡±

 Chapter 859 - 859 Separation, a Long Journey Ahead (2)

    859 separation, a long journey ahead (2)


    ¡°also¡­ he can exempt the designated person from the fate of becoming food, so that they won¡¯t be devoured when the crimson goddess arrives.¡±


    duanmu zang sighed softly.


    ¡°this one thing alone can drive countless experts to madness, willing to sacrifice everything for this exemption.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, an imperceptible glint flashed in the depths of his eyes. he didn¡¯t continue to ask about the red moon but asked about the strength of the two races.


    after all, the direct obstacle he was facing was the investigation of these two races.


    ¡°these two races have six people in the spirit repository, including their respective ancestors. as for nihility¡­¡±


    duanmu zang shook his head.


    ¡°none.¡±


    ¡°because nihility has the best taste, as long as one appears, they will be marked by the red moon shrine. you can imagine it¡¯s like the fruit ripening, although they won¡¯t be dealt with directly, it¡¯s as if they¡¯re on the menu.¡±


    ¡°therefore, those perfected spirit repository cultivators in the moon worship region are all suppressing themselves. they won¡¯t break through if they can.¡±


    ¡°if you¡¯re on the menu, you¡¯ll definitely die. if you¡¯re not on the menu, there might be a certain chance of survival. although the probability is extremely low, this is the only way to survive.¡±


    xu qing understood. previously, he was still wondering why the two races didn¡¯t have nihility. now, he had an answer.


    duanmu zang continued.


    ¡°as for the mirror image race and the heavenly mask race, they are just two small races. among their six spirit repository experts, only two ancestors have truly gathered a complete secret repository.¡±


    ¡°other people like that state preceptor are only at the dao nurturing stage while nurturing the secret repository¡¯s heavenly dao.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t know much about the spirit repository. that was too far away from him, so he didn¡¯t ask his master. this was the first time he had heard about the spirit repository.


    ¡°dao nurturing?¡± xu qing noticed these words.


    duanmu zang nodded.


    ¡°only by giving birth to your own heavenly dao and raising the star of enlightenment in your secret repository can you display the power of your laws. it can be considered a complete secret repository and you would be considered a true spirit repository expert.¡±


    ¡°however, this stage is extremely difficult. cultivation and resources are only a part of it. the most important thing is to comprehend the power of the laws and give birth to the heavenly dao.¡±


    ¡°therefore, the vast majority of spirit repository cultivators are actually stuck at this stage. it¡¯s called dao nurturing.¡±


    ¡°to a nascent soul cultivator, a spirit repository at the dao nurturing realm is indeed very strong. however, to those who have truly completed the first secret repository, the dao nurturing cultivator has yet to form his dao and is not worthy of attention.¡±


    ¡°for example, the difference between foundation building cultivators with and without life fire.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°i don¡¯t know what the situation in another region is like, but in the moon worship region, out of a thousand spirit repository cultivators, only one or two can successfully give birth to the heavenly dao and complete the first secret repository.¡±


    ¡°as for the rest, they are all stuck in the dao nurturing realm. if they are seriously injured during this stage, their cultivation will drop because the secret repository has not fully formed and will collapse.¡±


    xu qing glanced at duanmu zang. he thought of the collapsed secret repository that rose behind duanmu zang when he saw him on the heavenly fire sea.


    ¡°i am like this, so i am more aware of the fine line between strength and weakness in the dao nurturing phase of the spirit repository.¡±


    noticing xu qing¡¯s gaze, duanmu zang calmly spoke.


    xu qing nodded and was about to speak when ling¡¯er ran over with two plates of dark dishes and placed them on the table in front of the two. she looked at xu qing and duanmu zang with anticipation.


    a smile appeared on xu qing¡¯s face. he picked up his chopsticks and took a bite, chewing and swallowing slowly. after that, his expression revealed admiration as he took a sip of wine.


    duanmu zang was stunned. he glanced at the black side dish and then at xu qing¡¯s admiring expression. finally, when he looked at ling¡¯er, he discovered that she was also looking at him.


    hence, duanmu zang also took a bite.


    his expression was as usual. after he slowly swallowed it, he took a sip of wine and glanced at xu qing.


    xu qing also glanced at duanmu zang.


    duanmu zang¡¯s expression revealed admiration, and then he looked at ling er with appreciation.


    ¡°not bad.¡±


    ling¡¯er was happy.


    xu qing smiled and continued eating. when duanmu zang saw this, he coughed.


    ¡°i still have a cauldron of medicinal pills to take a look, so i¡¯ll take my leave first.¡± with that, he stood up and his figure blurred, disappearing from the house.


    ¡°is it really so delicious? let me try.¡± ling¡¯er was excited, but just as she was about to eat, xu qing had already taken the last bite.


    satisfied, ling er saw that xu qing was about to meditate, so she went to the side and took out some half-finished clothes she had been working on, continuing her sewing. this was knowledge she had learned from the older sisters and aunts.


    ¡°brother xu qing has to wear the clothes i make.¡±


    thinking of the scene in the future, ling¡¯er felt happy and became even more serious.


    just like that, the last ten days passed in the blink of an eye.


    perhaps it was because their farewell was about to arrive, the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor no longer stopped and sped up his storytelling. finally, before the heavenly fire dissipated, he finished the story.


    even though ling¡¯er was not very sensitive, she gradually felt the sense of parting and reluctance grew in her heart.


    after more than two months of contact, she had already developed some feelings for this place. hence, she decided to leave many of the medicinal pills she possessed.


    the little girl was also reluctant to part with xu qing and came even more often. three days before the farewell, xu qing called out to the little girl who was about to leave.


    ¡°panyan, sit opposite me.¡±


    xu qing spoke gently. shi panyan was the little girl¡¯s name.


    ¡°yes, teacher!¡±


    the little girl trusted xu qing and immediately sat in front of him.


    xu qing lifted his hand and pressed it between the little girl¡¯s brows.


    ¡°don¡¯t resist.¡±


    when the little girl heard this, she simply closed her eyes.

 Chapter 860 - 860 Separation, a Long Journey Ahead (3)

    860 separation, a long journey ahead (3)


    a long time later, xu qing shook his head silently, feeling some regret.


    he wanted to give it a try and see if he could neutralize the red moon¡¯s curse in the other party¡¯s body. he also wanted to study the principles of this curse.


    unfortunately, with xu qing¡¯s current ability, he couldn¡¯t undo the curse that came from the bloodline. he needed to do more research and experiments.


    however, such an experiment would be bloody. it involved dissection and the inspection of inch by inch of flesh and blood. xu qing didn¡¯t want to try it with humans.


    ¡°panyan,¡± xu qing said softly.


    the little girl hurriedly opened her eyes.


    ¡°i¡¯m leaving in a few days.¡±


    the little girl fell silent. her eyes were a little red and she lowered her head without saying anything.


    she had known long ago that this day would come and was mentally prepared. however, the moment xu qing said it, her heart still trembled.


    looking at her, xu qing recalled the other party¡¯s hard work and seriousness in the past two months. that thirst for knowledge resonated with xu qing. after a long time, he made a decision.


    he took out a pharmacopeia from his storage bag.


    after gently stroking it a few times, xu qing thought of grandmaster bai and passed it to the little girl.


    ¡°my teacher left this for me. today, i¡¯ll give it to you.¡±


    the little girl trembled as she lifted her small hand and took it, hugging it tightly in her arms. when she looked at xu qing, her eyes were filled with reluctance and she wanted to say something but hesitated.


    however, she knew that her teacher and she were people from two different worlds. hence, her many words finally turned into kowtowing.


    she kowtowed nine times to xu qing.


    xu qing calmly accepted it and reminded her.


    ¡°you have to study this pharmacopeia well in the future. you can go back now. you don¡¯t have to come here anymore.¡±


    the little girl silently stood up and her small and skinny figure walked to the door dejectedly. she stood there and turned to look at xu qing again. the tears in her eyes couldn¡¯t help but flow down.


    ¡°teacher, will i still see you?¡±


    xu qing looked at the eleven or twelve-year-old girl in front of him. he understood the other party¡¯s thoughts because a similar scene had happened to him before.


    hence, he revealed a gentle smile and nodded.


    ¡°know that the world is the guest house of all living beings. time is a passerby from ancient times until now. as long as we don¡¯t die, we will meet again. i hope that the day i see you again will be the day you become a talent.¡±


    the little girl remembered these words and engraved them in her heart. she took a deep breath and bowed to xu qing before slowly leaving the house.


    she was downhearted as she walked under the night sky. she hugged the pharmacopeia tightly in her arms and mumbled as though she was holding onto hope.


    ¡°as long as we don¡¯t die, we¡¯ll meet again!¡±


    xu qing stared at the little girl¡¯s departing view. he thought of grandmaster bai and his past self.


    ¡°teacher, i took in a student. her name is shi panyan. this little fellow is very hardworking in her studies.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly and closed his eyes.


    but in this world, all gatherings must eventually come to an end. as the heavenly fire returned to its source, three days later, xu qing left the firefly city in the night, with ling¡¯er by his side.


    before she left, ling¡¯er hugged those older sisters and aunties while crying.


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor was surrounded by many people who had listened to his storytelling. all of them were silent and revealed deep reluctance.


    duanmu zang stood beside xu qing and sighed softly inwardly as he watched this.


    xu qing looked at the crowd.


    he saw shi pangui standing in the distance with his wife and sister, bidding farewell to him.


    the little girl lowered her head, as though she didn¡¯t want xu qing to see her tears.


    xu qing fell silent for a moment before speaking softly.


    ¡°senior, send me out.¡±


    with that, xu qing turned and walked into the distance.


    he left the city and the tomb.


    ling¡¯er ended her transformation and returned to xu qing¡¯s collar. the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor also returned to the fishbone, feeling a little melancholic.


    outside this abandoned mineshaft, not only did xu qing leave the wine behind, but he also gave half of the spirit stones, medicinal pills, and some magic artifacts in his storage bag to duanmu zang.


    the two of them looked at each other and nodded, each giving their blessings.


    after that, one of them turned his head and walked into the mineshaft while the other headed straight for the sky.


    the sky had returned to its former darkness, with no flames to be seen. only in the direction of the sea of fire in the distance could one see the monstrous flames.


    the earth was scorched, and the mountain peaks became even more irregular, piled up in a wrinkled and twisted manner. there was no plant life that could survive.


    the entire world seemed to have dried up with some lingering heat left.


    xu qing flew in the sky while suppressing the thoughts of separation. he was already used to it. it had been like this since he was young.


    however, there were some things that, no matter how used to it, would still cause waves.


    however, as one grew up, they would be able to better hide it.


    a few days later, xu qing saw the heavenly fire sea. as usual, that sea didn¡¯t change at all. the magma flowers would occasionally bloom and explode loudly.


    xu qing didn¡¯t see anyone on the way.


    to the cultivators of the nearby races, the heavenly fire had just ended. the first thing they had to do was to participate in the reconstruction. hence, very few people came to the heavenly fire sea immediately like xu qing.


    on the empty heavenly fire sea, xu qing sped all the way and he saw no one else as though he was the only one left in the entire world.


    however, he was still cautious. he was going to go further and more remote places before he began to refine the life lanterns.


    just like that, another seven days passed.


    when xu qing entered the depths of the sea of fire, he saw a red light at dusk on the seventh day.


    the source of the light was an incomparably huge heart. it was beating and emitted thumping sounds that echoed through the world, forming an astonishing pressure that caused the sky and earth to change color and the wind and clouds to stir.

 Chapter 861 - 861 Separation, a Long Journey Ahead (4)

    861 separation, a long journey ahead (4)


    on this enormous heart, there was a red palace constructed, with an ancient design. along with the strong scent of blood, there was also a thick presence of the crimson goddess¡¯, rising within.


    the most eye-catching thing was the statue erected in front of the palace.


    it was kneeling there with its hands covering its eyes and bleeding from its seven orifices.


    as for the surroundings of the heart, dozens of meteorites of different sizes floated there. they were originally black but because of the blood, they turned purple-red.


    on each meteorite, there sat a cultivator from various races. they sat motionless, hands covering their eyes, blood streaming from their bodies and spreading across the meteorites.


    no one spoke. only the sound of the heart spread out with the blood light, replacing all language.


    red moon shrine.


    when xu qing saw it from afar, he immediately dived into the magma and watched silently.


    the huge heart gradually moved in the sky, bringing the surrounding meteors with it. it ignored everything and moved past the heavenly fire sea, its destination unknown.


    in the moon worship region, they were gods.


    any race who saw this scene would either worship or avoid them. no one dared to stop them.


    a long time later, xu qing stuck his head out of the magma and looked into the distance.


    after another long while, he continued to move forward.


    another three days passed. xu qing finally chose an area. after deciding to refine the life lanterns here, he took out the eyeball that duanmu zang had lent him and looked over.


    that eye also glared at him, not giving in at all.


    xu qing didn¡¯t say anything. he recalled that duanmu zang had once said that he needed to subdue it. hence, just in case, he called out to the shadow.


    immediately, the shadow transformed around xu qing, forming a black curtain which then floated in the air. the blinking stars inside widened in unison and transformed into countless eyes that stared fixedly at the eyeball in xu qing¡¯s hand.


    that eyeball shivered visibly as it saw the gazes of so many eyes.


    xu qing coldly threw it toward the black curtain.


    ¡°communicate with it.¡±


    all the eyes in the black curtain instantly blinked. after sending out an evil divine sense fluctuation, it enveloped the eyeball.


    after a long time, when the curtain spat the eyeball out, his eyeball was clearly dispirited and trembling, emitting fear.


    xu qing took a look and called out to the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor, wiping the eyeball with the fish bone.


    with every wipe, the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor would laugh sinisterly while the eyeball kept trembling.


    finally, when xu qing picked it up and entered the magma, the brown blood vessels on the eyeball immediately spread out and rapidly enveloped the surroundings, isolating xu qing from the heat in the surroundings.


    although it revealed fear and looked very weak in front of the shadow and the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor, it could neutralize the heat that even xu qing couldn¡¯t withstand.


    the principles of mutual reinforcement and mutual restraint were vividly displayed in this eyeball.


    xu qing fell into deep thought. with the help of the eyeball, he continued to sink.


    in order to prevent this eyeball from suddenly having any ill intentions, xu qing didn¡¯t retract the shadow.


    just like that, xu qing sank to about a thousand feet deep before stopping. he then sat cross-legged and slightly inhaled a trace of flames that weren¡¯t isolated.


    just a trace of it made xu qing feel a sense of danger that his life was about to be burned. fortunately, it was a very small amount and the purple crystal rapidly devoured it.


    a light that was much stronger than before was reflected in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, instantly illuminating the broken immortal god devourer.


    the lantern began to melt.


    the melting speed was much faster than before. when xu qing saw this, he was tempted and excited. while he was fully focused, the shadow also worked extremely hard. it stared fixedly at the eyeball and continued to emit the thought of hunger.


    the eyeball was terrified and tried its best to neutralize the heat under the magma.


    time slowly passed. seven days later, xu qing¡¯s broken immortal god devourer lantern completely melted. as his sea of consciousness churned and the ten-thousand-foot-long vortex spread under the magma, the fourth sundial life lantern appeared!


    the sundial¡¯s needle moved, indicating different times from other sundials, affecting the outside world.


    however, although the fluctuations here weren¡¯t small, they only caused waves on the surface of the magma. in addition, the location was remote and the sky was now empty, so it didn¡¯t attract any attention.


    another seven days later, xu qing opened his eyes. the ten-thousand-foot-long vortex formed again in his surroundings. in his sea of consciousness, the five sundials were completely formed.


    a terrifying fluctuation rose from xu qing¡¯s body as the fifth sundial appeared.


    the needle shadows on the five sundials were rotating, with a difference of 14 hours each, all showing different times!


    xu qing fell into deep thought as he stared at them. several hours later, when the needle shadow of the first sundial life lantern landed at noon, its light no longer spun and the gnomon no longer moved.


    a feeling of comprehension surfaced in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°the other four also should stop at noon one after another. when their timing is the same, they should be able to display a special ability¡­¡±


    xu qing wasn¡¯t sure what this ability was but with his intuition, he knew that this would be a huge eruption of the sundial¡¯s power.

 Chapter 862 - 862 The Bronze Coffin Under the Sea of Fire! (1)

    862 the bronze coffin under the sea of fire! (1)


    ¡°it won¡¯t be long before the other four sundials stop.¡±


    because there was a fourteen-hour gap between the life lanterns, the time they stopped was different from each other.


    with anticipation in his heart, xu qing moved toward the surface of the magma while the time of the sundials continued to pass. when he reached a depth of ten feet, a gleam of excitement appeared in his eyes.


    other than allowing the purple crystal to emit the light that could melt the life lanterns, there was another benefit to this magma¡­ and that was to advance the golden crow refines all life.


    this was xu qing¡¯s judgment but it wasn¡¯t confirmed yet.


    however, he felt that since his golden crow refines all life could fuse with the sun¡¯s fragment, in essence, the sea of fire here should be helpful to it.


    ¡°as the golden crow refines all life transformed into a nascent soul, it has already advanced to the third level.¡± after xu qing pondered, his forehead shone and the golden crow nascent soul flew out.


    at the start, it still was in the form of a nascent soul. however, at the next instant, it transformed into the form of golden crow and circled xu qing while letting out waves of cries that echoed in his soul.


    after that, the golden crow opened its mouth and sucked fiercely at the surrounding magma.


    immediately, a wave of fiery power headed straight for the golden crow¡¯s mouth. after it gushed into its mouth, the golden crow¡¯s body trembled and its eyes narrowed. the flames on its entire body soared.


    after digesting it for a moment, the golden crow let out an even more intense cry. it continued to dance around xu qing and actually entered the magma.


    xu qing¡¯s heart skipped a beat and he immediately paid close attention to it. a moment later, he heaved a sigh of relief.


    the golden crow had a spirit to begin with. after transforming into a nascent soul, its spirituality increased even more, especially after fusing with xu qing¡¯s soul. hence, xu qing could clearly sense everything about the golden crow.


    at that moment, the golden crow was continuously devouring the magma within ten feet. the aura on its body also became increasingly intense and tails appeared one after another. two hours later, when xu qing¡¯s second sundial stopped at noon, the golden crow¡¯s tails increased from 100 to 130.


    xu qing was excited. he let the golden crow continue to devour.


    time slowly passed.


    very soon, the third sundial stopped at noon. several hours later, the other two also stopped one after another. after all the sundials stopped, xu qing, who was under the magma, trembled.


    a dazed look appeared in his eyes.


    in an instant, this trance disappeared and a strange look appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he could sense that the five sundials contained some kind of ability that could be activated with a thought.


    however, he couldn¡¯t sense what this ability was.


    ¡°i¡¯ll give it a try!¡± xu qing narrowed his eyes and then sat cross-legged in the magma. as his thoughts rose, the five sundials in his sea of consciousness instantly buzzed and manifested around xu qing.


    the five sundials surrounded xu qing like purple flower petals.


    while shining with a resplendent light, the five lanterns that were like the sun floated above xu qing¡¯s head in a pentagonal shape.


    at this moment, xu qing was exceptionally dazzling, exuding an awe-inspiring aura.


    the power of time from the five sundials gushed into xu qing¡¯s body, causing him to emit a mysterious feeling. his entire person was blurry, as though he had descended from time.


    this process only lasted for an instant before it disappeared. the sundials dimmed as though they had released everything. they couldn¡¯t hold on anymore and returned to xu qing¡¯s body.


    the first one started spinning again while the other four remained still.


    xu qing was stunned. he looked around and then sensed his body. he didn¡¯t sense any difference.


    ¡°what¡¯s going on?¡±


    xu qing frowned. he recalled for a long time but still didn¡¯t know the specific ability of the sundials¡¯ eruption earlier.


    this puzzled xu qing, so he decided to continue waiting.


    just like that, after 14 hours, the second life lantern also began to count down. the subsequent life lantern was also activated after 14 hours. after the fifth life lantern was also activated, the first life lantern stopped at noon.


    ¡°this process will last for 70 hours, about three days.¡± xu qing silently calculated.


    another 24 hours passed. as the other life lanterns stopped one after another, all the life lanterns returned to noon. all of them were motionless and the explosive aura reappeared.


    ¡°four days is a cycle.¡±


    ¡°was it not obvious when it activated earlier because i am in the magma?¡±


    after xu qing pondered, he glanced at the golden crow in the distance who had more than 200 tails now. the moment he retracted his gaze, he directly flew out of the magma.


    upon reaching the surface of the magma, hovering in mid-air, xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate. in an instant, all five sundials within his body activated, and the five lanterns that were like suns encircled above. the power of the sundials erupted.


    in that instant, xu qing felt heat.


    his surroundings were filled with magma and his body¡­ had actually returned to the magma!


    this scene caused xu qing¡¯s heart to tremble and disbelief appeared in his eyes. he abruptly turned his head and looked around, discovering that he had indeed returned to the magma.


    ¡°i was clearly in the air earlier!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart was in turmoil. after careful thought, he thought of a possibility.


    ¡°could it be¡­ time reversal?¡±


    this speculation stirred up endless waves in xu qing¡¯s heart. he measured his current altitude and, imitating his previous actions, flew out at the same speed. when he reached mid-air, it took seven breaths of time.


    ¡°reversing seven breaths of time?¡±


    ¡°as for the first time, it was because i didn¡¯t move, so it wasn¡¯t obvious!¡±


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. however, he wasn¡¯t very sure yet and needed to try again.

 Chapter 863 - 863 The Bronze Coffin Under the Sea of Fire! (2)

    863 the bronze coffin under the sea of fire! (2)


    while staying under the magma and as the golden crow continued to devour the magma, eight days passed by.


    in these eight days, he activated the power of the sundials twice and used different methods to verify it.


    the first time, he unleashed the power of the sundials while moving at high speed and found that his body had returned to the location he was at seven breaths ago.


    the second time, he took out some magic artifacts and also inflicted self-injuries. when he activated the sundials¡¯ power again, he discovered that the power of the sundial could only affect him.


    the external objects were still in their original positions. as for his body, he returned to where he was seven breaths ago with all his injuries gone.


    all of this allowed xu qing to have a deep understanding of the sundial¡¯s ability.


    ¡°it returns me to my state and location from seven breaths ago!¡±


    ¡°if this ability is used properly, it is like a one-time life substitution method and also a powerful killing card!¡±


    xu qing suppressed the shock and looked at the purple crystal. he knew that all of this came from it.


    ¡°what exactly is the purple crystal¡­¡±


    ¡°it can seal the shadow and gods, and it gives me astonishing recovery ability. moreover, it possesses the power of time¡­¡±


    xu qing fell silent. after a long time, he buried all his doubts and looked at his golden crow.


    the golden crow had more than 280 tails and this was already its limit unless it could absorb denser magma. however, this was a paradox because the current golden crow couldn¡¯t withstand flames from beyond ten feet deep.


    however, in the past half a month, to be able to grow from 100 tails to more than 200 was already an extremely great nourishment for the golden crow. in fact, there were even faint signs that it was about to attract a second tribulation.


    at this point, xu qing¡¯s cultivation in the heavenly fire sea could be considered to have come to an end. there was no need for him to continue to stay here.


    ¡°i will return the eyeball and meet up with eldest senior brother at the unending heavenly bull mountain.¡±


    xu qing had stayed in the eastern part for almost half a year. he didn¡¯t know how his eldest senior brother was doing now and he was concerned about him. however, before he left, xu qing looked into the depths of the magma in the heavenly fire sea.


    ¡°let¡¯s go take a look at the restrictions of the red moon shrine that senior duanmu mentioned¡­¡±


    xu qing wanted to investigate why the red moon shrine had set up restrictions here. with the power of the sundial, xu qing felt that as long as he was careful, he would be fine.


    at the thought of this, xu qing squeezed the eyeball.


    the eyeball instantly trembled and emitted even more isolation power.


    xu qing was satisfied. he kept the golden crow and held the eyeball as he headed straight for the bottom of the magma. very soon, he reached 1,000 feet and continued to sink to 2,000 feet, 3,000 feet¡­


    the deeper he went, the more intense the heat became. fortunately, this bizarre eyeball could isolate the heat.


    just like that, xu qing sank all the way to more than 9,000 feet.


    at this depth, other than the high temperature, the surroundings also contained pressure. the brown blood vessels on the eyeball also became denser.


    in addition, xu qing also sensed a familiar aura coming from further down.


    that was the divine power of the crimson goddess.


    this discovery made xu qing even more cautious. as he carefully got closer, a sense of danger spread in his heart. he didn¡¯t hesitate at all and the purple moon nascent soul in his body instantly erupted. immediately, the power of the purple moon spread throughout his body.


    at the next instant, the danger from below slowly dissipated.


    somehow, through the power of the purple moon, he sensed the source of the power of the red moon below.


    xu qing waited for a moment before continuing to get closer.


    at the same time, on the heavenly fire sea, in the sky not far away from here, the huge heart of the red moon shrine was floating there.


    dozens of meteorites spread out in the surroundings, and the figures on them didn¡¯t move. only a figure in a red robe walked out of the temple.


    this was a human woman.


    her expression was cold and her eyes were filled with impatience. she walked out of the temple and when she reached the edge of the heart, she lowered her head and looked at the sea of fire below.


    she was frowning.


    she didn¡¯t want to do what she had to do next, not out of cruelty, but because such actions would be marked and have a certain impact on the future.


    however, as a divine servant, she had no right to refuse.


    ¡°i can only use the dispersion method later to remove the mark.¡±


    the woman sighed inwardly and took a step forward, directly stepping into the magma below. with a wave of her hand, a red pearl appeared. after she held it in her mouth, she entered the magma.


    that pearl was clearly a rare treasure of the red moon shrine. after swallowing it, her body actually isolated the heat on its own in the magma.


    as such, the woman¡¯s speed was very fast. as she sank, her cultivation base spread out. the aura of the spirit repository permeated the air but it wasn¡¯t surrounded by the heavenly dao laws.


    she hadn¡¯t completed the cultivation of a secret repository but was still in the stage of dao nurturing.


    however, her identity as a divine servant and the corresponding blessing from the crimson goddess made it so that other than the ones in the interior of the temple, no one in the outside world dared to provoke her at all.


    the price of killing a divine servant was something no race in the moon worship region could afford.


    in fact, with her status as a divine servant, a single sentence from her could decide the life and death of a small race.


    the reason for this was because she had grown up in the temple since she was young. there had been someone in her family who served as the divine envoy. only then could her descendants enjoy this incomparably precious blessing in the moon worship region.


    at that moment, she moved 10,000 feet deep with a clear target.


    as for xu qing, he was also 10,000 feet below and wasn¡¯t far away. he was approaching the place which he had sensed earlier.


    the two sides were approaching the same place one after another.

 Chapter 864 - 864 The Bronze Coffin Under the Sea of Fire! (3)

    864 the bronze coffin under the sea of fire! (3)


    however, compared to xu qing, the woman was much faster. hence, she entered the designated area earlier.


    the divine consciousness was blocked under the magma, so the two of them didn¡¯t sense each other¡¯s existence. moreover, due to the different environments they grew in, this divine servant¡¯s vigilance was inferior to xu qing¡¯s.


    hence, as xu qing moved cautiously, the instant he saw the location where the purple moon¡¯s power sensed, he also saw the figure of the red-clothed woman heading there.


    xu qing immediately paused. he squatted down and tried his best to make his figure smaller. a dark glint appeared in his eyes as he silently observed.


    in the distance, there was a massive flat-topped mountain.


    to be precise, this might not be a mountain, but rather a colossal coffin standing upright there.


    the part that was revealed in xu qing¡¯s eyes was the size of a city, indicating the immense scale of this giant coffin.


    it was made entirely of bronze, covered in rust that merged with black, green, and blue, intertwining together, giving the coffin a sense of ancientness.


    it was as though it had been here for countless years.


    as for its length, it was unknown. xu qing swept his gaze over but he could only see four thick chains at the four corners of the coffin that were connected to the depths of the magma.


    other than that, the lid of the coffin wasn¡¯t tightly closed but had a gap.


    however, because this coffin was too huge, this gap looked like a deep abyss.


    at that moment, the red-clothed woman descended outside the crack and floated a thousand feet away from it. she performed a series of hand seals with both hands and fluctuations that emitted the divine power of the red moon spread in all directions.


    it fused into the invisible restrictions that already existed here, causing this place to flicker with red light. a large net gradually manifested.


    this net was formed by the restrictions here.


    upon closer inspection, one could see that the large net that appeared was filled with runes that emitted divine might.


    xu qing concealed himself and observed carefully. he could tell that the other party seemed to be reinforcing the restrictions. however, this bit of divine power was a drop in the bucket.


    however, very soon, xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. he saw that after the woman in red performed a series of hand seals, she took out a red crystal the size of a human skull.


    as soon as this crystal appeared, the magma in the surroundings churned and a terrifying aura emitted from it. even xu qing¡¯s heart shook.


    outsiders might not be able to recognize it, but through his purple moon¡¯s senses, he immediately recognized that this crystal was formed from a drop of blood that had been diluted countless times.


    ¡°blood of the crimson goddess?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart raced. although this was a drop of diluted blood, the aura of the red moon contained in it was still incomparably dense. to xu qing, it was akin to a huge nourishment.


    while xu qing was paying attention, the woman in red looked at the crystal with desire in her eyes. however, she forcefully restrained herself. she knew that this wasn¡¯t something she could enjoy.


    ¡°when the high god arrives and harvests this region, my family will also be able to obtain a drop of such divine blood. at that time, i might have a chance to absorb a trace of it.¡±


    the woman muttered inwardly before throwing the crystal down.


    the crystal didn¡¯t fall into the crack. instead, it floated outside the abyss and shattered on its own, emitting a terrifying fluctuation that fused into the surrounding restrictions, causing the red net that appeared to become even more dazzling.


    this was the real reinforcement.


    as the blood-colored net shone with a piercing light and the divine might intensified, the huge coffin was also stimulated by this aura and suddenly shook. there was also a furious roar that contained pain that echoed from the coffin.


    ¡°crimson goddess!!¡±


    as soon as this voice rang out, the coffin shook even more intensely. xu qing¡¯s heart also stirred. as he became increasingly cautious, the red-clothed woman lowered her head and looked at the abyss from afar, transmitting her divine sense.


    ¡°shut up!¡±


    the sound of hurried breathing echoed from the coffin. clearly, being humiliated by such a low-level cultivator was an extremely great humiliation to the existence in the coffin.


    however, it was helpless.


    a hint of mockery appeared in the red-clothed woman¡¯s eyes. to her, humiliating such an ancient and terrifying existence brought a strange stimulation. hence, she lifted her hand and waved it, taking out lumps of bloody flesh from her storage bag.


    there were a total of a hundred lumps of flesh, each of them 100 feet in size. after they spread in the surroundings, the woman lifted her hand and pointed. immediately, a lump of flesh fell into the abyss.


    ¡°eat. this is the food the high god gave you. they are all citizens of the moon worship region. your brothers and sisters, just like you, love to eat it.¡±


    ¡°also, in order to let you guys digest it better, we thoughtfully removed the bones.¡±


    ¡°enjoy.¡±


    as the flesh fell into the abyss, a roar filled with pain rang out. it was as though the existence in the coffin was trying its best to reject it but for some unknown reason, it had no choice but to swallow it.


    hence, the whimpers and chewing sounds that sounded like crying intertwined to form a heart-wrenching scene.


    an extremely intense resentment spread out from the coffin. it was as though it had transformed into a mark that was imprinted on the woman in red, wanting to firmly remember her.


    as for the woman who threw the food, she clearly enjoyed it very much. when she heard this voice, her mood seemed to turn better. she didn¡¯t care about the marks on her body and with a wave of her hand, the lumps of flesh fell into the abyss.


    xu qing remained silent. he had witnessed the woman¡¯s cruelty and heard the excruciating agony coming from the coffin. he had some guesses about her identity.

 Chapter 865 - 865 The Bronze Coffin Under the Sea of Fire! (4)

    865 the bronze coffin under the sea of fire! (4)


    a long time later, xu qing silently retreated, preparing to leave this place.


    he didn¡¯t want to have any conflict with the red moon shrine now.


    however, the instant xu qing retreated, the woman who was throwing the food suddenly laughed.


    ¡°you¡¯ve been watching for a long time. are you leaving just like that?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed and he immediately sped up. at the same time, the woman in red lifted her right hand and pointed in xu qing¡¯s direction. she used her divine servant¡¯s authority to control the power of the restrictions here and calmly spoke.


    ¡°come!¡±


    as soon as she finished speaking, the restrictions formed by the power of the red moon floating in the surroundings immediately distorted and transformed into a huge red hand that grabbed at xu qing.


    xu qing knew that he couldn¡¯t resist this large hand formed by the restrictions unless he used the purple moon¡¯s authority. however, if he did that, everything would be exposed.


    in an instant, xu qing made a decision. a cold glint flashed in his eyes as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°such guts.¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, the large blood-red hand that was approaching suddenly trembled. it instantly turned around and headed straight for the red-clothed woman.


    this scene clearly stunned the woman in red. she quickly performed a series of hand seals but she couldn¡¯t avoid the hand. her body was thrown away by the huge force. it was only when she took out a blood-red token that she barely neutralized the hand.


    her expression changed rapidly as she cried out.


    ¡°divine envoy?¡±


    after speaking, she immediately formed a strange seal with both hands, bowed, and looked at xu qing with great respect.


    xu qing furrowed his brows. he naturally recognized this as a form of internal etiquette among higher-ups, but he didn¡¯t know how to respond. so, he pretended to remain calm and nodded.


    however, the woman¡¯s pupils narrowed and she made other hand gestures. she stared at xu qing and her expression changed.


    ¡°you¡¯re not a divine envoy!¡±


    ¡°who are you? why do you have the power of the high god?!¡±


    the woman was bewildered and waves of emotions surged in her heart.


    this was the first time she had encountered such a thing. not to mention her, even the red moon shrine had never experienced such a thing.


    she could not believe her eyes.


    xu qing had a blank expression, but deep down, he was contemplating. he felt that his lack of understanding of the etiquette and gestures was probably not the only reason the other party sensed something was amiss. there must be some other aspect where he had revealed a flaw.


    after all, when one¡¯s cultivation had reached such a level, they were not fools and could easily discern clues.


    he had originally planned to leave, but since she had chosen to attack, even if her cultivation made him wary, he could only think of a way to kill her now.


    xu qing¡¯s heart was filled with killing intent as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°you¡¯ve overstepped your bounds.¡±


    as he spoke, he lifted his right hand and pointed. immediately, the surrounding red moon restrictions rumbled like never before. xu qing instantly took over the authority and formed a suppressive force that headed straight for the woman.


    the woman¡¯s beautiful face completely changed. the horror in her heart couldn¡¯t help but appear on her face, causing her expression to twist.


    ¡®he¡¯s not from the temple. i¡¯m very sure of this, but he has divine power!¡¯


    ¡®the authority he controls is even more powerful!¡¯


    ¡®how is this possible!!¡¯


    the woman¡¯s body trembled as she attacked with all her might. a secret repository appeared behind her. although it didn¡¯t form the heavenly dao, her combat strength was astonishing. coupled with the blood-red token, she could barely hold on.


    ¡®the degree of his control over the restrictions far surpasses other divine envoys!¡±


    the woman was extremely surprised. in her early years, she had followed her ancestor and seen the divine envoy activating the restrictions. now that she compared them, the difference was obvious.


    ¡°impossible!¡±


    the woman¡¯s heart shook violently. in an instant, another thought rose in her mind.


    ¡®this matter is too big. if i report it to the temple, it will definitely be a great contribution!¡¯


    at the thought of this, the woman spared no expense and her secret repository also ignited. the blood-red token in front of her emitted extreme authority. she sped up, not to chase after xu qing but to leave this place.


    above the magma surface which was 10,000 feet away, was the shrine. as long as she flew out of the magma, she could immediately inform the shrine.


    however, how could xu qing let her have her way? with a wave of his hand, the blood-red restrictions in all directions fluctuated again. in one breath, they formed seven to eight blood-red hands that slapped fiercely at the woman.


    xu qing was very clear that once he left this place where the red moon¡¯s restrictions were, he would definitely not be a match for this dao nurturing spirit repository. at the same time, if she successfully escaped, what awaited him would be endless danger.


    ¡°i have to kill her!¡±

 Chapter 866 - 866 Senior, I Really Dont Taste Good! (1)

    866 senior, i really don¡¯t taste good! (1)


    the red moon shrine was floating above the heavenly fire sea, emitting endless blood-red light that spread in all directions. the thumping sound from the heart echoed through the world.


    all the cultivators who saw this scene trembled and didn¡¯t dare to look straight at it. they knelt down from afar and quickly left.


    the temple didn¡¯t care at all.


    to the temple, those were just lambs. they were raised independently to begin with, so if they moved more, their qi and blood would be better.


    at that moment, the cultivators on the meteorites still had their eyes closed, and inside the temple above the heart, there were seven figures in red robes, also meditating cross-legged.


    these seven individuals were from various races, with six of them seated below and one person at the head.


    the person at the head belonged to the feather race. his feathery face was expressionless and his nihility fluctuations were faintly discernible. as for the six people below, they were all at the spirit repository realm like the red-clothed woman.


    they were waiting for their companion who had gone out to return.


    this kind of mission to feed and reinforce the restrictions would lead to the troublesome markings. hence, the ones who did it were those who weren¡¯t valued in the temple.


    although the magma blocked their divine consciousness and they had waited a little longer, they weren¡¯t delayed significantly. moreover, with their long-standing identities and way of thinking, they didn¡¯t think that anything could happen.


    hence, everyone continued to cultivate.


    however, what they didn¡¯t know was that at that moment, 10,000 feet below the magma, their companion, the red-clothed woman, was extremely shaken.


    xu qing¡¯s mind was filled with killing intent. he made use of his purple moon nascent soul to control the red moon array formation set up here. he used the formation to create seven to eight large red hands that sped toward the woman in red.


    the woman in red¡¯s heart shook violently. she knew that her authority couldn¡¯t compare to the other party at all. if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that she had the ancestor¡¯s token, she probably wouldn¡¯t even have the qualifications to resist.


    her only advantage now was her cultivation.


    she, who was at the dao nurturing stage, was about to form the heavenly dao. her combat strength was strong enough to crush all nascent soul cultivators.


    ¡°damn it, if it was at any other place, i could easily crush this person to death!¡±


    the woman in red performed a series of hand seals with both hands and her eyes were bloodshot as she pushed outward fiercely. immediately, an illusory secret repository formed behind her, spewing out a storm of wind, fire, and lightning that charged forward.


    in an instant, it came into contact with the seven to eight large blood-red hands.


    a muffled explosion rang out under the magma, and the woman in red spat out a mouthful of blood. as for the seven to eight large hands, they dissipated under the interference of her token and the resistance of her strength.


    ¡°no matter your origin, no matter why you possess such divine authority, your cultivation is ultimately too weak!¡±


    the woman in red spat out a mouthful of blood. a cold glint flashed in her eyes when she spoke. she simply gave up on escaping and wanted to capture him alive.


    she thought that once she captured the other party, this matter would definitely cause a commotion in the entire red moon shrine. at that time, her contributions would definitely be monstrous.


    at the thought of this, determination appeared in her eyes. with a wave of her hand, the image of the secret repository appeared outside her body and a roar rang out from it. it was as though a behemoth was rapidly rushing out of the secret repository. terrifying power spread in all directions and headed straight for xu qing.


    xu qing frowned and felt some regret.


    the red moon restrictions here were indeed extremely powerful. however, with the divine authority xu qing grasped now, even though its level surpassed the other party¡¯s token, it was still insufficient in terms of quantity.


    he couldn¡¯t move any more restriction power.


    at this moment, as he saw the approaching secret repository of the other party and felt the overwhelming pressure, his body was fine, but his soul trembled, conveying a strong sense of life and death crisis.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes revealed determination as he swung both hands vigorously. his entire body shone with a purple light, and his purple moon nascent soul materialized above his head, forming a purple moon!


    as soon as this moon appeared, the magma in the surroundings instantly turned purple.


    it activated more red moon restrictions and quickly gathered in front of xu qing, forming a protective barrier that blocked the suppression from the secret repository of the woman in red.


    a rumbling sound instantly exploded and the magma in the surroundings rolled back, forming an empty space. at the same time, the red-clothed woman¡¯s footsteps were forcefully blocked and she was sent back.


    all the blood vessels in her body bulged, looking like countless earthworms swimming under her skin. the horror in her heart was countless times more intense than before.


    ¡°who the hell are you!¡±


    the woman in red exclaimed in fright. the moment purple moon appeared, she felt as though she had seen a god. in fact, her body even had some involuntary reactions and she had the urge to worship it.


    if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that her cultivation base had transformed into an anchor, causing her will to be firm, she might really not be able to help but kneel down.


    this feeling made her scalp tingle and she felt as though countless lightning bolts had exploded in her mind.


    xu qing didn¡¯t feel good either. although he used the red moon¡¯s restrictions to block it, the difference in cultivation still made it very difficult for him to endure. his body was fine, but his soul was injured.


    that feeling of his soul being torn apart caused xu qing¡¯s mind to buzz. his vision turned black and he felt extreme pain.


    it was as though a knife had pierced into his brain and was constantly stirring.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes were bloodshot but he knew that this was a critical moment. he couldn¡¯t relax at all. hence, he endured the tearing pain in his mind and performed a series of hand seals with both hands.


    the purple moon nascent soul above his head also performed a series of hand seals. the power of the purple moon erupted again, forming a large purple net that pushed the red net toward the woman in red.


    the woman in red suppressed the shock and anger in her heart and gritted her teeth fiercely. her bloodline began to burn and the token in her hand also burned.

 Chapter 867 - 867 Senior, I Really Dont Taste Good! (2)

    867 senior, i really don¡¯t taste good! (2)


    ¡°god¡¯s descent!¡±


    a mournful low shout rang out from the woman in red¡¯s mouth after everything was burned.


    her eyes bled, and her expression contorted in agony. multiple cracks appeared on her body, oozing red blood that drenched her entire being. her appearance, aside from not raising her hands to shield her eyes, was no different from the statue.


    especially in the next moment, her eyes burst open.


    xu qing had seen this scene before on zhang siyun.


    as the voice echoed, a vast force instantly rose from the woman in red.


    although the crimson goddess was in a deep sleep and couldn¡¯t descend, at this instant, coupled with the token and the burning of her body, the divine power released by the red-clothed woman caused the surrounding red moon restrictions to pause.


    xu qing¡¯s control was instantly affected and stopped.


    taking advantage of this opportunity, the woman in red headed straight for the magma. in the end, she still chose to leave this place. xu qing¡¯s purple moon made her feel intense fear.


    as long as she rushed out and her companions discovered her, they would definitely make a move. although the credit would be shared, she had no other choice at this moment. she was worried that if she continued to delay, that strange purple moon would make her go crazy.


    seeing that the woman was about to escape, madness appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he definitely couldn¡¯t let this person leave. hence, his body swayed and he headed straight for the other party.


    the golden threads in his body stretched his body and he instantly reached 30 feet tall.


    a demonic cry spread out from the woman¡¯s bloody eyes. she lifted her hands and waved them forward. immediately, black flames spread out from her secret repository, transforming into a malevolent ghost that struck xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s body shook violently. he collapsed from 30 feet and returned to his normal size. all his nascent souls shook and spat out soul aura. his soul was about to shatter.


    fortunately, with the protection of the life lanterns, it didn¡¯t shatter into pieces.


    however, xu qing was clear that if he was touched by the ghost again, it would probably be very difficult for his soul to continue enduring. however, his desperate obstruction also played a crucial role.


    the red-clothed woman was momentarily intercepted .


    at that moment, the influence of the god¡¯s descent on the restrictions here also began to weaken. xu qing¡¯s control also began to recover.


    under his control, the restrictions reformed into a large blood-red hand that grabbed at the red-clothed woman.


    although it was fast, it was still too late to stop the red-clothed woman. her speed erupted again and she was about to truly escape.


    at the critical moment, a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he looked at the woman.


    the gnomons of the five sundial life lanterns in his body were pulled out at the same time!


    time stasis!


    silently, the time that belonged to the woman in red was forcefully stopped at this moment.


    her body paused, but she didn¡¯t react or sense anything.


    this pause was the difference between life and death!


    the instant the woman¡¯s time resumed, the large hand of the restriction grabbed her body, pulling her down ruthlessly.


    more large hands rushed out one after another, holding and dragging her down.


    the price of forcefully stopping the time of a spirit repository expert was huge. xu qing¡¯s sundial life lanterns decayed and huge cracks appeared on them.


    however, as long as they didn¡¯t collapse, xu qing felt that they could recover. right now, he didn¡¯t have the time to care about them. he endured the intense pain of his soul being torn apart and performed a series of hand seals with both hands, continuously controlling the surrounding restrictions.


    the power of the restrictions continued to erupt, dragging the red-clothed woman to the abyss of the coffin!


    ever since xu qing appeared, the voice in the abyss hadn¡¯t sounded at all. however, after sensing this scene, the sound of swallowing echoed.


    the sound was filled with desire and madness.


    as for the red-clothed woman who was grabbed by countless large hands, her expression changed drastically again. the fluctuations in her mind became even more intense. the feeling of life-and-death crisis caused her entire body to tremble and madness appeared in her eyes.


    she knew what the outcome would be once she was dragged into the abyss. hence, she struggled with all her might but she could only stall for some time. in the end, her body still slowly approached the abyss.


    seeing this, despair appeared in her eyes and she let out a heart-rending cry. flames rose from her entire body. not only was her cultivation base burning, but her life was also burning.


    she was using all her potential to strengthen her voice, transforming it into a sound wave that caused a large area of the magma in the surroundings to collapse. it attempted to spread out toward the surface and ask for help.


    under this sound wave, xu qing coughed up blood, his eyes turning bloodshot. he saw that the woman was still resisting, and after calculating the timing, he suddenly rushed out.


    two breaths later, he neared the woman. he raised both hands, using himself as a weapon, and slammed her.


    it caused her descent into the abyss to speed up.


    at such a close distance, xu qing¡¯s soul began to collapse. however, he relied on his powerful will to endure it. in the sixth breath, he finally entered the abyss with the despairing red-clothed woman who was being restrained by the large restriction hand!


    the instant he entered, xu qing saw a pair of huge blue eyes and an endless mouth.


    at the next moment, before xu qing¡¯s soul was destroyed, he erupted with the power of the sundial.


    reverse!


    xu qing¡¯s figure seemed to disappear, blurred in the abyss, as if this period of time had been shattered into countless fragments and reassembled just before seven breaths ago.


    xu qing¡¯s figure suddenly appeared outside the abyss. his soul didn¡¯t collapse but the intense pain was still there. all his injuries had returned to the state he was in seven breaths ago.

 Chapter 868 - 868 Senior, I Really Dont Taste Good! (3)

    868 senior, i really don¡¯t taste good! (3)


    as for that woman, she fell into the abyss forever.


    waves of satisfying chewing sounds spread in all directions.


    however, the danger wasn¡¯t over. it didn¡¯t come from the abyss below but from the magma.


    xu qing didn¡¯t know if the other party¡¯s death and her actions before she died would attract the attention of the outside world. however, he couldn¡¯t gamble. hence, even though his soul was heavily injured, he still gritted his teeth fiercely and headed straight for the restrictions below.


    in that instant, xu qing fused into the red moon¡¯s restrictions. he relied on his purple moon power to hide his tracks and hid under a protruding rune on the huge coffin¡¯s outer shell.


    when he arrived here, xu qing¡¯s injuries were almost out of control. his vision became increasingly pitch-black. he ruthlessly bit his tongue, stimulating himself to stay awake.


    after that, his entire body was filled with the power of the purple moon. he took out the concealment mask his master had given him and quickly wore it.


    unless it was absolutely necessary, xu qing didn¡¯t want to use this mask.


    this was because if he used it too much, he wouldn¡¯t be able to take it off.


    however, he had to use it now.


    at the same time, the coffin suddenly shook and emitted a gentle force that enveloped xu qing, augmenting him.


    just as xu qing¡¯s heart stirred, an astonishing fluctuation came from above the magma.


    xu qing immediately lowered his head and didn¡¯t move.


    very soon, the magma above rumbled and exploded in all directions. a figure of the feather race with red wings and wearing a red robe slowly walked out of the magma.


    his expression was gloomy and his footsteps didn¡¯t seem fast, but he arrived above the coffin in just a few steps.


    his nihility energy fluctuations filled this place with a sense of violence.


    standing there, the feather race¡¯s divine envoy swept his gaze across the surroundings. the chewing sounds continued to spread from the coffin, and there was also a satisfied voice.


    ¡°crimson goddess¡¯ servant doesn¡¯t taste bad.¡±


    when the feather race¡¯s divine envoy heard this, he looked at the abyss. his eyes revealed a red glow, as though they could penetrate a certain range and see into the abyss.


    a long time later, he frowned. he could sense the aura of that divine servant and knew that the other party had been devoured.


    as for how this happened, he wasn¡¯t very clear. however, when he thought of the identity of the existence in the coffin, he seemed to understand.


    ¡°this matter has to be reported to the temple.¡±


    ¡°looks like the sealing time will have to be more frequent.¡±


    the feather race¡¯s divine envoy swept his gaze across the surrounding restrictions. after that, he raised his right hand and took out a blood crystal. after crushing it, he fused it into the restrictions.


    immediately, the fluctuations of the restrictions here became even denser.


    after doing this, he coldly glanced at the abyss gap and turned to leave this place.


    the death of a divine servant was a major event to the outside world but to him, it was nothing. he just needed to know the cause of death.


    xu qing didn¡¯t walk out immediately. he waited for a long while and after confirming that the divine envoy had indeed left, he couldn¡¯t help but relax. the dizziness and fatigue from the injuries to his soul made xu qing exhausted.


    fortunately, although his sundials were decaying, they were recovering as the gnomons moved.


    xu qing heaved a sigh of relief and flew out with difficulty. when he flew out, he suddenly paused and fell silent for a few breaths. after that, he bowed toward the coffin that was the size of a city.


    ¡°thank you, senior.¡±


    a blue eye appeared in the abyss where the coffin lid was opened and stared at xu qing.


    this eye was extremely large and gave xu qing the feeling that it was somewhat similar to the god¡¯s eye but its might was different.


    ¡°you have the power of the crimson goddess on you!¡±


    a buzzing sound that carried an inexplicable meaning echoed in all directions.


    xu qing lowered his head and respectfully spoke.


    ¡°my master snatched it for me. it doesn¡¯t belong to the red moon now. it belongs to me.¡±


    the eye in the coffin clearly narrowed but there was no sound.


    xu qing waved his hand and the power of the poison restriction spread out.


    ¡°this too.¡±


    with that, he revealed the aura of the ghost emperor mountain.


    ¡°and this.¡±


    ¡°in addition, my master was the one who snatched this body of mine for me.¡± as xu qing spoke, he took out the fish bone.


    ¡°they¡¯re a set.¡±


    ¡°who is your master?¡± a long time later, a muffled voice rang out from the coffin.


    xu qing shook his head with a serious expression.


    ¡°senior, before the mission my master gave me is completed, he forbade me from using his name.¡±


    ¡°mission?¡± the eye in the coffin narrowed.


    ¡°my mission is to obtain information about the red moon¡¯s crimson goddess for master. senior, you might not know but under my master¡¯s plan, the crimson goddess is already in a deep sleep.¡±


    ¡°i came here to go to the repentance plain and calculate the time when the red moon will arrive.¡±


    ¡°senior, you are?¡± xu qing asked respectfully.


    the coffin fell silent. after a long time, an ancient voice rang out.


    ¡°kid, i don¡¯t believe what you¡¯re saying but it¡¯s fine. i can sense that the power of the crimson goddess on your body was plundered. it¡¯s different from those divine envoys and you¡¯re also a human.¡±


    ¡°as for my identity¡­ this large region was once my father¡¯s territory.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as great waves rose in his heart.


    ¡°the plains you¡¯re going to is my father¡¯s burial ground.¡±


    the voice that came from the coffin was filled with bitterness.


    ¡°too much time has passed. i can no longer remember the passage of time¡­¡±


    ¡°in the countless years, other than the people from the red moon shrine, you¡¯re the second person to appear in front of me. many years ago, there was another one who promised me that he would help me leave, but he hasn¡¯t appeared for a long time.¡±


    ¡°tell me, how are the humans outside now?¡±


    xu qing fell silent. he had doubts about the authenticity of these words. however, the injuries to his soul were too serious now and he could sense his weakening state.

 Chapter 869 - 869 Senior, I Really Dont Taste Good! (4)

    869 senior, i really don¡¯t taste good! (4)


    in addition, there was a special reason why he didn¡¯t dare to act rashly. hence, he sat down cross-legged and spread out his poison restriction while recovering from his injuries.


    he then spoke softly, gradually sharing what he knew about the history of the outside world. occasionally, when his injuries flared up, he would pause to adjust before continuing to speak. throughout this process, he maintained an extreme level of tension and vigilance.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    a day later, xu qing finished speaking.


    the blue eyes in the coffin revealed a hint of reminiscence. after a long time, a murmur echoed.


    ¡°the human race is actually in such dire straits¡­¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    a long time later, a soft sigh rang out from the coffin. that pair of blue eyes looked at xu qing again.


    ¡°kid, your injuries are very serious.¡±


    xu qing nodded. the purple crystal healed his body very quickly but the recovery of his soul¡¯s injuries was indeed very slow. moreover, he didn¡¯t dare to relax his vigilance against this unknown existence, so he couldn¡¯t completely focus on the recovery.


    ¡°seeing that you let me have good food and told me about the history of our human race, come here and let me help you.¡±


    the ancient voice rang out from the coffin.


    xu qing shook his head.


    ¡°thank you for your kindness, senior. that is just what i should do.¡±


    the coffin fell silent as the pair of eyes looked at xu qing. tens of breaths later, a white fog drifted out of the abyss, containing dense heavenly mandate fluctuations.


    ¡°you don¡¯t have to be so vigilant against me. these came from that servant of the crimson goddess. i¡¯ll give them to you.¡±


    after xu qing sensed it, he spoke calmly with no change in his tone.


    ¡°senior, please forgive the junior for being blunt. i just wanted to say that i don¡¯t taste good.¡±


    as he spoke, the poison restriction that spread throughout xu qing¡¯s body spread out again. after controlling it to a certain range, he looked at that pair of eyes.


    ¡°senior, i might have misunderstood you, but i just want to tell you that we are both hostile to the red moon. although my soul is injured, i can still control the restrictions here.¡±


    xu qing respectfully spoke. with a wave of his hand, the red net in the surroundings was revealed, flickering in the magma.


    ¡°so, let me leave.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m not restricting you. you are outside the coffin, so you can leave at any time.¡± the voice was calm.


    ¡°senior.¡± xu qing¡¯s expression was serious as he spoke word by word.


    ¡°i¡¯m not outside the coffin. i¡¯m in the coffin. if i take a step, i¡¯ll enter your mouth. i know that you¡¯ve tricked my perception.¡±


    ¡°but i really don¡¯t taste good.¡±


    at the same time, outside the heavenly fire sea, the holy land that was a huge city of the two races¡¯ alliance appeared as if it were a bird¡¯s nest, barely holding on after the heavenly fire crossing the sky phenomenon.


    its oval shape occupied a vast area of 50 kilometers.


    and now, there was a huge heart floating above the holy land. on it, the red moon shrine emitted a demonic red light.


    there were dozens of purple-red meteors around it that emitted a dense pressure.


    below them were all the higher-ups of the two races. regardless of whether it was the state preceptors or the kings, they all appeared and knelt respectfully.


    they weren¡¯t the only ones kneeling. all the people from the two races in the city were kneeling as well.


    after a long time, a deep voice rang out from the temple.


    ¡°the day of your tributes is 49 days later. this time, other than the heavenly fire crystals, you need to offer 500,000 live food.¡±


    as the voice echoed, the heart slowly moved and left this place.


    they were going to fly all the way to the center of the eastern region of the moon worship region and wait for the various races in the eastern region to send tributes on the designated day. the amount required of each race was different.


    the ancestors and state preceptors of the two races knelt down and sent them off respectfully. it was only when the red moon shrine disappeared into the horizon that the kings of the two races dared to stand up and look at each other.


    ¡°the required number of live foods has increased by more than 50%¡­¡±


    ¡°if we can¡¯t complete it, our clansmen will be forced to make up the numbers.¡±


    the two of them fell silent. after a long time, a cold glint flashed in the eyes of the heavenly mask race¡¯s king.


    ¡°that human shelter should have gathered a lot of live food under our feigned ignorance over the past few years¡­¡±


    ¡°after raising it for so long, it can be harvested.¡±

 Chapter 870 - 870 The Sun Rises, the Moon Has Not Yet Set, the Emperor’s Child Returns

    870 the sun rises, the moon has not yet set, the emperor¡¯s child returns


    under the sea of fire, the huge bronze coffin was silent.


    the red moon¡¯s restrictions flickered. the red light emitted by the surrounding magma permeated the surroundings and seemed to be flowing with the fluctuations of the restrictions.


    as for xu qing¡¯s location, it wasn¡¯t outside the coffin. the place where his figure sat cross-legged was actually the edge of the huge abyss. his back was facing the outside and he was facing the abyss.


    more than half of his body was in the crack of the coffin. in front of him, a pair of blue eyes was staring at him. there was also an open mouth that was like an abyss.


    the distance was very close. it was as though as long as xu qing stood up and took a step forward, he would walk into the large mouth on his own.


    at that moment, xu qing lifted his head and looked at the huge blue eye in front of him, speaking softly.


    ¡°senior, i really don¡¯t taste good.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s body was covered in the poison restriction and it continued to spread. his eyes were filled with sincerity and his expression was serious.


    in his perception, he was still outside the coffin. he was very far from the abyss gap and was safe. he could get up and leave at any time.


    ¡°interesting. when did you discover it?¡±


    after a long time, an ancient voice rang out from the large mouth. the wind stirred up carried a stench and enveloped xu qing¡¯s body. however, in xu qing¡¯s perception, everything was normal.


    xu qing sighed.


    ¡°senior, you tricked my perception and made me think that i had left but in reality, the instant i stepped here, i sensed that something was wrong.¡±


    ¡°so, the place where you are sitting down is just one step away from me?¡± the ancient voice rang out with an inexplicable meaning.


    ¡°one more step and you¡¯ll be poisoned, senior,¡± xu qing said calmly.


    the existence in the coffin didn¡¯t speak.


    xu qing also didn¡¯t speak.


    a long time later, a voice suddenly rang out from the coffin.


    ¡°kid, with the authority you plundered from the crimson goddess, other than controlling this restriction to a certain extent, can you absorb it?¡±


    xu qing quickly analyzed. he was uncertain about the true meaning behind the other person¡¯s words. it gave him the impression that it was either to showcase his value or as a lure to help reduce the suppression of restrictions.


    it was hard to judge the exact intention.


    if he made a mistake, he might be consigned to eternal damnation.


    since that was the case, xu qing might as well not make the first judgment. he respectfully spoke and voiced his doubt.


    many times, speaking directly didn¡¯t mean that one couldn¡¯t do it, but it required a reason to do it with confidence.


    the existence in the coffin fell silent. a moment later, laughter rang out.


    ¡°kid, you¡¯re even more interesting than i thought. you¡¯re also more cautious than the first person i met back then.¡±


    ¡°forget it. show it to me when you get out.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he stood up and silently pondered for a moment. after bowing to the front, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all and walked toward his left.


    with this step, he didn¡¯t move left but away from the abyssal gap.


    when this scene fell into the gaze of the mysterious existence in the coffin, waves of emotions appeared in its eyes.


    just like that, xu qing walked out of the abyss step by step. the instant he stepped out, his eyes were a little dazed. at the next moment, his cognition recovered and he saw where he was.


    his heart palpitated but he suppressed it. he was very clear about everything that had happened previously. it could be said that he was on the verge of death. if he didn¡¯t handle it properly, there would be no turning back.


    as for the existence in the coffin, its words were mixed with truth and falsehood. although it had agreed to let him leave earlier, xu qing understood that this was to verify if he really had the ability to break through the fog of perception and leave safely.


    even now, the crisis hadn¡¯t been completely resolved.


    xu qing lifted his hand and grabbed upward. immediately, the surrounding red moon restrictions whistled over and gathered in xu qing¡¯s hand, gradually turning into a dazzling red light, as though it were held in his hand.


    not long later, xu qing stopped controlling it. the purple moon nascent soul in his body sucked and the red light in his hand instantly dimmed, transforming into threads that fused into xu qing¡¯s body and the purple moon¡¯s body.


    the purple moon nascent soul instantly shone and clearly grew stronger.


    xu qing could absorb the power of the restrictions.


    however, what he could absorb didn¡¯t seem to be much. after a long time, xu qing spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°senior, i¡¯ve reached my limit.¡±


    laughter rang out from the coffin.


    ¡°can¡¯t or don¡¯t dare?¡±


    ¡°can¡¯t,¡± xu qing said seriously.


    the eyes in the coffin looked at xu qing meaningfully and exhaled.


    this breath was filled with heavenly mandates. they came from the red-clothed woman whom it devoured. when the breath moved toward xu qing, it transformed into a white fruit.


    ¡°kid, i need you to help me do something. this is the remuneration i am giving you in advance.¡±


    xu qing fell silent for a few breaths before accepting it.


    ¡°senior, please instruct me.¡±


    ¡°it is still not the time. i¡¯ll tell you in the future.¡±


    the voice was filled with deep meaning. that pair of blue eyes slowly closed.


    everything returned to its original state.


    xu qing endured the discomfort and retreated. after he completely left the range of the coffin, his entire body was already drenched and he let out a long sigh of relief.


    in his body, d132 also let out a sigh of relief that echoed in his mind.


    the sigh came from the god¡¯s finger.


    ¡°you scared me to death!¡±


    ¡°you, you, you¡­ can you behave yourself?¡± in d132, the god¡¯s finger let out a helpless and resentful voice.


    ¡°can you not let me be awakened every time by such terrifying existences?¡±


    xu qing recalled the scenes from before and the lingering fear in his heart rose again.


    the reason why he could sense that his perception had been changed was because the god¡¯s finger had awakened from the stimulation earlier. it screamed in his mind and stopped xu qing¡¯s footsteps.


    moreover, it was also because the god¡¯s finger instructed him that he could move away from the abyss.


    ¡°your soul is too weak. if this continues and your soul isn¡¯t strengthened, then according to your tendency to court death, you¡¯ll die without knowing how sooner or later!¡±


    the god¡¯s finger was filled with anger.


    xu qing nodded and replied.


    ¡°thank you for your help, senior. i wonder if you have a way to strengthen the soul?¡±


    ¡°if i had one, i wouldn¡¯t be a clone!¡±


    the god¡¯s finger shouted righteously. due to the shock earlier, it felt even more aggrieved and continued to shout.


    ¡°i¡¯m hungry, i¡¯m hungry!¡±


    ¡°i understand. i¡¯ll find food for you.¡± xu qing didn¡¯t care about the attitude of the god¡¯s finger and gently comforted it.


    after all, the other party was a prisoner, detained by himself, and had also helped him, so having some emotions was normal.


    ¡°i want them alive!¡±


    ¡°alright.¡±


    ¡°i want to eat a lot!¡±


    ¡°understood.¡±


    ¡°i want to eat¡­¡±


    ¡°alright, alright, alright. i¡¯ll give them all to you,¡± xu qing said gently.


    seeing how cooperative xu qing was, the god¡¯s finger felt that there was a trap. it thought to itself that this kid wasn¡¯t a good person. in the future, it would ignore him!


    just like that, xu qing completely left the area where the bronze coffin was. as he sped through the magma, he was also reviewing his experience.


    ¡°he said that i¡¯m the second person to appear in front of him other than the red moon shrine. so, who was the first person?¡±


    for some reason, the first thing xu qing thought of was his eldest senior brother¡¯s previous life.


    this suspicion had no basis but was instinctive.


    ¡°there¡¯s also that existence¡¯s last sentence¡­¡± xu qing fell silent. there were many meanings in the other party¡¯s words. as for the details, xu qing couldn¡¯t figure it out.


    a long time later, he took out the heavenly mandate fruit the other party had given him and held it in his hand to inspect it carefully. even after confirming that there was nothing wrong, he was not relieved and asked the god¡¯s finger.


    the god¡¯s finger couldn¡¯t be bothered.


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°senior, help me take a look and see if there¡¯s a problem with this. i¡¯m worried that the existence in that coffin is coveting your body.¡±


    the god¡¯s finger immediately spread out its divine consciousness. it was extremely serious when it came to matters related to its body.


    a long time later, it confirmed that there were no problems.


    only then did xu qing feel relieved. he squeezed the fruit and fused the heavenly mandates into his body.


    at the next instant, his body trembled. this lump of heavenly mandate was dense enough and was absorbed by all of xu qing¡¯s nascent souls in the blink of an eye. each of them was nourished and they were getting closer and closer to the perfection of the first tribulation.


    before this, only his golden crow refines all life nascent soul was at the perfection-stage of the first tribulation. after it, the purple moon nascent soul was near that point. as for the others, they were all at the early-stage of the first tribulation.


    at this moment, they had all improved.


    after observing for a moment, xu qing drew in a deep breath. as he moved forward, he circulated the purple crystal to heal his soul.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    while xu qing was recuperating and cultivating, in the eastern part of the moon worship region, away from the territory of the two races, the heart of the red moon shrine was moving forward.


    the figures on the surrounding meteorites were motionless as usual. however, in the temple on the heart, a figure walked out of the main hall and stood in front of the crimson goddess statue.


    this figure was a woman wearing a red robe.


    at that moment, she looked at the sky with a sigh. it was as though she hadn¡¯t seen the sky for a long time.


    after a while, she lowered her head and looked at the statue. her expression looked fanatical and pious, but there was a hint of resentment that flashed for an instance in the depths of her eyes.


    if xu qing was here, his heart would definitely tremble violently if he saw her.


    this woman was actually the divine servant he had pushed into the abyssal gap and devoured by the terrifying existence in the bronze coffin!


    she was clearly dead but she was here, completely fine.


    ¡®crimson goddess, there¡¯s something wrong with your perception. you actually didn¡¯t sense that i had escaped. even though this is just a clone of mine, if it was in the past, you would definitely have sensed it¡­¡¯ the woman in red stared at the statue.


    ¡®there¡¯s also that kid. interesting, very interesting. it¡¯s all thanks to him that i was able to devour a divine servant and recover some of my abilities.¡¯


    the woman in red smiled slightly as a blue light flashed in her eyes.


    this light was exactly the same as the blue eyes inside the bronze!


    she was the existence in the bronze coffin!


    xu qing wasn¡¯t the only one whose perception had been changed by it. there was also the divine envoy who came to investigate.


    in the cognition of that divine envoy, the reason why the divine servant didn¡¯t arrive at the agreed time was because she was enjoying herself and feeding slowly. after he went down, he saw the other party.


    everything was fine, so after he reprimanded her, he brought her back.


    all the inconsistencies were justified because his cognition was changed.

 Chapter 871 - 871 The Wind Blows, but the Fire Isn’t Extinguished

    871 the wind blows, but the fire isn¡¯t extinguished


    ten days later.


    xu qing rushed out of the magma. the flames in the sky shone on his body, causing his entire body to flicker with light.


    this was especially so for his eyes.


    his cultivation base far exceeded that of before. among his 13 nascent souls, other than the golden crow and purple moon, the others had also improved greatly. although they hadn¡¯t reached the perfected first tribulation, they weren¡¯t far from it.


    ¡°that lump of heavenly mandate is extremely precious.¡±


    a deep glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. if he was given a few more lumps of heavenly mandate like that, he was certain that all his nascent souls would reach the perfected first tribulation.


    ¡°as expected of the heavenly mandates of a spirit repository cultivator. even though she was only at the initial dao nurturing stage, the depth of her heavenly mandate isn¡¯t something a nascent soul cultivator can compare to.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly as his eyes gleamed. his soul had finally completely recovered during these ten days of recuperation.


    in addition, he could clearly sense that his recovered soul was slightly more refined than before.


    ¡°after i return the eyeball, i¡¯ll leave this place!¡±


    xu qing looked at the heavenly fire sea below. there must be many secrets in this sea area.


    for example, was there another sealed place under the sea or in the depths of the heavenly fire sea, where the source of the flames flowing in the crack in the sky was? he had yet to go there.


    ¡°i won¡¯t explore it for now. more than half a year has passed. i have to meet up with eldest senior brother as soon as possible.¡±


    xu qing looked at his wrist. there was a ring-shaped mark there. it was formed by ling¡¯er.


    this was the agreement xu qing had made with ling¡¯er before he left the human city in the mine.


    due to the dangers of the places xu qing cultivated in, ling¡¯er chose to transform into a mark and sleep. this way, the degree of safety would be greater.


    now, the danger was resolved. at the thought of returning to the city in the mines, a smile appeared on xu qing¡¯s face as he gently knocked on the mark.


    ¡°ling¡¯er, wake up.¡±


    ¡°we are going to the mine.¡±


    the mark flickered a few times and ling¡¯er crawled out. her eyes were hazy from sleep. after hearing xu qing¡¯s words, her eyes lit up and she instantly sobered up.


    ¡°are we going back? that¡¯s great. brother xu qing, should we stay for a while more this time?¡±


    xu qing thought about it and saw the anticipation on ling¡¯er¡¯s face. hence, he nodded.


    ¡°then let¡¯s stay for half a month.¡±


    ling¡¯er was instantly happy. she happily climbed onto xu qing¡¯s ears and shook them as she laughed.


    hearing the laughter, xu qing¡¯s mood also relaxed.


    the nervousness he felt at the bottom of the sea earlier was slowly appeased. however, xu qing was very cautious. he knew the status of the human race here and also knew that he couldn¡¯t expose that mineshaft.


    hence, while flying, he paid special attention to this point.


    after confirming that there were no traces left, xu qing left the heavenly fire sea and headed straight for the mineshaft.


    on his way, he stopped once and looked down at the ground, where a small red flower was growing in the cracks of the rocks.


    this small flower grew alone, swaying in the hot wind.


    this was the first time xu qing had seen vegetation in this area.


    it was very difficult for vegetation to exist in this special climate. only some special plants would bloom after the heavenly fire crossing the sky phenomenon was over.


    for example, this little flower was one of them.


    it was a precious medicinal herb.


    there was an introduction of it in grandmaster bai¡¯s medical book. it was called the fire spirit flower and it only grew in hot places.


    looking at this fire spirit flower, xu qing was surprised. he landed and plucked it, placing it in a small transparent bottle.


    ¡°panyan asked about this flower before.¡± xu qing smiled. after he kept it, he continued moving.


    he moved while hiding his traces. after three days, xu qing finally saw the mineshaft from afar.


    when he thought of duanmu zang and the student he had accepted, xu qing sighed with emotion.


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that i don¡¯t have a way to neutralize the curse at the moment, but give me some time and i can give it a try.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly and walked over. however, when he was 10,000 feet away from the abandoned mineshaft, xu qing suddenly stopped in his tracks. his pupils narrowed as he focused his gaze and looked 10,000 feet away.


    that place was a little different from when he left.


    there was originally a large amount of rubble piled up at the entrance of the mineshaft. moreover, it melted under the heavenly fire and became one body. there were only a few gaps that could be used to enter and exit.


    however, at that moment, the entrance of the mineshaft was in pieces.


    this scene caused xu qing¡¯s heart to tremble. ling¡¯er also saw everything. her swaying body stopped and her voice trembled slightly.


    ¡°brother xu qing¡­¡±


    wariness appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he only used three breaths of time to cross the distance of 10,000 feet.


    as he approached the entrance of the mine, a strong smell of blood wafted out from inside the mine, reaching his nostrils and entering ling¡¯er¡¯s senses.


    ling¡¯er trembled.


    xu qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. he circulated his cultivation base and rushed forward.


    the smell of blood in the mine was even stronger.


    after speeding for dozens of breaths, he stopped in his tracks and saw seven to eight corpses on the ground in front of him.


    xu qing fell silent and walked over step by step, looking at the corpses.


    he recognized them.


    these corpses belonged to the humans in the city. they were all guards with some cultivation.


    xu qing closed his eyes. when he opened them, a cold glint appeared in his eyes as he rushed forward again. on the way, he saw more and more corpses. when he reached the end, there was a huge hole in the wall.


    the first layer of the tomb was now a mess and filled with traces of fighting.


    the center of this layer had collapsed.


    further down, a silent city was revealed.


    the blue curtain in the sky had already shattered into pieces and was mercilessly torn apart, scattering onto the city.


    it was the same for the white clouds.


    corpses were scattered everywhere. there were men, women, and children.


    their deaths were very tragic. some had their bodies cut off, some had half of their bodies turned into minced meat, and some had their bodies torn into pieces. it was obvious that their bodies had been shattered by some violent force.


    the laughter from before had now turned into dead silence.


    the warmth and friendship in his memories had now turned cold.


    the tomb had truly become a tomb.


    most of the houses had collapsed and the stench of blood was present everywhere.


    ling¡¯er instantly flew out and headed straight for the city. fishbone, where the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor was, also rushed forward while trembling. after they rushed into the city, they both stopped there.


    at the next moment, ling¡¯er started crying. the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s body manifested and his eyes were red.


    xu qing silently walked closer and looked at the familiar city and everything. his heart ached and there seemed to be a shocking roar echoing in his mind.


    xu qing had seen death many times.


    however, he couldn¡¯t get used to all of this, nor could he get used to this scene.


    the scenes of the two months he had lived here surfaced in his mind, transforming into the source of the intense pain.


    ¡°brother xu qing, they¡­ they¡­¡± ling¡¯er flew over. her crying revealed extreme sorrow. she had seen the familiar elder sisters and aunties among those corpses.


    she couldn¡¯t accept that the people who had smiled and taught her how to cook a few months ago had now become torn corpses.


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor instantly returned to xu qing¡¯s side and looked at him. his eyes revealed anger and pleading. he had seen his audience among those corpses.


    xu qing was expressionless and an endless chill rose from his body. he didn¡¯t say a word and carefully observed his surroundings, confirming the time of the deaths and the details.


    ¡°there are more than 100,000 people and less than 1,000 corpses in total.¡±


    ¡°this means that most of the people should still be alive.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s impossible for the capturers to move fast with so many people.¡±


    ¡°according to the decaying extent of the corpses, the time of death should have been five days ago¡­¡±


    ¡°with duanmu zang¡¯s cultivation and the arrangements here, the ones who can find this place and move so many people have to be the two races¡¯ alliance.¡±


    ¡°the red moon shrine has arrived¡­ duanmu zang once said that the temple needs the various races to send tributes every once in a while¡­¡±


    xu qing turned around and waved his right hand. he instantly kept ling¡¯er and the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor and rushed out.


    ¡°brother xu qing, we¡­¡± ling¡¯er¡¯s heart was in a mess. sadness and anxiety filled her heart.


    ¡°we¡¯ll go find them,¡± xu qing said softly. the coldness in his eyes had already become extremely dense.


    he used his fastest speed to rush out of the mine and observed the outside world, searching for traces.


    however, after five days under the high temperature here, all traces were very faint. the only effective clue was to go to the holy city of the two races.


    however, this place was very far from the holy city and there was more than one path. moreover, it was unknown if the two races would send the humans to the holy city.


    in addition, once xu qing¡¯s judgment was wrong and this wasn¡¯t done by the two races, he would lose the best time to rescue them.


    just as xu qing was pondering, ling¡¯er wiped her tears. her eyes were filled with determination as she spoke.


    ¡°brother xu qing, i can find the traces. this is the tomb of the ancient spirit race. they have lived here for many years and their bodies are tainted with the aura of the ancient spirit race. i can find them!¡±


    saying that, ling¡¯er¡¯s body shook, heading straight into the air. in an instant, her whole body emitted a rainbow-colored light. as the light surrounded her body, her form gradually changed, and soon, a tall figure appeared before xu qing.


    this figure¡¯s entire body was blurry and its details couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. however, there were dragon and snake phantoms surrounding it and roaring.


    ¡°the south!¡±


    ling¡¯er¡¯s voice was ethereal and echoed in all directions.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all and brought ling¡¯er straight to the south.


    at that moment, 5,000 kilometers south of where xu qing was, a long convoy was moving at a low altitude.


    there were ten huge iron cages in this convoy. each of them was like a small mountain and was pulled by giant beasts.


    in the metal cages, there were countless humans piled up like goods. those at the bottom had already died and were crushed into meat paste, but most of them were still alive.


    however, the eyes of those who were alive were listless and numb. they were better off dead than alive. humans were inferior to animals.


    the ones escorting this convoy were none other than the cultivators of the two races.


    in order to ensure that most of these mortals survived, they couldn¡¯t move quickly. they could only rely on this method to escort them.


    as for teleportation, it was impossible for the two races to spend too much money to save this little time.


    at that moment, the cultivators from the two races who were escorting the cages with complicated expressions were sitting on a carriage and chatting occasionally.


    ¡°we¡¯re almost at the holy city. there are seven more days.¡±


    ¡°this mission is a tiring one. however, the number of these humans is a little unexpected. there are actually so many of them.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a good thing to have more. this way, our tributes and foreigners obtained elsewhere will be enough.¡±


    as they spoke, a few heavenly mask race members took out a few human corpses and ate them.


    the sound of flesh and bones being crushed echoed in all directions in this dim world.

 Chapter 872 - 872 The Wild Geese Fly for a Long Time, but the Light Does Not Fade (1)

    872 the wild geese fly for a long time, but the light does not fade (1)


    the flames of the heavenly fire sea illuminated the sky, casting a distant red glow that, while not as dark as blood, still gave an ominous feeling.


    as for the sky beyond the sea of fire, the farther you went, the dimmer the flames became, until they were completely swallowed by the darkness. the world turned into a gloomy expanse, and the bloodstains dripping down the iron cages on the ground shared the same color with it.


    a trail of bloodstains were left behind by the convoy.


    the clansmen of the two races who saw this scene revealed greed. they licked their lips and looked at the carriages from afar.


    to them, the human sacrifices imprisoned in the metal cages were very delicious food, and could also be given to the temple as live food at critical moments in exchange for the peace of their two races.


    such things had happened too many times since ancient times.


    it wasn¡¯t just the human race. in this moon worship region, all the inferior races had the same fate. they would either become food for the other races or sacrifices.


    the law of the jungle was particularly clear on this land.


    however, many times, even the strong were seen as prey by the even stronger. no race could claim to be the ultimate authority.


    it was the same even for the temple.


    this might be the melody played by fate.


    for example, at this moment, the wind was whimpering, bringing with it heat waves that blew through the sky and the ground, stirring up layers of invisible fluctuations in the sky and stirring up heavenly fire like sand.


    while spreading in all directions, within it, there was also a gradually intensifying sense of killing intent, transforming into the messenger of death, carrying a bloodthirsty sickle, erupting, speeding, and approaching!


    the source of this killing intent was xu qing!


    xu qing was silent the entire way, but his gaze contained endless killing intent. the heat in the sky couldn¡¯t melt the coldness emitting from him and the warmth of the ground couldn¡¯t drown his killing intent.


    under ling¡¯er¡¯s guidance, he rushed toward the south with his full speed. the power of the life lanterns spread throughout his body and the enhancement was all focused on speed.


    this speed had to surpass the convoy. moreover, the blood on the ground also allowed xu qing to understand that he was moving in the correct direction.


    ¡°this is the way!¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly and sped up.


    by this time, he no longer needed ling¡¯er¡¯s guidance. following the trail of blood on the ground, xu qing stirred up a howling storm that swept in all directions. the target was getting closer and closer.


    5,000 kilometers, 3,000 kilometers, 1,000 kilometers, 500 kilometers¡­


    in these four days, he traveled more than 5,000 kilometers in this pursuit. at dusk on the fourth day, the monstrous boom formed by the storm spread to the convoy.


    there were over a hundred cultivators from the two races in charge of escorting. the sound of the storm immediately attracted their attention.


    lightning flashed and thunder rumbled in the distant sky.


    ¡°what¡¯s going on!¡±


    the large beasts were all frightened and became restless. the cultivators from the two races became vigilant. while they had bewildered expressions, xu qing¡¯s figure appeared in the sky.


    he had finally caught up!


    however, the instant he saw the convoy, xu qing felt an intense pain in his heart.


    he saw the convoy and the ten huge cages.


    he also saw the countless humans in the cages who were forcefully squeezed together like livestock.


    their numbness, their pain, and the aura of rotting and death that permeated the air caused xu qing¡¯s eyes to redden. the cold killing intent on his body erupted uncontrollably.


    his figure transformed into a rainbow that was surrounded by endless lightning as he headed straight for the convoy. his speed was so fast that he instantly descended.


    amidst an earth-shattering boom, xu qing directly smashed into the convoy!


    the earth shook, lifting countless clumps of soil, and lightning spread in all directions.


    when the convoy stopped, those huge beasts sensed the icy killing intent and all of them trembled. as for the cultivators from the two races, their expressions changed and they instantly went forward.


    ¡°who¡¯s it!¡±


    ¡°how dare you block us!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a human?¡±


    just as these two races¡¯ cultivators rushed out in shock and anger, xu qing, who had landed on the ground, lifted his head. the killing intent in his eyes was astonishing. he rushed out and headed straight for a heavenly mask race cultivator in front of him.


    the expression of the heavenly mask race cultivator changed. he sensed the terrifying fluctuations coming from xu qing¡¯s body and wanted to dodge but it was too late. xu qing¡¯s speed was too fast and he directly collided with this cultivator with his body.


    with a boom, xu qing directly smashed through the body of the tall heavenly mask race cultivator.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hold back. with a wave of his hand, the morning glow spread out and transformed into ten beams of light that enveloped all the cages. the power of the poison restriction in his body completely erupted.


    the surroundings instantly distorted. as endless anomalous substances grew, mournful wails rang out.


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor went crazy and transformed into red lightning that attacked everyone.


    ling¡¯er also gritted her teeth. a rarely seen ferocity appeared in her eyes as she attacked.


    there was also the shadow. it sensed xu qing¡¯s anger and ling¡¯er¡¯s sadness. this made it angry as well. it quickly spread out and protected ling¡¯er¡¯s while attacking.


    however, they weren¡¯t as ruthless as xu qing¡¯s. xu qing was extremely fast. he lifted his right hand and a dagger appeared as he arrived before a mirror image race cultivator. he clenched his left hand into a fist and punched.


    with a boom, he shattered the other party¡¯s mirror body. under the shattering, the poison restriction spread out. immediately, mournful cries rang out.


    xu qing turned and swayed, colliding with a heavenly mask race member who was rushing over from behind. he slashed from the bottom to top with the dagger before slitting the neck.

 Chapter 873 - 873 The Wild Geese Fly for a Long Time, but the Light Does Not Fade (2)

    873 the wild geese fly for a long time, but the light does not fade (2)


    the head flew up.


    the golden crow flew into the air and breathed out a mouthful of heavenly fire at the ground. a few horrified cultivators from the two races who wanted to escape let out tragic cries as their bodies were burned.


    xu qing was expressionless. his eyes were red and his body was covered in blood. he continued to attack and got close to another mirror image race cultivator.


    this cultivator was a nascent soul cultivator. at that moment, his expression was filled with shock and anger. the killing intent on xu qing¡¯s body intimidated him. he wanted to retreat, but it was too late. xu qing was too fast.


    the nascent soul cultivator immediately performed a series of hand seals to form sharp blades. there were also some ghost flames that spread out, forming a demonic ghost flower that enveloped xu qing and devoured his life force.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care about these at all.


    his body was powerful, and even if he was injured, he had the purple crystal to heal him. hence, unless he encountered an existence that could seriously injure him with a single strike, he would exchange injuries for death. this was his usual style of attack.


    xu qing allowed the other party¡¯s spells to land on him. his gaze was savage as he directly swallowed the other party¡¯s ghost flower.


    the poison restriction in his body erupted and instantly destroyed the ghost flower.


    he slashed fiercely with his dagger. the nascent soul cultivator wanted to struggle but it was useless. he let out a blood-curdling scream as blood spurted out of his body.


    in just a few breaths of time, xu qing destroyed the other party¡¯s host body and slit his neck, destroying his life force.


    after that, he threw the body toward the other cultivators who were rushing over. his left hand formed a seal and pressed forward.


    immediately, a large number of heavenly demon bodies flew out from behind him and headed straight for the cultivators, biting and devouring crazily.


    this scene caused the remaining cultivators of the two races in the surroundings to be filled with extreme horror. some of them began to retreat, wanting to leave this place.


    however, after taking a few steps, their bodies rotted and they fell to the ground.


    the other cultivators shivered and also retreated crazily. in their eyes, xu qing was like a reaper who wanted their lives. everywhere he looked, it represented the descent of death.


    this was especially so since his clothes were completely dyed red with blood. under the light of the golden crow¡¯s flames, his blood qi soared into the sky and his killing intent was astonishing.


    although there were over a hundred cultivators here, most of them were at the golden core and foundation building realm. as for the nascent soul realm, there were only six of them.


    after all, in their territory, escorting these mortals didn¡¯t require too many experts. moreover, duanmu zang had already been captured by the state preceptor and the others, so from what they knew, it was impossible for there to be a rescue.


    there was also no second human expert.


    xu qing¡¯s existence was not mentioned by anyone of the human city.


    the kindness of human nature and the love of the same race became more and more prominent amidst evil.


    moreover, because of xu qing¡¯s cautiousness, the two races never heard of him.


    this led to them being slaughtered when facing xu qing. xu qing¡¯s poison was too terrifying. the foundation building cultivators were the first to not be able to withstand it and let out mournful cries as they rotted one after another.


    even though the mirror image race was special, it was still difficult for them to escape from the poison.


    xu qing continued the slaughter. with a dash, he got close to a heavenly mask race nascent soul cultivator and the two sides instantly collided.


    in just three to five breaths of time, the heavenly mask race¡¯s nascent soul cultivator spat out a mouthful of blood and his head flew up. the nascent souls in his body collapsed and one of them was directly swallowed by xu qing.


    he didn¡¯t have time to refine it in his hand.


    as for the injuries on his body, xu qing didn¡¯t care. he suddenly turned his head and stared at his surroundings.


    as the poison restriction activated, a large number of people died here. the massacre by the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor and shadow also caused the number of deaths of the cultivators of the two races to increase.


    as for ling¡¯er¡¯s attack, xu qing had seen it once on the merfolk island a long time ago. hence, he was very clear that although ling¡¯er looked weak on the surface, her style leaned toward close combat.


    from the looks of it, that was indeed the case.


    an armor appeared on ling¡¯er¡¯s body. as the dragon and snake phantoms surrounded her, she held a spear in her hand. her clearly skinny body erupted with astonishing combat strength.


    this massacre didn¡¯t last long. in less than fifteen minutes, as the last few cultivators of the two races died miserably, the surroundings fell silent.


    even the few large beasts that were pulling the metal cages were decapitated and killed by the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor out of anger.


    after everything ended, ling¡¯er cried. the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor was filled with grief and indignation. they looked at the cages protected by the morning glow.


    the humans in the cages were still numb. after many days of torture and the spells cast by the two races, their consciousness was about to collapse. even when they saw xu qing and the others, their eyes were listless.


    ¡°sister li¡­ auntie chen¡­¡± ling¡¯er walked to the front of a cage and looked at the figures inside. her voice was filled with tears.


    xu qing silently walked over. with a wave of his hand, the morning glow spread out. he lifted his hand and opened the cages. with a boom, the crowd fell out like goods.


    however, with xu qing¡¯s careful care, their fall didn¡¯t cause more casualties.


    however, the scenes he saw at the bottom of the cage caused xu qing¡¯s heart to sink.


    at the bottom of the cage was minced meat. hundreds of people had fused together, and some didn¡¯t even have a face to recognize¡­


    ¡°where¡¯s panyan¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly and walked to the next cage. he opened one cage after another and looked at those familiar clansmen, those badly mangled bodies, and those shocking mush. a deep sorrow rose in his heart.


    having seen the misery of the human world, he still couldn¡¯t be indifferent to such purgatory.


    this was especially when these were beautiful lives living happily just some time ago. in the two months he had lived with them, xu qing felt a rare simplicity from them and a kindness that was hard to find.

 Chapter 874 - 874 The Wild Geese Fly for a Long Time, but the Light Does Not Fade (3)

    874 the wild geese fly for a long time, but the light does not fade (3)


    in the cold and dark night, they would huddle together for warmth, willing to share their own warmth with more of their cold kin.


    but now¡­


    xu qing closed his eyes. the killing intent in his heart didn¡¯t decrease because of the massacre earlier. instead, it grew even thicker and stronger, piling up in his heart, pressing down on his ferocity, making it difficult for him to breathe.


    this was because he saw half a face among the minced corpses in the seventh cage.


    shi pangui¡¯s dao companion, the face of the woman who made delicious snacks¡­


    her body had already mixed into mush.


    xu qing silently left. after opening the last cage, amidst the crowd, his gaze stopped at the corner at the bottom of the cage.


    there was a corner of a book there.


    the moment he saw this, xu qing shuddered. he waved his hand; the minced meat in that area was slowly pushed aside, revealing a little girl.


    her clothes had fused with the minced meat, and only half of her small and skinny body was left. her small upper body held a pharmacopeia tightly with both hands.


    she hugged her very tightly.


    it was as though this was her last obsession and last hope.


    she, who was in the corner, had her head lowered. her pale face looked like she had fallen asleep.


    xu qing felt his heart being torn. he tried his best to take a deep breath but his body was still trembling. the scene from two months ago uncontrollably surfaced in his mind.


    in the scene, a skinny figure timidly held a sweet potato and asked him about herbs.


    in the scene, the child took out a piece of grass and asked him about his knowledge.


    that gaze that thirsted for knowledge left a deep impression on xu qing. hence, he gave away his pharmacopeia and accepted his first student in the dao of medicine.


    ¡°teacher, will i still see you?¡±


    this was the little girl¡¯s last sentence.


    at that moment, in xu qing¡¯s eyes, the sleeping little girl seemed to have lifted her head and looked at him timidly, asking the question again.


    ¡°as long as we don¡¯t die, we will meet again.¡±


    xu qing mumbled. this answer was very beautiful but¡­ if dead, they wouldn¡¯t be able to see each other again.


    xu qing stood there for a long, long time.


    this lasted until ling¡¯er¡¯s cries and the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s indignant roars echoed in his ears. they slowly became clearer and pulled his thoughts back to reality.


    ¡°ling¡¯er¡­¡± xu qing¡¯s voice was extremely hoarse. he turned his head and looked at the crying ling¡¯er.


    ling¡¯er ran over and hugged xu qing. her body twitched. she had rarely seen such a tragic scene and it was hard for her to endure it.


    the crowd in the surroundings slowly recovered. the sounds of sorrow and crying gradually increased until a figure staggered over and knelt in front of xu qing.


    ¡°senior¡­¡±


    the person who came was shi pangui. his body was weak and his eyes were red with bloody tears. his expression was distorted and his madness was being suppressed. he trembled as he looked at xu qing.


    he knew that his wife and sister had died and even he had the intent to die. however, he endured it.


    this was because he knew that he had to tell xu qing about the king¡¯s whereabouts.


    ¡°senior, please save the king¡­¡±


    ¡°the king was captured by the state preceptors of the two races and brought to the holy city. at that time, i heard them saying that they wanted to refine the king into a blood artifact to repair the mirror treasure.¡±


    xu qing looked at shi pangui. after a few breaths, he turned his head and looked at the little girl.


    shi pangui also looked over. his body trembled even more and he clenched his fists tightly. the grief in his heart transformed into a mouthful of blood and he revealed a bitter smile.


    xu qing silently walked over and arrived in front of the little girl. he squatted down and covered her eyes.


    ¡°pangui, your sister is asleep. don¡¯t disturb her. you guys wait for me here.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll go and bring your king back.¡±


    xu qing spoke softly. after he stood up, his voice was calm.


    ¡°ling¡¯er, can you protect them here?¡±


    ¡°i can do it!¡± ling¡¯er wiped her tears and nodded vigorously.


    xu qing didn¡¯t say anything. he left the shadow behind and summoned d132¡¯s stone lion and head. at the same time, he spread out the poison mist and enveloped the surroundings, sealing this place.


    after doing all this, xu qing took a deep breath and patted shi pangui¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°pangui, wait for me to return.¡±


    after saying that, xu qing lifted his head and looked in the direction of the holy city.


    it was as though he was looking at a land of death. there were no waves in his heart, only the intent of death that continued to gather and grow denser. finally, it spread throughout his body and enveloped the surroundings.


    he didn¡¯t continue speaking and took a step forward. when he reached the sky, he waved his hand and the spirit liner appeared.


    the terrifying figure of the black-robed old woman appeared in the sky.


    xu qing stood on her head. the old woman¡¯s face revealed death and killing intent as she moved.


    xu qing lowered his head. as the liner moved forward rapidly, the poison restriction in his body spread behind him.


    it didn¡¯t spread out in a disorderly manner but gathered together.


    more and more.


    gradually, a thick black fog formed behind xu qing.


    this fog contained the poison restriction, causing everything around it to distort. as the surroundings rumbled, the fog grew larger and denser.


    under xu qing¡¯s continued release, the poison restriction nascent soul in his body erupted with full strength, causing the poison produced in his body to rise unprecedentedly.


    xu qing rarely released poison restriction with all his might. however, at this moment, the killing intent and oppression in his heart made him want to completely erupt.


    just like that, time flowed by. three days later.


    500 kilometers away from the holy city of the two races, a sandstorm appeared in the sky. the range was 50 kilometers wide.

 Chapter 875 - 875 The Wild Geese Fly for a Long Time, but the Light Does Not Fade (4)

    875 the wild geese fly for a long time, but the light does not fade (4)


    the sandstorm connected the sky and the ground. countless bolts of lightning rumbled inside and endless anomalous substances spread out from it, invading the surroundings.


    amidst this vast black sandstorm was the figure of a huge old woman. on her head was xu qing who stood there expressionlessly, looking into the distance.


    during these three days, he tried to awaken d132¡¯s god finger but the other party didn¡¯t respond. xu qing knew that it wasn¡¯t asleep.


    since it didn¡¯t respond, xu qing didn¡¯t continue. he didn¡¯t even frown.


    he knew that the place he was going to was filled with great danger. with his cultivation, it would be very difficult for him to face spirit repository experts.


    there were a total of six spirit repository experts in the alliance of the two races.


    among them, two had already refined a complete secret repository.


    however, even though some things were dangerous, xu qing felt that he still had to do them.


    in reality, as long as he dealt with the six spirit repository cultivators, it wasn¡¯t impossible for xu qing to kill the other nascent soul cultivators with his methods.


    however, the price was very high.


    ¡°my student is dead. as her teacher, i have to seek justice.¡±


    ¡°after eating so many of their snacks, i have to do something.¡±


    ¡°also¡­ i borrowed something. if duanmu is gone, i won¡¯t be able to return it.¡±


    xu qing spoke softly. the coldness in his eyes grew colder and colder. he swept up the poison restriction sandstorm that enveloped an area of 50 kilometers behind him and moved closer to the holy city of the two races.


    at the same time, 500 kilometers away, in the holy city that was like a bird¡¯s nest, the members of the two races were celebrating.


    they had already heard about the capture of the humans. over the past few days, many inferior races had been captured one after another, and there were finally enough tributes.


    this meant that their two races could be at ease before the next tribute day arrived.


    this matter caused the two races to celebrate with excitement and joy. the entire city was in a celebratory mood.


    the heavenly fire crossing the sky phenomenon had caused great damage to the city and basically exhausted the protective array formation, but it had recovered after these few months of repair.


    amidst the commotion, many members of the two races gathered at the plaza between the two palaces. there was a refinement going on there.


    this refinement had been going on for a long time and was about to end.


    the person who was doing the refining was the state preceptor of the mirror image race, and the person who was refined was the human race¡¯s duanmu zang.


    many cultivators from the two races weren¡¯t unfamiliar with duanmu zang. many of their people had gone missing for many years and in the end, the cause was found out to be related to duanmu zang.


    hence, during these few days of refinement, the members of the two races would head over to take a look.


    at that moment, on the plaza, duanmu zang¡¯s head and limbs were nailed to a huge mirror. waves of white gas spread out from his entire body and fused into the mirror.


    this mirror was none other than the mirror treasure that he had shattered back then.


    the artifact spirit inside had already been destroyed and was being reconstructed.


    as for duanmu zang, the blood in his entire body continued to flow. the pain brought about by his life being refined caused his body to tremble and his expression to twist. if one took a closer look, they could even see that most of the bones in his body had collapsed and all his tendons had been torn apart.


    his nascent souls were also restricted and there were countless strange maggots eating them.


    the collapsed secret repository was filled with death aura, attracting a large number of evil souls to devour it.


    clearly, he had endured endless torture earlier.


    however, all the pain didn¡¯t make him let out any wails.


    the human race¡¯s spirit made him face even the direst situations with a smile, refusing to show the slightest hint of weakness.


    he stared at the figure meditating in the air and spoke in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°you are actually taking so long to refine this old man. the mirror image race is indeed trash.¡±


    sitting cross-legged in mid-air was an elderly figure with a stony body, and this person was none other than the state preceptor of the mirror image race. he cast a cold gaze at duanmu zang and spoke indifferently.


    ¡°after you become my mirror spirit, i¡¯ll make you swallow your clansmen personally. you¡¯ll like that taste.¡±

 Chapter 876 - 876 The Ominous Star Shatters the Sky (1)

    876 the ominous star shatters the sky (1)


    the special nature of the heavenly fire sea in the eastern part of the moon worship region and the hot environment made it so that not many races could survive here.


    among the races that lived here, the mirror image race and the heavenly mask race were the main races.


    the heavenly fire crystals from the heavenly fire sea were one of the many commonly needed offerings designated by the red moon shrine. hence, they were often plundered by other races.


    in order to resist external enemies, the two races had no choice but to join forces and form an alliance.


    they even established this holy city.


    this city had lasted for a thousand years and had experienced the heavenly fire crossing the sky time and time again, protecting countless members of the two races.


    although it faced destruction in the middle, it was rebuilt in the end. hence, in the hearts of the two races, this city had a profound meaning.


    they believed that this city that had witnessed the history of their two races would continue to witness their future.


    however, to the inferior races in the heavenly fire sea region, this was a city of despair. regardless of whether it was the human race or the other hunted races, in their hearts, this place was filled with death and evil.


    in fact, the number of other races who died here was even more than the tributes offered to the red moon shrine.


    all of this was because of the cruelty that existed in the bones of the two races.


    living in the hopeless moon worship region, they liked to see the despaired expressions of people who were already in despair.


    it was as though only this could make them feel superior and find the joy of life.


    at that moment, although the city was filled with laughter, under the laughter, there were cries and wails.


    the sounds of whipping, berating, and torture echoed from every corner of the city.


    the entire city was filled with blood. countless bones were piled up outside every house.


    the humans weren¡¯t the only ones who became food.


    because they already had enough tributes to offer this time, the excess prey became food and toys.


    these inferior races could be bought by the members of the two races at will. they lived a life worse than death and endured endless pain while cursing that their deaths could exchange for the destruction of the two races.


    and this day, as the rumbling sounds echoed in the sky, it arrived.


    at that moment, in this cruel city, the members of the two races who were cheering stopped laughing and looked at the distant sky in surprise.


    a huge sandstorm that spread for 50 kilometers was approaching them like a giant shadow.


    it blotted out the sky and enveloped the sky with an astonishing aura.


    not only was the range huge, but there were also countless bolts of lightning swimming inside. the sound of thunder spread in all directions, and the ground was also affected, stirring up more sandstorms that continued to circle in all directions.


    the dim sky also became distorted and blurry. thick anomalous substances filled the surroundings with that place as the source.


    it was a shocking sight.


    one could even vaguely see a huge figure inside.


    this figure wore a black robe and was moving over with the storm. it was like an emissary of death had heard the curse of all living beings and descended to the human world.


    this scene gradually attracted the attention of even more cultivators from the two races. very soon, the entire city fell silent.


    as for the state preceptor of the mirror image race, who was refining duanmu zang on the plaza, he also lifted his head. when he looked at the sky, a terrifying divine consciousness fluctuation rose from his body.


    heavenly lightning rumbled in the sky as an illusory figure the same size as the black-robed old woman in the sandstorm stood above the city.


    ¡°halt!¡±


    a cold voice rang out from his mouth, causing endless thunder to blast in the surroundings.


    at the same time, numerous divine consciousnesses spread out from the holy city and locked onto this storm.


    among these divine consciousnesses, there were three fluctuations that were as powerful as the state preceptor. they also transformed into astonishing figures and coldly stared at the sandstorm.


    these four figures emitted fluctuations that belonged to the spirit repository. although their heavenly dao hadn¡¯t been born yet, the pressure of the dao nurturing stage was also extremely powerful.


    duanmu zang, who was on the verge of death on the plaza, looked at the sky amidst the pain in his body and mind.


    he saw the vast sandstorm and the huge figure inside. vaguely, there seemed to be a figure standing on the figure¡¯s head.


    this figure didn¡¯t look like a human but a member of the black heaven race!


    it had gray skin, a large head, and a head full of sharp spikes.


    at this moment, the majestic sandstorm slowly approached the holy city. finally, under the pressure from the two races in the holy city, it stopped five kilometers away from the holy city.


    the five-kilometer gap couldn¡¯t isolate the rumbling from the sandstorm or stop the spread of the poison restriction.


    hence, patches of thin fog drifted above the holy city like a haze that covered the moon, causing the holy city¡¯s protective array to emit sizzling sounds as it was corroding.


    there was also a deafening sound that exploded in the surroundings.


    ¡°pretending to be mysterious!¡±


    above the holy city, the state preceptor of the mirror image race spoke in a deep voice and waved his right hand.


    immediately, the fog that filled the surroundings of the holy city rolled back. however, it didn¡¯t completely dissipate. instead, after it spread out, it gathered again.


    this scene caused the heart of the mirror image race¡¯s state preceptor to sink. he frowned slightly and looked five kilometers away.


    at that moment, from the sandstorm formed by the fog of the poison restriction five kilometers away, the old woman slowly walked out, revealing xu qing, who was standing on her head.


    xu qing was expressionless as he coldly looked at the bird¡¯s nest-like holy city of the two races in front of him. he then transmitted his divine sense to d132 in his body.


    ¡°are you really not eating?¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m not eating, i¡¯m not eating, i¡¯m not eating. these are all f*cking offerings to the crimson goddess. i don¡¯t dare to eat them. moreover, they all contain a curse. they¡¯re filled with rancid taste and rotten meat. would you eat them?¡±

 Chapter 877 - 877 The Ominous Star Shatters the Sky (2)

    877 the ominous star shatters the sky (2)


    the god¡¯s finger spoke with conviction.


    xu qing ignored him. on the way here, in order to prevent his motive from being exposed, he stimulated the profound heaven demon moon pill he had eaten when he went to the holy wave race with the captain back then and released the last bit of medicinal power in his body, turning him into the black heaven race¡¯s member again.


    he stared at the holy city and lifted his right hand, pointing at the sky above the city.


    immediately, the sky churned. accompanied by a rumbling sound, a purple moon actually appeared out of thin air and rose above the holy city.


    when the purple moon descended to the world, the colors of the world changed. everything turned purple at this instant.


    the sky, the ground, and even the city was dyed purple.


    everything was purple!


    divine might spread out and enveloped the world. it contained dense authority of the crimson goddess, surpassing all the divine envoys. it was like the arrival of a divine son, causing the entire city to distort and the surroundings to turn blurry.


    dense anomalous substances erupted from everywhere in the city, invading the two races.


    countless gasps, exclamations, and cries of horror rang out from everywhere in the city.


    the familiar feeling caused many cultivators of the two races to instinctively kneel down, their hearts trembling to the extreme.


    the expressions of the four spirit repository figures above the city also changed drastically.


    including the state preceptor, their hearts fluctuated intensely. the expressions on their faces could no longer be calm and their eyes revealed horror.


    all the living beings in the moon worship region contained the curse of the red moon in their bodies. this curse that had been contained in their blood for generations prevented them from leaving the moon worship region. at the same time, it also allowed them to clearly sense the pressure from the god when they faced the red moon shrine.


    normally, this curse was like a deep sleep. it would only erupt when they tried to escape from the moon worship region.


    however, at this moment, these four spirit repository cultivators and the members of the two races in the city all felt the activation of the curse in their bloodlines.


    although it was still far from erupting, this activation seemed to have plucked the threads of life, echoing with the sound of a death knell, causing them to tremble uncontrollably.


    five kilometers away, xu qing, who was standing on the old woman¡¯s head, looked at everything and slowly spoke his first words since he arrived.


    ¡°all the spirit repository cultivators of the two races, come out and welcome this envoy!¡±


    as soon as xu qing finished speaking, the light of the purple moon suddenly flickered. the divine might became more intense and the world distorted even more. everything was swaying. some mortals in the city couldn¡¯t withstand it anymore and started screaming.


    their bodies were beginning to mutate and the curse in their bodies was flaring up. it spread throughout their bodies, causing them to let out heart-rending cries and their bodies to wither continuously.


    all of this caused everyone in the two races¡¯ alliance to be terrified. the four spirit repository cultivators, including the state preceptor, instinctively rushed out and headed straight for xu qing.


    from the palaces of the two races, two even more powerful energy fluctuations soared into the sky.


    they were the kings and ancestors of the two races.


    their expressions were also filled with horror, but there was also surprise. there was still a difference between purple moon and red moon, but their auras and divine might were exactly the same.


    all of this made them instinctively not dare to offend xu qing. after they rushed out, they headed straight for xu qing with the four dao nurturing spirit repository cultivators, not daring to get too close. they stopped 10,000 feet away.


    ¡°greetings, divine envoy!¡±


    the ancestors of the two races solemnly cupped their fists.


    xu qing was expressionless. this was the first step of the only solution he had thought of on the way here.


    he had to make sure the six of them were together.


    this wasn¡¯t difficult. he could accomplish it by using the identity of a member of the temple.


    the first step was completed. the instant they bowed, the purple moon in the sky rumbled over and floated above the six of them, suppressing them.


    this was the second step.


    xu qing knew that the spirit repository cultivators weren¡¯t fools, especially the ancestors. he couldn¡¯t underestimate them. he could hoodwink them at the start with his fake identity but it was hard to guarantee that nothing unexpected would happen.


    hence, he couldn¡¯t delay. he had to end the battle quickly when they were still confused!


    hence, the second step was to rely on the power of the purple moon to suppress them, causing them to be in a daze for a moment.


    at that moment, under the suppression of the purple moon, the expressions of the six spirit repository experts from the two races¡¯ alliance changed. the curse power in their bodies fluctuated at this moment.


    however, their cultivation levels could support them in suppressing the curse before it completely erupted. at this moment, xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all to pull out the gnomon of all the five sundials in his body!


    this was the third step.


    the trance time for the second step wasn¡¯t enough. he needed the enhancement of the third step to give him an opportunity to activate the fourth step!


    with the gnomons being pulled out, the five sundials erupted with time stasis at the same time, causing the time in the surroundings of the six spirit repository experts to instantly stop.


    at the next instant, the heavenly dao mosasaur appeared and its majestic body spread out. as the six spirit repository cultivators resisted the suppression of the purple moon and their minds were in a daze, it devoured them.


    it swallowed the six cultivators and the purple moon!


    this was the fourth step of xu qing¡¯s plan.


    the price to pay for this was extremely huge.


    xu qing¡¯s five sundials collapsed and shattered into pieces.


    xu qing spat out a large mouthful of blood and his body became feeble. however, his cultivation didn¡¯t decrease by much because the life lanterns formed by his bloodline were actually those five gnomons!


    as for the sundials, they came from the purple crystal. his experience in the heavenly fire sea earlier allowed xu qing to understand that they could restore themselves. it was just that it would take time.

 Chapter 878 - 878 The Ominous Star Shatters the Sky (3)

    878 the ominous star shatters the sky (3)


    with the help of the sundials, the fourth step of the plan was completed.


    the purple moon disappeared and so did the six spirit repository cultivators. the mosasaur let out a painful roar in the air. its body swelled and its body rumbled.


    it couldn¡¯t hold on for long.


    although its formation was special and it had the enhancement of the heavenly dao, it was still weak in the end. even with the help of the purple moon¡¯s suppression, it was very difficult for it to trap the six spirit repository experts for a long time.


    in the end, xu qing¡¯s divine authority wasn¡¯t enough. it was difficult for him to completely detonate the curse in the spirit repository cultivators.


    at most, he could only awaken this curse from its slumber.


    however, being able to do this was already astonishing. this was because he was completely using his own strength to activate it, while divine envoys used themselves as a vessel to borrow the power of the god to achieve the same effect.


    it looked the same but its essence was completely different.


    ¡°hold on for about fifteen minutes!¡± xu qing said to the mosasaur. after that, he looked at the holy city. the killing intent in his eyes couldn¡¯t be suppressed at this moment.


    he headed straight for the holy city, his voice echoing in all directions.


    ¡°mirror image race members, for your audacity in injuring my black heaven divine envoy a month ago, you shall be punished with race extermination!¡±


    xu qing suddenly lifted his right hand and waved it forward.


    in an instant, a bolt of red lightning shot out of the fog behind xu qing, heading straight for the holy city¡¯s defense.


    it was extremely fast and a series of lightning bolts flashed along with it.


    within the red lightning was the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor. his eyes were red and killing intent filled his mind.


    ever since he followed xu qing, he had always acted for xu qing and was always passive. it was only today that he took the initiative to attack. he wanted to take revenge for those dead audience!


    thinking of the gazes of those audience and their voices, the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s grief and indignation completely erupted.


    ¡°kill!¡±


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor roared and swept up the indestructible god fish bone. he instantly approached the holy city¡¯s defense and stabbed ruthlessly!


    after the heavenly fire crossing the sky phenomenon, the defense of the holy city had reached the point of exhaustion. although several months of recovery allowed it to recover some of its might, it was far away from its peak.


    it was already dim and couldn¡¯t block the penetrative power from the god fish bone at all. as a rumbling sound rang out, the fish bone surrounded by red lightning directly pierced a small hole in the protective light barrier!


    the appearance of this small hole formed a chain reaction, producing a large number of cracks that rapidly spread in all directions.


    the array formation of the holy city was indeed extraordinary. even though a hole had been formed in it, the barrier was restoring itself.


    however, xu qing was already mentally prepared for everything on the way here. almost at the instant the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor penetrated and the array formation was automatically recovering, a monstrous explosion rang out from the sky.


    a huge mountain appeared in the sky.


    from afar, this mountain peak looked like a figure sitting cross-legged and meditating. its appearance was exactly the same as xu qing¡¯s. it carried two dim great worlds on its shoulder and its entire body emitted an astonishing pressure.


    it was xu qing¡¯s ghost emperor mountain!


    as soon as this mountain appeared, it smashed fiercely at the holy city¡¯s defense below!


    the ground trembled and the holy city¡¯s protective barrier instantly distorted. its recovery progress immediately stopped as the entire protective light barrier caved in!


    however, it didn¡¯t collapse in the end and was still holding on. however, more cracks spread under the impact of the ghost emperor mountain and the holes pierced by the fish bone.


    at that moment, a cry that echoed through the world rang out from above xu qing.


    the black golden crow flew out from the void and its body continued to grow larger.


    in the blink of an eye, its body transformed into 10,000 feet long and more than 200 tail feathers fluttered behind it. it was like a black phoenix that spread out its wings and tails in the sky and headed straight for the holy city.


    it instantly arrived above the holy city, and breathed out heavenly fire at the cracking barrier!


    this fire was formed from the magma it had swallowed from the heavenly fire sea. it was incomparably hot.


    it continued to breathe out a large amount of flames as it flew around the holy city. the entire city was enveloped by heavenly fire.


    it was like heavenly fire crossing the sky phenomenon had appeared once again!


    all of this took a long time to describe, but in reality, from the moment the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor flew out until the golden crow spat out fire, everything was done in three to five breaths of time.


    as for the holy city¡¯s protective light barrier, after enduring all of this, it finally couldn¡¯t hold on anymore. under the ear-piercing cracking sounds, it completely collapsed.


    the ghost emperor mountain landed on the ground and the city rumbled.


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor rushed over and killed everyone he saw!


    the flames in the sky were no longer obstructed, scattering down on the city and burning everything.


    the world lost its color!


    in the holy city, the clansmen of the two races were already shaking with fright when they saw that their kings and the others had been devoured by a huge mosasaur.


    surprise and horror filled their hearts. they were already in a state of shock when their curses had awakened and xu qing¡¯s identity as the divine envoy was revealed.


    at that moment, in just a few breaths, the array formation collapsed and the heavenly fire spread. all of this caused them to feel like a calamity had descended upon them.


    however, these were two races after all. although the spirit repository experts were trapped, there were still many nascent soul cultivators and there were even more golden cores among them. after experiencing the sudden change earlier, they all reacted at this moment. one figure after another rushed out and headed straight for xu qing.


    xu qing lifted his right hand and pressed down on the holy city below.


    the sandstorm that continued to spread poison for 50 kilometers transformed into a huge shadow and endless smog that smashed toward the holy city!

 Chapter 879 - 879 The Ominous Star Shatters the Sky (4)

    879 the ominous star shatters the sky (4)


    it was like a violent wind.


    the sandstorm formed by the power of the poison restriction carried an extremely terrifying momentum, containing extremely powerful poison and terrifying anomalous substances. it drowned xu qing¡¯s figure and moved past him.


    the cultivators who were rushing toward xu qing were the first to bear the brunt. their screams were replaced by the furious roars of the sandstorm.


    under this intense storm of poison restriction, their bodies instantly began to rot and most of them died instantly without even being able to scream. the poison restriction¡¯s sandstorm continued to move toward the holy city with a shocking momentum.


    wherever it passed, the world would collapse.


    the first to collapse was the city wall, followed by the countless buildings inside, and then all the members of the two races here.


    anomalous substances erupted everywhere. at this moment, the entire holy city was enveloped by the sandstorm.


    from a distance, this scene appeared like divine retribution!


    xu qing, who was in the sky, seemed to be a god who was venting his divine might.


    the entire city was completely enveloped by the fog of the poison restriction. death was everywhere!


    it was difficult for a person¡¯s scream to spread in this fog, but it was different when many were screaming.


    heart-rending wails echoed in all directions.


    to the two races, this was a heavenly tribulation.


    however, there were many cultivators from the two races. some of them rushed out of the poison fog and rushed toward xu qing even while their bodies were rotting.


    their expressions were sinister and their hearts were filled with anger. in their eyes, xu qing was a heinous demon.


    and in xu qing¡¯s eyes, they were the same.


    in an instant, the two sides came into contact.


    a cold glint erupted in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he lifted his right hand and a dagger appeared. with a step, he got close to someone and ignored the spells the other party used as he rushed over.


    he slashed down!


    blood gushed out. when the head landed on the ground, five canopies appeared above xu qing, intertwining to form a purple throne.


    this was the true appearance of the life lantern formed by xu qing¡¯s bloodline.


    as soon as the throne appeared, the clouds in the sky moved. the bloodline fluctuation formed a suppressive force, causing the surroundings where xu qing was to distort.


    xu qing¡¯s speed and combat strength were enhanced. wherever he passed, the cultivators who rushed over would be crushed like paper.


    corpses fell from the sky one after another. as the mournful cries continued to echo in the entire city, xu qing¡¯s body transformed into an afterimage and appeared in front of a heavenly mask race cultivator. the dagger in his hand flashed coldly, trying to slit his neck.


    however, this cultivator wasn¡¯t ordinary either. he actually didn¡¯t die. he hugged xu qing tightly and the other cultivators in the surroundings instantly used this chance to attack.


    in this critical moment, the canopies above xu qing¡¯s head instantly fell and the shadow of the throne enveloped the surroundings.


    amidst the rumbling, the canopies blurred and transformed into five sharp spikes that rapidly pierced through the surroundings. as screams echoed, the five sharp spikes circled around and formed a throne beside xu qing again.


    xu qing slashed with his dagger, completely cutting the neck of the heavenly mask race cultivator.


    however, at this moment, three figures suddenly approached and energy fluctuations of the perfected nascent soul realm erupted from their bodies.


    their attacks forced xu qing to fall and cough out large mouthfuls of blood. the internal organs in his body were shaking. fortunately, his body was strong. although he wasn¡¯t a match for them, he wouldn¡¯t collapse because of this.


    just as the three of them were about to chase after him, xu qing¡¯s body swayed and turned translucent, entering the fog that enveloped the holy city.


    in such a state, his aura was completely concealed. at some point in time, a mask had appeared on his face.


    this blood-red mask allowed xu qing¡¯s concealment ability to reach its peak. his entire person seemed to have transformed into a ghost. with a dagger in his hand, he shuttled through the fog like an assassin.


    as long as he encountered cultivators from the two races, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to slit their necks.


    if it was inconvenient to slit their necks, he would attack their hearts and other vital points.


    during this process, it was inevitable that he would encounter some experts. if he could kill them, he would. if he couldn¡¯t, xu qing would leave even while risking injuries.


    at the same time, for nascent soul cultivators who could be killed, their nascent souls were tonic to xu qing.


    he would extract them and crush them, absorbing the heavenly mandates inside to replenish his body. he released all his heavenly demon bodies to distract the experts of the two races in this fog, killing everyone he saw.


    corpses continued to fall and rot very quickly. screams continuously echoed in the fog. the experts of the two races outside the fog were extremely angry and had no choice but to rush into the fog.


    there was also a portion that headed straight for the heavenly dao mosasaur and bombarded it, trying to rescue their ancestors.


    there were also many who flew into the air and cast spells, wanting to disperse the 50-kilometer poison restriction sandstorm. however, with their abilities, they wouldn¡¯t be able to accomplish this in a short period of time.


    xu qing¡¯s figure represented death. in this fog, he was everywhere, reaping everything.


    this was the battlefield he had thought of on the way here and prepared for himself!


    those who were weaker than him would be cruelly killed by him, while he would do his best to avoid those who were stronger and wait for the poison to act up before killing them!


    ¡®if you don¡¯t come, i will kill the mortals.¡¯


    in a short period of time, it was impossible for everyone to escape. moreover, the terror of this poison fog was that the slightest contact with it would leave a mark of death.


    in short, everyone here was his target!


    in this battlefield that only belonged to him, xu qing, who came and went without a trace, was an existence like the grim reaper!


    his ruthlessness and how difficult he was to deal with caused the hearts of the cultivators of the two races to tremble violently.


    this was xu qing¡¯s revenge!

 Chapter 880 - 880 It Will Be Enough With You Added (1)

    880 it will be enough with you added (1)


    the poison restriction sandstorm that covered an area of 50 kilometers enveloped the holy city. from afar, this city that had witnessed the history of the two races was a blur, as though doomsday had descended.


    the invasion of the anomalous substances here caused countless buildings to crumble apart and countless lives to wither. what was even more terrifying was mutation.


    as the anomalous substances in the bodies of a large number of people from the two races surpassed the critical point, they would either collapse into meat pulp or transform into mutated beasts that would kill anyone they saw.


    death was everywhere.


    however, compared to this, the poison restriction was the most direct manifestation. regardless of whether it was mutated beasts or cultivators, whether they were alive or dead, even buildings couldn¡¯t escape its power.


    the mirrors of the mirror image race turned black and lost their luster.


    the heavenly mask race¡¯s body turned into blood and their life force was extinguished.


    wails, mournful cries, and roars of pain pieced together to form the melody of the funeral music. this tune surrounded xu qing, moving forward with his figure that was hidden like a ghost assassin.


    every time he attacked, another note would be added to the tune.


    every time he killed, an additional melody would be added to the funeral song.


    the dagger in his hand wasn¡¯t tainted by blood because all the blood from the slaughter flowed down the dagger and onto xu qing¡¯s arm, dyeing his clothes red.


    his white robe had long turned blood-red and stuck to his body.


    xu qing was already used to this feeling.


    he continued to move in the fog, harvesting lives one after another. the cries of agony went unheeded by him; he had no intention of showing mercy by granting them release from their suffering. xu qing was not one to offer such kindness.


    in his mind, the image of firefly city in the darkness appeared. the scenes there seemed to make his speed even faster.


    as for the minced meat in the metal cages, it made him grip the dagger even tighter.


    this lasted until the memory froze on panyan¡¯s small face. xu qing flashed past a heavenly mask race cultivator and hot blood landed on his hand.


    ¡°this is not enough.¡±


    xu qing mumbled and retreated. the instant he fused into the fog, six figures rushed over to where he was previously, stirring up rumbling sounds.


    those six figures were all at the fourth or fifth tribulation of the nascent soul realm and emitted powerful fluctuations. all of their eyes revealed hatred and their expressions were filled with malevolence and anger.


    they were in charge of chasing after xu qing but in this city filled with the poison restriction, they couldn¡¯t find any traces of xu qing at all. even if they occasionally discovered his energy fluctuations, it would be like now, impossible to lock on to.


    at the same time, they had to do their best to resist the invasion of the poison restriction. fortunately, it hadn¡¯t been long and they could still hold on. however, it was inevitable that the six of them would fall to it sooner or later.


    xu qing never fought them head-on.


    his target had been very clear from the start. it was the plaza between the two palaces in the city.


    duanmu zang was there.


    xu qing¡¯s identity as a member of the black heaven race and his words when he attacked were all to hide his race and goal.


    only then could he save duanmu zang when the enemy was caught off guard and they wouldn¡¯t be able to use duanmu zang to threaten him.


    after all, using a human to threaten the black heaven race was too far-fetched.


    of course, the key to achieving this was time. if the two races had time to react and investigate, there would be some flaws they could see from xu qing¡¯s actions.


    however, right now, there weren¡¯t much flaws to see through.


    xu qing¡¯s speed was very fast. he sped through the poison fog and approached the plaza in the center of the city. with the help of the poison fog, he sensed duanmu zang, who was lying on the verge of death and his entire body was covered in the poison restriction.


    it was very difficult for xu qing to have a fine control over such dense poison fog, so he couldn¡¯t make them ignore duanmu zang.


    however, duanmu zang also had an advantage. he had been poisoned before and xu qing had neutralized it. hence, compared to the cultivators of the two races, he more or less had some resistance in his body.


    although this resistance couldn¡¯t protect him from the poison, it could allow him to last longer.


    however, no matter how meticulous a plan was, it was still difficult to make it flawless in such a hurry.


    although xu qing had changed his identity and concealed his motive, the timing of appearance which matched the timing of when duanmu zang was being refined still caused some cultivators from the two races to make guesses and choose to wait here.


    however, due to the interference of uncertain factors and the invasion of the poison fog, not many cultivators from the two races were waiting here right now.


    a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he stared at the few figures appearing in the dim fog in front of him.


    he charged forward.


    he instantly arrived behind a mirror image race cultivator.


    he silently lifted his right hand and grabbed the mirror that covered the glabella of the mirror image race cultivator.


    the instant this person sensed it, before he could struggle, xu qing had already grabbed the mirror and squeezed it.


    with a cracking sound, the mirror shattered. just as the mirror image race cultivator was about to scream, xu qing pressed down on his mouth, firmly blocking it.


    the screams turned into whimpers and were drowned out by the continuous wailing in the city.


    the poison restriction spread out even more intensely from xu qing¡¯s body and fused into the other party¡¯s body. after this person completely lost his vitality and stopped moving, xu qing gently put him down and disappeared from the spot.


    soon after, there was one less figure in the dim fog.


    ten breaths later, there was one less person.


    at that moment, the remaining cultivators here also sensed this. when xu qing attacked again, more than ten figures of the two races surged out from his surroundings and rushed toward him.

 Chapter 881 - 881 It Will Be Enough With You Added (2)

    881 it will be enough with you added (2)


    xu qing remained calm, calculating the timing in his mind. instead of retreating as he did before, his body underwent a subtle transformation, and golden threads within him instantly unfurled.


    his body suddenly expanded and the appearance of the black heaven race dissipated, revealing the appearance of a human. he directly grew from the size of an ordinary person to 30 feet tall.


    the moment the god-like figure appeared in the poison fog, fluctuations that belonged to the gods rose from his body.


    this was the strongest physical state that xu qing could display. at this moment, under the sudden energy eruption, his surroundings transformed into a vortex.


    at the next instant, xu qing rushed out and collided with three heavenly mask race cultivators at the front.


    a rumbling sound echoed and the three heavenly mask race cultivators couldn¡¯t stop him at all. one was smashed apart from the collision while the other two coughed blood as they retreated with horrified expressions.


    the methods xu qing displayed were each more astonishing than the last.


    xu qing didn¡¯t stop. he leaped forward, appearing beside two mirror image race cultivators. he grabbed their bodies and threw them out.


    amidst a series of explosions, the bodies of the two mirror image race cultivators exploded. as flesh and blood splattered everywhere, the other cultivators from the two races reached near xu qing.


    the person in the lead was a fourth tribulation nascent soul cultivator.


    seeing that they were near him, the morning glow in xu qing¡¯s body shone and instantly swept in all directions.


    the morning glow could destroy ten thousand spells. at this moment, those cultivators from the two races who were rushing toward xu qing had no choice but to retreat and block.


    however, that fourth tribulation nascent soul cultivator¡¯s killing intent was intense. he spared no expense and ignored the poison in his body as he forcefully arrived before xu qing.


    ¡°die!¡±


    amidst the collision of the spells, xu qing coughed out a mouthful of blood. the nascent souls in his body were trembling as he retreated.


    before he could steady himself, the other party rushed over again. he even transformed into a malicious ghost and devoured xu qing¡¯s body.


    however, the divine might from xu qing¡¯s body caused those malicious ghosts to scream and retreat the moment they got close.


    the fourth tribulation cultivator didn¡¯t stop. he clearly knew that his poison couldn¡¯t be alleviated and wanted to kill xu qing before his entire body rotted.


    seeing that the malicious ghosts couldn¡¯t do anything, he bit the tip of his tongue and spat out a mouthful of blood, making the malicious ghosts go berserk. at the same time, he took out a gourd and released more malicious ghosts to attack xu qing. he then performed a series of hand seals with both hands to conjure a golden bell which he shook vigorously.


    the bell chimes pierced into xu qing¡¯s soul and the malicious ghosts continued to bite him. his body shook as he retreated again.


    one chased while the other retreated. however, xu qing¡¯s speed wasn¡¯t as fast as the other party and he wasn¡¯t in bizarre nether state. very soon, he was caught up and he had to continue to retreat.


    as the sounds of explosions continued to reverberate, more cultivators from the two races sensed the battle here and arrived one after another.


    tens of breaths later, xu qing¡¯s body was blasted 100 feet away by the fourth tribulation cultivator. the moment he landed on the ground, the fourth tribulation cultivator was about to continue but what rushed out wasn¡¯t his complete body.


    the lower half of his body had completely rotted. half of his body was in mid-air and the nascent souls in his body had also melted. the poison restriction had completely erupted in his body.


    ¡°i¡­¡± a look of unwillingness appeared in the eyes of the fourth tribulation cultivator. he had tried his best but the enemy¡¯s body was too sturdy and he couldn¡¯t kill him in one strike. as for binding him, the rainbow light emitted by the other party¡¯s body was equally difficult to deal with.


    at this moment, when he was despairing, a red bolt of lightning flew over and pierced through his back, flying out of his forehead.


    the cultivator fell on the ground, his body and spirit destroyed.


    xu qing got up with difficulty. there were still many malicious ghosts hanging on his body.


    some of these malicious ghosts dispersed because of the death of the fourth tribulation cultivator but there were also some that flew out of the gourd. at that moment, they had lost their intelligence. even though they were constantly collapsing under the aura of xu qing¡¯s body, they were still biting crazily.


    xu qing ignored them. he knew that he wasn¡¯t a match for that fourth tribulation cultivator but it didn¡¯t matter. this was a battlefield that belonged to him. his combat strength wasn¡¯t enough but his body¡¯s defense was extremely strong.


    as long as he wasn¡¯t instantly killed, he definitely wouldn¡¯t be the one to die in this poison fog.


    the death of the fourth tribulation cultivator caused the remaining people here to not dare to continue. all of them instinctively rose into the air and wanted to leave.


    xu qing didn¡¯t bother with them. while breathing roughly, he quickly approached the plaza.


    restricting six spirit repository cultivators, destroying the city¡¯s defense, poisoning at least 100,000 members of the two races, killing hundreds of golden cores and dozens of nascent soul cultivators. this was already xu qing¡¯s limit.


    he had already used all his strength. after a while, he finally arrived at the square and saw the dying duanmu zang lying there.


    the poison on duanmu zang¡¯s body was already incomparably dense and his body was starting to rot. after seeing xu qing, he opened his mouth wanting to say something but he no longer had the strength.


    xu qing smiled. he lifted his right hand and patted duanmu zang¡¯s body. immediately, the poison in duanmu zang¡¯s body left his body and headed straight for xu qing.


    at the same time, a ray of morning glow landed on duanmu zang¡¯s body, isolating him from the poison restriction fog and destroying the remaining restrictions in the surroundings.


    at the next moment, duanmu zang¡¯s body trembled. as the poison disappeared and the restraints dissipated, his cultivation base began to recover. however, his injuries were too serious. at that moment, he could only struggle to sit up and smile bitterly at xu qing.


    ¡°you shouldn¡¯t have come.¡±


    he saw xu qing¡¯s purple moon rising earlier but he didn¡¯t ask about it at all.


    xu qing panted heavily and sat beside duanmu zang. he could sense the fluctuations in the surroundings and knew that the matters here had been sensed by the other experts of the two races. at that moment, they were rushing over.

 Chapter 882 - 882 It Will Be Enough With You Added (3)

    882 it will be enough with you added (3)


    it probably wouldn¡¯t be long before they appeared.


    the mosasaur was starting to cry. clearly, it was reaching its limit and was unable to restrict the six spirit repository experts for long.


    ¡°the purple moon combined with the heavenly dao actually can¡¯t even restrict them for fifteen minutes. quite useless.¡±


    xu qing sighed and looked at the sky. the slumber of the crimson goddess allowed him to release the power of the purple moon without the same concerns as before. however, he needed to remain cautious against the temple.


    with the heavenly dao and the poison prohibition concealing him, as long as he didn¡¯t use the power of purple moon in front of others, everything should be fine.


    hence, xu qing looked at duanmu zang.


    ¡°would you like some wine?¡±


    as he spoke, he took out two flasks of wine and threw one to duanmu zang. he took the other and drank it.


    the moment duanmu zang received it, a rumbling sound rang out from the sky. a few furious shouts that shook the surroundings rang out like a storm.


    the city trembled. the poison fog here also churned violently, as though it was about to be blown out of the city¡¯s territory.


    the mosasaur wailed and its body collapsed. the six spirit repository experts in its body finally broke free.


    upon their appearance, curses started to resurface within their respective bodies but were forcefully suppressed. the city¡¯s desolation and the mass deaths of their kin, all this devastation, ignited an overwhelming rage within them.


    they each cast their spells, creating huge explosions everywhere. the sea of fire was suppressed and the poison fog moved. the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor quickly returned and the remaining clansmen of the two races felt hope in their hearts.


    seeing this scene, determination appeared in duanmu zang¡¯s eyes. he gulped down the wine and was about to stand up when xu qing pressed him down.


    ¡°there¡¯s no hurry.¡±


    xu qing smiled.


    looking at xu qing¡¯s smile and the malicious ghosts that were still biting him, duanmu zang¡¯s heart palpitated and he couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    ¡°these things on you¡­¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s not my body. it¡¯s fine, let them bite as they please.¡±


    as soon as xu qing said this, a tremor came from d132 in his body but it quickly disappeared.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care. he looked around and spoke softly.


    ¡°senior, i saved most of the people from the city but there were still some¡­¡±


    duanmu zang sighed softly.


    at that moment, the fog in the surroundings churned. with the appearance of the six spirit repository experts in the sky, a strong wind swept in all directions, finally causing the poison fog sandstorm here to gradually thin out and leave the range of the city.


    the golden crow had used all its strength and returned at this moment. the heavenly fire in the city was extinguished.


    this revealed the current state of the city.


    less than 30% of the city remained. most of the buildings had collapsed. some were burned by flames, some were blasted open by mutated beasts, and most had turned to dust under the poison restriction.


    as for corpses¡­ there were very few of them.


    this was because all the people who died couldn¡¯t escape the poison. after they melted, their traces were dissipated by the high temperature. hence, the smell here was extremely unpleasant.


    the sounds of crying, wailing, and angry roars continued to echo.


    looking at all of this, the remaining members of the two races trembled. their anger had long overflowed. as for the six spirit repository cultivators in the sky, their eyes were bloodshot. all of them looked at xu qing, who was sitting in the plaza and drinking.


    ¡°who the hell are you!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m your divine envoy.¡± xu qing looked at the sky and calmly spoke.


    the six spirit repository cultivators fell silent. the recovery of the curse in their bodies couldn¡¯t be fake. as for xu qing¡¯s identity, they had already roughly guessed it.


    ¡°divine envoy from another region.¡±


    this answer made them feel aggrieved and the killing intent in their eyes intensified.


    their auras affected the sky, causing lightning to surge and a huge vortex to appear in the sky in which appeared six faces.


    they didn¡¯t dare to kill the divine envoy. however, if they could capture this foreign region¡¯s divine envoy and send him to the temple, perhaps they could exchange for some extremely precious curse-resolving pills to relieve the pain and torture brought about by their curses as their cultivation levels increased.


    hence, after looking at each other, under the signal of the mirror image race¡¯s king, the state preceptor of the mirror image race walked toward xu qing from the sky.


    his pace wasn¡¯t fast. to him, the person in front of him had too many methods and they were all extremely bizarre. hence, he was very cautious.


    xu qing retracted his gaze and stood up. he then transmitted a calm divine sense to the god¡¯s finger.


    ¡°there aren¡¯t that many members of the two races left here. moreover, the purple moon invasion and the power of the heavenly dao have made the meat less rancid. if you don¡¯t eat them now, you won¡¯t be able to eat even if you¡¯re hungry in the future. i will be staying in the moon worship for a long time.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll sleep. once i fall asleep, i won¡¯t be hungry anymore!¡± the god¡¯s finger said proudly while suppressing its hunger.


    ¡°are you still planning to use your life and death to threaten me? let me tell you, it¡¯s useless. the crimson goddess is in a deep sleep and won¡¯t wake up for a while. you¡¯ve used this move too many times. i can tell that you¡¯re also afraid of death. if you want to die, we¡¯ll die together. i won¡¯t eat it even if i die!¡±


    xu qing was expressionless when he heard this. he glanced at the mirror immortal race¡¯s state preceptor who was walking over from the sky and took out the teleportation token that ancient spirit emperor had given him.


    the instant this token appeared, the god¡¯s finger trembled and quickly spoke.


    ¡°what are you doing!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m going to sacrifice them to the ancient spirit emperor.¡± xu qing calmly transmitted his voice and walked toward the sky, determination appearing in his eyes.


    ¡°didn¡¯t the ancient spirit emperor tell you to send a remnant god next time? this bit of spirit repository isn¡¯t enough.¡± the god¡¯s finger froze as unease rose in its heart.


    ¡°it will be enough with you added.¡±

 Chapter 883 - 883 It Will Be Enough With You Added (4)

    883 it will be enough with you added (4)


    xu qing coldly spoke.


    when he said that, he was already in the sky. while he was watching the approaching mirror image race¡¯s state preceptor, the terrified screams of the god¡¯s finger rang out in his mind.


    ¡°you, you, you¡­ you heartless person, how many times have i saved you!!¡± the god¡¯s finger was filled with grief and indignation. it felt that it had miscalculated. when it thought of the terrifying gaze of the ancient spirit emperor back then and the sound of him drooling when he looked at it, it shuddered and screamed.


    ¡°why bother lord spirit emperor with such a small matter? let me do it!¡±


    with that, the god¡¯s finger rushed out of d132. it was filled with grievance and indignation. with xu qing¡¯s tacit approval, it instantly filled xu qing¡¯s entire body.


    a divine fluctuation that far surpassed that from before instantly surged into the sky from xu qing¡¯s body!


    at this moment, the dim sky suddenly churned, forming a huge vortex. as it rumbled, it emitted an aura that suppressed the world.


    the expressions of the six spirit repository cultivators from the two races changed drastically. as for the mirror image race¡¯s state preceptor, he immediately stopped in his tracks and his face revealed horror.


    ¡°this is¡­¡±


    ¡°impossible!!¡±


    while they were panicking, the changes in xu qing¡¯s body caused the world to lose color. rumbling sounds rang out in all directions and the city trembled intensely.


    cracking sounds rang out from his body. every sound was like a clap of thunder, stirring up endless echoes.


    all the golden threads in his body flickered with golden light and enveloped his entire body. they rapidly spread in his body and stretched it to the limit.


    xu qing¡¯s body grew explosively from its previous state. in the blink of an eye, he reached a height of 300 feet.


    he was comparable to a hill.


    the vortex in the sky rumbled and cracks appeared in the void. bolts of lightning also appeared out of thin air and swam around xu qing.


    the gods¡¯ aura completely erupted at this instant.


    the power of anomalous substances spread out in an incomparably dense manner. wherever it passed, everything would distort and the surroundings would turn blurry.


    the city rumbled and collapsed again. wails rang out again. even the six spirit repository cultivators in the sky felt an intense life-and-death crisis in their hearts.


    this sense of crisis emanated from their flesh, from their souls, and from every perception. it gathered together, as if their entire beings were screaming in unison.


    ¡°god!!¡±


    even though xu qing had displayed the poison restriction, it only made them bewildered. however, now¡­ they were horrified.


    xu qing¡¯s current aura had surpassed the scope of an ordinary person. he had become ¡®him¡¯!


    a furious roar filled with grief and indignation rang out from xu qing¡¯s mouth, resounding through the clouds.


    all six spirit repository cultivators, whether they had formed the first secret repository or were in the dao nurturing stage, felt their minds shake from this furious roar. they were all in a daze, their bodies trembling, completely devoid of any resistance.


    they were like mortals who heard the tiger¡¯s roar.


    this was the manifestation of fear, and the fear stemmed from the vast disparity between the two sides, originating from the overwhelming difference in the levels of existence between mortals and gods.


    no matter how weak the god¡¯s finger was, it was still a god!


    at that moment, its eyes turned golden and its body also flickered with golden light. amidst this shocking divine might, it took a step toward the six spirit repository cultivators!


    with just one step, its huge body directly crossed the long distance, appearing in front of the mirror image race¡¯s state preceptor.


    this state preceptor, who was a high and mighty figure in the mirror image race and parasitized the rock body, was like a mortal now. the face that appeared in the mirror was filled with horror. the god¡¯s finger lifted its large hand and grabbed his neck, causing him to lose all resistance.


    it inhaled fiercely.


    immediately, a horrified scream rang out from the mirror of the mirror image race¡¯s state preceptor. his body withered at a speed visible to the naked eye and eventually turned into dust, transforming into countless wisps of white gas that fused into the mouth and nose of the god¡¯s finger.


    ¡°it¡¯s rancid, so rancid! truly inedible!¡±


    the god¡¯s finger retched, and its grief and indignation grew even more intense. it originally didn¡¯t plan to continue eating, but after taking this bite, its hunger rose and a rumbling sound rang out from its stomach.


    compared to this extreme hunger, the taste of the food was nothing. it gritted its teeth fiercely.


    ¡°i won¡¯t be picky, i have to relieve my hunger first!¡±

 Chapter 884 - 884 The Divine Authority of Misfortune (1)

    884 the divine authority of misfortune (1)


    the vortex continued to rotate in the sky but it was still controlled to a certain range. it only enveloped the holy city and didn¡¯t spread beyond that.


    amidst the rumbling of the vortex, the calamity rose again.


    countless members of the two races in the city had experienced the revival of the curse in their bodies, the killing of the poison restriction, and the burning of the heavenly fire. they were in an extremely tragic state.


    the escape of the patriarch and the others had just given them a glimmer of hope, but in the next moment, the descent of the god shattered that hope into pieces.


    despair filled the entire city.


    the remaining five spirit repository cultivators in the sky were also in despair. three of them were in a daze from the shock and loosened all resistance under the divine might of the god¡¯s finger.


    they were extremely terrified and could think of nothing.


    however, the kings of those two races were cultivators with a complete spirit repository. their secret repository had given birth to their own heavenly dao. although their curse had awakened due to the purple moon, they could still maintain some clarity.


    it was also this clarity that caused their horror to settle down into even greater despair.


    at the end of the day, they only had one secret repository. if they had five secret repositories and reached the perfected stage of the spirit repository realm, they might still have a chance of survival at this moment.


    however, they weren¡¯t at that stage. they could only watch helplessly as the 300-foot-tall giant walked toward them after devouring the mirror image race¡¯s state preceptor.


    it was like a ferocious tiger as it walked toward the trembling antelopes.


    in an instant, the figure of the god¡¯s finger arrived in front of a heavenly mask race¡¯s spirit repository. the heavenly mask race¡¯s spirit repository had a blank expression and was shivering. he allowed the god¡¯s finger to grab him by its large hand.


    ¡®he¡¯s xu qing, he¡¯s xu qing. i¡¯m eating xu qing!¡¯ the god¡¯s finger shouted in its mind as its large hand emitted an astonishing suction force. in an instant, the dao nurturing stage cultivator¡¯s body withered and turned into dust.


    thick white gas fused into the stomach of the god¡¯s finger who then felt intense disgust. this caused the grief and indignation in the god¡¯s finger¡¯s mind to rise once again and it couldn¡¯t help but retch.


    taking advantage of this opportunity, the bodies of the kings of the two races suddenly erupted with intense fluctuations.


    after they struggled, they finally revealed their secret repository. they didn¡¯t have the time to cast spells. at this moment, they could only use the most direct and crude method to ruthlessly smash the secret repository toward the god¡¯s finger.


    there were also heavenly dao that belonged to them that rose from their respective secret repository and headed straight for the god¡¯s finger.


    ¡°explode!¡±


    the eyes of the kings of the two races were bloodshot. they shouted crazily and retreated, trying their best to escape.


    at the next instant, the secret repositories they blasted toward the god¡¯s finger emitted terrifying fluctuations. a large number of cracks appeared on them and they exploded.


    at the same time, the other two dao nurturing spirit repository cultivators recovered some senses. they also released their secret repositories that nurtured the heavenly dao while shivering and smashed them at the god¡¯s finger.


    immediately, a shocking explosion rang out with intense energy shockwaves. the secret repositories, which were partly real and partly illusory, self-destructed at the same time beside the god¡¯s finger, forming an astonishing force that continuously erupted, enveloping the 300-foot-tall giant body.


    immediately after, the four spirit repository cultivators fled into the distance.


    their minds shook. they no longer thought of the life and death of their race and could only think of escaping.


    in the blink of an eye, the four of them transformed into four rainbows that headed straight for the sky.


    however, a bizarre scene manifested at this moment.


    the first to show the abnormality was the state preceptor of the heavenly mask race.


    this spirit repository who was at the dao nurturing stage quickly took out a treasure after flying ten thousand feet away from the collapsing fluctuations of the secret repositories.


    this item wasn¡¯t ordinary. it was an extremely powerful treasure that could not only increase his speed, but it could also teleport him across a large area. the distance of teleportation was even further than the teleportation talisman and his own teleportation.


    he immediately activated it without hesitation.


    but this treasure that had never failed, actually failed to activate at this moment. it was as though it was because he was too flustered and his secret repository had been detonated, causing the energy in his body to have problems.


    if that was all, it would be fine. it wasn¡¯t all that weird. what really shocked him was that after the treasure failed to activate, it actually started cracking.


    at the next instant, it exploded.


    it was fine if it was the only item that exploded, but the many treasures on the state preceptor¡¯s body were actually affected and all of them exploded.


    the powerful energy fluctuations directly drowned his figure.


    as the screams rang out, he staggered and fell to the ground heavily, his already weakened body suffering even more from the explosion of all the treasures. in a state of shock and bewilderment, he could only struggle.


    and he wasn¡¯t the strangest case. at that moment, the general of the mirror image race, who was fleeing for his life, actually turned his head for no reason and headed straight for the place enveloped by the secret repositories¡¯ explosion.


    as someone with the same cultivation as the state preceptor, his speed was extremely fast. in the blink of an eye, he rushed in¡­


    however, compared to the two of them, the bizarreness on the heavenly mask race¡¯s king was enough to shock everyone.


    he was speeding crazily in the sky but in an instant, heavenly fire suddenly appeared in the dim sky.


    the heavenly fire crossing the sky phenomenon had already ended for more than a month. although there were some remnants, most of them wouldn¡¯t cause too serious a disaster and the range wasn¡¯t large.


    this was especially so since the moon worship region was so vast. the chance of these remnant heavenly fire landing in the places where the people lived was very small.

 Chapter 885 - 885 The Divine Authority of Misfortune (2)

    885 the divine authority of misfortune (2)


    however, now¡­ the heavenly fire that appeared in the sky actually covered a range of thousands of feet. moreover, it just happened to appear above the heavenly mask race¡¯s king and fell down instantly.


    the heavenly fire descended with astonishing power and momentum.


    the king of the heavenly mask race himself was quite formidable, and surprisingly, he managed to retain most of his strength even after detonating his secret repository. he moved away immediately, and although he was burned, he was able to dodge narrowly.


    the heavenly mask race¡¯s king was puzzled as he looked at the falling heavenly fire but the bizarreness wasn¡¯t over.


    countless lightning bolts appeared for no reason and attacked him.


    there were tens of thousands of them.


    such a thing was basically impossible to happen, but it really happened at this moment.


    the pupils of the heavenly mask race¡¯s king contracted and he resisted crazily. the series of explosions caused him to cough out blood and stagger before he finally escaped the range of the lightning.


    however, before he could heave a sigh of relief, his body suddenly stopped in mid-air. his expression was unsightly and his eyes revealed confusion. when he slowly lowered his head, he saw his body rapidly withering.


    the curse that had awakened in his body was originally suppressed. however, because of the secret repository¡¯s destruction and all the subsequent events, the curse erupted and permeated his entire body.


    the curse of the crimson goddess would definitely kill.


    at the next instant, his body turned into dust. before he died, he glanced at the others. the others were fine¡­


    this scene caused the fear and horror in the heart of the struggling heavenly mask race¡¯s state preceptor to reach the extreme.


    ¡°misfortune!!¡±


    the moment his voice rang out, the power of teleportation spread out in another direction in the sky.


    that was the king of the mirror image race. he used his actions to break the saying of misfortune. his long-distance teleportation talisman activated seamlessly, and in the blink of an eye, he vanished from the sky.


    while all of this happened, the divine might of the god¡¯s finger spread out again and a 300-foot-tall body walked out from the explosions of the four secret repositories.


    looking at the surface, its body showed no changes at all. it was still shining with golden light and had no injuries. it was as though the detonation of the four secret repositories was just four small sparks to it.


    however, in reality¡­ the god¡¯s finger looked shriveled at this moment. in order to protect this body, it had no choice but to consume its divine power. it, who was already hungry, was extremely starved now. its eyes revealed a desire to devour.


    ¡°hungry, hungry, hungry!!¡±


    the god¡¯s finger drooled uncontrollably. its body swayed as it headed straight for the spirit repository that was struggling on the ground in the distance. amidst the despair of the heavenly mask race race¡¯s state preceptor, the god¡¯s finger suddenly approached and devoured him.


    the feeling of hunger was still intense. the rumbling sound coming from its body was like thunder.


    hence, the god¡¯s finger turned its head with a savage gaze. it looked at the holy city of the two races and revealed a hint of struggle.


    however, no matter how bad the food was, it was nothing compared to the extreme hunger it was feeling right now.


    with a violent movement, it directly arrived above the holy city. amidst the despair of the two races, it sucked fiercely.


    immediately, the vortex above its head rumbled and descended, enveloping the city.


    countless wails and cries rang out from everywhere. a large number of clansmen¡¯s bodies were being devoured by the vortex.


    this process wasn¡¯t slow. in just about eight minutes, the holy city¡­ was basically emptied.


    ¡°it tastes bad, it tastes bad, it really tastes bad!¡± the god¡¯s finger roared mournfully. its voice spread in all directions and the sky churned.


    duanmu zang, who was sitting in the plaza, looked at the figure in the air and couldn¡¯t believe what he was seeing.


    ¡°are the humans outside so powerful?¡±


    even though duanmu zang knew that this understanding was wrong, he still couldn¡¯t help but have this thought.


    fortunately, this god¡¯s finger still had some rationality and didn¡¯t swallow him. after it roared, it suddenly sensed something and looked at the sky, opening its mouth as though it was waiting for something.


    shortly after, teleportation fluctuations spread out and a figure suddenly appeared in front of the god¡¯s finger. it was none other than the king of the mirror image race who had fled.


    however, at that moment, he was in a miserable state. most of his body was gone and the mirror also shattered, revealing a face filled with despair.


    he had indeed teleported away but he appeared under the heavenly fire sea and paid a huge price. he wanted to rush out of the sea of fire but he encountered the mutated beasts in the sea of fire again.


    helpless, even though he knew that misfortune had descended, in order to survive, he could only find an opportunity to teleport again.


    during the second teleportation, he appeared here.


    amidst his despair, the huge body directly bit him. with a single breath, he turned into dust.


    immediately after, the god¡¯s finger couldn¡¯t help but bend over and retch repeatedly with an indignant expression.


    after that, it walked toward the empty city below.


    as its feet landed, its body gradually shrunk from 1000 feet to 300 feet, then to 100 feet. finally, when it was the size of an ordinary person, the golden light on its body disappeared and the golden light in its eyes dissipated.


    xu qing took over his body again and a calm glint appeared in his eyes as he walked toward the plaza.


    in his sea of consciousness, the god¡¯s finger was emitting a dense aura of curses as it roared in grievance.


    ¡°every food in the moon worship region is marked. regardless of whether you kill them or eat them, you will be inflicted with the crimson goddess¡¯ curse like karma!¡±


    ¡°i told you that i didn¡¯t want to eat!¡±

 Chapter 886 - 886 The Divine Authority of Misfortune (3)

    886 the divine authority of misfortune (3)


    ¡°it¡¯s over now. once the crimson goddess wakes up, we¡¯ll be the first to be eaten!¡±


    ¡°i want to sleep, i want to sleep. this time, no matter what you do, i won¡¯t wake up!!¡±


    xu qing comforted the god¡¯s finger that was throwing a tantrum. the god¡¯s finger didn¡¯t care about xu qing¡¯s words and headed straight for d132, quickly falling asleep.


    seeing this, xu qing walked to the plaza and looked at duanmu zang.


    duanmu zang instinctively took a few steps back but he quickly restrained himself and revealed a bitter smile.


    ¡°you¡­ are you still you?¡±


    xu qing nodded and his gaze landed on his surroundings.


    this holy city was basically empty. there might still be some alive but with the poison restriction in their bodies, they wouldn¡¯t be able to live for long.


    duanmu zang was in a daze. he had thought about destroying the holy city of the two races in the past but he couldn¡¯t do it. now that he saw it with his own eyes, he felt it was unreal.


    after a long time, duanmu zang took a deep breath and his eyes gleamed.


    after all, he was the leader of a small human country and had experienced many things. he understood that the most important thing now was how to deal with the aftermath.


    ¡°xu qing, we need this city! can you help me clean up this city?¡±


    ¡°after that, i¡¯ll go and fetch my people.¡±


    duanmu zang looked at xu qing.


    ¡°sure.¡± xu qing nodded and told him the location. he thought about it and asked.


    ¡°the red moon shrine¡­¡±


    duanmu zang stood up with a strange glint in his eyes. at that moment, he had completely suppressed the shock in his heart and began to analyze the subsequent events. when he heard this, he shook his head.


    ¡°the red moon shrine is high and mighty. they won¡¯t care about the deaths of two small races. they only care about the tributes, so we have to prepare the tributes as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°only the elites of these two races can stay in the holy city. they still have over 500,000 clansmen outside.¡±


    ¡°leave this to me. they don¡¯t know about the matter here yet. i¡¯ll handle it. they will be our tributes!¡±


    duanmu zang took a deep breath and sensed the cultivation base in his body. xu qing also handed the medicinal pills in his storage bag over.


    after receiving the medicinal pills, duanmu zang grinned and looked around.


    ¡°there¡¯s no time to lose!¡±


    ¡°xu qing, i¡¯ll leave this place to you!¡±


    as he spoke, duanmu zang swallowed the medicinal pills and headed straight for the sky.


    after watching duanmu zang leave, xu qing stood on the plaza and remained silent for a long time.


    he didn¡¯t need to pay attention to how duanmu zang dealt with it. to be able to form a shelter in such a harsh environment and cultivate to such a realm, duanmu zang must have something extraordinary about him.


    a long time later, xu qing looked at this empty city and walked forward.


    as he walked, waves of poison restriction that were left here gathered from all directions and continuously fused into his body. it was the same for the anomalous substances that permeated this place.


    on the way, he also encountered some people from the two races who were lucky enough not to be devoured but were struggling under the effects of the poison.


    regarding these, before xu qing could make a move, the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor would rush over and kill them.


    just like that, two days later, this city that had experienced the calamity was completely free from the poison and anomalous substances. although it was empty, xu qing, who was sitting at the top of a palace and looking at the sky, felt peace that he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time.


    his cultivation had increased by quite a bit.


    although the god¡¯s finger ultimately devoured everything and xu qing didn¡¯t gain much from it, his killing and absorption earlier still unknowingly strengthened all the nascent souls in his body to the level of almost attracting the second tribulation.


    ¡°soon.¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    at that moment, it was dark and there was no moon in the sky.


    in the pitch-black world, xu qing sat there silently. he thought of those clansmen who had turned into minced meat and panyan.


    after a long time, he took out a purple flute and placed it by his mouth, playing the tune zi xuan taught him.


    the gentle sound of the flute echoed in the empty city for a long time.


    time slowly passed.


    ten days later, humans arrived.


    the moment more than 100,000 people entered xu qing¡¯s vision, a white light rushed over from afar. it was the figure of a woman, heading straight for xu qing.


    it instantly got close.


    ¡°brother xu qing!¡±


    ling¡¯er rushed over and hugged xu qing.


    xu qing gently stroked ling¡¯er¡¯s head. a smile appeared on his expressionless face. he also saw the shadow, stone lion, and head that had returned with ling¡¯er.


    before the head could speak, xu qing waved his hand and sent them into d132.


    as for the shadow, it obediently fused into xu qing¡¯s feet.


    ¡°let¡¯s go and welcome them,¡± xu qing said softly and walked toward the crowd.


    in the following days, everything moved in order.


    the arrival of more than 100,000 humans caused this city to regain its vitality. while there was still sorrow, the hope of the future transformed into seeds that grew in their hearts.


    many damaged buildings were cleared out and rebuilt, and the collapsed city walls were repaired.


    gradually, laughter began to fill the city.


    duanmu zang also returned a month later.


    it was unknown what he did, but when he returned, there were a thousand huge cages behind him. they were filled with people from the two races.


    because the heavenly mask race was huge, there were a lot of cages. however, on the whole, the number of tributes exceeded 500,000.


    their expressions of despair and numb gazes were exactly the same as the humans they had treated as food back then.


    xu qing didn¡¯t have the slightest pity for these two races.


    just like that, they were placed outside the city and waited for fate to descend.

 Chapter 887 - 887 The Divine Power of Misfortune (4)

    887 the divine power of misfortune (4)


    duanmu zang¡¯s return accelerated the city¡¯s recovery, and gradually, the array was repaired and activated in a simplified manner.


    as the protective barrier enveloped them, cheers rang out from more than 100,000 humans. ling¡¯er was equally excited.


    to humans who lived in the abandoned mine and would become food of the other races at times, this was a long-lost sense of security.


    looking at all of this, xu qing, sitting on the city wall, felt a sense of blessing in his heart. then, he gazed towards the distant horizon. he was about to leave.


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that i still have no way to undo the curse for them.¡±


    as xu qing muttered inwardly, he looked to the side.


    duanmu zang¡¯s blurry figure was revealed there. after it gradually became clear, he threw a flask of wine to xu qing and sat at the side. he looked at the crowd with a rueful expression.


    ¡°xu qing, thank you.¡±


    a long time later, he looked at xu qing and spoke softly.


    xu qing shook his head and drank the wine.


    ¡°this is what i should do.¡±


    duanmu zang¡¯s gaze was deep as he glanced at xu qing. he didn¡¯t continue this topic or ask about what he had seen back then. he had automatically chosen to forget those things.


    this was because he knew that everyone had their own secrets. there were some things that couldn¡¯t be asked or probed.


    ¡°by the way, i¡¯ve helped you find out about the door walkers. most of their tracks are now gathered in the central area of the eastern region, which is the place where the red moon shrine is waiting for the various races to send the tributes.¡±


    ¡°after all, to the door walkers, this is the peak season for them to do business.¡±


    duanmu zang took a sip of wine and spoke.


    xu qing nodded. previously, he had asked duanmu zang about a large-scale teleportation array. he wanted to go to the heavenly bull mountain and this mountain was located in the southern part of the moon worship region.


    it was extremely far away from here.


    after xu qing arrived at the heavenly fire sea, he had never seen a teleportation array like the ones in fenghai county. even this holy city didn¡¯t have one. there were only some teleportation talismans and other similar items but most of them teleported randomly.


    therefore, he had asked duanmu zang about it. the other party said that only large races could control fixed teleportation arrays in the moon worship region.


    generally speaking, if one wanted to teleport in this region, they needed the help of the door walkers.


    door walkers were a special race, and they were born with a door accompanying them. this race did not have a fixed place of residence, and each member, upon reaching adulthood, ventured out to travel the vast region.


    the talent of this race was to imprint the places they had been to on their doors and allow people to use them to teleport.


    depending on the strength of their cultivation, the range they could teleport to would also be different.


    this was the livelihood of their tribe. whenever the red moon shrine began collecting offerings, those races without teleportation arrays became customers of the door walkers.


    ¡°so, you can travel with me to the east. i¡¯m also planning to set out soon to deliver those offerings to the temple.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. if there was no teleportation array from here to the heavenly bull mountain, the time he would have to waste would be very long. moreover, there might be some unknown changes in the process.


    moreover, the time he had agreed on with eldest senior brother had already been exceeded.


    they couldn¡¯t contact each other either. hence, after some thought, xu qing sensed the purple moon in his body. he recalled that when he saw the temple earlier, the other party didn¡¯t sense him, so he nodded.


    just like that, three days later, in the morning, xu qing brought ling¡¯er and set off with duanmu zang¡¯s convoy.


    the moment they left the city, more than 100,000 people in the city walked out in unison and knelt down in front of xu qing from afar.


    their eyes were filled with blessings. they prayed that xu qing would have a safe journey.


    xu qing turned his head and stared behind him. he then cupped his fists and bowed.


    the sky was dark and the sandstorm swept up, blocking one¡¯s vision. however, it couldn¡¯t isolate the hope that rose in this city.


    xu qing turned and left with the convoy.


    in the strong wind, duanmu zang¡¯s hoarse voice blew over.


    ¡°xu qing, there¡¯s a legend in the moon worship region. legend has it that because of the existence of the curse, the souls of all living beings who died won¡¯t enter reincarnation but return to the red moon shrine.¡±


    ¡°after the crimson goddess comes and enjoys the offerings, these souls will be used as seeds to reincarnate again.¡±


    ¡°this is why this place is known as the red moon spirit enclosure. those who live in this region have to endure pain for generations and won¡¯t be able to escape the moon worship.¡±


    ¡°so¡­ although panyan is dead, her soul might still be in the temple.¡±

 Chapter 888 - 888 Agreement Under the Heavenly Fire Sea (1)

    888 agreement under the heavenly fire sea (1)


    the wind whimpered as it moved through the desolate land of the moon worship region, transforming into a tragic melody that seemed to be telling of the distant past.


    sandstorm rose and permeated the world, merging with the dim sky, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. only faintly, one could see a long convoy, moving forward in this haze.


    the convoy was formed by huge metal cages. inside, countless members of the mirror image race and the heavenly mask race were enveloped in despair.


    in front sat two people. their ages were separated by a generation.


    the old man wore a mask, and so did the youth.


    the expression on the mask was quite exaggerated, radiating dedication and devoutness, as if it were constantly in a state of worship.


    ¡°the race that offers tributes to the red moon shrine needs to wear this mask. this is a ritual set by the temple and also the right to offer tributes. fortunately, i did such a thing in my early years and have this identity.¡±


    ¡°as for the destruction of the two races¡¯ alliance, such a thing is nothing in the moon worship region. they are just two small races. the red moon shrine is high and mighty. under normal circumstances, they won¡¯t care.¡±


    ¡°especially towards the end of the red moon¡¯s arrival, the tributes would have already been collected for countless years. this period is actually the most frenzied time for all the races.¡±


    ¡°however, i still have to make some preparations. i¡¯ll handle this matter.¡±


    in the sandstorm, duanmu zang¡¯s calm voice entered xu qing¡¯s ears.


    xu qing lifted his hand and touched the mask on his face before nodding. the captain had mentioned this in his intelligence regarding the attitude of the red moon shrine toward all living beings.


    today was the ninth day since they left the holy city.


    there was still half a month¡¯s journey to the designated area of the red moon shrine. over the past few days, xu qing had been thinking about what duanmu zang had said a few days ago.


    ¡°are you still thinking about the matter of the souls of all living beings entering the temple?¡± duanmu zang turned his head and looked at xu qing.


    xu qing fell silent. after a long time, he looked into the distance at the dim sky and spoke softly.


    ¡°since ancient times, has anyone truly struggled out of the curse and reincarnation of the moon worship region?¡±


    duanmu zang shook his head.


    ¡°never.¡±


    xu qing thought of the captain¡¯s previous life. just as he was in deep thought, duanmu zang suddenly spoke.


    ¡°however, there are some people who have been trying and working hard.¡± at this point, duanmu zang looked at xu qing with a deep gaze. there was a hint of probing in his gaze as he spoke.


    ¡°the red moon isn¡¯t eternal.¡±


    xu qing and duanmu zang looked at each other and nodded slightly. he could tell that this sentence was like a secret code but he didn¡¯t know what the continuation was.


    duanmu zang waited for a moment and couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°aren¡¯t you going to say anything?¡±


    ¡°the red moon isn¡¯t eternal,¡± xu qing said in a low voice.


    duanmu zang fell silent.


    a long time later, he sighed and removed his mask, rubbing his forehead.


    ¡°xu qing, do you know about the moon rebel hall?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression froze. he had never heard of this organization and the information given by the captain didn¡¯t include it. hence, he shook his head.


    ever since duanmu zang said the words ¡®moon rebel hall¡¯, he had been paying attention to xu qing¡¯s eyes, as though he was confirming something. seeing xu qing¡¯s reaction, he didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    xu qing didn¡¯t ask. he could tell that this organization was mysterious and hidden. if he rashly probed, it would cause a misunderstanding.


    the convoy continued forward.


    another seven days passed. they walked past the plains, crossed the mountain range, and got closer and closer to the center of the eastern area. at the top of a mountain, duanmu zang took a sip of wine and spoke after making a decision inwardly.


    ¡°xu qing, i believe you¡¯re not from the red moon shrine.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he looked at duanmu.


    ¡°moon rebel hall is a mysterious organization that has existed in the moon worship region for a long time. its history is as ancient as that of the red moon shrine!¡±


    ¡°its origins are unknown, and it has been destroyed multiple times. however, after every arrival of the crimson goddess and the subsequent withering and revival of all life, this organization reemerges.¡±


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. it existed as long as the red moon shrine. this was enough to show that this moon rebel hall was extraordinary.


    what was even more astonishing was that it could still emerge after being destroyed time and time again in this red moon¡¯s spirit enclosure.


    the crimson goddess might be in a deep sleep now, but it wasn¡¯t like this in the past.


    duanmu zang¡¯s voice rang out again.


    ¡°the moon rebel hall is filled with people of the moon worship region who want to struggle and resist. their dream is to one day undo this ancient curse and overthrow everything.¡±


    ¡°although this dream is extremely remote, it is still a hope.¡±


    ¡°they are also working hard for this. although the members can¡¯t help each other in reality, they are all studying the way to neutralize the curse.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, some waves rose in his heart. when he was in the mine, he had also studied the curse but he didn¡¯t go deeper. this required a large number of experiments.


    duanmu zang¡¯s voice contained some emotions as it continued to echo in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°the identities of every member of the moon rebel hall are a secret. no one knows who others are. protecting yourself from being exposed is the first element of the moon rebel hall.¡±


    ¡°because the red moon shrine has been constantly eliminating members of the moon rebel hall. in fact, some of these members are infiltrators from the red moon shrine itself.¡±


    duanmu zang drew in a deep breath and turned to look at xu qing.


    ¡°the red moon isn¡¯t eternal; hope is what lasts forever.¡±


    ¡°xu qing, you might really not be a member of the moon rebel hall but i feel that you will definitely come into contact with them in the future. if you want to join the moon rebel hall, you can go to the bitter life mountain range.¡±


    duanmu zang remained silent, closed his eyes, and continued to journey forward.

 Chapter 889 - 889 Agreement Under the Heavenly Fire Sea (2)

    889 agreement under the heavenly fire sea (2)


    seeing this, xu qing knew that the other party wasn¡¯t willing to continue this topic, so he didn¡¯t ask anything.


    he understood that duanmu zang should be a member of this moon rebel hall. for him to say these things in front of him, it was enough to show that duanmu zang trusted him.


    hence, xu qing repeatedly pondered over what duanmu zang had said.


    just like that, days passed.


    eight days later, their convoy finally arrived at the center of the eastern area. from afar, a huge valley was reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    the mountain ranges on both sides were astonishing, surpassing all the mountains xu qing had seen in the past. strange and jagged rocks adorned their surfaces, and in the dim light of the sky, they seemed to harbor all manner of eerie and mystical creatures.


    the valley formed by the depression in the middle was like the entrance to the netherworld. when the wind blew over, it seemed to carry shrieks and howls.


    a huge blood-red heart was floating above the valley.


    it was beating and the thumping sound spread out, adding an even stranger atmosphere to the gloomy valley, putting a blood-red veil on it.


    as for the statue and the palace on the heart, they emitted an astonishing deterrence.


    there were also many meteorites floating in the surroundings. the figure sitting cross-legged on them was the same as what xu qing had seen before, motionless.


    as for the ground, there were doors of different shapes and materials standing there. some were large and some were small. they surrounded the surroundings and waves of teleportation fluctuations kept spreading out from these doors.


    there were people walking out and leaving from those doors at all times.


    as a result, there was an endless stream of people in the valley. there were many strange races inside. some had material bodies, and some were illusory.


    however, most of them wore the same mask as duanmu zang.


    these were all races in the eastern part of the moon worship region. they had brought their tributes here to offer to the red moon shrine.


    ¡°those doors are the door walkers.¡±


    ¡°xu qing, you can go and communicate with them. most of them can teleport you to the south. as for the fees, spirit stones and heavenly fire crystals can be used.¡±


    ¡°as for the temple in the sky, don¡¯t look straight at it.¡±


    as they got closer, duanmu zang spoke in a low voice.


    as a local, he was very familiar with the process here. after reminding xu qing, his expression was filled with emotion as he spoke solemnly.


    ¡°lastly, i wish you a safe journey!¡±


    with that, duanmu zang left with the convoy.


    watching as duanmu zang¡¯s figure disappeared into the crowd, xu qing took a deep breath and also walked into the crowd.


    there were many cultivators from various races here and people came and went. although the temple was floating above them, it didn¡¯t care about the people below. as long as one paid the tributes, everything would be autonomous.


    after the number of people increased, the valley started to give off a lively feeling. occasionally, one could see some races trading and there was quite a lot of noise.


    as he walked among them, xu qing didn¡¯t choose those large doors. his target was on some small doors and very soon, he locked onto a wooden door that was more than ten feet tall. he noticed that there was no one there and was about to go over.


    however, the commotion in the surroundings caused xu qing to stop in his tracks.


    ¡°you guys heard, right? something major happened in the west!¡±


    ¡°you¡¯re talking about the event that happened in the lone sun race in the west five months ago, right? they seem to have issued a wanted list throughout the entire region.¡±


    ¡°i heard about this too. it seems like they lost a supreme treasure.¡±


    ¡°what supreme treasure, it¡¯s the sun they created themselves!¡±


    ¡°as the largest race in the west, didn¡¯t the lone sun race create a sun that stayed above their territory many years ago, causing that area to no longer be dark? however, five months ago, this sun was stolen¡­¡±


    ¡°stealing their sun under their very eyes? this is too crazy. which race did it?¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m not sure. it seems that even the lone sun race is puzzled. however, there¡¯s a name mentioned in the wanted list: weiqing jianyan. that thief is extremely arrogant. this is the name he carved on the ground before he left, but no matter how i look at it, this name is very strange.¡±


    ¡°this weiqing jianyan has already become famous.¡±


    these voices rang out from afar, accompanied by exclamations and gasps. when they entered xu qing¡¯s ears, a strange expression appeared on his face under the mask.


    he instinctively felt that this was done by his captain.


    ¡°weiqing jianyan?¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly. he recalled that when he parted ways with the captain, the other party had proudly told him that he would definitely be able to hear his name in the future.


    this name just so happened to be formed from the combination of the captain¡¯s alias, wei yangzi, as well as the names of wu jianwu and ning yan, in addition to his qing.


    the captain¡¯s well-intentioned efforts seemed to be reflected in these four words. even though xu qing didn¡¯t participate, he still included xu qing¡¯s name.


    xu qing sighed and walked toward the wooden door in front.


    meanwhile, in the sky above the valley, above the pulsating heart, a woman in red emerged from the palace. her expression was one of lingering satisfaction as she lowered her head to gaze at the earth, a mysterious smile playing on her lips.


    ¡°the murderous aura on the kid¡¯s body is even stronger.¡±


    behind her, everyone in the temple, including the divine envoy, was sitting cross-legged and motionless like statues.


    no one in the valley could sense anything in the sky. even though the woman¡¯s figure was clear, no one could sense her even if they lifted their heads.


    everyone¡¯s perception had been silently changed.


    in xu qing¡¯s d132, the god¡¯s finger, which was covered in curses and was retching, paused. immediately after, it pretended not to see this and continued retching.


    xu qing also didn¡¯t notice it. at that moment, he walked toward the wooden door in front of him and left after communicating. the other party didn¡¯t have the coordinates to the south.

 Chapter 890 - 890 Agreement Under the Heavenly Fire Sea (3)

    890 agreement under the heavenly fire sea (3)


    xu qing patiently searched around.


    after asking dozens of door walkers, he arrived in front of an even shorter wooden door.


    this door was five feet long and looked a little dilapidated. as xu qing got closer, the door frame suddenly distorted. after it squirmed like a snake, a face appeared from the door and looked at xu qing.


    ¡°fellow daoist, can you teleport to the south?¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    the face in the door sized up xu qing a few times and smiled.


    ¡°100,000 spirit stones!¡±


    xu qing glanced at the face in the door. this price was too ridiculous. moreover, he had given most of his spirit stones to duanmu zang and didn¡¯t have much left.


    ¡°don¡¯t think it¡¯s too expensive. it¡¯s the peak season now and all the races are sending tributes. if i didn¡¯t plan to do business in the south, i wouldn¡¯t even be willing to go even if you gave me 100,000. it¡¯s too far.¡±


    the face inside the door spoke calmly.


    xu qing fell silent and nodded.


    ¡°calculate in heavenly fire crystals.¡±


    ¡°no problem. 1,000 white fire crystals or one red fire crystal.¡± the face¡¯s eyes lit up when it heard this. it preferred heavenly fire crystals.


    xu qing nodded and communicated with it. however, the other party couldn¡¯t leave immediately. it still had a few batches of customers who hadn¡¯t finished teleporting. hence, it said that it could teleport tonight.


    xu qing frowned. he wanted to set off immediately. hence, he left and went to the other door walkers. after searching for a while, he found that the quickest option would still take three days, and it seemed the best choice was the wooden door.


    in the end, he chose this five-foot-long wooden gate.


    there were still six hours before dusk. hence, xu qing didn¡¯t walk around randomly. he found a corner and sat down cross-legged, waiting silently.


    very soon, time flowed by. after more than half of it had passed, xu qing saw duanmu zang¡¯s figure in the crowd.


    noticing xu qing, duanmu zang walked over.


    ¡°you didn¡¯t find a suitable door walker?¡± duanmu zang asked.


    ¡°i found it. we¡¯ll set off later.¡± when xu qing looked at duanmu zang, the convoy from before was already gone.


    noticing xu qing¡¯s gaze, duanmu zang sat at the side and smiled.


    ¡°i¡¯ve already sent them all to the temple.¡±


    ¡°the matter has been resolved. you don¡¯t have to worry. just leave in peace.¡± duanmu zang¡¯s expression was as usual and there was nothing strange about it.


    however, in reality, his heart was filled with worry. it wasn¡¯t because the two races had perished, but the red moon shrine didn¡¯t even ask anything about this.


    what worried him was the request given by the temple.


    they asked him to go back and prepare another 500,000 tributes within a certain period of time.


    this matter was very difficult but duanmu zang didn¡¯t plan to tell xu qing. xu qing had done enough for them. he was prepared to resolve the future matters himself.


    xu qing looked into duanmu zang¡¯s eyes.


    duanmu zang smiled. with the things he had experienced and the shrewdness he had accumulated over the years, his thoughts weren¡¯t something xu qing could instantly see through.


    this was especially so when he deliberately hid them. he wouldn¡¯t reveal any flaws.


    ¡°why? you don¡¯t believe me?¡± duanmu zang smiled.


    ¡°you have too many doubts. i will return after you¡¯re done teleporting.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. he indeed didn¡¯t see any clues, so he nodded. at that moment, the sky was getting darker and dusk had fallen. xu qing stood up and bade farewell to duanmu zang.


    ¡°if you have time in the future, remember to come back and visit us.¡± duanmu zang¡¯s expression was filled with emotion.


    ¡°definitely!¡± xu qing said softly.


    ¡°definitely!¡± ling¡¯er also crawled out of his collar and replied crisply.


    duanmu zang¡¯s eyes were filled with blessings. after nodding slightly, xu qing turned and walked toward the wooden door not far away.


    he got close and took out the heaven fire crystals.


    the face in the wooden door appeared and swallowed them in one gulp. after that, the door shone with the light of teleportation, forming a vortex. xu qing took a deep breath and was about to step in.


    however, at this moment, a deep voice slowly rang out from behind him.


    ¡°close the door.¡±


    as soon as this voice rang out, xu qing¡¯s expression changed. just as he was about to take a step forward, the wooden door instantly closed. the teleportation fluctuations inside also instantly disappeared, making it seem like an ordinary door.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was ugly. he turned his head and looked behind him. his gaze then landed on a figure walking over from afar and his pupils contracted.


    she was a woman in red and her body emitted the fluctuations of the spirit repository. the surrounding crowd seemed to not be able to see her. even duanmu zang didn¡¯t notice her at all.


    it was as though their perception had changed and the world they saw was different from xu qing.


    xu qing fell silent. he lowered his head and cupped his fists, bowing to the person.


    ¡°greetings, senior.¡±


    he recognized that the other party was a divine servant of the red moon shrine whom he had sent into the abyss in the coffin. he could guess what happened easily since the person who had clearly died had appeared in front of him.


    this was especially so because of the scene of everyone¡¯s perception being changed. this allowed him to be more certain of the identity of this person.


    as for why the others or even the divine envoy didn¡¯t sense it, this matter was easier to explain.


    since the terrifying existence in the coffin could change one¡¯s perception, it must also be able to change the divine envoy¡¯s perception. everything would make sense if it used some method to create a clone.


    xu qing maintained a respectful expression as he thought of this.


    the woman in red had a spurious smile on her face. under the immense pressure that rose in xu qing¡¯s heart, she walked over step by step and finally stood in front of xu qing.


    seeing xu qing¡¯s attitude, the woman in red smiled. she wasn¡¯t surprised that xu qing recognized her.


    ¡°little kid, you¡¯re always so polite, making me unable to harbor evil thoughts.¡±


    ¡°senior¡¯s status is noble, so it¡¯s only right for me to do so. this is also what my master taught me.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was solemn.


    ¡°you¡¯re mentioning your master again?¡± the red-clothed woman¡¯s smile was deep.


    xu qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change as he bowed again.


    ¡°since senior doesn¡¯t like me bringing it up, i won¡¯t mention him.¡±

 Chapter 891 - 891 Agreement Under the Heavenly Fire Sea (4)

    891 agreement under the heavenly fire sea (4)


    when the woman in red heard this, she sized up xu qing for a while before shaking her head and smiling.


    ¡°i know that your background isn¡¯t ordinary. your master should also be an almighty expert, but this is the moon worship region.¡±


    as the woman in red spoke, she lifted her head and looked at the sky.


    xu qing remained silent.


    a long time later, the woman¡¯s voice echoed out.


    ¡°kid, do you still remember the agreement under the heavenly fire sea?¡±


    ¡°junior remembers!¡± xu qing solemnly nodded.


    ¡°then, follow me to the icy plain in the north of the moon worship region. my elder sister is suppressed there. i also have a younger brother who is buried under the glacier.¡±


    the woman in red¡¯s voice was filled with reminiscence and sorrow.


    xu qing hesitated. he didn¡¯t know if what the other party said was true or not but no matter what, if he went to the north, the danger there would definitely be extremely high.


    with his ability, the risk of participating in such a thing at this moment was too great.


    and the benefits were only heavenly mandate; the risk to reward was clearly disproportionate.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hide these thoughts and revealed his hesitation on his face.


    he was very clear that this almighty could tell at a glance what his expression meant.


    this was a method for the weak to set conditions when facing the strong.


    although it might not be effective, he still had to try.


    ¡°did your master teach you this move too?¡±


    the woman in red glanced at xu qing and calmly spoke. her voice was calm and contained dignity.


    in his memory, once he spoke like this and had such an expression back then, many people would tremble and agree to all his requests.


    xu qing revealed an awkward expression. with this posture, the atmosphere was unknowingly eased.


    seeing this, a strange glint appeared in the red-clothed woman¡¯s eyes. she thought about it and spoke.


    ¡°this is a transaction. i need you to sincerely do as i ask.¡±


    ¡°there are three benefits you can obtain.¡±


    ¡°firstly, you can obtain the heavenly mandates.¡±


    ¡°secondly, the humans in the heavenly fire sea region will obtain a temple decree, exempting them from having to offer additional tributes, and they will be protected by this decree until the next tribute day arrives.¡±


    ¡°thirdly, once you complete my request, i will give you a mysterious gift.¡±


    ¡°now, tell me your choice.¡± the woman in red stared at xu qing and slowly spoke.


    xu qing remained silent and glanced at duanmu zang.


    at that moment, duanmu zang was leaving. from what he knew, xu qing had already left and his back view was a little bleak. clearly, after xu qing left, the worry in his heart rose and spread throughout his body.


    ¡°i agree.¡± xu qing retracted his gaze and looked at the woman in red as he calmly spoke.


    the risk of not agreeing was clear. after agreeing, the gains would be proportional to the crisis. xu qing was decisive.


    the woman in red revealed a smile. she liked smart people who were polite, so she admired xu qing very much. it was best if he was willing to cooperate willingly, as it spared her from having to resort to violence.


    ¡°i value promises very much. little kid, you can rest assured. follow me.¡±


    as the woman in red spoke, she walked toward the sky and stepped onto the heart step by step, standing in front of the temple palace.


    xu qing took a deep breath and leaped up, heading straight for the temple.


    very soon, he got close. the moment he arrived, the first thing he saw was the statue of the crimson goddess.


    this statue made him extremely wary.


    ¡°your master certainly has some tricks up his sleeve, actually finding a high god for the crimson goddess, causing her to fall into a deep slumber.¡±


    the red-clothed woman¡¯s gaze was clear and there was a spurious smile on her face. he clearly knew everything.


    xu qing blinked but didn¡¯t answer. instead, he looked at the temple and walked in through the open door. he then saw the people inside who were like statues.


    ¡°their flavor isn¡¯t bad.¡±


    the woman in red licked her lips.


    ¡°you can take a rest. the whole performance has to be executed. when the tribute offering day is over in three days, we¡¯ll leave.¡±


    xu qing remained silent when he heard this. he sat down cross-legged and looked at the distant duanmu zang who was filled with desolation.


    the woman in red waved her hand and a red light shot out from the temple, transforming into a token that headed straight for duanmu zang.


    on the ground, duanmu zang, who was fretting, was stunned. after he caught it, he checked it and sensed the protection of the token and the decree to cancel more offerings. hence, he turned his head in the direction of the temple with a surprised expression.


    there was nothing there.


    after a long time, duanmu zang retracted his gaze and silently left, muttering inwardly.


    ¡°is it him¡­¡±


    ¡°what exactly is his identity?¡±


    xu qing watched as duanmu zang left.


    ¡°i wish you peace.¡±

 Chapter 892 - 892 Wanggus Secret (1)

    892 wanggu¡¯s secret (1)


    three days later, as the tribute day came to an end, the red moon shrine radiated a dazzling red light in the sky and soared away into the distance.


    dozens of meteorites of various sizes moved around the heart.


    the races that hadn¡¯t left the valley, all wearing the same masks, prostrated themselves on the ground, respectfully bidding farewell.


    the departure of the temple also relieved them, and they could breathe a sigh of relief. at least for the next five years, they wouldn¡¯t have to worry about offerings.


    however, at the same time they also felt heavy.


    this was because according to the time, the day the red moon arrived had already entered the countdown.


    generally speaking, the return of the red moon to this region had an indefinite time frame, but there was one characteristic that allowed people to make a rough estimate.


    that was the frequency of the temple collecting tributes.


    when the interval became once every three to five years, it meant that the red moon¡­ would appear at any time.


    hence, when this round of life was about to end, all kinds of evil would increase rapidly. in the end, it would be complete chaos and all races would have wars.


    it was the same every time, with no exceptions.


    ¡°the scene of purgatory is about to emerge in the moon worship region.¡± on the blood-red heart, the red-clothed woman stood outside the palace and calmly spoke as she looked at the ground.


    xu qing stood beside her and looked at the distant valley. after a long time, he retracted his gaze and looked at the ground under his feet.


    during these three days, he had investigated the heart where the palace was built on.


    this heart was strange. it had life force and was still beating. its pulsating sound had the power to shock the mind.


    ¡°the area outside the red moon shrine is filled with organs.¡± sensing xu qing¡¯s gaze, the red-clothed woman spoke calmly.


    ¡°senior, do you know whose organs these are?¡± xu qing asked.


    the woman in red shook her head.


    ¡°i¡¯ve investigated before. they aren¡¯t my siblings. there are traces of refinement in these organs.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve been sealed for too long and don¡¯t know much about the outside world. i only learned some information about the outside world after eating these people from the temple.¡±


    ¡°unfortunately, their level is too low and they don¡¯t know who these organs belong to.¡±


    xu qing nodded. at that moment, he had already changed into a red robe.


    this was the ceremonial robe of the red moon shrine. other than being a disciple of the yin yang flower sect, he was also granted the qualification of a divine slave.


    ¡°senior, i once read in some ancient books that your father fought against the red moon. moreover, there are also many legends about the repentance plain¡­¡± xu qing thought about it and still asked the greatest doubt in his mind.


    he wanted to know the true origins of the crimson goddess.


    the woman in red fell silent for a while before speaking.


    ¡°the crimson goddess has died once before, killed by my father, and during that time, there were grievances, feelings, and enmities.¡±


    ¡°when she returned again, she had already become a god. at that time, i heard my father say that she had returned from the wanggu earth realm.¡±


    as soon as the woman in red said these two sentences, the sound of thunder suddenly appeared in the sky, cutting through the sky and rumbling in all directions.


    xu qing¡¯s heart stirred greatly. this was the first time he learned some story about the crimson goddess. hence, he couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    ¡°the crimson goddess wasn¡¯t a god in the past? also, what is the wanggu earth realm?¡±


    the woman in red didn¡¯t immediately respond. instead, she looked up at the sky, her eyes filled with a peculiar light. then, she turned to xu qing and spoke after a moment of contemplation.


    ¡°some gods were born as gods, some became gods later, some came from outside, and some came from the depths of the earth.¡±


    as soon as she finished speaking, lightning rumbled again, intimidating everyone.


    xu qing sensed that something was wrong with the sky. at this moment, some fog actually appeared in the surroundings. after that, a strong wind rose and a storm descended. it even started snowing further away.


    these changes in the world appeared at the same time, causing xu qing to think of the heavenly dao laws.


    ¡°do you still dare to continue listening?¡±


    the woman in red cast a meaningful glance at xu qing.


    xu qing looked at the sky and sensed the mosasaur that was slowly recovering after its body shattered. he recalled the scene at the ten guts tree and nodded.


    ¡°you still dare to listen¡­ so be it, let me see how long you can listen.¡±


    the woman in red smiled and continued to speak.


    ¡°the history of the existence of the world under the wanggu continent has been erased one by one by the ancient sovereigns who unified the wanggu continent, so very few people know about it. that place¡­ has always been known as brilliant heaven since ancient times.¡±


    ¡°there are rumors that the earliest races on the wanggu continent came from there.¡±


    ¡°later, ancient sovereign mystic nether named it the earth realm.¡±


    an even more intense sound rumbled in the sky and the surrounding void instantly distorted. a terrifying pressure came from the world. regardless of the sky or the mountains and rivers, there was a will rising from all of them at this moment.


    under this huge will, xu qing¡¯s countenance turned pale and his mind churned. this change in the world seemed to be telling xu qing that these words were taboos of wanggu.


    the heavenly daos of the wanggu continent didn¡¯t allow this matter to spread.


    ¡°interesting. after hearing these words, the heavenly dao actually hasn¡¯t sent the power of silence and forgetfulness. little kid, the heavenly dao favors you very much.¡±


    the red-clothed woman¡¯s eyes gleamed as she carefully sized up xu qing.


    xu qing tried his best to calm down but the will from the surroundings still caused his heart to skip a beat.


    ¡°then, let me tell you another secret. actually, all the gods¡¯ ultimate goal¡­¡± the woman in red spoke with an expression of interest.

 Chapter 893 - 893 Wanggus Secret (2)

    893 wanggu¡¯s secret (2)


    however, as her voice echoed, xu qing¡¯s pupils contracted because he couldn¡¯t hear it anymore.


    all the sounds in the surroundings were normal, but he couldn¡¯t hear the words of the red-clothed woman at all.


    the woman in red also sensed this and didn¡¯t continue.


    xu qing only recovered after an hour with lingering fears.


    just like that, days passed. the red moon shrine headed north at an astonishing speed.


    during this period, xu qing tried to ask many times. although he would stop hearing at the critical moments, he more or less learned some of the secrets under this probing.


    this included the realm above the soul accumulation realm.


    ¡°divine fire¡­¡± xu qing mumbled to himself, but he only knew the name. as for the specifics, he couldn¡¯t hear them.


    a month later, as they continued to move forward, the ground turned white and the wind that blew over became increasingly cold.


    the glacier in the north was reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    the entire northern land was formed by glaciers. there was no soil here, only a thick layer of ice that drowned everything.


    the towering peaks were also made of ice, making this place filled with a sense of desolation, with life being a rare sight.


    ¡°we¡¯re here. little kid, follow me.¡±


    in the sky above the northern glaciers, the woman in red¡¯s eyes filled with reminiscence, her voice slightly hoarse as she took a step forward.


    xu qing followed behind.


    the red moon shrine didn¡¯t remain here. it changed directions and soared away into the distance.


    xu qing turned his head and took a look.


    ¡°there is a gift inside for an old friend of the red moon shrine. it will be taken over there.¡±


    the woman in red calmly spoke as she walked on the glacier. as she moved forward, she spread her perception, searching for something.


    xu qing followed silently.


    the two of them walked in the cold wind for a few days. in the end, xu qing saw a sect living on a glacier. the scale wasn¡¯t small and he could see many disciples entering and exiting.


    ¡°that¡¯s the nether race. they are dependent on the red moon shrine. their race once made contributions to the crimson goddess, so they are allowed to send their clansmen to the temple for generations as guards.¡±


    the red-clothed woman¡¯s expression revealed a hint of mockery. she didn¡¯t say anything more and brought xu qing straight to the sect.


    the sect didn¡¯t notice their arrival at all. their perception was affected. in their eyes, xu qing and the woman in red didn¡¯t exist.


    as he walked through the nether race, xu qing also had doubts in his heart. he didn¡¯t understand why the red-clothed woman said that this sect was a race.


    from what he could see, there were disciples from various races in this sect. they didn¡¯t seem to be from the same race.


    however, the woman in red didn¡¯t explain it and xu qing stopped asking. the two of them walked all the way to the depths of the sect where there was a huge crack on the glacier.


    the woman in red closed her eyes and sensed the crack.


    ¡°this is the place.¡±


    her expression was a little sad as she walked into the crack.


    xu qing lowered his head and took a look. after pondering for a moment, he also stepped in.


    the cold wind blew from under the crack, freezing not only his body but also his soul. the further he went, the more intense the cold air here became.


    the two of them sank for an unknown distance. when xu qing¡¯s hair and brows turned white, they reached the bottom.


    this was a huge ice cave that was like a small world. the sky was replaced by ice and the land was endless.


    from afar, xu qing saw an underground lake.


    the water of this lake was clearly peculiar. it wasn¡¯t frozen here and it emitted waves of mist, making the surroundings blurry.


    in this blur, xu qing saw many nether race disciples.


    those disciples came down from above with crystal coffins and placed them on the shore.


    at a rough glance, there were hundreds of coffins surrounding the lake.


    after placing those coffins here, those disciples immediately left.


    as for inside the coffin, xu qing¡¯s gaze swept over from afar and he could vaguely see figures lying inside. from their clothes, they were also disciples of this sect.


    this scene caused xu qing to be a little surprised. just as he was about to observe carefully, the lake suddenly churned. illusory ribbons of light that emitted rainbow light rose from within like tentacles and swept toward the surrounding coffins.


    every colorful tentacle wrapped around a coffin and pulled it down to the lake.


    not long later, all the coffins here sank into the lake and slowly disappeared. the lake also gradually resumed its calm.


    ¡°on the surface, the nether race looks like a sect. there are all kinds of races in it, but in reality, only by becoming a member of their race can one become a guard of the temple.


    ¡°those who haven¡¯t become their clansmen are all food.¡±


    ¡°if you want to become a member of their race, you have to perform a ritual. what you saw just now was this ritual. those disciples will be sent to a special place, and once they walk out of there alive, the ritual will be considered completed.¡±


    ¡°because the ones who walked out aren¡¯t them anymore.¡±


    the woman in red calmly spoke.


    ¡°possession?¡± xu qing fell into deep thought.


    ¡°the ancestor of the nether race was once a subordinate of my father. back then, when the crimson goddess descended, he chose to betray us and was killed by my father. the great worlds he nurtured collapsed and shattered into pieces. they were mostly destroyed and all lives inside perished.¡±


    ¡°one fragment landed here.¡±


    ¡°the crimson goddess thought of his contribution and blessed the dead clansmen in this world fragment, allowing them to retain their remnant souls. hence, the appearance of the nether race.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he turned his head and glanced at the lake again. he was very clear that to be personally killed by the ancient ruler and the collapse of the great worlds meant that the cultivation of the ancestor of the nether race back then was at the soul accumulation realm.

 Chapter 894 - 894 Wanggus Secret (3)

    894 wanggu¡¯s secret (3)


    ¡°let¡¯s go. the place we need to go isn¡¯t this place at the moment.¡±


    the woman in red gazed at the lake, her eyes filled with some emotions, and then she turned and walked deeper into the ice cave.


    xu qing noticed the meaning in the other party¡¯s words and didn¡¯t ask further. he followed her deeper into the cave.


    however, because the rainbow tentacles from the lake had pulled down too quickly and there were many coffins, in addition to the fact that his vision and perception were isolated to a certain extent, xu qing didn¡¯t notice a familiar figure lying in one of the coffins.


    at that moment, a corpse lying in the hundreds of coffins under the lake suddenly moved. its eyes were slightly open as it rapidly scanned its surroundings.


    after noticing that there was a lake outside, this person revealed a smug expression. he then quickly glanced at the rainbow tentacles pulling the coffin and his smug expression became even more intense.


    ¡°little nether race, i can come in whenever i want.¡±


    ¡°after entering this race¡¯s small world, i can carry out my plan.¡±


    ¡°i wonder how little qing is doing now. i think his adventure won¡¯t be as exciting as mine. he should be waiting for me on the heavenly bull mountain¡­¡±


    this corpse was none other than the captain.


    ¡°little qing, it¡¯s not that eldest senior brother is late, but there¡¯s nothing i can do. for our big matter, you need to wait a while longer. who asked you not to follow me?¡±


    the captain was feeling proud when the coffin shook. he hurriedly closed his eyes and continued to pretend to be dead.


    at the same time, under the glacier that was far away from the lake, the woman in red¡¯s speed became faster and faster. towards the end, she waved her hand and swept xu qing forward.


    their speed was astonishing. 10 to 14 hours later, she brought xu qing to the deepest part of the glacier.


    the cold aura here was extremely dense and even emitted waves of the red moon¡¯s restriction power.


    sensing the fluctuations of the restriction, xu qing narrowed his eyes. he knew that they had arrived at their destination.


    soon, the woman in red stopped and stood on the ice layer. she lowered her head and looked down, revealing a sorrowful expression.


    her sorrow was so strong that it affected the surroundings, causing the sound of crying to echo faintly.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was solemn as he recalled the motive the other party had mentioned before. hence, he followed the woman in red¡¯s gaze and looked at the ice layer under his feet. when he took a look, his heart froze.


    this place was dim, and it was even more so inside the glacier. hence, xu qing¡¯s vision was pitch-black. however, he could faintly sense that there seemed to be a massive presence below.


    ¡°do you want to see?¡±


    a long time later, the woman in red spoke softly. it was clearly a question but she didn¡¯t let xu qing give an answer. she waved her hand gently.


    immediately, countless fireflies appeared in the surroundings.


    the light from one firefly was weak but with their numbers, the surrounding area was illuminated brightly.


    with the help of the spreading light, xu qing saw the scene under the glacier and was astonished.


    there was a corpse under the glacier.


    this corpse was 100,000 feet long and wore brown armor.


    even though it had died for a long time, the baleful aura on its body rushed into xu qing¡¯s mind and turned into a furious roar.


    xu qing¡¯s body shook and he took a few steps back. he suppressed the shock and stared carefully.


    the corpse was that of a young man with a strong and handsome face, especially his sword-like eyebrows, which exuded a heroic air.


    however, a gigantic black nail drove through his head from his forehead. blood froze on his face, causing his expression to be filled with malevolence.


    his body was even more alarming to behold, with more than half of it already withered. there were areas that hadn¡¯t withered, still emitting vitality.


    this vitality that contained the intent of death spread under the glacier and gathered in the distance, heading somewhere unknown.


    this scene caused countless guesses to rise in xu qing¡¯s mind. he then looked at the woman in red who had a sad expression.


    ¡°this is my third brother. when he was a child, he loved following me around. as the crown prince, i had to assist the king with state affairs, which kept me busy. but wherever i went, he would follow behind. sometimes, when i got annoyed and left him behind, he would cry and call me ¡®big brother¡¯¡­¡±


    ¡°he has an impulsive personality and doesn¡¯t get along with my ninth brother. the two of them often fight¡­¡±


    ¡°and every time, i would side with old ninth.¡±


    the woman in red spoke softly.


    xu qing fell silent. he could sense that the sorrow in the surroundings was even more intense.


    ¡°the nail on his forehead is my father¡¯s weapon. my fourth brother nailed it on third¡¯s forehead.¡±


    ¡°do you know that my fourth brother originally wanted to use it against me? it was my third brother who died instead of me.¡±


    when the woman in red said this, a smile appeared on her face and her voice echoed.


    ¡°kid, i haven¡¯t introduced my fourth brother to you. he used this incident as a stepping stone when crimson goddess arrived, and now he¡¯s quite prestigious, becoming the divine son of the moon worship region.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, his heart suddenly trembled. he knew that there was a divine son in the red moon shrine and guessed that the other party must be extraordinary. however, he didn¡¯t expect this divine son to have such a background.


    the fourth son of the former ruler, the current red moon¡¯s divine son!


    ¡°for countless years, he was the one who fed us.¡± the red-clothed woman laughed.


    ¡°he was worried that we, his siblings, would die too quickly, so he fed us with the people. in the past, he would even considerately cut off our own flesh and give it to each other to eat.¡±


    ¡°later on, he rarely appeared in person.¡±

 Chapter 895 - 895 Wanggus Secret (4)

    895 wanggu¡¯s secret (4)


    ¡°so you see, he¡¯s so good to us, his siblings.¡±


    the woman in red gritted her teeth and her eyes revealed intense killing intent.


    ¡°do you know where my third brother¡¯s qi and blood are going?¡±


    ¡°you¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡±


    xu qing remained silent. he didn¡¯t know what to say and could only sigh.


    on his way here with the other party, he had heard many things and his understanding of the moon worship region became clear.


    however, the more he understood, the more he sensed the oppression of all living beings in this large region.


    ¡°little kid, help me open a gap in the red moon restriction here. just a tiny one will do.¡± the woman in red looked at xu qing and her expression turned calm.


    xu qing nodded and sat down cross-legged to circulate the purple moon nascent soul in his body. in an instant, the energy fluctuations of the red moon in the surroundings became intense. the power of the restriction suddenly erupted, revealing strands of red threads in the surroundings.


    these threads spread in all directions, forming a huge net that enveloped everything. very soon, the color of one of the many threads changed, revealing a hint of purple.


    the moment it completely turned purple, the red moon restriction here suddenly paused and slowly rotated.


    xu qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. to him, it wasn¡¯t difficult to make use of the restrictions here. however, if he wanted to open a gap, it wouldn¡¯t be easy.


    therefore, what he could do at the moment was to absorb the power of the red moon here, weakening the restriction and then using his purple moon authority to force it open slightly.


    this was his current limit.


    time passed slowly, and soon three days had gone by.


    during these three days, xu qing continuously absorbed and integrated, until at the dusk of the third day, he reached the limits of what he could bear. he suddenly opened his eyes, raised his right hand, and pressed down towards the icy layer below.


    the surrounding red moon restrictions instantly churned, forming a vortex.


    almost at the instant the vortex appeared, the red-clothed woman¡¯s body blurred. she disappeared, transforming into a ball of blue fog. one could vaguely see a wisp of remnant soul in the fog.


    this soul looked like a youth. it was similar to the man under the glacier but was even more dignified. at this moment, it quickly flew out and headed straight for the vortex. in the blink of an eye, it fused into it, trying to rush in.


    the red moon¡¯s restriction erupted intensely, forming an obstruction. xu qing exerted all his strength to control it, but the sensation of trying to move something too heavy for him made his soul feel as if it were tearing apart. even his purple moon nascent soul trembled and its expression showed signs of pain.


    this was only the remnant soul going from the outside to the inside. xu qing could imagine that if it weren¡¯t the remnant soul and if it was something leaving from inside to outside, even if he risked everything, he still wouldn¡¯t be able to successfully let the other party enter or exit.


    even now, he couldn¡¯t do much.


    however, the existence in the coffin should have confidence since he chose this place right after escaping.


    at that moment, his soul shadow flickered with blue light and burned in exchange for extreme strength. he rushed into the vortex formed by xu qing.


    xu qing coughed out mouthfuls of blood repeatedly due to the pressure. the purple moon nascent soul also became dispirited. as for the remnant soul of the youth, it finally broke through the restriction.


    after entering the restriction, the remnant soul dissipated at a speed visible to the naked eye, as though it couldn¡¯t last for long. he didn¡¯t hesitate at all and headed straight for the nail on his third brother¡¯s forehead.


    before he completely dissipated, he fused into the nail and disappeared.


    xu qing wiped the blood from the corners of his mouth and retreated slightly. he then sat down cross-legged and regulated his breathing. he had already done his best. whether the other party¡¯s plan could really be completed was no longer something he could control.


    moreover, he didn¡¯t have the strength to receive the other party.


    at the same time, under the lake far away from here, the hundreds of coffins finally reached the bottom after being dragged by the rainbow tentacles for several days.


    there was a vortex there that emitted emotions that contained greed and desire.


    these coffins were drawn toward this vortex.


    they entered a strange world.


    the captain, who was lying in one of the coffins, opened his eyes again, revealing anticipation.


    ¡°i¡¯m finally here. haha, little kids, grandpa is here!¡±

 Chapter 896 - 896 Rulers Divine Weapon Suppresses the Northern Plains (1)

    896 ruler¡¯s divine weapon suppresses the northern plains (1)


    under the glacier, after the ruler¡¯s heir fused into the nail on his third brother¡¯s forehead, he no longer emitted any aura.


    the nail didn¡¯t show any changes.


    it was as though nothing had happened.


    xu qing sat cross-legged in the distance and stared at the glacier under his feet with a hint of contemplation. a while later, he slowly stood up and carefully retreated.


    although he didn¡¯t encounter any danger on the way with the other party, this didn¡¯t mean that everything that might happen in the future would proceed as smoothly in the future.


    hence, xu qing felt that now was the best time for him to leave.


    as for the subsequent events, it was better not to participate with his current cultivation.


    however, just as xu qing retreated less than ten steps, the nail on the giant¡¯s face under the glacier suddenly shone. a deep voice echoed in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°little kid, it¡¯s not time to leave yet. wait for me.¡±


    xu qing stopped in his tracks. just as he was rapidly weighing the pros and cons in his mind, the deep voice rang out again.


    ¡°i won¡¯t force you to stay. in reality, the current me doesn¡¯t have the strength to make you stay here.¡±


    ¡°however, you once told me that the crimson goddess is our common enemy. this time¡­ i¡¯m prepared to do something big. if you help me, my success rate will be even higher, but i¡¯ll do it even if you don¡¯t help.¡±


    ¡°the road is at your feet; you decide for yourself.¡±


    the voice no longer echoed.


    xu qing was expressionless. he glanced at the giant¡¯s figure in the glacier. a long time later, he cupped his fists and bowed. he then turned and sped away at full speed, disappearing from sight very soon.


    the cave fell into silence. after a long time, a soft sigh echoed from under the glacier.


    eight hours later, in the pitch-black distance, xu qing¡¯s figure suddenly appeared. after verifying that the other party really didn¡¯t stop him from leaving, he chose to return. the moment he returned, he sat down cross-legged and calmly spoke.


    ¡°i¡¯ll wait for you for a day!¡±


    ¡°thank you!¡± the deep voice echoed.


    xu qing closed his eyes and waited silently.


    at the same time, under the glacier some distance away, another major event was unfolding.


    the heir who had brought xu qing here didn¡¯t lie to xu qing.


    the ancestor of the nether race who lived on the unmelting glacier was indeed a subordinate of the ruler. it chose to betray the ruler when the crimson goddess arrived.


    after that, it was suppressed by the ruler and its body collapsed. its great worlds shattered into pieces and most of it turned into dust. only a core fragment landed here and was buried under the glacier.


    in that core fragment, there were countless souls. they were muddle-headed and had no intelligence. most of them were in deep sleep.


    because their actions back then were considered to be meritorious, the souls in this world fragment were allowed to possess bodies and leave. hence, the nether race was established later on.


    however, the barrier between death and life wasn¡¯t so easy to cross.


    there were many restrictions inside, so although many nether race members had returned over the countless years, most of them died tragically in the moon worship region.


    some said that this was formed by the resentment of the ruler merging with the heavenly dao.


    the place the vortex under the lake led to was the fragment of the great world.


    although it was a fragment, the range of this place, which was buried deep under the unmelting glacier, was similar to a small world.


    the weak ghost fires under the glacier were the source of light here.


    black snowflakes scattered down from the sky, covering the ground layer by layer. eerie wind blew over here, emitting whimpering sounds like wild shrieks and howls.


    a mortal would shiver with fright if they heard these sounds.


    it was like the underworld.


    in the dimness, one could vaguely see that the black ice glaciers in this world had formed the land and mountains, while strands of unconscious souls drifted and wandered both inside and outside the glaciers.


    to them, there was no concept of time. in their muddle-headed state, only hunger was left.


    all living creatures were their targets.


    at that moment, at the edge of the great world fragment, a different light suddenly flashed in the void. this light was red at first, then blue, yellow, and finally it turned the color of the rainbow as it spread in all directions.


    under the flickering of this rainbow light, countless souls in this world instinctively locked onto this place. even some sleeping souls buried under the glaciers showed signs of awakening.


    after that, streams of light appeared from the rainbow vortex. they wrapped around crystal coffins like tentacles and stretched out, placing them on the black glacier one by one.


    after the hundreds of coffins were placed properly, these rainbow streams of light slowly retracted until they fused into the vortex and disappeared.


    however, the vortex was still there, waiting.


    not long after, a sharp and eerie howl filled the air, and the drifting souls in the vicinity began to rush over like hungry wolves.


    it was as though those coffins were lambs in their perception.


    the life force from the coffins caused them to instinctively go crazy.


    these souls instantly arrived closed and pounced toward the coffins.


    there were so many of them that they formed a black storm.


    the coffins were clearly specially made. they could seal the disciples inside but they wouldn¡¯t stop the souls from entering them. hence, very soon, at least 10,000 souls entered these coffins.


    the sealed bodies inside had all been treated. their souls had long been extinguished, leaving only their shells.


    this would make it easier for them to be possessed.


    however, the muddle-headedness and disorder of the souls caused them to not choose to possess the body immediately. devouring was their first thought. this was also one of the reasons why not many members of the nether race successfully left this world fragment.

 Chapter 897 - 897 Rulers Divine Weapon Suppresses the Northern Plains (2)

    897 ruler¡¯s divine weapon suppresses the northern plains (2)


    in the blink of an eye, dozens of bodies within the coffins visibly withered, and the consumption by hundreds of wandering souls inside their bodies turned them into real skeletons in just a few breaths. then those souls rushed out and moved on to other coffins to continue their feast.


    the fragrance emitted by these hundreds of coffins attracted more sleeping souls.


    very soon, many souls that had much more powerful aura than ordinary souls crawled out of the black glacier and arrived quickly with greed and madness.


    they scrambled to enter these coffins and even devoured and bit each other for the sake of being the first to devour the bodies.


    compared to ordinary souls, these awakened souls from beneath the glacier were more robust and more likely to acquire a complete body, leading to the instinct to possess.


    hence, not long later, the first successful possession case emerged. a coffin collapsed and shattered into pieces, and the figure lying inside slowly sat up.


    this was a young man, and his numb expression gradually changed at that moment, emitting waves of evil aura. eventually, his eyes showed a look of desire as he looked up at the colorful vortex.


    he slowly stood up and walked forward stiffly.


    at the start, he was like a puppet, pausing with every step he took. however, as he became familiar with his body, this stiffness rapidly dissipated.


    ten breaths later, he had completely adapted to his body. he leaped up and rushed into the vortex, moving toward the human world.


    very soon, another coffin split open, revealing a figure.


    however, there was a coffin that was very strange. the other coffins had souls entering and exiting, but in this one¡­ the souls only entered but didn¡¯t exit.


    none of the souls who entered it came out. it was as though there was a black hole in the coffin that devoured everything.


    as the other coffins withered one after another, many souls followed their instinct for life and targeted this strange coffin.


    about a hundred souls rushed in. when they saw the captain lying in the crystal coffin, all of them emitted greed and were about to pounce.


    however, the instant they got close, a large number of mouths suddenly appeared on the captain¡¯s body. they quickly opened their mouths and inhaled.


    immediately, those souls were all swallowed by these mouths. after chewing quickly, all the mouths disappeared and everything was normal.


    not long later, more souls rushed in¡­


    just like that, time flowed by. most of the coffins here withered and turned into dust. only a few dozen or so souls possessed the bodies successfully and left this place.


    the rainbow vortex also gradually dimmed and finally disappeared from this world.


    at that moment, that strange coffin became the only place with vitality here. hence, all the souls in the surroundings rushed toward the coffin from all directions like countless hungry wolves.


    however, at the next instant, waves of terrified emotions suddenly spread out from the coffin.


    the souls that rushed in were like they had seen a tyrant. they scrambled to escape and some of them even distorted.


    however, the captain, who was lying in the coffin, didn¡¯t just use his mouths this time. countless arms also grew out and quickly grabbed at the souls.


    however, too many souls had entered the coffin earlier, and there were a lot that were trying to escape. seeing that some were about to escape, the captain quickly put a mask on his face.


    immediately after, a roar that spread in all directions echoed. a huge shadow of the heavenly dog appeared and devoured the struggling and fleeing souls.


    in the blink of an eye, the souls within a thousand feet directly entered the heavenly dog¡¯s mouth. the sound of chewing echoed, causing the remaining souls from a thousand feet away to scatter like frightened rabbits.


    after the heavenly dog dissipated, a burp rang out from the coffin. the captain sat up and stretched his back, his expression revealing comfort and smugness.


    ¡°haha, it¡¯s still best to use yourself as bait; it fills you up the most.¡±


    the captain looked around in satisfaction. after that, he waved his hand and spoke proudly.


    ¡°both of you, come out. is my body so warm that you don¡¯t want to leave?¡±


    ¡°hurry up, we¡¯re going to do something big!¡±


    as the captain¡¯s voice echoed, two figures flew out of his body. at first, they were very small but in the blink of an eye, they grew to their normal sizes. they were ning yan and wu jianwu.


    it was evident that during the time when xu qing had left, both of them had experienced some incredible and bizarre events with the captain. so, wu jianwu was no longer the spirited youth he once was, but rather extremely cautious.


    as for ning yan, he was numb.


    however, it was obvious that their auras were much stronger than before. they looked like they had been greatly nourished.


    seeing their expressions, the captain sighed and walked forward with his hands behind his back.


    ¡°you guys, follow me. walk softly and don¡¯t alarm the souls of those old antiques under the glacier. although i have a way to suppress them, we have to reach our destination first.¡±


    ning yan and wu jianwu hurriedly followed behind, especially wu jianwu. he no longer recited poems. at that moment, he nervously looked around, as though any movement would cause him to instantly jump up.


    ning yan glanced at him from the corner of his eyes with disdain. he patted his stomach, revealing a vine. he held it in his hand and played with it, looking indifferent.


    as the three of them left, the captain¡¯s rueful voice rang out in the cold wind.


    ¡°you guys are really bad. sigh, i really miss little qing now.¡±

 Chapter 898 - 898 Rulers Divine Weapon Suppresses the Northern Plains (3)

    898 ruler¡¯s divine weapon suppresses the northern plains (3)


    ¡°i wonder how he¡¯s doing now. he must not be eating well and sleeping comfortably.¡±


    on the other side, the captain¡¯s much-missed xu qing was sitting cross-legged on the underground ice layer that was some distance away from the lake and looking at it.


    it was halfway to the one-day agreement. however, there was no change to the giant under the glacier.


    xu qing calmly retracted his gaze and continued to wait.


    he said that he would wait for a day, so he would abide by it.


    just like that, time slowly passed. very soon, the 24th hour arrived. xu qing opened his eyes and stood up, bowing to the ice layer.


    ¡°senior, it¡¯s time.¡±


    ¡°retreat 10,000 feet away.¡± under the ice, the blurry and weak voice of the ruler¡¯s heir rang out.


    when xu qing heard this, he headed straight for the distance. when he was more than 80,000 feet away and was about to continue, a rumbling sound suddenly rang out from under the glacier behind him. it was like thunder that erupted in all directions.


    the ice layer trembled and the ground churned. there was also a blue light that suddenly shone under the ice layer, becoming brighter and brighter.


    finally, it became dazzling, as though a blue sun had formed under the glacier.


    the source of the blue light was the nail on the giant¡¯s forehead.


    right now, the nail was trembling rapidly and rising inch by inch. it was as though a force had fused into it, wanting to pull it out of the forehead.


    with every inch it rose, the blue light would become more resplendent. it was the same for the quaking of the ground.


    vaguely, a terrifying energy rose from under the glacier.


    xu qing only sensed the strength of this energy slightly but his heart skipped a beat. the feeling it gave him surpassed the taboo magic treasure of fenghai county¡¯s capital, and the comparison between the two was like that of a firefly to the sun.


    the difference was like heaven and earth.


    there was also an ancient aura mixed within it.


    xu qing continued retreating. even after he retreated 50 kilometers away, the palpitations were still there. at the same time, because of this energy, the red moon restriction was activated.


    the red light in the distant world flickered and suppressed the blue light. the contact between them caused the glacier to sway even more and cracks appeared, as though the sky was about to collapse and the ground was about to crack.


    very soon, a deep voice echoed in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°help me suppress it!¡±


    xu qing gritted his teeth. since he had chosen to stay, he naturally knew what the other party needed him to do. at this moment, he didn¡¯t hesitate. he pushed down on the glacier with his right hand.


    the purple moon divine authority in his body erupted, affecting the red moon¡¯s restriction again.


    what he needed to do was not to control the red moon restriction to open a gap but to disrupt it, causing it to show flaws. as for whether the other side could ultimately break free, xu qing could no longer judge.


    however, to the ruler¡¯s heir, xu qing¡¯s role was extremely important. this slight interference and influence was the difference between zero and one.


    without this interference, the possibility of him succeeding was zero.


    but now, it was different.


    in the next instant, a more intense sound resounded throughout the icy cave and the glacier cracked on a large scale. the blue light reached its peak, and that nail, in its continuous rise, was finally pulled completely out of the corpse¡¯s forehead in that instant.


    the instant it appeared, the entire northern icy plain turned blue.


    this scene attracted the attention of the various races and sects living in the northern icy plains. their world suddenly turned blue and they couldn¡¯t help but feel surprised.


    they didn¡¯t know what had happened, but an intense palpitation and pressure spread out from this blue light, enveloping the entire range of the icy plain.


    at this moment, the cracking sounds even surpassed thunder.


    in the depths of the glacier, the nail that emitted endless blue light completely spread out its terrifying aura. it slowly changed directions and pointed at the red moon restriction above.


    with the light shining extremely brightly, the blue nail pierced forward.


    with an indomitable aura and domineeringness, it headed straight for the red moon¡¯s restriction.


    in that instant of contact, purple light flashed amidst the intersection of blue and red. when they were in a stalemate, a deep shout echoed.


    ¡°forged in the crucible of the earth realm, born from the abyssal heavens, mysterious and extraordinary, are you willing to remain trapped, divine weapon? with my assistance, if you don¡¯t unleash your power now, then when will you?¡±


    the blue nail trembled violently. very soon, an unwilling artifact spirit fluctuation rose from it. its majestic aura gathered at the tip.


    it easily broke through the restriction!


    the color of the world changed and the ground collapsed. the blue nail soared into the sky and stood tall in the sky!


    it had reappeared.


    the surroundings churned and the sky was no longer dimly lit. from afar, this northern icy plain had become a blue world.


    the ground shattered and exploded. countless layers of ice collapsed and glaciers shattered into pieces, and the entire north caved in.


    this was an unprecedented drastic change. regardless of whether it was the living beings in the north or the moon worship region, such a situation was unprecedented!


    it was impossible for the red moon shrine not to notice such a huge matter. one could imagine that there would definitely be even greater energy fluctuations erupting next.


    all living beings were shocked and cried out involuntarily. however, the blue nail didn¡¯t leave the sky. it slowly turned its head and aimed the nail at the ice again.


    the light on it became increasingly resplendent and flickered again and again, as though it was accumulating strength.


    at the same time, xu qing¡¯s figure also appeared on the shattered glacier in the distance. he looked at everything from afar. although he was a little prepared, his heart was still stirred by this earth-shattering scene.

 Chapter 899 - 899 Rulers Divine Weapon Suppresses the Northern Plains (4)

    899 ruler¡¯s divine weapon suppresses the northern plains (4)


    ¡°the ruler¡¯s heir said that he had a younger brother who died here and an elder sister who was sealed here¡­¡±


    ¡°then now, he¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s pupils contracted as he turned and ran. he was clear that today, this place would definitely collapse.


    however, just as xu qing was speeding away, a vast divine sense echoed in his mind. it was like a powerful chime and thunder.


    ¡°little friend, if you leave now, you¡¯ll suffer a loss.¡±


    ¡°do you remember the mysterious gift i promised?¡±


    ¡°as the heir, i keep my word. i¡¯ll definitely give you what i promised!¡±


    xu qing stopped in his tracks and couldn¡¯t help but lift his head to look at the blue nail that was shining increasingly brightly in the distant sky, as though it was about to finish accumulating strength.


    ¡°what gift?¡±


    xu qing sent out his divine consciousness.


    ¡°how¡¯s the fragment of the soul accumulation¡¯s great world?¡±


    ¡°there are three things that are suppressing my third sister. this is one of them.¡±


    these words echoed in xu qing¡¯s mind. xu qing¡¯s eyes widened and a huge commotion stirred in his mind, causing his breathing to hasten. he never expected that the mysterious gift the other party mentioned earlier was actually a fragment of the great world!


    one had to know that the symbol of the soul accumulation was the birth of a large world. this large world itself possessed incomparably profound abilities. even if it shattered, any fragment of it was a supreme treasure.


    they were precious to even gods. hence, although red moon didn¡¯t take it away, it still made use of the fragment, turning into a seal.


    to cultivators, its value was even greater.


    xu qing¡¯s mind was in turmoil. at that moment, the vast divine sense in his mind echoed again.


    ¡°so, do you dare to follow me to get it?¡±


    ¡°dare!¡± xu qing¡¯s eyes turned red.


    this harvest was enough to cause the madness in the depths of his heart to erupt. it was just like back then when he went to obtain the first life lantern, the emperor-level cultivation art, and the statue of the sea corpse race. back then, the madness in his heart wasn¡¯t inferior to the captain¡¯s.


    as soon as he finished speaking, laughter rang out from the nail in the sky.


    ¡°come!¡±


    a blue light rose from all directions and sped toward xu qing. after it instantly enveloped xu qing, it brought his body straight to the sky.


    finally, he got close to the nail and stood on it.


    the blue light flickered and fused with the nail. this protection that came from the same source allowed xu qing to escape the pressure of the supreme treasure. the instant he stood on it, the divine sense of the ruler¡¯s heir rose shockingly.


    ¡°little friend, i¡¯ll let you experience a portion of the might of my father¡¯s supreme treasure back then!¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, the blue nail let out a rumbling sound and rushed out, transforming into a blue beam of light that headed straight for the ice layer!


    its speed was astonishing, and its power was earth-shattering, bursting in all directions, causing the sky to warp and tear, and the earth to rumble and collapse completely.


    everything in its path was destroyed!


    at that moment, in the fragment of the great world, at the highest point in the endless black glacier, the captain, who was unaware of the matters in the outside world, was standing there and pointing down.


    ¡°this is the place!¡±


    ¡°big jianjian, little ningning, you two need to be good, move quickly later, take out the treasures i gave you, we need to imprint them as quickly as possible.¡±


    ¡°as soon as the imprinting ends, we¡¯ll leave immediately. if it is too slow¡­ then we¡¯ll leave it to fate.¡±


    ¡°because all the places i plundered will become dust.¡±


    the captain spoke proudly. wu jianwu quickly nodded, his heart filled with trepidation. ning yan also felt a little nervous.


    noticing their expressions, the captain shook his head inwardly.


    ¡®they cannot compare to little qing. with just this bit of guts, if little qing was here, he would definitely look at me calmly.¡¯


    the captain sighed inwardly. he raised his right hand and waved it, tossing a ball of light into the sky. after that, he snapped his fingers.


    ¡°come out, my little dumpling!¡±


    at this instant, the ball of light suddenly flickered, emitting a piercing white light. there was also endless heat erupting from it.


    it continued to rise into the air until it became a sun in the sky!


    endless light and heat were released toward the black ice layer on the ground!

 Chapter 900 - 900 Look, There’s Someone on That Nail? (1)

    900 look, there¡¯s someone on that nail? (1)


    in the moon worship region, there was no true sun. this place was dim all year round. only during the three months when the heavenly fire crossing the sky phenomenon appeared would the entire moon worship region emit a bright light.


    however, that light represented death.


    not all races could adapt to such a living environment. hence, as all living beings died and revived again, some powerful races gave birth to peerless talents.


    they proposed the concept of an artificial sun and, due to the relative strength of their race and generations of reinforcements, they eventually raised their own race¡¯s sun.


    the light and heat didn¡¯t spread very far and could only envelop the range of the race¡¯s influence. its might couldn¡¯t be compared to the sun of dawn either. however, no matter what, being able to do this was enough to provide the race with great protection.


    such a race naturally had more divine envoys. hence, every time the crimson goddess arrived, although the race would be destroyed, the sun would be left behind, leading to a faster recovery and development.


    this cycle would continue to repeat. over the countless years, there were a total of nine races in the moon worship region who created artificial suns. due to some accidents, three of them were extinguished and there were six left.


    the artificial sun of the lone sun race was one of these six and was also the last one to be created. it was said that during its construction, a mysterious figure assisted them.


    a few months ago, the sun in the sky above their territory had mysteriously disappeared. the entire process was extremely abrupt. their tight security and heavy protective measures were useless against it.


    it was as though the sun had hidden itself.


    right now, that sun appeared in the sky of the fragment of the great world.


    ¡°those few old farts from the lone sun race back then borrowed my thing but didn¡¯t return it. hmph, they don¡¯t know that i did this on purpose.¡± the captain looked at the sun in the distance, feeling extremely satisfied.


    ¡°they helped me raise it quite well.¡±


    the sun released by the captain shone with dazzling light and heat, causing the world to seem to have entered a hot summer.


    the temperature instantly rose, and the heat continued to increase. in just over ten breaths, the heat emitted from the sun was incredibly intense.


    mist emanated from the ice layer, and this unmelting glacier showed signs of melting.


    however, it was obvious that compared to the glaciers in the entire great world fragment, an artificial sun wasn¡¯t enough to melt all of them. this was also the reason why the captain had come to this ice peak.


    ¡°just melting this area is enough!¡± the captain¡¯s eyes revealed a bright glint. he waved his hands at the sky and shouted.


    ¡°little dumpling, here, here, shine here.¡±


    the sun in the sky suddenly trembled and the scattered light and heat started gathering in one place. the light left a trail of intense melting on its way.


    finally, all the light and heat gathered on the ice mountain where the captain was.


    ning yan and wu jianwu knew the might of the sun, so they had long left. as for the captain, his hair and brows instantly burned, making him look very strange.


    however, he didn¡¯t care at all. his clothes were unharmed and his expression revealed comfort.


    ¡°it was cold earlier, but it feels much warmer now.¡±


    as for the ice mountain under his feet, after the heat and light gathered, it began to melt. before the black ice water could flow, it directly turned into fog.


    the tall ice peak could be seen shrinking with the naked eye. very soon, a thousand-foot-long hole was revealed in the mountain. fog continued to rise from it, and the depth continued to increase as it melted down. waves of ancient aura also spread out as the ice layer dissolved.


    ning yan and wu jianwu¡¯s hearts skipped a beat. a resounding sound echoed from the hole in the ice.


    at this moment, the black ice directly melted to the bottom!


    it revealed the true land that had never revealed itself in this world for countless years.


    however, compared to the black glaciers in the entire world, this thousand-foot-long hole was like a needle hole, and the cold air from the surroundings showed signs of freezing it again.


    the captain didn¡¯t care about these. at this moment, his expression was excited as he quickly lowered his head to take a look.


    with the help of the sunlight, the ground in the depths of the thousand-foot-long ice cave became extremely clear. one could see orderly blood-red gullies on the black soil.


    these gullies were densely arranged together, resembling a part of a massive fingerprint!


    it was as though a supreme existence¡¯s palm had once landed on the ground of this great world, destroying all living beings and leaving behind its blood-red palm patterns.


    and the pattern here was only a corner of one of his finger patterns.


    ¡°big jianjian, little ningning, quick, take out my treasure skin!¡±


    after the captain confirmed that there was no mistake, he shouted and controlled the sun with all his might, emitting even more heat to stop the hole from closing up.


    ning yan and wu jianwu didn¡¯t dare to be negligent. they had been paying full attention the entire time. when they heard this, they didn¡¯t hesitate at all. ning yan waved his hand and took out a piece of light yellow skin.


    this skin wasn¡¯t small. when it was spread out, it was the size of dozens of people. it was rectangular in shape and there were many traces of stitching on it.


    as for the origin of the skin, because it had been repaired perfectly, it was difficult to tell.


    wu jianwu also hurriedly grabbed the skin together with ning yan. the two of them stretched out this piece of skin, facing the hole beneath the ice layer.


    ¡°haha, the more i look at this treasure skin, the better it looks.¡± the captain was beaming with joy and his eyes were burning with excitement.

 Chapter 901 - 901 Look, There’s Someone on That Nail? (2)

    901 look, there¡¯s someone on that nail? (2)


    ning yan wanted to say something but hesitated. he then glanced at wu jianwu.


    wu jianwu remained silent.


    at the next instant, the excited captain performed a series of hand seals with both hands and pointed at the sky again, letting out a deep shout.


    ¡°little dumpling, flash a few times for me, help me copy it!¡±


    the sun in the sky instantly swayed and at the next moment, it actually flashed continuously. the light became unprecedentedly intense before it was extinguished again.


    this cycle repeated more than ten times. because the interval between them was too fast, this series of flashes caused the surroundings to be extremely bright.


    as for the skin that was opened by ning yan and wu jianwu, under the dispersion of the light, fingerprints gradually appeared on it.


    its appearance was exactly the same as the fingerprint under the hole, but it had shrunk by a lot. at that moment, it was rapidly becoming clearer and an astonishing pressure spread out from it.


    even though ning yan and wu jianwu were already prepared, their bodies still trembled. it was as though the item they were holding had undergone an earth-shattering change. it was extremely heavy, pressing down on them until they couldn¡¯t stay in the air and began to fall.


    however, shortly after, ning yan¡¯s body emitted the power of his bloodline. a large number of small beasts appeared around wu jianwu and similarly emitted bloodline fluctuations. only then did they barely hold on.


    tens of breaths later, as the sun dimmed, the fingerprint on the skin became clear.


    ning yan and wu jianwu suppressed their trembling and quickly rolled up the skin. after keeping it, they each exhaled and looked at the captain who was in the air with lingering fears.


    the dim sun in the air scattered its afterglow onto the captain¡¯s body, causing his figure to look majestic. it also reflected the emotions on his face.


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that only the three of us can enjoy such a magnificent scene. my little qing can¡¯t see it.¡±


    the captain placed his hands behind his back and sighed.


    ¡°when i describe it to him later, he will definitely have mixed feelings. what a pity, what a pity.¡±


    the captain shook his head and was about to continue speaking when a drastic change occurred.


    the sky of the great world fragment suddenly shone and the color of the world changed.


    a light blue light appeared in the sky.


    it wasn¡¯t just a small patch but the entire sky!


    as far as the eye could see, the dim sky here had all turned light blue at this instant. moreover, the blue light was still increasing in intensity. a terrifying energy was descending from outside the sky.


    ning yan and wu jianwu¡¯s expressions changed, but the captain was calm.


    ¡°the people outside should have discovered it. they came really fast. however, it¡¯s fine. this is also within my expectations.¡±


    ¡°the two of you, leave according to the method i told you earlier. we¡¯ll meet up at the heavenly bull mountain. when we get there, i promise that another good fortune will appear.¡±


    the captain raised his hand and took out a jade slip.


    ¡°now, let us leave it to¡­¡±


    before he could finish his last sentence, an earth-shattering boom suddenly rang out from the sky that was filled with blue light.


    the sound echoed through the sky, deafening and earth-shaking, causing the icy sky to crack open with a long fissure.


    this fissure spread for a total of 5,000 kilometers, and the sounds it emitted continuously echoed, causing the ground to begin to tremble.


    there wasn¡¯t just one fissure. in the blink of an eye, there was a second, a third, a fourth¡­


    dozens of fissures appeared in the sky at the same time. the sky formed by the ice was like a broken mirror. the cracking sounds kept exploding like thunder.


    as for the blue light emitted by it, it was even more resplendent than before, causing the light blue sky to turn dark blue.


    there was also a piercing light that shone even more intensely from every fissure, forming long beams of light that reflected on the glacier.


    the black glaciers couldn¡¯t stop the invasion of the blue color either. hence, under the continuous dispersion of the light, the ground here also rapidly turned blue. in the blink of an eye, the world was covered in this color.


    a terrifying pressure erupted with the light.


    as for the astonishing energy fluctuations coming from outside the ice layer in the sky, they had become extremely shocking at this moment.


    amidst the rumbling, the sky collapsed. countless ice cubes fell to the ground like blue meteors. the ground quaked and collapsed.


    this scene was earth-shattering.


    a deafening sound echoed in all directions. as the sky collapsed, a huge nail that was 100,000 feet long revealed its tip in the sky!


    just its tip caused the ice layer in the sky to shatter in circles with it as the center. the range grew larger and larger. the blue nail¡¯s aura surged into the world and rushed down!


    the entire great world fragment shook unprecedentedly at this instant. even the captain wasn¡¯t able to cause such a huge change.


    as for the countless souls in this great world, regardless of whether they were drifting outside or sleeping in the ice, they all let out sharp cries of horror at this moment.


    to them, this was the arrival of the apocalypse!


    ning yan was already completely shocked, and wu jianwu was about to cry.


    ¡°it¡¯s over. i told them outside that i had a bad feeling this time, but you insisted on bringing me over!!¡±


    ¡°chen erniu, what exactly did you do? what¡¯s going on!!¡±


    the two of them had long taken out teleportation talismans. however, these teleportation talismans that the captain said would never fail, seemed to have lost their effectiveness.


    the captain also gasped. his eyes were wide open in confusion.


    ¡°i don¡¯t know either. there¡¯s something wrong with this. it¡¯s too strange. i only came in to record an image and didn¡¯t do anything else. it shouldn¡¯t be like this. why is this nether race so unreasonable? they want to destroy everything at the very first move!¡±

 Chapter 902 - 902 Look, There’s Someone on That Nail? (3)

    902 look, there¡¯s someone on that nail? (3)


    ¡°what are they doing? they¡¯re too much!¡±


    the captain¡¯s body trembled and he instinctively lifted his head to look at the blue nail that was charging down. the confusion on his face was quickly replaced by horror as he cursed involuntarily.


    ¡°f*cking hell¡­ this is a ruler¡¯s weapon!!!¡±


    ¡°this nether race is a bunch of lunatics. they actually took out a ruler¡¯s weapon to kill us. i¡¯ve never seen them act so fierce back then! but where did they get the ruler¡¯s weapon? something¡¯s wrong¡­ wait, this is the nail on the forehead of the third son of the ruler!¡±


    ¡°this was the f*king thing i was going to get for the sixth major thing. who!! who beat me to it!!¡±


    the captain¡¯s heart was in turmoil and he was unconvinced. however, the aura from the ruler¡¯s weapon still made him shiver. he quickly squeezed the talisman jade slip, but when it proved ineffective, he jumped up and fled towards the distance.


    as he ran, he took out more teleportation jade slips and squeezed them while shouting.


    ¡°the two of you, stop arguing. follow me and run! something major is happening here, and it¡¯s really not my doing!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s you!¡± wu jianwu¡¯s eyes turned red as he shouted angrily. however, he knew that now wasn¡¯t the time to waste time in it. he gritted his teeth and thought to himself that if he could escape alive, he had to leave this lunatic immediately.


    ¡°back then, it was the same in the ten guts tree. chen erniu, will you die if you don¡¯t court death?!!¡± ning yan¡¯s heart was also pounding. this sense of life-and-death crisis suppressed his fear of the captain and he couldn¡¯t help but shout at him. however, he still sped toward the captain.


    the three of them fled with all their might like three rabbits on the broken ground.


    however, at the next instant, the rumbling in the sky became even louder and the area of shattering was also larger.


    countless ice cubes collapsed and fell from above. the nail that carried endless momentum broke through everything and completely rushed into the fragment of this great world.


    its descent erupted with incomparably terrifying energy fluctuations. countless souls wailed and were destroyed, and the world was filled with madness and violence. the captain and the other two could only group up and spread open that skin, speeding forward while trembling.


    the captain was unwilling and couldn¡¯t help but turn his head to look at the nail that was charging toward the ground. after seeing this, his pupils suddenly constricted and he gasped.


    ¡°what the f*ck, there¡¯s¡­ someone on that nail!!¡±


    ning yan and wu jianwu instinctively turned their heads when they heard this. what they saw was indeed a figure standing on the terrifyingly huge nail.


    amidst the faint blue light, this person stood alone, with flowing long hair and billowing clothes. his presence was extraordinary, akin to a celestial being. his handsome face and graceful figure gave off an aura of unparalleled perfection.


    as he stood on the nail, it was as though this item belonged to him and was being controlled by him.


    this temperament and aura were enough to stir the hearts of everyone who saw it.


    ¡°do you guys feel like¡­ this person looks a bit familiar?¡± the captain paused, staring blankly at the sky, murmuring to himself.


    ning yan was stunned, his eyes filled with disbelief, and his mind went blank.


    wu jianwu, too, was in a state of shock. when they looked bewildered, the captain pinched ning yan hard.


    ning yan instinctively glared angrily. when the captain realized that ning yan was in pain, he knew that this wasn¡¯t a dream. hence, he took a deep breath and his eyes revealed an intense light.


    ¡°it¡¯s really little qing!¡±


    ¡°junior brother, i¡¯m here!¡± the captain suddenly jumped up and kept waving at the sky.


    at the same time, in the shattered sky, the huge nail continued to charge down and its pressure impacted the ground first.


    a large area of the ground collapsed and the glaciers caved in, exploding layer by layer.


    chunks of ice fell from the sky and splattered everywhere on the ground.


    as for xu qing, who was standing on the nail, his heart wasn¡¯t as calm as he looked. his heart was trembling and a storm was brewing in his mind.


    the might of this nail was too terrifying. he recalled that from the moment the nail touched the icy plains in the outside world, and everywhere it went, the ice layers shattered. its sharp and unstoppable momentum seemed to split all the ice layers on the way until it blasted open a huge hole and descended into this fragment of the world.


    it also brought him here.


    the moment he arrived, xu qing saw the black glacier collapsing. he also saw a source of light that was like the sun in the air. however, it was very dim and didn¡¯t seem to have much energy left to emit light and heat.


    he found it strange that there was a sun here. he then saw three rabbit-like figures on the ground.


    for a moment, xu qing¡¯s expression was a little dazed and strange.


    xu qing found it unbelievable to see the captain and the other two here. they had clearly agreed to meet at the heavenly bull mountain, and he had been thinking of getting there quickly, but they had unexpectedly shown up here.


    however, this disbelief only lasted for an instant. it was as though it was reasonable for the captain to appear here.


    after all, given the other party¡¯s madness, it seemed that the more unimaginable the place, the more likely he was to appear.


    the captain had been walking further down the path of recklessness, never knowing fatigue, until one day when his reckless actions became a reality and his crazy life would come to an end.


    these emotions only emerged in xu qing¡¯s heart for an instant. at that moment, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. the moment the blue nail blasted toward the ground, he rose into the air and left the nail.


    with the speed of the nail, xu qing left completely in an instant. right now, he still had the blue light protecting him. after he left the nail, he headed straight for the captain and the other two in the distance.

 Chapter 903 - 903 Look, Theres Someone on That Nail? (4)

    903 look, there¡¯s someone on that nail? (4)


    behind xu qing, the massive blue nail was getting faster, causing a storm and surrounded by a sea of blue light. amidst the collapsing sky and shattering earth, it approached the surface ice layer rapidly.


    in the blink of an eye, there was only 20,000 feet between it and the ground.


    at such a close distance, the destructive force emanating from the nail could obliterate everything. the collapse of the ice layer continued to spread, creating a massive crater that appeared on the ground.


    the surroundings shattered with rumbling sounds. the crater was 100,000 feet deep and was still collapsing. many of the sleeping souls inside died under this pressure before they could wake up.


    those who woke up were even more miserable. they couldn¡¯t escape and were shattered.


    the nail continued to get closer to the ground, 10,000 feet away, 8,000 feet away, 5,000 feet away¡­


    the ground¡¯s fragmentation reached its peak, and at the bottom of the crater, there was now exposed earth and soil. unlike when the captain raised the sun, where the ice layer would heal itself, at this moment, the ice layer had lost its regenerative power.


    until a deafening roar shook the entire fragmented world like never before, and the ruler¡¯s nail fell into the deep pit in the ice.


    at the moment of contact, a circular storm erupted on the ice, and the shockwave, squeezed by the deep pit, spread out with a thunderous roar.


    the ice layer continued to explode and rise with that place as the center.


    50 kilometers, 500 kilometers, 5000 kilometers¡­


    endless ice layers exploded in unison.


    the nail pressed forward in the deep pit like a hot knife through butter. finally, it came into contact with the real soil in the depths.


    the earth crumbled, frozen soil collapsed, and the nail tore through, breaking the soil layer and penetrating beneath the surface of this fragmented world!


    with an even stronger aura, firmer conviction, and an even more terrifying sharpness, it ruthlessly blasted into the depths!


    outside, although xu qing was in mid-air, he was too close. the aftershocks from the collapse of the ground caused his body to lose balance and he was blown far away like a kite with a broken string.


    fortunately, he had the protection of the blue light that came from the same source as the nail. hence, after xu qing spat out a few mouthfuls of blood, he borrowed the momentum to increase his speed and distance himself with all his might.


    as for the captain and the other two, they had already ascended into the air. they were at a considerable distance, and with the skin acting as a barrier, and even the sun being taken back by the captain to share the burden, they were relatively safe.


    however, they all felt their hearts palpitate.


    the two sides rapidly approached each other. xu qing¡¯s voice suddenly rang out with a hint of reminder.


    ¡°rise into the air with all your might. a drastic change is about to happen below!¡±


    xu qing was very clear about the goal of that nail. hence, he understood that the collapse of the world fragment would definitely start from the ground. after reminding them, he sped toward the collapsing sky.


    the captain and the other two reacted very fast. they all understood that now wasn¡¯t the time to reminisce about the past, so they erupted with all their might and headed straight for the sky.


    wu jianwu and ning yan were slow. the captain simply held them in his hands and erupted with even greater strength, charging into the air.


    the four of them were getting further and further away from the ground. when they got close to the sky, the world trembled again.


    this time, it was even more astonishing and intense than before. the impact wasn¡¯t just 5,000 kilometers but the entire range of this great world fragment.


    this was because the source earlier was from top to bottom, but now, the source was from bottom to top!


    under the ice layer of this great world fragment and at the bottom of the frozen soil, there was a massive being. at this moment¡­ it had recovered from the state of being suppressed by the seal.


    it was shaking and rising from the ground.


    all the ice layers were lifted and countless ice cubes erupted. a huge bronze coffin broke through the ground, the frozen soil, and the ice layers, appearing in front of xu qing and the other three!


    it was exactly the same as the coffin under the sea of fire!


    it was astonishingly majestic.


    it had been buried underground for countless years. at this moment¡­ it reappeared in the world!


    an ancient aura filled the world.


    on the lid of the coffin, there was a nail nailed there. the lid of the coffin was filled with cracks.


    blue fog rose from the nail, revealing the heir¡¯s figure. he floated outside the coffin and spoke softly.


    ¡°third sister, it¡¯s time to wake up.¡±

 Chapter 904 - 904 Untitled (1)

    904 untitled (1)


    there was no longer a sky in this fragmented world.


    most of the ice layer in the sky had collapsed. huge cracks filled its surroundings, tearing the sky apart.


    a huge hole in the center pierced through the interior and exterior, leading straight to the outside world.


    the ice layer on the ground was the same. the endless land looked uneven under the shattering. the entire ice layer was lifted by the bronze coffin that rushed out from below.


    this bronze coffin was huge. in fact, it was even larger than the coffin xu qing had seen under the sea of fire.


    right now, more than half of it was exposed, and it exuded a vast might.


    an ancient aura that had witnessed the flower of time spread across this world, invading everything, as if it wanted to release all the buried time in this moment.


    it had been buried here for too long. one could see rust on the surface of the coffin, revealing its age and passage of time.


    the tremendous force with which the ruler¡¯s nail had previously rushed forward was clearly immense and violent. at this moment, even though it had only penetrated halfway into the coffin lid, there were still cracks forming from the points where it was anchored, extending towards the edges.


    the cracks spread all over the coffin lid, and there were many areas which were uneven. the entire lid seemed on the verge of shattering completely, only a hair¡¯s breadth away from doing so.


    this scene caused xu qing, the captain, and the other two in the distance to look at each other. they instinctively flew higher again.


    at the same time, the voice of the figure formed by the blue fog drifting from the ruler¡¯s nail echoed.


    ¡°third sister, after breaking free, i looked for the presence of consciousness of our family in our homeland. only you and i remain¡­ the other siblings have lost their consciousness.¡±


    ¡°their souls are incomplete and were absorbed by our fourth brother, li pan¡­¡±


    ¡°so, i came here to unseal you. third sister¡­ wake up.¡±


    the voice of the figure formed by the blue fog was filled with deep sorrow. when it spread through this world, the bronze coffin that was standing there suddenly trembled.


    as it trembled, the shattering of the coffin lid became even more intense. waves of terrifying aura spread out through the gaps, causing this small world to tremble. a withered hand suddenly broke through the coffin lid and stretched out.


    a rumbling sound echoed as the coffin lid fragments scattered, revealing the complete hand.


    from the appearance of the hand, it was impossible to tell that it was a woman¡¯s hand. the skin on it was gone, leaving only withered flesh and blood. it looked grotesque.


    all the fingernails were gone and the aura of death continued to rise from it.


    the figure formed by the blue fog looked at this hand with even more sorrow.


    this was his third sister, the beloved daughter who was doted on by their father. she was also the only one among their siblings who was on par with the ninth brother in terms of aptitude.


    her cultivation base was astonishing. she had gone to war everywhere on behalf of their father and gained illustrious battle merits.


    not only that, her beauty had shocked all races back then, and many noble youths admired her. the ancient emperor personally bestowed upon her the title of princess mingmei[1].


    at that time, it was said that her beauty was unparalleled, like a lone bright plum blossom in the clouds, untainted by dust.


    however, with the arrival of the crimson goddess, everything changed. that peerless princess mingmei was sealed in a coffin with her father¡¯s death.


    her despicable fourth brother, in order to torment her, drew her third brother¡¯s blood and sent it to the coffin. in her starved state, she had to forsake her dignity and moral boundaries as a human, and absorb the blood for revenge.


    not a human, not a ghost, neither alive nor dead.


    the ruler¡¯s heir¡¯s sorrow rose as he looked at the coffin.


    it was pitch-black and couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. one could only see the outstretched hand slowly lifting up, as though it was placed in front of him.


    the entire coffin trembled intensely. after a long time, it calmed down and a hoarse female voice rang out from the coffin.


    ¡°prince¡­¡±


    this familiar voice reminded the ruler¡¯s heir of the good times.


    and after the voice rang out, the figure inside the coffin slowly walked out, stepped into the world, and appeared before xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    that was a tall figure clad in decaying armor, with her entire body withered. the armor seemed to hang loosely on her, revealing many empty spaces.


    at this moment, the wind blew over, passing through the gaps in the armor, emitting whimpering sounds.


    her body was covered in scars and there were countless maggots squirming and biting inside. her body had no skin, as though it had been peeled off.


    all of this made her look extremely ugly, and it was difficult to tell if she was a man or a woman from her physical appearance.


    as for her face, it was sunken. there were only two holes in her eyes that emitted eerie flames, as though she had returned from the netherworld.


    this made it impossible to imagine what kind of torture and pain she had experienced before.


    however, the terrifying energy fluctuations emitted by her body continued to rise as she walked out, causing this fragmented world to tremble and affecting the outside world.


    in the entire northern icy plain, the color of the sky changed and a storm brewed. a huge vortex rumbled and appeared in the sky outside.


    this vortex spun rapidly, causing the entire north to become distorted and blurry.


    it was as though a god had descended.


    as all living beings trembled, a red light flashed in the distant sky.


    it was the fluctuations from the red moon shrine. the drastic changes here were so great that it was impossible for the red moon shrine not to notice it.


    now, what had arrived wasn¡¯t the divine envoy but a vast palm print.


    the fingerprints on this palm print were like ravines that were clearly visible, emitting a resplendent red light that spread in all directions like blood light.


    it approached from the horizon and grew larger and larger until it covered the sky and earth. it was as though a god had landed its palm above the endless sky, enveloping the northern icy plains and pressing down toward the location of the fragment of the great world.


    [1] mingmei means bright plum.

 Chapter 905 - 905 Untitled (2)

    905 untitled (2)


    it seemed to want to suppress this place and the entire northern icy plain.


    the void shattered, the ice plain trembled, snowflakes whirled, and all beings were bewildered.


    in the fragment of the great world, neither the blue figure nor the daughter of the ruler paid any attention to what was happening above.


    they stared at each other.


    at their level of existence, many things and thoughts were communicated with just a gaze, and they each understood clearly.


    at this moment, this daughter of the ruler knew the heir¡¯s motive.


    ¡°are you sure?¡± the hoarse voice was like two pieces of metal rubbing against each other, jarring and resonating.


    ¡°sister, with the crimson goddess in slumber, this opportunity is rare. i want to go and meet our fourth brother, to settle the grievances and conflicts of these years.¡±


    ¡°as for the outcome, i don¡¯t want to think about it anymore. rather than living like this, i¡¯m willing to risk it.¡±


    the blue figure spoke softly.


    the woman didn¡¯t speak. she only waved her hand and the ruler¡¯s nail that was floating at the side shook intensely and disappeared.


    when it appeared again, it was no longer in the fragmented world but in the outside world. it appeared in the sky above the icy plain and pierced toward the huge blood-red palm print.


    it emitted the power to shatter and destroy everything. there was also a violent aura that exploded from it and headed straight for the palm print.


    they instantly collided.


    a deafening roar echoed throughout the northern icy plains, as if thunder had split the heavens and the earth in that moment.


    the originally massive and supremely oppressive palm imprint, at this moment, paused in mid-air. at the point where it touched the nail, a blue and red light radiated, intermingling and suppressing each other.


    the blue light sharpened into a beam, piercing through the red light, breaking the barrier, and at the moment it penetrated the palm, cracks rapidly spread in all directions.


    it cracked and collapsed.


    in the blink of an eye, the palm print shattered into dozens of pieces in the sky. countless pieces of blood light landed on the northern icy plains.


    pieces of them smashed down like blood-red meteors and formed deep craters on the ground.


    they dyed the surroundings red.


    the blue nail didn¡¯t stop. it continued to pierce forward, going somewhere unknown.


    the woman in the world fragment lifted her head.


    ¡°he already knows that you and i have escaped. this palm print contains an invitation.¡±


    ¡°then, let¡¯s go. let¡¯s see how much our brother has improved after siding with the crimson goddess.¡±


    a hoarse voice echoed as the ruler¡¯s daughter rose into the air.


    the blue figure drifted over. when he rose into the air, his gaze landed on xu qing, who was constantly retreating at the edge of the distant sky. as for the captain, ning yan, and wu jianwu, he ignored them.


    ¡°little friend, thank you for your help.¡±


    after saying that, he nodded at his third sister beside him. the daughter of the ruler also looked at xu qing.


    xu qing stopped in his tracks and bowed to the two of them from afar.


    there was no expression on the skeleton-like ugly face of the ruler¡¯s daughter. she only lifted her withered hand and pressed it against the ground.


    suddenly, the world fragment rumbled, the earth trembled, and the remaining ice layers shattered completely, rolling up into the sky, turning into black snow. it seemed that from this moment on, black snow would forever fall here.


    at this moment, the entire world fragment emitted a creaking sound. it was as though the hand of the ruler¡¯s daughter had invisibly grabbed this fragment in her palm.


    with a squeeze, the world fragment began to shrink.


    in the blink of an eye, the entire world transformed into a palm-sized fragment that emitted a black light. it was like an irregular black glass that headed straight for xu qing.


    as it got closer, flames rose from it, burning and refining it continuously. when it landed in front of xu qing, it had turned into something crystal clear and translucent, like a crystal.


    a vast aura permeated it, like the stars in the sky, brilliant and dazzling. what was even more remarkable was that, through this refinement, it no longer had a master.


    its value could not be put in words!


    xu qing¡¯s heart stirred greatly. even though he was prepared earlier, he was still greatly excited now. he immediately took it. after keeping it, he bowed respectfully to the ruler¡¯s daughter and the heir.


    the captain¡¯s breathing was hurried and his eyes revealed intense desire. ning yan and wu jianwu were shocked. the latter was fine, but ning yan was very clear about the value and significance of a world fragment.


    ¡®this, this, this, this, they actually gave it away just like that?¡¯


    while ning yan¡¯s heart was in turmoil, the ruler¡¯s daughter¡¯s body swayed and she directly disappeared from her original location, appearing in the outside world. as for the ruler¡¯s heir, he nodded slightly at xu qing. there was a hint of farewell in his eyes as he also disappeared.


    in the sky, the two of them stood tall in the blood rain.


    ¡°there¡¯s no need for a filthy race to exist in this world.¡± the ruler¡¯s daughter lowered her head and looked at the shocked nether race on the ground. she clenched her fist and attacked from afar.


    a huge fist phantom directly appeared above the nether race and descended on them.


    the mountains and rivers exploded and the ground collapsed. all the buildings and existences inside turned into minced meat that fused with the ice and snow, transforming into a blood-red fist mark.


    after doing this, the two of them transformed into two rainbows that carried an indomitable aura and an unstoppable intent. they headed straight for the repentance plain with the resentment they had accumulated for countless years.


    that was where their father¡¯s corpse was located, and also where the red moon shrine¡¯s headquarters was located.


    at the same time, on the heavenly fire sea, the sky distorted and a blue light pierced through the void, shattering the flames and splitting the sky, shining over everything.

 Chapter 906 - 906 Untitled (3)

    906 untitled (3)


    upon closer inspection, that light was a 100,000 feet long nail!


    it descended from the sky with a clear target, locking onto its destination beneath the heavenly fire sea. then, with a piercing roar, it caused the flames to surge as it plunged into the sea, heading straight for the bronze coffin.


    the sea of fire erupted and magma rose endlessly.


    the nail that sank into the sea of fire directly struck the bronze coffin in the depths!


    the red moon¡¯s restriction dimmed and the coffin shook violently. in an instant, a sound that resounded through the world rang out as it completely shattered!


    countless fragments shot through the sea of fire, creating massive whirlpools that stirred up one after another. from a distance, this area appeared to be bursting with countless sparks.


    a vast body that was as astonishing as the daughter of the ruler was revealed from the shattered coffin.


    the body was emaciated, and it was covered in blue meridians, resembling raised mountain ranges, exuding a ferocious aura.


    a tattered brown robe draped over the body, stained with mottled blood, transforming its original orange-yellow hue into the current color over countless years.


    his face was withered, but it couldn¡¯t conceal his charisma. his blue eyes were like gemstones, radiating a captivating power. the bloodline of the ruler surged continuously within him.


    what¡¯s even more striking about him was his hair. he had long gray hair that flowed around his body, extending in all directions and curling upwards at the ends.


    every strand of hair transformed into a wisp of soul that was roaring at the sky.


    this was the main body of the ruler¡¯s heir!


    he slowly lifted his head and walked forward.


    with one step, he stepped out of the sea of fire.


    he stood tall in the sky, with his long hair fluttering, covering the world, like boundless dark clouds.


    ¡°i was born during the golden age of the ancient sovereign mystic nether, sealed away after the arrival of the false god, and now i reappear in this sorrowful and ancient world. in my life¡­ i enjoyed all the wealth and benefits and obtained the resources that myriad races yearned for. it¡¯s enough, it¡¯s enough.¡±


    the muttering was like thunder. the color of the world changed and the wind and clouds suddenly rose. the sea of fire churned and the surroundings trembled.


    ¡°now, there are only two obsessions that can¡¯t be dispelled. one is to destroy the moon to remove the curses of the people, and the other is to kill the body and soul of the rebellious brother to eliminate the hatred in my heart!¡±


    ¡°if i don¡¯t kill li pan, i would have let down my father, the hopes of people, and myself!¡±


    the heir looked at the repentance plains in the distance. his eyes were cold and sharp, as though there was an abyss inside. he took a step forward and broke through the void.


    the space churned and exploded layer by layer.


    the heavenly fire was difficult to calm down and the sky was filled with wrinkles. in the moon worship region, all living beings felt their hearts palpitate.


    many experts from the various races sensed this and lifted their heads in horror, looking at the repentance plain in the distance.


    at that moment, many parts of the northern icy plain caved in. large chunks of ice shattered and sank from the ground, and the entire land collapsed heavily because of the disappearance of the fragment of the great world at the bottom.


    there was also the overflowing glacier water. as it flowed in all directions, four figures shuttled through the collapsing ice at lightning speed.


    they were xu qing and the group.


    they quickly ran and jumped out of the underground world.


    behind them, rumbling sounds continued to roar. the ice cubes smashed down and the ground transformed into a black hole, wanting to devour everything in the outside world.


    in front of them, the ice layers resembled enormous jagged blades, unevenly scattered, accompanied by the chilling wind howling past them.


    fortunately, the four of them were not ordinary. at this moment, they each deployed their respective techniques. wu jianwu summoned a multitude of fierce beasts around him to clear the way, while the captain¡¯s approach was to use ning yan. he transformed this weapon into a hammer, becoming a fearsome force wherever he went.


    coupled with the pressure emitted by the skin, their journey was much smoother.


    xu qing used the simplest method. he transformed into bizarre nether state and ignored everything.


    just like that, the four of them continued to approach the surface. on the way, the captain couldn¡¯t help but look at xu qing several times. he wanted to say something but hesitated, his expression filled with depression.


    actually, he was still a little dumbfounded even now. xu qing¡¯s appearance and what he had done really made him feel like someone had beaten him to it.


    ¡®the sixth major event in my plan after coming to the moon worship region is to obtain the nail on the forehead of the third son of the ruler. after that, the eighth major event is to release the heir under the heavenly fire sea¡­¡¯


    ¡®however, little qing went to the heavenly fire sea and actually¡­ completed them all? moreover, it wasn¡¯t even a slight completion. he even exceeded the limit and saved the third daughter of the ruler?¡¯


    ¡®this rhythm isn¡¯t right. shouldn¡¯t i be the one bringing him to do something big¡­¡¯


    the captain glanced at xu qing bitterly.


    what made his heart churn even more was that xu qing actually obtained a fragment of a large world in the end.


    he thought about how he had gone through so much trouble to come here just to copy the fingerprint, but little qing actually uprooted this place and took it all away¡­


    ¡°no, i must strive harder. i am extremely familiar with this place. i must reestablish the prestige of the eldest senior brother and take the lead in doing big things!¡±


    the captain¡¯s eyes revealed determination and he sped up again.


    just like that, after about fifteen minutes, the four of them finally rushed out from underground. the moment they stepped onto the icy plain, the captain slapped his forehead and shouted.


    ¡°little dumpling!¡±


    in an instant, a ball of dim fire flew out of his forehead and headed straight for the sky. the captain stepped in.


    ¡°aren¡¯t you guys coming over!¡±


    wu jianwu and ning yan quickly moved toward him. however, their speed was still inferior to xu qing¡¯s.


    the instant the captain took out the sun, xu qing had already moved. he understood the captain too well, so he knew his motive the moment he saw his actions. in the blink of an eye, he appeared beside the captain.

 Chapter 907 - 907 Untitled (4)

    907 untitled (4)


    the dim sun emitted a buzzing sound and soared towards the sky, disappearing into the horizon after a few flashes.


    the events in the northern ice plains were no longer relevant to xu qing and the others as the sun departed.


    time flowed and very soon, a day passed.


    in the sky of the moon worship region, a blurry ball of light was moving rapidly, and it possessed a concealment power that allowed it to move silently.


    this light cluster was formed by the overlapping of five large rings.


    the five rings were engraved with densely-packed runes that flickered according to a certain pattern, and they interlocked and rotated rapidly, emitting a radiant glow. at the center of the five rings, a golden meteorite was floating.


    the light it emitted was absorbed and magnified by the five rings outside, forming light and heat.


    on the golden meteorite, there were also some exquisite buildings, and the captain was lying on the roof of a building. his expression was quite strange, sometimes sighing, sometimes resolute, and sometimes gritting his teeth.


    it was obvious that ning yan and wu jianwu had been here before, so they weren¡¯t curious about their surroundings. they lay sprawled on the ground and recalled the events on the icy plains with lingering fear. the treasure skin was thrown to the side.


    xu qing stood in the distance and stared at his surroundings.


    he knew the origin of this artificial sun.


    what made him curious was how this item was made.


    just as xu qing was observing carefully, the captain¡¯s faint voice rang out from the distant rooftop.


    ¡°have the two of you rested enough? hurry up and put away my precious skin. if this continues, it¡¯ll dry up!¡±


    wu jianwu and ning yan sighed. they got up and walked toward the treasure skin, rolling it up.


    xu qing noticed their actions and walked over.


    xu qing could tell that something was amiss with the captain earlier and knew the reason. however, he didn¡¯t care. this wasn¡¯t the first time such a thing had happened.


    back then, it was the same in the absolute beginning separation pillar. according to xu qing¡¯s judgment, the captain needed some time to work on his emotional recovery.


    ¡°is this your goal in coming here?¡± after he got close to ning yan and wu jianwu, xu qing looked at the skin and noticed the imprinted fingerprints on it.


    wu jianwu nodded weakly. ning yan, still in awe of xu qing, quickly spoke up.


    ¡°yes, boss, this is the goal we¡¯ve been pursuing since senior brother erniu led us away,¡± he said, glancing over at the captain.


    when the captain in the distance heard this, he sighed again.


    xu qing blinked and spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°this skin isn¡¯t bad!¡±


    ning yan hesitated but still spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°it¡¯s not bad¡­ this is senior brother erniu¡¯s skin. he asked me and big jianjian to skin him more than ten times¡­¡±


    ¡°even big jianjian was shaken.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. he knew the captain was crazy, but he hadn¡¯t expected him to go to such lengths and utilize all of his advantages in such a rational manner.


    the captain noticed xu qing¡¯s expression and couldn¡¯t help but feel smug. just as he was about to speak, he thought of how his meager loot couldn¡¯t be compared to the world fragment and sighed again.


    he felt that his skin had been peeled for nothing¡­


    hence, determination appeared in his eyes and he abruptly sat up. his expression was deep as he looked at xu qing and calmly spoke.


    ¡°little qing!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was serious as he looked at the captain.


    ¡°little qing, this time was just a small demonstration by your senior brother. next, we¡¯ll go to heavenly bull mountain, and i¡¯ll show you how amazing i used to be in the past!¡±


    when xu qing heard this, his expression changed and he put on a look of anticipation.


    seeing xu qing like this, the captain instantly felt comfortable. he stood up and placed his hands behind his back. he first glanced at wu jianwu before lifting his head to look at the distant world.


    ¡°don¡¯t judge the day by the evening, let¡¯s see who¡¯s even more amazing tomorrow morning!¡±


    wu jianwu spoke helplessly.

 Chapter 908 - 908 Tempering the Soul in the Heavenly Tribulation, Return of the Bull (1)

    908 tempering the soul in the heavenly tribulation, return of the bull (1)


    in the moon worship region, there was a sacred place in the center called the repentance plain.


    it was sacred before because it was where the imperial palace of the ruler of this region was.


    the current holiness was because it was the headquarters of the red moon shrine.


    although it was referred to as plain, in reality, it was an inland island surrounded by a sea of blood from countless beings. however, its expanse was vast, comparable to the size of an entire county.


    on this repentance plain stood a kneeling statue. its height surpassed all the mountains in the moon worship region and seemed to reach the sky.


    this was the former ruler of this region.


    even in death, a terrifying pressure still emanated from it and enveloped the surroundings. above its head stood a huge palace in the shape of a crown.


    this palace was red like a sealing shackle that suppressed this statue, causing the knees of the ruler statue to sink slightly every year.


    this was the headquarters of the red moon shrine.


    there were countless temples built around the statue. the cultivators entering and exiting them wore red robes. everyone was very quiet and everything was silent.


    this was because the divine son didn¡¯t like noise.


    however, today, two rainbows shot over from the north and east. they were like two sharp blades that tore through the sky, destroying the silence.


    the rainbow from the north carried an endless aura of death and transformed into the armored daughter of the ruler.


    the figure from the east stirred up endless storms which then gathered into a brown robe.


    a momentum that could swallow mountains and rivers manifested from the two figures, causing the firmament to ripple and void to collapse wherever they passed.


    their arrival caused the sea of blood on the ground to surge and the temples to shake.


    the terrifying aura carried the intent to destroy the world. the instant it descended, a gentle voice rang out from the temple on the ruler statue.


    ¡°brother crown prince, and my dear third sister, your escape surprised me greatly.¡±


    as the voice rang out, a red figure walked out of the temple.


    his appearance caused the color of the sky to change. thousands of auspicious lights shone brightly and endless light spread out from his body, spreading to the entire world.


    he stepped into the sky, causing the heavens and earth to blur and all things to distort as he faced his blood relatives.


    as they looked at each other, the three incredible figures initiated a collision of their respective worlds, blurring everything.


    the level of their battle wasn¡¯t something that most living beings could sense. everyone on the ground could only see the sky churning and the sun, moon, and stars appearing at the same time.


    countless temple cultivators lowered their heads with pious expressions. all of them bowed and muttered.


    ¡°lord red moon, guide the wanggu. mourn for all living beings, and enjoy paradise.¡±


    this voice was like a song that floated in the world.


    as for the final outcome of this divine battle that happened in the repentance plain, no one knew. however, the fluctuations caused by this battle enveloped the entire sky of the moon worship region.


    it was as though the heavenly fire crossing the sky phenomenon had appeared again, affecting the rules and disrupting the laws.


    all living beings couldn¡¯t rise into the sky during this period of time. even the sun where xu qing and the group were at rapidly sank after nearing the south.


    in the end, it was put away by the captain. the four of them had no choice but to land on the ground and stand on the top of a mountain.


    stepping on the mountain rock, the captain and xu qing looked into the distance. as for wu jianwu, his heart pounded with fear and his expression was solemn.


    a long time later, the captain and xu qing looked at each other.


    ¡°they¡¯ve started a war,¡± xu qing calmly said.


    ¡°it¡¯s too early. it¡¯s very difficult to succeed.¡±


    the captain shook his head. after commenting, he took out a peach and took a bite.


    ¡°however, it¡¯s not a bad thing for us. it¡¯s just that this matter isn¡¯t something we can participate in at the moment. let¡¯s continue our plan.¡±


    ¡°little qing, next is your eldest senior brother¡¯s territory. are you ready?¡±


    to the captain, the most important thing now wasn¡¯t the battle in the temple but the heavenly bull mountain they were going to.


    he was going to let xu qing know his past glory.


    xu qing was expressionless. the other party had said this seven to eight times on the way.


    seeing that xu qing wasn¡¯t cooperating anymore, the captain threw out an apple. xu qing caught it and took a bite, his face revealing anticipation.


    the captain was instantly satisfied.


    wu jianwu and ning yan, who were at the side, looked at each other and sighed. previously, when xu qing wasn¡¯t around, the captain had never given fruits to them. now that xu qing was around, they still didn¡¯t receive them.


    ¡°let¡¯s go!¡± the captain was smug and was about to move forward.


    xu qing stopped in his tracks and looked at the sky.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, what do you think will happen if we attract heavenly tribulation at this time?¡±


    the captain immediately understood what xu qing meant. after glancing at wu jianwu and ning yan, he transmitted his voice.


    ¡®your purple moon nascent soul?¡¯


    xu qing nodded. after experiencing the incident in the northern icy plains, all of his nascent souls had reached the great circle of perfection of the first tribulation.


    the captain fell silent. after looking at the sky, he laughed.


    ¡°junior brother, your idea is interesting. this region has experienced a battle of extraordinary scale, causing the laws of heaven and earth to become chaotic. this is not a common occurrence, and at a time like this, invoking a heavenly tribulation may result in two possible outcomes.¡±


    ¡°the first outcome is that the heavenly tribulation can¡¯t arrive and is stopped outside, allowing you to avoid the tribulation and obtain the heavenly mandate.¡±


    ¡°as for the second outcome, the heavenly tribulation will be even more powerful and might even affect the soul.¡±


    ¡°so, have you thought it through?¡± the captain looked at xu qing.


    xu qing fell silent and slowly spoke.


    ¡°if it¡¯s the latter, i should be able to obtain more heavenly mandates and temper my soul.¡±

 Chapter 909 - 909 Tempering the Soul in the Heavenly Tribulation, Return of the Bull (2)

    909 tempering the soul in the heavenly tribulation, return of the bull (2)


    the captain¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint.


    ¡°that¡¯s right, the tempering of the soul. this tribulation¡¯s effect on it should be very good .¡±


    ¡°i want to give it a try.¡± after xu qing thought about it, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°in fact, there¡¯s another method; you can hide in your small world,¡± the captain licked his lips. he was quite interested in the idea proposed by xu qing.


    upon hearing this, xu qing found it to be reasonable. so, the two of them discussed for a while and found a nearby valley to make their preparations.


    ning yan and wu jianwu watched the two of them discussing this the entire time. they found it unbelievable and started conversing.


    ¡°why do i feel that they¡¯re courting death again?¡±


    ¡°be more confident and remove the word ¡®feel¡¯¡­¡± ning yan sighed and quickly left the valley. he had a bad feeling but before he could run far, his premonition came true.


    a suction force erupted from the valley, enveloping him and pulling him in.


    ¡°junior brother, we still have a weapon. with this weapon, you can be more confident.¡±


    the captain¡¯s voice echoed in the valley. wu jianwu shivered and quickly left. when he was ten thousand feet away, he hid in a depression and looked at the distant valley. he then heard a huge boom coming from the sky.


    this thunder was so loud that it seemed to explode everything in the sky, as though a god was roaring angrily in the sky.


    wu jianwu took a deep breath and retreated another ten thousand feet before he felt a little more at ease.


    at that moment, the changes in the sky were even more terrifying. a huge vortex rumbled and appeared. countless bolts of lightning swam inside and finally gathered together, forming a lightning dragon.


    under wu jianwu¡¯s shocking gaze, the lightning dragon roared angrily and rushed toward the valley.


    at the next moment, the ground quaked and the valley was instantly enveloped by the lightning dragon. mountain rocks collapsed and countless lightning bolts spread out on the ground, turning this place into a lightning pool.


    vaguely, ning yan¡¯s blood-curdling screams could be heard.


    wu jianwu¡¯s scalp went numb. when he retreated again, the vortex in the sky spun even more vastly. the second lightning was drawn from all directions. even the lightning pool on the ground rose and connected to the sky.


    looking around, the lightning in this area continued to arrive one after another until they all converged, crashing down once again towards the collapsing valley.


    the ground cracked.


    wu jianwu was also affected by it, and his hair stood on end as he ran desperately.


    and so, the lightning struck time and time again, with the area it covered growing larger and the thunder becoming more deafening. this continued for seven days.


    finally, when the area within 500 kilometers turned into dry and charred soil, the last bolt of lightning arrived. it actually transformed into a huge lightning spear that pierced through the sky and headed straight for the ground.


    more fissures spread throughout the land.


    wu jianwu, who was 500 kilometers away, trembled when he saw all of this.


    at that moment, he was certain of one thing. xu qing¡¯s madness wasn¡¯t inferior to chen erniu¡¯s. in fact, it was even worse in some places.


    ¡°no, i have to leave. if i follow chen erniu, i¡¯ll feel like i¡¯m constantly walking on the edge of life and death. now, with this xu qing added, i am no longer walking on the edge of life and death, i¡¯m walking on the path of death!¡±


    wu jianwu¡¯s eyes were filled with determination as he turned and ran.


    in order not to be found, he even changed directions many times. however, after running for a few days, a familiar figure appeared behind him and a voice called out.


    ¡°big jianjian, stop running. don¡¯t be afraid. haha, it¡¯s over.¡±


    wu jianwu wailed inwardly and pretended not to hear as he sped up. however, in the end, he was still not as fast as the captain. after three to five breaths of time, the captain¡¯s figure appeared behind wu jianwu, pressing down on his shoulder.


    wu jianwu turned his head with a long face and saw the captain¡¯s hateful face that was filled with smiles.


    the captain didn¡¯t mind wu jianwu¡¯s expression at all. he went up and put his hand around the latter¡¯s neck enthusiastically.


    ¡°big jianjian, why are you running? aren¡¯t you my good friend? this place is very dangerous. we¡¯re from the same hometown. it¡¯s safer to follow us. if it wasn¡¯t for little ningning sensing your tracks, i would have really left you alone.¡±


    when wu jianwu heard this, he glared angrily at ning yan.


    ning yan was held in the captain¡¯s hand as he smiled at wu jianwu. he had a look that said, ¡®don¡¯t even think about leaving me to suffer alone.¡¯


    wu jianwu was fuming. at that moment, he also noticed the pale-faced and weak xu qing behind the captain.


    xu qing¡¯s clothes were already tattered and his hair was disheveled. however, his spirit was very good and the aura on his body was clearly stronger than before.


    however, right now, his walking was a little shaky and lightning occasionally drilled out of his body.


    the might of the lightning tribulation earlier was so great that when xu qing recalled it, his heart palpitated.


    fortunately, with the small world, when he couldn¡¯t hold on any longer, he would retreat into it, recover, and then rush out to endure the lightning tribulation again, with the captain assisting from outside.


    even so, xu qing still reached his limit many times. he finally endured this torture to the end and successfully survived this strengthened tribulation, obtaining even more heavenly mandates.


    more importantly, under the baptism of the lightning, his soul was clearly much stronger than before.


    ¡°this way, after enduring the fifth tribulation, my soul will no longer be weak!¡±


    xu qing gritted his teeth.


    with wu jianwu¡¯s return, the group was complete again and they quickly headed toward the heavenly bull mountain.


    it was unknown how the captain coaxed him on the way, but wu jianwu finally agreed. a smile appeared on his face and he started reciting poems.


    however, he was very angry with ning yan and didn¡¯t say a word to him.

 Chapter 910 - 910 Tempering the Soul in the Heavenly Tribulation, Return of the Bull (3)

    910 tempering the soul in the heavenly tribulation, return of the bull (3)


    as for xu qing, he didn¡¯t pay any attention to the others. he continued on his way while channeling the purple crystal within his body to accelerate his physical recovery. due to the immense power of the previous lightning tribulation, his skin had suffered severe damage. as a result, during this recovery process, xu qing¡¯s skin began to peel.


    just like that, half a month passed.


    as the restrictive power in the air weakened, the captain¡¯s artificial sun was able to rise once again, causing their speed to increase. hence, half a month later, the heavenly bull mountain was reflected in everyone¡¯s eyes.


    the unending heavenly bull mountain was located in the unending mountain range.


    the mountain range was huge and there were many small sects and clans on it.


    because the environment was different from the north and east, the vegetation here was lush. the entire mountain range was green, and even the sky wasn¡¯t that dim.


    life force was very abundant here.


    ¡°do you see that? the tallest mountain is the heavenly bull mountain.¡±


    the captain pointed at the distant mountain range and spoke proudly.


    ¡°let me tell you guys. back then, this heavenly bull mountain was the holy land here. its status was extremely high!¡±


    ¡°but let¡¯s not dwell on the past; those were just past glories. now, here, there are many sects that have formed an alliance.¡±


    ¡°as for the name, ahem, they were touched by the legends here, so they named it the heavenly bull alliance.¡±


    when the captain said these words, he felt extremely comfortable. after he obtained this information in fenghai county, he had been in a good mood for a few days.


    when xu qing heard this, he appropriately displayed admiration and looked at the sky.


    ¡°do you feel that it¡¯s brighter than other places?¡± the captain smiled.


    ¡°this is because the sky here has been broken before and the mountain range is special. it can emit a certain amount of light, so this unending mountain range is quite famous in the moon worship region.¡±


    ¡°let¡¯s go. i¡¯ll bring you guys to the main city at the foot of the mountain first.¡±


    ¡°because there are many cultivators here, a city slowly formed at the foot of the mountain. it¡¯s very lively inside.¡±


    the captain placed his hands behind his back and led xu qing and the others forward as though he was returning home. very soon, a huge city appeared in xu qing¡¯s vision.


    the distant bustling sounds suggested that there were many cultivators from various tribes as well as common people living in this place.


    outside the city gate, the captain deliberately coughed and raised his chin, indicating that they should look at the name of the city on the wall.


    welcome to bull city.


    these four words exuded an ancient aura, as though they had existed for a long time.


    wu jianwu and ning yan looked at the name of the city and couldn¡¯t help but look at the captain. the captain was delighted and looked at xu qing.


    xu qing stared at the four words and his expression changed.


    the captain laughed and walked forward in satisfaction.


    ¡°do you see that? this is a city built to welcome me. since i¡¯m here, i¡¯m at home.¡±


    the captain was in high spirits as he strode forward. however, there was a small interlude when they entered the city gate. they had to pay a considerable amount of spirit stones to enter.


    the captain had just said that this was his home, so he was a little unhappy about the fee.


    ning yan lowered his head and wu jianwu looked around. they didn¡¯t have money.


    xu qing blinked and could tell that the captain was unhappy. hence, he comforted him softly.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, it¡¯s fine. they don¡¯t know who you are. moreover, this is your territory to begin with. isn¡¯t this fee also yours?¡±


    the captain¡¯s eyes revealed admiration. he felt that little qing was really too considerate. hence, he paid the spirit stones happily from his own pocket and brought them into the city.


    what greeted them was a lively atmosphere. there were many people from different races and sects in this city. there were also many shops and it looked very prosperous.


    as he walked in the city, the captain looked around with emotions in his eyes. when he saw a spiritual pool establishment, he stopped in his tracks and a reminiscent expression appeared on his face.


    ¡°this unending mountain range has a spiritual river that winds down, forming several spiritual pools. over the years, it seems that even the cities below the mountain have diverted water from it. back in the day, i used to enjoy taking baths on the mountain, and the female cultivators from below would soak in my bathwater.¡±


    ¡°let¡¯s go. i¡¯ll bring you guys to take a bath first. after everyone is refreshed, we¡¯ll go to my house.¡±


    as the captain spoke, he walked toward that spiritual pool establishment.


    the owner was also a cultivator. when he saw xu qing and the others, he nodded slightly. after collecting the fees, he brought them in.


    the pools in the building weren¡¯t small and there were many people. although it was divided into individual areas, amidst the piping hot air, the sounds of laughter and chatting could still be heard.


    at this point, ning yan and wu jianwu each occupied one individual area. they took off their robes and soaked in the pool, revealing comfortable expressions. this was especially so for wu jianwu. he simply spent more money to let his sons enjoy the spiritual pool.


    the captain was alone in a pool. he spread his arms and leaned against the edge, letting out a long breath.


    xu qing was in another pool. ling¡¯er crawled out and quickly transformed into her human form. she leaned against xu qing with a red face and narrowed her eyes.


    xu qing smiled and closed his eyes. his mood also calmed down.


    he had shed his skin many times on the journey. now that his body was soaking in the spiritual pool, his entire body was being nourished, and it felt very comfortable.


    after they got used to the atmosphere here, the laughter and chatter in the surroundings no longer felt noisy. it was as though this was a part of the pool.


    after some time, some discussions in the pool in the distance attracted xu qing¡¯s attention.


    ¡°what a pity. all the spiritual pools at the foot of the mountain will be closed next month. it¡¯s said that the spiritual river has been completely cut off and will be gathered in the sect.¡±

 Chapter 911 - 911 Tempering the Soul in the Heavenly Tribulation, Return of the Bull (4)

    911 tempering the soul in the heavenly tribulation, return of the bull (4)


    ¡°nothing we can do. fairy xianghan is getting married, and she wants a one-month purification ceremony. most of the forces in the unending mountain range are giving her face in this matter. even the yin yang flower sect agreed.¡±


    ¡°isn¡¯t it all because of fairy xianghan¡¯s fiance, xuan mingzi? as the number one expert in the unending mountain range, everyone can only agree.¡±


    ¡°however, this fairy xianghan is indeed beautiful and captivating. i saw her once last year, and she truly possesses unparalleled beauty.¡±


    ¡°i heard that this fairy xianghan wasn¡¯t a cultivator of our unending mountain range. she suddenly arrived a few years ago. she was originally just passing by but she fell in love with xuan mingzi at first sight.¡±


    these words, mixed in with laughter, reached xu qing¡¯s ears.


    xu qing paid attention to these conversations. this was his habit. no matter where he went, the environment and information were key.


    this was especially so for the latter. after experiencing some trouble caused by the lack of information at the heavenly fire sea, he attached greater importance to this matter.


    wu jianwu and ning yan didn¡¯t care about these. however, the captain pricked up his ears and looked at xu qing.


    ¡°it has nothing to do with us. in our family, this is just a small fry.¡±


    seeing how confident the captain was, xu qing nodded and closed his eyes to continue bathing.


    after an hour had passed, when they left the spiritual pool establishment, they were all revitalized, feeling refreshed and invigorated. the breeze that blew past them was refreshing, and their spirits were high.


    even though xu qing was disguised, his tall and graceful figure attracted some attention as they walked out. especially when ling¡¯er transformed into her human form, her blushing little face made her exceptionally beautiful. walking beside xu qing, she also drew many gazes.


    wu jianwu also felt refreshed, and the frustration in his heart had dissipated significantly. walking on the road with xu qing and the others, he decided to take out a fan and began to speak while fanning himself.


    ¡°clouds in the sky reach the mountains, the stone in my heart is higher than the earth!¡±


    ¡°if the spirit feather turns into mortal hair, who could claim that the form remains the same!¡±


    wu jianwu usually composed single lines of poetry and rarely delivered four-line verses like this. after saying it now, he had a face full of emotion.


    ning yan, who was at the side, immediately took a few steps away. the captain didn¡¯t understand either.


    xu qing directly ignored him.


    as for the passersby in the surroundings, many of them looked over in surprise.


    wu jianwu grunted in his heart, thinking, ¡®just a bunch of brutes, how could you understand the profound meaning hidden within my poetry.¡¯


    at the thought of this, a sense of superiority and loneliness spread in wu jianwu¡¯s heart. as he shook his head, he followed xu qing and the others and slowly walked away.


    he didn¡¯t notice that there were two women sitting on the second floor of the pavilion at the side.


    one woman was speaking with her head bowed, while the other, a middle-aged woman with some charm, had a moved expression at the moment.


    she didn¡¯t bother with the subordinate opposite her. she stood up and lifted the curtain, looking at the streets in the distance. her gaze then landed on wu jianwu¡¯s back view.


    her expression slowly revealed admiration.


    ¡°this person is remarkable. he used mountains and stones as metaphors for determination and conveyed his inner aspirations through the metaphor of spirits and mortals. he has the style of the ancient sovereign!¡±


    ¡°in today¡¯s world, there are not many people with such talent and literary grace.¡±


    the subordinate behind the woman hesitated for a moment upon hearing this, then also looked over. she knew that her sect master had always admired ancient sovereign mystic nether, and being praised like this by the sect master meant that this person was certainly extraordinary. so, she whispered softly.


    ¡°sect master, shall i go and investigate that young master¡¯s identity?¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s no need. everything in my yin yang flower sect is about fate. moreover, with his talent, he probably wouldn¡¯t like being probed.¡±


    the middle-aged woman spoke softly. after that, her gaze turned sharp as she looked at her subordinate.


    ¡°have you found out more about daoist xiang han¡¯s background?¡±


    the subordinate immediately lowered her head and spoke respectfully.


    ¡°i found out some information. the person was originally at the nihility realm, but she suffered severe injuries and her cultivation dropped.¡±


    ¡°the name is also not real, and the claimed origins are false. although there are curses on her, they are not extensive. from this, it can be deduced that she is a cultivator from another region, and her soul is incomplete.¡±


    ¡°based on where she first appeared, it¡¯s not the flame moon mystic heaven or the black heaven. there¡¯s a high chance that she entered from the direction of the holy wave race.¡±


    ¡°as for the purpose of coming here, it¡¯s unknown, but she did meet xuan mingzi more than a year ago.¡±


    after finishing speaking, the subordinate remained silent and then the middle-aged woman waved her hand, causing her to disappear and leave quickly.


    when the surroundings were empty, the middle-aged woman looked into the distance and muttered.


    ¡°why does this xianghan have the aura of the soul accumulation¡­¡±

 Chapter 912 - 912 Opening the Grand Tomb on the Moonless Night (1)

    912 opening the grand tomb on the moonless night (1)


    wu jianwu followed behind the captain and xu qing, shaking his head as he walked, unaware that in this world, there had finally appeared someone who appreciated him and understood the meaning behind his poems.


    ¡°the lonely leaf is missing half its body, how can a bird fly high without wings.¡±


    wu jianwu sighed softly.


    ning yan curled his lips and thought to himself that this wu jianwu¡¯s brain must be different from ordinary people. if he could stand at the top of the world one day, he would definitely give the order to open the latter¡¯s head and see what nonsense demon was playing mischief inside.


    wu jianwu vaguely sensed that something was amiss with ning yan¡¯s gaze. he turned his head and snorted coldly.


    ¡°a shameless child, three feet tall; upon closer look, it¡¯s just dog poop!¡±


    ning yan glared angrily and wanted to flare up. however, when he thought of all sorts of ferocious beasts with the other party, he held it in.


    at this moment, the captain¡¯s voice rang out from ahead.


    ¡°the two of you, stop. it¡¯s almost time. i¡¯ll bring you guys to my house.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll let you guys see what it means to be magnificent and rich. my tomb was built with countless effort and there is astonishing wealth left behind in it!¡±


    ¡°big jianjian, i have five scrolls of the ancient sovereign that you wanted!¡±


    ¡°little ningning, i have seven types of bloodline atavism items. you can choose whatever you want.¡±


    ¡°also, junior brother, let me tell you. this is the foundation of our great things and the source of the collapse of the red moon shrine in the future!¡±


    ¡°remember to hold your jaw later. otherwise, it¡¯ll fall easily!¡±


    the captain¡¯s eyes revealed pride. he lifted his chin and sped forward.


    seeing that the captain was so confident and had a look of longing on his face, xu qing felt a little curious. he had guessed about the captain¡¯s previous life but he didn¡¯t have any clues.


    however, from the captain¡¯s performance on the way, it was certain that his previous life¡¯s status was extraordinary.


    hence, his eyes revealed anticipation.


    even wu jianwu stopped reciting poetry and quickened his pace. ning yan¡¯s expression also became excited. as for ling¡¯er, her eyes revealed deep curiosity.


    just like that, the five of them left welcome bull city and entered the unending mountain range under the falling of night.


    the captain led the way, even though he hadn¡¯t been here for a long time. after all, this place was where he had lived in his past life. at the beginning, he needed to carefully identify his surroundings, but he soon became familiar with the area.


    four hours later, the five of them had already entered deep into the unending mountain range. they passed by one mountain peak after another. every time they passed by a place, the captain would speak with reminiscence.


    ¡°this place used to be called the fair maiden peak. back then, the sect of a beauty that pursued me was in this peak. what a pity. now that she¡¯s already bones, she can¡¯t chase after me anymore.¡±


    ¡°this place used to be the three cauldrons sect. it was the hometown of a good friend of mine back in the day. i miss him so much. he belonged to the artifact race and was much stronger than little ninging. he could freely transform into various weapons.¡±


    ¡°time changes, and things and people are no longer the same.¡±


    the captain sighed with emotion, his lamenting voice echoing around, and finally, in the pitch-black night, he led xu qing and the others to a bare foothill in the unending mountain range.


    on the way, they stopped at seven places. every time, the captain would perform a series of hand seals, as though he was opening a seal.


    ¡°the opening of the tomb of my previous life requires eight steps. moreover, it has to have my mark and be completed in six hours. the sequence can¡¯t be wrong. if any step goes wrong, it won¡¯t work. the most crucial aspect is to synchronize with the intervals of time, neither more nor less.¡±


    ¡°this is the last place.¡±


    the captain looked at the bare mountain. everything here looked normal and nothing could be inferred from the surroundings.


    he sized it up, calculated the time, and raised his right hand to form a seal. then, he pressed it forward.


    the ground trembled slightly and the mountain rocks seemed to be dislocated.


    after sensing it, a smile appeared on the captain¡¯s face. he suddenly smacked his chest, spitting out a large mouthful of blood that splattered onto the ground. the blood quickly fused into it and disappeared in the blink of an eye.


    it wasn¡¯t over. he swiftly circled around the short mountain, running and striking himself. in the midst of the shock of ning yan and wu jianwu, the captain spewed out numerous mouthfuls of blood.


    the blood all merged into the soil, leaving no trace behind, as if it had soaked deep within.


    after about fifteen minutes, the captain returned, panting and pale, but with an excited and triumphant expression, as he spoke.


    ¡°unlocking the tomb requires following all the steps correctly. any mistake in the process is unacceptable. apart from me, no one else can achieve this.¡±


    xu qing calculated the amount of blood the captain spat out. it was about the blood of more than 200 people. hence, his expression also revealed a strange expression. other than the captain, very few people could do this.


    ¡°now, open your eyes wide!¡±


    the captain laughed loudly and stomped on the ground. immediately, the soil under his feet caved in, forming a vortex that swallowed his figure.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate and brought ling¡¯er over. ning yan and wu jianwu followed closely behind and the five of them instantly entered the vortex.


    at the next instant, the vortex disappeared and everything returned to normal.


    when the restrictions here were set up, they clearly took into account energy fluctuations and concealment. hence, from the start to the end, everything was finished silently.


    as for the place this vortex led to, xu qing couldn¡¯t sense it. at that moment, as his vision became clearer, the five of them were already in a cave.


    the area was quite extensive, forming an elliptical shape with a height of several thousands of feet. twelve enormous statues stood around them.


    among them, there were humans and nonhumans. some held weapons, and some glared angrily. all of them exuded an ancient aura. compared to them, xu qing and the other three felt as though they had arrived in the country of giants.

 Chapter 913 - 913 Opening the Grand Tomb on the Moonless Night (2)

    913 opening the grand tomb on the moonless night (2)


    ahead of them was a massive throne, empty except for a stone-made crown, and nothing else.


    although it was simple, it emitted a sense of domineeringness and crudeness.


    ning yan looked over. after seeing the layout clearly, he took a deep breath.


    ¡°the twelve rulers are 990 feet tall, and the throne they worship is 1,000 feet tall. this is the stature of a great emperor!¡±


    wu jianwu didn¡¯t understand these but even he felt that it was impressive, and looked at the captain with deep suspicion.


    xu qing¡¯s heart also stirred. from the layout of this place, the captain¡¯s previous life was definitely extraordinary. ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes were wide open in disbelief.


    sensing everyone¡¯s gazes, the captain sighed softly.


    this voice was filled with reminiscence and vicissitudes as it echoed in the cave. when the lingering sound filled the air, he lifted his feet and slowly walked forward.


    under everyone¡¯s gaze, the captain walked step by step to the front. his figure also enlarged at this moment. when he was a thousand feet tall, he sat on the throne and looked down at the ground.


    this height, this gaze, and the aura from all directions made the captain look like an emperor returning to his throne.


    wu jianwu instinctively shuddered and lowered his head to bow. ning yan also felt his legs weaken.


    only xu qing suppressed the waves in his heart and revealed a puzzled expression. he looked at the surroundings and the huge figure that the captain had transformed into and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, this place is fake, right?¡±


    as soon as xu qing spoke, ning yan and wu jianwu¡¯s eyes widened. as for the captain, his expression was still dignified as he continued to stare at xu qing.


    xu qing turned his head and looked at the void to his right as he expressionlessly spoke.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, stop fooling around.¡±


    laughter rang out from the place xu qing was looking at and the captain¡¯s figure appeared in the void.


    ning yan and wu jianwu abruptly looked over and then at the huge figure on the seat. they immediately understood that the person on the seat was only an illusion. the captain had hidden himself after arriving here.


    the captain ignored ning yan and wu jianwu¡¯s expressions. he smiled and looked at xu qing.


    ¡°haha, junior brother, you know me best. that¡¯s right, this place was set up to guard against tomb raiders. although the method to open it is complicated and only i know about it, in order to prevent any accidents, i specially built this place.¡±


    ¡°this way, if any tomb raiders come, they will definitely be fooled by this place and fall into a calamity of death.¡±


    the captain said proudly.


    ¡°i¡¯ve done things related to tomb raiding my entire life. i know them too well.¡±


    xu qing nodded. this was in line with the captain¡¯s style.


    ¡°let¡¯s go. there are eight more places like this, all prepared by me to prevent tomb raiders.¡±


    the captain had a sneaky look on his face as he walked forward. he brought xu qing and the others to the throne and spat out a large mouthful of blood, forming a vortex that he jumped into.


    just like that, they continued forward and passed by six places the captain had mentioned. every one of them was built incomparably realistically, each more vast than the last. this was especially so for the sixth one, which gave off a feeling of clouds lingering around it. the scenery vaguely seeped out from it, causing ning yan, who clearly knew that it was fake, to be shocked again.


    that was clearly the style of an ancient sovereign.


    in the sixth fake land, the captain plucked a wisp of cloud and spat out a mouthful of blood to fuse with it. finally, it transformed into a huge fog gate.


    ¡°generally, when people enter here and break through the illusions in succession, they instinctively think that there¡¯s still more left, so i did the opposite and hid the real path here.¡±


    ¡°once we open this gate, we will reach the first level of my residence in my previous life.¡±


    the captain stood in front of the gate and spoke, looking like a proud peacock.


    wu jianwu was completely shocked along the way. in order to prevent tomb raiders, so many false tombs had been set up, so he felt like the real tomb must be even more extravagant.


    however, this wasn¡¯t the focus of ning yan¡¯s thoughts. he couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    ¡°there are still two fake tombs left, right? what are their layouts?¡±


    the captain smiled but didn¡¯t say anything. he raised his right hand and waved it. the sun of the lone sun race appeared in front of him and flashed toward the fog gate in front of him.


    it flashed a total of nine times.


    after the nine flashes, the fog gate rumbled and slowly opened.


    ¡°i¡¯m home. sigh, i haven¡¯t been back for a long time. i missed it a lot.¡±


    the captain could already imagine xu qing and the others being dumbfounded by his collection. hence, he pretended to be calm and raised his hand, putting on an inviting expression.


    xu qing was indeed filled with anticipation. he took a step forward and ning yan and wu jianwu quickly followed. after they stepped in, the captain smiled proudly and also stepped in.


    when they appeared, a huge cave abode appeared in front of everyone.


    ¡°this is¡­ hmm?¡±


    the captain paused and looked around, stunned for a moment.


    the cave abode was empty.


    there was not even the throne. it was clean, as though it had been cleaned from the inside out. even the corners weren¡¯t spared.


    xu qing had a strange expression. ning yan blinked and wu jianwu raised his brows.


    ling¡¯er whispered to xu qing.


    ¡°this place is so clean.¡±


    the captain quickly turned his head and swept his gaze across the surroundings. the more he looked, the more panicked he became. he felt that something was amiss but on the surface, he was still strong and calm.


    ¡°there¡¯s nothing much on the first level to begin with. it has been so long, so it¡¯s normal for them to weather.¡±


    ¡°all my good things are on the second level. i even specially arranged them back then.¡±

 Chapter 914 - 914 Opening the Grand Tomb on the Moonless Night (3)

    914 opening the grand tomb on the moonless night (3)


    speaking of this, the captain took a few quick steps and arrived at the wall directly in front of the cave. with a flick of his sleeve, the wall immediately rumbled, forming an illusionary stone door.


    seeing that the stone door was intact, the captain heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. he lifted his hand to his mouth and licked it, smearing his saliva all over it. he didn¡¯t forget to explain to xu qing.


    ¡°to open this door, you need my saliva and palm. without this, no one can open it.¡±


    with that, the captain pressed his hand against the door.


    ¡°open!¡±


    the door rumbled and shook a few times before it stopped moving.


    xu qing blinked and looked at the captain with ling¡¯er.


    wu jianwu and ning yan also looked over.


    the captain was surprised. after he retracted his hand, he simply changed to his left hand. after licking it more thoroughly, he pressed down again.


    the stone door shook even more intensely but it still didn¡¯t open.


    the captain¡¯s forehead was covered in sweat. sensing that everyone¡¯s gazes were on him, he coughed.


    ¡°it¡¯s been too long. there might be a small problem. it¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine. i still have a backup plan.¡±


    as he spoke, the captain lifted his hands and pressed down with all his might. the door shook even more than before but there was still no sign of it opening. the captain glared and directly bit the tip of his tongue, spitting out a large mouthful of blood.


    his blood caused the door to shake crazily but it didn¡¯t open.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. he took a step forward and directly punched. the fluctuations from the door became even more intense.


    the captain took a deep breath and was completely anxious.


    ¡°what are you all standing around for? come and help me! something¡¯s f*cking wrong. someone has changed the way to open my door!¡±


    wu jianwu muttered inwardly but still chose to summon his descendants.


    the giant bear and the parrot appeared first. immediately after, many ferocious beasts with different appearances descended one after another and blasted toward the door.


    ning yan had a bad feeling. just as he was about to retreat, the captain raised his hand and grabbed at the air. immediately, the vine on his stomach fluttered. the captain grabbed it and swung it ruthlessly. ning yan wailed as his body slammed into the door.


    a rumbling sound rang out.


    his skin was rough and his flesh was thick, so nothing happened to him. under their combined efforts, the door finally barely opened a crack.


    the captain was anxious. after the gap appeared, he used all his strength to cough out blood and spat it into the crack one mouthful after another. his blood was omnipotent in the arrangements he made in his previous life¡­


    hence, as the blood fused into it, the gap grew larger and larger. finally, with a majestic boom, the stone door completely opened. a huge cave was reflected in the eyes of xu qing and the others.


    this place¡­ was a mess.


    it was clear that it had been robbed. everything had been ransacked, with a mess all around. countless pill bottles were shattered, shelves had collapsed, and there was even a stench of decay in the air.


    the captain was dumbfounded.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he moved in the cave, observing the traces in the chaos.


    wu jianwu, who was at the side, let out a long sigh. this scene made him unable to help but recite a poem.


    ¡°the bull happily returns home, but the house is desolately empty¡­¡±


    ¡°big jianjian¡¯s meaning is that senior brother erniu, there was a thief in your house,¡± ning yan said softly.


    the captain turned his head and looked at the two of them. his gaze was as though he wanted to eat them up, scaring the two of them so much that they immediately shut up.


    however, at this moment, the captain wasn¡¯t in the mood to care about these two idiots. he looked at the mess here and was filled with anger. his mind quickly recalled if he had placed anything valuable here in his previous life.


    a long time later, the captain heaved a sigh of relief. he pretended to be relaxed and lifted his head as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°i¡¯ve long expected this. after all, it¡¯s been so many years. it¡¯s normal for something to happen. that¡¯s why i placed all the good things beside the coffin on the last level back then.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s fine if the second level is lost, but there¡¯s definitely no problem with the third level where my coffin is located. in this world, other than me, no one can open it, not even the gods!¡±


    the captain proudly walked to the center of the cave. as he performed a series of hand seals, the ground of the cave rumbled and a circular door appeared in the center of the cave.


    xu qing believed the first part of the captain¡¯s words. as for the fact that even the gods couldn¡¯t open it, xu qing didn¡¯t believe it.


    however, he didn¡¯t say anything. his gaze swept across the ground and he lifted his head to look at the gate at the center. he fell into deep thought and was about to speak.


    however, the captain had already opened the door. a rumbling sound echoed as the captain spat out a mouthful of blood and his body rolled back. his eyes revealed malevolence and madness.


    ¡°interesting, you even modified this restriction!¡±


    just as xu qing was about to step forward, the captain waved his hand in the air.


    ¡°i don¡¯t need you guys this time!¡±


    recalling his words all the way here, the captain¡¯s self-esteem had erupted fiercely. his eyes were red and a bizarre face appeared in his pupils. the face opened its eyes, and there was a face in its eyes too.


    they seemed to be endless. blue light rose from his entire body, and the chilling aura around him intensified as he approached the door. he raised his right hand and pressed down fiercely on the door.


    his chest was torn apart, and a blue arm covered in bone spikes stretched out.


    it wasn¡¯t just one. seven to eight arms stretched out from his body, and an even more terrifying energy fluctuation erupted from his body.


    all of wu jianwu¡¯s ferocious beasts trembled in unison. ning yan was even more shocked. immediately after, the seven to eight blue malevolent hands pressed toward the door in unison.


    the ground rumbled. the restriction here was originally set up by the captain. although it had been modified, his approach was still different from others.


    hence, in the blink of an eye, the door shook and cracks shone inside, forming a rune.


    this rune flickered a few times and finally penetrated downwards with a cracking sound. the door directly collapsed and shattered into pieces, revealing a 100-foot-long hole.

 Chapter 915 - 915 Opening the Grand Tomb on the Moonless Night (4)

    915 opening the grand tomb on the moonless night (4)


    without any hesitation, the captain headed straight for the hole. very soon, a wail rang out from below.


    this sound was tragic. xu qing¡¯s expression changed and he jumped into the hole and stepped onto the third level.


    everything here made him gasp.


    the degree of chaos surpassed that of the second level.


    if the second level could be likened to being visited by a single thief, then this third level was as if a whole gang of thieves had ransacked the place.


    the surroundings were in a mess, with many dried excrement even, creating a foul and unsettling atmosphere.


    the coffin that should have been placed on the high platform in the center was no longer there and was in pieces. a small portion of it was still lying in the corner.


    it was empty.


    there was no corpse.


    the captain was sitting on a fragment of the coffin, and looked around with an unprecedented blank expression.


    xu qing sighed and walked to the captain¡¯s side to pat his shoulder.


    ¡°junior brother, my previous life¡¯s body¡­ was stolen.¡± the captain lifted his head and looked at xu qing with grief and indignation.


    wu jianwu and ning yan also came down at this moment. they looked around in shock.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, calm down. are you sure your previous life is really dead?¡± xu qing asked softly.


    he didn¡¯t know what it felt like to have his previous life¡¯s body stolen. after all, not everyone could have such an experience. however, he could understand the captain¡¯s current mood.


    the captain¡¯s eyes instantly narrowed. he was an extremely shrewd person to begin with. previously, he was at a loss because the stimulation from losing his previous life¡¯s body was too great. even if xu qing didn¡¯t remind him, he would quickly sense something amiss. hence, his expression turned cold.


    ¡°are you saying that my previous life woke up and did this?¡±


    ¡°however, if i didn¡¯t die in my previous life, it¡¯s impossible for me to have a next life. so, this possibility doesn¡¯t exist unless¡­¡±


    ¡°something possessed your body.¡± xu qing calmly said.


    ¡°that¡¯s right. in the past, i was the one who schemed against others. this is the first time in my life that i¡¯ve been schemed against by others!¡± the captain stood up and his body emitted terrifying fluctuations.


    ¡°the chaos in the second layer was done in a specific direction, so it¡¯s highly likely the work of one person.¡±


    ¡°as for the third level¡­¡± xu qing looked at the captain.


    the captain¡¯s eyes revealed madness as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°the source of this third level is the center. from the signs of some items shattering, the coffin first exploded on its own, forming an impact before the rummaging and plundering happened.¡±


    ¡°and this unclean entity not only managed to open the underground door but also made modifications to it, even altering the second layer¡¯s door. this indicates that it knows me very well¡­¡±


    ¡°in that case, we can narrow down the scope. the likelihood of an outsider entering here is very low, but it¡¯s more likely that the unclean spirit was born here.¡±


    ¡°back then, i had many burial items. after so many years, perhaps one of them happened to give birth to an artifact spirit!¡±


    the captain slowly spoke. the more he spoke, the clearer his thoughts became. finally, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°but this unclean entity should never have, under any circumstances, possessed my previous life¡¯s body. my previous life¡¯s body was refined by me from birth, and it¡¯s intricately connected to this place. if i don¡¯t resolve this connection, once it leaves the boundaries of the unending mountain range, it will turn to ashes.¡±


    ¡°therefore, if it¡¯s still alive, it must not be far from here!¡±


    the captain¡¯s voice was cold and filled with killing intent.


    xu qing nodded and looked at the surrounding walls. there was no need for him to speak. the captain already understood.


    ¡°we have to confirm if the other party has noticed our arrival.¡±


    the captain formed hand seals, and the area around the tomb began to shimmer with light, as the restrictions here responded to his actions. after a moment, the captain snorted coldly.


    ¡°there are no signs of energy fluctuations spreading out. although this unclean thing has set up arrangements in this place, this is still my tomb!¡±


    after the captain finished speaking, he spat out a large mouthful of blood. he raised his right hand and clenched it. the blood transformed into a compass on his finger. the needle on it spun and began to guide.


    ¡°as long as it has something to do with my bloodline, i can find it with this bloodline compass!¡±


    at the next instant, the needle locked onto a direction. it pointed toward ning yan.


    ning yan¡¯s expression changed.

 Chapter 916 - 916 Fate, Indescribably Wonderful (1)

    916 fate, indescribably wonderful (1)


    ¡°it¡¯s not me!¡± ning yan¡¯s heart was filled with horror as he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°it¡¯s in the direction i¡¯m in, right? that must be it!¡±


    ning yan hurriedly moved away and arrived beside wu jianwu.


    however, as he moved, the pointer on the compass in the captain¡¯s hand, guided by his bloodline, also moved, still pointing towards ning yan.


    the captain¡¯s expression turned solemn. he cast a meaningful glance at ning yan and calmly spoke.


    ¡°give it to me!¡±


    wu jianwu¡¯s expression also changed. he looked at ning yan and subconsciously spoke.


    ¡°when the old tree blooms, it¡¯s your grandchildren,


    and when the willows are dark, but the flowers are bright, that¡¯s your old man?¡±


    ning yan¡¯s heart skipped a beat and he wasn¡¯t in the mood to care about wu jianwu. at this moment, his expression revealed confusion, and his heart was in turmoil.


    he originally thought that the location he was in overlapped with the tomb raider. however, from the looks of it now, the target of the needle was clearly him.


    when he thought of the meaning behind all of this, ning yan panicked and hurriedly explained while stuttering.


    ¡°senior brother erniu, it really wasn¡¯t me. i¡­ i don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on either.¡±


    a strange look appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes but he didn¡¯t speak. as for the captain, he raised his brows.


    ¡°hurry up and bring it over!¡±


    ¡°what¡¯s there to bring? we really don¡¯t have a blood relationship.¡±


    ning yan had a long face and his body was trembling.


    the captain frowned with disdain.


    ¡°of course i know it wasn¡¯t you. how could i have a descendant like you? i asked you to bring me my precious skin!¡±


    when ning yan heard this, his entire body trembled. he immediately took out the captain¡¯s treasure skin from his storage bag. this item had always been with him. the instant he took it out and threw it, the captain¡¯s compass needle spun rapidly.


    seeing this scene, ning yan finally heaved a long sigh of relief. he was truly frightened earlier.


    wu jianwu muttered with some regret.


    ¡°the world collapsing and frightening the birds, all for a strand of fate.¡±


    ning yan didn¡¯t understand but he could sense the sinister intent in it, and glared at him.


    wu jianwu glared back. the ferocious beasts of all sizes beside him also glared at ning yan.


    ning yan immediately kept quiet.


    the captain didn¡¯t care about the conflict between these two idiots. he kept the treasure skin and searched for bloodline resonance again. very soon, he locked onto a direction.


    ¡°let¡¯s go, right there!¡±


    ¡°i want to see what kind of ghost possessed my previous life¡¯s body!¡±


    as he spoke, the captain aggressively headed straight for the exit of the tomb.


    xu qing strode forward and followed closely behind. on the way, he glanced at the shadow under his feet and the fish bone in his storage bag. his vigilance against them grew even more because of the captain¡¯s matter.


    sensing xu qing¡¯s divine sense, the shadow trembled. the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor in the fish bone also trembled and revealed a fawning expression.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was calm. he secretly pondered that he should learn some restriction techniques to guard against the shadow and the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor.


    he meant no harm, but he definitely couldn¡¯t make the same mistake as the captain.


    everyone left the tomb under the captain¡¯s lead. when they arrived outside, it was already early in the morning.


    the first rays of the artificial sun that spread out from afar dispersed the night, causing light to appear in the world. the greenery of the mountains became clear, their patterns distinct, teeming with vitality. compared to this sorrowful world, this vitality felt almost surreal to xu qing.


    soon, as the light brightened, everything returned to normal, and the rocky terrain on the ground no longer seemed eerie and malevolent.


    under the sunlight, the captain and the group had different feelings.


    the captain was anxious, wu jianwu was regretful, ning yan was still shaken, and xu qing remained vigilant, not believing that this trip would really be as smooth as the captain claimed.


    after all, they didn¡¯t know how long it had been since the captain¡¯s previous life body had left. even if he was really still in the unending mountain range, he would have definitely made many arrangements.


    ¡®there¡¯s a high chance that the other party knows that eldest senior brother can reincarnate. in other words, he can guess that eldest senior brother will return one day.¡¯


    ¡®then his level of caution must be extremely high.¡¯


    xu qing fell silent and caught up to the captain who was leading the way. he then told him about what he was thinking about.


    the captain nodded when he heard this. he had also considered these things but he was still confident. he patted xu qing¡¯s shoulder and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°junior brother, no matter what arrangements that b*stard has made, there¡¯s one thing he can¡¯t resolve. as long as i touch him, i¡¯ll definitely be able to restrain him!¡±


    ¡°i have a habit. every time i reincarnate, i¡¯ll refine my body at the moment i¡¯m born. i¡¯m always prepared to use my body as a weapon.¡±


    ¡°therefore, this previous life body of mine can¡¯t escape my grasp.¡±


    xu qing glanced at the captain and sized him up.


    ¡°is it the same this time as well?¡±


    ¡°of course, little qing. back then in fenghai county, i was already prepared to undo the seal and summon all my previous lives. i¡¯m not bragging, but if all my previous lives were to descend, even the gods would have to call me ¡®big brother¡¯.


    the captain said proudly.


    xu qing smiled. he had long known that the captain liked to brag. however, xu qing could clearly sense the concern for him in these words.


    hence, he nodded seriously.


    just like that, time flowed by and very soon, seven days passed.


    during these seven days, the group followed the captain¡¯s bloodline compass and arrived in the depths of the unending mountain range.


    there were many mountain peaks here. the vegetation was lusher and there were many wild beasts.


    just like cultivators and mortals, the wild beasts in the moon worship region also carried curses. hence, it was inevitable that some mutations would occur and their ferocity was even greater.


    at that moment, a group of tiger-headed butterflies that were about five feet long whizzed by at a low altitude, their bodies scattering a lot of dust imbued with deadly poison.

 Chapter 917 - 917 Fate, Indescribably Wonderful (2)

    917 fate, indescribably wonderful (2)


    xu qing raised his hand and caught some of them. after sensing them, a strange look appeared in his eyes, and he looked in the direction they were flying away with curiosity.


    ¡®there¡¯s the red moon curse in the poison dust¡­ and it¡¯s very active, as though it has just been produced.¡¯


    xu qing found it peculiar but decided to keep this matter to himself as he continued to follow the captain.


    gradually, when the group of them entered deeper into the mountain range, the sensing from his bloodline made the captain cautious. his body gradually blurred as he hid himself.


    wu jianwu and ning yan also concealed their auras.


    as for xu qing, he put on the mask his master had given him. his body then turned into bizarre nether state, hiding all traces.


    ¡°little qing, the place we¡¯ll reach by the end of the day is where the concentration of my bloodline power is the strongest, but it¡¯s all residual. the source isn¡¯t there.¡±


    ¡°instead of continuing to pursue, it¡¯s better to wait here for the other party to return. also, due to some special reasons, it¡¯s impossible for the combat strength of my previous life body to recover to nihility. it should be the spirit repository, the physical body¡¯s spirit repository.¡±


    in a valley, the captain squatted on a tree crown and whispered to the empty space beside him.


    ¡°okay.¡± xu qing¡¯s voice rang out from another direction.


    the captain blinked and thought to himself that since little qing¡¯s concealment had reached such a level, he had to be more attentive in this aspect. however, at this moment, he wasn¡¯t in the mood to think too much about these things. he squatted there motionlessly.


    wu jianwu and ning yan were the same. they didn¡¯t even dare to breathe loudly.


    after all, no one knew the identity of the captain¡¯s previous life body. as for cultivation¡­ the captain made it sound simple but even if it was just the spirit repository, to them, it was a colossus-like existence.


    days passed amidst their caution.


    four days later, the captain suddenly transmitted his voice.


    ¡°it¡¯s here!¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes but didn¡¯t look at the sky. instead, he looked in front of the captain.


    there was an eye there that reflected a scene.


    wu jianwu and ning yan also restrained all their auras. their gazes that were looking at the sky quickly focused on the eye in front of the captain.


    at the same time, in the mountain range that was a day¡¯s journey away, the sky changed.


    a group of people came from a distance, their figures just appearing on the horizon, and the sound of music filled the air, with a hundred people playing flutes. the melody was beautiful and cheerful.


    there were also handmaidens who scattered flowers in all directions as they flew in the air. the fragrance of flowers filled the air along with the music.


    as the people got closer, the bright colors of their clothes were like flowers blooming in the sky.


    in the midst of this myriad of flowers, there was a bridal sedan made from the skull of a giant. it was carried by 32 strong men, walking gracefully through the air.


    these 32 burly men weren¡¯t humans but were from the lion race. their golden fur made them look like heavenly troops under the sunlight, giving them a majestic aura.


    this kind of ostentation might not be considered much in fenghai county, but in the moon worship region, especially in the unending mountain range, it was extremely exaggerated.


    as for the skull bridal sedan they were carrying, there was a man and a woman sitting there.


    the woman was dressed in a red cloud-patterned dress, appearing to be in her late twenties. her skin was as fair as snow, and her beauty was unmatched, making it difficult to look away from her.


    at this moment, she leaned her delicate body against the man beside her, placing his hand on her body, her eyes filled with tenderness. in her eyes, it seemed that there was only the man in front of her in the whole world.


    beneath her slender jade-like neck, there lay a creamy bosom akin to glistening white jade, partially veiled, a slim waist that could be held with one hand, a pair of long and gracefully proportioned legs that were bare, even her exquisite feet were silently alluring, emitting an irresistible invitation.


    she was a peerless beauty.


    as for the man, he was tall with a rugged appearance, his skin pale as if devoid of vitality, and his mismatched eyes, one large and one small, gave the impression that something had gone awry during his creation.


    moreover, waves of black gas emitted from his mouth, giving off a turbid feeling.


    the whites of his eyes were also abnormal and contained a sickly yellow color. his body was rotting in many places and there was also turbid corpse fluid flowing from some places, causing one to not want to look at him.


    compared to the woman by his side, the man¡¯s appearance was quite mismatched. however, it must be said that the sharp and menacing aura emanating from him, especially in his mismatched eyes, carried an indifference towards life. sitting there, he exuded an aura of authority that made people not dare to underestimate him.


    they came from the horizon. when they arrived here, the man stood up and the woman followed.


    the two of them looked at each other. one was cold and the other was affectionate.


    in the end, they actually kissed. it was unknown how the woman could withstand the black gas from the man. the touching of their tongues was a shocking sight.


    in short, this intimacy revealed the extreme love between the two of them.


    after that, the man took a step into the air and headed straight for the distant mountain peak. as for the cultivators in the sky, they quickly lowered their heads and respectfully sent him off before carrying the sedan into the distance.


    until after a while, the sky here returned to normal, and on the ground, a plant with leaves had grown an eye at some point. this eye closed rapidly and melted into dewdrops.


    in a valley a day¡¯s journey away from here, xu qing looked at everything reflected in the captain¡¯s eyes in front of him, and his expression changed.


    it was still fine for wu jianwu and ning yan. they didn¡¯t recognize the two people in the scene.


    ¡°little qing, doesn¡¯t that female cultivator look a little familiar¡­¡± the captain looked at xu qing with a blank expression.


    xu qing found it unbelievable. the woman in his memory was someone who loved beauty incomparably. her pursuit of beauty had reached the extreme but now, she was so intimate to someone covered in corpse water.

 Chapter 918 - 918 Fate, Indescribably Wonderful (3)

    918 fate, indescribably wonderful (3)


    xu qing found it unbelievable, but he nodded.


    ¡°she looks exactly the same as nether fairy who hated you to the core after you robbed her house.¡±


    after saying that, xu qing added.


    ¡°captain, do you still have her clothes?¡±


    the captain¡¯s expression was a little strange. it was sometimes sinister and sometimes inconceivable. xu qing understood all of his changes.


    ¡°the man beside her¡­¡± xu qing hesitated.


    the captain let out a long and bitter sigh.


    ¡°that person might be¡­ my previous life body.¡±


    even though wu jianwu and ning yan didn¡¯t know nether fairy, they more or less had a guess when they heard xu qing¡¯s words. hence, they each took a deep breath.


    ¡°congratulations on your wedding!¡± ning yan hesitated and spoke softly.


    ¡°in this situation, my heart is in turmoil,


    i¡¯m baffled like a bull, my mind is in a whirl,


    yesterday, you and i argued and fought,


    but today, we want to grow old together, our love sought!¡±


    wu jianwu was moved, and in his mind, many stories about fate emerged. he couldn¡¯t help but be inspired to make a poem.


    xu qing remained silent and so did the captain.


    ¡°then if they have a child, senior brother erniu, what will the child call you?¡± ning yan, unwilling to miss this opportunity, asked in a low voice.


    veins bulged on the captain¡¯s forehead.


    hearing this, wu jianwu temporarily put down his disgust for ning yan. after pondering at the side, he looked at the captain meaningfully.


    ¡°my son¡¯s dad isn¡¯t his dad, but my son¡¯s mom is his mom; you ask what my child should call me, whether it¡¯s ex-father, step father, or just father!¡±


    just as wu jianwu finished speaking, the captain punched out. amidst the rumbling, wu jianwu wailed and his body landed a thousand feet away.


    ning yan was about to escape, but the captain kicked him over. after sending him to accompany wu jianwu, the captain¡¯s eyes were bloodshot as he looked at the sky.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze revealed sympathy. he knew that the captain¡¯s emotions must be extremely complicated at this moment. hence, he patted his shoulder.


    a long time later, the captain let out a mournful cry.


    ¡°what the hell is going on?!¡±


    ¡°why did that nether fairy value my previous life body!¡± the captain¡¯s expression was complicated and it was difficult to describe with words.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, you don¡¯t have to be sad. actually, if nether fairy knew the truth, she would feel even more complicated.¡± xu qing knew how to comfort people and persuaded from the side.


    this sentence was indeed effective. when the captain heard this, he was stunned for a moment. after that, he recovered and gritted his teeth.


    ¡°it¡¯s fine. with that glance just now, i¡¯m already certain that my previous life body was possessed by an artifact spirit produced among my burial items back then.¡±


    ¡°as for which burial item it is, i¡¯m not sure yet.¡±


    ¡°however, it doesn¡¯t stop me from snatching it back as long as i touch it!¡± madness appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes as he pulled xu qing along to discuss.


    however, it was quite difficult to do this. firstly, the aura emitted by nether fairy was clearly at the perfected spirit repository realm.


    this was in line with the battle report xu qing had read about the disappearance of nether fairy who was heavily injured on the battlefield.


    ¡°her escape was deliberately made possible by the great elder of the yinghuang province to restrain the seventh prince. i originally thought that she was secretly restrained by the great elder, but from the looks of it, he really let her go.¡±


    ¡°however, the great elder must have made other arrangements.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that this place is too far from fenghai county. otherwise, i could have asked him.¡±


    xu qing pondered and spoke.


    the captain narrowed his eyes and slowly spoke.


    ¡°as for my previous life body, his body is filled with the aura of death and there are no spell fluctuations at all. this is in line with my judgment. after all, he has been dead for so long. the spirit that possessed him only occupied a shell.¡±


    ¡°however, the physical strength of my previous life body was comparable to the perfected spirit repository.¡±


    the captain frowned. he was already unable to deal with his previous life body. now, there was also nether fairy. this way, it was basically impossible for him to come into contact with his previous life body.


    ¡°judging from the intimacy between nether fairy and eldest senior brother¡¯s previous life body, your previous life body¡¯s current identity should be the number one expert of the unending mountain range, xuan mingzi.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m just a little puzzled. why is nether fairy here? why did she fall in love at first sight to such an extent?¡±


    xu qing still felt that something was amiss. hence, he looked at the captain.


    ¡°we need information about this xuan mingzi.¡±


    ¡°i have information about him. although i didn¡¯t pay attention to these small fries previously, i also gathered some along the way.¡± as the captain spoke, he opened his storage bag and rummaged through it. very soon, he found a jade slip that contained some information about xuan mingzi.


    the other party had established a sect in the unending mountain range called the mystic life[1] sect.


    this person was in closed-door cultivation in the mystic life sect all year round and rarely went out. one could imagine that the place of closed-door cultivation must be heavily guarded. the risk of infiltrating was too great.


    moreover, there was only one chance. once the other party discovered them, xu qing and the others¡¯ situation would be extremely dangerous.


    hence, after xu qing discussed with the captain, they decided that they had to use some tricks.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, your previous life body and nether fairy¡¯s wedding¡­¡± xu qing fell into deep thought as a plan inexplicably appeared in his mind.


    when the captain heard this, he had a bad feeling.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, isn¡¯t nether fairy going to the yin yang flower sect¡¯s spirit pool for a month of purification? if that¡¯s the case, how about we think of a way to trap her and prevent her from getting married?¡±


    ¡°after that, eldest senior brother, you will disguise yourself as nether fairy.¡±


    just as xu qing said this, the captain¡¯s eyes widened. wu jianwu and ning yan had already come back. after hearing these words, they both showed expressions of excitement, especially ning yan, who couldn¡¯t help but grin with happiness but was also worried about getting beaten up, so he forcefully restrained himself.


    [1] xuan ming translates to mystic life.

 Chapter 919 - 919 Fate, Indescribably Wonderful (4)

    919 fate, indescribably wonderful (4)


    xu qing continued.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, you know your past self best, and you also have a good understanding of nether fairy. after all, you¡¯ve been to her house. moreover, you¡¯re quite skilled at disguising yourself as the opposite sex, and you have experience with it. do you remember the sea corpse race princess from back then? at that time, you were incredibly convincing and lifelike.¡±


    xu qing stared at the captain and took out an apple before handing it over.


    ¡°therefore, i feel that if you disguise yourself as nether fairy and get married to your previous life body, won¡¯t you be able to come into contact with him?¡±


    ¡°of course, the prerequisite is that we have a way to trap nether fairy and you can hide it from your previous life body.¡±


    the captain instinctively took the apple with a hesitant expression.


    he felt that the plan xu qing mentioned was feasible. however, when he thought of marrying his previous life, the absurd feeling made him feel at a loss.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, this is the only way we can think of now. however, it¡¯s too crazy. you might not be able to accept it.¡± xu qing sighed and patted the captain¡¯s shoulder.


    the captain gritted his teeth. his expression was sinister and his breathing was hurried. finally, madness appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°i can do it!¡±


    ¡°however, i have to prepare well. little qing, you have to lend me your world fragment. this is the foundation to trap her.¡±


    ¡°if we want to trap nether fairy, ordinary methods are useless. i need to set up a peerless array formation in your world fragment. i also need to undo a portion of my seals. also, i¡¯ll need to use the power of my treasure skin, the might of the sun, and your ghost emperor mountain¡¯s nascent soul as well.¡±


    ¡°only then can i close the world fragment and trap her inside!¡±


    ¡°as for hiding it from my previous life, i¡¯ll think of a way!¡±


    the captain¡¯s eyes were red. in order to take back his body, he seemed to have decided to stake everything. hence, he discussed with xu qing, such as how to set up the array and how not to attract the attention of the yin yang flower sect.


    during this time, xu qing also raised his question. was it possible that the other party was doing this on purpose to lure them?


    after all, there were some things that couldn¡¯t be seen from the surface.


    the captain nodded at these words, and there was a fleeting strangeness in his eyes as he looked at xu qing. however, he quickly regained his confident demeanor, patting his chest and stating that he had a way to resolve the situation.


    xu qing glanced at the captain. since entering the unending mountain range, the captain¡¯s words and actions seemed somewhat different from what he remembered. however, this unwavering self-confidence was consistent.


    several days later, after numerous discussions, they finally settled on a plan and set out towards the southern branch of the yin yang flower sect, located in the unending mountain range.


    yin yang flower sect was a large sect in the moon worship region. because they attached themselves to the shrine to perform the sacrificial rituals, they had a certain amount of privileges. hence, they had branch sects in the east, west, north, and south.


    the disciples were a mixed bunch, and acquiring false identities was relatively easy.


    this was also one of the reasons why the captain chose the identity of the yin yang flower sect.


    as for this branch sect in the unending mountain range, it was only one of the several branch sects in the southern area. its ancestor, a nihility expert, was on the repentance plain at the red moon shrine¡¯s headquarters all year round.


    as for the sect master of this branch sect, he was a descendant of his bloodline. he had the cultivation of the spirit repository and took charge of this sect.


    however, because there were too many branches within the yin yang flower sect, they weren¡¯t really on good terms with each other. even if there were occasional interactions, it was not that close, and it seemed like they were each wary of the other..


    even though the captain and xu qing had disciple identity tokens of the yin yang flower sect, they were still stopped in front of this sect after handing over their tokens.


    this branch of the yin yang flower sect was located on a twin peak within the unending mountain range. inside, it was adorned with intricate carvings and luxurious marble, especially renowned for the spiritual lake behind the mountain. this lake was famous because it served as a convergence point for several spiritual rivers within the unending mountain range.


    at that moment, at the foot of the twin peak, a barrier appeared in front of xu qing and the captain. at the same time, three disciples guarding the gate of the sect appeared from within.


    ¡°your tokens don¡¯t belong to my unending south sect. according to the sect rules, we can¡¯t let you in easily. so, go back to where you came from.¡±


    the middle-aged man in the middle of the three spoke calmly with his hands behind his back.


    regarding this, xu qing and the others already had thought of a way. hence, a smile appeared on the captain¡¯s face. he took a few steps forward and placed his right hand on his storage bag, about to take out something.


    however, at this moment, an energy fluctuation came from the sky and a soft cry of surprise echoed in the sky. what followed was the fluctuation of the spirit repository that swept in all directions.


    xu qing¡¯s expression froze and the captain also paused.


    while wu jianwu and ning yan were secretly thinking that the situation was bad, a figure descended from the sky and stopped in the air above them.


    this was a middle-aged woman dressed in daoist robes, possessing some beauty. the moment she appeared, the three disciples guarding the mountain gate changed their expressions and immediately knelt down in reverence.


    ¡°greetings, sect master.¡±


    xu qing and the captain also hurriedly cupped their fists with respectful expressions. however, as he paid his respects, a sense of suspicion arose in the depths of xu qing¡¯s heart. the arrival of the other party was somewhat coincidental.


    the middle-aged woman didn¡¯t even glance at xu qing and the captain. the instant she appeared, a smile appeared on her face as she looked at wu jianwu and spoke softly.


    ¡°young master, this is the second time we¡¯ve met. i still remember your poem from last time.¡±

 Chapter 920 - 920 It’s All the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether’s Fault (1)

    920 it¡¯s all the ancient sovereign mystic nether¡¯s fault (1)


    a gentle voice emanated from the sky, accompanied by a soft melody echoing all around.


    ¡°clouds in the sky reach the mountains, the stone in my heart is higher than the earth!¡±


    xu qing was puzzled, the captain was surprised, and as he looked up at the woman in the sky, wu jianwu raised his eyebrows and spoke casually.


    ¡°green mountains don¡¯t smell the vastness of black paint; the moonlight falls, who knows when?¡±


    ¡°i was impolite; you can call me yunxia.¡± the middle-aged woman clearly understood wu jianwu¡¯s poem and replied softly.


    this time, it was wu jianwu¡¯s turn to be stunned.


    a gentle breeze blew, causing the green grass on the mountains to sway. the clouds in the sky also seemed to move faster in the wind, rustling the hair of everyone, including stirring wu jianwu¡¯s heartstrings.


    he hadn¡¯t expected that there would be someone in this world who could understand his poetry, someone who could appreciate his talents. the sudden appearance of this person took him by surprise.


    one had to know that ever since he started imitating the ancient sovereign mystic nether, everyone he had encountered had misunderstood him, including his own master.


    but he had always held firm to his own beliefs, keeping the legacy of the ancient sovereign in his heart. after all these years, he had grown accustomed to the world¡¯s mediocrity and being unrecognized.


    until now¡­


    a sharp glint appeared in wu jianwu¡¯s eyes. he lifted his head and placed his hands behind his back. the wind blew his hair, causing his clothes to flutter.


    however, he didn¡¯t care about all of this. he looked at the middle-aged woman in the air and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°the mountains and seas of the nine provinces are so vast; are they all but a misty bridge on the path of dao?¡±


    the woman¡¯s expression changed as she landed in front of wu jianwu.


    the sunlight bathed her, giving her simple daoist robe a colorful appearance, and her somewhat attractive face seemed even more celestial in the light.


    she nodded lightly.


    ¡°young master¡¯s guess is correct. i¡¯m the sect master of the southern sect of the yin yang flower sect.¡±


    a strange glint appeared in wu jianwu¡¯s eyes as he spoke again.


    ¡°yesterday the starry wind arrived in the early morning; unaware of whether the heavenly river fell on dogs and cats?¡±


    the woman smiled.


    ¡°i understand.¡± as she spoke, she turned her head and waved her hand. immediately, a gap spread out in the sect¡¯s barrier and it rapidly spread to both sides. there were also three chimes echoing from the top of the mountain.


    this kind of etiquette wasn¡¯t small.


    xu qing and the captain were completely stunned. ning yan was also dumbfounded and felt lost.


    he looked at wu jianwu, then at the sect master, and he felt that one of these two individuals must have a serious mental problem.


    ning yan wasn¡¯t the only one who thought so. the three disciples guarding the sect gate were also puzzled. they didn¡¯t understand a word of wu jianwu¡¯s poem but their sect master seemed to have really understood it.


    this couldn¡¯t help but remind them of the rumors about their sect master. it was said that the sect master worshiped the ancient sovereign mystic nether the most, and liked talented people. she even recited some poems occasionally.


    however, no matter what, the three of them were extremely respectful now. they quickly made way and secretly paid attention to wu jianwu.


    ¡°young master, please!¡±


    the middle-aged woman said softly. she didn¡¯t look down on wu jianwu at all because of the gap between her and him. in fact, in her eyes, there were too many people with high cultivation levels but very few people in this world had such talent.


    hence, in her eyes, xu qing and the captain were just foils.


    wu jianwu was in high spirits. he held his head high and puffed out his chest as he walked forward. along the way, yunxia accompanied him and she spoke politely to him.


    the two of them walked in front. after xu qing and the captain exchanged glances, they quietly followed behind. just as ning yan was about to follow, wu jianwu stopped in his tracks and calmly spoke.


    ¡°half a piece, a piece, two or three pieces, even a short dog has to bow down!¡±


    when yunxia heard this, she turned to look at ning yan.


    ning yan shuddered. before he could speak, a barrier instantly formed in front of him, preventing him from entering the sect.


    ¡®what? you can even understand this. impossible!¡¯ ning yan was dumbfounded. he knew that wu jianwu was petty. although he was angry, he didn¡¯t dare to express it. he could only watch helplessly as xu qing and the other two left.


    just like that, they entered the yin yang flower sect. on the way, they saw a large number of tiger-headed butterflies dancing in the air. there were many more of them here than in the wilderness.


    from afar, it looked like a colorful fog that lingered between the two mountain peaks.


    xu qing felt it was a little peculiar. he had seen such butterflies several times on the way but there were too many here. as his gaze landed, his vision suddenly turned a little blurry as overlapping shadows appeared in his surroundings.


    xu qing stopped in his tracks. however, at the next instant, everything returned to normal.


    the captain turned his head and glanced at xu qing, his gaze filled with inquiry.


    xu qing shook his head. he looked normal but intense vigilance rose in his heart. he knew that his body was fine. in that case, the trance and blurriness from before were a little strange.


    however, now wasn¡¯t the time to say anything. xu qing lowered his head and continued to follow. after about fifteen minutes, they were led to the guest quarters of the sect and settled in.


    the sect master watched as wu jianwu and the other two entered the guest quarters before turning around and leaving.


    as she walked in the sect, a large number of butterflies flew over and surrounded her. two figures also appeared in the void beside her, accompanying her on both sides.


    one of the figures spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°sect master, these people suddenly appeared in welcome bull city ten days ago. they didn¡¯t come before but went to a spirit pool establishment first. everything looked normal.¡±


    ¡°after that, they left and headed for the unending mountain range, disappearing without a trace.¡±


    ¡°the purpose of coming to our sect is unknown.¡±


    ¡°as for their identity as disciples, it¡¯s true. they came from the western sect.¡±

 Chapter 921 - 921 Its All the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nethers Fault (2)

    921 it¡¯s all the ancient sovereign mystic nether¡¯s fault (2)


    another figure also spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°as for that talented young master, he doesn¡¯t have a high status among them, but i haven¡¯t seen any signs of him being abducted. it seems he is traveling with them voluntarily.¡±


    ¡°moreover, these people all have a curse on them. the possibility of them being from another region isn¡¯t high, especially one of them who has a deep curse within, to the point where it could erupt at any moment.¡±


    hearing the words of the person beside her, yunxia nodded.


    ¡°pay attention to them. if they are indeed only here to stay and don¡¯t have any ill intentions toward our sect, then you don¡¯t have to care.¡±


    ¡°if¡­¡± the figure at the side hesitated.


    ¡°if they really have malicious intentions¡­¡± yunxia stopped in her tracks and calmly spoke.


    ¡°kill them and feed them to the dancing butterflies. as for that young master, give him a generous burial.¡±


    ¡°we respect the decree!¡± the two of them lowered their heads and agreed. their figures then blurred and disappeared.


    just like that, seven days passed slowly.


    xu qing and the group lived here quietly, without any unusual behavior. they were well-behaved, occasionally going out but not probing into secrets.


    they also knew that their sudden arrival would definitely attract attention, although the sudden situation with wu jianwu had eased everything.


    however, they weren¡¯t disciples of this sect after all, so they could only stay below the halfway point of the first mountain peak.


    the three of them couldn¡¯t enter other places casually. even if the sect master admired wu jianwu, she wouldn¡¯t break the rules because of this.


    however, being able to stay here was already the first step of xu qing and the captain¡¯s plan.


    this was because the spirit pool at the back of the mountain was open to all disciples. as long as they paid a certain amount of spirit stones, they could enter.


    xu qing and the captain went there twice and silently sat down in the spirit pool. they each cultivated and suppressed the curse in their bodies as much as possible.


    this curse was the excuse they had thought of on the way here.


    if they wanted to lie, they had to place the real thing inside them. only then could they hide the truth and create confusion.


    although the spirit pool didn¡¯t have the ability to directly affect the curse, it could nourish the body. hence, it could indirectly have a little effect.


    there were actually many such places in the moon worship region. this was one of the reasons why the heavenly bull alliance was formed..


    during this time, xu qing experienced a sense of dizziness and confusion again, each time when a large number of tiger-headed butterflies appeared. he also learned the name of these butterflies.


    they were called dancing butterflies. they were the strange life forms that the yin yang flower sect needed for the ritual performance.


    about his own moments of confusion, xujing secretly informed the captain, who took it seriously and analyzed it with him for a long time, but they didn¡¯t find any definitive answers.


    xu qing vaguely felt that something was wrong, so he didn¡¯t say anything. however, he already attached great importance to this matter in his heart.


    during these seven days, xu qing and the captain also sensed the variables in their plan.


    that was that this sect master named yunxia actually often stayed in the spirit pool.


    with her around, even though xu qing and the captain had set up a very ingenious trap against nether fairy according to the plan, and wouldn¡¯t emit any noticeable disturbances, they were still under her watchful eyes.


    this way, it would be impossible for them not to be discovered.


    it was less than a month before the day nether fairy came for the purification.


    this made the captain anxious. although he and xu qing had a backup plan, in the current situation, it was obvious that the effect would be better if wu jianwu put in some effort.


    hence, on the eighth day, the captain found wu jianwu and put an arm around his shoulder as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°big jianjian, this can¡¯t go on.¡±


    wu jianwu glanced at the captain from the corner of his eyes but didn¡¯t speak. he had been very comfortable these few days and had a large number of poems in his mind.


    the captain coughed and instigated.


    ¡°big jianjian, go seduce that sect master and lure her away from the spirit pool¡­¡±


    wu jianwu sneered. after coming to this sect, his status was no longer the same among the three of them. at this moment, he proudly waved his hand and took out his son, the parrot, and placed it on his head.


    he didn¡¯t speak. the parrot lifted its chin and spoke on behalf of its father.


    ¡°what a childish method, it¡¯s too obvious. sect master yunxia is not a fool. once my dad tries to seduce her, she will definitely have some suspicions in her heart.¡±


    ¡°at that time, she only needs to sense the spirit pool and she¡¯ll capture you!¡±


    ¡°you guys have a death wish. that¡¯s your business. my father and we won¡¯t participate!¡±


    the bird held its head high, its beak resembling a stick, and it observed people through the nostrils beneath its feathers.


    the captain had a surprised expression.


    ¡°i didn¡¯t say that after your father lured yunxia away, we would make arrangements in the spirit pool.¡±


    ¡°we¡¯ll do the opposite. when your father goes to seduce her, yunxia will be suspicious and investigate, but she will find that everything is normal.¡±


    ¡°when this is repeated dozens of times, she will naturally not be so suspicious.¡±


    ¡°don¡¯t you agree?¡±


    the parrot was stunned, and wu jianwu¡¯s expression turned a little more serious.


    ¡°i¡¯ll need some time to make the arrangements in the world fragment. as for placing it in the spirit pool and forming a concealment array formation, i only need six hours.¡±


    the parrot lowered its head and secretly glanced at its father. wu jianwu looked somewhat hesitant. however, the captain understood wu jianwu too well. he went forward and persuaded him. as wu jianwu gradually wavered, the captain dealt the final blow.


    ¡°at worst, i will abandon my previous life body. i have other backup methods, namely the five ancient books of the ancient sovereign mystic nether. well, you won¡¯t be able to get your hands on them.¡±


    ¡°they describe many things about the ancient sovereign, including his early aspirations. moreover, they were left behind in the form of poetry¡­¡±

 Chapter 922 - 922 Its All the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nethers Fault (3)

    922 it¡¯s all the ancient sovereign mystic nether¡¯s fault (3)


    ¡°i still remember a stanza of a poem inside. let me recite it for you.¡±


    ¡°the heavens bow down, the sun and moon shine brightly, purifying the imperial land, harmonizing the eight domains!¡±


    the captain spoke softly. as soon as he said this, an indescribable aura rose.


    wu jianwu shuddered and his gaze was filled with fascination. finally, he grabbed the parrot on his head and put it away. he then took a deep breath and nodded heavily.


    ¡°let¡¯s do it!¡±


    his gaze was firm, and his voice was filled with resolve.


    seeing this, the captain revealed a look of admiration. he looked like he admired wu jianwu¡¯s state very much and went forward to discuss the plan with him.


    xu qing watched all of this from the side and sighed inwardly. he walked to the door of the house and kept night watch while looking at the sky.


    the originally pitch-black world was dotted with fireflies.


    they were tiger-headed butterflies. they were a type of butterfly unique to the yin yang flower sect. not only did they spread curse and poison, but they could also emit light at night.


    ¡°the disciples of this sect have the method to detoxify, so they don¡¯t need to worry about the poison from these dancing butterflies.¡±


    ¡°however, what exactly was the reason for my previous two trances?¡±


    xu qing sensed d132¡¯s god¡¯s finger in his body and saw that it was sleeping peacefully¡­


    ¡°could it be some follow-up hidden danger formed by the tribulation during the chaos of the world?¡±


    xu qing frowned and analyzed inwardly.


    very soon, the night passed.


    under the guidance of the captain¡¯s strategic planning, as the morning sun arrived from the distant horizon, wu jianwu¡¯s gaze was profound, his expression indifferent. he walked out of the building with his hands behind his back.


    he wanted to complete the mission arranged by the captain to seduce yunxia!


    this task was challenging, but with the rewards of completing it closely tied to his dreams, it had become a sacred mission in his heart. as he walked out of the doorway and the sunlight bathed wu jianwu, he couldn¡¯t help but turn and look at the captain and xu qing.


    the captain raised his arm and cheered.


    ¡°you can definitely do it!¡±


    wu jianwu lifted his chin and nodded indifferently. he then headed straight for the distance.


    the captain watched on. when wu jianwu¡¯s figure disappeared from sight, he immediately took out an eye and squatted in a corner, waving at xu qing.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t surprised. he didn¡¯t believe that with the captain¡¯s curiosity, he wouldn¡¯t peep. he might even be recording the scenes.


    ¡°haha, big jianjian is quite something!¡± the captain chuckled and, looking at wu jianwu, casually took out a recording jade slip.


    xu qing didn¡¯t speak. his gaze landed on the eye, and wu jianwu¡¯s figure was reflected in it.


    wu jianwu walked in the yin yang flower sect. on the way, he felt uneasy and kept cheering himself on. when he arrived beside a pavilion, he took a deep breath and took out a jade slip to transmit his voice to yunxia.


    ¡°birds vanish from the sky without a trace; if fate allows it, a moment of celestial grace!¡±


    back then, when the other party escorted them here, they had exchanged jade slips before she left. after transmitting his voice, wu jianwu stood with his hands behind his back, looking up at the sky.


    the wind blew, lifting his hair like strings swaying in the breeze, and behind him, a gentle voice with a hint of laughter spoke softly.


    ¡°young master called me?¡±


    wu jianwu didn¡¯t turn around and spoke proudly.


    ¡°in the sky, clouds shine, and water flows; on the earth, colorful rosy hues, a poetic show.¡±


    yunxia zi¡¯s eyes gleamed as she walked to wu jianwu¡¯s side. she looked at the side of wu jianwu¡¯s face and suddenly recited.


    ¡°the ancient moon¡¯s spirit mirrors the morning spring; in this lifetime, no trace remains in the heart¡¯s cleansing.¡±


    wu jianwu shuddered as he turned his head to look at yunxia beside him with a strange glint in his eyes.


    he originally thought the other party just understood him, and the invitation to recite poetry was just something she said in passing. however, he didn¡¯t expect that yunxia could actually recite poetry.


    so his interest deepened, and he spoke in a low, resonant voice.


    ¡°the black wind may not howl, but who will sing? the green waters continue to ripple as before!¡±


    the sunlight shone on yunxia¡¯s face, and a faint rosy glow appeared. she looked toward the horizon and uttered softly.


    ¡°the green mountains remain ageless, indifferent to the changing skies; life is but a dream, who can ascend to the heights?¡±


    wu jianwu fell silent for a while, but he didn¡¯t give up as he recited.


    ¡°the green plums have ripened, casting a purple glow; who will come to brew wine and ask about the way home?¡±


    yunxia wanted to say something but hesitated. as her thoughts fluctuated, her voice echoed softly.


    ¡°meeting with a smile, we follow the wind; we still continue to discuss zen.¡±


    wu jianwu was a little depressed, but he forced himself to cheer up and smiled.


    yunxia also smiled. the two of them walked down the pavilion and walked into the distance.


    the wind accompanied them, and the light illuminated their path. butterflies danced around them, creating a hazy atmosphere filled with an indescribable beauty.


    however, for some reason, there was a hint of sadness in this beautified scene.


    ¡°what were they talking about?¡± the captain, adept at killing the mood, looked at xu qing with a puzzled expression and added.


    ¡°why do i feel like they¡¯re using a secret code?¡±


    xu qing was also confused. so far, the only person who could understand wu jianwu¡¯s poems was yunxia.


    the two of them looked at each other before continuing to observe wu jianwu.


    the day had passed, and in the evening, wu jianwu came back. his expression was bitter, carrying a hint of complexity. he didn¡¯t say a word upon his return, silently sitting in a chair lost in thought.


    seeing this, the captain went over to comfort him and tried to ask him a question. however, wu jianwu shook his head and finally sighed.


    ¡°in this life, there are no centennial flowers; stars apart on the other side, concealed by a veil.¡±


    the captain frowned and looked at xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was cold as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°speak properly!¡±


    wu jianwu had a long face as he took out the parrot and placed it on his head. the parrot sighed and spoke in a low voice.

 Chapter 923 - 923 Its All the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nethers Fault (4)

    923 it¡¯s all the ancient sovereign mystic nether¡¯s fault (4)


    ¡°my father was rejected.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s okay, women are all like that, they always act a bit reserved at first to make you work for it. big jianjian, i¡¯ll teach you a few tricks, they¡¯ll definitely work!¡± the captain, upon hearing this, immediately hugged wu jianwu¡¯s neck and continued to discuss.


    just like that, when morning arrived again, wu jianwu reinvigorated himself and walked out again, continuing to invite yunxia.


    time slowly passed. very soon, 20 days passed. it was less than seven days before nether fairy arrived.


    during these few days, although xu qing and the captain occasionally went to the spirit pool, they didn¡¯t do anything. as for wu jianwu, there was also some progress.


    he went to ask yunxia out almost every day. sometimes, the two of them would go on an outing together, sometimes they would recite poems together. there were even a few times when they would chat and praise the talents of the ancient sovereign together. unknowingly, they had become close to each other.


    news of xu qing and the captain¡¯s actions also continued to reach yunxia¡¯s ears every day. everything was normal, so the doubts in yunxia¡¯s heart about the two of them gradually faded.


    three days later, when there were still three days before nether fairy arrived, xu qing and the captain decided to take action. they arrived at the spirit pool as usual and soaked in it before sitting cross-legged and meditating.


    however, one of the captain¡¯s toes separated from his main body in the spirit pool and transformed into a small insect that slowly squirmed underwater.


    after silently crawling one round around the entire spirit pool, it turned into mud in the center and stuck tightly to the bottom of the spirit pool.


    xu qing closed his eyes and absorbed the nourishing power in the spirit pool, not revealing any flaws. however, just as the captain was about to finish his work, a group of dancing butterflies flew over from the sky.


    when they floated past in the air, a wave of emotion washed over xu qing. as he opened his eyes and looked, that familiar sense of dizziness and haziness returned.


    the entire world seemed to converge intensely in that moment. whether it was the mountain stones, the spiritual pools, or all the people here, they all appeared as overlapping images. the only exception was the captain¡¯s position, which remained clear!


    in fact, waves of intense pain followed the dizziness. it was as though the entire world was spinning with him as the center.


    this feeling compelled xu qing to instinctively close his eyes in an attempt to alleviate it. despite his efforts, the sense of fatigue and nausea continued, and he was unaware of when his forehead had started sweating profusely.


    even soaking in this warm pool water couldn¡¯t stop the cold that spread out from within. all the sounds in his ears seemed to have become weaker.


    this time, the episode lasted longer than before, and xu qing only recovered after more than ten breaths.


    the moment he opened his eyes again, xu qing¡¯s breathing was hurried and his face was pale. he instinctively pressed down on the poolside rocks beside him. when he looked at the captain, the latter¡¯s expression was filled with concern as he supported xu qing¡¯s unsteady body.


    ¡°what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°eldest senior brother, are you hiding something from me?¡± xu qing looked at the captain and asked in a low voice.


    the captain remained silent and didn¡¯t answer the question. instead, he smiled and sincerity appeared in his eyes as he spoke gently.


    ¡°little qing, just trust me.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. after a long time, he nodded and didn¡¯t ask further.


    they quickly got up and left, returning to their house.


    there were no noticeable changes throughout, which made xu qing instinctively feel that everything was going too smoothly, as if everything was proceeding as they had planned.


    wu jianwu had successfully established an intimate relationship with yunxia, so the other party didn¡¯t notice their actions.


    the arrangements in the plan were also successfully completed, and they were only waiting for nether fairy to arrive.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t voice this doubt. in silence, he left the yin yang flower sect with the captain and wu jianwu the next day.


    wu jianwu was clearly a little reluctant. however, for the sake of their great cause, he still gritted his teeth and left without looking back.


    three days after they left, nether fairy appeared.


    in the distance, a group of people approached, with maids scattering flowers and music playing. among them was the figure of nether fairy, who was moving gracefully.


    however, no one noticed that the moment she arrived, a pair of aged eyes inside the twin peaks slowly opened and looked over meaningfully.


    ¡°interesting.¡±


    * * *

 Chapter 924 - 924 A Grand Show! (1)

    924 a grand show! (1)


    the music played melodiously, carrying a joyful melody. as nether fairy approached, her beauty was beyond comparison, and the air seemed to be filled with the fragrance of flowers for all those who saw her.


    the bell rang three times in the yin yang flower sect.


    this was a form of etiquette for esteemed guests and also respect for xuan mingzi.


    yunxia personally walked out to welcome nether fairy.


    ¡°welcome, fellow daoist xianghan.¡±


    ¡°greetings, sect master yunxia.¡± nether fairy said with a graceful smile. a subtle birthmark on her neck added to her unforgettable charm.


    ¡°the spirit pool has been set up. please.¡±


    with a serene expression, sect master yunxia waved her hand, and the gates of the yin yang flower sect opened. guided by her, the two women took graceful steps, heading towards the spirit pool.


    very soon, they arrived at the back mountain. there were no other people present, and for the next month, no outsiders would be allowed here. it was in this place that nether fairy would cleanse her body in preparation for the grand wedding that would take place in a month.


    only some of her maidservants could follow her in.


    after all, under normal circumstances, it was impossible for anything to happen here. moreover, her cultivation wasn¡¯t weak and she had xuan mingzi behind her.


    so everything seemed reasonable.


    at that moment, when she arrived beside the spirit pool, nether fairy looked at the hazy pool water and sensed the spirit qi emitted in the surroundings. her eyes revealed satisfaction. she knew that in the next month, the spirit pools of the entire unending mountain range would gather here.


    this was specially prepared for her by xuan mingzi. it represented his love for her.


    thinking of xuan mingzi¡¯s actions, nether fairy¡¯s heart stirred. the corners of her mouth curled up unconsciously and she couldn¡¯t help but look in the direction of the mystic life sect.


    ¡°sir xuan is really good to me.¡±


    nether fairy mumbled to herself, her eyes revealing her longing for the future. after yunxia bade farewell and left, she crouched down, showcasing her voluptuous curves, and gently stirred the warm pool water.


    then, she took a step and entered the pool.


    the pool water quickly soaked her clothes and touched her skin, outlining beautiful curves that was enough to make the hearts of all the opposite sex race. she walked to the center of the pool and sat down.


    the music continued to play, with dozens of maids sitting around, some spreading flowers, some playing instruments, and others using spells to create ripples in the pool, as if they turned into countless little hands cleansing the body of nether fairy.


    that comfortable feeling caused nether fairy to close her eyes with a satisfied expression.


    however, she didn¡¯t notice that at the bottom of the pool, not far from her delicate body, there was a piece of mud. at this moment, a crack appeared on it, revealing an eye.


    in addition, an array formation was silently activated at the bottom of the pool.


    as for the energy fluctuations, it was unknown how the captain did it but they were completely hidden.


    at the same time, in a valley outside the yin yang flower sect, the captain and xu qing put on their masks.


    ¡°big jianjian, go and look for ning yan. i don¡¯t know where that kid went. we can¡¯t let him be alone. we¡¯re good friends and we have to be together, just like how he looked for you back then.¡±


    ¡°junior brother, handle the others in the spirit pool. you don¡¯t have to kill them. just make them lose consciousness.¡±


    ¡°as for nether fairy, i¡¯ll pull her into the world fragment. you don¡¯t have to worry about me. the one who comes out won¡¯t be her.¡± the captain¡¯s tone was solemn. although their plan had progressed smoothly until now, this was the most critical moment.


    whether it could succeed depended on whether the captain could suppress nether fairy.


    if he couldn¡¯t do it, they would have to think of a way to escape this place.


    wu jianwu felt the tension building within him. hearing the captain¡¯s instructions, he nodded vigorously. in his mind, he considered that if these two individuals really failed in their task, and he didn¡¯t manage to escape, he needed to prepare a convincing story to distance himself from their actions.


    at the thought of this, wu jianwu hurriedly left. he used the various abilities of his children to search for ning yan.


    from the start to the end, xu qing didn¡¯t say anything. he simply gazed into the captain¡¯s eyes, a profound sense of unease pressing deep within him regarding the peculiar circumstances of this task.


    ¡°junior brother, believe me!¡± the captain¡¯s gaze was deep as he looked at xu qing. after laughing, he took out an eye. his expression became solemn, as though he was probing.


    a long time later, the captain raised his brows as though he had seen some scenes, which surprised him.


    in fact, his eyes seemed to light up for a moment.


    while xu qing was surprised, the captain coughed and suddenly crushed the eye in his hand. at the next instant, a vortex formed in front of him and the captain¡¯s figure instantly fused into it.


    xu qing didn¡¯t stop. although he had many doubts, he trusted the captain. with a sway, he also stepped into the vortex.


    as they entered, the vortex disappeared.


    at the next moment, the two of them appeared in the spirit pool!


    almost at the instant they revealed themselves, the array formation set up by the captain in the spirit pool instantly erupted, forming a concealment power that enveloped the surroundings. as for the mud at the bottom of the pool, it suddenly transformed into a vortex and emitted a terrifying suction force.


    xu qing and the captain rushed out separately.


    xu qing¡¯s target was the maidservants in the surroundings, and the captain¡¯s target was nether fairy.


    the water surface broke open and water splashed in all directions. the expressions of the surrounding maidservants changed drastically. as for nether fairy, her expression changed drastically when she saw this sudden scene.


    even though the captain was wearing a mask, she still recognized him at a glance.


    ¡°it¡¯s you!¡±


    without a second word, the captain¡¯s entire body started shining with blue light, and numerous eyes sprouted all over his body. each eye displayed a face, and within each pair of eyes on those faces, more faces emerged.

 Chapter 925 - 925 A Grand Show! (2)

    925 a grand show! (2)


    with his entire appearance appearing incredibly bizarre, he resembled a gigantic bat as he headed straight for the drenched nether fairy.


    in that split second, xu qing moved like a ghost towards a nearby maid. the splashes suspended in the air also distorted, turning into water spheres and flying towards the other maids.


    everything happened very quickly. in the blink of an eye, xu qing appeared in front of the maid. her expression changed, and she tried to step back, but it was too late. with a swift motion of his right hand, xu qing struck her, causing the maid to cough up blood and collapse, unconscious on the ground.


    xu qing didn¡¯t kill anyone. the shadow under his feet spread out, forming a black curtain. at the same time, his speed became even faster.


    most of these maidservants¡¯ cultivation levels were at the golden core realm and they only had two nascent soul cultivators. the difference between them and xu qing was very great. hence, xu qing¡¯s attack only lasted for a few breaths.


    not a single one of the dozens of maidservants could escape. all of them fainted and lay strewn around the pool. after doing all this, xu qing turned his head and looked in the captain¡¯s direction.


    he saw that the captain¡¯s body collapsed under nether fairy¡¯s cold snort and wave of her hand, shattering into pieces.


    however, at the next instant, the captain¡¯s shattered body actually transformed into countless blue bugs that headed straight for nether fairy from all directions.


    there were no less than tens of thousands of these small bugs. although nether fairy still destroyed them all with a raise of her hand, they split apart again.


    in the blink of an eye, the number of small bugs increased from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands. finally, they covered the spirit pool densely, forming a vortex that enveloped the surroundings of nether fairy and even connected to the vortex under the pool.


    in an instant, the vortex disappeared along with nether fairy.


    only the ripples in the pool continued to fluctuate as the water fell. after more than ten breaths, the pool slowly calmed down.


    xu qing saw everything and the strange feeling in his heart grew even stronger. he quickly checked his surroundings and confirmed that all the energy fluctuations here had been hidden and didn¡¯t spread out at all.


    ¡°it went too smoothly¡­¡±


    ¡°nether fairy was once a nihility almighty. even if she has fallen to the perfected spirit repository now, it¡¯s impossible for it to go so smoothly!¡±


    xu qing fell silent. however, a thought quickly surfaced in his mind.


    ¡°however, the captain has too many secrets. it¡¯s not impossible for him to accomplish this with his full strength and such long preparations. perhaps this is the reason why he was confident.¡±


    xu qing thought about it and felt that it made sense. hence, as he reinforced the concealment in the surroundings, he paid attention to the changes in the pool. at the same time, he sensed the world fragment he had lent to the captain.


    due to a large number of arrangements, xu qing couldn¡¯t see the details of what was happening inside. however, he could still sense the terrifying energy fluctuations coming from it.


    just like that, time flowed by and ten hours passed.


    xu qing waited silently. although it was easier for problems to occur as time passed, xu qing felt that although the captain was crazy, he shouldn¡¯t fail so easily.


    finally, after another two hours, the pool suddenly rippled.


    xu qing took a few steps back and hid himself. he was prepared to escape at any time and looked over with a solemn expression.


    the surface of the water churned and ripples continued to form as a head appeared from under the water.


    it was the head of a woman. she was extremely charming and her skin was fairer than snow. it was none other than nether fairy.


    after she surfaced from the pool, she looked at xu qing and slowly stood up, revealing the beautiful curves formed by her clothes sticking to her skin. she was even holding half a head in her hand.


    that head¡­ was actually the captain.


    the energy emitting from her body was clearly at the perfected spirit repository realm. at that moment, the gaze she used to look at xu qing carried a hint of coldness. she threw half of the head in her hand at xu qing¡¯s feet.


    ¡°your senior brother is useless.¡±


    the captain¡¯s head rolled down. he wasn¡¯t dead yet. at this moment, his eyes were filled with bitterness as he weakly spoke.


    ¡°junior brother, run quickly¡­ it was a trap¡­¡±


    xu qing was expressionless.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, stop fooling around.¡±


    ¡°i am really not messing around¡­ run quickly. it¡¯s true this time. xuan mingzi is coming soon. this is his plan to target me!¡± half of the captain¡¯s head said anxiously.


    xu qing glanced at nether fairy who was walking toward him and sighed.


    ¡°do you want to shave your legs first? the little princess of the sea corpse race was the same last time. this flaw¡­ is very obvious.¡±


    nether fairy stopped in her tracks. her beautiful face lowered her head and looked at her thigh under her clothes. there were densely-packed hairs there, as though she was wearing a pair of woolen pants.


    even with the clothes covering it, it was still very obvious.


    nether fairy coughed dryly and cast a resentful glance at xu qing. this gaze caused xu qing to take a few steps back. ling¡¯er also crawled out of his collar and looked at nether fairy in disbelief as she took a deep breath.


    ¡°haha, i¡¯m just joking.¡± the captain¡¯s voice rang out from the mouth of nether fairy. as for the half of the head under xu qing¡¯s feet, it melted into a few small blue bugs that quickly entered the pool and returned to the captain¡¯s body.


    ¡°how¡¯s nether fairy?¡± xu qing calmly asked.


    ¡°she¡¯s fine. after i told her everything, the complexity in her heart was indescribable. after that, we had a friendly exchange and communication.¡±


    the captain sat at the side and spoke proudly as he shaved.


    this appearance was incomparably strange.


    ¡°just like that, she and i successfully resolved the misunderstanding of the past. she was also grateful that i told her the truth, so she willingly cooperated and chose to seal herself.¡±


    ¡°you see, i¡¯m a reasonable person.¡±


    after the captain finished shaving one of his legs, he changed to another one and continued. as for the hair, they turned into ashes and dissipated.

 Chapter 926 - 926 A Grand Show! (3)

    926 a grand show! (3)


    xu qing glanced at him but didn¡¯t speak. he then sat cross-legged at the side.


    seeing that xu qing was ignoring him, the captain smiled and took out an apple to take a bite. he even threw one to xu qing.


    after xu qing took it, he looked at the apple in his hand and then at the captain meaningfully.


    the captain smiled.


    xu qing closed his eyes and concealed himself.


    time passed day by day and everything was as usual. after those maids woke up, although they were puzzled, they didn¡¯t dare to ask when they saw that their master didn¡¯t have any abnormalities.


    the captain¡¯s attire didn¡¯t reveal any flaws. it was as though he had really asked a lot of things from nether fairy and acted like her perfectly.


    in the end, even xu qing could not see any flaws.


    on the day when the cleansing of nether fairy concluded, the sky was adorned with a myriad of auspicious signs and brilliant lights. a grand procession, heralding the arrival of the bridal escort, approached from the horizon.


    it was still the bridal sedan that looked like a huge skull, carried by 32 lion race cultivators wearing red robes. they were surrounded by numerous attendants playing joyful music.


    the procession, consisting of hundreds of people, arrived outside the yin-yang flower sect. they were here to escort nether fairy to the mystic life sect, as today was the day of the grand wedding.


    yunxia, who had been absent for a long time, appeared today. she stood outside the spirit pool, watching nether fairy as she walked out, a smile on her face.


    having undergone a month-long cleansing, nether fairy clearly had better complexion, especially now that she had changed into new attire, making her appear even more enchanting.


    she wore a long crimson dress, a phoenix coronet on her head, and just the right amount of rouge on her face. this made her exude a captivating allure, drawing countless gazes.


    outside the spirit pool, she bid farewell to yunxiazi, and then, surrounded by the attending maids and guards living around, she left the yin yang flower sect and boarded the skull bridal sedan.


    after a uniform deep shout, the 32 burly men lifted the bridal sedan and strode forward in the air, heading straight for the horizon.


    the music continued in the surroundings and flowers continued to be scattered. wherever they passed, all the cultivators in the unending mountain range would cast sidelong glances.


    today, all the sects in the unending mountain range were invited to the mystic life sect to participate in the wedding ceremony.


    however, regardless of whether it was the departing bridal escort team or the group of disciples in the yin yang flower sect, no one discovered that at this moment, a meaningful laugh echoed leisurely in the twin peaks.


    the source of the laughter was a massive cave inside the twin peaks.


    the cave was quite extensive, as if it had hollowed out the entire mountain from top to bottom. at the top of the cave, there was an old man with disheveled hair, dressed in a colorful robe, meditating cross-legged.


    the old man had a withered body that resembled skeletal remains, but he didn¡¯t exude an aura of death. instead, he seemed full of vitality, with a subtle ripple of nihility energy swirling around him, making it difficult to discern exactly.


    below him was a scene that was enough to shock everyone who saw it.


    it was a huge projection of a terrain. outsiders might find it difficult to recognize it at first glance, but the people who lived here could instantly recognize that this projection was of the unending mountain range.


    other than its size, everything else was exactly the same.


    every blade of grass, tree, mountain, and stone on it, including the birds in the sky, the city at the foot of the mountain, and the sect buildings, were all in line with the outside world.


    the projections of all things that existed in the unending mountain range appeared here.


    it also included all the living beings!


    be it mortals or cultivators, it was all the same.


    moreover, it was moving as though this place was a real-time miniature of the entire unending mountain range.


    even xu qing¡¯s group along with the bridal escort team that had left the yin yang flower sect were projected here.


    what was even more astonishing was that each projection of living beings was connected to a thread, as if representing their fates, floating within the cave.


    the countless threads appeared incredibly eerie, and the most peculiar aspect was the seated old man in the multicolored robe at the summit. he was continuously waving his hands.


    under his control, the threads from all living beings in the unending mountain range came into contact with each other as they swayed.


    unfated connections that shouldn¡¯t have happened were formed, unexpected emotions arose, and inexplicable relationships were created.


    the fates of all living beings were altered, and life trajectories were influenced. everything had to follow the old man¡¯s intentions, as if the unending mountain range had become a stage for a play.


    the old man was the creator of this show. every existence in the show was a character he had created.


    although they retained their original memories and personalities, they had to follow his script to live out the rest of their lives. in doing so, countless sparks of life were born, releasing brilliant light like fireworks, ultimately forming one dancing butterfly after another, all flying in different directions.


    some danced in the mountain caves, while others shuttled through the mountain rocks and flew toward the outside world.


    those dancing butterflies emitted a strange power. wherever they passed, ethereal dust would envelop everything.


    occasionally, some outsiders would appear in this area. however, when they walked into the range of the unending mountain range, their projection would appear here. threads would appear above their heads and they would become a character in the old man¡¯s play.


    their fates would also be given a new mission at that moment.


    occasionally, the old man would stand up from his cross-legged position and move around in a strange posture in the cave.


    his limbs waved and the threads of all living beings swayed intensely. his expressions changed and the fates of all things instantly intertwined. scenes of love and hate stories also appeared.

 Chapter 927 - 927 A Grand Show! (4)

    927 a grand show! (4)


    he was the creator of this show, but he was also a character in the play, integrating himself into it and using his life to perform a dance.


    all of this, while eerie, also gives a sense of extreme devotion.


    this was because this was the yin yang flower sect¡¯s sacrificial dance!


    the sacrificial dance wasn¡¯t a dance for the people of the shrine but a dance for the god to please them.


    it existed in many regions with gods, and its origin was due to the tendency of the gods to prefer deep slumber, like the crimson goddess.


    however, in the past, the crimson goddess could wake up at any time from her slumber. in her current state, however, it was very difficult for her to wake up soon.


    no matter what, when a god was in a deep slumber, they released the power of dreams, and their dreams were the source of the dance¡¯s ability. they would make use of the god¡¯s dream to envelop an area.


    in this area, everything was influenced, whether it was fate or life, all living beings had their thoughts wiped blank. the ritual dancer would weave their own version according to their thoughts, creating a colorful dream.


    the god could not perceive it while in slumber, only upon awakening would the dreams emerge, allowing them to reminisce.


    if they liked it, they would bless it.


    this was the reason why there were so many branch sects of the yin yang flower sect.


    in every branch sect, there was a ritual dancer. according to their cultivation and past blessings, the abilities and range they could display were also different.


    as the creator of the god¡¯s dream in this area of the unending mountain range, this old man felt that the god should like his sacrificial dance this time.


    ¡°especially those few outsiders, causing this dream¡­¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s even more interesting.¡±


    the old man sat down cross-legged again. his eyes were filled with deep intentions as he spoke hoarsely.


    the same four words were said softly from the captain¡¯s mouth.


    the smile on his face was also filled with deep meaning, but all of this was fleeting. he stretched his back and swept his beautiful eyes across the surroundings, landing on a guard beside him.


    that guard was following without any expressions. he was none other than xu qing in disguise.


    xu qing¡¯s mind was a little chaotic. he felt that there was something wrong with everything. everything progressing too smoothly was only one aspect.


    for example, at this moment, he looked at a bird in the sky.


    the bird had already stopped in mid-air for a few breaths, as though it was stuck there.


    the dizzy feeling resurfaced in front of xu qing¡¯s eyes at that moment, and the sense of overlap gradually weakened until it faded completely, as if the bird had never paused and had already flown far away.


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and suddenly lifted his right hand, grabbing at the bird that was far away. he wanted to see if this bird was real or fake.


    the bird¡¯s body trembled and its trajectory was changed, rolling back toward him.


    however, the instant the trajectory changed and the bird landed in xu qing¡¯s hand, the surroundings suddenly distorted intensely. a blurry and dizzy sensation appeared again.


    this time around, it was even more intense than before. this was because all the bridal escort teams in the surroundings actually stopped at this moment. everyone turned their heads and looked at xu qing in unison. their expressions were wooden and their gazes were dull.


    xu qing¡¯s body paused. the feeling of touch in his hand allowed him to clearly sense that this bird was real. there was also its heartbeat and body temperature.


    the scene of everyone in the surroundings looking at him was so strange that his scalp felt a little numb. after two breaths of silence, xu qing let go. the bird quickly rose into the air and returned to its original location, continuing to fly forward according to its previous trajectory.


    it was as though its fate had long been decided.


    the surrounding people also turned their heads as though nothing had happened and continued moving forward. their expressions instantly recovered and they were filled with joy.


    the music played and the scattering of flowers continued.


    only xu qing¡¯s heart palpitated intensely as he looked at the captain.


    the captain looked at xu qing with deep meaning.


    this gaze caused xu qing to instinctively recall something the captain had said many times.


    ¡°little qing, just trust me.¡±


    * * *

 Chapter 928 - 928 Life Is Like a Drama, It Relies on Acting Skills

    928 life is like a drama, it relies on acting skills


    the wind blew over, bringing with it the fragrance of flower petals.


    the music was melodious, sending over the joy of the wedding.


    however, xu qing¡¯s heart stirred at this moment. he followed the team and retracted his gaze from the captain.


    ever since he arrived at the unending mountain range, xu qing had observed the captain¡¯s abnormalities more than once.


    regardless of whether it was the fact that he had deliberately said a lot of things, the action of giving the apple, or the subsequent observations, all of these made xu qing feel that there was something amiss with the captain.


    however, this wasn¡¯t right. it didn¡¯t seem like the captain¡¯s way. it was more like the captain was deliberately revealing a flaw that only he could identify.


    ¡®he¡¯s reminding me.¡¯ xu qing mumbled inwardly.


    he could sense that the captain had no intention of harming him. he was very clear about this.


    even if he recalled the other party¡¯s actions on the way, this point was still clear.


    moreover, this wasn¡¯t the first or second time the two of them had done something big. hence, xu qing knew the captain¡¯s style.


    ¡®this reminder doesn¡¯t sound like a cry for help. it¡¯s more like there are some things that aren¡¯t convenient for him to say directly, so he used this method to make me pay attention.¡¯


    xu qing fell into deep thought and recalled the bird earlier. he also recalled the reactions of everyone in the surroundings after he caught that bird.


    ¡°even though the bird is real, the behavior of real life is changeable, yet it still returns to its original path. there¡¯s a sense of being compelled, as if everything is prearranged.¡±


    xu qing frowned and checked d132. he discovered that the god¡¯s finger was normal and was still in a deep sleep. this meant that it didn¡¯t sense anything amiss with the outside world.


    ¡°and earlier, when everyone around suddenly looked at me, it seemed like my actions were very out of place among them. or perhaps¡­ the person i was impersonating shouldn¡¯t have made such a move?¡±


    xu qing remained silent. everything had gone extremely smoothly after he entered the unending mountain range. if he didn¡¯t think about it, everything seemed normal.


    ¡°however, this normality carried an eerie twist.¡±


    xu qing continued to follow the team. he was prepared to see what would happen at the wedding venue next.


    time slowly passed. the escort team moved very quickly in the sky. two hours later, they approached the mystic life sect. lanterns and colorful banners could be seen from afar.


    the mountain peaks were adorned with brilliant colors through spells, the trees adorned with red lanterns, and even spells launched into the sky to create one explosion of fireworks after another, echoing throughout the area.


    at the same time, disciples from various sects and families in the unending mountain range were mostly invited. they arrived early with their clan elders, forming a circle around the mystic life sect from all directions.


    men, women, old, and young, all of them had smiles on their faces. everything looked extraordinarily lively.


    laughter rose from everywhere, and joy filled the air.


    as the bridal escort team got closer, the atmosphere was completely stirred. waves of blessings transformed into sound waves that resounded through the clouds.


    as for the mystic life sect in front, it was especially colorful under the encirclement of these mountains.


    the mountain peak where the sect was located emitted a rainbow light. the main palace at the top of the mountain was decorated like a wedding room. countless red lanterns rose into the air and even more sunlight scattered down from the sky.


    the disciples of the mystic life sect were all in high spirits, and they went out to welcome the guests. a colorful silk carpet was spread from the mountaintop to the base, covering every step.


    as the bridal sedan approached the mystic life sect, the sound of ringing bells echoed from within the sect, and an air of solemnity blanketed everything. this silence gathered all the gazes from every direction onto the bridal sedan, which was now even closer to the mystic life sect.


    ¡°fairy xianghan, please ascend the mountain.¡±


    amidst the respectful greetings, the captain inside the bridal sedan had a look of anticipation. her cheeks were flushed with a hint of red, and she took a step out of the sedan, standing on the steps.


    her figure was graceful and charming as she walked forward step by step.


    more than half of the escort team behind him knelt down. only the maids and guards beside nether fairy followed behind the captain.


    xu qing was among them.


    he looked at the captain¡¯s expression and his swaying figure. he sighed with emotion at the other party¡¯s exquisite acting skills. if he hadn¡¯t seen the captain shave his legs with his own eyes, he would have thought that the captain was really nether fairy.


    in this manner, amidst the continuous ringing of bells and the echoing sounds of blessings, the captain slowly walked to the mountaintop.


    today was his big day, and everything revolved around him. wherever he went, the disciples of mystic life sect knelt before him in reverence.


    xu qing looked at all of this and, for some reason, felt a sense of blessing welling up within his heart.


    when the bell rang 21 times, the captain¡¯s figure walked up the last step of the mountain peak. the moment he stood there, the captain¡¯s previous life body walked out of the palace in the distance.


    today¡¯s previous life body was a little different from what xu qing had seen back then. he was wearing bright red clothes and he looked more joyous. however, the stench on his body and the ugliness of his appearance weren¡¯t much different from before.


    the black gas emitted by his breathing was still a shocking sight.


    ¡°this is a wedding between him and his past.¡± xu qing felt a little regretful that wu jianwu didn¡¯t come. otherwise, if he saw this scene with his own eyes, wu jianwu would definitely recite a poem.


    at this moment, the sound of singing spread to the world.


    ¡°as cultivators, we take the heavens as our witness, the earth as our testimony, and the dao as our connection. we join our destinies in this ceremony!¡±


    the captain lowered his head shyly and bowed to his distant husband.


    the couple, the captain and his husband, both bowed their heads, performing the ceremony that united them as cultivators. the wedding ceremony reached its climax in an explosion of cheers and applause from the gathered crowd.


    auspicious colors filled the sky and endless light shone. the sky churned and the ground trembled.


    afterward, amidst the lively and extraordinary atmosphere, the captain was escorted to the bridal chamber. there, she would burn incense and wait for her husband to join her.


    at that moment, the banquet began on the square of the mystic life sect. distinguished figures from various sects gathered, as only they had the privilege to be invited to sit there.


    as for the other disciples, they were not overlooked. a larger banquet was held outside the mystic life sect, and all those who came to witness the ceremony were well taken care of. this created a joyous atmosphere that resounded from all directions.


    as nether fairy¡¯s guard, xu qing didn¡¯t have the qualifications to eat at the banquet. he was arranged to maintain order here with the mystic life sect¡¯s guards.


    looking at the people in front of him drinking and laughing non-stop, xu qing walked among them. the image of the person beside him looking at him with a numb expression after he caught the bird appeared in his mind.


    thinking of this, a bizarre thought rose in xu qing¡¯s mind again.


    ¡®there¡¯s another way that can probe the strangeness of the unending mountain range.¡¯


    xu qing mumbled inwardly and lifted his head to look at the bridal chamber where the captain was.


    at this point in the plan, everything depended on the captain¡¯s performance.


    xu qing retracted his gaze and swept his gaze across everyone in the surroundings.


    ¡°if everyone is really like that bird¡­¡± xu qing narrowed his eyes and silently ordered the shadow to control a cultivator.


    in an instant, xu qing¡¯s shadow silently spread out on the ground and instantly got close to a golden core cultivator, overlapping with his shadow.


    very soon, the possession was completed.


    however, that person was normal. he was still drinking and chatting happily. there were no changes at all.


    a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he could sense the intense emotions emitted by the shadow.


    ¡°can¡¯t¡­ interfere¡­ forcefully die¡­ strange¡­¡±


    xu qing ordered the shadow to continue with the others. after a few times, everything was the same and xu qing understood.


    however, he still needed to verify it. hence, he ordered the shadow to forcefully control them. very soon, a foundation building cultivator paused under the shadow¡¯s efforts. his hand, which was about to reach for the wine glass, changed its trajectory and picked up the chopsticks to pick up the dishes.


    the laughter in the surroundings instantly stopped. countless gazes looked at that person in unison.


    xu qing¡¯s pupils contracted and he immediately dissipated his control.


    the cultivator didn¡¯t notice at all and placed the dish he picked up back without any mistakes. he also put down his chopsticks and picked up his wine glass again, continuing the actions he had wanted to perform previously.


    after drinking it in one gulp, the surrounding people laughed and chatted again. everything was normal.


    xu qing closed his eyes.


    he understood.


    ¡°everyone¡¯s trajectory has been set like that bird. we have to follow this arrangement. even if an accident happens in the middle, we will reverse it on our own and continue completing it.¡±


    ¡°and all the strangeness began after we entered the unending mountain range¡­¡±


    ¡°all living beings in this mountain range have their fates changed and are weaved according to the thoughts of a certain will.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s like a show.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m also in this show.¡±


    ¡°unknowingly, my previous thoughts and actions were also given roles and i became a character in the show.¡±


    ¡°i think it¡¯s even more so for wu jianwu and ning yan.¡±


    ¡°perhaps that¡¯s why i experience blurriness and overlapping, because the entities within me, whether they are the god¡¯s finger or the purple moon, cause me to be influenced as well as repel this force. that¡¯s why i see the bird pause, and that¡¯s why i can contemplate the inconsistencies here.¡±


    ¡°only the captain¡­¡± xu qing looked at the top of the mountain.


    ¡°he should know all of this. he took the initiative to get into character¡­¡±


    xu qing understood. he lowered his head and waited silently.


    time slowly passed and the banquet gradually came to an end. as the sky darkened again and people left one after another, a mournful cry suddenly rang out from the bridal chamber at the top of the mountain.


    this blood-curdling scream spread in all directions, causing the color of the sky to change and clouds to surge in all directions.


    at this moment, xu qing felt dizzy again. as for everyone in the surroundings, they abruptly lifted their heads and their expressions became numb as they looked at the mountain peak.


    it seemed that there, a different script was unfolding, one that didn¡¯t align with the pre-established narrative!


    they weren¡¯t the only ones. all the living beings in the entire mystic life sect, including the birds in the sky and the flowers and plants, faced the main hall without moving.


    in the main hall, after this blood-curdling scream, footsteps rang out. the captain walked out step by step.


    he held a person in his hand. it was his previous life body.


    finally, he stood in front of the palace and looked at his surroundings.


    he didn¡¯t care about the numb gazes of everyone in the surroundings. his gaze landed on xu qing in the distance and a smile appeared on his face as he spoke softly.


    ¡°junior brother, do you understand?¡±


    as he spoke, his other hand took out a peach and took a bite.

 Chapter 929 - 929 Dancing for the God, the Talented Are Rewarded, the Untalented Perish

    929 dancing for the god, the talented are rewarded, the untalented perish


    xu qing¡¯s dizziness was still intense. however, after many experiences, he could barely adapt to it. at that moment, he looked at everything in his surroundings and then at the peach in the captain¡¯s hand.


    xu qing smiled.


    ¡°i understand a little. this unending mountain range is like a show.¡±


    when the captain heard this, admiration appeared in his eyes and he laughed.


    ¡°it¡¯s indeed a show.¡±


    ¡°junior brother, this is a show dedicated to red moon and crimson goddess. you and i are lucky enough to participate in it. how good is that?¡±


    xu qing nodded. he noticed what the captain said about the show being dedicated to the red moon and crimson goddess.


    ¡°in the moon worship region, any place where the yin yang flower sect exists is covered by the dream power of the red moon and crimson goddess. the yin yang flower sect will weave a show which will become the god¡¯s dream.¡±


    the captain smiled and spoke.


    ¡°this is the sacrificial dance of the yin yang flower sect.¡±


    although xu qing had guessed a lot, he didn¡¯t associate it with the sacrificial dance. when he heard this, he was a little moved.


    ¡°those dancing butterflies¡­¡± xu qing looked at the captain.


    ¡°the dancing butterfly is a dream creature formed by the ritual dancer after borrowing the god¡¯s dream power to influence all living beings.¡±


    the captain ate the peach and carried his previous life body in his hand as he walked toward xu qing. as he walked, he spoke.


    ¡°it is illusory, one of the vessels of the power of dreams, as well as a medium to transmit the stories here into the consciousness of the god when it awakens.¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath. while this explanation seemed unbelievable at first, upon reflecting on his memories, everything seemed to align.


    ¡°however, before the god awakens, these dancing butterflies won¡¯t be able to return, so they won¡¯t be able to send this grand show to it.¡±


    ¡°can you guess why i knew all of this and chose to take the initiative to enter, junior brother?¡±


    the captain had a smug expression as he walked to xu qing¡¯s side.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze landed on the previous life body in the captain¡¯s hand and he already had an answer.


    ¡°your previous life body wasn¡¯t lost at all. the tomb we went to previously was actually fake as well.¡±


    ¡°just as eldest senior brother said at the start, in order to prevent tomb raiders, you set up some illusions in advance. the place we went to is actually¡­ one of the illusions.¡±


    ¡°at that time, ning yan asked you what the layout of the last two of the nine illusions you mentioned was.¡±


    ¡°at that time, you smiled and didn¡¯t say anything. this was because the tomb we went to was the eighth illusion, and the entire unending mountain range was¡­ the ninth illusion!¡±


    xu qing looked at the captain and slowly spoke.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, how many people did you offend back then? what did you do to make you so afraid that someone would steal your previous life body?¡±


    the captain was a little surprised when he heard this. after that, he laughed loudly.


    ¡°as expected of my junior brother, haha. you¡¯re right. that tomb is the eighth illusion and this unending mountain range is the ninth illusion!¡±


    ¡°eldest senior brother, you have picked up bad habits from bai xiaozhuo, revealing the answer in advance, that¡¯s not good.¡± xu qing frowned.


    the captain grinned. he had indeed learned this from bai xiaozhuo and thought it would make him look very impressive.


    ¡°do you want to know where my true tomb is?¡± the captain winked, looking like he wanted to keep him in suspense.


    the familiar expression, the familiar cheekiness, and the familiar style finally made xu qing feel relieved, and he then spoke with a neutral expression.


    ¡°in the dream.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t want to cooperate anymore.


    the captain widened his eyes, feeling that it was no fun anymore. little qing wasn¡¯t as cute as before. however, he could also see that xu qing was angry. so, he chuckled, put his arm around xu qing¡¯s neck, and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°junior brother, you¡¯re so impressive to be able to guess this.¡±


    ¡°in my previous life, with the help of a mysterious high god, i hid my body in the dream of crimson goddess¡­ and even crushed the dancing butterflies in that dream.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed, and the mention of the mysterious high god in the captain¡¯s words caught his attention.


    at the same time, the world changed. the expressions of all the living beings in the surroundings changed from numb to sinister. regardless of whether it was vegetation or rocks, everything emitted intense malice at this moment.


    this malice gathered from all directions and erupted from all things in the unending mountain range. after it gathered, it transformed into a voice.


    ¡°get out!¡±


    as the voice rang out, the unending mountain range rumbled in unison. the ground also trembled and the city at the foot of the mountain also swayed.


    the captain smiled but didn¡¯t explain this mysterious high god or care about the changes in the surroundings. he continued to talk about the location of his previous life body.


    ¡°as for the way to get to it, it can only be done by entering the dream. i couldn¡¯t reveal it to you earlier because everything had to align with the requirements of this dream. only by doing so could i truly immerse myself in the role.¡±


    ¡°however, i reminded you before, so don¡¯t be too angry.¡± the captain smiled cheekily and raised the previous life body in his hand.


    ¡°look, my goal is actually still this thing because it¡¯s the key to getting to my previous life body in this dream. you definitely won¡¯t be able to guess what the main body of this thing is.¡±


    as the captain spoke, he waved his right hand and instantly, his previous life body turned into black water that splashed down, revealing¡­ a rotting dancing butterfly in the center!


    it emitted an ancient aura. clearly, it wasn¡¯t just born but had existed for a very, very long time. its level of concealment was also extremely high, as it was able to escape the crimson goddess¡¯ senses.


    this was the key.


    the moment it appeared, the surroundings trembled. the color of the sky changed and the wind and clouds rolled back. the shaking of the entire unending mountain range was incomparably intense. countless living beings in the surroundings revealed struggle and pain.


    rocks collapsed and plants broke.


    the instant everything changed, a shocking fluctuation spread out from the yin yang flower sect. there was also an extremely angry roar that spread through the world.


    ¡°wake up, wake up!¡±


    as the voice appeared, the struggle of all living beings became even more intense. it was as though the ritual dancer who created this scene wanted to end the dream and reverse everything, interrupting the captain¡¯s plan.


    ¡°too late.¡±


    the captain laughed and lifted the key in his finger, waving it fiercely at the sky.


    ¡°open!¡±


    in an instant, the sky rumbled and the sound resounded through the clouds. it was as though the world had been split open, surpassing heavenly thunder. as the world continued to explode, a huge gap directly appeared in the sky.


    this crack wasn¡¯t big at first but it continued to expand amidst waves of deafening sounds. finally, it opened like a scar in the sky.


    the aura of decay spread out from this huge crack. it was as though it had been hidden for too long and the vicissitudes of time inside were about to be released at this moment.


    the sky and ground showed signs of collapse. a blue coffin suddenly appeared from the crack.


    this wasn¡¯t formed from iron or wood but from blue ice!


    there was a figure lying inside the ice coffin, dressed in a luxurious blue robe with golden embroidery. he exuded a terrifying aura, his expression full of dignity, and his right hand firmly gripping a scepter!


    his appearance caused the sky to explode and the ground to collapse. a mournful wail rang out from the yin yang flower sect.


    ¡°primordial sacrificial dance scepter!¡±


    ¡°you were the grand ritual dancer!!¡±


    as his voice echoed, in the cave of the yin yang flower sect, the expression of the old man in the colorful robe changed drastically. his eyes revealed horror as he quickly cut off the thread between himself and the projection of all living beings in the unending mountain range.


    he was very clear that as a ritual dancer, although he looked strong, he was also incomparably fragile. he was strong because of this ability to create dreams for gods, and fragility was also because of this.


    if the dream weaving ended normally, he would have completed a sacrificial dance. however, if he was interrupted during this process, he would suffer a backlash.


    the so-called sacrificial dance was actually a special ritual.


    the difference between cutting it off himself and forcefully being cut off was the difference between heaven and earth.


    he took the initiative to break the dream and wake everyone. although there was a backlash, he could withstand it. hence, when he discovered that something was wrong previously, his first thought was to take the initiative to awaken all living beings and end the dream weaving.


    however, if the dream weaving was interrupted forcefully by someone else, the meaning would be completely different. he had to withstand the corrosion of all living beings, the karma of all things, and the backlash from the shattering of the god¡¯s dream power.


    even if he was nihility, he wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand all of this!


    this wasn¡¯t something that could be done easily by outsiders.


    the moment he saw the scepter that represented the grand ritual dancer appear, he was completely terrified.


    however, he no longer had the time to take the initiative to cut off the dream weaving. the instant the coffin appeared, the captain¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint as he shouted.


    ¡°junior brother, unleash your strength and fuse it into my coffin scepter, awakening all living beings whose fate has been changed!¡±


    the captain didn¡¯t elaborate but xu qing understood that what he wanted him to display was the power of the purple moon. with a sway of his body, xu qing endured the dizziness and directly arrived above the ice coffin.


    he lifted his right hand and pressed down on the location of the scepter.


    the purple moon power in his body erupted furiously, causing the ice cube to turn purple. as the captain performed a series of hand seals, the ice coffin cooperated and the purple intent instantly fused into the scepter.


    at the next instant, xu qing¡¯s body trembled. he felt a vast power augmenting his soul. his dizziness disappeared and his mind was clear. the world in front of him was enveloped by a haze.


    threads rose from the bodies of all living beings inside, and all the threads were connected to the yin yang flower sect¡¯s mountain range.


    at the same time, there were also illusory dancing butterflies resting on each thread. there were countless of them of various sizes and they were constantly absorbing and strengthening.


    ¡°wake up!¡±


    a purple glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he calmly spoke.


    the instant these two simple words were spoken, it was as though millions of lightning bolts had exploded at the same time, tearing through all the threads and echoing in the hearts of all living beings in the unending mountain range.


    countless cultivators and mortals trembled and instantly woke up. after a short period of confusion, their expressions turned into horror and they instinctively retreated.


    those who were dao companions now had terrified expressions on their faces. they didn¡¯t know each other at all!


    those who were brothers were now trembling. they had once been mortal enemies.


    those who had been family were all panting. there was no kinship between them.


    this was only a portion. there were even more living beings whose fates had been restored. they awakened and remembered everything.


    it was the same for the sect. even the yin yang flower sect couldn¡¯t escape this scene. a portion of the disciples weren¡¯t even from the unending mountain range.


    they had only passed by before and unknowingly became disciples.


    as for yunxia, she was trembling at this moment. her hair was disheveled and she suddenly lifted her head to look at the mountain peak.


    she wasn¡¯t the sect master, let alone the daughter of this sect¡¯s ancestor. on the contrary, this sect was her enemy!


    as all living beings in the unending mountain range woke up and their threads shattered, the dream ended.


    all the karma, all the backlash, the interruption of the god¡¯s dream, and all the evil formed gathered on the ritual dancer.


    a heart-rending cry filled the sky.


    the old man in the cave had a look of despair. he wanted to struggle but it was useless. every broken thread transformed into a dancing butterfly that devoured him, causing him certain damage.


    the convergence of the damage caused by the number of living beings in the unending mountain range was even more terrifying. endless dancing butterflies flickered between illusion and reality, completely enveloping his body and devouring it crazily.


    his body rotted and disappeared at a speed visible to the naked eye. what made him feel the most despair was the backlash from the shattering of the god¡¯s dream. that wasn¡¯t a power he could resist.


    under this backlash, the curse in his body erupted crazily and spread throughout his body, enveloping his soul. the pain it brought caused him to fall into madness.


    even if he knelt on the ground and prayed to the god, it was useless.


    finally, a few breaths later, under the devouring of the endless dancing butterflies and the backlash of the god¡¯s dream, his entire person turned into blood and splashed on the ground of the cave.


    dancing for the emperor, the talented are rewarded, the untalented perish.


    it was even more so when the dance was for the gods.

 Chapter 930 - 930 The Wind Rises in the Moon Worship, Sparks Desire to Burn the Prairie (1)

    930 the wind rises in the moon worship, sparks desire to burn the prairie (1)


    when a god dreamed, a dance was used as ritual, weaving the fates of all beings.


    those who were outstanding were blessed by the god, and those who were bad would be destroyed with a thought.


    this was the sacrificial dance.


    as the old man in the twin peaks died from the backlash, all the dancing butterflies produced by this failed ritual dance dissipated with him.


    after these dancing butterflies devoured his flesh and blood, they fused into the world and disappeared, allowing all living beings to be clear-headed.


    to the living beings of the unending mountain range, waking up¡­ might not be a blessing.


    a life that wasn¡¯t arranged might bring about even more confusion.


    starting from the city at the foot of the mountain, this confusion was like a storm sweeping everywhere.


    in the city, be it mortals or cultivators, they fell silent the moment they woke up.


    some were husband and wife, some were friends, some were relatives, and some were master and disciple. they looked at each other with complicated expressions that replaced confusion. they were unfamiliar and familiar with each other.


    what was unfamiliar was that they didn¡¯t know each other in the past and were only together due to the roles forced upon them. what was familiar was that this memory didn¡¯t disappear, so they were at a loss on what to do.


    it was the same for the sect, and the various races. the storm swept through the entire unending mountain range.


    some people chose to leave and never return to this place that gave them the feeling of horror and absurdity.


    most of them were outsiders.


    however, in reality, the vast majority of the beings in the unending mountain range had been here since they were born. their fates had changed when they were infants.


    in fact, if they continued to trace back their history, it would be the same for their ancestors.


    they were accustomed to life being arranged, accustomed to everything following predetermined paths, and even this habit had become instinctive because they had no knowledge of the truth until they awakened.


    from what they knew, the world hadn¡¯t changed and life was normal.


    it was like being locked in a cage. when the cage was opened one day, they¡­ would still choose to stay in the cage.


    even in their minds, to strengthen their own thoughts, they would generate doubts, questioning whether this so-called awakening from the dream is a deception.


    to prove to themselves that they have been awake from the beginning.


    this was a type of happiness and also a type of sorrow.


    xu qing remained silent.


    at that moment, with the help of the blue ice coffin where the captain¡¯s previous life body was and the power of the scepter inside, his divine sense covered the entire unending mountain range.


    this allowed him to clearly sense the thoughts of all living beings.


    in the end, xu qing and the captain chose to leave.


    the captain also sensed all of this and sighed.


    ¡°these beings, born here and surviving for generations, even if they awaken from the dream, it doesn¡¯t make much of a difference compared to their dream state.¡±


    ¡°they will continue to live here. just like before, there are no changes.¡±


    ¡°little qing, let¡¯s go¡­ perhaps to them, our appearance is an intrusion.¡±


    the captain shook his head and kept his ice coffin before walking toward the sky. after taking a few steps, he stopped and turned to look at xu qing.


    xu qing took a deep breath and retracted his senses, walking toward the captain.


    the two of them left silently until they arrived outside the yin yang flower sect.


    wu jianwu was there.


    at that moment, less than 50% of the yin yang flower sect survived. the mountain had collapsed and the spirit pool was tainted by the dust. more than half of the sect¡¯s disciples had left after waking up.


    only the cultivators who were originally born here sat silently on the shattered mountain rocks, their thoughts in a mess.


    as for wu jianwu¡¯s figure, he stood at the foot of the mountain in a daze. in front of him was yunxia, who was walking away step by step.


    the sunset sky brought with it the feeling of curtain falling, giving off a sense of oppression. just like his heart at this moment, it was also as complicated as yunxia¡¯s.


    wu jianwu stared blankly at yunxia¡¯s figure, finding it hard to speak.


    after sensing the drastic changes that had happened here, he immediately ran back here and saw the collapse of the mountain, the chaos in the surroundings, and yunxia.


    he recited poems, but the other party didn¡¯t seem to understand him. she didn¡¯t even glance at him.


    this filled wu jianwu¡¯s heart with bitterness. at that moment, as he stared at the other party¡¯s back, he suddenly spoke loudly.


    ¡°the sky is dark, the strong wind blows the clouds, and the daylight brings a light rain; i have an umbrella!¡±


    wu jianwu¡¯s voice spread into the world and landed beside yunxia¡¯s ear. however, yunxia didn¡¯t stop in her tracks or turn her head. eventually, she disappeared without a trace.


    wu jianwu was in a daze. he took a few steps back and sat at the side.


    xu qing and the captain walked over silently. looking at the dejected expression on wu jianwu¡¯s face, xu qing gave him a flask of wine. he felt that the current wu jianwu probably wanted to drink.


    wu jianwu trembled as he took it. after taking a big gulp, his eyes turned a little red as he mumbled.


    ¡°she doesn¡¯t understand at all. it¡¯s all fake!¡±


    the captain sighed and patted wu jianwu¡¯s shoulder without saying anything.


    a moment later, as wu jianwu¡¯s emotions recovered a little, the group left. however, wu jianwu remained silent the entire way.


    on the way, the captain found ning yan, who was hiding in a crack in the ground, and picked him up.


    ning yan was trembling with fear. the scene here earlier made him feel extreme danger. hence, after seeing xu qing and the others, he was also excited. after that, he glared angrily at wu jianwu and was about to speak when he discovered that there was something wrong with wu jianwu¡¯s expression.


    ning yan was surprised and wanted to ask, but he also knew that it wasn¡¯t the right time. hence, he suppressed this curiosity in his heart.


    just like that, the group left the unending mountain range. as the captain took out the artificial sun, everyone¡¯s figures flickered and disappeared into the horizon.

 Chapter 931 - 931 The Wind Rises in the Moon Worship, Sparks Desire to Burn the Prairie (2)

    931 the wind rises in the moon worship, sparks desire to burn the prairie (2)


    time flowed by and very soon, seven days passed.


    what happened in the unending mountain range gradually spread from the mouths of the people who left. at the same time, the death of the ritual dancer attracted the attention of all the yin yang flower sect.


    in these seven days, many experts of the yin yang flower sect used door walkers to come over and take a look.


    finally, a wanted poster from the yin yang flower sect spread throughout the entire moon worship region.


    they wanted the blasphemers led by wei yangzi and tian qingzi.


    if someone provided clues, they would obtain the friendship of the yin yang flower sect. if someone carried their heads and souls over, the yin yang flower sect¡¯s main sect would reward them with the curse-resolving pill.


    as soon as this wanted poster was released, the entire moon worship region was shaken. on one hand, this matter wasn¡¯t small. on the other hand, it was the curse-resolving pill.


    this pill only had one effect, and that was to alleviate the pain caused by the curse.


    as the cultivators in the moon worship region cultivated, the red moon curse in their bodies would gradually bring extreme pain to their bodies and souls as their cultivation levels increased and time passed.


    the torture formed by this pain was something no cultivator wanted to endure. the only thing that could alleviate this pain was the curse-resolving pill.


    however, there were too few of this pill and a huge demand, so it was extremely precious. it couldn¡¯t be bought with spirit stones. usually, any one of such pills was a rare commodity.


    for example, back then, the ancestor of the alliance of the two races planned to capture xu qing alive and send him to the shrine to exchange for the curse-resolving pill.


    from this, one could imagine how tempting the wanted list was.


    at that moment, xu qing, the captain, and the others who were wanted had already left the unending mountain range and appeared near the west.


    the captain was going to lie low here and prepare for another matter.


    xu qing didn¡¯t plan to follow. he had his own matters to deal with.


    he still remembered that in the firefly city on duanmu zang¡¯s side, there were more than 100,000 humans with the curse. he wanted to help them neutralize the curse.


    however, to undo this curse, he needed to undergo a large amount of research and experiments. this required a relatively stable environment and a certain amount of time.


    with the captain¡¯s lively personality, it was clearly not suitable to conduct such experiments with him around.


    at the same time, xu qing also planned to take a look at another place.


    hence, xu qing told the captain about this thought.


    ¡°study the curse?¡± the captain¡¯s eyes lit up when he heard this. after taking a bite of a peach, the light in his eyes became even more intense.


    ¡°haha, little qing, this idea of yours was originally the eighth major thing i prepared. if you can gain some insights in advance, we can save a lot of time in the future.¡±


    ¡°very well!¡± the captain¡¯s face showed determination as he handed an apple to xu qing, put his arm around his neck, and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°little qing, if you go out on your own, remember to be careful not to be found by the yin yang flower sect. i¡¯m preparing to do a small thing first. it will probably take around half a year.¡±


    ¡°how small?¡± xu qing glanced at the captain.


    ¡°haha, it¡¯s a very small, very minor thing,¡± the captain said, raising his hand and touching his thumb and forefinger together before separating them to illustrate the task at hand.


    ¡°then take care.¡± xu qing smiled but didn¡¯t ask further.


    the captain laughed and looked at the distant world.


    ¡°alright, let¡¯s separate here. how about we meet up in the bitter life mountain range in half a year? let me tell you, little qing, don¡¯t be late this time. it¡¯s best if you can arrive early. in half a year, eldest senior brother will bring you to join an especially impressive, awesome organization!¡±


    ¡°it is an important chess piece for us to play against the red moon!¡±


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. the first time he heard of the name of the bitter life mountain range was from duanmu zang. he knew that there was a way to join the moon rebel hall there.


    as for the details, xu qing didn¡¯t understand. the place he originally planned to go also included this bitter life mountain range.


    this was because duanmu zang had told him that the moon rebel hall¡¯s research on curses was very deep. if he could obtain relevant information from them, it would save him a lot of time.


    moreover, by analogy, it could also provide him with many ideas.


    hence, xu qing nodded. after discussing some details of the meeting with the captain, xu qing stood up and prepared to leave.


    before he left, the captain took some seeds from wu jianwu and handed them to xu qing.


    ¡°junior brother, if you arrive at the bitter life mountain range in advance, plant these seeds there, i¡¯ll get big jianjian to arrange for his descendants to follow the aura of these seeds to find you. i¡¯ll be able to find you through this after i¡¯m done.¡±


    xu qing took the seeds and felt a little strange. he knew how special wu jianwu¡¯s descendants were. the wish box from back then involuntarily appeared in his mind and he looked at wu jianwu.


    wu jianwu still looked dejected. he lay there lifelessly and sighed from time to time.


    ¡°don¡¯t worry about him. it¡¯s a normal condition when you have a heartbreak. he¡¯ll be fine in a few days.¡±


    the captain smiled as he spoke, and after that, he took a deep breath and looked at xu qing with a sense of blessing in his eyes.


    ¡°so, my junior brother, let¡¯s each go our separate ways and take care of ourselves!¡±


    xu qing nodded.


    ning yan pricked up his ears at the side and had been eavesdropping on the conversation between the two of them. it was only when he heard the word ¡®heartbreak¡¯ that he finally understood why wu jianwu had been like this these few days. disdain rose in his heart and he thought to himself, ¡®just that?¡¯


    seeing that xu qing was about to leave, he hurriedly stood up to send him off. his eyes revealed desire. he hoped that xu qing would bring him away¡­


    xu qing ignored him. with a step, he left the artificial sun and disappeared into the horizon.


    ¡°he has grown up, no longer playing with senior brother anymore,¡± the captain watched xu qing go into the distance, feeling a sense of nostalgia. then, he raised his hand and performed hand seals. the artificial sun roared, accelerating his journey forward.

 Chapter 932 - 932 The Wind Rises in the Moon Worship, Sparks Desire to Burn the Prairie (3)

    932 the wind rises in the moon worship, sparks desire to burn the prairie (3)


    time flowed by and very soon, half a month passed.


    the yin yang flower sect¡¯s wanted notices were still in place, but the wanted people remained elusive, disappearing as if into thin air. meanwhile, the emergence of another major event caused people to instinctively overlook this ongoing pursuit.


    this major event was so shocking that the entire moon worship region was in an uproar.


    the divine son was heavily injured!


    the cause of this matter was hidden very well at the start. other than the red moon shrine¡¯s headquarters, no one else knew. they only knew that there had been a drastic change in the northern ice plains and that a phenomenon had appeared on the heavenly fire sea. they also sensed the energy fluctuations in that area that had lasted for more than a month.


    although there were many guesses, there was no real information after all.


    it wasn¡¯t until several months had passed that the true nature of this matter was widely disseminated. moreover, it was not the red moon shrine but individuals associated with the moon rebel hall who spread the information across various locations.


    they told the world that the phenomenon in the heavenly fire sea was formed by the ruler¡¯s heir breaking free of confinement.


    as for the drastic change in the northern ice plain, it was because the heir saved princess mingmei, the daughter of the ruler.


    these two astonishing existences attacked the red moon shrine¡¯s headquarters immediately after escaping.


    an astonishing battle broke out there.


    this was the reason why the energy fluctuations in that area lasted for a month.


    as for the outcome of this battle, the heir and princess mingmei went missing, while the red moon shrine¡¯s divine son was heavily injured.


    this matter revealed a key point, which was that¡­ crimson goddess didn¡¯t descend.


    this didn¡¯t make sense. this was because if the divine son was heavily injured, he would definitely activate the divine technique. however, from the fluctuations of the world during this period of time, that didn¡¯t happen!


    hence, two more rumors spread at the same time.


    the first rumor was about the true identity of the red moon¡¯s divine son and the souls he had been extracting from his suppressed brothers and sisters over the years. it was said that these souls were taken away during the great battle.


    these souls were the reason why the ruler¡¯s sealed descendants had lost their minds.


    it was said that the moment they were snatched away, countless inhuman wails rang out from the red moon shrine.


    this revelation created a sensation, and some people analyzed that the crown prince¡¯s plan was not merely a straightforward showdown with the divine son, but rather had deeper motives.


    perhaps these souls were only one of his goals.


    as for the details, no one knew.


    the second rumor tugged at the hearts of all living beings.


    ¡°crimson goddess fell into a deep sleep due to matters in the foreign region and won¡¯t be able to wake up for some time!¡±


    the information contained in this rumor was too shocking. the sky of the moon worship region seemed to have changed.


    some believed it, while others didn¡¯t. however, no matter what¡­ the entire moon worship region began to tremble because of this series of events.


    it was like waves had appeared in a pool of stagnant water.


    in an instant, various local organizations emerged in the various counties and provinces like a spark.


    they promoted the slogan of the moon rebel and called for people to rise up in resistance in an attempt to turn this spark into a blaze.


    however, the red moon shrine, all the forces dependent on the temple, as well as a large number of divine envoys, divine servants, and divine slaves, quickly went out and suppressed them.


    furthermore, the temple¡¯s high priest, after the severe injury of the divine son, awakened from a long slumber and took charge of the overall situation.


    his style was iron-blooded, stirring up a storm of flesh and blood that swept through the large region.


    however, in the end¡­ the wind still blew in the moon worship.


    at that moment, in qingsha[1] county in the western part of the moon worship region, a green-colored sandstorm had arisen, seemingly connecting the heavens and obscuring the line of sight.


    qingsha county was one of the seven counties in the western part of the moon worship region, and was close to the center.


    the name of this place came from the fact that the entire county was made up of deserts.


    the deserts here were quite special. the sand wasn¡¯t yellow but green.


    hence, the wind that blew was also green sand wind that didn¡¯t dissipate all year round.


    the people who lived here had to adapt to the climate here, dwelling and reproducing in this endless expanse of green sandstorms.


    there were also many legends about the green sandstorms here, and one of them was the most recognized.


    legend had it that this place wasn¡¯t a desert a long time ago but a huge basin with countless tall mountain peaks.


    at that time, the soil on the ground was black and fog would rise from the ground, forming a sea of fog here.


    one day, a strand of green hair fell from the sky. this strand of hair floated here and turned into dust that filled the basin, forming green sand.


    this also caused this place to turn into a desert from then on.


    back then, most of the tall mountain peaks were drowned because of this. the exposed parts were connected to each other, forming mountain ranges of various sizes.


    among them, the largest mountain range was called bitter life mountain range.


    this desert was also known as the green hair desert.


    due to the harsh climate, there weren¡¯t many residents in the green hair desert. however, due to some special reasons, there were many outsiders here.


    as time passed, this area gradually transformed, giving rise to one earthen city after another.


    these cities were built on mountain peaks and didn¡¯t exist on the sand. the red moon shrine also specially built a stronghold here.


    at that moment, in the green sandstorm, the world was hazy. in this blurriness, there was a figure moving forward.


    the wind was very strong and let out a whimpering whistling sound. when it landed on his body, it was as though countless hands were pushing him, obstructing his advancement. it also caused his robe to flutter and shake continuously.


    however, they couldn¡¯t stop the figure in the sandstorm. his speed didn¡¯t seem fast but every step he took covered an area of dozens of feet. occasionally, he would stop and take out a jade slip to determine his direction.


    ¡°there¡¯s still some distance.¡±


    xu qing murmured softly, his face covered by a scarf, and his hair as well, leaving only his eyes exposed as he gazed into the distance.


    [1] it means green desert.

 Chapter 933 - 933 The Wind Rises in the Moon Worship, Sparks Desire to Burn the Prairie (4)

    933 the wind rises in the moon worship, sparks desire to burn the prairie (4)


    after parting ways with the captain, he contemplated his next journey and decided to head directly to the bitter life mountain range as his destination.


    he intended to find a place to settle down and study the curse while searching for a way to join the moon rebel hall.


    today was his third day in the green hair desert.


    he had changed out of his daoist robe and into local attire, wearing a close-fitting upper garment, baggy trousers, knee-high boots made of animal hide, and a large gray outer robe that enveloped his entire body, providing excellent protection for ling¡¯er as well.


    the winds in this place had the same penetrating force even for cultivators. while relying on their cultivation could resist it for a short period, if they remained exposed to it for too long, it would inevitably deplete their strength.


    this was because the spirit energy was thin and sparse in the desert.


    at the same time, the winds here also carried a sense of desolation. prolonged exposure to them would gradually dim one¡¯s vitality, leading to an aura of death until becoming like a skeleton.


    only some special creatures could thrive in this environment, adapting to it as if it were their natural habitat.


    for example, when xu qing checked the direction, a green scorpion that was more than half the length of a person suddenly rushed out from the sand behind him.


    its speed was so fast that it instantly got close to xu qing. its tail flickered with a cold light and was about to pierce him when the shadow under xu qing¡¯s feet rose, enveloping the scorpion.


    the scorpion disappeared and the shadow quickly returned.


    from the start to the end, xu qing didn¡¯t check at all. after entering this place, he encountered many similar ferocious beasts. every one of them contained a curse in their bodies, and this made xu qing very happy.


    hence, he had long instructed the shadow to capture it alive in its body and leave it for later study.


    now that he had confirmed his location, xu qing kept the map jade slip and continued forward.


    the information the captain had given him about the moon worship region was only a part of it. when xu qing arrived this time, he had also invested some effort and resources to acquire more information about qingsha county.


    hence, he was very clear about the legends here and the direction of the bitter life mountain range.


    another seven days passed as he moved forward. as he continued deeper, xu qing saw some bizarre entities in the green sandstorm.


    it was a huge mushroom that was over 100 feet tall.


    these mushrooms were like tall houses that stood tall in the desert. their colors were bright and when seen from afar, one would instinctively yearn for them.


    xu qing didn¡¯t get close. after his gaze swept over, he chose to avoid them.


    he wasn¡¯t willing to come into contact with such unnecessary trouble. other than the huge mushrooms, there would occasionally be some illusions in the desert.


    it was formed by the wind and sand, transforming into men and women who laughed as they moved forward.


    their voices possessed soul-stirring power. wherever they passed, a long trail would appear in the desert.


    it was as though there were long insects swimming under the desert.


    other than that, there were also pillars that occasionally appeared in xu qing¡¯s sight.


    these pillars were hung with weathered bones, as though they were warning him of something.


    xu qing stared at these and continued forward. several days later, he saw a group of colossal creatures with bells tied to them.


    these creatures looked like rhinoceroses. wherever they passed, the sound of bells would spread in all directions. sitting on them were some tall and skinny nonhumans. their bodies were also tightly wrapped, leaving only their white eyes which were observing everything in the surroundings.


    after encountering xu qing, those colossal creatures paused. the nonhumans on them also had vigilant expressions.


    xu qing cupped his fists and chose to retreat. after some thought, they nodded at xu qing and left, not provoking each other.


    just like that, time slowly passed. soon, a month had passed.


    the bitter life mountain range was in sight.


    under the dim, hazy sky, the world appeared obscure. the bitter life mountains resembled a sword dragon lying within the desert, with numerous peaks rising and falling, spanning over 4,000 kilometers from west to east.

 Chapter 934 - 934 The Consequences of Robbing Wealth and Beauty (1)

    934 the consequences of robbing wealth and beauty (1)


    xu qing didn¡¯t know how to join the moon rebel hall.


    back then, duanmu zang didn¡¯t say it explicitly and only told him to head there.


    now, more than half a year had passed. xu qing stood in the green sandstorm and looked at the bitter life mountain range in the distance. the information he had gathered about this place appeared in his mind.


    different from the unending mountain range, the bitter life mountain range didn¡¯t have any vegetation. there was only the endless wind and sand whistling in his ears. that constant whimpering sound would instinctively make one feel oppressed and desolate.


    xu qing tightened his collar, feeling ling¡¯er sliding on his neck. a warm sensation welled up in his heart. in the blink of an eye, he rose along with the sandstorm and gradually set foot in the bitter life mountain range, embarking on his journey to find the traces of the moon rebel hall.


    time seemed like the wind between heaven and earth, blowing constantly, steadily passing by.


    ten days later, on a relatively tall mountain peak in the bitter life mountain range, xu qing was frowning as he looked around.


    during these ten days, he had been searching within the bitter life mountain range for a long time, but he had yet to find any clues regarding joining the moon rebel hall. however, he did notice that there were many creatures of various races living within this mountain range, residing in earthen cities within the various peaks.


    among them, mortals were rare. most of them had cultivation bases but they were somewhat xenophobic.


    there were a few times when xu qing observed them from afar and sensed the hostility in the gazes of those cultivators.


    ¡°duanmu zang said that the way to join the moon rebel hall is in the bitter life mountain range¡­¡± xu qing looked at the mountain peak in the distance. on the tallest mountain in the bitter life mountain range, there were energy fluctuations of the red moon¡¯s restriction.


    ¡°the red moon shrine usually doesn¡¯t casually build branch halls outside, but there¡¯s one here¡­¡±


    ¡°this means that this place is special. there¡¯s a high chance that there¡¯s really a way to enter the moon rebel hall. however, there¡¯s something strange. if the vast majority of people know that the bitter life mountain range is the territory of the moon rebel hall, why didn¡¯t the temple seal this place or forbid entry?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought and retracted his gaze to look at the foot of the mountain.


    from his altitude, the desert at the foot of the mountain was green. the wind blew strongly and stirred up a sandstorm, dyeing the entire world into a green sea of fog.


    ¡°unless there are some special reasons why the sealing and prohibition are ineffective.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought and was about to continue searching. however, at that moment, some shouts from afar were sent over by the wind. there were also faint fluctuations of spells resonating in the wind.


    xu qing originally didn¡¯t care. he had encountered such things a few times in the bitter life mountain range these few days. most of them were fights between cultivators from various races for various reasons.


    the level of the fight wasn¡¯t high and it was mainly at the foundation building realm. there were very few golden core realm fights.


    however, after taking a few steps, xu qing stopped in his tracks and looked in the direction of the spell fluctuations.


    ¡°the fluctuations of the nascent soul realm? moreover, it¡¯s not very strong. it seems to be between the second and third tribulations.¡±


    ever since he arrived here, this was the first time xu qing had encountered a fight between nascent soul cultivators. since he couldn¡¯t find a way to enter the moon rebel hall here, he had to use other methods to search indirectly.


    hence, xu qing concealed his body and fused into the wind, drifting over.


    not long later, the location of the fight was reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    it was a canyon, and below it lay the green winds of the desert. two cultivators were locked in a mid-air battle, with ever-changing spells and the sharp edges of magical weapons darting back and forth, creating shockwaves and resonating sounds throughout the area.


    these two people were both middle-aged and their clothes were similar to xu qing¡¯s. their entire bodies were wrapped up, revealing only their eyes.


    their attacks were extremely fierce, a ruthless exchange of blows, and one of them was severely wounded. there was a large gash on his abdomen, and one of his arms appeared to have been severed at some point.


    the one who attacked him had one eye blinded, with fresh blood flowing, but the other eye gleamed with ferocity.


    evidently, this deadly battle had not just started here; it had begun elsewhere and had led to a pursuit that brought them to this location.


    the moment xu qing arrived, the one-eyed cultivator suddenly spewed a black mist. within the swirling mist, his opponent, already severely wounded and growing weaker, couldn¡¯t evade it. the mist engulfed his face directly.


    a mournful cry rang out and the injured cultivator retreated rapidly. however, it was still too late. the one-eyed cultivator let out a sinister laugh and chased after him. his hands ruthlessly stabbed into the other party¡¯s chest, shattering his internal organs.


    it was unknown what spell he used but it actually turned his opponent into a dried corpse.


    xu qing watched carefully. even the nascent souls couldn¡¯t escape and were sealed in the dried corpse.


    after doing this, the one-eyed cultivator kept the dried corpse and turned his head abruptly. his eyes revealed a dark glint and there were marks flickering in his pupils, giving off a bizarre sensation. he grinned.


    ¡°there¡¯s one more?¡±


    ¡°are you here to rob your grandpa as well?¡±


    as he spoke, his gaze landed on where xu qing was hiding.


    although xu qing wasn¡¯t wearing the mask, his concealment methods were extraordinary. since the other party could sense him, there must be something special about him. moreover, the other party¡¯s gaze was precise and wasn¡¯t a fluke.


    xu qing thought about it and decided to come out. he took a few steps back to indicate that he didn¡¯t have any hostility. his gaze was honest as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°fellow daoist, i have nothing to do with the person you killed. i followed the fluctuations of spells here because a friend disappeared from this mountain range a month ago, so i came here to search. i wonder if you¡¯ve seen him¡­¡±


    before xu qing could finish speaking, the one-eyed cultivator took a few steps back and sneered.


    ¡°there are many people who have gone missing here. i¡¯ve never seen them before.¡± the one-eyed cultivator sped into the distance.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. he originally planned to make use of this excuse to probe for some information he needed, but the other party was too vigilant.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t care about this. since he didn¡¯t get an answer, he turned to leave.

 Chapter 935 - 935 The Consequences of Robbing Wealth and Beauty (2)

    935 the consequences of robbing wealth and beauty (2)


    however, after taking a few steps, a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he sensed that there was poison in the surrounding wind at this moment.


    this poison was deeply concealed, colorless and odorless, carried by the wind, and could silently affect someone without their awareness.


    ¡°the concoction is a bit crude, using blurring grass, hundred leaves withering, nine valor rocks¡­ and also some corpse flowers. it¡¯s a blended poison, requiring another poison to trigger its effects.¡±


    xu qing took a sniff but his expression didn¡¯t change as he continued forward.


    almost fifteen minutes later, a whistling sound rang out from behind him. xu qing was expressionless as he turned his head.


    the one-eyed cultivator had returned and was hundreds of feet away from xu qing. a strange look appeared in his eyes as he stared at xu qing and sized him up. he even sniffed.


    ¡°there¡¯s something wrong with your body. you smell very good.¡±


    as he spoke, the one-eyed cultivator¡¯s gaze locked onto xu qing¡¯s neck. a dark glint flashed in his eyes as he lifted his hand and pointed.


    ¡°you have something there that looks delicious. give it to me and i¡¯ll tell you the answer you want.¡±


    ling¡¯er trembled.


    the one-eyed cultivator¡¯s gaze was fixed precisely on her location; there was no mistake.


    sensing ling¡¯er trembling, xu qing¡¯s gaze turned cold. he noticed that when the other party lifted his finger, the poison in the surroundings instantly enveloped him, looking like it was about to erupt. hence, he calmly looked at the one-eyed cultivator.


    the one-eyed cultivator¡¯s heart sank. the poison in the surroundings was spread by him. he had sensed the thing on the other party¡¯s neck earlier and thought that it was a treasure.


    however, the combat strength of the person in front of him made him a little wary, so he had secretly scattered poison.


    returning at this moment, he had sensed that the poison was almost ready to erupt and was prepared to unleash it in one go. however, now that he had clearly released the triggering substance for the poison, his opponent was acting as if nothing was wrong.


    this scene made the one-eyed cultivator feel that something was wrong. hence, he took a few steps back before calmly speaking.


    ¡°judging by your expression, this item seems to be very important to you. very well, i¡¯ve never been one to steal someone¡¯s cherished item. however, if you want the answers you seek, you¡¯ll have to pay a price to make a trade.¡±


    xu qing nodded and took a step forward. the cultivation base in his body erupted. 13 second-tribulation nascent souls erupted with the combat strength of 30 nascent souls.


    the strength of this power, even for those who had advanced to the nascent soul stage with six heavenly palaces and gone through five tribulations to reach great circle of perfection, was far beyond their abilities.


    its immense power directly stirred up terrifying storms in the vicinity, crushing everything in its path and sending shockwaves.


    the one-eyed cultivator¡¯s mind rumbled and his breathing hastened. his expression was one of horror as he cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°you, you, you!¡±


    ¡°what combat strength!!¡±


    he could sense that xu qing was at the second tribulation and had more nascent souls than him. although he was wary of xu qing, he wasn¡¯t afraid to begin with.


    however, the failure of the poison made him feel uneasy.


    at this moment, xu qing erupted. that terrifying aura was like a sudden to him, causing his whole body to tremble. his eyes held an expression of disbelief and incredulity.


    he even felt a little dizzy and was in disbelief. as a rogue cultivator, he had never seen such a terrifying second tribulation nascent soul cultivators in his life.


    ¡°this is an old monster. he¡¯s definitely not at the second tribulation. he¡¯s just fishing!!¡±


    the one-eyed cultivator¡¯s heart trembled as he retreated crazily. at that moment, his mind was filled with thoughts of how to survive. hence, as he sped back, he waved his hand and a large number of spells formed, transforming into brown worms.


    these worms had wings on their bodies and there were tens of thousands of them. as they rushed out from all directions, they each spat out threads, forming layers of large nets that enveloped xu qing.


    there were also magic artifacts rushing out one after another. some of them formed a protective barrier that spread throughout the one-eyed cultivator¡¯s body, some were flying swords, some were vases, and there were even spears.


    there were all kinds of them and there were a lot of them. clearly, they came from many people. at this moment, they were used together. although their might was ordinary alone, with so many of them combined, they still had some might.


    at the same time, a large number of pill bottles were thrown out and exploded one by one. they emitted dense poison powder that corroded everything and blocked xu qing.


    as this person stepped forward, a vortex appeared on the mountain rocks on the ground and turned into silt. brown vines rose and coiled toward xu qing.


    he used all kinds of methods in an instant.


    however, it was still not enough.


    in that instant, xu qing was like a shocking ferocious beast that brought with him an endless storm. the space seemed to explode as he rushed forward.


    before the vines under his feet could get close to xu qing, they trembled and shattered on their own. under the terrifying fluctuations from xu qing¡¯s entire body, they couldn¡¯t exist at all.


    as for the large nets spat out by those worms, it was the same. under xu qing¡¯s aura that formed the shadow of the golden crow, they were all burned.


    the flames followed the threads and reached all the worms.


    those brown worms let out mournful cries and all of them collapsed, turning into a rain of fire that scattered onto the ground. even the one-eyed cultivator spat out a mouthful of blood with an extremely horrified expression.


    ¡°senior, i was wrong, i was wrong!¡±


    as he rapidly retreated, he wailed. the churning in his heart had long transformed into tempestuous waves that drowned his mind.


    he never dreamed that he would encounter such a terrifying old monster on his first trip.


    moreover, the other party was clearly so strong but he was so polite earlier, creating an illusion for him. the most overboard thing was the concealment of his cultivation. this made him feel despair.


    as he wailed, the seven to eight magic artifacts he took out also shattered. as for the poison powder¡­


    to xu qing, the other party¡¯s level of poison concoction was too low.


    in terms of the usage and understanding of poison, the two of them were just like a disciple and an old master.

 Chapter 936 - 936 The Consequences of Robbing Wealth and Beauty (3)

    936 the consequences of robbing wealth and beauty (3)


    xu qing ignored everything and created a storm as he approached with a deafening roar. he raised his right hand, disregarding any attempts to dodge or defend. amidst the shattered spells and crumbling magic artifacts, his hand reached for the one-eyed cultivator¡¯s neck.


    the one-eyed cultivator roared and his seven third-tribulation nascent souls in his body erupted. he suddenly teleported backward, wanting to leave xu qing¡¯s side.


    however, at this moment, a large number of heavenly devil bodies suddenly appeared from the void in all directions, forming a vortex that distorted the void here, interrupting the one-eyed cultivator¡¯s teleportation and slowing him down.


    this slight delay was the difference between life and death.


    in the blink of an eye, xu qing¡¯s right hand grabbed the one-eyed cultivator¡¯s neck. he didn¡¯t stop at all and pressed fiercely against the ground.


    a rumbling sound echoed as the mountain rocks shattered, forming a huge pit.


    the one-eyed cultivator¡¯s body was like a rag doll that was pressed down by xu qing. he lost all resistance and intense fear appeared in his eyes as he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°senior, please calm your anger! i was wrong! i know what senior wants to ask. i know, i know everything!!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression remained cold. he had always been someone who believed in non-aggression unless provoked. when a glint of killing intent flashed in his eyes, the one-eyed cultivator was so frightened that his mental state almost crumbled, and he quickly began to speak.


    ¡°senior, don¡¯t you want to know about the moon rebel hall?¡±


    ¡°the red moon isn¡¯t eternal; hope is what lasts forever.¡±


    xu qing coldly glanced at the one-eyed cultivator.


    the one-eyed cultivator¡¯s heart trembled. in reality, the first time he saw xu qing, he could tell that the other party was an outsider. most outsiders here were here to join the moon rebel hall.


    of course, there were exceptions. however, in this life-and-death crisis, he couldn¡¯t care less. he had to make a hail mary effort and said the secret phrase. after that, he quickly observed xu qing¡¯s gaze. unfortunately, he didn¡¯t see much from it.


    however, he sensed that the other party didn¡¯t kill him immediately, so he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°senior, i¡¯m a member of the moon rebel hall. we¡¯re both on the same side. do you want to join the moon rebel hall too? i can help.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was still cold. if everyone in the moon rebel hall was like this, he no longer felt as eager to join this organization.


    ¡°senior, as long as you take out a mirror in the range of the bitter life mountain range, take out any mirror, and you just need to speak the secret phrase of our moon rebel hall to the mirror. this will initiate the assessment of the moon rebel hall.¡±


    ¡°once you pass the assessment, senior, no matter where you are, as long as you have a mirror, you can instantly enter the moon rebel hall!¡±


    the one-eyed cultivator spoke with a trembling voice. however, after he finished speaking, he was shocked and sensed the loophole in his words. however, he could only brace himself and hope that xu qing didn¡¯t discover it.


    ¡°if that¡¯s the case, why did you escape earlier and not take out the mirror?¡± xu qing calmly asked.


    one-eyed smiled bitterly and was even more wary of the person in front of him. this was a flaw in his anxious words earlier.


    ¡°senior, i¡­ i¡¯m still in the assessment period and haven¡¯t passed¡­¡±


    with that, he knew that the killing intent of the person in front of him hadn¡¯t decreased. in order to save his life, he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°senior, everything i said is true. my earlier actions were due to my blindness in one eye. i was wrong, senior!¡±


    this one-eyed cultivator was also a ruthless person. as he apologized, his body churned and a nascent soul directly spread out from the top of his head, shattering on its own in front of xu qing.


    ¡°senior, i shattered a nascent soul to express my apology!¡±


    the one-eyed cultivator trembled and blood flowed out of the corner of his mouth. his aura was much weaker.


    xu qing frowned. he felt that it was a little wasteful and coldly spoke.


    ¡°since such a simple method can establish a connection with the moon rebel hall, why didn¡¯t the red moon shrine seal this place?¡±


    the one-eyed cultivator was stunned. these things were common knowledge but the other party actually didn¡¯t know. however, he didn¡¯t dare to think too much and hurriedly answered.


    ¡°senior, there are a total of nine entrances to the moon rebel hall in the entire moon worship region. this is only one of them. the red moon shrine has sealed it elsewhere in the past, but when it¡¯s sealed, the entrance will disappear and appear elsewhere.¡±


    ¡°the entrance to the moon rebel hall is random, so it¡¯s impossible to guard it effectively. it might be better to establish a fixed location for it, making it easier to monitor.¡±


    as the one-eyed cultivator spoke, he looked cautiously at xu qing, wearing an appeasing expression. his mind was entirely focused on how to stay alive. he noticed that xu qing¡¯s killing intent was still present, so he gritted his teeth and once again released a nascent soul.


    it shattered in front of xu qing.


    ¡°senior¡­ i shattered another one as an apology¡­ i really know my mistake.¡±


    the one-eyed cultivator wailed inwardly and his face was pale. two nascent souls shattering in a row was a heavy blow to him. his aura was extremely weak and he looked like he was on the verge of death. however, he still tried his best to show his sincerity.


    this scene caused ling¡¯er¡¯s heart to soften a little. she then transmitted her voice to xu qing.


    ¡°brother xu qing, this person is quite pitiful. why don¡¯t you take a few more of his nascent souls and see if he¡¯s pretending? if he¡¯s not, just let him go painlessly.¡±


    xu qing agreed. unless he couldn¡¯t do it, he didn¡¯t have the habit of letting people who attacked him get away.


    hence, before the one-eyed cultivator could continue speaking, his right hand suddenly transformed into bizarre nether state and penetrated the person¡¯s body. he directly took out the remaining five nascent souls and crushed them.


    amidst the rumbling, the five nascent souls dissipated. the heavenly mandates inside fused into xu qing¡¯s body but there were very few of them. however, the heavenly demon bodies they transformed into were even more baleful than before.


    as for the one-eyed cultivator, he let out a piercing and agonizing scream. after losing all his nascent souls, he was already out of life.

 Chapter 937 - 937 The Consequences of Robbing Wealth and Beauty (4)

    937 the consequences of robbing wealth and beauty (4)


    seeing this, xu qing confirmed his sincerity and gave him a quick death.


    he slit his neck.


    with a wave of his hand, the one-eyed cultivator¡¯s body collapsed and turned into ashes.


    the other party looked like a human but when xu qing attacked, he sensed that this person was a nonhuman. in reality, no matter what race he was from, it had nothing to do with life and death.


    if xu qing¡¯s cultivation was weak, he would be the one in this tragic state. ling¡¯er would also be snatched away and her outcome would be even more miserable.


    after dealing with it, xu qing picked up the storage bag and left this place.


    at the same time, in a cave a few hundred kilometers away from the place where the two of them were fighting, an old man was sitting cross-legged.


    the attire of this old man also covered his entire body, but his face was exposed, filled with wrinkles.


    at that moment, he suddenly opened his eyes and spat out a large mouthful of blood. his body swayed, and he reached out to grab a nearby rock. he felt suffocated and couldn¡¯t hold back spewing out blood again.


    after spewing seven or eight times in a row, his body trembled, and his eyes revealed an intense and utmost fear. he swiftly turned his head to look into the distance.


    ¡°i¡¯ve finally escaped this calamity. it¡¯s just that the price is too great¡­ that tethered body of mine¡­¡±


    the old man wore a bitter expression. as a member of the tether race, he possessed the innate ability to refine the enemies he killed into mummies, filling them with his flesh and blood. after refining them, they would become a special tethered body of his race.


    this tethered body was similar to a clone but more agile and extremely difficult to discern.


    on regular days, he had gained quite a lot through this method.


    this was his reliance, and in the past, when he encountered formidable opponents, he would escape in this manner. however, the tethered body he sacrificed this time was his primary one, intricately linked to his consciousness. the death of his tethered body had inflicted serious injury upon him.


    at that moment, his internal organs were all shattered.


    in addition, he felt that the person he encountered today was different from the experts he had faced in the past. the feeling of fear and trepidation was incomparably intense.


    ¡°no, with that person¡¯s shrewdness, there¡¯s still a chance that he discerned something.¡±


    the old man¡¯s heart palpitated. he gritted his teeth and rushed out while enduring the heavy injuries. he didn¡¯t dare to stay here and fled into the distance. he also used various methods to hide.


    two hours after he fled, xu qing¡¯s figure arrived outside this cave. the shadow entered first. after the shadow checked the interior, xu qing walked in and stared at the blood on the ground.


    previously, when he left after killing, he felt that something was amiss. the other party¡¯s nascent souls contained too little heavenly mandates and the baleful aura of the heavenly demon bodies the nascent souls transformed into was too dense.


    this reminded him of the other party¡¯s messy magic artifacts and the matter of turning someone into a dried corpse and sealing the nascent souls. hence, xu qing suspected that the person he killed might not be his main body.


    after all, there were so many races with all kinds of innate talents. anything could happen. hence, xu qing spread out his perception all the way and used the other party¡¯s heavenly demon bodies to find this place.


    ¡°he fled quite quickly.¡±


    xu qing walked out of the cave abode and coldly looked in all directions. the other party¡¯s tracks had clearly been hidden many times, especially since the green wind obscured everything. even the heavenly demon bodies couldn¡¯t sense him again.


    ¡°consider him lucky. i¡¯ll finish him next time,¡± xu qing turned and headed for the distance. after leaving the area, he found a mountain nook, checked that it was clear, and a contemplative expression crossed his face.


    he pondered the truthfulness of what the other had said. from a logical standpoint, the most crucial elements for the other person at the time were self-preservation and the secrecy of his primary body¡¯s existence.


    in situations like this, the typical choice is to tell the truth to keep the secret hidden. if it was a lie and it was suspected, it could lead to suspicions about everything else.


    ¡°therefore, there¡¯s a high chance that it¡¯s true. i can give it a try!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was filled with determination as he took out a mirror.


    after killing the mirror image race, he had retained some mirrors of the cultivators he had killed. he was originally going to research them, but at this moment, he took one out and began to try it according to the method the one-eyed cultivator had mentioned.


    ¡°the red moon isn¡¯t eternal; hope is what lasts forever.¡±


    almost at the instant xu qing¡¯s voice rang out, the mirror in his hand suddenly trembled. a will as vast as the sky echoed in xu qing¡¯s mind.

 Chapter 938 - 938 The Embryonic Form of the Most Amazing Apothecary in Moon Worship (1)

    938 the embryonic form of the most amazing apothecary in moon worship (1)


    on the vast expanse of the green hair desert, the howling wind swept across the heavens and earth. the sea of greenish sand stretched endlessly, as if there would be no end to it, and the world remained boundless, the sand and wind unceasing.


    only on the mountains, for reasons unknown, was the wind and sand less severe, making the surroundings relatively clearer.


    from afar, the mountain peaks that stood in the desert looked like otherworldly places.


    this was especially so for the bitter life mountain range. it was majestic and unhindered, so there were even fewer sandstorms here.


    however, the whimpering sounds from the wind continued to ring out from all directions. it was as though there were countless demons and monsters hiding in the sandstorm, letting out roars that weren¡¯t willing to be buried. they also entered xu qing¡¯s ears.


    the mountain cave xu qing chose was located in the depths of the bitter life mountain range. its location was relatively hidden. the moment he opened the mirror, the shadow had already spread out, protecting him from the surroundings.


    this quick-wittedness caused the vigilance in the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s heart to intensify. hence, he flew out and protected his master loyally.


    it was as though as long as there was any abnormality, it would rush out without hesitation. even if it was crushed to pieces, it had to prove its loyalty.


    ling¡¯er also revealed her head. her eyes revealed a white light as she became vigilant.


    under their protection, xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged and meditating, gradually had a solemn expression on his face. he could sense the level of will contained in the mirror. it was like he was looking at the starry sky.


    it was vast and endless.


    d132 also shook in his sea of consciousness. the god¡¯s finger instantly opened its eyes, revealing surprise. after that, it quickly hid.


    the mirror itself also gathered its might at this instant and floated in front of him, flickering with a faint light.


    at the same time, a voice that seemed to come from the distant void formed words as this will echoed, replacing the whistling of the wind and echoing in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    ¡°supreme star, ever-changing without pause, scrutinizing evil and binding illusions, protecting life and body.¡±


    ¡°wisdom and clarity, a peaceful heart core. three souls eternally, the spirit remains steadfast.¡±


    the voice had an ethereal quality, making it difficult to discern whether it belonged to a man or a woman. it seemed to be a fusion of all sentient beings¡¯ voices. however, as xu qing¡¯s consciousness fluctuated, it strangely brought him a sense of tranquility.


    it was as though these words contained the power to cleanse one¡¯s heart.


    in this moment, xu qing¡¯s heart was exceptionally calm, and the spiritual platform was ethereal, while his sea of consciousness was serene.


    it was as though a long time had passed or it was just an instant. the lingering sound of the ethereal voice continued to echo. it clearly still transmitted those words but in xu qing¡¯s understanding, they had transformed into other meanings.


    this was because there were two words inside that became especially clear.


    ¡°¡­scrutinizing¡­ core¡­¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t act rashly and sensed it carefully.


    gradually, he had a clear premonition. he understood that as long as he completely immersed his mind into these two words, an unknown assessment would begin.


    xu qing fell silent and didn¡¯t continue.


    on one hand, the environment here wasn¡¯t suitable for him to proceed immediately. on the other hand, xu qing felt that he hadn¡¯t completely understood the specifics of this assessment.


    hence, he grabbed the mirror in front of him, cutting off the connection between them.


    at the next instant, that sense of peace dissipated. xu qing lifted his head and the whimpering of the wind from outside entered his ears again.


    ling¡¯er hurriedly turned to look at xu qing.


    ¡°brother xu qing, how was it? did you succeed?¡±


    xu qing gently stroked ling¡¯er¡¯s head. a look of contemplation appeared in his eyes as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°the method should be correct but i still need some time to verify it.¡±


    ling¡¯er put her mind at ease and observed xu qing deep in thought. she didn¡¯t disturb him and obediently returned to his collar, finding a comfortable spot. she coiled up in a circle, feeling xu qing¡¯s body warmth, and in her heart, there was unparalleled tranquility.


    it seemed that for her, xu qing¡¯s warmth was the source of all tranquility.


    after a while, xu qing¡¯s eyes showed determination. he decided to find a place to settle down in the bitter life mountain range. there, he would explore the mirror¡¯s assessment and study the curse.


    if he was alone, he would choose to open a cave and live alone, isolated from the world.


    however, with ling¡¯er around¡­ xu qing thought for a moment and decided to find a nearby earth city to settle in. he didn¡¯t want ling¡¯er to endure the loneliness of being separated from the world while keeping him company.


    with this thought in mind, xu qing left the mountain cave and walked in the bitter life mountain range. finally, on a mountain at the periphery, he chose a relatively small earth city.


    this city built on the mountainside had no name and only had about a thousand residents. the buildings inside were mostly made of sand and didn¡¯t have much color. it was very monotonous.


    most of the people here were locals, and the rest were outsiders who came for various reasons. there were people from all races.


    although there were some shops in the city, their business was ordinary and there were fewer customers.


    at a glance, 30% of the houses were empty.


    clearly, the people inside had either left or died.


    xu qing¡¯s first impression of this earth city was bleakness and silence.


    however, compared to other places, this small city was more tolerant. although xu qing¡¯s arrival also attracted a lot of hostile attention, no one came to stop him.


    at that moment, xu qing, who was walking in the small city and was covered in a robe with only his eyes exposed, noticed that among the residents of this city, there were some individuals with deformities.


    these people had oversized bodies with rolls of excess flesh, whether on their arms or thighs. some of them had multiple limbs, and there were even cases where additional faces grew on their excess flesh.

 Chapter 939 - 939 The Embryonic Form of the Most Amazing Apothecary in Moon Worship (2)

    939 the embryonic form of the most amazing apothecary in moon worship (2)


    some of them had growths that extended half a yard long, trailing behind them, making it difficult for their robes to fully cover them.


    it was as though many people had fused together or their bodies had mutated and their expressions were numb.


    at first, xu qing thought that they belonged to an unfamiliar nonhuman race, but upon closer observation, he realized that this was not the case.


    ¡°the deformities of these people should have been formed after birth.¡±


    xu qing, deep in thought, felt the eerie atmosphere of the desert grow even more peculiar. in the end, he walked around the small city, found an uninhabited house, and entered it.


    the house was covered in dust and there were many crushed bottles and cans on the ground. there were also crooked shelves in the surroundings. it looked like it used to be an apothecary.


    looking at the mess, xu qing waved his hand to tidy up, and ling¡¯er also took on a visible form, curiously observing the surroundings. she helped with the cleanup while expressing excitement.


    ¡°brother xu qing, are you going to open an apothecary here?¡±


    xu qing thought about it and nodded with a smile. he recalled the first time he saw ling¡¯er. she and her father had opened an inn on panquan road.


    for xu qing, whether it was for living or opening an apothecary, it didn¡¯t make much of a difference. since ling¡¯er had suggested it, he decided to go ahead and open one.


    ¡°that¡¯s great! brother xu qing, let me tell you, i have experience in running a shop. i can handle it.¡±


    ling¡¯er was jubilant, her eyes shining brightly. after tidying up the dust and debris around the place, she took out a cloth and began wiping down the area.


    there were clearly spells that could be used to clean but ling¡¯er seemed to prefer to do it herself. when xu qing saw this, he could sense ling¡¯er¡¯s joy and sighed with emotion.


    on his way here, xu qing had a deeper understanding of ling¡¯er¡¯s innocence. she was smart but also simple, often finding happiness in simple things that could brighten her spirits for days.


    under ling¡¯er¡¯s management, this long-abandoned small apothecary reopened in the small town the following morning.


    the apothecary¡¯s name, ¡®green spirit hall,¡¯ was chosen by ling¡¯er.


    as for the medicinal pills, xu qing had a lot on him, especially the white pills.


    after all, this was the first pill formula he had mastered. although he didn¡¯t need it, this pill was a common necessity for the beings of this world.


    moreover, when he was in fenghai county, he had studied bai xiaozhuo¡¯s medicinal pills and gained some insights.


    although bai xiaozhuo had added poison to the modified white pills, in terms of the quality and effects of the new white pills, it was indeed a blessing that could greatly enhance the degree of purification.


    hence, xu qing and ling¡¯er¡¯s small apothecary mainly sold white pills.


    after transforming, ling¡¯er concealed her appearance and took on the role of an ugly girl, excitedly performing the duties of a shop assistant. however, there were not many residents in the small city, and the shop had just opened, so there were only a few customers.


    but this didn¡¯t affect ling¡¯er¡¯s happiness.


    seeing that ling¡¯er was so eager, xu qing let her play. after he planted the seed given by the captain, he began his cultivation and research at the rear of the apothecary.


    on one hand, he was trying to activate the mirror, observing and exploring it carefully. on the other hand, he was researching the curses within the bodies of the ferocious beasts he had captured along the way.


    time slowly passed.


    at the start, no one was interested in their apothecary. however, now and then, a few customers would come to buy white pills. this was mainly because the prices were low and the medicinal effects were good.


    the opening of the pharmacy gave even more enthusiasm to ling¡¯er, as she was like a little enthusiast calculating the daily income in spirit coins. she even took out a small book to keep accounts diligently.


    at times when xu qing finished his practice, looking at ling¡¯er meticulously keeping accounts, a sense of peace would also rise in his heart.


    ever since he lived in firefly city, xu qing discovered that he was getting more and more used to this peaceful life. the peace brought about by this life caused him to have a faint change in his state of mind.


    xu qing couldn¡¯t explain the exact changes but he enjoyed it very much and was also immersed in it.


    hence, he spent more time on exploration and research.


    the exploration of the mirror went very smoothly, but the research of the curse was progressing slowly.


    during this period, xu qing fused his purple moon power into the bodies of those ferocious beasts many times in an attempt to suppress the curse. however, the effect was very poor and all of them failed.


    just like now, xu qing stared at a trembling scorpion in front of him.


    his hand pressed on the scorpion¡¯s body. as the power of the purple moon fused into it, the color of the scorpion changed from brown to purple. at the same time, xu qing also felt the curse in the scorpion¡¯s body.


    the curse of the moon worship region affected all living beings. its method of existence was to fuse with their bloodlines and it was difficult to separate them. once it erupted, it would turn all living beings into black water in a short period of time.


    after xu qing¡¯s purple moon power came into contact with the curse, it would instantly erupt from its dormant state.


    it seemed to come alive and wanted to absorb xu qing¡¯s purple moon power.


    it was as though xu qing¡¯s purple moon power had an extremely strong attraction to curses.


    after these repeated attempts, xu qing understood that if the amount of purple moon power he sent in wasn¡¯t enough, it would quickly be devoured and assimilated by the curse. after that, the ferocious beasts that were experimental subjects would instantly erupt with the curse and turn into blood.


    the entire process was irreversible.


    however, if xu qing increased the intensity, sending his purple moon energy more forcefully to suppress it, then after reaching a certain point, the curse would still erupt.


    however, there was a slight difference in the outcome. in this case, the experimental subjects who died would not turn into blood but would instead transform into a pile of black ashes.

 Chapter 940 - 940 The Embryonic Form of the Most Amazing Apothecary in Moon Worship (3)

    940 the embryonic form of the most amazing apothecary in moon worship (3)


    ¡°it¡¯s like a kind of combustion.¡±


    xu qing watched as the scorpion in front of him instantly turned into black ashes that scattered to the ground. he frowned and fell silent.


    he had studied this black ash before but it was useless. it gave xu qing the feeling that after the curse was suppressed, it chose to perish together with its bloodline.


    ¡°it will require more experimentation, as well as different species.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought. he took out the other ferocious beasts the shadow had captured on the way and continued to study them.


    days passed just like that.


    there were also disputes in the small city, but since his arrival, xu qing had never ventured outside, keeping himself isolated from such trivial matters.


    as time passed, the seed he planted gradually sprouted and became a green seedling.


    this little seedling was peculiar, seeming to possess some form of sentience. when xu qing approached it, it would instinctively tremble.


    when ling¡¯er got close, it would sway and twist its body, which would elicit joyful laughter from ling¡¯er, causing the seedling to put in even more effort.


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor shouldered the mission of guarding. he hung on the roof beam and was always looking at the entrance.


    and the shadow¡­


    it was very unconvinced by the little seedling¡¯s actions of currying favor with ling¡¯er. there were a few times when it suddenly appeared beside the little seedling when ling¡¯er and xu qing weren¡¯t paying attention and gave it a deathly stare.


    every time this happened, xiaomiao[1] would curl up and not dare to move at all.


    however, the shadow didn¡¯t do this often. it also had other missions. occasionally, it would have to head out and leave the small city to capture ferocious beasts for xu qing in the bitter life mountain range and the green hair desert.


    this allowed xu qing¡¯s research to continue without interruption.


    and every time it returned, it would also bring back some insights and knowledge about the area and convey emotional fluctuations to xu qing.


    at this moment, the role of the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor became apparent.


    he would act as a translator at the side to explain the shadow¡¯s words. however, he would occasionally add in his own words and set traps for the shadow.


    although the shadow had grown quite a bit, it was still a little tender in the end. there were still two to three times out of ten where it didn¡¯t notice the traps.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care much about this. he was already used to the conflict between these two fellows.


    through the shadow and the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor, his understanding of this green hair desert deepened.


    for example, xu qing knew the reason why the earth cities were built on mountains.


    that was because there were many bizarre entities in the desert, and any one of them could easily destroy a small city.


    only on the mountain would it be much safer.


    additionally, there would be various illusions appearing in the desert periodically, sometimes an oasis, sometimes a city in the sky, and at times, even otherworldly realms.


    they would move, and wherever they passed, death would fill the air.


    as long as one entered these illusions, it would be very difficult for them to come out alive. after the illusions disappeared, only bones with flesh and blood eaten clean were left on the ground.


    in addition, regarding the huge mushrooms xu qing had seen on the way, the news brought by the shadow also described that it had seen the giant mushroom standing up from the desert.


    under the mushrooms, there were countless roots that formed human-like shapes and moved across the desert, pursuing the illusions.


    these weren¡¯t the most terrifying things in the green hair desert. under the shadow¡¯s description and inquiries, xu qing understood that the color of the wind in this desert wasn¡¯t fixed.


    when the green-colored wind turned white, then all living beings in the desert had to seek refuge in the nearest mountain as quickly as possible.


    if not, they would face a dire situation, and only the peaks in this area could provide shelter from the sandstorms.


    in the long passage of time, the white wind appeared quite a few times, and occasionally, there were survivors who managed to escape to the nearby mountains to avoid death within the white wind.


    however, these people who escaped would undergo a common change.


    their bodies would become deformed and extremely ugly, and this condition would also be passed down to their descendants, without change.


    this reminded xu qing of those deformed people in the small city.


    in addition, other than the white wind, there was also the black wind in the green hair desert. however, it hadn¡¯t appeared for hundreds of years but the rumors about the black wind still existed.


    once the black wind appeared, all living beings in the green hair desert would have a slim chance of survival. even if they hid on the mountain, there would still be danger.


    however, in the moon worship region, places that weren¡¯t dangerous were rare, and compared to the constant dangers of the outside world, the occurrence of the black wind once every few centuries didn¡¯t seem like a significant threat.


    however, there was still one more color, gray.


    the gray wind was just a legend, and it was something that xu qing had learned about from an old man who had come to buy medicinal pills. this kind of wind had only appeared once in the history of the green hair desert.


    it had been too long since then, so no one knew exactly what would happen.


    this information allowed xu qing to have a deeper understanding of this desert. at the same time, during this period of time, other than studying the curse, he also activated the mirror many times.


    through his repeated explorations, he gained a clearer understanding of the assessment of the moon rebel hall.


    ¡°that one-eyed cultivator wasn¡¯t lying about this. any mirror in the range of the bitter life mountain range is the entrance to moon rebel hall.¡±


    ¡°at the same time, it¡¯s also the method to activate the assessment.¡±


    ¡°only by passing the assessment can one enter the moon rebel hall.¡±


    xu qing sat cross-legged in the house. his gaze landed on the mirror in front of him and determination appeared in his eyes.


    his understanding during this period of time allowed him to know that there were a total of three tests to pass in order to join the moon rebel hall.


    [1] it means little seedling.

 Chapter 941 - 941 The Embryonic Form of the Most Amazing Apothecary in Moon Worship (4)

    941 the embryonic form of the most amazing apothecary in moon worship (4)


    the first test was a sacrifice.


    this was actually a sign of allegiance, where everyone who wanted to join the moon rebel hall had to kill two red moon shrine cultivators who were at the same realm as themselves.


    only by sending the corpses they killed into the mirror would they be considered to have completed the first test.


    xu qing could understand this. the first task of this assessment was intended to assess the strength of the participants and also included guarding against the outside world.


    this method made it so that if someone from the red moon shrine wanted to infiltrate, they had to pay a price.


    the higher one¡¯s cultivation was, the greater the price they had to pay.


    moreover, this was only the first test. after paying the price, if they couldn¡¯t pass the subsequent tests, everything would be in vain.


    hence, this test was ranked at the front.


    as for the second test to join the moon rebel hall, it was faith.


    xu qing didn¡¯t know about the third test. he planned to complete the allegiance first.


    with this thought in mind, xu qing looked at the dim sky outside. determination appeared in his eyes. he kept the mirror in front of him and left the medicinal shop.


    his target wasn¡¯t the red moon shrine in the bitter life mountain range.


    to be able to build a branch here, xu qing was very clear that he couldn¡¯t underestimate it.


    after all, if one wanted to join the moon rebel hall, they had to complete the pledge of allegiance. in other words, all those who wanted to join would instinctively place their gazes on the temple.


    as such, as long as they weren¡¯t a fool, the temple wouldn¡¯t let its guard down. according to xu qing¡¯s understanding of the temple after coming into contact with it a few times, he felt that the temple was more likely fishing for opportunities here.


    of course, everyone had different ideas, and xu qing thought that those who wanted to join the moon rebel hall were probably not foolish. therefore, there was a high probability that they would choose to ambush temple cultivators outside the desert in other areas.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t want to take the risk.


    at that moment, he wore the immortal art mask and activated the bizarre nether transformation to completely conceal himself. he left the mountain range and went to the desert to search for ferocious beasts that matched his cultivation.


    just like that, days passed.


    the cultivation levels of the ferocious beasts in the green sand desert varied. during the time the shadow hunted for xu qing, it also marked some dangerous places. hence, xu qing¡¯s target was very clear.


    two days later, a deafening roar rang out from the quicksand in the green sand desert. the surrounding magical fluctuations reverberated as a massive red worm burst from the ground. its entire body emitted a spiritual energy aura comparable to that of a nascent soul stage cultivator, yet it wailed loudly.


    xu qing moved rapidly through the sand and caught up to it. he raised his right hand and pressed down forcefully, causing the red worm¡¯s body to collapse by nearly half. it fell to the ground, gasping for breath.


    xu qing put it away and continued forward.


    five days later, a huge scorpion that was hundreds of feet long fled rapidly on the ground, while a figure continued to pursue it. a while later, as countless heavenly demon bodies descended, the scorpion let out a sharp screech. it wanted to rush out but couldn¡¯t do so and was caught by the figure behind it.


    after about fifteen minutes, everything calmed down. xu qing walked out of the green wind and returned to the bitter life mountain range.


    after a day and a half, he returned to the earth city¡¯s apothecary. everything was as usual, but ling¡¯er was somewhat concerned about his absence. when she saw that xu qing returned, she breathed a sigh of relief, and her face lit up with a smile.


    xu qing gently patted ling-er¡¯s head, then went to the back room. there, he sat cross-legged and activated an isolation formation. placing the mirror in front of him, he took a deep breath and a determined look filled his eyes.


    he didn¡¯t want to take the risk of ambushing the temple cultivators. once this matter was exposed, it would cause a lot of trouble.


    so he planned to pull a fast one and use his own methods to create ¡®shrine¡¯ cultivators, in order to deceive the assessment of the moon rebel hall. this was the reason he had spent so much time researching.


    ¡°i¡¯ve investigated multiple times, and this assessment is a mechanism, not controlled by humans. so i should be able to succeed, but my power will trigger the curse, so i have to act quickly.¡±


    xu qing blinked, and with a wave of his hand, took out the scorpion and red worm he had captured. he quickly bestowed them with his purple moon power.


    just like how he had blessed muye back then, the two ferocious beasts¡¯ bodies instantly trembled and purple marks appeared on their bodies. at the next instant, their curses were activated.


    before the curse erupted, xu qing threw the two ferocious beasts into the mirror.


    although the mirror was very small and they were very large, the instant they came into contact, the mirror emitted a huge suction force that actually sucked in the two ferocious beasts.


    xu qing took a few steps back. although he had some confidence in his method after continuous exploration and research, it concerned success or failure at this moment, so he couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit nervous as he gazed at the mirror.


    the mirror suddenly trembled in the air. the light on it flickered rapidly, as though it was judging.


    this lasted for dozens of breaths. just as xu qing¡¯s tension was growing, a vast will spread from the mirror.


    ¡°passed!¡±


    xu qing heaved a long sigh of relief.


    actually, he didn¡¯t want to use such a trick. it was really very dangerous to ambush the red moon shrine. the possibility of the other party baiting was very high.


    if he didn¡¯t handle it well, it would cause endless troubles. it wouldn¡¯t be beneficial to his original intention of preparing to research in peace.


    if he left the green hair desert and went elsewhere, the round trip would take at least half a year. hence, in comparison, it was naturally the best choice for him to personally make dependents.


    ¡°i relied on my own ability to pass this first test. it can¡¯t be considered cheating.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly. after recalling his master¡¯s education, he felt that his actions were correct.

 Chapter 942 - 942 Plucking the Tiger’s Beard, Changes (1)

    942 plucking the tiger¡¯s beard, changes (1)


    as xu qing contemplated this, he felt that it made sense. after all, these were the teachings of his master, and his master couldn¡¯t be wrong.


    xu qing sighed in relief, and his heart quickly became incredibly calm. his gaze was now clear and bright.


    he faced the vast will emitted by the mirror with a clear conscience.


    his heart was calm.


    the mirror shimmered with a faint light, and there seemed to be some curse energy seeping out from the surface, as if it was being expelled.


    xu qing swept his gaze over but he was still calm.


    very soon, after the mirror finished expelling the curse, its light dimmed a little. however, the will inside still spread out, informing xu qing of the content of the second test.


    ¡°faith.¡±


    xu qing mumbled. during his exploration of the moon rebel hall¡¯s assessment earlier, he knew the content of this second segment.


    to the cultivators in the moon worship region, 99% of them wouldn¡¯t have much of a problem with this second test of faith. the main purpose of this test was to screen out the red moon shrine cultivators who had sneaked in.


    as long as one believed in the red moon and contained the red moon¡¯s blessing in their body, it was impossible for them to pass this stage.


    xu qing sighed.


    he was well aware that if he could pass the first test in his own way, it meant that the difficulty of the second test would be incredibly high for him.


    ¡°it means that the moon rebel hall can¡¯t distinguish purple moon from red moon¡­¡±


    this was understandable. after all, regardless of whether it was the purple moon or the red moon, they both had the same authority. it was just that their ownership was different. however, to xu qing, this was a paradox that gave him a headache.


    he clearly didn¡¯t have faith in the red moon, but the purple moon power in his body would most likely lead to him being categorized as a red moon follower, and he might even be mistaken for a divine son.


    ¡°i have to think of another way to pass this test.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t dare to rashly try but he didn¡¯t give up. during the exploration in the past few days, he had recalled his master¡¯s style of doing things many times and already had some ideas in his heart. however, he still needed to carefully analyze them.


    just like that, days passed.


    the shadow still occasionally went out to hunt for xu qing. the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor was also working hard. he hung on the beam and stared at every customer who entered the shop.


    as for the grass seedling, it was growing healthily and swayed every day as though it was dancing.


    ling¡¯er¡¯s mood was getting better and better day by day because the time she spent recording the accounts had increased.


    as time passed and the white pills continued to be sold, their small apothecary gradually gained some reputation. hence, the number of customers who came to buy the pills naturally increased.


    this caused the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor to be even more vigilant. however, he didn¡¯t have anyone to make an example of. most of the cultivators who came to buy medicinal pills were at the qi condensation realm and foundation building cultivators were rare.


    after all, qi condensation cultivators had the greatest need for white pills. although high-level cultivators appeared in the small city, many of them were rogue cultivators who lived alone in the bitter life mountain range and only came to make purchases from time to time.


    they had other channels to obtain the white pills, so they didn¡¯t fancy this ordinary small apothecary.


    as for factions, the bitter life mountain range was a bit chaotic, with numerous small and large factions existing in various forms, often based on race or small groups. the low-level cultivators within these factions, as well as the residents of the small town, constituted the primary customer base for the small apothecary.


    for example, at this moment, a human youth walked into the apothecary.


    this youth wore a large robe and his cultivation level was at the fifth level of qi condensation. he hailed from a nearby medium-sized faction and had come here to purchase the pills after hearing from a friend who had bought them from this place before.


    the moment he entered the apothecary, he warily swept his gaze across his surroundings. the first thing he saw was the ugly girl behind the counter with her head lowered as she recorded the accounts. after confirming that there was no danger, he quickly walked to the counter.


    ¡°i want ten white pills!¡±


    the youth spoke in a low voice and took out 10 spirit coins, placing them on the counter.


    ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes lit up and she quickly picked up the spirit coins. after checking them carefully one by one, she kept them satisfied and handed him a pouch.


    ¡°come again next time,¡± ling¡¯er said with a smile.


    the youth took the pouch and opened it to take a closer look. he discovered that the white pills here were indeed as his companion had said. they were different from other places and didn¡¯t contain any impurities.


    hence, he took out one and swallowed it. ten breaths later, when he opened his eyes, he was covered in sweat and his expression was a little moved.


    ¡°the medicinal effects are so good?¡± the youth was shocked and took a few steps back. just as he was about to leave, he hesitated for a moment and turned to look at ling¡¯er.


    ling¡¯er smiled and looked over.


    ¡°sir, is there anything else?¡±


    the youth hesitated for a moment. due to the effects of the white pills, his attitude became a little more respectful as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°do you have any antidotes here?¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve been experiencing a strange issue in my recent cultivation sessions. i can¡¯t help but spit out foul-smelling black blood, and i¡¯ve been having occasional sharp pains in the area around my heart. sometimes, these pains disrupt my meditation.¡±


    ¡°i suspect that i¡¯ve been poisoned.¡±


    ling¡¯er¡¯s gaze swept over and she was about to speak when the youth hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°i still have one spirit stone!¡±


    ling¡¯er blinked and turned to look at the back room.


    ¡°brother, there¡¯s a big customer!¡±


    in the back room, xu qing opened his eyes.


    faced with ling¡¯er¡¯s mischievousness, he couldn¡¯t help but smile. he knew that ling¡¯er was showing her compassion, so he got up and walked out.


    the instant he saw xu qing, the youth instinctively retreated, his expression filled with vigilance.


    he felt a bit uneasy in the presence of this young man, but couldn¡¯t pinpoint the source of his discomfort. the young man didn¡¯t emanate any aura of cultivation, and he appeared to be just an ordinary person.


    however, the likelihood of someone being ordinary, running a shop in this location, and having such remarkable quality of pills was almost nonexistent.

 Chapter 943 - 943 Plucking the Tigers Beard, Changes (2)

    943 plucking the tiger¡¯s beard, changes (2)


    xu qing didn¡¯t pay much attention to the youth¡¯s vigilance; he just glanced and noticed the issues with the youth¡¯s condition.


    the other party was indeed poisoned and xu qing had encountered this poison before.


    it was the one-eyed cultivator¡¯s poison. however, it was much diluted and hadn¡¯t erupted yet.


    however, the young man¡¯s weak constitution had caused an early reaction.


    xu qing had always remembered the one-eyed cultivator¡¯s escape. now that he sensed this poison, he became a little interested. hence, he threw out an antidote pill.


    ¡°go back, prepare a wooden bucket of water, get nine drops of morning dew, then swallow this antidote, and immerse yourself in the bucket, meditating for an hour.¡±


    ¡°when the water turns completely black, it means your poison has been cured.¡±


    the young man took the pill, somewhat skeptical, but still gave a spirit stone to ling¡¯er before quickly leaving.


    ling¡¯er kept the spirit stone and smiled sweetly at xu qing.


    xu qing shook his head and returned to the back room to continue dissecting the cursed ferocious beasts. as he studied the curse, he also analyzed the method to enter the moon rebel hall.


    however, a strand of his divine consciousness had been left on the young man, without any effect. but if the one-eyed cultivator appeared near him, xu qing could instantly sense it.


    just like that, half a month passed while xu qing was exploring and studying.


    xu qing and ling¡¯er¡¯s small apothecary had been open here for almost two months. the medicinal effects of the white pills and the low price caused green spirit hall to gain some fame.


    hence, the number of customers who came to buy the pills increased, and there were even days when dozens of people would visit the shop. this attracted the attention of many in the small city and also drew the interest of some nearby minor factions..


    sometimes, when one sought tranquility, disturbances arose. once anything became well-known, trouble tended to follow.


    this logic was the same no matter where it was.


    it was especially prominent in this chaotic place with different factions. at noon, an uninvited guest arrived at the apothecary.


    this was a nonhuman cultivator at the perfected qi condensation realm. he wore a black robe and had a skull hanging on his chest.


    the instant he walked into the apothecary, he circulated his cultivation base, forming an energy fluctuation that enveloped the apothecary. he even kicked away a chair in front of him.


    amidst the crashing sounds, the chair hit the counter and shattered into pieces.


    a corner of the counter was also broken. ling¡¯er, who was recording the accounts behind, looked up and frowned slightly.


    ¡°starting today, you will deliver three hundred white pills to the skull union every month. did you hear me clearly? i¡¯m only saying this once!¡± the cultivator at the peak of the qi condensation stage slapped the counter with a loud bang, speaking in a cold tone.


    he wasn¡¯t alone. there were four other people guarding outside the apothecary. they were all dressed in the same style.


    when the pedestrians on the streets saw this scene, they noticed the characteristics of these people¡¯s attires and left hurriedly.


    ¡°it¡¯s the skull union!¡±


    ¡°this group is ruthless. previously, i heard that a shop in a small city provoked them and they rushed in at night and killed their entire family.¡±


    ¡°their leader is a perfected foundation building cultivator. sigh, they don¡¯t dare to provoke experts, so they came to bully us poor people.¡±


    ling¡¯er didn¡¯t say anything. the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor, who was hanging on the beam, trembled excitedly.


    after such a long time, there was finally someone who had a death wish. this also allowed him to find an opportunity to showcase himself.


    just as he was about to fly over and pierce a few holes through the other party¡¯s body, he had no choice but to stop at the next instant because ling¡¯er wouldn¡¯t let him.


    ling¡¯er¡¯s small face turned pale as though she was frightened. she hurriedly took out a bag and placed it in front of her, nodding repeatedly.


    ¡°alright, alright. we¡¯ll give it to you.¡±


    seeing that it went so smoothly, the perfected qi condensation cultivator sneered. they often did such things and would investigate in advance every time to confirm that they wouldn¡¯t encounter a tough opponent before extorting.


    they had been watching this apothecary for half a month and came here today mainly to probe. however, they didn¡¯t expect it to be so successful. he glared at ling¡¯er and took the bag over. he weighed it in his hand and calmly spoke.


    ¡°at least you know your place!¡±


    with that, he turned and left proudly.


    after they left, the panic on ling¡¯er¡¯s face dissipated. as she calculated the bill, she spoke as though nothing had happened.


    ¡°you lingzi.¡±


    at the thought of this, the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor tried to salvage the situation.


    ¡°it¡¯s not good to kill here. it will affect the business. tonight, go to their place and silently kill them all. remember to bring the medicinal pills when you return. not a single one can be missing. also, if they have anything valuable, bring them back too.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that little shadow isn¡¯t back yet. i can only let you handle this matter.¡±


    ling¡¯er calmly spoke.


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor quickly glanced at the back room and then at ling¡¯er. he now had a better understanding of this little girl.


    he thought to himself that this madam wasn¡¯t as harmless as she looked on the surface. when facing the one-eyed cultivator before, she had spoken with a tone of leniency and offered to give him a quick death. it had caught him off guard.


    he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°madam, i promise to complete the mission!¡±


    ling¡¯er smiled, tidied up the broken chair on the ground, and then added a sentence.


    ¡°oh right, remember to bring back three more chairs.¡±


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor blinked and hurriedly agreed.


    ¡°mm, let me think. you can capture a few of their heads and bring them for brother xu qing to study.¡±


    ling¡¯er reminded again.


    xu qing lifted his head in the back room, his gaze moving away from the half-dissected golden core scorpion in front of him. he looked towards the outside, feeling a warmth in his heart due to ling¡¯er¡¯s thoughtfulness.

 Chapter 944 - 944 Plucking the Tigers Beard, Changes (3)

    944 plucking the tiger¡¯s beard, changes (3)


    he was indeed getting a bit tired of studying ferocious beasts.


    the large scorpion in front of xu qing had not yet died. its eyes revealed fear and despair. in its perception, the human in front of it was incredibly terrifying. moreover, it was being dissected while still alive.


    the fluctuations here were all hidden and couldn¡¯t be sensed by the outside world.


    otherwise, that perfected qi condensation skull union cultivator would definitely be so frightened that he would go limp and regret entering this place.


    ¡°it¡¯s time to study the curse in these cultivators¡¯ bodies.¡± xu qing mumbled inwardly. he then crushed the scorpion¡¯s head, ending its life.


    at night, under the dim, dark sky, a black streak shot out from the apothecary, moving at astonishing speed. it was none other than the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor.


    he controlled the god¡¯s fish bone and headed straight for the small faction where the person who came during the day was from.


    ¡°little shadow is usually silly, but it made the right move by pleasing the lady¡­¡±


    ¡°i made a mistake on this matter. initially, i didn¡¯t realize that the little girl, who seemed innocent and carefree, actually had a heart as dark as the malignant star.¡±


    ¡°in the books, such a lady isn¡¯t someone to be trifled with.¡±


    ¡°little shadow has gained a backer and has become arrogant recently.¡±


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor recalled the scenes about ling¡¯er and increasingly felt that the other party wasn¡¯t as simple as she looked. hence, he made up his mind that he had to please her more in the future.


    ¡°however, i lost the initiative¡­ it¡¯s fine. after we return to fenghai county, i¡¯ll curry favor with another madam.¡±


    ¡°this way, if the malignant star doesn¡¯t like me one day, i¡¯ll have a life-saving trump card.¡±


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor had a myriad of thoughts as he moved through the air and quickly left the earth city, arriving at the location of the small faction in the vicinity.


    however, before he could get close, his expression changed slightly as he sensed the smell of blood.


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor exclaimed inwardly. although the other party could be killed in an instant in his eyes, he still remained cautious. he hid his tracks and slowly approached. after circling around, he saw corpses everywhere.


    the cultivators of this small faction had already been slaughtered without a single survivor. all the items inside had also been looted.


    ¡°from the looks of it, the time of death was an hour ago. moreover, the person who attacked was at least a golden core cultivator. after he arrived, he quickly killed them¡­¡±


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor thought about it and turned to leave. after returning to the apothecary, he immediately reported everything he saw and his analysis to ling¡¯er and xu qing.


    ling¡¯er was surprised and xu qing fell into deep thought. the possibility of this matter being a coincidence wasn¡¯t high. on the contrary, he felt that it was intentional.


    the answer appeared the next day.


    in the morning, before the apothecary opened, two people were waiting outside respectfully.


    the moment ling¡¯er opened the door, the two of them bowed to her.


    ¡°greetings, shopkeeper. i wonder if master is here?¡±


    ling¡¯er blinked and swept her gaze across the two of them.


    she had seen one of them before. it was none other than the human youth who had bought the antidote. the middle-aged man beside him wore a green robe and had a scholarly aura about him. his clothes were clearly different from the others in the city.


    his cultivation was also extraordinary and belonged to the late-stage golden core realm. moreover, he seemed to have broken through not long ago.


    the person who spoke was the middle-aged golden core cultivator. the youth beside him had a reserved expression as he glanced at the back room xu qing was in.


    seeing this, the middle-aged man bowed toward the back room again and respectfully spoke.


    ¡°master, the people from the skull union provoked you yesterday. i¡¯ve already erased them. these are the white pills they extorted from here.¡±


    the golden core middle-aged man took out a bag and handed it to ling¡¯er with both hands.


    ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes lit up. she had been thinking about the white pills last night and felt that she had made a loss. however, she didn¡¯t take it immediately. instead, she waited for xu qing¡¯s response.


    she knew brother xu qing¡¯s personality and understood that there were some things that she couldn¡¯t make the decision for.


    ¡°please come in.¡±


    a moment later, xu qing¡¯s voice rang out from the back room.


    ling¡¯er took a few steps back and the two people at the door respectfully walked in. they stood at the side and looked at the curtain that blocked the way to the back room, not doing anything to investigate.


    understanding the situation, xu qing couldn¡¯t avoid showing up, so he walked out from the back room and looked at the two of them.


    regarding xu qing¡¯s youth, the golden core cultivator¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint. however, this didn¡¯t affect his attitude. his expression turned solemn as he cupped his fists toward xu qing and stated his intentions.


    ¡°greetings, master.¡±


    ¡°i am chen fanzhuo, the head of the nearby earthly growth sect, and this is my sect disciple. it was from him that i learned of the master¡¯s medical skills.¡±


    ¡°i took the liberty to come here because all the disciples of my sect are poisoned. even i am inflicted with this poison. master, do you still have the antidotes?¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m willing to buy them at a high price.¡±


    he was very clear that some things had to be simple and direct. moreover, the poison was starting to act up among the sect¡¯s disciples. he had found many alchemy masters but they were helpless against this poison.


    hence, he had been extremely anxious until he accidentally discovered that there was actually a disciple who was fine.


    hence, after knowing all of this, he decided to come here.


    he didn¡¯t believe that mortals could refine such an antidote. to have such attainments in detoxification, the person was definitely not ordinary.


    hence, his attitude was still polite.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was calm. he glanced at the middle-aged cultivator and couldn¡¯t be bothered to tell if this person was behind the skull union¡¯s actions in order to show goodwill.


    the other party¡¯s attitude was enough.


    hence, he waved his hand and threw a bag filled with antidotes over.


    the middle-aged cultivator accepted it with both hands, without checking, and directly took out a storage pouch, placing it aside, then politely left.

 Chapter 945 - 945 Plucking the Tigers Beard, Changes (4)

    945 plucking the tiger¡¯s beard, changes (4)


    after he left, ling¡¯er hurriedly went up to check and exclaimed.


    ¡°brother xu qing, there are 100,000 spirit stones here.¡±


    xu qing raised his eyebrows, feeling somewhat favorable toward the middle-aged cultivator, then called for ling¡¯er to enter the back room.


    ling¡¯er blushed slightly, closed the door of the apothecary, took a deep breath, and then, nervously following xu qing into the back room, she straightened herself, puffed her small chest, and spoke softly.


    ¡°why did you call me over here in broad daylight, brother xu qing?¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t pay much attention to ling¡¯er¡¯s words. he sat cross-legged and took out a fragment of mirror.


    ¡°ling¡¯er, i hope you can join the moon rebel hall.¡±


    ¡°oh?¡± ling¡¯er was taken aback and felt a bit disappointed. xu qing¡¯s actions seemed to be different from what she had in mind.


    ¡°i¡¯ve been trying recently, but i can¡¯t get through.¡± xu qing felt helpless. over these days, he had been attempting to pass the second test, but every attempt had been a failure, and none of the methods he had tried seemed to work.


    now, there was only one method left.


    that was to let ling¡¯er join and complete the assessment. he would borrow the help of ling¡¯er¡¯s lifebond technique to enter the moon rebel hall.


    the difficulty in this plan lay in the fact that the members of the red moon shrine all had at least nascent soul cultivation, while ling¡¯er¡¯s cultivation had not yet reached golden core, so there were issues with the sacrifices she could provide.


    the test required that the target of the sacrifice had to be at the same realm as the participant. if the level of the red moon cultivator who was sacrificed was too high, this obvious loophole would be seen as cheating.


    this also served to limit the cultivation level of those who joined the moon rebel hall.


    however, with xu qing around, this point was very easy to resolve.


    under xu qing¡¯s explanation, ling¡¯er understood this. she silently concealed her thoughts and nodded vigorously.


    ¡°brother xu qing, it¡¯s no problem. i can do anything.¡±


    as she spoke, ling¡¯er patted her small chest in front of xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s mind was currently filled with thoughts of entering the moon rebel hall. he had pondered this matter for a long time and had analyzed it thoroughly in his mind. he believed there wouldn¡¯t be much danger. so, after explaining the steps to ling¡¯er, the two of them immediately began.


    xu qing first got ling¡¯er to activate the mirror. after that, he took out two ferocious beasts with the same cultivation as ling¡¯er and quickly blessed them. before their curse erupted, he threw them into the mirror.


    very soon, she passed the first test and the test of faith went very smoothly. ling¡¯er didn¡¯t have any power of the red moon on her body, so she easily completed the second test.


    the instant it was completed, the mirror floating in the air emitted the sound of shattering and a gap appeared.


    waves of suction force spread out from the gap.


    ¡°brother xu qing, that voice told me that this is the entrance to the moon rebel hall.¡± ling¡¯er glanced at the mirror and hurriedly spoke.


    xu qing looked at the crack on the mirror and didn¡¯t dare to attempt to enter. with the status of the moon rebel hall, if someone who wasn¡¯t an examinee forcefully barged in, they would probably be met with fatal power.


    xu qing looked at ling¡¯er.


    ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes were filled with anticipation. since xu qing had released her lifebond, she hadn¡¯t said much, but deep down, she had felt quite disappointed. now that the lifebond could continue, her heart was filled with happiness. without any hesitation, her body transformed into a small white snake and landed on xu qing¡¯s wrist.


    at the next instant, a strand of green hair coiled around xu qing¡¯s wrist.


    the connection between the two of them was re-established. however, the current xu qing was no longer the same as before. with the enhancement of the power of fortune in his body, this time it wasn¡¯t a one-sided connection, but a mutual one.


    after doing all this, xu qing could clearly sense that he and ling¡¯er seemed to have become one at this moment.


    ¡°brother xu qing, this is a special talent of our ancient spirit race. in our entire lives¡­ we can only bind to one person. even if the binding is released, we can¡¯t bind to another.¡±


    ¡°from now on, we share our fates. your life is my life, your death is my death. together through life and death, from sunrise to sunset, even in the afterlife, we are companions!¡±


    an ethereal voice rang out in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    xu qing stared at the mark on his wrist and nodded solemnly. after taking a deep breath, he looked at the floating mirror and headed straight for the crack.


    the instant he got close, his body directly transformed into a beam of light that fused into the crack.


    he had entered a strange place!

 Chapter 946 - Chapter 946 Youre Afraid, Im Afraid Too (1)

    chapter 946 you¡¯re afraid, i¡¯m afraid too (1)


    earth city¡¯s apothecary fell into silence.


    xiaomiao swayed a few times and realized that no one was paying attention to it. hence, it curiously stuck its head out and secretly glanced at the back room.


    after waiting for a while and sensing that there was still no sound, it carefully pulled out its roots from the soil, as though it had finally obtained an opportunity and was planning to escape.


    however, just as all its roots were plucked up and it leaped out of the flower pot, preparing to leave quietly, a killing intent instantly spread out from the beam.


    the fishbone that had fused with the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor appeared in front of xiaomiao and pointed at its body.


    xiaomiao shivered and slowly crawled back into the flower pot. it put its roots back into the soil, and swayed fawningly.


    the fishbone circled it a few times and returned to the beam in a flash.


    ¡°if i let this little thing escape, the fiend will definitely vent his anger on me later.¡± the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor sneered inwardly. after that, he looked at the back room.


    due to the existence of concealment, he couldn¡¯t sense the details. however, based on the faint connection with xu qing, he could faintly sense that xu qing¡¯s aura was gone from the back room.


    this was indeed the case.


    the back room was empty. what entered the crack in the mirror wasn¡¯t the divine consciousness but xu qing and ling¡¯er¡¯s main bodies.


    this was also one of the wonders of the moon rebel hall.


    however, the journey to this magical place didn¡¯t give xu qing a good impression.


    he felt like he had entered a narrow space filled with oppressive pressure. all around him, there were shining walls of light that enclosed him.


    the curved walls of light formed a circle, being incredibly firm while firmly restraining xu qing¡¯s body. he couldn¡¯t move, as if he were stuck in place.


    the more he struggled, the stronger the restraint became, as if he couldn¡¯t move forward and could only retreat.


    xu qing frowned. he didn¡¯t expect to appear in such a godforsaken place after entering the crack.


    ¡°could this be the third test?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought. when he studied the mirror before, he sensed that there were a total of three tests. he had figured out the details of the first two but he didn¡¯t have any understanding of the third one.


    hence, after pondering, xu qing tried to spread out his divine consciousness. the process wasn¡¯t easy. the pressure from all directions not only bound his body but also his perception.


    this was especially so since the surrounding light walls possessed some kind of power and his divine consciousness couldn¡¯t penetrate them, but fortunately, the path ahead remained relatively clear. therefore, he gradually extended his divine consciousness forward through repeated attempts.


    finally, through continuous and unceasing effort, he gradually sensed his location.


    ¡°a pipeline?¡±


    xu qing was taken aback as he used his divine consciousness to perceive that he was in a long and narrow pipeline.


    as for the end, it exceeded the range of his divine consciousness and he couldn¡¯t probe it. however, the vast fluctuations he could vaguely sense allowed him to guess that it should be the moon rebel hall he was going to.


    ¡°interesting. looks like this is indeed the third test. if i can¡¯t follow this pipeline path, i won¡¯t be qualified to enter the moon rebel hall.¡±


    a sharp glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. in the beginning, he wanted to join the moon rebel hall because duanmu zang had said that the people of the moon rebel hall had studied curses for generations and had an extremely deep understanding of them.


    hence, xu qing planned to head there and obtain some information about the curse. after all, one person¡¯s research was ultimately inferior to a group of people who had pondered and analyzed for countless years.


    this was very useful for xu qing to master the curse and could save a lot of time.


    now, other than needing information about the curse, he was also curious about the moon rebel hall itself.


    ¡°no wonder eldest senior brother wants to join too.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was firm. the cultivation base in his body erupted and his body soared. he borrowed the help of this god¡¯s body to suppress the surroundings.


    as rumbling sounds echoed, xu qing¡¯s body trembled. the light walls in the surroundings were too hard. even though he used all his strength, he couldn¡¯t expand it much. his body only swelled to the height of five feet.


    he had reached his limit.


    that feeling of his body and soul being squeezed intensely caused xu qing to involuntarily feel stifled. he abruptly retracted his body, instantly returning to normal from a height of five feet.


    the surrounding walls also rapidly retracted but there was still a gap between them.


    borrowing the gap between the retraction of the wall, xu qing lifted his right hand and circulated the cultivation base in his body. other than the purple moon, the other nascent souls completely erupted and punched forward.


    this punch gathered the poison restriction, ghost emperor mountain, the heavenly dao, the bottle of time, the golden crow¡¯s ability, and the might of his life lantern, forming a storm that rumbled forward.


    cracking sounds spread out and xu qing rushed out, stepping forward dozens of feet from where he was. as the feeling of restraint enveloped him again, xu qing gritted his teeth and used the same method to continue forward.


    xu qing continued to forcefully blast open the path ahead. although it was difficult to take a step forward, he still walked 1000 feet in the end.


    after arriving here, he was already exhausted. after sensing the far end, xu qing had no choice but to sigh. he chose to leave and return to the apothecary. after resting, he continued to enter the mirror.


    the place he had opened up earlier didn¡¯t disappear with xu qing¡¯s return. he gritted his teeth fiercely at a thousand feet and determination appeared in his eyes as he continued to bombard the path forward.


    just like that, the days passed.


    ling¡¯er didn¡¯t need to follow him every time. with her mark, xu qing could go alone. hence, ling¡¯er reopened the apothecary.


    however, from time to time, she would still turn her head and look at the back room, paying attention to brother xu qing¡¯s progress.


    ¡°this moon rebel hall is so difficult. even with brother xu qing¡¯s ability, he hasn¡¯t been able to enter it,¡± sighed ling¡¯er in her heart. similar emotions of frustration had also welled up in xu qing multiple times.

 Chapter 947 - Chapter 947 You Are Afraid, Im Afraid Too (2)

    chapter 947 you are afraid, i¡¯m afraid too (2)


    half a month later, amidst the increasingly intense rumbling, xu qing, who had opened up a path leading to the moon rebel hall stretching nearly 30,000 feet, returned to the apothecary. as he appeared, he sat down panting and with bloodshot eyes.


    ¡°i only opened 30% of the path. i¡¯m still about 70,000 feet away from the end.¡±


    ¡°those people who can enter the moon rebel hall must be peerless experts. at the very least, they should all be at spirit repository?¡±


    reverence rose in xu qing¡¯s heart and he looked forward to this organization even more. he felt that anyone who could successfully pass the third test and blast open this path was extraordinary.


    ¡°i can do it too!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was decisive. after resting, he stepped into the mirror again and continued to bombard.


    the repeated actions also allowed xu qing to gain experience. under the continuous pressure, his body became even more powerful. after it swelled, the size it could hold up also increased from five feet to ten feet.


    as a result, his speed also increased by a lot. after another half a month, he successfully blasted open a path of 80,000 feet.


    standing there, he looked back at the path he had carved, feeling the immense hardship. then, he raised his head to sense 20,000 feet away, and his reverence for the people within the moon rebel hall grew even stronger.


    ¡°there¡¯s still 20,000 feet left. i hope that¡¯s the moon rebel hall!¡±


    in the distance, at the end of the path that xu qing had forcefully blasted open, the place it connected to was indeed the moon rebel hall.


    the moon rebel hall was a separate space of immense proportions, containing a mountain of indescribable size.


    there were a hundred thousand ancient temples constructed on that massive mountain. while there was some distance between them, from afar, they still appeared densely packed.


    every temple inside gave off an ancient feeling, as if the river of time had been flowing endlessly in this place for an unknown duration.


    some of those temples shimmered with light, while others were shrouded in darkness. the temples with radiance inside appeared to have statues and emitted colorful light.


    from time to time, statues would walk out of the temples and fly to other temples.


    they were enveloped in a soft light, exuding a divine aura all over their bodies. their forms varied, and from a distance, they looked like a myriad of gods and devils.


    at the base of this enormous mountain, there were the most temples. half of them appeared dim, while the other half radiated with brilliance.


    among them was a temple situated between many radiant and resplendent ones.


    originally unremarkable, it had attracted the attention of the statues in the neighboring temples over the past month.


    because it was too noisy.


    at that moment, as xu qing continued to forcefully open the path, a tremendous roar emanated from this ordinary temple, spreading throughout the vicinity, and the noise persisted.


    ¡°not again!¡± three to five statues walked out of the surrounding temples and glared at the temple that was rumbling.


    ¡°damn it, this fellow is relentless. what are they up to?¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s been a month, if this person wants to enter, they should hurry up. continuously bombarding the guiding light, what¡¯s their plan?¡±


    ¡°crazy!¡±


    ¡°there must be a huge problem with their brain!¡±


    as the rumbling grew increasingly intense, more statues walked out of the nearby temples. all of them looked over helplessly.


    ¡°i¡¯ve never seen anything like this. for us, the guiding pathway is something you cross in a step. what¡¯s this person doing, constantly bombarding it like this?¡±


    ¡°could it be that they want to showcase their strength?¡±


    ¡°but what is there to show off? the moon rebel hall has been without a master for many years, and the artifact spirit is in slumber with only its most basic functions still in effect. to maintain its continuous operation, the guiding light is adjusted according to the candidate¡¯s cultivation level, precisely allowing the candidate to be guided up without hindrance.¡±


    ¡°why is this person constantly blasting while taking steps? they could walk up with ease, so why act as if it¡¯s incredibly difficult!¡±


    amidst the discussion, the rumbling continued and grew increasingly intense.


    all the statues in the vicinity frowned but they were helpless. before the temple was opened, they couldn¡¯t enter. hence, they could only choose to return and not listen to the annoying rumbling.


    fortunately, this time, it didn¡¯t last long. after the rumbling echoed for another four hours, it fell silent.


    xu qing was tired.


    he panted heavily and looked at the remaining ten thousand feet before choosing to return.


    the instant he appeared in the back room of the apothecary, determination appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°i¡¯ll definitely be able to blast it open in three to four days at most!¡±


    at the thought that he could finally pass this third test, xu qing sighed with emotion. he felt that it was too difficult.


    ¡°after i enter, i have to be even more cautious and vigilant. the people inside¡­ aren¡¯t people to be trifled with.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was solemn. before he closed his eyes and meditated to recuperate, he spread out his divine consciousness and glanced outside the apothecary.


    there were some people queuing up there.


    as the reputation of the apothecary in the earth city spread, business was getting better and better. this was especially so for the faction of the middle-aged cultivator who had bought the antidotes from him. because they had successfully resolved the crisis, they became even more respectful to xu qing.


    under their intimidation, many small forces didn¡¯t dare to provoke the apothecary. with their protection, the trade of the white pills was going smoothly. they could sell a hundred white pills every day.


    fortunately, xu qing had a lot of them in his inventory and would occasionally refine them.


    as for medicinal herbs, other than the ones he had accumulated over the years, he also bought them from outsiders.


    although he didn¡¯t collect much, the middle-aged cultivator, chen fanzhuo, would come occasionally. every time, he would be polite and respectful and bring many medicinal herbs.


    sometimes, when xu qing wasn¡¯t around, he would know that it wasn¡¯t convenient to disturb him after he sent the medicinal herbs over. hence, he would greet ling¡¯er and leave.

 Chapter 948 - Chapter 948 You Are Afraid, Im Afraid Too (3)

    chapter 948 you are afraid, i¡¯m afraid too (3)


    such a sense of propriety made it very difficult for people to feel resentful. at this moment, outside the door, the figure of chen fanzhuo appeared again. he didn¡¯t use his status and cultivation to ignore the people waiting in line but patiently waited on the side.


    only when there were no more people did he enter the apothecary.


    ¡°uncle chen.¡± ling¡¯er looked up and greeted the middle-aged cultivator with a smile.


    ¡°miss ling¡¯er, is master still refining pills?¡± chen fanzhuo asked politely. he then took out a bag filled with medicinal herbs and placed it on the counter before glancing at the back room.


    just as ling¡¯er was about to speak, the curtain of the back room was lifted and xu qing walked out.


    ¡°greetings, master.¡± chen fanzhuo¡¯s expression turned solemn as he cupped his fists.


    xu qing nodded. his gaze swept past the other party and his heart stirred.


    last time, chen fanzhuo¡¯s body contained poison. according to his antidote pill, the poison should have dissipated by now. however, from the looks of it now, not only was there some poison left, but there was also a new poison.


    xu qing fell into deep thought. he then lifted his right hand and took out a white pill, handing it over.


    ¡°you hold it in your mouth, reverse the flow of your cultivation into a minor cycle, and let it slowly dissolve.¡±


    chen fanzhuo was stunned. from xu qing¡¯s words, he could tell that something was amiss. he hesitated for a moment before taking the medicinal pill and putting it into his mouth. he then circulated his cultivation according to xu qing¡¯s request.


    a moment later, the medicinal pill in his mouth completely dissolved. when it spread throughout his body, xu qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°concentrate your cultivation in your right index finger, draw a drop of fresh blood, and let it fall on this leaf.¡±


    xu qing lifted his hand and took out a stalk of yellow medicinal herbs. after placing it to the side, chen fanzhuo didn¡¯t hesitate at all. he immediately pierced his index finger and a drop of black blood flowed out of the wound.


    waves of unpleasant smell spread out. when chen fanzhuo smelled it, his expression changed drastically. he originally thought that his poison had been neutralized, but from the looks of it, it was clearly still there.


    hence, he didn¡¯t dare to be careless and hurriedly smeared this drop of blood on the yellow medicinal herb xu qing had given him.


    at the moment the blood came into contact with the herb, the herb emitted a sizzling sound and produced a green smoke. it started to wriggle in mid-air, and there was a faint echo of soul-piercing screams.


    seeing this scene, chen fanzhuo¡¯s eyes narrowed. with a wave of his hand, he assumed a protective posture, as though he didn¡¯t want the strangeness of the green smoke to taint the apothecary.


    although this action was a little fake, the attitude it revealed was very upright.


    xu qing glanced at him and took out a transparent pill bottle. after shaking it for a while, he opened it. the aura emitted by it seemed to possess an intense attraction to the green smoke.


    hence, at the next instant, this lump of green smoke headed straight for the pill bottle in xu qing¡¯s hand. after it entered it, xu qing pressed the stopper of the bottle down and held it in his hand to observe.


    the green smoke in the pill bottle continued to squirm and condense in this small bottle. finally, it transformed into a green centipede.


    it looked very sinister. upon closer inspection, one would discover that what formed this large centipede were countless small centipedes.


    ¡°master, this is¡­¡± chen fanzhuo was shocked. he shuddered at the thought of such a bizarre entity in his blood.


    ¡°this is the soul of the centipede, a not very common special medicinal material. its toxicity is moderate, and it¡¯s mainly used for tracking and locating, providing the user with a target¡¯s position. when combined with other methods, it can be refined into a gu.¡±


    xu qing was a little happy. he didn¡¯t expect to find such a precious item recorded in grandmaster bai¡¯s pharmacopeia here. hence, he spoke in satisfaction.


    ¡°you¡¯re being targeted. moreover, looking at the restlessness of this centipede soul, the person who targeted you shouldn¡¯t be far from here.¡±


    as xu qing spoke, the green centipede in the small bottle suddenly became irritable and slammed into the bottle.


    the small bottle swayed intensely but it couldn¡¯t escape xu qing¡¯s palm.


    ¡°hmm? the person who has his eyes on you is approaching.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    chen fanzhuo¡¯s expression changed and he bowed solemnly to xu qing. after that, he turned and walked toward the door.


    he knew that the master of this apothecary had no obligation to help him resolve the crisis. to be able to detoxify the poison and tell him this was already benevolent.


    if he didn¡¯t know what was good for him and forcefully dragged the other party into his private grudge, this wouldn¡¯t be in line with his principles.


    at the thought of this, he quickly walked to the door. after pushing open the door of the apothecary, he was about to step out when xu qing¡¯s voice echoed behind him.


    ¡°he¡¯s here.¡±


    the instant xu qing¡¯s voice rang out, wind and clouds surged in the sky of earth city. large balls of fog churned in the sky and waves of wild shrieks and howls could be heard.


    this sound was incomparably terrifying. when the residents of this city heard it, their hearts trembled and they quickly closed their houses. even those outside immediately found an empty house to crawl into.


    in the blink of an eye, the entire small city looked empty.


    at this moment, the black fog in the sky gathered toward the city and finally formed a figure on the streets.


    as it became clearer, the appearance of this figure was revealed.


    he was an old man wearing a loose robe. as his nascent soul cultivation fluctuated, his white hair fluttered in the wind. his eyes were cold and there was a hint of mockery at the corner of his mouth.


    and the edge of his robe, at this moment, had some mist lingering in the wind.


    all of this made this old man look extremely bizarre.


    ¡°you dare to steal my things? you must be tired of living.¡±


    this old man was none other than the one-eyed cultivator who had provoked xu qing. after he had a conflict with xu qing previously, he had been on tenterhooks and was filled with panic.


    in order to avoid xu qing, he had no choice but to hide. it was only when he felt that the limelight had passed that he carefully went out. he didn¡¯t expect that one of his cave abodes would actually be robbed.

 Chapter 949 - Chapter 949 Youre Afraid, Im Afraid Too (4)

    chapter 949 you¡¯re afraid, i¡¯m afraid too (4)


    he had carefully examined the traces and deduced that the thief¡¯s cultivation level should be at the golden core stage, which filled him with anger.


    moreover, he had scattered poison in his cave abode, so he followed the trail and found the thief.


    with the help of the poison¡¯s trail, he immediately confirmed that it was the other party¡¯s doing the moment he looked at chen fanzhuo. his eyes couldn¡¯t help but reveal a cold glint and he was about to walk over.


    however¡­ at that moment, chen fanzhuo was at the entrance of xu qing¡¯s apothecary.


    the old man¡¯s peripheral vision swept past chen fanzhuo. at the same time, he instinctively glanced at the scene in the apothecary.


    there, he saw an ugly girl and an expressionless youth.


    the instant he saw this youth, the old man¡¯s eyes narrowed and he suddenly stopped in his tracks. his body gradually shivered uncontrollably and waves of emotions surged in his heart.


    ¡°wha, wha, what¡­¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s him!¡±


    ¡°he¡¯s actually here!!¡±


    the old man¡¯s breathing was hurried. it was as though a powerful lightning had exploded in his mind and it continued to rumble. he felt like his soul was about to leave his body.


    his fear of xu qing had reached the extreme. back then, xu qing¡¯s terrifying combat strength caused him to have lingering fears every time he thought of it.


    moreover, he had already judged the other party to be an old monster with a higher cultivation base than his. in addition, xu qing¡¯s sharp perception was also the reason why the old man was frightened.


    coupled with the ineffectiveness of his poison, he felt a boundless threat to his life at this moment.


    the most important thing was that he came here with his main body!


    chen fanzhuo was also as horrified as him. he had paid a considerable price to rob a cave abode some time ago.


    the cave seemed abandoned for a long time, and he found many valuable items inside. after taking those items, he felt a mix of fear and anxiety. however, after observing for a while, he realized that no one came to investigate or track him down.


    hence, he had relaxed a little. after that, he sensed that he had been poisoned, so he came to the apothecary.


    earlier, when he heard xu qing telling him that he had been tracked and locked onto, he already felt that something was amiss.


    now that he had personally seen the main character, the fluctuations of the other party¡¯s nascent soul caused him to fall into extreme fear. in fact, he seemed to be frozen in place. he could only stand there under the huge pressure and tremble. his body swayed as he barely spoke.


    ¡°senior, calm down. i know my mistake¡­ all the items are still here¡­¡±


    however, his words were useless. the old man also didn¡¯t dare to move.


    the old man no longer cared about the small matter of the cave abode being stolen.


    right now, what he was thinking about was how he could survive.


    this scene looked bizarre from afar. chen fanzhuo looked at the old man in horror and the old man looked ahead in horror. the two of them didn¡¯t dare to lift their feet.


    in an instant, the scene fell silent.


    the old man didn¡¯t speak and chen fanzhuo¡¯s fear grew even more intense. xu qing didn¡¯t speak and the old man¡¯s fear was surging like waves in the sea.


    in this life-and-death crisis, the old man¡¯s mind raced as he rapidly analyzed.


    ¡®this is an apothecary. that ugly girl is the source of the fragrance. the attire she¡¯s wearing clearly indicates she¡¯s an assistant. this is the old monster¡¯s apothecary!¡¯


    ¡®since that golden core thief is so frightened, it means that he¡¯s not the old monster¡¯s person. there¡¯s a high chance that he doesn¡¯t know the cultivation of the old monster.¡¯


    ¡®it must be because the old monster doesn¡¯t want to be exposed. in that case, why is he hiding here?¡¯


    ¡®because he has some mysterious plan!¡¯


    ¡®my appearance and performance might indirectly expose this old monster¡¯s cultivation and affect his mysterious arrangements. in that case, he will definitely vent his anger on me.¡¯


    ¡®if i turn around and escape, the same outcome will happen!¡¯


    ¡®i can¡¯t beat him or escape¡­¡¯


    the old man¡¯s heart was extremely conflicted. when he was in a dilemma, his eyes turned red.


    as chen fanzhuo¡¯s heart trembled even more, the old man gritted his teeth and took a step forward. the expression on his face instantly turned from solemn to ecstatic as he shouted excitedly.


    ¡°benefactor, you¡¯re here too?¡±


    chen fanzhuo was stunned.

 Chapter 950 - Chapter 950 Master, This Person Is Not a Good Guy!

    chapter 950 master, this person is not a good guy!


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor immediately became vigilant and stared fixedly at the old man outside.


    the old man shouted.


    ¡°benefactor!¡±


    this address was filled with rich emotions.


    his expression was one of excitement, and he was trembling all over. tears welled up in his eyes, and his whole being was clearly engulfed by intense emotions.


    ¡°i¡¯ve been looking for you for a long, long time!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll always remember your kindness in saving my life back then. i just regret that i was immersed in my cultivation at that time, and when i woke up, you had already departed, old master.¡±


    ¡°you didn¡¯t even charge me a single cent for the consultation fees and medicinal pills!¡±


    the old man¡¯s voice was trembling as he suppressed the trepidation and horror in his heart. he braced himself and trembled as he took a few steps forward, arriving more than 100 feet away from xu qing¡¯s apothecary.


    ¡°i felt guilty about that, so i¡¯ve been searching for you. heaven must have been moved by my sincerity, and today, i finally had the chance to see you, old master.¡±


    the old man wiped the corners of his eyes and bowed solemnly to the expressionless xu qing!


    when he lifted his head, the old man looked at xu qing with a pleading expression.


    ¡°this time, please give me a chance to repay you. you must accept the big gift i prepared for you.¡±


    the old man endured his heartache and quickly took out his three storage bags, lifting them with both hands.


    chen fanzhuo looked at all of this and felt confused. he could sense the sincerity and excitement of this old man who was aggressive just now.


    this was especially so when he noticed that the other party only had three storage bags. now, in order to repay the kindness, he actually gave them all away.


    this scene moved him but at the same time, he also felt that it was incomparably strange. hence, he instinctively followed the old man¡¯s gaze and looked at the apothecary¡¯s master behind him.


    in the apothecary, xu qing played with the transparent pill bottle in his hand and coldly glanced at the trembling old man. the words of the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor quickly echoed in his heart.


    ¡°master, this person is deceitful and cunning. one look and you can tell that he¡¯s not a good guy. usually, such a character in the book is someone who has rebellious thoughts. he¡¯s different from me.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t bother with the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor and walked out of the apothecary.


    xu qing saw this old man¡¯s little tricks clearly. these little tricks might be effective on others but they were useless against him.


    back then, this person had escaped. since he had encountered him today, xu qing didn¡¯t plan to let him off. the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor also sensed the killing intent in xu qing¡¯s heart and accumulated strength, waiting for xu qing to give the order to attack.


    as xu qing walked over, a tremendous pressure enveloped the old man¡¯s heart. sweat appeared on his forehead and his heart churned when he saw the coldness in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    seeing that his method was ineffective, he glanced at chen fanzhuo anxiously. after that, he gritted his teeth fiercely and suddenly spoke loudly.


    ¡°benefactor, your kindness to me, li youfei, is greater than the heavens. today, please accept my token of gratitude!¡±


    when chen fanzhuo heard the name li youfei, he felt that it was a little familiar and recalled.


    seeing this, the old man became even more anxious. he wondered if this fellow wasn¡¯t a local. why hadn¡¯t he remembered!


    hence, he spoke loudly again.


    ¡°i, li youfei, have spent 120 years in the bitter life mountain range, a life filled with hardships. through all the struggles, i have come to understand the importance of gratitude. benefactor, the day you left, i¡­¡±


    when the old man said this, chen fanzhuo¡¯s heart suddenly stirred. he recalled this name and his eyes widened as he cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°you are the bitter life immortal, senior li youfei!¡±


    chen fanzhuo¡¯s expression changed.


    ¡°twenty-three years ago, you, senior immortal li youfei, saved countless mortal infants by destroying the infamous qilin blood sect, who practiced alchemy using the blood of newborns, in a single night in the bitter life mountain range. your actions have been legendary in the bitter life mountain range, and you are hailed as the bitter life immortal.¡±


    ¡°more than forty years ago, the blood worship clan, notorious for its heinous acts of plunder, rape, and terrorizing several earth cities, was reportedly killed by poison in three days. legend has it that it was the work of the bitter life immortal, li youfei.¡±


    ¡°also, in the past sixty years, every time there were natural disasters or man-made calamities, the mortals who were suffering in the various cities would be given food. it¡¯s said that it was also done by li youfei!¡±


    ¡°most recently, just a few months ago, numerous rogue cultivators who were trying to gain the status of divine slaves by secretly aligning with the red moon shrine died one after another. rumor has it¡­¡±


    chen fanzhuo¡¯s breathing was hurried. he looked at the old man in front of him and his heart trembled. over the years in the bitter life mountain range, he had heard many legends, including many about li youfei.


    the legend said that this person was a complex character, displaying both heroic and villainous qualities, but overall, the heroic side prevailed.


    ¡°senior, regarding the cave abode, it¡¯s junior¡¯s fault. junior will return all the items. senior, please forgive me.¡±


    chen fanzhuo took a deep breath and bowed deeply to the old man.


    he seemed excited, and it¡¯s possible that in a place like the bitter life mountain range where surviving and having a small influence are exceptional feats, he naturally noticed some clues between the old man and the master.


    however, regardless of whether the other party was real or fake, he felt that this was an opportunity to successfully resolve his crisis.


    the old man, upon hearing this, finally breathed a sigh of relief. he was indeed li youfei, but in his day-to-day life, he often used tethered bodies with different appearances and remained hidden while conducting his affairs outside.


    right now, he had no choice. in this life-and-death crisis, he wanted to let the old monster know that he¡­ had value in surviving.


    he understood that people who chose to join the moon rebel hall usually had their own grievances, and he wanted to tell xu qing that he was no exception.


    although he hadn¡¯t passed the assessment of the moon rebel hall and was still short of a divine slave sacrifice, he had been using his own methods to do similar things all these years.


    this was indeed the case.


    at the thought of this, the old man looked at xu qing with a pleading gaze.


    xu qing stopped in his tracks and his gaze landed on the old man. he didn¡¯t speak.


    his silence caused the old man¡¯s heart to tremble with oppression.


    after a long time, xu qing lifted his right hand and grabbed. immediately, the three storage bags in front of the old man flew over. after holding them, xu qing turned and walked toward the apothecary.


    as xu qing left, the pressure on the old man instantly dissipated. that feeling of surviving a calamity caused the old man to take a deep breath. he looked at xu qing¡¯s back view and lowered his head to solemnly bow before turning to leave rapidly.


    however, he didn¡¯t notice that in the shadow behind him, an eye opened slightly before quickly hiding.


    xu qing didn¡¯t kill li youfei for the time being, but he planted a shadow eye on him to observe. if the other party was really as chen fanzhuo had said, it wasn¡¯t impossible for him to let him off.


    however, if he was a fake or if there was malice, then no matter how many things this person accomplished, there was no chance of survival. the shadow would control his body and make him devour himself.


    the sky was dim, devoid of clouds, and as chen fanzhuo gazed at everything, his reverence for xu qing reached its peak.


    he was very grateful for his previous respect, and now, with even more humility, he bowed towards the apothecary before stepping back and leaving.


    in the apothecary, ling¡¯er blinked and looked at the storage bags in xu qing¡¯s hand.


    xu qing could already sense the money-grubber personality displayed by ling¡¯er after the apothecary was opened. so, he smiled and let his consciousness merge into the storage bags. after checking that there was no danger, he handed them to ling¡¯er.


    ling¡¯er cheered. she took them and hurriedly checked. as though she was opening a wish box, she took out one item after another with anticipation. her small face was filled with joy and happiness.


    xu qing watched from the side for a while before returning to the back room with a smile. he then sat down cross-legged and took out a mirror, merging it into it before continuing to bombard the path.


    three days passed.


    on the morning of the fourth day, xu qing stood at the end of the beam of light from the moon rebel hall. excitement and anticipation rose in his heart.


    ¡°after more than a month, i¡¯m finally going to complete this third test!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s too difficult.¡±


    xu qing sighed with emotion. he clenched his right hand into a fist and punched forward with all his might. amidst cracking sounds, he opened up the last ten feet of the path.


    the instant it was opened, an intense light flickered in front of him and enveloped him. he took a step forward, as if walking across a layer of icy water, and when he appeared, he was inside an ancient temple.


    this temple wasn¡¯t big, about 100 feet square. the lighting was dim, and there were no offerings present except for an altar.


    xu qing¡¯s location was on this altar.


    however, it wasn¡¯t his original appearance but a statue.


    this statue wore a long robe and had the appearance of an old man. he had a dignified expression and a long beard that reached his chest. he had a sage-like appearance and a huge gourd on his back.


    he gave off a faint divine intent.


    after xu qing checked the appearance of his statue, he spread out his perception. however, he quickly discovered that his divine consciousness couldn¡¯t penetrate the surrounding walls and could only spread within the temple. after confirming that there were no other auras here, xu qing lifted his hand.


    his stone-carved hand had a dark hue, as if it had been painted with colors that had faded over time, leaving behind a mottled appearance. the surface of the hand also bore some cracks, varying in depth.


    xu qing put down his hand and swept his gaze across the surroundings.


    ¡°this is the moon rebel hall?¡±


    xu qing fell silent. he didn¡¯t know why he had become a statue but he could sense that this statue contained the power of life. however, it didn¡¯t belong to him. it was more like an armor bestowed by this place after he entered.


    ¡°in other words, there was a statue here to begin with? after i entered, i appeared inside the statue?¡±


    after pondering for a moment, xu qing tried to move.


    as the altar trembled and dust scattered, xu qing controlled his statue body and slowly walked down. he felt that his body wasn¡¯t agile.


    he moved around for a while more. after exploring this small temple again, he became a little more familiar with this layer of statue armor. at the same time, he also discovered that cultivation was meaningless here and couldn¡¯t be released. the statue isolated everything.


    if one wanted to move here, they could only rely on controlling the statue¡¯s body to move forward.


    however, the storage bag could be opened.


    he then looked up at the door of the temple. the door, once crimson red, had now weathered and cracked over time, its color fading significantly.


    ¡°beyond the door is the moon rebel hall, right?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was filled with anticipation as he controlled the statue to walk forward.


    after taking a few steps, he arrived beside the door. he stood there and took a deep breath before pushing forward forcefully.


    however, the instant his hand touched the temple¡¯s door, a sudden change occurred!


    at the same time, at the edge of the green sand desert outside the bitter life mountain range, in the green sandstorm, a colorful light was speeding forward.


    this beam of light¡¯s speed was extraordinary. it would occasionally blink and teleport to an even further place, constantly advancing faster.


    the dangers in the desert didn¡¯t seem to be much to it. as long as it was fast enough, it could ignore everything.


    however, occasionally, this beam of light would pause in mid-air as though it was searching for a direction. if one were to look at it at this moment, they would be able to clearly see that it was the parrot among wu jianwu¡¯s descendants.


    every time the parrot stopped, its nose would twitch a few times. its head would sway left and right as it searched. at that moment, in the sky far away from the bitter life mountain range, its eyes lit up.


    ¡°i am amazing. i¡¯ve finally found it!¡±


    ¡°if my father was here, he would definitely recite a poem. as the smartest among my father¡¯s many descendants, i¡¯ll recite a poem on behalf of my father now.¡±


    ¡°once the parrot was born, what¡¯s so special about father? quickly call for father, i am here¡±


    the parrot proudly spoke, with only the regret in its heart that there was no one by its side to applaud its talented poetry.


    * * *

 Chapter 951 - Chapter 951 100,000 Statues of the Moon Rebel Hall

    chapter 951 100,000 statues of the moon rebel hall


    in the temple, the instant xu qing¡¯s hand touched the door, his entire body trembled.


    the vast will that had appeared many times before instantly enveloped his mind from the temple¡¯s door.


    it didn¡¯t give him any chance to react or retreat. this will was like the sea, instantly flooding xu qing¡¯s mind and drowning everything. after that, it transformed into waves of intense pain.


    this intense pain spread out from every inch of his flesh and blood and erupted from every bone, sweeping out like a storm.


    it was as though countless sharp blades were cutting his flesh piece by piece and scraping his bones.


    the sudden drastic change caused xu qing¡¯s heart to tremble. at the next instant, the pain changed. however, it didn¡¯t weaken but became stronger.


    it transformed into flames that burned all parts of his body.


    immediately after, the burning dissipated and rotting intent formed. regardless of whether it was his body or soul, they felt as though they had sunk into the netherworld at this instant. even though xu qing had experienced many serious injuries in the past, this intense pain still caused his entire body to tremble.


    however, he couldn¡¯t faint.


    at the next moment, the pain of being bitten appeared on top of the rotting.


    it was as though he was in a huge mouth where his body was bitten off piece by piece and chewed into minced meat.


    the most terrifying thing was that all of the pain was constantly magnified. in the end, when it reached the extreme, it became indescribable torture.


    in just a while, even with xu qing¡¯s determination, he couldn¡¯t help but let out a muffled sound. his body trembled violently and he could no longer stand steadily.


    ten breaths later, everything reversed and all the pain instantly dissipated.


    the only thing seeping out was sweat, trickling through the cracks of the statue, splashing on the ground.


    xu qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. the vast divine sense that filled his mind echoed in his mind for a long time.


    ¡°this is what it is like when the crimson goddess¡¯ curse erupts. the pain you will have to endure in the future is also the torment that all living beings in this region will have to endure.¡±


    ¡°this is also the third test. you don¡¯t have to complete it. you just have to experience the pain of the curse in depth.¡±


    ¡°then, in the future, do you want this to happen?¡±


    ¡°if you don¡¯t, if you want to struggle, if you want to resist, push open this door. you¡¯re welcome to join our moon rebel hall!¡±


    the divine sense dissipated.


    everything was an illusion.


    xu qing lifted his head. he finally knew what the third test was.


    ¡°let all the participants feel the pain of the eruption of the curse and firm their hearts of rebelling against the moon.¡±


    xu qing mumbled, but he soon froze.


    ¡°if this is the third test, then what was the test i took to blast open the pathway?¡±


    xu qing hesitated and his expression was a little strange. he turned his head and glanced at the altar, falling silent.


    a while later, xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. he no longer thought about these trivial matters. he lifted his hand and pushed the wooden door of the temple.


    the creaking sound as the door opened carried a sense of time and antiquity as it echoed in xu qing¡¯s ears.


    a strange world was reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    the sky was a long-lost blue, with sunlight scattering across the firmament, and all around was a curtain formed by flowing light.


    waves of fragrance gushed into xu qing¡¯s nose and gentle light seeped into his eyes.


    compared to the darkness in the moon worship region, the first impression this place gave to xu qing was like a paradise.


    even xu qing, who had come from another region, felt this way. one could imagine the shock of those living beings who had been here for generations.


    xu qing¡¯s heart was stirred, and he took a step out of the temple. in front of him was an ancient bronze cauldron covered in rust. the temple was located on a mountain.


    this was the only mountain in this world.


    this mountain was infinitely large and countless temples were built on it. some were pitch-black and some shone brightly. however, every temple exuded the feeling of ancientness.


    ¡°this should be the moon rebel hall.¡±


    xu qing, who was at the foot of the mountain, lifted his head and looked up. a feeling of insignificance involuntarily rose in his heart.


    he saw nine larger temples floating in the sky above the huge mountain.


    they were high and mighty and emitted a vast might. among them, five of them emitted boundless light and one could vaguely see the boundless auspiciousness of the statues inside.


    the other four were dim and listless.


    above the nine temples was the sun that illuminated all the light. however, upon closer inspection, xu qing could see that there was actually a temple in the sun.


    however, its door was tightly shut.


    it was clearly built on the sun but the moment xu qing saw this temple, he instinctively had a feeling that this temple¡­ was dead. there were no gods inside.


    or to be precise, there was no one in it!


    other than that, xu qing also saw statues similar to him entering and exiting the countless temples on the huge mountain. they came and went and occasionally communicated with each other.


    this liveliness caused xu qing to feel a little dazed. it was as though he had arrived in a god¡¯s kingdom.


    even to the point that he had a bizarre thought, he instinctively looked back at the temple behind him.


    ¡°as if the world i am in is just within this temple¡­¡±


    xu qing shook his head and waved away this thought. he knew that this was impossible. hence, he controlled his statue body to rise into the air and observe the moon rebel hall in greater detail.


    time flowed by. under xu qing¡¯s observation, he finally had some basic understanding of this moon rebel hall.


    if a temple was dim, it meant they were unoccupied and inaccessible.


    the flickering light indicated that there was a spirit inside. even if the owner wasn¡¯t around, as long as it wasn¡¯t actively restricted, the other statues could enter freely.


    almost every temple had a different number of light clusters, each of which held information about transactions.


    ¡°the initial function of this moon rebel hall is a place of trade?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought. he walked into the temples to take a look and confirmed this.


    outside every temple, there were bronze cauldrons. some of them were empty but some had incense sticks inserted. incense curled up, giving off a feeling of prosperity.


    xu qing was a little puzzled about this. he didn¡¯t know how the incense in the bronze cauldron appeared.


    this lasted until he observed for a long time. he discovered that every time a statue entered someone¡¯s temple and completed the transaction, the number of incense sticks in the temple¡¯s bronze cauldron would change.


    sometimes, there was one less, and sometimes there was an additional.


    ¡°it feels like a reputation¡­¡± xu qing fell silent. when he looked at the temples again, he felt that they were like shops.


    xu qing pondered and searched. in the end, he found a light cluster in a temple and sensed that the owner of this temple needed to trade for some poisonous pills. the items he put up for exchange were some precious medicinal herbs.


    there were a few stalks inside. when xu qing saw them, he was tempted. he felt that this person should be an extraordinary alchemy master. just as he was checking, the statue on the altar suddenly moved. it opened its eyes and looked at xu qing, emitting a cold voice.


    ¡°you¡¯ve been watching for a long time. if you don¡¯t want to exchange, feel free to leave.¡±


    xu qing fell silent and asked.


    ¡°i wonder what type of poison pill you need?¡±


    the statue glanced at xu qing and calmly spoke.


    ¡°i am cultivating a physique that is immune to a hundred poisons, so any poison pills will do.¡±


    xu qing thought about it and took out one of his poison pills, adding a reminder.


    ¡°the potency of my poisonous pill is a little unique. fellow daoist, please try it gradually.¡±


    as he spoke, xu qing placed the poison pill into the light cluster.


    the statue chuckled inwardly, thinking that it had received such warnings many times before, but most of them were ordinary. after sensing it again, it felt that this pill was still acceptable, so the transaction was completed.


    very soon, a medicinal herb that xu qing wanted was revealed in the light cluster and landed in xu qing¡¯s hand. at the next instant, a weak fluctuation appeared in his mind.


    this fluctuation contained a simple divine sense. he could choose ¡®dissatisfied¡¯ or ¡®satisfied¡¯.


    after xu qing chose ¡®satisfied¡¯, an incense stick appeared in the bronze cauldron outside the temple.


    ¡°so it works like this.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s interest was piqued and he left the temple. before he left, he looked at the statue and reminded it again.


    ¡°fellow daoist, you have to be careful. in the beginning, you can scrape off some medicine powder and try it. it¡¯s best not to swallow it at once.¡±


    ¡°you may leave now.¡± the statue furrowed its brow, sounding somewhat impatient and cold.


    seeing how confident the other party was, xu qing thought to himself that there were always more knowledgeable people, and perhaps he was too naive. he decided not to persuade any further and turned to leave.


    as he walked in this world of the moon rebel hall, xu qing looked around. he felt that this moon rebel hall was different from what he had thought in the past. in addition, he had been to many temples and had a better understanding of this place.


    not only were there items traded here, but there was also information, requests for help, and wanted posters¡­ there were all kinds of things.


    there was also some information about the curse.


    one of the items related to the curse attracted xu qing¡¯s attention because it was too expensive.


    that was the curse-resolving pill!


    xu qing only knew about the curse-resolving pill after he and his eldest senior brother were wanted by the yin yang flower sect. he understood its value and purpose, but he was still shocked by its price.


    the pill couldn¡¯t be bought with spirit stones and was in limited supply. to acquire it, one had to either trade valuable treasures or complete specific tasks assigned by the supplier.


    among the heavenly treasures, xu qing saw red heavenly fire crystals. the number needed for the transaction was 20!


    xu qing had red heavenly fire crystals. he knew that this item was very rare. 20 of them could basically allow a small race to complete a tribute to the red moon.


    as for missions, most of them were related to the spirit repository, such as hunting down designated spirit repository experts and exchanging their souls in return.


    there were also some that required signing a soul contract and making sufficient contributions to the other party.


    xu qing checked for a long time. after buying information about the curse in many temples, he finally returned to his small temple at the foot of the mountain. on the way, he met a few neighbors.


    the statues in the nearby temples all had strange expressions in their eyes when they saw xu qing, especially in the temple adjacent to his. as xu qing returned, a statue emanating an orange light stepped out.


    this statue appeared to be a burly man, with a bold chest and some stone streamers adorning his body. it had a formidable appearance and was glaring at xu qing with intense disapproval.


    xu qing sensed this and became vigilant. he quickly returned to the altar in the temple. the moment he closed his eyes, he appeared in the room behind the apothecary.


    sensing that his surroundings were normal, xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. he recalled the scenes in the moon rebel hall and felt that it was strange. after a while, xu qing took out the jade slip about the curse he had traded and fused his divine consciousness into it.


    at the same time, in the moon rebel hall, after xu qing left, the statue of the burly dude with protruding breasts looked at xu qing¡¯s temple and let out a cold snort.


    ¡°i thought he was some formidable character, continuously bombarding for over a month, making it seem like he¡¯s so powerful. he disturbed my peace!¡±


    at the same time, in a small temple at the other end of the mountain, the door creaked open and a skinny statue with six eyes walked out.


    on each of the statue¡¯s shoulders stood a divine bird. after it walked out, the statue stretched out its arms and spoke proudly with a smug expression.


    ¡°little qing, it¡¯s not that eldest senior brother is deliberately late, but i¡¯m really too outstanding. i actually obtained the qualifications to enter the moon rebel hall halfway through a small matter. sigh, i¡¯m too outstanding. i have no choice but to continue being outstanding.¡±


    ¡°moreover, with little qing¡¯s actual situation, he probably won¡¯t be able to enter considering the difficulty of this assessment. it¡¯s a pity that i can only enjoy the scenery here alone.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s also that silly bird. i wonder if it has reached the bitter life mountain range. i hope it doesn¡¯t croak halfway¡­¡±

 Chapter 952 - Chapter 952 You... Youre Poisoned! (1)

    chapter 952 you¡­ you¡¯re poisoned! (1)


    late at night, the world was shrouded in darkness, with only sporadic lights flickering in the small cities of the bitter life mountain range, their glow hazy in the wind.


    the whimpering wind continued to blow. occasionally, some sand would be lifted and swept into the earth city.


    although there wasn¡¯t much sandy wind that could reach the mountain range, it still made rustling sounds when it landed on the door, occasionally causing unease. however, after a while, one could become accustomed to it.


    at least to xu qing, this was the case. the whistling wind outside the house had already become a part of his life in this half a year. at that moment, he retracted his divine consciousness from the jade slip that talked about the curse and a strange glint appeared in his eyes.


    it had been three days since he returned from the moon rebel hall. during these three days, xu qing had been analyzing the curse information. now, he had finally comprehended all of it.


    ¡°the research of the people from the moon rebel hall on the curse has actually reached such a microscopic level.¡±


    xu qing mumbled. he felt that the curse information he had exchanged for the poisonous pills and spirit stones was very worth it.


    this information was quite comprehensive. clearly, it wasn¡¯t completed by one generation. they seemed to have been passed down over many years, containing tests and numerous speculations on various types of curses.


    ¡°some individuals, through multiple experiments, have confirmed that this curse possesses life¡­¡±


    ¡°there are also people who discovered that there are subtle differences in the curses of the various races after investigating over a hundred races. it appears that some groups have fewer curses from birth, but these curses gradually accumulate over time.¡±


    ¡°there are also people from the moon rebel hall who specialize in studying the changes in the eruption of the curse and sorted out 137 different reactions. it seems that the details of different races are different the moment the curse erupts.¡±


    ¡°this curse can be customized to inflict specific torment on different races. for example, the sun set race is naturally deficient in physical pain sensitivity, so when the curse erupts within their race, it targets their soul.


    ¡°there¡¯s another principle that was also studied by the moon rebel hall. that is¡­ the curses of different races can be mixed.¡±


    ¡°the curses in the bodies of all living beings in the moon worship region aren¡¯t static. the curses in the bodies of different races can be overlaid and influenced by mouths and bloodlines.¡±


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. this method opened up many of his thoughts. before this, he had never thought that curses could be used like this.


    for example, someone mixed the curse that mainly targeted souls into a race that wasn¡¯t afraid of souls being damaged. after that, the curse of this race was mixed, reducing the torture at the moment it erupted.


    ¡°the curses of different races are different, and because of this, there is alternating fusion¡­ this is the principle of the curse-resolving pill.¡±


    xu qing lowered his head and took out one of the many jade slips in front of him that recorded the curse information. this jade slip described this method and xu qing finally understood why the price of the curse-resolving pill was so high and there were very few of them.


    ¡°any curse-resolving pill requires the integration of the characteristics of many races to achieve an all-round offset, allowing the curse of the person who swallowed it to be alleviated.¡±


    ¡°in addition, for higher levels, it needs to be custom-made by alchemy masters and concocted according to the characteristics of the customer¡¯s race.¡±


    ¡°in other words, the curse-resolving pill is actually a curse pill that is mixed with the curse power of many races. however, the details require a large number of concoctions and refinement, so that after these curses are mixed, their might won¡¯t be increased but they will offset each other.¡±


    ¡°using the curse to resist the curse and mutually reinforcing to counter it.¡±


    xu qing sighed with emotion. he understood that the information he had obtained was only the tip of the iceberg of what the moon rebel hall had obtained from those who studied the curse. even though xu qing had only obtained a corner of it, he could deeply sense the wisdom of the moon rebel hall cultivators.


    ¡°if this progress continues, perhaps there will really be a day in the future when they can create a pill that perfectly offsets the eruption of the curse. this way, there will be a possibility of escaping this region.¡±


    ¡°the prerequisite is that¡­ the crimson goddess didn¡¯t change the method of curse, and the inheritance of knowledge wasn¡¯t lost because of the destruction by the crimson goddess.¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath. after studying this information, he already realized that the curse-resolving pill would be his breakthrough point in the curse.


    ¡°i have the power of the same source as the red moon. to a certain extent, i can also use this to release the curse. in theory, my blessing not only deepens the curse but also consumes it.¡±


    ¡°as for the direction earlier, i went in the wrong direction. i wanted to resolve the curse in one go, but because my purple moon level isn¡¯t high enough, it¡¯s too difficult.¡±


    ¡°then, if i weaken the curse¡­¡±


    xu qing fell silent for a moment before determination appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°i need a curse-resolving pill to verify my guess.¡±


    with this thought in mind, xu qing took out the mirror and entered the moon rebel hall again.


    at the next instant, at the foot of the mountain range where the moon rebel hall was located, the eyes of the statue on the altar of a small temple instantly opened.


    xu qing didn¡¯t act rashly. he stood on the altar and first sensed his surroundings. after confirming that there was nothing wrong, he controlled the statue and took a step forward.


    after landing, he stretched his body again and checked if there were any changes to the statue.


    it was still filled with cracks and looked the same as before. it was an old man in a long robe with a gourd on his back.


    everything was normal.


    only then did xu qing push open the temple¡¯s door and walk out.


    looking at the blue sky and bright light here, as well as the statues coming and going, he didn¡¯t hesitate and joined them.


    this time, his goal was very clear. he wanted to find a curse-resolving pill that he could exchange for. on the way, he passed by the temple where he had traded the poison pills three days ago and instinctively took a look.

 Chapter 953 - Chapter 953 You... Youre Poisoned! (2)

    chapter 953 you¡­ you¡¯re poisoned! (2)


    although there was light in the temple, it seemed that the owner wasn¡¯t there.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care too much. he quickly left and looked at other temples. however, there were too many temples here and it was very difficult to check them all at once. even if he encountered someone selling curse-resolving pills, xu qing couldn¡¯t satisfy the requirements.


    as for the temple that had put the pill on sale for twenty red heavenly fire crystals, when xu qing went there, he discovered that the trade was stopped for some reason and outsiders weren¡¯t allowed to enter.


    xu qing felt some regret about this. after searching for a long time, he could only exchange for some information on the curse in other temples before leaving.


    time flowed by and very soon, ten days passed.


    during these ten days, xu qing digested the information and studied the ferocious beast curse. almost every day, he would spend half of his time immersed in the moon rebel hall, constantly searching for a curse-resolving pill that he could trade.


    during this period, he closely monitored the temple that requested heavenly fire crystals, but it remained closed.


    there was also the master who had traded poison pills with xu qing to cultivate the hundred poison immunity body. this master¡¯s temple wasn¡¯t closed; it could be entered, but the statue didn¡¯t have a spirit.


    on several occasions, xu qing entered the temple and found that the floating light clusters within had not been updated for a long time. some of the light clusters were even empty of medicinal herbs.


    it was as though after the transaction with xu qing was completed, this master never came to the moon rebel hall again¡­


    ¡°could there be a problem after taking the poison pill?¡± xu qing was somewhat surprised and also a bit uneasy. he had no enmity with the other party¡­


    however, xu qing had clearly reminded the other party.


    ¡°i should be thinking too much. after all, those who are cultivating the body that is immune to all poisons are all experts.¡± xu qing pondered and felt that he might have been overthinking. perhaps that master didn¡¯t appear because of other things.


    with this thought in mind, xu qing left.


    in the next few days, the other party still didn¡¯t appear¡­


    until one day, as xu qing continued to search for the curse-resolving pill, going in and out of one shimmering temple after another, the entire moon rebel hall suddenly started to tremble.


    a dazzling light erupted from the sky, and a terrifying energy fluctuation rose, enveloping the entire moon rebel hall mountain.


    xu qing sensed it and walked out of the temple.


    he wasn¡¯t the only one. at that moment, many statues walked out and looked at the sky.


    in the sky, among the nine ancient temples under the sun, the door of one of the temples suddenly opened. endless light emitted from it, and a huge figure appeared in the temple.


    its appearance caused the entire moon rebel hall to sway. auspicious colors appeared in the sky and a brilliant light spread out.


    ¡°greetings, deputy hall master!¡±


    voices filled with respect instantly rang out from the mouths of the statues. after they gathered together, they transformed into a huge sound wave that spread in all directions.


    xu qing was among them and his heart churned. this was the first time he had seen the higher-ups of the moon rebel hall. although he couldn¡¯t directly sense the exact cultivation level of the deputy hall master due to the barrier of the statue, the fact that this person¡¯s presence could cause such a change in the moon rebel hall indicated that their cultivation was undoubtedly extraordinary.


    at the same time, as the door of the temple opened and the statue walked out, under the endless light, a deep voice echoed in all directions like thunder.


    ¡°i am here to inform you of three things.¡±


    ¡°first, the entire moon worship region is experiencing a storm, with cultivators from all over rebelling against their fate. the spark is about to ignite the whole region!¡±


    ¡°secondly, with our help in the past half a year, we successfully destroyed five red moon branch temples and killed 11 divine envoys, dozens of divine servants, and hundreds of divine slaves!¡±


    ¡°thirdly, according to confirmed news, the ruler¡¯s heir and princess mingmei have recovered from their injuries. we are trying our best to contact them. once we succeed in contacting them, our moon rebel hall will welcome glory!¡±


    ¡°everyone, the red moon isn¡¯t eternal!¡±


    the voices of the statues echoed and waves of surging emotions rose in the hearts of a large number of statues. many closed temples even opened. their masters had returned.


    in the end, all the statues spontaneously bowed to the sky and responded with the same words.


    ¡°hope is what lasts forever!¡±


    the sound was so loud that it resounded through the whole world.


    the seed of hope was planted again.


    xu qing stood among them and looked at the huge statue in the sky. the feeling was extremely intense. after the statue announced these things, it didn¡¯t say anything and returned again. the temple door closed.


    although he had left, the information he spread here would spread through the entire moon worship region as quickly as possible.


    xu qing fell into deep thought. he looked at the excited statues in the surroundings and was about to leave. however, when his gaze swept over, he discovered that the temple that he had been paying attention to for a long time that asked for heavenly fire crystals had also opened.


    he immediately flew over. after stepping into the temple, he sensed the ball of light inside and found the exchange point for the curse-resolving pill. without any hesitation, xu qing took out 20 red heavenly fire crystals and completed the transaction.


    the moment he obtained the curse-resolving pill, xu qing felt at ease. he then turned and left.


    at that moment, following the deputy hall master¡¯s announcement, all the statues capable of coming returned, making the place lively and bustling.


    at a glance, it was as though the gods and demons were dancing in all directions.


    however, the temple that had traded poison pills with xu qing was still the same¡­


    xu qing didn¡¯t know what to say. he looked silently, then quickly returned to his own temple and chose to return.


    at the same time, in the green sand desert, a colorful light was moving forward rapidly. behind it, the green sandstorm faintly revealed whiteness.


    it was as though the green wind was transforming into white wind!


    the parrot inside had a look of horror on its face as it cursed while flying.

 Chapter 954 - Chapter 954 You... Youre Poisoned! (3)

    chapter 954 you¡­ you¡¯re poisoned! (3)


    ¡°what the heck, didn¡¯t i just take a leisurely flight and got a bit slow, and took a dump in the quicksand pit? how did the wind turn white!¡±


    as the parrot fled in horror and teleported many times in an attempt to escape the sandstorm that was gradually turning white, xu qing¡¯s figure was revealed in the back room in the earth city of the bitter life mountain range.


    he sat down cross-legged with anticipation in his eyes. he then took out the curse-resolving pill he had traded and observed it attentively.


    this pill was colorful and looked very strange, but the curse aura it emitted was very obvious.


    xu qing didn¡¯t act rashly. this curse-resolving pill was too precious and he had no spare means to obtain a second one. he could only thoroughly research the single pill he had.


    he first took a look and carefully observed the outer layer of the pill. after that, he placed it in front of him and smelled it again and again. a look of contemplation appeared in his eyes as he quickly analyzed.


    ¡°it doesn¡¯t feel like it was formed with medicinal herbs.¡±


    ¡°but it certainly contains curses, and not just one, but many strands¡­ with the focus being on the material within it.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a substance that can absorb the power of the curse.¡±


    xu qing continued to analyze.


    ¡°the quantity of each curse strand varies, and it should be based on the power of curses from different races, which then transforms into a prescription.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s interesting how all these curses are clearly from the same source, but they manifest differently.¡±


    ¡°but, in the end, it¡¯s still a curse. although ingesting it can alleviate pain, the curse isn¡¯t actually reduced; it multiplies instead.¡±


    ¡°especially as the curse quantity increases, it triggers a lot of chain reactions, such as the consumption of vitality and the decline of cultivation¡­ this is the side effect of the curse-resolving pill.¡±


    ¡°drinking poison to quench thirst¡­¡±


    xu qing sighed with emotion. after that, he lifted his left hand and the purple moon power in his body gathered, forming purple threads.


    there were about a few hundred of them. after they fluttered in front of him, with a thought from xu qing, these purple threads headed straight for the curse-resolving pill.


    they quickly pierced into the pill and fused into it. every thread came into contact with the different curses in the curse-resolving pill and began to imitate them.


    this was something impossible for others. however, xu qing¡¯s purple moon came from the same source as the red moon, the transformations that the red moon could induce, he could also achieve.


    however, he previously lacked reference points and sufficient experiments, but now all the answers were contained within the curse-resolving pill. for xu qing, this was an unlocked door.


    time slowly passed and xu qing¡¯s expression became increasingly solemn. the purple threads he emitted were adjusted one by one in this continuous simulation, changing according to different curses.


    throughout the entire process, he was extremely cautious. he controlled the fluctuations of hundreds of threads and did his best not to trigger the curse in the pill.


    six hours later, even under such focused control, there were still some mistakes.


    in an instant, this extremely precious curse-resolving pill shook. at the next moment, all the curses churned and collapsed, turning into black ashes that fell to the ground through xu qing¡¯s fingers.


    xu qing didn¡¯t have any regrets. a strange glint appeared in his eyes. in these six hours, he had completed simulating all the curse power of more than 300 different races contained in this curse-resolving pill.


    he looked at the black ashes on the ground, and let out a soft exclamation. he pinched a handful and held it in front of him, finding it more and more familiar.


    ¡°this is¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes flashed as he took out a pouch and poured out the black ashes inside. after comparing them, he discovered that both were exactly the same.


    xu qing¡¯s black ashes were obtained from the ferocious beasts. it was what their bodies transformed into after the curses had fully erupted. back then, he hadn¡¯t felt it had any use, but he had stored it away.


    from the looks of it, this was the material used to absorb the curse.


    ¡°in other words, every curse-resolving pill uses the bones of a cursed lifeform as the basic ingredient.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. a long time later, he grabbed a lump of black ash and the purple moon power in his body spread out, transforming into hundreds of threads that quickly fused into it. according to his previous research, he quickly simulated wisps of different curses and attached them to the black ash.


    during this process, the ball of black ash began to shrink. the color on it gradually changed until it became multicolored. its size also changed.


    xu qing squeezed and an irregular pill appeared in his palm.


    on the surface, it looked similar to the curse-resolving pill and its aura was exactly the same. however, its essence was different.


    this was because all the curses in it were actually formed by xu qing¡¯s purple moon power.


    ¡°if i were to compare the red moon¡¯s curse to an enemy army, the current state of my purple energy is like changing into an enemy¡¯s clothes and altering my appearance. this way, it¡¯s difficult for the enemy to discover the truth, allowing me to successfully blend in with them.¡±


    ¡°using this method, it can instantly erupt from within the enemy army, thus neutralizing some of the curse before they can devour it.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s thoughts were clear. he took out an experimental ferocious beast. it was a scorpion. after it appeared, it shivered and didn¡¯t dare to raise its tail.


    xu qing took a look and placed the pill in his hand beside its mouth.


    ¡°eat.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    the scorpion didn¡¯t dare to refuse and could only obediently swallow it. after that, its body trembled even more. in just over ten breaths of time, it collapsed and turned into black ashes.


    ¡°the disguise wasn¡¯t successful.¡±


    xu qing frowned. after recalling the refinement process earlier, he took out the black ash again and adjusted it slightly before continuing to refine.


    days passed and xu qing¡¯s attempts continued. every time he failed, he would make minor adjustments. finally, on the dusk of the tenth day, his pill successfully disguised itself.

 Chapter 955 - Chapter 955 You... Youre Poisoned! (4)

    chapter 955 you¡­ you¡¯re poisoned! (4)


    the ferocious beast that ate the pill didn¡¯t collapse. in fact, the curse in its body even stabilized.


    xu qing¡¯s heart stirred as he looked at the curse-resolving pill he had made. this was the result of his painstaking research over the past six months.


    while there were still some differences due to the approach he had taken, the results were not far from the authentic curse-resolving pill.


    ¡°the direction of the curse-resolving pill is to alleviate the pain of the curse. my direction¡­ is to completely neutralize the curse, and alleviating the pain is only a side effect.¡±


    ¡°even if i can¡¯t do it now, this method shouldn¡¯t be wrong.¡±


    ¡°in addition, my purple moon power also needs to be improved¡­ i also have to gather more information about the curse. only then can it be gradually perfected.¡±


    xu qing had an expectant expression. with a wave of his hand, he was about to refine more curse-resolving pills. however, at the next instant, he suddenly raised his head and a sharp glint appeared in his eyes as he looked outside.


    with a sway of his body, he disappeared from the back room. when he reappeared, he was already beside the counter of the apothecary.


    ling¡¯er was happily recording the accounts. when she sensed xu qing¡¯s appearance, her body immediately turned white and entered xu qing¡¯s sleeve.


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor also showed a sharp expression. when he locked onto a direction, xu qing¡¯s expression softened slightly, and he looked out the window.


    a colorful light appeared out of thin air. after that, it entered the apothecary in a flash and appeared beside the foot-long xiaomiao.


    xiaomiao shook and didn¡¯t dare to move at all. the five-colored light transformed into a parrot and a proud voice rang out from its mouth.


    ¡°once the parrot was born, what¡¯s so special about father? quickly call for father, i am here¡±


    after saying that, the parrot looked at xu qing arrogantly.


    ¡°hey, you there, um, what¡¯s your name? chen-something-niu wants me to tell you to go light something up.¡±


    ¡°light something up?¡± xu qing furrowed his brows, not quite understanding what the parrot meant.


    ¡°how the hell would i know what to light? so-and-so asked me to tell you to light a fire, so get to it!¡±


    the parrot spoke proudly. after that, it turned its head and took a bite of xiaomiao, eating it noisily.


    xiaomiao shook and didn¡¯t dare to dodge.


    ling¡¯er hurriedly crawled out of xu qing¡¯s sleeve and glared at the parrot.


    ¡°shut up!¡±


    the parrot cast a sidelong glance at ling¡¯er, then at xu qing. it raised its head, adopted a classic pose, pointed its beak toward them, and continued to look proud.


    ¡°i won¡¯t!¡±


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor instantly moved over. however, the instant he got close, the parrot suddenly disappeared and teleported to the other side of xiaomiao, taking another bite.


    ¡°i won¡¯t!¡±


    this speed shocked even the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor. just as he was about to continue chasing, the parrot continued to blink and teleport around xiaomiao, taking bite after bite.


    ¡°i won¡¯t, won¡¯t, won¡¯t, won¡¯t!¡±


    just as the parrot was feeling smug, its body suddenly trembled. its small eyes widened and it coughed up a mouthful of blood.


    ¡°i¡­ gah¡­¡±


    ¡°you¡¯re poisonous!!¡±


    it glared angrily at xiaomiao, causing it to tremble. the parrot coughed up blood again and its body began to rot. it also sensed that it wasn¡¯t that xiaomiao was poisonous but that there was poison in its surroundings. hence, just as it was about to speak, it fell head first. after it landed on the ground, it looked at xu qing in horror.


    at the same time, xiaomiao quickly pulled out its roots and jumped down, crazily stepping on the parrot to take revenge.


    the parrot wailed and wanted to escape, but it couldn¡¯t do so. it could only continue to roll on the ground until the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor appeared. the parrot didn¡¯t dare to move anymore, its eyes filled with incomparable fear.


    xiaomiao didn¡¯t dare to continue. it slowly crawled back and planted itself back.


    xu qing was expressionless. he sat at the side and looked at the parrot struggling on the ground.


    ¡°now, can you talk properly?¡±


    the parrot nodded rapidly. it finally understood why its father was afraid of this person in front of him. this person was unreasonable and even poisoned his own people.


    ¡°martial uncle xu, can you detoxify the poison for me first¡­¡± after saying that, the parrot coughed up blood again. it was on the verge of death and its body was about to rot.


    xu qing waved his hand. most of the poison in the parrot¡¯s body dissipated and it instantly perked up. however, after xu qing¡¯s gaze swept over, its body trembled and it hurriedly became obedient.


    ¡°martial uncle xu, i was wrong. martial uncle erniu really asked me to tell you to light the fire. i don¡¯t know what it is either. it seems to be related to the sun.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought and looked at the parrot. the other party¡¯s speed earlier surprised him a little, so he asked.


    ¡°what abilities do you have?¡±


    ¡°i can teleport. i¡¯m the fastest among my father¡¯s descendants, and my teleportation ability is not affected by any adverse conditions or sealed places. in the past, when my father was in danger, i always teleported him away. in short, i¡­ i mean, i can teleport.¡±


    after the parrot finished speaking, it carefully looked at xu qing.


    xu qing nodded and was about to speak when he sensed something and walked to the window.


    the wind blew from the horizon into the earth city. the house trembled and the wooden door swayed. it also blew onto xu qing¡¯s face, lifting his hair.


    in the distant world, a storm connected to the sky. the sandy wind was like a sea of fog, constantly churning and spreading. bolts of lightning flashed inside and rumbled back in all directions.


    it was as though there was a god inside, driving the sandstorm forward. wherever it passed, the sky would change color and the wind and clouds would stir.


    it was a sandstorm.


    its color was rapidly changing from green to white.


    the howling sound at this moment reverberated intensely, as if the heavens wept, and the earth mourned, as if they were to bury all living beings, with all creation as their funeral offerings.


    a terrifying pressure descended on the entire desert as the white sandstorm appeared.


    it swept through the ground, covered the sky, and affected the bitter life mountain range, causing everything in the outside world to be hazy white at this moment, emitting a dense ominous feeling.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was solemn. he lowered his head and looked at his feet. the shadow was hunting outside and hadn¡¯t returned¡­

 Chapter 956 - Chapter 956 Terrifying Figure in the Sandstorm

    chapter 956 terrifying figure in the sandstorm


    ¡°green wind changing color¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled to himself and his gaze deepened. the white wind outside the window made him feel a little uneasy.


    any changes in the world were either related to the world¡¯s laws or the interference of unimaginable powers, such as the eruption of the heavenly fire sea, or the wind in the green desert at this moment.


    ¡°is there a connection between the two?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s understanding of the moon worship region was ultimately too little and there were too many things in this world that couldn¡¯t be explained. at that moment, in silence, xu qing lifted his hand and stretched out the window, catching a grain of white sand in the wind and bringing it in front of him.


    this sand was pure white and seemed to have a life of its own. it struggled in xu qing¡¯s hand and after discovering that it couldn¡¯t break free, it actually tried to pierce into xu qing¡¯s skin.


    a golden light flashed in xu qing¡¯s right hand, stopping the sand from entering as he observed carefully.


    a long time later, xu qing saw some clues. this white sand¡­ looked more like an insect egg.


    ¡°could it be that the green wind changed its color because an unknown existence dispersed its eggs, causing it to sweep through the entire desert and absorb nutrients?¡±


    xu qing revealed a contemplative expression. however, this was only his judgment and there was no evidence.


    as for whether the sand was an insect egg or not, it was only xu qing¡¯s senses without concrete evidence. after all, there were many strange things in the world, and one¡¯s senses may not always be reliable.


    ling¡¯er also revealed her head at this moment and looked outside with awe in her eyes. she could also sense the ominous intent contained in the white sandstorm.


    seeing xu qing¡¯s expression, the parrot felt a little guilty. it blinked but didn¡¯t tell him about its feces.


    a long time later, xu qing retracted his gaze from the sand and looked at the parrot.


    the parrot shuddered and hurriedly stood up straight.


    ¡°you can bring others with you when you teleport?¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°i can!¡± the parrot exclaimed loudly, but deep down, it thought, ¡®i can, but it depends on my mood.¡¯


    ¡°where is the captain?¡± xu qing continued to ask.


    ¡°he¡¯s on the west side of this region, near the shore of the sacrificial yin river,¡± the parrot quickly replied.


    xu qing didn¡¯t ask anymore. although he didn¡¯t know what the captain meant by lighting something up, since it was related to the sun, it should require his power of the golden crow.


    ¡°i can make a trip, but the shadow hasn¡¯t returned yet.¡±


    because of xu qing¡¯s research on curses, the shadow often went out to hunt for him. sometimes, it would return in a day or two, and sometimes, it would take five to six days.


    xu qing lifted his head and looked at the hazy whiteness between heaven and earth in the distance. he called out to the shadow but there was no response. this sandstorm isolated everything.


    xu qing could only rely on the faint connection to sense that the shadow was far away and didn¡¯t move much.


    if the parrot could return before the wind blew, logically speaking, it was impossible for the shadow to be stupid enough to be indifferent when it saw bai feng.


    ¡°brother xu qing, about little shadow¡­¡± ling¡¯er looked at xu qing, feeling a little worried.


    ¡°something should have happened. let¡¯s go take a look.¡±


    xu qing spoke calmly, glancing back at the small apothecary. he tidied up the items, pushed open the apothecary¡¯s door, and locked it behind him as he walked out. after some consideration, he also found a sign and wrote a message indicating that the shop would be closed for a few months before hanging it up.


    only then did he leave.


    the parrot and the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor had already flown out. one followed beside him and the other carefully landed on xu qing¡¯s shoulder.


    xu qing didn¡¯t bother with them and walked in the city.


    there were not many pedestrians on the streets, and those who were out were kneeling and muttering.


    the white sandstorm was blowing past the residences in earth city. most of the houses¡¯ doors were closed.


    the residents and the cultivators from the small forces in the surroundings wouldn¡¯t go out when the white sandstorm arrived unless they had no choice.


    only those deformed people would walk in the wind and kowtow repeatedly to the white world.


    ¡°white goddess awakens, serene by the fire river.¡±


    ¡°divine child descends, to save the suffering below.¡±


    ¡°amidst countless stars, our hearts remain aglow.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m willing to become the earth, nurturing all we know.¡±


    whispers rang out from the mouths of those deformed people who were kowtowing to the white wind. they were filled with persistence and piety. as they kowtowed, they unbuttoned the wide clothes that covered their bodies, revealing an extremely exaggerated and ugly body.


    their bodies were a shocking sight, as though they had once grown disorderly. a large number of meat strips hung down, and some even had limbs and faces on their stomachs.


    the meat strips all rose on their own and swayed in all directions.


    this scene caused the parrot to gasp and its eyes to widen.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze swept over and his expression was as calm as ever. he had already sensed it when he arrived here earlier. now, he wasn¡¯t too surprised and walked past these deformed people who were kowtowing and muttering.


    step by step, he walked out of earth city and arrived at the cliff at the edge.


    from here, the world was a blurry white. the whimpering wind wreaked havoc and circled around, and the entire world seemed to have turned into a white sea. countless grains of sand moved with the wind, blowing on xu qing¡¯s body and landing in his clothes, drilling into his flesh and blood.


    however, at the next instant, golden light flashed from xu qing¡¯s body and all the sand fell.


    after sensing the direction of the shadow, xu qing tightened his collar and moved forward. his entire person transformed into a rainbow and left the bitter life mountain range, stepping into the desert.


    his robe fluttered and the wind and sand drowned him.


    in the desert, xu qing sped forward. in this sandstorm, there was an endless amount of sand that enveloped him from all directions. he also faintly sensed waves of greed growing from all things.


    there was also the power of vitality that filled the world, causing the bodies of all living beings here to grow uncontrollably under this invasion.


    the sand wanted to crawl in at all times, wanting to parasitize flesh and blood.


    ¡°the white wind carries the power of catalysis.¡±


    ¡°if the sand is indeed insect eggs, it can explain the catalytic effect. this is catalyzing all living creatures to become hosts for the insect eggs.¡±


    ¡°the vast majority of catalysts will eventually be sucked dry and die.¡±


    ¡°only a few of them could escape after finding a mountain peak to hide. hence, there were those deformed people in the various earth cities in the bitter life mountain range.¡±


    ¡°however, their body conditions are irreversible and coexist with the insect eggs in their bodies. those meat strips should be formed by the insect eggs.¡±


    walking in the midst of the sandy winds, xu qing silently sensed and comprehended. simultaneously, he released his poison restriction power, extending it beyond his body, creating the only black presence within this expanse of white sandstorm.


    the moment all the sand and gravel came into contact with the black fog, they would emit sizzling sounds. after that, they would be dyed red and land on the ground like they were dead.


    however, there were too much gravel. xu qing understood that even if he had some ways to resist, he couldn¡¯t stay in this white desert for too long. hence, his speed increased.


    just like that, six hours slowly passed.


    there weren¡¯t many cultivators in the white desert. it was as though xu qing was the only one walking in the desert.


    the ground was also different from what xu qing had seen in the past.


    in the past, there was very little vegetation in the green sand desert. however, now, in this white sandstorm, white grass grew on the ground. those grass grew rapidly. at first, they were the length of a finger but soon, they reached the height of half a person.


    endless white grass swayed in the wind. as for the scene of this storm coexisting with the grassland, xu qing had never seen it elsewhere.


    this lasted until the white grass bloomed with flowers that were as white as cotton. they were like dandelions that were blown by the wind, or white feathers fluttering through the world.


    the color of the wind became even whiter.


    the greed in the sand grew increasingly intense. the white wind, white sand, and white fur filled the sky. what intensified further was the catalysis within this desert. in this wind, xu qing could feel every inch of his flesh and blood within him, exhibiting signs of spontaneous transformation and movement.


    it was as though it wanted to separate its body and continue growing until it collapsed.


    this malice that came from all directions caused xu qing to frown. he stopped in his tracks and the power of the poison restriction in his body spread out.


    ten feet, thirty feet¡­ in the blink of an eye, xu qing spread his poison to 100 feet, forming a black storm. after that, he continued to speed according to his perception.


    he had already sensed the location of the shadow and the distance between them was getting closer, causing the connection between them to increase. the shadow clearly sensed xu qing as well. hence, it intermittently scattered grievances and cries for help.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes turned cold. his previous judgment wasn¡¯t wrong. something had indeed happened to the shadow. hence, his body swayed and he sped up.


    at that moment, the shadow was wailing in pain in the white sandstorm that was some distance away from xu qing.


    under normal circumstances, all living beings wouldn¡¯t be able to hear its voice, but it was different now.


    it was restricted to the ground!


    a bronze dagger stained with golden blood nailed it to the white grass. no matter how it struggled, it was useless and it couldn¡¯t break free at all.


    every time it struggled, the dagger would emit a golden light, forming a falling force that continuously suppressed it. every time it was suppressed, the shadow would be heavily injured again and again.


    the black curtain it transformed into was covered in countless dandelions. they merged with it, their roots delving deep into the shadow¡¯s body, constantly devouring its vitality and forcibly assimilating it.


    this was the reason why the shadow wailed in pain.


    there were more than ten figures beside the shadow.


    they wore white robes and stood in the sandstorm, their appearances hidden. their robes covered everything and isolated them from the surrounding sandstorm.


    only its white eyes were revealed as it stared coldly into the distance.


    ¡°is your master not here yet?¡± in the crowd, the cultivator at the front glanced at the struggling shadow on the ground. after saying calmly, he raised his hand and performed a series of hand seals, pointing at the dagger.


    immediately, the dagger nailed to the shadow¡¯s body flickered and sank another inch deeper, emitting more golden light. the shadow¡¯s screams also became even more heart-rending.


    ¡°your voice isn¡¯t pleasant enough.¡±


    hearing the shadow¡¯s cry, the white-robed man was indifferent and calmly spoke.


    after that, he was about to continue suppressing it. however, at this moment, he seemed to have sensed something and lifted his head, his gaze landing on the horizon.


    the dozen or so companions beside him also sensed it one after another and coldly looked into the distance.


    the shadow was excited and let out a cry for help.


    a black storm appeared in the distant world.


    it was like the source of taint. regardless of whether it was dandelions or sand, they would instantly change color when they got close to this storm.


    the white dandelions turned black, as did the sand granules. they surrounded the storm and became part of the black storm.


    wherever the storm passed, the white grass would instantly turn black and wither.


    it was like an emissary of death who had descended into the world.


    when those white-robed men saw this scene, their hearts trembled.


    they were originally filled with confidence as they waited for the shadow¡¯s owner. however, now that they saw this black color, they instinctively thought of the legend of the green sand desert.


    all of them instantly became vigilant. even the white-robed cultivator leading the group held his breath as a solemn expression appeared in his eyes. he stared at the rapidly approaching black storm and the blurry figure that appeared step by step and let out a low shout.


    ¡°halt!¡±


    the storm didn¡¯t stop. the figure inside still walked over with a terrifying aura.


    a cold voice that didn¡¯t contain any emotions came out from the storm. it was like an icy cold wind that blew through the world.


    ¡°you all have a death wish!¡±

 Chapter 957 - Chapter 957 Let This Child Go!

    chapter 957 let this child go!


    as xu qing¡¯s words resonated, the black storm roared and enveloped the area, accompanied by bolts of lightning coursing through it, creating numerous arcs of electric light that spread across the land.


    his momentum was awe-inspiring, and the heavens and the earth changed in color.


    the shadow shivered intensely from excitement.


    it was touched.


    at this moment, it felt that all its previous hardships and efforts were worth it. its master had not given up on it. even among these white-robed individuals who had imprisoned it, there were three at the nascent soul stage, and the leader was even a dao nurturing spirit repository expert.


    however, master still chose to save it.


    hence, it hurriedly transmitted its emotions, releasing all its gratitude, grievances, and pain. its struggle became even more intense.


    as for the blurry figure in the storm, it walked over step by step. as it got closer, the terrifying pressure became increasingly intense.


    white appeared more often in the storms in the green sand desert, but the black color hadn¡¯t descended for hundreds of years.


    however, at that moment, this black storm was clearly reflected in the eyes of this group of white-robed people. they couldn¡¯t help but be surprised.


    this was especially so when they noticed that regardless of whether it was the dandelions or the sand, their colors instantly changed the moment they got close to the storm, becoming a part of it.


    all of this was exactly the same as the legendary black wind.


    everyone was shocked and looked at the blurry figure in the storm. some of them had already instinctively retreated.


    their race was different from the other races and had the mission to protect the desert. most of the ferocious beasts in the green sand desert were their pets.


    this was also the reason why they targeted the shadow.


    in the past half a year, the shadow had continuously captured the ferocious beasts in the desert. this matter caused their race to be dissatisfied. however, because white wind didn¡¯t appear, they couldn¡¯t rashly go out due to the ancient alliance.


    they had been paying attention to the shadow and confirmed the shadow¡¯s abilities through some ancient books. hence, after the white wind appeared, this team that was prepared to deal with the shadow received a mission from the race. they held a holy artifact that had been bestowed and nailed the shadow to the ground.


    originally, at this point, their mission had been completed. they only needed to bring the shadow back for punishment.


    however, the white-robed man who led the group didn¡¯t want to end it just like that. he could tell that the shadow had an owner, so he wanted to take advantage of this rare opportunity where they were let out and capture the shadow and its owner.


    however, the appearance of the black storm made all of them feel uneasy.


    they had lived in the desert for generations and had the innate talent to ignore the invasion of the white wind. their understanding of this desert far surpassed that of outsiders.


    they understood very well what the black storm represented.


    at that moment, the white-robed man in the lead stared fixedly at the blurry figure in the storm. in his eyes, the other party¡¯s cultivation fluctuations weren¡¯t very high but that black storm made him wary.


    hence, he didn¡¯t act rashly. instead, he made a gesture that only his clansmen could understand and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°over the past six months, you have been making your malevolent spirit slaughter our race¡¯s pets, disrupting the desert¡¯s environment, and stealing our sustenance.¡±


    ¡°such actions are unforgivable for our race, so i have been ordered to capture this malevolent spirit. at the same time, on behalf of our race¡¯s ancestor and others, i must ask you one question: what do you intend to do?¡±


    ¡°my race has no enmity with you. you have to give my race an explanation for this!¡±


    the blurry figure in the storm stopped in his tracks.


    xu qing was a reasonable person. the other party¡¯s words seemed to make sense. hence, he thought about it and calmly spoke.


    ¡°alright, what compensation do you want?¡±


    the white-robed man narrowed his eyes in surprise. he didn¡¯t expect the other party to really agree. hence, after some thought, he spoke.


    ¡°first of all, there are a total of 531 pets of my race that you snatched away. each of them is worth 100,000 spirit stones!¡±


    ¡°secondly, we will take this evil spirit away.¡±


    upon hearing this, the shadow was suddenly startled, and it emanated a sense of fear. however, in the next moment, it seemed to have detected something, swiftly surveying its surroundings. it then pretended not to have noticed and continued to display fear, continuing its wailing.


    the blurry figure in the storm fell silent for a moment before shaking his head.


    ¡°i can¡¯t afford it. can you reduce it?¡±


    the white-robed man glanced at the storm and then at xu qing.


    ¡°if you give us the method to form this storm, we can reduce the spirit stones compensation by 30%. however, we have to have this evil spirit.¡±


    xu qing remained silent. he couldn¡¯t afford this either.


    it wasn¡¯t that he was unreasonable but that the other party was unreasonable.


    since they were unreasonable, there was no need for him to compensate.


    xu qing¡¯s heart was calm as he took a step forward.


    however, the instant he took this step, the white-robed man suddenly leaped up. the dozen or so companions beside him performed hand seals at the same time. immediately, the white sandstorm in the surroundings skyrocketed and gathered from all directions, blasting toward the black storm.


    ¡°it¡¯s been a long time since we went out. are the cultivators outside so stupid these days? they actually gave us a chance to set up a formation.¡±


    the white-robed man sneered inwardly as he attacked together with his fellow race members, forming an astonishing white storm. it actually vaguely formed the phantom of a huge worm in the air and roared as it devoured the black storm and the figure inside.


    a rumbling sound echoed.


    however, these white-robed people, whose attention was all on the black storm, didn¡¯t notice the abnormal changes in the shadow.


    a figure completely concealed and impervious to detection was crouching beside the shadow, observing the dagger stuck into the shadow, having been studying it for a while.


    this person was none other than xu qing.


    as for the existence in the storm, it was the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor.


    xu qing knew that since they could trap the shadow, they were naturally not simple people. he guessed that there would be a trap. hence, he had made the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor to appear in the storm in his place to attract attention.


    as for himself, he hid and quietly arrived.


    he originally wanted to silently save the shadow and leave, but the golden dagger was extraordinary. not only could the aura spreading from it suppress the shadow, but even xu qing¡¯s heart was pounding.


    he could sense that this dagger seemed to be driven by the power of bloodline. if he didn¡¯t have the corresponding bloodline, it would be difficult to move it. it had a subtle glint, as though it could sense the external world, and if the user didn¡¯t meet its requirements, it would instantly reject them.


    hence, he was studying how to pull it out.


    ¡°not having the required bloodline means not only will you be unable to remove it upon contact, but it will also detect your presence and retaliate,¡± he muttered.


    ¡°the flickering glint on the blade is its response to the user, switching between light and dark in an instant. given my speed, it¡¯s not guaranteed that i can pull it out in that brief moment of opportunity.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s only one chance. in that case¡­ i can only use the time statis!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as a rumbling sound echoed in the distance. the black storm was torn apart by the white worm and the figure inside retreated, transforming into a fishbone that entered the desert and disappeared. the power of the sundial in xu qing¡¯s body erupted.


    he locked onto the dagger and froze it.


    in the next moment, during the flickering transition of the dagger¡¯s glint, there was a sudden pause. this pause was the instant when there was no glint on the dagger. xu qing swiftly raised his right hand and grabbed the dagger.


    his cultivation erupted and his physical strength surged as he ruthlessly pulled upward.


    in the blink of an eye, he pulled out the dagger. the shadow cheered and its entire body swayed. immediately, all the dandelions on its body disappeared. it quickly returned to xu qing¡¯s feet and hid itself.


    after doing this, xu qing immediately put the dagger into his storage bag. he didn¡¯t even turn his head as he turned and ran with all his might. his speed was astonishing and the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor also returned quickly.


    as for the white-robed people in the distance, the instant the black storm was destroyed, they sensed the abnormality in the shadow and their expressions changed drastically.


    ¡°this is fake!¡±


    as they let out furious shouts, these white-robed cultivators chased after xu qing. at this moment, the earth also fluctuated and terrifying fluctuations of the perfected spirit repository spread out from the desert.


    the experts of this race had clearly sensed what was happening outside and were rushing over.


    at this critical moment, the parrot swayed and wanted to escape first.


    it didn¡¯t care about xu qing¡¯s life or death. right now, it was feeling smug inwardly. it thought to itself that it had already completed the task of passing the message. since xu qing dared to poison it, he couldn¡¯t expect it to save him. his death had nothing to do with it.


    however, the instant it was about to teleport, xu qing grabbed it and calmly spoke.


    ¡°teleport!¡±


    the parrot felt the pain and cursed in its mind. helpless, it could only hurriedly teleport with them, but it was a little slow.


    xu qing frowned and squeezed hard. the parrot instantly let out a screech. after a feather turned to ashes, it erupted with the power of teleportation.


    all the restrictions in the surroundings were ignored as it instantly disappeared with xu qing.


    only the ashes of the feather scattered with the wind.


    at the next moment, this place rumbled and a huge vortex appeared on the desert. it emitted astonishing fluctuations that contained anger that swept in all directions.


    it wasn¡¯t just this place. in other directions of the desert, similar vortexes also appeared and they probed with all their might.


    as for the parrot¡¯s teleportation, it was clearly bragging before. its range wasn¡¯t very large, and at this moment, it appeared hundreds of kilometers away.


    however, it didn¡¯t matter. xu qing had long expected this. almost at the instant it appeared, he ruthlessly squeezed it again.


    the parrot screeched in agony, shedding more feathers, and teleported once more.


    just like that, under xu qing¡¯s request and actions, the parrot would shed its feathers every time it appeared. the teleportation also continued like this, bringing xu qing along as it sped toward the edge of the desert.


    in the end, the parrot¡¯s wails didn¡¯t have much strength left and it began to curse.


    ¡°you are no better than a beast, a heartless lunatic!¡±


    ¡°you, you, you! you¡¯re not worth anything. you¡¯re like a shadow bitten by a dog, devoid of any human essence!¡±


    ¡°you¡¯ve gone too far! you¡¯re a stone in a chicken coop, you scoundrel! i¡¯m going to die. dad, save me!¡±


    after dozens of teleportations, the parrot, which had already arrived at the edge of the green sand desert, didn¡¯t have much breath left.


    ¡°please, don¡¯t be like this. i¡¯m just a child. i really can¡¯t take it anymore¡­¡±


    its body trembled violently, and the fear within had reached its peak. its feathers were almost gone, leaving its body nearly bare.


    in this moment, as it gazed at xu qing, its small eyes were filled with terror. it believed that the expressionless figure before it was the most monstrous creature on this earth, the most horrifying menace beneath the sky.


    ¡®bastard!¡¯

 Chapter 958 - Chapter 958 Hunger From the Red Moons Authority (1)

    chapter 958 hunger from the red moon¡¯s authority (1)


    the parrot wailed inwardly but it didn¡¯t dare to continue cursing. instead, it cried and begged.


    ¡°martial uncle, i really can¡¯t do it anymore. i can¡¯t continue. please spare me¡­¡±


    xu qing glanced at the parrot.


    ¡°martial uncle, i, i¡­ i relied on the feathers on my body to teleport. i¡¯m still young and haven¡¯t gotten married. look, i don¡¯t have many feathers on me. the other birds will laugh at me when they see me.¡±


    the parrot cried. it wasn¡¯t lying about this. it did rely on its feathers for teleportation, and in the past, it had always been very proud of its colorful feathers.


    occasionally encountering other birds, it would feel a sense of superiority, looking down on those oddities with mixed feathers.


    from what it knew, it was the most beautiful bird in the world.


    but now¡­ as it looked at its bare body, grief and indignation filled its mind.


    when xu qing heard this, he sensed the fluctuations of pursuit in the distance. he then swept his gaze across the remaining dozen or so feathers on the parrot¡¯s body.


    ¡°aren¡¯t there a few left?¡±


    his right hand continued to clench.


    ¡°i curse you a miserable death!¡± the parrot let out a blood-curdling cry and teleported again, disappearing into the white sandstorm with xu qing. a feather landed and turned into dust that was blown away by the wind.


    at the next instant, xu qing¡¯s figure appeared hundreds of kilometers away. before the parrot could speak, xu qing squeezed again.


    miserable cries continued to echo¡­


    after more than ten times, when there was only one feather left on the parrot¡¯s body, xu qing finally shook off the pursuit of the strange race in the white wind with the help of the parrot.


    he was less than 15 kilometers away from the edge of the desert.


    in this location, the white wind was much thinner than deep within the desert, and the drifting dandelions became scarce as well.


    xu qing heaved a sigh of relief.


    as for the parrot, it now lay limp in xu qing¡¯s hand, resembling a mass of flesh. its expression was devoid of life, ashen, and its body had numerous small red spots.


    each of those small spots had once been a lush feather, but now¡­ only a single feather remained, solitary, perched on its wing.


    looking at the only feather it had left, the parrot looked dazed. when it set off a few months ago, it never dreamed that this journey would bring it such an experience.


    ¡°thank you.¡± xu qing glanced at the parrot and spoke softly.


    it would have been fine if he hadn¡¯t thanked it. now that he said this, the parrot cried again.


    ¡°my feathers¡­ how am i going to get married in the future? the other birds will definitely look down on me¡­¡±


    xu qing thought that the parrot could be quite useful. he pondered whether he should have a chat with wu jianwu when he returned, perhaps borrowing it for several decades. however, he wasn¡¯t sure if the parrot¡¯s feathers would genuinely regrow. so, he offered some comforting words to it.


    ¡°it¡¯s fine. they¡¯ll grow back.¡±


    ¡°although they will, it¡¯s very, very slow¡­¡± the parrot continued to cry.


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    as for the only feather on the parrot¡¯s wing, it kept swaying. ling¡¯er¡¯s heart softened when she saw this.


    ¡°brother xu qing, it is quite pitiful. there¡¯s only a feather left. we indeed didn¡¯t consider its feelings.¡±


    when the parrot heard this, it was touched. just as it was about to nod, ling¡¯er sighed softly.


    ¡°this is actually even uglier. why don¡¯t we teleport again, brother xu qing?¡±


    when the parrot heard this, its eyes widened and it instantly flew into a rage as it screamed at ling¡¯er.


    ¡°bats with chicken feathers, what kind of bird are you?¡±


    ¡°got a big brother and a second brother, who are you!¡±


    ¡°monkeys with diarrhea, your guts are all messed up!!¡±


    the parrot only had one feather left. at this moment, its heart was directly touched by ling¡¯er¡¯s soft-heartedness and it instantly went crazy.


    ling er shrank back against xu qing¡¯s collar and spoke softly, feeling a bit aggrieved.


    ¡°brother xu qing, it¡¯s so fierce but you can¡¯t blame it. it¡¯s still a child. i should have said something wrong¡­¡±


    when the shadow heard this, it instantly spread out, enveloping the surroundings of the parrot and emitting an unfriendly aura.


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor flew out and locked onto the parrot.


    the parrot shivered and felt even more grief and indignation. at that moment, the only thing it wanted was to hurry up and return to its father¡¯s place. it missed its father.


    xu qing raised his hand to gently pat ling¡¯er and ignored the parrot. instead, he turned his gaze towards the distance, a dark glint flashed in his eyes. in that direction, he sensed a familiar fluctuation.


    ¡°little shadow.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    the shadow quickly swayed. after sensing it, its body distorted and the outline of an old man appeared on the ground. there were also two moons behind the old man, as though they were chasing after him.


    ¡°li youfei?¡±


    muttering to himself, xu qing remembered that he had left a shadow eye on the other person. the fluctuation he was sensing right now was indeed from him.


    after pondering for a few breaths, xu qing moved closer to the source of the fluctuations.


    back then, xu qing chose not to kill li youfei. he left the shadow eye as a means of observation, and the other person had indeed proven to be consistent in character, with more righteousness than villainy. he had also not revealed xu qing¡¯s whereabouts.


    hence, xu qing retracted his killing intent and let the shadow continue to observe while he immersed himself in studying the curse.


    now that they had crossed paths and li youfei was being pursued by red moon shrine cultivators, xu qing decided to go and take a look. most importantly, the opportunity to encounter two isolated red moon divine slaves was a rare one.


    xu qing had already studied too many ferocious beast curses, and wanted to study the bodies of the shrine cultivators.


    ¡°according to my calculations in the past half a year or so, perhaps the red moon shrine cultivators don¡¯t have any curses in their bodies? or maybe there are very few curses? and there¡¯s a greater possibility that i can absorb them¡­¡±

 Chapter 959 - Chapter 959 Hunger From the Red Moons Authority (2)

    chapter 959 hunger from the red moon¡¯s authority (2)


    xu qing licked his lips and hid in the wind, preparing to hunt.


    dozens of kilometers away, at the edge of the green sand desert, a flesh monster was speeding.


    its body was as large as 50 feet tall, like a mountain of flesh. it had more than ten arms and seven to eight sarcomas that looked like heads.


    on one of the sarcomas hanging on its chest, there was an unrecognizable face.


    from the details, it could be seen that it was li youfei.


    however, at that moment, his face was pale and his aura was weak. his body had undergone serious mutations and his injuries were equally adverse. it was as though every breath of circulation of his cultivation base would cause intense pain in his internal organs and he would occasionally spurt out blood uncontrollably.


    this was especially so for the wound on his chest. there was a puncture wound there and many of his bones had shattered.


    what was even more astonishing was that there were still a large number of dandelions on his body, and they were crazily absorbing his life. at the same time, countless strips of flesh grew out of his body and dragged all over the ground. moreover, they were still spreading and growing.


    all of this made him look extremely bizarre.


    this was the result of being in the white sandstorm.


    behind him, two red figures were chasing after him unhurriedly.


    the fluctuations of nascent soul energy spread out and red fog surrounded them. with the enhancement from the power of the red moon, the two divine slaves were unfazed by the white sandstorm.


    they could have easily caught up, but now they were strolling leisurely, as if they were walking their dogs.


    ¡°li youfei, run faster. the border of the desert is just ahead.¡±


    ¡°after you step out of the boundary, you won¡¯t have to be tortured by this white goddess wind. there are still tens of kilometers left, you will reach there soon.¡±


    ¡°even if you manage to escape from here, the curse of my master on you is on the brink of eruption. remind me later whether it¡¯s the pain of my master¡¯s curse or the fury of this white goddess wind that afflicts you more.¡±


    ¡°or perhaps you could beg us, and we might just have a moment of compassion, and put an end to you right away.¡±


    the two divine slaves had a cruel look in their eyes. they had accidentally encountered li youfei in the white wind, and he had some reputation in their temple.


    after all, over the years, this person had been killing rogue cultivators who tried to side with the shrine. while he hadn¡¯t caused any major trouble, he had been a nuisance.


    however, such minor players were suitable for baiting, so the big shots didn¡¯t bother to act until the fish took the bait. and this person was skilled at hiding, which is why he had managed to stay alive until now.


    however, to the two of them, li youfei still had some value.


    if they could torment him to death, forcing the curse to erupt, then the transformed remains could fetch them some rewards from the temple.


    that was why they were moving leisurely.


    at that moment, li youfei¡¯s heart was filled with despair.


    he knew he was in a hopeless situation. while the white sandstorm had helped him evade those he had offended in the bitter life mountain range and deterred them from pursuing him, it had also inflicted severe harm upon him.


    his already injured body became weaker and weaker. the appearance of the divine slaves from the red moon shrine also caused the last trace of hope in his heart to dim.


    ¡°i can¡¯t escape¡­¡±


    li youfei smiled bitterly. he had experienced twists and turns in the bitter life mountain range all these years because he wanted to join the moon rebel hall. however, it wasn¡¯t easy to kill divine slaves, and finding them alone was even rarer.


    so, he had always been one short, until recently when he discovered that the top cultivator among the rogue cultivators in the bitter life mountain range had a disciple who had secretly become a divine slave. he took the risk to ambush him.


    however, before he could take the corpse away after killing him, the other party¡¯s master¡¯s divine consciousness descended and caused his body to collapse.


    the latter then started chasing his main body.


    if not for the arrival of the white wind, obscuring his traces, he would undoubtedly have met his end.


    in the end, he had no choice but to flee into the wind, all the way up to this point. after experiencing profound despair, his eyes now revealed determination and ruthlessness.


    ¡°even if i die, i¡¯ll drag one of them down with me!¡±


    li youfei¡¯s killing intent was intense. just as he intended to bait the two red moon divine slaves behind him, a miserable scream suddenly rang out from behind him.


    this scream was filled with horror. even the howling wind couldn¡¯t suppress it as it echoed in all directions.


    li youfei was stunned. he instinctively turned his head and saw a scene that caused his pupils to narrow!


    in the white wind behind him, a huge palm suddenly appeared. this palm was completely purple and was the size of a person. it actually grabbed a divine slave and dragged him into the wind.


    the entire process was extremely fast. the divine slave actually couldn¡¯t struggle at all. only a miserable scream rang out. moreover, when it was pulled into the wind, the divine slave¡¯s body rapidly withered as though its vitality had been devoured.


    as for the other divine slave, his expression changed drastically as though he had sensed something unbelievable. his body trembled intensely and horror appeared in his eyes.


    li youfei¡¯s breathing was hurried. he didn¡¯t know the exact reason for this scene but he understood that this was a chance to survive. hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate and ignored the seriousness of his injuries. all his cultivation base instantly erupted as he rushed forward.


    in an instant, he distanced himself and fled crazily, leaving this place.


    however, within this storm, the other divine slave had no intention of paying any heed to the fleeing li youfei. in this moment, a monumental storm surged within him. just a moment ago, he had felt the presence and fluctuations of the crimson goddess, the intensity of which surpassed everything he had ever encountered in his life, even surpassing all the divine servants he had seen and even the divine envoys themselves.


    ¡°god!¡±


    the divine slave¡¯s heart shook to the extreme. the qi, blood, and cultivation base in his body were shaking. as someone who had been blessed, he knew very well that his perception couldn¡¯t be wrong.


    the hand that killed his companion emitted the aura of his god.


    when his body was trembling from the aura, an ethereal voice slowly rang out from the wind.


    ¡°my servant, come to me¡­ come¡­¡±


    li youfei couldn¡¯t hear the sounds in the sandstorm. at that moment, he was already far away from this place and was moving closer and closer to the boundary.


    however, that divine slave heard it clearly. the voice contained the aura of the crimson goddess, causing his body to lose all resistance at this instant.


    as he shivered, he instinctively walked in that direction. step by step, he walked into the wind and was drowned by the whiteness.


    after a long time, a person walked out of the sandstorm.


    purple light flickered in his eyes. wherever he passed, the energy of the purple moon would spread out. in the white wind, this purple scene was like the descent of a god.


    it was only after he walked over 100 feet away that the purple light in xu qing¡¯s eyes slowly dissipated. he then burped.


    ¡°it¡¯s indeed as i judged. the curse in these temple cultivators¡¯ bodies has been transformed into a blessing and has become the source of their faith. the more they believe in the red moon and crimson goddess, the denser the power of the blessing. it can allow them to draw the corresponding power of the red moon.¡±


    ¡°in that case, to me¡­ devouring their power of faith can strengthen my purple moon¡¯s divine authority.¡±


    ¡°although the amount isn¡¯t much, it¡­ is quite delicious.¡±


    xu qing licked his lips. to him, devouring a divine slave at the nascent soul realm wasn¡¯t that complicated. due to the existence of faith, he only needed to spread out his purple moon divine authority. the other party was like walking food that walked over on its own.


    ¡°however, if it was a divine servant with a spirit repository cultivation base, it wouldn¡¯t be so easy.¡± xu qing recalled the red-robed woman he had encountered under the sea of fire back then and sighed with emotion.


    ¡°also, i can¡¯t do this for all the living beings in the moon worship region because the curse in their bodies hasn¡¯t been converted into the faith of the red moon and crimson goddess.¡±


    xu qing pondered as he walked forward. gradually, a shriveled sound rang out from his body and he felt a sense of hunger. it was as though the bit of red moon faith he had eaten had evoked his instincts, causing him to have the urge to continue devouring.


    xu qing stopped in his tracks. after sensing it, he frowned.


    ¡°after eating their faith, why would there be such hunger¡­¡±


    xu qing pondered. however, the feeling of hunger wasn¡¯t very intense. he quickly suppressed it and quickened his pace until he disappeared into the sandstorm.


    half a day later, at the edge of the green sand desert, xu qing followed the tracks of the shadow eye and saw a rotting mountain of flesh.


    it was none other than li youfei.

 Chapter 960 - Chapter 960 Rare in the World!

    chapter 960 rare in the world!


    the white wind blew, stirring up the sand on the ground and shaking the white grass.


    li youfei, who was lying on it, didn¡¯t move at all, like a corpse.


    his 50-foot-tall body emitted an unpleasant odor, which even the wind¡¯s blowing couldn¡¯t disperse. the stench could be detected from quite a distance away, making people nauseous.


    from afar, one could see that many parts of his body had rotted to the bone.


    his entire person was enveloped by the aura of death.


    what caused such a change wasn¡¯t only the bizarre effect brought about by the white wind, but also the eruption of the crimson goddess¡¯ curse in his body. all of this affected his body and soul.


    he was essentially on the verge of death, or more accurately, he had already stepped into the realm of the deceased, with only a lingering sense of unwillingness, desperately clinging to a wisp of life unwilling to fade away.


    however, this struggle brought him even more pain and torture.


    xu qing walked to li youfei¡¯s side. after taking a look at his injuries, he shook his head.


    ¡°he can¡¯t be saved.¡±


    although xu qing had the curse-resolving pill, this pill could only neutralize the continued pain brought about by the curse before it completely erupted. it couldn¡¯t reduce the curse. in fact, its theoretical effect was to increase the amount of curses.


    hence, if the current li youfei consumed the curse-resolving pill, not only would it be ineffective, but the trace of life force that was forcefully hanging on would also be instantly drowned by the soaring curses.


    since he couldn¡¯t save him, xu qing retracted his gaze and summoned the shadow eye back, preparing to leave this place.


    however, after taking a few steps, he suddenly stopped in his tracks. he turned his head and looked at li youfei¡¯s corpse-like body, his eyes revealing a hint of contemplation.


    ¡°something¡¯s not right.¡±


    ¡°with the crimson goddess¡¯ curse, it shouldn¡¯t be possible for him to last for so long under this eruption. it¡¯s also impossible for him to have a trace of life left.¡±


    ¡°this doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±


    xu qing felt some interest and returned to li youfei¡¯s side.


    this time around, he observed even more carefully. a moment later, xu qing suddenly grabbed li youfei¡¯s body and sped into the distance.


    after stepping out of the range of the green sand desert, xu qing opened a cave on a mountain peak 500 kilometers away and threw li youfei inside.


    after that, he erased the traces in the surroundings and arrived beside li youfei, studying him carefully.


    during this time, he would occasionally cut open the other party¡¯s rotting body, digging out some flesh and blood for observation.


    a day later, xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. he found the reason and confirmed his guess.


    ¡°it¡¯s white wind¡­¡±


    ¡°the catalysis of the white wind caused the vitality of li youfei¡¯s body to continue to soar in a disorderly state. the goal of this power is to provide nutrients to those eggs and let them grow.¡±


    ¡°however, it was also because of this that li youfei didn¡¯t die immediately after the curse in his body erupted.¡±


    ¡°the power of the white wind resisted the curse to a certain extent. although it¡¯s still inferior to the curse, it allowed li youfei to retain a trace of life.¡±


    xu qing was moved.


    ¡°to be able to resist the crimson goddess¡¯ curse, what exactly is white wind¡¯s origin?¡±


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he squatted down and cut open li youfei¡¯s flesh bit by bit, taking out the sand eggs and the dandelions in his body one by one.


    the process was very cruel and required him to cut open all the parts of his body. some rotting flesh even turned into black water that flowed in the surroundings, emitting a stench.


    however, xu qing was very patient. he was like an extremely focused craftsman who didn¡¯t care about the materials and continued carving carefully.


    under xu qing¡¯s efforts, li youfei¡¯s body was covered in countless wounds. there were some places that xu qing simply cut off with a slash and removed the flesh that had fused with the curse and white wind.


    as the eggs were removed one by one, cutting off the source of life absorption, li youfei¡¯s body, catalyzed by the white wind, gained more strength to confront the curse¡¯s eruption.


    although it was still inferior to the curse, li youfei¡¯s life force still persisted under the eruption of the curse. it hadn¡¯t dissipated yet.


    however, this wasn¡¯t of much use. according to xu qing¡¯s judgment, in three to five days at most, after the vitality in li youfei¡¯s body was exhausted, he would still be devoured by the curse.


    however, this gave xu qing a lot of inspiration.


    ¡°li youfei is really lucky. with his current state, the curse-resolving pill might work.¡±


    xu qing thought about it and took out a curse-resolving pill, stuffing it into li youfei¡¯s mouth. after that, with a wave of his hand, hundreds of purple threads flew out and pierced li youfei¡¯s body.


    the curse-resolving pill was just the beginning; xu qing intended to conduct an in-depth examination of li youfei. he would use his body¡¯s external materials and try to refine it according to the method of refining the curse-resolving pill.


    ¡°in any case, there¡¯s a high chance that he¡¯ll die. if he can really survive, i can use white wind as a direction in my future research.¡±


    xu qing sat down cross-legged and closed his eyes. he studied and refined at the same time.


    a day later, xu qing left with li youfei. he followed the direction pointed out by the lifeless parrot. when he rested on the way, he would continue to refine li youfei.


    under his research, the curse within li youfei began to ease. although the number of curses increased, each time li youfei was about to succumb, xu qing would take some of the flesh that had been removed from li youfei and insert it into his wounds. these pieces of flesh would rapidly integrate, and li youfei¡¯s vitality would unexpectedly return.


    xu qing was pleasantly surprised by this.


    he felt that this was the experimental material he had dreamed of.


    a month passed.


    xu qing, who had already entered the western part of the moon worship region, retracted all the purple threads after he finished refining li youfei in a valley on this night. he then took out the curse-resolving pill made from li youfei¡¯s flesh and blood and fed it to him.


    this pill was different from ordinary curse-resolving pills. during this period of time, after xu qing studied li youfei, he had made a major improvement to the curse-resolving pill, and was only a little short of perfection.


    ¡°since you¡¯re awake, don¡¯t pretend to be dead.¡±


    after feeding him the curse-resolving pill, xu qing calmly spoke.


    li youfei¡¯s body trembled and he had no choice but to open his eyes. he looked at xu qing with horror and complicated emotions. he had actually woken up three days ago¡­


    however, his fear of xu qing, especially after noticing that he was being studied, kept him from speaking out. he only watched xu qing feed him strange pills over these three days which actually reduced the curse¡¯s eruption in his body.


    this scene shocked him incomparably. he wasn¡¯t stupid and was very experienced, so he quickly guessed what the medicinal pills he had eaten were.


    this guess caused his mind to go blank and he didn¡¯t regain his senses for a long time.


    in these three days, he clearly remembered that the other party had given him eight pills.


    ¡°selling myself wouldn¡¯t be enough to buy a single one¡­ what could his motive be in regards to me?¡± over the past few days, li youfei had been tremblingly pondering the answer to this question.


    having his act of playing dead exposed by xu qing, li youfei instinctively spoke in a low voice to confirm his suspicions.


    ¡°master, what you gave me was¡­¡±


    ¡°curse-resolving pill,¡± xu qing calmly said.


    even though he had guessed it, when li youfei heard the answer, his mind still rumbled as he asked with a trembling voice.


    ¡°then¡­ how many did i eat?¡±


    ¡°in the past month, there were about a hundred of them.¡± xu qing calculated and looked at li youfei.


    when li youfei heard this, his eyes widened and his adam¡¯s apple moved a few times. he knew the value of the curse-resolving pill. it was a medicinal pill that even the spirit repository experts were crazy about, but he had eaten about a hundred¡­


    he believed that this was true because he had eaten eight pills in three days.


    if this matter were to be revealed, it would undoubtedly cause a storm in the outside world. for him, the feeling at this moment was as if he were a beggar, and one day, a wealthy man happened to pass by and, with a casual glance, handed him billions of spirit stones¡­


    at this moment, he no longer wanted to consider why this happened, nor did he want to consider xu qing¡¯s motive. he stood up trembling and knelt down in front of xu qing.


    ¡°master!¡±


    ¡°whatever you plan to do with me, it doesn¡¯t matter. you¡­ you¡¯ve just given me way too much!¡±


    xu qing glanced at li youfei and was about to speak when his expression froze. he then looked in the direction outside the valley.


    this was the western depths of the moon worship region. at that moment, the sky was dark and there was no light from any direction. everything was shrouded in darkness, with only a vague view of the overgrown vegetation inside and outside the valley.


    the night wind was slightly brisk, creating a rustling sound as it blew from outside. it also carried some noisy drumming and clamor from a distance.


    it was as though many people were approaching from outside the valley.


    a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. li youfei also sensed it and hurriedly stood up from his kneeling position, looking loyal and protective of his master as he snatched the position of the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor.


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor flew out and swept his disdainful gaze across li youfei. after that, he stared at the entrance of the valley.


    very soon, the commotion grew intense. a group of figures walked over from outside the valley and were reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    those figures were quite peculiar, as they were clay figures dressed in robes, numbering over a hundred in total.


    at the front, someone was pounding a gong, and in the rear, drums were being beaten. in the middle, several dozen clay figures were carrying a stone-made shrine.


    inside the shrine, there was an idol of a clay fox, dressed in a red robe with rouge applied to its face, remaining completely motionless, resembling an inanimate object.


    their appearance caused an eerie wind to blow in the surroundings, sweeping through the valley and stirring up the weeds and leaves on the ground.


    however, they didn¡¯t seem to care about xu qing and li youfei. this group of clay figures walked past them without stopping.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze swept over these clay figures. he had become accustomed to the strange and bizarre nature of this world, and there was nothing particularly surprising at the moment. he understood that these types of beings were typically bullies who cowered in the face of strength and didn¡¯t require much attention.


    however, since he was blocking their path, there was no need to be overly dominant.


    so, he remained calm, emanated his cultivation aura, took a few steps back, and opened up a path, allowing the group of clay figures to pass by.


    when the shrine got closer and arrived in front of xu qing, the clay fox inside suddenly turned its head and looked at xu qing and li youfei.


    the clay-made eyes exhibited ripples at that moment, transforming into gem-like orbs that emanated a crystalline brilliance. they had a captivating allure that seemed to captivate the soul.


    right after that, a seductive and languid feminine voice, with a hint of surprise, echoed from the mouth of the clay fox.


    ¡°yang essence?¡±


    ¡°to think there¡¯s still a nascent soul with yang essence? and it¡¯s so pure, not a trace of being harvested!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s rare¡­¡±

 Chapter 961 - Chapter 961 Young Master, Name a Price! (1)

    chapter 961 young master, name a price! (1)


    the voice, tender and seductive, seemed like wisps of silk, drifting in the surroundings. it entered the ears and penetrated the soul, instinctively causing a sense of ripples and enchantment.


    xu qing frowned and looked at li youfei.


    li youfei was stunned. he hurriedly shook his head and blurted out.


    ¡°not me¡­ i lost it long ago when i was at the qi condensation realm.¡±


    the clay fox glanced at li youfei in disdain and calmly spoke.


    ¡°where did this dirty thing come from!¡±


    after saying that, she continued to glance at xu qing. a hint of charm appeared in her eyes as though she could see through xu qing¡¯s disguise.


    ¡°he¡¯s actually so handsome. my heart is pounding.¡±


    the clay fox stood up, descended from the shrine, and, with a sway and a graceful movement, transformed into a charming and alluring young woman.


    as she walked, her surging twin peaks caused waves of excitement, and her slender waist, like a gourd, paired with her raised hips, left li youfei breathless, with a racing heart, instinctively exclaiming that she was a seductress.


    especially with that semi-concealing red veil she was wearing, it appeared as if it could slip off her at any moment.


    her glistening skin and well-defined figure, swaying in such a seductive manner, exuded a desire to get closer and left an impression that could take root and blossom in others¡¯ hearts.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was cold, and he recognized that this seductive cultivator was also in the nascent soul stage. at this moment, the shadow had already spread from under his feet. just then, as the woman descended from the shrine, she paused, lightly stepping on the ground.


    the shadow instantly trembled and rolled back. xu qing¡¯s gaze froze.


    the woman licked her lips and smiled.


    ¡°young master, although we are both in the nascent soul stage, you don¡¯t understand my background and origins, and i don¡¯t want to use my power to overwhelm you. i also don¡¯t wish to force such an adorable little cutie like you. it would be a mood-killer.¡±


    ¡°so, we can discuss everything.¡±


    ¡°name a price.¡±


    xu qing remained silent. this was his first encounter with such a situation. meanwhile, ling¡¯er had already popped her head out of his collar, looking rather puffed up with anger. her eyes held a fierce glare, and the scales on her body stood on end as she fixed her gaze firmly on the woman.


    the woman paid no attention to ling¡¯er and let her gaze travel down xu qing¡¯s face until she reached his feet. then, she raised her eyes to meet his gaze and couldn¡¯t resist licking her lips.


    ¡°big sister won¡¯t treat you badly.¡±


    as she spoke, she took out a gourd and shook it before speaking.


    ¡°there are nine curse-resolving pills here, though there were originally ten of them. last time, someone bought one with 20 red heavenly fire crystals but i can give them all to you. what do you think?¡±


    xu qing was startled.


    the woman observed xu qing¡¯s expression, and as she saw his reaction, her excitement grew. she then waved her hand and retrieved a silver bone fragment, smiling as she spoke.


    ¡°this is the bone pill of an ancient spirit race almighty. it¡¯s very beneficial to your little snake. do you want it?¡±


    ling¡¯er was also stunned. after that, she gritted her teeth and continued to glare angrily, resisting the urge to look at the bone.


    the woman chuckled and thought about it before taking out another item. this was a golden human organ in the shape of a crescent moon. it looked like a kidney.


    ¡°this is a treasure. back in the day, a madman took a bite out of the crimson goddess, and then his body was torn apart. someone gave me this kidney as a gift. if you agree to spend a few days with me, after that, you can consume it and replenish your body¡¯s deficiencies.¡±


    xu qing looked at the kidney and was stunned again.


    ling¡¯er was nervous.


    li youfei was at a loss. he suddenly felt envious of xu qing.


    seeing that xu qing didn¡¯t respond, the woman sighed.


    ¡°young people don¡¯t know the big sister¡¯s charm, mistaking a little snake for a treasure.¡±


    ¡°very well, young master, take good care of your yang essence. if you ever change your mind, you can come back here to find me. our deal will always stand.¡±


    the woman turned around, swaying her waist seductively, displaying her alluring figure, and walked back to the shrine, where she transformed once again into the clay fox. the clay figures around her remained expressionless and continued to move forward with the shrine.


    the cold wind blew and they passed through the valley, disappearing into the distance.


    the valley fell into silence.


    xu qing looked in the direction the clay fox had left in. a hint of contemplation appeared in his eyes.


    ling¡¯er looked at xu qing nervously. li youfei didn¡¯t know what to say. his heart was filled with endless complexity. he felt that after he left the green sand desert, the things that happened every day were unbelievable.


    ¡°brother xu qing¡­¡± ling¡¯er whispered.


    ¡°there¡¯s no curse on her,¡± xu qing calmly said.


    as soon as he finished speaking, ling¡¯er heaved a sigh of relief. when li youfei heard this, his heart trembled.


    ¡°master, you mean¡­ she¡¯s from another region?¡±


    xu qing shook his head. this clay fox had arrived too suddenly, so he couldn¡¯t tell if the other party was really passing by or if she had specially come here.


    moreover, the items the other party took out were extraordinary. what she said about a curse-resolving pill being bought made xu qing a little hesitant. he didn¡¯t know if it was the one he had exchanged for in the moon rebel hall.


    and that kidney¡­


    xu qing hesitated. however, no matter what, this wasn¡¯t a place to stay for long. hence, he turned and sped in the opposite direction. li youfei hurriedly followed behind and they soon left the valley.


    time flowed by and very soon, half a month passed.


    during this half a month, xu qing followed the parrot¡¯s guidance and continued on his way. however, every day, he would leave some time to study li youfei. after obtaining inspiration from him, he would attempt to modify the curse-resolving pill.


    at first, li youfei was still very nervous. however, as the days passed, he gradually became indifferent.


    he swallowed several curse-resolving pills every day, making him feel that he wouldn¡¯t be able to afford them no matter how many times he sold himself.

 Chapter 962 - Chapter 962 Young Master, Name a Price! (2)

    chapter 962 young master, name a price! (2)


    since that was the case, he would accept it.


    as for the reason why he left the bitter life mountain range, xu qing had asked in the past half a month and knew that the other party had offended an ancestor of the bitter life mountain range.


    ¡°ancestor mogui, with his nihility cultivation, is the top expert among the rogue cultivators in the bitter life mountain range. he enjoys the best of both worlds between the shrine and the moon rebel hall, living a rather comfortable life.¡±


    ¡°in order to complete the assessment of the moon rebel hall, i had no choice but to kill his disciple¡­¡±


    when thinking about this, li youfei sneaked a glance at xu qing and let out a sigh. he felt like he was at a disadvantage ¨C he had killed the disciple, but he didn¡¯t manage to retrieve the corpse.


    the reason he sneaked a glance at xu qing was that in the past half a month, he had seen xu qing with the corpses of the two divine slaves who had pursued him in the white wind.


    these two corpses were also xu qing¡¯s research materials. occasionally, after studying li youfei, he would encounter a bottleneck and dissect them to research.


    with the passage of time, the methods of dissection became increasingly precise. sometimes he would remove the organs and inspect them piece by piece, while at other times, he would break bones to examine the marrow.


    after every dissection, he would be covered in dark blood.


    xu qing also discovered a characteristic of divine slave cultivators. their internal organs had varying degrees of corrosion. although the curse in their bodies had become faith, it was clearly not complete.


    ¡°i wonder what the body of a spirit repository divine servant looks like?¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    every time this happened, li youfei would tremble. although xu qing dissected and researched silently, li youfei would always personally witness it from the side. the nervousness in his heart involuntarily intensified again.


    he felt that he was ruthless, but compared to the master, he was insignificant. what frightened him the most was the concern that one day the master might also develop an interest in killing him and studying his body.


    amidst his trepidation, they were getting closer and closer to the sacrificial yin in the west. xu qing¡¯s curse-resolving pill was also reaching their final stage, becoming more perfect.


    at that moment, on a mountain peak that was a month away from the sacrificial yin river, li youfei lay there unconscious.


    xu qing, who had just ended his research, glanced at the unconscious li youfei and noticed that his vital signs were normal. hence, he didn¡¯t care too much. instead, he looked at the medicinal pill he refined with a satisfied expression.


    this medicinal pill was ultimately improved by xu qing with the help of the strangeness of li youfei¡¯s body and the research of the two divine slaves¡¯ corpses.


    its appearance wasn¡¯t much different from ordinary curse-resolving pills. it was also colorful. however, upon closer inspection, one would faintly discover that its color contained whiteness, so the overall color was slightly lighter.


    however, the medicinal effects had already undergone earth-shattering changes.


    it was no longer limited to alleviating the torture of the curse eruption but could reduce the curse!


    if the number of curses in a person¡¯s body was 10,000, then after swallowing this curse-resolving pill, the curse would become 9999.


    although the decrease was very small and it was very difficult to detect, this was an unprecedented pioneering breakthrough.


    this was because the lowered curse was permanent!


    the fundamental principle of the pill was mainly based on something similar to antibodies, constantly lowering the curses, while its associated effect was to alleviate the pain of the curse¡¯s outbreak.


    however, the side effect was the consumption of a certain amount of vitality. however, compared to ordinary curse-resolving pill, the consumption was much lesser and the relief effect was greatly increased.


    ¡°but unfortunately, it¡¯s only the first time you take it that the curse will decrease. subsequent consumption will only alleviate the pain because the curse is a living thing and will adjust itself accordingly.¡±


    xu qing felt some regret regarding this. however, he also understood that it was very difficult to achieve such a thing overnight. this pill still needed to be improved time and time again. moreover, he also needed more information about curses.


    ¡°also, if i can study a spirit repository divine servant¡­¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought. he felt that there must be other mysteries in the bodies of the spirit repository divine servants.


    ¡°also, there are too few medicinal herbs in the moon worship region. i remember that some of the medicinal herbs in the forbidden zone contain dense anomalous substances. if i can blend their properties, it might provide me with better insights for improving the curse-resolving pill.¡±


    xu qing thought about it and controlled his shadow to cover the unconscious li youfei¡¯s body, causing him to fall into a deeper sleep. he then checked his surroundings to confirm that there was nothing wrong. he took out the mirror and stepped into the moon rebel hall.


    it had been a long time since he last came, so xu qing felt slightly out of place when he appeared at the temple¡¯s altar. it took him a while to descend, and when he pushed open the temple¡¯s large door, the blue sky and the bright light made him squint his eyes slightly as he instinctively looked into the distance.


    that place¡­ was the location of the temple where he had exchanged the heavenly fire crystals for the curse-resolving pill.


    at the thought of that clay fox, xu qing became vigilant. regardless of whether it was a coincidence or not, he felt that his previous judgment of the moon rebel hall wasn¡¯t wrong.


    the people from the moon rebel hall were indeed not simple.


    hence, he didn¡¯t leave his temple. after sensing around, he waved his hand and a beam of light spread out from the temple, gathering in front of him and transforming into a cluster of light like in the other temples.


    after checking, xu qing took out a curse-resolving pill he had improved and placed it in the light cluster.


    after that, he posted the item he needed.


    ¡°100 drops of blood from a spirit repository divine servant.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t set a ridiculous price. to him, the refinement of this curse-resolving pill was very easy. after all, he had given li youfei almost 200 pills.


    what he wanted was to improve the pill as soon as possible.


    according to his understanding some time ago, after the light cluster was released, others could exchange for it themselves. when he returned, he would be able to take the items he needed.


    ¡°i hope it can be faster.¡±


    xu qing muttered inwardly. after publishing it, he returned to the altar and left.


    after appearing at the top of the mountain, he patted li youfei awake and continued on his way.


    just like that, a day passed.


    the next day, in the moon rebel hall, the burly neighbor beside xu qing¡¯s temple pushed open the door and walked out.


    his chest was exposed and there were streamers made of stone around him. his dignified expression made him look glorious under the sunlight.


    ¡°it¡¯s finally quiet now.¡±


    he, who liked to come to the moon rebel hall every day, enjoyed the sunlight of the moon rebel hall very much. he felt that he was alive when he was here, and there were many times when he didn¡¯t want to go back to the so-called reality.


    after all, the darkness and suffering in reality would constantly remind him of the misery of his fate.


    there were many people like him and most of them liked to stay here.


    however, moon rebel hall had rules about this. hence, even though he was unwilling, he still had to return to reality every few days.


    this was also the reason why he felt that xu qing was noisy and had glared at him many times.


    there weren¡¯t many moments of enjoyment to begin with. if there were still continuous rumblings disturbing them, anyone would feel annoyed.


    after walking out, he felt a rare sense of peace. the burly dude stretched his back and was about to go out for a stroll. however, his gaze swept past xu qing¡¯s temple from the corner of his eye and he noticed a cluster of light flickering there. the burly dude¡¯s brows raised slightly.


    ¡°that detestable fellow who likes to act mysterious has started selling things?¡±


    the burly dude wasn¡¯t too surprised. he sneered and disdain appeared in his eyes.


    in his memory, the owner of the temple always appeared mysteriously and almost never interacted with others.


    he had glared at him many times, but the other party would leave quickly like a frightened rabbit.


    ¡°forget it, let¡¯s go and see what this rabbit is selling. i can also use this opportunity to see what this person is like.¡±


    the burly dude had been dissatisfied with xu qing, his neighbor, for a long time. hence, his body swayed and he directly arrived outside xu qing¡¯s temple. he swept his gaze across the mottled bronze cauldron that didn¡¯t have any incense sticks. he sneered and swaggered into xu qing¡¯s temple.


    after stepping in, he disdainfully glanced at the motionless statue on the altar and then swept his gaze across the only cluster of light floating in the air. he casually lifted his hand and grabbed at the ball of light.


    ¡°let¡¯s see what kind of trash this guy is selling for the first time.¡±


    however, the instant his hand touched the ball of light, the burly dude¡¯s originally calm expression instantly changed.


    his eyes instantly widened as though he had been bombarded by a large number of heavenly lightning. his mind instantly churned and his body stopped there.


    * * *

 Chapter 963 - Chapter 963 Famous in the Moon Rebel Hall (1)

    chapter 963 famous in the moon rebel hall (1)


    ¡°curse-resolving pill? selling a curse-resolving pill on the first item? especially at this price¡­¡±


    the burly dude¡¯s breathing became hurried, as though he couldn¡¯t believe what he was seeing. hence, he quickly used his perception again. after confirming that he wasn¡¯t wrong, his expression changed rapidly.


    ¡°only asking for 100 drops of divine servant blood!¡±


    the burly dude was a little confused. although curse-resolving pills were rare, he had been in the moon rebel hall for many years and had seen them being sold many times. naturally, he knew their high price.


    however, in his memory, there had never been a time when a curse-resolving pill was sold for such a low price.


    this made him suspect that he had encountered a scammer.


    however, because the items were stored in advance, the trader could sense them. basically, there weren¡¯t many times when there were errors. furthermore, if someone tried to scam here and was found out, the consequences were extremely severe.


    light offenders would have their temple trade privileges revoked, while serious offenders might even have their affiliation with the moon rebel hall completely erased, with no chance of reinstatement.


    therefore, in general, few people would attempt a scam here as it was not worth the risk.


    hence, the burly dude hurriedly got close. after carefully identifying it, his breathing became hurried again and his heart beat unprecedentedly faster. after that, he suddenly turned around and sprinted out.


    ¡°the biggest bargain!¡±


    ¡°this is¡­ the greatest bargain i have encountered in the moon rebel hall!¡±


    ¡°no, i have to buy it as soon as possible. if i miss this opportunity, i¡¯ll regret it for the rest of my life!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s impossible for this rabbit not to know the price, but why did he still price it like this¡­ could it be that he made a typo when he actually wanted to write 1,000 drops of divine servant blood?!¡±


    the instant he walked out of xu qing¡¯s temple, the excitement in the burly dude¡¯s heart was indescribable. he felt that he had to buy this incomparably precious curse-resolving pill as soon as possible before that fool reacted.


    ¡°i have to beat the others to it. fortunately, this place is remote and there are almost no people paying attention here at this moment.¡±


    ¡°i can¡¯t let it be discovered by others!¡±


    at the thought of this, the burly dude forcefully suppressed the excitement and pretended to be very calm. in fact, when he saw someone passing by outside, his expression even revealed disdain, as though he had just seen trash.


    when he reached a place with no one around, he couldn¡¯t suppress it anymore. he quickly contacted his good friends in the moon rebel hall and mobilized all his connections and channels to collect the blood of the divine servant.


    ¡°that rabbit didn¡¯t specify that it had to be of a single person. this makes things easier. over the years, too many people have fought against divine servants and have some of their blood in their collection.¡±


    the burly dude was in high spirits and went all out. finally, a day later, he successfully collected enough divine servant blood after going through various sources.


    he was worried that someone would buy the pill before him, so he stayed outside his temple and pretended to be taking a stroll. however, in reality, he was extremely vigilant against all the statues that were moving around this area, afraid that someone would go to xu qing¡¯s place.


    at this moment, with enough divine servant blood, this burly dude quickly stepped into xu qing¡¯s temple like the wind. he was extremely anxious as he headed straight for the light cluster and exchanged for it as quickly as possible.


    at the next instant, when a curse-resolving pill appeared in his hand, the burly dude hurriedly took a sniff and was extremely excited.


    ¡°the color and smell are the same as the ones sold by others. there¡¯s a high chance that it¡¯s genuine!¡±


    ¡°haha, big bargain!!¡±


    amidst his excitement, he suddenly sensed something. he noticed that the statue on the temple¡¯s altar was trembling and was instantly shocked.


    ¡°the rabbit is coming back. he will soon realize that he made a mistake. i can¡¯t stay here!¡±


    the burly dude turned and sped out. he had a guilty look on his face as he quickly left.


    the moment his figure disappeared, the eyes of the statue on the altar suddenly opened.


    xu qing returned.


    ¡°i didn¡¯t expect that after the item in the moon rebel hall is sold, i can sense it even from the outside world.¡± xu qing was a little surprised. he lifted his head and looked outside the temple.


    just now, he saw a figure rapidly leaving. from the streamers around the statue, it seemed to be the neighbor who always glared at him.


    xu qing was vigilant. he checked his surroundings and confirmed that there was nothing wrong. after recalling the urgency of that back view, he more or less guessed the answer.


    ¡°did he think that i had made a mistake and he got a great bargain, so he fled guiltily?¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t care. he stood on the altar and grabbed at the light cluster in front of him.


    immediately, the light cluster flickered and a bottle flew out, landing in his hand.


    after checking, xu qing felt joyful.


    ¡°the blood is actually from dozens of divine servants. not bad, not bad.¡±


    xu qing was very satisfied. this would provide him with more research specimens. hence, he took out another curse-resolving pill and placed it in the light cluster.


    the price was still 100 drops of divine servant blood.


    after doing this, xu qing¡¯s statue quietened down as he chose to return.


    a while later, the burly neighbor carefully approached. after observing for a while and confirming that xu qing had left, he heaved a sigh of relief and his expression was filled with excitement.


    ¡°haha, this big fool must have been extremely angry just now.¡±


    at the thought of the other party¡¯s rumbling for the past few months, the burly dude felt comfortable. he noticed that the light cluster in the temple seemed to have a new item and walked over proudly.


    ¡°let me see what this rabbit is selling for now.¡±


    the burly dude was in a good mood. he lifted his hand and touched it. however, at the next instant, his eyes widened again. heavenly lightning once again rumbled in his mind. as his mind rumbled, he felt as though he was hallucinating, so he instinctively confirmed it.


    a long time later, confusion replaced his shock.


    ¡°why¡­ is there more?¡±

 Chapter 964 - Chapter 964 Famous in the Moon Rebel Hall (2)

    chapter 964 famous in the moon rebel hall (2)


    ¡°it is still 100 drops of divine servant blood?¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s impossible. is this guy really a fool¡­¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s not right. there might be a problem with this pill!!¡±


    the burly dude¡¯s expression instantly darkened. he turned and left, quickly returning to his temple and choosing to return. he wanted to verify the authenticity of the pill he bought.


    ¡°if it¡¯s fake, i¡¯ll definitely teach this person a lesson!¡±


    gritting his teeth, the burly dude left.


    a day later, he returned again. there was still shock on his face as he crazily rushed out and headed straight for xu qing¡¯s temple.


    ¡°it¡¯s genuine, it¡¯s genuine!¡±


    however, when he arrived at xu qing¡¯s temple, he saw that the pill in the light cluster had already been exchanged. his excitement instantly transformed into endless regret.


    ¡°damn it, why didn¡¯t i exchange it first!¡±


    the burly dude pounded his chest as endless pain rose in his heart. the feeling of missing out made him feel huge regret. he waited for a few more days, but realized that xu qing didn¡¯t put any more pills for sale. this caused the bitterness and regret in his heart to become increasingly intense.


    xu qing indeed didn¡¯t continue selling pills these few days.


    the 200 drops of divine servant blood from before gave him a lot of inspiration, and his refinement also improved slightly.


    right now, on the plains in the west that was half a month away from sacrificial yin river, xu qing finished refining another pill from li youfei¡¯s body and thought again of the forbidden zone¡¯s medicinal herbs he needed.


    ¡°just because i don¡¯t have it doesn¡¯t mean that others here don¡¯t¡­¡±


    after some thought, xu qing chose to enter the moon rebel hall and put up another curse-resolving pill. this time, he didn¡¯t want the blood of the divine servants but herbs.


    after doing this, xu qing left.


    less than an hour later, the burly neighbor who had been paying attention to this place walked out of his temple and instinctively turned his head with regret.


    when he discovered a light cluster flickering, the burly dude¡¯s body trembled and he quickly arrived.


    he had already exchanged for a lot of divine servant blood in advance. at this moment, he excitedly grabbed the light cluster.


    ¡°it is really here!¡±


    ¡°something is fishy about this guy!¡±


    the burly dude¡¯s heart froze. although the change in requirements this time made it impossible for him to exchange for it immediately, he remembered that he had seen people selling the herbs the other party needed. although their price was high, it was completely incomparable to the curse-resolving pill.


    ¡°this person must be a master!¡±


    ¡°he should be able to refine the curse-resolving pills on his own. maybe this is nothing to him, or maybe this person¡¯s background is extremely great, that¡¯s why he¡¯s so generous!¡±


    ¡°but no matter what, this is a big shot!¡±


    the burly dude felt that the opportunity of his life was here. he immediately turned around to collect the herbs that master needed. he was even worried that someone would beat him to it.


    however, this time, what he was worried about still happened.


    the instant he walked out of the temple, a statue rushed over from outside. it whistled past him and headed straight for the light cluster.


    the burly dude¡¯s heart skipped a beat and he abruptly turned his head. he saw that after the statue came into contact with the light cluster, it revealed a shocked expression. immediately after, the other party also sensed the burly dude¡¯s gaze and stared back.


    they were both hostile and filled with competitive gazes.


    ¡°it¡¯s you, 99715!¡±


    the big man clenched his teeth. people here didn¡¯t use names, and once they got to know each other, they referred to each other by numbers. he recognized the statue in front of him as one from a nearby temple.


    ¡°those who have fate will obtain master¡¯s pill.¡± the statue sneered and didn¡¯t bother with the burly dude as it quickly left.


    the burly dude let out a cold snort and sped all the way, doing his best to prepare. ten hours later, he finally found the herbs xu qing needed. however, when he returned, he saw the figure of the neighbor walking out of xu qing¡¯s temple.


    ¡°you¡¯re too late,¡± 99715 said calmly and sat down cross-legged outside the temple.


    the burly dude wasn¡¯t willing and quickly stepped into xu qing¡¯s temple. when he saw that the curse-resolving pill was already gone from the light cluster, he felt depressed. he exited the temple and also waited outside the temple.


    this was effective because as the days passed, xu qing put up curse-resolving pills one after another.


    to xu qing, this was very convenient. the trades in the moon rebel hall helped him resolve all the obstacles in refining the curse-resolving pills.


    no matter what he needed, he just needed to put a pill up for exchange. it would be sold off in a day at the slowest, and if it was fast, only two to four hours, and someone would provide everything he needed.


    as such, xu qing¡¯s journey of improving the curse-resolving pill became increasingly smooth, and his speed also became much faster.


    as for the dozens of curse-resolving pills put up for sale, xu qing could casually refine them from li youfei.


    as for li youfei, the shock in his heart had completely numbed after these few days. every day, he saw xu qing refining medicinal pills with his body and watching those curse-resolving pills form on his body. he felt that all of this had already exceeded his imagination.


    occasionally, he would even have some childish thoughts. for example¡­ could it be that he was a hero who would save the moon worship region?


    however, after seeing xu qing, he had no choice but to dispel this thought and become even more obedient.


    at the same time, the moon rebel hall also had quite a bit of commotion because of xu qing¡¯s actions during this period of time.


    first, outside xu qing¡¯s temple, there were initially two statues, which then increased to three, four, and five. as word spread about this place, the number of statues waiting outside grew to dozens.


    these statues were all vigilant against each other. every time the light appeared in xu qing¡¯s temple, they would rush in immediately to take a look. they would then disperse and fight to be the first to complete the request. the competition was extremely intense.


    with so many statues waiting, it naturally aroused the curiosity of passersby. every time a statue passed by and saw the commotion here, they would be surprised. as they probed and observed, shock began to spread.


    hence, even more statues began to frequently appear outside xu qing¡¯s temple. the number of statues ranged from tens to over a hundred, and the effect formed by the dense crowd was even more terrifying.


    especially the bronze cauldron in front of xu qing¡¯s temple, inside of which more than thirty incense sticks were burning, creating a scene of great abundance. this attracted even more attention.


    it was only after the number of people waiting outside reached hundreds that the rumors about master spread in the moon rebel hall.


    ¡°this is a mysterious master who is filled with pity!¡±


    ¡°the temple number is 99719. i¡¯m willing to call him master pill nine!¡±


    ¡°the price of master pill nine¡¯s curse-resolving pill is less than 10% of the others¡¯ and the effect is even better. he cares about the people and wants to save all living beings.¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s right. this is also the reason why master pill nine¡¯s requests are all about medicinal herbs and divine servant blood!¡±


    in the midst of these numerous rumors, there was one from xu qing¡¯s neighbor, the burly man who often spoke boastfully in front of others.


    ¡°when master pill nine entered the moon rebel hall, he had already displayed his extraordinary power. you outsiders don¡¯t know how extraordinary master is at all. you should know that at the time, the master¡¯s supreme dao voice resonated in the hearts and minds of people for two consecutive months, shaking the world.¡±


    ¡°i was incredibly fortunate to hear it from start to finish. at that time, my mind was so uplifted that i felt my thoughts were clear. even the curse within me was suppressed by an invisible force. i truly felt the deep compassion of master!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that the dao sound only lasted for two months. this is my greatest regret.¡±


    ¡°now that i think about it, those two months were so beautiful¡­¡±


    every time he talked about this, this burly dude would look like he hadn¡¯t had enough.


    just like that, the rumors about master pill nine continued to spread in the moon rebel hall. however, it had been some time since xu qing put up any more pills for sale. this was because at that moment, he was already close to the shore of the sacrificial yin river.


    standing there, xu qing looked up, and in the distance, the river waters were churning, tinged with blood, and faintly visible amidst it were countless bones rising and falling, exuding an aura of evil.


    the sand on the shore was also red, and the aura of the curse was even more obvious here.


    this place was where the parrot guided him to meet the captain.


    a long time later, xu qing retracted his gaze and walked forward.


    after passing through an area enveloped by restrictions, his expression suddenly changed as he walked on the red shore. the wind in the distance carried the heavy panting of the captain, ning yan, and wu jianwu.


    their faintly discernible voices were also mixed in.


    ¡°i don¡¯t have the strength left, it¡¯s stuck inside, and i can¡¯t pull it out.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s fine. big jianjian, don¡¯t be afraid. hold it tightly and give it a good pull; it¡¯ll come out soon!¡±


    ¡°big jianjian, is your waist bad? why are your legs so weak!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was strange. after that, he heard ning yan¡¯s screams.


    ¡°i can¡¯t take it anymore, it¡¯s about to break. please spare me¡­¡±

 Chapter 965 - Chapter 965 Taking the Sun From the Ancient River of Sacrificial Yin (1)

    chapter 965 taking the sun from the ancient river of sacrificial yin (1)


    the entire moon worship region, except for the northwestern edge where a mountain range bordered another region, was surrounded by the sacrificial yin river.


    this river surrounded all living beings in the region like a seal, forming a circle.


    at that moment, the location xu qing arrived at belonged to the southwestern part of the moon worship region. there were many mountains here and very little vegetation. moreover, because he was close to the riverside, the wind that blew from the sacrificial yin river exuded the aura of death and decay.


    however, in this gloomy atmosphere, the words carried by the wind, resembling the howls of wolves and tigers, seemed to break the eerie silence of the place, altering the ambiance in the blink of an eye.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was a little strange. ling¡¯er also revealed her head and looked ahead shyly as she whispered.


    ¡°brother xu qing, what are they doing?¡±


    after saying that, she even used xu qing¡¯s collar to cover her face.


    li youfei, who was at the side, had no idea where xu qing was bringing him. at that moment, on the shore of the sacrificial yin, he heard the voices coming from afar. his expression was a little strange and he instinctively took a few steps back, feeling a little uneasy.


    although he felt that it was unlikely, he couldn¡¯t help but think of xu qing¡¯s true motive for giving him so many curse-resolving pills and the other party¡¯s decisiveness in rejecting the clay fox.


    ¡®it shouldn¡¯t be¡­¡¯ li youfei¡¯s heart trembled as he comforted himself.


    xu qing didn¡¯t understand his nervousness. at that moment, he looked into the distance and observed his surroundings.


    there were restrictions in this area.


    other than concealment, the effect of this restriction was also to isolate. not only did it isolate sound, but it also isolated vision.


    previously, when xu qing got close, he had already sensed it and could tell that it was set up with the captain¡¯s blood. moreover, it had marked his aura, allowing him to enter unhindered.


    xu qing revealed a contemplative expression. after taking a few steps, he squatted down and touched the ground.


    according to his senses, this place was the eye of the restriction.


    almost at the instant xu qing¡¯s hand touched it, an eye suddenly crawled out of the sand on the ground and blinked at xu qing. after that, similar eyes appeared in all directions.


    there were also some blue worms that crawled out.


    the range was so large that it covered a total of 500 kilometers. this scene caused li youfei¡¯s heart to tremble as though he was facing a great enemy. he really felt that the strangeness of this place was the same as the white wind in the desert, giving him a terrifying feeling.


    similarly, all of this also moved xu qing. he couldn¡¯t help but mutter inwardly.


    ¡®before eldest senior brother left, he said that he wanted to do a small matter¡­ what small matter requires him to seal 500 kilometers?¡¯


    while xu qing was pondering, those eyes and the blue worms all swayed, emitting cheering emotions. there was also the captain¡¯s voice echoing from them.


    ¡°haha, little qing, you¡¯re here. hurry up and help us pluck it!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was strange but he didn¡¯t hesitate. with a sway of his body, he walked forward. as he moved forward, the eyes and worms on the shore quickly spread out, clearing a path.


    following the path, xu qing sped along, the whispers and panting sounds growing louder in his ears. after nearly eight minutes, he felt himself passing through a hidden membrane that seemed as fluid as the water¡¯s surface. at that moment, the scene concealed in this place came into view for xu qing.


    the first thing that caught xu qing¡¯s attention was a colossus standing on the distant shore.


    this was a huge door frame-shaped building made of bronze-colored boulders. it was 30,000 feet tall and 10,000 feet wide.


    it was erected on the riverbank like an ancient giant, emitting an astonishing pressure and majestic aura.


    upon closer inspection, one could even see countless ancient runes engraved on the bronze-colored boulders. they were densely packed and gave off an incomparably complicated feeling.


    what caused xu qing¡¯s heart to tremble the most was that what existed in the door frame wasn¡¯t a door but rather a peculiar object formed by concentric rings of black metal within the frame.


    the circular rings at the top and bottom were the smallest, and the central section was the largest, resembling a conical spring.


    it was covered in rust and even had some drops of red river water in places, as if it had been recently pulled out from the river.


    looking at this item, xu qing couldn¡¯t guess what it was. hence, his gaze landed on the river at the side. the captain, wu jianwu, and ning yan were there.


    the three stood in a row, with the captain at the front, holding onto a vine, panting heavily, their bodies forming an arch as they continuously pulled.


    behind him was wu jianwu and his strange descendants. all of them were pulling the vine forcefully.


    as for ning yan, he was positioned at the back, sitting on the ground with his legs spread wide, his heels buried in the sand. he grasped the vine with both hands on his abdomen, wailing and exerting force at the same time.


    ¡°no, it¡¯s really about to break¡­¡±


    that vine was connected to his navel and extended very long, directly reaching the long river of sacrificial yin in front of him.


    at that moment, as they pulled, the river churned. there seemed to be a huge circular object being pulled up bit by bit from the bottom of the river.


    ¡°little qing, come and help.¡±


    the captain flicked his hair and wiped the sweat off his forehead as he shouted at xu qing.


    wu jianwu also lifted his head and panted as he looked at xu qing.


    as for ning yan, he had nothing to live for and wailed.


    ¡°boss, save me¡­¡±


    almost as he began to speak, a streak of mixed light shot out from xu qing, it was the parrot. it had grown some scruffy feathers, but it looked even uglier now.


    it flew onto wu jianwu in an instant, crying like a child who had escaped from a demon¡¯s clutches and found its family.

 Chapter 966 - Chapter 966 Taking the Sun From the Ancient River of Sacrificial Yin (2)

    chapter 966 taking the sun from the ancient river of sacrificial yin (2)


    ¡°dad, i thought i¡¯d never see you again.¡±


    but before it could lament its own experience, its father shook its head, tossing it aside with a low shout.


    ¡°hold the rope in your mouth and pull it!¡±


    the parrot was stunned and felt grief and indignation in its heart. it had a feeling that the human world wasn¡¯t worth it. however, since its father had spoken, it didn¡¯t dare to disobey. at that moment, it could only exert force like ning yan who had nothing to live for.


    seeing this, although xu qing was filled with doubts, he still walked to the captain¡¯s side and grabbed the vine, pulling it with all his might.


    li youfei also quickly came to help. at the same time, he smiled at wu jianwu and glanced at ning yan. after that, he looked at the captain and immediately analyzed who had the highest status among the three.


    with their addition, the pulling force also soared. the river instantly churned intensely. amidst the rumbling sounds, a huge ring appeared on the distant river.


    ¡°senior brother, what is this?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze froze.


    when the captain heard this, although he was panting, he couldn¡¯t help but feel smug.


    ¡°little qing, you came late but it¡¯s fine. you made it in time.¡±


    ¡°do you see the door frame behind us? haha, guess what that is?¡±


    xu qing shook his head with a puzzled expression.


    seeing that xu qing was showing such a rare expression, the captain laughed.


    ¡°that¡¯s the sun!¡±


    ¡°there were once nine man-made suns in the moon worship region and three of them died. you know about this, right? that door frame is one of the fallen suns!¡±


    ¡°and what we¡¯re going to catch next is also one of the three suns that fell.¡±


    ¡°this is the small thing i came here to do.¡±


    ¡°in spring, i planted the seeds, and now in autumn, i will reap three suns!¡±


    the captain was proud, having found the three suns that fell in ancient times in his previous life, and even repaired them, eventually throwing them into the sacrificial yin river to hide them.


    xu qing¡¯s heart fluctuated. he turned his head and glanced at the huge door. he never expected that this thing was actually an artificial sun.


    ¡°it¡¯s all thanks to ning yan. haha, i didn¡¯t misjudge back then. this kid¡¯s bloodline is extraordinary. after fusing with the vine and with my assistance, it allowed the vine to withstand the erosion of the sacrificial yin river.¡±


    as the captain spoke, he lovingly shook the vine in his hand. when ning yan, who was at the back, heard this, his expression was filled with grief and indignation. the thing he regretted the most was going to fenghai county.


    if he hadn¡¯t gone to fenghai county, he wouldn¡¯t have known chen erniu. if he didn¡¯t know chen erniu, he wouldn¡¯t have suffered the subsequent tragedy. especially at this moment, his heart kept trembling, afraid that xu qing and the others wouldn¡¯t be able to hold it. if that happened, he would be instantly pulled into the river.


    despite that, following chen erniu and working with him, he had enjoyed many good things along the way. now his cultivation was about to break through and enter the nascent soul realm¡­


    ¡°put in more strength!¡± after the captain told xu qing about his little incident, he roared and everyone exerted strength at the same time.


    the sound of the river roared, and the massive object within it became increasingly visible, approaching the bank steadily.


    this object was too large and was over 30,000 feet tall, forming a huge sense of oppression. as it got closer, xu qing gradually saw the details of this item.


    this was a massive ring, stained with mud and the red river water, but one could still discern its base color was white. what was most bizarre was the presence of humanoid figures within this gigantic ring.


    numerous humanoid sculptures were upside down inside, with their feet standing on the inner ring, holding hands in ¡®´ó¡¯ posture, creating an inner circle. from a distance, they appeared like the intricate pattern within this massive ring-like object.


    however, it wasn¡¯t complete. xu qing saw that there was a human-shaped statue missing in the inner circle and there was a gap.


    ¡°little dumpling, come out and pull your father!¡±


    seeing that he was about to succeed, the captain roared excitedly and took out the artificial sun of the lone sun race.


    eventually, as the river water surged and rushed to the shore, the massive ring became increasingly clear within the river, getting closer and closer. after an hour, it was completely pulled to the surface.


    with a loud crash as it reached the shore, ning yan and wu jianwu both slumped down, utterly exhausted. only the captain, despite his fatigue, quickly rushed over, inspecting the object with a fervent expression, touching it from different angles.


    ¡°little qing, do you know? it¡¯s called the big dumpling.¡±


    xu qing walked closer and lifted his head to look at the huge ring. respect rose in his heart for the race that could create this item.


    ¡°come and help me, let¡¯s push it over to the big rectangle.¡±


    the captain, full of energy, pushed hard, and with xu qing¡¯s help, they managed to roll this huge ring forward, until it reached the side of the door frame, and both of them sat down, panting.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, are you sure what you¡¯re doing this time is a small matter?¡±


    xu qing looked at the two colossal objects behind him and exclaimed.


    the captain laughed and put his arm around xu qing¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°of course it¡¯s a small matter. after this matter is done, we¡¯ll go to the bitter life mountain range together. the things there are the big deal!¡±


    ¡°by the way, little qing, how are you doing in the bitter life mountain range?¡±


    ¡°not bad. i opened a small apothecary.¡± xu qing nodded.


    ¡°apothecary? not bad. do you lack a boss?¡± the captain¡¯s eyes lit up.


    xu qing glanced at the captain. at this moment, ling¡¯er crawled out and quickly spoke.


    ¡°no!¡±


    the captain chuckled and looked at xu qing before glancing at ling¡¯er with an understanding expression. after that, he coughed.

 Chapter 967 - Chapter 967 Taking the Sun From the Ancient River of Sacrificial Yin (3)

    chapter 967 taking the sun from the ancient river of sacrificial yin (3)


    ¡°let¡¯s not talk about that for now. there¡¯s a big guy at the bottom of the river. let¡¯s take a break and then give it our all to get it out.¡±


    ¡°let me tell you, little qing, this last one isn¡¯t simple at all!¡±


    ¡°this is the first man-made sun in the moon worship region. there were even rumors that it was an ancient item from a ruler¡¯s era.¡±


    when the captain introduced in a low voice, li youfei, who was sitting beside wu jianwu in the distance, was incomparably shocked.


    as a person from the moon worship region, he naturally knew about the artificial suns. at this moment, when he saw it being fished out with his own eyes, he was dumbstruck.


    ¡°is master¡¯s friend that terrifying?!¡±


    before li youfei could digest the shock, the captain stood up and spoke loudly.


    ¡°time to work, time to work.¡±


    ¡°once we get the last big one out, we¡¯ll be done!¡±


    as he spoke, the captain walked to ning yan¡¯s side.


    ning yan looked pleadingly at the captain. the captain patted his shoulder.


    ¡°big ningning, this is the last time, i promise, and the things i promised you, i will definitely get them for you. i¡¯ll make sure your bloodline strength will surpass your dad¡¯s!¡±


    ning yan was surprised.


    the captain smiled faintly and didn¡¯t say much. he took ning yan¡¯s vine and headed straight for the river.


    when xu qing saw this scene, he was a little worried. he also walked over and arrived beside the captain.


    noticing xu qing¡¯s arrival, the captain laughed and warmth rose in his heart.


    ¡°junior brother, you¡¯re still the best. you know how to feel heartache for eldest senior brother. previously, ningning and jianjian watched me jump into the river and none of them followed me. alright, we brothers will do it together!¡±


    after the captain finished speaking, he rushed forward and stepped into the river. xu qing also stepped in behind him. the two of them instantly entered the river and spread out their cultivation levels. while resisting the power of the river, they rushed toward the bottom of the river.


    the captain¡¯s method of resisting was the blue light all over his body. xu qing¡¯s method was simpler. the purple moon¡¯s power spread out slightly and instantly neutralized everything. just like that, the two of them moved at full speed at the bottom of the river.


    the bottom of the river was dark and the blood-red river water was incomparably dense here. there were also countless skeletons floating in the water.


    xu qing saw a rotting skeleton of a woman drift past him. its eyelids seemed to open for a moment.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care about this and continued forward.


    vaguely, there seemed to be some terrifying existences in the river that appeared in the surroundings. however, regardless of whether it was the blue light on the captain¡¯s body or xu qing¡¯s purple moon authority, they both formed a deterrence, causing those existences to not attack them.


    just like that, time slowly passed. under the captain¡¯s ability, ning yan¡¯s vine was extended infinitely. they pulled on the vine, getting closer to the depths of the river.


    after an unknown period of time, a gigantic sphere, partially submerged in the mud, with a size of tens of thousands of feet, came into view.


    this massive object was broken and riddled with countless holes, as if it had been through a great battle.


    a sense of age and antiquity permeated this iron sphere, evident in the mottled rust that covered it.


    the passage of time on its body caused everyone who saw it to involuntarily feel a sense of decay.


    this was the first artificial sun from the ruler¡¯s era in the moon worship region.


    ¡°we¡¯re here!¡± the captain¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint as he gestured to xu qing, asking him to help him pay attention to his surroundings. after that, he grabbed the vine and moved closer to the iron ball.


    xu qing nodded and watched from the side.


    however, at this moment, they were unaware that within the rusted and damaged interior of the sphere, there was a figure sitting cross-legged!


    this figure was emaciated, with a withered face, wearing tattered brown robes. the exposed skin showed raised, mountain range-like meridians.


    he had long, gray hair, scattered around him like wandering spirits within the iron sphere.


    the moment the captain and xu qing got close to the sphere, the figure¡¯s closed eyes slowly opened. a hint of blue light appeared within, emitting a soul-stirring power.


    it was the ruler¡¯s heir!


    he gazed into the distance, his expression becoming somewhat peculiar.


    * * *

 Chapter 968 - Chapter 968 What Did You Dredge Out!!

    chapter 968 what did you dredge out!!


    xu qing and the captain had no idea about the figure in the iron sphere.


    at that moment, under xu qing¡¯s vigilant attention, the captain held ning yan¡¯s vine and slowly approached the sphere.


    although this object was riddled with holes, there was another world inside. the captain searched for a long time and finally found a cavity that looked relatively sturdy.


    here, he threaded the vine through, clearly a bit concerned about its stability. so, he threaded the vine through in multiple places, tied a knot, and then bit his finger to draw runes with his blood which he then merged with the knotted areas.


    after doing this, the captain proudly patted the iron sphere and gestured at xu qing.


    outsiders couldn¡¯t understand but xu qing understood very well. he was a little speechless but he still took out the recording jade slip. after using his purple moon power to envelop it and prevent it from being invaded, he recorded the scene.


    he imprinted this scene on the jade slip.


    after doing this, the captain quickly returned and wanted to check the jade slip. he was quite satisfied with his appearance. after that, he winked at xu qing and continued to gesture.


    xu qing shook his head and rejected the captain¡¯s invitation to record his beautiful life as well.


    the two of them turned and quickly retreated in the direction of the vine.


    the journey was quite smooth. after a few hours, they returned to the shore. the moment they walked out of the river, the captain grabbed the vine and immediately shouted.


    ¡°get to work, get to work!¡±


    ¡°big jianjian, i saw it just now. there are inscriptions of the ancient sovereign mystic nether on the large iron sphere below. unfortunately, it was dim and i didn¡¯t see it clearly¡­¡±


    wu jianwu, who was originally lying there to rest, instantly jumped up when he heard this. his eyes widened as he grabbed ning yan¡¯s vine. he let out a loud roar and his descendants appeared as well, grabbing the vine with him.


    the parrot was no exception.


    ning yan became nervous again. he hurriedly sat up straight and assumed his previous posture.


    li youfei, who was at the side, was a discerning person. he immediately grabbed the vine, his expression showing determination, and he put all his effort into it. his face turned red, and he strained with all his might.


    everyone worked together and the river instantly rumbled and churned.


    and with their combined efforts, the vine connecting to the massive iron sphere at the riverbed¡¯s end began to sway slightly, gradually being pulled up.


    the ruler¡¯s heir, who was sitting cross-legged inside, felt the trembling and movement of the iron sphere. his expression became increasingly strange as he lifted his head and looked outside. he wanted to say something but hesitated¡­


    just like that, time flowed by and the iron sphere was finally completely pulled out of the mud. it was slowly dragged forward at the bottom of the river. because it was huge, its speed wasn¡¯t fast.


    however, every time it moved, a large amount of mud would be stirred up, causing the river to churn and large waves to surge continuously.


    the commotion here was not insignificant, but the captain seemed to be well-prepared and had set up things meticulously. if it continued for a long time, it might be discovered, but for a short period, it was still manageable.


    this was also the reason why he was anxious.


    there were many rocks in the muddy riverbed, and although the massive iron sphere rolled over them, some bumps were inevitable. these disturbances transmitted into the iron sphere, most notably affecting the figure inside.


    however, the expression of the ruler¡¯s heir was no longer strange. instead, it turned calm. he sat there and allowed xu qing, the captain, and the others to slowly pull out the iron sphere he was hiding in.


    three days passed in the blink of an eye.


    under the efforts of the captain and the others, the edge of this huge iron sphere finally appeared at the end of their vision. this was the first time it had appeared in the outside world after countless years.


    it was covered in rust and had an obvious ancient feeling. even the sky here rippled at this moment.


    ¡°it¡¯s out. everyone, work harder!¡±


    the captain was incomparably excited. his cultivation base erupted completely and he went all out.


    the size of this iron sphere reached 100,000 feet, and its weight far exceeded that of the circular ring and the door frame. consequently, its movement was slow, and the required force was tremendous. there were even two close calls where the vine almost broke.


    fortunately, the captain¡¯s power and xu qing¡¯s purple moon power barely maintained the vine.


    at that moment, seeing that they were almost close to success and that everyone was using all their strength, xu qing¡¯s body expanded to 50 feet, like a small giant.


    after a long and exhausting effort, the iron ball finally emerged from the river, revealing more and more of its massive size. several hours passed before this 100,000-foot-sized iron ball, which loomed like a colossal monolith, appeared before them.


    they had dragged it out of the sacrificial yin.


    the moment it got ashore, a large amount of red river water flowed down from the holes in the iron sphere like a waterfall.


    as for the ancientness and vicissitudes, they became even more intense at this moment, as though they were affecting time, causing the surroundings to become blurry and distorted.


    this scene stirred intense emotions within li youfei, while ning yan took a deep breath. only wu jianwu¡¯s eyes gleamed with curiosity as he quickly approached to search for the mystic nether¡¯s inscriptions mentioned by the captain.


    as for the captain, he was lying there with his arms and legs spread out. he didn¡¯t have any strength left at all. however, looking at the huge iron ball, the corners of his mouth split open and he let out a smug laugh.


    ¡°junior brother, how is it? am i amazing or not?!¡±


    ¡°haha, the three suns are all with me!¡±


    ¡°in addition to little dumpling, i have four suns in my hand. let me tell you, although the other five are with other races, i¡¯ve left a backdoor in each of them!¡±


    ¡°when the time is right, the nine suns will descend with a thought of mine. but for these three, i¡¯ll need your help to give them an extra push!¡±


    ¡°junior brother, the day to do the final major thing here isn¡¯t far away!¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he looked at the three huge objects and his heart trembled. he recalled what the parrot had said when it called him over back then and asked.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, you called me here to light a fire. do you mean to light these three suns?¡±


    the captain got up, beaming with joy.


    ¡°that¡¯s right. let¡¯s go. it will take some time for this large iron ball to release all the water. we should light the other two first.¡±


    the captain, saying that, struggled to stand up and pulled xu qing with him, heading straight for the bronze door frame. he stood there and touched the door frame with anticipation in his expression.


    xu qing looked up into the distance. he still couldn¡¯t quite understand how this object could become a sun.


    ¡°junior brother, have you heard of the eternal power?¡± the captain looked at xu qing and pointed at the door frame.


    ¡°this is the eternal power, and also the reason why it became an artificial sun.¡±


    with these words, the captain waved his hand, and in an instant, the little dumpling thing flew out, its radiance shrinking and illuminating the doorframe. in the next moment, the runic inscriptions on the bronze-colored giant stones began to shine brightly.


    it seemed like it was building up energy. under the continuous illumination of the little dumpling, all the runic inscriptions eventually began to flicker, accompanied by a resounding roar. the doorframe radiated with a brilliant light, catching the attention of wu jianwu and others.


    finally, when the light from the runes on the bronze door frame was piercing, the captain spoke loudly.


    ¡°junior brother, your golden crow is extraordinary, it¡¯s the best primal fire. with your golden crow¡¯s power, exhale the flames and ignite it!¡±


    the golden crow in xu qing¡¯s body instantly erupted and transformed into a majestic body that swam in all directions. under li youfei¡¯s horror, the huge golden crow spat out heavenly fire at the door frame.


    the endless sea of fire instantly drowned the door frame. at the next instant, it was absorbed by the runic inscriptions. the door frame, now even more radiant, emitted undulating waves that converged onto the central conical spring.


    the spring began to vibrate.


    ¡°again!¡± the captain spat out a mouthful of blood. with the help of his blood, xu qing¡¯s power of the golden crow changed. the flames also transformed in an instant, causing the door frame to resonate with a deafening sound.


    the light on it kept shining endlessly, and more energy gathered in the spring. soon, the vibrations of the spring intensified, until finally¡­ it abruptly sank down with great force!


    the largest ring of the conical spring slammed down with tremendous force, creating a deafening roar that shook the earth. countless rocks crumbled, and the surrounding people¡¯s bodies swayed as they stood. the spring that had fallen to the ground then catapulted upward, crashing into the top of the door frame.


    at the next instant, it borrowed the momentum to sink again.


    the cycle repeated endlessly and thunderous roars continued, as if powered by an eternal force. it erupted incessantly, forming a massive wall of flames that engulfed the entire door frame, creating a colossal fireball.


    the sky changed color and the earth quaked.


    this scene caused xu qing¡¯s heart to stir, let alone the others. regardless of whether it was ning yan or wu jianwu, they were stunned instantly. as for li youfei, he was completely dumbfounded and cried out involuntarily.


    the captain laughed loudly and waved his hand, shrinking the huge sun by the door frame until it became a beam of light that fused into his hand.


    after putting it away, the captain pointed at the distant circular ring.


    ¡°little qing, light the second one!¡±


    with that, the captain took out a headless corpse from his storage bag.


    from the looks of it, it was clearly the captain¡¯s body in this life. he should have chopped it off some time ago¡­


    after taking it out, he threw his corpse toward the ring. immediately, his corpse continued to grow larger and eventually became the size of those human-shaped statues. it directly stood at the gap and lifted its hands, grabbing the hands of the human statues on its left and right.


    at this moment, the ring was complete!


    ¡°little qing, light it!¡±


    the captain shouted from the ground.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate. with a sway of the golden crow, he spat out heavenly fire at the ring. this fire instantly enveloped the ring and headed straight for the captain¡¯s corpse.


    the captain¡¯s corpse burned and the fire rapidly spread toward the human-shaped statues on the left and right.


    these human-shaped statues burned one after another. all of their eyes suddenly opened and as the sound of an incantation echoed, they actually moved like gears.


    as rumbling sounds echoed, the flames grew increasingly intense. a while later, when it rotated to the extreme, the flames on the ring rose and transformed into a sun.


    the captain leaped up and grabbed at the air. immediately, the rotating sun shrunk rapidly like the door frame and headed straight for the captain. he put it away.


    ¡°haha, everything went incredibly smoothly. it went so smoothly that i¡¯m a little unused to it.¡±


    the captain laughed loudly, and xu qing instantly became vigilant. in his memory, every time the captain did something major, there would be some accidents. it was fine if the other party didn¡¯t say it, but now that he did, xu qing felt uneasy.


    noticing xu qing¡¯s expression, the captain was dissatisfied.


    ¡°little qing, you don¡¯t trust me. i told you that this isn¡¯t a big deal but a small matter. i¡¯ve been planning this for a long time. there can¡¯t be any accidents.¡±


    ¡°look, isn¡¯t everything going very smoothly? come, come, come. let¡¯s finish this last bit and set off for the bitter life mountain range!¡±


    the captain licked his lips and looked at the iron sphere. he discovered that there wasn¡¯t much river water inside. there were some evil spirits inside that seemed to be struggling after leaving the river, emitting malice in all directions.


    ¡°we can light it now. set it ablaze and burn all the evil spirits inside. it can be considered a sacrifice for the rising sun.¡±


    xu qing hesitated, carefully considering the situation and finding no signs of trouble. so, he chose to believe and raised his hand. the golden crow soared into the sky and spewed a sea of flames towards the massive iron ball.


    in an instant, an endless sea of fire headed straight for the iron sphere, enveloping it.


    he lit the fire.


    the captain was about to take out the corresponding item he had prepared to burn the iron sphere even more thoroughly. however, before he could take out the item, the huge iron sphere suddenly shook and rose into the air on its own.


    the flames on it instantly erupted, and the temperature soared as though it had lost control. its surface was instantly red, and so was its interior. it was as though it had transformed into a huge soldering iron.


    that was fine, but at the next instant, it emitted an extremely terrifying energy fluctuation, as though¡­ it was about to self-destruct!

 Chapter 969 - Chapter 969 The Old Man in the Sun (1)

    chapter 969 the old man in the sun (1)


    at this moment, in the sky above the sacrificial yin river, a huge ball burned and a terrifying pressure continued to spread. from within it, a cracking sound, akin to grinding teeth, sent shivers down the spine.


    especially its color, at that moment, turned an intense shade of crimson, with some parts on the surface even melting due to the terrifying temperature, dripping droplets of molten iron.


    the unstable fluctuations from the huge fireball spread crazily, causing everyone who saw it to feel fear.


    the earth was affected, experiencing violent tremors, and countless red sand and gravel were lifted into the air, drawn by the burning ancient sun. the river¡¯s surface was the same, as strands of river water flowed in reverse, creating a boundless sea of crimson.


    this scene instantly caused everyone¡¯s minds to rumble like countless lightning bolts had exploded in their minds.


    ¡°what¡¯s going on!¡±


    ¡°damn it, i knew it!¡±


    ¡°every time chen erniu makes a move, nothing good happens. he¡¯s just feeling uncomfortable if he doesn¡¯t court death. how hateful that i actually believed his nonsense again!!¡±


    wu jianwu and ning yan¡¯s faces turned pale. a sense of life-and-death crisis suddenly erupted in their minds and they trembled intensely. ning yan¡¯s reaction was the fastest. he screamed and turned to run frantically.


    as he ran, he also retracted his vine as fast as possible.


    wu jianwu¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t high enough and he was a little slower. however, he grabbed the vine that ning yan dragged on the ground and borrowed the momentum to escape.


    li youfei¡¯s reaction was also extremely fast. he was extremely shocked and his scalp felt numb. this was the first time he was doing anything with xu qing, so he wasn¡¯t mentally prepared. looking at the sun that was emitting a terrifying pressure and was about to self-destruct, his mind was buzzing and he instinctively fled rapidly.


    the three of them were very fast and wanted to teleport. however, not only were there the captain¡¯s restrictions in this range, but there was also the envelopment of the ancient sun. the space was chaotic and teleportation couldn¡¯t be carried out.


    although the parrot could do it¡­ its feathers hadn¡¯t grown out yet.


    ¡°it¡¯s over, it¡¯s over. i¡¯m going to die. i hate it!¡± the parrot was filled with grief and indignation. it bit ning yan¡¯s vine and endless regret rose in its heart.


    ¡°the biggest mistake in my life was to go to the bitter life mountain range¡­¡±


    although the three of them reacted quickly, they couldn¡¯t escape too far in a short period of time.


    xu qing took a look and sighed. he had actually expected this. he knew that every time his captain did something, it would definitely be like this. at that moment, he didn¡¯t escape in the direction of ning yan and the others. instead, he turned and headed straight for the sacrificial yin.


    compared to the empty outside world, the effect would clearly be better with the help of the power of the sacrificial yin river.


    however, he also reminded ning yan and the others in the distance.


    ¡°enter the sacrificial yin river!¡±


    when ning yan and wu jianwu heard this, they instantly changed directions. li youfei was stunned for a moment. when he thought of his uniqueness, he gritted his teeth and rushed over as well.


    as for the captain, he was completely dumbfounded as he looked at the sun in the sky.


    sensing the terrifying fluctuations from the sun, the captain spoke blankly as he retreated with xu qing.


    ¡°no, i¡¯ve already calculated it. there shouldn¡¯t have been any mistakes. it¡¯s really a small matter¡­¡±


    xu qing stepped onto the sacrificial yin river and glanced at the captain.


    ¡°you call this a small matter?¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s really a small matter. i¡¯m just dredging out something to light.¡±


    the captain¡¯s mind was in a mess. this time, he really didn¡¯t expect this. from what he knew, this was indeed a small matter and he had prepared for this for a long time.


    ¡°what¡¯s the big deal about dredging out the sun? it¡¯s not like we¡¯re catching a god. logically speaking, it shouldn¡¯t be like this.¡±


    the captain felt aggrieved and depressed. his heart ached even more. he felt that there was a problem with this ancient sun and it didn¡¯t match his plan. he couldn¡¯t take it away.


    ¡°little qing, i want to go over and take a look. maybe i can even repair it¡­¡±


    as soon as the captain finished speaking, the aura of the ancient sun erupted again in the air, and the fluctuations became even more terrifying.


    the surrounding ground no longer had sand and gravel rising into the air. instead, it was burning and the mountain rocks instantly melted.


    the nearby river water also boiled. the aura of self-destruction was extremely dense at this moment.


    the might of such a huge sun¡¯s self-destruction was indescribable. however, one thing was certain. all existences in this area would instantly turn to ashes.


    the captain instantly put away the thought of saving the sun. xu qing also gasped. the feeling of life-and-death crisis rose and churned in his mind. he sped up and drilled into the river.


    however, at this moment, the ancient sun floating in the air suddenly sank.


    immediately, the color of the sky changed and heat waves erupted. the pressure inside was extremely intense.


    what was even more terrifying was that the ancient sun didn¡¯t just sink a little. it charged toward xu qing and the captain.


    in xu qing¡¯s eyes, the already huge sun became even larger as it got closer. the moment the sun got close, the sacrificial yin river around him and the captain actually froze.


    they weren¡¯t allowed to enter!


    xu qing and the captain¡¯s entry was forcefully interrupted.


    xu qing¡¯s expression changed drastically and he was about to change directions. however, at the next instant, the pressure bound him. in the blink of an eye, xu qing shockingly discovered that he couldn¡¯t move at all.


    he wasn¡¯t the only one. the river was like this, and so was the ground. ning yan and the other two lost their mobility and stood there completely frozen.


    the captain wailed.


    ¡°what is this? does this thing have intelligence?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s scalp went numb and the horror in everyone¡¯s hearts transformed into a storm of death. under the monstrous eruption, the ancient sun rapidly approached but it grew smaller and smaller.

 Chapter 970 - Chapter 970 The Old Man in the Sun (2)

    chapter 970 the old man in the sun (2)


    in the end, as everyone trembled, this enormously huge sun actually transformed into a fist-sized fireball, held in the hand of a figure that suddenly appeared from the void.


    the person who appeared was dressed in a tattered brown robe, extraordinarily handsome, with long flowing hair that created wisps of specters trailing behind him. his blue eyes, like precious gems, exuded an indescribable sense of nobility.


    his appearance caused the sky to freeze, the earth to solidify, the wind to cease its dance, and the flames to become specimens.


    even the water of the sacrificial yin river seemed to have become a painting and was motionless.


    everything in the world stopped as this person walked over.


    only the minds of living were still working, so the endless and overwhelming fear erupted within the minds of the people.


    ning yan was terrified and wu jianwu¡¯s heart trembled. they had recognized the identity of the person who came¡­


    and li youfei was on the verge of breaking down. following xu qing, he felt that everything that was happening was overturning his imagination. in just a few months, he had witnessed and experienced things that exceeded the first half of his life.


    although he didn¡¯t know who this person was, he was already horrified when he saw that the incomparably violent sun was like a toy in the hands of the person.


    the captain¡¯s pupils also contracted. a monstrous wave rose in his heart and he was at a loss.


    ¡°why is there an additional person in my sun¡­ what did i dredge out? also, this person¡­ looks a little familiar.¡±


    the captain¡¯s body trembled.


    xu qing trembled as well.


    xu qing looked at the figure walking toward him with the sun in his hand. he was also at a loss. he never expected that his captain would f*cking dredge out the ruler¡¯s heir as a small matter!


    looking at the other party, xu qing couldn¡¯t help but recall the scene of them finding the iron ball at the bottom of the river.


    at that time, the heir was probably in the iron ball.


    xu qing then thought of those rumors and guessed that after the heir and princess mingmei fought against the red moon¡¯s divine son, the other party had hidden in this ancient sun to recuperate.


    this was indeed a very good place to hide¡­


    the ancient sun originally came from the ruler¡¯s era, so the heir naturally understood it better. as for the sacrificial yin river, it looked dangerous but with the crimson goddess in deep slumber, it became the safest place.


    generally speaking, very few people could find it, other than¡­ the captain who had come to salvage the sun.


    ¡°how did you guys find me and why did you set the place where i was on fire?¡±


    the heir¡¯s expression was calm as he walked toward xu qing and the captain step by step. he lowered his head and looked down, retracting the restraints on everyone.


    ning yan and wu jianwu knelt down with a plop. li youfei was the same. the three of them trembled intensely.


    there was also the parrot. its face was filled with fear as it hid in its father¡¯s sleeve.


    the gaze and aura from the heir formed an indescribable huge pressure that enveloped this area.


    the captain smiled awkwardly as he trembled. his expression was even more fawning.


    ¡°senior, it¡¯s a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding¡­ we were wrong, we¡¯ll leave now. you don¡¯t have to bother with us. why don¡¯t you go back and continue resting?¡±


    as the captain spoke, he wanted to retreat.


    the heir calmly glanced at him.


    the captain fell to the ground with a plop and blood spurted out of his mouth. his entire body was spewing blood like a fountain.


    the heir retracted his gaze and looked at xu qing.


    xu qing glanced at the captain who was vomiting blood and his expression became even more respectful. he cupped his fists and bowed to the ruler¡¯s heir in front of him. he used the same courtesy he had used back then and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°we didn¡¯t know that senior was here. we came here to complete my master¡¯s plan to dredge out the three suns.¡±


    when the heir heard this, he looked at xu qing with a spurious smile and didn¡¯t continue asking. instead, he looked at the distant horizon.


    ¡°someone¡¯s coming soon. we need to leave.¡±


    ¡°little friend, where are you guys going after dredging out the suns?¡±


    xu qing hesitated but didn¡¯t dare to hide it. hence, he told the truth.


    ¡°bitter life mountain range?¡± the heir fell into deep thought and smiled. with a sway of his body, his appearance changed and he actually transformed into a kind-looking old man.


    he retracted all his pressure such that there were no extraordinary energy fluctuations from him. he was like a mortal shopkeeper. at this moment, he walked forward with his hands behind his back.


    ¡°i also plan to stay there for a period of time. let¡¯s go, i¡¯ll tell you about the foundation of the red moon shrine on the way. this has something to do with you.¡±


    as the words were spoken, the bindings on ning yan and the other two disappeared, leaving them utterly shocked and unsure of what to do. they all turned to look at xu qing. the captain, after ending his bout of bleeding, stood up, clearly shaken, and also looked at xu qing.


    in their perception, xu qing was the person most familiar with this crown prince.


    xu qing¡¯s heart was in a mess. he looked at the heir who had transformed into an old man and gritted his teeth fiercely as he followed.


    the group quickly followed behind, with ning yan and wu jianwu both having weak legs, trembling as they walked. they occasionally exchanged glances, seeing the disbelief and shock in each other¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°a living soul accumulation¡­¡±


    the captain quickly adjusted his attitude, speeding up to keep pace. he took out a fan, fanning the heir while nodding and bowing, trying to be ingratiating.


    ¡°elder, are you hot? let me fan you.¡±


    ¡°elder, are you tired? big jianjian, hurry up and take out the bear for the elder to ride!¡±


    everyone trembled as they continued forward. only xu qing looked normal. however, he was at a loss.


    ¡®is he coming to the apothecary with me?¡¯


    time flowed by. two hours after everyone left, the area they were in earlier suddenly distorted. as the void churned, a huge figure suddenly descended.


    this figure was hazy, and his features were not clear. all that could be seen was a wide scarlet robe spreading open around him, covering the sky and blanketing the earth.


    everything turned red at this moment.


    furthermore, his divine aura far exceeded that of nihility. it seemed to manifest countless rules and laws around him, with even the phantoms of the sun, moon, and stars circling in his presence.


    the moment this person appeared, the surroundings turned blurry and the red moon¡¯s authority skyrocketed. as he waved his hand, time here began to reverse, as if backtracking.


    countless fragments emerged from nothingness, continuously piecing together to recreate everything that had happened here. however, just as these fragments began to assemble, before the images could fully form, they trembled intensely.


    at the next instant, all the fragments collapsed and dissipated.


    the figure who arrived fell silent. he then looked at the sacrificial yin river. with just one glance, the river started churning.


    ¡°river spirits, show yourselves.¡± a deep voice echoed from his mouth.


    in the blink of an eye, numerous river spirits appeared on the river¡¯s surface, bowing in reverence to the figure.


    ¡°greetings, high priest.¡±


    ¡°what happened here?¡± the huge figure calmly asked, his voice echoing like thunder.


    the river spirits were at a loss and all shook their heads. they really didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°cognition has been modified¡­¡± the huge figure¡¯s gaze swept over and he looked into the distance. after a long time, his figure blurred and disappeared from here.


    only his voice continued to linger for a long time.


    ¡°ruler¡¯s heir, you were actually hiding here¡­ then why did you choose to go out now?¡±

 Chapter 971 - Chapter 971 Crimson Goddess Mortal Shedding

    chapter 971 crimson goddess¡¯ mortal shedding


    the sky over the moon worship region was dim, and it was pitch black during the night. there were no stars, and there was no sun or moon to be seen.


    it was as though someone had covered the sky with a black curtain, shrouding all things and obscuring the eyes of living beings.


    at this moment, in the pitch-black night sky, there were hidden ripples spreading out.


    within these ripples was a huge artificial sun. it was the little dumpling.


    the ruler¡¯s heir refused to use wu jianwu¡¯s bear as a mount, so the captain took out the little dumpling.


    the heir was quite satisfied with this artificial sun. hence, after using his ability to conceal it, the group of them headed toward the bitter life mountain range in the sun.


    but now, in this artificial sun, the atmosphere was incomparably oppressive.


    ning yan sat upright but he couldn¡¯t help but tremble. he had been trembling for more than half a day. even though all the flesh in his body was in pain, he still couldn¡¯t help it. that feeling of being a mortal facing a ferocious tiger made him unable to calm his mind even when he meditated.


    it was the same for wu jianwu. he was trembling and didn¡¯t dare to breathe loudly.


    as for li youfei, he was even more tense. his nervousness and fear had already transformed into a surging tide after he vaguely guessed the old man¡¯s cultivation level, drowning him until he felt suffocation.


    this suffocating feeling caused his reverence for xu qing to surpass the past and reach the peak.


    he felt that the master was indeed a master. not only did he have a mysterious background, but his actions also exceeded his imagination. he had also heard of the name of this cultivation level ¡®soul accumulation,¡¯ but from childhood to adulthood, he had never seen anyone with this level of cultivation, let alone encountered them.


    he hadn¡¯t even seen a single strand of hair.


    at the thought of this, li youfei instinctively looked at xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s location was beside the heir. almost no one dared to sit there. xu qing originally didn¡¯t want to, but after the heir sat there, he waved at him.


    hence, xu qing could only brace himself and sit down.


    the captain also dared to stay there. at this moment, he was constantly fanning the crown prince. the fawning expression on his face never disappeared.


    ¡°elder, what do you think of the wind? do you want me to increase it a bit more?¡±


    the heir nodded.


    the captain went all out.


    xu qing sat beside the heir and his hair fluttered slightly. he glanced at the captain who was working hard and gave him an encouraging look.


    when the captain saw this, he put even more strength. the heir who had transformed into an old man lowered his head and looked at the surrounding ground.


    previously, this was the residence of the captain, ning yan, and wu jianwu. with three grown men living together, it was inevitable that it would be a little messy and dirty, especially with wu jianwu¡¯s descendants.


    the captain noticed the old man¡¯s gaze and was about to speak when ning yan, who had been trembling the entire time, instantly pounced over and quickly cleaned up the ground.


    his movements were so fast that a deep look appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes.


    ning yan didn¡¯t bother with the captain¡¯s gaze. he understood that the old man might be his future backer and his savior who could bring him out of this bitter life. as long as he served this elder well, erniu wouldn¡¯t dare to provoke him.


    hence, he frantically wiped it clean. after he was done, the crown prince revealed a satisfied expression.


    ning yan quickly recalled the faces of some people from his memory, imitating their actions by placing his hands in front of his sleeves and forming a smile on his face.


    ¡°sir, if there¡¯s anything you¡¯re not satisfied with, just tell me. i¡¯ll clean it up immediately.¡±


    looking at ning yan¡¯s appearance, reminiscence appeared in the crown prince¡¯s eyes. it was as though ning yan¡¯s actions reminded him of some old friends. hence, the gaze he used to look at ning yan became much gentler.


    ¡°the density of your bloodline is not bad. if you continue to refine it, your future will be limitless.¡±


    when ning yan heard this, he was excited and hurriedly thanked the heir for his guidance.


    this scene was noticed by wu jianwu and he became anxious. however, at the next instant, the parrot beside him suddenly flew out. after it arrived in front of the crown prince, it carefully probed and landed on the crown prince¡¯s knee.


    wu jianwu¡¯s heart skipped a beat. he felt that this parrot had a death wish.


    however, the crown prince didn¡¯t mind. instead, he took a few more glances at the parrot and laughed.


    ¡°your bloodline is even more interesting.¡±


    seeing that the old man didn¡¯t chase it away, the parrot was a little excited. it lifted its head and looked proudly at everyone as it spoke.


    ¡°you guys are nothing when the grandpa is here, come before grandpa quickly!¡±


    as soon as this nonsense poem was recited, wu jianwu gasped. his mind was trembling, afraid that he would be implicated. this was the first time the heir laughed.


    ¡°back then, your ancestor didn¡¯t have the habits of this ancient sovereign.¡±


    when the parrot heard this, it hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°the ancestor is nothing. grandpa is the most important, grandpa is the best, long live grandpa.¡±


    the heir smiled and lifted his hand to stroke the parrot¡¯s bald head. clearly, he liked this parrot.


    as for the parrot, it was incomparably obedient and allowed the prince to touch it. it was feeling extremely smug. after a long time, its small eyes swept over and it looked at ning yan.


    ¡°little ningzi, hurry up and wipe this place clean. why are you so blind? you have to remember that in the future, wherever my grandfather is, there can¡¯t be the slightest trace of dirt!¡±


    ning yan lifted his head and glanced at the parrot. the parrot disdainfully swept its gaze over.


    ning yan fell silent and continued to wipe.


    the parrot quickly checked on the heir and discovered that the other party didn¡¯t stop it. it grew bolder and turned its head to look down on the captain.


    ¡°and you, whoever-you-are-niu, what¡¯s wrong with your fan? haven¡¯t you eaten? you¡¯re too weak, and we¡¯re too slow. use one hand to fan my grandpa, and the other to fan the sun to make it burn more thoroughly!¡±


    the captain paused and looked at the parrot.


    the parrot lifted its head, still disdainful.


    the captain narrowed his eyes and was about to speak when the heir suddenly spoke.


    ¡°the person who came to the heavenly fire sea back then was you, right?¡±


    the captain¡¯s heart skipped a beat and he hurriedly shook his head.


    ¡°it wasn¡¯t me, it wasn¡¯t me.¡±


    the heir¡¯s gaze was deep. he glanced at the captain and didn¡¯t continue asking.


    the captain heaved a sigh of relief. he waved his left hand and hurriedly took out another fan.


    ¡°little parrot is sensible. you¡¯re right, i¡¯ll fan the sun.¡±


    as he spoke, the captain moved his hands. in an instant, the speed of the sun increased by a lot.


    seeing that chen erniu had submitted to it and the heir was even helping to chastise the other, the parrot¡¯s heart was filled with excitement, and its courage grew immensely.


    it felt that this was its moment of glory and also the peak of its bird life. hence, it summoned its father over to massage its grandfather. after that, it glared at xu qing angrily and prepared to take revenge.


    ¡°and you, little qing, the road ahead is long. you should dance for my grandfather and make him happy.¡±


    when ning yan and wu jianwu heard this, they secretly looked over. the captain, on the other hand, had a spurious smile on his face.


    xu qing was expressionless from the start. at this moment, he glanced at the parrot.


    the parrot lifted its head and let out an arrogant voice.


    ¡°what are you loo¡­ ga?!¡±


    before it could finish speaking, it fell to the ground with a plop and spat out a mouthful of blood as it cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°why is there still poison!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was calm. he ignored the parrot and looked at the heir, respectfully speaking.


    ¡°senior, i wonder what you meant by the red moon foundation being somewhat related to me.¡±


    the heir glanced at the parrot and smiled as he touched its body. shortly after, a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes and he turned to look at xu qing.


    ¡°this is the trump card my master prepared for me, a type of god¡¯s curse poison.¡±


    xu qing knew what the crown prince¡¯s gaze meant, so he explained.


    when the heir heard this, he had a spurious smile on his face. his transformed demeanor made him appear amiable, as if he were an elder visiting his junior.


    xu qing¡¯s expression became increasingly respectful.


    a long time later, the crown prince¡¯s hoarse voice echoed in the sun.


    ¡°you once told me that the crimson goddess is our common enemy. i don¡¯t know what your master¡¯s plan is, but no matter what, if you want to target the crimson goddess, you have to first get rid of the red moon shrine.¡±


    ¡°the last time i went to the red moon shrine, other than some personal reasons and plans, i investigated the foundation that the crimson goddess left for the shrine.¡±


    the heir looked at xu qing.


    ning yan and wu jianwu pricked up their ears. the captain blinked.


    ¡°i once told you that although the influence of the heavenly law prevented you from hearing too much, you should still remember that i told you that before the crimson goddess became a god, she was killed by my father.¡±


    as soon as the heir spoke, other than the captain and xu qing, everyone¡¯s hearts trembled violently. their expressions changed drastically and they instinctively felt horror.


    this was especially so for li youfei. as a native, his mind suddenly rumbled when he heard this explosive information.


    ¡°as for the foundation that the crimson goddess left for the temple, it was the skin that she shed when she transformed from a mortal into a god back then!¡±


    ¡°it contains the dense primordial power of the red moon. it is the core of the red moon shrine. with it, the temple won¡¯t be destroyed.¡±


    ¡°this is because outsiders will be assimilated if they get close and lose themselves, becoming believers of the crimson goddess. even the temple cultivators don¡¯t dare to touch it and can only worship it.¡±


    ¡°even the divine son has to ask the crimson goddess for permission before he can use it. however, the crimson goddess is in a deep sleep and can¡¯t respond.¡±


    ¡°only you¡­ might be able to.¡±


    the crown prince¡¯s gaze was deep as he spoke softly.


    xu qing fell into deep thought. the captain¡¯s brows rose slightly and the heir didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    just like that, days passed. although they were already used to the heir¡¯s presence, wu jianwu, ning yan, and li youfei were still nervous and didn¡¯t dare to relax.


    only the parrot, whose poison had been suppressed by the crown prince, perked up again and strutted around. however, it seemed to have developed a deep fear of xu qing.


    it seemed to have no recollection of previous interactions with other people. it continued to be demanding and bossy, which frustrated ning yan and occasionally amused the captain.


    however, with the crown prince around, it wasn¡¯t good for him to flare up. the parrot wasn¡¯t stupid either, so when the crown prince was resting, it wouldn¡¯t leave his side at all.


    seeing that he didn¡¯t have a chance, the captain engraved this matter in his mind and began to busy himself with his matters.


    he would often take out a mirror in front of xu qing and enter it when the heir was resting, returning quickly.


    every time when he did that, he would look at xu qing proudly, wanting to see surprise on xu qing¡¯s face.


    xu qing remained silent every time. however, the captain¡¯s gaze was frequently on him. so he sighed inwardly and asked the words the captain wanted to hear.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, what have you been doing these few days?¡±


    the captain chuckled. he had been waiting for these words.


    ¡°little qing, you¡¯ve been in the bitter life mountain range for quite some time. i refuse to believe you didn¡¯t know. you¡¯ve been feeling troubled, which is why you took so long to ask me, right?¡±


    ¡°haha, your guess is correct. i entered the moon rebel hall.¡±


    the captain patted xu qing¡¯s shoulder with a look of understanding.


    ¡°i understand. little qing, you should have tried it in the bitter life mountain range but you were stuck in the second stage, right? you have the authority of the red moon on you, so it¡¯s impossible for you to pass.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that you can¡¯t see the scenery of the moon rebel hall. let me tell you, something major has happened in the moon rebel hall recently!¡±


    ¡°an alchemy master has appeared!¡±


    the captain spoke to xu qing in a mysterious and low tone.


    ¡°no one knows the origins of that alchemy master, but let me tell you, with my efforts, master and i are already best friends.¡±


    xu qing hesitated. he wasn¡¯t sure if the captain was talking about him or not. just as he was about to ask, the captain spoke proudly.


    ¡°let¡¯s not talk about this first. i¡¯ll tell you the story of master and me later. let¡¯s get to the main point. i¡¯ve recently accepted a mission in the moon rebel hall. we can complete it along the way in the next few days. the reward is extremely generous. with the old sir here, what are we afraid of? so, i¡¯ve been searching for more missions these days!¡±


    xu qing understood the captain¡¯s habit of using all the resources around him and wasn¡¯t surprised. hence, he asked.


    ¡°what mission?¡±


    the captain whispered.


    ¡°there was an unlucky cultivator from moon rebel hall who tried to cultivate a hundred poison immunity body. in the end, he was poisoned and was in seclusion. he hasn¡¯t been able to move for a long time.¡±


    ¡°this cultivator tried his best but couldn¡¯t neutralize the poison. the poison should be acting up and he¡¯s about to die, so he revealed his location and issued a distress mission in the moon rebel hall.¡±

 Chapter 972 - Chapter 972 You Cant Take Medicine Randomly (1)

    chapter 972 you can¡¯t take medicine randomly (1)


    the captain¡¯s voice landed in xu qing¡¯s ears, but he didn¡¯t speak. he felt that this storyline was somewhat familiar.


    he remembered that back then in the moon rebel hall, he had also encountered an expert who claimed to be cultivating a body that was immune to all poisons. at that time, after the transaction, he had even reminded the other party many times not to directly consume the poison pill.


    afterwards, the other party didn¡¯t appear again and he was busy refining pills on li youfei, so he didn¡¯t pay much attention to this.


    ¡®is it the same person?¡¯ xu qing mumbled inwardly.


    ¡°this guy should be in a hurry, so the reward is extremely generous.¡± the captain took out a peach and took a bite before continuing.


    ¡°i¡¯m thinking that with the old sir around, even if the other party is baiting, we won¡¯t encounter any danger. if he is really calling for help, little qing, your poison dao will probably be able to resolve it easily.¡±


    ¡°to us, this is like picking up money.¡±


    the captain took out an apple and passed it to xu qing.


    ¡°how is it, little qing? are you going to do this or not? although you can¡¯t enter the moon rebel hall, it¡¯s fine. i¡¯m here!¡±


    xu qing took the apple. after some thought, he agreed.


    he planned to go and see if it was that person. if it was really¡­ he would indeed be able to detoxify the poison in passing. after all, the curse information the other party had given him back then was genuine. the other party had been poisoned with his poison pill, so he had to help.


    seeing that xu qing agreed, the captain was secretly delighted. he glanced at the heir meditating in the distance.


    ¡®it¡¯ll be a waste not to use the presence of a soul accumulation.¡¯


    in reality, he had another motive for this matter, and that was to make a name for himself in the moon rebel hall.


    ever since joining the moon rebel hall, the captain discovered the structure there and understood that in such a trade centered mountain, reputation was crucial. however, he was unwilling to sell his own belongings. so, he planned to take a different approach and create his own reputation by helping others.


    ¡®also, there¡¯s that master pill nine. there are too many people waiting outside his temple every day. i can¡¯t squeeze in. i have to think of a way.¡¯


    the captain¡¯s thoughts raced. he looked at xu qing and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°little qing, how¡¯s your research on curses?¡±


    ¡°i have some ideas,¡± said xu qing, his gaze fixed on the captain. the captain¡¯s earlier pride and excitement about joining the moon rebel hall had made xu qing hesitant to mention his own membership, fearing it might dampen the captain¡¯s joy.


    ¡°it¡¯s fine. how can the curse be removed so easily? however, when you have time, you can study the curse-resolving pill.¡±


    as the captain spoke, his eyes revealed longing.


    ¡°little qing, you don¡¯t know but the curse-resolving pill is too significant to the people from the moon rebel hall.¡±


    ¡°didn¡¯t i tell you that something major happened in the moon rebel hall recently and a master appeared? it¡¯s that good friend of mine.¡±


    xu qing nodded.


    ¡°this person isn¡¯t simple. he¡¯s a genius in alchemy and can make a large number of curse-resolving pills. i was also lucky enough to get to know him some time ago and have a long chat. i admire his talent and he admires my erudition, so the two of us became good friends.¡±


    ¡°through that conversation, i gained a deeper understanding of this master¡¯s talent.¡±


    the captain¡¯s eyes revealed reminiscence as he sighed with emotion.


    xu qing blinked but didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°little qing, don¡¯t be discouraged. it¡¯s fine. i¡¯ve spoken to master and he promised to give me a curse-resolving pill. when the time comes, i¡¯ll bring it for you to study and see if we can crack it and make some.¡±


    the captain¡¯s words attracted the attention of ning yan and wu jianwu. li youfei also looked over curiously. they hadn¡¯t joined the moon rebel hall and didn¡¯t know what had happened inside.


    however, when he heard the words ¡®master¡¯ and the large number of concoctions of curse-resolving pills, li youfei instinctively stole a glance at xu qing.


    ning yan couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°senior brother erniu, is that moon rebel hall¡¯s master that amazing? he can make a large number of curse-resolving pills?¡±


    after arriving at the moon worship region, ning yan and wu jianwu had gained some understanding of the value of the curse-resolving pills through the yin yang flower sect¡¯s wanted list. when they heard the captain¡¯s words, they were both very shocked.


    the captain lifted his chin and smiled proudly.


    ¡°not just amazing!¡±


    ¡°when that master pill nine appeared, the temple he was in shook for two months and a supreme dao voice rang out. his neighbors were lucky. after they heard about it, their curses were suppressed.¡±


    ¡°therefore, some people speculate that the moon rebel hall took the initiative to invite this master.¡±


    as soon as he said this, ning yan gasped. wu jianwu¡¯s eyes widened, and li youfei¡¯s expression changed.


    seeing everyone like this, the captain became even more excited.


    ¡°the most shocking thing is that the price of his curse-resolving pill is only about 10% of the market price. the effect is even more astonishing. all the buyers are shocked.¡±


    ¡°you guys aren¡¯t from the moon rebel hall, so you can¡¯t see that there are hundreds of people waiting bitterly outside that master¡¯s residence every day!¡±


    ¡°as long as master releases a pill, a large number of cultivators will fight to obtain it.¡±


    ¡°that scene is extremely spectacular.¡±


    the captain sighed with emotion. wu jianwu and ning yan¡¯s minds shook. only li youfei¡¯s heart started churning. the more he listened, the more he felt that this master seemed to be xu qing.


    xu qing thought about it and also put on an incredulous expression.


    ¡°however, there are many troubles when one is popular. my good friend is also very troubled now.¡± the captain coughed and sighed.


    ¡°the price of his curse-resolving pills is too low and it has affected other people¡¯s business. previously, because his popularity in the moon rebel hall was too high, even though those people were unhappy, they couldn¡¯t say anything.¡±

 Chapter 973 - Chapter 973 You Cant Take Medicine Randomly (2)

    chapter 973 you can¡¯t take medicine randomly (2)


    ¡°however, master hasn¡¯t released any pills for a while now. so those who were losing profits saw an opportunity and started spreading negative rumors.¡±


    ¡°moreover, some former alchemy masters have also chimed in. some praise the pills, others criticize them, and there are those who claim that these imitations pose significant risks compared to authentic curse-resolving pills.¡±


    ¡°some even speculate that the master hasn¡¯t released any pills for so long because they weren¡¯t personally refined, and the source has run dry.¡±


    ¡°there are even rumors that this master is a person of the red moon shrine, and that this might be a sinister pill refined by the red moon shrine.¡±


    ¡°there are all kinds of opinions.¡±


    the captain sighed. wu jianwu and ning yan also felt waves in their hearts. li youfei fell silent.


    xu qing sighed softly. it had been a while since he had gone to the moon rebel hall. he didn¡¯t know much about the things the captain had said, especially about the slanders.


    ¡°let the situation take its own course. no need to pay attention to what outsiders say.¡±


    xu qing spoke softly.


    ¡°that¡¯s right. i also persuaded my good friend like this. it was also under my persuasion that his mental state became better and he wasn¡¯t affected by the slanders.¡±


    the captain lifted his head, his expression filled with emotion.


    xu qing glanced at the captain again and nodded.


    the captain was smug and was about to continue. however, at this moment, the parrot on the crown prince¡¯s knee in the distance opened its eyes and proudly swept its gaze toward xu qing and the others, letting out a sharp cry.


    ¡°what are you all discussing over there? not working? chen er niu, it¡¯s too hot. come over here and fan my grandfather!¡±


    the captain glared but noticed that the heir had also ended his cultivation at this moment. he sighed inwardly and revealed a fawning expression as he hurriedly ran over.


    the parrot disdainfully continued to berate the others. even its father wasn¡¯t an exception.


    ning yan, wu jianwu, and li youfei also quickly moved.


    this was everyone¡¯s daily life in the sun.


    xu qing looked at these and sighed. he felt that the parrot probably wouldn¡¯t have a good time in the future.


    this was indeed the case. a few days later, when the heir was resting, the captain brought ning yan and wu jianwu to xu qing¡¯s side.


    the captain gritted his teeth and spoke.


    ¡°big jianjian, you have to teach that parrot of yours a lesson. this thing is too annoying!¡±


    when ning yan heard this, he nodded heavily and killing intent appeared in his eyes. over the past few days, his dislike for the arrogant parrot had skyrocketed.


    li youfei lowered his head and didn¡¯t speak. he knew that it wasn¡¯t good for him to speak up here, but he agreed inwardly.


    seeing this, wu jianwu fell silent for a moment. he then took a deep breath and revealed a look of regret as he recited a poem in a low voice.


    ¡°an unfilial child, the heavens despise, a father¡¯s heart filled with sorrow and cries, it cannot see who truly prizes it!¡±


    he was also annoyed by that unfilial son.


    during this period of time, the parrot had been too arrogant. it bossed him around and had no filial piety to speak of at all. wu jianwu felt that if this continued, this unfilial son might one day make him call it daddy.


    so the group began to discuss, but no matter what, the parrot didn¡¯t leave the heir¡¯s side at all, so they couldn¡¯t punish it. however, according to the captain¡¯s plan, they decided to postpone their actions until they arrived at the bitter life mountain range.


    when there was still half a month to the bitter life mountain range, under the captain¡¯s persuasion and request, the heir agreed to the adjustment of the route.


    hence, the direction of the artificial sun changed slightly and arrived at the white cloud mountain range.


    it was also the hiding place of the cultivator from the moon rebel hall who cultivated the hundred poison immunity body.


    the white cloud mountain range was located between tianshui[1] county and qingsha county, and it was known for its lush and vibrant vegetation. when viewed from the sky, the region appeared to be full of life.


    the abundant environment in this region led to the presence of numerous sects and races. additionally, due to the severe injuries of the red moon shine¡¯s divine son and the frequent uprisings in various places, various forces within white cloud mountain range were also showing signs of change.


    similarly, this was also one of the areas that the red moon shrine wanted to suppress. when xu qing and the others arrived, xu qing could sense the fluctuations of the red moon shrine from afar.


    the captain also sensed it.


    as they moved forward in the concealed sun, a huge red moon shrine soon appeared on the distant horizon.


    unlike the heart that xu qing had seen before, the red moon shrine here was constructed on a massive eyeball. this eyeball was veined with dark blood vessels, emitting a probing power that swept across the land as it advanced.


    a large number of meteorites floated in the surroundings. there were many cultivators on them and all of them emitted killing intent.


    wherever it passed, the surroundings fell silent.


    noticing this, the speed of the sun that was hidden in the void slowed down. the captain was a little anxious.


    ¡°the temple is here too? has the tracks of that unlucky fellow been exposed?¡±


    as he spoke, he hurriedly took out a mirror and entered the moon rebel hall. very soon, he returned and he quickly spoke to xu qing.


    ¡°i contacted that unlucky fellow from the moon rebel hall. this fellow had no choice but to spread the distress mission, and someone with ulterior motives must have secretly reported it to the red moon shrine.¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s why he doesn¡¯t dare to tell us the exact location of his hiding place now.¡±


    as soon as the captain finished speaking, xu qing lifted his head and paid attention to the red moon shrine in the distance. he discovered that the temple had suddenly changed directions and was speeding in a certain direction.


    ¡°the red moon shrine seems to have found him.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze froze as he spoke in a deep voice.


    when the captain heard this, he immediately controlled the sun to speed through the sky and follow closely. very soon, they saw the red moon shrine stopping above a valley.


    the huge blood-red eye emitted a demonic light as it locked onto the valley below. after that, a red light erupted from the eye.


    [1] tianshui ¨C heavenly water.

 Chapter 974 - Chapter 974 You Cant Take Medicine Randomly (3)

    chapter 974 you can¡¯t take medicine randomly (3)


    countless blood vessels gleamed, forming a series of runic imprints that fell into the valley.


    the earth trembled, rocks shattered, and the valley collapsed in an instant, raising a cloud of dust that spread far and wide. simultaneously, the ground where the valley had been located caved in, revealing a massive hole.


    there was a cave inside.


    in the center, amidst the falling rocks and soil, one could vaguely discern an altar with a person lying upon it. they seemed to be struggling but were too weak to move, and a thick cloud of poisonous mist enveloped them.


    around the altar, there were puddles of black blood, some dry and others fresh. it was evident that this person had been here for a long time, and it was unclear how many times they had coughed up blood.


    when xu qing saw this, he sighed inwardly.


    he recognized his poison¡­


    the captain blinked and felt that the poison was a little familiar. hence, he glanced at xu qing suspiciously. however, now wasn¡¯t the time to ask. he hurriedly looked at the ruler¡¯s heir with a fawning expression.


    ¡°elder¡­¡±


    the crown prince was teasing the parrot and pretended not to hear.


    the captain was helpless and shot xu qing a look.


    xu qing turned his head and bowed respectfully to the heir as he spoke softly.


    ¡°senior¡­¡±


    when the heir heard this, he lifted his eyelids and calmly spoke.


    ¡°what should you call me?¡±


    xu qing blinked and immediately replied.


    ¡°elder[1].¡±


    the heir smiled and glanced at the outside world. at the next instant¡­ the red moon shrine that was floating above the valley suddenly trembled.


    a large number of meteorites in the surroundings suddenly self-destructed without any warning, and the thunderous sound instantly spread in all directions. the cultivators on these meteorites lost consciousness and fell to the ground like dumplings in a pot.


    immediately after, the red moon shrine on the blood-red eye wanted to struggle, but it only lasted for a breath of time before the blood-red light dimmed.


    the gate opened and a middle-aged divine envoy in a red robe inlaid with gold walked out.


    this divine envoy had a stern countenance, exuding a commanding presence. he appeared to be of high status, but at this moment, his eyes were hollow, his face devoid of expression. he moved forward step by step like a puppet, appearing quite numb.


    behind him were three divine servants who were also wearing red divine robes. there were two men and one woman with identical expressions and movements. they walked forward in an orderly manner.


    behind them were dozens of divine slaves. they also walked with the same pace, as though there was an invisible thread on each of their bodies that was being fiddled with.


    there was a faint feeling of sacrificial dance.


    after this group of people walked into the air, they stood there motionlessly.


    this strange scene caused wu jianwu and li youfei¡¯s hearts to tremble violently. although they knew how terrifying the soul accumulation was, the two of them didn¡¯t have much concept of how strong it was.


    now that they had seen it with their own eyes, they couldn¡¯t help but have a realization.


    ¡°like a god¡­¡±


    as the two of them trembled, ning yan sighed and tried his best to wipe the ground.


    the captain was overjoyed. after giving xu qing a rewarding look, he leaped out and headed straight for the large hole on the ground of the valley as he shouted.


    ¡°37951, is it you?!¡±


    the captain¡¯s voice echoed. the fingers of the figure in the poison mist on the altar moved slightly and his eyelids weakly opened. he wanted to move but couldn¡¯t. only his mouth could barely function as he let out a weak voice.


    ¡°the red moon isn¡¯t eternal¡­¡±


    ¡°you are in such a state and you¡¯re still trying to match the secret code? are you 37951 or not?!¡± the captain moved closer and looked at the figure in the fog.


    ¡°i am¡­¡± the figure in the fog weakly replied.


    while they were talking, xu qing also walked out of the sun. he glanced at the mess on the ground and then entered the large hole to look at the cave inside. after he walked over, he saw the black blood in the surroundings and the figure in the fog.


    ¡°i told him long ago not to swallow it immediately¡­¡±


    xu qing thought to himself.


    after confirming the other party¡¯s number, the captain squatted in front of the fog and asked curiously.


    ¡°how did you fall into this state? don¡¯t you cultivate the hundred poison immunity body? you are quite weak.¡±


    when the figure in the fog heard this, he felt grief and indignation in his heart. he wanted to speak, but the injuries he had accumulated erupted as his mood fluctuated. hence, he spat out a mouthful of black blood and fainted.


    ¡°he didn¡¯t die, did he?¡±


    the captain was shocked and xu qing quickly got close. he lifted his right hand and waved it. immediately, the poison mist here dissipated, revealing the true appearance of the unlucky fellow inside.


    this was an elderly man, dressed in a wrinkled navy-blue robe, with entirely gray and white hair. he had high cheekbones and a large frame, giving off an air of pride and determination. it seemed that in ordinary times, he must have been a decisive and resolute individual.


    and the wrinkles covering his face not only didn¡¯t accentuate his age but added to his dignity, making it evident that he was a significant figure.


    but at this moment, over everything, there was a profound sense of sorrow. the furrowed brows held the helplessness of life, and the entire demeanor exuded a feeling of life not being worth it.


    especially the black blood that was flowing from the corners of his mouth, it was a shocking sight.


    his fists were clenched tightly, as though he wanted to crush all the unwillingness in his heart. however, it was obvious that¡­ he couldn¡¯t do it.


    xu qing looked at all of this and sighed inwardly. he waved his right hand and a pill flew out. after it landed in front of the old man, the pill suddenly exploded, transforming into wisps of white gas that entered the old man¡¯s seven orifices and began to detoxify the poison.


    very soon, most of the poison in the old man¡¯s body was neutralized by xu qing. when the captain saw this, his expression became even more suspicious. he looked at the old man and then at xu qing.


    he felt that the detoxification of this poison was too easy. it was as though¡­ xu qing was the one who had poisoned him.


    [1] ÀÏÒ¯Ò¯ is grandpa. it is an affectionate term used to address one¡¯s grandfather or an elderly man.

 Chapter 975 - 975 You Cant Take Medicine Randomly (4)

    975 you can¡¯t take medicine randomly (4)


    he thought it was unlikely. little qing couldn¡¯t enter the moon rebel hall, and the two of them obviously didn¡¯t know each other before. the likelihood of xu qing poisoning the latter in real life was low.


    this puzzled the captain. at that moment, the old man slowly woke up. he looked around blankly but at the next instant, his eyes uttered sharpness as he suddenly sat up.


    after sensing that most of the poison in his body had dissipated, his expression instantly changed. he looked at the captain and xu qing.


    ¡°how did you neutralize my poison?¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t say anything and expressionlessly took a few steps back. the captain chuckled and sized up the old man.


    ¡°37951, tell me first. how did you fall into this state?¡±


    the old man fell silent. as someone who had held a high position for a long time, he rarely encountered a nascent soul cultivator who dared to speak to him in an equal tone.


    considering that the other party had saved his life and neutralized his poison, as well as appeared from the encirclement of the red moon, many thoughts and doubts rose in his heart.


    this was especially so since he didn¡¯t know what was going on outside¡­


    at the thought of this, the old man suppressed the thoughts in his heart. he only wanted to leave as soon as possible. he stood up and tidied his clothes. a sense of dignity also rose as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°thank you, little friends, but let¡¯s not talk about private matters. this is my tribulation and i don¡¯t want to tell others.¡±


    as he spoke, he took out a storage bag and threw it to the captain.


    ¡°this is the reward i promised earlier. i can¡¯t stay here for long. if we meet again in the future, this old man will repay you in another way.¡±


    after saying that, the old man¡¯s body swayed and he rose into the air. he didn¡¯t bother with xu qing and the captain anymore. he circulated his cultivation and headed outside. he was also prepared to fight to the death.


    however, the instant he rushed out of the cave, he saw the situation outside and couldn¡¯t help but stop in his tracks. everything in front of him caused a huge commotion in his heart and his expression instantly became bewildered.


    as far as the eye could see, there were many cultivators from the red moon shrine lying everywhere. all of them were unscathed but they had lost consciousness. what shocked him the most was the red moon divine envoy standing in the air.


    ¡°what¡¯s going on!!¡±


    this scene caused the old man¡¯s heart to stir. he noticed that the divine envoy in the air seemed to have been stopped there.


    other than being shocked, he couldn¡¯t help but turn his head and look behind him. he thought to himself that in the two months he had been fighting with his life against poison, what had happened outside and who were these two people¡­


    he was a little hesitant. he thought about his previous attitude, so he turned and returned to the cave. he put away all his dignity and became incomparably polite.


    ¡°previously, i was anxious and my words were presumptuous. thank you, fellow daoists, for saving my life. outside¡­¡±


    the old man looked at xu qing and the captain and probed.


    he could sense the bizarreness of the people from the temple outside, but he couldn¡¯t imagine what kind of background and ability could make the cultivators from the red moon shrine, including the divine envoy, lose consciousness.


    xu qing was expressionless, but the captain smiled and spoke.


    ¡°there¡¯s no need to worry about the outside situation. 37951, your poison injuries were so serious. was it caused by your enemy?¡±


    he was filled with curiosity about the old man¡¯s poison injuries.


    the old man looked at the two people in front of him and then glanced at the shocking situation outside. he pondered in his heart and sighed, choosing to tell them.


    ¡°it¡¯s nothing much.¡±


    ¡°what is it?¡± the captain was curious.


    ¡°this old man bought a poison pill from a person in the moon rebel hall two months ago,¡± the old man slowly said.


    ¡°and?¡± the captain pressed.


    ¡°that pill was very cheap, so i didn¡¯t care too much about it.¡± the old man shook his head.


    ¡°was there a problem with this pill?¡± the captain quickly asked.


    the old man fell silent before continuing to speak. at the start, he only said a few simple words. however, after three to five sentences, with the active cooperation of the captain, the grievances he had accumulated during this period of time turned into a desire to confide.


    ¡°i originally thought that it was an ordinary poisonous pill, but who would have thought that this brat would play tricks on me!¡±


    ¡°at first, i felt alright after swallowing that medicinal pill. it felt ordinary but who knew that the aftereffects would become greater and greater? in the end, it directly erupted. before i could react, i was poisoned!¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s too much!¡± the captain exclaimed and glanced at xu qing.


    xu qing was expressionless while the old man¡¯s face was filled with anger.


    ¡°that¡¯s right, it¡¯s extremely overboard! i couldn¡¯t move at all during this period of time and resisted with all my might to neutralize it. i barely survived until you guys arrived. this is f*cking inhumane!¡±


    ¡°i suspect that that brat was sent by my enemy. i was too careless, and he is too vicious!!¡±


    ¡°the most overboard thing is that the poison pill is a compound poison. compound poison is so expensive, but he actually sold it to me for just some information. he¡¯s too sinister!¡±


    the captain uttered again. as a result, the old man¡¯s desire to confide in him grew even stronger. however, xu qing¡¯s brows furrowed as the other party spoke about the brat again and again.


    ¡°moreover, before this brat left, in order to numb me, he even hypocritically reminded me not to swallow it and to just use its scrape powder. now that i look at it, he was clearly provoking me!¡±


    the more the old man spoke, the more grief and indignation he felt. in the end, he let out a long sigh.


    ¡°it¡¯s also my fault for being too headstrong and swallowing it directly¡­¡±


    ¡°who do you think this is, if not an enemy? he understands me so well and completely targeted my personality. i have to find this enemy!¡±

 Chapter 976 - 976 The Glorious Past of Ancient Times

    976 the glorious past of ancient times


    the old man¡¯s face was filled with grief and indignation, and his tone revealed grievance. it would have been fine if he didn¡¯t speak, but once he did, he wouldn¡¯t stop.


    in fact, in the end, he didn¡¯t even need the captain to cooperate. he continued to vent the depression in his heart and only finished complaining after a long time.


    he then took a deep breath as if releasing much of the inner tension.


    the captain¡¯s eyes revealed sympathy.


    ¡°then you¡¯re quite pitiful. have you found who did it?¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve been recalling who might be behind this, and i¡¯ve narrowed it down to three potential enemies. especially that cripple tian; i strongly suspect he¡¯s the one behind it!¡±


    the old man gritted his teeth and determination appeared in his eyes. after that, he took out two storage bags and handed them to the captain before looking at xu qing.


    ¡°it¡¯s fate that we met. i know that the two of you aren¡¯t simple. i know the rules and won¡¯t talk about you outside. it¡¯s just a small token of respect. let¡¯s be friends.¡±


    the captain laughed and took the storage bags. with a sweep of his divine consciousness, he discovered that there were many good things inside. hence, he smiled brightly and spoke enthusiastically.


    ¡°we¡¯re already good friends. remember to stick an incense stick in front of my temple later.¡±


    ¡°definitely!¡±


    the old man said solemnly and cupped his fists toward xu qing before bidding farewell.


    looking at the old man¡¯s back view, the captain weighed the storage bags in his hand in satisfaction.


    as for the scene of the red moon shrine cultivators in a daze that the other party saw, the captain wasn¡¯t very worried about the possibility of being exposed.


    after all, with the old man around¡­


    at the thought of this, the captain winked at xu qing and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°little qing, do you think i should continue to accept some missions? this is too convenient¡­¡±


    ¡°if you don¡¯t want to vomit blood all the way back to the bitter life mountain range, i advise you not to continue.¡± xu qing shook his head and calmly replied.


    up until now, he had interacted with the ruler¡¯s heir and had some understanding of this soul accumulation elder. he gave him the feeling that the other party actually didn¡¯t have any good or evil intentions.


    unless he encountered some important arrangements, whether he would make a move or not depended on his mood.


    this time, he chose to help, but it didn¡¯t mean that it would be the same next time.


    the captain felt some regret. however, when he thought of how he had vomited blood from the other party¡¯s gaze on the sacrificial yin river, he felt that it was better not to take the risk.


    although he had a lot of blood¡­


    ¡°sigh, i¡¯m too weak in this life.¡± the captain sighed. after that, the scenes of the old man complaining earlier appeared in his mind. hence, he glanced at xu qing and put on a spurious smile, as though he had guessed everything.


    ¡°little qing, you poisoned him, right?¡±


    after saying that, he paid close attention to xu qing¡¯s expression.


    xu qing looked into the captain¡¯s eyes and spoke seriously.


    ¡°that¡¯s right. i did it. i sold it to him.¡±


    the captain was shocked and asked.


    ¡°you also entered the moon rebel hall?¡±


    this was what he was most concerned about.


    when xu qing heard this, his expression remained serious as he nodded.


    ¡°i entered long ago. to be honest, i¡¯m your best friend, master pill nine.¡±


    the captain was originally surprised but when he heard this, he couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    ¡°i almost fell for your act, little qing. you¡¯re quite clever now, but you¡¯re still too green. i recognize that serious expression; every time you wear it, it¡¯s a facade. when it comes to boasting, you¡¯ve got some work to do. i¡¯ll teach you later.¡±


    xu qing blinked and didn¡¯t say anything as he walked forward.


    the captain hurriedly followed behind. as he walked, he couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    ¡°little qing, is what you said true?¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s true,¡± xu qing said calmly.


    ¡°then give me a curse-resolving pill to prove that you¡¯re my best friend!¡± the captain looked into xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°none left.¡± xu qing shook his head. he hadn¡¯t refined pills on li youfei recently, so he didn¡¯t have any on him.


    when the captain heard this, he laughed again.


    ¡°what a coincidence that it¡¯s gone. i knew you were bragging, little qing. alright, alright, you are him.¡±


    with that, he began to count the items in his storage bags. after distributing half of them to xu qing, the two of them walked out of the cave where the altar was located and returned to the sun.


    along with them were the temple¡¯s cultivators and the blood-red giant eye. the temple¡¯s cultivators, including the divine envoy, who had lost consciousness, were all shifted here and lay scattered around.


    looking at this, ning yan, wu jianwu, and li youfei felt more and more reverence for the heir. at the same time, they also instinctively felt a sense of security.


    as the artificial sun shone, everyone left the white cloud mountain range and headed toward the bitter life mountain range.


    the captain¡¯s judgment was correct. the cognition of the old man who had fought against poison for more than two months was indeed affected. as he sped through the mountains, another story had taken root in his mind.


    this story was the same as what happened, but there was no red moon shrine.


    at the same time, in the sun, the captain, who was extremely satisfied with his harvest this time around, was pondering over the authenticity of xu qing¡¯s words. as the heir raised a hand, his heart suddenly hung in his throat.


    the heir who had transformed into an old man was holding an eyeball in his hand and playing with it. from time to time, he would pinch it, causing the captain¡¯s expression to change repeatedly.


    xu qing also looked over.


    back then, he had been curious about the origins of the huge heart where the red moon shrine was located above the heavenly fire sea. when he thought of the blood-red eye with another branch of the red moon shrine and the captain¡¯s expression, he fell into deep thought.


    ¡°xu qing.¡±


    the heir calmly spoke.


    ¡°do you know why the red moon shrine is always on some organs when they go out?¡±


    xu qing shook his head.


    the heir smiled and looked at the captain with a deep gaze.


    ¡°erniu, do you know?¡±


    ¡°elder, i don¡¯t know either¡­¡± just as the captain finished speaking, he saw that the crown prince was about to crush the eye with two fingers. he hurriedly straightened his expression and spoke solemnly.


    ¡°elder, i remember now!¡±


    ¡°oh?¡± the crown prince smiled faintly.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze also landed on the captain. as for ning yan and the others, they quickly looked over.


    the captain took a deep breath with a solemn expression.


    ¡°i read about it in some documents before. there was once an extraordinarily heroic and outstanding figure, like a hero, who was compassionate and caring, with a deep sense of empathy for all living beings. despite having the power to lead a solitary life, he chose to take resolute action in the end!¡±


    ¡°he chose to go into a battle against the crimson goddess on the plain of gods, all for the sake of the light in his heart, for the justice of his soul, for the future of all things, and to rescue sentient beings from calamity!¡±


    ¡°the battle made a commotion throughout the wanggu, shook the starry skies, and made the heavens and earth mourn. this extraordinary hero, filled with courage and righteousness, fought against the immensely evil crimson goddess for three hundred years!¡±


    ¡°during those three hundred years, the world changed color, the winds raged, and the fluctuations were felt across the entire cosmos. numerous gods were stirred, and countless beings prayed for him. but the heavens are jealous of great talent. at a crucial moment, his teammates chose to betray him. the great hero ultimately failed with a heart full of resentment. nevertheless, he still managed to bite off a piece of crimson goddess¡¯ flesh!¡±


    the captain sighed with emotion.


    ¡°the crimson goddess hated him to the core and ordered to tear this heaven¡¯s chosen¡¯s majestic and handsome body into pieces. the organs from him are the ones used by the red moon shrine when they go out¡­¡±


    ning yan¡¯s heart trembled and wu jianwu¡¯s eyes widened. it was the same for li youfei. they felt that there were too many adjectives in the captain¡¯s words and they were mainly describing his appearance and temperament.


    xu qing fell silent. he thought of the kidney shown by the clay fox.


    as for what the skipper said, he believed the latter part. he didn¡¯t believe in the words ¡®fight for 300 years¡¯ at all, let alone those unnecessary adjectives.


    ¡°of course, this great existence is incomparably wise. hence, before he set off to find the crimson goddess, he cut off one of his ears¡­ leaving it for all living beings to remember.¡±


    the captain coughed and winked at xu qing.


    the previous life body of the captain in the heavenly bull mountain range appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind. just as he was in deep thought, the heir¡¯s voice slowly rang out.


    ¡°is that so?¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve also heard of a version of this matter. it doesn¡¯t seem to be what you said.¡±


    the heir calmly spoke.


    ¡°it seems that there was once a bold and presumptuous person who coveted the flesh and blood of the crimson goddess. hence, he came from another region and hid here.¡±


    ¡°this person has some ability. he somehow managed to hide from the temple and got the position of the red moon¡¯s grand ritual dancer. he even colluded with another god and turned himself into a mosquito.¡±


    ¡°while the crimson goddess was in a deep sleep, this person used the illusionary transformation technique and entered reality with the help of the other god. he then bit the crimson goddess.¡±


    ¡°however, before he could absorb the divine blood, he was slapped into pieces by the crimson goddess.¡±


    ¡°because of this, the temple endured the anger of the crimson goddess. in the end, the divine son gave the order to suppress all the organs and limbs of this person and let him carry the temple forward for generations like a mount.¡±


    the prince¡¯s calm voice echoed in the sun.


    ning yan and wu jianwu immediately had strange expressions. li youfei also took a deep breath but he discovered that he could already adapt to the rhythm of these people.


    after all, he had already come into contact with the living soul accumulation. so, a mosquito biting the crimson goddess wasn¡¯t a big deal.


    xu qing glanced at the captain. compared to what the captain had uttered earlier, he felt that this version of what the heir had said was more in line with the captain¡¯s personality.


    the captain smiled awkwardly and hurriedly changed the topic.


    ¡°little qing, we¡¯ll arrive at the bitter life mountain range in half a month at most. how¡¯s the apothecary you opened? did you give it a name? do you need me to give you one? for example, call it the qing niu apothecary? or the niuniu apothecary?¡±


    xu qing ignored him. he knew that the captain was trying to make him continue the conversation to resolve the awkwardness.


    however, although he didn¡¯t respond, ling¡¯er was unhappy.


    ¡°there¡¯s no need. we have a name. it¡¯s green spirit[1] hall!¡±


    during this period of time, ling¡¯er didn¡¯t dare to show her face. she was afraid of the heir. however, now that she saw that the skipper was about to snatch the name given by her and brother xu qing, she couldn¡¯t care less and hurriedly came out to cease him.


    ¡°green spirit hall?¡± the skipper was overjoyed and hurriedly asked.


    ¡°this name is not bad. how¡¯s the business of our apothecary?¡±


    ¡°business is very good. in the small city, our business is second to none. we have a hundred customers every day!¡± ling¡¯er said proudly.


    ¡°that¡¯s amazing. is the apothecary large?¡± the skipper immediately let out a cry of surprise and asked in detail.


    ¡°very big!¡±


    as ling¡¯er spoke, the image of an apothecary that was like a paradise was reflected in the minds of ning yan and wu jianwu. the heir also smiled and listened.


    just like that, time flowed by. the concealed sun continued to approach the bitter life mountain range. when there were still five days to go, the beautiful small apothecary that ling¡¯er had described to everyone in the earth city of the bitter life mountain range collapsed¡­


    [1] green spirit is qing ling in chinese.

 Chapter 977 - 977 Distrusting the Heavens, Unyielding to Fate!

    977 distrusting the heavens, unyielding to fate!


    xu qing¡¯s apothecary wasn¡¯t the only one to collapse. at that moment, a large number of buildings in the earth city collapsed amidst rumbling sounds, stirring up waves of dust.


    as far as the eye could see, a group of gray-robed cultivators was flattening all the buildings in earth city. the residents here had long scattered and were forcefully expelled.


    in the air, seven to eight figures floated and stared at the earth city on the ground.


    the person in the lead was a youth. he was short and had an ugly appearance, but his entire body emitted a baleful aura. his cultivation was at the mastered golden core realm and was even more profound than chen fanzhuo of the earthly growth sect.


    they weren¡¯t cultivators from the bitter life mountain range.


    the change in the green wind a few months ago affected the entire desert. it also caused some individual mountains to corrode to varying degrees.


    hence, when the white wind dissipated and the green wind reappeared, many forces had no choice but to migrate. they had to take over a better mountain as soon as possible to avoid the next white wind.


    this was a common occurrence. every time the green wind in the green sand desert changed its color, it would be like this.


    as the largest group of mountains in the green sand desert, the bitter life mountain range naturally became the first choice.


    however, the forces in the bitter life mountain range were mixed and xenophobic. it would be fine if one was alone, but if the forces entered and wanted to develop here, they needed powerful methods.


    hence, during this period of time, killings rose in the bitter life mountain range and chaotic battles were frequent.


    at this moment, what appeared in this earth city was such an external force. they targeted the city at the edge of the bitter life mountain range and wanted to build this place into the territory of their faction.


    because of this, there was friction with the earthly growth sect here. however, in the end, both sides still chose to stop. after all, to the earthly growth sect, they, who had their own territory, didn¡¯t have to retain control of this earth city.


    as a result, this group of outsiders successfully took control of the earth city, and the present leader among them, the dwarf, gazed at the city with a satisfied expression.


    ¡°empty this place in five days.¡±


    the dwarf calmly spoke. however, at that moment, someone beside him swept his gaze across the ruins of xu qing¡¯s apothecary. he hesitated for a moment before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°sect master, chen fanzhuo reminded me earlier that everything here can be touched but that green spirit hall can¡¯t be damaged at all¡­¡±


    the dwarf sneered.


    ¡°chen fanzhuo is unwilling to lose this city, so he is just giving random warnings.¡±


    ¡°even if this apothecary really has some background, since it opened among the mortals, how big can it be? besides, this is our sect¡¯s future territory. leaving the apothecary here is inconsistent with the overall situation!¡±


    the person beside him nodded. at that moment, a rainbow whistled over from afar. after it got close, it transformed into a figure. it was chen fanzhuo. he glanced at the ruined apothecary and his expression was gloomy as he coldly looked at the dwarf.


    ¡°daoist mu, i told you before not to touch this apothecary!¡±


    the dwarf glanced over and calmly spoke.


    ¡°it¡¯s already been touched. what are you going to do?¡±


    at that moment, green sand filled the sky and the wind blew past the earth city, stirring up the dust on the ground and turning the surroundings hazy. chen fanzhuo¡¯s expression was as calm as water. he coldly glanced at the dwarf and turned to leave without saying a word, sneering inwardly.


    ¡®this person isn¡¯t far from death.¡¯


    at this moment, the dwarf also sneered. he looked at chen fanzhuo¡¯s back and killing intent flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°a timid little golden core cultivator with no background. after i acknowledge master black pupil as my master, you¡¯ll be the first one i eliminate!¡±


    the dwarf was a little excited when he thought of the person he had managed to get close to in the past half a year. he did have a master, but this master had an average cultivation level and liked to act mysteriously, so he still didn¡¯t know the other¡¯s name.


    in his memory, every time he saw the other party in the past sixty years, his appearance would be different. this caused him to have many guesses about his master¡¯s identity.


    however, he wasn¡¯t very clear about the details. he only knew that the other party was only at the nascent soul realm. compared to master black pupil, his master was inferior.


    ¡°i wonder when master black pupil will come; i¡¯ve been pleading for a long time¡­¡±


    just as he thought of this, the jade slip in his storage bag suddenly vibrated. the dwarf¡¯s heart skipped a beat and he hurriedly took it out. very soon, a dignified voice echoed in his mind.


    ¡°daoist mu, come and see me.¡±


    when daoist mu heard this, he was immediately excited. this was the voice of master black pupil. he had finally waited for this moment, and now he didn¡¯t dare to be negligent. he quickly turned around and flew away.


    at the same time, outside qingsha county, dark ripples surged in the sky. the sun hidden in the void was speeding toward the bitter life mountain range.


    everyone inside was as busy as usual.


    ning yan wiped the ground, wu jianwu massaged, the parrot bossed around, and li youfei did odd jobs.


    the captain was still fanning.


    the difference was that there was ling¡¯er¡¯s voice and the laughter of the old man.


    it seemed like the crown prince had a soft spot for ling¡¯er, and she became less fearful over time. after transforming, she sat beside the old man, occasionally calling him ¡®grandpa¡¯ with a sweet voice, which brought joy to the elderly man¡¯s heart.


    ¡°grandpa, we¡¯re almost at our green spirit hall. when we arrive in a few days, you should stay there too. how about joining mine and brother xu qing¡¯s apothecary?¡±


    ling¡¯er uttered innocently.


    when the heir heard this, he nodded as though he was looking at his little granddaughter. his eyes were filled with doting.


    ling¡¯er reminded him of his granddaughter back then. as the memories of the past surfaced in his mind, the heir¡¯s heart ached.


    ¡°so¡­ grandpa, why don¡¯t you let brother xu qing rest for a while? he still has to refine medicine when we reach the apothecary.¡± seeing that she was almost done laying the groundwork, ling¡¯er hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°you little girl.¡± the heir smiled and looked into the distance.


    in the distance, xu qing sat cross-legged and meditated. his body was trembling and his forehead was covered in sweat.


    above his head, three small suns were hovering at this moment¡ªone was a door frame, one was a circular ring, and the last one was a sphere.


    the three suns emitted scorching power, descending upon xu qing. astonishingly, there were a hundred dried-up corpses scattered around the ground, the remains of the red moon shrine¡¯s cultivators.


    among them were dozens of divine slaves, three divine servants, and a divine envoy.


    the divine envoy was trembling at this moment. he wanted to struggle but it was useless. his eyes were sometimes clear and sometimes confused, and his face was filled with pain.


    under the envelopment of the three suns, the power of the red moon on their bodies was dried out, transforming into blood-red threads that headed straight for xu qing in the middle.


    it continued to enter his seven orifices and the pores on his body.


    xu qing was cultivating.


    this was the heir¡¯s request after they left white cloud mountain range. he arranged all the temple cultivators he captured around xu qing according to some kind of array formation.


    the power of the red moon in their bodies seemed to have been purified by the suns. this made xu qing¡¯s digestion even smoother, and the purple moon nascent soul in his body was rapidly growing.


    it wasn¡¯t just the purple moon nascent soul. as heavenly devil bodies rose from the dried corpses on the ground, their heavenly mandates were also absorbed. all his nascent souls were rapidly growing.


    to xu qing, this was an unprecedented nourishment!


    however, there was only a fine line between replenishment and poison. to xu qing, the expansion of his sea of consciousness by devouring so many heavenly mandates and the power of the red moon in a short period of time was extremely intense.


    the tearing pain caused his expression to be sinister and sweat drenched his entire body.


    this was also the reason why ling¡¯er¡¯s heart ached.


    ¡°lass, your brother xu qing¡¯s potential is great but the degree of tempering isn¡¯t enough. his master shouldn¡¯t have accompanied him for a long time, so he can only guide the way at critical moments.¡±


    ¡°however, in reality, with such a foundation, what your brother xu qing has to do now is to polish it to the extreme.¡±


    ¡°he has extreme determination and is suitable for this.¡±


    ¡°and this is only the beginning.¡±


    the heir spoke hoarsely. he lifted his right hand and waved it at xu qing. immediately, the three suns above xu qing¡¯s head erupted once again.


    xu qing¡¯s body sank and cracking sounds rang out from his body. even his skin was burning and he didn¡¯t look human anymore. at the same time, the dried corpses in the surroundings exploded one after another. the power of the red moon in the dozens of divine slaves was completely extracted.


    xu qing¡¯s cultivation continued to increase explosively amidst the devouring and absorption. three days later, when they entered the green sand desert, the divine servants beside xu qing died. the divine envoy also bled from his seven orifices and let out an unwilling wail.


    at the same time, waves of powerful fluctuations erupted from xu qing¡¯s body. the 13 nascent souls in his body were all forcefully raised to the mastered second tribulation realm at this instant.


    the third tribulation was about to arrive.


    this scene caused ning yan and wu jianwu¡¯s hearts to skip a beat. they were afraid that the heir would deal with them the same way, but it was obvious that they were thinking too much.


    in the heir¡¯s eyes, the only person qualified for him to guide and polish was xu qing.


    ¡°it¡¯s barely enough. however, with this little cultivation base, you triggered a tribulation. the might of the tribulation that is arriving is powerful for ordinary people but to you, it¡¯s not enough to stimulate your potential.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll add some spices for you! xu qing, are you willing?¡±


    xu qing lifted his head and looked at the heir.


    ¡°yes!¡±


    a look of admiration appeared in the heir¡¯s eyes. he stood up and walked in front of xu qing. with a swing of his sleeve, he brought xu qing away from the sun. under everyone¡¯s shock, the heir appeared on the sand of the green sand desert.


    as the sandy wind whistled, the prince pressed his left hand on the ground. immediately, the desert rumbled and quicksand spun, suddenly forming a huge deep pit.


    without any hesitation, the heir immediately threw xu qing into the deep pit. almost at the instant xu qing¡¯s body landed at the bottom of the deep pit, the heir¡¯s voice echoed vastly like heavenly lightning.


    ¡°using the earth to manifest a dao body, refining the soul into spirit metal, deceiving the heavenly dao tribulation, and descending the world annihilating dao lightning!¡±


    as soon as the heir¡¯s voice rang out, the quicksand in the surroundings rumbled, drowning xu qing. as the prince lifted his right hand and pressed down fiercely on the ground, the entire ground pressed against xu qing¡¯s body, as though it had fused into one with him.


    his divine consciousness was also guided and fused with the sand.


    this method gave off the feeling that xu qing had transformed into the desert. if he used such a body to trigger the third tribulation, then in terms of the judgment of the laws of the heavenly dao, xu qing would be an unprecedented mastered second tribulation nascent soul.


    that meant an even more terrifying lightning would descend.


    ¡°xu qing, your master is indeed extraordinary but he dotes on you too much. the cultivation arts he created for you are all based on avoiding disasters, reducing risks, and resolving dangers. there is no way to face them head-on or suppress everything domineeringly.¡±


    ¡°this method can indeed allow you to be safe¡­ but it¡¯s both right and wrong!¡±


    ¡°we cultivators have to use our lives to shoulder everything. we don¡¯t believe in the heavens, and we go against our fate. nothing can stop us, nothing can bury our hearts, and even the gods can¡¯t make us bend our backs!


    ¡°this can¡¯t be done by hiding and reducing the risk. you need to obtain extreme opportunities between life and death time and time again to nurture your peerless aura!¡±


    ¡°you¡¯re clearly an extraordinary piece of metal. how can you be tempered gently?!¡±


    ¡°sit cross-legged immediately and summon the tribulation!¡±

 Chapter 978 - 978 3,000 Heavenly Lightning, Xinans cruel order

    978 3,000 heavenly lightning, xinan¡¯s cruel order


    the sky churned and thunder rumbled.


    as the wind and clouds surged, patches of black clouds appeared in the sky. they piled up thicker and thicker, and the range grew larger and larger.


    as for the wind in the green sand desert, it became even more majestic. the whistling whimpers were like wild shrieks and howls.


    waves of oppression descended from the sky, enveloping not only the place xu qing was at but also the entire green sand desert.


    a rumbling sound descended from the nine heavens. all the living beings in the green sand desert felt their hearts skip a beat.


    all the forces in the mountains, including the cultivators of the bitter life mountain range, were shocked. even the people in the red moon shrine looked at the sky.


    ¡°what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s something wrong with the sky¡­¡±


    chen fanzhuo sat cross-legged in his sect. at this moment, his heart was pounding. he quickly opened his eyes and looked at the pitch-black sky. waves of uneasiness rose in his heart. he didn¡¯t know what was going on.


    also uneasy was daoist mu, who was accompanying a black-robed old man and carefully serving tea. the teacup he was holding trembled and the tea spilled out.


    the black-robed old man in front of him looked at the sky with the same surprised expression.


    there was also the number one rogue cultivator in the bitter life mountain range, ancestor mogui. he, who was sitting cross-legged and meditating, instantly appeared in the air. his expression was unprecedentedly solemn as he looked at the sky.


    everyone was the same. even the desert guardian race, who lived under the desert, was the same.


    needless to say, the people in the sun were also shaken.


    ning yan trembled, wu jianwu gasped, li youfei was shocked, and the captain stood there with an expectant expression as he looked down.


    ¡°the heir is right. ever since little qing was acknowledged to be the future county governor of fenghai county, the old man clearly prioritized safety first.¡±


    ¡°however, it¡¯s not as serious as the heir said. little qing¡¯s dao heart is slowly being shaped. in a few years, he will naturally have a dao that belongs to him and won¡¯t need anyone to guide him.¡±


    ¡°however, at this stage, this is a good thing for little qing.¡±


    at the thought of this, the captain looked at the ground.


    on the ground, the heir who had transformed into an old man slowly rose into the air with his hands behind his back. the instant he left, the rumbling in the sky erupted like never before. numerous arcs of lightning suddenly appeared in the sky and swam in all directions.


    its range continued to increase from 10,000 feet to 100,000 feet. in the end, it actually covered half of the green sand desert.


    such a strange scene brought horror to all living beings in the green sand desert.


    before they could take a closer look, the roars that were like the furious shouts of gods exploded in all directions. countless thunder rumbled and countless arcs of lightning gathered to form bolts of heavenly lightning that covered half of the desert and descended on a large area.


    they struck the sand!


    there were no less than 3,000 heavenly lightning bolts.


    these 3,000 heavenly lightning bolts fell in different places, and after descending, amidst the roaring gravel, they swiftly converged towards the location where xu qing was in the desert.


    it was as though 3,000 lightning dragons had arrived at the same time. their aura was astonishing and the ground churned, stirring up long marks.


    after the captain sensed this scene, he gasped and his eyes widened. even he was shocked.


    ¡°little qing is in danger!¡±


    the captain was shocked and was about to fly out. however, the heir in the air turned his head and glanced at him.


    ¡°calm down!¡±


    the captain stopped in his tracks and his expression changed continuously.


    at that moment, the 3,000 lightning dragons rumbled and headed straight for xu qing. the ground in the surroundings continued to explode. as the sounds spread into the sky, the 3,000 heavenly lightning bolts finally gathered!


    a sound that spread throughout the green sand desert, turned into a raging sound wave, deafeningly reverberating. below the desert where xu qing was, the surrounding sand suddenly shattered in this resounding explosion.


    a mournful cry rang out from the sun, attracting the attention of ning yan and the others.


    as the lightning bolts hit xu qing, the red moon shrine¡¯s divine envoy¡¯s body emitted lightning from within and burst, turning into a rhombus-shaped piece of wood that fell to the ground.


    before everyone could react to his sudden death, the fluctuations on the ground instantly intensified. as the lightning bolts continued to explode, the impact spread for 500 kilometers.


    finally, from afar, a 500 kilometers deep pit appeared on the ground.


    in the middle, a charred 50-foot-long body lay there motionlessly.


    ¡°a little weak. you only withstood a few hundred of the 3,000 heavenly lightning bolts.¡± the heir shook his head and waved his right hand, pulling the charred body in front of him. he then turned and returned to the sun.


    after reaching the sun, ling¡¯er¡¯s face was filled with anxiety and her eyes were red. she quickly ran over.


    ¡°brother xu qing!¡±


    seeing that xu qing¡¯s entire body was covered in injuries and he was on the verge of death, tears flowed down ling¡¯er¡¯s face. she carried xu qing and looked at the heir.


    ¡°grandpa, you¡­¡±


    ning yan and wu jianwu didn¡¯t dare to breathe loudly. their hearts trembled as they looked at the motionless xu qing.


    ¡°he won¡¯t die,¡± the heir said calmly. just as he finished speaking, he realized that ling¡¯er was crying. his heart softened.


    ¡°this is also a type of training. moreover, with that red moon divine envoy continuing the tribulation, when your brother xu qing reached his limit, the other party shared the burden¡­¡±


    when the captain heard this, he looked at the location of the dissipating divine envoy. his heart churned as he muttered inwardly.


    ¡°xinan¡¯s cruel order.¡±


    wu jianwu and ning yan also understood the reason for the scene earlier. the two of them gasped.


    this was especially so for ning yan. he knew many secrets. at that moment, an ancient ritual he had read about in ancient books instantly appeared in his mind.


    ¡°xinan¡¯s cruel order!¡±


    ning yan had read many ancient books and had a deep impression of xinan¡¯s cruel order. in this current era, no one knows how to set up this art anymore. during the time of the ancient sovereign mystic nether, this art was sinister and lethal.


    xinan was an ancient ominous tree that existed from ancient times. it underwent a calamity every thousand years, and during each calamity, numerous powerful individuals inexplicably died in various places.


    later generations studied it and discovered some strange connections. all the experts who died replaced xi nan¡¯s calamity and died in its place.


    gradually, someone figured out this ritual.


    during the ancient sovereign mystic nether era, only the heaven¡¯s chosen of the imperial family would use this method under the supervision of the elders.


    the most astonishing aspect of the xinan tu ling was that it allowed the one undergoing the tribulation to reach their utmost potential. after experiencing the test of life and death, the substitute will turn into a piece of wood.


    this piece of wood contained the power of curses. once it erupted, its might would be astonishing.


    at the thought of this, ning yan suddenly looked at the place where the divine envoy had died. there was a piece of wood there.


    at the same time, the sky in the outside world returned to normal as the lightning dissipated. the black clouds also dissipated but the fluctuations from the ground were still spreading.


    it looked like it was only 500 kilometers, but when the 3,000 heavenly lightning bolts landed just now, it caused a commotion in the entire green sand desert. hence, countless mountains swayed and even the bitter life mountain range trembled intensely.


    there were endless exclamations and solemnity filled the air.


    one figure after another rose into the air. wisps of divine sense created and terror and vigilance erupted.


    ¡°which almighty was transcending the tribulation?¡±


    ¡°it doesn¡¯t look like tribulation transcending, but more like item refinement!¡±


    all of a sudden, countless doubts and guesses rose in the entire green sand desert. even the red moon shrine was shaken and went out to search for the reason.


    however, they found nothing.


    to the cultivators of the green sand desert, the impact of this matter was extremely profound.


    as the number one expert among rogue cultivators, ancestor mogui took a deep breath in the air above the bitter life mountain range. his ancient eyes looked at the sky as he muttered.


    ¡°the wind is about to blow in the green sand desert¡­¡±


    similar emotions rose in the hearts of many experts. as for daoist mu, the black-robed old man sitting in front of him was also shaken. after a long time, he took daoist mu¡¯s tea and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°don¡¯t leave the bitter life mountain range for the time being. i got a fright just now and had a bad feeling. you haven¡¯t done anything out of line recently, right?¡±


    daoist mu hurriedly trembled his head.


    ¡°master, i¡¯ve been here all this time to prepare to build the sect. i didn¡¯t do anything out of line.¡±


    only then did the black-robed old man nod.


    at that moment, xu qing, who had caused all these fluctuations, barely opened his eyes inside the sun. he could sense that his body was extremely weak now. however, while he was weak, there was an amazing force churning inside him.


    his 13 nascent souls had all reached the third tribulation.


    his combat strength soared even more. any nascent soul cultivator who encountered him would feel despair and horror in their hearts.


    at this moment, xu qing could already fight against early-stage dao nurturing experts.


    even the weakest dao nurturing experts far surpassed nascent soul cultivators. as for the stronger ones, they were infinitely close to the spirit repository. once they created the heavenly dao, they could break through their limitations and turn illusions into reality, achieving a true secret repository!


    just like that, three days passed as xu qing recuperated.


    the bitter life mountain range was in sight.


    after ling¡¯er saw that brother xu qing was fine, she finally heaved a sigh of relief in her heart. she became lively again and continued to talk about the apothecary to the heir.


    ¡°grandpa, my apothecary is really beautiful, especially under my arrangements. it¡¯s very heartwarming. i wipe it clean every day and it¡¯s spotless.¡±


    ling¡¯er was happy. ning yan and wu jianwu were also curious. the captain also showed anticipation.


    li youfei was equally excited. last time, he had fled, but this time, he was in a different situation. what ancestor mogui? he was a joke in front of him now.


    the heir smiled and was quite happy. in the past, his status was extraordinary and it was difficult for him to experience the joys of the mortal world. he also didn¡¯t have any sense of family ties. after that, he was suppressed in the heavenly fire sea and experienced extreme sufferings.


    even after returning, he was only recuperating alone. these few days, when he was with this group of children and heard them calling him grandfather, he didn¡¯t say anything but there was a rare warmth in his heart.


    hence, when he heard ling¡¯er¡¯s happy words, he smiled and nodded. however, when his gaze swept across the outside, his expression became a little strange.


    ¡°ling¡¯er, is your apothecary in the earth city 50 kilometers ahead?¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s right, grandpa. it¡¯s in that earth city. we¡¯re finally home.¡± ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes showed anticipation.


    as the sun gradually approached the bitter life mountain range, xu qing also postponed his treatment and stood up weakly. with ling¡¯er¡¯s support, he looked in the direction of earth city outside and sighed with emotion.


    this trip took a full half a year.


    however, at the next instant, xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    a ruin emerged in his perception.


    immediately after, a roaring sound rang out from the direction of earth city. as dust rose, the few remaining houses there collapsed.


    xu qing was startled.


    * * *

 Chapter 979 - 979 Youre in Trouble!

    979 you¡¯re in trouble!


    ning yan, wu jianwu, and the captain didn¡¯t know the exact location of the apothecary. at that moment, they looked at the ruined city in surprise.


    xu qing immediately disappeared from the sun. when he reappeared, he was already in the earth city. he stood beside the original location of the small apothecary with an ugly expression.


    the apothecary that used to be here had long turned into ruins. the surroundings were chaotic and the pieces of the plaque could be seen on the ground.


    ling¡¯er also appeared beside xu qing. she looked at the apothecary in front of her and was stunned.


    the captain and the others also appeared one after another. looking at the ruins, the captain coughed.


    ¡°little qing, did we come to the wrong place? there¡¯s no apothecary here.¡±


    after the captain finished speaking, he walked over and squatted there to pick up some plaque fragments on the ground. he then turned his head and looked at xu qing.


    ¡°little qing, it seems that there was indeed a apothecary here¡­ eh, look at this word. it says green.¡±


    the captain exclaimed.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was ugly.


    ning yan blinked and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°boss, my condolences¡­¡±


    a cold glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. as for wu jianwu, it was clearly impossible for him to give up on this opportunity. he let out a long sigh.


    ¡°once a vast sea turned into a cesspool, alas, red flowers turned into dog droppings. if you don¡¯t believe, just look up¡­¡±


    before wu jianwu could finish speaking, the parrot flew out and couldn¡¯t help but cheer excitedly.


    ¡°has the heavens ever shown mercy to anyone?!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s body emitted a cold intent as he glanced at the parrot. at this moment, ling¡¯er also realized the situation, and her small face puffed up with anger. this was her home, and it had been destroyed like this.


    the shadow sensed ling¡¯er¡¯s anger, so it emitted furious emotions.


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor flew out and the fish bone emitted a buzzing sound.


    ¡°master, madam, with just a word from you, i¡¯ll immediately slaughter everyone here!¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s right. i want to see who has such guts!¡± li youfei wasn¡¯t willing to be outdone either. he immediately stepped forward and spoke angrily.


    after all, the bitter life mountain range was his hometown. master¡¯s apothecary had actually been destroyed here. he felt that he had to stand up for master. no matter who did this, he had to express his stance clearly.


    at this moment, with xu qing¡¯s group¡¯s arrival, the gray-robed cultivators who had been busy in the earth city also noticed and surrounded them with unfriendly expressions in their eyes.


    however, before they could get close, a rainbow suddenly sped over from afar. ignoring the many gray-clothed cultivators in the earth city, this rainbow arrived in front of xu qing and transformed into a figure. it was chen fanzhuo from the earthly growth sect.


    ever since the collapse of the apothecary, he had been paying attention to this place. hence, he rushed over immediately with a sorrowful expression and bowed solemnly to xu qing.


    ¡°master, it¡¯s my incompetence. i couldn¡¯t defend the master¡¯s medicine shop.¡±


    xu qing expressionlessly looked at chen fanzhuo and calmly spoke.


    ¡°who was it?¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s an external force. they occupied this place and chased everyone away, wanting to build this place into a sect. the leader is a dwarf who calls himself daoist mu.¡±


    chen fanzhuo hurriedly spoke. however, just as he was about to continue, li youfei¡¯s eyes suddenly widened.


    in that instant, it was as though 100,000 lightning bolts had exploded in his mind, transforming into a enormous buzzing sound. he suddenly rushed in front of chen fanzhuo and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°are you sure it¡¯s a dwarf named daoist mu?¡±


    chen fanzhuo was stunned and hurriedly nodded.


    his nod was no longer as simple as 100,000 heavenly lightning bolts exploding. it was millions of lightning bolts exploding at the same time.


    li youfei trembled and he wailed inwardly. he turned and knelt in front of xu qing with a plop.


    ¡°master¡­ a misunderstanding. this must be a misunderstanding¡­¡±


    ¡°that daoist mu is a registered disciple of mine¡­ i¡¯ll handle this matter. i¡¯ll deal with it immediately!!¡±


    li youfei was horrified. when he thought of how his registered disciple had actually caused such a monstrous calamity, his heart trembled violently. he wished he could find the other party and slap him to death.


    xu qing was expressionless as he calmly glanced at li youfei.


    this gaze reminded li youfei of the experiments the other party had done on him during this period of time, as well as what he had seen and heard on the way. he instinctively glanced at the old man.


    he trembled again and spoke loudly.


    ¡°master, i¡¯ll deal with it immediately!¡±


    as he spoke, he hurriedly spread out his divine consciousness. after locking onto a location, he rushed over immediately. before he left, his nascent soul cultivation erupted and he shouted at the gray-clothed disciples in the surroundings.


    ¡°i¡¯m your sect master¡¯s master. all of you, retreat. if you dare to move, i¡¯ll kill you later!¡±


    these words and his nascent soul cultivation instantly formed an intense intimidation, causing the expressions of everyone in the surroundings to change drastically and they didn¡¯t dare to step forward.


    li youfei erupted with all his might and headed straight for the location his divine consciousness had locked onto. he was already cursing inwardly, ¡®you damned scoundrel! what kind of courage did you gain to actually dare to destroy this terrifying apothecary!!


    although he cursed him, he still valued this disciple very much. however, because he had too many enemies, he didn¡¯t tell the other party about his origins.


    right now, he couldn¡¯t watch the other party court death, so he erupted with all his speed and rushed into the temporary residence of daoist mu¡¯s sect.


    he barged his way toward the house where his disciple¡¯s aura was located.


    in the house, daoist mu knelt respectfully in front of a black-robed old man and lowered his head to listen to his new master¡¯s guidance on his cultivation.


    ¡°daoist mu, your cultivation level is alright but your cultivation art is impure. if you want to cultivate my spells, you have to unravel the messy things you¡¯ve learned in the past.¡±


    ¡°your aptitude isn¡¯t bad, but it¡¯s a pity that you acknowledged the wrong master. this is the reason why your cultivation has stalled over the years.¡±


    the black-robed old man calmly spoke as a hint of imperceptible greed flashed in his eyes. he had other reasons for taking in this daoist mu. just as he was about to continue speaking, his heart stirred and he lifted his head to look outside, frowning slightly.


    when daoist mu heard this, he became even more respectful and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°disciple was stupid previously. sigh, i didn¡¯t know that there was someone better and made the wrong choice¡­¡± just as he finished speaking, a familiar voice suddenly rang out from outside his residence.


    ¡°daoist mu, get out here!¡±


    daoist mu¡¯s eyes widened and he was stunned for a moment. the moment he turned his head, the door of the house he was in rumbled and was ruthlessly forced open from the outside. li youfei¡¯s figure appeared there.


    the instant he saw li youfei, although the other party¡¯s appearance was unfamiliar, his gaze, voice, and the energy fluctuations from his body allowed daoist mu to immediately recognize that the other party was his mysterious previous master.


    this made him a little confused. just as he was about to speak, li youfei stepped forward and grabbed him, wanting to take him away.


    ¡°you rascal, follow me quickly and apologize to master. this way, you might still have a chance of survival.¡±


    daoist mu couldn¡¯t resist. at that moment, his heart was still churning. just as he was at a loss, a cold snort rang out from the mouth of the black-robed old man.


    ¡°impudent!¡±


    with the cultivation of the spirit repository, the snort he emitted was like thunder. li youfei¡¯s body paused and he took a few steps back. blood flowed from the corners of his mouth as he glanced at the black-robed old man.


    ¡°master black pupil!¡±


    ¡°li youfei, so this daoist mu was your former disciple. however, i¡¯ve already taken him in as my disciple recently. he has no more relation with you,¡± master black pupil said calmly.


    li youfei naturally saw that his disciple had changed sides. he nodded and glanced at daoist mu.


    ¡°what¡¯s your explanation?¡±


    daoist mu hesitated and cupped his fists at li youfei.


    ¡°senior¡­¡±


    ¡°alright, i understand.¡± li youfei interrupted daoist mu. if it was in the past, he might have been angry about this, but now, he heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡°alright, you said it. you have nothing to do with me. from now on, you are not my disciple. however, daoist mu, seeing that we were once master and disciple, let me remind you¡­ you¡¯ve caused big trouble.¡±


    li youfei shook his head. as soon as he finished speaking, footsteps rang out from outside the house and waves of screams echoed. the figures of xu qing and the others had already arrived and were walking toward the house.


    this scene caused daoist mu¡¯s heart to skip a beat. as master black pupil glanced the outside and then at past xu qing and the others, his expression remained unchanged, and he spoke slowly.


    ¡°just a few nascent soul cultivators dare to act like this?¡±


    ¡°daoist mu, the techniques i taught you before, watch closely how to use them in actual combat.¡±


    as he spoke, master black pupil stood up calmly. he placed his hands behind his back and walked out of the house. his spirit repository cultivation erupted at this moment and a secret repository appeared above his head.


    there seemed to be a volcano in the secret repository that spewed out a enormous sea of fire. there was also the faint sound of the heavenly dao roaring inside, causing the rules in the surroundings to change. countless illusory shadows appeared in the surroundings.


    those phantoms were sinister and roared one after another.


    his mighty aura stirred the clouds and the wind.


    after that, he took a second step and landed in front of xu qing and the others. the secret repository behind him formed a enormous suppression and his cultivation base spread out, forming a black runic imprint.


    this runic mark eventually grew to 10,000 feet in size, and as it transformed the sky, it emanated a formidable power that caused the ground and rocks to collapse, creating an astonishing pressure.


    ¡°disciple, watch carefully. this is the great demon seal i taught you just now!¡±


    master black pupil calmly spoke and casually waved his hand, wanting to suppress these useless chickens and dogs in front of him.


    at that moment, a strange look appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes. ning yan grinned, wu jianwu proudly lifted his chin, and xu qing was expressionless.


    they directly ignored the runic mark. all of them turned around and bowed to the heir at the side.


    ¡°grandpa.¡±


    the heir was teasing the parrot. when he heard this, he lifted his head and glanced at master black pupil.


    it was just a glance.


    master black pupil¡¯s heart skipped a beat and he directly went numb. with a plop, he fell to the ground. the large black seal in the sky dissipated, the secret repository disappeared, and everything dissipated.


    only blood spurted out of every orifices in his body, turning into a blood-red fountain.


    and his blood was evidently not as abundant as the captain¡¯s, so the force he expelled was somewhat inferior.


    the surroundings instantly fell silent.


    * * *

 Chapter 980 - 980 Ordinary and Warm Small Apothecary (1)

    980 ordinary and warm small apothecary (1)


    daoist mu¡¯s eyes widened and revealed a look of confusion. he stood there in a daze and looked at the person who was vomiting blood. he couldn¡¯t believe his eyes.


    in his heart, the other party should be incomparably powerful.


    ¡°wha-what¡¯s going on¡­¡±


    daoist mu trembled and his breathing became extremely hurried. he felt the world spinning and his body began to feel sore. he couldn¡¯t imagine why everything turned out like this, nor could he understand what cultivation level someone had to be able to make master black pupil turn into this with a glance.


    he also didn¡¯t understand why such a person would come looking for him. he didn¡¯t offend any experts.


    while he was in a daze, li youfei sighed.


    although the other party had betrayed him, he was still his disciple. hence, he stepped forward and grabbed daoist mu. he then walked in front of xu qing and lifted him up, quickly slapping him.


    one slap after another disfigured daoist mu. li youfei spoke to xu qing respectfully.


    ¡°master, do you think we should kill him?¡±


    as soon as he said this, daoist mu immediately woke up from his daze. pain appeared all over his body, but he didn¡¯t dare to wail. instead, he spoke with a trembling voice.


    ¡°mas¡­ master, is there a misunderstanding? i, i¡­ i didn¡¯t offend anyone.¡±


    ¡°wasn¡¯t it your men who destroyed the earth city¡¯s apothecary?¡± li youfei glared at this rascal and gritted his teeth.


    ¡°apothecary?¡± daoist mu¡¯s entire body trembled and his eyes were filled with confusion. at the next instant, he thought of the earth city¡¯s apothecary. his eyes suddenly widened and his mind instantly rumbled.


    he remembered that there was an apothecary in earth city. chen fanzhuo had reminded him not to touch it.


    however, he didn¡¯t listen¡­


    ¡®how could this be? what kind of apothecary is that? how could this be¡­¡¯


    daoist mu¡¯s heart was filled with regret and endless fear, his emotions fluctuating dramatically. add to that the injuries inflicted by li youfei, and he lost consciousness right then and there.


    li youfei looked at daoist mu¡¯s expression and recalled the time he had taught him. he sighed in his heart and looked at xu qing pleadingly. he knew that his former disciple¡¯s life and death depended on the other party¡¯s thought.


    xu qing saw li youfei¡¯s pleading. his gaze swept past the unconscious daoist mu and he calmly spoke.


    ¡°i will give you two hours to return it to its original state.¡±


    li youfei took a deep breath, expressed his gratitude with a bow to xu qing, and woke up the almost-dead daoist mu. he then grabbed daoist mu and flew away swiftly.


    with daoist mu¡¯s horrified realization of some of the truths, and under his frantic orders, everyone in their group worked tirelessly to restore xu qing¡¯s small apothecary.


    it wasn¡¯t just the apothecary. all the buildings in the entire earth city were restored to their original appearance.


    this speed showed that everyone was going all out and didn¡¯t dare to slack off at all.


    for the interior of the apothecary to be the same as before, li youfei even looked for chen fanzhuo. after all, the other party had entered the apothecary before and knew what it looked like. hence, under chen fanzhuo¡¯s guidance, the apothecary was basically the same.


    in fact, the plaque had also been repaired. it was the same for the wooden board xu qing had hung on the door before he left.


    as for the residents¡­ at li youfei¡¯s request, the people under daoist mu¡¯s command all trembled and masked themselves as residents.


    daoist mu was among them.


    it had to be said that to a certain extent, this place had turned into a sect.


    with everyone¡¯s dedicated effort, the green spirit hall appeared in earth city again.


    standing outside the small apothecary, xu qing looked at the familiar environment around him and relaxed. he then bowed to the heir beside him.


    ¡°thank you, elder. after you.¡±


    ling¡¯er was also satisfied and said coquettishly to the prince.


    ¡°thank you, grandpa, for helping me and brother xu qing rebuild the apothecary.¡±


    the heir smiled and his gaze landed on the apothecary. he then walked in with his hands behind his back.


    xu qing followed behind.


    ning yan and wu jianwu glanced at li youfei, whose forehead was still sweating. they patted his shoulder and walked in.


    as soon as they entered, ling¡¯er enthusiastically introduced the apothecary to the heir.


    ¡°grandpa, this is the back room. brother xu qing refines pills inside. as for me, i am always recording the accounts at the counter.¡±


    ¡°business is good.¡±


    as ling¡¯er spoke, she took out the grass seedling and placed it in its original location.


    ¡°there¡¯s also it. its name is xiaomiao. it¡¯s very cute. it usually dances when it¡¯s happy.¡±


    the parrot immediately stared at it.


    the grass seedling trembled and tried its best to sway.


    when ling¡¯er introduced the different things, the captain sized them up from left to right. he then spoke to xu qing in a low voice.


    ¡°little qing, this shop is a little small. can it accommodate so many people?¡±


    when li youfei heard this, he hurriedly took out a jade slip and summoned his men. very soon, the ¡®residents¡¯ in the surroundings arrived and connected the buildings on both sides of the apothecary, expanding its size several times over.


    after the work was finished, it was already dusk. as the earth city fell silent outside, the lanterns were ignited in this small apothecary, illuminating the interior of the apothecary and giving off a sense of warmth.


    under the light, everyone sat around the table in the apothecary, exchanging looks with each other.


    the heir was toying with the parrot. although ning yan and wu jianwu tried their best to get used to the existence of the soul accumulation elder beside them, the anxiety in their hearts couldn¡¯t be dissipated in a short period of time. now that they were sitting like this, they instantly felt as restless as a young wife.


    xu qing and ling¡¯er were fine. the former was already used to it, while the latter was very good at making the old man like her.


    as for the captain, he blinked. on the way here, he could tell that this heir should have two motives for coming to the bitter life mountain range. one was unknown but the second must be related to xu qing.

 Chapter 981 - Chapter 981 Ordinary and Warm Small Apothecary (2)

    chapter 981 ordinary and warm small apothecary (2)


    ¡®he thinks highly of xu qing¡¯s purple moon power and wants to temper him so that little qing can grow quickly. he probably wants to borrow little qing¡¯s ability to unlock the seals on his siblings?¡¯


    ¡®this matter is not that simple; the red moon shrine will surely have substantial defenses.¡¯


    the captain fell into deep thought and recalled the other party¡¯s actions on the way. he could tell that this ruler prince enjoyed the fireworks in the human world very much and didn¡¯t have any objections to staying in this small apothecary.


    ¡®yes, that makes sense. after all, he is a reclusive old man who should appreciate the heartwarming scene of living with his descendants.¡¯


    at the thought of this, the captain immediately looked at ning yan and the others.


    ¡°who among you knows how to cook? hurry up and cook a meal for grandpa.¡±


    ning yan was at a loss. wu jianwu also scratched his head. li youfei hesitated while ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes lit up with eagerness.


    back then, in duanmu zang¡¯s firefly city, she had learned a lot of cooking skills from those elder sisters and aunties. brother xu qing liked to eat it very much every time, so she was about to speak.


    xu qing saw this from the side and spoke before ling¡¯er could.


    ¡°let me do it.¡±


    after saying that, xu qing stood up. however, after some thought, he slowly spoke.


    ¡°but there are no ingredients.¡±


    the captain, upon hearing that xu qing was going to cook, was curious as well. he quickly inquired with the others, and under wu jianwu¡¯s gaze, the parrot reluctantly shook its body, dropping large fishes onto the ground.


    it liked eating fish. on its way to find xu qing earlier, it caught quite a few fish. whenever it sneaked out during regular days, it would catch fish to eat.


    its father was naturally clear about this.


    after taking out its remaining fishes, the parrot looked at xu qing eagerly. it wanted to say a few words but hesitated and could only let out a sigh while giving an angry look to the captain and others.


    ¡°you guys, why aren¡¯t you working? can¡¯t you see that this place is dirty? hurry up and tidy it up!¡±


    the captain smiled. ning yan¡¯s gaze was deep, and wu jianwu pretended not to see it. however, he knew that erniu¡¯s plan should be starting soon.


    just like that, everyone began to work. some cleaned the ground, some wiped the tables and counter, and some placed medicinal pills on the shelf. in fact, at the parrot¡¯s request, they all changed into rough hemp robes and didn¡¯t look like cultivators.


    the captain saw that there was a lot of work to do, and he noticed that the heir lacked someone to serve him. he thought of nether fairy and decided to release her from the world fragment.


    the instant she appeared in the apothecary, nether fairy released her aura. there were also sounds of gritted teeth echoing.


    ¡°chen erniu, you damn¡­¡±


    ning yan and wu jianwu didn¡¯t care about the appearance of nether fairy. they continued with their work without even glancing at her. however, when she spoke, the captain¡¯s eyes widened, and he interrupted her arrogantly.


    ¡°nether fairy, how dare you? can¡¯t you see who¡¯s here?!¡±


    the captain smugly pointed behind nether fairy.


    nether fairy was stunned. she sensed that something was wrong and instinctively turned her head to take a look.


    just a glance¡­


    a moment later, there was an additional maidservant in the apothecary.


    just like that, time flowed by. the sky outside was dark and the wind was whistling.


    the cold of the night started to creep in from all directions, and there were few lights in the earth city. every household was shivering from the cold, except for the small apothecary. as xu qing cooked, the fragrance gradually wafted through the air.


    the scent of the cooking created a warm and cozy atmosphere, filling the apothecary with a sense of homeliness.


    two hours later, xu qing carried some dishes and placed them on the table.


    fragrance filled the air and the entire table was filled with fish dishes.


    there was fish soup, grilled fish skin, fried fish, braised fish¡­


    seeing this sumptuous meal, the captain was quite surprised.


    when ling¡¯er saw this, she almost drooled. she quickly sat there and picked up her chopsticks, staring eagerly at the old man.


    the heir smiled and lifted a piece. he chewed and swallowed slowly and nodded.


    ¡°don¡¯t be too reserved, try it together.¡±


    the captain, curious and cautious, picked up a piece and ate it, and then praised it. however, deep down, he was contemplating that it wasn¡¯t as delicious as god¡¯s flesh.


    ning yan also took a bite, showing signs of being impressed, but secretly contemplated it was just average.


    wu jianwu had a sip of the soup, sighed, and as someone who had not eaten ordinary food for a long time, he had the urge to make fun and compose poems but restrained himself when he glanced at xu qing.


    as for nether fairy, as a maid, she had the privilege to take a few bites, but after just one, she didn¡¯t want to eat anymore. in her memories, human flesh was the most delicious, and if she could have eat erniu, it would be even better.


    only ling¡¯er and li youfei ate the most. the latter kept flattering the taste while the former¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡°so, brother xu qing¡¯s cooking is so delicious.¡± ling¡¯er blinked and felt that her cooking should be better. hence, she thought about showing off her skills in a few days.


    just as they were immersed in their own world, the prince took a sip of fish soup.


    ¡°xu qing, your cooking technique seems to come from the south, and this soup has a unique flavor. it was originally supposed to be snake soup, right? using fish as a substitute is understandable, but it lacks the same level of umami.¡±


    ling¡¯er¡¯s body paused.


    ¡°also, this fish skin should have been snake skin. it¡¯s the same for the meat. you¡¯re using the method of cooking snakes to make a fish feast.¡±


    after the heir tasted it, he gazed at xu qing and ling¡¯er teasingly.


    xu qing glanced at the heir and fell silent.


    ling¡¯er startled and horror manifested in her eyes. she instinctively moved closer to xu qing and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°brother xu qing, snakes aren¡¯t delicious. they taste bad.¡±


    xu qing nodded.


    the heir laughed. at this moment, he no longer had the dignity of an heir. he gazed very amiable and kind like an old grandpa.

 Chapter 982 - Chapter 982 Ordinary and Warm Small Apothecary (3)

    chapter 982 ordinary and warm small apothecary (3)


    as the first meal in this place came to an end, everyone gradually adapted to the life of being with a soul accumulation.


    nether fairy washed the dishes in silence.


    the next morning.


    this apothecary that had been closed for half a year finally reopened. in the past, it was ling¡¯er who opened the door. however, it was different today. the person who opened the door was wu jianwu.


    wu jianwu, dressed in a coarse hemp robe, stood at the doorway after finishing the wooden planks. he didn¡¯t go back; instead, he stood there, his expression changing several times. finally, he gritted his teeth and spoke loudly.


    ¡°half a year has passed in the blink of an eye, and today, the small shop reopens its doors. whether you come from the south or go to the north, come take a look, and a white pill is offered to our guests for just one coin!¡±


    his voice echoed in all directions.


    this was the captain¡¯s proposal; he felt that the apothecary was missing a greeter, and wu jianwu was naturally the most suitable choice.


    as wu jianwu spoke, the surrounding residents walked out trembling one after another. they looked at wu jianwu and also saw a little fatty wiping the ground in the apothecary like a shop assistant.


    this staff looked quite strange. his stomach was very big, as though there was something wrapped in his clothes.


    and by his side was li youfei; hierarchy determined their roles, and his position was the lowest, so he could only serve as a general helper in the apothecary.


    on the other side was the captain.


    the position he arranged for himself was a guard!


    ¡°our apothecary is located in the perilous and treacherous bitter life mountain range. facing those wicked and desperate cultivators, we must have guards to protect the peace of our little shop.¡±


    this was the declaration the captain made when he took on the position.


    as for the grandpa heir, he was naturally the shopkeeper. he held a bead in his hand, smiling as he looked at the apothecary. within that bead was a person, and occasionally, a face would appear inside which belonged to master black pupil.


    lights¦Í¦Ïv¦Ål ?¦Ïm xu qing remained the alchemist master, while ling¡¯er continued to keep the accounts, as she enjoyed doing so.


    in addition to this, the newly reopened apothecary had a maidservant who was dedicated to serving the old shopkeeper. she was nether fairy¡­


    the business was even more thriving than before. on the first day of business, more than 200 people brought spirit coins and respectfully bought white pills. this made it take some time for ling¡¯er to settle the accounts.


    just like that, several days passed.


    xu qing spent his days either cultivating or researching curses, while wu jianwu adapted to his role, standing outside and reciting different poems each day, living quite contentedly.


    occasionally, ning yan, when tired, would sit on the doorstep, listening to wu jianwu¡¯s poems. while enjoying the tranquility of the place, he gradually discovered that many times, he could surprisingly understand them.


    this discovery caused some panic to rise in his heart.


    as for li youfei, he was the one with the most difficulty. as he did miscellaneous chores, he also had to give orders to daoist mu outside, telling them not to make it so fake. the disciples who came to buy the pills were so frightened that their legs would go limp.


    next was the captain. every day, he would cross his arms and hold a longsword. he stood there and coldly looked at all the guests, looking like an expert.


    as for nether fairy¡­ because the old man liked to drink tea and usually liked to play with the bird, her job was to make tea and serve the parrot.


    these scenes were the regular schedule in this ordinary tiny apothecary.


    seven days later, when everything was developing well in this apothecary, xu qing, who had fully recovered from his injuries from transcending the tribulation, welcomed his life of continued tempering.


    ¡°xu qing, since your injuries have recovered, come with me. the potential in your body needs to be appropriately dug out.¡±


    the heir¡¯s voice echoed in xu qing¡¯s ears. xu qing took a deep breath and stood up. with a sway, he left the apothecary with the heir.


    when they appeared, the two of them were in the air.


    the heir placed his hands behind his back and walked forward. xu qing lowered his head and glanced at the earth city¡¯s apothecary. he didn¡¯t say anything but followed behind.


    the two of them continued to move in the sky. on the way, they encountered many cultivators. some were flying in the sky and some were fighting in the mountain range. however, in their eyes, xu qing and the heir didn¡¯t seem to exist.


    even if they encountered them head-on, these cultivators from the bitter life mountain range didn¡¯t see the two of them. they just went on doing what they were doing.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t surprised by this. he knew the ability of the heir.


    as for the place they were going to, xu qing glanced in the direction and had a guess. this was the path to the red moon shrine in the bitter life mountain range.


    this was indeed the case. several hours later, the heir brought xu qing to the sky above the red moon shrine.


    the red moon shrine in the bitter life mountain range was located at the highest peak of this mountain range. its status was extremely high and the divine envoy inside was frighteningly powerful. an invisible might spread from the temple and suppressed the entire desert.


    to all living beings in the green sand desert, this place represented supreme authority and god.


    however, in the eyes of the heir, that was clearly not the case. he brought xu qing and swaggered into the red moon shrine at the top of the mountain.


    as they entered, every red-robed cultivators in the huge temple acted the same as the cultivators they met on the way. they couldn¡¯t sense anything.


    xu qing and the heir reached a square in the temple. there were many temple cultivators around, coming and going, but no one spoke. everything was well-organized, and it seemed that making noise in this place was considered a form of blasphemy.


    standing in the square, the heir¡¯s gaze swept across his surroundings. he raised his right hand and beckoned with his finger towards a middle-aged dao nurturing expert who was about to leave for a distant place.


    the middle-aged cultivator at the dao nurturing stage instantly turned around and headed straight for xu qing. he stepped on the square and looked at xu qing, motionless.

 Chapter 983 - 983 Ordinary and Warm Small Apothecary (4)

    983 ordinary and warm small apothecary (4)


    looking at this bizarre scene, xu qing silently looked at the heir.


    ¡°within 100 breaths of time, unleash all your cultivation, go all out, and engage in a life-and-death battle with him.¡±


    the heir calmly spoke.


    ¡°kill him and devour his red moon faith.¡±


    ¡°if after a hundred breaths, you haven¡¯t succeeded, all the people of the red moon shrine in this place will notice your presence, and i won¡¯t help you. you¡¯re on your own; if it doesn¡¯t work out, it¡¯ll depend on your fate.¡±


    the heir then rose into the air and stood there, closing his eyes.


    and in the moment he closed his eyes, the motionless dao nurturing cultivator¡¯s vacant expression was replaced by a deep crimson, glaring at xu qing. it was as though he had seen a lifelong nemesis. he let out a low growl, and his cultivation exploded with a deafening force.


    one vortex after another instantly formed within his body, nine in total, resembling nine stars. together, they outlined an ethereal secret repository.


    within this secret repository, there appeared to be a volcano in full eruption, creating a thunderous sound that echoed in all directions. at the same time, the crimson light penetrated the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s body, projecting outward and merging with the heavens and the earth. it formed a colossal figure hundreds of yards tall.


    this figure was a treant, with a massive body, brown branches, and black flowers blooming. the earth trembled intensely at this moment, and roots sprouted from the ground, floating around. in the blink of an eye, the entire square was filled with countless branches.


    as the ground shattered, countless blood-red grass grew crazily from within, causing the surrounding land to turn into a red grassland.


    from a distance, the colossal treant in the grasslands appeared to possess the power to engulf mountains and rivers. the ferocity in its eyes and the terrifying pressure emanating from its entire body coalesced into lightning bolts that struck down from the sky in all directions with deafening roars.


    this scene was incredibly astonishing. this was also the first time xu qing faced a dao nurturing expert head-on!


    in the blink of an eye, the countless red grasses growing on the ground and the innumerable branches rushed straight towards xu qing. their speed was so rapid that they created countless afterimages, exceeding the limits of a nascent soul stage cultivator. they left xu qing with no time to react, closing in within an instant.


    xu qing¡¯s pupils contracted as the imminent danger from all directions created a profound sense of life and death. he knew he was not as powerful as his opponent and slightly slower, unable to evade the situation.


    at this moment, his body trembled, and his god¡¯s body erupted with a resounding force, reaching a height of 50 feet. the poison restriction and the power of the purple moon within his body spread out and collided with the incoming branches and red grass from all around.


    a rumbling sound echoed. even though xu qing was extraordinary, he was still a little inferior when facing a dao nurturing expert. in the blink of an eye, countless red grass blades and numerous branches enveloped him like tentacles.


    even with the suppression of the purple moon and the containment of poison restriction, the sheer quantity of red grass and branches around him was overwhelming. they kept dissipating and reappearing, accumulating around xu qing in the blink of an eye.


    a mountain of red grass and branches emerged, rising continuously, reaching a height of 1,000 feet in an instant. at the top, they spread out like an umbrella, forming a immense hand.


    it ruthlessly landed on xu qing, who was buried in the vegetation below.


    with a deafening roar, as the palm descended, the vegetation shattered, and an overwhelmingly terrifying suppressing force erupted. it seemed like it was about to crush the area where the protagonist was located into dust.


    however, at that moment, a huge figure manifested from the ground. it was ghost emperor mountain!


    at this critical moment, all of xu qing¡¯s cultivation surged into the ghost emperor mountain, forming the figure of the ghost emperor. the moment it appeared, it punched the descending palm with all its might.


    the sound from the collision was deafening. the hand made of vegetation inch by inch crumbled and shattered, disintegrating completely. as it rained down, xu qing¡¯s ghost emperor form also showed cracks and eventually collapsed, exposing xu qing¡¯s true form.


    xu qing spat out a mouthful of blood and his face turned pale. the pressure from the dao nurturing caused his internal organs to tremble. at that moment, his breathing was rushed but his eyes were unnaturally calm.


    he didn¡¯t hesitate for a moment, his speed exploding instantly as he charged directly towards the dao nurturing cultivator who had unleashed countless lightning strikes with a wave of his hand.


    at the same time, the successor in the sky serenely spoke.


    ¡°there are 80 breaths left.¡±

 Chapter 984 - 984 Mosasaur Enters the Stage

    984 mosasaur enters the stage


    the architecture of the red moon temple in the moon worship region primarily featured black design, with tall statues of the crimson goddess standing inside.


    the combination of those colors, under the dim skies, appeared even darker, giving people a feeling of indescribable oppression.


    and the wailing wind howled through the mountains, landing on the crimson goddess statues. it caused the two pairs of crescent-shaped earrings hanging from the crimson goddess¡¯ earlobes to collide, producing a tinkling sound mixed with the heir¡¯s voice.


    xu qing didn¡¯t pay attention to the heir¡¯s words. at that moment, all his energy was on this dao nurturing cultivator who was enveloped by endless lightning.


    his mind was calm. his cultivation base erupted completely and the 13 third tribulation nascent souls circulated with all their might. his entire person transformed into a black bolt of lightning that rushed into the lightning pool.


    he instantly got close. he raised his right hand and activated the bizarre nether state, turning transparent as he headed straight for the cultivator who had transformed into a treant.


    he grabbed fiercely.


    ¡°my rules can¡¯t be resisted.¡± the treant sneered but didn¡¯t dodge. the secret repository in his body rumbled and his right hand burned with red flames. this was formed by the red moon¡¯s faith.


    there were also waves of invisible laws that spread out from his secret repository, enveloping the surroundings, causing this place to contain the laws he had set.


    at that moment, he lifted his right hand and grabbed at xu qing¡¯s arm.


    they came into contact in the blink of an eye. there was a gap between xu qing¡¯s cultivation and combat strength but he possessed the power of the purple moon and could offset the divine might from the red moon to a certain extent.


    however, even so, it was still inferior. amidst the rumbling, xu qing¡¯s body trembled. the power of the treant¡¯s large hand was like iron pincers, firmly restricting him.


    there were also terrifying fluctuations that followed the treant¡¯s body and smashed toward xu qing. at the same time, the treant chanted an incantation.


    it was complicated and difficult to understand but it gave off a bizarre feeling. cold wind gusted in the surroundings and countless ghosts appeared out of thin air, pouncing toward xu qing.


    at this critical moment, xu qing¡¯s decisiveness and ruthlessness were revealed. he actually ignored his right hand that was grabbed and ruthlessly tugged.


    with a cracking sound, the joint of his right shoulder was dislocated, allowing him to twist his body. he lifted his right leg and swung it fiercely towards the treant.


    the heavenly demon bodies appeared behind him at the same time. there were over a hundred of them and they rapidly pounced over in unison.


    the shadow under him also spread out at this moment. the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor also flew out from the side and stabbed from the side.


    all of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in the blink of an eye. in the blink of an eye, the heavenly demon bodies collided with the ghosts. the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor also pierced into the treant¡¯s body. xu qing¡¯s right foot also landed on the treant¡¯s head.


    amidst the rumbling, xu qing¡¯s expression darkened. his foot actually passed through the treant¡¯s head. it was the same for the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor.


    ¡°this isn¡¯t the main body!¡±


    at the same time, hundreds of feet behind xu qing, the figure of the temple cultivator who had transformed into a treant suddenly appeared. this was his main body.


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that you don¡¯t understand the rules around dao nurturing cultivators.¡± the corners of his mouth curled into a cold smile. he then lifted his right hand and pressed down on xu qing who was in the distance.


    immediately, the endless lightning in the surroundings transformed into a large number of lightning snakes that headed straight for xu qing from all directions, not giving him the slightest chance to dodge.


    the huge arm that was grabbing xu qing¡¯s right hand transformed into a huge maggot which then suddenly exploded.


    booming sounds surged into the sky. the main body of the temple cultivator moved forward rapidly. with a wave of his right hand, a large number of branches danced, forming a huge battle-ax that headed straight for xu qing.


    xu qing quickly retreated but he was still unable to escape the range of the lightning pool and the maggot¡¯s self-destruction. however, xu qing was experienced in battle. at that moment, rainbow light flashed all over his body.


    at the same time, he pressed his right hand to the ground, twisting his body forcefully. with a cracking sound, despite the intense pain, he managed to reset the dislocated joint.


    after that, the morning glow erupted, sweeping outward, dissipating much of the thunderous assault. his shadow rose up around him, forming a cocoon that surrounded him.


    in doing so, he avoided the remnants of the force. amid the echoing sound, the cocoon of shadows fell hundred of feet away, and as it touched the ground, the shadow dissipated, revealing xu qing¡¯s figure.


    the moment he appeared, he looked at the treant cultivator who was approaching him. he counted the time in his heart and the power of the five sundial life lanterns in his body directly erupted.


    time reversal!


    in an instant, the sundial life lanterns shone brightly with a devastating radiance, creating a temporal storm that engulfed xu qing¡¯s entire body. it not only erased his figure from the current location but also placed him back in the position he occupied seven breaths ago when he reappeared.


    that location was behind the temple cultivator!


    ¡°time law? impossible!¡± the temple cultivator was stunned and his pupils constricted.


    this unexpected turn of events was the first to catch him off guard. despite his superior strength to xu qing, their brief exchange earlier had already shown him that the opponent possessed numerous techniques and had a wealth of combat experience. the gap between them wasn¡¯t actually that significant.


    the reason he looked domineering had more to do with the fact that his opponent was somewhat unfamiliar with fighting against a dao nurturing cultivator.


    in this process, the sudden display of this technique was undoubtedly a trump card. the temple cultivator instantly realized this and chose not to continue attacking. instead, he harnessed the power of the rules contained within his own secret repository and prepared to depart from the scene.


    however, it was still too late.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. the freezing power of the sundials was activated. all five sundials erupted, forming an extremely solidified might that landed on the temple cultivator.


    it froze his time and everything about him.


    at the same time, he raised his right hand and a dagger appeared in it, slashing fiercely at the neck of the temple cultivator in front of him.


    the moment the familiar sound spread out, in order to terminate with a single strike, the power of the poison restriction rose, destroying life force.


    the gnomon needles in his body also flew out rapidly, transforming into five rainbows that rushed out and pierced through the body of the temple cultivator.


    booming sounds echoed out as xu qing used his full strength.


    at the next moment, the head of the temple cultivator flew up. under the charge of the five gnomon needles, his body shattered into pieces.


    after doing this, xu qing¡¯s breathing became hurried. he glanced at the wreckage on the ground and then lifted his head to look at the heir in the air.


    there were also waves in the heir¡¯s heart, but he didn¡¯t show any expression on his face as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°there are still 30 breaths left.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, his eyes narrowed as he abruptly looked at the wreckage on the ground. with a wave of his hand, flames spread out, enveloping the ground and burning it. at the same time, he rapidly retreated.


    however, the instant he retreated, nine red vortexes shone from the place where the temple cultivator had died and headed straight for xu qing.


    no matter how xu qing dodged, it was useless. in the blink of an eye, he was enveloped.


    these nine vortexes surrounded and shone. there was also a rumbling sound that erupted, instantly forming an illusory secret repository.


    looking from afar, xu qing was in this secret repository!


    ¡°secret refinement to one!¡±


    the voice of the temple cultivator rang out from this illusory secret repository. a majestic force instantly erupted, transforming into countless nomological laws that formed the sun, moon, and stars. ice and fire rumbled, transforming into a trap that refined xu qing.


    the sun and moon fixed the mind, ice and fire refined the body, thunder assisted, and the heavenly wind transformed into might.


    xu qing¡¯s body and soul trembled violently. in his perception, he was clearly still in the same place but he felt like he was in another space.


    that sense of oppression and refinement from all directions seemed to want to crush his soul and burn all his flesh and blood.


    an intense pain rose as every inch of his body was being torn apart.


    xu qing sensed everything in his surroundings without any expression.


    the heir looked at all of this with a deeper meaning in his eyes as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°what you¡¯re facing right now is the genuine dao nurturing. if you can¡¯t break free, you¡¯ll be subdued and refined into oblivion.¡±


    as the heir¡¯s words echoed, the determination to refine soared. one could vaguely see the illusory secret repository transforming into the body of a temple cultivator.


    at this critical moment, a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°so this is a secret repository without the heavenly dao.¡±


    ¡°since there¡¯s no heavenly dao, i¡¯ll give you one!¡±


    ¡°mosasaur!¡±

 Chapter 985 - 985 The Timing Is Just Right

    985 the timing is just right


    on the square of the red moon temple, nine radiant vortices, like stars, surrounded xu qing, emanating the power of refinement.


    the sun, moon, ice, fire, thunder, and heavenly wind erupted at this moment.


    there was also a huge treant¡¯s figure that vaguely appeared outside the secret repository formed by the nine vortices. his figure was ten thousand feet tall and stood on the square.


    his dao nurturing aura was completely released.


    the color of the sky changed, and the wind and clouds churned. a huge rumbling sound that was like heavenly lightning rang out from all directions.


    however, the instant xu qing¡¯s voice rang out, all of this was shaken by a dragon roar.


    the dragon¡¯s roar resonated with the sky, causing ripples in the sky.


    it shook the ground, causing it to rumble.


    a massive mosasaur emerged from within xu qing, first revealing its tendrils, followed by its majestic head, and then its awe-inspiring body.


    it grew larger and larger and finally leaped out, completely revealing itself in the illusory secret repository.


    with its light blue body, sharp teeth, and astonishing dragon scales, it exuded unparalleled majesty, and the aura, unique to the heavenly dao, spread from it.


    there was a sense of exuberance blended into the dragon¡¯s roar, and listening to it, one could feel as though, for the dragon, this moment marked an entry into the vast sea, returning to the most suitable place for its growth.


    its appearance caused the secret repository to tremble even more. the rules and laws contained in it were like a soldier meeting a general and instinctively choosing to obey.


    the sky churned and heavenly lightning rumbled.


    the expression of the temple cultivator outside the secret repository changed drastically and his eyes revealed disbelief and horror.


    ¡°heavenly dao?!¡±


    the temple cultivator¡¯s mind was in turmoil, unable to fathom why the heavenly dao he had sought after for so long, which had eluded him until now, would manifest in a nascent soul cultivator.


    moreover, from the fluctuations, it didn¡¯t come from a small world but was born in the wanggu continent.


    this was even more exaggerated.


    ¡°a nascent soul cultivator possesses the heavenly dao? in other words, after this kid reaches the great circle of perfection, he doesn¡¯t even need to experience the dao nurturing stage. he can directly cross it and form his secret repository!¡±


    intense uneasiness and horror rose in the temple cultivator¡¯s mind.


    ¡°the secret treasury of a dao nurturing stage cultivator, before they form their own heavenly dao, may seem powerful, but what they dread the most is being occupied by someone else¡¯s heavenly dao¡­¡±


    ¡°this is originally a place nurtured to form the heavenly dao¡­¡±


    the temple cultivator¡¯s body trembled, and his blurred figure immediately used a technique. the nine bright vortices that formed the secret repository within him rapidly dimmed. they were no longer sealed for refinement; instead, they were swiftly changing to open up and expel xu qing and the heavenly dao from within.


    however, it was too late!


    the mosasaur had already arrived. it cheered in the secret repository as it began to take over all the rules and laws that submitted.


    to it, this was an opportunity that it wouldn¡¯t even dream of. after all, no dao nurturing cultivator would bring someone else¡¯s heavenly dao to their home.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he resisted the expelling might.


    he didn¡¯t want to leave.


    he lifted his hands and waved them fiercely.


    ¡°mosasaur, enter!¡±


    as xu qing¡¯s voice rang out, the mosasaur roared and its entire body spread out in a larger area. one could see with the naked eye that its body emitted countless threads of light that connected to all of the secret repository.


    the nine bright spheres of light were its main focus.


    countless threads headed straight for the spheres of light. although they crumbled as soon as they got close, the threads from the mosasaur¡¯s body were endless.


    after experiencing the heavy injury before and being hungry for a long time, the mosasaur was still in a state where it wasn¡¯t full and was overdrafted. hence, when it saw such a feast, it went crazy.


    greed appeared in its eyes. it recklessly opened its mouth and ruthlessly bit and devoured. the color of its body also rapidly changed from light blue to dark blue.


    cracking sounds echoed as the secret repository trembled even more intensely.


    to the temple cultivator, this sound was as though his heart was being bitten into. every bite represented years of nourishment.


    what made his heart ache even more was that the heavenly mandates he had worked hard to accumulate for many years in this secret repository were also hungrily devoured by the mosasaur. it even looked quite displeased. its divine aura intensified, its presence surging as its color shifted once again, changing to silver.


    although it wasn¡¯t much, this bit of silver gave off the feeling of a spirit repository.


    the heir observing this scene from the sky wore an expression filled with deep meaning.


    however, the cultivation of the temple cultivator surpassed xu qing after all. seeing this, madness also rose in his heart.


    ¡°you want to devour my secret repository. this is your chance but at the same time, it¡¯s also my chance. if i refine you, refine your heavenly dao, and everything changes owners, then today¡­ will be the day i open the first complete secret repository!¡±


    the temple cultivator shouted inwardly and his illusory body suddenly contracted, turning into nine parts. with the enhancement of his natal nine vortices, the might of his secret repository soared again, suppressing the mosasaur¡¯s attempt to take control of the rules and laws within his secret repository, allowing him to refine them again.


    after all, this was a secret repository that he had nurtured for many years. although the mosasaur had a huge advantage in this secret repository, due to its cultivation, it was still a little inferior. at that moment, it had only fused 20%.


    now, as the temple cultivator went all out, the fusion was stopped and there was even a reversal.


    ¡°there are six breaths of time,¡± the heir calmly said.


    almost at the instant he spoke, xu qing cast a deep glance at the heavenly dao mosasaur. he could sense that the mosasaur had fused with 20% of the temple cultivator¡¯s secret repository. moreover, after devouring so many heavenly mandates that the other party had painstakingly accumulated, its strength had increased by a lot.


    ¡°it¡¯s about time. even if it self-destructs, it¡¯s worth it!¡±


    xu qing put away his greed. he understood that there was a high chance that the heir was not joking. if a hundred breaths really passed, what awaited him would be a desperate situation.


    with his personality, he wasn¡¯t willing to put his safety in the hands of others.


    moreover, as the temple cultivator refined it, it would be very difficult for the mosasaur to continue devouring. hence, ending the battle quickly was still his first priority.


    all these thoughts appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind in an extremely short period of time. after that, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all to give the mosasaur the order to self-destruct.


    the mosasaur trembled and let out a helpless cry. after that, its body suddenly swayed. under the horror of the temple cultivator, terrifying energy fluctuations instantly rose from its body.


    this fluctuation grew stronger and stronger. finally, a huge explosion rang out as the mosasaur self-destructed.


    the thundering sounds were deafening.


    a piercing, agonized scream erupted, originating from the mosasaur, the temple cultivator, and a pained grunt from xu qing.


    not only did the mosasaur self-destruct, but the secret repository of the temple cultivator was also affected. due to the inextricable connection between this secret repository and the mosasaur, six of the nine bright vortices instantly shattered.


    the remaining three also dimmed and rapidly gathered, forming the body of the temple cultivator. he spat out large mouthfuls of blood and withdrew rapidly with a panicked expression.


    as for the mosasaur¡¯s body, only its head remained, as the rest of its form crumbled and dispersed in all directions.


    the remaining head was predominantly silver in color, exuding a sense of weakness. however, compared to its previous state, it had grown significantly. it transformed into a silver radiance amidst its wails and returned to xu qing¡¯s body.


    xu qing was also severely injured, both from his previous wounds and the consumption caused by the refinement. the mosasaur was his life essence, and the backlash from its self-detonation surged into xu qing¡¯s entire body like a tidal wave.


    blood flowed out of his mouth and many parts of his body were broken. he was staggering, but he didn¡¯t stop. the poison restriction in his body spread throughout his body as he headed straight for the temple cultivator whose secret repository had collapsed.


    he instantly caught up and slashed with the dagger in his hand that was enforced with poison restriction, sending the temple cultivator¡¯s head flying!


    this extreme exertion caused xu qing to cough up more blood from various parts of his body. he was gasping heavily, and his vision was blurred, but he gritted his teeth and raised his head, looking at the heir in the sky. in a hoarse voice, he spoke.


    ¡°the timing is just right!¡±


    almost in the instant when xu qing¡¯s words were spoken, the cognitive power enveloping the temple dissipated, and everyone¡¯s senses returned to normal. they all seemed to have noticed something and abruptly turned their heads to look at the square.


    there was nothing there.


    the dead dao nurturing cultivator from the temple no longer existed. as for xu qing, he also disappeared.


    only the fluctuations in the sky and the broken ground on the surface bore witness to the reality of what had just occurred.


    however, in everyone¡¯s memories, the ground here was shattered to begin with and they ignored the changes in the sky.


    hence, everything in the temple went on as usual.


    in the sky outside the temple, the heir walked ahead with his hands behind his back. xu qing¡¯s body trembled as he endured it and didn¡¯t faint. he was supported by the shadow and the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor and followed behind.


    ¡°this battle exposed many of your issues.¡±


    the heir calmly spoke.


    xu qing remained silent.


    ¡°a secret repository with or without the heavenly dao is the same as a foundation building realm with or without the mystic brilliance form . so, you should know that the person you fought with can be killed with a single slap by a true spirit repository.¡±


    ¡°however, you used a hundred breaths of time and were also heavily injured.¡±


    ¡°so your first issue is a severe lack of experience in battling with dao nurturing cultivators. you have not yet adapted to fighting against those who possess control over laws.¡±


    ¡°this person¡¯s nomological laws are actually ordinary and his usage of it is simple.¡±


    ¡°your second issue is the messy things you have all over your body. you haven¡¯t connected them and formed a trump card.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s a third issue. you didn¡¯t dig out the true effects of those things in your body.¡±


    ¡°overall, your methods are far too one-dimensional.¡±


    ¡°you have some combinations, but not many, and you lack truly formidable techniques that can threaten someone a realm higher.¡±


    ¡°in the past, you must have fought people of higher cultivation many times, but in reality, you didn¡¯t win by being weaker and prevailing. you won through the absolute strength of your abilities.¡±


    ¡°this won¡¯t do.¡±


    as the heir spoke, he glanced at xu qing, who was on the verge of collapse. with a wave of his hand, the world spun and their figures appeared outside the earth city¡¯s apothecary.


    ¡°you have to truly defeat the strong despite being weaker. only then will you be qualified.¡±


    anticipation appeared in the prince¡¯s eyes as he spoke softly. after he finished speaking, he calmly walked into the apothecary.


    xu qing was behind. the moment he stepped in, he spat out a mouthful of blood. his body couldn¡¯t hold on anymore and he fell down, fainting.


    vaguely, he seemed to hear ling¡¯er¡¯s exclamations mixed with the complaint of the parrot.


    ¡°grandpa, grandpa, you¡¯re finally back! a few days ago, when i went out to play, i encountered a group of mysterious people. they plucked all the feathers that had just grown on my body¡­¡±

 Chapter 986 - 986 Returning to the Moon Rebel Hall

    986 returning to the moon rebel hall


    the next morning, xu qing opened his eyes. ling¡¯er had been taking care of him all the while. when she saw xu qing wake up, she quickly approached, her little face filled with concern.


    ¡°brother xu qing¡­¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m fine.¡± xu qing smiled. he then patted ling¡¯er¡¯s head, and sensed his injuries.


    under the recovery power of the purple crystal, most of his injuries had recovered, but he still felt lethargic.


    this was mainly the backlash effect on the soul caused by the mosasaur¡¯s self-destruction.


    however, the remaining head of the mosasaur contained even more heavenly mandate power than before, and it was of a different level. so, during its recovery process, it was a kind of enhancement for xu qing.


    xu qing could sense that after this sense of weakness disappeared, his soul would be more tenacious and powerful than before.


    ¡°in about twenty days, i should be fully recovered. by then, my strength will have increased significantly, and if i encounter another dao nurturing cultivator, i¡¯ll be more prepared.¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath and sat up. at this moment, the captain revealed his figure from the door. as he ate a peach, he glanced at xu qing and smiled.


    ¡°you went out for a trip, but why do you look a little different after returning? your gaze is even sharper than before.¡±


    as he spoke, the captain threw an apple to xu qing.


    xu qing caught it and took a bite. he then walked out of the back room and into the apothecary.


    ning yan was wiping the ground. as he wiped, he sighed. when he saw xu qing, he forced a smile.


    nether fairy was boiling water in frustration. she could clearly use her cultivation to boil it instantly, but this was clearly not allowed. hence, she could only sit there and stare at the stove and iron pot in front of her.


    as for li youfei, he was enthusiastically introducing medicinal pills to a trembling qi condensation cultivator.


    wu jianwu was still at the entrance. he, who was already used to his identity, was wearing rough hemp clothes and looking up as he recited a poem.


    there was also an old man sitting behind the counter of the apothecary, spinning beads in his hand and smiling as he watched everything. on his shoulder was a featherless parrot that looked indignant.


    ¡°grandpa, i suspect that it was chen erniu who did it¡­¡± the parrot lowered its head. after its gaze swept past xu qing and the captain, it immediately glared angrily at the captain and complained to the heir.


    the captain smiled but didn¡¯t care. instead, he walked to the door and took out a sword. he crossed his arms and lifted his chin, taking his position as a guard.


    warmth rose in xu qing¡¯s heart. everything was the same as when he left. in this small apothecary, that warm feeling made his heart feel even more at peace.


    at that moment, nether fairy had finally boiled the water. she hurriedly carried it to the old man and made tea for him.


    the heir picked up the teacup and took a sip. after that, his gaze landed on xu qing.


    ¡°your training will continue after twenty days.¡±


    xu qing solemnly agreed. he also felt anticipation in his heart. he could foresee that such training would definitely be very dangerous every time. however, as long as he endured it and gained some insights, the improvement would be extremely huge.


    just like that, several days passed.


    xu qing¡¯s injuries were slowly healing, but he could already feel a difference in the power of his soul. this change was evident in the speed at which he pondered problems.


    things that used to require deep contemplation now became clear with just a little thought. this allowed xu qing, during his recovery period, to pick up his research on curses once again and delve deeper into the subject.


    because of this, li youfei became even busier.


    finally, after ten days, xu qing, with the growth of his own soul and his previous research results, used li youfei¡¯s blood as a catalyst. he utilized the chaotic growth of the flesh that had remained from before, incorporating his own purple moon energy, to improve the curse-resolving pill.


    this improvement was different from the past. under xu qing¡¯s accumulation of experience and studies, he finally managed to reduce the amount of curses by a little.


    the previous curse-resolving pill could also accomplish this, but reduction was only 1 in 10,000 which was insignificant.


    however, now, if the number of curses in a person¡¯s body was 100, then after eating this curse-resolving pill, it would become 99.


    hence, the effect was even more astonishing.


    xu qing could foresee that after this type of curse-resolving pill was sold, someone would definitely sense its true effect.


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that the reduction is still too low. however, my direction isn¡¯t wrong. if i continue like this, i should be able to gradually increase the medicinal effects until i can refine a pill that can truly neutralize the curse.¡±


    after some thought, xu qing headed to the moon rebel hall.


    it had been several months since he last stepped into the moon rebel hall.


    this time around, xu qing didn¡¯t enter alone.


    ling¡¯er had put aside her accounting work over the past few days due to her concern for xu qing¡¯s injuries. she spent her time by his side, and she was also very curious about the moon rebel hall. so, when xu qing entered this time, he took ling¡¯er with him.


    in the moon rebel hall, in xu qing¡¯s temple, there were seven to eight statues of gods meditating.


    these were either neighbors or fanatics. moreover, all of them had bought xu qing¡¯s curse-resolving pills before.


    hence, even though the master hadn¡¯t come for a few months, the piety in their hearts caused them to come here every day. it was as though meditating here could invisibly suppress the curse.


    this was especially so for the burly dude with an exposed chest. as a cultivator who had fully listened to the dao voice, he had already successfully created his new persona. he usually called himself a follower of the master.


    he had a strong aversion to any criticism directed at the master. at this moment, he looked dignified and calmly spoke to the other devotees by his side.


    ¡°although master hasn¡¯t returned for a while, as his followers and beneficiaries, we must maintain our unwavering faith. we should not blindly heed the words of outsiders.¡±


    ¡°i still firmly believe that on the day master returns, he will definitely cause an even greater storm in the moon rebel hall!¡±


    the burly dude¡¯s voice echoed and the other devotees in the surroundings nodded solemnly. however, one of the female immortal statues hesitated for a moment before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°although there have been criticisms from some proficient alchemy masters, they are of little consequence. however, recently, master shengluo has also raised many doubts¡­¡±


    as the woman spoke, the others fell silent.


    the name shengluo held considerable weight in the hearts of the cultivators of the moon rebel hall.


    all of this was because this master was the person who sold the most curse-resolving pills in the moon rebel hall. some people even analyzed that at least 30% of the curse-resolving pills in the moon rebel hall were made by this master.


    hence, the meaning of his skepticism was different.


    seeing that everyone was silent, the burly neighbor let out a cold snort and was about to speak.


    however, at this moment, the altar trembled.


    this tremor caused all the statues sitting cross-legged in the temple to be stunned for a moment. their hearts stirred as they abruptly looked at the altar.


    at the altar, the statue of the old man with the gourd on his back, whose eyes had been closed for a long time, suddenly opened.


    ¡°master!¡±


    ¡°master pill nine!¡±


    the seven or eight statues had their spirits strongly shaken and stood up, bowing towards xu qing, especially the neighbor, who was particularly excited.


    ¡°master, you¡¯re finally back!¡±


    xu qing was momentarily taken aback but didn¡¯t make any hasty moves. he stood on the altar, and his gaze fell upon those who were bowing to him below. he spoke slowly.


    ¡°you are?¡±


    ¡°master, we are all people who owe you a debt of gratitude. over the past few months, we have voluntarily guarded this place in the hopes of tracking your steps and becoming your followers!¡±


    the burly neighbor respectfully spoke.


    upon hearing this, xu qing remained silent and looked outside.


    outside, the bronze square cauldron emitted billowing green smoke, rising gracefully into the air, giving the appearance of a bustling incense cauldron.


    further away, he could vaguely see dozens of statues contemplating in different directions.


    although he had heard the leader mention these things, xu qing still fell into deep thought after seeing it with his own eyes.


    seeing that xu qing didn¡¯t speak, the seven to eight statues in the temple felt nervous. from what they knew, this master pill nine must be an old monster with a high cultivation base.


    generally speaking, such old monsters had eccentric personalities. hence, they didn¡¯t know if their actions of contemplating here would make the master dislike them.


    however, it was only right for them to give it a try. if it really suited the master¡¯s thoughts, the status of a follower would be very meaningful to them.


    with this thought in mind, the few of them carefully observed xu qing.


    more than ten breaths later, xu qing, with an expressionless face and a calm heart, stood on the altar overlooking below. his gaze swept over the statues, and he spoke in a composed tone.


    ¡°tell me what happened recently.¡±


    seeing that the master didn¡¯t refuse them becoming his followers, these statues all breathed a sigh of relief, especially the burly man. he swiftly began to speak, relaying the comments and questions raised about xu qing over the past few months.


    xu qing nodded, and the information they provided matched with what he had learned from the captain, albeit with more detailed accounts from these individuals.


    he thought for a moment and was about to show the newly created pill he made. however, he suddenly heard a voice in his head, which sounded annoyed, and it was the voice of ling¡¯er.


    ¡°brother xu qing, i¡¯ve heard what they said, and i have a general idea of the situation. those people are really mean, doubting you. so, i have an idea¡­¡±


    ¡°if brother xu qing has a new pill, we can use their influence to create some buzz. we can set a date for the pill¡¯s release and announce it in advance.¡±


    ¡°this way, during the process, it will surely raise some doubts, and at that time, brother xu qing, you can take out the pill to let those skeptics be proven wrong!¡±


    ¡°in the past, every time my father¡¯s shop was shut down, there would be rumors in the seven blood eyes¡¯ main city that he couldn¡¯t make it anymore. every time this happened, he would announce it like this.¡±


    ling¡¯er whispered.


    xu qing smiled. he didn¡¯t care about these rumors, but seeing that ling¡¯er was so angry, he nodded and looked at the statues below.


    ¡°in ten days, i¡¯ll release an improved curse-resolving pill. this pill is very different from the curse-resolving pills in the past. it¡¯s called the curse-breaking pill.¡±


    ¡°you wait for these ten days, spread the news to the outside world, and after ten days when i release it, i will give each of you one.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke. after he finished speaking, he closed his eyes and left the moon rebel hall.


    after he left, these statues in the temple all gasped. they looked at each other and noticed the horror in each other¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°the medicinal effects are greatly different from the past?¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s not called the curse-resolving pill but the curse-breaking pill?¡±


    ¡°this name¡­¡±


    these seven to eight statues were all moved. from this name, they could sense some content that they didn¡¯t dare to believe.


    ¡°a pill that can dispel the curse?¡± no matter how fanatical the burly neighbor was about xu qing, his breathing still paused at this moment. an incredulous feeling rose in his heart.


    ¡°what if it¡¯s true?¡± after a long time, one of the statues suddenly spoke.


    as soon as he spoke, the breathing of the other statues instantly hastened.


    ¡°if that¡¯s true¡­ then from now on, in this moon rebel hall, master pill nine will become a true god!¡±


    the burly neighbor felt huge waves in his mind as he muttered.

 Chapter 987 - 987 Ancestor, the Thief Is in the Apothecary

    987 ancestor, the thief is in the apothecary


    an hour after xu qing left, the seven to eight followers in the temple had already gathered their thoughts. all of them put on excited expressions and walked out of the temple.


    the moment they appeared outside, they attracted the attention of the people who were habitually waiting outside.


    ¡°master pill nine has made an announcement!¡±


    the burly neighbor stepped forward and stood at the front. his voice was like a large bell that spread in all directions.


    ¡°in ten days, master will release a pioneering great alchemy pill!¡±


    ¡°this pill is vastly different from the traditional curse-resolving pills. this will be a pill that has never been seen in the entire moon rebel hall in countless years!¡±


    ¡°the effect is astonishing enough to overturn everything!¡±


    as his voice rang out, the expressions of the surrounding statues changed as they listened attentively.


    seeing this, the burly neighbor took a deep breath and his eyes revealed anticipation. his voice was like heavenly lightning as it rang out again.


    ¡°i won¡¯t say much. i can only tell everyone that the name of this pill isn¡¯t to resolve just the pain but to dispel the curses!¡±


    ¡°curse-breaking pill!¡±


    as soon as these words were spoken, all the statues outside the temple were visibly shaken. all of them felt great waves in their hearts and disbelief appeared on their faces.


    someone even immediately spoke up.


    ¡°curse-breaking pill? breaking the curse?¡±


    ¡°how is this possible!¡±


    ¡°this is the crimson goddess¡¯ curse. who dares to say that it can be broken?¡±


    an uproar instantly broke out. there were clearly only dozens of statues outside, but such shocking news caused them to make sounds like hundreds of people.


    seeing this, the burly neighbor took a deep breath and calmly spoke.


    ¡°in ten days, master will return and release it for the first time here. everyone, wait quietly for ten days and let us witness this wonder together!¡±


    with that, he turned and headed straight for the distance. the other followers also spread out. according to their previous communication, they were going to do their best to spread this matter throughout the entire moon rebel hall in these ten days.


    they also understood that there was actually no need to push this matter. as long as they spread the news slightly, it would definitely cause an uproar everywhere.


    after all, master pill nine¡¯s name was already quite famous in the moon rebel hall and attracted a lot of attention. hence, his subversive words would definitely cause a huge wave.


    one could imagine that in the next ten days, doubts would erupt like never before.


    as they spread out, the statues outside the temple also scattered and spread this news.


    the meaning of the words ¡®curse-breaking pill¡¯ was too great.


    the truth was indeed as the followers had expected. in fact, it was even more intense. on the fourth day after this matter spread, a storm erupted in the entire moon rebel hall.


    everyone who heard about it was shocked. what followed was endless doubt.


    ¡°only a fool would believe such nonsense!¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s actually someone who uttered that the curse can be broken. this is nonsense!¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s the god¡¯s curse. could it be that this master pill nine is a god?!¡±


    ¡°but¡­ what if? what if it can really be broken, even if it¡¯s just a little?¡±


    amidst the countless doubts, the words ¡®what if¡¯ were mixed in, causing everyone to hesitate. hope was the fire in everyone¡¯s hearts.


    most of the people who lived in the moon worship region had their flames extinguished. perhaps those who joined the moon rebel hall were people who were unwilling to accept their fate.


    hence, this fire fluctuated at this moment.


    this, however, did not eliminate the doubts, because the more one hoped, the more one feared disappointment, and it was natural to question. this was true for ordinary members of the moon rebel hall, and even more so for those who excelled in alchemy and the study of curses.


    ¡°cultivators like us hate those who like to show off the most. this fellow daoist pill nine¡¯s words are too irresponsible!¡±


    ¡°that gives people hope. if they are ultimately disappointed, this person¡¯s reputation will plummet!¡±


    ¡°curse-breaking pill, curse-breaking pill¡­ it¡¯s easier said than done. since ancient times, no one has been able to do it unless he¡¯s a god or a divine son!¡±


    countless words turned into a storm, becoming the biggest waves in the moon rebel hall for these days, and even some high-ranking members of the moon rebel hall heard and paid attention.


    and there were believers too, but almost ninety percent of the comments were negative.


    at the same time, some highly respected masters, who usually kept a low profile, also made appearances. some of them expressed their opinions, while others discussed the possibility of this.


    this moment, in the eastern part of the moon worship region, on the nine colored plains which was situated at some distance from the heavenly fire sea, there was a master who had concealed himself here.


    right now, someone was quickly approaching the cave abode where he was in seclusion. he knelt there and lifted a pill bottle high.


    ¡°master, i bought this curse-resolving pill refined by pill nine from someone else.¡±


    after a long time, the cave abode¡¯s door opened and a huge suction force spread out, enveloping the pill bottle and drawing it inside.


    inside the cave, an old man in white robes sat cross-legged. surrounding him were dozens of red-eyed squirrels, each emanating a remarkable aura, all of them sitting cross-legged just like humans.


    as the pill bottle flew over, the old man grabbed it and expressionlessly opened it. after taking a sniff, he took it out and sized it up a few times.


    ¡°there¡¯s the aura of the green sand desert¡¯s white wind.¡±


    ¡°this relies on the vitality from the white wind, allowing a semblance of balance with the crimson goddess¡¯ curse. but in reality, this method was abandoned many years ago.¡±


    ¡°one who consumes this pill will be unharmed at first, but if done for a long time, it will certainly result in backlash.¡±


    the old man calmly spoke.


    the cultivator outside the cave abode revealed a respectful expression and nodded.


    ¡°indeed, that¡¯s why it is so inexpensive. your knowledge, master, is truly profound.¡±


    the old man continued to observe the medicinal pill and pinched it again. finally, he shook his head.


    ¡°there are also some herbs mixed in, as well as some unknown items, but ultimately, the structure is flawed.¡±


    ¡°the alchemists these days don¡¯t cultivate and study properly. they rely on shortcuts, showmanship, and crowd-pleasing. those who fall victim to their deceptions in the future will undoubtedly be numerous.¡±


    with that, the old man waved his hand and threw the curse-resolving pill to a squirrel at the side. that squirrel picked it up and swallowed it.


    ¡°just so-so.¡±


    the old man no longer cared. he looked outside the cave abode and calmly spoke.


    ¡°such actions reveal a malicious nature, and they must be punished. go to the moon rebel hall and inform them that i will also be improving the curse-resolving pill. six days from now¡­ at the same time as master pill nine, i will release the new pill.¡±


    ¡°the curse-resolving pill i modified is also a innovative pill. its medicinal effect will be twice that of the original curse-resolving pill, and the side effects have been reduced by half!¡±


    as soon as the old man finished speaking, the expression of the disciple outside instantly changed and great waves rose in his heart. it was only after a long time that he took a deep breath and left, heading to the moon rebel hall to announce this matter.


    very soon, this matter stirred up another storm in the moon rebel hall.


    ¡°master shengluo will be releasing an improved curse-resolving pill six days from now!¡±


    ¡°with such efficacy and only a slight side effect, this is truly a miraculous pill, far superior to that so-called curse-breaking pill!¡±


    ¡°master shengluo¡¯s name is based on reputation, unlike pill nine, who plays tricks and disgusts people!¡±


    different from the skepticism about the curse-breaking pill, this time, almost everyone was applauding and looking forward to it. at the same time, every time they praised him, they would mention xu qing¡¯s curse-breaking pill.


    the storm in moon rebel hall churned much more intensely.


    the commotion in the moon rebel hall also spread to the outside world. at this moment, two days before the release date, as he was researching curses, xu qing saw the captain with a mysterious expression on his face.


    ¡°little qing, you¡¯ve got a big problem!¡±


    the captain looked at xu qing with a mocking expression.


    xu qing lifted his head and looked at the captain.


    ¡°what is it?¡±


    the captain had a smug expression when he heard this. he sat opposite xu qing and smiled.


    ¡°what¡¯s wrong, little qing? didn¡¯t you say that you¡¯re my best friend, master pill nine? don¡¯t you know what¡¯s happening? let me tell you, you¡¯re the hottest topic in the moon rebel hall now.¡±


    the captain had a smug smile on his face as he took a bite of a peach.


    xu qing expressionlessly nodded.


    ¡°still pretending?¡± the captain laughed and patted xu qing¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°little qing, i¡¯ve been paying attention to you these few days and didn¡¯t sense any fluctuations from entering the moon rebel hall. especially on the day when the master returned, i was at his temple!¡±


    ¡°after that, i immediately returned to take a look and discovered that you were playing chess with the elder. so, between us good brothers, you don¡¯t have to brag.¡±


    the captain smiled proudly.


    xu qing fell into deep thought. he didn¡¯t remember playing chess with the heir before. hence, he glanced in the direction the heir lived in and recalled the statues in the temple back then.


    unfortunately, with the concealment from the moon rebel hall, he couldn¡¯t be sure if the captain was among the statues in the temple back then.


    however, seeing that the captain was so excited, he thought about it and didn¡¯t break the other party¡¯s sweet dream. hence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°what happened to your best friend?¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s nothing major. he uttered that he would release a new pill in a few days. when i went to look for him today, he showed it to me. i think it¡¯s so-so.¡± the captain coughed.


    ¡°however, it was still passable, so i comforted him. he was in a bad mood and felt that he was being questioned, so i told him that being questioned meant that he was valued.¡±


    ¡°under my persuasion, old nine came to his senses. in order to thank me, he agreed to give me a pill after releasing it.¡±


    ¡°after i get it, little qing, i¡¯ll give it to you!¡± the captain said proudly.


    xu qing nodded. he decided that when he entered in a few days, he would observe those followers carefully a few more times and see which of them had the style of the captain.


    just like that, time flowed by. there was only a day left until the release date. outside the earth city where the apothecary was located, the sky suddenly rumbled. a powerful pressure spread out from the desert and whistled toward earth city.


    the green sandstorm also became violent at this moment. there were also bolts of lightning swimming inside.


    upon closer inspection, one could see the figures of many cultivators in the sandstorm.


    these cultivators wore white robes and their heads were also covered. however, their bloodlines seemed to be bizarre and they seemed to have fused with the sandstorm. wherever there was wind, their figures would appear.


    there were no less than thousands of them. their existence also caused the green wind to show white color.


    there were also five astonishing energy fluctuations that gave off the aura of the spirit repository .


    although the aura at the front was also of a spirit repository, it was authoritative and was infinitely close to nihility.


    this was a white-haired old man. his expression was cold as he walked forward with his hands behind his back. his target was clear as he headed straight for earth city.


    beside him were some juniors. one of them was the perfected nascent soul cultivator who had nailed the shadow back then.


    these people were none other than the mysterious wind guard race of the desert!


    ¡°ancestor, it¡¯s this earth city!¡±


    on the day when the villain took away our sacred item, our race had issued a warrant for him. recently, i received information that he is in the apothecary in this city!¡±


    the white-robed man said through gritted teeth. when the ancestor heard this, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°my race has been inactive for a long time, and it seems that the cultivators in the green sand desert have forgotten our reputation. so, we can use this opportunity to reestablish our prestige by dealing with this individual, reminding the cultivators of the green sand desert of the name of the wind guard race.¡±


    in the distance, the earth city was in sight. the small apothecary inside was also clearly visible.

 Chapter 988 - 988 The Confident Wind Guard Ancestor

    988 the confident wind guard ancestor


    the wind guard race was a mysterious race in the green sand desert.


    this race rarely went out. most of the cultivators of the green sand desert had only heard of them and few had seen them.


    only when the environment of the green sand desert was destroyed by external forces on a large scale would this race appear as guardians of the desert to stop and neutralize external forces.


    their methods were mysterious, possessing many ancient powers, causing even the nihility cultivators to find them troublesome.


    as time passed, people referred to this race as desert guardians.


    however, in reality, within their race, they called themselves the wind guards.


    what they protected wasn¡¯t the desert but the wind in this desert.


    the reason why they stopped the destruction of the desert environment was also because the changes in the environment would affect the wind.


    so whenever the green wind changed colors, with white sand drifting in the air, the figures of this race would emerge, as if welcoming and also as if tracing the path of the wind.


    as for their history and origins, it had dissipated into the annals of time, nearly unknown to outsiders. therefore, the wind guard race became quite unique within the entire expanse of the green sand desert.


    back then, their bounty on xu qing caused quite a commotion. the race promised that anyone who provided clues would obtain their race¡¯s token.


    with this token, when white wind arrived, the holder would be exempted from death.


    this reward was enough to tempt many powerful people.


    although xu qing had hidden himself, there were many mystical people in this world. some people used some unknown methods to deduce some clues.


    so, this led to the mobilization of the wind guard race this time.


    in order to demonstrate the dignity of their race, they naturally chose to make a public and majestic move, with an imposing momentum.


    many forces in the bitter life mountain range sensed this, especially the various sects around earth city. they either spread out their divine consciousness or approached the earth city.


    at this moment, they gazed at the faintly whitening figure of sand and wind, and gasped.


    ¡°the green wind changed its color because of the white figures. this is the mysterious race that appeared in the white wind in the desert!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve heard of this race¡­ previously, they issued a wanted order.¡±


    ¡°i think someone stole their race¡¯s holy item¡­¡±


    ¡°from the looks of it, the thief is hiding in that earth city?¡±


    numerous cultivators manifested in the surroundings of the earth city. all of them were paying attention. some had shocked expressions, some sneered, and some had other thoughts.


    ¡°this thief is dead meat. of all the things he could have done, he insisted on provoking this wind guard race.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve seen descriptions of this race in some books. it¡¯s said that they are extremely savage and domineering.¡±


    ¡°but i heard that they are very rich?¡±


    in the midst of the scrutiny of many beings and divine consciousness, the earth city remained deathly silent in the deep night. the pressure from the sky and the greenish-white wind continued to howl, creating an instinctive sense of oppression that enveloped the hearts of daoist mu and his subordinates who were disguised as residents.


    these low-level cultivators were all trembling and didn¡¯t dare to move at all.


    only the apothecary in earth city was lit up in the dark night. it became the only warm place in earth city.


    right now, in the apothecary, ning yan was wiping the ground in boredom. li youfei lifted his head and glanced at the outside world for a moment before helping ning yan.


    wu jianwu was lying in the distance with his limbs spread out. his eyes were closed as he pondered a new poem that he would recite tomorrow.


    ling¡¯er sat behind the counter, calculating the profits of the day. from time to time, she would stop recording with a joyful expression.


    the captain stood beside the door like a gate god. he had also sensed the situation outside. however, compared to it, staring at nether fairy working was his joy at this moment. hence, he stared motionlessly at nether fairy who was boiling water.


    nether fairy felt her hair stand on end. she turned her head and glared at chen erniu.


    ¡°work hard, or i¡¯ll call your husband out!¡± the captain glared.


    nether fairy¡¯s entire body trembled. when she thought of how she had interacted with such a disgusting thing previously, she felt extreme discomfort.


    at this moment, a murderous intent filled her eyes as she stared fixedly at chen erniu. in her heart, chen erniu¡¯s level of loathing had surpassed everyone else. in comparison, she no longer held much hatred towards xu qing; all of it was now concentrated on chen erniu.


    ¡°what are you looking at? you only know how to slack off. the water is already boiling. hurry up and make tea for elder!¡± the captain snorted.


    nether fairy gritted her teeth, reluctantly withdrawing her gaze. she picked up a tea pot and walked towards the heir, who was observing xiaomiao not far away. as she approached, she instinctively suppressed all her emotions, becoming docile. she arrived quietly and began to brew tea.


    when the captain saw this scene, he was smug inwardly. just as he was about to speak, there was a knock on the door of the apothecary.


    wu jianwu frowned. this sound interrupted his thoughts. he waved his hand and opened the apothecary¡¯s door, looking over impatiently.


    ¡°master!¡±


    as the door of the apothecary opened, chen fanzhuo¡¯s figure rushed over. his face was filled with panic and anxiety. the moment he entered, he hurriedly greeted the surroundings. after that, he looked at the back room and shouted.


    ¡°master, something major has happened. the wind guard race¡­¡±


    before he could finish speaking, the world outside suddenly rumbled. the wind blew loudly, stirring up countless sandstorms that blew into the earth city and into houses. it even stirred up the dust on the ground, forming dust fog that spread in all directions.


    many white figures walked out of the wind and landed in the earth city.


    some manifested on the streets, some on the rooftops, some floated in mid-air. their number was vast, numbering in the thousands. among them were many powerful individuals, and their auras merged with the wind, creating a formidable pressure that locked onto the apothecary.


    among these many figures, four directly landed on the street where the apothecary was located, less than a thousand feet away from it.


    the white robes on these four beings were adorned with golden threads. although their specific appearances couldn¡¯t be seen, judging from their attire, it was evident that they were distinct from the other clan members, both in clothing and cultivation level.


    every one of them had passed the dao nurturing stage and stepped into the true spirit repository.


    but compared to these four, the golden-robed figure that silently manifested itself 100 feet away from the apothecary after the appearance of the masses was even more conspicuous.


    this person, unlike other members of the wind guard race, did not have his head covered by the long robe, so his white hair, hunched back, and the majestic expression on his face were clearly visible.


    as he appeared, regardless of whether it was the four spirit repository cultivators or the thousands of white-robed clansmen in the surroundings, they all lowered their heads.


    ¡°ancestor.¡±


    this golden-robed man was their ancestor.


    he stood there and the energy fluctuations of the perfected spirit repository continuously rose. one could vaguely see threads appearing in the surroundings. they were all dao marks.


    when he could encompass everything within his sight, he would be able to break through the spirit repository and step into nihility.


    now, he was only half a step away.


    at that moment, the wind grew even stronger. the howling sound was like the furious roars of ferocious beasts, shaking the hearts of everyone in all directions.


    the onlookers outside the city held their breaths, their eyes instinctively turning towards the golden-robed old man in front of the apothecary.


    the old man¡¯s eyes remained calm as he gazed coldly at the apothecary ahead. his aura surged, and the faint shadow of a divine dragon roared in all directions, a majestic force that seemed capable of stopping any catastrophe and crushing all obstacles before him.


    the grandeur of such a prominent figure was evident in him, and the pressure that came from long-standing authority made people overlook the hunched figure he bore.


    at that moment, his gaze swept across the apothecary. he walked forward without saying a word.


    as he took a step, the earth shook, the winds and clouds churned in all directions, and the sky surged, stirring the hearts of all onlookers. it seemed as if he was stepping on their pulses, making everyone¡¯s heart skip a beat.


    his expression was calm. he didn¡¯t say anything, nor did he have the slightest fluctuation in his mind. it was as though to him, no one in the apothecary was worthy of him speaking.


    when he came here, he only needed to lift his hand to retrieve the holy item. when he walked in, he could trample over everything.


    after all, cultivation was the foundation of everything.


    hence, he placed his hands behind his back and walked to the apothecary step by step. he didn¡¯t stop at all and stepped into the apothecary.


    the moment his figure entered the apothecary, the door of the apothecary closed with a bang.


    this sudden closure didn¡¯t cause anyone to have any bad premonitions. regardless of whether it was the thousands of wind guards here or the people watching the show outside the earth city, they didn¡¯t think that anything unexpected would happen.


    after all, the difference between the two sides was too great, just like the difference between a behemoth and a little rabbit.


    no matter how much the rabbit struggled, it couldn¡¯t escape fate¡¯s control.


    at that moment, most of the clansmen outside thought so. all of them were proud and the wind also sensed their emotions. it blew increasingly intensely.


    because of this, the whimpering sounds echoed even more sharply.


    the hearts of everyone who was paying attention to this scene outside the earth city trembled one after another. this time, the wind guard race¡¯s move had displayed enough foundation, causing them to be shocked.


    ¡°this is to establish their might and warn everyone.¡±


    ¡°this little thief in the apothecary has no way out.¡±


    ¡°why did you have to steal the holy item of this desert race¡­¡±


    ¡°if this thief is tactful and takes the initiative to hand over the holy item and the evil spirit, he might be able to die a quick death. otherwise, he¡¯ll suffer.¡±


    some of them sighed, while others gloated. the happiest people were none other than the few white-robed men who had fought with xu qing back then.


    at that moment, the leader of the group of white-robed men stood on the streets and looked at the apothecary. the corners of his mouth curled into a smile and his heart was filled with joy. he could imagine that when the ancestor walked out very soon, he would definitely be carrying that evil and arrogant thief.


    ¡°little thief, back then, you used tricks to steal my race¡¯s holy item, causing me to be punished by the elders. today, i¡¯ll let you know the consequences of offending my race!¡±


    ¡°not only you but also the evil spirit you reared and the parrot that can only teleport will die miserably. this is the outcome of provoking my race!¡±


    ¡°if you want to blame someone, blame yourself for not having the ability and insisting on offending the strong!¡±


    ¡°from today onward, with the revival of my race¡¯s dignity, the cultivators of the green sand desert will once again recall the name of our species in history!¡±


    the white-robed youth had a calm expression as he sneered.


    he was filled with anticipation.

 Chapter 989 - 989 Sorry to Disturb You, I’m Here to Buy Pills

    989 sorry to disturb you, i¡¯m here to buy pills


    at this moment, inside the apothecary, the ancestor of the wind guard in the gold robe, hands behind his back, looked around with a faint indifference as the door behind him closed.


    this apothecary wasn¡¯t big and looked ordinary. there was an iron kettle boiling water on the stove at the side, emitting some vapor.


    the first person he saw was a youth in a rough hemp robe who was sprawled out at the side.


    this youth¡¯s expressions were ever-changing. sometimes, he would frown, sometimes he would fall into deep thought, and sometimes he had a smug expression. he also muttered some random poems that didn¡¯t make sense.


    the other party actually didn¡¯t even glance at his arrival.


    the ancestor swept his gaze over and could tell that it was just a small golden core cultivator. hence, he directly ignored him and looked at the second person standing at the side with a longsword in his arms.


    this person was also a youth and was currently smiling at him.


    ¡°this esteemed guest, don¡¯t mind me. i¡¯m just a guard. if you wish to make a purchase, please proceed inside.¡±


    as he spoke, the youth shouted at the counter.


    ¡°ling¡¯er, a guest has arrived!¡±


    ling¡¯er, who was calculating behind the counter, looked up when she heard this.


    the counter was too big and her body was petite. she had been bending her head and fiddling with the abacus. at this moment, as she raised her head, it seemed quite sudden. upon noticing the ancestor, ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes brightened, and she warmly called out.


    ¡°esteemed guest, what do you want to buy? the white pills we have here are famous in the entire bitter life mountain range. one spirit coin per pill. if you buy more, you can even get a discount.¡±


    the wind guard race¡¯s ancestor frowned slightly. he coldly looked at the youth hugging the sword and then at the girl. over the years, not many people could be so calm in front of him.


    the reactions of these people here were a little different from what he had imagined. fortunately, not everyone was the same. not far away, a small cultivator was trembling and looking at him in fear.


    in his opinion, this performance was normal.


    immediately after, the ancestor¡¯s gaze landed on the two people wiping the ground in the apothecary.


    one was a fatty and the other was an old man. the two of them were very busy wiping the floor. the fatty even turned his head and shouted at him.


    ¡°the place was just wiped, and it¡¯s still wet. don¡¯t step on it!¡±


    the ancestor¡¯s gaze turned cold. most of the people who dared to speak to him like this were already dead. however, he didn¡¯t attack immediately. the fatty was an ant that he could casually crush. he could just crush it more thoroughly later.


    after that, he turned his head and looked at the old man sitting in the distance who was petting a parrot. this old man looked like an ordinary mortal, seemingly on the verge of death.


    after the ancestor confirmed carefully, he retracted his gaze.


    in his opinion, no matter what these people had to rely on to put on such a posture when facing him and not take him seriously, this wasn¡¯t important. he placed his hands behind his back and calmly spoke.


    ¡°i won¡¯t buy the medicinal pills. how much are your lives worth? i¡¯ll buy them.¡±


    as he spoke, the aura of half a step into nihility erupted from his body. he lifted his right foot and stomped on the ground.


    in his perception, with this stomp, this place would instantly be razed to the ground and turned to ashes. these people in front of him would also complete the transformation from life to death in the blink of an eye and become bones.


    he was especially going to turn that fatty to ashes.


    however, at the next instant, the old man was stunned. he lowered his head and looked at the ground.


    nothing happened. everything was normal. it was as though his aura had erupted and the might of his stomp was like a stone ox entering the sea. there were no traces or fluctuations.


    only the kettle on the stove at the side swayed and landed on the ground with a clang, spilling hot water all over the ground.


    the fatty who was wiping the ground instantly became anxious and glared back.


    ¡°you old fellow, i just finished wiping there!!¡±


    the ancestor was surprised and his expression changed slightly. he immediately spread out his divine consciousness and observed the floor carefully before looking at the kettle that had fallen.


    he felt that something was amiss and his pupils contracted. he was very sure that there was nothing wrong with the eruption of his aura earlier and the power had been transmitted as well.


    logically speaking, not only would that kick turn this apothecary into ashes, but the entire earth city would also turn into ruins.


    but now, only a kettle had fallen.


    uneasiness and vigilance rose in the ancestor¡¯s heart. at this moment, he quickly turned his head and looked at the side room. a figure carrying firewood suddenly walked out.


    this was a woman dressed as a maidservant. at that moment, her face was filled with anger and intense killing intent. she was like a volcano that was about to erupt completely, as though there was an irreconcilable feud between them.


    ¡°you old meatball, i only went out to get some firewood. you actually knocked over the water i just boiled! do you know how difficult it is to boil water without using your cultivation!!¡±


    as the maidservant roared angrily, her cultivation base erupted. the fluctuations of the perfected spirit repository that were close to the nihility realm caused the ancestor to instantly become even more solemn. he immediately reacted and knew why his kick earlier was ineffective.


    at the same time, he also understood why these people¡¯s reactions were different from what he had imagined. all of this was because of this woman in front of him.


    moreover, the other party was clearly so powerful but she disguised herself as a servant girl. this made him even more surprised. although many experts had strange habits, he had never seen such a strange hobby.


    at that moment, he had already put away his initial arrogance and made himself as calm as possible. with a wave of his hand, he swept up the kettle and placed it back in its original position. after that, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°i¡¯m here to seek justice for the loss of my race¡¯s holy item. since fellow daoist is here, we can talk about it.¡±


    ¡°i don¡¯t care if it¡¯s a holy item or not. it has nothing to do with me. hurry up and boil the water for me, or i¡¯ll eat you!¡±


    the maidservant sneered.


    the ancestor frowned. he originally planned to be polite, but the other party was actually so rude. did she really think he was afraid? hence, he spread out his divine consciousness and carefully probed. after discovering that there was indeed no nihility here, his gaze turned cold as he looked at the back room.


    ¡°little thief, get the hell out here!¡±


    as he spoke, the ancestor took a step forward and headed straight for the back room. he no longer planned to waste time here. with a sway, he arrived in front of the curtain of the back room where xu qing was with his divine consciousness.


    he lifted his right hand and grabbed. the thin divider swayed elegantly. at the next instant, the ancestor¡¯s expression changed. he could sense that as the curtain swayed, a huge force suddenly counterattacked from within. before he could react, it enveloped his entire body.


    amidst the rumbling, the ancestor¡¯s entire body trembled and he took a few steps back. his internal organs were churning violently. he suddenly turned his head to look at the maidservant and his eyes were filled with killing intent as he spoke coldly.


    ¡°you want to protect him?¡±


    the maidservant rolled her eyes at him and spoke impatiently.


    ¡°if you can kill him, then do it. it¡¯s best if you kill the person hugging the sword at the entrance as well. i will even thank you.¡±


    as she spoke, the iron kettle on the stove made whistling sounds, indicating that the water had boiled.


    the maidservant immediately went over and picked up the kettle. she then quickly walked toward the mortal old man who was petting the parrot. when she got close, her footsteps became light. this scene stunned the ancestor again.


    he witnessed that the fellow daoist with the same cultivation level as him seemed to have become a different person at this moment. the hostility on her face dissipated completely and an extremely obedient expression appeared as she brewed tea for the mortal old man.


    this scene caused the ancestor¡¯s heart to skip a beat. while feeling weirded out, he quietly took out a jade pendant and focused on investigating the old man.


    this jade pendant was also a treasure of their race. it could accurately determine all cultivation fluctuations below the soul accumulation realm. at this moment, the jade pendant¡¯s feedback was that everything was normal.


    the ancestor was puzzled, but he instinctively felt that there was something wrong with this apothecary. as he hesitated, he gazed at the two people wiping the ground, then at the youth holding the sword and the muttering cultivator.


    finally, he glanced at the counter. no one behaved weirdly and everything was normal.


    this gave him a very bizarre feeling.


    the ancestor hesitated. at that moment, he suddenly saw that the mortal old man was no longer petting the parrot. instead, he picked up his teacup and took a sip.


    in his exposed left hand, there seemed to be a bead. upon closer inspection, there was a frightened face in the bead. he recognized it. it was master black pupil.


    although this person¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t high, seeing him sealed up in a bead, the ancestor¡¯s scalp turned numb and he slowly retreated.


    he wanted to leave. he felt that this apothecary was becoming scary because he thought of another possibility.


    although this possibility was extremely slim, as he looked at everything in his surroundings at this moment, he felt that this impossible thing seemed¡­ not that impossible.


    this idea made his forehead sweat, his body uncontrollably shiver, and his heart race uncontrollably. his current reactions were similar to what he believed the people inside the store would show when they noticed him.


    the tension made him feel an unprecedented sense of regret, realizing that he had been careless and impulsive. he shouldn¡¯t have walked into the small apothecary so impulsively.


    ¡®if my guess is correct, then how can this place be a small apothecary? this is a f*cking nine levels of hell!¡¯


    as the ancestor trembled, ling¡¯er sighed.


    ¡°are you really not buying medicinal pills? our medicinal pills are very good.¡±


    the ancestor fell silent. he took out his storage bag and placed it on the counter, replying in a deep voice.


    ¡°i¡¯ll buy it!¡±


    ling¡¯er was happy. she put away the storage bag and handed a white pill over.


    the patriarch silently took the tea, stepped back slowly, trying not to dirty the ground he had just walked on. he instinctively cast a brief look at the ordinary old man who was drinking tea.


    the old man also lifted his head slightly and gazed at him.


    the moment their gazes met, the ancestor¡¯s mind rumbled as though his mind had received a massive shock, causing him to shiver violently. the sweat on his body soaked his golden robe in the blink of an eye.


    ¡°soul¡­ accumulation¡­¡±


    the horror in the ancestor¡¯s heart transformed into a huge wave that bombarded and drowned his mind. every inch of his body seemed to be screaming, telling him that it was dangerous.


    these danger signals seemed to be independent as they tore at his flesh, blood, soul, and all his perceptions.


    he felt regret, extreme regret, unprecedented regret. he felt that the greatest mistake in his life was to enter this ordinary small apothecary.


    ¡°how is this possible¡­¡±


    the ancestor perspired profusely and involuntarily knelt down.


    at the same time, the heir spoke softly.


    ¡°come.¡±

 Chapter 990 - 990 The Ancestor Is Polite

    990 the ancestor is polite


    at this moment, outside the apothecary, the wind continued to howl fiercely, emitting sharp sounds with a sense of horror. the entire earth city¡¯s atmosphere became more solemn and chilling amid the arrogant presence of thousands of members of the wind guard race.


    ¡°that thief is probably kneeling in front of the ancestor and begging for mercy!¡±


    ¡°humph, if begging for mercy worked, then the world would be completely peaceful.¡±


    ¡°that thief stole our race¡¯s holy item. according to the ancestor¡¯s habit, this person will be skinned, made into a wind lantern, and his soul will be continuously burned within.¡±


    the members of the wind guard race all sneered, especially the few white-robed men who had fought with xu qing. at that moment, all of them were filled with excitement and anticipation.


    ¡°the more arrogant that little thief was back then, the more miserable he will be today!¡±


    ¡°he snatched our holy item and escaped our pursuit. this person does have some ability but it¡¯s useless. in the face of absolute strength, he¡¯s destined to taste bitterness.¡±


    ¡°if the ancestor uses him to make a lantern, i¡¯ll borrow it and display it in my cave abode for a while.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s also that parrot and the evil spirit!¡±


    these few white-robed people who had fought with xu qing back then gathered together and chuckled as they discussed. their eyes revealed anticipation as they occasionally looked at the apothecary.


    although it had been a long time since the ancestor entered, they weren¡¯t concerned at all. even the four spirit repository elders thought so.


    they looked at the apothecary that had its door closed and didn¡¯t sense any fluctuations from inside. this was normal. with the ancestor¡¯s cultivation, after he walked in, the people he saw wouldn¡¯t have the ability to fight back at all.


    ¡°i¡¯m afraid that with just a glance, the hearts of the people inside have collapsed.¡±


    ¡°i heard that the ancestor used to travel outside when he was young, and he liked to turn his opponents into little toys. i guess he has come up with new ideas inside.¡±


    ¡°interesting.¡±


    as the four spirit repository cultivators chatted and laughed with each other, the cultivators from other forces outside the earth city who were paying attention to this place also sighed with emotion. they knew that the wind guard race¡¯s move this time was probably not as simple as destroying an apothecary.


    ¡°this earth city will become a death prison.¡±


    ¡°in fact, according to the habits of this race, there might even be a wind that doesn¡¯t dissipate all year round here to tell the world how powerful and terrifying they are.¡±


    ¡°however, don¡¯t you think that the time that the ancestor of the wind guard race entered¡­ is a little too long?¡±


    time slowly passed as the cultivators outside the earth city discussed in low voices and the wind guard race in the earth city waited. two hours later.


    at this moment, some people already felt that something was amiss. regardless of whether it was outside or inside the earth city, the number of times the cultivators here looked at the apothecary was increasing.


    even the four spirit repository cultivators from the wind guard felt that too much time had passed. they looked at each other and were about to approach when the door of the apothecary creaked and opened from the inside.


    the instant it was opened, countless gazes instantly gathered over. these gazes were filled with anticipation, excitement, and concern. however, at the next instant, everyone¡¯s gazes froze.


    in the entrance of the apothecary, the wind guard race¡¯s ancestor had a respectful expression as he slowly retreated. as he retreated, he spoke.


    ¡°sorry to disturb your rest.¡±


    ¡°i was insensible and caused you trouble.¡±


    the ancestor nodded and bowed with unprecedented respect. after he crossed the door, he even cupped his fists and bowed to the apothecary.


    ¡°i¡¯ll get someone to send the remaining holy items over immediately. they¡¯re a set and aren¡¯t suitable to be separated. it¡¯s even more unsafe to leave them with me.¡±


    ¡°if anyone has anything to do in the future, just pinch that jade pendant. no matter what i¡¯m doing, i¡¯ll rush over immediately.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve really disturbed you this time.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m very sorry!¡±


    the ancestor¡¯s body trembled and he bowed again. after that, the door of the apothecary closed loudly.


    the cold wind blew from all directions, landing on earth city and the streets. the surroundings were silent¡­


    the members of the wind guard race were all stunned and at a loss. as for the cultivators outside the city, their minds were also blank. they saw the politeness of the ancestor and the wind sent his words out for everyone to hear.


    at that moment, everyone had the same feeling¡ªthat it was unreal. the words and actions of the old ancestor were beyond the expectations of all present. in their understanding, such an occurrence was considered impossible.


    however, it happened.


    in the cold wind, the ancestor, who was standing outside the apothecary, felt that his body was still trembling. the coldness that filled his entire body fused with his previous palpitations, transforming into intense lingering fear.


    he felt his body growing cold. since reaching a certain level of cultivation, he had not experienced this kind of mundane chill for a long time. but now, the sensation was exceptionally intense.


    he didn¡¯t dare to think too much about it, let alone stay. when he turned around slowly, the four spirit repository cultivators among his clansmen also looked at him in surprise.


    ¡°ancestor¡­¡±


    ¡°ancestor, what happened?¡±


    the ancestor shook his head. his eyes were filled with uncontrollable fear as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°don¡¯t ask, don¡¯t mention it. let¡¯s leave quickly!¡±


    the hearts of the four spirit repository cultivators trembled. they surrounded the ancestor and quickly left. before they left this earth city, the white-robed man who had come into contact with xu qing was now endlessly confused and couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°ancestor, that thief¡­¡±


    before he could finish speaking, the ancestor suddenly turned his head and waved his hand. with a boom, the white-robed man spat out a mouthful of blood and was sent flying far away. he landed on the ground and fainted.


    ¡°that¡¯s a master. let¡¯s see who dares to shout!¡±


    the ancestor said angrily.


    the surrounding clansmen of the wind guard race all trembled. amidst their bewilderment, the ancestor soared into the air and left. very soon, thousands of figures from their race hurriedly left earth city and fused into the wind, rapidly returning.


    this scene caused the various forces outside the city that were paying attention to this matter to unwillingly gasp. shocking waves rose in their hearts and they couldn¡¯t help but look at the small apothecary again.


    ¡°what¡¯s going on!!¡±


    ¡°did i see wrongly or am i hallucinating? why do i feel that the wind guard ancestor¡¯s body was trembling when he came out¡­¡±


    ¡°what did he experience? how come this ancestor of the wind guard race, who entered with pride, emerged in such a state?¡±


    ¡°this apothecary¡­ isn¡¯t right!!¡±


    gasps rang out outside the earth city. countless looks were filled with fear as they retracted their gazes from the apothecary, not daring to look anymore.


    what happened today made all of them feel incredulous.


    the mystery brought about by this disbelief transformed into intense horror. their curiosity about this apothecary also reached an extreme.


    ¡°what exactly¡­ happened inside?¡±


    everyone was trembling in fear and didn¡¯t dare to stay any longer. they quickly left.


    at that moment, everything in the apothecary was normal.


    however, there were now more than ten storage bags. ling¡¯er was excitedly checking them. the others also surrounded her and checked curiously.


    nether fairy mocked and continued to boil water.


    ning yan sighed and wiped the places on the ground that had been stepped on again. he had been doing tidying work these few days and was already a clean freak. whenever he saw a dirty spot, he felt uneasy and had to immediately grab a cloth to clean it for a sense of relief.


    the heir chuckled and played with the two beads in his hand.


    one of them was still master black pupil, and the second one also had a face inside. it was none other than the wind guard ancestor.


    however, it was only a wisp of life soul.


    xu qing hadn¡¯t appeared from the start to the end. he had been recuperating in the back room.


    chen fanzhuo was extremely courteous at this moment. he carefully greeted everyone before leaving. however, before he left, ling¡¯er took out some treasures from those storage bags and gave them to chen fanzhuo.


    chen fanzhuo was moved and thanked her repeatedly.


    just like that, time flowed by. the storage bags that wind guard race ancestor had given them in order to express his apology contained many good things. regardless of whether it was spirit stones, medicinal pills, or magic artifacts, they were all extraordinary.


    after they were distributed to everyone, the heir walked into the back room where xu qing was meditating.


    xu qing lifted his head and hurriedly stood up to greet him.


    the heir waved his hand and took out a pill bottle, tossing it to xu qing.


    ¡°these are the soul pills given by the little kid who just arrived. there are a total of ten of them. after you eat one, your injuries will not need so long to recover.¡±


    ¡°the remaining nine pills are also very suitable for your recuperation.¡±


    xu qing silently took it. after opening it, he took a look. with his alchemy attainments, he immediately could tell that this pill wasn¡¯t ordinary. the medicinal effect was specially targeted at soul injuries.


    this type of medicinal pill was extremely valuable and rarely seen.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate. he took out a pill and placed it in his mouth. as the medicinal pill melted, a heat wave directly erupted in his mouth. it didn¡¯t spread throughout his body but headed straight for his sea of consciousness.


    at the next instant, his sea of consciousness rumbled as though a volcano had erupted and touched his soul. waves of heat filled the air and his soul rapidly became clear. a moment later, not only did his injuries heal, but his soul also strengthened.


    xu qing¡¯s expression changed. when he opened his eyes, the heir calmly spoke.


    ¡°since you¡¯ve recovered, the tempering shall continue.¡±


    ¡°xu qing, the abilities in your body are chaotic. you haven¡¯t discovered and understood each of them at a deeper level at all. if you can achieve a deep comprehension of them, your combat strength will advance by leaps and bounds!¡±


    the prince¡¯s gaze was deep as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°if we go with a step-by-step method, your growth will be too slow, so you have to force yourself to the extreme. only between life and death will you know how much potential you have.¡±


    ¡°this time, i won¡¯t bring you to the red moon shrine. i¡¯ll give you ten days to fuse your golden crow nascent soul into this bead and fight with the little fellow inside.¡±


    as the heir spoke, he handed the bead that sealed master black pupil to xu qing.


    ¡°you can only use the golden crow nascent soul, dig out its potential in life and death!¡±


    ¡°you have nine chances of death. after getting injured, you can use those soul pills, but only nine times.¡±


    ¡°i promised the little fellow inside that i¡¯ll allow him to devour your golden crow nascent soul from the tenth time. once he succeeds, i¡¯ll let him go.¡±


    ¡°therefore, you either comprehend the potential in your golden crow nascent soul and mold your trump card, or¡­ you¡¯ll lose the golden crow nascent soul forever.¡±


    ¡°everything will depend on you.¡±


    the heir¡¯s gaze was deep. after saying that, he turned and left.


    xu qing sat there silently and held the bead in his hand. his eyes gleamed. after a long time, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°golden crow.¡±


    in an instant, a black light flashed above his head and the golden crow rushed out. as flames flowed, they emitted a holy feeling. under xu qing¡¯s will, the golden crow¡¯s eyes revealed intelligence as it headed straight for the bead.

 Chapter 991 - 991 Retracing the Origin

    991 retracing the origin


    in the back room of the apothecary, xu qing sat cross-legged in meditation. at this moment, his mind had already merged with his golden crow nascent soul.


    right now, he was the golden crow.


    as he rushed into the bead, a strange space appeared in xu qing¡¯s perception.


    the surroundings here were hazy, filled with mist that continuously rolled and echoed with bursts of thunder. amidst the booming echoes from all directions, the mist in front suddenly dispersed, revealing a gigantic face rapidly approaching him.


    in the blink of an eye, this face appeared in front of xu qing. it was none other than master black pupil.


    his face was deep red, with madness gleaming in his eyes. ever since being sealed here, he endured torment day by day, living a life worse than death. he thought that this would be his fate, but unexpectedly, the terrifying soul accumulation informed him that he was told that he could escape if he consumed the golden crow in the tenth fight.


    he could only choose to believe it. after seeing xu qing, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. the cultivation base in his body erupted and a complete secret repository directly manifested, descending.


    ¡°die quickly, hurry to the tenth time!¡±


    master black pupil let out a shout and opened his mouth to devour xu qing.


    xu qing quickly retreated. as the golden crow¡¯s body flickered, it emitted endless heavenly fire. however, in front of a spirit repository cultivator with a complete secret repository, this heavenly fire was of no use.


    in the blink of an eye, as master black pupil exhaled, the flames emitted by the golden crow actually rolled back. the face formed by master black pupil expanded endlessly and finally replaced this space.


    with his forehead touching the sky and his chin leaning on the ground, the mouth in the middle opened, swallowing xu qing like a black hole.


    from afar, the golden crow that xu qing had transformed into was like a mortal bird. it didn¡¯t have any strength to resist at all. as his vision darkened, waves of intense pain rang out from his soul.


    the golden crow collapsed and xu qing¡¯s consciousness became blurry. he could vaguely hear lingering sounds echoing in his ears.


    ¡°there are still nine more times¡­¡±


    in the apothecary in reality, xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged and meditating, suddenly opened his eyes. his breathing was hurried.


    ¡°just an instant!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was ugly. his golden crow was still there and hadn¡¯t really been devoured. however, his soul injury that had just recovered had worsened.


    xu qing took out a healing pill and swallowed it. he then closed his eyes and meditated. two hours later, his injuries had fully recovered. he lowered his head and looked at the bead in his hand. he now had a more direct experience of the might of a spirit repository expert.


    ¡°i can¡¯t continue like this!¡±


    ¡°in that case, how should my golden crow transform to avoid the devouring of that large mouth?¡±


    xu qing quietly pondered. a while later, he closed his eyes and sank his mind into the golden crow nascent soul, trying to understand his golden crow.


    ¡°the golden crow can refine all living beings and transform into the sun¡­¡±


    ¡°the former can¡¯t work now, but the latter¡­¡± the image of the sun he saw appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°in fenghai county¡¯s morning glow province, that was the first time i saw the sun at close range. although it¡¯s only a fragmented corpse¡­¡±


    ¡°after that, in the moon worship region, i saw four artificial suns. little dumpling was the first, the eternal power was the second, the ring was the third, and the ancient sphere was the fourth.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. a long time later, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°there¡¯s another one. it¡¯s the youth i saw on the murals on the dragon carriage when i was comprehending the golden crow.¡±


    ¡°if i change the appearance of the golden crow and make it transform into a sun that is close to its source¡­¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought. under this tremendous pressure, he had no choice but to carefully ponder over the method to use the golden crow.


    the night passed.


    the next morning, though the outside sky was dim, it was slightly better than the night. with the opening of the shop, xu qing also began his second attempt.


    his golden crow body rushed toward the bead.


    the instant xu qing appeared in that strange space, he quickly retreated.


    the mist in front of him suddenly churned and the face of master black pupil charged toward him.


    it rapidly enlarged like last time until it occupied the entire space. its aura was monstrous and carried the power of extermination. it opened its mouth and swallowed xu qing.


    however, this time, the instant he tried to devour xu qing, the golden crow that xu qing had transformed into let out a powerful cry before exploding into four pieces.


    one of them distorted, forming the shape of a door frame. the illusionary spring inside rumbled up and down, forming flames that burned and transformed into the sun.


    the second one moved in a circle and the gears inside spun rapidly.


    the third piece of flesh gathered together and transformed into a meatball that burned as well.


    these three suns were the three suns xu qing had seen on the shore of the sacrificial yin.


    after they appeared, they headed straight for master black pupil¡¯s mouth and self-destructed, releasing violent heat.


    a rumbling sound spread in all directions and the face of master black pupil finally paused for a moment. one could see that some parts of his face were about to burn but they returned to normal in the next instant.


    however, no matter what, at this moment, xu qing finally dodged the situation where he was instantly devoured. as for the last piece of flesh, it squirmed as he rapidly retreated, forming the figure of a youth.


    the youth had a jade-like face and wore an emperor¡¯s robe and crown. he emitted heavenly fire that formed a dragon carriage under him.


    his momentum was extraordinary as he tried to make a move, but in the blink of an eye, the space collapsed with a thunderous roar. the surroundings rapidly compressed, as if the sky turned into an upper jaw and the earth into a lower jaw. at this moment, everything fell silent with a resounding darkness.


    in the apothecary, xu qing abruptly opened his eyes and spat out a mouthful of blood.


    ¡°there are eight more times!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. as he swallowed the medicinal pill, he recalled his previous failure.


    ¡°it¡¯s impossible for a third tribulation nascent soul cultivator to defeat the spirit repository. even though the other party is restricted by being sealed in the bead, the huge difference between the two of them can¡¯t be crossed.¡±


    ¡°however, the heir is right. i indeed haven¡¯t studied my nascent souls in detail. for example, after i transformed the golden crow into the sun, its might clearly increased by a lot.¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath. he could sense that his direction shouldn¡¯t be wrong.


    ¡°so, how do i dig deeper?¡±


    ¡°what exactly is the golden crow made of?¡±


    ¡°and, what¡¯s the essence of the emperor-level cultivation art?¡±


    xu qing fell silent and his mind sank into the golden crow. just as he was about to continue observing, ling¡¯er ran over excitedly and whispered.


    ¡°brother xu qing, the day we release the pill is today.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he opened his eyes. he had already forgotten about this matter. it was because of the heir¡¯s existence that his peaceful state had changed and his pace became much faster.


    however, he had finished refining the pills a few days ago. moreover, the effect was even better than he had imagined, reducing the curse even more.


    xu qing nodded at ling¡¯er and took out the mirror. he then brought ling¡¯er into the moon rebel hall.


    at that moment, the moon rebel hall was filled with voices.


    after ten days of fermentation, the news that master pill nine was going to release the curse-breaking pill had already spread throughout the entire moon rebel hall. moreover, master shengluo was also releasing his improved pill today. this completely ignited the emotions of everyone in the moon rebel hall.


    at that moment, tens of thousands of statues stood in the air above the moon rebel hall, waiting for xu qing and master shengluo to arrive.


    their appearances were different but the light on their bodies was dense. from afar, they looked like gods and demons with majestic auras.


    the sounds of discussion rose and fell, causing an uproar.


    ¡°i didn¡¯t expect it to be so lively today. i wonder how the two sides will end up.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s also because everyone¡¯s expectations for the curse-resolving pill and that so-called curse-breaking pill are too high. this is understandable. however, overall, i don¡¯t believe in pill nine.¡±


    amidst the countless discussions, there were also some angry words from the supporters of both sides.


    ¡°master shengluo is highly respected, and many have benefited from his kindness. his alchemy skills are unparalleled. how can an upstart like pill nine shake his foundation?¡±


    ¡°kindness? stop talking nonsense. every pill from shengluo is extremely expensive. back then, i spent the entire sect¡¯s resources for one!¡±


    ¡°impudent! if you didn¡¯t have that medicinal pill, you would already be a skeleton now. how can you still spout nonsense here?¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s right. master shengluo is my benefactor. whoever dares to deny him is my enemy!¡±


    the voices were tumultuous, and the arguments were unceasing, but overall, nearly eighty percent were leaning toward master shengluo, and statements defending pill nine were drowned out by the sound waves.


    however, among them were also two fervent followers of master pill nine, their voices resonating loudly, and their presence formidable.


    one of them was none other than xu qing¡¯s neighbor, the burly dude. he glared angrily at everyone and his voice was loud and clear.


    ¡°master shengluo may save a life, but he impoverishes people. we are already living difficult lives, struggling to survive, and now we have to endure such exploitation from our own kind!¡±


    ¡°look at master pill nine, compassionate and charitable. his curse-resolving pill only costs 100 drops of divine servant blood. do you think he doesn¡¯t know the value of the curse-resolving pill?¡±


    ¡°he knows!¡±


    ¡°however, he couldn¡¯t bear to see us like this, so he offered the pill at such an almost giveaway price to relieve our pain!¡±


    the burly neighbor¡¯s voice was filled with gratitude. as it echoed in all directions, a statue not far away let out a sharp cry.


    ¡°you bunch of fools, swindled by that shengluo brat and losing everything, yet here you are still praising him. that shengluo brat is swimming in wealth, you people are such filial children!¡±


    the speaking statue had the appearance of a figure holding a precious vase, with a pitch-black complexion and a lean, six-eyed statue. all six of his eyes now revealed a mocking expression.


    especially the remark about being filial children infuriated those who heard it, and everyone around cast angry glares. his words were extremely malicious and sarcastic.


    seeing that everyone was glaring angrily and growling, six eyes seemed to be even more smug and continued to speak.


    ¡°filial children, what are you talking about? speak louder. grandpa can¡¯t hear you. you brainless little nether.¡±


    his words caused everyone in the surroundings to glare even more intensely. although they didn¡¯t know what little nether meant, it didn¡¯t sound good.


    hence, it caused an even greater rebuke.


    some of master pill nine¡¯s followers and believers seemed to have found their backbone. they moved closer to the six-eyed statue and formed a small camp.


    even the burly neighbor looked at him with admiration in his eyes.


    he knew the other party and knew that this person had only appeared frequently in the master¡¯s temple during this period of time. however, he didn¡¯t expect the other party, who usually didn¡¯t say a word, to be so sharp and sinister.


    hence, the burly dude thought to himself that since this person was so like-minded, he had to make friends with him in the future.


    at this moment, the entire moon rebel hall suddenly trembled. the mountain trembled and all the temples rumbled. an astonishing pressure descended from the sky.


    everyone who was scolding and arguing stopped one after another and looked up.

 Chapter 992 - 992 This Person Is a Little Like Erniu

    992 this person is a little like erniu


    at this moment, in the moon rebel hall, within the nine supreme temples, one temple radiated a resplendent light that illuminated the heavens.


    a tall figure that looked like a god walked out, emitting supreme might.


    this figure was ten thousand feet tall and its entire body was golden. it had three heads and six arms and each of its hands carried a different-colored mountain. there were also layers of halos stacked on its back. the light was like the sun, reflecting on its body and emitting a dazzling brilliance.


    it was extraordinary.


    his appearance shook the towering mountain, causing turbulence in all directions. clouds and mist scattered, and an indescribable oppressive force spread like a mountainous tide, enveloping every corner of the moon rebel hall.


    everyone who sensed it felt their hearts tremble. they lowered their heads and greeted the temple.


    ¡°fourth hall master!¡±


    the nine supreme temples in the sky of the moon rebel hall were the highest existences in the moon rebel hall.


    while only five of the positions had been filled, with four still awaiting successors, each of these five individuals possessed significant authority within the moon rebel hall and held a pivotal role in its affairs.


    over the years, the entire moon rebel hall had grown under the leadership of the five deputy hall masters, participating in numerous clandestine conflicts against the red moon shrine.


    and their true identities were shrouded in mystery. in the past, their arrivals always heralded significant events. as they witnessed one of the deputy hall masters descending at this moment, a sense of suspicion rose in the hearts of all the deities present, waiting for the proclamation of a major event.


    ¡°today, i come not with official tidings but in response to master shengluo¡¯s invitation. i am here to witness the release of his pill. carry on as you were, everyone.¡±


    in the sky, the ten thousand-foot-long statue sat down cross-legged and calmly spoke. his voice was like a flood, vast and boundless. it transformed into lingering sounds that echoed in the minds of everyone present.


    however, his words caused an even greater commotion among the statues. those cultivators who supported master shengluo were instantly excited, and those who supported pill nine were shaken.


    ¡°master shengluo does indeed enjoy great renown and respect. even the fourth hall master has personally come to witness the ceremony!¡±


    ¡°don¡¯t you know how many people master shengluo has graced and saved over the years? only master shengluo can invite the deputy hall master!¡±


    a commotion rose in the moon rebel hall again and all of the sounds were talking about shengluo. as for pill nine supporters, most of them were silent. even the burly neighbor and the six-eyed statue were a little shaken.


    at this moment, on the mountain of the moon rebel hall, a temple made of jade surrounded by countless statues slowly opened. endless light shot out and the sound of bells echoed.


    the bronze cauldron in front of the temple also surged with incense at this moment. as green smoke rose, a statue walked out of the gate.


    this statue looked like an angry vajra with auspicious clouds under its feet. there was an eye at its glabella which emitted a soul-stirring light. there was a pill furnace spinning above its head and the fragrance of medicinal herbs permeated the surroundings.


    as it walked out, the statues that had been waiting in the surroundings looked over in unison. their eyes revealed excitement and admiration.


    ¡°it¡¯s master shengluo! master is still so punctual!¡±


    ¡°this is master shengluo. self-discipline has always been his style, and strictness is his longstanding approach.¡±


    amidst the respectful comments, master shengluo walked out of the temple and into the air. at this moment, countless gazes gathered on him. countless greetings overlapped and transformed into rumbling sounds that shook the world.


    ¡°greetings, master!¡±


    countless statues lowered their heads and bowed. master shengluo, who was in the air, was the center of attention. his aura was like a rainbow.


    shengluo was satisfied. he looked around and nodded slightly.


    ¡°fellow daoists, sorry for the long wait.¡±


    as he spoke, he looked up at the fourth hall master and cupped his fists.


    ¡°thank you, fourth hall master, for coming to watch the release of this old man¡¯s medicinal pills.¡±


    in the sky, the fourth hall master smiled.


    ¡°i¡¯ve been looking forward to master¡¯s pills for a long time.¡±


    shengluo smiled when he heard this and was about to speak again. however, at that moment, at the foot of the mountain in the moon rebel hall, the gate of xu qing¡¯s small temple slowly opened. a statue with a gourd on its back walked out.


    he was xu qing.


    there was no gorgeous light or even exuberant incense. in fact, the moment he walked out, not many people noticed his figure.


    only his followers, who were paying attention, saw xu qing immediately.


    the instant they discovered xu qing¡¯s appearance, these followers were clearly excited and stepped forward one after another.


    ¡°master pill nine!¡±


    ¡°greetings, master!¡±


    the burly neighbor quickly approached with an excited expression and shouted.


    ¡°master, you¡¯re finally here!¡±


    behind him, the six-eyed statue also rapidly approached. its six large eyes seemed to be filled with tears and it didn¡¯t blink. its expression was filled with excitement and its voice was even louder, spreading in all directions.


    ¡°master pill nine, virtue reaching the heavens, alchemy spanning the seas, benefiting countless realms for countless generations!¡±


    as the six-eyed statue spoke, the momentum suddenly became extraordinary, far surpassing that of others. this instinctively drew the attention of the surrounding followers, who began to echo the same words one after another.


    the sound waves echoed in all directions. the surrounding moon rebel hall cultivators who were paying attention to master shengluo also turned their heads.


    ¡°is this that pill nine?¡±


    ¡°he looks ordinary and doesn¡¯t have any aura.¡±


    ¡°i want to see what pill he is releasing today. if he¡¯s really just deliberately mystifying things, it means that there¡¯s a problem with the origins of those cheap curse-resolving pills of his from before!¡±


    under everyone¡¯s gaze, xu qing looked at the many statues in the surroundings. he was also a little surprised.


    he had been focused on healing these few days and didn¡¯t come again. he didn¡¯t know that shengluo had chosen to distribute medicinal pills on the same day as him.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t mind. at that moment, he lifted his head and looked at the deputy hall master in the sky. his expression was solemn as he cupped his fists and bowed.


    the deputy hall master also looked at xu qing. he had all his attention on this alchemy master who had caused quite a commotion recently and was controversial. however, this was the first time he had seen him. hence, he nodded and didn¡¯t speak.


    xu qing retracted his gaze and glanced at the statues outside. he didn¡¯t plan to walk out of his temple courtyard. at that moment, he was still pondering about the golden crow.


    hence, he lifted his right hand and prepared to take out the pill he wanted to distribute and send them into the ball of light according to the usual method, allowing others to freely check them.


    however, before xu qing could take it out, the followers of master shengluo in the sky laughed mockingly.


    ¡°pill nine, you really appeared? we thought you wouldn¡¯t dare to come anymore.¡±


    ¡°then you¡¯re wrong. as a master, how can pill nine let go of this opportunity to use the sparkling fire to gain all the attention?¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s just that master shengluo has a lofty mind and doesn¡¯t care about fame and fortune, so he¡¯s unwilling to argue with this person. he actually chose to release the medicinal pill on the same day as master shengluo. the dirty thoughts in his heart can be seen by passersby.¡±


    these words contained malice and were extremely unpleasant to the ears.


    xu qing lifted his head and glanced at the statues that spoke, memorizing their appearances.


    xu qing¡¯s followers also glared at them angrily.


    ¡°what a bunch of nonsense!¡± at the same time that the burly neighbor roared, a sharp voice rang out from the side.


    ¡°tell me, how many filthy spirit stones did you receive from shengluo to spout such nonsense? if the price is right, count me in.¡±


    both sides had heated discussions. although pill nine had far fewer followers than shengluo, just six eyes alone was able to match a thousand people. his eloquence and sharpness had the ability to shift the narrative with just a single sentence.


    the scene of him fighting against the group caused the surrounding bystanders to be shocked and they engraved his appearance in their minds.


    seeing that it was turning into a mess, xu qing felt a little impatient. he wasn¡¯t willing to waste time arguing with others here. hence, he turned and was about to leave to continue studying the golden crow.


    however, at this moment, master shengluo, who was in the air, had a calm expression as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°noisy!¡±


    as soon as he spoke, the followers in the surroundings fell silent. as for shengluo, his gaze also landed on xu qing, speaking calmly.


    ¡°pill nine, your dao is wrong!¡±


    xu qing stopped in his tracks and turned around, looking at master shengluo who was in the air.


    ¡°what do you mean?¡±


    the surroundings fell silent. everyone¡¯s gazes gathered on xu qing and shengluo. it was the same for the fourth hall master in the sky. under the focus of everyone, master shengluo shook his head.


    ¡°someone gave me one of your pills. i was originally filled with joy when i appraised it but in the end, i was truly disappointed.¡±


    ¡°you think you¡¯re smart. the medicinal pill uses white wind¡¯s flesh and blood as a catalyst, but in reality, you¡¯re taking advantage of the situation and making up the numbers. do you know that someone did this 7,000 years ago? the harm is extremely great. all those who ate this pill died within a few years!¡±


    ¡°pill nine, you¡¯re up to no good!¡±


    as soon as master shengluo spoke, it instantly attracted countless gasps. this was especially so for those cultivators who had taken xu qing¡¯s pills. their expressions changed drastically and their hearts trembled.


    xu qing stared at shengluo. he then turned his head and waved at the burly neighbor not far away.


    the burly neighbor also hesitated inwardly, but he automatically rushed over.


    ¡°what happened during these few days?¡± xu qing asked.


    the burly neighbor suppressed the worry in his heart and told him the information in detail. when xu qing heard this, his gaze turned cold and ling¡¯er¡¯s angry voice rang out in his mind.


    ¡°brother xu qing, we were the ones who set the time first. they¡¯re going too far. moreover, they¡¯re slandering us as soon as they open their mouths. they even said that we have malicious intentions. i think he¡¯s the one with ulterior motives!¡±


    xu qing was expressionless but his gaze was even colder. he gave up on his plan to leave and walked out of the temple, walking into the air.


    although his followers in the surroundings hesitated, they still crowded over. the burly neighbor guarded on xu qing¡¯s left and the six eyes quickly flew toward the right, snatching the position of the protect and even revealing a groveling smile at xu qing.


    xu qing stopped in his tracks. after looking left and right, he focused on six eyes on his right.


    he was a little familiar with the other party¡¯s gaze. he remembered that the captain had the same gaze when he looked at the heir.


    xu qing felt strange. ling¡¯er¡¯s voice echoed in his mind.


    ¡°brother xu qing, this person¡¯s gaze is a little familiar. he looks like senior brother erniu.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t speak. he pretended not to acknowledge him and continued walking. he walked all the way to the air and stood in front of master shengluo. he looked at him and calmly spoke.


    ¡°compete?¡±

 Chapter 993 - 993 Alchemy Star

    993 alchemy star


    in the moon rebel hall, there were tens of thousands of deity statues. when xu qing stepped forward, although he didn¡¯t emanate any additional momentum, his spoken words seemed to stir up a storm, roaring in all directions.


    the surrounding statues immediately paid attention.


    master shengluo glanced at xu qing and calmly spoke.


    ¡°forget about competing. this old man will teach you a lesson. i hope that after you experience what happened today, you can calm down and not delve into heretical methods!¡±


    ignoring xu qing, master sheng luo raised his right hand. the pill furnace atop his head descended into his palm. with a wave, a pill shot out from the furnace, hovering in mid-air.


    this pill resembled a crystal, rotating in mid-air on its own. it emitted strands of luminous ribbons, continually swirling around it, showcasing an exquisite beauty. the especially translucent outer layer made the pill look like a precious gem.


    faintly, one could discern the swirling medicinal mist within, as if it contained an immortal land.


    with xu qing¡¯s profound knowledge of alchemy, at this moment, even with just a glance, he sensed the extraordinary nature of this pill. simultaneously, he gained insights into master shengluo¡¯s prowess in the dao of alchemy.


    ¡®indeed a great talent.¡¯ as xu qing muttered inwardly, the surrounding people also exclaimed when they saw this pill.


    ¡°how is this still a medicinal pill? this is clearly a pill treasure!¡±


    ¡°i didn¡¯t expect master shengluo¡¯s alchemy attainments to take another step forward and reach such a level!¡±


    more and more cries of surprise rang out. just from the appearance of this medicinal pill, anyone could sense how astonishing it was. a follower beside shengluo walked out at this moment and spoke loudly with eyes filled with admiration.


    ¡°dear fellow cultivators, i¡¯m sure you all know that when it comes to top-grade pills, everything revolves around perfection. the more refined, the more precious. when it reaches the pinnacle, it is said that the wanggu¡¯s heavenly dao will bestow divine radiance. and behold, master shengluo¡¯s pill has already stirred divine radiance!¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, the exclamations and uproars in the surroundings grew even louder. the gazes that looked at the pill contained desire. in an instant, praises rose from everywhere.


    even xu qing¡¯s followers felt less confident at this moment. all of them looked at each other. they were originally filled with confidence in master pill nine but after shengluo spoke about the consumers of the pill dying suddenly after a few years, their hearts wavered.


    and after seeing this pill that was close to a pill treasure, no matter how confident they were in pill nine, they couldn¡¯t help but hesitate.


    the fourth hall master in the sky was also moved and nodded.


    ¡°it¡¯s indeed a pill treasure. master shengluo, can this pill be mass-produced?¡±


    in the face of the praises from the crowd and the fourth hall master, shengluo smiled and bowed respectfully to the fourth hall master.


    ¡°fourth hall master, this pill can naturally be mass-produced.¡±


    ¡°good!¡± the fourth hall master smiled.


    master shengluo was satisfied. he turned his head and looked at the expressionless xu qing as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°this is the first lesson i am teaching you. remember, as alchemists, studying the dao of alchemy is what we persist in. put away your little tricks and your improper heart. otherwise, with a darkened heart, your alchemy will never see the light of divine radiance!¡±


    master shengluo¡¯s words carried a reprimanding tone. those around looked at xu qing with various expressions¡ªsome shook their heads, some looked disdainful, some sighed with emotion, and some were angry.


    xu qing didn¡¯t say anything. he only took out his curse-breaking pill and waved his hand to make it float in the air.


    this pill looked pitch-black and there was nothing unique about it. someone among the crowd couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    ¡°is this a mud ball or a medicinal pill?¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s it?¡±


    just as the sounds of ridicule rang out, xu qing performed a series of hand seals and pointed. immediately, cracking sounds rang out from the pill and it actually shattered.


    in the next instant, as layer after layer of the outer dark fragments separated, an endless divine radiance erupted from within like a surging tide, spreading in all directions.


    the boundless light was like the descent of dawn, opening up hope for the world.


    every beam of light inside was like a rainbow, gorgeous and varied.


    it illuminated the sky, causing the sky to be filled with peace. it scattered onto the ground, turning the mountain into an auspicious sign.


    from afar, it was as though a sea of light had formed with the pill as the center. it continued to spread in all directions and finally transformed into resplendence.


    all of a sudden, all the cultivators in the moon rebel hall who were paying attention were in a daze. as for the two medicinal pills in the air, anyone with eyes could see the huge difference between them.


    xu qing¡¯s medicinal pill shone extremely radiantly. as for master shengluo¡¯s pill, it originally shone a little but now that its light was drowned out, it looked ordinary. if one didn¡¯t take a closer look, it would probably lose the meaning of its existence.


    only after a long time did the sounds of inhaling reverberate. after that, there were more and more of them, rising and falling one after another. finally, numerous involuntary cries of surprise erupted from the crowd.


    ¡°the heavenly dao bestows endless light?¡±


    ¡°such brilliance¡­ isn¡¯t this the supreme pill that master shengluo mentioned in the past?!¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s actually such a pill? i clearly remember that only pills that contain fortune and the hope of all living beings can be given such brilliance by the recognition of the heavenly dao!¡±


    amidst everyone¡¯s exclamations and disbelief, master shengluo was stunned. he stared at xu qing¡¯s medicinal pill in a daze and disbelief appeared in his eyes. he opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but he couldn¡¯t say anything.


    at the same time, the ten thousand-foot-tall statue of the fourth hall master suddenly stood up and stared fixedly at the medicinal pill below. his expression was moved until his chest heaved.


    ¡°master pill nine, this pill¡­ is the curse-breaking pill?¡±


    this was the first time he spoke to xu qing and also the first time he added the word ¡®master¡¯. when he said it, the meaning was different.


    xu qing nodded.


    the most excited people here were xu qing¡¯s followers. regardless of whether it was the burly neighbor, six eyes, or the others, their hearts were extremely moved.


    their previously shaken hearts and hesitant thoughts were completely replaced by determination and excitement at this moment.


    this was especially so for six eyes. at this moment, he was shouting with all his might.


    ¡°master pill nine, virtue reaching the heavens, alchemy spanning the seas, benefiting countless realms for countless generations!¡±


    as these words rang out, the excitement in the hearts of xu qing¡¯s followers in the surroundings surged. all of them were cheering.


    seeing this, the few followers beside master shengluo spoke with little confidence.


    ¡°although the surface layer of the medicinal pill is important, it¡¯s still something to be eaten after all. hence, the medicinal effects are the most important!¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s right. the effect of master shengluo¡¯s curse-resolving pill is twice that of the original curse-resolving pill and the side effects are extremely low. this pill is a good pill that can alleviate the pain of the curse!¡±


    their words echoed. at this moment, master shengluo also took a deep breath and suppressed the shock in his heart. he looked at xu qing with a complicated expression. his gaze was unprecedentedly solemn as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°if you eat one of this old man¡¯s curse-resolving pills, it can delay the pain of the curse by at least 60 years!¡±


    after saying that, he looked at xu qing as though he was facing a great enemy.


    when everyone from the moon rebel hall heard this, they also woke up from the shock given by xu qing¡¯s medicinal pill. after all, medicinal pills were meant to be eaten, so their effects were the main point. now that they heard the effect, their eyes revealed a peculiar glint.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care about shengluo¡¯s gaze. he looked at his curse-breaking pill and calmly spoke.


    ¡°permanently reduce the curse by 10%.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t loud but it was like a thunderclap that rumbled in the hearts of everyone in the entire moon rebel hall.


    in an instant, the moon rebel hall fell silent.


    everyone¡¯s hearts were in extreme turmoil. even though they had some guesses about this curse-breaking pill previously, after hearing xu qing¡¯s words, they still felt that it was inconceivable. they felt that they had heard wrong.


    when master shengluo heard this, his eyes narrowed as he abruptly looked at xu qing¡¯s medicinal pill. at this moment, huge waves surged in his heart. however, after many years of understanding, his mind rapidly made judgments. after that, he spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°impossible!¡±


    ¡°unless it contains a huge side effect that causes one to die in a few days after taking it!¡±


    xu qing looked at shengluo and calmly spoke.


    ¡°there are no side effects.¡±


    everyone was shocked again. shengluo¡¯s body swayed but his eyes were still filled with intense doubt as he stared fixedly at xu qing.


    ¡°nonsense. are you the red moon¡¯s divine son? even the divine son can¡¯t do this, so are you a god? ridiculous!¡±


    ¡°you¡¯ll know after giving it a try.¡± xu qing¡¯s expression was calm from the start. after he spoke, he looked at the surrounding people.


    ¡°which one of you will try it?¡±


    everyone hesitated, but master shengluo sneered.


    ¡°consuming it poses immense risks!¡±


    as soon as he spoke, everyone became even more hesitant. even the burly neighbor didn¡¯t dare to rashly walk out. however, at this moment, a sharp voice echoed in all directions.


    ¡°let me do it!¡±


    everyone looked over in unison and saw a statue with six eyes walking out of the crowd proudly. he arrived in front of xu qing and bowed respectfully before speaking loudly.


    ¡°your hesitation towards master¡¯s pill is clearly a lack of faith, but i am different. i firmly believe in master. i will be the one to consume this pill!¡±


    xu qing felt a sense of strangeness in his heart, glanced at the captain, and remained silent.


    at that moment, everyone¡¯s gazes gathered on the captain. immediately after, the burly dude from the neighbor rushed out and spoke loudly.


    ¡°master, i¡¯m willing to test the pill!!¡±


    ¡°back then, i listened to your supreme dao voice for two months. this is fate. after that, i was the first to buy your medicinal pill and consume it. every time, i was the first. this time is no exception!¡±


    ¡°master, please fulfill my wish!¡±


    the burly neighbor¡¯s eyes gleamed as he looked at xu qing with a sincere expression. he really trusted him.


    six eyes was a little dissatisfied.


    xu qing fell silent and waved his hand. immediately, the medicinal pill headed straight for the burly dude. he didn¡¯t give them to the captain because the captain had too many random things on him. xu qing was worried that there would be a bad reaction.


    the burly neighbor caught the pill and took a deep breath. his eyes were filled with determination. finally, under the attention of everyone, including master shengluo and the fourth hall master, he placed the pill to his mouth and swallowed it in one gulp.


    at the next moment, the fourth hall master raised his hand and grabbed at the air. immediately, the burly neighbor¡¯s body flew out and was enveloped by the fourth hall master¡¯s power. not only was it augmenting him, but it also allowed everyone¡¯s perception to be clearer.


    the burly dude¡¯s body first trembled and sweat broke out on his forehead. he had a agonized expression on his face. however, in an instant, his entire body shone with a dazzling light and waves of black liquid seeped out of the statue.


    this liquid emitted a rotting stench that permeated the surroundings. the burly dude¡¯s body suddenly quivered and his eyes opened, revealing disbelief and shock as he mumbled.


    ¡°my curse¡­ has been decreased by 10%!¡±


    as his words echoed, a thunderous roar reverberated in the ears of the moon rebel hall¡¯s crowd. each person trembled, their eyes revealing a hint of madness. however, skepticism still lingered as they looked towards the fourth hall master.


    the fourth chamber master closed his eyes. while everyone was nervously waiting, the fourth hall master opened his eyes and walked down from the sky step by step until he arrived in front of xu qing. his gaze was deep as he stared at xu qing.


    a moment later, the fourth chamber master cupped his fists and bowed to xu qing with his noble status.


    ¡°master is virtuous and benevolent. your merit is immeasurable!¡±


    as soon as these words were spoken, it was like lightning cutting through the world.


    all the statues in the moon rebel hall shook intensely. all the hesitation in their hearts disappeared at this instant. they were as fanatical as they had been doubtful earlier.


    endless expectation and excitement filled their hearts, transforming into countless cries that seethed in the moon rebel hall.


    at that moment, xu qing became the most radiant star here.

 Chapter 994 - 994 You and I Are Fellow Travelers

    994 you and i are fellow travelers


    as he listened to the cheers of the surrounding people, master shengluo stood in a daze.


    ¡°can it really¡­ reduce the curse?¡±


    shengluo mumbled as intense unwillingness rose in his heart. even now, even though the fourth hall master had verified it, he still didn¡¯t believe it.


    this was because since ancient times, no one had been able to do this.


    as for him being able to modify the curse-resolving pill, this was already an extremely difficult thing. he had spent half of his life¡¯s effort and studied a large number of documents on curses and ancient books left to accomplish it.


    the more he knew about the curse, the more he understood that if he wanted to permanently reduce it, only a miracle could do it!


    just as shengluo¡¯s mind was churning and his eyes were faintly red, xu qing, who was standing not far away, glanced at him. he then lifted his right hand and waved it, sending a curse-breaking pill toward shengluo.


    shengluo started and instinctively caught it before looking at xu qing.


    the others also looked over one after another with different thoughts. this was especially so for master shengluo¡¯s followers. at that moment, they felt bitter in their hearts. they understood that there would probably be a lot of humiliation next.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t do it.


    he calmly looked at shengluo and spoke softly.


    ¡°master shengluo, both you and i are cultivators of the dao of alchemy, so we can better understand that within this moon worship region, those of us who specialize in alchemy have dreams in our hearts.¡±


    ¡°while others cultivate, we delve into curses. while others indulge in pleasures, we immerse ourselves in studying ancient texts. because we want to break the curse, even if we can¡¯t, we still record our research for future generations. we place our hope in the generations to come.¡±


    ¡°this is the mission of alchemy cultivators in the moon worship region.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was clear. he understood shengluo¡¯s heart and there was no mockery in his words.


    shengluo¡¯s body trembled as he looked at xu qing. he wanted to say something but couldn¡¯t say anything.


    his emotions had fluctuated many times today. at first, it was arrogance, then shock, and then intense doubt and unwillingness. however, now¡­ all these emotions fused together and transformed into dense complexity.


    this was because xu qing¡¯s words spoke his thoughts.


    he did indeed appreciate fame and fortune, but behind this appreciation, he also harbored his own dreams.


    ¡°master shengluo, i offer you this pill. the path to dispelling curses is challenging to traverse alone. let us work hard together¡­¡±


    xu qing cupped his fists and bowed.


    shengluo could sense xu qing¡¯s sincerity. this sincerity caused him to have mixed feelings. his emotions surged and he felt ashamed. his followers were all moved and all of them had mixed feelings.


    the fourth hall master also took a few more glances at xu qing and his expression revealed respect. he could naturally tell that this master pill nine¡¯s words weren¡¯t fake. he genuinely held such sentiments.


    meanwhile, shengluo took a deep breath. at this moment, he solemnly walked a few steps forward, gazing at xu qing, and bowed deeply, clasping his fists.


    ¡°master pill nine, this old man¡­ sigh.¡±


    shengluo shook his head and bowed again.


    xu qing nodded and didn¡¯t say anything else. he then turned and walked toward his temple.


    he wasn¡¯t particularly fond of such overly enthusiastic situations. if it weren¡¯t for shengluo deliberately causing trouble earlier, he wouldn¡¯t have been so conspicuous. in the blink of an eye, xu qing returned to the temple.


    he took out ten curse-breaking pills and placed them in the light clusters in the temple. before he left, he fulfilled his promise and gave each of his followers a curse-breaking pill.


    his departure didn¡¯t reduce the excitement in the hearts of everyone from the moon rebel hall. in the entire history of the moon worship region, there had never been a reduction in the curse.


    the conversation between pill nine and master shengluo was even more memorable.


    hence, very soon, everyone from the moon rebel hall walked into xu qing¡¯s temple with respect in their hearts. they checked the price of the curse-breaking pill. this price¡­ caused the respect in everyone¡¯s hearts to intensify.


    it wasn¡¯t much different from the selling price of the curse-resolving pill from before. all he was asking for was some herbs and information.


    ¡°this is a true master¡­¡± it was unknown who sighed after seeing the price, but it echoed in the hearts of all the cultivators from the moon rebel hall.


    from this moment on, the name of pill nine became deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people in the moon rebel hall.


    one could imagine that as xu qing continued to take out medicinal pills in the future and the number of people who ate his medicinal pills increased, his name would be engraved into their souls.


    xu qing had predicted this but he didn¡¯t pay much attention to it. after returning to the apothecary, he placed his focus on his study of the golden crow.


    he had been wondering what the essence of an emperor-level cultivation art was and how he could dig out more potential of the golden crow.


    although the clues seemed elusive, and the process was not entirely smooth, xu qing could sense that, with his research and the transformation of the golden crow, the duration he could persist inside the bead had noticeably increased.


    from the instant he died at the start to the seventh time, he could already last for more than six breaths.


    ¡°but¡­ there are only two attempts left.¡±


    several days later, in the early morning, xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged in the apothecary, opened his eyes. blood trickled from the corners of his mouth. after taking out a pill and swallowing it, an uncontrollable sense of restlessness surged within him.


    this emotion was uncommon for him. failures were nothing new, but if the subsequent two attempts still didn¡¯t meet his satisfaction, on the tenth attempt, he would lose the golden crow.


    he could sense that the malice and greed of master black pupil in the bead towards him were becoming increasingly intense.


    ¡°if it really doesn¡¯t work, i have to stop at the ninth time.¡± xu qing took a deep breath and stood up to walk out of the back room to the main hall of the apothecary.


    he wanted to relax.


    as soon as he walked out, xu qing saw ling¡¯er there, tallying accounts. it seemed that, for ling¡¯er, there were endless accounts to settle. xu qing had noticed this before and found that much of ling¡¯er¡¯s joy came from the repeated calculation of accounts.


    ning yan was wiping the ground, li youfei was organizing the pills, and the captain was guarding. as for wu jianwu, he was standing beside the heir and reciting a poem to him.


    ¡°elder opens his eyes, the world brightens. the ladies guard, none shall be arrogant!¡±


    the heir was drinking tea. when he heard this, he glanced at wu jianwu and smiled.


    wu jianwu quickly bowed and grinned, his face full of flattery. then, he glanced sideways at the captain and nether fairy burning the water, a hint of arrogance in his eyes.


    during this period of time, he finally found a way to curry favor with the old man. that was to recite poetry to the old man every morning. day after day, with his hard work, he felt that the effect was remarkable.


    after saying that, he hurriedly ran to the door and continued to recite poetry outside.


    xu qing was already used to the daily life of the apothecary. after nodding at ling¡¯er, he sat beside the heir.


    ¡°do you have any clues?¡± the heir looked at xu qing. the parrot on his shoulder also looked at xu qing proudly.


    xu qing shook his head.


    ¡°senior, what exactly is an emperor-level cultivation art?¡±


    xu qing asked. this was the first time he had asked the heir in these few days.


    the heir didn¡¯t say anything. his gaze moved away from xu qing and landed on chen erniu. xu qing also looked over.


    the captain cradled his sword, ignoring the gazes of xu qing and the heir. he glanced at wu jianwu outside, thinking that the latter was such a filial son. he couldn¡¯t be bothered to argue with him about his behavior. instead, he focused on the nether fairy and scolded her.


    ¡°burning water every day, but you still haven¡¯t gained any experience. why so slow? use your mouth to blow on it!¡±


    nether fairy¡¯s body trembled. her tolerance for chen erniu had reached the extreme.


    she wanted to explode, but because of the heir, she could only grit her teeth.


    her mind kept fantasizing about how to cut that damn chen erniu into pieces.


    ¡®one day, i¡¯ll tear him in half. half will be used as firewood to boil water, and the other half will be rolled into meatballs. then, i¡¯ll chew on them viciously!¡¯


    ¡®while biting, make this wretch scream. once the water boils, cook it a bit, and i¡¯ll go drink the soup.¡¯


    this was what nether fairy thought every day. every time she thought this way, she would feel extremely comfortable. at this moment, as she continued to fantasize, the captain snorted coldly.


    ¡°why are you trembling? you only know how to tremble every day. can¡¯t you see that the water is boiling? hurry up and make tea for the elder!¡±


    ¡°you flaunt that big butt of yours every day, like a peach, tempting who? aren¡¯t you annoying enough? you eat the most every day!¡±


    as soon as the captain finished speaking, nether fairy suddenly stood up. her cultivation base was about to erupt. when her eyes turned red, ning yan brushed past her, speaking impatiently.


    ¡°move aside!¡±


    nether fairy¡¯s body trembled again, but in the end, she had no choice but to endure it again. she carried the kettle and walked toward the heir. after making tea for him, she stood at the side angrily.


    ¡°xu qing.¡± the heir pushed the hot tea in front of him to xu qing and tapped his finger on it.


    ¡°tell me, what is water? why does it become hot? and what about tea? why does its color change and its taste differ when soaked in water?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze froze as he looked at the teacup in front of him.


    ¡°that¡¯s because¡­¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s not important.¡± the heir interrupted. his gaze was deep as he lifted his right hand and placed it in front of the little seedling on the table.


    as the little seedling swayed, it obediently dropped a leaf. after the heir caught it, he placed it in xu qing¡¯s teacup.


    that small leaf floated in the tea and swayed slightly.


    ¡°do you understand?¡±


    xu qing fell silent and closed his eyes to think. ning yan, who was wiping the ground, also paused. he was also thinking. he felt that the guidance of the soul accumulation was extremely rare, so he wasn¡¯t willing to let it go.


    the captain was the same. a look of contemplation appeared in his eyes, and it was even more so for li youfei.


    a long time later, xu qing¡¯s body suddenly trembled. he opened his eyes and looked at the leaf in the teacup. a strange glint appeared in his eyes as he suddenly remained up.


    ¡°senior, i understand!¡±


    xu qing cupped his fists and bowed. his breathing was slightly hurried. he knew what his problem was and also understood the answer. at that moment, he turned and headed straight for the back room.


    the heir smiled and nodded slightly. he felt that xu qing¡¯s comprehension ability wasn¡¯t bad and he understood his guidance.


    when the captain saw this scene, he also let out a long breath, as though he understood it as well. ning yan blinked and also revealed a dazed expression of understanding.


    only the parrot on the heir¡¯s shoulder was stunned at this moment. it looked at the tea and then swept its stare across the leaf on it. finally, it looked at everyone and its eyes revealed confusion as it spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°grandpa, what did he understand? what did you say to him? why don¡¯t i understand¡­¡±


    the heir picked up the teacup and took a sip before speaking calmly.


    ¡°i¡¯m telling him to learn coexistence. like tea and water blending together, it¡¯s also good. just like a young seedling shedding leaves, it¡¯s a form of both letting go and accepting.¡±


    the parrot understood, ning yan nodded, and the captain took it to heart.


    however, in the back room, xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged, was immersed in his thoughts. his eyes gleamed and his mind was rumbling with the answers he had comprehended as he mumbled.


    ¡°the blending of tea and water is a manifestation of the great dao returning to one, but all living beings can return to their true self. everything has its origins, so the heir pointed out to me that they can actually be separated.¡±


    ¡°for example, the leaves of the little seedling are like this. after falling, they are still a part of its origin¡­ this is telling me that they are still one!¡±


    ¡°he was instructing me to delve into a deeper level of research, to magnify, to dissect the golden crow repeatedly. to split it each time, to peel it away, and to find the source of the golden crow!¡±


    ¡°i understand. this is the origin of the emperor-level cultivation art and also the essence!¡±


    ¡°my previous research was wrong. i shouldn¡¯t have gazed outward at the macroscopic changes. i should have looked inward, delving into the microscopic details!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression changed. he raised his head and gazed in the direction of the main hall, the respect he had for the heir growing even more intense.


    in the main hall, the heir, lifting the teacup with composure, hesitated in his actions after sensing xu qing¡¯s murmur. his expression noticeably stiffened for a moment.


    ¡°what did he comprehend?¡±

 Chapter 995 - 995 The Secret of an Emperor-Level Art!

    995 the secret of an emperor-level art!


    xu qing took a deep breath and a strange glint appeared in his eyes. he then sat cross-legged in the center and immediately sank into his golden crow.


    this time, he didn¡¯t pursue the transformations of the golden crow, nor did he think about the golden crow¡¯s origins or the sun in his memories. all of this was stripped from his thoughts.


    in his perception, at that moment, everything in the surroundings and his body no longer existed. only the blazing golden crow shone in his eyes.


    the black body and splendid flames became his sole focus.


    ¡°if it¡¯s at the microscopic level, this flame is also an illusion. it¡¯s meaningless!¡±


    as xu qing¡¯s thoughts rose, the flames on the golden crow instantly dimmed and were extinguished, no longer existing.


    as the flames dissipated, xu qing¡¯s body trembled. extinguishing the golden crow¡¯s flames was something he had never done before. at this moment, his entire body experienced a hidden pain¡ªa manifestation of the golden crow being harmed, affecting the nascent soul.


    if it was in the past, xu qing wouldn¡¯t have continued to try after this because he perceived the danger of his actions.


    however, now that he had the heir¡¯s guidance, xu qing suppressed the discomfort in his body after pondering. he stared at the golden crow in front of him.


    the golden crow trembled unsteadily and also looked at xu qing.


    as xu qing looked on, he furrowed his brow. he felt that the golden crow in this form was somewhat redundant.


    with a thought, the golden crow¡¯s body shook and all its feathers disappeared, leaving only the bare body.


    the backlash from this action was clearly greater.


    xu qing¡¯s breathing was hurried but he forcefully endured it. his intuition told him that he was heading in the right direction this time. he gritted his teeth fiercely and made up his mind.


    at the next instant, the golden crow rumbled and exploded in front of xu qing, transforming into countless illusory pieces of flesh that scattered in all directions. xu qing spat out a mouthful of blood but his divine consciousness focused like never before and enveloped those lumps of flesh.


    in his perception, this flesh was formed by various colored threads intertwining, resembling a tangled mess that wrapped around each other, creating all the appearances.


    every thread contained some spiritual fluctuations. xu qing could sense his nascent soul, the fire of the heavenly fire sea, and the souls of hundreds and thousands of living beings.


    this was all devoured and accumulated by the golden crow from its birth till now.


    ¡°this is tea!¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    ¡°next, i have to separate all the substances inside!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s will moved and the flesh rapidly decreased. threads were peeled off and thrown to the side. the golden crow¡¯s wails also echoed.


    xu qing spat out several mouthfuls of blood but his gaze was persistent. he gritted his teeth and continued.


    as time passed, it was as though he had become possessed and forgot everything in the external world. there was only the shrinking golden crow in his eyes. several days later, the threads that formed the golden crow had decreased by more than 90%.


    there were only three of them left.


    one was black, one was red, and one was purple!


    ¡°the tea is about to completely separate!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart stirred. he could sense that purple was his nascent soul and red represented fire. as for black, it was the golden crow¡¯s life essence, which was also the essence of the emperor-level cultivation art.


    ¡°the heir guided me that even though the leaf has separated, its origin is the same and it¡¯s still one. so, no matter how i peel it off, it can actually be recovered.¡±


    while the heir had provided guidance, xu qing also perceived it clearly in the process of separation. he felt that the threads he had stripped didn¡¯t disappear; they were still there.


    due to the inextricable connection with him, he could restore them with a thought.


    this further proved the authenticity of the heir¡¯s guidance.


    ¡°then, i¡¯ll peel off the fire first!¡±


    xu qing gritted his teeth and gathered his divine consciousness, extracting the red thread bit by bit. the pain this process brought xu qing was extremely great, and he was shivering in pain.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t give up and continued.


    several days passed. he, who was still immersed in his cultivation, didn¡¯t know that during these seven to eight days, the apothecary had already changed quite a bit as he cultivated.


    the back room he was in was filled with extremely violent energy fluctuations that transformed into invisible threads that kept waving in all directions. wherever they passed, a series of explosions would ring out.


    his body was covered in blood!


    his clothes were already burnt, and the golden crow tattoo on his body was howling. every stroke of the tattoo was bleeding.


    this wasn¡¯t much. in the past few days, his aura had become even more exaggerated. sometimes, it would suddenly erupt with terrifying energy, and sometimes, it would instantly lose its vitality.


    vaguely, there seemed to be an astonishing power awakening in his body.


    this power seemed to be disallowed by the heavenly dao and not tolerated by the wanggu continent.


    hence, outside the apothecary, in the sky above the bitter life mountain range, in the past seven to eight days, the sky turned dim with clouds everywhere and thunder rumbling throughout the world.


    all the cultivators in the entire bitter life mountain range were shocked, not knowing what had happened. as for the lightning in the sky, it sounded like it was saying something that outsiders didn¡¯t understand.


    there were almost no people who could understand.


    however, the heir could understand it. it was also this understanding that caused him to be even more surprised by xu qing.


    in the apothecary, ling¡¯er was nervous and apprehensive.


    the captain was shocked.


    ning yan was terrified and his heart palpitated.


    wu jianwu was at a loss.


    the heir arrived at the back room. he sat cross-legged in front of xu qing and stared fixedly.


    his expression changed several times. he raised his right hand several times, seemingly wanting to interrupt xu qing¡¯s comprehension, but in the end, he restrained himself.


    ¡°this kid is comprehending a taboo that can¡¯t be spoken of in wanggu!¡±


    ¡°i¡­ i didn¡¯t say anything.¡± the prince was a little hesitant. after carefully recalling, he sighed. this was the first time he felt that this kid in front of him was a little strange!


    at that moment, thunder rumbled outside. when it landed in the prince¡¯s ears, it turned into the deterrence and intense warning of the wanggu heavenly dao.


    ¡°every emperor-level cultivation art actually contains the seal of the wanggu heavenly dao¡­¡±


    ¡°but back then, i was clearly pointing to coexistence and giving up¡­¡±


    the heir sighed and waved his hand to seal all of xu qing¡¯s aura, personally protecting him.


    at that moment, xu qing was still immersed in his comprehension. under his efforts and persistence, the red thread was finally completely extracted bit by bit.


    at that moment, the appearance of the golden crow in front of him had completely disappeared, leaving only two threads entangled together, one black and one purple.


    ¡°next is the purple.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate and immediately pulled his purple thread. the pain brought about by this process was like pulling out his tendons. xu qing felt his soul trembling.


    however, his intuition was very strong. the answer appeared in front of him after he extracted his purple thread.


    ¡°come out!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart stirred as he went all out. after an unknown period of time, he completely extracted the purple thread. the instant the purple thread left, only the black thread was left of the golden crow in front of him!


    as this thread shook, it emitted energy that xu qing felt was extremely terrifying.


    ¡°this is¡­¡± xu qing¡¯s soul trembled and his perception gathered, continuously magnifying this black thread in his eyes!


    in the end, this black line was magnified to infinity. it was as though a world was reflected in xu qing¡¯s perception. xu qing¡¯s heart instantly rumbled. he saw it!


    the black thread wasn¡¯t connected!


    it was formed by countless black fragments that gathered densely together. between each fragment was an arc of lightning.


    these lightning bolts were like ropes that pierced through the endless black fragments, causing them to look like a black line after shrinking countless times.


    the shapes of these fragments were irregular. if they were pieced together¡­


    it was a black spear!


    he only sensed it and a realization emerged in his mind.


    ¡°taboo weapon!¡±


    this weapon could shatter the sky, destroy the ground, exterminate the dao, and slaughter gods!


    this scene subverted xu qing¡¯s thoughts and shook his soul. he had never expected that in the golden crow¡¯s origin, there was actually¡­ a terrifying weapon that had shattered countless times!


    ¡°is this the essence of an emperor-level cultivation art?¡±


    ¡°this is the golden crow¡¯s origin?¡±


    ¡°then, is it true that every emperor-level cultivation art is like this? they all seal such a terrifying weapon!¡±


    ¡°who sealed it? the heavenly dao?¡±


    ¡°why is it sealed? these taboo weapons¡­ who is the master?¡±


    ¡°since that¡¯s the case, why let people cultivate emperor-level cultivation arts? could it be that¡­ the essence of the emperor-level cultivation arts is to let people gradually repair the taboo weapons, until they finally control it completely?¡±


    ¡°how many more secrets is the wanggu continent hiding?!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled violently and his consciousness suddenly rolled back. as he retracted his perception, the purple thread instantly returned to the golden crow, followed by the red fire thread and the other threads that he had stripped off one after another.


    in the blink of an eye, the chaos reappeared. after drowning all the secrets, the golden crow¡¯s flesh and blood formed and transformed into the outline of the golden crow. its feathers revived and flames erupted.


    as the heatwave assaulted his face, xu qing instinctively leaned back. his eyes suddenly opened and he spat out several mouthfuls of blood.


    his breathing was unprecedentedly hurried. the instant he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was the heir who had emerged in front of him at some point in time!


    before xu qing could speak, the heir suddenly spoke.


    ¡°don¡¯t say it, don¡¯t ask!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart palpitated and his eyes flickered. after a long time, he calmed down and looked at his surroundings. he could sense the fluctuations here and also the rumbling sounds from the outside world.


    finally, he looked at the heir and nodded. he took out the bead of master black pupil and handed it over.


    ¡°senior, i don¡¯t need this anymore. i can¡¯t defeat black pupil and i don¡¯t want the golden crow to be devoured. most importantly, i¡¯ve already discovered the golden crow¡¯s dao!¡±


    ¡°you indeed don¡¯t need it¡­¡± the heir silently took it and looked at xu qing with a complicated expression.


    at that moment, he could clearly sense that the golden crow in xu qing¡¯s body had an additional sharpness that had not been there before. vaguely, its form seemed to be changing, as though it was transforming into a spear.


    this was xu qing¡¯s golden crow nascent soul trump card!


    ¡°thank you for your guidance, senior, for allowing me to comprehend the microscopic details!¡± xu qing took a deep breath and stood up with difficulty, bowing to the heir.


    he was very grateful. if it wasn¡¯t for the heir¡¯s words at that time, he wouldn¡¯t have comprehended it so deeply.


    the heir suddenly spoke.


    ¡°did your master guide you like this in the past?¡±


    ¡°yes.¡± xu qing was surprised. he didn¡¯t know why the other party inquired that, so he nodded.


    the heir fell silent. after a long time, he sighed.


    ¡°it¡¯s not easy for your master.¡±

 Chapter 996 - 996 The Heirs Vision!

    996 the heir¡¯s vision!


    the heir sighed and left the back room. he needed some time to get used to xu qing¡¯s unbelievable comprehension ability.


    as xu qing woke up, the lightning dissipated from the dim world outside the bitter life mountain range. that sense of oppression also gradually vanished.


    this matter caused quite a commotion in the bitter life mountain range and countless guesses rose. however, other than the people in the apothecary, no one knew that the reason for all of this was xu qing.


    xu qing only learned about what happened during this period afterward. while a lingering fear rose in his heart, his admiration for the heir deepened even more.


    ¡°just a sentence of guidance allowed me to comprehend these things. soul accumulation indeed deserves its name¡­¡±


    xu qing sighed with emotion. in the following days, as he recovered from his injuries, he also went out many times to adapt to the golden crow¡¯s trump card.


    just like that, time flowed by and half a month passed.


    on this afternoon, outside the apothecary¡¯s earth city, in a canyon, xu qing¡¯s figure appeared in the distance. after entering the canyon, he instinctively looked around to ensure there were no issues.


    this canyon wasn¡¯t far from earth city.


    these few days, xu qing often tested his golden crow¡¯s trump card. the location was different every time. this time, he chose this place.


    the might of his golden crow¡¯s trump card was too astonishing. when unleashed, its momentum was overwhelming, but if not controlled properly, it would be like an untamed wild horse, bursting out uncontrollably and dimming the golden crow in the process.


    there was even a time when the golden crow almost withered and collapsed.


    therefore, xu qing had to make subtle adjustments time and time again, attempting to confine the deployment of this killer move within a certain range, keeping its power within the limits that the golden crow could withstand.


    ¡°i¡¯ve adjusted it dozens of times. this should be enough.¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath and took off his clothes, putting them away. he only left behind a pair of shorts.


    looking at his bare body, xu qing showed a helpless expression.


    ¡°it¡¯s like this every time. i have to think of a way to resolve it in the future¡­¡±


    xu qing retracted his thoughts and closed his eyes to think for a moment. after confirming in his mind, his eyes suddenly opened, revealing a sharp glint. he lifted his right hand and performed a series of hand seals. immediately, an astonishing aura erupted from his body.


    the golden crow totemic tattoo appeared on his entire back, constantly moving and spreading across xu qing¡¯s upper body.


    the golden crow in the tattoo had spirituality. as it spread out, waves of terrifying aura continued to rise.


    this aura turned into a storm of flames, sweeping across all directions, causing the ground to instantly wither and become scorched, melting rocks, with its reach extending to 10,000 feet.


    within 10,000 feet, a sea of fire rose from the ground. even the surrounding wind couldn¡¯t do anything to this sea of fire. it was as though the existence of these flames was independent of the laws of heaven and earth.


    at the center of the sea of fire, xu qing, who was standing there, was trembling slightly. he was completely focused as he controlled the tattoo formed by his golden crow nascent soul to change its form.


    this was the method he had mastered during this period. if the transformation occurred externally, the power became uncontrollable. however, if the changes happened within his own body, everything could be much better controlled.


    hence, under his control, the tattoo on his body moved faster and faster. in the end, it was almost impossible to see its form clearly. one could only vaguely see the shadow of a black spear rapidly forming.


    although it was still blurry and could only be roughly seen, the instant the shadow of the black spear appeared, an aura that was even more terrifying and astonishing than before towered into the sky from xu qing¡¯s body.


    at this moment, xu qing did not employ any power except for the golden crow. everything that manifested the terrifying intent was actually formed by the golden crow¡¯s nascent soul. the displayed horror surpassed the full force of xu qing¡¯s previous thirteen nascent souls.


    it could be said that this spear strike was enough to frighten dao nurturing cultivators.


    from this, it could be seen that the trump card of this golden crow nascent soul was extremely shocking.


    however, this was only a trace of the taboo power in the golden crow that xu qing had leaked. of course, this was also his limit at this moment. as his cultivation level increased and he continued to explore, he would definitely be able to release more in the future.


    at the thought of this, xu qing abruptly pressed his right hand against his chest. that location was none other than the handle of the black spear.


    he clenched his fist and grabbed!


    xu qing directly grabbed a blurry black spear from the tattoo on his body.


    the moment it appeared, the colors of the world changed, thunder roared, and with a resounding roar, xu qing paid no attention. as he swung his right hand, black spear shadows erupted like a world-destroying black dragon, sweeping in concentric circles around him.


    the ground quaked and the mountain rocks collapsed. as the canyon trembled, the black spear soared into the sky.


    lights¦Í¦Ïv¦Ål ?¦Ïm


    it looked like a spear but also like a golden crow. the flames in the surroundings rose from the ground and followed. there was also a second sharp edge at the tip of the spear.


    that was the emperor sword!


    the emperor sword that had been swallowed by the golden crow!


    it was also contained in this trump card under xu qing¡¯s adjustments.


    the sky rumbled, stirring up huge ring-shaped fluctuations that continuously erupted in all directions. as for xu qing, his breathing was hurried and he staggered slightly. however, he was in good spirits.


    he checked and confirmed that the golden crow could withstand it and his losses could be accepted. excitement appeared in his eyes and he was about to leave.


    however, at this moment, a calm voice suddenly rang out from the sky.


    ¡°not bad!¡±


    following the voice, the heir¡¯s figure appeared amidst the fluctuations in the sky that were blasted away by the black spear. he ignored everything and walked over.


    as he got closer, all the fluctuations here dissipated. no one would notice the changes here.


    ¡°senior!¡±


    xu qing greeted respectfully.


    xu qing was now sincerely convinced about the heir¡¯s guidance. regardless of whether it was the unprecedented third tribulation at the start, the increase in his soul power after the life-and-death battle in the temple, or the essence of the golden crow emperor cultivation art, all of this showed that the heir¡¯s training for him was extremely effective.


    it could be said that in just a few months, xu qing already showed signs of being reborn. his combat strength was much stronger than before.lightsnovel


    ¡°i see that your injuries have mostly recovered. now, let¡¯s proceed to the next step!¡±


    the heir walked in front of xu qing and sized him up. his gaze was stern but he admired him inwardly. this kid in front of him was one of the few with the highest comprehension he had seen in his life.


    even he was very interested in forging such unpolished jade.


    however, considering the issues caused by his previous words, the heir felt that he needed to be more cautious in his future speech. yet, in his heart, he also harbored a perceive of pride after the shock.


    ¡°this kid¡¯s master must be extremely frustrated every time he gives guidance, but that¡¯s determined by his level. i¡¯m different; only i can teach such a disciple. his master can¡¯t.¡±


    the heir looked at xu qing and calmly spoke.


    ¡°xu qing, you comprehended my guidance very well earlier, choosing not to give up or choose, which is commendable.¡±


    ¡°what we cultivators need to do is to face difficulties head-on. what we need is this indomitable will. only then can we cultivate a domineering aura and form an aura that dares to fight the world!¡±


    ¡°now, your golden crow nascent soul already has a trump card. next, you have to study your poison restriction nascent soul in detail!¡±


    at this point, a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. actually, there was no need for the heir to ask for it. after tasting the sweetness of the golden crow, xu qing had been pondering over his other nascent souls during this period of time.


    unfortunately, every one of his nascent souls was an independent existence and were all different from the others. it was difficult for the golden crow¡¯s experience to be used on other nascent souls. this was also what xu qing was thinking about.


    hearing the heir¡¯s words, xu qing immediately spoke respectfully.


    ¡°senior, please enlighten me!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes showed anticipation as he looked at the heir.


    looking at xu qing¡¯s gaze, the heir smiled.


    ¡°xu qing, i can perceive that your poison is a type of god¡¯s power.¡±


    xu qing nodded.


    ¡°this poison is astonishing and its potential is incomparably great. however, it shouldn¡¯t have existed in my era. it should have appeared during the time i was sealed, so i¡¯ve never seen it before.¡±


    the heir¡¯s gaze was deep as he looked at xu qing.


    ¡°however, i¡¯ve seen poisons that are even stronger than your poison restriction. it can even be said that i¡¯ve seen the strongest poison in the wanggu continent!¡±


    ¡°perhaps you¡¯ve also seen it before.¡±


    the heir¡¯s words contained deep meaning.


    when xu qing heard this, his body trembled and many thoughts appeared in his mind. however, it was still a little blurry. it was as though the answer was right in front of him but it was covered by fog and he couldn¡¯t catch it.


    sensing xu qing¡¯s thoughts, the heir felt proud and calmly spoke.


    ¡°xu qing, lift your head and look at the sky. go and take a look at the god¡¯s fragmented-face hanging there eternally outside the dim sky!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s mind instantly rumbled. he instinctively lifted his head and looked at the sky.


    although the sky in the moon worship region was pitch-black and wasn¡¯t as clear as the other regions, one could still vaguely see the huge outline of the god¡¯s fragmented-face in the sky.


    ¡°look at that fragmented-face. why is it that every time it opens its eyes, all living beings will wail and the place it looks at will become a forbidden zone? it¡¯s because its gaze is poisonous!¡±


    ¡°then, why didn¡¯t you imitate it?¡±


    ¡°why did you only release your poison restriction simply? you even needed to borrow the wind and tricks. these are all the actions of humans, not gods!¡±


    ¡°with a human¡¯s thinking, it¡¯s naturally impossible for you to unleash the god¡¯s poison.¡±


    ¡°you have to learn from it and fuse your poison into your gaze. if you can do it, even if it¡¯s just a trace, then the power of your poison restriction will undergo a tremendous sublimation like the golden crow!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. the prince¡¯s words were too astonishing. it was equivalent to opening up his understanding. at that moment, it was like a bolt of lightning had streaked across his mind, tearing apart all the inherent thoughts.


    ¡°that¡¯s right. when the fragmented-face opens its eyes, the anomalous substances in the area it looks at intensifies. this is the same as my poison¡­ in essence!¡±


    ¡°if i can also¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart raced. he felt his thoughts expanding continuously at this moment. after a long time, he looked at the heir with incomparable admiration in his eyes.


    the other party¡¯s vision and the other party¡¯s mentality when looking at things determined his understanding.


    this was something xu qing didn¡¯t have before. even though his understanding had been opened by old master seventh, he still hadn¡¯t reached such a height.


    ¡°thank you, senior!¡±


    xu qing was moved. he bent down and bowed.


    looking at xu qing¡¯s expression and sensing xu qing¡¯s emotions, the heir smiled. the pride in his heart rose again and he thought to himself that this kid¡¯s master was only so-so. only he could educate such an unpolished jade.


    ¡°then, you should properly understand this point next. this place is quite suitable. stay here and comprehend for three days. if you still can¡¯t do it, come back and look for me.¡±


    after the heir finished speaking, he set up a restriction here for three days. after that, he placed his hands behind his back and left leisurely.


    xu qing stood on the spot and was silent for a long time. after he sat down cross-legged, he closed his eyes and fell into deep thought.


    ¡°how to let my gaze contain the power of the poison restriction¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled. the power of the poison restriction in his body erupted and gushed into his eyes.

 Chapter 997 - 997 Goal: The Sight of the God

    997 goal: the sight of the god


    xu qing had encountered many difficulties in his life. some were resolved and some couldn¡¯t be resolved.


    however, in xu qing¡¯s memories, he was rarely stuck in cultivation, especially in terms of comprehension. regardless of whether it was the mountains and seas art back then or the series of cultivation arts after that.


    he was able to cultivate every one of them smoothly.


    even when he comprehended the ghost emperor mountain, it was the same. in fact, he didn¡¯t encounter much obstruction when he manifested it later. also, although it was a little difficult for the golden crow earlier, the smoothness of his thought process allowed him to quickly comprehend it.


    of course, this had a lot to do with the guidance of others. however, fundamentally, it was xu qing¡¯s comprehension ability.


    his comprehension had always been remarkable.


    however, this time, he had no direction or clue.


    how to turn the poison restriction into his gaze was easy to say but it was too illusory to really do it. xu qing kept trying in these three days but he was still unable to complete it.


    he could fuse the poison restriction into his eyes. because the poison restriction had fused with him, xu qing could ignore the damage of the poison restriction. even if the time lengthened, the purple crystal could still recover him.


    hence, to a certain extent, there was poison in his eyes.


    however, this poison couldn¡¯t be spread out through his gaze.


    ¡°gaze¡­¡± xu qing fell silent.


    he didn¡¯t understand. what kind of light was the gaze? how could it fuse poison into it and poison everything he saw?


    ¡°how did god achieve this?¡±


    xu qing looked tired. he sensed the dissipation of the restriction set up by the heir around him. standing up, he silently walked towards the apothecary. just as he was about to enter the city, something stirred in his mind.


    ¡°perhaps i was too obsessed with my eyes?¡±


    xu qing paused, closed his eyes, and silently sensed, but everything remained the same. it seemed that shutting his eyelids didn¡¯t bring him any deeper understanding.


    because the darkness in front of the eyes was the result of his gaze being covered and could be perceived.


    ¡°then, what if i lose my eyes?¡±


    he was always ruthless to himself. at this moment, without any hesitation, he raised his hand and pressed it directly onto his eyes, giving them a forceful poke.


    an intense pain spread throughout his body and blood flowed down his eyes. he became blind.


    this intense pain gushed into xu qing¡¯s perception in waves. however, compared to the pain he had experienced in the past, this wasn¡¯t much.


    the injured eyes would also slowly recover under the power of the purple crystal.


    however, xu qing suppressed the recovery power of the purple crystal. he wanted to experience it more.


    the darkness in front of him was different from the darkness with his eyes closed previously!


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled.


    this was something he hadn¡¯t paid attention to previously. he also didn¡¯t expect that the difference between being blind and closing his eyes was actually different.


    previously, when he closed his eyes, his vision was blocked and he saw pitch-black darkness.


    this time, there was no sight, so there was no concept of black.


    ¡°that¡¯s not black¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled. he couldn¡¯t tell what this feeling was. it was like a normal person closing one eye would see their vision narrowing, as though a piece was missing.


    ¡°and the missing piece, it¡¯s not black, it has no color, nor any visual feedback, as if it has been wiped away.¡±


    ¡°nothingness¡­¡±


    xu qing spoke softly.


    this term appeared in his mind. this was the scene he sensed after he went blind.


    this made xu qing feel a little uncomfortable.


    after a while, xu qing dispersed his divine consciousness. gradually, the world reappeared in his mind.


    everything was perceived not through sight but through the aura, the touch of the wind, the resonance of the soul, and the coverage of divine sense.


    divine sense was like an invisible web, composed of countless ripples spreading out from him as the center. touching anything would create feedback, causing the continuous fluctuations of this web.


    subsequently, within his mind, a consciousness formed.


    consciousness, not an image.


    an image was something you could see, a direct and sight response, while consciousness was a kind of perception, a feeling.


    sometimes, to cultivators, because of the existence of divine consciousness, it was very difficult to distinguish between images and consciousness. it would make them instinctively think that divine consciousness was an extension of their vision.


    however, in reality, at this moment, xu qing understood that it wasn¡¯t.


    xu qing felt that everything in the surroundings that appeared in his mind was formed by him through this feeling he had of the outside world.


    regardless of whether it was earth city, the sky, the ground, all the houses in the surroundings, the pedestrians on the streets, and the mountain peaks in the distance.


    he could sense them and ¡®see¡¯ them.


    however, some of them had color, while others didn¡¯t have any color. they were just an outline.


    after a long time, xu qing silently walked into the earth city and the apothecary.


    on the way, he sensed everything in this state, feeling this stare that wasn¡¯t a sight.


    ¡°in a thousand miles for pills i¡¯ve sought,


    fate or not, i¡¯ll take a look!¡±


    from afar, the voice of wu jianwu reached xu qing¡¯s ears. xu qing looked up, and in his perception, the figure of wu jianwu emerged. he had colors¡ªhis clothing, hair, and even expressions.


    ¡°you, you, you¡­ what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    wu jianwu¡¯s eyes widened as he watched xu qing approaching. he observed xu qing¡¯s closed eyes and the flow of blood. his voice, filled with shock, attracted the attention of those nearby.


    immediately after, the captain, li youfei, and ling¡¯er noticed xu qing walking over.


    ¡°brother xu qing!¡±


    ling¡¯er panicked and quickly ran out, hugging xu qing.


    xu qing patted ling¡¯er¡¯s head and smiled. ling¡¯er was also colorful.


    ¡°it¡¯s fine. i¡¯m cultivating.¡±


    ¡°but¡­ what cultivation requires digging out one¡¯s eyes?¡± ling¡¯er cried.


    xu qing comforted her and walked into the apothecary. in the scene that appeared in front of him, the captain had a look of disbelief, li youfei had a look of shock, and ning yan¡¯s eyes were wide open.


    nether fairy continued to boil water. the heir, who was sitting not far away, looked at him.


    xu qing patted ling¡¯er¡¯s back and approached the heir. he sat at the side and pondered.


    a long time later, xu qing spoke softly.


    ¡°senior, i still can¡¯t do it. even after digging out my eyes, i still can¡¯t make the poison spread in my gaze. even the world of perception can¡¯t let the poison follow my divine sense.¡±


    the heir picked up the teacup and took a sip. he was about to continue guiding in a profound way like before, but after giving it some thought, he looked at xu qing¡¯s blinded eyes and decided to be more direct this time.


    ¡°you were right to blind your eyes!¡±


    ¡°you have to think of a way to sense the god¡¯s vision and see the real world.¡±


    ¡°the vision of a god? the real world?¡± xu qing mumbled.


    ¡°that¡¯s right.¡± the heir said meaningfully.


    xu qing fell silent. a while later, he stood up and bowed. under ling¡¯er¡¯s nervous and worried gaze, xu qing returned to the familiar back room and sat down cross-legged, pondering in his mind.


    ¡°why is it that in the world of my perception, some have colors and some don¡¯t¡­¡±


    xu qing pondered. he felt that this might be a key point.


    the night passed.


    the next morning, xu qing lifted his head. he had a faint guess. hence, he sensed his surroundings. everything had color. a while later, xu qing suddenly transmitted his voice to the captain.


    ¡°senior brother, do you have any items that i haven¡¯t seen before?¡±


    the captain, who was staring at nether fairy in the main hall, raised his brows when he heard this. a spurious smile appeared on his face as he walked toward the back room. when he saw xu qing, he lifted his right hand and took out an item.


    xu qing swept his divine awareness over and smelled a medicinal pill, the curse-breaking pill.


    ¡°change it.¡±


    the captain¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint as he smiled meaningfully. after some thought, he took out another item.


    ¡°what about this?¡±


    xu qing saw that it was a dudou[1]. he shook his head after a moment of silence.


    the captain¡¯s interest was piqued and he kept taking things out. xu qing looked at those messy things and was a little speechless. a while later, he sensed that the captain seemed to have taken out some kind of item.


    however, in his perception, this item was colorless.


    xu qing abruptly lifted his head.


    ¡°this is¡­¡±


    the captain¡¯s stare landed on his palm. there was a small blue statue there. he had obtained this item in his early years. it was an item worshiped by a small race and wasn¡¯t anything special. he had kept it in his storage bag all this while and had forgotten about it.


    ¡°this is a statue.¡± the captain looked at xu qing.


    xu qing nodded. his perception indeed saw an outline of a statue in the captain¡¯s hand.


    ¡°what color?¡± xu qing asked.


    ¡°red.¡± the captain¡¯s stare was deep as he smiled.


    in an instant, xu qing sensed that the statue in the captain¡¯s hand had turned red.


    xu qing nodded. just as he was about to speak, the captain suddenly spoke again.


    ¡°eh, i saw wrong. it is white.¡±


    xu qing frowned.


    the captain smiled and placed the blue statue in front of xu qing as he whispered.


    ¡°little qing, due to some reasons, i can¡¯t guide you. however, this statue is a gift for you. after you recover your eyes, see what color it is.¡±


    with that, the captain left.


    xu qing¡¯s heart churned. as many thoughts filled his mind, he loosened the restraint on the purple crystal¡¯s recovery power and allowed it to surge into his eyes.


    a few days later, xu qing opened his eyes and looked at the blue statue in front of him.


    the instant he saw this statue, xu qing¡¯s mind rumbled.


    the red and white colors he thought of crumbled and turned blue.


    the shock this process brought him was endless.


    ¡°colors can be faked¡­ then, is what i¡¯m seeing real?¡±


    ¡°in my previous state, the reason why everything in the world i saw contained color and some didn¡¯t have color was because those with color were things i had seen before or knew existed, so i could form its images on my own.¡±


    ¡°as for what i haven¡¯t seen before, i can¡¯t form a picture. there¡¯s only the outline and no color¡­¡±


    ¡°as for the captain¡¯s words, which caused a change in color in my perception, this indicates¡­ the source that determines what the eyes see and the composition of the world is not the eyes.


    to mortals, the brain determines what they see.


    for cultivators, it is the soul that predominates, determining what they see and feel.¡±


    xu qing drew in a deep breath as understanding appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°the eye is just a window.¡±


    ¡°my path earlier was wrong. even if i fused the poison restriction into this window, it would only be piled up there.¡±


    ¡°i want the power of the poison restriction to fuse into my gaze¡­¡±


    ¡°i need to fuse the poison into my soul. if my soul has poison and it spreads out through the window, everything i see will be invaded by my gaze!¡±


    ¡°i wonder if the world i see at that time will be the real world that the heir mentioned?¡±


    [1] a dudou is a traditional chinese article of clothing that covers the front of the torso.

 Chapter 998 - 998 Thickness of Soul

    998 thickness of soul


    xu qing was very clear about the difference between him and ordinary cultivators.


    that was his body.


    although this body belonged to him, it was created by the god¡¯s finger back then. originally, it was to better adapt to its integration. in the end, because of the purple crystal, it benefited xu qing.


    this was the body of a god.


    ¡®although it is a little ordinary and just a finger of one of the countless clones of the immortal forbidden god.¡¯ xu qing muttered to himself.


    however, its status was still that of a god.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he pondered.


    ¡°therefore, to a certain extent, the eyes of this body of mine can also be considered the eyes of a god.¡±


    ¡°in that case, in theory, i can use the god¡¯s sight to see this world.¡±


    xu qing lifted his hand and touched his glabella, focusing on sensing his soul. however, his understanding of the soul was a little lacking.


    he only knew that the soul represented his mind, his divine consciousness, a gathering of his own nothingness.


    the amount of mental energy determined the strength of the soul.


    as for the specifics, xu qing didn¡¯t really understand. it wasn¡¯t something he needed to research at his cultivation level.


    however, now, xu qing had realized the importance of the soul many times. he had also summarized the answer through a series of analysis previously.


    ¡°let the soul sublimate, thereby integrating the poison within it. in this way, i should be able to spread poison restriction wherever my gaze falls!¡±


    ¡°then, what exactly is a soul?¡±


    everyone¡¯s answer to this question was different.


    some believed it was formed by the aura of the body, others thought it was the manifestation of the mind, and there were those who considered it an invisible ripple.


    in any case, everything was related to the elusive things.


    xu qing closed his eyes and the poison restriction in his body spread out, permeating his sea of consciousness and searching for his soul.


    he could find it because deep within his sea of consciousness, at the end of his mind, there existed a cluster of light and fire composed of divine consciousness.


    there was light as well as fire.


    the light was the light of the soul, and the fire was the fire of life.


    they blended together as if they were the core of everything. if altered, perception was affected; if extinguished, life turned into darkness.


    this was the soul xu qing had thought of previously.


    however, xu qing hesitated now.


    he attempted to integrate his poison restriction into this light and fire, and he could clearly perceive the swaying of the light and fire. he could also distinctly feel that, after his poison restriction merged into them, they became one.


    however, it didn¡¯t achieve the effect he wanted. at the next instant, it separated on its own.


    it was as though all the integration was actually just the surface. it was like¡­ this lump of light and fire was actually just a projection.


    or, it might not be the source of the soul.


    xu qing remained silent.


    time passed bit by bit. as xu qing pondered, seven days passed.


    in these seven days, the visible thinning of xu qing¡¯s body, continuous contemplation, and uninterrupted exploration did not bring him answers. instead, they brought spiritual lethargy and the consumption of vitality.


    ¡°cultivators are different from mortals. cultivators have nascent souls and divine consciousness. in fact, at my current realm, i can even possess¡­¡±


    ¡°after possessing someone, i¡¯ll still be me. in that case, my soul¡­ can¡¯t be in my body!¡±


    xu qing frowned and recalled how the god¡¯s finger had possessed him before. at that time, he remembered that he could sense his soul being worn down and his consciousness dissipating.


    ¡°i have to experiment.¡±


    xu qing lifted his head and determination appeared in his eyes. he had to figure out what a soul was. only then could he complete the next step of integrating the poison.


    xu qing took a deep breath and was about to transmit his divine sense to the shadow when he paused.


    during these days, the shadow had been in constant fear. it sensed that xu qing, following the guidance of the heir, had become more and more terrifying, and his aura had changed accordingly.


    hence, seeing that xu qing seemed to be about to give it an order, it hurriedly listened. however, after waiting for a long time, xu qing still didn¡¯t give the order.


    ¡°li youfei!¡± xu qing thought about it and transmitted his voice to li youfei.


    li youfei, who was doing odd jobs in the main hall, bowed toward the back room where xu qing was in when he heard this. he then turned and headed outside.


    that night, li youfei returned with a middle-aged cultivator and placed him in front of xu qing.


    ¡°master, this person is a vicious criminal. he has raped, plundered, and committed all kinds of crimes. because he is attached to ancestor mogui, no one has punished him.¡±


    li youfei respectfully spoke.


    xu qing lowered his head and took a look. this was a middle-aged man with a golden core cultivation base. he wasn¡¯t a human.


    there was a scar on his face and he looked very sinister. the smell of blood on his body was very strong.


    xu qing nodded. he knew that unless li youfei was tired of living, he wouldn¡¯t dare to lie to him. hence, he waved his hand and let him leave. after that, he looked at the unconscious middle-aged cultivator in front of him and pressed his forehead.


    at the next instant, his divine consciousness surged in and all his aura and energy entered the cultivator¡¯s body with his divine consciousness. even his nascent souls manifested and entered one by one.


    he began to possess the man!


    at the next instant, xu qing sensed that he had arrived at a sea of consciousness that wasn¡¯t very bright. there were six heavenly palaces shining with ordinary light here. as xu qing appeared, these six heavenly palaces trembled.


    xu qing didn¡¯t have any emotions. his divine consciousness spread out and covered the entire sea of consciousness, searching for the other party¡¯s soul lump of light and fire. he quickly found it and pounced over.


    in the blink of an eye, the flames of this lump distorted and mournful cries rang out. countless memories surged into xu qing¡¯s divine sense and he saw the life of this cultivator.


    scenes appeared one after another. from the moment he was born until now, some were blurry and some were clear.


    however, no matter what, they were all disappearing under xu qing¡¯s devouring. it was as though xu qing had snatched them away¡­


    a while later, the middle-aged cultivator lying there suddenly opened his eyes and stood up expressionlessly. he looked at his main body, who was sitting cross-legged and pondered.


    ¡°this is possession?¡±


    the middle-aged cultivator mumbled and sensed his entire body. an uncomfortable feeling enveloped his mind, as though he was wearing a smaller set of clothes.


    yet, in his subconscious, he was familiar with these clothes, and the reasons behind the scar on his face were extremely clear. when xu qing closed his eyes, all the past experiences of this body slowly surfaced in his mind


    however, it was insignificant and could be erased by him at any time. in fact, xu qing felt that he would feel even more comfortable after erasing it.


    when this realization surfaced, xu qing¡¯s body suddenly trembled and his eyes abruptly opened.


    ¡°memory?¡±


    ¡°i seem to have some understanding now. if the soul is a combination of life, aura, and spirit, then it is indeed elusive, or it can be said to be a real entity composed of countless unreal components!¡±


    ¡°the moment a lifeform is born, the instant of perceiving oneself and the outside world forms memory!¡±


    ¡°if the soul is compared to a blank bamboo slip, then memory is the words on it¡­ they are one!¡±


    ¡°therefore, during the possession, although i couldn¡¯t sense the consuming of the other party¡¯s soul due to my cultivation, i clearly sensed that i had devoured the other party¡¯s memories¡­¡±


    ¡°for ordinary people, memories dissipate after death, as if severed. therefore, even if the spirit enters the underworld, it is in a confused state. this is the manifestation of wandering spirits; their memories are shattered and broken.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. he sat cross-legged and closed his eyes. at the next instant, all the divine consciousness in his body left and returned to his main body.


    the main body opened its eyes and revealed a look of enlightenment.


    ¡°what is a soul? my answer might not be correct. this requires me to continue exploring and verifying it as i cultivate in the future.¡±


    ¡°but¡­ i can now confirm one thing: memory is the thickness, scale, carrier, and vital energy of the soul!¡±


    ¡°that means, to have my spirit infused with the poison restriction so that the poison restriction can move with my gaze, what i need to do is to engrave the poison restriction deeply into my memories!¡±


    ¡°i need to change my memory so that the concept of the poison restriction will exist in my memory from the moment i was born until now!¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    and at this moment, xu qing was unaware that the main hall, separated by a curtain, had been cut into another space by the heir.


    in this space, his murmurs were being repeated by the parrot.


    ¡°¡­until now!¡±


    the parrot was clearly immersed in xu qing¡¯s emotions as it shouted excitedly.


    ling¡¯er¡¯s small face was filled with worry as she looked at the back room. she felt that brother xu qing was somewhat inhabited during this period of time.


    wu jianwu also gasped. a similar thought as ling¡¯er rose in his mind. he felt that xu qing had gone crazy. normal people wouldn¡¯t think about questions like souls and memories.


    especially on this matter, even if he listened to the parrot¡¯s recap, he still remained perplexed.


    ¡°i know every word xu qing said but why can¡¯t i understand it after connecting them? what is he saying¡­¡±


    wu jianwu was at a loss. he felt that this shouldn¡¯t be just his problem. hence, he looked at the others and realized that li youfei was the same as him, looking stunned.


    what was different was that amidst li youfei¡¯s confusion, there was a hint of fear. clearly, he was worried that xu qing would perform such an experiment on him one day.


    as for ning yan, he was shocked and waves of emotions surged in his mind.


    this was because he had heard his father say similar words before¡­ however, he had never expected xu qing to be able to say such words at the nascent soul realm.


    he could sense that xu qing had really analyzed and comprehended these himself.


    the captain¡¯s gaze was deep and his smile was bright as he muttered inwardly.


    ¡®little qing, eldest senior brother didn¡¯t bring you to the moon worship region just to devour the crimson goddess¡­ this place will be a place for you and me to soar!¡¯


    nether fairy was silent. she looked at the back room where xu qing was with a complicated expression as a thought rose in her mind.


    ¡®could this xu qing be like me, transformed from a spirit fragment of an existence in the past?¡¯


    everyone had different thoughts but just as they were feeling different waves in their minds, the heir smiled. he wasn¡¯t surprised by xu qing¡¯s comprehension this time around. everything was within his expectations.


    he had predicted before that with xu qing¡¯s comprehension ability, he would definitely be able to understand it to this step.


    ¡°this is the difference between me and this kid¡¯s master. his master has limited cognition, so it¡¯s hard to guide him. it¡¯s not his fault. if everyone can carve on such a piece of jade, it won¡¯t be jade anymore.¡±


    the heir stood up with a smile. he knew that the next step would make the other party think of his power to change perception, and he was about to give xu qing a choice.


    ¡°i can use my cognition power to change memories; this method is not perfect as it can¡¯t penetrate into the subconscious, staying only on the surface, and there will be my mark on his soul. however, the advantage is that he will have poison in his gaze.¡±


    ¡°with this kid¡¯s temperament, he probably won¡¯t agree. in that case¡­ the probability of him agreeing to my second is higher.¡±


    the heir took a step forward and was about to walk over when the parrot suddenly spoke, repeating xu qing¡¯s words in the back room.


    ¡°there¡¯s only one way to do this!¡±


    ¡°that is to leave behind the imprint of countless poisons on my body, allowing every piece of my flesh, every drop of blood, and every inch of my bones to contain poison!¡±


    ¡°i can¡¯t change memories directly, but memories are not only formed by experiences and cognition, but also by the body¡¯s instincts!¡±


    ¡°imprint the poison as an instinct in my body, use the instinct to overwrite my memories!¡±


    ¡°and my eyes, i need to refine them again, relying on all the reactions of the flesh, ultimately providing an eternal message to memories.¡±


    ¡°i am poison!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed and he was in high spirits.


    in the main hall, everyone was dumbfounded. ling¡¯er was even more worried. ning yan gasped and the captain¡¯s expression changed. the heir stopped in his tracks and silently sat down again.


    ¡°he doesn¡¯t need me to change his cognition¡­ this kid¡­ he¡¯s changing his own cognition?¡±

 Chapter 999 - 999 Crimson Blood in the Firmament, Withering of the Mortal Realm

    999 crimson blood in the firmament, withering of the mortal realm


    xu qing did what he said.


    after having a direction, he immediately took out poisonous herbs and poison pills from his storage bag. some of them were directly swallowed, some were smeared all over his body, and some were directly placed inside his body.


    the effect was much better.


    he didn¡¯t spare his eyes either. he turned poison pills into liquid and dripped it into his eyes.


    the poison restriction mixed in with the poison and filled his entire body, nurturing his physical body¡¯s memories and refining his physical body¡¯s instincts.


    time flowed by and half a month passed.


    during these more than ten days and nights, xu qing immersed himself in this process. many times, he had double vision, but he did not give up.


    xu qing understood that if he wanted to achieve the physical memory he wanted, not only did he need a lot of poison, but he also needed a variety of poisons.


    although there was quite a lot of poison in his storage bag, it was still not enough. however, this wasn¡¯t an issue. there was the moon rebel hall.


    every time xu qing had a new need, he would sell curse-breaking pills in the moon rebel hall.


    the price was poisonous herbs and poison pills.


    just like that, as more and more cultivators from the moon rebel hall consumed the curse-breaking pills, the name of master pill nine became growing resounding in the moon rebel hall, attracting an increasing number of admirers.


    his followers also increased greatly every day.


    some alchemy masters also joined in because of xu qing¡¯s words back then. this was especially so for shengluo. he had praised xu qing greatly many times in front of everyone and his expression was filled with respect.


    almost everyone in the moon rebel hall knew the name of pill nine. it gradually attracted the attention of the other deputy hall masters and even extended of the moon rebel hall, spreading among the rebellion army in the moon worship region.


    there were many guesses about his identity.


    some people said that this was a nihility almighty who had studied the dao of medicine his entire life.


    there were also people who said that he should be from the foreign regions, which was why there was no sign of him before.


    there were also people who said that perhaps this was a spy from the red moon shrine, but this theory had few supporters.


    nevertheless, the mysterious identity of pill nine lingered in the minds of many moon rebel hall cultivators.


    even the deputy hall masters had no way of knowing, nor did they have the authority to investigate.


    only the hall master had the authority to see through the identities of every moon rebel hall cultivator.


    however, ever since ancient times, the highest temple had never opened.


    even when it occasionally shimmered, it usually dimmed after just a year.


    after that, there would be an additional deputy hall master.


    the specific reasons, though known to some, were not topics easily discussed.


    xu qing knew that his reputation was rising. however, he, who was immersed in poison, didn¡¯t care too much. this was because his cultivation of the poison restriction had reached a bottleneck.


    the scarcity of resources in the moon worship region caused him to lack too many medicinal herbs. hence, xu qing couldn¡¯t develop his body¡¯s instincts according to what he envisioned.


    ¡°i need a vast amount of poisonous herbs. i also need to combine them into numerous formulas, constantly experimenting and adjusting.¡±


    ¡°if it was in fenghai county, it might be possible. however, here¡­ even if the cultivators of the moon rebel hall look for for me, it¡¯s still somewhat incomplete.¡±


    ¡°especially some poisonous herbs that i haven¡¯t seen before, i¡¯ve only read about them in the pharmacopeia.¡±


    xu qing contemplated as the scene of the heir coming to him a few days ago, explaining the pros and cons of altering cognition, crossed his mind.


    ¡°leave a mark in my soul¡­¡±


    xu qing suppressed this choice and still decided to rely on himself. although it would take longer, xu qing felt that this was the most suitable for him.


    ¡°however, the heir mentioned another method that is related to my purple moon.¡±


    xu qing looked at the main hall as a guess rose in his mind.


    he recalled the series of training the heir had put him through since arriving at the bitter life mountain range. when considering the alternative method mentioned by the heir, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that perhaps¡­ the other party had been guiding him all along, leading him towards this second option.


    xu qing fell silent and recalled the words of the heir.


    ¡°kid, there¡¯s actually another way. it can also allow you to sense the sight of the god and see the real world. from there, your gaze can contain poison.¡±


    ¡°this method is related to your purple moon.¡±


    ¡°however, this method is extremely dangerous, so i am doubting to tell you.¡±


    ¡°but i can assure you that once successful, the world you see will be the true appearance of things. however, i am not sure if, at that time, you will still be yourself.¡±


    ¡°however, from the moment you obtained the divine source of the crimson goddess, this might be the path you have to take unless you¡¯re willing to give up your purple moon power.¡±


    ¡°so you can contemplate it yourself. i¡¯ll give you seven days. if you have made a decision, find me on the morning of the eighth day, and it must be at that time.¡±


    ¡°at that time, i will inform you specifically. this involves gods and has karmic consequences. if you don¡¯t come, i won¡¯t provide the information.¡±


    xu qing had been thinking about these words these few days. he guessed that after the golden crow and the poison restriction, this would be a transformation of his purple moon nascent soul.


    but he didn¡¯t understand why the heir said that after making a decision, he had to inform him on the morning of the eighth day.


    xu qing was a little puzzled about this.


    today was the late night of the seventh day. there were still four hours before the morning the heir mentioned.


    feeling the surroundings, xu qing saw that the heir was different from usual. instead of sitting in the main hall drinking tea, he was outside, on the roof, gazing at the sky.


    xu qing¡¯s body swayed and he disappeared from the back room. when he reappeared, he was also on the roof.


    ¡°wait!¡±


    the heir glanced at xu qing and calmly spoke, still looking at the sky.


    xu qing nodded and sat at the side, looking at the sky.


    in the sky of the moon worship region, there was little light during the day and it was pitch-black at night. it was as though a black curtain had covered the sky. there were no stars and it was like the void.


    the wind in the surroundings whistled over, carrying a whimper like a whistle that echoed between heaven and earth.


    the entire bitter life mountain range became much quieter than before.


    all the native cultivators seemed to be a little uneasy tonight.


    xu qing extended his divine consciousness and sensed that although li youfei was sitting cross-legged and meditating in the house, his heartbeat was clearly racing and his expression was filled with confusion.


    feeling a bit strange, xu qing extended his perception in all directions. the entire bitter life mountain range, even the sounds of birds and beasts, seemed to have diminished significantly.


    it was as though something was about to happen.


    time flowed by and two hours passed.


    there were still two hours before dawn. the captain walked out of the apothecary and arrived at the roof. after kneeling to the heir, he sat beside xu qing and winked at him.


    ¡°eldest senior brother.¡± xu qing looked at the captain.


    ¡°hush¡­¡± the captain raised his index finger to his lips and then pointed to the sky.


    xu qing fell into deep thought and waited silently.


    slowly, an hour passed.


    at this moment, the wind disappeared.


    all sound disappeared.


    the entire bitter life mountain range fell into extreme silence.


    it was the same for the green sand desert, the entire county, and the entire moon worship region. at this moment¡­ it was dead silent!


    in the sky, light appeared!


    it was a red light. although it was very faint, it became the only color in the void. hence, it was conspicuous and dazzling.


    at the start, there was only one stream of light, but very soon, there were countless of them. they were like sharp blades cutting through the sky, like divine decrees of death, reading out the calamity.


    xu qing¡¯s mind trembled intensely. the purple moon power in his body fluctuated intensely, as though it was about to lose control.


    in the distant horizon, as the red light gradually emerged, it became more and more abundant, even giving a sticky sensation, as if blood was spreading and infiltrating towards the entire sky of the moon worship region.


    a vast and mighty force, accompanied by a world-shaking momentum, terrifying fluctuations, and supreme majesty, descended upon the moon worship region with the spread of the red light in the sky!


    the sky turned crimson red, the ground churned, everything withered, and the human world suffered.


    at this moment, the bitter life mountain range trembled, the heavenly fire sea trembled, the heavenly bull mountain range trembled, and all the beings in the entire moon worship region trembled. helplessness appeared in their eyes and despair rose in their hearts.


    the sacrificial yin river that surrounded the moon worship region surged with monstrous waves. countless skeletons rose and fell, accompanied by endless cries and howls of sorrow.


    at this moment, only the temple cultivators in the temples in the moon worship region were extremely excited.


    they all walked out of their dwellings, kneeling on the ground, facing the horizon where the redness spread. they worshiped fervently, their expressions filled with fanaticism.


    ¡°lord red moon, guide the wanggu. mourn for all living beings, and enjoy paradise.¡±


    countless voices rang out from all directions, echoing endlessly.


    red moon was here.


    its true form was still somewhat far away from the moon worship region, but it was closer than ever before in these years. thus, its radiance appeared first, enveloping the entire domain.


    before long, as the entire sky turned blood-red and the earth transformed into a crimson expanse, a colossal red moon would emerge on the horizon.


    that would be the time when the crimson goddess was about to reap her harvest.


    xu qing¡¯s mind rumbled. he finally understood why the heir had set the date for this morning.


    he also understood why the captain had appeared.


    ¡°it won¡¯t be long before the crimson goddess¡­ enters the human world.¡± the heir looked at the horizon and muttered softly.


    ¡°at that time, all living beings will be food.¡±


    the heir retracted his gaze from the sky and stared at xu qing.


    ¡°xu qing, tell me about your decision?¡±


    ¡°how do i do it?¡± xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate and slowly spoke.


    the heir stood up and his voice echoed.


    ¡°xu qing, i actually don¡¯t understand the crimson goddess, nor do i know how you should use your purple moon power. i also don¡¯t know about the crimson goddess¡¯ specific authority as a god. that is a god¡¯s secret.¡±


    memories appeared in the heir¡¯s eyes. under the black-red sky, his figure revealed a hint of bleakness.


    ¡°however, i have seen the battle between my father and the crimson goddess.¡±


    ¡°at that time, the feeling the crimson goddess gave me¡­ was hunger. infinite hunger!¡±


    a hint of fear appeared in the heir¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°that hunger is extremely terrifying. it¡¯s not just the hunger for the body but also for the soul and everything else. it seems that when she appears, hunger becomes boundless.¡±


    ¡°you aren¡¯t hungry enough, so you can¡¯t display the true power of the purple moon. you have to experience extreme hunger!¡±


    ¡°i can only tell you that¡­ that¡¯s the overlapping of humanity and divinity, a blending and choosing.¡±

 Chapter 1000 - 1000 Humanity, Bestiality, Divinity

    1000 humanity, bestiality, divinity


    in the bitter life mountain range, the wind stopped blowing, the sand stopped moving, and everything was silent.


    only the crimson red sky was like light or blood, constantly churning and spreading, as if the sky was injured, dying the surroundings with blood.


    on the roof, the heir¡¯s voice echoed. in this silent world, he talked about karma related to gods.


    ¡°i¡¯m not a god, and i don¡¯t have divine sources in my body.¡±


    ¡°however, i also have authority, but it¡¯s different from gods¡­ it didn¡¯t come from the ignition of the divine fire but from the blessing of the wanggu heavenly dao.¡±


    ¡°therefore, i can¡¯t help you with how to control your divine source. i can only give you a direction, and that is hunger.¡±


    the heir stared at xu qing.


    ¡°hunger?¡± xu qing fell silent. a moment later, he glanced at the captain.


    in his memory, every time the captain saw the flesh of gods, he seemed to be extremely hungry.


    the captain blinked but didn¡¯t speak.


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    ¡°xu qing, we don¡¯t have much time left.¡± on the roof, the heir retracted his gaze and looked at the bright red color spreading over from the horizon. he then took a step forward.


    at the next instant, his figure disappeared from the world. xu qing also disappeared.


    the captain wasn¡¯t surprised by their departure. he stretched lazily and opened his storage bag, rummaging through it.


    a long time later, he found an iron box.


    ¡®the heir is too anxious¡­¡¯


    the captain muttered inwardly, bit his tongue, spat out a mouthful of blood into his hand, and placed his hand on the iron box.


    ¡°no other choice, can only use this. but speaking of it, the old man really predicted it accurately. he gave me this thing just before we left fenghai county.¡±


    ¡°at that time, he said that this was fourth¡¯s anchor¡­¡±


    ¡°i can only open it with my blood and send it to fourth when he gets lost.¡±


    the captain glanced at the iron box and wanted to open it in advance. however, he knew how important this item was, so he suppressed his curiosity.


    at the same time, in the depths of the green sand desert, in this endless desert, the figures of the heir and xu qing appeared from the void.


    as soon as he landed, xu qing immediately sensed his surroundings.


    the distant sand dunes remained motionless, the absence of wind rendering the desert silent. the greenish sand underfoot inexplicably took on a grayish-white hue.


    it gave off a feeling of death.


    xu qing had been here before and knew that it was a desolate land that was several months away from the bitter life mountain range.


    ¡°this place is good enough.¡±


    the heir calmly spoke and looked at xu qing.


    ¡°i¡¯ll ask you one last time. are you sure?¡±


    xu qing lifted his head and looked at the crimson sky. he sensed the restlessness of the purple moon¡¯s power in his body. it was an urge to leave his body and return to the sky.


    xu qing didn¡¯t want to give up on the purple moon, so he knew that he actually didn¡¯t need to make a choice. hence, he looked at the heir and nodded.


    ¡°good!¡±


    the heir¡¯s gaze was deep. he lifted his right hand and grabbed at xu qing.


    no aura spread out, no fluctuations of cultivation, and no aura erupted. however, just this simple grab caused xu qing¡¯s body to tremble.


    he could clearly sense that the fire of his life had instantly dimmed. the life force in his body seemed to possess its own will and became an independent entity, turning into fog that rapidly spread out from the surface of his body.


    the white fog continuously seeped out, emanating from every inch of xu qing¡¯s body¡ªhis pores, his seven apertures¡ªflowing outward, directly towards the right hand of the heir.


    in this process, xu qing¡¯s body began to wither, his hair started to wither away, and waves of weakness emerged throughout his entire body, becoming increasingly intense.


    a while later, the white fog finished gathering on the heir¡¯s right hand and he lowered his hand.


    xu qing staggered and took a few steps back, panting heavily. at this moment, from the outside, he no longer looked like he was 20 years old. he looked more like an old man in his twilight years.


    more than half of his hair had fallen off, and the rest had turned gray. his body was as skinny as firewood, and even his cultivation base had become fragile. in fact, his teeth had even loosened.


    his eyes also were dim. this was caused by 90% of his life force being extracted.


    a feeling of emptiness surfaced in xu qing¡¯s perception, transforming into coldness that caused him to feel hunger.


    however, xu qing felt that this wasn¡¯t enough.


    hence, he looked at the heir and spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°senior, i know you have your own selfish motives and i also understand that you hope that my purple moon power can be stronger. i can even guess that this has something to do with saving your siblings.¡±


    when the heir heard this, he didn¡¯t hide anything and said in a deep voice.


    ¡°xu qing, i do have selfish motives. i hope that your purple moon power can grow a little more and become stronger, and that you can truly control it¡­¡±


    ¡°in that case, please continue. this is because i also want to grasp the power of the purple moon. i want to see the true appearance of this world even more.¡± xu qing¡¯s voice was weak as he smiled.


    the heir fell silent. after a long time, his left hand formed a seal and pointed. immediately, a seal of the soul accumulation landed on xu qing.


    ¡°i¡¯ll deprive you of your life force and turn your life into a void.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll strip you of your cultivation and dry up your spirit energy.¡±


    ¡°deprive you of your recovery, making it impossible for you to restore yourself.¡±


    ¡°lastly, i¡¯ll deprive you of the possibility of survival, making it impossible for you to move or resist. you can only wait for death to arrive.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s mind rumbled. at this moment, his mind was blank. he didn¡¯t know when he lost his balance and fell heavily to the ground, lying in the desert.


    the heir sighed softly and cast a deep glance at xu qing. he then turned and walked toward the sky. step by step, he gradually left.


    only this quiet desert was left, leaving behind a lonely figure lying there.


    xu qing liked silence because it helped him think. he liked to think.


    however, at this moment, in this silent world, he didn¡¯t even have the ability to think. he felt extreme weakness and couldn¡¯t move his fingers.


    he also felt the coldness that he hated the most.


    ¡°it¡¯s been a long time¡­ a long time¡­¡± xu qing muttered weakly in his mind. it had been a long time since he had experienced this icy coldness from his childhood.


    the coldness in his body invaded his soul. the cold from the inside out caused his body to shiver uncontrollably.


    his consciousness started becoming blurry.


    vaguely, xu qing seemed to see many scenes. in one of them, a dirty and ragged youth crawled out from countless corpses, struggling hard to move forward, just to survive.


    ¡°actually, i already had this feeling when i was young¡­ more than once.¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    countless times, he was so hungry that he was about to die and countless times, he felt despair in his heart.


    in order to survive, he had eaten everything in the past. tree barks were already a very luxurious thing. when he was extremely hungry, he even ate soil to satisfy his hunger.


    ¡°so, the heir was actually wrong. he should have let me have some strength, so that i could feel hunger on a deeper level.¡±


    xu qing forced a smile and trembled as he lifted his withered arm. he tried his best to place it in front of him and bring it to his mouth.


    his eyes gradually revealed madness, bloodshot veins emerged, and with all his gathered strength, he forcefully opened his mouth and bit down on the arm.


    the blood flowed along the lips and teeth of xu qing, but before it could drip down, he inhaled and swallowed every drop.


    at the same time, he also swallowed a piece of flesh on his arm that he had bitten off.


    xu qing didn¡¯t need to chew too much. his throat moved and he ruthlessly swallowed it.


    as the flesh and blood slid down the esophagus into the stomach, the inexhaustible squeezing and gastric juices, like the drought-ridden earth receiving rain, surged up.


    xu qing grinned, his mouth full of blood, feeling the struggling in his stomach, the familiar sensation making him smile.


    ¡°that¡¯s more like it. to starve, you need to have some strength at least.¡±


    however, this smile was a little terrifying. as he smiled, xu qing¡¯s eyes turned even redder and his breathing became hurried. as his strength recovered a little, the hunger brought about by the coldness and emptiness also became increasingly intense.


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled and the blood color in his eyes intensified. he felt that at this moment, it was as though an endless void had appeared in his body. the suction force emitted by it caused the world in front of him to distort.


    however, xu qing had a lot of experience in this.


    he looked at the sky and suddenly cursed.


    ¡°son of a bitch, fragmented-face!¡±


    when he was young, every time he was hungry to this extent, he would curse like this. it was the same now.


    as he cursed, xu qing¡¯s thoughts slowly returned a little. he finally restrained the madness in his heart.


    ¡°this hunger that can be restrained is clearly not enough.¡±


    ¡°this is the hunger of the body, not the hunger of the god that the heir mentioned.¡±


    ¡°as for the feeling of hunger, i have other experiences as well.¡±


    xu qing recalled the time when he devoured the cultivators from the red moon shrine. at that time, an intense impulse had risen in his heart, as though he was addicted and wanted to devour more. he still remembered that feeling.


    ¡°at that time, although i controlled myself, if i continued to devour, i might not have been able to control myself¡­¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s also eldest senior brother¡¯s hunger and ancient spirit emperor¡¯s hunger!¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s also the hunger of the crimson goddess¡¯ clone, zhang siyun, in the immortal forbidden!¡±


    ¡°their hunger is similar but also different from mine.¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    ¡°then, what if i don¡¯t restrain myself?¡±


    xu qing fell silent. after a long time, he gave up on restraining himself and instinctively lowered his head. his breathing was hurried and the feeling of hunger suppressed his rationality, replacing everything.


    he suddenly opened his mouth and bit his arm again, as though it wasn¡¯t his own flesh.


    he took one bite after another. he slowly lost his rationality and his instincts gradually drove everything.


    at this moment, he was like a wild beast!


    in fact, when some of the blood landed on the sand, xu qing instinctively lowered his body and greedily swallowed the sand tainted with blood.


    however, even so, the feeling of starvation didn¡¯t reduce at all.


    ¡°hungry¡­ hungry¡­¡±


    xu qing trembled, crawling forward with determination. he wanted to eat more.


    however, the surroundings were desolate, and there was not a single beast in sight. after crawling a few yards, xu qing lay there, engulfed by darkness, overwhelmed by madness.


    as weakness and death spread through his entire body with increasing intensity, xu qing¡¯s mind sobered up for a moment.


    ¡°the heir said that it¡¯s the overlapping of humanity and divinity¡­¡±


    ¡°right now, i¡¯m bestial.¡±


    ¡°to be able to wake up means that this is the fusion of humanity and bestiality. it also means that my method is wrong.¡±


    ¡°so, what is humanity? and what is divinity?¡±


    xu qing muttered weakly.


    time flowed by and three days passed.


    while xu qing was feeling this starvation in the green sand desert, because the light of the red moon appeared on the horizon, the races and all living beings in the entire moon worship region fell into despair.


    chaos was the companion of despair.


    the entire moon worship region began to descend into chaos and insanity became the main theme.


    since their final fate was destined to be death, anything was possible at this last moment of life.


    burning, killing, humiliating, raping, and looting could be seen anywhere in this region.


    the evil inherent in the nature of life unfolded infinitely at this moment, released and immersed without restraint.


    all constraints ceased to exist, and all inhibitions turned to ashes.


    wails and pain transformed into a storm that swept through everything.


    human nature was collapsing.


    goodwill was dimming.


    bestial nature was spreading.


    madness was erupting.


    it was the same for the cultivators as well..

 Chapter 1001 - 1001 Gods Secret! (1)

    1001 god¡¯s secret! (1)


    on the second day after the night when the red moonlight first appeared, the wind returned to the green sand desert.


    at first, it was faint, but now, after three days, the green wind whirled with the green sand and howled through the sky, pushing the sand dunes to continuously shift, transforming the desert into a sea of sand.


    the whimpering and howling sound seemed to gather the cries of all living beings and continued to spread throughout the world.


    in this desert, most of xu qing¡¯s body was drowned. only a small portion of his body was revealed and he was motionless, like a corpse.


    he had been thinking about what humanity and divinity were.


    this question was profound and it was very difficult for xu qing to understand it thoroughly, especially the latter¡­


    he wasn¡¯t a god, so he couldn¡¯t use his identity as a human to comprehend the divinity of gods.


    however, xu qing also had his own advantage. in his short 20 years of experience, he had seen too much evil and suffering. he had seen the endless ugliness of human nature.


    hence, he had an understanding of human nature.


    and during these three days, he had been reflecting about his past, recalling scenes from his memory since he could remember.


    there was greed, madness, cannibalism, and malevolence.


    there was also beauty in it, but it ultimately shattered like a spark.


    however, no matter what, he remembered his feeling the instant the spark appeared.


    just like the peace in peerless city when he was young, the impression his parents gave him, the warmth captain lei gave him, and the sentiments duanmu zang had.


    there was also¡­ the figure of the sword holding palace¡¯s palace master, kong liangxiu.


    many more.


    ¡°human nature has virtuous and evil.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly.


    ¡°human nature also has emotions for things, and the resulting attachments.¡±


    xu qing thought of his master, the captain, zi xuan, ling¡¯er, and the many figures he had known on his way here.


    some he hated, some he was grateful for, some he disliked, and some he liked.


    ¡°from the beginning, when i was alone, until now¡­ unknowingly, the concerns in my heart have multiplied, and attachments as well. all of these are like strands of thread, woven into a vast web.¡±


    ¡°and human nature is the source of this web, leading to my joys and sorrows.¡±


    xu qing opened his eyes and looked at the sky. he felt the whimpering sound of the wind as though it carried the cries of all living beings.


    ¡°human nature includes the desire for life and the fear of death.¡±


    ¡°my wish since i was young was to survive.¡±


    ¡°in fact, all the emotions and the style of doing things are actually a manifestation of human nature.¡±


    ¡°when i was in peerless city, i had no thoughts of killing, i wouldn¡¯t think about the future or consider what it would be like to grow up. but after going through a series of events, i changed.¡±


    xu qing mumbled, this kind of reminiscence made him deeply reflect on himself. the emergence of past events also deepened his understanding of human nature.


    ¡°one of the differences between human nature and bestial nature is restraint.¡±


    xu qing lowered his head, looking at his bare left arm. remembering his previous madness, he felt that the source of control came from self-control, so what did self-control come from?


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    ¡°from the moral constraints within my cognition, this part is the attribute that makes humans human.¡±


    ¡°so, human nature is orderly, while bestial nature, on the contrary, is disorderly and relies on instincts. this is the state of those beasts in the wanggu continent that have been invaded by god¡¯s aura.¡±


    xu qing understood.


    ¡°what about divinity?¡±


    xu qing fell silent. he still didn¡¯t comprehend but he knew that this body of his was the body of a god. he also knew that his poison restriction came from a divine realm and his purple moon was also a divine source.


    ¡°so, spreading my purple moon power throughout my body, in a sense, means that divinity already exists. it¡¯s just that i didn¡¯t realize it, or perhaps, it didn¡¯t reveal because i am human, not a god.¡±


    ¡°the heir¡¯s request for me is to feel hungry, like crimson goddess.¡±


    ¡°so hunger is the key to opening divinity?¡±


    ¡°how did god¡¯s hunger come about?¡±


    xu qing was confused. at that moment, he no longer felt hungry. his body was used to it and he had adapted to the feeling of weakness. death was approaching.


    a long time later, xu qing sighed softly.


    he still couldn¡¯t find an answer, but he didn¡¯t want to continue lying here. he struggled to sit up from the sand.


    because, in the distance, some fierce beasts had emerged in the desert, and even further away, he saw a giant mushroom emitting malice moving towards him.


    a terrifying energy fluctuation emitted from the mushroom, giving xu qing the feeling that it wasn¡¯t a nascent soul but a dao nurturing being.


    in the green sand desert, these mushrooms were bizarre existences. they were not numerous, and their roots could outline giant figures. few people would dare to provoke them.


    this was something xu qing had sensed the first time he came to this desert back then.


    but now, the simple act of sitting up consumed the little strength he had left. as he sat up, the pit formed in the sand behind him quickly filled with sand from the surroundings, gradually leveling out.


    xu qing was stunned, turning to look at the filled pit. in that moment, his mind began to roar, as if lightning bolts were flashing across it, causing him to forget the dangers around him, ignoring everything; his eyes focused only on the filled sand pit.


    ¡°it¡¯s filled¡­¡±


    ¡°when i was lying there, i was a part of the sand pit, and when i got up, there was a missing piece, so¡­ the sand rushed in, restoring it to its original state.¡±

 Chapter 1002 - 1002 Gods Secret! (2)

    1002 god¡¯s secret! (2)


    ¡°so, if i consider this sand pit as me, the original sand as human nature¡­ and the later filled sand as divinity¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression changed, his breath slightly accelerated. he vaguely felt that he had grasped a key point, and was about to contemplate it, when in the next instant, a massive scorpion tail shot out of the sand beside him, piercing into his body.


    xu qing¡¯s body landed in the distance with a loud thud, as if a kite with a broken string.


    in an instant, three sand scorpions rushed towards the place where he fell, closing in rapidly and beginning to bite.


    xu qing ignored them. although his body was weak, it still possessed resilience. these scorpions couldn¡¯t tear him apart in a short time. though pain surged, xu qing¡¯s thoughts were the most crucial thing for him now.


    he allowed the scorpions to bite him while closing his eyes to continue his previous thoughts.


    ¡°erasing one¡¯s own humanity, no longer restraining the beastly nature with humanity, thereby allowing divinity to fill the void and act upon the beastly nature!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s mind rumbled.


    he understood.


    ¡°i don¡¯t need to understand what divinity is. what i need to do is to feel it when it integrates and understand it from the perspective of the god¡¯s sight.¡±


    ¡°at that time, perhaps i won¡¯t need to restrain my beastly nature because it won¡¯t need restraint; it will inherently obey me.¡±


    ¡°so, the heir told me that if i want to do this, i need human nature and divinity to overlap. this is a kind of mixing and choosing!¡±


    ¡°but why would hunger appear?¡±


    xu qing understood some of the answers but there were still some things he didn¡¯t understand. however, at the end of the day, he needed to face a choice.


    should he give it a try?


    after a while, xu qing remembered the tea mentioned by the heir in his early guidance.


    he then thought of his experiment on the golden crow and the enlightenment he had gained from watching the heir take a leaf from the little seedling.


    ¡°tea and water can be fused but they can also be separated. as for the leaves that leave the grass seedling, they are also a part of the grass seedling. their origins are the same.¡±


    ¡°so, even if it¡¯s an attempt, it¡¯s not impossible to reverse it.¡±


    xu qing fell silent for a moment and determination appeared in his eyes. this was because he knew that unless he was willing to give up on completely grasping the power of the purple moon, he only had this path.


    ¡°as for how to erase human nature¡­¡±


    xu qing closed his eyes. the way to erase human nature was to no longer restrain his instincts.


    hence, he began to slowly adjust.


    a while later, xu qing¡¯s breathing gradually hastened and his body slowly trembled. after a long time, his eyes opened, revealing madness like that of a wild beast.


    he no longer constrained his instincts, no longer restrained his actions, no longer considered morality, good and evil, or the dignity of being human.


    he also didn¡¯t think about his memories or emotions.


    release, release, instinct was continuously released.


    boom!


    at the next instant, xu qing let out a roar like a wild beast. his eyes were red as he lowered his head and looked at a scorpion that was biting him.


    his saliva flowed uncontrollably from the corner of his mouth. the hunger from his body erupted endlessly at this moment.


    he didn¡¯t know where he got the strength from but he grabbed the scorpion and started biting it crazily.


    sand and soil flew up as rumbling sounds echoed.


    the roars and sharp sounds continued to intertwine and fuse. after about fifteen minutes, a figure rushed out.


    he was xu qing.


    however, at this moment, his hair was disheveled and he was panting. his face and body were covered in blood and his left hand, which had a large amount of flesh bitten off earlier, was completely broken.


    however, this didn¡¯t affect his speed.


    he didn¡¯t know how to think anymore. only his instincts existed. he wanted to eat and eat everything.


    the instinctive hunger plunged him into madness; he wanted to devour, not only a desire for flesh and blood but also a deeper and more profound craving.


    he didn¡¯t know what it was; his sensation was that his body seemed to have numerous voids, a substance of utmost importance to him, concealed within.¡¯


    as he hid, the feeling of hunger grew increasingly intense. it came from his body and soul.


    at the same time, his body shone with purple light!


    this was the power of the purple moon!


    it surged with unprecedented fluctuations, intertwining intimately with the brilliance of the protagonist at this instant, blending in an infinite fusion.


    the surroundings distorted and the world blurred. the power of the god rumbled and erupted from xu qing¡¯s body.


    the desert shook and the green wind paused. it actually rolled back, as though it didn¡¯t dare to get close.


    a wail rang out from xu qing¡¯s mouth. he ran crazily toward the mushrooms in the distance and instantly got close.


    originally, at his peak, he would have to expend a lot of magic power to break through the surface of the mushroom. at this moment, he only waved his hand and the surface of the mushroom split open on its own.


    as a mournful cry echoed, xu qing directly crawled in and opened his mouth to devour it.


    his remaining right hand was also constantly waving as he grabbed piece after piece of flesh and stuffed them into his mouth with all his might.


    ¡°hungry¡­ hungry¡­¡±


    as for the mushroom¡¯s resistance, it was also extremely intense. a large number of tentacles danced out of the sand, forming the outline of a giant that suppressed xu qing.


    under its aura, all nascent soul cultivators would collapse. even xu qing, in the past, would have had to go all out to resist it.


    however, now¡­ as soon as these tentacles that contained suppression got close to xu qing, they actually collapsed on their own.


    it was completely helpless against xu qing.


    the waves of terror swept out from within the mushroom, accompanied by agonizing cries that transformed into the lament of life. however, xu qing continued to devour, one gulp after another.¡¯


    his stomach swelled but the feeling of appetite didn¡¯t decrease. instead, it became even more terrifying.


    in the end, it was as though all the holes in his body had melted together, forming an incomparably huge black hole that devoured him.


    the divinity from the purple moon shone even more intensely at this moment.


    the purple intent enveloped the world.


    the divine source erupted.


    xu qing¡¯s movements slowly stopped at this moment. in his madness, his red eyes revealed a hint of cold clarity. he vaguely seemed to sense divinity.


    it was hard to describe and beyond words.


    xu qing didn¡¯t understand everything. it was just that at this moment, he had a sudden feeling.


    for example, whether the crimson goddess came or not was no longer important in his thoughts.


    who he was was no longer important.


    ¡°emotions, past, good and evil, grievances, all people, all things, he remembered, but at this moment, none of it mattered anymore.¡±


    his view of things and understanding of everything was different from the past.


    ¡°this is why the heir said that the moment i succeed, it will be hard to tell if i am still me¡­¡±


    ¡°because the moment godliness completely replaced human nature, the things and people that were once extremely important to me are insignificant at this moment.¡±


    xu qing pondered indifferently. he only thought about this question slightly and felt that it was meaningless.


    to him, pondering over this matter was equally unimportant.


    as for the decaying landscape before his eyes, swept by an aging wind, where grotesque specters filled the space between heaven and earth, and the ground was covered with ruins submerged in a sea of bones and flesh-eating maggots, it also didn¡¯t matter.


    even the blurry fragmented-face in the sky had undergone a transformation, with eyes wide open, gazing down at the earth as if they had never closed.


    this too wasn¡¯t important.


    the important thing was that the protagonist was very hungry, extremely hungry.


    his appetite seemed to be endless with no beginning or end.


    xu qing understood the source of his hunger.


    that was another instinct that pursued the evolution of life.


    it was also a farewell and reluctance to part with the past.


    it was an imperfect black hole formed by the loss of humanity and the integration of divinity.


    ¡°if i want to resolve this hunger, i have to make myself perfect and completely erase human nature.¡±


    ¡°i haven¡¯t done it completely, and the crimson goddess hasn¡¯t done it either. the ancient spirit emperor hasn¡¯t completed it either. it¡¯s the same for the captain¡­ so, they will be hungry.¡±


    xu qing calmly thought about this unimportant matter that he didn¡¯t know why he was thinking about. very soon, he stopped thinking.


    however, after he stopped, he faintly felt that this was very important.


    the collision of two types of thoughts caused a struggle to appear in his eyes. sometimes, it was indifferent, and sometimes, it regained the color of human nature.


    as they continued to intertwine, the veins on xu qing¡¯s forehead bulged and he let out a wail of pain. the clarity in his eyes rapidly disappeared and insanity surged again. his instinct to pursue perfection erased the footsteps of humanity and erupted uncontrollably again.


    xu qing went crazy again. purple light overflowed into the sky from his entire body, and he sped into the distance like he was possessed.


    there was food there.


    at the place he left, there was not a single mushroom left. he devoured them all.

 Chapter 1003 - 1003 Cant See Me, Cant Remember Me, Forget Me

    1003 can¡¯t see me, can¡¯t remember me, forget me


    time flowed by.


    five days passed.


    it had been eight days since the light of the red moon appeared on the horizon.


    during these eight days, the crimson red at the end of the sky has transformed into a shape resembling a crescent moon. numerous bands of light, thick like blood, continue to spread.


    if the entire sky was treated as a vast curtain, then in just those few days, the red color had already spread to about two-thirds of the area.


    according to this speed, in about a year, the entire sky would turn completely red.


    that was the day the red moon would arrive, the moment when the funeral bells rang for all living beings in the entire moon worship region.


    the countdown had begun.


    as death came, there was no longer a need to suppress the final madness, so it was released in full.


    the slaughter erupted everywhere.


    it was the same for cultivators and mortals.


    the strong bullied the weak, the weak oppressed the even weaker, and the even weaker resisted desperately, with desperate roars echoing in the ferocity.


    the frantic screams before death turned the world into hell where demons ran rampant.


    it was the same for the green sand desert.


    all factions experienced varying degrees of madness in these eight days: killing and being killed became the new rule.


    one faction after another fell apart and mortal cities became places for cultivators to vent the despair in their hearts.


    the earth city where xu qing¡¯s apothecary was located was also a target.


    in these eight days, there were hundreds of crazy people who came to wreak havoc. they wanted to give their pain to others indiscriminately.


    it seemed that witnessing others in greater pain allowed them to find extreme happiness at the end of their lives.


    however, they didn¡¯t know that in the entire green sand desert, there was a place that was more dangerous than the red moon shrine here. therefore, all the demons entering this earth city underwent varying degrees of transformation the moment they stepped in.


    some directly disappeared.


    some lost all their madness and smiled again, happily becoming residents of this earth city.


    in the backyard of the apothecary in earth city, the heir had an additional hobby and ning yan also had an additional job.


    that was to raise chicks.


    in just eight days, there were more than 20 little chicks in the backyard. they were trembling as they ate, not daring to escape. there were even many times when they would hide in a corner, and the fear in their eyes was intense.


    ¡°ah, do you guys not have eyes? why come running here? do you really want to become little chicks?¡± ning yan sighed, sprinkling feed as he shook his head in resignation.


    he felt that cleaning the floor every day was hard enough, and now he had an additional job. so, he didn¡¯t have a good opinion of these little chicks. at this moment, he kicked one away and spat on the ground.


    the kicked little chick showed anger in its eyes and made protesting sounds, but there was nothing it could do. even though it was at the perfected stage of nascent soul realm and its master was the strongest in the bitter life mountain range, it was now just a little chick.


    when he thought of his experiences, grief and indignation rose in the heart of the little chick. he didn¡¯t come here to vent his anger but on the orders of his master to investigate this mysterious apothecary. at the same time, he wanted to find out if li youfei was really here.


    however, he didn¡¯t expect that he would lose consciousness as soon as he entered this earth city. when he regained his senses, he had actually turned into a little chick.


    this made him extremely terrified. however, in his heart, his master was like a heavenly existence. hence, he still felt that as long as his master appeared, he would definitely have a way to save him.


    ¡°after master realizes that i didn¡¯t report on time, he will definitely know that something happened to me. although this apothecary is mysterious, as long as master comes, they will all die. after all, master has the red moon shrine behind him!¡±


    ¡°especially this kid. i want to kill him personally!¡±


    just as the little chick gritted its teeth inwardly, ning yan kicked another one away and sighed.


    ¡°i wonder how boss xu is doing.¡±


    ¡°ling¡¯er cries every day and i don¡¯t know where chen erniu is. only the elder still sits there and drinks tea every day¡­¡±


    ning yan shook his head and rubbed his hands. after scattering the feed, he turned and left.


    at the same time, in the green sand desert, xu qing sprinted forward like a wild beast.


    his eyes were bloodshot and purple light flickered on his body. the hunger invaded all his understanding and transformed into terrifying fluctuations that continued to erupt from his body.


    gradually, it formed a storm that rumbled the world.


    and in the imperfect fusion of the concealment of human nature and the influx of divinity, a vortex formed, like an abyss capable of devouring everything, engulfing xu qing within.


    he lost his self-awareness, lost the understanding of things, or more accurately, lost the judgment of being human.


    it was as though a gap had been opened in the shackles given by the concept of humans.


    amidst the endless release, xu qing sank.


    to him, any existence in this world could be a part of food. the phrase ¡®beggars can¡¯t be choosers¡¯ perfectly described xu qing¡¯s current state.


    regardless of whether it was the ferocious beasts in the desert, the walking mushrooms, or the aura blowing in the wind, he could devour them all.


    also, the anomalous substances in the world became like nectar.


    they seemed to possess their own will and came from all directions on their own. they cheered and surged into xu qing¡¯s body, nourishing his poison restriction and his purple moon.


    hence, not only did xu qing¡¯s body shine with purple light, but there was also a halo spreading out. that was the poison restriction.


    as he moved forward, his body gradually transformed into a purple light. wherever he went, all the sand and gravel on the ground turned into ashes, as if a god was walking on the earth.


    as for the group of ferocious beasts in the distance, they seemed to have lost the concept of fleeing. they were trembling there and their actions were controlled by the fear that came from their souls and instincts.


    they allowed xu qing to walk over. under his gaze, they decayed and transformed into nutrients that surged into xu qing¡¯s body.


    occasionally, he would encounter powerful existences like mushrooms but even they couldn¡¯t escape fate¡¯s arrangements. as xu qing got closer, the anomalous substances in this area transformed into suppression that destroyed everything.


    the sturdy outer shell offered no protection, unable to stop xu qing¡¯s footsteps.


    he entered the creature¡¯s body, lifting his hands to grab pieces and crazily stuffing them into his mouth.


    he even felt that it was a little slow to eat like this. hence, mouths grew on his entire body and devoured them.


    as for the left hand he had lost, it had long grown back. as long as xu qing felt that he needed it, it could be done with a thought. it was extremely simple.


    the purple moon was active and the poison restriction was churning. the shadow was extremely afraid at this moment and the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor didn¡¯t dare to move.


    ¡°forget me, forget me¡­¡±


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor prayed inwardly. the shadow was the same.


    they were afraid and this fear came from their very source of life.


    they had seen xu qing¡¯s madness before but it had never made them feel despair like this.


    this was because they could sense that xu qing would really devour them at this moment.


    as long as he wanted to.


    d132¡¯s god¡¯s finger was also afraid.


    it woke up due to the stimulation. the instant it woke up, it was about to emit dissatisfied emotions. however, at the next instant, it sensed what was happening outside and its mind stirred with monstrous rumbling.


    it instantly restrained all its aura and pretended to continue sleeping while trembling. however, the fear in its heart couldn¡¯t be described with words.


    ¡°this, this, this¡­ what the hell is going on!!¡±


    ¡°i only took a nap. how did it become like this?!¡±


    the god¡¯s finger trembled and the horror in its heart surged crazily. at that moment, it felt like it was facing the crimson goddess and the ancient spirit emperor back then.


    xu qing¡¯s hunger made it feel that the other party could eat it at any time.


    this perception caused it to feel despair and endless indignation.


    it felt that even gods had fates, and it must have suffered the backlash of fate, invaded by its own authority of misfortune, reaching the utmost of ill luck.


    ¡°i¡¯ve hidden from the main body for countless years, afraid of being devoured. but then, to avoid the ancient spirit emperor, i had no choice but to cooperate with him. however, who can tell me what¡¯s going on? i hid until the end, hid in his stomach, yet he still wants to devour me!¡±


    ¡°no way, it¡¯s impossible for him to grow so fast. if he wants to reach this step, it should be many years later.¡±


    ¡°and, he, like those who became gods by erasing their humanity and merging with divinity, relies on erasing his humanity to transition. this is different from noble beings like me, born as gods, so why am i terrified?¡±


    ¡°also¡­ his humanity is resisting divinity. is he mad? why resist? this is the reason why he fell into madness.¡±


    the god¡¯s finger was filled with grief and indignation. however, at that moment, xu qing¡¯s body paused as though he was listening.


    after this pause, the shadow pretended to be dead and the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor shrank his head. d132¡¯s god¡¯s finger immediately closed its eyes, not daring to move at all.


    they were all praying inwardly.


    ¡°you can¡¯t see me, you can¡¯t remember me, forget me¡­¡±


    nervous emotions, anxiety, and uneasiness surfaced in their consciousness at the same time.


    at the next moment, xu qing moved and headed straight for the distance. there¡­ were even more delicious food there.


    the shadow heaved a sigh of relief. the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor raised his trembling head. d132¡¯s god¡¯s finger was filled with sorrow.


    ¡°there¡¯s no point in resisting like this. if this guy continues like this, he¡¯ll only become a divine sinner. moreover, he¡¯s a postnatal divine sinner.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s something wrong with him. under normal circumstances, it¡¯s impossible for me to feel such a terrifying feeling from someone who is touching the divinity!¡±


    ¡°the feeling he gives me doesn¡¯t seem like that at all!¡±


    ¡°damn it, what should i do, what should i do? once he becomes a holy sinner, i¡¯m finished. a divine sinner is a chaotic existence that can even eat itself clean when it¡¯s hungry!¡±


    just as d132 was feeling incomparably anxious, the insanity in xu qing¡¯s eyes intensified. he was getting closer and closer to the nourishment he sensed.


    he could sense that the nourishment in front of him was unprecedentedly sweet, causing the desire in his heart to be incomparable. the feeling of hunger also rose to the extreme at this moment.


    ¡°hungry¡­ hungry¡­¡±


    in front of him, on the desert, a individual stood there.


    it was the captain!


    he looked into the distance and watched the violet tempest rapidly approaching. his expression was no longer as casual as before and there was a uncommon solemnity in his eyes.


    ¡°junior brother¡­¡±

 Chapter 1004 - 1004 Purple Moon Divine Repository!

    1004 purple moon divine repository!


    green sand desert.


    the wind was like sharp blades hidden in the void, shattering the sand one after another and emitting sharp cries as it blew past xu qing and the captain.


    after losing consciousness, xu qing, who was now in a frenzy, rushed over from afar. his speed was so fast that he instantly arrived 100 feet away from the captain.


    as the word ¡®junior brother¡¯ echoed, xu qing¡¯s footsteps suddenly stopped 100 feet away.


    his eyes were red and filled with chaos as he stared fixedly at the figure in front of him. when this figure entered his vision, there was a struggle in his eyes and he sobered up for a moment.


    the confrontation between human nature and divinity also became extremely intense at this moment. xu qing trembled. he recognized his eldest senior brother but he couldn¡¯t control the hunger in his body.


    ¡°eldest senior brother¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s voice was hoarse. the instant he spoke, the abyss formed by the confrontation between human nature and divinity swallowed him again. xu qing let out a painful wail and turned to head into the distance!


    he actually restrained himself from getting close to eldest senior brother!


    this scene caused chen erniu¡¯s expression to change.


    he understood xu qing and also understood the pain xu qing was enduring at this moment. hence, he was well aware what it meant to restrain oneself in this state¡­


    this both indicated xu qing¡¯s exceptional qualities and emphasized his own immense significance in the eyes of the other.


    chen erniu¡¯s heart warmed.


    ¡°silly kid.¡±


    he smiled and shook his head. after that, he took a deep breath. at the next instant, a face appeared in his eyes. when the eyes of the face opened, there was still a face in its pupils.


    one after another, under the endlessness, a blue light rose from the captain¡¯s body. his body swayed and he instantly disappeared.


    when he appeared, he was already in front of xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s expression distorted as chen erniu spoke softly.


    ¡°junior brother, if you¡¯re hungry, eat.¡±


    with that, he lifted his hand and placed it in front of xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled. he lifted his head and stared at his eldest senior brother in front of him. the desire that came from his life¡¯s instinct, the vortex that came from the confrontation between human nature and divinity, completely erupted at this moment.


    he suddenly opened his mouth and bit the captain¡¯s arm.


    blood dripped as he tore the flesh and swallowed.


    as he ate, xu qing¡¯s body felt comforted. however, his heart was in pain. he wanted to control himself. he didn¡¯t want this to happen.


    however, the envelopment of the abyss made it impossible for him to do so. hence, his expression became sinister and crazier as he whimpered.


    that was the resistance of human nature!


    the captain smiled and spoke softly.


    ¡°little qing, don¡¯t be afraid.¡±


    as he spoke, the captain allowed xu qing to devour his left hand. he then lifted his right hand and stroked xu qing¡¯s hair, hugging his body in his arms.


    ¡°eat, eat more. this matter should have been done by the old man. however, who asked me to be your eldest senior brother? i can do it too.¡±


    ¡°eat, eat until you¡¯re full. we still have big things to do.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled and the struggle in his eyes grew even more intense. an extremely terrifying thought appeared in his mind.


    he wanted to¡­ completely devour this eldest senior brother in front of him without leaving anything. he wanted to eat him up completely.


    more importantly, in these few days, since humanity and divinity fused, this was the first time he felt another type of desire other than hunger.


    that was the thirst for blood!


    he wanted to suck the captain¡¯s blood dry!


    when this thought rose, xu qing felt an extreme pain in his heart.


    he didn¡¯t want to!


    at this moment, his devouring action suddenly paused.


    xu qing let out a whimper. a few breaths later, the purple light on his entire body erupted, forming an overwhelming force that forcefully pushed the captain¡¯s body hundreds of feet away.


    looking at the captain¡¯s arm that had already been half-eaten by him, the struggle in xu qing¡¯s eyes grew even more intense. he abruptly lifted his right hand and directly put it into his mouth, pulling out the flesh he had swallowed piece by piece.


    as for those that had made their way into his stomach, xu qing decisively cut open his abdomen, reaching in with his left hand, and extracting them piece by piece.


    blood splattered all over the ground.


    what was strange was that the blood¡­ was like beads, rolling on the ground. xu qing¡¯s sinister face appeared on each of them.


    as xu qing dug out the flesh he had swallowed, he struggled intensely. the collision of human nature and divinity was unprecedentedly intense at this moment.


    the captain stood in the distance and looked at xu qing. his expression revealed a hint of heartache but he didn¡¯t move.


    he knew that¡­ only by awakening xu qing¡¯s humanity could he truly overcome the trial of touching divinity.


    ¡°back then¡­¡± the captain¡¯s mind recalled the past when he was sealed. a hint of pain surfaced in his eyes.


    a while later, following xu qing¡¯s actions, more and more blood appeared. finally, this blood actually formed a totem on its own outside his body.


    from the sky, one could see that this totem was a face.


    that face covered its eyes with a pained expression. its entire body was blood-red, as though blood was continuously flowing.


    its form was like that of crimson goddess.


    but the appearance was of xu qing!


    however, at the center of the totem, xu qing, who was continuously digging out flesh, was struggling intensely. this was because he discovered that the thought of devouring his eldest senior brother hadn¡¯t disappeared.


    as for eldest senior brother¡¯s missing left arm, it caused his pain to erupt continuously.


    finally, xu qing let out a roar that didn¡¯t sound human. he then turned and sped into the distance at full speed.


    he wanted to take advantage of the rise of human nature and leave this place. he was about to be unable to suppress the hunger and it made him go crazy. he wanted to leave this place and go somewhere else to devour everything.


    his vision was blurry and his world was distorted. the divinity was indifferently telling him that everything that was beneficial to evolution had to be done.


    beastly nature was a weapon that was released under the control of divinity.


    however, human nature kept reminding him of his dignity and bottom line as a human.


    there were some things that couldn¡¯t be done.


    some people couldn¡¯t be given up.


    some wills had to persevere even in death!


    xu qing quickly left.


    as he left, the face pattern formed by the droplets of blood on the ground rose and whistled behind him, emitting divine might.


    the captain silently looked at xu qing¡¯s back view and followed.


    time flowed by and xu qing didn¡¯t stop running. the captain¡¯s appearance ignited the struggle in his heart. amidst the fusion of human nature and divinity, his madness far exceeded what it used to be.


    ¡°who i am¡­ isn¡¯t important.¡±


    ¡°no, this is very important. i¡¯m xu qing!¡±


    ¡°my past isn¡¯t important anymore.¡±


    ¡°very important!¡±


    ¡°the people i meet in my life are just food.¡±


    ¡°no!!¡±


    in xu qing¡¯s heart, two different consciousnesses gradually appeared amidst the struggle and roars. among these two consciousnesses, one was indifferent and the other was in pain.


    the indifferent consciousness was divinity and the carrier was the bloody face behind xu qing.


    the painful consciousness was human nature and the carrier was xu qing¡¯s unwillingness to give up.


    during this process, the other nascent souls of his didn¡¯t change but the power of the purple moon on his body continued to erupt.


    unknowingly, the purple moon nascent soul had already reached the perfected third tribulation, but the tribulation actually didn¡¯t descend. it allowed his purple moon nascent soul to continue rising until it reached the fourth tribulation and reached the perfected fourth tribulation.


    it continued until the fifth tribulation!


    it still erupted and reached the great circle of the fifth tribulation!


    it still didn¡¯t stop and broke through amidst the rumbling.


    his purple moon nascent soul directly stepped into the dao nurturing realm!


    outside xu qing¡¯s body, amidst the intertwining purple lights, an illusory purple secret repository appeared faintly and descended.


    or rather, this wasn¡¯t a secret repository. this was¡­ a divine repository formed by the power of the god!


    at this moment, the sky lost color and the desert churned.


    as the power of the purple moon expanded, xu qing¡¯s struggles began to weaken. his humanity was rapidly dimming. the feeling of hunger was about to replace everything and his thirst for blood was about to conquer everything.


    the face formed by the blood behind him seemed to be smiling, an indifferent smile.


    it was going to win.


    at this moment, a sudden change occurred!


    xu qing suddenly stopped in his tracks. he stood up there and looked 100 feet in front of him. his entire body seemed to be covered in countless goosebumps, spreading and quivering.


    his mind churned with unprecedented waves.


    it was as though what he saw 100 feet away attracted all his thoughts and understanding.


    it was an iron box.


    the metal box contained some blood-red soil, and in the soil¡­


    a flower was blooming!


    the only distinctive feature is the noticeable serration along the edges of its leaves. it has a total of seventeen leaves, and in the center of each leaf, there is a strange symbol formed by threads.


    this symbol gazed like a face. some were crying and some were laughing.


    after xu qing saw this plant, it was as though millions of lightning bolts had collapsed in his mind at the same time and surged into his entire body. his soul seemed to be tearing apart.


    countless scenes and countless memories rapidly rose from the unimportant places in his mind, occupying everything.


    ¡°the heavenfate flower, also known as the life-extension blaze and the divine spirit grass. it is a mutated variant of the divine-class plant, compound wood. according to records, there are a total of 73 variants, but only the first variant can be used in medicine. it grows in any area within a forbidden zone, but there are no rules to dictate where it might be found. it is extremely rare.


    ¡°its effects consist of regenerating broken limbs and even reigniting one¡¯s life force. other than soul injuries, it can cure everything.¡±


    xu qing walked over trembling and knelt in front of the plant. he then lifted his hand and gently stroked it.


    ¡°heavenfate flower¡­¡±


    he had searched for many years but still couldn¡¯t find it¡­ the heavenfate flower that could extend captain lei¡¯s life back then.


    ¡°captain lei¡­¡±


    tears rolled down from xu qing¡¯s eyes, tracing his cheeks and falling onto the sandy ground, leaving darkened spots like ink stains.


    this was the tears of human nature.


    the blood-red face behind him collapsed, transforming into countless drops of blood that gushed in through the wound on xu qing¡¯s body.


    in the distance, the captain stood there and silently observed all of this. his tense heart finally relaxed and a smile emerged on his face.


    a person quietly emerged beside him. it was the heir.


    ¡°i believe it now. your master is definitely not an ordinary person.¡±


    the heir gazed at xu qing in the distance and voiced softly.


    ¡°either he¡¯s the reincarnation of an expert from my era, or he¡¯s one of the most outstanding people in the later generations after the ancient sovereign left.¡±


    ¡°the old man is average and can¡¯t be compared to senior. if senior takes in a disciple, i¡¯ll be the first to register.¡± the captain changed his tone to flattering and fawning.


    the heir glanced at the captain¡¯s expression. he didn¡¯t believe anything this person said.


    ¡°i¡¯m just a little curious. did you and xu qing take the initiative to find your master, or did your master find you?¡±

 Chapter 1005 - 1005 Xu Qings Authority!

    1005 xu qing¡¯s authority!


    ¡°speaking of it¡­¡± the captain¡¯s expression revealed a touch of pride. instinctively, he took out a peach, ready to eat, but he noticed that the heir was staring at him.


    he blinked and took out a pear, handing it to the prince.


    ¡°elder, do you want to eat one?¡±


    the heir was expressionless.


    the captain smiled awkwardly and kept the pear. he then coughed.


    ¡°speaking of which, of course, the old man took the initiative to find me. at that time, i was wearing open-crotch pants and playing with mud with the little sisters from the neighbor¡¯s house. the old man appeared and disturbed my good time. he also touched my bones and said that he was my fated person, so he kidnapped me.¡±


    ¡°as for little qing, he took the initiative to find master. he¡¯s different from me.¡±


    the heir glanced at the captain. he understood that this kid had actively sought out the master, and it was only under shameless persistence that he had been accepted. so, he was about to speak.


    however, at this moment, the heir sensed something and lifted his head to look at the place where xu qing was in the distance.


    the captain quickly sensed it and looked over as well.


    in the dim world, xu qing stood silently amidst the green sandstorm and looked at the heavenfate flower in front of him.


    he knew that eldest senior brother had placed this box here.


    he also understood that the person who knew about his past must be his master. in that case, the appearance of this heavenfate flower wasn¡¯t sudden.


    master had already expected everything.


    xu qing carefully and slowly picked up the iron box. looking at the flower inside, he couldn¡¯t help but think of that old man from the scavenger campsite again.


    ¡°captain lei, i¡¯ve finally found the heavenfate flower¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled and closed his eyes.


    as the blood-red face behind him collapsed and the endless blood qi gushed in through the pores of his entire body, he could vaguely hear the unwilling sigh of divinity.


    human nature also continued to return as tears fell.


    this flower was like an anchor.


    it made all his confusion find a source of stability, made all his bewilderment have stable markers, and even more, it concretized his humanity. from then on, it transformed into something like a rock, unbreakable.


    all the memories that were originally important and then became unimportant became important again.


    the scenes when he was young, the scenes of the seven blood eyes, and his experience in fenghai county¡­


    all of them appeared again and they were even more profound.


    he confirmed his name and the people and things he couldn¡¯t give up on.


    his divinity was being concealed and his beastly nature was being suppressed.


    a long, long time passed.


    xu qing opened his eyes, sadness evident in his gaze. he had completely awakened.


    the chaos disappeared.


    hunger was gone.


    the instant he woke up, he felt the difference in his body. boundless physical strength was circulating in his body, emitting a terrifying aura and terrifying fluctuations.


    in the past, it was very difficult for him to completely control the god¡¯s body. now, his compatibility with it had reached an unprecedented height.


    from this moment on, this body no longer belonged to the god¡¯s finger.


    hence, the increase in combat strength would be even more terrifying.


    after that, xu qing sensed the divine repository formed by the power of the purple moon and also the traces of divinity that had once dominated his consciousness.


    it was a golden rune that was imprinted in the core of life.


    it could be activated again at any time.


    compared to these, xu qing¡¯s experience this time was the most precious thing.


    he felt the loss of his humanity. he had experienced the madness of a beast and the indifference of divinity.


    in the end, he found his own anchor.


    it restrained the frenzied beastly nature and hid the indifferent divinity, allowing human nature to return and become the leader.


    ¡°this process is touching divinity.¡±


    the heir¡¯s voice rang out from behind and entered xu qing¡¯s ears.


    xu qing fell silent.


    ¡°little qing, after this experience, did you sense your authority?¡± the captain¡¯s voice was filled with curiosity as it echoed in all directions.


    xu qing turned his head and looked behind him.


    he saw the heir and the captain.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, senior.¡± xu qing¡¯s voice was hoarse. his gaze landed on the captain¡¯s arm that had lost a lot of flesh and blood.


    the place he had bitten seemed to be very special. even with the captain¡¯s recovery ability, it hadn¡¯t completely healed.


    noticing xu qing¡¯s gaze, the captain instinctively placed his left hand behind his back and smiled indifferently, urging and looking forward to it.


    the heir wanted to shake his head. he didn¡¯t believe that one could grasp authority with the first attempt to touch the divine; generally, it took multiple tries. however, recalling xu qing¡¯s comprehension, he restrained the motion of shaking his head.


    ¡®this kid¡¯s comprehension ability is too monstrous¡­ i should wait and see first.¡¯


    xu qing glanced at the heir and then stared into his eldest senior brother¡¯s eyes. waves rose in his heart. after that, he recalled his instincts when his senses had become chaotic.


    however, at that time, he was in an unconscious state, so he needed time to carefully experience this memory.


    time flowed by. after about thirty minutes, xu qing frowned.


    he recalled that previously, other than hunger, he had an even stronger thirst for blood. however, this was a little different from the god¡¯s authority he had imagined.


    when the captain saw xu qing¡¯s expression, he coughed with a hint of pride on his face.


    ¡°although the likelihood of experiencing authority on the first attempt of touching divinity is minimal, little qing, senior brother is a bit disappointed in you. but don¡¯t be discouraged; you¡¯re still young. work hard, and i believe you can succeed like me on the second try.¡±


    the heir¡¯s gaze fell on xu qing, and in his mind, he wasn¡¯t sure if he breathed a sigh of relief or sighed. he spoke slowly.


    ¡°let¡¯s go. we should return.¡±


    as he spoke, the heir walked forward, about to leave.


    however, at that moment, xu qing hesitated.


    ¡°i think i feel it¡­ but i¡¯m not sure.¡±


    as he spoke, xu qing followed the feeling in his heart and lifted his right hand, waving it gently forward¡­


    drops of blood instantly flowed out of the pores on his body. every drop of blood seemed to have a will and xu qing¡¯s face appeared on them.


    they gathered together and spun around xu qing, gradually forming a blood-red vortex.


    this scene caused the captain¡¯s eyes to widen and the heir stopped in his tracks.


    a rumbling sound echoed as the blood-red vortex grew larger and larger until it transformed into a blood-red lake that enveloped the surroundings. at the same time, a huge face appeared in the blood-red lake.


    it was xu qing¡¯s face.


    it was still indifferent, but what was different from before was that it was¡­ controllable.


    ¡°i don¡¯t know if this is an authority or not. the trace of origin i plundered back then contained¡­ blood.¡±


    xu qing looked at the captain and the heir as he spoke softly.


    the heir¡¯s heart stirred and the captain¡¯s expression changed. he could sense that as the blood-red vortex appeared, especially the moment that face appeared, the blood in his body actually showed signs of losing control.


    it was as though¡­ as long as xu qing willed it, the blood in his body could instantly erupt and be controlled by the other party.


    this was indeed the case. at that moment, xu qing could sense with his perception that there were countless fluctuations of blood in this desert.


    as long as he wanted to, he could extract all the blood within his range.


    ¡°it¡¯s not just control¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled and closed his eyes. at the next instant, the blood-red vortex in his surroundings rumbled and drowned him. he rose into the air and transformed into a sea of blood. a divine repository was faintly discernible inside.


    a terrifying pressure descended on the ground. this sea of blood also continued to surge and land on the ground.


    with a boom, the green desert turned blood-red. countless drops of blood gushed into the ground and spread in all directions. one kilometer, five kilometers, fifty kilometers¡­


    in the end, its coverage reached 250 kilometers.


    the desert within this 250-kilometer area was completely red. all the ferocious beasts inside wailed the moment they came into contact with the blood. their bodies instantly collapsed and turned into a part of the blood.


    there were also several giant mushrooms comparable to the dao nurturing ones, all trembling and disintegrating. among them, one rose with its roots that formed the outline of a giant, attempting to escape but was engulfed by the erupting sea of blood from the ground, becoming a part of it.


    the feeling of hunger once again surfaced in xu qing¡¯s heart. his thirst for blood also returned. he wanted to consume a larger area and spread it out.


    however, the restraints of human nature made him understand that this was his current limit. if he continued, with his current ability, he would lose control again.


    hence, at the next instant, all the blood rapidly returned and formed xu qing¡¯s figure in front of the heir and captain.


    this figure was blurry at first but it quickly became clear. countless drops of blood were rising from the ground and continued to gather.


    gradually, his grayish-white hair turned black and his shriveled body returned to normal.


    the successor lifted his right hand and grabbed lightly. immediately, a drop of blood flew over from the sea of blood around xu qing and landed in his hand.


    xu qing¡¯s face appeared in the blood and looked at the successor indifferently.


    the heir¡¯s eyes narrowed. he could tell that this drop of blood indeed contained more than just the power of the crimson goddess¡¯ authority.


    authority was a power unique to every god. they were different and unique.


    ¡°this is the red moon¡¯s origin?!¡±


    the heir¡¯s heart instantly churned. he was very clear that under the intentional guidance of the crimson goddess, the world had mixed red moon with the crimson goddess. however, in reality¡­ red moon came first, and the crimson goddess came later.


    red moon had existed for so long that it was there when wanggu was born.


    as for the crimson goddess¡­ she became a god after the fragmented-face arrived.


    the reason why the crimson goddess lived in the red moon was because she was continuously plundering and occupying the red moon, becoming the red moon. this was the path of the crimson goddess to becoming a god.


    her authority was obtained through this process.


    stealing the authority of the crimson goddess was equivalent to obtaining the power of her comprehension. it was like eating something digested by others. however, xu qing¡­ wasn¡¯t like this.


    if one didn¡¯t compare strength, to a certain extent, it could be uttered that from the moment he comprehended the blood, he and the crimson goddess were walking the same path!


    their target, regardless of whether it was active or passive, was red moon.


    these thoughts caused the heir¡¯s heart to tremble endlessly. however, he instinctively maintained his composure and calmly spoke.


    ¡°not bad. it¡¯s the same as my judgment.¡±


    ¡°a drop of blood can reconstruct the body and soul.¡±


    ¡°a drop of blood, capable of infinite growth.¡±


    ¡°xu qing, when you turn all your blood purple, you¡¯ll grasp even more authority over blood. maybe one day¡­ the red moon in the sky will also turn purple for you.¡±


    ¡°now, your cultivation can come to an end. go back and rest. in seven days¡­ i¡¯ll bring you to a place to meet someone.¡±


    the heir¡¯s expression was calm and his words were unfathomable, as though everything was within his expectations.


    after saying that, he walked forward. with a wave of his hand, he released his fingers. the drop of blood returned and landed on xu qing¡¯s glabella, which had already recovered, merging into it.


    xu qing opened his eyes and looked at the captain.


    the leader forced a smile. he felt so much pressure. the feeling xu qing gave xu qing at this moment was much greater than before.


    ¡®this is his first attempt at touching divinity and he actually grasped the authority! i was just saying it casually just now. moreover, this authority¡­¡¯


    the leader took a deep breath and thought to himself, ¡®this won¡¯t do. i still have to continue undoing the seal!¡¯


    he thought so inwardly but he could only force himself to maintain his calm.


    ¡°not bad, not bad. it¡¯s the same as me back then. haha¡­¡±


    as he spoke, the leader quickened his pace and caught up to the heir.


    xu qing nodded and followed the two of them.


    as usual, the green-colored sandstorm whistled over.


    as the sky turned red, the dim sky also became brighter than before.


    it reflected on xu qing and the other two, leaving a blurry shadow on the ground.


    they moved further and further away.

 Chapter 1006 - 1006 The Man With the Sun

    1006 the man with the sun


    in the bitter life mountain range, outside the earth city¡¯s apothecary, wu jianwu gazed at the bustling street, observing the residents coming and going. the poetic inspiration in his heart had also surged in these past few days.


    ¡°medicine, medicine, medicine, like drifting willow catkins. if you want to sleep well, come and buy medicine quickly!¡±


    wu jianwu shouted loudly. li youfei, who was at the side, hurriedly shouted.


    ¡°young master, what a great poem!¡±


    wu jianwu laughed. just as he was about to continue, ling¡¯er, who was in the apothecary, rushed past him like the wind. at the next instant, the figures of xu qing and the other two appeared on the distant street.


    ling¡¯er directly pounced into xu qing¡¯s arms.


    ¡°brother xu qing, you¡¯re finally back¡­¡±


    ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes turned red. these few days, she had been worried day and night. the anxiety in her heart caused her to lose all interest in counting the profits, which she usually liked to do.


    seeing that xu qing was fine, her worried heart finally relaxed.


    xu qing smiled and patted ling¡¯er¡¯s head before looking at the apothecary.


    after a few days, he felt like he had experienced the passage of many years. now that he had returned, he sighed with emotion inwardly.


    ¡°little nether, big butt, i¡¯m back. why aren¡¯t you coming over to hug me?¡± the captain at the side walked into the apothecary and spoke loudly.


    nether fairy, who was squatting there boiling water, felt nauseous at the words. the inner restlessness, which had just calmed down for several days, immediately erupted upon hearing erniu¡¯s voice.


    ¡®sooner or later, i¡¯ll kill this b*stard and chew him up bit by bit!!¡¯


    the heir looked at all of this and smiled. he liked the warm atmosphere in this apothecary very much, so he sat on his usual chair and picked up his teacup to drink.


    the parrot also swiftly arrived, landing on the heir¡¯s shoulder. it felt relieved in its heart, but as it lowered its head and glanced at its red flesh body that had lost a lot of feathers again, a sense of sorrow and indignation surged within it once more.


    ¡°grandpa, a few days ago, i encountered bad people again. i couldn¡¯t see who they were. they trapped me in a bag. it was outrageous! they didn¡¯t hit me; they just pulled out my feathers through the bag!¡±


    ning yan lowered his head and continued to wipe the ground with great force. however, after a few wipes, he noticed xu qing and stopped in his tracks, revealing a surprised expression.


    ¡°boss, you¡­ why do you give a different feeling from before?¡±


    when ning yan spoke, wu jianwu also looked over, and li youfei cast his gaze as well. however, both of them were a bit puzzled and couldn¡¯t discern any changes. the only thing they felt was that xu qing seemed to be more crystalline than before.


    he was clearly not a crystal, but the sensation of being crystalline still emerged from the depths of their hearts.


    ling¡¯er was also curious.


    the captain smiled but didn¡¯t say anything. he looked smug.


    xu qing also didn¡¯t say anything. after his gaze swept past the apothecary, he sensed the chicks in the courtyard.


    ¡°they came here on their own,¡± ling¡¯er said softly.


    xu qing nodded. after catching up with everyone, he returned to the back room.


    here, he sat down cross-legged and took a deep breath. he recalled his experience this time and slowly closed his eyes, sensing the authority he had obtained and the purple moon divine repository.


    ¡°now, just my purple moon divine repository can suppress the dao nurturing¡­ however, i still can¡¯t integrate the poison restriction into my gaze. only when i¡¯m under the control of divinity can i do so.¡±


    ¡°however, the authority seems to have more effects that can be used¡­¡±


    ¡°also, the strength of my body and the power of the purple moon transformed into a divine repository, so my other nascent souls are a little unbalanced compared to it.¡±


    ¡°the drawback of this imbalance isn¡¯t small. if i can¡¯t strengthen the other nascent souls as soon as possible, i¡¯m afraid it will cause a siphon effect. the other nascent souls will gradually wither.¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    time slowly passed just like that.


    seven days later, the date the heir mentioned arrived. he was going to take xu qing somewhere.


    before they left, in the courtyard, the heir gave xu qing a gray iron ball.


    ¡°tie this iron ball around your waist with your purple moon power. remember not to take it down unless it¡¯s absolutely necessary.¡±


    xu qing glanced at the iron ball. he vaguely felt that this item was a little familiar, so he lifted his hand and took it.


    however, the instant he grabbed it, an extremely huge force emitted from the iron ball. its weight was astonishing and xu qing¡¯s right hand instantly sank while his body rumbled.


    at the next instant, xu qing instinctively activated the god¡¯s body in his shock. amidst the rumbling sounds, a tall figure of about 200 feet appeared in the courtyard.


    only then could he barely hold the iron ball.


    however, the weight from the iron ball didn¡¯t only affect xu qing¡¯s body but also his nascent souls. apart from his soul, at this moment, everything was bearing this weight.


    this caused his body to sink uncontrollably into the mountain rocks on the ground.


    cracks spread from under him, and half of xu qing¡¯s body sank deep into the ground. the surrounding chicks panicked, flying in all directions, leaving a pile of chicken feathers on the ground.


    xu qing was moved.


    he recognized this iron ball.


    this item was the sun he and the captain had fished out on the shore of the sacrificial yin.


    the old man was inside this iron ball at that time.


    ¡°this¡­¡± xu qing took a deep breath and looked at the heir.


    ¡°i¡¯m lending you this thing. on the way, you cannot use the god¡¯s body to share the burden. the power of the purple moon can only be used to tie it to you. you need to constantly rely on the other nascent souls besides the purple moon to bear the weight.¡±


    ¡°in this way, it won¡¯t let the rapid expansion of your purple moon suppress the other nascent souls, causing your cultivation progress to slow down.¡±


    ¡°alright, i¡¯ll wait for you at the entrance of the apothecary. you have to walk out step by step and control your strength. otherwise, if the apothecary collapses, it¡¯ll be your problem.¡±


    the heir calmly spoke and walked into the main hall with his hands behind his back.


    beside the door, other than wu jianwu, there was someone else.


    this was an old man. he was tall and had a dignified appearance. he stood there like a gate god and had an extraordinary aura. in particular, one could see thread-like dao marks flowing in his eyes.


    this was the sign of a first stage nihility cultivator!


    however, this first stage nihility old man was wearing the staff¡¯s rough hemp clothes as he followed beside wu jianwu.


    under wu jianwu¡¯s disdain, his face was filled with grief and indignation as he spoke.


    ¡°medicine, medicine, medicine, like drifting willow catkins¡­¡±


    his voice was filled with sorrow and contained a sense of hopelessness. as it echoed in all directions, the old man saw the heir walking out.


    his body trembled and he hurriedly put away all his grief and indignation. his face revealed incomparable respect and his mind was filled with fear. he lowered his head and greeted.


    ¡°senior!¡±


    the heir nodded and didn¡¯t bother with him. he stood there and looked at the sky, waiting for xu qing.


    wu jianwu blinked and recited the poem even more diligently. as for the old man, he was trembling in fear and hurriedly repeated wu jianwu¡¯s poem. however, fear kept rising in his heart.


    he thought of three days ago¡­


    three days ago, he was still the number one expert among the rogue cultivators in this bitter life mountain range. he was respectfully known as the ancestor mogui and even had some connections with the red moon shrine.


    the appearance of the red moon in the sky made him completely decide to side with the red moon shrine.


    however, all of this changed with the disappearance of his disciple¡¯s investigation of this apothecary.


    through what had happened in the past, he knew that this apothecary wasn¡¯t simple. hence, he, who would seek revenge for the smallest grievance, forcefully endured it and didn¡¯t act rashly when he heard that li youfei had appeared here.


    even when his disciple went missing, he didn¡¯t come personally.


    instead, inside the red moon shrine in the bitter life mountain range, he cast a spell, preparing to remotely stir up a divine technique, to see what kind of existence was hidden here.


    however, he never expected that he would lose consciousness halfway through the spell.


    when he woke up, he appeared in the backyard of the apothecary and became a chick. he saw his disciple¡­


    this terrified him greatly. this was because he was very clear that he had cast the spell in the red moon shrine. however, even so, such a bizarre scene had actually appeared.


    what shocked him even more was the heir.


    with just a glance, he knew that the other party was a living soul accumulation cultivator. this realization caused endless storms in his mind. fear was like the sea, drowning everything in his mind.


    after that, under his bitter pleading and the suggestion of the girl named ling¡¯er that they lacked a greeter, he became the second greeter in this apothecary.


    amidst the bitterness of the ancestor mogui, in the backyard of the apothecary, xu qing struggled to pull himself up from the ground.


    throughout the entire process, he was extremely careful, trying his best not to let his feet sink into the ground again. however, this simple action was very difficult for him at this moment.


    the weight of the iron ball was too astonishing.


    a long time later, xu qing barely got used to it. he endured the discomfort of his nascent souls and slowly retracted his god body, causing it to shrink from 200 feet to 100 feet.


    as the body shrank, the shared force also decreased. therefore, the next instant, with a thud, xu qing¡¯s body destroyed the ground again, sinking into it.


    after a long time, he barely crawled out with a face covered in dust. other than purple moon, the other 12 nascent souls in his body were all transmitting a heart-wrenching intent and were all erupting crazily.


    this was especially so for the golden crow.


    ¡°this method is indeed effective.¡± after xu qing perceived it, his eyes gleamed.


    as long as it was effective, he would continue.


    hence, he continued to adapt and endure. after two hours, xu qing felt that he could do it. hence, he shrunk his body again to 50 feet.


    however, in the blink of an eye, a rumbling sound echoed.


    his body disappeared and a large pit appeared on the ground.


    just like that, when it was almost nighttime, xu qing barely managed to return to normal after experiencing many falls.


    with the iron ball tied to his waist, he moved forward slowly like a puppet.


    he went all out with every step and controlled it to the extreme. a large amount of sweat flowed from his forehead.


    finally, with each step he took, the ground echoed with thuds, and the apothecary violently shook, dust flying. amidst the stunned gazes of ling¡¯er, ning yan, nether fairy, and others, xu qing strolled into the apothecary¡¯s main hall.


    behind him were foot-deep footprints and countless cracks.


    the iron kettle that was boiling water also fell down. more than half of the counter in front of ling¡¯er shattered.


    ning yan was filled with grief and indignation. he was responsible for wiping the ground¡­


    xu qing glanced at him apologetically and tried his best to walk out of the apothecary.


    the instant he strolled out, the apothecary behind him emitted a creaking sound. it was clearly a little crooked.


    ¡°senior.¡± xu qing was expressionless as he looked at the heir.


    the heir peeked at the apothecary and smiled before walking into the distance.


    ¡°let¡¯s go.¡±


    xu qing glimpsed at the heir who left nimbly and silently strolled behind him. booming sounds echoed and the ground trembled. the surrounding houses were shaking and a row of deep footprints kept appearing¡­


    ¡°senior, where are we going?¡±


    ¡°not far, just within the bitter life mountain range. i am taking you to meet someone you¡¯ve met before¡ªmy third sister.¡±


    ¡°back then, she chose to recuperate here.¡±


    the heir strolled in front and his voice rang out leisurely.


    ¡°some time ago, she told me that some flies were flying around outside. i told her not to kill them and kept them for you as an experiment to verify your authority.¡±


    xu qing nodded when he heard this. he had always been a little puzzled about the heir choosing to come to the bitter life mountain range. he guessed that other than training him, the other party must have other reasons.


    now that he knew the reason, he wasn¡¯t surprised.


    he only felt that it was strange. why¡­ did everyone choose the bitter life mountain range?


    the captain was like this, and so was princess mingmei.


    as he pondered, rumbling sounds echoed in the bitter life mountain range in the night.


    it was very difficult for xu qing to fly. he could only move forward on the ground. from time to time, when he passed by some fragile places, he wouldn¡¯t be able to control himself and directly fall into them¡­


    every time at this moment, the heir would squat beside the deep pit and examine it.

 Chapter 1007 - 1007 Yesterday’s Splendor, the Wind and Crops Are Fully Grown (1)

    1007 yesterday¡¯s splendor, the wind and crops are fully grown (1)


    ¡°he fell down again.¡±


    the heir squatted outside the pit and calmly spoke.


    xu qing stayed in the pit and didn¡¯t make a sound. he lowered his head and glanced at the place he was at.


    this was a hollow cave abode.


    it was already abandoned.


    there were many cave abodes like this in the bitter life mountain range. most of them were places of refuge dug out by cultivators from ancient times.


    one couldn¡¯t see it from outside. only someone with xu qing¡¯s weight could personally experience these caves that were not far from the surface.


    ¡°there are many similar caves in this mountain range. you¡¯ll have to crawl out of them.¡±


    outside the pit, the heir glanced at xu qing, feeling a sense of relief in his heart. seeing xu qing in such a disordered state seemed to evoke an inexplicable warmth in him.


    this reminded him of when he was young, when his father tied the sun to his waist and he fell down as he walked.


    ¡°he¡¯s missing a hat.¡±


    the heir muttered to himself. when he was young, not only did he have the sun on his waist, but he also had a hat on his head that put a load on his soul.


    seeing that xu qing didn¡¯t, the heir felt some regret.


    xu qing lifted his head in the deep pit and glanced at the heir. he silently circulated the other nascent souls in his body other than the purple moon to share the pressure and weight from the sun.


    he crawled out bit by bit.


    this feeling was like he wanted to rise into the air with all his might, but the envelopment of the sun¡¯s power put an extreme burden on him. even if he went all out, he could only barely maintain his balance.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with such an experience.


    back then, he had a similar feeling in the fenghai county¡¯s prison department. however, at that time, he was being squeezed by a small world.


    from the name, it looked like the small world would be heavier than this sun iron ball. however, xu qing¡¯s instinct told him that it was exactly the opposite.


    this reminded him of what the captain had told him about the origins of the sun iron ball.


    this was the first man-made sun in the moon worship region. it came from the era of the ruler and a long time had passed since then. as for who created it, there were no records.


    ¡°experience the suppression of this little thing properly. this is a toy given to me by the ancient sovereign back then.¡± the heir looked at xu qing, who had climbed out with great difficulty, and calmly spoke.


    when xu qing heard this, he lowered his head and glanced at the iron ball on his waist.


    ¡°senior, other than this pressure and weight, does this item possess any other effects?¡±


    the heir stood up and walked forward. his voice drifted over.


    ¡°back then, when it was still a star, it had other powers. it could use the immortal net that enveloped the entire wanggu continent to release destructive power. as for now¡­ with the departure of the ancient sovereign and the collapse of the immortal net, its effect has become weak.¡±


    his voice was filled with reminiscence, containing the vicissitudes of time.


    xu qing fell into deep thought and followed behind. the entire way¡­ explosions rang out.


    the wind howled, following the two as they went away, also carrying their voices in all directions, blending into the surroundings.


    ¡°senior, i heard that the place the ancient sovereign went to is called holy land?¡±


    ¡°is a place where a group of cowards gather worthy of being called holy? the ancient sovereign¡­ became old, and once one is old, they start cherishing their lives.¡±


    ¡°oh, then where is the land of cowards?¡±


    ¡°haha, according to the human calendar, every year on the twelfth of june, if you look to the north in the sky, there will be a star different from usual. that¡¯s the nearest coward¡¯s land to wanggu.¡±


    ¡°how many land of cowards are there?¡±


    ¡°there are as many as the number of ancient sovereigns and rulers who left. if you count them, with all the races combined, there are over a hundred. the ancient sovereign also offered one to my father, but we refused.¡±


    the night accompanied the roar, mixed with the words of an old and a young person, gradually fading away.


    the morning arrived.


    the spreading of the red moon¡¯s light on the horizon, although bringing the countdown to demise to the world, ultimately brought a different light to the sky of the moon worship region.


    even if it was blood light.


    so, in the early morning, the bitter life mountain range, after the emergence of magical lights in several areas, also took on a faint blood-red hue.


    with the help of this faint light, one could see the end of the bitter life mountain range. there was a special mountain there.


    this mountain was as high as the mountains of the bitter life mountain range, connected to it, but as xu qing approached, he noticed that this mountainous structure seemed not to be a mountain.


    it was more like a huge tree that had turned into a mountain.


    below the tree crown, everything was drowned in the desert. as for the tree crown, it was filled with sand and rocks, turning into a mountain peak.


    ¡°this tree is called the joyful travel tree. it can be considered one of the mutant trees from primordial times,¡± the heir said calmly as he looked at the mountain formed by the giant tree.


    ¡°trees like this are abundant in the region, and not many people pay much attention. even fewer know that this particular one was planted in secret by my third sister.


    back then, i was the one who accompanied her here to bear witness.


    but now¡­ things have changed. this tree has also withered for many years.¡±


    xu qing looked at the mountain in the distance. he noticed that in the surroundings of the mountain, there were some red-robed practitioners circling around like flies, as though they were investigating.


    most of them were nascent soul cultivators, there was also a dao nurturing expert, and a spirit repository.


    they came from the shrine of the red moon in the bitter life mountain range.


    ¡°there was originally a nihility divine envoy, but he should have been eaten by third sister.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll leave the rest for you to experience your own authority.¡±


    ¡°when third sister and i come out, i hope you have already cleaned them up.¡±


    as the heir spoke, his body blurred and he disappeared from xu qing¡¯s side, entering the mountain ahead.


    xu qing cast a quick look at the iron ball on his waist and closed his eyes. at the next instant, as the purple moon¡¯s power circulated, drops of blood spread out from his body, enveloping the surroundings. very soon, xu qing¡¯s entire person transformed into a blood-red vortex.

 Chapter 1008 - 1008 Yesterday’s Splendor, the Wind and Crops Are Fully Grown (2)

    1008 yesterday¡¯s splendor, the wind and crops are fully grown (2)


    as this vortex rumbled and rotated, it drowned his figure, forming a blood-red lake that rapidly spread forward.


    wherever it passed, boulders would be submerged and vegetation would be dyed red. the blood lake exuded an eerie and ominous aura. as it spread, it gradually became a shocking sight and attracted the attention of the red moon cultivators on the mountain.


    ¡°what is this!¡±


    the instant those red moon cultivators looked over, their bodies trembled to varying degrees.


    this trembling came from the instinct of life, from their faith, and even more from the flow of blood throughout the body.


    their blood was going out of control!


    it seemed to possess will and life as it fought to rush out.


    if their internal organs blocked it, it would break through them. if their flesh and skin stopped it, the flesh and skin would collapse. if their souls blocked it, the soul would be destroyed.


    it was as though xu qing couldn¡¯t be looked at directly at this moment!


    hence, the moment they saw him, more than ten red moon nascent soul cultivators let out mournful cries. their bodies directly shattered into pieces and a large amount of blood flowed out.


    it seemed to be cheering as it headed straight for the blood-red lake on the ground.


    this scene instantly caused the red moon cultivators in charge of investigating this place to be extremely shocked. they instinctively retreated and tried to suppress their blood but they couldn¡¯t do it. as they retreated, they collapsed one after another.


    from afar, blood-red flowers bloomed in the sky.


    the old dao nurturing expert among these cultivators also had a shocked expression. his body was also trembling and his blood was flowing crazily.


    there was also the middle-aged divine servant who possessed a complete secret repository. his expression was unprecedentedly solemn.


    the instant they retreated, the blood-red lake in the mountain range suddenly rose into the air.


    as rumbling sounds echoed, the blood-red lake surged in the air.


    xu qing¡¯s face appeared in every drop of blood. these countless faces formed a ten-foot-long human face with an indifferent expression. at the same time, a divine repository rose within it.


    it suppressed the group of red moon cultivators.


    wails rang out endlessly. those nascent soul cultivators could no longer suppress the blood in their bodies.


    endless blood spurted out of their seven orifices and the pores on their bodies. it then transformed into blood blades outside their bodies and turned against them.


    as blood splattered, the sea of blood carried countless blood blades as it headed straight for the old dao nurturing cultivator and the middle-aged spirit repository, wanting to surround them.


    the two of them felt their hearts pounding. the instinctive fear they felt caused them to retreat rapidly.


    however, dao nurturing was still different from someone with a complete spirit repository. at the next instant, the middle-aged spirit repository¡¯s body rumbled and his secret repository appeared. as it expanded outwards, his heavenly dao let out a deep shout inside, affecting the surrounding laws as it charged fiercely.


    amidst the deafening sound, the middle-aged spirit repository rushed out before xu qing surrounded him.


    however, the old man who was in dao nurturing was much slower.


    in the blink of an eye, he was enveloped by xu qing¡¯s sea of blood. he struggled with all his might and his illusory secret repository appeared. he wanted to resist but it was useless.


    the sea of blood formed a vortex outside his body. as it spun rapidly, it surged toward his entire body, wanting to enter it.


    the old man had a horrified expression. he continuously performed hand seals and activated his divine power. he even took out a magic artifact to block it.


    but it was useless!


    the endless sea of blood drowned him and continued to enter his body. the pain brought about by this process transformed into a mournful wail.


    from afar, this scene was shocking!


    at the next instant, the sea of blood fully entered the body of the old man. the old man¡¯s body trembled and his eyes were filled with despair. his body seemed to be unable to contain it and finally, with a boom, he shattered into pieces.


    the sea of blood churned out and transformed into xu qing¡¯s indifferent face as he looked at the middle-aged spirit repository in the distance.


    ¡°this battle should be a fierce one. i wonder if the current me can win against a complete secret repository!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s battle intent surged. the sea of blood surged and suppressed the surroundings. his divine repository undulated and destroyed everything as it headed straight for the middle-aged spirit repository.


    at that moment, in the mountain formed by the joyful travel tree, two gazes were staring at the outside world.


    the origin of these gazes was a huge cave.


    countless tree roots gathered in the air above the cave, forming a huge cocoon.


    waves of resplendent light emitted from the gaps in the cocoon, illuminating this place in various colors.


    the heir was standing beside the cocoon of light and looking up.


    ¡°third sister, you saw many heaven¡¯s chosen back then. what do you think of my half-disciple?¡±


    the heir smiled.


    ¡°is this your disciple? has he agreed to let you be his master? you¡¯re already so old, why are you still snatching other people¡¯s disciples? don¡¯t you have any shame?¡±


    a cold voice rang out from the light cocoon.


    very few people had the qualifications to speak to the heir like this, and third sister clearly had the qualifications to do so.


    regarding his third sister¡¯s words, the heir felt that it was very normal. his elder sister had such a temper. she was cold on the outside but warm on the inside.


    ¡°the essence of teaching is always there, and i¡¯ve helped him so much. i¡¯ve even given him these gifts to enhance his cultivation.¡±


    the heir smiled and continued to watch xu qing¡¯s attacks. his eyes slowly revealed admiration that he usually wouldn¡¯t reveal outside.


    ¡°you call this a gift?¡±


    a cold voice rang out from the light cocoon. at the next instant, the light cocoon rumbled and directly exploded. a figure walked out and left the mountain in one step. she then arrived in the air in front of the middle-aged spirit repository cultivator xu qing was chasing.


    before the spirit repository could react, a jade-like finger landed between his brows.


    with a boom, the middle-aged spirit repository cultivator¡¯s body trembled and he transformed into a fruit tree. it rapidly grew and bore fruit.


    the blood sea transformed by xu qing paused, coalescing into form, and he gazed upon the woman who appeared before him with hesitation.


    this woman had an outstanding and devastatingly beautiful face. amidst her beauty, there was a touch of heroic spirit, radiating a dazzling aura.


    her rosy cheeks were like the glow of the setting sun on a tranquil pond. her hair was tied into a simple fairy bun, adorned with a few plump and lustrous beads that sparkled, yet not as shimmering as her beautiful eyes.


    that pair of starry watery eyes was as blue as the sea, captivating the splendor of a thousand lifetimes.


    one could say her visage was like plum blossoms blooming in the snow in spring, and her demeanor was as graceful as autumn orchids adorned with frost, sufficient to make any man lose his soul in an instant.


    at that moment, she lifted her jade-like hand and took out the fruit of the spirit repository tree at the side. she glanced at the successor who had accompanied her and handed it to xu qing.


    ¡°this is what i term giving a gift.¡±


    ¡°kid, we met in a hurry last time and i wasn¡¯t prepared, so here is a meeting gift.¡±

 Chapter 1009 - 1009 The Fourth Doll Is Lost and Won’t Come Back

    1009 the fourth doll is lost and won¡¯t come back


    xu qing hesitated. he looked at the fruit and then at the peerless woman in front of him.


    from the figure of the heir at the side and the motive for coming here, he could naturally guess who this was. however, he couldn¡¯t overlap the appearance of the other party in his memory when she first appeared in the northern ice plains to her current look.


    the difference was too great.


    just now, he had been prepared to fight a battle with that spirit repository.


    but now¡­


    xu qing glanced at the tree and lost all interest. he then respectfully took the fruit.


    ¡°thank you, senior.¡±


    he felt that this wasn¡¯t bad either.


    princess mingmei nodded slightly. she thought very highly of this junior in front of her. on one hand, it was because of her younger brother¡¯s recognition. on the other hand, she understood that her escape had some relation with this junior.


    hence, to someone who clearly distinguished gratitude and grudges, she couldn¡¯t stand her brother¡¯s so-called training and the awkwardness of giving gifts.


    the heir was helpless. he wanted to train xu qing. however, since third sister had taken the initiative to give it to him, he could only smile.


    ¡°then, shall we go?¡±


    the prince looked at his third sister.


    princess mingmei glanced at the heir¡¯s aged appearance and sighed inwardly. although she knew that this was just the disguise of the heir, she could sense from the other party¡¯s expression that her younger brother really liked his current appearance.


    ¡®the elegant and famous heir of the ruler¡­ now, we¡¯re both old.¡¯


    ¡®our best years were sealed in a place where not even the sunlight could reach.¡¯


    princess mingmei shook her head and her appearance changed. she transformed into a kind-looking old lady and spoke calmly.


    ¡°you seem to be very comfortable in that apothecary.¡±


    the heir smiled and spoke softly.


    ¡°that small apothecary is warm.¡±


    princess mingmei fell into deep thought.


    xu qing blinked and looked at the old man and old lady in front of him. he had a faint feeling that it wouldn¡¯t be long before he had an additional old shopkeeper in his apothecary.


    at the thought that there would be two soul accumulation cultivators in this ordinary apothecary¡­ xu qing was a little dazed.


    ¡°let¡¯s go to the place where fifth sister and eighth brother were sealed. according to what we did in the temple last time, the bindings of their souls have been secretly broken, and now they can be awakened.¡±


    princess mingmei calmly spoke and walked forward.


    the heir waved at xu qing and followed.


    xu qing had a strange expression. he felt that he had miscalculated earlier. in the future, his apothecary might not have two soul accumulations but four.


    ¡®perhaps, as the heir¡¯s siblings are unsealed, there will be more?¡¯


    when xu qing thought of this, even with his composure, his heart trembled. he couldn¡¯t help but look in the direction of his small apothecary.


    back then, when he opened an apothecary here, he didn¡¯t expect that one day¡­ such a thing would happen.


    just like that, the three of them left.


    the old grandfather and grandmother were moving in the sky while xu qing followed on the ground.


    they walked in the sky while xu qing rumbled in the desert.


    the softness of the desert caused xu qing, after retracting the power of the purple moon, to put in maximum effort with every step he took. a slight misstep, and he would sink into the sand.


    moreover, when some areas of the sand caved in, a huge suction force would appear, making it difficult for xu qing to crawl out.


    in front of his elder sister, the heir seemed to have lost some of his elderly demeanor, like an old playful child, joyfully watching. after observing for a few days, princess mingmei waved her hand and pulled xu qing out from a depression in the desert.


    xu qing felt a bit embarrassed; he had been climbing there for two hours.


    ¡°a good child, turned into what kind of state by your torment!¡±


    princess mingmei glanced at the heir unhappily. the heir was about to speak.


    ¡°did you think of the punishment father gave you when you were young? this iron ball looks a little familiar. it¡¯s the one father tied to you back then, right?¡±


    xu qing lifted his head and looked at the heir. he also discovered that every time he struggled to crawl these few days, the heir would look at him with reminiscence and joy.


    the heir laughed and changed the topic.


    ¡°third sister, the place fifth sister is sealed in is a little special, different from ours. i went there to sense it before.¡±


    princess mingmei, holding onto xu qing, nodded slightly.


    ¡°how special?¡±


    ¡°fifth sister wasn¡¯t sealed in reality.¡± a solemn expression appeared on the heir¡¯s face. his eyes revealed a strange glint and his voice became hoarse.


    ¡°she is sealed in a nursery rhyme.¡±


    princess mingmei fell into deep thought. xu qing sensed strange when he heard this. even though he had experienced many things, this was the first time he had heard that nursery rhymes could be used for sealing.


    ¡°at the foot of the black centipede mountain in the south, there¡¯s a small mountain village.¡±


    ¡°this village has existed for a long time. even if it encounters a disaster and becomes a dead village, it will often appear again after some time.¡±


    ¡°there has always been a nursery rhyme circulating in the village¡­¡±


    the heir¡¯s voice, carrying a sense of vicissitudes, echoed as he walked forward.


    ¡°fifth sister was sealed in this nursery rhyme. when no one in the world remembers this nursery rhyme, fifth sister will completely die.¡±


    ¡°however, our divine son younger brother wants to torture fifth sister. how could he let her die? so, other than remembering it himself, he always arranged for others to remember it.¡±


    ¡°at the same time, he borrowed the power of the crimson goddess, causing this nursery rhyme to cause great harm to fifth sister every time it was recited. it was like the pain of devouring flesh. the reason why he chose that small village was because that place¡­ was the legacy of fifth sister¡¯s bloodline. the people living there were all her descendants.


    xu qing was moved.


    princess mingmei fell silent, and her eyes revealed anger and sorrow. this was because she could hear the hidden meaning behind the heir¡¯s words.


    that place used the nursery rhyme method to cut out the flesh of fifth sister and was given to them by the divine son, becoming the food they had eaten in the past years.


    the heir fell silent.


    the sadness grew deeper and deeper in the silence. on the way, princess mingmei didn¡¯t speak anymore and the heir didn¡¯t speak either. the three of them left the green sand desert and this county. they crossed the west and went to the south of the moon worship region to reach their destination.


    for ordinary cultivators, it might take a lifetime to traverse such distances without relying on teleportation. however, under the footsteps of the heir and princess mingmei, it only took a day to cross the vast expanse.


    moreover, this was because they had to consider xu qing¡¯s endurance. otherwise, it might only take an instant.


    as for this destination, it was an endless jungle that was filled with rot, giving off a feeling of desolation and death.


    in the depths, xu qing saw a special mountain peak.


    this mountain was about 8,000 feet tall, like a huge centipede stretching its fangs toward the sky.


    the tentacles of the centipede were also clearly visible, lifelike.


    a malevolent feeling gushed into xu qing¡¯s heart the moment his gaze met it.


    he sensed the fiendish aura and the dense resentment that appeared to have accumulated for countless years.


    this was the black centipede mountain that the heir had mentioned.


    the sky here was pitch-black and one could faintly see countless black clouds permeating the air. that was formed by resentment that didn¡¯t dissipate all year round.


    only bolts of lightning continued to flash and thunder rumbled in all directions.


    it was like the mournful roars of all living beings venting their unwillingness.


    at the foot of the mountain, there was a village surrounded by a dried-up fence.


    the village wasn¡¯t big and was built against the mountain. most of the houses inside were grayish-black and gave off an ominous feeling. the ground was also covered in dirty marks.


    it seemed that because this place was isolated from the world and the rumbling of the world also stopped outsiders from coming, numbness was the norm for the residents here.


    also, because they were in a desolate place, depression became the main theme.


    when all of this fused together, it decayed under the passage of time.


    only the children¡­ due to their nature, they didn¡¯t seem to have so many worries. they treated the lightning formed by resentment as fireworks. hence, as the lightning continuously flashed across the sky, they were jumping around and chanting a nursery rhyme.


    although there were only five to six of them, their voices strangely spread far away.


    ¡°once upon a time, there was a big doll, followed by a row of little dolls. ten dolls, six, seven, eight, with red eyes and gray hair. silent all day long, the older children saw and shouted, ¡®kids, don¡¯t fear¡­¡±


    ¡°until one day suddenly, the big doll got sick, the second doll looked, the third doll bought medicine, the fifth doll boiled, the sixth doll died, the seventh doll laughed, the eighth doll dug a hole, the ninth doll jumped, the tenth doll¡¯s tears fell on the ground. i went to ask him why he was crying¡­¡±


    ¡°the fourth doll is lost and won¡¯t come back!¡±


    the nursery rhyme drifted, seeming to possess a strange power. even the sound of thunder couldn¡¯t suppress it. it spread outside the village and entered the ears of xu qing and the other two, who appeared at the village entrance at that moment.


    princess mingmei had a complicated expression. the heir closed his eyes to hide the pain in them.


    xu qing exhaled softly inwardly.


    the ruler had five daughters and ten sons. according to the imperial custom, males were in one group, females in another.


    this nursery rhyme referred to the ten sons of the ruler back then. among them, the fourth son¡­ xu qing knew that he was the divine son of the red moon shrine.


    as for the big doll, he was the heir.


    from the heir¡¯s expression, xu qing guessed that back then, he might have¡­ really fallen sick.


    as for the cause of the illness, xu qing didn¡¯t know but he sensed that it might be related to red moon and crimson goddess.


    ¡°if you want to know why the fourth doll is lost, the big doll knows it best, knows it best!¡±


    xu qing fell silent and gazed upon the heir.


    the heir opened his eyes and stared at the village as he uttered softly.


    ¡°fifth sister¡¯s soul has already awakened. the way to undo the seal¡­ is for you, third sister, to use your authority to transform all the traces of everyone who has appeared here from ancient times to the present, and make the nursery rhyme that echoed in this place for countless years drift.¡±


    ¡°xu qing, during this process, we need the power of your purple moon. this is the key to opening the sealed place.¡±


    ¡°as for me, i¡¯ll do my best to change the cognition of the world and hide all fluctuations. for ten breaths, i¡¯m confident that even if the red moon shrine pays attention to me at all times, they won¡¯t be able to sense anything.¡±


    ¡°however, there are only ten breaths of time.¡±


    the heir turned his head and gazed upon princess mingmei.


    ¡°that¡¯s enough.¡±


    as princess mingmei spoke, she took a step forward and lifted her right hand to point at the village in front of her. immediately, the color of the sky altered and a storm brewed. even the lightning in the sky stopped at this moment.


    a river of time suddenly manifested and flowed through the village.


    the river water surged and waves churned, splashing up countless water foam that floated in the world, transforming into countless figures.


    as long as it was someone born here, their time would be scooped out by princess mingmei. more and more time passed in the village.


    three breaths later, they were densely packed and there were countless of them.


    all the residents in the village walked out of their houses in a daze.


    at this moment, the living gathered toward their souls.


    the world rumbled and the void trembled. as the river of time flowed, the chanting of life and death, the praises from the present and the past echoed in all directions.


    ¡°once upon a time, there was a big doll, followed by a row of little dolls¡­¡±


    ¡°until one day¡­¡±

 Chapter 1010 - 1010 The Origin of the Door Race

    1010 the origin of the door race


    in the instant when princess mingmei¡¯s finger fell, the voices from the past echoed in the present moment. at the same time, the heir also exerted his authority.


    different from mingmei, the heir¡¯s authority was to alter perceptions.


    not only could he change the perceptions of living beings, but he could also alter the attributes of rules and laws, and even change the thoughts of everything in heaven and earth!


    by changing the perceptions of all living beings, influencing the laws of heaven and earth, and then achieving his himseas, at this moment, making even the heavenly dao turn a blind eye and causing the gods to momentarily lose their vision.


    this made it impossible to see what was happening in this area.


    it also included the red moon shrine.


    this authority was too terrifying. it was a pity that even though the heir demonstrated it to such an extent, despite being a soul accumulation cultivator, he was at most confident that he could sustain absolute control for ten breaths of time.


    if it was anyone else, ten breaths wouldn¡¯t be enough.


    however, this didn¡¯t include mingmei.


    the river of time flowed between her fingers and everything in the village became hazy.


    one could vaguely see children, adults, and old people among them.


    the densely-packed figures in the entire village were like a video that was constantly playing.


    the nursery rhyme also drifted over and over again.


    all of this continued to be dragged out. ten breaths should have passed but in reality, everything that happened was completed in three breaths of time.


    it was as though someone had compressed all the information and forcefully limited it to three breaths of time.


    this method formed a frightening sense of collapse. if an outsider stood in xu qing¡¯s position and didn¡¯t have a god¡¯s body or his cultivation wasn¡¯t high enough, his soul would collapse at this moment.


    this was princess mingmei, who had the most stunning aptitude among the children of the ruler before ninth brother was born. she was even praised by the ancient sovereign.


    when xu qing saw this, his expression changed.


    ¡°time¡­¡±


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. the moment he looked at princess mingmei, the soul-stirring murmurs from all creatures in the village turned into rumbling sounds. as their nursery rhyme continued to echo, it formed a dreamy figure in the world.


    this figure seemed to be a woman. her back was facing all creatures and her head was lowered as though she was crying.


    on her body, one could see countless souls biting and tearing. while her flesh was badly mangled, there were also red chains that bound her.


    her figure was blurry, and so were the iron chains. they didn¡¯t exist in the world and only existed in the nursery rhyme.


    at that moment, although she was revealed, she continued to distort and dissipate. it was as though she wouldn¡¯t last long.


    ¡°xu qing.¡±


    princess mingmei¡¯s voice entered xu qing¡¯s mind. xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. the power of the purple moon in his body erupted completely at this moment and the power of the red moon¡¯s power also rose.


    a blood-red light spread out from his entire body and countless drops of blood rapidly rose into the air. under princess mingmei¡¯s wave of her hand, this blood headed straight for the nursery rhyme.


    in the blink of an eye, blood enveloped the hazy scene and dyed everything red, freezing the crying figure from the void into reality.


    at this moment, illusion and reality seemed to overlap.


    the fluctuations caused by this overlapping were intense. as the entire scene trembled, the red iron chains also began to shake intensely. finally, with cracking sounds, gaps that were about to break appeared one after another.


    finally, with a step from princess mingmei, she walked from reality into the dreamy scene. she walked to the crying figure and hugged her.


    ¡°fifth sister, don¡¯t cry. i¡¯ll bring you home.¡±


    the crying figure trembled violently and the iron chains that had cracks shattered.


    all the souls wailed and died.


    the tenth breath had arrived.


    the heir¡¯s figure disappeared and xu qing¡¯s figure dissipated. the dreamy scene in the world also disappeared.


    it was as though the river of time had never appeared. it was the same for those souls. everything returned to normal. as for the residents who walked out of the village, although they looked a little dazed, they quickly became numb again.


    the only difference was that the children¡¯s nursery rhyme had changed.


    ¡°cloth doll, cloth doll, big eyes and black hair, i¡¯ll bring you home.¡±


    ¡°cloth doll, cloth doll, don¡¯t be afraid of the thunder in the sky, always be happy and smile, ha ha.¡±


    ¡­


    the door race was an extremely special race in the moon worship region.


    this race didn¡¯t have its own territory, and whether or not a member reached adulthood depended on whether they found their own door within the door tomb.


    once they found it, they would have to wander around in the moon worship region.


    this lasted until they had gone to all the places and all the areas they could go to.


    this was their custom, as well as their way of survival. it was also a cultivation method.


    no one knew why the door race was like this. even they didn¡¯t understand. this was their instinct.


    there was another special thing about this race, and that was¡­ every time the crimson goddess, red moon, arrived, their bodies would perish. however, the door on their backs wouldn¡¯t disappear.


    moreover, every time before the crimson goddess arrived, this race would be calmer than the other races. the clansmen would return to the same place from all directions one after another and put down their doors there.


    this place was known as the door tomb by this race.


    the door tomb was located in a vast canyon in the eastern part of the moon worship region. outsiders referred to it as an abyss because this canyon was not only astonishingly long but also of unknown depth.


    in this canyon and the abyss, there were countless doors of various sizes, styles, shapes, and materials.


    the sense of decay spread here and didn¡¯t dissipate.


    and cultivators were also unwilling to come here because both inside and outside this canyon, there were too many mysterious occurrences, and cases of disappearance were also numerous.


    however, at that moment, four figures appeared on the canyon¡¯s rock wall.


    two old grannies and an old grandfather. as for the fourth¡­ it was xu qing.


    today was the fourth day since they left the black centipede mountain.


    compared to princess mingmei, the other old granny was much thinner. she was dressed in a black robe, with high cheekbones. her entire demeanor didn¡¯t exude kindness but rather a sense of sharpness.


    there was also a hint of dense gloominess.


    every time she looked at the heir, the gloominess would deepen. only when she faced princess mingmei would a hint of warmth appear on her face.


    also, when it came to xu qing, her gloominess would be much less. it was replaced by the kindness of an elder looking at a junior.


    xu qing could feel that the old lady in the black robe seemed not adept at expressing kind emotions. her amiability, in this context, was already a deliberate effort.


    ¡°eighth brother was sealed here.¡±


    ¡°he was sealed in an ancient door and that door was broken into countless pieces. hence, there was the door race in this world.¡±


    ¡°the door race doesn¡¯t have a territory, but the doors do.¡±


    ¡°to be precise, the members of the sects aren¡¯t those cultivators but these doors.¡±


    ¡°this is the doors¡¯ territory.¡±


    ¡°every door is a part of eighth brother. every time someone teleports through them, it consumes eighth brother¡¯s soul.¡±


    ¡°this consumption will form an invisible karma which will continue to torture eighth brother¡­¡±


    on the rock wall, the heir spoke softly.


    princess mingmei¡¯s gaze landed at the foot of the canyon. at the side, grandma five let out a cold snort gloomily and ignored the heir.


    there evidently had been some conflicts between the two, and though xu qing didn¡¯t know the reasons, he could discern a sense of guilt in the heir¡¯s expression.


    at the same time, he listened to the heir¡¯s words and thought about how he had once been just a step away from using the teleportation of the door race.


    now that he thought about it, it seemed that at that time¡­ the heir had deliberately stopped him from stepping in.


    ¡°therefore, it¡¯s a little difficult for me and third sister to undo eighth brother¡¯s seal by ourselves. my youngest sister, we need the power of your authority¡­¡± the heir looked at his fifth sister and his voice became gentler.


    the black-robed granny coldly looked at the heir and didn¡¯t speak.


    at the side, princess mingmei sighed and held fifth sister¡¯s hand.


    the black-robed old granny fell silent. after a long time, she nodded.


    the heir sighed inwardly but he still perked up. just like before, he was in charge of covering all the fluctuations. princess mingmei would enter the canyon and take out the ancient door that sealed their eighth brother.


    ¡°kid, give me a drop of your purple moon blood.¡±


    before she left, princess mingmei looked at xu qing.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. he immediately released the power of the purple moon and transformed it into a sea of blood, giving a lot.


    this approach made princess mingmei smile, and the black-robed old lady also nodded secretly. when she looked at xu qing, the feeling of kindness became more natural.


    taking xu qing¡¯s purple moon blood, princess mingmei headed straight for the canyon below. after she left, the rock wall instantly became silent.


    the black-robed granny didn¡¯t say a word. the heir didn¡¯t know what to say, so he looked at xu qing.


    ¡°kid, you¡¯ve had some leisure these days. on the way back, you can¡¯t use the power of the purple moon. you have to rely on your own strength to walk back.¡±


    ¡°bullsh*t!¡± the black-robed granny snorted coldly.


    when the heir heard this, he smiled bitterly and looked at his fifth sister.


    ¡°little sister¡­¡±


    ¡°shut up!¡±


    the heir raised his eyebrows, somewhat angry, but as he looked at his sister and sensed her weakened aura, he sighed again. he blended his anger into his gaze and directed it toward where xu qing was.


    xu qing blinked and moved closer to the black-robed old granny. at this moment, a rumbling sound rang out from the canyon. as the earth quaked and the mountains swayed, the heir also retracted his thoughts. he waved his hand and influenced the world. when it transformed into a cover, the sounds at the bottom of the canyon became even more shocking.


    vaguely, there were countless wails echoing and frightening fluctuations spread out.


    this fluctuation was so strong that not only did it shake the canyon, but a large number of cracks also appeared on the rock wall below. as it continued to shatter, countless gravel fell off.


    as xu qing slightly sensed, an endless sense of danger enveloped his entire body. he could imagine that within the canyon, there must be an extreme level of terror.


    however, it was obvious that these were nothing to princess mingmei.


    after a while, the fluctuations ceased, and princess mingmei¡¯s figure appeared on the rock wall without a sound, appearing relaxed, with no traces of having taken any action.


    in her hand was a palm-sized fragment of wood. she waved her hand and it floated in the air.


    ¡°the ancient door that sealed eighth brother has completely shattered and it¡¯s difficult for it to form a carrier. i collected dust below and molded it in the river of time, but this is the best i could create.¡±


    an ancient sense of vicissitudes spread out from the wooden fragment.


    xu qing sensed it and instinctively looked at the black-robed old granny.


    he wanted to know what the other party¡¯s power was.


    the black-robed old granny stared at the wooden fragment. she lifted her withered right index finger that seemed unable to recover on its own and gently tapped it.


    in just a moment, her body clearly aged even more. however, the wooden fragment trembled intensely and began to recover at a speed visible to the naked eye!


    it continued to grow and spread. in just five breaths of time, it formed an ancient door that stood between heaven and earth.


    the black door frame and white door were intricately carved with complex vine patterns. especially on the door, those carved vines intertwined to form a gray morning glory flower.


    this flower looked demonic and had the power to shake souls.


    waves of ancient aura spread out, forming a pressure that shattered the surrounding void.


    the moment the wooden door appeared, there was an intense knock on the door.


    bang, bang, bang!


    it was like thunder rumbling.


    ¡°my power is not cultivated; it is innate, capable of rejuvenating all things. however, it is irreversible for myself.¡±


    the black-robed old lady turned her head to look at xu qing and spoke with a hoarse voice.

 Chapter 1011 - 1011 The Dragon Has Nine Sons (1)

    1011 the dragon has nine sons (1)


    ¡®rejuvenating all things,¡¯ these three simple words, spoken in an indifferent tone, conveyed a strong sensation to xu qing.


    especially the part about how it was irreversible for herself, there was a faint hint of unspeakable sadness.


    the youngest daughter of the ruler was born with authority. however, to her, this power might not be a blessing.


    she was using her life to revive all things.


    while this power was powerful, it was also extremely cruel. moreover, there was clearly a limit.


    the heir instinctively raised his hand and placed it in front of his fifth sister.


    he had always done this since he was young, and not just him, all his brothers and sisters did the same.


    princess mingmei did the same.


    ¡°there¡¯s no need. i won¡¯t be able to live for long,¡± the black-robed old granny calmly said.


    ¡°even if you can¡¯t live for long, you still have to live!¡± the heir frowned and revealed a dignified expression. this was also the first time he had spoken in such a domineering manner.


    he lightly patted his hand; a breath of life emanated from him, heading straight towards the black-robed old lady.


    it forcefully fused into her.


    at the next instant, the black-robed old granny¡¯s body trembled and the aura on her body clearly became denser. she looked at her big brother in front of her with a complicated expression.


    princess mingmei did the same. xu qing thought about it and also sent out a drop of purple moon¡¯s blood.


    ¡°forget about yours.¡±


    the heir flicked the drop of blood back to xu qing. after that, he flicked his sleeve and everyone¡¯s figures disappeared together with the black and white door.


    ¡­


    three days later.


    on the green sand desert, there was a vortex on the ground. xu qing was trying his best to climb up.


    the weight from the sun made him experience difficulty again in the desert.


    this time, princess mingmei didn¡¯t drag him out. she, the heir, and their fifth sister were sitting cross-legged in the sky in front of the huge black and white door.


    the opening of this door clearly couldn¡¯t be completed in an instant. it required the three of them to continuously integrate their power into. hence, after returning here, the three soul accumulation cultivators began to cast spells.


    as for xu qing, who no one cared about, he chose to cultivate on his own.


    ¡°this desert is the best place for me to adjust to the sun.¡±


    ¡°if i can walk normally in the desert without sinking, it will be even easier when i return to the bitter life mountain range.¡±


    ¡°if i am able to do this, i can attempt to fly!¡±


    ¡°once i can fly normally, my other nascent souls will be able to advance.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly.


    the fruit formed by the spirit repository was a great nourishing pill for his cultivation breakthrough.


    however, although princess mingmei had given it to him, the heir still reminded xu qing not to eat it immediately.


    before other nascent souls adapted to the pressure of the sun, swallowing the fruit might indeed promote nascent soul growth, but it also squandered a valuable opportunity for tempering.


    because enduring the pressure of the sun could fully hone the potential of the nascent souls, it would be equivalent to boosting the nascent souls¡¯ growth limit. swallowing the fruit at that time would be the most perfect.


    princess mingmei didn¡¯t refute this.


    hence, based on these thoughts, xu qing immersed himself in his cultivation.


    time flowed by and very soon, another three days passed.


    during these three days, xu qing tirelessly controlled his nascent souls, causing them to erupt repeatedly. each time he pushed them to the limit, his body would sink into the desert.


    after resting inside, he began the same cultivation again.


    with this repetitive process, he had reached a point where he could walk in the desert without sinking more than a foot.


    ¡°this is the current limit. it¡¯s possible to avoid any sinking at all, but the duration will be limited to two hours. after that, the nascent souls will reach their restriction and require recovery before i can continue.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. just as he was wondering if there were any other methods that could assist him in adapting, an intense knock suddenly rang out from the sky.


    although there would occasionally be knocks on the door in the past few days, this time it was noticeably louder, shaking the heart and soul.


    xu qing stared at the sky.


    in the sky, the three siblings also opened their eyes.


    ¡°old eighth¡¯s personality is still so explosive.¡±


    the heir frowned and looked at princess mingmei.


    ¡°it¡¯s about time.¡±


    ¡°his consciousness doesn¡¯t seem to have completely awakened.¡±


    princess mingmei was expressionless as she calmly spoke.


    ¡°like when we were young, just give him a beating, and it¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°alright!¡± the heir nodded and performed a series of hand seals with both hands, pointing at the door.


    princess mingmei and fifth sister did the same.


    seeing that these three soul accumulation cultivators were like this, xu qing instinctively ran into the distance. he had heard their conversation and didn¡¯t want to get too close.


    reality proved that xu qing¡¯s actions were correct.


    this was because when he ran for five kilometers, the knocking on the door in the sky was already extremely intense. it was as though a terrifying existence had transformed the sky into a war drum and was knocking with all its might.


    a deafening sound rang out, causing the ground to collapse and shatter. even the void showed signs of shattering.


    the green sand desert, however, clearly possessed a strangeness. different from the outside world, the fluctuations generated here seemed to naturally have the effect of concealment.


    xu qing fell into deep thought and understood that this might be the reason why the heir and the others chose to undo the seal here.


    ¡°five kilometers is still a little too close¡­¡±


    the power of the purple moon erupted; blood filled the air and his speed suddenly skyrocketed.


    although the heir didn¡¯t permit him to rely on the purple moon¡¯s power, xu qing felt that it didn¡¯t matter if he used it at this moment.


    just like that, after a few breaths, xu qing was already 50 kilometers away. only then did his heart calm down. he lifted his head and looked at the distant sky.

 Chapter 1012 - 1012 The Dragon Has Nine Sons (2)

    1012 the dragon has nine sons (2)


    the figures of the heir and the princesses could no longer be seen. only the door in the sky could be vaguely seen. at the next instant, a resplendent light spread out, illuminating everything in the area.


    the knocking sound became unprecedentedly intense at this moment, and even more astonishing was that this sound actually affected the heartbeat. xu qing could clearly sense that his heart was about to go out of control.


    other than being shocked, the blood authority formed by xu qing¡¯s purple moon power erupted. a blood-colored vortex surrounded his body and after resisting all of this, he ran wildly again.


    at the same time, in front of the black and white door, with the efforts of the three siblings, a sharp friction sound emanated from the door. from the outside to the inside, it slowly opened, revealing a crack.


    a burst of green mist erupted from the crack at an astonishing speed, as if it had been sealed for far too long. in that moment of breaking free, a violent aura surged within.


    the sky turned green, and so did the earth. moreover, amidst the gathering mist, a tall figure with a bare upper body emerged, vaguely visible.


    it roared at the sky.


    this figure possessed astonishing pressure. even from a distance, where xu qing was, he could only sense it, yet a surge of anger erupted within him.


    furious, extremely furious.


    this emotion suddenly erupted in xu qing¡¯s heart without any reason.


    he wasn¡¯t the only one. all the ferocious beasts in the surroundings were enraged at this instant. even the usually gentle sandworms became extremely violent at this moment.


    everything was affected.


    the blood vortex around xu qing spun increasingly, allowing his mind to recover. as he retreated, he gained some understanding of the authority of this eighth son of the ruler.


    ¡°rage!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was solemn. the instant he muttered inwardly, a cold snort rang out from afar.


    ¡°roar my ass!¡±


    as he scolded, the heir raised his right hand as if he was going to make a fist, but as if worried that the other party couldn¡¯t bear it, he changed it to a finger, pointing it towards the figure.


    in an instant, the surroundings distorted and everything became blurry. the tall figure who was roaring angrily paused for a moment as though it was suppressed by an invisible force and its entire body trembled.


    but in the next moment, this figure suddenly raised its head, revealing a fierce expression, and the anger not only did not decrease but increased even more.


    ¡°i want¡­¡±


    the tall figure¡¯s entire body emitted violent energy which was about to smash into the surroundings. however, at this moment, princess mingmei frowned.


    ¡°crown prince, you¡¯re too gentle.¡±


    as she spoke, princess mingmei took a step forward and arrived in front of the tall figure. her right hand pressed down.


    in an instant, the tall figure trembled violently and his entire body distorted. he actually transformed into a meatball and was ruthlessly smashed to the ground.


    the ground trembled and a deep pit appeared.


    before the meatball could struggle, its body was rapidly drawn out again. princess mingmei then made a tearing motion.


    with a sharp sound, the meatball was torn into two halves, rapidly moving away from each other, and then, at an even faster speed, they converged again, finally colliding fiercely.


    a rumbling sound echoed in all directions.


    it wasn¡¯t over yet. the two meatballs that collided fused together due to the immense force, only to be torn apart again.


    this time, it split into four portions. after they separated, they collided rapidly from four different directions.


    next, there were eight portions, 16 portions, 32 portions¡­


    as for princess mingmei, she just stood there and moved her hands expressionlessly.


    the heir chuckled as he watched from the side. a rare smile appeared on their fifth sister¡¯s face. it was as though this scene reminded her of the beautiful past.


    after xu qing saw this scene from afar with his divine consciousness, he gained a greater understanding of princess mingmei¡¯s strength and attack style. a wail finally rang out from the meatball formed by the collision of the 64 pieces.


    ¡°sister, i¡¯m awake. stop hitting me. i¡¯m really awake.¡±


    princess mingmei didn¡¯t say a word. she waved her hand again and the 64 pieces turned into 128 pieces. after they flew in all directions, they were about to collide forcefully again when wails echoed.


    ¡°big brother, fifth sister, hurry up and persuade third sister. i was wrong. i didn¡¯t control myself well just now!¡±


    this wail was filled with horror. princess mingmei let out a cold snort.


    although she still waved her hand, this time, the 128 pieces of flesh didn¡¯t collide. instead, they fused together and transformed into the tall figure from before.


    this figure looked like a youth. his body was extremely burly and he stood there like a small mountain. the anger that originally existed on his body had completely disappeared and was replaced by a flattering look.


    ¡°big brother, third sister, fifth sister, has father revived? has the crimson goddess been killed? haha, i¡¯m finally free!¡±


    the eighth son of the ruler spoke excitedly. after he finished speaking, he looked at the sky and sensed his surroundings. he was stunned before taking a deep breath.


    ¡°what¡¯s going on? father hasn¡¯t revived and the crimson goddess still exists?¡±


    ¡°hmm, there¡¯s also the red moon divine son?¡±


    ¡°such guts!¡±


    the burly youth abruptly turned his head in the direction xu qing was in. his eyes revealed anger as he instinctively lifted his right hand and grabbed over.


    xu qing was shocked and his body was instantly bound. in fact, he could sense that the space around him was collapsing at that moment. his entire body was forcefully pulled over by a huge force and he appeared in front of the burly youth.


    ¡°that¡¯s half a disciple of your big brother and also the savior who helped me, fifth sister, and you escape.¡±


    princess mingmei calmly spoke.


    at the next instant, the burly youth¡¯s body trembled and his movements instantly became gentle. he put xu qing down and even tidied his clothes for him as he laughed.


    ¡°hello, little fellow.¡±


    the smile on the robust youth¡¯s face emanated a ferocious and insane aura, especially with his bloodshot eyes and the terrifying oscillations emanating from his body. it gave xu qing a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu, reminiscent of the god¡¯s eye he had encountered in the ghost cave.


    this put a lot of pressure on him.


    ¡°he was mischievous when he was a child and got beaten till his brain got damaged. it¡¯s true, so don¡¯t mind, xu qing.¡±


    the heir spoke lightly, and after that, he raised his right hand, reaching towards the black-and-white portal in the sky.


    this portal transformed into a stream of light and landed in his hand. under his kneading, it transformed into a tall gray hat that he threw to xu qing.


    ¡°this portal itself is a trumpet flower that the ancient sovereign gave to my father. it¡¯s a good thing. wear it; it can train your soul.¡±


    xu qing hesitantly took it. after some thought, he resolutely wore it on his head.


    his soul rumbled, and the sensation he had when he tied the sun back then descended again.


    this time, it descended on his soul.


    in an instant, everything before xu qing¡¯s eyes became blurry, his soul shook, and it seemed like the entire world appeared in double, and his awareness fluctuated intensely.


    he took a deep breath and gritted his teeth as he tried his best to adapt. the heir¡¯s words then rang out in his ears.


    ¡°third sister, eighth brother, and youngest sister, this kid has an apothecary here. it¡¯s very warm there. you should come with me.¡±

 Chapter 1013 - 1013 Myriad Techniques in Morning Glow, Erniu’s Great Matter (1)

    1013 myriad techniques in morning glow, erniu¡¯s great matter (1)


    bitter life mountain range.


    due to the spread of the blood light on the horizon and the imminent return of the red moon, the evil thoughts in the hearts of all living beings lost control and erupted. hence, chaos was everywhere and killings became common.


    only on the mountain at the edge of the bitter life mountain range was a small earth city, everything was as usual and warm.


    humans here were all smiles and didn¡¯t have any hostility toward each other. they were filled with friendship.


    half of the residents in this earth city were the subordinates of li youfei¡¯s disciple. because they sensed the heir¡¯s great love, they were willing to stay here. the other half of the cultivators arrived from outside during this period of time.


    before these outsiders entered this earth city, their hearts were filled with madness. after entering, they felt the warmth of this place. hence, they put down their evil thoughts and embraced the beauty.


    ¡°the warmth here is reminiscent of the atmosphere when father was alive. it brings together joy and harmony among the various races.¡±


    walking on the lively streets, the heir sighed with emotion.


    princess mingmei, who was dressed in a white robe, looked at the surrounding crowd and nodded. she knew that the heir really liked this place.


    memories also surfaced in fifth sister¡¯s eyes. now that she had returned to the human world after countless years of being sealed, even though she had only come to a corner of the world, it still made her cold heart feel some warmth.


    however, at this moment, the burly youth behind them couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    .¡±brother, you call this warmth? every blade of grass and tree here is filled with your power. how the wind blows or the grass sways depends on your mood¡­¡±


    the heir¡¯s expression darkened and he glanced at old eighth unhappily.


    princess mingmei turned her head and her gaze turned cold.


    fifth sister frowned and looked over as well.


    being stared at by his three siblings, the burly youth¡¯s body trembled and he instinctively took a deep breath. a fawning expression appeared on his face and his body swayed as he transformed into the appearance of an old man.


    ¡°what a good place. it¡¯s so warm. i like it so much!¡±


    the heir continued forward without any expression.


    princess mingmei and fifth sister retracted their gazes.


    old eighth heaved a sigh of relief.


    xu qing fell into deep thought and could tell the status of these children.


    ¡®princess mingmei has the highest status and the heir is almost the same. however, they both give in to the fifth princess. as for this old eighth¡­¡¯


    xu qing recalled the scene of the other party being beaten up with his divine consciousness.


    ¡®his status is probably about the same as ning yan¡¯s.¡¯


    xu qing followed behind princess mingmei and the fifth princess, getting closer and closer to the apothecary.


    very soon, the figures of wu jianwu and ancestor mogui were reflected in xu qing¡¯s vision. the other party¡¯s innovative poem also entered his ears at this moment.


    ¡°ten skies, nine earths, eight winds, seven seas, six paths, five elements, and others, quickly buy! one, two, three, four, don¡¯t haggle, come buy the pills!¡±


    during this period of time outside the earth city¡¯s apothecary, wu jianwu¡¯s poem had changed many rules. now, it had even been pioneered, shocking the long street and attracting many residents to go buy.


    beside him, ancestor mogui looked like he had resigned himself to his fate and was bored. however, he was still pondering how to escape from here.


    he was very cautious, so he didn¡¯t act rashly these few days and had been observing.


    now, he had already gotten some ideas. as he analyzed the plan again and again in his mind, he suddenly observed the people on the long street from the corner of his eyes. he instinctively shivered and revealed a fawning expression. just as he was about to copy wu jianwu and repeat the poem, at the next instant¡­


    he saw two old ladies dressed in black and white beside the heir.


    when he saw the white-robed old lady, ancestor mogui¡¯s mind rumbled.


    ¡®another soul accumulation?¡¯


    his body trembled and his heart was brimming with disbelief. after that, his gaze landed on the black-robed old lady and his mind churned even more intensely.


    ¡®this is also a soul accumulation!¡¯


    ancestor mogui looked blankly at the tall and burly old man at the back.


    ¡®another¡­¡¯


    ancestor mogui¡¯s breath paused for a moment. he felt that everything was too unreal, as if he were dreaming, and he even thought that he wouldn¡¯t dare to fantasize like this even in a dream.


    all of this caused his body to instantly go limp and he knelt down with a plop.


    an unprecedented feeling of compliance brimming him.


    at that moment, he no longer had any thoughts of escaping. he felt that in this moon worship region, unless the red moon shrine went all out or the crimson goddess descended, no one could save him.


    wu jianwu was surprised. he followed ancestor mogui¡¯s gaze and looked at the streets. after noticing xu qing and the heir, he was about to greet them. however, at the next instant, he saw the two old ladies and the old man behind them.


    the scene of these four old men and women walking over together stunned wu jianwu. he instinctively rubbed his eyes. after confirming that he wasn¡¯t seeing things, thunder rumbled in his mind.


    ¡®no way, could it be¡­ three more?!¡¯


    wu jianwu was dumbfounded. he wasn¡¯t sure if his guess was true but this didn¡¯t affect the monstrous waves in his mind.


    just as he stood there in a daze, xu qing and the others walked past him.


    this lasted until old eighth walked to his side. he glanced at him and grinned.


    ¡°kid, your poetry isn¡¯t bad.¡±


    when these words fell into wu jianwu¡¯s ears, they transformed into thunder in his mind. his body went limp and he knelt down, staring blankly at the few figures who had entered the apothecary.


    even now, he still couldn¡¯t believe it. he naturally bit his tongue and muttered in a daze amidst the intense pain.


    ¡°i actually saw four living soul accumulation cultivators!¡±


    the scene was deeply etched in wu jianwu¡¯s memory. he felt that he would ever forget this scene for the remainder of his life.

 Chapter 1014 - 1014 Myriad Techniques in Morning Glow, Erniu’s Great Matter (2)

    1014 myriad techniques in morning glow, erniu¡¯s great matter (2)


    inside the shop, as soon as xu qing walked in, ling er was about to run over in excitement. however, she noticed the additional old man and women who appeared beside xu qing, causing her to pause with a look of surprise and uncertainty.


    ¡°this little girl from the ancient spirit race isn¡¯t bad.¡±


    princess mingmei looked at ling¡¯er and smiled.


    she admired the fighting style of the ancient spirits and had made some good friends in the ancient spirit race in her early years. moreover, she wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with ling¡¯er.


    after all, when xu qing saved her back then, ling¡¯er was with xu qing.


    ¡°hello, grandma.¡± ling¡¯er slowly walked to xu qing¡¯s side, tugging at his clothes, and spoke gently towards princess mingmei who was standing beside.


    princess mingmei nodded with a kind smile.


    on the side, fifth sister also noticed the relationship between xu qing and ling¡¯er, so her expression softened. eighth brother, knowing how much xu qing was valued among his siblings, smiled foolishly.


    at the same time, the featherless parrot also flew over rapidly from the backyard. as it flew, it cried and complained.


    ¡°grandpa, you¡¯re finally back. these few days, i¡­¡±


    before the parrot could get close, it let out a cracking sound and was instantly grabbed by a large hand in the air.


    the one who caught it was old eighth.


    old eighth¡¯s eyes gleamed as he stared at the parrot and spoke in surprise.


    ¡°brother, don¡¯t you think the bloodline of this little thing is familiar?¡±


    ¡°he can be considered a descendant of that person. he was nurtured by the brat outside.¡±


    the heir smiled.


    ¡°it was nurtured?¡± old eighth had a strange expression. he glanced at wu jianwu outside and held the parrot in front of him, sizing it up carefully.


    the parrot trembled, its eyes filled with fear, losing the ability to struggle. it felt that the old man in front of it was terrifying to the extreme, like a giant furnace burning fiercely. it seemed that if the furnace spread out even a hint of fire, it would turn into ashes.


    at that moment, ning yan, who was wiping the ground, was also trembling. just like wu jianwu outside, his mind continued to rumble as he stared blankly at the heir and the others.


    ¡®all of them¡­ all of them are soul accumulation cultivators? all of them came to the apothecary?¡¯


    li youfei was trembling so much that he knelt down.


    however, compared to them, nether fairy was much calmer.


    the instant she saw princess mingmei and the others, although she was also shocked, she quickly calmed down. after all, there didn¡¯t seem to be much difference between serving one soul accumulation cultivator and four soul accumulation cultivators. in any case, it was just simmering water.


    what she cared about the most was still disgust and hatred for the captain.


    as for the captain, he had an excited expression on his face. his face was filled with flattery as he quickly ran over from the back room.


    ¡°grandpa, you¡¯re back! i heard the parrot squawking early this morning, and at that moment, i guessed that grandpa, you might be coming back today. that¡¯s great!¡±


    ¡°hello, grandmas, hello, grandpa.¡± the captain agreed and bowed, trying his best to make his tone sweeter. however, his heart was trembling. although he had expected this, he didn¡¯t expect xu qing to bring back three more in one go.


    ¡®heavens¡­¡¯


    when old eighth heard this, his gaze shifted away from the parrot. he glanced at the captain and spoke to the heir.


    ¡°brother, why do you still have a divine sinner here?¡±


    ¡°and the aura is very familiar. i remember many years ago, when i still had some consciousness, a cultivator with a similar aura came to the door i was sealed in. every time i knocked on the door, the other party would knock back, looking very cheeky.¡±


    ¡°was it you?¡±


    old eighth¡¯s gaze was deep. after saying that, he looked at the captain.


    the captain blinked and was about to speak when fifth sister¡¯s cold voice rang out.


    ¡°many years ago, someone used the god¡¯s ritual dance technique and sent a wisp of divine sense into the place i was sealed in. it made an unreasonable request and was eaten by me.¡±


    their words caused ning yan to gasp. wu jianwu, who was outside the apothecary, was shocked. xu qing also cast a deep glance at the captain.


    the captain¡¯s heart skipped a beat.


    ¡°erniu, were you causing such trouble in the past few years?¡± the heir asked casually.


    the captain quickly shook his head and carefully said.


    ¡°grandpa, look at how obedient i am¡­ this must be a misunderstanding!¡±


    the heir smiled faintly and didn¡¯t pursue this matter. instead, he brought his siblings to his usual area.


    the moment they sat down, nether fairy carried the kettle and quickly arrived. she respectfully brewed four cups of tea.


    princess mingmei picked up her teacup and took a sip. she gazed around and agreed slightly.


    ¡°this place is quite good.¡±


    fifth sister¡¯s gaze swept past the room and ning yan and the others as she agreed lightly.


    ¡°it¡¯s good to be young.¡±


    old eighth finished the tea in one gulp and let out a long sigh.


    ¡°if you think it¡¯s good, then it¡¯s good!¡±


    just like that, while everyone was shaking in the apothecary, a day passed.


    the next day, when it opened for business, everything was normal in the small apothecary. ning yan wiped, nether fairy boiled water, wu jianwu and ancestor mogui shouted, li youfei did odd jobs, and the captain stood guard.


    the difference was that they were exceptionally hard-working today, and the number of people drinking tea became four.


    however, most of the time, the heir would be sitting there alone.


    this was because in the next half a month, princess mingmei paid more attention to ling¡¯er. she brought ling¡¯er out many times and every time they returned, ling¡¯er would be very excited. her cultivation made clear progress.


    the chicken coop in the backyard attracted the interest of fifth sister. she seemed to like those little chicks very much and took over ning yan¡¯s work of feeding them.


    as for old eighth, after interacting with everyone, he became quite curious about chen erniu. the captain also tried his best to curry favor with him. hence, the old and young usually chatted happily.


    as for xu qing, he had already adapted to the weight of the sun. when he could barely endure the hat on his head, the heir gave a new cultivation plan.

 Chapter 1015 - 1015 Myriad Techniques in Morning Glow, Erniu’s Great Matter (3)

    1015 myriad techniques in morning glow, erniu¡¯s great matter (3)


    unlike before, princess mingmei was also present this time.


    ¡°xu qing, your heavenly dao, the soul accumulation mountain, and the prison nascent souls are quite special. wait until you break through in your cultivation, and then you can contemplate them again.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s also your time bottle and the morning glow formed by the fall of the sun. my third sister is more suitable to guide you in them than me.¡±


    at this point, the heir looked at his third sister.


    xu qing sat opposite the heir and listened attentively. he wasn¡¯t surprised that the heir had seen through all his foundations. at that moment, he also looked at princess mingmei.


    ¡°the time bottle is a mystical item of the imperial family and i don¡¯t know its origin, but it does contain the technique of time. however, this technique is not something that can be learned. you need to frequently contemplate and imprint it in your heart. the mysteries of time are profound, and everyone¡¯s path is unique.¡±


    princess mingmei¡¯s gaze swept past xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s body stiffened. he felt as though everything had been seen through.


    ¡°your life lantern is already on the path of the dao of time. you just have to continue walking. for you to be able to gather your own life lantern in without having a bloodline like ours, this matter isn¡¯t simple. i believe this is also why the crown prince thinks highly of you.¡±


    the heir smiled when he heard this.


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that with our current abilities, we can¡¯t open old ninth¡¯s sealed place silently. otherwise, if old ninth was freed, his life lantern divine fire art would have been very suitable for this kid.¡±


    the third sister nodded and continued to speak.


    ¡°as for the morning glow, this light is rare and i haven¡¯t studied it.¡±


    ¡°however, back then, i saw a prince possessing it at the ancient sovereign¡¯s place. when that prince unfolded the illumination of the morning glow, he transformed into the sun in an instant.¡±


    ¡°although it is difficult to display its full power, it also possesses some of the power of the sun. its radiance is immense, astonishing, and no technique can harm it in the slightest!¡±


    ¡°thus, young one, do not let your thoughts limit you. sometimes, the strength of some divine capabilities are determined by your imagination. you can fully integrate your other abilities to create combinations.¡±


    princess mingmei stared at xu qing with anticipation. she knew that while some things may sound easy, truly understanding and integrating them into one¡¯s cognition was an incredibly difficult task.


    and today, what she wanted to do was make xu qing realize that the morning glow and the golden crow could complement each other, and this collaboration could unleash greater power. it was also the best way to combine them, forming a powerful trump card.


    however, she didn¡¯t tell him immediately. she wanted to give xu qing some time to think and digest. after he truly had this awareness, he might be able to understand it himself.


    this approach would have a more profound impact compared to directly providing the information.


    when xu qing heard this, his heart stirred. every word of princess mingmei¡¯s words echoed in his mind for a long time.


    a feeling of enlightenment rose in his mind.


    many thoughts surfaced. they kept colliding and merging, giving birth to sparks of inspiration one after another.


    a long time later, xu qing was enlightened. his thoughts were clear and he abruptly lifted his head. a strange glint appeared in his eyes and his expression was solemn.


    ¡°thank you, senior. i understand!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s stare was bright. as soon as he spoke, the heart of the heir who was drinking tea skipped a beat.


    these words caused him to have a bad feeling. hence, just as he was about to speak, princess mingmei calmly spoke.


    ¡°oh? what do you understand?¡± after asking, she reached out to take the teacup.


    ¡°senior, i understand what you want to tell me. you want to remind me that light¡­ doesn¡¯t have to be only one form!¡±


    xu qing drew in a deep breath.


    ¡°in reality, its form can change at will, so transformation is also an ability of light. moreover, it¡¯s an extremely powerful force.¡±


    princess mingmei¡¯s palm that was about to reach for the teacup paused slightly.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was excited as he continued to speak.


    ¡°therefore¡­ since the morning glow can destroy myriad techniques, it must be able to transform into myriad techniques as well!¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s right. senior wants to tell me that what limits the strength of my divine arts is my imagination. i limited myself previously!¡±


    ¡°i understand now that there¡¯s more than one way to use the morning glow.¡±


    ¡°i should use the morning glow to simulate other people¡¯s spells!¡±


    ¡°light has the ability to transform, so it will definitely succeed. and this¡­ is the correct way for morning glow!¡±


    xu qing abruptly stood up, his heart surging. he looked at princess mingmei and waited for her comments.


    the heir fell silent.


    princess mingmei was moreover silent, as though she was thinking. a few breaths later, she picked up the teacup at the side and nodded.


    seeing that he had been acknowledged, xu qing took a deep breath. he felt that this princess mingmei in front of him was indeed worthy of being someone whom even the heir respected. the other party¡¯s words enlightened him.


    xu qing liked this feeling very much. he cupped his fists and bowed to princess mingmei. he then turned and headed straight for the back room to comprehend further.


    after he left, princess mingmei put down the teacup in her palm and turned to look deeply at the heir.


    the heir smiled bitterly and transmitted his voice.


    ¡°how¡¯s the comprehension ability of this half-disciple of mine? isn¡¯t it freakish?¡±


    princess mingmei calmly spoke.


    ¡°pay attention to your words. he¡¯s not your half-disciple. if this kid can complete what he has comprehended within three months, you won¡¯t need to teach him anymore.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll teach him!¡±


    time flowed by and three days passed.


    during these three days, xu qing had been immersed in his research on the morning glow. he kept spreading out his morning glow in the back room and tried to transform it.


    the process wasn¡¯t very smooth but xu qing didn¡¯t give up. he kept thinking and even thought of the recording jade slip.

 Chapter 1016 - 1016 Myriad Techniques in Morning Glow, Erniu’s Great Matter (4)

    1016 myriad techniques in morning glow, erniu¡¯s great matter (4)


    ¡°the recording jade slip can record everything. its principle¡­ is also related to light!¡±


    ¡°also, when eldest senior brother imprinted that palm print on the human skin in the world fragment back then, the principle behind it also used the convergence of light¡­¡±


    at the thought of this, xu qing sighed in amazement.


    ¡°senior mingmei is indeed an expert. her guidance is very accurate, and i was foolish to not think of morning glow at that time!¡±


    ¡°if i want to use the morning glow to simulate, the first thing i need is a carrier!¡±


    xu qing fell silent. the first thing he thought of was the jade slip. hence, he took it out and studied it.


    that night, when xu qing gained some insights from his research, the captain secretly came looking for him with a mysterious expression.


    ¡°little qing, we¡¯re going to do something big soon.¡±


    xu qing looked at the captain.


    ¡°soon?¡±


    he knew that the captain¡¯s goal in coming to the bitter life mountain range was to do something big. however, xu qing didn¡¯t know about the specific details.


    ¡°little qing, the time for our major event in the bitter life mountain range is about to arrive. when we look up at the horizon and see not only the blood light but also the red moon star, it will be the day we set off!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve done some calculations over the past few days, and it will be here soon. our great matter this time is different from the past.¡±


    the captain was smug. he squatted in front of xu qing and whispered.


    ¡°in the past, we would secretly do it and then escape quickly. we paid attention to entering and leaving without a trace, but this time¡­¡±


    ¡°we will let all living beings in the moon worship region see us!¡±


    the captain had a proud expression.


    ¡°you can treat this major event as a play we¡¯re performing on stage. all the living beings in the moon worship region will see it with their own eyes!¡±


    ¡°also, this time, big jianjian, little ningning, and ling¡¯er have to participate. we¡¯ll all move out!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity though, i¡¯ve been communicating with the old elders these few days, wanting them to come with us. this way, we can save a lot of trouble, but they won¡¯t do it.¡±


    at this point, the captain instigated.


    ¡°other than telling you that we are going to do something big, i wanted to ask you to persuade them¡­¡±


    xu qing hesitated and was about to convey when the heir¡¯s cold snort rang out in his mind.


    ¡®not going!¡¯


    xu qing looked at the captain and replied solemnly.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, i think if we want to grow, we should temper ourselves more.¡±


    the captain blinked and xu qing nodded.


    ¡°alright¡­¡±


    the captain struggled for a moment inwardly and finally left helplessly. in the three days after he left, every late night, the captain¡¯s wails would resound out from wu jianwu¡¯s room. there was even a day when ning yan was called over.


    xu qing had no idea what the captain was doing.


    every morning, wu jianwu would walk out with a pale face, looking extremely exhausted. as for ning yan, after he went once, his face was equally pale the next day.


    ling¡¯er was curious and asked.


    wu jianwu remained silent and ning yan sighed.


    ¡°it¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine. this isn¡¯t the primary time¡­¡±


    ling¡¯er became even more curious.


    however, this wailing only lasted for three days. when the captain appeared again, his expression was equally pale. he gazed resentfully at the heir and the others who were drinking tea and went to the back room to find xu qing.


    ¡°little qing, we¡¯re relying on ourselves this time! i¡¯ve already prepared the tools. lend me your artifact spirit next.¡±


    the captain panted and determination appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°what¡¯s the major matter this time?¡± xu qing retracted his thoughts from the jade slip. he waved his hand and took out the fish bone, tossing it to the captain.


    ¡°acting.¡± the captain took it and the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor trembled slightly.


    ¡°he¡¯s an artifact spirit. i remember hearing him say that he¡¯s familiar with books in the past. in that case, he should be very experienced in fabricating plots. i¡¯ll get him to formulate a script for me.¡±


    ¡°after that, we will require some ancient clothes. this is a headache. the attire during the ancient sovereign¡¯s period was mainly exquisite, and the materials were besides precious¡­ but it¡¯s okay, i¡¯m sure big butt has secretly stored quite a lot.¡±


    speaking of the major matter, the captain was in high spirits.


    ¡°little qing, this major event is definitely distinct from before!¡±

 Chapter 1017 - 1017 Morning Glow Illuminates the World

    1017 morning glow illuminates the world


    looking at the captain¡¯s excited expression, xu qing nodded.


    ¡°i am going now. i¡¯ve prepared a lot for this major event but it was all about researching the information. now there¡¯s not much missing. wait for my good news!¡±


    the captain, filled with excitement, prepared to leave the back room and delve into a deeper discussion with the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor.


    before he left, xu qing shouted out and asked for a piece of the captain¡¯s skin.


    the captain didn¡¯t care and casually threw a piece over. it was as though to him, what he had the most was his skin.


    ¡°is it enough? if not, i still have more!¡±


    the captain generously looked at xu qing.


    ¡°enough¡­¡± xu qing glanced at the piece of skin in front of him and discovered that there was a belly button on it. his expression couldn¡¯t help but be strange.


    the captain smiled proudly and swaggered away.


    looking at the captain¡¯s back view, xu qing also sighed with emotion.


    this wasn¡¯t the first time he had heard the words ¡®do great thing¡¯ from the captain.


    logically speaking, xu qing felt that he should have gotten used to it. however, after the captain left, he sat there cross-legged and some waves still rose in his mind.


    truly¡­ every major event of the captain¡¯s was extremely exciting. moreover, as his cultivation level increased, the degree of this excitement continued to increase.


    many times, xu qing didn¡¯t understand why the captain was so crazily passionate about risking his life.


    ¡°he always wants to play himself to death¡­¡± xu qing sighed. the words ¡®divine sinner¡¯ that the eighth grandpa said when he first saw the captain, appeared in his mind.


    ¡°could it be that eldest senior brother was really a divine sinner in the past?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought as he recalled the things he and his eldest senior brother had done.


    regardless of whether it was stealing from the sea corpse race, from nether fairy, or the ten-guts tree¡­


    it was basically either stealing or eating.


    xu qing fell silent.


    a long time later, he looked in the direction of the captain¡¯s residence. at this moment, the trembling emotions of the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor could be felt.


    ¡°according to the captain, he¡¯s going to put on an act this time. in that case, we shouldn¡¯t be stealing, right?¡±


    as he mumbled, xu qing instinctively opened his storage bag and checked his teleportation items. after confirming that there were enough of them, he felt a little more at ease.


    ¡°when we go, i will bring the parrot with me.¡±


    xu qing made a decision and no longer thought about the captain¡¯s major matter. he immersed himself in his research on the morning glow.


    in fact, by the third day, he was able to adjust some images he wanted through the changes in the seven colors contained in the morning glow.


    but unfortunately, these images could only stay in xu qing¡¯s mind. he could imagine them and try to use the morning light to simulate them, but the scenes reflected were vastly different from what he had in mind.


    light was still light, unable to form images.


    so, in the following days, he used the jade slip as a carrier to study the imaging principles between light and images.


    the principle wasn¡¯t difficult, especially after personally witnessing the scene where the captain used skin and the refraction of light to imprint fingerprints, xu qing¡¯s understanding of the changes in the light has gained some direction.


    ¡°the reason light forms an image is due to refraction. i once observed the dispersal pattern of the morning glow, and i can¡¯t say it was incorrect; it¡¯s just a manifestation of the myriad ways of destroying all techniques.¡±


    ¡°so, what i need to do is focus the morning glow. because of its uniqueness, it can not only reflect on objects but also on the spells of the enemy!¡±


    ¡°in turn, it will produce some refractions that i can¡¯t see¡­¡±


    ¡°at this point, what i need to do is make those unseen refractions come into focus!¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly as his eyes gleamed. he then picked up the recording jade slip.


    ¡°the difference between an ordinary jade slip and a recording jade slip¡­ the former is sensitive to divine consciousness, so it can be imprinted with divine sense. the latter is sensitive to light, so it can record images.¡±


    ¡°therefore, regardless of whether it¡¯s the recording jade slip or the captain¡¯s skin, they are both extremely sensitive to light.¡±


    xu qing put down the recording jade slip and picked up the captain¡¯s skin. after studying it, he confirmed the results of his research over the past few days.


    ¡°moreover, the captain¡¯s skin is an extraordinary material. not only is it incredibly tough, but upon closer look, the patterns within give me a sense of rune imprinting.¡±


    ¡°this should be a special characteristic of the leader himself. due to my cultivation level and ordinary status, i cannot achieve it.¡±


    ¡°but i can use some other methods to make a part of my skin extremely sensitive to light¡­ thereby stimulating my extraordinary god¡¯s body.¡±


    ¡°so, in this way, when the morning light is focused and refracted, the images i can¡¯t see can be sensed by my skin, and then i can instinctively reveal them!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s thoughts spun. he lifted his right palm and stared at it.


    there were many ways to increase sensitivity to light. xu qing felt that what he was best at was relying on the art of plants and vegetation.


    ¡°there are many medicinal herbs and poisons that can make the skin sensitive. although it¡¯s a form of harm, when used in the right way, it becomes an auxiliary tool for the divine ability.¡±


    ¡°i have many poisons in my pouch now.¡±


    ¡°princess mingmei is right. imagination is one of the main reasons why the strength of divine arts is limited.¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath. after carefully analyzing, he felt that this method was feasible. hence, he opened his storage bag and took out the poisons that had the effect of making the hide sensitive, preparing to refine his right hand.


    he wanted to poison his right hand until it was extremely sensitive to light.


    ¡°once i succeed, my hand can be called the hand of myriad techniques!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart pounded as he began to refine.


    just like that, seven days passed in the blink of an eye. from the time xu qing started studying the morning glow, half a month had passed.


    as for princess mingmei, she was already satisfied on the third day.


    she could sense the transformations in xu qing¡¯s morning glow. although xu qing couldn¡¯t see it with the naked eye and thought that it couldn¡¯t be imaging, it was clear in the eyes of the heir and her.


    at that moment, the heir¡¯s heart stirred.


    princess mingmei also nodded.


    she felt that it was about enough. what xu qing has achieved so far is already quite remarkable; it can be considered as exceeding expectations for the task.


    in her view, with xu qing¡¯s cultivation and comprehension, it was currently impossible for him to truly use the morning glow to reveal all techniques. she had never seen anyone walk this path before.


    ¡°but this idea is good. if he continues like this, there may come a day when he truly realizes his dream.¡±


    ¡°young people should dare to dream and dare to try!¡±


    princess mingmei smiled, ready to step in and continue guiding after xu qing gave up.


    however¡­ after that, she discovered that xu qing actually frowned with a dissatisfied expression. in the days that followed, she saw xu qing studying the recording jade slip, studying erniu¡¯s skin, and¡­ poisoning his own hands.


    this scene made princess mingmei hesitate. she looked at the heir beside her.


    the heir fell silent. after a long time, he smiled bitterly and spoke.


    ¡°third sister, the most monstrous thing about this kid isn¡¯t his cultivation aptitude but his understanding ability.¡±


    ¡°previously, you told him that imagination limits the might of divine arts. this sentence should have stimulated this kid a lot. it¡¯s like opening a cage.¡±


    ¡°therefore, i think he might have¡­ really figured out a way to image with the morning glow.¡±


    when mingmei heard this, she fell silent.


    old eighth, who was at the side, looked at the heir and then at third sister.


    in this half a month, he also sensed the direction of his third sister and eldest brother¡¯s attention, so he secretly paid attention. now that he saw all of this, he suddenly felt an eagerness to give it a try.


    ¡®back then, i also guided many heaven¡¯s chosen of the younger generation. since big brother and third sister think so highly of xu qing, i¡¯ll find an opportunity in the future to give it a try too.¡¯


    with this thought in mind, old eighth was filled with anticipation.


    as for their fifth sister, during the half a month xu qing was cultivating, she spent most of her time taking care of those chicks in the backyard, each of which grew plump.


    the number of chicks increased at a speed that far exceeded the past. there would be more of them almost every day.


    this was especially so since dozens of them had appeared a few days ago. this made ling¡¯er, who would occasionally come to help, click her tongue when she saw them.


    ¡°fifth grandma, there are more chicks today.¡±


    at that moment, in the backyard, ling¡¯er was helping to scatter bugs. when she saw those chicks rushing over crazily to eat, she spoke crisply to grandma five.


    grandma five sat there with a smile and nodded.


    ¡°when i fatten them up a little more, i¡¯ll kill them for you and your brother xu qing to nourish your bodies.¡±


    as soon as she finished speaking, the bodies of the chicks who were consuming indignantly trembled and their expressions unveiled intense horror.


    especially the dozens that appeared a few days ago, they were in deep despair, making clucking sounds.


    they weren¡¯t cultivators from the bitter life mountain range but from the yin yang flower sect. they had come here because they had investigated the tracks of the culprit who had caused chaos in the heavenly bull mountain range back then.


    after arriving here, they didn¡¯t act rashly. they went to the red moon shrine to greet the divine envoy. however, the moment they stepped into the red moon shrine, they felt the world spinning before they could see the divine envoy.


    the moment they regained their senses, they had turned into chicks.


    just as these chicks were in despair, a boom rang out from the back room of the apothecary and spread in all directions. there was also a rainbow-colored light that shot out from there, illuminating the surroundings.


    this light instantly enveloped the entire apothecary and everyone. it also landed on the chicks. as it continued to erupt, it actually formed a sea of light.


    this sea churned, causing the sky to fluctuate at this instant.


    as the wind and clouds surged, this sea of light suddenly rose into the air. in the sky, it actually continued to gather and change. one could vaguely see a nail forming!


    as soon as the nail appeared, it seemed to trigger an atmospheric phenomenon and the world changed color.


    ling¡¯er gasped and ning yan¡¯s eyes widened. wu jianwu was dumbfounded and li youfei was shocked.


    the captain¡¯s expression changed, nether fairy¡¯s expression turned solemn, and ancestor mogui¡¯s eyes flashed.


    some of them had seen this nail before, so they were shocked. some had never seen this nail before, but they were equally shocked when they sensed the aura it attracted.


    only the heir, third sister, fifth sister, and eighth brother looked at the nail that was taking shape in the sky. their expressions were the calmest. however, upon closer inspection, one could see that there was a strange glint in their eyes.


    this was especially so for the heir and third sister. under their calm appearances, the waves in their hearts weren¡¯t small. they turned their heads and looked at the back room.


    that place was the source of the rainbow light.


    ¡°he succeeded¡­¡±


    ¡°that kid is simulating father¡¯s nail!¡±

 Chapter 1018 - 1018 Star Descent, Hair Like Blood

    1018 star descent, hair like blood


    the world rumbled and a violent wind blew.


    the sea of light in the sky churned. under everyone¡¯s gazes, the nail that was constantly taking shape didn¡¯t completely manifest. after it shone to a certain extent, it began to disintegrate.


    in the back room, xu qing sat cross-legged and meditated. a rainbow-colored nascent soul floated in front of him.


    endless morning glow spread out from the rainbow-colored nascent soul and spread in all directions, transforming into a sea of light.


    xu qing lifted his right hand and touched the nascent soul¡¯s hand.


    one could clearly see the outline of a nail in xu qing¡¯s right palm. at that moment, it was dissipating and becoming blurry.


    at first glance, the skin on his right hand was the same as the other parts. however, if one observed carefully, they would discover a slight difference. it was as though the skin on his right hand, especially the palm, was slightly fairer than the other parts.


    it was as though it had been soaked for many years, giving off a pure feeling.


    a while later, as the outline of the nail in xu qing¡¯s right palm completely disappeared, the nail formed by the sea of light in the outside world also collapsed and dissipated.


    xu qing opened his eyes.


    in an instant, all the morning glow rolled over and gathered in his morning glow nascent soul. the moment xu qing opened his eyes, the nascent soul also returned to his body.


    xu qing sighed softly.


    ¡°in the end, i can¡¯t simulate the spells i saw in my memory. moreover, there are restrictions to my transformation technique¡­ it¡¯s not true that i can simulate all the spells i see in the future.¡±


    xu qing shook his head and stood up, walking out of the back room with regret.


    the moment he walked out, he saw everyone in the hall.


    ning yan looked at xu qing as though he was looking at a monster and wanted to say something but hesitated.


    wu jianwu, on the other hand, had a dazed expression. he couldn¡¯t help but recall his first encounter with xu qing on the forbidden sea back then. at that time, he could still fight against the other party. it could basically be considered a draw.


    but now¡­


    wu jianwu felt disappointed. immediately, his eyes turned red. he had been too lazy during this period of time. he wanted to continue nurturing his bloodline!


    the parrot shuddered and didn¡¯t dare to speak.


    li youfei lowered his head respectfully. nether fairy cast a deep glance at xu qing. as for ancestor mogui, this was the first time he focused his attention on someone other than the four soul accumulation cultivators.


    xu qing¡¯s previous scene told him how extraordinary he was. this wasn¡¯t a power that a nascent soul cultivator could display. in fact, it wasn¡¯t something that even spirit repository could do.


    this made him suddenly understand why this kid who walked out of the back room could be the core of this apothecary and sit together with the soul accumulation.


    compared to them, although ling¡¯er was also surprised, she was more proud.


    the captain blinked in surprise.


    as for old eighth, he looked at xu qing and grinned.


    a strange look appeared in fifth sister¡¯s eyes. although she didn¡¯t participate in the heir and third sister¡¯s guidance to xu qing, she could still see some clues now.


    the heir nodded slightly as an unfathomable expression appeared on his face. at this moment, he didn¡¯t know that his and xu qing¡¯s master¡¯s expressions were actually becoming more and more similar.


    as for princess mingmei, she looked at xu qing expressionlessly.


    xu qing swept his gaze across ning yan and the others and knew why they were like this. after all, manifesting the ruler¡¯s nail would naturally cause shock.


    however, in reality, xu qing was dissatisfied with his failure, especially with the expressions of princess mingmei and the heir. this made him sigh even more. hence, he walked over and lowered his head to speak.


    ¡°senior, i still failed.¡±


    the heir¡¯s face twitched slightly before it turned into disappointment.


    ¡°i saw.¡±


    the heir continued.


    ¡°however, you¡¯re still young after all. it¡¯s normal for you to fail occasionally.¡±


    xu qing nodded. just as he was about to speak, princess mingmei spoke.


    ¡°open your right hand.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he stretched out his right palm.


    at the next instant, princess mingmei, the heir, and fifth sister swept their divine consciousness across xu qing¡¯s palm. their expressions turned strange, and the heir suddenly raised his hand.


    suddenly, a mass of black long hair appeared in front of him, continuously contracting and expanding. within it, there were faintly countless fierce souls, emitting a power that affected the soul.


    ¡°simulate it.¡±


    the heir looked at xu qing.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate. the morning glow on his body instantly spread out. after enveloping the surroundings, it quickly gathered into a beam and landed on the black ball of hair. at the same time, his right palm grabbed at the ball of hair.


    immediately, black color appeared in his white palm. it gradually turned into a ball and became blurry.


    at the next instant, something similar to a ball of hair appeared in front of xu qing. however, it wasn¡¯t real but hazy.


    moreover, its might was far inferior.


    it was as though it only had a portion of its form and didn¡¯t possess any divine might.


    however, this scene still moved nether fairy and ancestor mogui.


    the heir fell silent. he felt a little tired.


    he never expected that xu qing could really simulate his divine art by relying on the morning glow.


    they were vastly different in might and couldn¡¯t even be compared.


    it was only copied in form and didn¡¯t contain any divine might, nor did it contain laws or authority.


    however¡­ he was a soul accumulation cultivator. he had never seen or heard of a nascent soul cultivator who could do this.


    ¡®this kid¡¯s comprehension ability can be said to be monstrous!¡¯


    the heir didn¡¯t want to speak anymore.


    princess mingmei also lifted her hand and waved it slightly.


    immediately, the chair at the side changed and transformed into a white pigeon that fluttered in front of her.


    this pigeon looked ordinary but since it was formed by the hands of a soul accumulation, it was naturally not simple. one could see the sun, moon, and stars in its eyes, as though this pigeon could shuttle through time and fly through ages.


    ¡°simulate!¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath and used the same method to simulate it. he then pressed down on a chair at the side.


    the chair instantly distorted and incomparably strange hair actually grew out. however, it was a pity that it didn¡¯t transform into a pigeon. instead, its hair grew disorderly and in the end, it directly collapsed.


    this scene caused ning yan and the others to be shocked. as for the parrot, its eyes instantly widened and its breathing became hurried. its eyes revealed an intense light.


    xu qing felt regret and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°i still can¡¯t do it.¡±


    at the side, old eighth¡¯s interest was piqued. his body suddenly emitted an enraged emotion that affected the surroundings. after distorting everything, it vaguely formed a tyrannosaurus.


    this beast¡¯s entire body was burning with flames, and every scale emitted a terrifying might. as its body moved, the bitter life mountain range trembled. its teeth opened, revealing a sinister expression. its voice also echoed in the apothecary.


    ¡°try simulating me.¡±


    ning yan and wu jianwu directly went limp. the others weren¡¯t any better. xu qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. under this astonishing pressure, his soul and body were trembling.


    in such a state, he couldn¡¯t simulate anything.


    princess mingmei snorted coldly.


    ¡°scram!¡±


    as soon as she uttered that, old eighth¡¯s body and all the scenes outside instantly disappeared.


    the world was normal and everything returned to normal.


    xu qing heaved a sigh of relief and lowered his head even more respectfully.


    princess mingmei¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all as she calmly spoke.


    ¡°you can¡¯t do it because your current cultivation isn¡¯t enough. you lack laws and trump cards. although your authority isn¡¯t bad, it¡¯s not omnipotent.¡±


    ¡°all of this will change a lot when you reach the spirit repository.¡±


    ¡°also, you have to treat cultivation as¡­¡± princess mingmei was about to guide him in terms of comprehension. this was a habit of hers in her early years. back then, she had taught all her disciples like this.


    however, this time, she paused in the middle.


    xu qing lifted his head and listened seriously.


    mingmei fell silent for a few breaths before speaking calmly.


    ¡°think of it as an experience.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he fell into deep thought.


    his expression caused the heir and princess mingmei to instinctively look at each other. just as they were about to continue speaking, the expressions of mingmei and the heir changed at the same time. their figures instantly disappeared and appeared in the sky.


    at the same time, old eighth who had returned and fifth sister also appeared in the sky.


    they all gazed at the horizon.


    in the distant sky, the red light that was as viscous as blood was originally spreading according to a certain pattern in the past month. however, it suddenly erupted now.


    the red light on the horizon instantly doubled in intensity. it was dazzling, causing vegetation, mountains, plains, rivers¡­ everything to be dyed red!


    at the source of the endless red light in the horizon, at this instant, a colossal object that was like a star appeared.


    that was indeed a star.


    its entire body was red, as though it was formed from blood. it was incredibly large and shook the surroundings.


    in fact, on this star, one could even see undulating mountain ranges and uneven surfaces.


    it was the red moon!


    it was flying toward the moon worship region at an extremely fast speed.


    mountains crumbled one after another in the moon worship region. pieces of rubble, collapsed trees, and even everything, including some corpses, rose into the air to varying degrees.


    from now on, they would float between sky and earth.


    this was the atmospheric tide of the red moon.


    along with the tide, a tremendous oppressive force descended, causing the beings in the moon worship region to howl in agony. countless curses erupted within the mortal bodies, and even cultivators couldn¡¯t avoid it. their expressions contorted in extreme pain.


    only high-level cultivators or cultivators who had consumed the curse-resolving pills could barely suppress it at this moment.


    and this was only the beginning.


    when this star grew larger and larger and finally substituted the entire sky, the ground would collapse, everything would rise into the air, and all living beings would perish.


    xu qing and the captain materialized in the air and gazed at the horizon solemnly.


    they weren¡¯t the only ones. at this moment, the experts of all the races in the moon worship region were observing this from their respective areas and their minds were agitating intensely.


    ¡°red moon¡­ can be seen with the naked eye.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart was also shaken. he could sense that his red moon authority¡­ was clearly stronger than before.


    it was as though the closer red moon was, the more astonishing his authority was.


    ¡°junior brother, do you remember what i told you before? when we see the red moon in the sky, that will be the day we set off?¡±


    ¡°because normally, we can¡¯t enter the place we¡¯re about to go to. if we want to open it, there are a few necessary conditions. the most important one is green hair turned blood-red.¡±


    ¡°legend has it that the green sand desert is formed from a strand of hair. look at this land. it¡¯s already as red as blood.¡±


    in the air, the captain uttered with a deep voice as he stared at the desert.


    as far as xu qing could see, the desert below was no longer green under the illumination of the blood light on the horizon. it was completely red.


    ¡°let¡¯s set off tonight.¡±


    the captain patted xu qing¡¯s shoulder and spoke softly.

 Chapter 1019 - 1019 The Origin of Wind Guard

    1019 the origin of wind guard


    on the night the red moon appeared in the sky, a nearly black wind blew in the green sand desert.


    this was somewhat similar to the legends of the green sand desert. it was formed after the original green wind fused with the redness of the ground.


    however, upon closer inspection, it actually leaned more towards purple.


    amidst the sandstorm, xu qing and the others left the apothecary.


    other than ning yan and wu jianwu, ling¡¯er, nether fairy, and li youfei also set off with them.


    among them, the most difficult to bring was nether fairy. it was unknown what the captain said to her, but it actually made nether fairy, who always showed disgust towards him, agree to follow.


    the parrot didn¡¯t escape either and xu qing borrowed it from the heir.


    the parrot originally wanted to reject xu qing but after seeing xu qing¡¯s right hand, it strangely chose to agree.


    as for the heir and the others, they ultimately didn¡¯t participate and allowed them to leave.


    just like that, xu qing and the others walked into the desert amidst the sandstorm and headed deeper.


    at the same time, as the red moon became visible in the sky, with the eruption of the power of the tide, all living beings in the moon worship region suffered indescribable misery.


    countless mountain ranges were constantly collapsing, and lakes were flowing in reverse, churning in mid-air.


    especially the activity of curses on the mortals was extremely pronounced.


    if one could observe the entire moon worship region, they would see death and endless wailing in every village and town.


    the souls of those dead beings couldn¡¯t leave the moon worship. they would gather in the temples and be immersed in this purgatory forever.


    in the end, madness was only temporary. the despair after venting was like a vortex that would never stop and would drown everything in an instant.


    it was the same for all races, sects, and cultivators.


    they were unfortunate to live in the time of the crimson goddess¡¯ descent.


    after all, the crimson goddess came once every few thousand years, without a fixed schedule. sometimes it would take longer and sometimes shorter. not everyone born and raised during this period lived long enough to witness her.


    they weren¡¯t the only ones in despair. even the forces that were dependent on the red moon were on tenterhooks.


    this was because from history, whether the dependent forces could survive or not depended on the degree of hunger of the crimson goddess.


    hence, the moment the red moon appeared, despair replaced madness and became the main theme of the moon worship region. it fused into the world and also scattered in the wind of the green sand desert, turning into a whimper that echoed in the ears of xu qing and the others.


    in the desert, the world was blurry and the figures of xu qing and the others were faintly discernible.


    the footprints they left behind were quickly filled up by the sandy wind, leaving no traces.


    the captain was walking at the front, guiding the way.


    xu qing¡¯s position was behind the captain.


    as he moved forward, xu qing instinctively observed the surrounding desolate scene. he had been here before.


    back then, when he went to save the shadow, xu qing had passed by this area. he remembered that further ahead was the place where he had first seen the members of the wind guard race.


    ¡°we¡¯ve been moving for four hours. we¡¯ll reach our destination in about fifteen minutes now.¡±


    the captain¡¯s voice came through the wind, reaching the ears of xu qing and the others following behind.


    ¡°wind guard race?¡±


    xu qing suddenly spoke.


    the captain turned his head and glanced at xu qing. in the dim sandstorm, his expression was a little unclear but the light in his eyes was very bright.


    ¡°that¡¯s right. junior brother, you understand me well. the place we¡¯re going to now is the wind guard race¡¯s area.¡±


    ¡°junior brother, you should know the legend of the wind guard race, right?¡±


    the captain¡¯s gaze landed on xu qing before looking at ning yan and the others at the back.


    ning yan, wu jianwu, and the others were all wearing thick robes that covered their heads and faces. they weren¡¯t in a good mood.


    actually, they didn¡¯t want to come. they didn¡¯t even know their destination this time around.


    xu qing nodded. the mission of the wind guard race was to protect the wind in this desert. this was also the reason why this race was special.


    ¡°this race didn¡¯t exist before this desert was formed.¡±


    the captain spoke as he walked.


    ¡°there was once an existence and a great person who molded this race based on an agreement.¡±


    ¡°the moment this race was created, it was given the mission of guarding the wind.¡±


    ¡°however, in essence, the mission of this race is actually a key.¡±


    at this point, the captain stopped in his tracks and turned to look at xu qing, his eyes filled with reminiscence.


    ¡°a key to open the land where the ruler slew the god!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze froze. the others were also surprised when they heard the captain¡¯s words.


    ¡°little qing, i told you before that before the crimson goddess became a god, she was killed by the ruler back then.¡±


    ¡°at that time, the ruler used the sky as a blade and the ground as a platform. he used the sun and moon as a connection to form a god slaying platform and behead the crimson goddess.


    the sandy wind fluttered the captain¡¯s robe. his voice was solemn as he pointed to the ground.


    ¡°the place of the execution is under our feet! this is the predecessor of the green sand desert.¡±


    as soon as he spoke, everyone¡¯s hearts trembled. xu qing lowered his head and looked at his feet.


    the wind was blowing, growing louder and louder. the captain¡¯s voice was fragmented and intermittent.


    ¡°later on, that great person and his companions found the land of the god execution that had turned into ruins and used a mystical technique, causing signs of recovery to appear in the land of the god execution. it also formed a sandstorm that drowned and sealed everything, hiding it.¡±


    ¡°the method to open it requires you to satisfy a number of conditions. the first condition is that the red moon appears and the green sand is like blood.¡±


    the captain¡¯s gaze was deep and his solemn voice was filled with passion.


    ¡°the second condition is that the wind in the green sand desert must turn from green to black, and it must happen at a specific time, precisely in the eighth hour when the black wind starts blowing.¡±


    ¡°now, it¡¯s the purple wind.¡±


    the captain lifted his right hand and a yellow light emitted from the item in his palm. it was the captain¡¯s little dumpling.


    the light emitted by this artificial sun was yellow.


    it rose into the air until it reached the sky. yellow light spread out on the ground and fused with the green wind and red sand.


    the overlapping of these three colors created black!


    immediately, this area turned black and the black wind whistled, spreading in all directions.


    an aura of death grew at this moment, becoming increasingly dense.


    ning yan and the others were shocked. from the captain¡¯s words and his actions at this moment, they had a strong feeling that what the other party was going to do this time would definitely be extremely great.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was solemn as he looked at the captain.


    ¡°there should be more than these two conditions.¡±


    the captain laughed and with a wave of his hand, he took out eight bronze daggers and swung them in all directions.


    immediately, the eight daggers spread out but they didn¡¯t pierce into the sand. instead, the blades pointed down and floated in the air.


    they emitted black lightning that rapidly spread, forming an incomplete circle.


    they were the holy items of the wind guard race. back then, they were sent to the apothecary and landed with the heir. now, they were clearly borrowed by the captain.


    after doing this, the captain lifted his hand toward xu qing.


    ¡°little qing, lend me the holy item you took from the wind guard race back then.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate. he took out the dagger from his storage bag and threw it to the captain. the captain then performed a series of hand seals and pointed.


    immediately, the dagger headed straight for the incomplete part of the circle. the moment it landed, black lightning spread out and a ten-thousand-foot-long circle appeared in the air with them as the center.


    countless complicated runes manifested in the lightning. they looked like characters but few would be able to recognize them.


    ¡°wind guard race, follow the agreement of your bloodline. come out!¡±


    the captain stomped fiercely on the ground.


    the black wind whistled and the nine holy item daggers buzzed, enhancing the captain¡¯s voice. it echoed in all directions and was also transmitted to the bottom of the desert.


    very soon, a large number of vortexes appeared in the desert outside the ten-thousand-foot-long circle.


    there were no less than thousands of them of various sizes surrounding the circle. as they continued to rotate, the figures of the wind guard race cultivators appeared one after another.


    a similar circle appeared on the forehead of every member of the clan. it resonated with the circle in the air and flickered at the same time.


    the person closest to the 10,000-foot-long circle was none other than the wind guard ancestor. he looked at xu qing and the others in bewilderment as his expression kept changing.


    as for the other clansmen, it was the same. every one of their hearts was churning as they looked at the 10,000-foot-long circle in disbelief.


    ¡°this ritual¡­¡±


    the wind guard ancestor¡¯s heart was in turmoil.


    he knew that this ritual was the highest ritual recorded in their race¡¯s bloodline. it was also their true mission that outsiders couldn¡¯t know about.


    protect the wind, protect the desert, wait¡­ for the day when a person appeared in the black wind.


    the moment this person appeared, a circle would appear above the ground, their bloodlines would fluctuate, and a ritual array formation would appear on their forehead.


    this was the meaning of their race¡¯s existence.


    however, even in his dreams, the wind guard ancestor would never have thought that the mission their race had waited for many years would appear today.


    moreover, the person who appeared was actually the cultivator from the apothecary.


    this caused his mind to fluctuate greatly.


    ¡°little qing, the third condition to open that place is naturally this wind guard race.¡±


    ¡°what is needed is all the members of this race who have appeared on the day when the black wind descends over the countless years.¡±


    the captain¡¯s voice echoed as he looked at the wind guard ancestor.


    the ancestor¡¯s body trembled. the rumbling from his bloodline instantly made him lower his head and speak instinctively.


    ¡°respect the god¡¯s decree!¡±


    as his voice rang out, four of the surrounding vortices turned white. at the same time, the four clansmen inside also appeared.


    there were men and women among these four tribesmen and their ages varied. however, what was similar was their hair, brows, and even their pupils. they were all white.


    this type of clansmen had a special status in the wind guard race. they were protected very well from the moment they were born until they died.


    the mission of the wind guard race required that at any given time, there must be three or more of these tribesmen present.


    ¡°also, the skulls!¡±


    the captain¡¯s body floated up and he spoke in a deep voice.


    the ancestor of the wind guards took a deep breath and immediately passed down the order. very soon, nine black craniums were carefully taken out of their territory. nine clansmen carried them and placed them under each of the daggers floating in the air.


    ¡°little qing, the ruler¡¯s deity slaying stage was turned into an illusion by that great person and hidden in the wind of the green sand desert. only the memories of the race of the wind guards can open it.¡±


    ¡°now, the rite of sacrifice can begin.¡±

 Chapter 1020 - 1020 A Bowl of Yellow Spring Water, Returning to the God Slaying Platform

    1020 a bowl of yellow spring water, returning to the god slaying platform


    ¡°respect the god¡¯s decree!¡±


    the wind guard ancestor lowered his head.


    outsiders didn¡¯t know but the members of the wind guard race were very clear that they had a belief, and what they believed in was a god.


    this god gave them life and a mission.


    and from the fluctuations from their souls, they could clearly sense that the god¡­ was right in front of them.


    as for the form and strength of the god, it wasn¡¯t something they had to consider. this was because a god was a god, capable of transforming all things and assuming myriad forms.


    as he spoke, the ancestor immediately sat down cross-legged. the instant he closed his eyes, he lifted his right hand and pressed two fingers on the circle on his forehead.


    the soul fluctuations instantly spread out from his body and fused into the black wind.


    at the same time, chants echoed from the mouth of the captain who was floating in the air.


    ¡°the heavens and earth coexist, the black wind scalds the gods, refining the nine paths, returning to the true form!¡±


    ¡°the black platform has no cover, the memory sea has a body, the soul and spirit are one, sharing the same root with heaven and earth!¡±


    this voice was ancient and contained some kind of will. the moment it was transmitted, the entire green sand desert rumbled. the ground trembled and sand rose from the ground, all of them shaking.


    lightning descended from the sky and exploded in all directions, stirring up endless echoes.


    the entire green sand desert was stirred.


    this chant didn¡¯t end there. it continued and repeated.


    very soon, the wind guard ancestor also chanted.


    in the end, all the surrounding wind guard clansmen also lifted their fingers and pressed them on their forehead, chanting as well.


    as they chanted, the fluctuations of their souls continued to spread and fuse into the wind. gradually, the black wind here transformed into a huge vortex.


    the rotation of this vortex was the exact opposite of the vortex in the ten-thousand-foot-long circle!


    one went left to right, and the other went right to left.


    the two vortices continued to spin, forming an astonishing force that emitted a heaven-shaking sound.


    as they pulled at each other, the memories hidden in the wind were slowly sensed by this race.


    xu qing looked at all of this from afar. even though he had some understanding of his eldest senior brother¡¯s past, he still felt the same shock as the ritual dance for the gods back then.


    ¡°how many more arrangements did eldest senior brother make in his previous life¡­¡±


    ¡°the god¡¯s grand ritual dancer is one of them, and the wind guard race is another. also, eighth grandpa and fifth grandma said that they are familiar with eldest senior brother. eldest senior brother should have gone to the places where the descendants of the ruler were sealed back then.¡±


    with xu qing¡¯s understanding of chen erniu, when the other party introduced this wind guard race, the so-called great person he mentioned was most likely referring to himself.


    ¡°then, the existence he mentioned¡­¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. he instinctively thought of the high god that the captain had mentioned in the ritual dance incident in the heavenly bull mountain range.


    ¡®high god¡­¡¯


    the legend of the green sand desert appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind. an answer appeared in his mind.


    while xu qing was pondering, the expressions of ning yan, wu jianwu, li youfei, and the others were moved. even though ning yan and wu jianwu had done a few things with the captain, a storm still stirred in their hearts.


    as for li youfei¡­ to him, ever since he met xu qing, everything he had experienced had exceeded his imagination.


    even nether fairy had a solemn expression. clearly, she was also shocked by this huge move.


    in the vortex, as the different vortices pulled and the wind fused with the memories of the wind guard race, images gradually appeared in the vortex.


    ¡®countless images, encompassing all things, conveyed a sense of ancientness.¡¯


    these were all memories that came from everyone in the wind guard race. they also came from the memories of this desert.


    after these memories appeared with the soul fluctuations, they gathered together and transformed into a sea of memories inside and outside the vortex.


    this sea spread out, illuminating the sky and landing on the ground. after covering the surroundings, it poured into nine locations.


    that was where the nine skulls on the ground were.


    these nine skulls were like bone bowls that seemed to be able to contain everything.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    the sea of memories continued to appear and flow.


    when the eighth hour arrived, the nine skulls were already filled with memories that were like liquid.


    this water changed between illusory and real. it was sometimes black and sometimes white.


    it was extremely strange.


    xu qing swept his gaze over. in the water of memory, he sensed a wisp of god¡¯s aura.


    it was also at this moment that the captain, who was floating in the air and presiding over the ritual, performed a series of hand seals with both hands and waved them fiercely. immediately, lightning erupted unprecedentedly from the nine daggers.


    ¡°freeze!¡±


    under his thunderous voice, the nine bronze daggers headed straight for the nine bowls below and pierced into them one by one, instantly stabilizing the memory water that was fluctuating between illusion and reality.


    the black and white fused together and turned gray!


    in this gray liquid, a miniature image appeared.


    it was a straight mountain range that extended into the pitch-black darkness. there seemed to be lightning streaking across the sky inside, and on both sides of the mountain range were black abysses, as though they were hiding demons.


    as for the details, as the water surface rippled, it couldn¡¯t be seen clearly.


    however, everyone, including xu qing, had an answer to describe the origins of this scene in their hearts. clearly, that place¡­ was the place where the ruler had killed the god.


    at the same time, a single drop of blood floated out of the foreheads of the four wind guard clansmen who were born on special days. they gathered in the air and floated in front of the captain.


    they were part of the process of opening the memory key.


    the other part came from the captain.


    the captain bit his finger and squeezed out a drop of blood that was different from the past. the color of this blood¡­ was blue.


    the moment it appeared, the five drops of blood fused into nine portions that landed in the nine skulls.


    after doing all this, it reached the eighth hour since the black wind blew.


    ¡°let¡¯s¡­ enter!¡±


    the captain laughed loudly. he lifted his right hand and grabbed a skull, drinking the liquid in it in one gulp. his body instantly blurred and fused into the wind, disappearing.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate and did the same.


    the others gritted their teeth. for their own goals, they all picked up a bone bowl and drank the liquid.


    very soon, everyone¡¯s figures dissipated like the captain.


    everything was normal in the green sand desert. as the black wind whistled, the sea of memories was still fluctuating, drowning everything here.


    as for xu qing and the others, they had already appeared at the place they had seen in the bone bowl.


    this place didn¡¯t belong to reality or illusion. it existed in the gap between illusions and memories. it was mysterious and ingenious.


    however, at the instant it appeared and the instant he saw his surroundings clearly, everything here was slightly different from what xu qing and the others saw in the bone bowl.


    firstly, the world here wasn¡¯t completely pitch-black. between the sky and the ground, there was a bright light.


    the source of the light came from lanterns floating in the air.


    there were a lot of them and they were densely packed. they shone brightly and illuminated this world.


    every lantern¡¯s leather exuded an eerie atmosphere, adorned with ghostly faces ¨C some crying, some laughing, some angry, and some surprised.


    it was lifelike, as though it was made of human skin.


    with the help of the light from these lanterns, a straight and vast mountain range was clearly reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    it was like a blade, slanting upward and extending extremely long. its end seemed to be connected to the sky.


    the place they were at was the starting point of this mountain range. a circular platform had been built here. the ground was shattered and filled with cracks. an ancient feeling of time lingered in all directions, revealing ancientness and decay.


    as for the two sides of the mountain range, it was endless darkness. the light from the world couldn¡¯t shine in. occasionally, there would be mournful roars that rang out from the darkness, accompanied by the sound of sharp claws rubbing against mountain rocks.


    it was as though there was an extremely terrifying existence trying to climb up the mountain range from the abyss below the mountain range.


    the sky was also pitch-black and it was difficult for the light source to illuminate it. one could only vaguely see a huge crack that was split open in the sky like a scar.


    thunder continued to rumble from the crack, as though it was very difficult to stop.


    occasionally, there would be blue lightning flickering in the crack in the sky.


    this was an incomparably strange place.


    this scene caused everyone who arrived to have solemn expressions. even nether fairy was extremely vigilant. regardless of whether it was the human-skinned lanterns or the terrifying aura under the abyss, she sensed intense danger.


    ¡°those human-skinned lanterns are transformed from the sins of the sovereign. they hate all living beings. once one is touched by them, they will be assimilated into human-skinned lanterns.¡±


    ¡°as for the existences under the abyss, they are the accumulation of resentment before the crimson goddess died. their malefice makes everyone who walks on this mountain range a target of hostility.¡±


    the captain understood this place extremely well. he stood at the front and spoke in a low voice. after that, he turned around and faced xu qing with a smile on his face.


    ¡°junior brother, welcome to¡­ the recording venue of the large-scale show.¡±


    ¡°here, you will see an earth-shattering event that happened in history long ago.¡±


    ¡°and what we need to do is walk there.¡±


    the captain raised his hand and pointed at the crack in the sky.


    ¡°walk there and begin our recording.¡±


    ¡°as for the name of the script, i¡¯ve already thought of it. it¡¯s called¡­ god slaying!¡±


    ¡°as for the content, i¡¯ll tell you guys when we get there. don¡¯t worry¡­ every one of you has a role to play.¡±


    the captain was beaming with joy. after saying that, he took out several blue candles and gave one to each of them.


    xu qing took it and held it in his hand. while it felt greasy, he also detected the stench of blood. just as he was making a guess, he discovered that ning yan and wu jianwu had complicated expressions on their faces, as though they wanted to vomit.


    ¡°if we light the candles in our hands, we¡¯ll be able to safely pass through this area. however, the prerequisite is that¡­ the candles can¡¯t be extinguished on the way.¡±


    as he spoke, the captain blew on the candle in his hand. immediately, the candle burned and a black fog was released, enveloping his figure as he walked toward the mountain range.


    xu qing nodded and also exhaled on the candle. black fog emerged and spread in the surroundings before he stepped forward.


    as the others ignited their candles one after another, very soon, their group walked on the mountain range.


    ¡°remember, the candle can¡¯t be extinguished¡­¡±


    the captain¡¯s voice rang out from the black fog ahead.


    from afar, on the mountain range that connected to the sky, six lumps of black fog enveloped six figures. they were separated by dozens of feet and proceeded further and further away.


    as for the human skin lanterns in the air, they were still swaying. the abyss on both sides of the mountain range rumbled as usual and the sound of sharp blades grating against rocks resonated ear-piercingly.

 Chapter 1021 - 1021 Face From the Past Life

    1021 face from the past life


    in the bright world, atop the razor-edged mountain range, a group of people sped swiftly.


    the captain was at the front, followed by xu qing, wu jianwu, nether fairy, li youfei, and ning yan.


    they were separated by hundreds of feet and were each shrouded in thick black fog, unable to see the outside world or perceive each other.


    xu qing held the lit blue candle and stood in the black fog released by the candle, moving forward vigilantly.


    it was fine if the captain didn¡¯t remind him about the candle being extinguished, but with this reminder, xu qing couldn¡¯t help but recall his past experiences.


    hence, the cultivation base in his body instinctively circulated. at this moment, xu qing had automatically ignored the agreement that he couldn¡¯t use red moon¡¯s authority.


    not only did the authority of the red moon surge through his entire body, but xu qing also spread out the poison restriction and surrounded his body.


    there was also the morning glow flowing around him.


    he was already prepared for accidents that could happen at any time.


    at this moment, ling¡¯er, who was at his collar, moved her body. she carefully stuck her head out and looked outside.


    ¡°brother xu qing, this place is somewhat similar to the ancient spirit world. there are many souls here but most of the souls in the ancient spirit world are individual beings. however, this place seems to possess some special laws that allow countless souls to fuse together.¡±


    ¡°i can vaguely hear them whispering. they seem to be saying something but i can¡¯t hear the details. however, i feel that they are observing us.¡±


    ling¡¯er whispered.


    xu qing nodded and walked even faster. however, the fog emitted by the candle in his hand blocked his vision and he couldn¡¯t see the captain in front of him.


    he couldn¡¯t sense the latter either.


    even the shadow was suppressed here and was unable to spread outwards.


    only ling¡¯er seemed to have some ability to explore this place with her ancient spirit race¡¯s talent.


    ¡°ling¡¯er, i can¡¯t sense the outside, and i can barely see the path beneath my feet. can you perceive the external surroundings?¡±


    xu qing spoke inwardly.


    ¡°yes. although it¡¯s blurry, i can still vaguely sense that everything is normal around brother xu qing. everyone is moving forward within their respective fog and heading in the right direction. more than 100 feet in front of you is senior brother erniu, and behind you is big jianjian.¡±


    xu qing nodded and sped along the mountain range.


    just like that, the speed of the six of them became faster and faster. every one of them focused and extremely vigilant. even though nether fairy¡¯s cultivation was high, she didn¡¯t dare to be distracted at all.


    in this strange world, other than the human skin lanterns in the air and the roars from the abyss on both sides, there were also gusts of mountain wind.


    this wind was astonishing and contained monstrous killing intent, causing one¡¯s scalp to turn numb.


    it blew across the mountain range and landed on everyone¡¯s fog. as the fog distorted and swayed, it also caused endless coldness to rise in everyone¡¯s hearts. it was as though long sabers were whistling past them.


    every strike contained an extreme baleful aura that shook one¡¯s mind. it was as though it could ignore one¡¯s cultivation and directly slay one¡¯s soul.


    ¡°the wind is picking up. hold onto your candles tightly, focus your spiritual energy.¡±


    the captain¡¯s deep voice rang out in the wind, falling into every lump of fog.


    ¡°this wind will cause the roars from the abyss to ring out even more clearly. after these sounds gather to a certain extent, they will transform into familiar voices.¡±


    ¡°this place is hidden in memories, so the instant we entered this place and saw this place, this place also became a part of our memories.


    ¡°similarly, our existences are also remembered by this world.¡±


    ¡°and in this way, our own memories have actually blended with this place. so, the voices each person hears are different, stemming from the obsessions within their own hearts.¡±


    ¡°remember, it¡¯s all fake. don¡¯t believe it, don¡¯t dwell on it, and never look back!¡±


    as the captain spoke these words, his voice wavered, becoming increasingly faint. meanwhile, the surrounding wind intensified, and the howling became more pronounced.


    xu qing lifted his head and looked at the fog in front of him. he was thinking of a question.


    the captain¡¯s words mentioned not to believe the voices coming from the wind. in that case¡­ could the captain¡¯s words be trusted?


    if it was really the captain¡¯s words, why didn¡¯t he say it earlier?


    additionally, if indeed it was the captain¡¯s words, was it possible that he spoke them at this moment not just as a warning, but for another undisclosed reason?


    xu qing was about to speak. however, at the next instant, he dispelled this impulse. regardless of the authenticity of the voice, responding to it, in itself, was a form of causality.


    moreover, whether it was true or not wasn¡¯t important. what was important was that he had a clear direction and could walk on the path under his feet.


    with such thoughts in mind, xu qing¡¯s gaze was calm as he continued walking on this long mountain range.


    soon, fifteen minutes passed. when the group had covered more than half of the journey, the warnings mentioned by the captain earlier came to fruition.


    different voices rang out in their ears.


    xu qing heard captain lei¡¯s voice, as well as the voices of grandmaster bai, old master seventh, and zi xuan. he even heard his parents and crown prince purple green calling out to him.


    xu qing was calm and unmoved. he didn¡¯t think that anyone would really choose to turn back and take a look under such circumstances. as he continued forward, he also lifted his right hand and pressed down on ling¡¯er¡¯s neck, not letting her be distracted.


    it was unknown what nether fairy heard but she was expressionless and didn¡¯t slow down at all.


    at his age, li youfei had experienced a lot. back then, to be able to play tricks with xu qing when they first met, he was naturally a shrewd person. he could suppress the fluctuations in his heart and ignore the voices.


    as for wu jianwu, he heard yunxia¡¯s voice in the wind. it seemed to be behind him, calling out to him.


    this sudden scene stunned wu jianwu. however, when he thought of how the other party had decisively left back then, wu jianwu sneered and ignored it, quickening his pace instead.


    then, he heard a deep voice that was filled with dignity. it seemed to come from ancient times and perfectly matched all his understanding of the ancient sovereign mystic nether.


    ¡°the nine heavens recall the past, the ten abysses¡¯ fog shrouds the past and present!¡±


    wu jianwu¡¯s heart trembled. he instinctively wanted to turn around and take a look but at the next instant, he felt that something was amiss. he thought to himself that this poem didn¡¯t make sense ¨C the rhythm was all wrong, and it seemed to have a grand and powerful aura, but in reality, it was just nonsensical rambling.


    hence, he let out another cold snort and walked forward.


    finally, it was ning yan¡¯s turn. he heard a lot until he heard the last sentence.


    ¡°prince[1]¡­¡±


    ning yan stopped in his tracks. after recalling the captain¡¯s words, he fell silent for a few breaths before continuing forward.


    on the mountain range, the fog that everyone was in moved rapidly. no accidents happened.


    after xu qing found out about all of this through ling¡¯er, his vigilance grew even stronger. he instinctively felt that the strangeness of this world wouldn¡¯t be so simple.


    hence, he remained calm. as he walked, he judged how far he was from the end according to the passage of time and his speed.


    as for the candle in his hand, it was clearly burning even faster here, and now, there was only wax stem left.


    ¡°almost there.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly and continued walking. however, at that moment, ling¡¯er¡¯s horrified voice suddenly rang out in his mind.


    ¡°brother xu qing¡­ i saw that the lumps of black fog in our group aren¡¯t six¡­ but seven.¡±


    ¡°the extra appeared in an instant, and the fog that the others were in appears to have switched¡­ i can¡¯t tell who¡¯s who now.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze froze. he lowered his head and looked at ling¡¯er. noticing the horror in ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes, xu qing was certain that this was indeed ling¡¯er¡¯s voice.


    the other party¡¯s words weren¡¯t beyond his expectations.


    the strangeness of this world had already appeared one after another. regardless of whether it was the voice from before or the additional lump of black fog that ling¡¯er mentioned.


    ¡°don¡¯t look. continue forward.¡±


    the instant xu qing replied inwardly, the captain¡¯s voice rang out again and landed in everyone¡¯s ears.


    ¡°we¡¯re about to reach the end. we¡¯re finally going to cross this stage. however, we can¡¯t relax because the candles are burning much faster here than in the other areas. this means that we¡¯ve already attracted the attention of this place.¡±


    ¡°therefore, we have to sprint forward at full speed and reach the place where the mountain range connects to the sky before the candle burns out.¡±


    ¡°now, everyone, speed up!¡±


    the captain¡¯s voice echoed. on the mountain range, the seven lumps of black fog couldn¡¯t see each other¡¯s foggy figures and had different thoughts.


    ning yan was stunned and wu jianwu was also surprised. they of course observed that the candles in their hands were about to burn out but the two of them clearly remembered that the captain had made many candles back then. logically speaking, if one candle wasn¡¯t enough, each of them should have had two candles previously.


    li youfei hesitated. he couldn¡¯t tell if the voice was real or fake and he couldn¡¯t see anyone else. he didn¡¯t know if he should believe it.


    as for nether fairy, she sneered coldly and continued to move forward slowly.


    surprisingly, the captain walking at the forefront remained unconcerned.


    only wu jianwu, who was behind xu qing, suddenly sped up for some reason and headed straight for the end.


    right now, he was still 2,000 feet away.


    he quickly passed by xu qing and the fog that the captain was in, moving closer and closer to the end.


    at this moment, the wind in front of him was blowing very intensely. the burning of the candle in his hand moreover suddenly sped up.


    finally, when he was 100 feet away from the end, the candle in wu jianwu¡¯s hand completely burned out. the moment it was extinguished, the fog in his surroundings instantly dissipated, revealing a figure with horror in his eyes.


    seeing that there were still 100 feet left, wu jianwu grew anxious. this was especially so when he observed the six lumps of black fog that were still moving slowly on the mountain range. he knew that he was the only one who had rushed out. this caused him to reveal a look of surprise.


    he seemed to have realized that he was tricked, but he had no choice now. he could only grit his teeth and rush to the end 100 feet away.


    however, at this moment, the color of the world changed.


    streaks of blue lightning rumbled in the sky. countless human skin lanterns turned their heads in unison. the instant they looked at wu jianwu, they rushed toward him rapidly. their speed was so fast that they seemed to be teleporting as they got close.


    there were moreover deafening panting sounds coming from the abyss on both sides of the mountain range. there were also majestic figures slapping the mountain rocks as though they were rapidly climbing up.


    terrifying fluctuations spread out and the entire mountain range trembled intensely. the world distorted and the surroundings became blurry. it was as though there was a god in the abyss.


    at the same time, among xu qing and the others on the mountain range, a lump of fog suddenly rushed out with greed at a speed that exceeded everything.


    it headed straight for wu jianwu.


    the speed was so fast that the fog covering its body dissipated, revealing¡­ a human-skinned lantern!


    the face of this lantern was actually somewhat similar to the captain¡¯s.


    it approached in the blink of an eye with a crazed expression. the instant wu jianwu was less than ten feet away from the end and was about to reach it, it directly rushed in front of him.


    it opened its mouth with a sinister expression and was about to devour.


    however, at that moment, wu jianwu suddenly gave up on moving forward. he lifted his right hand and it shone with a blue light as he grabbed the human skin lantern.


    the lantern was stunned for a moment before attempting to dodge, but it was too late. caught by wu jianwu, it was pulled back, falling onto the altar at the end.


    at this moment, the countless human-skinned lanterns paused in unison, as though they had lost their target. they became as quiet as before and drifted in the surroundings.


    as for the menacing roars from the abyss, they moreover stopped. the slapping of the mountain rocks continued to weaken.


    clearly, when the travelers traveled past the mountain range and reached the altar, they would lose their target.


    at that moment, wu jianwu, who was standing on the altar with the lantern in his hand, was beaming with joy as he laughed proudly.


    ¡°i¡¯ve finally lured out this thing.¡±


    amidst his laughter, wu jianwu¡¯s face and figure changed. a large amount of liquid flowed out of his body, revealing his appearance as the captain!


    he was actually the captain in disguise.


    [1] the term used here is »Ê¶ù which means son of the emperor.

 Chapter 1022 - 1022 Sky and Earth Reversal, Elders Are Here

    1022 sky and earth reversal, elders are here


    looking at the lantern in his hand, the captain mumbled to himself.


    ¡°did the heir and the elders really not follow us? otherwise, how could they have held back from eating the dark souls under the abyss just now?¡±


    the captain sighed. ignoring the struggle of the human-skinned lantern, his left hand quickly performed a series of hand seals and pressed down on the lantern face that was 80% similar to his face.


    the lantern let out deep roars with its sinister face.


    however, as soon as this roar rang out, the captain bit the tip of his tongue and spat out a large mouthful of blood.


    immediately, the lantern was drenched in blood.


    ¡°shut up. you¡¯re the face of my past life that i placed here back then. how dare you roar at me!¡±


    when the captain¡¯s voice rang out, xu qing had already walked past the mountain range at a moderate pace and stepped on the altar.


    the candle in his hand was burned out completely right at that moment. after the fog dissipated, xu qing saw everything in his surroundings clearly. his gaze finally landed on the captain and the lantern in his hand.


    the captain proudly lifted the lantern.


    ¡°i left this thing behind back then and hid it here. because it doesn¡¯t have a brain and only has a face left, its intelligence is limited.¡±


    ¡°i know it too well. since we set foot on the mountain, i haven¡¯t said a word. but this thing, taking advantage of the fog blocking our senses to the outside world, has been speaking a lot. i¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard it too.¡±


    as the captain spoke, the others also stepped onto the altar one after another. they were all a little surprised by the smoothness of this trip.


    the captain smiled and continued speaking.


    ¡°at the start, it told you not to turn back because it wanted to obtain your trust. it was also worried that the existence under the abyss would snatch its food.¡±


    ¡°after obtaining the trust, its last sentence was to make you hurry up so that it could devour you.¡±


    ¡°it was fishing, and so was i. although this thing doesn¡¯t have a brain, it¡¯s still instinctively cautious. if i didn¡¯t fish like this, it definitely wouldn¡¯t have gotten close.¡±


    ¡°this hurdle isn¡¯t actually difficult with my candle. what¡¯s difficult is to bait it out.¡±


    the captain patted the lantern¡¯s face.


    after its face was sprayed with blood, it seemed to be on the verge of death. at this moment, it suddenly opened its mouth, trying to bite the captain¡¯s finger. the captain casually slapped it.


    ¡°give it to me!¡± nether fairy calmly spoke with a cold gaze.


    the captain blinked and threw it over. this was one of the prices he had to pay in exchange for nether fairy¡¯s agreement to follow him.


    after taking the human-skinned lantern and looking at the face that was 80% similar to chen erniu¡¯s, nether fairy¡¯s eyes turned red. she raised her right hand and ruthlessly slapped it.


    this wasn¡¯t the end. one slap after another, the human-skinned lantern started wailing. the sound was so pitiable that even ning yan, wu jianwu, and the others were shaken.


    the captain encouraged from the side.


    ¡°nice slap. put in more strength, you can do it!¡±


    when nether fairy heard this, she became even angrier. as for the human-skinned lantern, it was also strange. no matter how nether fairy attacked, it didn¡¯t collapse. even though its face was puffed up, it quickly returned to normal.


    this scene was very strange.


    xu qing swept his gaze over and was about to speak.


    however, at this moment, a familiar voice suddenly rang out in his mind.


    ¡°this lantern is quite interesting.¡±


    this ancient voice belonged to none other than the heir!


    xu qing closed his mouth. he was both surprised and unsurprised by the voice in his mind. after that, another voice rang out in his mind.


    ¡°yes, it¡¯s a treasure, especially the refinement technique. it has the style of brilliant heaven. this chen erniu¡¯s background is indeed mysterious.¡±


    this was princess mingmei.


    ¡°i knew this guy was fishy. that¡¯s why i suggested we secretly follow him. earlier, it seemed like i was getting close to him, but in reality, i was just baiting him to give me information!¡±


    this was eighth grandpa.


    ¡°compared to this, i actually want to know more where the mysterious high god who cooperated with him came from! is it as we analyzed previously?¡±


    this was grandma five.


    ¡°there will be an answer to this question here. also, the dark souls in this canyon contain an ancient aura. to us, they are rare nourishing items.¡±


    the heir smiled.


    when xu qing heard these voices in his mind, he quietly lifted his head and looked at the sky. at that moment, the place where they were at was actually the top of the sky. looking over, the pitch-black sky also seemed to be an abyss.


    this was especially so for the scar in the sky. it was fine when looking at it from the starting point of the mountain range previously. now that he was so close, this scar was like a huge canyon.


    lightning flashed inside but it couldn¡¯t illuminate the darkness. only rumbling sounds echoed from time to time and spread out in the darkness.


    noticing xu qing¡¯s gaze, the captain walked over and patted his shoulder.


    ¡°little qing, although the second hurdle is dangerous, i am already prepared.¡±


    ¡°let me tell you, there are countless souls in this canyon. these souls are special and contain ancient auras. once they get close, our lives will be tainted by ancientness and we will rapidly age until we wither and die.¡±


    as he spoke, the captain took out a stack of long talismans and distributed them to everyone.


    ¡°after we enter later, we¡¯ll burn these as we move. this time, we won¡¯t split up. we have to stick together. as long as the fire isn¡¯t extinguished, those souls won¡¯t get close.¡±


    ¡°these skins are all good stuff. use them sparingly¡­¡±


    the captain couldn¡¯t bear to part with them and reminded them again.


    after xu qing took them, he immediately recognized that this was eldest senior brother¡¯s skin from the touch. hence, he glanced at him sympathetically.


    he felt that it was better not to tell eldest senior brother about the arrival of the heir and the others. otherwise, the other party¡¯s mood might instantly be unhappy.


    although the heir and the others should show themselves soon, at least the captain would be happy for a while.


    xu qing exhaled heavily and walked toward the straight canyon in front of him.


    the instant he entered, the world reversed.


    the sky became the ground, and the ground became the sky.


    the canyon that was originally in the sky appeared in front of xu qing. the canyon was like a thread of heaven, while the mountains that were once razor-edged now formed the canopy of the sky.


    its slanted appearance seemed as if it were truly a giant blade, lifted high in the sky, ready to descend at any moment, seamlessly fitting into this canyon, and¡­ perfectly aligned.


    such a phenomenon naturally felt oppressive to everyone who appeared in this canyon one after another.


    they felt like an executioner¡¯s blade was hanging over their heads.


    while everyone was shaken, the captain took out a piece of skin and burned it.


    the darkness in the surroundings acted like ink, transforming into countless wisps that slowly retreated in all directions, leaving the area where the flames were located empty.


    ¡°don¡¯t waste them. we only need two burning at the same time. i¡¯ll keep mine lit consistently. as for the rest of you, ignite one each at intervals.¡±


    ¡°big jianjian, you go first, followed by little ningning, li youfei, big bu¡­ sister nether fairy, and little qing.¡±


    as the captain¡¯s words echoed, a warmth spread along with the firelight, enveloping the hearts and bodies of the group. beyond the flames, distortions began to emerge. xu qing could clearly see pairs of cold, evil eyes in the darkness.


    in fact, amidst the surging undercurrents, there seemed to be some huge creatures appearing in the darkness, eying them covetously.


    a sense of life-and-death crisis grew in xu qing¡¯s heart.


    however, when he thought of the heir and the others, he felt relieved.


    as for wu jianwu, he swiftly lit a talisman skin, expanding the range of the fire.


    ¡°let¡¯s go.¡±


    the captain took a deep breath and walked forward. xu qing followed behind. everyone followed the canyon into the darkness.


    as they walked over, under the illumination of the fire, the area they were in became the only source of light in this black world. while blocking the external dangers, it naturally attracted more malicious gazes hidden in the darkness.


    coupled with the slanted mountain range in the sky, the pressure on everyone was also extremely great.


    ning yan and wu jianwu already regretted coming here. as for li youfei, he followed closely behind xu qing. he felt that only by doing this would he feel a sense of security.


    nether fairy was at the back. she sneered and continued to slap the human-skinned lantern.


    just like that, time flowed by and very soon, two hours passed.


    when everyone walked halfway through this canyon, the number of skins burned exceeded dozens.


    the further they went, the faster the skins burned. although the captain was well-prepared, his heart ached when he saw how much his skin was being used up.


    after all, he was the one who endured the pain to peel off every single one of them.


    at this speed, he was worried that if it wasn¡¯t enough, he might have to skin himself at the last minute.


    ¡°that can¡¯t be¡­¡±


    the captain let out a long sigh.


    in the end, xu qing couldn¡¯t bear it and whispered inwardly.


    ¡®senior¡­¡¯


    ¡®alright, the number attracted from the surroundings is about enough.¡¯


    the heir calmly spoke. in the next instant, the talismans in the captain and ning yan¡¯s hands were instantly extinguished in the burning state.


    everyone was shocked and on guard. the captain¡¯s eyes also widened.


    at the same time, as the fire disappeared, everything in the surroundings fell into darkness again. the souls gathered in the darkness all headed straight for everyone with greed and madness.


    the sounds of wild shrieks and howls echoed in all directions. however, these sounds suddenly changed and transformed into cries of horror that continued to travel in all directions.


    it was as though they had encountered something that terrified them.


    however, it was still too late. xu qing felt his sleeves sway a few times and a few figures flew out. after that, the cries of horror turned into heart-rending cries.


    accompanied by terrifying chewing sounds, countless souls were being devoured!


    thunder rumbled and lightning flashed, illuminating the surroundings slightly clearer. xu qing could vaguely see the figures of the heir and the others transforming into vortexes that were devouring crazily in different directions.


    countless souls shattered under the tearing of the vortex and were eventually sucked into the vortex, becoming food.


    at this moment, the elders no longer gave xu qing the feeling of kindness he usually saw. instead, they gave off coldness.


    xu qing was calm and wasn¡¯t surprised.


    he knew that this was the true soul accumulation.


    from a certain perspective, it had already surpassed the scope of life.


    the reason why they looked amiable and kind was because they were only around xu qing and the juniors in the apothecary.


    however, to outsiders, the term ¡®soul accumulation¡¯ was¡­ no different from a god!

 Chapter 1023 - 1023 Special Character

    1023 special character


    xu qing had experienced touching the divinity before and had some understanding of this.


    at that moment, the lightning dissipated and the darkness drowned again, covering the vortices formed by the heir and the others. as screams rang out from afar, it was obvious that the heir and his siblings were gradually moving further away.


    wherever they passed, everything was cleaned out.


    the captain sighed, looking at the pieces of skin in his hand, feeling aches all over his body. a mix of emotions welled up within him, and he then turned to look at xu qing.


    ¡°little qing, do you think they did this with malice¡­¡±


    ¡°i asked them, but they said they couldn¡¯t come. so, i used my own fat to make candles and my own skin to make talismans. do you know¡­ how painful that is?¡±


    xu qing nodded and comforted.


    ¡°captain, put them away. i don¡¯t think we¡¯ll need them for the rest of the journey. also, let¡¯s not waste it. saving what we can might come in handy later. maybe you can put them back on your body.¡±


    the captain frowned and let out a long sigh. he put away all the skin talismans and walked forward.


    the canyon was still pitch-black and the surroundings were still cold. however, there was no danger.


    ning yan and wu jianwu sighed with emotion. li youfei also sighed. nether fairy didn¡¯t care about this and was even very excited. if chen erniu wasn¡¯t happy, she would be happy.


    since she was happy, she continued to hit the lantern.


    just like that, another two hours passed and everyone arrived at the end of the canyon without any obstructions.


    the moment they walked out of the reversed sky, a broken altar was reflected in their eyes.


    this altar must have been extremely vast when it was intact.


    this was because its shattered pieces were all boulders and there were a few statues standing in the surroundings.


    these statues were 100,000 feet tall. although they were broken and looked ancient, their auras were still astonishing.


    xu qing and the others felt like they had entered a country of giants.


    here, it was filled with extremely dense resentment and baleful aura that dyed the surroundings, causing everything in sight to distort to varying degrees.


    it affected the sky, causing the sky here to be different from what xu qing had seen on the way. the sky here was even higher, like the sky beyond the sky.


    between the pervading resentment and baleful aura, a massive vortex formed, constantly roaring and never ceasing in its relentless rotation.


    within this vortex, wind, rain, thunder, and lightning, as well as the sun, moon, and stars, harbored endless laws, constantly changing and erupting, creating terrifying fluctuations.


    it was soul-shaking.


    xu qing looked at the majestic vortex in the distance and his heart churned.


    he could sense the fluctuations of the god within, mixed with the aura of the crimson goddess. there was also a vast might that was extremely domineering. it was as though the world had to kneel down in front of it.


    vaguely, there was also a furious roar that seemed to have come from ancient times. coupled with the heart-rending and sharp sound, it caused xu qing¡¯s entire body to shine with blood light. his divine repository undulated and the morning glow spread out. the poison restriction fluctuated and instinctively resisted.


    however, even so, he still spat out a mouthful of blood and staggered back.


    ¡°even the heir might not be able to easily enter this vortex¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was solemn as he muttered inwardly. if he was already so shocked, there was no need to mention the others.


    at that moment, the expressions of ning yan, wu jianwu, and li youfei changed drastically. all of them spat out blood and their souls were being torn.


    at this moment, ning yan¡¯s bloodline was also stimulated. his entire body emitted a yellow light but he still couldn¡¯t resist and fainted.


    as for li youfei, his body trembled. even though he was a nascent soul cultivator, under this vortex, nascent soul cultivators weren¡¯t much better than golden cores. as blood spurted out, he was heavily injured and fainted.


    as for wu jianwu, his cultivation was the weakest but he had many descendants. at this critical moment, he waved his hand and summoned a large number of his descendants. they surrounded his body and released the power of their bloodline to augment him. although he also coughed blood, he didn¡¯t faint.


    nether fairy¡¯s expression was also solemn. she looked at the vortex in the sky and five secret repositories rose around her. only then was she fine.


    the captain also spat out a mouthful of blood and took a few steps back. however, his eyes revealed intense excitement. his breathing was hurried as he pointed at the broken altar under the vortex and laughed wildly.


    ¡°little qing, do you see it? this is our destination!¡±


    ¡°this is the place where the ruler of the moon worship region killed the crimson goddess before she became a god back then!¡±


    ¡°before the crimson goddess became a god, she was also at the ruler realm!¡±


    ¡°according to the information i gathered in my previous life, there should have been a god slaying platform here formed by the gathering of the ruler¡¯s divine powers, capable of turning the intangible into tangible!¡±


    ¡°it was that god slaying platform that beheaded the crimson goddess, but afterward, it was utterly loathed by the crimson goddess and collapsed, body and spirit annihilated. but it¡¯s okay!¡±


    the captain¡¯s eyes gleamed with an increasingly intense madness, his voice becoming more impassioned.


    ¡°this won¡¯t affect the major thing we¡¯re going to do. and now that we¡¯re here, there are some things that i can finally say completely. there¡¯s no need to worry about karmic consequences, as revealing them outside would alert the dormant crimson goddess.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he looked at the captain.


    ¡°little qing, do you know why my script is called god slaying?¡±


    ¡°because you are going to recreate the scene of the ruler killing the crimson goddess here!¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke. he had long guessed the answer. however, the captain didn¡¯t say it clearly, so he didn¡¯t probe further.


    the captain laughed.


    ¡°that¡¯s right. i¡¯ll try my best to restore it as realistically as possible. i¡¯ll record it and do some post-processing to make it perfect.¡±


    ¡°after that, i¡¯ll use all the artificial suns that i have and broadcast this scene to the whole moon worship region!¡±


    ¡°one of those artificial suns is in the desert and there are two more that i released before i entered this place. they are now hanging in the sky above the moon worship region. i have also secretly made arrangements on the other few.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll be able to broadcast it after the recording is completed!¡±


    ¡°at that time, all living beings in the moon worship region will be able to see everything in the sky no matter where they are!¡±


    the captain¡¯s voice spread in all directions. coupled with the rumbling of the vortex in the sky, it formed an extraordinary aura.


    ¡°currently, all living beings in the moon worship region are enveloped by despair. they need hope, they need a source of eruption. the content we¡¯re recording is their hope and the source of their eruption.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he completely understood and spoke.


    ¡°because this scene will let them know that even gods can die, nor is it necessary for them to be eternal.¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s right!¡± the captain¡¯s expression was fanatical. clearly, he had been thinking about this scene for a long time and had prepared a lot for it. now that it was about to happen, he was truly excited.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, you should have more than one goal for doing this, right?¡± xu qing fell into deep thought and looked at the captain.


    ¡°junior brother, you understand me best. haha, i have three motives for doing this!¡±


    ¡°firstly, i want to stimulate the fighting spirit of all living beings in the moon worship region. it will be too difficult to devour the crimson goddess with just our strength. hence, we need to borrow the power of all living beings and create a spark that burns the plains!¡±


    ¡°secondly, only by accomplishing the first goal can i gather the power of wish from all living beings at the source of the broadcast, which is here. this wish power has significant uses, and you¡¯ll know about it later!¡±


    ¡°as for the third motive, when all living beings remember this scene, a seed will be planted in their hearts! the fact that the crimson goddess was once killed is the scene that the crimson goddess hates the most!¡±


    ¡°little qing, you¡¯ve touched divinity before, so you should be clear about the relationship between human nature and divinity. you should also know why the crimson goddess is hungry. it¡¯s because the crimson goddess¡­ isn¡¯t perfect.¡±


    the captain licked his lips and gazed at xu qing. the madness in his eyes was extremely intense now. in fact, a face had even appeared in his pupils. one could vaguely feel a sense of hunger rising uncontrollably from the captain¡¯s body.


    xu qing nodded and calmly spoke.


    ¡°i¡¯ve sensed it and guessed that the crimson goddess might have reached a certain balance. however, at the end of the day, she is indeed imperfect. otherwise, if her humanity was completely erased, she wouldn¡¯t have the feeling of hunger anymore.¡±


    the captain smiled. this smile was a little sinister, and even nether fairy¡¯s heart trembled.


    ¡°therefore, what we have to do is to break this balance!¡±


    ¡°i will use the sacrificial dance technique to send this recording into her consciousness when the crimson goddess arrives not long later. i will use her most hated memories to awaken her humanity!


    after all, emotions are also a manifestation of human nature! using this as a fulcrum to throw both her human nature and divinity into complete chaos.¡±


    ¡°at that time, the crimson goddess will go crazy and her balance will be broken. she will have a flaw!¡±


    ¡°and this is just one of the many methods i have. when all the steps are completed, the crimson goddess¡­ might really be killed again!¡±


    ¡°how is it, little qing? am i, your eldest senior brother, very powerful?!¡± the captain asked proudly.


    xu qing was fully convinced. he cupped his fists and bowed.


    seeing this, the captain became even more pleased, bursting into laughter. he took strides toward ning yan, raised his hand, and with a resounding smack, both ning yan and li youfei spewed blood, gradually waking up from unconsciousness.


    ¡°little ningning, this is your script. i¡¯ll give you fifteen minutes. remember everything. the character you are going to act as¡­ is the ruler of the moon worship region!¡±


    when ning yan heard this, his entire body trembled. as for wu jianwu, he was anxious. he hurriedly pushed away the descendants in front of him and gazed at the captain with anticipation.


    the captain waved his hand and a jade slip headed straight for wu jianwu.


    ¡°little jianjian, you¡¯re my good brother. how can i not know your dream? i¡¯ll satisfy you today. you¡¯ll play¡­ the ancient sovereign mystic nether!¡±


    wu jianwu was excited. this was his lifelong pursuit. even if he couldn¡¯t achieve it in reality, being able to accomplish it in acting held extraordinary significance for him. especially thinking about the numerous audience members, wu jianwu felt a profound exhilaration in his heart.


    the captain patted wu jianwu¡¯s shoulder and gave him an encouraging look before turning to look at nether fairy.


    ¡°big¡­ sister nether fairy, according to our previous agreement, you agreed to play the role of the crimson goddess.¡±


    nether fairy¡¯s eyes were filled with resentment as she snorted coldly.


    ¡°give it to me!¡±


    the captain hurriedly handed a jade slip to nether fairy respectfully. after that, he gazed at xu qing and blinked before smiling.


    ¡°little qing, your role is quite unique. you¡¯re not portraying a person, but blood¡­ using your authority, depicting the blood spurting out when crimson mother is beheaded couldn¡¯t be more realistic.¡±


    xu qing was expressionless as he gazed at the captain.


    the captain coughed.


    ¡°however, seeing that you¡¯re my junior brother, i¡¯ll add another character for you. how about¡­ the divine official of the god slaying platform?¡±

 Chapter 1024 - 1024 Moon Worships Hottest Show

    1024 moon worship¡¯s hottest show


    upon the captain¡¯s words, wu jianwu raised his head, feeling incredibly content in his heart.


    from the assignment of this role, he felt an unprecedented sense of superiority, whispering to himself.


    ¡®erniu frolics with dirty hands, but within the five virtues, there¡¯s always a kind heart!¡¯


    he didn¡¯t recite it but it was obvious from his expression.


    when the captain saw this, he smiled in admiration.


    seeing that everyone had their own roles, ling¡¯er also crawled out of xu qing¡¯s collar and looked at the captain, letting out an expectant voice.


    ¡°senior brother erniu, what about me?¡±


    ¡°you? the little dao companion of the divine official!¡±


    the captain immediately spoke. ling¡¯er was instantly happy and extremely satisfied.


    ¡°and you, little li, you will follow little ningning. your role is the eunuch who reads the ancient sovereign¡¯s decree.¡±


    li youfei had no specific requirements for the role he would play. especially seeing xu qing taking on the role of a prop, he dared not say much and nodded hastily.


    ¡°what about you?¡± xu qing¡¯s expression was calm as he asked.


    ¡°me? haha, i¡¯m old now. i won¡¯t stand in the spotlight. this chance to be in the limelight is for you young people. you youngsters are the future support. i¡¯ll peacefully provide you with good service and be a behind-the-scenes figure.¡±


    the captain put on a calm expression and handed the jade slips that recorded the script to everyone.


    among them, wu jianwu was the most attentive, repeatedly memorizing and immersing himself in the emotions. as for ning yan, he seemed to be drawn into the storyline, although not as dedicated as wu jianwu, it was still decent.


    however, nether fairy only took a glance and sneered before continuing to slap the human-skinned lantern.


    it was unknown if it was because she was releasing the killing intent in her heart or if it was because the human skin lantern felt good to the touch, but she felt that this behavior was quite comfortable.


    the captain didn¡¯t care about nether fairy¡¯s actions. he looked at the small team he had prepared in satisfaction. he was both excited and looking forward to the show.


    ¡°read it properly. when the time comes, all living beings in the entire moon worship region will see you. i still have to put on makeup for you in a while. also, the ancient attire has been prepared under the sponsorship of sister nether fairy.¡±


    wu jianwu nodded vigorously and ning yan became even more serious. only xu qing¡¯s expression was the same.


    his script was extremely simple. there were no lines and basically no content¡­ he only needed to release blood the moment the crimson goddess was beheaded.


    after all, the first character xu qing played was blood.


    as for the role of the god slaying platform¡¯s divine official, it also didn¡¯t have any lines. what he needed to do was slash down with his blade.


    although he was called a divine official, he was actually an executioner.


    hence, xu qing¡¯s attention was more on the broken altar here.


    the ancient aura here was very dense and traces of weathering could be seen everywhere.


    this reminded xu qing of the temple of the extreme heaven saber, where the changes were also vast and profound.


    ¡°i wonder if this place can allow one to comprehend it?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s thoughts drifted away.


    in order for everyone to better understand their roles, as the leader of this performance, the captain felt that it was necessary for him to give a good explanation so that everyone could better get into character.


    hence, he coughed and walked forward. he leaped onto a piece of boulder and looked down.


    ¡°everyone.¡±


    ¡°we¡¯re going to act out two scenes this time. you guys have also seen the script in your hands. you should understand your tasks.¡±


    ¡°the first act is titled ¡®chaos of the ancient demoness!''¡±


    the captain¡¯s emotions were stirred and his voice echoed.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care. he looked at the shattered boulders on the altar and silently sensed them, experiencing the ancientness of time. at this moment, the captain¡¯s voice seemed to drift over through time.


    ¡°this story primarily focuses on the crimson goddess before she became a god¡ªarrogant, tyrannical, causing chaos throughout wanggu. in the end, the ruler, displeased with her actions, intervenes and suppresses her!¡±


    ¡°of course, there needs to be some narration here!¡±


    ¡°as the scene unfolds, the ruler appears between heaven and earth. the background is embellished with the sun, moon, stars, wind, rain, thunder, and lightning¡ªvarious divine techniques forming an array of dazzling colors. it should look incredibly splendid. i¡¯ll take care of this part.¡±


    as he spoke, the captain was beaming with joy. clearly, he had gotten into character first.


    in xu qing¡¯s mind, a vague image began to form with these words.


    ¡°then, in such an environment, emphasize the dominance and grandeur of the ruler. under the sky, he accuses crimson goddess of nine crimes!¡±


    ¡°crimson goddess, arrogant and detestable, even attempts to devour the ruler. in response, the ruler sends out a palm strike, severely injuring crimson goddess and capturing her alive.¡±


    ¡°here, we need to showcase the invincible aura of the ruler. ning yan, make sure to grasp the feeling of the ruler. he¡¯s an extraordinary figure who is a king. for this, try to recall some of the prominent figures you¡¯ve encountered.¡±


    ¡°i believe in you. you can definitely do it.¡±


    the captain looked at ning yan encouragingly. ning yan recalled his father and nodded.


    ¡°as for big sister nether fairy¡­¡±


    the captain looked at nether fairy.


    nether fairy coldly looked over.


    the captain smiled and his voice became gentle.


    ¡°sister nether fairy, i don¡¯t need to say much about you. however, acting as the role of the crimson goddess might be a little difficult for you. after all, crimson goddess is sinister. this is her nature but it¡¯s not yours.¡±


    ¡°sister nether fairy, you have a kind nature, so i feel that as long as you act against your nature, you will definitely bring out unique colors in this role.¡±


    nether fairy sneered.


    the captain blinked and continued to speak.


    ¡°then, there¡¯s the second act, which is also the climax of our movie.¡±


    ¡°after the crimson goddess was captured alive by the ruler, she was brought here. no matter how she struggled, it was useless and she was ruthlessly suppressed.¡±


    ¡°at this point, we need some spells to enhance the atmosphere¡ªchanges in the colors of the heavens and earth, tumultuous winds, and roaring echoes from all directions, creating an overwhelming spectacle.¡±


    ¡°in this ambiance, the scene depicts crimson goddess forcibly kneeling before the ruler. the ruler bows to the heavens, respectfully seeking an audience with ancient sovereign mystic nether. the projection of the ancient sovereign mystic nether arrives, and the eunuch reads out the holy edict.¡±


    ¡°again, various atmospheres to enhance the setting!¡±


    the captain described with all his efforts. clearly, he had already planned out the script quite thoroughly. at this moment, when he spoke eloquently, xu qing¡¯s body trembled.


    as the scene in his mind was outlined, he could vaguely sense the wind here, blowing over some ancient murmurs.


    xu qing couldn¡¯t hear what it was exactly. only the captain¡¯s voice continued to echo.


    ¡°after that, the ruler responded and raised his hand. xu qing, as the divine official of the god slaying platform, you have to raise your blade and slash down!¡±


    ¡°however, you have to be careful. the blood you act as should be natural when released.¡±


    ¡°although this is a little different from the original plot, there¡¯s nothing we can do. we can¡¯t simulate the ruler¡¯s divine power. that kind of power that uses the sky as a blade, the ground as a platform, and the sun and moon as a connection is too imposing, so we have to make do with this.¡±


    the captain felt regret. he also wanted to display the ruler¡¯s divine art, which would be even more awe-inspiring. however, unfortunately¡­ this was the ruler¡¯s divine power. if the level hadn¡¯t been reached, it would be challenging to display it perfectly.


    ¡°if only the heir and the others were willing to help¡­¡±


    the captain swept his gaze around but didn¡¯t see the figures of those old men and women. hence, he could only suppress his thoughts and look at nether fairy.


    ¡°sister nether fairy, remember to show intense hatred when you¡¯re beheaded later. this¡­¡±


    ¡°i only need to see your face, and my hatred will be at its peak!¡± nether fairy glared at the captain, coldly interrupting him.


    the captain blinked and did not answer. instead, he took a few steps back and looked at wu jianwu.


    ¡°little jianjian, just be yourself.¡±


    ¡°little qing, you¡­ what are you doing?¡±


    the captain looked at xu qing in surprise and noticed that he seemed to be comprehending. hence, he was shocked and softly reminded him.


    ¡°little qing, you can not comprehend anything here¡­¡±


    xu qing nodded.


    the captain was curious and asked.


    ¡°did you comprehend anything?¡±


    ¡°i heard a little murmur.¡± xu qing lifted his head and looked into the distance.


    the captain was stunned. his heart churned as he thought to himself, ¡®what kind of comprehension ability is this?¡¯ he then coughed.


    ¡°then¡­ continue.¡±


    after saying that, the captain did not disturb xu qing anymore. he took a deep breath and lifted his hands, his eyes revealing anticipation as he spoke loudly.


    ¡°everyone, take your positions. rehearsal for the play ¡®slaying the god¡¯ begins for the first time!¡±


    wu jianwu instantly got into character and stood there with his hands behind his back. li youfei quickly ran over and acted with him.


    ning yan, who was beside them, flew into the sky and lowered his head to look down at nether fairy. he recalled his father¡¯s words and actions in his mind. his expression gradually became dignified and a majestic aura began to emit from him.


    ¡°demoness!¡±


    nether fairy lifted her head and coldly looked at ning yan.


    ning yan¡¯s aura that had just risen collapsed under this gaze.


    ¡°stop!¡±


    the captain was anxious.


    ¡°little ningning, your emotions aren¡¯t right. again!¡±


    ¡­


    the rehearsal continued and everyone worked very hard. however, many issues happened on ning yan¡¯s part. in the end, the captain had no choice but to get xu qing to step in.


    xu qing walked out expressionlessly as he comprehended. he stood in the sky and lowered his head to look down at nether fairy.


    under his gaze, nether fairy actually frowned. a hint of seriousness appeared in her eyes and she felt an inexplicable pressure in her heart.


    ning yan followed from the side and studied the changes in xu qing¡¯s expression. his acting was finally a little better than before.


    as the captain looked at all this, he could not help but feel emotional. in fact, this was not the fulfill script. in his version, there was originally some love and hate, with several emotional storylines.


    however, when he thought of how the heir and the other elders were here and saw him making things up about their father, the captain was worried that he might not have a chance to continue filming.


    hence, he could only give up. at that moment, seeing that ning yan was still lacking a little, the captain walked out and was about to speak.


    however, at this moment, a cold snort rang out from the sky and landed in everyone¡¯s minds, causing their souls to tremble.


    ¡°what kind of mess are you guys making!¡±


    as the voice echoed, the figures of the heir and the others appeared in the sky. grandma five was expressionless, while princess mingmei frowned. old eighth, who was at the side, crossed his arms and sneered at chen erniu.


    xu qing lowered his head and bowed to the sky.


    ¡°grandpa¡­¡± the captain hurriedly revealed a fawning expression. just as he was about to explain, the heir¡¯s voice rang out with dignity.


    ¡°your acting is completely wrong!¡±


    ¡°xu qing, you do not have to act as blood or as a divine official. go over and sit on the shattered boulder on the altar and comprehend the remaining killing intent on this god slaying platform.¡±


    ¡°this will be of great help to your cultivation. if you can comprehend a trace of the killing intent of the god slaying platform here, you¡¯ll have obtained a great fortune.¡±


    ¡°of course, everything will depend on your comprehension ability. how much you can comprehend will depend on yourself.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, a strange glint appeared in his eyes. he lowered his head and nodded before heading straight for the altar in front of him. he had long wanted to go over and comprehend it. at that moment, he rapidly approached and sat cross-legged among the rubble. he then closed his eyes and began to sense the aura here.


    ¡°as for you, you can act as the divine official. aren¡¯t you usually guarding the apothecary? just continue the role.¡±


    the heir pointed at the captain.


    the captain retracted his head. he was unwilling but he did not dare to show it on his face. he hurriedly ran over and took xu qing¡¯s place.


    ¡°you guys continue, i¡¯ll adjust it for you!¡±


    as the heir spoke, he landed and sat at the side with princess mingmei and the others.


    under their gazes, everyone trembled in terror and began to rehearse. this time, the person who called for a halt was no longer the captain but the heir.


    under his command, the original script and lines were adjusted. gradually, everyone got into character and slowly reconstructed the scenes in the heir¡¯s memories.


    as for those embellishments, they¡¯re still more realistic than what the captain had done.


    as they watched, the eyes of the heir, princess mingmei, and the other three revealed reminiscence.


    only xu qing stopped acting. he sat cross-legged on the shattered altar and silently sensed the aura here.


    as time passed, xu qing could vaguely sense the wind coming from nothingness. it blew on his body and landed in his heart, drawing waves of ripples¡­

 Chapter 1025 - 1025 Existence Leaves Traces

    1025 existence leaves traces


    outside the shattered altar, wu jianwu was focused on studying the script. coupled with his understanding of the ancient sovereign mystic nether, he delved deeper into his role.


    this wasn¡¯t difficult for him, and this wasn¡¯t his first time acting as the ancient sovereign.


    back then, in the forbidden region of the eight sects alliance¡¯s mystic nether sect, he had used a similar method to trigger the fluctuations of the demon snake¡¯s skeleton.


    ning yan and nether fairy also began to rehearse under the command of the heir.


    it had to be said that the heir was indeed more suitable to lead this show than chen erniu. this was because under his gaze, everyone worked extremely hard and their understanding of their respective roles became more and more accurate.


    ¡°pretty good. this kid, wu jianwu, is quite something. if we disregard his cultivation and only look at his expression and words, he really gives off the feeling of the ancient sovereign.¡±


    ¡°this ning yan also is not bad. he is able to display half of father¡¯s dignity.¡±


    ¡°however, in comparison, the hatred in nether fairy¡¯s emotions is the truest. it can be considered a highlight.¡±


    ¡°chen erniu only needs to stand there motionless, so he seems a bit lackluster.¡±


    the heir sat there with his third sister, fifth sister, and eighth brother. they looked at the group of juniors rehearsing and nodded slightly at each other. occasionally, their gazes would land on xu qing in the distance. seeing xu qing¡¯s occasional frown, the heir was satisfied.


    ¡°this kid has finally been stumped.¡±


    ¡°the god slaying platform formed by father¡¯s divine power is a trump card that gathered all his cultivation and experience. not to mention this kid, even i¡­ didn¡¯t manage to learn it back then, let alone now that countless years have passed. this place is already in ruins. no matter how he tries to comprehend, it¡¯s impossible for him to completely succeed.¡±


    the heir shook his head.


    ¡°only ninth brother inherited his mantle¡­¡±


    thinking of his ninth brother, the heir sighed softly. old eighth, who was at the side, suddenly spoke.


    ¡°big brother, this kind of spectator mentality isn¡¯t good. you know he can¡¯t succeed, so why let him comprehend?¡±


    ¡°you¡¯re too bad. do you want this kid to succeed in comprehending or fail?¡±


    the heir¡¯s expression darkened as he looked at old eighth.


    old eighth shrunk his head. he knew that he had said something wrong again, so he revealed a fawning expression.


    ¡°crown prince is worried that xu qing will be complacent in his comprehension ability, so he wants him to realize his shortcomings here, allowing for better growth in the future.¡±


    ¡°at the same time, with this experience, when ninth brother revives in the future, he can pass on the methods of the god slaying platform, and xu qing will learn better.¡±


    princess mingmei calmly spoke.


    fifth sister nodded slightly. she also admired xu qing very much.


    old eighth hesitated. there was something he wanted to say but he didn¡¯t dare to. however, in the end, he couldn¡¯t hold it in and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°then what if he really succeeds in comprehending the killing intent? after all, father said in the past that existence leaves traces.¡±


    the heir fell silent.


    princess mingmei was also silent.


    fifth sister looked at xu qing¡¯s figure and spoke softly.


    ¡°that means that his comprehension ability is even more astonishing than brother nine¡¯s. back then, brother nine was thought to have the same comprehension ability as father¡­¡±


    ¡­


    existence meant traces.


    this was the case for everything that had existed in this world.


    humans were like this, things were like this, and divine arts were like this.


    the wind remembered everything, the earth retained memories, and so did the vast sky and all things in it. even in the ever-changing world, the heavenly dao would retain the marks.


    even if the heavenly dao had forgotten, who could tell for sure there wasn¡¯t a higher will above the heavenly dao, documenting the countless scenes over the years?


    however, some traces were too faint, making it very difficult for others to notice. they would instinctively think that everything had disappeared without a trace and no longer recognize it.


    however, in reality, that might not be the case.


    ¡°what limits the strength of divine arts is imagination¡­¡± this sentence from princess mingmei had a great impact on xu qing. it also opened a window for him.


    the scene outside the window wasn¡¯t fixed but determined by imagination.


    just like at this moment, xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged on the shattered altar, could sense the wind.


    in this world, as the world was sealed, the wind blowing in it was ancient.


    xu qing fell silent.


    it wasn¡¯t just his movements that fell silent. it was also his heart, his body, his soul, and everything else.


    all of them fell into a standstill as the wind blew over.


    all the sounds in the external world were gone now. absolute silence enveloped everything.


    his mind was blank. there was no thought, only blankness.


    there was no intention and no thoughts.


    only the wind, blowing in the realm of perception, didn¡¯t stir a strand of hair, didn¡¯t move a piece of clothing, yet it created layers of ripples in the sea of consciousness, drawing out concentric circles.


    amidst the ripples, some ink-like figures appeared.


    indistinct in appearance, without a fixed form, these ink shadows were blurry, constantly blending and separating, as if striving to piece together, attempting to truly form the picture.


    wanting to showcase the memories it held, display them to the outside world, reveal them to humans, and reveal them to xu qing.


    however, it was a pity that perhaps it was because the traces hidden in the years were extremely faint, the ripples caused by the wind couldn¡¯t truly manifest the scene.


    xu qing¡¯s comprehension ability also had a limit. it didn¡¯t really reach an unprecedented level.


    hence, he was unable to gain any true comprehension from this ink.


    that ink gradually lost its strength, slowly calming down, gradually returning to water as water and ink as ink.


    they no longer fused and hid themselves.


    however, the instant this area of ink was about to dissipate, the unwillingness that xu qing instinctively felt rose in his sea of consciousness. his subconscious told him that this was a huge opportunity.


    and this opportunity¡­ would only come once.


    if this area of ink really dissipated, he would forever lose this opportunity.


    hence, a rainbow light suddenly erupted from xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness. it shone in all directions and fused into the ink that was about to dissipate. it imitated, scooped, and sensed.


    if it was in the past, xu qing wouldn¡¯t be able to do this.


    but now, the insight of simulation he gained from the morning glow made everything that seemed impossible become possible.


    at the next instant, the ink churned and rainbow colors spread out, outlining scenes between them, forming figures.


    although it was still blurry, it was much better than before.


    the scenes that appeared were even fuller and the figures that appeared became clearer.


    they collided with each other, blending and melding, seemingly trying to reveal a complete scene.


    one could vaguely see two figures in that scene. one was in the sky and the other was on the ground.


    the figure in the sky raised his hand and the figure on the ground looked up.


    however, at the instant when the scene was about to be clear, a wisp of rapidly flickering will appeared.


    it was killing intent.


    as soon as this intent appeared, it was like lightning had fallen from the nine heavens. xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness trembled unprecedentedly. wind, rain, lightning, and thunder seemed to have all formed. the sun, moon, and stars also seemed to erupt from this killing intent.


    it was as though even if the ruler was in front, he would still be shaken by this killing intent, and even the gods would be frightened by this killing intent.


    this intent only lasted for an instant before the scene collapsed and it disappeared.


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled and his thoughts fluctuated from the blankness earlier.


    he had a strong premonition that this was the killing intent the heir was talking about.


    ¡°if i can find it and simulate it, then¡­ the scene that appeared earlier might be able to truly form.¡±


    xu qing felt that comprehending this killing intent wasn¡¯t the main point. it was just the process. the main point was that scene.


    at the thought of this, the rainbow light in his sea of consciousness erupted with resplendence. he instinctively searched and simulated it.


    in an instant, the ink churned endlessly.


    at the same time, the rehearsal in the outside world was also completed. as everyone became familiar with their roles and gained confidence in each other, this show was about to officially begin.


    ning yan and nether fairy had already changed their clothes.


    before the show began, the captain walked out. he first bowed to the heir and the others before coughing.


    ¡°everyone, perform well. i hold multiple roles, so i won¡¯t personally record this. i will use a little orb that i specifically crafted to capture everything, then transfer it to the little dumpling outside. after processing, it can be played in the air.¡±


    as the captain spoke, he took out a ball of light and was about to lift it into the air to start automatic recording.


    however, at this moment, the heir waved his hand and knocked back the small round ball the captain took out.


    ¡°there¡¯s no need for that!¡±


    ¡°that method of yours is a little inconvenient. it still requires all living beings to lift their heads and look at it. there are even some areas which might not be able to see it clearly.¡±


    ¡°go back and act well as the divine official. you don¡¯t have to worry about recording.¡±


    the heir calmly spoke. he lifted his right hand and waved it. immediately, a crystal light flew out of his sleeve and headed straight for the sky. finally, after a pause in the sky, this crystal light actually transformed into a huge mirror fragment.


    this fragment was a total of 10,000 feet in size and its appearance was irregular. however, the moment it appeared, a vast feeling rose. it even gave the captain the feeling that this mirror actually emitted the aura of the moon rebel hall.


    the captain¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint, and everyone¡¯s hearts trembled.


    as for the ten-thousand-foot-long mirror, it slowly rotated in mid-air until its surface faced the ground, reflecting everything on the ground. after that, the scene in the mirror expanded and locked onto everyone.


    it existed extremely clear.


    ¡°this item is my father¡¯s supreme treasure. it¡¯s called the heavenly eye.¡±


    ¡°this eye can look at the nine heavens above and the ten abysses below. back then, before father existed defeated by the crimson goddess, he shattered it and transformed it into countless pieces that scattered in all the mirrors in the world. he moreover fused his will into it and gave the artifact spirit the last decree, making it obey the will of all living beings.


    ¡°after that, the artifact spirit absorbed the faith of all living beings, so there existed the moon rebel hall.¡±


    ¡°as for this piece, it¡¯s individual of the largest pieces after the heavenly eye shattered.¡±


    ¡°using this mirror to record the scene will automatically reflect the scene in the minds of all living beings in the moon worship region through the artifact spirit of the moon rebel hall.¡±


    ¡°we don¡¯t have to process the scene and can broadcast it live!¡±


    ¡°now¡­¡±


    the heir stared at everyone.


    the captain perked up. ning yan and the others¡¯ hearts were in turmoil. all of those quickly perked up. after knowing that the performance would be sensed by all living beings in the outside world in real time, they couldn¡¯t help but feel nervous.


    ¡°everyone, take your places. the performance begins!¡±


    the ten-thousand-foot-long mirror instantly flickered. at the same time, in the moon rebel hall, which existed hidden in an unknown place in the outside world, the mountain inside rumbled and all the temples erupted with resplendent and piercing light.


    amidst the horror of countless moon rebel hall cultivators, a scene instantly appeared in their minds.


    they weren¡¯t the solely ones. in the entire moon worship region, be it mortals, ferocious beasts, or all cultivators¡­ moreover the people from the red moon shrine saw a scene in their minds.


    the grand show existed officially unfolding.

 Chapter 1026 - 1026 The Show Starts!

    1026 the show starts!


    ¡°you are going to see a precious scene that happened in ancient times.¡±


    a hoarse voice echoed as the scene appeared in the minds of all living beings.


    ¡°it completely records the scene of the ruler of this large region under our feet killing the crimson goddess!¡±


    ¡°and this scene, disliked by the god, has been forbidden for endless ages until today, after the ever-changing world, when we finally found it and are fully revealing it before you.¡±


    the tone of these words was ancient and filled with emotions, as though it came from the river of time.


    ¡°i hope that everyone in this region, regardless of whether they are mortals or cultivators or various races, will remember this incomparably precious scene.¡±


    ¡°because after this time, this recording will be sealed by the god again.¡±


    at this moment, the wind blew across the moon worship!


    all the living beings in the moon worship region, no matter where they were or what environment they were in, the scene and the voice appeared in their minds.


    the scene was incredibly clear, the voice without any impurities.


    it appeared with this extremely abrupt and domineering method.


    at the start, most people were stunned. however, they soon noticed that the others were also in a daze. after knowing that everyone around them was seeing the same thing, panic suddenly rose, followed by waves of emotions.


    this commotion spread to the various races and cities. it was like an unprecedented storm that covered the entire region.


    some cities had turned into ruins after the madness and despair earlier. the remaining people inside had long fallen into numbness and this storm caused their numb hearts to sway.


    they walked out from the ruins in tattered clothes, emerged from underground holes, struggled to climb out from corpses, gazing blankly at the sky.


    although the sky was red and there was nothing there, they felt like this action could allow them to see the scene in their minds more clearly.


    such figures were everywhere in the moon worship region. some were alone, and some were in groups.


    in the wilderness, there were even more refugees. they moved forward silently, without a destination, unaware of where they were going. some even chose to lie down and close their eyes.


    however, at that moment, as the scene appeared in their minds, their hearts trembled.


    there were also cities that belonged to large races. although the madness had occurred there as well, they were relatively stable. however, the imminent arrival of the crimson goddess was like a blade hanging in their minds.


    under this blade tip, they could only accept their fate.


    they couldn¡¯t resist and didn¡¯t dare to struggle. the appearance of the scene and voice caused their dead hearts to tremble.


    what was even more shocking were the cultivators of the moon worship region, especially the cultivators of the moon rebel hall. they were everywhere. some were the leaders of races, and some were sect experts.


    a month ago, when the red moon appeared, although they were also panicking, they still had the intention to resist. they formed one resistance team after another.


    it was just that¡­ not everyone was like the cultivators from the moon rebel hall. many cultivators didn¡¯t have the courage to resist the god.


    after all, if they didn¡¯t resist, they could survive until the crimson goddess descended. however, if they resisted¡­ they might die in the next instant in the battle with the red moon shrine.


    hence, the appearance of this scene had a great impact on them.


    the same impact spread in the hearts of the red moon shrine cultivators.


    hence, under the attention of all living beings, this grand show officially began.


    in the scene, the sky resembled fish scales, echoing with layers of ripples. countless blood clouds rapidly formed and converged, covering the entire sky as if someone had placed a blood purgatory in the sky.


    thunder rumbled and echoed. streaks of black lightning appeared from the collision of the clouds and connected into one, like the gate of the blood purgatory.


    repression was the main theme in this scene.


    as for the ground, it was also blood-colored. one could see that countless skeletons had piled up 9,999 mountain peaks.


    every mountain peak was ten thousand feet tall.


    they made huge circles, forming an enormous array formation.


    endless blood flowed from the foot of the mountains of corpses and gathered in the center, forming a large blood-colored lake.


    in the lake, there was a woman with half of her body in the blood lake. she faced away from all living beings, cleaning her body.


    she had long hair, snow-white skin, and a tempting figure. while washing herself with blood, her enchanting song echoed.


    ¡°some transform freely and soar, chasing the wind and breaking the waves along the way.


    running to the red moon ocean, traversing the vast borderlands.


    imagining the reincarnation of all beings, with everything¡¯s flesh and blood as sustenance.


    the sunlight scorching my eyes, unable to bury the ideals.


    i look up to the vastness, above the red moon¡­ i soar!¡±


    the singing voice drifted in all directions. the voice carried determination, with a hint of persistence, seemingly full of dreams.


    however, behind this dream, there were countless corpses, countless skeletons, and the background music of this singing voice.


    it was weeping.


    endless wails formed the mournful melody of these dreams.


    it can be imagined that along her journey of dreams, there must be more than just this one mountain of corpses.


    at this moment, with the singing, the blood-red lake churned, and vaguely, nearly ten thousand tentacles could be seen within it, connecting to all the surrounding mountains of corpses.


    with their wriggling, those mountains of corpses, after offering their own blood, rapidly withered, becoming nutrients, merging into the body of the woman in the blood lake.


    accompanied by countless souls, amid increasingly mournful wails and the collapse of the flesh and blood mountains, they surged into the mouth of the woman.


    this scene caused the hearts of all living beings in the moon worship region to rumble. through the curse in their bodies, they immediately sensed that the woman¡­ was none other than crimson goddess!


    at this moment, a bolt of lightning that split the world apart suddenly sounded from the blood-colored sky. a pair of large hands stretched out from the sky and tore open the blood-colored sky.


    a deafening sound shook the heavens and the earth.


    the sky was directly torn into two, revealing a huge gap. endless beams of light shot out from within, shining in all directions, illuminating everything, dispelling the blood color and suppressing the evil.


    when the blood clouds collapsed, a middle-aged man in golden robes was revealed.


    the middle-aged man¡¯s expression was dignified. with a step, the world rumbled. the blood clouds continued to explode and the ground trembled.


    the entire world seemed to be churning.


    the blood-colored lake on the ground also stirred up huge waves. red tentacles kept swaying inside. as for the woman, she lifted her head and stared at the person who arrived from the sky, and let out a sharp cry.


    with a leap, her body swept up the blood lake and she rushed into the sky.


    the blood lake spun and transformed into a vortex. in an instant, the blood intent surged into the sky, as though it wanted to devour everything.


    as for the middle-aged man who arrived from the sky, he was expressionless and didn¡¯t stop walking. he continued to land and took the second step.


    with just a step, the vortex formed by the blood-colored lake shattered into pieces and exploded, revealing the true body of the woman inside.


    her upper body was the same as a human¡¯s, but her lower body had countless tentacles. she looked extremely terrifying and ugly.


    next was the third step.


    the sky trembled and suddenly collapsed, transforming into countless pieces that fell toward the woman. as for the ground, it also caved in, forming a huge crack. the woman¡¯s cry became even more shrill. she spat out a mouthful of blood and retreated.


    after that, it was the fourth step.


    the world collapsed and the woman¡¯s body was heavily injured. after she landed on the ground, the middle-aged man¡¯s fifth step followed. he landed on the ground and stepped on the head of the woman who was struggling to resist.


    he ruthlessly stomped on the ground.


    after doing this, he lowered his head and remained expressionless as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°because of your origin, the ancient sovereign chose to ignore your actions and didn¡¯t want to be tainted by too much karma with the place you came from. however, your song was very unpleasant and disturbed my fourth son¡¯s dream.¡±


    his voice was calm and echoed in all directions, echoing in the hearts of all living beings in the moon worship region. it stirred up unprecedented fluctuations that transformed into a huge wave that erupted into the sky.


    this scene was too shocking. mortals thought of crimson goddess as a supreme being, but she was actually stomped to the ground by a foot. no matter how she struggled, it was useless.


    the reason for everything was because her song had disturbed the dreams of the other party¡¯s fourth son.


    this subversive scene made all living beings instinctively unable to believe it. however, all the changes and pressure from the scene were extremely real.


    as such, their hearts couldn¡¯t help but fluctuate.


    however, in the end, compared to recognition, hesitation still occupied the majority. this was especially so for the experts of the various races in the moon worship region. they were extremely hesitant.


    just the part in the first scene wasn¡¯t enough to truly shake their minds.


    this was actually within the captain¡¯s expectations. hence, this grand show was divided into two acts.


    at that moment, as the first scene ended, the scene gradually blurred until it dissipated. that hoarse sound echoed in the minds of all living beings again.


    ¡°next, in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the precious historical spectacle of the second act will be displayed in front of you.¡±


    at the same time, at the recording venue, the heir closed the 10,000-foot-long heavenly eye mirror and nodded.


    ¡°okay, that¡¯s done.¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, ning yan, who was playing the role of the ruler, hurriedly lifted his feet. all the dignity on his face instantly disappeared, replaced by nervousness and fawning.


    ¡°sister nether fairy¡­¡±


    nether fairy stood up expressionlessly from the earth and coldly looked at ning yan.


    ning yan trembled. he had basically used all his strength in that last kick.


    from the start to the end, this spectacle was extremely natural and perfect because of the combination of the spells secretly used by the heir and other elders.


    hence, ning yan had the illusion that all the might was really released by him, causing him to be too immersed in the role.


    ¡°all of you, get ready. next is the second act.¡±


    the heir¡¯s eyes glanced towards ning yan, giving additional instructions and pointing out the details of ning yan¡¯s appearance. he also offered guidance on the nuances of wu jianwu¡¯s entrance and the technique chen erniu would use when dropping the blade.


    during this time, princess mingmei, old eighth, and fifth sister also gave advice to make the second spectacle as realistic as possible.


    just like that, after the time it takes for an incense stick to burn passed, the prince opened the heavenly eye. ning yan and the others also stood properly. as the spectacle appeared in the minds of all living beings in the outside world, they were about to begin the show.


    however, at the next instant, the breeze blew!


    this breeze arrived suddenly and carried an antiquated aura, blowing everyone¡¯s hair and clothes. it stirred their hearts and transformed into an earth-shattering killing intent!


    this intent was only the beginning but it already caused this place to rumble and the sky to change color.


    the expressions of everyone who was preparing to act changed one after another. regardless of whether it was ning yan, wu jianwu, nether fairy, li youfei, or the captain, they all turned their heads in unison and looked at xu qing.

 Chapter 1027 - 1027 True History

    1027 true history


    the source of the wind came from xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged in the distance and not moving at all.


    at this moment, wind and clouds surged at the altar and lightning rumbled. everyone looked bewildered.


    even the vortex in the sky rumbled more and more.


    at that instant earlier, they sensed an obscure fluctuation rising with the wind, as though it was emitted from xu qing¡¯s body. after that, this world swayed.


    the ground quaked, and the blade-like slanted mountain range in the distance also trembled. a large amount of boulders fell and smashed into the canyon, leaving behind lingering sounds.


    ¡°what¡¯s going on!¡±


    ning yan took a deep breath in horror.


    the captain¡¯s eyes were also wide open. he looked at xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged in the distance with his eyes closed, and his heart churned.


    the heir suddenly turned his head and looked at xu qing. his expression changed.


    ¡°this is¡­¡±


    princess mingmei and the others also instantly looked over, their eyes revealing strange glints.


    old eighth¡¯s entire body trembled as he muttered involuntarily.


    ¡°??? he really comprehended it?¡±


    amidst the varying degrees of shock among the crowd, an aura of unparalleled killing intent was slowly taking shape in this place!


    it was only an embryonic form and still required time to completely descend.


    but even so, it already stirred immense waves in the hearts of the onlookers, especially the heir. he gazed at xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged in the distance. he should have been happy to see this, as xu qing had made achievements under his guidance.


    however, he still couldn¡¯t help feeling a sense of helplessness.


    at this moment, he once again thought of xu qing¡¯s master. hence, he instinctively looked at princess mingmei.


    princess mingmei also looked at him at this moment. the two of them looked at each other and fell silent.


    ¡­


    it was unknown if the wind had an age.


    if it didn¡¯t, how could it record the traces of the existence of all things over the years?


    if it did, how could they be differentiated?


    there were extremely few people who could answer this question.


    perhaps the age of the wind was determined by the events it had witnessed, hence the ancient times and the present.


    at that moment, in the moon worship region, the wind blew at all living beings and stirred their hearts. at the same time, the red moon shrine made their move.


    to the red moon shrine, the scene of the first act was an extremely serious blasphemy!


    they wanted to find the source and contain all of this immediately.


    hence, a large number of temple cultivators flew in all directions.


    however, it was clearly impossible to find the altar hidden in the green sand in a short period of time.


    as for the ancient wind, it blew past the altar, stirring everyone¡¯s minds and causing even greater waves.


    however, the second act had already officially begun and they couldn¡¯t stop. even though ning yan and the others¡¯ hearts were trembling, they could only brace themselves and act.


    hence, the heaven and earth stirred up by the ancient wind also became the background of the scene. through the heavenly eye mirror, this was reflected in the minds of all living beings in the moon worship region.


    this grand show continued.


    the event that all living beings saw also unknowingly showed traces of vicissitudes. it had the will to kill which increased the degree of its authenticity.


    the first thing that appeared on the screen was an altar.


    this altar was extremely huge and majestic. at the same time, it was filled with countless runic marks. any one of them could cause the sun, moon, and stars to shatter with just a slight activation.


    at the center of the altar, crimson goddess, who was sealed using countless stars, was forcefully pressed down by a burly man in golden armor and knelt there.


    she wanted to struggle but it was useless.


    the burly man in the golden armor wore a mask and his expression couldn¡¯t be seen. however, he stood there with an upright body that was filled with killing intent. he pressed down on the crimson goddess¡¯ head with one hand and dragged a long blade with the other.


    this blade emitted extreme coldness and a terrifying fluctuation. a 10,000 feet long phantom of the blade appeared in the air.


    this was the divine official in charge of execution.


    outside the altar, the ruler played by ning yan was looking at the sky. countless figures could be vaguely seen in his surroundings, all showing deep respect.


    they were waiting for the ancient sovereign¡¯s decree to arrive.


    the scene was solemn and the killing intent was incomparably dense. everything was clearly reflected in the minds of all living beings, causing the hearts of everyone in the moon worship region to tremble.


    this was because the killing intent in this scene was too astonishing. all living beings in the region sensed it through the scene itself.


    even though most of them were hesitating, at this moment, the reality of this killing intent caused the experts of the various races who were hesitating to waver even more.


    the higher one¡¯s cultivation was, the more this was the case. as one¡¯s senses became sharper, their perception toward this killing intent varied.


    ¡°this transmission of killing intent¡­¡±


    ¡°just sensing it a little makes my heart skip a beat!¡±


    ¡°is¡­ this scene indeed real?¡±


    the hearts of all living beings in the outside world trembled, especially the cultivators of the red moon shrine. they were even more shocked at this moment and searched for all the traces.


    however, these people didn¡¯t know that the actors in the show were also shocked.


    ning yan tried his best to control his nervousness and didn¡¯t look at where xu qing was. however, he could strongly sense the increasingly astonishing killing intent in his surroundings. this caused him to tremble with fear. at the same time, the feeling of life-and-death crisis also erupted.


    the captain was equally surprised. even the trembles of crimson goddess played by nether fairy weren¡¯t entirely feigned.


    the wind here was even stronger.


    the killing intent grew denser and denser, and it even affected the laws here. snowflakes appeared and floated between the heaven and earth.


    the expressions of the heir and princess mingmei also turned solemn. they no longer cared about this performance. at that moment, their gazes landed on xu qing.


    xu qing was still comprehending.


    with the help of his morning glow, he had been searching and simulating the fleeting ripple in the scene of the ink.


    it was only at that moment earlier that he finally found traces in the hazy depths of the ink in his sea of consciousness.


    the morning glow fused into it.


    as he simulated and comprehended, a shocking boom slowly rose in his mind until he heard the murmurs that he hadn¡¯t heard clearly before.


    that ripple was the source of the murmurs and also the source of the wind.


    now, it became clear!


    ¡°kill!¡±


    ¡°kill!¡±


    ¡°kill!!!¡±


    countless voices gathered together and roared out this word. at this moment, it suddenly exploded in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    his mind was in turmoil and the ink in his sea of consciousness stirred violently.


    the ancient wind stirred even more. with xu qing¡¯s body as the mouth, it was released. it howled around the broken altar and followed the heavenly eye mirror, erupting violently in the minds of all living beings.


    all living beings were shaken. most of the experts from the various races in the external world felt their hearts skip a beat. there were also some who directly stood up in horror from their seated position, and their hair stood on end.


    they could sense that the killing intent in the scene in their minds seemed to have transformed into an ancient fiend that erupted in front of them.


    this was especially so for the cultivators of the moon rebel hall. the expressions of the few mysterious deputy hall masters changed one after another in their respective hiding places.


    their expressions were solemn. previously, they had sensed that this scene was formed with the help of the moon rebel hall, which had already surprised them a lot.


    although most of them hesitated when the first act appeared, they already attached great importance to it.


    now, the killing intent in the second act shook their hearts intensely.


    ¡°is this true?!¡±


    in fact, in the red moon shrine, a terrifying aura erupted at this moment.


    after the divine son entered seclusion, the high priest, who was in charge of everything, took a step out. his expression was solemn. even he felt his heart skip a beat.


    he originally thought that all of this was a trick of the heir and the others, but now¡­ he wasn¡¯t sure.


    at the same time, ning yan and the others also felt their hearts churning intensely. according to the script, it was time for wu jianwu to appear, but he stopped in his tracks and his body stiffened for a moment.


    however, thinking of countless spectators watching him, wu jianwu forcibly calmed himself. wearing imperial robes and a crown, his figure slowly appeared in the sky of the scene, overlooking the earth. he exchanged a gaze with the ruler played by ning yan.


    at this moment, there was no need for him to display any imposing aura. the earth trembled, the mountains trembled, the sky rumbled, and all the changes caused by the churning killing intent naturally turned into the best embellishments.


    before this, the heir and the others were the ones who added all the effects. however, now, they no longer paid attention to the act. they were all looking at xu qing.


    ¡®why isn¡¯t he awake yet?¡¯ the heir was puzzled. however, due to his understanding of xu qing, he didn¡¯t say this. he believed that old eighth would say it.


    ¡°why isn¡¯t this kid awake yet? he has succeeded in comprehending.¡± old eighth indeed mumbled as the heir had expected.


    ¡°he¡¯s still comprehending. killing intent isn¡¯t his limit.¡±


    after hearing old eighth¡¯s words, the heir calmly spoke.


    princess mingmei nodded slightly.


    old eighth sneered and looked at them.


    ¡°how come you all have the expressions as if you knew this would happen, but your words before weren¡¯t like this at all? it¡¯s too fake, do you think i¡¯m stupid?¡±


    princess mingmei had an expressionless face. with a wave of her hand, old eight¡¯s body was instantly thrown into the distance by a tremendous force.


    ¡°eighth brother¡¯s brain might not have been damaged from the beatings; it was probably already damaged at birth.¡±


    the heir agreed and so did fifth sister. at that moment, her gaze swept past xu qing and she spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°i¡¯m gazing forward to seeing, after comprehending the killing intent of the god slaying platform, what level he can reach in his subsequent insights¡­¡±


    at the same time, in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, under this intense turbulence, the killing intent in the ink also spread throughout xu qing¡¯s body.


    xu qing trembled and waves of intense pain spread throughout his body.


    however, at this moment, he no longer had the contemplated of opening his eyes. the thought of probing the source of the intense pain also didn¡¯t appear in his mind. he continued to sit there cross-legged and immersed in the comprehension.


    he was waiting for the inky scene in his sea of consciousness to take shape!


    this was his goal.


    that wisp of killing intent fluctuation was captured by him and released. then, the scene¡­ wouldn¡¯t be shattered again.


    at that moment, the ink and the rainbow colors fused and a scene slowly outlined itself¡­


    the sky on the scene split into two. the white part turned blue and the black part turned red.


    in the blue sky, a supreme giant stood tall, wearing royal robes, shrouded in auspicious clouds that covered his features but couldn¡¯t conceal the overwhelming dominance radiating from him, capable of suppressing the ages.


    as his gaze swept across, time reversed, and with each breath, all things returned to nothingness.


    on the red sky, there was additionally a vast figure faintly discernible, a woman in a long red skirt. she had an ordinary appearance, but her eyes happened to be deep, containing the starry sky. within them, single could witness the birth of galaxies and the extinction of star fields.


    under her dress, there happened to be no legs; instead, countless tentacles extended, spreading across the red sky. within each tentacle, a star was vividly coiled.


    the fluctuations of divinity surged into the sky.


    ¡°li zihua, i did not expect that it would be you¡­ who came to stop me from becoming a god.¡±


    ¡°boss is sick.¡± the tall figure spoke hoarsely.


    the woman fell silent. after a long time, she muttered softly.


    ¡°do you remember my song?¡±


    as she mumbled, a song echoed through the world.


    ¡°some transform freely and soar, chasing the wind and breaking the waves along the way.


    running to the red moon ocean, traversing the vast borderlands.


    imagining the reincarnation of all beings, with everything¡¯s flesh and blood as sustenance.


    the sunlight scorched my eyes, unable to bury the ideals.


    i look up to the vastness, above the red moon¡­ i soar!¡±

 Chapter 1028 - 1028 God Slaying Platform Between Ink and Water

    1028 god slaying platform between ink and water


    there were often many records in history.


    for various reasons, due to certain motives or cause and effect, some individuals tended to conceal scenes they disliked. after modifying and adjusting them, they circulated these altered versions.


    and as time passed, what the truth really was gradually became unknown to people.


    for example, the scene xu qing was watching couldn¡¯t be seen by others.


    it was concealed within the passage of time, as the wind carried its remnants. memories lingered in this place, then were delivered into the sea of consciousness of xu qing, transforming into ink.


    it was originally difficult for it to surface. regardless of whether it was the wave of killing intent or the fragmentation of this memory with the passage of time, it was impossible for it to be pieced together.


    it was the morning glow that added color to it and made up for the incompleteness. only then did it gradually outline and reveal this hidden history in xu qing¡¯s perception.


    he looked at the ruler¡¯s body and the figure of the crimson goddess, listening to the former¡¯s words and the latter¡¯s song.


    the singing continued.


    within it, a poignant and soul-stirring sentiment emanated, carrying a sense of dedication¡ªa pursuit willing to sacrifice everything for an ideal.


    it was as though everything was meaningless in front of this ideal.


    even if all living beings died completely, even if the world cried and wailed, it would only be nutrients for her to become a god.


    this wasn¡¯t important.


    regardless of whether it was the figure in the blue sky or anyone else, it couldn¡¯t erase her desire to become a god.


    she wanted to become a god and stand atop the red moon.


    for this, she would do whatever it took!


    the visuals undulated in response to the echoing melody, waves rising and falling within, ultimately submerging all figures and fading out all sounds into a blurred obscurity.


    xu qing¡¯s breath quickened, and his seated form exhibited rhythmic chest movements. immersed within his mental sea of consciousness, he found himself unable to discern the subsequent events unfolding in the blurred visuals or hear the sounds echoing through time.


    the scene in his sea of consciousness turned from blue to white, and from red to black. they intertwined and became ink again.


    after all, the replenishment from the morning glow wasn¡¯t perfect.


    hence, everything that happened after that became hazy. it was like an abstract image that couldn¡¯t be seen directly and could only be sensed.


    xu qing didn¡¯t choose to wake up. he continued to sink his mind into his sea of consciousness to sense this hazy painting.


    in the painting, white and black collided. water and ink spun and xu qing seemed to see the sky.


    ¡°amidst the whiteness, there is a blue sky¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled. he also saw the ground.


    ¡°the black soil is covered in red blood¡­¡±


    ¡°the sky and earth seem to be connected. is that¡­ an altar?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression became blank. he had completely forgotten what was happening outside and neglected everything. at that moment, all his heart and feelings were invested in the ink.


    gradually, the altar he saw became clearer.


    however, this was actually an illusion of perception. this was because after the scene of the ruler and the crimson goddess dissipated, the ink in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness was spinning and no new scenes were formed.


    however, xu qing felt that everything was rapidly becoming clear.


    however, this speed was relative.


    this was because it was already on the path of clarity.


    no matter how hard xu qing tried, it was still the same.


    and he had to keep his senses heightened at all times; otherwise, the altar would vanish. it required constant vigilance, akin to salvaging something from the depths.


    but it remained elusive, never quite within reach.


    the consumption of his mental energy became boundless.


    slowly, xu qing felt his consciousness withering. he couldn¡¯t hold on much longer.


    as for the altar, it was still becoming clearer.


    ¡°am i going to fail?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart echoed with murmurs.


    ¡°i can¡¯t salvage this altar from the ink¡­¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m missing a container.¡±


    ¡°container¡­¡±


    at that moment, outside.


    as xu qing reached the end of his comprehension, the rumbling of the world also gradually weakened. the feeling of the earth shaking and the mountains shaking also decreased and the vortex in the sky was no longer affected like before.


    everything seemed to be coming to an end.


    this caused ning yan and the others to heave a sigh of relief. the pressure that was getting stronger and stronger earlier made them feel extremely nervous. it was hard for them to perform perfectly.


    however, deep regret rose in the captain¡¯s heart. although he felt that the possibility of xu qing succeeding in his comprehension was extremely slim, the scene earlier still gave him some hope.


    ¡®it¡¯s fine. after all, it¡¯s good to experience it. at least he experienced the killing intent.¡¯


    the heir and the others also felt regret. due to karma, they couldn¡¯t see xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness but they could sense the consumption of xu qing¡¯s mental energy.


    it could also be seen that after experiencing the killing intent, xu qing attempted a deeper exploration, but ultimately failed.


    ¡°he¡¯s comprehending father¡¯s divine ability, the god slaying platform.¡±


    ¡°what a pity¡­¡±


    ¡°actually, it has nothing to do with him. it¡¯s because the traces left here are too faint. otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have failed.¡±


    the heir and the others spoke softly and sighed.


    even though he didn¡¯t succeed, xu qing¡¯s comprehension ability left an extremely deep impression on them.


    right now, the second act that appeared in the minds of all living beings in the moon worship region had reached the climax. after wu jianwu¡¯s figure was revealed, a person walked over from the void.


    this person was dressed in luxurious robes, with piercing eyes and a fair complexion, exuding a subtle yet terrifying aura.


    he was the eunuch who served the ancient sovereign, and he came here to proclaim the decree of the ancient sovereign.


    with every step, the heavens and earth displayed a myriad of colors. the eunuch in the splendid robe raised his right hand, conjuring a cloud that unfolded like a scroll.


    ¡°the dao of wanggu and the ancient sovereign have decreed, ¡®the arrival of radiance brings harm to the people, causing chaos and calamity among the common folk.''¡±


    ¡°today, i will allow the moon king zihua to execute the punishment on my behalf, slaying the being of the sinful land¡­ i will personally bear all the karma!¡±


    his voice echoed like heavenly lightning. coupled with the effects added by the heir and the others, when it was reflected in the minds of all living beings in the outside world, it was extremely imposing.


    as the reading ended, ning yan, who was playing the role of the ruler, looked at the crimson goddess on the altar with a deep gaze.


    after that, his gaze landed on the golden-armored burly dude behind the crimson goddess and he calmly spoke.


    ¡°divine official.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m ready!¡±


    the golden-armored burly dude played by the captain spoke loudly. he pressed down on the crimson goddess¡¯s head with one hand and held a long blade in the other, waiting for the order.


    ¡°execute!¡±


    ¡°i obey the decree!¡±


    a cold glint flashed in the captain¡¯s eyes and he was about to swing the blade in his hand. at this moment, intense hatred appeared in the crimson goddess¡¯ eyes and she struggled. however, under the suppression formed by the countless runic marks on the altar, she couldn¡¯t break free.


    in this moment, the setting was filled with stirring winds and turbulent clouds, as the heir and others secretly acted, exerting their full effort to enhance this spectacle.


    after all, the scene of killing the crimson goddess was extremely meaningful to all living beings of this region.


    heavenly lightning rumbled in the scene. countless bolts of lightning transformed into ferocious lightning dragons that roared in the sky before spreading out in all directions.


    princess mingmei also took action, forming a river of time, causing the ancient aura emitted by the scene to enter the perception of all living beings.


    old eighth wasn¡¯t to be outdone. his voice fused into the heavenly lightning and transformed into emotional fluctuations, causing the emotions of all the characters to be strongly enhanced at this moment.


    finally, the heir made a move. the sun and moon rose amidst the lightning and countless stars shone as time passed. there was also a faint will of the heavenly dao descending from the sky, as though it was witnessing this moment.


    the whole setting was imposing and intimidating.


    when everyone viewed this scene, their hearts seemed to be in their throats.


    the captain waved his long blade amidst the embellishment!


    the blade light flickered and the blade reflected lightning, containing the sun, moon, and stars. it carried an ancient aura that stirred the emotions of all living beings and was about to descend.


    nether fairy¡¯s eyes unveiled monstrous hatred and was about to say her last line.


    however, at this moment¡­


    a drastic change occurred!


    the sky changed color and the earth trembled!


    a huge rumbling sound rang out from the sky. it was like the roar of a primordial beast, overturning the seas and rivers. the sky directly split open with a rumbling sound, revealing a large number of cracks which further collapsed!


    countless boulders fell and smashed into the ground. at the same time, a cold light could be faintly seen in the sky.


    the ground churned and shattered into pieces, forming countless huge pits. it even stirred up a storm that swept through everything.


    not only that, but there was also a shocking killing intent that soared into the sky.


    all of this directly surpassed the visual effects put up by the heir and the others!


    previously, all the living beings in the moon worship region were already completely focused under the influence of the heir and the others. now that this sudden killing intent appeared, they instantly lost their voice in horror and exclaimed endlessly.


    the killing intent was even more intense than before. it erupted in their hearts and transformed into furious waves that stirred their souls.


    everyone in the setting was equally shocked.


    nether fairy¡¯s face instantly turned pale. the feeling of death was unprecedentedly intense. she clearly had an undying body, but at this moment, she perceived death closer than ever before!


    ¡°i¡¯ll really die!¡±


    she struggled with all her might.


    the captain¡¯s blade also paused for a moment as his mind churned. ning yan, wu jianwu, and li youfei were even more shaken.


    the heir and the others gazed at xu qing in unison. all of them were moved.


    at this moment, a bottle appeared in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    he indeed couldn¡¯t fish out the altar in the ink painting, but he realized that he needed a container, so¡­ he reflected his time bottle in his sea of consciousness.


    he was using this bottle to contain the ink.


    what he wanted to do wasn¡¯t to take them all away.


    ¡°since i can¡¯t fish it out, i¡¯ll extract all the excess parts that are affecting my comprehension!¡±


    the ink headed straight for the time bottle. as it rapidly flowed in, xu qing could sense that the altar had truly transform clearer.


    all of this didn¡¯t take a long time. under xu qing¡¯s full concentration, most of the ink disappeared in the blink of an eye.


    as for the remaining portion¡­ it transformed into a special altar!


    the appearance of the altar was the origin of the changes outside!


    at this moment, the atmosphere outside was overwhelming. the sky collapsed and the ground shattered. as the vortex in the sky rumbled, this world began to collapse.


    the deafening sound echoed far and wide, reaching every corner. simultaneously, the first hurdle that xu qing and his group crossed when they arrived at this place¡ªthe towering mountain range that was now tilted in the sky¡ªnow ruptured on a large scale.


    after numerous rocks constituting the mountain range fell away, the cold radiance hidden within became increasingly distinct, revealing its complete form.


    it was a huge green blade!

 Chapter 1029 - 1029 Heavenly Blade Slays the Crimson Goddess!

    1029 heavenly blade slays the crimson goddess!


    with the emergence of the colossal blade, an overwhelming chill swept through, shaking everything.


    the ground also collapsed.


    the second challenge they had passed, the straight canyon, now revealed its true form with the falling rocks.


    it was a groove for the god slaying altar¡¯s blade!


    inside, it was crimson as if tainted with boundless blood, exuding a staggering aura of malevolence.


    as for the place where xu qing sat cross-legged, countless rubbles pieced together to form a circular altar. this altar, immense in size, merged with the beheading platform.


    its upper part held the heavenly blade, while the lower part connected to the beheading platform, creating an awe-inspiring guillotine.


    all of this was clearly transmitted to the minds of all living beings through the heavenly eye.


    a buzzing sound echoed and a vast intent shook the sky. at this moment, everyone¡¯s hearts were in turmoil and the expressions of all living beings in the outside world changed.


    ¡°god slaying platform!¡±


    old eighth looked at this and cried out involuntarily.


    the god slaying platform was the strongest trump card created by ruler li zihua. legend had it that after this divine art was formed, the first strike he slashed out was at himself!


    this technique was heaven-defying and the difficulty of cultivating it was extremely high. among li zihua¡¯s descendants, only old ninth had learned it. the other children were unable to learn it.


    even the heir and mingmei couldn¡¯t do it, so the shock in their hearts was incomparably huge.


    ¡°he really¡­ succeeded.¡±


    the heir mumbled and looked at xu qing, the sky, and this world.


    the sky of this world became a blade, and the ground of this world transformed into a platform.


    that green blade contained unparalleled killing intent, and the blood-colored ground was filled with heinous blood.


    the most terrifying thing about this world-shaking executioner¡¯s blade was the killing intent contained in it.


    this intent had killed countless living beings. the killing intent was so strong that it was enough to cause the world to tremble. the aura it formed seemed to be able to devour everything.


    ¡°i didn¡¯t expect to be able to see the god slaying platform once again¡­¡±


    princess mingmei murmured, her eyes revealing reminiscence. the fifth sister was the same, and even old eighth remained silent. in their eyes, there was nostalgia, carrying both the beauty of the past and the pain of losing loved ones.


    other than that, there were also waves of emotions.


    at this moment, in the moon worship region, the various races were in endless shock.


    they had already lost the ability to think. everyone was immersed in the scene in their minds.


    looking at such a shocking scene, an indescribable heatwave rose in the hearts of the mortals. it was as though a lump of fire was about to be ignited in their hearts which finally transformed into extremely intense anticipation.


    they were looking forward to the moment the blade slashed down!


    it wasn¡¯t just the mortals. it was the same for cultivators. those who had previously doubted the authenticity of the scene, now, looking at everything, their hesitation had long vanished.


    this was indeed real!


    especially the cultivators of the moon rebel hall who were in the rebel army in various places. for them, at this moment, they had fully realized what impact this scene would have on all living beings.


    hence, all of them suppressed their excitement and stared fixedly, wanting to see¡­ the final slash!


    as for the red moon shrine, they had completely gone crazy. the hall priest had gone out and used all his divine powers and spells to lock onto the green sand desert. hence, countless temple cultivators were heading straight for the green sand desert.


    this included himself.


    this was because he was clear that this scene was real. he also understood the meaning of this scene.


    under the attention of everyone, amidst the rumbling of the world, the scene that appeared in the minds of all living beings had actually changed.


    this was because an ancient memory¡­ materialized from within as the god slaying platform was formed.


    the scene submerged the figures of ning yan and others, becoming the sole focus of this place.


    that was the last memory of the god slaying platform.


    the ancient wind blew through the blue sky and collided with the blood-colored sky, stirring up layers of ripples.


    the sky was the same and different from what xu qing had seen in the ink.


    the similarity was that the sky was half blue and half red. the difference was that both sides had clearly experienced an earth-shattering battle.


    hence, half of the sky was like a mirror that had shattered.


    the ground collapsed, turning into a purple sea.


    countless skeletons could be seen. there were men, women, old, and young, mortals and cultivators.


    as for the towering figure between heaven and earth in the scene, as his figure imprinted in the minds of the onlookers, it stirred ripples akin to the sky.


    this was the first time the living beings of this region saw a ruler.


    ruler li zihua closed his eyes and was unscathed. his towering body gave off an astonishing aura.


    as for the crimson goddess opposite him, most of the tentacles on her lower body shattered, and most of the stars were also shattered.


    a large amount of flesh and blood fell from the collapsed stars.


    it was a shocking sight.


    these were all the living beings that the crimson goddess had swallowed on her way here.


    looking at the crimson goddess, the mortals and cultivators in the moon worship region instinctively gasped. this was also their first time seeing the crimson goddess for real.


    in the scene, the crimson goddess watched as the stars she formed collapsed. her eyes were red and she let out a heart-rending cry.


    ¡°li zihua, you and i came from the same place. when you left back then, you told me that you were going to become a god! you wanted to correct our fate!¡±


    ¡°for countless years, i¡¯ve followed your footsteps and traces to this place!¡±


    ¡°but you¡¯ve changed!¡±


    ¡°why? why don¡¯t you become a god with me? why are you willing to lower your head to mystic nether?!¡±


    ¡°we¡­ are the true owners of this star ring!¡±


    as she spoke, the crimson goddess¡¯ eyes were filled with resentment. the sea of blood outside her body surged into the sky and blood moons rose, emitting an astonishing aura as they headed straight for li zihua.


    wherever they passed, the void would shatter, forming countless long marks that eventually landed on li zihua¡¯s body, leaving behind countless imprints.


    these imprints could destroy the great dao and collapse the soul.


    the deepest one was between li zihua¡¯s brows.


    li zihua didn¡¯t dodge and silently endured it. he allowed his forehead to collapse and blood flowed out of his body, landing on the ground.


    when the purple sea on the ground stirred up huge waves, his closed eyes slowly opened.


    ¡°i became a god before¡­ in the end, i slashed my own divine fire.¡±


    ¡°because that¡¯s not the future i want, nor is it what you want¡­ the moment a god appears in wanggu, the ancient taboo will be activated and a great terror will awaken from the depths of the starry sky.¡±


    li zihua spoke softly and looked at the crimson goddess.


    ¡°you should return.¡±


    when the crimson goddess heard this, the resentment in her eyes grew even more intense. the blood sea in the surroundings churned again and in an instant, the world turned red. in the distant sky, an extremely huge blood moon seemed to be rising!


    li zihua sighed softly and slowly raised his hand, pointing to the crimson goddess.


    ¡°use the soil of the moon region as the cutting platform.¡±


    with a deep voice echoing through the heavens and earth, the ground rumbled, rolling up instantly. starting from crimson goddess as the center, it spread in all directions, covering the entire region.


    all the peaks in this region collapsed and shattered at this moment, and all the plains were upheaved. countless earth and rocks surged like ocean waves from every corner of this region, converging towards this place.


    as they converged to this place, the ground of this region sank by 100 feet.


    as for the soil, it headed straight for the crimson goddess at an astonishing speed and gathered under her.


    in the blink of an eye, it piled up into an earth-shattering altar!


    this altar wasn¡¯t circular but rectangular. there was a huge ravine inside that stretched straight out. endless blood gushed out and monstrous killing intent erupted.


    such a divine power shook all living beings.


    the resentment in the crimson goddess¡¯s eyes deepened. her body rose into the air, shattering the void along the way. the remaining stars that were swept up by the tentacles in the surroundings shone with a red light and transformed into a sea of blood that surrounded her, forming a huge vortex.


    she was trying to escape this place.


    wherever she passed, the void corroded, the laws collapsed, and the world reversed.


    however, it was obvious that under li zihua¡¯s gaze, it was impossible for her to escape from this large region.


    ¡°use the sky of this region as a blade!¡±


    li zihua¡¯s calm voice resounded again. a loud explosion rang out in the sky and the sky tilted at a speed visible to the naked eye, transforming into a long blade!


    the sky was like a blade, and the ground was like a platform. they each took shape.


    at that moment, a heart-rending voice echoed in the vortex where the crimson goddess was at. that voice contained horror and monstrous hatred.


    li zihua fell silent, but in the end, he still lifted his hand and plucked the sun, connecting the sky and the ground. in an instant, a colossal god slaying platform appeared in the world.


    it was astonishingly vast and incomparable.


    under the shrill cry of the crimson goddess, the instant the scene of horror spread to the hearts of all living beings, li zihua¡¯s right hand slowly landed.


    at this moment, the sun rumbled and burned fiercely. it continued to rotate and erupted with terrifying might, transmitting it to the heavenly blade formed by the sky.


    the heavenly blade descended!


    the heaven was slashing toward the ground!


    as long as it was in the world of this large region, it would be within the range of this blade.


    the blood-colored vortex that crimson goddess was in erupted completely at this moment. it continued to rumble and wanted to resist, but it was useless.


    the heavenly blade slashed across and landed on the vortex without stopping at all. it easily sliced through the vortex and appeared in front of the crimson goddess whose face was filled with horror and despair.


    the blade landed on her forehead and slashed down!


    crack!


    in the scene, the crimson goddess¡¯ body was directly cut into two. endless blood sea was released, dyeing everything red.


    this slash didn¡¯t just cut off the crimson goddess¡¯ head but also shackles in the souls of all living beings.


    seeing the death of the crimson goddess with their own eyes, it was as though the legend had been broken. the minds of all living beings in the moon worship region rumbled in unison at this instant, forming a huge wave that shook the heavens and the earth.


    their bodies trembled violently and their breathing became hurried!


    the scene continued.


    as the world lost its color, an unwilling curse seemed to come from ancient times and resounded in the souls of all living beings watching the scene.


    ¡°li zihua, if i revive, i will make your soul wail in agony, tear apart your flesh and bones, subject your people to eternal suffering, and make you kneel until the collapse of wanggu!¡±


    the voice was chilling and pierced through one¡¯s soul.


    li zihua stood in the air. as the voice resounded and the blood rain scattered down, he silently lifted his head and looked into the distance, looking at something.


    his expression was a little lonely.


    gradually, the scene blurred and his figure slowly disappeared.


    other than the ones on-site, no one in the outside world heard, in the moment when his figure dissipated, a faint murmur coming from his mouth.


    ¡°i¡¯ve already seen the curse you mentioned the moment i became a god¡­¡±

 Chapter 1030 - 1030 Xu Qings Appearance, Debut at the Moon Worship

    1030 xu qing¡¯s appearance, debut at the moon worship


    the ancient scenes rumbled in the minds of the living beings in the moon worship region, becoming thunderous, turning into a huge explosion, resounding and reverberating!


    at this moment, waves of emotions surged in the hearts of all living beings!


    everything they saw today exceeded their understanding, subverted their thoughts, and shook their bodies and souls.


    after their madness and despair, they had become numb like dead ice, now¡­ cracks appeared on the ice. it was shattering and collapsing.


    that blade slash had killed the crimson goddess and also severed the shackles in their hearts!


    perhaps the shackles hadn¡¯t been completely severed but at least a huge gap had appeared!


    under this gap was resentment and madness that had accumulated for countless years.


    hence, this gap¡­ was extremely important!


    although what was expressed in the scene was before the crimson goddess had become a god, it wasn¡¯t important. what mattered was that¡­ the myth had once been shattered.


    the most important thing was that the crimson goddess was once a mortal!


    the crimson goddess had once been killed!


    no one was willing to be born a slave, let alone be immersed in the cycle of the fate of food.


    however, the numbness of the past suppressed resistance, servility replaced bloodshed, and submissiveness seemed to be engraved in the bones for generations.


    however¡­


    who would want to live like this for the rest of their lives? who was willing to live in the darkness?


    as a result, the appearance of the gap triggered a tsunami in the souls and a landslide in the minds!


    as the blood-colored sky and the red moon approached, the resistance of all living beings suddenly erupted uncontrollably!


    this eruption gathered strength from the ruins in various parts of the moon worship region, surged from city to city, swelled within different races, and overwhelmed the hearts of countless cultivators.


    at this moment, the spark was about to burn the region.


    however, it was as though something was missing, causing this spark to seem like it was still accumulating and waiting!


    the red moon shrine was extremely furious. countless temple cultivators had already rushed into the green sand desert to find the source.


    the scene in the minds of all living beings continued to unfold, adding fuel to the flames, causing it to burn more intensely with each passing moment.


    at the same time, in the small world, the world underwent a similar drastic change.


    as the memories of the god slaying platform appeared, it shook the surroundings. especially the depiction of the sky as the blade, the earth as the platform, and the sun as the axis. this vast and astonishing scene left everyone emotionally stirred.


    when this scene that devoured mountains and rivers attracted everyone¡¯s attention, ning yan and the others could no longer maintain the expressions of their characters. they trembled and retreated one after another.


    fortunately, the appearance of the ancient memory covered their figures and outsiders couldn¡¯t see them.


    very soon, they instinctively retreated to the side of the heir.


    it was the same for nether fairy. her speed of escape was the fastest. it was as though she was afraid that the god slaying platform had an issue and would take advantage of the opportunity to slash her.


    the captain followed them.


    however, after returning to the heir¡¯s side, their minds were still trembling. the churning memories of the god slaying platform transmitted a large amount of information. every piece of this information was filled with an explosive feeling.


    the meaning behind it was too great.


    li zihua actually came from the same place as the crimson goddess!


    he had once become a god!


    the most terrifying thing was when they thought of the arrival of the god¡¯s fragmented-face several years after the crimson goddess was killed¡­


    was this the great terror li zihua had mentioned?


    the crimson goddess had become a god, so she attracted the fragmented-face?


    everyone fell silent.


    there were only guesses and no answers.


    as for the reason for the appearance of the god¡¯s fragmented-face, it was a secret that very few people knew about. whether it was really related to this¡­ some people might know but most people didn¡¯t know.


    the captain lowered his head, covering the dark glint in his eyes. he was equally silent.


    what caused even more waves in everyone¡¯s hearts was the last sentence of the sovereign, li zihua.


    this simple sentence couldn¡¯t be heard by all living beings in the outside world but everyone in the small world heard it clearly!


    it seemed to transcend the heavenly thunder, as if creating a new world, transforming into a resounding echo that surpassed the ages, erupting in their hearts.


    this was especially so for the heir and the others¡­


    at this moment, their expressions changed unprecedentedly. old eighth¡¯s eyes were wide open, and fifth sister¡¯s expression was blank.


    as for the heir, his gaze landed in the distance, as though the end of his vision penetrated this place and looked in the direction of the repentance plain in the outside world.


    on the repentance plain, there was the statue formed from the dead body of the ruler as well as the headquarters of the red moon shrine.


    ¡®father, since you already knew all of this, what¡­ were you really thinking?¡¯


    the heir muttered inwardly.


    princess mingmei slowly lifted her head and stared blankly at her father¡¯s figure that was dissipating in the memory image formed by the god slaying platform.


    the memories of the god slaying platform were flowing away. the ancient wind blew from the scene, turning it into sand and gradually turning it into ashes, as though it was about to completely dissipate.


    as it dissipated, some things still existed.


    the heavenly blade formed by the mountain range in the first hurdle was still in the sky, and the blade groove formed by the canyon in the second hurdle was still on the ground.


    on the altar where sky and earth met, as the figure of ruler li zihua blurred, a new figure appeared!


    this person was a young man, dressed in a black daoist robe. his long, jet-black hair was tied up, and a jade crown was fastened, with strands dancing in the wind as if trying to conceal his peerless visage.


    it was a face that was enough to mesmerize all living beings.


    he sat there cross-legged. although his eyes were closed, one could imagine that there must be a pair of eyes that were as bright as the stars hidden inside.


    he was xu qing.


    the god slaying platform that had appeared earlier centered around him. as for the scenes displayed by the god slaying platform, they were also manifested with him as the origin. the source of everything was him!


    at that moment, as the memories of the god slaying platform dissipated, xu qing¡¯s figure naturally appeared.


    coupled with the sky, earth, and the executioner¡¯s platform, it looked like¡­ he was the god slaying platform!


    at this moment, the minds of all the living beings in the moon worship region in the outside world stirred again. this was because the scene in their minds was still continuing. this allowed them to clearly see xu qing at this moment.


    this was also xu qing¡¯s first time being the center of attention in the moon worship region with his true appearance!


    ¡°he is¡­¡±


    ¡°the ruler¡¯s body disappeared and this person appeared. could there be some meaning behind this?!¡±


    ¡°is this an ancient memory or a present scene?¡±


    ¡°if it was in ancient times, what was this person¡¯s identity? if it¡¯s now¡­ could it be that all the precious scenes from before were taken out by this person through the river of time?¡±


    ¡°he¡­ who is he?¡±


    all living beings were shocked and endless guesses rose. to the cultivators in the moon worship region, the fluctuations in their hearts were even more intense, especially those experts. the difference in their cultivation levels allowed them to see more information from the scene in their minds.


    ¡°he¡¯s comprehending?!¡±


    ¡°could it be that he comprehended all the scenes earlier?¡±


    ¡°could it be that this person found the original location where the crimson goddess was killed back then and is comprehending it, causing the rules of that world to change? hence, the scene we saw!¡±


    ¡°i don¡¯t believe anyone can have such comprehension!¡±


    waves of gasps rang out from various places in the moon worship region, especially those people from the moon rebel hall. the fluctuations in their hearts were even more intense. there were even people who had already begun to investigate xu qing¡¯s background.


    they felt that it was very likely that someone who could borrow the power of the moon rebel hall was a member of the moon rebel hall.


    just as everyone was feeling bewildered, the ruler¡¯s body completely disappeared. xu qing¡¯s figure was also revealed clearly.


    his eyes slowly opened at this moment.


    the starry eyes were like waves of water, following the scene and reflecting into the minds of all living beings.


    the hint of understanding in it was transmitted to the consciousness of all living beings through the scene, causing the mortals and cultivators in the moon worship region to be dazed and ripples to appear.


    after the ripples, there were even more gasps of horror.


    ¡°it¡¯s really comprehension!¡±


    ¡°this¡­ how is this possible? all of this was actually comprehended by him. he reproduced the ancient memories!!¡±


    ¡°this comprehension ability¡­ is heaven-defying!!¡±


    ¡°who exactly is he?!¡±


    shock and disbelief couldn¡¯t be suppressed and erupted intensely in all directions.


    at this moment, xu qing¡¯s terrifying comprehension ability shook all living beings.


    at this moment, his figure also stirred up a monstrous storm in the moon worship region.


    on the green sand desert, the red moon shrine cultivators moved even faster. xu qing¡¯s face also emerged in their minds. the high priest instantly decreed that xu qing was to be listed as a wanted criminal!


    even the headquarters of the red moon shrine emitted an remarkable red light, transforming into a large net in the sky. after resonating with the red moon, it ruthlessly suppressed the entire large region.


    in the red net, one could vaguely see a headless corpse that was erupting with supreme might.


    that corpse¡­ was none other than the mortal body of the crimson goddess!


    its appearance caused the color of the world to change, affecting the heavenly eye in the small world. it caused the scene that emerged in the minds of all living beings to blur, as though it was about to disappear.


    even though the heir and the others tried their best to maintain the scene, it still vanished in the end.


    however, the instant the scene in the minds of all living beings dissipated, a deep voice suddenly rang out from the scene, echoing in the hearts of countless living beings in the moon worship region.


    ¡°gods aren¡¯t eternal¡­¡±


    every word of this voice was like thunder, rumbling the world and exploding in the hearts of all living beings. it was what all living beings lacked previously.


    as it echoed, it was as though a spark had exploded, causing countless living beings to instinctively open their mouths, emitting roars from their souls, and shouts of resistance against fate.


    ¡°hope is what lasts forever!!¡±


    this bellow and shout converged into a roar, igniting the accumulated grievances in everyone¡¯s hearts, bursting forth through the gap in the shackles.


    at this moment, the spark was about to burn the region.


    it¡­ was burning the region!


    it spread through the mountain range, the plains, and the entire large region.


    countless cultivators who were in despair began to resist with reddened eyes.


    countless numb mortals let out shouts and began to struggle.


    strands of invisible power of faith also spread out from all living beings at this moment. they rose from all directions and merged into the void. finally¡­ they collected at the god slaying platform!

 Chapter 1031 - 1031 Blood of the Soul Accumulation as Guide, Ancient Tribulation as Evidence

    1031 blood of the soul accumulation as guide, ancient tribulation as evidence


    the so-called power of faith was the power of wish, desire, and emotions.


    that was the struggle of human nature, one of the instincts of life.


    usually, when beings were agitated or devout, although the power of faith would disperse too, the former was mixed and the latter was rare.


    and at this moment, after the two acts, after the ancient memory, after the crimson goddess was killed¡­


    the emotions of all living beings fluctuated unprecedentedly intensely. their thirst for freedom and determination to survive erupted unprecedentedly.


    it also contained struggle and resistance!


    especially the resentment that had accumulated for generations, it ignited at this instant and released an extremely terrifying power of faith.


    as the power of faith continued to rise, for the first time since the red moon appeared on the horizon and the sky was dyed red, another light appeared in the sky of the moon worship region.


    it was a white light.


    it was formed by countless specks of light, illuminating the entire sky, and could be seen from anywhere in the large region.


    even some places that didn¡¯t see light all year round were brightly lit at this moment.


    these light specks were like stars. as they shone, they shuttled through the void in an unbelievable way, heading straight for the source of their attraction.


    that place¡­ was none other than the god slaying platform xu qing was on.


    in the blink of an eye, countless white specks of light appeared in the small world. more and more of them appeared densely, shocking everyone.


    the captain was excited. the reason why he had arranged such a grand show was for the power of all living beings.


    ¡®it¡¯s not enough. let¡¯s wait a little longer¡­¡¯


    the captain forcefully endured it. he looked at the rising power of faith and his heart stirred.


    at that moment, ning yan and wu jianwu¡¯s breathing was hurried. looking at the specks of light gathered in the surroundings, they instinctively sensed them and were instantly moved.


    in these light specks, they could clearly sense the struggle and hope.


    it was a struggle against fate and hope for survival.


    nether fairy licked her lips and glanced at the heir and the others before glancing at xu qing. she had no choice but to suppress the impulse in her heart.


    to her, this power of faith was the best nourishment. it was torturous for her to see such a large amount and not be able to devour it.


    however, in the end, she still didn¡¯t dare to pocket it. on one hand, she was afraid of the heir. on the other hand, she could sense that this place contained karma. it might not be a good thing to devour it.


    there was also li youfei. he looked at all of this blankly but his heart quickly calmed down.


    he was used to it.


    as for xu qing, who was surrounded by the endless power of faith, he slowly lifted his head and looked at the white spots of light that filled the surroundings. he could clearly sense that these weren¡¯t here for him.


    to be precise, they came for hope and contained the karma of all living beings.


    xu qing fell silent.


    at this moment, the heir suddenly spoke.


    ¡°xu qing, take out your spirit repository fruit and swallow it!¡±


    ¡°use the remaining aura here to attract the ancient lightning tribulation to cleanse you, allowing all your nascent souls to step into the fourth tribulation realm!¡±


    ¡°as for the baptism of the ancient heavenly lightning, it will cover through time and contains the power of time. this is an extremely rare opportunity for you!¡±


    ¡°this time, i will continue to activate xinan¡¯s cruel order for you.¡±


    ¡°you have to remember that this is an opportunity¡­ an opportunity to sharpen your trump card!¡±


    ¡°although you¡¯ve comprehended the god slaying platform, when you leave this place, without this special environment, you actually won¡¯t be able to truly unleash it. so, you have to think of a way to use your own way to display it!¡±


    ¡°transform it into your trump card!¡±


    the heir¡¯s gaze was deep as he stared at xu qing.


    ¡°this time¡¯s tribulation, despite xinan¡¯s cruel order, will not be shared because you cannot bear it. it will continue until you turn the god slaying platform into a trump card, eliminating a heavenly lightning, only then will it cease, and only then will it be shared.¡±


    ¡°if you succeed, the power of faith of all living beings can be gathered on the blade. from then on¡­ your god slaying blade will gather great karma!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled and he abruptly lifted his head to look at the heir.


    his eyes gleamed. after a moment of silence, he immediately took out the spirit repository fruit that princess mingmei had given him and swallowed it in one gulp.


    the fruit melted the moment it entered his mouth, forming a heatwave. it was as though it had transformed into a terrifying volcano that suddenly erupted in xu qing¡¯s body.


    that was the power of a complete secret repository contained in the spirit repository fruit.


    under this eruption, xu qing even heard the shouts coming from the fruit.


    that was the roar of the other party¡¯s heavenly dao.


    in an instant, all the nascent souls in xu qing¡¯s body opened their eyes and circulated their energy.


    the golden crow danced, the ghost emperor mountain swayed, the morning glow shone, and the time bottle trembled¡­


    other than the purple moon nascent soul, the other 12 nascent souls transformed into 12 black holes and devoured the heat waves that filled xu qing¡¯s entire body with all their might.


    under this continuous absorption and fusion, the golden crow nascent soul was the first to reach perfection. the sensation of the heavenly tribulation instantly erupted.


    next was xu qing¡¯s heavenly dao nascent soul. it woke up from its slumber and its mosasaur body let out a long cry, heading straight for the secret repository¡¯s heavenly dao. with the help of the purple moon¡¯s suppression, it crazily absorbed it and also reached the perfected third tribulation.


    next was the poison restriction, the morning glow, the time bottle, and the ghost emperor mountain.


    they erupted one after another and continued to strengthen. the power of the poison restriction spread in all directions, making xu qing look hazy.


    the morning glow shone and everything manifested.


    the time bottle undulated inside, emitting the feeling of time. as for the ghost emperor mountain, its eyes suddenly opened with a monstrous aura.


    in the end, it was d132.


    in d132, the god¡¯s finger didn¡¯t dare to move. the head and other existences were also shivering.


    under their gazes, xu qing¡¯s nascent soul, who was sitting cross-legged in d132 like the little boy in the past, was performing a series of hand seals. countless shattered jade slips surrounded him, and every one of them was shining brightly.


    as rumbling sounds echoed through the sky, xu qing¡¯s eight nascent souls emitted terrifying fluctuations amidst the surging heat waves. however, this wasn¡¯t the end.


    at the next instant, all five of his sundial life lanterns trembled and transformed into five huge vortexes that continued to spin, absorbing a large amount of the energy from the spirit repository fruit.


    during this process, the sundials¡¯ needles started spinning even faster than before. under the successive rotations, time seemed to be augmented in xu qing¡¯s body. very soon¡­ the nascent souls that had transformed into suns on the five life lanterns also emitted fluctuations of the perfected third tribulation.


    at this point, xu qing¡¯s 13 nascent souls, other than purple moon which was at a higher level, had all reached the critical point of the perfected third tribulation.


    and the attraction of the heavenly tribulation¡¯s power reached its peak at this moment.


    in this sealed world, heaven and earth rumbled.


    the ancient wind blew over again, stirring up dust. at the same time, the sound of thunder echoed in the huge vortex in the sky.


    this sound carried a sense of eternity, as if being drawn from the passage of time, and just at this moment¡­ the heir turned his head and looked at fifth sister.


    fifth sister waved her hand forward.


    immediately, a group of chicks flew out.


    these were only a portion of fifth sister¡¯s chicks. the moment they appeared, their eyes were filled with horror and despair as they let out gurgling sounds.


    but it was of no avail. in the blink of an eye, through the heir¡¯s actions, an intangible connection was established between them and xu qing.


    this caused the judgment of the heavenly tribulation on xu qing to change.


    he was no longer a nascent soul at the perfected third tribulation realm but a composite entity that had gathered the strength of a large number of experts!


    hence, the rumbling of the lightning became even more astonishing. as it continued to explode, the heir cast a deep glance at xu qing. he suddenly bit the tip of his tongue and spat out a mouthful of blood.


    princess mingmei, old eighth, and fifth sister did the same at the same time.


    the blood of the four of them gathered together, forming a blood curtain that enveloped the blade in the sky, the platform on the ground, xu qing, and the chicks.


    everything was enveloped together, forming a huge blood cocoon!


    from afar, it looked like a circular egg!


    after doing this, the heir and the other three stepped forward and appeared around the blood-colored cocoon. they sat down cross-legged and all performed hand seals, pointing forward.


    ¡°with the blood of the soul accumulation as a guide, let this kid comprehend father¡¯s divine power.¡±


    ¡°with the ancient tribulation as evidence, merge all things to refine the cosmos.¡±


    the four of them spoke simultaneously, their voices filled with vicissitudes, resonating with the thunder, as if making a solemn vow.


    the huge blood cocoon rumbled and the thunderous sound of the vortex in the sky became even louder. one could vaguely see arcs of lightning inside.


    these lightning bolts were blue in color. as they continued to shine, they began to gather, forming huge runes that transformed into ancient lightning. the deafening sound horrified ning yan and the others.


    ¡°this is the fourth tribulation? this is the f*cking fourth tribulation? what are they doing?¡±


    ¡°the first tribulation was forced to retreat from a shout due to fenghai county¡¯s fortune, the second tribulation fell in the gaps of the fluctuations of the rules of heaven and earth, he turned into the endless green sand desert in the third tribulation, and this fourth tribulation¡­ soul accumulation beings are helping him to refine the ancient heavenly lightning!¡±


    ¡°then what will his fifth tribulation be like? what else can surpass this fourth tribulation? will a god take on his tribulation?¡±


    ning yan trembled.


    wu jianwu was also trembling. li youfei smiled proudly. he was still calm but his body was faintly trembling.


    as for nether fairy, she looked at the blood cocoon xu qing was in with a complicated expression. with her experience, she could vaguely guess the motive of the heir and the others.


    ¡°become a butterfly from a cocoon¡­¡±


    the captain lifted his head and mumbled as a smile emerged on his face.


    ¡°little qing, the moon worship region is where we soar¡­ the crimson goddess is your fifth tribulation!¡±


    while everyone¡¯s minds were fluctuating, the loud sound of the vortex in the sky abruptly increased. a bolt of lightning that emitted an ancient aura tore through time and suddenly landed in xu qing¡¯s direction!


    the instant the lightning descended¡­


    the heir performed a series of hand seals and pressed his glabella.


    ¡°the heaven and earth of this realm, now belongs to this child!¡±


    old eighth roared, his hands came together, forming seals.


    ¡°the desires of this realm, currently belong to this child!¡±


    princess mingmei¡¯s voice was low. with a wave of her hand, the river of time appeared and intercepted this place.


    ¡°the time of this realm, currently belongs to this child!¡±


    fifth sister¡¯s voice was soft and the intent of recovery rose.


    ¡°the rebirth of this realm, currently belongs to this child!¡±


    heavenly lightning rumbled like a primordial lightning dragon and blasted the blood cocoon.


    the blood cocoon shook and emitted a deafening sound. the lightning collapsed and morphed into tens of thousands of lightning bolts that pierced through.


    at the next instant, the vortex in the heavens spun again, and the ancient lightning roared within, erupting and descending.

 Chapter 1032 - 1032 Noon Is Here!

    1032 noon is here!


    lightning kept descending from the vortex in the sky, landing on the blood cocoon.


    the blood cocoon was shrinking.


    countless bolts of lightning descended like a waterfall, transforming into a pool of lightning on the ground. it flickered with resplendent light and its sound shook the world.


    its might surpassed the three lightning tribulations xu qing had faced in the past. it could even be said that any one of them now carried the power to destroy this world.


    this was because the heir and the other three had used their authorities to forcefully attribute the heaven and earth of this realm to xu qing.


    along with this, the lingering might of the god slaying platform and the history witnessed by this place also belonged to him.


    its immense weight was what triggered such a startling scene.


    the four of them also used the ruler bloodline they possessed to give xu qing the qualifications to possess the great divine art, the god slaying platform. this was an acknowledgment from their father, li zihua, toward xu qing, originating from the source of this divine art.


    with this, xu qing was connected to the ruler.


    as such, the heavenly tribulation¡¯s aura naturally became even more terrifying.


    this was also the outcome that the heir and the others wanted. they wanted to make use of the primordial lightning tribulation to refine everything in this realm, continuously compressing the world here and imprinting it on xu qing¡¯s body.


    this was a form of help.


    under this compression and push, xu qing could achieve twice the result with half the effort. he could use a shorter time and have a greater chance of success to truly master the god slaying platform.


    not only would it appear in his sea of consciousness, but it would also completely transform into his trump card.


    however, to xu qing, this process was like refining his body and soul.


    with the bombardment of the lightning tribulation outside, the world inside the blood cocoon collapsed and squeezed toward him.


    his sea of consciousness rumbled and the phantom of the god slaying platform spread out.


    the collision inside and outside caused xu qing¡¯s body to continue shattering and his mind to gradually wither. his 13 nascent souls were going all out.


    the purple crystal played a crucial role at this moment. the healing power it emitted flowed like a clear spring, nourishing everything. at the same time, it allowed xu qing to bear an immense amount of pressure.


    as such, his possibility of success naturally increased.


    the lightning continued to descend and the blood cocoon shrank at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled, cracks appeared on his skin, and fresh blood flowed. the boundless lightning that penetrated the blood cocoon was refining everything inside. combined with the immense pressure here, it sought to crush everything.


    and with each reduction in the size of the blood cocoon, the world inside would collapse. the platform formed by the blade groove was the first to shatter amidst rumbling sounds.


    it turned into endless dust that headed straight for xu qing.


    immediately after, the heavenly blade formed by the sky hanging high in the blood cocoon also collapsed, turning into fragments before being squeezed into dust. it also surged toward xu qing.


    after that, the altar xu qing was on collapsed.


    as for those chicks who had been thrown inside, they were all wailing now. they had somehow been connected to xu qing and became scapegoats.


    under this tremendous pressure, they were helping xu qing share the burden of life and death, and withered one by one.


    finally, as the blood cocoon contracted, everything here turned to ashes and was tainted by lightning, enveloping xu qing¡¯s surroundings.


    the blood cocoon had also shrunk to less than 30 feet now. it shook violently, as though it would collapse at any moment.


    the lightning continued to fall.


    ¡°i told him that xinan¡¯s cruel order will only be activated when he succeeds, to make him even more determined to turn the god slaying platform into his trump card.¡±


    ¡°however, xinan¡¯s cruel order is being continuously activated.¡±


    the expressions of the heir and the other three became increasingly solemn as they stared at the blood cocoon. the captain and the others were also shocked as they watched everything from afar.


    they were all waiting.


    time flowed by. an hour later, the vortex in the sky seemed to be connected to a lightning pool with an even larger range. it was like a hole, causing the lightning pool there to surge out endlessly.


    the thunderbolts bolts covered the blood cocoon so densely that it couldn¡¯t even be seen clearly.


    only a hint of desolation was being faintly emitted, causing the people waiting outside to feel varying degrees of worry.


    at this moment, a hint of killing intent suddenly rose from this desolation and instantly spread in all directions, shaking the heavens and the earth.


    everyone¡¯s hearts stirred and the vortex in the sky paused for a moment. a murmur slowly rang out from the blood cocoon.


    ¡°ghost emperor mountain becomes the slaying platform, d132¡¯s fortune becomes the blade groove!¡±


    as soon as the voice came out, the cracks on the blood cocoon rapidly spread, as though a terrifying force was brewing inside.


    ¡°heavenly dao transforms into the blade¡¯s body and the divine curse poison restriction transforms into its edge. morning glow shall be the blade light!¡±


    as the second murmur echoed, the blood chrysalis rumbled and began to collapse.


    ¡°the golden crow is the connection, and the purple moon is the seal!¡±


    ¡°containing with time¡­¡±


    ¡°controlling and commanding with the sundial life lantern¡­¡±


    the murmurs were still echoing. wu jianwu, ning yan, and the others¡¯ faces were pale as they instinctively retreated. they could sense astonishing fluctuations rising from the blood cocoon.


    this fluctuation seemed to contain a power of laws, causing the thunderbolts in the vortex in the sky to appear hazy as they landed.


    this lasted until the last murmur echoed.


    ¡°at noon on the sundial, heaven and earth shall be slashed together!¡±


    the blood chrysalis directly exploded and a blade light formed from within with endless might and peerless killing intent.


    the sky surged, the earth roared, and in the midst of the increasingly fragmented world, the mosasaur roared and turned into a colossal blade in mid-air.


    this saber contained the intent of the boundless sky and the charm of slashing the dao, achieving the status of a heavenly blade.


    the power of the poison restriction rapidly gathered and formed the blade¡¯s edges that contained the pinnacle of poison restriction. once slashed, it would not only carry its inherent power, but also harbored the curse of the poison restriction.


    next was the morning glow, forming a cold light on the blade. it could cut through all things, break all techniques, and transform into myriad spells!


    the ground churned and the ghost emperor mountain and d132 appeared. d132 formed a blade groove and the ghost emperor lifted its hands to lift the prison that was filled with the power of fortune, forming an illusory canyon.


    following that, the golden crow danced, connecting heaven and earth, while the purple moon extended its patterns across everything. the divine repository within it provided additional support.


    after that, xu qing¡¯s five sundials appeared in the sky and rotated. when the aura of the passage of time spread in all directions, the five needles paused in unison. all of them arrived at quarter to noon!


    at the next instant¡­


    one strike, slashed the sky!


    it headed straight for the heavenly thunderbolts falling from the vortex in the sky.


    it streaked across the sky!


    it was as though the world had been split open!


    the thunderbolts bolts broke, the lightning pool shattered, and the life tribulation¡­ was slayed!


    the world rumbled and the god slaying platform turned blurry. it rapidly gathered and finally transformed into a time bottle.


    when this bottle landed, xu qing, who was walking over from the void, caught it and placed it in his palm.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes were clear as he stared at this bottle. after a while, he kept the bottle and cupped his fists and bowed to the heir and the other three before speaking softly.


    ¡°thank you, seniors, for helping me succeed!¡±


    ning yan and the others lost their voices in horror. the captain¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint, the heir and the other three smiled. princess mingmei suddenly spoke.


    ¡°does your divine art have a name?¡±


    xu qing lifted his head and looked at the distant world as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°its name is¡­ noon is here!¡±


    princess mingmei smiled and nodded. as she looked at xu qing with increasing admiration, the heir at the side coughed. his eyes were filled with approval as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°not bad, but you can¡¯t be complacent. your other nascent spirit still need to be polished. only then can your trump card display its true strength.¡±


    ¡°now, have you thought about whether you should fuse the power of faith of all living beings here and turn it into your blade?¡±


    as he spoke, the heir¡¯s gaze swept past the captain.


    the captain coughed and waved his hand. immediately, six white balls of light appeared in his hand.


    these six balls of light carried the struggles and hope of all living beings in the moon worship region. when one looked over, they could see countless faces.


    they were the power of faith of all living beings that had gathered here and were taken away by the captain when xu qing was transcending the tribulation.


    ¡°eldest senior brother should have other uses for them.¡± xu qing looked at the captain and spoke in a low voice.


    with his experience in doing big things with eldest senior brother, he was very clear that eldest senior brother¡¯s big things were often linked together. everything before was clearly for the faith of all living beings.


    upon hearing xu qing¡¯s words, the captain was in high spirits. he had been feeling that the big thing this time was a bit off.


    in the past, although xu qing was resplendent, he himself wasn¡¯t bad either. they had their own moments and were a peerless duo.


    however, this time, he felt aggrieved.


    the sealed place was opened by him, the script was choreographed by him, and the props were also prepared by him. however, the ultimate control was taken away by the heir and the others, and he still had to cooperate to perform.


    that was fine, but halfway through the performance, little qing began to explode with brilliance¡­


    it was fine if he erupted, but it didn¡¯t explode completely in one go. instead, it came wave after wave. first, it was the ancient wind, then the god slaying platform, and then the ancient memory. when it finally ended, there was even such a thunderbolts tribulation.


    when erniu thought of this, he felt a little tired. he felt that being little qing¡¯s eldest senior brother wasn¡¯t easy.


    ¡°it¡¯s finally my turn!¡±


    the captain took a deep breath and strode out. he arrived in the air and stood beside xu qing.


    ¡°junior brother, watch carefully. next¡­ is our true goal for this time¡¯s big thing!¡±


    xu qing blinked and put on an expectant expression.


    noticing xu qing¡¯s expression, chen erniu felt smug in his heart. he lifted his head proudly and waved his right hand fiercely in front of him.


    ¡°following the agreement made before the passage of time, using the faith power of all living beings as the guide, transforming it into a descending mark, laying out the path of divine spirits, piercing through the gate of the flame moon!¡±


    ¡°high god flame moon, i¡¯m here to call you!¡±


    as soon as the captain finished speaking, the power of faith of all living beings in his hand flew up and rapidly circled in front of him. finally, they fused together, forming a huge ring.


    the ring rumbled as it rotated, as though it had opened up a passageway¡­ a path that led to the resting place of another high god!


    a trace of terrifying aura that was different from the crimson goddess spread from it.


    just a trace of it caused the expressions of the heir and the others to instantly change. the entire sealed place blurred and anomalous substances erupted here.


    as for the outside world¡­ the green sand desert underwent a sudden change.

 Chapter 1033 - 1033 Green Hair as a Path, Flame Moon Door

    1033 green hair as a path, flame moon door


    at this moment, the green sand desert trembled intensely.


    it was as though the captain¡¯s words had opened some taboo, causing the terrifying power hidden in this desert to erupt at this instant.


    grains of sand rose into the air, floating between heaven and earth.


    every grain was shaking and a sinister face even appeared on it, roaring angrily at the sky.


    this roar turned into thunder that rumbled in the sky.


    there was also wind that blew from everywhere, sweeping through everything.


    the world turned into a sea of sand at this instant.


    looking around, endless grains of sand kept rising, and gradually, the surface of the desert lowered.


    the sand that danced in the sky was swept up by the wind and kept colliding with each other amidst rumbling sounds. each of them shattered and turned into dust, forming a huge sandstorm.


    faces roared in pain from within, ultimately converging into a gigantic visage vaguely resembling that of a woman.


    she was laughing and crying, and her visage shrouded the entire green sand desert.


    the anomalous substances erupted and the world became blurry.


    the god had descended!


    in an instant, the entire green sand desert became dim, and divine consciousness couldn¡¯t expand even a bit in this place. the naked eye struggled to see anything in front.


    only endless rumbling sounds erupted into the sky. as for the cultivators here, they were all hiding in their respective cave abodes and watching everything in horror.


    it was unknown who started it but they knelt down in front of the huge face formed by the green sand desert.


    ¡°white goddess!¡±


    at the entrance of the small world xu qing and the others were in, those clansmen of the wind guard race were even more excited. all the clansmen knelt down and chanted an ancient chant.


    ¡°white goddess awakens, serene by the blazing river.¡±


    ¡°divine child descends, to save the suffering below.¡±


    ¡°countless souls agitated, our hearts remain aglow.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m willing to become the earth, nurturing all we know.¡±


    the chanting echoed in the sandstorm and was carried by the wind, drifting in all directions. although the storm was astonishing, it didn¡¯t seem to have malice toward the people who lived here.


    however¡­ the figures of the red moon shrine cultivators who had locked onto the green sand desert and were rushing over from all directions to punish the source of the ancient scene had no choice but to retreat in the sandstorm.


    this sandstorm seemed to have focused all its malice on these outsiders.


    in an instant, a large number of red moon cultivators retreated with horrified expressions. some were even directly drowned in the sandstorm. their bodies were torn apart and their souls were disintegrated, and their wails were drowned out by the howling wind.


    even the expression of the high priest who had arrived changed drastically.


    ¡°everyone, leave this place!¡±


    he immediately gave the order. soon, the cultivators of the temple fled rapidly and retreated outside the desert, not daring to enter at all.


    the high priest and some nihility divine envoys forcefully barged in. amidst the sandstorm, they were like spears that tore through the void, heading straight for the entrance where xu qing and the others were.


    closer and closer.


    however, while they were moving forward, the abnormal change in the green sand desert was still ongoing. the horizon of the desert also rose with boundless sand. as the face formed by the desert became more and more majestic, the desert started to sink.


    100 feet, 800 feet, 1,500 feet¡­


    in the end, the entire green sand desert sank by ten thousand feet!


    the sea of sand was roaring in the green sand desert, but it was empty below.


    a gigantic crater, akin to a sinkhole, and the ancient land before the formation of the desert, were revealed.


    there were also mountain peaks of different heights.


    some peaks were once completely buried beneath the desert and were now revealed for the first time after countless years.


    others were partially exposed outside, similar to the bitter life mountain range, with parts that would be buried now coming to light.


    compared to the entire crater, these mountain ranges resembled sharp thorns.


    the ground inside was pitch black, emitting a decaying odor, with numerous pits and ravines, as if an astonishing battle had once taken place here.


    this change in the ground exceeded the imagination of the cultivators. the native cultivators of the green sand desert were all shocked, and their hearts were filled with tremendous waves of emotion. their worship of white goddess became even more devout.


    meanwhile, the sand sea between heaven and earth continued to shatter with the ongoing collisions, turning into dust that mingled with the wind.


    vaguely, its form seemed to be changing¡­


    gradually, everyone who witnessed this couldn¡¯t help but recall a legend.


    legend had it that the entire green sand desert was originally a sinkhole. many years ago, a strand of hair fell from the sky and turned into sand here, filling up the sinkhole and turning it into a desert.


    today, this legend¡­ was verified.


    this was because the shape of the endless sea of sand in the air was constantly changing. finally, it gathered together and formed¡­ a green hair!


    as soon as this hair appeared, the hearts of the red moon shrine¡¯s high priest and the others trembled and they were in a daze.


    the entire green sand desert seemed as though time had stopped, the laws had stopped and frozen. everything fell silent.


    the wind no longer blew and time no longer circulated. all life and things were motionless.


    the divine might descended.


    the green sand desert was directly isolated and seemed to be separated from the entire moon worship region, hiding in the gaps of time and space.


    the green hair rapidly shrunk until it transformed into an ordinary person¡¯s hair and disappeared from the world. when it appeared¡­ it was in the sealed area in front of the captain.


    it floated down and landed on the captain¡¯s palm.


    the ends of hair swayed slightly and slowly drooped down.


    the captain turned his head and looked at xu qing with a spurious smile.


    ¡°little qing, are you surprised?¡±


    xu qing gazed at the hair. everything that happened outside earlier was reflected in his mind the instant his gaze met the hair.


    he saw the changes in the external world and the appearance of the sinkhole.


    this scene caused xu qing¡¯s heart to fluctuate intensely.


    he knew that every major event the captain did was extremely exciting, but he was still shocked by this scene.


    ¡°senior brother, is this the hair of the high god you collaborated with in your previous life?¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath prior to asking.


    seeing xu qing like this, the captain was satisfied, and at this moment, he felt that the rhythm was back in his hands, contemplating that this was in line with the usual pattern of doing big things in the past.


    ¡°that¡¯s right. although this person doesn¡¯t have a good temper, her status is extremely high.¡±


    the captain was smug as he shook the hair in his hand.


    ¡°regardless of whether it¡¯s the hiding place in my previous life or the seal here, they were all completed with her help. as for the green sand desert, it was formed by her hair.¡±


    ¡°at the same time, this is also a token left for me.¡±


    ¡°when the time is ripe, i can borrow the power of faith of all living beings to transform the green sand desert into her hair again. with this¡­ i can open a door to her.¡±


    as the captain spoke, he looked at the heir and the others. he felt comfortable as he saw their solemn expressions.


    the heir¡¯s gaze was deep as he looked at the hair in erniu¡¯s hand and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°the one working with you is the high god flame moon from among the three gods of the sun, moon, and star of the flame moon mystic heaven race!¡±


    the captain chuckled and nodded proudly.


    ¡°the three high gods of the flame moon mystic heaven race originally wanted to give me face, but in the end, i thought of the life-and-death feud between their race and our human race, so i rejected them.¡±


    ¡°in the end, little yue[1] shamelessly insisted on helping. i had no choice but to reluctantly agree.¡±


    ¡°seeing that she was putting in so much effort, i agreed to let her eat a few more pieces of crimson goddess¡¯ meat when the time comes.¡±


    the heir was expressionless. he pretended not to hear erniu¡¯s nonsense. as for princess mingmei, she sneered and similarly ignored him.


    even though the hearts of ning yan and the others continued to fluctuate, when they heard this, their first reaction was that erniu¡¯s bragging was too fake.


    xu qing was already used to it and directly ignored it.


    seeing that no one believed him, the captain sighed.


    ¡°forget it, forget it. what i stated is true. one day, you¡¯ll know that what i said was all true. they were really the ones who begged me.¡±


    the captain gave a dry cough, shook his head with an expression of helplessness, and then raised his hand, waving the strand of hair into the vortex formed by the power of faith in front.


    this strand of hair fluttered in the wind. the instant it landed, the vortex of power of faith suddenly stopped spinning.


    the hair inside grew longer and continued to spread, growing longer and larger until it formed a path.


    this path meandered deep into the void.


    at the end of the void, a door could be dimly seen.


    this was an ancient wooden door that gave off an ominous feeling.


    it was made of black wood and there were numerous scratches on it. every scratch was deep and there were even some with minced meat.


    black blood seeped out from the gaps in the door.


    a sense of decay rose from the black blood, and the eerie feeling permeated everything.


    the god¡¯s aura surged within, causing ning yan and others to wail in agony as the anomalous substances erupted within their bodies with just a glance.


    xu qing¡¯s vision also turned blurry and his heart trembled intensely.


    the expressions of the heir and the other three were solemn as they stared at the black wooden door, as though they were facing a great enemy.


    only the captain had a relaxed expression. he took a few steps forward and stepped into the vortex, stepping on the path formed by the hair. he then turned his head and glanced at xu qing prior to laughing.


    ¡°little qing, do you want to come with me to take a look?¡±


    just as xu qing was about to speak, the blood that spread out from the gap in the black wooden door suddenly became denser. there was also a hurried series of knocks on the door.


    bang! bang! bang! bang!


    the sound was intense and so loud that it shook one¡¯s soul.


    it was as though someone beyond the door had sensed the presence outside, so they attacked with all their might, wanting to break through the door. in fact, because the force was too great, the wooden door trembled violently and more scratches appeared on it.


    the sudden knocks on the door shocked the captain as well. he blinked and tried his best to maintain his composure, sighing.


    ¡°really, why do those who are locked up always like to knock on the door so rudely?¡±


    old eighth, who was beside the heir, glared at the captain and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°she¡¯s cursing you.¡±


    [1] yue(ÔÂ) means moon.

 Chapter 1034 - 1034 This Is Love

    1034 this is love


    the captain smiled when he heard this and his gaze was sincere.


    ¡°senior, that¡¯s impossible. back then, it was her who begged to help me.¡±


    his words were calm, his expression composed, and there was a hint of reminiscence in his eyes. it seemed as if he had immense trust in the entity behind the black wooden door, and they had shared many beautiful experiences together.


    ning yan and wu jianwu exchanged looks. even though they knew erniu well, they were still a little skeptical when they saw the expressions of others.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. he retreated hundreds of feet away and arrived beside the heir and princess mingmei. he felt that he was safe here.


    as for the captain¡¯s invitation, xu qing directly ignored it.


    he believed that he was a rational person and didn¡¯t have much madness. everything depended on whether the value was enough. this was different from the captain.


    hence, in terms of crazily courting death, xu qing felt that the captain was superior.


    seeing that xu qing had retreated, a hint of hidden bitterness appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°she is cursing you pretty badly.¡± old eighth looked at chen erniu and spoke again.


    ¡°she cursed you, saying that you are a heartless man. she wants to eat your flesh, drink your blood, suck your soul, and dig out your marrow.¡±


    ¡°also, she is eagerly waiting for you.¡±


    the captain¡¯s expression changed a little. he was a little frightened but he instinctively suppressed it and coughed.


    ¡°how is that possible? we¡¯re good friends.¡±


    when old eighth saw that he wasn¡¯t interrupted by his eldest brother and third sister this time, he became excited. he sneered and continued to attack.


    ¡°my authority lies in emotions and desires, so i can sense the high god flame moon inside the door through the aura of this place. the extreme hatred and endless madness towards you in her thoughts, hmm, such intense fluctuations.¡±


    old eighth carefully sensed it and revealed a look of admiration.


    ¡°erniu, it¡¯s not easy to make a god¡¯s emotions fluctuate so much that it is almost close to the human nature.¡±


    after old eighth finished speaking, he was annoyed when he saw that erniu still wanted to argue. he hated it the most when others didn¡¯t believe him, so he glared.


    ¡°if you don¡¯t believe me, hurry up and walk to the door. see if the knocking will be more intense.¡±


    the captain¡¯s heart churned a little. however, when he thought of his boasting earlier, he braced himself and tried to take a few steps forward. however, the instant he took a few steps forward, the knocking on the black wooden door instantly became violent.


    bang! bang! bang! bang!


    it was even more hurried and violent than before. the black wooden door trembled intensely, as though it could collapse and explode from the inside at any moment.


    at this moment, even ning yan and the others, who didn¡¯t have the authority over emotions, could sense anger from this intense sound. they all took a deep breath and retreated by more than 100 feet.


    old eighth sneered.


    seeing this, the captain let out a long sigh.


    ¡°little yueyue, do you still hate me?¡±


    as soon as the captain spoke, the knocking on the black wooden door stopped and it became quiet.


    the hidden meaning in the captain¡¯s words caused xu qing¡¯s eyes to narrow.


    wu jianwu and ning yan were also shocked.


    nether fairy frowned and looked at the black wooden door. she hoped to see chen erniu die, but the door remained calm.


    the captain¡¯s expression was desolate as he walked toward the black wooden door step by step. when he arrived in front of the wooden door, his eyes were filled with reminiscence as he sighed and spoke softly.


    ¡°little yueyue, wait a little longer. it¡¯ll be over soon¡­¡±


    ¡°actually, i lied to those friends of mine and little qing just now. oh right, you don¡¯t know who little qing is. he¡¯s my junior brother in this life. when you come out later, i¡¯ll introduce him to you.¡±


    ¡°sigh, i told them that we were good friends.¡±


    ¡°but in reality¡­ how can our relationship be described as good friends¡­¡±


    the captain¡¯s eyes were filled with emotions as his muttering echoed in the void. it followed the path formed by the green hair and was transmitted to the outside of the faith ring, landing in the ears of xu qing and the others.


    originally, they wouldn¡¯t believe him. however, as erniu spoke, the knockings actually stopped. it was as though she was really responding.


    this scene caused ning yan, wu jianwu, and li youfei to instinctively believe him.


    as for nether fairy, she frowned.


    xu qing fell silent and looked at his eldest senior brother¡¯s hands. when he observed them carefully, erniu sighed and turned his head to look at everyone.


    ¡°let me reintroduce you. the person beyond the door is my ex-wife.¡±


    this sentence was like a clap of thunder.


    ning yan cried out in horror. wu jianwu¡¯s eyes widened to the extreme and his mind rumbled. li youfei was completely dumbfounded and nether fairy¡¯s heart trembled.


    ¡°ex-wife?¡±


    ¡°god?¡±


    ¡°what¡­ what¡¯s going on!¡±


    xu qing was different from them. he stared at his eldest senior brother¡¯s right hand and fell into deep thought.


    as for the heir and the others, their reactions were a little different. old eighth was suspicious, fifth sister narrowed her eyes, princess mingmei fell silent, and the heir suddenly spoke.


    ¡°what¡¯s that in your right hand?¡±


    seeing their performance, the captain was overjoyed. however, he maintained his emotions on the surface and sighed.


    ¡°i¡¯ve embarrassed myself in front of everyone. back then, when little yueyue wanted to become a god, her ideals didn¡¯t match mine. in the end, we could only part ways. she would be the god in heaven and i would be a human on earth.¡±


    ¡°however, i still love her. hence, i reincarnated time and time again, willing to become her anchor.¡±


    ¡°i became the anchor of her humanity so that she won¡¯t get lost in divinity.¡±


    the captain¡¯s tone was sad as he spread out his right hand.


    there was nothing inside.


    the atmosphere fell silent. ning yan and the others were shocked by this story. however, it sounded a little familiar.


    xu qing peeped at the captain. he had already guessed the origin of this plot.


    princess mingmei looked at the black door and then at erniu as she calmly spoke.


    ¡°if we hadn¡¯t come, this would have been the script you planned for my father, right?¡±


    old eighth couldn¡¯t help but say.


    ¡°i recall that the high god flame moon was born as a god, and didn¡¯t ascend to godhood after birth. does she need an anchor?¡±


    the captain blinked and was about to continue when the knocking sounds from the black wooden door erupted again. this time, it was countless times stronger than before and cracks appeared on the door.


    in fact, many places even bulged under the rumbling, revealing the palm prints of seven fingers.


    amidst the knocking sounds, there were additional panting sounds that were filled with greed and desire. there were also faint roars echoing inside.


    xu qing¡¯s expression froze. the heir and the others also had solemn expressions. as for the captain, he was clearly extremely flustered but he tried his best to look calm.


    he even tapped on the wooden door.


    ¡°little yueyue, it¡¯s not time yet. i can¡¯t open the door for you yet. don¡¯t be anxious. why is your temper still the same as before?¡±


    ¡°i came this time to wake you up, to remind you not to keep sleeping, and then to remind you to activate the means you¡¯ve prepared over the years one by one.¡±


    ¡°you have to complete everything we agreed upon within a year because, at most, within a year, i will let you see the sleeping crimson goddess.¡±


    ¡°this is the promise i made to you back then. i will definitely fulfill it.¡±


    ¡°lastly, you have to give me another token that can allow you to ignore the pressure of the crimson goddess and directly descend in front of her.¡±


    with that, the captain lifted his hand and directly dug out his eye, ruthlessly pressing it against the wooden door. very soon, the eyeball caved in and slowly disappeared to the back of the door.


    ¡°put the token in my eye¡­¡±


    before the captain could finish speaking, the sound of chewing echoed¡­


    xu qing fell silent. ning yan and the others also had strange expressions. the heir peeped at erniu and old eighth couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    ¡°she ate it.¡±


    the captain coughed.


    ¡°this is love.¡±


    as he spoke, his body swayed and a large number of eyes grew out. one after another, they flew out and fused into the door. the chewing sound continued until a hundred was eaten. the captain finally got furious.


    ¡°it¡¯s enough already. at worst, i¡¯ll look for another high god!¡±


    the black wooden door was slammed fiercely from the inside, as though it was responding to the captain¡¯s words. this sound was so loud that the path of green hair began to shatter. even the ring of faith of all living beings in the outside world became blurry.


    it was as though it couldn¡¯t hold on anymore and began to dim.


    it also affected the outside world, causing this dilapidated world to collapse even more.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze froze. he took a few steps forward and arrived in front of the ring, preparing to receive the captain.


    fortunately, after this venting attack, there was no other sound from the black wooden door. an eyeball of the captain also appeared from the wooden door and gawked fixedly at the captain.


    one could glimpse a strand of gray hair inside the eyeball. it was like a nematode swimming inside.


    it emitted a terrifying aura. compared to this, the green hair was clearly inferior.


    the captain narrowed his eyes, and a blue glint appeared in them. after he gently grabbed it, his body rapidly retreated.


    however, the instant he retreated, a large number of palm prints that protruded from the black wooden door squirmed and formed a sinister face. it suddenly opened its mouth and charged toward the captain.


    the captain was faster. his entire body flickered with blue light as he headed straight for the exit.


    the path of green hair under his feet continued to collapse and the halo of power of faith grew dimmer. seeing this, xu qing waved his hand, grabbed the air, and eventually caught the captain¡¯s shoulder with a strong pull.


    at the same time, the large mouth behind the captain also closed.


    with a crunch, it bit the captain¡¯s waist.


    as blood gushed out, the path of green hair completely collapsed. as for the ring formed by the power of faith, it completely dissipated at this moment. after blocking everything, xu qing gazed at the captain who only had half of his body left.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, do you feel better now?¡± xu qing sighed.


    the captain laughed loudly.


    ¡°exactly, doing something big is not just about doing it half-heartedly, that¡¯s not considered a big deal at all.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve embarrassed myself in front of everyone. this is a farewell ceremony between me and my ex-wife.¡±


    the captain didn¡¯t care that he had lost half of his body. after he voiced proudly, he waved his right hand and took out the eyeball he had retrieved. with a squeeze, the gray hair in the eyeball instantly crawled out, breaking through the void and heading straight for the outside world.


    in the blink of an eye, it appeared above the sinkhole formed by the green sand desert. it expanded infinitely and finally spread throughout the entire desert before dissipating.


    it turned into gray sand that scattered toward the sinkhole, quickly filling up the desert again.


    during this process, the desert turned gray and gray wind howled¡­


    legend had it that there were four types of wind in the green sand desert.


    other than green, white, and black, there was another type as well.


    legend had it that it had only appeared when the green sand desert was born. today, it appeared for the second time.

 Chapter 1035 - 1035 Sandstorm Seals the Desert, Dao Son

    1035 sandstorm seals the desert, dao son


    the gray wind blew in the gray desert. perhaps from this day onwards, the name of the green sand desert would also change.


    this was because the sand on the ground was all gray, and combined with the raging wind, it formed a storm.


    this storm contained divine might. its aura was astonishing and it gave a premonition of persisting for eternity.


    even the sky changed here. there was no light from the red moon in the sky, as though this desert had been isolated from the moon worship region.


    all outsiders in this area would have a slim chance of survival.


    even the high priest of the red moon shrine couldn¡¯t continue deeper and could only flee in a sorry state. many of the divine envoys following him died in the sudden gray storm.


    after escaping the desert, they stared at the storm in the desert in silence.


    ¡°this place is already isolated from the outside world.¡±


    ¡°this gray storm will also exist forever, stopping everyone who steps in.¡±


    ¡°the people inside can go out, but if the people outside want to enter, they have to face the suppression of this storm.¡±


    in the end, the red moon shrine could only choose to leave, marking this place as a forbidden zone.


    as for the living beings in this gray storm, everything was normal. only their hearts were trembling intensely.


    at the same time, xu qing and the others also left the ruler¡¯s area and appeared in the gray sandstorm.


    different from the past when they crushed the teleportation jade slip and went their separate ways, this time, xu qing and chen erniu didn¡¯t need to teleport. this gray storm became their defense.


    it could even be said that the captain¡¯s final transaction with the black wooden door caused this desert to become the safest place in the entire moon worship region.


    hence, the group smoothly returned to the small apothecary in earth city.


    everything was normal in the apothecary. ancestor mogui guarded the apothecary very well during this period of time.


    previously, after everyone left, he still had some struggles in his heart until the scene appeared in his mind¡­


    outsiders couldn¡¯t recognize the characters on the screen but he could tell who these people were at a glance, and he recognized xu qing. hence, after a while of silence, he chose to obediently guard this place.


    this lasted until the drastic change in the green sand outside, the formation of the sinkhole, and the arrival of the gray storm.


    all of this made him extremely determined in his thoughts. he had to stay here. he must stay here.


    with such determination, he also took good care of the chicks in the backyard. he fattened a few of them, including his disciple.


    now that he saw xu qing, the heir, and the others appearing on the streets, ancestor mogui was in high spirits. he quickly stepped forward respectfully.


    just like that, everyone returned.


    the next day, the apothecary reopened for business. ling¡¯er¡¯s face was also red as she continued to record the accounts. from time to time, she would look at the place where xu qing was in the back room. she felt very happy.


    her cultivation was different from before. she had completely refined the luck of the ancient spirit emperor.


    all of this was because of the good fortune in the blood cocoon.


    at that time, xu qing wasn¡¯t the only one who obtained good fortune. ling¡¯er also benefited from the enhancement of the heir and the others.


    ning yan and li youfei continued to wipe the ground. the captain continued his guard job while staring at nether fairy who was back to boiling water.


    nether fairy didn¡¯t return the toy. she would often slap the human-skinned lantern while boiling water, berating the other party to blow on it to make the flames burn hotter.


    wu jianwu was still reciting poetry.


    he had missed ancestor mogui very much.


    ¡°this lord goes out and time changes; when i look back, it¡¯s as if it was yesterday.¡±


    ancestor mogui turned a deaf ear.


    as for the heir and the others, there was not much difference from the past. fifth grandma was in the backyard, watching over the chicks, while eighth grandpa patted the captain¡¯s shoulder and probed for information.


    however, xu qing noticed that as the captain dodged the topic a few times, eighth grandpa, in his self-satisfaction, tended to reveal a lot on his own before anything was coaxed out.


    every time this happened, princess mingmei would shake her head.


    xu qing¡¯s cultivation began again.


    ¡°xu qing, although all your nascent souls have entered the fourth level, you haven¡¯t unearthed some of their true abilities.¡±


    ¡°so, first of all, you can¡¯t take off the sun on your waist or the hat on your head.¡±


    on the third day after they returned to the apothecary, the heir called xu qing over. as he drank his tea, he spoke earnestly like a teacher.


    ¡°the outside world should be in complete chaos during this period of time. the strangeness of this desert makes this place relatively peaceful.¡±


    ¡°therefore, you have to take advantage of this time to temper yourself as soon as possible.¡±


    xu qing nodded when he heard that. after he returned, he also made a trip to the moon rebel hall and discovered that there were much fewer statues there than before. nervous atmosphere filled the place.


    in fact, their discussions were all about the scenes in their minds from a few days ago, and it seemed like a storm was about to erupt.


    hence, the demand for medicine also became greater than before.


    compared to the outside world, the desert isolated by the gray storm was indeed a peaceful place, let alone the fact that there were four soul accumulation cultivators here.


    xu qing quickly retracted his thoughts. he looked at the heir in front of him and princess mingmei at the side and bowed respectfully.


    ¡°seniors, please guide me.¡±


    the heir was very satisfied with xu qing¡¯s attitude.


    ¡°the first thing you have to do is study your heavenly dao. i don¡¯t know how you obtained it, but i think it was plundered by you in your early years.¡±


    ¡°in our era, although such a thing occasionally happens, your heavenly dao isn¡¯t simple. its level is extremely high!¡±


    ¡°what i want to remind you today is that you¡¯ve neglected it too much.¡±


    the heir¡¯s expression was a little solemn. in order to prevent himself from feeling exhausted again, he thought about every sentence inwardly before saying it.


    ¡°if you don¡¯t pay attention to a heavenly dao of this level, it might very well leave you!¡±


    ¡°although you haven¡¯t reached the level of the spirit repository, since you had the opportunity to plunder the heavenly dao of this level, in theory, you can grasp some heavenly dao laws now.¡±


    the heir looked at xu qing and spoke solemnly.


    ¡°however, up until now, this point isn¡¯t obvious on you.¡±


    ¡°you have to unearth it well and comprehend your heavenly dao to sense the laws contained in it. you have to treat it well and reform it, making it willing to accompany you.¡±


    ¡°besides, although the heavenly dao encompasses all laws and rules, in reality, there is still an emphasis. you need to carefully savor and experience it all.¡±


    xu qing was startled.


    he instinctively checked his heavenly dao.


    in his sea of consciousness, the mosasaur also looked at xu qing. xu qing didn¡¯t know if it was an illusion but he felt that it seemed to be trying to curry favor.


    xu qing fell into deep thought. could it be that his research on the heavenly dao was really lacking?


    at the thought of this, he felt that it made sense. he seemed to have never studied it before.


    however, xu qing felt that there was actually a reason for this: the heavenly dao was something he had comprehended and integrated into his life-bound mosasaur.


    it wasn¡¯t plundered.


    the most important thing was that his own status was higher than the other party.


    back then, the mosasaur was recognized as a descendant by the immemorial heavenly dao of the ten-guts tree, so relation-wise¡­ he could be considered the other party¡¯s grandfather.


    therefore, there was no need for him to study it too much to gain insights.


    he also didn¡¯t have to worry that the other party would leave.


    as for whether to treat it well or not, that would depend on its performance.


    due to this, xu qing lifted his head and looked at the heir, speaking softly.


    ¡°senior, i can roughly sense what my heavenly dao emphasizes among the laws it contains.¡±


    ¡°oh?¡± the heir looked at xu qing. princess mingmei also looked over.


    if it was in the past, when they heard the person they were teaching speak so carelessly, the two of them would look at the person with a scrutinizing gaze. however, it was different now.


    the heir¡¯s heart grew heavy, and princess mingmei also became more alert.


    ¡°senior, my heavenly dao was formed when i comprehended the tribulation faced when slashing the dao. therefore, the emphasized laws in it should be related to killing and the lightning tribulation. that¡¯s also the reason why i chose to transform it into the heavenly blade.¡±


    as he spoke, xu qing waved his hand. immediately, an illusory little mosasaur flew out of xu qing¡¯s head. as it swam in the surroundings, waves of ripples spread out.


    the heir nodded when he heard this. his expression was unperturbed as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°mm, as expected, it¡¯s just as i thought. you relied on opportunities to plunder the world to comprehend it.¡±


    not far away, old eighth raised his brows and was about to speak up. however, princess mingmei turned her head and glanced at him.


    old eighth shuddered and refrained from speaking.


    although the heir said this, he was actually surprised inwardly. he rarely misjudged, especially with his soul accumulation cultivation and experience.


    he had observed xu qing¡¯s heavenly dao for a long time.


    on that heavenly dao, what he saw was a deeper level of recognition and independence. this was different from what xu qing uttered about comprehending it.


    a comprehended heavenly dao was illusory and its level wasn¡¯t high enough. it needed to be continuously nurtured through cultivation to allow it to grow gradually.


    if we metaphorically likened the heavenly dao to a community, then that particular group of beings was actually the most ordinary existence. they needed to continue growing steadily to become aristocrats.


    however, there was a limit to this growth because no matter how much they developed, it was challenging for them to transform into the immemorial heavenly dao. the latter was akin to the imperial family.


    xu qing¡¯s heavenly dao was different. there was a deeper recognition on it and in the heir¡¯s senses, it involved the immemorial heavenly dao.


    this was unbelievable. when the heir discovered it earlier, he was also shocked. in his opinion, xu qing must have used some method to attract it and lure it to his side.


    princess mingmei fell silent. she gazed at xu qing and then glanced at xu qing¡¯s heavenly dao before suddenly speaking.


    ¡°xu qing, has your heavenly dao experienced something major?¡±


    xu qing was about to speak when the captain at the door smiled proudly.


    ¡°of course. back then, i brought little qing to do something big.¡±


    ¡°what thing?¡± old eighth asked curiously.


    ¡°it¡¯s nothing much. i merely acknowledged a father for this little mosasaur, making it our grandson, and little qing and i gained a son too.¡±


    ¡°sigh, i haven¡¯t seen my son in a long time. i miss him quite a lot.¡±


    as the captain spoke, he lifted his head and looked at the sky.


    at this moment, a rumbling sound rang out from the sky, as though it was responding.


    the successor stood up abruptly, princess mingmei¡¯s expression changed, and fifth sister was too moved.


    old eighth gasped. he glanced at chen erniu before looking at xu qing and pointing at the sky.


    ¡°your son?¡±


    xu qing hesitated and spoke softly.


    ¡°after awakening, he should be one of the immemorial heavenly daos.¡±


    the successor silently sat down and picked up the teacup, feeling tired again.


    princess mingmei and fifth sister fell silent respectively. old eighth was dumbfounded.


    ning yan, who was wiping the ground, felt a sharp pain in his heart at this moment. endless regret rose in his heart.


    ¡®that year¡­ i too had the chance to become the father of the heavenly dao.¡¯

 Chapter 1036 - 1036 Having a Storm in the Heart Is What It Means to Live

    1036 having a storm in the heart is what it means to live


    there was no turning back in life.


    so, no matter how much ning yan sighed inwardly, a missed opportunity was a missed opportunity.


    xu qing saw his regret, but couldn¡¯t say anything. as for the captain, he was smug. back then, on account that ning yan was his and xu qing¡¯s future weapon, he had reminded him.


    however, since the other party didn¡¯t believe him and didn¡¯t cut his intestine, it had nothing to do with him.


    at that moment, the apothecary was silent.


    a long time later, the heir put down his teacup and smiled. he looked at xu qing and nodded slightly.


    ¡°not bad.¡±


    xu qing hesitated. he could tell that the heir¡¯s smile was a little forced. he knew that his heavenly dao¡¯s identity should have surprised the other party. just as he was about to say something, the heir quickly changed the topic.


    ¡°the heavenly dao is your family matter. just comprehend it well. let¡¯s not talk about this. let¡¯s talk about your ghost emperor mountain.¡±


    ¡°this mountain¡­¡± the heir¡¯s gaze landed on xu qing. just as he was about to speak, princess mingmei picked up her teacup.


    this action caused the heir to pause. after some thought, he spoke in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°since you can move the soul accumulation body to your sea of consciousness to form your nascent soul, you must have your own plans. in that case, you can strengthen this mountain according to your own thoughts.¡±


    ¡°the reason i called you is about your heavenly demon body!¡±


    ¡°heavenly demon body?¡± xu qing¡¯s gaze froze. with a wave of his hand, a hundred illusory figures appeared outside his body. every one of them emitted waves of cold aura, like souls but not souls.


    their bodies were blurry, giving off a hazy feeling. however, their baleful aura was extremely strong. after they appeared, the entire apothecary instantly turned cold.


    fifth sister observed carefully. after old eighth swept his gaze over, he let out a soft cry of surprise.


    ¡°what divine art is this? refining life into souls, blending the sense of the underworld, containing the intent of the nine abysses, mysterious and bizarre, beyond the grasp of ordinary people!¡±


    princess mingmei fell into deep thought.


    the heir secretly perked up. regarding xu qing¡¯s terrifying comprehension abilities and bizarre nascent souls, he decided not to try to guide them. however, he felt that he still had the right to speak about divine powers and spells. hence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°the nascent soul cultivation art your master imparted to you, coupled with your heavenly mandate absorption art, is not bad.¡±


    ¡°however, you haven¡¯t studied this technique either. in reality, there are better ways to use these heavenly demon bodies of yours.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression changed. he looked at his heavenly devil bodies and fell silent as he recalled the words his master had said when he imparted the cultivation art to him back then.


    he remembered that his master¡¯s explanation for the heavenly demon body was to use them to withstand the life tribulation in his place.


    however, the development of the situation deviated a bit. the life tribulations that xu qing experienced after meeting the heir were increasingly terrifying, and the significance of the heavenly demons resisting the tribulation seemed insignificant.


    ¡°senior, please guide me.¡± xu qing bowed respectfully.


    seeing that the matter was back in his control, the heir finally felt a little more comfortable. however, after considering that there might still be accidents, he instinctively looked at his third sister.


    princess mingmei suddenly spoke.


    ¡°xu qing, i can tell that these heavenly demon bodies of yours contain the intent of the xinan¡¯s cruel order. your master isn¡¯t simple. when he created this divine power for you, he must have referenced xinan¡¯s cruel order.¡±


    ¡°the meaning of this body is to take your place in facing the tribulation.¡±


    ¡°but have you ever thought of using your morning glow to cover their bodies and disguise these heavenly demons as souls to look like you?¡±


    ¡°this way, when you fight with someone and you bring out the heavenly demons, the enemy will feel like countless you appeared with no way to tell if they¡¯re real or fake. at that time, you can attack, retreat, or defend. you will have endless possibilities.¡±


    when the heir heard this, he laughed and nodded.


    ¡°i think so too. if you can manifest your real body into one of them, your combat strength will definitely increase explosively and it will be extremely difficult to deal with.¡±


    as the two spoke, the captain¡¯s expression changed slightly. ning yan and wu jianwu were even more surprised. just thinking that if they were to engage in a fight with someone, and suddenly a hundred identical figures appeared on the other side, it was indeed extremely strange.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes lit up. he hadn¡¯t thought of this before. now that he heard it, admiration rose in his heart.


    however, compared to the changes in his spell, he was more looking forward to the changes in his nascent souls. hence, he looked at the heir and princess mingmei and waited for their next guidance.


    ¡°senior, there¡¯s another special one among my nascent souls. there¡¯s a finger of a god inside. it¡¯s a cage called d132.¡±


    ¡°do not bite off more than you can chew.¡±


    the heir¡¯s gaze revealed sternness.


    ¡°go back first and improve your heavenly demon body. don¡¯t be anxious. you have to think about it carefully.¡±


    xu qing nodded. he knew that he was anxious. hence, he bowed and walked back to the back room. he then sat down cross-legged and began his research.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    it had been six days since xu qing and the others left the land of god slaying.


    during these six days, the gray storm in the desert continued to howl, blotting out the sky and enveloping the surroundings.


    outside the desert, many areas of the moon worship region also had extremely violent storms rumbling. however, this storm wasn¡¯t corporeal. it was erupting in the hearts of all living beings.


    the scene of ruler li zihua killing the crimson goddess was the source of this storm. after continuously churning in the minds of the living beings, it thoroughly ignited the spirit of resistance.


    the countdown to their deaths was less than a year. if they didn¡¯t resist, they would become food.


    although they would die even if they resisted, at least in this muddle-headed life, they would go out brilliantly.


    at the very least, they could say that they had truly lived!


    gods weren¡¯t eternal and only hope lasted forever. since that was the case¡­ then they would struggle, go crazy, and resist, leaving behind a different color in their last moments.


    at least, this was hope!


    a storm rose in the minds of all living beings. all the races, sects, and cities let out shouts and took action.


    at the same time, the rebellion army formed by the moon rebel hall¡¯s cultivators in various places also welcomed a huge surge of members. countless originally numb cultivators joined.


    a large number of races and sects looked at the red moon shrine with crazed gazes of hatred and raised the blade in their hearts!


    the five deputy hall masters of the moon rebel hall chose to walk out from behind the scenes. for the first time in their lives, they revealed their identities and called for all living beings to resist.


    among these five, some were the patriarchs of large clans, some were sect supreme elders, and some were cultivators who had once made a name for themselves in the entire region before disappearing.


    their cultivation levels were all at the peak of the fourth stage of nihility.


    their identities, cultivation levels, and courage transformed into five huge vortexes that attracted cultivators from all directions.


    they formed five major war zones!


    the red moon shrine was enraged and a suppression began.


    however, the strange thing was that¡­ the high priest of the red moon shrine didn¡¯t personally take action. he seemed to have some reservations and chose to guard the headquarters.


    even so, there were many forces in the red moon shrine and the suppression continued.


    the flames of war erupted in various places in the entire moon worship region.


    only the desert became a peaceful land.


    xu qing was still studying his heavenly demon body. under the envelopment of the morning glow, he could transform those heavenly demon bodies into the same appearance as him.


    however, it was very difficult for him to transform into them. their essence was different, causing there to be obstacles in the transformation. hence, xu qing¡¯s focus was on concealment.


    using the concealment technique, he could indirectly achieve the goal of catching the enemy off guard.


    as for the war in the outside world, xu qing paid attention to it through the moon rebel hall. he had a strong feeling that this war wasn¡¯t far from him.


    this was because he discovered that eighth grandpa and fifth grandma had disappeared.


    it was unknown where they went.


    xu qing fell into deep thought. in the following days, he noticed his eldest senior brother¡¯s abnormality.


    eldest senior brother was clearly more attentive to the heir and princess mingmei than before, especially to the heir.


    he was actually boiling water himself. other than making tea for the heir, he even volunteered to massage the heir¡¯s shoulders and legs, looking extremely filial.


    xu qing immediately determined that eldest senior brother must have something to ask of the heir.


    the answer was obtained five days later.


    on this day, xu qing was studying the heavenly demon body when the heir¡¯s voice rang out from the main hall.


    ¡°xu qing, come over.¡±


    xu qing opened his eyes and glanced at the main hall. he noticed that the captain was fanning the heir and his expression was clearly filled with excitement.


    xu qing thought about it and walked out. when he met the captain¡¯s gaze, the captain chuckled and fanned even harder.


    ¡°senior.¡±


    xu qing strode closer and greeted.


    ¡°i originally wanted to give you something after some time, but erniu is a little anxious, so i¡¯ll give it to you in advance.¡±


    the heir calmly waved his hand and took out a mirror fragment.


    this item was none other than the heavenly eye fragment that had communicated with the moon rebel hall and reflected everything in the minds of all living beings.


    looking at the mirror, the captain¡¯s eyes revealed desire. he possessed been solicitous during this period of time for this mirror.


    xu qing also swept his gaze over and knew that this item was extraordinary.


    ¡°the predecessor of the moon rebel hall was my father¡¯s supreme treasure, the heavenly eye. however, it shattered in the battle with the crimson goddess. this piece is one of the largest fragments of the heavenly eye.¡±


    the heir touched the mirror and spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°using this to enter the moon rebel hall is different from using other mirrors.¡±


    ¡°this mirror fragment can activate the moon rebel hall¡¯s master recognition trial.¡±


    ¡°if you succeed in the trial, you can become the master of the moon rebel hall. if you fail, there¡¯s a certain chance of you becoming a deputy hall master. the five deputy hall masters of the moon rebel hall all appeared in such a way.¡±


    ¡°however, the trial can only be activated once. after the two of you enter this time, this mirror will lose its quota for the trial. only when the moon rebel hall recovers after a period of dormancy will the quota be available again.¡±


    as he spoke, the heir placed the mirror on the table.


    ¡°the two of you can step in together and see who has this fortune.¡±


    the heir stood up and walked out of the apothecary. he possessed many things to arrange and prepare for the upcoming battle.


    seeing that the heir possessed left, the captain was overjoyed. he lifted up the mirror with a fanatical expression.


    ¡°little qing, i¡¯ve finally obtained this opportunity. haha, i can guess that you¡¯re pill nine, right? it¡¯s fine. although there¡¯s a high chance that you¡¯re pill nine, this time¡­ i¡¯ll be the master of the moon rebel hall!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve been preparing for this for a long time.¡±


    ¡°little qing, after we enter, you can just play casually. you don¡¯t have to feel pressured or care about me. no matter what i¡¯ve become, just pretend you didn¡¯t see it.¡±


    ¡°i have a plan!¡±


    the captain gazed at xu qing, his eyes shining.

 Chapter 1037 - 1037 A New Approach in the Trial of Aspirations

    1037 a new approach in the trial of aspirations


    seeing that the captain was so excited, xu qing smiled.


    he didn¡¯t care about being the master of the moon rebel hall. after all, eldest senior brother had prepared for this for a long time. if he really became the master of the moon rebel hall, xu qing wouldn¡¯t be too surprised.


    ¡°then i¡¯ll congratulate eldest senior brother in advance.¡±


    xu qing smiled and spoke.


    the captain laughed.


    ¡°what¡¯s mine is yours. junior brother, let¡¯s go!¡±


    as he spoke, the mirror suddenly emitted a colorful light that enveloped the two of them. booming sounds echoed as xu qing and the captain¡¯s figures disappeared without a trace.


    the moon rebel hall was filled with desolation.


    the mountain was as majestic as ever, but the temples on it were mostly dim.


    the vast scene of thousands of statues moving around, which was once present, was now difficult to see with the emergence of war.


    many of the moon rebel hall cultivators were focusing most of their energy on leading the rebel army against the red moon shrine in the ongoing war. consequently, their available time for other activities naturally diminished.


    hence, at that moment, only a small number of moon rebel hall cultivators who had temporarily come to communicate and trade with others were present.


    there were less than a few hundred of them.


    they were in a hurry and left immediately after completing what they needed. there was no time to waste. however, at this moment¡­ a sudden change occurred.


    in the sky, above the nine huge temples, the astonishing temple that stood at the highest point of the moon rebel hall suddenly shone with resplendent light.


    there was also a deafening huge boom echoing.


    the appearance of this light and sound spread throughout the entire mountain of the moon rebel hall. in an instant, the mountain rumbled and the temples swayed.


    all the cultivators here were shocked and instinctively lifted their heads.


    after seeing the source of everything, horror suddenly erupted.


    ¡°supreme hall!¡±


    ¡°what¡¯s going on? the supreme hall that represents the master of the moon rebel hall is no longer dim. it¡¯s actually shining.¡±


    an uproar instantly broke out. this scene was too shocking for the moon rebel hall cultivators.


    that was the supreme hall!


    it was the supreme temple that represented the master of the moon rebel hall!


    for countless years, there had never been a true supreme lord in the moon rebel hall. it was always managed by the deputy hall masters. hence, the meaning of this scene was naturally extremely great.


    however, although the fluctuations in the minds of some of the old people weren¡¯t small, they hadn¡¯t reached an earth-shattering level. this was because although such a scene rarely appeared, they had witnessed it and had some understanding of it.


    ¡°another big shot has activated the hall master¡¯s trial.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve seen such a situation twice. it¡¯s a pity that the door of the supreme temple didn¡¯t open. it will dim again after a period of time.¡±


    ¡°i also saw it once. in the end, the fifth deputy hall master walked out of the temple.¡±


    these old men sighed with emotion. with their discussions, the new moon rebel hall cultivators also understood.


    however, the anticipation was still intense. although they didn¡¯t think that a supreme lord would really appear, there was a high chance that a deputy hall master would appear which was also a huge matter for the current moon rebel hall.


    after all, they were fighting against the red moon shrine currently, so the appearance of a new deputy hall master would increase their morale greatly.


    at that moment, many figures quickly returned to the moon rebel hall from the outside world. many statues walked out of the temple and looked at the sky. discussions and uproars rose and fell.


    even the few temples of the deputy hall masters in the sky shone.


    two of the five deputy hall masters appeared and looked at the highest temple.


    the space beyond the sky of the moon rebel hall where others couldn¡¯t enter was a scene of void.


    this void was like fog that filled an endless range and churned densely. at the end of the void was a lake.


    to be precise, it was a huge mirror that was covered in a layer of water.


    the lake water was crystal clear like the mirror.


    it was pure and holy.


    a tall figure floated above the mirror lake.


    it was an old man, dressed in a white robe, with his hands crossed within the sleeves on both sides. his head was lowered, gazing at the surface of the lake without moving.


    only the sleeves of his clothes and his white hair fluttered with the wind.


    at that moment, there were ripples on the surface of the water he was looking at. gradually, a blurry shadow was forming underwater.


    it seemed to be separated from the void where the old man was by the mirror. this body that was forming seemed to be on the other end of the mirror.


    after an unknown period of time, the figure underwater became clearer. it was xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was solemn and there were even waves in his heart. he lowered his head and looked at his feet.


    in his impression, after he and eldest senior brother were enveloped by the light from the mirror fragment, everything became blank.


    at the next moment, when everything returned to normal, he appeared in the mirror lake. there was nothing in the surroundings except for the mirror under his feet¡­


    that place seemed to contain another world, reflecting the figure of the old man in the white robe.


    both sides stared at each other through the mirror lake.


    what reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes was a pair of indifferent eyes that contained coldness.


    xu qing was vigilant. he had already probed the surroundings but didn¡¯t see his eldest senior brother.


    ¡°the one who came with you is currently in another mirror, considering how to conduct the trial.¡±


    a calm voice rang out from the mirror lake under xu qing¡¯s feet, echoing in the void, stirring up countless echoes.


    ¡°all cultivators who enter this place, regardless of their cultivation, are qualified to participate in the trial.¡±


    ¡°if you succeed in the trial, you¡¯ll be the master of the heavenly eye and also my master. if you fail, you¡¯ll have a secondary contract with limited authority.¡±


    ¡°then, will you undergo the trial?¡±


    his voice didn¡¯t contain any emotions as it coldly entered xu qing¡¯s ears.


    xu qing pondered for a moment and didn¡¯t immediately decide. instead, he asked.


    ¡°what kind of trial is it?¡±


    ¡°make a grand aspiration,¡± the old man in the white robe under the water surface said lightly.


    ¡°by the power of the grand aspiration, establish a contract, and then demonstrate the qualifications to fulfill it. once you pass, you must complete the grand aspiration within the stipulated time.¡±


    ¡°the authority of the heavenly eye obtained after passing depends on the size of your vow.¡±


    ¡°if the vow is ordinary, even if you pass, you won¡¯t become the master of the heavenly eye. you will still get a secondary contract.¡±


    ¡°only a grand aspiration possesses great karma.¡±


    ¡°however, you can¡¯t make reckless vows either.¡±


    the white-robed old man waved his hand. immediately, a loud sound rang out. the surface of the water undulated and dozens of ice sculptures appeared.


    these ice sculptures were of men and women and they all emitted powerful auras. however, their life fluctuations were all sealed.


    ¡°these are the failures of this era. either their grand aspirations were too grandiose and exaggerated, deemed false and punished accordingly. or they were unable to fulfill their vows and have been bound ever since.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze quickly swept over but he didn¡¯t see the captain. he heaved a sigh of relief inwardly.


    ¡°then, what is your grand aspiration?¡± under the mirror lake, the white-robed old man looked at xu qing indifferently.


    xu qing thought about it. he felt that since the captain had prepared for so long, there was a high chance that there would be no problem. after all, although eldest senior brother was sometimes unreliable, he was still crazy enough when it came to major matters.


    hence, there was actually no need for him to take too much risk and say anything about killing the crimson goddess.


    he just had to follow his heart.


    xu qing thought about it and looked at the white-robed old man across the lake.


    ¡°i don¡¯t have any great aspirations.¡±


    ¡°in this moon worship region, what i once wanted to do the most was to refine medicinal pills that could neutralize the curse of all living beings here, especially in the human race.¡±


    xu qing slowly spoke. this matter was the reason why he came to the bitter life mountain range back then. he had joined the moon rebel hall to better obtain research information about the curse.


    at that moment, as his voice rang out, ripples appeared on the surface of the water. the expression of the white-robed old man changed. if it was any other cultivator who spoke like this, he would have determined that the other party was lying.


    however, as the artifact spirit of the moon rebel hall, he saw everything about xu qing in the moon rebel hall, including the curse subduing pill.


    everything the other party did seemed to be walking on this path of grand aspiration.


    a while later, the white-robed old man waved his hand. immediately, the water in front of xu qing churned and a huge pill furnace appeared, rising.


    ¡°in this place, everything can be created from nothing and transform into all things. although it¡¯s all fake, as lengthy as you manifest it, i can manifest it.¡±


    ¡°you can refine here and begin your trial.¡±


    ¡°the flow of time here is also different from the outside world, so you don¡¯t have to care about the time.¡±


    ¡°you have to refine a pill that will reduce the curse by at least 20% and you will pass the assessment.¡±


    with that, the white-robed old man¡¯s figure disappeared.


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and looked at the pill furnace in front of him. he moved closer and observed it as waves of emotions rose in his heart.


    this pill furnace peered extremely real and didn¡¯t seem illusory.


    ¡°it can manifest all things?¡± xu qing abruptly asked.


    ¡°i want ten heavenfate flowers!¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, ripples appeared on the surrounding water surface. ten drops of lake water rose and floated in front of xu qing. these ten drops of water rotated separately and finally formed ten heavenfate flowers.


    regardless of whether it was the aura of the plants or the medicinal power contained in them, they were all incomparably real.


    xu qing¡¯s expression changed. he took one and observed it carefully. after a long time, there was determination in his eyes. he ate it and savored it.


    ¡°everything is very real and so is the medicinal effect. however, this is all a feeling. in reality, it doesn¡¯t exist. it¡¯s just that i feel that i ate it.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    ¡°there¡¯s a power here that nearly changes one¡¯s cognition, but it¡¯s different from the one used by the heir.¡±


    ¡°the heir possesses the authority and can release it actively, influencing his surroundings.¡±


    ¡°as for this place, it¡¯s more like this authority has been stripped off and permeated this place. it¡¯s like a tool that can be used by others!¡±


    ¡°moreover, it seems to be even more domineering.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression changed. he peered around and abruptly felt that this place was very good. the difficulties he had encountered when trying to make pills to reduce the curse surfaced in his mind.


    ¡°the environment of the moon worship region means that many medicinal herbs are not available here¡­¡±


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he spoke again.


    ¡°1,000 hundred-year earth-elemental spirit-blessed bamboo.¡±


    ¡°three thousand portions of heavenly fog immortal cage grass!¡±


    ¡°soaring dragon wood lightning strike young leaf, 10,000 pieces!¡±


    ¡°also, the cloud half-illusion flower, nine-dry seven withered grass, and the thousand-year-old mulberry root¡­¡±


    these heavenly treasures were rare even in fenghai county. xu qing listed dozens of them in one go. very soon¡­ a large number of medicinal herbs appeared.


    this surprised xu qing. hence, he spoke again and uttered over a hundred types, forming them one by one. even if there were mistakes in the middle, they would gather again after xu qing described their appearance and medicinal properties.


    the vegetation that appeared completely met his needs after he continued to adjust it.


    xu qing¡¯s heart fluctuated. he had deeply realized that this place was a dream place for an alchemy master.


    xu qing instantly waved his hand and grabbed stalks of medicinal herbs that were usually rare. after studying them carefully, he began to refine them according to what he wanted in his mind. it didn¡¯t matter if he failed and he could try again.


    there were endless medicinal herbs.


    this kind of squandering that didn¡¯t worry about consumption caused xu qing to be extremely happy. he immersed himself and tried out all the refinement methods he thought of one by one.


    ¡°i already have an idea about the curse subduing pill. it¡¯s not difficult to refine it to reduce the curse by 20%. it¡¯s possible to reduce it even more¡­¡±


    ¡°however, this place has an extremely important use for me, and that is to form poisonous grass!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was fiery.


    ¡°all the poisonous grass i desire can be formed here.¡±


    ¡°although it¡¯s fake, the understanding is real. the instincts of this body will also be formed because of this!¡±


    ¡°i can completely finish the integration of the poison restriction into my gaze, which i had to stop due to the lack of poisonous herbs back then.¡±

 Chapter 1038 - 1038 Poison Restriction Divine Curse, Refining the Gaze (1)

    1038 poison restriction divine curse, refining the gaze (1)


    while xu qing¡¯s thoughts were going wild, at another lake within this void, the captain stood dressed in black robes, hands behind his back, gazing upward.


    the expression on his face carried a touch of nostalgia, as if he were savoring, recalling, with a hint of the vicissitudes of life, evoked by his emotions.


    after a long time, a sigh full of complex emotions escaped from his mouth, echoing in all directions and creating layers of lingering sound, giving people a sense of overflowing emotion.


    ¡°the sky and earth, the plants, everything here is so familiar to me¡­¡±


    the captain mumbled.


    however, before he could finish speaking, a cold voice rang out indifferently from the mirror lake under his feet.


    ¡°are you blind? there is no sky and earth here, nor are there plants. since the moment this place was created by the ruler, it has been nothingness from beginning to end.¡±


    the captain blinked, maintaining a calm expression, showing no embarrassment after being exposed. on the contrary, he felt proud in his heart, thinking, ¡®you little spirit, what do you understand? i¡¯m just reciting an incantation.¡¯


    at this moment, after the incantation was completed, he lifted his head and spoke loudly.


    ¡°i¡¯ve already pondered of my great aspiration for the trial!¡±


    the surface of the water under his feet fluctuated. the white-robed old man stared at him and coldly spoke.


    ¡°speak your aspirations.¡±


    ¡°my great aspiration is to save all living beings in the moon worship region from the sea of bitterness and lead them to resist the red moon. in the end, i will be like the ruler back then, killing the crimson goddess and devouring her. the world will know and split the world apart!¡±


    the captain spoke proudly.


    the expression of the white-robed old man didn¡¯t change at all, as though he was indifferent to this grand aspiration. however, waves of cold air spread out from under his feet. after it spread to the entire lake, it seeped out from under the lake where the captain was, transforming into a cold voice.


    ¡°how will you accomplish it?¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s simple. i¡¯ll become the master of the moon rebel hall first. this is an important step in my series of plans.¡±


    ¡°in addition, i have a second aspiration. i want to change the name of this moon worship region to¡­ the heavenly bull region!¡±


    the captain¡¯s eyes revealed determination and his voice was impassioned.


    the white-robed old man didn¡¯t say anything. the cold air became even denser and slowly enveloped the captain from all directions.


    seeing this, the captain was delighted. it was as though he felt that this wasn¡¯t exaggerated enough and wasn¡¯t violent enough. moreover, the cold air in the surroundings spread too slowly, so he spoke again.


    ¡°i¡¯m not done yet. there¡¯s a third great aspiration. in the end, i¡¯ll destroy the fragmented-face in the sky and become the new ancient sovereign of this wanggu continent, unifying it!¡±


    ¡°at that time, i¡¯ll punch the holy lands and step on the glorious sky. all races will bow to me and the heavens will lower for me.¡±


    at this point, the captain was so excited that he started laughing loudly.


    as he laughed, the cold air in the surroundings instantly soared and headed straight for him. in the blink of an eye, it drowned him and finally¡­ he turned into an ice sculpture.


    the captain in the ice sculpture still maintained his laughing posture and looked very arrogant.


    the ice sculpture slowly sank and disappeared from the lake, landing in the depths of this void¡­


    clearly, his great aspirations had been judged to be fake by the artifact spirit of the moon rebel hall, so he was sealed.


    on the other side, xu qing was in high spirits.


    after some thought, he felt that there was nothing wrong with his idea. there was only one thing he wasn¡¯t sure about. he wasn¡¯t sure if the artifact spirit would notice his actions.


    after all, this could be considered as using the assessment to achieve his private wish.


    hence, in order to prevent any accidents, xu qing felt that he should refine the curse pill first to be safe and use it as a cover.


    in that case, even if he was really discovered, he would have an excuse.


    at the thought of this, xu qing immediately waved his hand. a large number of medicinal herbs flew over and continued to separate in his hand.


    some were extracting liquids, some were dividing veins, some were catalyzing, and some were grafting together, each with its own uniqueness, coordinating each other.


    as for the basic medicinal pills, they were the curse subduing pills xu qing had refined outside.


    these medicinal pills could reduce the curse by about 10%. xu qing had refined quite a lot when he was free.


    at this moment, under his re-refinement, although the added parts made the pills seem both real and illusory, on the surface of this lake mirror, the ingredients within these pills blended perfectly together.


    most importantly, every medicinal herb here was of the ideal quality, making it extremely satisfying for xu qing to refine them.


    he could just ask for whatever he needed.


    as long as he shouted, the plant would appear immediately.


    if the age wasn¡¯t good, he could increase the age. if the medicinal effects weren¡¯t satisfactory, he could change to other better medicinal herbs.


    all his theoretical knowledge over the years had erupted in this short span of time. the medicinal herbs he had never seen in his life could be manifested casually here.


    after continuous verification, xu qing¡¯s herb technique also advanced by leaps and bounds.


    with a wave of his hand, countless medicinal herbs circled in front of him and their forms kept changing.


    under the catalysis of these herbs, the medicinal pill¡¯s ability to reduce the curse gradually increased. it was almost 20%.


    all of this caused xu qing¡¯s spirits to be lifted.


    he comprehended that the direction he had studied previously was correct.


    to reduce the curse through plants and vegetation, the main principle was actually to fight poison with poison.


    on one hand, it was because the medicinal pill itself contained xu qing¡¯s purple moon power. this was the foundation, like the source.


    on the other hand, the manifested plants and vegetation were formed from the invasion of the god¡¯s fragmented-face. hence, they possessed special medicinal effects.


    most of these medicinal effects contained a certain degree of anomalous substances.

 Chapter 1039 - 1039 Poison Restriction Divine Curse, Refining the Gaze (2)

    1039 poison restriction divine curse, refining the gaze (2)


    coupled with the dao of herbs taught by grandmaster bai, he could make use of the theory of fighting poison with poison to suppress the crimson goddess¡¯s curse.


    it was easy to say but in reality, this required a large number of experiments and concoctions. if it was outside, it would be extremely difficult for xu qing to complete it alone.


    the most troublesome part was the materials. there weren¡¯t many precious treasures for him to experiment with and find the correct formula.


    however, here, it wasn¡¯t an issue.


    an intense glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°vegetation is indeed the key to unlocking the path of the divine.¡±


    xu qing mumbled. he was aware that this was actually also illuminate¡¯s understanding.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    seven days passed.


    seven days here was only two hours in the outside world.


    it would be very difficult for others to know the passing of time here. however, xu qing had the sundials in his body. through the needle of the sundial, he could clearly distinguish the changes in time.


    ¡°two hours outside means seven days here. in other words, one day outside means nearly three months here?¡±


    xu qing was a little surprised; this ability was really astonishing. he instinctively felt that it couldn¡¯t last endlessly like the white-robed old man had said. there was a high chance that there was an end to it.


    ¡°it¡¯s unlikely that i will be able to stay here for long¡­ i don¡¯t have much time left.¡±


    at the thought of this, xu qing quietly changed the pill formula. it looked like he had been refining pills but every seven to eight stalks of medicinal herbs he manifested would include a stalk of poisonous plant.


    when the quantity reached a certain level, xu qing began to refine poison pills.


    ¡°falling moon broken star leaf, nine nether spirit centipede root, undying hom blood¡­¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t reveal his emotions and suppressed the excitement in his heart. he slowly shaped the poisonous grasses in his memory and began to refine the poison pill.


    these poisonous pills were all concoctions that he had studied in the poison dao for so many years but had been unable to attempt due to lack of materials. at this moment, as he refined them, xu qing felt an indescribable sense of relief, thinking that this place was a holy land for alchemists.¡±


    his attainments in plants and vegetation also improved through these repeated refinements.


    not only did he materialize those rare poisonous grasses, but there were also many rare treasures. it could be said that he had everything he needed.


    he even tried to shape toxic beasts, but it was a pity that they couldn¡¯t be formed here.


    this made xu qing feel some regret.


    however, it was still alright. at the very least, there were enough herbs. hence, as the days passed, the number of poisonous pills xu qing refined increased.


    jade spirit poison millet powder, absolute yin red pill, three-headed poison feather pill, thousand night ghosts cry, broken heart divine liquid, fire thunder powder, and quinine life severing poison.


    half moon, seven breaths smile, yang fire face, nine abysses bridge.


    xu qing looked at the colorful medicinal pills of various sizes in front of him and endless waves rose in his heart. he really wished he could take these pills out of here.


    ¡°if i have these poison¡­ my combat strength will increase by a great extent.¡±


    xu qing sighed. he knew that this was unrealistic. hence, he lifted one and placed it into his mouth, slowly tasting it.


    at the next instant, his body trembled as he sensed the eruption of poison.


    at that moment, the figure of the white-robed old man appeared in the mirror lake under his feet. he looked at xu qing with no transformation in his expression and calmly spoke.


    ¡°these are all fake. it¡¯s useless for you to swallow them.¡±


    xu qing opened his eyes and gazed at the white-robed old man. as he let his body remember the feeling brought about by the poison, he spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°i encountered a bottleneck in refining the curse subduing pill and need to break through it in other ways. so, even if it¡¯s fake, i have to personally try it and sense this fake change, searching for the possibility of breaking through the bottleneck.¡±


    the white-robed old man cast a deep glance at xu qing before glancing at the colorful medicinal pills in front of xu qing.


    xu qing took a deep breath and picked up another one. under the other party¡¯s gaze, he continued to swallow it and sense it.


    just like that, half a month passed.


    almost ninety percent of the poisonous plants and poison pills from his memory were brought into existence by xu qing. there were even some that he had personally created.


    as he continued to devour them, the pupils of his eyes gradually enlarged and finally replaced the whites of his eyes, causing his eyes to be pitch-black.


    the white-robed old man had appeared many times in the past few dawns and observed xu qing.


    he originally didn¡¯t understand and didn¡¯t know what xu qing was doing. this place was clearly fake. in his opinion, it was meaningless to eat so many fake pills.


    this lasted until¡­ he noticed xu qing¡¯s eyes. at that moment, the white-robed old man understood.


    ¡°the medicinal pills and plants are fake but the feeling in the body is real. this kid¡­ is memorizing the feeling after swallowing these pills!¡±


    ¡°he¡¯s using his memories to invisibly plunder the source power here!¡±


    the white-robed old man¡¯s expression was no longer indifferent. instead, for the first time, there were some fluctuations in his emotions. there was shock and anger.


    ¡°the trial will end in two hours. if you can¡¯t complete it by then, you will be sealed!¡±


    a black glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he was only a small step away from completion.


    hence, after nodding slightly, he closed his sight and performed a series of hand seals with both hands. immediately, poisonous grass emerged again.


    there were thousands of them.


    after manifesting them, xu qing didn¡¯t even refine them. he opened his mouth and swallowed these medicinal herbs. there were also some that he crushed with a punch, turning them into mist that enveloped his entire body.


    as sizzling sounds echoed, xu qing, who was enveloped by the mist, let out a deep shout. the power of the poison restriction erupted from within him.


    this scene caused the white-robed old man¡¯s expression to change. in his judgment, this cultivator in front of him had already shown an unstable change. hence, with a wave of his hand, cold air spread out from under his feet. after it seeped into the lake, it emerged around xu qing.

 Chapter 1040 - 1040 Poison Restriction Divine Curse, Refining the Gaze (3)

    1040 poison restriction divine curse, refining the gaze (3)


    the cold air grew denser and denser, containing the power to freeze everything. it spread toward xu qing from everywhere.


    cracking sounds rang out from the lake on the ground as it froze. this cold air was about to touch xu qing.


    at that moment, the poison mist outside xu qing¡¯s body suddenly churned and rolled back into him.


    it was as though xu qing, who was in the mist, had become a black hole that absorbed all the poison mist in the blink of an eye.


    as the poison mist disappeared, xu qing¡¯s figure was clearly revealed. at this moment, his eyes suddenly opened!


    his pitch-black eyes were like an abyss. when one met his gaze, it was as though they were staring at an abyss or being stared at by an abyss.


    his gaze was extremely deep, as though it hid the eternal night. it was enough to cause huge fluctuations in the hearts of onlookers.


    the most astonishing thing was that this gaze¡­ contained anomalous substances!


    this anomalous substance was special and could instantly taint the body and soul of those who met the gaze with the poison restriction.


    it was the poison restriction eye!


    the white-robed old man¡¯s body trembled, and the mirror surface of the lake where he was located also turned black in an instant, with tendrils of ink-like substance surging into it.


    ¡°such guts!¡±


    the white-robed old man let out a deep shout. the lake churned and the mirror shone. cold air surged into the sky, on the verge of erupting.


    at that moment, xu qing retracted his gaze and ignored the cold air gushing over from the surroundings. he then lowered his head and looked at his raised right hand.


    there was a pill there.


    under his gaze, as the power of his poison restriction blasted in, the essence of the pill rapidly changed. the medicinal effect of the pill that reduced the curse also rapidly rose.


    xu qing¡¯s poison restriction not only contained the divine curse but also all the poison he had swallowed earlier. at this moment, all of them gathered in his gaze and fused into the curse subduing pill.


    these illusory poisons, fused with the medicinal pill, interacted, balanced, and exerted their influence within.


    as for the effect of this curse subduing pill, it erupted at this moment. from nearly 20%, it directly erupted to a level that could reduce the curses by 30% and it was still continuing.


    finally, it emitted a purple color. when the surroundings turned hazy, xu qing lifted his head. the instant the cold air in the surroundings enveloped him, he said his last sentence.


    ¡°the pill is completed. it can reduce the curse by¡­ 50%!¡±


    as his voice rang out, the cold air enveloped xu qing¡¯s entire body. under some irresistible law, his body directly turned into an ice sculpture.


    only the medicinal pill fell from his hand and floated on the ice layer of the lake. while it shone with purple essence, it also gave off an illusory feeling.


    a long time later, this medicinal pill fused into the ice and appeared in the white-robed old man¡¯s hand.


    the white-robed old man looked at the medicinal pill in front of him and his expression changed again. he was first shocked, then puzzled, then confused, and finally hesitant.


    in his artifact spirit life, he had never seen such a medicinal pill.


    after a long time, he suddenly blew at this medicinal pill.


    with this breath, the pill actually turned from illusory to real.


    after that, he raised his hand and waved it. immediately, an ice sculpture appeared and melted in front of him, revealing a middle-aged man.


    this burly dude¡¯s nihility cultivation erupted explosively. after he woke up, he was stunned for a moment, but after regaining his senses, he didn¡¯t choose to escape. instead, he respectfully cupped his fists at the white-robed old man.


    ¡°greetings, lord.¡±


    ¡°eat it.¡± the white-robed old man was expressionless. he waved the medicinal pill in his hand and it landed in front of the burly dude.


    the burly dude hesitated but still chose to comply. he took the medicinal pill and took a look. his expression changed slightly before he swallowed it and closed his eyes to experience it.


    a while later, his body trembled violently. he abruptly opened his eyes and spat out a large mouthful of red blood.


    the blood contained a dense aura of curse and decay. it gathered in the air and vaguely transformed into the image of the red moon. there was also the curse power inside that was about to erupt.


    however, the white-robed old man let out a cold snort. immediately, this void rumbled and descended to suppress.


    the blood instantly turned into ice and landed on the lake. all the fluctuations inside were also sealed.


    after doing this, the white-robed old man looked at the burly man with a strange glint in his eyes. at the same time, his expression changed again, revealing shock.


    as for the burly dude, he was equally shocked. he sensed his body and cried out in horror.


    ¡°my curse¡­ has been permanently reduced by half!!¡±


    ¡°lord, what pill is this!¡±


    the white-robed old man didn¡¯t answer the burly dude¡¯s question. he flicked his sleeve and cold air instantly assaulted him again. the burly dude¡¯s body turned into an ice sculpture again and sank into the lake.


    after doing this, the white-robed elder stood there in a daze for a moment before his body also sank into the lake.


    when he appeared, he was at the location of xu qing¡¯s frost sculpture.


    staring at the frost sculpture in front of him, the white-robed old man fell silent again. a while later, he lifted his hand and tapped the space between xu qing¡¯s brows.


    with this touch, the ice sculpture rapidly melted, creating fog that dispersed soon after. xu qing¡¯s physique shook as he regained consciousness.


    ¡°greetings, senior.¡±


    xu qing wasn¡¯t too surprised. regardless of how the other party interpreted his recent actions, it didn¡¯t matter. what mattered was that he conveyed through his actions that all his previous endeavors were, in fact, part of the process of refining the hex subduing pill.


    that final glance imbued the medicine with an intent of near-sublimation, and that alone was enough to explain everything.


    the white-robed elder stared at xu qing with a strange expression. after a long time, his profound voice echoed in the void.


    ¡°in the course of history, there have been a total of 79 people who passed this first round of assessment, but in this era, there are only three.¡±

 Chapter 1041 - 1041 Poison Restriction Divine Curse, Refining the Gaze (4)

    1041 poison restriction divine curse, refining the gaze (4)


    ¡°you¡¯re now the fourth.¡±


    ¡°but those who came before you, although they made grand aspirations, had the qualifications to complete them, and indeed accomplished them afterward, none of them were the master of the moon rebel hall; they all obtained secondary contracts.¡±


    ¡°because even by passing this stage, one cannot actually become the master of the moon rebel hall¡­ you¡¯ll understand the reason once you step inside in a moment.¡±


    ¡°you only have half a year. if you can¡¯t complete it in half a year, you can only sign a secondary contract.¡±


    the white-robed old man looked at xu qing and pointed at the lake. immediately, the lake churned and a massive stone gate filled with the aura of antiquity soared up from within.


    this stone gate, towering 10,000 feet high, bore the marks of the ages, carrying the traces of the passage of time. it seemed to have arrived from ancient times, manifesting itself in this place.


    it didn¡¯t need to be pushed open because there was a gap in the middle that allowed people to enter.


    through the gap, xu qing could vaguely see that there seemed to be a hall inside.


    xu qing was a little hesitant. the white-robed old man¡¯s words reminded him of the captain. hence, he cupped his fists toward the old man.


    ¡°senior, did the cultivator who came with me also pass?¡±


    ¡°his aspirations are too great and he has reaped the consequences of his own actions.¡±


    the white-robed old man calmly spoke and stomped the ground. immediately, ripples spread on the surface of the water, revealing dozens of ice sculptures in the depths.


    xu qing looked below and discovered that there was an additional person inside. it was none other than eldest senior brother.


    he maintained his laughing posture, his arrogance extremely obvious.


    xu qing frowned. this was a little different from what he had expected. hence, he fell silent and thought of the words that the captain had said before the trial.


    coupled with his understanding of his eldest senior brother, xu qing felt that there was a high chance that the captain had done this on purpose. he had deliberately triggered the punishment.


    ¡°if you can pass and become the master of the moon rebel hall, you will have the right to pardon all the sealed people here.¡±


    ¡°now, go in.¡±


    the white-robed old man cast a meaningful glance at xu qing. his body slowly sank into the lake and disappeared.


    very soon, only xu qing and this massive stone gate were left.


    standing in front of the stone gate, xu qing took a deep breath and no longer hesitated. he strolled forward and entered the gap of the stone gate that was like a canyon.


    he moved further and further away.


    he got nearer and closer to the chamber inside.


    this lasted until a beam of light reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes and filled his vision.


    at the same time, an uproar broke out in the moon rebel hall again.


    several hours ago, the dazzling light of the highest temple in the moon rebel hall had already attracted the attention of many cultivators. even two deputy hall masters had arrived.


    now that several hours had passed, as the news spread, many more cultivators had returned to the moon rebel hall to witness this scene.


    discussions rang out everywhere.


    the sky was filled with statues. some of them were even followers of master pill nine. although they didn¡¯t know that the person who caused all of this was the master who made them fanatical, this didn¡¯t prevent them from continuing to promote the benevolent name of pill nine.


    the representative among them was xu qing¡¯s neighbor, the burly statue with exposed chest. he led over a thousand of pill nine¡¯s hardcore followers and spread them in the crowd, singing praises of pill nine.


    and just as the moon rebel hall was enjoying such rare liveliness, suddenly, the highest chamber in the sky trembled with a resounding roar, radiating a blinding light that permeated in all directions, exuding a brilliant and glorious aura.


    there was also a holy intent rising from within.


    this scene instantly attracted the attention of everyone.


    ¡°success?¡±


    ¡°could it be that¡­ a chamber master is going to appear in the moon rebel hall!!¡±


    ¡°this is too sudden¡­¡±


    there was an uproar. as everyone on the moon rebel hall¡¯s mountain spoke, anticipation continued to rise.


    the statues that filled the sky were all staring at the gate of the highest temple, waiting for it to open.


    however, time flowed by. even after fifteen minutes passed, the light in the highest temple still shone, but its gate was still closed and no one strolled out.


    this scene caused the expressions of many old men from the moon rebel hall to dim.


    ¡°is the legend about the moon rebel hall true¡­¡±

 Chapter 1042 - 1042 The Little Totem Under the Big Totem

    1042 the little totem under the big totem


    in the world of the moon rebel hall, the shock and commotion caused by the light emanating from the highest temple gradually subsided as time passed and the gate didn¡¯t open.


    the anticipation was gradually replaced by disappointment.


    even the light in the highest temple dimmed. when only the faint light was still flickering, regret rose within everyone.


    ¡°actually, there has always been a legend circulating in the moon rebel hall.¡±


    ¡°legend has it that the red moon crimson goddess once placed a curse on the predecessor of the moon rebel hall, cursing it¡­ to never have a new master.¡±


    ¡°therefore, since ancient times, the light of the highest temple has flashed and shaken many times. however, from the start to the end, its gate has never opened once.¡±


    the two deputy hall masters in the air sighed softly.


    ¡°this fellow daoist passed the first round but just like the first deputy hall master, fourth deputy hall master, and me back then, he didn¡¯t pass the second round and couldn¡¯t open the gate.¡±


    ¡°looks like we¡¯re going to have another companion. it¡¯s also a good thing for us to have another deputy hall master at this time!¡±


    as the two deputy hall masters transmitted their voices to each other, the cultivators of the moon rebel hall sighed.


    although the appearance of a new deputy hall master was a huge incentive for everyone, the commotion in the highest temple seemed to give everyone hope.


    this was especially so in this wartime. this hope led many cultivators of the moon rebel hall to yearn for a true master of the moon rebel hall.


    they needed someone with the hall master identity to lead them, to unleash their brilliance at the final moment of life, to burn and incinerate everything with the flames of their existence.


    such hope turned into disappointment and regret at this moment. after that, the moon rebel hall fell silent.


    at the same time, in the highest temple in the sky above the moon rebel hall, xu qing opened his eyes.


    this temple was much larger than ordinary temples, grand in every aspect. 99 huge pillars supported the dome of the temple.


    looking up, the circular dome transformed into the sun, moon, and stars, slowly rotating. in the center was a massive mirror shining with a dazzling array of colors.


    it reflected the mountain of the moon rebel hall.


    in addition, on the walls of this temple, numerous mysterious pictures were carved. some were runes, some took on the forms of beasts, while others depicted human silhouettes.


    each of them emitted waves of soul-stirring pressure.


    as for the top seat of the hall, there was an altar there. a huge shrine was built on it and there was a statue of a god standing inside.


    this statue was different from the statues in the temples outside; it lacked excessive embellishments and depicted a solitary figure.


    its appearance was none other than ruler li zihua!


    at that moment, the eyes of the statue had already opened. the divine radiance it emitted belonged to xu qing.


    xu qing stared at his surroundings and recalled the scene earlier.


    he remembered walking through the gap in the stone gate, and the next instant, after the radiance illuminated his world, he opened his eyes and found himself here.


    ¡°the highest temple?¡±


    xu qing lifted his head and looked at the mirror on the dome, at the outside world reflected there. he could sense the regret and disappointment in the expressions of the moon rebel hall cultivators outside.


    he recalled what he had seen when he looked up when he came to the moon rebel hall. it was the highest hall floating above the nine temples.


    a long time later, xu qing retracted his gaze and looked at the distant¡­ temple gate.


    ¡°why did that artifact spirit old man say that there¡¯s a second stage, is it this gate?¡±


    xu qing fell silent and walked out.


    amidst the rumbling, the statue of li zihua walked down the altar and arrived beside the gate.


    standing there, xu qing narrowed his eyes. after observing for a while, he lifted his hand and pushed the gate.


    however, the gate didn¡¯t even budge. it was as though it was completely locked and couldn¡¯t be shaken at all. there wasn¡¯t even the slightest sound.


    xu qing frowned. he circulated the cultivation base in his body and used all his might to forcefully push it open. however, it was still useless.


    the gate remained motionless.


    xu qing lifted his hand. after some thought, his eyes turned pitch-black. the power of the poison restriction followed his gaze and landed on the gate. the purple moon in his body circulated violently. as his divine repository undulated, a large amount of blood spread out from xu qing¡¯s body and gathered outside his body, forming a blood-colored vortex.


    finally, it blasted toward the gate.


    however, there was no movement on the gate. xu qing¡¯s expression suddenly changed and he quickly retreated.


    the instant he retreated, a red light flashed above the gate, revealing a totemic painting that was the size of the gate.


    this totem was a figure with both hands covering its eyes and blood flowing from all over its body.


    it clearly looked evil but it gave off a holy feeling that permeated the surroundings.


    this appearance was exactly what the crimson goddess looked like.


    xu qing¡¯s heart trembled. the purple moon in his body fluctuated intensely and he sensed the aura of the crimson goddess. it was as though this totem¡­ was painted by the crimson goddess.


    ¡°the gate of the highest temple in the moon rebel hall actually has the mark of the crimson goddess!¡±


    ¡°is this the second stage?¡±


    xu qing felt that something was amiss. this didn¡¯t feel like the second round of assessment, but was more like the crimson goddess¡¯ seal on the moon rebel hall.


    ¡°therefore, in reality, there¡¯s no second round and the master of the moon rebel hall should have appeared a long time ago. however, all those who passed the assessment before me stopped here.¡±


    ¡°it is impossible to become the master of the moon rebel hall without breaking the seal of the crimson goddess.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s thoughts spun. after coming to an understanding, he came to the front of the gate again and observed it carefully. during this time, he even carefully spread out his purple moon power.


    unfortunately, this gate was extremely sensitive to his purple moon power. the moment it appeared, it would cause intense fluctuations.


    in the end, xu qing simply retracted the power of the purple moon. instead, his eyes turned pitch-black as he used his poison restriction power to invade and sense it.


    time flowed by. a few days later, through the poison restriction, xu qing gradually gained a rough understanding of this gate and the totem on it.


    as he understood, his expression first became strange before turning solemn.


    what created him solemn was that through the poison restriction, xu qing could sense that all the temples on the mountain outside were emitting some invisible aura at all times.


    no one sensed these auras. they were being absorbed by the totem. xu qing couldn¡¯t tell what they were for the time being.


    what made his expression strange was that he could sense a small totem at the lower right corner of this huge totem. however, it was blurry and faint.


    if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that xu qing¡¯s poison restriction had spread to all the areas and the purple moon¡¯s power had caused the crimson goddess¡¯ totem to fluctuate, it would have been almost impossible to sense it.


    the appearance of this small totem was the source of xu qing¡¯s strange expression.


    it actually had the exact same face as the captain.


    when xu qing discovered it, it was secretly chewing on the totem. although it could only take a small bite every time, its speed was very fast, like a rabid dog.


    however, every time it bit, the totem would recover on its own¡­


    ¡°eldest senior brother?¡±


    xu qing thought about it and attempted to send his thoughts to the small totem.


    the instant these thoughts entered, the small totem that was crazily chewing suddenly shook. it abruptly lifted its head and its eyes revealed ecstasy as it quickly responded.


    ¡°little qing!¡±


    ¡°you¡¯re finally here. i realized you would definitely appear!¡±


    sensing xu qing, the captain became excited. he struggled rapidly and his entire body shone with blue light. finally, he reappeared at the bottom right corner of the gate and looked at xu qing.


    xu qing also looked at him.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, you¡­ how are you here?¡±


    the captain had a smug expression as he laughed.


    ¡°how is it? are you surprised?¡±


    ¡°this is the plan i told you about earlier!¡±


    ¡°my plan this time is very good. after entering the trial ground, i provoked the artifact spirit and made him turn me into an ice sculpture, sinking me into the depths of the lake.¡±


    ¡°this way, i can use the methods i left behind here back then to bypass the trial and directly appear in this gate.¡±


    ¡°after that, by pushing the door open, i will obtain the authority of the moon rebel hall and become the lord of the moon rebel hall.¡±


    ¡°once i succeed, i can borrow the power of the moon rebel hall to find all the shattered body parts of my previous lives. this is the main condition of my plan to kill the crimson goddess.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he gazed at the small totem transformed by the captain and then at the large totem of the crimson goddess before sighing.


    ¡°the result?¡±


    the captain¡¯s expression was a little awkward before he became indignant.


    ¡°little qing, i was careless this time. i didn¡¯t expect the crimson goddess to be so sneaky. i realized that she had put a seal in the moon rebel hall, but that old hag put a few more seals during the intervals when i died in my past lives and reincarnated in other regions.¡±


    ¡°seriously. there is even a seal that¡¯s actually resistant to bites!!¡±


    ¡°i can only take my time to bite it. originally, i would have finished biting it very soon and become the lord of moon rebel hall. now, i have to waste more time. fortunately, i still have a backup plan.¡±


    ¡°now that you¡¯re here, our chances are even greater. with our combined efforts, we¡¯ll devour the crimson goddess¡¯ seal together! at that time, both of us will be the masters of the moon rebel hall!¡±


    xu qing nodded when he listened this. he wasn¡¯t too interested in being the master of the moon rebel hall, but since it was something his senior brother needed, he pondered for a moment, contemplating how to proceed.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, i sense that this crimson goddess totem is absorbing energy from outside. this should be the source of its formation.¡±


    the captain smiled.


    ¡°this is my backup plan. that¡¯s the fire of faith produced by hope. every cultivator who enters the moon rebel hall contains hope in their hearts. according to the research in my previous life, this is also what the crimson goddess wants.¡±


    ¡°in fact, i already suspected that the reason why the moon rebel hall could continue to exist was somehow connected to the crimson goddess¡¯ laissez-faire attitude.¡±


    ¡°however, the crimson goddess is currently in deep slumber. she can only keep this fire of hope after she awakens. and fire, you see, has a dual nature¡ªit can provide warmth, but it can also consume and burn.¡±


    ¡°this is also the reason why i arrived here after that show.¡±


    ¡°let this fire burn even more intensely, then we add some fuel to make it erupt, incinerating the crimson goddess¡¯ seal. coupled with my gnawing, we¡¯ll surely succeed!¡±


    ¡°and now, what we lack is the oil. little qing, if my calculations aren¡¯t wrong, this oil will appear this month.¡±

 Chapter 1043 - 1043 The Voice of the God’s Fragmented-Face

    1043 the voice of the god¡¯s fragmented-face


    for those who had passed the first trial, they possessed great freedom. they could choose to leave at any time or enter at their will, attempting to push open the door of the highest hall.


    the time limit was half a year.


    after agreeing with the captain, xu qing chose to return and wait for the oil the captain mentioned. at the same time, he was also adapting to his poison restriction eyes.


    the captain¡¯s main body was sealed in the depths of the lake, so what appeared in the gate was the soul body that his consciousness had gathered. hence, he couldn¡¯t leave and could only stay here.


    regarding this, the captain didn¡¯t mind at all. he stared at the crimson goddess¡¯ totem and continued to devour it like a rabid dog.


    just like that, days passed.


    the war in the moon worship region became increasingly intense. the quelling movement from the red moon shrine was equally ferocious. the flames of war continued to burn but the resistance was still intense.


    ever since fifth grandma and eighth grandpa disappeared, they haven¡¯t returned. the heir and princess mingmei also went out many times. it was unknown what they were busy with.


    hence, the small apothecary was less lively than before. however, wu jianwu was still passionate about reciting poems. ning yan still cleaned the ground every day, and li youfei worked as a guard too.


    although nether fairy and ancestor mogui noticed that the heir and the others often went out, they didn¡¯t dare to have any thoughts of escaping and maintained the current situation.


    during these few days, xu qing also left the apothecary frequently and searched for a place in the bitter life mountain range to test his poison restriction eyes.


    at that moment, his figure shuttled through the mountain range at an astonishing speed. even though he had the sun on his body and a horn-like hat on his head, he was already used to all of this.


    now, he could manage everything as usual under this astonishing burden.


    in fact, his speed was even faster than before, turning into an afterimage in the mountain range. a while later, he appeared in a valley.


    the rock walls of this valley were filled with potholes like a honeycomb, with traces of corrosion.


    the aura of the poison restriction still lingered in the surroundings, causing all living beings to instinctively sense a life-and-death crisis when they got close and avoided it from far away.


    this was the place where xu qing experimented with his poison restriction eyes.


    after arriving here, xu qing sensed his surroundings and confirmed that there was nothing amiss. he then sat down cross-legged and closed his eyes to regulate his breathing.


    after about fifteen minutes, when he opened his eyes, xu qing¡¯s eyes had turned pitch-black. one couldn¡¯t see his eyeballs or the whites of his eyes. everything was black.


    in fact, if someone saw his eyes, they would feel as though they were staring at an abyss.


    where xi qing¡¯s gaze fell, instant corrosion occurred. the power of poison restriction erupted with a resounding force, causing distortion in all directions. a hazy atmosphere blurred everything.¡±


    this scene was extremely similar to when the fragmented-face of the god in the sky opened his eyes.


    however, in terms of might, xu qing¡¯s was many, many times weaker. even so, this scene was still astonishing.


    it could be said that xu qing was growing with each passing moment in the moon worship region. if he were to return to fenghai county now, he would undoubtedly astonish all his former acquaintances.


    however, this kind of growth didn¡¯t come without a price.


    just like now, xu qing¡¯s expression gradually became complicated.


    this wasn¡¯t the first time he used the poison restriction to observe this place, but every time he unfolded this divine power in recent days, waves of emotions surged within his heart.


    ¡°when i came into contact with the divinity, i saw the world through the vision of a god, and it was completely different from my usual perception.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly. in his eyes, although the valley was still a valley, what formed this place wasn¡¯t rocks but countless skeletons. among them were humans and nonhuman races.


    the entire area here was formed from bones, including the ground.


    death was the only main theme here. as for the gray wind in the distance, it was also different in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    it was a giant serpent, with an enormous body. at the edge of the sky, it opened its mouth, and its breath was the source of this gray wind. every movement of its form caused scales to fall, turning into ashes that scattered across the land.


    farther away, one could faintly see snow falling in the world outside the desert.


    red blood fell like goose feathers, but unfortunately, 99% of the cultivators couldn¡¯t see this scene.


    ¡°there¡¯s also the fragmented-face in the sky.¡±


    xu qing silently lifted his head and stared at the fragmented-face that was faintly discernible above the gray wind and red snow. he¡­ opened his eyes.


    the place he was looking at wasn¡¯t here.


    ¡°different visions see different worlds. which one is real?¡±


    xu qing fell silent. after a long time, he turned his head and took out a sand scorpion.


    this scorpion was ten feet long. after xu qing took it out, it shivered, not daring to resist or struggle. it was as though to it, xu qing was a god.


    in xu qing¡¯s eyes, the shape of this scorpion was also different from normal. it wasn¡¯t a scorpion but a dim sphere of light. in fact, its shape was still changing continuously, like it was squirming.


    finally, this light source completely dimmed and turned pitch-black, dissipating from xu qing¡¯s vision.


    if someone else was here, they would be able to see that the scorpion¡­ had turned into blood.


    after a long time, xu qing lifted his hand and his gaze landed on his palm.


    it was still a palm.


    only on it, there were some fuzzy fluffs resembling dandelions, densely covering it, trying to absorb his flesh and blood.


    some had even burrowed into the flesh, spreading inward.


    there should have been intense pain but xu qing didn¡¯t have any perception of it.


    he knew what they were.


    ¡°anomalous substances¡­¡±


    muttering to himself, xu qing was well aware of the anomalous substances in this world from the moment of his birth, and through his cultivation journey, he gained even deeper understanding.


    as the cultivation base advanced and one gradually distanced themselves from the mundane, the pain brought by the anomalous substances seemed to have unconsciously faded into the background.


    the mutation brought about by cultivation seemed to be diminishing as well.


    however, xu qing understood that this was caused by the difference in levels. in reality, the mortals were still being tortured by anomalous substances. for example, the curse in the moon worship region was one of them.


    he knew that he couldn¡¯t underestimate anomalous substances just because the shadow could devour them.


    right now, he sensed the anomalous substances again.


    in his sight, anomalous substances were everywhere.


    ¡°the anomalous substances are alive¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s mind fluctuated as he sensed this world again.


    ¡°the colossal serpent in the sky is the manifestation of the divine anomalous substances traded by the captain, including the gray wind.¡±


    ¡°the red snow in the sky is the anomalous substance of the crimson goddess.¡±


    ¡°the fluffs on my palm are anomalous substances lingering here, of unknown origin.¡±


    ¡°i imagine in other places, there would be even more anomalous substances, of various kinds. as long as it¡¯s a place where gods have passed or looked upon, anomalous substances will form.¡±


    there was more than one type of anomalous substance.


    ¡°in essence, my poison restriction is also a type of anomalous substance.¡±


    ¡°the poison restriction can harm all things and all races, and now, from what i can see, it¡¯s even clearer¡­ it is encroaching on everything.¡±


    a black glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. immediately, the fluffs on his hand shook. after they turned pitch-black, they fell off, revealing xu qing¡¯s skin.


    on his skin, one could see a black ghost face that covered the location of the fluffs.


    evil, cold, death, and ominous were all the auras of this ghost face.


    this was the poison restriction in the eye of the god.


    it could be a ghost face or countless ghost faces. every one of them was an anomalous substance that could grow on their own under xu qing¡¯s gaze.


    to existences whose level was inferior to it, this¡­ was a curse.


    xu qing closed his eyes. when he opened them again a while later, he looked at the shadow.


    the shadow trembled, revealing fawning emotions.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was a little strange. this wasn¡¯t the first time he had seen the shadow with the poison restriction eyes but every time¡­ it was different.


    he remembered the first time he looked at it a few times ago. the shadow was a tree. the second time he took a look, it was a coffin. the third time was eyes.


    now that he looked at it again, it had changed again, transforming into a back view.


    this back view was incomparably tall and majestic, giving off the feeling of strength. at the same time, it carried a hint of violence and domineeringness.


    however, at the next instant, it changed again.


    it turned into a sphere of ink that flowed around xu qing.


    a long time later, xu qing retracted his gaze.


    ¡°in that case, what do the fragmented-face¡¯s anomalous substances look like?¡±


    xu qing suddenly had an impulse. he wanted to experience what the anomalous substances on the fragmented-face were.


    however, he also had a premonition that this was very dangerous.


    xu qing pondered for a while before suppressing his curiosity. there were too many strange things in this world. intense curiosity often brought about great terror.


    ¡°you want to know about the anomalous substances of the god¡¯s fragmented-face?¡±


    the moment xu qing gave up, the heir¡¯s voice suddenly rang out. his figure silently floated in the air and looked at xu qing.


    princess mingmei was also there.


    ¡°greetings, seniors.¡± xu qing immediately cupped his fists and bowed.


    princess mingmei nodded and looked at xu qing as she calmly spoke.


    ¡°if you want to see it, then just take a look. this way, you¡¯ll know what you have to face in the future.¡±


    when she said this, princess mingmei¡¯s eyes were deep.


    when xu qing heard this, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. after some thought, he didn¡¯t hesitate anymore. his form swayed and he directly rose from the valley, rushing into the sky.


    he sped all the way and continued to fly. it was only when he flew out of the range of the colossal serpent and the waves of the red snow that he finally sensed the anomalous substances of the fragmented-face.


    ¡°abire, dohada yaya, gajara, dodaya¡­¡±


    a mumbling sound appeared in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    it wasn¡¯t heard but seen. this didn¡¯t make sense.


    yet, in that instant, xu qing experienced it exactly that way. he wasn¡¯t sure why, but he was absolutely certain the sound did not come from his ears; it unmistakably originated from what his own eyes beheld.


    from there, it appeared in his mind.


    at the start, this complicated incantation-like voice was very soft but it gradually grew louder. finally, it stirred up a rumbling sound in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, repeating and echoing.


    xu qing¡¯s form trembled, giving a sense of overlapping. his spirit seemed to be separating, as if tearing apart. his physical form and the surrounding void melded together, becoming indistinct.


    a life-and-death crisis gushed into xu qing¡¯s perception. he suddenly sank and a large number of bizarre changes appeared in his entire body. he could clearly sense that all his organs were starting to activate and he could sense his past appearing in the surroundings.


    those memories of the past seemed to be walking out of the illusory scenes and were about to become real.

 Chapter 1044 - 1044 Gods Kingdom

    1044 god¡¯s kingdom


    or perhaps, using the word ¡®seemed¡¯ wasn¡¯t appropriate.


    this was because at this moment, those memories of the past were really revealed from the illusion and gradually became real.


    once these real scenes were formed, they could replace the present.


    time seemed to have become elusive at this moment. it no longer flowed forward or backward but turned into a vortex.


    in this vortex, there was xu qing¡¯s past, his present, and his future.


    however, the scene in the future was blurry and couldn¡¯t be seen clearly at all. now that they had fused together, it was even more so.


    the word ¡®time¡¯ also became unfamiliar.


    it was as though it no longer had the concept it possessed!


    perhaps time was only defined by intelligent lifeforms for their own convenience.


    in reality, time itself may not require any definition, and any attempt to define it might not capture its complete essence.


    xu qing¡¯s mind churned as this peculiar understanding surged into his consciousness.


    it subverted everything.


    changes appeared in front of xu qing again.


    in his haze, he saw indescribable gods walking through the void, manipulating one vortex after another, each defined as time.


    their appearances were individually distinct, visible to xu qing, yet he couldn¡¯t articulate them in words. it appeared as if describing this phenomenon was not permitted.


    he witnessed countless stars disintegrating into fragments while even more suns and moons were taking shape.


    however, in the end, they removed them and placed them onto their bodies, becoming intricate patterns.


    some transformed into instruments and elements that xu qing couldn¡¯t comprehend, creating things and colors beyond his understanding.


    even the starry sky was the same. xu qing saw a god holding a brush made of stars and smearing it.


    wherever it touched, the starry sky would grow larger.


    this scene was unbelievable and unreal.


    yet in the next instant, everything vanished, becoming hazy and changing shape. it seemed as if everything before was just xu qing¡¯s own thoughts, and thus, it came into existence.


    difficult to comprehend, truly incredible.


    xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness trembled and rumbled. he couldn¡¯t believe any of this.


    he even saw emperors adorned in imperial robes, writhing in agonizing wails, struggling in an attempt to resist. yet, in the presence of the gods, everything appeared to be devoid of meaning.


    that murmur from the god¡¯s fragmented-face and that incantation appeared to have opened up a surreal and fantastical realm.


    here¡­


    what you perceived as time was not the same in the minds of the gods.


    the space you understood didn¡¯t have this meaning in the god¡¯s perception.


    in the eyes of the gods, the knowledge you grasped might not be correct.


    in fact, what you saw was what the god unintentionally let you see.


    the reason why it was unintentional was as they wouldn¡¯t specially do this.


    all of this caused xu qing¡¯s consciousness to collapse.


    at the next instant, a figure appeared in front of him. it was like a huge mountain peak that blocked everything for him, hiding all the chaos and blocking all gazes.


    xu qing¡¯s perception finally recovered at this moment.


    his body hit the ground with a resounding thud, and the surges of turmoil within his heart and the upheaval of understanding transformed into waves, continuously crashing against his consciousness, making it difficult for him to stand steady.


    as he staggered back, xu qing couldn¡¯t suppress it and spat out a mouthful of blood.


    his expression kept changing. he suddenly lifted his head and looked at princess mingmei, who stood in front of him.


    ¡°did you sense it?¡±


    princess mingmei turned around and stared at xu qing with a deep gaze.


    xu qing¡¯s breathing was hurried and a storm rumbled in his heart. countless bolts of lightning appeared to be exploding in his mind and intense horror appeared in his eyes. it was only after a long time that he barely recovered a little.


    he nodded heavily.


    ¡°what is he saying? also, i feel like i saw it but i don¡¯t seem to have seen it. i clearly remember it but i seem to have forgotten it.¡±


    ¡°all the scenes and everything seem to have been overturned.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled. the cold feeling from his childhood surfaced on his body again after this experience. he felt very cold, so cold that it seeped into his bones and froze his soul¡­


    ¡°¡®he is counting down.¡±


    princess mingmei spoke softly.


    ¡°cultivation is actually a helpless pain after the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived. it¡¯s also a path of no return.


    ¡°in this world, anomalous substances are everywhere. some can be sensed and some can¡¯t be peeped at.¡±


    ¡°they invade all things in the world, causing changes in form and essence. some turn to ashes, while others become sources of malevolence.¡±


    ¡°and the mortals¡­ are no exception. the course of life is altered, and they are forced to adapt.¡±


    ¡°this phenomenon is even more serious on cultivators. at low levels, mutations will occur. when one reaches the critical point, they will either die or become one of the mutated beasts.


    ¡°only at the mid-stage do they seem happiest. at this moment, most believe that they can suppress the anomalous substances and ignore them. but in reality, it¡¯s due to a cognitive barrier, ignorance, that they feel content.¡±


    ¡°until you cultivate to the high level¡­ the expansion of your understanding will change everything.¡±


    ¡°just like us¡­ everything you saw just now, we have to endure it at all times.¡±


    princess mingmei¡¯s tone was calm but her voice carried fatigue. the heir at the side sighed softly and looked at xu qing as he shook his head.


    ¡°but what can we do?¡±


    ¡°and those, in fact, might not be true. it can only be said that it is just a corner of the story.¡±


    ¡°in fact, my father once said something back then.¡±


    ¡°we think that they are outsiders, but is that truly the case? perhaps in their understanding, we¡­ are the outsiders.¡±


    ¡°is it possible that this place has always been¡­ the god¡¯s kingdom?¡±


    ¡°i don¡¯t know the answer either.¡±


    the heir shook his head.


    xu qing fell silent.


    ¡°these questions are not something you can contemplate now. it¡¯s good to feel and experience, which will help you better understand this world.¡±


    the heir patted xu qing¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°remember, in the future, before you¡¯re prepared, don¡¯t use your poison restriction eyes to look at the fragmented-face. he¡­ is supreme and can¡¯t be looked at directly.¡±


    ¡°let¡¯s return home.¡±


    xu qing nodded silently and followed the heir and princess mingmei out of the valley, returning to the apothecary.


    what he experienced this time around still lingered in his mind even after half a month, influencing his thoughts.


    he couldn¡¯t help but ponder and try to understand.


    on this day, the oil the captain mentioned appeared.


    in the sky, the red moon was even closer to the moon worship region. when looking up, one could see that the celestial body was becoming larger and more distinct.


    the redness in the sky also became increasingly dazzling, reflecting on the ground, causing the entire moon worship region to turn into a red domain.


    the tidal reactions were equally intense, with constant earthquakes and thunderous roars echoing in all directions.


    the cultivation power of all the temple cultivators who believed in the crimson goddess was enhanced to varying degrees. the divine arts they exhibited became even more awe-inspiring.


    hence, with the five deputy hall masters of the moon rebel hall as the source, the five rebel army was broken through under the suppression of the red moon shrine.


    they began to crumble, facing a comprehensive crisis.


    to make matters worse, as the red moon drew closer and the tidal reactions intensified, something strange occurred across the entire moon worship region.


    it had grown larger.


    the original landmass fractured and split apart, giving rise to new plates emerging from the depths of the earth, creating deep chasms.


    the once-existing mountain peaks experienced a similar transformation, giving rise to new mountainous formations after their collapse.


    the god¡¯s aura continued to surge in all the new places.


    from these deep chasms, from these mountains, from all the newly created lands, a group of peculiar beings awakened.


    they appeared ugly, resembling monsters, devoid of intelligence, filled with madness. like insects or beasts, their numbers were incredibly vast, surging forth explosively.


    every one of them contained the fluctuations of gods. the smaller ones were dozens of feet in size, while the larger ones reached hundreds of feet or even thousands of feet.


    they radiated an intense sense of ferocity, and madness permeated the surroundings.


    hunger, in particular, manifested violently in their beings.


    hence, wherever they passed, everything in the world, including soil and rocks, would be their food, let alone the flesh and blood of all living beings.


    they ate and devoured everything. they rushed out of many areas and spread throughout the entire moon worship region.


    it was as though this was their feast.


    death appeared with every breath.


    the moon rebel hall also became incomparably desolate. the temples were completely dim, indicating that their masters had died.


    at this moment, medicinal pills were even more important.


    although xu qing was in the blissful land of the bitter life mountain range, he still continued to send medicinal pills, and he didn¡¯t demand any payments.


    however, he was still unable to satisfy the demand..


    xu qing originally planned to refine them in large quantities but an accident happened.


    on this day, the bitter life mountain range shook, with numerous rocks falling and peaks collapsing. a deep chasm tore through from within as the mountain range crumbled.


    its location was under the bitter life mountain range¡¯s red moon shrine.


    in the entire region, one could discover that every such chasm actually had a red moon shrine nearby.


    as for the wind in the desert, although it could stop outsiders from entering, it couldn¡¯t stop those who were already here.


    hence, countless malevolent existences rushed out like a tide.


    in an instant, the frenzied roars became the most harrowing sound in the area, second only to the rustling wind.


    the cultivators in the desert had no choice but to resist if they didn¡¯t want to die.


    this was especially so for the wind guard race. their entire race was mobilized, including the other large and small forces to fight against these crazy demons.


    the heir and princess mingmei also walked out at the moment the ground quaked. it was as though they were waiting for this.


    xu qing followed behind.


    ¡°xu qing, observe these demon-like existences clearly.¡±


    ¡°their appearance isn¡¯t a coincidence. they are the offspring of the crimson goddess who haven¡¯t created their consciousness. they are the representatives of chaos and are formed by the unnecessary substances released by the crimson goddess during the process of becoming a god.¡±


    the heir walked in the sky and approached the deep chasm where all of this had erupted.


    ¡°these are actually the true divine sons.¡±


    xu qing lowered his head and looked at the mountain range below.


    this wasn¡¯t the first time he had heard of this. when he left the highest hall of the moon rebel hall, the captain had also told him about it. and this¡­ was the oil the captain had mentioned.

 Chapter 1045 - 1045 Xu Qings forbidden zone, The Divine Sons Wails

    1045 xu qing¡¯s forbidden zone, the divine sons¡¯ wails


    the purple-red carapace, the neck curved like a crescent moon, and the triangular head emitted waves of a dreadful aura.


    its powerful six legs, sharp claws, and a tail half the length of its body, as if it could break through any obstacle, exuded a sense of terror.


    especially from its head to its tail, it had rows of crimson spikes, shining with a bloody glow, responding to the red hue of the sky.


    this was the divine son.


    at that moment, they were rushing out of the deep chasm that had appeared in the bitter life mountain range, spreading in all directions throughout the mountains.


    chaos, madness, hunger a€¡± these were fully embodied in them.


    wherever they passed, everything became their food. moreover, when they smelled the scent of beings with blood, these divine sons¡¯ eyes revealed greed as they followed the aura and rushed toward the sects and cities in the bitter life mountain range.


    looking from the sky, it was like a red tide was spreading on the ground.


    in an instant, eerie and horrifying roars echoed throughout the heavens and the earth.


    when they heard these sounds, the cultivators were shaken and the mortals were horrified.


    faced with all of this, be it mortals or cultivators, they knew very well that they couldn¡¯t escape.


    hence, a huge battle was on the verge of erupting in the bitter life mountain range.


    the array formations of the various factions were activated and all the cultivators went forward to stop these fiends.


    the whole wind guard race was on guard.


    the red tide was approaching crazily, and many divine sons within it, stimulated by the scent of blood, were already leaping and clawing, ready to charge forward.


    however, just as the cultivators in the bitter life mountain range prepared themselves for the impending battle, a cold snort echoed from the sky.


    this snort carried an earth-shattering might. when it reached the ears of the living beings, it was like celestial thunder, causing everyone to feel dazed. before they could recover from their shock, the demonic divine sons shuddered one by one and let out a mournful roar, looking up at the sky.


    however, this roar was useless.


    it was as though an invisible large hand had descended from the sky, covering the entire bitter life mountain range, forming a huge pressure that landed on these divine sons.


    a deafening roar erupted at that moment, and countless divine sons had their carapaces shattered. in the midst of their screams, they were directly compressed into pulp, their flesh and blood blurred, collapsing and exploding.


    less than 10% survived.


    the entire bitter life mountain range shook violently. the eyes of the cultivators from the various sects and forces widened and waves surged in their hearts.


    they instinctively lifted their heads and looked at the three figures that had appeared in the sky.


    the person who attacked was an old man in the center.


    ¡°mogui.¡±


    the heir calmly spoke and the void beside him instantly distorted. ancestor mogui¡¯s figure teleported over in the blink of an eye. after he appeared, he immediately knelt down and answered loudly.


    ¡°junior is here!¡±


    the appearance of mogui caused all the cultivators in the bitter life mountain range to immediately look over. most of them had seen ancestor mogui before. after all, he had one of the highest reputation in the entire bitter life mountain range.


    ¡°lead the people to deal with the remaining beasts.¡±


    ¡°i obey the decree!¡±


    mogui spoke loudly, his heart filled with immense excitement and a strong sense of security.


    he immediately descended to the ground. with his reputation, he directly led all the sects in the bitter life mountain range and began to destroy the fiends in an orderly manner.


    as for the heir and princess mingmei in the air, they didn¡¯t stay here. instead, they brought xu qing away.


    when they appeared, they were already at the origin area of the divine sons.


    it was a massive chasm, glowing with a red radiance. muffled roars emanated from within, resembling the sound of a heartbeat, resonating outside and transforming into thunderous rumbles.


    the heir and princess mingmei lowered their heads and looked into the distance.


    xu qing followed behind. his gaze also landed on the chasm.


    on his way here, he had seen too many divine sons. although countless of them had been destroyed by the cold snort of the heir earlier, there were still many divine sons roaring out of the deep pit below.


    ¡°xu qing, i¡¯ll leave these things in the outer perimeter to you. with your current combat strength, it won¡¯t be a problem for you to persist for a period of time. it can also be considered training for you.¡±


    after the heir finished speaking, he looked at princess mingmei beside him.


    after princess mingmei nodded, the two of them walked out at the same time and headed straight for the deep chasm. they instantly entered and headed deeper.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate. after the heir and princess mingmei left, he looked at the red tide that kept appearing below. his gaze turned cold.


    his presence immediately caught the attention of those divine offspring on the ground. the instinctual desire for blood food seemed to be deeply ingrained in these divine sons. in their perception, the concept of fear was difficult to evoke.


    they only had chaos and madness.


    the aura on xu qing¡¯s body seemed to be even sweeter. hence, their madness became even more intense. they let out sharp roars and headed straight for xu qing.


    their bloodline could ignore the spells of most cultivators, and their speed was even more astonishing. the divine fluctuations on their bodies were enough to break through all obstacles.


    this was especially so for their vitality. they were extremely tenacious.


    at that moment, they rushed toward xu qing from all directions.


    xu qing was expressionless. when the red tide on the ground entered his vision, his pupils didn¡¯t turn red but pitch-black.


    ¡°i¡¯ll stay here and test my growth during this period of time.¡±


    xu qing mumbled and looked at the ground.


    wherever his gaze went, a large area on the ground instantly distorted, becoming blurred, and anomalous substances were born. the power of the poison restriction erupted within.


    the divine sons in this area instantly let out mournful wails. their bodies were rotting at a speed visible to the naked eye. back then, the anomalous substances from the poison restriction could allow xu qing to plunder the origin of the crimson goddess. from this, it could be determined that its status had surpassed the crimson goddess.


    right now, it was a better confirmation.


    other than chaos and madness, these descendants of the crimson goddess were also filled with the anomalous substances of the crimson goddess. however, now, under xu qing¡¯s poison restriction, they were unable to resist.


    amidst the rumbling, the dozens of divine sons screamed miserably and turned into blood.


    this scene agitated the other divine sons. hence, even more divine sons rose into the air and rushed toward xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was calm. with a wave of his hand, the golden crow totem on his body immediately came alive and formed in the air. it let out a shrill cry and black flames instantly erupted.


    there was also a spear inside that emitted a terrifying fluctuation. it rushed out and headed straight for the surroundings.


    wherever it passed, the void shattered and the world rumbled. all the divine sons who got close instantly collapsed until the spear landed on the ground.


    the ground trembled and all the divine sons within a ten thousand-foot range let out cries of pain. their hard bodies were now incomparably fragile. the divine fluctuations they were proud of were now suppressed.


    everything seemed to be restrained and crushed with crushing force.


    it wasn¡¯t that they weren¡¯t strong. when facing cultivators, they had a unique advantage. the anomalous substances contained in them could also keep on tainting the cultivators.


    in fact, their blood too was highly toxic to cultivators.


    however¡­ to xu qing, all of this was useless.


    in terms of poison, they couldn¡¯t compare. in terms of the level of anomalous substances, they were still inferior.


    this was destined to be a massacre.


    as rumbling sounds echoed, xu qing walked into the beast pack. wherever his gaze fell, the poison restriction erupted. where the golden crow went, taboo destruction followed.


    moreover, the radiance of the morning glow shimmered around xu qing¡¯s body. each sweep annihilated any approaching threat. countless spells transformed within, diffusing outward.


    from time to time, the phantom of the ghost emperor mountain would descend and suppress the surroundings.


    the heavenly dao mosasaur also rushed out of the void and bellowed at the divine sons, devouring them crazily.


    hence, among this group of divine sons, xu qing was like a messenger of death walking among them. wherever he passed, there would be corpses left behind.


    it was a pity that there was no one around to see this scene. otherwise, they would definitely be extremely shocked and their hearts would palpitate.


    right now, xu qing didn¡¯t look like a cultivator at all.


    under the morning glow and the flickering of the taboo spear, his pitch-black eyes and expressionless face made him look like a god.


    in fact, after about fifteen minutes, the area became increasingly blurred, and the sense of distortion intensified. vaguely, it seemed that this place was transforming into a forbidden zone..


    the forbidden zone in the mortal realm brought suffering to myriad beings, but in this place, the divine sons were the ones wailing.


    gradually, some divine sons commenced to tremble and didn¡¯t dare to get close. their fear rose endlessly and suppressed their instincts.


    looking at all of this, xu qing¡¯s expression was calm.


    ¡°only divine techniques can restrain these divine sons. if one doesn¡¯t have the power of the gods, it will be very difficult for cultivators to face them because each one is a source of contamination.¡±


    ¡°then, let me try my purple moon power.¡±


    xu qing closed his eyes. at the next instant, drops of blood floated out of his body. in the blink of an eye, xu qing¡¯s figure disappeared and was enveloped by endless blood, transforming into a blood-colored vortex that rumbled as it spun.


    the authority of the red moon erupted from within. there was also a divine repository that undulated in the blood-colored vortex. finally, it erupted, forming a huge blood curtain that was about to descend to the ground and cover all the divine sons here.


    however, at this moment¡­ the divine sons in the surroundings suddenly trembled violently and they stopped letting out the horrifying wails. all of them lowered their heads and crawled toward the blood curtain xu qing had transformed into, making gurgling sounds.


    this sound was special. it was different from their roars earlier. it contained intimacy and submission.


    the blood curtain in the sky paused and xu qing¡¯s face appeared. he gazed at the tens of thousands of divine sons prostrating on the ground and fell into deep thought.


    a while later, xu qing¡¯s figure gathered in the sky and strutted toward the ground, walking among these prostrating divine sons. these divine sons became extremely obedient, like pets. they even used their heads to rub against the path xu qing had walked on.


    ¡°the heir previously said that these divine sons were formed from unnecessary substances released by the crimson goddess during the process of becoming a god. this statement might be a bit oversimplified.¡±


    ¡°they might not be the descendants of the crimson goddess. specifically, they should be the descendants of the red moon.¡±


    ¡°they are formed from the impurities the formation of impurities generated during the process when the crimson goddess plundered the red moon.¡±


    a look of contemplation emerged in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he strutted in front of a divine son and placed his hand on its head.

 Chapter 1046 - 1046 Demon Lord

    1046 demon lord


    in the sky, the gray wind whistled, sweeping up sand that blotted out the sky. in the darkness, the colors of the entire world were cold.


    on the ground, tens of thousands of grotesque divine sons, akin to demons, suppressed all chaos, restraining their madness, and prostrated themselves in worship.


    from a distance, the scene was incredibly impactful.


    in front of them, xu qing stood calmly, dressed in a black robe, with black hair fluttering behind him.


    the wind revealed his pitch-black eyes, and the fluttering robes highlighted his upright figure.


    with the concentric circles of blood flowing around his body like ribbons, it was a shocking and otherworldly sight, as if the lord of demons had descended to the mortal realm.


    at that moment, this demon lord looked at the divine son in front of him and pressed his hand on his head. the moment he touched it, the divine son¡¯s body paused. however, he didn¡¯t dare to struggle at all and didn¡¯t move.


    xu qing was expressionless. his divine consciousness fused into it and he silently sensed its essence.


    the first thing he experienced was the obedience and reverence transmitted by the divine son. this was an instinctive act that suppressed the other party¡¯s chaos and madness.


    after that, he felt the other party¡¯s hunger.


    this reminded him of the scene where he had touched upon the divinity.


    for a long time, xu qing continued to press down with his right hand. as the poison restriction dissipated and the power of the purple moon surged in, the divine son¡¯s flesh, which was difficult to break with ordinary means, rapidly melted in xu qing¡¯s hands.


    blood dripped down the divine son¡¯s face and landed on the ground, emitting sizzling sounds as the ground corroded.


    as for xu qing¡¯s right hand, it had already penetrated deep into the divine son¡¯s body.


    this intense pain caused the divine son to tremble even more. however, it still didn¡¯t dare to move away.


    the authority of the red moon on xu qing¡¯s body seemed to exert an extreme suppression on these divine sons.


    ¡°the flesh contains a stronger sense of chaos, possesses a certain degree of corrosion, and includes the intrusion of anomalous substances,¡± xu qing pondered. he could sense that he couldn¡¯t devour these divine sons.


    they were formed from impurities and there was no benefit to devouring them.


    a long time later, xu qing shook his head and lifted his hand.


    his gaze landed on the surroundings. looking at these prostrating divine sons, xu qing narrowed his eyes and took out a fragmented item.


    with the appearance of this object, a vast force spread within, causing the colors of the world to change, winds to rise, and clouds to surge. the oppressive feeling became significantly stronger.


    this was the gift the heir had given xu qing back then, a fragment of a large world of a soul accumulation.


    it had once been borrowed by the captain to suppress nether fairy until nether fairy was released in the apothecary. the captain then returned it.


    now that the fragment was out, a suction force erupted. in the blink of an eye, tens of thousands of divine sons here were sucked in, leaving nothing behind.


    after doing this, xu qing kept the fragment and his gaze landed on the deep chasm.


    there were no more divine sons there. the deep roars had long disappeared.


    just as he was checking, a divine sense fluctuation suddenly spread out.


    ¡°xu qing, come down for a moment.¡±


    that was the heir¡¯s voice.


    xu qing didn¡¯t immediately go over; instead, he carefully examined the situation before walking to the edge of the deep chasm. he lowered his head for a glance and then stepped in.


    his speed was extremely fast and the poison restriction filled his eyes. blood surrounded him as he sped into the depths.


    the deeper he went, the more intense the anomalous substances became. sticky fluids flowed on the walls around him, emitting a putrid odor that made one nauseous.


    further down, there was a faint red glow.


    finally, when xu qing got close, a barrier formed by flesh was reflected in his eyes.


    this lump of flesh was like a wall, sealing off the path forward. it continued to squirm and emit a red light, giving off an extremely dense aura of crimson goddess.


    it seemed to be struggling, attempting to swell outward, but an unseen force suppressed it, preventing any resistance. it could only retreat continuously within these undulations.


    the heir and princess mingmei were standing in front of the flesh barrier.


    ¡°this is the last defense that leads to the core of this place.¡±


    ¡°we need to go in to retrieve a crucial item for saving old ninth. if we forcefully break through, even if crimson goddess is dormant, there may be a response, and it will instinctively hide the crystal within. so, we need you to unleash your authority and quietly open a gap.¡±


    the heir turned and looked at xu qing.


    xu qing nodded. he had guessed it on the way here. previously, the heir and princess mingmei had gone out many times. their goal should have been this place.


    hence, he walked to the lump of flesh. the blood flowing outside his body flowed faster. as he lifted his right hand, it quickly gathered on his fingertip. when the red light was dazzling, a drop of blood flew out from his fingertip.


    it landed on the lump of flesh.


    this blood contained xu qing¡¯s authority over the red moon and emitted dense anomalous substances. one could even vaguely see a small red moon manifesting inside.


    ¡°open!¡±


    the moment the blood touched the barrier, xu qing transmitted his divine sense.


    the flesh barrier suddenly trembled. the place where xu qing¡¯s blood landed instantly squirmed, squeezing in all directions and gradually creating a gap.


    the heir and princess mingmei didn¡¯t hesitate at all. they transformed into two rainbows and disappeared into the gap.


    xu qing didn¡¯t follow. he rapidly retreated until he was 1,000 feet away. as he continued to move back, sharp sounds emanated from the mass of flesh, accompanied by echoing roars. then, the flesh trembled and began to wither.


    the entire process took only three to five breaths. after the mass of flesh withered to its extreme, it turned into ash and dispersed, revealing a massive underground cavern beneath the deep pit.


    the interior of the cavern was a shocking sight.


    the ground was covered in a viscous pool of blood, emitting a strong smell of decay. in the center, there was a massive red crystal, with half of it exposed above the surface of the blood.


    it shone with a red light.


    in this blood pool, there were countless eggs.


    some of these eggs were dozens of feet in size and some were hundreds of feet. their sizes were different but they were all red.


    a portion of it was intact, and another portion had shattered, leaving only the eggshells floating on the pool.


    through the outer shells of the intact eggs, xu qing could see divine sons inside, struggling to break through the shells.


    the heir and princess mingmei headed straight for the blood crystal. after they got close, they used their moves at the same time and took out the crystal.


    as the crystal disappeared, the gore pool here rapidly dried up. the struggles of the eggs became increasingly intense and muffled roars continued to echo.


    ¡°alright, let¡¯s leave.¡±


    after obtaining the item they needed, the heir was satisfied. as he spoke, he raised his hand and was about to destroy all the eggs here.


    xu qing¡¯s heart stirred and he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°senior, i have other uses for these divine sons.¡±


    when the heir heard this, his gaze landed on xu qing. princess mingmei nodded.


    xu qing immediately took out the fragment of the great world. he performed a series of hand seals and pointed. immediately, a suction force spread out and all the eggs here were instantly absorbed into the fragment.


    after doing all this, xu qing was satisfied.


    with such a large amount, he felt that it was already in line with the amount of oil the captain needed.


    ¡°then, let¡¯s go.¡±


    seeing that xu qing was done, the heir calmly spoke. with a swing of his sleeve, he swept xu qing out of this deep chasm. when they arrived outside, princess mingmei raised her hand and pressed down.


    immediately, the ground rumbled and the deep chasm began to collapse. countless rocks appeared out of thin air and rapidly buried it, turning it into flat ground.


    this disorder that had happened in the bitter life mountain range was resolved just like that. xu qing felt that this was normal. after all, with the soul accumulation, it was impossible for a divine son nest to cause a immense commotion.


    however, to the cultivators of the bitter life mountain range, the impact was extremely strong. they were originally prepared to risk their lives, but everything that happened after that caused huge waves in their hearts.


    a single palm could cover the entire mountain range and kill countless divine sons.


    to be able to make even ancestor mogui respectful to the point of calling himself a junior.


    the answer was self-evident.


    ¡°soul accumulation¡­¡±


    these two words appeared in the hearts of all cultivators and turned into rolling thunder that kept exploding, turning into instinctive trembling.


    after clearing out the remaining divine sons, they personally saw ancestor mogui go to the apothecary in that earth city. he didn¡¯t care about his identity at all and welcomed any guests who visited the store.


    this scene caused another storm in the hearts of the cultivators of the bitter life mountain range.


    before this, the mysterious apothecary was quite famous in the bitter life mountain range. after all, there were a lot of unbelievable things that happened there.


    however, no matter what, it was hard for them to imagine that there was actually a soul accumulation there.


    today, they understood that the apothecary¡­ was the core of the bitter life mountain range and even this desert.


    this realization made everyone feel intense reverence.


    hence, this ordinary city became the holy land of the desert.


    among the cultivators here, there were also cultivators from the moon rebel hall. hence, everything that happened here was rapidly spread to the moon rebel hall and was known by the entire rebellion army in the moon worship region.


    all of a sudden, all the resistance forces in the outside world were in an uproar.


    they had also heard of the bitter life mountain range before, but it was because of the appearance of the gray wind. that place was isolated to a certain extent from the outside world and was like a blissful land.


    moreover, it was suspected to be the source of the scene on the god slaying platform, so it was noticed and speculated.


    however, the appearance of the soul accumulation caused the outside world to be in turmoil. this was because they thought of the scene on the god slaying platform. at the same time, their guesses about the soul accumulation¡¯s identity also arose.


    ¡°it¡¯s the crown prince!¡±


    on a plain some distance away from the green sand desert, over a thousand flying ships whistled through the sky. in the flying ship at the front, a middle-aged cultivator sat cross-legged. he lifted his head and looked in the direction of the green sand desert, muttering to himself.


    this person was travel-worn and his face was pale. it was obvious that he was injured. however, his expression was still dignified and solemn.


    ¡°fourth hall master, are we¡­ going to the desert?¡±


    beside the middle-aged cultivator stood more than ten subordinates. every one of them was at the nihility realm and all of them were heavily injured. at that moment, one of them asked hoarsely.


    this middle-aged cultivator was none other than the fourth hall master of the moon rebel hall. when he heard this, he turned his head and looked behind him.


    every flying ship behind was filled with cultivators from all races. they all bore signs of exhaustion and wounds, their gazes dim.


    as a rebel army, they had failed under the suppression of the red moon shrine and the outbreak of the divine son¡¯s calamity.


    they had suffered heavy losses.


    after paying a immense price, the remaining forces finally escaped.


    however, with the red moon shrine chasing after them, even though the world was large, they had nowhere to escape to.


    ¡°yes, let¡¯s go to the desert.¡±


    the fourth hall master took a profound breath and spoke.

 Chapter 1047 - 1047 Representing the Crown Prince

    1047 representing the crown prince


    time flowed by and half a month passed.


    as the divine son¡¯s nests erupted everywhere, the situation in the moon worship region became increasingly bad.


    the news of the fourth hall master¡¯s team being defeated rapidly spread. in an instant, the morale of the rebel army formed by the deputy hall masters of the moon rebel hall became low.


    they seemed to have lost all hope. the burning of a spark seemed to only be the afterglow of one¡¯s own life.


    only the desert became more and more prominent in this situation. because of the heir¡¯s existence, not only did the cultivators of the bitter life mountain range think that earth city was a holy land, but the resistance forces from all sides outside also treated the desert as a holy land.


    hence, almost every day, there would be people advancing toward the desert from everywhere. they wanted to enter this place, join in, and seek true resistance.


    however, the blockade by the red moon shrine became even stronger. yet, during this period, some unexpected events occurred, and mysterious powerful beings descended, causing the blockade to collapse.


    ancestor mogui was appointed by the heir to lead a large number of desert cultivators to the edge of the desert to receive the arriving individuals.


    although the wind in the desert prevented outsiders from entering, this wind was after all traded by the captain. with the heir¡¯s cultivation and identity, he was qualified to form an alliance with that high god flame moon.


    hence, after he transmitted his divine sense in the wind, the wind here granted him authority. it no longer blocked all the entrants, and only targeted red moon cultivators.


    as a result, with the resistance forces in the moon worship region joining, the forces of the desert expanded almost every day.


    all the cultivators who had joined the desert faction were excited after they arrived. however, they knew that they didn¡¯t have the qualifications to meet the heir, so they didn¡¯t disturb him at the apothecary. they only bowed in the direction of the bitter life mountain range.


    as for the apothecary, there weren¡¯t many changes. ning yan, wu jianwu, and the others continued with their regular duties. it was the same for ling¡¯er, li youfei, and nether fairy.


    only xu qing spent more time in the small world fragment.


    in the past half a month, he had spent almost all his time in the small world fragment. he was very clear that time was very tight. regardless of the current situation outside or the gradual approach of the red moon, they were all telling him something.


    the calamity was about to arrive.


    hence, xu qing didn¡¯t waste any time in this half a month. he was immersed in the refinement and incubation of the divine sons.


    what the captain needed was actually the blood of these divine sons that contained chaos and madness.


    in this small world, the glaciers had long melted and the ground was covered in black soil. one could see countless broken eggshells and endless divine sons.


    a purple moon rose in the air, emitting the power of the red moon¡¯s authority. it enveloped this world and provided conditions for the divine son to hatch and control it.


    all the divine sons were prostrating on the ground. their bodies bore numerous wounds, causing fresh blood to flow, merging into the massive fingerprint that existed in this place.


    it formed a lake.


    the process went relatively smoothly. although occasional divine sons lost control due to their large numbers, xu qing promptly suppressed them each time. as for the wounds on their bodies, under the influence of the authority, they opened up on their own.


    due to the continuous bleeding, these divine sons continued to weaken until they eventually withered and died.


    every time this happened, xu qing would throw the corpses of the dead divine sons to the other divine sons to feed and exchange for more blood.


    during this period, xu qing also went to the moon rebel hall several times to fuse the blood of the divine sons into the gate of the highest hall.


    this blood was indeed useful. as it fused into the totem, the crimson goddess¡¯ totem clearly trembled. the fire of hope from the various temples in the moon rebel hall burned even more intensely.


    the absorption of the crimson goddess¡¯ totem also gradually turned into devouring fire. its body began to burn.


    under the burning, the totem started to turn blurry. the captain¡¯s madness also became intense as he rapidly gnawed.


    ¡°little qing, there¡¯s not enough oil. bring more.¡±


    ¡°let this fire grow bigger!¡±


    ¡°hope is right in front of us. as long as we burn the crimson goddess¡¯ seal, this door will be pushed open. at that time¡­ we will be the masters of the moon rebel hall!¡±


    ¡°the moment we become the lord of the moon rebel, it will be the day of the red moon shrine¡¯s calamity!¡±


    the captain was excited. as he chewed, he transmitted his divine sense.


    ¡°according to the speed of the red moon star, it will take at most nine to ten months for the crimson goddess to arrive.¡±


    xu qing spoke softly.


    ¡°that¡¯s why i¡¯m anxious.¡± the captain bit down fiercely.


    ¡°little qing, all my preparations are almost complete. i¡¯m only two steps away now!¡±


    ¡°the first step is this moon rebel hall. once we finish this step, i can use the moon rebel hall to instantly sense all the flesh that was torn into pieces in my previous life.¡±


    ¡°i can already sense a small portion of it now.¡±


    ¡°at that time, coupled with our previous arrangements, we will have the strength to destroy the red moon shrine.¡±


    ¡°once the temple is destroyed, we can enter the repentance plain. the body of the ruler is there!¡±


    ¡°this body is the last step in killing the crimson goddess. it¡¯s also an extremely important step!¡±


    xu qing nodded.


    ¡°i¡¯ll squeeze more oil outside. it might take some time but it should be enough.¡±


    the captain was excited.


    ¡°haha, i¡¯m looking forward to it. little qing, our trip to the moon worship region is coming to an end. i¡¯ve planned for so many years to devour the god. i¡¯m finally going to do it!¡±


    ¡°think about it. that¡¯s the crimson goddess we¡¯re talking about. if we devour her, this matter will definitely spread throughout fenghai county, the large regions of the human race, and the whole wanggu continent.¡±


    ¡°at that time, the black heaven race will be trash!¡±


    ¡°even the human emperor might have to be polite when facing us. when the old man sees the two of us, his jaw will probably drop in shock.¡±


    ¡°this is a major event. a major event that will make our names renowned throughout wanggu, and it is something that has never happened since the appearance of the gods!¡±


    ¡°after we¡¯re done, the status of the future fenghai county¡¯s county governor is no longer worthy of you. we have to have a higher goal.¡±


    it had to be said that the captain was quite capable in inspiring people.


    when xu qing heard the captain¡¯s words, the scenes in fenghai county appeared in his mind. he was a little dazed as he thought of old master seventh, zi xuan, the seven blood eyes, and everything in fenghai county.


    ¡°it clearly hasn¡¯t been that long since i came to the moon worship region. it¡¯s only been a few years, but i feel like countless years have passed¡­¡±


    xu qing comprehended that the reason why he had this feeling was because he had experienced too many things in the moon worship region. at the same time, it was also the result of a leap in his cultivation.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, i miss master.¡±


    xu qing spoke softly.


    ¡°soon. we¡¯ll return soon!¡±


    the captain clicked his tongue and replied proudly.


    xu qing nodded and departed the moon rebel hall.


    in this half a month, his other identity in the moon rebel hall became even more famous as the war broke out.


    all of this was because of the curse subduing pills.


    although he lacked materials in reality and couldn¡¯t make a pill that reduced the curse by 50%, the increased experience and knowledge he gained along with the poison restriction eyes could reduce the curse by 30%.


    being able to permanently reduce the curse by 30% caused a commotion in the moon rebel hall even in this wartime.


    to many cultivators, this medicinal pill was a life-saving item.


    casualties were inevitable in war, and injuries would cause the curse in their bodies to erupt. when fighting against red moon cultivators, the other party could trigger the curse as well.


    also, the proximity of the red moon star made the curse more active.


    hence, at this moment, the medicinal pill that reduced the curse by 30% was a holy item. to cultivators who erupted with curses, it was almost like reviving from the dead!


    his followers were even more excited.


    moreover, xu qing no longer asked for anything in exchange for the medicinal pills. it was essentially a gratuitous contribution. as such, pill nine¡¯s name reached the peak of fame in the moon rebel hall.


    his name had long spread out of the moon rebel hall and was famous in the rebellion army in the moon worship region. in fact, even those cultivators who weren¡¯t from the moon rebel hall knew the name master pill nine.


    correspondingly, there were more and more guesses about master pill nine¡¯s identity. some uttered that he was from another region, some said that he was a hidden expert, and some said that he might be a senior from the same era as the heir.


    all kinds of theories emerged endlessly. even the few deputy hall masters of the moon rebel hall had left messages for xu qing in the moon rebel hall, expressing their politeness and inviting him to join their side, offering all possible conveniences.


    in fact, as long as pill nine agreed, no matter where he was, as long as it wasn¡¯t the red moon shrine, experts would immediately go over and escort him.


    among them, the fourth hall master, who had witnessed xu qing and master shengluo displaying their medicinal pills back then, was the most persistent. every few days, he would leave a message in xu qing¡¯s temple with an extremely sincere attitude.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t respond.


    it was only when the name of the holy land in the bitter life mountain range spread that there was an additional guess about pill nine. someone analyzed that he should be in the bitter life mountain range. only such a pure land without war could make one feel at ease refining pills.


    however, guesses were just guesses.


    no one knew the truth. it was also because of this mystery that the name of pill nine caused a commotion in all directions.


    at the same time, his followers also spontaneously organized themselves together. led by the burly neighbor, they protected the reputation of the master while also collecting all the information about the master. they wanted to find the location of the master and unite by his side to protect him.


    just like that, another seven days passed.


    on this day, just as xu qing walked out of the miniscule world, he received a voice transmission from the heir.


    ¡°xu qing, a deputy hall master of the moon rebel hall, along with his group of cultivators, is about to arrive outside the desert. the red moon cultivators are in their pursuit. take mine and third sister¡¯s jade tokens, and go receive them.¡±


    ¡°by the way, take some of those chicks from the backyard for a stroll. they eat every day, and each one is getting too fat.¡±


    as he spoke, three jade tokens appeared out of thin air in front of xu qing. two of them emitted fluctuations of soul accumulation, and the other was an item that controlled those little chicks.


    xu qing acknowledged when he heard that. he put away the jade tokens and arrived at the backyard of the apothecary. he then composedly glanced at those little chicks.


    there were many experts here. even the weakest among them was at the nascent soul realm. there were also a few in the spirit repository and four in the nihility realm.


    a portion of them were from the yin yang flower sect that had come here back then. there were also some that grandma five had captured from somewhere. xu qing didn¡¯t know their origins either.


    ¡°which of you is willing to redeem yourselves?¡±


    xu qing composedly spoke.

 Chapter 1048 - 1048 A Chicken Rises Into the Air, Impervious to Any Challenges

    1048 a chicken rises into the air, impervious to any challenges


    as soon as the word ¡®redeem¡¯ was spoken, dozens of these chicks quickly flapped their wings and jumped up while clucking, their eyes revealing endless desire.


    they were going crazy.


    in fact, in order to snatch this opportunity, after leaping, they ended up grappling with each other, scattering chicken feathers all around.


    xu qing frowned.


    immediately, these chicks fell silent. no matter what cultivation they had previously, after they knew their situation and understood that there were four soul accumulation cultivators here, they didn¡¯t dare to be arrogant at all.


    although the grief and indignation were also intense, if they wanted to live, they could only lower their heads.


    seeing that they had quietened down, xu qing lifted his hand and pointed a few times. he chose more than 30 chicks from the 100-odd chicks.


    ¡°which one of you is the fastest?¡±


    xu qing asked.


    immediately, one of the chicks jumped up fiercely, its clucking sounds filled with desire.


    xu qing nodded and took out the jade token that the heir had given him to control the chicks. he performed a series of hand seals and pointed. immediately, a white light flew out of the jade token and headed straight for the chick.


    at the next instant, the little chick trembled all over and its form changed. instead of turning into a humanoid cultivator, its chicken body expanded to a size of 100 feet, turning into a giant chick.


    its cultivation base also recovered. immediately, a second stage nihility fluctuation erupted from its body and the power of the crimson goddess spread out. this person¡­ was none other than the divine envoy of the red moon shrine.


    a strange look appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. however, when he thought about how it was fifth grandma who was raising them, he wasn¡¯t surprised. hence, his body swayed and he directly stood on the back of the large chick.


    ¡°all of you, follow behind.¡± xu qing calmly issued a decree after he spoke to the other little chicks and unlocked some seals for them.


    ¡°let¡¯s go!¡±


    the second stage nihility chick didn¡¯t dare to resist. fifth grandma¡¯s restrictions made it so that he would wish he was dead if he showed even a trace of rebelling. he hurriedly nodded and leaped up.


    he headed straight for the sky.


    as for the other little chicks, all of them rushed out rapidly and followed behind.


    just like that, the group of little chicks sped all the way. amidst the gray storm, a whistling sound rang out as they flew toward the edge of the desert.


    their speed was so fast that they seemed to be shuttling through the void.


    in just a few hours, they flew from the bitter life mountain range to the edge of the desert.


    from afar, one could see a large number of makeshift sand houses being constructed on the outskirts of the desert. those stationed here were desert cultivators, numbering nearly ten thousand, with ancestor mogui as their leader.


    after noticing a group of chicks flying over, the cultivators here were all surprised. ancestor mogui was the first to rush out.


    he knew these chicks. after he flew into the air and saw xu qing¡¯s figure clearly, ancestor mogui¡¯s heart trembled.


    ¡°it¡¯s this young master!¡±


    as a staff member of the apothecary, he naturally knew xu qing¡¯s status in the apothecary. he had also seen the crown prince guide him many times. hence, he was fully aware that this person was the owner of the apothecary and was like a disciple to the crown prince.


    he hurriedly spoke loudly.


    ¡°greetings, young master!¡±


    ancestor mogui cupped his fists and bowed in the air.


    xu qing nodded and similarly cupped his fists in return.


    ¡°greetings, senior.¡±


    although the other party¡¯s identity was a staff member of the apothecary, xu qing knew that all of this was because of the heir and not him. moreover, compared to those little chicks, there must be a reason why ancestor mogui was let off by the heir.


    facing xu qing¡¯s return greeting, ancestor mogui sighed with emotion. he could be shameless in the apothecary but there were so many people here now and most of them were his subordinates, so he wanted to maintain some dignity.


    xu qing¡¯s return greeting made him feel very comfortable. naturally, he felt a little closer to him.


    ¡°young master, what¡¯s your motive for coming here this time?¡±


    ¡°the heir ordered me to come and receive the cultivators from the moon rebel hall.¡±


    xu qing looked up into the distance. beyond the gray wind, the sky and earth were dyed in a blood-red hue, as if soaked in blood. in this blood-colored world, numerous black dots appeared on the horizon.


    they were rushing over.


    those small black dots were flying ships.


    they were the ships of the fourth hall master and his subordinates who had fled all the way under the pursuit of the red moon shrine.


    most of the thousand flying ships had some degrees of damage. the cultivators inside were even weaker than half a month ago. it was the same for their fatigue. the eruption of their injuries and the anxiety in their hearts caused everyone to be exhausted.


    behind them was a sky filled with red lights.


    as for the fourth hall master at the front of the team, his face was pale and his injuries were serious. the auras of the nihility subordinates behind him had also reached the critical point.


    ¡°fourth hall master, this is the last curse subduing pill. although master pill nine¡¯s pills are provided for free, there are too many people who need them and the number is limited. i¡¯m ultimately inferior to master pill nine. even if he gave me the prescription, i cannot produce it.¡±


    behind the fourth hall master, a middle-aged man at the first stage of nihility took out a pill bottle and handed it over.


    when the fourth hall master heard this, he looked at the medicinal pill and let out a low voice.


    ¡°shengluo, you¡¯ve done your best.¡±


    ¡°you guys can split it up and consume it. i can still hold on.¡±


    that first stage nihility middle-aged man was none other than master shengluo.


    hearing the fourth hall master¡¯s words, shengluo lowered his head.


    the fourth hall master patted his shoulder and looked at the distant desert, at the gray storm that blotted out the sky.


    due to the obstruction of the storm, he couldn¡¯t see xu qing and the others. what he saw was a vast expanse. hence, he communicated softly.


    ¡°master pill nine didn¡¯t reply to any of my messages. i think it¡¯s inconvenient for him to reveal his identity. i hope he¡¯s fine¡­¡±


    shengluo nodded with a complicated expression.


    ¡°there are rumors that master pill nine is in the desert ahead¡­ fourth hall master, the news from the desert holy land has also been transmitted through the master pill nine. they allow us to enter, and the designated entry point is here.¡±


    ¡°but behind us¡­¡± shengluo turned his head and looked behind him.


    behind them, the redness of the world was like viscous blood that was constantly churning over. one could vaguely see many huge organs in this red world.


    on the way, they encountered several interceptions from the red moon shrine. every time, it was a bitter battle and there were more and more casualties. this was also the reason why everyone¡¯s injuries were getting more serious.


    every time they shook them off, it wouldn¡¯t be long before the red moon shrine caught up to them again.


    at that moment, the pursuers from the red moon shrine emerged again.


    ¡°it¡¯s fine. to the red moon shrine, this suppression isn¡¯t very important. after all, the crimson goddess will descend in less than ten months. if too many of us die, more red moon dependent forces will have to fill this gap.¡±


    the fourth hall master¡¯s voice was filled with fatigue as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°so, the internal situation of the red moon shrine is actually quite chaotic. the wills are not unified; some take this as a game, some are blatantly neglecting the orders, and some emphasize suppression.¡±


    ¡°and if you carefully recall this trip, we¡¯re only being chased away.¡±


    the fourth hall master sneered.


    ¡°there are some forces in the red moon shrine who hope that we can survive until the crimson goddess descends.¡±


    ¡°there are also some forces that adhere to the concepts of the previous eras in this large region. they think that delicious food needs to move around more. only when it¡¯s active will it be more aesthetically pleasing. the more it struggles, the more delicious it will be.¡±


    ¡°to us, it¡¯s a life-and-death resistance. to the higher-ups of the red moon shrine, this might just be a game.¡±


    ¡°however, because of the appearance of the heir, some of the forces in the temple have become vigilant. they are the ones who launched the suppression.¡±


    shengluo fell silent. he had also observed this phenomenon along the way. not only him, but the nihility cultivators of the various races on the flying ships also sensed it. however, it was now exposed by the fourth hall master.


    ¡°don¡¯t dwell on it too much. regardless of what happens ten months from now, at least¡­ we are living for freedom now.¡±


    the fourth hall master took a deep breath and waved his hand. immediately, the speed of all the flying ships soared and they headed straight for the desert storm in front of them, getting closer and closer.


    however, at this moment, the blood light behind them suddenly flickered and expanded. at the same time, it transformed into a large blood-colored hand that blotted out the sky and earth as it grabbed at them.


    a cold glint flashed in the fourth hall master¡¯s eyes and his cultivation base erupted. immediately, the color of the sky changed and illusory small worlds appeared in the sky. after they fused together, they formed an illusory large world.


    this was the sign of a fourth stage nihility cultivator!


    although the great world was illusory, it was astonishingly majestic. it blocked the incoming blood-colored hand.


    at the same time, all the cultivators on the flying ship also acted, forming tens of thousands of spells that gathered together, adding color to the large world and making it look even more real.


    the dozen or so nihility cultivators spread out their cultivation bases, forming the pillars of the great world.


    the thunderous sound erupted in an instant, deafening and overwhelming. a tremendous force surged, creating waves that spread in all directions, causing the blood-colored hand to shatter into fragments.


    however, the fourth hall master¡¯s illusory great world also collapsed and everyone spat out blood, but their flying ships, propelled by the impact, accelerated even more. like celestial maidens scattering flowers, they rushed towards the storm in the desert.


    meanwhile, the storm connecting the heavens and the earth in the desert, amidst the endless howling, suddenly cracked open. it was as if two massive curtains were moving apart, revealing a widening gap that resembled the opening of a door.


    inside the door, one could see ancestor mogui, xu qing, and tens of thousands of cultivators from the desert.


    both sides gazed at each other. just as the fourth hall master¡¯s side was about to rush in, the red light in the distance erupted again. the temples carried by dozens of lumps of flesh didn¡¯t get close but stopped. however, they each emitted a rich blood glow, transforming into a massive face in the sky.


    this face gazed like the face of a nonhuman that was covered in scales. it coldly gazed at the desert, charging directly as if to follow the flying ships and enter the desert together.


    however, at this moment, xu qing patted the giant chick under him.


    the large chick trembled and cautiously hurried out, carrying xu qing into the air. ignoring the passing flying ships from the fourth hall master¡¯s side, xu qing raised his right hand, palm facing the huge face outside the storm.


    he had a jade token in his hand.


    at this moment, he ruthlessly squeezed.


    the jade token instantly shattered and an energy fluctuation of soul accumulation erupted from within, forming a huge vortex in front of xu qing.


    as it rumbled, bolts of lightning swam inside. after that, an earth-shattering huge finger stretched out from the vortex.


    countless flashes of lightning accompanied its movement, and surrounded by the sun, moon, and stars, it emerged as if a meteoric shower, carrying the overwhelming aura of soul accumulation, was sweeping across.


    from a distance, it seemed like fragmented stones piercing through the void, waves crashing on the shore. the finger, with its majestic energy, aimed towards the approaching face.

 Chapter 1049 - 1049 Chaos of the Flocking Chicks

    1049 chaos of the flocking chicks


    this was an attack from the heir¡¯s soul accumulation cultivation!


    it contained dao rules, nomological arts, and the blessing of the immemorial heavenly dao. it was capable of suppressing all things in heaven and earth, shattering any resistance, and breaking infinite wills.


    there was also the power of authority that spread into the surroundings. it was capable of altering the perception of sentient beings, deceiving even the heavens. when manifested in the divine technique, it became extremely domineering, adhering strictly to its will.


    everything collapsed in its way.


    in the blink of an eye, the finger landed on the forehead of the blood-red face that was trying to rush into the desert storm.


    the face shook and its eyes widened in anger. it let out a deep roar and tried to resist, but a black ripple spread out from the space between its brows where the finger touched, covering the entire giant face.


    as the ripple spread, the face caved in, cracked, until it shattered into countless fragments, dispersing in all directions.


    it stirred up a storm, sweeping forcefully towards the direction of the red moon shrine. the rumbling sounds were deafening at this moment, as though an invisible hand had transformed into raging waves that slapped the shore.


    the side of the red moon shrine instantly fell into chaos, with many collapsing and tumbling.


    the attack of the soul accumulation contained monstrous divine might.


    when the fourth hall master and the others, who had rushed into the desert, witnessed this scene, they gasped in shock. they knew there was a fourth stage nihility expert like the fourth hall master among the pursuing red moon shrine cultivators.


    under the effect of the tidal force of the red moon star, the combat strength of a divine envoy with such a cultivation base would receive an extremely terrifying enhancement. coupled with the help of others, they could display the might of a quasi soul accumulation cultivator.


    just like the huge face earlier.


    however, right now, this face seemed to be like paper, so fragile that it couldn¡¯t withstand a single blow.


    but, as the supreme will of the moon worship region, it was naturally impossible for the red moon shrine to be defeated just like that. as the crimson light flickered, blood-colored brilliance erupted from the temples again.


    after that, blood figures shot out one after another. they took advantage of the moment when the jade token in xu qing¡¯s hand shattered and the heir¡¯s attack dissipated to rush toward the desert storm.


    there were more than a thousand of them. the peculiar thing about these cultivators was that they seemed to lack a corporeal body. they resembled blood souls, traversing the void and directly entering the desert.


    the instant they rushed in, they released their power of the crimson goddess and activated their divine techniques, as though they wanted to taint the edge of the desert and let the divine might of the crimson goddess invade this place.


    when the fourth hall master saw this, he immediately issued orders. the flying ships that had entered the desert swiftly changed direction. the cultivators inside rushed out. a portion of them met with the other fellow daoists and a portion of them attempted to intercept the blood figures.


    ancestor mogui also immediately issued orders. the desert cultivators stationed here acted immediately. there was also the wind guard race who used their race¡¯s divine art, causing the storm to intensify and howl.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was also cold as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°the chance to redeem yourselves is here.¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, he performed a series of hand seals and pointed at the little chicks behind him. immediately, these little chicks let out sharp cries and their bodies emitted cultivation fluctuations while growing larger.


    just like the large chick under xu qing¡¯s feet, these little chicks also became large chicks in the blink of an eye.


    they, one after another, displayed ferocious expressions, with a determination in their eyes as they charged forward. their madness stemmed from the desire to make a contribution, avoid being devoured, or perhaps to appear more diligent than the other chicks.


    the chicks rose into the air and approached the blood figures. a chaotic battle unfolded instantly.


    aftershocks spread everywhere and the sounds of fights echoed in all directions. at the same time, the storm became even more violent than before.


    even though more blood shadows rushed in from the red moon shrine and the blood light had gradually invaded the desert wind, the attacks of the rebel army were still powerful.


    the most eye-catching ones were those large chicks.


    all of them were over 100 feet in size. they were desperate and fearless, causing their combat strength to rise significantly, making them extremely fierce.


    wherever they passed, the blood figures were devoured by them like insects.


    the act of devouring was incredibly skillful, as if it had become instinctive. however, casualties were inevitable, but an even more bizarre scene unfolded.


    after the injuries on these large chicks reached a certain level, they actually emitted a white light and instantly recovered.


    this was the power of fifth grandma¡¯s authority.


    xu qing fell into deep thought. if it was said that red moon cultivators were blessed because they believed in the crimson goddess and thus obtained the divine might of the crimson goddess, then these little chicks had unknowingly begun to believe in grandma five, so they also had a portion of grandma five¡¯s abilities.


    however, this ability wasn¡¯t absolute, so death would still appear.


    perhaps what the fourth hall master had said was correct, or perhaps they were afraid of the soul accumulation, so the red moon shrine outside the desert didn¡¯t go all out.


    after releasing a large number of blood figures and sensing that they were being rapidly destroyed, they chose to retreat.


    with the receding blood glow, eventually, with the cooperation of everyone, this support operation came to an end under the barrier of the sandstorm in the great desert.


    the rebel army on the fourth hall master¡¯s side felt different emotions after surviving this calamity, ranging from relief to contemplation. at the same time, they looked at the desert cultivators.


    or rather, they were mainly looking at those incomparably ferocious and savage large chicks.


    as such, xu qing, who was standing on the largest chick, appeared especially conspicuous and attracted even more attention.


    in reality, red moon¡¯s side had also paid attention previously. after all, it was xu qing who had activated the soul accumulation jade token. however, after xu qing left the god slaying platform, in order not to attract too much attention, he disguised his appearance again with the help of the heir and the others.


    after all, what he had done on the god slaying platform was too significant.


    hence, in the eyes of the red moon cultivators, although xu qing was still handsome, he couldn¡¯t overlap with the person who had once shaken the hearts of all living beings.


    it was the same for the rebellion army of the moon rebel hall on the fourth hall master¡¯s side.


    xu qing was calm. he patted the large chick under his feet and walked toward the fourth hall master and the others.


    the fourth hall master stared at xu qing who was walking over from afar and asked ancestor mogui, who had arrived beside him.


    ¡°fellow daoist mogui, who is this young man?¡±


    as the fourth hall master spoke, master shengluo also looked over.


    ancestor mogui¡¯s heart stirred. he was only at the first stage of nihility, and the person in front of him was at the fourth stage. not only was he the deputy hall master of the moon rebel hall, but he was also a big shot in the entire moon worship region.


    if it was when he hadn¡¯t joined the apothecary, he would be extremely apprehensive when facing this person. after all, the difference in status was too great.


    however, it was different now. this could be seen from the way the other party addressed him. hence, he smiled and spoke.


    ¡°that¡¯s my young master.¡±


    the fourth hall master nodded slightly when he heard this. from the term ¡®young master¡¯ and the fact that he could activate the soul accumulation jade token, he already understood the relationship between this young man and the crown prince.


    at the side, master shengluo also took a few more glances at xu qing because of the title of young master. he also sighed with emotion inwardly. after that, he seemed to have thought of something and cupped his fists toward ancestor mogui.


    ¡°fellow daoist mogui, i have something i want to ask.¡±


    ¡°master shengluo, please speak,¡± ancestor mogui stated with a smile. although he wasn¡¯t a cultivator of the moon rebel hall, there were still some moon rebel hall cultivators beside him. he had already learned of their identities through these people¡¯s words, so he knew that this master shengluo was also a big shot.


    ¡°i wonder if there are any alchemy experts in the desert? have you heard of master pill nine¡¯s name?¡±


    when shengluo¡¯s words rang out, xu qing was already close. after hearing this, his gaze landed on the person who spoke. he noticed that this was a middle-aged man with an extraordinary cultivation base who emitted the scent of medicinal pills.


    clearly, this was someone who refined pills all year round.


    when ancestor mogui heard this, he shook his head and didn¡¯t say that xu qing knew alchemy. he had lived for so long and profoundly understood that talking too much could lead to mistakes. moreover, they weren¡¯t familiar with each other.


    just as he was about to speak, he saw the approaching xu qing. hence, he first greeted him before answering shengluo¡¯s question.


    ¡°although we desert cultivators additionally have alchemy cultivators, there seem to be very few with extremely profound attainmentsa?| as for master pill nine, i¡¯ve also heard of him. does master shengluo mean that master pill nine is in my desert?¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he glanced at the alchemy cultivator and saw the statue of master shengluo in his mind, overlapping with the person before him.


    he recalled the alchemy battle between the other party and him in the moon rebel hall.


    shengluo sighed. he could tell that mogui was being perfunctory and knew that he had been too hasty. he then nodded at xu qing. the fourth hall master¡¯s gaze additionally landed on xu qing.


    ¡°greetings, seniors.¡± xu qing cupped his fists.


    ¡°junior is here to receive you on the orders of the heir. i welcome everyone to the green sand desert.¡±


    looking at the fourth hall master, xu qing felt a strange sense of familiarity. soon, he recalled the messages he used to receive periodically in his temple.


    however, he had always been concealing himself very well, so it was impossible for the other party to know that he was pill nine.


    this was indeed the case. although the fourth hall master¡¯s cultivation was profound, he wasn¡¯t omnipotent. he and shengluo would never have thought that the pill nine they had always wanted to visit was right in front of them.


    however, this didn¡¯t hinder them from being polite. even though he had a nihility cultivation base, xu qing had come to receive them in the name of the heir. hence, they chatted very harmoniously.


    just like that, under xu qing¡¯s invitation, the group of people headed toward the bitter life mountain range in a majestic manner.


    the sandstorm howled. xu qing and ancestor mogui stood on the fourth hall master¡¯s flying ship. xu qing addressed sparingly during the journey, leaving ancestor mogui to introduce the desert. naturally, the conversation turned to the gray wind here and the holy land¡¯s apothecary.


    the moment the scene of the god being slain ended in the minds of all living beings was when the gray wind was formed. this matter was no longer a secret by now.


    in reality, this was additionally the reason why outsiders guessed that the scene in the minds of all living beings was related to the crown prince.


    however, after hearing ancestor mogui¡¯s explanation, the fourth hall master glanced at xu qing and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°young man, the figure on the god slaying platform in the minds of all living beings was you, right?¡±


    at the side, master shengluo wasn¡¯t paying attention to the talks of the god slaying platform but the apothecary. at that moment, he additionally looked at xu qing and couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°little friend, are you the one who opened the apothecary? you know alchemy?¡±

 Chapter 1050 - 1050 Little Qing, Im Missing a Kidney!

    1050 little qing, i¡¯m missing a kidney!


    the gray wind howled, carrying countless grains of sand, blowing across the flying ships in the expanse of the sky.


    although they had barriers, the relentless pounding sound still accompanied the words of the fourth hall master and master shengluo, entering xu qing¡¯s ears,


    at the same time, the other subordinates of the fourth hall master on the flying ship also opened their eyes from healing, looking towards xu qing.


    xu qing looked at the fourth hall master.


    previously, at the edge of the desert, when he first saw the other party, he had felt a sense of familiarity.


    this feeling wasn¡¯t because they had seen each other¡¯s statues in the moon rebel hall.


    the statues and the individuals were different. in fact, their gender and race were hidden by the statue. unless one had the highest authority in the moon rebel hall, it was impossible to identify someone.


    hence, xu qing had been silently pondering over the source of this familiarity.


    at this moment, he found it.


    the most prominent feature of this fourth hall master was his stern and solemn demeanor. a smile seemed to be a rare expression on his face, and the forehead furrows intensified this sense of sternness.


    this kind of facial expression reminded xu qing of kong liangxiu, the palace master of the sword palace in fenghai county.


    he thought of the palace master, even though several years had passed, waves still rose in his heart. the figure of the other party standing outside the taboo formation, blocking the advance of the holy wave race¡¯s army remained eternal in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°my eldest senior brother was the one who made the arrangements in the land of god slaying.¡±


    xu qing spoke softly.


    he wasn¡¯t lying. in the beginning, it was indeed chen erniu. even the final outcome was also caused by chen erniu. it was just that there was a little accident in the process.


    as for the truth, xu qing felt that there was no need for him to tell others.


    ¡°i opened the apothecary. i know a thing or two about alchemy.¡±


    after xu qing finished speaking, his gaze fell on master sheng luo. then he closed his eyes, crossed his legs, and sat in place. because of the familiarity with the past, his mind immersed itself in the memories of fenghai county.


    the fourth hall master¡¯s gaze was deep and he didn¡¯t ask further. as for master shengluo, he sighed inwardly. he didn¡¯t think that xu qing¡¯s alchemy attainments could be high, let alone associate him with pill nine.


    this was because in his heart, the person who could see through his thoughts and speak the ideal of the alchemy of the moon worship region would definitely be the same as him, immersed in the pursuit of alchemy.


    he wouldn¡¯t be so young.


    just like that, as xu qing immersed in the memories, time flowed by. these flying ships traversed the sandstorm and arrived at the bitter life mountain range a day later.


    under ancestor mogui¡¯s arrangements, the residency rights of over ten mountain peaks were given to the fourth hall master. that place would be the new home of the fourth hall master and his people.


    xu qing also completed his mission and returned to the apothecary. he locked those little chicks in the backyard again and sat in front of the heir. he then took out the unused soul accumulation jade token and placed it to the side.


    princess mingmei wasn¡¯t around.


    as the heir drank his tea, his gaze swept across the jade token and he calmly spoke.


    ¡°take it, consider it a life-saving item i¡¯m giving you.¡±


    xu qing looked at the heir.


    ¡°senior, are you planning to go on a long journey?¡±


    ¡°after some time, third sister and i will be going out to unseal old ninth. we don¡¯t need your help this time. we¡¯re fully confident and are just waiting for the right moment.¡±


    xu qing nodded and kept the jade token.


    ¡°you can¡¯t slack off in your cultivation either. as for the matter about d132 you asked before, i can now tell you.¡±


    the heir¡¯s gaze was deep as he looked at xu qing¡¯s body.


    xu qing¡¯s spirits were lifted and he listened attentively.


    seeing xu qing like this, the heir felt comfortable in his heart. he had spent some effort thinking about d132. at that moment, he put down his teacup and calmly spoke.


    ¡°your d132 is both a prison and fortune. it also contains a god¡¯s finger.¡±


    ¡°although this finger isn¡¯t much and looks like the finger of a lower god¡¯s clone, the fact that it was born as a god is quite rare and valuable.¡±


    ¡°however, this has made your d132 complicated. i can tell that this finger also has authority. that¡¯s the power of misfortune!¡±


    ¡°but this misfortune doesn¡¯t belong to you. what truly belongs to you is the power of forgetfulness formed by the fusion of d132¡¯s fortune and misfortune!¡±


    ¡°this combination of luck and bad luck is very ingenious. i see many traces of human restrictions on it, and even the handiwork of the sword holder palace. if i¡¯m not mistaken, its prototype should be the prison department of the sword holder palace!¡±


    ¡°it is the people of later generations who, with the help of past records, innovated and ultimately shaped it.¡±


    the heir¡¯s deep voice echoed in xu qing¡¯s ears, and xu qing shuddered as he felt a deep respect.


    he hadn¡¯t said much about d132 to the heir but the other party could directly see through its essence. xu qing stood up and bowed.


    ¡°senior, please guide me.¡±


    the heir laughed.


    ¡°feel its power of forgetfulness. this is a new authority¡­ it¡¯s also a direction that the sword holder palace explored during the ancient sovereign mystic nether era.¡±


    ¡°back then, someone called that direction the domain.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart stirred. he thought of the grand affairs immortal sect in fenghai county.


    li zimei had once told him that the cultivation techniques of the grand affairs immortal sect ultimately followed the path of domain.


    the sea corpse race¡¯s patriarch also took this path.


    there was also the grand affairs immortal sect cultivator he had encountered under the absolute beginning separation pillar. the other party¡¯s attack also contained a domain.


    next was qing qiu. when the other party used her trump card, she also displayed a type of domain power.


    xu qing didn¡¯t expect that after going around in a circle, it turned out that his d132 also contained this kind of ability.


    noticing xu qing¡¯s expression, the heir understood.


    ¡°it seems that you¡¯ve encountered domain cultivators before. this is normal. after all, when the ancient sovereign mystic nether was still around, the sword holder palace invited many experts to participate in the research for better understanding.¡±


    ¡°however, this forgetfulness domain of yours is different from ordinary ones. after all, this is the result of the fusion of the fortune of all living beings and the god¡¯s misfortune. it¡¯s worth studying carefully.¡±


    ¡°moreover, back then, the purpose of the sword holder palace¡¯s research on the domain was to construct a power that could make gods bow their heads.¡±


    after saying that, the heir picked up his teacup. he had now found the knack of educating xu qing. he needed to explain everything in great detail, leaving no room for xu qing¡¯s comprehension to play out.


    and for what he only vaguely understood, it would be better to provide him with as many mysterious words as possible and give him a general direction. this way, it would be more suitable for xu qing¡¯s comprehension.


    moreover, this direction needed to be broad enough. as for whether he could achieve it was a matter for the future.


    xu qing took a deep breath. the heir¡¯s words created him suddenly clear about d132, and he now had a direction. with a respectful salute, he immediately returned to the back room, and started contemplating.


    the nascent soul in d132 also unlocked its eyes at this moment, revealing a green glow.


    the god¡¯s finger that was being stared at instinctively turned over and continued to pretend to be asleep. however, its mind was trembling.


    this was even more so for the other criminals.


    regardless of whether it was the head or the stone lion, they were already in extreme reverence for xu qing. after coming to the moon worship region, they felt that xu qing was becoming more and more inhumane and even more terrifying.


    even the painting old man was trembling. at that moment, even if he had a hundred guts, he wouldn¡¯t dare to clamor at xu qing at all.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care much about these criminals. his divine sense overlapped with d132¡¯s nascent soul and swept past them one by one.


    with the guidance provided by the heir, xu qing felt that with the god¡¯s finger as the source of misfortune and his nascent soul as the gathering of fortune, the greatest manifestation of the power of forgetfulness was actually these criminals.


    finally, his gaze landed on the painting old man.


    the old man¡¯s face was pale and he had a bad feeling.


    ¡°lord, i think our d132 isn¡¯t perfect yet. we lack people¡­ we lack the water vat and the straw doll!¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s right, that¡¯s right, boss. these two must be causing trouble for the people outside. we harbor justice and cannot allow them to be so unrestrained!¡±


    the head quickly spoke.


    xu qing was expressionless. he lifted his right hand and grabbed. immediately, the painting old man flew over and landed in xu qing¡¯s nascent soul¡¯s hand. the old man revealed a fawning expression and was about to speak.


    ¡°quiet.¡±


    xu qing transmitted his divine sense.


    the old man immediately took out a brush and created a stroke across his mouth, sealing it shut. then, he put on a fawning expression on his face.


    xu qing nodded and pressed his hand on the forehead of the painting old man, sensing it carefully. not long later, he grabbed the head and stone lion, similarly perceiving them at a deep level.


    in fact, for the sake of better research, he simply waved his hand and smashed these three into minced meat. he stared fixedly at them and paid attention to their revival.


    after the cycle repeated, under the pleading of the three criminals and the trembling of the god¡¯s finger, xu qing ended his research.


    in the back room, xu qing unlocked his eyes, revealing understanding.


    ¡°back then, most of d132¡¯s previous guardians died from misfortune, and i also experienced multiple episodes of forgetfulness¡­¡±


    ¡°these prisoners themselves are a part of misfortune, so to some extent, they are immortal.¡±


    ¡°the reason why i forgot was because i was also tainted by misfortune, combined with the fusion of fortune, leading to the state of forgetfulness.


    ¡°forgetting to sever the cause and effect. this is the core of d132.¡±


    ¡°so, forgetfulness¡­ requires misfortune and fortune to blend and erupt simultaneously in me.¡±


    xu qing remained silent. the d132 nascent soul flew toward the god¡¯s finger and pressed down on its body.


    the finger was unwilling but it didn¡¯t dare to resist. the instant d132 nascent soul came into contact with the finger, xu qing¡¯s main body appeared dazed.


    this daze lasted for quite some time, until he instinctively sensed the fluctuations transmitted by the moon rebel hall. then, he grabbed out the mirror given by the heir and entered the highest hall.


    the moment he stepped in, the captain¡¯s small totem appeared on the gate and wailed.


    ¡°little qing, something¡¯s wrong, really wrong this time. during this period, i¡¯ve been sensing the traces of all my body parts through the moon rebel hall. although it¡¯s not precise, i can vaguely sense everything except one missing!¡±


    ¡°i-i-i¡­ my past life¡¯s body appears to be missing a kidney, no matter what, i can¡¯t sense it at all!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve checked many times but i can¡¯t find them. this is impossible! even if it was eaten by someone, it should leave traces in the bloodline, and i should be able to sense it.¡±


    ¡°now, it¡¯s gone, no traces at all. my kidney, what happened¡­¡±

 Chapter 1051 - 1051 Xu Qings Forgetfulness Domain

    1051 xu qing¡¯s forgetfulness domain


    in the highest hall of the moon rebel hall, the captain¡¯s voice was filled with confusion, nervousness, and anxiety.


    ¡°how could this happen? my past life¡¯s body is incomplete now. little qing, do you know how important the kidney is for a man?¡±


    ¡°my kidney, am i not a complete man anymore?¡±


    ¡°the most important thing is that the one i lost was specially refined by me in my previous life. it¡¯s extremely significant and precious.¡±


    on the gate, the small totem formed by the captain had a look of sadness and resentment, gritting his teeth as if he had lost a beloved one.


    ¡°it must be some despicable scoundrel coveting my precious kidney, taking it for himself to conquer everything! hateful, hateful, hateful!¡±


    ¡°if this matter cannot be resolved, it would be fine if it only affected me, but it will impact our major plan. my previous life¡¯s body cannot be missing any part¡­¡±


    the captain was clearly anxious.


    when xu qing heard this, his expression was a little strange. his mind instantly recalled the clay fox he had encountered in a canyon in the west of the moon worship.


    at that time, the clay fox had shown a kidney to him¡­


    at the thought of this, xu qing hesitated for a moment, but in order to confirm, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, how many kidneys did you have in your previous life?¡±


    ¡°two. i¡¯m a human and was also a human in my previous life. don¡¯t humans all have two? you have three?¡± the captain sized up xu qing.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care about the captain¡¯s gaze and patiently asked another question.


    ¡°can you sense the other one?¡±


    ¡°i can. the other kidney is in a divine son nest in the east. although it has become fertilizer, i can clearly sense it.¡±


    after saying that, the captain reacted and his eyes revealed an intense light. he then looked at xu qing nervously and expectantly.


    ¡°little qing, why are you asking me this? could it be that you¡¯ve seen my kidney before?¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t say anything and carefully recalled the kidney that the clay fox had taken out back then. his silence made the captain more anxious, fearing the worst.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, the kidney you lost, was it golden, crescent-shaped, with some runic marks on it?¡±


    xu qing looked at the captain.


    the captain was instantly excited. his totem shuddered and he exclaimed.


    ¡°that¡¯s right, that¡¯s right. it¡¯s golden. little qing, have you seen it before?¡±


    xu qing thought about it and told the captain about his encounter with the clay fox.


    the more the captain listened, the more his emotions fluctuated. finally, he gasped.


    ¡°you mean that the clay fox wants you to eat my kidney to nourish your body?¡±


    ¡°i didn¡¯t eat.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°you might as well have eaten it. that way, i could have taken it out. what do we do now¡­¡± the captain¡¯s heart was a little chaotic and complicated as he let out a long sigh.


    ¡°also, little qing, this clay fox isn¡¯t simple. i actually couldn¡¯t sense my kidney when it was with her. this in itself already shows that this person is extraordinary.¡±


    ¡°in my memories of my previous life, there was no such existence. according to your description, she was sitting in a shrine. this is the layout of a god!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze froze. he had sensed the mysteriousness of the clay fox back then.


    ¡°in addition, she can take out so many precious things and even said that the kidney was given to her by someone else. if that¡¯s the case, it further confirms that this fox is definitely not ordinary. maybe she is a god?¡±


    when the captain said this, he trembled again and revealed grief and indignation.


    ¡°if she¡¯s really a god, where did she come from? why did she take my kidney¡­ sigh, it¡¯s all my fault. back then, i refined my kidney too well and actually attracted the attention of a god!¡±


    the captain had mixed feelings. there was helplessness and indignation, mixed with some pride. in the end, he looked at xu qing eagerly.


    ¡°little qing, how about¡­¡±


    before the captain could finish speaking, xu qing immediately interrupted him.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, so be it if you have one less. don¡¯t you still have one left? in my heart, you¡¯re still the complete eldest senior brother.¡±


    as he spoke, xu qing turned to leave. he knew what the captain was trying to say.


    ¡°wait a moment, junior brother!¡±


    the captain became even more nervous and hurriedly called out.


    ¡°junior brother, this is a major matter that concerns us. why don¡¯t you sacrifice yourself? if that clay fox is really a god, i think you won¡¯t suffer a loss!¡±


    xu qing ignored him and walked toward the altar, wanting to leave.


    ¡°little qing, this concerns all living beings in the moon worship region!¡±


    ¡°the most important thing is, this concerns my future! having one of my kidneys in the hands of an unknown person is a huge risk. without this kidney, i¡¯m incomplete, and i won¡¯t be able to ultimately reunite my body!¡±


    the captain was anxious and his voice was hurried. he seldom acted like this.


    xu qing knew that his eldest senior brother was really flustered. hence, he stopped in his tracks and hesitated. recalling the scene of the clay fox, he had a faint feeling that the other party seemed to have deliberately taken out that kidney for him to see.


    ¡°little qing, there¡¯s a high chance that the clay fox let you know on purpose. however, she didn¡¯t have any ill intentions toward you at that time. i think she wanted you to look for her¡­¡±


    ¡°alright, if you really don¡¯t want to, let me bear all this suffering. however, the promise i made to you back then, to accompany you in this lifetime, may not be fulfilled¡­¡±


    the captain let out a long sigh and his expression was filled with loneliness.


    when xu qing heard this, he nodded.


    ¡°mm, thank you, eldest senior brother.¡±


    as he spoke, he walked onto the altar.


    the captain was stunned and hurriedly smiled awkwardly.


    ¡°junior brother, actually, that¡¯s not what i meant. i think there is still a chance left.¡±


    xu qing, who had walked to the altar, cast a helpless glance at the captain.


    ¡°i¡¯ll give it a try.¡±


    ¡°you are a good brother!¡± the captain was thrilled. with the assurance from xu qing, he felt a great sense of relief, believing that with xu qing¡¯s help, he could get his kidney back.


    xu qing sighed and returned to reality.


    when he appeared, he was already in the back room of the apothecary. just as he was about to think about how to deal with the clay fox, a trance-like expression appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. after a moment, he furrowed his brow and rubbed the center of his forehead.


    ¡°how should i trigger this forgetfulness domain?¡±


    xu qing closed his eyes and pondered for a while. after that, his consciousness entered d132 again. he saw that his nascent soul and the god¡¯s finger were no longer touching each other, and there was a gap between them.


    xu qing fell silent and decided to give it another try. hence, he controlled his nascent soul to continue walking. after touching the finger, his expression became dazed again.


    just like that, time flowed by. xu qing was still studying his forgotten memories. every time his nascent soul and the finger touched, the merging of fortune and misfortune would leave xu qing in a state of confusion.


    it wasn¡¯t until both sides separated after a certain period of time that xu qing¡¯s daze would gradually fade away.


    as for everyone in the apothecary, everything seemed normal.


    only the heir¡¯s expression became increasingly peculiar.


    at that moment, he was sitting there and holding a teacup as he looked at nether fairy.


    ning yan was wiping the ground and ling¡¯er was settling scores. wu jianwu, who was at the door, was also shouting. li youfei was hugging his sword and staring at everyone who came and went.


    nether fairy was still boiling water.


    however, ning yan usually only needed to mop the floor seven or eight times a day, but today he had already done it more than fifty times, seemingly unaware of it himself.


    ling er¡¯s bookkeeping, the same accounts, had been calculated over and over again¡­


    wu jianwu had repeated his poems multiple times throughout the day.


    li youfei stood still, so his action didn¡¯t seem to have any abnormality, and he was completely unaware of all this abnormality.


    as for nether fairy, she was very confused because she noticed that the water was actually boiling, and the teacup on the heir¡¯s table was mostly full, not requiring her to do anything.


    however, unlike the others, after she sensed that something was wrong, a hint of struggle appeared in her eyes. at the next instant, her entire person trembled and her breathing became hurried. she suddenly looked at the surrounding people.


    ¡°what¡¯s going on!¡±


    nether fairy revealed a solemn expression. she looked at the heir before looking at the back room where xu qing was.


    ¡®there¡¯s a strange power coming from the place that kid is at that can cause me to lose my memory?¡¯


    all of this caused nether fairy¡¯s heart to tremble.


    ¡°this is the 95th time you¡¯ve woken up in the past few days. as the days pass, your waking time becomes slower.¡±


    the heir composedly spoke.


    ¡°the others didn¡¯t wake up once. however, that girl, ling¡¯er, is quite extraordinary. she woke up 15 times.¡±


    nether fairy gasped. even she was shocked by such a bizarre expression. when the others heard these words, they were also stunned.


    ning yan¡¯s eyes widened as he looked at the ground and then at the rag in his hand.


    ¡°i¡­ i mopped it countless times in the past few days?¡±


    wu jianwu was also stunned. he found it unbelievable that he could repeat a poem.


    ling¡¯er¡¯s mind shook and li youfei was at a loss.


    nether fairy couldn¡¯t help but speak in a low voice.


    ¡°senior, is this caused by xu qing¡¯s cultivation?¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s right. this is the initial manifestation of the domain of forgetfulness. he is already walking on this path. every time he studies it, everything around him will be affected, experiencing amnesia like him.¡±


    the heir took a sip of the tea.


    ¡°as for your current memories, when xu qing ends his cultivation this time, he will forget his research. you guys will also forget all of this.¡±


    everyone gasped. li youfei trembled and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°senior¡­ i, i often lose something on me. did young master refine pills again?¡±


    the heir looked at li youfei and nodded.


    ¡°he forgot. he considered it was his first time refining, but in reality¡­ he has already refined the pills from you a hundred times.¡±


    when li youfei heard this, his body softened. just as endless fear rose in his heart, the heir¡¯s gaze landed outside the door and he composedly spoke.


    ¡°we have a guest.¡±


    wu jianwu, who was at the door, instinctively perked up. when he looked at the street, an old man silently walked over.


    the old man looked solemn, exuding an air of seriousness and antiquity. after he appeared, he took a few steps and arrived outside the apothecary. his expression was respectful, as if on a pilgrimage, and he bowed profoundly toward the inside.


    ¡°tian nanzi of the moon rebel hall requests to see the heir!¡±


    this tian nanzi was none other than the fourth hall master!


    this was the first time he had come to visit since he came to the bitter life mountain range. originally, he wanted to come here to greet the heir as soon as possible. however, in the past seven to eight days, other than the cultivators under him setting up camp, he suddenly had other things to do.


    the reason for this matter was master pill nine of the moon rebel hall.


    seven days ago, he made a trip to the moon rebel hall and sought an audience outside master pill nine¡¯s temple. finally, he saw the statue of master pill nine waking up.


    so, he politely and sincerely asked if the master could sell him more curse subduing pills and abandoned behind a method of communication of the moon rebel hall.


    master pill nine agreed.


    every day after that, master pill nine transmitted his voice to him many times, asking him to collect the medicine. there were times when he received messages seven or eight times a day and, on other occasions, dozens of times.


    although he didn¡¯t understand why there were so many messages, each time he received the pills, he felt extremely uplifted. many of the cultivators under his command whose curses had intensified were able to resolve their crises, and with his personal intervention, he stabilized their injuries.


    this was why he was delayed. he was finally free today and came to pay his respects.

 Chapter 1052 - 1052 A Secret That Cant Be Told to LingEr

    1052 a secret that can¡¯t be told to ling¡¯er


    after about fifteen minutes, the fourth hall master left the apothecary.


    the moment he walked out, he turned his head and looked at the apothecary with a strange glint in his eyes.


    when he had entered the apothecary and met the heir, he maintained respect and etiquette during the entire conversation. although they didn¡¯t talk much, he expressed his desire to follow the heir¡¯s orders.


    the result was good, but the extraordinariness of the apothecary left an extremely deep impression on him.


    ¡°that young man who is wiping the ground has a bloodline that contains dense human race¡¯s power¡­ he isn¡¯t ordinary. also, i can sense some kind of blessing from the person who is reciting poems at the entrance!¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s also that ancient spirit girl. she has luck on her!¡±


    ¡°the servant girl who is boiling the water gives me a feeling of soul accumulation. her soul is incomplete, probably because the soul was intervened by some high-ranking figure after the death of the ancient soul accumulation expert.¡±


    all of this discovery caused waves in the fourth hall master¡¯s heart. what astonished him even more was the back room¡­


    ¡°the entire apothecary is filled with the power of a strange authority. it should be related to forgetting. if one¡¯s cultivation isn¡¯t high enough, they will be unknowingly affected in the apothecary.¡±


    ¡°this influence¡­ although it¡¯s only at the early stages, it still possesses the might to affect the soul. if it is cultivated successfully¡­ it could dominate and replace the consciousness of all beings in a vast area, using them as vessels for its own cultivation.¡±


    ¡°the source of this is in that back room, which is where the young man who came to pick me up before is.¡±


    ¡°from the looks of it, these people have an extraordinary relationship with the heir, especially that young man who is referred to as the young master¡­¡±


    the fourth hall master walked away with a pensive expression.


    at that moment, in the back room, xu qing opened his eyes. the contact between d132¡¯s nascent soul and the god¡¯s finger also separated at this moment.


    in an instant, a look of confusion appeared in his eyes. simultaneously, everyone in the medicine shop also shook, their expressions becoming dazed, then losing the memories of the previous moments.


    the starting point of this memory was the contact between xu qing¡¯s d132 nascent soul and the god¡¯s finger. the end point was their separation like at this moment.


    however, this process was silent and natural.


    xu qing frowned and picked up the recording jade token in front of him.


    he had arranged this item according to the method he had used in the prison department back then to check the changes in him during this period. however, he didn¡¯t find any problems after looking through the recording.


    from the start to the end, he had been meditating here.


    ¡°but why do i keep feeling like i¡¯ve forgotten something?¡±


    xu qing thought about it. with a wave of his hand, the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor flew out. the shadow on the ground also emitted fluctuations, transmitting information.


    ¡°everything is normal?¡±


    the recording jade token was only one of the arrangements. the shadow and the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor were other preparations by xu qing.


    after that, he checked his surroundings and his storage bag to see if there were any other clues, but seeing that everything was fine, he thought about it and left the back room to head to the main hall.


    everyone in the hall was as usual. when ling¡¯er saw xu qing, she revealed a sweet smile and ran over.


    ¡°brother xu qing, how¡¯s your cultivation? i feel like i¡¯ll make a breakthrough in the next few days.¡±


    xu qing stroked ling¡¯er¡¯s head and smiled. after that, he walked to the counter and lifted his hand to grab a recording jade token hidden on the beam.


    this was what he had placed yesterday.


    although everything was normal in his perception these few days, xu qing kept feeling that something was amiss. hence, he wanted to see if anything had changed in the outside world during his research.


    at that moment, xu qing held it in his hand and checked it carefully. he discovered that everything was as normal.


    there were no problems with the records in the jade token.


    this caused even more doubts to rise in his heart.


    ¡°during my research, regardless of whether it was myself or the outside world, there were no changes? then what have i been studying these few days?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    not far away, the heir picked up his teacup and calmly glanced at xu qing, feeling comfortable in his heart.


    the jade tokens¡­ were naturally tampered by him.


    ¡°so, there is a day when this kid doesn¡¯t understand something. haha, it feels good to watch.¡¯


    ¡®however, this kid¡¯s comprehension is truly astonishing. if he forgets, then everything has to forget. this domain of forgetfulness is truly domineering.¡±


    at the thought of this, the heir decided that after observing for a few more days, he would go and enlighten xu qing to establish his dignity.


    xu qing frowned. after he kept the jade token, he turned to look at the heir.


    the heir¡¯s expression was calm and his gaze was deep.


    xu qing thought about it. after cupping his fists, he entered the back room. when he sat down cross-legged, he recalled carefully.


    however, no matter how he thought about it, there didn¡¯t seem to be anything wrong. it was just that he still felt that he had forgotten something, so he prepared to use his trump cards.


    ¡°have i forgotten anything these few days? or were there any abnormal reactions?¡±


    xu qing spread out his divine sense and sent it into d132¡¯s god finger.


    the god¡¯s finger pretended to be asleep and ignored him.


    however, this behavior still caused xu qing to sense some clues.


    ¡°agreement?¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. he still had another trump card. he took out a small bottle from his storage bag, and shook it slightly. immediately, the sound of collision rang out and whispers rang out faintly.


    feeling that the activity inside was still good, xu qing opened the bottle. with his left hand, he captured something through the air. suddenly, a ball of light flew out, rapidly expanding in front of him until it reached about five feet in size, before xu qing restrained it.


    this was a tree-like brain.


    it was the brain tree xu qing had captured from the great void world before he left fenghai county.


    at that time, he had caught a few of them. now, he took one out and looked at it coldly.


    this brain tree trembled. it clearly had a deep impression of xu qing and was filled with fear. it quickly shook and emitted sounds.


    ¡°not hungry, won¡¯t eat¡­ don¡¯t want to eat¡­ i¡¯m a good brain, won¡¯t eat a good brain.¡±


    ignoring the other party¡¯s words, xu qing pressed his right hand against the brain tree and calmly spoke.


    ¡°swallow all the memories of my meditation two days ago.¡±


    this brain tree trembled but it didn¡¯t dare to disobey. hence, it carefully approached. the moment it came into contact with xu qing, its brain flashed with bolts of lightning.


    as the lightning swam in the brain tree, xu qing didn¡¯t feel like he had lost his memory at all. however, the brain tree shuddered and it emitted a dazed emotion.


    at this moment, it no longer transmitted emotions of fear.


    xu qing paid close attention. very soon, there were changes to the brain tree. it retreated a little and the trance disappeared. fear rose again and it quickly shook its head.


    ¡°not hungry, won¡¯t eat¡­ don¡¯t want to eat¡­ i¡¯m a good brain, won¡¯t eat a good brain.¡±


    xu qing frowned and sensed that there was something wrong with this brain tree. it had repeated its words. moreover, from the looks of it, it didn¡¯t seem to know that it had repeated them. it was as though it had forgotten about the devouring earlier.


    xu qing thought about it and lifted his hand again. just as he was about to continue testing, the brain tree¡¯s body suddenly trembled intensely. in a few breaths, it collapsed and turned into dust that scattered on the ground.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. after pondering for a while, he took out another brain tree and continued to try. after a few times, when five of the brain trees died, he took a deep breath and some unbelievable understanding surfaced in his heart.


    ¡°every time they devour the memories of me studying the concept of forgetfulness, they will automatically forget it, thinking that they haven¡¯t devoured it before¡­¡±


    ¡°in other words, after they ate my memories, they all lost this portion of memories and don¡¯t remember eating it.¡±


    ¡°then their body won¡¯t be able to withstand it and they¡¯ll collapse and die¡­¡±


    ¡°that part of my memory can¡¯t be remembered?¡±


    xu qing rubbed his forehead. he recalled that he had been feeling like he had forgotten something these few days.


    ¡°could it be that i¡¯m also affected by this domain i comprehended?¡±


    just as xu qing was thinking about how to verify it, he suddenly sensed a fluctuation coming from the highest hall of the moon rebel hall. that was the captain calling out.


    only then did xu qing remember that it had been a long time since he had gone to deliver oil to the captain. hence, he took out the mirror and stepped into the supreme hall.


    as soon as he entered, he heard the captain¡¯s excited voice coming from the gate.


    ¡°how¡¯s the progress, little qing? it¡¯s been a few days. can my kidney be saved? have you gotten it back?¡±


    xu qing was startled.


    ¡°what kidney?¡±


    the captain was also stunned. a small totem appeared on the gate and stared at xu qing.


    ¡°junior brother, stop fooling around. don¡¯t joke about my kidney. that¡¯s extremely important to me.¡±


    xu qing frowned and looked at the captain, falling silent for a moment.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, i seem to have forgotten some things.¡±


    erniu¡¯s eyes widened. looking at xu qing¡¯s expression and confirming that xu qing had really forgotten, he took a profound breath.


    ¡°have you comprehended something strange recently?¡±


    xu qing nodded.


    ¡°the crown prince asked me to comprehend the domain of forgetfulness.¡±


    when erniu heard this, he sighed.


    ¡°junior brother, why are you comprehending randomly again¡­ have you forgotten what you promised me? you really don¡¯t remember promising me 100 million spirit stones?¡±


    xu qing was expressionless as he looked at the captain.


    the captain looked extremely sincere.


    ¡°really, little qing, you really promised me. moreover, you promised me to help me get my kidney back. you remember the clay fox, right? you told me that she has taken a fancy to your yang essence. i didn¡¯t make this up. think about it yourself.¡±


    xu qing closed his eyes. he didn¡¯t believe the captain¡¯s words about 100 million spirit stones. according to the captain¡¯s personality, this must be fake.


    however, he recalled that he had never told the captain about the clay fox. now that the other party had mentioned it, he seemed to have really forgotten about it.


    at that moment, he finally understood why he sensed that he had forgotten something when he was at the apothecary.


    he nodded and asked.


    ¡°what happened to your kidney?¡±


    the captain sighed. he sensed that xu qing¡¯s domain of forgetfulness was shameless and unreasonable. back then, he had spent a lot of effort to get him to agree. if he were to put it simply now, he was worried that xu qing would refuse to help.


    hence, he could only recall the sorrow and anxiety he felt back then and repeat what he had said along with apt expressions.


    like this, like this, in this way¡­


    after xu qing finished hearing it, he was about to refuse when the captain sighed again and pondered to himself that it was the same last time. hence, he used the same excuse he had used before.


    after saying everything, he sensed very tired and peered at xu qing eagerly.


    xu qing hesitated. in the end, he nodded and twisted to leave.


    seeing that xu qing was about to leave, the captain was a little worried and shouted.


    ¡°go back and help me find my kidney first. junior brother, don¡¯t continue comprehending. i really don¡¯t want to repeat this conversation the next time i see you¡­ it¡¯s so tiring to repeat it again and again¡­¡±


    xu qing returned.


    he stood in the back room and pondered for a moment before sighing.


    ¡°i will go look for it.¡±


    with that, xu qing¡¯s body swayed and he disappeared from the apothecary.


    he didn¡¯t tell ling¡¯er about his departure.

 Chapter 1053 - 1053 Meeting the Seductive Fox Again

    1053 meeting the seductive fox again


    the wind from the desert came from the sky, as though a huge hole had been revealed in the sky. endless sandstorms swept through every inch of the desert.


    it covered the sky, shrouding everything in a blur.


    the wailing sounds, akin to countless cries, gathered and formed a lamentation that seemed capable of tearing apart the soul.


    if ordinary people that were not native to this place were here, their souls would undoubtedly struggle to endure for too long. even cultivators faced the same challenge. only those native to the desert could remain unaffected.


    at that moment, xu qing was walking in the desert. his expression was calm. he wore a tall hat and there was an ancient artificial sun tied to his waist. his footsteps were relaxed.


    even though the sand was soft, he walked on it like he was walking on a flat ground, and there was no dent.


    he could already perfectly control the strength of every step his body took. due to the agreement, the wind here didn¡¯t obstruct him at all.


    just like that, a few days later, xu qing arrived at the edge of the desert.


    standing there, he turned his head and looked at the desert behind him.


    ¡°unknowingly, i¡¯ve been here for more than a year¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled to himself. this time around, he had only told the heir before departing. he didn¡¯t say anything to the others. as for ling¡¯er¡­ xu qing felt that it was better not to say anything to prevent her from worrying.


    ¡°clay fox¡­¡±


    recalling the scene back then, xu qing frowned slightly. he fell silent for a while before taking a step out of the desert range.


    he headed toward the strange valley he had passed by on the way to the sacrificial yin river.


    three days passed in the blink of an eye.


    on the third night, under the starry sky, the swiftly speeding xu qing saw the valley in the distance.


    when viewed from the sky, it was actually a canyon running east to west. many fractures existed near the western end, forming one small valley after another.


    however, in reality, the true length of this canyon was unknown. it extended eastward into a range of continuous black mountains, making it difficult to see the depths at a glance.


    as for the name of this mountain range, due to the sparse population in this area, there was no official name. xu qing observed the same when looking at the map.


    at that moment, the sky was dark red and blood light splattered down. the canyon looked like a blood-colored ravine


    xu qing was vigilant and cautiously landed. he walked to the valley where he had rested that day and stood there, staring into the depths as he waited silently.


    the surroundings were silent. only the wind blew through the canyon and the grass on the ground swayed, causing xu qing¡¯s hair to flutter. it then turned into a hint of coldness that seeped through his skin and into his entire body.


    gradually, it formed a sinister feeling.


    xu qing was unmoved and continued to wait.


    according to his and the captain¡¯s judgment, this clay fox was extraordinary. hence, the other party would definitely be able to sense his arrival, especially since the other party had also said back then that xu qing could come over at any time.


    xu qing didn¡¯t have to wait long. in just ten minutes or so, the faint sound of gongs and drums could be heard coming from afar. there was also the sharp sound of suona, breaking through the wind and shaking the night.


    the sound grew louder.


    xu qing looked into the depths of the canyon. he saw a group of figures swaying over in the fog-filled world.


    there were over a hundred of them, and they were all clay figures.


    they carried a stone shrine. wherever they passed, the fog would follow. the cold wind in the surroundings became even stronger. as it swept across the valley, weeds and leaves rose into the air.


    xu qing had only looked for a few moments, and the clay figures carrying the shrine in the distance seemed to have shuttled through space. after a few flashes, they appeared in front of xu qing.


    they stopped before him.


    as the clay figures stopped in their tracks, the sound of the gongs, drums, and suona also stopped in unison.


    all the clay figures turned their heads in unison amidst the spreading fog and the cold wind and looked at xu qing. the dozens of figures carrying the shrine even squatted down and brought the shrine to xu qing, inviting him in.


    xu qing was expressionless as he looked at the clay figures in front of him. his gaze then landed on the shrine they were carrying.


    there was no clay fox there, only a stone futon.


    he understood what the other party meant. the other party wanted him to ride on the shrine.


    after pondering for a while, xu qing glanced at the sky before stepping into the shrine.


    everything inside this shrine was made of clay, but the colors were much more vibrant. there were also all kinds of drawings on the interior of the shrine.


    these drawings had different shapes but what they portrayed was the worship of different races. what those races were worshiping was a hexagonal star totem..


    this star carried a sense of ancientness and sacredness, as if it were a god.


    xu qing observed carefully. in the end, his gaze landed on the mural in front of him.


    there was a fox totem in the hexagon there.


    xu qing remained silent. he had already thought about it on the way here. since he was here, he might as well take things as they came. he sat cross-legged on the stone futon.


    the moment he sat down, the shrine suddenly sank.


    the bodies of the dozens of clay figures in the surroundings shook, but in the next moment, the peculiar shrine itself shimmered with a pink light, neutralizing all the weight. following that, all the clay figures effortlessly lifted the shrine.


    when xu qing saw this scene, he fell into deep thought. just then, the sounds of gongs and drums rang out again. the direction of these hundred clay figures changed, and they carried xu qing straight into the depths of the canyon.


    they moved through the fog all the way. the sound of the wind accompanying them seemed to be able to pierce and shatter anything. as for xu qing, who was in the shrine, he saw his surroundings changing rapidly due to the astonishing speed.


    in fact, because the speed was too fast, everything became blurry, and vaguely, one could see the sun, moon, and stars rotating, the mountain ranges and rivers undulating, and numerous worlds seemingly intersecting.


    ¡°we aren¡¯t going to the depths of the canyon!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression turned serious, and soon he sensed a difference again. the outside world became pitch black, the sound of the wind disappeared, all noises ceased, and a pressure descended upon the surroundings.


    ¡°is this the underground?¡±


    after careful observation, xu qing confirmed his analysis, and a vast underground cavern appeared in his sight.


    the underground cavern was vast, scattered with countless pieces of rubble, giving it a sense of ruins. it exuded an ancient aura, making one feel the weight of the years and a profound sense of antiquity upon approaching.


    suspended in mid-air within the cavern was a temple.


    this temple was anything but ordinary. it was hanging upside-down, it was constructed from the bizarre fusion of flesh, mud, and stone, with numerous tentacle-like structures of similar material extending in all directions, connecting the upper and lower parts.


    from afar, it looked like a ball cactus.


    the clay figures that brought xu qing here came to a halt. the shrine sank and landed on the ground. subsequently, all the clay figures bowed in worship towards the inverted temple, remaining still.


    xu qing silently walked forward, gazing at everything. as ripples surged in his heart, the inverted temple¡¯s doors opened without a sound, seemingly welcoming him.


    through the opened doors, xu qing could clearly see the starry sky forming the ceiling, the sun and moon serving as pillars. tall clay figures stood inside the grand hall, and the grandeur of the scenario surpassed anything xu qing had witnessed in his entire life.


    inside, there were no offerings, only a massive mural that caught the eye.


    despite everything being inverted due to the suspended temple, xu qing could still discern the mural¡¯s content.


    in the mural was a sea.


    strangely, in the sky of the painting, there were numerous fish and shrimp, varying in size.


    below in the deep sea, countless birds were portrayed flying underwater.


    it seemed as if everything was reversed, with birds that should have been in the sky now turned into fish in the sea, and the fish transformed into birds. it was unclear whether they had exchanged roles or if the scenario depicted was inherently a bizarre world.


    between the sea and the sky, there was a statue sitting cross-legged.


    this statue was of a gigantic clay fox, dressed in a red robe and with rouge applied to its face. in the depiction, the statue opened its eyes and looked at xu qing, giving a charming smile.


    after that, it stood up and walked out of the world on the murals step by step.


    the instant it stepped out, its appearance changed, transforming into a bewitching woman.


    the red robe on the woman turned into a veil, gently covering her snow-white skin, giving the impression that a light breeze could make the veil slide down her fragrant shoulders.


    the contrast between the red and pink accentuated her alluring figure.


    the towering bosom, the straight and slender legs faintly visible through the red veil, and the tail swaying with her movements all added to her charm.


    her slender waist, barely graspable, and the seductive curves of her hips and buttocks, combined with the graceful sway of her body, created an irresistible allure.


    with a few steps, the woman walked out of the shrine and walked toward xu qing in this cavern that looked like ruins.


    from a distance, this scenario surprisingly carried a sense of beauty¡ªbroken land, desolate ruins, pitch-black cavern, the suspended temple, and numerous worshiping clay statues in the surroundings.


    all of this caused the woman who was strolling over to become the only dazzling light in this place.


    just like that, she walked step by step to xu qing.


    the fragrant wind blew into his face and an uncontrollable restlessness rose in xu qing¡¯s body, transforming into streams of heat that ran amok uncontrollably in his body. it was like countless violent wild beasts wanted to erupt in his body.


    xu qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. although he had experienced such scenes before, it was different this time.


    however, he knew that this was the influence of level.


    ¡°it must be the level!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s will was firm. he took a deep breath and took a few steps back before bowing.


    ¡°greetings, senior.¡±


    the clay fox¡¯s jade-like feet paused slightly. her hair and the red veil on her body were lifted by the wind and fluttered in front of xu qing.


    at that moment, the fluctuations in her limpid phoenix eyes weren¡¯t gentle but a wild sea of fire, causing her entire person to radiate heat. she gazed directly at xu qing, unable to resist licking her moist, red lips.


    her voice, tender and soft, echoed in all directions.


    ¡°young master, long time no see.¡±


    as she spoke, the clay sly walked with graceful steps and circled around xu qing while swaying her enchanting waist.


    she took a light sniff and her face was filled with intoxication.


    ¡°the smell has become even more tempting. i¡¯m really gazing forward to it.¡±

 Chapter 1054 - 1054 Too Ugly, Cant Stomach It!

    1054 too ugly, can¡¯t stomach it!


    ¡°during the time we haven¡¯t met, i dreamt of your fragrance several times. it¡¯s truly haunting. with such cultivation, and still maintaining the original yang essence, it¡¯s indeed rare in the world.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that you are young and don¡¯t know how to appreciate the charm of a big sister. you mistook the little snake for a treasure, breaking sister[1]¡¯s heart.¡±


    the woman covered her perky bosom, her voice coquettish with a sweet and mellow tone, like a valley¡¯s warbling or a tinkling spring, reminiscent and delightful.


    when it landed in xu qing¡¯s ears, it seeped into his mind, causing his breathing to become hurried again. he instinctively moved away a little and turned his head to look at the woman behind him.


    ¡°don¡¯t run, brother. sister forgives you.¡±


    ¡°who asked you to be so tempting? sister¡¯s really happy to see you.¡±


    the clay fox¡¯s beautiful eyes were filled with anticipation. her fiery gaze seemed to be able to see xu qing clearly from the inside out. there was also a wanton smile on her beautiful face as she puffed out her chest and moved closer to xu qing.


    ¡°have you finally opened up or come to a realization this time? you even came to find me secretly all by yourself.¡±


    xu qing instinctively retreated. however, when he took a step back, the clay fox took a step forward. the red veil on her body looked like it was about to slip.


    this scene was like an impatient bully seeing a young girl waiting in her room. he pressed on while taking off her clothes one by one.


    in the end, xu qing had nowhere to retreat. he took a deep breath and kept his face expressionless as he spoke.


    ¡°senior, i came here this time to discuss the kidney from last time.¡±


    the clay fox licked her lips and smiled, waving her hand.


    ¡°that¡¯s a small matter. it¡¯s just a kidney. let¡¯s not waste time. come, sit at big sister¡¯s house for a while. later, big sister will personally cook and stew that kidney for you.¡±


    as she spoke, she was about to bring xu qing to the inverted temple in the air.


    ¡°don¡¯t worry, sister will be very gentle.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s scalp went numb. he circulated all his cultivation and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°senior, that¡¯s not what i meant. i wanted to¡­¡±


    before xu qing could finish speaking, the clay fox smiled lightly. with a raise of her hand, a crescent-shaped golden kidney appeared out of thin air on her jade hand. the kidney emitted golden light that illuminated the surroundings.


    there were also astonishing energy fluctuations spreading out from the kidney, emitting an ancient aura.


    back then, xu qing¡¯s cultivation and horizons were limited, but now that he saw the kidney again, his eyes revealed a strange glint. he could vaguely tell that there was indeed a trace of the captain¡¯s aura on it.


    ¡°is it this?¡± a hint of joy appeared in the clay fox¡¯s eyes.


    xu qing nodded.


    ¡°junior wants to buy this kidney.¡±


    the clay fox¡¯s watery eyes became even more charming. a layer of mysterious fog seemed to spread out from her eyes, dyeing the surroundings pink.


    ¡°why, little brother, do you have to be so straightforward? it takes away all the fun. just follow big sister, and not only will you get one kidney, but i¡¯ll make sure to get you another one.¡±


    ¡°this was originally what i promised you back then to nourish your body. however¡­ what do you want to exchange for it?¡±


    ¡°your yang essence?¡±


    at the mention of the yang essence, the fervor in the clay fox¡¯s eyes grew even more intense. she bit her red lips and looked at xu qing as though she was looking at a treasure.


    even her voice became much sweeter than before, as though it was soaked in honey.


    although xu qing was prepared before he came here, such a gaze still instinctively made him feel uneasy.


    ¡°senior, all six of my masters have given me similar advice¡­ i may not be able to fulfill this request, but i have a senior disciple who can surely satisfy you.¡±


    ¡°i joined the sect later, but my eldest senior brother entered many years earlier than me. he also cultivates the same cultivation art and also has a body of yang essence. senior, you can pluck it whenever you want.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was serious and honest as he looked at the clay fox.


    the clay fox¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡°let me see what he looks like.¡±


    xu qing immediately took out a jade slip and manifested his eldest senior brother¡¯s appearance. he also adjusted it to make him even more handsome.


    however, when the clay fox swept her gaze over, she curled her lips in disdain.


    ¡°too ugly! so ugly. no matter how thick his yang essence is, i won¡¯t be able to stomach it.¡±


    xu qing fell silent and was about to speak when the clay fox casually waved her hand and tossed the golden kidney to xu qing.


    xu qing was stunned and immediately caught it.


    the clay fox lifted her head and glanced at the pitch-black world above. she then smiled nonchalantly and looked at xu qing.


    ¡°you don¡¯t have to rack your brains to think about how to trade.¡±


    ¡°you, this little brother, always know how to refuse me. actually, think about it, as my companion, who would dare to provoke you in the future? just serve me obediently, isn¡¯t that better?¡±


    ¡°however, sister¡¯s not someone who takes advantage of others. you are the one who will suffer a huge loss if you trade your yang essence for this kidney. it¡¯s no wonder you won¡¯t agree.


    ¡°forget it, forget it. who asked you to be so tempting? i¡¯ll give you this kidney as a deposit. i¡¯ll trade for your yang essence when i find a better treasure.¡±


    ¡°as for now, do me a favor and accompany me somewhere. use your yang essence to pave the way for me.¡±


    with that, the clay fox waved her jade-like hand forward. immediately, ripples appeared in front of her and the void tore apart on its own, transforming into a huge gap that looked like a passageway.


    this gap was unstable, sometimes opening and sometimes closing, as if there was a struggle between two opposing forces within.


    as for the interior, it was pitch black, with faint roars that sent shivers down the spine, emitting a terrifying aura and a boundless chill. ordinary cultivators, with just a slight touch, would surely have their body and soul shattered.


    however, in this cavern, this coldness was clearly suppressed and couldn¡¯t spread much.


    ¡°let¡¯s go.¡± the clay fox smiled and turned around. her figure swayed slightly and she moved with graceful steps. her alluring figure, which was covered in veil, swayed as she walked into the gap.


    she didn¡¯t go deep. instead, she stood there and turned to look at xu qing with a smile.


    xu qing lowered his head and silently looked at the kidney in his hand. he then looked at the clay fox in the gap. he pondered for a while.


    finally, determination appeared in his eyes as he walked forward.


    the cold wind blew his clothes. xu qing stepped into the gap and walked into the darkness with the clay fox.


    as xu qing entered, the gap quickly disappeared.


    the pressure inside the cavern also disappeared at this instant. a long time later, fluctuations appeared here and two figures appeared.


    they were the heir and princess mingmei.


    xu qing naturally wouldn¡¯t rashly barge in alone. when he arrived, he had already asked the heir for advice. hence, on the way, the heir and princess mingmei were actually secretly following him.


    at that moment, they looked at the spot where the gap disappeared with solemn expressions.


    ¡°this kid¡¯s judgment isn¡¯t wrong. it¡¯s indeed a god. she sensed us but didn¡¯t mind and allowed us to peep.¡±


    ¡°however, i can sense that she doesn¡¯t have any ill intentions toward xu qing¡­ moreover, the one who came wasn¡¯t her main body but a wisp of divine sense. as for her origin, i¡¯m unable to determine it for the time being.¡±


    ¡°her motive is also unknown.¡±


    ¡°i originally planned to stop her just now, but why did you stop me?¡±


    the heir looked at his third sister beside him.


    princess mingmei was silent for a while before speaking.


    ¡°the high gods of the flame moon mystic heaven race are divided into the sun, moon, and star. among them, the sun god is in a deep sleep, the moon god is active, and the star god is shrouded in mystery¡­ the layout of this place should be somewhat related to that mysterious star flame high god.¡±


    ¡°this is also the reason why i stopped you. i can roughly guess her motive. this is xu qing¡¯s opportunity.¡±


    when the heir heard this, he fell into profound thought.


    at that moment, xu qing and the clay fox were moving forward in the gap.


    the clay fox held a lantern in her hand which emitted a gentle light.


    upon closer inspection, one could see that the light of this lantern came from xu qing.


    countless fine light spots drifted out of xu qing¡¯s body. they were guided by the clay fox and fused into the lantern, forming a source of light.


    outside the light source, it was pitch-black like the abyss. there was no path at all, only endless cold wind, accompanied by waves of shocking roars and wails.


    however, it was obvious that the light of this lantern possessed a suppressive force. even though the roars in the surroundings grew increasingly intense, no existence dared to approach. as the two of them moved forward, the darkness split apart like ink.


    looking at all of this, xu qing followed silently and cautiously. he didn¡¯t know what this place was but he could sense dense anomalous substances outside the range of the light.


    moreover, it wasn¡¯t just one type but multiple.


    xu qing fell into deep thought. after that, he looked at the lantern in the clay fox¡¯s hand.


    he could already tell that what seemed to be the light of the lantern suppressing this place was actually¡­ the lantern itself.


    the function of light was more to guide the way.


    as they moved forward, the light from the lantern seemed to resonate with a certain destination.


    ¡°this yang essence is really pure.¡±


    while xu qing was observing, the clay fox let out a soft cry. her voice was very beautiful, causing one to feel comfortable and relaxed in this void-like world.


    xu qing retracted his gaze from the lantern and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°senior, the yang essence shouldn¡¯t be necessary to enter this place, right? with senior¡¯s ability, you can easily enter any place.¡±


    the clay fox turned her head and looked at xu qing with her beautiful eyes, revealing a hint of admiration.


    ¡°stinky brother¡¯s reaction is quite fast.¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s right. the effect of your yang essence is to guide the way. this is because the place we¡¯re going to is one you¡¯ve been to before.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, his gaze froze.


    at this moment, the light of the lantern in front of him suddenly intensified. under the brightness, it dispersed the darkness in the distant void, revealing the mouth of a gap.


    ¡°we¡¯re here.¡± the clay fox¡¯s expression was saturated with anticipation, her enchanting eyes sparkling, and her voluptuous chest undulating with excitement. in the midst of the surging movement, the thin veil also slightly slipped.


    ¡°i¡¯ve finally found you.¡±


    the clay fox instantly walked a few steps and resided beside the gap, looking inside.


    xu qing¡¯s heart was also solemn as he looked at the gap.


    it was saturated with gray light, as though there was a sandstorm inside. in the depths resided an primordial wooden door that was faintly discernible in the wind.


    on the wooden door, one could vaguely see shocking scratches¡­ they exuded bizarreness, desolation, and gloom.


    when xu qing saw this, his core trembled.


    he had been here before.


    [1] she is referring to herself as big sister. it doesn¡¯t mean siblings.

 Chapter 1055 - 1055 Star Flame High God

    1055 star flame high god


    he had seen this door before!


    the first time he saw it was on the god slaying platform. the captain had gathered the faith of all living beings to open a path to the land of a god. this door had appeared there!


    it was exactly the same. even the scratches on it were the same.


    this was the second time he was seeing it.


    the environment and aura in the gap gave xu qing a sense of familiarity, causing him to immediately realize that this place¡­ was the place the captain had gone to that day.


    ¡®the place the clay fox is looking for is actually this!¡¯


    xu qing remembered very clearly that at that time, the heir and the others had said that the existence at that land of god was a high god of the flame moon mystic heaven race!


    the term ¡®high god¡¯ represented terror and supremacy.


    crimson goddess was a high god, and the master of the land of the wicked was also a high god.


    although the strengths of the gods were different, no matter how weak a high god was, they still possessed astonishing might. their powers couldn¡¯t be imagined by ordinary people.


    hence, xu qing¡¯s mind continued to stir.


    he remembered very clearly that the captain had stood in front of this wooden door and made an agreement with the high god inside. the other party had given him a strand of gray hair.


    the gray wind in the entire desert was also formed because of this hair.


    ¡®the high god behind this door has long made a deal with eldest senior brother in his past life¡­ with her help, eldest senior brother used the ritual dance technique to hide his body parts.¡¯


    ¡®as for the green sand desert, it¡¯s the agreed place between them.¡¯


    ¡®this is a trump card that eldest senior brother has set up for countless years against the crimson goddess!¡¯


    these scenes appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind and a huge commotion stirred in his heart. he had connected everything.


    ¡®also, when i was in the clay fox¡¯s shrine, i saw that the object the myriad races worshiped was a hexagonal star¡­ the flame moon mystic heaven race has three high gods, the sun, moon, and star¡­¡¯


    xu qing abruptly turned his head and looked at the clay fox.


    he had already guessed the other party¡¯s identity.


    the clay fox smiled sweetly at xu qing, her face revealing a flirtatious expression. her charming body swayed as she walked leisurely toward the gap, arriving in front of the door.


    ¡°big sister, i finally found your mark.¡±


    the clay fox¡¯s voice was coquettish, and when it entered the ears, it could cause ripples in the heart, turning into a vortex, as if it could suck all thoughts into it, mesmerizing and reluctant to wake up.


    the door remained unchanged. there was also no sign of the intense banging at the door like when the captain arrived that day.


    however, the cold and evil intent in the surroundings was even more obvious. the anomalous substances here became even denser, causing everything to become blurry. thin fog started to spread in all directions.


    these might pose a huge obstruction to cultivators but they were clearly useless against the clay fox.


    as she laughed, she walked toward the wooden door.


    ¡°it seems that you want to descend here in the future, sister, so you left behind a divine soul door. interesting.¡±


    ¡°in those years, i noticed that sister, you were acting mysteriously, as if you wanted to keep something to yourself. so, little sister has been figuring out what you wanted to have all these years.¡±


    the clay fox licked her lips and a pink light appeared in her eyes as she stood in front of the gate.


    almost at the instant she stopped, a large amount of blood seeped out through the gap in the wooden door and rapidly covered the ground.


    xu qing also approached the gap from the void. however, he didn¡¯t step in. instead, he stood at the edge and watched carefully.


    the clay fox ignored the blood on the ground and spoke, her voice still gentle.


    ¡°sister, i have been working hard all these years. until i found a kidney, and on it, i smelled your aura. although it was very faint, how could it be hidden from me?¡±


    ¡°at that time, i vaguely guessed your motive. however, in order to monopolize the food, you concealed too deeply and even avoided your younger sister, causing her to search hard.¡±


    ¡°however, this world is just so interesting.¡±


    the clay fox laughed and turned to look at xu qing. his body swayed wildly amidst her laughter and the veil slipped off a bit more, creating an intense enchanting feeling at this moment.


    ¡°i actually sensed karma on this little brother. at that time, my divinity told me that he would see you soon, sister.¡±


    ¡°he would become my guide to find you.¡±


    ¡°see, this is the reason for everything. i didn¡¯t lie to you at all.¡±


    ¡°now, i¡¯m sure what you want to eat.¡±


    just as the clay fox said this, a rumbling sound rang out from beyond the wooden door. it was as though someone was angrily attacking the door from the inside. in an instant, this area shook violently.


    the blood on the ground also rapidly rose into the air, transforming into a bright moon that hung high up. the moonlight illuminated the surroundings, forming divine might that swept through everything.


    even though xu qing was at the edge of the gap and hadn¡¯t truly stepped in, he still felt his mind shaking. his whole body was shaking.


    ¡°useless thing!¡± xu qing¡¯s gaze was calm as he reprimanded the god¡¯s finger inwardly.


    after all, this body was created by the god¡¯s finger and it was also a god. to think that this body was so useless.


    the god¡¯s finger was filled with grief and indignation but it didn¡¯t dare to give any response and continued to pretend to be dead.


    xu qing didn¡¯t bother with it and resisted the aura in front of him with all his might. the purple moon power in his body also fluctuated.


    this was especially so for his authority. it emitted a sense of restlessness that permeated xu qing¡¯s entire body, sharing his burden.


    however, even so, xu qing still couldn¡¯t withstand it.


    ¡°sister, why is your temper still so bad?¡±


    just as the surroundings distorted and turned blurry, the clay fox chuckled. the sun, moon, and stars appeared behind her and transformed into the starry sky. all the starlight in the starry sky gathered and formed a hexagonal star.


    as soon as this totem appeared, the tremors here became even more intense, as though two invisible forces were colliding here.


    most of the pressure on xu qing¡¯s side dissipated instantly.


    this collision didn¡¯t last long. in an instant, they retracted their attacks. after peace was restored, a voice rang out from the wooden door for the first time.


    it was a woman¡¯s voice that was filled with disgust.


    ¡°coquettish fox, speak properly!¡±


    the clay fox didn¡¯t mind the word ¡®coquettish¡¯ at all; it seemed that, for her, this word represented a kind of affirmation of her charm, so she grinned brightly.


    ¡°sure, sister. but eating alone might not be a good idea. that¡¯s the crimson goddess¡­¡±


    at the mention of crimson goddess, a hint of wariness flashed in the eyes of the clay fox.


    ¡°if it¡¯s just you, be careful that you won¡¯t even get to eat but instead strength have to pay an unbearable price. so¡­ sister, how about doing it together?¡±


    a cold snort rang out from the wooden door. at the next instant, the scratch marks on it seemed to have come alive and squirmed on their own. they gathered together to form a closed eye.


    after that, the eye abruptly opened.


    the anomalous substances suddenly intensified at this moment, and the sense of distortion was equally strong, accompanied by whispers echoing in all directions.


    that was the god¡¯s eye.


    it was golden with dual-pupils and carried a cold intent. it didn¡¯t look at the clay fox but at xu qing.


    with this glance, xu qing¡¯s heart trembled and all the authorities in his body erupted one after another. however, it was still difficult to neutralize the power of this gaze. black gas rose from his body, which was a sign of being invaded by anomalous substances.


    the life-and-death crisis erupted abruptly.


    every inch of his body seemed to be screaming and shivering. it was being tainted, and was rotting, seemingly on the verge of disintegrating.


    xu qing didn¡¯t bother with his body and only maintained the independence of his soul. the god¡¯s finger finally couldn¡¯t pretend to be asleep. it swore and erupted with all its might to repair its body¡­


    seeing this, xu qing calmed down and cupped his fists, bowing to the eye on the door.


    ¡°greetings, senior!¡±


    the god¡¯s eye on the door revealed a strange glint.


    ¡°i remember you. you came with that damn thief last time. this time, you came with this coquettish fox.¡±


    before xu qing could speak, the clay fox took light steps and stood between xu qing and the eye on the door. she blocked the gaze, thereby relieving the pressure on xu qing.


    then, she turned back coquettishly, glanced at xu qing with a look full of affection.


    ¡°little brother, don¡¯t be afraid, sister is here.¡±


    with that, she turned to look at the wooden door and smiled.


    ¡°sister, this is your brother-in-law. you better not have your eyes on his yang essence; it belongs to me.¡±


    the god¡¯s eye on the door stared at the clay fox. after a long time, it let out a frigid snort but didn¡¯t say anything. its eyes slowly closed and turned back into scratches.


    clearly, the moon flame high god had chosen to acquiesce to the clay fox¡¯s suggestion.


    ¡°thank you, big sister.¡±


    the clay fox¡¯s smile was like a hundred flowers in full bloom, incomparably beautiful. in reality, even if she didn¡¯t have that charm on her, she was still peerless beauty. her coquettish demeanor added an extra allure, making her truly captivating.


    in this moment, as she raised her hand and waved, the void around them seemed to compress. with a cracking sound, a clay door materialized out of thin air, standing next to the wooden door.


    ¡°sister, i¡¯ll take my leave first.¡±


    the clay fox walked toward the clay door. when she reached the door, she turned her head and looked at xu qing. she blinked and her watery eyes revealed a gaze of temptation.


    ¡°little brother, do you want to come to my house for a while?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was serious as he politely rejected.


    laughter echoed. the clay fox¡¯s gaze was filled with anticipation as she pointed at xu qing.


    ¡°then you have to take good care of your yang essence that belongs to me. i¡¯ll leave first. remember to call me when it¡¯s time to feast.¡±


    she waved her jade-like hand at xu qing.


    immediately, a layer of fog swept up a silver bone and headed straight for xu qing. before xu qing could touch it, this fog enveloped his entire body.


    at the next instant, it was as though the stars had shifted, as though time had reversed. everything was flowing in the opposite direction in xu qing¡¯s perception. his body left the land of god and moved in the void path in reverse.


    the fog disappeared in the blink of an eye and xu qing¡¯s figure emerged in the valley.


    the sky was still red and the frigid wind was still blowing.


    the grass in the valley swayed and rustled. there was no one around.


    xu qing stood there as though he had never stepped onto the shrine to head underground and then to the land of the god. it was as though everything was just a dream.


    he couldn¡¯t help but feel a little dazed. after a while, he lowered his head and opened his palm.


    there was a silver bone in his palm.


    he recalled that when he first saw the clay fox, the other party had taken out such an item and called it the ancient spirit race¡¯s bone pill. it was very useful for ancient spirit race cultivators.


    after a long time, xu qing took a deep breath and cupped his fists and bowed in the direction of the depths of the canyon.


    ¡°thank you, senior.¡±

 Chapter 1056 - 1056 The Arrival of an Acquaintance From Fenghai

    1056 the arrival of an acquaintance from fenghai


    a god¡¯s power was unfathomable.


    this trip with the clay fox allowed xu qing to have a deeper understanding of this point. at the same time, his understanding of gods also deepened.


    ¡°there is no good or evil in gods.¡±


    ¡°everything depends on preferences.¡±


    xu qing mumbled and carefully recalled the gods he had encountered in his life, all of them fitting this pattern without exception.


    ¡°for example, the questions i am contemplating at this moment are akin to ants pondering my actions. their thoughts and actions are inscrutable.¡±


    ¡°only when divinity controls the bestial nature, and human nature dissipates, can i possess a thinking pattern similar to theirs.¡±


    xu qing was flying toward the desert. recalling his experience this time around, he couldn¡¯t help but turn his head and look at the canyon in the distance.


    ¡°flame moon mystic heaven race¡­¡±


    xu qing remained silent as he continued to speed forward.


    in the blink of an eye, several days passed.


    the sandstorm swept in front of xu qing. the gray wind blocked all outsiders from entering but this didn¡¯t affect the desert cultivators.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t sure if it was an illusion but when he entered the sandstorm this time around, he felt that this storm seemed to be more different to him.


    ¡°this storm is formed from the hair of the moon flame high god, and i¡¯ve seen her earlier¡­¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought. a long period later, he stopped and tried to see if his guess was correct. he gently waved his hand.


    ¡°scatter.¡±


    the storm continued to rumble.


    xu qing silently retracted his palm and continued forward.


    however, not long after he moved forward, the storm in his surroundings suddenly shook and spread out in front of him, revealing a huge gap like a canyon.


    the storms on both sides of the opening were like walls that connected the sky and earth. only this thousand-foot gap was empty.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. he cupped his fists toward the storm and sped away.


    not long later, the bitter life mountain range was in sight.


    looking at the familiar mountain range and earth city, xu qing¡¯s heart calmed down. with a sway, he disappeared from the air. when he reappeared, he was already in the back room of the apothecary. the moment he walked out, ling¡¯er, who was distractedly calculating, quickly lifted her head.


    ¡°brother xu qing!¡±


    ling¡¯er was very fast. she threw her beloved account book aside and headed straight for xu qing. her small face was filled with joy and one couldn¡¯t see any abnormality as she hugged xu qing.


    ¡°brother xu qing, where did you go? why didn¡¯t you tell me? i was very worried¡­¡±


    ling¡¯er said while burying her head in xu qing¡¯s arms, but she sniffed a few times imperceptibly, as though she was investigating.


    ning yan and wu jianwu quickly swept their gazes over, looking like they were watching a show.


    nether fairy snorted coldly as she boiled water.


    ¡°men, hehe.¡±


    xu qing looked at the heir who was drinking tea.


    the heir acted as though nothing had happened.


    xu qing realized that the heir must have told ling¡¯er about him going to look for the clay fox.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t mind this. he took out a storage bag and handed it to ling¡¯er.


    ¡°i went to look for the clay figure we saw last period to handle eldest senior brother¡¯s matter. also, this is for you.¡±


    xu qing spoke softly.


    ling¡¯er instinctively took it with a puzzled expression. after opening it, her eyes suddenly lit up.


    ¡°ancient spirit bone pill!¡±


    xu qing smiled and rubbed ling¡¯er¡¯s head.


    ¡°hurry up and cultivate. this item is quite helpful for your cultivation.¡±


    ¡°thank you, brother xu qing. brother xu qing is really good.¡± ling¡¯er was extremely happy. she thought that brother xu qing was the best to her. it turned out that this time he went out to help her acquire this treasure.


    thinking of this, she felt a bit guilty about her earlier suspicions and quickly spoke up.


    ¡°brother xu qing, it¡¯s been a long time since i displayed my culinary skills. i¡¯ll cook a few dishes for you today.¡±


    xu qing originally wanted to refuse, but after taking a look at the heir, he smiled and nodded.


    ling¡¯er was even happier. she took the bone pill and ran to the kitchen, preparing to cook.


    xu qing sat in front of the heir and spoke softly.


    ¡°senior, she is the flame moon mystic heaven race¡¯s high god star flame?¡±


    the heir nodded slightly and put down his teacup.


    ¡°her goal?¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s the same as high god flame moon. moreover, there¡¯s now a clay door at the god slaying platform,¡± xu qing calmly said.


    the heir¡¯s eyes narrowed. after some thought, a smile appeared on his face.


    ¡°interesting. in this moon worship region, countless hidden threads are being ignited one by one¡­ kid, your senior brother is not simple, but you are even more remarkable.¡±


    ¡°it was all arranged by my master.¡± xu qing shook his head, a hint of nostalgia in his expression.


    the heir hesitated. originally, based on the information he knew, he never believed in xu qing¡¯s claims about his master. however, on one hand, xu qing¡¯s understanding resonated with him, sharing a common experience with the other¡¯s master. when he considered the deeds of the other party¡¯s two disciples, it made him reconsider.


    all of this made him unable to easily define xu qing¡¯s master, and he couldn¡¯t help but have more speculations about him.


    at the same time, the sound of stir-frying came from the kitchen, and the fragrance wafted through the air. ning yan¡¯s sniffer twitched, and his eyes lit up.


    wu jianwu, who was at the door, also took a deep breath and revealed a surprised expression.


    ¡°sizzling and crackling, a three-foot stream, who¡¯s asking for the delicacies of the eight treasures!¡±


    even the heir glanced at the kitchen and nodded slightly.


    ¡°this little girl. i didn¡¯t expect her to have such skill in cooking.¡±


    ¡°by the way, i am going out in a few days. you returned in period this time. also, give me the control jade token.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he nodded and handed the jade token that controlled the little chicks to the heir.


    the heir took it and wiped it before returning it to xu qing.


    ¡°other than controlling the little chicks in the backyard, this jade token now has restrictions on mogui and nether fairy. use it judiciously.¡±


    nether fairy¡¯s face darkened, but she remained quiet.


    xu qing picked up the jade token and stored it properly. he knew that this was a backup plan left behind by the heir because he was worried about the safety of the apothecary during this period of time.


    with this jade slip, he could basically ensure that the apothecary would be fine during the heir and other elders¡¯ absence.


    ¡°senior, is this trip related to ninth grandpa?¡± xu qing thought about it and asked.


    the heir nodded.


    ¡°the chance to help him undo the seal is almost here. you don¡¯t have to participate this time. we can resolve it ourselves.¡±


    while they were speaking, ling¡¯er carried two dishes from the kitchen and walked out excitedly. after placing them on the table, she rushed into the kitchen. she went back and forth a few times, ending up with a total of eight dishes.


    ling¡¯er¡¯s culinary skills had clearly improved. these eight dishes looked good and smelled good. even xu qing was a little surprised.


    ¡°grandpa heir, brother xu qing, sister nether fairy, come and have a taste.¡± after arranging the dishes, ling¡¯er stood expectantly on the side, inviting everyone.


    ning yan and wu jianwu came uninvited and sat at the side. nether fairy also put down her work and looked at the dishes before nodding with a smile.


    the heir was also filled with anticipation. he picked up a piece and placed it in his mouth. his eyes slowly narrowed. after that, he cast a deep glance at xu qing and nodded.


    ¡°not bad.¡±


    nether fairy, ning yan, and the others also quickly picked the food up. after they each took a bite, wu jianwu¡¯s eyes widened. ning yan¡¯s face turned red and nether fairy fell silent. all of them looked at xu qing.


    while ling¡¯er was feeling a little nervous, xu qing took a few bites with a calm expression and spoke.


    ¡°eat more if it is delicious.¡±


    ning yan forcefully swallowed the food and squeezed out a smile.


    ¡°delicious!¡±


    wu jianwu instinctively wanted to refuse. however, after looking at xu qing and then at the heir, he still picked up some more food. as for nether fairy, she ate silently.


    just like that, this dinner was quickly finished by everyone. this made ling¡¯er feel extremely satisfied. she felt that her culinary skills had improved greatly and her talent in cooking clearly surpassed her cultivation talent.


    ¡°i can open a restaurant in the future!¡±


    ling¡¯er¡¯s imagination ran wild.


    time flowed by and three days passed.


    the heir left. the day before he left, tian nanzi of the moon rebel hall came to bid farewell.


    the war in the outside world had reached its climax. many forces of the moon rebel hall were being forced back. among them, the second hall master¡¯s army was in a precarious situation and suffered heavy casualties.


    hence, as the fourth hall master, tian nanzi was planning to bring people out to reinforce the second hall master.


    even though it was relatively safe in the bitter life mountain range, tian nanzi couldn¡¯t sit back and watch the misery of the outside world.


    ¡°i¡¯m the fourth hall master of the moon rebel hall. i have my creed and responsibility to resist the red moon and protect my home. i can¡¯t and i¡¯m unwilling to avoid this matter.¡±


    ¡°someone has to step forward¡­ i¡¯m just an old bag of bones. why should i cherish my life at this moment?¡±


    ¡°if i can¡¯t return, my shattered soul will be with the moon rebel hall!¡±


    when tian nanzi said these words, his expression was filled with determination. his weathered face also revealed calmness toward death.


    after bidding farewell, xu qing stared at his departing back. vaguely, the figure of the old palace master of the sword holding palace appeared in his mind again.


    ¡°they are all the same type of people.¡±


    red moon was even closer.


    the color of the sky became denser, enveloping the entire moon worship region in a blood-red hue.


    especially near the banks of the sacrificial yin river, the intensity was even more pronounced. looking around, the river, which was already blood-red, had now reached the pinnacle of crimson, with a strong and overwhelming scent of blood and decay permeating the air.


    during this period of time, boats and ships from other regions rarely appeared. after all, the cultivators who came to trade understood that the moon worship spirit enclosure was about to be harvested by the god.


    however, at this moment, on this long river with surging waves, a dilapidated boat gradually appeared in the distance. the direction it came from was the large region of the holy wave race.


    not long later, the boat became clearer, showing multiple repairs as if it could collapse at any moment. it sped towards the shore, breaking through the river¡¯s surface along the way. despite its swaying, it finally reached the bank.


    a figure quickly rushed out of the boat the moment he stepped onto the blood-red riverbank, the boat couldn¡¯t hold on anymore and collapsed, sinking into the river.


    the figure turned his head and sighed. after that, he stomped his feet fiercely.


    ¡°little rascal, taking my ling¡¯er away for such a long period and not coming back, turns out you¡¯re in this godforsaken place!¡±


    ¡°my ling¡¯er must be hungry and sleep-deprived, facing hardship every day, following you in fear, always in mortal danger. she might even be being chased by someone right now, without anyone to protect her.¡±


    ¡°one look and i could tell that that greasy-haired, powdered-face xu isn¡¯t reliable!¡±


    ¡°little rascal, just you wait. i¡¯ll find you!¡±


    the red light from the sky landed on this figure, revealing his aura of vicissitudes. this person was none other than the old man from the inn.


    after he finished complaining, his face was filled with fatigue. he looked at the distant sky and sighed.


    ¡°where will i search in such a large domain?¡±

 Chapter 1057 - 1057 The Change in the Moon Rebel

    1057 the change in the moon rebel


    on the shore of the sacrificial yin river, the old man from the inn, who had traveled tens of thousands of miles from fenghai county, was complaining about the hardships of the journey and the difficult life of ling¡¯er, who couldn¡¯t eat well and couldn¡¯t sleep well¡­


    at this moment, the person in question, ling¡¯er, was happily sitting cross-legged in the back room of the apothecary. the carefree life of these days, the sweet approval from the old grandpas and grandmas, and her relationship with xu qing made her feel like a little princess. her face had even become a bit rounder.


    it was a little chubby, and it made her look rather adorable.


    right now, she was holding the bone pill xu qing had given her.


    since this bone pill was kept by the clay fox, it was naturally extraordinary. it must have been refined from an almighty expert of the ancient spirit race.


    perhaps it didn¡¯t have much meaning to other races, but to the ancient spirit race, it was a supreme treasure.


    this was especially so for ling¡¯er. she had the blessing of the ancient spirit race¡¯s luck, so she didn¡¯t have to worry about her bloodline being cursed for the time being. hence, there were no additional restrictions when absorbing the power of this bone pill. her own limit was the limit of her absorption.


    moreover, with xu qing guarding at the side, there was no room for error.


    shortly after, as ling¡¯er circulated her cultivation base, the bone pill gradually melted and turned into wisps of silver fog that gushed into her mouth and nose and spread throughout her body. at the same time, the fluctuations of her cultivation base suddenly rose.


    when she first arrived at the moon worship region with xu qing, her cultivation was at the foundation building realm. however, it was unstable. after experiencing a series of things, it had already stabilized.


    the cultivation method of the ancient spirit race was different from the other races. they didn¡¯t seem to need to experience the process of opening their magic apertures and life fire. with the bone pill nourishing her, the aura on ling¡¯er¡¯s body approached the golden core realm.


    xu qing also felt that this scene was peculiar.


    ¡°it¡¯s similar to the poison restriction pill¡­ the cultivation method of ancient times is different from now.¡±


    xu qing mumbled to himself. after the poison restriction pill from the wish box fused into his body, it looked like this. however, as xu qing and the poison restriction pill were not of the same origin, he chose to merge it into the heavenly palace as an indirect method, serving as a preliminary control technique.


    however, it was different for ling¡¯er.


    as all the silver fog gushed into ling¡¯er, the bone pill disappeared from her hand. when it appeared, it was in her body as though it had become an inner core.


    in an instant, the power of her bloodline erupted. as her qi and blood surged, one could vaguely see an armored war goddess manifesting behind her.


    this woman was tall and beautiful. her killing intent was especially obvious. she held a spear and one could see dragons and snakes moving around her, roaring at the sky.


    this was the true body of the ancient spirit race.


    this race was born as snakes and took on human forms when they became adults. after their bloodline matured, they would have celestial dragons as companions. dragons and snakes protected them and their combat bodies were astonishing.


    ¡°monster!¡±


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he realized that ling¡¯er¡¯s cultivation method was similar to that of some fierce beasts, focusing on refining her own inner core by tapping into her bloodline.


    this breakthrough was of great significance to ling¡¯er, and it would take time for her to finish it. very soon, ling¡¯er, who was immersed in her cultivation, transformed into a beam of light and landed on xu qing¡¯s arm, becoming a mark.


    through the mark, xu qing could clearly sense ling¡¯er¡¯s condition. after sensing that everything was going smoothly for her, xu qing checked his nascent souls.


    ¡°other than the purple moon, i have to raise the other nascent souls to the level of attracting the fifth tribulation as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°after experiencing the fifth life tribulation, i¡¯ll be at the perfected nascent soul realm.¡±


    ¡°also, i have to send the kidney to eldest senior brother.¡±


    at the thought of this, xu qing took out the mirror and stepped into the highest hall of the moon rebel hall, merging with the statue. the instant he opened his eyes, he heard his captain calling out.


    ¡°little qing, i can feel my kidney!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s with you, right?¡±


    ¡°junior brother, you must have paid an extremely painful price for me. eldest senior brother won¡¯t forget this!¡±


    on the gate, the captain¡¯s small totem appeared, revealing an excited face.


    xu qing glanced at him. with a wave of his hand, a golden kidney flew out and headed straight for the totem. it instantly fused into it. very soon, the captain¡¯s comfortable voice rang out from the totem.


    ¡°i¡¯ve finally become a complete man again!¡±


    ¡°junior brother, all our preparations are complete now. we¡¯re just short of pushing open this door. don¡¯t worry, you and i will cooperate from the inside and outside. moreover, with those divine son¡¯s blood, we¡¯ll be able to break through it very soon!¡±


    the captain was in high spirits. clearly, the return of the kidney had boosted his confidence greatly.


    ¡°by the way, junior brother, do you have any clues about that clay fox¡¯s identity?¡±


    xu qing nodded.


    ¡°it¡¯s star flame high god.¡±


    the captain¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    xu qing told the skipper everything, including the place he went to with the clay fox in the end and the additional clay door there.


    the captain fell into deep thought.


    ¡°so it¡¯s this person. i¡¯ve never seen her before but junior brother, according to your description, this flirtatious high god should have ill intentions.¡±


    the captain licked his lips and talked in a low voice.


    ¡°junior brother, you¡¯ve done enough for eldest senior brother. i can¡¯t bear to see you continue. how about this¡­ you introduce me to this sultry¡­ ahem, high god.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll pay the price!¡±


    the captain¡¯s tone was solemn, as though he could give up anything for his junior brother.


    ¡°doesn¡¯t the star flame high god like yang essence? let me do it!¡±


    ¡°as the eldest senior brother, regardless of whether it¡¯s out of friendship or morality, i have the responsibility. i¡¯ll pay the price. i¡¯ll give my yang essence to this high god!¡±


    the captain¡¯s tone was filled with grief and indignation, and his expression was filled with determination.


    ¡°thank you, eldest senior brother. i¡¯ve introduced you to her. she thinks you¡¯re ugly.¡±


    xu qing was helpless. this was actually one of his original ideas.


    the skipper was stunned and looked at xu qing hesitantly. he couldn¡¯t figure out if xu qing¡¯s words were a rebuttal after hearing his intentions or if the truth was indeed so.


    however, no matter what, although there was an additional god, causing there to be more variables in the future, it still increased the possibility of success. hence, the skipper coughed and didn¡¯t continue the previous topic.


    in the following days, other than xu qing¡¯s daily cultivation, he also sent over divine son blood and with the captain¡¯s resistance from inside, the rumbling of the gate of the highest hall became increasingly loud.


    the crimson goddess totem on it also began to burn and became blurry at a pace visible to the naked eye.


    if this continued, the day it broke was clearly not far away.


    the cultivators of the moon rebel hall were already used to the daily tremors of the highest hall and weren¡¯t in the mood to pay much attention. during this period of time, as the red moon star got closer and the red moon shrines closed the net, the entire moon worship rebellion army was in danger.


    more than ten days later, a drastic change happened.


    the second hall master of the moon rebel hall had died in battle!


    his death was undoubtedly a huge blow to the moon rebel hall. blood flowed like a river in that fight and countless people died. while it caused endless sorrow, it also caused the firm hearts of the people to waver.


    the fourth hall master, tian nanzi, who had gone to reinforce them, was also heavily injured and had no strength to turn the situation around. he could only retreat with the remaining forces of both sides.


    before the people of the moon rebel hall could recover from this drastic change, an event even greater than the death of the deputy hall master shook the entire moon rebel hall.


    the first hall master and the fifth hall master chose to betray the moon rebel hall and join the red moon, becoming cultivators of the red moon.


    in order to prove their allegiance, they used their authority to seal the entrance to the moon rebel hall, preventing all moon rebel cultivators from entering.


    this matter caused a monstrous commotion. one had to know that entering the moon rebel hall was the last barrier for the moon rebel cultivators. now that they couldn¡¯t use the moon rebel hall to hide, it was equivalent to cutting off their path of survival.


    although they still had third and fourth hall masters, with one still holding on and the other alive after being defeated and chased, the first hall master¡¯s authority was the greatest among them. hence, they couldn¡¯t remove the seal on the moon rebel hall in a short period of time.


    most importantly, after this incident, the cultivators of the moon rebel hall also experienced a serious crisis of trust.


    it had to be uttered that the betrayal of the two deputy hall masters, regardless of whether they were red moon¡¯s original preparations or their desire for life, caused the moon rebel hall to collapse at this instant.


    and the root cause of all this could be traced back to the fact that for many years, the highest hall of the moon rebel hall had never been opened, there had been no true hall master, and thus the group had been without a leader, disorganized and scattered.


    the situation had reached its most despairing moment. it was the same for the chaos in the moon worship region. the red moon star in the distant horizon also covered half of the sky.


    no one knew where hope was or if it would appear.


    everything entered a countdown.


    at this moment, the only blissful land, the desert, was like the last lantern in the night.


    at that moment, outside the lantern, the heavily injured fourth hall master, along with his remaining followers and the remnants of the second hall master¡¯s group, were silently approaching.


    they had nowhere to go. the desert was their sole remaining destination.


    most of these hundreds of thousands of cultivators appeared lost, their expressions dim. death had become something they no longer cared much about. numbness slowly spread throughout their bodies, exhaustion becoming an unbearable burden on their lives that they couldn¡¯t shake off even a bit.


    however, among these cultivators, there was a group of people who were completely different from the other cultivators in terms of mentality. there was no confusion or gloom on them and they were filled with excitement and persistence.


    it was as though fatigue wasn¡¯t a burden to them because hope had ignited in their hearts, turning into flames that were burning fiercely.


    there were about thousands of these people. they seemed to have formed their own faction and gathered together, with both strong and weak cultivators among them.


    they were extremely united.


    what stood out was their attire. though the colors and styles differed, there was a common feature.


    the character ¡®¾Å[1]¡¯ was embroidered on the chest.


    on the back, there was the character ¡®µ¤[2]¡¯ embroidered.


    this group of people was none other than the followers of the mysterious and legendary master pill nine in moon rebel hall!


    they were led by a woman. this woman¡¯s cultivation was at the spirit repository realm. although she was wearing a long robe, it couldn¡¯t conceal her figure. her appearance, while not breathtaking, still qualified her as a beautiful woman.


    she wasn¡¯t the strongest in the crowd, but this group of followers of master pill nine spontaneously took her as their leader. clearly, this woman had an extremely high status among these followers.


    ¡°everyone, hold on a little longer. we¡¯re about to reach the green sand desert!¡±


    ¡°according to the dao voice i listened to for two months, i can sense the profundity of master. master uses green sand as a furnace and the sun and moon as fire. he uses the rules of heaven and earth as medicinal ingredients and condenses the white wind to refine pills!¡±


    ¡°as for the white wind, it only exists in this green sand desert. so¡­ master must be in this desert!¡±


    the woman¡¯s voice was impassioned as she talked loudly to the people around her.


    [1] ¾Å means nine.


    [2] µ¤ means pill.

 Chapter 1058 - 1058 Although the Lord Is Young, He Has Experienced Much

    1058 although the lord is young, he has experienced much


    the identity of this valiant woman was none other than xu qing¡¯s neighbor in the moon rebel hall.


    the statue of the moon rebel hall not only concealed one¡¯s appearance but also one¡¯s gender.


    before the outbreak of resistance, no one knew that behind the statue of the burly man, there was actually such a woman.


    this woman¡¯s personality was clearly similar to a man¡¯s, which could be seen from her bold words.


    as the first person to follow master pill nine and had listened to his dao sound for two months, in addition to the fact that she had spontaneously formed a follower team from the start, these qualifications caused xu qing¡¯s neighbor to have a very high reputation.


    moreover, this woman was quite skilled in organizational matters, and she was able to form a following of several thousand people.


    these were only the core members. there were still many followers scattered around the moon worship. as for those who knew about pill nine and believed in him, there were even more.


    at that moment, when these people and the subordinates of the fourth hall master got close to the green sand desert, xu qing also received a visit from ancestor mogui.


    although the heir and the others had left, the control was with xu qing. as the staff of the apothecary, ancestor mogui didn¡¯t dare to act rashly on the surface no matter what.


    however, in his heart, he still didn¡¯t think much of xu qing.


    this wasn¡¯t because of xu qing¡¯s identity but because of his age.


    in ancestor mogui¡¯s opinion, dealing with such a major matter wasn¡¯t something a child could do.


    ¡°young master, this time is a little different from before.¡±


    in the apothecary, ancestor mogui¡¯s expression was solemn as he spoke to xu qing.


    ¡°last time, the heir and the others were all holding down the fort, so we could open the protective barrier and let the fourth hall master and the others enter. but now¡­¡± ancestor mogui looked at xu qing.


    ¡°moreover, the red moon army is pursuing the fourth hall master. so, i suggest that we don¡¯t release the gray wind barrier this time.¡±


    in the apothecary, the atmosphere became tense because of ancestor mogui¡¯s words. ning yan no longer wiped the ground, and wu jianwu no longer recited poetry. li youfei and nether fairy both looked at xu qing.


    among them, only li youfei¡¯s nervousness was obvious. as for ning yan, his expression was solemn. he was xu qing¡¯s subordinate in fenghai county to begin with and knew the things that had happened around xu qing. he had also personally seen xu qing¡¯s great contribution in fenghai county and the various forces he had affected.


    hence, he understood that xu qing had experience and vision to deal with such matters.


    although wu jianwu didn¡¯t know as much as ning yan, he had heard of xu qing¡¯s deeds. nether fairy had seen xu qing on the battlefield with her own eyes back then. later, she had heard about the change in the deputy governor of fenghai county. hence, she understood that the other party wasn¡¯t as simple as he looked.


    however, it was obvious that ancestor mogui didn¡¯t know. after he finished speaking, he looked at xu qing and spoke again.


    ¡°please make a decision, young master!¡±


    ancestor mogui¡¯s expression was solemn. the situation outside had reached the most critical moment, and once the protective barrier was released, the peace of the desert would be at the risk of being shattered.


    under everyone¡¯s gazes, xu qing sat at the seat where the heir originally sat and closed his eyes in deep thought.


    ling¡¯er understood that the situation was serious. hence, she obediently stood behind xu qing.


    time passed bit by bit and xu qing didn¡¯t speak. an invisible dignity gradually formed on his body.


    at that moment, he seemed to have returned to fenghai county back then when he took charge of the sword holding palace in the old palace master¡¯s name. at that time, he had far fewer trump cards than he did now, but he still managed to turn the tables to a certain extent.


    ¡°how¡¯s our current military strength?¡± xu qing opened his eyes and calmly asked.


    ¡°the entire desert is weak to begin with. although the gray wind has formed a protective barrier, our forces are still not very strong. including me, there are a total of three nihility experts in the entire desert.¡±


    ¡°as for the spirit repository, there are nine of them, including the ones in the wind guard race.¡±


    ¡°there are over a hundred nascent soul cultivators and the rest are all low-level cultivators.¡±


    ¡°i haven¡¯t calculated the strength of our apothecary.¡±


    ancestor mogui was a little surprised by xu qing¡¯s calmness but he still answered and reminded.


    ¡°our current strength is a drop in the bucket compared to the red moon shrine. unless the heir returns¡­ we can¡¯t resist them.¡±


    ancestor mogui was about to continue when he suddenly took out a jade slip and looked at the message, revealing a surprised expression.


    ¡°young master, i just received news that the fourth hall master¡¯s army has changed directions. they aren¡¯t running toward us but are moving in another direction, far away from the desert as though they want to fight to the death with the red moon¡¯s pursuit army.¡±


    ¡°they don¡¯t want to make things difficult for us¡­¡±


    mogui spoke in a low voice. his expression was complicated and helpless.


    xu qing nodded and picked up the teacup at the side. he didn¡¯t drink it but held it in his hand and stared at the tea inside. vaguely, he seemed to see a figure in the depths of his memory in this tea.


    back then, that person stood at the border of fenghai county and burned himself, stopping the enemy alone, becoming an eternal memory for all those who witnessed him.


    at that time, the shock and piercing pain in xu qing¡¯s heart were extremely intense. however, he was helpless and couldn¡¯t save him at all.


    now¡­ he saw a similar person.


    after a long time, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°firstly, gather all the cultivators of the desert in the bitter life mountain range. this place will serve as the center, and without my command, no one is allowed to venture out in the slightest.¡±


    ¡°secondly, inform the fourth hall master that there¡¯s no need to change directions. just come to the desert.¡±


    xu qing stood up as he spoke.


    when ancestor mogui heard this, he hesitated.


    xu qing looked at mogui calmly and spoke.


    ¡°the red moon star has already covered half of the sky, and the impending calamity is just a few months away. if we sit back and watch as the fourth hall master and the others fight against the red moon cultivators, this rebellion would lose its meaning.¡±


    ¡°besides, after the fourth hall master and the others are captured and killed, will the red moon shrine let go of the desert? whether it be our shared goals or that our well-being is tied to each other, we have to take action.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s no need to discuss this anymore!¡±


    ¡°ning yan!¡±


    ¡°your humble servant is here!¡± ning yan¡¯s entire body trembled as he took a step forward. he stood upright as though he had returned to fenghai county.


    ¡°you are the edict bearer. you will follow senior mogui and announce my intentions.¡±


    ¡°as you command!¡± ning yan replied loudly.


    ¡°wu jianwu!¡±


    ¡°here!¡± wu jianwu was influenced by the atmosphere and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°release all your descendants, especially the parrot, to spread throughout the desert as scouts!¡±


    wu jianwu didn¡¯t dare to disobey and quickly nodded.


    ¡°nether fairy!¡±


    nether fairy didn¡¯t speak but she also lifted her head and looked at xu qing.


    ¡°help me protect ling¡¯er and the apothecary. li youfei will follow you.¡±


    ¡°alright!¡± nether fairy agreed. li youfei also hurriedly nodded. he could sense that xu qing was different from before.


    after xu qing finished giving his instructions, he took out a jade token and transferred it to ling¡¯er.


    ¡°when the god slaying platform appears in the sky outside, crush this jade token!¡±


    with that, xu qing walked out of the apothecary. with a wave of his hand, the chicks in the backyard let out cries and flew out in unison. as their bodies shone, they transformed from little chicks to large chicks.


    those who had made contributions before, their feathers were exceptionally vibrant, clearly indicating an elevated status. one could even discern their true forms beneath the feathers.


    if they made some contributions, their true forms would be restored to a certain extent and they would be given some freedom.


    at that moment, they scrambled to be the first to rush forward. they followed beside xu qing and headed straight for the sky.


    when ancestor mogui saw this scene, he was a little moved. he could discern that xu qing planned to bring these chicks and personally receive the fourth hall master¡¯s group.


    ¡°this¡­¡±


    although mogui approved xu qing¡¯s words, he was still a little hesitant. hence, he instinctively gazed at ning yan and the others. he didn¡¯t fancy these low-level cultivators but there was no one else he could ask now.


    ¡°the young master¡­¡±


    ¡°don¡¯t worry, this matter is nothing to my lord. back then, in fenghai county, my lord was alone. he resolved the chaos in the two great forbidden regions and recruited ten million soldiers for the frontline battlefield. not to mention the first stage of nihility, there were even second and third stages who had to follow his commands. which race didn¡¯t dare to obey?¡±


    ning yan said proudly.


    ¡°he even exposed the conspiracy of the deputy governor and brought it to light before the entire county. even the human emperor issued an edict acknowledging and endorsing his future status as the county governor, because in fenghai county, my lord is the center of attention and the hearts of the people are with him.¡±


    when mogui heard this, his eyes narrowed and his heart trembled. he could discern that ning yan wasn¡¯t lying but these few short sentences caused huge waves in his heart.


    ¡®resolved the danger of the forbidden regions and recruited ten million soldiers? county governor?¡¯


    while he was trembling at this shocking revelation, xu qing stood on the head of a large chick and left.


    as they sped, his eyes turned pitch-black. the power of the poison restriction spread out with all its might along with the storm. very soon, the gray wind in his surroundings turned black and enveloped the surroundings.


    the poison intent within churned, causing the hearts of those little chicks to palpitate.


    only xu qing was expressionless. when the power of the poison restriction reached the extreme, he had arrived at the edge of the desert.


    here, as xu qing waved his hand, the sandstorm in front of him rumbled and separated to the sides.


    a deafening sound spread in all directions.


    from afar, when the sandstorm opened, it transformed into a canyon, revealing a vast path. outside the path, one could see the army of the fourth hall master fighting against the cultivators of the red moon shrine.


    the battle was tragic and there were many casualties.


    the rumbling sound from the desert spread out and this abnormality attracted the attention of both sides outside. most of them instantly gazed in xu qing¡¯s direction.


    the followers of master pill nine also gazed over.


    the instant everyone¡¯s gazes fell on him, xu qing raised his right hand from the gap in the sandstorm at the edge of the desert and pointed forward.


    ¡°poison!¡±


    with his word, the wind of the poison restriction in his surroundings suddenly erupted and surged forward. its aura was monstrous and the black fog devoured everything. wherever it passed, the anomalous substances would become dense and the surroundings would turn blurry, giving off a feeling of distortion.


    nothing could escape the poison restriction and it rapidly drowned out the red moon cultivator army.


    from afar, the poison fog was like an ocean that surged forward, causing the hearts of everyone who observed it to shake and feel horror.


    even the ground was corroded and turned pitch-black. even the blood-colored sky couldn¡¯t penetrate the poison fog and the void shattered in front of it.


    after xu qing integrated the poison restriction into his eyes, this was the first time it had truly shown its might.


    xu qing coldly watched all of this. the divinity in his body appeared to be rising at this moment.


    ¡°divine cultivator!¡±


    someone in the crowd let out a trembling cry of surprise.

 Chapter 1059 - 1059 Facing the Peach Blossoms, You Do Not Recognize Me

    1059 facing the peach blossoms, you do not recognize me


    in the past, the poison restriction couldn¡¯t differentiate friend from foe; once unleashed, it would corrode everything within its range.


    however, after integrating it into his eyes, xu qing gained much greater control over the poison restriction. now, as the fog spread, it could selectively designate targets, minimizing the impact on the cultivators of the moon rebel.


    its main target was the red moon cultivators.


    shouts and screams rang out continuously and a large number of red moon cultivators retreated in fear. some of the weaker cultivators even let out heart-rending cries as their bodies melted rapidly, turning into blood that soaked the ground.


    most of them felt their bodies rotting to different degrees, bringing about intense pain and the threat of death. all of them felt their hearts shaking as they unleashed the power of the red moon to resist.


    only some people with powerful cultivation levels could ignore it for a short period of time.


    the pressure on the moon rebel cultivators was reduced by a lot. the fourth hall master immediately ordered everyone to head straight for the desert.


    he had originally sensed through his own method that the heir and the others weren¡¯t in the desert. he didn¡¯t want to implicate this place and wanted to move away to fight to the death with the red moon cultivators.


    over the years, his fatigue had become extremely intense. he didn¡¯t want to give up on this hopeless resistance, but reality forced him to feel bitter.


    seeing that xu qing had walked out and opened the desert, the fourth hall master gritted his teeth and his forces rapidly surged over.


    he even personally took action to stall for time for everyone.


    booming sounds and spell fluctuations instantly spread in all directions.


    although the red moon cultivators were obstructed by the poison restriction, the experts among them quickly spread out, simultaneously intercepting and rushing in.


    the large chicks around xu qing also rushed out to provide support. xu qing closed his eyes and pointed his right hand outside the desert.


    ¡°ghost emperor mountain becomes the slaying platform, d132¡¯s fortune shapes the blade groove!¡±


    as soon as xu qing uttered those words, the color of the world changed and the surroundings resounded with thunderous noise. the ghost emperor mountain and d132 manifested, casting a 10,000-foot-long shadow that shook the heavens and the earth, forming an executioner¡¯s platform.


    the ghost emperor held up the massive prison, and the power of fortune changed into a groove canyon.


    the towering platform was awe-inspiring. amidst the quaking earth, it descended upon the land, positioned behind the cultivators of the moon rebel hall, blocking the path of the red moon cultivators.


    the familiarity of this scene shocked all the cultivators.


    ¡°this is¡­¡±


    ¡°very familiar!!¡±


    as cries of surprise echoed, a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°heavenly dao transforms into the blade and the divine curse poison restriction transforms into its edge. morning glow shall be the blade light!¡±


    the sky churned and the mosasaur roared, transforming into a blade. the poison restriction gathered into the blade from all directions and added the dao power that seemed to be able to slash the dao. this was a heavenly blade. there was also a cold light from the morning glow that could break all techniques and also transform into myriad spells.


    as soon as the heavenly blade appeared, regardless of whether it was the cultivators from the moon rebel or the red moon, the familiar feeling in their memories instantly soared. some people had already recognized the reason.


    ¡°it¡¯s the god slaying platform that appeared in our minds some time ago!¡±


    ¡°exactly the same!¡±


    ¡°could it be that the person who displayed the god slaying platform back then was this person?!¡±


    the surroundings were in an uproar. xu qing decided not to hide his appearance anymore, revealing his true appearance that had appeared in the minds of all living beings back then.


    as soon as his true appearance was revealed, everyone¡¯s shock completely erupted. it was like lightning had exploded in their minds, shaking their entire bodies.


    the cultivators of the moon rebel hall were all excited. when they were most numb, it was the scene of the god slaying platform in their minds that made them pick up the intention to resist and burn the region with their spark of hope.


    now, when they were at their most despairing moment, they saw the god slaying platform again and the figure in their minds!


    at this moment, this figure seemed to overlap with the ruler.


    his voice was still echoing.


    ¡°the golden crow is the connection, and the purple moon is the seal!¡±


    the golden crow danced and the purple moon formed runic marks. under the control of the divine repository, they became one.


    ¡°containing with time¡­¡±


    ¡°controlling and commanding with the sundial life lantern¡­¡±


    five sundials formed behind xu qing. the flames of the life lantern shook the night sky and the gnomons on them spun rapidly as the aura of time erupted.


    at the next instant, it was quarter to noon!


    ¡°at noon on the sundial, heaven and earth shall be slashed together!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he slashed out!


    the heavenly blade descended from the sky like a huge curtain or a mountain range, causing the sky to be shrouded and the ground to tremble.


    what it slashed wasn¡¯t cultivators but the world.


    the blade landed with endless divine might. when the blade came into contact with the blade groove, it cut through the void and shattered the void.


    while intimidating everyone, it also completely severed the path of red moon¡¯s cultivators.


    a huge ravine directly appeared on the ground, stirring up a storm of endless baleful aura that spread to both sides.


    the red moon cultivators were all shocked and had no choice but to stop.


    at this moment, the ruler seemed to have manifested on xu qing and the world trembled at his appearance. the god slaying platform that appeared in the memories of all living beings back then was truly displayed in the world and in the eyes of the red moon cultivators and the hundreds of thousands of moon rebel cultivators.


    it stirred a massive storm in their minds. it carried endless momentum and peerless killing intent as it stood outside the desert.


    the fourth hall master looked at xu qing with a deep gaze. he led the hundreds of thousands of cultivators under him and took advantage of the intimidation formed by the god slaying platform to step into the desert.


    as for the nihility experts among the red moon cultivators, although their hearts were also shaken, the god slaying platform formed by xu qing¡¯s cultivation was merely renowned and lacked the power to make them retreat. thus, they were about to continue their intervention.


    however, at this moment, from the depths of the desert, from the direction of the bitter life mountain range, a monstrous might rose.


    in an instant, the sun, moon, and stars appeared in the sky, as though the stars had shifted. there was also a vast river of time flowing through the sky, bringing with it the aura of the great dao.


    that was the energy of the soul accumulation!


    vaguely, a pair of eyes could be seen in the river of time.


    princess mingmei¡¯s eyes.


    with this glance, all the red moon experts outside the desert were shocked and retreated immediately without hesitation. the reason why they dared to appear was because they had found out that the crown prince and the others had left.


    but now, the aura of this soul accumulation caused them to be horrified.


    although it might be a deception, most red moon cultivators were averse to taking risks, especially with the impending arrival of the red moon. after all, this scene had at least expressed that there was still a soul accumulation¡¯s arrangement left here.


    hence, stability became the main priority for the experts of the red moon.


    their retreat allowed the moon rebel hall cultivators to finally step into the desert.


    upon entering, everyone turned their eyes towards xu qing, their expressions filled with excitement, and they all bowed in reverence.


    xu qing, who was in the air, watched all of this. with a wave of his hand, the gap that opened up in the storm was closed again, blocking the sights of the red moon cultivators outside.


    after doing this, xu qing gazed at everyone, before cupping his fists toward the fourth hall master, whose face was filled with fatigue.


    ¡°greetings, senior.¡±


    the fourth hall master¡¯s expression was solemn. he didn¡¯t neglect xu qing at all because of the difference in their cultivation levels. he then bowed deeply to xu qing.


    ¡°thank you for your help, little friend!¡±


    xu qing nodded and was about to speak. however, at that moment, among the hundreds of thousands of cultivators who entered the desert, a group of thousands attracted xu qing¡¯s attention because of their cheers and actions.


    previously, xu qing¡¯s focus was on red moon cultivators, so he didn¡¯t take a closer look. now that he saw them, the clothes of these people caused xu qing to be startled.


    especially when he saw the actions of the woman at the front. she was so excited that she actually half-knelt on the ground and was kissing the sand.


    the thousands of people behind her also acted the similar way.


    xu qing blinked his eyes in surprise. just as a strange feeling rose in his heart, the fourth hall master spoke softly, his voice filled with emotion.


    ¡°little friend, these people are the followers of master pill nine. the leader calls herself an apostle who listened to master pill nine¡¯s dao voice for two months.¡±


    ¡°they gathered from all parts and are extremely united. they didn¡¯t come with me and we only met on the way.¡±


    ¡°their destination is this desert.¡±


    ¡°because they guessed that master pill nine was staying here.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he gazed at that group of people.


    at that moment, this group of people was so excited that even the storm couldn¡¯t suppress their discussion.


    ¡°this is our holy land!¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s right. master¡¯s pill contains white wind. this means that the wind is the key to the pill. in the entire moon worship region, only this place fulfills the conditions.¡±


    ¡°the apostle is right. master must be staying here.¡±


    ¡°in this chaotic world, we have to find master and protect him by his side!¡±


    looking at their fanatical expressions, xu qing felt a strange sensation. moreover, after careful observation and considering the leading woman¡¯s claim of listening to the dao voice for two months, xu qing speculated that she might be the burly neighbor with bare chests.


    just like that, everyone returned to the bitter life mountain range.


    the fourth hall master and the others returned to the campsite they had built before they left to rest. as for the group of followers of master pill nine, they split off.


    in the following days, this group of people dispersed in the bitter life mountain range and continued to search and inquire. although there were no results, they were extremely persistent.


    they also built their own campsite and it wasn¡¯t far from the earth city xu qing was in.


    they even built a statue there. this statue gazed exactly like xu qing¡¯s statue in the moon rebel hall.


    xu qing had no choice but to pay attention to them. he had never had such an experience before. it was only on the day the statue was built that he really couldn¡¯t help but make a trip there.


    when he entered the campsite of the pill nine followers, xu qing saw that the thousands of cultivators here all had excited expressions. they even set up a large map that depicted the entire desert.


    there were some areas marked on it. clearly, those were the areas they had already searched.


    xu qing¡¯s arrival immediately attracted the attention of everyone. they greeted him one after another. the apostle woman also put down what she was doing and personally came to welcome him.


    ¡°greetings, fellow daoist.¡± dressed in athletic clothes and standing beside the statue of pill nine, she gazed quite capable. with a solemn expression, she bowed respectfully to xu qing, who was gazing at the statue.


    xu qing was observing the statue and saw that it was lifelike and filled with even the minor details. when he heard this, he turned his head and his gaze landed on this valiant woman.


    the image of the burly neighbor couldn¡¯t help but appear in his mind, but he couldn¡¯t overlap the two. hence, he gazed at the statue and couldn¡¯t help but remind her.


    ¡°as the red moon star arrives, it¡¯s not impossible for the red moon shrines to enter the desert. it will be dangerous to leave the bitter life mountain range. you don¡¯t have to go out and search like this.¡±


    when the valiant woman heard this, she shook her head with a determined expression.


    ¡°it¡¯s precisely because of this that we have to speed up our search. this is because master might also be facing danger!¡±


    xu qing hesitated and spoke.


    ¡°master might be very safe¡­ besides, even if you encounter him, will you be able to recognize him?¡±


    the woman laughed proudly, and the surrounding people also laughed.


    ¡°fellow daoist, you don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°after all, you haven¡¯t seen master before. as for me, i¡¯ve heard to master¡¯s dao voice for two months and tracked him countless times, sensing his majesty, compassion, and that distinctive aura, so i only need to take a look to recognize him!¡±


    as she spoke, the woman glanced at xu qing.

 Chapter 1060 - 1060 God Descends in the Desert

    1060 god descends in the desert


    in the end, xu qing left.


    he didn¡¯t unveil that he was pill nine. however, he couldn¡¯t help but sense a sense of responsibility towards these followers of his.


    after all, they had traveled from afar to this place, and their admiration for master pill nine was evident. the increasing renown of pill nine¡¯s name in the moon rebel hall was closely tied to their enthusiastic word of mouth.


    hence, before he left, xu qing left a shadow eye in the woman¡¯s shadow.


    if they encountered any danger, xu qing would be able to sense it immediately and provide help.


    xu qing¡¯s previous warning wasn¡¯t baseless. in reality, over the past few days, with the frequent failures of the rebellion army outside, the overall situation had essentially been suppressed by the red moon shrine.


    the scattered resistance forces didn¡¯t draw much attention from the red moon cultivators. after all, some cultivators within the red moon shrine still hoped for a greater number of living beings to be sacrificed.


    however, as the rebel army collapsed, the desert naturally became increasingly conspicuous.


    this was especially after the fourth hall master brought people into the desert.


    in fact, xu qing even received a report from wu jianwu. his descendants were arranged to be scouts outside and they discovered that during this period of time, red moon cultivators often tried to barge into the desert.


    although they were all blocked by the storm and the range of entry was limited, according to the parrot¡¯s investigation, outside the desert¡­ a large number of red moon cultivators were gathering.


    however, these red moon cultivators didn¡¯t act rashly. they were waiting.


    this matter caused everyone to become vigilant. as for the red moon cultivators, they waited for seven to eight days before someone arrived.


    this person was an old man. he wore a red robe and an emperor¡¯s crown. he was the high priest of the red moon shrine.


    holding a scepter, as he arrived, the colors of the world changed, the winds and clouds stirred, and a second red moon appeared in the sky.


    it was a phantom of the red moon, and its appearance in the sky triggered a tidal reaction throughout the vast desert.


    in an instant, the storm within the desert was disrupted, mountain ranges collapsed, countless grains of sand tumbled, and a thunderous roar echoed through the land.


    when this news spread throughout the bitter life mountain range, the red moon in the sky showered moonlight that transformed into countless red lightning bolts that bombarded the desert.


    the entire desert shook and the storm showed signs of being torn apart. at this moment, the power of the red moon began to invade the desert.


    this invasion was overwhelmingly dominant. wherever it passed, gravel crumbled and disintegrated, transforming into crimson-colored soil.


    at the same time, under its influence, each red moon cultivator radiated a blood-red light. the power bestowed by the crimson goddess¡¯ blessing visibly surged. eventually, they withstood the storm and entered the vast desert, approaching the bitter life mountain range step by step.


    wherever they went, the sky turned crimson, and the earth was dyed blood-red.


    under this divine might, the storm was also slowly compressed, and the range became smaller and smaller.


    fortunately, this storm was formed by the hair of a god. it wasn¡¯t so easy to ignore it. hence, the red moon cultivators couldn¡¯t cross it immediately.


    it would still take some time for them to reach the bitter life mountain range.


    yet, the sense of urgency was incredibly intense, forming invisible mountains that pressed upon the hearts of the cultivators within the bitter life mountain range. it was a weighty burden, leaving everyone somewhat breathless.


    everyone felt danger. uneasiness and nervousness kept rising.


    silence spread through the bitter life mountain range and also affected the apothecary.


    regardless of whether it was ning yan, wu jianwu, or li youfei, they were all anxious. even nether fairy was the same.


    it was the same for the little chicks in the backyard.


    only xu qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t unveil his emotions at all. he was aware that the situation had reached a critical moment and he also sorted out this matter in his mind.


    ¡°the key to breaking the situation is on one hand, the return of the heir and the others.¡±


    ¡°also¡­ push open the gate of the highest hall of the moon rebel hall and become the master of the moon rebel hall!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. he had always remembered that under the mirror lake where the artifact spirit of the moon rebel hall was, there were dozens of frozen statues. these were all cultivators who had participated in the temple master¡¯s trial since the arrival of the red moon.


    they were extraordinary characters, and there were several who were at the fourth stage of nihility like the fourth hall master.


    this force, formidable in any context, would be of immense assist in resolving the crisis if it could manifest within the vast desert.


    however, if he wanted to release them, he needed to become the master of the moon rebel hall.


    moreover, the abilities of the lord of the moon rebel hall weren¡¯t limited to just this. according to xu qing¡¯s own ideas and communication with the captain during this period, they had surmised that once they became the lord of the moon rebel hall, they could materialize the moon rebel hall in reality.


    at that time, the moon rebel hall¡­ would no longer be the moon rebel hall but a supreme treasure of the ruler!


    its might was so great that it could intimidate the whole region.


    ¡°that¡¯s a regional artifact!¡±


    ¡°in addition, once we become the master of the moon rebel hall, we will possess the highest authority. we can instantly erase the seals imposed by the first hall master and the fifth hall master, allowing the moon rebel cultivators to enter the moon rebel hall with their true bodies like before. this would restore their maneuverability and allow them to evade pursuit.¡±


    ¡°therefore, whether the heir returns is beyond my control. however, the master of the moon rebel¡­ once we obtain it, everything will be resolved!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was deep as he sat on the chair where the heir used to sit and analyzed everything.


    after experiencing the series of events with the captain, he was fully aware of the captain¡¯s arrangements.


    ¡°become the lord of the moon rebel hall, coordinate with his past life body and the siblings of the heir, gather the power of all living beings in the entire large region, and have all the cultivators suppress the red moon shrine before the arrival of the red moon and complete the first major step of the plan against the crimson goddess.¡±


    xu qing looked up, and his calmness infected everyone in the apothecary. gradually, after ning yan and the others calmed down, xu qing took out the divine sons¡¯ blood that had been gathered again from the world fragment and stepped into the highest hall of the moon rebel. he and the captain sped up the destruction of the crimson goddess¡¯ totem at the gate.


    the usual hustle and bustle in the moon rebel hall had disappeared now. under the seals imposed by first and fifth hall masters, no cultivator could step in now.


    on the empty mountain peak of the moon rebel hall, all the temples were closed. the lights inside were dim and there was no incense burning.


    only the rumbling sound in the highest hall above grew increasingly intense, spreading in all directions like heavenly lightning.


    the gate continued to shake, as though it could be pushed open at any moment. there were also streams of light spreading out from the gap of the gate, forming a holy intent.


    occasionally, the entire mountain of the moon rebel hall would also tremble under the influence, stirring up fluctuations that continued to spread, causing the void outside the mountain to ripple.


    although the shaking of the gate had happened before in this era, it had never been as intense as now.


    unfortunately, no one could see this scene. otherwise, they would definitely be extremely shocked.


    in the highest hall, the totem of the crimson goddess on the gate had already blurred out by more than half.


    this was related to the divine sons¡¯ blood. it was the key to erasing the totem. at the same time, it was also related to the captain¡¯s efforts.


    ¡°little qing, we¡¯ll be able to completely erase this totem in five days at most.¡±


    the moment xu qing entered, the captain¡¯s excited voice rang out from inside the gate. during this period of time, he had given it his all. xu qing was also doing his best. the two of them were racing against time.


    ¡°at that time, we will be the masters of moon rebel hall!¡±


    xu qing nodded and coordinated with the captain to break the gate.


    from the looks of it, no matter how urgent the situation outside was, they still had enough time unless something unexpected happened.


    and accidents still happened in the end.


    on the third day after xu qing and the captain cracked the gate, the encirclement of the red moon cultivators was formed. the entire desert area was also reduced by half.


    wherever the red moon cultivators passed, the ground would be blood-red, and so would the sky.


    the high priest, who was in charge of destroying the desert, held the scepter and rose into the air, emitting a monstrous aura.


    on the ground, all the red moon shrine cultivators prostrated and chanted.


    gradually, the color of blood rose and became denser. it spun into a vortex and rumbled.


    after spinning 99 times, the red-robed high priest lifted the scepter high up.


    an earth-shattering boom instantly rang out from the sky. after that, the sky churned as though a pair of invisible hands had ruthlessly torn it apart.


    a huge rift that was 5,000 kilometers long appeared in the sky.


    the moment it appeared, endless blood flowed down the rift, turning into a rain of blood that fell across the entire desert.


    the storm that protected the bitter life mountain range dissipated at a speed visible to the naked eye in the blood rain. the most astonishing thing was the aura emitted from the rift in the sky.


    that aura was extremely terrifying and shook the surroundings. it not only affected the desert but also the entire moon worship region.


    in an instant, all the living beings in the region felt their hearts palpitate and their souls tremble.


    the reason for this was a piece of skin gradually revealing itself from within the rift.


    it grew larger and larger, resembling the sky where one could see undulating mountains, the embellishment of suns, moons, and stars, and countless restrictive formations forming a dazzling sky akin to a starry night. within it, the souls of myriad races wailed in extreme agony.


    this skin was entirely crimson, akin to red hell, exuding an aura of wickedness.


    paradoxically, it gave off a sense of holiness, as if the forces of good and evil, righteousness and wickedness, life and death, were all blending together, forming something bizarre.


    vaguely, the sky became blurry, as though there was only this rift left. the ground was also distorted.


    divine might towered into the sky.


    the red moon cultivators all worshiped fanatically.


    shortly after, the skin slowly curled up into a human form. limbs and a torso appeared¡­


    finally, a headless body slowly fell.


    with every inch it fell, the ground rumbled and caved in by ten feet. the storm disintegrated rapidly and the sand and gravel continued to shatter into blood-colored dust that was swept up by the blood rain.


    the blood rain swept across the surroundings, forming rivers and encircling in all directions, as if purgatory had descended upon the mortal realm.


    the sound of wailing echoed from within the shed skin, sending shivers down the spine.


    this entity was the red moon shrine¡¯s greatest reliance, the reservoir of divine punishment that could suppress the soul accumulation and shake the entire region¡¯s living beings.


    the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal shedding!

 Chapter 1061 - 1061 There should be No Two Masters of the Authority of the Red Moon!

    1061 there should be no two masters of the authority of the red moon!


    before crimson goddess became a god, her head was chopped off by the ruler of this region in the god slaying platform. on that day, her decapitated head turned to flying ashes, merging into nothingness, leaving behind only a corpse sinking into the river of time.


    later, the crimson goddess somehow achieved godhood and returned once again, suppressing everything. she even unleashed her divine technique and fished out her mortal shedding from the river of time and placed it here, establishing the foundation of the red moon shrine.


    this item was extraordinary. originally, only the divine son could use it.


    as such, it being summoned by the high priest and appearing here held a deeper meaning.


    its appearance shook the desert. as it landed, the desert sank by thousands of feet. the sky changed color and cracks appeared in it.


    endless blood rain fell, filling the sunken ground, quickly forming a sea of blood.


    the sea surged with waves, their sounds spreading in all directions.


    the desert seemed to be completely gone. only the majestic sea of blood remained.


    the bitter life mountain range had become an isolated island on this sea.


    the gray wind also continued to disintegrate, barely enveloping the bitter life mountain range. however, anyone could sense that the gray wind would collapse at any moment.


    outside the wind and above the sea of blood were red moon cultivators. they were densely packed and had fanatical expressions as they chanted.


    in the sky, the high priest worshiped. that headless mortal shell burst forth with an overwhelming suppressive force.


    the range of its influence was so large that it affected the entire moon worship region.


    at this moment, all beings trembled, everything quivered, and the boundless areas of the region resounded with thunderous roars.


    this aura belonged only to a god.


    in the bitter life mountain range, be it the fourth hall master, his subordinates, or the native cultivators, all of them were horrified and revealed despair.


    they couldn¡¯t resist or obstruct this.


    everyone in the apothecary was the same. ning yan¡¯s body trembled as he looked at the sea of blood outside and the mortal shedding in the sky. his mind was blank.


    wu jianwu stopped reciting poetry. he was now extremely flustered and his heart was in turmoil.


    the little chicks in the backyard were already curled up in a corner, shivering.


    li youfei was in an even worse state. even nether fairy found it difficult to maintain her calm.


    only ling¡¯er, her trust in xu qing had reached a level of blind faith. she believed that all difficulties could be resolved as long as her brother xu qing was present.


    however, the situation had reached a critical stage.


    the red moon¡¯s high priest coldly stared at the solitary island in the sea of blood, raised his right hand and pushed down. immediately, the mortal shedding of the crimson goddess disappeared and when it reappeared, it was above the bitter life mountain range.


    it slowly stretched out and grew larger. . eventually, it transformed back into the sky that contained mountains, stars, and the wailing of all living beings. it covered the entire bitter life mountain range, gradually enveloping it.


    ¡°please enjoy, lord!¡±


    the high priest¡¯s voice was filled with piety as it echoed in all directions.


    all the red moon cultivators on the sea of blood also spoke loudly and said the same thing.


    after that, the red moon cultivators lowered their heads and continued to chant.


    when a god enjoyed its food, one couldn¡¯t look at it directly.


    outside their vision, the mortal shedding emitted endless evil intent and intense hunger. it completely shrouded the bitter life mountain range, squirming and shrinking at the same time.


    it wanted to devour everything in this mountain range.


    the gray storm emitted an intense struggle. as for the cultivators of the bitter life mountain range, they also went crazy under this despair. the fourth hall master let out a deep shout, his cultivation erupted, and, along with all his subordinates, they fought together with a determination to die rather than submit.


    even though this was like a mantis trying to stop a cart, moon rebel¡¯s spirit was resistance.


    sounds of spells and collisions instantly echoed.


    the blood sea fluctuated, stirring up huge waves. the chanting of the red moon cultivators on the surface of the sea also became impassioned at this moment.


    only the red moon high priest lifted his head slightly and stared at the huge meat bun formed by the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal shedding after it enveloped the bitter life mountain range.


    ¡°all resistance is meaningless. food will always be food.¡±


    the high priest calmly spoke. he turned his head and looked at the red moon star in the sky with an incomparably pious expression.


    within the shed skin, the cultivators in the bitter life mountain range found their skies shrouded and their surroundings enclosed. only the blood rain flowed from the decapitated body of the crimson goddess, falling and accumulating in this place.


    anomalous events erupted at this moment, cries of agony echoed incessantly, mountain peaks began to crumble, and numerous earth cities were disintegrating.


    pill nine¡¯s statue also started to collapse. his followers were bitter and confused at this moment. that valiant woman no longer had the boldness she used to have and remained quiet.


    the surroundings of the entire mountain range, under the squirming of the skin, became smaller and smaller. large areas of the edges were disappearing, and all the living beings nearby had no choice but to quickly move away.


    the edges that disappeared and everything in it were devoured and became a part of the skin.


    one could imagine that the mountain range and all living beings, including the sun, moon, and stars on the skin were all imprinted like this.


    however, the speed of the disappearance wasn¡¯t that fast. although most of the storm formed by the hair of the moon flame high god had been suppressed, it was still erupting.


    however, in the end, it could only stall for time. if there was no miracle, it wouldn¡¯t be long before the storm dissipated. when the mortal skin completely devoured everything, the bitter life mountain range would disappear without a trace and appear on the skin, becoming one of the totems.


    as the cultivators of the bitter life mountain range faced the calamity and continued to resist ineffectively, an even more intense echoing rang out from the highest hall in the sky in the moon rebel hall.


    the trembling of the gate was much more intense than before. the rumbling sounds were like heavenly lightning exploding, shaking the surroundings.


    this was even more so in the highest hall.


    under the joint efforts of xu qing and the captain, with enough divine son blood burning, the totem on the gate became dimmer and dimmer, leaving less than 10%.


    however, this last 10% belonged to the core source and was extremely persistent. even though the divine sons¡¯ blood was burning, it couldn¡¯t be destroyed easily.


    the captain wasn¡¯t convinced. the small totem rushed over and took a bite.


    a cracking sound echoed as the captain retreated. the core totem suffered no damage.


    seeing this, the captain sighed.


    ¡°this bullsh*t is too difficult to gnaw. little qing, we might need some more time.¡±


    xu qing had a tired expression. although he was outside the gate, he kept controlling the burning of the divine sons¡¯ blood, making it easier for his senior brother to bite it. this process consumed a lot of mental energy.


    ¡°it¡¯ll be too late.¡±


    xu qing spoke in a low voice. although he hadn¡¯t returned to the apothecary, through his connection with ling¡¯er, he was aware of what was happening in the outside world.


    ¡°the red moon shrine has arrived and the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin has descended. the situation is extremely bad.¡±


    xu qing gazed at the captain.


    the captain was shocked.


    ¡°mortal skin? that is the red moon shrine¡¯s greatest foundation. they seem to be in a hurry, using it so soon!¡±


    ¡°no matter what the reason is, it has already descended.¡±


    xu qing slowly spoke, his eyes revealing determination.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, i¡¯m going to unleash my purple moon power to devour this last totem. help me.¡±


    the captain¡¯s eyes gleamed. he knew that the situation was serious.


    ¡°if you devour it, you won¡¯t be able to withstand it.¡±


    ¡°after becoming the lord of the moon rebel, i can make use of the moon rebel hall to suppress it for me at all times.¡± xu qing took a deep breath. this was the only way to speed up the burning of the crimson goddess¡¯ totem.


    the captain fell silent. after a long time, he nodded solemnly.


    ¡°alright, let¡¯s give it our all!¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. he performed a series of hand seals with both hands and pressed down on the gate of the temple in front of him. the power of the purple moon in his body erupted and drops of blood instantly gushed out from xu qing¡¯s entire body.


    very soon, a blood lake formed in his surroundings. as it churned, one could see an illusory divine repository undulating, emitting a dense aura of the blood authority.


    at the next moment, this blood lake rumbled and swept up, heading straight for the gate. the captain went all out at this moment. his small totem rapidly rotated, forming a vortex that received xu qing¡¯s blood.


    in the blink of an eye, as they came into contact, the blood lake that xu qing had transformed into rushed into the gate through the vortex, charging straight toward the core of the crimson goddess¡¯ totem.


    in xu qing¡¯s perception, the core of the totem was a blood-red imprint.


    this mark radiated a blood-colored light and exuded a divine might that repelled any inferior beings, preventing them from approaching even a bit.


    however, xu qing¡¯s authority came from the red moon, so it had the same source as the crimson goddess. at that moment, he instantly got close and slammed fiercely.


    with a boom, the gate shook violently. the captain also rushed over at this instant and opened his mouth to bite with all his might.


    the sound grew even louder and a echoing sound echoed through the entire moon rebel hall. the blood lake that xu qing had transformed into crumbled and rolled back. the captain also wailed. however, shortly after, the blood lake gathered again and collided with the totem again.


    the captain also went mad. his totem shone with a blue light and he charged over ruthlessly.


    there was also the divine sons¡¯ blood burning the imprint, continuously corroding it. coupled with xu qing and the captain¡¯s all-out efforts, after several hours and after many collisions, the mark finally couldn¡¯t withstand it and shattered.


    xu qing was extremely exhausted and the captain¡¯s wails were also filled with weakness.


    however, seeing that the crack had appeared, they instantly charged forward again. amidst an unprecedented explosion, the imprint finally crumbled and shattered into pieces.


    the instant it split open, a golden light erupted from within. the source of the golden light was actually an illusory figure.


    the figure vaguely resembled a woman, clad in tattered robes, hands covering her eyes, blood flowing within, and emitting a sacred golden glow throughout her entire body.


    she was the crimson goddess!


    murmurs, distorted sensations, and an intense outbreak of anomalous substances converged into a divine might that covered xu qing and the captain.


    xu qing¡¯s blood lake boiled and dissipated rapidly. the captain¡¯s totem also rapidly blurred, as though it was about to be erased.


    however, his madness completely erupted at this moment.


    ¡°little qing, let¡¯s devour her, consider this as a warm-up!¡±


    as the blood lake melted away, it coalesced into the figure of xu qing. he glared at the illusion of the crimson goddess, a strong desire rising in his mind, an instinct that couldn¡¯t be suppressed.


    extreme hunger erupted in him at this moment.


    at that moment, his human nature was dissipating and divinity was rising. xu qing¡¯s balance was about to be broken.


    and he didn¡¯t stop it, allowing the divine nature to rise, replacing consciousness, emanating a chilling voice.


    ¡°there should be no two masters of the authority of the red moon!¡±


    as he spoke, xu qing¡¯s entire body emitted a monstrous blood light that covered the gate of the hall. he then devoured the crimson goddess¡¯ figure with greed, hunger, and calmness.


    the captain laughed loudly and his eyes displayed madness. he opened his mouth and devoured it as well!

 Chapter 1062 - 1062 Ranked Seventh

    1062 ranked seventh


    the moon rebel hall rumbled like never before!


    the gate of the highest temple emitted a dazzling and glaring red light. this light enveloped the entire body of the moon rebel hall, giving the impression from afar that it had covered this world in a layer of bloody clothing.


    as for the red light on the gate, it was clearly only one color. however, if someone was here and saw it, they would definitely have the illusion that there were two different colors.


    that was because¡­ these were two wills fighting for the same authority!


    red moon¡¯s authority.


    as one of the 37 ancient moons of the wanggu continent, the red moon itself possessed a lot of mysteries. since ancient times, countless legends had circulated about it. when the fragmented-face arrived, 25 of the 37 ancient moons fell one after another. now, there were only twelve moons left.


    and the red moon was one of the twelve moons!


    it was ranked seventh!


    in ancient times, it had many names: firefly moon, blood moon¡­ now, it was known as the red moon.


    the crimson goddess parasitized the red moon and was devouring its authority at all times. she wanted to replace it. once she succeeded, it would no longer be red moon crimson goddess, but crimson goddess red moon.


    crimson goddess in front and red moon would be behind.


    the red light on the gate shone monstrously. xu qing¡¯s will inside had already been replaced by divinity. at this moment, his human nature had already dimmed. only his bestial nature, enhanced by the divinity, was left, devouring the crimson goddess¡¯ phantom in a transcendent state.


    the captain was different from xu qing. he was in an extremely bizarre state. as the blue light shone, he didn¡¯t seem to have divinity or humanity. even his bestial nature was chaotic.


    the three forms of god, human, and beast were mixed together in his will. it was difficult to distinguish them, forming a special state.


    under their devouring, the crimson goddess¡¯ phantom image turned crimson, its radiance violently fluctuating. the hands covering its eyes seemed about to release, and its form began to overlap..


    with each additional layer of overlap, the blood glow surged higher, increasing the pressure on xu qing and the captain.


    however, at the end of the day, the crimson goddess was in a deep slumber and the phantom left here was only a wisp of divine sense. in theory, it was similar to her mark on the absolute beginning separation pillar back then.


    however, the mark back then came from her apostle, while this was from her own body, so it was even more powerful.


    if pure cultivators encountered it, it would be very difficult for them to resist. they would need numbers as well as extremely high cultivation levels to suppress it.


    however, xu qing and the captain¡¯s attainments weren¡¯t that of pure cultivators. from the moment he touched divinity, xu qing was already a divine cultivator!


    as for the captain, inherently bizarre, so he naturally wasn¡¯t a pure cultivator.


    hence, in an instant, their wills bombarded the crimson goddess¡¯ phantom. the sea of blood that xu qing had transformed into carried greed and hunger as it rapidly devoured and assimilated the red moon¡¯s authority.


    under the blue light, the captain formed a blue worm that lay between the brows of the crimson goddess¡¯ phantom. it opened its mouth and bit fiercely.


    however, the crimson goddess was ultimately a god. the overlapping intent on her body rapidly increased and in the blink of an eye, hundreds or thousands of layers overlapped, causing the phantom to rapidly materialize.


    at the same time, this overlapping also brought about the eruption of the divine technique. xu qing¡¯s sea of blood collapsed and rolled back. the worm that the captain had transformed into also shattered into pieces. however, in the blink of an eye, the collapsed sea of blood reformed, transforming into xu qing¡¯s expressionless face that continued its devouring spree.


    with every mouthful he devoured, his authority over the red moon grew stronger.


    their origins caused xu qing to disregard and disintegrate the crimson goddess¡¯ phantom. however, this devouring was mutual and he would also be assimilated by the crimson goddess.


    if it was only xu qing here, he probably wouldn¡¯t be able to turn the situation around.


    however, erniu was here!


    every piece of flesh of the shattered worm quickly transformed into a new worm. hundreds of them let out sharp cries and rushed over crazily again.


    erniu¡¯s bites caused the blue light to fuse into the crimson goddess¡¯ phantom and interfered with the crimson goddess¡¯ reverse assimilation of xu qing. this allowed xu qing to devour it more smoothly. his devouring also scattered the power of the crimson goddess¡¯ phantom, allowing the captain to have a much smoother time in devouring.


    it would be difficult for this to be so successful if either one of them was missing.


    just like that, the overlapping phantoms on the crimson goddess¡¯ body continued to dissipate and her state gradually became blurry. she was about to be erased by xu qing and erniu.


    at that moment, intense fluctuations erupted from the crimson goddess¡¯ phantom. for the first time, the hands that were covering her eyes¡­ lowered.


    the moment she put them down, time seemed to have stopped and space seemed to have changed. the stars shifted and the divine might spread in all directions.


    a peerlessly beautiful face was reflected in xu qing and erniu¡¯s perception. however, this face had no eyes, only two bloody holes.


    she looked at xu qing.


    the sea of blood that xu qing had transformed into instantly exploded and a huge suction force spread out from the two bloody holes. xu qing¡¯s destroyed sea of blood was uncontrollably sucked over.


    in an instant, it was sucked into the hole and disappeared, as though it was devoured.


    as for the worms that the captain had transformed into, they were sent back forcefully. however, the crimson goddess¡¯ phantom lifted its right hand and grabbed. a worm was directly grabbed by it and squeezed ruthlessly.


    with a boom, this worm collapsed. under the power of karma, it also affected the other worms. in an instant, all the worms shattered.


    everything seemed to be over.


    after dealing with xu qing and erniu, the crimson goddess phantom slowly covered its eyes with both hands again. however, at the next instant, a sudden change occurred.


    a large amount of blood suddenly erupted from her body and her face also rapidly changed, revealing xu qing¡¯s appearance. xu qing¡¯s authority naturally couldn¡¯t resist the crimson goddess¡¯s main body or clone. however, if it was just a divine sense, he had space to struggle.


    it was the same for the captain. although all the worms had shattered, the flesh didn¡¯t dissipate. now, they gathered together, forming a hand.


    this hand appeared withered, emanating an aura of decay. it was entwined with sealing strips, as if reaching out from the depths of the nine hells. upon closer inspection, numerous souls formed ghostly hands, entwining around this hand. they seemed reluctant to let it appear, trying to pull it back.


    however, this withered hand ignored everything and pointed at the center of the crimson goddess¡¯ brows.


    its pitch-black fingernail directly touched the crimson goddess¡¯ glabella.


    with a boom, the crimson goddess¡¯ entire body trembled and began to decay. she wanted to neutralize it but at that moment, xu qing, who was in her body, erupted once again, possessing and devouring her from the inside.


    the phantom of the crimson goddess swayed intensely. under the suppression from the inside and outside, she seemed to have reached the limit of what she could withstand. after a few breaths, she turned blurry and finally collapsed.


    the crimson goddess phantom shattered into pieces and transformed into golden blood that began to dissipate.


    the sea of blood that xu qing had transformed into rapidly separated from within, converging and forming his face. the fluctuations of the red moon¡¯s authority carried intense instability, clearly his authority had surged too much and it exceeded his ability to control.


    the withered hand on erniu¡¯s side also dissipated at this moment, leaving only a wisp of blue light gathering and turning into a worm which revealed his face. the madness on the face was intense.


    as for the blood flow formed after the crimson goddess collapsed, it rapidly gathered into a blood-colored eye. it suddenly opened and its divine sense echoed.


    ¡°red curse, curse paper, soul extension, life fusion.¡±


    the moment these four phrases were spoken, the blood eye closed and dissipated.


    at this moment, the crimson goddess¡¯ totem was finally gone from the gate of the highest hall.


    xu qing and erniu succeeded.


    however¡­ a cold wind appeared out of thin air, bringing with it some unavoidable power of karma. it directly descended and landed in the perception of xu qing and the captain.


    xu qing¡¯s will trembled and the sea of blood collapsed. his will was directly blasted out of the gate by this bizarre power. after his will returned to his body, he spat out a large mouthful of blood.


    his body instantly turned crimson-red and turned into paper. it was the same for his flesh and blood. his body¡­ became a paper effigy at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    even his soul couldn¡¯t avoid it and his fate was changed as well.


    the captain¡¯s worm body also continuously collapsed under this bizarre force. finally, it transformed into a small totem and rapidly turned into paper. the face of the totem revealed a solemn expression.


    ¡°junior brother, this is the curse of god¡¯s loathing, the curse of the gods!¡±


    ¡°hold on for a while. i¡¯ll think of a way to neutralize it and help you. this thing is extremely difficult to deal with and is extremely vicious!¡±


    as the captain spoke, the totem shone with blue light, forming a vortex that resisted with all its might. the sounds of wild shrieks and howls rang out from the vortex, as though countless existences were roaring inside.


    every roar shook one¡¯s mind and contained terrifying power.


    a cold glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. this curse was indeed ferocious. in just a few breaths of time, half of his body had turned into paper. that blood-red paper was extremely bizarre and actually ignored xu qing¡¯s authority over the red moon.


    in fact, even when xu qing activated the poison restriction, it was useless.


    it was as though this curse didn¡¯t rely on level but some kind of cause and effect law. anyone who came into contact with it would definitely die.


    however, there were also some benefits for xu qing. the fluctuations of his divinity were suppressed by this curse and his humanity began to return. balance descended once again.


    however, the return of human nature couldn¡¯t resolve the spread of the curse.


    xu qing could clearly sense that his body was changing and his soul was dimming. endless coldness enveloped his entire body and a feeling of death spread uncontrollably in his perception.


    xu qing knew that if this continued, he would probably completely turn into paper and become a red paper effigy in less than a hundred breaths of time.


    ¡°this curse¡­ might not be unbreakable.¡±


    at this critical moment, xu qing closed his eyes and d132 rose in his body. the concept of forgetfulness he had comprehended spread out at this moment, enveloping his body and the supreme hall, including the captain¡¯s totem on the gate.


    ¡°eh?¡± the captain, who was doing his best to neutralize the curse, was stunned for a moment. after that, a blank expression appeared on his face.


    forgetting could cut off all karma.


    the curse itself was also a part of karma.


    therefore, as long as he erased this cursed memory from his body and soul forever, he would cut off all karma.


    this was a confrontation between the domain and the divine technique!


    and domain was believed towards be a way to contend with the gods during the era of the ancient sovereign mystic nether.


    time passed.


    after about thirty minutes, xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged beside its gate, opened its eyes, revealing a dazed expression.


    ¡°what happened just now?¡±


    on its gate, erniu¡¯s totem revealed its face. it was too upon a loss since it looked at xu qing.


    ¡°yeah, what happened just now? strange, i seem towards have forgotten something. no, i have to think about it carefully¡­¡±

 Chapter 1063 - 1063 Masters of Moon Rebel

    1063 masters of moon rebel


    xu qing was stunned when he heard the captain. he looked suspiciously at the gate and then at the totem formed by the captain. the last memory in his mind was that he and the captain had successfully devoured the crimson goddess¡¯ phantom together.


    ¡°why do i feel like i used the domain of forgetfulness after devouring it?¡± xu qing narrowed his eyes and sensed his body. he discovered that everything was fine.


    ¡°could it be¡­¡± just as xu qing was in deep thought, the captain¡¯s small totem on the gate shouted.


    ¡°no, little qing, i have forgotten some memories. i¡¯m affected. what¡¯s going on? no, i have to think about it carefully. this is too terrifying.¡±


    the captain exclaimed.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, don¡¯t think about it anymore.¡± xu qing stood up and walked toward the gate. he wanted to push it open.


    however, the instant xu qing got close to the gate, the small totem formed by the captain suddenly emitted a blue light. countless terrifying roars echoed from it.


    at the next instant, a red light appeared out of thin air on the captain¡¯s totem. it rapidly spread and began to turn the totem into paper.


    ¡°i, i, i, i remember now. i was cursed by the crimson goddess. i shouldn¡¯t have remembered. this isn¡¯t right. little qing, hurry, hurry, make me forget!!¡±


    the captain was stunned for a moment before becoming anxious. his voice carried endless regret. xu qing¡¯s gaze also froze and cracking sounds rang out in his mind. his expression changed and he immediately sat down cross-legged, activating the domain of forgetfulness again.


    tens of breaths later, xu qing opened his eyes, revealing a dazed expression.


    on the gate, the small totem formed by the captain also opened its eyes.


    ¡°hmm? why do i feel like i¡¯ve forgotten something? interesting¡­ let me recall carefully. i¡¯ll definitely remember what happened.¡±


    xu qing looked around before suddenly speaking.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, something is wrong. i should have unleashed the forgetfulness domain, and it definitely was for a reason.¡±


    ¡°i probably wanted us to forget some things, and if we remember those things, we will suffer a huge calamity.¡±


    ¡°so, i suggest that you don¡¯t recall.¡±


    as xu qing spoke, he stood up and placed his hand on the gate.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, let¡¯s push this gate open together!¡±


    the captain¡¯s small totem was puzzled. after thinking about it, he agreed with xu qing¡¯s answer. although he was still curious about what had happened, he still chose to suppress his curiosity.


    ¡°forget it, forget it. i¡¯ll think about it in the future. let¡¯s open the gate first and become the masters of moon rebel!¡±


    the captain took a deep breath and the small totem he transformed into shone. he cooperated with xu qing and the two of them used strength at the same time, pushing forward the gate of the highest hall of the moon rebel hall that had never opened in this era!


    the masters of moon rebel were about to appear.


    at the same time, the crisis of the bitter life mountain range had also reached a critical moment. with the descent of the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal shedding, the mountain range was isolated by the sea of blood as well as enveloped by the mortal shedding.


    every time the skin squirmed, the mountain range would shrink inwards a little. all rocks, vegetation, all things, and even all living beings in those parts would be devoured and become a part of the skin.


    under this devouring, almost 70% of the vast bitter life mountain range had disappeared.


    it continued to feed.


    the red moon cultivators were worshiping fanatically. the high priest was expressionless and didn¡¯t look at this, instead he looked into the distance.


    his attention was on something else.


    ¡°crown prince, aren¡¯t you guys going to appear?¡±


    the high priest mumbled to himself. the encirclement and the slow devouring of the bitter life mountain range was just his arrangement to achieve his goal; he wanted to use this place as a bait to force the heir and the others to appear.


    they were his main targets.


    otherwise, why would he personally come to a mere bitter life mountain range and even reveal the red moon¡¯s foundation?


    ¡°if you don¡¯t appear soon, this place will become lord¡¯s food.¡±


    the high priest sneered, while spreading his perception.


    at that moment, in the bitter life mountain range that was enveloped by the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin, all the cultivators were gathered in the remaining 30% of the area.


    despair, fatigue, confusion, helplessness¡­ all kinds of negative emotions appeared in the cultivators here.


    their clothes were tattered and their faces were haggard. many of them had exhausted all their cultivation and were extremely weak at this moment. they could only wait for death to arrive.


    all their efforts were useless. even the fourth hall master couldn¡¯t do anything to the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin.


    they had tried their best and erupted with all their might to bombard this dim skin world. however, all of their spells and divine arts were unable to cause any waves.


    mortals couldn¡¯t resist gods at all.


    the blood rain was still falling and the ground was also submerged, as if it had turned into a river of blood. people could only stand on higher ground as much as possible.


    the anomalous substances were extremely dense here. in fact, many cultivators had already begun to mutate and wailed in pain. their companions could only silently end their suffering, as it was the only way to alleviate their pain.


    the fourth hall master looked at all of this bitterly and closed his eyes. the feeling of wanting to struggle but having no effect caused his firm mind to fall into the abyss.


    master shengluo followed behind him. his face was pale as he looked at the pained cultivators in the surroundings and listened to the countless wails. he was helpless.


    the medicinal pills weren¡¯t enough for everyone at all.


    in the crowd, those followers of master pill nine were also feeling bitter at this moment. they even felt that their faith was about to collapse.


    they¡­ still couldn¡¯t find pill nine in the end. now that the entire desert had become a sea of blood and the bitter life mountain range was facing collapse, to a certain extent, it meant that the pill nine they followed was either dead or not here.


    ¡°i hope master isn¡¯t here¡­¡± the leader of the followers, the bold woman, sighed softly.


    there was also a small area in the crowd where ling¡¯er, ning yan, and the others were.


    the little chicks, nether fairy, and ancestor mogui were all in the surroundings. as for the apothecary¡­ it had long been devoured by the mortal skin.


    ¡°brother xu qing¡­ where are you¡­¡±


    ling¡¯er¡¯s body trembled slightly and her face was pale as she muttered inwardly.


    ning yan fell silent and wu jianwu was horrified. every time the sky squirmed, it would cause everyone¡¯s hearts to palpitate.


    at that moment, rumbling sounds rang out in all directions as the mortal skin contracted again. mountain rocks disappeared one after another and areas were devoured. the overall area became even smaller.


    however, the resistance didn¡¯t stop because it was ineffective.


    the fourth hall master¡¯s body flew out and bombarded the sky. those cultivators who still had strength left gritted their teeth and rose into the air, attacking with all their might.


    even if their efforts were for naught, they still had to resist at this moment.


    in fact, some cultivators who were about to mutate chose not to let their comrades end their suffering. instead, with a bitter smile, they soared into the air, heading straight for the mortal skin, where they self-destructed.


    booming sounds rang out, filled with extreme misery.


    the mortal skin continued to squeeze. the blood rain became even heavier, drowning out even more range.


    as for the gray wind that was obstructing the devouring of the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin, there was little left of it. it could barely produce a whimper, scattered here and there. only the terrifying swallowing sounds from the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin continued to echo in this covered world.


    time passed amidst this despair.


    the area of the bitter life mountain range became smaller and smaller. when there was only 10% of the area left, the squirming of the mortal skin sped up. in fact, large mouths even appeared in the sky and more blood-red saliva flowed out. the feeling of hunger it emitted was even more intense.


    what followed was even deeper despair.


    ¡°it¡¯s about to end.¡± the fourth hall master spat out a mouthful of blood and laughed bitterly. he looked at his subordinates in the surroundings and cupped his fists.


    ¡°fellow daoists, if there¡¯s still a next life¡­ i¡¯ll still choose this path!¡±


    ¡°gods aren¡¯t eternal!¡±


    the fourth hall master let out a deep shout with resolve.


    ¡°hope is what lasts forever!¡±


    the remaining cultivators in this place struggled and let out their final shouts in the midst of their struggles. it seemed like they wanted to release all the persistence and regrets of their lives in this one sentence.


    as the sound echoed in all directions, the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin suddenly contracted, wanting to devour the last 10% of the area.


    however, at this moment, a sudden change occurred!


    a beam of light appeared out of thin air in this world enveloped by the mortal skin!


    the light suddenly arrived and erupted without any warning.


    it had been a golden light. after it appeared in the air, it rapidly spread out. in the blink of an eye, it seemed to have transformed into a sun, enveloping all the areas here.


    after the blood rain arrived into contact with the light, it rumbled and rolled back.


    the sea of blood on the ground directly boiled and surged violently as though it was being dispelled.


    the contraction of the mortal skin was halted at this moment. the intangible light turned into tangible support, causing the contraction to come to a halt.


    the hearts of all the cultivators here trembled. the fourth hall master also instinctively gazed over. it was the same for ning yan and the others, especially ling¡¯er. her expression revealed excitement. her intuition told her that brother xu qing was arriving.


    under the attention of everyone, a bronze gate appeared in the beam of light.


    this gate had been so large that it towered into the sky. the moment it descended, waves of terrifying fluctuations spread out from it like an avalanche.


    the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin let out a roar. the ground trembled and the sea of blood in the outside world also stirred up huge waves.


    all the cultivators of the red moon shrine were shocked. the high priest suddenly turned his head and no longer gazed into the distance, waiting for the heir. instead, he looked at the mortal skin and his expression changed.


    ¡°this aura!¡±


    at the same time, there had been a simultaneous transformation within all the moon rebel hall cultivators in the bitter life mountain range. in this moment, endless ripples surged in their hearts. their eyes widened, and a resonance from both their bodies and souls allowed them to instantly recognize this gate.


    ¡°this is¡­¡±


    ¡°the gate of the highest hall!¡±


    ¡°the gate of the highest temple of the moon rebel hall actually appeared here!¡±


    ¡°wasn¡¯t the moon rebel hall sealed?¡±


    ¡°can it be that¡­¡±


    inhales, gasps, and exclamations echoed in all directions at this moment. the enormous bronze gate, standing tall in midair, blocked the contraction of the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin and attracted all eyes.


    it slowly opened from the inside out!


    waves of murmurs that were like the murmurs of gods echoed out from the gate and swept in all directions. in an instant, the color of the sky changed and a storm brewed.


    under the excited and disbelieving gazes of all the living beings present¡­ two figures appeared in the slowly opening gate under the endless light¡­


    ¡°moon rebel master!¡± the fourth hall master¡¯s body trembled as he cried out involuntarily.


    this voice had been like heavenly lightning, causing everyone¡¯s hearts to explode.


    at this moment, the entire moon worship region trembled. an intent of recovery erupted from the soil, the mountain range, and all living beings!

 Chapter 1064 - 1064 One Repository, One World

    1064 one repository, one world


    time had flown by.


    two years had passed since xu qing, the captain, and the others stepped into this spirit enclosure.


    many things had happened in the past two years, both for xu qing and this region.


    few people expected that the nascent soul cultivator who came ashore two years ago would unleash such an unprecedented storm in the moon worship region.


    this storm had first formed in the heavenly fire sea.


    in the storm, the two nonhuman kingdoms in the heavenly fire sea collapsed. after that, this storm swept through the north. it brought drastic changes on its path. after that, the storm shook the god¡¯s dream in the heavenly bull mountain range, and then shocked the whole region when it arrived in the desert and bitter life mountain range.


    during this time, pill nine of the moon rebel hall became famous and the god slaying platform ignited a spark.


    finally, after two years of preparations and hard work, this storm blew out of the gate of the highest hall of the moon rebel hall.


    it erupted completely.


    at this moment, the weather in the moon worship region changed. the mountains and rivers trembled, and the wind and clouds surged.


    the will of revival rose from the hearts of all living beings.


    this opened gate existed both in the world and in the hearts of all living beings.


    similar to the principle that affected everyone and brought forth the scene of the god slaying platform, this moment, the gate of the highest hall of the moon rebel hall was also manifesting in the minds of all living beings.


    the moment it was opened, endless light spread out from the gate, illuminating the hearts of every lifeform, dispelling despair and penetrating the void, reviving the will of hope and reigniting the spark.


    eastern region, outside the heavenly fire sea.


    the holy city which xu qing had helped the human race occupy had now turned into ruins. beneath these ruins was an underground cavern where duanmu zang and the remaining citizens were hiding.


    the entire cavern was shrouded in silence, numbness, and despair. duanmu zang lay there on the verge of death, awaiting the arrival of his demise. the aura of the curse on his body was incomparably dense, and visible signs of decay could be seen on his body.


    however, at this moment, his eyes suddenly opened. the expressions of all the humans in the cavern changed drastically and cries of surprise echoed. they all saw the scene in their minds!


    duanmu zang¡¯s breathing was hurried. he was a cultivator of the moon rebel hall to begin with, so he immediately understood the meaning of the bronze gate¡¯s appearance. this originally shocked him to the extreme, but what made him even more incredulous was the two figures revealed after the gate appeared in his mind.


    one of them gave him an extremely familiar feeling.


    ¡°xu qing!¡±


    at the same time, in the northern part of the moon worship region, upon endless glaciers, a vast array enveloped the area, with an enormous range.


    this array formation focused on sealing and trapping. countless red moon cultivators surrounded the array formation and were reinforcing it, sealing everything.


    inside the array formation, there were hundreds of thousands of rebels. the leader was the third hall master of the moon rebel hall who had the same status as the fourth hall master!


    after the first hall master and fifth hall master betrayed, the army that was still persisting in the rebellion, other than in the bitter life mountain range, was here.


    the hundreds of thousands of rebels here were already at the end of their rope. as the moon rebel hall was sealed, they lost their connection with the outside world and had no way out. they could not escape the trap and could only wait for the arrival of the red moon star.


    originally, they were about to lose their fighting spirit and their fatigue surpassed their desire to survive. however, at this moment, as the scene in their minds appeared, the hundreds of thousands of rebels here were all shocked and clamored.


    the third hall master, who was a middle-aged man, suddenly stood up and exclaimed.


    ¡°moon rebel¡¯s gate!!¡±


    the same scene was happening in the western and southern areas of the moon worship region.


    countless resisting cultivators who had hidden themselves or were scattered were in turmoil.


    their numbers surpassed the resistance army that had gathered at the bitter life and the glaciers.


    after all, the moon worship region was too large. moreover, the red moon shrine didn¡¯t chase after these fleeing and scattered cultivators out of consideration for losing too many sacrifices.


    these cultivators were from various races. among them, there were also some cultivators xu qing and the others had encountered before. for example, yunxia, who appreciated wu jianwu.


    however, regardless of whether they were cultivators from the moon rebel hall or not, their minds rumbled at this instant.


    this was because this was the first time the highest hall of the moon rebel hall had been opened in this era!


    especially at this critical moment, its opening was like sunlight piercing through the dark clouds, bringing light to the darkness!


    at that moment, in the bitter life mountain range that was covered by crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin, a resplendent light shone in all directions. all the cultivators here were shaken, especially the cultivators from the moon rebel hall. they instinctively knelt down.


    even the fourth hall master¡¯s breathing was hurried. he looked at the bronze gate and his heart was in turmoil.


    however, the people who were even more shocked than them were ning yan, wu jianwu, li youfei, and ancestor mogui. they looked at the two figures who had appeared behind the bronze gate in a daze.


    as for nether fairy, she frowned and looked at erniu with disgust. she hadn¡¯t seen the other party during this period of time and her mood had been very calm, but now, her frustration rose again.


    what made her even more frustrated was erniu¡¯s voice from inside the bronze gate.


    ¡°haha, we came at the right time.¡±


    the bronze gate in the sky had completely opened. under the light, xu qing and the captain walked out. the instant they walked out, the captain¡¯s words had just echoed when xu qing¡¯s expression changed.


    he felt an enhancement.


    this enhancement came from the moon rebel hall. an astonishing power was emitted from the moon rebel hall which surged into his body through the opened gate and nourished his entire body.


    this power was extremely majestic, as though it had accumulated for endless years. it also contained the power of faith and karma.


    in an instant, xu qing understood.


    this was the moon rebel hall reciprocating, an infusion of power for the one who became the lord of the moon rebel hall!


    he could accept it or reject it.


    however, if he accepted it, he would have to bear the karma of the moon rebel hall, shoulder its mission, and take on the responsibility of the moon worship region.


    after sensing these, xu qing stopped in his tracks. the captain also instantly sensed it. a strange glint emerged in his eyes and he also stopped in his tracks.


    the two of them looked at each other.


    ¡°accept or not?¡± the captain¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    ¡°accept!¡± xu qing nodded.


    the captain laughed loudly. together with xu qing, he bore this great karma at this moment.


    the instant they agreed to shoulder this karma, this nourishing power surged into the two of them.


    xu qing¡¯s entire body trembled, and in an instant, a heat surged through his body. the accumulated endless years of nourishment from the moon rebel hall directly surged into his golden crow nascent soul.


    the golden crow manifested and let out a loud cry. the tails on its back increased one after another and finally reached 1,000. it broke through from the fourth tribulation and directly reached the peak of the fifth tribulation, the perfected nascent soul.


    the black spear manifested in its body, emitting a terrifying aura that carried the power to destroy the world. it was like a scorching sun that burned everything.


    xu qing¡¯s overall aura suddenly increased, becoming stronger and stronger.


    his breakthrough wasn¡¯t over. at the next instant, his ghost emperor mountain appeared. this mountain was huge and ten thousand feet tall. it stood in the void and when it unlocked its eyes, it emitted the fluctuations of a perfected nascent soul, and gave off a profound sense of weight of the earth.


    next was d132. at this moment, under the nourishment of the moon rebel hall, it also broke through. the sealing power inside became terrifying, and the domain of forgetfulness was even more obvious. at the same time, the prisoners in d132 also underwent changes.


    they can be said to be the only living beings among all the nascent souls of xu qing, possessing the essence of life.


    xu qing¡¯s combat strength rose rapidly.


    after that, a roar rang out. the mosasaur rushed out of xu qing¡¯s body and swam in the air, dancing with the golden crow. the fluctuations of the heavenly dao caused the surroundings to sway.


    it also broke through and the nomological laws manifested outside its body.


    the nourishing power that possessed accumulated for countless years was still incomparably majestic. even the poison restriction nascent soul was nourished.


    hence, very soon, xu qing¡¯s eyes turned pitch-black. the power of the poison restriction nascent soul spread out, breaking through the fourth tribulation and stepping into the perfected fifth tribulation. it became a black curtain, shrouding over xu qing¡¯s head, spreading out like the sky.


    the nascent soul formed by the morning glow followed closely behind. its transformations were endless, as though all things and spells were instantly circulating in it.


    there was also an illusory stream of time that circled around xu qing, breaking through on its own.


    xu qing¡¯s sundial life lanterns also appeared at this instant. the gnomon needle on them rotated and augmented them. the aura of a great circle of perfection erupted powerfully.


    finally, his purple moon transformed into a sea of blood. the red moon inside rose and fell, becoming increasingly real.


    all of this caused xu qing¡¯s aura to soar explosively, reaching an astonishing level. coupled with the enhancement from the moon rebel hall, it actually made everyone here feel as though they couldn¡¯t look at him directly.


    what was even more terrifying was that an illusory secret repository phantom gradually appeared behind xu qing!


    this secret repository absorbed the most nourishment. it was like a huge vortex that was spinning with rumbling sounds.


    the aura emanating from it surpassed everything, reaching a terrifying level. although it emerged blurry, the internal structure was enough to astound the world, truly extraordinary.


    within, the golden crow in the sky represented the sun, and the rising purple moon symbolized the moon.


    the poison restriction transformed into clouds in the sky, and the ghost emperor mountain shaped the earth.


    the stream of time flowed like water, and the heavenly dao mosasaur inhaled and exhaled the laws.


    the morning glow shone brightly, and d132 transformed into living beings.


    the sundials rotated, causing everything within the secret repository to flow, displaying the alternation of day and night, the changes of wind and clouds, and the panorama of the ever-changing world.


    although everything was still illusory, the layout of this secret repository was extremely vast, resembling a world in itself.


    this was the first secret repository xu qing possessed prepared for himself, and it was also his intrinsic secret repository!


    although the prototype was blurry now, one could imagine that if it completely formed, it would definitely shake the world.


    such a secret repository naturally required terrifying nutrients.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t the only one who rose in strength; the captain, too, underwent a noticeable transformation as he got the nourishment from the moon rebel hall. with a hearty laugh, he tore apart two seals, and his aura skyrocketed to the level of the perfected nascent soul realm.


    in fact, he even tore apart half of the third seal, causing the aura of spirit repository to faintly spread from his body.


    at this point, the nourishment ended!


    it wasn¡¯t that the moon rebel hall didn¡¯t have enough accumulation; rather, the profound foundation of these two individuals required nourishment far beyond the ordinary. the nourishment energy couldn¡¯t be monotonous; otherwise, it would be difficult for xu qing¡¯s secret repository to be formed and the captain¡¯s seals couldn¡¯t continue to be undone.


    they needed diverse energies, so excessive absorption from the moon rebel hall was not beneficial.


    following this, under the gazes of everyone, a tribulation cloud actually formed within the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin, and thunderous roars echoed in all directions.


    in fact, it was the same outside as well. vast expanses of tribulation clouds emerged in the sky.


    the last tribulation of the nascent soul realm possessed arrived.


    once he passed it, xu qing would completely stabilize his footing at the perfected nascent soul realm. also, because of the appearance of his illusory secret repository, he would cross the stage of dao nurturing and directly step into the realm of spirit repository!

 Chapter 1065 - 1065 Ritual to Become a God

    1065 ritual to become a god


    within the world enclosed by the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin, xu qing looked up.


    at the end of his vision were the tribulation clouds formed within the mortal skin. the range of this cloud wasn¡¯t large. although there was lightning, it wasn¡¯t astonishing. however, through his subconscious perception, xu qing could sense that an even larger tribulation cloud was currently forming in the outside world.


    what appeared within the mortal skin was more of an illusory projection of the tribulation clouds in the outside world that xu qing had attracted with his cultivation.


    the captain had a strange expression.


    ¡°junior brother, i¡¯ve lived for so many lives but this is the first time i¡¯ve seen such a situation.¡±


    ¡°you¡¯re within the space enclosed by the mortal skin. in that case, in the judgment of the tribulation, is the one transcending the tribulation you or the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin?¡±


    ¡°if it is the mortal skin, the calamity that descends will definitely be terrifying. however, the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin itself is equally terrifying.¡±


    ¡°if it¡¯s you, then with the mortal skin obstructing the path, you¡¯ll be unscathed. the mortal skin will passively take on the calamity for you!¡±


    ¡°interesting. i¡¯ve never seen such a thing before. it¡¯s also extremely rare to see gods with mortal shedding, especially since these mortal skins don¡¯t have consciousness and only have instincts.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes also gleamed as he fell into deep thought.


    at that moment, clouds churned in the sky in the outside world. even the red sky couldn¡¯t completely stop the heavenly dao laws. soon, dark clouds pressed down and spread above the sea of blood.


    the clouds collided and rumbled with heavenly lightning. every sound was deafening and shook the surroundings. however, the lightning tribulation didn¡¯t descend immediately, as though it was judging.


    a long time later, the life tribulation seemed to have decided the judgment.


    in an instant, the tribulation clouds in the sky erupted. amidst the rumbling sounds, a bolt of heavenly lightning flashed out, transforming into a lightning dragon that headed straight for the crimson goddess¡¯s mortal skin below.


    as the sound echoed, the lightning landed on the mortal skin, transforming into countless arcs of lightning that scattered in all directions. the mortal skin was completely unscathed.


    even though the first bolt of lightning hadn¡¯t dissipated, the heavenly tribulations continued to blast down.


    however, the outcome still didn¡¯t change.


    this was xu qing¡¯s fifth life tribulation, not the mortal skin¡¯s!


    due to a series of reasons, xu qing¡¯s tribulations were different from others. the first time, the fortune of the fenghai county sent the tribulation away; the second time, the laws intertwined and descended from the sky; and the third time was when the heir used the desert as a substitute to attract endless tribulations.


    the fourth time was even more terrifying. it erupted on the god slaying platform.


    each time was more astonishing than the last.


    however, compared to before, this fifth time¡­ was a little ordinary.


    this time around, the heir wasn¡¯t here to help xu qing fuse with the desert, so there was no endless tribulation.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t comprehending the god slaying platform which had made his tribulation even more terrifying.


    in terms of judgment this time, he was hiding within the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin and wasn¡¯t one with it.


    it was completely impossible for this bit of lightning tribulation to shake the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin.


    even though 99 lightning tribulations had appeared and all of them blasted onto the mortal skin, it was the same.


    the mortal skin shone with a resplendent light. under that light, there wasn¡¯t even a hint of damage on the skin.


    the tribulation ended soon after. the clouds and fog in the sky dissipated, revealing the illumination of multicolored light. this was the light of heavenly mandates, representing that xu qing had crossed his tribulation.


    everything had gone extremely smoothly.


    however, xu qing frowned and his expression turned solemn.


    the captain at the side also had a dark glint in his eyes as he stared fixedly at the mortal skin.


    ¡°something¡¯s not right!¡±


    something was indeed amiss. the heavenly tribulation in the outside world had clearly ended and the heavenly mandates had descended with the multicolored light, but the thin tribulation clouds that had appeared earlier within the mortal skin didn¡¯t dissipate.


    xu qing also didn¡¯t feel a surging cultivation base on his body like before.


    it was as though he hadn¡¯t transcended the tribulation yet.


    however, the heavenly tribulation had indeed descended earlier¡­


    ¡°it was eaten by the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin!¡± the captain suddenly spoke, his tone filled with surprise.


    ¡°junior brother, something¡¯s seriously wrong. let¡¯s retreat into the gate first!¡±


    ¡°too late¡­¡± xu qing spoke hoarsely, his expression extremely solemn. he felt that he had been locked on, and no matter where he went, he couldn¡¯t stop it.


    that lock made xu qing feel as though he was being stared at by a god. his body was trembling, the poison restriction rampaged, the purple moon divine source erupted, and d132¡¯s god finger trembled.


    ¡°all the god-related powers in my body are being locked onto!¡±


    almost at the instant he finished speaking, the mortal skin of the crimson goddess that enveloped the bitter life mountain range suddenly wriggled. the sky formed by the skin churned, and the tribulation clouds erupted along with it.


    there was also divine might that descended from the sky and fused into the tribulation clouds. under this divine might, the tribulation clouds directly exploded. a huge golden blank stele unexpectedly emerged from the shattered tribulation clouds.


    this stele was 1,000 feet long and started descending toward xu qing.


    as it descended, a divine aura surged from it. all the living beings on the ground were shocked and their minds rumbled.


    xu qing¡¯s expression changed. the captain¡¯s eyes widened and he was extremely moved.


    ¡°this is a divine stele. on it, one leaves their name with divine blood, undergoes the death of the five elements, then ignites divine fire. by placing the divine stele into the ancient divine body, one can plunder the divine nature, forming their own godly position!¡±


    ¡°this is a type of divine tribulation ritual called ¡®soul transcendence[1].¡¯!¡±


    the captain¡¯s breathing was hurried as he directly spoke of the essence.


    ¡°no, the might is different. it¡¯s much, much weaker.¡±


    ¡°i understand. this is the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin¡¯s instinct!¡±


    ¡°when crimson goddess was a mortal, her obsession was to become a god. to ensure success, she must have rehearsed the ritual multiple times through a simulated method.


    ¡°hence, this obsession was deeply fused into this mortal skin. although the crimson goddess ignited her divine fire in the brilliant heaven and became a god, this obsession of her mortal skin still exists.¡±


    ¡°if it was anyone else transcending the tribulation here, it wouldn¡¯t be like this. however, you are different!¡±


    ¡°you have the power of the purple moon, which comes from the same source as the crimson goddess and is also in the mortal molt¡­ so, your summoning of the life tribulation allowed this mortal molt to instinctively practice the divine tribulation ritual!¡±


    ¡°this is an opportunity. although it¡¯s not a true divine tribulation and there will be no steps to ignite the divine fire, to you, this is an unknown fortune!¡±


    ¡°junior brother, this is your fifth tribulation!¡±


    as the captain spoke, the golden stele rumbled over and landed in front of xu qing. golden light erupted, transforming into a sea of light that illuminated everything.


    ¡°no matter what kind of fortune it is, i have to transcend this tribulation.¡±


    xu qing looked at the stele and determination appeared in his eyes.


    crimson goddess had swallowed his tribulation. due to this, his cultivation hadn¡¯t progressed and wasn¡¯t complete, so no matter what the fortune was, he had to transcend this tribulation!


    ¡°this tribulation is special. junior brother, listen to my instructions. the first step is to use your divine blood to write your name on the stele!¡±


    the captain¡¯s expression was solemn as he quickly spoke.


    xu qing nodded. under the shocked gazes of all living beings here, his body swayed as he headed straight for the stele. when he got close, he lifted his right hand and a large amount of blood flowed out.


    using his palm as a brush and his blood as ink, he drew the first stroke of his name on the thousand-foot-long stele.


    as soon as this stroke landed, the stele rumbled. blood gushed out uncontrollably from xu qing¡¯s body, but he circulated his cultivation base and continued to inscribe.


    after the third stroke, xu qing trembled all over. he felt his life withering away, a sense of weakness spreading throughout his body. moreover, a large number of water droplets appeared out of thin air, covering his entire body and flowing continuously.


    the water droplets carried a stench like corpse liquid. as for xu qing¡­ he was melting.


    ¡°this is the five elements tribulation. junior brother, remember not to lose yourself, find a way out!¡± the captain said anxiously.


    just as xu qing was about to respond, his body directly collapsed at the next instant, becoming a corpse drenched from head to toe, severely decomposed to the point where even his appearance couldn¡¯t be discerned.


    only the continuously falling corpse water floated in mid-air, preserving the reflection of what used to be the appearance of xu qing on the surface of the water.


    this was the drowned corpse of the five elements.


    ¡°junior brother, walk out from death to life!¡± the captain stated in a deep voice.


    the expressions of everyone on the ground changed. ling¡¯er was extremely anxious, but none of them could help. all of this depended on xu qing himself.


    fortunately, not long later, xu qing, who was reflected in the water, opened his eyes. he was at a loss at first, but gained clarity quickly after.


    in his perception, time seemed to pass through endless ages, experiencing countless drownings over countless lifetimes. the process of death was incredibly real, and he struggled time and again to keep his consciousness intact until he finally awakened.


    after a while, xu qing stood up, walking out of the water step by step, until he left the water¡¯s surface, and beside him lay his lifeless corpse.


    standing under the stele, xu qing gazed at the mortal skin of the crimson goddess in the sky and then at his corpse. he suddenly had a realization.


    ¡°this is my shedding? this ritual can allow one to form a molt?¡±


    after a moment of silence, xu qing retracted his gaze. he then lifted his hand and continued to inscribe his name on the stele.


    the fourth stroke, the fifth stroke, the sixth stroke.


    the instant the sixth stroke landed, xu qing spat out a mouthful of blood. a wound appeared out of thin air on his stomach, as though an invisible pair of hands had forcefully pulled it open.


    his abdominal cavity was exposed.


    the internal organs inside were disappearing as though they had been hollowed out. very soon, they were all gone. the immense pain that followed caused xu qing¡¯s body to tremble. he had no choice but to sit down. he curled up in pain, as though he was worshiping.


    this was the dissected corpse of the five elements.


    but soon, an illusory shadow emerged from this dissected corpse, walked out, and morphed back into xu qing. he had experienced countless deaths in this way. at this moment, his consciousness was somewhat blurry, but he still raised his trembling hand and persisted to write.


    seventh stroke, eighth stroke, ninth stroke¡­


    a red vine manifested out of thin air and coiled around xu qing¡¯s neck, then his entire body. those vines were filled with sharp thorns that pierced deeply into his body.


    they gradually exerted strength and slowly tightened until xu qing fell down, motionless.


    this was the hanged corpse of the five elements.


    as the hanged corpse lowered its head, a long time later, overlapping shadows manifested on it. xu qing walked out like a soul and abandoned the dead body to stand in front of the stele.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was blank. after a long time, he turned his head and gazed at the drowned, dissected, and hanged corpses at the side.


    he remembered that in the depths of the ghost cave under the absolute beginning separation pillar back then, there was a hanging hut.


    there was a woman singing in the hut, and at the five corners of the hut, there were five corpses sitting cross-legged.


    ¡°so, while she was suppressing the god, she was also trying to become a god¡­¡±


    [1] it¡¯s a taoist or buddhist belief related to afterlife or spiritual transcendence.

 Chapter 1066 - 1066 On the Purple Moon

    1066 on the purple moon


    at that moment, xu qing¡¯s condition wasn¡¯t very good. he didn¡¯t know if his current body was some illusory state of his body or if his soul had left his body.


    the first three deaths made him feel as though he had experienced countless cycles of reincarnation.


    at that moment, his thoughts were somewhat obstructed and many of his memories fell into a blur. only the hut and ritual under the absolute beginning separation pillar back then were exceptionally clear.


    vaguely, the singing voice seemed to echo in his ears.


    ¡°the previous life is not here, but the afterlife is always here. i cut off the lovesickness and drew the mortal world¡­¡±


    xu qing lifted his head and looked at the stele in front of him. he suddenly understood the name of this ritual that his eldest senior brother had mentioned.


    soul transcendence.


    this was a ritual to become a god, but it wasn¡¯t the only one.


    this was the choice of the crimson goddess and also the choice of the woman from the ghost cave. as for the latter¡­ it was obvious that she had been carrying out this ritual for a long time.


    ¡°the god sleeping in the ghost cave is her target of plundering. she wants to use it to achieve her god status.¡±


    ¡°the five elements in this soul transcendence ritual are metal for dissection, wood for hanging, water for drowning, fire for burning, and earth for burying.


    ¡°then, what¡¯s next for me is earth and fire.¡±


    xu qing was decisive. he lifted his hand and continued to inscribe his name on the stele in front of him.


    he had finished writing the word ¡®xu¡¯, but there was also the word ¡®qing¡¯.


    he could already sense that names inscribed on this stele had nothing to do with the strokes. even the simplest stroke would have to undergo the punishment of the five elements.


    after two strokes, xu qing¡¯s body collapsed. a large amount of soil appeared out of thin air in the surroundings, drowning his body. he couldn¡¯t resist or dodge.


    in an instant, xu qing¡¯s figure disappeared and was replaced by a grave.


    this grave had a tombstone, but it had no inscriptions.


    this was the buried corpse of the five elements!


    the cultivators within the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin couldn¡¯t take their eyes off, and their hearts were in turmoil. this scene was truly a stormy sea for everyone involved.


    this ritual had exceeded their understanding. only the fourth hall master and a few of his subordinates had bits and pieces of knowledge about it.


    ¡°divine tribulation!¡± the fourth hall master took a deep breath. however, he didn¡¯t understand why such a legendary ritual was appearing here.


    ning yan and the others were even more shaken. ling¡¯er couldn¡¯t help but want to step forward many times but was stopped by nether fairy.


    during this period of time in the apothecary, nether fairy had a different impression of this little girl, ling¡¯er.


    just as everyone¡¯s thoughts were churning, beside the golden stele in the air, the soil of the grave shook. a hand stretched out and a body slowly crawled out.


    the person who crawled out was none other than xu qing. however, the strange thing was that as xu qing crawled out, the soil didn¡¯t move at all. it was as though xu qing didn¡¯t exist in the same space as this soil.


    even xu qing¡¯s body was illusory and blurry, as though he could dissipate at any moment. he walked step by step to the stele with a confused expression.


    the countless deaths in his consciousness caused xu qing to be extremely exhausted. his memories were blurry and his life force was dim.


    at that moment, he seemed to only have his instincts left. he lifted his hand in front of the stele and slowly inscribed until there was only one stroke left.


    before the stroke landed, a sea of fire appeared on his body. amidst the intense burning, xu qing¡¯s body turned pitch-black and he slowly fell down, turning into a corpse.


    this was the burning corpse of the five elements!


    there was still a line left on the stele before the word ¡®qing¡¯ could be completed.


    in the five directions in the surroundings, there was a corpse each. they died in different ways that exuded bizarreness and were motionless.


    until the next moment, the captain¡¯s eyes revealed a mysterious glow. a scepter appeared in his hands, and he pointed it towards the five corpses under the stone tablet. chanting emanated from his mouth.


    ¡°the divine decree commands, transcend mortal souls, the mortal corpses rebel, spirits and ghosts be banished, and the five elements bestow favor.¡±


    as the chant echoed, the captain walked closer to the stele and circled around xu qing¡¯s five corpses. he walked faster and faster and his voice became more impassioned, causing the color of the sky and earth in this area to change and the wind and clouds to surge.


    ¡°drowned ones ascend, dissected ones rise, hanged ones release, buried ones break free, burned ones revive.¡±


    at that moment, it was as though life and death were being reversed. even the sky above the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin rumbled. in an instant, wind, rain, lightning, the sun, moon, and stars were stirred. there were also murmurs that were like the shouts of gods.


    xu qing¡¯s five corpses shook. there seemed to be a strange force faintly awakening in them.


    the captain¡¯s speed also became faster and faster. in the end, it was almost impossible to see his figure. there were only afterimages circling the stele and xu qing¡¯s corpses. finally, it turned into a low roar, like thunder exploding.


    ¡°rescue everyone, swiftly transcend life, break free from the sea of suffering, reincarnate.¡±


    the instant he finished speaking, the captain¡¯s body and xu qing¡¯s corpses stopped. from a distance, the captain transformed into five figures. at this moment, all five figures raised their scepters high and suddenly descended upon xu qing¡¯s corpses.


    a rumbling sound suddenly erupted.


    ¡°return!¡±


    the captain let out a loud shout and a cold wind rose in the surroundings. it was extremely cold and when it landed on a living person¡¯s body, they would instinctively tremble. it was as though the netherworld had been opened, and countless wild shrieks and howls rang out.


    in an instant, xu qing¡¯s five corpses opened their eyes in unison. even the burial soil collapsed, revealing the eyes of the buried body.


    immediately after, the five corpses stood up and rapidly approached each other. after coming into contact with each other, they actually overlapped.


    they continued to squirm as they fused, finally xu qing¡¯s true body with its eyes closed.


    at this moment, he seemed to be different from before, but it was hard to describe the difference. after he opened his eyes, he took a deep breath and his heart was filled with endless waves.


    just now, he felt the sinking of death. he felt that he was in a pitch-black world and had lost himself, becoming one of the countless souls.


    when eldest senior brother¡¯s chant echoed in his ears, he followed the guidance of the chant and walked back from death to life. however, his thoughts were still chaotic.


    the captain let out a low bellow.


    ¡°junior brother, why aren¡¯t you drawing your last stroke!¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he lifted his head and stared at the stele in front of him, staring at the last stroke that was missing. he instinctively lifted his right hand and waved it, completing the name.


    xu qing¡¯s name was completely inscribed on the stele.


    immediately, the stele swayed and golden light shone, gathering on xu qing¡¯s name, causing its color to change from red to golden.


    xu qing¡¯s entire body trembled. his blurry memories became clear at that instant and all the confusion dissipated in the blink of an eye. everything instantly surfaced.


    ¡°i¡¯m transcending the divine tribulation!¡±


    seeing that xu qing had woken up, the captain heaved a sigh of relief inwardly and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°junior brother, you don¡¯t have divine fire and this isn¡¯t a true divine tribulation, so the simulation of this ritual can¡¯t be completed. however, it¡¯s fine. this divine stele has the foundation to become a god and can plunder the power of gods. it¡¯s incomparably precious. this item is your greatest fortune this time!¡±


    ¡°now, let¡¯s skip the divine fire and send this divine stele that has your name¡­ into the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin!¡±


    ¡°treat it as an ancient deity and leave your mark. although you can¡¯t control this mortal skin now, you might be able to control it one day in the future.¡±


    there was madness in the captain¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°junior brother, this opportunity is hard to come by!¡±


    xu qing lifted his head and stared at the sky formed by the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin. his eyes displayed an even crazier intent than the captain as he shook his head.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, it¡¯s a little wasteful to send this divine stele into the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin. after all, mortal skin is just a shedding.¡±


    ¡°since our target this time is crimson goddess, i want to hold this divine stele for now and find an opportunity¡­ to send it into the red moon star to plunder the red moon that the crimson goddess wants to fuse with!¡±


    ¡°there should be no two masters of the red moon¡¯s authority!¡±


    as soon as xu qing finished speaking, the captain¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint. even he could sense the madness of xu qing¡¯s thoughts at this moment.


    after xu qing finished speaking, he waved his hand and an illusory secret repository appeared behind him. as it rumbled and rotated, the purple moon inside shone. endless blood sea spread out from the purple moon and transformed into a vortex.


    this vortex erupted from the secret repository, forming a suction force that enveloped the golden divine stele in front of xu qing.


    with a single breath, the thousand-foot-long divine stele was instantly pulled in and directly emerged in xu qing¡¯s secret repository and stood upright on the purple moon.


    the golden color of the divine stele instantly spread out. after it enveloped the entire purple moon, xu qing¡¯s five corpses manifested around the divine stele, accompanied by the fluctuations of the purple moon. five elements, five corpses, with their own strangeness.


    if someone saw this, they would definitely be as shocked as when xu qing first saw the statue of the red moon. this was because that was the layout of the gods.


    however, all of this was now in xu qing¡¯s secret repository.


    with the descent of the divine stele and the formation of the purple moon¡¯s layout, xu qing¡¯s tribulation¡­ was finally over!


    at that moment, his cultivation base was surging rapidly. he had directly crossed from the perfected nascent soul realm to the dao nurturing realm. his aura was astonishing and his combat strength had also increased on a large scale.


    the dao nurturing realm, which for others would require a considerable amount of time to gradually pass through, was a state that xu qing had long possessed due to his mastery of the heavenly dao, which had already transformed into the rules and laws within his secret repository.


    hence, he didn¡¯t need to go through this stage.


    at the next instant, the secret repository began to circulate. the sundials seemed to burn intensely with energy like huge furnaces.


    an earth-shattering boom rang out.


    the secret repository also rapidly materialized from its illusory state.


    xu qing¡¯s cultivation had also completely broken through and stepped into the first stage of the spirit repository!


    from afar, xu qing¡¯s long hair fluttered in the wind and he was extraordinarily handsome. the secret repository on his back contained the world and the furnace erupted with scorching flames. his aura was like a rainbow that shook the surroundings.


    among the hundreds of thousands of cultivators in the surroundings, there were also spirit repository cultivators. however, at that moment, they were all dumbfounded and their hearts were in turmoil.


    xu qing¡¯s secret repository was unprecedented and earth-shattering.


    what shocked the cultivators even more was that behind xu qing in the air, the surroundings of the opened gate became blurry at this moment. a huge mirror was rapidly manifesting.


    this mirror quickly spread out in the sky. it was astonishingly majestic and emitted an ancient feeling. the mirror reflected a tall mountain with 100,000 temples on it. there was a statue in each temple.


    a figure emerged in the mirror. that figure was an old man, the artifact spirit of the moon rebel hall.


    he stared at xu qing and the captain from the mirror. in the end, he lowered his head and cupped his fists.


    ¡°greetings, masters.¡±


    countless information about the moon rebel hall gushed into xu qing and the captain¡¯s minds. the two of them stared at each other and articulated at the same time.


    ¡°all statues¡­ return to your positions!¡±

 Chapter 1067 - 1067 Revival and Rise

    1067 revival and rise


    as xu qing and the captain¡¯s words echoed, they walked into the reflection of the lake on the surface of the mirror. they stood outside the highest temple, overlooking everything like gods.


    the mountain of the moon rebel hall started quaking.


    the seals imposed by the first hall master and fifth hall master were directly erased by xu qing and the captain.


    they were the true lords of moon rebel.


    under xu qing and the captain¡¯s highest authority, the authority of all deputy hall masters could be easily suppressed.


    at that moment, the mountain in the mirror rumbled and the temples inside shone one after another. in the blink of an eye, the light of 100,000 temples gave off resplendent light.


    it was like 100,000 stars had appeared in the sky.


    the aura was so imposing that it seemed to shake everything.


    waves of astonishing aura rose from the 100,000 temples, forming terrifying energy that filled the world inside the mirror before affecting the outside world as well.


    the world formed by the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin started shaking. it couldn¡¯t continue shrinking and devouring!


    this was the might of the moon rebel hall¡¯s foundation.


    xu qing and the captain¡¯s words echoed not only in this world enclosed by the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin but also in the sea of blood outside and the sky, echoing in the moon worship region.


    all statues referred to the cultivators of the moon rebel hall.


    returning to their positions meant returning to the moon rebel hall.


    in the blink of an eye, the minds of the rebel army cultivators in the bitter life mountain range seemed to explode, and their bodies uncontrollably turned blurry and illusory.


    it was as though a supreme force had descended on every moon rebel cultivator and transformed into a guide that ignored the location and cultivation base of the cultivator, summoning them back.


    one cultivator after another¡¯s bodies disappeared. when they reappeared, they were already in the moon rebel hall and in their respective temples. they fused into the statues and opened their eyes, revealing their spirit.


    among them was the fourth hall master of the moon rebel hall. he had also been teleported back and he appeared in the temple of the deputy hall master in the air.


    it was the same everywhere.


    in the eastern part of the moon worship region, the dying duanmu zang suddenly opened his eyes with a look of disbelief as he heard those words.


    his body blurred and disappeared in the blink of an eye. when he reappeared, he had returned to the moon rebel hall.


    for cultivators like duanmu zang, who were scattered all over the great region, no matter where they hid or what kind of injuries they suffered, as long as they didn¡¯t die, their bodies were teleported away.


    the third hall master and his hundreds of thousands of subordinates who were trapped by the red moon cultivators in the northern part of the moon worship region were greatly shaken.


    they didn¡¯t know what had happened but they all heard a dignified voice in their minds.


    under this voice, the third hall master and his subordinates disappeared.


    when they reappeared, they were all in their respective temples in the moon rebel hall.


    all of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in an instant. in the blink of an eye, the temples on the mountain reflected in the mirror opened their gates.


    tens of thousands of statues walked down their respective altars, pushed open the temple¡¯s gate, and walked out.


    these statues had different appearances and each of them had an imposing aura, but they all had different emotions running in their hearts.


    some were shocked, some were at a loss, some were frightened, and some were excited.


    it was the same for the temples in the sky.


    the temple of the fourth hall master opened and the mighty statue carried resplendent light as it walked out of the hall. the temple of the third hall master beside it also opened at this moment. a furious-looking statue that was like a guardian warrior stepped out of the temple, emitting a terrifying pressure.


    however, compared to the fourth hall master, the shock on the third hall master¡¯s face was intense.


    even the traitorous first hall master, fifth hall master, and some other cultivators who chose to betray the moon rebel hall couldn¡¯t escape and were forcefully pulled into the moon rebel hall.


    as the temples opened their gates, these traitorous deputy hall masters rushed out. their expressions changed and they were shocked. all of this was too unexpected and sudden for them.


    their appearance immediately attracted the anger and killing intent of the others.


    however, at that moment, no one took action. this was because compared to the betrayal of the two deputy hall masters, what affected the minds of all the moon rebel cultivators was the highest hall in the sky!


    hence, everyone instinctively lifted their heads and looked at the sky.


    the gate of the highest temple had already opened. endless light spread out from within, illuminating the surroundings as though it was the sun.


    and within that sun, two figures stood tall, as if supporting the heavens and the earth, inspiring a sense of reverence in the hearts of those who beheld them.


    their gazes landed and swept across all the statues of the moon rebel cultivators. the minds of all the cultivators present buzzed and they instinctively lowered their heads, greeting with respect.


    ¡°greetings, masters of moon rebel!¡±


    the captain lifted his head proudly.


    ¡°gods aren¡¯t eternal; hope is what lasts forever!¡±


    ¡°today, the red moon has invaded us, and it is time for the rise of our moon rebel¡¯s mission!¡±


    the captain¡¯s voice echoed as he raised his right hand and waved it fiercely. immediately, the mountain of the moon rebel hall rumbled and rapidly swelled. it was the same for the bitter life mountain range where the moon rebel hall had descended.


    as the mirror-like mountain enlarged, the mirror also continued to expand. the sky formed by it instantly collided with the enveloping presence of crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin.


    the instant they collided, there was fierce resistance from both sides.


    it sounded like two worlds were colliding.


    the surroundings trembled and the void collapsed.


    the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin was her body before she became a god. it contained obsession and was extraordinarily bizarre.


    as for the moon rebel hall, it was the strongest supreme treasure of the ruler. it was also a regional artifact and contained the will of the ruler before he died, so its might was naturally peerless.


    the ripples caused by their contact centered on this place and spread throughout the entire large region like a storm, causing the sky to surge and the ground to quake.


    the expressions of all the red moon cultivators changed, and the high priest looked much gloomier. he wanted to strengthen the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin but he was unable to do so.


    only the divine son could truly control this item and unseal it to reveal its final form.


    as a high priest, he could rely on his faith and some special methods to influence this mortal skin. however, he could only release it simply and wasn¡¯t qualified to undo the seal.


    originally, he didn¡¯t need to undo the seal and display the mortal skin¡¯s final state to complete his plan.


    however, he never expected that before the heir appeared, the lord of moon rebel would appear!


    this was beyond his expectations.


    hence, the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin was continuously propped up. as the range grew larger and larger, it rolled back and rapidly retracted, revealing the bitter life mountain range that had been devoured by more than half!


    all living beings in the bitter life mountain range saw the light of day again.


    as for the moon rebel mirror, it was no longer obstructed by the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin, so it soared and directly covered a vast expanse of the sky for hundreds of thousands of feet, blocking out the crimson sky and shrouding the blood sea.


    the surface of the mirror rippled and the mountain of the moon rebel hall shone.


    the red moon cultivators in the area looked at all of this and their hearts trembled. as for the high priest, killing intent flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°exterminate all the moon rebel cultivators!¡±


    as the voice rang out, all the red moon cultivators on the surrounding sea of blood erupted with their cultivation and killing intent at the same time, heading straight for the mirror in the sky.


    looking at the situation, even though the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin was forced back, the difference in strength between the two was extremely great.


    at that moment, outside the gate of the highest hall of the moon rebel hall, xu qing, who was standing beside the captain, looked calm and wasn¡¯t flustered. he closed his eyes and sensed the information that appeared in his mind after he became the master of the moon rebel hall.


    a breath later, xu qing opened his eyes and spoke calmly.


    ¡°in the name of the moon rebel, the authority of the first hall master and the fifth hall master shall be stripped.¡±


    ¡°traitors shall be punished.¡±


    ¡°all of you are to be sealed in the mirror lake.¡±


    as soon as xu qing finished speaking, the bodies of the first and fifth hall masters trembled. their statues quickly dimmed and their auras instantly weakened.


    it was as though everything was directly weakened by an invisible force.


    it was as though xu qing¡¯s words determined everything.


    these two nihility deputy hall masters were shocked and furious. amidst the shock, there was also unwillingness. hence, they roared and rushed out separately, heading straight for xu qing and the captain. they wanted to cooperate with the outside world to kill xu qing.


    however, the instant they rushed out, their bodies rapidly froze and they turned into two ice sculptures in the flash of an eye. ripples appeared in the air under their feet and swallowed them, disappearing.


    the other cultivators who had betrayed the moon rebel also turned into ice sculptures and sank into the mirror lake.


    witnessing all of this, the moon rebel hall cultivators all felt reverence and lowered their heads.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze swept over and his voice continued to echo.


    ¡°in the name of the moon rebel, suppress all injuries, dispel all curses, extend life, and transform the death calamity!¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, the peak of the moon rebel hall swayed again. just like the nourishment he and the captain had received previously, the power that had accumulated for countless years in the moon rebel hall erupted in an instant, surging into the bodies of all moon rebel hall cultivators.


    all the injuries of the hundreds of thousands of moon rebel cultivators were suppressed. all the curses that erupted were forcefully subdued as well.


    ¡°release the seal of moon rebel, unleash the ancient power. anyone who dies will be reborn in the moon rebel hall, immortal and indestructible!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. as these words echoed, it caused the entire moon rebel hall to rumble. all the statues began to exude divine brilliance, empowered by the moon rebel hall!


    the statues were like avatars or armor. in essence, each of them was an extension of the moon rebel hall and contained the terrifying power of the moon rebel hall.


    at that moment, after xu qing unsealed the moon rebel seal and released this power, the statues here instantly erupted with terrifying combat strength, their auras shook the wind and clouds.


    ¡°kill!¡±


    xu qing let out a deep shout. all of these sculptures emitted an ancient aura, bringing with them the intent of rebelling against the moon and hatred. all of them rushed out and stepped into the mirror, attacking the approaching red moon cultivators.


    the battle erupted.


    as for the artifact spirit formed by the moon rebel hall, it took a step forward and headed straight for the high priest.


    in an instant, an astonishing massacre erupted from both sides with all kinds of spells thrown everywhere.


    xu qing looked at the battlefield in the outside world, speaking slowly.


    ¡°pardon those who failed the trial in this era!¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, ripples emerged in front of him. many frozen sculptures of various races appeared, including the captain¡¯s true body.


    under xu qing¡¯s pardon, these ice sculptures instantly shattered, and a terrifying presence burst forth from within.

 Chapter 1068 - 1068 Another Ritual to Become a God (1)

    1068 another ritual to become a god (1)


    the aura burst forth, shaking the wind and clouds, forming a hazy veil that enveloped the statues of various races, which were in a state of fragmentation.


    outsiders couldn¡¯t see it clearly.


    they could only vaguely see that there were a total of 23 statues in the haze!


    their appearance caused the hearts of the cultivators in the bitter life mountain range to tremble. the blended and profound aura emanating from them was overwhelming, causing a shift in the colors of the sky.


    even the cultivators of the moon rebel hall were shaken, especially some of the old people.


    the red moon cultivators were frightened as well. the battlefield was also shaken by the appearance of these statues.


    however, these terrifying auras from the ice sculptures were mixed with a wisp of nascent soul energy¡­


    this energy fluctuation was like an anomaly, so it was both conspicuous and not conspicuous.


    the source of this anomaly was the first to wake up and walk out of the haze.


    it was the captain¡¯s body.


    his appearance surprised many people as they couldn¡¯t understand how someone with such a low cultivation could be sealed.


    the difference between his cultivation base and the terrifying auras coming from the statues behind him was too great, so it was impossible not to pay attention.


    under the gazes of everyone, the captain who walked out was expressionless as he headed straight towards xu qing. he instantly fused with his soul shadow and fused into one; his eyes opened, revealing vigor and radiance as he stretched.


    ¡°how comfortable!¡±


    xu qing swept his gaze over but didn¡¯t say anything. when everyone in the outside world saw this scene, their expressions changed. if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that they were on the battlefield, countless discussions would have erupted immediately.


    the captain raised his brows and was about to say something mystifying. however, at that moment, cracking sounds echoed from another statue. the statue¡¯s ice seal completely shattered and it walked out.


    this was a nonhuman whose entire body was covered in scales. as his long blue hair fluttered in the wind, he looked around blankly.


    ¡°i¡­ revived.¡±


    the moment the muttering echoed, a second stage nihility energy erupted from his body, forming a rumbling sound. due to the powerful energy emanating from him, everyone in the external world focused on him immediately.


    his perception allowed this awakened nonhuman to understand the era he was in and the reason for his revival. hence, he looked at xu qing.


    ¡°i¡¯m willing to fight for moon rebel!¡±


    the moment his voice rang out, a third figure walked out from the haze.


    this figure was also nonhuman. his every step was accompanied by thunder, as though his footsteps were formed by lightning.


    he had a towering figure with snake-like long hair and a massive bone tail trailing behind. his appearance instantly elicited some exclamations of surprise.


    ¡°heavenly ghost race!¡±


    ¡°there are still members of this race alive!¡±


    the heavenly ghost race was a race that had perished in the moon worship region. legend had it that this race originally inherited the position of the red moon divine envoy and was in charge of the power of thunder in this region. however, for some unknown reasons, they chose to betray the moon.


    after that, they were exterminated by the temple.


    ¡°finally, i¡¯m awake.¡±


    the burly man from the heavenly ghost race mumbled. his voice was also like thunder. the instant he walked out, he saw the red moon cultivators and the high priest in the outside world. the killing intent in his eyes was intense. after that, he looked at xu qing and frowned.


    ¡°you¡¯re the lord of moon rebel? how can such a weak human take up this position?!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was calm as he looked at the muscular man from the heavenly ghost race. just as he was about to speak, a cold voice rang out from the haziness formed by the sealed statues.


    ¡°little ghost, why can¡¯t the human race be the lord of the moon rebel?¡±


    this voice was piercing. at that moment, whether it was the blue-haired nonhuman or the muscular man from the heavenly ghost race, their expressions changed simultaneously. even the fourth hall master outside, upon hearing this voice, turned his gaze in this direction, his breathing becoming hurried.


    the fourth figure walked out of the haze step by step. what followed was the ear-piercing sound of weapons rubbing against the ground.


    this fourth shape was a human!


    he wore a ragged robe, a huge scar extended from his forehead to his waist, and he carried a tremendous sense of ferocity. he dragged a damaged long blade and walked into the world.


    that long blade emitted an astonishing menacing aura, as though it could shatter the world with a single strike.


    his appearance caused everyone¡¯s expressions to change. even the high priest narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°as expected, you were not dead, li xiaoshan!¡±


    the fourth hall master looked shocked as he saw the old man walking over and spoke with a trembling voice.


    ¡°master!¡±


    this old man was the master of the fourth hall master. the fourth hall master was clearly shaken. he clearly remembered that his master had passed away in meditation and had given him the qualifications to advance to the fourth hall before he passed away.


    the old man¡¯s gaze landed on the fourth hall master and he nodded slightly.


    ¡°not bad, you¡¯ve successfully inherited the fourth hall.¡±


    ¡°i didn¡¯t die. it¡¯s just that back then, i failed to break through to the soul accumulation realm and the curse erupted. i had no choice but to suppress it with the artifact spirit¡¯s seal, so that i could wake up at a critical moment.¡±


    with that, the old man¡¯s gaze landed on the two nonhumans. the two nonhumans instantly lowered their heads and took a few steps back with respectful expressions.


    the old man let out a cold snort. after that, he looked at xu qing. his expression softened, nodding slightly.


    ¡°in this era, the moon lord has finally appeared.¡±


    with that, he cupped his fists and bowed.


    xu qing didn¡¯t dare to be arrogant and hurriedly replied.


    ¡°greetings, senior.¡±


    ¡°moon lord, you can just command me. i might be an old bag of bones, but i can move around a little.¡± as the old man spoke, he looked at the high priest outside with a cold glint in his eyes.


    xu qing¡¯s spirit was uplifted. he had not expected that among the ice sculptures sealed in the moon rebel hall, there would be such an existence.


    at that moment, roaring sounds rang out again as figures walked out one after another from the haze. every one of them seemed to shoulder the passage of time and had an imposing aura. although their auras weren¡¯t as strong as li xiaoshan¡¯s, they were still terrifying.

 Chapter 1069 - 1069 Another Ritual to Become a God (2)

    1069 another ritual to become a god (2)


    this was the harvest of an era gathered by the moon rebel hall in the moon worship region.


    it looked like they were sealed but it was also a form of protection.


    they were all nonhumans. the moment they walked out, they had already understood the reason. when they saw li xiaoshan, they restrained themselves.


    even so, the appearance of these figures gave the red moon cultivators immense pressure.


    the sea of blood also surged as these auras spread out, and the sky appeared fragmented as if covered in fish scales.


    in the haze, only an ice sculpture was left.


    this ice sculpture was the slowest to shatter. it was only at this moment that it finally completely cracked. as the sealed figure walked out, a dense aura of time spread out, as if an ancient wind had come into being, causing the heavens and earth to resound with a deafening roar.


    for the second time, the expression of the red moon high priest changed. he looked even more solemn than when he saw li xiaoshan, as he stared fixedly at the figure that was gradually appearing before the world.


    it was a woman from a nonhuman race.


    there was a third eye on her forehead. this eye was crimson, as if it contained flames. as she walked out, the flames erupted, forming a sea of fire that rose into the air. in midair, a gigantic face took shape, and there seemed to be a world forming inside.


    as for her, she was like the lord of the fire in this sea of fire, emitting energy fluctuations infinitely close to the soul accumulation realm. it was as though she could instantly form her own great world and step into the soul accumulation realm if she wanted to.


    after she walked out, she stood there. her eyes were clearly open, but her gaze was vacant.


    her appearance caused everyone¡¯s hearts to tremble. however, not many knew her. even the old men from the moon rebel hall had no impression of her.


    it was as though her tracks had never appeared in this era.


    the ancient feeling coming from her body was extremely intense. it was as though one could feel the passage of time with just a glance.


    even those unsealed ice sculptures were unfamiliar with this woman and didn¡¯t know her identity. only li xiaoshan looked at the nonhuman woman who walked out and lowered his head, greeting softly.


    ¡°greetings, former lord of moon rebel.¡±


    as soon as he spoke, everyone¡¯s hearts stirred. only xu qing and the captain were calm. this was because they had already learned of this woman¡¯s identity the moment they became the masters of the moon rebel.


    the moon rebel lords who appeared in this era were xu qing and the captain.


    however, the moon rebel hall did not only produce two lords. while not present in every era, there had been several throughout history.


    but their rebellions all ended in failure.


    this last ice sculpture sealed the previous moon rebel lord. however, it wasn¡¯t her true body but a clone.


    she chose to go into self-isolation, using a special method in conjunction with the moon rebel hall to avoid being devoured by crimson goddess, and left behind such a clone.


    this was a gift she had left for the next lord of moon rebel.


    ¡°the previous lord of the moon rebel hall, divine sparrow!¡±


    the high priest¡¯s expression was extremely solemn. as he spoke each word, a hint of ripples appeared in the woman¡¯s eyes. the emptiness vanished, replaced by a gathering indifference that transformed into a gaze, focusing on the high priest.


    ¡°a patched-together body, a stitched-together world, wielding a pair of eyes that don¡¯t belong to this era in exchange for the might of soul accumulation. but do you still remember who you are?¡±


    the woman calmly spoke. her words stunned the high priest and he instinctively spoke.


    ¡°i¡¯m the high priest of the red moon!¡±


    ¡°in my era, the red moon didn¡¯t have a high priest.¡±


    the woman shook her head and sighed softly. she then looked at erniu, who was beside xu qing.


    ¡°those are your eyes.¡±


    erniu¡¯s expression changed and instantly turned solemn. he regarded at the woman in front of him, but didn¡¯t speak.


    the woman¡¯s gaze shifted and landed on xu qing. her eyes slowly emitted a dark light and a cold aura spread out from her body. there was clearly a sea of fire lingering around but at this moment, the color of the fire shifted to black.


    ¡°you¡¯re very strange¡­¡±


    the woman cast a deep glance at xu qing but didn¡¯t say anything. instead, she turned her head and looked at the outside world.


    ¡°is the decisive battle of this era about to begin? it¡¯s much more interesting than my era.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m just a clone and don¡¯t have the might of my main body back then. i won¡¯t be of much help but i¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    ¡°gods aren¡¯t eternal; hope is what lasts forever.¡±


    the woman mumbled and took a step forward, directly crossing the moon rebel hall and appearing above the sea of blood outside. she raised her hand and waved it; immediately, endless flames erupted from her body and headed straight for the sea of blood below.


    in an instant, the entire sea of blood burned.


    flames extended and enveloped the world. the sea of blood surged violently and the sky rumbled.


    the high priest¡¯s expression changed. he lifted his right hand and pressed down fiercely. a great world manifested behind him and was about to suppress the flames.


    however, at this moment, li xiaoshan paced out. he dragged the damaged long blade in his hand and took nine steps in a row, stepping into the void step by step. he shuttled through reality and void, with no one able to obstruct him.


    on his ninth step, he arrived in front of the high priest and slashed down!


    the world lost color, both the high priest and li xiaoshan were forced back from the collision.


    as li xioshan tread back, he spat out a mouthful of blood and his aura weakened. however, he returned to normal in the next instant. when he lifted his head, his gaze was cool as he continued to drag the long blade over.


    the high priest¡¯s expression changed. with this delay, the burning sea of blood rapidly decreased and finally disappeared. the entire sea of blood¡­ was ignited dry by the flames, but the flames didn¡¯t extinguish. they headed straight for the high priest.


    at the same time, in the moon rebel hall, xu qing¡¯s gaze turned cold. he controlled the mirror formed by the moon rebel hall and it shone with a resplendent light, enveloping the surroundings and augmenting the cultivators of the moon rebel hall.


    the nonhuman cultivators who had been unsealed rushed out one after another. their cultivation erupted and they started massacring the red moon cultivators.

 Chapter 1070 - 1070 Another Ritual to Become a God (3)

    1070 another ritual to become a god (3)


    the battlefield turned chaotic.


    all of these unsealed nonhuman cultivators displayed astonishing prowess. wherever the blue-haired nonhuman passed, a trail of water stains remained behind.


    each water stain entombed a cultivator of the red moon, but within the reflections, the buried red moon cultivators could be seen wailing in pain.


    there was also the burly man from the heavenly ghost race. his entire body rumbled with lightning and an area of lightning formed in the surroundings. as each descending lightning bolt, numerous arcs of lightning scattered, and each lightning arc transformed into a grim ghostly figure, controlled by him.


    the more he killed, the more ferocious ghostly figures there were in his surroundings.


    among these unsealed cultivators, there was one whose methods were even stranger. he didn¡¯t resist any of the red moon cultivators¡¯ spells and attacks at all, allowing the enemy to kill him.


    however, every time he died, the cultivators who attacked him would instantly die.


    that nonhuman would manifest on those corpses, continuing to move forward and get killed.


    the figures of the moon rebel hall were equally astonishing. their combat strength was extraordinary due to the augmentation and they weren¡¯t afraid of death. every time they died, another statue would appear in the temple of the moon rebel hall, walking out and joining the battlefield.


    this was the might of the moon rebel hall, a regional treasure!


    the situation was reversed instantly.


    although the red moon cultivators weren¡¯t weak, those present here weren¡¯t enough for victory.


    this was natural. after all¡­ what they were facing now was the strongest group of people the moon rebel hall had gathered over an era.


    at that moment, in the center of the moon worship region, there was a lake with an island in the center.


    on the island, there was a huge statue in a kneeling posture. it looked so huge that it seemed like it was supporting the sky. there were many buildings around its feet. compared to it, these buildings were like ants.


    this statue was of ruler li zihua!


    there was a palace on his head that suppressed him at all times.


    this palace was the red moon divine son¡¯s palace, and this was the headquarters of the red moon shrine.


    at that moment, in the divine son¡¯s palace, there was a person sitting upright on a huge chair.


    this person had an indifferent expression and looked like a youth. his appearance was very similar to the statue outside.


    his aura was sometimes strong and sometimes weak, indicating that he was injured. moreover, from the traces of his injuries, they were formed by the attacks of the heir and princess mingmei.


    his identity was obvious.


    in front of him, an illusory scene flickered which showed the battlefield of the bitter life mountain range.


    after watching for a long time, the adolescent impassively stood up and walked deeper into the palace. step by step, he seemed to have walked through the void and into another world.


    in that world, the sky was dim and there was a blood-colored lake on the ground.


    the lake was eerily silent, and twelve corpses sat cross-legged on the lake¡¯s surface, each one alike to the young man.


    upon closer inspection, one could see that these corpses actually didn¡¯t have flesh and blood. only a layer of skin was left.


    they encircled the lake, forming a circle, resembling an creepy ritual.


    however, there was an empty space within the circle.


    it remained vacant until the young man walked onto the lake, arrived at the vacant spot, sat down cross-legged, and became the thirteenth corpse.


    the ring was now complete.


    a golden eye appeared in the sky, emitting a golden light that illuminated the lake. it also revealed the reflection of the 13 corpses on the surface of the lake.


    the reflections were bizarre, not corresponding to their physical bodies. among the thirteen reflections, there were eight males and five females, and their appearances matched the children of the ruler.


    among them were the crown prince, princess mingmei, and others, but all in their youthful days, as if these were the reflections of their past appearances.


    all the brothers and sisters were here, except for the fourth son.


    vaguely, a strange voice echoed in this world.


    ¡°once upon a time, there was a big doll, followed by a row of little dolls. ten dolls, six, seven, eight, with red eyes and gray hair. silent all day long, the older children saw and shouted, ¡®kids, don¡¯t fear¡­¡±


    ¡°until one day suddenly, the big doll got sick, the second doll looked, the third doll bought medicine, the fifth doll boiled, the sixth doll died, the seventh doll laughed, the eighth doll dug a hole, the ninth doll jumped, the tenth doll¡¯s tears fell on the ground. i went to ask him why he was crying¡­¡±


    ¡°the fourth doll is lost and won¡¯t come back!¡±


    the surface of the lake gradually churned, as though something was slowly rising from the bottom of the lake.


    a terrifying aura descended.

 Chapter 1071 - 1071 Im Not Qualified?! (1)

    1071 i¡¯m not qualified?! (1)


    it was a tragic scene in the bitter life mountain range. death was descending at every moment. the sea of blood on the ground dried up, forming a huge deep pit.


    heavenly fire enveloped it and spread out in the air.


    the statues from the moon rebel hall displayed astonishing combat prowess under the enhancement of the regional treasure.


    when they died, at the next instant, as the moon rebel hall trembled, the dead moon rebel cultivators walked out of the temple in the mirror and rushed into the battlefield to continue fighting.


    this way, even if the red moon cultivator used the curse, with the existence of the moon rebel hall, they could suppress it for a short period of time, causing this war to rapidly tilt in the moon rebel hall¡¯s favor.


    the 20-odd ancient cultivators who had been unsealed were all heaven¡¯s chosens of this era. their methods were unique and they had a lot of experience in battles.


    they possessed the might to suppress those of the same realm. wherever they passed, the red moon experts had no choice but to retreat.


    the pressure on the high priest¡¯s side was also huge. he had to face the two strongest unsealed cultivators from the moon rebel hall, especially divine sparrow. the flames sublimated in her hands, displaying various colors.


    every time it changed, its might would increase slightly. her attacks seemed to set the heavens and earth ablaze, carrying the might of soul accumulation, causing even the high priest to feel a sense of awe.


    however, if it was just her, the high priest could manage, but li xiaoshan¡¯s existence gave him an equally powerful sense of oppression.


    li xiaoshan¡¯s blade didn¡¯t fall constantly; he maneuvered around the high priest, dragging his blade and spinning it continuously. amidst the clattering sound, his speed was astonishing.


    with each swing of the blade, the void shattered, forming a terrifying blade aura. this made the situation increasingly grave for the high priest as the battle unfolded.


    ¡°this battle isn¡¯t suitable to continue!¡±


    the high priest squinted, raising his right hand and pointing to the side. an illusory shadow of a world formed in front of his finger, blocking the incoming long blade.


    amidst the rumbling, the high priest¡¯s left hand grabbed at the sky. the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin appeared again.


    its reappearance caused the world to distort, sending shockwaves across the battlefield. at the same time, xu qing¡¯s gaze froze. what he had been guarding against in the moon rebel hall was the crimson goddess¡¯s mortal skin.


    seeing that the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin had landed again, xu qing immediately spread out his authority. the captain did the same. the two of them relied on their status as the lords of the moon rebel hall to control the moon rebel hall, causing the huge mirror to shine with radiant light.


    this light spread in all directions, resisting the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin power.


    the two sides clashed again, stirring up a storm that swept through the sky. the cultivators fighting on both sides were forced to separate under this violent force.


    killing intent flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. just as he was about to control the moon rebel hall to display the might of the regional treasure again when, at that moment, a different kind of wind fell from the sky.


    this breeze carried the smell of blood and instantly filled the battlefield. along with the wind, there was also a strange and eerie voice that seemed to be whispering in everyone¡¯s ears.


    ¡°once upon a time, there was a big doll¡­¡±


    this voice was none other than the strange nursery rhyme that kept on echoing in the divine son¡¯s palace. this wasn¡¯t the first time xu qing had heard it. previously, when the heir and others saved grandma five, he had heard it in that village.


    what left the deepest impression on him was the last sentence.


    ¡°the fourth doll is lost and won¡¯t come back!¡±


    these words rang out from all directions. at this moment, the sky reversed and turned red again. gradually, a blood lake appeared in the sky like a projection.


    the blood lake churned as though there was a terrifying existence inside that wanted to crawl out.


    a terrifying aura landed on the battlefield at this instant.


    the expressions of xu qing and the captain changed at the same time. it was even more so for the cultivators of the moon rebel hall. every one of them felt endless waves in their hearts. even those specialists who had been unsealed were the same.


    the blade in li xiaoshan¡¯s hand paused slightly.


    divine sparrow¡¯s fire swayed gently.


    their expressions were unprecedentedly serious as they stared fixedly at the blood lake in the sky.


    compared to them, the red moon cultivators heaved a sigh of relief. only the high priest frowned and looked at the blood lake. it was unknown what he was thinking.


    however, at this moment, a voice suppressed the nursery rhyme and exploded like muffled thunder.


    it was the sound of a heartbeat.


    thump, thump, thump!


    the appearance of this voice immediately caused many moon rebel cultivators to let out blood-curdling cries. the statues collapsed uncontrollably, as though this sound could destroy everything.


    immediately after, as the blood lake in the sky surged, a large black hand covered in tentacles slowly stretched out. accompanied by an earth-shattering pressure, it caused the world to tremble.


    this hand had seven fingers and was filled with bone spikes. those tentacles swayed even more and wherever they passed, the space would collapse. at this moment, it seemed to be slowly falling but in reality, it was constantly growing larger.


    it couldn¡¯t be resisted or obstructed.


    the appearance of this large hand caused the anomalous substances in this place to rise. everyone had no choice but to retreat.


    finally, the black hand grabbed the space where the red moon cultivators were in.


    this space included the high priest and the crimson goddess¡¯s mortal skin. they were all covered by the black hand.


    after that, it slowly rose and brought everyone into the blood lake in the sky.


    its arrival couldn¡¯t be stopped and its departure couldn¡¯t be stopped.


    everyone, including xu qing and the captain, could only watch helplessly as the large hand disappeared into the blood lake. this lasted until a pair of golden eyes appeared in the blood lake. through the lake water, the eyes coldly looked at the ground and then at the distant sky.


    after that, the golden eyes closed and the image of the blood lake in the sky disappeared.


    the combat was over.


    when the sky regained its previous color, the pressure and restrictions from the god¡¯s hand disappeared. however, the waves in everyone¡¯s hearts didn¡¯t stop. on the contrary, it was because of that pair of golden eyes that everyone instinctively felt oppressed.

 Chapter 1072 - 1072 Im Not Qualified?! (2)

    1072 i¡¯m not qualified?! (2)


    ¡°who was that¡­¡±


    the cultivators of the moon rebel hall fell silent but this question instinctively surfaced in their minds.


    they all had the answer, but they couldn¡¯t believe it.


    ¡°divine son¡­¡± li xiaoshan said hoarsely.


    ¡°the divine son i saw in my era wasn¡¯t that terrifying.¡± divine sparrow frowned and slowly spoke.


    ¡°the feeling he gives me is infinitely close to that of a god.¡±


    the surroundings were silent.


    this was clearly a victory but the appearance of the blood lake and the divine son¡¯s hand caused all the living beings here to feel an unprecedented sense of powerlessness. all of them instinctively looked at xu qing and erniu.


    however, soon after, disappointment and helplessness appeared in these gazes.


    although the lords of the moon rebel hall had appeared, these lords¡­ were too weak.


    one was a spirit repository and the other was a nascent soul.


    with such a cultivation, how could they become the masters of the moon rebel hall? how could they lead the moon rebel hall cultivators on this heaven-defying path¡­


    needless to say, the red moon star in the distance had already occupied most of the sky. in a month or two at most, the crimson goddess would truly descend.


    at that time, when faced with the devouring of the crimson goddess, all living beings would only feel bitterness without any hope.


    even though these two lords of the moon rebel had authority, their cultivation levels couldn¡¯t convince the masses to genuinely follow them. gradually, the gazes of the moon rebel cultivators shifted away from xu qing.


    some looked towards the fourth hall master, some towards the third hall master, some towards li xiaoshan, and some gathered around divine sparrow.


    among these gazes were the gazes of those heaven¡¯s chosens who were unsealed.


    although they were unsealed, they were just as complex in their feelings towards the moon rebel lords and were not entirely convinced. ultimately, they believed that xu qing and the captain lacked the qualifications.


    ¡°thank you, moon lord, for allowing me and my subordinates to enter the moon rebel hall at the critical moment. but please dispel the blessing. i intend to return to the northern plains and spend the rest of my remaining time with the people there.¡±


    the third hall master looked at xu qing and calmly spoke.


    xu qing remained silent. the fourth hall master frowned and took a few steps forward, speaking in a deep voice.


    ¡°third, moon rebel has a master now, this is the time for us to rise. you¡­¡±


    ¡°fourth, is there any hope?¡± the third hall master sighed softly. his face was filled with fatigue as he interrupted the fourth hall master¡¯s words.


    ¡°with the moon lords¡¯ cultivation and experience, we can¡¯t resist the red moon. in fact, i don¡¯t even know the origins of this moon lord. perhaps he¡¯s not a cultivator of this region.¡±


    as soon as he said this, many moon rebel cultivators were surprised. the third hall master looked at xu qing.


    ¡°moon lord, please dispel the blessing. if you¡¯re unwilling, then seal me.¡±


    his words made his attitude clear. he wouldn¡¯t resist xu qing but he wouldn¡¯t follow either.


    after the third hall master finished speaking, the tens of thousands of moon rebel hall cultivators behind him lowered their heads. they were the third hall master¡¯s subordinates and had followed him all the way. naturally, they chose the same path as him.


    ¡°me too.¡±


    ¡°moon lord, since it has come to this point, the resistance no longer makes sense.¡±


    seven to eight of the unsealed cultivators spoke lightly.


    li xiaoshan wanted to say something. however, he glanced at xu qing and erniu and finally sighed.


    their cultivation levels were too low.


    divine sparrow was expressionless and didn¡¯t speak.


    the fourth hall master¡¯s breathing was hurried. he looked at xu qing and suddenly walked over, standing firmly beside xu qing.


    most of the moon rebel cultivators didn¡¯t move and wanted to observe more before deciding.


    seeing this, the captain raised his brows and was about to speak when xu qing took a step forward and looked at the third hall master.


    ¡°my cultivation is indeed insufficient and i¡¯m not a cultivator of this region.¡±


    as soon as xu qing finished speaking, an uproar broke out among the surrounding moon rebel cultivators. towards outsiders becoming the master of moon rebel, this in itself was something these moon rebel cultivators couldn¡¯t accept.


    ¡°as expected, you¡¯re not from this region.¡± the third hall master looked at xu qing and spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°whether he¡¯s a cultivator from our region or not isn¡¯t important. he turned the tide at the critical moment, so he is the moon lord!¡± the fourth hall master¡¯s expression was solemn and his voice was firm.


    the third hall master shook his head.


    ¡°i won¡¯t argue about this. while it was indeed because of the moon lord¡¯s help, his qualifications and reputation are insufficient. i am not convinced, my subordinates aren¡¯t convinced, and many fellow daoists of the moon rebel hall aren¡¯t convinced either.¡±


    ¡°my heart won¡¯t allow me to continue like this.¡±


    the third hall master shook his head and turned to walk toward the moon rebel hall. he wanted to return.


    his subordinates followed. many of the surrounding moon rebel hall cultivators sighed and silently walked toward the moon rebel hall.


    in these final two months, rather than following a hopeless spirit repository, it was better to spend the last days of their lives in a quiet place, reflecting on their past.


    as for wanting to be sealed within the moon rebel hall to avoid the possible catastrophe, they weren¡¯t foolish. they knew it wasn¡¯t realistic. otherwise, why, in this era, was there only one divine sparrow clone remaining?


    clearly, this was a qualification that only the moon lords possessed.


    the atmosphere was oppressive. people walked toward the moon rebel hall one after another.


    among them were some followers of master pill nine. the statue of the neighboring burly man was also among them. they didn¡¯t see master¡¯s statue and were grief-stricken. they understood that master had died, so they didn¡¯t have the mind to continue this resistance.


    the instant these people started walking toward the moon rebel hall, xu qing¡¯s voice calmly echoed.


    ¡°you say my cultivation is insufficient, i can accept that. but when you say my qualifications are lacking, and my reputation is insufficient¡­ i have a question.¡±


    ¡°i unsealed the ruler¡¯s heir in the heavenly fire sea and revived princess mingmei in the northern icy plains, is that not enough?¡±


    ¡°if not, i helped the heir and princes mingmei to unseal the fifth princess at the black centipede mountain and the eighth prince at the door race¡¯s territory, are these not enough?¡±


    as soon as xu qing finished speaking, the hearts of all the cultivators walking toward the moon rebel hall trembled. their expressions changed rapidly and they turned their heads in unison to look at xu qing. at this moment, endless thunder seemed to be rumbling in their minds.


    the third hall master also stopped in his tracks and his eyes gleamed as he gazed at xu qing.


    ¡°i have my own guesses about you appearing in the bitter life mountain range. saving the ruler¡¯s children is a huge contribution but moon lord, your appeal is still insufficient.¡±


    xu qing was expressionless. he lifted his right hand and waved it. all the disguises on his body dissipated, revealing his true appearance as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°several months ago, in the land of the god slaying platform, i agitated the spirit of resistance and called on all living beings not to give up hope, igniting the spark that spread like wildfire, is that not enough?¡±


    after he finished speaking, the sky fluctuated. as light flashed, a vast god slaying platform rumbled out and stood behind xu qing. its majestic aura shook the surroundings.


    the third hall master¡¯s eyes narrowed. the expressions of all the moon rebel cultivators here were changing. all of them looked at xu qing¡¯s face and the god slaying platform. the scenes that appeared in their minds several months ago were recalled again.


    exactly the same!


    ¡°it¡¯s him!!¡±


    ¡°the one who called us was actually the moon lord!¡±


    ¡°this¡­ the scene back then allowed us to rise from despair!¡±


    an uproar erupted uncontrollably under the waves of emotions in everyone¡¯s hearts.


    the captain¡¯s words resounded at this moment.


    ¡°interesting, saying that we aren¡¯t qualified and our esteem isn¡¯t high enough?¡±


    ¡°based on the fact that i once bit the crimson goddess in this region in my previous life, is it not enough?¡±


    ¡°based on the fact that i was once a grand ritual dancer and betrayed the red moon, is that not enough?¡±


    ¡°the crimson moon shrine dismembered my body and are using my organs to support their temples, is that not enough?¡±


    the captain¡¯s words, as well as the waves caused by xu qing, were like countless thunderbolts that rumbled and echoed in this world.


    it shook the souls of all the living beings here, causing the expressions of all the moon rebel cultivators to change drastically and their breathing to become hurried.


    the third hall master¡¯s mind also fluctuated intensely. li xiaoshan, divine sparrow, and the others who were unsealed were also shocked.


    finally, xu qing lifted his head. his gaze swept past the adjacent moon rebel hall cultivators as he spoke softly.


    ¡°i snatched a wisp of the crimson goddess¡¯ red moon¡¯s origin and turned it into my own strength, is that not enough?¡±


    ¡°based on the fact that i¡¯ve refined countless pills for the moon rebel cultivators and removed your pain from the curses, is that not enough?¡±


    ¡°also, you uttered that my esteem isn¡¯t high enough¡­ then, with the fact that i¡¯m pill nine, is this status enough?¡±

 Chapter 1073 - 1073 Moon Rebels Killing Intent Envelops the Heavens and Earth

    1073 moon rebel¡¯s killing intent envelops the heavens and earth


    regardless of whether it was the captain¡¯s proud voice or xu qing¡¯s words, they were at an elevated level, floating in the sky and not resonating with the ground.


    whether it was biting the crimson goddess, plundering the red moon¡¯s origin, or even rescuing the children of the ruler, all of these, for the ordinary cultivators of the moon rebel hall, were awe-inspiring for sure, but not intimately related to their own existence.


    regardless of what the other party did, it was the business of the big shots. while it was inspiring and exciting, this feeling ultimately lacked the direct impact on their minds.


    this was a characteristic of human nature. people tended to only care about their own safety and the things that were closest to them.


    just like back then, the people of fenghai county didn¡¯t care much about who was the county governor. what they cared about was their poisoning. back then, xu qing had used this point to gather the fortune of the people in fenghai county¡¯s capital.


    the situation was the same now.


    hence, when xu qing revealed his pill nine identity, it was a much bigger shocking revelation.


    the commotion surpassed everything before it. almost all the moon rebel cultivators were shaken and waves of emotions surged in their hearts as they looked at xu qing in disbelief.


    the name pill nine was too significant to the moon rebel cultivators.


    his appearance a year ago allowed the moon rebel cultivators to see hope.


    he had single-handedly changed the structure of the curse-resolving pills, causing the curse-resolving pill, which was originally ridiculously expensive to the point where it was difficult to obtain a single pill, to become a pill that everyone could afford. the price had fallen by dozens or hundreds of times.


    this act was filled with endless merit and caused a huge commotion, allowing a large number of cultivators who were under the curse to relieve the pain that was tormenting their bodies and minds. they were sincerely thankful to pill nine.


    everyone in the moon rebel hall, from the deputy hall masters to the ordinary cultivators, respected pill nine.


    even the third hall master, who had questioned xu qing, had looked for master pill nine many times. he had even left messages in pill nine¡¯s temple, begging pill nine to join his side many times.


    there was even less of a need to talk about the others. almost 60% of the moon rebel hall cultivators who had survived had taken pill nine¡¯s pills.


    the curse subduing pills created by master pill nine had shaken the entire moon rebel hall back then like lightning. it was a medicinal pill that could truly reduce the curse.


    as soon as this pill had appeared, it instantly pushed pill nine¡¯s reputation to the extreme. as for the saying that master pill nine was virtuous and kind, not only did it spread in the moon rebel hall, but even the cultivators in the outside world knew and heard about it.


    even the red moon shrine attached great importance to him.


    hence, as xu qing¡¯s words echoed, cries of surprise and exclamations echoed in the area.


    ¡°master pill nine!¡±


    ¡°moon lord¡­ is actually master pill nine!¡±


    ¡°this matter is too big. is this true?! if it¡¯s true, then we do have hope!¡±


    ¡°if moon lord is master pill nine, i¡¯ll fully support the moon lord. my life was saved by master pill nine¡¯s medicinal pills!¡±


    ¡°i support him too!¡±


    at this moment, the hearts of all the cultivators in the surroundings rumbled and they instinctively moved closer to xu qing. the heart of the fourth hall master also fluctuated. he looked at xu qing and was extremely shaken.


    the third hall master was completely stunned. to him, this news was extremely impactful


    his subordinates also wavered and stopped walking toward the moon rebel hall.


    there were also some people in the crowd whose excitement surpassed that of the others. at that moment, their bodies were even trembling. the gazes they used to look at xu qing revealed intense light.


    among them, the most excited was none other than xu qing¡¯s neighbor. this burly statue was actually pill nine¡¯s first follower, and she looked at xu qing in disbelief.


    she remembered that not long ago, the other party had asked her a question. if she saw pill nine, would she recognize him?


    she still remembered her answer. from what she could see now, although xu qing hadn¡¯t taken out any evidence, she instinctively felt that the other party¡­ was really master pill nine she followed.


    ¡°my judgment isn¡¯t wrong. there¡¯s a white wind in the desert, so master must be here!¡±


    ¡°the reason why we didn¡¯t find him previously and the reason why the statue of master didn¡¯t appear was because¡­ master has another identity!¡±


    the crowd was shocked, and exclamations and murmurs echoed, but inevitably, there were still some hesitations and doubts. after all, anyone could speak words, and the truth was the most important.


    xu qing naturally knew this. hence, with a wave of his right hand, a piece of flesh flew out. accompanied by a large number of medicinal herbs, xu qing performed alchemy on the spot in front of everyone.


    as he waved his hands, the curse subduing pill rapidly took shape in front of him.


    xu qing had refined this pill too many times and was already familiar with the process. soon, nine medicinal pills were formed. under xu qing¡¯s poison restriction eye, the structure inside instantly changed.


    this was no longer a medicinal pill that reduced the curse by 50%. as xu qing¡¯s cultivation level increased and the secret repository was formed, xu qing had new ideas about reducing the curse further. what he refined now were pills that reduced the curse by 70%.


    as soon as the nine pills appeared, the sky changed color and the wind blew.


    xu qing took a step forward. he changed into the statue of pill nine. with a flick of his sleeve, nine medicinal pills instantly flew out. one flew toward li xiaoshan and the other flew toward divine sparrow.


    the third one flew toward the third hall master, the fourth one to the fourth hall master, and two more landed in the crowd. the rest¡­ flew toward his followers.


    the burly neighbor also obtained one.


    with just the appearance of the pills and their auras, the surroundings were affected, causing the curses in the bodies of the moon rebel cultivators in this area to lose a certain degree of activity.


    in fact, they didn¡¯t even need to take the pill to verify its authenticity. the loss of the curse¡¯s activity caused all the moon rebel cultivators here to breathe unprecedentedly rapidly.


    as for everyone who had obtained the medicinal pills, their expressions were even more solemn. they didn¡¯t hesitate and immediately ate them. after that, their auras instantly soared as the curse power visibly decreased!


    the third hall master fell silent. divine sparrow¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint. the most astonished person was li xiaoshan. as his curse decreased, the aura of the soul accumulation rose from his body.


    this scene caused li xiaoshan¡¯s expression to change. back then, the main reason why he failed to step into the soul accumulation realm was the curse in his body. at this moment, he clearly felt that¡­ he still seemed to have a chance to break through again.


    ¡°the curse is reduced by 70%¡­¡±


    his hoarse voice echoed, completely igniting the hearts of the people here. xu qing¡¯s neighbor, the burly dude, was the first to rush out. she bowed to xu qing and greeted loudly.


    ¡°greetings, master!¡±


    after her, the other followers also greeted excitedly. it was the same for all the surrounding moon rebel hall cultivators. in an instant, the voices of tens of thousands of people transformed into waves that echoed through the sky.


    ¡°greetings, master!¡±


    li xiaoshan took a deep breath and stared at xu qing. he then lowered his head and bowed.


    divine sparrow nodded slightly in approval.


    some of the people in the crowd who greeted xu qing were the subordinates of the third hall master. as for the third hall master himself, there were endless waves in his heart. he stared at xu qing in a daze and wanted to say something, but he couldn¡¯t say a word.


    the other party had enough qualifications.


    and his reputation had already reached the peak.


    the third hall master fell silent for a few breaths. he took a few steps forward and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°moon lord, you said before that you plundered the red moon¡¯s origin¡­¡±


    xu qing nodded. with a wave of his hand, the secret repository behind him appeared. the purple moon inside shone and the blood formed by the red moon¡¯s authority erupted around xu qing.


    the captain sneered and spoke proudly.


    ¡°do you see it? this is the reason why my junior brother is able to refine pills that can truly reduce the curse. he plundered the divine source, so he can neutralize the curse of the crimson goddess!¡±


    the third hall master stared at the purple moon in the secret repository and an intense glint appeared in his eyes. his emotions fluctuated but he suppressed it and spoke again.


    ¡°the red moon star is about to arrive. how are we going to face it? we don¡¯t even need to think about crimson goddess, just the red moon shrine is already beyond us. that divine son is already close to a god¡­¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t speak. the captain sneered and a cold glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°what if the red moon shrine no longer exists!¡±


    as he spoke, the captain lifted his hand and a strand of white hair appeared in his hand. as soon as this strand of hair appeared, a god¡¯s aura erupted from it.


    ¡°we also have a god. this is a token. i can open the door at any time and ask the god to take action!¡±


    the cultivators of the moon rebel hall instantly fell silent. li xiaoshan and divine sparrow¡¯s pupils also contracted.


    the third hall master¡¯s breathing was hurried and the fluctuations in his heart became even more intense. he forcefully endured it and questioned again.


    ¡°how are we going to fight when the crimson goddess arrives?¡±


    the captain raised his brows and was about to answer when xu qing sighed softly and spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°what was your initial purpose in joining the moon rebel hall? wasn¡¯t it to resist and give it your all? now that there¡¯s an opportunity, even as an outsider, i¡¯m willing to risk my life for it. why are you still so hesitant?¡±


    ¡°if your hearts aren¡¯t firm, you can leave.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s words directly struck the minds of those who were hesitating. the third hall master clenched his fists and determination emerged in his eyes. he bowed to xu qing and was about to speak.


    however, at this moment, the sky rumbled and a thunderous sound exploded.


    ¡°the moment the crimson goddess descends, my father will rise!¡±


    as the voice rang out, a huge face suddenly appeared in the sky.


    the face belonged to a young man with an extraordinary temperament, and his long hair flowed like snakes, continuously spreading. it was the true appearance of the crown prince.


    beside him was princess mingmei clad in battle armor, standing there with the river of time flowing beneath her feet, emitting an awe-inspiring aura.


    at the side was the fifth princess, though she emerged elderly, the energy fluctuations from her body were extremely mysterious.


    as for old eighth, his violent power spread out, affecting all living beings.


    finally, there was one more.


    there was also a young man in a black robe, resembling the crown prince. he stood between heaven and earth, his eyes seemed to contain the destruction of the sun and moon, and an unparalleled baleful aura emanated from his entire body.


    the strength of this baleful aura, even standing alone, seemed to surpass all the brothers and sisters.


    his appearance caused even the crimson sky to dim a little.


    he was old ninth!


    the arrival and words of these children of the ruler immediately caused the cultivators of the moon rebel hall below to tremble. they lowered their heads in unison. li xiaoshan and divine sparrow¡¯s hearts shook as they lowered their heads.


    only xu qing stepped forward and bowed.


    ¡°greetings, first grandpa, third grandma, fifth grandma, eighth grandpa, ninth grandpa.¡±


    princess mingmei nodded, grandma five smiled, and old eighth laughed loudly. old ninth¡¯s gaze landed on xu qing.


    as for the heir, his gaze was filled with admiration. after that, he stared at the cultivators below and voiced solemnly.


    ¡°your ancestors were all my father¡¯s people. they fought alongside my father until the calamity descended. for countless years and eras, you guys¡­ have suffered.¡±


    ¡°this time around, xu qing¡¯s appearance gave us hope.¡±


    ¡°let us end this fate and this painful cycle. we are all together.¡±


    as the crown prince¡¯s voice echoed, the hearts of the cultivators from the moon rebel hall were filled with excitement. after experiencing the series of events here, determination emerged in their eyes.


    ¡°xu qing, tell us about your senior brother and your master¡¯s plan!¡±


    the heir stared at xu qing.


    xu qing nodded and stared at the captain. the two of them looked at each other and saw the determination and madness in each other¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°destroy the shrine, revive the ruler, confront the adversaries fearlessly, and devour the crimson goddess!¡±


    ¡°now, let¡¯s complete the first step and destroy the shrine!¡±


    as the words were uttered, the sky roared, and a murderous intent emanated.


    mountains and rivers echoed, and the earth emitted a killing intent, with all kinds of experts rising from everywhere.


    the moon rebel cultivators, with violent killing intent, unleashed their fury, prompting the heavens and earth to reverberate in response.


    at that moment, the killing intent of the sky, the earth, and all living beings gathered and rose from all directions, locking onto¡­ the repentance plain!


    it locked onto the shrine¡¯s headquarters!

 Chapter 1074 - 1074 Nine Suns Covering the Sky

    1074 nine suns covering the sky


    the momentum gathered before the war needed to be used in one go; otherwise, it would inevitably decline and exhaust. the current moon rebel cultivators were in such a situation.


    with the heir¡¯s words, with xu qing¡¯s voice, with the captain¡¯s excitement, tens of thousands of moon rebel cultivators in the moon rebel hall exuded a powerful momentum, their eyes revealing determination and a readiness to fight to the death.


    ¡°kill!¡±


    it was unknown who let out the shout, but soon, everyone instinctively opened their mouths and let out a shout that came from their souls, as though they wanted to vent the pain and unwillingness of their lives with this word.


    at this moment, reason was no longer important. strategy was insignificant in the face of this momentum.


    everyone turned into an ordinary man, and when an ordinary man was enraged, blood would splatter everywhere!


    the reality was already in front of them. crimson goddess was about to arrive and it was already a situation of certain death. now, there was hope, and it was the greatest hope in the countless years.


    even the most timid person would have the courage to rebel.


    moreover, how could those who could enter the moon rebel hall not have courage? after all, the test of the moon rebel hall had already eliminated too many people who didn¡¯t meet the requirements.


    the color of the world in the bitter life mountain range changed. the shouts of the moon rebel cultivator devoured mountains and rivers, shaking the sky.


    seeing this, xu qing took a deep breath and stepped into the moon rebel hall. the captain also entered at the same time. the instant the two of them entered, the moon rebel mirror, which had transformed into the sky, shimmered with brilliance.


    a teleportation fluctuation erupted from within.


    this was another ability of the moon rebel hall that only the lord of moon rebel could use¡ªan extensive, large-scale teleportation within the entire moon worship region.


    at that moment, the teleportation rumbled and the captain¡¯s voice echoed from the moon rebel hall.


    ¡°all statues, return to your positions!¡±


    as his voice rang out, the statues of the moon rebel cultivators in the outside world headed straight for the moon rebel hall with killing intent and determination. among them were li xiaoshan, divine sparrow, and the unsealed cultivators.


    as for the heir and the others, they didn¡¯t need to step into the moon rebel hall. to them, they could head anywhere in this large region with a thought.


    the ordinary cultivators of the bitter life mountain range weren¡¯t asked to participate in this war. hence, under the gazes of ning yan, ling¡¯er, and the others, the sky fluctuated and the moon rebel mirror instantly disappeared.


    it headed to the repentance plain where the red moon¡¯s headquarters was located.


    speed was the most important thing in war!


    ¡­


    at the center of the moon worship region, repentance plain.


    the plains stretched far and wide. as one looked around, there were no mountain ranges in sight. the land was covered with red grass, and when the wind blew, the grassland rippled like a red sea.


    at the center of this plain, there was a huge lake.


    the lake water was like blood, emitting a dense smell of blood. it looked like it was the same as the water in the sacrificial yin river. in the center of the lake was an island.


    an indomitable giant was forcefully suppressed and made to kneel there. although it was kneeling, its tall body and dense aura still formed a terrifying pressure.


    a large number of temples were built around the giant¡¯s feet.


    however, everything was enveloped by a red light and couldn¡¯t be seen clearly.


    this light came from the sky and the red moon star. from afar, everything on the island was blurry under the envelopment of the red light.


    moreover, it was very different in color from the outside world.


    the red color in the other areas was light red. only this place was specially taken care of and was dark red.


    the sky and earth here were red and endless red light gathered on the island, shrouding it in a blood curtain. the aura of crimson goddess was exceptionally thick here.


    additionally, unlike in the past, the usual sounds of worship on the island, the continuous chants praising crimson goddess, were absent at the moment. the place was silent.


    no sound rang out. only that dense redness replaced everything.


    at that moment, the sound of lightning rang out from the sky and broke the silence. as it stirred up endless echoes, the void distorted, as though a colossus wanted to teleport into this dark red color.


    however, as the red light flashed, the teleportation failed.


    at the next instant, in the air outside the island, the moon rebel mirror suddenly appeared and floated in the air. after it rapidly expanded, many gazes fell from the mirror with astonishing killing intent, staring at the island that was enveloped by the red color.


    the figures of the heir and the others also walked out of the void at this moment. they also looked over and their expressions changed.


    ¡°the god¡¯s aura¡­¡±


    old ninth¡¯s expression was cold. he raised his right hand and the phantom of a longsword formed in his hand.


    this sword was pitch-black and emitted an astonishing baleful aura, causing the world to darken.


    he expressionlessly slashed at the dark red blood curtain in front of him.


    as soon as this sword slash landed, it seemed to carve through the heavens and the earth. the sky quivered, unleashing an endless storm, and the earth roared, suppressing the surrounding blood lake and creating depressions.


    finally, it landed on the dark blood curtain.


    a deafening sound rang out from the blood curtain. the blood light fluctuations inside actually thinned for an instant.


    the might of the sword caused waves in everyone¡¯s hearts.


    however, at the next moment, their expressions froze when they saw the scene inside the thinning blood curtain.


    in the blood curtain, the statue of the ruler became clearer, revealing its full appearance and the countless red moon cultivators around it.


    there was no one on the ground. all the cultivators in red moon¡¯s headquarters were sitting cross-legged in the air, surrounding the ruler¡¯s statue as though they were guarding it.


    there were so many of them that it was difficult to count them clearly.


    among them, the weakest cultivator was at the nascent soul realm and there were many spirit repository experts. there were also many nihility cultivators. most of them were dressed in the same clothes and wore the blood-red red moon robe.


    the high priest was also among them. through the blood curtain, he stared at the cultivators of the moon rebel hall who had arrived.


    there were also some affiliated races and sects who were all on guard.


    and what they surrounded and protected was none other than the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin!


    the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin had long spread out. it was like a huge intestine, enveloping the head of the ruler¡¯s statue and the divine son¡¯s palace.


    it was squirming and beating rhythmically like a heart.


    waves of god¡¯s aura continued to spread out from the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin. coupled with its sinister appearance and the blood light that filled the sky, all of this made the scene look extremely bizarre.


    ¡°looks like we came at the right time. old fourth is undergoing the god-ascension ritual!¡±


    the heir saw all of this and spoke in a deep voice.


    as soon as he spoke, everyone from the moon rebel hall became even more solemn.


    at that moment, in the highest hall of the moon rebel hall, the captain¡¯s gaze flickered. xu qing frowned because the trembling reminder of the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor was echoing in his mind.


    ¡°master, things aren¡¯t looking good. according to what i¡¯ve read, usually, when the protagonist is on the verge of a breakthrough, an antagonist appears to stop them.¡±¡±


    ¡°it feels like we¡¯ve taken the path of the antagonist. in the story books i¡¯ve read, the antagonist never succeeds. it¡¯s always the protagonist who breaks through at the most crucial moment, emerges, and goes on a rampage¡­¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he directly ignored it.


    at the same time, old eighth, who was beside the heir, impatiently spoke.


    ¡°brother, isn¡¯t that stating the obvious? who can¡¯t see that? why bother saying these things? let¡¯s just go and deal with him!¡±


    as he spoke, he rushed out and instantly got close to the blood curtain. he then clenched his right hand.


    the soul accumulation energy spread out and a world was formed. as he roared, he punched out.


    killing intent flashed in princess mingmei¡¯s eyes. she took a step forward and the river of time instantly appeared, transforming into a spear. she held it in her hand and swung it fiercely. this spear shuttled through time and descended from the past and present at the same time.


    grandma five closed her eyes and halos rose above her head. they expanded in circles, enveloping the area before suddenly shrinking and crushing over.


    as for the heir, he glared at old eighth. with a wave of his hand, his aura erupted and a nail flew out of his body.


    this nail¡¯s divine might shook the sky. it was the ruler¡¯s nail.


    as soon as it appeared, it carried destructive power as it headed straight for the dark red blood curtain. wherever it passed, the void would explode.


    there was also old ninth. he walked forward without saying a word. black longswords that contained killing intent manifested out of thin air outside his body. every one of them was enveloped by baleful aura and kept gathering. in the blink of an eye, they formed a rain of swords that blotted out the sky and earth as they whistled toward the dark red light.


    seeing this, the high priest in the dark red blood curtain narrowed his eyes and performed a series of hand seals. immediately, all the red moon cultivators in the surroundings erupted with their cultivation levels and fused their energy with the blood curtain, buffing it and resisting the attacks.


    logically speaking, few protective barriers in this world could resist the attacks of five soul accumulation cultivators, the ruler¡¯s nail, and old ninth¡¯s swords.


    however, the blood red barrier at red moon¡¯s headquarters was different.


    this barrier was a divine array created by the power of crimson goddess and contained the blessings of crimson goddess. this was one of the foundations of the red moon shrine. it could block soul accumulation just by itself, let alone now that the red moon star was in the sky. everything was enhanced. coupled with the cultivators augmenting it¡­


    the blood red barrier rippled, blocking old eighth¡¯s punch, resisting the fifth princess¡¯ divine art. even when princess mingmei¡¯s spear pierced through, it only went through a mere three inches.


    even the ruler¡¯s nail couldn¡¯t pierce it.


    only the swords of old ninth, after gathering together, finally made a fierce strike. it cut a crack in the light curtain, but in the blink of an eye, under the blessing of crimson goddess, the deep red light curtain was instantly restored.


    all of this caused the expressions of the heir and the others to turn gloomy. it wasn¡¯t that they were weak, but they couldn¡¯t break through the god¡¯s blessing in an instant.


    at that moment, their cultivation bases erupted again. old ninth even raised his hand and the murderous aura in his entire body rose intensely at this moment. they were prepared to use their trump cards.


    at that moment, the captain¡¯s laughter rang out from the moon rebel hall. he also stepped into the sky.


    ¡°grandpas, grandmas, you don¡¯t need to continue attacking this small divine array. i know this place too well. let me do it. i¡¯ve been preparing for this for a long time.¡±


    ¡°see how i break this divine array!¡±


    the captain had a proud expression and was also excited. he thought to himself that it was finally his turn to perform. at this moment, he was in high spirits. he raised his right hand and waved it fiercely at the sky.


    ¡°little dumpling, mid dumpling, big dumpling, little rectangle, big rectangle, all the dumplings and rectangles, heed my command, appear!¡±


    as soon as the captain¡¯s voice rang out, the sky trembled. one after another, artificial suns suddenly descended from the clouds. there were a total of five of them, some large and some small. every one of them was different.


    it also included the two suns xu qing had seen on the shore back then.


    three rainbows manifested in the distant horizon. there were three more artificial suns who responded to the captain¡¯s summon and hurried over from other races.


    eight suns manifested in the sky, shining and burning at the same time.


    immediately, the weather changed and the entire world suddenly lit up.


    ¡°the first thing i did when i arrived to the moon worship region was to collect the suns. all of this was for today!¡±


    the captain had a proud expression as he roared.


    ¡°junior brother, lend me the sun on your waist!¡±


    xu qing strode out of the moon rebel hall. he gazed at the eight suns in the sky and didn¡¯t hesitate at all. he directly removed the iron ball from his waist and threw it into the sky.


    as the iron ball was removed, xu qing¡¯s aura rumbled and erupted. the relaxed feeling from his entire body caused his eyes to reveal an intense light.


    after this iron ball rose into the air, it directly surrounded the other eight suns in the sky and burned. at this moment, the light was even brighter than before.


    the captain¡¯s eyes revealed smugness. he raised his hand and waved it again. a strand of hair flew out and headed straight for the sky.


    this strand of hair was none other than the hair of the god. it grew larger and larger in the air and finally penetrated the nine suns, stringing them together to form a ring of nine suns.


    this ring emitted terrifying energy. it covered the red light of the sky and buried the deep red of the red moon.

 Chapter 1075 - 1075 The Faith of All Living Beings Summon the Souls

    1075 the faith of all living beings summon the souls


    over the countless years in the moon worship region, there were a total of eight artificial suns created by some once powerful races and sects!


    coupled with the oldest one, these nine suns could be said to be extremely dazzling.


    no one had ever been able to rouse these nine suns at the same time. they rose in different eras and fell one after another for various reasons.


    however, today, both ancient and modern suns were all shining brightly.


    all of them emitted piercing light and everything lit up.


    with the spread of this brilliance, the ruby-red of the sky was covered, and the array formation on the ground was shaken. what caused the qualitative change in their might was the strand of hair that connected them.


    the hair of the moon flame high god contained dense divine power. under its effect, the nine suns were enhanced greatly, becoming divine suns.


    the light they emitted transformed into divine light, and the fire they formed transformed into divine flames.


    the sea of light rippled and flames surged. in an instant, the ruby-red color formed by the arrival of the red moon star was neutralized, gradually dissipating from this area.


    from afar, although the sky in the entire moon worship region was still red, an empty area appeared here, like a hole in the red curtain!


    it was a shocking sight.


    as for the blood lake on the ground, its color also changed due to the sea of light. it was no longer red but became murky.


    countless skeletons could be seen undulating within, as if this was the true appearance of the lake.


    as for the island in the center of the lake, its deep red divine array was still persisting. however, the captain proudly raised his head and waved his hand.


    immediately, the nine suns ring that was spinning in the air pressed down fiercely on the island¡¯s red divine array.


    the lake water exploded, and the island quaked violently.


    cracking sounds started spreading from everywhere.


    the array formation at red moon¡¯s headquarters clearly showed signs of collapse. not only did it thin out, but irregular cracks also appeared on it.


    the heir¡¯s eyes lit up. he performed a series of hand seals, and the ruler¡¯s nail rose with an earth-shattering aura, rushing toward the divine array again.


    with a cracking sound, a piece of the divine array shattered!


    at this moment, princess mingmei, the fifth princess, and old eighth also attacked one after another. cracking sounds continued and the divine array shattered again.


    a cold glint flashed in old ninth¡¯s eyes. he raised his hand and grabbed at the void. the void collapsed and quickly gathered in front of him, forming a large sword that stabbed fiercely at the divine array.


    the divine array in red moon¡¯s headquarters was already collapsing due to the nine suns ring, and it kept shattering under the attacks of the heir and the others. now, it had reached its limit after enduring old ninth¡¯s strike.


    a deafening sound echoed.


    the dark red divine array shattered into pieces and collapsed, revealing a large group of solemn-looking red moon cultivators.


    many of their expressions changed and their hearts were in turmoil as they hadn¡¯t imagined the divine array to collapse so fast.


    ¡°surprised? haha.¡± the captain laughed proudly when he saw this scene.


    ¡°this isn¡¯t the first time i¡¯ve faced your divine array. back then, when i advanced it, i was already thinking about how to destroy this array.¡±


    ¡°so this time, i¡¯m fully prepared!¡±


    the heir ignored the captain¡¯s laughter, and headed straight for the island. old ninth followed behind, with princess mingmei beside him. grandma five and old eighth also sped forward.


    the five of them transformed into five beams of light and advanced the red moon¡¯s headquarters like lightning. they didn¡¯t stop on the way and approached the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin that was constantly thumping.


    they didn¡¯t have time to suppress the red moon cultivators. the divine aura from the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin made the heir and the others realize that their fourth brother¡­ was at the critical moment of becoming a god.


    time was tight now, so they had to stop the process first. otherwise, once old fourth¡¯s god-ascension ritual was completed, the difficulty of suppressing him would increase significantly.


    the instant she got close, princess mingmei performed a series of hand seals with both hands and waved them out. immediately, the river of time appeared, enveloping them in surging waves and crashing onto the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin.


    it would be difficult to enter crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin through conventional means. one could only make use of this dao of time to step in from the past!


    in the blink of an eye, the figures of the heir and the others followed the river of time and advanced the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin.


    crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin suddenly paused, followed by a piercing and mournful sound emanating from within. there was also a continuous thunderous noise, resembling a million heavenly thunders, resonating.


    everything happened too quickly. the expressions of the red moon cultivators changed. the task they received was to prevent any outsiders from entering the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin until the divine son walked out.


    now, seeing that they couldn¡¯t stop it, the red moon cultivators immediately stood up. the high priest frowned, about to command the red moon cultivators to use their divine arts to assist the divine son.


    the moon rebel hall that was floating outside the island instantly sped up and rapidly arrived above the island, shrouding crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin.


    the mirror¡¯s surface rippled, forming a suppressive force that sealed off the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin. at the same time, statues walked out of their respective temples. they were like gods and devils as they stepped out of the mirror and rushed toward the red moon cultivators.


    tens of thousands of statues rushed out one after another, shattering the surrounding space. all kinds of laws kept colliding. a storm brewed as the battle erupted.


    however, compared to the red moon cultivators, the number of moon rebel cultivators was much fewer. this was the red moon¡¯s headquarters. not only did the red moon cultivators have the advantage in numbers, but they also had many dependent forces.


    for example, the yin yang flower sect was among them.


    at that moment, in the battle, nihility experts on the red moon cultivator¡¯s side walked out and headed straight for nihility experts of moon rebel hall.


    the third hall master, fourth hall master, and their subordinates quickly descended to resist nihility.


    the aftershock from their exchange spread through the sky, as though apocalypse had descended.


    there were also the ancient cultivators who had been unsealed. they rushed out and fought against the red moon experts who had arrived.


    every time they collided, a storm would sweep over.


    there were even more spirit repository battles. the collision of rules between them gave off an extraordinary aura, but it wasn¡¯t so conspicuous on the entire battlefield.


    nascent soul cultivators were the largest in number, and due to their levels, casualties kept appearing in an instant.


    blood rained down and fell on the corpses. mad and indignant shouts kept echoing in the world.


    there were too many red moon cultivators here. although moon rebel had revived, it was clearly no match for them.


    however, what the cultivators from the moon rebel hall had to do this time was to stall for time and stop the red moon cultivators from helping the divine son. therefore, they contracted their range, using the moon rebel hall as the center, and could barely hold their ground in the fight.


    after all, what truly determined everything was the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin.


    but the huge difference in numbers still put moon rebel¡¯s side in danger.


    however, since xu qing and the captain were able to start this war, they were naturally prepared. seeing that it was dangerous, xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate to activate another divine art of the moon rebel hall.


    the mirror instantly flashed. at the next moment, the minds of all living beings in various locations in the moon worship region, who were in a numb state and waiting for death, rumbled as the scene of the battle at red moon¡¯s headquarters appeared in their minds.


    the tragedy in this scene caused all living beings to be shocked.


    ¡°this is the final battle with the red moon shrine!¡±


    ¡°at this critical moment of life and death, all living beings in the moon worship region, you can choose not to appear on this battlefield. however, this battle¡­ requires your strength!¡±


    ¡°lift your right hands, face the repentance plain, send forth your faith, and bless the moon rebel!¡±


    the voice from the scene of the god slaying platform back then echoed in the minds of all living beings. very few people would be stingy with raising their hands in the face of all of this, especially when they saw the tragic scene, the shouts of the cultivators from the moon rebel hall, and the endless deaths.


    these scenes touched their hearts. hence, all the silent living beings in the large region raised their hands.


    strands of white light spread out from their hands, forming specks of light. just like the god slaying platform incident back then, these white specks of light rose into the air and gathered toward the moon rebel hall.


    this was the power of all living beings!


    it was also the last hope of all living beings, the last passion in their hearts.


    it was also a divine power of the moon rebel hall.


    as a regional treasure, it carried the consciousness of ruler li zihua before he died. it could gather the power of faith of all living beings.


    this force could summon all the battle souls in the moon rebel hall since ancient times!


    in an instant, as the power of faith of all living beings gathered, countless white light specks arrived from all directions and rushed into the moon rebel mirror, into the surface of the lake in the mirror.


    after they entered, the artifact spirit old man on the lake raised his hands and the surface of the lake immediately boiled. strands of soul shadows that had died for many eras rose from within, surrounded by the light specks of the power of all living beings.


    every soul shadow was once a cultivator of the moon rebel hall. in their era, the heir and the others were sealed and couldn¡¯t help them, nor did they have xu qing to neutralize the curse.


    most importantly, crimson goddess wasn¡¯t in a deep sleep. the moment the red moon star appeared, her gaze could disintegrate everything.


    hence, they failed to challenge the red moon shrine and were suppressed and devoured.


    however, their time was preserved by the moon rebel hall. only the faith of all living beings could rouse this time.


    today, they appeared!


    the moment the battle souls left the surface of the lake, they opened their eyes, revealing a dark glint. they recovered their auras and headed straight for the outside world to join the battlefield.


    when they were alive, they fought for freedom. after they died¡­ it was the same!


    the battlefield at red moon¡¯s headquarters became even more intense.


    li xiaoshan and divine sparrow each unleashed their speed and headed straight for the high priest, who was behind the crowd.


    their battle with the high priest wasn¡¯t over yet. it resumed here.


    at this moment, not only was there a battle at the headquarters, but many branches of the red moon in this large region also faced attacks from the resistance forces from the various races and sects who had regained their fighting spirit.


    the entire large region was turned upside down.


    however, although the moon rebel hall had all kinds of divine abilities, the red moon shrine still had more foundations since it grazed the whole large region.


    although they weren¡¯t at the level of crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin, they were enough to shake the soul accumulation.


    at that moment, facing li xiaoshan and divine sparrow who were rushing toward him, the high priest¡¯s eyes revealed a hint of blue light. his expression was calm as he raised his right hand and pressed down slightly on the ground below.


    ¡°by the decree of the divine oracle, blood guards of the red palace, hear the proclamation.¡±


    ¡°execute judgment on those who blaspheme the god!¡±

 Chapter 1076 - 1076 Like a Monarch

    1076 like a monarch


    as the high priest¡¯s voice rang out, the island of the red moon¡¯s headquarters immediately trembled. many temples built on it shook, and among them, nine temples radiated a crimson light.


    it formed a diagram of nine stars.


    in this area, because of the light of the nine suns, the world had lost its red color. only the radiance emitted by the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin and the high priest remained. now, there were nine more light sources.


    as this crimson light flickered, ancient auras spread out from each of the nine red moon temples. accompanied by blood churning like a river and baleful aura, the sound of hooves gradually became audible.


    soon, nine figures walked out.


    the first figure was a four-armed nonhuman, and their gender was indiscernible. all that could be seen was a withered armor wrapped around them, exuding a sense of decay and the passage of time. three of their four arms appeared decayed and entwined with iron chains.


    however, on the fourth arm, the ashy-black hand held a spear, with blood dripping from its tip.


    the second figure was a human, donned in the same blood-red armor. flames of red fire burned beneath the helmet, and they held a spear in their hands as well.


    as they walked out one after another, the nine figures were completely reflected in the world.


    there were humans and nonhumans among them, each one different. they were clad in identical armor, with their heads and bodies wrapped within.


    on the armor, there were engraved runes and totems resembling the appearance of crimson goddess. despite being blood-red, they gave off a sacred aura. each one rode on a blood-red warhorse.


    these nine horses were also clad in armor, and looking at the exposed flesh, it seemed as if their skin had been forcibly stripped away.


    as they advanced, blood flowed beneath them.


    their eyes were bright red and their teeth sharp. they looked like horses but in reality, they were like demon beasts. they didn¡¯t have four legs but six.


    the appearance of these nine beings and their nine horses caused a commotion on the entire battlefield. the red moon side was excited, while the moon rebel side was frightened.


    the energy fluctuations emitted by these red palace¡¯s blood guards summoned by the high priest were so strong that they seemed to be able to crush everything.


    they were extremely close to the soul accumulation realm.


    it could even be said that they were only a small step away from stepping into the soul accumulation realm.


    clearly, reaching the soul accumulation realm wasn¡¯t just a matter of sufficient cultivation base, but also required some special conditions. hence, until now, in the entire moon worship region, other than the ruler¡¯s children, there were almost no new soul accumulation experts.


    even this clone of divine sparrow was only at the half-step soul accumulation realm. as for what realm her main body had reached, that information was now submerged in history.


    at present, the only one who had reached the soul accumulation realm was the high priest.


    however, his soul accumulation realm was a product that was pieced together and enhanced, and it had fatal flaws.


    hence, the appearance of these nine ancient blood guards had a huge impact on the battlefield. with their participation, the advantage brought about by the moon rebel battle souls would be gone.


    but li xiaoshan¡¯s footsteps did not stop; instead, his speed increased. his eyes revealed a fighting spirit, and at this moment, his whole body began to burn.


    this burning wasn¡¯t substantial but internal.


    with the burning, his appearance actually reversed, no longer aged but transformed into a middle-aged look. his aura also reached the peak of his life.


    as he sped, his words rang out.


    ¡°throughout my life, i have experienced more than seven thousand life-and-death battles. initially, i fought over a thousand battles at the same realm, then i comprehended the essence of slaughter, and i was able to battle beyond my realm!¡±


    ¡°i can fight all nine blood guards who are of the same realm as me alone.¡±


    li xiaoshan let out a deep shout and his speed erupted. he actually transformed into nine afterimages and rushed toward the nine blood guards who were moving forward. he instantly arrived before them and slashed out with the long blades.


    the collision resulted in a deafening sound. li xiaoshan spat out blood, his body retreated three steps before forcefully stopping. at the same time, the nine blood guards also came to a sudden halt.


    at the next instant, a horse trembled and its body directly split into two from the center. the armor of the nonhuman blood guard on it also emitted cracking sounds and shattered, revealing the withered body of the nonhuman.


    the body actually couldn¡¯t withstand it either and a blade mark appeared. this mark grew larger and larger and became clearer. finally¡­ this nonhuman blood guard¡¯s body, like the warhorse, split into two.


    on the ground, one of the nine shining temples dimmed and the temple collapsed.


    li xiaoshan¡¯s peak-level blade strike was really terrifying.


    licking away the blood at the corner of his mouth, the battle intent in li xiaoshan¡¯s eyes intensified. at this moment, he didn¡¯t care about his life and death. moreover, he was aware that there was a limit to the number of times one could resurrect through the moon rebel hall.


    his upper limit had already been reached.


    however, he didn¡¯t care. he brandished his long blade and rushed over again.


    on the other side, the expressionless divine sparrow stepped on the sea of fire and headed straight for the high priest.


    however, the foundation of the red moon shrine was still there.


    the high priest¡¯s expression was calm. he lifted his right hand and pressed down on the ground again.


    ¡°blood generals, appear!¡±


    the ground rumbled and three areas caved in. three temples that emitted an ancient aura rose from them. different from the other temples, these three gave off the feeling that they had existed for endless years.


    this was indeed the case. these three temples were the first batch of temples to be built here.


    at that moment, the gates opened and the ancient aura spread out. three blood red coffins flew out and their lids exploded in the air. three withered corpses walked out.


    as the wind blew, their bodies rapidly filled up and they transformed into three old men in the blink of an eye.


    upon closer inspection, one could see that their temperaments were extremely similar to the high priest¡¯s. as they walked out, their eyes opened and they looked at divine sparrow.


    divine sparrow¡¯s expression froze. at the next instant, the three old men shuttled through the void and appeared beside divine sparrow. each of them raised their hands and the phantom of a world appeared.


    the cultivation they displayed was actually at the soul accumulation realm.


    but their great world wasn¡¯t real but illusory. this caused their combat strength to be inferior to the soul accumulation realm but it was enough to suppress all nihility.


    however, divine sparrow wasn¡¯t an ordinary person. as the previous lord of the moon rebel hall, to be able to seal a clone of her in the moon rebel hall until now, her methods were also astonishing.


    she was actually able to fight against these three old men alone. although she was at a disadvantage, the three old men couldn¡¯t take their attention away from her.


    however, as the three old men continued to fight, their great worlds slowly turned from illusory to real. it was as though they were reviving and their combat strength continued to increase. divine sparrow¡¯s situation became increasingly dangerous.


    what was even more astonishing was that in the worlds of the three old men, there were projections that were also awakening at the same time.


    this scene caused the minds of the cultivators on both sides to rumble. red moon was excited, while moon rebel was shaken.


    the battle between the two sides was world-destroying. the energy fluctuations spread through the entire large region. the sky changed colors and the mountains and rivers on the ground were shaking.


    red moon¡¯s side looked as they used their divine techniques to suppress everything.


    the forces that relied on the red moon put in even more effort. among them were the sects, the underworld order race, the sound seeker race, and so on. the yin yang flower sect even activated their dream ritual art.


    large amounts of hazy fog invaded the cultivators of the moon rebel hall, causing them to reveal blank expressions. even if they would wake up very soon, a moment of daze was a difference between life and death on the battlefield.


    in an instant, the advantage of moon rebel persisted to decrease. they could only narrow the range and stall for time, waiting for the outcome within the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin.


    seeing this, xu qing immediately summoned the artifact spirit to confront the high priest.


    the high priest had experienced the battle in the bitter life mountain range and was cautious of the moon rebel hall now. even now, he didn¡¯t personally attack. instead, after glancing at the artifact spirit, he raised his right hand and pressed down on the ground again.


    a dark glint flashed in his eyes as he spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°blood children, revive!¡±


    the island trembled intensely. other than the three ancient temples and the eight temples that emitted red light, all the other temples collapsed and caved in at this instant.


    vortices appeared that formed caverns.


    there were no less than thousands of caverns on the entire island.


    beams of blood light emitted from these caves. numerous blood beasts that xu qing had encountered in the desert back then leaped out of these caverns.


    they gazed sinister and fiendish.


    they were so densely packed that they transformed into an endless sea of beasts.


    it was as though the interior of the island was completely hollow and that there was a cavern there that stored countless blood beasts.


    the moment they appeared, they let out bloodthirsty roars. this sound contained madness, hunger, and greed.


    they soared into the sky from all directions and rode the sea of blood toward the battlefield in the air.


    wherever they passed, it would be a sea of red. when the cultivators of the moon rebel hall saw this scene, their emotions fluctuated and their expressions turned solemn.


    the captain narrowed his eyes and gazed at the high priest, transmitting his voice to xu qing.


    ¡°little qing, this old ghost is too cautious. we have to think of a way to get him to come over. after that, just watch. i have a way to deal with this thief.¡±


    xu qing nodded when he heard this. he glanced at the countless blood beasts below and his eyes revealed a hint of blood.


    he knew these blood beasts extremely well. after all, he had reared and incubated many of them in the past few months. moreover, the first time he encountered them, his cultivation was only at the nascent soul realm. even then, with his authority, he had made the large number of blood beasts kneel and submit.


    right now, his cultivation base was completely different from before. hence, xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. the authority of the red moon rose in his body and the secret repository behind him rumbled as it materialized.


    the moon within the secret repository emitted moonlight which spread out of the secret repository and illuminated the island with him as the center.


    under the moonlight, the ground turned red. all the blood beasts paused in unison and instinctively gazed at the moon rebel hall. they each let out anxious roars, as though they were struggling but also terrified. it was as though in their eyes, wherever they looked, there was an existence that was supreme to them.


    this scene shocked both sides of the battlefield. the expression of the high priest changed for the first time as he gazed at the moon rebel hall.


    under their gazes, xu qing¡¯s elegant figure strode out of the moon rebel mirror step by step like a monarch.

 Chapter 1077 - 1077 Nose, Mouth, Head, Limbs, and Internal Organs, Return

    1077 nose, mouth, head, limbs, and internal organs, return


    as xu qing walked out, the blood beasts on the battlefield that were like a tide became increasingly restless. the fluctuations of emotions of struggle and horror were especially obvious on them.


    they instinctively let out roars and the spikes on their bodies moved unconsciously. their blood-red pupils contracted, and some were restlessly grabbing the ground, trembling.


    this was a type of suppression from the red moon¡¯s authority, just like bloodline.


    before this, only crimson goddess and divine son could control these blood beasts. outsiders couldn¡¯t do it, and even the high priest couldn¡¯t give too many orders.


    however, xu qing possessed the same qualifications as crimson goddess and divine son.


    back then in the green sand desert, xu qing had already tried it and succeeded too. now that his cultivation base had increased greatly and he had the cultivation of one secret repository, his red moon authority became even more powerful. the invisible suppression from the higher status was also more obvious.


    with a few steps, xu qing walked out of the moon rebel mirror. his entire body let out countless blood droplets that gathered into a blood-colored vortex that surrounded his body.


    as it rumbled, its higher level aura was released with full power.


    the sky and the ground were dyed deep red, but this red light didn¡¯t give red moon cultivators protection or blessings but endless horror.


    not all red moon cultivators had heard of xu qing. most red moon cultivators didn¡¯t know of xu qing¡¯s worth.


    hence, at this moment, the red light and authority emitted by xu qing, as well as the pressure that was comparable to the status of divine son, caused most of the red moon cultivators here to be horrified.


    countless people¡¯s expressions changed drastically. these red moon cultivators could clearly sense the faith in their bodies churning uncontrollably. it was as though it was telling them that the person in front of them was one of the sources of their faith.


    this absurd perception instantly caused waves in the hearts of the red moon cultivators here.


    compared to them, the thoughts of the blood beasts, who relied on their intuition and instincts to act, were much simpler. at that moment, the blood beasts in all directions trembled.


    gradually, the restlessness dissipated and was replaced by submission. all of them lowered their heads toward xu qing, revealing a hint of obedience.


    countless blood beasts were prostrating in the sky and land.


    these ferocious blood beasts were like demons that had run out of hell. however, no matter how bloodthirsty, cruel, and hungry they were before, at this moment¡­ they instinctively lowered their heads and worshiped, as though they were meeting their monarch.


    xu qing was standing outside the moon rebel mirror, and his long hair fluttered in the wind.


    his handsome face was cold and perfect as though it had been carved. coupled with the blood-colored vortex outside his body¡­


    some people cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°divine son?¡±


    at this moment, xu qing indeed looked like a divine son no matter how one looked at him.


    the high priest¡¯s expression was solemn as he stared at xu qing. his eyes revealed a hint of killing intent.


    xu qing ignored him. he silently stood in the air and swept his gaze across the blood beasts in the surroundings. he then transmitted his divine sense and marked the cultivators of the red moon here.


    ¡°eat them.¡±


    at the next instant, all the blood beasts lifted their heads in unison and looked at the red moon cultivators and the high priest in the surroundings. their eyes revealed bloodthirst and madness as they let out roars and charged towards the red moon cultivators.


    the situation on the battlefield reversed and became chaotic instantly. screams, cries, and furious shouts rose and fell continuously.


    moon rebel¡¯s morale soared. with the help of the blood beasts, the pressure on them was much reduced. after rapidly reorganizing themselves, they joined the battlefield in an orderly manner and fought together.


    however, at this moment, a muffled thunderous sound rang out like the primordial lightning. crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin rapidly contracted and swelled.


    vaguely, there was also a heart-rending sound.


    clearly, there were some changes to the battle within crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin.


    this scene made things even worse for the red moon cultivators. the high priest finally looked like he had made a decision.


    he indeed didn¡¯t want to personally take action. the battle in the bitter life mountain range earlier had caused him to be extremely wary of the various methods of the moon rebel hall. moreover, divine sparrow¡¯s words had made him even more uneasy.


    this was especially so for the eye thing the other party had mentioned. it made him feel very uneasy. even though divine sparrow was in a precarious situation, he instinctively didn¡¯t want to get close to xu qing.


    this was because the junior standing beside xu qing was none other than the owner of the eyes that divine sparrow had mentioned.


    even though he had checked after he returned, the moon rebel hall had come too quickly and divine son had chosen to break through, so he didn¡¯t have time to investigate everything.


    most importantly, he had used a special method to hear that person¡¯s voice transmission to xu qing earlier¡­


    but now, he had no choice but to make a move.


    however, he didn¡¯t get close. instead, he stood on the spot and a cold glint flashed in his eyes. he lifted his right hand and pointed at the sky.


    ¡°heavenly fire sea!¡±


    following the high priest¡¯s words, the sky rumbled and the stars shifted, resembling a river flowing rapidly. it was as if the entire sky had become a piece of cloth; the sky above the heavenly fire sea was swiftly dragged to cover the sky above the island.


    in the blink of an eye, a huge crack appeared in the sky. endless heavenly fire fell down like a waterfall. it was controlled by the high priest and gathered together, forming a huge finger that headed toward the moon rebel mirror.


    this was moving the sky!


    however, the high priest wasn¡¯t done yet. he coldly looked at xu qing and focused his attention on the captain beside xu qing. he then performed another series of hand seals and the ice plain in the northern part of the moon worship region instantly trembled.


    as the surroundings turned cold, the entire northern icy plains¡¯ ice layer was moved to the ground of the island.


    a finger similarly condensed from the ice that rose from the ground and headed straight for the moon rebel mirror.


    this was swapping the land!


    with the sea of fire above his head, the high priest stepped on the icy ground, and did a grabbing motion.


    in an instant, endless wind appeared out of thin air.


    the wind blew the heavenly fire, making it even more violent. it swept across the icy plains, bringing with it an overwhelming chill.


    this endless wind rapidly gathered around the high priest, forming a storm that connected the sky and earth. it carried the power of ice and fire as it rumbled and spread in all directions.


    it was also like a finger, pressing toward the moon rebel mirror.


    this was wind-catching!


    this scene caused everyone¡¯s expressions to change. after that, the high priest lifted his hand again and waved it fiercely at all the moon rebel cultivators, including xu qing and the captain.


    with this wave, the bodies of the moon rebel cultivators trembled violently. their bodies were fine but almost everyone¡¯s expressions changed. the shadow under their feet rapidly blurred under the light of the heavenly fire and finally disappeared.


    all the shadows seemed to have been captured and gathered on the high priest¡¯s right hand in unison, turning into a lump of black fog that spread along his palm and arm until it spread throughout his entire body. a huge shadow finger rose and also pressed down on the moon rebel mirror.


    this was shadow capture!


    moving the sky, swapping the land, wind-catching, and shadow capture; the power of the soul accumulation could be seen from this.


    only xu qing¡¯s shadow was still under his feet, struggling intensely.


    ¡°hmm?¡±


    the high priest¡¯s gaze froze. however, now wasn¡¯t the time to pay attention to this matter. the four fingers he formed contained a world-destroying power, and they were all moving towards the moon rebel mirror.


    once they landed, the moon rebel mirror might still exist but the impact on the moon rebel cultivators would definitely not be small.


    in an instant, danger arose.


    however, at this moment, the captain laughed.


    as he laughed, he took a step forward. his expression was filled with excitement and his eyes revealed it clearly. in fact, because of the excitement in his heart, he couldn¡¯t help but lick his lips.


    ¡°eye thief, you have finally made a move. do you think i don¡¯t know that you can hear my voice transmission to junior brother? i was deliberately letting you hear it, and i was waiting for you to use your divine ability!¡±


    ¡°in the end, you were still affected by my eyes. the judgment brought about by the scene you saw was actually¡­ what i wanted you to see.¡±


    the captain laughed heartily, stepping forward with a crazed expression, exuding an aura as if he wanted to dominate the battlefield and engage in a fierce battle. his right hand suddenly lifted, pointing towards the void in the sky.


    ¡°big nose, big neck, come out!¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, the color of the world changed and the void distorted. a massive nose and neck manifested out of thin air. there were a large number of seals on them and there were even temples on them.


    after they appeared, the temples collapsed and the seals exploded. the nose and neck whistled over and slammed into the finger formed by the heavenly fire sea.


    amidst the rumbling, heavenly fire sea¡¯s finger paused, and the captain¡¯s crazed voice continued.


    ¡°big head, fly over!¡±


    in the blink of an eye, a massive faceless head flew out of the void. this head was bald but after it appeared, its majestic aura shook the surroundings as it headed straight for the icy finger.


    ¡°arms, legs, and torso!¡±


    ¡°and my internal organs!¡±


    ¡°the divine body of my past life, return!¡±


    the high priest¡¯s expression changed drastically and the captain roared. immediately, the shattered parts of his past life¡¯s body descended from the void one after another. there were also two golden kidneys inside. one of them was the one xu qing had helped him get back from the clay fox back then.


    now, they all appeared and blasted toward the two fingers formed by wind and shadow.


    immediately after, the captain looked at the high priest whose expression had changed. a strange glint manifested in his eyes.


    ¡°left ear!¡±


    the void rumbled and a massive ear shattered the void. after that, the captain waved his hand and took out a blue coffin. there was a corpse inside. it was none other than the corpse xu qing and he had obtained from the heavenly bull mountain.


    at that moment, the corpse strode out of the coffin. its entire body melted and transformed into a right ear!


    in the captain¡¯s previous life, because he had sucked a mouthful of blood from the crimson goddess, he was hated by her. hence, his body shattered into pieces and became the power source of the red moon shrine in various parts of the large region. he was punished to drag the temples along.


    originally, the captain couldn¡¯t have regained control over them. back then, he could only rely on flame moon¡¯s help to make one of his ears tremble in resonance.


    it was only some time ago when he finally sensed all his organs and torso through the enhancement of the power of the moon rebel hall and established a connection that he could summon them today.


    regardless of whether it was the artificial suns or becoming the lord of moon rebel, all of this was his plan.


    now, everything was completed.


    at this moment, seeing that his past life¡¯s body had arrived, the captain was excited. he raised his hand and pointed at the distant high priest who was rapidly retreating with uneasiness in his heart as he let out a deep shout.


    ¡°mouth, appear!¡±


    ¡°swallow this eye thief!¡±


    lightning rumbled as a massive mouth manifested in the sky. as the captain laughed, this mouth headed straight for the high priest.


    it opened wide and grew larger and larger. finally, it seemed to be able to swallow the ground and enveloped the surroundings of the high priest.


    the high priest¡¯s breathing was hurried. amidst the high priest¡¯s shock, the madness in the captain¡¯s eyes intensified.


    ¡°eye thief, you stole my eyes, so i am going to snatch your body!¡±

 Chapter 1078 - 1078 He Is Out

    1078 he is out


    the high priest¡¯s ability ¨C moving sky, swapping land, wind-catching, and shadow capture ¨C was an extremely powerful move with soul accumulation power.


    the captain¡¯s counterattack, utilizing the parts of his past life body, displayed an extremely bizarre style and unleashed a terrifying power that shocked the onlookers.


    the shock was especially high for the red moon¡¯s side. almost every one of them had seen these terrifying limbs and organs before and knew that they usually carried the temples. they were the ceremonial guards of the red moon shrine when they went out.


    any one of them emitted a terrifying pressure.


    among them was the organ xu qing had seen in the heavenly fire sea back then.


    countless years had passed, and the people in the moon worship region had their own guesses about the origins of these organs and limbs. however, no matter what, they couldn¡¯t imagine that these organs and limbs actually belonged to the previous life of that person who looked to only be at the nascent soul realm!


    after all, the time the captain¡¯s past life lived in was an era away from now. it was too long ago, so there were few who belonged to his era.


    as such, these changes caused all the cultivators on both sides to be shocked and their expressions changed.


    following the madness in erniu¡¯s eyes, the large mouth that appeared in the sky suddenly enveloped the high priest like it was devouring the heavens and the earth.


    there was also a large amount of saliva secreted from the large mouth, raining down in all directions.


    the saliva was viscous and stood upright upon landing. it carried a strong corrosive intent and also possessed the power of sealing. it formed a curtain that locked everything in place.


    when the high priest saw this, his expression couldn¡¯t help but change drastically. an intense uneasiness rose in his heart. just as he was about to counterattack, at the next instant, an unprecedented pain suddenly came from his eyes.


    under this intense pain, his spell was interrupted and the world in front of him changed. at the same time, countless afterimages appeared in the blurriness and counterattacked him.


    the appearances of those afterimages were all captains.


    looking at this, the high priest¡¯s expression was gloomy.


    ¡°even if this pair of eyes really used to belong to someone else, it¡¯s mine now!¡±


    the high priest let out a cold snort and retreated. he didn¡¯t care about the intense pain in his eyes and circulated his cultivation base, causing a burst of golden light to erupt from his body, rapidly combining into countless marks that expanded outward with a resounding roar.


    during this process, blood flowed out of his eyes. at the same time, a face appeared in his pupils.


    this face was none other than the captain¡¯s.


    he was laughing, his smile eerie. within the eyes of this face, there was yet another face, one nested within the other. it was impossible to discern how many faces there were, but all seemed to be revealing the same eerie smile.


    the appearance of these faces caused the high priest¡¯s body to shake. his divine ability was about to be interrupted and his body even paused for a moment.


    however, he was the high priest after all. although his origins were unknown and his cultivation and body were pieced together, at this moment, he uttered an incantation.


    ¡°first green talisman life, cave abyss execution, demons and evil spirits, binded to the impoverished abyss!¡±


    as he spoke, the golden light on his entire body became even more dazzling. the scattered marks also completed their combination at this moment, forming the figure of an extremely huge golden rhinoceros.


    it roared at the sky. as the world rumbled, the golden rhinoceros rushed out and headed straight for the huge mouth in the sky.


    with a loud crash, the big mouth bit directly onto the rhinoceros. in the clattering sound, the rhinoceros stood firm, and the big mouth could not continue biting.


    using this time, the high priest¡¯s entire body flickered with golden light again. this time, it gathered in his eyes, causing the faces in his eyes to immediately distort.


    those faces seemed to be no match for the golden light and quickly dissipated. the high priest¡¯s aura continued to purify with his eyes, rising steadily. it seemed he was about to break free and turn the situation around.


    the captain sneered.


    ¡°a mere makeshift eye thief!¡±


    he lifted his hands and waved them fiercely, letting out a deep shout.


    ¡°my past life body, turn into a mark, gather in this body, sealing fate and soul!¡±


    ¡°head, facial features, limbs, torso, internal organs¡­ go!¡±


    the captain¡¯s entire body erupted with blue light, forming a sea of blue light. he lifted his right hand and performed a series of hand seals, pointing at the high priest.


    immediately, all the organs of his previous life in the surroundings rumbled and rushed toward the high priest. they instantly got close with astonishing pressure.


    at that moment, the high priest was resisting his eyes. faced with this scene, his mind trembled and a life-and-death crisis appeared in his mind. at the critical moment, his body actually collapsed and transformed into a golden light that moved back, trying to escape.


    however, at the next instant, li xiaoshan broke free from the restraints of the blood guards and arrived here in one step. he brandished the long blade in his hand and the killing intent in his eyes was strong as he slashed down.


    this blade strike tore through the void, forming a ravine. it was also like a heavenly river that suddenly appeared as it slashed over.


    the world rumbled.


    it directly slashed at the golden light.


    li xiaoshan spat out a mouthful of blood. he had used everything in this strike and suffered a huge backlash. his body shattered and his entire body was badly mangled. as he retreated, he was on the verge of death and fell to the ground.


    however, the effect of his blade strike was huge. after the golden light was slashed, a heart-rending sound rang out and the golden light couldn¡¯t help but pause in the air.


    the instant it paused, the captain¡¯s organs rapidly fused with it. the first to arrive were the limbs.


    the limbs instantly blurred and fused into the high priest¡¯s body. after that, it was his internal organs, neck, torso, head, ears, nose¡­


    finally, it was the huge mouth in the sky that bit through the golden barrier and swallowed the high priest, merging with him.


    all of this sounded slow but in reality, it happened in the blink of an eye. in the blink of an eye, all of the captain¡¯s previous life body¡¯s parts disappeared and fused into the high priest¡¯s body.


    at that moment, the high priest¡¯s torso, limbs, internal organs, as well as the facial features of his head, everything belonged to the captain¡¯s previous life body.


    it was the same for his eyes. at that moment, blue light suddenly flickered and erupted in all directions, causing the world here to be filled with resplendent blue light.


    the most astonishing thing was his appearance. at that moment, as his facial features were replaced by the captain¡¯s previous life, his appearance changed. in the end, he had the exact same face as the captain.


    the color of the sky changed and a storm brewed. this scene caused all the red moon cultivators in the surroundings to be in shock and disbelief.


    under the countless gazes, the aura of the high priest, who had been replaced by the captain¡¯s previous life, fluctuated unstably. he seemed to be still struggling but his body could only stand on the spot and not move at all.


    ¡°how can my eyes be so easily controlled?¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll tell you the truth. the moment i am born in every life, i place restrictions on my body every day. every day, i refine my body when i have the time. these restrictions and refinements accumulate over time, and in the end, even i am afraid of them.¡±


    ¡°and my body is my strongest magic artifact!¡±


    ¡°to deal with you today, one previous life is enough. if you still struggle, believe it or not, i¡¯ll summon all my previous lives and crush you to death!¡±


    the captain¡¯s tone was arrogant as he looked at the high priest who had been replaced by his previous life. his words also attracted xu qing¡¯s attention. he wasn¡¯t surprised by eldest senior brother¡¯s success.


    after all, the captain had prepared for this day for too long.


    what surprised xu qing was the captain¡¯s habit of putting restrictions on his body¡­


    hence, xu qing glanced at the captain¡¯s body in this life.


    ¡°there are fewer restrictions in this life. after all, every time i do something big, i¡¯ll lose an arm or a leg. now, i¡¯ve only finished refining my head.¡± seeing xu qing¡¯s gaze, the captain guessed xu qing¡¯s thoughts and coughed.


    xu qing had a strange expression as he nodded. he then looked at the motionless high priest.


    ¡°he¡­¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s no need to bother about him. that eye thief¡¯s soul isn¡¯t simple. however, he can stop thinking about escaping the seal of my previous life. when my previous life slowly refines it, i¡¯ll be able to control it!¡±


    the captain had his hands behind his back and a smug expression on his face.


    at this moment, the auras of both sides on the battlefield reversed. the high priest¡¯s defeat caused the hearts of the red moon cultivators to collapse. many of them had already begun to retreat, unwilling to continue participating in the battle.


    on the other hand, the cultivators from the moon rebel hall were imposing. for the sake of hope, freedom, and the future, they fought with everything they had.


    just as everything was progressing positively, a sudden change occurred.


    a loud sound that surpassed thunder exploded from the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin. this sound was extremely loud, as though the sky had split open. the moment it spread out, it formed a violent sound wave.


    wherever it passed, all the cultivators spat out blood and many of their bodies directly collapsed.


    it was the same for red moon cultivators. their bodies disintegrated under the sound waves and their bodies and souls were destroyed.


    both sides quickly retreated, far away from the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin.


    xu qing¡¯s expression also changed. he abruptly turned his head and looked at the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin with the captain.


    numerous cracks quickly spread on the surface of the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin. beams of blood light penetrated the cracks and illuminated the surroundings. at the same time, the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin tore completely.


    five figures flew out of it. they were none other than the heir and the others.


    their expressions were extremely solemn. each of them had injuries, especially the fifth princess and old eighth. there was still blood at the corner of their mouths and their eyes were filled with killing intent. at the same time, they were also shocked.


    as for the heir, his chest was caved in and there was a huge hole in his heart. the wound couldn¡¯t heal because¡­ there was no heart inside.


    princess mingmei¡¯s expression was ugly. her injuries weren¡¯t light either.


    only old ninth looked alright. the battle intent in his eyes was intense. he was at the back, protecting his elder brother and the others.


    ¡°retreat, he¡¯s coming out!¡±


    as they retreated, old ninth suddenly spoke.


    the instant he spoke, a large amount of blood suddenly churned in the shattered crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin. it was as though there was a sea of blood connected to it. now, the sea of blood surged out from the inner spring and flowed on the ruler¡¯s statue, landing on the ground and quickly filling this place.


    there was also a frightening aura rising from within.


    that wasn¡¯t the aura of a cultivator but the fluctuations of a god. the sky became blood red again, and it was even more so for the ground.


    right on the heels of that, under the convergence of countless gazes, a figure appeared from the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin. step by step, he stepped on the blood and walked out at a neither fast nor slow pace.


    as he walked over, an overwhelming sense of oppression erupted, crushing everything in its path. the environment turned blurry and anomalous substances were born.


    this was the descent of a god!

 Chapter 1079 - 1079 Taboo Art

    1079 taboo art


    the moment the god arrived, everyone was shaken.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. the captain narrowed his eyes with a solemn expression.


    the cultivators from moon rebel were frightened, but red moon wasn¡¯t as excited as imagined.


    as the blood in the torn mortal skin spread, all the red moon cultivators¡¯ cultivation and blood showed signs of losing control.


    it seemed like that was the origin, intending to draw everything from them.


    as everyone felt a sense of unease, the heir and others who had retreated swiftly dispersed, each displaying a serious expression and bursting with energy. they formed rainbows that intertwined with each other, creating a five-pointed star formation.


    the light emanating from them was imprinted in the void, leaving traces of a pentagram. afterward, the positions of the five individuals changed, standing on the corners of the pentagram, forming a quadrilateral formation.


    the heir was on the left, old eighth was on the right, old ninth was in front, and the fifth princess was behind.


    as for princess mingmei, she stood in the center with killing intent in her eyes as she spoke.


    ¡°his ascension ritual wasn¡¯t completely successful. it was forcefully interrupted by, so his[1] divine fire wasn¡¯t completely ignited!¡±


    ¡°the current him seems to have the aura of a god, but at the same time, this is also when he is at his most vulnerable. he is suppressing the backlash from failing the ritual!¡±


    ¡°once he suppresses it and lights the divine fire again, we won¡¯t be able to fight back!¡±


    ¡°therefore, this is our only chance now! i¡¯ll cast a taboo art and use time as the source to unlock the heavenly dao¡¯s lock. i¡¯ll use the past to slay him, causing his aura to become chaotic. he will have to withstand the backlash of the failed ritual and will perish on his own!¡±


    almost at the instant princess mingmei spoke, the figure in the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin walked over.


    the blood under his feet was like a sea that gushed out, stirring up waves that spread to the ground and the lake, dyeing the world red again.


    the stench of blood was so strong that it permeated the air.


    the person who walked out of the red light was towering in stature. with every step he took, the resounding sound of heavy footsteps rang out.


    this sound caused the sky to ripple and the ground to rumble, affecting the minds of all the cultivators.


    regardless of whether it was the red moon cultivators or the moon rebel cultivators, their faces turned pale when they heard the footsteps.


    the footsteps seemed to have replaced their heartbeats. step by step, it was as though he was stepping on their hearts.


    everyone instinctively retreated. at the same time, a chill that came from their souls spread throughout their bodies.


    in this trembling, almost no one could control the urge to worship him.


    that was the suppression from the level of life. it was the fear of the weak towards the strong.


    under the countless gazes, the figure that walked out of the torn mortal skin became clearer and clearer, gradually entering the world.


    that figure was 100 feet tall, entirely crimson, as if he had no skin. while he was badly mangled, one could see that there were many faces on his body.


    every face was different, and there were a total of 13 of them. they were the other 13 among the sovereign¡¯s children other than the fourth.


    the heir, mingmei, the fifth princess, old eighth, and old ninth were all among them.


    this scene was incomparably bizarre.


    as for the appearance of that figure, it was extremely hideous, with some irregular golden spots between the flesh, dense and ugly.


    the four eyes all had double pupils that emitted a cold and indifferent light, as if everything in that world was unimportant in his eyes.


    on top of its head, there were thorn-like horns, not just one, but a row extending behind the head and back, connecting with the tail behind.


    the tail was entirely golden, trailing on the ground as the figure walked, drawing long trails in the sea of blood.


    his hands were similar to the human race¡¯s, but he didn¡¯t have five fingers but four.


    his right hand was still holding a beating heart. as he walked, he squeezed it. when he walked out of the mortal skin and was clearly seen by everyone here, he clenched his hand.


    the heart was crushed to pieces.


    the heir spat out a mouthful of blood. his face turned pale as he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°his ascension ritual revolves around time.¡±


    ¡°the main point of this ritual is to use the time produced by all his blood relatives when they broke through a major realm in the past as the foundation. devour these breakthrough times and transform them into his own strength, becoming fuel for igniting the divine fire!¡±


    ¡°if he succeeds, it will be equivalent to him gathering everything alone.¡±


    ¡°there are a total of 14 of us brothers and sisters, so this ritual has 14 past nodes. each of these 14 nodes has his shadow of time!¡±


    ¡°every shadow of time corresponds to a different cultivation base. only by killing him at these nodes can his ritual be considered a complete failure.¡±


    ¡°we have already cleared the five most difficult nodes. there are still nine left now! next, we will cut off five more, and the remaining four are currently beyond our immediate attention. li xiaoshan, if you can fight, you¡¯ll deal with one of them, and divine sparrow, you¡¯ll deal with another one!¡±


    ¡°the only ones who can participate in this ritual are those with the potential of soul accumulation or have the authority of a god. so, for the remaining two¡­ xu qing, you have authority, and erniu, you¡¯re a divine sinner. can you two do it?¡±


    the heir¡¯s tone echoed in everyone¡¯s ears.


    li xiaoshan¡¯s entire body was badly mangled. amidst his sorry state, he laughed loudly with determination in his eyes.


    divine sparrow nodded while fighting in the battlefield.


    xu qing and the captain exchanged glances, and as the battle intent surged, the formation on the side of the heir erupted at that moment. the auras of each person diffused, creating a vortex.


    from afar, the heir and his siblings stood in the pentagram, their bodies in a quadrilateral formation. various phenomena rose in front, back, left, and right.


    the phenomenon that appeared on the fifth princess¡¯ body was a huge flower basket. petals were dancing, forming a soft light.


    old eighth¡¯s phenomena was a strange face formed by the convergence of seven emotions and six desires. his expression constantly changed, alternating between all emotions and desires in an instant.


    as for the heir, the phantom of ruler li zihua appeared. his aura was majestic, as though it could suppress everything.


    old ninth¡¯s phenomena was a sharp blade that could destroy the world, and it was the manifestation of the god slaying platform he had comprehended!


    after these four phenomena appeared, they fused together and overlapped to form one great world after another.


    at the center of these worlds was princess mingmei.


    she stood there. surrounded by the river of time, her figure was reflected in every large world.


    it was as though countless of her had appeared.


    they all gazed at the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin.


    at that moment, the ocean of blood in the crimson goddess¡¯ mortal skin once again erupted, and the divine son¡¯s figure took more steps forward. the color of the world became even more crimson, and the blood of all the cultivators present was also affected.


    regardless of whether it was red moon or the moon rebel, they felt an increasing loss of control over their blood and cultivation bases.


    it wanted to break through their bodies and rush out.


    there were even some whose cultivation levels were weak. their bodies exploded and a large amount of blood gushed out, heading straight for the divine son.


    among them were red moon cultivators as well.


    this scene instantly caused the expressions of the surrounding red moon cultivators to change and they didn¡¯t dare to approach.


    clearly, the divine son no longer cared about the faction. what he cared about was becoming a god.


    hence, even though the red moon cultivators retreated, the connection from the same source still caused the bodies of many red moon cultivators to continue collapsing and blood gushed out in large amounts.


    as the blood fused, the dense god¡¯s aura rose even more from the divine son¡¯s body, affecting the sky and land.


    in an instant, the sky distorted, the void became blurry, and the ground churned.


    his aura didn¡¯t stop.


    the divine son¡¯s cold gaze swept across the surroundings and finally landed on the ritual of the heir and the others.


    ¡°father¡¯s path is wrong. in this world, becoming a god is the only way out.¡±


    ¡°as for me, i was born after he attained godhood and before he destroyed his divine fire. hence, i¡¯m different from you guys.¡±


    ¡°your existence serves as a part of my path to godhood, while my purpose is to walk the path my father didn¡¯t complete back then.¡±


    ¡°this is also the reason why i chose crimson goddess. she is my future dao companion.¡±


    the divine son calmly spoke. after he finished speaking, he lifted his left hand and grabbed at the mortal skin behind him.


    the mortal skin shook and flew out, heading straight for the divine son. after enveloping him, it transformed into a blood-colored armor that covered his entire body. after that, he took a step toward the heir and the others.


    the instant his stride landed, the captain¡¯s eyes revealed an intense light. he quickly waved his hand and the sky instantly darkened. the ring of nine suns that he had used earlier descended again at this moment, forming a remission that rumbled and enveloped the divine son.


    ¡°junior brother!¡±


    almost at the same time the captain spoke, xu qing acted. he controlled the moon rebel mirror to rotate slightly.


    he knew that the captain rarely did things without rhyme or reason. since he chose to use the nine suns augmentation at this time and asked him to help, there must be a reason.


    very soon, as the mirror rotated, it shone brightly, illuminating the divine son.


    in an instant, the moon rebel mirror trembled and the nine suns ring rotated rapidly.


    however, the divine son ignored all of this. to him, xu qing and the others were just ants. right now, on the battlefield, only the heir and the others were worthy of his attention.


    hence, his footsteps didn¡¯t stop at all. the moment his feet landed, the moon rebel mirror rumbled and cracks manifested on the nine suns ring.


    at this moment, in the ritual formed by the heir and the other three, princess mingmei, whose images were in the multiple great worlds, simultaneously closed her eyes.


    the moment her eyes closed, her tone echoed from the void, the past, and all directions.


    ¡°element earth, burying thoughts, hiding the dao, pacifying the land of time!¡±


    ¡°element wood, nurturing the present, harboring the ancient, stabilizing the gate of years!¡±


    ¡°element water, flowing through the years, grasping the path of life and death!¡±


    ¡°element fire, burning memories, breaking the lock of the heavenly dao!¡±


    ¡°and i, representing metal, bury, nurture, flow, burn, pacify, stabilize, grasp, break!¡±


    following princess mingmei¡¯s incantation, the universe reversed. the sky dimmed and everything became blurry.


    a surging rainbow river emerged from the void, flowing against the current, submerging everything.


    even the divine son who was walking over found it difficult to break through and was enveloped by the long river.


    the power of time circulated unprecedentedly here.


    from afar, the area surrounding the island seemed to have been erased and fused into the ancient times. finally, it transformed into an ancient gate on the river of time that slowly opened.


    [1] princess mingmei doesn¡¯t take him as a god, so she uses ¡®he¡¯ and not ¡®he¡¯.

 Chapter 1080 - 1080 Golden Crow and Heavenly Rhinoceros, Battle of Emperor-Level Cultivation Arts

    1080 golden crow and heavenly rhinoceros, battle of emperor-level cultivation arts


    all the living beings here were drowned by this river of time.


    if one possessed the eyes of a god and looked down from high above, they would see the island, the statue of the ruler, and countless cultivators swirling within the river of time in this region.


    they were all soaked and were motionless.


    everyone¡¯s time was fixed at the moment before, existing in a state neither alive nor dead, encapsulated in the essence of time.


    however, among these cultivators, there were nine missing!


    the heir and his four other siblings weren¡¯t around. li xiaoshan, divine sparrow, chen erniu, and xu qing were also nowhere to be seen.


    the instant the gate of time opened, they were sent into different points in the past of the red moon divine son by princess mingmei¡¯s taboo art, dispersed across various nodes of time.


    in order to ensure that they could destroy all the nodes, the time everyone was sent to was arranged according to their cultivation levels. for example, the time the captain was sent to was when the divine son broke through to the golden core realm and stepped into the nascent soul realm.


    as for li xiaoshan, it was the instant the divine son broke through the spirit repository and stepped into nihility.


    as for divine sparrow, it was the instant the divine son broke through the major realm and stepped into the soul accumulation realm.


    it was the same for xu qing. the node he was arranged at was the moment the divine son broke through the nascent soul realm and stepped into the spirit repository.


    only by killing the divine sons at these nodes could the ritual be completely thwarted, causing the divine fire to extinguish.


    the reason why the divine son at every node was at the early stage of a major realm was because of the need for his god-ascension ritual. what he needed was the power of time produced at the moment all his siblings broke through a major realm.


    the time power of these breakthroughs was the first step of his god-ascension ritual. the second step was a continuous breakthrough from weak to strong after he fused these times.


    just like a snowball rolling downhill, his aura would erupt all the way from qi condensation, gathering an invincible momentum. at the last moment, this power from his siblings would gather in his breakthrough times, replacing the final step of the godhood ritual.


    he could then become a god!


    this method was different from the crimson goddess¡¯ god-ascension ritual but it was similarly profound and no ordinary person could do it.


    however, it was a pity that the appearance of the heir and the others disrupted the godhood ritual that was supposed to be inevitable.


    at that moment, the world rumbled and the long river surged. within the waves, scenes of ancient scenes could be seen, with the figures of the heir and the others, as well as the captain.


    in one of the waves, xu qing, who had disappeared from the long river, was revealed.


    the instant he appeared, he circulated all his cultivation base. he was vigilant, and his eyes gleamed with sharpness as he gazed in all directions.


    this was an unfamiliar world. the sky was clear with no clouds. the blue sky was like satin, giving off a refreshing feeling.


    the blowing wind carried the sweet fragrance of grass and trees, and there was a lightness to it. falling upon the body, it felt gentle, as if it could seep into the heart.


    the earth was covered in lush greenery, with abundant vegetation and a rich spiritual energy permeating the surroundings.


    far in the distance, misty clouds of spiritual energy covered some areas, creating a scene reminiscent of an immortal land. numerous spiritual beasts ran through the mountains, while celestial birds soared in the sky, producing melodious calls.


    it was like the melody of nature.


    there was also a long river on the ground. the river was clear and the fish were fat. the entire world was like a peach garden. it was a place xu qing had never seen before in his life.


    the world he was in was filled with anomalous substances and the gods resided there. the spirit energy was mixed like poison and all living beings were miserable.


    this place was completely different.


    xu qing lifted his head and looked at the sky.


    ¡°god¡¯s fragmented-face¡­¡±


    in the sky, a colossus that existed eternally in his memories didn¡¯t exist in this world!


    the god¡¯s fragmented-face hadn¡¯t arrived yet.


    ¡°at this point in time, wanggu continent hasn¡¯t experienced the calamity. the ancient sovereign mystic nether still rules the world, and the human race is the supreme race.¡±


    xu qing mumbled while walking forward. he wanted to find the divine son who had broken through in the vicinity.


    as he advanced, celestial birds fluttered past him, only to return and circle around xu qing, expressing a sense of intimacy.


    it was the same for the spirit beasts on the ground. after seeing xu qing, they let out gentle cries, as though they were worshiping him.


    what they were worshiping was the human race.


    xu qing¡¯s heart stirred at this scene. he thought of the lowly status of the human race outside.


    at this time, everything was different. the green mountains and rivers here, the spirit beasts and celestial birds, all exuded tranquility.


    xu qing looked in all directions. he really wanted to explore this world that hadn¡¯t experienced the calamity.


    however, he understood that the most important thing now was to kill the divine son.


    hence, xu qing took a deep breath and sped forward.


    without the iron ball on him, xu qing¡¯s speed became astonishing. he left afterimages behind as he disappeared from the spot.


    he spread out his divine consciousness and searched with all his might. the shadow spread out and searched as well.


    after about fifteen minutes, xu qing, who had transformed into a rainbow in the sky, paused and abruptly turned his head to look to the east.


    ¡°there!¡±


    there was an energy fluctuation of spirit repository from where his gaze landed.


    xu qing immediately headed straight for the east. very soon, he crossed 500 kilometers and a huge basin was reflected in his eyes.


    the basin covered a radius of 50 kilometers, as though it had once been smashed out by a huge stone from the sky, and had vertical marks around its perimeter. at the center of the basin was a colossal black rhinoceros.


    this rhinoceros was extremely huge and possessed the aura to devour mountains and rivers. its entire body emitted terrifying fluctuations and it was currently roaring at the sky.


    the sound was so deafening that there were ripples in the air.


    there was also an auspicious light that descended from the sky, enveloping the rhinoceros¡¯ entire body and bestowing it with armor.


    one could vaguely see a secret repository in the rhinoceros¡¯ body.


    the instant xu qing arrived, the rhinoceros immediately sensed him. it abruptly turned its head and two lumps of fog spurted out of its nose as it coldly looked over.


    xu qing¡¯s figure paused and his gaze met the rhinoceros¡¯.


    in his eyes, this rhinoceros was an illusion. in the depths of it sat a youth in black robes.


    he had a handsome appearance and a cold expression. his entire body emitted a sense of danger and the river of time surrounded him.


    that long river didn¡¯t belong to him but princess mingmei¡¯s taboo art.


    ¡°ant.¡±


    the black-robed youth calmly spoke. he then lifted his right hand and pointed at xu qing.


    under this finger, the black rhinoceros outside his body roared again. its body swelled up and grew larger and larger.


    finally, it reached 100,000 feet and separated from the youth¡¯s body. it then shot toward xu qing like a black meteor.


    as it moved forward, the world trembled. waves of terrifying aura erupted from the rhinoceros¡¯ body. its aura was like a rainbow, as though it possessed the power to destroy everything.


    that was an emperor-level cultivation art!


    the weight of its might surpassed everything xu qing had seen before.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. he had just broken through the nascent soul realm and stepped into the spirit repository. if he faced other spirit repository cultivators, he would be confident. however, this person in front of him was the son of the ruler.


    even though the other party¡¯s cultivation was the same as his, xu qing wasn¡¯t negligent at all. instead, he revealed a strong fighting spirit in his eyes, without any intention of backing down.


    he wanted to know the true extent of the foundations he had built through his cultivation compared to the opponent, to determine who was stronger and who was weaker!


    at that moment, the battle intent in his heart erupted. xu qing lifted his right hand and performed a series of hand seals. immediately, the golden crow crow totem on his body burned, and the golden crow rose from xu qing¡¯s body.


    a thousand tails spread in all directions, the black body exuded astonishing power, and flames instantly ignited, spreading into a sea of fire. it roared fiercely toward the charging rhinoceros.


    the sea of fire came into contact with the rhinoceros instantly.


    the sea of fire rumbled and rolled in all directions. the black rhinoceros¡¯ aura was astonishing and actually broke through everything, crashing into the golden crow. however, what awaited it was a thousand tails that formed blades. it was the golden crow absorbing with the method of refining all things.


    in an instant, the black rhinoceros¡¯ entire body trembled. the fourth son of the ruler, who was sitting cross-legged in the basin, frowned slightly and let out a chilly snort.


    ¡°howling moon!¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, the black rhinoceros¡¯ entire body released a pitch-black light that transformed into a black hole in the surroundings. it roared at the sky and shook off the golden crow.


    the sky trembled and a white moon actually formed in the sky. it was connected to the unknown and seemed to have the power to destroy everything. the golden crow had no choice but to retreat.


    this was the source of the ruler¡¯s fourth son¡¯s emperor-level cultivation art, the heavenly rhino howling moon.


    generally speaking, it was rare for someone to be able to display an emperor-level cultivation art to this extent, especially since his current realm was only at the spirit repository.


    however, xu qing was calm. he performed a series of hand seals and pointed. immediately, the retreating golden crow¡¯s entire body withered and its flesh and blood dissipated, revealing a black spear.


    as soon as this spear appeared, the color of the world changed. rumbling thunder echoed in this area like the roar of the heavenly dao, as though it wouldn¡¯t allow this spear to descend into the world.


    however, it still descended.


    xu qing similarly had comprehended the origin of an emperor-level cultivation art.


    the expression of the fourth son of the ruler instantly twisted solemn. the black spear instantly landed on the rhinoceros with the might to destroy the world.


    even though the white moon descended to block it, it was still useless. at the next instant, with a deafening boom and as the ring-shaped impact spread violently, the white moon shattered into pieces. the spear pierced through everything and ruthlessly stabbed into the heavenly rhinoceros¡¯ body.


    it landed between its brows and penetrated its entire body, landing on the ground.


    the heavenly rhinoceros wailed and the ground rumbled. the battle intent in xu qing¡¯s eyes was high as he strode toward the fourth son of the ruler. at the same time, the expression of the fourth son of the ruler displayed coldness.


    ¡°interesting.¡±


    as his voice echoed, xu qing heard the voice of the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor in his mind.


    ¡°master, according to this old man¡¯s many years of reading ancient texts, anyone who speaks in such a posture is clearly a great villain. they¡¯re destined to fail. we¡¯re definitely going to win. all the best, master!¡±


    the ancestor felt helpless. he felt that if he didn¡¯t make his presence known, he would become cannon fodder soon, so he racked his brains and emphasized his importance.


    xu qing didn¡¯t bother with him. he shifted closer and blasted toward the basin at an amazing speed.


    the fourth son of the ruler was also extremely fast. he instantly stood up and rose into the air. after dodging xu qing, his right hand pressed toward the sky, as though he was grabbing at something and ruthlessly pulled it down.


    immediately, a gap opened in the sky and endless black fog seeped out. in the center of the fog was a black rattle drum.


    on one side of the drum, there was an image of an evil spirit, and on the other side, an image of the wailing of myriad races.


    it slowly descended and was grabbed by the fourth son of the ruler. it released an ink-like aura that corroded everything.


    even the spirit qi here was affected and felt distorted.


    as he shifted it slightly, the sound of the drum rang out in all directions.


    wherever the sound spread, everything withered.


    that was the poison curse art.


    ¡°interesting.¡±


    xu qing glanced at the drum. his eyes were pitch-black as he calmly spoke.


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor took a deep breath and wanted to remind him. however, after some thought, he hurriedly changed his words.


    ¡°this statement, coming from master, is obviously different, with a distinct aura. this means we are going to win!¡±

 Chapter 1081 - 1081 Seven Lanterns Underworld Fire Curse

    1081 seven lanterns underworld fire curse


    the sound of the rattle drum contained poison that filled the air, invading all things.


    one could see irregular rings appearing in the void as though it had been corroded.


    the wind howled, transforming the poison into black fog that spread in all directions.


    the fourth prince stood in this poison mist and coldly looked at xu qing. the rattle-drum in his hand continued to shake and the fog churned violently like angry waves. there were also malevolent beast shadows that manifested and let out roars.


    among these beast shadows, some had bodies that were like bottles but were covered in eyes, some with ethereal and elusive hair-like forms, others resembling dragon-turtles with all-over spikes. there were also humanoid figures with flowers blooming at their brows.


    and so on and so forth.


    every one of them was a venomous beast. they were already rare in this era, let alone the era xu qing was from.


    almost all of them were extinct creatures.


    the instant they manifested, the fog erupted again and the poison in it was enhanced multiple times. in the end, it became a mixed poison that could invade all spirit repository and rot the secret repository furnace.


    it then surged toward xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change much after seeing this. in fact, he even became calmer about this battle.


    this was because he discovered that the fourth prince in front of him didn¡¯t seem to be as unfathomable as he thought.


    the other party was indeed a heaven¡¯s chosen but there was a limit to his strength.


    he also possessed the origin of an emperor-level cultivation art. as for this poison path¡­ xu qing shook his head slightly.


    his eyes were pitch-black as the poison restriction in his body fused into his eyes. he calmly glanced at the fog.


    with this single glance, the colors of the sky changed, and a turbulent wind swept across the land. the surroundings distorted and the approaching poison fog shockingly dissipated before his eyes.


    in this world, it wasn¡¯t that there wasn¡¯t a poison that could frighten xu qing. however, it was obvious that this fourth prince didn¡¯t have it.


    xu qing¡¯s poison restriction was intrinsically different from poison in the conventional sense. it was a manifestation of anomalous substances, an outbreak of divine curse, and targeted the essence of life.


    compared to it, although the sound wave poison produced by the rattle drum was also strange, it was still not enough in terms of level.


    with a single glance, the poison fog dissipated!


    the expression of the fourth prince changed for the first time. his hand that was shaking the rattle-drum couldn¡¯t help but pause.


    at the same time, xu qing¡¯s gaze penetrated the rapidly thinning poison fog and looked at the fourth prince.


    with this glance, all the hairs on the fourth prince¡¯s body stood on end and the feeling of life-and-death crisis erupted in his mind. he wasn¡¯t ordinary either. without any hesitation, he retreated and threw out the rattle drum in his hand. he then performed a series of hand seals and pointed.


    immediately, the rattle-drum that could be considered a precious treasure in the outside world shattered and exploded, forming an even denser poison and an even more heart-rending sound. accompanied by the violent might contained in it, it exploded toward xu qing and obstructed him.


    it was indeed effective.


    xu qing could neutralize the poison of this drum but the energy formed by the self-destruction of this treasure ultimately caused him to stop in his tracks.


    using this time, the fourth prince had already retreated 10,000 feet away. when he appeared, his expression was gloomy and solemn. he had to admit that not only were the methods of the person in front of him similar to his but also stronger than his.


    killing intent flashed in the fourth prince¡¯s eyes as he decided to stop playing around and end this battle. he raised his right hand, performed a series of hand seals, and pointed toward his brows, with the fingertip suspended three inches above, not making contact.


    ¡°bloodline, underworld curse!¡±


    following his incantation, numerous black lines resembling veins instantly appeared on his skin. upon closer inspection, these lines were densely and varied in thickness, representing the blood vessels throughout his body.


    at that moment, they swelled up and were moving on their own on his body. the black blood vessels on his face even formed a sinister ghost face.


    as the fourth prince¡¯s finger landed and touched the ghost face, the ghost face instantly lit up like a lantern.


    from afar, it really looked like a lantern!


    this lantern fused with the fourth prince¡¯s face, looking extremely strange. the moment they fused, his aura became much more powerful than before.


    when xu qing saw this, uneasiness rose in his heart. he used the poison gaze again while heading straight for the other party.


    the fourth prince narrowed his eyes and retreated rapidly. as he performed a series of hand seals with his left hand, the rhinoceros manifested outside his body again, blocking the poison from reaching him. at the same time, with a wave of his hand, strands of hair appeared out of thin air and coiled around xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was cold, and he accelerated, moving much faster than before. leaving afterimages in his wake, he disregarded everything as he charged toward the fourth prince.


    this speed wasn¡¯t something the spirit repository could possess. it was achieved by xu qing after being trained by the heir for a long time.


    the expression of the fourth prince changed again. he suddenly opened his mouth and spat out a white light at xu qing.


    as the white light formed countless compartments that enveloped him, he hid his figure within them. the compartments rapidly overlapped and enveloped him layer by layer.


    at the next instant, xu qing got close. the secret repository behind him manifested and a punch landed.


    everything shook, and thunder rumbled in the sky. those compartments quickly collapsed and shattered into pieces that scattered in all directions.


    however, this technique was profound. the figure of the fourth prince actually appeared in these hundreds of scattered compartments at the same time, and it was difficult to tell which was real.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. the shadow under his feet quickly spread out and heavenly demon bodies manifested in the surroundings, rapidly invading all the compartments and searching for the fourth prince¡¯s true body.


    at the same time, the fourth prince in these compartments lifted his finger and placed it on his shoulder.


    at the next moment, black blood vessels rapidly gathered on his shoulder and the second lantern was lit.


    next was his other shoulder, then his dantian, then his legs. in the end, they gathered on his heart.


    all the hand seals were completed in an instant.


    the seven underworld fire lanterns burned in the body of the fourth prince.


    every time he lit one, his aura would soar slightly.


    with all of them lit, his body emitted terrifying energy.


    xu qing¡¯s heavenly demon bodies and the shadow also spread to all the compartments at this moment, touching the true hiding place of the fourth prince.


    amidst the rumbling, the compartment exploded. the fourth prince stepped out and pointed down with the aura formed by his entire body burning.


    the sky exploded and the void collapsed. the heavenly demon bodies that came into contact with the fourth prince were instantly torn apart.


    ¡°i underestimated you. regardless of whether it¡¯s in your era, my time, or this realm, you¡­ can be considered a peerless talent.¡±


    the fourth prince calmly spoke. he waved his right hand and the seven lights on his body swayed.


    when xu qing saw this, an intense sense of danger rose in his heart. he couldn¡¯t help but stop in his tracks as a hint of solemnity manifested in his eyes.


    he had never heard of this technique before. this wasn¡¯t a divine ability from his era but a taboo art that belonged to this era and arrived from the ruler, li zihua.


    among li zihua¡¯s children, only his fourth prince cultivated it successfully due to special reasons.


    this taboo art was called¡­ the seven lanterns underworld fire curse!


    the reason why it was called a taboo was because not only did this spell increase the user¡¯s strength greatly, but its greatest use was the curse!


    this was a curse that would definitely kill!


    once the lanterns dimmed, the target would die!


    the killing intent in the fourth prince¡¯s eyes was intense and he was about to continue speaking.


    xu qing didn¡¯t understand this technique but he didn¡¯t like to waste his breath and didn¡¯t believe that the other party would say anything useful. at that moment, he sped over, wanting to force the fourth prince to use this trump card as soon as possible.


    seeing this, the fourth prince sneered. following his will, xu qing¡¯s figure was reflected in the seven lanterns on his body.


    it was as though xu qing¡¯s spirit was captured by them.


    as xu qing got closer, one of the seven lanterns on the fourth prince¡¯s body instantly dimmed.


    when this lantern was extinguished, xu qing¡¯s internal organs felt intense pain. he spat out a mouthful of blood and his body aged. his clothes were covered in dirt and the fire of his life dimmed. as his expression changed, the fourth prince extinguished the second lantern.


    traces of cracks manifested on xu qing¡¯s body and a large amount of blood flowed out. his hair fell off, his cultivation level decreased sharply, and a feeling of certain death surfaced in xu qing¡¯s heart.


    after that, the third lantern, fourth lantern, fifth lantern¡­ in the blink of an eye, six of the seven lanterns were extinguished.


    xu qing fell from the sky. when he landed on the ground, his entire body was covered in sweat. moreover, this sweat contained intense corrosion, melting half of his body.


    the indescribable intense pain caused xu qing¡¯s expression to turn gloomy. the intent of death permeated his entire body, accompanied by an extremely strong stench.


    his mind also rose uncontrollably with confusion, anxiety, fear, and various other unpleasant emotions.


    the fourth prince looked down from above and serenely spoke.


    ¡°although you have peerless talent, ants are still ants in the end.¡±


    with that, he extinguished the last lantern in his body.


    as the lights disappeared, the aura on xu qing¡¯s body suddenly extinguished.


    ¡°it¡¯s finished.¡±


    the fourth prince turned around and was about to leave. however, at the next instant, his expression suddenly changed. he abruptly turned his head and looked at the place where xu qing¡¯s corpse was. what he witnessed was five life lanterns manifesting there.


    the life lanterns were like a sundial and the gnomon needles were pointing in the same direction. at this moment, the needles shifted anti-clockwise, instantly reversing the time on xu qing¡¯s body.


    in the blink of an eye, xu qing¡¯s body rose into the air. all the death curses on his body directly dissipated and his melted body instantly recovered. when he arrived at the place he had been in the air, he was completely unscathed!


    it was his life lantern sundial¡¯s divine ability!


    ¡°you!¡± witnessing this scene with his own eyes, the pupils of the fourth prince contracted and great waves stirred in his heart.


    ¡°you have a ruler¡¯s bloodline?¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath and stared at the enemy in front of him. at that moment earlier, he had experienced death. if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that he had used the sundials¡¯ divine ability at the last moment, he would have died.


    the process of his death allowed him to have a more detailed understanding of this seven lanterns spell.


    ¡°this spell is very good, very good¡­¡±


    xu qing licked his lips and articulated softly.


    as he spoke, morning glow erupted from his body. rainbow light dispersed out and enveloped the surroundings. at the same time, this light was speedily changing. there seemed to be seven dark fire lanterns vaguely forming inside.


    he was simulating!


    with the morning glow¡¯s ability to imitate all techniques and spells, he was simulating the seven lanterns underworld fire curse!

 Chapter 1082 - 1082 Im Better Than You!

    1082 i¡¯m better than you!


    the effect of the morning glow had already displayed its powers when xu qing was at the nascent soul realm. it could destroy all techniques!


    after that, under the guidance of the heir and princess mingmei, xu qing further comprehended the ability to imitate myriad techniques. it was only when he broke through the nascent soul realm and stepped into the spirit repository, forming his first secret repository, that the morning glow gave rise to myriad landscapes and rivers in the repository.


    right now, its simulation power had already reached a rather extraordinary level. as it shone around xu qing, seven dark fire lanterns actually formed one after another.


    there was also a ghost face that was burning!


    although they still looked a little blurry and there was a difference between them and the ones displayed by the fourth prince, the appearance of each one also brought a certain level of enhancement to xu qing.


    his aura continued to rise amidst the rumbling. after seven consecutive times, his entire person gathered an earth-shattering momentum. he stood between heaven and earth and closed his eyes like a god.


    multicolored light flickered behind him and seven underworld fire lanterns circled around him.


    coupled with his handsome face and elegant long hair, he seemed to be the true son of the ruler when compared to the fourth prince.


    that aura that could destroy anything caused the sky to change color and the wind to howl.


    after all seven dark fire lanterns appeared, xu qing opened his eyes and coldly looked at the fourth prince.


    the poison restriction was the first to erupt.


    the anomalous substances arose, the poison dao spread, and the divine curse descended.


    and this was only the catalyst. it was to perfect the might of the seven lanterns underworld fire curse.


    immediately after, the seven lanterns swayed and the figure of the fourth prince appeared in them!


    this scene fell into the eyes of the fourth prince. he couldn¡¯t help but feel great waves churning in his heart. his eyes were filled with disbelief and it was as though thunder was rumbling in his mind.


    he couldn¡¯t help but be shocked.


    his spell was actually instantly simulated by the other party. he had never seen such a divine power and such comprehension.


    however, at this moment, he didn¡¯t have time to think too much. he performed a series of hand seals with both hands and compartments appeared around him. as he used all his strength to block, he retreated rapidly.


    however, it was still too late.


    killing intent flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. three of the seven lights simulated by the morning glow in his surroundings were instantly extinguished.


    the fourth prince trembled and the compartments outside his body shattered, revealing his true body. his hair withered and his body trembled as he spat out blood.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate and extinguished the remaining four underworld fire lanterns.


    a mournful cry rang out from the fourth prince. he spat out seven to eight mouthfuls of blood in a row and as his body staggered, all his aura disappeared. his luxurious clothes were covered in filth as he was suppressed to the ground like ants.


    however, he didn¡¯t die!


    after all, this was a taboo art of the ruler. it was difficult for xu qing¡¯s morning glow to completely simulate it. right now, he could only display 30% of it.


    however, even if it was 30% and didn¡¯t have the curse of certain death, when combined with xu qing¡¯s poison as a catalyst, its lethality was still terrifying.


    not only was the fourth prince¡¯s body and soul heavily injured by the lanterns dimming, but the power of the poison restriction also spread in his body, corroding his flesh and organs and shattering his spirit, causing the black gas in his entire body to spread.


    xu qing¡¯s killing move wasn¡¯t over yet. taking advantage of the other party¡¯s weakness, coldness rose in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he lifted his right hand and waved it. immediately, the mosasaur roared and rose into the air, forming a white light that transformed into a heavenly blade.


    xu qing controlled this heavenly blade with his divine sense and slashed toward the fourth prince.


    this blade contained the dao. the moment it landed, the sky split open and the ground separated.


    the expression of the fourth prince rapidly changed. xu qing¡¯s attacks were extremely rapid, not giving him the slightest chance to catch his breath. a sense of fatal danger instantly rose in his mind.


    at this critical moment, the fourth prince wore a ferocious expression. he raised his right hand and violently slashed across his forehead, opening five bloody wounds on his face.


    blood flowed, but not excessively. through the wounds on his face, one could see the flesh and blood inside squirming, emitting a crimson glow.


    in this era, the fragmented-face of the god hadn¡¯t arrived yet, and even crimson goddess hadn¡¯t become a god. however, at this moment, the light seeping out from the wounds on the fourth prince¡¯s face clearly contained the aura of a god.


    that was the power of the red moon¡¯s authority. at that moment, it erupted with a rumbling sound, forming a bloody light. when it dyed all the surroundings red, a sea of blood appeared out of thin air.


    ¡°die!¡±


    the fourth prince roared ferociously, waving his hand, and immediately, the sea of blood surged, revealing countless heads with only their eyes visible.


    they were immersed in the blood sea, and the area below their noses couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. their eyes that were open gave off a terrifying feeling, especially since there were too many of them.


    at the next instant, they all looked at xu qing.


    the red moon¡¯s curse instantly rose.


    the heavenly blade trembled and transformed into a blood blade. when it came into contact with the sea of blood and the countless gazes, the sound of collision rang out in the air. the morning glow behind xu qing was also dyed by the blood light at this moment. the rainbow light became a unique color in this crimson world!


    if it was any other spirit repository, they definitely wouldn¡¯t be able to resist this move. after all, that was the power of authority. however, to xu qing, he looked at the fourth prince who was in the blood light and an extremely strange feeling rose in his heart.


    ¡°whatever he can do, i can do¡­¡±


    after this thought flashed through xu qing¡¯s mind, he took a step forward. with this step, a large amount of blood flowed out of his body and gathered in the surroundings, under his feet.


    more and more waves appeared in the blink of an eye, forming a sea of blood like the fourth prince. it swept through the void and ruthlessly collided with the sea of blood.


    a deafening rumbling sound rang out.


    from afar, two seas of blood that came from the same source collided with each other. waves rumbled as they resisted each other¡¯s authority and curses. there was even a hint of merging.


    on the sea of blood, xu qing stood tall like a sail in his green robe.


    not far away, although the fourth prince also stood on the blood sea, his expression rapidly changed and his eyes revealed gloom.


    his red moon¡¯s authority couldn¡¯t be displayed anymore.


    however, his killing intent didn¡¯t decrease. at this moment, he lifted his right hand and pointed at the sky.


    ¡°heaven as the blade!¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, the sky trembled and countless cracks appeared. a large area fell, forming a long blade.


    the momentum was astonishing.


    ¡°earth as the platform!¡±


    the ground trembled and soil rose and fell from all directions, forming a huge executioner¡¯s platform.


    it was majestic.


    ¡°the sun and moon are the connection!¡±


    the sun, moon, and stars appeared in the world, connecting the heavenly blade and the platform, causing¡­ the god slaying platform to appear!


    the divine ability of ruler li zihua wasn¡¯t just comprehended by old ninth but also this fourth prince. he had actually mastered this divine ability at some point in time.


    at that moment, his entire body was filled with an astonishing baleful aura. as he let out a deep shout, the god slaying blade suddenly descended.


    xu qing lifted his head and stared at the god slaying blade. at the same time, a time bottle appeared in front of him.


    this bottle was opened and released time.


    the ghost emperor mountain instantly descended forming the platform, and d132¡¯s fortune turned into a blade groove!


    the heavenly dao mosasaur roared and transformed into a blade. the divine curse poison restriction gathered into the edges of the blade and the morning glow emitted bright light that covered the blade!


    the golden crow danced in the air and formed a connection, the purple moon formed a seal, and the sundial life lanterns controlled. xu qing¡¯s god slaying platform also appeared between heaven and earth.


    the two huge god slaying platforms slashed at each other.


    boom!


    the power of the slash coiled through the sky and earth, shattering everything in the surroundings!


    an ear-piercing cracking sound rang out soon after as the fourth prince¡¯s blade was slashed apart, turning into two pieces that were sent flying.


    as for xu qing¡¯s god slaying platform, it also quivered intensely and rapidly dissipated. however, it ultimately remained intact. xu qing took a few steps back and his face flushed red. blood flowed out of the corner of his mouth but he quickly recovered.


    xu qing won in the collision of the divine abilities!


    the fourth prince¡¯s countenance was pale and he spat out a large mouthful of blood. he stared fixedly at xu qing as waves of emotions churned in his heart.


    ¡°whatever i can do, he can do¡­¡±


    at that moment, the same thoughts as xu qing¡¯s surfaced in his mind.


    ¡°then, what about the secret repository!¡±


    the eyes of the fourth prince rose with battle intent again. as he performed a series of hand seals, a huge secret repository directly fell and landed on the blood sea.


    this secret repository also seemed like a world, but there was no sky. instead, it was a land that was like the nine levels of hell.


    the ground seemed to have been soaked in blood, so the soil was a vivid red. the more central the location, the more vibrant the red, with the color gradually fading towards the periphery. meanwhile, a white fire raged at the outer edges.


    countless figures were buried in the blood-red earth and engulfed in the white sea of flames, emitting agonizing and mournful cries.


    the wailing sounds seemed to be pleasing to a certain presence.


    the entire secret repository exuded a sinister aura, like hell. after it appeared, it enveloped xu qing, wanting to suppress him.


    as the hellish secret repository approached, xu qing remained expressionless. with a wave of his right hand, a deafening roar echoed around him, revealing his secret repository.


    inside, the golden crow was the sun and the purple moon was the moon.


    the poison restriction morphed into clouds in the sky and the ghost emperor mountain into the ground. time was like water and the heavenly dao transformed into rules.


    the morning glow transformed into all things, d132 amplified all beings. sundials noted the flow of time, as day and night alternated, and the winds and clouds transformed.


    the instant it appeared, it instantly overlapped with the secret repository of the fourth prince. they started a battle between rules and laws, trying to replace each other.


    the two overlapping secret repositories quivered violently, each affecting the other.


    the sun, moon, and stars emerged inside, and the wind, rain, and lightning changed. there were also the roars of the heavenly dao from both sides that continuously rang out.


    this kind of battle where secret repositories overlapped was extremely dangerous. once one failed, it would be a matter of life or death. this was also the final moment of the battle between the two sides.


    however, xu qing¡¯s foundation over the years ultimately occupied the advantage. gradually, the sky in his secret repository replaced the sky of the fourth prince¡¯s secret repository.


    as for the blood soil of the fourth prince, it also attempted to envelop the ground of xu qing¡¯s secret repository.


    however, it was a little too slow.


    under the collision of the rules, the secret repository of the fourth prince displayed signs of collapsing. the roar of the heavenly dao within it contained reluctance and was being affected. its hell was now exposed to the light of xu qing¡¯s sun and moon.


    wherever the light passed, everything would be assimilated and devoured¡­


    the ground of the fourth prince¡¯s secret repository instantly collapsed.


    however, it was also at the moment they fused and devoured each other that xu qing¡¯s perception truly saw the appearance of the ground of the fourth prince¡¯s secret repository!


    the land of this secret repository was extraordinary.


    the redness in the center was like a pupil, and the surrounding white flames were like the whites of the eye.


    this land¡­ was actually a huge eye.


    the moment xu qing saw this eye clearly, he immediately experienced a sense of familiarity.


    ¡°that¡¯s¡­ the eye of crimson goddess?!¡±

 Chapter 1083 - 1083 My Past, Your Future

    1083 my past, your future


    in xu qing¡¯s memory, the statue of crimson goddess had hands covering her eyes, and blood flowed like a river.


    even the main body that had appeared in the immortal forbidden didn¡¯t have eyes.


    today, in the secret repository of the fourth prince, xu qing sensed the dense aura of crimson goddess from th4e huge eye, and felt huge waves in his heart.


    he thought of the nursery rhyme which said that the fourth doll was lost and what the heir had said about his fourth brother becoming the divine son of crimson goddess. he even recalled the first sentence li zihua had said when he saw crimson goddess in the ancient scene on the god slaying platform.


    ¡°your song was very unpleasant and disturbed my fourth son¡¯s dream.¡±


    everything seemed to have received some historical confirmation.


    perhaps the song of crimson goddess back then not only disturbed the fourth prince¡¯s dream, but it also buried an eye in that dream.


    perhaps it was also this eye that allowed crimson goddess, who hadn¡¯t become a god, to have a chance of reviving after being killed.


    perhaps li zihua also knew about this, but for some reason, he didn¡¯t tell anyone or stop her¡­


    perhaps this was the reason why the fourth prince, who was born after li zihua became a god and before he extinguished his divine fire, finally became the divine son.


    moon worship region raised crimson goddess¡¯ food, and served as her spirit enclosure.


    similarly, the fourth prince nurtured one of her eyes, and was also a spirit enclosure for crimson goddess..


    although he didn¡¯t know if his guesses were true or false, they all seemed to be reasonable from a logical point of view. this view caused xu qing to be even more shocked.


    this lasted until the world of this secret repository blurred, collapsed, and dissipated in his perception¡­


    his secret repository completely suppressed the heaven that ruled over the fourth prince¡¯s secret repository and destroyed everything. everything was swept away by the river of time that moved over from the outside world.


    in the end, the eye of crimson goddess didn¡¯t erupt with any resistance. xu qing wasn¡¯t surprised by this because crimson goddess hadn¡¯t become a god yet at this point in time.


    she was more like a projection, an immature cause and effect.


    ¡°i believe that in the body of the divine son in the outside world, that eye¡­ has already matured. the others should have sensed it too.¡±


    in the river of time, xu qing mumbled. his body was drowned by the waves that swept over and disappeared into the river of time. under the lead of this large river, he gradually left.


    this lasted until he left this period of time and appeared on an island that belonged to his era in the outside world.


    the moment his figure was revealed, thunder rumbled in the sky and a familiar teasing voice rang out from behind him.


    ¡°little qing, you are a little slow.¡±


    xu qing turned his head and looked at the captain who was sitting on the waves of time and playing with the nine artificial suns that had shrunk to the size of pearls. he had a spurious smile on his face.


    ¡°these old grandpas and grandmas seem to look down on me a little. the era they arranged for me is the moment when the fourth prince broke through the golden core and stepped into the nascent soul realm.¡±


    ¡°i only had to lift a finger to kill that arrogant brat, and even unlocked a seal.¡±


    the captain was smug and the aura in his body erupted. a pitch-black secret repository was faintly discernible behind him.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t surprised by the breakthrough in the captain¡¯s cultivation. in reality, when the two of them received the nourishment from the moon rebel hall, xu qing could tell that the captain deliberately didn¡¯t increase his cultivation.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, you already had the intention to go to the time when the fourth prince broke through to nascent soul, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    xu qing suddenly spoke.


    the captain smiled and was about to speak.


    however, at that moment, waves surged in the surroundings and divine sparrow¡¯s figure walked out of the waves. when she reached the outside world, her body began to wither and dissipate at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    ¡°i have killed the fourth prince in the era i went to, and with this, my mission has also been completed. this clone¡­ can¡¯t continue to exist.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll leave the rest to you guys.¡±


    from the start to the end, this avatar of divine sparrow didn¡¯t show any emotions. even now that it was dissipating, it was the same.


    this was the price she had to pay for keeping this clone. it was also her obsession and mission.


    she was the previous lord of the moon rebel hall, but in the end, she was unable to lead the people of that era to freedom. that unwillingness and regret had shaped this clone.


    today, although her regrets were still there, she had done her best.


    hence, she was able to speak calmly. finally, she looked at this world and sighed softly before closing her eyes.


    as the wind blew, her body gradually blurred until she turned into ashes and disappeared from the world. only that sigh still echoed.


    xu qing silently bowed.


    the captain stared at this scene and bowed without saying anything.


    very soon, the waves surged again and grandma five¡¯s figure walked out. she staggered and spat out a large mouthful of blood when she walked over, looking even older.


    after noticing xu qing and the captain, her gaze displayed relief as she nodded slightly. after that, she immediately sat down cross-legged and waves of white light spread out from her body, merging into the long river.


    she was sacrificing her life force to support her brothers and sister.


    as the white specks of light fused into it, the river surged even more violently. as the waves rose and fell, old eighth appeared.


    his lower body was gone. a large number of light spots gathered there, as though they were healing him.


    at that moment, only his upper body crawled out of the river. he spat out a mouthful of thick phlegm and grinned.


    ¡°i didn¡¯t like old fourth in the past and wanted to beat him up long ago. this time, i¡¯m satisfied!¡±


    as he spoke, he waved his hand and the light spots that gathered on his lower body to repair his body were directly scattered by him, surging back toward the fifth princess.


    ¡°you only have so little lifespan. don¡¯t waste it on me. i can recover by myself!¡±


    the fifth princess glanced at old eighth but didn¡¯t refuse.


    ¡°erniu, your eighth grandpa is like this, but why aren¡¯t you helping?¡± old eight¡¯s gaze swept over and landed on the captain.


    the captain grinned and hurriedly ran over. he supported the eighth grandpa and praised.


    ¡°eighth grandpa is truly brave. i originally thought that i was the only one in the world who possessed such decisiveness and boldness. i didn¡¯t expect there to be a hero like eighth grandpa in this world!¡±


    old eighth was proud and was about to say something when the river of time rumbled. the figures of the heir and princess mingmei strode out one after another, and the last to appear was old ninth.


    his appearance was astonishing. a sharp blade danced out of the river with golden blood on it.


    the era he went to was when the divine son was at the strongest among the nine nodes of time.


    ¡°slashed.¡±


    old ninth spoke without any expression.


    when the heir and princess mingmei heard this, they heaved a sigh of relief. they had also succeeded.


    now, almost everyone had appeared, but there was still one person who hadn¡¯t come out.


    li xiaoshan.


    ¡°he has fallen, but he succeeded.¡±


    princess mingmei stared at the long river. after she articulated softly, she lifted her right hand and waved it. immediately, the river of time that spread through the world rapidly dissipated.


    the statue of the ruler that was drowned gradually appeared.


    a figure was kneeling on his head.


    as the river continued to dissipate, the red moon cultivators and the moon rebel cultivators who were drowned on the ground gradually opened their eyes. they were at a loss at first, but then they were shocked. they abruptly looked at xu qing and the others in the sky as well as the figure on the ruler¡¯s statue.


    that was the divine son¡¯s main body.


    his sinister appearance and terrifying body were no different from before. only his aura was unstable. at this moment, his body moved slightly and he opened his eyes.


    there were golden flames burning in his eyes as he stared at the sky.


    the heir and the others looked back at him.


    xu qing and the captain took a few steps back. at this moment, this battle was already coming to an end. if what they did still couldn¡¯t stop the divine son from becoming a god, then everything that happened next would be meaningless.


    after a long time, the divine son slowly stood up. his hoarse voice echoed through the world.


    ¡°in the eyes of others, our father is the ruler, the heaven that protects a region. he is loyal to the ancient sovereign and has pity for all living beings.¡±


    ¡°however, in reality, he is a contradictory and cold person.


    in the sky, the heir shook his head.


    ¡°that¡¯s because you don¡¯t understand our father.¡±


    the divine son fell silent. after a long time, he looked at the heir and spoke softly.


    ¡°brother, the father in your eyes is different from the one in mine. the first time you saw him when you were born, he was the ruler. the first time i saw him when i was born¡­ he was a god.¡±


    the heir wanted to say something but in the end, he remained silent. a cold glint flashed in princess mingmei¡¯s eyes as she spoke.


    ¡°that isn¡¯t a reason for you to betray and poison your blood relatives.¡±


    the divine son swiveled toward princess mingmei. he then looked at the fifth princess and old eighth before finally looking at old ninth.


    ¡°third sister, fifth sister, eighth brother, ninth brother¡­¡±


    ¡°i want to inquire you guys a question.¡±


    ¡°everyone is intoxicated, but you alone are awake. or everyone is awake, and you alone are intoxicated. which one¡­ is more pitiful?¡±


    there was no answer to this question.


    the divine son laughed self-deprecatingly. golden flames spread from his eyes, burning his face and flowing through his body. they burned fiercely and gradually shook the world.


    the flames burned the ground and illuminated the sky.


    the feeling of holiness was extremely intense at this moment.


    it was¡­ the divine fire.


    however, the ignition of this fire didn¡¯t allow the divine son to complete the ritual. instead, it backfired¡­


    amidst the spontaneous combustion, his gaze moved away from the heir and the others and looked at the captain with deep meaning.


    the captain looked at him with a hint of madness on his face. he suddenly lifted his right hand and the nine artificial suns he was playing with instantly flew out and surrounded the divine son.


    strands of golden divine fire actually flew into the nine suns from the divine son¡¯s body.


    this scene caused the expressions of the heir and the others to freeze. as for the nine artificial suns, under the integration of the divine fire, they underwent earth-shattering changes and swiveled golden.


    ¡°little qing, this is the reason why i immediately gathered the artificial suns after i came to the moon worship region. after absorbing the divine fire, don¡¯t you think these nine suns look like the sun of dawn?!¡±


    ¡°the nine miniature versions of the sun of dawn are a huge gift for the crimson goddess. blast that old hag to death!¡±


    the captain¡¯s voice that contained madness echoed in all directions. xu qing wasn¡¯t surprised. at that moment, his attention wasn¡¯t on the nine suns but on the divine son.


    this was because the divine son, whose entire body was burning and rapidly dissipating, glanced at xu qing.


    ¡°everything became the source because of your appearance.¡±


    ¡°there are too many similarities between us. is this really a coincidence?¡±


    ¡°could my past be your future¡­¡±


    the divine son mumbled softly. his body was enveloped by the golden flames and gradually dissipated above the head of his father¡¯s statue.


    the world trembled. a strong wind howled and clouds churned.


    far away, the red moon star grew larger and larger in the horizon. the redness spreading out from its surroundings formed a blood light, forming the face of crimson goddess with her eyes closed, enveloping the sky.


    god was here.

 Chapter 1084 - 1084 Guyue Ningyan

    1084 guyue ningyan


    it started to rain.


    this rain was like tears of blood, but its color wasn¡¯t red, it was golden.


    golden tears of blood fell from the sky and filled the entire moon worship region.


    however, it wasn¡¯t real.


    the illusory rain seemed to have been tainted by the aura of the river of time, so it seemed to be falling, but in reality, it might have landed in ancient times or in the future¡­


    this was also caused by the specificity of the gods.


    few people in the wanggu continent could truly articulate the essence of existence like gods. this type of life form, transcending the current levels, inherently possessed indescribable characteristics.


    although the divine son had failed to break through, at a certain moment, he already possessed the characteristics of a god. hence, his death naturally resulted in this type of blood rain of gods.


    there was also a strong concept of sorrow that spread into the hearts of every lifeform in the blood rain.


    it turned into a sentence.


    ¡°everyone is intoxicated, but you alone are awake. or everyone is awake, and you alone are intoxicated. which one¡­ is more pitiful?¡±


    xu qing remained silent.


    in his mind, not only did this voice echo, but the last sentence the divine son said to him before he died also echoed.


    ¡®could my past be your future¡­¡¯


    these words were imprinted in xu qing¡¯s mind and permeated his soul.


    after a long time, xu qing lifted his head and looked at the red moon star in the sky.


    looking from here, the red moon star occupied half of the sky, causing the entire world to turn red.


    there was also a huge sense of oppression that enveloped the world with its arrival. even the illusory blood rain gradually blurred because of the arrival of the red moon star.


    the sky caved in and the heavenly dao had no choice but to retreat. all the rules and laws disintegrated with the appearance of the red moon star.


    it was the same for the ground due to the attraction force of the red moon. the mountains collapsed, the ground shattered, and the rivers flowed against the current, as though apocalypse had arrived.


    ¡°it is a little faster than expected. it will appear here in three days at most.¡±


    the captain stood beside xu qing and looked at the red moon star. he licked his lips and then raised his hand to recall the nine artificial suns. as he played with them, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°as for what the fourth prince told you before he died, junior brother, there¡¯s no need to bother with it. you have to know that before some people die, they always like to say some mysterious words to make the world remember them.¡±


    ¡°this habit is actually quite good. i¡¯ll do the same in the future. i¡¯ve even thought of my lines. when i die in the future, i¡¯ll say¡­ when the fragmented-face of the god in the sky opens its eyes again, i¡¯ll return to see my junior brother.¡±


    ¡°how is it? isn¡¯t it cool? doesn¡¯t it perfectly reflect our friendship? haha, maybe it will trigger endless associations for those who hear it. who knows, they might even think i¡¯m the fragmented-face of the god,¡± the captain winked at xu qing.


    ¡°i¡¯ve also come up with a line for you. if you ever kick the bucket, remember to say in a deep voice just before you die, ¡®in the eleventh year of my senior brother¡¯s descent, i will return.''¡±


    xu qing glanced at the captain.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, thank you[1].¡±


    ¡°haha, no need for thanks, we are friends.¡± the captain was beaming with joy and laughed proudly.


    ¡°then, eldest senior brother, tell me about what it was like in the time of the divine son you went to.¡± xu qing asked the question he wanted to ask earlier.


    when the captain heard this, the smile on his face remained, but there was a hint of deeper meaning in his eyes as he spoke softly.


    ¡°li zihua slashed his divine fire before the fourth prince¡¯s third nascent soul tribulation.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    ¡°in other words, in the time you went to, li zihua was still a god!¡±


    the captain nodded.


    xu qing glanced at the captain and didn¡¯t ask further.


    at that moment, with the death of the divine son, the expressions of the moon rebel cultivators were unprecedentedly excited. even though the red moon star had arrived, what happened today had never happened in the entire history of the moon worship region.


    the red moon shrine was destroyed!


    the high priest was sealed and the divine son had fallen. this represented hope!


    compared to the moon rebel cultivators, the red moon cultivators¡¯ breathing was hurried and endless emotions surged in their hearts.


    the red moon could be seen when they lifted their heads.


    however, to them, death could still descend at any time.


    this was because after losing the high priest and divine son, in the coming three days before the red moon star arrived here, the heir and the others were the supreme beings in the moon worship region.


    a single word could decide their life and death!


    at that moment, in the sky, the heir was staring at the red moon star with a solemn expression. beside him, princess mingmei, the fifth princess, and old eighth looked the same.


    only old ninth was expressionless as he coldly looked at the red moon star. a hint of killing intent rose from his body.


    ¡°we only have three days.¡±


    the heir retracted his gaze from the red moon star and looked at xu qing and the captain.


    ¡°now is a critical moment. regardless of whether your master is really arranging everything, i just want to ask, do you really have a way to revive my father?¡±


    as soon as the heir spoke, his siblings all looked at the captain and xu qing.


    when the captain heard this, he lifted his head and looked at the heir and the others, speaking proudly.


    ¡°grandpas, grandmas, don¡¯t worry. i, chen erniu, never brag. if i say i can revive him, i will definitely be able to do it. however, i need your cooperation, such as casting spells and bleeding a little¡­¡±


    the captain said this firmly without the slightest hesitation.


    the heir and the others fell silent before looking at xu qing.


    they instinctively didn¡¯t trust chen erniu¡¯s words. however, xu qing¡¯s relationship with them was different. he was half a disciple of them, so his words had different meanings.


    seeing this, the captain looked a little awkward. hence, he looked at xu qing eagerly. he also understood in his heart that if he wanted the heir and the others to cooperate, it was better for xu qing to say one sentence instead of him saying a hundred.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate. he stared at the heir and the others and respectfully spoke.


    ¡°seniors, since my senior brother said it can be done, i believe it can definitely be done!¡±


    the heir fell silent. after a long time, he nodded.


    ¡°we¡¯ll cooperate fully in these three days. if it can¡¯t be done, xu qing¡­ this old man will send you out of the moon worship region. you can deal with the matters here when you have the ability to resolve them in the future.¡±


    ¡°as for you¡­ you will stay behind.¡± the heir glanced at the captain and calmly spoke.


    this difference in treatment made erniu feel very helpless. however, he also knew that the feeling he gave off was too honest. when one was honest to the extreme, others would often think that he was unreliable.


    ¡®sigh, being honest isn¡¯t my fault. it¡¯s my strength.¡¯


    the captain was indignant but his face revealed a fawning expression as he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°grandpa, i also want to accompany you guys here, but i can really revive the ruler. the process of revival requires the help of my junior brother and many of my preparations. i can¡¯t lack any of them.


    ¡°and the first step requires my junior brother¡¯s specialty!¡±


    ¡°junior brother, i need your curse subduing pill to cleanse all living beings in the moon worship region and reduce their curse by at least 30%. what do you need to do this?¡±


    the captain looked at xu qing.


    xu qing thought about it and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°i need the power of the red moon in their bodies.¡±


    xu qing pointed at the red moon cultivators below.


    the expressions of all the red moon cultivators changed.


    ¡°i need the power of the red moon in their bodies to act as a medicinal catalyst and use the moon rebel hall¡¯s artifact spirit¡¯s land as a pill furnace.¡±


    after xu qing finished speaking, the captain immediately looked at the heir.


    the heir and the others didn¡¯t hesitate at all. they each raised their hands and pressed down on the ground with all their might. the pressure of five soul accumulation cultivators descended violently, enveloping all the red moon cultivators on the ground.


    as a rumbling sound echoed and the ground trembled, the red moon cultivators here let out heart-rending cries. their bodies trembled and they collapsed one after another. no matter what cultivation they had, they were unable to resist the five soul accumulation cultivators.


    blood was squeezed out of their shattered bodies, forming a sea of blood that rose into the air, heading straight for xu qing.


    the experts among the red moon cultivators, such as the blood guards and the three ancient red moon cultivators, only lasted a little longer than others. in the end, they couldn¡¯t escape the calamity and quickly shattered into pieces. everything in their bodies turned into blood and fused into the sea of blood.


    this scene was like hell on earth but no one felt sympathy.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was calm as he sensed the dense power of the red moon in the surrounding sea of blood. he lifted his right hand and pointed at the void. immediately, the moon rebel mirror showed up above him. as it flickered, the scene from back then in the place of the artifact spirit of the moon rebel hall appeared in reality.


    xu qing began to refine!


    however, there was a difference. this time, he wasn¡¯t refining pills but refining a rain!


    it was a rain that had the power to dispel curses that borrowed the power of the moon rebel mirror to fuse into the minds of all living beings.


    very soon, the blood in the surroundings boiled. under xu qing¡¯s refinement, everything inside changed. in the end, xu qing still ordered all the blood beasts here to fuse their blood. finally, combined with his red moon authority, a deep voice rang out.


    ¡°curse subduing!¡±


    his words seemed to carry out a certain law. the moment they echoed, the sea of blood in the surroundings exploded and rumbled, heading straight for the moon rebel mirror.


    after it was absorbed by the moon rebel mirror, a blood-colored storm appeared in the minds of the remaining living beings in the moon worship region.


    in an instant, all living beings trembled. no matter what race it was or what cultivation they had, at this moment, the curse in everyone¡¯s bodies was like ice meeting boiling water.


    it began to melt!


    ¡°next is the second step. grandpa, i require all of your bloodline as a guide to revive the ruler. fuse your soul accumulation blood into the ruler¡¯s statue and revive his flesh and blood!¡±


    the captain suddenly lifted his head and looked at the heir and the others.


    the heir and his siblings looked at each other. after that, they closed their eyes and their forehead split open. drops of blood that contained their life force and cultivation flew out and fused into the ruler¡¯s statue.


    the blood fusion continued.


    ¡°next is the third step. gather the pure power of faith after all living beings¡¯ curses are lowered, converge it within the statue of the ruler, and awaken the ruler!¡±


    the captain¡¯s body rose into the air. his hair was disheveled and his eyes revealed madness. he shouted and his voice entered the moon rebel mirror, echoing in the minds of all living beings.


    very soon, motes of light flew up from the ground and passed through the void from all directions. after they appeared, they headed straight for the ruler¡¯s statue. after they entered the statue, the ruler¡¯s statue¡­ trembled for the first time in countless years.


    a large amount of dust scattered and the ground trembled.


    however, that was all. the ruler¡¯s statue trembled and calmed down, not waking up.


    the blood of the heir and the others was still flowing. seeing this, they peeped at the captain.


    the captain wasn¡¯t flustered at all. on the contrary, the madness in his eyes intensified as he roared at the moon rebel mirror.


    ¡°little qing, assist me get ning yan and wu jianwu!¡±


    xu qing nodded and immediately performed a series of hand seals. immediately, the moon rebel mirror shone. ning yan and wu jianwu, who were far away in the small apothecary in the bitter life mountain range, were forcefully teleported over by this regional treasure.


    the moment they appeared, the two of them still had dazed expressions on their faces. after seeing everything in their surroundings clearly, ning yan gasped and wu jianwu cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°i wonder, with grandpa overhead, who will shock the heavens with thunder?¡±


    the captain glared and roared.


    ¡°wu jianwu, call out all your pets. their bloodline comes from the ruler¡¯s close friend. get them to kneel and summon together.¡±


    your father is the current human emperor, right? your surname is not ning, it¡¯s guyue! go and kneel before the statue, worshiping in the identity of a descendant of the ancient sovereign that spans countless generations, summoning the ruler!¡±


    wu jianwu was stunned for a moment. he didn¡¯t hesitate to summon his pets immediately. however, ning yan¡¯s expression changed drastically when he heard this. he was bewildered.


    xu qing coldly looked over.


    ¡°hurry up and do as he says!¡±


    ning yan shrunk his head. he was afraid of the captain and still additional afraid of xu qing. hence, he instinctively exposed a fawning expression and hurriedly nodded.


    ¡°understood. i¡¯ll kneel now¡­¡±


    [1] he is being sarcastic.

 Chapter 1085 - 1085 I Have Someone Too

    1085 i have someone too


    moon worship region, red moon island.


    the world rumbled and the wind surged. the source of everything was the indomitable statue of the ruler.


    this statue that was being made to kneel was shaking intensely.


    a large amount of dust and rocks spread out from the statue. cracks rapidly formed on the statue¡¯s body, spreading and extending across its entire body.


    the white specks of light formed by the power of faith of all living beings continued to surge over and fuse into the statue of ruler li zihua, reviving its flesh and blood, causing the statue¡¯s shaking to become increasingly intense.


    around the statue, the heir and the others were sitting cross-legged in the air. drops of blood flew out of the cracks on their foreheads.


    this blood that contained the power of the same source landed on their father¡¯s statue and gradually revived his spirit.


    however, it was obvious that reviving the sovereign wasn¡¯t a simple matter.


    at this moment, with xu qing and the captain¡¯s words, ning yan¡¯s expression took on a pleasing tone, and he involuntarily recalled the eunuchs around his imperial father in his mind, inadvertently displaying a similar expression.


    however, in his heart, he was filled with grief and indignation.


    ¡®i¡¯m a prince. you people are too much!¡¯


    ¡®it¡¯s still fine with boss xu. after all, he doesn¡¯t know my identity and even saved my life in the past. he¡¯s very good to me, but that damn chen erniu!¡¯


    ¡®he actually knew my true identity long ago, but he still dared to treat me like this!¡¯


    ¡®just you wait. when i return to the grand imperial capital region, i¡¯ll definitely let you see my dignity as a prince!¡¯


    as ning yan¡¯s heart churned, the captain narrowed his eyes and said coldly with a spurious smile.


    ¡°what¡¯s wrong, little ningning? i feel like you¡¯re scolding me in your mind.¡±


    ning yan shivered and hurriedly lowered his head and shook it.


    ¡°how is that possible? senior brother erniu, your kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain. let alone making me kneel, i wouldn¡¯t even say a word if you wanted me to throw my head away. the happiest time in my life was when i was spun around by you, senior brother. that feeling of flying was really beautiful.¡±


    originally, ning yan wasn¡¯t good at flattering, currying favor, or ingratiating, ingratiate. however, after coming to the moon worship region, everything about him gradually changed¡­


    xu qing glanced at ning yan and couldn¡¯t help but recall the first time he saw the other party in the absolute beginning separation pillar.


    that stubbornness was long gone¡­


    as for the other party¡¯s identity, although xu qing didn¡¯t know the specifics previously, the special nature of ning yan¡¯s bloodline and with how his eldest senior brother frequently roped the other party in, it already clarified the situation.


    hence, xu qing had some guesses about this. now that eldest senior brother had pointed it out, he wasn¡¯t too surprised.


    ning yan didn¡¯t dare to delay. he quickly ran to the statue of ruler li zihua and knelt down with a plop, calling out loudly.


    ¡°senior, i¡¯m the 3,915th generation descendant of the ancient sovereign mystic nether, guyue ningyan and am here to request your blessings!¡±


    the moment these words were spoken, all the pleasing expressions on ning yan¡¯s face vanished, replaced by solemnity. his voice also changed, different from before, becoming deeper and more dignified.


    although he was kneeling there, his back was straight. under the circulation of his cultivation, the aura on his body faintly emitted the roar of a dragon.


    despite wearing the attire of a store clerk, at this moment, he exuded an extraordinary aura. his gaze was determined, especially when he raised his hand and pressed it to his forehead. with a gentle stroke, a drop of blood emerged. behind him, a void suddenly churned and surged.


    vaguely, illusory bodies appeared behind him. every figure wore an emperor¡¯s robe and crown, emitting a majestic aura.


    this scene caused xu qing to take a few more glances. the captain blinked but didn¡¯t speak.


    ning yan looked at li zihua¡¯s statue with a majestic aura and slowly spoke.


    ¡°i came to the moon worship region on the orders of the human emperor to assist in the revival of the ruler.¡±


    ¡°i request the ruler to return to us!¡±


    ning yan¡¯s expression was solemn. he lowered his head and bowed. blood flew out of his forehead and a large number of emperor figures surged in with his blood, floating toward the statue of ruler li zihua.


    the blood landed on the statue¡¯s forehead and fused into it.


    at the next instant, the statue of li zihua trembled. the signs of awakening became extremely intense at this moment.


    that drop of blood contained the bloodline of the human emperor. it was of a peerless status to the human race.


    this wasn¡¯t the end. amidst the increasing commotion caused by the statue of ruler li zihua, wu jianwu wasn¡¯t to be outdone. he opened his arms at the side and waved them fiercely.


    ¡°descendants of the myriad dao, return to the land by your father¡¯s side!¡±


    as his voice echoed, ferocious beasts that contained dense bloodline fluctuations rapidly descended around wu jianwu. among them were bear, tiger, turtle, dog, and some random beasts.


    the parrot was among them.


    there were dozens of them. after they appeared, the surrounding void trembled and layers of fluctuations spread out. these ferocious beasts then looked at wu jianwu in unison.


    ¡°i defy the heavens with my life; all children, kneel in front!¡±


    wu jianwu looked proud but most of his ferocious beast descendants had blank expressions. clearly, even though they had followed wu jianwu for a long time, they still didn¡¯t understand his words.


    wu jianwu was displeased and glanced at the parrot.


    the parrot lifted its head. its body was like a stick as it let out a sharp cry.


    ¡°kneel, shout!¡±


    immediately, all the ferocious beasts knelt down in unison and let out roars.


    with their voices and the source of their bloodline, they called for ruler li zihua.


    the statue of the ruler shook again and more cracks appeared. a large amount of gravel fell off and the signs of awakening became much more obvious.


    the sky and earth changed color. even the distant red moon star seemed to tremble.


    however, this awakening seemed to be a little lacking. it wasn¡¯t stable and was sometimes strong and sometimes weak.


    seeing this, the captain¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint.


    ¡°everyone from the moon rebel hall, your mission has arrived!¡±


    ¡°the moon rebel mirror contains a wisp of the ruler¡¯s divine sense before he died. this divine sense has transformed into 100,000 temples. now, all the statues, return to your positions!¡±


    ¡°little qing, help me!¡±


    the captain roared and controlled the moon rebel mirror. xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all and immediately acted. they could only control the moon rebel mirror completely if they were together.


    now that they acted together, the moon rebel mirror rumbled and faced the ruler¡¯s statue.


    under its reflection, the statue of ruler li zihua instantly changed. it was as though it had transformed into a mountain and countless vortices appeared on its body.


    in each vortex, a temple was faintly discernible.


    the cultivators of the moon rebel hall all took a deep breath and determination appeared in their eyes. they were willing to revive the ruler from the bottom of their hearts. now, they instantly flew out and began to return to the temples.


    this time, they no longer returned to the temples of the moon rebel hall but to the temples in the vortices on the statue.


    in the blink of an eye, tens of thousands of moon rebel cultivators disappeared. when they reappeared, they were in the body of the statue. all of them transformed into statues and sat down cross-legged. the cultivation bases in their bodies circulated and fused into the ruler.


    they became the source of energy for the revival of the ruler, li zihua.


    as their cultivation levels fused, and the aura of the ruler gradually stabilized. it persisted to grow and become stronger.


    the momentum of awakening finally formed a cycle, like flames being ignited. as long as it continued to burn, it would burn the world.


    the heir and the others were excited as they saw this.


    ¡°now, there¡¯s only one last step left.¡±


    the captain¡¯s breathing was hurried as he lifted his head and looked at the red moon on the horizon.


    ¡°in two days, the red moon star will appear directly above this place. at that time, the power of the red moon will reach its peak.¡±


    ¡°this peak power of the red moon and the aura of crimson goddess are the greatest stimulation for the ruler. at that time¡­ his awakening will be ignited and¡­ he will return!¡±


    ¡°what we need to do is to continue calling out, keeping the will of the ruler in a state of revival, ensuring that this flame will not be extinguished!¡±


    after the captain finished speaking, the heir in the sky nodded and closed his eyes, calling out inwardly.


    princess mingmei, her other siblings, and the tens of thousands of moon rebel cultivators did the same. they called out inwardly at the same time. not only that, but the scene here had already emerged in the minds of all living beings in the moon worship region through the moon rebel mirror.


    those scattered red moon shrine cultivators were exceptionally terrified.


    however, to the sorrowful living beings who were still alive, this was unprecedented hope.


    hence, the shouts for the ruler filled the entire moon worship region.


    ¡°ruler, please return!¡±


    ¡°ruler, please return!!¡±


    ¡°ruler, please return!!!¡±


    the sounds persisted and grew increasingly intense. when they filled the world of the moon worship region, xu qing¡¯s heart fluctuated. he gazed at the red moon star in the sky and then at the statue of the ruler, li zihua. he narrowed his eyes and walked toward the captain.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, after crimson goddess arrives, will our reinforcements be enough? i still have a helper¡­¡±


    ¡°you¡¯re talking about that coquettish fox?¡± the captain was looking at his work proudly. when he heard this, he gazed at xu qing and blinked.


    xu qing shook his head.


    ¡°the other one.¡±


    the captain was a little surprised. he took a closer look at xu qing and pondered for a while before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°junior brother, actually, i¡¯m not too confident about whether it¡¯s enough or not. if you can call for help, it¡¯ll naturally be best. i¡¯m just worried that if there are too many helpers, our allocation might be reduced in the end.¡±


    xu qing fell silent and shook his head.


    ¡°although the loot is important, killing crimson goddess is more important!¡±


    ¡°besides¡­ with so many people around, i don¡¯t think that my helper will ask too much. otherwise¡­¡± xu qing glanced at the captain.


    the captain licked his lips and immediately spoke.


    ¡°junior brother, what are you waiting for? hurry up and invite them over.¡±


    xu qing nodded and lifted his hand, taking out a jade slip from his storage bag. the jade slip seemed like a living thing, and holding it in hand produced a greasy sensation, akin to flesh.


    it emitted an ancient aura that contained the presence of a god.


    the instant it appeared, it exuded a domineering presence even though the energy fluctuations here were chaotic.


    the captain¡¯s gaze swept over and his brows lifted as he laughed.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate and squeezed fiercely.


    the jade slip instantly emitted a dim light that enveloped xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s figure disappeared.

 Chapter 1086 - 1086 The Arrival of Crimson Goddess, the Revival of the Ruler!

    1086 the arrival of crimson goddess, the revival of the ruler!


    in the wanggu continent, there was a hidden void, not the nine abysses, but equally pitch black.


    no one knew its exact location, and even the heavenly dao couldn¡¯t find it.


    this was because that was the place where the ancient spirit emperor, who had unified wanggu back then, had hidden with his clansmen after being cursed by all the immemorial heavenly dao of wanggu.


    its name was spirit abyss.


    it was opened on the head of a rotting snake and was carried by the terrifying snake as it swam in the void.


    the world inside was filled with death and countless bones were buried in it.


    souls and rotting corpses could be seen everywhere.


    the sky was dark and the ground was pitch-black.


    sound seemed to have no meaning here, as if the entire world consisted only of visuals.


    in the scene, there were palaces, each containing a mountain made of bloody flesh.


    a huge eye floated in the sky above each mountain peak.


    it was closed, as though nothing in this world could break his peace.


    only golden dragons lingered in the surroundings, forming one rune after another, as if weaving dreams for him.


    if there was no disturbance, perhaps he would continue to sleep like this.


    at this moment, as a vortex suddenly appeared, a huge eye floating in the sky above a mountain of flesh suddenly trembled.


    as though he had sensed an existence that made him feel helpless and disgusted, the eye suddenly opened.


    a powerful divine sense that seemed to be able to drown the world, and caused the entire ancient spirit world to tremble erupted from this huge eye. it swept through endless soil and finally landed on the vortex that appeared.


    xu qing¡¯s figure slowly formed in the vortex. after he walked out, he looked at this familiar world and then at the eye that was glaring at him. his expression was calm as he cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°your majesty, long time no see.¡±


    ¡°not long, just the time for a short nap!¡±


    a cold snort emanated from within the eyeball, bloodshot veins permeating its eyes. while staring at xu qing, the sound of flowing water surrounded the area, and the waters of the yellow springs approached from all directions, ceaselessly flowing.


    it was the saliva of the ancient spirit emperor.


    ¡°i told you before that the next time you come, the interest you have to pay is a remnant god!¡±


    ¡°if not, i¡¯ll eat you!¡±


    the god¡¯s finger in xu qing¡¯s body shuddered and continued to pretend to be asleep¡­


    xu qing didn¡¯t care about the cowardice of the finger. he looked at the eyeball and a friendly expression appeared on his face.


    ¡°your majesty, of course i remember it, and i came to tell you about it.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s a feast. i wonder if your majesty is interested?¡±


    xu qing respectfully spoke.


    the eye narrowed.


    ¡°what feast?¡±


    ¡°slumbering crimson goddess!¡±


    as soon as xu qing finished speaking, the entire ancient spirit world rumbled. all the palaces shook and the eyes above the mountains of flesh all opened and looked at xu qing in unison.


    ¡°what are you talking about!!¡±


    facing such divine might, if it was back then, xu qing wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand it. however, his cultivation was now worlds apart from before. although he still felt discomfort, he wasn¡¯t as fragile as before.


    hence, he maintained his calm and spoke softly.


    ¡°i teleported here from the moon worship region. there, we have the awakened ruler, li zihua, two high gods of the flame moon mystic heaven race, and several soul accumulation almighty beings¡­¡±


    ¡°before i came here, i suggested sharing this feast with you, your majesty. hence, they asked me to come here and ask¡­ if you are going to join in this feast.¡±


    ¡°as for whether what i said is true or false, with your majesty¡¯s might, you can inspect the aura on my body.¡±


    as xu qing¡¯s voice echoed, all the eyes here blinked rapidly. the ground rumbled even more, as though a heartbeat was beating fast.


    xu qing¡¯s words were too shocking even for the ancient spirit emperor.


    he clearly didn¡¯t expect that the interest xu qing had prepared this time would actually be so great. what he originally wanted was only a part of a god.


    however, xu qing was offering crimson goddess.


    he knew about crimson goddess and had also detected the aura of high gods of the flame moon mystic heaven race on xu qing. he was indeed telling the truth.


    however, he remained silent.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t in a hurry and waited silently.


    time flowed by and a day passed.


    ¡°your majesty, if you don¡¯t want the interest this time, then i¡¯ll take my leave first. it¡¯s almost time to eat.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke and slowly retreated, wanting to step into the vortex again.


    however, at that moment, the vortex paused and actually solidified.


    xu qing didn¡¯t panic at all. he calmly looked at the ancient spirit emperor¡¯s eye.


    ¡°i¡¯m a chef. if i don¡¯t go back, they¡¯ll find me.¡±


    the eye stared at xu qing as though it was weighing the pros and cons. after a long time, the vortex behind xu qing resumed spinning.


    the moment xu qing¡¯s figure was about to disappear, a drop of black blood flew out of the ancient spirit emperor¡¯s eye and headed straight for xu qing. after it landed on his body, it transformed into a black cloak.


    there was an eye on this cloak that looked extremely sinister.


    the voice of the ancient spirit emperor echoed in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°if everything is true, i will attend the feast.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he nodded.


    ¡°your majesty, after this banquet ends, i want an ancient spirit luck dragon.¡±


    ¡°alright!¡±


    the world reversed and rumbling sounds rang out in all directions. xu qing disappeared from the vortex and returned to the moon worship region, in front of the statue of the ruler, li zihua.


    as soon as he appeared, the captain immediately looked over. the heir and the others also opened their eyes and stared at xu qing, especially at his black cloak.


    the eye of the ancient spirit emperor on the cloak also rapidly narrowed.


    the first thing he saw was the statue of the ruler, li zihua. he deeply sensed the terrifying power contained in this statue and the awakening aura on it.


    after that, he looked at the sky and saw the incomparably huge red moon star that was about to arrive. waves rose in his mind.


    finally, he looked at the heir and the others. his gaze swept past them one by one and when he saw old ninth, his eyes narrowed.


    ¡°senior, this is my esteemed guest.¡±


    xu qing looked at the heir and respectfully spoke.


    the heir didn¡¯t say anything and nodded. clearly, on the day xu qing left, the captain seemed to have told them something. only old ninth looked at xu qing¡¯s black cloak and a hint of coldness spread out from his body.


    ¡°we owe this kid a debt of gratitude.¡±


    the eye of the ancient spirit emperor narrowed. he could sense a peerless baleful aura from the person in front of him.


    the intensity of this baleful aura was enough to rank among the top three that he had encountered in his entire life.


    ¡°such a heaven¡¯s chosen¡­ he has a sword that can intimidate gods!¡±


    the ancient spirit emperor muttered inwardly. he naturally understood what the other party meant. this was a threat and a warning.


    if it was at his peak, he would naturally ignore such threats. however, it was different now. moreover, everything he saw after coming here wasn¡¯t much different from what xu qing had said.


    as for the high gods, he sensed a dense aura from the person at the side.


    ¡®that shifty-eyed person carries the gateway to a god¡¯s land on his person.¡¯


    all of this caused the mind of the ancient spirit emperor to fluctuate as he transmitted his divine sense.


    ¡°he¡¯s my believer, so i naturally won¡¯t harm him.¡±


    when old ninth heard this, he retracted his gaze but his baleful aura still remained.


    the ancient spirit emperor narrowed his eyes and glanced at the reviving ruler.


    from the start to the end, xu qing¡¯s expression was calm. since he dared to invite the ancient spirit emperor over, he naturally had something to rely on. he was also certain that the ancient spirit emperor wouldn¡¯t be able to cause a massive commotion in this situation.


    time slowly passed.


    the calls of all living beings in the moon worship region continued. as the red moon star gradually arrived, the calls became even more intense.


    the red moon star already occupied most of the sky.


    in fact, because the distance was too close, the craters on it could be seen with the naked eye.


    its shadow blanketed the land, causing the ground to churn, rivers to erupt, and mountains to collapse wherever it passed. the aura emitted by the red moon star swept like a storm, shrouding everything in the will of the god.


    the anomalous substances intensified and the world distorted.


    it was moving toward the ruler¡¯s statue.


    the surrounding blood lake was filled up again. everything in sight was red, as though this realm was drowned by a sea of blood at this moment.


    all living beings trembled and despair rose uncontrollably, transforming into an even more intense call.


    the awakening aura on the ruler¡¯s body also erupted at this moment, causing the world to distort and the void to rumble. it was as though countless heavenly lightning was exploding.


    however, no matter how this sound spread, it couldn¡¯t stop the arrival of the red moon star.


    the red moon was getting closer and closer.


    on the ground, its shadow carried anomalous substances and covered almost everything.


    the expressions of the heir and the others were solemn, and their eyes were filled with hatred. the captain¡¯s expression also became tense.


    all the preparations and many years of hard work would depend on this!


    the ancient spirit emperor¡¯s eye on xu qing¡¯s cloak instantly narrowed.


    xu qing also couldn¡¯t help but feel uneasy. the red moon¡¯s authority in his body became unprecedentedly active, being pulled by the red moon.


    the different feelings in everyone¡¯s hearts instantly reached their peak.


    at the next instant, the realm darkened. the colossal red moon star carried the endless power of the tides, terrifying divine might, and a terrifying aura as it emerged in the heavens above the ruler¡¯s statue!


    right in the middle!


    crimson goddess had arrived!


    an extremely dense god¡¯s aura descended from the heavens like ink.


    in the blink of an eye, the heir and the others spat out a mouthful of blood. their bodies began to wither and decay, emitting black gas as curses erupted.


    the captain also couldn¡¯t withstand the aura, but he immediately spread out the suns of dawn ring and barely persisted.


    as for xu qing, the cloak formed by the ancient spirit emperor on his body passively resisted the eruption of this aura for him.


    however, if this continued, it would be difficult for them to last for too long.


    the moon worship region churned and this realm began to collapse. all living beings wailed as doomsday descended.


    if all of this were to form a picture, the scene in the moon worship region would look incredibly desolate. the kneeling posture of the ruler¡¯s statue, just like the name of this repentance plain, suggested punishment. he was being penalized, and was forced to repent in this place.


    it was like this in every era of the sacrificial ceremony.


    however, this time was different!


    the instant everyone struggled to withstand the aura, white flames burned from the body of the ruler¡¯s statue!


    this was the burning of its revival. it was stimulated by the spreading of the red moon¡¯s divine might and crimson goddess¡¯ aura.


    the flames grew increasingly intense and instantly reached the extreme, erupting into the sky. its hands, which had never been lifted since its death, slowly lifted amidst the flames and deafening rumbling!


    the large hands blotted out the heavens and slammed into¡­ the red moon star above its head!


    boom!


    ruler li zihua had revived!

 Chapter 1087 - 1087 Land of the Red Moon

    1087 land of the red moon


    the weather changed.


    everything rumbled.


    the hearts of all living beings boiled.


    the statue of the ruler that stood on the repentance plain had experienced many eras since ancient times. he¡­ finally moved!


    his two arms, resembling pillars supporting heaven and earth, exuded a majestic aura. with a force that could destroy the old and bring forth the new, he lifted a mighty wind with the power of his palms.


    the wind howled and echoed in the surroundings. the void collapsed in front of his palms, all the rules and laws were reduced to dust by his hands.


    they weren¡¯t the hands of a cultivator, but almost like the hands of a god.


    these two giant hands, now, with a resounding echo that shook the ancient and modern, slammed onto the red moon star!


    he held it tightly.


    his hands fixed the red moon star in the sky.


    the thunderous roar rose to the heavens as the red moon star, for the first time in countless years, encountered resistance. it attempted to advance, but the hands of the ruler li zihua remained as steady as a rock!


    in an instant, there was intense struggle from both sides.


    this shaking caused the red moon star to emit a rumbling sound. the blood light from it shone intensely, and more gravel fell from the statue of li zihua.


    gradually, a thunderous heartbeat echoed from the statue.


    thump, thump, thump!


    as the heartbeat gradually grew louder, white flames that were even more intense than before erupted from the statue of ruler li zihua and spread in all directions.


    from afar, the statue of li zihua looked like a huge human-shaped torch.


    the light from the fire even surpassed the light emitted by the red moon.


    its momentum was violent, sweeping out everywhere.


    all areas around the statue were covered by this fire. only the sky¡­


    the red moon star had replaced the sky and seemed to have become a forbidden area for the white flames!


    the crimson light and white flames formed a clear contrast!


    li zihua had revived.


    however, he hadn¡¯t woken up yet.


    this revival was only the reverberation of aura and heartbeat; his eyes had not fully opened.


    however, even so, it was enough to shock the entire moon worship region. it also dissipated a great deal of the god¡¯s pressure that had originated from the arrival of the red moon star.


    the heir and the others recovered one after another.


    the captain¡¯s body was surrounded by nine golden suns. he stood in the air with madness in his eyes, and salivated as he looked at the red moon star.


    as for xu qing, it had to be said that the ancient spirit emperor was still a reliable teammate. the cloak he transformed into passively blocked most of the pressure for xu qing.


    ¡°let¡¯s go!¡±


    the instant everyone regained their mobility, the heir spoke in a low voice. he quickly rushed out and ran on the arm of his father¡¯s statue, heading straight for the red moon star.


    princess mingmei followed him by the side, and the fifth princess and old eighth followed from behind.


    as for old ninth, he was the fastest. with just a few steps, he surpassed the heir and seemed to have transformed into a sword tip as he rushed toward the red moon.


    the captain and xu qing were at the back. the two of them also went all out. as the initiators of this battle, they naturally had to go personally.


    ¡°the ruler¡¯s revival can¡¯t take too long, and it¡¯s not the moment for him to awaken. we have to step onto the red moon star and enter the moon palace.¡±


    ¡°the moment we see crimson goddess is when the ruler will awaken¡±


    the captain¡¯s breathing was hurried and he immediately transmitted his divine sense. xu qing nodded and the two of them unleashed their full speed, getting closer and closer to the red moon star.


    this battle that was at the level of gods¡­ was about to begin!


    however, it wasn¡¯t easy to step onto the red moon star.


    even though the red moon star was fixed by the ruler¡¯s hands, making it impossible for it to leave, and there being a direct path to it now, the oppressive force emanating from the red moon star itself remained terrifying as they approached.


    the tidal force emanating from it could tear everything apart.


    the void around it was collapsing, cracks continuously appearing. even the heir and the others found it increasingly difficult to take steps as they neared the red moon star.


    it was the same for the captain. only old ninth¡¯s expression and his footsteps firm as he got closer and closer step by step.


    xu qing was also unaffected. on one hand, it was the effect of the cloak, but the greater reason was the red moon authority in his body.


    what was perceived as pressure and hindrance to others felt incredibly familiar to him. the more he advanced, the stronger this sense of familiarity became.


    it was as though he was walking into a warm embrace.


    after sensing these, xu qing immediately circulated the red moon authority in his body, causing it to spread out and illuminate the huge red moon star in front of him. in an instant, the red light became increasingly dazzling.


    ¡°my red moon¡¯s authority is being enhanced!¡± xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed red. blood filled his entire body and spread in all directions, forming a vortex. he moved faster and faster and gradually arrived beside the heir and the others.


    at the back was the lonely chen erniu¡­


    when the ancient spirit emperor sensed all of this, his eyes narrowed slightly.


    ¡°there¡¯s great karma between this kid and crimson goddess¡­¡±


    the captain who was alone at the back became a little anxious when he saw this scene.


    ¡°this won¡¯t do. i have finally found the dignity of being the eldest senior brother in the moon worship region and make little qing listen to my command all the way. now, with the red moon right in front of us, if i get left behind¡­ it¡¯ll be too embarrassing!¡±


    while the captain was feeling anxious, the heir and the others exchanged glances. determination shone in their eyes as they each used a secret technique and opened their mouths, breathing out towards the red moon star in front of them.


    following their actions, li zihua¡¯s statue below actually trembled intensely. its tightly shut mouth opened slightly and just like its children, it exhaled toward the red moon star.


    the breath turned into white mist, billowing and rushing towards the red moon star. upon instant contact, a resounding roar that shook the mind echoed through the heavens and the earth. the oppressive force from the red moon was surprisingly nullified on a large scale, albeit temporarily. however, this force was in the process of recovering.


    seizing this opportunity, everyone relaxed for a moment and then accelerated rapidly, advancing at full speed. finally, they arrived before the red moon star, following the left arm of the ruler.


    however, on one hand, the red moon star was ancient beyond measure, and on the other hand, this place housed the palace of crimson goddess. even though the force from the red moon was temporarily neutralized by the ruler¡¯s breath, the aura of crimson goddess here turned into clouds and mist, forming a barrier that isolated anything foreign.


    even ruler li zihua¡¯s palms could only press down on the barrier, and because the range was too large, he was unable to destroy the barrier.


    seeing this, the captain¡¯s eyes lit up. just as he was about to brandish his suns of dawn, the heir and the others each raised their left index fingers and pointed at the red moon star.


    their bodies emitted dense bloodline fluctuations.


    at the next instant, the ruler¡¯s statue shook again. his majestic body erupted with astonishing power and he lifted his left hand slightly from the red moon star.


    as he raised it, the red moon star rumbled and slowly moved, as though it wanted to continue into the distance.


    xu qing, the heir, and the others were standing on the huge left hand of the ruler¡¯s statue. at that moment, their bodies swayed. the instant they each stabilized their bodies, the ruler¡¯s left hand had already shifted thousands of feet away and paused.


    he raised his index finger and stabbed red moon star!


    its speed was so fast and its aura so strong that it seemed like it could destroy the world. there were also white flames burning on this finger, protecting everyone.


    amidst the rumbling, the finger touched the red moon star again and landed on its cloud barrier.


    a tremendous sound echoed throughout the entire moon worship region, resounding suddenly. the barrier of clouds and mist directly collapsed, penetrated in an instant by that finger, pressing directly onto the soil of the red moon star.


    the entire red moon star trembled.


    if one looked up from the surface of this star, they would be able to see that the clouds in the sky above the blood-colored ground were dissipating, revealing a huge hole. a large rough hand pierced through it and its fingertip touched the ground.


    cracks appeared on the ground.


    in the horrifying sight, one could see the heir and the others in the white flames around that finger.


    they had eventually landed on the red moon star!


    this white flame rapidly extinguished and was substituted by the red light emitted by the red moon star.


    xu qing¡¯s heart fluctuated. he stood on the finger of the ruler and looked at everything in the surroundings.


    in the past, the red moon star could only be seen from afar and sensed. he couldn¡¯t step into it at all. but now¡­ he had already appeared on the moon.


    the ground was red, and the clouds in the sky were red, red was the only color here.


    the ground undulated with mountains and countless depressions and craters. a river of blood flowed everywhere. this red moon star¡­ was indeed a world.


    the extremely dense anomalous substances formed all the auras in this world. it was also very difficult to see too far. everything in sight was distorted.


    amidst the distortion, countless illusory shadows flickered on the red moon star.


    upon closer inspection, one could see that among these figures, there were humans and nonhumans. there were basically figures of all races. their states were difficult to figure out, but they looked neither alive nor dead.


    they didn¡¯t seem to have any intelligence. they were like an illusion, maintaining the posture of kneeling while covering their eyes.


    what was even stranger was that xu qing discovered that every time he blinked, the location of these figures would change. however, if he didn¡¯t blink, they would remain in their original spots.


    regarding the appearance of the finger and the arrival of everyone, these figures didn¡¯t care at all. they continued to flicker and worship. their sinister chanting echoed in this land of god.


    ¡°red moon, our lord, guide the wanggu. mourn for all living beings, and enjoy paradise.¡±


    ¡°sacrificing our bodies for our lord, this life is not painful, with dawn and dusk as the curtain, our bodies remain incorruptible.¡±


    ¡°crimson goddess, our lord, of the illustrious brilliant heaven, the heavenly dao lies dormant, the ancient path revives.¡±


    ¡°sacrificing our souls for our lord, on the other side, there is grace, the melody of eternal joy, and another life awaits.¡±


    this chanting, more complete than the prayers in the red moon shrine, did not come from their mouths but resonated from their souls. it echoed endlessly at this moment, boundless and infinite.

 Chapter 1088 - 1088 I Am the New Moon, Call Me Lord Purple!

    1088 i am the new moon, call me lord purple!


    a world painted in red, eerie silhouettes, and a sinister chant.


    rich in anomalous substances, a twisted heaven and earth, everything unfamiliar.


    these elements together composed the world of the red moon star.


    it was also¡­ the divine land of crimson goddess.


    all cultivators who arrived couldn¡¯t escape the invasion of the anomalous substances. their souls would be corroded by the chanting and their consciousness would unknowingly be affected, raising endless devotion to crimson goddess.


    no matter what cultivation level they had.


    the first to be affected was the fifth princess.


    her body trembled and the color of her robe was changing to red. it was the same for old eighth. the heir and princess mingmei were also shaken.


    the captain wasn¡¯t much better either. at that moment, his breathing was hurried and his eyes revealed even more madness. one malevolent face after another appeared in his eyes, and his entire body shone with blue light.


    only xu qing¡­ stood here without being affected.


    with the enhancement from the red moon, he felt an unprecedented sense of familiarity with this world.


    he even had a feeling that¡­ he could influence this world to a certain extent.


    just as he was about to give it a try, old ninth took a step forward and raised his right hand before slashing down.


    the world rumbled as a black sword light came from the sky, sweeping across the ground and all the figures in front of it.


    wherever the sword light passed, the ground collapsed and countless figures were killed. however, at the next instant¡­ everything returned back to normal.


    the chanting continued.


    invasion continued.


    the expressions of the heir and the others darkened. a cold glint flashed in old ninth¡¯s eyes and he was about to continue.


    ¡°it¡¯s useless. this is a divine land. right now, crimson goddess hasn¡¯t awakened, so her will hasn¡¯t spread out. otherwise, with a thought, everything here would be drowned by her will.¡±


    the captain spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°back then, i obtained a drop of mysterious blood, so i could transform into a mosquito and cross this place. however, i used up that drop of blood¡­¡±


    ¡°little qing, you¡¯re the only one here who isn¡¯t affected. spread out your authority and find the moon palace!¡±


    ¡°the moon palace is the oldest palace in this world. it doesn¡¯t have a fixed location and can be anywhere, even in the grains of sand and void. crimson goddess¡­ is sleeping in the depths of the moon palace!¡±


    ¡°after you find the moon palace, i have a way to open it. then¡­ we can enter it!¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he glanced at the captain. this was his first time here. it was the same for the heir and the others!


    only the captain¡­ this wasn¡¯t his first time.


    ¡°i¡¯ll give it a try.¡± xu qing nodded and walked forward under the gazes of the heir and the others.


    as he walked, the power of the red moon¡¯s authority on his body spread out. a vortex of blood formed around him, gradually growing larger. the feeling of familiarity grew even more intense in xu qing¡¯s heart.


    he even had an impulse to¡­ change the color of this star!


    however, this was too serious. xu qing could only suppress this impulse and close his eyes. he used his authority to spread throughout the entire red moon star to search for the moon palace.


    as time passed, the heir and the others were increasingly affected by the invasion. yet, the moon palace was still not found.


    xu qing furrowed his brow, and at that moment, the red moon star also exhibited a strong repulsive reaction. the earth trembled, indicating that the ruler couldn¡¯t hold it in place for too long.


    it was difficult for him to fix the trajectory of this red moon star.


    the captain sighed and looked at the heir and the others.


    ¡°looks like i can only wake the ruler in advance. otherwise, we won¡¯t be able to find the moon palace, and this stalemate is disadvantageous for us. however, regardless of whether it¡¯s the ruler awakening or my other methods, it will inevitably wake crimson goddess up¡­¡±


    ¡°i can help you find it!¡± before the captain could finish speaking, the ancient spirit emperor¡¯s eye on xu qing¡¯s cloak transmitted its divine sense.


    ¡°but once i take action, crimson goddess will similarly wake up. also, if i succeed, i want half of the spoils!¡±


    the captain looked at the ancient spirit emperor, and the heir and the others narrowed their eyes.


    the ancient spirit emperor wasn¡¯t in a hurry and waited for everyone to make their choice.


    at that moment, xu qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°since crimson goddess will awaken no matter what we do to find the moon palace, then¡­ i have a method that i can give a try!¡±


    after saying that, xu qing took more than ten steps forward and stopped in front of a flickering figure.


    he lifted his head and looked at the sky before looking at the ground. finally, his gaze landed on the figure in front of him. as he listened to the chanting in his ears, he let go of the impulse in his heart.


    ¡°there should be no two masters of the red moon¡¯s authority!¡±


    a red glow slowly appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. at this moment, his divinity was intentionally released and fused with the red moon star.


    this scene caused the eyes of the heir and the others to narrow. the captain¡¯s eyes also gleamed.


    the ancient spirit emperor also fluctuated.


    ¡®this kid has the authority of the red moon on him. the meaning of him coming to this red moon star is completely different from others!¡¯


    ¡®especially¡­ since crimson goddess is currently in a deep sleep and hasn¡¯t woken up yet.¡¯


    at the moment when everyone¡¯s hearts were in turmoil, xu qing closed his eyes and the blood light in his entire body instantly soared. his body even became blurry and completely fused with the red color here, turning into a part of the red light that could only be vaguely seen.


    the entire red moon star suddenly trembled.


    the chanting in the surroundings suddenly stopped at this instant. for the first time, countless figures changed their postures. they lifted their heads in unison with their hands covering their eyes, as though they were somehow attracted by xu qing¡¯s authority and were ¡®staring¡¯ at him.


    after a long time, xu qing, who had fused with the red light and turned blurry, opened his eyes. his deep voice echoed in all directions.


    ¡°i am the new moon. i was born in wanggu. all living beings call me lord purple.¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, the blood light outside xu qing¡¯s body instantly changed and turned purple. this purple color rapidly spread and grew increasingly dense. from afar, it actually transformed into a purple moon!


    as xu qing walked toward the sky, the purple moon¡­ rose into the air!


    at that moment, the color of the sky changed and a storm brewed. the red moon star trembled intensely. as the ground trembled, all the figures in the surroundings trembled with it.


    there was also a dense power of the red moon that surged into the sky from this star, transforming into a red storm with a hint of purple that swept through the sky and land. wherever it passed, the flickering figures would tremble.


    the heir and the others were even more surprised. as for old ninth, who had always been quiet, his expression turned solemn as he gazed at xu qing.


    ¡°he¡¯s tampering with crimson goddess¡¯ chanting!¡±


    ¡°change red to purple!¡± the heir said in a low voice.


    ¡°a great opportunity, a great fortune!¡± the cloak formed by the ancient spirit emperor suddenly left xu qing¡¯s body.


    as for the captain, he was laughing very happily. there was a hint of sighing and ruefulness in the depths of his eyes.


    ¡®it¡¯s been a long time since i saw the purple moon¡­¡¯


    the purple moon rose into the air. due to the appearance of the purple moon, there was an additional hint of purple in the red that was present everywhere in this world!


    this purple color rapidly covered the ground and diffused to the sky. in the end, the colors of the illusory figures in the surroundings also changed. gradually, there was a purple color mixed in them. at the same time, the chanting voice also changed.


    ¡°master of the new moon, guide the wanggu. mourn for all living beings, and enjoy paradise.¡±


    ¡°sacrificing our bodies for our lord, this life is not painful, with dawn and dusk as the curtain, our bodies remain incorruptible.¡±


    ¡°the new moon¡¯s master was born in wanggu, all beings respectfully call him lord purple.¡±


    ¡°sacrificing our souls for our lord, on the other side, there is grace, the melody of eternal joy, and another life awaits.¡±


    as they chanted the modified prayer, the color of all the figures rapidly turned purple at this moment. even this star appeared purple!


    this scene was not only seen by everyone here but also by some of the large regions in the wanggu continent!


    in reality, the neighboring regions always paid attention to the arrival of the red moon star. at that moment, in the palace of the white sand land in the holy wave large region, grand duke holy wave, who had broken through nihility and advanced into the soul accumulation realm, suddenly opened his eyes from meditation.


    as he opened his eyes, the sky above the holy wave large region surged, forming a pair of eyes within, gazing intently at the moon worship.


    ¡°purple has appeared in the red moon! the authority of crimson goddess is being changed¡­¡±


    ¡°what¡­ is happening there?¡±


    at the same time, emotions of horror rose in the black heaven region.


    back then, due to the grand imperial capital region using the suns of dawn, the black heaven race had suffered heavy losses. while the entire region was sealed off, they were constantly conducting sacrificial rituals and calling out to their god.


    however, this summons remained unanswered. until today, the high priests within the black sky clan experienced unprecedented tremors and panic in their minds.


    a scene emerged in their minds.


    on the scene, the red moon was changing.


    they weren¡¯t the solely ones. in flame moon mystic heaven race¡¯s region that bordered the moon worship region, the cultivators sensed that the red light from the moon worship region had turned purple.


    if this was the case in the foreign regions, there was no need to mention the moon worship region itself.


    at this moment, the beings within the moon worship region, trembling and uneasy, were shocked to discover that the colors of the sky and earth had changed.


    the red moon star in the sky was gradually transforming into purple moon.


    if this continued, the moment xu qing completely replaced the red moon and transformed it entirely into purple, he¡­ would become the new god.


    however, this was obviously impossible since crimson goddess was still alive.


    crimson goddess didn¡¯t wake up when the black heaven race suffered heavy losses.


    she also didn¡¯t stop the destruction of the red moon shrine.


    even though ruler li zihua had revived and halted the red moon star, and his finger evenly pierced the cloud barrier, landing on the red moon¡¯s soil, this huge commotion still didn¡¯t awaken her.


    clearly, devouring and absorbing the master of the land of the wicked wasn¡¯t that easy for crimson goddess.


    but now, as the color of the red moon changed, she had no choice but to stop absorbing.


    a terrifying aura instantly erupted throughout the red moon star. in an instant, the red color of the entire star soared and a vast blood-colored palace emerged above everyone.


    it was¡­ the moon palace!


    this palace was ancient, constructed from giant stones, exuding a sense of antiquity. bathed entirely in blood-red, it radiated an unparalleled divine aura..


    there was also a huge totem on the tightly-shut gate.


    this totem transformed into a malevolent face.


    it wasn¡¯t crimson goddess but a six-eyed face. at this moment, all six eyes opened, ignoring everyone and looking at xu qing, emitting a low roar.


    ¡°those who blaspheme against the god will face a calamity of a thousand deaths!¡±

 Chapter 1089 - 1089 Snatching Food From Gods Mouth

    1089 snatching food from god¡¯s mouth


    ¡°ancestor of the nether race, you dingmu!¡±


    a cold glint flashed in the heir¡¯s eyes as he revealed the identity of the six-eyed face!


    it wasn¡¯t just the heir who recognized this face. his siblings also recognized it the moment they saw it.


    the captain narrowed his eyes and the corners of his mouth curled up. clearly, he also knew the identity of the totem face on the gate. after all, in his previous life¡­ he had been here.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he recalled what the heir had told him when they saw the nether race on the way to the northern ice plains.


    the ancestor of the nether race was once a subordinate of the ruler. when crimson goddess arrived, he chose to betray the ruler. after that, he was killed by the ruler¡¯s finger on the northern icy plains, shattering his great world.


    the fragment of the great world he had obtained was a part of the great world of the totem face.


    now, this subordinate who had been killed by the ruler appeared on the moon palace¡¯s gate and was acting like a gate god. clearly, he had been revived by crimson goddess.


    ¡°so, back then, when eldest senior brother went to go to the northern icy plains, he used his skin to imprint the fingerprint there¡­¡±


    xu qing looked at the captain.


    the captain looked at xu qing with a smug expression as if telling xu qing, ¡®now you know how impressive i am.¡¯ he inwardly thought that little qing had been performing too well, and now it was finally his turn to shine.


    hence, he looked up and spoke loudly.


    ¡°seniors, the awakening of crimson goddess requires a process. we have to reach her slumbering place before she completely wakes up!¡±


    ¡°as for this gate god, help me stall for some time. i have a way to suppress it!¡±


    when xu qing heard this, his gaze swept across the surroundings before looking at the captain. he wanted to say something but hesitated.


    at the same time, as the moon palace appeared, the ground of the red moon¡¯s star trembled and bulged. the sky tilted down as though it was being pulled by an invisible force.


    from a distance, the moon palace appeared ancient and weathered, with giant stones exuding an ancient aura. however, whether it was the patterns on its surface or the details, everything reflected exquisite and luxurious craftsmanship.


    there was also a majestic feeling.


    the red walls, red tiles, and dazzling brilliance, along with intricately carved beams and painted rafters, created a scene of unparalleled beauty. the eaves were high and imposing, with lots of vivid scenes portrayed on them.


    shrouded in the hazy blood mist, it appeared like a silhouette floating in the clouds, giving it an extra sense of silence and solemnity.


    its arrival seemed to have become the core of this world. everything had to gather here. regardless of the sky or ground¡­ it had to be like this.


    the sky distorted and the ground undulated. the entire world was rumbling.


    the moon palace became the center of attention. the blood light it emitted illuminated the surroundings and enveloped the entire red moon star.


    at that moment, the red moon star seemed to be worshiping it. the colors of the bodies of those figures whose prayers had been tampered with by xu qing instantly returned to red. their chanting also returned to its previous lines.


    under the red light, the totem face on the gate became even more sinister. it glared at xu qing with killing intent. its voice was like countless heavenly lightning bolts that rumbled and exploded in all directions.


    there were also red snowflakes floating around which quickly gathered to form armored skeletons that rushed toward xu qing and the others.


    facing these, the heir let out a cold snort and took a step forward. the instant his foot landed, the power of soul accumulation erupted from his body, forming a huge palm that grabbed forward.


    immediately, the void blurred and the armored skeletons trembled one after another before collapsing in unison. however, at the next instant, they gathered together and formed blood-bone beasts.


    it was as though their existences were eternal and they couldn¡¯t be completely eliminated. on the contrary, they would become stronger and stronger under repeated destruction and revival.


    however, the siblings of the heir were naturally not weaklings, and their cooperation was incomparably tacit. at this moment, princess mingmei performed a series of hand seals and the river of time flowed over.


    there was also old eighth who let out a deep shout. his shout could affect the seven emotions and six desires, even causing emotions to rise in those who didn¡¯t have emotions. in an instant, those blood-bone ferocious beasts became restless and felt fear.


    before they could suppress their emotions, the river of time arrived and drowned them all.


    the captain wasn¡¯t idle either. he took out a human skin scroll from his storage bag and called xu qing over. the two of them each held one end and opened it with all their might.


    in the blink of an eye, the human skin was opened by them, revealing a huge fingerprint.


    this fingerprint was strange. just looking at it made one¡¯s heart skip a beat.


    that was the fingerprint left by the ruler¡¯s finger that had suppressed the nether race¡¯s ancestor.


    ¡°little qing, fuse your poison restriction into it!¡±


    the captain shouted and spat out a mouthful of blood that landed on the human skin, activating it. in an instant, the fingerprint shone with an intense light and a terrifying pressure erupted from it.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes turned pitch-black and the power of poison restriction enveloped the fingerprint, while the captain kept coughing blood repeatedly.


    soon, the pressure from the fingerprint on the human skin became even stronger.


    however, looking at the captain spurting out blood, xu qing wanted to say something, but seeing that the captain was in high spirits, xu qing felt that it was best not to remind him.


    as for the attacks of the heir and the others, it wasn¡¯t over. after neutralizing those blood-bone ferocious beasts, they rose into the air and headed straight for the moon palace.


    however, to be able to guard the gate for the crimson goddess, the totem face naturally had more tricks up its sleeve. its six eyes flickered at the same time, forming six red lights that transformed into six lumps of red mud that headed straight for the heir and the others.


    this mud was extraordinary and actually contained the will of a god.


    their speed was so fast that they instantly enveloped the heir and the other four. the additional lump of mud headed straight for xu qing.


    however, before this lump of blood-red mud landed, a black sword appeared in front of xu qing and blocked the mud.


    old ninth, who was already covered by the fifth lump of mud, appeared in front of xu qing. he was actually fighting against two lumps of the mud alone.


    ¡°hurry up!¡±


    with his back facing xu qing and the captain, old ninth¡¯s entire body was covered in blood. a deep voice rang out from the mud.


    the captain¡¯s expression changed and he quickly nodded.


    ¡°seven breaths at most!¡±


    as he spoke, he spat out even more blood. xu qing also increased the influx of the poison restriction. during this process, the two of them rapidly rose into the air. at the same time, as the poison restriction and the captain¡¯s blood flowed, this human skin continued to grow larger.


    under the tug of the two of them, the human skin quickly enlarged to 30 feet, 100 feet, 400 feet¡­


    the fingerprint on it became increasingly clear, and the aura it emitted gradually became terrifying.


    seeing this, the six eyes of the totem face closed at the same time. on its closed eyelids, six souls actually appeared.


    upon closer look, one could see that these six soul figures were none other than the heir and his siblings. the additional soul was another figure of old ninth.


    the instant they appeared, the blood mud around the heir and the others exploded and rolled back at the same time, merging together to form six mud figures identical to them.


    they were grinning strangely. their cultivation erupted and displayed the same soul accumulation power as they charged toward the heir and the others.


    a crack appeared between the brows of the totem face. it opened its seventh eye and looked at xu qing and the captain. more specifically, it was looking at the fingerprint on the human skin.


    the seventh eye narrowed and the totem face swayed. it chose to leave the gate and appear outside, transforming into an incomparably huge mud face.


    its existence was actually formed from blood mud. at that moment, it headed straight for xu qing and the captain. its mouth opened wider and wider, as though it wanted to devour them.


    however, at that moment, just as the blood mud face flew out and before it could devour xu qing and the captain, a black light suddenly appeared from the void.


    this black light had concealed itself extremely deeply. the way it appeared and the timing were extremely tricky. it was as though this light was waiting for the instance the face left the gate.


    as it flew over, a sense of greed and thirst erupted uncontrollably. there was also turbid water from the yellow springs falling from all directions. that was¡­ the saliva of the ancient spirit emperor.


    the black light was none other than the cloak that the ancient spirit emperor had transformed into.


    in the blink of an eye, the cloak headed straight for the mouth of the bloody face and flew in.


    the hunger that had been suppressed for countless years completely erupted at this moment. the devouring power of the ancient spirit emperor erupted crazily.


    a mournful cry rang out from the bloody face. for the first time, horror appeared in its eyes. at that moment, it no longer cared about devouring xu qing. instead, it rapidly retreated, wanting to return to the gate.


    however, the ancient spirit emperor had hidden at the side until now for the sake of eating. how could he let the food escape just like that? hence, he devoured even more crazily from within the blood mud face.


    one bite after another, he continued to bite. in an instant, there was even more yellow springs drool. as it gathered into a river, thunderous sounds of hunger echoed in all directions.


    this scene stunned the captain. he gazed at the ultimate move he had prepared and then at the bloody face, feeling a little depressed.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t surprised by this.


    according to his understanding of the ancient spirit emperor, it would be strange if the other party didn¡¯t do this.


    he had actually planned to remind the captain earlier¡­ but on one hand, it didn¡¯t feel good to destroy eldest senior brother¡¯s enthusiasm. on the other hand, once he reminded him, he was afraid that the sneak attack of the ancient spirit emperor would lose its effect.


    just as the captain was feeling depressed, the blood mud face let out a heart-rending cry. the face instantly collapsed and shattered into pieces, turning into a large amount of blood mud that rapidly gathered together.


    however¡­ only 40% of the blood mud was left. the remaining 60% of the blood mud indeed turned into eyeballs that disclosed intense greed.


    they already belonged to the ancient spirit emperor.


    the ancestor of the nether race was horrified and immediately tried to return to the moon palace, but the captain immediately seized this opportunity. he let go of the human skin and shouted.


    ¡°seal!¡±


    the instance he uttered it, xu qing also let go. immediately, the fingerprint on the human skin let out a massive aura like the laws of nature, earth-shattering and imposing. it immediately got past the ancient spirit emperor and imprinted on the ancestor of the nether race.


    if this fingerprint was used on others, there might be all kinds of unknown effects. however, it had once suppressed the nether race¡¯s ancestor to death and had a great karma with him. hence, when it emerged at this moment, it immediately caused the nether race¡¯s ancestor¡¯s body to tremble.


    at the next instant, the human skin arrived and directly enveloped the ancestor of the nether race. after covering him, it rapidly spun and transformed into a scroll that flew toward the captain.

 Chapter 1090 - 1090 Long Time No See, Xu Qing!

    1090 long time no see, xu qing!


    the captain grabbed the scroll while laughing and tossed it to xu qing.


    ¡°junior brother, suppress it in the world fragment. this is our first spoil of war!¡±


    xu qing caught it. when he heard this, he immediately suppressed it in the world fragment.


    imprinting the fingerprint that contained karma with it on it, using the captain¡¯s skin to seal it, and then using the great world fragment that was originally its own to suppress it.


    all of this process was based on karma.


    this suppression was extremely stable.


    especially when the nether race¡¯s ancestor had suffered a serious injury and lost 60% of his strength. under this suppression, the remaining 40% couldn¡¯t cause any waves.


    it had to be said that the captain had made ample preparations for this battle against crimson goddess.


    however¡­ in the eyes of the ancient spirit emperor, this was snatching food from his mouth!


    hence, his gaze looked over unkindly at this moment. he wasn¡¯t full yet.


    however, he also understood that this was just an appetizer. he snorted coldly and looked at the mud figures fighting against the heir and the others.


    these figures had lost their divine will after the nether race¡¯s ancestor was sealed. they turned into ordinary mud and were blasted into ashes.


    after that, everyone¡¯s gaze landed on the moon palace¡¯s gate at the same time.


    there was no longer the totem face there.


    however, all the existences here knew that even without the gate god, this gate wouldn¡¯t be easy to open.


    the captain laughed and puffed out his chest as he took a step forward.


    ¡°seniors, spread out a little and please guard us. i¡¯m the most experienced in opening doors. junior brother, you don¡¯t have to do anything this time. i¡¯ll blast open this gate myself!¡±


    as he spoke, the captain lifted his right hand. immediately, nine artificial suns danced out of his hand.


    these nine suns emitted golden flames that emitted the aura of gods¡¯ aura. that fire¡­ was the divine fire that absorbed the divine son. with the enhancement of this fire, these nine artificial suns were nine miniature versions of the sun of dawn!


    although they didn¡¯t know about the sun of dawn, the heir and the others had already sensed how terrifying these nine artificial suns were, so they spread out.


    the ancient spirit emperor took a few more glances before hiding again.


    seeing this, the captain looked even more smug. he waved his hand and shouted.


    ¡°little dumpling!¡±


    ¡°blast open that old hag crimson goddess¡¯ door!¡±


    at the next instant, one of the nine artificial suns suddenly flew out. the burning of its flames instantly reached the extreme. a terrifying aura erupted from within as it charged toward the moon palace¡¯s gate like a golden meteor.


    ¡°protect me!¡± the captain was like a child who had lit a firecracker. he retreated crazily and headed straight for xu qing.


    he was aware that staying near xu qing was the safest. after all, there was a high chance that the heir and the others wouldn¡¯t protect him, but they would definitely protect xu qing.


    this was indeed the case. with a sway, old ninth stood in front of xu qing again. he lifted the sword in his hand and stood forward. the heir and the others also arrived quickly.


    the instant they appeared, the meteor touched the gate.


    a deafening sound surged into the sky and the entire red moon star trembled intensely. the world distorted and everything became blurry.


    one could only faintly see the artificial star exploding on the gate of the moon palace. the golden flames inside instantly swept through the entire gate and enveloped the moon palace, fighting against the red light.


    the aura it emitted shook even the heir and his siblings. they felt a threat from the eruption of the artificial sun.


    in particular, the power of the divine fire emitted by it revealed a terrifying intent. the moon palace quivered and the echoing fluctuations were like a storm, instantly covering the red moon star.


    although this storm was blocked to a certain range by the heir and the others, it bypassed them and fanned out to affect other parts.


    the sound was so loud that it spread throughout the moon worship region.


    it was only after a long time that the storm weakened. xu qing immediately raised his head and looked over.


    the moon palace still stood high above. the golden flames on it were extinguished and the red light spread again. as for the gate¡­ although a deep dent had appeared, it still didn¡¯t open.


    the captain suddenly jumped up. his eyes revealed madness as he shouted.


    ¡°mid dumpling!¡±


    in the blink of an eye, an artificial sun that was several times larger than the first sun soared into the sky with a buzzing sound. it was also burning with golden flames but its aura was much more majestic than the little dumpling from before.


    it headed straight for the moon palace¡¯s gate.


    an even more earth-shattering sound erupted which seemed to replace all the sounds in the world, including its aftershock.


    the red moon star quivered and the moon worship region rumbled. even other regions could hear this earth-shattering explosion.


    in fact, the divine fire that erupted this time dyed the red moon golden in that instant. although the gate of the moon palace contained divine might, cracks still appeared under the direct bombardment at such a close distance.


    the captain was excited and his eyes were filled with anticipation. xu qing also stared at the gate.


    however, at this moment, a familiar cold snort rang out from the moon palace¡¯s gate.


    as the cold snort echoed, the divine fire that expand to the gate was instantly extinguished. it was the same for the divine fire that filled the moon palace. the flames that enveloped the entire red moon star were instantly extinguished by this cold snort.


    the heir¡¯s expression changed as he was forced back. princess mingmei, the fifth princess, and old eighth¡¯s expressions also instantly changed. the fifth princess and old eighth even coughed out a large mouthful of blood and their pupils constricted.


    only old ninth¡¯s entire body emitted a baleful aura as he slashed forward.


    an explosive sound rang out as old ninth¡¯s sword landed in the air, cutting through the invisible force and neutralizing the pressure. however, as the sword slashed down, the body of the sword couldn¡¯t withstand it and shattered into pieces.


    old ninth was expressionless. he raised his hand and grabbed, and a second sword appeared in his hand. after that, he looked up and stared at the moon palace¡¯s gate.


    the captain¡¯s eyes flickered with blue light as the remaining seven artificial suns began to burn.


    he had already recognized that cold snort.


    xu qing also naturally recognized it. amidst the silence, the moon palace¡¯s gate that had yet to be opened slowly opened inwards.


    it opened quietly.


    it wasn¡¯t just a crack; it swung wide open, like it was awaiting the entry of everyone.


    through the opened gate, they could see the moon palace inside. it wasn¡¯t a hall but a blood-red sea.


    this sea was vast and endless, with waves surging from it. blood light illuminated the sky and everything.


    in this sea of red, the most prominent features were the towering colossal figures standing on the sea.


    one figure looked like a human but had three heads and six arms. there were also those who looked extremely bizarre. for example, one of them was completely made of bones and was extremely tall.


    there was also one whose entire body was enveloped in tentacles, like a lump of irregular flesh.


    there was one that was made of fog. countless tiny fingers could be seen inside.


    these figures had different appearances and were completely different from the myriad races outside.


    every one of them carried the aura of god, and emitted extremely terrifying energy that filled the blood sea.


    if any one of them appeared outside, they would definitely cause a storm of blood in the wanggu continent.


    this was because they¡­ were all gods!


    a total of 37!


    in fact, xu qing even saw the god of the immortal forbidden land!


    that god¡¯s main body was a fish. its current appearance was the same as in xu qing¡¯s memories.


    according to their auras, at least ten of these 37 gods far surpassed it. there were also two who¡­ gave xu qing the feeling that they were equal to crimson goddess. their divine might was so vast that his mind felt like it would collapse.


    moreover, they weren¡¯t corporeal and were just projections!


    this place was a hell for gods.


    ¡°it¡¯s different from when i entered the moon palace back then. this moonlight sea should be in the depths but it appeared early now¡­¡±


    ¡°the existences in the moonlight sea are all projections of the gods that crimson goddess devoured!¡±


    as the captain spoke in a low voice, xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. his gaze landed in the depths of the moonlight sea. there¡­ a huge flower slowly appeared in the air surrounded by the projections of these 37 gods.


    this flower was peerlessly beautiful, but this beauty exuded a sense of death.


    the bright red color, the scattered stamens, and the curved flower leaves swayed between heaven and earth. there was also a faint tune drifting from there.


    the flower gradually bloomed.


    the petals slowly expand open.


    at this moment, the entire world was filled with the smell of blood, sweet and pungent.


    from afar, it looked like the claws of a malicious ghost, slowly reaching out to all lives.


    and inside this blood-colored flower, a figure sat cross-legged.


    this figure was a man. his eyes were closed and he didn¡¯t move at all, as though he was in a deep sleep.


    his long red hair cascaded around him, spreading over his body, extending into the flower petals and hanging below the blossoms.


    the strands of hair intertwined with the flower stamens, blurring the distinction between them and enhancing the beauty of the flower.


    his red robe also fused the man¡¯s existence with this red spider lily, as if¡­ they were inherently one.


    as for his peerlessly beautiful face, coupled with his ethereal temperament, if xu qing didn¡¯t know him, he might find it hard to tell if he was a man or a woman.


    this was because this beauty had reached the extreme of life. or rather, it was a beauty of death that living creatures couldn¡¯t possess.


    it was the same as this flower.


    atop this person¡¯s blood-red hair, there rested a crown of thorns. the thorns grew seamlessly within the flesh, natural and yet perfect.


    the thorny crown moved, weaving a tapestry of anguished faces, constantly changing, each one unique but emitting the same silent wail of sorrow.


    this wail was the music that echoed here.


    ¡°zhang siyun¡­¡±


    this person was none other than zhang siyun!


    xu qing wasn¡¯t surprised to see the other party here.


    however, although he wasn¡¯t familiar with zhang siyun, they had interacted a little after all. back then, he had even personally seen the other party being possessed by crimson goddess. after devouring the immortal forbidden god, he walked into the red moon.


    the instant xu qing¡¯s gaze landed on zhang siyun, zhang siyun¡¯s eyelashes fluttered slightly. his eyes¡­ slowly opened.


    his blood-colored eyes emitted cold intent. those were the eyes of crimson goddess, but they also contained zhang siyun¡¯s own aura.


    ¡°long time no see, xu qing.¡±

 Chapter 1091 - 1091 Divine Technique, Fate Control!

    1091 divine technique, fate control!


    the red moon star rumbled.


    as zhang siyun¡¯s voice echoed, it transformed into countless lingering sounds that spread in all directions like thunder.


    it was as though all living beings were murmuring, shaking xu qing and the others¡¯ minds.


    to be able to call out xu qing¡¯s name, this was enough to show that although zhang siyun was now an avatar of crimson goddess, his memories were still retained.


    the two fused together.


    ¡°crimson goddess didn¡¯t devour his consciousness but preserved it, forming an independent personality!¡±


    ¡°so he¡¯s zhang siyun and also crimson goddess!¡±


    the captain spoke solemnly.


    ¡°and in this state, he¡¯s even stronger!¡±


    a cold glint flashed in the eyes of the heir and the others. while they looked at the scene beyond the gate of the moon palace, old ninth was the first to make a move.


    his entire person transformed into a sword light with an imposing aura that headed straight for the gate. wherever he passed, the void would shatter.


    the heir and princess mingmei also rushed out, followed by their fifth sister and eighth brother.


    xu qing and the captain followed from the back.


    since the moon palace gate had opened on its own, for everyone, even though the inside might be perilous, they couldn¡¯t stop now just because zhang siyun appeared.


    in an instant, everyone approached the gate.


    at the same time, within the moonlight sea and the red spider lily inside the gate, zhang siyun, clad in a red robe, looked at the people outside with a calm expression.


    the moonlight scattered down. amidst the waves of light, his peerlessly beautiful face exuded nobility. at this moment, he slowly lifted his right hand.


    this hand was as white as jade, perfect and flawless, and had no palm lines.


    palm lines were a part of fate. however, at the levels they were in, gods were already outside of fate.


    ¡°divine technique¡­¡±


    zhang siyun spoke softly. he lifted his right thumb and tapped the first joint of his index finger.


    the instant they came into contact, the sound of water dripping rang out. in the end, it transformed into two words that echoed in the minds of xu qing and the others.


    ¡°fate control.¡±


    a breeze blew past, stirring up waves in the moonlight sea and landing on the heir and the others who had stepped into the moon palace. as their clothes and hair fluttered, it also shook their fates.


    old ninth, who was at the front, suddenly trembled and stopped. he couldn¡¯t take another step forward and his body underwent an astonishing change.


    countless overlapping scenes appeared on his body!


    these scenes were all from his past. they contained the pain and torture after he was suppressed, as well as his beautiful life and cultivation journey before his father died.


    everything in his past surfaced on his body, turning into scenes that overlapped with his body.


    that was his life in the past.


    it wasn¡¯t just old ninth. scenes of the past appeared on the heir, princess mingmei, the fifth princess, and old eighth.


    countless pasts formed on their bodies. it was as though everyone had turned into a book and every scene of the past had turned into the pages of the book!


    xu qing and the captain were no exception.


    the captain trembled all over as images continuously flashed over his body, depicting moments from the very instant of his birth until the present. however, his past lives weren¡¯t included, and the images focused solely on his current life.


    xu qing experienced the same thing. everything he had experienced since he was young was uncontrollably revealed.


    sorrow, joy, separation, and reunification, everything was displayed at the same time.


    but these images didn¡¯t include the god¡¯s fragmented-face or his brother¡¯s figure!


    however, at this moment, xu qing had no energy to ponder over this matter. the sensation of past images resurfacing overwhelmed him with countless emotions in an instant.


    this was no longer a method of cultivators, but that of a god.


    zhang siyun looked indifferent as he lifted his thumb and tapped the second joint of his index finger. the moment it landed, the sound of water dripping echoed again.


    the wind grew even stronger.


    fate fluctuated again.


    it was impossible to resist or evade.


    in the hands of god, fate was like a toy that could be adjusted at will, just like now¡­ as his thumb landed and the sound of water dripping echoed¡­


    everyone¡¯s minds rumbled, as though millions of lightning bolts had exploded in their minds. the waves they stirred tore through the past, causing their past scenes to instantly flip.


    it was as though they were being checked.


    the god¡¯s aura and supreme pressure spread through the entire world at this moment.


    the heir¡¯s eyes were red and his body trembled. he wanted to resist, and his siblings struggled too. however, it was futile, as their past fates continued to be scrutinized.


    only old ninth¡¯s aura churned and the flipping of the pages slowed down. however, he still couldn¡¯t stop it.


    due to their cultivation levels, it was equally difficult for the captain and xu qing to obstruct this power.


    as everyone¡¯s memories were flipped through, images from the past quickly flew out of their bodies as though they were torn from books, heading straight for zhang siyun.


    the torn-off scenes of the past, without exception, represented the most painful and tormenting moments in each person¡¯s life.


    for example, the torn-off scenes of the heir and his siblings depicted their moments of devouring the flesh of their sibling, the tragic scenes of their suppression, and the wailing in extreme emotional states throughout their lives.


    the captain was also trembling. most of his torn-off scenes were scenes of him being hungry when he was undoing the seal. among these many scenes, there were some that were unknown to others.


    for example, in one of them, the captain was crying. he was walking alone in the darkness and his cries echoed inconsolably.


    as for xu qing, his expression contorted, veins bulged on his forehead, and his breathing became rapid. but even the pain of having his memories torn apart right now couldn¡¯t be compared to a certain scene in the past.


    that scene was in a jungle. it was raining and he was kneeling on the ground, wailing in pain, despair, and madness.


    there was also a bloodied candied fruit in the scene.


    this memory was the last thing xu qing wanted to recall. that was the moment his brother appeared in the yinghuang province and told him everything.


    that was the most devastating breakdown xu qing had experienced in his life.


    compared to this, regardless of his experiences when he was young or his tragic life, they were insignificant. this memory was torn down at this moment and transformed into an image that flew toward zhang siyun.


    soon, all the most painful and tormenting moments in everyone¡¯s memories appeared around zhang siyun, forming a series of pictures that kept rotating.


    ¡°the sorrow of sentient beings arises because of the existence of beauty, creating a contrast¡­¡±


    zhang siyun spoke softly. he lifted his right hand and placed his thumb on the first joint of his middle finger, tapping lightly.


    a crisp sound landed in the world and echoed in everyone¡¯s minds, transforming into ripples that formed a storm that swept through their bodies.


    in the end, it became a rumbling sound, an explosion, and an eruption.


    at this moment, all the memories of the past that appeared outside began to shatter!


    they shattered into pieces!


    all the beauty, all the joy, all the cherishing, all the deep love¡­ these moments and experiences were crumbling away.


    booming noises rang out from everyone¡¯s bodies as the scenes exploded layer by layer, forming illusory blood. accompanied by uncontrollable heart-rending sounds, it splattered everywhere.


    at this moment, resistance erupted.


    the heir¡¯s long hair fluttered, forming countless snake shadows that rushed into his past memories. he used a method to alter his perception, confusing all the scenes and reinforcing himself.


    princess mingmei, on the other hand, had the river of time flowing throughout her body, continuously bringing up the shadows of her past from within, filling the space.


    old eighth, on the other hand, solidified the joyous emotions in his heart, continuously spreading them.


    old ninth¡¯s method was the simplest. sharp swords flew out one after another from the scenes in his past and kept slashing in all directions. every time they landed, the swords would collapse but shortly after, new swords formed again¡­


    the captain¡¯s expression was distorted and a sinister expression appeared in his eyes. cold air spread out from his body and froze the past.


    as for xu qing, his sundials were moving, his domain of forgetfulness was active, and his authority erupted. at the same time, he also understood why there was no fragmented-face of the god or crown prince purple green in his past images.


    this was because, for some reason, the images of these two appeared in his purple crystal after zhang siyun unfolded this divine technique of controlling fate!


    and when xu qing saw the scene clearly at this moment, a louder sound erupted in his mind than when the beautiful memories exploded.


    the first scene was in the ruins of the slums. xu qing looked at the sky and saw the fragmented-face open its eyes and stare at him¡­


    the second scene was of peerless city¡­


    it was raining blood. the young him sat on the ground and hugged his knees while crying.


    before this, in xu qing¡¯s memories, he had cried for a long time before leaving this destroyed city.


    however, in the scene in the purple crystal, he saw a different ending!!


    in the scene, a familiar person stood in the sky. this person walked step by step to his crying self and raised his hand to gently touch his head.


    ¡°brother, don¡¯t cry.¡±


    the moment these words rang out, xu qing saw a horrifying scene. with a resounding sound, his younger self¡¯s head shattered, and his body turned into pulp that scattered on the ground.


    dead.


    xu qing¡¯s entire body trembled. just as a huge commotion rose in his mind, every the pages outside his body were torn to pieces. in the end, what was left¡­ was an empty book without pages.


    even if the others resisted, they wouldn¡¯t be capable to escape this outcome in the end!


    ¡°without beauty, there will be no comparison. this way¡­ every sentient creatures won¡¯t feel the meaning of sorrow.¡±


    under the moonlight, zhang siyun¡¯s expression was calm with no fluctuations of emotions. his peerlessly beautiful face was like a statue. he stared at the mournful crowd and tapped the second joint of his middle finger with the thumb.


    in the next moment, the painful and tormenting past scenes surrounding him instantly stopped rotating but trembled in place.


    as they trembled, they were actually being copied and innumerable identical scenes appeared.


    looking at these, a smile appeared on zhang siyun¡¯s face. he lifted his thumb and placed it on the first joint of his ring finger. at the next instant¡­ these scenes suddenly flew out and headed straight for xu qing and the others.


    the empty books that caused everyone to collapse were quickly filled up and completed again.


    however¡­ in this complete past, there was no beauty, only their most painful and tormenting memories. this memory replaced every their pasts.


    it would erupt constantly until they collapsed.


    this was the power of a god.


    this was a god¡¯s spell.

 Chapter 1092 - 1092 Fate, Collapse!

    1092 fate, collapse!


    in this world, there were many cultivators from all races who had once resisted the gods, but now¡­ there were almost none left.


    the reason for this was because all those who had resisted had been annihilated.


    only gods could match gods most of the time.


    for countless years, other than the successful during the epochal battled led by the ancient sovereign mystic nether before his departure, there had been no such occurrences since then.


    gods were high and mighty. they couldn¡¯t be blasphemed or looked at directly.


    gradually, the matter of slaying a god became an impossible thing in the hearts of all races. in fact, just imagining it caused fear to rise in their hearts.


    because the power and terror of gods often surpass the understanding of cultivators, extending beyond the scope of their divine abilities and even transcending their comprehension.


    the two sides¡­ were on completely different levels.


    in the eyes of the vast majority of cultivators, any god was indescribable. they were omniscient and omnipotent. cultivators couldn¡¯t understand them. everything about gods was mysterious and bizarre.


    in the eyes of the gods, all living beings were simple. they could see their past and future at a glance. even though this future was changing, this kind of vision was a manifestation of their status.


    only those cultivators who had cultivated to the peak could possess a similar level of cultivation that could make the god pay some attention to them.


    it was just that¡­ such peak-level cultivators were too few.


    as for gods, there were those who became gods after they were born, and there were also existences who were born as gods.


    therefore, when cultivators were still relying on various magical techniques, such as wind, rain, thunder, lightning, metal, wood, water, and fire, those elements held no significance for the gods.


    a god¡¯s attack was just like what zhang siyun showed. he only lifted his hand and easily grasped everyone¡¯s fate like he was fortune-telling.


    in the eyes of the gods, there wasn¡¯t much difference between cultivators and mortals.


    a slight tap could change their fates.


    how could such power not make one feel despair?


    right now, regardless of whether it was the heir, princess mingmei, the captain, or xu qing, they no longer had any memories of the past. in fact, at this moment, it was as though they didn¡¯t recognize each other.


    the only thing that existed was the continuous pain and torture in their respective memories.


    without beauty as a comparison, the remaining pain couldn¡¯t be described with the word ¡®pain¡¯. it was inaccurate.


    however, the torture brought about by this memory and the instinctive discomfort had no beginning or end.


    it was hard to describe with words.


    no one could withstand it.


    for example, xu qing¡­ at this moment, he was immersed in the scene of his breakdown back then.


    he wanted to walk out, but all his memories were in this scene, forming a cycle. the past was, and the future was. there was no way out¡­


    all of them were only standing outside the moon palace¡¯s gate, and hadn¡¯t even stepped in.


    it was as though their thought of wanting to kill the god was just a joke.


    ¡°mortal slaying a god?¡±


    in the gate, zhang siyun, who was on the spider lily, shook his head gently. he lifted his right thumb and placed it on the second joint of his ring finger.


    a light touch.


    the sound of a broken bottle echoed in all directions, crisp and clear.


    ¡°fate, collapse.¡±


    his voice echoed and landed in the world.


    the captain¡¯s body trembled and cracks uncontrollably spread throughout his body. even though the blue light emitted from his body had frozen him, it still couldn¡¯t stop this shattering.


    his body collapsed at this moment, turning into pieces of flesh that fell on the ground.


    xu qing was next. amidst the waves and confusion brought about by the second scene in the purple crystal, his world plunged into eternal darkness, where everything ceased to exist.


    it was exactly the same as the scene after crown prince purple green¡¯s finger landed.


    next was old eighth. his body rumbled and the godly power brought about by the seven emotions and six desires was erased at this moment. his body couldn¡¯t hold on and collapsed.


    after them were the heir and princess mingmei. although they were soul accumulation cultivators, their great worlds were also in mourning. in these worlds, sentient beings suffered, withering away, and their vitality dimmed.


    next was old ninth, but he could still endure. at this moment, he slowly lifted his head and a sword gradually gathered in his trembling right hand. it was his last sword of life.


    it was also his strongest sword strike. it was the pinnacle sword that the ancient spirit emperor had seen earlier.


    however, what the ancient spirit emperor didn¡¯t see was that old ninth¡¯s last strike wasn¡¯t to kill but to protect.


    the gate of the moon palace was slowly closing. zhang siyun shook his head and closed his eyes.


    he lost interest and seemed to have turned into a statue, with no joy or sorrow.


    everything was over.


    old ninth fell silent. behind him was the fifth princess whose eyes were closed.


    her aged face had long lost its redness, appearing pale and lifeless. the scent of death lingered heavily around her. if it weren¡¯t for old nine¡¯s protection, she would have perished long ago.


    at this moment, she silently gazed at her brother in front of her, then looked at the deceased figures around. she closed her eyes.


    gradually, a glow emanated from her body, gathering in front and slowly forming a flower.


    the stamens swayed like lively life unfolding, while the petals continued to unfurl, exuding beauty.


    the instant this flower appeared, the closing gate of the moon palace suddenly stopped.


    zhang siyun suddenly opened his eyes and looked outside the gate.


    that flower was also a spider lily!


    it was the same as the one zhang siyun was sitting on.


    however, its color was white.


    as it bloomed, fifth princes aged.


    she was burning herself, just as she did when she was born, using her life to save her siblings. throughout her life, she burned herself again and again, saving everything.


    while the other siblings had youthful faces, she alone, very early on, appeared aged, emanating an aura of twilight.


    she knew that this was her mission.


    she understood that this was her meaning.


    she had once hated it, but in the end¡­ she still chose to have no regrets.


    as the flower bloomed and the fragrance of the flower spread, the heir¡¯s shattered body recovered immediately. princess mingmei, old eighth, the captain, and xu qing also revived.


    everyone revived at this moment. their bodies reformed and their auras erupted again. their emotions also stabilized.


    the strangest thing was that their recollections of the past, which had collapsed under the divine technique, were also erased of all the pain and reconstructed.


    this wasn¡¯t a reversal of time. under the god¡¯s divine technique, unless one possessed the corresponding status, it was impossible for time to flow in reverse.


    the fifth princess¡¯ spider lily was a blessing!


    just like there was a divine curse, there were also divine blessings in this world, but they were extremely rare.


    this scene caused zhang siyun¡¯s expression to alter for the first time. he stared at the fifth princess outside the gate and spoke softly.


    ¡°li zihua is quite thoughtful, he sealed a god in your body in the future!¡±


    ¡°in the future, there will be a god within you, and the irreversibility of the god is like karma. so until the time when the god is sealed, you won¡¯t die!¡±


    ¡°as such, you can use your mortal body to cast divine techniques without limit. you can withstand the curse and give others blessings¡­ moreover, you could even hide it from my main body.¡±


    ¡°however, although you won¡¯t die, you will age¡­ and when you age to the extreme, your body will become an empty shell with no consciousness. interesting. which god is your body prepared for?¡±


    zhang siyun muttered, revealing the fifth princess¡¯ secret!


    as his voice echoed, outside the moon palace, the revived heir and the others quietly looked at fifth sister.


    the fifth princess¡¯ aura was weak, and her aging became even more serious. her entire person exuded the aura of death as she spat out a mouthful of blood.


    however, a smile appeared on her face and she spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°this is the meaning of my existence.¡±


    when these words fell into everyone¡¯s ears and into xu qing¡¯s consciousness, his body quivered and his eyes slowly opened.


    everything that had happened earlier was like a nightmare. at this moment, the captain also opened his eyes and let out a long breath. his expression was a little gloomy and carried a rare baleful aura. just now, at the critical moment, he had already summoned the high god but the other party had refused to come.


    ¡®sooner or later, i¡¯ll kill this b*stard god who doesn¡¯t commit herself until success is certain!¡¯


    the captain made up his mind. after that, he lifted his head and looked at zhang siyun, who was on the moonlight sea inside the gate, with a cold glint in his eyes.


    the heir and the others also revealed cold gazes. their gazes shifted away from the fifth princess and the moment they looked at zhang siyun, the heir moved.


    he lifted his right hand and a black nail rapidly formed in his hand. it was none other than the ruler¡¯s nail.


    the moment it formed, he bit the tip of his tongue and spat out a mouthful of blood. the shadow of the world manifested in this blood and fused into the nail.


    that was his great world. he was using his great world to augment this nail!


    at the side, princess mingmei and old eighth also circulated their cultivation to the extreme. each of them sprayed out blood onto the nail. in an instant, the world shadows on the nail reached up to four!


    its aura was so strong that it instantly overflowed into the sky.


    the surface cracked open, the black skin peeled away, revealing the white body of the ruler¡¯s nail inside. on the side, old ninth had a fierce expression; he raised his hand and grabbed the nail, allowing it to pierce through his palm, and a large amount of blood flowed into it.


    soon, the fifth and sixth shadows of the world manifested on the nail.


    their appearance shattered the last bit of black skin on the nail, revealing its white body fully.


    it was as though a seal had been undone, displaying the true might of the ruler¡¯s nail.


    its aura caused an atmospheric phenomenon. the red moon star swayed and a terrifying aura erupted. old ninth let out a deep shout and waved his bloodied right hand. as thunder exploded and the void collapsed, the nail transformed into a white light, heading straight for the gate of the moon palace!


    ¡°with the power of cognition, this nail will definitely hit!¡±


    ¡°with the method of time, everything in the past and prospects will be broken!¡±


    ¡°using the ability of emotions, human nature defies the gods!¡±


    ¡°using the dao of slaughter, it won¡¯t return without seeing blood!¡±


    the heir and the others spoke in deep voices.


    the white nail shuttled through time and space and instantly flew into the moon palace¡¯s gate, stirring up an earth-shattering momentum. it pierced through the air and separated the moonlight sea, forming a straight line.


    the moonlight sea churned and the surroundings collapsed. this nail was like a hot knife through butter as it headed straight for zhang siyun on the spider lily!

 Chapter 1093 - 1093 Stubborn Sense of Presence

    1093 stubborn sense of presence


    the moonlight sea exploded.


    the blood water on the sea shot out to both sides, forming two walls of water, while in the middle, there was a straight and concave water mark, revealing the depths!


    the white nail, shining with the shadows of six worlds, passed through everything in its path, and even the projections of the gods ahead couldn¡¯t stop it at all.


    it penetrated through them easily.


    amidst the thunderous rumbling, three god projections collapsed and shattered.


    at the next instant, the nail appeared in front of zhang siyun.


    carrying a monstrous aura and pressure, it neared his forehead.


    zhang siyun was, after all, a clone of the crimson goddess. the level of his life exceeded comprehension. just as the nail was about to land on his forehead, he moved his right hand. it seemed to be moving slowly, but it directly appeared beside the nail and pinched it gently with two fingers.


    under this pinch, zhang siyun¡¯s fingers and arm remained motionless, and so did his body. however, his robe emitted a rustling sound, as if a violent wind swept through.


    his long red hair also fluttered fiercely, shaking the void behind him until the void shattered.


    ¡°not bad.¡±


    zhang siyun¡¯s expression regained its calm. just as he was about to throw the nail back, a sudden change occurred!


    although the white nail was clamped, its change was definitely not sprinting. at that moment, the color on it changed from white to green and then melted.


    the nail transformed into tens of thousands of green threads that broke free from between zhang siyun¡¯s fingers and headed straight for his face at an even more astonishing speed.


    any one of those threads was comparable to magic treasures and emitted a terrifying aura. their sharpness exceeded imagination. in addition, they were extremely close to zhang siyun at this moment, so they instantly touched his face.


    zhang siyun frowned and exhaled.


    the vapor from the breath was blood-red and came into contact with the threads.


    the threads formed by the nail rapidly collapsed. however, there were four of them that were different from the others.


    they were hidden among the many threads and penetrated the blood vapor, landing on zhang siyun¡¯s face!


    zhang siyun¡¯s body instantly turned blurry as he attempted to dodge. however, the four threads formed by the enhancement of the heir and the others possessed irreversible characteristics.


    hence, in an instant, these four threads broke through zhang siyun¡¯s skin and entered.


    while there was no blood flowing on zhang siyun¡¯s face, the four threads, like worms, twisted within the flesh, madly burrowing into his body.


    in the process of rushing in, they continued to release the divine abilities of the heir and his siblings, withering and shattering zhang siyun¡¯s body.


    even though zhang siyun was an avatar of the crimson goddess, his body still came from the mortal world. even though it had been modified, its essence still existed. in the blink of an eye, zhang siyun¡¯s entire body distorted, as though he was about to collapse.


    however, his eyes were still calm, as though he didn¡¯t have the slightest emotion toward this pain. he only stood up from his cross-legged position and stepped back.


    as he stepped back, he raised his hand and cut his own neck. two fingers extended, reaching inside to pull out the threads within his body. at the same time, his left hand made a slight gesture towards the moonlight sea beneath his feet.


    immediately, the remaining 34 god projections suddenly opened their eyes and looked in the direction of the gate. the auras on their bodies rose and erupted.


    the energy from the 34 gods caused the area to be filled with tearing power. it was as though all living beings would be destroyed in body and spirit here.


    however, it couldn¡¯t stop the footsteps of the heir and the others. they rushed into the moon palace¡¯s gate and charged toward the god projections, attacking with their abilities.


    the heir revealed his true appearance and even condensed the great world, forming a huge eye that looked at zhang siyun.


    this eye wasn¡¯t the eye of a god but it had a similar effect. everything it gazed upon became distorted, cognition was altered, and thoughts were influenced.


    even those god projections were affected.


    after all, they were all dead and were just projections.


    princess mingmei was equally terrifying. a spear appeared in her hand and armor appeared on her body. she stepped on the river of time and her killing intent soared.


    old eighth let out a deep shout. his voice was like a drumbeat, forming an illusory shadow that was like a heavenly demon. it drilled into a projection of the god, turning into human nature, aiming to subvert divinity.


    old ninth silently walked forward. the sword in his hand emitted a cold light. when he waved it, the color of the world changed and everything was slashed.


    however, there were too many god projections here, and zhang siyun¡¯s finger had already pulled out a thread in this short period of time, searching for the second one.


    it wouldn¡¯t be long before he took out all four threads.


    seeing this, xu qing and the captain, who were about to fly through the gate, stopped in their tracks.


    it wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t want to enter, but this door was filled with terrifying power. it was difficult for their cultivation to resist it.


    the captain looked a little awkward.


    ¡°little qing, don¡¯t you have the feeling that this looks like it has nothing to do with us anymore? it doesn¡¯t seem to matter whether we¡¯re around or not.¡±


    xu qing silently nodded.


    ¡°but we clearly started all of this. we¡¯re the source. everything should be under my control. without us, they wouldn¡¯t have been able to come.¡± the captain was a little unwilling and spoke angrily.


    ¡°this can¡¯t continue!¡±


    the captain gritted his teeth. especially after the previous incident of summoning the god being rejected, he felt somewhat embarrassed. he let out a cold snort and prepared to do something to prove his worth.


    at the thought of this, he took out two suns of dawn and gave one to xu qing.


    he then said to xu qing.


    ¡°you throw one too, let¡¯s make our presence known!¡±


    with that, the captain threw it from outside the gate and immediately hid behind the gate.


    the sun of dawn charged in and exploded violently. terrifying energy fluctuations swept in all directions. at the same time, a piercing light covered the whole place.


    under this light, the gods¡¯ projections actually blurred, but they were becoming clear again.


    seeing that it wasn¡¯t of much use, the captain raised his brows. just as he was about to call out to xu qing to throw it out as well, xu qing stared at the projections that were rapidly becoming clear.


    the overall color of these projections was pitch-black. previously, xu qing hadn¡¯t made too many connections. now that he saw them becoming blurry under the eruption of the sun of dawn, this scene made him fall into deep thought and he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°senior brother, wait a moment.¡±


    as he spoke, blood rose from xu qing¡¯s body. although he couldn¡¯t step into the moon palace, he had authority.


    at that moment, he controlled the blood outside his body to spread into the gate and fuse with the moonlight sea inside.


    in an instant, waves rose on a small area of the sea and they were still spreading. however, this commotion didn¡¯t have much impact on this battle.


    however, xu qing¡¯s goal wasn¡¯t to attack directly.


    he controlled his blood and did his best to spread the power of his authority on the moonlight sea, even though the blood was constantly thinning out.


    however, he went all out. after his blood barely covered more than half of the surface of the water, xu qing was unable to continue and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, throw three suns of dawn inside. don¡¯t explode them, make them release luminescence and completely illuminate the inside!¡±


    just like how xu qing wouldn¡¯t hesitate to listen to the captain¡¯s words, the captain also didn¡¯t hesitate. he immediately took out three suns of dawn and threw them into the moon gate.


    in an instant, the three suns of dawn trembled on the moonlight sea and erupted with intense and piercing light.


    under the cover of the light, the entire moonlight sea lit up. the god¡¯s projections inside immediately turned blurry and dim, as though they couldn¡¯t form under the strong light.


    ordinary projections wouldn¡¯t be like this. however, they were clearly abnormal. the way they existed¡­ was actually somewhat similar to xu qing¡¯s shadow.


    at the same time, the veins on xu qing¡¯s forehead bulged. using his blood as a medium, he sent the moon rebel mirror¡­ into the moonlight sea!


    in that instant, the moon rebel mirror borrowed xu qing¡¯s gore and directly teleported into the moon gate, spreading out on the moonlight sea. as the surface of the sea rumbled, a huge mirror appeared.


    with the appearance of the mirror, the already brightly lit world here experienced an exponential increase in brightness due to the reflection. everything seemed to be engulfed in this radiant light, reaching the utmost brilliance.


    only endless light was left, erupting like never before.


    those god projections also disappeared under this light.


    however, this clearly couldn¡¯t solve the fundamental problem. the light couldn¡¯t last for too long. once it dimmed, the god¡¯s projections would appear again.


    however, to the heir and the others, the disappearance of the gods¡¯ projections had bought them an extremely advantageous opportunity. at that moment, under the envelopment of this strong light, they quickly rushed out and headed straight for zhang siyun.


    as for zhang siyun, this was also the first time he frowned. he had already extracted three of the four threads in his body. this last thread was extremely hidden and it would take some time to extract it.


    ¡°resistance of ants.¡±


    zhang siyun calmly spoke and stepped back once again, pressing down on the moonlight sea with his palm.


    ¡°red moon.¡±


    as soon as he spoke, the moonlight sea rumbled. as it churned intensely, the blood-red seawater actually rose layer by layer, growing taller and taller. after it surpassed the height zhang siyun was at, it completely stood up!


    the endless seawater formed a huge palm!


    the blood-red palm was extremely astonishing, reaching the sky above and the deep pit on the ground below. there were no palm lines on the palm; it was the hand of zhang siyun, the hand of the god.


    an earth-shattering and majestic air swept toward the rushing heir and the others as the palm landed.


    wherever it passed, everything would crumble and nothing would exist. the moon rebel mirror blocked the palm and withstood the immense pressure from the god, showing signs of shattering.


    the expressions of the heir and the others changed and they immediately retreated. the captain also took a deep breath. blue luminescence flashed in his gaze and he shouted inwardly.


    ¡°moon flame, if you still don¡¯t come, this meal will be canceled!!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was solemn. as he retreated, he took a deep breath and focused on the purple crystal.


    although zhang siyun¡¯s fate control divine technique had been neutralized and xu qing¡¯s past memories had recovered, the two scenes from the past still existed in his purple crystal.


    he had a feeling that he seemed to be able to¡­ release those two scenes from the past¡­


    ¡°what will happen if they are released?¡±


    xu qing fell silent.

 Chapter 1094 - Chapter 1094 You Cana?TMt Imagine My Past (1)

    chapter 1094 you cana?tmt imagine my past (1)


    the instant his thoughts rose, on the moonlight sea, a huge blood-colored palm continued to slam toward everyone.


    it swept through everything in the blink of an eye, approaching the heir and the others.


    as for the ex-wife the captain mentioned, she still didn¡¯t come.


    when xu qing saw this from outside the gate, determination flashed in his eyes. he didn¡¯t know what would happen after the scenes in the purple crystal appeared. however, now that he saw that the heir and the others seemed to be powerless to resist, he could only do his best to help.


    however, the instant the purple crystal in xu qing¡¯s body shone, the heir and the others each used their trump cards. waves of ancient aura erupted from their bodies.


    ¡°father!¡± the heir let out a deep shout and the same voice rang out from princess mingmei and the others.


    immediately, the statue of ruler li zihua under the red moon star trembled.


    its awakening intent became even more intense. in fact, the statue¡¯s eyelids were trembling at this moment, as though they were about to open.


    its breath spread out from its mouth and quickly enveloped the red moon star, surging into the moon palace as though it was augmenting its descendants.


    in the moon palace, time flashed and laws descended. sword light shook the sky. the power of the heir and the others gathered together to form six phantoms of great worlds that came into contact with the blood-red palm.


    an earth-shattering sound erupted with a world-destroying aura.


    the six great worlds each withered.


    the heir spat out a mouthful of blood, and the armor around princess mingmei¡¯s body collapsed. old eighth¡¯s entire body was badly mangled, and old ninth¡¯s sword collapsed again. blood also flowed out of the corner of his mouth.


    however, their blood didn¡¯t scatter in all directions. instead, it gathered and fused with the ruler¡¯s breath that surged into this place, forming a huge illusory finger.


    this finger emitted a terrifying aura and pressed down forcefully on the palm in front of them.


    the red moon trembled and the moon palace swayed. the blood-red palm suddenly stopped. the moon rebel mirror on it emitted cracking sounds at this instant. as cracking sounds echoed, the moon rebel mirror directly collapsed and shattered into pieces, transforming into a large number of mirror lenses that spread in all directions.


    its collapse affected the red moon¡¯s palm.


    this massive palm was also shattered. its five fingers were torn apart by the mirror fragments and landed on the ground one after another, emitting roaring sounds as they turned into a sea of blood again.


    it was the same for the palm. in the blink of an eye, it was separated. the moment it landed, the world in the moon palace was replaced by countless broken mirrors.


    they floated in all directions.


    as for the heir and the others, they were all exhausted and their faces were pale. zhang siyun had already grabbed the last thread and was slowly pulling it out.


    seeing this, old ninth took a deep breath. his eyes instantly revealed sharpness and cold air emerged from his body. his entire person stood straight like a sharp sword that had been unsheathed.


    his stare locked onto zhang siyun and he slowly lifted his right hand. the fragments of the moon rebel mirror in the surroundings were actually controlled by him. they rotated in the world and reflected old ninth¡¯s figure from different angles.


    in an instant, old ninth¡¯s body materialized on the countless fragmented mirror lenses.


    countless old ninth¡¯s raised right hand revealed the sun, moon, and stars, as well as law threads. at this moment, his shoulders also shone, forming two large worlds.


    the moment the worlds on his shoulders appeared, they began to burn.


    as the endless flames spread, it could be seen that all the living beings in these two great worlds raised their right hands and a sword materialized in them.


    their sword qi gathered, filling the world and old ninth¡¯s entire body. finally, it gathered in his right hand and?? formed a sword!


    as soon as this sword appeared, the color of the world changed.


    there was more than one old ninth here. among the countless fragments of the moon rebel mirror, every one of them reflected the figure holding the sword. at that moment, they all lifted their heads and glanced at zhang siyun.


    on his shoulders, the swords of all living beings landed, and all the figures in the moon rebel mirror slashed at the same time.


    the instant their gazes met, zhang siyun waved his left hand. the moonlight sea churned again, forming a blood-colored palm that blasted toward old ninth.


    at this moment, old ninth spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°execute!¡±


    the instant the word was spoken, the sword in his hand landed. in the great worlds on his shoulders, the swords of all living beings landed, and all the figures in the moon rebel mirror slashed at the same time.


    a single sword strike shook the heavens and ten thousand swords shocked the soul.


    every fragment of the moon rebel mirror emitted a sword light at this instant. after they gathered together, they formed a large sword that shook the world.


    this sword shone with resplendent light and contained supreme power as it slashed at zhang siyun.


    the wind and clouds surged, the world rumbled, and the void collapsed.


    this was old ninth¡¯s strongest strike. coupled with the enhancement of the moon rebel mirror fragments, its might also soared explosively. at this moment, as it whistled, it directly collided with the blood-red palm.


    the palm rumbled and trembled intensely. its five fingers bent, as though it wanted to pinch the large sword.


    however, the next moment, the palm exploded, forming a rain of blood. the five fingers that fell were also affected, shattering and resonating with thunderous roars, turning into misty blood that surged violently in all directions.


    the power of this sword didn¡¯t dissipate. after destroying the palm, its aura was like a rainbow as it approached zhang siyun with destructive force. the moment it descended, zhang siyun backed away and the spider lily under his feet rapidly bloomed, blocking in front.


    rumbling sounds dispersed throughout the red moon star through the moon palace.


    the strange blood-red spider lily actually couldn¡¯t stop the power of the sword. after coming into contact with it, it was slashed into pieces by the sword light.

 Chapter 1095 - Chapter 1095 You Can’t Imagine My Past (2)

    chapter 1095 you can¡¯t imagine my past (2)


    however, it still neutralized a portion of the sword¡¯s might. at this moment, when it scattered, the sword energy fell in front of zhang siyun. zhang siyun raised his left hand and pressed forward.


    his entire body trembled and his clothes exploded, his hair scattering in all directions. the void behind him collapsed and he was forced back. cracks appeared on his palm and drops of golden blood splattered out.


    after taking five steps back, zhang siyun¡¯s body paused and he lifted his head.


    ¡°this sword strike is truly amazing.¡±


    as he spoke softly, the sword light in front of his palm dimmed and gradually dissipated in everyone¡¯s eyes.


    everyone fell silent and their gazes dimmed along with the sword light.


    killing a god seemed like a joke.


    after zhang siyun finished speaking, he slowly retracted his right hand from his neck and grabbed a thread with two fingers.


    this was the last thread in his body. as he took it out, he gently pinched it with two fingers. immediately, this thread collapsed and turned into ashes.


    zhang siyun¡¯s expression became calm again. with a wave of his hand, the ripped spider lily in the surroundings returned and landed on his clothes, becoming an embroidery.


    after that, he took a step forward.


    no one could evade him. even though the heir and the others retreated rapidly, they couldn¡¯t escape. in an instant, zhang siyun appeared in front of the fifth princess.


    a finger landed.


    the fifth princess looked bitter. at this moment, the heavily injured old eighth laughed bitterly and his emotions collapsed. seven emotions and six desires erupted from his body, forming a five-colored light.


    the instant zhang siyun¡¯s finger was about to land, he swapped places with his fifth sister.


    in that instant, the fifth princess disappeared and old eighth¡¯s figure appeared. the moment he glared at zhang siyun, zhang siyun¡¯s finger landed on old eighth¡¯s forehead.


    a light touch.


    old eighth¡¯s body trembled and with a bang, he turned into blood mist.


    old eighth¡¯s death caused the heir and the others to be filled with grief and indignation. they wanted to stop him, but they couldn¡¯t do anything to zhang siyun. with a sway of his body, he ignored everything and appeared in front of the fifth princess again.


    ¡°because a god was sealed in you in the future, you won¡¯t die due to the irreversible nature. however¡­ i¡¯m also a god.¡±


    zhang siyun spoke softly and his finger fell down again.


    the heir roared mournfully and princess mingmei¡¯s expression was heart-rending. old ninth pressed his right hand on his forehead and pulled, taking out the last sword of his life. the three of them moved and approached zhang siyun.


    zhang siyun was indifferent. he suddenly turned his head, rotating halfway around his neck. he looked calmly at the three approaching figures and spoke softly.


    ¡°one, two, three.¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, a huge restraining force covered the heir and his siblings.


    the bodies of the heir and the other two paused, unable to move.


    only old ninth managed to rush out despite bleeding from his seven orifices. however, zhang siyun¡¯s finger had already came down and touched the space between the fifth princess¡¯s brows.


    however, at that moment, zhang siyun frowned slightly. he instantly pulled back his right hand and stepped back.


    the instant he stepped back, the fifth princess¡¯ figure blurred and transformed into a black cloak.


    it was the ancient spiritual emperor who had been hiding.


    but now, he had made a move.


    this was because he had seen the fifth princess¡¯ role and understood the meaning of zhang siyun wanting to kill her.


    hence, he couldn¡¯t let him continue.


    this wasn¡¯t to help the heir and the others, but to really be able to eat crimson goddess.


    hence, after the cloak appeared, a deep mouth grew out of the eye and bit at zhang siyun, who was retreating.


    with a cracking sound, the large bite missed.


    however, this wasn¡¯t the end. the black cloak instantly rushed out, ignoring zhang siyun¡¯s divine might and status. it suddenly rose and directly enveloped him.


    at the same time, the heir and the others no longer had zhang siyun¡¯s gaze on them. they also broke free from their restraints and attacked zhang siyun with old ninth.


    however, the heir and princess mingmei were forced back soon after. as blood filled the air, cracks appeared on old ninth¡¯s sword and he similarly was forced back. as for zhang siyun¡­


    he, who was covered by the black cloak, emitted nine consecutive flashes of blood light. a heart-rending sound rang out from the black cloak, and it rotated blood-red at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    the eye inside quickly rose, wanting to leave. however, as the sound of swallowing rang out, zhang siyun¡¯s voice changed its tone and echoed in all directions.


    ¡°i smelled your fragrance just now. i didn¡¯t expect you to be able to endure until now.¡±


    the eye of the ancient spirit emperor narrowed. at the next instant, a thorned halo emerged above him. all the faces inside opened their eyes in unison, expressing a mix of pain and anticipation as they gazed toward the ancient spirit emperor¡¯s eye.


    they immediately pounced toward him.


    the eye of the ancient spirit emperor immediately rotated blurry. after all, he was an existence that had once unified the wanggu continent. facing such a crisis, he didn¡¯t panic at all. after casting a deep glance at zhang siyun, he collapsed on his own and turned into lumps of flesh.


    the moment the eye shattered, zhang siyun¡¯s body also changed.


    the wound on his neck that had already recovered tore open and spread to half of his body. at the same time, the wound formed on his right when he blocked old ninth¡¯s sword also erupted and spread to the other half of his body.


    as such, at this moment, zhang siyun¡¯s entire body was covered in blood. his injuries seemed to have heavily intensified and he gazed like cracked glass.

 Chapter 1096 - Chapter 1096 You Can’t Imagine My Past (3)

    chapter 1096 you can¡¯t imagine my past (3)


    this was the authority of the ancient spirit emperor!


    under his gaze, all minor injuries would become serious injuries and all serious injuries would result in death.


    moreover, his status was high, so even zhang siyun couldn¡¯t suppress his attack instantly.


    zhang siyun appeared extremely disheveled, bearing severe injuries. however, despite the gravity of his condition, saliva involuntarily dripped from his mouth. he gazed into the distance, where a void stretched, and a smile formed on his face.


    ¡°you must be delicious.¡±


    as he spoke, zhang siyun suddenly turned his head and looked at princess mingmei.


    behind princess mingmei, the void distorted and the river of time was forcefully revealed. one could see the fifth princess¡¯ figure inside. as for the dead old eighth, he was currently reviving with the fifth princess¡¯ blessing.


    ¡°so, you hid her here.¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s alright, now you are all in one place.¡±


    zhang siyun¡¯s battered body ascended into the air, and his shattered half-arm lifted. his fingers landed on the center of his own forehead.


    countless overlapping scenes immediately appeared behind zhang siyun.


    these scenes were all his past!


    it wasn¡¯t crimson goddess¡¯ but zhang siyun¡¯s himself.


    the beginning of the scene was his birth. in fact, xu qing even saw yao yunhui in it.


    these were zhang siyun¡¯s entire life.


    the end of the scene wasn¡¯t at this moment, but¡­ the moment crimson goddess landed from the blood-red sky of fenghai county¡¯s immortal forbidden!


    from that moment on, zhang siyun¡¯s fate had changed. he no longer belonged to himself.


    zhang siyun¡¯s expression remained indifferent as he viewed his own past. he lifted his hand and pinched the last scene in his memories, pulling it out and placing it in front of him.


    the blood-red sky and crimson goddess¡¯ finger in the scene were a shocking sight.


    zhang siyun waved his arm slightly. immediately, the scene shook and rapidly expanded.


    the world in the scene spread to this place and covered the world here!


    the endless sky was blood-red, and the ground was in ruins.


    it was as though this place had turned to the immortal forbidden land.


    even xu qing and the captain, who were outside the gate, were enveloped by the scene. their hearts stirred as they looked at their familiar surroundings.


    it was impossible for xu qing to forget this place, as it was where he had truly seen crimson goddess back then.


    at that time, zhang siyun, who was possessed by crimson goddess, was fighting against the fishbone god of the immortal forbidden. or to be precise, he wasn¡¯t fighting but eating.


    when he was about to finish eating, the fishbone god called out to his master, the master of the land of the wicked.


    after that¡­ crimson goddess¡¯ main body descended.


    that scene was reforming here. the sky fluctuated and countless cracks appeared as the red color spread. they were merging with each other and transforming into countless runes, now shimmering brightly.


    the entire sky turned dark red and started spinning. it became faster and faster and finally transformed into a blood-red vortex.


    it was red moon!


    this scene was extremely bizarre. xu qing and the others were clearly on the red moon, but when they lifted their heads now, the vortex they saw also had the red moon.


    upon the red moon, stood a statue in a kneeling position, hands covering its eyes.


    at that moment, the statue slowly lowered its hands.


    its lips curled up, revealing intense greed.


    this was the true form of crimson goddess!


    the world rumbled. from zhang siyun¡¯s memory, crimson goddess of the past slowly stood up and walked out of the vortex.


    as she walked out, endless blood splattered out of the vortex, far surpassing zhang siyun¡¯s divine might. it was extremely vast as it descended from the sky.


    in front of her, soul accumulation wasn¡¯t qualified to attack.


    the bodies of the heir and the others rumbled, and they immediately retreated.


    at this moment, death enveloped everything.


    withering had become eternal.


    rotting couldn¡¯t be reversed.


    couldn¡¯t resist, couldn¡¯t block.


    at this critical moment, the captain suddenly laughed. this smile was sinister and his eyes were filled with madness.


    ¡°my f*cking ex-wife is not reliable, i still have to rely on myself!¡±


    as he spoke, the captain¡¯s entire body flickered with blue light. there were layers of faces in his eyes and countless mouths grew out of his body. he gazed extremely strange as his body rose into the air.


    he unlocked his arms and withstood the divine might from crimson goddess, his body rotting rapidly.


    the more agonizing it was, the more rotted he became, the more intense the madness in the captain¡¯s eyes. at that moment, he unlocked all his mouth and let out a shout.


    ¡°past life!¡±


    his voice echoed, forming lightning explosions. blue light erupted and shaped a sea of light from which a corpse walked out.


    this was the body of the high priest. it was fused with the captain¡¯s past life body parts.


    the moment he appeared, the captain shouted.


    ¡°junior brother, i¡¯ll risk it!¡±


    as he spoke, his body swayed and he directly fused into his past life body.


    at the next instant, the eyes of his past life body suddenly opened. soul accumulation cultivation erupted into the sky and a terrifying fluctuation rose. the phantom of a huge mosquito vaguely appeared behind him.


    this mosquito emitted evilness. its eyes were also blue like the captain¡¯s and uncovered greed.


    after it was formed, the captain dashed toward the crimson goddess who was walking over from the vortex in the sky.


    wherever he passed, the cold air spreading from him shook the void around him. ice shaped and covered his entire body as well as the phantom behind him. in the blink of an eye, an ice sculpture of a mosquito formed in the sky and dashed into the vortex, toward crimson goddess.

 Chapter 1097 - Chapter 1097 You Can’t Imagine My Past (4)

    chapter 1097 you can¡¯t imagine my past (4)


    this scene caused the expressions of the heir and the others to change.


    it was just that¡­ even in his previous life, the captain had failed in resisting crimson goddess. at this moment, even if he erupted like this, there was still a huge difference. hence, at the next instant, as crimson goddess¡¯ gaze landed on him, the mosquito ice sculpture that had formed around him instantly collapsed.


    however, the captain could use many other methods with his past life body. hence, in the blink of an eye, the captain¡¯s body disintegrated on its own.


    it transformed into countless blue worms.


    these worms all grew the wings of mosquitoes. not only did they have the proboscis of mosquitoes, but they also had sinister mouths. they rushed crazily toward crimson goddess.


    there were also some worms that spat out threads, forming a strand of hair. they spread across the hair, shaping it into the form of a door frame.


    an ancient wooden door was forcefully manifested.


    after that, those worms bit fiercely at the door.


    in the blink of an eye, cracks appeared on the wooden door and an angry roar rang out.


    all of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in the blink of an eye.


    a portion of the blue worms rushed toward crimson goddess, a portion formed the wooden door, and a portion gnawed at it.


    crimson goddess of the past scene finally stopped in her tracks.


    however, it was only for a moment. as she took another step, the color of the world changed. everything was dissipating under her step!


    the blue worms that got close let out heart-rending cries and turned into dust.


    it was the same for the worms that formed the wooden door. however, the wooden door itself still existed. the roars from inside erupted in the world.


    however, the existence inside the door didn¡¯t appear. she had chosen to hide in this confrontation. the entire wooden door rapidly blurred, as though it was about to however, in his mind, a storm was forming!


    the moment eldest senior brother said that he would fight to the death, xu qing sank leave.


    at that moment, a drastic change that shook the sky and was enough to make all the gods tremble was brewing in xu qing¡¯s mind!


    at that moment, he was on the ground in an inconspicuous corner, looking insignificant.


    however, in his mind, a storm was forming!


    the moment eldest senior brother said that he would fight to the death, xu qing sank his divine consciousness into the purple crystal and fused it into the first scene.


    in that scene, the god¡¯s fragmented-face opened its eyes.


    he didn¡¯t know what would happen if he displayed it, but at this moment, xu qing couldn¡¯t care less. as his divine consciousness fused into it and he controlled the purple crystal, that scene became clearer and clearer.


    gradually, the scene occupied everything in the purple crystal and spread into xu qing¡¯s body until¡­ it materialized outside his body!


    the moment it appeared, a gust of wind blew past.


    a wind chime-like sound rang out in this ruined world.


    this space that was enveloped by zhang siyun¡¯s memory trembled violently in the wind and the ground instantly changed.


    the ruins of the immortal forbidden were like paper, turning into wasteland as the wind blew past it.


    this place was no longer the immortal forbidden but a small city. it was bleak, dead, and silent.


    the sky also changed in the wind. blood rain fell down, but it had nothing to do with the red moon¡¯s authority. the world was blurry and distorted.


    crimson goddess stopped in her tracks. she was trembling.


    the door that was leaving froze at this moment. the bellow inside disappeared and she was also trembling.


    on the ground, the heir and the others also shivered.


    there was also a sharp sound that echoed from the void.


    this sound came from zhang siyun.


    and the source of all this trembling¡­ was in the sky.


    over there, there was a supreme existence that suppressed wanggu and was revered by even the gods.


    it was a fragmented-face.


    it was a vast face that covered the world and all living beings.


    the fragmented face had its eyes closed, aloof and lofty, with only strands of withered, curly hair hanging down.


    it was as if beneath it, all creatures were mere ants. the living tendencies and lifestyle of the myriad of creatures had no choice but to alter under its influence.


    and at that moment, it¡­ unsealed its eyes.

 Chapter 1098 - Chapter 1098 What Will Happen When the Fragmented-Face Looks at the Divine Realm?

    chapter 1098 what will happen when the fragmented-face looks at the divine realm?


    the fragmented-face¡¯s eyes opened only a crack.


    the instant this gap appeared, xu qing¡¯s body rumbled. an indescribable intense pain drowned him like furious waves.


    his body started to explode little by little, and the meridians and bones in his body also shattered.


    he couldn¡¯t hold on anymore and fell to the ground.


    his soul and cultivation also showed signs of dimming at this moment.


    it was as though he had become a candle that was burning everything, serving as the driving force for the god¡¯s fragmented-face to open its eyes.


    however, his cultivation was insufficient. the fragmented-face¡¯s eye opening slightly had almost drained him completely.


    but even so, even with just a narrow slit in the fragmented-face¡¯s eyes, it instantly plunged the world within the moon palace into absolute silence.


    the crimson goddess¡¯ past figure let out a wail. her body was actually melting, emitting red fog that was constantly thinning, as though it was being erased.


    the wooden door beside it shook intensely and was decaying. black gas rose from it and an extremely terrified voice rang out.


    ¡°father¡­¡±


    the heir and the others were pale and their bodies were being seriously invaded. xu qing¡¯s move didn¡¯t distinguish between foes and allies. as long as they were in this world, they would be affected.


    the captain was affected as well. he had fused into his past life body and transformed into a large number of blue worms. although the vast majority of them had collapsed while resisting crimson goddess and devouring the wooden door, there were still a few hidden on the ground.


    originally, they were fusing with each other, reassembling their body. but now¡­ they were screaming in fright.


    however, this horror didn¡¯t seem to come from the fragmented-face of the god in the sky but from the red moon star itself.


    this was because the captain¡¯s gaze was on the land of the red moon as he screamed¡­ he seemed to want to say something but his words were strangely unable to come out.


    at that moment, if someone could look down on the red moon from a high altitude, they would be able to see that the moon palace¡¯s world was also affected.


    the ruined city that stood tall on the ground was a blur, as hazy and silent as a ghost¡¯s domain.


    the sky dimmed and bolts of lightning tore through the sky, causing the entire world to shine.


    however, there was no sound of thunder, only the rain falling silently.


    as for the fragmented-face of the god high in the sky, it showed no joy or sorrow. coldness seemed to be its only expression. it was as though to it, be it cultivators, mortals, or even high gods¡­


    there wasn¡¯t much difference.


    the anomalous substances from the fragmented-face erupted at this moment, like the source of everything, invading everything.


    its domineeringness and terror were far from what other gods could compare to. or rather, even gods would be invaded by it.


    after all, on the wanggu continent, its gaze could create a forbidden zone. if it looked at a forbidden zone, it would transform into a forbidden region.


    if it looked at the forbidden region, it would become a divine realm!


    the moon palace itself was also a type of divine realm¡­ no one knew what would happen if the god¡¯s fragmented-face looked at a divine realm.


    in the entire wanggu continent, ever since the god¡¯s fragmented-face appeared, such a thing had never happened. the god¡¯s fragmented-face had only gazed at a place three times.


    its gaze had formed divine realms before, but after divine realms were formed, it had never gazed at them again!


    although the fragmented-face that appeared now was only an image from xu qing¡¯s memory, the god¡¯s fragmented-face was too high-level. despite the eyes in the scene being far less potent than the actual entity, they still possessed a certain divine power.


    thus, at this moment, a scene unfolded¡ªan unprecedented event in the countless years of wanggu.


    the god¡¯s fragmented-face¡¯s eye looked at the divine realm¡­


    the moon palace and the entire red moon star instantly froze and developed in an unknown direction!


    this development was incomparably profound.


    firstly, regardless of whether it was the moon palace or the red moon star, they seemed to have been isolated from the time in the wanggu continent. the entire red moon star and the moon palace instantly decayed and formed again.


    the mountain rocks, the palace, and everything on the star were changing.


    this change was related to time.


    the flow of time on the red moon star had become violent!


    the entire star would occasionally reveal an ancient landform, and sometimes it would shatter into pieces and be destroyed. during this time, it kept changing, as though it was jumping through different nodes of time extremely fast.


    only the red moon star was like this. outside the star, everything was normal.


    this change caused everyone to be shocked and horrified.


    the trembling voice of the moon flame high god came from behind the wooden door.


    ¡°stop!¡±


    ¡°if father looks at the divine realm, it will form a great terror!¡±


    ¡°stop!!¡±


    the moon flame high god let out a shrill cry. this sound had the power to pierce the minds of anyone.


    however, the red moon was jumping countless nodes of time, so the voice couldn¡¯t travel far. in the end, she transmitted her voice to erniu.


    at the next instant, erniu¡¯s body that was forming trembled and the uncontrollable screams stopped. the horror in his eyes was incomparably dense as he looked at xu qing and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°little qing, stop quickly!¡±


    ¡°once the god¡¯s fragmented-face looks at the divine realm¡­ the divine world will appear!¡±


    ¡°the divine world can¡¯t be understood and is a great terror!¡±


    the captain anxiously crawled toward xu qing.


    however, at this moment, xu qing¡¯s consciousness had already fallen into emptiness. there was no self or spirit, only instinct driving his eyes. he lay there and looked at the changes in the red moon star.


    in his perception, time seemed to have become a straight line with a beginning and an end. the red moon star was on this straight line but it wasn¡¯t fixed. instead, it kept jumping, appearing anywhere on this line.


    every time it flashed, it would be at a different time point and it was shifting faster and faster. finally, it turned into a blur.


    amidst this blurriness, the next level of changes also manifested.


    a second red moon star appeared outside the red moon star!


    next was the third, fourth¡­ after that, countless red moon stars occupied everything in the void.


    ¡°space-time¡­ lost control¡­¡± the captain¡¯s voice trembled even more.


    ¡°at the start, the fragmented-face¡¯s gaze brought the concept of time in the red moon which made it become turbulent, jumping through time violently. after that¡­ it was given space, giving rise to countless spaces and countless red moon.


    ¡°becoming space-time, it is both one and countless.¡±


    the captain screamed and used all his strength to crawl.


    the red moon had become countless.


    originally, each of these red moon stars was jumping in their own time and space, flickering in their own time. however, now that countless red moons had appeared, they¡­ were no longer limited to their own time and space.


    instead, they jumped out and the spacetime between them became a mess. they continuously overlapped and spread out. sometimes, there would be several overlapping, and sometimes, there would be hundreds or thousands of them merging. they surrounded each other, scattered in all directions, and intertwined.


    there was no order or rules!


    the pressure xu qing and the others felt during this period had already reached the extreme. at this moment, regardless of whether it was the gods or cultivators, they were equal!


    this was because they couldn¡¯t face or resist this phenomenon.


    they all collapsed and blood flowed out.


    this lasted until the blurry red moon stars fused together, causing all spacetime to turn hazy.


    and after the haziness¡­ it was as though there was something else.


    xu qing gazed over in a daze. just as he was about to take a closer look, his body trembled. the world of the red moon star instantly froze and halted moving again.


    not only did this place not move, but the other red moon stars also stopped.


    immediately after, they all shattered as though they no longer had the power to continue sublimating!


    the red moon stars shattered and dissipated completely, as though they had never appeared. in the end, only the one xu qing was on was left. the concept of time also dissipated.


    everything that happened before was now unraveling in reverse.


    at the next instant, the red moon star and the moon palace recovered. everything returned to normal. as for the ruins on the ground of the moon palace, they vanished at that moment. the god¡¯s fragmented-face in the sky also disappeared.


    from the start to the end, its eyes only opened a tiny gap.


    in the end, xu qing¡¯s strength wasn¡¯t enough for it to completely open its eyes.


    the scene of the god¡¯s fragmented-face opening its eyes was also gone from his purple crystal.


    as everything recovered, the time of the crimson goddess from zhang siyun¡¯s memories in the air shattered. even her body turned into ashes.


    as time passed, zhang siyun¡¯s figure was revealed.


    his body trembled as he stood there. his calm expression was long gone, replaced by extreme horror. at the same time, his body was rapidly aging and gradually dissipating.


    the wooden door of the moon flame high god shook and quickly hid.


    as for the heir and the others, they had already lost consciousness.


    the captain¡­ was crawling beside xu qing, mouth wide open as if about to bite to alert xu qing to stop. as everything reversed, he had his mouth agape, his eyes momentarily bewildered.


    he then spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°junior brother, promise me not to use this move in the land of the gods¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s face was filled with fatigue as he struggled to sit up. while he was panting, he also felt his heart palpitating. at that instant earlier, he didn¡¯t know why but he could sense great terror.


    at that moment, he barely lifted his head. xu qing glanced at the captain and then at zhang siyun in the distance.


    zhang siyun¡¯s body was disappearing. his arms and more than half of his body had turned into ashes. they appeared to have been erased and vanished from xu qing¡¯s vision.


    the thorny crown on his head also emitted cracking sounds and continued to shatter. however, in the end¡­ there was still a small section left!


    this small section of light flickered with purple light, giving xu qing the feeling that it was actually somewhat similar to the light from his purple crystal. when this light erupted, zhang siyun¡¯s blurry figure gradually formed inside and a hoarse voice echoed.


    ¡°just a little more and you would have erased my main body too, xu qing.¡±


    ¡°however, in the end, my main body is still here, so i¡¯m fine.¡±


    this scene caused xu qing¡¯s eyes to narrow but his expression didn¡¯t alteration much. his personality caused him to never have only one method to do things.


    hence, he spoke softly.


    ¡°your majesty.¡±


    in an instant, the figure of the ancient spirit emperor emerged in front of zhang siyun, who was forming his body. he didn¡¯t attack him, but pressed something against zhang siyun¡¯s face.


    after that, he instantly hid.


    as he hid, he instinctively glanced at xu qing with fear.


    at that moment, zhang siyun¡¯s expression changed. there was an additional item on his face.


    it was a mask.


    to be precise, it was the face of an old man. his expression was sorrowful and his face was covered in wrinkles.


    it had a name, and it was called compassion.

 Chapter 1099 - Chapter 1099 Someone Used My Time

    chapter 1099 someone used my time


    back then, in the immortal forbidden land, old master seventh had brought the captain and xu qing to an immortal arts hall. he took down two of the many human skin masks inside and gave them to xu qing and erniu.


    these two human skin masks were both immortal arts.


    one was called the heavenly dog, and because it matched erniu¡¯s habits, it was given to him.


    the other one wasn¡¯t suitable for xu qing to use but xu qing thought that he could exploit it with the head, so he kept it.


    this art was called compassion.


    its function was simple and singular: those who wore this human skin mask would bear the damage on behalf of the target they observed.


    xu qing¡¯s original thought was to let the head wear the mask and let it share the damage when he was facing a life-and-death crisis.


    however, xu qing hadn¡¯t encountered a time when he needed to use it.


    until now.


    although immortal arts were quite different from divine techniques, at the end of the day, they were mystical methods. moreover, old master seventh had once said that according to the records in the ancient books, the name of this kind of spell back then was taboo art.


    later on, in order to beautify them, they were called immortal arts.


    xu qing knew the drawback of this compassion immortal art. it required the wearer to look at the target. fortunately¡­ this gaze could be a glance, and didn¡¯t have to last long.


    hence, almost at the instant the human skin mask was put on zhang siyun¡¯s face, xu qing gazed at the captain, trying to display the second scene in the purple crystal.


    although he didn¡¯t have the strength to allow the god¡¯s fragmented-face to completely open its eyes, and his life force was also depleted by a huge extent, that was because the image of the god¡¯s fragmented-face was of too high a level.


    however, crown prince purple green was clearly inferior to the god¡¯s fragmented-face in terms of level.


    hence, xu qing could attempt to display the second scene. the main point was the glance xu qing threw at erniu.


    they didn¡¯t need to speak to express their intentions to each other, and could just convey it through a glance. erniu didn¡¯t hesitate at all. he opened his mouth and bit xu qing¡¯s arm.


    this bite wasn¡¯t to devour but to nurture.


    in that instant, the vitality from erniu gushed into xu qing¡¯s body. although there was still a considerable gap if they wanted the god¡¯s fragmented face to completely open its eyes, it was just enough to assist xu qing in displaying the second scene.


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled and the purple crystal in his body shone. after it filled his body, it became a purple source of light, spreading endless purple light in all directions.


    he could think of a way to hide the purple light but xu qing didn¡¯t.


    not only did he not hide it, but he also released it to the greatest extent, causing the circulation of this light to be similar to the thorny crown on zhang siyun¡¯s head.


    and all of this, though it may sound lengthy, actually occurred in the blink of an eye. as xu qing¡¯s entire body radiated purple light, zhang siyun, who had the human skin mask placed on his face by the ancient spirit emperor, felt a shock to his mind.


    as a clone of crimson goddess, he possessed omniscience and omnipotence. however¡­ the status of the ancient spirit emperor was the same as his. under his interference, zhang siyun¡¯s omniscience and omnipotence were slowed down.


    this delay became extremely fatal at this moment.


    this was because he didn¡¯t know the effect of the human skin mask. most importantly, the purple light on xu qing¡¯s body attracted his attention and also caused the thorn crown on his head to spin.


    his gaze instinctively landed on¡­ xu qing, who was emitting a purple light.


    the instant he looked at xu qing, zhang siyun¡¯s entire body trembled. he saw a scene, and fused into this scene.


    he wasn¡¯t the only one who saw it. at that moment, the captain and the retreating ancient spirit emperor also saw the scene that appeared in the moon palace.


    the sky was replaced by the world of this scene. it became dark, blood rain fell again, and xu qing was standing in the ruins.


    his figure overlapped with a little boy revealed in the scene.


    that little boy was crying. he was at a loss, helpless, terrified, and all sorts of other emotions spread out from this little boy and xu qing.


    in the sky where lightning flashed, there was no fragmented-face of the god, there was only a youth in a black robe.


    this youth¡¯s appearance was incomparably handsome and was similar to the adult xu qing. he stood there and stared at xu qing. with a soft sigh, he walked over step by step from the sky.


    the blood rain separated in front of him. he walked like this until he was behind xu qing. he then gently lifted his head and touched xu qing¡¯s head.


    ¡°brother, don¡¯t cry.¡±


    the moment the gentle voice echoed, the little boy who had fused with xu qing was about to turn his head. however, at the next instant¡­ a destructive force erupted above his head.


    with a boom, the little boy¡¯s head collapsed and his body collapsed. his body and spirit were destroyed.


    even xu qing¡¯s body trembled and countless cracks appeared on his body. this was especially so for his head, which was about to shatter into pieces.


    at that moment, zhang siyun, who was looking at the scene, let out a mournful wail. the thorny crown on his head also flickered with purple light.


    he was resisting!


    due to the immortal art compassion, everything he saw surged into his body at this instant, which included pain, injuries, and death.


    to harbor compassion.


    hence, the little boy¡¯s collapse in the scene directly affected zhang siyun.


    his sharp screams shook the moon palace. zhang siyun¡¯s newly formed body was already in its weakest state after enduring the damage from the fragmented-face.


    at that moment, after enduring such destruction, his body instantly collapsed again and shattered into pieces. it was the same for his head. his eyes revealed pain, confusion, and disappointment.


    those were the emotions of the little boy when he was alive.


    at the next instant, zhang siyun¡¯s head exploded. the thorny crown on his head also shattered again. finally, only a small section of purple thorns fell to the ground.


    crimson goddess¡¯ avatar no longer existed.


    zhang siyun was truly dead.


    the scene dissipated.


    in the blink of an eye, the body formed by the captain¡¯s worm rushed over at its fastest speed. in an instant, it arrived at the place of zhang siyun¡¯s death and grabbed the falling purple thorn.


    beside him, the figure of the ancient spirit emperor appeared. he was also grabbing seeing that it was about to be captured, the captain went crazy. he let out a loud roar and the phantom of a heavenly dog appeared behind him, ruthlessly devouring it.


    at it at an even faster speed.


    seeing that it was about to be captured, the captain went crazy. he let out a loud roar and the phantom of a heavenly dog appeared behind him, ruthlessly devouring it.


    at the same time, xu qing spat out a large mouthful of blood. a large amount of blood flowed through the cracks on his body, especially on his face. as he staggered back and saw this scene, the purple light on his body forcefully flickered.


    ¡°that is mine!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s words caused the ancient spirit emperor to pause. if it was anyone else who spoke like this, he wouldn¡¯t care. however, after seeing xu qing display that terrifying power twice with his own eyes, his fear of xu qing was extremely high.


    he then thought of the subsequent feast and paused slightly.


    at the next instant, the captain¡¯s heavenly dog caught up and directly swallowed the purple thorn before moving back to xu qing¡¯s side, staring at the ancient spirit emperor unkindly.


    the gaze of the ancient spirit emperor flickered slightly as he swept his gaze across erniu before looking at xu qing.


    just as he was about to speak, a shout filled with anger suddenly rang out from under the moon palace.


    this sound was definitely not something a cultivator could make. its reverberation caused the entire red moon¡¯s red light to erupt. the ground rapidly melted, forming a sea of blood.


    this sea was extremely viscous and smelled strongly of blood.


    a god¡¯s aura rose shockingly.


    the moon worship region also trembled at this moment.


    that was¡­ the voice of the crimson goddess¡¯ main body.


    she had completely awakened!


    at the same time, far away from the moon worship region, separated by many large regions, at the center of the entire wanggu world, there was an extremely holy region for the human race.


    its name was the grand imperial capital region.


    its location was extremely far from the moon worship region. it was difficult for cultivators to reach it even if they flew their entire lives. in the center of the human race¡¯s grand imperial capital region, there was a majestic city the size of a county.


    this city was vast and there were many buildings inside. countless humans lived there, and the most eye-catching thing in the city was a luxurious and majestic palace.


    right now, in a large hall in the palace, two people were playing chess.


    one of them was a middle-aged man, dressed in an orange-yellow robe. his long hair was tied up with a dragon-carved hairpin. seated there, he seemed to exude an imposing presence, like a crouching tiger or a coiled dragon. an invisible imperial aura emanated from him, transforming into giant dragons that wove through the heavens, swallowing and spitting out the hues of dawn.


    this person was the current human emperor!


    his aura was majestic, his appearance carried dignity, and his eyes contained the stars. at this moment, he held a white chess piece in his hand and spoke lightly.


    ¡°state preceptor, what do you think the outcome of the current war with the black heaven race will be?¡±


    with that, he was about to place the chess piece down when his eyes suddenly moved slightly as he looked at the person opposite him.


    ¡°state preceptor?¡±


    seated across from the emperor was a young man. he wore a purple robe, his handsome features almost otherworldly. his long hair sprawled across the floor, each seeming to carry the essence of the sun, moon, and stars.


    if xu qing was here, he would be able to recognize at a peep that this person¡­ was crown prince purple green!


    at that moment, he held a black chess piece in his hand, but within his bright eyes, there was a hint of fleeting mist.


    after hearing the human emperor¡¯s voice, the mist in purple green eyes dissipated and he articulated softly.


    ¡°nothing, your majesty. it¡¯s just that someone used a bit of my time.¡±


    the human emperor¡¯s gaze existed deep. the white chess piece landed on the board and he was about to speak when his expression suddenly changed. he uplifted his head and gazed at the sky outside the hall.


    crown prince purple green narrowed his eyes and also uplifted his head.


    at the same time, the giant dragons in the sky let out a shocking roar. the sound waves spread in all directions as they stared fixedly at the sky.


    they weren¡¯t the only ones. very soon, many terrifying auras erupted from the imperial city and locked onto the sky in unison.


    all eyes were on the same thing.


    the god¡¯s fragmented-face.


    the god¡¯s fragmented-face in the sky still had its eyes closed. however, at this moment, its head moved slightly.


    it existed facing the south!


    that existed the direction of the holy wave large region, the moon worship region, and the red moon star.


    at that moment, many races were paying attention to this scene. the entire wanggu continent existed shaken.


    very few people knew why it did this. because of crimson goddess¡¯ authority, outsiders couldn¡¯t investigate the matters in the moon worship region.


    however, no matter what, its action caused the hearts of all the peak figures in wanggu to palpitate.

 Chapter 1100 - Chapter 1100 Li Zihua and Crimson Goddess

    chapter 1100 li zihua and crimson goddess


    these peak figures whose hearts were palpitating also included the soul accumulation experts who had now appeared on the black heaven race¡¯s land.


    a drastic upheaval was unfolding in the black heaven race.


    the war was starting!


    back then, after the human emperor released two complete suns of dawn, the black heaven race suffered a huge defeat and countless casualties. in the end, they could only hide their entire race in their large region and activate their regional treasure to form a protective barrier to resist.


    although the human race had withdrawn their troops, the light formed by the suns of dawn in the black heaven race blanketed the area. hence, there was continuous damage, and over the years, the number of deceased clan members grew, with only one in ten newborns surviving.


    to the black heaven race, the price of this war was too great, so great that the foundation of their race was shaken. moreover, their god seemed to have given up on them. they had called out to her countless times but there was no response at all.


    this caused the black heaven race to be even more miserable. due to their characteristics, it had been very difficult for them in the past few years and they didn¡¯t have the strength to start a war. they only wanted to survive this storm.


    however¡­ it wasn¡¯t that war wouldn¡¯t come just because they didn¡¯t wish for it.


    this time, the attacking force came from the holy wave large region. the human army and the army under the grand duke holy wave tore a gap in the black heaven race¡¯s defense.


    through this gap, the army surged in.


    the one leading the human race¡¯s army wasn¡¯t seventh prince¡­ but an expert from his mother¡¯s family, one of the thirty-three heavenly kings of the human race.


    king tian cang!


    he was also the seventh prince¡¯s uncle!


    he personally led the army and led all the military forces in the holy wave large region to launch a war against the black heaven race. it was also him who used a supreme treasure to penetrate the defense of the black heaven race.


    even the grand duke holy wave had to act humble in front of king tian cang.


    this was because every one of the thirty-three heavenly kings of the human race¡­ was at the soul accumulation realm!


    as war erupted, with the battlefield thundering and the echoes of slaughter piercing the heavens, within the region of the black heaven race, regardless of affiliation, any peak cultivator was instantly shaken. involuntarily, they raised their heads, gazing towards the sky, towards the fragmented-face of the god.


    while the myriad races were staring at it, in the moon worship region, on the red moon star, in the moon palace¡­ the aura of crimson goddess erupted.


    the ground of the moon palace transformed into a viscous sea of blood, and as the sea of blood churned, the heir and the others also woke up one after another. they immediately retreated, gathering around xu qing. the aura of weakness coming from their bodies was extremely obvious.


    xu qing¡¯s injuries were also serious. it was the same for the captain. all of them were almost at the end of their rope.


    ¡°now, this is beyond our control.¡±


    the captain glanced at xu qing and spoke hoarsely.


    xu qing nodded weakly and looked at the sea of blood in front of him.


    the sea of blood moved even more violently and rumbling sounds echoed as it rapidly spun into a vortex from which a figure was walking over.


    this figure didn¡¯t have a humanoid form. it was as though countless flesh wings had grown together, intertwining and spreading in all directions, forming innumerable tentacles. in their undulating movements, it resembled an irregular mass.


    only a face protruded in the center. this face lacked skin, only flesh that was constantly wriggling, exuding a horrifying aura.


    around the face, rows of eyes grow, ranging in size from large to small, in a disorderly fashion.


    at that moment, the figures of xu qing and the others were reflected in every eye, looking extremely bizarre.


    it had no arms or legs. it was like a huge bloody flesh statue that slowly rose in the vortex of blood.


    the terrifying pressure coming from it distorted the entire moon palace, the entire red moon, and the entire moon worship region.


    the figure walking over was none other than crimson goddess¡¯ main body!


    xu qing and the others¡¯ hearts trembled and intense pain attacked their minds, as if their cognition couldn¡¯t withstand the other party¡¯s figure. uncontrollably, their perception of the god in their eyes changed.


    in the next instant, in the eyes of xu qing and the others, the appearance of crimson goddess transformed into that of a woman. she had blood-red long hair and wore a red robe.


    her face no longer bore those eyeballs; only two bloody holes remained in the eye sockets.


    a large amount of blood flowed and spread across her body which was entwined by thorns.


    these thorns wrapped around her body, piercing it, and as she advanced, the thorns contracted, seemingly absorbing her blood.


    behind her were countless blood-red spider lilies.


    every time her footsteps landed, such a flower would bloom. and in each flower, there was an identical figure.


    they were leaping and overlapping¡­ just like what had happened with the red moon earlier.


    with her appearance, a vast divine might that far surpassed zhang siyun¡¯s erupted outwards.


    if they were to be compared, it would be like comparing a bright moon to a firefly!


    ¡°gods can¡¯t be gazed at directly¡­ so, in order to protect ourselves, our instincts will autonomously alter our perception, refracting the other party into a form that each of us can accept!¡±


    the captain spoke in a low voice.


    xu qing silently looked at crimson goddess who was striding over. if he didn¡¯t look at her eyes, crimson goddess¡¯ face could be said to be peerlessly beautiful.


    that kind of beauty didn¡¯t seem like it could be possessed by living beings. it was perfect and flawless. at the same time, it continued to change as her footsteps landed.


    it reverted to the original appearance at times and occasionally displayed a man¡¯s face contorted in pain.. divine might also erupted in this face, as though it was being merged and assimilated.


    this face belonged to the master of the land of the wicked who had been swallowed by crimson goddess.


    the heir and the others were also silent at this moment. they closed their eyes and waited.


    the captain took a deep breath and didn¡¯t move either. he was also waiting.


    xu qing knew that they were all waiting for¡­ ruler li zihua.


    it was also at this moment that the statue of li zihua, who was standing on the repentance plain and holding the red moon with both hands, suddenly disappeared.


    his eyes slowly opened.


    the instant he opened his eyes, they revealed a sense of age and profound meaning as he looked at the moon worship region.


    the entire moon worship region lit up as his gaze landed.


    the blood-red color of the sky tore apart, transforming into streaks of red clouds, and the undulations of the earth were frozen, forming uneven mountains.


    the withering of all things turned into the seeds of plants. under his gaze, each plant, every tree, and entire jungles revived.


    the land of despair instantly shone with hope and vitality.


    only the red moon was still bright red.


    li zihua lifted his head and looked at the red moon. he then let go his grip on the star.


    the red moon didn¡¯t leave but floated in the air.


    li zihua fell silent for a few breaths before striding forward. every step he took landed in the void, emitting golden ripples, causing the light of the red moon star to be suppressed and dim.


    it was only when he walked onto the red moon and arrived in front of the moon palace that crimson goddess¡¯ figure completely surfaced from the blood-red vortex in the moon palace.


    they gazed at each other.


    ¡°long time no see.¡±

 Chapter 1101 - Chapter 1101 Profound Earth and Brilliant Heavens Secret

    chapter 1101 profound earth and brilliant heaven¡¯s secret


    li zihua¡¯s voice, carrying a profound weight, though softly spoken, caused the moon palace to tremble. the sound waves it stirred up even brought stillness to the blood sea around crimson goddess.


    xu qing and the others also released a sigh of relief and swiftly retreated.


    they were well aware that the upcoming battle was not one they could participate in, even soul accumulation didn¡¯t have the qualifications.


    crimson goddess was expressionless. two spheres of crimson fire rose in her empty eyes as she looked at li zihua, as though she wasn¡¯t surprised by his revival and arrival.


    ¡°after mystic nether left, time has changed. li zihua, it¡¯s meaningless for you to wake up.¡±


    crimson goddess calmly spoke. her voice didn¡¯t hold the slightest emotion, neither joy nor sorrow.


    this image was different in the eyes of different people.


    the images in each person¡¯s eyes were a result of their instinctive understanding altering to a form they could endure. for example, in the eyes of the heir and others, crimson goddess they saw was a fusion of human form and feathers, even more grotesque, more sinister, and more terrifying.


    the fire in her eyes wasn¡¯t flames either. they were two squirming stars.


    this was a god. due to their high life levels, in the eyes of living beings, gods assumed countless forms.


    hence, when a god wished to destroy the world, it would be remarkably simple. they only needed to display their true form into the eyes of living beings, and death would befall them.


    from this, one could see how terrifying the god¡¯s broken visage was. this was because no matter what cultivation level the beings of the myriad races had, they perceived the same form when looking at it.


    at this moment, crimson goddess¡¯ voice fell into the ears of xu qing and others, changing into a deafening thunder that rolled in their minds. in an instant, everyone lost all resistance.


    the heir and the others each used their own methods to barely withstand it.


    xu qing immediately took out a lump of clay and held it in his hand.


    this was something the clay fox had left for him.


    the captain also swiftly took out a strand of hair. this was the token of the moon flame high god. although the other party had come and left, the captain still kept this hair.


    only li zihua didn¡¯t need to do anything. he silently stood in the moon palace and looked at crimson goddess. after a long time, his voice rang out gently.


    ¡°the mission remains.¡±


    these three words seemed to stimulate crimson goddess in some way. in the next moment, more blood flowed from her, and the thorns entwining around her tightened. within the countless red spider lilies blooming on the blood sea behind her, numerous her shouted with a resentful expression.


    ¡°mission? is it brilliant heaven¡¯s mission or profound earth¡¯s mission!¡±


    ¡°li zihua, have you forgotten what happened in brilliant heaven?¡±


    ¡°we were originally born as gods. who sealed our ancestors and caused the later descendants to lose their divine seats?¡±


    li zihua closed his eyes. after a long time, he shook his head.


    ¡°i haven¡¯t forgotten.¡±


    crimson goddess¡¯ entire body shone with a blood-red light. as the red light soared into the sky, she took a step toward li zihua.


    ¡°who raised the so-called heavenly dao in our divine land to suppress us?¡±


    ¡°who was the one who tabooed us under the wanggu continent and built the world of cultivators in our divine land!¡±


    as the voice echoed, the appearance of crimson goddess underwent a change in xu qing¡¯s eyes. her original exquisite appearance was now shattering, replaced gradually by blood-red feathers instead of flesh.


    she continued.


    ¡°li zihua, i didn¡¯t make a mistake by choosing to become a god. back then, when you left, you were just like me. but why did you later extinguish your divine fire and betray our bloodline?!¡±


    ¡°you came from brilliant heaven but have become one of profound earth!¡±


    ¡°i came from brilliant heaven and still represent it!¡±


    by the time crimson goddess finished speaking, she had already appeared in front of li zihua. in xu qing¡¯s eyes, her body underwent a violent transformation. the appearance of a woman completely disappeared, reverting back to the initial terrifying form of bloody flesh.


    moreover, at this moment, all the feathers rapidly spread out, revealing the interior of the mass formed by the flesh feathers. there¡­ was a huge eye hole there. there was no eyeball, only endless blood seeping out.


    hearing crimson goddess¡¯ words and looking at her, li zihua fell silent. in the end, he let out a sigh and lifted his right hand, pushing the sky.


    with this push, the sky shattered into countless fragments.


    each fragment changed as it landed, forming earth-shattering auras and transformed into countless illusory figures.


    there were the sun, moon, and stars, dragons and phoenixes, and all kinds of ancient spirits. xu qing even saw the golden crow among them.


    as they appeared and their auras erupted, energy fluctuations that uniquely belonged to emperor-level cultivation arts rose from the phantoms formed by these fragments.


    they were all emperor-level cultivation arts that included myriad races, there were no less than ten thousand of them.


    they were all summoned by li zihua with a wave of his hand.


    the instant they appeared, the ten thousand emperor-level cultivation arts each revealed their origins. in the blink of an eye, taboos appeared in the phantoms as though the seals had been undone.


    one weapon after another, items after items. among them was the destruction spear that xu qing had sensed in the golden crow. all of them were now revealed in the sky.


    they were taboo weapons!


    their appearance triggered an extremely terrifying fluctuation, then they blasted toward crimson goddess!


    xu qing had already sensed the secret of an emperor-level cultivation art from the golden crow¡¯s body. he knew that every emperor-level cultivation art was, in fact, a seal, restraining something that the heavenly dao forbade.


    now that he saw them with his own eyes, his mind was filled with endless thoughts.


    such a divine ability couldn¡¯t be grasped by even soul accumulation.


    this was a terrifying power that only rulers could erupt with.


    regardless of whether it was crimson goddess¡¯ attack or ruler li zihua¡¯s counterattack, they far exceeded the scope of everyone¡¯s understanding. at the next instant, xu qing and the others each spat out blood and retreated with shocked expressions.


    the scene in their eyes also changed based on their limits.


    the world reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes no longer had li zihua or the crimson goddess. the shattered sky was now replaced by a huge image.


    this image was formed by two colors, red and white.


    these two colors intertwined and separated, spinning until they formed a huge vortex.


    it had no pupils, replaced by a blood-red heart that was currently pulsating, emitting a sound akin to heavenly thunder.


    around the eye, numerous eyelashes grew, resembling tentacles that continually extended and swayed. at times, they touched each other, forming vague figures composed of a third color.


    it was black, like a shadow. its shape was irregular and would devour each other the instant it appeared.


    this was a battle of gods in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    because this battle had exceeded his level, in his eyes, the battle between ruler li zihua and the crimson goddess was like an abstract painting.


    the red color in the painting represented crimson goddess, and the white color represented li zihua.


    as for the third color, xu qing didn¡¯t understand. it seemed to be the shadows of li zihua and crimson goddess.


    this reminded xu qing of his shadow.


    ¡°little qing, remember the scene you are seeing. this is the peak collision between a cultivator and a god!¡±


    the captain was beside xu qing. as he held the hair of the moon flame tightly, he looked at the sky in fascination and mumbled.


    ¡°one side is a manifestation of walking the path of cultivation to the extreme.¡±


    ¡°the other side chose to become a god, the source of the great calamity that befell the wanggu continent.¡±


    ¡°the cultivation of the former is a path leading to the pinnacle of life¡¯s levels. cultivators who reach the utmost peak are bestowed with various titles; some universes call them ¡®venerables,¡¯ others label them ¡®immortals.''¡±


    ¡°in the wanggu continent, such peak cultivators are known as rulers.¡±


    ¡°this is what cultivators yearn for in their entire lives and what they dream of.¡±


    when the captain¡¯s voice landed in xu qing¡¯s ears, it contained some age and vicissitudes.


    ¡°junior brother, do you know that there¡¯s actually an even more ancient legend in the wanggu continent¡­¡±


    ¡°legend?¡± xu qing¡¯s heart stirred.


    ¡°legend has it that a long, long time ago, the wanggu continent wasn¡¯t like this. there were no cultivators here, no laws, and naturally no heavenly dao.


    cultivators came from the lower realm.


    after the peak cultivators of the lower realm reached the immortal realm, they traversed countless universes and worlds. no existence could threaten immortals.


    they control all rules, comprehend all origins, traverse any point in time and space, altering everything. they can create and shape all living things as well.¡±


    upon hearing this, xu qing¡¯s mind trembled.


    the captain looked at the sky and continued to mutter.


    ¡°whether they are called immortals or rulers, to a certain extent, they are undying and eternal, sharing the same lifespan as the heavens. their thoughts and desires have also changed. what they pursue is the dao, the exploration beyond the end of the path of cultivation.


    according to different experiences, different understandings, and different ideals, the paths they explored varied. some immortals had ventured far, far away, while others are still moving around in their original positions.


    therefore, in the past era, the only ones who could threaten immortals were themselves.¡±


    ¡°until, as they moved forward¡­ they broke through the boundary wall and came to the upper realm from the lower realm. hence, an extreme existence like the god appeared in the comprehension of immortals.


    at that moment, everything changed.¡±


    ¡°they were told that these countless universes and countless worlds actually never belonged to cultivators.


    whether it¡¯s the past, present, or future, every definition ultimately stemmed from the gods.


    it was the gods who divided the world into upper and lower realms.


    profound earth in the lower realm, brilliant heaven in the upper realm.


    a frog at the bottom of the well became the most suitable analogy for cultivators.¡±


    ¡°therefore, war¡­ followed.¡±


    ¡°that was the battle between immortals and gods, the battle between the lower and upper realms, and also¡­ the battle between profound earth and brilliant heaven.¡±


    the captain spoke softly and paused for a moment.


    xu qing instinctively transmitted his divine sense.


    ¡°what was the outcome?¡±


    ¡°in that battle, immortals won but also lost.¡± the captain mumbled.


    ¡°the brilliant heaven sank and became a taboo that was sealed. the heavenly dao was raised and the rules were redefined. this was the manifestation of the victory of the immortals. however, it was also at that time that the immortals from the lower realm learned of a desperate truth.


    the boundlessly vast brilliant heaven was just a god¡¯s great divine world.


    in this vast upper realm, there were many such great divine worlds. brilliant heaven was only the tip of the iceberg and was far from the strongest.


    this place indeed belongs to the gods.¡±


    at this point, the captain turned his head and looked into xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°li zihua and crimson goddess¡­ came from brilliant heaven.¡±

 Chapter 1102 - Chapter 1102 Why Didnt You Call Me Over Earlier (1)

    chapter 1102 why didn¡¯t you call me over earlier (1)


    the battle between the ruler li zihua and crimson goddess continued to be perceived in an abstract, painting-like manner.


    xu qing¡¯s mind was churning intensely.


    ¡°immortal¡­ ruler¡­ profound earth¡­ brilliant heaven¡­ great divine world¡­¡±


    the captain¡¯s words were like bolts of lightning that streaked across xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, stirring up layers of waves.


    xu qing had never heard of these things before. he only knew when he comprehended the god slaying platform that crimson goddess and ruler li zihua weren¡¯t from the wanggu continent. they came from a place that was listed as a taboo by the wanggu continent.


    that place was called brilliant heaven.


    even though xu qing had already adapted to the captain¡¯s mysteriousness, he still took a deep breath when he heard this information from the captain.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, how do you know so many secrets?¡±


    the captain gave a spurious smile.


    ¡°junior brother, i already said it¡¯s just a legend. you don¡¯t actually believe it, do you?¡±


    xu qing silently glanced at the captain.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, how many lifetimes have you lived?¡±


    the captain blinked, feeling a sense of satisfaction seeing xu qing¡¯s expression. he thought to himself, ¡®junior brother, junior brother, do you now realize how formidable your senior brother is?¡¯


    at the thought of this, the captain coughed and spoke proudly.


    ¡°when there¡¯s no heaven, there¡¯s me. when there¡¯s no earth, i¡¯m already born.¡±


    ¡°eldest senior brother, don¡¯t interact too much with wu jianwu in the future.¡± xu qing retracted his gaze and ignored him. regardless of whether what the captain said was a legend or not, regardless of how many lives the other party had lived, this wasn¡¯t important.


    the most important thing was now.


    xu qing watched the divine battle in the sky.


    due to his level and understanding, he couldn¡¯t see the true form of this divine battle. however, he understood the key to this battle and its meaning.


    this was especially so for the latter. this was a battle between a cultivator and a god. most cultivators wouldn¡¯t be able to see such a battle in their entire lives.


    determination rose in xu qing¡¯s heart. he first activated his purple crystal, allowing the recovery power to spread throughout his body. after that, the poison restriction in his body suddenly rose and appeared in his eyes.


    in the blink of an eye, his eyes turned pitch-black.


    this wasn¡¯t the end. xu qing spread out his red moon¡¯s authority again and a large amount of blood flowed out of his body, forming a vortex around him.


    under the effect of these two types of god powers, xu qing focused his gaze on the sky.


    the scene in the sky changed in his vision!


    that abstract picture continued to flow in xu qing¡¯s eyes like a blooming flower. after it continued to expand, the two colors inside also fused.


    this fusion seemed to have lasted for a long time, but it also sensed like an instant.


    immediately after, the entire scene became hazy in xu qing¡¯s eyes. amidst the blurriness, he could vaguely see a figure!


    it was li zihua.


    he still maintained his human form and was battling against crimson goddess. every time he attacked, it was as though he was taking out the rules of the wanggu continent to bombard crimson goddess.


    the heavenly dao was like a furnace, providing li zihua with endless combat strength.


    moreover, their battle didn¡¯t happen in a single spacetime but in countless spacetimes. they attacked at the same time, forming a scene that was exactly the same as red moon¡¯s transformation under the gaze of the god¡¯s fragmented-face.


    there were also many taboo weapons moving in the surroundings. every one of them carried the power to destroy the world as they rushed toward crimson goddess.


    when they intersected, the forms of these taboo weapons also changed. they were no longer weapons but figures that were comparable to gods in terms of appearance.


    it was as though they were gods in the past.


    but they were sealed now, and were controlled!


    this battle gazed simple but xu qing could sense that this was the limit of his current understanding. perhaps this wasn¡¯t the true battle either. with his current endurance, his body and soul would probably be destroyed the moment he perceived its true form.


    even so, seeing ruler li zihua make a move with his own eyes gave xu qing an extremely great impact. it could be said to have overturned his understanding.


    ¡®so, the laws and rules of the heavenly dao can be controlled as if this. this is also in line with the secret repository of spirit repository cultivators. why the heavenly dao is like a furnace. in reality¡­ in the hands of higher-level cultivators, the immemorial heavenly dao of the wanggu continent is also a furnace.¡¯


    ¡®previously, the captain said that the heavenly dao of the wanggu continent was raised by the earliest batch of people¡­ in that case, the heavenly dao is actually a supreme treasure created by cultivators!¡¯


    ¡®cultivators will first raise the heavenly dao in the place they are in!¡¯


    ¡®then, does that mean when one cultivates to a certain extent, they will send their heavenly dao into the trajectory of the world¡­ just like red moon¡¯s divine son igniting his divine fire?¡¯


    xu qing took a deep breath. the secret repository behind him rumbled. as his understanding changed, his secret repository was also adjusting.


    in the secret repository, the mosasaur not only served as a furnace but also became a weapon.


    xu qing¡¯s harvest wasn¡¯t just this.


    ¡®so, there are other transformations to taboo weapons. the form of the weapon is only the surface. it¡¯s not the true essence!¡¯


    ¡®the essence¡­ why is it in those god-like forms? could it be that the taboo weapons sealed in the emperor-level cultivation arts are actually the gods who failed in the legendary battle between the immortals and gods that the captain mentioned?¡¯


    xu qing sensed a tearing sensation in his mind. what he perceived and what he felt in his thoughts gradually pushed his endurance to the limit. hence, everything in his eyes gradually turned from blurry to abstract.


    at the last moment, xu qing gazed at crimson goddess who was battling against li zihua.

 Chapter 1103 - Chapter 1103 Why Didnt You Call Me Over Earlier (2)

    chapter 1103 why didn¡¯t you call me over earlier (2)


    crimson goddess was no longer as exquisite as before.


    describing her form was challenging, but in simple terms, she gave xu qing the impression of a humanoid entity combining feathers and flesh. in xu qing¡¯s eyes, crimson goddess alternated between a woman and a creature of feathers and flesh.


    they fused together, forming an extremely bizarre image.


    there were also red-colored worms swirling around her, and those worms had a ferocious appearance, exuding a terrifying aura and emanating the rich power of the red moon.


    it was as if they were the embodiment of the authority of the red moon.


    perhaps he couldn¡¯t use the word ¡®as if¡¯ but ¡®certain¡¯!


    this was because the moment xu qing saw those worms, not only did he feel an incomparable sense of familiarity, but he also sensed that these worms seemed to be looking at him at this instant.


    the instant their gazes fused, xu qing¡¯s mind instantly rumbled. blood flowed out of his seven orifices and his body staggered back. he spat out mouthfuls of blood one after another and his body rapidly decayed, pieces of flesh falling off.


    the sky in his eyes returned to an abstract picture, but the ground he saw distorted for an instant.


    although the ground quickly returned to normal, what he saw at that instant caused xu qing¡¯s mind to feel the pain of being torn apart again. countless blood vessels also appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°red moon¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s breathing was hurried as he looked at the ground under his feet. he couldn¡¯t forget the scene he had seen earlier.


    in that scene, what formed the red moon star wasn¡¯t soil and rocks but countless red worms!


    at that moment, the red moon star was like a worm nest, formed by countless red worms. there even seemed to be a gaze coming from its depths.


    that gaze was cold but in xu qing¡¯s perception, it was friendly to him.


    however, the distortion dissipated in an instant, so xu qing couldn¡¯t probe further.


    at that moment, he circulated the purple crystal and spat out blood as he recovered. just as he barely reached a balance, the battle in the sky changed drastically.


    as if she had made up her mind after seeing an opportunity, the ancient wooden door of the moon flame high god returned and appeared in the sky.


    moreover, its form was even larger than before, as though it had framed the sky and treated the sky as a door.


    at that moment, the sky split and the door opened!


    a tall figure stepped out from the door.


    this figure appeared ordinary at first glance, but with the second glance, it seemed infinitely vast, creating an illusion that made it difficult to discern its size.


    only the top of its head could be seen, adorned with antlers like those of a deer. however, it was not just one antler; instead, they proliferated into numerous branches, resembling the branches of a tree, spreading across the sky.


    at the center of the deer antlers, there was a gray star, emanating destruction and carrying an essence of death.


    as for the head, it was impossible to tell if it was male or female, only a massive gray skull could be seen with two sockets emitting gray flames. in the area where the mouth would be, there was a crooked crack in the bone.


    its body was in the shape of a human and its hands were stained with blood. drops of blood dripped down as though it was wearing a pair of red gloves.


    its entire body was covered in gray fur that was swaying like clothes. only its abdomen was revealed. it was a black hole with starlight flickering inside, as though a universe existed in it.


    this was the moon flame high god.


    just like crimson goddess, the instant its form appeared in the eyes of xu qing and the others, their cognition changed its appearance. it was no longer the ugly appearance from before, but a middle-aged woman in a gray robe.


    this woman had high cheekbones, a cold and indifferent expression, and a somewhat sarcastic demeanor. however, it had to be said that her appearance was quite distinctive. perhaps, in the eyes of some, she wasn¡¯t extraordinarily beautiful, but for others, she might have a unique charm.


    after appearing, moon flame took a step forward and directly entered the abstract painting in the sky. the instant she fused into it, the abstract painting suddenly changed.


    the color of the vortex added one more shade, gray, intertwining with white and red. as they rapidly rotated, a third shadow appeared within the painting.


    ¡°my ex-wife is a foodie; i guessed that she would come. just as i expected.¡±


    the captain took a few steps back and squatted beside xu qing. he looked at the picture in the sky and spoke proudly.


    ¡°how is it? my ex-wife is pretty, right?¡±


    xu qing glanced at the painting and then looked at the captain without saying anything.


    as for the heir and the others at the side, their expressions were solemn. from the start to the end, they had been paying attention to the battlefield and had no time to pay attention to erniu.


    only old eighth, who had been resurrected by the fifth princess¡¯ blessing from the river of time, couldn¡¯t help but speak even though he was in a weakened state.


    ¡°we¡¯re not blind. we can see the appearance of that old monster. erniu¡­ i didn¡¯t realize before that your taste is so heavy.¡±


    ¡°you can even accept this¡­¡±


    ¡°however, i¡¯m very curious. was the hole in her stomach caused by you?¡±


    old eighth¡¯s mouth didn¡¯t lose its sharpness because of his injuries. when his words landed in the captain¡¯s ears, the captain¡¯s face twitched.


    ¡°eighth grandpa¡­¡±


    the captain looked at old eighth.


    old eighth fell into deep thought and nodded.


    ¡°looks like it was really caused by you. no wonder she hates you so much and didn¡¯t even glance at you when she arrived. erniu, tell us secretly, did you do something to let her down?¡±


    ¡°if i send you over, won¡¯t your ex-wife be happier and have more motivation to fight?¡±


    as soon as old eighth spoke, the fifth princess and princess mingmei¡¯s gazes landed on the captain as though they were considering it.


    the captain was shocked and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°no, no. actually, i was just joking. moon flame high god isn¡¯t my ex-wife. i was just casually saying¡­¡±


    in order to convince old eighth and the others, the captain hurriedly took out a peach and took a bite.


    ¡°i like peach. my taotao is still waiting for me in fenghai county.¡±


    old eighth looked like he didn¡¯t believe it. the heir at the side swept his gaze across the captain.


    ¡°we can consider eighth brother¡¯s suggestion.¡±


    the captain took a deep breath and was about to continue explaining when old ninth suddenly spoke.


    ¡°another one is here!¡±


    the instant his voice rang out, the color of the sky changed. it was as though there was an additional curtain enveloping it.


    on the curtain, a portrait appeared.


    in contrast to the previous darkness, this painting emitted a warm light. it depicted a clear blue sky and sea. in the sky above the ocean surface, countless fish and shrimp were flying, and whales were floating by, creating a beautiful scene.


    in the sea below, countless birds swam around.


    there was a statue sitting cross-legged between the sea and the sky,


    this statue was of a huge clay fox. it was adorned in a red robe, radiating golden light that illuminated the vast sea and extended into the sky, exuding a sense of sanctity.


    it was as if it was the lord of this world, evoking reverence from those who beheld it.


    at that moment, its eyelashes trembled slightly, it gently opened its eyes, and with graceful steps, it emerged from within the painting, exuding endless appeal and allure.


    the moment it stepped out, its appearance changed, transforming into a graceful woman.


    clad in a red robe and thin veil, it draped over the fair and delicate figure, radiating a captivating charm.


    the towering bosom, straight long legs, and the swaying tail as she approached, everything about her was filled with alluring allure.


    especially when the jade-like legs slightly parted, tantalizingly veiled, it carried a seductive charm that made one¡¯s heart itch.


    coupled with the enticing curves of the waist and hips, harmonized with an inherently seductive demeanor, it left an unforgettable and profound impression on anyone who witnessed her.


    this was a woman exuding a captivating allure from deep within her bones, seemingly tempting men at all times and provoking their nerves.


    at that moment, she gracefully stepped out of the painting, entered the moon palace, and appeared before everyone. instead of immediately focusing on the battle, her appealing gaze swept across the surroundings and landed on xu qing¡¯s figure.


    a charming chuckle rang out.


    ¡°stinky brother, ever since you left, my life has revolved around two things¡ªmissing you and waiting for you.¡±


    ¡°why didn¡¯t you call me over earlier? i¡¯ve been waiting for you all this time.¡±


    as she spoke, her gaze were filled with a smile, charm, and a hint of seduction.


    xu qing remained silent.


    the captain¡¯s heart stirred. he glanced at the gray color in the portrait and then at the seductive woman who only had xu qing in her eyes. for a moment, he didn¡¯t know what to say.


    the heir and the others all looked at the captain, especially old eighth. he sighed at erniu.


    ¡°the difference is a little big.¡±

 Chapter 1104 - Chapter 1104 Giant Baby!

    chapter 1104 giant baby!


    the captain opened his mouth to say something, but before he could say anything, the clay fox in the sky had already walked over with enchanting steps. her waist swayed with alluring grace, and her breasts and butt undulated as she arrived in front of xu qing.


    tenderness appeared in her beautiful eyes as she spoke softly.


    ¡°stinky brother, you¡¯ve lost weight. have you missed me during this time?¡±


    xu qing hesitated and stood up to bow.


    ¡°greetings, star flame high god.¡±


    his words turned into a trace of resentment in the eyes of the clay fox.


    ¡°stinky brother, it seems like you don¡¯t miss me anymore.¡±


    at that moment, with her arrival, the heir and the others became vigilant.


    endless sourness surfaced in the captain¡¯s heart. he instinctively looked at the gray color in the sky. he felt that life wasn¡¯t worth it. why were they both high gods but the difference was so great?


    one ignored him and even wanted to kill him. as for the other, her eyes and heart were filled with thoughts of his junior brother.


    that was fine. the most important thing was that one of them wasn¡¯t good-looking and the other was really quite good-looking.


    this caused the captain¡¯s heart to stir, especially when he heard the other party¡¯s words. he felt that as the eldest senior brother, it was necessary for him to answer on behalf of xu qing. hence, he took a few steps forward and coughed.


    ¡°sister star flame, my little junior brother is a little shy. i¡¯ll answer on his behalf. he misses you very much.¡±


    the clay fox frowned and glanced at the captain with a look of disdain.


    ¡°kidney, don¡¯t talk to me. i¡¯m worried that my stinky brother will misunderstand, so please scram and stay away from me.¡±


    the captain took a deep breath. regardless of whether it was in his previous lives or this life, no one had ever called him by the term ¡®kidney¡¯. if he could defeat her, he would definitely bash her furiously at this moment.


    however, after thinking about the difference between them, the captain silently lowered his head and retreated behind xu qing, sighing inwardly that eighth grandfather was better at speaking when compared to the clay fox.


    the clay fox looked at xu qing and licked her lips. just as she was about to continue speaking, the sky rumbled and the voice of the moon flame high god rang out.


    ¡°coquettish fox, are you coming or not!¡±


    the clay fox smiled at xu qing.


    ¡°stinky brother, i¡¯ll go fight first, we¡¯ll have a bit later.¡±


    as she spoke, her body swayed and she headed straight for the abstract painting in the sky. after she fused into it, there was an additional pink color in the painting. at that moment, the four colors fused together, causing the sky to tremble violently.


    the vortex in the painting spun even faster. one could only vaguely see the redness inside, as though it was being suppressed.


    however, the strength of crimson goddess was also displayed at this moment. even when li zihua fought against her head-on with the moon flame and star flame supporting him, they still couldn¡¯t completely shake crimson goddess.


    gradually, the expressions of the heir and the others turned solemn. the captain was also a little anxious. in the end, he gritted his teeth fiercely.


    ¡°looks like you still have to rely on me at crucial moments!¡±


    ¡°my ex-wife is too weak!¡±


    ¡°junior brother, come help me out. later, use this to knock on my head, put some force into it!¡±


    as he spoke, the captain took out a scepter and threw it to xu qing.


    xu qing caught it and his gaze fell upon it. the scepter was completely blue, emitting a faint and enticing aura, making it hard to look away after a while.


    this scepter was the item in the hands of the body formed by the captain¡¯s past life body¡¯s ears on the heavenly bull mountain.


    ¡°great sacrificial dream scepter!¡±


    xu qing looked at the captain.


    ¡°that¡¯s right. i¡¯m preparing to send the dream images i prepared in my previous life to crimson goddess to awaken her humanity and make her lose her balance!¡±


    the captain¡¯s eyes revealed madness. after he finished speaking, a blue worm flew out of his body and landed on the ground. then, his body swayed, with his sleeves fluttering, and he raised his hands, performing a strange dance..


    like a ritual, he rapidly spun on the ground of the moon palace.


    as the dance continued, there was a chant coming from his mouth. although it was impossible to hear what he was singing, one could sense the complexity within.


    this scene attracted the attention of the heir and the others. as old eighth watched, a strange glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°interesting¡­¡±


    as the captain chanted and danced, lumps of fog gradually appeared on his body, displaying a myriad of colors. as they intermingled, a hazy scene emerged within these colorful mists, countless images blending into each other.


    those scenes were all dreams.


    some of these dreams were beautiful, some were sad, some were painful, and some were infatuating. they contained all the facets of human nature.


    to cultivators, these dreams were like countless lives. if all of them surged into their minds, it would be like entering reincarnation and experiencing all kinds of lives. they would feel as though they had experienced countless years.


    if it was serious, they would lose themselves.


    however, to gods, the meaning of these dreams was different from cultivators.


    it was still fine for innate gods, but for postnatal gods, their humanity, beastly nature, and divinity had already reached a balance. if any point was magnified, it could lead to collapse and imbalance.


    hence, to the postnatal gods, the dreams of these human natures were highly toxic.


    however, under normal circumstances, the damage this poison caused to gods wasn¡¯t as great as one would imagine. they only needed an instant to make use of the burning of the divine fire and the divinity would be able to suppress everything, rebalancing the unbalanced state.


    however, now that crimson goddess was fighting against li zihua and the two high gods, the imbalance in that instant became very significant.


    xu qing realized all of this, and so did the heir and the others. hence, all of their eyes lit up. the heir thought about it and blew out a breath, merging the power of cognition into the captain¡¯s fog.


    the fog churned even more and absorbed the cognition power, becoming even denser.


    princess mingmei fell quiet and sent over a wisp of the river of time, giving this hazy dream a sense of time and space.


    old eighth used the power of seven emotions and six desires, making the human nature in the dream more real, and this was more effective than the abilities of the heir and princess mingmei.


    after all, old eighth¡¯s authority was emotions. this was a manifestation of human nature. hence, after he attacked, the color of the fog became much more dazzling.


    the captain¡¯s dance became faster and faster. the fog became denser and contained more dreams.


    it could be seen that the captain had prepared extremely well for this in his previous life.


    a while later, when all the dreams were formed, the captain¡¯s body suddenly trembled and he stood there motionless.


    only the voice that echoed from countless dreams penetrated all the dreams and appeared in xu qing¡¯s ears.


    ¡°junior brother!¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate. he held the scepter and rushed into the dream fog. in an instant, dreams appeared in front of him. however, the scepter in his hand emitted a blue light that enveloped xu qing, preventing him from being drawn into those dreams.


    xu qing continued forward, passing through dream after dream until he reached the captain¡¯s side. he then lifted the scepter in his hand and ruthlessly slammed it down on the captain¡¯s head.


    previously, the captain had asked xu qing to exert force. hence, xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate and went all out. as he smashed down, the captain¡¯s head directly exploded.


    however, no flesh and blood splattered out. instead, a large number of bubbles erupted in all directions from the head. these bubbles swept up the surrounding fog and headed straight for the sky.


    in the blink of an eye, they arrived at the abstract painting in the sky and shattered.


    every shattering caused the vortex in the painting to reverse. there was also a heart-rending sound. after all the bubbles shattered, the vortex in the sky became a mess.


    the eye inside began to bleed and the blood-red heart inside throb rapidly.


    the irregular figures formed by the touching eyelashes began to devour each other like shadows.


    the captain¡¯s attack caused a change in this divine battle.


    as the blue worm he had reserved squirmed, his figure rapidly gathered again and appeared beside xu qing.


    ¡°these human dreams are enough to make that elderly hag crimson goddess suffer,¡± the captain said proudly.


    it was also at this moment that the figure of the ancient spirit emperor, who had been hiding and only made a move at the critical moment, instantly appeared.


    it was no longer an eye but thousands of bloody eyes. they were all filled with greed and headed straight for the blurry vortex in the sky from all directions.


    in an instant, they fused into the vortex, causing the vortex to gain another color.


    with his participation, this abstract painting became increasingly blurry and gradually revealed a scene.


    the figures of crimson goddess¡¯ feathered flesh, moon flame¡¯s antler body, and star flame¡¯s silhouette intertwined and flashed by in an instant.


    however, compared to crimson goddess and moon flame, although star flame¡¯s figure had also changed, her overall charm was still intense.


    the most conspicuous one was li zihua.


    he seemed to have maintained his original form from the start. at this moment, when his figure was revealed, his right hand was lifted and he pointed at the void.


    immediately, the moon palace rumbled. a huge illusory shadow stepped through space and time and walked into the sky.


    it was a huge fire behemoth. it had the body of a horse, the head of a crocodile, and the tail of a dragon. at this moment, it stepped on the sea of fire and descended. its eyes carried majesty and its body emitted an olden aura. as it appeared, traces formed by rules and laws appeared around it.


    at the next instant, a second figure descended in a similar way. it was a headless giant with a pair of black eyes on its chest that revealed anger. it carried the sea and arrived here.


    its body also emitted an olden aura.


    immediately after, the third, fourth, fifth¡­ many figures filled with ancient auras arrived one after another and appeared in the sky.


    among them were solemn-looking human figures, illusory spirits, golden seals, and mutated beings whose malevolence wasn¡¯t inferior to gods¡­ there were a total of 99 of them.


    ¡°immemorial heavenly dao!¡±


    the captain gazed at all of this and uttered in a low voice. at the same time, the distant sky churned again. after the 99 immemorial heavenly dao appeared, another one actually appeared.


    it was a giant baby crawling over¡­


    the giant baby emitted a whimpering sound, resembling the resounding roar of thunder echoing in all directions. tears streamed from its eyes, creating a torrential downpour, and the nasal mucus beneath its nose scattered, forming patches of illusory mud.


    however, it was a little far away and didn¡¯t seem to be able to crawl here.


    looking at the giant baby, the captain¡¯s eyes revealed an intense glint. he abruptly twisted his head and gazed at xu qing.


    xu qing also noticed the giant baby. at this moment, an unprecedented strange light appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°son?¡±


    the two uttered at the same time.

 Chapter 1105 - Chapter 1105 How Dare You Hit My Fathers!

    chapter 1105 how dare you hit my fathers!


    legend had it that the immemorial heavenly dao were formed by the victorious side in the ancient battle of immortals and gods. they were formed with supreme methods and into this world, bearing the mission of suppression and protection.


    they suppressed the brilliant heaven and concealed the taboo, transforming everything into a suitable environment for cultivation, and thereby protecting cultivators.


    each of them had a long history, had their own myths and legends, and possessed terrifying power. in that era, they transformed into laws, imparting rules to the wanggu, allowing cultivators to thrive in this world, propagate from generation to generation, until they became the masters of this realm.


    countless years later, under the protection of the immemorial heavenly dao, races appeared one after another in the wanggu continent. gradually, there were thousands of races and it was incomparably prosperous.


    every ancient sovereign who had unified wanggu was actually an existence recognized by the immemorial heavenly dao.


    in a sense, these 99 immemorial heavenly dao were the guardians of the wanggu continent.


    time would pass, dynasties would change, and the myriad races would have their ups and downs. only these 99 immemorial heavenly dao continued to exist since ancient times, witnessing the prosperity of the wanggu continent time and time again.


    of course, during this period, there were also some things that angered the heavens.


    for instance, the ancient spirit emperor, who had once unified the entire wanggu continent, had gone crazy in his later years and tried to possess the immemorial heavenly dao. hence, he attracted the descent of 99 true bodies of the immemorial heavenly dao and was suppressed.


    the entire ancient spirit dynasty collapsed and the ancient spirit race was cursed. the ancient spirit emperor also paid a heavy price.


    from this, one could see the status of the immemorial heavenly dao in the entire wanggu continent.


    it was only when the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived that everything changed. the fragmented-face was above the heavenly dao. to a certain extent, this was another confrontation between immortals and gods.


    as for the outcome¡­ although the immemorial heavenly dao were still there, they were severely suppressed and weakened. they were far weaker and the entire wanggu continent was invaded by anomalous substances.


    the fragmented-face changed everything. all living beings were like insects in front of it. only the immemorial heavenly dao were struggling, barely maintaining their mission. however, it was difficult for them to escape the fate of being invaded.


    this was also the reason why li zihua, who clearly had the ability to summon the heavenly dao, still died in battle.


    the heavenly dao had weakened.


    however, it was different today. although the 99 heavenly dao were even weaker than when li zihua summoned them back then, crimson goddess¡¯ opponent wasn¡¯t just li zihua.


    with the addition of the moon flame, the arrival of the star flame, and the appearance of the ancient spirit emperor, coupled with li zihua¡¯s combat strength, crimson goddess was facing a rare crisis.


    crimson goddess was indeed powerful and possessed terrifying abilities. she had once devoured three high gods and was also one of the rare gods in the wanggu continent who didn¡¯t hide and showed herself often.


    gods could devour each other, so most of them weren¡¯t willing to expose their tracks. for example, the master of the wicked land, the fish bone god, and the ones xu qing had seen before.


    only crimson goddess chose to ignore it to a certain extent due to her strength.


    however, she wasn¡¯t invincible; encountering multiple gods cooperating could still pose a threat to her.


    however¡­ the characteristics of the gods determined that the possibility of them joining forces was extremely slim.


    however, today, this extremely small probability appeared in front of her.


    at that moment, under the siege of two high gods, an ancient sovereign who was no longer at his peak, and a ruler in his peak state, crimson goddess was already at a disadvantage. hence, the immemorial heavenly dao that descended at this critical moment were fatal to her.


    this was especially so when¡­ the number of heavenly daos wasn¡¯t right!


    crimson goddess discovered it, li zihua discovered it, the two high gods discovered it, and the ancient spirit emperor¡¯s eyes fluctuated violently.


    he was the one who understood the immemorial heavenly dao the most. hence, he immediately sensed that there was an additional immemorial heavenly dao!


    ¡°a hundred?¡±


    the ancient spirit emperor was surprised. at the same time, on the ground of the moon palace, the hearts of the heir and the others trembled. from what they knew, there were only 99 immemorial heavenly dao from the start.


    they were very clear that it was impossible for them to remember wrongly, but now, a hundredth had appeared.


    as for the immemorial heavenly dao that appeared last, it was in the form of a baby. its skin was green and was covered in countless ancient marks. its body also had some sharp spikes, especially its hands that were like claws. one would feel a chill just by looking at it.


    however, this one clearly hadn¡¯t grown up and was climbing a little slowly. it was as though there was a mistake in its sense of direction. it couldn¡¯t accurately respond to li zihua¡¯s summoning and locate the descent like the other immemorial heavenly dao.


    it was as though this immemorial heavenly dao had been sleeping before li zihua¡¯s summoning had triggered its mission as the immemorial heavenly dao. that was why it woke up in a daze. it narrowed its eyes and crawled instinctively.


    however¡­ as it crawled, due to its lack of sense of direction, it clearly wasn¡¯t far from here a moment ago. however, at the next instant, it appeared in the spacetime further away and completely deviated from this place. moreover, it continued forward with indomitable will.


    this scene stunned the heir and the others.


    although xu qing and the captain¡¯s voices fell into their ears, very few people would associate their words with this. after all¡­ it was almost impossible for anyone to believe immediately that their son was the immemorial heavenly dao.


    at the same time, the suppression of the 99 immemorial heavenly dao that appeared first had already begun.


    one could see their figures heading straight for the abstract painting and rapidly merging into it. they suppressed crimson goddess in a way xu qing couldn¡¯t understand.


    immediately, the red color in the abstract painting collapsed and began to dim. there was also a heart-rending sound that echoed sharply.


    while they were fighting, the giant baby was leaving¡­


    ¡°son, daddy is here!¡±


    the captain and xu qing looked at the giant baby in the sky and its departing figure. their breathing was hurried and the captain couldn¡¯t help but shout.


    ¡°son, daddy is here!¡±


    as he spoke, he even pulled xu qing, indicating for him to hurry up and call out as well.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate and immediately transmitted his divine sense.


    ¡°i¡¯m here!¡±


    the instant their voices rang out, the battle in the abstract painting continued, but the giant baby in the sky suddenly stopped crawling. its eyes tried their best to open completely and its head was lifted. its ears were moving and its expression was confused.


    seeing this, the captain¡¯s eyes were filled with excitement as he shouted again. xu qing also continued to release his divine sense to call out to him.


    very soon, the confusion on the giant baby¡¯s face was replaced by a hint of surprise. it was as though it had heard and confirmed the voice and location of its family. it quickly turned its body and crawled toward xu qing and the captain.


    after confirming the location and sensing its family, the giant baby erupted with even greater strength. as the color of the sky changed and the wind blew, the giant baby appeared on the red moon star and in the sky of the moon palace.


    the instant it crawled here, it turned its head and looked at xu qing and the captain, letting out a babbling sound.


    as this sound rang out, it transformed into heavenly lightning that rumbled in all directions, causing xu qing and the captain to cough up blood.


    after that, the giant baby exerted strength in its legs and actually stood up. like a giant, it stumbled toward xu qing and the captain, as though it wanted to hug them¡­


    however, before it got close, a terrifying fluctuation erupted from its body, forming a storm that seemed to be able to destroy the world, forcing xu qing and the captain to retreat. the heir and the others were also shocked and retreated separately.


    one could imagine that once it got close, the consequences would be extremely great for everyone.


    seeing this, the captain panicked and hurriedly shouted.


    ¡°son, son, don¡¯t come over yet. there¡¯s a bad woman here. go and beat up the bad woman. the red one is the bad woman!¡±


    the giant baby stopped in its tracks and looked at xu qing and the captain. its expression was a little aggrieved and at a loss. just as it was about to continue babbling, the suppression of the 99 immemorial heavenly dao in the sky caused the heart-rending cries of crimson goddess to penetrate space and time, echoing outside the abstract painting.


    as soon as this voice rang out, the bodies of the heir and the others immediately showed signs of collapse.


    the captain¡¯s body even exploded and turned into a worm, making it difficult for him to continue forming.


    although xu qing possessed the body of a god, he still couldn¡¯t withstand the sharp sound. in the blink of an eye, half of his body turned to dust. the purple crystal continued to restore him, but the intense pain brought about by this spread through his entire body like a tide.


    when this scene fell into the giant baby¡¯s eyes, its body instantly trembled and the expression on its tiny face was replaced by extreme anger. clearly, xu qing and the captain¡¯s injuries caused the giant baby to be infuriated.


    it suddenly turned its head and stared fixedly at the red color in the vortex. a mournful babbling sound came from its mouth as it quickly crawled over. in the blink of an eye, it got close and fused into the vortex of the abstract painting.


    with its addition, crimson goddess¡¯ state became even more miserable.


    the moon flame, star flame, and the ancient spirit emperor seized this opportunity and spread out their divine origins. in a way that xu qing and the others couldn¡¯t understand, they actually caused this abstract painting to stop!


    it wasn¡¯t just the painting that was still but everything in the moon palace.


    regardless of whether it was the rules, laws, spacetime, and so on, all of them seemed to have been sealed at this instant.


    it was the same for xu qing and the others¡¯ figures and lives. everything on the red moon star froze.


    after losing the concept of time, it was impossible to describe how much time possessed passed. it could be an instant or a lifetime. in short, at the next moment, a crack emerged on the abstract painting in the sky.


    the crack became the only moving object. it spread out and rapidly emerged in the whole painting like a tree branch.


    if one took a closer look, they would see that these cracks¡­ were all above red.


    the red color was shattering!


    finally, the painting collapsed silently. all the redness inside¡­ turned into nothingness in the blink of an eye!


    a sturdy sense of sorrow spread in the moon palace and the red moon star. it churned in the whole moon worship region and even spread further, causing the hidden divine creatures and gods to sense it.


    that was caused by the decline of a god!


    a god possessed fallen.


    the greatest sorrow wasn¡¯t in the red moon star but in the land of the wicked. the instant the god died, innumerable wails rang out from the land of the wicked in an unknown place.


    the land of the wicked trembled and the souls were in chaos. the cries of sorrow turned into a storm that would howl eternally.

 Chapter 1106 - Chapter 1106 Transaction in Spacetime

    chapter 1106 transaction in spacetime


    in the sky of the moon palace, the moment the red light shattered and the god fell, the abstract painting didn¡¯t dissipate!


    it still continued to exist.


    moreover, from this stillness, it suddenly rotated. although the red moon star also trembled intensely the instant the god fell, xu qing could clearly sense through his red moon authority¡­


    the source was still there!


    crimson goddess, who had the authority of the red moon like him, didn¡¯t disappear!


    this scene caused xu qing¡¯s mind to stir. at this moment, the captain barely formed a head. looking at this, he couldn¡¯t help but take a deep breath and speak rapidly.


    ¡°the one who died wasn¡¯t that old hag crimson goddess but the master of the land of the wicked who was devoured by her!¡±


    ¡°at the last moment, this old woman gave up on devouring the master of the land of the wicked and sent it out to withstand the calamity of certain death in her place!¡±


    almost at the instant the captain¡¯s voice rang out, a deep voice echoed in the abstract scene in the sky.


    ¡°li zihua, do you think i don¡¯t know that the moment you became a god back then, you glimpsed into the future¡­ and i have always been in the position of a god!¡±


    ¡°i foresaw a calamity in this life, so in order to overcome it, i devoured other gods to strengthen myself.¡±


    as the voice rang out, the entire moon palace instantly turned red. endless red light spread out from the painting and spread throughout the entire world, enveloping xu qing and the others.


    their blood couldn¡¯t be controlled at this moment. the surroundings instantly distorted and the blurry intent became everything.


    endless anomalous substances erupted here.


    the gray color in the painting rapidly dissipated, the pink color was dimming, and the eyeballs of the ancient spiritual emperor would occasionally collapse.


    also, the heavenly dao that li zihua summoned began to hide.


    if it was before the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived, with li zihua¡¯s ability, the might of the heavenly dao would be even greater and he could use them many times.


    but now¡­ one move was already the limit of what the heavenly dao could display. their mission was to protect wanggu, and they were in a weakened state, barely struggling against the god¡¯s fragmented-face.


    at this moment, their mission determined that they wouldn¡¯t continue, so they gradually disappeared.


    as for xu qing and the captain¡¯s son, although it was roaring, it was still very weak after all and hadn¡¯t grown up. at this moment, it slowly closed its eyes and disappeared.


    immediately after, a huge blood-colored tentacle appeared from the abstract painting in the sky and headed straight for the ground, piercing into it amidst rumbling sounds.


    this tentacle was covered in bloody feathers that emitted the might of a god.


    after that, a second tentacle appeared, followed by a third and a fourth. in the blink of an eye, over a hundred tentacles pierced into the ground, saturating the world with an intense blood-red color.


    an awakening force erupted from the painting as well as from the red moon.


    the red moon star shook violently and cracks appeared on the ground. as the red light flickered, tentacles covered in bloody feathers stretched out from these cracks!


    as the number of cracks increased, the number of tentacles also increased.


    in the end, from afar, the entire red moon star seemed to have become a sphere of hair.


    those tentacles were like hair, constantly swaying, creating a terrifyingly bizarre scene.


    it was as though an even more terrifying existence was awakening in the red moon star. the aura it emitted spread throughout the star and the moon worship region.


    that was¡­ the aura of crimson goddess!


    the one fighting against li zihua and the others was crimson goddess. the existence in the red moon star was also crimson goddess.


    at that moment, as the red moon star trembled and a large number of cracks appeared, this star underwent astonishing changes. wherever its aura passed, the soil on the ground would turn into flesh and blood.


    shortly after, this star¡­ completely transformed into a lump of bloody flesh that was also like a head.


    its facial features grew out, and it looked exactly like crimson goddess. however, the eye sockets were hollow, devoid of eyeballs.


    at the center of its brows, the location of the moon palace emerged, and beneath it, within the moon palace, the abstract painting on the sky collapsed extensively. an identical fleshy head sank down from the painting.


    surrounding it were the retreating moon flame high god and star flame high god. their expressions were solemn. among them, moon flame high god arrived at the captain¡¯s side in a single step. her majestic body emitted a terrifying pressure and her divine sense spread.


    ¡°can you replay the scene of summoning father?¡±


    as she spoke, her gaze landed on xu qing. she then lifted her hand and grabbed.


    however, in the blink of an eye, a piece of pink mud appeared in front of the moon flame high god, stopping her from grabbing.


    after that, the figure of the star flame appeared in front of xu qing. there was a smile on her peerlessly beautiful face but her eyes were cold as she looked at moon flame.


    ¡°sister, he¡¯s mine.¡±


    the moon flame high god¡¯s eyes were also cold as she looked at the star flame.


    ¡°crimson goddess is already close to breaking through the high god stage. her divine fire is extremely exuberant and she¡¯s half a step away from raising her divine platform. if we don¡¯t have any other methods today, this battle will be meaningless.¡±


    the captain, who had just formed his head, narrowed his eyes when he saw this scene. his gaze flickered with madness as he looked at xu qing.


    ¡°junior brother, do you remember fenghai county?¡±


    xu qing lifted his head and stared in the direction the heavenly dao giant baby had disappeared in.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, the fenghai county you¡¯re talking about is the fenghai county of the purple green kingdom, right?¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s right. the county governor of the purple green kingdom¡¯s fenghai county was called bai xiaozhuo.¡± the madness in the captain¡¯s eyes intensified.


    ¡°junior brother, do you blame eldest senior brother for dragging you to the moon worship region this time? after all, from the looks of it now, the possibility of us failing is very high. although i¡¯ve prepared a lot, it still doesn¡¯t seem to be enough.¡±


    xu qing turned his head and met the captain¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°back then, bai xiaozhuo used a sacrificial method to make the fragmented-face open its eyes¡­¡±


    the captain smiled when he heard this. he stared at xu qing and spoke softly.


    ¡°junior brother, do you blame eldest senior brother for dragging you to the moon worship region this time? after all, from the looks of it now, the possibility of us failing is very high. although i¡¯ve prepared a lot, it still doesn¡¯t seem to be enough.¡±


    xu qing shook his head.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, when have there never been any accidents in the big things you brought me to do?¡±


    if there wasn¡¯t any accident, he wouldn¡¯t be the captain. from the first time xu qing and the captain did something big, xu qing knew that the captain was crazy. every time he did something big, they would have to risk their lives.


    when the captain heard xu qing¡¯s words, he laughed and the madness in his eyes intensified.


    ¡°but this time, there won¡¯t be any accidents!¡±


    ¡°yes, junior brother, you asked me before if i deliberately suppressed my cultivation to avoid breaking through, all for the sake of entering the divine son¡¯s nascent soul time period, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s right. my plan was to enter the time node of the divine son¡¯s nascent soul realm and make a deal with li zihua, who was still a god at that time!¡±


    ¡°after that, before we stepped onto the red moon, i arranged a crazy plan for the fourth hall master and the others.¡±


    at the same time, rumbling sounds rang out in the sky again. the figure of the ancient spirit emperor also retreated at this moment. a black hole appeared behind him, as though he was about to leave.


    only li zihua didn¡¯t retreat. he silently looked at crimson goddess¡¯ head in front of him. an aura of destruction rose from his body and flames erupted.


    he burned his cultivation and everything else as he walked toward crimson goddess.


    ¡°li zihua, you chose profound earth and gave up on the path of gods to become a cultivator, so you have a weakness and a flaw¡­ you have become old.¡±


    ¡°you couldn¡¯t stop me back then, so how can you stop me today?!¡±


    crimson goddess¡¯ bloody head suddenly split open from the middle, emitting a buzzing sound that was like the sound of all living beings. her body swayed and instantly overlapped with li zihua¡¯s, starting to devour him.


    li zihua¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. his entire body was surrounded by flames and he let crimson goddess devour him. only his eyes revealed a hint of gentleness at this instant.


    ¡°back then, when i left brilliant heaven, the ancestral god told me that you were more suitable to ignite the divine fire than me.¡±


    when crimson goddess heard this, she was about to speak. however, at this moment, her divine sense suddenly moved and she looked at the moon worship region for the first time. to her, the moon worship region was only food, so she had never looked at it since the battle began.


    however, at that moment, she sensed something. the moment her divine sense swept over, her emotions clearly fluctuated.


    at the same time, the figure of the ancient spirit emperor, who was about to escape, also paused and suddenly looked at the moon worship region.


    moon flame and star flame also looked over in unison.


    in this moon worship region that wasn¡¯t valued by these gods, a shocking change was happening!


    the fourth hall master, second hall master, and those nihility subordinates didn¡¯t follow the heir and the others onto the red moon. they were left on the ground.


    the moment xu qing and the others landed on the red moon star, the fourth hall master and the others had started their mission.


    they sealed the cultivation base of all the cultivators of the red moon shrine and gathered them at seven locations.


    among them, the headquarters on the repentance plain had the most people.


    the other six locations were the branches dispersed in the moon worship region.


    as the red moon shrine collapsed, the divine son died, and the red moon shrine¡¯s cultivators were suppressed, the number of red moon cultivators imprisoned in these seven locations was extremely high.


    even more imprisoned were those who were affiliated with the red moon shrine.


    the experts among these cultivators had their cultivation bases suppressed and were imprisoned in these seven locations.


    in terms of numbers, it might still be inferior to bai xiaozhuo sacrificing all living beings of an whole county back then.


    even when their cultivation bases and quality were compared, it was still inferior to all living beings in bai xiaozhuo¡¯s county back then.


    however, it didn¡¯t matter¡­ in the past, crown prince purple green¡¯s death alone caused the god¡¯s fragmented-face to open its eyes for him. hence, although the number of sacrifices was important, the person presiding over this offering was even more important.


    at that moment, as the hearts of the red moon cultivators in the whole moon worship region trembled, the place where the ruler had once stood on the repentance plain was now empty.


    in this empty space, a beam of white light erupted.


    this light arrived from nothingness, from spacetime, and from the past.


    its appearance instantly transformed into a vast figure.


    this figure¡¯s appearance was none other than li zihua. however, unlike li zihua in the moon palace who had been devoured by crimson goddess, li zihua, who had emerged here, had divine fire burning on his body.


    he arrived from the past, from the time node of the divine son¡¯s nascent soul!


    it was the captain who had located him and lured him over, but it didn¡¯t look like he would last for long.


    the moment he appeared, li zihua coldly raised his head and glanced at the red moon star. after that, his gaze landed even higher, looking at the god¡¯s fragmented-face.


    ¡°i, the descendant of the brilliant heaven, am the first person to become a god since the immortals descended.¡±


    his voice morphed into heavenly lightning that shook the whole world!

 Chapter 1107 - Chapter 1107 Nursery Rhyme of Time

    chapter 1107 nursery rhyme of time


    li zihua¡¯s voice echoed in the moon worship region, causing void to rumble and lightning to flash.


    however, the fragmented-face was indifferent. although it was facing here now, it didn¡¯t open its eyes.


    mournful wails rang out from the seven locations where the red moon shrine cultivators were gathered.


    li zihua¡¯s voice was filled with the intent of extermination. in an instant, the bodies of these red moon cultivators and the forces they were attached to began to tremble.


    their skins split open on their own, revealing their flesh. at this moment, their flesh trembled and fell off their bones one by one, piling up into a small mountain on the ground.


    the last to fall were their heads that had lost their flesh and blood.


    there were such small mountains in all of the seven locations.


    the small flesh mountains then combined to form large flesh mountains.


    there were a total of seven of them. the smell of blood even materialized and rose into the air like smoke, like tears from the sky.


    the fragmented-face of the god in the sky was still indifferent.


    this lasted until¡­ li zihua¡¯s body began to tear.


    the current him was a god.


    his tearing caused the sky and earth to change color and the wind to surge. as his flesh fell, the eighth fleshy mountain rose from the ground.


    it rose higher and higher.


    countless pieces of flesh piled up into a supreme mountain peak.


    its height was actually the same as the red moon star. in the end¡­ li zihua¡¯s head also floated to the top of the mountain after losing all its flesh and blood.


    from the start to the end, his expression was cold and emotionless. the moment his head came into contact with the mountain of flesh, his empty eye sockets looked at the sky.


    at this moment, the fragmented-face of the god in the sky slowly¡­ opened its eyes!


    different from the scene that appeared in xu qing¡¯s purple crystal, this time, the god¡¯s fragmented-face truly opened its eyes. as it opened its eyes, calmness appeared in its golden pupils.


    as its gaze landed, the moon worship region distorted and became blurry.


    the blood rain landed on li zihua¡¯s mountain of flesh. the calamity had descended on the repentance plain and this place¡­ was changing.


    this change was irreversible.


    the anomalous substances that surpassed all gods rose on the repentance plain, changing the earth, everyone, and everything here.


    the entire repentance plain was becoming a new forbidden zone. some strange life forms were born inside.


    that mountain of flesh was also rapidly becoming the master of the forbidden zone. it had a new life and a new consciousness.


    at that moment, all the living beings in the wanggu continent trembled. no matter where they were, they could see the god¡¯s fragmented-face and the act of opening its eyes.


    countless negative emotions such as fear, horror, and panic erupted in the wanggu continent.


    there were also blurry shadows of the heavenly dao appearing in the sky of the wanggu continent, as though they wanted to resist and stop it.


    however, it was useless. they could only let out soundless wails, and some of them were dying.


    these were the 100,000 heavenly dao of the wanggu continent.


    they were different from the 99 immemorial heavenly dao. every time the fragmented-face opened its eyes, it was a destruction to these heavenly dao.


    red moon star was also affected.


    it was in the sky above the repentance plain and within sight of the god¡¯s fragmented-face.


    at that moment, it was trembling unprecedentedly. the scene that happened when xu qing¡¯s purple crystal summoned the fragmented-face¡¯s gaze reappeared at this moment.


    the first place the god¡¯s gaze saw would become a forbidden zone.


    the second time would turn it into a forbidden region.


    the third time would make it a divine realm.


    as for the fourth time¡­ it was called the divine world!


    the red moon began to beat. on a timeline, it flickered disorderly. immediately after, countless red moon stars appeared in countless spacetime.


    they intertwined and overlapped with each other. after these countless actions, a scene that xu qing didn¡¯t see clearly back then appeared!


    in the depths of these countless red moon stars, a haziness appeared. this haziness rapidly expanded and finally covered an endless range, enveloping the countless red moon stars.


    it transformed into an incomparably vast face!


    the appearance of this face was none other than that of crimson goddess. as for the countless red moon stars that formed this face, every time they intersected and overlapped, they would form the microexpression of this face.


    these microexpressions made this face seem alive and lifelike!


    it was as though every expression on this face represented the rotation of a thought, and with it, a space-time based on this thought would appear.


    this was the reason why the red moon star appeared in many spacetimes.


    different thoughts caused more and more spacetime to appear.


    just like choices, it seemed that to this face, every time it made a choice, a different time and space would appear. according to this choice, a new world would evolve.


    this was the divine world.


    at this moment, the repentance plain became a forbidden zone, while the red moon star on it transformed into a divine world!


    at this moment, the eye of the god¡¯s fragmented-face slowly closed.


    on the red moon star, crimson goddess was trembling. li zihua, who was being devoured by her, still had a gentle expression. he stared at the pained crimson goddess and waved his hand.


    at the next instant, xu qing, the captain, the heir, and the others instantly disappeared from the red moon star. when they reappeared, they were already outside the repentance plain in the moon worship region.


    almost at the instant they left, the agonizing cries of crimson goddess turned into a storm that swept in all directions, even destroying the moon palace.


    crimson goddess¡¯ body collapsed!


    the face of the divine world also altered rapidly. it was no longer crimson goddess but had lost its facial features, turning into a blank face.


    the red moon star was transformed into a divine world by the god¡¯s fragmented-face. however, crimson goddess clearly couldn¡¯t support this change. it was like if a great tonic exceeded a certain range, it would become highly toxic.


    too much was as bad as not enough!


    therefore, she was collapsing, she was breaking into pieces, she was dying, and she was screaming.


    as for the red moon star, it was disappearing!


    at this moment, the eyes of the ancient spirit emperor, who was still in the moon palace, revealed covetousness as he rushed over crazily. his body transformed into countless eyeballs, and a ghastly mouth appeared in each of them, ruthlessly devouring the collapsing crimson goddess.


    at the next instant, blood-curdling screeches rang out as a large number of eyeballs collapsed. however, there was still a portion of them that quickly hid after biting crimson goddess¡¯ flesh and blood, disappearing from the moon palace.


    overall, the flesh swallowed by the ancient spirit emperor accounted for 10% of crimson goddess¡¯ body.


    it wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to continue, but he couldn¡¯t do it anymore.


    at the same time, moon flame and star flame couldn¡¯t care less. they instantly got close and tore apart crimson goddess¡¯ flesh, taking away about 10% each. they wanted to continue, but the disappearing red moon star brought them a huge crisis.


    what really made them decide that they couldn¡¯t continue was li zihua¡¯s weak voice.


    ¡°you can¡¯t be greedy.¡±


    moon flame and star flame¡¯s eyes flashed. they didn¡¯t hesitate and instantly disappeared.


    the instant they left, the red moon star completely blurred and faded in the sky. it was as though it had been erased and dissipated into the sky.


    the moment the red moon star dissipated, outside the moon worship region¡¯s repentance plain, the captain who had been sent out by li zihua suddenly trembled and collapsed.


    after that, his body parts quickly gathered together again. his eyes were filled with excitement as they blinked rapidly at xu qing, who had a solemn expression on his face.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze swept over and he immediately understood that the captain was transmitting the number three to him.


    however, he understood that now wasn¡¯t the time to ask. in the sky, the red moon star had disappeared. not only did it disappear from the moon worship region, but it also disappeared from the wanggu continent.


    from now on, the moons of the wanggu continent would be one less.


    ¡°it¡¯s still here¡­¡± xu qing lifted his head and looked at the sky.


    he possessed a portion of the red moon¡¯s authority, so even though others couldn¡¯t sense it, xu qing could vaguely sense the red moon that had become a divine world, in a place very far away from the wanggu continent.


    outside the wanggu continent, in the depths of the starry sky, in the endless void¡­


    there were countless vortices of varying sizes. their colors were different and they were all resplendent as they slowly rotated.


    no one knew what this place was and almost no cultivators had stepped foot here.


    at that moment, among the countless vortices, another one silently appeared.


    compared to the other vortices, it was tiny and red.


    in this vortex was a blank face formed by countless spacetime and red moon stars. between the brows of this face was a spacetime, and the red moon star inside burned with golden flames.


    this was divine fire. it didn¡¯t come from crimson goddess or li zihua. from its aura, this fire belonged to the red moon¡¯s divine son, who was also the fourth prince who had died.


    there was something else in the flames, and it was the core of this divine fire.


    it was an eyeball.


    it was the eye xu qing had seen in the divine son¡¯s secret repository.


    it was¡­ the left eye of crimson goddess.


    at that moment, in the pupil of this eye, the figure of crimson goddess slowly appeared. it grew larger and larger and finally occupied all of the eyeball, growing flesh outside it.


    her once empty eyes now had an eyeball in her left eye socket.


    flesh and blood piled up until crimson goddess¡¯ body was completely formed.


    crimson goddess opened her eyes.


    her once empty eyes now had an eyeball in her left eye socket.


    a vast might erupted from her body, spreading through this spacetime and affecting the other spacetimes in an attempt to change everything.


    however, at the next instant, a blood-curdling scream rang out from her mouth!


    ¡°li zihua¡­¡±


    crimson goddess¡¯ voice was bitter. the moment she spoke, li zihua¡¯s figure materialized in her left eye. he quickly occupied the eyeball and also spread to crimson goddess¡¯ body.


    crimson goddess quaked and wanted to resist, but it was useless. her appearance gradually changed. her body altered from a woman to a man until finally, she looked like li zihua.


    during this process, crimson goddess¡¯ voice became increasingly bitter, echoing in the moon palace.


    ¡°so this was your plan¡­¡±


    ¡°you knew about my arrangements long ago, so you sacrificed your fourth prince.¡±


    ¡°li zihua, it¡¯s not that you don¡¯t want to become a god, but you¡¯re unwilling to bear the great karma after becoming a god. so, although you cut off my mortal form, you didn¡¯t really kill me and pushed me to become a god. after i endured the great karma, you revived on me.¡±


    crimson goddess¡¯ voice became weaker and weaker. in the end, after she transformed into li zihua¡¯s appearance, she shut her eyes and her voice turned into lingering sounds. there was unwillingness, resentment, and confusion. in the end, she sighed.


    ¡°brother, i¡¯ll fulfill your wish¡­¡±


    crimson goddess had fallen.


    after a long time, his eyes slowly opened.


    li zihua returned.


    ¡°fourth sister, the path of brilliant heaven is wrong¡­ the path of profound earth is also wrong.¡±


    ¡°immortals and gods can actually¡­ fuse.¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s why i said that the mission still remains.¡±


    li zihua mumbled softly and looked in the direction of the wanggu continent. after a long time, he raised his hand and grabbed. the red moon divine world shrunk in front of him and finally transformed into an eyeball. he held it in his hand and pressed it into his right eye.


    after that, he turned and calmly strolled into the depths of the void.


    he moved further and further away.


    only the sound of a nursery rhyme came out of his mouth, carrying an inexplicable melody that resounded in the void.


    ¡°once upon a time, there was a big doll, followed by a row of little dolls. ten dolls, six, seven, eight, with red eyes and gray hair. silent all day long, the older children saw and shouted, ¡®kids, don¡¯t fear¡­¡±


    ¡°until one day suddenly, the big doll got sick, the second doll looked, the third doll bought medicine, the fifth doll boiled, the sixth doll died, the seventh doll laughed, the eighth doll dug a hole, the ninth doll jumped, the tenth doll¡¯s tears fell on the ground. i went to ask him why he was crying¡­¡±


    ¡°the fourth doll is lost and won¡¯t come back!¡±


    in this nursery rhyme, the fourth doll mentioned might not be just referring to the fourth prince, but also the ruler¡¯s fourth sister¡­

 Chapter 1108 - Chapter 1108 Moon Offering

    chapter 1108 moon offering


    the change in the moon worship started from the battle between crimson goddess and li zihua after she became a god.


    perhaps the war between them hadn¡¯t ended as the world thought.


    perhaps this huge battle had shuttled through time and space since ancient times and had been carried out in a way that the world couldn¡¯t understand.


    it spanned across countless years¡­


    only now did this battle come to an end.


    the haze that had enveloped this large region for countless years also dissipated with the disappearance of the red moon star.


    as for where the red moon went?


    did crimson goddess really die?


    would li zihua appear again¡­


    no one knew the answer, whether it be the outsiders, or the people who participated in this battle.


    to the current living beings in the moon worship region, the only thing they could be sure of was that this battle would become a legend that would be passed down by them generation after generation.


    one could imagine that countless years later, the myriad races that were born in this large region would see traces of this battle in ancient records. they would learn that in the distant ages, the region they inhabited was once dominated by a curse.


    they would also understand that this curse had been broken after the legendary battle ended.


    if one day, the descendants who lived in this region were qualified to step into spacetime and return to this day, they would definitely be able to sense the changes in the entire moon worship region after the red moon disappeared.


    everything began to revive.


    hope had descended.


    in the long river of sacrificial yin that surrounded the region, the river water changed from red to clear. the bones that had been buried for countless years inside turned into silt and stopped churning.


    without the red moon curse in the bloodline of all living beings, they no longer needed curse-resolving pills or curse subduing pills. their footsteps were no longer restricted to this large region.


    freedom was returned to the living beings of the moon worship.


    however, having endured the torment of countless epochs and borne the weight of despair, those who stood at the intersection of the old and the new era found it challenging to dispel the weariness that lingered in their bodies and minds, even amid the cheers and excitement.


    they were very tired.


    moon worship also needed to recuperate.


    hence, the heir walked out. with his status, he had to complete his duty and mission at this moment.


    his cultivation was enough to bear the responsibility.


    under everyone¡¯s expectations, the heir took over his father¡¯s former authority and became the lord of the moon worship.


    the heir had chosen the location of the new moon worship palace in the bitter life mountain range. from now on, he would preside over this place and protect this region.


    in the depths of the moon worship palace, there was an ordinary apothecary.


    there was no need to define this place. it would be connected to the legend because this apothecary was a part of the legend and also the beginning of the legend.


    the owner of the apothecary wasn¡¯t the heir but a person named xu qing.


    as for the ownership of the entire moon worship region, the heir ultimately didn¡¯t choose to return it to the human race but instead declared it as an independent entity.


    moon worship¡¯s name didn¡¯t change either.


    however, its meaning was completely different.


    it was no longer worshiping but offering.


    offer the red moon!


    this was a choice between the heir and his siblings and also the choice of all living beings in the moon offering region. princess mingmei also had her own responsibilities.


    she went to the northern icy plains, which was originally her fiefdom.


    in the north, princess mingmei established an academic institution called the beiming palace. in the coming years, she would educate all living beings and offer everything she had to her people.


    the fifth princess also had a mission.


    she used her ability to repair the moon rebel mirror. after it was pieced together again, it rose high and floated in the sky of the moon offering region.


    it became the sun.


    as for herself, she chose to enter the moon rebel mirror and meditate there forever, releasing her authority and light, allowing the moon offering region to have sunlight from now on. all things were nourished and their vitality was flourishing.


    the cultivators in the moon rebel hall regained their freedom and could choose their own paths. a portion of them chose to remove their connection with the moon rebel hall and return to their respective races to work hard for recovery.


    there was also a portion who were willing to stay in the moon rebel mirror and use their unlimited lives to become the sun¡¯s guards.


    the last part followed the heir to protect this home with him.


    old eighth¡¯s choice was different from his siblings. his personality wasn¡¯t suitable for him to exist in a place for a long time. his previous imprisonment allowed him to make his own judgment about the changes in the outside world over the countless years.


    hence, he chose to wander around in the human world and left the moon offering region. he wanted to take a good look at this familiar and unfamiliar wanggu continent.


    as for old ninth¡­ as the strongest among all his siblings, he walked into the repentance plain and walked to the side of the mountain of flesh formed by his father¡¯s flesh and blood.


    in front of the lord of the forbidden zone, old ninth sat down cross-legged and didn¡¯t move at all.


    his divine sense covered the entire forbidden zone and also the moon offering region. he was cultivating and searching for his father¡¯s previous path.


    the matter in the moon offering region came to an end.


    as for the gains from the battle with crimson goddess, the people who participated in that battle made different gains and wouldn¡¯t tell others.


    however, everyone was very satisfied with what they gained.


    the ancient spirit emperor didn¡¯t look for xu qing again. clearly, he felt that he had gained a lot.


    moon flame and star flame didn¡¯t appear again. they definitely thought that their gains weren¡¯t small.


    the heir and the others didn¡¯t say anything about this. however, looking at the results, they might have received something else from their father.


    as for xu qing and the captain¡­ on the surface, they were the ones who gained the least, obtaining only crimson goddess¡¯ clone, zhang siyun.


    in order to obtain this benefit, they had paid a lot. regardless of whether it was the effect of xu qing¡¯s authority over the red moon, the captain¡¯s many preparations in his previous life, or the suns of dawn.


    all of this made this benefit seem in line with their cultivation allocations, but in terms of value, it appeared somewhat forced.


    hence, the captain found the heir and the others many times and put on a bitter expression. he even didn¡¯t hesitate to summon the moon flame high god, wanting an explanation. he even asked xu qing to talk with the ancient spirit emperor and the clay fox.


    he looked like someone whose salary had been with the landlord had defaulted on his salary.


    however, the moon flame high god ignored him and the ancient spirit emperor didn¡¯t respond at all.


    as for the clay fox, xu qing gave up on communicating after some thought.


    only the heir and the others looked at the captain meaningfully, as though they knew what he had really gained.


    if it was anyone else, they would probably feel a little awkward.


    however, the captain didn¡¯t. he still asked for an explanation. in the end, he put on a resentful expression and left with a sigh.


    when they arrived at a place with no one around, the captain quickly took out the remaining two pieces of the sun of dawn. he even got xu qing to take out the remaining one he had.


    after that, he was still worried and spat out large mouthfuls of blood, sealing the surroundings and making xu qing unleash the authority of the red moon.


    although the red moon had disappeared, xu qing¡¯s authority¡­ was still there!


    moreover, it was a little different from the past. as for the details, xu qing still needed to study it in detail before he could understand it.


    however, no matter what, with the joint efforts of the two of them, there was finally an area where they could talk about the spoils.


    ¡°little qing, have you learned? we want outsiders to think we have gained very little, so they won¡¯t be envious. although gods are omniscient and omnipotent, when it involves beings at the stage of crimson goddess and li zihua, this omniscience and omnipotence will be suppressed.¡±


    ¡°therefore, we have to complain and express that we¡¯ve suffered a huge loss!¡±


    the captain was radiant with joy and his face was filled with excitement.


    xu qing immediately nodded. he naturally knew the captain¡¯s intentions. in reality, although he didn¡¯t know the specifics of the captain¡¯s gains this time, he had already made a rough judgment when he saw the captain blinking three times before.


    ¡°little qing, we have struck it rich!!¡± the captain¡¯s voice was trembling and his breathing was hurried. after saying this, he instinctively gazed around and lowered his voice.


    ¡°this time, our benefits aren¡¯t just crimson goddess¡¯ clone, zhang siyun. there¡¯s also this!¡±


    as the captain spoke, he lifted his right hand and spread it out in front of xu qing, revealing three fingernails inside¡­


    ¡°little qing, do you comprehend what these are? these are the fingernails of crimson goddess. anything that belongs to her are supreme treasures. it¡¯s much better than the fishbone weapons the elder man gave us. they can¡¯t be compared at all.¡±


    the captain was excited.


    ¡°when we return, the old man will drool when he sees our harvest. haha.¡±


    amidst the captain¡¯s smugness, his small eyes quickly glanced at xu qing.


    xu qing was expressionless. he glanced at the three small fingernails in the captain¡¯s hand and then lifted his head. his eyes were calm and he did not say a word.


    the captain blinked and coughed.


    ¡°little qing, do you comprehend what the greatest joy in life is? it¡¯s satisfaction. you have to learn from me on this point. i¡¯m a person who¡¯s especially easy to satisfy.¡±


    ¡°think about it. crimson goddess is a high god. we successfully resolved the threat crimson goddess posed to us this time. this is our greatest harvest. there¡¯s additionally her clone. this harvest is also greater. the most important thing is these three large fingernails.¡±


    ¡°this is a treasure. however, little qing, you¡¯re my junior brother and i have to take care of you, so i¡¯ll give you two. one is enough for me.¡±


    the captain gazed incomparably generous and gave xu qing two small fingernails. after that, he turned and was about to leave.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was extremely calm from the start to the end. he took the two small fingernails and kept them. after that, he took out a bamboo slip and began to carve.


    when the captain saw this scene, his heart skipped a beat and he hurriedly arrived beside xu qing. his gaze landed on the bamboo slip and he saw xu qing carving his name¡­


    hence, he blinked and coughed.


    ¡°junior brother, eldest senior brother is joking with you. haha, quickly placed this bamboo slip away¡­ there¡¯s no need, there¡¯s no need.¡±


    at this point, the captain¡¯s expression turned solemn and he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°how can our true gains be these three fingernails? it¡¯s¡­¡±


    the captain lifted his right hand and spread it out again.


    three bubbles appeared in his palm. each of them contained a finger that had formed from the fusion of feathers and flesh. drenched in blood, they were vivid and eye-catching, exuding a powerful divine force.

 Chapter 1109 - Chapter 1109 Brothers Displaying Their Skills

    chapter 1109 brothers displaying their skills


    xu qing looked at the fingers in the three bubbles and then lifted his head to look at the captain.


    the captain looked sincere.


    ¡°little qing, how is it? our gains this time are good, right? haha.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t speak. the cultivation base in his body instantly circulated and his aura erupted. a secret repository appeared behind him, causing the wind and clouds to surge and the surroundings to tremble.


    his eyes instantly turned pitch-black. as the poison restriction spread out, the sun and moon rose and fell in the secret repository. the mosasaur heavenly dao roared inside, forming a sea of heat.


    the furnace was burning.


    in an instant, invisible nomological threads spread out from the secret repository and lingered around xu qing.


    these were the laws and rules of his secret repository world. as they spread out, they enveloped the place he was at, forming a battlefield that belonged to him.


    xu qing¡¯s body emitted the intent of the heavenly dao.


    this wasn¡¯t the end. anomalous substances also grew in the surroundings at this moment. that was the aura of the poison restriction, rapidly transforming this place.


    when the captain saw this, he felt a little timid but on the surface, he glared.


    ¡°little qing, you don¡¯t believe your senior brother?¡±


    as he spoke, the captain¡¯s cultivation base also erupted and a secret repository rose behind him.


    his secret repository was different from xu qing¡¯s. it didn¡¯t contain a world but was pitch-black like hell. there were also intimidating roars echoing inside, forming the power of laws that belonged to him that spread in all directions, engaging in intangible confrontation with xu qing¡¯s laws.


    ¡°little qing, looks like i have to establish my dignity as the eldest senior brother.¡± the captain waved his hand, and blue light flashed in his eyes.


    xu qing¡¯s outburst continued. the purple moon in the secret repository shone and slowly rose. the purple moon hung high in this area and as its light spread, it wasn¡¯t usual beams of light but rather¡­ strands of purple worms.


    these worms blotted out the sky and covered the earth. sometimes, they revealed their true forms, and sometimes, they transformed into moonlight.


    when they landed on the captain¡¯s body, the captain¡¯s heart trembled. his blue light was being scattered by the purple light. however, when he thought of how he was the eldest senior brother, the captain instantly gained new motivation. faces appeared in his eyes, and the eyes of those faces reflected more faces.


    layer after layer, all emitting blue light, causing his entire body to shine brightly. simultaneously, his figure underwent transformations, giving rise to blue worms, each of them showing a keen desire in their eyes as they wriggled.


    ¡°little qing, it¡¯s been a long time since the two of us fought. the last time was on the forbidden sea. come, come, come. whoever loses this time will¡­¡±


    just as the captain said this, monstrous thunder rang out from xu qing¡¯s body. as purple light erupted, he lifted his right hand and pointed at the sky.


    the direction he pointed in was none other than the god¡¯s fragmented-face.


    this scene was similar to the action and aura he had used to summon the fragmented-face in the purple crystal in the moon palace. it was as though he was really going to summon it again.


    although there was no longer the fragmented-face image in his purple crystal¡­


    however, the captain was clearly uncertain. at that moment, the captain¡¯s eyelids trembled and his heart trembled violently. he swallowed the words he wanted to say. after blinking, the captain laughed.


    ¡°junior brother, don¡¯t be rash. eldest senior brother remembered wrongly, cough cough.¡±


    as he spoke, the captain quickly lifted his hand and took out three more bloody feathers.


    ¡°it¡¯s six fingers, not three.¡±


    the purple light on xu qing¡¯s body grew even denser.


    the captain¡¯s heart raced and he felt even less confident. hence, his expression was solemn as he took out three more feathers from his storage bag.


    ¡°cough, forget it, forget it. little qing, that¡¯s really all.¡±


    the captain sighed and retracted all his cultivation as he looked at xu qing helplessly.


    the aura on xu qing¡¯s body slowly dissipated until purple moon returned to the secret repository. the secret repository then faded and everything in the surroundings returned to normal.


    seeing this, the captain relaxed and looked smug. he thought to himself, ¡®little qing, oh little qing, you¡¯re still too inexperienced.¡¯


    although this was what he thought in his heart, on the surface, the captain looked helpless as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°little qing, take 70% of these. eldest senior brother was wrong. he shouldn¡¯t have been greedy.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t speak. he silently looked at the captain. after some thought, his gaze gradually changed, revealing a hint of unfamiliarity. there was also a hint of loneliness on him at this moment.


    his gaze and expression caused the captain¡¯s heart to clench.


    ¡°eldest senior brother¡­¡± xu qing said softly. this was the first thing he said from the start to the end.


    when the captain heard this, his body trembled.


    ¡°i don¡¯t want them anymore, eldest senior brother,¡± xu qing mumbled.


    ¡°you can take them all.¡±


    ¡°i miss fenghai county. i¡¯ll go back first.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s voice was a little hoarse. after he finished speaking, he turned and walked into the distance. a lonely sensation spread from his body, giving off a sense of bleakness.


    the captain couldn¡¯t tell that this scene was somewhat similar to the move he had used on xu qing in the past¡­


    at that moment, he looked at xu qing¡¯s back view and intense waves rose in his heart. he also felt endless guilt. he felt that he had indeed gone too far. he could be greedy to anyone but why did he have to do this to his junior brother?


    although this was an instinctive reaction of his personality, when he saw xu qing¡¯s current appearance, the captain stomped his feet fiercely and hurriedly shouted.


    ¡°junior brother, eldest senior brother was wrong.¡±


    as he spoke, the captain raised his hand and waved it. immediately, a mountain formed by bloody feathers landed on the ground.


    a terrifying divine might rose from within. compared to the six small feathers that the captain had taken out previously, this mountain was extremely vast and was enough to shock people.


    ¡°30%. this is 30% of crimson goddess¡¯ body. it¡¯s all here. as usual, we¡¯ll each take half!¡±


    the captain threw caution to the wind and spoke loudly.


    xu qing stopped in his tracks and adjusted his expression. he slowly turned around and looked at his eldest senior brother. his gaze was sincere and touched as he spoke softly.


    ¡°eldest senior brother!¡±


    the captain heaved a sigh of relief and hurriedly called xu qing over to distribute the spoils.


    very soon, the two of them separated the pieces of flesh feathers into two. the captain then gave xu qing a special storage bag to store them.


    the flesh and blood of a god weren¡¯t something that ordinary objects could contain. and from the texture of the captain¡¯s leather pouch, it looked very much like his own skin¡­


    looking at these gains, xu qing was excited. he was very satisfied with the items he finally obtained after many years in the moon offering region.


    sensing the change in xu qing¡¯s emotions, suspicion rose in the captain¡¯s heart and he couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°junior brother, were you acting earlier? why do i feel that that scene is a little familiar¡­¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he suppressed the excitement in his heart and looked into the captain¡¯s eyes seriously as he shook his head.


    the captain hesitated. he still felt that something was wrong. after blinking, he thought to himself that he could do it too. hence, he put on a lonely expression and was about to speak.


    a bitter expression appeared on xu qing¡¯s face.


    the two of them looked at each other in silence.


    after a long time, the captain sighed and coughed.


    ¡°little qing, you¡¯ve learned bad things¡­ forget it, forget it. let¡¯s get down to business. our gains aren¡¯t just these; there¡¯s one more thing.¡±


    as the captain spoke, he instinctively looked around and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°these are the gains from crimson goddess, but there¡¯s also one from li zihua. he promised to grant us a divine world when he returns in the future!¡±


    when xu qing heard this, his eyes instantly narrowed.


    ¡°divine world?¡±


    ¡°divine world!¡±


    the captain nodded seriously.


    xu qing originally believed him but when he viewed the captain¡¯s serious expression, he couldn¡¯t be sure. however, he didn¡¯t fuss over it and communicated with the captain in a friendly manner.


    in the end, xu qing didn¡¯t want the parts of crimson goddess¡¯ clone, zhang siyun, but he took the remaining section of zhang siyun¡¯s purple thorn crown.


    the captain was very satisfied with this allocation.


    after the distribution of the spoils was over, the captain was in high spirits. he raised his brows and winked at xu qing.


    ¡°little qing, the matters in the moon offering region are about done. wait for me for a few days. although my ex-wife didn¡¯t reply to my message, i know that she hasn¡¯t left yet. i¡¯ll go and catch up with her.¡±


    ¡°when i return, we¡¯ll return to fenghai!¡±


    the captain licked his lips as though there was some heat in his heart. he then waved at xu qing and quickly left.


    looking at the captain¡¯s figure, xu qing sat cross-legged.


    this area had the seals of the two of them and the captain¡¯s blood. it was suitable for xu qing to enter seclusion. moreover, the moon offering region was extremely safe under the protection of the heir and the others.


    hence, xu qing didn¡¯t look for another place. at that moment, he lowered his head and looked at the small section of purple thorn crown in his palm. the purple light from it was almost identical to the light from his purple crystal.


    the most important thing was that when he held the thorn, the purple crystal in his body clearly emitted fluctuations.


    ¡°it should be an item of the same origin.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly as determination appeared in his eyes. he then utilized all his might to activate the purple crystal.


    in an instant, purple light erupted from xu qing¡¯s entire body, enveloping the surroundings and drowning his figure. at the same time, the purple thorn in his hand also glowed and fused with it.


    at the next instant, the purple light dissipated. xu qing lowered his head and gazed at his empty right hand. a strange glint appeared in his eyes as he sensed his purple crystal.


    the purple crystal, seemingly not much different from before, had one distinct feature ¡ª inside the crystal, instead of the usual wispy mist, there was now a vortex.


    this vortex spun silently and led to an unknown place.


    xu qing didn¡¯t understand this change in the purple crystal. he fused his divine consciousness into it and tried to take a look but this vortex was infinitely deep. no matter how xu qing¡¯s divine consciousness extended inside, he still couldn¡¯t reach the end.


    however, during this process of probing, xu qing sensed danger.


    it was as though some gazes were looking at him from the end of the vortex.


    xu qing fell silent and ultimately chose to retract his divine consciousness. he didn¡¯t act rashly.


    after that, he grabbed a deep breath and took out the leather pouch his captain had given him. his gaze was sharp and his expression was solemn.


    ¡°the flesh and blood of crimson goddess is a great tonic for gods. it¡¯s also a great fortune for me.¡±


    ¡°in that case, how much help will placing this flesh in the secret repository and letting it be absorbed by the heavenly dao furnace be to my cultivation?¡±


    intense anticipation rose in xu qing¡¯s heart. after experiencing the incident in the moon offering region, especially after witnessing everything with his own eyes and participating to a certain extent in the battle of the gods¡­


    all of this caused xu qing to have even more determination in becoming stronger.


    this was especially so since¡­ the words the fourth prince had spoke to him before he died had been echoing in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°could my past be your future¡­¡±


    xu qing fell silent. the secret repository behind him rumbled and manifested as a cold glint flashed in his eyes.


    only by becoming stronger would he have the qualifications to find and kill crown prince purple green.


    only by becoming stronger would he have the ability to explore the secrets of this world and see the truth.


    only by becoming stronger would he have the confidence to reverse everything!


    xu qing raised his hand and threw the leather pouch into the secret repository!

 Chapter 1110 - Chapter 1110 God in Repository

    chapter 1110 god in repository


    the moment the leather pouch landed in the secret repository, a lump of crimson goddess¡¯ flesh flew out and landed in the secret repository.


    this lump of crimson goddess¡¯ flesh, interwoven with feathers, emitted a golden and bloody radiance. at the moment it descended, an endless divine might erupted from this lump of flesh.


    the world became blurry and everything distorted.


    earth-shattering winds and clouds surged.


    the sun in the sky of xu qing¡¯s secret repository returned to its golden crow form at this instant, emitting a loud and clear sound that echoed through the entire secret repository, revealing an unprecedented desire.


    at the same time, the purple moon blurred and trembled intensely. it was attracted by this lump of flesh. because they came from the same source to a certain extent, they resonated intensely.


    the land formed by the ghost emperor mountain quaked as this lump of flesh landed. the morning glow flickered, causing the entire world to glow with colorful lights.


    the energy of the poison restriction, d132, and the time bottle also fluctuated one after another, spreading through this secret repository world and transforming into a storm that swept in all directions.


    xu qing¡¯s secret repository completely rumbled at this instant. everything inside was erupting and there were drastic changes.


    all of this was because of that lump of flesh.


    the moment this lump of flesh landed on the ground, it was as though the world bell had rung. a loud sound spread throughout the entire secret repository.


    crimson goddess was a high god and possessed the power to change the world. even though the lump of flesh was only a small portion of what was in the leather pouch, the power contained in it was still extremely terrifying.


    ordinary methods couldn¡¯t absorb it either. to cultivators, the value of this item was too great. even nihility cultivators would need a lot of time to absorb it.


    however, the benefit it provided was extremely huge, especially for those at the fourth stage of nihility. they could use the energy provided by the flesh of crimson goddess to break through the barrier of nihility and step into the soul accumulation realm.


    although xu qing was only at the first level of the spirit repository, his secret repository wasn¡¯t an ordinary repository!


    in his secret repository, there was purple moon, which had the same source as crimson goddess, as well as poison restriction that was of a higher level.


    in addition, the layout of his secret repository was definitely not something ordinary secret repository could compare to. it was a repository that contained a world.


    all of this caused xu qing¡¯s situation to be different.


    needless to say, his heavenly dao had a close relationship with the 100th immemorial heavenly dao.


    hence, at this moment, the heavenly dao mosasaur manifested. its body expanded and covered the surroundings, turning into a world furnace that burned intensely.


    moreover, it was empowered by the purple moon and poison restriction, combined with the collaborative efforts of all things in this world.


    under the burning, the lump of crimson goddess¡¯ flesh slowly melted. waves of terrifying energy were released during the melting, nourishing the secret repository!


    this was the origin power!


    everything in crimson goddess¡¯ flesh became the purest origin power.


    the golden crow went crazy and absorbed it with all its might. the land formed by the ghost emperor mountain rumbled and continued to absorb the energy.


    it was the same for the other things in this world. to xu qing¡¯s secret repository, this lump of flesh was a great opportunity, a great fortune, and a great tonic.


    under this absorption, the golden crow¡¯s tails increased explosively. the color of its body was no longer black but golden. it hung high in the sky like a golden sculpture, radiating a sense of divinity.


    the earth underwent a similar rapid transformation, turning into a golden hue as well.


    the mountain range and the river also experienced the same change!


    even the morning glow changed at this moment. all its colors were covered in gold and the entire secret repository underwent a tremendous change.


    at the start, this change only appeared on the surface. however, as crimson goddess¡¯ flesh was burned, this change was spreading deeper. one could imagine that once everything was completed, xu qing¡¯s secret repository would eventually turn golden from the inside out.


    even the fire here would turn golden.


    once he accomplished this, it would be a huge change in essence and origin.


    at that moment, this huge change was underway.


    xu qing could clearly sense that as the secret repository changed, its aura became more and more majestic, far surpassing what it used to be.


    ¡°my secret repository is undergoing some strange changes¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly. he had a feeling that once the transformation in the secret repository was completed, he would reach another height.


    however¡­ the changes in the secret repository gradually began to stop after a while.


    regardless of whether it was the sky or the ground, as the changes stopped, the surface that had originally turned golden was now fading and returning to its original state.


    xu qing frowned and stared carefully, finding the source of this situation.


    after that lump of flesh of crimson goddess was burned to a certain extent, although there was still more than half of it left, it couldn¡¯t continue burning. this caused the supply of origin power to stop.


    xu qing fell silent and controlled the leather pouch to drop another lump of flesh.


    the ground rumbled and the flesh landed in the sea of fire. however, it was still the same.


    ¡°the power of fire isn¡¯t enough.¡±


    xu qing looked at the two lumps of flesh in the sea of fire and found the answer to his question.


    after a while of silence, xu qing found a solution as everything in the secret repository rapidly returned to normal.


    ¡°since the power of fire is a little inferior, i¡¯ll add more fuel!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes flashed as the scene of the corrosion of crimson goddess¡¯s totem on the moon rebel hall¡¯s gate appeared in his mind. as his divine sense spread out, the ground of the secret repository rumbled and a huge gap opened. blood beasts rushed out one after another and pounced into the sea of fire, self-destructing.


    their self-destruction transformed into muffled thunder. under the self-destruction, the flames of the secret repository¡¯s furnace intensified and its color rapidly changed to the color of blood.


    using the blood beasts as fuel and using their connection to crimson goddess to neutralize the resistance of her flesh, coupled with their inherent corrosiveness ¨C this was the solution xu qing thought of.


    these endless blood beasts were like oil. as they were added, the power of flames instantly rumbled and burned the two lumps of crimson goddess¡¯ flesh crazily.


    soon, these two lumps of flesh disappeared and a vast amount of origin power spread out. the golden color spread throughout xu qing¡¯s secret repository again.


    this time, its speed was even faster. in the blink of an eye, all the surface layers turned golden. after that, the depths were also changing. after about fifteen minutes, xu qing¡¯s secret repository completely turned golden from the inside out!


    the golden secret repository, the golden world!


    the golden fire inside swayed. after the origin power reached an extremely dense level, a higher level of origin power was born.


    it contained domineeringness, asserting its sole supremacy!


    xu qing only sensed it slightly before his expression changed.


    that was the divine source!


    this divine source didn¡¯t belong to any god. it belonged to xu qing. because it was formed by xu qing, it contained xu qing¡¯s aura and vitality.


    with its appearance, xu qing¡¯s secret repository seemed to have advanced, directly ascending from a secret repository to a divine repository!


    the place where gods were born was the divine repository!


    waves surged in xu qing¡¯s heart. before he could take a closer look, a sea of fire erupted from his divine repository. the domineeringness from the divine source filled the entire divine repository.


    it was as though it was declaring its sovereignty.


    the golden crow lowered its head, the ground submitted to it, the sky fell silent, and the river flowed along.


    with the accompaniment of the heavenly dao, all things acknowledged it. even the god¡¯s finger in d132 trembled and prostrated, choosing to obey.


    however, the purple moon in the sky shone brightly and resisted the divine source. after that, it was forcefully expelled from this divine repository.


    following it, the fog formed by the poison restriction was also driven out by the domineering divine source.


    the moment xu qing¡¯s world divine repository and the divine source that belonged to him were born, it rejected all the power of gods. if anything didn¡¯t lower their heads, they couldn¡¯t exist in this divine repository.


    when xu qing sensed these, the fluctuations in his mind became even more intense. he could clearly sense that this divine repository completely belonged to him. the power contained in it far surpassed that of his past secret repository.


    the difference was like that between mortals and cultivators.


    ¡°am i cultivating immortality or divinity now?¡±


    ¡°i am clearly at the spirit repository realm of the cultivation system, but a divine repository transformed from divine source has appeared!¡±


    ¡°this is no longer an authority but a divine source that was born because of me¡­¡±


    after a long time, xu qing suppressed the waves in his heart and looked at the poison restriction power and purple moon¡¯s authority that had been expelled from his divine repository.


    ¡°but no matter what, i can sense that i¡¯ve become stronger after the divine repository appeared. in that case¡­ can another divine repository appear?¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. he thought of the illusory divine repository that had appeared when he had comprehended the authority of the red moon. later on, because of the authority, it was fused into the secret repository and transformed into the moon.


    at the thought of this, determination appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he took out another lump of crimson goddess¡¯ flesh from his leather pouch and fused it into the purple moon.


    at the next instant, purple light overflowed, and rumbling sounds spread. under the rumbling explosion, the illusory divine storehouse that had appeared before descended again.


    moreover, it was rapidly transforming from illusion to reality!


    although there was no heavenly dao in it, the meat of crimson goddess and xu qing¡¯s purple moon authority came from the same source to a certain extent, so the fusion between them progressed smoothly.


    seeing that his guess wasn¡¯t wrong, xu qing threw out the fourth chunk of crimson goddess¡¯ meat without hesitation.


    the divine repository shook and the transformation was even faster.


    a while later, as the aura on xu qing¡¯s body soared and emitted terrifying fluctuations, the purple moon divine repository was completely formed!


    this divine repository was different from xu qing¡¯s world divine repository, and was filled with overwhelming purple light. unintelligible roars echoed within, transforming into thunder, becoming a furnace, a perpetual roar of eternity.


    at this moment, xu qing had changed greatly from before.


    he closed his eyes and sat there cross-legged. his long hair fluttered, and the two divine repositories erupted with energy.


    there were two figures sitting cross-legged in the divine repositories.


    the figure in the world divine storehouse was like a god, incomparably holy. its aura was majestic and domineering.


    inside the purple moon divine repository, the figure was blurry, only the wings formed from the fusion of feathers and meat were visible, swaying slightly. there were also a pair of indifferent eyes.


    it was difficult to look at them directly.


    ¡°there can be a third one!¡±


    xu qing opened his eyes which turned pitch-black. the power of the poison restriction erupted, forming a churning poison fog behind him.


    after that, he took out two lumps of crimson goddess¡¯ meat from his leather pouch and sent them into the poison fog.


    the poison fog explosively surged, bursting in all directions. the poison within it was intensively augmented, the restriction was drastically heightened, and deafening roars echoed within.


    time flowed by. an hour later, a pitch-black divine storehouse rose from the poison fog!


    in this secret repository, a figure meditated in the haze, eyes aflame with ghostly fire. amidst the flowing fog, a figure clad in black armor emerged, resembling a demonic being heralding the end of the world.


    together with the other two divine figures, they guarded the person in front.


    sitting cross-legged in front was an extremely good-looking youth.


    his features were peerless, with a cold demeanor, and his profound gaze hid within the wisps of mist. jet-black hair fell around his ears, emitting a faint purple hue.


    he was like an immortal and also a god.

 Chapter 1111 - 1111 Xu Qings God Form

    1111 xu qing¡¯s god form


    1111 xu qing¡¯s god form the secret repository was the standard of the spirit repository realm. it was similar to igniting one¡¯s life fire to a certain extent.


    foundation building cultivators who didn¡¯t ignite their life fire could only be considered to be at the perfected qi condensation realm. only by igniting their life fire would there be a qualitative change.


    it was the same for the spirit repository realm.


    the appearance of the secret repository could greatly increase the overall strength of cultivators. as the heavenly dao furnace inside burned, it could provide astonishing energy to cultivators. not only could it allow cultivators in the spirit repository to use the laws, but it could also provide terrifying combat strength.


    this was xu qing¡¯s understanding of secret repository realm prior to today.


    today, the appearance of the divine repository changed xu qing¡¯s understanding.


    he could clearly sense the difference between the two. that wasn¡¯t the difference between a cultivator with or without life fire, but the gap between cultivators and mortals.


    however, xu qing still needed to ponder and study its specific usage before he could grasp it.


    at that moment, after a simple judgment, all he could do was use it like a secret repository and use it to suppress everything.


    ¡°the method shouldn¡¯t be right.¡±


    xu qing fell silent and looked around. the seals here had already collapsed and the surrounding land was scorched.


    ¡°the true usage of the divine repository requires a certain amount of time to comprehend.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly and stood up.


    he understood that now wasn¡¯t the time to study it because he had something more important to do.


    hence, xu qing put away the leather pouch. there was still a lot of flesh of crimson goddess inside but he had temporarily reached a bottleneck and couldn¡¯t absorb them anymore. he could only continue when he was forming his fourth divine repository.


    ¡°the value of this item is hard to estimate. once i have the thoughts and preparations for the fourth divine repository, i can use them to instantly form it.¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath. he tidied his clothes and walked toward the distant world.


    with every step he took, the ground would shrink under his feet. this was under the influence of his laws. within his ability, everything could change according to his will.


    just like that, xu qing took a hundred steps that far exceeded the imagination of ordinary cultivators.


    from where he was before, he reached the edge of the repentance plain.


    in the past, this place was a sea of blood and islands. now, after the battle of the gods and li zihua¡¯s sacrifice, this place had become a forbidden zone.


    the sea of blood was filled with countless vegetation. darkness and coldness were the main themes in this area.


    the anomalous substances were even denser and affected everything. at the same time, it also caused countless strange life forms to be born in this forbidden zone.


    the ruins of the divine son palace were also in the depths of the forbidden zone.


    at that moment, xu qing stood outside the forbidden zone and stared ahead. after a long time, he walked into the forbidden zone and walked toward the center step by step.


    the evil-looking plants in the surroundings could easily kill mortals who barged in. even against cultivators, their anomalous substances were effective.


    however, to xu qing, walking here was no different from walking in the outside world.


    all the bizarre vegetation trembled before xu qing got close and evaded him, not daring to touch him at all. it was the same for those strange lifeforms born here.


    a black and red flying snake fled a little slower. the moment xu qing walked past it, it turned into a skeleton¡­ its life, its anomalous substances, and its aura were silently extracted and disappeared behind xu qing.


    there was nothing behind him at first glance but if one had a certain level of cultivation, they could sense that there seemed to be three huge black holes that devoured everything.


    perhaps to this forbidden zone, xu qing¡¯s existence was the true forbidden zone.


    just like that, xu qing continued forward. he walked past the sea of blood and arrived at where the island used to be. when he arrived in front of a huge mountain of flesh, xu qing stopped in his tracks and cupped his fists.


    ¡°greetings, ninth grandfather.¡±


    this mountain of flesh was also black and red. it was a part of the forbidden zone, the core of this place, and the master of the forbidden zone.


    it was formed from li zihua¡¯s flesh and blood. under the gaze of the god¡¯s fragmented-face, it gave birth to a new life. at that moment, it was slowly squirming. it hadn¡¯t truly awakened but had fallen into a deep sleep.


    even so, an astonishing pressure still enveloped the surroundings, distorting the void.


    and on it, there was a person sitting cross-legged.


    he wore a black robe and had a cold expression that was like ice. there was a longsword in front of his knees.


    he was old ninth.


    he opened his eyes and calmly looked at xu qing. after taking a few more glances behind xu qing, a strange glint flashed in his eyes. after a long time, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°what is it?¡±


    xu qing knew that this ninth grandfather in front of him had a cold personality and rarely spoke. in fact, he was silent most of the time. however, his heart was far from being as cold as his appearance. hence, he spoke softly.


    ¡°ninth grandpa, when i first arrived at the moon offering region, i accepted a disciple.¡±


    ¡°she died in an accident. however, at that time, someone told me that the souls of the people who died in the moon offering region didn¡¯t enter reincarnation but gathered in the divine son palace.¡±


    ¡°junior is here to retrieve my disciple¡¯s soul.¡±


    ¡°name?¡± old ninth calmly asked.


    ¡°shi panyan. her name is shi panyan,¡± xu qing said softly.


    old ninth closed his eyes as though he was sensing. a moment later, he opened his eyes and lifted his right hand to grab at the void. immediately, the entire forbidden zone trembled and a huge vortex appeared out of thin air.


    as it rumbled, a sphere of white light slowly flew out and floated toward xu qing.


    in the white light was a little girl. she hugged her knees with both hands and her eyes were closed as though she was in a deep sleep. however, her brows were tightly furrowed and there was still fear on her face.


    it was shi panyan.


    looking at her, xu qing¡¯s eyes softened. he lifted his hand and gently cupped it, sending out a summoning call.


    ¡°panyan.¡±


    his voice fused into the white light and echoed in the void, landing in the little girl¡¯s soul. her body trembled and her eyelashes trembled slightly. she slowly opened her eyes and looked at xu qing in confusion.


    a long time later, her small face revealed surprise.


    ¡°master¡­¡±


    she wanted to get up and greet him, but the weakness of her soul made it a little difficult for her to hold on.


    ¡°master is here to bring you home.¡±


    xu qing spoke softly. his right hand caressed the sphere of light and the little girl gradually closed her eyes again and fell asleep.


    however, compared to before, her brows were no longer knitted tightly. her face was no longer filled with horror but a sense of peace.


    after gently keeping panyan, xu qing lifted his head and looked at old ninth. he bowed again and turned to leave. however, at that moment, old ninth suddenly spoke.


    ¡°you have three gods behind you.¡±


    xu qing stopped in his tracks and turned to look at old ninth.


    old ninth¡¯s expression was still cold but the strangeness in his eyes grew even denser. he stared at xu qing and his deep voice echoed.


    ¡°one is you, one is formed by the authority of the red moon, and the other is formed by the divine curse.¡±


    ¡°however, you still don¡¯t seem to be able to fuse with them and it¡¯s difficult for you to use them. let me help you.¡±


    as he spoke, the sword in front of old ninth¡¯s knees suddenly rose into the air and pointed at xu qing.


    an earth-shattering sword qi erupted from within. as wind and clouds surged, rumbling sounds rang out in all directions. this sword qi carried extermination and destruction as it headed straight for xu qing!


    a sharp glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. a life-and-death crisis rose sharply in his mind. all the blood in his body seemed to have frozen and his cultivation was suppressed. even his blood stopped flowing.


    it was as though the sword qi had sealed everything. only the divine repositories behind him became more clear in xu qing¡¯s mind. after that¡­ the first divine repository appeared behind him.


    as soon as the divine repository appeared, the color of the world changed and the forbidden zone trembled. the divine figure inside let out a roar toward the external world, as though it wanted to resist the incoming sword qi.


    the sword qi paused.


    ¡°not enough!¡± old ninth¡¯s cold voice rang out. the sword qi erupted again and headed straight for xu qing.


    at this critical moment, xu qing¡¯s body trembled. at this moment, his cultivation was suppressed and only his divine repositories could be used. under this intense life-and-death pressure, the veins on his forehead bulged and all his consciousness was focusing on his divine repository.


    the instant the sword qi arrived, his divine repository erupted like a volcano, forming a terrifying divine source that headed straight for xu qing and forcefully fused into his body.


    at the next moment, xu qing let out a deep shout that shook the sky.


    under this shout, as the divine source fused into his body, his body began to tear apart. new flesh and blood rapidly grew, and their form also altered drastically. he grew taller and larger, becoming more and more astonishing.


    a while later, a vast figure emerged in front of the flesh mountain.


    this figure¡¯s body was majestic and looked similar to the ghost emperor. however, its face was of xu qing and it wore a crown on its head which was formed from d132.


    a piercing golden light emitted from it. it was clearly golden but it formed rainbow colors in the surroundings.


    in the area of the heart was the heavenly dao furnace. at this moment, it pulsated vigorously, each beat akin to heavenly thunder. it unleashed a raging inferno, blazing through the entire body, causing the physical form to erupt in flames.


    there was also a dark spear that was surrounded by countless bolts of lightning that appeared on the figure¡¯s right hand.


    the moment it held the spear, the eyes of the body suddenly opened.


    he was none other than xu qing!


    xu qing¡¯s mind churned intensely. he never expected that the way to use his divine repository would be like this.


    at that moment, he might clearly sense his state. it was as though he had undergone a transformation, appearing in a godly form.


    his battle strength soared even more. recalling the spirit repository cultivators he had encountered¡­


    ¡°they can all be suppressed!¡±


    xu qing lifted his head and looked at old ninth. his heart stirred as he bowed deeply.


    old ninth¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint as he nodded slightly.


    ¡°this is more like it.¡±


    ¡°however, this is only your first layer of god form.¡±


    ¡°you have three divine repositories, so in theory, you should additionally possess three layers of god form.¡±


    ¡°however, your foundation isn¡¯t strong enough.¡±


    after old ninth finished speaking, a hint of contemplation emerged in his eyes. a while later, his expression was decisive as he spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°i can help you feel it in advance. although it is a little wasteful, it can let you know the direction.¡±


    as he spoke, old ninth lifted his right hand and a piece of feathered flesh headed straight for xu qing. it was none other than the flesh of crimson goddess.


    before it might get close, before xu qing could say anything, old ninth¡¯s sword qi swept out and that piece of flesh exploded, turning into a bloody mist that enveloped xu qing.


    ¡°merge this blood mist into your divine repository, bring forth your second layer of the god form, remember not to isolate it but rather¡­ overlay it on the first layer of the god form!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s mind shook. the blood mist outside his body uncontrollably rushed straight into his poison restriction divine repository. in an instant, this divine repository burst open with thunderous explosions, and massive clusters of dark mist surged toward xu qing.


    in an instant, it fused into xu qing¡¯s first layer of the god form.


    at the next instant¡­ an even more terrifying aura erupted from xu qing¡¯s body as he let out a painful roar.

 Chapter 1112 - 1112 Requesting His Majesty to Pay the Fee

    1112 requesting his majesty to pay the fee


    1112 requesting his majesty to pay the fee


    the instant this terrifying aura erupted, the entire forbidden zone fluctuated. all the bizarre creatures born in the forbidden zone trembled and prostrated in the direction of the flesh mountain.


    clouds appeared out of thin air and rapidly churned into a vortex that spun with thunderous sounds.


    a storm stirred up in the forbidden zone, connecting to the vortex in the sky.


    as for xu qing, who was the source of all this, his body bent and trembled intensely under the storm and vortex. he let out a roar that didn¡¯t sound human.


    an indescribable intense pain swept through his body and soul. it tore through his god¡¯s body, letting out pitch-black poison fog.


    the fog grew denser and denser. in the end, it completely enveloped xu qing¡¯s body, forming an even taller figure.


    gradually, this figure slowly straightened its body. the moment it lifted its head and looked at old ninth on the flesh mountain, its aura reached an astonishing height.


    its complete body was also revealed at this moment. it was completely enveloped in black armor, with no skin visible from outside.


    its eye sockets burned with an eerie fire that gave off extreme coldness.


    looking at it as a whole, ancientness and darkness were the first feelings this figure gave off.


    as for the wisps of black fog that curled up from the armor, they gathered behind him like a black cloak that could blot out the sky.


    as the cloak fluttered, decay and poison spread in the world.


    it was as though all life would wither and perish in front of it.


    it gave off an extreme feeling, like a demon.


    right now, only the purple moon divine repository was left.


    old ninth¡¯s expression changed.


    he only nodded when he saw xu qing¡¯s first god form, but the second layer of god form created waves in his mind.


    ¡®i feel like¡­ i¡¯ve seen it before.¡¯


    old ninth mumbled inwardly and lowered his head slightly as he stared at xu qing. his focus was on observing xu qing¡¯s soul fluctuations. after that, he spoke in a deep voice in a strange tone.


    ¡°tell me your real name.¡±


    these words seemed to contain some mysterious power that echoed through the world, stirring up waves.


    old ninth was verifying if the person in front of him was still xu qing.


    xu qing stood there and looked at old ninth. a long time later, the eerie fire in his eyes swayed and a hoarse voice rang out.


    ¡°xu qing.¡±


    when old ninth heard this, he nodded.


    ¡°how do you feel now?¡±


    xu qing carefully sensed his current state. he maintained an absolute sense of rationality, with no desires.


    this reminded him of the time when he had touched divinity in the past.


    hence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°good.¡±


    old ninth fell silent. after that, another piece of crimson goddess¡¯ flesh appeared as he lifted his right hand. he looked at xu qing and spoke.


    ¡°do you want to experience your third layer of god form?¡±


    xu qing waved his hand when he heard this. a piece of crimson goddess¡¯ flesh of the same size appeared in his hand.


    ¡°i¡¯ll give it a try.¡±


    as he spoke, he sent this piece of flesh into the purple moon divine repository behind him. the moment it landed, a monstrous bang rang out from the purple moon divine repository. it was as though countless bolts of lightning had exploded, rumbling through the world.


    immediately after, the purple moon divine repository exploded and the divine source inside gushed toward xu qing, rapidly merging into his body. during this process, xu qing¡¯s body was torn apart again.


    however, he stood there motionlessly.


    it wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t feel pain, but everything was suppressed by his absolute rationality.


    more changes could be seen with the naked eye. firstly, his long hair under the armor grew rapidly. finally, it landed on the ground and spread out in all directions.


    its color had already turned purple.


    what was even more astonishing was that under the tearing, feathers seemed to appear on his back and a purple moon seemed to be rising as well.


    an aura that was even more terrifying than the second layer of the god form erupted from xu qing¡¯s body at this moment.


    purple lightning streaked across the sky, giving off an intense sense of taboo.


    the color of the world changed and old ninth stood up from the mountain of flesh. he stared at xu qing with intense fluctuations in his eyes.


    ¡°he¡¯s¡­ advancing his status!?¡±


    as waves churned in old ninth¡¯s mind, xu qing¡¯s body suddenly trembled and traces of destruction appeared on his body. in fact, some of his flesh and blood had already turned into dust and were drifting away.


    the third layer of god form hadn¡¯t been completely displayed yet, but he had already reached his limit.


    ¡°my soul and body can¡¯t withstand it. if this continues, i¡¯ll turn into ashes.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke as though he wasn¡¯t talking about himself. after that, he breathed out a mouthful of purple gas.


    as he exhaled, it was as though time had reversed. his long hair quickly retracted and the purple moon landed on his back. his aura was also decreasing sharply.


    at the next instant, he returned to his second layer god form.


    the divine source that had fused into his body spread out and transformed back into the purple moon divine repository behind him.


    the third god form failed.


    with xu qing¡¯s current foundation, even with the flesh of crimson goddess, it was still impossible for him to form the third layer.


    at the same time, his second layer of god form also reached its limit. the armor on his body melted and turned back into the poison restriction divine source. even the poison restriction power in his body gathered behind him, forming the poison restriction divine repository.


    only the first layer of the god form was still intact.


    as for xu qing¡¯s mind, following these changes, emotions that belonged to human nature rose again. his breathing became hurried and the fluctuations in his mind were huge. he cupped his fists and bowed to old ninth who was staring at him.


    ¡°thank you, ninth grandfather!¡±


    xu qing spoke solemnly.


    through old ninth¡¯s help, although he couldn¡¯t display the third god form, this experience was extremely precious to xu qing.


    not only did it help him find a way to use his divine repository, but it also helped him sense the mental state of the god form in advance.


    this would allow xu qing to be more composed and well-


    informed when using the god form the next time.


    also, xu qing could clearly sense that with his current foundation, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem for him to maintain the first layer of god form.


    old ninth cast a deep glance at xu qing and nodded slightly. after that, he closed his eyes.


    xu qing didn¡¯t disturb him. he took out a piece of crimson goddess¡¯ flesh and placed it to the side. after some thought, he took out another piece and respectfully placed it down before leaving.


    as his figure walked further away, his form also gradually changed. he was no longer in the god form but had transformed into his normal body and disappeared from the forbidden zone.


    only the mountain of flesh remained standing. old ninth on it didn¡¯t move at all.


    however, although his expression seemed normal, the waves in his heart were still churning.


    the changes in xu qing¡¯s body made old ninth seem to have some ideas.


    ¡°the changes that occurred in this child are unprecedented and represent a new path.¡±


    ¡°is father also taking this path?¡±


    as he mumbled, he opened his eyes and looked in the direction xu qing had left in. he then looked at the two pieces of crimson goddess¡¯ flesh on the ground. the coldness in his expression also melted into a hint of gentleness.


    ¡°a good kid.¡±


    sometimes, liking someone may come suddenly, but more often, it¡¯s due to the details¡ªwillingness to connect, willingness to perpetuate that liking.


    throughout his journey from peerless city to the moon offering today, xu qing¡¯s character of observing propriety and repaying kindness was well displayed. this fundamental trait was the reason why there were people willing to help him.


    unfortunately, such individuals were scarce in any era or world.


    moreover, there were some who, seeing xu qing¡¯s conduct, might feel a sense of resentment.


    this was a manifestation of human nature, highlighting their ignorance, so it was no wonder why not everyone would be able to appreciate xu qing¡¯s conduct.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care about these. after walking out of the forbidden zone, he looked at this world and lifted his head to look in the direction of fenghai county.


    ¡°i¡¯m going home.¡±


    xu qing mumbled and turned to walk toward the bitter life mountain range. he wanted to pick up ling¡¯er and go home together.


    just as he was about to reach the bitter life mountain range, xu qing stopped in his tracks. he recalled something.


    ¡°the ancient spirit emperor promised to give me a strand of imperial qi.¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes, took out the token of the ancient spirit emperor, and twirled it in his hand. he had previously, as per the captain¡¯s request, communicated through divine sense to inquire about the gains, but there had been no response from the ancient spirit emperor.


    after some thought, xu qing sent his divine sense into the token.


    ¡°your majesty, will you still participate in the next meal?¡±


    there was no movement from the token at all. xu qing¡¯s divine sense seemed to have reached nowhere.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was calm. after waiting for more than ten breaths, he continued to send his divine sense.


    ¡°since your majesty isn¡¯t replying, i¡¯ll take it that you won¡¯t participate in the next meal.¡±


    ¡°participate!¡±


    this time around, the instant xu qing finished speaking, the aged voice of the ancient spirit emperor echoed from the token.


    ¡°then, your majesty, please pay for this meal. one imperial qi.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s voice was righteous as he transmitted his divine sense.


    there was no more sound from the token. xu qing wasn¡¯t in a hurry and waited silently.


    five minutes later, the token vibrated and a small dragon formed by the imperial qi slowly flew out, emitting a sense of reluctance.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care about this as he yanked the dragon imperial qi out. no matter how the little dragon struggled, it was useless and xu qing tossed it into his divine repository.


    after doing all this, xu qing was satisfied. he walked toward the bitter life mountain range and entered the moon offering palace before returning to the apothecary.


    the moment he stepped into the apothecary, xu qing noticed the heir sitting there sipping tea. he saw ning yan cleaning the ground, he saw nether fairy boiling water, he saw the unemployed wu jianwu, there was also the swaying little grass seedling and the bald parrot.


    he also saw ling¡¯er throwing down the account book and running toward him.


    ¡°brother xu qing, why did you only return now?¡±


    ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes were red as she hugged xu qing tightly. during this period of time, she missed xu qing very much. she would frequently look outside the shop, wanting to see xu qing appear.


    a smile materialized on xu qing¡¯s face. he stroked ling¡¯er¡¯s hair and took out the ancient spirit emperor¡¯s imperial qi, placing it in ling¡¯er¡¯s hand.


    ¡°this is for you.¡±


    ling¡¯er¡¯s eyes lit up and she cheered. to her, happiness was very simple. as long as brother xu qing was around, it was fine. as for the gift brother xu qing gave her, no matter what it was, she liked it.


    when the heir noticed this scene, he smiled but didn¡¯t say anything. he picked up the teacup and took a sip. his eyes revealed reminiscence, as though he was thinking of some past events.


    on the side, wu jianwu shook his head, initially hesitant to speak, but he couldn¡¯t hold back in the end.


    ¡°if the heavens want to strike, they don¡¯t care if it¡¯s fair or not.¡±


    as soon as wu jianwu finished speaking, xu qing twirled his head and coldly glanced at him.


    wu jianwu shuddered and uttered seriously.


    ¡°it¡¯s fair!¡±


    ning yan sneered. just as he was about to help his boss suppress wu jianwu, the captain¡¯s voice rang out from outside the inn.


    ¡°haha, i¡¯m back.¡±


    ¡°guess who i met on the way.¡±


    ¡°little qing, i¡¯ve brought your father-in-law here.¡±


    outside the inn, the captain had a smug expression on his face as he strode over. he was also carrying an unconscious person with a bruised face. from the looks of it, it was the old man from panquan road.

 Chapter 1113 - 1113 Accompany You Back to Fenghai County

    1113 accompany you back to fenghai county


    1113 accompany you back to fenghai county


    the moment he entered the shop, the captain casually threw the unconscious old man onto the ground. then, he approached xu qing, wrapped an arm around his neck, and grinned triumphantly.


    ¡°little qing, guess what happened when i met my ex-wife this time.¡±


    xu qing ignored the captain and looked at the old man from panquan road. as for ling¡¯er, she had already run over after crying out in surprise and helped him up. her expression was filled with disbelief and worry as she called out to him. she also took out many medicinal pills and put them in the mouth of the old man.


    ¡°father!¡±


    the medicinal effects of these medicinal pills were extraordinary and there were curse-resolving pills among them. hence, very soon, the old man¡¯s aura stabilized.


    xu qing also retracted his gaze. he could tell that most of the other party¡¯s injuries were superficial, not like he was beaten up, but more like he stumbled and fell. as for the reason why he fainted, it was because he had been invaded by the red moon¡¯s curse. although the curse had dissipated, more anomalous substances had mixed in. most importantly, his physique was special.


    ¡°his physique seems to attract anomalous substances even more.¡±


    this was something xu qing could tell with his current cultivation.


    at the same time, it reminded him of the battle he had with the other party in the seven blood eyes. at that time, the face of this old man split open, revealing his identity as a nonhuman.


    in addition, the other party¡¯s inn was also a bizarre entity. after that, xu qing learned that this old man had an ability that could make bizarre entities sleep and seal them.


    back then, he was the one who moved the inn to the seven blood eyes and sold it to the first peak.


    there was also the captain¡¯s initial-stage seal. it was also enhanced by this old man.


    xu qing pondered for a moment. however, since the old man was mostly unharmed, he didn¡¯t pay much attention. his focus shifted to the captain, who wore an expectant expression, seemingly in need of xu qing¡¯s inquiry and cooperation.


    ¡°she wanted to get back together with you?¡±


    the captain¡¯s eyes lit up and he laughed proudly. he was waiting for xu qing to ask. this way, he wouldn¡¯t have to mutter to himself and could continue speaking.


    ¡°junior brother, you¡¯re indeed smart. that¡¯s right, that¡¯s the case. although she is a god, although she promised that as long as i agreed, i could skip ten thousand years of struggle, in the end, i still chose to refuse.¡±


    ¡°the things in my previous life have passed. in this life, i don¡¯t love wealth or power. i only love my taotao!¡±


    the captain had a nostalgic look, but the radiance in his expression was extremely profound.


    xu qing naturally knew that the captain¡¯s words were meant to be listened to in reverse. but the actual truth didn¡¯t matter. it was fine as long as his eldest senior brother was happy. so, he stretched his face into a grin, putting on an expression of amazement.


    the captain was even happier. just as he was about to continue bragging, the old man from panquan road, who was lying there, let out a breath of turbid air and opened his eyes.


    ¡°father!¡±


    ling¡¯er was pleasantly surprised and couldn¡¯t help but feel a little nervous. she had secretly run away back then.


    xu qing and the others also looked at the old man.


    at first, the old man¡¯s gaze was blank as he didn¡¯t understand why he was here. after seeing ling¡¯er clearly, his emotions fluctuated.


    ¡°ling¡¯er!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve finally found you.¡±


    the old man from panquan road was excited and hugged ling¡¯er. when he noticed that his daughter was fine, he finally heaved a sigh of relief. after that, his gaze swept across the inn and he saw the captain, ning yan, wu jianwu, and nether fairy.


    it was fine for the first few, but nether fairy shocked him.


    when he saw xu qing, he glared at him. just as he was about to speak with hostility, he saw the heir drinking tea from the corner of his eye.


    the old man¡¯s eyes suddenly widened. after that, his pupils contracted and he instinctively restrained his arrogance. he subconsciously asked ling¡¯er.


    ¡°ling¡¯er, where is this?¡±


    ¡°this is the bitter life mountain range. father, this is grandpa heir.¡±


    ling¡¯er noticed her father¡¯s gaze and hurriedly introduced.


    the old man was no longer the same as when he had just arrived at the moon offering. during the process of searching for ling¡¯er, he naturally heard of the divine battle. although xu qing and the captain¡¯s names weren¡¯t obvious and would be hard to hear unless they were from the moon rebel hall, he had heard of the legend of the crown prince and his siblings.


    he knew about the bitter life mountain range and understood that it had become the most important core of this large region.


    hence, ling¡¯er¡¯s words caused the old man¡¯s eyelids to twitch wildly.


    in order to hide the fact that she had secretly escaped with xu qing back then, ling¡¯er continued to speak.


    ¡°father, it was very lively here in the past. there were also third grandma, grandma five, and eighth grandpa. they are all very good to me.¡±


    ¡°by the way, there are still some chicks in the backyard.¡±


    ¡°father, i have been living well here. this apothecary was opened by brother xu qing and me.¡±


    thunder rumbled in the old man¡¯s heart. other than hearing about the bitter life mountain range, he had also heard about the apothecary that was close to a holy land.


    at that moment, when he heard of the origin of the apothecary, his body trembled and he couldn¡¯t breathe properly.


    ¡°also, father, it¡¯s very safe here. brother xu qing even gave me some gifts.¡±


    as she spoke, ling¡¯er lifted her hand and released some of the ancient spirit emperor¡¯s imperial qi that had fused into her body.


    ¡°also, brother xu qing is super powerful. previously, when crimson goddess arrived and surrounded this place, it was brother xu qing who chased them away. later on, brother xu qing and grandparents even went to the moon and destroyed crimson goddess.¡±


    ling¡¯er spoke proudly.


    however, her consecutive words were like thunder in her father¡¯s heart. in the end, it was like a million heavenly lightning bolts had exploded, rumbling his soul.


    the old man quickly reacted to the identities of the other grandparents that ling¡¯er mentioned. this made him gasp even more and he didn¡¯t dare to continue listening. he hurriedly got up and bowed to the heir.


    ¡°greetings, senior!¡±


    the heir nodded slightly and swept his gaze across the old man.


    ¡°ancient sealing race? this race exists with the imperial qi. every generation of ancient sovereigns has a position for them to seal the heavens through the imperial qi. their status is extremely high but the bloodline you have seems somewhat impure.¡±


    the old man dropped his head and remarked bitterly.


    ¡°after the god descended, my race also changed. the sealing restriction turned into sealing ghosts and there were no ancient sovereigns in the world anymore, so there was no more use for my race.¡±


    ¡°so, you chose ling¡¯er?¡± the heir glanced at ling¡¯er.


    at that moment, for some reason, ling¡¯er couldn¡¯t open her eyes. she didn¡¯t understand the meaning behind it either. she forced herself to stay awake and yawned.


    when the old man saw this, he was shocked. xu qing took a step forward and supported ling¡¯er. after checking, he confirmed that ling¡¯er was fine. it was the imperial qi that had fused into her body and was fusing with her at a deeper level.


    the heir smiled and didn¡¯t speak anymore, continuing to drink his tea.


    when the old man saw this, he heaved a sigh of relief in his heart. the pressure he felt when facing the heir was extremely great. at that moment, he looked at xu qing. his original hostility and resentment had long been deeply hidden by him and turned into a sigh.


    ¡°xu qing, i didn¡¯t come here just to look for ling¡¯er. marquis yao asked me to pass a message to you¡­ don¡¯t return to fenghai county for the time being.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was originally normal but after hearing this, his eyes suddenly gleamed. the captain at the side also frowned and his entire body emitted a pressure.


    ¡°marquis yao?¡±


    xu qing slowly spoke.


    ¡°what happened in fenghai county?¡±


    the old man moaned and told them in detail what had happened in fenghai county and even the holy wave large region while xu qing was away.


    when xu qing, the captain, and the others left, the situation in the holy wave large region was in a certain level of balance.


    on one side was the grand duke holy wave. after he lost the backing of the black heaven race, he immediately chose to return to the human race and submit to the human emperor, not daring to act rashly.


    however, the seventh prince¡¯s army still remained. while it occupied half of the large region, the third princess was ordered to manage the situation and keep the seventh prince in check.


    because of what had happened in the past, fenghai county became very special and even had the right to autonomy. hence, it survived in this balance and was roped in by the seventh prince and the third princess.


    all of this changed drastically as the undercurrents in the imperial city surged.


    firstly, the third princess was suddenly remembered to the grand imperial capital region. she gave up on the main political regime in the holy wave region and handed everything over to the seventh prince.


    the reason was quickly known by fenghai county.


    the seventh prince¡¯s mother¡¯s clan was a powerful family in the grand imperial capital region. they had reached a certain agreement with the human emperor about the seventh prince.


    in the end, the human emperor summoned the third princess back and tacitly agreed to the seventh prince¡¯s status and rights in the holy wave large region.


    at the same time, a person was sent from the grand imperial capital region to preside over the holy wave large region.


    this person was one of the pillars of the seventh prince¡¯s maternal clan. he was also the seventh prince¡¯s biological uncle and one of the thirty-three heavenly kings of the human race, king tian lan.


    his cultivation base was at the soul accumulation realm and his status in the human race was extremely high.


    after he led his troops to the holy wave large region, he gained great power. he seemed to want to completely control the holy wave large region and even started a war against the black heaven race.


    this was his promise to the human emperor and also the agreement between their family and the human emperor.


    he would blast open the gate of the black heaven race for the human emperor. under the current weakened situation of the black heaven race, he would sweep through the black heaven race and expand new territories for the human emperor.


    facing the imposing king tian lan, the grand duke holy wave also avoided him and chose to obey.


    as for fenghai county¡­ although it had the right to autonomy, it was insignificant in front of king tian lan.


    he would only need to give a decree, and fenghai county would be as turbulent as a leaf in a furious sea.


    the people in the county were even more anxious. many races and sects chose to submit immediately.


    among them was the alliance leader of the eight sects alliance. he decisively gave up his identity and status in the eight sects alliance and brought a portion of his subordinates to join king tian lan.


    after that, king tian lan ordered the recruitment of all the cultivators of the myriad races in the entire region to head to the black heaven race¡¯s battlefield in batches to fight for them.


    this also included fenghai county and the command couldn¡¯t be rejected.


    ¡°by the time i set off, fenghai county had already sent three batches of cultivators and all of them died in battle. in this battle with the black heaven race, king tian lan is simply sacrificing human lives to exhaust the black heaven race.¡±


    the old man¡¯s words echoed in the apothecary. xu qing¡¯s expression was cold, and the captain narrowed his eyes. the others fell silent one after another, especially ning yan. he opened his mouth and wanted to say something but ultimately fell silent.


    ¡°it¡¯s also because of this that marquis yao asked me to inform you not to return. once you return¡­ the seventh prince will definitely take advantage of the situation to recruit you. at that time¡­¡±


    the old man was about to sigh at the severity of the situation but when he saw the heir drinking tea, the things he had heard and ling¡¯er¡¯s words just now appeared in his mind. he suddenly felt that he didn¡¯t have to sigh anymore.


    ¡°uh¡­ that¡¯s what happened.¡±


    the old man blinked and remarked in a low voice.


    xu qing lifted his head and gazed in the direction of fenghai county. after that, he turned and bowed to the heir.


    the heir put down his teacup and smiled. just as he was about to speak, a cold voice echoed in the bitter life mountain range.


    ¡°i¡¯ll go to fenghai county with you.¡±


    this voice was like a sword qi that carried killing intent. the world trembled and the wind surged, rumbling in all directions.


    when the heir heard this, he moaned and picked up the teacup again.


    this voice came from old ninth!

 Chapter 1114 - 1114 Returning to Fenghai

    1114 returning to fenghai


    1114 returning to fenghai


    the darkness had long filled the world.


    countless stars broke through the night, casting their light onto the vast river outside the moon offering region. with the clear surface of the water, the starry sky was reflected beautifully.


    from afar, it looked like the starry sky had fallen to the mortal world, making it impossible to distinguish the sky and land.


    this was the sacrificial yin river. in the past, the river was as red as blood, burying countless skeletons, and harboring bizarre river spirits. now that the red moon had disappeared and the curse had dissipated, the appearance of the river changed drastically.


    all strangeness dissipated, all constraints disappeared, leaving only the slow infiltration of dampness in the air, diffusing a quiet and beautiful atmosphere.


    at that moment, a large ship was sailing down the river, heading toward the holy wave large region.


    on the ship, wu jianwu sat on the protruding mast, silently gazing into the distance. there, a small boat was sailing away.


    looking at the shadow of the boat, wu jianwu¡¯s expression was melancholic and filled with bitterness.


    below the mast was ning yan.


    he held a piece of rag in his hand and sat on the deck of the ship, instinctively wiping his surroundings clean.


    originally, he wasn¡¯t a clean freak, but the trip to the moon offering instilled a good habit in him. he couldn¡¯t stand to see any dust around him¡­


    now that he was done wiping, ning yan looked up at wu jianwu. he wanted to make a sarcastic remark but when he thought of the other party¡¯s state, he shook his head.


    he knew why the other party was like this. six hours ago, they were still in the apothecary in the bitter life mountain range. because of the matter in fenghai county, they were on this ship six hours later.


    coincidentally, not long after the ship set sail, they encountered a small boat. on that small boat, a woman sat cross-legged. she once had a name ¨C yunxia.


    wu jianwu saw her, and so did she.


    after their eyes met, yunxia closed her eyes.


    ¡°to ask what love is in this world¡­¡± sighed ning yan.


    ¡°it¡¯s just a matter of who says it first!¡± wu jianwu roared to the sky, took out a jug of wine, and drank it in one gulp. however, a few drops spilled onto the deck, causing ning yan¡¯s displeasure. instinctively, he wiped it away with the rag.


    at the same time, at the bow of the ship, xu qing sat cross-


    legged, looking hesitant. the captain leaned against the railing, shaking his head, alternately scrutinizing xu qing and surveying the river, making clicking sounds with his tongue.


    ¡°little qing, it seems like someone doesn¡¯t want you to leave so quickly.¡±


    ¡°but it¡¯s fine. ling¡¯er isn¡¯t here, haha.¡±


    the more the captain spoke, the brighter his eyes became. he was filled with anticipation for what would happen next.


    ling¡¯er was indeed not on this ship, nor was the old man from panquan road.


    it wasn¡¯t that ling¡¯er didn¡¯t want to follow xu qing back to fenghai county, but the fusion of ancient spirit emperor¡¯s imperial qi caused her to fall into a deep sleep. she needed some time to digest it.


    it was like a closed-door cultivation. it wasn¡¯t suitable for her to be disturbed.


    hence, xu qing left ling¡¯er at the apothecary. the old man from panquan road naturally chose to stay as well.


    nether fairy also stayed behind.


    she naturally wasn¡¯t doing it for ling¡¯er but instinctively didn¡¯t want to return to fenghai county.


    hence, there were only xu qing and the other three on this ship.


    at that moment, the captain¡¯s words echoed. xu qing frowned. he knew what the captain meant. in reality, the ship they were on was a gift from the heir. it could cross large regions and greatly shorten the time needed to return to fenghai county.


    however, the moment it set sail, a large amount of clay silently appeared on the surface of the ship.


    more and more clay appeared out of thin air, and they possessed divine power, causing the speed of the ship to be severely dragged down.


    as for ninth grandfather, ever since he said those words in the apothecary, he had disappeared without a trace. even though the ship was affected, he didn¡¯t appear.


    this situation allowed xu qing to understand who was the one who affected this ship¡­


    his guess quickly became reality.


    as more and more clay appeared around the ship, after about fifteen minutes, the entire ship slowly stopped on the river.


    ¡°she¡¯s here!¡±


    the captain¡¯s eyes lit up.


    xu qing also lifted his head.


    the moment the ship stopped, all the clay on it quickly fell off and gathered on the river in front of the ship, gradually forming a tall clay fox.


    although this clay fox was formed from clay, it emitted a rainbow light, giving off a holy feeling. one might even subconsciously feel the urge to worship it from the bottom of their hearts.


    this was a god.


    with its appearance, the river seemed to have stopped and there were no waves. the sky also dimmed, not daring to fight for brilliance.


    it was as though the clay fox on the river was the only thing left in this world.


    it was the source of everything.


    wu jianwu¡¯s body fell from the mast with a plop. he was scared half to death. ning yan wasn¡¯t much better either. he was trembling and his face was filled with horror.


    they didn¡¯t know of the existence of the clay fox.


    only the captain¡¯s anticipation reached its peak at this moment. under his unblinking gaze, the clay fox on the river slowly opened its eyes.


    a pair of phoenix eyes, exuding a captivating charm and a seductive allure, appeared between heaven and earth, disregarding erniu and looking at xu qing.


    ¡°stinky brother, why did you leave so quickly? why didn¡¯t you bid farewell to me?¡±


    ¡°have you forgotten about sister?¡±


    a gentle sound permeated the world. the laws retreated and the rules seemed to become non-existent. spacetime was also affected, forming the four seasons in all directions. there were even suns, moons, and stars that rapidly rotated.


    divine fire spread throughout her body, emitting an extremely terrifying aura.


    it distorted everything and the anomalous substances tainted the sky.


    it was obvious that the clay fox was even stronger than during the divine battle.


    clearly, the flesh of crimson goddess was quite significant to her.


    seeing this, the captain coughed and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°big sister, actually, i¡­¡±


    ¡°kidney, shut up. say one more word, and i¡¯ll take out both of your kidneys.¡± the clay fox voiced with a smiling expression, her voice still charming.


    the captain was somewhat frightened. he took a deep breath and quickly shut his mouth.


    xu qing hesitated and was about to speak when the clay fox chuckled and cast a meaningful glance at xu qing.


    ¡°stinky brother, the moment li zihua became a god, he saw the future. do you think when i became a god back then, i also saw the future?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression changed.


    however, that clay fox was already slowly turning blurry until she vanished into the world. only her coquettish voice could be heard echoing in all directions.


    ¡°preserve your yang essence well. when you have time, you must come to the flame moon mystic heaven race to play with me.¡±


    the voice gradually dissipated and the world returned to normal.


    very soon, under ning yan¡¯s shock, wu jianwu¡¯s horror, and the captain¡¯s muttering, the vessel also began to blur. with a hum, it disappeared from the surface of the river. at an astonishing speed, it shuttled through the void and stepped into the holy wave large region, heading straight for fenghai county.


    above this ship, in the heavens of the holy wave large region, the starry sky was exceptionally clear. the distant stars flickered like fine flowers spreading out. at that moment, on a cluster of star flowers, a figure was walking forward with the vessel that had fused into the void.


    he wore a black robe and had black hair.


    his gaze were like stars, his body was like a sword, and his soul was like ice. he was none other than old ninth.

 Chapter 1115 - 1115 Sword Holders, Appear! (1)

    1115 sword holders, appear! (1)


    1115 sword holders, appear! (1)


    the wanggu world was vast and endless. the holy wave large region in the south was only a corner of the entire continent. it was far inferior to the core of wanggu.


    however, before the god calamity descended, this region could still be considered famous. although it was remote, it was connected to the spirit heaven region in the north, the moon gazing region in the west, and in the northwest, there was an ancient desert path that led to the flame mystic region.


    moreover, as it bordered the forbidden sea on both the southeast and northeast sides, the domain was extremely rich in both maritime trade and resources. at its peak, it was even considered one of the top ten regions of the human race.


    however, the arrival of the god¡¯s fragmented-face changed everything. what the boundless forbidden sea conveyed to the holy wave large region was no longer fertility but endless anomalous substances and dangers.


    as this continued, the radiance of the holy wave large region quickly dimmed. coupled with the decline of the human race, under the repeated changes in imperial rule, it eventually fell into obscurity, becoming a mere shadow of its former self.


    the moon gazing region became the moon worship region.


    the spirit heaven region also became the black spirit region of the black heaven race.


    as for the ancient desert path that was connected to the flame mystic region, it became a place that couldn¡¯t be stepped into. this was because the flame mystic region¡­ no longer belonged to the human race and had become the frontier of the flame moon mystic heaven race.


    this lasted until¡­ the appearance of the purple green kingdom, which rejuvenated this dimmed domain, casting forth a brilliant light like the starry sky, inflicting the hearts of the myriad races in the wanggu continent to tremble.


    however, it was only a flash in the pan. with the tragic death of crown prince purple green, all this radiance turned into smoke.


    even though the seventh prince had arrived, the black heaven race had been defeated, and this generation¡¯s grand duke holy wave had chosen to return, all of this was just small-scale ripples.


    in the context of the entire wanggu continent, there wasn¡¯t much of a ripple.


    these events were clearly not qualified to stir up a storm in the entire wanggu.


    no one knew whether the holy wave large region could, in the future, shine with the same dazzling radiance that the purple green kingdom had once conveyed to the entire wanggu.


    at this moment, in the northern part of the holy wave large region, within the black spirit region that was once the spirit heaven region, a war was raging fiercely. looking around in the extremely bright heavens and earth, the defensive line of the black heaven race was gradually collapsing.


    although there were many experts in the black heaven race, the omnipresent sun of dawn dealt great damage to them. the black heaven emperor and many peak experts of the race were even assassinated or heavily injured by mysterious cultivators.


    all of this caused the black heaven race to fall into a passive state. the moment the red moon disappeared, although the outside world knew about this and it would take time to confirm its authenticity, most of the pious people in the black heaven race sensed it immediately.


    this feeling made things worse, causing the black heaven race to fall into sorrow.


    compared to the unprecedented weakness of the black heaven race, the war launched by the human race this time was overwhelming. not only did king tian lan participate, but outside the two huge regions of the black heaven race, a total of thirteen heavenly kings took action.


    they invaded the two huge regions of the black heaven race from 13 directions.


    especially king dong ding, as the heavenly king of the maternal clan of the third princess, his strength was astonishing. leading the charge personally, he imposed significant pressure on the black heaven race.


    this gave king tian lan a lot of pressure.


    in order to support the seventh prince, their clan had paid a huge price to obtain the tacit approval of the human emperor. one of the conditions in this price was that he needed to conquer half of the black spirit region.


    this was also the reason why king tian lan had recruited all the cultivators in the region after coming to the holy wave large region. to him, the life and death of the people in the holy wave large region wasn¡¯t important. at most, they would be replenished in the future.


    what was important now was that they had to win this war. only then could the seventh prince truly turn this place into a fief.


    if he wanted to win, it wasn¡¯t enough with the subordinates he had brought. he yet needed to use a forbidden immortal art.


    this technique required the blood and souls of living beings.


    hence, conscription orders were continuously issued by the seventh prince. there were also squads of people in charge of conscription who forcibly recruited soldiers from the entire huge region.


    if they didn¡¯t obey, they would be reported to the seventh prince. the seventh prince, who was in charge of the administrative matters, would arrange for the guards to eliminate them.


    this had been going on for half a year.


    all the living beings of the myriad races in the holy wave large region used their lives to expand the battlefield against the black heaven race. this forceful recruitment was done in fenghai county too.


    facing righteousness and the heavenly king, it was impossible for fenghai county to disobey. even though they knew that king tian lan had reserved his elites, and was using their blood and flesh to cast a forbidden spell, they were powerless to resist.


    in just half a year, five batches of troops had been sent to the battlefield.


    in the fifth batch, half of them were sword holders.


    for fenghai county, which had recently experienced a major war, it was a time of instability. many sects and races within the county chose to switch sides and join the seventh prince.


    fenghai county also didn¡¯t have the ability to organize the sixth batch of troops unless¡­ they sent out the remaining sword holders and the seeds of the various sects.


    however, in that case, fenghai county would have no future.


    however, the difference in status and strength between the two sides caused fenghai county to have no choice but to submit. at this moment, outside fenghai county, a group of cultivators holding the conscription order from the seventh prince reached in the sky.


    they were as many as ten thousand and were divided into two groups. one group was at the front and wore black robes with golden swords embroidered on them as they flew in the sky.


    among this group of people, the human race occupied more than half. there were also some nonhumans. they were all cultivators from the various sects and races in fenghai county.


    after they chose to defect and join the seventh prince, their identities changed. now, under the seventh prince¡¯s orders, they were like imperial envoys, coming here to forcefully recruit soldiers.


    at this moment, with relaxed expressions and casual conversations, most of them gazed at sealed sea county with disdain, and some even had a sneer on their lips.

 Chapter 1116 - 1116 Sword Holders, Appear! (2)

    1116 sword holders, appear! (2)


    1116 sword holders, appear! (2)


    behind them were thousands of blood-armored and blood-


    robed battle cultivators, each with a cold and indifferent expression, exuding a strong murderous aura. wherever they went, it felt like a dark cloud pressing down, displaying extraordinary momentum.


    they weren¡¯t cultivators from the holy wave large region but from the imperial city. they were the guards that the seventh prince had brought with him back then.


    each of them rode on a black giant lizard covered in armor. as they got closer to the county capital, a domineering and destructive intent spread out from them.


    among the ten thousand cultivators, there was a tall canopy held high, and beneath it, a white flying elephant was particularly conspicuous.


    sitting on the white elephant was a middle-aged man in armor. his appearance was ordinary but when he opened and closed his eyes, a sharp and cold light flashed past.


    there were more than ten golden-armored figures in his surroundings, and every one of them emitted terrifying nihility energy fluctuations, causing black clouds to form in the sky. as they moved forward, these black clouds also followed.


    beside the white elephant was an old man.


    this old man¡¯s face was covered in wrinkles and there were marks in his eyes that were like shooting stars. as he followed, he looked at the fenghai county capital city that was being held up by the ancient sovereign mystic nether statue in the distance. a hint of resentment and hatred appeared on his face.


    ¡°xue lianzi, zheng kaiyi, and that b*stard xu qing!¡±


    the old man gritted his teeth as the flames of hatred in his heart burned intensely.


    the middle-aged man on the white elephant swept his gaze across the old man and smiled faintly.


    ¡°soaring cloud, you should have many old friends here, right?¡±


    when the old man heard this, he immediately bowed respectfully and cupped his fists.


    ¡°lord military governor, please allow me to catch up with my old friends later.¡±


    he gritted his teeth as he said the words ¡®old friends¡¯.


    the middle-aged man nodded with a smile.


    this old man was none other than saintly star¡¯s grandfather, soaring cloud ancestor of the eight sects alliance¡¯s soaring cloud sword sect.


    in the past, because of saintly star, he was punished to be confined for 60 years. however, upon the arrival of king tian lan, the alliance leader released him before he betrayed the eight sects alliance. after learning of everything, soaring cloud ancestor chose to follow and join the seventh prince.


    he had put in a lot of efforts to get the chance to accompany the military governor here.


    he wasn¡¯t worried that fenghai county would resist because in the current situation, resistance would speed up its death.


    in fact, he was even looking forward to it.


    if they resist, they¡¯ll definitely die. even if they don¡¯t resist, all that¡¯s waiting for them will be death!¡¯


    ¡®alas, my grandson clearly had the potential to become an ancient sovereign. however, that b*stard xu qing was jealous of my grandson¡¯s potential and sinisterly persecuted him!¡¯


    ¡®and my son died tragically because of zheng kaiyi!¡¯


    ¡®the root of all this is xue lianzi!¡¯


    ¡®your entire lineage will have to die!¡¯


    the killing intent in soaring cloud ancestor¡¯s eyes was intense. he gazed at fenghai county in front of him and waved his right hand. immediately, the black clouds in the sky churned with his thoughts, forming bolts of lightning that streaked across the sky and gathered into a huge lightning dragon. with a deafening roar, it headed straight for the fenghai county capital city.


    it wanted to tear it apart.


    in an instant, the lightning dragon arrived in the air above the capital city. just as it was about to land, a figure appeared in front of the lightning dragon and pressed down.


    the lightning dragon was blocked. no matter how it struggled, it was useless. in the end, it exploded, forming an arc-shaped lightning rain that enveloped fenghai county.


    the entire fenghai county was silent. all the mortals were requested to stay at home and not go out.


    only the cultivators from the three palaces and the elites of the various sects who were seen as willing to live and die with fenghai county looked at the sky with anger.


    among them were seen as yao yunhui, li shitao, the seven blood eyes¡¯ disciples, and many others xu qing was familiar with.


    however, his second senior brother wasn¡¯t around, nor was kong xianglong.


    as the army arrived with oppressive momentum, the black clouds in the surroundings churned even more intensely. from afar, compared to them, fenghai county was like a lone boat in the raging waves that could capsize at any moment.


    in the army, the middle-aged man on the white elephant yawned and casually said.


    ¡°you know best how deep the foundation of fenghai county is. you have fifteen minutes to complete the conscription. i still have to go to the next destination.¡±


    as he spoke, he picked up an ancient book and started reading. it was as though he didn¡¯t care about what happened next at all.


    the soldiers and battle cultivators beside him also looked on coldly.


    only the cultivators in front who were originally from fenghai county were shouting vigorously, including soaring cloud ancestor.


    he looked down at the person who had destroyed his lightning dragon with killing intent.


    ¡°zheng kaiyi!¡±


    the old man in the air was none other than old master seventh.


    he gazed at the army with a gloomy expression. he waved his hand slightly and dispersed the arc of lightning on his palm. at the same time, behind him, figures appeared one after another.


    first, it was marquis yao, then the succeeding three palace masters, the deacons of the various palaces, and even experts from the various sects. all the nihility cultivators appeared in the sky.


    xue lianzi, yanyan¡¯s grandmother, and three sect masters of the eight sects alliance were seen as also present.


    all of them had solemn expressions.


    however, compared to before xu qing left, there were seen as much fewer of them now.


    those who weren¡¯t present had either changed sides or died in battle.


    there was also a woman in the crowd. she wore a long purple dress that was like redbuds blooming in the sky. her appearance was peerlessly beautiful. she was none other than zi xuan.


    she stood there and was very conspicuous. moreover, from her location, it was obvious that her status was different from others and was even higher.


    however, there seemed to be a frown on her face, making her seem a little depressed. she gazed coldly at soaring cloud ancestor and the army behind him.


    the entire fenghai county was silent.


    the arrival of the army formed a huge pressure that enveloped everyone in fenghai county. it wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t want to send out their troops, but they had reached their limit.

 Chapter 1117 - 1117 Sword Holders, Appear! (3)

    1117 Sword Holders, Appear! (3)


    1117 Sword Holders, Appear! (3)


    ¡°Yao Tianyan, Zheng Kaiyi, such guts!¡± Soaring Cloud Ancestor walked out and stood in front of the army. His eyes were filled with killing intent and unprecedented joy rose in his heart as he sneered.


    ¡°It has been seven days since the Seventh Prince sent the order for conscription. While the battlefield is in crisis, with heavy casualties on our side, Fenghai County only cares about self-


    preservation and is unwilling to send a single soldier or contribute in any way.¡±


    ¡°Your actions are equivalent to colluding with the enemy. You are the scum of the human race!¡±


    ¡°Today, the Military Governor has personally arrived. If you still refuse to see reason, then is Fenghai County still part of the human race? Do you still have the Human Emperor above your heads? Is the righteous cause of the Human Clan still in your hearts?¡±


    Soaring Cloud Ancestor had experienced too much in his lifetime, long cultivating profound wisdom. His words were filled with righteousness, every phrase tightly bound to the human race, far beyond the comparison of ordinary individuals.


    At that moment, these impassioned words echoed. Even the middle-aged man on the white elephant lifted his head with a hint of admiration in his eyes.


    When the people from Fenghai County heard this, they were all filled with grief and anger. Most of the cultivators from the three palaces had ashen expressions. They gritted their teeth and their eyes were filled with anger. In the sky, Marquis Yao took a step forward, looking indignant.


    ¡°You said that my Fenghai County only knows how to protect ourselves and isn¡¯t willing to send out a single soldier. In the past half a year, my Fenghai County has sent five batches, each with a million men. Even the Palace Master of Observance Palace, as well as many deacons from the three palaces were sent!¡±


    ¡°These millions of soldiers were the future hope of our Fenghai County and our only remaining troops!¡±


    ¡°We are already at the end of our rope.¡±


    ¡°Now, you¡¯re here, distorting the truth!¡±


    ¡°You keep talking about the righteousness of the human race. Dare I ask how many of the five batches conscripted from Fenghai County are still alive? The Palace Master of the Observance Palace as well as many deacons died in battle in those foreign lands. Didn¡¯t they die for the righteousness of the human race?!¡±


    ¡°Our Fenghai County has experienced many things in recent years. We were the ones who shouldered the invasion of the Holy Wave. Three Palace Masters died in battle, and the County Governor died for no reason. The Seventh Prince came to plunder the spoils of war, looking like he came to save us, but everyone understands the truth!¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the death of five batches of our Fenghai County¡¯s children enough? Could it be that even our last spark has to be extinguished?!¡±


    Marquis Yao spoke solemnly. His gaze wasn¡¯t on Soaring Cloud Ancestor but on the army behind him. He enunciated each word with a clear conscience.


    Old Master Seventh, who was beside him, also walked out. He looked at the white elephant in the army and calmly spoke.


    ¡°We have the righteousness of the human race in our hearts. We can also sacrifice ourselves, but it has to be worth it.¡±


    ¡°I want to inquire Lord Military Governor, how many of the Seventh Prince¡¯s subordinates have been sent to the battlefield?¡±


    The middle-aged man on the white elephant didn¡¯t put down the ancient book in his hand. He only spoke calmly to Soaring Cloud Ancestor.


    ¡°You still have eight moments left.¡±


    When Soaring Cloud Ancestor heard this, his eyes flashed with coldness as he swept his gaze across the city. Finally, he looked at Old Master Seventh, Marquis Yao, and the others and spoke coldly.


    ¡°The Palace Masters, Deputy Palace Masters, deacons, and the remaining Sword Holders shall be conscripted.¡±


    ¡°The sect masters of the various sects will also participate in the battle.¡±


    ¡°In addition¡­ during the first conscription half a year ago, His Highness the Seventh Prince specifically named Xu Qing to participate in the first conscription half a year ago. You covered up using the excuse of his seclusion. This time, Xu Qing must participate in the battle!¡±


    ¡°In sevenfold minutes, including Xu Qing, everyone must present themselves!¡±


    With that, Soaring Cloud Ancestor took a step forward.


    This step sent a rumbling energy in all directions, causing the weather to change. A huge vortex formed in the sky. As it rumbled, everyone from Fenghai County turned furious and their auras rose.


    A look of determination appeared in Marquis Yao¡¯s eyes. After exchanging glances with Old Master Seventh, there was an additional hint of determination in his eyes. His voice echoed with baleful intent.


    ¡°Three palaces!¡±


    In an instant, the three Palace Masters behind him soared into the sky and let out deep shouts one after another.


    This was especially so for the Sword Holding Palace, which was in charge of fighting. The current Palace Master who was once the Deputy Palace Master, uttered a killing intent that reverberated through the world.


    ¡°Sword Holders, appear!¡±


    His voice echoed through the entire county capital. Many figures ascended from the ground and solemn voices rang out.


    ¡°Sword Holder Sun Chenwu is here!¡±


    ¡°Sword Holder Zhang Hao is here!¡±


    ¡°Sword Holder Lu Tao is here!¡±


    ¡­


    Among the many voices, there was a voice that was exceptionally clear. It was like thunder had exploded in everyone¡¯s ears, stirring up endless waves.


    ¡°Sword Holder Xu Qing is here!¡±

 Chapter 1118 - 1118 A Breeze Brings the Essence of Spring

    1118 A Breeze Brings the Essence of Spring


    1118 A Breeze Brings the Essence of Spring


    Although these short six words were mixed in with the voices of many Sword Holders, Xu Qing¡¯s name gave this sentence extraordinary meaning!


    To Fenghai County, especially to the Sword Holders, the meaning of the name ¡®Xu Qing¡¯ was too great!


    They were comrades-in-arms who had lived and died together and had experienced the baptism of a cruel war together!


    He was also the former hero and future county governor of Fenghai County.


    Even mortals couldn¡¯t forget this name.


    Hence, in an instant, all the Sword Holders who were filled with grief and indignation and wanted to fight to the death were shaken.


    They knew that that person had come out of seclusion!


    At that moment, their expressions revealed excitement as they looked around, wanting to find the figure in their memories.


    It wasn¡¯t just the Sword Holders. The cultivators from the other two palaces were the same. Most of the elite cultivators from the various sects in Fenghai County were also shocked.


    Even those who had never seen Xu Qing before understood the weight of this name in Fenghai County.


    The expressions of the three Palace Masters, Marquis Yao, and the others in the sky also changed.


    The instant this name appeared, it caused the hearts of countless people in the capital city to fluctuate. An even more majestic vortex appeared in the sky. This vortex was extremely huge and enveloped most of the sky.


    As it rumbled, it caused lightning to explode in all directions, causing the color of the sky to change. A strong wind blew from the horizon and circled in the distance, transforming into a storm.


    As the commotion spread, a gigantic ship leaped out of the vortex in the sky!


    This ship was pitch-black and emitted a terrifying pressure. Black fog formed tentacles in its surroundings, spreading to the sides and looking like a pair of wings.


    At the bow of the ship, an extension protruded with a dragon head carved on it. It looked fierce yet majestic. There were also six claws carved near it, exuding an aura of nobility and striking fear into the hearts of those who beheld it.


    On the sail that was raised high, a name was written in bold font.


    ¡°Jicang!¡±


    Outsiders didn¡¯t understand the meaning of this name and could only sense the might and domineeringness of the style of the writing. In reality, this was the ship the heir had given Xu Qing. The name was his and he had personally written it on the sail.


    The instant it appeared, thunder rumbled. The expressions of the Seventh Prince¡¯s soldiers in the air changed. The middle-


    aged man on the white elephant also immediately put down the ancient book in his hand with a bewildered expression.


    As for the Soaring Cloud Ancestor at the front, he was frightened.


    However, before he could react, the huge ship that appeared on the vortex charged toward him with an earth-shattering aura.


    He couldn¡¯t dodge or block!


    This ship, forged by the heir, had an astonishing level and exceeded imagination in terms of speed. Combined with its sudden appearance, everything happened in the blink of an eye.


    Hence, in the blink of an eye, this huge ship with an imposing aura that seemed to be able to devour the world headed straight for the Soaring Cloud Ancestor.


    A moment ago, it was at the end of the sky, but in the next instant, it directly arrived in front of the Soaring Cloud Ancestor and ruthlessly collided.


    Even though Soaring Cloud Ancestor¡¯s cultivation was at the first stage of Nihility, he was still greatly shaken at this moment. The feeling of life-and-death crisis rose intensely. He let out a loud shout and went all out, crazily unleashing his cultivation base, causing the meteors in his eyes to transform outside, forming a thousand dao marks to resist the ship.


    However, in the blink of an eye, the Dao marks around the Soaring Cloud Ancestor shattered and collapsed one after another. The void around him caved in and collapsed on a large scale.


    The cultivation levels of the defectors from Fenghai County behind him were inferior to his. At this moment, they had no strength to resist at all. They didn¡¯t even have the time to scream before their bodies and souls were destroyed under the collapse of the void.


    In an instant, their bodies turned into mist that splattered everywhere.


    An even stronger deterrence force enveloped the white elephant and the surrounding army with the arrival of the ship.


    As for the Soaring Cloud Ancestor, his face instantly turned pale before turning red. The veins on his forehead bulged and he finally spat out a large mouthful of blood. A heart-rending sound rang out as his body was knocked over with a boom.


    As he was forced back, his chest collapsed and his body fractured, causing him to spurt out blood continuously. His cultivation energy also dispersed, unable to reassemble.


    And his body was drawn by the force of the ship, even though he tried to retreat, it was difficult for him to offset the force, and his speed was severely affected.


    And this was not the end; at the moment when Soaring Cloud Ancestor was severely injured from the collision, a figure swiftly flew out from the giant ship. This person was radiating a dazzling blue light, illuminating the heavens and the earth, like a blue meteor heading straight for Soaring Cloud Ancestor.


    The figure spoke proudly.


    ¡°Sword Holder Chen Erniu is here!¡±


    As he spoke, the blue meteor caught up to Soaring Cloud Ancestor. A face appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes, and more faces appeared in the eyes of the face, stacking again and again. A large number of small blue tentacles appeared on his body and gathered on his right hand, attacking ruthlessly.


    Amidst the rumbling, Soaring Cloud Ancestor spat out another mouthful of blood. He wanted to struggle and counterattack, but in the blink of an eye, a second figure flew out of the huge boat. At first, this figure was the size of an ordinary person, but in the next instant, his flesh was torn apart, transforming into a vast giant.


    It was Xu Qing¡¯s first layer god form!


    His body was of the Ghost Emperor and it was incomparably majestic. He wore an emperor¡¯s crown and emitted an aura of imperial nobility.


    A piercing golden light emitted from its body and transformed into rainbow colors in the surroundings.


    The Heavenly Dao Furnace was located in his heart and continued to beat. Every strike was like heavenly lightning and even erupted with raging flames that burned his entire body.


    A black spear that was surrounded by countless bolts of lightning appeared beside Xu Qing. He grabbed it and strode forward, stirring up a monstrous aura and threw it at Soaring Cloud Ancestor.


    With a buzz, this black spear pierced through the void, destroying everything. It appeared in front of the Soaring Cloud Ancestor and pierced through his chest.


    An even more mournful cry rang out from the Soaring Cloud Ancestor¡¯s mouth. A huge hole appeared in his chest and his Dao marks spread out, burning one after another.


    Unspeakable pain spread throughout his body, his eyes turning bloodshot. The sense of life and death crisis became even more intense. His mind went blank, leaving only the determination to fight desperately. He was about to gather his scattered cultivation at all costs, but how could the captain give him such an opportunity?


    Almost at the same time the spear pierced through, the captain¡¯s figure approached again. The heavenly dog and a blue light flickered as it ruthlessly devoured.


    Soaring Cloud Ancestor¡¯s entire body trembled violently and his body quickly turned into an ice sculpture. A large amount of life force was uncontrollably sucked out and fused into the captain. All of this made Soaring Cloud Ancestor go crazy.


    However, it was useless. Xu Qing had already closed in and he punched the ice sculpture with all his might.


    With a boom, the ice sculpture crumbled and blood spurted out of Soaring Cloud Ancestor¡¯s entire body. His hair was disheveled and he was in a sorry state. This was unprecedented for him.


    The captain rushed over again. His coordination with Xu Qing was perfect. The two of them attacked together and launched a continuous, powerful bombardment against the Soaring Cloud Ancestor in this short period of time.


    The Military Governor and the surrounding army wanted to help, but Old Master Seventh and the others also erupted with their auras.


    Immediately after, the Soaring Cloud Ancestor let out a deafening roar, his aura surging, seeming to display a last-ditch effort, but instead of attacking, he retreated.


    From this, it could be seen that Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s attacks frightened even the Soaring Cloud Ancestor.


    However, he didn¡¯t have a chance.


    The captain¡¯s entire body trembled and the blue light spreading from him was like the sea. Countless blue worms manifested that swept up the sea of light, forming a large blue hand that clutched at Soaring Cloud Ancestor!


    On Xu Qing¡¯s side, black gas instantly erupted from his body and surrounded him, forming a black armor. Underworld fire burned in his eyes and his aura soared astonishingly.


    This wasn¡¯t the complete second layer god form, and was only a portion.


    Working together with the captain to kill a Soaring Cloud Ancestor wasn¡¯t worth expending Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh to unleash the complete second layer god form. Now, this was his strongest state without expending Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh.


    In the blink of an eye, the two of them attacked at the same time. The world trembled and heavenly lightning rumbled. As the void exploded, Xu Qing¡¯s figure approached the Soaring Cloud Ancestor. He lifted his right hand and black gas erupted, surrounding the spear and forming a blade shadow outside, transforming into a heavenly blade.


    This blade swept across and slashed through the Soaring Cloud Ancestor¡¯s neck!


    The Poison Restriction spread rapidly, affecting his entire body and corroding it.


    Soaring Cloud wailed. His Dao marks actually showed signs of corrosion.


    At the same time, the large blue hand transformed by the captain also clutched the beheaded Soaring Cloud Ancestor and squeezed him ruthlessly. Amidst the rumbling sounds, Soaring Cloud¡¯s body turned into minced meat. The captain¡¯s face appeared and he was about to devour it.


    However, at the next instant, he sensed the poison inside and hurriedly gave up, storing it instead.


    The blue light also dissipated at this moment, revealing the captain¡¯s true body. He then glanced at Xu Qing bitterly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body rapidly changed, returning to the first layer god form. He stood there and looked at the army. The baleful aura on his body rose, causing the world to darken.


    The vicinity immediately fell silent. Countless gazes gathered on Xu Qing and the captain and waves of inhaling sounds rang out one after another.


    All of this happened too quickly and fiercely. Everyone¡¯s minds were in turmoil.


    Spirit Repositories had slain a Nihility.


    This mattera?| was almost impossible. However, everyone here had witnessed it with their own eyes today!


    On the Military Governor¡¯s side, the fluctuations from the ten thousand cultivators were intense. The middle-aged man on the white elephant had a solemn expression and his eyes unveiled killing intent.


    As for Fenghai County, Old Master Seventh smiled with relief in his eyes. He then looked in the direction of the Moon Offering Region. As he fell into deep thought, he swept his gaze across the sky from the corner of his eyes but didn¡¯t say anything.


    Xue Lianzi stroked his beard with a proud expression which looked a little similar to the captain¡¯s habitual expression.


    A strange expression materialized on Marquis Yao¡¯s face. What he was looking at was the name on the ship¡¯s sail!


    As for the others, their expressions were also different.


    The three Palace Masters, deacons, and experts of the various sects were all focused.


    On the ground, ripples rose in Yao Yunhui¡¯s heart. During this period of time, she couldn¡¯t help but think of Xu Qing¡¯s good points and they were slowly ingrained in her heart.


    As a result, she was a little dazed.


    As for the graceful Zi Xuan in the sky, there was no massive ship or anything in her beautiful eyes. Only the figure standing in the distance became the only one in her world as she muttered softly.


    ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back.¡±


    Her charming face, once clouded with sorrow, gradually cleared, revealing a radiant spirit that made her even more beautiful.


    It was the moment when smiling eyes questioned the flowers, and the flowers responded in kind; a gentle breeze played a tune, and the feelings of spring arrived.

 Chapter 1119 - 1119 Stars Losing Brilliance, Sun and Moon Shifting (1)

    1119 Stars Losing Brilliance, Sun and Moon Shifting (1)


    1119 Stars Losing Brilliance, Sun and Moon Shifting (1)


    As Xu Qing and the captain stood in the sky, feelings of excitement spread in all directions.


    All the Sword Holders were excited. They felt like they had returned to the moment when the appointment ceremony of the county governor of Fenghai County was held.


    At that time, Xu Qing also stood in the world like this, his figure landing in everyone¡¯s minds.


    Today, this figure was even more majestic and imposing.


    Hence, under their excitement, these Sword Holders flew out one after another and gathered toward Xu Qing. More and more of them appeared and the entire county capital city emitted an intense battle intent at this moment.


    Although Old Master Seventh and Marquis Yao¡¯s cultivation and status far surpassed Xu Qing¡¯s, in everyone¡¯s hearts, they seemed to be on a lofty cloud, making people feel like they could observe and not approach.


    Because they were too far away.


    However, Xu Qing was different. Xu Qing was their comrade-in-


    arms. They had walked through life and death together and were familiar with each other. At the same time, they also recognized Xu Qing¡¯s character.


    Hence, while they respected Xu Qing, they were also very amiable.


    At that moment, all the Sword Holders were standing beside Xu Qing.


    Looking at these comrades, Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred. He always remembered the words that Zi Xuan had once said to him. At that time, he, who had just arrived in Fenghai County, didn¡¯t have much acknowledgment or understanding of the Sword Holders, nor was he certain who they were.


    It was Zi Xuan who told him that when he first had respect for this organization and the people inside, he might have an answer.


    Respect came from understanding, and his feeling of respect came from the former Palace Master of the Sword Holding Palace, Kong Liangxiu.


    All kinds of emotions rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. He took a deep breath and suppressed them because now wasn¡¯t the time to reminisce about the past.


    This great crisis that concerned Fenghai County wasn¡¯t over yet.


    The deceased included only the Soaring Cloud Ancestor and some of the turncoat cultivators from Fenghai County. Perhaps they considered themselves exceptional, able to command authority within their own sphere, and felt they were highly regarded.


    However, in reality, in the heart of the middle-aged man sitting on the white elephant, these people were just minor characters in a remote village.


    To him, who had come from the Grand Imperial Capital Region and was used to being high and mighty, these people weren¡¯t important.


    He only felt pity about the Soaring Cloud Ancestor.


    However, this pity wasn¡¯t strong.


    What made his expression solemn was that Xu Qing and the captain were actually able to kill Nihility with their Spirit Repository cultivation bases. This had never happened even in the Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    ¡°Only those super clans in the Wanggu Continent would have seen such situations, but even then, it¡¯s extremely rare.¡±


    The middle-aged man narrowed his eyes and his gaze landed on Xu Qing and the captain.


    Before this, he had listened of Xu Qing¡¯s name and knew the significance of this name to Fenghai County. He also admitted in his heart that such a heaven¡¯s chosen was indeed worthy of being valued so much by Fenghai County.


    ¡°This kid isn¡¯t far from completely growing up. Also, I¡¯ve never heard of that person beside him before.¡±


    Thinking of this, he slowly spoke.


    ¡°You¡¯re Xu Qing?¡±


    ¡°Before I came here, I listened the Seventh Prince mention you. He praised you greatly and I have also heard of your result in the Heart Inquisition by the Emperor. Even His Majesty praised you.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, I won¡¯t pursue the matter of you killing Soaring Cloud for the time being.¡±


    ¡°You were rewarded with first-class battle merits, a golden plaque, a yellow robe, and the qualifications for the Imperial Academy. I think you have a deep understanding of righteousness.¡±


    ¡°This time, you will be in charge of the conscription of Fenghai County and redeem yourself. Are you willing?¡±


    The middle-aged man on the white elephant calmly spoke.


    As soon as he finished speaking, the ten thousand battle cultivators wearing red armor and sitting on the giant lizards beside him took a step forward in unison. Their movements immediately stirred up tempestuous waves, causing the sky to change color. A strong wind whistled, forming a storm.


    The murderous intent was especially intense. It was as though they would flatten all the obstacles in front of them with a single order.


    In Fenghai County, under the guidance of this aura, killing intent also rose. The Sword Holders drew their swords one after another, waiting for Xu Qing¡¯s order.


    The cultivators from the other two palaces and the disciples of the various sects were also solemn.


    Xu Qing fell silent and didn¡¯t answer the military governor¡¯s question immediately. Instead, he turned his head and looked at the Sword Holders in the surroundings, at all the cultivators in Fenghai County, and finally at Old Master Seventh and Marquis Yao.


    The relief in Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes deepened as he smiled.


    ¡°You¡¯ve grown up.¡±


    These words completely expressed his thoughts. He handed the decision to Xu Qing.


    Marquis Yao glanced at Xu Qing with a dazed expression. Vaguely, he seemed to have seen Kong Liangxiu¡¯s figure from back then on Xu Qing. Hence, he also smiled and nodded at Xu Qing.


    ¡°You have made astonishing contributions to all living beings in Fenghai County. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that your cultivation level wasn¡¯t high enough, the position of County Governor would have belonged to you. Your master and I managed Fenghai County before you grew up. Now¡­¡±


    ¡°You will decide the future path of Fenghai County.¡±


    As the two of them spoke, the three Palace Masters, deacons, and the experts of the various sects all glanced at Xu Qing with gentle gazes.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and bowed to Old Master Seventh and Marquis Yao. He then turned and glanced at his surroundings. Looking at the gazes of the Fenghai County cultivators, he knew their intentions.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes stirred. He glanced at the military governor and calmly spoke.


    ¡°The Human Emperor has decreed that Fenghai County is autonomous. Please forgive me for not being able to obey your words!¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing spoke, the aura of Fenghai County erupted. The people of Fenghai County had long wanted to say this but they lacked confidence. Hence, they could only endure it.


    Now that Xu Qing spoke it, it was like lightning had exploded, echoing in all directions.


    When the middle-aged military governor on the white elephant listened this, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. Then, he lowered his eyelids slightly and uttered calmly.

 Chapter 1120 - 1120 Stars Losing Brilliance, Sun and Moon Shifting (2)

    1120 Stars Losing Brilliance, Sun and Moon Shifting (2)


    1120 Stars Losing Brilliance, Sun and Moon Shifting (2)


    ¡°Take Xu Qing down and send him to the Heavenly King for judgment. Anyone who obstructs shall be charged with rebellion and executed on the spot.¡±


    At the next instant, the 10,000-strong army in the air erupted with a monstrous baleful aura. They lined up in a formation and rushed toward the city with an overwhelming force.


    From afar, a phantom of a blood-red giant lizard formed from the aura of these ten thousand cultivators and let out a deafening roar at Fenghai County.


    The sound exploded the void, forming a storm.


    In an instant, the ground trembled, clouds churned, and the sun and moon lost their color.


    As for Fenghai County¡¯s side, they had long endured it to the extreme. Now, their auras also erupted. Figures transformed into rainbows and also formed an array formation in the air.


    There were three different array formations from the three palaces.


    On the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s side, their aura gathered to form a sword phantom that could slay all living beings.


    The Observance Palace and the Law Palace had their own aura manifestations as well.


    Tall puppets flew out rapidly as well, controlled by multiple cultivators.


    At the same time, a large net appeared in the sky as the Taboo magic treasure of the county capital was activated. Together with the Taboos of many sects, they spread out in the world.


    Most of the human counties in the other regions wouldn¡¯t have much experience in a war, and even if they did experience wards, they would be on a small scale. However, Fenghai County had just experienced a large-scale war a few years ago, so its remaining soldiers were all cultivators who had experienced many battles.


    Hence, they weren¡¯t unfamiliar with war.


    In an instant, the two sides clashed. Xu Qing bowed to the sky, trying to request Old Ninth to make a move but there was no response.


    Xu Qing sighed inwardly. However, he understood that someone like ninth grandfather wasn¡¯t someone who would make a move just because he wanted to.


    It depended on the enemy¡¯s level.


    Hence, very soon, the battlefield rumbled endlessly. As for the golden-armored subordinates around the middle-aged man on the white elephant, their eyes revealed coldness as they flew out one after another. As their Nihility cultivation erupted, Old Master Seventh, Marquis Yao, and the others also flew over.


    The Nihility experts of both sides entered the battle.


    As for the traitors from Fenghai County who hadn¡¯t been killed by Xu Qing¡¯s ship earlier, when they saw the start of the war, all of them felt nervous. However, due to their belief in the superiority of their side, their panic quickly disappeared and they joined the battle.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. With a sway of his body, he flew straight toward those people. Wherever he passed, the void rumbled. In the blink of an eye, Xu Qing got close to a Spirit Repository cultivator.


    The speed of Xu Qing¡¯s first layer god form was too fast. The other party was shocked and was about to retreat, but it was too late. Xu Qing lifted his left hand and punched out.


    This punch didn¡¯t land on the other party¡¯s body, but changed the rules and laws in the surroundings, creating a force that turned his retreat into an advance.


    In the blink of an eye, the Spirit Repository cultivator who withdrew spurted out blood. His own rules were rebounding, and his body, out of control, dashed straight toward Xu Qing. Xu Qing¡¯s right hand thrust the black long spear fiercely.


    The taboo spear directly pierced through the cultivator¡¯s neck. The power contained in it burst and exploded the cultivator¡¯s body and secret repository.


    His body and soul were destroyed.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop. He turned and swept his gaze, attacking the next person.


    The captain had also rushed over. At that moment, the blue light enveloped one person. As the blue light dissipated, the other party¡¯s figure disappeared. Only the captain licked his lips and his entire body shone as he rushed toward another person.


    There were also the Sword Holders from the Secretariat Department in the surroundings. They spontaneously chose to become personal guards and followed Xu Qing and the captain to kill their way over.


    Under everyone¡¯s attacks, these traitors died quickly. Some of them let out bitter oaths before they died.


    ¡°Seventh Prince will definitely learn about what happened today. Xu Qing, we¡¯ll wait for you in the underworld!¡±


    ¡°The moment King Tian Lan returns, he will definitely kill all of you!¡±


    Xu Qing was unmoved. After killing these traitors, he looked at the combat zone in the sky.


    At that moment, under the short period of contact between the two armies, due to the enhancement of the Taboo treasures and the ferocity of the Fenghai County cultivators, the Fenghai County side gained a huge advantage.


    The ten thousand blood-red armored cultivators kept retreating.


    The situation of the Nihility battle was also the same.


    This scene caused the gaze of the middle-aged military governor to become increasingly cold. He admitted that he had underestimated Fenghai County previously, but it was not an issue. As the military governor, he didn¡¯t rely on these soldiers but on the decree of King Tian Lan¡¯s decree he held to conscript troops.


    Hence, he calmly took out a golden jade pendant which then emitted a monstrous light.


    This golden light spread out and continued to be released. It was astonishingly resplendent and dazzling. At the same time, the aura of the Soul Accumulation transformed into pressure that burst violently.


    The sky was dim and the void was blurry. As the ground quaked, the hearts of the Fenghai County cultivators shook and they withdrew one after another. Their cultivation levels were suppressed and their souls were shaken. Everything about them was incomparably fragile in front of the aura of the Soul Accumulation.


    ¡°A spark dares to compete with the bright moon?¡±


    The military governor calmly spoke. As his eyes revealed coldness, huge golden words rapidly created in front of him.


    ¡°Conscript all the living beings of the myriad races in the Holy Wave Large Region to fight.¡±


    The moment these golden words appeared, the aura from the Soul Accumulation also reached its limit, causing the world to tremble.


    It was also at this moment that Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the sky even higher. He then cupped his fists and bowed before speaking in a solemn voice.


    ¡°Grandpa Ninth, please.¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, a sword light tore through the sky and descended.


    This sword slash caused the sky and earth to collapse, and its light destroyed all techniques.


    This slash caused the stars to lose their light and the sun and moon to shift.

 Chapter 1121 - 1121 Stars Losing Brilliance, Sun and Moon Shifting (3)

    1121 Stars Losing Brilliance, Sun and Moon Shifting (3)


    1121 Stars Losing Brilliance, Sun and Moon Shifting (3)


    The sky tore apart, revealing a huge rift. The void shattered, forming a long-shaped black hole.


    All light, all sound, all spirits, and all intents were pulled and devoured by the black hole the moment the sword slashed.


    Everything disappeared and time stopped.


    Only this sword light silently landed. It was breathtaking and contained peerless might as it slashed at the Soul Accumulation aura released by the jade token in the military governor¡¯s hand.


    King Tian Lan¡¯s aura instantly collapsed. The golden light dimmed and became ordinary.


    The large golden words that caused all living beings to tremble, lost their brilliance. As the sword light swept past, they collapsed in unison and shattered into pieces, dissipating in the air.


    At the same time, the jade pendant in the military governor¡¯s hand shattered.


    Cracks appeared on the jade pendant that contained King Tian LanKing Tian Lan¡¯s decree. More and more cracks appeared and instantly spread out, turning into dust that landed on the white elephant middle-aged man.


    The military governor shivered in fright as he lifted his head slowly and gazed at the sky.ked at the sky.


    He couldn¡¯t see anything but he could imagine what kind of existence was there.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    He opened his mouth to speak but he didn¡¯t have the chance. When the wind blew, his body turned into dust.


    Only he died. The white elephant under him was unscathed but it prostrated on the ground while shivering.


    As for the blood-red armored soldiers in the surroundings, none of them was injured by this sword.


    This was Old Ninth. His sword had already reached the extreme level. With a thought, he could destroy everything, and with a thought, he could kill a specific individual without harming anything else.


    Clearly, although Old Ninth had attacked, he still had the human race in his heart, so he didn¡¯t kill too many.


    However, it was enough.


    The instant the sword light dissipated and the military governor turned into dust, the entire world fell silent.


    The bodies of those blood-red armored soldiers and the subordinates of the military governor shivered violently. Their expressions were filled with intense horror, turning into a storm that rumbled through their bodies.


    They saw this sword slash and understood the meaning behind it. It was also this understanding that caused everyone¡¯s minds to be blank, leaving only fear.


    It was the same for Fenghai County. All the Sword Holders, cultivators from the three palaces, and the elites of the various sects felt their hearts churning.


    The sect masters, the three Palace Masters, and the deacons in the air were the same. Their hearts were trembling unprecedentedly. They instinctively gazed at Xu Qing with disbelief.


    They vaguely remembered that before this earth-shattering sword slash landed, Xu Qing had bowed to the sky and called out ninth grandfather¡­


    Zi Xuan was also stunned and he looked at Xu Qing in a daze.


    As for Marquis Yao, his heart fluctuated intensely. Previously, when he saw the word ¡®Jicang¡¯ on Xu Qing¡¯s ship, he felt that it was familiar. As a heavenly marquis aristocratic family, although their family was in dire straits, they had preserved many ancient books.


    When he thought of the region Xu Qing was in previously, he vaguely remembered that a long, long time ago, the heir of the Moon Offering Region¡¯s ruler was called Li Jicang!


    And the ninth son of that ruler was proficient in sword¡­


    At the thought of this, Marquis Yao¡¯s heartbeat was incomparably intense.


    As for Old Master Seventh, his expression was very strange. He gazed at the sky with a rueful expression. After that, he seemed to be relieved and shook his head. He then looked at Xu Qing and his eldest disciple. The gratification in his eyes replaced everything.


    The captain saw this scene. Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay much attention to it. His attention was on the trembling blood-red armored army.


    Since ninth grandfather wasn¡¯t willing to kill these people, it wasn¡¯t easy for Xu Qing to deal with them. Hence, after a moment of silence, Xu Qing turned his head and looked at the giant ship.


    Ning Yan and Wu Jianwu were squatting there and secretly observing the battle.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, Ning Yan blinked and instinctively lowered his head with a bitter expression, not daring to look at him. However, he still couldn¡¯t help but pay attention to Xu Qing from the corner of his eyes.


    When Xu Qing saw this, his gaze turned cold and he frowned.


    The captain also gazed over with a spurious smile.


    Ning Yan¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He was afraid of the captain but what he was most afraid of was still Xu Qing. After all, the captain had only bitten him, while his encounter with Xu Qing almost led to his death.


    At that moment, both of them were looking at him. Ning Yan knew that if he didn¡¯t act now, he probably wouldn¡¯t have a good time. He sighed in his heart and gritted his teeth fiercely. He stood up and walked out of the ship.


    Wu Jianwu, who was at the side, blinked. He naturally understood what Ning Yan was doing, so he began to brew a poem in his mind.


    Ning Yan¡¯s appearance didn¡¯t attract much attention at first, but as he walked, his bloodline energy erupted, forming a golden canopy that swayed above him.


    There was also a four-clawed golden dragon that manifested as the bloodline continued to activate. It danced in the world and let out an earth-shattering roar at the sky.


    As soon as the golden dragon appeared, its roar shook the surroundings. An imperial robe also emerged on Ning Yan¡¯s body. All of this caused Ning Yan to instantly be the center of attention.


    The cultivators of Fenghai County gazed over in unison. All of their expressions changed and were filled with surprise and shock.


    The ones who were more shocked were the ten thousand terrified blood-red armored soldiers and the Nihility subordinates of the military governor. They were intimidated by that sword slash and were in a dilemma, but when they saw Ning Yan¡¯s appearance, their expressions changed drastically.


    The bloodline fluctuations from Ning Yan and the golden four-


    clawed dragon made them, who were from the Grand Imperial Capital Region, immediately sense the presence of the imperial family.


    This scene instantly caused these soldiers to be bewildered. However, they didn¡¯t know Ning Yan. Clearly, Ning Yan wasn¡¯t particularly prominent among the Human Emperor¡¯s offspring.

 Chapter 1122 - 1122 Stars Losing Brilliance, Sun and Moon Shifting (4)

    1122 Stars Losing Brilliance, Sun and Moon Shifting (4)


    1122 Stars Losing Brilliance, Sun and Moon Shifting (4)


    Ning Yan, who was standing in the air, felt a little awkward at this scene. However, it wasn¡¯t good for him to directly introduce himself, so he could only stand in the air and release his bloodline aura with all his might.


    Gradually, his aura became denser and denser. The fluctuations of the imperial family¡¯s bloodline were vast and mighty, enveloping the surroundings.


    It was also at this moment that the captain flew out and arrived behind Ning Yan, berating the blood armored army.


    ¡°Such audacity! Why aren¡¯t you greeting the twelfth prince?!¡±


    As soon as the captain spoke, the surrounding people were even more shocked. Ning Yan also heaved a sigh of relief in his heart. He maintained a solemn expression and calmly looked at the army in front of him.


    ¡°I¡¯m Guyue Ning Yan, the twelfth son of the Human Emperor. You should know my name.¡±


    As soon as Ning Yan mentioned his name, the expressions of the blood-armored army changed, especially the Nihility experts. Their hearts stirred as they recalled that among the princes of the Human Emperor, one of them rarely appeared in front of others after his biological mother died. It was the twelfth prince.


    The bloodline fluctuations on the other party¡¯s body couldn¡¯t be faked. Most importantly, the phantom of the giant lizard formed by their army also lowered its head to the golden dragon.


    All of this was enough to prove the authenticity of Ning Yan¡¯s words.


    Hence, after some hesitation, everyone lowered their heads and greeted Ning Yan.


    ¡°Greetings, Twelfth Prince!¡±


    The people from Fenghai County also felt their emotions churning. At this moment, they lowered their heads one after another and greeted him.


    Marquis Yao was the same.


    Looking at all of this, Ning Yan felt proud. He lifted his chin and almost forgot his position in Fenghai County. Fortunately, the captain coughed considerately behind him, causing Ning Yan to instantly sober up.


    Ning Yan was frightened and hurriedly suppressed the pride in his heart. After adjusting his mentality, he swept his gaze across the army and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Fenghai County is autonomous. This is Father¡¯s order.¡±


    ¡°You may have been misled, but this is still an offense. Seal yourselves. Wait until I report to Father Emperor, and then the decision will be made.¡±


    Ning Yan¡¯s voice rang out and the ten thousand soldiers fell silent. There was that astonishing blade cut earlier and the appearance of the prince now. No matter what, they had no choice but to obey.


    At the same time, this also allowed them to heave a sigh of relief. They were already in an extreme dilemma and knew that they were in a mortal crisis. It was naturally the best choice to obey the imperial prince.


    Hence, they didn¡¯t hesitate at all and sealed their cultivation levels, binding themselves here.


    Regardless of whether they were the military governor¡¯s trusted aides or not, it wasn¡¯t important. What was important was that that sword slash¡­ had utterly daunted them.


    After doing this, Ning Yan secretly glanced at Xu Qing. When he noticed that Xu Qing was expressionless, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a little worried. Hence, he looked at the captain.


    The captain hugged Ning Yan¡¯s neck, chuckled, and gestured that he did well.


    Ning Yan then heaved a sigh of relief.


    This was indeed the best result in the current situation. Soon, Marquis Yao arranged for the help of the Fenghai County cultivators and detained these ten thousand cultivators in the Prison Department.


    He didn¡¯t torture them. After all, they were all humans.


    The crisis in Fenghai County came to an end. Next, it was Marquis Yao who announced that Xu Qing would take over the county governor position and command the entire Fenghai County.


    Because the current situation was unstable, there was no ceremony. In reality, with Xu Qing¡¯s foundation and reputation in Fenghai County, he didn¡¯t need any rituals.


    He was the County Governor of Fenghai County.


    Some cultivators from the sects and the people in Fenghai County, with the passing of these years, had somewhat forgotten what Xu Qing did back then and had doubts about Xu Qing taking up the position of County Governor with his cultivation base.


    However, the blade cut that descended from the sky earlier shattered all doubts.


    In fact, it even added endless mystery to Xu Qing. Also, the twelfth prince¡¯s attitude toward Xu Qing caused many associations to form in their minds.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t refuse. He understood the duty of the district governor and finally decided to shoulder this heavy responsibility.


    After he entered the County Governor¡¯s residence, he issued a series of decrees that day.


    The first was for the entire district to prepare for war.


    The second was that Taboo magic treasures were to be in an activated state.


    Following that, several more decrees were issued, and the Sword Holders were activated to eliminate any rebellion in Fenghai County.


    Xu Qing was prepared to face the Seventh Prince and King Tian Lan next.


    As these decrees were spread, Fenghai County, which was originally in a daze, regained its vitality. People¡¯s hearts gathered towards Fenghai County once again.


    The large bird, Qingqin, exited its secluded life. It circled above the capital city again that night and let out a high-pitched cry at the County Governor¡¯s residence.


    Ga ga gah!

 Chapter 1123 - 1123 Wishing Eternal Happiness

    1123 Wishing Eternal Happiness


    1123 Wishing Eternal Happiness


    Fenghai County¡¯s capital, the County Governor¡¯s residence.


    This residence was located in the center of the capital city and its surroundings were heavily guarded. Not only were there Sword Holders and cultivators from the county capital guarding it, but it also had two forms.


    What was usually visible in the city was only a part of it; another part was located in the void, formed by eight grand buildings, covering a vast area.


    The County Governor¡¯s token could control its movement between the real and void.


    At that moment, Xu Qing was standing in a pavilion in the County Governor¡¯s residence and observing a token in his hand.


    This token had the word ¡®Fenghai¡¯ on one side and the picture of the mountains and rivers on the other. It was the County Governor Token of Fenghai County .


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t the only one in the pavilion. Marquis Yao and Old Master Seventh were also here. The two of them were playing chess while the captain obediently stood beside Old Master Seventh and stared at the chessboard, prepared to curry favor with his master at any time.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already erased my mark on that token. You can fuse your divine sense into it and make it your exclusive item.¡±


    Marquis Yao picked up a chess piece and placed it down.


    ¡°Xu Qing is still young. Marquis Yao, don¡¯t be in a hurry to retire. Fenghai County still needs us.¡± Old Master Seventh smiled and placed a piece.


    The instant the chess piece landed, the captain¡¯s eyes lit up and he praised loudly.


    ¡°Good move, good move. Master is indeed amazing. I never thought of this step. Brilliant, brilliant, I¡¯ve learned something new!¡±


    Old Master Seventh glared and snorted, looking like he didn¡¯t like the flattery. However, his eyes were filled with smugness. Clearly, he was in a very good mood, unlike what his expression showed.


    Marquis Yao was expressionless. He glanced at Chen Erniu and ignored him.


    At that moment, when Xu Qing heard Marquis Yao¡¯s words, he was about to fuse his divine sense into the token. At the next instant, Old Master Seventh lifted his head and looked at the sky. Marquis Yao¡¯s expression also changed.


    Xu Qing and the captain then looked into the distance. The clouds churned in the night sky and the figure of the large bird, Qingqin, was revealed in the sky. Its excited cackles echoed in all directions.


    ¡°This Qingqin¡­ disappeared without a trace when Xu Qing left, but as soon as he returned, it immediately flew back.¡±


    Old Master Seventh pursed his lips. Xu Qing looked at Qingqin and a smile appeared on his face. He then cupped his fists and bowed to the sky, rainbow light spreading from his body.


    When Qingqin, who was in the sky, saw this scene, it became even happier. It also released its vital light, its cries becoming increasingly loud and clear. In the end, it circled a few times above the city before disappearing in the clouds.


    As Qingqin disappeared, the night in the city gradually quietened down. In the pavilion, Marquis Yao gently placed a piece down and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Erniu, what did you experience in the Moon Worship?¡±


    When the captain heard this, he coughed.


    ¡°Marquis, what I experienced in the Moon Offering Region is a small matter. For example, I brought Little Qing to the Red Moon to take a look. I also casually summoned the son of a b*tch¡¯s fragmented-face and made It open Its eyes. It then looked at that old hag, Crimson Goddess, and killed Her.¡±


    ¡°Also, I caught up with my ex-wife and made some good friends.¡±


    The captain said some earth-shattering things in a relaxed tone.


    When Old Master Seventh heard this, his eyes narrowed but he didn¡¯t speak.


    When Marquis Yao heard this, his eyelids clearly twitched a few times. After a long silence, he pretended to be calm and spoke.


    ¡°The god of the Black Heaven Race, Crimson Goddess¡­ Can She revive?¡±


    The captain patted his chest.


    ¡°Impossible, She has been completely destroyed. From now on, there will be no more Crimson Goddess among the gods!¡±


    Marquis Yao lifted his head and cast a deep glance at Chen Erniu before looking at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing sensed it and nodded.


    ¡°Crimson Goddess is indeed dead.¡±


    Marquis Yao¡¯s hand that was holding the chess piece trembled slightly. When he heard Erniu¡¯s words, he had reservations about their authenticity. However, it was different when Xu Qing said it.


    At that moment, he couldn¡¯t suppress the surging waves in his heart. He didn¡¯t know how Xu Qing and Chen Erniu did this almost impossible thing, so he didn¡¯t ask further.


    Everyone had their own secrets. It wasn¡¯t a good thing to probe too much.


    In fact, he more or less had an answer. Regardless of whether it was Jicang¡¯s name or Xu Qing calling ninth grandfather on the battlefield earlier, they all made his imagination run wild.


    At that moment, he took a deep breath and tried his best to maintain his composure as he stood up.


    ¡°It is getting late. I won¡¯t disturb your reunion.¡±


    With that, Marquis Yao turned and slowly walked into the distance, disappearing from the County Governor¡¯s residence and returning to his Yao residence.


    He turned his head and looked in the direction of the County Governor¡¯s residence.


    ¡°To be able to raise such disciples, how can the master be an ordinary person? These master and disciples aren¡¯t simple. To Fenghai County, this is a good thing.¡±


    Marquis Yao recalled what he had just heard about the Moon Offering and his heart was filled with endless waves.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell what went on, but there must have been someone behind the scenes, manipulating the situation in secret; otherwise, it wouldn¡¯t have proceeded so smoothly.¡±


    In the pavilion, only Old Master Seventh, Xu Qing, and Erniu were left.


    With no outsiders around, Old Master Seventh¡¯s face instantly darkened as he glared at Erniu.


    ¡°Have you grown wings now? It¡¯s fine if you courted death, but you brought your junior brother along to court death?¡±


    Xu Qing was about to speak up for the captain when Old Master Seventh interrupted him.


    ¡°Fourth, I know you have a kind heart, but what your Eldest Senior Brother did was too impulsive. The likes of Crimson Mother are not to be underestimated. With your current cultivation and no one to guide you, any small mistake could lead to complete destruction, without even a chance for rescue!¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s tone was stern. Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled and he didn¡¯t dare to speak up for the captain. However, he more or less had a feeling that his master was worried about him and Eldest Senior Brother. He also felt like¡­ his master was a little unhappy that he wasn¡¯t called out this time.


    Erniu¡¯s body trembled and he knew that the situation wasn¡¯t good. Hence, he knelt down with a plop with a fawning expression.


    ¡°Master, I missed you.¡±


    Old Master Seventh snorted.


    Seeing this, Erniu blinked and his eyes turned red as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Master, Junior Brother and I actually have another motive for doing this. It was to prepare a birthday gift for you, Master. That¡¯s why we didn¡¯t invite you along. How can we prepare a gift for the birthday star and still have the birthday star do it himself?¡±


    As he spoke, the captain quickly took out¡­ two fleshy feathers.


    He respectfully handed them over, fearing that Xu Qing might be straightforward, so he took the initiative to speak.


    ¡°Junior Brother and I obtained a total of four feathers. One for each of us. We are giving the remaining two to Master as a birthday gift.¡±


    ¡°I wish Master longevity in advance and eternal happiness.¡±


    Old Master Seventh didn¡¯t even look at the two feathers. His gaze swept past Erniu. He was well aware of the conduct of his disciple and knew that these feathers were probably just a drop in the ocean.


    Being stared at by his master, the captain coughed and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Master, there were outsiders around previously, so I didn¡¯t explain in detail. Junior Brother and I did many great things in the Moon Offering Region. Most importantly, every time we did something great, we promoted Master¡¯s divine might!¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± said Old Master Seventh.


    The captain sensed that his master¡¯s tone had softened and continued to speak.


    ¡°First, we publicized that it was Master who had made a move and made Crimson Goddess fall into a deep slumber. Then, we used Master as a banner to revive the ruler¡¯s heir and his siblings.¡±


    ¡°We told them that our master is invincible. First, you made it impossible for Crimson Goddess to wake up immediately. After that, you arranged for us to come here and summon them, all for the sake of destroying Crimson Goddess.¡±


    ¡°Master, although you were not there, your name was the greatest protection for us.¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, am I right or not?¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he hurriedly nodded and spoke seriously.


    ¡°Master, before we came back, the heir asked me to send you a letter.¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing took out a golden jade slip from his storage bag and respectfully handed it to Old Master Seventh.


    The heir had given this to them before they left. On the way, the two of them had tried to look at the contents. Ordinary methods couldn¡¯t check it. If they used other methods, although they would be able to read the contents, the jade slip would be shattered.


    Old Master Seventh calmly received it.


    This jade slip that Xu Qing and the captain couldn¡¯t open with normal methods actually opened very casually in Old Master Seventh¡¯s hands. As he checked, Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression was a little surprised. After that, it softened a lot and there was even a hint of pride on his face.


    Noticing this, Xu Qing and the captain heaved a sigh of relief.


    The captain got up and stood at the side as he talked in a low voice.


    ¡°Master, in the end, Little Qing and I unified the Moon Offering Region and even awakened the ruler, Li Zihua. I even invited a high god. Little Qing was also quite amazing; he seduced a high god and invited Her.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain but remained quiet.


    The captain blinked and talked again.


    ¡°In the end, the Li Zihua of the past walked into the present and sacrificed himself to make the fragmented-face open Its eyes.¡±


    ¡°Red Moon became a Divine World and disappeared from Wanggu!¡±


    ¡°Master, I think the reason why this matter proceeded smoothly was because of Li Zihua¡­ This matter looks like we planned and implemented it, but every step we took, there were traces of Li Zihua. I made a deal with him in the past, and even at that time, I had a similar feeling. He seemed to have¡­ been waiting for me.¡±


    The captain¡¯s expression was solemn.


    This was also the first time Xu Qing had heard the captain mention this. He fell into deep thought.


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression was calm. He put down the jade slip in his hand and didn¡¯t continue asking. Instead, he picked up the two feathers. After that, he glanced at Erniu and made a grabbing motion.


    Immediately, Erniu¡¯s body trembled and a blue scepter flew out from his forehead, landing in Old Master Seventh¡¯s hand.


    After that, Old Master Seventh¡¯s gaze landed on Xu Qing and similarly made a grabbing motion. At the next moment, the fish bone where the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was instantly flew out and appeared in Old Master Seventh¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you fuse these feathers into your magic weapons. It can increase their level and the artifact spirit/ will also benefit greatly.¡±


    After doing this, Old Master Seventh stood up.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go back first. The two of you, recall that if such a thing happens again in the future, you have to be careful and not be rash!¡±


    Old Master Seventh snorted and turned to walk into the void, disappearing.


    When he appeared, he was already in the Deputy Governor¡¯s residence.


    The entire Deputy Governor¡¯s residence was empty and quiet. Only Old Master Seventh stood there with his hands behind his back and gazed up at the sky.


    After a long time, a gust of wind blew over, blowing his hair and the corner of his shirt. It handed off the feeling that he was about to leave with the wind.


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression slowly became complicated. What he gazed at didn¡¯t seem to be the sky of this Wanggu Continent but the endless starry sky beyond the sky.


    ¡°Li Zihua succeeded¡­¡±


    Old Master Seventh muttered.

 Chapter 1124 - 1124 Encounter Beneath the Moonlight

    1124 Encounter Beneath the Moonlight


    1124 Encounter Beneath the Moonlight


    The wind blew in the dark night.


    It caressed the ground and landed on the buildings in the county¡¯s capital city. As it swam, it emitted a whistling sound, stirring up dust that swept past the corner of Old Master Seventh¡¯s clothes until it spread to the pavilion of the County Governor¡¯s residence.


    It lifted Xu Qing¡¯s hair.


    Xu Qing looked at the night sky and his heart was calm.


    This calmness was something the Moon Offering Region couldn¡¯t give him. To Xu Qing, what he had experienced in Fenghai County had long made him treat this place as half his hometown.


    That feeling of returning home caused Xu Qing¡¯s mind to be calm. However, there would always be some voices that wanted to fuse into his peace.


    ¡°Little Qing, what do you think is written in the jade slip the heir gave to the old man?¡±


    The captain stood beside Xu Qing with a pondering expression.


    ¡°Just now, I noticed that after the old man saw the jade slip, the smile on his face bloomed like an old chrysanthemum¡­¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he couldn¡¯t help but cough and instinctively swept his gaze around.


    The captain smugly waved his hand.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to check, the old man isn¡¯t here.¡±


    ¡°I reckon that the content in the jade slip must be the heir expressing his admiration for the old man. According to my understanding of the old man, he must be feeling extremely pleased about this.¡±


    ¡°Too tacky, too tacky!¡±


    The captain shook his head, wearing a look of disapproval.


    Xu Qing remained silent, feeling that it was best not to make any comments on this matter. What if¡­ their master was still around or he could hear them¡­


    The captain clearly didn¡¯t think so. He lowered his voice and was about to continue expressing his opinion when a familiar fragrance to Xu Qing blew over from outside the pavilion.


    Accompanied by the fragrance, a slender and delicate figure appeared outside the pavilion. She walked over leisurely.


    Draped in a pristine white gown, flawless and pure, her black hair danced with the wind, and her phoenix-like eyebrows added to her charm.


    Her expressive eyes held a tender gaze, her delicate nose and lightly flushed cheeks radiated loveliness, and her oval face exuded absolute beauty.


    As she drew near in the moonlight, her skin seemed as delicate as frosty snow, captivating anyone who beheld it, making it hard to break free from the enchantment.


    Other than Old Master Seventh and Marquis Yao, the only one who could enter and exit the County Governor¡¯s residence on their own without needing to report was Zi Xuan.


    Zi Xuan¡¯s arrival seemed to light up the pavilion as well. It was as though all the moonlight was unconsciously attracted by her at this moment and permeated her side.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heartbeat instinctively sped up.


    The captain blinked. The figures of Ling¡¯er and the clay fox appeared in his mind and he began to compare them.


    ¡®Ling¡¯er is innocent, the fox is alluring, and Zi Xuan has her own charm¡­ Who else? Oh, right, there¡¯s the perverted Yanyan, and Ding Xue who is determined to win over Little Qing, not to mention Qing Qiu.¡¯


    At the thought of this, the captain sighed with emotion, realizing that each of these women possessed their own unique qualities.


    Hence, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a little sour.


    ¡®However, speaking of which, Little Qing is quite pitiful. Being stared at by so many shrews, he must be anxious and exhausted from dealing with them. If he¡¯s not careful, he¡¯ll be killed!¡¯


    ¡®Unlike me, so carefree, unconstrained, able to enjoy the freedom of the wind, soaring freely between heaven and earth. From the mortal realm below to the divine above, there isn¡¯t anyone who can bind this wild bull!¡¯


    ¡®I will forever belong to freedom!¡¯


    The captain was proud and felt a sense of clarity. Right now, his thoughts were like those of a sage.


    Hence, he coughed. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that the height of his thoughts far exceeded that of ordinary people. He was also certain that his thoughts contained supreme truth.


    Subsequently, with a calm and unruffled inner state, he looked down at Xu Qing with a sense of inner superiority.


    That gaze was filled with sympathy and contained what he thought was life wisdom. He was about to tell Xu Qing about his comprehension.


    However, at this moment, Zi Xuan¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°Erniu, Li Shitao is calling you over.¡±


    As soon as Zi Xuan spoke, the captain¡¯s eyes widened instantly, and at that moment, he seemed to bloom like a chrysanthemum, unable to control the ripples of emotion that surged within him.


    His eyes were bright and his breathing became slightly hurried.


    ¡®It¡¯s the middle of the night and my Taotao called me over?¡¯


    The captain licked his lips in excitement.


    At this moment, what sage, what comprehension, what freedom? All of them were no longer important.


    He instantly rushed out anxiously, tossing Xu Qing to the back of his mind.


    To him, no matter how fun other people¡¯s business was, it was inferior to his Taotao.


    As he quickly left, he even took out a peach and nibbled on it, shouting inwardly.


    ¡®Taotao, wait for me.¡¯


    Amidst the waves in his heart, the captain¡¯s figure rapidly left.


    Looking at the captain¡¯s departing view, Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what to say and wasn¡¯t in the mood to pay too much attention. At that moment, his speeding heartbeat became increasingly intense as Zi Xuan got closer step by step.


    Although Xu Qing had grown up¡­ when facing Zi Xuan, he was still the same as back then. He was nervous and instinctively retreated.


    When he retreated to the edge and couldn¡¯t retreat anymore, Xu Qing could only brace himself and cup his fists toward Zi Xuan.


    ¡°Greetings, Fairy.¡±


    Zi Xuan laughed and didn¡¯t speak. She walked in front of Xu Qing and stopped very close to him¡­ When she stood there, a fresh fragrance quietly spread throughout the entire pavilion and spread to Xu Qing¡¯s heart. Even the wind couldn¡¯t disperse it.


    Only the eyes staring at him became eternal.


    Under this gaze, Xu Qing¡¯s mind was a little blank and he felt helpless.


    He had never encountered such a thing when he was with Ling¡¯er. However, for some reason, it was always the same when facing Zi Xuan.


    ¡°Turn your back.¡±


    Zi Xuan spoke softly.


    Xu Qing silently turned his back to Zi Xuan.


    Zi Xuan¡¯s smile was gentle, and with a slight lift of her jade-like hand, she picked up Xu Qing¡¯s long hair. With a graceful gesture, she produced a hairband and tied it up, creating a ponytail hairstyle. She then tidied it up for him.


    Xu Qing felt a little uncomfortable. However, if there were others here at that moment, they would definitely be stunned when they saw Xu Qing who had changed his hairstyle. Such a hairstyle made Xu Qing¡¯s handsome face even more prominent, adding a hint of unruliness.


    ¡°Now, it looks good.¡±


    Zi Xuan¡¯s voice became even gentler. She walked over and stood beside Xu Qing, looking at the distant night sky with him.


    The moonlight scattered down, stretching their shadows on the ground.


    The night was beautiful.


    The pavilion was filled with peace.


    Zi Xuan¡¯s gentle voice asked Xu Qing about the events in the Moon Offering Region.


    Amidst this gentle voice, Xu Qing¡¯s heart slowly calmed down as he recounted the past.


    Zi Xuan listened attentively. From time to time, she would turn her beautiful eyes and look at Xu Qing. It was as though there were no distractions in her eyes.


    Time flowed by and the two of them seemed to have returned to the time when they were traveling together.


    This feeling gradually caused Xu Qing to feel a sense of comfort.


    When the night deepened and Xu Qing finished telling her about the Moon Offering Region, Zi Xuan also told him about her experiences in Fenghai County in the past few years.


    ¡°In the past few years, my main focus has been on the Qing Xuan Sect, while Fenghai County was managed by your master and Marquis Yao. Everything was recovering. If it wasn¡¯t for the arrival of King Tian Lan, you would have seen a thriving scene when you returned this time.¡±


    ¡°As for our Qing Xuan Sect, it has already gotten a foothold. Currently, it is quite famous in Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°Also, your master and Marquis Yao opened the Immortal Forbidden Land to be developed again. Because there is no Immortal Forbidden god anymore, a lot of the anomalous substances inside have dissipated. Some books and artifacts were still there, which has increased the power of Fenghai County by a lot.¡±


    ¡°I also went to the Immortal Forbidden a few times.¡±


    At this point, Zi Xuan stared at Xu Qing. The night wind blew a few strands of her black hair up and brushed past Xu Qing¡¯s face. Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred uncontrollably.


    ¡°There¡¯s a ruin there. It¡¯s very special¡­¡±


    ¡°I can faintly sense that it¡¯s summoning me.¡±


    A hint of confusion appeared in Zi Xuan¡¯s eyes. She had buried this question in her heart for a long time and didn¡¯t tell anyone. Only today, when she faced Xu Qing, did she speak.


    ¡°Xu Qing, do you remember what I told you about the dreams I often have?¡±


    Zi Xuan¡¯s voice was very low.


    ¡°The feeling that those ruins give me is somewhat similar to my dreams in the past. I seem to have been to those ruins a long, long time ago.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡­¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, that place is only ruins.¡±


    Looking at Zi Xuan¡¯s confused expression, Xu Qing recalled Zi Xuan¡¯s dream, and carefully recalled the Immortal Forbidden Land. However, there was a limit to the places he went there back then, so he didn¡¯t know what place Zi Xuan was talking about.


    There were many ruins in the Immortal Forbidden Land.


    However, he remembered the strange phoenix hall where he had discovered the Bottle of Time. Although in his memory, that place had nothing to do with Zi Xuan, he recalled that the moment he placed the Bottle of Time in the 12th Heavenly Palace, he didn¡¯t know if it was an illusion but he seemed to have heard Zi Xuan¡¯s sigh.


    Hence, his heart stirred. Just as Xu Qing was about to ask, Zi Xuan¡¯s voice rang out again.


    ¡°However, I found traces of you in those ruins.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his eyes narrowed as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°There aren¡¯t many places I¡¯ve gone to in the Immortal Forbidden Land, but there¡¯s a location that will become clear when we get close until it becomes the nine phoenix halls. If we stay far away, it will turn into ruins.¡±


    ¡°I lost my memories for three days there and obtained a time bottle.¡±


    ¡°After that, that hall seemed to have really turned into ruins.¡±


    ¡°If you found traces of me, then it¡¯s very likely that the ruins you mentioned are in the same location as the place I mentioned.¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke, Xu Qing waved his hand and the divine repository behind him appeared. As it fluctuated in all directions, the time bottle that had fused into it slowly flew out and floated in front of Zi Xuan.


    There was a sense of time permeating it, causing one to be unable to help but be attracted by it. Its body also shone and fused with the moonlight, emitting a colorful aura.


    It was reflected on Zi Xuan¡¯s pretty face, causing her eyes to be clear and bright. Her long eyelashes trembled slightly as Zi Xuan stared at it. The waves in her heart seeped out of her fair and flawless skin and turned into a faint red flush. Her thin lips gazed as delicate as rose petals.


    A lengthy time later, Zi Xuan let out a light breath. She retracted her gaze from the Time Bottle and gazed into Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Shall we make a trip?¡±

 Chapter 1125 - 1125 Pushing the Door Together, Hearts Aligned

    1125 Pushing the Door Together, Hearts Aligned


    1125 Pushing the Door Together, Hearts Aligned


    The Immortal Forbidden Land in the depths of the Prison Department was originally one of the main palaces of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether which were spread over the Wanggu Continent. In the past, every place was a holy palace.


    Only the imperial family could stay there.


    There was only this one place in the entire Holy Wave Large Region.


    However, with the arrival of the god¡¯s fragmented-face and the departure of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, that place had been occupied by the fishbone god. Hence, the Imperial Immortal Palace became Immortal Forbidden.


    The many treasures inside were also corroded by the anomalous substances.


    It was very difficult for mortals and even cultivators to step into it. Even the Human Sovereign of the Eastern Triumph era wasn¡¯t willing to start a war with the god for this immortal palace.


    It was only a few years ago when the Human Emperor ordered the activation of the Immortal Forbidden that Crimson Goddess awakened in Zhang Siyun and devoured the Immortal Forbidden god that this place was controlled by the human race again.


    After Fenghai County became autonomous, it naturally pioneered its development. Although most of the treasures had been emptied by the Seventh Prince, even the remaining ones were extremely valuable to Fenghai County.


    At that moment, at the lowest level of the Prison Department, on the catacombs where the sealing array formation was once located, Xu Qing and Zi Xuan¡¯s figures slowly appeared.


    Regarding Zi Xuan¡¯s request, it was impossible for Xu Qing to refuse. This was especially so since he also wanted to know why that sigh would echo after he obtained the Time Bottle.


    That sigh seemed like an illusion but when Xu Qing recalled it now, he felt that it might have really existed.


    Most importantly, back then, he had lost three days of his memories there.


    In fact, when he recalled it now, he wasn¡¯t clear about the phoenix hall. Only the Time Bottle was the most eye-catching.


    This feeling caused Xu Qing to have many thoughts.


    After experiencing many things in the Moon Offering Region, especially after comprehending the domain of forgetfulness, he had a greater understanding of memories.


    ¡®When I was there, I probably saw some scenes that I couldn¡¯t endure, so I couldn¡¯t remember them.¡¯


    He had also told these to Zi Xuan on the way. Hence, after arriving here, the two of them didn¡¯t hesitate at all. They immediately stepped into the seal and their figures instantly landed inside. A vast underground palace was reflected in their eyes as the two of them descended.


    This place was a little different from what Xu Qing had seen when he arrived back then.


    Back then, this place was filled with anomalous substances that were as dense as fog. Everything was blurry and distorted, and the ground was covered in flesh and blood.


    However, 90% of the anomalous substances here had dissipated now, and the ground was no longer covered in flesh and blood, revealing the true appearance of the ruins.


    As far as the eye could see, there were very few complete buildings. Most of them had collapsed.


    The ancient feeling and traces of the passage of time were especially obvious here.


    There were also huge pillars standing on the ground, emitting light that illuminated everything.


    Perhaps it was because she had come here many times, Zi Xuan was familiar with this place. At that moment, she stood in the air and took a deep breath. Her body swayed and she headed straight down.


    Xu Qing followed behind.


    The two of them moved at a very fast speed.


    Not long later, a collapsed ruin appeared in front of Xu Qing and Zi Xuan.


    ¡°This is the place.¡±


    Zi Xuan came to a halt and spoke softly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart also stirred. The place he obtained the Time Bottle was here. Hence, after staring at it, Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak and walked forward.


    Step by step, he arrived in front of the ruins.


    The strange changes that happened here back then didn¡¯t happen.


    ¡®After I took the Time Bottle away, the changes in this place dissipated as well. It¡¯s not that it will become clear when I get close, but it has truly become ruins.¡¯


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. As he walked through the ruins, he looked at the dilapidated walls in his surroundings. Some were unfamiliar, and some were familiar.


    However, there was unfamiliarity in the familiarity.


    All of this caused the feeling of Xu Qing¡¯s memories being changed to gradually intensify.


    This lasted until he arrived at the place in his memory where he had asked the head and stone lion to retrieve the Time Bottle.


    Here, Xu Qing turned his head and glanced at Zi Xuan behind him.


    Zi Xuan stood not far away. Her clothes were whiter than snow and her face was beautiful and cold. Her eyes were like cold smoke enveloping the deep pool of black jade, revealing a deep sense of confusion.


    Vaguely, a sense of loneliness seemed to slowly rise from her body.


    This feeling caused waves in Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    A long time later, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Zi Xuan.¡±


    This time, he didn¡¯t call her ¡®Fairy¡¯.


    Zi Xuan gently turned her head and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I obtained the Time Bottle from this location. I don¡¯t know what will happen if I put it down again. My memories have been affected before. Are you¡­ sure you want to pursue the source of familiarity?¡±


    ¡°Is it possible that the reason why you were only familiar with it in the dream was because you chose to forget everything in the past?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s words caused Zi Xuan to fall silent.


    After a while, she raised her hand, brushing aside the strands of hair near her ears. Her eyes, as blue as a tranquil lake, focused on Xu Qing¡¯s face as she spoke softly.


    ¡°The dream has troubled me for many years. I want to know¡­ what connection that lantern has with me.¡±


    Xu Qing closed his eyes. After a while, the divine repository behind him rumbled and the Time Bottle flew out again. It floated in front of him and slowly landed.


    The moment it touched the ground, the Time Bottle suddenly trembled and erupted with endless splendor, completely illuminating this ruin. At the next instant, this place became blurry and everything changed.


    Many phoenix halls rose from the ground, accompanied by a circle of vermilion high walls. This ruin transformed into a courtyard. There was also a phoenix hall that was much larger than the other halls. It was formed in the center and stood in the courtyard.


    All nine phoenix halls appeared.


    Xu Qing looked at these and felt a tearing pain in his mind. It was as though a memory was reviving in his sea of consciousness with the scene in front of him.


    As for Zi Xuan, her body was trembling. She looked at the phoenix halls and everything in the surroundings, and her heart stirred intensely.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been here before¡­¡±


    ¡°In the dream, I appeared here¡­¡±


    Zi Xuan¡¯s breathing was hurried. As she muttered, she instinctively walked forward. After passing by many halls, she stopped in front of the phoenix hall in the middle and turned her head to look at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I¡­ think I used to live here.¡±


    Zi Xuan¡¯s voice was also trembling. The greatest secret of her life was the pitch-black dreams that kept appearing.


    This made her instinctively want to search for light, for warmth that could dispel this darkness.


    Today, the reason for all of this seemed to be right in front of her. However, for some reason, sadness rose in her heart.


    That sorrow grew denser and denser until it finally transformed into loneliness that drowned it.


    When Xu Qing heard this, his soul also fluctuated endlessly. His gaze followed Zi Xuan and looked at the main hall. At the next instant, it was as though lightning flashed in his mind, resurfacing an erased memory scene.


    That was a flash of memory from the three days he had lost here.


    On the scene, Xu Qing saw that he had pushed open this main hall before.


    However, his recollection of what was inside was blank.


    Xu Qing fell silent. Looking at Zi Xuan¡¯s trembling appearance, he couldn¡¯t bear it. Usually, the Zi Xuan in his eyes would always be flirtatious, confident, and peerless.


    She would always be the one taking the initiative. It was as though the word ¡®fragile¡¯ would never appear on her.


    However, today, he saw another side of Zi Xuan.


    She was like a little girl. As she trembled, nervousness, trepidation, sadness, and deep loneliness spread from her.


    Xu Qing silently walked to Zi Xuan¡¯s side and reached out to hold her cold and soft hand.


    He used his warmth to melt the coldness of Zi Xuan¡¯s hand.


    Zi Xuan instinctively turned her head. Her eyes were filled with tears as she tightly grabbed Xu Qing¡¯s hand. It was like the instinct of a drowning person in the face of life and death. Even when her hands turned white, she didn¡¯t let go at all.


    A moment later, she took a deep breath and forced a smile at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I lost my composure.¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head but didn¡¯t let go.


    Zi Xuan closed her eyes. A few breaths later, when she opened them again, she put away all her weakness and revealed determination in her eyes. She was about to push open the door of the main hall in front of her.


    Xu Qing lifted his other hand and pressed it on the door with her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll accompany you.¡±


    Zi Xuan¡¯s soul trembled as she looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing also looked at her.


    After a long time, the two of them exerted force at the same time. As the creaking sound echoed, the door of the phoenix hall in front of them slowly opened.


    A pitch-black darkness spread out from the door like ink, enveloping the two of them.


    At the same time, the Holy Wave Large Region, the former imperial capital of the Heavenly Wind Dynasty, now belonged to the Seventh Prince.


    He had opened a residence here and had many subordinates.


    Other than his own followers, his maternal clan had also arranged numerous aides to assist him. Moreover, with the divine might of King Tian Lan, he was unquestionably dominant.


    It wasn¡¯t much different from a fief.


    Even the Grand Duke Holy Wave avoided King Tian Lan. Although he wouldn¡¯t submit, they were harmonious with each other.


    Hence, to the Seventh Prince, the only thorn in his soul at this instant was Fenghai County.


    Originally, he wouldn¡¯t care about a mere county. However, Fenghai was different.


    There, he experienced the first setback in his life.


    Over there, he remembered a person called Xu Qing.


    Hence, he paid special attention to Fenghai County during the conscription. Everything was going very well. According to his thoughts, Fenghai County was slowly being divided and invaded.


    Under the momentum of the Black Heaven Race¡¯s war, Fenghai County¡¯s final direction was either to submit or be suppressed.


    Hence, he was both surprised and not surprised that he had lost contact with the army that had gone to Fenghai County.


    Because the news had been completely sealed, he didn¡¯t understand the details of the loss of contact with the army. This surprised him but he could also sense that even now, Fenghai County still had a considerable foundation.


    As for what he wasn¡¯t surprised about, it was Fenghai County¡¯s choice. It was within his expectations.


    Hence, after receiving the news that the army had lost contact, the Seventh Prince¡¯s eyes revealed coldness. As he arranged for his subordinates to report this matter to King Tian Lan, he looked outside the hall.


    There were two people dressed like scholars waiting for an audience.


    One of them was the original Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s alliance leader.


    ¡°Chen Yangzi!¡±


    The Seventh Prince calmly spoke.


    When the alliance leader outside the hall heard this, he immediately bent his waist and walked in. In the main hall, he respectfully bowed and cupped his fists.


    ¡°Subordinate is here!¡±


    The Seventh Prince played with the jade token in his hand and casually said.


    ¡°Go to Fenghai County to get the vessel you mentioned last time. I want to see if it¡¯s really as profound as you said.¡±


    When the alliance leader heard this, he felt a little reluctant. However, he quickly understood and calmly bowed.


    ¡°I obey the order!¡±

 Chapter 1126 - 1126 Extending Palm Towards the Sun

    1126 Extending Palm Towards the Sun


    1126 Extending Palm Towards the Sun


    The alliance leader bowed and respectfully left.


    He could sense that the Seventh Prince, who was sitting at a high seat in the main hall, had his gaze on him the entire time.


    Therefore, he made no attempt to conceal his emotions, whether it was reluctance, resignation, or ultimately, a composed demeanor¡ªall were fully revealed.


    It was only after he left the main hall and walked far away that he stood up straight again and walked toward his residence in the capital with a smile.


    When he encountered familiar colleagues on the way, he would greet them gently.


    He didn¡¯t show any arrogance because of his second stage Nihility cultivation.


    From the start to the end, his expression was gentle and refined. When he returned to his residence, he lit an incense and sat there to take out a chessboard, playing it alone.


    However, upon closer inspection, past the smoke, there was a hint of innate coldness in the depths of his eyes.


    It was like a venomous snake hiding in the stomach of a lamb!


    ¡°On the first day I came here, I mentioned the matter of the vessel to the seventh highness. However, at that time, he didn¡¯t care¡­ Today, he suddenly summoned me over and raised this matter again¡­¡±


    A gentle smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. This was his instinct. Every time he thought about a problem, he would have a smile on his face.


    ¡°The military governor took ten thousand soldiers and Soaring Cloud to Fenghai County¡­ We lost contact with them.¡±


    ¡°At this moment, the seventh highness asked me to get the vessel¡­¡±


    The smile on the alliance leader¡¯s face became gentler, and the coldness hidden in the depths of his eyes hid itself even deeper.


    He was well aware that Seventh Prince wasn¡¯t a simple person. Despite his young age, being born into the imperial family had exposed him to a world of political intrigue, making him naturally astute and shrewd.


    Hence, one could never look at the surface of things.


    ¡°On the surface, he asked me to get the vessel but he¡¯s actually using me as a chess piece. He wants to use me to probe the true situation in Fenghai County so that he can analyze the true reason why the army lost contact.¡±


    ¡°He can advance or retreat at will, and can casually push the blame away if something happens to me.¡±


    The alliance leader smiled and picked up a chess piece. Even though he hadn¡¯t placed it on the board, two pieces manifested on the chessboard.


    This scene looked simple, but if a Nihility expert were present, his emotions would definitely be stirred. In this seemingly straightforward movement, there was an almost perfect application and elevation of the laws, surpassing the stage of Illusory and Truth Myriad Transformations.


    The Nihility Realm contained the Shattering Thousand Dao, Illusory and Truth Myriad Transformations, Infinite Imagination, and Myriad Laws Returning to One.


    ¡°I like the number three.¡±


    The alliance leader chuckled lightly.


    At the same time, in the Immortal Forbidden Land of Fenghai County, in front of the phoenix hall.


    As the door opened, the darkness devoured everything. Not only were Xu Qing and Zi Xuan¡¯s figures affected, but their minds also fused into one with the spreading black color.


    A scene, whether real or illusory, unfolded before their eyes.


    The main hall was silent and empty, as cold as a dungeon.


    Only a statue stood in the center, as though it was sealed in a cage.


    This statue was of a middle-aged woman. She looked similar to Zi Xuan but clearly wasn¡¯t. Her appearance exuded grace, her expression wore a gentle smile, and her eyes radiated compassion. Around the corners of her eyes, there were some wrinkles resembling fish tails, adding a distinct clarity to her countenance.


    She lowered her head slightly and looked at her hands.


    There was a lantern there.


    It was like the most precious treasure in her life.


    This lantern was made of purple stone and looked like a blooming redbud flower. On it rested a purple phoenix. Its wings were spread out and it was lifelike.


    The instant he saw this lantern, the tearing feeling in Xu Qing¡¯s mind intensified. The lost memories surfaced one after another.


    He turned and looked at Zi Xuan. He remembered that when he entered this place back then, he had seen some scenes about Zi Xuan. He had seen a woman who looked exactly like Zi Xuan appear under the statue, the door had opened and a man walked in.


    He also remembered the conversation in the scene. That man¡­ seemed to be the son of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether!


    Everything appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, transforming into thunder that rumbled in his mind.


    At that moment, Zi Xuan was trembling. She looked at the statue with a sad expression and let go of Xu Qing¡¯s hand. She subconsciously walked toward the statue and muttered.


    ¡°My dream is a pitch-black world with a lantern.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s extinguished. I imagine it should be a blooming redbud with a purple phoenix perched on it.¡±


    ¡°This lantern has always appeared in my dream, a dream without light.¡±


    ¡°The world in the dream is here.¡±


    Zi Xuan¡¯s voice took on an ethereal tone in this silent hall. It seemed to have come from time and echoed in this life.


    As she walked over, the moment she stood under the statue, the blurry figure that looked exactly the same as Zi Xuan in Xu Qing¡¯s memory appeared.


    However, the illusory body that appeared this time actually overlapped with Zi Xuan, who was standing there.


    She looked at the statue with admiration and bitterness in her eyes.


    After that, the scene in Xu Qing¡¯s memory appeared in front of him again. The imperial prince¡¯s figure pierced through his body from behind and stood in front of Zi Xuan.


    The imperial robe adorned with a four-clawed golden dragon, and the swaying nine-bead emperor¡¯s crown, emitted a thick heavenly might around the prince.


    The prince seemed to have uttered something but Xu Qing couldn¡¯t hear him.


    He could only see Zi Xuan looking outside, her eyes filled with deep nostalgia and sorrow.


    However, this time around, it was a little different from what he remembered.


    He heard Zi Xuan¡¯s voice.


    ¡°I won¡¯t leave!¡±


    ¡°Father¡¯s decision was wrong. He abandoned his people, abandoned his homeland, and turned the sky above the sky into a holy land. What¡¯s the point of living there alone?!¡±


    ¡°In order to survive, he ignored the Wanggu calamity. This ancient sovereign¡­ he¡¯s not worthy!¡±


    Zi Xuan looked to be in pain.


    When Xu Qing heard these words, his heart stirred.


    As for the figure in the imperial robe, he fell silent. After a long time, he stretched out his hand, as though he was trying to make one last effort.


    Zi Xuan¡¯s eyes showed determination as she shook her head once again.


    Finally, the prince¡¯s expression turned desolate. He took out a small purple bottle and poured a few drops of liquid from the bottle into the lantern in the statue¡¯s hand.


    After doing this, he placed the small bottle to the side and silently turned around. His expression was filled with sorrow and a hint of pain.


    He walked toward the door of the main hall and passed through Xu Qing, walking further and further away¡­


    As he disappeared, the door of the hall slowly closed.


    The entire hall was silent.


    Only the fire of the lantern continued to burn, emitting a soft sound. As the flames swayed, the light illuminated the main hall.


    Amidst the flames, Zi Xuan¡¯s expression was sorrowful. She leaned against the statue and squatted down, crying silently.


    The scenes in Xu Qing¡¯s memories ended here.


    However, this time, it wasn¡¯t the end.


    Time seemed to have lost all value in this hall. It flowed silently until miserable wails and painful roars rang out from outside.


    Blood light spread out.


    Cries for help rang out faintly.


    As for Zi Xuan, she stood up again and a set of armor appeared on her body. She pierced through Xu Qing¡¯s body step by step and walked out of the main hall.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t move and could only watch silently.


    After an unknown period of time, the sounds outside slowly disappeared. Zi Xuan¡¯s figure returned to the main hall with fatigue and weakness.


    Her armor had mostly shattered and her body was covered in injuries. However, she was holding a fish head in her hand.


    The moment he saw this head, Xu Qing immediately recognized that it was the head of the Immortal Forbidden god.


    With this head in hand, Zi Xuan¡¯s figure slowly walked in front of the statue. As she stared at the statue, a hint of gentleness appeared on her pale face.


    ¡°Mother, I can only kill that foreign god once. After a few years, It will revive here.¡±


    ¡°However, the revived It will no longer possess the high god status. Also, I used the spell you taught me, Mother. In the future, It will die by the hands of Its own kind.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately¡­ I can¡¯t see it anymore.¡±


    Zi Xuan uttered softly. She wanted to pick up the purple bottle and add some oil to the oil lantern, but she was powerless. In the end, she could only lean against the statue and sit down, slowly closing her eyes.


    Her soul flew and scattered.


    That lantern was still burning but there was no oil added to it. As time passed, its fire gradually dimmed until it completely extinguished.


    The entire hall fell into darkness.


    The coldness also descended as the fire disappeared and the outside world fell silent.


    Darkness devoured everything.


    Time flowed by and years passed. After countless years, the Immortal Forbidden Land suddenly trembled. A sense of revival rose and the roar of a god echoed.


    Flesh and blood appeared in the Immortal Forbidden, covering the ground and drowning the halls, including this place.


    Another long period passed.


    On this day, in this pitch-black hall, a purple circle suddenly appeared in front of the statue. It appeared out of thin air and the instant it appeared, it immediately caused the entire Immortal Forbidden Land to rumble.


    A furious roar echoed and a terrifying divine sense erupted from the depths of the Immortal Forbidden, rapidly gathering here.


    The instant this divine sense swept over, a hand stretched out from the purple circle and grabbed the extinguished lantern, pulling it into the circle.


    This palm appeared to want to grab the purple bottle, but it was too late. Hence, it decisively left. However, it was still a little too late. The divine sense of the Immortal Forbidden god came over with an overwhelming force and ruthlessly collided with the purple circle, colliding with the hand.


    The circle collapsed, turning into countless pieces that fused into the endless void.


    The palm trembled. Although it still left, the wick of the lantern in its hand fell off and disappeared into nothingness.


    Everything was over.


    At this moment, the scene disappeared from Xu Qing¡¯s vision.


    The main hall and the statue also disappeared.


    This place turned into ruins again.


    It was similar to a dream.


    When he woke up from the dream, everything was gone. Only Zi Xuan stood on the ruins similar to a proud winter plum in a quiet valley. Regardless of whether there was anyone watching her, she felt like she was alone in an vacant field.


    She looked at the sky with a lonely expression.


    After a long time, she spoke softly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡±


    Xu Qing silently walked over and walked out with Zi Xuan. They didn¡¯t speak on the way until they left the Immortal Forbidden Land.


    When they arrived, it was nighttime. Who knew how many days had passed, but it was day time when they walked out.


    The sky was clear and the sun was shining brightly.


    Looking at the dreary Zi Xuan in front of him, Xu Qing suddenly shouted.


    Zi Xuan turned her head and stared at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and only asked her to extend her palm.


    Under the sunlight, Zi Xuan¡¯s palms were distinct, with lines resembling the twists and turns of fate.


    ¡°What do you have in your palm?¡±


    Xu Qing asked.


    Zi Xuan didn¡¯t understand and shook her head.


    Xu Qing looked into Zi Xuan¡¯s eyes and spoke softly.


    ¡°There¡¯s sunlight in your palm.¡±


    Zi Xuan¡¯s eyelashes trembled slightly as she looked at her palm. After a long time¡­ she smiled.

 Chapter 1127 - 1127 From Past to Present

    1127 From Past to Present


    1127 From Past to Present


    Spring brought a hundred flowers, autumn had the moon, summer had cool breeze, winter had snow.


    This verse was originally an extremely good description of beauty, but at this moment, under the sunlight outside the Prison Department, it became ordinary. Only the smile of the beauty in the plain robe with dimples was the most beautiful scene in the world.


    Zi Xuan couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    Her pretty face turned slightly red from this smile, like a blooming peony. A ball of gentle flames appeared in the depths of her eyes. After she cast a deep glance at Xu Qing, she slowly walked forward.


    After taking seven to eight steps, Zi Xuan suddenly turned and stared at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you¡¯ve learned bad things.¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent, not knowing what to say.


    Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s appearance, Zi Xuan¡¯s eyes that were as clear as blue waves were filled with warmth. The corners of her mouth gradually curled up like a perfect crescent moon. The emotions contained in them chased away all the gloom, causing her state of mind to become clear.


    This change in her mind spread throughout her body, causing her elegant and lofty temperament to appear once again.


    It was a beauty that made people feel ashamed and unworthy in its presence, a state of the soul blending calmness and agility, a charm that irresistibly drew people toward its captivating allure.


    It was also the Fairy Zi Xuan in Xu Qing¡¯s memories.


    ¡°What are you still standing there for?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heartbeat suddenly sped up again. He instinctively lifted his feet and silently arrived beside Zi Xuan. Under Zi Xuan¡¯s smile, the two of them walked toward the city.


    It was unknown if it was the breeze or the fluctuations of her mental state, but Zi Xuan¡¯s long black hair fluttered behind her beautiful figure. As she moved forward, a few strands intertwined with Xu Qing¡¯s ponytail and swayed together.


    Amidst the wind, Zi Xuan¡¯s gentle voice swayed.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I don¡¯t remember my previous life. Even though I experienced the view before, I don¡¯t have many memories. Hence, I don¡¯t know if I was the daughter of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether or the wick of that lantern.¡±


    ¡°If I have a choice, I hope it¡¯s the latter.¡±


    ¡°So, let¡¯s define everything we saw previously like this, okay?¡±


    ¡°I can also sense that that lantern¡­ is very, very far away from us. That direction should be the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region.¡±


    ¡°In the future, I will take it back.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s sound echoed.


    Time slowly passed just like that. In the next half a month, Xu Qing was very busy.


    Although he had the experience of being a Sword Holder and the help of Old Master Seventh, Marquis Yao, and the others, Fenghai County was too big and there were too many things he needed to do as a County Governor. There were also many things Xu Qing needed to learn.


    Hence, in this half a month, Xu Qing spent most of his time immersed in dealing with official business and reports from various sources.


    At that moment, in the County Governor¡¯s residence, the Observance Palace¡¯s Palace Master and the deacon he delivered had just ended their report. After they left, Xu Qing picked up his teacup and only took a sip before a Sword Holder came to report.


    The Palace Master of the Law Palace had come.


    Xu Qing organized his thoughts and personally walked out to welcome her.


    The Palace Master of the Law Palace had delivered a woman with him. Under the guidance of a Sword Holder, they appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s vision.


    The current Palace Master of the Law Palace was the former Deputy Palace Master of the Law Palace. She was an ordinary-


    looking old woman with a resolute personality and was meticulous.


    Xu Qing had seen her before but he wasn¡¯t familiar with her. However, the instant he saw her, he couldn¡¯t help but think of the former Palace Master of the Law Palace.


    The former Palace Master had died on the battlefield together with the Palace Master of the Observance Palace. Their corpses were made into puppets by Bai Xiaozhuo. After Fenghai incident, the souls of the two puppets were released.


    They were willing to continue protecting Fenghai County in their puppet form, and were one of Fenghai County¡¯s trump cards.


    Xu Qing sighed inwardly. His expression was solemn as he bowed to the Palace Master.


    Even though her cultivation was only at the Spirit Repository realm, as the County Governor, this bow represented enough respect for the Palace Master. When she saw this, she quickened her pace and bowed as well.


    ¡°Greetings, County Governor.¡±


    ¡°Please!¡±


    Xu Qing spoke politely and entered the main hall. The moment he sat down, a natural air of dignity and composure enveloped him. His eyes sparkled with a divine aura, portraying the majesty befitting a county governor.


    This was the aura of being the county governor.


    However, not everyone could have it. Also, Xu Qing¡¯s aura didn¡¯t seem to be deliberate.


    He sat there and everything was natural.


    Xu Qing naturally wasn¡¯t born with it. The reason why it was like this was because of the understanding and gains he had made in the trip to the Moon Offering Region.


    Very few people could compare to the experience of coming into contact with many Soul Accumulations, let alone saving them. As the master of the Moon Rebel Hall, he also participated in the Divine Son battle and the battle of Crimson Goddess.


    How could someone who had slaughtered a god not be composed?


    The Law Palace¡¯s Palace Master was shocked. This was the first time she had seen Xu Qing alone in half a month. Originally, there were some changes in her thoughts. However, now that she saw Xu Qing¡¯s calmness, she fell into deep thought and suppressed all her thoughts. She then reported the work of the Law Palace in a low voice.


    Xu Qing listened attentively. After a long time, the Palace Master finished her report. Xu Qing¡¯s understanding of the Law Palace became even more thorough.


    ¡°County Governor, please review the new list.¡±


    After the Palace Master finished speaking, she glanced at the woman beside her.


    This woman was Yao Yunhui.


    She was now a deacon of the Law Palace and was quite important to the Palace Master. Hence, she had followed the other party here to meet the County Governor.


    Throughout the entire process, she appeared both nervous and complex. On one hand, this was because she was not unfamiliar with Xu Qing. In fact, the first conflict that arose in Fenghai County upon Xu Qing¡¯s arrival was initiated by her.


    The matter of the world was unpredictable. Even in her dreams, she couldn¡¯t imagine the events that had happened in Fenghai County. Xu Qing was able to soar into the sky to the point where she could only look up to him.


    At the same time, her heart was also filled with endless waves of emotions about Xu Qing. She really didn¡¯t know why but every time she thought of Xu Qing, she couldn¡¯t help but think about how good he was.


    Over the years, it had long been deeply ingrained.


    After hearing the Palace Master¡¯s words, Yao Yunhui took a deep breath and tried her best to suppress the fluctuations in her heart. She respectfully stepped forward and handed a jade slip to Xu Qing with both hands.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and his gaze landed on Yao Yunhui.


    Yao Yunhui had clearly made some preparations in her makeup. A cascade of beautiful black hair flowed down like a waterfall. Delicate willow-shaped eyebrows, a straight and elegant nose, slightly rosy cheeks, and cherry-like lips¡ªall exuded an enticing charm.


    Her oval face, akin to a blooming flower, was clear and jade-like, with smooth, snow-white skin as delicate as ice and snow.


    However, her expression was solemn. Her black and white Daoist garment that represented the seriousness and justice of the Law Palace added to her solemnity.


    However, it was also because of this that the contrast was even greater. Because her Daoist garment couldn¡¯t hide her figure, it actually gave off some forbidden beauty.


    However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t moved. He lifted his hand and took the jade slip, checking it with his divine consciousness.


    Yao Yunhui felt even more complicated. Looking at Xu Qing in front of her, her brain was a little chaotic.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t understand her thoughts. What he was paying attention to now was the jade slip list.


    This list contained the cultivators who had joined the Law Palace in the past few years. There were 30 of them every month and they came from various sects. There were also some who were nurtured by the Law Palace.


    The three palaces of Fenghai County had autonomy in the recruitment but in the end, they still had to be inspected by the County Governor.


    After checking the list, Xu Qing was about to put it down. However, shortly after, he exclaimed inwardly as he noticed that a year ago, there was a month when 29 people joined the Law Palace instead of 30.


    This was especially so since there was a name Xu Qing was familiar with.


    Ding Xue.


    ¡°Last July, there was one less person?¡± Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at Yao Yunhui.


    When Yao Yunhui heard this, she hurriedly put away the complicated feelings in her heart. She recalled the reason and remembered that there were people from the Seven Blood Eyes among them. Hence, she understood the reason why Xu Qing asked.


    However, when she thought of the absence of one person, her expression couldn¡¯t help but turn peculiar, and she spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°County Governor, there were originally 30 people in July last year. One of them was called Zhao Zhongheng. This person could have passed but in order to be in the same division as a female cultivator named Ding Xue, he openly bribed the supervisor. It was an attempted bribe.¡±


    ¡°Ding Xue reported this matter and Zhao Zhongheng was disqualified¡­ He¡¯s still in the assessment period.¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head. Previously, when he saw Ding Xue¡¯s name, he thought of Zhao Zhongheng.


    When he heard that the reason was actually because Ding Xue had reported him¡­ Xu Qing felt sympathy for Zhao Zhongheng.


    However, he naturally wouldn¡¯t interfere in such a matter. Hence, he handed the jade slip back to Yao Yunhui.


    He then chatted with the Palace Master of the Law Palace. After about fifteen minutes, the Palace Master stood up and left.


    Xu Qing personally sent her off. Outside the main hall, Yao Yunhui, who was following beside the Law Palace¡¯s Palace Master, couldn¡¯t help but turn her head after she was far away and glance in the direction of the main hall.


    Xu Qing¡¯s slender figure stood there, silhouetted against the azure sky, appearing eternal in her eyes.


    In the following days, Xu Qing¡¯s workload decreased a little. He finally had time to catch up with his old friends.


    The first person he went to see was Zhang San.


    With the bustle and prosperity of the county capital, Zhang San, who had good business acumen, naturally would arrive here. In the past few years, he had used the profits from the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ port to open a few flying ship shops in the city.


    The Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ flying ships had long been modified and divided into two versions. One was for the disciples to use for cultivation, and the other was to be sold to outsiders as a magic artifact.


    Due to Old Master Seventh and Xu Qing¡¯s identities, the sales of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ flying ship in the county capital and other provinces were very impressive. Hence, these shops had booming business.


    Zhang San was extremely excited about Xu Qing¡¯s arrival but he couldn¡¯t help but feel reserved. He led Xu Qing to the backyard.


    It was only after they reminisced about the past that Zhang San¡¯s reservedness eased a little. However, it couldn¡¯t dissipate. In the past half a month, he would wake up laughing in his dreams.


    The investment back then had long soared by countless times¡­


    ¡°Coun¡­ Senior Brother Xu Qing, the captain also came a few days ago with a great charm beside him.¡±


    Zhang San rubbed his hands and spoke in a low voice.


    Xu Qing smiled. During this period of time, the captain had disappeared without a trace. Even with his toes, he could imagine that the other party was definitely with Li Shitao. He must be very happy.


    Upon seeing Zhang San¡¯s appearance, Xu Qing simply squatted beside him like he did back then.


    Zhang San¡¯s physique trembled as he looked at Xu Qing. He took out his tobacco pipe and took a deep breath. After he exhaled the smoke, he sighed with emotion. Vaguely, he seemed to have seen the youth who had followed the captain carefully when he was in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect this, I really didn¡¯t expect this¡­¡±

 Chapter 1128 - 1128 Master... Good... I

    1128 Master¡­ Good¡­ I


    1128 Master¡­ Good¡­ I


    The smoke wafted gently, and within it, Zhang San glimpsed the youth of before.


    Meanwhile, within that haze, Xu Qing saw mountains of corpses and seas of blood.


    As the smoke slowly dissipated, the two of them looked at each other. Xu Qing smiled, and so did Zhang San. He knocked the pipe on the ground, letting the ash fall off.


    ¡°What should I help you refine this time?¡±


    Zhang San asked.


    Xu Qing waved his hand and took out the small bottle which held his magic warship, placing it in front of Zhang San.


    Over the past few years, due to the increase in his cultivation, he rarely used his magic warship, and it had become useless.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to give it up. Hence, other than catching up on the past, he also wanted Zhang San to help him do a major upgrade on the magic warship.


    Zhang San¡¯s gaze landed on the magic warship. Without needing Xu Qing to speak, he knew just by looking at the small bottle that this magic warship had almost never been used. He also understood Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts. Hence, a strange glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Great wing?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    Zhang San was instantly excited. He rubbed his hands and fell into deep thought.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do it alone. I need to call over all those old craftsmen from the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Sixth Peak. It¡¯s not enough. I also need an array formation¡­ Xu Qing, I¡¯ll refine a great wing for you. This matter might require the cooperation of the entire Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ sect. Only then will it be enough!¡±


    ¡°This might be extremely difficult for others but to you, it only requires a sentence.¡±


    ¡°The power source of the great wing is the key. If we can put in a magic treasure, that would be great. If we can use the flesh of a divine creature, it will be even more perfect.¡±


    As Zhang San spoke, he took a puff of his cigarette. Xu Qing suddenly took out a feather and placed it in front of Zhang San.


    As soon as this feather appeared, the vast might of the god inside erupted explosively. Fortunately, Xu Qing was already prepared, so the impact wasn¡¯t great. However, it still caused the surroundings to blur and distort.


    Zhang San¡¯s eyes suddenly widened and he choked on the tobacco smoke. He didn¡¯t even hold the tobacco pipe firmly and it fell to the ground loudly. He felt like his scalp was about to split open.


    He had seen the flesh and blood of divine creatures more than once. He had even seen the flesh of Binding. However, the terror contained in this feather was something he had never felt before in his life.


    Compared to this, those things he saw in the past were all trash. They were like fireflies and the bright moon.


    ¡°This¡­ this¡­¡±


    Zhang San trembled and coughed for a long time. He looked at the feather in disbelief and lifted his head with difficulty.


    ¡°This is the flesh of a god.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    Zhang San¡¯s expression froze. After a long time, he silently picked up the pipe on the ground and instinctively inhaled deeply, causing some sparks to fly out and land on his body.


    His face quickly turned red and his eyes became bloodshot. His breathing was hurried and his voice was hoarse as he spoke with determination.


    ¡°It¡¯s enough!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯ll definitely design an unprecedented great wing for you and use this feather as the core. I believe that this great wing will definitely¡­¡±


    Xu Qing hesitated but still interrupted him.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang San, what I mean is that you should design the great wing according to the aura of this feather. As for the power source¡­ it¡¯s not this feather.¡±


    Zhang San was at a loss. He looked at Xu Qing and then at the feather. After that, he thought of the captain¡¯s style¡­ and understood.


    This understanding almost petrified him. He didn¡¯t recover even after Xu Qing left.


    Only after a long time did he heave a long sigh of relief. His heart trembled endlessly at the answer he had realized earlier.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t think the feather is worthy of being a power source, which means that they have more. There are many ways to obtain little bits of gods¡¯ flesh and blood, but if the amount is huge¡­¡±


    ¡°Did they kill a god?!¡±


    Zhang San shuddered and immediately suppressed this thought. He was well aware that there were some things he could know and some things he wouldn¡¯t know even if he knew!


    At that moment, the sky was gradually turning dark. Xu Qing, who had left Zhang San¡¯s place, walked on the streets of the capital city. He didn¡¯t deliberately hide his aura but the energy ripples from his body caused his figure to be unable to be formed in the eyes of the mortals.


    As he walked in the crowd and sensed the hustle and bustle here, Xu Qing¡¯s heart turned calm.


    He saw cultivators, Sword Holders, mortals, and even Yanyan, who had an unhappy expression and was patrolling with killing intent in her eyes.


    Yanyan couldn¡¯t see Xu Qing. She walked past Xu Qing with murderous intent.


    Xu Qing stared at her for a while before walking away.


    After he left, Yanyan suddenly stopped in her tracks. She abruptly turned her head and looked around. After a while¡­ she silently lowered her head.


    Time flowed by and the night grew darker. The crowd gradually decreased. Xu Qing, who was walking toward the County Governor¡¯s residence, stopped in his tracks and looked behind him.


    A thousand feet behind him, there was a person squatting like a dog.


    The moment Xu Qing stopped, he also stopped. Confusion appeared in his eyes as he looked in Xu Qing¡¯s direction.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure wasn¡¯t in his pupils.


    However, he could sense Xu Qing¡¯s aura. This was his talent. Hence, although he couldn¡¯t see, he still followed him all the way. At this moment, he sensed that the aura had disappeared.


    This made him feel depressed. He silently squatted there as though he had been abandoned.


    However, Xu Qing stood beside him and gazed at the person in front of him.


    This person was the little mute.


    Xu Qing had long sensed the other party and could tell at a glance that his cultivation had reached the level of three balls of life fire. In fact, he had opened many magic apertures and was only two apertures away from the fourth ball of life fire.


    With such aptitude, he could already be considered a heaven¡¯s chosen in any sect.


    Moreover, the many injuries on his body were enough to show that his cultivation journey had been fraught with a lot of battles.


    In addition, his talent allowed him to sense things that others couldn¡¯t sense. All of this caused the little mute to definitely have an extraordinary future.


    ¡°You can illuminate the Heavenly Palace at any time.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    His words echoed through the empty streets. When the little mute heard this, his body trembled and he immediately knelt down and kept kowtowing.


    Every strike was very forceful.


    It was only when a gentle force helped him up that the little mute stopped. Relying on his intuition, he faced Xu Qing, his eyes showing reverence as he raised five fingers.


    Xu Qing understood.


    The little mute was saying that he wanted to activate five balls of life fire and walk the path Xu Qing had taken.


    Xu Qing nodded. He was willing to see someone from the Seven Blood Eyes walking on the path he had strolled on. However, this path was very difficult. Hence, after pondering for a moment, Xu Qing turned and left.


    However, a jade pendant appeared out of thin air in front of the little mute. As Xu Qing¡¯s voice rang out, it echoed in the little mute¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Your last magic aperture can be opened on the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s island between life and death with this jade pendant. If you successfully light five balls of life fire and form a Heavenly Palace, you can go to the Prison Department and be a Pawn.¡±


    The little mute¡¯s body trembled. He grabbed the jade pendant and held it tightly. He lifted his head and gazed into the distance, his gaze becoming increasingly determined.


    He admired Xu Qing and it had always been like this all these years. Hence, he wanted to walk Xu Qing¡¯s path and obtain Xu Qing¡¯s recognition so that he could follow beside him.


    This was especially so when he sensed that the terrifying existence in Xu Qing¡¯s shadow that he had seen back then was even more terrifying now but not that fearful.


    This was because its gaze was always looking at Xu Qing with reverence and pleading.


    Xu Qing returned to the County Governor¡¯s residence and sat in the pavilion, looking at the night sky. The surroundings were quiet. The wind caused the ends of his ponytail to flutter slightly, just like his heart at this moment.


    ¡°There don¡¯t seem to be many old acquaintances¡­¡±


    ¡°Some people, as they walk, simply disappear.¡±


    Xu Qing closed his eyes.


    On this day, other than Zhang San and the little mute, he also saw Yanyan.


    Yanyan had become a Sword Holder.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t meet her but he finally spotted the source of Yanyan¡¯s illness. In his memory, Yanyan¡¯s personality revealed cruelty to herself and her enemies.


    Only by continuously killing and torturing herself could she be happy.


    Her grandmother had told Xu Qing that Yanyan was sick.


    At that time, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see the answer. Now, he knew.


    Yanyan was the only person he had seen in all these years who didn¡¯t have the slightest anomalous substances in her body.


    Other than Yanyan, there were others who seemed like they didn¡¯t have anomalous substances, but the anomalous substances in them were cleansed. After a lengthy time, they would still appear. It was different from Yanyan.


    Yanyan¡¯s body never seemed to have anomalous substances.


    This was because her anomalous substances had fused into her soul, tainting it heavily. This caused her to become crazy, perverted, and torture herself. One could imagine that as time passed and she grew older, she would become increasingly crazy.


    This was also the reason why her grandmother doted on her. She knew that her granddaughter wouldn¡¯t live long.


    However, after experiencing the incident at the Moon Offering, in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, Yanyan¡¯s severely tainted soul itself possessed a trace of divinity.


    Hence, although Xu Qing didn¡¯t meet Yanyan, he fused a Crimson Goddess¡¯ feather into her soul and left a sentence for her so that she could borrow the power of the feather to cultivate.


    ¡°She¡¯s suitable for cultivating divinity.¡±


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and gazed in the direction of the Yinghuang Province. There was a Ghost Emperor Mountain there.


    Old Master Seventh left three days ago and went to Ghost Emperor Mountain because third senior brother was cultivating there. That little boy from back then was also cultivating there with him.


    As the wind blew, Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts continued to fluctuate. He thought of many things from the past and many old acquaintances, such as Qing Qiu. She was also in the Yinghuang Province.


    Finally, Xu Qing gazed at the Nanhuang Continent.


    At this moment, the wind stopped. Xu Qing retracted his thoughts and gaze at the same time and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Ever since I obtained the flesh of Crimson Goddess, you¡¯ve been looking at me pleadingly. This is especially after You Lingzi was taken away by my master, your gaze has become even more intense, so¡­ you want to eat it?¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, under the moonlight, his shadow immediately rippled and rapidly spread in all directions. A pitch-black coffin rose from it, and it was covered in eyes.


    Every eye revealed reverence and pleading. There were also intermittent fluctuations of emotions that echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Master¡­ good¡­ I¡­¡±


    ¡°Eat¡­ Strong¡­ I¡­ Offer¡­¡±


    ¡°Divine fire¡­¡±

 Chapter 1129 - 1129 Dark Abyss

    1129 Dark Abyss


    ¡°Divine fire?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze froze as he looked at the shadow. Under his gaze, the shadow trembled a few times and carefully transmitted emotions.


    ¡°Fire¡­ Boom boom boom¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He somewhat missed the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    Sometimes, the emotional ripples of the shadow could be understood, but most of the time, it was very difficult to accurately understand the meaning.


    The term ¡®divine fire¡¯ was too sensitive. According to Xu Qing¡¯s understanding in the Moon Offering Region, that was a necessary path to become a god. Only by igniting the divine fire could one be considered a god.


    For example, Crimson Goddess and the Divine Son both walked this path.


    However, the former succeeded, while the latter didn¡¯t succeed in igniting the divine fire and it burned him instead.


    Hence, after hearing the term ¡®divine fire¡¯ from the shadow, Xu Qing¡¯s heart fluctuated.


    ¡°You can form divine fire?¡±


    Xu Qing asked.


    The shadow first nodded and then shook its head. In the end, it became anxious, so it simply¡­


    ¡°Boom boom boom¡­¡±


    Xu Qing frowned. After pondering for a moment, he lifted his hand and made arrangements in the surroundings. After that, he took out a piece of Crimson Goddess¡¯ fleshy feather.


    Looking at the feather, the shadow was excited and churned on the ground, as though turning the tiles of the pavilion into a black quagmire.


    After sensing the shadow¡¯s emotions, Xu Qing waved his hand and threw the feather out. Before it landed on the ground, the shadow impatiently rose from the ground and opened its mouth to devour the feather.


    Its body was like a black hole that could devour everything. In the blink of an eye, the feather disappeared and the shadow trembled violently as it continued to expand.


    Xu Qing paid attention the entire time. An hour later, the shadow¡¯s energy fluctuations slowly decreased and finally stabilized. When it shrank and returned to Xu Qing¡¯s feet, the shadow emitted an incomparable desire.


    ¡°Delicious¡­ devour¡­ want¡­¡±


    A look of contemplation appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. After checking the remaining quantity of the flesh of Crimson Goddess, he endured his heartache and took out a fist-sized flesh.


    Such a large piece immediately made the shadow extremely excited. Spikes formed on it, rising and falling as its eyes revealed excitement. There were even sounds of it opening its mouths and gulping.


    In fact, in order to eat this piece of meat, the shadow even formed a shadow tail that swayed on the ground like a puppy.


    It was unknown which human consciousness it had possessed before¡­


    It still had some effect.


    Xu Qing glanced at the swaying shadow tail on the ground and threw the flesh in his hand to the shadow.


    In an instant, all the shadow spikes headed straight for the flesh, instantly enveloping it. Immediately after, the sound of swallowing echoed. The energy ripples of the shadow even exceeded before and were erupting like they were boiling.


    However, it was obvious that such a large piece was a little difficult for it to withstand. Hence, very soon, its body became unstable. With a boom, the shadow¡¯s body directly collapsed. It was like an ink bottle that had fallen to the ground, shattering into hundreds of pieces.


    The flesh of Crimson Goddess that was swallowed also fell out of its body.


    However, in the blink of an eye, it shattered into hundreds of shadows like hungry wild dogs. They rapidly enveloped the flesh again, continuing to devour and collapse.


    The shadow¡¯s persistence was vividly displayed at this moment.


    This lasted until the sky in the distance lit up slightly. After a night, the shadow had shattered countless times before it finally swallowed the lump of flesh bit by bit. Its body barely maintained itself and stopped shattering.


    As for its heart, it wasn¡¯t satisfied. At that moment, while maintaining its body from cracking, it tried its best to emit fawning emotions toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°Master¡­ good¡­ I¡­ want¡­¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no change even after devouring an entire piece. What¡¯s the use of having you?¡± Xu Qing said coldly.


    He felt that there was a certain possibility that the shadow could change but it was deliberately suppressing the change, and this guess made him unhappy.


    He wanted to activate the purple crystal and see if he could smash out the item the shadow had swallowed. At the same time, he wanted to intimidate it.


    Sensing the purple light appearing on Xu Qing¡¯s body, the shadow instantly trembled and quickly emitted an emotion of begging for mercy.


    ¡°No need¡­ no eat¡­ forbidden zone¡­ okay.¡±


    Xu Qing ignored it and directly suppressed it. In an instant, a purple light spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s body and landed on the shadow. Wails rang out as the shadow collapsed and the piece of flesh that had been half eaten fell out.


    Xu Qing lifted his hand and grabbed it from afar.


    The shadow trembled as it watched Xu Qing take away its food. It was clearly anxious and quickly circled around Xu Qing, forming a black vortex.


    ¡°Eat¡­ eat¡­¡±


    ¡°Boom boom boom!¡±


    ¡°I¡­ strong¡­ useful!¡±


    The shadow hurriedly expressed. Xu Qing coldly looked over.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for additional flesh?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ forbidden zone¡­ can¡­¡±


    The shadow carefully transmitted its emotions.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t continue speaking. He recalled that the few times the shadow advanced previously were all related to anomalous substances.


    As for anomalous substances, other than in the flesh, there were quite a lot of them in any forbidden zone.


    Hence, due to the need for the shadow to advance and his guess about the word ¡®divine fire¡¯, Xu Qing¡¯s body instantly disappeared from the pavilion. When he reappeared, he was already outside the capital city.


    He didn¡¯t stop at all. After he appeared, he took a step forward. The ground seemed to have shrunk under his feet. Every step he took covered a large area.


    The rules and nomological laws could already be manifested on Spirit Repository cultivators.


    Just like that, two hours later, Xu Qing had already left the county capital and appeared in the nearby province.


    This province was called the Spirit Land and was the smallest province in Fenghai County. It got its name because there were many forbidden zones in it.


    The spirit in its name didn¡¯t mean spiritual energy but undead spirits.


    The forbidden zones in it were a paradise for the undead and bizarre. It was fine for ordinary cultivators to walk around the edge, but if they entered the depths, they would only have a slim chance of survival. Only after their cultivation reached the Nascent Soul realm and coupled with a certain amount of luck would they have a chance of survival.


    It was also the path that the Ghost Lane¡¯s ship had to pass through.


    When Xu Qing arrived, he saw the Ghost Lane¡¯s ship.


    Although it was still daytime, black clouds filled the distance and the sky gradually turned pitch-black. Fog churned and enveloped the sky, causing the light to dim and a cold intent to spread in all directions.


    A huge dilapidated ghost ship was faintly discernible in the fog, moving forward in the sky.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm as he stared at the ghost ship.


    He was no longer the cultivator he was back then, let alone his identity. As the County Governor, he could mobilize the county¡¯s fortune. He wasn¡¯t too curious about this ghost ship he had rode before.


    The ghost ship also showed respect to Xu Qing. After sensing Xu Qing¡¯s figure, the fog on the ghost ship solidified. A large number of ghosts rose from the boat and floated outside, bowing to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing nodded and passed by it, heading toward a Spirit Land forbidden zone.


    After he left, the fog in the sky churned again. The ghost ship continued forward and quickly disappeared. The sky also lit up again.


    After about fifteen minutes, as Xu Qing moved forward, he saw a Spirit Land forbidden zone in the distance.


    There were a total of 13 forbidden zones in the entire Spirit Land province.


    Every one of them was ancient, having endured countless years. According to the records, they originated in the era of the Human Sovereign Eastern Triumph.


    Originally, it was a forbidden region, but changes occurred in later generations. Overnight, the forbidden region collapsed and turned into 13 forbidden zones.


    As for the reason, it wasn¡¯t recorded in any books. However, according to the clues, someone analyzed that there might have been a divine battle here.


    However, the truth was already buried in history.


    At that moment, the forbidden zone that appeared in front of Xu Qing was a black jungle that had a range similar to the forbidden zone in the Nanhuang Continent¡¯s scavenger campsite.


    The vegetation inside was all black and released a withering feeling. There were also dense anomalous substances spreading inside, forming a black fog that enveloped the forbidden zone. At the same time, waves of roars that could be sensed by the soul echoed from the depths of the forbidden zone at all times.


    In fact, when one got close, one could see the figures of some skeletons moving in the jungle, as well as all kinds of strange entities.


    For instance, Xu Qing was standing outside the forbidden zone, and saw an old woman standing in the forbidden zone.


    This old woman was wearing burial clothes, her face pallid, and she was smiling at Xu Qing.


    The smile was wide, revealing black teeth, and a strong stench of decay emanated from her, spreading to the surroundings.


    Xu Qing was calm. He had seen too many strange entities in his life. There was nothing strange about them. They were just food for the shadow.


    ¡°I¡¯ll only give you one chance. If you still can¡¯t advance, then I don¡¯t need you anymore.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke. The shadow under his feet trembled. After emitting determined emotions, it immediately spread toward the forbidden zone.


    The instant the shadow appeared, the expression of the old woman who had been staring at Xu Qing and smiling changed drastically. It was as though she had seen her natural enemy and swiftly turned around to escape.


    However, it was still too slow. The shadow spread even faster and rushed into the forbidden zone, catching up in the blink of an eye. After its figure touched the old woman, she immediately melted and disappeared into the shadow.


    The shadow didn¡¯t stop. As it chewed, it spread out in all directions with all its might.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t follow. He stood outside the forbidden zone and borrowed the connection with the shadow to sense every step the shadow took. Gradually, a strange expression appeared on his face and it slowly turned into surprise. Finally, his heart shook a little.


    ¡°What is it doing?¡±


    In Xu Qing¡¯s perception, the range of the shadow this time completely surpassed the past and reached an unbelievable level.


    It actually spread throughout the entire forbidden zone!


    The instant the forbidden zone was covered, it gradually blurred in front of Xu Qing, as though it was being devoured!


    Xu Qing swiftly confirmed that this forbidden zone wasn¡¯t seemingly being devoured but¡­ it was really being devoured.


    It grew increasingly faint and blurry. The location at the edge had completely disappeared. A day later, Xu Qing glanced ahead in shock.


    That place¡­ was empty.


    The forbidden zone had disappeared!


    From now on, the Spirit Land province would have one less forbidden zone!


    It was devoured by the shadow!


    On the empty land, the soil was gray. There was no sign of life or the aura of death. That gray color was like the background color of the world.


    Above this background color was a squirming black shadow.


    Waves of godly murmurs rang out from the black shadow, echoing through the world.


    ¡°Three elements nurture, nine Qi circulate, five elements transform, organs form, and seven stars create orifices. The souls of all beings rise to the top, three feet above me, Dark Abyss, illuminated by the brilliance of three feet of starlight.¡±

 Chapter 1130 - 1130 Baiting in Fenghai County (1)

    1130 Baiting in Fenghai County (1)


    The voice alternated between high and low, between swift and slow, creating a feeling of bizarre entity when combined.


    And it indeed contained bizarre entities!


    The moment the voice spread, the sky changed color, and the earth rumbled. The vegetation growing outside the forbidden zone cracked, and the impact was extensive.


    Although this area was sparsely populated due to the existence of the forbidden zone, there was no lack of insects and beasts.


    These insects and beasts that lived outside the forbidden zone had been affected to varying degrees by the anomalous substances. Their lives had mutated and they were even more tenacious. However, under the coverage of these murmurs, all of them began to go crazy.


    Looking around, countless insects and beasts of various kinds emerged from the ground, converging from all directions. They surrounded Xu Qing, emitting hissing cries, creating a dense and terrifying spectacle.


    Xu Qing remained composed, his gaze sweeping over the insects and beasts surrounding him. On their bodies, he sensed traces of being controlled¡ªthis was one of the abilities of the shadow.


    However, the range was larger now and the number of beings it could control was greater. Most importantly, it was no longer limited to the fusion with shadows; it could manipulate them with just murmurs.


    ¡°Devouring a forbidden zone and controlling with sound¡­¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and looked at the squirming shadow on the gray land in front of him.


    As time passed, the shadow¡¯s squirming slowed down by a lot, as though it was gradually stabilizing.


    Its form also slowly stabilized and looked like a head.


    At the center of the head¡¯s forehead, although it was pitch-black, one could vaguely see a totem.


    The shape of this totem was exactly the same as the forbidden zone that the shadow had devoured!


    ¡°It¡¯s not a totem. This is¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred. He focused his attention and carefully observed the shadow¡¯s forehead. Soon, he confirmed his previous guess. The thing on the forehead wasn¡¯t a totem but a forbidden zone.


    The forbidden zone that was devoured by the shadow appeared on the shadow¡¯s forehead and became one with it.


    This discovery made Xu Qing feel even stranger. What made his pupils contract even more was that in this forbidden zone that had shrunk countless times, there was a tree that was different from the others growing in the center.


    That was the first form the shadow had displayed, a huge shadow tree.


    There was a coffin hanging from the tree. This coffin was the second form of the shadow.


    At that moment, the coffin was shaking like a huge pendulum clock. There was also the ear-piercing sound of fingernails scratching the wooden planks and murmurs.


    ¡°I, the Dark Abyss, the spirit accumulates and forms the body. The soul lacks divinity, and starlight descends to extinguish all beings!¡±


    The instant the last word was spoken, a wave of soul power that was as majestic as the sea suddenly erupted from the coffin. The target¡­ was none other than Xu Qing!


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. He stood there and coldly looked at the shadow. His eyes were pitch-black and the Poison Restriction activated.


    Under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, this huge soul power stopped ten feet away from him, distorting the surroundings and showing signs of struggle. It was as though malice instinctively erupted but it also instinctively didn¡¯t dare to continue.


    This lasted until Xu Qing snorted coldly.


    That terrifying soul power instantly fluctuated and spread out toward the sky above, affecting the sky. It gathered the clouds and displayed a few words.


    Master is benevolent.


    Immediately after, fawning emotions spread out from the black shadow.


    ¡°Master¡­ good¡­ I¡­¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the shadow, and he seemed to have figured it out. The murmurs of the shadow were expressed properly, but when it tried to speak directly, it would be like this. It seemed that the growth of its realm was not directly proportional to its speaking ability.


    However, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t be bothered to suppress it now. He was more concerned about the divine fire the shadow had expressed earlier.


    ¡°What about the divine fire?¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    When the shadow heard this, a large mouth opened on it and it roared out.


    ¡°Sacrifice!¡±


    The instant this word was spoken, the densely-packed insects and beasts around Xu Qing that were controlled by the shadow trembled in unison. After that, they ferociously consumed and bit each other, letting out mournful wails.


    There were also some who devoured themselves and cried miserably amid this self-mutilation.


    However, their actions did not pause for a moment. The more pitiful the sounds, the more ferocious their biting became. In just a dozen breaths¡¯ time, all the insects and beasts surrounding Xu Qing died.


    They were sacrificing themselves!


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s expression to freeze. At the same time, brown light spots floated up from the corpses of these insects and beasts and flew straight toward the shadow.


    The feeling these light spots gave Xu Qing was somewhat similar to the faith power of all living beings in the Moon Offering Region. However, their essence seemed to be different.


    This was because it was impossible to see with the naked eye.


    Even with his cultivation base, it was difficult for Xu Qing to see them. Only when his eyes contained the Poison Restriction could he see these clearly.


    They quickly gathered together and formed a brown sphere of light. It was only the size of a fingernail and shone brightly. It sometimes expanded and sometimes rapidly contracted, as though it was immensely unstable.


    Even more astonishing was that its appearance stirred the firmament. The clouds rapidly turned pitch-black, thunder resounded instantly, and lightning danced within, seemingly drawn to it and spreading outward.


    The shadow¡¯s emotions were filled with even more intense fawning as it blew at the brown sphere of light. Immediately, the sphere of light headed straight for Xu Qing and floated in front of him.


    As the sphere of light floated, the thunderbolt in the sky rotated in unison and locked onto it.


    Xu Qing frowned. He couldn¡¯t tell what it was but he innately felt danger. It was as though every inch of his body had gained an independent consciousness at this moment and was shrieking at him, telling him that this thing was immensely dangerous.

 Chapter 1131 - 1131 Fishing in Fenghai County (2)

    1131 Fishing in Fenghai County (2)


    Xu Qing looked at the shadow.


    The shadow manifested a tail that swayed. It even stuck out a black tongue which started wagging .


    It was like a puppy, nodding continuously at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Maste¡­ offer¡­ mast¡­ good¡­ divine fire.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He didn¡¯t trust the shadow and the danger emitted by his intuition made him very vigilant against the brown sphere of light. Hence, he took a few steps back and was about to raise his hand.


    Xu Qing felt that it wasn¡¯t safe enough. He retreated hundreds of feet before lifting his right hand and waving it gently at the brown sphere of light.


    With this wave, the brown sphere of light drifted into the distance. After drifting far away, the lightning in the sky gathered to a certain extent and suddenly erupted.


    In an instant, countless bolts of lightning descended from the sky like a thunderstorm, whistling toward the sphere of light and bombarding it in the blink of an eye.


    The instant the lightning landed, this sphere of light that was already unstable instantly exploded.


    A terrifying thunder and fire erupted into the sky. There was also a hint of divinity, forming an earth-shattering storm that swept in all directions.


    Wherever it passed, everything was destroyed.


    The power contained in it was extremely majestic. Even with Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation, his heart trembled and he quickly retreated. However, it was still too late. Even though he was cautious enough and was already very far away, the eruption of this brown sphere of light was too ferocious.


    In that instant, Xu Qing was affected. The storm formed by the collapse of the brown sphere of light gushed toward him.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body shone as his first god form appeared. He retreated thousands of feet before he could neutralize the force.


    As the brown sphere of light disappeared, the storm dissipated and a bottomless pit appeared on the ground.


    Xu Qing had lingering fear when he saw this. As for the shadow, it used some unknown method to hide and avoid the damage. At that moment, it reappeared on the ground unscathed and transmitted proud emotions to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Amaz¡­ I¡­ amazin!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was unsightly.


    ¡°Is this divine fire?¡±


    The shadow hurriedly nodded. Seeing that Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was unfriendly, it quickly shook its head. It wanted to express itself but didn¡¯t know how to describe it. It gradually became anxious and in the end, it could only¡­


    ¡°¡±Boom boom boom!¡±


    ¡°¡±Boom boom boom!¡±


    ¡°Boom¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop rumbling!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice was cold. The shadow was a little stunned. It didn¡¯t know how it had provoked Xu Qing again, so it felt aggrieved.


    Sensing the grievance of the shadow, Xu Qing sighed. He missed the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor even more. At this moment, he finally understood why the shadow made rumbling sounds when describing the divine fire.


    Just now, when the brown sphere of light exploded¡­ wasn¡¯t it rumbling?


    Xu Qing looked at the shadow and dispelled the thought of continuing to ask. His body swayed as he headed straight for the place where the brown sphere of light had exploded. He only needed to inspect this place.


    ¡°The instant it exploded earlier, that sphere of light emitted divinity¡­¡±


    Xu Qing floated in the pit and touched the soil in the surroundings. A look of contemplation appeared in his eyes. He then lifted his head and looked at the dissipating thunderclouds in the sky. Gradually, a guess formed in his mind.


    ¡°This thing is more like a taboo fuel. It¡¯s unstable and can attract lightning. Moreover, even if the lightning doesn¡¯t descend, there¡¯s a high chance that it will explode when the wind blows.¡±


    ¡°A fingernail-sized piece is already capable of emitting such a terrifying power¡­¡±


    ¡°Then, is it possible that this thing¡­ is the fuel for igniting the divine fire?¡±


    The moment this thought emerged in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, his eyes gleamed as he thought of the way the shadow obtained this fuel.


    ¡°Sacrifice¡­¡±


    ¡°The gods I know have a need for sacrifices¡­ Could this be the reason why gods like sacrificial rituals?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know if his estimate was correct but after the shadow advanced this time, it could actually offer sacrifices to itself. This caused quite a commotion in his mind.


    ¡°First, control the beings, then forcefully offer them¡­¡±


    Xu Qing observed at the shadow.


    The shadow emitted a smug expression.


    ¡°I¡­ useful!¡±


    Xu Qing found it hard to refute. The changes to the shadow¡¯s improvement this time were too great. Regardless of whether it was the devouring of the forbidden zone or controlling with its voice, and ultimately offering sacrifices to itself.


    All of this was definitely extraordinary.


    That was the god¡¯s ability.


    ¡®So, what exactly is it?¡¯


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and suppressed this thought as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Get back here.¡±


    When the shadow heard this, it was immediately happy. It quickly spread back to Xu Qing¡¯s feet and transformed into his shadow again.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and didn¡¯t speak anymore. With a sway of his body, he rose into the air and returned to Fenghai County.


    At that moment, the sunlight was strong and Xu Qing was flying in the sky. His shadow moved forward on the ground and grew larger and larger. It wasn¡¯t proportional to Xu Qing¡¯s body and finally became thousands of feet long.


    The forbidden zone on its forehead was blurry. Two rows of blood-colored eyes opened on both sides and the corners of its mouth split open, emitting a soundless smile.


    It was like a demonic god.


    If anyone saw this scene, they would definitely be horrified.


    This was because Xu Qing was the person who raised that demonic god.


    As time passed, some things that were meant to come would eventually arrive.


    The main reason for the series of preparations in Fenghai County was because of the Seventh Prince and King Tian Lan. They were like sharp blades that hung above the heads of the Fenghai County cultivators.


    Xu Qing had thought of saying something to comfort people.


    However, Old Master Seventh and Marquis Yao tactfully stopped him. They¡­ were playing a big game of chess.


    Although they didn¡¯t say it explicitly, Xu Qing had experienced many things and had long seen through it.


    Old Master Seventh and Marquis Yao were fishing.


    Today, the first fish had taken the bait.


    There was news from the frontline of the Black Heaven Race that not all of the five batches of Fenghai County cultivators who went to the battlefield had died after experiencing several near-death war missions.

 Chapter 1132 - 1132 Fishing in Fenghai County (3)

    1132 Fishing in Fenghai County (3)


    There were still over 10,000 people alive.


    Out of the five million Fenghai cultivators that were conscripted, only 10,000 or so survived. They experienced many life-and-death situations, enduring pain and torment, ultimately being treated as abandoned pawns.


    Kong Xianglong and some Sword Holders were among them.


    They escaped with great difficulty. They didn¡¯t choose to return to King Tian Lan¡¯s army but left the battlefield. They wanted to return to Fenghai County.


    This matter was peculiar, defying logic, and had inexplicable aspects. It seemed as if invisible hands were at play, guiding the footsteps of these survivors along a predetermined path.


    However, no matter what, the news that reached Fenghai County included a recording jade slip that clearly recorded their exhausted figures.


    On the way, they also encountered the pursuit of King Tian Lan¡¯s personal guards. They couldn¡¯t defend themselves against the accusations and barely escaped in the midst of the confrontation.


    They were trapped in a dangerous situation now and could only wait for death.


    Fenghai County faced a choice.


    Should they save these survivors or not? How should they handle them and how should they announce their fate?


    If they saved them, it would be equivalent to confirming their stance. If they didn¡¯t save them and watched helplessly as they were punished, the people of Fenghai County would dissipate.


    ¡°So, Zheng Kaiyi, Yao Tianyan, what will the two of you¡­ choose?¡±


    In the imperial city where the Seventh Prince was located, the former Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s Alliance Leader Chen Yangzi placed the first piece on an empty chessboard.


    ¡°According to my judgment of you people¡¯s style of doing things, you will definitely save them.¡±


    ¡°But to travel thousands of miles to save these people, ordinary people are useless. The people who go¡­ must be experts, and one might not be enough.¡±


    ¡°In that case, will there be Zi Xuan among the people who will go? If there is, then I¡¯ll just make sure you fall into my trap.¡±


    Chen Yangzi smiled. He actually didn¡¯t care much about this encirclement. If Zi Xuan was around, it would naturally be for the best. If Zi Xuan wasn¡¯t around, this plan would serve as bait to lure the tiger away from the mountain.


    ¡°In the entire Fenghai County, the strong ones are only Zheng Kaiyi and Marquis Yao. I can¡¯t defeat them. One of them will definitely go to save these people. Otherwise, the strength of the reinforcements won¡¯t be enough.


    As for those two puppets¡­ I have a way to deal with them.¡±


    Chen Yangzi¡¯s eyes were filled with anticipation as he lifted his head and looked in the direction of Fenghai County.


    He naturally wouldn¡¯t enter Fenghai County rashly, but the Seventh Prince¡¯s order had to be completed. However, this wasn¡¯t difficult for him.


    Encirclement and reinforcement, entering the trap, and luring the tiger away from the mountain¡ªthese three maneuvers integrated seamlessly. He had ways to adapt and manipulate them according to the situation, holding control in his hands.


    While Chen Yangzi was looking in the direction of Fenghai County, Xu Qing, Old Master Seventh, and Marquis Yao were standing in the pavilion of the County Governor¡¯s residence in Fenghai County. They were also looking towards the former Heavenly Wind Imperial Capital where the Seventh Prince was.


    ¡°Xu Qing, what do you think?¡± Old Master Seventh calmly asked.


    ¡°Master, the fish has taken the bait,¡± Xu Qing remarked softly.


    When Old Master Seventh heard this, he laughed, his eyes filled with admiration.


    ¡°So¡­ are you going or should I go?¡± Marquis Yao looked at Old Master Seventh.


    ¡°You go. I¡¯ll wait a little longer and see what the other party¡¯s second move is. Otherwise, if we go out together, the other party will suspect that it was too smooth. Remember to bring the puppets. Don¡¯t be careless.¡± Old Master Seventh looked at Marquis Yao.


    Marquis Yao nodded. As the only elder remaining of the original upper echelons of Fenghai County, he knew his limits. Hence, he took a step forward and disappeared from the pavilion in the next instant.


    Soon, the Observance Palace and the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Masters, and some sect masters of the various sects followed Marquis Yao out and tore through the sky.


    As for Old Master Seventh, several days later, he got the second move he had been waiting for.


    Many sects suddenly rebelled in Fenghai County.


    These sects were scattered in various regions and their rebellion erupted at the same time, spreading rumors, causing chaos far and wide.


    Moreover, many nonhuman races on the Forbidden Sea also suddenly dispatched troops, landing on multiple coastlines of Fenghai County, including several regions such as Yinghuang Province.


    Not only that, but a large number of nonhumans also appeared outside the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ port harbor of the Nanhuang Continent. Nihility specialists were leading the army.


    In an instant, everyone in Fenghai County was in a state of panic and chaos.


    Faced with such a crisis, a large number of Sword Holders went out. Old Master Seventh personally led the team.


    After he and Marquis Yao left, the county capital city became unprecedentedly empty.


    This emptiness was stared at by a pair of gaze hidden behind the chessboard.


    ¡°It went a little too smoothly¡­¡±


    Chen Yangzi placed his second piece, and a look of pondering appeared in his eyes. After a long time, he placed his third piece.

 Chapter 1133 - 1133 Gift to the Alliance Leader

    1133 Gift to the Alliance Leader


    Several days later, with Marquis Yao and Old Master Seventh leaving successively, and with the three Palace Masters and the various sects busily suppressing the rebellion across the entire county, news from various sources began to converge.


    For example, the extent of the rebellion, the situation of the nonhuman races of the Forbidden Sea and their determination to cause chaos, and the true reasons for over 10,000 Fenghai cultivators being trapped in the desperate situation and escaping from the Black Heaven Battlefield.


    The truth was that the Great Expansion Dao Palace, a former member of the Eight Sects Alliance, provided assistance!


    The Eight Sects Alliance¡¯s Alliance Leader didn¡¯t join the Seventh Prince alone. He had left with the Soaring Cloud Sword Sect and the Great Expansion Dao Palace.


    After siding with the Seventh Prince, the Great Expansion Dao Palace was arranged to assist in the arrangement of array formations on the battlefield with its expertise in array formations. It was a safe position.


    In the end, unable to bear the suffering of the Fenghai cultivators and witnessing the extent of the casualties among the five million people, the Great Expansion Dao Palace secretly granted Kong Xianglong and others a certain degree of array permissions.


    This allowed Kong Xianglong and the others to survive and escape.


    This matter wouldn¡¯t have been discovered so quickly, but the hearts of the people within the Great Expansion Dao Palace were complex. While some couldn¡¯t bear what happened to Fenghai County, others wholeheartedly attached themselves to the Seventh Prince.


    Due to their respective ideals and internal power struggles, this matter was spread by the Great Expansion Dao Palace on its own, targeting the sect master.


    This caused the Great Expansion Dao Palace¡¯s ancestor and the Seventh Prince to be furious. They ordered a cleanup and killed everyone who participated. Only the sect master of the Great Expansion Dao Palace, who was defined as the main instigator, was missing.


    It was also because of this that this information spread and attracted the attention of all parties.


    At this moment, while Marquis Yao, Old Master Seventh, and a large number of forces were still scattered, a person came to the relatively empty capital city of Fenghai County.


    This person was an old man dressed in a brown Daoist robe. His expression was filled with fatigue and he was heavily injured. While he was travel-worn, he was also cautious and extremely vigilant.


    The moment he stepped into the county capital, he immediately contacted two people.


    One was Zi Xuan, and the other was Xue Lianzi.


    They didn¡¯t head out but stayed in the city to guard it. The instant they received the news, the expressions of Zi Xuan and Xue Lianzi changed.


    This was because they knew who it was.


    It was the sect master of the Great Expansion Dao Palace, Yan Yezi, who had Perfected Spirit Repository cultivation.


    If it was anyone else who came to the capital of Fenghai County at this moment, it would be very difficult for them to meet Xue Lianzi and Zi Xuan. After all, it was war preparation time and the situation was ever-changing.


    However, this Yan Yezi from the Great Expansion Dao Palace had saved the lives of the Fenghai County cultivators on the Black Heaven Battlefield.


    His forces in the sect were completely wiped out by the Seventh Prince, resulting in the deaths of over a thousand people. The scene might not be a river of blood, but it was undeniably a gruesome and brutal outcome. Even he barely escaped with his life, severely wounded..


    He had come to seek refuge, so they had to meet him, especially since he had mentioned that he had an important secret to tell them.


    Very soon, in the main hall of the County Governor¡¯s residence, Xu Qing, Xue Lianzi, Zi Xuan, and some others saw Yan Yezi.


    The seriousness of his injuries didn¡¯t seem fake. His internal organs were mostly shattered and he was relying on his Spirit Repository cultivation to hold on. After seeing Xu Qing and the others, his expression was a little dazed. Clearly, he recalled the first time he saw Xu Qing.


    ¡°Greetings, County Governor!¡±


    A while later, Yan Yezi suppressed his emotions and cupped his fists respectfully. However, the fluctuations in his heart triggered his injuries, and his complexion turned even paler.


    Xu Qing immediately waved his hand and sent over a gentle force. After he helped the sect master up, he instructed people to bring over a medicinal pill and politely placed it in front of Yan Yezi.


    ¡°Thank you for your help on the Black Heaven Battlefield, Sect Master. We¡¯ve already heard about the matter of the Great Expansion Dao Palace. This is a healing treasure here in the city, Heaven Rejuvenation Pill. You should consume it first and take care of your injuries.¡±


    Yan Yezi picked it up when he heard this. He noticed that Xue Lianzi and Zi Xuan were observing him. Although there was no hostility in their gazes, he knew that his arrival would definitely arouse suspicion.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He didn¡¯t even look at the authenticity of the pill and swallowed it in one gulp.


    Xue Lianzi narrowed his eyes while Zi Xuan remained calm.


    From the start to the end, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as usual. He looked at Yan Yezi who was meditating after eating the medicinal pill and didn¡¯t continue to speak.


    After about fifteen minutes, Yan Yezi opened his eyes. The injuries in his body had eased somewhat, which he suppressed once again. He took a deep breath, bowing to Xu Qing once more. His expression carried a sense of lamentation, along with a touch of guilt.


    ¡°Time flies, many years have passed¡­ I still remember the first time that the County Governor came to the Eight Sects Alliance¡­¡±


    Yan Yezi shook his head and sighed.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that my Great Expansion Dao Palace has followed the wrong person. One wrong step and every step will be wrong¡­¡±


    ¡°County Governor, I risked my life to escape and came to Fenghai County to tell you some news. You can choose what to do.¡±


    ¡°One, even though I couldn¡¯t bear the tragedy that happened to Fenghai cultivators on the Black Heaven Battlefield, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to risk the lives of my sect disciples and myself to save them.¡±


    ¡°The reason I was able to save those 10,000 people was because there were some flaws in the array formation at that time. During the repair process, I had an opportunity to form a teleportation array without being discovered. Even if it was discovered, it would have nothing to do with me.¡±


    ¡°So, I chose to help.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible for outsiders to know about this, and it¡¯s impossible for the internal department of the Great Expansion Dao Palace to discover it so quickly. However, not long after the 10,000-odd cultivators from Fenghai County were teleported, the news spread from within the Great Expansion Dao Palace.¡±


    ¡°It was a massacre. I understood this was a trap and I risked my life to escape. Someone calculated my soft-heartedness and set up a trap.¡±


    ¡°Someone wants to let those people from Fenghai County out and use them as a bargaining chip so that Fenghai County has no choice but to rescue them. At the same time, they are luring the tiger away from the mountain.¡±


    Yan Yezi spoke in a low voice. The expressions of everyone in the hall were different and it was completely silent.


    ¡°That person is Chen Yangzi, the alliance leader of the former Eight Sects Alliance!¡±


    The eyes of Yan Yezi were bloodshot when he said this.


    ¡°The second news I want to talk about is also related to this person. All the chaos in Fenghai County, including the Forbidden Sea, was arranged by Chen Yangzi. I¡­ was once in charge of communicating with the nonhuman races in the Forbidden Sea.¡±


    Yan Yezi lowered his head and spoke bitterly.


    ¡°As for the third piece of news, it¡¯s from the frontline. King Tian Lan¡¯s army is about to return victorious!¡±


    ¡°The bloody immortal art he needs has been completely set up. Moreover, he has already unleashed the might of immortal art. The Black Heaven Race is retreating step by step on the battlefield he is in charge of.¡±


    ¡°Now, under the lead of King Tian Lan and relying on the blood immortal art, the army has fought their way into the hinterland of the Black Spirit Region. They will soon complete their mission. At that time, the army will return triumphantly. With just a word from the Seventh Prince, Fenghai County¡­ will definitely be in great danger!¡±


    In the main hall, other than Xu Qing and a few people, the expressions of the others changed. This was the first time they had heard such specific news about the battlefield.


    The words of Yan Yezi didn¡¯t end.


    ¡°There¡¯s also a fourth piece of news that is related to Chen Yangzi. The mission he received was to probe the situation in Fenghai County before King Tian Lan returned. At the same time, he has a deeper goal, and that is Fairy Zi Xuan.¡±


    ¡°Chen Yangzi wants to capture Fairy Zi Xuan alive.¡±


    These words echoed in the main hall. Zi Xuan¡¯s expression was cold and Xu Qing narrowed his eyes.


    Xue Lianzi sat at the side and looked at Yan Yezi as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°What does this have to do with Fellow Daoist Zi Xuan?¡±


    Yan Yezi hesitated for a moment and gritted his teeth. In the end, he still told them what he knew.


    ¡°When Chen Yangzi sought refuge with the Seventh Prince, he said that Fairy Zi Xuan¡¯s origins are special and her cultivation method is extraordinary. If you dual cultivate with her, using her as a vessel can allow the dual cultivator to break through the shackles of their realm.¡±


    ¡°The Seventh Prince asked Chen Yangzi to send Fairy Zi Xuan over. Hence, these things are happening one after another.¡±


    Killing intent flashed in Zi Xuan¡¯s eyes. Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak but his aura instantly turned cold.


    Everyone in the hall emitted a murderous aura. Xue Lianzi sneered.


    After Yan Yezi finished speaking, the injuries in his body fluctuated and he panted slightly. He suppressed them again and continued to speak.


    ¡°There¡¯s still the fifth one. This time¡­¡±


    Just as Yan Yezi said this, he suddenly paused. His eyes widened and his stomach instantly swelled. His entire body instantly expanded. In the blink of an eye, his clothes tore apart and he transformed into a huge ball of flesh.


    It was a shocking sight!


    A mournful cry rang out from his mouth, echoing through the hall. When everyone¡¯s expressions changed, the meatball-like body of Yan Yezi directly collapsed and exploded!


    Xue Lianzi walked out immediately. The others were the same. As they guarded themselves against the splattering flesh and blood, they also used their cultivation to protect their surroundings.


    Rumbling sound echoed, and an invisible ripple spread out from the shattered body of Yan Yezi.


    This ripple rapidly covered the hall and the entire city.


    It didn¡¯t have any lethality. It was more like an extremely detailed and tight investigation.


    After investigating, all the flesh and blood in the hall rapidly rose into the air and gathered together to form a huge vortex. A terrifying aura erupted from the vortex.


    All of this took a long time to describe, but in reality, from the moment Yan Yezi transformed into a meatball and exploded until the vortex formed, only a moment had passed.


    At the same time, in the former Heavenly Wind Imperial Capital, which was extremely far away from here, in his residence, the alliance leader revealed a smile as he stared at the chessboard.


    ¡°So, there¡¯s really no Nihility stage four in Fenghai County now.¡±


    The chessboard in front of him was filled with flesh and blood, forming a vortex. In the depths of the vortex, what was reflected was the scene in the hall of Fenghai County.


    The smile on the alliance leader¡¯s face grew even wider. Everything was within his plan. From the begin to the end, he had everything under control. Step by step, he formed the situation with victory in his grasp.


    ¡°Then, it¡¯s time to pluck the fruit.¡±


    Alliance leader calmly lifted his hand and reached into the flesh and blood vortex on the chessboard in front of him, grabbing at the hall.


    At the same time, in the main hall of the County Governor¡¯s residence, just as everyone¡¯s hearts were in turmoil, the aura of the flesh and blood vortex erupted with huge energy. A large hand wrapped in black flames suddenly stretched out.


    This large hand wasn¡¯t a human arm but more like a bird¡¯s claw. It was the Golden Crow¡¯s claw.


    However, regardless of whether it was its aura or might, it far surpassed Xu Qing¡¯s. After it appeared, it carried endless pressure and terrifying fluctuations as it grabbed at Zi Xuan in the crowd!


    There was likewise the aura of a late third stage Nihility cultivator that emitted from the claw, suppressing the surroundings.


    A destructive force rumbled and swept out like an avalanche.


    Xue Lianzi spat out a mouthful of blood. It was the same for the others. They were unable to resist the great power of the third stage Nihility. It was the same for Zi Xuan.


    The Taboo magic treasure of Fenghai County was flickering. Qingqin likewise roared furiously in the sky. However, that ripple from earlier continued to spread, causing everything to be a little slower.


    The large paw was about to grab Zi Xuan.


    The power of fortune in Fenghai County around Xu Qing erupted, rumbling in all directions and neutralizing the pressure. He then stood up from his seat.


    After that, he calmly lifted his right paw and threw a sphere into the flesh vortex.


    This sphere had a name, Mid Sphere.


    Someone called it the miniature version of the Sun of Dawn.

 Chapter 1134 - 1134 Xu Qing, Youre Really Ruthless!!

    1134 Xu Qing, You¡¯re Really Ruthless!!


    Although the explosive power of Mid Sphere wasn¡¯t weak to begin with, there was ultimately an upper limit to its strength. However, after it was fused with a trace of the divine fire that burned the Divine Son in the Moon Worship Region, there was a tremendous change.


    This change came from its essence, and was like an upgrade, causing it to some extent embody the characteristics of the Sun of Dawn.


    As such, its might was extremely terrifying. The moment it was thrown out by Xu Qing, it ignored all the obstacles in the flesh and blood vortex and the pressure from the Golden Crow claw, and entered the vortex.


    It appeared in the capital of the former Heavenly Wind Dynasty. Chen Yangzi¡¯s chessboard shook a few times on it, emitting a white light. A terrifying aura rose from it.


    Chen Yangzi originally felt he had the upper hand and his expression was relaxed. With all his plans successfully executed, he was confident in this capture.


    However, the instant he saw Mid Sphere and sensed its aura, his pupils suddenly contracted. A thunderous shock erupted in his mind. He didn¡¯t know what it was, but the intense life-and-death crisis reached its peak, causing every hair on his body to stand on end.


    Danger, extreme danger!


    The sensation that every inch of his flesh, every bone in his body was trembling and conveying an immensely dangerous message sent chills down Chen Yangzi¡¯s spine, causing his mind to churn completely.


    The feeling of death surged over.


    He knew that he didn¡¯t have time to react and couldn¡¯t resist. At this moment, the only way out was the chessboard.


    Hence, the instant the white light erupted, he directly broke off his hand that had reached into the vortex. In the next breath, the sea of white light spread out fiercely from Mid Sphere with the might to destroy the world.


    In the blink of an eye, it covered Chen Yangzi¡¯s room.


    Everything in this room, including the building itself, the chairs, the chessboard, and Chen Yangzi¡¯s body, was reduced to ashes at this moment. They were vaporized by the heat wave and turned into nothingness.


    As for the eruption of the white light, it was only the beginning. After the sea of light drowned Chen Yangzi¡¯s residence, it rapidly spread in all directions, instantly covering the nearby buildings and the surrounding area.


    The buildings collapsed and were reduced into dust. The heatwaves continued to destroy everything in its path.


    From afar, the sea of light in that area formed a huge semicircular barrier. Everything inside turned to ashes.


    This semicircular light barrier was still rapidly spreading.


    There were no mortals in the city. They had long left with the migration of the Heavenly Wind Dynasty.


    The ones living in the Imperial City now were all subordinates of the Seventh Prince and forces that had attached themselves to him.


    There was no lack of experts among these people. There were many Nihility cultivators and even more Spirit Repository cultivators.


    They were either loyalists of the Seventh Prince or had pledged their allegiance to him. They belonged to the troops that the Seventh Prince had established for himself in this vast region.


    Every one of them had value to him and was the cornerstone of his future grand ambitions.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t send them to the frontline and allowed them to stay in this safe imperial city.


    However, at this moment, the eruption of the light and the terror it emitted instantly caused all the cultivators in the city to be horrified. The feeling of fear and the danger of death caused everyone¡¯s expressions to change drastically.


    In the palace, the Seventh Prince was currently with a group of people, discussing the supply needed for the frontline battlefield.


    One of them was from Fenghai County. His voice was still echoing in the main hall.


    ¡°I think Fenghai County can completely provide the supplies needed at the frontline. After all¡­¡±


    Before he could finish speaking, a terrifying aura erupted from the location of Chen Yangzi¡¯s residence, directly turning the sky extremely bright and the world into nothingness.


    It shook the sky and turned it red.


    The impact caused the ground to tremble violently.


    The expressions of everyone in the hall changed drastically. Waves of heat assaulted their faces and their hair began to burn.


    The Seventh Prince instinctively stood up and looked into the distance. Shock appeared on his face. In his pupils, there was a clear reflection of an expanding semicircular light barrier.


    ¡°Sun of Dawn!!!¡±


    The Seventh Prince lost his voice.


    This calamity continued.


    The eruption of the sea of light, accompanied by a scorching wave, surged into the sky, billowing endlessly. It covered a significant portion of the city, spreading to encompass nearly half of it, until it eventually extended to envelop the entire imperial capital, expanding further into a vast area.


    The Taboo magic treasure from the Heavenly Wind Dynasty was activated, but it couldn¡¯t last long. In a few breaths of time, it shattered into pieces.


    Countless cultivators attempted to escape, yet it was useless whether they tried to escape from air, ground, or underground; the sweeping sea of light turned innumerable cultivators into ashes in an instant.


    The spread of the scorching waves engulfed too much, the burning human figures, the piercing cries; the imperial city turned into a purgatory on earth.


    The sea of light only dissipated after about fifteen minutes. The lingering warmth of the heat wave and the smell of burnt flesh filled this place.


    The imperial city¡­ no longer existed.


    There was only scorched earth, no buildings, no bones. Everything had turned to dust.


    This Heavenly Wind Imperial City that had lasted for countless years was erased today.


    Only less than a thousand people survived this calamity. The Seventh Prince was naturally among them but all of them were in an extremely sorry state and each of them had injuries.


    At that moment, the disheveled Seventh Prince, who was watching everything from afar, no longer had the calmness he had in the past. His body was trembling and his eyes were red. His emotions had already entered madness.


    His demeanor, his pride, and his arrogance all collapsed at this moment.


    ¡°Ahhh!!¡±


    ¡°Who is it? Who did it!!¡±


    ¡°Who threw a Sun of Dawn here!!¡±


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s voice was heart-rending and his eyes were bloodshot. He couldn¡¯t help losing his composure. Even now, he couldn¡¯t accept what he was seeing and what he had just experienced.


    He couldn¡¯t accept that the capital city, which was fine a while ago, had turned into ruins.


    He thought of the nearly a million subordinates who were loyal to him, a single word from him can make them flatten everything. There were also those selected from various forces, sects, and clans that had joined him.


    Every one of them was his wealth and preparation.


    But now¡­ everything was gone.


    All his years of preparation were in vain!


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s heart ached intensely and his face was pale. A mouthful of blood gushed out of his body and his body kept trembling. The veins on his forehead bulged as he let out a miserable scream.


    Pain, pain that seeped into his bones and soul!


    He couldn¡¯t imagine and didn¡¯t understand why this happened. Why¡­ might a Sun of Dawn explode here and destroy everything he had?


    His heart palpitated with fear. He even almost died.


    As a prince, especially a prince who occupied a large region and had a bright future, he had never thought about death. However, today¡­ death was so close to him.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that King Tian Lan had left some arrangements for him, he might not have been able to see the sun tomorrow!


    While the Seventh Prince was trembling in fear, his subordinates finished investigating this matter.


    A figure flew out from the scorched earth and dust. After he arrived in front of the Seventh Prince, he immediately knelt down. With blood at the corners of his mouth, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Your Highness, we have some results¡­¡±


    The Seventh Prince abruptly turned his head and stared fixedly at the person in front of him. His breathing was hurried as he went up and grabbed him, gritting his teeth.


    ¡°Speak!¡±


    ¡°The source of the eruption of the Sun of Dawn comes from¡­ Chen Yangzi¡¯s residence¡­¡± The person spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Chen Yangzi was executing the mission His Highness arranged for him regarding Fenghai County. Perhaps¡­ this is revenge from Fenghai County¡­¡±


    The person didn¡¯t dare to continue. With Chen Yangzi¡¯s cultivation, even if he self-destructed, it was impossible for him to display the might of the Sun of Dawn. Hence, it wasn¡¯t difficult to guess that the cause of this was from the mission he was carrying out.


    However, this guess frightened him and the surviving thousand people.


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s hand trembled and his heart churned uncontrollably. He suddenly looked in the direction of Fenghai County and his eyes were filled with killing intent. If gazes can kill and transform into the Sun of Dawn, then Fenghai County might definitely not exist in his gaze at all.


    Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t do it.


    ¡°Fenghai County can make the Sun of Dawn. Although its might can¡¯t be compared to the real thing, it¡¯s still earth-


    shattering!!¡±


    ¡°This is the reason why we lost contact with the 10,000-strong army in Fenghai County!¡±


    The Seventh Prince muttered inwardly. He wanted to return to his calm state and suppress the immense pain in his heart. However, his trembling body and the fear hidden in the depths of his eyes faintly exposed his heart.


    He was afraid.


    ¡°I only asked Chen Yangzi to capture Zi Xuan as a vessel to test Fenghai County¡­ However, Fenghai County actually threw a Sun of Dawn at me¡­¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, it must be his order. He¡¯s warning me not to provoke him or touch his woman¡­ Xu Qing, you¡¯re really ruthless!¡±


    When the Seventh Prince thought of this, he spat out another mouthful of blood and retracted his gaze with great difficulty. He stared blankly at the scorched earth in front of him and finally said through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave this place and hide. We¡¯ll wait¡­ wait for my uncle to return!¡±


    The Seventh Prince felt aggrieved, but there was more palpitations and fear. He was worried that¡­ another Sun of Dawn might come in a while.


    Before King Tian Lan returned, he didn¡¯t want to provoke Fenghai County. He also didn¡¯t dare to. He felt that they were a group of lunatics, terrifying lunatics who had control of Sun of Dawn.


    At the same time, the instance this Heavenly Wind Capital was wiped out by the explosion of Mid Sphere, in the main hall of Fenghai County¡¯s County Governor¡¯s residence, the flesh and blood vortex collapsed.


    Chen Yangzi¡¯s outstretched Golden Crow hand landed on the ground. After rapidly squirming, it transformed into Chen Yangzi¡¯s extremely weak body.


    After one¡¯s cultivation attained a certain level, as long as their bodies weren¡¯t completely destroyed, it wouldn¡¯t be difficult for them to regenerate. However, the price was very high.


    As for Chen Yangzi¡¯s previous choice, it was his only way out. Only by cutting off his arm and regenerating himself with the help of his arm can he survive that fatal situation.


    At that moment, after his broken hand transformed into his body, he immediately stepped back. His face was pale and his expression was solemn. There was horror in his eyes as he looked at the collapsed flesh and blood vortex and then instinctively looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°You¡­ What did you throw in just now?¡±

 Chapter 1135 - 1135 Experienced Ninth Grandpa

    1135 Experienced Ninth Grandpa


    Facing the question from Chen Yangzi, Xu Qing originally wasn¡¯t willing to say anything. However, when he looked at Zi Xuan¡¯s ashen expression and recalled the arrangements of the alliance leader, as well as the expressions of the surrounding Fenghai County cultivators,


    he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Sun of Dawn.¡±


    The moment he said this, the expressions of everyone in the hall changed drastically. Regardless of whether it was Xue Lianzi, Zi Xuan, or the other Fenghai County cultivators who stayed behind to guard, they all gasped in disbelief.


    ¡°Sun of Dawn?¡±


    ¡°Wha¡­ wha¡­¡±


    An uproar broke out. Chen Yangzi¡¯s shocked voice surpassed everything and echoed ear-piercingly.


    ¡°The Sun of Dawn?!¡±


    ¡°You, you, you¡­¡±


    Chen Yangzi¡¯s body trembled violently. At first, he didn¡¯t believe it, but the destruction of his main body and the terrifying light and heat in the last scene made it impossible for him to deceive himself.


    However, when he thought about how his main body was in the Seventh Prince¡¯s imperial city¡­


    He thought of the close to a million loyal subordinates of the Seventh Prince and the people who had sought refuge from the various sects in the large region. He thought of how they were troops the Seventh Prince was developing and were everything that the other party had prepared over the years¡­


    Chen Yangzi trembled uncontrollably and his heart shook intensely. Goosebumps instantly erupted all over his body.


    He could imagine that the explosion of the Sun of Dawn would definitely cover the entire Imperial City and the lethality it would bring would definitely be extremely terrifying.


    Although the source of all this was Fenghai County, the flesh and blood vortex he opened had become an accomplice.


    In fact¡­ if someone said he was truly an accomplice, enduring humiliation and falsely joining the Seventh Prince to fulfill this great mission, many people would believe it.


    All of this would make it impossible for him to gain a foothold in the human race, and King Tian Lan would definitely tear his soul apart.


    More importantly, if the Seventh Prince died¡­


    ¡°How dare you lie! How could you have the Sun of Dawn!!¡±


    Chen Yangzi screamed. In the end, he still lost his composure and looked at Xu Qing in disbelief. Terror rumbled in his body like an avalanche.


    He spat out a mouthful of blood and staggered back. The bitterness in his heart was like a tide, drowning him.


    He felt aggrieved and helpless.


    All his schemes had succeeded and everything was going smoothly. However, the final outcome was something he had never imagined.


    ¡°It was just a probe. You¡­ you actually threw out the Sun of Dawn!¡±


    Chen Yangzi spat out another mouthful of blood.


    In his mind, there was an unspeakable thought. He actually wanted to say, ¡®Since you had the Sun of Dawn, couldn¡¯t you just show it to me, let the Seventh Prince see it?¡¯


    After seeing it, who would dare to provoke them¡­


    Why bother¡­


    This thought made him feel even more bitter.


    Under the collapse of his main body, his cultivation base also dropped greatly, falling from the third stage of Nihility. Even the second stage Nihility cultivation wasn¡¯t stable. His entire aura was chaotic and he was between the first and second stage of Nihility.


    Moreover, from the looks of it, it would probably be very difficult to maintain this state for too long.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. At this moment, he immediately retreated, wanting to escape with his life. Even though he could still hold on and attack now, Xu Qing¡¯s ruthlessness caused him to be afraid.


    He was afraid from the depths of his soul.


    He was worried that there was still the Sun of Dawn, but he was even more worried about¡­ Qingqin in the sky and the Taboo magic treasure of Fenghai County.


    After losing enough cultivation, he knew that today was the most critical moment of his life.


    The instant he retreated, Xue Lianzi rushed out and Zi Xuan also walked over. The cawing sound of Qingqin rang out from the sky and a powerful aura descended as it swooped down.


    In an instant, it appeared above the County Governor Residence. The pressure from it enveloped the surroundings and a monstrous cawing sound rang out.


    Seeing this, Chen Yangzi could only suppress the fear in his heart. His expression distorted and he let out a heart-rending cry.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I was the one who arranged for the 10,000 people who escaped from the battlefield in Fenghai County to survive. I left a soul mark on their bodies. If I die, their bodies and souls will instantly be destroyed!¡±


    ¡°Even if you can undo it, it will still take time. If you seal me, I will definitely self-destruct my soul. When my soul is destroyed, they will be buried with me.¡±


    ¡°Let me go. This way, you¡¯ll also have time to undo the mark. It will be worth it for you to spare my life for the 10,000 Fenghai cultivators!¡±


    Chen Yangzi was indeed a cautious person and had extraordinary schemes. Even at this stage, he still had a backup plan. Now that he said this, Xue Lianzi and the others couldn¡¯t help but pause.


    Even Qingqin wasn¡¯t confident that it could remove the soul mark while killing Chen Yangzi. It was just a large bird and removing the seal wasn¡¯t its forte.


    The situation seemed to be in a stalemate. However, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as usual. He didn¡¯t bother with Chen Yangzi, who was struggling to survive. Instead, he lifted his head and looked at the sky.


    Things that others couldn¡¯t do might be easily resolved by ninth grandfather. Xu Qing was about to request him.


    However, at this moment, his expression changed slightly and ninth grandfather¡¯s voice rang out in his mind.


    However, the other party¡¯s words caused Xu Qing¡¯s expression to instinctively turn strange.


    He looked at Chen Yangzi, who was constantly retreating with disheveled hair and a crazed expression. He chose to obey.


    He calmly spoke.


    ¡°Slap!¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, the color of the sky changed and a storm brewed. Lightning intertwined in the sky and the world became blurry.


    A vast force suddenly descended, causing the building to rumble and tremble. Everyone had shocked expressions. Chen Yangzi¡¯s entire body trembled even more and his mind was about to collapse.


    It was as though Xu Qing¡¯s voice was the law, the rule, and the will of the world. The moment it was transmitted, the law followed. After this force arrived, it directly transformed into an invisible palm that ruthlessly slapped Chen Yangzi¡¯s face.


    With a boom, Chen Yangzi let out an even more miserable wail and was sent flying. His right side of the face turned into minced meat.


    Everyone could sense the intense pain that Chen Yangzi was enduring at this moment.


    He instinctively let out a blood-curdling scream and his mind went blank. He felt as though an unimaginable force had slammed into him like a mountain.


    He couldn¡¯t resist or dodge. Before he could react, Xu Qing¡¯s words rang out again.


    ¡°Again!¡±


    The laws landed and blasted out again. Chen Yangzi¡¯s cry turned into a wail. The left side of his face was bombarded by this huge force and his head almost fell off. He no longer looked human.


    His body was also slapped back from afar and landed in front of Xu Qing.


    Blood gushed out of his mouth and neck continuously. The Golden Crow that manifested on his body also began to shatter in an extremely tragic manner.


    ¡°This use of the rules, you, you, you¡­ What¡¯s your cultivation base!!¡±


    After landing on the ground, Chen Yangzi struggled and spoke weakly. His expression was filled with fear. He only had horror in his mind, and felt what he experienced now was even more shocking than when he heard about the Sun of Dawn.


    This was because he knew that making the rules, the laws, and the will of the world bend to one¡¯s will wasn¡¯t something Nihility could do¡­


    ¡°Kneel.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t answer and calmly spoke.


    As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Yangzi wailed again. His legs collapsed and completely shattered. However, they didn¡¯t disappear. Instead, they gathered again, as though they were born bent.


    Hence, he could only kneel.


    ¡°Soul Accumulation¡­¡± Chen Yangzi¡¯s heart exploded. He looked at Xu Qing and then at Zi Xuan, his eyes revealing a pleading look for the first time.


    ¡°Junior Sister, on account that we were once from the same sect and on account of Master, let me off this time¡­¡±


    Zi Xuan fell silent and shook her head.


    Chen Yangzi was in despair. His eyes were filled with madness and he was about to attempt mutual destruction.


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Deprivation!¡±


    As his voice rang out, the world rumbled. His will formed a large hand that scooped up Chen Yangzi¡¯s body. Chen Yangzi let out a blood-curdling scream and his body began to shatter, causing boundless spiritual energy to fly out.


    His cultivation was deprived at this moment.


    Only his physical body and soul were left.


    ¡°Flesh and blood turn into a candle and the soul turns into a wick.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke again. In the blink of an eye, Chen Yangzi¡¯s body distorted severely. He was squeezed and molded. In the end, he turned into a flesh candle!


    The candle was lit, his soul became the wick, burning continuously.


    Miserable cries that didn¡¯t sound like a human¡¯s rang out continuously as the candle burned.


    Xu Qing lifted his hand and held the candle in his hand. He then turned and strode to Zi Xuan¡¯s side, placing the candle in front of her.


    ¡°This is for you, a small gift.¡±


    Xu Qing hesitated for a moment before speaking.


    Zi Xuan looked at Xu Qing. She didn¡¯t expect Xu Qing to do this. According to her understanding of Xu Qing, this didn¡¯t seem to be the other party¡¯s style but it didn¡¯t matter. At this moment, an intense strange feeling rose in Zi Xuan¡¯s heart.


    She took the candle and her eyes shone intensely.


    She was going to place this outside her cave abode in a lantern and let it continue to burn.


    The hall was completely silent. Only the screams from the candle could still be heard.


    Xue Lianzi¡¯s eyes were filled with admiration. He looked at his only grand-disciple and felt incomparable admiration in his heart. He felt that Xu Qing was really good to understand what it meant to have a blood romance, reminiscent of his own youthful demeanor.


    Under everyone¡¯s gazes, Xu Qing raised his head and looked at the sky. He then cupped his fists and bowed.


    Old Ninth¡¯s cold voice rang out in his mind.


    ¡°Some enemies need to be killed with a single strike.¡±


    ¡°However, against enemies who provoke your women, if you kill them too quickly, it desire be less satisfying.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, you have to torture and cripple them bit by bit before turning them into a gift.¡±


    ¡°This is the way to move a woman¡¯s heart. This old man has experience in this matter. Back then, I helped many people do this.¡±


    Xu Qing had a strange expression. This was the first time he had heard ninth grandfather speak so much. He didn¡¯t expect the usually cold ninth grandfather to be so experienced.


    Hence, he could only nod. However, when he noticed the spirit in Zi Xuan¡¯s eyes, Xu Qing perceived that what ninth grandfather uttered might be right.


    However, he still perceived that the enemy should be killed with a single strike. It couldn¡¯t be delayed.


    ¡°Only this once.¡± Xu Qing mumbled inwardly.

 Chapter 1136 - 1136 Whose Ride Has Advanced

    1136 Whose Ride Has Advanced


    The crisis in Fenghai County temporarily disappeared with Chen Yangzi¡¯s transformation into a candle and the Seventh Prince going into hiding.


    The rebellion in Fenghai County also ended very quickly.


    On one hand, it was because of Old Master Seventh suppressing the rebellion extremely fast, but the bigger reason was the news that the Imperial City had been wiped out by the Sun of Dawn, spreading rapidly throughout the entire Holy Wave Large Region.


    The various nonhuman races on the Forbidden Sea were shocked to the extreme upon hearing this news, trembling with fear. Their awe for Fenghai County surged to the peak.


    Regardless of the race, they all possessed some negative qualities.


    And the Sun of Dawn was specially useful against such negative qualities.


    Its deterrence could crush all schemes and shake all hearts, especially¡­ when its release made everyone see death.


    No one knew how Fenghai County had created the Sun of Dawn or if they still had more left.


    No one dared to gamble.


    This was because when the Sun of Dawn first appeared, the first race to gamble was the Black Heaven. They suffered a huge loss and were close to extermination, warning all the others of the price of gambling.


    If even the Black Heaven Race had to retreat in fear, there was no need to mention the other parties.


    Hence, the nonhuman races who surrounded the Seven Blood Eyes retreated immediately. They also sent out apology gifts with an extremely respectful attitude, wanting to resolve the grudge.


    However, how could things be resolved so easily? War wasn¡¯t something that could be started and stopped just because you wanted to. Hence, Old Master Seventh personally went to many nonhuman races and signed a series of unequal agreements.


    From then on, these nonhuman races¡¯ statuses would be even inferior to the merfolks back then. They were firmly locked under Fenghai County.


    In an instant, the might of Fenghai County rose illustriously in the entire Holy Wave Large Region.


    Xu Qing¡¯s name once again echoed in all directions, not only in Fenghai County, but also in the Forbidden Sea, the Nanhuang Continent, and the entire Holy Wave Large Region.


    Many historians had a dazed feeling during this period of time. There seemed to have been a similar incident in this land in a bygone era.


    That era belonged to the Purple Green Kingdom and belonged to the Crown Prince Purple Green who was equally famous as the Human Sovereign Mirror Cloud.


    Now, countless years had passed and Fenghai County had risen. Xu Qing¡­ had risen.


    Because his name had the word ¡®Qing¡¯ in it, there were some races who guessed that Xu Qing might have the bloodline of the Purple Green Kingdom.


    However, it was only a guess.


    At the same time, Marquis Yao¡¯s side also successfully saved the 10,000-odd Fenghai County cultivators including Kong Xianglong.


    The moment these cultivators who had experienced countless life-and-death situations returned, Xu Qing personally led the people from Fenghai County to welcome them outside the city.


    When they met, the excited voices of everyone in the army spread in all directions.


    Most of them had thought that death would be their only home. They felt that it was impossible for them to return to Fenghai County again.


    Now that they saw the Fenghai County Capital, some of them started tearing up.


    Xu Qing looked at them and his heart stirred. He was familiar with many of these people. Among them were his comrades and friends.


    One of the latter was Kong Xianglong.


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s injuries weren¡¯t light, and his appearance was clearly more weathered compared to a few years ago. His personality had also changed.


    The past unrestrained demeanor had vanished, replaced by a reserved and serious disposition, becoming the entirety of his expression.


    Looking at him, Xu Qing vaguely saw the old Palace Master¡¯s figure.


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s cultivation had advanced. As the former number one heaven¡¯s chosen in Fenghai County, his cultivation had already reached the perfected Nascent Soul realm and was half a step into the Dao Nurturing stage.


    This cultivation speed was second only to Xu Qing. From this, one could see that he had worked hard in the past few years and definitely had other opportunities.


    At that moment, he was in front of the crowd and looked at Xu Qing. A slight ripple appeared in his eyes as he walked toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing also stepped forward. Under the gazes of everyone and amidst the excitement and sounds of welcome from Fenghai County, Xu Qing and Kong Xianglong hugged each other tightly.


    Immediately after, Kong Xianglong took three steps back and knelt on one knee. He then performed a Sword Holder salute and spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°Greetings, County Governor!¡±


    His voice echoed and the ten thousand troops behind him knelt down as well.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and nodded as he looked at these people.


    ¡°Welcome home!¡±


    Cheers rose to the sky.


    At this moment, everyone in Fenghai County was united.


    On the seventh day after Kong Xianglong returned, Xu Qing received a message from Zhang San. His great wing had been built.


    Building a great wing wasn¡¯t something Zhang San could do alone. Hence, some time ago, he left and went to the Seven Blood Eyes. He even brought them to the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s island.


    With the help of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo magic treasure, he forged a great wing for Xu Qing.


    Although there were some twists and turns because of the plan of the alliance leader and the appearance of the nonhuman races in the Forbidden Sea, overall, the construction went quite smoothly.


    Now, the forging was finally completed, and the only thing left was for Xu Qing to install the power source.


    After hearing this news, anticipation rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    Xu Qing had a deep relationship with the magic boat that had been with him since he started cultivating. After all, in the past, he lived in the magic boat every day and it had helped him resolve dangers time and time again.


    Hence, Xu Qing left the county capital immediately. He sat on the neck of the big bird, Qingqin, and rushed toward the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s island.


    Qingqin was very happy that it could go out with Xu Qing again. It kept cackling along the way, as though it was chatting.


    Xu Qing was also in a good mood. From time to time, he would smile and speak, talking happily with Qingqin. Occasionally, Qingqin¡¯s entire body would emit light. Every time this happened, Xu Qing would cooperate and emit rainbow light.


    Qingqin became even happier.


    In a day, they crossed the land of Fenghai County. When they passed by the Ghost Emperor Mountain, Xu Qing glanced at it from the sky and sighed with emotion.


    He knew that his third senior brother was cultivating here. However, he didn¡¯t see him after a brief look.


    The current him was no longer the same as before. Hence, he was very clear how powerful the Soul Accumulation that could shoulder two large worlds was.


    Even the heir only had a large world. Only Princess Mingmei and ninth grandfather had two.


    As for the Ghost Emperor, he was clearly someone who was good at fighting like ninth grandfather.


    Such a Soul Accumulation two worlds cultivator who was good at fighting naturally had even more terrifying combat strength.


    ¡°He¡¯s not just two great worlds!¡± When Xu Qing stared at the mountain, he heard Old Ninth¡¯s cold voice.


    ¡°There are still traces of the other three great worlds on his body. It¡¯s a pity that the source was destroyed. He was an almighty Soul Accumulation with five worlds at his peak!¡±


    ¡°This person isn¡¯t a cultivator from my era. He should be from the later generations but he¡¯s peerlessly stunning.¡±


    Old Ninth¡¯s cold voice also contained a hint of emotion as he continued.


    ¡°The person who killed him isn¡¯t a god but a ruler. Xu Qing, you have inherited a portion of his mantle. In the future, you might attract some karma in another region.¡±


    ¡°However, before you suffer the karma, his souls will suffer calamity first. You have to remember that if one of his souls dies, you have to return to the Moon Offering immediately.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled. He glanced at the Ghost Emperor Mountain but didn¡¯t speak.


    Qingqin didn¡¯t notice this at all. She brought Xu Qing away from the Ghost Emperor Mountain and flew above the Forbidden Sea until they arrived at the island of the Sea Corpse Race.


    In the past, the most obvious things on the Sea Corpse Race¡¯s island were the huge Ancestral Corpse Statues. These statues were incomparably tall and imposing, providing sufficient power for the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Taboo magic treasure.


    Other than that, there was the astonishing blood-colored ancient mirror in the air and the nine eyes that were closed.


    Now, all of this was replaced by an even more majestic item!


    It was a gigantic sphere that was comparable to half an island!


    Its color was purple and its light was resplendent. One could see its earth-shattering splendor from afar. It was like a sun that had landed on the human world. It emitted endless light and dense flames burned in the surroundings.


    The high temperature fused with the storm and spread in all directions.


    Or rather, this¡­ was a sun.


    One could see hundreds of thousands of Seven Blood Eyes cultivators on the island. They were waiting for Xu Qing¡¯s arrival.


    The moment Xu Qing saw the sun, he was stunned for a moment and his expression became strange. As expected, he saw the captain¡¯s figure beside Zhang San in the distance.


    The two of them were talking about something. After noticing Xu Qing, the captain laughed and strode toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°Little Qing, how is it? Are you satisfied with this great wing?¡±


    The captain spoke proudly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past the gigantic purple sun. He could sense the ancient sun that he had once tied to his body.


    Back then, when the captain fought with Crimson Goddess, although he used the Suns of Dawn, he didn¡¯t use the ancient sun.


    Zhang San, who was at the side, smiled bitterly and sighed at Xu Qing.


    ¡°This wasn¡¯t what I designed at the start, but the captain uttered that you like the sun¡­ After that, he even took out a large sphere as the core and told me that it was the Sun of Dawn¡­¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t believe it at first, but now, I do!¡±


    After Zhang San finished speaking, he pointed at the purple sun.


    ¡°This item is a Sun of Dawn!¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    The captain threw his head back and laughed loudly. His expression was extremely smug as he put his hand around Xu Qing¡¯s neck and spoke loudly.


    ¡°In the future, if we go anywhere else, we¡¯ll ride this thing and see who dares to provoke us. If we sit on the Sun of Dawn, we¡¯ll definitely cause all races to be terrified.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t your magic boat have to explode every time? It¡¯s fine. This time, you can explode it casually. If anyone provokes us, we¡¯ll f*cking explode it!¡±


    ¡°Also, I heard that some races in the Holy Wave Large Region are guessing that we don¡¯t have a second Sun of Dawn. Now, who dares to say no? I¡¯ll place this Sun of Dawn at their doorstep!¡±


    Xu Qing opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but he couldn¡¯t say anything. However, he kept feeling that while he would feel mighty sitting on the Sun of Dawn, the danger was too great. If this thing exploded on its own¡­


    Moreover, this was different from the great wing he had imagined. This was completely a fortress.


    However, this deterrence was indeed¡­ extremely astonishing.


    Qingqin, who was at the side, also took a deep breath and let out a cackling sound. Xu Qing understood that it was saying how terrifying this thing was.


    ¡°Little Qing, I already have a name for it. It¡¯s named Purple Sphere. Look, this name sounds good, right?¡±


    ¡°Now, our Purple Sphere is just waiting for you to put in the power source. I know what you want to put in it. Haha, I also want to see what kind of vigor the Purple Sphere can display after merging with Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement, as though he wasn¡¯t afraid of things blowing up.

 Chapter 1137 - 1137 The God of the Black Heaven Race

    1137 The God of the Black Heaven Race


    Xu Qing lifted his head and glanced at the huge Purple Sphere in the distance before walking over.


    As he got closer, the vastness of the Purple Sphere was reflected in his eyes. Flames burned on it and the high temperature distorted the world. At the same time, a familiar fluctuation entered Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    This fluctuation was composed of two parts. One of them was the mark of his former warship.


    Although the magic warship had been broken up when it was upgraded to the great wing, it was still the foundation of the great wing.


    Another portion of the fluctuations came from the ancient sun.


    The ancient sun was tied to Xu Qing in the Moon Offering Region for a long time and had long established a close relationship with him. At that moment, through these two fluctuations, Xu Qing felt a sense of familiarity to this Purple Sphere.


    As long as he imprinted his mark again and fused these two fluctuations, he would be able to control Purple Sphere.


    Sensing the fluctuations, Xu Qing walked step by step to the top of Purple sphere. He stood there and took a deep breath. His divine consciousness spread out toward Purple Sphere.


    Very soon, it came into contact without any obstruction and directly fused into it before rapidly spreading out.


    This process lasted for more than ten breaths of time. After Xu Qing¡¯s divine consciousness completely filled the Purple Sphere, rumbling sounds rang out from the huge sun.


    It was like a sleeping behemoth was awakening.


    Its flames also skyrocketed and its aura was even more astonishing. Its entire body was shaking and finally, it slowly rose above Xu Qing like a true sun.


    Xu Qing stood under it. His long hair fluttered in the wind and his extraordinarily beautiful appearance became quite conspicuous now. His aura also fused with the purple sun and was indistinguishable. This caused a pressure to spread outwards from his body.


    In everyone¡¯s eyes, it became a strong sense of oppression.


    It was also at this moment that the captain¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°All the best, Little Qing. The time to witness a miracle has arrived. Although the might of this Purple Sphere isn¡¯t small, it¡¯s still inferior to the true Sun of Dawn.¡±


    ¡°When the Sun of Dawn explodes, it can affect half of a region. When the Purple Sphere explodes, it will at most affect half of a province.¡±


    ¡°However, it¡¯s fine. According to my calculations, after it successfully fuses with the flesh of Crimson Goddess, its might will increase explosively like never before. However, I suggest that we don¡¯t try it here. Let¡¯s change places, such as Corpse Forbidden?¡±


    The captain licked his lips. The light in his eyes was intense, revealing madness.


    In reality, if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the purple sun had Xu Qing¡¯s mark and only when Xu Qing controlled it would there be a chance of success, he would have tried it himself long ago.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and glanced at the captain. After pondering for a moment, his body swayed and he appeared on the purple sun.


    A throne rose under him. Xu Qing sat down and spread out his divine sense.


    Immediately, a loud sound rang out from the purple sun. It was like the roar of a god as it charged into the distance.


    Its speed was so fast that it instantly flew out of the range of the Sea Corpse Island. The captain also rapidly approached and flew into the ship with anticipation on his face, standing beside Xu Qing.


    At the next instant, the purple sun disappeared, leaving only circles of ripples spreading in the air.


    On the Forbidden Sea, when the purple sun appeared again, it was already above the Corpse Forbidden.


    There was no blood in the black seawater but it was filled with the dense smell of blood. There were also anomalous substances that were different from other places that churned here, causing the surface of the sea to be covered in thin fog.


    Originally, the fog here blotted out the sky. However, it was obvious that what had happened in the past had a profound impact on this forbidden region.


    ¡°This place is very suitable. Little Qing, you can do it. Put a large piece of Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh to try.¡±


    The captain looked at the Corpse Forbidden below and his eyes lit up. His madness became even more intense.


    Xu Qing turned to look at the captain and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, you¡¯re so proactive. What plans do you have about this Corpse Forbidden?¡±


    When the captain heard this, he immediately turned serious and spoke solemnly.


    ¡°Junior Brother, how can you say that? As your Eldest Senior Brother, I¡¯m naturally especially concerned about the increase in your combat strength. Every time you improve, I value it more than my own improvements.¡±


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He didn¡¯t believe the captain¡¯s nonsense. He could more or less guess the other party¡¯s thoughts. Hence, he stared at him without saying a word.


    A long time later, under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the captain smiled awkwardly and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Little Qing, Corpse Forbidden doesn¡¯t have a master now. This is the best place to experiment. If¡­ the Purple Sphere really explodes, it might be able to blast open the nest of the master of the Corpse Forbidden. That guy had countless treasures when he was alive!¡±


    ¡°Although the self-destruction after Purple Sphere¡¯s failure is very dangerous, what isn¡¯t dangerous in this world? Can it be more dangerous than confronting Crimson Goddess? Don¡¯t worry, even if this life comes to an end, when I revive in the next era, I¡¯ll resurrect you!¡±


    The captain licked his lips and patted his chest.


    ¡°Moreover, according to my guess, after merging with the flesh of Crimson Goddess, there¡¯s only a 30% chance that Purple Sphere will self-destruct. There¡¯s a 70% chance that it will succeed.¡±


    ¡°Think about it. Once we succeed, this thing will be even more terrifying than the real Sun of Dawn. At that time, we won¡¯t even need to cultivate. We¡¯ll bring this thing and sweep through all races.¡±


    The more he spoke, the more excited he became.


    ¡°Little Qing, give it a try!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s face twitched. He knew that the captain was crazy and that the other party liked to risk his life. However, Xu Qing felt that it was better not to participate in such meaningless actions.


    He was about to refuse when the captain quickly took out a piece of Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh. There was a golden jade slip stuffed inside and teleportation fluctuations spread out.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over.


    The captain coughed and took out the jade slip, tossing it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°This is my new invention. After absorbing the divine source of Crimson Goddess, this jade slip can withstand the suppression of the level and successfully teleport. So, don¡¯t be afraid. We won¡¯t die.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He looked at the jade slip and then at the purple sun. The anticipation of integrating the purple sun with Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh gradually rose and madness similar to the captain¡¯s appeared in his eyes.


    Hence, after some hesitation, determination appeared in his eyes. As he lifted his right hand, a purple worm materialized in his palm. He waved his hand and fused it into the teleportation jade slip, teleporting it out first.


    After cultivating until now, to a certain extent, he also possessed the ability to revive.


    After doing this, Xu Qing took out a fist-sized lump of Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh.


    As soon as this flesh appeared, the anomalous substances here instantly erupted. The color of the sky changed and a storm brewed.


    The captain¡¯s spirits were lifted and he instinctively retreated. At the same time, he took out the second golden teleportation jade slip and held it tightly in his hand. When he noticed Xu Qing¡¯s actions with the purple worm, he hurriedly sent a blue worm away first.


    Seeing that the captain was also prepared, Xu Qing took a deep breath and was about to fuse Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh into the purple sun. However, at that moment, a cold voice echoed in their surroundings.


    ¡°The two of you are very good at courting death and choosing places. This place is a treasure land with good feng shui.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s suitable to be your grave.¡±


    The captain blinked. Xu Qing lifted his head and looked in the direction of the voice. He saw ninth grandfather¡¯s figure appearing from afar. He walked in front of Xu Qing and lowered his head to look at the purple sun before nodding slightly.


    ¡°Pretty good. With this item and the flesh of Crimson Goddess, it¡¯s enough to send you guys on your way. In terms of probability, it¡¯s basically 99%. Even if you guys split your divine source in advance, whether your main body can really revive after being instantly destroyed will depend on fate.¡±


    ¡°However, your teleportation jade slip should be able to send some of your belongings away. I admire your ability to court death.¡±


    ¡°So now, do you have any last words?¡±


    Old Ninth looked at Xu Qing and then at Erniu.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and silently kept the flesh of Crimson Goddess, dispelling the thought of merging it into the purple sun. He felt that since the failure rate was so high, the self-destruction of the purple sun in the future should be used in a more suitable location to display its greatest effect.


    He couldn¡¯t waste it like this.


    The most important thing was to maintain a sufficient distance or successfully teleport away before it self-destructed.


    The captain shrunk his head and felt a little unwilling. However, he felt that ninth grandfather¡¯s words should be more reliable than his guess. If the possibility of success was really only that small, it didn¡¯t seem to be that cost-effective to risk his life.


    At the thought of this, the captain smiled awkwardly and Old Ninth sneered.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t the two of you courting death?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head and so did the captain.


    Old Ninth let out a cold snort and walked into the void, disappearing. Only Xu Qing and the captain were departed on the surface of the sea. The two of them peeked at each other.


    The captain sighed and whispered.


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit regretful. Why do I feel like being stopped by an adult before setting off fireworks? But once we succeed, we¡¯ll have the deterrent power to destroy a region. At that time, even the Human Emperor will have to treat us with respect!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not willing.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. He also felt some regret. He raised his hand and pressed down on the purple sun. Immediately, the Purple Sphere shrunk and transformed into a small ball that landed in his hand. He tied it to his waist. After that, he looked around and transmitted his divine sense to the captain.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, there¡¯s no hurry. Let¡¯s make preparations. When we¡¯re more confident, we¡¯ll integrate it!¡±


    The captain bowed with a serious expression.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you¡¯re right. I¡¯ll prepare well too. If there¡¯s a chance, we¡¯ll go to my ex-wife¡¯s place and set off a big firework for her!¡±


    As he spoke, he put his arm around Xu Qing¡¯s neck and the two of them left.


    In the air, Old Ninth sighed. He perceived that these two people were really courting death. However, when he thought of how they dared to plot against Crimson Goddess with their Nascent Soul cultivation a few years ago¡­


    He suddenly perceived that everything was fine.


    At the same time, in the Black Spirit Region, on the Black Heaven Race¡¯s battlefield, the war had reached a critical moment.


    King Tian Lan led his subordinates to fight against the Black Heaven Race cultivators. Blood flowed like a river and immortal arts descended one after another, with wisps of souls rising.


    The Black Heaven Race continued to retreat, eventually gathering together. In the center were seventeen cultivators dressed in purple robes, offering prayers to the sky, performing some kind of ceremony.


    ¡°Master of the New Moon, guide the Wanggu. Mourn for all living beings, and enjoy paradise.¡±


    ¡°Sacrificing our bodies for our lord, this life is not painful, with dawn and dusk as the curtain, our bodies remain incorruptible.¡±


    ¡°The new moon¡¯s master was born in Wanggu, all beings respectfully call him Lord Purple.¡±


    ¡°Sacrificing our souls for our lord, on the other side, there is grace, the melody of eternal joy, and another life awaits.¡±


    King Tian Lan¡¯s aura was like a rainbow. When he saw this scene, he sneered.


    ¡°God descent? Your god is in a deep sleep and won¡¯t care about you at all.¡±


    Although that was the case, King Tian Lan¡¯s heart trembled. This was because he could tell that the being who was mentioned in the prayer wasn¡¯t the Red Moon and Crimson Goddess but a Lord Purple he had never heard of.


    King Tian Lan narrowed his eyes and wasn¡¯t willing to delay. He waved his hand and rushed out. A large number of cultivators followed behind him, wanting to kill the Black Heaven Race army in front of them.


    However, at that moment, the bright sky that was once formed by the explosion of the Sun of Dawn suddenly turned purple. A huge purple star actually emerged in the sky and slowly landed with a terrifying pressure.

 Chapter 1138 - 1138 Blinded by Personal Interest

    1138 Blinded by Personal Interest


    At the same time, on the turbulent Forbidden Sea, Xu Qing, who was returning to Fenghai County with the captain, suddenly paused. A hint of confusion appeared on his face as he turned to look into the distance.


    Vaguely, some voices seemed to be echoing in his mind, and he saw some blurry scenes flashing in front of him.


    However, the scene wasn¡¯t clear and was a mess like ink had dropped into water.


    Xu Qing¡¯s pause and the expression on his face surprised the captain. He followed Xu Qing¡¯s gaze and looked at the distant world, but saw nothing.


    Hence, he asked curiously.


    ¡°Little Qing, what¡¯s wrong? What are you looking at?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t reply, his expression becoming increasingly blank. It was only after a long time when the captain asked again that Xu Qing¡¯s expression recovered. He looked in the direction of the Black Spirit Region and spoke hesitantly.


    ¡°It felt like someone was summoning me.¡±


    ¡°They summoned something I originally thought didn¡¯t exist.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled.


    At the same time, on the Black Heaven Race¡¯s battlefield, the purple star descended from the sky, emitting purple light that covered the sky, causing the originally bright sky to instantly dim.


    At this moment, the land and all living beings were covered in purple light.


    A terrifying aura emitted from this Purple Moon Star.


    Most of the visible sky was enveloped by this purple star. As it arrived, the cultivators from both sides could clearly see the craters on it.


    On this Purple Moon Star, there was a huge stele that shone with a resplendent light.


    A divine aura erupted into the sky, distorting the world and blurring the world. The anomalous substances turned into fog, rising from everywhere. There were also countless purple worms in the fog.


    They were sometimes corporeal and sometimes illusory. Wherever they passed, the sky and earth would change color.


    On the battlefield, the hearts of King Tian Lan¡¯s subordinates rumbled. All of them were panting and their bodies were trembling under this pressure.


    As for the Black Heaven Race¡¯s side, those priests in purple robes had extremely pious expressions and their prayers became increasingly impassioned.


    The other members of the Black Heaven Race were all excited and knelt down toward the Purple Moon in the sky.


    Clearly, to them, the descent of the Purple Moon meant that their god hadn¡¯t given up on them. The god¡­ was still around!


    All of this was like a shocking thunderbolt to King Tian Lan in the air.


    As a Soul Accumulation cultivator, he naturally knew how terrifying a god was. He also understood that with his combat strength, he had no chance of counterattacking against a god.


    ¡°What the hell is going on!!¡±


    ¡°Did Crimson Goddess awaken? No, their prayers didn¡¯t say Crimson Goddess but Lord Purple!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of this Lord Purple. Could He be transformed from Crimson Goddess? Or an ancient god that no one knows about?¡±


    King Tian Lan¡¯s heart trembled. He could sense that the Purple Moon Star was real. The pressure, aura, and the purple worm fog that appeared in the surroundings were all genuine.


    This was completely a god¡¯s descent!


    All the emotions transformed into a storm that rumbled in his heart like monstrous waves.


    He didn¡¯t hesitate at all and couldn¡¯t care less about the life and death of his subordinates. The only thought that appeared in his mind was to escape!


    Before that Purple Lord appeared, he would do his best to escape.


    Only then would he have a chance of survival.


    King Tian Lan gritted his teeth and let out a shout.


    ¡°Retreat!¡±


    With that, he instantly turned around and flew straight for the distance with his fastest speed.


    As a Soul Accumulation expert and one of the 18 Heavenly Kings who participated in the battle of the Black Heaven Race this time, he didn¡¯t want to die.


    He was well aware that this battle between the human race and the Black Heaven Race was jointly launched from more than ten directions against the two large regions of the Black Heaven Race, with each Heavenly King responsible for one direction.


    So, even if he failed here, the impact on the overall situation wouldn¡¯t be fatal. However, it would pose an obstacle to the Seventh Prince¡¯s takeover of the Holy Wave and he wouldn¡¯t fulfill his promise to the Human Emperor.


    However, compared to his life, these¡­ were naturally nothing.


    In that instant, King Tian Lan¡¯s figure disappeared under the Purple Moon Star and continued to warp into the distance. His departure caused the subordinates on the ground to feel bitter. All of their eyes revealed despair as they started to retreat in all directions.


    However, they knew that in front of a god, the possibility of their retreat succeeding was extremely slim.


    As for the Black Heaven Race¡¯s side, they didn¡¯t take the opportunity to attack. After the prayer ended, they quickly retreated. With the help of the Purple Moon¡¯s pressure, the Black Heaven Race¡¯s army broke free from their fatal situation and retreated.


    Just like that, time slowly passed. The Black Heaven Race¡¯s side had already left. The retreating subordinates of King Tian Lan gradually had doubts because¡­ they didn¡¯t see the god appear.


    In fact, the Purple Moon in the sky began to fade. The distortions and blurriness in the surroundings also slowly dissipated. The anomalous substances seemed to be mainly illusory. Their true lethality was far inferior to what the pressure and aura showed.


    It was as though¡­ this was just an illusion.


    At the next moment, the Purple Moon Star in the sky completely dissipated. Everything between heaven and earth recovered.


    On the ground, the subordinates of King Tian Lan all had blank expressions. Very soon, someone reacted. They¡­ had been tricked!


    This wasn¡¯t a god¡¯s descent. This was more like an illusion spell.


    This realization caused everyone¡¯s hearts to stir. Soon, a rainbow rushed over in the sky and King Tian Lan returned.


    His expression was ugly and extremely gloomy. His eyes were filled with anger and the murderous aura in his heart had already become extremely dense and was rapidly spreading.


    Previously, he had instinctively fled. After fleeing for a distance, he reacted and had an inkling.


    Hence, he returned after probing and witnessed the scene of Purple Moon disappearing.


    All of this made him understand that he had¡­ been duped!


    At that moment, his anger rumbled and his eyes turned red as he stared fixedly into the distance.


    That was the direction the Black Heaven Race¡¯s army and the 17 priests had fled in.


    If it wasn¡¯t for his wrong judgment, these Black Heaven Race troops would probably have been destroyed by him at this moment. Especially the 17 priests inside who were his strategic goal.


    They would also be killed by him.


    His side of the war would end.


    He would have completed his promise to the Human Emperor and let the Seventh Prince truly obtain the Holy Wave Large Region as a fief.


    And he would return victorious.


    But now, an accident had happened.


    Under the gazes of everyone, he was actually frightened away by the Black Heaven Race.


    This was humiliation, extreme humiliation.


    At the thought of this, his anger overflowed into the sky. On one hand, this anger came from his fear earlier, and on the other hand, it came from his prestige being stepped upon.


    Hence, King Tian Lan immediately issued a decree to his army.


    ¡°Listen up, chase after the remnants of the Black Heaven Race. Kill all the cultivators of the Black Heaven Race!¡±


    His voice echoed through the battlefield, but his subordinates weren¡¯t as fanatical as before. They had seen the scene of King Tian Lan escaping earlier and sensed mixed emotions.


    The dignity from the Soul Accumulation caused them to only listen to orders.


    However, a deputy general in charge of setting up the immortal art couldn¡¯t help but rise into the air and arrive in front of King Tian Lan.


    ¡°Heavenly King, the immortal art hasn¡¯t spread further. It will take some time for it to spread. If we rashly pursue¡­¡±


    King Tian Lan¡¯s expression was cold as he turned to look at the deputy general in front of him.


    ¡°You are disobeying?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± The deputy general lowered his head.


    ¡°Army, move out immediately!¡± King Tian Lan¡¯s expression was gloomy and his voice echoed like heavenly lightning. The army quickly rushed out and chased in the direction the Black Heaven Race had fled in.


    King Tian Lan stood at the front with an imposing aura.


    However, the pursuit wasn¡¯t smooth. The Black Heaven Race¡¯s evacuation method was mainly teleportation, so they needed to constantly lock onto the traces of teleportation.


    Just like that, under the pursuit of the army, three days later, King Tian Lan¡¯s army entered the depths of the Black Spirit Region. Black fog filled the air and enveloped the surroundings.


    According to the clues on the way, the last trace of the Black Heaven Race¡¯s army showed that they had entered this place. The 17 priests were also among them.


    King Tian Lan fell silent. However, as he sensed the teleportation fluctuations in his perception, determination emerged in his eyes and he immediately sent the order.


    Soon, his figure and the army under him stirred up a storm on the ground and stepped into the fog.


    The fog churned and drowned everything.


    Seven days later, the fog in the Black Spirit Region suddenly rumbled violently. There was also a deafening sound accompanied by a huge mushroom cloud that spread in all directions.


    At the edge of the fog, disheveled figures rushed out one after another. The person in the lead was none other than King Tian Lan.


    However, right now, he no longer had the dignity he had when he stepped in earlier. His armor had shattered. His face was pale and his injuries were serious, with blood flowing out of his entire body.


    As for his subordinates who rushed out from behind him, they were all in a similar state. All of them were heavily injured and their auras were weak.


    As for the number of people¡­ it was only one-tenth of what it used to be.


    90% of the army had failed to return.


    Looking at his subordinates in the surroundings, King Tian Lan was filled with grief and indignation. When he thought of what he had encountered after entering this fog, he couldn¡¯t help but feel burning anger in his heart and he spat out a large mouthful of blood.


    ¡®The Black Heaven Race first used an illusory god¡¯s descent to intimidate me, causing me to lose all face and miss a good opportunity. My anger surpassed reason, so I chased them here before the immortal art spread.¡¯


    ¡®The effect of the immortal art is to prevent the self- destruction of highly destructive items in the Black Heaven Race.¡¯


    ¡®But they set up a regional treasure fragment here and detonated it.¡¯


    When he thought of this, King Tian Lan sensed regret. However, at this moment, his injuries were too serious and he was worried that the Black Heaven Race had other arrangements. Hence, he gritted his teeth and could only leave.


    Even after he returned to the edge of the Holy Wave Large Region and met up with the garrisoned army, the unwillingness, hatred, and regret in his emotions were still incomparably intense. More importantly, he didn¡¯t know how to explain this to the Human Emperor.


    It was also at this moment that he received the few information jade slips that the Seventh Prince had sent to the garrisoned army.


    The first was to tell him that the ten thousand people along with the military governor had disappeared in Fenghai County. Moreover, Fenghai County refused to provide troops.


    The second one was to inform him that Fenghai County had Suns of Dawn. The Seventh Prince¡¯s residence had been wiped out and he had suffered heavy losses.


    Looking at the two jade slips, the killing intent in King Tian Lan¡¯s eyes was intense. He found a reason to explain his defeat to the Human Emperor.


    That was, Fenghai County didn¡¯t send reinforcements, causing the power of the immortal art to be insufficient. It couldn¡¯t spread to the depths of the large region at the specified time, causing him to be in a completely passive situation.


    Hence, they suffered a huge defeat.

 Chapter 1139 - 1139 Kicking an Iron Wall

    1139 Kicking an Iron Wall


    ¡°Fenghai County.¡±


    King Tian Lan put down the jade slips and closed his eyes, calculating the feasibility of his plan.


    A while later, he opened his eyes, revealing a cold glint. He then lifted his head and looked in the direction of Fenghai County.


    He needed a reason to hide his defeat and give the Human Emperor an explanation at the same time.


    The reasons didn¡¯t need to be overly perfect. After all, even the most flawless explanation would be scrutinized by the Human Emperor. But this wasn¡¯t important. As a Heavenly King, giving an account of oneself, to some extent, was a matter of attitude.


    Therefore, he needed to convey his attitude towards the Human Emperor.


    In addition, what the Human Emperor valued was the final victory in the war. In that case, as long as he salvaged the losses and calmed the chaos, the problem would no longer be a problem.


    The most important thing was¡­


    ¡°Fenghai County actually has Suns of Dawn!¡±


    ¡°However, its might seems to be very different from the real Sun of Dawn. However, this is only on the surface after all. In reality, they might have other hidden cards.¡±


    King Tian Lan lowered his head and looked at the jade slip in his hand. A chill spread in his eyes.


    ¡°The failure on the battlefield was mainly due to Fenghai County refusing to send reinforcements. They even privately manufactured the Sun of Dawn, and this is an even greater crime!¡±


    ¡°Therefore, heading to Fenghai County, seizing the Suns of Dawn, and restarting the battle against the Black Heaven Race is the only choice.¡±


    At the thought of this, King Tian Lan no longer hesitated. He immediately ordered the army to move into the Holy Wave Large Region and head to Fenghai County.


    As for whether Fenghai County would choose to detonate the remaining Suns of Dawn to perish together with King Tian Lan, King Tian Lan naturally had considered this.


    He believed it was unlikely, as long as he didn¡¯t force Fenghai County to the point of extinction. He would propose to exonerate them of the crime of manufacturing Suns of Dawn privately while putting some pressure, and even acknowledge the autonomy of Fenghai County.


    In that case, Fenghai County would definitely lower its head.


    Unless Fenghai County was prepared to betray the human race.


    As for the subsequent outcomes, it had nothing to do with him.


    ¡°However, I have to give enough pressure.¡±


    Just like that, King Tian Lan led his army and headed straight for Fenghai County.


    An army of ten million powerful cultivators moved with him, possessing the power to destroy everything in its path. Within it, flags rose into the air, forming more than ten legions. Each legion had its own distinct characteristics.


    Some rode birds, some sat on mutated beasts, and some rode the clouds¡­


    At the back was a large number of nonhuman armies. Among them were giants who were thousands of feet tall. They wore thick armor and their steps caused the ground to shake.


    The one at the front was a black dragon that was 100,000 feet long. Its majestic body gave off a majestic feeling. It flickered between the clouds and fog, looking mighty and astonishing.


    A person sat cross-legged above its head. It was none other than King Tian Lan. His eyes were closed and his expression was cold and dignified.


    Wherever the army passed, wind and clouds surged, and the world trembled. They passed through the territory of the Grand Duke Holy Wave and reached the ruins of the original capital of the Heavenly Wind Dynasty. The army stopped here.


    On the black dragon, King Tian Lan opened his eyes and stared at the ruins. After observing it for a while, he fell into deep thought. He closed his eyes again and the army continued to move.


    This lasted until they arrived at the border of Fenghai County, and the three provinces that Fenghai County had gotten back from the Seventh Prince back then.


    All living beings in the three provinces trembled. Regardless of whether they were mortals or cultivators, they were all trembling.


    The black mass of troops crossed the sky with an earth-shattering aura, forming a storm that swept across the ground, crushing everything in its path, causing the mountain range to shatter and the ground to collapse.


    The array formations of the three provinces instantly dissipated. Some forces and sects of the various races were suppressed if they were on the path of the army.


    Even the Sword Holding Ministry that was stationed in the three provinces was suppressed.


    Domineering, powerful, invincible.


    These terms fully manifested on the army, causing the sky and earth to change color. The storm grew even larger and approached the capital of Fenghai County.


    In an instant, Fenghai County was in danger.


    Fenghai County¡¯s capital city naturally received the news. They weren¡¯t too surprised by the arrival of King Tian Lan. From the start, after suppressing the military governor, the cultivators of Fenghai County already knew that this day would arrive.


    Hence, they had been preparing for the war all along.


    The moment they received the news, the Taboo magic treasure of Fenghai County was activated along with the magic treasures from other sects. They were controlled by the county¡¯s Taboo and formed a large net that enveloped a range of 50 kilometers.


    There were also cultivators from the three palaces and sects, dressed in armor and prepared for the fight. Various formations shimmered on the ground, forming divine arts.


    A large number of battle magic artifacts were also activated, ready to erupt at any time.


    There were also puppets controlled by many people, accumulating energy and waiting.


    In the air, Old Master Seventh¡¯s great wing flapped its wings and the flying ships of the various sects filled the air. There was also a huge palace in the sky. Old Master Seventh, Marquis Yao, the three Palace Masters, and the various sects¡¯ Nihility were all here. Xu Qing and the captain were also among them.


    They were all staring at the distant sky.


    The various forces in the entire Holy Wave Large Region were paying attention to this place.


    If it was in the past, these forces would definitely think that Fenghai County was about to be wiped out. However, as the Sun of Dawn appeared in Fenghai County some time ago, it shook the surroundings.


    Hence, the various forces were all watching the arrival of King Tian Lan. They wanted to see what Fenghai County would do in this storm.


    The one who paid the most attention to this confrontation was Grand Duke Holy Wave. With his cultivation, he could clearly sense the matters in Fenghai County. He wasn¡¯t willing to provoke King Tian Lan, but the Sun of Dawn in Fenghai County piqued his interest.


    However, he didn¡¯t care about the result of the confrontation. What he was more concerned about was using this opportunity to see the true strength of both sides.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that Fenghai County is still too weak. If Fenghai County was more bold and detonated all the Suns of Dawn, things would be interesting.¡±


    The Grand Duke¡¯s expression was relaxed as he smiled.


    He didn¡¯t think that this matter had anything to do with him, nor did he think that this matter would have any impact on the future unless¡­ Fenghai County really erupted with such boldness.


    However, such a mad action would most likely not be taken.


    Hence, he felt regretful.


    Among the forces paying attention to this battle, there was one that was the most excited at this moment. It was the hidden Seventh Prince.


    He knew that Fenghai County wasn¡¯t simple but he trusted his uncle even more. After all¡­ that was the Soul Accumulation realm.


    Hence, he was filled with anticipation for the outcome.


    ¡°Xu Qing, what choice will you make this time?¡±


    Just like that, while the various forces in the Holy Wave Large Region used different methods to pay attention to this battle, King Tian Lan¡¯s army appeared outside the capital of Fenghai County.


    Their arrival caused the sky of Fenghai County to lose its color. The ground churned like an earth dragon and continued to fluctuate.


    The pressure formed by countless soldiers shook the minds of all the cultivators who were paying attention.


    What was even more astonishing was the figure sitting cross-


    legged and meditating on the head of the black dragon at the front.


    Fenghai County¡¯s side was silent. No one spoke as they stared at the mighty middle-aged man on the black dragon.


    The moment everyone¡¯s gazes gathered, King Tian Lan opened his eyes. They were like two furnaces, sending energy to the surroundings, creating a storm in the surroundings.


    A cry of surprise rang out from the sky as Qingqin rapidly retreated, not daring to look at him at all.


    A vast world appeared in the sky above the capital of Fenghai County, becoming the sky of Fenghai County, blocking the light and becoming a shadow that enveloped the capital.


    The great world was filled with flames and was accompanied by countless roars. It was as if it was filled with fiends and demons.


    In an instant, Fenghai County was illuminated by the flames of King Tian Lan¡¯s great world.


    The Taboo magic treasure¡¯s net that covered an area of 50 kilometers emitted an ear-piercing sound and rapidly dissipated before barely reassembling. The cultivators in the county capital were the same.


    Every one of them deeply sensed the terror of the Soul Accumulation. Their auras were all instinctively stimulated and they resisted together.


    However, against the Soul Accumulation, all of this was useless.


    If King Tian Lan wanted to, he could destroy everything in front of him with a thought.


    However, it was obvious that his goal in coming here this time wasn¡¯t to destroy or force Fenghai County to detonate the Sun of Dawn to perish together.


    Therefore, although this pressure appeared, it didn¡¯t really descend into Fenghai County.


    This was just a warning.


    At the same time, a general in black armor walked out of the army behind King Tian Lan. He sat on a flood dragon and his fourth stage Nihility cultivation transformed into an illusory world that blurred outside his body.


    He flew all the way until he arrived in between the two armies. He looked at Fenghai County with a complicated expression, but he still spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°Fenghai County¡¯s County Governor, Yao Tianyan, and Deputy Governor, Zheng Kaiyi, accept the Heavenly King¡¯s decree!¡±


    ¡°Fenghai County committed five crimes. Firstly, disrespect towards the imperial family.¡±


    ¡°Secondly, refusing to obey the enlistment order.¡±


    ¡°Thirdly, suspected of conspiring to kill the military governor and the ten thousand soldiers of our army.¡±


    ¡°Fourthly, the soldiers of Fenghai County fled the battlefield.¡±


    ¡°Fifthly, with the aforementioned actions, delaying the war effort, causing significant impact that is akin to aiding the enemy!¡±


    After calmly speaking, the general stared at the figures in the palace hovering in the sky.


    ¡°Do you admit your sins?!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, all the cultivators in King Tian Lan¡¯s military behind him let out deep shouts in unison.


    ¡°Confess!¡±


    The voices surpassed thunder and exploded in all directions, shaking the world and stirring up a strong wind. It blew in front of everyone in Fenghai County, causing their clothes to flutter.


    This caused waves in their hearts but no one spoke. Xu Qing calmly stared at the army.


    Their silence caused the gaze of King Tian Lan to turn slightly gloomy. The general in front of him also swept his gaze across Fenghai County and continued to speak.


    ¡°However, on account that you are humans and we aren¡¯t willing to see the human race kill each other, the Heavenly King has four commands for you to follow, thereby redeeming yourselves.¡±


    ¡°Firstly, hand the deserters over to our military for custody, to be tried at a later date.¡±


    ¡°Two, immediately release the ten thousand soldiers and the military governor.¡±


    ¡°Thirdly, Yao Tianyan and Zheng Kaiyi, lead a million soldiers of Fenghai to join the frontline.¡±


    ¡°Fourthly, present all the remaining Suns of Dawn as tribute.¡±


    After the general finished speaking, he retreated and returned to the army. As for Fenghai¡¯s side, they were still silent.


    When King Tian Lan saw this, he slowly stood up from the black dragon and looked down at the county capital. His voice was like thunder as it echoed.


    ¡°If we win the combat of the Black Heaven Race, this king will exempt Fenghai County from all crimes. Fenghai County can continue to be autonomous in the Seventh Prince¡¯s fief.¡±


    ¡°Otherwise¡­¡±


    A cold glint rose in King Tian Lan¡¯s eyes. His Soul Accumulation cultivation spread out, affecting the sky and causing the wind and clouds to stir. It was as though the county would be destroyed with a thought and the people would be plunged into misery and suffering.


    In the palace, Old Master Seventh rotated and stared at Xu Qing.


    Marquis Yao also stared at Xu Qing. At that moment, the gazes of everyone in the surroundings landed on Xu Qing.


    As for the captain, his face was filled with pride.


    This scene attracted the attention of King Tian Lan. He frowned slightly. Previously, he had sensed the strangeness of Fenghai County. At this moment, this feeling was even more obvious. He snorted coldly and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Looks like you guys have other things to rely on. Feel free to take them out. This King is also very curious.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He didn¡¯t look at the dignified King Tian Lan. He stared at the heavens and cupped his fists.


    ¡°Grandpa Ninth, he¡¯s calling for you.¡±

 Chapter 1140 - 1140 Three Slashes to Kill Tian Lan

    1140 Three Slashes to Kill Tian Lan


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, King Tian Lan calmly scanned the sky with his divine sense.


    He wanted to see what other reliance Fenghai County had besides the Sun of Dawn.


    Regardless of what it was, it wouldn¡¯t matter to him. He didn¡¯t become a Heavenly King because of his family but because of his Soul Accumulation cultivation.


    As one of the 33 Heavenly Kings of the human race, although he wasn¡¯t the strongest, his identity, status, and combat strength allowed him to have the confidence to face the vast majority of situations in this world.


    Let alone this Holy Wave Large Region which was just a remote countryside.


    He knew that before this generation¡¯s Grand Duke Holy Wave had stepped into the Soul Accumulation realm, and that there had been no Soul Accumulation in the Holy Wave Large Region for countless years. To the people here, the Soul Accumulation¡­ was no different from a god.


    They were like heavenly might that couldn¡¯t be resisted or shaken.


    As the last large race to unify Wanggu, although the human race had experienced many bumps and could barely be considered one of the large races now, the number of their Soul Accumulation cultivators had surpassed the Black Heaven Race¡¯s.


    Hence, if humans had wanted to take back the Holy Wave Large Region that was previously attached to the Black Heaven Race, it would be extremely simple.


    It was also possible to recover the enclaves in other regions.


    However, the price of doing this wasn¡¯t small and the situation didn¡¯t allow it. They would have to face many nonhuman races and this would put great pressure on them.


    This was because the large regions where the seven enclaves were located all had complicated connections. Behind them, there were large races with regional treasures.


    Previously, the human race didn¡¯t have any regional treasures.


    Therefore, they could only endure it.


    Only by possessing a regional treasure could one possess a certain level of self-protection ability.


    This was also the reason why many nonhuman races invaded the human race during the battle in Fenghai County. However, as soon as the Sun of Dawn appeared, the races were shocked and retreated one after another.


    However, regional treasures alone weren¡¯t enough.


    What was more important than the regional treasure was the god.


    The god was the root of determining whether a race was strong or not.


    In front of the god, be it the Soul Accumulation or the regional treasure, they were all useless. This was also the reason why the Black Heaven Race¡¯s strength was clearly inferior to the human race but they could still make the human race wary.


    Gods could overturn everything.


    The root of the Black Heaven Race¡¯s defeat was their god, Crimson Goddess. Under the many mysterious arrangements of the Human Emperor, She fell into a deep slumber.


    As time passed, the human race naturally became stronger.


    It was very difficult for stupid people to understand the various reasons. In their eyes, the world was too simple. They even had some laughable doubts. For example, if the human race was so strong, why didn¡¯t they subdue the Holy Wave previously?


    Only those who had grasped a lot of core information or were smart and observant could see the key.


    ¡°So, what will Fenghai County rely on?¡±


    King Tian Lan¡¯s expression was calm. From the start to the end, he didn¡¯t lift his head. He only swept his divine sense across the sky and saw nothing.


    However, just as he was about to sense deeper, a cold snort squeezed into his divine sense in an extremely abrupt manner, echoing through the world and transforming into heavenly lightning in King Tian Lan¡¯s mind.


    It rumbled and exploded.


    The expression of King Tian Lan froze and he abruptly lifted his head. The moment he looked at the sky, the sky above the great world that enveloped the county capital emitted the sound of the cracking. A huge crack actually appeared in the sky.


    This crack clearly wasn¡¯t formed naturally. Its edges were straight, as though it had been cut by a sharp blade. Its length also reached tens of thousands of feet.


    Looking up from the ground, this crack was extremely conspicuous in the sky. There was also an earth-shattering sword qi whistling over from the inside, and the sword momentum covered the surroundings.


    In an instant, the clouds and fog collapsed, the ground rumbled, and everything trembled. The hearts of all living beings churned.


    Everything in the world seemed to have disappeared. The world turned dim and distorted endlessly. In this blurry state, only this sword qi that fell from the crack in the sky became the sole entity.


    Like a heavenly sword, it directly landed on King Tian Lan¡¯s great world above the capital.


    The moment they came into contact, King Tian Lan¡¯s great world trembled like never before, emitting a deafening sound. It was as though millions of lightning bolts had exploded at the same time.


    Its world barrier instantly collapsed, transforming into countless fragments that landed on the mountains and rivers of the great world like meteors.


    The world trembled, but the sword qi didn¡¯t stop at all. It broke through the barrier and directly landed in King Tian Lan¡¯s great world, cutting through the sky of the great world and leaving a sword mark that spread through the entire world.


    The world rumbled and caved in toward the location of the sword mark. All the mountain ranges inside collapsed and all the rivers evaporated. All living beings wailed as blood filled the world.


    However, the momentum of the sword qi was still terrifying. Wherever the sword mark was, the ground would continue to shatter and spread rapidly into the depths. Finally¡­ the entire great world was directly cut into two by this sword strike.


    The world was destroyed!


    From afar, the great world that had split into two separated from the sky above the county capital.


    This scene was shocking.


    The two halves of the great world were covered in blood and filled with all sorts of screams. Countless stones fell and dust spread.


    After that, the great world that had been split into two became illusory and transparent, falling toward the ground.


    The moment they landed on the ground, they shattered into pieces. As the ground trembled, King Tian Lan¡¯s great world turned into countless pieces that fused into the land of Fenghai County.


    It wasn¡¯t a corporeal existence, so it was the same when it collapsed.


    All of this took a long time to describe, but in reality, it happened instantly. As the great world collapsed, the shock brought about by this scene stunned everyone in Fenghai County.


    The army under King Tian Lan was also stunned.


    Everyone in the army instinctively trembled. Looking at the scene that was like the apocalypse, their minds went blank.


    This scene was too terrifying and sudden, so no one was mentally prepared.


    In reality, even if they were mentally prepared, when they personally saw a Soul Accumulation large world destroyed by a single slash, they would still find it difficult to accept it.


    Compared to the others, King Tian Lan¡¯s shock was even more intense. His heart was in turmoil at this moment. An unprecedented crisis caused him to suddenly stand up from the black dragon and take a step forward.


    With this step, the black dragon under his feet let out a wail, as though it couldn¡¯t withstand the pressure from King Tian Lan at this moment. Its body fell to the ground.


    The moment the black dragon landed on the ground, the body of King Tian Lan in the air rapidly expanded. From the size of an ordinary person at the start, he grew to 1000 feet, 10,000 feet, and 100,000 feet, until he became a giant that seemed to touch the sky.


    The capital city of Fenghai County was like a play ball in front of him. As for the huge King Tian Lan, his mind didn¡¯t calm because of the increase in his body. Instead, his expression became increasingly solemn as he stared fixedly at the crack in the sky and let out a deep shout.


    ¡°Which fellow Daoist wants to start a war with our human race?!¡±


    As he spoke, King Tian Lan raised his right hand and grabbed at the crack in the sky.


    Endless pressure erupted from his body. The sun, moon, and stars flickered in the surroundings as countless rules and laws were revealed on his body.


    At this moment, it was as though he was the heavens and the Dao.


    The only response he got was a cold snort.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you want to see me?¡±


    As the voice rang out, the second sword slash landed!


    The dazzling light of this sword formed a sea of light that enveloped King Tian Lan. Faced with all of this, King Tian Lan¡¯s heart trembled. He gathered the nomological laws in his raised palm and went all out.


    However, this sea of light ignored everything and passed through King Tian Lan¡¯s palm, merging into his body.


    At the next instant, King Tian Lan¡¯s body trembled and his eyes revealed horror and disbelief.


    ¡°Second stage¡­¡±


    Before he could finish speaking, a sword grew out of his mouth and penetrated his body. After that, sharp swords penetrated his arms and hands from many places.


    After that, it was his legs, his body, his neck, his head¡­


    Countless swords penetrated many parts of his body one after another. His huge body collapsed.


    In the end, his huge body split into countless pieces and fell from the sky.


    This scene was the same as his great world. He was torn into pieces and couldn¡¯t withstand the might of a single slash.


    His body was destroyed.


    The world rumbled and all living beings were shocked.


    As the countless pieces of flesh and blood landed, King Tian Lan¡¯s divine soul flew out. His divine soul was different from his soul and looked no different from his physical body. However, upon closer inspection, one could still see that it was formed by laws and rules.


    After it appeared, horror appeared in King Tian Lan¡¯s eyes. He had never seen such a sharp sword or such a frightening second stage Soul Accumulation cultivator.


    At this moment, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. His divine soul retreated with all its strength.


    He wanted to leave this place. He could sense death coming. He didn¡¯t want to die.


    However, just as his soul retreated to 100,000 feet, in front of him, an air wall formed by sword qi suddenly rose from the ground and connected to the sky.


    The expression of King Tian Lan changed and he instantly changed directions. However, very soon, the second wall of sword qi towered into the sky in front of him. This was followed by the third, fourth, and fifth sword qi.


    In that instant, as King Tian Lan tried his best to change directions, he was sealed in the center by five sword qi walls that connected the world.


    If one looked down from the peak of the sky, they would be able to see that these five sword qi walls were a pentagon. As for King Tian Lan in the center, his spirit was trembling at this moment and his eyes revealed despair and disbelief.


    He couldn¡¯t believe that as a Soul Accumulation and a Heavenly King, he was actually¡­ about to die just like that.


    ¡°Who are you!!¡±


    King Tian Lan faced the sky and let out a heart-rending roar.


    The only response he got was a single word.


    ¡°Slash!¡±


    As the sound rang out, the five sword qi walls instantly contracted and headed straight for King Tian Lan¡¯s soul. In the blink of an eye, they gathered together and the sword light drowned him.


    His divine spirit was destroyed!


    The color of the world changed and a rumbling sound echoed like the mournful roar of the Heavenly Dao. There were clearly no clouds but a rain of blood appeared out of thin air and scattered on the ground.


    Its coverage reached half of the province.


    About half of the province was enveloped in the blood rain, as though the sky was crying.


    This gore rain would nourish this land, causing this place to be different from other places from now on.


    This was because this was the place where a Soul Accumulation had fallen. The world fragments of the Soul Accumulation would transform into spiritual energy, causing the spiritual energy in this half of the province to skyrocket.


    There were also mountain peaks that rose from the ground in this part. Those were all formed from the flesh and gore of King Tian Lan. These hills would become spiritual mountains!


    As for King Tian Lan¡¯s ruined divine soul, it would transform into an invisible spirit root. The spirit root of the children born here in the next hundred years would be different from others.


    They would be more suitable for King Tian Lan¡¯s Dao.


    This was the scene of the Soul Accumulation¡¯s death, just like how the Ghost Emperor had died in Fenghai County.


    However, the degree wasn¡¯t as great as the Ghost Emperor¡¯s.


    However, it also nourished all living beings.

 Chapter 1141 - 1141 Holy Waves Master!

    1141 Holy Wave¡¯s Master!


    As blood rained down, the world fell silent.


    The army under King Tian Lan stood there in a daze, as though time had frozen.


    Something major had happened!


    They couldn¡¯t believe what they were seeing. They couldn¡¯t believe that the Heavenly King had died so easily.


    From what they knew, there was no power in the Holy Wave Large Region that could threaten King Tian Lan. Hence, the death of the Heavenly King was almost impossible.


    However, it had happened before them!


    One could imagine that the death of King Tian Lan would cause a commotion in the entire Holy Wave Large Region in an extremely short period of time. It would definitely cause an uproar in the Grand Imperial Capital Region. Next, an even more terrifying storm would probably erupt from the Imperial Capital.


    The anger from the Human Emperor and King Tian Lan¡¯s family would shake the surroundings.


    This incident had exceeded their expectations and imagination.


    The minds of all the cultivators here rumbled. Everyone¡¯s breathing was incomparably hurried. Shock and commotion erupted in the army.


    At the same time, the ones who were equally shocked were forces in the Holy Wave Large Region who were paying attention to this battle.


    ¡°How is this possible!¡±


    ¡°King¡­ King Tian Lan was actually killed!¡±


    ¡°There were a total of three sword slashes¡­¡±


    ¡°Soul Accumulation. Fenghai County also has Soul Accumulation. Moreover, it¡¯s the kind of almighty that can be considered an expert even among Soul Accumulation cultivators!¡±


    ¡°The background of Fenghai County is actually so terrifying!¡±


    After all the races with the ability to observe the war in Fenghai County saw the death of King Tian Lan, the waves in their hearts had long surged into the sky, drowning their minds and everything. All that was left was endless trembling and extreme reverence for Fenghai County.


    King Tian Lan used his life to let all the forces deeply realize that Fenghai County didn¡¯t only rely on the Sun of Dawn but also¡­ the Soul Accumulation!


    At the same time, a mouthful of blood spurted out from the hidden Seventh Prince¡¯s mouth.


    His body trembled and his gaze dimmed. At this moment, the uneasiness in his heart surpassed the uneasiness he had felt when he saw the Sun of Dawn erupt.


    Fenghai County used a domineering method to tell him something.


    That was¡­ all schemes, all arrangements, and all calmness were insignificant in the face of absolute strength.


    Actually, when the Sun of Dawn erupted that day, he had a similar feeling. However, he still believed that he was the one who had absolute advantage. When his uncle returned, everything would be easily dealt with.


    However, no matter what, he never expected the final outcome to be like this.


    He couldn¡¯t accept the death of the Heavenly King, nor could he face such an outcome.


    The fear and horror in his heart had long transformed into a storm that enveloped him in the abyss. However, he was the Seventh Prince after all. Even in this desperate situation, he still struggled to find a chance to resist.


    ¡°Fenghai County, Xu Qing¡­ Even if you guys have the Soul Accumulation, killing a Heavenly King means it is no longer my business. This is a matter of the human race. Father will definitely not allow such a thing to be resolved simply.¡±


    ¡°Regardless of whether it¡¯s out of the dignity of the human race or his reputation as the Human Emperor, this matter¡­ will definitely cause a shocking change!¡±


    The Seventh Prince lifted his head and stared fixedly in the direction of Fenghai County. In the end, he endured his reluctance, unwillingness, and heartache and crushed an ancient jade token in his hand.


    This jade token wasn¡¯t a recent product but a treasure from the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era. It was now the Seventh Prince¡¯s life-saving item.


    Its effect was to allow one to instantly teleport back to the Grand Imperial Capital Region no matter where they were.


    Its value was extremely great and there were very few of them. If one used it, there would be one less. Back then, it was already extraordinarily rare. Now, it was a supreme treasure.


    Originally, the Seventh Prince didn¡¯t have the qualifications to hold it. It was his mother who used battle merits to exchange for it from the human race¡¯s treasure vault.


    ¡°Fenghai County, the matter between us isn¡¯t over. I¡¯ll wait in the Imperial Capital¡­ I¡¯ll see you guys turn to ashes!¡±


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s expression was sinister. As the ancient jade token in his hand shattered, a beam of light that seemed to have come from ancient times enveloped him and teleported him away.


    This jade token could only take him away. All his subordinates were left in the Holy Wave Large Region.


    While everyone was trembling because of Old Ninth¡¯s attack, on the battlefield of Fenghai County, the subordinates of King Tian Lan became increasingly restless. Terror and uneasiness spread through the army.


    On the ground, the black dragon of King Tian Lan was also wailing at this moment. It crawled up trembling and kowtowed to the sky. After continuously worshiping, a cold snort rang out and the void exploded.


    Old Ninth¡¯s figure walked out of the crack in the sky and stood between heaven and earth.


    The black dragon lowered its head even deeper and didn¡¯t dare to move at all.


    All the human armies trembled.


    Old Ninth was expressionless. His gaze swept past the army and finally landed on Fenghai County, where Xu Qing was located.


    His gaze swept past everyone. Every cultivator who met his gaze lowered their heads with respectful and fanatical expressions.


    Marquis Yao was no exception.


    Only two people made Old Ninth¡¯s gaze stop.


    One was Old Master Seventh.


    When he stared at Old Master Seventh, there was a deeper meaning in Old Ninth¡¯s eyes and he actually lowered his head slightly, but this action was too subtle. Other than him and Old Master Seventh, it was very difficult for others to sense it.


    The second person was Xu Qing.


    ¡°You have to comprehend these three sword slashes well in the future.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. He cupped his fists and bowed.


    His heart was in turmoil. Although he had seen ninth grandfather make a move previously, the military governor was too weak, so he couldn¡¯t truly sense ninth grandfather¡¯s combat strength. Moreover, Crimson Goddess was too strong, so it was very difficult for him to show how powerful ninth grandfather was.


    But now, he saw Tian Lan being killed with three slashes!


    This scene caused Xu Qing to suddenly realize why the Divine Son used the most severe degree of suppression on Old Ninth among all his siblings.


    Old Ninth was too strong!


    After the battle of Crimson Goddess ended and Li Zihua revived and left, it was obvious that the benefits Old Ninth obtained were also not small.


    However, Xu Qing understood that now wasn¡¯t the time to think about these things. The most important thing now was to handle this ten million-strong army.


    Fortunately, he, his master, Marquis Yao, and the others had already discussed such a matter. Hence, Xu Qing turned around and took a step away, revealing a figure standing behind him.


    It was Ning Yan.


    At that moment, Ning Yan was wearing a prince¡¯s robe and a crown. His entire body emitted the fluctuations of the royal bloodline and his expression was incomparably solemn.


    After Xu Qing moved away, his expression was solemn as he walked out proudly. He walked into the air step by step and looked down at the army.


    ¡°I¡¯m Guyue Ning Yan, the twelfth son of the current Human Emperor!¡±


    After the ten million-strong human army sensed Ning Yan¡¯s bloodline fluctuations and heard his words, they were all in an uproar. This was especially when behind Ning Yan was the statue of the Ancient Sovereign.


    Hence, in everyone¡¯s eyes, it was as though Ning Yan¡¯s figure overlapped with the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    His aura was filled with an imposing dignity.


    ¡°Seventh Brother hoarded power, harboring ill intentions towards the human race, causing chaos in the Human Emperor. Therefore, I detonated the Sun of Dawn I brought in front of him.¡±


    ¡°King Tian Lan was a Heavenly King, but he harbored endless selfishness. He suffered a huge defeat on the war zone and framed Fenghai, using his power to suppress others. This is disgraceful to heaven and earth. Therefore, with my consent, he was executed!¡±


    ¡°All causes and effects are the doing of me, Guyue Ning Yan alone!¡±


    Ning Yan¡¯s words weren¡¯t something Xu Qing asked him to say. Originally, according to Xu Qing¡¯s instructions, what Ning Yan said wouldn¡¯t be these. However, Ning Yan felt that there were some things he had to bear.


    Hence, he spoke like this.


    Xu Qing was a little surprised and glanced at Ning Yan.


    Marquis Yao, Old Master Seventh, and the others also had thoughtful expressions. For the first time, their gazes towards Ning Yan carried some admiration.


    As for the ten million-strong human army, their hearts trembled even more intensely.


    Ning Yan took a deep breath and took a few more steps forward, walking to the front of the army. He faced the army alone and spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°You don¡¯t belong to the Seventh Prince, let alone the Heavenly King. You belong to the human race and you belong to yourselves!¡±


    ¡°What your swords and sabers should be pointing at isn¡¯t our fellow humans but foreign enemies!¡±


    ¡°The battle of the Black Heaven Race hasn¡¯t ended. Are you willing to follow me¡­ to complete the battle of our human race and fight the Black Heaven Race again!¡±


    Ning Yan¡¯s last sentence was shouted with all his might.


    As his voice echoed, the ten million-strong army fell silent for more than ten breaths. Someone immediately lowered his head and bowed. Very soon, more and more cultivators chose to bow. Finally¡­ the ten million-strong army let out loud shouts.


    ¡°We obey!¡±


    Just like the 10,000 troops of the military governor back then, to the human race, no matter what era it was, as long as there was an empire system, status was incomparably important.


    For example, if Ning Yan wanted to summon Fenghai County, he couldn¡¯t do it because he wasn¡¯t its county governor.


    As for Xu Qing, although his words carried weight in Fenghai County, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t shake these armies and make them greet him.


    Only the status of a prince could do this.


    While these subordinates of King Tian Lan greeted, the clouds in the sky churned and a figure rapidly rushed over from afar. His speed was so fast that the horizon was swept up by his momentum, forming a storm.


    In the blink of an eye, this figure appeared above Fenghai County. Clouds gathered and formed a clear body.


    It was the Grand Duke Holy Wave!


    His face was pale. The moment he appeared, he bowed respectfully to Old Ninth.


    ¡°Junior An Mulan greets the ninth young master of the Moon Offering!¡±


    The attitude of the Grand Duke Holy Wave was incomparably respectful. In the depths of his eyes, one could even see unconcealable reverence. His words also clearly revealed that he¡­ realized Old Ninth¡¯s identity.


    To be able to know his identity basically meant that he realized what had happened on the Moon Offering.


    Calculating the time, the experts of the Wanggu Continent should have sensed the matter on the Moon Offering Region.


    After all, Red Moon had disappeared from the Wanggu Continent.


    This could be seen from the fact that the Grand Duke took a few more looks at Xu Qing.


    He indeed knew, and moreover, he had just found out about it.


    Hence, at this moment, his heart was in an extremely uproar. After paying his respects to Old Ninth, he took a deep breath and spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°The Holy Wave¡¯s side obeys the twelfth prince and is willing to follow the soldiers to the Black Heaven Race and submit to the twelfth prince!¡±


    His words were directed at Ning Yan but his gaze was on Xu Qing.


    With his experience and wisdom, he could naturally tell¡­ the reason for Fenghai County pushing out the twelfth prince.


    ¡°The fight for the throne¡­ has begun!¡±

 Chapter 1142 - 1142 Xu Qing Is Your Brother, Right?

    1142 Xu Qing Is Your Brother, Right?


    If it was any other time, Grand Duke Holy Wave would definitely not participate in such a battle for the throne.


    After all, no matter what era it was, no matter in which race, a battle for the throne was a gamble with no return. Winning meant endless glory, but failure meant an irreparable catastrophe.


    Hence, to the Grand Duke Holy Wave, living freely in the Holy Wave Large Region was naturally the best choice.


    But now, he couldn¡¯t do it.


    Fenghai County could already represent the Holy Wave Large Region. It was impossible for him to stay out of trouble at this moment. Also¡­ the Holy Wave Large Region bordered Moon Offering¡­


    Hence, he had no choice but to be tied to Fenghai County.


    Even if King Tian Lan died here.


    ¡®This is also why Fenghai County is so brilliant¡­ If it was any other time, if the Heavenly King died in battle, the matter would definitely be extremely huge. However, the matter of the Moon Offering now is enough to shock the surroundings, causing even the Human Emperor to not dare to act rashly.¡¯


    ¡®In addition, framing it as part of the battle for the throne gives an explanation to the Human Emperor and the Imperial Capital. Thus, the death of the Heavenly King will take on a different significance.


    ¡®From the battle between Fenghai County and King Tian Lan to the battle between the twelfth and seventh princes¡­ From the battle between the vassals to the imperial family¡¯s matters.¡¯


    ¡®There¡¯s an expert in Fenghai County!¡¯


    The Grand Duke took a deep breath and chose to submit.


    With his participation, the entire Holy Wave Large Region was completely unified!


    At this moment, Fenghai County became the core of the Holy Wave Large Region. All the forces and races in the region no longer had the ability to resist, nor did they have the slightest determination to resist.


    Faced against absolute strength, submitting was the only choice.


    Needless to say, Fenghai County also controlled the army of ten million soldiers and the influence of the Grand Duke Holy Wave. Such power allowed Fenghai County to stand at the peak.


    As for Xu Qing, his status also rose and he stood at the peak of the Holy Wave Large Region.


    Immediately after, a decree spread throughout the entire region from Fenghai County.


    ¡°All races and sects, listen to the summons. The battle against Black Heaven will begin again!¡±


    As soon as this decree was issued, the various sects and races in the large region immediately obeyed.


    If it was any other time, the Grand Duke Holy Wave would definitely look down on the decree. However, he knew about the Moon Offering Region and knew that the high god Crimson Goddess had actually died.


    Moreover, Xu Qing was one of the participants¡­


    How could he underestimate Xu Qing after all this?


    Not only did he not underestimate Xu Qing, but in his mind, Xu Qing¡¯s figure was shrouded in countless mysteries.


    This was because he couldn¡¯t imagine how a Spirit Repository cultivator could reach such a level of admiration from tens of thousands of people.


    ¡°There must be a reason for this abnormality. This Xu Qing¡­ is extraordinary!¡±


    Hence, his response was extremely thorough. 80% of his army was mobilized to participate in this battle.


    Just like that, time flowed by. After the Holy Wave Large Region was unified, the cultivators of the various sects and races all headed to the frontlines. Old Master Seventh, Marquis Yao, and the others planned their deployments. When the war started again¡­


    The news of the Moon Offering quickly spread.


    The reason why this news spread so quickly after some time was partly because the disappearance of the Red Moon was gradually discovered by others, and partly because¡­ a jade token from the Moon Offering Region spread in all directions.


    The contents of the jade token was written by the heir, informing the entire Wanggu Continent.


    Regardless of whether it was the human race or the other races, most of them had received the heir¡¯s jade token.


    This jade token explained the situation, the death of Crimson Goddess, and the revival of the Moon Offering Ruler.


    This matter instantly shook all the races and the entire Wanggu Continent. Even some hidden gods stirred up after learning of it.


    As for whether it was true or false, it was very easy to tell. When they thought of the fragmented-face opening Its eyes and the changes in the Moon Offering Region, they could tell that this was the truth.


    The human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region naturally received the jade token and knew about this.


    At that moment, in the human race¡¯s imperial palace, within a tall tower shrouded in mist, with the wind howling, the Human Emperor stood inside and gazed into the distance.


    On the table behind him were two jade tokens. One was from the Moon Offering Crown Prince and the other was from the Seventh Prince.


    His expression was emotionless. What he saw was a churning sea of clouds.


    Upon closer inspection, one could see that the location of this cloud and fog was actually an incomparably huge¡­ gigantic star with no end in sight.


    This star was formed from gas. Clouds flowed on it like an abstract painting, vast and astonishing.


    After a long time, a calm voice rang out from behind him.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ve finished reading both jade tokens.¡±


    The Human Emperor didn¡¯t retract his gaze and spoke calmly.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s your opinion?¡±


    At some point in time, an additional person had appeared beside the table behind him.


    This person had a jade-like face and long purple hair that draped over his shoulders. He wore a white robe and sat there with a calm expression. He was none other than the state preceptor.


    ¡°Actually, that day, when I sensed that my time had been borrowed, I already felt it.¡±


    The state preceptor spoke softly and picked up the teacup at the side to take a sip.


    ¡°Besides, isn¡¯t this what Your Majesty wants to see?¡± The state preceptor lifted his head and stared at the Human Emperor in front of him with a faint smile.


    The Human Emperor fell silent. A long time later, a deep voice echoed from his back.


    ¡°How confident are you?¡±


    ¡°Fully, as long as His Majesty agrees to this transaction.¡±


    The state preceptor smiled and spoke.


    A deep look appeared in the Human Emperor¡¯s eyes as he continued to look at the clouds in the distance.


    The tower was silent. A long time later, the Human Emperor took a step forward and disappeared from the tower.


    Only his cold voice echoed with the unique dignity of a superior.


    ¡°That Xu Qing is your younger brother, right?¡±


    The state preceptor¡¯s expression was calm with no changes at all. He finished the tea in the cup and put it down. His figure smiled and disappeared.


    A strong wind blew over, sweeping up the clouds and drowning the tower in the sea of clouds.


    At the same time, in the Holy Wave Large Region, as the cultivators of the various sects and races gathered, the war against the Black Heaven Race erupted again.


    This time, it had nothing to do with the Seventh Prince and King Tian Lan.


    This time, it was Xu Qing who initiated the unfinished battle against the Black Heaven Race.


    In terms of the number of cultivators, there were even more than before. The Grand Duke Holy Wave personally led the team and divided the army into three, giving the control of two armies to Old Master Seventh, Marquis Yao, and the others, stepping into the Black Spirit Region.


    Although King Tian Lan had suffered a huge defeat previously, his foundation was still there. They could still unleash immortal arts, especially since the territory he had conquered was very large. He had already forced the Black Heaven Race back to a certain extent.


    The war in the other directions of the Black Heaven Race also prevented the reinforcements of the Black Heaven Race from arriving. They could only defend various places and fight for themselves.


    However, in reality, if the Black Heaven Race in the Black Spirit Region really resisted, this war would still be very tragic.


    However, the strange thing was that¡­ when faced with the entry of the Holy Wave Large Region, the Black Heaven Race didn¡¯t counterattack at all. This was completely different from when they were facing King Tian Lan.


    As for Xu Qing, he didn¡¯t head to the battlefield. He stayed at the border between the Black Spirit Region and the Holy Wave Large Region to organize the information from all directions.


    As time passed and the army successfully moved out, Xu Qing also made a judgment about the combat strength of the entire Black Heaven Race.


    The Black Heaven Race had two large regions, namely Black Spirit and Black Heaven.


    The emperor of the race and some peak experts were heavily injured by the mysterious person before the battle began. This act was like beheading the leader, causing the Black Heaven Race to retreat step by step when facing the human army at the start.


    It was also because they had no leader and faced the danger of extermination, the Black Heaven Race split into three parties according to different ideals.


    In Black Heaven Region, the army led by the Black Heaven Imperial Family was mainly the main force fighting against the human race.


    In the area between Black Heaven and Black Spirit, the influential people were the leaders. They didn¡¯t contribute much and mostly chose to hide in groups, wanting to negotiate with the human race.


    In the Black Spirit Region, the army was led by the priests of the Black Heaven Race who had fought against King Tian Lan before.


    The ritual of the Black Heaven Race was a divine authority. It originally surpassed the imperial authority and had a supreme status in the Black Heaven Race. However, there was the subsequent failure of the divine technique, the defeat of the race, the ignoring of the god, and the rumored slumber.


    This caused the status of the ritual priests to be much lower than before. Now that it was in the war with the human race, it was even weaker and wasn¡¯t given importance by their people.


    Hence, they could only choose to defend their temple in the Black Spirit Region.


    Hence, this side was basically made up of priests and divine guards. They had been tirelessly calling out to their god and praying for Her to descend.


    They were also the first to sense the death of Crimson Goddess.


    Regarding the entrance of Xu Qing¡¯s army, they also issued a decree. They didn¡¯t resist or counterattack, allowing the military to smoothly appear outside the fog where their temple was.


    This place was also the place where King Tian Lan had faced a severe setback.


    With the previous lesson, the people leading the team, including Old Master Seventh, Marquis Yao, and the others, didn¡¯t directly barge in. On one hand, they spread the immortal art and on the other hand, they wanted to send people in to investigate.


    However, before the Holy Wave Race could make arrangements, someone from the Black Heaven Race walked out first.


    This person had no hair and wore a purple robe. After he appeared, he bowed to the Holy Wave Army and made a request.


    They invited Xu Qing to come personally.


    They wanted to meet Xu Qing.


    As long as Xu Qing arrived, no matter what happened in the end, they would choose to surrender.


    The Grand Duke Holy Wave was a little hesitant about this request. If it was in the past, this choice would be incomparably simple for him. It was just a Spirit Repository.


    However, it was different now. He was aware of who had the final say in Fenghai County.


    Hence, he sent the message to Old Master Seventh and Marquis Yao.


    Very soon, Xu Qing, who was at the edge of the massive region, received Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice transmission.


    Holding the voice transmission gemstone slip, Xu Qing recalled the feeling of being summoned on the Forbidden Sea.


    He stared into the depths of the Black Spirit Race and chose to head there.


    Several days later, his figure appeared in front of the Holy Wave Army and outside the fog. Standing here, a strange feeling rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    He knew that in the depths of the fog, he could sense¡­ the power of his authority.


    His appearance also caused the mist to churn. More than ten black celestial priests in purple robes walked out of the fog.


    The instant they saw Xu Qing, they were clearly excited. After they bent down and bowed, the old man in the lead looked at Xu Qing and stated in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°Lord Purple, please return to your position!¡±

 Chapter 1143 - 1143 Gods Boundless Grace

    1143 God¡¯s Boundless Grace


    Outside the fog, the army of the Holy Wave Large Region was densely packed and blotted out the sky.


    Flags were spread out inside, the breaths of ferocious beasts, the aura of cultivators¡­ All of these formed a storm that connected the sky and swept through the ground.


    Its aura was shocking, the sky rippled, and the ground felt oppressive.


    The entire world fell silent in front of this endless army.


    This was especially so for the many experts in the army. They were from the various sects and races. Grand Duke Holy Wave and the almighty figures of Fenghai County floated in the world and emitted invisible pressure.


    Among them were Old Master Seventh, Marquis Yao, and many others.


    There were also streams of blood light circulating and flickering in all directions. Finally, they transformed into a blood-colored sea that wanted to drown the fog.


    That was an immortal art.


    In front of the army, Xu Qing stood there and stared at the 17 purple-robed Black Heaven Race members who walked out of the fog. His gaze finally landed on the old man who greeted him.


    Xu Qing was naturally no stranger to the word ¡®Lord Purple¡¯.


    When this title came from the mouth of the Black Heaven Race¡¯s priest, it was thought-provoking.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was deep. He shifted his gaze away from the old man from the Black Heaven Race who was worshiping him and looked at the fog behind the other party. Standing here, he could clearly sense that his authority was rising in the fog.


    The Black Heaven Race was conducting a ritual related to him in the depths of the fog and it was about to be completed.


    After a long time, under the attention of the army and the silence of the 17 priests, Xu Qing¡¯s voice slowly rang out.


    ¡°How do you know my honorific name?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t circle around. The current him already had the qualifications to ask directly. There was no need for him to guess about this.


    Facing Xu Qing¡¯s words, piety appeared on the wrinkled face of the old priest of the Black Heaven Race as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Crimson Goddess perished in the battle of the gods. The new lord was born in Her divine skeleton. This is the reincarnation of God.¡±


    ¡°Lord Purple who was born is the new Lord. He has taken over all the authority of the Red Moon and is worshiped by all living beings. From now on, the moon will have no redness. The Purple Moon will be in the sky and all the descendants and divine servants will have a new mission.¡±


    ¡°This is the perception we obtained after praying to the moon many times.¡±


    As he spoke, the Black Heaven Race priest lifted his head and looked at Xu Qing, his eyes revealing fanaticism.


    ¡°What mission?¡± Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever as he spoke.


    ¡°Assist our Lord in returning to the divine realm, support the arrival of the Purple Moon in the mortal world. All accomplishments will be rewarded with divine fruits, and those with merits will have a position before the god!¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he cast a meaningful glance at the old man.


    The old man¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. His face was covered in wrinkles and he was still pious.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze. The other party¡¯s nonsense might be able to fool others but it couldn¡¯t fool him.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t believe this at all.


    He believed in another answer¡­


    The Black Heaven Race¡¯s priests had long recognized the truth in the face of this battle that they would definitely lose and even be exterminated. This was especially so since they knew what had happened in the Moon Offering Region and understood Xu Qing¡¯s background and current situation.


    Hence, there was only one path in front of them, and that was to surrender.


    However, there were also rules to surrender. Xu Qing had indeed modified the prayer on the Red Moon and used the authority to spread it. Although he ultimately failed, there would definitely be traces of his existence.


    Hence, there was a high chance that the Black Heaven Race, which had worshiped the Red Moon and worshiped Crimson Goddess for generations, had sensed the prayer because of this.


    Hence, they knew of Lord Purple.


    In the hearts of the priests of the Black Heaven Race, surrendering in such a way wasn¡¯t surrendering. This was because from the start to the end, they were all servants of the god.


    As for the mission, there was a greater possibility that they assigned it to themselves for their own sake.


    This was the wisdom of this group of priests.


    In fact, this group of priests might not be sure if he was Lord Purple.


    However, this wasn¡¯t important.


    Crimson Goddess had already died. Surviving was the most important thing.


    To be able to live a dignified life was the most important thing.


    Hence, Xu Qing felt that even if these Black Heaven Race priests thought that he wasn¡¯t this Lord Purple, it was fine. They would modify their prayers on their own and continue to think that he was Lord Purple.


    After all, no one could refute.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. These were all his guesses. As for the truth, he didn¡¯t care. However, he still had to give these Black Heaven Race priests who had surrendered in an alternate way a certain degree of intimidation.


    This intimidation was very simple for Xu Qing.


    To fraudsters, the most direct deterrence was naturally the god.


    Hence, the power of authority in Xu Qing¡¯s body spread out and fused into the ritual that was related to him in the fog to help speed up the completion of this ritual.


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing¡¯s authority fused into it, the 17 priests trembled one after another. The old man in the lead even abruptly lifted his head, revealing a surprised expression. At the same time, a monstrous boom rang out from the fog.


    The fog churned and the chants that were sealed inside rang out.


    ¡°Master of the New Moon, guide the Wanggu. Mourn for all living beings, and enjoy paradise.¡±


    ¡°Sacrificing our bodies for our lord, this life is not painful, with dawn and dusk as the curtain, our bodies remain incorruptible.¡±


    ¡­


    As the chant echoed, purple light erupted from the fog. At this moment, the sky rumbled. It was as though there was a pair of invisible hands in the sky that parted the sky and divine might spread in all directions.


    A purple star suddenly appeared at the top of the sky.


    At first, it was blurry but it quickly became clear and finally revealed itself between heaven and earth. Its appearance caused a commotion on the Holy Wave¡¯s side and countless ferocious beasts trembled.


    Even though they knew what King Tian Lan had encountered and understood that It was fake, the appearance of the Purple Moon Star still caused everyone¡¯s hearts to tremble.


    As for the 17 priests, they directly knelt down toward the Purple Moon in the sky.


    At the same time, the pressure descended. The world blurred and distorted. Only purple light scattered down from the Purple Moon, enveloping the ground.


    The fog rapidly dissipated at this moment, revealing everything hidden inside.


    One could see that after the fog dissipated, there was an ancient temple in the area in front of the army.


    This temple was vast and filled with vicissitudes.


    To the vast majority of people, this was the first time they had seen this majestic temple.


    However, to Xu Qing and the captain, they had seen this temple before.


    Its shape was exactly the same as the Moon Palace!


    Even the totem on the temple¡¯s gate was the same.


    This was a moon palace built on the ground!


    It was also the holy land of the Black Heaven Race¡¯s priests.


    There was also a statue of Crimson Goddess standing there!


    At that moment, in front of the temple, more than a million Black Heaven priests were kneeling. They were all wearing purple robes and were worshiping and chanting.


    In the sky, the Purple Moon Star continued to descend, becoming clearer and clearer, allowing everyone to see the stele standing on It.


    The stele emitted a purple light and the back was blank. There were some words on the front. Upon closer inspection, one could tell that those words were prayer chants!


    At this moment, regardless of whether it was the Holy Wave¡¯s side or the Black Heaven Race¡¯s priests, all of them were in a state of shock. Just as the Purple Moon Star fell to the lowest point and everything was at its clearest, Xu Qing walked forward.


    He walked step by step toward the 17 priests who were kneeling and worshiping the Purple Moon. He walked into the air and toward the Purple Moon.


    Under the gazes of everyone and amidst countless gasps, Xu Qing¡¯s figure moved forward in the world and arrived in front of the Purple Moon Star.


    All the distortions and blurriness emitted by this Purple Moon had no effect on Xu Qing at all. It looked real but was actually an illusion. It was also meaningless in front of Xu Qing.


    This was the star he had formed to begin with.


    Regardless of whether it was illusory or real, it was the same to Xu Qing.


    Just like that, he walked step by step onto the Purple Moon Star and stepped on it, arriving in front of the stele.


    Xu Qing stood there and lowered his head to look at the ground. Wherever his god-like gaze passed, the priests of the Black Heaven Race on the ground would tremble. The 17 priests were the same.


    In the end, Xu Qing¡¯s stare stopped on the old priest.


    ¡°Tell me your name.¡±


    The old priest¡¯s body shivered and he hesitated inwardly. However, he didn¡¯t dare to hesitate for too long and respectfully spoke.


    ¡°The current priest of the Black Heaven Race, Yousang.¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his right hand and waved it fiercely, imprinting the word Yousang on the back of the stele. It was very small. Compared to the back of the entire stele, it didn¡¯t cover even ten-thousandth of the space.


    However, the meaning was extraordinary.


    The instant it landed, the entire stele shivered and the Purple Moon Star swayed. The minds of all the priests on the ground rumbled.


    The million priests who were worshiping the Purple Moon were all panting at this moment. The fanaticism in their eyes was unprecedented and their hearts were erupting. They looked at Xu Qing in unison, at the stele, and at the words there. An indescribable huge storm stirred in their hearts.


    This scene exceeded everyone¡¯s expectations.


    To the divine servant, his name was imprinted on the location of the god. This was an incomparably supreme glory!


    The hearts of the dozen or so priests who had strolled out of the fog roiled to the extreme. All of them were trembling and their breathing was hurried.


    Their minds turned blank.


    And the person whose heart was churning the most was naturally Yousang. His aged face was flushed red and his body was trembling. It was as though millions of lightning bolts were rumbling in his heart.


    He never expected Xu Qing to do this.


    Looking at his name on the stele, he seemed to have returned to the state of mind when he first worshiped Crimson Goddess back then. He was shocked, respectful, and even excited.


    Xu Qing¡¯s previous analysis wasn¡¯t wrong. In reality, the Black Heaven Race¡¯s priest had more thoughts about Xu Qing. He was just using a reason to surrender.


    The people below might not understand, but as ritual priests, they naturally understood what to do. It was the most in line with their expectations.


    As ritual priests, they needed a god.


    Xu Qing fit this criteria very well.


    As for whether Xu Qing was Lord Purple or not, they were also puzzled and hesitant. After all, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation was too weak.


    However, this wasn¡¯t important. It had better not be.


    Hence, they gave the nonsense of having a mission.


    The main point was actually following the trend.


    However, no matter what, he never expected that when Xu Qing asked for his name, he would actually engrave it on the stele!


    This action shattered all their guesses. This was completely telling them in the way they revered¡­


    He was Lord Purple.


    Ning Yan walked out of the army and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Assist Lord Purple in returning to the divine realm, support the arrival of the Purple Moon in the mortal world. All accomplishments will be rewarded with divine fruits, and those with merits will have a position before the god!¡±


    All the priests on the earth prostrated in unison, their voices shocking the heavens.


    ¡°Greetings, Lord Purple!¡±


    Led by the old priest, the hearts of the 17 priests roiled like the sea, and they shivered as they prostrated on the ground.


    ¡°Greetings, Lord Purple!¡±


    As the sound echoed, Crimson Goddess statue in front of the temple shattered into pieces and scattered on the ground.

 Chapter 1144 - 1144 Human Emperors Edicts

    1144 Human Emperor¡¯s Edicts


    With the surrender of the Black Heaven Race¡¯s ritual priests, although the war with the entire Black Heaven Race continued, this war that originally belonged to King Tian Lan came to an end.


    Half of the Black Spirit Region was captured and fused into the Holy Wave Large Region.


    Part of the army was sent back, but a portion was stationed here to monitor the Black Heaven Race¡¯s priests.


    Among the ritual priests of the Black Heaven Race, the main priest, Yousang, would become an emissary of Xu Qing¡¯s identity as a god.


    He worshiped Xu Qing fanatically and sincerely spoke of his mission.


    In the future, he wanted to build temples dedicated to the Purple Moon in every province of this half-region, establishing a divine religion associated with the Purple Moon.


    He even planned to head to the Holy Wave, the Moon Offering, and the other regions, and build temples there, preaching doctrines, and increasing the believers of Lord Purple.


    His identity changed, becoming the first pontiff of Purple Moon Divine Religion.


    However, it was only on the surface.


    Among the priests of the Black Heaven Race, there were actually many experts. There were even a few Soul Accumulation cultivators in the past.


    However, they were different from cultivators.


    They didn¡¯t cultivate the Dao and served the god their entire lives. Most of their strength came from the blessings of the god.


    Hence, the death of Crimson Goddess caused them to become incomparably weak. It was as though they were on the verge of death and could barely maintain their vitality.


    Xu Qing¡¯s appearance caused hope to appear among them.


    As Xu Qing¡¯s strength grew in the future and the Purple Moon gradually turned from illusory to real, the moment the Purple Moon completely materialized, the weak high priests of the Black Heaven Race would recover their peak strength again.


    Xu Qing tacitly agreed to this and left the Black Spirit Region.


    However, the immortal art that permeated this place didn¡¯t dissipate. It continued to envelop the sky of the Black Spirit Region, transforming into blood red clouds that to a certain extent covered the light and heat from the Sun of Dawn.


    This allowed the Black Heaven Race in this half of the large region to have space to recuperate.


    However, the war was still ongoing. In the other half of the Black Spirit Region and the Black Heaven Region of the Black Heaven Race, there were constant life-and-death battles.


    However, it had nothing to do with Xu Qing.


    The Holy Wave Large Region wasn¡¯t in charge of the entire war against the Black Heaven Race. They were only responsible for this area.


    This was a military pledge made by King Tian Lan to help the Seventh Prince gain a foothold in the Holy Wave Large Region. Although he had died, the Holy Wave Large Region still completed the pledge perfectly.


    From this moment on, the range of the Holy Wave Large Region increased greatly. Fenghai County truly controlled the power of a large region and a half. As the County Governor, Xu Qing¡¯s authority surpassed all county governors.


    It wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to call him a vassal lord.


    Most importantly, Xu Qing had Ning Yan by his side.


    Ning Yan¡¯s existence caused Xu Qing to stand on the side of righteousness, and his actions became unrelated to usurpation.


    It was the same even though King Tian Lan had died.


    With Ning Yan stepping forward, his words and actions pushed everything towards the battle for the throne.


    Although there were many who understood it, sometimes, the significance of a covering cloth did not lie in itself, but in the fact that¡­ it couldn¡¯t be lifted.


    If it wasn¡¯t lifted, this would only be a battle between princes.


    However, if it was lifted, there would be a violent conflict with the human race in the Holy Wave Large Region, half of the Black Spirit Region, and the Moon Offering Region.


    The price of this conflict had to be borne by the person who lifted the covering cloth.


    As for the Human Emperor, if he didn¡¯t want to lift it, the others¡­ couldn¡¯t either.


    From the start to the end, everything was actually a game and checks and balances between the two sides, much like the battles between cultivators. It depended on whether the battle was worthwhile or not.


    Hence, half a month after the matter in the Black Spirit Region ended, two imperial decrees from the Grand Imperial Capital Region were sent to the Holy Wave Large Region.


    The first imperial edict was for Xu Qing!


    ¡°In accordance with the heavenly mandate, Emperor Mystic War proclaims: Throughout history, the governance of the world relies on wise ministers. Eastern Triumph had Yan, Mirror Cloud had those who were willing to eliminate evil, and Dao World summoned Ling Wang Xu.¡±


    ¡°When the minister is upright, the sovereign rules the world, and now I hear of the virtues of Holy Wave, governing Fenghai, managing the Holy Wave, pacifying the Black Spirit, guarding the land of the human race, and fulfilling the duty of defending the borders.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate your sincere heart of loving your roots. Holy Wave is a place where the ancient sovereign established his foundation, a crucial location for the national veins. As such, its importance is unparalleled. I summon the talented and virtuous Xu Qing to enter the Grand Imperial Capital Region. I will personally bestow upon him a residence in the Imperial Academy to learn of the ways to manage the county and officials.¡±


    The second imperial edict was for Ning Yan. The wording was much simpler and the intent to teach him a lesson was obvious.


    ¡°Twelfth child, Yan, you are unruly and undisciplined, restless in mind and body. You secretly secretly fled the imperial city, and recklessly acted on your own. You should have been strictly monitored, and this negligence is inexcusable.¡±


    ¡°However, considering your young age and the early loss of your mother, I have failed in upbringing.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, on the account of the fact that you helped the Holy Wave, showing talent and virtue, I will observe your conduct.¡±


    ¡°Now, immediately return to the palace without any delay. If there is any deviation in your return journey, I will know, and at that time, you will be judged without mercy.¡±


    In the pavilion of the Fenghai County¡¯s County Governor¡¯s residence, Xu Qing looked at the two imperial edicts in front of him and fell into deep thought.


    Old Master Seventh and Marquis Yao weren¡¯t here. Only the captain and Ning Yan were with Xu Qing.


    At that moment, the captain sat there, eating a peach while looking at the two imperial edicts. He clicked his tongue and glanced at the reserved Ning Yan.


    ¡°Little Ning, your father treats you quite well. He first scolded you and then said that he was at fault¡­¡±


    ¡°This is helping you shoulder the matter of King Tian Lan.¡±


    ¡°However, your father is indeed ruthless to you. The harshness of his last sentence has already seeped out of the words. If you make the slightest mistake on the way, he will kill you.¡±


    Ning Yan looked at the captain with a fawning expression and secretly glanced at Xu Qing as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Captain, don¡¯t joke around. My father¡­ doesn¡¯t treat me that well. He uttered this because he is helpless to do anything to me on the account of Boss.¡±


    ¡°In my heart, there¡¯s only Boss and the captain. I don¡¯t care about the others.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already thought about it. I¡¯m not going to the Grand Imperial Capital Region. However, if Boss and Captain want to go, Little Ning will definitely follow you immediately.¡±


    The captain laughed and put his arm around Ning Yan¡¯s neck. He then took out an apple and placed it in Ning Yan¡¯s hand.


    Ning Yan immediately put on an excited expression. He held the apple and looked at the captain gratefully.


    The two of them looked at each other, as though their hearts had fused together and they had become good brothers.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over but didn¡¯t say anything.


    He knew that he had to answer the Human Emperor¡¯s summon no matter what.


    Otherwise, the stance of the Holy Wave Large Region would ultimately be incorrect.


    Moreover¡­ according to Zi Xuan¡¯s senses, the purple lantern was also in the great region of the human race.


    Logically speaking, he had to make a trip there.


    Moreover, he really wanted to know what the core imperial city of the human tribe was like and what kind of heaven¡¯s chosen and sceneries existed there.


    In addition¡­ he already knew that the Seventh Prince had fled. Xu Qing had killing intent toward this potential threat.


    For the old Palace Master of the Sword Holding Palace and the Seventh Prince¡¯s previous actions, everything needed to be settled.


    ¡°Also, the Great Emperor is there¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. He then lifted his head and looked in the direction of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Court. He still remembered the majestic emperor¡¯s figure he had seen during the Sword Holder¡¯s Heart Inquisition Ceremony.


    ¡°I will go and greet him.¡±


    Determination emerged in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. However, he knew that this trip to the Grand Imperial Capital Region would be a long journey. The path ahead was uncertain, and his return might take quite some time.


    Therefore, before he left, he decided to make a trip to the Nanhuang Continent.


    He would visit the graves of Grandmaster Bai and Captain Lei.


    There was also Huang Yan.


    There were some things that Xu Qing already had an answer to in his heart. Hence, he wanted to make a trip to the Phoenix Forbidden and have an open chat with his old friend. Just as he was thinking, a voice rang out in his mind.


    ¡°Master, don¡¯t worry. When we go to the Grand Imperial Capital Region this time, You Lingzi will definitely guard your wellbeing. If anyone dares to have ill intentions toward Master, I will definitely turn them into ghosts!¡±


    His voice was firm and filled with pride. It was none other than the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    As this voice echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor buzzed out of the void at the side and moved around Xu Qing, emitting a resplendent light. One look and one could tell that he was definitely not ordinary.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    A few days ago, Old Master Seventh gave the fishbone iron stick that he had refined to Xu Qing.


    Compared to before, its might had been reborn and there was a qualitative leap. It also emitted an ancient aura.


    Originally, the iron stick was only an ordinary item and could at most be considered an ordinary treasure. With the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor transforming an artifact spirit, it underwent a sublimation and experienced the lightning tribulation, its might increasing greatly.


    However, the material was still ordinary.


    It was only when the fish bone of the Immortal Forbidden deity was fused that it underwent a fundamental change. With the addition of the flesh of Crimson Goddess and Old Master Seventh¡¯s special ancient refinement technique, this treasure was finally refined to an astonishing level.


    Its appearance changed even more. It was no longer a thin rod but like a demon-subduing staff, slender at the tip and slightly thicker at the end. It had a pitch-black color, exuding a chilling aura. While sealing the surrounding void, it also emitted a brilliant light, shining on its own.


    Especially at the end, there were three carved heads ¨C one representing Immortal Forbidden god, another representing Crimson Goddess, and the last was the face of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    The first two had their eyes closed and their divine might was restrained. Only the third head had a fawning expression that didn¡¯t match the overall situation.


    Xu Qing stared at the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor floating in front of him and recalled what his master had uttered when he handed this item to him a few days ago.


    ¡°Fourth, this item uses the Immortal Forbidden God as its bone and Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh as its spirit. Only the artifact soul is a little inferior. However, on account that it¡¯s a little silly, it¡¯s barely enough. To a certain extent, this is basically a divine embryo.¡±


    ¡°It was forged by me using the Summer Immortal¡¯s method recorded in the ancient books. Hence, I call it an immortal artifact!¡±


    ¡°You have to remember one thing. The greatest display of an immortal artifact is the terrifying might produced the moment it self-destructs.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, this artifact essence is stupid and easy to fool. You have to control it well when you use it later. It¡¯s best if you let it self-destruct. This way, its might will be even better.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor couldn¡¯t hear these words.


    At that moment, it naturally didn¡¯t know and was still speaking proudly.


    ¡°Even if it¡¯s the Little Shadow, I¡¯ll poke a thousand holes in it if it continues to rebel, and let it know who is the second boss!¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. After some thought, he cast an admiring gaze.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was immediately excited.

 Chapter 1145 - 1145 The Water Still Flows Among the Flowers

    1145 The Water Still Flows Among the Flowers


    Nanhuang Continent, spring.


    Dark clouds filled the sky.


    It was clearly noon, but the black clouds were densely gathered. They were endless and their range was extremely large, as though they wanted to blot out all the sunlight.


    Coldness covered the ground and bleakness filled the human world. It was the season of life, but there was no sign of vitality. All of this formed a sense of oppression that enveloped an ancient city.


    This city had existed for a long time. If one flipped through the ancient books, they would discover that this city could be traced back to the era of the Purple Green Kingdom.


    Of course, this Purple Green Kingdom wasn¡¯t the mysterious country buried in history but the Purple Green Country of the Nanhuang Continent.


    Legend had it that the Nanhuang Continent¡¯s Purple Green Country was a branch established by the descendants of the mysterious Purple Green Kingdom back then.


    However, it was as though this country was under a curse, and the name ¡®Purple Green¡¯ was not allowed in the world.


    Therefore, the Nanhuang Continent¡¯s Purple Green Country didn¡¯t last long. It faced internal strife and was overthrown by the eight major aristocratic families under its rule.


    Hence, there was Purple Earth.


    At that moment, in this city that had experienced many years but still retained the architectural style of the past, there weren¡¯t many pedestrians. In this Purple Earth with a strict hierarchy, the value of too many people might not be comparable to livestock.


    This was the rule of the world and it was very difficult to change. Even if it was forcefully changed, something similar would still happen.


    After all, the other side of civilization was exploitation and oppression.


    Xu Qing silently walked on the streets of Purple Earth, passing by many ancient buildings. He looked at this city and the people in it. The wind blew from the front, gently fluttering his hair.


    In the city, there were his old friends.


    In the city, there was his teacher.


    Xu Qing swept his divine sense across the city and saw that his old friends were fine. That was enough for him.


    As for his teacher¡­ Xu Qing looked at a shop selling flowers beside him. The shops beside the cemetery mostly sold items to offer to the dead. The shopkeeper was a middle-aged man. After noticing Xu Qing, he hurriedly revealed a fawning smile.


    Xu Qing¡¯s neat clothes and handsome face caused the shopkeeper to immediately realize that he was a big shot. In his guess, the other party should be the son of a dignitary from one of the eight great families.


    He didn¡¯t dare to offend such a person at all.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and he bought a bouquet of magnolia. He then walked toward the cemetery and arrived in front of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s grave.


    Looking at the tombstone and the flowers placed there, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze turned gentle. He gently placed the flowers in his hand down and knelt.


    ¡°Teacher, may you rest in peace.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled softly and closed his eyes.


    The clouds in the sky flowed, revealing a gap, allowing the covered sunlight to cascade down, illuminating the cemetery.


    This beam of light was like the dawn, representing beauty. When it landed in the cemetery, it made this place seem like a pure land in the doomsday. It also sent the aura of spring over.


    This only beam of light that landed quickly attracted the attention of many people in Purple Earth.


    As streams of divine senses swept over, the Purple Earth cultivators were all surprised. They didn¡¯t discover any abnormalities in the cemetery.


    There was already no one in front of Grandmaster Bai¡¯s tomb.


    Only the magnolia flowers silently bloomed. In the flower language, it represented the arrival of spring.


    Xu Qing had already left.


    Same time, but different sky and different seasons.


    Spring in Purple Earth was the beginning of winter in the eastern part of the Nanhuang Continent.


    The cold wind blew across the ground like a knife, stirring up the snowflakes in the air and mercilessly venting the cold.


    In the wilderness, one could see some motionless shadows. They were the corpses of people who had no choice but to migrate and freeze to death.


    The era didn¡¯t change, nor would it change much just because Xu Qing had become the lord of a large region. This was because¡­ the fragmented-face in the sky existed forever.


    Xu Qing silently walked over and arrived at the scavenger campsite back then. This place was still the same but his old friends were basically all dead. They were reoccupied by those who came later and they continued to gather seven-leaf grass around the forbidden zone.


    Dirty, messy, cold, and bloody were still the main themes here.


    Even the feather tent existed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past the scavenger campsite from the sky and finally entered the forbidden zone ahead.


    The instant he stepped into the forbidden zone, the entire forbidden zone suddenly rumbled. The fog surrounding the forbidden zone instantly became denser and churned continuously. There were also red lightning bolts that shuttled through the clouds.


    All the trees and ferocious beasts in the forbidden zone were trembling.


    This drastic change attracted the attention of the scavenger campsite outside. Amidst their horror, roars from the depths of the forbidden zone rang out threateningly.


    This sound¡­ was like the helpless cries of a ferocious beast that was constantly retreating in the face of its natural enemy.


    There was also the sharp and hurried sound of the zither, as though it wanted to stop Xu Qing from walking over. However, it was meaningless.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. His footsteps were very heavy and with every step he took, the forbidden zone would tremble and rumble. Very soon, all the ferocious beasts in the forbidden zone chose to prostrate.


    Only the sound of the zither was left, and it was still struggling.


    As for Xu Qing, he was tired of listening. He coldly glanced at the depths of the forbidden zone.


    ¡°Noisy.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the shadow under his feet immediately spread out. The sound of greed and swallowing surpassed the sound of the zither and covered everything.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor instantly flew out and floated in the air, its tip facing the forbidden zone. It looked like it would directly penetrate a thousand holes as long as Xu Qing gave the order.


    The zither music stopped abruptly.


    The flowers and plants separated in front of Xu Qing. The trees pulled out their roots and quickly moved aside. Soon, a straight path was opened in front of Xu Qing.


    At the end of the path was a trembling tree and an isolated grave in front of it.


    Xu Qing calmly walked over until he arrived in front of the lonely grave. He then leaned against the large tree and sat down.


    A wine gourd appeared in his hand. He took a sip and poured some on the grave.


    He didn¡¯t say anything, nor was there a need to say anything. The moment he sat here, Xu Qing¡¯s heart became calm. He vaguely felt as though Captain Lei had appeared in front of him and was drinking with him, looking at the sky together.


    This lasted until the sun set in the distant sky.


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice was a little hoarse as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Captain Lei, I¡¯ve found the heavenfate flower¡­¡±


    This sentence contained reminiscence, regret, indescribable thoughts, and the helplessness of life.


    After a long time, Xu Qing sighed softly and finished the wine in the wine gourd in one gulp.


    The sun set.


    The bright moon rose in the sky.


    Under the moonlight, Xu Qing stood up and knelt in front of the lone grave. After bowing, he stood up and walked into the distance. The flowers and trees sprouted behind him, covering this grave.


    The wind also sent Xu Qing¡¯s voice over.


    ¡°I won¡¯t kill you, but you have to protect this place well.¡±


    As Xu Qing¡¯s voice echoed, a blurry figure appeared beside the grave.


    This figure wasn¡¯t Captain Lei¡¯s former lover but an old woman. Upon closer inspection, one could see that there was a broken zither in her hand.


    She was the master of this forbidden zone. At this moment, she stared at Xu Qing¡¯s back view and silently lowered her head, choosing to obey.


    Under the moonlight, Xu Qing walked in the sky, where the moonlight was pure and bright. However, around Xu Qing, it took on a purple hue.


    The halo formed by the purple moonlight caused Xu Qing¡¯s figure in the dark to be like a god. He arrived at the only forbidden region in the Nanhuang Continent step by step. It was also the largest forbidden region Xu Qing had seen so far.


    Phoenix Forbidden.


    The Phoenix Forbidden was so large that it occupied more than half of the Nanhuang Continent. In fact, if the Flame Phoenix wanted to, it could easily cover the entire Nanhuang Continent.


    Such a large forbidden region produced some bizarre races. These races lived in the forbidden region and no one knew how many of them there were or how many races there were.


    Towards outsiders, they followed the Flame Phoenix¡¯s decree and didn¡¯t take the initiative to harm them. However, if anyone provoked them, they wouldn¡¯t hold back.


    It was also because of the terror of the Phoenix Forbidden that in the records of many races in the Wanggu Continent, the master of the Phoenix Forbidden was known as the Flame Phoenix and was also known as Nanhuang.


    It was mysterious and ancient. It was a rare existence that showed a certain amount of kindness to life.


    At that moment, Xu Qing arrived at the edge of the Phoenix Forbidden under the moonlight and stood on a mountain peak in the Truth Mountain Range.


    There was someone who clearly knew of his arrival long ago, and was waiting here.


    Hence, when Xu Qing walked over, he saw a little fatty sucking on an egg. He sat at the edge of the cliff with an intoxicated expression and even hummed a tune.


    ¡°Not falling for worldly affairs, seems to have carved the traces of past relationships. Flowers bloom and fall in their own time. I¡¯ve become a stone gazing at my wife. Whether going is a must or staying is necessary, I won¡¯t rest until my hair is filled with mountain flowers. Don¡¯t ask me about my home!¡±


    Hearing this little tune, Xu Qing walked toward Huang Yan and sat beside him.


    Huang Yan grinned and threw an egg to Xu Qing. He furrowed his brows and rubbed his small eyes as he smiled.


    ¡°Your sister-in-law hasn¡¯t given birth yet and her temper is getting worse. Sigh, since you¡¯re here, drink some eggs with me.¡±


    Xu Qing took the egg and used the same method as before to poke it open. He took a sip and it was extremely delicious.


    ¡°How long until Second Senior Sister gives birth?¡±


    Xu Qing gazed at Huang Yan.


    Huang Yan had a smug expression as he patted his stomach.


    ¡°My seed is extraordinary. It was born as an innate spirit, so it naturally has to be nurtured for a longer time. It will probably be born in a few decades.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. In that case, he should be able to rush back before Second Senior Sister¡¯s child was born.


    Just like that, Xu Qing and Huang Yan sipped on the eggs and talked about their respective matters during this period of time. Huang Yan mainly talked about his emotions and expectations of becoming a father. Xu Qing talked about his experience in Moon Offering and his intention to go to the imperial capital.


    Time slowly passed until the sun rose in the distant horizon. The two of them gazed at each other and smiled.


    Xu Qing patted his clothes and stood up up, preparing to leave. He didn¡¯t ask if Huang Yan was the Flame Phoenix. This wasn¡¯t important. What was important was that he was Huang Yan and a friend.


    Huang Yan didn¡¯t bring it up either. Everything was unspoken.


    However, before Xu Qing left, Huang Yan thought about it and grabbed out a storage bag. He then took out a red feather and handed it to Xu Qing.


    This feather was crystalline, like jade but not jade. It emitted a burning intent and a dense divine might rose from it. It was different from all the god auras Xu Qing had encountered.


    It seemed to contain the smell of ancient times.


    ¡°This is for you.¡±


    ¡°I have a younger sister in Nanxin County, the place you have to pass by when you go to the Imperial City. She came to the Nanhuang Continent before and likes the local fruits here. Back then, the yield was not high, but now there are quite a few ripe ones. Could you bring her some on your way?¡±


    ¡°My sister has a bad temper, but she¡¯s like me, very loyal.¡±


    Huang Yan smiled.


    Xu Qing nodded and didn¡¯t decline. After he kept it, he looked at Huang Yan.


    ¡°Take care.¡±


    With that, Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and he walked into the sky.


    Huang Yan gazed at Xu Qing with a rueful expression and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Xu Qing, it¡¯s still the same thing. If you¡¯re unhappy outside, come back to the Nanhuang Continent. This place is safe!¡±


    In the sky, Xu Qing had a serious expression as he nodded heavily and strolled into the distance. His figure gradually left.


    Huang Yan¡¯s figure also blurred. The moment he disappeared, a pair of huge eyes suddenly unveiled in the depths of the Phoenix Forbidden. His aura spread out, causing all the living beings in the forbidden region to prostrate in His direction.


    He gazed into the distance and muttered in a low voice.


    ¡°Take care.¡±

 Chapter 1146 - 1146 Journey, the Path Is as Enduring as the Sun and the Moon

    1146 Journey, the Path Is as Enduring as the Sun and the Moon


    Xu Qing had finished meeting his old acquaintances of the Nanhuang Continent.


    As he returned to Fenghai County, a month passed in the blink of an eye.


    In this month, under the strategic planning of Marquis Yao and Old Master Seventh, the handover of half of the Black Spirit Region to the Holy Wave Large Region was completed, essentially becoming a unified entity.


    Under the governance of Fenghai County, seventeen magnificent bridges were built on the Sacrificial Yin River that bordered the Moon Offering Region.


    These bridges spanned the long river, closely connecting the Holy Wave and the Moon Offering.


    From then on, trade caravans from both regions had land transportation as well as the existing river transport.


    This would be more convenient for some low-level cultivators.


    Teleportation arrays were also built, connecting the two regions.


    Hence, to a certain extent, in the south of the Wanggu Continent, the territories Xu Qing directly and indirectly controlled were already two and a half large regions.


    Such a force was rare among the myriad races in the Wanggu Continent.


    To the current human race, it had already surpassed the scope of the vassals and caused many commotions among the nonhuman races.


    At the same time, the expansion of territories led to new divisions of rights in various provinces, with most of the major personnel changes originating from the original personnel of Fenghai County.


    Grand Duke Holy Wave cooperated fully, so the unification went smoothly.


    In the end, a regional residence was established.


    Xu Qing¡¯s election as the Region Lord didn¡¯t have much to do with his cultivation. It was because only he could connect to the Moon Offering, suppress Grand Duke Holy Wave, and simultaneously gain the fervent support of the Black Heaven priests.


    If it was anyone else, it would be very difficult for the Moon Offering, Holy Wave, and Black Spirit to become one.


    The governance of a large region wasn¡¯t a single person¡¯s affair, and many times it couldn¡¯t be dominated by individual will. Therefore, a council was established in the regional residence for decision-making.


    Marquis Yao, Holy Wave¡¯s three dynasty¡¯s monarchs, the pontiff Yousang, the representative of the Moon Offering, and some powerful races in the region were the members of the council.


    They formulated resolutions concerning all matters related to these two and a half large regions and then sent them for review to the higher-level council of elders.


    There weren¡¯t many members in the council of elders. There were Grand Duke Holy Wave, Old Ninth, and a high priest of Black Heaven whose entire body was wrapped in cloth. In addition, Old Master Seventh was also chosen to become a member.


    After the four of them was the heir and Xu Qing.


    Under this structure, the Holy Wave Large Region, the Moon Offering Region, and half of the Black Spirit Region began to truly rest and recuperate. The strength they possessed when they joined forces was enough to protect themselves.


    Now, a long journey was about to begin.


    Xu Qing and Ning Yan would head to the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region where they would be received by the Human Emperor.


    This trip was different from before when Xu Qing and the captain secretly ran to the Moon Offering. At that time, they needed to hide and their statuses were far inferior to now.


    However, now, Xu Qing¡¯s identity and the forces he represented made it impossible for him to head there secretly and alone.


    Hence, his journey required escorts.


    30,000 Sword Holders from Fenghai County who had experienced many battles would follow him to the Grand Imperial Capital Region. The leader of the troops was the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master, Li Yunshan.


    Kong Xianglong was among them.


    Zi Xuan was also accompanying him, and Wu Jianwu originally didn¡¯t want to go, but he couldn¡¯t withstand Ning Yan¡¯s enthusiasm, so he reluctantly agreed to follow.


    Of course, there was one person who couldn¡¯t be missing.


    That was the captain.


    Just like that, as everything in the Holy Wave Large Region proceeded in an orderly manner, the group embarked on their journey to the Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    The Grand Imperial Capital Region was extremely far from the Holy Wave Large Region. Its location was located in the center of the Wanggu Continent because the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether had unified Wanggu Continent.


    In the past, that place was worshiped by all races. It was the peak of the Wanggu Continent and also a holy land.


    Not only did its territory have a special meaning, but its terrain was also different.


    If one wanted to head there normally, they would need a long time and would have to pass through the sphere of influence of countless races.


    Hence, if one wanted to reach the Grand Imperial Capital Region, not only did they need to use many super-long-distance teleportations, but they also needed a fixed route.


    This path had existed during the ancient sovereign¡¯s era. It was the ancient path.


    The seven enclaves of the human race were built on this ancient path. This was also the reason why the Seventh Prince and King Tian Lan¡¯s army could arrive at Holy Wave from the Imperial City in a short period of time.


    However, the super teleportation arrays in the seven enclaves required mutual agreement from both ends to activate.


    Unilateral operation was not possible.


    Hence, the usage of teleportation arrays was different when coming from the Imperial Capital and when heading towards it.


    For the former, it was powerful and could facilitate the teleportation of all territories along the way, allowing for rapid preparation and activation. Moreover, it had the authority to ignore the two-way control.


    However, the latter didn¡¯t have the right.


    Such a super teleportation that crossed regions required a long time of preparation to be activated, and the consumption was also terrifying. Xu Qing and the others had to bear the full expenses.


    Fortunately, they had the imperial edict and the status of the Holy Wave Large Region was extraordinary now, so it could be much more convenient for communication.


    There was naturally such a teleportation array in the Holy Wave Large Region. It was originally built in the Anping province of Fenghai County and occupied almost half of the province¡¯s territory.


    In all these years, it had only been activated once.


    That was when the Seventh Prince arrived back then. Only he had the authority at that time.


    After that, this super teleportation array was abandoned. The Seventh Prince wasn¡¯t willing to go either, so he built a second one.


    King Tian Lan had used the teleportation array built by the Seventh Prince.


    At that moment, Xu Qing and the others were standing on the vast teleportation array built by the Seventh Prince.


    This array formation covered about half of the province and the boundary couldn¡¯t be seen at a glance. The ground was completely paved with green jade and there were countless runes engraved on it.


    As the green jade shone and the runes shone, rumbling sounds shook the world and echoed in all directions like thunder. This vast array formation was enveloped by a piercing light.


    Its light was as strong as the sun. As the formation shone, it operated at an accelerated speed.


    When the array formation was about to be activated, the captain¡¯s face was filled with anticipation. He had his own plan and arrangements for this trip to the Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    ¡°The Grand Imperial Capital Region. I haven¡¯t been there in this life. Although I went there a few times in my previous lives, I failed to rob the tombs.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if I can succeed this time.¡±


    The captain licked his lips and a hint of madness appeared in his eyes.


    Wu Jianwu stood beside the captain. When he saw the glint in the captain¡¯s eyes, he let out a cold snort and lifted his head proudly.


    ¡°In the boiling sea of fire, the heroic spirit surges in my heart. I¡¯m heading to the Imperial Capital to pay homage to the ancient heroes!¡±


    The main reason why he agreed to go with Ning Yan this time was because he wanted to take a look at the palace of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether and see if there were any poems of the ancient sovereign there.


    He felt that his creativity regarding poems had reached a bottleneck. He needed to pursue more traces of the ancient sovereign so that he could truly walk the path of the ancient sovereign.


    At the thought of this, Wu Jianwu¡¯s eyes lit up.


    Ning Yan noticed the glint in the captain¡¯s and Wu Jianwu¡¯s eyes but didn¡¯t mind. At that moment, his emotions were in turmoil and he sighed with emotion.


    He thought of the reason why he had secretly escaped back then and the cold Imperial City. Actually, he didn¡¯t really want to return, but it was clearly unrealistic.


    ¡°With Boss around, I should be fine.¡±


    Ning Yan drew in a deep breath and instinctively looked at Xu Qing, who was standing in the distance.


    Beside Xu Qing, other than Zi Xuan and Kong Xianglong, the Sword Holding Palace Master, Li Yunshan, was also there. He was speaking to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Region Lord, to head to the Grand Imperial Capital Region, you have to undergo seven super teleportations and pass by the other six human counties until you finally teleport into the Grand Imperial Capital Region.¡±


    ¡°This kind of super teleportation will cause a lot of discomfort. Hence, after every teleportation, we will have to rest a little.¡±


    ¡°The end point of our first teleportation is Tai¡¯an County. It¡¯s located in the Ordon Region. There¡¯s a lot of conflict between this region and our human race, so in reality, this Tai¡¯an County hasn¡¯t ever truly been peaceful for many years.¡±


    After Li Yunshan found out that he was in charge of the security along the way, he had researched the route for a long time. At this moment, his words and expressions were calm.


    ¡°However, Tai¡¯an County and Fenghai County have occasional dealings, so the communication has been smooth. They have already activated their authority, allowing us to teleport over.¡±


    ¡°The teleportation array will be activated now.¡±


    ¡°To be safe, we will teleport in three batches this time. The first group will be led by this old man and the Sword Holders. The second group will be the people around the Region Lord, and lastly, the Region Lord.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded politely. He had no objections to Li Yunshan¡¯s arrangements. At that moment, he looked at this familiar world from afar and anticipation rose for his trip to the Imperial Capital.


    Zi Xuan, who was beside him, smiled and grabbed Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze. When he looked at Zi Xuan, green light erupted into the sky from the array formation. The rumbling sounds were even more intense than before. The first batch of teleportation had been activated.


    The wind from the teleportation stirred up Zi Xuan¡¯s hair, causing her peerlessly beautiful face to be reflected clearly in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    After a long time, the storm weakened and Zi Xuan¡¯s voice rang out softly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I have a feeling that this trip to the Imperial Capital will be of extraordinary significance to you.¡±


    Zi Xuan looked into Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and smiled gently. The figures of the captain, Ning Yan, and the others disappeared from the array formation under the second flicker of the green light.


    In the end, only Xu Qing stood there.


    He took a deep breath and looked at the sky.


    In this sky, Old Ninth walked out and stared at Xu Qing.


    He didn¡¯t follow Xu Qing to the imperial capital. If the baby eagle wanted to grow, it couldn¡¯t follow its elder forever. Sometimes, only by letting go would there be another level of sublimation.


    He had told Xu Qing this before.


    Xu Qing understood. He cupped his fists and bowed toward the sky before bowing in the direction of Fenghai County.


    Green light flickered and transformed into a sea of light that drowned everything.


    After a long time, as this sea of light dissipated and the array formation calmed down, Xu Qing¡¯s figure had already disappeared from the array formation.


    Old Ninth turned and walked toward Moon Offering.


    At the same time, in the pavilion of the capital city of Fenghai County, Old Master Seventh stood there and looked in the direction of the teleportation array. The feeling of watching his children travel far led to him to have a melancholic expression.


    ¡°Eldest courted death in his previous lives and should know this depths of the Imperial Capital, so there¡¯s no need to bother with him. If he continues to court death, it¡¯s fine if he dies.¡±


    ¡°Fourtha?| should indeed make a trip to this Imperial Capital.¡±


    ¡°There is some history about this Wanggu Continent that I should inform him about. It will be more profound than what he sees in the Imperial Capital.¡±


    ¡°Especially about this Summer Immortal.¡±


    Old Master Seventh mumbled and closed his eyes.

 Chapter 1147 - 1147 A Big Job in Tai’an County

    1147 A Big Job in Tai¡¯an County


    The area of the Wanggu Continent was astonishing. During the ancient sovereign¡¯s era, there were a total of 365 large regions.


    However, after experiencing numerous catastrophes, divisions, changes in the Earth¡¯s crust, and the reorganization of races, the current number remained unknown.


    According to the analysis of some races, 30% of the large regions in Wanggu should have become dead lands and their native living beings had already become extinct.


    As for the five Divine Realms that appeared on the surface of the Wanggu Continent, three of them were in the dead lands.


    Even so, those large regions that weren¡¯t dead lands were also places that were difficult for most cultivators to travel past in their entire lives.


    Only with the help of super teleportation could a limited number of people cross the regions.


    However, such a region-level super teleportation was very difficult to activate due to the standpoint of the races between the various large regions. In fact, there were many large regions that had no way to build such a large array formation for various reasons.


    Such super teleportation formations only worked smoothly between the territories of the same race.


    Therefore, it was relatively smooth for people of the same race to pass through their own regions. However, if they weren¡¯t of the same race, it would be very difficult to cross the regions.


    As for the human race, they had relied on their previous advantage to barely leave behind the ancient path that connected the Holy Wave and the Imperial Capital. Now, they could be considered qualified for this super teleportation.


    The next stop in the Holy Wave Large Region was the Ordon Region.


    This name had existed since the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era and hadn¡¯t changed. In fact, it seemed to have existed even longer, and there were many rumors about its origin.


    There was a rumor that was the most widespread.


    That was the name of a Heavenly Dao of the Wanggu Continent. When it was alive, it was a cultivator who sacrificed himself to achieve the Dao and protect Wanggu.


    Ordon was his name. This large region was his hometown.


    However, now, this large region was controlled by three large clans. These three races all thought of themselves as the descendants of Ordon. Each of them had a large number of races attached to them and fought all year round, treating each other as outsiders.


    Thus, in this endless war, livelihoods were miserable, and all living things withered away. Various races could only barely survive under these oppressive conditions.


    It was also because of this that the human race¡¯s Tai¡¯an County could obtain a temporary respite. However, the price was that they had to pay rent to each of the three large clans.


    This was because the three great clans had regional treasures.


    This regional treasure had flaws and could only be activated by their bloodline sacrifice. Its authority was also divided into three parts. The three clans each controlled one.


    Moreover, its might mainly focused on defense. It could suppress everything in the Ordon Region but it was difficult for them to spread its might to other regions.


    However, this was enough.


    Regarding the rent, out of respect, the Grand Imperial Capital Region didn¡¯t issue an explicit order. However, all the past county governors of Tai¡¯an County knew that if they wanted Tai¡¯an County to survive here, they naturally had to lower their heads.


    However, this phenomenon changed after the human race¡¯s Sun of Dawn erupted.


    This time, the human race could lift their heads proudly, and this became obvious in their territories. For example, Tai¡¯an County no longer paid the so-called rent. The three great clans also tacitly agreed to this matter.


    At that moment, in the Ningyang province of Tai¡¯an County, the originally pitch-black night sky was instantly illuminated by the resplendent light of the array formation. The world lit up brightly.


    The cultivators of Tai¡¯an County became vigilant. All of them had solemn expressions as they stared at the array formation.


    They weren¡¯t unfamiliar with Fenghai County, but it couldn¡¯t be said that they were very familiar with it. However, what had happened in Fenghai County had already spread like a storm through Wanggu.


    Hence, they were especially concerned about the teleportation from Fenghai County.


    Right now, the light was like a sea that kept erupting. Li Yunshan appeared in the array formation with 30,000 Sword Holders.


    The moment they were revealed, they each felt varying degrees of discomfort, but most of them restrained themselves very well. Under Li Yunshan¡¯s arrangement, they spread out in all directions and lined up to inspect their surroundings, vigilant of everything.


    After confirming that there was nothing wrong, the figures of Zi Xuan, Ning Yan, and the others arrived during the second teleportation. The last figure to appear was Xu Qing.


    As soon as he landed, a dry wind blew over.


    To Xu Qing, regardless of whether it was the Nanhuang Continent, Fenghai County, or the Holy Wave Large Region, they were all considered coastal regions. Even the Moon Offering was generally cold as a whole.


    Therefore, for him, who was accustomed to the humid climate, in this inland Tai¡¯an County, the changes in climate were particularly noticeable.


    As for the discomfort brought about by the super teleportation, Xu Qing didn¡¯t experience it. His divine body ignored these.


    ¡°Tai¡¯an County.¡± The captain opened his arms and hugged the void beside Xu Qing.


    ¡°What a good name. Little Qing, how about we change the name of the Heavenly Bull Mountain Range to Tai Niu later? I think the word ¡®Tai¡¯ is more amazing.¡±


    Looking at the captain¡¯s excited expression, Xu Qing pondered seriously.


    ¡°We can give it a try.¡±


    When the captain heard this, a happy smile appeared on his face. Ning Yan, who was at the side, hurriedly nodded and even patted his chest.


    ¡°Captain, no problem. If I have greater authority in the future, all the large regions will have the word ¡®Niu¡¯!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes lit up. He quite liked the thought and pulled Ning Yan to discuss the details.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t participate. He lifted his head and looked at the night sky. The moon in this region was different from the one in the Holy Wave Large Region.


    It was very far away and its shape wasn¡¯t circular but triangular, like a heavenly mountain.


    Its light had a blue tint, casting a similar hue on the ground.


    This was the third moon Xu Qing saw. After staring at it for a moment, he retracted his gaze and looked at the human cultivators from Tai¡¯an County who were paying attention to this place. He could sense the other party¡¯s vigilance.


    Li Yunshan had already flown over and was communicating with them.


    As for Zi Xuan, after she teleported here, she had been looking at the array formation under everyone¡¯s feet. Her expression was a little strange. She walked to Xu Qing¡¯s side and spoke softly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, there¡¯s something wrong with this teleportation array.¡±


    On the moonlit night, in the residual light of the array, Zi Xuan, dressed in a white gown, resembled a fairy. Her skin was fair as snow, and her appearance was exquisite. Her clothes danced in the wind, and her wide sleeves fluttered.


    Especially her clear autumn-water eyes and her white jade-like complexion, radiating a faint glow all over her body, made her particularly conspicuous in the crowd.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he looked at the array formation under his feet. His shadow spread out under the moonlight and transmitted some emotional fluctuations.


    ¡°Big¡­ job¡­¡±


    A dark glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Li Yunshan¡¯s figure flew back. After he quickly arrived in front of Xu Qing, his expression was solemn as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid we¡¯ll have to stay here for a while.¡±


    ¡°Is it related to the array formation here?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    Li Yunshan glanced at Xu Qing and nodded.


    ¡°There are some things that we didn¡¯t know about in Fenghai County. It¡¯s a secret that belongs to Tai¡¯an County. This ancient teleportation array is one of them. If we want to activate teleportation here, we need to make some arrangements and preparations. It will take about seven days.¡±


    ¡°However, in three days, something will happen to this array formation. It will only recover after half a month.¡±


    ¡°It¡­ is alive?¡± Zi Xuan suddenly asked.


    Her voice immediately attracted the attention of the captain, Ning Yan, and Wu Jianwu. Kong Xianglong also had a surprised expression as he lowered his head and observed the array formation under his feet.


    However, no matter how one looked at it, this array formation was only an array formation.


    However, on the captain¡¯s side, there was a glint in his eyes. He even squatted down and touched it with a curious expression.


    Li Yunshan also took a deep breath. After he heard about this from Tai¡¯an County earlier, he was equally shocked. At this moment, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°According to Tai¡¯an County, the ancient teleportation array here experienced the fragmented-face opening Its eyes once a hundred years ago. However, the strange thing is that this place didn¡¯t form a forbidden zone.¡±


    ¡°However, after that time, this ancient teleportation array¡­ gained its own consciousness. To be precise, it came alive.¡±


    ¡°Every half a month, it will change from the state of the array formation and transform into an existence similar to a ferocious beast, playing in the globe of Tai¡¯an County. Wherever it passes, people will be teleported randomly.


    However, the range won¡¯t exceed this county. Moreover, this activated array formation has the personality of a child and doesn¡¯t have much malice. Hence, here, people mostly treat it as a weather change.¡±


    ¡°At the same time, it is additionally beneficial. After the ancient array is activated, it will be in a deep sleep for half a month. There will be no need to pay a price for any teleportation, so this county didn¡¯t deal with this matter.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, we might have to wait for half a month before we can teleport.¡±


    After Li Yunshan finished speaking, he looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing fell silent and discussed with Zi Xuan, the captain, and the others as well as Li Yunshan. In the end, he decided to stay here for the moment being and wait for the array formation to be activated before they teleported.


    They didn¡¯t go too far away and set up camp 50 kilometers away from the ancient array.


    The cultivators from Tai¡¯an County didn¡¯t get close. They maintained a certain distance from Xu Qing and the others and were always on guard.


    In reality, it wasn¡¯t simply these Tai¡¯an County cultivators who were on guard here. In the Tai¡¯an County Capital, which was some distance away, they were also extremely vigilant. In fact, it was the same for the various races and forces in the entire Tai¡¯an County.


    All the races warned their people not to get close to the Ningyang province during this period of time.


    Xu Qing and the others didn¡¯t disturb this county. After setting up camp, Xu Qing closed his eyes and meditated. Most of the others did the same. Only the captain couldn¡¯t sit still. From time to time, he would go out and curiously look at the ancient teleportation array in the distance.


    Three days later, late at night, an earth-shattering boom erupted from the ancient teleportation array. Xu Qing opened his eyes and walked out of the tent.


    Zi Xuan, Ning Yan, Li Yunshan, Kong Xianglong, and the others additionally walked out one after another and stared at the source.


    Gradually, strange expressions appeared on their faces.


    The huge teleportation array emitted a dark blue light, and the moon became dimmer at this moment, as though all the moonlight had been absorbed by the ancient array.


    Under this light, blue hair grew out of the array formation. More and more of them grew densely. Finally, as rumbling sounds echoed, the ancient array formation¡­ rose from the ground.


    The earth trembled more violently, and the sky darkened. The ancient array floated in mid-air, with its flat appearance and swaying hairs, appearing not fierce at all, more similar to a round pancake covered in fur.


    As it opened its two large eyes, it actually gave off a cute feeling.


    It emitted cheerful sounds as it whizzed towards the distance. The birds in the sky scrambled to disperse, but it was too late. Covered by this furry disc, the flying birds disappeared through teleportation, their destination unknown.


    It seemed to be even happier. It swayed again and continued to move further away.


    ¡°The globe is vast and there are all kinds of strange things¡­¡± Li Yunshan sighed with emotion.


    As for Zi Xuan, a hint of recollection appeared in her eyes. She looked at the departing pancake and fell into deep thought.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart was additionally stirred. As he grew, he saw too many mysteries and strange things about the Wanggu Continent. It was different every time.


    The Wanggu Continent revealed the tip of the iceberg in front of him.


    While everyone was surprised by this scene, solely the captain licked his lips. His eyes were shining and his heart was burning.


    ¡®This thing seems to be a treasure. Since it was seen by me, it¡¯s fated with me!¡¯

 Chapter 1148 - 1148 Scumbag Chen Erniu

    1148 Scumbag Chen Erniu


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t hear the captain¡¯s thoughts.


    However, he noticed the light in the captain¡¯s eyes. In his memory, the last time there was such a light was when the Seven Blood Eyes was building the sect in the Yinghuang Province, and Nether Fairy passed by the sky in a luxurious immortal robe.


    At that time, when the captain looked at Nether Fairy¡¯s clothes, the light in his eyes was as intense as it was now.


    Clearly, anyone bold enough to flaunt themselves in front of him would strongly attract the attention of the captain.


    Xu Qing shook his head and couldn¡¯t be bothered to persuade him. He was already used to it.


    The captain¡¯s actions in the next few days confirmed Xu Qing¡¯s guess¡­


    He had indeed taken a fancy to Furry Pancake.


    The captain followed Furry Pancake in the sky, trying to get close and play with it.


    ¡°Big Fur, wait a moment. I only have half a month. If I don¡¯t greet you and get to know you, I¡¯ll definitely regret it in the future. There are so many furry beings in the Wanggu Continent, but you¡¯re the most special.¡±


    Perhaps it was because the captain¡¯s words were insincere or his gaze wasn¡¯t pure, before he could get close, his entire body would glow and he would disappear in the next instant.


    He was teleported away.


    However, the captain¡¯s perseverance was the source of his madness. Hence, he would return very soon and continue following sincerely.


    In fact, as he got closer, he even called out gently to make himself look like he had no ill intentions. In order to make it more realistic, he simply took out a peach and ate it.


    This was because only when he ate peaches would the special gentleness in his heart be displayed unconsciously.


    ¡°Hello, I think you have a special temperament, so I wanted to come over and get to know you.¡±


    Swoosh!


    Furry Pancake whistled past and didn¡¯t even bother with him, teleporting him away.


    Two hours later, the captain¡¯s figure ran over from afar, waving his hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t leave. Do you know that you really look like an old friend of mine? That¡¯s my best friend¡­¡±


    Swoosh!


    He continued to disappear.


    Just like that, seven days later, under the captain¡¯s incomparable persistence and under his countless gentle words, Furry Pancake, who had never experienced such a thing, finally took notice of Erniu.


    For the first time, doubt appeared in its large eyes. This was also the first time it allowed the captain to get within 100 feet of it.


    The captain, seeing this, felt excited internally. He experienced a feeling reminiscent of when he gradually approached Li Shitao. So, while eating peaches, he soothingly spoke in a gentle voice, attempting to get closer once again.


    However, Furry Pancake was very vigilant. Just as the captain was about to get close, its entire body flashed with light and it was about to teleport the captain.


    The captain panicked and quickly spoke.


    ¡°Big Fur, you dropped something.¡±


    As he spoke, the captain endured his heartache and took out a small piece of Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh. It was even smaller than a fingernail.


    As soon as the flesh appeared, Furry Pancake¡¯s gaze froze and its vigilance relaxed a little. Taking advantage of this instance, the captain took the flesh and finally arrived in front of Furry Pancake.


    He fed this piece of meat to Furry Pancake. Taking advantage of the moment the pancake swallowed it, he used all his strength to grab hundreds of blue hairs on Furry Pancake¡¯s body and pulled with all his might.


    With a cracking sound, these hundreds of hairs directly broke. The stimulation caused Furry Pancake¡¯s entire body to tremble, and a sea of light erupted from it.


    In an instant, the surrounding clouds and fog were teleported away, and the captain¡¯s figure also disappeared without a trace.


    However, this time was different from the past. After emitting the light of teleportation, Furry Pancake didn¡¯t continue to play leisurely like before. Its large eyes revealed anger, as though it had been deceived. It continued to erupt with the light of teleportation, causing the sky to brighten.


    Immediately after, its body suddenly rushed out, chasing after traces. It locked onto a direction and crossed the void.


    Hence, in the following days, the people of Tai¡¯an County saw a shocking scene.


    In the sky, Furry Pancake erupted with a sea of light as it chased after a figure. Every time it caught up, it would open its mouth and instantly devour it, chewing with all its might. However, very soon, it seemed to sense that the figure wasn¡¯t the main body.


    Hence, it continued to search and devour angrily.


    The cycle repeated endlessly.


    As for the miserable cries of the person being chased and tortured, they also echoed in all directions many times.


    The cultivators of Fenghai County also saw this scene. All of them had strange expressions. Ning Yan and Wu Jianwu sighed with emotion and weren¡¯t surprised.


    Zi Xuan ignored it.


    Xu Qing sighed. In his temporary residence, he looked at the blue worm in front of him and shook his head.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, is it worth it?¡±


    This blue worm was the size of a finger and had a human head. It was the captain.


    At this moment, his expression was still smug.


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s worth it. It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine. I guess Furry is a female. It¡¯s normal for her to lose her temper, so I prepared a few clones to play with her.¡±


    ¡°However, the harvest this time is definitely worth it!¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, this teleportation array isn¡¯t simple. Under the fragmented-face¡¯s gaze, it should have turned into a forbidden zone but it directly activated and transformed into a living being. Such a mutation is rare. This is equivalent to the fragmented-face¡¯s descendant.¡±


    ¡°Its body definitely possesses some characteristics of the fragmented-face!¡±


    ¡°So, don¡¯t just focus on the fact that I spent a grain of Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh. The significance of those dozen hairs is more important than anything else.¡±


    ¡°As long as you¡¯re happy.¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to bother with it anymore. After saying that, he closed his eyes and silently meditated.


    Seeing this, the worm that the captain had transformed into crawled to the side and lay there comfortably. In his heart, he was thinking about how to make use of the hairs to maximize his benefits.


    Just like that, as Furry Pancake continued to bite crazily in the sky, time slowly passed. Very soon, another seven days passed. Furry Pancake¡¯s anger still didn¡¯t dissipate but its sleeping time had arrived.


    Even though it was unwilling, it still had no choice but to return to the Ningyang province. When it returned to the ground, it retracted its fur and transformed into an ancient array again, motionless.


    It was also time for Xu Qing and the others to leave.


    Hence, while Tai¡¯an County was on guard, Xu Qing and the others arrived at the array formation. As light shone, the teleportation was activated.


    The moment they teleported, the array formation suddenly shook a few times. It was as though the sleeping Furry Pancake had sensed the aura that made it furious. It wanted to wake up but was unable to do so.


    Finally, amidst the unwilling light of the array formation, everyone¡¯s figures disappeared from Tai¡¯an County.


    After that, their journey crossed many large regions and they teleported several times. There were occasional twists and turns but it was still considered smooth overall. Finally, three months later, their figures appeared on the teleportation array in the last county.


    This county was called Nanxin. It was the enclave closest to the Grand Imperial Capital Region and was located in the Gray Sea Region.


    The sea in the Grey Sea Region was different from regular seas. Because of the perennial dispersion of dandelion-like floating flowers, the ground was covered with gray cotton for most of the year, resembling a sea from a distance, hence the name.


    At first glance, it was similar to the white wind in the Bitter Life Mountain Range, but the essence was clearly different.


    When Xu Qing and his party appeared, it was the season where the cotton started separating from the flowers. The sky was filled with drifting cotton, and when the wind blew, it formed an endless sea of gray that covered the land.


    It glanced beautiful but to all living beings living here, this was actually an indescribable disaster.


    If too much of the gray cotton that filled the sky was absorbed into one¡¯s body, it would speed up the withering of one¡¯s life. Hence, the myriad races living here either formed a protective barrier around their bodies at all times or wore something to cover themselves.


    It was also the characteristics of this large region that caused most of the living beings here to be silent.


    When Xu Qing and the others appeared, this was what they saw and felt.


    Unlike Tai¡¯an County, their arrival didn¡¯t cause Nanxin County to be on guard. Most of the cultivators guarding the array formation in this county were lazy.


    This scene didn¡¯t only appear in Nanxin County. In reality, the further away they were from Fenghai County, the less vigilance they saw. Clearly, because of the distance, even if the matter in the Holy Wave Large Region spread, it would be very difficult to cause much commotion.


    After all, it had nothing to do with them as they were too far away.


    Nanxin County was closest to the Grand Imperial Capital Region, so their relationship with the Imperial Capital was naturally closer than the other counties. There were even some marginalized nobles living here.


    Xu Qing and the others didn¡¯t pay much attention to this. After walking out of the teleportation array, they didn¡¯t plan to go out. Instead, they prepared to quickly set up the teleportation array as before for the final teleportation.


    This place was only one teleportation away from the Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    ¡°We¡¯re about to reach the Grand Imperial Capital Region.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced into the distance. Through the scattered gray cotton, he stared in the direction of the Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    ¡°Huang Yan mentioned a sister who is also in this county.¡±


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze. He didn¡¯t know how to find the other party. However, according to Huang Yan¡¯s explanation, his feather should be able to make his sister aware, allowing her to come on her own.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing looked around. Finally, his stare landed on Ning Yan.


    Ning Yan¡¯s expression was different from when he was in the other counties. Here, he seemed to be very uneasy and even a little nervous. After noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, he took a deep breath and barely calmed down. He quickly walked over and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Boss, I sensed my third sister¡¯s bloodline aura¡­ She didn¡¯t hide it, so it¡¯s very clear. I think she sensed me too.¡±


    ¡°Princess Anhai?¡± The image of the princess he had met at the Seventh Prince¡¯s place appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°I have a rough idea why she would appear here. It¡¯s because in Nanxin County, there¡¯s an elder who served as the wet nurse for the Third Princess and the Fifth Prince.¡±


    ¡°Because the Third Princess and the Fifth Prince had outstanding achievements when they reached adulthood, the Human Emperor specially allowed her to retire in this county. This is also that elder¡¯s hometown.¡±


    As Ning Yan spoke, a form flew over from the distant horizon. It shuttled through the gray sea and emerged in front of Xu Qing and the others, transforming into a maidservant.


    This maidservant¡¯s stare was sharp and her cultivation was extraordinary. After she appeared, the first people she glanced at were Li Yunshan and Zi Xuan. After that, she looked at Xu Qing and her expression was clearly restrained. Finally, she looked at Ning Yan beside him.


    She lowered her head slightly and bowed before speaking slowly.


    ¡°Greetings, Twelfth Highness.¡±


    ¡°The princess is accompanying Granny Sun to arrange a banquet. She sensed the aura of the Twelfth Prince, so she ordered this servant to come and invite you.¡±

 Chapter 1149 - 1149 Rainbow Spirit Aura Emperor

    1149 Rainbow Spirit Aura Emperor


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know much about Princess Anhai. When he had seen her at the Seventh Prince¡¯s banquet back then, she didn¡¯t speak much. However, through the analysis after that and the trend of the Holy Wave Large Region, he could still see her intelligence.


    Back then, looking at the Seventh Prince¡¯s reaction, he seemed to be a little wary of Princess Anhai.


    In addition, from the maid servant¡¯s actions, one could tell that she was neither servile nor overbearing. Her expression and words were calm and revealed appropriate respect.


    Hence, Xu Qing glanced at Ning Yan.


    Ning Yan hesitated.


    When the maidservant saw this, she didn¡¯t say anything else. After bowing to Ning Yan and Xu Qing, she turned and left.


    Seeing that the other party had left, Ning Yan sighed.


    ¡°Boss, that Granny Sun is close friends with the Third Sister¡¯s biological mother and Fifth Brother¡¯s biological mother.¡±


    ¡°The relationships are complicated. I might have to make a trip there. Boss, can you accompany me?¡±


    Ning Yan looked at Xu Qing hesitantly, feeling a little uneasy.


    The closer he got to the Grand Imperial Capital Region, the more nervous Ning Yan became. The hesitation of not wanting to return was very obvious.


    Xu Qing thought about it. It would take a few days for the array formation to be set up, so there was enough time. Since Ning Yan made such a request, he must be really uncertain.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    When Ning Yan heard Xu Qing¡¯s words, he immediately perked up. With Xu Qing around, he was confident.


    Just like that, the two of them left the location of the teleportation array.


    Zi Xuan wanted to maintain the array formation with Li Yunshan, so she didn¡¯t go with him. As for the captain, he had been studying Furry Pancake¡¯s hairs for the past few months and didn¡¯t have the mood to go.


    Hence, only Xu Qing and Ning Yan flew toward Granny Sun¡¯s residence under the protection of some Sword Holders.


    There was no need to identify the exact location. Ning Yan relied on his connection with Princess Anhai and quickly found the place. It was a courtyard that looked like a garden, covering a considerable area. The flowers were in full bloom, and there was a constant array formation isolating the gray cotton.


    All the artificial mountains inside were made of jade. There was also a spirit spring that had been moved over, causing the spirit energy in the entire courtyard to be dense. Its level was far from what ordinary sects in Fenghai County could compare to.


    In the center of the courtyard, there was a banquet taking place. Seated at the head was an elderly woman, with a kind and gentle smile, dressed in luxurious attire. She was engaged in conversation with a young girl in palace attire.


    Below, there were two rows of tables with guests, toasting and enjoying themselves. Numerous maidservants moved around, changing plates and offering fresh fruits from time to time.


    In the middle, there were nine tall cultivators fighting.


    As they intertwined, spell fluctuations echoed. Their demeanor was extraordinary and very interesting.


    Through the bloodline connection, Princess Anhai sensed Xu Qing and Ning Yan¡¯s arrival immediately. She whispered something into the old woman¡¯s ear and the old woman nodded slightly.


    The moment Xu Qing and Ning Yan got close, the array formation in the courtyard opened on its own, revealing a path.


    Ning Yan took a deep breath and looked at Xu Qing beside him. His heart calmed down a little again and he walked into the array formation with Xu Qing, appearing in the courtyard.


    The battle at the banquet paused for a moment. The cultivators in the middle respectfully retreated. Ning Yan quickly walked a few steps and arrived in front of the old woman. He cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°Greetings, Granny Sun.¡±


    Granny Sun¡¯s gaze landed on Ning Yan, her expression a little cold. After nodding slightly, she no longer bothered with him. She didn¡¯t even glance at Xu Qing and continued to speak to Princess Anhai.


    As Princess Anhai responded, she nodded at Ning Yan and Xu Qing with an apologetic expression.


    Ning Yan didn¡¯t feel anything about this. He was long used to others¡¯ coldness. At this moment, he felt that it was still alright and chose the table at the end to sit down.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the coldness of unrelated people. He only cared if the other party had any ill intentions.


    His expression was calm as he sat beside Ning Yan.


    The banquet continued.


    The two of them attracted the attention of the others. Some discussed through voice transmissions, some smiled and nodded, and some had disdain written all over their faces.


    After experiencing so many things, Xu Qing was well aware that people¡¯s expressions were often a reflection of their inner thoughts, but more often than not, they were just masks.


    Hence, no matter what other people¡¯s expressions were, these weren¡¯t important.


    He picked up the flask in front of him and took a sip. His eyes narrowed slightly. The wine here was much better than in Fenghai County.


    Despite being alcohol, it felt thick and viscous in the mouth, prompting a few words to surface in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Ambrosial nectar.


    After tasting it, Xu Qing simply drank a few more mouthfuls. Ning Yan, who was at the side, saw this and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Boss, I know a few wine shops that have some good wine in the Imperial Capital. I¡¯ll get them for you when we arrive there.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded slightly. He sat there and sipped the wine. He was prepared to drink until the end of today¡¯s banquet.


    As time passed, the banquet featured various delights, and laughter echoed throughout. Every now and then, Princess Anhai would share some cheerful words with Granny Sun, bringing smiles to everyone present.


    Only Xu Qing and Ning Yan were left out. The former calmly drank the wine while the latter accompanied him at the side. When he sensed that the wine was finished, he immediately called for the maidservant to bring more.


    As for Princess Anhai, she didn¡¯t seem to have any ill intentions. She tried many times to get them to join her but to no avail. Although Granny Sun couldn¡¯t be considered malicious, she didn¡¯t care too much. She was still cold.


    In the end, because Princess Anhai couldn¡¯t personally speak, she could only get the maidservant beside her to send a message.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t misunderstand. The princess has good intentions. Although Granny Sun has left the Imperial Capital, she has a lot of connections in the Imperial Capital. The families of many nobles and influential people are all her friends. If she acknowledges the twelfth highness, she can help him smooth over many potential malice. The princess originally had this intention.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and raised his wine glass toward Princess Anhai.


    Princess Anhai nodded slightly. She indeed had good intentions, but it was a pity that Granny Sun clearly didn¡¯t like Ning Yan very much.


    This lasted until the clouds in the sky gradually turned red and the red clouds spread. When the sun set, Xu Qing burped.


    The wine was quite enjoyable for him, and as he was about to get up to leave with Ning Yan, a thunderous sound echoed through the sky.


    This thunder exploded and rumbled in the sky. The red clouds churned and scattered, and the sky was instantly covered by a layer of rainbow light. It was like a rainbow curtain that covered the sky.


    Within this colorful curtain, there was a gigantic peacock that covered the sky. It rapidly transformed from within the illusion until fully revealed, and the so-called rainbow colors turned out to be its tail feathers.


    This peacock was extraordinary and extremely beautiful. Its appearance caused the world to lose its color and all living beings to feel inferior.


    This scene shocked most of Nanxin County, and it was even more so for everyone in the courtyard below the rainbow-


    colored sky.


    Most of them stood up and looked at the sky. Even Granny Sun, who was beside Princess Anhai, revealed joy in her eyes as she looked at the sky.


    ¡°Spirit Aura Emperor!¡±


    In the Gray Sea Region, there were several forbidden zones but only one forbidden region.


    It was called the Tomb of Radiance.


    There was an emperor in the forbidden region called Aura. Because it was quite friendly to the myriad races and its strength was terrifying, it lived in peace with the various races in the Gray Sea.


    The external world called it the Spirit Aura Emperor.


    It rarely went out. Every time it appeared, the rainbow light would purify the gray cotton, and because of its beautiful appearance, it was considered an auspicious sign in the Gray Sea.


    There was a past connection between it and Granny Sun. She had once done Granny Sun a favor in her early years. Even now, in the eyes of many people, this kindness served as a layer of protection for Granny Sun.


    Seeing the figure of her benefactor, a smile appeared on Granny Sun¡¯s face. Her expression was filled with respect and she was about to watch the other party leave because she knew that the Spirit Aura Emperor rarely went out. It would only appear when it had something to deal with.


    Hence, in her opinion, the other party was only passing by.


    However, very soon, her heart trembled.


    She wasn¡¯t the only one who was shocked. The others in the courtyard and Princess Anhai were all extremely shocked.


    This was because the Spirit Aura Emperor, which represented auspiciousness, didn¡¯t leave after revealing its figure. Instead, it walked toward the courtyard. As it got closer, its body flickered with light. Finally, when it reached the top of the courtyard, it had already transformed from a peacock to a human.


    She had a graceful figure, a cold expression, and a peerlessly beautiful appearance. She was like the plum in winter snow, arousing distant thoughts and making one forget that its branch had thorns.


    Her black hair was tied up with a jade hairpin. As she walked over, the pearl flowers swayed and scattered, creating a colorful spectacle in the air.


    She was dressed in palace attire and looked otherworldly, standing with elegance and pride. Her phoenix-like eyes were eye-catching. When one looked at her, they would subconsciously lower their head.


    Especially the sleeves of the purple palace attire that were fluttering in the wind. It gave her a grace beyond words, exuding a noble and ethereal charm.


    This scene could only be described as a fairy descending to the mortal world.


    Granny Sun¡¯s expression was solemn as she respectfully spoke.


    ¡°Welcome, Spirit Aura Emperor.¡±


    The others, even Princess Anhai, hurriedly greeted. Ning Yan also took a deep breath. He was intimidated by the other party¡¯s beauty. It was unknown if it was the light from the sun or his own heartbeat that caused his face to turn red.


    As for the fairy-like Spirit Aura Emperor, her expression was calm when faced with everyone¡¯s greetings. She only nod at Granny Sun and didn¡¯t bother with her anymore. Instead, she walked into the courtyard step by step.


    Under everyone¡¯s gazes, she walked toward the end of the banquet.


    As she got closer, Ning Yan, who was standing there, became increasingly excited. He felt that the other party was staring at him but very soon, he shockingly discovered that the person she was staring at was not him buta?| Xu Qing.


    Spirit Aura Emperor stood in front of Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing? Huang Yan told me about you.¡±


    A cold voice rang out from her mouth.


    This scene instantly turned into thunder in everyone¡¯s hearts. Everyone couldn¡¯t take their eyes off it as disbelief filled their minds.


    This was especially so for Granny Sun.


    She had heard of Xu Qing but she didn¡¯t care too much. After all, they were unrelated. No matter what the other party was like, she didn¡¯t have any descendants to worry about, so she naturally didn¡¯t need to deliberately befriend him.


    If they got along well, she would lend a hand. If not, the person would just be a passerby.¡±


    However, now, the Spirit Aura Emperor, who rarely appeared, actually came specially for the other party. This scene caused her previous thoughts to waver.


    As for Xu Qing, although he was surprised, this was also within his expectations. He already had an answer to the other party¡¯s identity.


    Hence, he cupped his fists and bowed, taking out the feather and pouch that Huang Yan had given him.


    The Spirit Aura Emperor¡¯s gaze swept across the feather. In the end, she took the bag and opened it. She then took out a red fruit and placed it in her mouth to suck. After that, she gazed around and simply sat beside Xu Qing. She then called for Xu Qing to sit down as well.


    After Xu Qing sat down obediently, the Spirit Aura Emperor took out a fruit and passed it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Eat?¡±


    Xu Qing took it and placed it in his mouth to inhale. Immediately, his eyes lit up. The taste of this fruit was extremely special. It was even purer and thicker than the wine he had drunk previously.


    Everyone gazed at each other. Ning Yan¡¯s heart raced. He looked at the Spirit Aura Emperor and then at Xu Qing. His heart was suddenly filled with pride.


    ¡°This is my boss!¡±


    Ning Yan lifted his head and puffed out his chest as he sat down as well.


    The banquet paused for a moment before proceeding again with Granny Sun¡¯s solemn arrangements. Moreover, the specifications were even higher than before. All the gazes were focused on Xu Qing.


    A smile slowly appeared on Granny Sun¡¯s face. She gazed at Xu Qing and then at Ning Yan. After some thought, a kind expression appeared on her face.


    ¡°Twelfth highness, come to this old woman¡¯s place and let me take a good look at you. Time flies so quickly. The scene of your mother entering the palace, the ceremony His Majesty held for her was so grand. Many years have passed, but the memories are yet vivid in my mind.¡±

 Chapter 1150 - 1150 The First Region of Wanggu

    1150 The First Region of Wanggu


    Granny Sun¡¯s words made everyone at the banquet lower their heads, concealing their expressions.


    This was because some people were taboo and couldn¡¯t be mentioned.


    Princess Anhai¡¯s eyes also revealed a strange glint. She understood her wet nurse and knew that when the other party was young, not only did she have a wide network of connections, but she also had extraordinary skills.


    Otherwise, it would be impossible for her to be both her and the fifth prince¡¯s wet nurse.


    It was even more impossible for her to survive in the palace until now and be rewarded by the Human Emperor to retire.


    All of this meant that the wet nurse was wise and loyal to the Human Emperor.


    Hence, with Granny Sun¡¯s experience, she naturally knew that words were often both a weapon and an attitude. Any sentence wasn¡¯t just the meaning expressed on the surface.


    In that case, the words she said earlier held deep meaning.


    Princess Anhai, lost in thought, couldn¡¯t help but glance at her kindly wet nurse beside her. Regarding the background before the latter entered the palace, she couldn¡¯t find any traces or information, with no way of knowing or searching for it.


    She only knew that the other party had a daughter who unfortunately died prematurely. Later, upon her mother¡¯s request, the woman was arranged to enter the palace and became her wet nurse.


    The wet nurse of the royal family wasn¡¯t just someone who simply breastfed; they also held a special status.


    In order to prevent the politics in the harem from affecting the dignity of the imperial family, the imperial court often employed various methods to weaken the relationship between the princes and their birth mothers, and the wet nurses played a role in this process.


    They were in charge of the lives of the princes and princesses, accompanying them, guiding them in the early stages until they reached adulthood.


    They replaced the role of the mother and accompanied them day and night. Hence, the formation of the princes¡¯ outlook on life and values would be affected by the wet nurse. The wet nurse would directly affect the princes¡¯ attitude when he did things in the future and his methods of dealing with some things.


    Hence, in the imperial family, the wet nurse was a mother as well as a teacher.


    While Princess Anhai was deep in thought, Granny Sun gently patted her arm. Princess Anhai hurriedly lifted her head and instinctively smiled as she looked at Ning Yan.


    Ning Yan¡¯s expression was a little complicated.


    Granny Sun¡¯s words reminded him of his mother. What followed was the melancholy in his heart and the memories buried deep in his mind.


    He couldn¡¯t remember his mother¡¯s appearance clearly.


    As for his mother¡¯s name, it had become a taboo in the imperial city. No one dared to mention it. In his memory, this was the first time he heard someone mention his mother after she passed away.


    Hence, Ning Yan took a deep breath and stood up to walk in front of Granny Sun. He then cupped his fists and bowed.


    Granny Sun looked at Ning Yan and maintained a kind smile as she summoned him to the other side of her.


    She even placed Ning Yan¡¯s palm in her hand.


    However, she sighed inwardly. She naturally knew the purpose of Anhai bringing Ning Yan here. However, after she left the imperial city, she wasn¡¯t too willing to participate in imperial politics.


    After all, the death of King Tian Lan and the Human Emperor¡¯s decree implied that there might be a storm of succession that was about to sweep through the Imperial City.


    Another important point was Ning Yan¡­


    The younger generation didn¡¯t know about the history that had once been suppressed, but she had personally seen the rise of Ning Yan¡¯s mother and her peerless talent. She had also witnessed the blood tragedy overnight and the death of another prince.


    That was Ning Yan¡¯s twin brother.


    From that day onwards, Ning Yan was intentionally distanced from others.


    Hence, when she treated Ning Yan and Xu Qing previously, she was cold but didn¡¯t harbor any malice. They minded their own business and stayed in their own lane.


    However, the arrival of the Spirit Aura Emperor made everything different.


    Although she wouldn¡¯t gamble everything on someone, she still had to take appropriate care of him. Hence, there was that sentence from before and her current actions.


    Behind everyone at the banquet, there were countless connections with the Imperial City.


    Her words and actions would probably be known by some thoughtful people very soon.


    This was enough.


    Just like that, when the banquet continued until the bright moon was in the sky, the Spirit Aura Emperor stretched and stood up to leave. Xu Qing also stood up and bade farewell to Granny Sun.


    Looking at Xu Qing, a hint of deep meaning appeared in Granny Sun¡¯s eyes. After some thought, she took out three jade tokens and handed them to Ning Yan.


    After Ning Yan arrived at the Imperial Capital, he would send them to her three old friends on her behalf.


    Ning Yan instinctively looked at Xu Qing. Xu Qing nodded slightly. Hence, Ning Yan took a deep breath and solemnly took them.


    After that, they left.


    On the way back to the teleportation array, under the moonlight, Ning Yan was clearly reminded of the past. His mood was low as he silently followed beside Xu Qing.


    Halfway there, Xu Qing patted Ning Yan¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. No matter what, you¡¯re still a Sword Holder of Fenghai County.¡±


    When Xu Qing¡¯s words landed in Ning Yan¡¯s ears, warmth rose in his heart. He let out a long breath and spoke softly.


    ¡°Thank you, Boss.¡±


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s nothing much. I¡¯m just afraid of embarrassing you. As a prince, I actually don¡¯t have much status in the Imperial City. I¡¯m marginalized and no one comes into contact with me.¡±


    ¡°I know the reason. It¡¯s because of my mother. She¡¯s a taboo in the Imperial City¡­¡±


    ¡°I originally had a big brother. We were twins. His personality was more decisive than mine and he was smarter than me. He was better at everything than me. Although he was taciturn, nothing seemed to be able to stump him.¡±


    ¡°He treated me extremely well. I was a bit timid when I was a child, and he protected me. But he died, too. The day after my mother¡¯s death, he passed away. Everyone in the mansion died together, except for the most useless one ¨C me.¡±


    ¡°After that, I was at a loss and helpless in the Imperial City. I had to tread carefully, all alone.¡±


    ¡°The huge imperial city¡­¡±


    Ning Yan shook his head bitterly.


    ¡°It was only a few years later that I received a decree from my father. He instructed me to go to Fenghai County, to live there incognito, and silently record everything.¡±


    ¡°After that, I met you, Boss.¡±


    Ning Yan looked at Xu Qing. Under the moonlight, in the wilderness, he revealed something he never told outsiders. This was because on his way here, unknowingly, Xu Qing was becoming more and more similar to his elder brother.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the sky. No one knew who he was thinking of¡­ After a long time, he lifted his hand and ruffled Ning Yan¡¯s hair.


    ¡°After we go to the Imperial City, if you¡¯re unhappy, we¡¯ll return to Fenghai County together.¡±


    ¡°Mm!¡± Ning Yan nodded vigorously.


    Xu Qing smiled and continued forward.


    They strolled further and further away until they disappeared into the horizon.


    A few days later, the ancient teleportation array was activated. Xu Qing and the others left through the teleportation array, and there was someone else with them.


    That was Princess Anhai.


    She arrived before the teleportation array was activated and headed to the Grand Imperial Capital Region with Xu Qing and the others.


    As the light of the array formation disappeared, on a vast land separated by three regions from the Gray Sea, in an array formation that occupied a huge area, light shone.


    The size of this array formation far surpassed all the teleportation ancient arrays Xu Qing had seen on the way. It was three times larger and the materials were even more astonishing. They were all forged from high-grade spirit stones. Moreover, there were countless gigantic rocks around the teleportation array.


    Every one of them was engraved with runes that emitted terrifying fluctuations.


    Further away, there was a military camp.


    Their duty was to guard the teleportation array. There were human soldiers patrolling the surroundings at all times.


    There wasn¡¯t only one of such an array formation on this land. There were others in different areas and they had their own guards.


    As for this land, it was ring-shaped!


    It was like a ring with a large range that was similar to many smaller regions.


    However, this place was only a portion of the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    Within this ring-shaped land, separated by expanses of abyss, there was another ring-shaped land. Even deeper within, such circular lands were nested, one after another, numbering to a total of a hundred.


    At the center of the encirclement of these hundred rings, there was a huge star. It was majestic and astonishing. Even from afar, one could faintly see its shadow.


    It wasn¡¯t formed from soil, and was gaseous!


    Clouds and fog lingered above. From time to time, vortices would appear like a storm. Accompanied by lightning, rumbling sounds echoed in all directions.


    This was a gigantic and astonishing gaseous star.


    The rings around the planet were ring-shaped lands.


    Below this huge planet was a pitch-black abyss.


    ¡°This is the Grand Imperial Capital Region!¡±


    ¡°The entire Grand Imperial Capital Region can actually be seen as floating in the air. Below the Grand Imperial Capital Region is an abyss that is bottomless. Very few people know what really exists inside. However, there are legends that that place leads to a place called Brilliant Heaven.¡±


    ¡°As for the appearance of the Grand Imperial Capital Region, it is an astonishing gaseous star. It was refined by the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether countless years ago from beyond this world and used as his palace. It is now the ancestral land of our human race.¡±


    ¡°Even the descendants of the imperial family aren¡¯t qualified to enter the gaseous planet. Only the Human Emperor and the future crown monarch are qualified to enter the planet to worship their ancestors.¡±


    ¡°The 100-layer rings around this gaseous planet is where our people live. The outermost layer is under our feet. This place looks like the ground but it¡¯s actually formed by light after it was solidified by divine abilities.¡±


    ¡°These rings go from the outside to the inside. The closer one is to the gaseous star, the higher the living requirements and level. As for the innermost level¡­ it¡¯s the imperial city of our human race.¡±


    On the outermost ring of the gaseous star, as the teleportation array shone, Xu Qing and the others appeared together with Princess Anhai.


    The moment she appeared, Princess Anhai¡¯s voice rang out.


    Everyone from Fenghai County was shocked by the vast scene in front of them. Even though they couldn¡¯t see too much due to their cultivation, Princess Anhai¡¯s utterances created a scene in the minds of every Fenghai County cultivator.


    However, the captain curled his lips and didn¡¯t care. As for Zi Xuan, she stared at the shadow of the planet with confusion in her eyes.


    Although the others were shocked, they quickly suppressed the waves in their minds and recovered. They were all silent. Xu Qing also retracted his gaze and glanced at Princess Anhai, nodding slightly.


    Princess Anhai¡¯s expression was calm, but she was surprised inwardly. She understood that because the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region was the first Wanggu Region built by the ancient sovereign, it was different from ordinary large regions. It was very difficult for anyone to be calm when they first saw it. The cultivators of Fenghai County were the same previously, but their recovery speed was too fast.


    However, she quickly suppressed her surprise and continued to travel with Xu Qing and the others. Just like that, several days passed. Under Princess Anhai¡¯s arrangements, they teleported all the way to the imperial city in the innermost ring.


    As they got closer and closer, the gigantic gaseous planet became clearer and clearer in everyone¡¯s eyes.


    As the clouds flowed, the planet that was surrounded by clouds would occasionally reveal a vast and astonishing statue of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    That statue sat cross-legged and meditated on this star. Although it was dead, its expression was lifelike and its aura towered into the sky.

 Chapter 1151 - 1151 Wanggus Last Summer Immortal

    1151 Wanggu¡¯s Last Summer Immortal


    ¡°This star is called the Ancient Sovereign Star!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not only the palace of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether; inside, there¡¯s also an inheritance of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether. Only those who have the emperor¡¯s aura are qualified to comprehend it. However, so far, successive generations of the imperial family have been unable to obtain it.¡±


    While everyone was staring at the Ancient Sovereign Planet, Princess Anhai¡¯s voice echoed. Along the way, she had been introducing the Grand Imperial Capital Region to Xu Qing and the others.


    ¡°As for this huge statue of the ancient sovereign sitting on the Ancient Sovereign Planet, I¡¯ve seen a description in some ancient books. Originally, it didn¡¯t exist.¡±


    ¡°After the ancient sovereign left, it suddenly arrived from beyond the sky during the era of the Human Sovereign Mirror Cloud and landed here. Accompanying it was a decree from the Holy Land.¡±


    ¡°As for the content, there are no records in the ancient books. Very few people know about it.¡±


    ¡°To us humans, the entire Ancient Sovereign Planet is both an ancestral land and a taboo land. You can only comprehend it from outside during special periods.¡±


    As Princess Anhai spoke, Xu Qing and the others¡¯ understanding of the Grand Imperial Capital Region slowly increased. However, while others were listening attentively, the captain looked at the Ancient Sovereign Planet with desire hidden in the depths of his eyes. Regret rose in his heart.


    ¡®I vaguely remember that I died several times trying to enter this place¡­ but I didn¡¯t succeed.¡¯


    The captain was indignant. His gaze then landed on the abyss of nothingness and he sighed again.


    ¡®I¡¯ve never succeeded in entering that place either.¡¯


    While the captain was sighing with emotion, Princess Anhai continued to introduce more things.


    As for Zi Xuan, her expression became even more complicated. Finally, she looked at the Ancient Sovereign Planet and reminisced. She remembered that this planet used to be her home in her previous life.


    As for Ning Yan, although he didn¡¯t know as much about the Ancient Sovereign Planet as Princess Anhai, he had been here since he was young and was used to it. Hence, he kept nodding at the side.


    Beside him, Wu Jianwu had an excited expression. He felt that there was a high chance that the breakthrough to his poem creativity was here. He was even fantasizing that there must be authentic poems in the bedroom of the ancient sovereign on the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    As for Xu Qing, his attention wasn¡¯t completely on the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    His gaze followed the void between the two rings of land and looked at the abyss below the Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    Previously, Princess Anhai had said that the abyss was rumored to lead to an unknown place called Brilliant Heaven. Others didn¡¯t know what Brilliant Heaven was but after experiencing the incident in the Moon Offering Region, Xu Qing had some understanding of it.


    That was the hometown of Crimson Goddess and also Li Zihua¡¯s hometown. It was also a taboo that was suppressed by the Wanggu Continent.


    While Xu Qing was thinking, some of the words in Princess Anhai¡¯s introduction fell into his ears, stirring up some waves and interrupting his contemplation.


    ¡°In addition, all the Heavenly Marquises, Heavenly Kings, and Great Emperors who died in battle during the Ancient Sovereign¡¯s era left their inheritances on this planet. Back then, before the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether left, the human Heavenly Kings who followed him to the Holy Land also left their inheritances on this planet.¡±


    ¡°The last person who left the inheritance is the Sword Holding Emperor.¡±


    ¡°He was the last great emperor of the human race. His main body died in battle to protect the human race and his clone stayed in the Grand Imperial Capital Region.¡±


    ¡°As for the inheritance left behind by the Sword Holding Emperor, it¡¯s his emperor sword. It was buried in the depths of the Ancient Sovereign Planet and has been silent for countless years¡­¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and stared at the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    The words ¡®Sword Holding Emperor¡¯ had a profound meaning to him.


    Coming here to pay respects to the Sword Holding Emperor was also one of Xu Qing¡¯s goals for this trip. Hence, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Your Highness Anhai, is the Sword Holding Emperor¡¯s avatar on the Ancient Sovereign Planet or¡­¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Princess Anhai.


    This was the first time he had spoken since he arrived in the Grand Imperial Capital Region. When Princess Anhai heard this, she immediately took it seriously.


    ¡°The statue formed by the Sword Holding Emperor¡¯s avatar isn¡¯t on the Ancient Sovereign Planet. This was his choice when he was alive. He chose to place his avatar outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet as the last line of defense for the human race and the ancestral land.¡±


    ¡°After teleporting a few more times, we¡¯ll be able to see it when we get close to the imperial capital.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and everyone continued forward.


    Time flowed by. Xu Qing and the others moved forward in the Grand Imperial Capital Region. Due to the presence of Princess Anhai, their journey was very smooth. After going through three teleportations, they finally saw the imperial capital of the Ancient Sovereign Planet the next morning.


    Xu Qing also saw¡­ the Sword Holding Emperor!


    The entire inner ring was the imperial capital. At the edge of the ring-shaped land, there were towering black towers that reached into the clouds and vast statues that intersected with each other.


    They surrounded the Ancient Sovereign Planet and formed a circle.


    The statues inside had different shapes and auras. Moreover, they were all humans. There were men and women, old and young, and their expressions were all different. The seven emotions and six desires could all be sensed on different statues.


    ¡°The black towers are a component of the Imperial City¡¯s array formation. As for the statues surrounding the Imperial City, other than the Sword Holding Emperor, the others were all built by later generations. They are all the saints who died or left with the ancient sovereign. There are also the successive Human Emperors.¡±


    ¡°There are the oldest 108 heavenly marquises, the former 33 Heavenly Kings, and the nine Great Emperors.¡±


    ¡°Although there were 27 Heavenly Kings who were qualified to stand here during the Human Sovereign Eastern Triumph¡¯s era, after the Mystic Heaven Incident, the fate of the human race declined. During the era of Human Sovereign Holy Heaven, only five Heavenly Kings were qualified. During the Human Sovereign Mirror Cloud, there were only six Heavenly Kings.¡±


    ¡°As for the Human Sovereign Dao World¡¯s era, other than the Human Sovereign, there was no one else qualified to have a statue here. It¡¯s the same in the Mystic War Calendar now.¡±


    Princess Anhai sighed softly. Kong Xianglong, who had been silent the entire time, couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    ¡°What cultivation level is needed for this qualification?¡±


    ¡°Ruler.¡±


    ¡°During the era of the ancient sovereign, only the rulers could be classified as Heavenly Marquises. The so-called Heavenly Marquises were the feudal lords who could suppress a region.¡±


    ¡°Only those at the peak of the ruler realm can be titled as Heavenly Kings. A Heavenly King can rule over many regions or just one domain, depending on their intentions. The orders of a ruler are only inferior to the sovereign and emperors.¡±


    At this point, Princess Anhai glanced at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Senior Li Zihua, the former ruler of the Moon Offering Region, was one of the Heavenly Kings under the ancient sovereign back then. His statue is also here.¡±


    ¡°What about the Great Emperor?¡± Xu Qing slowly asked.


    ¡°During the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era, there were occasionally Great Emperors among the myriad races, but there were very few of them. Only our human race enjoyed the luck of the ancient times and nine Great Emperors appeared. Their cultivation levels surpassed the ruler and they were known as¡­ Quasi Immortals.¡±


    ¡°After the ancient sovereign era, there have been no more Great Emperors among the myriad races.¡±


    ¡°Quasi Immortal¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled. His gaze was deep as he looked at the inner-ringed imperial capital in front of him.


    He saw statues and also a shocking statue in front of him that was different from the others.


    This statue was of a middle-aged man. At first glance, he looked refined, but upon closer inspection, one could sense that his eyes contained sternness and domineeringness. It was as though in a fit of his anger, the ground would collapse and the sky would burn.


    His gaze looked like he could kill even gods.


    He placed his hands behind his back and the sword qi behind him overflowed into the sky. His entire body emitted a white light that was dazzling and lifelike. It was as though his true body was standing there, shaking the surroundings.


    He was the last Great Emperor of the human race and the only Sword Holding Emperor who didn¡¯t leave with the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether and stayed behind to protect the human race.


    Xu Qing stared at the Great Emperor¡¯s statue and drew in a deep breath. He then lowered his head slightly to show his respect from afar. After that, he asked Princess Anhai a question he hadn¡¯t known the answer to for a long time.


    ¡°What cultivation level is the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether at?¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing spoke, everyone in the surroundings listened attentively. The captain also put on a curious expression. Only Zi Xuan kept looking at the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    Anhai fell silent. After a long time, she spoke softly.


    ¡°The cultivation of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether is an enigma. However, there was a record of the Ancient Sovereign in the imperial family¡¯s records.¡±


    ¡°At the end of the chaotic era, the sovereign came from the south, stepping into the Yinghuang Province. The earth undulated, and the heavens bestowed their blessings, declaring him as Quasi Immortal. For the next three thousand years, the human race prospered, and myriad tribes came to pay homage. The Great Emperors bowed, honoring him as Summer Immortal.¡±


    ¡°Summer Immortal!¡± Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. At the side, Zi Xuan suddenly spoke.


    ¡°He is the last¡­ Summer Immortal in the myriad races in the countless years of Wanggu.¡±


    Zi Xuan¡¯s words caused everyone to cast sidelong glances at her. Princess Anhai also looked at Zi Xuan, puzzled.


    Zi Xuan closed her eyes and didn¡¯t speak again.


    Everyone fell silent.


    Xu Qing had long noticed the reminiscence on Zi Xuan¡¯s face. He didn¡¯t continue asking and walked toward the imperial city in front of him.


    As the group got closer, the statue of the Sword Holding Emperor in front of them became clearer.


    The black towers that were separated by the statues also shone with a dim light. Layers of invisible array formations and restrictions spread out from each black tower and connected together, enveloping the entire Inner Ring Imperial City.


    At the same time, numerous divine senses and gazes spread out from many areas and forces in the Imperial Capital, locking onto Xu Qing¡¯s group.


    Some of these divine senses were filled with vigilance, some contained complexity, some were filled with curiosity, some were filled with hostility, and some were probing¡­


    Although Xu Qing had never been to the Imperial Capital, his name had long spread throughout the Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    The ruler of a large region with many Soul Accumulation cultivators behind him, as well as the lord of the Black Heaven Race¡¯s priests. He had participated in the killing of the god, and King Tian Lan had died because of him¡­


    All of this made it very difficult for the various dignitaries, princes, and princesses in the Imperial Capital¡¯s vortex not to take him seriously. Hence, from the moment Xu Qing stepped onto the teleportation array, the information about him and his past had long been studied in detail.


    Today, he had arrived.


    In front of the Inner Ring Imperial City, Xu Qing and the others gradually stopped in the void.


    Standing there, Xu Qing looked at the Imperial City in front of him. He could sense the terrifying power emitted by the array formation. It contained endless pressure and gave off a feeling of probing.


    As long as he walked into the array formation, all the secrets in his body and even the things in his storage bag would have no choice but to be revealed in this exact array formation.


    Under normal circumstances, unless over there was a special period, it was impossible with regards to there to be such a strict examination. After all, there were many people coming and going to the Imperial City and there were many people with secrets.


    Xu Qing frowned and looked toward Anhai.


    Princess Anhai¡¯s brows furrowed as she took out a jade slip. After transmitting her voice, her expression turned somewhat ugly.


    ¡°A few days ago, a spy from another race suddenly appeared and activated the Imperial City¡¯s array formation, causing the array formation to automatically switch from its usual state to its probing state¡­¡±


    ¡°Someone borrowed the principles of the array formation and used this exact method where no one could find any flaws to probe us. Interesting. The people in the Imperial City happened to be indeed in the role of cunning as monkeys. Their methods are sinister.¡±


    The captain swayed his very own body and walked to Xu Qing¡¯s side.

 Chapter 1152 - 1152 A Moment of Historic Significance

    1152 A Moment of Historic Significance


    When Xu Qing and the others arrived, the Imperial City¡¯s array formation was activated into a probing state. Although there was an element of coincidence in this matter, there was a greater possibility that it was as Erniu had said. This was deliberately done by others.


    This was indeed the case.


    When Xu Qing and the others stopped outside the Imperial City¡¯s array formation, in the inner-ring Imperial City, someone was sneering in a hidden place. At the same time, even more forces in the Imperial City were watching.


    To them, Xu Qing and the others from Fenghai County were strangers with astonishing backgrounds. However, their understanding came mostly from records and intel.


    They had never really come into contact with Xu Qing.


    In this complicated Imperial City, one wouldn¡¯t easily come into contact with strangers.


    Hence, observing was the choice of the vast majority of forces in the Imperial Capital.


    They were also willing to see others make a move to investigate, allowing them to make a judgment about their future actions.


    After all, this world wasn¡¯t a black-and-white world. One¡¯s standpoint and interests would determine the direction of one¡¯s actions. The identities of friends and enemies would switch with the mask in one¡¯s heart.


    The process of switching was sometimes instantaneous and sometimes slow. Everything was based on demand.


    It was the same for the human race and the other races. This was a manifestation of the complexity of human nature and also a natural element of a society.


    Under the gazes of everyone, Erniu, who was outside the array formation, revealed a smile and turned to look at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother, what do you think?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He looked at the array formation in front of him and spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°Since someone wants to see it, let him see it.¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing walked toward the array formation in front of him.


    He was very confident in his purple crystal. Regardless of whether it was the Ancient Aura Emperor or Crimson Goddess, they had never sensed the purple crystal in his body, let alone this array formation.


    Other than the purple crystal, Xu Qing had nothing to hide.


    As he walked over, the moment his body stepped into the range of the array formation, the array formation stirred, enveloping his figure. The probing¡­ began.


    As soon as this probing power acted up, the array formation instantly rippled and a resplendent blue light appeared, enveloping the surroundings.


    Blue represented a certain increase in the level of the array formation.


    Xu Qing could sense that the changes in the array formation came from his god¡¯s body. Clearly, his body had stimulated the array formation quite a bit.


    In the Imperial Capital, the various forces watching here fell into deep thought. At the next instant, their hearts stirred slightly.


    This was because as Xu Qing moved forward and the probing intensified, the color of the array formation that enveloped the Imperial City changed again, from blue to yellow.


    The array formation buzzed and strengthened again!


    Xu Qing could sense the source for this change. It was caused by his divine repository. Behind him, his divine repository was also manifesting amidst the distortion of the array formation.


    If that was all, it would actually be fine. Although the yellow light from the array formation didn¡¯t appear much, it was still acceptable to the influential people and various parties in the Imperial City.


    However, in the blink of an eye, their thoughts changed. A sphere hanging on Xu Qing¡¯s waist seemed to have been stimulated by the probing of the array formation and actually floated up on its own.


    Dazzling light!


    As it floated and the light erupted, it immediately caused the array formation in the Imperial City to emit a sharp rumbling sound. It was filled with urgency and echoed in all directions. At the same time, it also instantly raised the spirits of the spectators.


    The color of the array formation changed from yellow to orange!


    That was an intense warning that represented danger!


    At the side, Princess Anhai¡¯s expression was also changing. Her mind churned as she looked at Xu Qing who had walked into the array formation.


    ¡°He indeed possesses the Sun of Dawn!¡±


    However, things weren¡¯t over yet. Xu Qing took another step forward and the flesh of Crimson Goddess shone with a scarlet blood light from his divine repositories and storage bag.


    This blood light shook the heavens and the earth. The god¡¯s aura enveloped the world and affected the array formation, causing it to completely erupt at this moment. As it churned intensely, all the black towers trembled and the light of the array formation completely turned red!


    Red alert!


    At this moment, the various forces in the Imperial City were all solemn. As for the hidden person who had arranged all of this behind the scenes, he was also solemn.


    ¡°Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh!¡±


    ¡°Rumor has it that he was only helping. It¡¯s nonsense for him to participate. From the looks of it now, that¡¯s clearly not the case!¡±


    ¡°Not only did he participate in the killing of Crimson Goddess, but he also obtained Her flesh and blood!¡±


    While all sides were shaken, the flesh and blood of Crimson Goddess and the ancient sun were stimulated at the same time, causing a certain degree of fusion between them.


    This wasn¡¯t as simple as one plus one¡­


    Hence, in the blink of an eye, the color of the Imperial City¡¯s array formation directly changed from red to black!!


    The entire Imperial City was trembling. The defense from the core of the human race was also fully activated at this moment. There was even an ancient bell that rang in the Imperial City.


    Dong¡­ dong¡­ dong¡­


    The bell chimes rang out, echoing through the world at an increasing speed. At this moment, the expressions of the various forces in the Imperial City changed.


    There were also terrifying auras that erupted in the Imperial City and locked onto this place.


    The captain was also shocked. Everyone from Fenghai County had solemn expressions and killing intent erupted. Li Yunshan¡¯s eyes revealed a cold glint, and Zi Xuan¡¯s eyes flashed with a dark light as she looked at the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    At this moment, the clouds and fog on the Ancient Sovereign Planet showed signs of accelerating.


    Seeing that a calamity was about to erupt, the captain suddenly spoke loudly.


    ¡°The Region Lord of my Holy Wave Large Region came here to answer the Emperor¡¯s summon. You guys used an array formation to humiliate him and even forced the Region Lord to show his foundations. What is the meaning of this?!¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to cause a conflict between the Holy Wave and the Grand Imperial Capital Region, and cause our human race to split? This matter¡­ your intentions are unforgivable !¡±


    The expressions of the hidden person behind this matter changed drastically. They indeed wanted to investigate Xu Qing but the results of their investigation made them realize that this matter was too big!


    It was so huge that they couldn¡¯t withstand it.


    They only wanted to take Xu Qing down a notch, and didn¡¯t want to start a storm here.


    However, the development of the situation instantly reached such a level that it was almost out of control. They couldn¡¯t afford to pay this price.


    The black warning was a crisis that was close to the limit.


    Moreover, everyone could tell that the danger on Xu Qing¡¯s body was formed from the stimulation of the array formation and he didn¡¯t take the initiative to release it.


    Hence, at the next instant, their actions were immediately stopped and reprimanded in various ways. There was also the interference of the Observance Palace, who was in charge of array formations, causing the fluctuations of the Imperial City¡¯s array formation to lower its level and reduce the stimulation.


    This process was completed very quickly. A few breaths later, the array formation that enveloped Xu Qing returned to its normal state and no longer probed. It became gentler.


    As for the captain, Li Yunshan, and Zi Xuan, they quickly approached Xu Qing, who was standing there with his eyes closed. They performed hand seals around him and assisted in the suppression.


    Under the close attention of the various forces, Xu Qing opened his eyes a while later.


    The fusion of Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh with the ancient sun was finally stopped.


    The captain took a deep breath and looked at Xu Qing. He smiled bitterly. He couldn¡¯t tell if Xu Qing had really meant to fuse them earlier or if he was deliberately scaring them.


    However, no matter what, he could sense this madness. The various forces in the Grand Imperial Capital Region¡­ could also sense it.


    Zi Xuan didn¡¯t say anything else and helped Xu Qing tidy his clothes. She looked into Xu Qing¡¯s eyes with a gentle expression that also contained determination.


    Xu Qing smiled and nodded at Zi Xuan. He then glanced at the captain and winked. After that, he walked forward.


    The gentle array formation spread out a barrier in front of him, allowing Xu Qing and everyone from Fenghai County to successfully enter the array formation. The moment he stepped on the ground of the Imperial City, Xu Qing looked ahead.


    In front of him was a white jade path.


    There were more than a thousand such avenues in the inner ring. They were like beams of light emitted by the sun, shining brightly and connecting to the city.


    In the distant city area, numerous buildings with red roofs and white bricks could be seen. Whether large or small, they exuded a sense of grandeur despite their age. The overall architectural style gave a feeling of magnificence.


    Nestled among them were pentagonal loft buildings with three stories, each possessing unique characteristics.


    The details were beautiful and elegant, complementing the solemn and dignified style. Spread across this circular land, they formed the first magnificent city of the human race.


    Within the city, there was a building that, although distant, remained prominent. It was an octagonal tower, constructed entirely of white wood, soaring into the sky like the Temple of Heaven. Its height even surpassed some of the statues at the edge of the land.


    At the top, within the clouds where mist lingered, one could faintly discern what seemed to be a pavilion, surrounded by flying dragon and beast sculptures, creating an aura of auspiciousness.


    ¡°That is the Star-Picking Tower where the State Preceptor resides.¡±


    ¡°The State Preceptor is a mysterious person. Usually, other than when Father summons him, he doesn¡¯t see anyone. Even I have only seen his back view.¡±


    Princess Anhai took a deep breath and managed her emotions. She then came to Xu Qing¡¯s side and noticed his gaze.


    Xu Qing stared at Star-Picking Tower and nodded.


    ¡°In the Imperial City, outside the Imperial Palace, there are still ten palaces, which are the Upper Mystic Five Palaces and the Lower Mystic Five Palaces.¡±


    ¡°This is an ancient system. Generally speaking, the Upper Mystic Five Palaces in the enclave only have Sword Holding, Law, and Observance Palaces. In the Imperial Capital, there are also Special Command Palaces that are in charge of diplomacy and special matters. The last one is the Creation Palace that specializes in studying immortal arts and gods.¡±


    ¡°The Upper Mystic Five Palaces are the pillars of our human race. They support the dignity of the human race to the outside world.¡±


    ¡°As for the Lower Mystic Five Palaces, most of them focus on internal affairs. They are the Spirit Governance Palace, Peacekeeping Palace, Administrative Palace, Reformation Palace, and the Myriad People Palace.¡±


    As Princess Anhai introduced, Xu Qing retracted his gaze from Star-Picking Tower and looked into the distance.


    At the end of the municipality ahead, one could see a path paved with a rainbow. It was majestic and astonishing, spanning through the air, crossing the inner ring, traversing the void, leading to the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    At the end of this path, close to the Ancient Sovereign Planet, there was a vast palace on the rainbow.


    This palace seemed to be floating in the void and gazed majestic. Its entire body shone with a golden glow, revealing intricately carved beams and painted rafters. Inside, there are splendid pavilions and palaces, with various large halls rising and falling, resembling a vast array.


    From afar, it looked like the gate of the Ancient Sovereign Planet!


    Because the distance was very far and the aura of the Ancient Sovereign Planet was too majestic, the aura of the castle was fused together by the Ancient Sovereign Planet and it was difficult to highlight it. However, it also borrowed the momentum and gazed astonishing.


    The instant Princess Anhai introduced it and Xu Qing gazed at the palace, a gaze landed on Xu Qing.


    After that, the gaze shifted to Zi Xuan.


    After a long time, the gaze was retracted.


    At the same time, in the tall Star-Picking Tower in the capital, the State Preceptor, who wore a purple robe and had shoulder-


    length purple hair, was standing there, allowing the wind to blow his clothes.


    His expression was gentle as he gazed down at the ground. The corners of his mouth curled up into a faint smile.


    ¡°Brother, you¡¯re finally here.¡±


    At the same time, within the capital city, there was an extravagantly luxurious area, resplendent in gold and jade, where the sound of birds and laughter could be heard. In a profound corner of this place, inside a shrine, there was an altar dedicated to a god.


    There was a clay fox inside¡­


    At that moment, the clay fox swayed slightly and sniffed gently.


    ¡°Stinky brother¡¯s yang essence¡­¡±

 Chapter 1153 - 1153 Borrowed Things Should Be Returned

    1153 Borrowed Things Should Be Returned


    In the inner ring of the Ancient Sovereign Planet, outside the human capital, at the end of the white jade avenue, Li Yunshan and the 30,000 Sword Holders didn¡¯t enter the city.


    Even though their numbers were insignificant compared to the Imperial City, they would inevitably be called audacious if they entered.


    Li Yunshan understood this very well. Hence, after escorting Xu Qing to the end of the white jade avenue, he brought the Sword Holders and set up camp at the side. He only arranged for Kong Xianglong to bring 100 Sword Holders and follow behind Xu Qing to enter the capital city with Princess Anhai.


    Due to the fluctuations of the array formation earlier, the originally bustling crowd in the city was much more empty now.


    Even though the danger of the array formation had been resolved, the number of pedestrians still decreased sharply compared to before.


    However, even so, it was still livelier than the capital city in Fenghai County. Moreover, the level of liveliness became increasingly intense as time passed.


    At that moment, Princess Anhai spoke as she led Xu Qing and the others through the city.


    ¡°Xu Qing, in the Imperial Capital, other than the Upper Mystic Five Palaces and the Lower Mystic Five Palaces, there are other forces that require careful consideration.¡±


    ¡°For example, the 33 Heavenly Kings who have now become 32.¡±


    Princess Anhai paused for a moment.


    ¡°Other than that, there are also high-ranking officials in the court, such as the Chancellor, Government Minister, Grand Marshal, the 108 Heavenly Marquises, and the prince¡¯s mansions.¡±


    ¡°All the princes have the qualifications to establish their own mansion, but they are only restricted to the capital city.¡±


    ¡°After that are the ten super sects of our human race. These sects have extremely deep foundations. Some of them can even be traced back to the ancient sovereign¡¯s era.¡±


    When the captain heard this, he blinked and looked at Princess Anhai.


    ¡°I heard that there¡¯s a very famous sect called¡­ Summer Immortal Palace?¡±


    This name caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to skip a beat. He also looked at Princess Anhai.


    There was also Ning Yan. Although he had some understanding of these things, he clearly didn¡¯t know as much as Anhai. Hence, he also pricked up his ears to listen. Wu Jianwu was even more energized. As long as it was related to Mystic Nether, he would be obsessed with it.


    Kong Xianglong wasn¡¯t interested in these. He adhered to his duty and guarded Xu Qing, paying attention to the surroundings.


    Princess Anhai nodded and continued to introduce.


    ¡°These ten super sects are¡­ the Star Emperor Supreme Sect founded by the Starry Sky Great Emperor, the Divine Harvest Vast Cosmos Sect originated from the Heavenly King Yuling, the Ghost Fiend Dark Sect that controls the Dao of the Netherworld, and the Supreme Moon Purple Sect of the State Preceptor¡¯s lineage.¡±


    ¡°As well as the later-established Profound Fire Nine Departures Sect, the Mortal World Forgetful Tower that has businesses in many large regions, the human race¡¯s branch of Litu Sect that similarly has terrifying influence, the True Words that worships the fragmented-face and has been searching for the divine son, and lastly, the Hidden Earth Path situated in the abyss under the Grand Imperial Capital Region and has a special mission.¡±


    Princess Anhai¡¯s words contained a lot of information. It was as though every sect had something special about them. For example, Xu Qing had long known that the Litu Sect was a super sect with forces spread throughout the entire Wanggu Continent.


    Its doctrine was to leave Wanggu and pursue the holy land. Every race had its branch and its main sect was mysterious. Xu Qing knew that its leader was called the Great Fate Arbiter.


    There was also the Hidden Earth Path. Princess Anhai didn¡¯t know about its mission because she didn¡¯t understand Brilliant Heaven. However, when Xu Qing heard this, he immediately had a guess.


    The mission of the sect that lived in the abyss was no different from¡­ guarding the gate.


    As for the True Words, Xu Qing knew of it back in the Nanhuang Continent. It was very mysterious and Xu Qing hadn¡¯t come into contact with them.


    Only now did he know that the other party was actually one of the super forces in the Imperial City.


    ¡°The True Words worship the fragmented-face?¡± Xu Qing looked at Anhai with doubt.


    Princess Anhai sighed softly.


    ¡°Some revere it, some detest it, and naturally, there is worship. This True Words is such an organization. Similar to the Litu Sect, it exists among various races.¡±


    ¡°As for their doctrine, it¡¯s to find the divine son¡­ They think that those who can survive under the gaze of the fragmented-face are favored by the god and have the potential to become the divine son. Hence, they search the entire Wanggu Continent for such a person.¡±


    ¡°I even heard that they think that there must be a lifeform that endured the gaze of the fragmented-face many times and didn¡¯t die. Such a person isn¡¯t blessed by the god but the divine son they are searching for.¡±


    ¡°After they are found, as long as they are eaten and sacrificed, they will be able to obtain divine power.¡±


    Princess Anhai¡¯s words caused Xu Qing to fall silent.


    ¡°The last one is the Summer Immortal Palace you mentioned earlier.¡±


    ¡°This palace is extremely special. Legend has it that this Summer Immortal Palace was the first sect to appear among the living beings of the Wanggu Continent. Moreover, the Summer Immortal Palace did not originally consist only of the human race.¡±


    ¡°Later, the Summer Immortal Palace split up, and it exists within many large races.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s even rumored that before the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era, the Summer Immortal Palace had a connection to the Heavenly Dao, to some extent surpassing imperial authority. The reason why the former Ancient Spirit Emperor wanted to replace the Heavenly Dao was also related to the hostility with this palace.¡±


    ¡°That was until the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether unified Wanggu after the Ancient Spirit Emperor and abolished the system of the Summer Immortal Palace. The imperial power was greater than everything and there was an agreement with the Summer Immortal Palaces of various races.¡±


    ¡°After that, the Summer Immortal Palace closed its doors all year round, avoiding extensive contact with the outside world. Every thousand years, one disciple would emerge, refraining from getting involved in conflicts and only choosing to record the thousand-year history of their respective races.¡±


    ¡°Even now, the Summer Immortal Palace is the same. They abide by their agreement with the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.¡±


    As she spoke, everyone passed by the octagonal tower that was built from white wood and towered into the clouds like a heavenly temple.


    The surroundings of the tall tower were surrounded by white walls. The void fluctuations in the surroundings prevented anyone from approaching.


    ¡°The State Preceptor, from the Supreme Moon Purple Sect, spends most of the year in Star-Picking Tower. Even many of the kings and ministers have never seen him before. Only Father and the fourth prince have seen his face.¡±


    ¡°The fourth prince is the State Preceptor¡¯s disciple.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s said that the State Preceptor has heaven-defying abilities and astonishing wisdom.¡±


    Princess Anhai lifted her head and looked at the clouds. There was fog lingering there and one could vaguely see a pavilion. Dragons were dancing around it and it was filled with auspicious signs.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and he nodded slightly. Princess Anhai had accompanied him all the way here and also introduced all the forces in the Imperial City to him, showing her sincerity.


    At that moment, she turned toward Xu Qing¡¯s side.


    ¡°Young Master, I have to return to the palace. The situation in the Imperial Capital is changing and the hearts of the people are complicated. I hope the Young Master can open your eyes and carefully discern the situation.¡±


    After Anhai finished speaking, she bowed. Xu Qing returned the greeting. He had sensed Princess Anhai¡¯s intention to befriend him on the way. Since she had expressed goodwill to him, he naturally had to respond.


    ¡°I also hope that everything turns out fine for the princess. In the future, if there¡¯s anything you need from me in the Imperial Capital, please notify me.¡±


    Anhai smiled and turned to leave.


    Looking at Princess Anhai¡¯s back view, Ning Yan blinked. Just as he was about to say something, he glanced at Zi Xuan and chose to keep quiet.


    However, his actions were seen by Zi Xuan. Hence, Zi Xuan calmly spoke.


    ¡°Ning Yan, let¡¯s go to your residence.¡±


    Ning Yan hurriedly nodded and led the way, walking toward his residence in the Imperial City.


    As princes, they would stay outside when they reached adulthood. Every one of them had their own residence in the capital city. Ning Yan¡¯s residence was located in the northern part of the capital city. This place was slightly remote compared to other places.


    However, from another perspective, this place was very quiet.


    Especially the mansion, it covered quite a large area with three layers inside and out. Outside, there was a lake like a mirror, forming a complete ensemble with the mansion. Both the scenery and the atmosphere exuded a distinctive style.


    And the style leaned towards elegance and delicacy. Some bells hung in the corner towers of the mansion. When the wind blew, creating ripples on the lake, it not only sent a chill but also echoed a crisp sound in all directions.


    Looking at this place, Zi Xuan¡¯s eyes revealed satisfaction and admiration.


    Xu Qing could also tell that this building was different from the other buildings he had seen on the way. The captain at the side also praised.


    ¡°The wind blows, the water moves, and the sound rises with the heart, penetrating the spirit. It has a unique charm. Generally speaking, there must be treasures nurtured in a place like this.¡±


    As he spoke, he instinctively looked at the lake and licked his lips.


    ¡°My mother built this for us when she was alive.¡±


    Ning Yan looked at this residence and revealed a melancholic expression as he spoke softly.


    After that, he led the way and didn¡¯t fly. Instead, he directly walked to the lake.


    The moment his footsteps landed on the surface of the water, a rainbow koi with long whiskers jumped up from the water. When the sunlight landed on the koi¡¯s body, it emitted colorful light, and splashed up some water droplets. It was very beautiful.


    On the surface of the water in front of them, such koi fish came one after another. They seemed to have intelligence and recognized their master. They continued to leap up from the surface of the water, guiding Xu Qing and the others all the way to the lakeshore.


    Unfortunately, the moment they stepped onto the shore and emerged at the entrance of the residence, the feeling of artistic conception dissipated a little due to the dilapidation of the mansion.


    This mansion gazed fine from afar. Up close, because no one lived here all year round, as time passed, the aura of decay assaulted their senses.


    The red door appeared weathered with patches, and rust covered the bells. Pushing open the gate revealed a courtyard overgrown with weeds, creating a desolate atmosphere.


    Looking at this, Ning Yan felt bitter. He forced a smile and gazed at Xu Qing and the captain.


    ¡°Welcome to my home.¡±


    Xu Qing patted Ning Yan¡¯s shoulder while the captain waved his hand.


    ¡°Little Ning, your house isn¡¯t bad. Come, come, come, let¡¯s clean it together. I believe this place is a treasure land with good feng shui. According to my deductions, this place is clearly a hidden dragon layout. This means that your future isn¡¯t simple.¡±


    Ning Yan was touched. He nodded heavily and cleaned this residence with everyone.


    Not long later, the entire residence was cleaned up by Xu Qing and the others. Kong Xianglong carried the Sword Holders along and inspected the surroundings very carefully.


    However, on Ning Yan¡¯s side, after checking all the buildings, his expression was a little depressed as he stood there in a daze.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing went over and asked.


    Ning Yan hesitated, but in the end, he still whispered the reason.


    ¡°There are a few things missing. They are the belongings my mother departed behind. I left in a hurry back then and couldn¡¯t bring those items with me, so I left them at home.¡±


    ¡°They are gone now. I dispatched a voice transmission to Third Sister to ask. She helped me investigate. The Tenth Prince took them away privately.¡±


    ¡°The tenth prince¡¯s maternal clan has the current First Heavenly King of the human race, King Zhen Yan. As for Old Tenth, he has a domineering personality and isn¡¯t liked by King Zhen Yan. However, very few people dare to provoke him.¡±


    ¡°Since he took them away, it¡¯ll be very difficult to get them back.¡±


    Ning Yan spoke bitterly.


    When Xu Qing listened this, he fell silent for a while before turning to look at Kong Xianglong.


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s eyes gleamed as he gazed at Xu Qing. He knew what Xu Qing was thinking.


    ¡°Brother Kong, get someone to send a jade slip to the Tenth Prince¡¯s Mansion and tell him to return the things they borrowed in a day.¡±

 Chapter 1154 - 1154 The Revival of the Great Emperor

    1154 The Revival of the Great Emperor


    Every move of Xu Qing and the others was being watched at all times in this capital with a complex power structure.


    Everyone was observing.


    From the moment they stepped into the Grand Imperial Capital Region, such observations had been carried out. This was even more so in the Imperial City.


    Hence, after Kong Xianglong arranged for a Sword Holder to go out, many gazes immediately locked onto this matter. It was only when they noticed that the Sword Holder had gone to the Tenth Prince¡¯s residence that most of the people in the Imperial City knew the reason through various clues and channels.


    Some valuable items had been lost from the Twelfth Prince¡¯s mansion, taken without notice by the Tenth Prince.


    The Tenth Prince¡¯s domineering personality was also one of the reasons why the First Heavenly King didn¡¯t like him. With this personality, there was a high chance that he would choose to ignore the message token sent by the Sword Holder of Fenghai County.


    ¡°Interesting. Let¡¯s see how Xu Qing deals with it.¡±


    ¡°He just arrived in the Imperial City. Will he choose to keep a low profile or will he choose to be high-profile? We can see his style of doing things from this.¡±


    ¡°However, although the Tenth Prince isn¡¯t liked by the First Heavenly King, he¡¯s not an outsider after all. This matter is going to be interesting.¡±


    Most of the various forces and departments in the Imperial Capital chose to wait and see. Towards unknown and unfamiliar existences, their actions were instinctive and relatively the correct thing to do.


    Xu Qing had already sensed this the moment he entered the capital. As everyone settled down, it was still early and Xu Qing chose to head out.


    As he walked on the streets of the capital, Xu Qing could sense the attention from all directions. Regardless of whether it was the spy in the crowd or the envelopment of the divine sense, everything he did in the capital was transparent.


    Regarding this, Xu Qing could understand the reason and also understood that it was inevitable. At that moment, his expression was as usual and there were no changes.


    As for the message token that he got someone to send to the Tenth Prince, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care much about the outcome. This was because the moment he sent it, he had already thought of the outcome.


    If the items were returned, it would naturally be best. If they weren¡¯t¡­


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes turned cold. He chose to be high-profile.


    This was the experience he had gained after experiencing the misery of the human world when he was young. It was just like how he had killed someone with ulterior motives in the slums when he was young and hung his head at the door.


    He was a wolf.


    The wolf was patient and ruthless. It would display its prowess according to different occasions and timings. According to Xu Qing¡¯s experience, many times when he was new at some place, it was easier to end disputes by being high-profile than by keeping a low profile.


    This was also the reason why he didn¡¯t stop Big Circle in the array formation earlier.


    Hence, Xu Qing chose to ignore those spies who were observing him and were now following him. He calmly walked on the streets and looked at the unfamiliar capital city. He then looked at the number one city of the human race and engraved it in his mind.


    Zi Xuan and the captain also went out of Ning Yan¡¯s residence. However, they weren¡¯t with Xu Qing.


    Before Zi Xuan left, she glanced at Xu Qing. Xu Qing understood that Zi Xuan wanted to sense the lantern in the Imperial City and Zi Xuan¡¯s personality was completely different from Ling¡¯er¡¯s.


    If Ling¡¯er was here, she would definitely follow him at all times. However, Zi Xuan was different. She had her own matters and thoughts.


    As for the captain, his shifty eyes before he left had already revealed everything. Xu Qing didn¡¯t need to guess to know that the other party must have gone to investigate what treasures there were in the Imperial City.


    Or he was going to go see the places where he put things in his previous lives.


    Xu Qing shook his head. Under the afternoon sun, he walked past many buildings and streets, arranging everything in the surroundings in his mind and searching for a way to leave in the future.


    This was an instinctive action of him in any unfamiliar place.


    Wariness and vigilance existed on his body. It didn¡¯t decrease because of the increase in his status.


    However, it wasn¡¯t displayed openly but was achieved by truly embodying the teachings he received during his stay in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Appear relaxed outside, but focused inside, with thoughts hidden.


    From the outside, everything was calm.


    At the same time, he was also thinking about the situation in the Imperial City that Princess Anhai had told him about. It wasn¡¯t just those influential people but also the descendants of the Human Emperor.


    Coupled with Ning Yan¡¯s introduction on the way, Xu Qing had his own measurement in mind.


    ¡°Three princesses and twelve princes.¡±


    ¡°The eldest princess and the second princess are married to foreign races¡­ They aren¡¯t in the Imperial Capital.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    To a certain extent, the 15 princes and princesses of the Human Emperor were one of the origins of the capital¡¯s forces. Many of them were inextricably linked to these imperial descendants.


    ¡°In the Imperial City, the only princess left is Anhai. She has the qualifications to open a mansion but she didn¡¯t make such a choice. Instead, she followed the Human Emperor. The power behind her isn¡¯t small. The ancestor of her maternal clan is the second Heavenly King of the human race, King Dong Ding.¡±


    ¡°He is the commander in the ongoing war with the Black Heaven Race.¡±


    ¡°After the princesses are the princes¡­¡±


    Xu Qing looked in the direction of the Black Heaven Race and fell into deep thought.


    ¡°The Eldest Prince is good at fighting and is brave, but he is a crude person. Moreover, his mother¡¯s race is the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, so his status in the Imperial City is very awkward. He has tasted jealousy, suspicion, and even the Human Emperor doesn¡¯t seem to like him. Therefore, despite being a capable warrior, he hasn¡¯t been assigned to the battlefield and has always been kept in the Imperial City.¡±


    ¡°The Second Prince is low-key, humble, and gentle. His maternal grandfather is the current Grand Chancellor, who, many years ago, wholeheartedly assisted Human Emperor Mystic War in ascending the throne. Despite not having produced any Heavenly Kings in the clan, the prestige of the Grand Chancellor¡¯s family is widespread in the Imperial Capital.¡±


    ¡°The Third Prince is exceptionally talented, well-versed in all kinds of knowledge. In his mansion, there are many guest officials from all directions, including individuals from various races, each with their own talents. Additionally, the Third Prince serves as the deputy head of the Imperial Academy.¡±


    ¡°The Fourth Prince is refined and gentle, amiable, and always ready to help. His siblings all speak highly of him. His maternal clan is ordinary, but he has gained the approval of the Supreme Moon Purple Sect, and he is even apprenticed to the State Preceptor.¡±


    Xu Qing pondered inwardly. His gaze then landed on the distant Star-Picking Tower.


    Xu Qing lacked understanding of the mysterious State Preceptor, so it wasn¡¯t easy for him to judge.


    ¡°The Fifth Prince¡­ shares the same mother with the Seventh Prince. He is second only to the First Prince in terms of martial prowess among all the princes. Brave and skilled in battle, he has garnered the attention of the Imperial Father. He is apprenticed to the First Heavenly King. Alongside the First Heavenly King, he has spent a considerable amount of time stationed at the borders of the Flame Moon, rarely returning to the court.¡±


    ¡°Because of the Seventh Prince¡¯s matter, this person should be a potential enemy.¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and continued to analyze.


    ¡°As for the Sixth Prince, whether it¡¯s Ning Yan or Anhai, they both say he is naturally charming, but he doesn¡¯t oppress the kind-hearted. His mansion is filled with women, each one infatuated with him. Anhai even mentioned rumors that even the female Heavenly King, King Yuelan, seems to have an ambiguous relationship with him.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also the Seventh Prince¡­ Because of the death of King Tian Lan, he rarely went out after returning to the capital.¡±


    Xu Qing sneered.


    ¡°The Eighth Prince is known as the wealthiest among the princes. His maternal clan is the richest merchant family in the human race, providing support to various factions and possessing wealth that can rival a nation.¡±


    ¡°The Ninth Prince, gifted with intelligence, is indifferent to external affairs. He is completely immersed in creation. The Human Emperor sent him to the Creation Palace, where his main responsibility is¡­ the Sun of Dawn!¡±


    As for the Tenth Prince, Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts spun. However, his focus was on the eleventh and twelfth.


    The Eleventh Prince and Ning Yan were biological brothers. However, the Eleventh Prince passed away, leaving only Ning Yan alive in the entire mansion.


    The source of all this was his mother.


    That was a taboo in the Imperial City.


    On the way, when Princess Anhai said this, she had informed him with voice transmission, not letting Ning Yan hear her.


    ¡°Ning Yan¡¯s mother is a mortal!¡±


    ¡°She had no aptitude for cultivation, but her talent and beauty were extraordinary. She was the beloved of the Imperial Father. After her death, her portrait remained in the palace. Whenever the Imperial Father gazed upon it, a sorrowful expression would cross his face. Since then, he had no more descendants and didn¡¯t attend to any consorts or companions.¡±


    ¡°Her death also became an unsolved case. Even I don¡¯t know the details.¡±


    These were Princess Anhai¡¯s words.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes flashed. On his way here, he had long sensed that the source of the story about Ning Yan was his mother.


    As for the matter about his mother, it probably involved many aspects and there must be secrets hidden.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing rubbed his forehead and looked at the sky. At that moment, the sun was gradually turning red and starting to set. Unknowingly, he had been walking in the city for four hours and had even gone through several teleportation arrays.


    As the information about the princes flashed through his mind, he had a preliminary outline of everyone in his mind. However, he was well aware that there were some things that couldn¡¯t be seen on the surface.


    After all, everyone had a mask. It came from attitude and was a manifestation of one¡¯s heart.


    Xu Qing instinctively touched his face.


    ¡°I have one too, right?¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and stared at the sky.


    The setting sun today was exceptionally red, illuminating the clouds with multicolored light.


    It was beautiful but at the same time, it also revealed a hint of blood. This reminded Xu Qing of the day when he saw the tragedy in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    Xu Qing fell silent. His gaze landed on the huge statue in front of him.


    Unknowingly, he had already walked to the east of the city, in front of the rainbow path, and under the statue of the Sword Holding Emperor.


    Standing here, Xu Qing looked at the statue. He recalled his Heart Inquisition in the past and thought about what the other party had shown him at that time¡­ the fragmented-face¡¯s true body that surrounded the entire Wanggu Continent.


    He also thought of the words the Sword Holding Emperor had told him in the end.


    I hope that you won¡¯t change your mind no matter what.


    When Xu Qing stared at the sculpture of the Sword Holding Emperor, many obscure gazes in the crowd behind him locked onto it, transmitting everything Xu Qing saw and actions on the way to their respective affiliations.


    At the same time, wisps of divine sense spread out. Many departments also used various methods to project Xu Qing¡¯s figure on the magic artifact and pay close attention.


    After all, that is a walking Sun of Dawn.


    ¡°The target passed by Area Three and stopped in front of 19 buildings.¡±


    ¡°The target appears to be recording the route and the layout of the capital.¡±


    ¡°Target has used teleportation.¡±


    ¡°The target is standing in front of the Sword Holding Emperor¡¯s statue and staring.¡±


    ¡°The target¡­ is paying respects to the Sword Holding Emperor.¡±


    ¡°The Sword Holding Emperor¡¯s statue¡­ is shaking!!!¡±


    ¡°How is this possible? The Great Emperor¡­ appears to be about to revive!!¡±


    As this information spread, the instant the various forces found out, intense fluctuations spread out from the Imperial City.


    Countless gazes filled with surprise focused on this place.


    From afar, the Great Emperor¡¯s sculpture stood tall in the east and towered into the clouds, protecting the human race all its life. On the ground, Xu Qing, who is dressed in blue, bowed with respect.


    One big and one small seemed to be separated by time.


    An ancient voice seemed to come from the void. It carried an ancient feeling and the intent of time, echoing in the world. It is vast and astonishing, like the might of heaven.


    ¡°You¡¯re here.¡±

 Chapter 1155 - 1155 Sword Holding Emperor

    1155 Sword Holding Emperor


    As this voice resounded, the entire Imperial Capital trembled, countless buildings shook, even the formations shimmered brightly. In the sky, rainbows appeared like auspicious signs.


    The expressions of the various forces and countless experts in the city turned solemn and waves of emotions surged in their minds.


    In just a single day, Xu Qing¡¯s arrival had affected the minds of too many people.


    In the eyes of others, Xu Qing¡¯s influence was astonishing, causing the death of a Heavenly King. He controlled a large region and even formed an alliance with the Moon Offering Region. He also had the rare experience of slaughtering a god.


    Ordinary people would already be extraordinary if they could accomplish one of these things, let alone Xu Qing who had accomplished all of them.


    Moreover, his domineering entry into the array formation revealed his style of doing things. The Sun of Dawn had intimidated the observers. Soon after that, he paid his respects to the statue of the Great Emperor, and for the fourth time in countless years, the sound of awakening resounded.


    All kinds of things caused Xu Qing to be unable to avoid attracting attention.


    As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, he was also sighing with emotion inwardly. Although he didn¡¯t dare to transmit his voice to Xu Qing at this moment, the fluctuations in his heart weren¡¯t small.


    He felt that, based on the ancient texts he had read, protagonists usually didn¡¯t act in such a manner. Typically, they operated in a low-key fashion. It was usually the main antagonist, a super formidable villain from the ancient texts, who would create such a scene that shook the entire world after a triumphant return.


    He had studied such a plot before. Most of it was to highlight how terrifying the enemy was and set a target for the protagonist. After that, the author would make the protagonist defeat the villain step by step, allowing the reader to obtain the joy of a small fry defeating a big shot.


    ¡®This¡­ Master¡¯s situation is reversed¡­¡¯


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s heart trembled. He felt that the difference between what Xu Qing was showing and the ancient books he had read was huge.


    If he was already like this, there was no need to mention the others in the Imperial City who didn¡¯t understand Xu Qing.


    These Imperial Capital people who were rarely shaken since the Mystic War Calendar were shaken by Xu Qing¡¯s actions.


    Moreover, the awakening of the Sword Holding Emperor was a huge event that could be recorded in the history of the human race.


    According to the records in the ancient books, the statue of the Sword Holding Emperor had always been in a deep sleep. Only during the assessment of the various Sword Holders would there be a fragmented divine sense that would inquisition the heart.


    Before this, it had awakened three times.


    The first time was during the era of the Human Sovereign Eastern Triumph. After the human race suffered a huge defeat, the Sword Holding Palace Master, Chen Shuyan, begged the Great Emperor to awaken before he died.


    At that moment, the Sword Holding Emperor¡¯s statue awakened for the first time. It was also that revival that prevented the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race from annihilating the human race due to some karma.


    The second time was during the era of the Human Emperor Mirror Cloud. At that time, the Sword Holding Palace Master, Wang Ken, had entered the palace with his sword when Crown Prince Purple Green was surrounded by the myriad races¡­ He didn¡¯t return.


    The Sword Holding Emperor woke up that day and stared at the south before sighing.


    The third time wasn¡¯t too long ago. That was the moment the Human Emperor Mystic War ascended the throne. The Great Emperor had awakened and gazed at him with profound meaning, severity, and expectation.


    According to the records in the ancient books, the Great Emperor had sent a voice transmission to the Human Emperor back then. Other than the Human Emperor, no one knew the exact words. Outsiders could only see that after the Human Emperor fell silent for a few breaths, he bowed to the Great Emperor with a determined gaze.


    Now, it was the fourth time.


    In an instant, countless gazes and divine senses locked onto this place from all directions. This matter was like a storm that rapidly spread throughout the large region.


    Discussions and voice transmissions from all directions continued to spread.


    Xu Qing¡¯s information wasn¡¯t a secret to the various parties in the capital, and his result in the Heart Inquisition was also known.


    Hence, very soon, everyone guessed the cause and effect.


    ¡°There¡¯s a key point in Xu Qing¡¯s details. He¡¯s the first person to get a 100,000 feet long light in the Heart Inquisition since the Mystic War Calendar began! This matter might be the reason why the Great Emperor awakened!¡±


    In the palace, in the Phoenix Sun Pavilion, Princess Anhai stood by the window, gazing at the statue of the Sword Holding Emperor. All kinds of information about Xu Qing appeared in her mind. After a long time, she retracted her gaze and muttered.


    ¡°The Great Emperor awakened for him¡­ this matter seems like he is showing consideration, but why do I have a feeling as if he¡¯s been entrusted with something?¡±


    At the same time, in the Seventh Prince¡¯s residence, the Seventh Prince sat silently in the pavilion with his eyes closed. There were dozens of cultivators behind him, standing silently.


    The entire pavilion was silent. However, upon closer inspection, one could see that the hand in the Seventh Prince¡¯s sleeve was clenched tightly.


    There was also the Tenth Prince¡¯s residence. Outsiders thought that the Tenth Prince, who had always been arrogant and despotic, had a bad temper. He threw a tantrum in front of the servant, but in a place with no one around, under his brutality, there was a hint of coldness that disappeared in an instant.


    Most of the other princes also had different thoughts at this moment. As for whether their expressions were the same as their hearts, outsiders couldn¡¯t know.


    There were also some dignitaries and Heavenly Kings, such as the Grand Chancellor and the others. Their expressions were much calmer and one couldn¡¯t see many emotions. However, after most of them stared at the Sword Holding Emperor¡¯s statue, their gazes landed on the palace with deep meaning.


    When Mystic War ascended the throne, the Great Emperor had woken up.


    After so many years, Xu Qing arrived and the Great Emperor woke up once again¡­


    In the palace, in the Heavenwatch Pavilion, the Human Emperor was expressionless. He didn¡¯t look outside but stared at the chessboard in front of him. He held a white chess piece in his hand and gently placed it down.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ve already answered your question, but you haven¡¯t told me what the Sword Holding Emperor said to you when you ascended the throne back then.¡±


    On the other side of the chessboard, the State Preceptor smiled and placed the black chess piece down.


    The Human Emperor lifted his head and looked at the State Preceptor as he spoke calmly.


    ¡°The Great Emperor told me that he regrets what happened to Crown Prince Purple Green back then. If I can encounter him in my life, I have to return the skull that was taken away by the Mirror Cloud.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you receive it?¡±


    The Human Emperor spoke casually but his words contained deep meaning.


    The State Preceptor fell silent. After a while, a smile appeared on his face again.


    ¡°Having met someone like Your Majesty in this life, my life will certainly not be lonely.¡±


    The Human Emperor ignored him and picked up a white piece. Just as he was about to put it down, a vast voice echoed in the capital.


    ¡°Little friend, come to the Sword Holding Palace. I¡¯ll wait for you there.¡±


    The moment this voice rang out, the Human Emperor¡¯s hand that was holding the chess piece paused and he slowly lifted his head.


    The State Preceptor opposite him also had a strange glint in his eyes as he turned his head.


    The fluctuations in the hearts of all the living beings and experts in the capital became intense again.


    That was the voice of the Sword Holding Emperor. The meaning of the Great Emperor¡¯s rouse was different from summoning him.


    This was especially so for the Sword Holding Palace. From the Palace Master to the ordinary Sword Holders, their expressions changed.


    Under the Sword Holding Emperor¡¯s statue, Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the Great Emperor¡¯s statue. His heart was filled with endless waves. After a long time, he took a deep breath and bowed again. He then stood up and walked in the direction of the Sword Holding Palace.


    Xu Qing had seen the Sword Holding Palace on the way previously and knew its location. All the Sword Holders on patrol on the way also held their swords respectfully and led the way for Xu Qing after seeing him.


    Xu Qing was also a Sword Holder.


    Just like that, he continued forward. Two hours later, a special building was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    It was a cluster of palaces. Overall, they looked like two large swords.


    One was laid on the ground, and the other stood upright with its tip embedded in the earth.


    The range was very large, enough to accommodate millions of people. This was the headquarters of the Sword Holding Palace of the human race¡¯s Upper Mystic Five Palaces.


    When Xu Qing arrived, outside the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s headquarters, most of the Sword Holders who were stationed here were waiting outside. This generation¡¯s Sword Holding Palace¡¯s Palace Master, who was also one of the Heavenly Kings, Zhou Hengzhi, was also standing there.


    Everyone in the Sword Holding Palace, who had always strictly followed the rules, didn¡¯t dare to slack off at all.


    Among the crowd, there was another figure who had seen Xu Qing before. He was Huang Kun who had attended the Seventh Prince¡¯s banquet back then. Back then, the Seventh Prince had stated that the ancestor of the Huang Kun family was a great deacon of the Sword Holding Palace.


    At that moment, Huang Kun¡¯s heart churned. As one of the very few people in the Imperial City who had seen Xu Qing before, he felt that what happened in the Holy Wave Large Region after that was unbelievable.


    This was especially so when he saw the Great Emperor waking up and the solemnity of the entire palace. It made him sense an intense difference.


    Back then, when everyone sat together, he had a certain attitude in his heart. After all, at that time, in his opinion, Xu Qing was just a Sword Holder from a remote place. Although his identity in Fenghai County was special, it had nothing to do with him.


    As for whether he could really grow up in the future, that was unknown.


    But now¡­ He looked at his colleagues in the surroundings and sighed inwardly.


    Right now, he could only stand with countless people as he stared at the figure walking over from afar.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t notice Huang Kun. At that moment, his emotions were surging. Although he tried his best to calm himself down, out of respect for the Great Emperor, he felt like he was on a pilgrimage.


    Hence, when he saw the Sword Holding Palace and the many Sword Holders outside, Xu Qing stopped in his tracks. He removed his green robe and took out the Sword Holder¡¯s Daoist robe from his storage bag, putting it on.


    Xu Qing wore the white Daoist robe that was identical to everyone¡¯s and stood there, becoming one with everyone in the surroundings.


    The gazes from the Sword Holders became a little different. Even the Palace Master and the higher-ups of the Sword Holding Palace nodded slightly.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and walked forward. Under the glance of all the Sword Holders, he arrived in front of the palace and bowed to the Sword Holding Palace Master with a serious expression.


    ¡°At the summons of the Great Emperor, Sword Holder Xu Qing has come here for an audience.¡±


    The Sword Holding Palace Master, Zhou Hengzhi, was a middle-


    aged man. His expression was serious as he looked at Xu Qing. After a long time, he nodded.


    ¡°Go in.¡±


    With that, he raised his right hand and waved it. Immediately, the gate of the palace behind him transformed into a vortex. Sword qi lingered inside, stirring up the emperor swords of all the Sword Holders to resonate.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was serious as he walked toward the vortex. The moment he stepped into the vortex, he didn¡¯t appear at the entrance of the palace but arrived at a top-secret restricted area of the Sword Holding Palace.


    It was a cave with a simple layout. There was only an altar and on the altar sat a withered person.


    This person appeared old and withered, resembling a dried corpse, exuding a strong sense of decay. Only in the location of the heart, there was occasional movement, a faint sign of vitality.


    There were countless wounds on his body that were densely-


    packed and shocking.


    They were injuries left behind after countless years of protecting the human race.


    Every single one of them carried a divine aura. They were all injuries caused by gods.


    He was the avatar of the Sword Holding Emperor and the last Great Emperor in the history of the human race. He was also¡­ the only Great Emperor who hadn¡¯t left and was still protecting the human race!


    Looking at the Great Emperor and those injuries, the respect in Xu Qing¡¯s heart grew even more intense. He knelt on the ground and bowed.


    The Great Emperor¡¯s closed eyes slowly opened.

 Chapter 1156 - 1156 Untitled

    1156 Untitled


    The instant the Great Emperor opened his eyes, the dim cave became resplendent and colorful light enveloped everything.


    There was a cosmic shift, a transformation of all things. The cavern was veiled in this radiance, replaced by a vast expanse of stars.


    It was as though at this moment, Xu Qing was drawn outside the Wanggu Continent and appeared in the boundless starry sky. Starlight flickered in the surroundings and the galaxy in the distance seemed to be flowing.


    At the same time, countless stars appeared and rose from the galaxy, gathering together and finally forming a tall figure.


    The figure in starlight, the resplendent emperor¡¯s robe, the bright emperor¡¯s crown, and that dignified face.


    It was the Great Emperor.


    The Great Emperor outlined by the stars sat cross-legged in the starry sky. His majesty radiating throughout the universe and his influence extending towards the ancient past.


    Xu Qing was like a speck of dust in front of him.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and bowed respectfully.


    ¡°Tell me, what was the original intention of establishing the Sword Holding Palace!¡±


    A deep voice echoed in the starry sky, causing the void to wrinkle and countless stars to sway.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the Great Emperor¡¯s figure. His voice was filled with respect as he spoke.


    ¡°The Sword Holding lineage was created to bring the supreme glory to the human race, to establish eternal prosperity and peace. This was the original intention.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the mission of a Sword Holder?¡±


    The Great Emperor asked again.


    ¡°Sword Holders are the bearers of the command, protecting all living beings. Swearing to slash through calamities for the common people, they bring light to the world!¡±


    As Xu Qing¡¯s words echoed, the stars that formed the Great Emperor¡¯s figure shone with an even brighter light. That seemed to be a form of recognition, recognition that Xu Qing¡¯s words were indeed in line with the thoughts in his heart.


    ¡°What if we are obstructed by the nonhuman races?¡±


    The Great Emperor¡¯s voice echoed. These words contained a hint of sharpness.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression became even more solemn as he calmly answered.


    ¡°Slash!¡±


    ¡°What if humans are the ones who obstruct us?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate to answer.


    ¡°Slash! Sovereigns are represented by 10,000 and are superior to emperors. It means that the Sword Holding Ministry can kill anyone below the sovereign!¡±


    ¡°What kind of sovereign is this?!¡±


    The Great Emperor¡¯s figure shone and his voice was filled with killing intent, causing an endless chill to rise in the starry sky.


    Xu Qing paused and lowered his head. He needed to think about this question.


    A while later, Xu Qing lifted his head. There was a strange glint in his eyes as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°The ancient sovereign?¡±


    The Great Emperor didn¡¯t speak. Xu Qing fell silent. After a while, the Great Emperor¡¯s voice carried the vicissitudes of life as it echoed in the starry sky.


    ¡°To the Sword Holders, this sovereign is the ancient sovereign and the Human Emperor. However, to the Sword Palace, the sovereign doesn¡¯t refer to one person.¡±


    ¡°The function of the sovereign is to allow the race to continue. Hence, the meaning of the sovereign¡­ is the continuation of the race.¡±


    ¡°As the saying goes, anyone below the sovereign can be killed. To the Sword Palace, it means that anyone who affects the continuation of the race can be killed!¡±


    ¡°Even if the other party is the sovereign!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s body shook. This statement made his breathing slightly hasten. It was different from his understanding of the Sword Holders.


    At the same time, he also learned of the difference between a Sword Holder and the Sword Palace.


    The earliest Sword Holders actually came from the Sword Palace that the Great Emperor belonged to.


    ¡°However, there has to be a limit to any right. Therefore, after the Sword Palace lineage became Sword Holders, I issued a decree. After my death, there has to be a successor of the Sword Palace in any era. His responsibility is to¡­ supervise. Only the successor of the Sword Palace possesses the right I just mentioned to you.¡±


    ¡°As for the Summer Immortal Palace, other than recording history, they also have the responsibility of supervising the successors of the Sword Palace. Only then will a cycle be formed.¡±


    ¡°However, this decree has never been truly implemented.¡±


    ¡°Because my avatar still has a trace of life. Because¡­ the changes in the later generations caused me to not dare to let go¡­¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his heart stirred. He understood that the successor of the Sword Palace was the last insurance for the continuation of the human race.


    In the starry sky, the Great Emperor stared at Xu Qing but didn¡¯t continue to speak. Instead, he closed his eyes. It was as though he woke up this time to tell Xu Qing about this insurance.


    As he closed his eyes, the starry sky blurred and the stars dimmed. Everything gradually returned to the appearance of the cave. The figure of the Great Emperor slowly dissipated, turning back into that withered skeleton with a trace of life.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and bowed respectfully before slowly retreating.


    However, just as he was about to leave this world that was in the state between the cave and the starry sky, the Great Emperor, who had his eyes closed, suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Do you still remember what I said to you during the Heart Inquisition?¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and nodded.


    ¡°No matter when, my heart won¡¯t change.¡±


    The Great Emperor didn¡¯t say anything else. Everything completely reverted. Xu Qing¡¯s figure and the surrounding void dissipated together.


    The Great Emperor fell asleep again.


    The rainbows in the sky dissipated.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared outside the Sword Holding Palace. Everything before was like a dream that belonged to him alone.


    His return attracted countless gazes and divine senses.


    Most of the forces in the entire Imperial City were paying attention to Xu Qing. They didn¡¯t know what the Great Emperor had said to Xu Qing but they saw Xu Qing disappear from the Sword Holding Palace and return after about fifteen minutes.


    The Sword Holders in the surroundings all looked at Xu Qing. There was also this generation¡¯s Sword Holding Palace Master among them but he didn¡¯t ask. He only stared at Xu Qing before turning and walking back to the Sword Holding Palace.


    After he left, all the Sword Holders here followed him back to the Sword Holding Palace. However, every Sword Holder had imprinted Xu Qing¡¯s figure in their minds.


    As they left, the area outside the Sword Holding Palace became empty.


    Only Xu Qing stood there with his eyes closed. The scenes of him meeting the Great Emperor appeared in his mind and a hint of sorrow gradually rose in his heart.


    ¡°Is the Great Emperor going to die¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. He felt a sense of entrustment. He was being entrusted with the fate of the human race.


    After a long time, Xu Qing opened his eyes and cupped his fists, bowing to the Sword Holding Palace. He then left with a complicated expression.


    The night sky.


    The moon was bright and the stars were sparse. A gentle breeze blew as Xu Qing walked on the streets. His clothes fluttered in the wind and his long hair spread out.


    The wind here was different from the wind in Fenghai County.


    It wasn¡¯t that moist and was a little dry.


    When it blew on his body, it gave off an unfamiliar feeling.


    Xu Qing moved forward silently. The things that happened after he arrived at the Imperial City surfaced in his mind one after another. He needed some time to settle down.


    Just like that, after a long time, Xu Qing saw the lake outside Ning Yan¡¯s residence. Under the moonlight, this lake was like a mirror, reflecting the sky. If one looked at it for too long, they would have an illusion that the moon in the lake was more real than the moon in the sky.


    Time flowed by and the night passed.


    After Xu Qing came back to the residence, he meditated for the entire night and recalled everything that had happened today. Finally, at dawn, he lifted his head and looked in the direction of the Sword Holding Palace, sighing softly.


    As the day arrived, there was also a response from the jade token sent to the Tenth Prince¡¯s residence.


    The Tenth Prince refused and replied that this was nonsense.


    This didn¡¯t make sense.


    One had to know that Xu Qing¡¯s actions after coming to the Imperial City caused anyone with some brains to not choose to stand out at this moment and test Xu Qing¡¯s bottom line for others.


    This was especially so after the matter of the Great Emperor summoning him.


    Logically speaking, the Tenth Prince should have chosen to return the items in line with human nature unless he was a fool.


    Xu Qing shook his head. He didn¡¯t consider that the Tenth Prince was a stupid person. In that case, it was obvious that doing this was more in line with the Tenth Prince¡¯s own interests.


    ¡°This Imperial City is indeed complicated. Moreover, everyone has more than one mask.¡±


    A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He stood up and left the residence with Ning Yan, Kong Xianglong, and the others.


    As for the captain and Zi Xuan, they had gone out early in the morning.


    On the way to the Tenth Prince¡¯s residence, Ning Yan looked at Xu Qing with admiration and reverence. He naturally knew about the awakening of the Great Emperor yesterday.


    After that, he thought of the Tenth Prince¡¯s actions. He moved closer to Xu Qing and uttered in a low voice.


    ¡°Boss, the Tenth Prince is heartless. He has ordinary talents, wasn¡¯t favored by his maternal family when he was young, and even the Emperor didn¡¯t care for him. My mother took pity on him and took care of him for several years in the palace. However, as soon as my mother passed away, he immediately forgot all the kindness and turned ungrateful.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll know after we take a look.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly uttered and Ning Yan stopped talking. The group gradually arrived at the east of the city. Very soon, a luxurious mansion was reflected in their eyes.


    The mansion was resplendent, seemingly afraid that others wouldn¡¯t recognize its nobility. Even the guardian beasts outside were crafted from spirit stones. Inside, there was a lively atmosphere, as if a grand banquet was taking place.


    Laughter rang out from within, and the sound of music echoed.


    Outside the gate, there were two guards. These two guards were a little nervous about Xu Qing¡¯s arrival. The cultivation base in their bodies rose as though they were facing a great enemy.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t choose to barge in, and made the guard report his arrival. However, after waiting for a long time and seeing no response, he thought about it and walked forward.


    The two guards were about to stop him but their vision blurred. Xu Qing had already walked past them and arrived in front of the red gate. He then pushed.


    With this push, the gate rumbled and cracks rapidly spread from the place Xu Qing touched. At the next instant, they shattered.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. As for the shattered pieces, they swept into the residence and scattered on the ground. There was also a sharp sound coming from the residence. Very soon, the figures of over a hundred cultivators rushed toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°Halt!¡±


    ¡°This is the Tenth Prince¡¯s residence. How dare you be so disrespectful!¡±


    Although these hundred-odd cultivators roared angrily, for some reason, their speed was a little slow and the rushing sounds were loud. However, none of them really got close. They allowed Xu Qing and the others to walk past the courtyard and appear at the banquet venue.


    At that moment, dozens of silkpants were sitting in the banquet. There were maids everywhere and it was a scene of debauchery.


    In the middle was a youth wearing a prince¡¯s robe with a domineering expression. He cast a sidelong glance at Xu Qing and Ning Yan who were walking over and sneered.


    ¡°Get lost.¡±


    Everyone in the surroundings looked over.


    Xu Qing made his move.


    He took back the items.


    Xu Qing walked out of the gate and turned his head to take a look. His gaze was deep.


    In the prince¡¯s residence, Old Tenth unlocked his eyes in a daze. After seeing everything clearly and learning what happened from the surrounding people, he was furious.


    When everyone saw this, they hurriedly bade farewell. Old Tenth was filled with anger as he punished all the guards. After his furious roar echoed, he stormed into his bedroom with resentment in his eyes.


    The moment the door closed, no one saw that the resentment in Old Tenth¡¯s eyes disappeared and the corners of his mouth revealed a hint of emotion.


    ¡°Aunt Qing, Xinhai¡¯s ability is limited. The only thing he can do for you is to protect your belongings on behalf of the Twelfth Brother¡­ Now, the items have came back to their rightful owner.¡±


    Old Tenth muttered inwardly. When he thought of his late elders, he felt a little bitter.


    In that cold and indifferent palace, he would never forget who gave him the warmth of a mother.


    ¡°Unfortunately, I can only use this method. I can¡¯t let others see that I¡¯m nostalgic, and I¡¯ll definitely find out the cause of your death!¡±

 Chapter 1157 - 1157 Mortal World Forgetful Tower (1)

    1157 Mortal World Forgetful Tower (1)


    ¡°This Tenth Prince might not be a good-for-nothing like the outsiders think¡­¡±


    After walking out of the Tenth Prince¡¯s residence, Xu Qing recalled the scene earlier. The large gate that had shattered with a single touch, the banquet that seemed to have been intentionally prepared, and the storage bag that was taken out arrogantly.


    On the surface, it appeared as if he was being extravagant, and the Tenth Prince behaved arrogantly, but considering the outcome, every detail seemed to carry profound meaning.


    However, many times, final judgment couldn¡¯t be made based on a single event. Whether the Tenth Prince truly did it deliberately or not would depend on his subsequent actions.


    It seemed that the Tenth Prince had chosen to act in this way for a reason. He wasn¡¯t worried about being perceived negatively by people other than Xu Qing and Ning Yan because the power of words allowed him to change the intended meaning as he pleased.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. At the side, Ning Yan revealed a contemplative expression. As a prince, Ning Yan naturally wasn¡¯t a stupid person. Now that he saw some clues, he instinctively looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing nodded slightly and returned to the residence with Ning Yan.


    As for the storage bag, after returning to the residence, in the ancestral hall in the residence, Ning Yan opened it in front of Xu Qing. There was only one item inside.


    It was a painting scroll.


    It seemed to have been put into the storage bag with much difficulty. The process of taking it out was slow and required careful handling; otherwise, the storage bag might collapse, causing the scroll to be lost in the rift of space.


    As for the scroll itself, it was wrapped in special materials, and even the storage bag was custom-made. Only in this way could it be barely stored inside the storage bag.


    From this, it could be seen that the Tenth Prince was considerate. Such preparation also required a lot of energy and time to complete.


    This was also the reason why Ning Yan couldn¡¯t bring this item with him when he left in a hurry back then.


    The moment he took out the portrait, Ning Yan¡¯s body trembled slightly. He gently touched the portrait and reminiscence appeared in his eyes. After a long time, he opened it and hung it on the ancestral hall.


    It was a portrait of a woman.


    She wore a simple blue dress, quite plain, and had no decorations in her hair. Her appearance was delicate, with a mischievous charm in her eyebrows and eyes. A subtle smile adorned her lips, revealing a playful demeanor.


    Although she might not be considered extraordinarily beautiful, there was something unique about her. There was a sparkle in her eyes that conveyed her lively personality.


    Facing the portrait, Ning Yan felt a sense of melancholy. He silently approached and lit some incense, paying homage to his mother.


    Gazing at the woman in the portrait, Xu Qing showed a serious expression. After offering incense and paying his respects to Ning Yan¡¯s mother, he focused on the eyes of the woman in the painting, his expression subtly changing.


    It was unknown who created this portrait but it was very lifelike. Not only did they draw the pupils, but they also captured the reflections within the pupils.


    While the details were somewhat blurred and unclear, the outline within the pupils of the portrait seemed to depict either an altar or, upon closer inspection, perhaps a pavilion.


    As for the details, he couldn¡¯t tell.


    Xu Qing fell silent and kept this matter in his mind. He glanced at Ning Yan at the side and noticed that the other party¡¯s expression was filled with longing as he stared at the portrait.


    Xu Qing had experienced similar feelings in the past and knew that at this moment, Ning Yan might want to be alone.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t disturb him and silently left the ancestral hall. As he walked in the prince¡¯s residence, Xu Qing occasionally saw the Sword Holders who had followed him from Fenghai County patrolling.


    Other than them, the entire courtyard had been very empty.


    A breeze blew over and the bell hanging under the roof emitted a crisp sound.


    The sensation of emptiness in the surroundings also became obvious amidst the bell chimes.


    Zi Xuan and the captain had yet to return, each having their own matters to attend to. As for Kong Xianglong, he went to visit Li Yunshan¡¯s place.


    Hence, other than Ning Yan, only Xu Qing and Wu Jianwu were left in the entire courtyard.


    From the direction of the lake, the sound of Wu Jianwu reciting a poem drifted with the wind.


    ¡°The water and sky are in chaos, the dust does not rise;


    burning a koi in the Imperial City!¡±


    ¡°Good poem, good poem!¡±


    The first line was Wu Jianwu¡¯s voice, and the second line was the parrot¡¯s praise.


    Xu Qing¡¯s divine sense swept over and he saw Wu Jianwu sitting at the side of the lake, staring at the surface of the lake and thinking hard. From time to time, he would say a few lines of poems. As for the parrot at the side, other than cheering, it also had a new job.


    That was to record.


    It recorded Wu Jianwu¡¯s poems in a jade token in case Wu Jianwu needed it.


    Seeing that the two of them were having fun, Xu Qing simply sat on a stone chair in the courtyard and felt the wind in his surroundings. As he listened to the bell chimes, his heart slowly calmed down.


    After sorting out the information he knew, he additionally understood that he would probably have to stay in the Imperial City for some time.


    This had been because the Human Emperor had yet to summon him.


    Xu Qing was not in a hurry. After organizing his thoughts, he closed his eyes and began to cultivate.


    In the Imperial Capital, the density of spiritual qi far exceeded that of Fenghai County. Although there were anomalous substances, they were lesser here. To mortals, this meant that their lifespan would be almost normal.


    To cultivators, their cultivation speed would be faster than in other places and the possibility of their bodies mutating would be infinitely reduced.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t waste the good conditions here and immersed himself in cultivation.


    Right now, he had opened three divine repositories but he still didn¡¯t have a clue about the fourth one. This had been something he needed to consider in the future. There was additionally another important point, and that was the god form.

 Chapter 1158 - 1158 Mortal World Forgetful Tower (2)

    1158 Mortal World Forgetful Tower (2)


    Although Xu Qing could support the god form of the first divine repository, the second layer of the god form required the flesh of Crimson Goddess to provide nutrients. This consumption could be endured for a short period, but it couldn¡¯t be maintained for a long time.


    Not to mention the third layer of god form.


    ¡°I have to find a way to change this.¡±


    Xu Qing pondered. Before he came to the Imperial City, he had asked his master this question. Old Master Seventh¡¯s reply was that he could find the answer in the Imperial City.


    ¡°Where is this answer?¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the sky. After a while, he closed his eyes and continued to cultivate.


    Just like that, days passed. Half a month later, the forces that were paying attention to Xu Qing gradually decreased. Xu Qing hadn¡¯t left the mansion in the past half a month.


    As for what happened between Xu Qing and the Tenth Prince, it was naturally known by everyone. In fact, the Tenth Prince even sneered many times at the banquet, his words containing intense hostility toward Xu Qing.


    In addition, there was another important thing that was also the source of the attention of the various forces.


    There was a change in the war against the Black Heaven Race a few days ago. The reason was that a prince of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race had been invited to the Black Heaven Race¡¯s Imperial Capital.


    This matter was extremely sensitive, and the war between the two sides also stopped. The atmosphere became tense.


    As for Zi Xuan and the captain, Xu Qing rarely saw them in this half a month. Most of the time, Xu Qing would meditate alone in the courtyard.


    This lasted until dusk on this day when two old friends of Xu Qing arrived outside Ning Yan¡¯s residence. After the report was made, the two of them were led into the courtyard by the Sword Holder.


    ¡°Xu Qing, long time no see, haha.¡± As soon as they saw Xu Qing, one of them smiled and sat on a stone chair at the side as though they were close friends.


    The other person was a little reserved and bowed to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and his gaze landed on the two of them. He recalled slightly and recognized them.


    ¡°Brother Meng, Brother Huang.¡±


    The reserved one was the Sword Holder, Huang Kun, and the person who acted familiar with him was Meng Yunbai.


    Xu Qing had seen these two at the Seventh Prince¡¯s banquet back then, especially Meng Yunbai, the grandson of the Supreme Commander. At that time, he had sat beside Xu Qing at the banquet and introduced everyone to him. The two of them also communicated more than the others.


    ¡°Haha, when I saw you back then, I could sense that your future was boundless, and that we would meet again.¡±


    ¡°As expected, we met here in the Imperial City.¡±


    ¡°I wanted to meet you for the past half a month, but my family didn¡¯t let me. The other parties were also paying attention. Now that there are changes in the war with the Black Heaven Race, the attention of everyone is on the battle. I¡¯m finally allowed to contact you.¡±


    Meng Yunbai¡¯s personality was the same as what he had displayed at the banquet. He was carefree and could say anything. As soon as he opened his mouth, he directly pointed out the essence.


    Huang Kun also nodded.


    ¡°This is also the reason why the Sword Holding Palace here didn¡¯t meet you. Actually, many Sword Holders want to interact more with you, Xu Qing¡­¡±


    Meng Yunbai blinked and spoke mysteriously.


    ¡°Huang Kun and I were invited to the Mortal World Tower today. We thought of you and came to invite you. How about it, Xu Qing? Do you want to go for a drink?¡±


    ¡°Let me tell you, that Mortal World Tower is a good place. You¡¯ve heard of the ten super sects of the human race, right? The Mortal World Forgetful Tower is the Mortal World Tower I mentioned.¡±


    ¡°This sect is different from other sects. Most of the disciples are female cultivators. They cultivate the state of transcending worldly affairs. But to transcend worldly affairs, you must first be immersed in the world; to forget worldly concerns, you must delve into them.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, they possess opened Mortal World Towers in many places. The prices are ridiculous and at the same time, there are requirements for one¡¯s status and cultivation. Those who don¡¯t meet the requirements are not allowed to enter no matter what.


    Basically, my monthly allowance will be finished if I just go there once. While we are having fun inside, the Mortal World Tower¡¯s disciples are also cultivating.¡±


    ¡°However, they only sell their skills, not their bodies, and no one dares to use force. Both sides possess to treat each other with respect. This is because it¡¯s rumored that this tower worships gods. Their god is the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s Star Flame High God.¡±


    ¡°As for the female cultivators in this building, each of them is of top standards and their figures are extremely alluring. At the same time, if we possess our own charm, engaging in dual cultivation with them will lead to mutual bliss in this mortal world.¡±


    Meng Yunbai licked his lips, his heart burning with passion. Seeing that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t interested and seemed like he was about to refuse, he tried to persuade him.


    ¡°In addition, the host of today¡¯s meeting is the imperial son of the Star Emperor Supreme Sect. He¡¯s the descendant of the Starry Sky Great Emperor. I think that since you¡¯ve come to the Imperial City, you can be considered to be in its vortex. Even if you plan to stay aloof, it¡¯s naturally good to possess more friends in the Imperial City. You can also take this opportunity to make your own observations and perceive many things clearly.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. Meng Yunbai¡¯s words made sense. Regarding the various parties in the Imperial City, he indeed had to observe them. Only then could he create a comprehensive judgment.


    Moreover, Meng Yunbai had warmly invited him. After some thought, Xu Qing nodded slightly and stood up to walk out of the residence with Meng Yunbai and Huang Kun.


    On the way, Meng Yunbai continued to talk, introducing the customs of the Imperial City to Xu Qing. His words combined with the information Xu Qing understood previously allowed Xu Qing to possess a better understanding of the Imperial City.


    When dusk passed and the sky gradually darkened, not only did the crowd not decrease, but there were even more people.


    The night life was equally exciting in this Imperial Capital. In the western part of the city, there was a courtyard with luxurious style, shining with gold and jade. Inside, there were artificial hills and flowing water, and occasionally the sounds of orioles and swallows could be heard.

 Chapter 1159 - 1159 Mortal World Forgetful Tower (3)

    1159 Mortal World Forgetful Tower (3)


    Outside the gate, three words were written in flamboyant style.


    Mortal World Tower.


    The lights were brightly lit. Although there were very few people coming and going, passersby would frequently cast their gazes over.


    There were pavilions everywhere in the courtyard, separated by artificial mountains. Their entrance paths were also different. There were also array formations enveloping them, causing every pavilion here to be secluded and private.


    Meng Yunbai was clearly a regular here. His arrival immediately attracted the attention of the granny in the tower. She smiled and walked over very warmly.


    Although she was called a granny, she was actually only a middle-aged woman. Her appearance was charming, but upon closer inspection, one could still discern a coldness in her eyes. This combination of outward warmth and inner coldness added a lot to her allure.


    Meng Yunbai naturally wrapped his arm around the waist of the granny, pointing at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Do you know him?¡±


    The granny¡¯s beautiful eyes swept past Xu Qing and her pupils constricted.


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know Young Master Xu¡¯s great name?¡±


    Xu Qing calmly swept his gaze across this place. He was not used to such places. As for Huang Kun, although he was very reserved when he saw Xu Qing, he still regained some of his elegance in this familiar place.


    Just like that, amidst Meng Yunbai¡¯s laughter, the granny led the way.


    The fragrance of incense permeated the air, creating a scene of romantic elegance.


    There were many guards stationed in the place. Every time they saw Meng Yunbai, they would immediately greet him respectfully.


    As they continued to walk, they saw many beauties moving gracefully. All of them had enchanting figures and beautiful appearances. After noticing Xu Qing and the others, almost all the beauties¡¯ beautiful eyes stopped at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing ignored them.


    Very soon, under the granny¡¯s guidance, the three of them arrived at a pavilion. From the outside, it was empty except for a white-clothed woman playing the zither.


    However, as he got closer, it was as though he had stepped into water. A hidden paradise unfolded before Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    In the paradise, there was a huge immortal pool. Dense spirit qi spread in it, making one feel relaxed and happy. Not far away, there were more than ten youths chatting and laughing.


    Beside each one, there sat a woman, each with a beautiful appearance and unique charm.


    The person sitting in the center wore a black robe with a depiction of the starry sky, and gazed extraordinary. This person was handsome and had sword-like brows and starry eyes. He was currently occupied in conversation with the woman beside him.


    This person was clearly the host today, the imperial son of the Star Emperor Supreme Sect.


    Ahead, melodious music echoed, and dancers gracefully swirled, creating a lively atmosphere.


    The arrival of Xu Qing and the other two attracted the attention of everyone around the immortal pool. As many gazes were cast over, Meng Yunbai took a step forward and chuckled at the starry-robed youth.


    ¡°Brother Peng, Huang Kun and I approached late but we brought a good friend.¡±


    ¡°He is Xu Qing. You don¡¯t need me to introduce him, right? Everyone should have heard of him.¡±


    As Meng Yunbai spoke, everyone¡¯s gaze landed on Xu Qing in unison. Some even stood up and a smile appeared on their faces as they cupped their fists toward Xu Qing.


    As for the imperial son with the surname Peng, his gaze also scanned past Xu Qing and he nodded slightly. His expression wasn¡¯t deliberately cold, nor was it friendly. It was just normal.


    Xu Qing was the same. After a short exchange of greetings, he found a place to sit down. Meng Yunbai chatted and chuckled with everyone before sitting beside Xu Qing. He introduced the origins of everyone here to Xu Qing in a low voice.


    Basically, they were either descendants of influential people or disciples of large sects. They were observing Xu Qing, and Xu Qing was also observing them. Every time they gazed at each other, no matter what they thought in their hearts, they would each show a dignified smile.


    Soon, some beauties reached at the hidden paradise, causing the atmosphere here to become even more lively. There was also a very fair-skinned beauty who sat beside Xu Qing and smiled.


    ¡°Young Master, you seem a little reserved.¡±


    Xu Qing plunged silent. It wasn¡¯t that he was reserved but this was the first time he had faced such a situation in his life.


    At the same time, in the ancestral hall in the Mortal World Tower, the clay fox enshrined in the altar slowly emitted a divine radiance. Its once dim eyes now exhibited a lively sparkle.


    Laughter gradually echoed in the ancestral hall.


    ¡°Should I go and take a look at my stinky little brother¡­¡±

 Chapter 1160 - 1160 Mortal World, Beauty, Drunken Immortal

    1160 Mortal World, Beauty, Drunken Immortal


    At that moment, within the immortal pool hidden paradise of the Mortal World Tower, laughter and music echoed, accompanying the changing emotions between men and women, gradually intensifying.


    Xu Qing also keenly sensed that as the emotions of everyone in the hidden paradise intensified, there were fluctuations from an array formation here.


    The effect of this array formation was inclined toward gathering. It was similar to a spirit gathering array but it gathered the seven emotions and six desires.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought and glanced at the wine glass in front of him. The amber-colored wine inside emitted a unique wine fragrance. When he took a sip earlier, he could already sense that this wine was extraordinary.


    ¡°Ordinary people can¡¯t drink the wine of the Mortal World Tower. If they take a sip, they will definitely die from intoxication.¡±


    The woman beside him noticed his gaze and smiled.


    ¡°The wine here is called Drunken Immortal. Although there is some exaggeration in its reputation, it¡¯s very difficult for cultivators below the Nihility realm to neutralize its effects through their cultivation base. To a certain extent, this can actually be considered a poison.¡±


    ¡°However, it¡¯s harmless to the body. It¡¯s also because of this that this wine is becoming increasingly precious. This is because to us, sometimes the circulation of cultivation base is instinctive. In addition, our bodies are extraordinary, so it¡¯s very difficult for us to experience intoxication.¡±


    ¡°Only this Drunken Immortal can make us drunk and magnify some emotions.¡±


    ¡°As for the array formation here, this is how the Mortal World Tower cultivates.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his gaze swept past everyone. He didn¡¯t quite understand. Poison was used to kill. Why did they have to swallow it and pursue this so-called intoxication?


    Regardless of whether it was the Nanhuang Continent or Fenghai County, such a thing would not happen.


    ¡®Perhaps it¡¯s because this is the Imperial City.¡¯


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t agree but he wouldn¡¯t say anything. In this Mortal World Tower, not only did he sense the array formation, but he also sensed that all the women here were absorbing the power of emotions in the surroundings.


    Xu Qing felt uncomfortable in such an environment. At the same time, he also felt a sense of disgust. He noticed that Meng Yunbai was having a good time exchanging toasts with others. As for Huang Kun, he was also beaming with joy as he whispered to the woman beside him.


    All of this made it difficult for Xu Qing to fuse into the environment. Hence, he wasn¡¯t willing to stay any longer and was about to leave. However, at that moment, a dazzling light appeared in the hidden paradise. A red teleportation array shone on the immortal pool and two figures walked out.


    The people who came were both women. Xu Qing had seen the person in front before. She was none other than the granny who had led the way earlier. As for the woman behind her, her presence seemed to overshadow the splendor of the immortal pool.


    Everyone present cast sidelong glances.


    The gaze of the imperial son from the Star Emperor Supreme Sect was even more fiery. His goal in coming here was for this woman.


    This woman wore a green veil on her face, revealing only her eyes. Her eyes were as clear as spring water, and she was dressed in a yellow embroidered dress with phoenix patterns. Her trailing skirt was adorned with pink smoke veils, and she walked with delicate steps, showcasing her slender waistline through the light fabric.


    Her graceful silhouette was elusive, exuding endless charm. In her arms, she cradled an antique pipa.


    Adorning her head was a misty bun with a peony flower gently pinned, revealing delicate eyebrows that seemed to surpass distant peaks. Her hair carried the fragrance of spring mist.


    She was truly a peerless beauty, capable of overshadowing a hundred flowers and captivating all living beings


    She emerged from the immortal pool with light steps and walked to the forefront of the gathering. After a courteous bow, she sat on a jade pedestal. With a delicate hand movement, the music began.


    The first note was graceful and regretful, as if holding a hidden story, infinitely lingering.


    Then the melody rose, resonating melodiously. It resembled dancing butterflies in the air or sparkling stars in the night sky.


    It seemed like a woman was recalling the beautiful moment between her and her lover, penetrating the hearts of the listeners.


    It was beautiful and moving.


    However, very soon, the tune changed, adding a touch of parting and reluctance.


    It was as though her lover was going to the battlefield and had no choice but to separate. All that was left was yearning.


    Subsequently, within the melodious notes, a theme of sorrow emerged, as if the lover was being informed through the music: ¡®Everywhere you have been carries your presence, and when you come, the music plays; when you leave, the music forever becomes you.¡¯


    Everyone was moved.


    Gradually, the sound of the pipa changed again. This time, it was more heroic and sharp. It scattered in all directions, causing snowflakes to fall.


    The ceiling instantly turned pitch-black. Countless stars gradually appeared and spun rapidly, turning into a tombstone.


    This scene tugged at everyone¡¯s thoughts. It gave people the feeling that the woman had learned of her lover¡¯s death on the battlefield. Her internal turmoil, sorrow, and resentment seemed directed towards the world, the heavens and earth, and all creation. There was a sense of helplessness and despair in her emotions.


    It was a time when bones lay unclaimed for thousands of miles, and every household had souls buried under them.


    Though the husband had perished on the battlefield, the wife¡¯s existence endured like a daytime candle.


    The immortal pool paradise was silent.


    Some people thought of the Black Heaven Race, some thought of the human race, and some thought of their ancestors.


    In the end, the last note of the music, endlessly lingering, gradually transformed into the first note.


    It was as though they had traveled back in time and returned to the past, only sighing that if only life was like when they first met¡­


    ¡°Good!¡± The imperial son stood up and said loudly.


    As soon as he spoke, everyone in the surroundings stood up one after another and praised from the bottom of their hearts. Even Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred.


    He had heard music before but never like now. It was as though he had heard a complete story. His mind and even his thoughts actually followed the other party¡¯s pipa.


    The woman lowered her head slightly and picked up the wine glass in front of her, raising it to everyone. After that, she gently lifted her veil and took a sip.


    The corner lifted by the veil revealed her charming face, delicate and alluring, with a complexion as fair as jade. The hand holding the wine glass was slender and enticing.


    Her small mouth, painted red with vermilion, curved into a smile as she lowered the glass, captivating hearts with every frown and smile.


    It caused one¡¯s heart to stir and an impulse to possess her rose.


    Seeing that her emotions were in place, the granny smiled and spoke.


    ¡°Young masters, this fairy is our esteemed hostess, Ling Yao. Usually, Ling Yao rarely appears. Today, I heard that there are important guests, so I invited her.¡±


    ¡°As for the rules of Ling Yao, all the young masters should know them.¡±


    After the granny finished speaking with a smile, the imperial son surnamed Peng nodded and spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°Of course I know. Ling Yao will sit beside whoever she fancies. This matter can¡¯t be forced.¡±


    As he spoke, he looked at Ling Yao affectionately. He had come here this time for the other party and had expressed his feelings many times. According to the feedback from his perception, the other party was also interested in him.


    And most importantly, the female cultivators of the Mortal World Tower cultivated the Dao of forgetting emotions. To forget emotions, one must first be devoted, and devotion was not about seeking but giving. Therefore, the benefits for the male cultivators during their first dual cultivation with them were immense.


    Moreover, the higher the woman¡¯s cultivation, the more astonishing the benefits.


    ¡°With the help of Ling Yao¡¯s power, my confidence in stepping into Nihility from the perfected Spirit Repository will increase by a little.¡±


    While the imperial son with the surname Peng was thinking inwardly, Ling Yao, who was hugging the pipa, had a bright and energetic look in her beautiful eyes.


    After she swept her gaze past everyone, her gaze finally landed on Xu Qing. She smiled lightly and walked over with graceful steps. Under everyone¡¯s gazes, she sat beside Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body instinctively stiffened. This reaction caused him to be on guard.


    He didn¡¯t recognize this woman, and it was not a simple matter that she chose to sit beside him on their first meeting.


    Xu Qing frowned slightly and turned to look at the woman sitting beside him.


    Ling Yao¡¯s beautiful eyes were filled with spirit as she also looked at Xu Qing and spoke softly.


    ¡°Young Master, why are you looking at me like that?¡±


    The voice was gentle, carrying a seductive tone. Hearing it, Meng Yunbai beside Xu Qing felt a fluctuation in his heart. As for the imperial son with the surname Peng, he remained expressionless, retracting his gaze. He didn¡¯t say much, just picked up his wine glass, took a sip, then put it down, closing his eyes.


    As for the others, their expressions varied. They gazed at Xu Qing, then at the imperial son, exchanging glances with each other. Everything was silently communicated. The young man sitting beside the imperial son, after observing Xu Qing and the imperial son, grinned at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Brother Xu is indeed a phoenix among men. This is your first time here and you actually attracted the affection of Expert Ling Yao. This matter should be celebrated. Brother Xu, let me toast you. We¡¯ll have to keep in touch in the future.¡±


    As the youth spoke, he picked up a large glass of wine and politely lifted it before drinking it first.


    The other party¡¯s words and expressions were very polite, so Xu Qing couldn¡¯t reject him. He picked up the wine glass and drank it as well. However, just as he finished this wine, another youth lifted his wine glass.


    ¡°Brother Xu is a talented person and is also a member of our human race¡¯s feudal territory. I¡¯ve heard of you many times over the years and I admire you very much. I¡¯ll drink three cups.¡±


    As he spoke, he guzzled three cups in a row.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm as he glanced at the youth. He quickly understood the reason behind their actions. Soon, others followed suit, offering toasts with polite words and friendly expressions.


    Even though he knew they had a purpose, this approach made it hard to confront them directly. Meng Yunbai stood up and wanted to help but was stopped by Xu Qing.


    To others, this poisonous wine would induce a sense of intoxication, but for Xu Qing, any poison was of little concern. Thus, he accepted cup after cup without showing any effects when it was his turn.


    Hence, everyone here peered at him with strange gazes.


    As for Xu Qing, he smiled slightly at everyone after memorizing their names and appearances.


    ¡°I¡¯m very happy to see all the elites today. All of you are the pillars of our human race and are all geniuses. The glory of the human race requires us to continue ahead. Why don¡¯t we each have a jar?¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke, he peered at the granny.


    The granny was stunned but she quickly got the maidservants to bring more than ten jars of wine.


    Seeing this, everyone hesitated. They didn¡¯t dare to drink too much of the wine here.


    And wine was sometimes also a weapon.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart was calm and a grin that his eldest senior brother had taught him appeared on his face.


    ¡°Please!¡±


    The scene froze a little. The imperial son opened his eyes and peered at Xu Qing. He didn¡¯t bat an eyelid or reveal his emotions as he stood up and walked out.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired today. Let¡¯s meet again another day.¡±


    The others also stood up one after another. When Meng Yunbai saw this scene, he apologized to Xu Qing. After that, he peered at everyone and frowned, about to speak.


    However, at this moment, light flashed on the immortal pool and an old woman with a head full of white hair walked out.


    This old woman¡¯s expression was solemn and dignified. After she appeared, the entire hidden paradise trembled.


    With her arrival, all the female cultivators of the Mortal World Tower in the paradise stood up to greet her.


    ¡°Grand Elder.¡±


    Even the imperial son and the others had solemn expressions when they saw this old woman. They also greeted her.


    From this, one could see her identity.


    This person was the Grand Elder of the Mortal World Forgetful Tower, presiding over the matters of the sect in the Imperial Capital.


    After she appeared, she only nodded in the face of the greetings from the imperial son and the others. To her, they were all juniors.


    She didn¡¯t care. At that moment, her gaze swept over and landed on Xu Qing. The solemn expression on her face spun gentle as she smiled and spoke.


    ¡°Is this Young Master Xu?¡±

 Chapter 1162 - 1162 Yin-Yang Water Evil Soul Array

    1162 Yin-Yang Water Evil Soul Array


    The chants formed wisps of black mist, spewing from the mouths of those bald statues, intertwining in the air to outline a black rune.


    The runic inscription, elongated in shape, was showered by rain, and ink dripped from it, emitting a sense of decay and gloom.


    After that, it rushed toward Xu Qing, wanting to seal him.


    At this critical moment, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes turned pitch-black as he manifested the Poison Restriction in his eyes. His gaze that could curse anything looked at the approaching rune.


    After the gaze landed on it for a breath of time, the rune swayed and dimmed slightly. Poison spread within, causing it to have no choice but to erupt with an eerie light and try to resist.


    After two breaths, the poison intensified greatly and emitted poison mist, transforming into blurry malevolent ghost faces that were wailing.


    After three breaths of time, the rune rumbled and shattered, starting to corrode. However, it was already less than 30 feet away from Xu Qing.


    The poison in Xu Qing¡¯s body erupted completely at this moment. Not only did his gaze spread the poison, but his body also spread it, enveloping the surroundings and forming a storm that swept toward the rune.


    A sound rang out. The black rune seemed to have a life of its own and didn¡¯t forcefully suppress the poison. Instead, it dissolved and formed countless runes that spread out on the long street.


    From afar, it looked like scattered joss papers, opening the path between yin and yang, sealing the souls of countless ages.


    The sky darkened.


    It sealed off the surroundings, covering the sky and enveloping the ground, causing this long street to be isolated from the Imperial City and become an independent space.


    In this space, the rules were changed and the laws were affected. Everything was completely different from the outside world.


    The puddles on the ground had long turned into a lake and were rapidly rising, drowning Xu Qing¡¯s legs and waist. It was as though it wanted to drown everything here.


    The Dao curse augmented this place. At the same time, the 52 statues stood up from their cross-legged positions and stepped on the water, heading straight for Xu Qing.


    There were a large number of water lifeforms that had appeared earlier. They weren¡¯t cultivators but were formed by divine arts. Their killing intent was intense and they were already nearing Xu Qing.


    There was also a palm formed underwater that carried the intent of extermination, slaughter, and the aura of ghosts and fiends as it grabbed over.


    Danger was approaching Xu Qing from all directions.


    The rain became even heavier, drenching Xu Qing¡¯s clothes and long hair.


    The killing intent grew increasingly intense, invading Xu Qing¡¯s body and soul.


    The long street was chaotic, deceiving the heavens and drowning the earth. This was a trap set up by the water fiends and sinister spirits.


    To be able to cast this spell, one had to at least have the cultivation of the perfected Spirit Repository. Moreover, there had to be many of them to set up the formation. There was a greater possibility that a Nihility had taken action.


    Only then could such a killing intent be formed.


    Moreover¡­ there was a high chance that the other party didn¡¯t come personally but cast the spell from afar. They wanted to end the battle quickly and knew Xu Qing¡¯s route like the back of their hand, so they made arrangements in this long street in advance.


    All these thoughts flashed through Xu Qing¡¯s mind. His expression was solemn and a chill rose in his eyes. Ever since he left the Moon Offering, he hadn¡¯t felt such a life-and-death crisis.


    There was a very simple way to neutralize the danger, and that was to detonate the ancient sun. However, if he did so, he wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand the explosion either. Most importantly¡­ if he exploded the ancient sun here, it would affect the entire Imperial City.


    This¡­ might be one of the other party¡¯s goals.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and the cultivation base in his body instantly erupted. The three divine repositories behind him towered into the sky and the furnace inside moved with rumbling sounds, forming divine might and flames that spread in all directions.


    The high temperature instantly filled the entire space and the lake started to rapidly evaporate, forming fog. At this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s body borrowed the power of his divine repositories to soar into the sky. The moment he left the surface of the water, the water below him churned and a palm suddenly stretched out, wanting to grab him.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. He pushed his right hand toward the sky.


    Immediately, the shadows in the surroundings appeared and spread rapidly in all directions with him as the center. As the shadows spread out, anomalous substances rose.


    That was Xu Qing¡¯s shadow. At this instant, it spread out and enveloped this place. The forbidden zone that it had swallowed was released in this space, covering the place. It transformed into a black vortex above Xu Qing and spun rapidly.


    There was water on the ground and the shadow in the sky, with Xu Qing in between.


    Since this place was isolated and became an independent existence, releasing the forbidden zone here was naturally the most suitable.


    Using the god¡¯s power to suppress cultivators¡¯ spells was one of the ways to fight.


    At that moment, as the shadow spread out, the entire space swayed. Xu Qing¡¯s shadow also rapidly distorted, forming a palm, similar to the water palm below.


    The palm was pitch black, and within it, a large tree could be seen, hanging a coffin like a pendulum, swaying with a creaking sound, echoing like a whisper, influencing the surrounding curse. As the murderous intent exploded in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, his right hand descended.


    Immediately, the palm formed by the shadow descended from the sky. After it passed through Xu Qing¡¯s body, it collided with the water palm that rose from below.


    The rumbling sound transformed into a deafening sound wave that spread in all directions. Wherever it passed, the rain collapsed and ripples appeared on the water lifeforms that were rushing over.


    As for the 52 statues, their footsteps also stopped.


    At the same time, Xu Qing bent down slightly and arched his back. His entire person shot out like an arrow that had left the bow, heading straight for those statues. The demon subduing staff dancing beside him erupted with speed and whistled toward the water lifeforms that were rippling..


    In the blink of an eye, the fight began.


    Under Old Master Seventh¡¯s special refinement, the might of the iron rod was astonishing. The three faces on it all opened at this moment. The eyes of Crimson Goddess and the Immortal Forbidden god opened, providing more power, causing the might of the demon subduing staff to increase greatly. It pierced through the water lifeforms.


    After they were pierced through, the water lifeforms couldn¡¯t form again, as though they had lost their life and turned into ordinary water that splashed everywhere.


    Xu Qing was even more powerful. His speed was so fast that it exploded the rain and his form rapidly changed. The first divine repository behind him emitted the sound of heavenly lightning and split into countless pieces that chased after Xu Qing, fusing into his body one by one as he moved forward.


    This was the divine source.


    As the divine source fused into his body, his body tore apart and he grew larger and taller!


    His body was similar to the Ghost Emperor and he wore a crown.


    A piercing golden light emitted from his body and transformed into rainbow colors in the surroundings.


    His heart was the Heavenly Dao Furnace which pounded like thunder, erupting with raging flames that burned his entire body.


    There was also a black spear that was surrounded by countless lightning bolts that appeared out of thin air. Xu Qing grabbed it and appeared in front of a statue. With a sweep of the spear, the statue shook and directly collapsed, transforming into countless pieces that scattered in all directions.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s first layer of god form. After he displayed it, his combat strength soared explosively. Moreover, the taboo spear contained terrifying power.


    With Xu Qing¡¯s speed, his body instantly moved through the dozens of statues. None of the statues could withstand a single blow and collapsed one after another.


    However, Xu Qing slowly frowned.


    After the last statue shattered under his spear, an intense life-


    and-death crisis suddenly rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. He didn¡¯t hesitate at all and abruptly lifted his right hand, throwing the spear in his hand to the end of the long street.


    At the same time, he took out a piece of Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh and held it in his palm.


    The black spear whistled through the air while carrying countless bolts of lightning. As a loud bang echoed, the spear stabbed into the air at the end of the long street, unable to penetrate it.


    That place was the barrier of the seal, and at the location of the spear tip, one could see the corner of a black shirt nailed there.


    Previously, someone had been hiding here¡­


    At the same time, a cold voice echoed on the long street.


    ¡°We underestimated you, and you also underestimated the Dao curse.¡±


    ¡°The Dao Supremacy asked: What does it mean for the living to be punished while the dead are spared? We answer: Because the Dao image locks the heavens and the earth!¡±


    As these words were spoken, the fifty-two shattered black bald statues exploded from the lake and formed fifty-two iron chains, heading straight for Xu Qing. Regardless of Xu Qing¡¯s attempts to dodge, they were of no avail as the chains directly bound and ensnared him.


    The 52 iron chains bound Xu Qing while their ends were in the lake. From afar, this scene looked like they were chaining a demon.


    ¡°The Dao Supremacy closes his eyes and asks: What is the meaning of the wind descending with deadly blades, the water overflowing, and life hanging by a thread? We answer: Because the Dao water can seal all spirits!¡±


    This wasn¡¯t the end. As the voice rang out again, the lake water turned into threads that shuttled through the iron chains, heading straight for Xu Qing, wrapping around him once again. This ethereal yet real binding sealed all divine senses and all senses, further covering Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°The Dao Supremacy rejoices and asks again: What does it mean to rectify grievances and to right wrongs, to overturn the universe, and to confuse right and wrong? We all understand: It¡¯s the Daoist curse that nails the soul!¡±


    52 black nails rose from the lake. Upon closer inspection, one could see that on each nail sat a black bald statue that had shrunk many times.


    They whistled over and directly stabbed Xu Qing¡¯s entire body at an astonishing speed. The places they stabbed were Xu Qing¡¯s soul-related veins. This was nailing the soul of reincarnation.


    ¡°The Dao Supremacy closes his eyes and sighs: ¡®Hundred ghosts are seated, serving the Lord of the Underworld, souls are refined, the Five Hells are filthy, the Hundred Elixirs are mysterious, the Seven Fluids are insufficient, constantly giving rise to boundless misery, the laws govern.¡±


    As the words were spoken, chaos erupted around, the figures of countless beings, the souls of myriad races, all transformed into wisps of black mist, converging to form the initial black rune, rushing swiftly towards the center of Xu Qing¡¯s brow.


    What was even more astonishing was that the long street Xu Qing was on, which was isolated from the Imperial City, finally changed its appearance¡­


    This wasn¡¯t a long street at all.


    This was a rectangular talisman that had been magnified countless times!


    There were two talismans, one yin and one yang, one bright and one dark!


    At the end of the long street was the end of the dark talisman. At that moment, the talisman¡­ was curling upward and moving toward Xu Qing, intending to coordinate with the black talisman in front of him, to truly seal him.


    The feeling of life-and-death crisis continued to rise in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. However, he still didn¡¯t detonate the ancient sun. Instead, he crushed the piece of Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh in his hand.


    The second divine repository behind him rumbled and transformed into a dense black fog that instantly enveloped Xu Qing¡¯s figure and fused into his body.


    At the next instant¡­ a terrifying aura spread out earth-


    shatteringly as the fog churned.


    There were also Xu Qing¡¯s painful roars that sounded like they came from gods or demons. Wherever the sound passed, the void would explode and rune would tremble, causing intense ripples in the lake.

 Chapter 1163 - 1163 Who Is Playing Chess?

    1163 Who Is Playing Chess?


    The moment this terrifying aura erupted, this independent space emitted endless fluctuations. The lake water rose, the void distorted, and the rain shook.


    Clouds and fog appeared in the sky of this space, rapidly churning and forming a vortex, rumbling as it spun, connecting with the fog on the lake, as if bridging the gap between heaven and earth, forming a tornado.


    The pressure enveloped the surroundings and rain poured in all directions.


    Under this tornado and this terrifying aura, the black rune floating in the fog kept swaying and cracks that couldn¡¯t be restored appeared on it.


    Pitch-black blood seeped out from it.


    There were also cracks forming on the talismans that had transformed into a long street.


    It seemed that the roiling from the fog brought forth a tremendous force, surpassing the scope of these two talismans, causing signs of unbearable stress to appear.


    In the talisman, a blurry face appeared and stared fixedly at the fog where Xu Qing was. Although the exact appearance of this face couldn¡¯t be seen, the gloominess in its expression was extremely obvious.


    At the same time, the 52 iron chains that extended out of the lake were creaking intensely. As roars rang out from the fog, seven of the iron chains instantly broke!


    The lake rumbled and the shattered iron chains collapsed inch by inch, turning into ashes. It was the same for the threads. They were directly torn apart by the huge force coming from the fog.


    Seeing this, the face in the black rune revealed a hint of unwillingness and transmitted its bizarre voice.


    ¡°The Dao Supremacy asked: When the water and fiends are exchanged, the ghosts are extinguished, and the evil is removed, what shall be done? We say: Those who disobey our command shall be beheaded!¡±


    With a sound akin to wailing ghosts and howling wolves echoing in all directions, the lake churned. A longsword formed of lake water emerged from the surface, slashing fiercely toward the fog where Xu Qing stood.


    Its speed was extremely fast, stirring up countless raindrops, breaking the void, shattering the air, and carrying with it the intent of extermination.


    At the same time, the black rune began to burn. Green flames rose and augmented it, wanting to forcefully activate.


    The talismans on the long street also erupted and rolled up even more.


    As for Xu Qing, his body was bent and trembling intensely in the foggy storm. He let out a roar that didn¡¯t sound human at all.


    An indescribable intense pain swept through his body and soul like the world was collapsing. It tore through his god¡¯s body and emitted even more pitch-black poison mist.


    In the blink of an eye, seven more chains on his body broke.


    14 nails that were suppressing his soul were forced out as well. Amidst popping sounds, they rolled back and shot out, piercing through the fog and heading straight for the water sword outside the fog.


    Sounds of collision rang out as the 14 nails pierced through the water sword, heading toward the black rune and the long street talisman.


    In an instant, they penetrated through them.


    The black rune was riddled with holes, and a corner of the talisman was destroyed. The damage to them caused the sealing power of this space to decrease sharply. At the next instant, the fog churned violently.


    Amidst the rumbling sounds, the remaining iron chains, lake threads, and nails were shattered or forced out.


    The broken water sword continued to be pierced through. Finally, when it entered the fog, it shattered.


    At this moment, the last iron chain, the last strand of lake thread, and the last nail shattered one after another and the fog suddenly erupted.


    The fog rapidly contracted inwards. As it expanded and contracted, it revealed an earth-shattering figure.


    Ancientness, darkness, and slaughter were the first impression this figure gave off.


    His entire body was shrouded in black armor, with no visible skin, not even on his skull, which added to his terrifying appearance. What was particularly eerie were the flames burning in the sockets where his eyes should have been.


    The coldness it emitted was enough to make one¡¯s heart palpitate.


    There were also wisps of black fog that curled up from the armor and rapidly gathered behind it. In the blink of an eye, they transformed into a black cloak that seemed to be able to blot out the sky.


    The cloak swayed with the vortex in the sky, covering this space. Decay and poison spread endlessly.


    It looked like a demon.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s second stage of god form after layering two divine sources. In this state, it was as though everything would wither and perish in front of him.


    This Yin-Yang Water Evil Array was no exception.


    Xu Qing took a step forward and appeared in front of the black rune. He lifted his pitch-black right palm that didn¡¯t look like a human hand and grabbed it.


    The black rune burned intensely and emitted black smoke that transformed into black dragons and roared at Xu Qing. However, the moment they got close, their roars turned into screams.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s current state, the poison spreading from him had reached its peak, capable of corroding everything it touched. Those black dragons were invaded, gradually dissipating under the poison¡¯s relentless corrosion.


    The pitch-black helmet covered Xu Qing¡¯s expression, and only his exposed eyes emitted eerie flames. He ignored the screaming black dragons and grabbed the black rune with his right hand, squeezing it ruthlessly.


    With a cracking sound, the rune collapsed and the black dragons in the surroundings turned into black blood that landed in the lake.


    Xu Qing knew that he couldn¡¯t maintain his current state for too long. Hence, after crushing the rune, he lifted his head and coldly looked at the end of the long street.


    On the talisman long street that was riddled with holes, a figure appeared.


    This figure looked bizarre. It wasn¡¯t made of flesh and blood but was a black paper effigy.


    It stood on the upturned street of talismans. Its drawn eyes revealed a hint of coldness as it stared at Xu Qing and slowly spoke.


    ¡°I obey the Ghost Fiend Dark Art, rivers, sun, moon¡­¡±


    Xu Qing instantly rushed out with a terrifying aura, heading straight for the paper effigy.


    The paper effigy calmly fell backward and lay on the talisman. It fused with it and continued speaking.


    ¡°¡­mountains, seas, and stars are within my grasp. I bring forth light and darkness at will. The curse is swift and absolute!¡±


    The instant Xu Qing arrived, the sound dissipated. As for the talismans, they churned intensely and erupted at the same time from both ends, rapidly rolling toward Xu Qing.


    It was like a huge wave that emitted a terrifying pressure.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing lifted his right hand and ruthlessly pressed down on the ground.


    The moment he hit the surface of the water, the area trembled violently. Everything in the surroundings was decaying and being invaded.


    The lake water instantly turned dark and the rules here were forcefully tainted.


    Everything became a part of the Poison Restriction and was controlled by Xu Qing to erupt in unison. The vortex in the sky also descended at this moment and fused with the fog of the Poison Restriction, suppressing the street talismans.


    A roaring sound rang out in all directions like a large bell. There was also the sound of a mirror shattering echoing. The seal from the Yin Yang Water Fiend was isolated and shattered.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, the world returned to normal.


    The street was still the street.


    The rain was still falling.


    Only pieces of dark joss paper fell from the sky and melted into the rain. Xu Qing caught one of them.


    His body also returned to his normal form at this moment. The instant he removed his god form, blood flowed out of his mouth.


    At that moment, whistling sounds rang out from afar. Although the battle had happened in an independent space, it was very difficult for its energy to remain hidden in the Imperial City. Now, it had been discovered.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t move. His vigilance was still there as he looked ahead. At the same time, he took out a jade slip and began to transmit his voice.


    Very soon, figures appeared one after another. They were all Sword Holders who were patrolling this place. Hence, they rushed over immediately. When they saw Xu Qing and the black joss paper falling in the surroundings, their expressions changed. After looking at each other, they knew that this was a major matter!


    After all, this was the Imperial City. An assassination attempt here was an incredibly serious matter, especially since the target of the assassination was Xu Qing!


    This matter had worsened.


    Hence, they immediately began to collect traces here.


    Not long later, two rainbows flew over from different directions. After they emerged on the long street, they headed straight for Xu Qing.


    One was Zi Xuan, and the other was Li Yunshan.


    Seeing the two of them, Xu Qing heaved a sigh of relief inwardly.


    Li Yunshan¡¯s expression was gloomy as he checked his surroundings. Zi Xuan¡¯s expression was filled with anger. After she arrived and confirmed that Xu Qing was fine, her expression softened a little. Li Yunshan was about to speak.


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk when we get back.¡±


    Li Yunshan nodded. Under their escort, Xu Qing quickly left and returned to Ning Yan¡¯s residence safely.


    The moment he returned, the captain, who had disappeared for a few days, had also returned. His expression was solemn as he looked at Xu Qing with Zi Xuan and Li Yunshan.


    ¡°This was a trap set up in advance.¡±


    Xu Qing stoically spoke.


    ¡°Meng Yunbai invited me to the Mortal World Tower. He knows my whereabouts and is one of the suspects.¡±


    ¡°In the Mortal World Tower, the imperial son of the Star Emperor Supreme Sect had an indistinct conflict with me. He might also be one of the suspects.¡±


    ¡°Also, everyone I met on this trip, including Huang Kun, is a suspect.¡±


    ¡°However, these are all on the surface. There might be other parties in the dark who attempted the assassination for different purposes. For example, the Seventh Prince has a motive.¡±


    ¡°The assassin is a dark paper effigy. He doesn¡¯t have life and is more like an incarnation. His cultivation level is Nihility¡­¡±


    ¡°Also, the spell is called a Dao curse and contains the feeling of Ghost Fiend. However, it¡¯s too obvious and someone might be framing them.¡±


    ¡°Also, there are a few suspicious points about this assassination. Firstly, how did they dare to assassinate me in the Imperial City? If I die, it won¡¯t be a good thing for the various parties in the Imperial City. However, the various parties clearly sensed it too slowly.¡±


    ¡°Secondly, the assassin seems powerful but according to the understanding of all parties, they clearly know that I have the Sun of Dawn and also know of my battle accomplishments. They shouldn¡¯t have only dispatched such an assassin.¡±


    ¡°Thirdly, during the battle, I had a feeling that the other party was more like a sacrificial soldier and wanted me to detonate the Sun of Dawn. However, it¡¯s very difficult to tell if this feeling was intentionally evoked by the other party to mess up my thoughts.¡±


    ¡­


    After Xu Qing told them all the details and suspicious points about this assassination attempt, he lifted his right hand. There was a piece of dark joss paper in his palm.


    ¡°In the end, this assassination gave me the feeling that it wasn¡¯t to really kill me but to make me a chess piece and take the step the person behind the scenes wants.¡±

 Chapter 1164 - 1164 To Carry the South Pointing Chariot Is to Ensure One’s Clarity of Mind

    1164 To Carry the South Pointing Chariot Is to Ensure One¡¯s Clarity of Mind


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, everyone remained silent.


    Although they didn¡¯t see this assassination with their own eyes, the essence of this assassination had already appeared with Xu Qing¡¯s description.


    This was especially so for the few suspicious points Xu Qing had mentioned. No matter how one looked at it, there was something very wrong.


    ¡°What kind of faction does it have to be able to carry out an assassination in the Imperial City without triggering the attention of the various forces and the array formations in the Imperial City? Or rather, what kind of faction can make everything in the Imperial City fall silent and slow?¡±


    The captain suddenly spoke.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. Zi Xuan and Li Yunshan looked at the palace.


    In the entire Imperial City, the Human Emperor was one of the people who could do this. Or perhaps, there were forces that even the Human Emperor was wary of. There was also the Sword Holding Emperor.


    Xu Qing and the others lacked information about the factions the Human Emperor was wary of and found it difficult to analyze.


    As for the Sword Holding Emperor, he was in a deep sleep. It was already a miracle that he woke up when Xu Qing arrived. It was impossible for him to maintain his awakened state, and there was no reason for him to do so.


    ¡°If¡­ Little Qing had detonated the Sun of Dawn, what would have happened?¡± Zi Xuan suddenly asked.


    ¡°The human capital would have descended into chaos, countless casualties, all factions shaken. It would have been a loss of face for all, becoming a laughingstock for all races. Regardless of whose fault it ultimately was, we would bear the responsibility and lose control of the situation. The outcome would have been difficult to predict. At that time, the attitude of the Human Emperor would be crucial.¡±


    Li Yunshan slowly answered and frowned.


    ¡°Interesting.¡± The captain sneered.


    ¡°That person indeed has a way to capture all of Little Qing¡¯s whereabouts and has the ability to arrange this assassination. Also, it¡¯s in his interest for Xu Qing to survive.¡±


    ¡°But when all the clues and suspicions point to that individual¡­ I can¡¯t shake the feeling that this matter isn¡¯t so straightforward.¡±


    ¡°Is it possible that this is a case of sowing discord?¡±


    ¡°Or perhaps the mastermind¡¯s goal is to make us suspicious, and every move we make from now on is just a piece on their chessboard.¡±


    The captain¡¯s gaze was deep and his voice echoed in the courtyard.


    ¡°Let¡¯s change our analysis and ignore the person behind the scenes. We need to think about what we¡¯ll do now.¡±


    After the captain finished speaking, he looked at Xu Qing, then at Zi Xuan. Finally, he looked at Li Yunshan, who was in charge of the Sword Holders.


    Li Yunshan answered in a deep voice.


    ¡°The first thing we¡¯ll do is let the Sword Holders of Fenghai County enter the city. While protecting Xu Qing, we¡¯ll also investigate this matter.¡±


    ¡°At the same time, we¡¯ll report this matter to the Holy Wave Large Region.¡±


    The captain shook his head.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with doing that but when there are too many people, it¡¯s inevitable that it will look like we are overstepping our bounds. At that time, the matter of this assassination will be even more chaotic. However, we can¡¯t do nothing¡­ this assassination attempt on Xu Qing is a signal¡­¡±


    Li Yunshan fell silent. After the captain finished speaking, he didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    The entire courtyard fell silent. Only the wind and rain whistled outside, stirring up raindrops. In the distant sky, behind the black clouds, the light of the sun gradually appeared.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak from the start to the end. He also heard everyone¡¯s analysis. Coupled with his experience, his thoughts spread. He thought of the State Preceptor that the clay fox had mentioned¡­ and also the answer he had analyzed on the way.


    After a long time, Zi Xuan retracted her gaze from the palace and calmly spoke.


    ¡°The Emperor, being recognized by the Great Emperor, must possess the demeanor of an emperor. It¡¯s not easy to make a decision hastily. However, regardless of the circumstances, your decision, Xu Qing, is crucial in this matter.¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked in the direction of the palace. After a long time, he nodded.


    ¡°Then, we¡¯ll report this matter to the Human Emperor in the name of the Holy Wave Large Region. The results that we can analyze will naturally be analyzed by the Human Emperor and the other forces.¡±


    ¡°What the mastermind behind this seeks, we need not speculate. We shall wait to see how the Emperor handles the aftermath of this matter.¡±


    Zi Xuan agreed. Li Yunshan thought about it and chose to silently agree.


    As for the captain, he blinked and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Little Qing, do you remember when we first went to Fenghai County? Your decision is not wrong, but I feel we should still shed a tear and let people make some noise. It might be better this way.¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it and his countenance gradually turned pale, looking like he was heavily injured¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s not enough, Little Qing. Let me help you.¡±


    The captain was eager to take action. Li Yunshan felt a little speechless and turned his head away.


    Zi Xuan coldly glanced at the captain. The captain shrunk his head and laughed awkwardly, his heart filled with regret.


    Just like that, time flowed by and dawn soon arrived. As for the matter of the assassination attempt on Xu Qing, it also spread like a storm. It was unknown if it was true or false. As the news spread, the various forces in the Imperial City were shaken.


    Accompanying the news of the assassination was Xu Qing¡¯s recent situation.


    Xu Qing had endured the injuries. After he was escorted back to the residence, his injuries erupted and he fell unconscious. Fortunately, he still had a chance of survival and the people from Fenghai County were doing their best to protect and treat him.


    The matter continued to spread and caused a commotion in all directions. Meng Yunbai and Huang Kun came to visit immediately. Although they didn¡¯t see Xu Qing and it was the captain who received them, their nervousness and their performance of trying their best to clear their names revealed their shock from this matter.


    The imperial son of the Star Emperor Supreme Sect also arranged for medicinal pills to be sent over to express his goodwill.


    The ones who had been present at the immortal pool paradise and even the Mortal World Tower came to visit.


    Old Master Seventh and the others in the Holy Wave Large Region also learned of this through the news from Li Yunshan. The entire Holy Wave Large Region immediately mobilized their troops.


    In half of the Black Spirit Region, a large number of rituals began, causing the world to rumble.


    What was even more astonishing was that in the direction of the Moon Offering, the heir¡¯s aura erupted into the sky and the might of the Soul Accumulation enveloped the surroundings. Princess Mingmei and the Moon Rebel Hall where Grandma Five was at erupted with Soul Accumulation fluctuations.


    There was also sword qi from Old Ninth that rose shockingly.


    Their auras erupted from the Moon Offering. After these energies gathered together, they shook the surroundings. This was them using their own methods to express their anger about this matter.


    At the same time, in the Imperial City, the jade token that everyone from Fenghai County submitted on behalf of Xu Qing had all the reports and sent to the Human Emperor.


    The jade token described the incident, and was attached with that piece of black joss paper.


    As for the Sword Holders who were stationed here, they weren¡¯t summoned to the residence. They were still outside. Xu Qing and the others didn¡¯t do anything and only reported this matter.


    Regardless of who the person behind the scenes was and what their goal was, Fenghai County¡¯s choice was to remain unchanged. The Human Emperor was the most suspicious, so¡­ they would report it to the Human Emperor. The disposition of the other party is not just observed by Xu Qing and the others; all parties in the capital are watching.


    Two hours after the jade token was sent to the palace, a dignified voice disseminate throughout the entire Imperial City.


    ¡°The Upper Mystic Sword Holding Palace, the Law Palace, and the Special Command Palace shall investigate together. There must be results within a month!¡±


    This was the Human Emperor¡¯s decree.


    The moment it spread out, light erupted from the Sword Holding Palace, the Law Palace, and the Special Command Palace. They formed illusory tall figures that emitted terrifying auras and bowed to the palace.


    ¡°As you command!¡±


    After that, a sacred pill from the palace was sent to Ning Yan¡¯s residence. That pill was exquisite and translucent, filled with a strange fragrance. In fact, the pill bottle that contained this pill was also extraordinary. It was made from bones.


    ¡°Heaven Rejuvenation Immortal Pill!¡±


    The moment he saw this pill, Ning Yan exclaimed.


    ¡°There aren¡¯t many of these pills in the palace either. It¡¯s said that some of its main ingredients have already gone extinct in Wanggu. Only the holy lands have them¡­ The medicinal effects of this pill can be said to be astonishing in terms of healing. It¡¯s even effective against the injuries of Heavenly Kings.¡±


    ¡°This one is infinitely valuable.¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes also widened and he instinctively licked his lips. Xu Qing lifted his hand and brought it in front of him. After carefully identifying it, there were also waves in his heart.


    With his understanding of the Dao of Medicine, this medicinal pill was extremely extraordinary. Moreover, the refinement method was something he had never heard of before. The most astonishing thing was that the moment this medicinal pill was taken out, the thin anomalous substances in the surroundings were actually suppressed.


    In fact, the divine sources in Xu Qing¡¯s body also circulated faster.


    ¡°This contains some mysterious elements.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. Under the captain¡¯s eager gaze, he kept the pill.


    The captain blinked and began to think of a way to hoodwink this pill out of Xu Qing¡­ However, he felt that it was very difficult. He sighed and thought to himself that Little Qing had learned to be smart now and wasn¡¯t easy to fool.


    In the following period of time, the Human Emperor¡¯s decree came into play. The Sword Holding Palace, the Law Palace, and the Special Command Palace were very attentive in investigating the assassination.


    They even went to the Ghost Fiend Dark Sect.


    The environment in the Imperial City was tense, and all the minor criminals were trembling.


    There were naturally clues under such investigation. However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay attention to them. Half a month later, his ¡®injury¡¯ recovered and his first public appearance was with Zi Xuan.


    As for Zi Xuan, after Xu Qing experienced the assassination, she no longer went out to investigate the green lantern. Instead, she stayed by Xu Qing¡¯s side. Even now that his injuries had healed, she still remained by his side.


    Hence, in the following days, every time Xu Qing went out, he would be with Zi Xuan. The two of them walked through the entire Imperial City. Every time they went to a certain place, Zi Xuan would stop and sense the direction of the lantern.


    ¡°There are a total of nine locations with the fluctuations of that lantern. Three of them are in the palace, two are underground, and four are on the Ancient Sovereign Planet.¡±


    ¡°As for the exact location, I need some additional items to accurately investigate.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, among these additional items, I can refine the tools myself but I still need a special blood pill processed with my blood for activation.¡±


    Zi Xuan looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you refine it.¡±


    Just like that, after the sensing ended, the two of them bought a lot of materials from the Imperial City and returned to Ning Yan¡¯s residence. One processed tools and the other refined the pill.


    Because the refinement of the blood pill was special, it couldn¡¯t be done overnight. It required a pill furnace as a carrier. At the same time, it also needed to be augmented by cultivation according to the degree of condensation of the blood pill and added to other medicinal herbs every once in a while.


    Xu Qing was very concerned about this. Time flowed by and soon, another half a month passed. When he was only a few days away from the final refinement of this blood pill, a decree from the palace entered Ning Yan¡¯s residence.


    The content of this decree affected all parties because¡­ the Human Emperor had finally summoned him!


    ¡°Summoning Xu Qing from the Holy Wave Large Region!¡±


    ¡°Summoning the 12th son, Guyue Ning Yan!¡±

 Chapter 1165 - 1165 No Need to Be Anxious With Zi Xuan by the Side

    1165 No Need to Be Anxious With Zi Xuan by the Side


    The time for the meeting was at dawn, which was just six hours from now.


    To the human race, meeting the Human Emperor was the most solemn event. Moreover, the human race emphasized etiquette. Different occasions required different etiquette. It was even more so when entering the palace to meet the Emperor.


    Hence, along with the imperial edict, there was also a set of court attire that was sent to Xu Qing.


    This attire was exceedingly intricate, with numerous patterns embroidered with a five-clawed black dragon and various runic symbols. From head to toe, there were over a hundred pieces, and without understanding how to wear them properly, it would be difficult to put them on neatly.


    Li Yunshan, Kong Xianglong, and the others were in a daze when their gazes landed on the attire.


    They didn¡¯t know how to wear the court clothes and could only sense that it was extraordinary.


    Even the captain, who had experienced many lives, widened his eyes in confusion when he saw the parts of the attire. However, he could sense that this attire contained treasure light that greatly surpassed the clothes of Nether Fairy.


    Immortal qi lingered on them and they had a glossy look. When combined, it looked like a moving magic treasure.


    ¡°They¡¯re really rich!¡±


    The captain licked his lips and was very envious. He thought to himself that he had to get a set too. Otherwise, his reputation as the eldest senior brother would be severely damaged.


    As for Ning Yan, he couldn¡¯t wear regular court attire to face the emperor either. He had his own special clothing, and when it came to Xu Qing¡¯s attire, he scratched his head in confusion and shook his hand.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to wear this either. Why don¡¯t I send a voice transmission to Third Sister and ask her to come over for a while?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Zi Xuan calmly said.


    ¡°People need etiquette to enlighten themselves. Spring is seen for audiences, while autumn is seen for paying respects. The former is in red, and the latter in black.¡±


    ¡°The golden dragon represents the emperor, with five claws signifying respect. The black dragon represents the region, and the five claws also signify respect. This is the ancient custom attire for overseeing a territory.¡±


    ¡°The Emperor has shown no disrespect in his decree and the bestowal of court attire, so we must reciprocate in kind.¡±


    ¡°As for the method of wearing, it follows the ancient method of refinement, aligning with the principles of the five elements and the nine palaces, combined with the evolution of celestial stars, totaling forty-nine different methods. Each is suited for different occasions and ceremonies.¡±


    ¡°Today, with the Emperor summoning, and Xu Qing representing the Holy Wave Large Region, it is appropriate to wear the ancient attire for paying respects. Since guarding a territory is meritorious, there is no need to kneel when paying respects. The Emperor will first nod three times, grant a seat, and then we will bow nine times as a sign of gratitude.¡±


    As Zi Xuan¡¯s voice rang out, Ning Yan, the captain, Li Yunshan, and the others all looked at Zi Xuan. They didn¡¯t understand but they felt that it was impressive.


    In their opinion, although Zi Xuan¡¯s understanding of this could be explained by reading a lot of books, they vaguely felt that it wasn¡¯t that simple¡­


    While everyone was guessing, Zi Xuan glanced at the black court attire. She then lifted her right hand and gently waved it. Immediately, the hundred-odd pieces of the attire flew over and surrounded Xu Qing in all directions.


    Xu Qing looked at those clothes. Due to his understanding since he was young, he didn¡¯t know much about these ancient etiquettes. However, his heart was calm.


    This was because¡­ in the Imperial Capital, there were probably not many people who understood the ancient sovereign better than Zi Xuan.


    In fact, Xu Qing even felt that there was a certain possibility that Zi Xuan might have participated in the customization method of the imperial uniform back then.


    ¡°Wait outside for a while.¡± Zi Xuan¡¯s voice was cold. At that moment, her words seemed to contain some dignity. Li Yunshan and the others couldn¡¯t help but lower their heads and leave the main hall.


    As for the captain and Ning Yan, who were originally afraid of Zi Xuan, they quickly left as well.


    Very soon, only Xu Qing and Zi Xuan were left in the hall.


    ¡°It¡¯s very difficult to wear the court attire yourself. Close your eyes. I¡¯ll help you.¡±


    Zi Xuan¡¯s voice was gentle. When Xu Qing heard this, he took a deep breath and obediently closed his eyes.


    At the next instant, as Zi Xuan waved her hand, the clothes on Xu Qing¡¯s body instantly separated. When Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled, the court clothes fell one after another. They were combined according to different combination methods and fit on Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    While putting them on Xu Qing, Zi Xuan¡¯s voice echoed.


    ¡°The Heavenly Marquis court dress is mainly black, with a dignified and square shape, hence called ¡®xuanduan.¡¯ The accompanying headwear is called ¡®weimao,¡¯ and it was required in the past to be made from the bones of heaven devouring beasts for adornment.¡±


    ¡°Nowadays, with the extinction of heaven devouring beasts, they are replaced with the black immortal jade. Because this court attire is composed of weimao and xuanduan, it is formally referred to as weiduan in ancient sovereign era.¡±


    Hearing Zi Xuan¡¯s voice, Xu Qing was even more certain of his guess. He could sense the cloth pieces being put on his body continuously. There seemed to be a lot but it was very comfortable on his body.


    Even the cultivation base in his body circulated slightly faster. A sense of clarity rose within him, as though he had been blessed by laws and rules.


    ¡°Alright, you can open your eyes now.¡±


    A while later, Zi Xuan¡¯s voice rang out.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes when he heard this. The first thing he saw was a hint of light and admiration in Zi Xuan¡¯s eyes.


    After that, he raised his hand and waved it. A layer of mist rose and gathered into a mirror, reflecting his appearance.


    The black court dress exuded a sense of grandeur and solemnity, with the five-clawed black dragon embroidered on it appearing alive, seeming to move and roar faintly as the dress swayed around, as if it were roaming on Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    The tips of the boots curved upward in the shape of three circles, while the black jade crown he was wearing was adorned with a jade cloud band, all the accessories including jade ornaments and tassels were meticulously arranged.


    In addition, Xu Qing¡¯s appearance was extraordinary. Coupled with this, his aura became even more astonishing.


    ¡°Pretty good. We¡¯ll greet the Human Emperor politely. If the current Human Emperor fails to comprehend, it¡¯s a testament to his limited knowledge, revealing his true caliber.¡±


    A proud smile appeared on Zi Xuan¡¯s face.


    Xu Qing blinked, not knowing what to say.


    After Zi Xuan sized him up, she walked closer and adjusted the details for him. In the end, she held Xu Qing¡¯s arm in satisfaction and brought him out of the main hall, appearing in front of everyone.


    This was the first time everyone saw Xu Qing in such clothes, and their hearts immediately stirred.


    Li Yunshan was in a daze. The first feeling Xu Qing gave him was pressure. This wasn¡¯t brought about by his cultivation but the meaning represented by the court dress.


    The captain¡¯s breathing hastened slightly, and the desire for the court dress in his heart grew even stronger.


    Kong Xianglong took a deep breath and lowered his head solemnly.


    As for Ning Yan, he was also stunned for a moment. He sighed with emotion inwardly. He felt that when his boss walked out in this dress, it would definitely cause the hearts of all the female cultivators in the Imperial City to beat wildly. If his boss had designs on a certain female cultivator, even his sixth brother would probably have to admit defeat.


    ¡®Although cultivators don¡¯t value looks that much, but¡­ but¡­ why does he have such a devilish appearance? Is Boss really a human?¡¯


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about their reactions. He was sensing the active changes in his cultivation base under the effect of the court dress.


    Although he had never worn such grand clothes before which made him a little uncomfortable, he had to admit that this set of court clothes was very comfortable.


    Just like that, two hours later, after Ning Yan changed into the prince¡¯s attire, the group departed Ning Yan¡¯s residence and headed for the palace.


    At that moment, dawn had yet to break. Because it was autumn, the night breeze carried a hint of chill, it was not bone-chilling.


    And in the late-night streets, there were few pedestrians. It wasn¡¯t until half an hour later, as the faint light of dawn began to permeate the distant sky, that early risers gradually increased in number. By then, Xu Qing and his entourage had already passed through the teleportation array and arrived at the rainbow bridge behind the statue of the Sword Holding Emperor.


    This bridge could only be stepped on by qualified officials during the court meeting. Other than that, one had to be summoned by the Human Emperor to have the qualifications.


    Hence, Zi Xuan and the others from Fenghai County couldn¡¯t accompany Xu Qing.


    And this audience was a morning court assembly, so when Xu Qing and Ning Yan emerged on the Rainbow Bridge, their gaze fell upon the figures proceeding along the rainbow bridge.


    Those figures were all adorned in court clothes. There were men and women and their expressions were dignified. The cultivation fluctuations emitted from their bodies were all extraordinary.


    Most of the clothes were blue and occasionally red. As for black¡­ Xu Qing only saw seven of them.


    These seven people¡¯s cultivation levels were all at the fourth stage of Nihility. Some were alone and some were surrounded by others. From a visual perspective, they were quite conspicuous.


    Xu Qing was observing others, and the others were also probing Xu Qing. His black court attire was equally conspicuous in the eyes of others.


    However, they weren¡¯t familiar with each other. At most, they looked at each other and didn¡¯t chat.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed further away. At the end of the rainbow bridge was a palace that seemed to be floating in the void.


    It fused with the Ancient Sovereign Planet behind it in terms of aura. It was vast and boundless, and shone with golden light.


    As Xu Qing stared, he flew on the rainbow bridge. Ning Yan followed closely behind Xu Qing. The closer he got to the palace, the more nervous he became. However, after sensing Xu Qing¡¯s calmness, his heart more or less calmed down.


    As they approached, the palace became clearer, showcasing its carved beams and painted rafters, splendid towers and magnificent halls. Outside the main gate of the palace, two giant golden-armored figures stood guard, wielding large swords, their gaze sharp as they scanned everyone entering.


    When Xu Qing and Ning Yan¡¯s figures emerged outside the palace gate, the two golden-armored giants fell upon them, but they made no move to stop them. They allowed the two to enter and walk across the Immortal Receiving Square. Xu Qing and Ning Yan gazed up at the magnificent grand building atop the wide and expansive staircase of ten thousand steps.


    At that moment, hundreds of people were standing on the Immortal Receiving Square and waiting. Xu Qing and Ning Yan¡¯s arrival attracted the attention of the people here.


    A while later, when the sun ascended in the distance, a dignified voice rang out from the top of the steps.


    ¡°Morning court begins!¡±


    As soon as the voice rang out, the sky churned, and golden dragons emerged from the clouds, encircling in all directions, each emitting a resounding roar. Moreover, the statues from all over the imperial capital radiated auspicious lights, painting the sky and earth in myriad colors, creating a scene of tranquility and harmony.


    On the Immortal Receiving Square, all the human cultivators ascended into the air one after another according to the color of their clothes and walked toward the main building.


    Because the Heavenly Kings didn¡¯t need to attend the court meeting, black was the first to rise into the air, followed by red, then blue, green¡­


    Seeing dozens of people in black court clothes soaring out, Xu Qing took a deep breath and his expression turned solemn. He also flew up and leaped over the steps, observing the open door of the main building and the Human Emperor sitting on the dragon chair in the distance!

 Chapter 1166 - 1166 The Hearts of Humans in the Hall

    1166 The Hearts of Humans in the Hall


    It was the moment of sunrise.


    Not all the suns in the Wanggu Continent rose from the east. However, in the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region, the sun came from the east. At this moment, it was like a huge furnace that burned the world, forming a red light that slowly spread.


    It tore through the night and scattered the light on the statue of the Sword Holding Emperor, causing the Great Emperor¡¯s shadow to envelop the rainbow bridge and the palace.


    From afar, the Immortal Receiving Square in front of the palace¡¯s main building was covered in purple smoke.


    There was a feeling of dense fog as well as a large bell. At the moment the night and day fused, it appeared out of thin air and hung in the air above the square.


    It was the Immortal Inquisition Bell.


    This bell dated back to the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era. It stayed between yin and yang, appearing at sunrise and vanishing at sunset.


    Its effect was to verify the heart.


    Since ancient times, there would occasionally be officials whose words were doubted by others. They had to ring the Immortal Inquisition Bell to prove their true intentions.


    This was during the ancient times.


    However, during the period of the Human Emperor Mystic War¡¯s reign, there weren¡¯t many such matters.


    At that moment, the officials in black, including Xu Qing, had already stepped into the main hall. What entered Xu Qing¡¯s vision was a vast hall.


    This hall was so vast that it could accommodate thousands of people. In the surroundings, there were huge pillars carved with auspicious beasts that supported the roof of the hall. There were also bright lights that illuminated the hall.


    Teams of golden-armored guards could be seen at the edges of the two sides. They stood there motionless and lowered their heads slightly to show respect to the arriving officials.


    As for the front, there was a nine-tiered long platform, rising like a ladder. Each tier was nearly a thousand feet long and hundreds of feet wide, progressively advancing until the ninth tier, where a majestic dragon throne was present.


    There was a person sitting upright on the dragon throne.


    This person¡¯s entire body was hazy and his exact appearance couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. One could only see that he was wearing a golden emperor¡¯s robe that emitted supreme might.


    He wore a crown on his head, and there were twelve tassels hanging from the front and back, crafted from five-colored immortal silk interwoven with pearls of the sun and moon, representing the sovereign¡¯s ability to perceive both the seen and unseen.


    He was the core of the entire hall, the core of the Grand Imperial Capital Region, and the core of the human race in the Wanggu Continent.


    What was even more astonishing was the fortune.


    The fortune from the entire human race gathered on the Human Emperor. Under such enhancement, Xu Qing only took a glance and felt as though he was being suppressed by an endless aura.


    His eyes felt a piercing pain. Even when he faced the heir and the others in the Moon Offering Region, he didn¡¯t feel such a piercing aura. This had nothing to do with cultivation. This was the power of fortune.


    Under this fortune, the Human Emperor could shatter anything with a thought.


    Xu Qing lowered his head slightly. The etiquette Zi Xuan had told him before appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether unified not only the lands of the living, but also the realms of the dead. Thus, the orientation of the court was shifted from facing north to facing south, symbolizing that the fate of all beings, living and dead, lay within the hands of humanity.¡±


    ¡°From then on, during both minor and major court sessions, the Emperor faces east.¡±


    ¡°At minor court sessions, the Great Emperor, Heavenly Kings, and Upper Mystic Palace Masters need not attend, but they must be present at major court sessions. The Great Emperor sits on the sixth tier, the Heavenly Kings sit on the third tier, and the Heavenly Marquises sit on the first tier, all facing east. The Three Dukes stand below the first tier, facing east. The Deputy Palace Masters of the Upper Mystic Five Palaces stand to the north and face west, while the Deputy Palace Masters of the Lower Mystic Five Palaces stand to the south and face west. Members of the imperial family stand to the right of the main entrance, while the Grand Stewards and their officials stand to the left.¡±


    While Xu Qing was pondering, the dozen or so cultivators in black court dress who had entered with him had already taken a step forward and walked onto the first platform. They stood there and faced the entrance of the hall.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and similarly flew out, heading straight for the first platform.


    His arrival attracted the gazes of the others. However, most of them only swept their gazes over. Very soon, Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared on the first platform, standing near the end.


    Almost at the same time that he stepped onto the first platform, outside the grand hall, the officials began to enter, taking their positions in accordance with their respective court ranks.


    The main hall was silent.


    As for the three dukes under the first platform, Xu Qing only saw one. It was an old man in a red court dress. His white hair draped over his shoulders and his figure was tall and straight, looking dignified. As for his identity, Xu Qing didn¡¯t know the details and guessed that this person might be the Grand Chancellor.


    According to what Zi Xuan told him, the court meeting was usually presided over by the Grand Chancellor.


    At that moment, as everyone took their respective positions, the old man in the red court dress swept his gaze across everyone. Finally, he turned and looked at everyone on the first platform, including Xu Qing.


    When his gaze landed on Xu Qing, he paused slightly. What he focused on wasn¡¯t Xu Qing¡¯s appearance but the details of his clothes. A hint of surprise flashed across his face.


    He sensed a slight difference in Xu Qing¡¯s attire. That ancient aura and authenticity might be difficult for ordinary people to notice but he could tell at a glance.


    After that, he retracted his gaze and cupped his hands and bowed to the Human Emperor on the ninth platform.


    ¡°Your Majesty, the court ceremony is set.¡±


    Everyone in the hall lowered their heads. According to past court meetings, the Human Emperor would stand up at this moment to show his respect to the officials and perform a collective bow, signifying the conclusion of the ceremony.


    However, this time, there were some differences¡­


    The Human Emperor slowly stood up from his seat. His pressure enveloped the surroundings and the power of fortune of the human race spread out into the world.


    The clouds and fog churned outside, and golden dragons roared. He didn¡¯t join the officials in the collective bow like before; instead, he turned his head and directed his gaze through the crown tassels towards Xu Qing.Then, he nodded slightly three times.


    ¡°For your meritorious service in governing the borderlands, take your seat!¡±


    The voice of the Grand Chancellor echoed as he spoke on behalf of the Human Emperor.


    At the next instant, the surface of the platform behind Xu Qing rippled and a black-colored dragon chair slowly appeared.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn as he bowed nine times to express his gratitude. He didn¡¯t lack manners and his posture was correct, revealing the feeling of ancient customs.


    When this scene landed in the eyes of everyone in the hall, none of them batted an eyelid. However, in their hearts, they paid more attention to Xu Qing. They realized that behind Xu Qing, there were people who had an extremely deep understanding of human etiquette.


    After that, the Human Emperor and the officials bowed together. The Human Emperor sat down and Xu Qing sat down. The cultivators in black court dresses sat cross-legged.


    The bell rang and the morning meeting began.


    Soon, someone walked out and spoke about the political affairs.


    First, it was the people¡¯s livelihood, followed by various incidents in the human race, including impeachment, financial problems regarding the human race, diplomacy, and so on.


    As for the Human Emperor, he rarely spoke. Most of the time, it was handled by the Grand Chancellor. Only at important matters would the Human Emperor say something concise and decisive.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s first time in the hall of the core of the human race and participating in such a meeting. There were waves in his heart and it was very difficult for him to be as calm as usual.


    Sitting with his back facing the Human Emperor, his gaze landed on the main hall.


    From the expressions of everyone here, it was impossible to tell what they were thinking. As he listened to their words and everyone¡¯s participation in a series of events, Xu Qing could sense what it meant by every word was a gem¡ªconcise yet potent, often open to multiple interpretations.


    ¡°These people are all extraordinary talents among humans¡­¡±


    As discussions in the hall turned to diplomatic matters and the conflict with the Black Heaven Race, with each minister speaking in turn, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze settled on the right side of the hall, where the imperial family was seated.


    There weren¡¯t many of them and most of them were elders. As for the prince, there was only one person there and that was Ning Yan.


    He stood there cautiously, clearly afraid of his father.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over. The moment he retracted his gaze, he heard the aged voice of the Grand Chancellor.


    ¡°Regarding the matter of the Black Spirit Region in the Black Heaven Race, I ask the Governor of Fenghai County, Xu Qing, to provide a detailed report.¡±


    Numerous gazes instantly landed on Xu Qing. Xu Qing slowly stood upright up and bowed to the Human Emperor. Under the attention of everyone, he spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°The Black Spirit Region is divided into the north and south, each controlling half. The northern part is controlled by the scattered forces of the Black Heaven Royal Family, and the southern part is led by the Black Heaven Priests.¡±


    ¡°The death of Crimson Goddess caused the Black Heaven Priests¡¯ status to fall and lose the blessings of the god. Fenghai County has already taken them under our wing and reestablished the temple of faith for them.¡±


    At this point, a middle-aged man in a blue court dress suddenly took a step forward and spoke.


    ¡°County Governor Xu, may I ask what¡¯s the source of Black Heaven Priests¡¯ faith in the rebuilt temple?¡±


    The expressions of everyone in the hall fluctuated but it was very light. The matter of the Black Heaven Race¡¯s priests believing in Lord Purple and the fact that Lord Purple was related to Xu Qing wasn¡¯t a deep secret but some matter were too sensitive and couldn¡¯t be mentioned lightly.


    Hence, the question itself contained many layers of meaning.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the middle-aged man, replying calmly.


    ¡°You have lost your decorum.¡±


    As soon as these utterances were spoken, the middle-aged man glanced at Xu Qing and took a few steps back, returning to his position.


    Everyone in the hall had their own thoughts about Xu Qing¡¯s answer. They had some guesses about the expert who had guided Xu Qing.


    The Grand Chancellor nodded slightly.


    ¡°The achievements in governance, the attire of the Heavenly Marquis, and the seat on the first platform are a show of County Governor Xu¡¯s accomplishments. Zhao Tianqi, your interruption violates the ancient customs, and is indeed a lack of decorum.¡±


    Zhao Tianqi lowered his head and agreed without any change in his expression.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with him. He bowed to the Human Emperor and sat down.


    While the hall turned quiet, another person walked out from among the officials. This person was also wearing a blue court robe and was in the center of the hall. He first bowed to the Human Emperor before looking at Xu Qing.


    ¡°County Governor Xu has already taken his seat. I have an inquiry to make, which does not constitute a lack of decorum. County Governor Xu, how did you come to know about the Sun of Dawn, the highest secret of our human race? How did you obtain it, and how many are there? Furthermore, why did you bring it into the Imperial Capital and the Imperial Palace?¡±


    This topic was equally sensitive. When his voice echoed, it contained some killing intent, causing the surroundings to be filled with a murderous atmosphere. Even the golden-armored guards on both sides turned instinctively vigilant.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stand up. After a few breaths of silence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°There are a total of nine Suns of Dawn given by the Moon Offering Ruler¡¯s heir. I used six of them when I assisted in killing Crimson Goddess.¡±


    ¡°Why did I bring it to the Imperial City? It¡¯s because I¡¯m afraid of death.¡±


    The official who asked the question looked at Xu Qing and didn¡¯t speak anymore. He then returned to his position.


    The Grand Chancellor glanced at that official. The other party¡¯s utterances seemed to be making matter difficult for Xu Qing but from another perspective, this also gave Xu Qing a chance to explain.


    The significance of this was both good and bad, and differed depending on the individual.


    However, it had nothing to do with him. Hence, the Grand Chancellor looked at the Human Emperor.


    The Human Emperor was high and mighty and his expression could not be seen clearly. However, he emitted a dangerous aura, causing the atmosphere in the entire hall to become increasingly oppressive. A cold feeling spread in all directions.


    Tens of breaths later, the Human Emperor¡¯s dignified voice echoed.


    ¡°Grand Chancellor, announce the results of the assassination attempt.¡±


    The Grand Chancellor lowered his head. He understood that the Human Emperor had chosen not to pursue the matter of Xu Qing¡¯s Sun of Dawn. This attitude was also a signal. Everyone in the hall understood.


    As for the Grand Chancellor, he lifted his head again. When he looked outside the hall, his stare became cold and his voice contained killing intent.


    ¡°Bring the individuals who participated in the assassination up!¡±

 Chapter 1167 - 1167 Conferment

    1167 Conferment


    As the Grand Chancellor¡¯s cold voice echoed, sounds rang out from outside the hall.


    Shortly after, five guards in golden armor with majestic auras and murderous auras walked over from outside the main hall.


    These five people looked young but the smell of blood on their bodies was extremely strong. This was especially so when their auras fused as they entered the hall. Clearly, they were a team.


    Each of them was carrying a prisoner. There were men and women among the prisoners, and their expressions were dispirited. Their bodies were covered in injuries, and they looked like they had experienced harsh interrogation and their cultivation bases had been crippled.


    These five golden-armored guards quickly arrived in front of the Grand Chancellor. They bowed in unison and pressed the criminal in their hands to the ground.


    No matter how those criminals struggled, it was useless. They were each pressed down on their heads by one of the five personal guards, forcing them to kneel heavily.


    Xu Qing, who was sitting on the first platform, swept his gaze across the five prisoners and finally looked at the first person on the left.


    That person was a middle-aged man. The skin and flesh on his face had been forcefully scraped off. One could see that there was a layer of black paper inside that was somewhat torn. Someone had removed a piece of it, as if to verify it.


    When Xu Qing looked over, the middle-aged man barely lifted his head and looked at Xu Qing.


    The moment their gazes met, a chill rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. He recognized that the person who attacked him back then was this person.


    That faint feeling and aura couldn¡¯t be wrong.


    As for the other four, Xu Qing had never seen them before.


    ¡°Your Majesty, the matter of the assassination attempt in the Imperial City has been investigated.¡±


    The Grand Chancellor cupped his hands at the Human Emperor and pointed at the middle-aged man on his left.


    ¡°This person¡¯s name is Pyrrhu. He has a half-human, half-demon bloodline and joined the Ghost Fiend Dark Sect when he was young. His talent is not bad but due to his bloodline, he couldn¡¯t come into contact with the core teachings. His master intended to observe him, but sixty years ago, this person stole the black paper forbidden scroll and fled, disappearing thereafter.¡±


    ¡°In the assassination attempt, it was this person who controlled the black paper forbidden art to attack. After the attempt, he fled the Imperial Capital and was captured by the Sword Holding Palace in the Nine Desolate Plains half a month ago.¡±


    ¡°The details of the case have also been clarified.¡±


    With that, the Grand Chancellor lowered his head and waited for the Human Emperor to give the judgment.


    The main hall was silent. Everyone¡¯s gazes landed on the five criminals and also swept past Xu Qing. Everyone had their own thoughts. As for Pyrrhu, he looked at Xu Qing with a regretful expression, as if not being able to eliminate Xu Qing was a stain on his record.


    ¡°Slash.¡±


    The Human Emperor¡¯s voice rang out calmly.


    At the next instant, the golden-armored guard behind Pyrrhu raised his blade and slashed across Pyrrhu¡¯s neck. His blade wasn¡¯t an ordinary treasure and possessed the might of extermination. The moment it slashed past, Pyrrhu¡¯s body directly turned into blood and even his soul was slashed.


    The head was lifted by the guard to show everyone that this criminal¡¯s body and soul had been destroyed. Soon after, the head turned into ashes.


    ¡°The second person is called Lin He, codenamed Dark 379. He is currently serving as a Deputy Chief of the Special Command Palace¡¯s inspection department. This person has covered up for the assassination attempt and even provided the whereabouts of County Governor Xu.¡±


    The Grand Chancellor pointed to the second person on his left. It was an old man. His head was lowered and his expression couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. His injuries were extremely serious and many nails were pierced into his body.


    ¡°Slash.¡±


    The Human Emperor calmly spoke.


    In that instant, the guard beside the old man brandished his blade and Lin He¡¯s body was destroyed. His head burned and turned into ashes.


    ¡°The third person is called Daoist Fire. He is a deacon of the Profound Fire Nine Departures Sect. He was in charge of setting up array formation on the street in the assassination attempt. He used the Extreme Fire Technique to form a Water Fiend Array.¡±


    ¡°The fourth person is called Ming Xuanzi. He comes from the Supreme Azure Moon Sect and his status is even higher than the other three. He¡¯s an elder of the Supreme Azure Moon Sect. In the case of the assassination attempt, this person used an item to hide the energy fluctuations of the battlefield on the long street. That item is a Heavenly King Token!¡±


    As soon as the Grand Chancellor spoke, the hearts of everyone in the hall fluctuated to varying degrees. Some of them deliberately showed it on their faces, while others buried it in their hearts.


    This case involved three super sects, as well as the Upper Mystic Special Command Palace. Moreover, even the Supreme Azure Moon Sect, which was the sect of State Preceptor.


    What was even more astonishing was the Heavenly King Token that the Grand Chancellor had mentioned!


    This meant that this case involved a Heavenly King.


    ¡°Whose token?¡± The Human Emperor¡¯s voice was calm and deep.


    ¡°The late King Tian Lan.¡± The Grand Chancellor lowered his head.


    The main hall was silent.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. From the start to the end, he didn¡¯t say a word. Listening to the Grand Chancellor¡¯s words and watching the executions, he was like an outsider.


    At that moment, when the hall was silent, his gaze landed on the fifth prisoner.


    According to what the Grand Chancellor had said earlier, these people included an assassin, an array formation user, someone who revealed his whereabouts, and a person who hid the energy waves of the battle. However, this was the Imperial City. Although Xu Qing didn¡¯t understand the specific function of the Heavenly King Token, it shouldn¡¯t be that simple to suppress the energy fluctuations in the Imperial City.


    Hence, he wanted to know what this fifth prisoner was in charge of.


    Xu Qing observed very carefully. This person was an old woman with gray hair. Although she was covered in injuries, her expression was calm and her eyes seemed to contain endless wisdom. She gave off the feeling that she could see through everything.


    When Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on her, the old woman also looked at him and even smiled.


    ¡°This fifth person isn¡¯t directly involved but the other four had a secret contact with her before the incident¡­ This person¡¯s name is Dao Soul. She came from¡­¡±


    For the first time, the Grand Chancellor paused. Previously, when he said the Heavenly King Token, his tone was normal. Only now did he hesitate. However, after taking a deep breath, he still spoke.


    ¡°Star-Picking Tower!¡± As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the hall became solemn.


    A long time later, the Human Emperor¡¯s voice echoed.


    ¡°Slash.¡±


    ¡°Understood!¡± After the three golden-armored guard cultivators replied in a low voice, they each raised their hands. As the blade light flickered, three heads were lifted. The three headless corpses turned into blood and their heads turned into ashes.


    After that, the Human Emperor slowly stood up from the dragon throne.


    The juncture he stood up, every individual in the hall immediately lowered their heads and stood solemnly.


    Those Heavenly Marquises in black court dress also stood up.


    Xu Qing was the same. He stood up solemnly and controlled the emotions in his heart, not letting any of them spread on his face.


    ¡°Xu Qing from Fenghai County.¡±


    The Human Emperor spoke calmly.


    Xu Qing took a step forward and turned to face the west. He then bowed.


    ¡°You governed Fenghai, managed the Holy Wave, quelled the chaos in the Black Spirit, maintained peace and calm, protected the territory of the Human Clan, and upheld the responsibility of defending the borders. Today, I¡¯ll appoint you as the esteemed ruler of the Holy Wave Region and grant the attire of the Heavenly Marquis. After the official appointment from the Imperial Academy, you will be formally installed as the Heavenly Marquis.¡±


    The Human Emperor¡¯s voice echoed and the world exterior rumbled. Dragons roared and breathed out multicolored light.


    There were also large amounts of fortune that gathered in an invisible form from all directions and gushed into the main hall of the palace, enveloping Xu Qing¡¯s surroundings. Even the Ancient Sovereign Planet behind the palace churned with clouds at this moment, emitting fortune that headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Soon, the fortune beside Xu Qing became extremely dense and his entire body emitted a five-colored light. The black dragon on his robe even rushed out of the court dress and circled around. After swallowing the fortune, it rose into the air and let out a dragon roar.


    This was the orthodox conferment of the human race!


    This meant that from this moment on, Xu Qing would be protected by the orthodox fortune of the human race.


    And this was only the title of the region ruler. According to the meaning of the Human Emperor¡¯s words, Xu Qing needed to make a trip to the Imperial Academy. After he studied there, he could be officially conferred the title of Heavenly Marquis.


    One could imagine that at that time, the arrival of fortune would be even more astonishing.


    Outside the palace, beyond the rainbow bridge, the captain and Zi Xuan were sitting in a pavilion, waiting for Xu Qing. Seeing the auspicious signs in the world, Zi Xuan nodded slightly. However, she still felt that the fortune was too little.


    ¡°It¡¯s just five-colored. It hasn¡¯t reached seven yet and there¡¯s no fortune canopy, let alone the phantom of a predecessor¡­ The Human Emperor is a little petty.¡±


    However, the captain at the side was about to drool. He gazed at the power of fortune and his heart raced.


    ¡°So much fortune¡­ If I swallow it, I¡¯ll immediately be able to undo more than three seals. I want to enter the imperial court too!!¡±


    Seeing this auspicious scene, the captain and Zi Xuan weren¡¯t the only ones. The entire human race in the Imperial City could see the changes in the world when they lifted their heads. In an instant, an uproar spread out from all directions.


    At that moment, in the main hall of the palace, everyone cupped their hands in Xu Qing¡¯s direction and congratulated him. Xu Qing¡¯s heart also fluctuated greatly. He could sense that the cultivation base in his body was actually circulating faster at this moment.


    This level of fortune could enhance his combat strength, causing him to be stronger in the human race¡¯s territory than in other places. He could even sense that regardless of whether they were mortals, the more humans there were, the greater the upper limit of this enhancement.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and inclined to the Human Emperor according to etiquette.


    Regardless of who was behind the assassination, whether the killing of the people today was an act or if it was really like this would have to be investigated in the future.


    The case from that day ended with the conferment from the Human Emperor.


    Xu Qing also understood that the conferment from the Human Emperor was a true enhancement to him.


    As for the truth, it depended on the individual perspective. Sometimes, it was wiser to leave certain matters untouched rather than delving too deeply into them.


    Moreover¡­ Xu Qing could sense that the Human Emperor was playing a big game of chess with someone.


    According to what had happened today and the reminder from the clay fox, Xu Qing knew very well that that individual was the State Preceptor who he suspected to be Crown Prince Purple Green!


    The mastermind behind his assassination might be the Human Emperor or the State Preceptor. Assassination wasn¡¯t the goal. The main point was to place a piece.


    ¡®Then, if one side makes a move, according to the chessboard, the other side will also make a move¡­¡¯


    While Xu Qing was pondering, the auspicious signs formed by the fortune in the exterior world calmed down. The Human Emperor¡¯s voice rang out again and the palace shook, his voice spreading out to the outside world and echoing throughout the entire Imperial City.


    ¡°There¡¯s something else that I want to tell my people.¡±


    ¡°Heavenly King Dong Ding has achieved a great victory, capturing the Black Heaven Imperial Capital. More than half of the Black Heaven Region¡¯s territory has been incorporated into our human territory!¡±


    ¡°On the day I ascended the throne, I promised the Sword-


    Holding Emperor that I would make the human race prosper in this life. With the Sun of Dawn, I have fulfilled this promise. The oppression by the Black Heaven Race will soon be eradicated!¡±


    ¡°Today, as we celebrate the expansion of our human territory, I will initiate the Ancient Sovereign¡¯s inheritance, allowing our outstanding talents and princes to comprehend the antique Dao!¡±


    ¡°If anyone obtains the sovereign¡¯s inheritance, I¡¯ll reward them with the dragon medallion!¡±


    The Human Emperor¡¯s voice was like heavenly lightning that rumbled in the Imperial City, causing waves that surged into the sky. This caused the hearts of countless human heaven¡¯s chosen who heard this to stir.


    ¡°The last time the Ancient Sovereign Planet¡¯s inheritance was opened was 300 years ago!¡±


    ¡°This time, I must obtain the inheritance!¡±


    Numerous auras instantly rose from all directions.

 Chapter 1168 - 1168 Sitting by the East and Observing the Planet

    1168 Sitting by the East and Observing the Planet


    This event could be said to be one of the human race¡¯s grand ceremonies.


    The Ancient Sovereign Planet was rarely opened unless one was paying respects to the ancestors.


    This was because every time it was activated and the ancient planet woke up from its slumber, it would consume the fortune of the human race and the foundation of the ancient planet.


    After all, that place used to be the location of the Ancient Sovereign¡¯s Imperial Palace when he unified Wanggu. Before the fragmented-face arrived, it was pilgrimaged by all races, and even in the murals of many races, it symbolized nothing but divine authority, rightfully earning its status as Wanggu¡¯s sacred land.


    Even though the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether had left with his subordinates, this planet still had a supreme status and extraordinary meaning.


    This was because it contained the orthodox inheritance of the 108 Heavenly Marquises who had followed the Ancient Sovereign back then, as well as the Dao of the 33 Heavenly Kings who could intimidate the world.


    For example, Li Zihua had left his legacy here.


    And what people anticipated the most was the imprint of the nine Great Emperors of the human race inside it.


    During the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era, it was the golden age of the human race and also the peak of the human race¡¯s fortune. Therefore, there appeared nine Great Emperors, which was unprecedented.


    If any human could obtain a Great Emperor¡¯s inheritance, their status and identity would soar to the sky in a single step. Their subsequent cultivation journey would also be extraordinary.


    However, it was a pity that the Ancient Sovereign Planet was rarely opened and the duration of each opening was also very short. Hence, until now, there were people who had comprehended the Heavenly Marquises¡¯ inheritance, and also few who had comprehended the Heavenly Kings¡¯ inheritances.


    However, no one had obtained a Great Emperor¡¯s mark.


    What people obtained mainly were some Dao Arts of cultivators below the Heavenly Marquises, who had died in battle for the human race. Although there was a difference in levels, they were unique.


    At that moment, while the various forces in the Imperial City were shaken by the Human Emperor¡¯s sudden proclamation and waves rose in their hearts, in the Heavenwatch Pavilion of the Star Emperor Supreme Sect, the imperial son surnamed Peng, who was in the immortal pool hidden paradise of the Mortal World Tower that day, suddenly opened his eyes.


    ¡°The Human Emperor opened the ancient planet and let the heaven¡¯s chosen of the human race comprehend the ancient Dao!¡±


    His eyes gleamed as he leaped up.


    ¡°Since that Ling Yao rejected me many times, so be it, I don¡¯t want her Yin essence. In the inheritance of the Ancient Sovereign Planet, as a descendant of the Great Emperor¡¯s bloodline, I have a huge advantage. If I can obtain the legacy there and the dragon medallion, I can immediately break through the Spirit Repository and step into the Nihility Realm with the blessing of the fortune. After that, I can stride forward confidently, and even achieving Soul Accumulation is not impossible.¡±


    At the same time, in the northwestern part of the Imperial Capital, there was a huge temple. This temple looked ordinary and was filled with the mottled feeling of time.


    However, there was another space inside that contained many grotto-heavens. It was vast and endless.


    In one of the grotto-heavens, there was a monk-like cultivator sitting cross-legged. This person was a middle-aged man with no hair and his face was covered in a tattoo.


    Upon closer inspection, one could see that the tattoo was of the fragmented-face in the sky.


    ¡°The Ancient Sovereign Planet has opened. Fen Xing, you can represent my True Words to comprehend the inheritance there.¡±


    An ancient voice echoed in the grotto-heaven. The middle-aged man who was sitting cross-legged and cultivating opened his eyes and folded his arms across his chest, bowing his head in acknowledgment. He then rose to his feet and donned a white robe that covered his head before proceeding forward.


    His figure blurred with one step, disappeared with two steps, and appeared on the rainbow bridge outside the palace in three steps, waiting silently.


    Similar scenes appeared in the ten super sects of the human race. The person who came from the Mortal World Tower was none other than Ling Yao. The other sects also had heaven¡¯s chosen who were arranged to participate.


    If this was the case for these forces of the world, the orthodox lineage of the human race would naturally be even more active.


    In the Upper Mystic Five Palaces, those who were heavily nurtured and had great contributions and met the qualifications appeared one after another. It was the same for the Lower Mystic Five Palaces. There were also descendants of dignitaries from all over.


    There were also the princes and princess!


    Other than the eldest princess and second princess who were married and not in the Imperial Capital, the Fifth Prince, who was stationed at the border of Flame Moon with the first Heavenly King, and the Crown Prince, who was not favored by the Emperor, along with the voluntarily relinquished Eighth and Ninth Princes, all the other princes had chosen to participate.


    Regarding the dragon medallion, the others valued it because it contained the power of fortune that could greatly strengthen their cultivation. As for these princes¡­ they valued the meaning represented by the dragon medallion more than the enhancement it brought.


    After all, this was the first time since the Human Emperor Mystic War ascended the throne that he had presented the dragon medallion, representing his imperial status, as a reward.


    The meaning contained in this was profound, and those who were qualified to participate in this comprehension weren¡¯t stupid, so they all had their own thoughts and plans.


    ¡°The Human Emperor is bestowing the dragon medallion¡­ Is it really true? Does the Human Emperor have the intention to choose his successor?¡±¡±


    ¡°Regardless, although this inheritance appears to be open to all talents, in reality, everyone else is just supporting characters. The real protagonists¡­ are those princes.¡±


    ¡°Human Emperor wants to see who among his children receives the most recognition from the ancestor!¡±


    ¡°Of course, if someone stands out from the crowd in this assessment, they will definitely attract the attention of everyone. This is an opportunity!¡±


    Outside the palace, thousands of figures arrived from all directions and gathered on the rainbow bridge.


    In the palace, the Human Emperor retracted his gaze and lifted his right hand, waving his sleeve slightly as he walked forward.


    ¡°Dear ministers, follow me to see the future pillars of our human race. This era is ours, and the future era is theirs.¡±


    The Human Emperor¡¯s voice had a rare hint of emotion.


    Everyone in the hall smiled and emotions appeared on their faces. They looked like they were enjoying themselves as they followed the Human Emperor out of the hall.


    Xu Qing was among them. Ning Yan was deliberately slower and arrived beside Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing glanced at Ning Yan and discovered that his expression was a little lonely. He knew that Ning Yan was afraid of the Human Emperor and the scenes that had happened in the palace earlier made Ning Yan nervous.


    More importantly, the Human Emperor didn¡¯t glance at Ning Yan or question him at all.


    This was clearly the main reason for Ning Yan¡¯s current mood.


    ¡°Relax.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded slightly.


    Ning Yan heaved a sigh of relief. The feeling Xu Qing gave him was just like his older brother back then. He felt very at ease and moved closer to Xu Qing.


    His heart was also filled with bitterness. On one side was his father, and on the other side were his friends. However, his father¡¯s coldness was like midwinter.


    He was high and mighty and filled with coldness, unable to give him any warmth.


    On the contrary, his friends were more close and trusted him.


    At that moment, the hundreds of people walking out of the main hall immediately attracted the attention of the heaven¡¯s chosen on the rainbow bridge. All of them had solemn expressions as they bowed in unison toward the main hall.


    The Human Emperor nodded and lifted his right hand, pushing the sky.


    With this push, the sky changed color and the wind surged. The auspicious golden dragons in all directions roared in unison and swept up endless fortune as they rushed toward the huge Ancient Sovereign Planet behind the palace.


    Finally, they circled above the Ancient Sovereign Planet. Dragon roars rang out one after another as though they were calling out.


    That was the call of fortune and the call of the human race. As for the Ancient Sovereign Planet, the clouds and fog outside flowed faster and faster. A while later, a rumbling sound that split the sky and earth echoed.


    The Ancient Sovereign Planet suddenly opened like a huge eye.


    At that moment of its unveiling, colors vanished from the sky and earth. Boundless radiance and auspicious signs emanated from the ancient planet, causing the clouds to churn. Figures of ancestral human heroes emerged within the mists of the ancient planet.


    Furthermore, massive vortices spun, emitting astonishing suction forces that spread outward.


    ¡°The Ancient Sovereign Planet has been awakened. Our race¡¯s elites, you only have one day. If you don¡¯t comprehend the ancient Dao now, then when will you?!¡±


    The Grand Chancellor, who was standing behind the Human Emperor, shouted at the Rainbow Bridge.


    As his voice spread out, thousands of heaven¡¯s chosen on the rainbow bridge flew out rapidly. The instant they rose into the air, they were attracted by the suction force emitted by the Ancient Sovereign Planet and headed straight for it like shooting stars.


    Soon, thousands of figures appeared outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet. Some sat on the clouds, while others were in the clouds. All of them closed their eyes and began to comprehend.


    Among them, the princes and heaven¡¯s chosen were mixed together and it was hard to tell who was who.


    The opening of the Ancient Sovereign Planet was divided into many levels. Right now, it was only the first level.


    At this level, people couldn¡¯t step into the mainland of the world and could only comprehend in the clouds outside.


    The focus of this comprehension was the various inheritances wandering on the Ancient Sovereign Planet. They existed in different forms. Some were active outside and some were slumbering within the planet.


    Hence, this comprehension was actually bidirectional.


    Even if the cultivators were outstanding, it depended on which inheritance on the Ancient Sovereign Planet acknowledged them more.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the thousands of figures on the Ancient Sovereign Planet. After that, he looked at Ning Yan beside him.


    ¡°You should give it a try too.¡±


    Ning Yan hesitated. He looked at Xu Qing and then at the Human Emperor in the distance. He gritted his teeth and leaped up. He was guided in the air and headed straight for the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    Very soon, his figure appeared on a lump of clouds. His expression was solemn and packed with determination as he sat cross-legged with his eyes closed.


    The Human Emperor¡¯s gaze swept across the Ancient Sovereign Planet, without pausing on anyone, and finally, as he withdrew his gaze, he spoke softly with his back turned to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu, with your age and cultivation, if you want to participate, you can also go.¡±


    Xu Qing figured the time. If it was any other time, he would be willing to take part in this comprehension. After all, it was a chance to comprehend ancient inheritances. If he might obtain them, the benefits would naturally be extremely great.


    However, he had something else to do now.


    The blood pill he refined for Zi Xuan had been refined for half a month. The day the pill was completed was in the near future. Before the pill was completely refined, he needed to augment the furnace every once in a while to maintain the refinement state of the pill.


    ¡®In four hours, I have to go back and augment the pill furnace. Otherwise, all my previous efforts will be in vain¡­¡¯


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing cupped his hands toward the Human Emperor.


    ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty. My comprehension ability is ordinary, so I won¡¯t waste the fortune of the human race.¡±


    The Human Emperor didn¡¯t persuade and looked at the guards beside him.


    The guards understood and went down to make arrangements. Very soon, tables emerged outside the main hall. The Human Emperor sat down and hundreds of officials sat down one after another.


    There were also spiritual fruits and fine wine. The emperor and officials drank together and watched the juniors comprehending on the clouds. The atmosphere was very joyous.


    There were also some people who laughed and chatted with each other, commenting on the heaven¡¯s chosen of the various sects. Their words were packed with praise.


    At Xu Qing¡¯s side, an old man in blue court attire cupped his hands and smiled warmly.


    ¡°Lord Xu, it¡¯s a pity that you didn¡¯t take part in the comprehension. This opportunity is very rare.¡±


    Xu Qing returned the greeting and spoke politely.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that my aptitude is limited.¡±


    The old man was about to continue when the Human Emperor¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°Everyone, today let¡¯s speak frankly, regardless of ranks. Which of my princes do you think is additional suitable to be the Crown Prince?¡±


    As soon as the Human Emperor spoke, the place fell silent.


    A long time later, the Grand Chancellor spoke softly.


    ¡°The State Preceptor observes the astronomical phenomenon and reads the aura of fortune, and should be able to offer insight.¡±


    The Human Emperor turned his head slightly and looked at the empty space on his right.


    ¡°State Preceptor, what do you think?


    As soon as these words were spoken, Xu Qing abruptly lifted his head and looked to the right of the Human Emperor.


    As the void fluctuated, a figure was faintly discernible.

 Chapter 1169 - 1169 Summoning From the Ancient Sovereign Planet

    1169 Summoning From the Ancient Sovereign Planet


    Sometimes, even when one had suspicions or certainties about something deep down, experiencing it firsthand still stirred up waves of emotion in the heart.


    The magnitude of these waves depended on the significance of the matter to the individuals involved.


    The greater the degree, the more intense the waves would be.


    At that moment, on the right of the Human Emperor, in the empty space he was looking at, the void fluctuated and a gentle voice followed.


    ¡°Your Majesty already has an answer. How can outsiders give their view? Can I make Your Majesty change your mind?¡±


    As the voice rang out, a back view gradually materialized in the void to the right of the Human Emperor, attracting everyone¡¯s attention.


    He was clad in a white Daoist robe exuding elegance, with long purple hair giving an otherworldly impression, and his tall statue exuded a commanding presence.


    Hearing the voice and looking at the back view, Xu Qing was expressionless. However, his right hand was already clenched tightly with veins bulging on the back.


    He didn¡¯t need to identify him from the front. This voice and this back view¡­ were enough for him to confirm the other party¡¯s identity.


    A month ago, with the reminder of the clay fox, he had some guesses about the identity of the State Preceptor. However, when he really saw him, surprise and fluctuations still turned into a storm in his heart.


    He didn¡¯t know how this person became a State Preceptor and was able to appear here openly.


    He also had no idea what kind of connection or deals the other party had with the Human Emperor.


    He only knew that the other party was Illuminate. He had killed Lord Sixth and led the change in Fenghai County. There was an irreconcilable enmity between them!


    He only knew that the other party¡­ was the crow he had to kill!


    However, the current Xu Qing was no longer the same as before. When he saw Crown Prince Purple Green, his emotions didn¡¯t collapse. He could already hide his emotions deep in his heart and not reveal them.


    Hence, Xu Qing lowered his gaze and exhaled deeply until he heard everyone¡¯s voices.


    ¡°Greetings, State Preceptor.¡±


    Everyone lowered their heads and greeted respectfully.


    In the orthodox lineage of the human race, although the State Preceptor didn¡¯t have any real power, his status was high, second only to the Human Emperor and the Great Emperor.


    At that moment, the Human Emperor looked at everyone greeting the State Preceptor. A faint smile appeared on his face as he looked at the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    As for the State Preceptor who appeared beside him, he turned around, revealing the mask on his face.


    It was a white smiling face mask, eerie in appearance, yet when one met his gaze, they would instinctively overlook the mask¡¯s presence, for the State Preceptor¡¯s eyes, more than anyone else¡¯s, held an otherworldly brilliance, captivating all attention.


    He faced the officials and nodded. His gaze then landed on everyone one by one. Finally¡­ it landed on Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at him.


    The State Preceptor laughed.


    He had his own pride and his own way of doing things. If it was someone else who was the State Preceptor, they might not reveal their true body for various reasons.


    However, he was Crown Prince Purple Green!


    He never did things covertly, nor did he let any purpose influence his actions.


    So, when he appeared, he raised his hand and removed the mask covering his face, revealing his true visage to the officials.


    This was the first time the officials saw his face.


    Prior to this, the only person who saw his face was the Human Emperor. As for others, they only saw him in white robe and a white smiling mask.


    At that moment, as the mask was removed, the face that was revealed in front of everyone caused everyone¡¯s expressions to change and bewilderment to rise in their hearts.


    This face was 70% similar to Xu Qing¡¯s!


    However, it was paler, colder, and more sinister.


    However, his resplendent eyes seemed to contain no impurities and were incomparably clear.


    As for the sharply arched eyebrows above his eyes, the thin and pursed lips, and the angular features, all of these made the State Preceptor resemble a celestial white dragon, beautiful yet aloof.


    Everyone outside the hall maintained silence, immersed in their own thoughts. This was because the resemblance between the State Preceptor and Xu Qing wasn¡¯t just the appearance but also their inner qualities.


    Although spells could do this, such a method clearly didn¡¯t match the State Preceptor¡¯s status.


    So¡­ there was only one explanation.


    This explanation caused everyone to fall into deep thought. They recalled the assassination attempt in the Imperial Capital, and there were also some who looked at the Human Emperor with obscure thoughts.


    As for the State Preceptor, he didn¡¯t care about everyone¡¯s gazes. At that moment, he looked at Xu Qing and smiled. His eyes were as gentle as ever as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Brother, we meet again.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He looked at the State Preceptor in front of him and didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°I did not orchestrate the assassination attempt, nor would I deign to do so.¡±


    The State Preceptor said with a smile. After he finished speaking, he turned and sat beside the Human Emperor, looking at the heaven¡¯s chosen on Ancient Sovereign Planet with him.


    The officials did the same.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was still the same, as though he hadn¡¯t seen Purple Green. He sat there and lifted his head to stare at Ning Yan on the Ancient Sovereign Planet, calculating the time when he could leave.


    He needed to do this to disperse the storm in his heart.


    Outside the hall, it was as quiet as the surface of a calm lake.


    However, the hearts of everyone here were filled with waves. If the waves joined, they would probably form huge waves that would drown everything.


    Time passed bit by bit amidst the external silence and internal waves. Very soon, two hours passed.


    The comprehension of the heaven¡¯s chosen on the Ancient Sovereign Planet also changed at this moment.


    Among the thousands of cultivators sitting cross-legged outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet that was surrounded by clouds, an auspicious sign appeared on some of them, transforming into various phenomena. There were also multicolored lights shining on some.


    That meant that the cultivator had succeeded or was about to succeed. The more auspicious phenomena and multicolored lights there were, the higher the level of comprehension.


    However, more people were still comprehending.


    However, the cultivators who succeeded didn¡¯t comprehend the Heavenly Marquises¡¯ inheritances but the inheritances left behind by those heroes below the Heavenly Marquises who had died in battle over the countless years.


    There were divine powers and cultivation arts inside. Although they weren¡¯t as good as the legacies of Heavenly Marquises, they had their unique aspects. To be able to comprehend them was also an opportunity.


    ¡°That¡¯s the combined sword technique of Chen Qinghai, commander of ten thousand under the Sword Holding Great Emperor back then. Excellent, excellent. The heaven¡¯s chosen sent by the Sword Holding Palace this time is indeed extraordinary, second only to the Heavenly Marquis¡¯ inheritance!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just Chen Qinghai¡¯s Dao that was comprehended. Look over there, the Yin-Yang statue has manifested. This is the Black-and-White Evil Transformation Art that was described in the ancient books. The person who comprehended it looks unfamiliar. From his clothes, he should be a disciple of the Divine Harvest Vast Cosmos Sect.¡±


    As they watched, the silence outside the hall was broken. Some officials chatted and laughed among themselves again. Gradually, when there was some excitement, the number of people who succeeded in comprehending increased one after another.


    The lights outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet continued to shine and auspicious signs appeared frequently.


    The cultivators who succeeded would be sent out of the Ancient Sovereign Planet and appear on the rainbow bridge. Everyone only had one chance to comprehend.


    As for Xu Qing, his gaze landed on the location of Ning Yan on the Ancient Sovereign Planet. In two hours, there were no changes to Ning Yan. He seemed to be putting in a lot of effort but it was obviously ineffective.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t in a hurry. Ning Yan¡¯s aptitude wasn¡¯t bad. Even if he didn¡¯t obtain a Heavenly King¡¯s inheritance, he would definitely gain something.


    With such thoughts in mind, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze moved away from Ning Yan and landed on the others, continuing to disperse the storm rising in his heart.


    As his gaze swept over, although he didn¡¯t know almost all of these heaven¡¯s chosen, he could tell who the princes were through their robes. Xu Qing had seen a few of them before.


    For example, the third princess.


    For example, the Seventh Prince.


    This was the first moment Xu Qing had seen the latter after coming to the Imperial City.


    The instant he looked at the Seventh Prince, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was cold and focused. After sensing that there were no auspicious signs or multicolored lights on the other party, Xu Qing shifted his gaze away and was about to look at the third princess.


    However, at this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s heart suddenly stirred. His gaze followed his heart and peered at a cloudy area that no one was in.


    The clouds and fog there were relatively thin compared to the other areas. One could even see some mountain terrain on the Ancient Sovereign Planet under the clouds.


    What attracted Xu Qing was the mountain range on Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    Although the distance was very far and only the first layer of clouds had opened on the Ancient Sovereign Planet, Xu Qing felt a weak fluctuation coming from the mountain range.


    This fluctuation was very light. It came from under the mountain and existed in the interior of the Ancient Sovereign Planet. Moreover, it was additional like a summoning.


    Xu Qing fell silent. His gaze swept across the surroundings of the thin fog outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet. Although there was no one in the thin fog, there were still cultivators comprehending in the surroundings.


    However, it was as though¡­ none of them sensed this summoning. It was as though this summoning had a special meaning.


    ¡®What is that¡­ Is it also an inheritance?¡¯


    Xu Qing pondered. Looking at the others¡¯ gains, he discovered that this so-called inheritance was actually formed by some consciousness that wandered between the clouds.


    In comparison, the summoning from the mountain range seemed to be additional like a special aura emitted by a material object.


    Just as Xu Qing was pondering, the clouds and fog on Ancient Sovereign Planet suddenly circulated faster. Fog rose and drowned the surroundings, enveloping the figures of all the heaven¡¯s chosen. Only one person was revealed and became the center of attention.


    This was because this cloud tide was caused by this person. From afar, a huge vortex was spinning in all directions with this person as the center.


    There was too an ancient holy statue that carried dignity and holiness. It rose from this person¡¯s body and was a hundred thousand feet tall. Golden flames spread out and burned the surroundings.


    ¡°Heavenly Marquis Inheritance!¡±


    ¡°This is the dao technique of Heavenly Marquis Flame Spear, ranked tenth among the one hundred and eight Heavenly Marquises.¡±


    ¡°The person who comprehended it is¡­ the grandson of the Supreme Commander, Meng Yunbai!¡±


    In the Imperial Capital, the various forces and rogue cultivators were all looking at the Ancient Sovereign Planet from afar. When they saw this scene, their expressions changed.


    Even many of the other cultivators on the Ancient Sovereign Planet opened their eyes and peered at Meng Yunbai. Their expressions changed. Some were complicated, some were envious, and some were unwilling.


    Outside the palace, the officials smiled. There was admiration in the Human Emperor¡¯s eyes.


    Only Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past Meng Yunbai before looking in the direction of that hidden mountain range again.


    ¡®The summoning has become even additional intense¡­¡¯

 Chapter 1170 - 1170 Dancing in Vain to the East Wind

    1170 Dancing in Vain to the East Wind


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    He had a feeling that as more and more heaven¡¯s chosen of the human race succeeded in comprehending, the summoning from the mountains on the Ancient Sovereign Planet became increasingly intense.


    However, he wasn¡¯t sure. He could only vaguely sense the clouds and fog rising outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet as well as the auspicious light. It was as though to a certain extent, it could enhance this summoning.


    As for the reason, Xu Qing didn¡¯t understand it very well, nor did he know what existed in the mountain range.


    However, he was certain of one thing.


    This item would definitely be astonishing.


    Hence, he tried to respond and sense it but it was useless. This didn¡¯t have much to do with Xu Qing¡¯s location. After all, he didn¡¯t need to comprehend it or sit cross-legged in the clouds.


    Especially when the place he was at now was also very close to the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    The greatest obstacle affecting the communication was actually the seal on the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    The Human Emperor had only opened the outermost layer of seals on the Ancient Sovereign Planet. Under the layers of seals, the Ancient Sovereign Planet seemed to be enveloped by shells.


    These outer shells couldn¡¯t isolate the summoning from the Ancient Sovereign Planet¡¯s main body but they could isolate Xu Qing¡¯s response.


    Just as Xu Qing was thinking, he suddenly sensed the summoning intent intensifying again. This caused his eyes to narrow. At the same time, a second vortex appeared on the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    The first cloud and fog vortex came from Meng Yunbai, who had comprehended a Heavenly Marquis inheritance. The core of the second vortex was a bald cultivator in a thick hemp Daoist robe.


    This person came from the True Words and his name was Fen Xing.


    At this moment, the shadow of a gigantic red scorpion appeared outside his body. It roared at the sky and lifted its tail. As the tail swayed, it created afterimages, a sight both startling and awe-inspiring.


    The sound reverberated, shaking the surroundings, accompanied by a menacing aura that seemed to assail from all directions.


    Its malevolent body was accompanied by a terrifying aura that was on par with the ancient holy statue that manifested on Meng Yunbai.


    In terms of cruelty, it was even more powerful.


    At that moment, these two vortices were spinning in two directions on the Ancient Sovereign Planet. Although there was some connection between them, they could be considered clearly separated. As for the other heaven¡¯s chosen, their figures were drowned under the churning of these two vortices.


    ¡°In about two hours, there were two cultivators who comprehended Heavenly Marquises¡¯ inheritances. Looks like the battle with the Black Heaven Race this time has greatly increased the fortune of our human race.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, this one came from the True Words¡­¡±


    ¡°The people of the True Words are all strange. They¡¯re usually fine and just focus on cultivating, but when it comes to their doctrines, they¡¯re even crazier than Litu.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay attention to the discussions. His attention was all on the summoning from Ancient Sovereign Planet. He also confirmed that as the number of people who had successfully comprehended increased, especially when someone comprehended Heavenly Marquis inheritance, the summoning intensified even more.


    ¡®Every time someone successfully comprehends a cultivation art, it¡¯s like absorbing wandering consciousness from the Ancient Sovereign Planet. This process will cause the seals on the Ancient Sovereign Planet to loosen a little¡­¡¯


    ¡®This is the reason why the summoning is intensifying.¡¯


    Xu Qing understood. His gaze landed on the clouds. He hoped that more people would succeed in comprehending.


    At that moment, a familiar voice spread in all directions from beside the Human Emperor and also drifted into Xu Qing¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Your Majesty, since there are many human heaven¡¯s chosen who have succeeded in comprehending in such a short period of time, why don¡¯t you open another seal?¡±


    ¡°Although it will shorten the comprehension time, it can increase the success rate of the children.¡±


    The person who spoke was the State Preceptor, who was sitting beside the Human Emperor.


    As soon as he finished speaking, the gazes of the officials in front of the hall landed on the Human Emperor. With the opening of the Ancient Sovereign Planet, the inheritances that were wandering in the clouds would become more strong with each additional seal. However, the consumption would also be greater.


    The Human Emperor slowly turned his head and stared at the State Preceptor.


    The State Preceptor smiled.


    A while later, the Human Emperor spoke calmly.


    ¡°Allowed.¡±


    The instant his words rang out, earth-shattering rumbling echoed on the Ancient Sovereign Planet. The dense fortune of the human race transformed into golden dragons that continued to devour.


    Another layer of the seal was opened.


    More clouds and fog erupted, and even more resplendent multicolored light spread throughout the entire ancient planet. With the help of the impact caused by the opening of the seal, dozens of people revealed their figures in the fog in the blink of an eye and successfully comprehended cultivation arts.


    Among them, two directly comprehended Heavenly Marquis inheritances.


    One was the imperial son of the Star Emperor Supreme Sect. A vortex spun around his body and his aura was extraordinary. However, his expression was unwilling. Clearly, he wasn¡¯t satisfied with this but he couldn¡¯t do anything about it.


    As for the other one, it was a prince!


    The sixth prince!


    Many were surprised that the first prince to successfully comprehend was the sixth prince, as he was known for his debauchery and libertine lifestyle, surrounded by women in his mansion with continuous revelry, appearing to lack any ambition.


    To many observers, the sixth prince appeared unconcerned with cultivation or power, wholly dedicated to pleasure-seeking pursuits and romantic dalliances, often engaging in flirtations with the female Heavenly King, Yuelan.


    But now, he was the first to succeed.


    As for the Heavenly Marquis inheritance he comprehended, it was a little different from others. It was the path of the Flowery Marquis and focused on dual cultivation¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s in line with the sixth prince¡¯s temperament. Perhaps this is the reason why his comprehension was successful.¡±


    Among the people in front of the hall, some laughed and some frowned. As for the Human Emperor, he was expressionless and no one could tell his emotions. The State Preceptor beside him also smiled but didn¡¯t say anything.


    As for Xu Qing, he didn¡¯t pay attention to the sixth prince¡¯s success. This was because the moment the second level of the Ancient Sovereign Planet¡¯s seal was opened, the summoning from it became even more intense. Moreover, with these two successive Heavenly Marquis inheritance comprehension, the summoning was already extremely astonishing in Xu Qing¡¯s perception.


    At the same time, he could tell that this summoning was specially targeted toward him, as no one else sensed it.


    ¡®What exactly is it¡­¡¯


    Xu Qing silently pondered as time passed.


    The activation of the second seal on the Ancient Sovereign Planet caused a continuous stream of successful comprehension. After about fifteen minutes, a scene that caused everyone¡¯s eyes to shine appeared.


    A vast storm suddenly erupted on the Ancient Sovereign Planet. Its range was so large that it affected the entire planet, suppressing all the Heavenly Marquis vortices.


    In the storm, an astonishing figure seemed to have come from ancient times and returned from time. Step by step, it stood in the storm.


    That figure was extremely tall. He wore blood-red armor and had long red hair. His entire body emitted an incomparable pressure that shook the entire Imperial City.


    ¡°Heavenly King!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the Night Slaughter King!¡±


    ¡°He followed the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether and fought against 137 races. He would slaughter all his enemies in battle. He was conferred the title of Night Slaughter King by the sovereign and took charge of five large regions!¡±


    Everyone in front of the hall was in an uproar. The many people in the Imperial Capital were all shaken.


    This was the first time a Heavenly King¡¯s inheritance had appeared in a thousand years!


    As for the person who comprehended the Heavenly King¡¯s inheritance, it wasn¡¯t the heaven¡¯s chosen of the various sects but the third prince, who was exceptionally talented, well-


    versed in the ancient and modern, and serving in the Imperial Academy!


    From afar, the third prince in the storm had long hair that fluttered in the wind. He had a delicate appearance but he didn¡¯t lack martial valor. His long and narrow eyes flowed with light, adding to his spirit.


    His successful comprehension caused the officials in front of the hall to grin and praises rang out. Even the Human Emperor nodded slightly.


    Outsiders wouldn¡¯t know if these people were praising sincerely or not.


    No matter what, the Human Emperor¡¯s nod revealed his attitude. To many people, this was a signal.


    However, the instant the Third Prince¡¯s aura was soaring, the Ancient Sovereign Planet was in an uproar again. In another direction, where the fourth son of the Human Emperor was, a tornado rose in all directions, stirring the wind and clouds, suppressing all the Heavenly Marquis inheritance vortexes and drowning all the cultivators in the surroundings.


    It became the second monstrous storm on the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    The figure of an ancient Heavenly King appeared and was walking over step by step. However, before this ancient figure could completely become clear, the fourth prince, who was sitting cross-legged in the storm, opened his eyes and revealed determination. He actually raised his hand and ruthlessly patted his chest.


    With this slap, blood spurted out and transformed into a blood umbrella that floated above his head, isolating his comprehension.


    At the next instant, the storm stirred. The figure of the Heavenly King who was walking over stopped in his tracks and slowly blurred. Finally, it dissipated with the storm.


    This scene caused everyone¡¯s eyes to flicker. The third prince, who was in the storm, also gazed at this sight with a gloomy expression.


    ¡°He actually gave up on a Heavenly King¡¯s inheritance!¡±


    ¡°You only have one chance to comprehend. Once you fuse with an inheritance, you won¡¯t be able to comprehend again. The fourth prince cut off the inheritance before the fusion, so he still has a chance.¡±


    ¡°Is this dissatisfaction? Looks like his target is a Great Emperor inheritance. If he succeeds, he will be considered heroic; but if he fails, he will be called stupid!¡±


    The fourth prince¡¯s actions were the center of attention, and some of the people in front of the hall looked at the State Preceptor.


    The fourth prince was the personal disciple of the State Preceptor. When they pondered of the Human Emperor¡¯s attitude after the third prince successfully grasped an inheritance, they could find a deeper meaning behind this action.


    The atmosphere in front of the hall fluctuated. However, Xu Qing, who was sitting there, didn¡¯t pay attention to these. His main focus was still the summoning from the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    However, he still frowned.


    Originally, with the fourth prince¡¯s comprehension, the fluctuations of this summoning should have intensified greatly. However, as the other party gave up, the summoning intent fell.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past the fourth prince. He instinctively disliked this person but he had to admit that the fourth prince¡¯s comprehension ability was indeed astonishing.


    After another fifteen minutes, the entire Ancient Sovereign Planet suddenly stirred up an unprecedented vast fluctuation. Golden dragons roared and the power of fortune churned intensely like the sea.


    There was also a dazzling multicolored light that erupted from the planet, instantly suppressing the storm of the Heavenly King¡¯s inheritance. It also attracted the attention of countless humans in the Imperial City. Even the people in front of the hall stood up with solemn expressions.


    ¡°This fluctuation¡­¡±


    ¡°It surpasses the Heavenly King¡¯s inheritance. Could it be¡­¡±


    The entire palace was silent. All living beings in the Imperial City were also focused. Under the attention of everyone, the fourth prince couldn¡¯t hide the excitement on his face. He suddenly lifted his head and looked up.


    Above him, the figures of ancestors appeared. There were Heavenly Marquises and Heavenly Kings inside.


    These human ancestors emerged with glorious and incomparable aura. What was even more shocking was that they actually bowed to the fourth prince.


    This scene caused everyone¡¯s minds to explode. This was because according to the ancient books, these scenes represented that a Great Emperor¡¯s mark had been successfully comprehended!


    This was also the first time something like this had happened since the Human Emperor Mystic War ascended to throne!


    As for those figures of the human ancestors, they weren¡¯t worshiping the fourth prince but an astonishing mountain that rose on the ground of the Ancient Sovereign Planet behind the fourth prince!


    As the mountain rose into the air, it continued to shatter, gradually revealing the sharpness inside it.


    It was a sword!


    The sword of the Sword Holding Emperor!


    Human Emperor Mystic War also stood up with a solemn expression and looked at the Emperor Sword. The officials behind him were all the same. The gazes they used to look at the fourth prince also revealed a bright glint.


    The other princes were all shocked.


    Such an imposing aura and inheritance completely highlighted the fourth prince.


    Just as the fourth prince was about to excitedly receive the Emperor Sword that rose into the air, Xu Qing, who had also stood up in front of the hall, looked at the Emperor Sword and sensed the summoning from it.


    Hence¡­ he lifted his hand.


    On the Ancient Sovereign Planet, the Emperor Sword suddenly trembled, emitting a piercing sword cry.


    After that, it rushed out and passed by the fourth prince.


    The fourth prince was stunned. He looked at the Emperor Sword that whistled past him and had no choice but to retreat under the storm fluctuations caused by the sword. However, his gaze instinctively followed and he gazed blankly at the palace¡­


    The Emperor Sword was heading straight for the palace!

 Chapter 1171 - 1171 Carrying the Emperor Sword and Walking the Human World

    1171 Carrying the Emperor Sword and Walking the Human World


    On the Ancient Sovereign Planet, the statues of the ancestors stood tall. The clouds in the surroundings churned and bloomed into fog flowers that rose into canopies.


    There was also the illumination of the multicolored light, embellishing the canopies with vibrant colors, as if all auspicious signs had converged.


    Golden dragons circled in the air and breathed out fortune, revealing the figures of all the human heaven¡¯s chosen who were comprehending in the clouds.


    At that moment, these heaven¡¯s chosen of the human race all sensed something. They opened their eyes one after another and looked at the rainbow that rushed out of the Ancient Sovereign Planet and whistled through the world, heading straight for the palace.


    They were all bewildered.


    Ning Yan was among them. His eyes were wide open and his mind was buzzing.


    The rainbow they were looking at was none other than the Emperor Sword.


    The sword, resembling bronze in hue, was adorned with intricate patterns, exuding profound ancient meanings while also carrying a sense of dominance and supremacy.


    All of this happened extremely quickly. It was so fast that before anyone could have time to feel any more emotions, the Emperor Sword that emitted the intent to split the world apart and exuded supreme dignity had already arrived in front of the Emperor¡¯s palace!


    There, it didn¡¯t stop at all and instantly moved toward everyone in front of the hall.


    Wherever it passed, the void exploded and even the palace trembled. The ground of the square shattered and horror rose in the hearts of everyone in front of the hall.


    The moment the sword arrived, its might towered into the sky and its aura was like a rainbow that could devour mountains and rivers. It swept up the fortune of the human race and contained the vicissitudes of time. It passed by the Human Emperor¡¯s side and passed by the right side of the Grand Chancellor, through the crowd and heading straight for¡­ Xu Qing¡¯s raised right hand.


    In the blink of an eye, the sword paused and appeared above Xu Qing.


    The sound of a sword hum echoed in the world, revealing the intent of recognizing its master. This Emperor Sword slowly landed in Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    Xu Qing grabbed it.


    The moment he touched the sword hilt, lightning rumbled in the sky. The statues of the ancestors in the Ancient Sovereign Planet were guided to finish a ritual. They cupped their hands in unison.


    The cultivators in front of the hall were all important officials of the human race. Regardless of temperament or cultivation, they were all dragons among humans. However, at this moment, their hearts were also stirred. They all glanced at Xu Qing and the sword in his hand.


    The Bronze Emperor Sword, measuring four feet and seven inches, possessed a sharp edge and emitted a fierce sword aura, capable of cutting through the heavens.


    At that moment, it flickered in Xu Qing¡¯s hand and sword light filled the sky, causing the weather to change and the sea of clouds to surge. Everyone¡¯s attention was attracted to it.


    It was as though under this sword light, all divine weapons would lose their light and armies would have to retreat.


    Amidst the earth trembling and the sky quaking, intertwined with the sword¡¯s radiance, a momentum capable of shattering the ages emerged, as if white light engulfed the sun and moon, and purple qi parted the Big Dipper.


    Everyone was shocked.


    No matter how thousands of human elites had comprehended, flourished, and stirred hearts on the Ancient Sovereign Planet, it was meaningless now.


    Compared to Xu Qing, the difference was obvious. The two sides were not on the same level.


    What they comprehended was the inheritance, and what Xu Qing obtained by just waving his hand was the Emperor Sword!


    This was especially so when¡­ it was the sword of the Sword Holding Emperor!


    Its meaning was extraordinary.


    The Sword Holding Emperor had founded the Sword Palace lineage, established the Sword Holding Palace, and safeguarded the human race until now. His sword was capable of cutting down anyone who was an obstacle to the development of the human race, regardless of who they were, even if they were the emperor!


    At that moment, after some people recognized the origin of this sword, they immediately thought of the matter of the Great Emperor awakening and summoning Xu Qing when he came to the Imperial City.


    It all made sense now.


    ¡°The successor of the Sword Palace!¡±


    The officials in front of the hall were all stirred. They looked at Xu Qing and the Emperor Sword. While each had their own thoughts, respect gleamed in their eyes. At present, this respect had nothing to do with Xu Qing; they revered the Emperor Sword.


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s heart was in turmoil. He held the Emperor Sword in his hand and thought of the words the Sword Holding Emperor had said when he summoned him. Everything¡­ made sense.


    However, he wasn¡¯t too happy. This was because the moment he obtained this sword, it also meant that his feelings back then were true.


    The Great Emperor was about to die.


    He was entrusting him with a heavy responsibility.


    And here, perhaps he was not the only one entrusted with a heavy responsibility by the Great Emperor, but this sword was equally weighty.


    Xu Qing sighed inwardly. Just as he was about to put away the Emperor Sword that held a mission, the light of this sword erupted again. The sword light flickered, forming a sea of light that drowned Xu Qing¡¯s figure. After that, it left his palm and rushed toward his forehead.


    In the blink of an eye, the Emperor Sword and the sword light it emitted entered Xu Qing¡¯s forehead.


    His body trembled. His three divine repositories manifested behind him, emitting a terrifying pressure. At the same time, the fourth secret repository¡­ suddenly appeared!


    Although it was only an outline, its appearance caused Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation to instantly rise and his aura to increase.


    The fourth secret repository was still covered in fog. However, upon closer inspection, one could see the missing Emperor Sword being nurtured inside. Occasionally, it would emit a sharp edge that could shock the heavens and the earth and tear ghosts and gods.


    This was an Emperor Sword¡¯s secret repository!


    The moment it appeared, Xu Qing¡¯s three divine repositories all swayed, emitting divine might. The Emperor Sword¡¯s secret repository wasn¡¯t inferior either and its sword might towered into the sky.


    Although it had nothing to do with gods, its terrifying power caused its existence to be as high as the divine repositories.


    However, it was currently unable to be used by Xu Qing or controlled.


    This was because this sword contained a mission and couldn¡¯t be controlled by an individual¡¯s will. Rather than saying that Xu Qing had been recognized as its master, it was better to say that he had been chosen by it to carry it.


    Carrying the Emperor Sword, he would travel the world.


    This sword was waiting. When the time came for it to fulfill its mission, it would fly out of the secret repository and slash down the target.


    As the person carrying the sword, under the sword intent emitted by this sword and the gathered fortune, there would be many benefits and his achievements would be extraordinary.


    Xu Qing understood as he stared at the Emperor Sword¡¯s secret repository.


    The sword hum and the secret repository blurred, dissipating together with the three divine repositories.


    The world fell silent.


    The Human Emperor looked at Xu Qing with a deep gaze and smiled faintly.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    The expression of the State Preceptor beside him didn¡¯t change as he smiled.


    Xu Qing also looked at the State Preceptor at this moment. He tried to summon the Emperor Sword inwardly. If it was possible, he wanted to slash out at this moment.


    Unfortunately¡­ the Emperor Sword didn¡¯t move.


    Xu Qing felt regretful.


    As the Emperor Sword disappeared, the fluctuations on the Ancient Sovereign Planet dissipated. The ancestors¡¯ statues became blurry. In the end, the vortices remained and the third prince¡¯s inheritance storm was revealed again.


    Everything returned to before the Emperor Sword appeared.


    However, most of the human heaven¡¯s chosen who were comprehending couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of defeat. Only a few of them could remain calm.


    Ning Yan was one of them. Although he was shocked at the start, when he thought about Xu Qing¡¯s experiences, he suddenly felt that this was very normal. Hence, he calmed down.


    There was also the Third Prince.


    He was very happy to see Xu Qing get the Emperor Sword. This was because if the fourth prince successfully comprehended the Great Emperor¡¯s inheritance, all the princes would be left behind.


    To him, the current situation was the most perfect.


    However, to the fourth prince, everything that had happened today caused his emotions to be extremely intense. Usually, when he was outside, he would look gentle and friendly. However, today¡­


    He sat cross-legged in the clouds and looked in the direction of the palace. His expression was gloomy at first.


    He knew that his prestige had been seriously trampled on and his actions had become a fool¡¯s act now. It would spread like a joke in the Imperial City, and his inheritance had also been taken away by someone in front of everyone, including his master and father.


    However, in just a few breaths of time, his expression recovered and he looked gentle again. He even raised his hand and cupped his hands toward the palace to show his respect for the Emperor Sword and congratulate Xu Qing.


    This demeanor caused many people to think more highly of him.


    However, although the fourth prince revealed gentleness, some people didn¡¯t seem to want to let go of this opportunity.


    Hence, Xu Qing calculated the time. Just as he was about to leave early with the excuse of comprehending the Emperor Sword, outside the palace gate, on the rainbow bridge, in front of the golden-armored giant cultivators, someone stood there and cupped his fists, bowing to the palace.


    ¡°Greetings, Your Majesty!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Tuomu Wei. I was born in the Sinking Cloud Region and returned to my human race 60 years ago. Today, witnessing County Governor Xu snatching the fourth prince¡¯s inheritance in front of the masses, I feel discontent!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a cultivator. If I don¡¯t have a clear mind, it¡¯ll be difficult for me to advance in cultivation. Moreover, Your Majesty once advocated the people to uphold the martial part of cultivation. Today, this lowly one dares to seek guidance from County Governor Xu.¡±


    ¡°Please allow it!¡±


    The person who spoke was a burly man in a rough hemp robe. He had a burly figure and long hair that draped over his shoulders. His expression was arrogant and his eyes were filled with the intent to die.


    As his voice spread, the fluctuations of the perfected Spirit Repository spread out from his body.


    Five secret repositories appeared behind him. They were all comprehended with body refinement. As he stood there, the qi and blood in his body churned and fused with the secret repositories behind him, forming a blood cloud that spread in all directions.


    As soon as he spoke, everyone who was paying attention outside the palace cast sidelong glances at him.


    On the Ancient Sovereign Planet, the Fourth Prince suddenly lifted his head, his eyes revealing killing intent. The other party was indeed a member of his residence, but he wasn¡¯t the one who instigated his actions.


    What the other party did at this moment was extremely disadvantageous to him. Even if anyone with discerning eyes could see the problem, the nature of some things would change after the rumors spread.


    This was especially so if he made his father unhappy. Even if he was being wronged, he would still be affected. Hence, the killing intent in the fourth prince¡¯s heart suddenly intensified. He suddenly stood up and bowed to the palace before shouting.


    ¡°Tuomu Wei, what are your intentions? Step back immediately!¡±


    Tuomu Wei lowered his head.


    ¡°Your Highness!¡±


    ¡°I was too abrupt but County Governor Xu¡¯s actions are truly vicious and greedy. He doesn¡¯t deserve to be conferred a title, let alone possess the Emperor Sword!¡±


    As soon as he said this, the fourth prince¡¯s expression became even more shocked and furious. The other party seemed to be lowering his head, but his words remained moreover a weapon. He existed about to reprimand him.


    However, at that moment, the Human Emperor¡¯s voice rang out calmly.


    ¡°The ceremony is in chaos. Kill him.¡±


    The Human Emperor¡¯s voice rang out. The large swords in the hands of the two golden-armored giant cultivators outside the palace gate shone with a piercing light. The moment the Emperor¡¯s voice rang out, the large swords landed.


    There remained also spells that descended on Tuomu Wei¡¯s entire body. His body trembled and at the next instant¡­ his body existed slashed by the two large swords, falling to the ground in four pieces.


    The surroundings remained filled with silence and reverence.


    Xu Qing existed calm throughout the whole thing, as though it had nothing to do with him. At that moment, he cupped his hands toward the Human Emperor.


    ¡°Your Majesty, this is my first time obtaining the Emperor Sword and my secret repository is unstable. Please allow me to leave early and stabilize my comprehension.¡±


    ¡°Granted.¡±


    The Human Emperor lifted his head and peered at the ancient planet.


    Xu Qing straightened his body. After nodding to every individual in the surroundings, he walked down the steps and walked past the Immortal Receiving Square until he reached the entrance of the palace. He didn¡¯t even glance at the corpse on the ground as he walked past.


    When the wind blew over, his back view existed calm and composed.

 Chapter 1172 - 1172 The Mysterious Ritual on the Ancient Sovereign Planet

    1172 The Mysterious Ritual on the Ancient Sovereign Planet


    For Xu Qing, the audience with the Emperor this time came to a conclusion the moment he walked out of the palace gates.


    However, the storm in his heart was still erupting. It was as though there was a wild beast hidden in his body, wanting to rush out of the cage of his mind and tear everything apart.


    He could only try his best to control himself and try his best to be as calm as he looked on the surface. He lifted his head and smiled at the captain and Zi Xuan who were waiting outside the palace.


    The captain¡¯s thoughts were clearly attracted by other things and weren¡¯t as meticulous as Zi Xuan¡¯s.


    Zi Xuan only glanced at Xu Qing before leaving with him. As for the captain, he stayed behind and said that he wanted to wait for Ning Yan. However, Xu Qing saw the desire in the captain¡¯s eyes when he stared at the Ancient Sovereign Planet and knew that every time the captain did something major, he would need to collect all kinds of materials and information.


    This gaze clearly showed that he was gathering information.


    Hence, he let the captain stay behind. Xu Qing¡¯s gains from this audience were significant: the conferment, the convergence of fortune, the confirmation of the State Preceptor¡¯s identity, and acquiring the Emperor Sword.


    However, Xu Qing felt that he hadn¡¯t done well enough. There were some issues in handling certain matters, and most importantly, he couldn¡¯t afford to let his mind stop spinning nor give himself any leisure time at the moment.


    Once his thoughts stopped moving, the killing intent towards Crown Prince Purple Green in the depths of his heart would erupt like a flood breaking a dam.


    Zi Xuan sharply sensed this. Even though Xu Qing was trying his best to hide it, Zi Xuan could still sense that there was¡­ an extreme storm in Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    Hence, she grabbed Xu Qing¡¯s hand. Just like how Xu Qing had grabbed her hand in the Immortal Forbidden, she sent him her warmth.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    In the moment when their eyes met, a gust of wind lifted their hair. Xu Qing remained silent for a few breaths, walking alongside as he softly recounted the details and process of his audience with the emperor to Zi Xuan.


    Zi Xuan listened attentively all the way until they returned to Ning Yan¡¯s residence. In front of the lake, she spoke softly.


    ¡°The way you handled yourself when you saw Crow was already very good.¡±


    ¡°I agree with your guess. It¡¯s impossible for the Human Emperor not to know Crow¡¯s identity. There must be a deal between them.¡±


    ¡°The fact that the Emperor Sword remained unmoved by Crow doesn¡¯t signify much. This sword is selfless, how can it be used for personal reasons? It¡¯s more about sensing the changes in the fate of the human race and intervening during the critical moment to stop the disaster.¡±


    ¡°Your shortcomings in this audience with the Human Emperor are all small flaws.¡±


    ¡°The Human Emperor should be playing chess with Crow. Each of us will place a piece.¡±


    ¡°As for your killing intent toward Crow, before you have the ability to kill him, protecting yourself and holding back your killing intent should be your focus.¡±


    ¡°Our stay in the Imperial City is destined to be full of twists and turns. But, Qing, you must know, you are not alone. Whatever happens¡­ I am with you.¡±


    ¡°I will join you when the time to kill Crow comes!¡±


    The surface of the lake rippled and the fish jumped, splashing into the water, forming ripples that swayed in the lake and also in the sea of their hearts.


    Xu Qing looked at Zi Xuan and nodded.


    ¡°Alright, I know you came back early because you were worried about the pill refinement. Let¡¯s go take a look at your pill furnace.¡± A gentle smile appeared on Zi Xuan¡¯s face. When the sunlight landed on her snow-white skin, it was as though it had transformed into a heavenly veil, complementing her beautiful figure like a blooming orchid.


    It was peerlessly beautiful.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heartbeat involuntarily sped up. He allowed Zi Xuan to hold his hand and lead him to the alchemy room.


    Looking at the pill furnace that was being heated in the pill room and sensing that the medicinal pill inside was undamaged, the last stone in Xu Qing¡¯s heart was also put down.


    As time passed, dusk arrived, and on this day, the sky was adorned with crimson hues.


    The comprehension time on the Ancient Sovereign Planet was originally an entire day. However, because the second seal was opened, this time was shortened. Hence, it ended at dusk.


    The news of the subsequent successful comprehension quickly spread.


    After Xu Qing left, three more inheritors who had comprehended Heavenly Marquis inheritances appeared. In fact, someone else also obtained a Heavenly King¡¯s inheritance.


    It was the Tenth Prince!


    This matter caused quite a commotion.


    As for Ning Yan¡­ he gained nothing.


    However, when he returned, Ning Yan didn¡¯t reveal any dejected expression. Instead, he held his head high and puffed out his chest. Clearly, Xu Qing¡¯s matter made him feel honored.


    However, there was still some disappointment hidden in the depths of his eyes.


    Proving himself in front of his father was something he had always yearned for.


    Xu Qing had something on his mind and couldn¡¯t comfort him.


    That night, many people in the residence couldn¡¯t sleep.


    Xu Qing and Zi Xuan were refining the pill. The medicinal pill that Zi Xuan needed had reached the final moment. If it was successful, it would form in a night at most.


    The captain was in deep thought. From time to time, he would take out a jade slip to record things. He even drew many patterns and began to study the Ancient Sovereign Planet he had seen today.


    To him, this was a very rare thing. Previously, every time he did something big, although he would collect information, he rarely made any plans. It was fine as long as he forced past the obstacles.


    However, this time was different. After all¡­ he had died on the Ancient Sovereign Planet because of failure many times in the past.


    As for Ning Yan, he spent the night in the ancestral hall. He sat there cross-legged and looked at his mother¡¯s portrait. In a soft voice, he recounted the events after his mother¡¯s departure, with every sentence devoid of the term ¡®missing,¡¯ yet they were imbued with longing.


    Kong Xianglong was also silent. He had heard about Xu Qing¡¯s matter today and seen it from afar. While he blessed him inwardly, he also made a goal for himself.


    He couldn¡¯t allow himself to be left too far behind.


    Only the carefree Wu Jianwu lay there that night, too lazy to cultivate, and slept soundly.


    The night passed in silence.


    When the sun rose into the sky and a new day arrived, everyone¡¯s thoughts disappeared with the departure of the night. Ning Yan was in high spirits as he walked out of the ancestral hall and began to cultivate.


    The captain beamed with joy and ran out to continue observing.


    Xu Qing also welcomed the completion of the pill. As the pill furnace was opened, a blood-colored pill with golden patterns floated in front of him and Zi Xuan.


    Zi Xuan took a deep breath and her eyes were filled with anticipation. She lifted her jade-like hand and waved it, taking out a compass.


    She had forged this compass during this period of time and it could help her enhance her sensing. After she took it out, the blood pill floated down and landed in the central slot of the compass.


    The moment it was embedded, the blood pill shone and the compass trembled violently as it began to move. Zi Xuan was also extremely solemn. She sat down cross-legged and pressed her hands on the compass, spreading out her sensing power.


    In an instant, her perception was enhanced on a large scale. Everything in the world disappeared in her mind. Only the fated lantern¡­ became clearer.


    Xu Qing also sat down cross-legged. While protecting Zi Xuan, he was thinking about what to do next.


    ¡®Helping Zi Xuan find that lantern is one of the goals.¡¯


    ¡®Also¡­ I¡¯ll make a trip to Imperial Academy.¡¯


    Imperial Academy was the highest institution of learning for the human race. During the days Xu Qing had been in the Imperial City, he had heard about it more than once. Regardless of whether it was the princes or the officials, they all had the experience of learning from Imperial Academy.


    In fact, many heaven chosen of super sects wanted to have the qualifications to study at the Imperial Academy.


    To a certain extent, it was just like a sect. It was a sect established by the orthodox human race. There was no family status there, and all cultivation arts and knowledge could be learned.


    ¡°On the way here, the third princess mentioned the Imperial Academy. She said that it emphasizes schools of thoughts¡­ There are thousands of different schools, each with its own doctrine, system, and understanding of the world and cultivation.¡±


    ¡°Use different methods and explore different directions to find the most suitable path for the human race¡¯s cultivation to rise.¡±


    ¡°There is no barrier to enter any school of thought. As long as one has the qualifications to study in the Imperial Academy, they can join any school they want. This is for better exploration and learning, regardless of one¡¯s background.¡±


    ¡°This is because the Imperial Academy is located in a special space. Those who enter there will wear the Imperial Academy Daoist robe and mask that can hide all their auras. It is also forbidden to reveal one¡¯s identity. Only at the instant of graduation can they reveal their true self.¡¯


    ¡°Therefore, if one has the ability in Imperial Academy, they can also create their own school of thought. The prerequisite is that they can attract students and make them acknowledge their ideals¡­¡±


    ¡°After the Human Emperor Mystic War ascended the throne, he went against everyone¡¯s wishes and established the Imperial Academy. Over the years, it has produced countless techniques and nurtured many outstanding individuals.¡±


    ¡°That place is the place where the human race¡¯s ideology is revived, where diverse opinions flourish, and everyone can expound their own beliefs¡­¡±


    The third princess¡¯ words appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. Coupled with the audience with the Human Emperor, he couldn¡¯t understand this Human Emperor Mystic War.


    ¡°The clay fox mentioned that the Human Emperor is doing something major. What exactly is it¡­¡±


    Xu Qing pondered. At the same time, another thought rose in his mind.


    ¡°Also, is what the clay fox mentioned necessarily true¡­ After all, She is the god of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.¡±


    While Xu Qing was pondering, his expression suddenly changed. He lifted his head and looked at Zi Xuan in front of him. Zi Xuan¡¯s eyes also opened at that moment, revealing a hint of confusion. After a long time, she spoke softly.


    ¡°Qing, I think I¡¯ve found that lantern.¡±


    ¡­


    Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    After the seal was opened and the comprehension of the inheritance ended, the clouds and fog there spread out again, covering everything. It became like before, flowing slowly.


    Below the clouds and fog, in the interior of the Ancient Sovereign Planet, land masses floated one after another. They moved with the fog and drifted around the planet.


    In the depths of the core, between the clouds, there was a palace that couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. It was enveloped by fog and was faintly discernible.


    Only the vast pentagonal altar above it held thin clouds¡­


    On the altar, five huge golden coffins would be seen placed on various corners. Every coffin emitted a terrifying imperial qi that contained supreme might.


    Moreover, they each held shrines standing on them.


    There were no statues enshrined in the shrine, only spirit tablets.


    They were respectively written as the Eastern Triumph, Holy Sky, Mirror Cloud, Dao World¡­


    As well as the last one, Mystic War.


    This scene was like a heaven-shattering and earth-shattering mysterious ritual.


    And in the center of these five coffins, there was an ancient lantern.


    This lantern was completely made of purple stone, like a blooming redbud. On it rested a purple phoenix. Its wings were spread out and it was lifelike.

 Chapter 1173 - 1173 Human Races Imperial Academy

    1173 Human Race¡¯s Imperial Academy


    ¡°In the palace of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s also the current ancestral worship site of the human race.¡±


    ¡°I sense that the lantern¡­ is there, in the depths of the Ancient Sovereign Planet.¡±


    In Ning Yan¡¯s Residence, outside the alchemy room, Zi Xuan stood by the railing and looked up at the Ancient Sovereign Planet in the distant sky.


    At that moment, as the sun set, casting a yellowish hue over the land, the fog around the ancient imperial star moved, tinting the twilight with its colors, forming auroras. Numerous golden dragons could be seen moving within, swallowing and exhaling fortune, emanating a sense of sanctity, imbued with mystery.


    ¡®I tried to summon it but I failed. There¡¯s an unshakable restriction at the location of the lantern, firmly sealing it¡­¡¯


    ¡®If I want to obtain it, I have to enter the Ancient Sovereign Planet.¡±


    ¡®However, I sensed that some of the seals on the Ancient Sovereign Planet were augmented by the later generations. If I forcefully step in, it will definitely cause a huge commotion.¡¯


    ¡®Therefore, if I want to retrieve that lantern without attracting attention, I need a proper way to step into the ancient planet.¡¯


    Zi Xuan frowned. It was very difficult for such an opportunity to exist. Most importantly, why did that lantern¡­ appear on the Ancient Sovereign Planet?


    However, Zi Xuan didn¡¯t say this to Xu Qing as she didn¡¯t want him to be distracted.


    Xu Qing fell silent. His gaze followed Zi Xuan as he looked at the Ancient Sovereign Planet and fell into deep thought.


    The location Zi Xuan sensed was extremely guarded. The outcome was unpredictable.


    That place was too sensitive and was covered in layers of seals.


    He couldn¡¯t go.


    To be precise, in the entire human race, there was only one person who was qualified to step onto the interior of the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    That was the Human Emperor.


    Only he could open the seals.


    A look of contemplation appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He had also thought of what Zi Xuan didn¡¯t say.


    Back then, that lantern had been taken away and placed on the Ancient Sovereign Planet. This matter itself was weird. Looking at it from another angle, there might be many options for those who could take away the lantern.


    However, after obtaining the lantern, the only person who could place it on the Ancient Sovereign Planet was the Human Emperor.


    The Human Emperor might have taken the lantern or not. However, he must have¡­ placed it on the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    Therefore, it was clearly unrealistic for the Human Emperor to give him the opportunity to retrieve the lantern.


    A while later, Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°There¡¯s one more person who can step onto the Ancient Sovereign Planet.¡±


    Zi Xuan retracted her gaze and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°The third princess said on the way that other than the Human Emperor, there¡¯s also the crown prince who can participate in the ancestral worship.¡±


    ¡°However, the human race hasn¡¯t appointed a crown prince yet.¡±


    ¡°If we have the crown prince and the crown prince is willing to help, we will have a chance to step onto the mainland of the Ancient Sovereign Planet.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke and retracted his gaze from the ancient planet.


    Zi Xuan smiled. She turned her head to look at the ancestral hall where Ning Yan was and spoke softly.


    ¡°I also have an idea. I need some preparation. Perhaps we can step onto the Ancient Sovereign Planet without causing any fluctuations.¡±


    ¡°As for your way, I think it¡¯ll be a little difficult if it¡¯s Ning Yan. However, this kid¡¯s quality isn¡¯t bad.¡±


    At that moment, after Ning Yan finished his day of cultivation, he sat cross-legged in the ancestral hall again. After resting for a while, determination appeared in his eyes as he continued to cultivate in front of his mother¡¯s portrait.


    To him, the comprehension on the Ancient Sovereign Planet was a bone-chilling experience.


    This was because his brothers and sister had basically gained something. Although not everyone was able to get Heavenly Marquis inheritances, they had gained some insights. Only he had gained nothing.


    On the surface, he didn¡¯t care about this matter, but in his heart, he was a little unwilling.


    Just like that, seven days passed.


    The matter of retrieving the purple lantern wasn¡¯t something that could be completed in a short period of time. Xu Qing had told the captain about this. After all, according to his understanding of the captain, the captain had long had designs on Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    The truth was indeed so. The captain revealed intense enthusiasm for this. He patted his chest and told Xu Qing that he would definitely think of a way to settle this major matter.


    As for Zi Xuan, she prepared according to her idea. As for Ning Yan, the seriousness of his cultivation exceeded the past. He meditated in the ancestral hall almost every day.


    As for the entire Imperial City, after the comprehension on the Ancient Sovereign Planet ended, it slowly returned to calm. On the surface, everything fell like a tide and peace was restored.


    The war with the Black Heaven Race was also progressing smoothly.


    The participation of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race didn¡¯t cause as much obstruction to the human race as they imagined. They appeared to merely express an attitude, wanting to observe how the human race would react.


    As for the specifics and how the Human Emperor would deal with it, Xu Qing didn¡¯t know.


    At that moment, after he finished everything he was doing and stabilized the Emperor Sword secret repository, he chose to head to Imperial Academy.


    Since he had come to the human capital and had the qualifications to enter the Imperial Academy, Xu Qing wanted to see how much knowledge the human race, which was founded by the Human Emperor Mystic War, possessed.


    Xu Qing had always respected knowledge.


    He knew that compared to the entire human race, the knowledge he had was just a drop in the ocean. He yearned to obtain more understanding and wanted to see the schools of thoughts where countless thoughts of the human race collided.


    Hence, on this morning, Xu Qing arrived at the Imperial Academy, which was located in the northern part of the Imperial City.


    The area of the Imperial Academy was vast, resembling a small city. Its buildings consisted of white towers, giving off a neat and orderly appearance, with few figures seen moving around.


    In front of it, there stood two statues, one old and one young, one tall and one short. The old man wore a scholarly robe while the youth was dressed in coarse linen.


    The old man, weathered and wise, cupped his hands.


    The youth, spirited and reverent, bowed deeply.


    They exchanged bows in mutual respect.


    It symbolized the orderliness of respecting seniority and passing on knowledge, hence the youth bowed while the elder cupped his hands. This gesture signified mutual respect and equality, transcending any distinctions of status or lineage, promoting an environment free from prejudice and hierarchy.


    There was also a layer of blessing signified by this.


    These two statues were personally set up by the Human Emperor as the gate to the Imperial Academy.


    Waves of light flashed between them, forming a gate.


    Compared to the quiet white towers at the back, there were people entering and exiting the gate at all times. It was very lively. There were nobles who came and went, and there were those with ordinary status as well.


    However, the moment they stepped through the gate, their statuses would be equal.


    They were all students.


    However, rules were only rules after all. There were naturally people who intentionally revealed their identities. But overall, the environment of Imperial Academy roughly maintained its original intention because of the existence of the Human Emperor Mystic War.


    Xu Qing felt this change as soon as he stepped through the gate.


    Inside the gates of the Imperial Academy, it was not like the vast expanse of white towers as seen from outside, but rather a separate space, much larger in scope than the outside, resembling a city.


    The style of the buildings was the same as seen from the outside. There were white towers of varying heights everywhere.


    It was as if the Imperial Academy outside was a microcosm of the true Imperial Academy.


    Here, there are many students, all dressed uniformly in coarse linen robes similar to the young figure depicted in the statues, walking among the white towers.


    They also had masks on their faces and even their voices would change. It was hard to tell if they were men or women.


    All of this occurred the moment one entered the Imperial Academy, influenced by the rules of this place. The atmosphere was likewise affected, and one¡¯s arrival location seemed to shift as if through teleportation, never remaining fixed.


    Hence, in theory, their true identities couldn¡¯t be discovered.


    The place Xu Qing appeared at was the southwest side of Imperial Academy. As he walked in the Imperial Academy, he looked at the endless stream of people in the surroundings. Some of these people were in groups of three to five and were discussing intensely as they walked.


    Some were alone and their footsteps were hurried.


    There were also some who sat cross-legged on empty grounds, as though they were in deep thought.


    There were all kinds of them.


    The white towers erected in Imperial Academy were the buildings of the schools of thought of Imperial Academy. The taller the tower, the more recognition and the members the corresponding school of thought had garnered.


    Some towers had many students entering and exiting, and were extremely lively.


    There were also towers that those who passed by directly ignored.


    There were even some enthusiastic students moving around and introducing their schools of thoughts.


    ¡°This student, come and take a look at our Soul Forging School. The art of Soul Forging emphasizes the liberation of the soul. Our physical bodies are merely vessels, but by cultivating the soul to its utmost, we can truly transcend and achieve harmony with the Heavenly Dao.¡±


    ¡°Among the many schools of thoughts in the entire Imperial Academy, the Celestial Humanity School is one of the most profound. There are three stages: Mortal, Earth, and Heaven. In our Celestial Humanity School, one can ascend from mortal to earth, and ascend to heaven from earth, transcending all things in nature, and achieving enlightenment.¡±


    ¡°As the ancient saying goes, there are 3,000 paths to the Dao, with no distinction of strength or weakness. Although plants and vegetation are unorthodox, they can still pluck the stars. Welcome to our Verdant Path School!¡±


    As Xu Qing moved forward, countless similar voices rang out in his ears. Some even stopped him and enthusiastically introduced their schools of thoughts.


    There were even some schools that had differences in ideals and debated among themselves.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t used to it at first as he had never seen such things. He also tried to enter some white towers. Although he didn¡¯t choose to join, all the knowledge inside those white towers was freely accessible.


    It was like a library, allowing Xu Qing to inspect it and discuss it with others.


    Xu Qing was moved to observe this.


    In the Verdant Path School, not only did he observe the knowledge he had learned in the past, but he also gained some unique insights.


    Also, the cultivation ideas provided by the Soul Forging School made Xu Qing ponder.


    There had been also an unique school of thought called the Taming School. This school wasn¡¯t about taming beasts, but fortune, the fortune of nonhuman races.


    All of this caused Xu Qing to feel deep interest and respect for this Imperial Academy.


    Regardless of whether this knowledge could withstand the test of time, in this environment, the thoughts and inspirations that the human race came into contact with could be said to be a revival.


    As he moved forward and understood, Xu Qing also saw the largest school of thought in Imperial Academy.


    Divine Fusion School.


    Almost 30% of the students joined this school.


    What this school emphasized was to modify one¡¯s body and transplant the flesh and blood of divine creatures into one¡¯s body, allowing one to slowly adapt until they could control them.


    In the end, when the entire body had been replaced with divine flesh and blood, it would truly possess the abilities of divine creatures. The anomalous substances¡­ were no longer harmful but would turn into useful energy like spirit qi.


    The ultimate goal of this school had been to fuse with gods.


    Merge the flesh and blood of a god and eventually become a god.


    The head of this school had been a middle-aged man with a remarkable demeanor, dressed differently from the students in a scholarly robe.


    Although he had been wearing a mask and his appearance couldn¡¯t be seen, his scholarly aura was very obvious.


    When Xu Qing had been paying attention in front of the white tower of this school, this school head happened to walk out. His calm gaze swept past the crowd.


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks.


    The other party¡¯s temperament reminded him of someone.

 Chapter 1174 - 1174 Although I’m Not a Quasi Immortal, I’ll Be a Variant Immortal

    1174 Although I¡¯m Not a Quasi Immortal, I¡¯ll Be a Variant Immortal


    Bai Xiaozhuo.


    Purple Green Kingdom¡¯s original Fenghai County Governor.


    Back when the Purple Green Kingdom was destroyed, he sacrificed the lives of an entire county to make the fragmented-face open Its eyes. This act allowed him to revive just before Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s reincarnation, allowing him to continue his loyalty.


    Later on, in front of the Ancient Spirit Emperor, he was about to be devoured. However, Crown Prince Purple Green arrived and took away Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s time from the Ancient Spirit Emperor.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze lowered slightly.


    Since the matter of Crown Prince Purple Green being the State Preceptor had already appeared, it didn¡¯t seem impossible for Bai Xiaozhuo to revive and become a school head of the Imperial Academy¡¯s Divine Fusion School.


    Although this connection was a little far-fetched and Xu Qing wasn¡¯t sure if his guess was correct¡­


    The divine fusion technique reminded Xu Qing of the Shengyun father and son.


    As for the specific truth, Xu Qing was only a newcomer and didn¡¯t have any other information to make a deeper judgment. Hence, Xu Qing calmly turned and left, walking into the crowd of students.


    The same uniform, the same mask, and the change in his aura caused him to quickly disappear in the sea of people.


    The school head of the Divine Fusion School stopped in his tracks and turned his head slightly to look at the crowd outside. A hint of contemplation appeared in the depths of his eyes.


    He sensed a gaze that was different from others just now. However, the special structure of the Imperial Academy isolated everything and he couldn¡¯t sense the specific person.


    Hence, after some thought, he kept this matter in his heart and walked to the top of the white tower.


    As for Xu Qing, after he left the white tower of the Divine Fusion School, he continued to observe in the Imperial Academy. This was his habit.


    While observing, he also stepped into different white towers many times to browse the information inside.


    The more he observed the system here, the more Xu Qing respected this Imperial Academy.


    There was too much knowledge here which would be very hard to obtain or steal in the outside world.


    But here, there was no sect system. Any knowledge could be obtained easily. In fact, Xu Qing even saw some secret techniques of some sects in Fenghai County in a white tower called the Myriad Arts School.


    There was also a school of thought that studied Taboo magic treasures, focusing on the method of crafting magic treasures in batches through the power of gods.


    Despite the immense difficulty in the process, it must be said that their ideas are quite innovative.


    ¡°Magic treasures are formed from peculiar changes after being invaded by anomalous substances. They are a rare event, so there aren¡¯t many of them. However, through our school¡¯s research, we have discovered that this process can be artificially arranged!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s interest was piqued. He took a look and fell into deep thought.


    Time slowly passed as Xu Qing continued to study various information. Soon, it was late at night.


    Although there were still people in the Imperial Academy, they were clearly much fewer than during the day. Xu Qing visited dozens of schools of thought today, and was satisfied.


    He felt that he had gained a lot today and his knowledge had increased greatly.


    ¡°This is a good place!¡±


    Before he left, Xu Qing glanced at the countless white towers in the Imperial Academy and determination appeared in his eyes. He decided he would visit all these white towers in the coming days.


    Just like that, half a month passed in the blink of an eye.


    In this half a month, Xu Qing was completely immersed in studying. Every day, other than returning to the residence to cultivate at night, he spent all his time and energy in the Imperial Academy..


    Among the thousands of schools of thought, he had already visited more than a thousand.


    He was like a sponge that had been thrown into the sea, continuously absorbing all kinds of knowledge.


    As he studied, his mindset and perspectives on cultivation arts underwent fundamental changes. In the sparks generated from the collision of human ideologies, he began to develop new ideas about his path of cultivation.


    This was information that would be impossible to obtain in Fenghai County.


    Even if someone told him, without contemplation, exploration, and the collision of ideas, it would still be difficult for him to integrate them into his mind and spirit.


    The most important thing was that he needed to accumulate enough knowledge to have a comprehensive grasp of all the cultivation arts that the human race had developed after the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether left.


    Only then could he be said to be standing on the shoulders of giants, gazing into the distant road, and leaping in thought.


    ¡°It seems that the vast majority of schools of thought are pursuing a¡­ path of breakthrough!¡±


    At that moment, Xu Qing was in the white tower of the Myriad Arts School. He held a jade slip that introduced ancient cultivation arts and revealed a contemplative expression. At the same time, a voice rang out from behind him.


    ¡°Xuan Leizi, we meet again.¡±


    Xu Qing turned his head and looked at a student walking over from behind.


    Although this place concealed the aura, the frequent encounters among people within the academy allowed cultivators to remember traces, thereby developing a sense of recognition for new identities.


    This was the case for the person who walked over.


    ¡°Senior Brother Chenyun,¡± Xu Qing greeted politely.


    The person who came was the first friend he got to know in the Myriad Arts School. In the past half a month, he had come here many times, and the two of them had gradually started talking, from mere nods at the beginning to full-fledged conversations now. It could be said that this friend was the person with whom Xu Qing conversed the most in the academy.


    The two of them had exchanged their respective names. However, they knew that this was just a code name in Imperial Academy.


    ¡°Are you looking at the ancient arts?¡± Chenyun walked up to Xu Qing and glanced at the jade slip in Xu Qing¡¯s hand before smiling.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking, it seems like many schools are contemplating breakthroughs and changes.¡±


    ¡°Your words hit the nail on the head. In fact, that¡¯s precisely why the Imperial Academy was established against all odds by the Emperor.¡± Chenyun had long noticed that the young man before him, Xuan Leizi, was a newcomer to the academy.


    Although such people didn¡¯t appear every day, there were dozens of them every month. As for their identities, there was no need to investigate.


    ¡°The cultivation path of the human race has actually been broken. It can even be said that the cultivation path of all races has been broken the moment the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived.¡±


    Chenyun¡¯s voice carried a hint of emotion.


    ¡°What¡¯s broken is the method to reach the Ruler realm.¡±


    ¡°Because the Heavenly Dao were affected, anomalous substances appeared in the world. To mortals, it¡¯s like poison. To low-level cultivators, it¡¯s a fate worse than death. To high-


    level cultivators, it¡¯s a path cut off.¡±


    ¡°Unless you possess an ancient bloodline; if so, you can forcefully continue forward and break through the Soul Accumulation realm to reach the Ruler realm.¡±


    ¡°However, that¡¯s also the limit.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible to break through to the Great Emperor Realm.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, the various sects gathered the wisdom of generations and wanted to combine it with the current state to create a path that could lead to the Ruler realm. Those with ambitions are even trying to make a theoretical path to the Great Emperor realm.¡±


    ¡°The Divine Fusion School is the representative of it. Many people have seen hope in its doctrine. This is also the reason why although this school has only been established for a short period of time, it is now the number one school in Imperial Academy.¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t agree with them.¡±


    Chenyun shook his head.


    ¡°What was the ancient path in the past?¡± Xu Qing asked. He hadn¡¯t seen any similar books in the Myriad Arts Tower.


    ¡°Summer Immortal.¡±


    Chenyun glanced at Xu Qing. After some thought, he continued.


    ¡°The ancient path isn¡¯t advocated in the Myriad Arts School, so if you want to understand it, you can make a trip to the Variant Immortal School. That school¡­ was the number one school when Imperial Academy was first established. However, later on, because its ideals were unrealistic, it slowly became desolate.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded when he heard this. He cupped his hands and bade farewell, preparing to find the Variant Immortal School.


    After he left, in the white tower of the Myriad Arts School, a student who was familiar with Chenyun stepped forward curiously. He gazed at Xu Qing¡¯s departing back and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Senior Brother Chenyun, what¡¯s the background of this Xuan Leizi? I think you¡¯ve talked to him more than usual.¡±


    A soft laugh rang out from under Chenyun¡¯s mask as he patted the shoulder of the student beside him.


    ¡°There should be a big shot among the students who came during this period of time. Regardless of whether it¡¯s him or not, it¡¯s always right to befriend people.¡±


    The student beside Chenyun fell into deep thought.


    At that moment, as Xu Qing searched for the Variant Immortal School, he was also pondering about Chenyun¡¯s words. As for why the other party told himself so many things, in reality, after Chenyun took the initiative to greet him for the third time, he had made a judgment in his heart.


    After all, everyone in the Imperial Capital knew that he had obtained the qualifications to enter the Imperial Academy. Anyone who was thoughtful could guess that he would come to Imperial Academy during this period of time.


    ¡°He seems like a thoughtful and prudent person, and his status should be quite significant.¡±


    Xu Qing turned his head and glanced at the white structure of the Myriad Arts School before walking into the crowd. Two hours later, he saw a white tower to the east of the Imperial Academy.


    From the outside, this tower was no different from the other white towers. However, the emptiness in the surroundings seemed very bleak compared to the liveliness in other places. Even the tower gazed dilapidated.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over in surprise. This could be considered the most down-and-out school he had seen in this half a month. When he entered the white tower, he only saw three students sitting there lazily.


    They didn¡¯t even glance at him.


    In the Variant Immortal School¡¯s white tower, although there were many jade slips, they were very scattered. There were even some that were piled up in a corner.


    Even the school head was present.


    One had to know that unless one encountered the school heads by chance, they rarely saw them. They all lived at the top of the white structure but here¡­


    The school head in the scholarly robe was squatting in front of a pile of jade slips and flipping through them. It was unknown what he was looking for.


    Xu Qing silently wandered in and surveyed his surroundings. He couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°May I ask if there¡¯s any records about the ancient path¡¯s Summer Immortal?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the use of looking at that thing? Leave quickly. We¡¯re not used to having another person suddenly.¡±


    An impatient voice rang out from the middle of the three lazy students.


    Xu Qing frowned. When his gaze swept over, a jade slip was thrown over by the school head who was searching for something.


    ¡°There¡¯s no introduction about the Summer Immortal here, only some speculations from later generations. If you want to take a look, go ahead, but leave quickly. This old man is also not used to having a new person around.¡±


    Xu Qing caught it and didn¡¯t say anything as he focused on checking.


    This jade slip indeed didn¡¯t introduce the Summer Immortal. The guesses of the later generations about the Summer Immortal were also very general. Only one thing was relatively clear.


    ¡°The thought of the Summer Immortal can transform into an immortal body.¡±


    ¡°This is a theory. The route to immortality has been cut off and the orthodox method can¡¯t be continued. After the ruler, there will be no more Quasi-Immortals. However, unorthodox ways might not be impossible.¡±


    ¡°I have a plan: refining the soul into threads, weaving a divine body in the sea of consciousness, controlling it with the soul, and relying on the thoughts as the foundation. When the divine body takes shape, it may possess the power of reference from the same source.¡±


    ¡°The existence of the mind and spirit can also serve as nourishment and lead to a return to immortality!¡±


    ¡°If this succeeds, although I won¡¯t be a Quasi Immortal, I will be a Variant Immortal!¡±

 Chapter 1175 - 1175 Grace You in This Life and Help You to Cross Into the Next

    1175 Grace You in This Life and Help You to Cross Into the Next


    This was the idea of the Variant Immortal School!


    A sharp glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. There wasn¡¯t much content in this jade slip but every word was like a gem, concisely expressing the system of the Variant Immortal School.


    Although the specific method wasn¡¯t described in the jade slip, Xu Qing could tell a thing or two from the generalization of these words.


    ¡®This method is similar to the Divine Fusion School, but one is storing the divine and the other is fusing with the divine. The former involves maintaining the intact human body, outlining the divine in the sea of consciousness, aiming to break through using the method of storing the divine, and achieve the status of a Variant Immortal.¡¯


    ¡®The latter involves gradually abandoning the human body, replacing it with a divine body, and ultimately becoming purely divine, becoming a human god.¡¯


    ¡®This train of thought¡­ is indeed stunning. No wonder Chenyun said that the Variant Immortal School was once the number one school in Imperial Academy.¡¯


    Xu Qing pondered and looked at the empty surroundings. He understood that there should be a fatal flaw in this method. This flaw was the reason why the Variant Immortal School had declined.


    ¡®The requirement for its cultivation is probably extremely high!¡¯


    ¡®Moreover, refining the soul into threads to weave a god or a divine creature will definitely pose a huge risk. Its cultivation speed is probably not fast either.¡¯


    ¡®That¡¯s why Chenyun said that this idea is unrealistic.¡¯


    ¡°Perhaps no one has succeeded before?¡±


    After Xu Qing analyzed the situation, he looked at the school head who was rummaging through the pile of jade slips and asked his question.


    ¡°Who said that no one has succeeded before?¡± The voice of the school head was filled with dissatisfaction.


    ¡°8,000 years ago, Li Xuanfeng of the Variant Immortal School successfully weaved an earth child in his sea of consciousness and revealed it to the outside world. His combat strength increased to an astonishing extent.¡±


    The tone of the school head was filled with pride. However, as soon as he finished speaking, one of the three lazy disciples sitting at the door spoke faintly.


    ¡°True, Ancestor Li Xuanfeng cultivated for a full thousand years, almost reaching the end of his lifespan before he managed to weave a divine creature of Spirit Repository Realm with his soul. It¡¯s indeed quite impressive.¡±


    The school head glared.


    ¡°Although it¡¯s a little slow, after Ancestor Li Xuanfeng succeeded, he became very powerful with the help of the divine storage technique in his sea of consciousness!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, that¡¯s right. After that, he was beaten to death by a nonhuman race¡¯s Spirit Repository who had only cultivated for 500 years.¡± Among the three disciples, another sighed.


    The school head¡¯s eyes widened even more, revealing dissatisfaction.


    ¡°Also, 5,000 years ago, our school¡¯s ancestor, Chen Daoze, succeeded as well. With a thought, the divine creature stored in his sea of consciousness covered his entire body, shaking heaven and earth.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, yes. After that, Ancestor Chen Dao couldn¡¯t turn back¡­ The specimen is still under the white tower. Teacher, the Divine Fusion School wants to buy it. Why don¡¯t we sell it?¡± The person in the middle of the three sighed and persuaded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention the Divine Fusion Style to me. What kind of concept is that? It¡¯s a mess. Does a monkey become a human after wearing human clothes?!¡±


    The school head flicked his sleeve, his words revealing intense disdain for the Divine Fusion School.


    The three disciples each sighed. One of them looked at Xu Qing and sighed with emotion.


    ¡°Student, I advise you to leave quickly. The three of us cannot escape. We were foolish back then, thinking that a declining place must have treasures, trying to reap the benefits without putting in the effort¡­ But we didn¡¯t expect to be fooled by this old guy, who said that only core disciples could learn. So, we ended up signing a lifelong contract.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t leave. We can only stay here.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be from the Imperial City, right? So, you don¡¯t know the details of this place. I advise you not to be rash.¡±


    When the school head heard this, it was unknown if there was a change in his masked face. He habitually snorted and squatted down, continuing to search for things in the pile of jade slips.


    The entire white tower fell silent.


    Xu Qing hesitated. He looked at the three disciples and then at the school head before bidding farewell and leaving.


    After walking some distance away, Xu Qing turned his head and looked at the white tower of the Variant Immortal School.


    It was located in the east, which held quite a significant meaning within the Imperial Academy. This area was bustling with activity, one could imagine that this tower was also extremely lively in the past, with many students coming and going.


    However, now, it was empty, the glory of the past was only in the past. Very few people asked about it now.


    From their attitudes, the three students were telling the truth. They had indeed been tricked into joining the place and were resentful because of it. The sect head probably felt guilty, so he could only habitually snort to preserve his last bit of dignity as the head of the Variant Immortal School.


    ¡°I wonder what kind of state the two successful ancestors they mentioned were in when they created a divine image in their sea of consciousness and reflected it outside?¡±


    Xu Qing pondered and walked into the crowd, disappearing.


    Time flowed by and another half a month passed.


    Xu Qing had basically visited all the schools in the Imperial Academy and his accumulation of knowledge was also increasing day by day. However, these were all generalities. His time and energy caused him to be unable to gain a microscopic understanding of every school.


    In the end, he didn¡¯t choose to join any school.


    The main factor influencing his decision was that he kept on thinking of Summer Immortal.


    These two words seemed to possess a strange power, causing his mind to constantly linger around them.


    At the root of it all, Xu Qing knew it stemmed from the sentence his master uttered to him after refining the iron rod.


    ¡®It was forged by me using the Summer Immortal¡¯s method recorded in the ancient books. Hence, I call it an immortal artifact!¡¯


    At this moment, with the moon shining faintly in the sky, Xu Qing sat cross-legged in the courtyard of Ning Yan¡¯s residence, gazing at the bright moon in the clear sky. Scenes of his encounters with his master flashed through his mind from the moment they met until now.


    ¡°At that time, when Master said the term ¡®Summer Immortal¡¯, I didn¡¯t understand and thought that it was just a theory of forging magic artifacts.¡±


    ¡°However, after I arrived at the Imperial Capital, my conversation with the third princess caused me to have some doubts. This lasted until my experience in the past month in the Imperial Academy, especially when I visited the Variant Immortal School¡­¡±


    When the moonlight landed on Xu Qing¡¯s body, it was as though a layer of veil was draped over him, causing his entire body to emit moonlight. However, when this light spread out ten feet, it turned purple.


    ¡°Why does Master know the Summer Immortal¡¯s method¡­ and is proficient in it?¡± ¡°His words seemed to have planted a thought in me. It is like a seed that started to sprout as I understood the situation in the Imperial City.¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head and took out the iron rod, placing it in front of him as he stared at it carefully.


    As time passed by, an hour later, the sound of footsteps accompanied by a melody drifted in from outside the mansion.


    The captain was swaying as he entered.


    He was clearly in a very good mood and had drunk alcohol. At that moment, he walked under the moonlight and passed by the courtyard. When he saw Xu Qing, he grinned.


    ¡°Little Qing, how is your study going on in the Imperial Academy? I feel like I haven¡¯t seen you for some time.¡±


    ¡°Let me tell you, I¡¯ve discovered a good place recently. You know about the Mortal World Tower, right?¡± As he spoke, the captain, who reeked of alcohol, walked to Xu Qing¡¯s side and patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°The Mortal World Tower is not bad.¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the captain.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been there before. When I departed that place, I encountered an assassination attempt. I told you about it.¡±


    The captain blinked and laughed.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I have been investigating your assassination attempt.¡±


    After saying that, the captain took out a flask of wine and passed it to Xu Qing.


    In order not to disturb Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s elegance, Xu Qing didn¡¯t inform him about the clay fox.


    He took the wine flask and took a sip, feeling a little dizzy immediately after.


    This was the Mortal World Tower¡¯s Drunken Immortal.


    ¡°Is there something on your mind?¡± The captain took the flask and took a sip. He then looked at Xu Qing and asked curiously.


    Xu Qing pondered about it and spoke softly.


    ¡°Senior Brother, Master¡­ what¡¯s his background?¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, the captain¡¯s hand that was holding the wine flask paused. After he put it down, he gazed into Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    Their eyes met. Sensing Xu Qing¡¯s serious expression, the captain smiled.


    ¡°The old man¡¯s background is very mysterious. Look at the disciples he took in.¡±


    ¡°I am the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the Wanggu Continent!¡±


    Xu Qing blinked and nodded seriously in agreement.


    The captain was satisfied and continued to speak.


    ¡°You are the second heaven¡¯s chosen of the Wanggu Continent!¡±


    ¡°Old Second, hehe, her marriage fate is extraordinary. You should have guessed it too, right? I had some doubts before and made sure to verify it when I returned to Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°And that scoundrel, our third brother. Let me inform you, he may appear insignificant now, but trust me, he¡¯s full of schemes and harbors quite a few secrets. I suspect¡­ he¡¯s somehow connected to the Ghost Emperor!¡±


    ¡°As for the Ghost Emperor, no one knows his race and origins, but his weapon has the Divine Realm¡¯s mark on it. He has killed cultivators of the Divine Realm before.¡±


    ¡°Tell me, how could such a great expert back then have no background? However, it just so happens that this is the case. So, I have a bold guess that he might have come from¡­¡±


    As the captain spoke, he lifted his hand and pointed at the sky.


    Xu Qing¡¯s pupils contracted. In the sky, other than the god¡¯s fragmented-face, there were other things in the starry sky further away.


    ¡°Holy land!¡±


    The captain burped and smiled.


    ¡°This is my guess. Also, regarding Master, let me inform you a secret.¡±


    ¡°Once, in a past life, I encountered someone who seemed very familiar to the old man. It wasn¡¯t just a resemblance in appearance, but rather an inexplicable feeling¡­¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his gaze froze.


    ¡°Moreover, when I first became his disciple in this life, I also recalled that I seemed to have seen him more than once. However, many of my memories have been lost.¡±


    The captain shook his head and stood up, stretching his back.


    ¡°Little Qing, don¡¯t think too much. You should learn from me, be happy. If you can manage to be happy every day, that¡¯s the highest state of being alive.¡±


    After saying that, the captain swayed as he trekked toward the house. After taking seven to eight steps, he stopped in his tracks and stood under the moonlight with his back facing Xu Qing.


    ¡°Little Qing, do you still recall what I uttered to you when you became Master¡¯s disciple in the Seven Blood Eyes?¡±


    ¡°Bow once to the ancient sovereign, three times to heaven and earth, and nine times to the master.¡±


    ¡°Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether started a great undertaking, so we need to bow once to him.¡±


    ¡°Heaven and earth bear the weight of history, so we need to bow three times to them.¡±


    ¡°However, the high and mighty ancient sovereign hasn¡¯t graced you. The sea of bitterness of all living beings in heaven and earth didn¡¯t spare you. Only a teacher can take you to the sky and tread on the ground. He shall grace you in this life and help you to cross into the next. He will do his best to walk the Great Dao together with you, so you need to bow nine times to him!¡±


    Under the moonlight, in the courtyard, the captain¡¯s voice contained the feeling of time, echoing throughout this life.


    ¡°In this life, not only are we traveling together, but our master is also traveling together with us!¡±

 Chapter 1176 - 1176 Storm Starts

    1176 Storm Starts


    ¡®Eldest Senior Brother has experienced many lives and reincarnated many times. He¡¯s mysterious and unfathomable.¡¯


    ¡®Second Senior Sister must have something extraordinary about her to receive the love of the Flame Phoenix.¡¯


    ¡®Third Senior Brother¡­ is related to the Ghost Emperor. He might be from the holy land.¡¯


    ¡®Then, what¡¯s so special about me?¡¯


    Xu Qing fell silent. He didn¡¯t feel that he was any different from others, other than¡­ his relationship with Crow.


    Also, during the battle with the Crimson Goddess back then, he didn¡¯t know if the scene he saw in the purple crystal was real or fake.


    In the scene he saw, he had died. This was different from what he had experienced.


    ¡°Have I really died once?¡±


    Under the moonlight, Xu Qing mumbled softly. His voice blended into the night and seemed to draw ripples in the night sky.


    It was unknown if the clouds sensed it or not, but they moved with the wind and permeated the night sky, gradually becoming denser. Thunder rolled in late, giving birth to silent flashes of lightning that flickered faintly within.


    Soon, the late thunder arrived.


    A rumbling sound exploded in the entire Imperial Capital. The heavy rain poured down the entire night. Even when dawn broke, the sky remained gloomy, casting a haze that seemed to induce a sense of lethargy in people.


    In the afternoon, the rain fell again.


    On this day, Xu Qing didn¡¯t go to the Imperial Academy. He had visited almost all the schools there. What he had to do now was to make a choice.


    In addition, there was another reason. He had an appointment today.


    The person who invited him was the third princess.


    If it was someone else, Xu Qing could refuse. However, the kindness the third princess had expressed on the way made it difficult for Xu Qing to reject her. His personality was like this.


    Hence, even with the heavy rain today, at dusk, Xu Qing stepped out of the mansion with an oil-paper umbrella in hand.


    While cultivators could use their cultivation to create a barrier to block the falling raindrops, since he was among the mortals, there was no need to stand out unnecessarily.


    This was a part of mental cultivation and was also the comprehension Xu Qing had obtained in the Mental State School in Imperial Academy.


    At this moment, he was walking on the streets of the Imperial Capital at a leisurely pace, looking at the people moving around. As he pondered over the schools of thought, he made his way to the agreed meeting place.


    Raindrops fell on the oil-paper umbrella, making a pitter-patter sound, then forming rain lines along the edge of the umbrella, flowing towards the ground. The wind caused it to tilt intermittently.


    In the end, they turned into raindrops, falling to the earth together with their companions.


    ¡°The raindrop is a raindrop, the raindrop is not a raindrop, yet the raindrop remains a raindrop.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the sky. The waves in his heart caused by his master¡¯s background and his eldest senior brother¡¯s words gradually calmed down.


    ¡°The beauty of this world lies in its unknown.¡±


    ¡°As for whether I really died once, that¡¯s not important. What¡¯s important is that I¡¯m still alive.¡±


    ¡°It would be even better if I could live a little better.¡±


    Xu Qing muttered softly. This was his dream when he was in the slums when he was young and it hadn¡¯t changed.


    Survive.


    Only by surviving could he lift the curtain that covered his eyes and see the truth. Only then could he¡­ travel with his master, his eldest senior brother, and his fellow disciples¡­ in this world.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and gradually walked away. When the sky grew darker, he arrived at the southwestern part of the Imperial City.


    There was a phoenix palace there.


    The similar building caught Xu Qing¡¯s attention for a while.


    This was the third princess¡¯ residence outside the palace.


    He wasn¡¯t the only one invited today. There were also some outstanding people from the Grand Imperial Capital Region, including her close friends and some talented people.


    Xu Qing knew that this was the third princess¡¯ way of expressing her goodwill. She wanted to introduce more people to him.


    Although he wasn¡¯t good at socializing, Xu Qing chose to accept kindness. The moment he stepped into the third princess¡¯ residence, a loud thunder suddenly rang out from the sky.


    The sound of thunder was so loud that it shook the world. It was as though a giant god was roaring in the sky, causing countless raindrops to explode and turn into fog.


    The thoughts of all living beings fluctuated in this sudden huge thunder.


    Xu Qing frowned and stopped in his tracks. He then lifted his head and looked at the pitch-black sky.


    The lightning naturally couldn¡¯t shock him. However, the uneasiness in his heart was very intense the moment the thunder rang out.


    That was the Heavenly Dao¡¯s warning.


    One had to know that even during the assassination attempt, there was no warning from the Heavenly Dao. However, now, this warning formed waves in his heart.


    ¡°What major thing is going to happen¡­¡±


    Xu Qing had some thoughts in his mind as he walked into the third princess¡¯ residence.


    At the same time, in the north of the Imperial Capital, there was a mysterious cluster of black towers arranged in a crisscross formation.


    The outer towers were the tallest, while those in the center were the shortest. It was surrounded by strict defenses, with patrols constantly active. There were also astonishing array formations here, making it the most closely watched location in the Imperial Capital.


    This place was the Creation Palace of the Upper Mystic Five Palaces that specialized in studying immortal arts and gods. It was also the place where the Sun of Dawn was developed.


    To the human race, this palace was of great importance. Hence, other than the higher-ups of the Creation Palace, the Human Emperor also appointed his ninth son to take up a post in the Creation Manor.


    When the Ninth Prince took his post in the Creation Palace, he had sworn that he wouldn¡¯t participate in the battle for the throne. He also wouldn¡¯t side with anyone.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t participate in the comprehension on the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    To him, studying immortal arts and gods was his greatest pursuit. He also didn¡¯t let the Human Emperor down and contributed to the development of the Sun of Dawn.


    Usually, unless summoned by the Human Emperor, he would not go out. However, today¡­ when the thunder rumbled in the sky and the heavy rain fell, he staggered out of the inner tower.


    His expression was filled with panic and horror. His body trembled as he allowed the rain to drench his entire body. He then let out a heart-rending cry in all directions.


    ¡°As the ninth son of the Human Emperor and the department head of the Creation Palace, I order the immediate closure of the entire Creation Palace. No one is allowed to leave. Violators will be executed without exception!¡±


    His voice echoed. Accompanied by thunder, the Imperial City¡¯s array formation transformed into a seal and descended here. This sudden scene also aroused the suspicion of the cultivators in the Creation Palace.


    However, the Ninth Prince didn¡¯t pay attention to these. He took out a jade slip and immediately transmitted his voice. After that, his eyes turned red as he guarded this place, waiting for¡­ the Human Emperor to arrive.


    At the same time, the higher-ups of the Creation Palace also appeared one after another. All of them had ashen expressions and their expressions were extremely ugly. They remained silent in the rain.


    At the same time, in the third princess¡¯ residence, in the phoenix palace, singing and dancing continued. The third royalty sat at the head of the table and invited Xu Qing to sit beside her. As for the others, they sat in two rows.


    There were tens of people, men and women. They were either descendants of influential people or heaven¡¯s chosen elites. Meng Yunbai was among them and was chatting happily with others.


    Because each of them was invited by the third princess after careful consideration, it was basically impossible for anything unpleasant to happen at the banquet. They were mostly kind and respectful to Xu Qing.


    After all, although Xu Qing was a cultivator of this generation like them, his identity was special, especially since he had obtained the Emperor Sword. Hence, even though Xu Qing was not adept at socializing, getting along with them was still very easy.


    After three rounds of drinking, as the atmosphere became lively, the topic slowly shifted to Imperial Academy under the guidance of the third princess.


    ¡°Everyone has heard, right? The Imperial Academy¡¯s Divine Fusion School has sent out a notice that the core disciple trial will begin in half a month. This time, they will choose 100 people to become core disciples.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of the Divine Fusion School, we cannot overlook its leader, but unfortunately, this person¡¯s identity is mysterious and never revealed¡­ However, it is spoken that almost eighty percent of his body has completed the divine fusion, and he usually relies on magic treasures to conceal it.¡±


    ¡°As for his combat strength, it¡¯s also astonishing. I heard that he used only one hand to suppress a first stage Nihility divine creature.¡±


    ¡°Such a heaven¡¯s chosen and so low-key. He might be even more extraordinary in the future.¡±


    Everyone sighed with emotion. During this time, they also mentioned other schools, such as the Spirit Forging School, the Myriad Arts School, the Mental State School, and the Treasure School. Every time they talked about the heads of these schools, everyone would praise them with envy.


    At the same time, they also discussed their guesses about the true identities of these school heads. There were all kinds of guesses. There was even a guess that a certain school head was a prince.


    Clearly, the influence of the large schools of thought in Imperial Academy was no longer limited to Imperial Academy itself. It could already influence the external world and the degree of attention they received was extremely high.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that divine fusion has become the main doctrine in the Imperial Academy now. The other schools are all left behind, so it¡¯s difficult for there to be intense competition between the schools. I¡¯ve read about it in the books of Imperial Academy. Ever since Imperial Academy was established, there have been four major competitions between schools. Every time, it attracted the attention of the entire Imperial City.¡±


    Some people sighed and the others nodded. The topic also spread more. There were even people who talked about the Variant Immortal School.


    ¡°Compared to these schools, I¡¯m actually more interested in the Variant Immortal School. However, it¡¯s a pity that this institution is now deserted and has declined.¡±


    ¡°At the end of the day, it¡¯s because the cultivation method of this institution is difficult and the requirement for aptitude is too high. That¡¯s not even the main issue. The most important thing is that they haven¡¯t produced anyone who has truly reached mastery of the cultivation idea.¡±


    ¡®The person who mentioned the Variant Immortal School was a youth named Mu Nan.


    His expression was elegant and his smile was gentle. Previously, when Xu Qing arrived, the third royalty had introduced him as someone from the main sect of the Litu in the human race. At this moment, his tone was filled with emotion as he continued to speak.


    ¡°There were only two ancestors who made some accomplishments in the cultivation method. One was beaten to death and the other couldn¡¯t return after transforming. He seems to be worshiped but he is no different from a specimen. Due to the passage of time, very few people have seen him, so there are no anecdotes.¡±


    ¡°However, there is a recording in our sect that has the scene of the soul weaving state of Chen Daoze.¡±


    After saying that, he glanced at Xu Qing unintentionally.


    Xu Qing looked at him. His expression was as calm as ever as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Mu Nan, can I take a look at this recording?¡±


    When Mu Nan heard this, he smiled happily.


    ¡°This is a secret of our sect. If it were others, I wouldn¡¯t share it, but since Lord Xu wants to see it, I am happy to show it.¡±


    As he spoke, Mu Nan took out a jade slip and gently sent it to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing grabbed it and focused his attention. A scene instantly appeared in his mind. In that scene, there was a middle-aged cultivator in a Daoist robe. With a wave of his hand, a large amount of anomalous substances spread out from his back and fused into his body. His body instantly changed, transforming from a human form to a malevolent divine creature.


    Upon seeing this scene, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was normal but there were waves in his heart.


    This was because this was very similar to his divine form!


    Just as Xu Qing¡¯s heart was fluctuating, waves of bell chimes suddenly echoed in the entire Imperial City. The sound was heavy and surpassed thunder. Moreover, the bell rang nine times.


    Everyone at the feast was first stunned before their expressions changed in unison. Some even stood up.


    ¡°Nine rings of the emperor bell, what happened?!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was also solemn. The uneasiness from the Heavenly Dao¡¯s warning earlier was becoming increasingly intense at this moment. At the same time, outside the third princess¡¯ hall, an astonishing whistling sound rang out.


    At the next instant, a team of golden-armored castle guards rushed over and appeared at the banquet.


    A murderous intent filled the banquet. While everyone was bewildered, the cold gaze of the golden-armored cultivator at the front landed on Xu Qing. He bowed and straightened his body as he coldly spoke.


    ¡°The emperor has summoned Lord Xu to enter the castle immediately!¡±

 Chapter 1177 - 1177 Theft of Sun of Dawn!

    1177 Theft of Sun of Dawn!


    The hall instantly fell silent.


    Numerous gazes landed on Xu Qing in unison. Princess Anhai¡¯s expression also changed.


    The fact that the Imperial Capital¡¯s bell rang nine times meant that something major with serious consequences had happened. At such a time, the Emperor¡¯s personal guards actually came to summon Xu Qing into the palace immediately.


    It looked like an invitation, but from the solemnity of these golden-armored guards, one could clearly sense a murderous intent.


    Most importantly, if Xu Qing was drawn into this vortex, looking at it from an extreme viewpoint, even a slight lack of caution could spell a great disaster.


    Even though Xu Qing¡¯s background was astonishing, with control over a region and a half, if the matter involved concerned the lifeline of the human race, then in the Human Emperor¡¯s eyes, there was no need to question which was more important.


    Hence, Princess Anhai¡¯s expression changed. At first, she hesitated, but very soon, determination appeared in her eyes. She stood up and spoke with a cold expression.


    ¡°Impudent!¡±


    Even when Princess Anhai spoke, those golden-armored guards remained unmoved. They continued to look at Xu Qing but one of them took a step forward and bowed to Princess Anhai.


    ¡°Your Highness, this is the Emperor¡¯s order.¡±


    ¡°What happened that requires Lord Xu to enter the palace now?¡± Princess Anhai frowned and looked at the guard who spoke. She wanted to help Xu Qing find out the reason. This was the only thing she could do for Xu Qing.


    If they knew the reason in advance, it would be easier for Xu Qing to make subsequent arrangements and deal with it.


    The guard hesitated and looked around. He then looked at the stern expression on Princess Anhai¡¯s face and took a few steps forward to transmit his voice.


    This sentence that outsiders couldn¡¯t hear caused Princess Anhai¡¯s body to tremble and her breathing to become hurried. Her expression changed drastically again. After that, she looked at Xu Qing with a complicated expression and fell silent.


    Xu Qing looked at all of this and wondered what went wrong. Although he couldn¡¯t figure it out, his expression didn¡¯t change at all. He calmly stood up and walked forward, arriving among the group of golden-armored guards.


    The golden-armored guards, dispersed in front and behind Xu Qing, seemed to be escorting him, but there was also an implication of custody, as they led the way towards the palace gates.


    The moment they were about to step out of the hall, Princess Anhai gritted her teeth and her lips moved slightly as she transmitted her voice to Xu Qing.


    ¡°The guard just told me that he doesn¡¯t know much either, only that¡­ the Creation Palace is sealed off, suspected theft!¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and turned to cup his hands. After that, he walked out of the hall and headed toward the palace.


    The heavy rain continued and thunder rumbled occasionally in the sky. Under normal circumstances, few people would be out at this time and in this weather. However, it was different tonight.


    Xu Qing saw a large number of guards moving around on this rainy night. Their destinations were scattered, so it was very difficult for ordinary people to guess what was happening. However, Xu Qing had experience in the Homicide Department and gradually saw some clues.


    ¡°They seem to be spreading out for lockdown.¡±


    ¡°Sealing off the imperial city?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and recalled Princess Anhai¡¯s voice transmission. As he pondered over this matter, the first person he thought of was his eldest senior brother.


    After all, with his understanding of Erniu, the possibility of the other party stealing something from the Creation Palace wasn¡¯t small. Although it was irrational to do this, if the captain did it, he wouldn¡¯t leave behind traces that would lead back to him.


    Hence, after this thought appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, he eliminated it.


    ¡°Then, after excluding this, what was stolen from the Creation Palace that would make the Human Emperor summon me immediately?¡±


    Xu Qing pondered. He thought of the Sun of Dawn. This was the only thing on his body that had some connection with the Creation Palace in the eyes of others.


    After all, he also had the Sun of Dawn.


    However, he had already explained this matter clearly in the palace previously, so it shouldn¡¯t be the reason.


    ¡°Then, are the people around me involved?¡±


    Anything could have happened. Xu Qing fell silent. Before he had more clues, he couldn¡¯t find an accurate answer.


    As Xu Qing pondered, the journey rapidly shortened. Very soon, as bolts of lightning slid down, the group arrived at the rainbow bridge. The distant imperial palace suddenly became clear under the light of lightning.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He saw another group of golden-armored guards escorting a person into the palace.


    It was Ning Yan.


    The answer was clear. Ning Yan was involved in the theft that happened in the Creation Palace. Moreover, the item lost should be extremely important. The possibility of it being the Sun of Dawn was the greatest.


    However, if that was the case, there were many things wrong with this.


    Firstly, Xu Qing knew that Ning Yan had been cultivating during this period of time.


    Secondly, with Ning Yan¡¯s cultivation, how could he have done such a major thing and not flee after the incident?


    Finally, if the Sun of Dawn was really stolen, this matter would be even more absurd.


    The Sun of Dawn was an important treasure of the human race. How could it be stolen so easily? It would definitely be heavily protected, and there¡¯s no need to store it in the Creation Palace.


    These thoughts appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. His gaze turned gloomy as he walked toward the palace until he arrived at the Immortal Receiving Square in front of the main building.


    The surroundings of the square were filled with golden-armored cultivators. Their killing intent was intense, causing the overall atmosphere to be extremely oppressive.


    There was also the rumbling of thunder in the sky. The feeling of suppression from the fusion of heavenly might and human might caused the rain to tremble when it fell.


    Ning Yan trembled as well.


    At this moment, he was pressed down on the shoulders by two golden-armored guards, kneeling on the square, letting the rain fall and soak his whole body.


    He was nervous and his eyes were filled with confusion. He didn¡¯t know what had happened. He had been cultivating in the ancestral hall when the palace guards broke in and forcefully brought him here.


    He wasn¡¯t the only one kneeling there. There were many others as well.


    They were all cultivators from the Creation Palace and there were about dozens of them.


    One of them was none other than the Ninth Prince. He was also pressed to his knees by two golden-armored guards. At this moment, his head was lowered and he had a bitter expression.


    The moment Xu Qing arrived and walked through the gate of the palace, the gazes of the guards in the surroundings converged on him as he was led to the people who were being pressed down.


    Upon seeing Xu Qing, hope rose in Ning Yan¡¯s heart. At the same time, he was also shocked and his nervousness was incomparably intense.


    Xu Qing looked at Ning Yan and nodded slightly. He didn¡¯t speak and stood at the side.


    The golden-armored guards behind him were about to press his shoulders when Xu Qing turned his head and calmly glanced at them.


    Under his gaze, the two guards fell silent. In the end, they bowed and retreated.


    Hence, Xu Qing became the only person standing in this group of people. The rain didn¡¯t land on his body and dissipated above his head.


    Time slowly passed and the thunder grew louder and louder.


    From time to time, figures would rush over from outside and enter the palace building in front of them. The palace was brightly lit and there seemed to be some kind of discussion being held.


    The array formation of the Imperial City had long been activated in all directions, enveloping the entire Imperial City and completely sealing it off. One could only enter and not leave.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and his thoughts spun, confirming his guess.


    When the sky was about to turn bright, an aged figure proceeded out of the main hall of the palace. It was the Grand Chancellor.


    He stood in front of the palace hall and looked at the square below. His gaze swept past the people kneeling. After a long time, his aged voice echoed.


    ¡°Tonight, the Creation Palace was robbed. A Sun of Dawn that was placed in a specific array formation in the Creation Palace, for research and to enhance power of the formation, has gone missing.¡±


    ¡°All of you are suspects in the preliminary investigation.¡±


    ¡°Especially the twelfth prince.¡±


    The Grand Chancellor¡¯s voice echoed. His last sentence was extremely stern. The moment it rang out, lightning exploded, causing the surroundings to rumble.


    Ning Yan¡¯s entire body trembled. He lifted his head with a look of disbelief.


    ¡°Impossible. I¡¯ve never been to the Creation Palace. Ia?|¡±


    Just as he was about to speak, a cold snort rang out from the palace.


    This voice surpassed thunder and shook the square, causing everyone¡¯s hearts to tremble. That was the voice of the Human Emperor.


    ¡°Grand Chancellor, show the evidence to this unfilial son!¡±


    When the Grand Chancellor heard this, he lifted his right hand and waved it. A jade slip floated to the air, shining with resplendent light, forming a scene.


    In the scene, there was a secret place. It was a little blurry and distorted. Only the back view of the figure was very clear.


    That back view was similar to Ning Yan¡¯s. Just as the scene was about to end and the figure was about to dissipate, he paused slightly and turned around, revealing the side of his face.


    It was exactly the same as Ning Yan!


    After that, the scene disappeared. As the Grand Chancellor performed a series of hand seals, an aura manifested in the scene.


    This aura also belonged to Ning Yan.


    ¡°This is a scene recorded when the Heavenly King cast a spell and reversed the time of the Creation Palace.¡±


    ¡°As for the aura, it was extracted from the Creation Palace by the Imperial City¡¯s array formation.¡±


    ¡°The whole process was done under the eyes of the emperor.¡±


    With that, the Grand Chancellor lowered his head and the Human Emperor¡¯s cold voice rang out from the palace.


    ¡°Unfilial son, what else do you have to say?¡±


    Ning Yan was at a loss as he had no idea about this. However, that face and aura pointed all the spearheads at him.


    At that moment, in the distant horizon, the sun rose. Although dark clouds filled the air and the heavy rain continued, the light of the rising sun was still released with all its might, scattering its light on the human world and the Immortal Receiving Square.


    Amidst the dense fog, a large bell appeared out of thin air and hung in the air above the square.


    It was the Immortal Inquisition Bell.


    Under the Immortal Inquisition Bell, Ning Yan wanted to say something, but the evidence was like a mountain and he had no way to defend himself. He could only laugh bitterly.


    Xu Qing raised his head and looked at the palace. He had seen the scene earlier but it was too fishy. He didn¡¯t believe that the Human Emperor would neglect this. Hence, he took a few steps forward and stood beside Ning Yan, wanting to speak.


    Ning Yan grabbed the corner of Xu Qing¡¯s shirt and slowly raised his head. His expression was a little distorted and his eyes contained disappointment in the Human Emperor and anger over this absurd matter. He gazed at the palace and let out a shout.


    ¡°Father, I know you don¡¯t like me!¡±


    ¡°I know that in your heart, your 12th son is dispensable.¡±


    ¡°My aptitude isn¡¯t good, I don¡¯t know how to speak, I¡¯m not likable, and no one is willing to get close to me. I don¡¯t care about these!¡±


    Ning Yan¡¯s voice was hoarse and his emotions fluctuated intensely, echoing through the square. He slowly stood up!


    To him, the significance of standing up was unprecedented. This meant that he had suppressed his innate fear of his father and reverence for the Human Emperor.


    He crushed his obsequiousness and let out a shout that he had suppressed for many years in the rain.


    ¡°Father, you¡¯re high and mighty like the clouds in the sky, and in your eyes, I¡¯m so lowly that I¡¯m no different from mud. But so what? This is my home, but also not my home. Compared to this place, I prefer Fenghai County. Compared to the surname Guyue, I prefer the identity of Ning Yan!¡±


    ¡°If you hadn¡¯t summoned me back this time, I definitely wouldn¡¯t have returned!¡±


    ¡°And today, unfounded accusations are being laid upon me. I¡­ refuse to accept it!¡±


    ¡°I, Ning Yan, have not committed this crime!¡±


    ¡°Let Immortal Inquisition prove my words!¡±


    Ning Yan shouted and stood up, smashing fiercely against the Immortal Inquisition Bell above.


    The ringing of the bell carried a deep feeling as it echoed in the square.


    It proved what he uttered and his heart.

 Chapter 1178 - 1178 The Player on the Other Side

    1178 The Player on the Other Side


    This bell asked the immortal and also asked the heart.


    If the heart was sincere, the bell would ring.


    From the moment Ning Yan knelt down until now, his mentality had been changing. When he knocked into the Immortal Seeking Bell and the bell rang, his soul seemed to have been cleansed.


    This purification was cruel. It was like the struggle before a caterpillar transformed into a butterfly. His face was covered in blood and his internal organs were churning. At this moment, he barely lifted his head and looked at the palace above.


    Vaguely, he seemed to see the expressionless and dignified Human Emperor sitting in the center of the palace.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it.¡±


    Ning Yan¡¯s hoarse voice landed on the square and in everyone¡¯s hearts until his body tilted and he fainted.


    Xu Qing supported him and placed him on the ground. Regarding today¡¯s matter, his heart fluctuated. Although all the evidence pointed to Ning Yan, Xu Qing believed that this wasn¡¯t committed by him.


    He didn¡¯t have the ability or motive.


    Xu Qing felt that it was impossible for the Human Emperor to be negligent about this. However¡­ he still did it.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s past experiences allowed him to know that he couldn¡¯t just look at the surface of things.


    Especially the actions of someone like the Human Emperor.


    Xu Qing pondered. He recalled the imperial edict the Human Emperor had given Ning Yan after King Tian Lan died. It looked harsh but there was a deeper meaning in it. Moreover, it was glossed over with the words ¡®unruly and undisciplined¡¯.


    ¡®Is this also a form of protection for Ning Yan by the Human Emperor?¡¯


    After that, Xu Qing recalled the way his master had told him to think. He put himself in the shoes of the Human Emperor and looked at the overall situation from the other party¡¯s perspective.


    ¡®If I were the Human Emperor and all the evidence pointed to my son, what would I do¡­¡¯


    ¡®The Human Emperor isn¡¯t the emperor of one human or an ordinary father, he¡¯s the emperor of the entire human race¡­¡¯


    ¡®There¡¯s another point, and that is the time when the Grand Chancellor walked out. It happened to be the moment the Immortal Inquisition Bell appeared at sunrise.¡¯


    ¡®Is he using this opportunity to hint for Ning Yan to use the bell? Also to stimulate Ning Yan¡¯s determination?¡¯


    ¡®Of course, there¡¯s another possibility. In the eyes of the Human Emperor, Ning Yan is indeed dispensable and all the evidence points to Ning Yan. In his opinion, even if Ning Yan is wronged, he won¡¯t be able to escape responsibility. He or the people around him must be one of the clues, so I was summoned.¡¯


    ¡®Perhaps all of this isn¡¯t the case, and there¡¯s another possibility that I can¡¯t think of.¡¯


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He couldn¡¯t guess the Human Emperor¡¯s thoughts.


    At that moment, the lingering sound of the bell slowly dissipated in the world. The Grand Chancellor lowered his head in front of the royal palace and waited for the decree. Not long later, an emotionless voice echoed out from the royal palace.


    ¡®The Creation Palace¡¯s people and others are to be imprisoned in the black dungeon.¡±


    ¡°Gu Yue Bi Xuan and Gu Yue Ning Yan are to be detained in the palace¡¯s heaven prison.¡±


    ¡°A strict curfew is to be imposed inside and outside the imperial capital, with comprehensive surveillance by formations. All teleportation arrays are to remain closed. The curfew begins tonight. The Upper Mystic Five Palaces will conduct separate investigations into this matter and report back to me. The lost Sun of Dawn must be found within 20 hours.¡±


    The black dungeon, located outside the palace and guarded by the Sword Holding Palace, detained only serious criminals. Throughout the years, all notorious criminals of the human race were imprisoned inside.


    As for the heaven prison in the palace, it was even more special than the dungeon. It was the imperial family¡¯s prison.


    As the Human Emperor¡¯s imperial decree was issued, thunder rumbled in the sky. The guards on the square stepped forward and brought everyone, including Ning Yan, away.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t stop them, nor did he have any reason to.


    He looked at Ning Yan¡¯s figure that was taken away and analyzed the Human Emperor¡¯s imperial decree. From a negative perspective, to Ning Yan, this was a life-and-death tribulation.


    However, from a positive perspective, it seemed like¡­ this was also a form of protection.


    After everyone was escorted away, the Grand Chancellor in front of the hall suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Region Lord Xu, His Majesty has summoned you to the hall.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm as he walked forward and stepped onto the steps. He arrived in front of the Grand Chancellor and cupped his hands slightly.


    The Grand Chancellor nodded and turned to walk in front. The moment the two of them stepped into the main hall, the people who were originally presenting themselves in the hall retreated one after another. Even the Grand Chancellor took a few steps back and waved his hand outside the palace, closing the gate.


    Only Xu Qing and the Human Emperor were left in the entire hall.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and stared at the Human Emperor before bowing.


    ¡°Greetings, Your Majesty.¡±


    On the ninth platform of the hall, the Human Emperor, who was sitting there, emitted a pressure that distorted the void, causing everything in sight to be hazy. Only his eyes behind the tassels were exceptionally clear.


    Cold and sharp, under his gaze, it felt as if one were in the depths of winter.


    ¡°Xu Qing, summon the Emperor Sword in your secret repository and tell it to slay me!¡±


    The Human Emperor¡¯s voice echoed in the hall, forming lingering sounds that didn¡¯t dissipate for a long time.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He didn¡¯t expect the first thing the Human Emperor said to be this. Hence, he stared into the Human Emperor¡¯s eyes.


    A while later, he summoned the Emperor sword in his secret repository. The sword¡­ didn¡¯t move.


    The Human Emperor was still sitting upright. The fluctuations on his body were as usual and his eyes didn¡¯t change at all as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Do you know why the Emperor Sword didn¡¯t move?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°That¡¯s because I haven¡¯t let down the human race or the Great Emperor. I¡¯m not your enemy!¡±


    The Human Emperor¡¯s deep voice echoed in the hall.


    After saying that, the Human Emperor closed his eyes and ended this simple conversation.


    After a long time, Xu Qing bowed and turned to walk toward the entrance of the hall. It was only when he reached the gate and was about to push it open that the Human Emperor¡¯s last sentence rang out from behind him.


    ¡°Since Ning Yan chose you, his future shall be in your hands.¡±


    The gate of the hall opened.


    Xu Qing stood there and stopped for a few breaths. He then nodded and walked out. When he walked past the square and out of the palace, he stood under the golden-armored giant and turned his head to look at the main building in the distance.


    ¡®What kind of person is the Human Emperor?¡¯


    There was no answer.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and walked into the distance in the storm.


    He didn¡¯t return to the residence. Instead, he went to the Sword Holding Palace immediately and joined the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s probe into the theft of the Sun of Dawn.


    The Sword Holding Palace chose to accept Xu Qing¡¯s arrival. Their investigation was swift. The first direction they locked onto was the imperial capital¡¯s imperial mausoleum!


    The imperial mausoleum, and not the ancestral mausoleum.


    The latter was only reserved for the emperors, while the former was where the members of the imperial family were buried upon their death.


    There, the Sword Holding Palace found a tomb.


    That was¡­ the tomb of Ning Yan¡¯s brother, the Eleventh Prince.


    Since the only clue was the figure and aura that appeared after rewinding time and Ning Yan had proved himself through Immortal Inquisition Bell, there was only one other possibility.


    A person who looked exactly the same as Ning Yan and even had the same aura appeared in the Creation Palace.


    As for using spells to change one¡¯s appearance and aura, such a thing could be done in the mortal world. However, in the Wanggu Continent, unless one¡¯s cultivation level reached the sky, it was impossible for them to disguise themselves from the Heavenly Kings, array formations, and secret techniques.


    Moreover, the Human Emperor had observed the whole process.


    Hence, Ning Yan¡¯s brother was the first target to be investigated. They had to confirm if this prince had really died.


    This was an old case but it had to be reopened now.


    The results were quickly obtained. Through a series of methods, it was confirmed that the Eleventh Prince was indeed dead and buried in the tomb.


    In the Sword Holding Palace, among those who participated in the investigation, someone proposed to investigate the cause of the Eleventh Prince¡¯s death again. They felt that they might be able to obtain new clues through this.


    However, this matter was stopped by the current Sword Holding Palace Master.


    The Sword Holding Palace Master spoke meaningfully.


    ¡°This matter involves the imperial family¡¯s secrets and has nothing to do with this case. Unless it¡¯s specially authorized by the imperial decree, we will not get into it.¡±


    Xu Qing was also among those present. He saw the Eleventh Prince¡¯s tomb and recalled that Ning Yan had once told him that his brother and mother had died on the same day.


    However, since it involved the imperial family¡¯s secrets, it was difficult to continue investigating. As such, the clues couldn¡¯t help but be interrupted.


    However, there were still clues from other directions. Hence, the focus of the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s probe was on the Creation Palace and the ninth prince. The Palace Master personally headed to the heaven prison to interrogate the ninth prince.


    At the same time, the other palaces were also investigating separately. The directions of their investigation were similar as well as different. In the end, all the investigation reports had to be sent to the Human Emperor to be judged.


    This approach, although slightly less efficient, didn¡¯t differ too greatly. The most important aspect was that this method of investigation made it very difficult for anyone to show favoritism or tamper with the process. Every detail was thoroughly investigated.


    Time flowed by and ten hours passed.


    During these 10 hours, the entire Imperial City was sealed off. The emperor¡¯s personal guards and the members of the Upper Mystic Five Palaces had almost completely investigated the Imperial City.


    Numerous clues were gathered by the various palaces.


    ¡°The Second Prince sent requests to the Creation Palace to access the Sun of Dawn three months ago to empower his Taboo magic treasure. His application was repeatedly denied, leading to his growing resentment. Investigations reveal that his Taboo magic treasure possesses widespread destructive capabilities.¡±


    ¡°The eldest prince left the capital in a hurry yesterday on a mission to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. It¡¯s worth noting that the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race has repeatedly requested a Sun of Dawn. The timing of the eldest prince¡¯s departure is thought-provoking.¡±


    ¡°In the past month, numerous individuals from the Seventh Prince¡¯s residence have been spotted near the outskirts of the Creation Palace. Furthermore, there have been clandestine communications between them and the Fifth Prince, who oversees the border defenses.¡±


    ¡°The aura of the Sun of Dawn once appeared in the Tenth Prince¡¯s residence.¡±


    ¡°Seven days ago, a nonhuman race gazed for the Eighth Prince and proposed a secret transaction. We have found that the Creation Palace was mentioned, but the details are unknown.¡±


    ¡°Ten days ago, the Third Prince visited the Creation Palace and had a secret conversation with the Ninth Prince for an hour.¡±


    These clues gazed normal but if one took a careful look, they would be shaken.


    The clues showed the presence of hidden schemes!


    This was the common understanding in the hearts of everyone who participated in the investigation, including Xu Qing.


    Other than the Fourth Prince and the flirtatious Sixth Prince, all the other princes were more or less implicated in the case, each with varying degrees of suspicion.


    This matter could no longer be explained by coincidence.


    ¡°There¡¯s a huge hand behind the scenes, making use of the investigations of the various palaces to reveal many things.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He recalled the first time he saw Purple Green in the palace and the thoughts in his mind.


    If one side placed a piece, then according to the rules of chess, the other side¡­ would also place a piece.


    The various palaces remained silent.


    Finally, in the Sword Holding Palace, the current Palace Master shook his head.


    ¡°Someone forcefully revealed the hidden contest for the throne. They are using us to inform His Majesty and let him make a decision as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Otherwise¡­ even greater undercurrents and eruptions might emerge at any time.¡±


    ¡°As for why the twelfth highness was pushed out, that person might be probing, or it might also be a form of deterrence.¡±


    After saying that, the gaze of the Sword Holding Palace Master landed on Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, how about you go and meet Ning Yan?¡±

 Chapter 1179 - 1179 Human Races Crown Prince Incense

    1179 Human Race¡¯s Crown Prince Incense


    It was the twelfth hour of the investigation into the theft of the Sun of Dawn.


    The sky was already dark, devoid of the crimson hues of dusk. Instead, dense clouds loomed overhead, casting an eerie twilight that blurred the line between day and night, as if the blackness of night had descended prematurely upon the earth.


    The rain continued, accompanied by rumbling thunder. The oppressive atmosphere coupled with the figures of the guards in the Imperial City caused the city to be filled with killing intent.


    Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night.


    The investigation from the Upper Mystic Five Palaces revealed a vast network of involvement. Apart from the princes themselves, numerous cultivators associated with the princes were found to be involved.


    In these twelve hours, more than half of these people were captured.


    Some were in cultivation places, some were in sects, and some were at home. Any force had to lower their heads when facing the prestige of the Human Emperor.


    If they resisted, they would be killed without mercy.


    As the rain fell, it also washed away the blood. Only the odor of blood couldn¡¯t dissipate and gradually churned with the night.


    In the heavy rain, Xu Qing, clad in the robe of a Sword Holder, hurried along the path towards the Imperial Palace prison. His steps matched the pace of both his thoughts and the environment.


    He had participated in the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s investigation of the theft of the Sun of Dawn. He saw all the discovered evidence and also sensed the undercurrents involving the various princes.


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be like this.¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and his gaze passed through the rain in front of him, looking at the Imperial Palace in the dark night.


    The gate to enter the Heaven Prison wasn¡¯t the rainbow bridge but a side gate.


    ¡°None of these princes are ordinary. It¡¯s impossible for them to be found out so easily unless¡­ someone orchestrated and created momentum for all of this.¡±


    ¡°State Preceptor?¡±


    ¡°Also, the Human Emperor¡¯s self-verification was somewhat abrupt.¡±


    Xu Qing frowned. He kept feeling that there was a gap in the things he had seen after coming to the Imperial City. It was like a puzzle that was missing a key piece.


    ¡°Is it possible that there aren¡¯t two people playing chess¡­¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks. A bolt of lightning rumbled through the sky, illuminating the palace and the pensive expression on Xu Qing¡¯s face.


    After a long time, Xu Qing closed his eyes. When he opened them, his expression was as usual as he walked into the side gate of the palace.


    With the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s token, he successfully passed the inspection. Under the guidance of three black-armored guards, he entered the underground of the palace.


    On the way, he sensed the coldness in the surroundings, the astonishing auras, and the restriction runes on every brick and tile. Xu Qing understood that this prison should be the most tightly guarded prison in the Imperial City.


    Even though he had the token, he still had to go through layers of inspection. It was only after it was confirmed that there was nothing wrong that Xu Qing was brought to the cell where Ning Yan was imprisoned.


    The heaven prison in the palace had a total of nine floors. The lower one went, the higher the status of the imperial family and the more secretive they would be.


    After the underground sixth floor, all visits were strictly forbidden.


    Ning Yan was imprisoned on the third floor.


    The entire cell was enveloped by restrictions. Ning Yan was covered in sealing rings, changing him into a mortal. It was difficult for him to escape even if he had wings. His expression was very complicated as he sat on the ground motionlessly.


    It was only when he sensed Xu Qing¡¯s arrival that he reluctantly lifted his head and looked at Xu Qing, who was outside the cell.


    ¡°Boss¡­¡±


    Looking at Ning Yan, Xu Qing sat down cross-legged and swept his gaze across the surroundings.


    ¡°The environment here is not bad. It¡¯s not as dirty and messy as I imagined.¡±


    Ning Yan smiled bitterly.


    ¡°Moreover, it¡¯s quiet. You can calm your mind here.¡±


    Ning Yan immediately kept quiet.


    ¡°After you calm your mind, you might recall some things you neglected.¡±


    Xu Qing no longer spoke and calmly looked at Ning Yan. Ning Yan instinctively felt a little nervous. He met Xu Qing¡¯s gaze and his gaze was a little evasive.


    Fifteen minutes passed just like that.


    Ning Yan lowered his head and Xu Qing closed his eyes.


    There was complete silence.


    After another fifteen minutes, Xu Qing stood up.


    ¡°Since you have nothing to say to me, I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    Xu Qing turned and walked out. In the cell behind him, Ning Yan looked at Xu Qing¡¯s back view. The hesitation and conflict in his heart mixed together. After Xu Qing took some steps, Ning Yan gritted his teeth fiercely.


    ¡°Boss.¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°Although there¡¯s a possibility that someone is pretending to be me, there¡¯s a higher chance that it¡¯s¡­ my brother, the eleventh prince.¡±


    Xu Qing turned around and looked at Ning Yan through the barrier of restrictions.


    ¡°The Eleventh Prince¡¯s tomb has been investigated. He is dead.¡±


    Ning Yan¡¯s expression was complicated. He touched the ground of the cell and lowered his head. His voice was soft.


    ¡°Boss¡­ My brother and I are biological siblings. When we were young, we often played a game.¡±


    Xu Qing focused.


    ¡°This game is hide-and-seek.¡±


    ¡°However, every time, he would be able to find me. No matter where I hid, he would know it clearly.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how he was able to do that, but I asked him at that time. He told me that when I grew up, I would know. However, he was clearly born only fifteen minutes earlier than me.¡±


    ¡°Until today, after I was sent here¡­¡±


    Ning Yan lifted his head and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I know the answer. Back then, no matter where I hid, he could find me with his perception through the special connection between us.¡±


    Ning Yan pointed to the ground.


    ¡°There¡¯s my brother¡¯s aura below.¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, Xu Qing¡¯s heart instantly stirred.


    ¡°This aura is abnormal. It¡¯s hard for me to describe it. The only feeling is that¡­ it¡¯s familiar but unfamiliar at the same time, and is bizarre.¡±


    ¡°I tried to call out but there was no response.¡±


    Ning Yan felt bitter and had mixed feelings. This day had an extremely great impact on him.


    This was especially so after he sensed his brother¡¯s aura in the prison. It caused his thoughts to be overturned. He clearly remembered that his brother and mother had died together.


    But now, in this heaven prison, he could actually sense his brother¡¯s aura.


    He didn¡¯t know what the reason was or how it turned out to be like this, but he wasn¡¯t a child. He realized that¡­ there was a huge secret contained in this.


    Xu Qing fell silent and his gaze landed on the ground.


    This was the third floor and there were six floors below.


    This place was the Imperial Palace¡¯s heaven prison. Only with the Human Emperor¡¯s orders could people be locked here.


    ¡®The individual who died is apparently not dead, and instead is ¡°I also sensed him.¡±


    in the heaven prison where you need the Human Emperor¡¯s order to imprison¡­ Moreover, this Eleventh Prince who is apparently not dead stole the Sun of Dawn.¡¯


    ¡®His motive is unknown.¡¯


    ¡®His life or death is also unknown.¡¯


    Xu Qing rubbed his forehead. He suddenly thought of Ning Yan¡¯s mother¡¯s portrait. Looking at it now, everything seemed to be inextricably linked to the death of Ning Yan¡¯s mother back then.


    As for the Human Emperor, he had a huge secret.


    It was even more so for the State Preceptor.


    After a long time, Xu Qing left the heaven jail and returned to the Sword Holding Palace.


    He didn¡¯t tell anyone about this.


    Due to this, the probe into Ning Yan yielded no results, which also meant that there was no possibility of further continuation of this case. It ended with the current outcome. Until late at night, after the sixteenth hour had passed, the Sword Holding Palace submitted all the investigation documents.


    The other four palaces also handed over their respective results.


    When the results from different directions were gathered in front of the Human Emperor, the lightning in the sky rumbled even more as he flipped through them, as though his anger was about to erupt.


    In the end, this anger didn¡¯t descend. The Human Emperor closed his eyes. After calming down, he seemed to have aged a little.


    However, when he opened his eyes again, the incomparably domineering Human Emperor had returned. Determination appeared in his eyes as he announced a shocking imperial decree to the human race.


    Outside the palace, a total of 12 incense sticks for the position of the Crown Prince were erected. Each of them was 990 feet tall and separated by 90 feet. Their color was red!


    Other than the two princesses, Anran and Anbei, the twelve royals and a princess merged their soul blood into the incense sticks each, branding them.


    ¡°Since you all seek to vie for the throne, rather than stirring up trouble in secret and disrupting the order of the court, it¡¯s better to bring it out in the open.¡±


    ¡°Starting from today, all twelve incense will burn simultaneously. Based on the performance of each imperial prince and princess, those who excel will have slower burning incense, while those who falter will have faster burning incense. After one year, the one with the slowest burning incense will be¡­ the Crown Prince!¡±


    With this decree, the entire capital was abuzz with discussion. All factions were moved by the decisiveness of the emperor in choosing the Crown Prince, and he effectively shattered all hidden schemes, guiding the succession process towards a positive direction.


    With everything now out in the open, whoever desired to become the Crown Prince must ensure that their incense burned the slowest, thus allowing them to stand tall in the end.


    Merely existing without achievements was not acceptable as the incense burned constantly.


    All of a sudden, the eyes of the various royals who were paying attention to the theft of the Sun of Dawn shone with intense light.


    As the imperial decree was issued, the theft of the Sun of Dawn became an unsolved case and no one mentioned it again.


    Ning Yan and the Ninth Prince were also released. The palace gates were closed, and court sessions were suspended for seven days.


    After Ning Yan returned to his residence, his personality changed. He locked himself in the ancestral hall.


    Xu Qing knew that at this moment, Ning Yan might prefer to be alone. Hence, he looked at the ancestral hall and recalled his experiences today. He then obtained an answer.


    ¡°The individual who placed the piece won a round.¡±


    At the same time, when the palace gate was closed and the curfew in the Imperial City was lifted, everyone was shocked by the matter of the crown prince incense. In the Imperial Palace, in the Heavenwatch Pavilion, a strong wind howled.


    The Human Emperor stood there with his hands behind his back and looked at the huge Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    Behind him, the void distorted and the State Preceptor¡¯s figure appeared out of thin air. He cupped his hands at the Human Emperor and smiled.


    ¡°Congratulations, Your Majesty, for finally making a decision and breaking the last bit of tether.¡±


    The Human Emperor¡¯s gaze was deep and he spoke calmly without turning his head.


    ¡°Even if you¡¯re Crown Prince Purple Green, you haven¡¯t recovered yet and you¡¯re in our human race¡¯s territory. It won¡¯t be difficult for me to kill you.¡±


    The State Preceptor¡¯s expression was gentle as he spoke softly.


    ¡°I¡¯m just helping His Majesty fulfill his dream. Besides, His Majesty naturally knows that I only pushed the matter. There¡¯s someone else behind the scenes.¡±


    ¡°As for who it is, His Majesty also knows it.¡±


    The Human Emperor was expressionless.


    ¡°Your Majesty, there are already gods paying attention to this, so since you¡¯ve made the decision, you have to do it as soon as possible. After all, this transaction¡­ is unprecedented.¡±


    The State Preceptor smiled. After he finished speaking, his body turned blurry and he left with the wind.


    The Heavenwatch Pavilion was completely silent. Only the sound of the wind could be heard.


    Amidst the howling wind, the Human Emperor¡¯s gaze seemed to penetrate the skies and land in the depths of the Ancient Sovereign Planet¡­

 Chapter 1180 - 1180 The Person Whom We Have Been Waiting for Thousands of Years

    1180 The Person Whom We Have Been Waiting for Thousands of Years


    The rain in the Imperial Capital lasted for three days.


    On the fourth day, it started snowing.


    Just like that, winter suddenly arrived. As the first snow fell, the chill rapidly spread in all directions, causing the entire Imperial City to be covered in silver ice flowers.


    Looking at the snowflakes and feeling the cold wind blowing at his face, Xu Qing thought of Fenghai County, the Nanhuang Continent, and the scenes when he was young.


    With his cultivation, he longer felt much cold or heat. He now possessed a resistance beyond that of ordinary people. However, he still felt a bit chilly.


    This coldness came from a memory.


    Everything about his childhood had long been settled in his soul and would accompany him for the rest of his life.


    At that moment, on the way to Imperial Academy, Xu Qing instinctively tightened his collar. In the wind and snow, he stepped through the gate of Imperial Academy.


    No one mentioned the theft of the Sun of Dawn anymore. As for the missing Sun of Dawn, its whereabouts were also unknown. This matter should have been hanging in the hearts of the various forces in the imperial city, but¡­ no one seemed to care.


    As for the reason, Xu Qing had analyzed it.


    ¡°Because the Human Emperor is here.¡±


    To the human race, the Human Emperor was an existence that could support the sky.


    Therefore, everyone¡¯s hearts were at ease.


    Xu Qing had mixed feelings about the Human Emperor. Back then, before he came to the Imperial City, the Human Emperor was just a symbol. To him, it was just an unfamiliar and blank paper.


    As he arrived at the Imperial City and saw the Human Emperor¡¯s actions, this piece of paper gained color. However¡­ there were too many colors, so it was confusing to look at it now.


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    He had a habit of burying things he couldn¡¯t understand at the bottom of his heart and recording them one by one. He would wait for the flaws and clues that would be revealed during the passage of time and fill them all in.


    This way, when he had enough clues, all the answers would surface in his mind.


    Now, Xu Qing knew that the most important thing in front of him was still his cultivation.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go take a look at the Variant Immortal School!¡±


    The moment he stepped through the gate of Imperial Academy, the cold was isolated. It was the same for the wind and snow. Compared to the changes in the seasons in the outside world, Imperial Academy, which was in a separate space, was no different from the past.


    There was still a crowd, and it was still bustling with activity.


    Xu Qing, who had been here for more than a month, was already used to this environment. With a step, he blended into the crowd like a water droplet falling into the sea. He walked toward the white tower of the Variant Immortal School that was located in the east.


    ¡°At Princess Anhai¡¯s banquet last time, the record shown by Mu Nan of the Litu Sect showed the appearance of Chen Daoze who had achieved proficiency in the method of the Variant Immortal School. It is very familiar with my god form.¡±


    ¡°Could it be that the soul weaving of the Variant Immortal School is similar to the god form?¡±


    Xu Qing was quite moved by this.


    This was because his god form was a product of various coincidences. He had never seen it on others before. Even ninth grandfather was unfamiliar with it.


    Hence, Xu Qing had been exploring how to continue cultivating his god form.


    If he had to use the flesh of the Crimson Goddess every time he unleashed his second form¡­ Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand this consumption.


    Not to mention the third form.


    ¡°In the first form, I can display the strength of the perfected Spirit Repository or even the first stage of Nihility. This enhancement can be said to be huge.¡±


    ¡°As for the second form, it¡¯s close to the second stage of Nihility¡­ Although there¡¯s a difference, it¡¯s actually about the same.¡±


    ¡°As for the third form¡­¡± Xu Qing recalled the display in front of ninth grandfather back then and thought of the experts he had encountered. He already had a preliminary judgment.


    ¡°The combat strength is comparable to the third stage of Nihility!¡±


    ¡°Therefore, the main point of my cultivation now is to completely master the three god forms.¡±


    ¡°Also, there¡¯s the fifth secret repository.¡±


    As Xu Qing pondered, time flowed by. An hour later, the white tower of the Variant Immortal School appeared in his eyes.


    Compared to the commotion in the surroundings, this place was quiet. There were only birds at the door and no one cared about it. It was as though it had been drowned in history and was eliminated by time.


    The three disciples were not all present today. There was only one. He was sitting there and yawning as he was reprimanded by the school head.


    ¡°Look outside. There are so many students. Can¡¯t you go out and recruit people?¡±


    ¡°If this continues, there won¡¯t be enough people to work. There are so many books. Will I have to organize them every day?!¡±


    ¡°Although our Variant Immortal School might not be as strong as before, we still have our glory days. What¡¯s the point of you guys researching those newsletters all day long?¡±


    The disciple who was reprimanded had an impatient expression as he waved his hand.


    ¡°Alright, if you keep talking like this, I also won¡¯t come tomorrow. Our newsletters are just to make some extra money for ourselves. Since you¡¯re not helping us, what does it have to do with you if we report some gossip and fun stories? Otherwise, let¡¯s start taking fees. If there are any fools who want to inquire about ancient texts, we can charge them, how about that?¡±


    ¡°You!!¡± The school head glared. He wanted to say some harsh words but in the end, he was worried that the other party really wouldn¡¯t come¡­


    His chest heaved a few times as he pondered over how to reply. However, Xu Qing¡¯s arrival attracted his attention. Hence, he snorted coldly and placed his hands behind his back as he looked at Xu Qing.


    As for that disciple, he also lifted his head. When he saw Xu Qing, he spoke lazily.


    ¡°Variant Immortal School, you will have to pay 100 spirit stones for every jade slip you check.¡±


    The same attire caused him to be unable to recognize that Xu Qing was someone who had been here before. In reality, in Imperial Academy, unless one had interacted with someone many times, it was very difficult to recognize each other.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and he was about to speak. However, at that moment, the school head glanced at Xu Qing with surprise in his eyes.


    ¡°Why are you here again?¡±


    When the disciple beside him heard this, he looked at Xu Qing carefully.


    Xu Qing was also a little surprised and cupped his hands toward the school head.


    ¡°Teacher, I want to understand more about the Variant Immortal School.¡±


    ¡°Not bad.¡± The eyes of the school head lit up and he couldn¡¯t help but rub his hands. He stepped forward and grabbed Xu Qing¡¯s arm, pulling him into the white tower, as though he was afraid that Xu Qing would escape.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t used to this. As for that disciple, he sighed and ignored him.


    ¡°You are someone with insight. I sensed it the first time you came here,¡± said the school head with a hint of emotion.


    ¡°You chose the Variant Immortal School because it was the call of destiny, the inevitable turn of fate¡¯s wheel. If I¡¯m not mistaken, you¡¯ve only recently entered the Imperial Academy, right?¡±


    As the school head spoke, he raised five fingers on his left hand and counted silently. Surprise flickered in his eyes as he looked at Xu Qing, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.


    Xu Qing remained silent. The captain often used such tricks and he was already used to it.


    Seeing that Xu Qing didn¡¯t take the initiative to ask, the school head coughed and spoke on his own.


    ¡°Back then, when our Variant Immortal School was glorious, the ancestor sensed heaven and earth and saw a corner of the future. He left behind a prophecy that one day, a student would join our Variant Immortal School and create the peak of the Variant Immortal School.¡±


    ¡°The last time I saw you, I had a feeling but wasn¡¯t sure. Now, seeing you again, I can¡¯t help but recall that prophecy.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s very likely that you¡¯re the person our Variant Immortal School has been waiting for thousands of years!¡±


    The disciple beside him curled his lips. He had heard these words before. Back then, when he came, the school head had said the same thing. It was the same for the two disciples who didn¡¯t come today.


    ¡®At least change a word or two.¡¯


    However, at the thought that he could trick another one over, it was also good. Hence, his pupils contracted and he pretended to be shocked as he cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°Oh God.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the two people and suddenly experienced that the Variant Immortal School might not be very suitable for him¡­


    Seeing that his disciple was so cooperative, the school head was satisfied. He quickly received out a jade token and placed it in Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Child, fuse your divine sense into it, and you will become a core disciple of the Variant Immortal School. Everything here will be open to you. The future of the Variant Immortal School is in your hands!¡±


    ¡°The cultivation art of the Variant Immortal School is special. Back then, the old Human Emperor specially allowed our ancestors to decide how the inheritance would proceed. Hence, the ancestor decided to only impart the inheritance to the core disciples.¡±


    ¡°Come, join us. From now on, your life will welcome a new start!¡±


    The voice of the school head was impassioned as he continued to persuade.


    Xu Qing looked at the jade token in his hand. Since he was here today, it meant he had already made a decision. Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate and directly imprinted it.


    As the jade token shone, Xu Qing became a core disciple of the Variant Immortal School.


    ¡°Haha, welcome to the Variant Immortal School.¡±


    The school head was excited and the disciple beside him was happy. The two of them looked at each other and could see the smugness of tricking another person into joining.


    The former experienced that the school had grown stronger, while the latter felt that there would be one more worker to do manual labor in the future.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care much about this. He cupped his hands and spoke.


    ¡°School head, can you show me the cultivation art of the Variant Immortal School?¡±


    ¡°No problem.¡± The school head laughed. He then grabbed more than ten jade slips from the small mountain in the corner and set them all in Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    ¡°The cultivation art of our Variant Immortal School is all here. Take your time to read them. There¡¯s no hurry.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and focused on reading them. Gradually, his expression under the mask fell into deep thought.


    The content of the jade slip was very rich and the description of the cultivation of the Variant Immortal School was also very detailed.


    Overall, the cultivation art of this school had requirements for cultivation conditions.


    It needed majestic soul power.


    Only such a person could form a sufficient number of soul threads and weave a complete divine creature in theory.


    If one didn¡¯t have enough soul power, it was very easy for their soul to dissipate during the weaving process.


    Other than that, they also needed to visualize the image of the divine creature and use the soul thread as a brush to complete it.


    As for the process, it varied from person to person but overall, it was extremely slow.


    The school head continued to introduce the Variant Immortal School while Xu Qing read the content.


    ¡°The main point of my school is to visualize divine beings, and I¡¯ve given them all to you. These are the most suitable ones selected from countless divine beings by generations of people. It also introduces the required amount of soul threads. This is the essence of my Variant Immortal School.¡±


    ¡°However, you must remember not to bite off more than you can chew. For example, if the number of soul threads condensed isn¡¯t enough, you can¡¯t forcefully visualize the divine being.¡±


    When the school head reminded him, Xu Qing perceived the images of the divine creatures in the jade slips. There were dozens of types inside, and every one of them was lifelike.


    Among them, the one that required the most soul threads was 100,000. The lowest requirement was about 50,000.


    He attempted to cultivate one. His mind instantly experienced a little dazed and his eyes became blurry.


    Noticing this scene, the school head shook his head and reminded him on account of how he had tricked the other party into entering.


    ¡°To cultivate the Variant Immortal School¡¯s art, you have to calm your mind and focus. Only in an absolutely quiet and fixed array formation can your speed increase. If you refine it now, it¡¯s normal for it to have no effect.¡±


    ¡°Generally speaking, if you can condense one soul thread after cultivating for a month, your aptitude can be considered good. If one can condense three, they will be a heaven chosen. If they surpass ten, they have the aptitude of an ancestor!¡±


    Xu Qing hesitated and gazed into his sea of consciousness. Inside¡­ there were more than 10,000 soul threads spreading.

 Chapter 1181 - 1181 Origin of Variant Immortal

    1181 Origin of Variant Immortal


    The school head of the Variant Immortal School was still talking endlessly about the cultivation details of the Variant Immortal School, looking very enthusiastic.


    It was as though he had simulated this saying many times in his mind but had never received the chance until Xu Qing arrived.


    ¡°Back then, Ancestor Li Xuanfeng could be said to be a heaven chosen that is rarely seen in a thousand years. He comprehended 13 soul threads in a month and became the pioneer of our Variant Immortal School!¡±


    The school head spoke proudly. The disciple beside him didn¡¯t refute and only sighed softly.


    Clearly, even though there was a significant element of being misled into joining, those who still chose this path showed a certain level of recognition and sentimentality towards the Variant Immortal School.


    ¡°There¡¯s also Ancestor Chen Daoze. He¡¯s even more extraordinary. He¡¯s a peerless genius that is rarely seen in thousands of years. He comprehended 19 soul threads in a month!¡±


    The school head of the Variant Immortal School looked at Xu Qing and spoke earnestly.


    ¡°Therefore, you have to work hard and cultivate well. As long as you can condense more than ten soul threads a month, the future leader of the Variant Immortal School will be you!¡±


    As he spoke, the school head patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder and took out some jade slips, stuffing them all into Xu Qing¡¯s hands. Only then did he leave reluctantly and continue to organize the white tower¡¯s jade slips.


    Xu Qing stood there and felt very hesitant. He carefully checked his sea of consciousness and discovered that there were indeed more than 10,000 soul threads spreading in it. He then thought of the school head¡¯s words and felt that something was amiss.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is your blood boiling from listening?¡± While Xu Qing was pondering, the disciple walked over and sighed beside Xu Qing.


    ¡°Let me tell you, don¡¯t believe this nonsense. When the other two senior brothers and I came, we were all told this. Not a single word was changed.¡±


    ¡°Last time, I tried to persuade you but you didn¡¯t listen. Now, you¡¯ve been branded as a core disciple¡­ This is equivalent to being completely tied to the Variant Immortal School.¡±


    A look of sympathy appeared in the disciple¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°However, since you¡¯re here, you can¡¯t regret it. Follow us in the future. With you joining us, our newsletters can offer more variety.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the disciple. He had some guesses about the newsletter this person was talking about. Hence, he asked about it.


    ¡°There are so many schools in Imperial Academy and many things happen in each school every day. Staying informed requires a considerable amount of time. Hence, the schools¡¯ newsletters compile a wealth of information.¡±


    ¡°It contains the news of the various schools and the movements of the famous students. However, compared to the other schools, our Variant Immortal School is old and has a good geographical location. So, although it¡¯s not authoritative, the sales are not bad.¡±


    ¡°Also, our focus is on gossip, so it is quite popular.¡±


    Speaking of the newsletters, this Variant Immortal School¡¯s disciple¡¯s tone was filled with pride.


    ¡°This is a business created by us brothers. Come, come, let me introduce you to it.¡±


    As he spoke, he pulled Xu Qing into the distance. There, Xu Qing saw many blank jade slips. After this disciple¡¯s introduction, Xu Qing knew that these blank jade slips were newsletters.


    Their job was to imprint some frivolous information on every jade slip and sell them.


    As for the source of the information, it was recorded in a few jade slips that they had gathered from somewhere.


    Xu Qing picked one up and swept his divine sense over it.


    ¡°Last night, someone heard a tragic scream coming from the Divine Fusion School. Who was causing trouble in the dead of night? Find out in the Variant Immortal School¡¯s newsletter!¡±


    ¡°The chief student of the Verdant Path path turns out to be her!¡±


    ¡°What is the true identity of the Myriad Arts School¡¯s Chenyun? My investigation has lasted for years, and I will finally uncover it!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing from the Holy Wave Large Region has entered the Imperial Academy. Do you want to know what school he has joined? Our newsletter will track and report on this matter!¡±


    Xu Qing silently put down the jade slip.


    ¡°How is it? Our Variant Immortal School¡¯s newsletter has enough buzz, right?¡± The disciple chuckled.


    ¡°Not bad.¡±


    Xu Qing let out a calm voice and didn¡¯t feel any dislike. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Since he had joined this Variant Immortal School, he might as well help this senior brother in front of him imprint the newsletter.


    During this time, the school head came a few times. When he saw that the newly joined Xu Qing had also become like this, he sighed but didn¡¯t say anything.


    Just like that, time flowed by and the sky gradually darkened. Xu Qing then left the Variant Immortal School.


    When he walked out of Imperial Academy, the snowflakes were still falling. Xu Qing pondered about the Variant Immortal School cultivation art as he returned to the mansion and meditated.


    ¡°The cultivation art of the Variant Immortal School is to extract one¡¯s soul and combine it with a specific array formation to form soul threads.¡±


    ¡°This demands a lot from the soul. If I extract too much, my soul will collapse, and it will be the same as courting death¡­¡±


    ¡°This is also the reason why the cultivation of this cultivation art is slow. I have to nourish my soul while cultivating.¡±


    ¡°And the number of soul threads¡­¡±


    Xu Qing took out the jade slip that had the images of the divine creatures and checked it. In his opinion, the divine creatures inside were a little ordinary. After all, he had seen gods.


    As for the reason why more than 10,000 soul threads appeared at once when he cultivated this cultivation art, Xu Qing found the answer when he was publishing the newsletter during the day.


    ¡°I have divine sources.¡±


    ¡°At the end of the day, this cultivation art of the Variant Immortal School simulates the method of the divine source. The image of a divine creature woven from one¡¯s soul is also a simulation.¡±


    ¡°This method allows the soul to possess the characteristics of the divine source and transform it, manifesting it like armor¡­ In the end, with a thought, it will change everything about itself.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, the principle is the mused of the Summer Immortal can transform into an immortal body.¡±


    ¡°If someone can really cultivate it to the extreme and simulate it step by step, then theoretically, they can weave the image of a god¡­¡±


    ¡°As for me, I have the divine source, so I don¡¯t need to simulate it. With a thought, I can release a considerable number of soul threads. Every one of them is transformed from the divine source.¡±


    Xu Qing became silent and a strange glint appeared in his eyes. After learning this cultivation art, Xu Qing knew that his previous judgment wasn¡¯t wrong.


    His god form was indeed similar to the Variant Immortal School¡¯s cultivation art to a certain extent.


    However, the body formed by the Variant Immortal School was essentially the aura of a cultivator. Upon closer inspection, one could see traces of soul threads.


    While the god form emitted the pressure of divinity. It looked like it was an integration but in reality, it was changing from illusion to reality.


    This difference could be easily sensed.


    The human race had all kinds of spells and cultivation arts. Moreover, with the existence of gods and the research of divine creatures, there were too many ways to form a sight similar to Xu Qing¡¯s god form.


    However, if one studied it carefully, they would discover that the essence was completely different.


    Only this Variant Immortal School¡­ had a similar nature.


    ¡°In that case, if I follow the method of the Variant Immortal School, I should be able to get more proficient in the god form.¡±


    A sharp glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°The god form I displayed before was transformed from the divine repository.¡±


    ¡°However, if I break down the divine sources in the three divine repositories and refine them all into soul threads, then use the art of soul thread weaving to weave my three god forms¡­¡±


    ¡°In theory, it can bypass the inadequacies of the god form opening layer by layer. For example, the third form¡­ Because I¡¯m not using one divine repository to support it, I¡¯m using the divine sources of three divine repositories to weave it.¡±


    ¡°At the same time, it won¡¯t be limited to three forms. I can even form the fourth form. As long as I have enough soul threads, I can create thousands of forms with a thought!¡±


    Xu Qing was tempted. After he closed his eyes, he performed a series of hand seals with both hands and formed more soul threads according to the method of the Variant Immortal School.


    In that instant, the first divine repository appeared behind him. Threads of divine source flew out and gathered in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness. His proficiency with the soul threads also suddenly soared.


    Very soon, there were about 100,000 of them.


    ¡°Continue!¡±


    The second divine repository appeared behind Xu Qing. Threads of divine source rapidly rushed out under his refinement.


    130,000, 180,000, 250,000¡­ In the end, 310,000 soul threads appeared.


    Xu Qing believed that it was strenuous to control so many divine source soul threads. He knew that this was because he wasn¡¯t familiar with the weaving method of the Variant Immortal School.


    Hence, he temporarily stopped refining. Instead, he followed the reference map of the Variant Immortal School and tried to form them one by one.


    Although he wasn¡¯t very proficient, Xu Qing had too many divine source soul threads. Very soon, terrifying figures that emitted divine fluctuations appeared one after another behind him.


    If a disciple of the Variant Immortal School was here and saw this scene, they would definitely be extremely shocked.


    This was because in their understanding, divine creatures that could only theoretically be formed were appearing one after another in Xu Qing¡¯s hands.


    Moreover, each of them was lifelike and the pressure they emitted was so strong that it surpassed the range of the divine creature itself.


    However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t satisfied. To him, this was only a way to increase his proficiency. He continued to control the soul threads to form divine creatures. In the end, with a thought, these divine creatures all collapsed and transformed into 310,000 soul threads again, gathering together.


    The first layer of his god form appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. With it as a reference, he began to mold it.


    Due to his sufficient understanding and familiarity with the weaving method of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s soul threads to a certain extent, his first god form suddenly appeared.


    It stood in the secret chamber and emitted astonishing pressure.


    That pressure was very different from when Xu Qing normally displayed his first layer of god form.


    Not only did it contain the will of the god, but it also contained the characteristics of the Variant Immortal School. Most importantly, Xu Qing found that he could burn it with a thought.


    It could be transformed into a huge power that would break through shackles and barriers, pushing his cultivation base to rise.


    This realization caused Xu Qing¡¯s breathing to quicken slightly. His eyes suddenly opened.


    ¡°The Variant Immortal School¡¯s cultivation art is indeed special!¡±


    ¡°It looks like it¡¯s refining soul threads and weaving divinity, but all of this is just the surface. What¡¯s truly terrifying about it¡­¡±


    ¡°It can transform the divine source into the power to break through!¡±


    ¡°When you reach your limit, burn the divine image and transform it into a huge driving force that forcefully breaks through the barrier of the broken immortal path and connects to the path ahead, breaking out of a new path. You can borrow the divine to become an immortal and become a Variant Immortal.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. It was also at this moment that a light knocking sound rang out from outside his closed-door cultivation chamber, accompanied by the captain¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Junior brother, are you there? Tonight, with the sparse moon and high winds, accompanied by snowflakes and the chill, it¡¯s perfect for me to do something small. But I need someone to watch out and assist. Are you up for it?¡±

 Chapter 1182 - 1182 Fellow Daoist Ergou, Youre Too Scary

    1182 Fellow Daoist Ergou, You¡¯re Too Scary


    As he spoke, the captain clearly used some unknown method to sense Xu Qing¡¯s state. Hence, the door of the secret chamber Xu Qing was in silently opened.


    The captain walked in with a smug expression and waved his right hand.


    ¡°How is it, Little Qing? Isn¡¯t my method of opening the secret chamber¡¯s door through the restrictions and array formation very magical?¡±


    ¡°Let me tell you, this move was taught to me by a good friend I made after coming to the Imperial City.¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the captain before looking at the secret chamber¡¯s door. A strange feeling rose in his heart. One had to know that he had also other than the restrictions in this secret chamber, he had also put some formations and rest them a few times.


    Although it couldn¡¯t be said to be perfect, it was extremely difficult to open it so simply and silently.


    However, the captain actually opened it so easily.


    ¡°What technique is this?¡± Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    These words made the captain feel proud and incomparably comfortable.


    ¡°Since I arrived in the capital, I haven¡¯t just been wandering around. I¡¯ve adopted a new identity and made many friends, especially this one who is quite mysterious.¡±


    ¡°However, you also know my personality. How can I let just anyone know me? Hence, I rejected her. She was anxious and taught me this trick in order to be friends with me.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this. You¡¯re done cultivating, right? Follow me.¡±


    As he spoke, the captain¡¯s face was filled with anticipation as he pulled Xu Qing¡¯s arm.


    Xu Qing was helpless. There were only a few people in this world whom he couldn¡¯t refuse. Eldest Senior Brother was one of them.


    ¡°What are you up to now?¡±


    Xu Qing stood up and glanced at the sky outside.


    ¡°Accompany me to the Star Emperor Supreme Sect to steal something,¡± the captain said in a low voice. He pulled Xu Qing and headed outside.


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and rejected. He didn¡¯t have a death wish.


    Seeing this, the captain coughed.


    ¡°It¡¯s a branch sect, not the main sect. It¡¯s fine. The strongest among them is only at Nihility. As long as we don¡¯t make a scene and attract the attention of the main sect, it¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it before agreeing.


    In the pitch-black world, the wind whistled. The surface of the lake outside Ning Yan¡¯s residence rippled as Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s figures swept past it.


    ¡°I made an arrangement with that mysterious friend to go to the Star Emperor Supreme Sect¡¯s branch sect¡¯s restricted area tonight and retrieve something.¡±


    As he sped, the captain transmitted his voice. At the same time, he took out a mask and threw it to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Put it on. Before we came to the Imperial City, I stole this from the old man¡¯s treasure vault. It can hide our identities as long as we restrain our aura a little. No one will be able to see our true appearance for a short period of time.¡±


    ¡°After all, I¡¯m not sure about the background of that friend of mine. There¡¯s a high chance that she is using me to hide her identity and has other motives. However, I do have to make a trip to the Star Emperor restricted area.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something I want there. It¡¯s related to a major event in the future.¡±


    ¡°However, I¡¯m still not at ease about her, but I¡¯m certain that she shouldn¡¯t have guessed my true identity. Hence, I am bringing you along. You¡¯ll be outside keeping watch for me. If she has ill intentions toward me, we¡¯ll kill her!¡±


    ¡°Also, after I enter with her, if she comes out alone first, help me stop her. I¡¯m worried that if she leaves first, she will sell me off.¡±


    A cold glint appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes. Xu Qing nodded when he heard this. He then took the mask and wore it.


    The material of this mask was very special. There was no discomfort when he put it on. It seemed to fuse with his face.


    Xu Qing touched the mask on his face and sped up. As for helping the captain do such a thing, it wasn¡¯t his first time. As he followed, he pondered over the Variant Immortal School¡¯s cultivation art and tried to weave various things in his mind.


    ¡®In theory, with my current divine source soul threads, I can weave the second form¡­¡¯


    ¡®However, my control over the soul threads hasn¡¯t reached the microscopic level yet. It will take some time to weave it and it¡¯s difficult to form it quickly. I need to practice again and again to perfectly control it and instantly reveal it.¡¯


    ¡®However, the first form is much simpler. There are enough soul threads that can allow me to instantly pile it up.¡¯


    ¡®Moreover, its form can also change¡­¡¯


    ¡®This is very suitable for me to hide my identity when I do some things in the Imperial City.¡¯


    Xu Qing pondered and continued to weave in his sea of consciousness. His aura also changed. The captain immediately sensed it and glanced at him in surprise. However, at this moment, he had something major on his mind, so he didn¡¯t ask immediately.


    Just like that, the two of them took advantage of the darkness and concealed their tracks as they sped forward. Two hours later, they finally arrived at the northwestern part of the Imperial City.


    This place was far away from the city and was a mountain range. In the pitch-black world, this place was filled with snowflakes and was hazy.


    However, there was a mountain peak among the mountains that seemed to be able to absorb starlight. Its body was resplendent and especially obvious. The snowflakes in the surroundings also reflected rainbow light.


    This place was the territory of a branch of the Star Emperor Supreme Sect. There must be another space inside and this was the entrance.


    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡±


    The captain looked at the resplendent mountain in the distance. With a sway, he arrived at a nearby mountain in the shape of a rooster crown. He squatted there and licked his lips before turning to look at Xu Qing behind him.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and was weaving in his sea of consciousness.


    The aura emitted by his body kept changing, completely different from before.


    When he sensed the change in Xu Qing¡¯s aura again, the captain finally couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°Little Qing, what¡¯s wrong with you? I asked you to restrain your aura and not change it so drastically. How did you manage to do this? Especially now that you¡¯re wearing the mask, you seem unfamiliar to me¡­¡±


    ¡°I recently learned a new cultivation art.¡±


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and didn¡¯t explain too much.


    The captain was curious and was about to continue asking. However, at that moment, a soft whistling sound rang out from afar. The captain and Xu Qing looked up at the sky.


    A woman with a graceful figure but an ordinary face, dressed in black robes, appeared before Xu Qing and the captain, walking through the wind and snow. Her gaze swept over Xu Qing and finally settled on the captain.


    ¡°Chen Daqing, this is?¡±


    Hearing the other party¡¯s address, Xu Qing glanced at the captain and knew that Chen Daqing should be the captain¡¯s alias.


    ¡°This is my brother, Ergou. He was worried about me coming alone, so he accompanied me to provide support.¡±


    The captain blinked and calmly spoke.


    This woman didn¡¯t comment on this. She only glanced at Xu Qing again before retracting her gaze and looking at the Star Emperor Supreme Sect.


    ¡°Then, according to our agreement, let¡¯s set off now?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± The captain took a deep breath. After giving Xu Qing a look, he flew out.


    The woman also took a step forward, walking side by side with the captain, heading towards the radiant mountain.


    Xu Qing kept watch. Soon, he saw that after the two of them got close to the mountain, they suddenly blurred and disappeared at the same time.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised by this scene.


    The captain had many methods, and to be able to make him say that she was mysterious, she was clearly not an ordinary person. In addition, since she dared to target the Star Emperor Supreme Sect, she must have some confidence.


    However, when he thought of the captain¡¯s suicidal personality, Xu Qing hesitated a little. His body swayed and he left this place, waiting at another mountain.


    Time slowly passed. The Star Emperor Extreme Branch Sect was completely silent and there were no changes at all. Two hours later, the void suddenly distorted outside the dazzling mountain and the woman¡¯s figure appeared.


    After walking out, she didn¡¯t hesitate at all and was about to leave into the distance. However, at the next instant, the woman stopped in her tracks. In the void in front of her, Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared and stopped her.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist, there¡¯s no hurry to leave. It¡¯ll be safest if we leave together after Daqing comes out.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    The woman frowned and her eyes gleamed with coldness. She looked at Xu Qing and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Scram!¡±


    As she spoke, the woman¡¯s body emitted a dangerous aura. The void in front of her instantly froze, as though it had transformed into a mirror that enveloped Xu Qing¡¯s left and right, instantly shattering.


    She didn¡¯t hesitate at all and continued forward. However, at the next instant, her eyes narrowed. In the void in front of her, Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared again with a calm expression.


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    The woman¡¯s eyes narrowed and her expression turned solemn. After sizing up Xu Qing a few times, she suddenly lifted her right hand and pressed forward. The wind and snow in the surroundings immediately shook and their forms changed, transforming into ice needles that moved closer to Xu Qing.


    An afterimage appeared on her spot as she headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was expressionless. His left hand formed a seal and he waved it. Immediately, a field of black flames spread out from his body. His body swayed and he rushed toward the woman.


    The two of them instantly came into contact and exchanged blows. Their spells intertwined and in the span of a few breaths, they had exchanged a hundred moves.


    They were restraining themselves and didn¡¯t make a sound or cause too much energy fluctuations.


    Ten breaths later, the woman became anxious and her expression revealed impatience.


    ¡°After Chen Daqing entered, he disappeared without a trace. There¡¯s no reason for you to stop me. If you still don¡¯t get out of my way¡­ I¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    ¡°You can merely leave following he comes out.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°You¡¯re asking for death!¡± The woman¡¯s eyes glinted with coldness as she suddenly formed a hand seal with her right hand. A fissure split open on her forehead, and a white needle shot out with an ethereal sensation, breaking through the void and appearing in front of Xu Qing.


    The aura it emitted was different from the power of cultivators and the pressure of gods, but its domineeringness was even more astonishing.


    It was as though the essence of this force was that it was the merely supreme existence in the world.


    For the first time, Xu Qing¡¯s pupils constricted. He felt a sense of danger. At this moment, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. The 310,000 soul threads in his sea of consciousness instantly erupted and directly formed a sinister figure outside his body.


    This figure was a beetle. Its entire body emitted dense divine fluctuations, giving off the feeling of being close to a god. It was none other than the earth child in the comprehension images recorded in the Variant Immortal School.


    The highest cultivation level of a divine creature like the earth child was merely the Spirit Repository. However, this one¡¯s cultivation level was indeed at the Nihility Realm. It was created by Xu Qing using the soul thread weaving technique.


    After it appeared, more than 300,000 soul threads surged and were about to collide with the strange needle.


    When the woman saw this, her expression changed drastically. She retreated and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Ergou, if this continues, it will be disadvantageous for both of us. The special restrictions I set up in the surroundings will also reveal flaws and we will be discovered. Let¡¯s not fight anymore. I¡¯ll stay and wait with you!¡±


    As she spoke, she raised her hand in fear and recalled the white needle.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. With a wave of his hand, the earth child disappeared and his soul threads were hidden.


    If the other party still wanted to attack, he could instantly form it again.


    The storm continued. As the two of them stopped fighting, the mountain turned quiet.


    Tens of breaths later, the woman gazed at Xu Qing, unable to hide the shock in her eyes. She took a deep breath and mentioned uncertainly.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Ergou, did you use the Variant Immortal School¡¯s technique merely now?¡±


    ¡°These hundreds of thousands of soul threads¡­ are too terrifying¡­¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s indeed someone in the world who can cultivate the Variant Immortal School¡¯s art to such an unprecedented level. Who¡­ are you?¡±

 Chapter 1183 - 1183 The Variant Immortal School Is Going to Be Popular

    1183 The Variant Immortal School Is Going to Be Popular


    The mysterious woman that Erniu was talking about was panting at this moment. Her eyes stared at Xu Qing as though she was looking at a monster.


    She had indeed planned to sell out Chen Daqing, who had entered with her, as a scapegoat and divert the trouble. Moreover, she had concealed her traces very well throughout, so no matter what Chen Daqing said, there would be no traces of her.


    However, now, the waves in her heart had reached a monstrous level.


    She knew of the Variant Immortal School.


    In fact, she was familiar with almost all the schools in the Academy, which was related to her status as a student and her background.


    Not only was she familiar with the various schools of Imperial Academy, but she also knew more about the super sects in the outside world than ordinary people.


    However, precisely because she understood, the shock she felt at this moment was so great.


    ¡®Hundreds of thousands of soul threads¡­ Neither Li Xuanfeng nor Chen Daoze could achieve that back then!¡¯


    ¡®It was said that Li Xuanfeng had 50,000 soul threads. Chen Daoze had more, but even then, he only had 70,000 soul threads.¡¯


    ¡®Unless¡­ they didn¡¯t die and are still alive now, perhaps it would be possible¡­¡¯


    ¡®However, that is impossible. Li Xuanfeng is a person from 8,000 years ago. Unless he reached Soul Accumulation, he won¡¯t be able to live for so long under the rules of the Heavenly Dao. Is he Chen Daoze? The rumors outside about Chen Daoze turning into a divine creature back then, unable to revert, and ultimately becoming a specimen, were false?¡¯


    This woman¡¯s mind was in extreme turmoil. Today¡¯s events had overturned her understanding. Hundreds of thousands of soul threads were terrifying.


    In fact, because of this horror, her ordinary face appeared out of sync with her emotions and tone, seeming somewhat stiff, further confirming her use of a disguise.


    She stared fixedly at Xu Qing, wanting to see some clues from Xu Qing to prove her almost ridiculous guess.


    Xu Qing calmly met her gaze.


    He didn¡¯t care about the other party¡¯s shock. Moreover, they had only met by chance, so there was no need for him to answer.


    Hence, Xu Qing shifted his gaze away and looked at the Star Emperor Branch Sect. However, he sent out a wisp of his divine consciousness and locked onto the woman. If the other party had any ill intentions, he would attack immediately.


    At the same time, he was also analyzing the Variant Immortal School¡¯s cultivation art he had displayed earlier.


    This was the first time he had used the soul thread weaving technique in a fight. From the might, although it was a little insufficient, the change in his aura had an extremely great advantage.


    Moreover, it was even faster and could display more changes than the first layer of the god form.


    The most important thing was that he could break through the original upper limit. As long as he had enough soul threads, he could continue to advance.


    ¡®The original upper limit is determined by the form the soul threads are weaved into. The number of soul threads needed for the first god form would be in millions if they were soul threads of the Variant Immortal School.¡¯


    ¡®However, my soul threads are all formed from divine sources, so 200,000 is enough.¡¯


    ¡®However, the second god form is more powerful and complicated than the first god form. From this, I think it will take about 500,000 strands to weave it.¡¯


    ¡®This is also the reason why I need the flesh of the Crimson Goddess to replenish my second god form using a normal method.¡¯


    Using the method of the Variant Immortal School, Xu Qing gained a deeper understanding of his god form by analogy.


    ¡®I still have too few soul threads¡­¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯ll go back tonight and try to see if I can refine the flesh of the Crimson Goddess into soul threads with the method of the Variant Immortal School!¡¯


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    The woman opposite him increasingly felt that Xu Qing was unfathomable. The more Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak and she couldn¡¯t obtain any clues or details, the more her mind raced with various thoughts and speculations.


    These speculations made Xu Qing even more mysterious in her mind.


    Just like that, time flowed by. In this silence, an hour passed.


    Looking at the dark sky and sensing that dawn was about to arrive, Xu Qing slowly frowned.


    According to his understanding of the captain, the other party usually wasn¡¯t so slow; rather, he tended to favor quick and decisive actions, which aligned more with his temperament.


    But now, it was taking a little too long.


    ¡°Something might have happened to that friend of yours¡­¡±


    Seeing that dawn was about to arrive, the mysterious woman hesitated for a moment before speaking.


    However, the instant she finished speaking, the resplendent mountain where the Star Emperor Branch Sect was located suddenly shone and a figure rushed out.


    It was the captain.


    He looked ragged all over, quite disheveled, with numerous wounds covering his body, each one a gaping hole from which blood gushed out incessantly. However, despite his condition, his expression was remarkably uplifted.


    After he appeared, he only glanced at Xu Qing and Xu Qing understood his intentions. He didn¡¯t hesitate at all. With a raise of his hand, 310,000 soul threads erupted outwards, forming a vast earth child.


    He released it with all his might.


    This huge beetle emitted a terrifying pressure from its entire body. Divinity fluctuated outside, while its essence was the power of a cultivator. It let out a soundless roar at the sky and pressured the resplendent mountain behind the captain.


    At the next instant, fluctuations spread from the resplendent mountain. Dozens of figures rushed out from within. All of them emitted fury and intense killing intent.


    However, the moment they appeared, it was precisely when Xu Qing¡¯s earth child descended.


    A rumbling sound echoed through the sky.


    What was even more astonishing was that with a thought from Xu Qing, his soul threads erupted and transformed, forming a divine creature called yin fiend.


    Yin fiend was a divine creature that appeared in the west of the Wanggu Continent. It looked similar to a spider but its body wasn¡¯t circular but long, like a centipede.


    To a certain extent, it was more like a fusion between a spider and a centipede.


    After it appeared, it opened its mouth, spewing out black threads. There were countless of them, forming a large net that directly enveloped the resplendent mountain.


    It blocked the dozens of people who were about to chase after them.


    After doing this, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He directly crushed a teleportation token and his figure instantly disappeared.


    Meanwhile, taking advantage of the time bought by Xu Qing¡¯s interception, the captain also managed to escape, crushing a teleportation token and disappearing without a trace.


    Throughout the entire process, they didn¡¯t say a word. It was just a glance¡­


    As for the woman, although she didn¡¯t have the tacit understanding with Xu Qing and the captain, she also quickly left and hid in the night.


    However, at the next instant, her hidden figure suddenly erupted with a piercing blue light that was especially eye-


    catching in the dark night.


    The expression of the speeding woman changed. She didn¡¯t need to analyze it to immediately guess that this must be the doing of Chen Daqing and Ergou. As for who it was, she felt that the possibility of it being Chen Daqing was the highest.


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    The woman hid again but her body still emitted light. In her anxiety, she activated a secret art and spat out a mouthful of blood before forcefully suppressing the light.


    At the same time, the resplendent mountain rumbled. Experts attacked and directly blasted open the seal. As the soul threads dissipated one after another, a white-haired old man rushed out.


    This old man wore a starry sky robe and his face was ashen. His eyes were filled with anger. After he walked out, he looked at the empty surroundings and then at the place where the woman¡¯s blue light disappeared. His voice echoed with killing intent.


    ¡°Check the surroundings and search for all clues, especially the location of the blue light. Also, report it to the main sect. We must find the thief!¡±


    The expressions of the dozens of people behind him were also unsightly. They nodded and began to pursue. Most of them rushed in the direction the woman¡¯s blue light disappeared in.


    As for the old man, he suppressed the anger that was about to erupt and turned to look at the mountain peak. As he looked at the remnants of the spell there, a puzzled expression gradually appeared on his face.


    He vaguely felt that he had seen traces of this spell somewhere before.


    Hence, he lifted his right hand and grabbed fiercely, grabbing a piece of mountain rock that had come into contact with Xu Qing¡¯s soul thread. He held it before him and took a closer look. In the end, disbelief appeared in his gaze and his pupils instantly narrowed.


    He realized what it was!


    ¡°Soul threads of the Variant Immortal School?¡±


    The Variant Immortal School was once the number one sect in Imperial Academy. Although it had declined now, it was very famous. Since ancient times, there had been a lot of people who had learned the cultivation arts of the Variant Immortal School.


    Hence, to the experts in the Imperial City, they weren¡¯t unfamiliar with this. However, it had been too many years since an outstanding individual appeared in the Variant Immortal School. As a result, there had been fewer and fewer cultivators, so the old man didn¡¯t think of it immediately.


    After thinking of the Variant Immortal School, the old man¡¯s mind instinctively recalled the earth child and yin fiend, as well as the pressure emitted by these two divine creatures.


    All of this instantly caused waves in his heart.


    ¡°Mastery stage of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s cultivation art!¡±


    The old man suddenly turned his head and looked into the distance. After that, he took out a jade slip and immediately transmitted his voice to the main sect, asking for information about the Variant Immortal School.


    As the information was transmitted, the more he read, the more bewildered he became. Recalling the two godly creatures from before and contrasting them to the information, his mind slowly rumbled.


    ¡°50,000 soul threads is the threshold of mastery stage.¡±


    ¡°100,000 soul threads is the peak of mastery¡­¡±


    ¡°However, from the fluctuations, the godly creature that just appeared here has more than 100,000 soul threads. That¡¯s formed by hundreds of thousands of soul threads!¡±


    ¡°This matter¡­¡±


    The old man rushed out and headed straight for the main sect.


    As the sun rose in the distance, the sky gradually dispelled the darkness and lit up.


    Xu Qing had already returned to Ning Yan¡¯s mansion but there was no sign of the captain.


    Xu Qing was already used to this and didn¡¯t care. In any case, since the captain had teleported away, he couldn¡¯t die.


    As for what the captain had stolen from the Star Emperor Branch Sect, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t particularly curious. At that moment, his focus was on the cultivation art of the Variant Immortal School.


    ¡°Everything I did tonight was done using the Variant Immortal School¡¯s cultivation art, so the possibility of me being exposed is extremely slim.¡±


    ¡°Then, the most critical thing now is to see if I can refine the flesh of Crimson Goddess into soul threads.¡±


    Xu Qing walked into the confidential chamber and sealed the surroundings to isolate the aura. He then took out the ancient sun and made it float above his head to suppress his surroundings. Only then did he sit down cross-legged. A sharp glint appeared in his gaze as he took out a piece of Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh.


    As soon as this flesh appeared, terrifying godly fluctuations rose.


    Xu Qing focused and began refining.


    Time flowed by.


    In the early morning outside, snowflakes were still falling on the Imperial City. Everything looked very calm but as the Star Emperor¡¯s branch sect investigated, the news of the theft began to circulate within the city.


    It was destined that a storm that would cause a sensation in Imperial Academy was about to form.

 Chapter 1184 - 1184 I’m Standing in Front of You

    1184 I¡¯m Standing in Front of You


    ¡°The Star Emperor¡¯s branch sect was robbed!¡±


    ¡°It is said that many things were lost, one of which was a stone book placed in the restricted area. This book seemed ordinary on regular days, but on stormy nights, a vague shadow would appear.¡±


    ¡°The Star Emperor Supreme Sect had studied it for a long time, and it was eventually deciphered as a special recording stone. The vague shadow inside is a Core Formation cultivator from ancient times. It has archaeological value, but little practical value.¡±


    ¡°Losing this stone is one thing, but the other stolen items are outrageous¡­ It¡¯s said that in one area, all the trees, bricks, and even buildings were dismantled by thirty percent. Some places were stripped to a depth of three feet, as if locusts had invaded the fields¡­¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s even more unbelievable is that some clothes were also stolen!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on¡­ Why steal them?¡±


    Although the Star Emperor Branch Sect wasn¡¯t large, its origin was one of the ten super sects of the human race after all. Its every move would naturally attract attention, especially a matter like theft.


    Coupled with the bizarreness of the lost items.


    Hence, the news of the theft continued to spread. More and more people heard about it and were bewildered.


    Gradually, through some channels, someone discovered some secret information. This information was like cold water falling into hot oil, instantly exploding.


    ¡°One of the thieves actually cast a mastery stage Variant Immortal School art!¡±


    ¡°Moreover, according to the judgment of the Star Emperor Branch Sect, this person¡¯s soul threads have reached an unprecedented number of hundreds of thousands, surpassing the two ancestors of the Variant Immortal School!¡±


    ¡°How is this possible? I¡¯ve also checked the Variant Immortal School¡¯s art. Its cultivation speed is extremely slow. If someone wants to cultivate hundreds of thousands of soul threads¡­ Putting aside whether their soul can support this separation, just the time needed will be close to 10,000 years!!¡±


    ¡°Unbelievable!¡±


    The news spread rapidly, forming a storm. As it spread through the entire Imperial Capital, it also naturally entered the Imperial Academy.


    At noon, a large number of students gathered outside the Variant Immortal School. All of them looked at the Variant Immortal School¡¯s white tower in disbelief and discussed among themselves.


    This was because the representative of the Star Emperor Supreme Sect had already applied to enter the white tower and hadn¡¯t walked out yet.


    After about fifteen minutes, the representative of the Star Emperor Supreme Sect walked out with a grim expression and quickly left.


    Following him were the head of the Variant Immortal School and three disciples.


    Although the masks of Imperial Academy hid their emotions greatly at this moment, the shock in the eyes of the four of them still displayed the unease in their hearts.


    Their current mood was mixed with shock, confusion, excitement, and fanaticism.


    Regarding what had happened in the Star Emperor Branch Sect, they had heard about it but didn¡¯t pay attention to it. It was only when they heard of the mysterious master of the Variant Immortal School art that they were shaken.


    After that, the representative of the Star Emperor Supreme Sect found them and told them many details as well as investigated the information of those who cultivated the Variant Immortal School art. Only then did they truly know the whole details.


    The commotion in their minds had long reached the limit.


    The investigation of the Star Emperor Supreme Sect gained no results from the Variant Immortal School. Although there were only four core disciples who cultivated the Variant Immortal School art over the years, in reality, there were also cultivation arts related to the Variant Immortal School in the outside world.


    After all, the establishment of the Imperial Academy was to break down sectarian barriers and make techniques accessible to everyone. So, even though the Variant Immortal School had regulations stating that only core members could study certain techniques, in practice, this rule often wasn¡¯t significant.


    Hence, since ancient times, there were many people who knew about the art of the Variant Immortal School. Wanting to investigate was like searching for a needle in a haystack.


    Under inertial thinking, people would instinctively think that there was a certain chance that this mysterious master was the school head, but there was a greater possibility¡­ this mysterious cultivator was an old fellow who had hidden for thousands of years!


    Everyone had different opinions about who it was. The outside world didn¡¯t know, let alone the four people from the Variant Immortal School.


    At that moment, standing outside the white tower, the head of the Variant Immortal School suppressed the excitement in his heart and tried his best to calm down. His gaze swept across the surroundings.


    He sighed endlessly with emotion.


    ¡°How many years has it been since the Variant Immortal School received such attention and was surrounded by so many students¡­¡±


    As his heart churned, he was filled with gratitude and pride for that mysterious person who had mastered the Variant Immortal School art. Hence, he took a deep breath and spoke loudly.


    ¡°This old man doesn¡¯t know how the Star Emperor Branch Sect provoked that hidden senior of our school, causing the senior to mete out a small punishment. However, my Variant Immortal School can take responsibility for this matter!¡±


    ¡°Since ancient times, many people have learned our cultivation arts and it has been passed down from generation to generation. Hence, there are too many experts of our cultivation arts in the human race.¡±


    ¡°Originally, I didn¡¯t want to reveal this matter because my school has always kept a low profile and doesn¡¯t participate in secular disputes. I planned to interact with the outside world like an ordinary school, but today¡­ since my school¡¯s senior has made a move, we don¡¯t need to hide it anymore.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, this person is one of the experts of our school!¡±


    The school head of the Variant Immortal School spoke proudly. His voice echoed, causing an uproar among the countless students in the surroundings. Amidst the commotion, the school head placed his hands behind his back and walked back to the white tower with his head held high.


    The three disciples also followed excitedly.


    It was only when the four of them returned to the tower and the gate of the tower closed that the three disciples couldn¡¯t suppress the excitement in their hearts anymore. They all looked at the school head.


    ¡°Teacher, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Teacher, does our Variant Immortal School really have so many experts?¡±


    ¡°Hundreds of thousands of soul threads. How¡­ how is this possible?¡±


    The three of them spoke in trembling voices.


    The school head raised his head and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Ignorant!¡±


    If it was in the past, these three disciples would definitely talk back. Anyway, the school head couldn¡¯t do anything to them. They even wanted to be expelled.


    But today, these three individuals were unusually obedient. One stepped forward to massage the school head¡¯s shoulders, another fanned him, and the third took the initiative to organize the jade slips. Each of them looked eagerly at the school head.


    The school head felt comfortable. It had been a long time since he experienced such treatment, so he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Alright. Although the three of you have made some small mistakes over the years, you didn¡¯t make any major mistakes. You can be considered to have passed the assessment. In that case, it¡¯s time for me to tell you some things.¡±


    When the three disciples heard this, their ears instantly pricked up and their emotions surged.


    The school head swept his gaze over and felt even more comfortable as he slowly bragged.


    ¡°This old man naturally knows this senior¡¯s identity. What I said to the outside world previously was also true.¡±


    ¡°Our school was once extremely glorious. It attracted attention which became unfavorable to cultivation. After that, the ancestor made a secret agreement for the future disciples to keep a low profile and face the outside world with an ordinary identity.¡±


    ¡°Hence, they allowed the school to decline.¡±


    ¡°However, in reality¡­ our Variant Immortal School only went from the light to the dark. There are many people in the school who have hundreds of thousands of soul threads. There¡¯s even one who has a million soul threads!¡±


    ¡°This matter is top secret. You can¡¯t spread it to outsiders! Now, hurry up and organize those books and put them away in order!¡±


    The school head snorted coldly.


    The three disciples gasped and quickly nodded. Although they still couldn¡¯t believe it, their current attitude had completely reversed. They immediately went to the place where the school head used to be and did what the school head had done¡­


    Just like that, the storm about the Variant Immortal School became even more violent in the Imperial Academy and the Imperial Capital as the Variant Immortal School acknowledged it.


    Time flowed by and a day passed. The next morning.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes in the secret chamber.


    For the entire day, he gave it his all and kept trying to absorb the flesh of the Crimson Goddess using the Variant Immortal School. He had failed during this period but in the end, he still succeeded to a certain extent.


    ¡°The conversion is a little low¡­¡±


    Xu Qing frowned and sensed that there were nearly 500,000 soul threads permeating his sea of consciousness.


    He had absorbed more than 50 pieces of Crimson Goddess¡¯s flesh in exchange for the additional over 150,000.


    In reality, a piece of Crimson Goddess¡¯s flesh could support him in activating his second form. Hence, Xu Qing knew that this conversion efficiency wasn¡¯t high enough.


    Fortunately, the flesh of Crimson Goddess didn¡¯t disappear after being absorbed. They were just shriveled and there were still divine source in their depths. However, the divine source was too closely integrated with the flesh and couldn¡¯t be refined.


    ¡°It¡¯s worth it!¡±


    A sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. At that moment, after he became a little more familiar with it, he could control the soul threads to instantly form the second god form. He didn¡¯t need to add the power of the Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh.


    ¡°There are still more than a hundred pieces of Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh¡­ I need a higher-level Variant Immortal School art. This way, I might be able to refine more.¡±


    ¡°After all, the third layer of god form¡­ might not be weaved even with a million divine source soul threads.¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent. A long time later, he stood up and proceeded out of the residence under the morning sun, heading to Imperial Academy.


    As for the captain, he still hadn¡¯t returned.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care. He walked all the way to the gate of the Imperial Academy. The moment he stepped in, he appeared in a random area in the Imperial Academy like he was teleported. His clothes also changed and a mask appeared on his face.


    There were many people here and the bustling sounds seemed to be more than usual.


    Xu Qing identified the direction. On the way to the Variant Immortal School, the discussions in the surroundings couldn¡¯t help but ring out. Xu Qing was unmoved as he listened to the discussion about the mysterious cultivator from the Variant Immortal School.


    A while later, after passing the crowd, Xu Qing saw the white tower of the Variant Immortal School. This place was completely different from usual. There were dozens of students politely asking for guidance on the Variant Immortal School¡¯s art.


    The school head sat inside, looking dignified.


    The three disciples each raised their heads and answered the questions.


    After noticing Xu Qing¡¯s arrival, the school head nodded indifferently. The three disciples immediately summoned him and pulled him over. One of them¡¯s voice revealed pride as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you come yesterday? You heard about the major event regarding our Variant Immortal School, right?¡±


    ¡°Let me tell you, our Variant Immortal School has actually been hiding all along. The true us are extremely powerful. That senior with hundreds of thousands of soul threads is one of the ancestors of our school!¡±


    The disciple was about to say more when the school head coughed.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s here. Xuan Leizi, go and receive them.¡±


    Xu Qing cupped his hands. The disciple who was speaking also immediately fell silent and said one last sentence.


    ¡°There are some things that you can¡¯t know yet since you just joined. Anyway, perform well. We¡­ are actually very powerful!¡±


    Xu Qing blinked. He had long expected this scene. Hence, he put on an excited expression and nodded vigorously. After that, he looked at the gate where seven to eight disciples were walking over.


    Xu Qing stepped forward and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Everyone, what are you here for? If you want to understand the Variant Immortal School art, I can answer you.¡±


    In Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, because of the rules of Imperial Academy, these seven to eight disciples were all the same. However, one of them was cautious at this moment. While others were asking Xu Qing, their gaze quickly swept past everyone, including Xu Qing.


    Finally, they stared at the school head a few more times and muttered inwardly.


    ¡®The outside world uttered that the cultivator from the Variant Immortal School is an old fellow who has lived for thousands of years. However, when I fought with him that day, the vicissitudes of life on him weren¡¯t very obvious. He doesn¡¯t seem to speak much, so he should have a taciturn personality. Could it be Ergou¡­ is this school head?!¡¯


    At the believed of this, the student casually asked Xu Qing.


    ¡°Student, I have the intention to join the Variant Immortal School and want to understand more about it. For example, our school head should have a taciturn personality, right? He doesn¡¯t seem to be very old either¡­¡±


    When Xu Qing learned this, he glanced at this person and a trace of vigilance rose in his heart.

 Chapter 1185 - 1185 Change at a Million Threads

    1185 Change at a Million Threads


    However, it was a pity that the students from the Imperial Academy wore the same attire and mask. There were also changes to their auras, causing it to be very difficult to identify their true identities from their voices and appearances.


    Even their gender couldn¡¯t be seen.


    Hence, although Xu Qing was vigilant, he couldn¡¯t immediately confirm the identity of the person in front of him.


    After all¡­ with such a big event related to the Variant Immortal School occurring, and with increasing attention from the outside world, there were naturally more than just one person coming to probe.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past the student and he spoke softly.


    ¡°I just joined the Variant Immortal School and don¡¯t know much about it. However, from what I¡¯ve seen since I arrived, the school head is indeed like that.¡±


    When the student heard this, she fell into deep thought. After sizing up the school head carefully, she retracted her gaze and looked at Xu Qing.


    While this was the first time she had paid attention to Xu Qing, the Variant Immortal School had so few members that after this incident, some information had already been dug up.


    Even though the true identities of these disciples of the Variant Immortal School were unknown, most of the observant individuals knew about the time they had joined the Variant Immortal School and their usual performance.


    Hence, the information she had contained details of this disciple who called himself Xuan Leizi.


    She knew that the other party had just joined recently, and this fact, while it made her speculate, also indirectly dispelled suspicion.


    From what she knew, it was impossible for the person from the day before to be someone who had just joined the school.


    As for Xuan Leizi¡¯s true identity, she wasn¡¯t interested. At that moment, what she was paying attention to was the person who had mastered the Variant Immortal School art. Hence, after a few simple questions, she simply walked out and arrived in front of the school head who was sitting there with his eyes closed. She then bowed.


    ¡°School head, I want to join the Variant Immortal School.¡±


    Her actions attracted the attention of everyone in the white tower. After such a major event happened to the Variant Immortal School, while many students came to inquire, she was the first to formally propose joining.


    Xu Qing raised his brows under the mask and the vigilance in his heart grew even stronger. This person¡¯s probing earlier could be explained but it was a little strange for them to enter so decisively.


    Hence, even the school head of the Variant Immortal School opened his eyes and looked at the student in front of him.


    His eyes were filled with dignity as he swept his gaze across them. He was clearly overjoyed, but his voice was still calm as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°My school has an agreement. We won¡¯t teach anyone other than the core disciples.¡±


    ¡°Sure! However, I have three questions. I hope the school head can clear my doubts.¡± The mysterious woman from that day revealed determination as she bowed and spoke.


    The school head¡¯s gaze swept across the students in the white tower. After discovering that everyone was paying attention, he smiled slightly.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Disciple¡¯s first question is that I heard that the technique of our school to condense soul threads requires the continuous strengthening of the soul. I wonder if there are any profound methods for nurturing the soul in the Variant Immortal School?¡±


    As she spoke, she carefully observed the gaze of the school head in front of her.


    There was no fluctuation in the school head¡¯s eyes. His voice calmly echoed.


    ¡°The thought of the Summer Immortal can transform into an immortal body; when this thought falls into the sea, the soul can also be formed.¡±


    Everyone in the white tower hesitated. If it was any other time, they would have scoffed at it. After all, this statement seemed more like a metaphor than anything else.


    However, with such a major event happening and a master of Variant Immortal School art appearing with hundreds of thousands of soul threads, it had already proved everything. Hence, everyone couldn¡¯t help but think seriously.


    Even the three core disciples fell silent.


    Only Xu Qing blinked.


    The mysterious woman fell silent and frowned under her mask. After some thought, she asked the second question.


    ¡°School head, may I ask if the formation of the soul threads of the Variant Immortal School is really as slow as the rumors say?¡±


    This sentence was also the focus of the attention of the other students in the white tower. Even the three disciples of the Variant Immortal School listened attentively.


    The school head lifted his chin with a hint of pride in his eyes. His voice was filled with confidence as it echoed.


    ¡°A thousand years ago, our school had already changed our cultivation art and divided it into two parts, inner and outer. Moreover, the ancestor left a rule that only core disciples who have reached a certain seniority can be taught the inner methods.¡±


    ¡°Outer methods are indeed slow but inner methods are fast!¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, everyone¡¯s expressions changed. Although they were suspicious, when they thought of the mysterious master of the hundreds of thousands of soul threads, all of them hesitated.


    The mysterious woman was the same. Her frown deepened. She felt that this school head in front of her wasn¡¯t simple. His answer was watertight and didn¡¯t reveal any useful clues.


    Hence, after a while of silence, she didn¡¯t ask the third question. Instead, she made up her mind and immediately bowed.


    ¡°Disciple has no more questions. I¡¯m willing to become a core disciple and join the Variant Immortal School.¡±


    The school head nodded slightly and thought to himself, ¡®You want to test me with just this?¡¯


    In reality, as the school head, he naturally discerned the implications behind the student¡¯s questions. However, he remained composed. Even though he didn¡¯t know the identity of the mysterious adept, it didn¡¯t deter him from seizing this opportunity to enhance the prestige of the school.


    After all, no matter what, the mysterious person did indeed display the soul threads of the Variant Immortal School.


    That was enough.


    As for the identity of this mysterious master, he felt that the other party would definitely appear at the appropriate time.


    He didn¡¯t care about the dissatisfaction of the Star Emperor Supreme Sect caused by the other party¡¯s theft.


    As a school of Imperial Academy, their status was extraordinary.


    At the thought of this, he waved his hand and a jade slip flew over, landing in front of the mysterious woman.


    The woman caught it and imprinted her identity without hesitation.


    ¡°Go and join your four senior brothers.¡±


    The school head calmly spoke and closed his eyes in silence.


    Xu Qing watched the entire process. At that moment, the vigilance in his heart was extremely high.


    ¡®With such questions, it can be said that this person¡¯s really interested in the Variant Immortal School. It can also be said that they have ulterior motives. It¡¯s very difficult to distinguish.¡¯


    ¡®However, there¡¯s an explanation that can explain everything and is logical as well. That is¡­ this person has fought with me before.¡¯


    ¡®Could it be her?¡¯


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and calmly glanced at the student.


    Just like that, the day passed.


    On this day, this new woman, together with Xu Qing and the other three, received hundreds of students. During this time, she observed Xu Qing and the others and occasionally asked some seemingly casual questions.


    However, she soon placed her attention on the school head.


    She was observing the school head while Xu Qing was observing her.


    The more he looked, the clearer Xu Qing¡¯s guess was. When night fell, Xu Qing felt that the possibility of the other party being that mysterious woman was about 50 to 60%.


    Xu Qing felt that as time passed, he would definitely be able to see more details. After all¡­ the other party was someone with motives, and so was he.


    Hence, when night fell, Xu Qing bade farewell to the school head and his fellow disciples and left the white tower, returning to the mansion.


    to the mansion.


    Recalling his experience during the day, Xu Qing closed his eyes and took out the flesh of Crimson Goddess before starting to cultivate.


    Time flowed by and half a month passed in the blink of an eye.


    The storm surrounding the Variant Immortal School¡¯s mysterious master, lacking second incident, remained more of a castle in the air, despite the school head¡¯s repeated public declarations attempting to reignite it.


    In the end, the storm still slowly dissipated with the flow of time.


    The number of students heading to the Variant Immortal School¡¯s white tower every day also gradually increased from a few hundred to dozens.


    Even so, compared to the past when there was no one around, it was a tremendous change.


    There were also nine more students who joined. Now, there were a total of 13.


    The backgrounds of these people were very complicated. Their daily inquiries also became more direct with time. As for Xu Qing and the other three earliest disciples, they were even more united and would occasionally chat with each other.


    In addition, through his observations in the past half a month, Xu Qing was basically certain that the fifth disciple¡­ was that mysterious woman from back then.


    He still remembered the aura of the other party¡¯s attack. It felt like a cultivator¡¯s energy but not, seemingly divine but not, as if it were another kind of power, more domineering than cultivator¡¯s energy, more fierce than divinity.


    ¡®What is it?¡¯


    Xu Qing recalled the schools of the Imperial Academy he had checked but couldn¡¯t find any clues. Hence, he kept this matter in his mind.


    As for his cultivation and the refinement of the soul threads, they had reached a new height in this half a month.


    The Variant Immortal School indeed had a profound soul refinement technique, and its cultivation speed was indeed faster than the ordinary cultivation art. In order to prove his words back then, the school head of the Variant Immortal School brought out this cultivation art but only gave it to Xu Qing and the other three.


    He stated that this was only transitional and not the true inner technique.


    He intended to provide subsequent parts based on different lengths of time the disciples had joined the school and different aptitudes.


    These words had a certain effect, causing the spies from all directions, who were originally a little dissatisfied, to pay attention and be tempted again.


    This cultivation art could indeed increase a certain level of efficiency but in reality, it didn¡¯t increase much. To the other three core disciples, it was just refining one or two additional soul threads every month.


    However, it was different with Xu Qing.


    Using this even additional profound Variant Immortal School art, he obtained even more soul threads when refining the flesh of Crimson Goddess.


    This way, after half a month passed and he refined all the flesh of Crimson Goddess to the limit, Xu Qing¡¯s soul threads had reached nearly a million.


    He was solely short of three.


    Tonight, Xu Qing planned to condense the remaining three in one go.


    As Xu Qing looked into his sea of consciousness at the divine source soul threads that almost filled up all the areas, he fell into deep thought.


    These soul threads weren¡¯t as active as before. They had become a little heavier and emitted an aura of transformation.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He had a feeling that once the number of soul threads reached a million, a new change might appear.


    He didn¡¯t know what it stood as exactly and there were no such records. After all, since ancient times, no one from the Variant Immortal School had piled up their own soul threads to such a terrifying extent.


    Even the creator of the cultivation art didn¡¯t expect someone to be able to refine it to such an extent.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. The feeling that he stood as about to undergo a transformation was very intense.


    ¡°What changes will happen¡­¡±


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and began to cultivate according to the cultivation method of the Variant Immortal School.


    After about fifteen minutes, a soul thread manifested in his sea of consciousness.


    As it appeared, all the soul threads trembled in unison.


    The aura of transformation became even denser.


    Xu Qing continued. An hour later, the second soul thread stood as formed. Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness began to rumble and churned intensely.


    Two hours later, when the last soul thread manifested in his sea of consciousness, the million soul threads instantly became complete.


    An unprecedented huge change suddenly occurred in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness!

 Chapter 1186 - 1186 Variant Immortal Soul Seed

    1186 Variant Immortal Soul Seed


    The million soul threads in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness erupted, spreading through his mind and gushing into his soul. After that, they spread throughout his body and finally formed a vortex in his sea of consciousness.


    They spun violently.


    At the same time, lightning flashed in the sky of the Imperial City, tearing through the sky as if heralding the birth of something that shouldn¡¯t exist in the world, thus attracting the attention of the Heavenly Dao.


    However, soon after, this sense of attention inexplicably vanished, as if whatever was about to appear here had been ignored by the Heavenly Dao for some unknown reason.


    In fact, it even helped in concealing it by changing the heavenly lightning into ordinary lightning.


    However, the light from the lightning still illuminated everything under the night sky in a flash.


    In the darkness of the night, someone woke up abruptly during meditation in a secret chamber, someone paused in their swift run on the streets, someone fell silent during discussions in the Imperial Academy, someone focused intently within a tall building, and someone raised their head in the palace.


    In the end, under the cover of the Heavenly Dao, they gained nothing.


    Hence, other than a few people who continued to pay attention, most of the other cultivators in the Imperial City retracted their thoughts. They went on with whatever they were doing.


    It was the same for the person who was in the midst of a discussion in the Imperial Academy. He retracted his perception and looked at the 39 students sitting around him.


    ¡°School head, what happened?¡±


    Among the students, someone asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a passing whim, carry on without me.¡± Withdrawing his perception, a figure clad in coarse linen robes and wearing a mask signaled to the students. From his attire, it was evident that he was the school head.


    And the white tower they were in was none other than the building of the Divine Fusion School.


    The students below nodded when they heard this. They continued the previous topic and discussed the Variant Immortal School.


    If it was any other school, with the current status of the Divine Fusion School, they wouldn¡¯t care. However, the Variant Immortal School was different. At the root¡­ the essence of the Variant Immortal School and the Divine Fusion School were like fire and water.


    One was weaving a divine image in one¡¯s mind, paying attention to the completeness of the person.


    The other was to replace the body and ultimately throw away all traces of the person, leaving only the mind.


    One¡¯s target was to become a Variant Immortal, while the other¡¯s goal was to become a divine being.


    These two completely contradictory concepts determined that only one of these two paths could thrive.


    This was also one of the reasons why the Variant Immortal School had declined to the extreme previously. Other than its own factors, the rise of the Divine Fusion School sped up this process.


    Hence, when the mysterious master with hundreds of thousands of soul threads appeared, it attracted the attention of the Divine Fusion School.


    Even though half a month had passed and the popularity of the Variant Immortal School had decreased because that mysterious person hadn¡¯t appeared again, one could imagine that if the other party appeared again, the attention on the Variant Immortal School would definitely continue to rise.


    When that time came, it would present an opportunity for the Variant Immortal School to rise once more.


    This was also the main subject of this internal meeting of the Divine Fusion Style.


    Regarding this matter, among the upper echelons of the Divine Fusion School present, some were wary, while others suspected that the rumors were baseless. Everyone had different opinions.


    Finally, the head of the Divine Fusion School raised his hand and the white tower instantly fell silent. All the high-level students looked at their school head in unison.


    Their eyes were filled with respect.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to care about the matter of the Variant Immortal School. Soon¡­ a person of a distinguished status will publicly join my Divine Fusion School. His participation will add icing on the cake for my Divine Fusion School.¡±


    ¡°You guys go and prepare. This person will come in three days.¡±


    As the school head¡¯s voice rang out, his calm tone caused these high-level students to calm down and nod their heads.


    The meeting ended here.


    At the same time, the lightning outside dissipated, leaving only the sound echoing. In Ning Yan¡¯s residence, in the secret chamber, Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes.


    His eyes revealed an intense light and his expression was filled with surprise. There was even a hint of confusion as he frowned.


    ¡°What is this¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. When he lifted his hand, a purple snowflake penetrated his flesh and floated in front of him.


    In his sea of consciousness, the vortex formed by a million soul threads was still spinning, as though it had no beginning or end.


    As it rotated, a chill appeared inside. Gradually, purple snowflakes rose from the vortex.


    There weren¡¯t many snowflakes, only 100.


    After sensing his sea of consciousness, Xu Qing retracted his divine sense and stared at the snowflake floating in his palm.


    After pondering for a moment, he took out the voice transmission jade slip and sent a message to the Sword Holders. Not long later, a malevolent ferocious beast used for experiments was sent over.


    Looking at the wolf-like ferocious beast in front of him, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate. He lifted his right hand and waved it. Immediately, the snowflake headed straight for the beast¡¯s forehead. The instant it touched it, the beast¡¯s entire body trembled and it let out a mournful cry.


    At the next moment, the snowflake seemed to have a life of its own and corroded the space between the beast¡¯s brows, directly penetrating its flesh and disappearing.


    The strange thing was that the wound on its forehead rapidly healed and the traces disappeared.


    As for this wolf beast, it gradually stopped moving and closed its eyes, looking like it was dead.


    However, its aura was still there. A while later, it suddenly opened its eyes. The instant it looked at Xu Qing, Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred.


    He had a feeling that everything about the beast seemed to have a mysterious connection with him, and the core of this connection was the purple snowflake.


    It didn¡¯t disappear but existed in the wolf beast¡¯s body.


    It fused with its flesh and blood and became one with it.


    A dark glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He lifted his hand and grabbed the beast from afar. His divine consciousness fused into it. After taking a closer look, his expression changed slightly. He could sense that soul threads were forming in the beast¡¯s body¡­


    ¡°Interesting.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. After that, he lifted his hand and cut open the wolf beast¡¯s body. He checked its flesh and confirmed again.


    Very soon, the wolf beast was decomposed. The purple snowflake flew out and floated in front of Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing thought about it and got someone to send over ten beasts. He tested the snowflakes on them. Just like that, the night passed. After many experiments, the moment morning arrived, Xu Qing, who walked out of the secret chamber, had a better understanding of the hundred snowflakes formed by his million soul threads.


    However, the price of this understanding was the strong smell of blood in the secret chamber and the butchered wolf corpses on the ground¡­


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about these. A look of comprehension appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°These 100 snowflakes are seeds!¡±


    ¡°When the wolf beasts fused with the snowflakes, their bodies didn¡¯t have any abnormality. Everything is normal. There¡¯s no discomfort at all and their vitality isn¡¯t affected. Only their bodies will produce soul threads on their own.¡±


    ¡°These soul threads are formed from their souls, so the drawback is that if they don¡¯t have enough soul power, they might wither and die.¡±


    ¡°This snowflake¡­ looks gentle but it¡¯s actually domineering. After spreading out, if it is used as a weapon, it can devour the enemy¡¯s soul¡­ and transform it into my soul threads.¡±


    ¡°At the same time, it can also parasitize. If a person who cultivates a Variant Immortal School art fuses with this seed, in theory, their cultivation speed will reach an astonishing level as long as they have enough soul power.¡±


    ¡°However, they will still be restricted by me. As long as I will it, I can take out the seed. Although it won¡¯t affect the other party¡¯s life, all the soul threads gathered during this period will be lost.¡±


    On the way to Imperial Academy, Xu Qing sensed the 100 purple snowflakes in his body and analyzed.


    ¡°My understanding of these snowflakes isn¡¯t enough. I need to do more experiments to understand them more comprehensively.¡±


    Before he completely understood it, Xu Qing didn¡¯t plan to use it rashly. Hence, after entering the Imperial Academy, he retracted his thoughts and stepped into the Variant Immortal School.


    Now that there were nine more disciples in the Variant Immortal School, it was much livelier than before. The school head no longer needed to do the work himself as there were naturally disciples who would do them for him.


    As for Xu Qing and his three senior brothers, due to their qualifications and the fact that fewer people came to the Variant Immortal School every day, they were very free. Hence, the newsletters of the Variant Immortal School also reopened.


    Just like that, three days passed. Every night, when Xu Qing returned to the residence, he would study the snowflakes. On the fourth day, a piece of news spread in Imperial Academy.


    The Seventh Prince announced that he was going to join the Divine Fusion School and was scheduled to officially head to the white tower of the Divine Fusion School to meet the school head at noon today.


    In the Imperial Academy, it was forbidden to reveal one¡¯s identity. However, if one publicized it outside, it wouldn¡¯t be within the rules.


    This was especially so after the Human Emperor¡¯s 12 incense sticks stood behind the rainbow bridge. This was the first time there was any news about a prince¡¯s movements, so it attracted attention in the Imperial City.


    This news also caused a heated discussion in the Imperial Academy. This was especially so for the students of the Divine Fusion School. After all, this was the first time such a thing had happened to the Imperial Academy.


    In the past, even if there were such cases, they wouldn¡¯t reveal their identities like this. Hence, no one in the outside world would know about the schools the princes had joined.


    However, the meaning of the Seventh Prince¡¯s high-profile announcement was clearly different. This was equivalent to tying himself completely to the Divine Fusion School.


    He indeed stepped into Imperial Academy at noon on this day. Under the escort of some students from the Divine Fusion School, a group of people bustled about as they walked toward the white tower of the Divine Fusion School.


    On the way, they passed by the Variant Immortal School.


    Xu Qing looked at the Seventh Prince who was surrounded by the crowd. Although the other party was wearing the clothes of a student, this scene reminded him of the time when the other party entered Fenghai County as a savior.


    At that time, Xu Qing was additionally watching from afar.


    The scene was exactly the same.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was as usual but his heart was cold.


    As for the core disciples who joined later, they also saw the commotion outside and had their own thoughts.


    However, the three core students before Xu Qing joined didn¡¯t think too much about it. Their focus was still on the newsletters. Hence, they pulled Xu Qing along and participated in the recording of the newsletters.


    Seeing this, the school head of the Variant Immortal School, who was sitting there, perceived a little anxious. He felt that the opportunity for the Variant Immortal School to rise had arrived, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t completely grasp it.


    In fact, during this period of time, he had also been searching for that senior who had reached the mastery stage but to no avail.


    ¡®This won¡¯t do. I¡¯m already taking the blame for that senior. Logically speaking, he should give me a chance to meet him¡­¡¯


    The academy head of the Variant Immortal School was anxious. As the school head, through the clues earlier, he had already made a judgment in his mind. He felt that that enigmatic master must have grasped some methods that others didn¡¯t know about.


    Otherwise, in theory, it was impossible for hundreds of thousands of soul threads to appear with the Variant Immortal School art.


    ¡®I don¡¯t ask for anything else. As long as he can give me some pointers on the method to cultivate hundreds of thousands of soul threads, the Variant Immortal School will definitely rise!¡¯


    ¡®If there are just ten or so masters with hundreds of thousands of soul threads¡­ Even if there are solely a few of them, they will be able to push the Variant Immortal School to the peak. This means that this path is correct!¡¯


    While the academy head was sighing with emotion, the enigmatic master he had been longing for was imprinting the newsletter with the three disciples in the corner on his right.


    ¡°Shocking Secret. So the Seventh Prince Actually Joined the Divine Fusion School for Her!¡±


    ¡°Unspeakable Relationship Between the Chief Disciple of the Verdant Path School and Its School Head Revealed!¡±


    ¡°Crisis of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s Chief Disciple Position: Is It the Distortion of Humanity or the Loss of Morality? Read in This Late-Night Premium Paper: Where Did My Treasure Go?¡±

 Chapter 1187 - 1187 The Prophecy Two Months Later

    1187 The Prophecy Two Months Later


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s participation was indeed icing on the cake for the Divine Fusion School. Their students felt even more sense of pride surging within them.


    A prince was a special identity, and this kind of public announcement was equivalent to spreading the news to the outside world. This caused more people to believe in the Divine Fusion School, which already had many students in Imperial Academy.


    After all, even a prince had chosen the Divine Fusion, which would be a clear signal to many people.


    And the Seventh Prince himself naturally became the spokesperson for the school, attracting widespread attention from the outside world.


    This feeling was what the Seventh Prince needed. Since the death of King Tian Lan, he had returned to the capital in a sorry state, like a stray dog. All his former glory had vanished, forcing him to choose to be discreet and avoid confrontation with Xu Qing.


    The resentment in his heart had long since become extremely intense.


    He was waiting for his fifth brother to return.


    The Fifth Prince was his biological brother. Compared to the other princes, the two of them were his closest relatives.


    The Fifth Prince was second only to the eldest prince in terms of martial prowess among all the princes. He was known for his bravery and skill in battle, catching the attention of the emperor, who granted him the privilege of apprenticing under the First Heavenly King. He and the First Heavenly king stayed at the border of the Flame Moon, rarely returning to the Imperial City.


    Some time ago, the Seventh Prince had received a secret report that his fifth brother was about to return.


    This news greatly excited him. Hence, he followed his fifth brother¡¯s arrangements and joined the Divine Fusion School. He was determined to walk the path of Divine Fusion, even if it meant changing his cultivation technique.


    The Divine Fusion School also made good use of this and provided great help to the Seventh Prince. After he joined the Divine Fusion School, the school head personally guided him in replacing his body parts.


    Just like that, a month later, with the help of the Divine Fusion School, the Seventh Prince¡¯s cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds. 30% of his body was replaced with divine being¡¯s flesh, thereby breaking through the Spirit Repository and stepping into the first stage of Nihility.


    The day he broke through, all the forces cast paid some attention to him.


    The students in the Imperial Academy who hadn¡¯t joined the Divine Fusion School were also tempted.


    In an instant, the position of the Divine Fusion School became even more stable. The believers once again soared and it became the true number one school. This indirectly affected the outside world, causing the cultivators in the capital to frequently mention the Divine Fusion School.


    Such a thing had only happened during the heyday of the Variant Immortal School.


    Divine Fusion was spreading among the human race.


    Compared to the Divine Fusion School, which was at its peak, the Variant Immortal School became more and more quiet. It completely returned to normal.


    Among the disciples arranged by the various forces to enter it, five of them disappeared and no longer came. Only the four latecomers, including the mysterious woman, persisted in appearing every day.


    However, it was obvious that their motivation was lacking.


    As for Xu Qing and the three core disciples from the start, they had no choice. Initially, they believed what the school head said, but gradually they began to have doubts. Now, they felt that it¡¯s just how things were.


    In the end, their main focus was still on managing the newsletters. They pulled Xu Qing along and immersed themselves in it all day.


    As for the school head¡­ he kept on sighing to himself all day long. The persistence in his heart caused him to maintain his upright posture, but from the looks of it, he wouldn¡¯t be able to hold on for long.


    If nothing unexpected happened, the Variant Immortal School would eventually return to its previous declined state.


    However, something unexpected still happened¡­ The newsletters of the Variant Immortal School became a fuse.


    The purpose of the newspaper established by the three earliest disciples was not to seek the truth but to create sensational headlines with various gossips. Only in this way could it appeal to human nature and generate a certain level of sales.


    Usually, they would make up stories about various schools. Since the Variant Immortal School was already declining, they had nothing to lose, while other schools, even if they were criticized, couldn¡¯t do anything about it.


    There had been people who came looking for them before, but in the face of the Variant Immortal School that was like a latrine, they could only leave angrily.


    After all, the Variant Immortal School was already like this. They were poor and there was nothing they could do.


    In fact, the more they tried to look for trouble, the happier the disciples of the Variant Immortal School became. On the next day¡¯s news, they would emphasize this matter and use all kinds of hints to tell that the information in their newsletters was true.


    As time passed, everyone stopped paying attention to it.


    However, after the mysterious master appeared, to a certain extent, the newsletters had gained some popularity as well. Hence¡­ after several times of posting gossip about the Divine Fusion School, the people from the Divine Fusion School came looking for them on this day.


    The identity of the person who came wasn¡¯t simple. He was a famous student in the Divine Fusion School, second only to the chief student. There were also hundreds of students following behind him.


    Their arrival attracted the attention of passersby.


    This was especially so when the anger in these people¡¯s eyes was intense. After stepping into the white tower of the Variant Immortal School, the atmosphere became even more tense.


    The disciples in the white tower of the Variant Immortal School also put down what they were doing and looked at the angry disciples of the Divine Fusion School.


    ¡°Variant Immortal School, you guys are going too far!¡±


    ¡°As the peak school back then, it¡¯s fine if you have declined, but how can you be so shameless? For the sake of gimmicks, you are making up nonsense about other schools!¡±


    ¡°Especially your late-night premium newsletters!¡±


    ¡°Today, you have to give an explanation!¡±


    The student from the Divine Fusion School spoke angrily, his eyes bloodshot.


    As soon as he finished speaking, the disciples who had joined the Variant Immortal School turned their heads in unison and looked at Xu Qing and the other three in the corner.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart was calm as his gaze swept past these people. However, the three core disciples beside him instinctively took a few steps back, feeling a little guilty.


    The late-night premium newsletter was a project they had added a month ago, taking advantage of the sudden popularity to bring them considerable profits.


    The content was even bolder and more explicit. The feedback was not bad¡­


    Seeing this, the school head, who was sitting there, felt annoyed. Hence, he glared fiercely at Xu Qing and the other three. He then turned his head and looked at the enraged Divine Fusion student.


    ¡°Noisy!¡±


    As soon as he spoke, those students from the Divine Fusion School lowered their heads one after another. After all, he was a school head. According to the rules, he had to be respected. However, after he lowered his head, the Divine Fusion School student still spoke.


    ¡°All these years, the Variant Immortal School has not only fabricated rumors about our Divine Fusion School. In the entire Imperial Academy, which famous school or student hasn¡¯t been slandered by you?!¡±


    ¡°Such a shameless act will damage the dignity of the Variant Immortal School. I think that the mysterious master of the Variant Immortal School will also think that the Variant Immortal School is dirty after hearing about this.¡±


    ¡°This might also be the reason why that senior never showed his face again. After all, if I were that senior, I would also be very ashamed of the current Variant Immortal School and feel ashamed to be associated with them.¡±


    ¡°The current Variant Immortal School has not only lost its former glory but also its dignity and clarity of heart. It has become an anomaly of the Imperial Academy and is a disgrace.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, today, I ask the Variant Immortal School to give an explanation!¡±


    This student had a glib tongue. After he finished speaking, the other students behind him also spoke up one after another. This news spread outside the white tower, causing many passerby students outside to stop and discuss spiritedly.


    Many thoughts rose in the hearts of everyone from the Variant Immortal School. Xu Qing fell into deep thought and could tell that the origin of this matter might not be that simple.


    Someone wanted to take this opportunity to test the Variant Immortal School and completely trample on its popularity.


    The mysterious woman dressed as a student at the side also perked up. She felt that this was a chance to probe, so she paid close attention to the school head.


    The school head¡¯s eyes instantly narrowed. He naturally saw some clues. Hence, he sat there and leaned forward slightly. He carefully sized up these students from the Divine Fusion School and calmly spoke.


    ¡°What kind of explanation do you want?¡±


    ¡°The Variant Immortal School, please carry out a self-


    inspection!¡± The student looked into the eyes of the school head and uttered word by word.


    These words echoed in the white tower and also spread outside.


    ¡°Ridiculous!¡± The school head sneered and stood up. His gaze swept past the student before looking outside.


    ¡°You came here to probe that senior of my Variant Immortal School. Since you want to know, just ask. There¡¯s no need to find so many excuses.¡±


    ¡°The reason why that senior didn¡¯t appear again is because he is in closed-door cultivation to break through the barrier of a million soul threads!¡±


    ¡°Before he proceeded into seclusion, he told me that he would come out of seclusion in three months at most. On the day he comes out, a million soul threads will flow in the sky of the Imperial Capital and form the appearance of a Variant Immortal. It will emit a million rays of light to verify that my Variant Immortal School has returned to its peak!¡±


    ¡°Now, there are still two months. Whether it¡¯s true or false, you can see it with your own eyes in two months.¡±


    ¡°Now, leave!¡±


    The school head¡¯s voice was filled with pride. With a flick of his sleeve, the Variant Immortal School¡¯s white tower instantly rumbled and emitted a repulsive force, causing those students from the Divine Fusion School to have no choice but to retreat and leave the white tower.


    After doing this, the school head raised his head and sat down again.


    He gazed calm but his heart was actually filled with helplessness. He could sense that the opportunity for the rise of the Variant Immortal School was right in front of him but if that senior didn¡¯t appear, everything would be useless.


    Since that was the case, he could only bite the bullet and brag to build momentum.


    As for the consequences of bragging, he didn¡¯t care. Since the Variant Immortal School was already like this, so be it.


    As soon as he finished speaking, the hearts of the disciples in the white tower stirred. The eyes of the mysterious woman lit up.


    As for the students from the Divine Fusion School who were pushed out of the white tower, their eyes gleamed. Most of the passersby in the outside world were the same.


    Xu Qing also took a few more glances at the school head and then looked at the million soul threads in his sea of consciousness¡­ Hesitation rose in his heart. He instinctively felt that the other party shouldn¡¯t have seen through his identity.


    However, his words were very realistic.


    In the end, the students from the Divine Fusion School gazed at each other and chose to leave. This time, there was a result of their probing.


    As for the matter of that master coming out of seclusion in two months, it quickly spread in Imperial Academy. All of this inflicted the popularity of the Variant Immortal School, which was about to dissipate, to gather again.


    That evening, before Xu Qing departed the Variant Immortal School, he bowed to the school head. Looking at the school head¡¯s anxious eyes and his impatient gesture of waving his hand to let him leave, Xu Qing confirmed that the other party indeed didn¡¯t see through his identity.


    ¡®Then¡­ maybe I can give my soul seed a try.¡¯


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    At dusk seven days later, when the other core disciples were leaving, an unfamiliar student who had been entrusted with a mission sent a sealed pouch to the white tower of the Variant Immortal School and placed it in front of the school head.


    The school head didn¡¯t hesitate at all, nor did he ask. He seemed to have sensed something, as though he had been waiting for it. He picked up the pouch and instantly opened it.


    In the pouch, there was a jade slip and a pill bottle containing a purple snowflake.


    Looking at these two items, the school head¡¯s breathing was hurried. He didn¡¯t know what the snowflake was but he could sense the fluctuations of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s art coming from it. Hence, he excitedly grabbed the jade slip and checked it.


    His expression changed continuously as he read it. Finally, he put down the jade slip and gazed at the pill bottle.


    After a long time¡­ determination manifested in his eyes as he crushed the pill bottle. After the purple snowflake inside floated out, it imprinted in his palm and fused into his flesh and blood.


    The soul threads in his body instantly erupted.

 Chapter 1188 - 1188 Branching Out

    1188 Branching Out


    The moment the school head of the Variant Immortal School used the purple snowflake, Xu Qing opened his eyes in the secret chamber of Ning Yan¡¯s residence. A dark glint flashed in his eyes.


    He lifted his head and looked in the direction of the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°This school head of the Variant Immortal School is indeed a decisive person.¡±


    He was naturally the one who arranged for the pouch to be sent over. The jade slip inside explained all the pros and cons without hiding anything, even mentioning that the soul seed could be retracted with a thought.


    However, it was obvious the school head of the Variant Immortal School could accept such a thing. After all, he yearned more than anyone else for the Variant Immortal School to return to its peak.


    For this, he was willing to sacrifice everything.


    It could even be said that that pouch was something he had been waiting for a long time. In order to obtain it, he didn¡¯t hesitate to take the blame and build momentum, taking the initiative to force himself to the point where he had no way out.


    This was his deliberate act, using his actions to show his allegiance to that mysterious master!


    Xu Qing had seen all of this during this period of time. Hence, he sent a soul seed over. He also sensed the school head¡¯s fusion and cultivation through the faint connection between him and the soul seed.


    This perception was one-sided.


    Xu Qing¡¯s research some time ago had already given him a thorough understanding of the soul seed. This soul seed was domineering. After it fused into the body, it would be almost impossible for the host to sense the source, but the source could sense his movements clearly.


    ¡°According to my analysis, after the school head fuses with the soul seed, his soul threads will condense and increase greatly¡­ Of course, the prerequisite is that his soul is strong enough. And his improvement should bring me benefits.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed anticipation. After that, he closed his eyes and continued to cultivate, absorbing the anomalous substances in the world and transforming them into his divine source.


    This was what he thought of. In his current state, he could increase the soul threads. However, this absorption was incomparably slow.


    Time flowed by. In Imperial Academy, the school head, who had absorbed the soul thread, gradually trembled as he circulated the cultivation art of the Variant Immortal School. The expression under the mask revealed intense excitement.


    He clearly sensed that the number of soul threads in his body was rapidly increasing.


    From the initial explosive increase of more than 30,000, it seemed to increase by hundreds every 15 minutes. This speed made him feel incredulous and waves of emotions surged in his heart.


    ¡°This is the correct cultivation method of the Variant Immortal School!¡±


    The school head was excited and continued to cultivate. He was indeed the most suitable person to fuse with a soul seed in the current Variant Immortal School.


    As the school head, he had studied the cultivation arts of the Variant Immortal School his entire life and cultivated it at all times. Although the speed of condensing soul threads was slow, he had always been nurturing his soul. Hence, the state of his soul was very strong.


    This was also a characteristic of the Variant Immortal School. On this point, it was the same for the Divine Fusion School. Because they needed to fuse all the divine body with their souls, the souls of both sides were stronger than ordinary people.


    Hence, the integration of the soul seed caused his soul to directly rumble. After cultivating for four consecutive hours, his soul threads broke through 30,000 to 40,000. Although it gradually slowed down, it continued to increase.


    At the same time, Xu Qing also sensed through his soul seed that the soul threads of the school head were increasing explosively.


    This explosive increase caused the soul thread vortex in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness to spin even more rapidly. One could vaguely see a trace of divine source forming in the vortex.


    Although it was only a trace, to Xu Qing, this was equivalent to nourishment. It was much faster than him simply absorbing anomalous substances and transforming them into divine sources. It was like the difference between heaven and earth.


    ¡°It¡¯s indeed effective!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes lit up and he became increasingly expectant as he continued to cultivate.


    The next morning, at dawn, Xu Qing arrived at the tower of the Variant Immortal School. Today, the school head didn¡¯t come down from the upper floor of the white tower, which was a rare occurrence. This matter caused these core disciples of the Variant Immortal School to be surprised.


    After all, the school head rarely went to the upper floor. He would usually sit upright on a chair in the main hall.


    Only Xu Qing knew that the school head was still cultivating. The number of his soul threads had already reached more than 45,000 during this night.


    ¡°At this speed, his soul threads will break through 50,000 in a few days and meet the requirement to weave an earth child.¡±


    As Xu Qing pondered, he was pulled to make newsletters. As for the other core disciples, because of the school head¡¯s bold words, they had regained their spirit and decided to stay for these two months.


    Among them, the mysterious woman who still didn¡¯t know that she had already been exposed was the most proactive. She took the initiative to join the newsletter group of Xu Qing and the others and helped imprint the newsletters. From time to time, she would ask Xu Qing and the others about their cultivation progress.


    Three days passed.


    On the afternoon of the fourth day, when Xu Qing was rummaging through some books of the Variant Immortal School, an astonishing fluctuation suddenly spread out from the upper floor of the white tower.


    This fluctuation revealed divinity, causing all the disciples in the white tower to be stunned.


    Xu Qing also lifted his head. The corners of his mouth under the mask revealed a smile.


    He could sense that the school head¡¯s soul threads had broken through to 50,000.


    Immediately after, a roar that spread throughout Imperial Academy echoed from the upper floor of the white tower. At the next instant, a huge earth child rushed out of the white tower in a flash and appeared in the air above Imperial Academy.


    Its black body and dense aura shook the Imperial Academy. As the gazes of the students from various schools gathered, a commotion erupted.


    As for the earth child outside the Variant Immortal School¡¯s white tower, after it emitted its pressure and attracted enough attention, it transformed into the appearance of the school head again.


    This scene was even more sensational.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ the school head of the Variant Immortal School?!¡±


    ¡°He weaved an earth child!¡±


    ¡°Another mastery stage cultivator has appeared in the Variant Immortal School?¡±


    The core disciples of the Variant Immortal School in the white tower also rushed out quickly. Looking at the school head in the air, all of their eyes revealed shock. Xu Qing¡¯s eyes also revealed an appropriate surprise.


    As for the mysterious woman, her heart churned.


    ¡®I was wrong. That mysterious master isn¡¯t the school head but I have found the right direction. This Variant Immortal School¡­ contains a huge secret!¡¯


    Seeing that he was the center of attention, the school head in the air placed his hands behind his back and calmly spoke. The cultivation changes brought about by the breakthrough of the soul threads caused his voice to be incomparably deep.


    ¡°This is the inner method of my Variant Immortal School!¡±


    ¡°Those who cultivate the inner method of my Variant Immortal School will definitely be able to form 50,000 soul threads in three months at most. Of course, the prerequisite is that their souls are strong enough.¡±


    As soon as the school head finished speaking, all the students who were paying attention to this scene felt waves in their hearts.


    Seeing this, the school head took a deep breath and determination appeared in his eyes as he continued to speak.


    ¡°In addition, from today onwards, our Variant Immortal School will break the tradition and open the tower to accept core disciples. We will impart inner methods and open another path for us human cultivators.¡±


    With that, the school head disappeared into the air.


    Although he had left, the news that his soul threads had reached the mastery stage and the Variant Immortal School was about to accept a large number of disciples caused a storm in Imperial Academy.


    The popularity of the Variant Immortal School soared again. Previously, every time it decreased, it would be stirred up again. Hence, now that the school head had reached mastery stage and continued the momentum from before, it caused the storm to become huge, causing a commotion in all the schools of Imperial Academy.


    The commotion spread outside as well. In an instant, the popularity of the Variant Immortal School rose to the extreme. Even the 13 core disciples, including Xu Qing, didn¡¯t have the time to do their own things. They received an endless stream of students all day.


    There were still not many who were truly determined to become a core disciple, but it was obvious that many students were tempted. However, it would take some time or more powerful events to firm their faith.


    For example, if another person at the mastery stage appeared, or if there was a student whose cultivation speed was obvious.


    Hence, Xu Qing began to consider whether he should give away another soul seed¡­


    However, before Xu Qing could choose a target to inspect, on the third dusk after the school head finished weaving the earth child, Xu Qing suddenly sensed something through the other party¡¯s soul seed.


    He sensed that the soul threads on the school head¡¯s side had also formed a vortex. Although they weren¡¯t as majestic as his, snowflakes actually appeared inside.


    Its color wasn¡¯t purple but green. Its level wasn¡¯t as good as the former but its effects seemed to be the same. At the same time, it could also be affected by him and the source was the same.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled. This change was beyond his expectations. However, before he could sense carefully, the school head sent his words from the upper floor, calling him and the other three core disciples over.


    Everyone was given a pill bottle.


    ¡°This is the inner method dao seed of my Variant Immortal School!¡±


    ¡°After merging it into your bodies, you will have the qualifications to cultivate the inner method!¡±


    Looking at the pill bottle in front of them, the three core disciples were extremely excited. Xu Qing swept his gaze over and his heart wasn¡¯t calm either. He could sense that there was indeed a soul seed snowflake in this pill bottle.


    ¡°This inner method dao seed was developed by my school after countless years of research. I didn¡¯t give it to you previously because there were some hidden dangers. Now that it has been completely resolved, it has become perfect.¡±


    ¡°After you absorb it, nurture the Variant Immortal School art and you will see that your cultivation speed has increased explosively.¡±


    The school head calmly spoke. He didn¡¯t tell Xu Qing and the other three about the control problem after absorbing the soul seed. At that moment, his gaze was like lightning as he stared at Xu Qing and the other three.


    ¡°Now, crush the pill bottle and begin the fusion. I will protect you.¡±


    The three core disciples looked at each other and then at the headmaster in front of them. Outsiders didn¡¯t know what they were thinking but in the end, they still chose to crush the bottles and absorb the green snowflake inside into their bodies.


    Seeing that the three of them had absorbed the dao seeds, the headmaster nodded and looked at Xu Qing. There was a hint of grandeur in his voice.


    ¡°Xuan Leizi, aren¡¯t you going to accept my Variant Immortal School¡¯s dao seed?¡±


    Xu Qing felt strange. He didn¡¯t hesitate and crushed the pill bottled, allowing the small green snowflake to fuse into his palm. The instant it entered his body, no one, including the school head, sensed it. The snowflake had already melted.


    It increased the rotation of the vortex in Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    The headmaster was satisfied and gestured for Xu Qing and the others to return. He then closed his eyes and meditated.


    Xu Qing cupped his hands and left the white tower with the three core followers beside him whose emotions were fluctuating. On the way back to the residence, Xu Qing confirmed that this green snowflake soul seed could be considered a branch of his purple snowflake.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect there to be such a change.¡±


    ¡°I just don¡¯t know how many branched soul seeds the headmaster formed. If it¡¯s also 100¡­¡±


    Xu Qing turned his head and looked in the direction of the Imperial Academy.


    He had a feeling that because of the existence of his purple soul seed, the Variant Immortal Institution might undergo a huge change and its rising momentum would be formed.


    If everything was normal and didn¡¯t violate human nature, Xu Qing was also willing to see the other party¡¯s glory.


    However, if this lineage acted inhumanely, he would take everything back.

 Chapter 1189 - 1189 In the Variant Immortal School, There Are Heretics

    1189 In the Variant Immortal School, There Are Heretics


    Xu Qing looked in the direction of the Imperial Academy.


    On this night, the cold winter wind swept through the capital, lifting the remnants of snow from the ground, swirling into the sky.


    Amidst the howling cold wind, a new life started for the three core disciples of the Variant Immortal School who had obtained the green snowflakes.


    Their number of soul threads soared from the original hundreds.


    As the three earliest core disciples of the Variant Immortal School, although there was nothing special about cultivating the Variant Immortal School¡¯s cultivation art, their souls were still much denser than ordinary people after cultivating it day and night.


    Hence, when the sun rose into the sky and dispersed the darkness, a completely different temperament appeared on the three of them.


    As their cultivation bases increased, their gazes became even sharper.


    Their bodies emitted soul fluctuations that uniquely belonged to the Variant Immortal School. The lowest number of soul threads reached more than 3,000, and the highest number¡­ was more than 6,000.


    When they arrived in the tower, this changed aura was immediately sensed by the other nine core disciples, including the mysterious woman. All of them couldn¡¯t help but be surprised.


    The school head looked at the three people walking over with admiration in his eyes.


    ¡°Thank you, Teacher!¡±


    The three of them looked at each other and could see the excitement in each other¡¯s eyes. Compared to the hidden dangers that might exist, the explosive increase in their soul threads was a gain that could be seen clearly. It caused excitement and determination to rise in their hearts.


    ¡°You guys have absorbed the Variant Immortal Dao seed very well. What you have to do next is to increase the density of your soul as soon as possible and let it continue to strengthen.¡±


    ¡°Remember, the denser your souls are, the more astonishing the number of soul threads you will possess.¡±


    ¡°My Variant Immortal Dao seed is a cultivation art seed that belongs exclusively to the Variant Immortal School. Just like an emperor-level cultivation art, this Dao seed is required to cultivate properly!¡±


    The school head nodded slightly.


    When his words fell into the ears of the other core disciples, all of their hearts were in turmoil. That mysterious woman¡¯s breathing became slightly hurried and she was about to ask.


    At that moment, Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared outside the gate of the white tower. The moment he walked in, many gazes instantly gathered over and tried to sense him.


    At the next instant, the three core disciples who had obtained the dao seeds like him were all shocked. The school head¡¯s eyes even revealed an intense light and he even stood up.


    The other nine core disciples all had even greater emotional fluctuations.


    There were even stronger soul thread fluctuations from Xu Qing¡¯s body. The feeling he gave off was that there were at least tens of thousands of soul threads.


    ¡°Good, good, good. Xuan Leizi, when this old man first saw you back then, I already felt that your future was extraordinary. Now that I look at you, you¡¯re indeed suitable for my Variant Immortal School.¡±


    The school head laughed loudly. His gaze swept past Xu Qing and the more he looked at him, the more surprised he became. He could sense that his soul seed had fused perfectly with Xu Qing¡¯s body. Moreover, through this soul seed, he could sense that Xu Qing¡¯s soul was much denser than others.


    This kind of integration meant Xuan Leizi was a person who was born with a powerful soul.


    There might not be many of these individuals, but they did exist, especially among those who could join the academy as they possessed their own unique qualities.


    Xu Qing bowed, feeling a little helpless.


    He didn¡¯t want it this way, but he also wasn¡¯t willing to reveal his identity so quickly. If he didn¡¯t produce any soul threads at all, it would be easy for others to spot the problem.


    Hence, he tried to form some normal soul threads to blur the perception of the external world. However, the soul threads of his divine source were too astonishing. Even if he only scattered a little, they contained the fluctuations of tens of thousands of ordinary soul threads.


    It couldn¡¯t continue to decrease.


    Hence, this scene appeared.


    However, compared to this worry, the harvest from last night made him even more satisfied.


    Last night, as the other three core disciples absorbed the soul seeds and began their cultivation, it produced a backfeeding effect on him, causing traces of divine source to appear in the vortex in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness again.


    At that moment, in the white tower, compared to Xu Qing¡¯s worries, the school head¡¯s excitement was incomparably high. He looked at Xu Qing and the other three core disciples and grand ambitions rose in his heart. He then turned and his gaze was like lightning as it landed on the other nine core disciples.


    ¡°You guys are seeing it too. I know that you all have your own forces behind you, but it¡¯s fine. You guys are lucky to have entered during the rise of our Variant Immortal School.¡±


    ¡°Imperial Academy is tolerant. Although our Variant Immortal School has the core disciple rule, we are tolerant as well.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, you guys have to perform well. Whoever among you is the first to recruit a hundred core disciples, this old man will make an exception and give you a Variant Immortal Dao seed!¡±


    When the nine core disciples, including the mysterious woman, heard this, they immediately bowed. Each of them had their own thoughts. However, no matter what, the success of Xu Qing and the other three was right in front of them. They were all extremely tempted by this.


    Just like that, a competition to recruit people began in the Variant Immortal School.


    The news of Xu Qing and the other three advancing by leaps and bounds also spread throughout Imperial Academy a few days later. There was an endless stream of people coming to verify the truth. A storm¡­ rose in Imperial Academy.


    The repeated statements and incidents proved that the inner method of the Variant Immortal School really existed. Hence¡­ the 14th and 15th core disciples appeared one after another.


    In just seven days, the number of core disciples of the Variant Immortal School broke through the 100th barrier.


    As for the cultivation of Xu Qing and the other three, they continued to improve in these seven days. The lowest number had reached more than 5,000. As for Xu Qing and another person, they each reached 13,000 to 14,000.


    When the other core disciples saw this, their eyes turned red. Some of them were doing this for themselves, while others were carrying out missions. However, no matter what, the temptation of the dao seed had successfully attracted the attention of the entire Imperial Academy.


    Finally, on the dusk of the twelfth day, a core student successfully completed the mission of recruiting a hundred people.


    In front of all the core disciples, the school head held a grand ceremony. Through the solemnity of the ceremony, he emphasized the value of the Variant Immortal Dao seed. He didn¡¯t give the core disciple any time to hesitate and pressed the dao seed into the core disciple¡¯s hand, fusing it into his body.


    This scene wasn¡¯t the focus of just the core disciples of the Variant Immortal School who had joined later. The various schools of Imperial Academy were also paying attention to this matter.


    Under the attention of everyone, the core disciple¡¯s entire body trembled. The soul threads in his body suddenly soared from single digits to more than a thousand in two hours.


    The aura of the soul threads spread out, completely stirring the storm of the Variant Immortal School in Imperial Academy.


    In an instant the topic of the Variant Immortal School became a hot topic in the Imperial Academy. The number of people who joined the Variant Immortal School also increased every day.


    The vast majority of core disciples also began to recruit more people. As time passed, more and more core disciples obtained dao seeds and initiated Variant Immortal cultivation.


    Their successes were like a vortex that attracted even more students.


    However, not all core disciples were obsessed with this. There were still a portion of spectators.


    The purpose of these people joining was to observe. They had more doubts and guesses about the dao seeds.


    For example, that mysterious woman was one of them.


    They had always felt that there might be some fatal drawbacks to the Variant Immortal Dao seed.


    However, the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head¡¯s earliest saying of comparing the Variant Immortal Dao seed to an emperor-level cultivation art was very in line with their understanding.


    After all, if someone wanted to cultivate an emperor-level cultivation art, they indeed needed a seed of the cultivation art in their body.


    As such, even though there were still people who guessed the drawbacks, it was just a guess in the end and it was difficult to confirm.


    As for Xu Qing, he watched as the white tower of the Variant Immortal School transformed from a deserted place to its current state. He also admired the school head of the Variant Immortal School.


    He was well aware that his soul seed had only given the other party an opportunity. The other party¡¯s persistence and hard work were the main reason for the rise of the Variant Immortal School.


    As for the flaws of the soul seed, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t worried about this. He had studied the green snowflake before. The structure of this soul seed was mystical and sensed natural. It was perfect.


    What was especially strange was that there was a faint hint of the Heavenly Dao on it. It was as though this item had been blessed by the Heavenly Dao.


    As more and more core disciples absorbed the green soul seeds, the school head clearly felt the benefits. After spreading out more than 90 soul seeds, the number of his soul threads increased to more than 80,000.


    As for Xu Qing, the source, the benefits were naturally even greater.


    In the vortex in his sea of consciousness, divine sources formed every day and transformed into soul threads.


    The number of soul threads went from one million to more than 1.1 million.


    All the people who absorbed the soul seeds were like roots. While they grew stronger, they also provided nutrients for the main stem.


    ¡°I wonder if there will be another branch if a disciple also cultivates to 50,000 soul threads?¡±


    Xu Qing was looking forward to this.


    Just like that, in the Imperial Academy, the once glorious but long-declining Variant Immortal School had truly revived. The various forces in the Imperial City also paid attention to this matter.


    The other schools in Imperial Academy cared even more about the recovery of the Variant Immortal School.


    Among them, the Divine Fusion School was the main one.


    After all, there was a huge difference in the ideals of Variant Immortal and Divine Fusion. Not to mention that fire and water couldn¡¯t coexist, the rise of one side would definitely have a strong impact on the other.


    Hence, when the recovery of the Variant Immortal School was on the rise, on this afternoon, an internal council was held in the white tower of the Divine Fusion School regarding the Variant Immortal School.


    Other than the school head of the Divine Fusion School, there were also all the higher-ups of the school. There were a total of over a hundred people who sat down in an orderly manner.


    The Seventh Prince was among them, seated on the left hand of the school head. The eyes of the student opposite him were a little peculiar; they were red, and this person was none other than the chief student of the Divine Fusion School.


    At the start of this meeting, there was no discussion about the Variant Immortal School. Instead, everyone reported about their cultivation during this period of time.


    As the current spokesperson of the Divine Fusion School, the Seventh Prince also spoke about his cultivation.


    After hearing everyone¡¯s words, the head of the Divine Fusion School nodded slightly. His gaze swept past everyone and gave them some encouragement. He then looked at the Seventh Prince with admiration in his eyes.


    ¡°The Seventh Prince¡¯s talent is extraordinary and is very suitable for the path of Divine Fusion. If you continue to cultivate like this, you will surely become a great figure in 60 years.¡±


    The Seventh Prince cupped his hands and didn¡¯t speak. One couldn¡¯t see any fluctuations.


    The Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head smiled and retracted his gaze, landing on the chief student on his right.


    ¡°Ling Hunzi, show me the Variant Immortal Dao seed you obtained.¡±


    The student with red eyes lifted his right hand and waved it. Immediately, a green snowflake emerged in front of him.


    A calm voice rang out from his mouth.


    ¡°A core disciple of the Variant Immortal School dug it out of his body for me outside of Imperial Academy. School head, please take a look.¡±


    With that, he flicked his sleeve and the green snowflake headed straight for the school head.


    The school head pointed with his fingertip, suspending the snowflake in the air. His eyes revealed a dark glint as he observed it carefully.


    At the next instant, his pupils clearly constricted. When he bent down to observe carefully, red threads grew out of his eyes. In the end, hundreds of them pierced into the snowflake.


    The snowflake trembled and commenced to disintegrate until it disappeared.


    During this process, a solemn feeling gradually spread out from this school head¡¯s body.


    After a long time, the red threads retracted and he closed his eyes.


    The white tower was completely silent. Everyone gazed at the school head.


    A while later, a hoarse voice slowly rang out from the mouth of the school head.


    ¡°This thing is evil and domineering. It devours the souls of the living.¡±


    ¡°There are heretics in the Variant Immortal School.¡±


    As he spoke, he slowly stood up.


    ¡°Follow me to the Variant Immortal School to take a look.¡±

 Chapter 1190 - 1190 Divine Fusion Causes Trouble

    1190 Divine Fusion Causes Trouble


    At dusk, the number of students within the academy gradually decreased. Although some students hardly ever returned to the outside world, choosing to reside in the academy¡¯s space for extended periods, the majority of students would still return home at twilight.


    After all, the fetters of the mortal world were difficult to break.


    At that moment, at the end of the slightly empty Imperial Academy, the group from the Divine Fusion School was walking forward slowly.


    The person who was surrounded in the center was the school head of the Divine Fusion School. He didn¡¯t walk fast and had a refined aura. Wherever he passed, because of his identity in the Imperial Academy, all the students on the way respectfully cupped their hands.


    Every time this happened, the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head would nod with a gentle gaze.


    If he encountered a student from school, he would stop and observe their cultivation before giving them a few pointers.


    His actions and words perfectly conformed to the definition of a teacher in the Imperial Academy. This was also one of the reasons why the leader of the Divine Fusion School was respected.


    His movement attracted the attention of the various schools of Imperial Academy. This was because the direction he headed in was the east.


    The Variant Immortal School was also in the east.


    Hence, many students who originally planned to leave put away their intentions to leave and followed behind. Most of them had the same guess.


    This guess wasn¡¯t difficult to make. After all, the two schools of thought, Divine Fusion and Variant Immortal, were like fire and water.


    This was especially so now that the Variant Immortal School was gaining momentum.


    Just like that, with more and more students accompanying them, the group from the Divine Fusion School gradually arrived outside the Variant Immortal School¡¯s white tower.


    At that moment, in the Variant Immortal School, Xu Qing and his fellow disciples had just bid farewell and were about to leave. However, after glancing outside, a faint glint appeared in his eyes. He took a few steps back and stood behind the others.


    Beside him, dozens of core disciples were cultivating. There were green snowflakes in their bodies and under their enhancement, their soul threads increased greatly.


    Hence, the entire white tower was filled with the dense aura of the Variant Immortal cultivation art, forming a pressure that could be clearly sensed from the outside.


    When the Divine Fusion School arrived, the divine aura on their bodies rushed into the white tower first and collided with the aura of the Variant Immortal cultivation art. They both showed the intent of devouring each other, forming waves of rumbling sounds.


    This muffled sound that was like heavenly lightning attracted the attention of the other core disciples in the white tower. They all opened their eyes from their cultivation and looked outside.


    Noticing the Divine Fusion School outside the gate, the expressions of these core disciples of the Variant Immortal School changed and most of them stood up.


    Outside the white tower, the school head of the Divine Fusion School stopped in his tracks and didn¡¯t step in directly.


    The upper echelons of the Divine Fusion School, as well as the Seventh Prince and the chief student, walked into the Variant Immortal School¡¯s white tower first. The divine fluctuations from their bodies that belonged to the Divine Fusion School lineage formed an even greater storm that suppressed the aura of the Variant Immortal School.


    This caused the entire Variant Immortal School¡¯s white tower to be filled with oppressive feeling. Everyone from the Variant Immortal School had no choice but to take a few steps back.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. This scene gave him the feeling that a group of powerful mutants from the forbidden region had disguised themselves as humans and barged into the human world.


    ¡°There are indeed heretics in the Variant Immortal School.¡± The Seventh Prince¡¯s gaze was cold. After sensing the fluctuations of the Variant Immortal cultivation art here, he calmly spoke.


    As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Qing coldly looked over. The eyes of the core disciples of the Variant Immortal School also gleamed. The gazes they used to look at the Divine Fusion School became increasingly sharp.


    Although they had joined the Variant Immortal School not long ago and their loyalty couldn¡¯t be mentioned, the growth brought by the dao seeds of the Variant Immortal School was something that the other schools couldn¡¯t compare to. They didn¡¯t want to give up on such tangible benefits.


    Hence, this Divine Fusion School, who clearly had ill intentions and spoke rudely, naturally became an enemy.


    ¡°Even though you¡¯re a prince outside, in Imperial Academy, you¡¯re still a student. Please be mindful of your words!¡±


    A disciple of the Variant Immortal School coldly spoke.


    The Seventh Prince swept his gaze over with an indifferent expression. He turned and took a few steps back to make way. The higher-ups of the Divine Fusion School beside him were the same, disclosing the figure of the school head who hadn¡¯t entered.


    The gaze of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head was calm as he stepped into the white tower. He didn¡¯t look at anyone here but lifted his head to look at the upper floor of the white tower as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head, Divine Fusion has come to visit.¡±


    His voice wasn¡¯t loud but the pressure brought about by his identity suppressed everything, causing the students of the Variant Immortal School to have no choice but to lower their heads.


    Behind the crowd, Xu Qing subtly glanced at the school head. This was the second time he was observing this school head at close range. That familiar feeling surged into his heart again.


    ¡®This person¡¯s identity is suspicious.¡¯


    Xu Qing pondered. However, at the next instant, his mind stirred and he retracted his gaze, looking at the upper floor of the white tower.


    He sensed an additional green soul seed¡¯s fluctuations there.


    ¡°This is¡­¡±


    At the same time, the voice of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head rang out from the upper floor.


    ¡°Our paths are different and this old man doesn¡¯t have the time to meet. Please leave immediately. Don¡¯t disturb the cultivation of my school¡¯s students.¡±


    Compared to the calmness of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head, the tone of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head was arrogant. This was determined by their respective statuses; Divine Fusion School, being the leading school, naturally maintained a more serene attitude.


    If the Variant Immortal wanted to rise, they had to be radical.


    Hence, when these words fell into the ears of everyone from the Divine Fusion School, they were a little ear-piercing. However, the expression of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head was as usual and he didn¡¯t mind. He retracted his gaze and gazed at the Variant Immortal students in the white tower. His voice was gentle and carried a hint of emotion.


    ¡°Imperial Academy emphasizes on the blooming of all flowers, so this old man welcomes the revival of the Variant Immortal School. Only through the competition and exchange among various schools can we discard the old and bring forth the new, giving birth to paths and methods that align with the current state and future direction of our human race.¡±


    ¡°But if the revival is pursued through heretical means or by disregarding the lives of the students, I cannot accept it, the Academy cannot accept it, and the human race cannot accept it.¡±


    ¡°I have read ancient books and have found that there has never been any mention of the so-called Variant Immortal Dao Seed in the past. This is a newly emerged foreign object. From a fundamental point of view, there is a huge problem with the so-called Variant Immortal Dao Seed in your bodies.¡±


    ¡°I have studied this seed. It¡¯s a sinister method. Once you absorb it, your life, cultivation, and even your thoughts will be controlled by others.¡±


    ¡°Also¡­ with a thought from the source, you will bear a tremendous cost. It could result in death at worst or a dimming of the soul at best.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, I came here today to warn the Variant Immortal School not to resort to such extreme methods. I also have to tell you students to take out the dao seed in your bodies as soon as possible. Otherwise, you will definitely face a fatal calamity.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the hearts of everyone in the Variant Immortal School stirred. They had actually thought about what the other party had said, but the explosive boost conveyed about by the dao seed and the comparison with emperor-level cultivation arts made them ignore this.


    At this moment, the identity and words of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head had conveyed this matter back to the forefront, forcing them to contemplate it once again.


    Xu Qing also admitted that this seemingly familiar school head of the Divine Fusion School was adept at swaying hearts with words These words indeed had the power to sow seeds of unease in people¡¯s hearts.


    ¡®I wonder how the school head will resolve it.¡¯


    Xu Qing gazed at the upper floor of the white tower.

 Chapter 1191 - 1191 The Second Purple Soul Seed

    1191 The Second Purple Soul Seed


    The Variant Immortal white tower was silent.


    However, shortly after, the cold laughter of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head rang out from the upper floor.


    ¡°Being the leader of the Divine Fusion School, yet spouting nonsense, is a disgrace to your position!¡±


    As he scoffed, the figure of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head appeared from the upper floor. In the main hall, he coldly looked at the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head and berated him.


    ¡°You read ancient books? You verified history? You claim that there were no Variant Immortal Dao seeds in the past?¡±


    ¡°Then, take a look. What is this!¡±


    As he spoke, the Variant Immortal School Head raised his right hand and pointed at the upper floor. Immediately, a terrifying soul thread fluctuation came from the upper floor. The strength of this fluctuation surpassed everything and was at almost 300,000 soul threads.


    The moment this energy fluctuation spread out, a huge screen appeared which showed a huge figure.


    It was the divine creature, earth child.


    However, it was different from what the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head had woven previously. The earth child that appeared at this moment carried the vicissitudes of life. The aura on its body was extremely dense, surpassing the scope of earth child. It gave people a feeling of Nihility, and it wasn¡¯t an ordinary Nihility.


    The fluctuations of the soul threads were extremely terrifying. There was also a green snowflake in its body that shone with a resplendent light that connected to all the soul threads.


    It was the dao seed.


    Seeing this, the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head fell silent. The students beside him, including the Seventh Prince, frowned.


    Everyone in the white tower was shocked.


    Some people had guessed the origin of this earth child, but this guess caused their hearts to stir.


    ¡°This is my Variant Immortal School¡¯s ancestor, Chen Daoze!¡±


    The voice of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head echoed in the white tower.


    ¡°There are rumors that after he attained mastery stage and weaved earth child, he perished and became a specimen that was stored in our Variant Immortal School. However, in reality, how could he die so easily?!¡±


    ¡°Ancestor Chen Daoze chose to slumber and study the dao seed!¡±


    ¡°There was a dao seed in the ancestor¡¯s body long ago. Your claim that there were no dao seeds in the past is nonsense!¡±


    ¡°Moreover, even the ancestor himself has absorbed the dao seed, so how can there be the source you mentioned? Source? Tell me who is the source of the ancestor!¡±


    The Variant Immortal School Head flicked his sleeve and spoke arrogantly. After that, he turned his head and looked at his students.


    ¡°All of you, open your eyes wide and take a good look. You can naturally tell if it¡¯s a recording or not. The ancestor is still in a deep sleep now. Take a good look and see if the ancestor¡¯s dao seed is the same as yours!¡±


    The hearts of the Variant Immortal School disciples churned. They had noticed that the green snowflake on the ancestor¡¯s head was exactly the same as the ones they had fused with.


    Facts spoke louder than words and could destroy all rumors.


    A strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He knew the origin of the feeling he had earlier but he was also very surprised. He didn¡¯t expect that Chen Daoze of the Variant Immortal School had faked his death.


    ¡®Chen Daoze¡¯s soul¡­ Its density is several times higher than the school head¡¯s. However, it¡¯s a pity that the green snowflake has a limited enhancement on him. If it was a purple soul seed, it would definitely be able to allow his soul threads to break through 500,000.¡¯


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    The Divine Fusion School couldn¡¯t respond to the words of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head. At this moment, the gazes of everyone from the Divine Fusion School became solemn. Seeing this, the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head sneered again.


    ¡°The person I mentioned who is in seclusion is our school¡¯s ancestor. He will emerge from seclusion in a month.¡±


    ¡°If you still have doubts, do you dare to discuss the Dao in a month!¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, not only was everyone in the white tower shocked, but the students from the various schools who were paying attention to everything from outside the white tower also broke into an uproar.


    The Imperial Academy¡¯s Dao discussion was the highest level of competition between the various schools and was also the foundation of the Imperial Academy. It was advocated that the various schools should discuss the Dao with each other to increase their persuasiveness and to recruit more students.


    In the early stages of Imperial Academy, such Dao discussions were often held. In fact, some large schools¡¯ Dao discussions would attract the attention of the imperial family and the Human Emperor would also appear to watch the discussion.


    However, now that time had passed and Divine Fusion reigned supreme, there were fewer Dao discussions.


    However, today, the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head actually proposed a Dao discussion.


    These words were like a general unsheathing his sword.


    All of a sudden, the Variant Immortal School disciples became excited. On the other hand, the people from the Divine Fusion School fell silent.


    A long time later, the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head retracted his gaze from the screen and looked at the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head, calmly speaking.


    ¡°Alright, then a month later, when your ancestor is out of seclusion, we¡¯ll discuss the Dao!¡±


    With that, the Divine Fusion School Head turned and left. His group also walked out of the Variant Immortal white tower with gloomy gazes.


    In the Variant Immortal white tower, everyone was excited. The school head raised his head and waved his hand, telling everyone to calm down. He then placed his hands behind his back and returned to the upper floor.


    As for Xu Qing, he looked at the departing Divine Fusion cultivators and took a few more glances at the Seventh Prince and the school head. After that, he turned his head and looked at the upper floor of the Variant Immortal white tower.


    ¡®Should I give him another soul seed?¡¯


    Xu Qing sensed the 99 purple snowflakes in his body. After pondering for a moment, he left the Variant Immortal School.


    Late at night, in Imperial Academy, a pouch that was exactly the same as back then was sent to the Variant Immortal white tower.


    The school head sensed it but he didn¡¯t fly out immediately. Instead, he waited for a while before leaving quickly. He didn¡¯t care who sent it over. He was very clear that since that mysterious senior didn¡¯t want to show his face, there was no need for him to inquire about it and cause dissatisfaction.


    What he cared about was whether there would be purple snowflakes in the pouch as he had expected.


    After obtaining it, he suppressed his excitement and returned to the secret chamber to open it.


    After seeing the purple snowflake inside, the school head was extremely excited.


    After a long time, he took a deep breath and carried the pill bottle that contained the purple snowflake into the Variant Immortal¡¯s restricted room. He arrived in front of the sleeping Chen Daoze and handed it over with both hands.


    At the same time, in the white tower of the Divine Fusion School, there was also a significant event happening¡­


    On the upper floor of the Divine Fusion white tower, in the Scripture Pavilion, the Seventh Prince appeared and was perusing jade slips.


    Due to the characteristics of the Imperial Academy, the Divine Fusion School¡¯s Scripture Pavilion stored many disciples¡¯ cultivation insights so that it would be easier for future generations to improve. With the experiences of predecessors, the disciples would not go astray.


    At that moment, the Seventh Prince was checking various jade slips.


    He would have left tonight. However, after returning from the Variant Immortal School, he thought of praise from the school head, mentioning the ¡¯60 years period.¡¯


    ¡°After 60 years, I will achieve greatness¡­ However, the crown prince incense is burning and there¡¯s only a year left. So, I can¡¯t afford to wait for 60 years.¡±


    Unwillingness appeared in the Seventh Prince¡¯s eyes. Although he possessed broken through, he still felt that it was too slow. He hated Xu Qing and wanted revenge. He yearned to become the crown prince and take charge of the human race.


    Originally, with his uncle, King Tian Lan, as his backer, it wasn¡¯t impossible for him to have a future.


    But now¡­


    ¡°If my cultivation base is astonishing¡­ everything will be resolved!¡±


    The Seventh Prince felt a little frustrated. As he pondered, he searched, wanting to see if there were any shortcuts. He possessed also asked the school head about this, but the other party didn¡¯t tell him.


    Just like that, time flowed by. Two hours later, the Seventh Prince, who had examined many cultivation records, suddenly had a dark glint in his eyes. He lowered his head and gazed at the jade slip in his hand.


    This jade slip was the cultivation insights of a Divine Fusion senior. It suggested an idea, which was that absorbing enough souls of the same race seemed to increase the speed and limitation of the body¡¯s fusion with divine creatures.


    However, this idea was too cruel and went against humanity. Hence, this person gave up and only used it on his enemies.


    The Seventh Prince plunged silent. After a long time, he departed the Scripture Pavilion.


    As for the jade slip, he set it in its original location.


    After a long time, the figure of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head silently emerged in the quiet Scripture Pavilion. He stood where the Seventh Prince was previously and lowered his head to look at the jade slip with a faint smile.

 Chapter 1192 - 1192 Hes a Variant Immortal

    1192 He¡¯s a Variant Immortal


    To many people, this night was calm.


    However, to some people, there was a wind tonight that blew into their hearts and caused huge waves.


    Just like the Seventh Prince who had returned to his mansion. He looked like he was meditating but his emotions were fluctuating intensely. The contents of the jade slip kept appearing in his mind like the devil¡¯s whispers.


    There was also the ancestor of the Variant Immortal School, Chen Daoze. As the green snowflake floated out and the purple soul seed fused into him, his soul threads underwent monstrous changes.


    Their numbers soared.


    The density of his soul surpassed everyone in the Variant Immortal School and had long reached an unbelievable level. This was also the reason why a mere green snowflake could instantly allow his soul threads to reach 300,000.


    Now that the purple soul seed had fused into him, the number of soul threads continued to increase, reaching 400,000, 500,000, until it was close to 600,000.


    The Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head had already activated an array formation to conceal these energy fluctuations. Otherwise, it would definitely cause a huge commotion.


    The reason why the school head hid it was because he had no choice. After all¡­ cultivation with the purple soul seed was too fast.


    Appropriate speed could attract attention and make people yearn for it. However, if it was heaven-defying speed, it would cause panic.


    Although this concealment made it almost impossible for outsiders to detect the soul threads¡¯ energy, it didn¡¯t affect Xu Qing¡¯s senses at all.


    That night, Xu Qing opened his eyes many times and looked in the direction of the Imperial Academy.


    His expression also changed several times, and waves of emotions occasionally rose in his heart.


    ¡°Chen Daoze¡¯s soul has actually reached such a level¡­¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. Through the soul seed, he could clearly sense the increase in the other party¡¯s soul threads. The increase in his divine source through backfeeding could be said to be astonishing.


    In just one night, Xu Qing¡¯s divine source soul threads increased by tens of thousands.


    Similarly, on this night, the heart of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head churned.


    He had seen the ancestor¡¯s improvement with his own eyes. This caused him to have a deeper understanding of the soul seed. At the same time, he also felt fear.


    In reality, what he said to the outside world seemed to make sense and he had looked domineering. However, how could he not have made guesses about this soul seed?


    But for the revival of the Variant Immortal School, he had to grasp this opportunity. Even if this was poison, he had to swallow it.


    Even though this choice might not be good for the future of the Variant Immortal School and everything was unknown, rather than letting the Variant Immortal School die quietly, he wanted to give it a shot.


    However, the eruption of the soul seed to such an extent caused his heart to waver for a moment and the fear in his heart grew stronger.


    As Chen Daoze slowly opened his eyes, he suppressed this thought.


    ¡°This is the divine source.¡±


    The ancient voice carried an inexplicable sense of age as it echoed in the ears of the school head.


    ¡°Greetings, Ancestor!¡± The Variant Immortal School Head knelt down excitedly.


    ¡°Someone¡­ walked ahead of us. This also indirectly proves that my Variant Immortal School cultivation art is feasible.¡±


    ¡°We use soul threads to simulate the divine source while the other party reversed the process, determining the method based on the outcome, using my Variant Immortal School art to empower it.¡±


    ¡°Whether it¡¯s a god or an immortal, with a thought, perhaps¡­ this is a true Variant Immortal.¡±


    Chen Daoze¡¯s huge body slowly blurred. Finally, with a boom, his body transformed into countless soul threads that kept retracting until they completely disappeared, revealing his true body that hadn¡¯t appeared in 2,000 years.


    His eyes were deeply sunken, surrounded by wrinkles that bore witness to the years and hardships he had endured.


    With long, grayish-white hair and a lean frame, his face was lined with creases. Yet, within those eyes gleamed a profound wisdom, an ineffable brilliance capable of consuming souls and penetrating the essence of human nature.


    They were extremely sharp and bright.


    At this moment, he sensed his body and his eyes revealed emotion. He really didn¡¯t expect that there would be a day when he would recover.


    He had already been prepared to die slowly like this.


    However, now that he had revived, he made a decision. Hence, he walked to the side of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head and patted his shoulder.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to think too much. If you recognize them as a Variant Immortal, all of the complications will become simple.¡±


    ¡°Variant Immortal¡­¡± The Variant Immortal school head¡¯s breathing hastened slightly as he silently nodded. He gritted his teeth fiercely and dissipated the last hint of fear and hesitation in his heart.


    As the hesitation in his heart disappeared, the complete openness of his mind caused a remarkable change in the purple snowflake within his body, making it bind with his body even more tightly.


    What followed was the rise of the soul threads again, breaking through the original shackles and reaching 100,000.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be increased anymore. This has already exceeded the limit of your soul. Originally, with your soul density, it is impossible for you to form 100,000 soul threads. This is the enhancement brought by the green snowflakes you separated.¡±


    Chen Daoze stared at the Variant Immortal School Head. His gaze was deep, as though he could see through everything about this junior in front of him.


    ¡°If you want to break through, you can try to help the disciples who have fused with the green snowflakes. Let¡¯s see if they can¡­ form the next branch of dao seeds after their soul threads reach a certain number!¡±


    When the Variant Immortal School Head heard this, his eyes revealed a strange glint as he nodded.


    Just like that, seven days passed.


    During these seven days, Xu Qing came to the Variant Immortal School¡¯s white tower every day as usual. While many core disciples were cultivating, he sensed the meticulousness of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s cultivation art.


    He had long discovered that as more and more people cultivated the Variant Immortal School art, the fluctuations that permeated the white tower would be a very good nourishment for his cultivation.


    It could make the vortex in his sea of consciousness spin even more smoothly.


    Hence, Xu Qing liked this environment very much.


    At the same time, Xu Qing also noticed the actions of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head. The other party no longer cultivated at the upper floor all day. Instead, he returned to the main hall, where he repeatedly guided disciples in their cultivation, seemingly making a choice.


    He had chosen Xu Qing before, but gave up on him because Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation progress was a little slow in the later stages and wasn¡¯t good in flattering.


    Hence, under the efforts of the other disciples, Xu Qing seemed to be inferior.


    This situation wasn¡¯t unique to Xu Qing. The earliest core members, regardless of whether they had assimilated the dao seeds or had been hesitating all along, were gradually falling behind.


    Right now, there were hundreds of core disciples in the Variant Immortal School, and there was no lack of people with outstanding souls among them. It was inevitable that they would catch up to their seniors.


    With more people, there came a variety of personalities, and since nobody knew each other¡¯s identities from the outside world, certain traits that wouldn¡¯t normally surface in public might occasionally reveal themselves.


    For example, disdain and provocation.


    Xu Qing had experienced it a few times, especially after the school head gave up on him. Every time the core disciple chosen by the school head looked at Xu Qing and the other old disciples, he would reveal a hint of condescension.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about this. He had guessed the school head¡¯s thoughts and was very curious if the green soul seed could branch out.


    This person indeed had outstanding points. With the help of the school head, his soul continued to improve.


    The number of soul threads in his body also continued to increase until this disciple became the first individual among everyone to have 50,000 soul threads.


    At that moment, a storm formed by soul thread fluctuations reverberated in the white tower. When it attracted everyone¡¯s attention, the school head immediately brought this person to the upper floor.


    No one knew what they discussed. They only knew that two hours later, when this person walked down, the school head announced that he was the chief disciple of the Variant Immortal.


    As soon as these words were spoken, most of the disciples of the Variant Immortal School lowered their heads.


    To any school, the chief disciple was an important existence. Their words and actions reflected the prestige of the school, and anyone able to become the chief disciple would naturally receive the other disciples¡¯ respect.


    It was the same for the Variant Immortal School.


    The outside world paid even more attention to this.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over from afar and carefully observed this chief disciple of the Variant Immortal who displayed pride in his eyes. In the end, he fell into deep thought.


    ¡®As expected, it branched out and a soul seed of the lower level appeared.¡¯


    In the body of this chief disciple, other than the green soul seed, there was also a white snowflake forming.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze. As the other disciples stepped forward to congratulate this chief disciple, he left the white tower.


    Some old disciples also left.


    Their departing figures fell into the eyes of the chief disciple and the surrounding disciples. Some ignored them, while others deliberately displayed disdain.


    However, no matter what, the appearance of the chief disciple of the Variant Immortal School on this night attracted the attention of many people and also hastened one person¡¯s determination.


    This individual was the Seventh Prince.


    After learning that a disciple of the Variant Immortal School had formed 50,000 soul threads in a short period of time, the evaluation of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head of the Variant Immortal School appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Heretics¡­¡±


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s eyelids drooped slightly, covering the fleeting dark glint in his eyes. He had made a decision.


    On that night, in a house near the northwest of the Imperial Capital, close to the residence of the eldest prince, a faint light flickered. A figure dressed in black robes, completely wrapped from head to toe, sat at a wooden table inside the house. Lifting withered fingers, the figure flicked the flame of an oil lantern.


    The person¡¯s body seemed similar to a black hole, absorbing all the light that fell on it, rendering it impenetrable to any illumination.


    He sat there silently and waited.


    After a long time, the soft sound of the wind rang out from outside. Soon, three figures appeared outside the house. They pushed open the door and strolled in, lowering their heads in silence.


    After a while, a hoarse voice calmly rang out from the black-


    robed man¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Firstly, don¡¯t inquire about the identity of the employer. Even I am not privy to it.¡±


    ¡°Secondly, after this mission is completed, you will be free.¡±


    ¡°Thirdly, if something unexpected happens during the process and someone discovers you, you will have to self-destruct your bodies and reveal the Variant Immortal Dao seed in your bodies, leading all the clues to the Variant Immortal School. As for how to do it more realistically, you can decide for yourself.¡±


    ¡°Fourth, the employer requests 30 million human souls. Regardless of whether they are mortals or cultivators, as long as they are humans, they are acceptable. Deliver them to me in these urns.¡±


    With that, the light of the oil lantern flickered and the black-


    robed man¡¯s figure disappeared without a trace. Only three black urns landed in front of the three of them.


    The three of them remained silent and their expressions were numb. They stepped forward and picked up the soul urns. They didn¡¯t communicate with each other with words or gazes and left separately, disappearing into the night.


    They used the shortest amount of time and used different methods to leave the Imperial City. Some went to other rings, and some went to other regions¡­


    The instant the three of them left the Imperial City, Xu Qing, who was sitting cross-legged in the secret chamber and sensing the white snowflakes, suddenly opened his eyes. A sharp glint appeared in his eyes as he lifted his head and gazed into the distance.


    He sensed that three green soul seeds had left the Imperial City.

 Chapter 1193 - 1193 Inhumane

    1193 Inhumane


    In the past two months, with the school head releasing green snowflakes, Xu Qing knew the locations of many disciples of the Variant Immortal School in the outside world through the perception of the soul seeds.


    If Xu Qing wanted to know their respective identities, he could easily do so.


    It was just that he wasn¡¯t interested in it. As for the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head, he stayed in Imperial Academy all the time and hadn¡¯t gone out once. Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t know anything about his identity in the outside world.


    Those who had left the Imperial City after merging with the dao seeds of the Variant Immortal School weren¡¯t just the three individuals he currently sensed. Several others had left the city before.


    After all, the identity of a student was just one aspect of their lives. It wasn¡¯t a constraint. The students of the Imperial Academy held other roles outside, so it was normal for them to go out for various reasons.


    Hence, Xu Qing only sensed for a moment before retracting his perception. He then closed his eyes and continued to cultivate. When the sky gradually brightened and the light of the sunrise scattered down, Xu Qing opened his eyes.


    He tidied his clothes and pushed open the secret chamber¡¯s door. The wind and snow landed on his face and gradually melted into icy water.


    Looking at the snowflakes floating in the blue sky and feeling the cold wind blowing over, Xu Qing gradually fell into a daze.


    The scent of winter was exceptionally intense.


    ¡°It¡¯s been three months.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. It had been three months since he arrived at the Imperial City.


    When he arrived, it was still autumn. Now, it was already midwinter.


    During these three months, apart from initially acting rather conspicuously, his presence gradually faded from public view as he integrated into the academy.


    Xu Qing had done this on purpose.


    At the start, he was high-profile because he wanted to establish his might. After establishing his might, he had to choose to settle down.


    Zi Xuan and the captain disappeared along with him.


    Zi Xuan had already been gone for a month and a half.


    Xu Qing was very clear that, compared to Ling¡¯er¡¯s dependence, Zi Xuan was independent.


    She had her own things to do and her own life to live, so after the atmosphere in the capital stabilized, she went to other rings of the Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    To her, everything here was familiar but also unfamiliar, so she wanted to search for traces of the old.


    Before she left, she didn¡¯t bid farewell to Xu Qing. She only left behind a jade slip that carried her aura.


    Regarding this, Xu Qing chose to respect her decision.


    As for the captain, he had disappeared after what happened last time. This made Xu Qing curious about the things he had stolen from the Star Emperor Sect.


    Also, according to his understanding of the captain, with the other party¡¯s active personality, it was very difficult for him to remain hidden in one place for so long. Hence, it was more likely that the captain had changed his identity long ago.


    As for his identity¡­


    After Xu Qing pondered, he looked in the direction of the Star Emperor Branch Sect.


    ¡°There¡¯s a high chance that the captain has returned there. Perhaps there are more things he wants to steal from there.¡±


    As for Wu Jianwu and Kong Xianglong, they also had their own opportunities in the Imperial City.


    Wu Jianwu had gone to the Academy of Literature, which had been established by the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether and had now declined, becoming a place for old records. It was unclear what had caught Wu Jianwu¡¯s attention, but he had spent two months there and had successfully become a handyman at the Academy of Literature.


    As for Kong Xianglong, he headed to the Sword Holding Palace to further his cultivation and walk the path of his father.


    Their respective lives had begun in the Imperial City. Compared to them, Ning Yan was much quieter.


    After experiencing the incident of the Sun of Dawn, Ning Yan cultivated in seclusion in front of his mother¡¯s portrait all day. He rarely went out and because Xu Qing left early in the morning and returned late at night, the two of them didn¡¯t see each other much.


    However, Xu Qing could sense that the aura of Ning Yan, who was in the ancestral hall, was changing.


    ¡°They¡¯re all growing.¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and walked out against the wind and snow.


    He also wanted to grow.


    The wind and snow gradually grew heavier. When Xu Qing arrived at the gate of Imperial Academy, snowflakes had already spread to the world.


    This lasted for half a month.


    Four more disciples cultivated to 50,000 soul threads. All of them were valued by the school head and were promoted from core disciples to personal disciples. They were also given the right to impart the cultivation art.


    Disciples were divided into inner disciples, core disciples, and personal disciples.


    These personal disciples could impart their dao seeds to inner disciples.


    At the same time, the school head also established a rule: every three months, there would be a competition for the position of chief disciple. As the chief disciple, one would have the privilege of practicing in front of the ancestor, receiving guidance, and even inheriting techniques.


    Also, all resources that enhanced the cultivation of souls within the school would be provided to the outstanding disciples, as well as opportunities in the future to replace the dao seeds with higher-level dao seeds.


    This stimulation and a certain degree of delegation of authority would cause chaotic variables. However, at the same time, it could also rapidly increase the number of people in the Variant Immortal School.


    Hence, the white dao seeds gradually spread out among the students of the Variant Immortal School. Previously, due to limitations in quantity and rules, not all core disciples were able to absorb the dao seeds.


    However, now that the Variant Immortal School had expanded and the white soul seeds had appeared, some of these core disciples who had no chance to absorb the green dao seeds chose to join.


    As for the students who joined the Variant Immortal School later on, under the efforts of various parties, there were also more and more of them.


    The act of recruiting people Xu Qing saw when he first reached in the Imperial Academy was now frequently happening outside the Variant Immortal School.


    With this development, factions naturally emerged among the students of the Variant Immortal School.


    They even cultivated with only their own groups.


    Xu Qing and the other old disciples gradually lost their halos. Although all of them were hardworking, there was no lack of genius cultivators in Imperial Academy. It was inevitable that they would be surpassed.


    The other disciples¡¯ soul threads had yet to reach 50,000. After seeing the glory of those few personal disciples, they each had their own anxiety. Hence, their identities and statuses in the outside world proved useful at this moment.


    Xu Qing saw all of this, but didn¡¯t interfere.


    How it developed was the choice of the Variant Immortal School. Moreover, the large-scale expansion of the Variant Immortal School gave him an extremely obvious advantage. In this half a month, his divine source soul threads had reached more than 1.3 million.


    ¡®If I unleash my full strength now, I can weave the third layer of the god form.¡¯


    ¡®I only need to form another secret repository and I¡¯ll be able to break through the Spirit Repository and step into Nihility.¡¯


    ¡®This Variant Immortal School cultivation art is suitable for any cultivation realm. It can allow me to perfectly fuse the power of the god and the cultivator¡¯s method in my future cultivation. They will augment each other and produce stronger powers.¡¯


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed anticipation.


    He felt that the Variant Immortal School cultivation art was his greatest gain after coming to the Imperial City. As for the Emperor Sword, that was a mission. This Variant Immortal School cultivation art was a tangible improvement for himself.


    Before coming into contact with the Variant Immortal School, the divine sources in Xu Qing¡¯s body were independent from his cultivation. Although they merged with each other with the help of the secret repositories, this was only the initial stage. Fundamentally, they were still distinct.


    However, the cultivation art of the Variant Immortal School changed everything.


    ¡°Now, I¡¯ll just have to wait for the Dao discussion. According to the number of soul threads Ancestor Chen Daoze has now, even if his performance in the Dao discussion isn¡¯t as good as the Divine Fusion, the trend is already set and the Variant Immortal School is already on the path of recovery.¡±


    Xu Qing was in a good mood. This morning, he pondered as he walked into the white tower of the Variant Immortal School, preparing to continue cultivating. However, just as he stepped into the white tower, a voice rang out.


    ¡°You few, go and prepare the training hall. Today, Senior Xuan Lin has invited students of other schools to the training hall for a reception. Remember to light incense, prepare tea, and ensure that the entire hall is free of any dust.¡±


    The person who spoke was a core disciple with more than 30,000 soul threads. At that moment, he was instructing a few students in the tower who hadn¡¯t joined any factions.


    As for the Senior Xuan Lin he mentioned, he was one of the four personal disciples.


    When the few students who hadn¡¯t joined any factions heard this, they wanted to refuse. However, this matter was related to a personal disciple, so they could only tacitly agree.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over but he didn¡¯t bother with them. He walked to the corner where he usually meditated and sat cross-


    legged. Just as he was about to close his eyes, the core disciple who had instructed others glanced at Xu Qing.


    He was naturally not unfamiliar with the earliest batch of core disciples, including Xu Qing. He calmly spoke.


    ¡°And you, go with them.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He closed his eyes and focused.


    Seeing Xu Qing like this, the core disciple frowned under his mask and walked toward Xu Qing. His actions attracted the attention of the other disciples of the Variant Immortal School in the white tower.


    As everyone¡¯s gazes gathered, the core disciple reached in front of Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xuan Leizi, I¡¯m talking to you.¡±


    Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes and calmly gazed at the student in front of him. With just a glance, the student¡¯s entire body trembled and the soul threads in his body became chaotic. It was as though they were frightened and showed the intent to explode, causing his internal organs to feel a piercing pain.


    Fear instantly spread in the disciple¡¯s heart. He couldn¡¯t help but take a few steps back in surprise.


    As for the others, they were all surprised. They didn¡¯t sense any fluctuations. They only saw Xu Qing glancing at the core disciple in front of him before the core disciple retreated on his own, his eyes filled with panic.


    This scene made everyone have their own guesses.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes again and continued to meditate.


    The disciple trembled inwardly. Just a moment ago, he felt a sense of impending doom, and now he still felt palpitations, unable to continue. However, the gaze of those around him made him hesitate, feeling stuck in a difficult situation.


    Hence, he turned and left. After he reached at the place where his faction usually meditated, he took out the communication jade slip of Imperial Academy and transmitted his voice.


    Not long later, a person walked over from outside the white tower.


    This person was none other than Xuan Lin, one of the personal disciples of the Variant Immortal School. His arrival caused many disciples to stand up and greet him. The core disciple who had tried to order Xu Qing also rapidly approached. After he bowed, he whispered in this person¡¯s ear while pointing at Xu Qing.


    Xuan Lin lifted his head and gazed at Xu Qing with a cold gaze.


    ¡°Interesting.¡±


    As he spoke, he walked toward Xu Qing. The fluctuations of the 70,000 soul threads on his body formed a pressure that spread in all directions.


    However, after he took seven to eight steps, an uproar suddenly rang out outside the white tower. The sound continued to rise and in an instant, it was like cold water had been poured into boiling oil, directly exploding.


    ¡°A major event has happened. In Tianzhao County, a million mortals have been sacrificed!¡±


    ¡°The Tianzhao County Governor personally investigated and killed the culprit. Before this culprit died, he tried to self-


    destruct, but was suppressed by the Tianzhao County Governor. He discovered a strange seed in this culprit¡¯s body!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s uttered that the Tianzhao County Governor suspects this item to be a dao seed of the Variant Immortal School and has submitted it to the Human Emperor. The dao seed is currently on the way to the Imperial City!¡±


    ¡°The Human Emperor is furious!¡±


    The voices from the outside boiled and entered the white tower of the Variant Immortal School.


    Everyone from the Variant Immortal School felt their hearts tremble. Xuan Lin, who was walking toward Xu Qing, also stopped in his tracks and abruptly turned his head to look outside.


    Xu Qing also opened his eyes, revealing a gloomy glint.

 Chapter 1194 - 1194 Cleanse the School

    1194 Cleanse the School


    Many massacres of the human race had happened over the countless years outside of the human race¡¯s territories. After all, the human race was once the number one race in the Wanggu Continent. There were a large number of humans living in all the regions of the Wanggu Continent.


    When it declined and its territories were seized one after another, countless humans became slaves of the nonhuman races overnight.


    Therefore, sacrificial offerings were often seen.


    However¡­ inside the human race¡¯s territories, other than during wars, such a large-scale abominable event rarely happened.


    The sacrificial rituals that happened in Tianzhao County weren¡¯t one but three!


    The number of people ranged from hundreds of thousands to a million, mostly from small mortal countries. Their souls were forcibly extracted, and their deaths were extremely tragic.


    Such an extreme and vile thing was the same as touching the foundation of the human race. Hence, when this matter was transmitted to the Human Emperor, his anger rose to the heavens.


    This was because the three incidents that happened in Tianzhao County were very likely only a portion of the overall incident, there was a great possibility that similar occurrences may have taken place in other areas.


    After all, such behavior was clearly a form of ritual or cultivation requirement. A few million was clearly not enough.


    They might not have been discovered in other places yet due to their covert operations or oversight by the authorities.


    Hence, the Human Emperor immediately issued a decree, asking the entire human race¡¯s territories to carry out an inspection. At the same time, he ordered the Upper Mystic Five Palaces to head out together to investigate this matter.


    Finally, there was a decree targeting the Variant Immortal School.


    The white tower of the Variant Immortal School was to be temporarily closed and the school head and the ancestor were to be imprisoned.


    As soon as this decree was issued, it caused monstrous waves in the Imperial Capital and Imperial Academy.


    There were even people who spread the words of the head of the Divine Fusion School that day.


    In an instant, the saying that there were heretics in the Variant Immortal School echoed again.


    All the spearheads were pointed at the dao seeds of the Variant Immortal School.


    The entire Variant Immortal School was facing a great calamity at this important moment of recovery.


    Regardless of whether it was the Human Emperor¡¯s decree or the fermentation of public opinion, it made the Variant Immortal School feel as though it was placed on fire and the pressure was immense.


    This was especially so for those who had fused with the dao seeds. They couldn¡¯t provide a proper explanation.


    They understood the characteristics of the dao seed better than outsiders.


    It could indeed devour the souls of the living.


    Other than strengthening itself, this devouring would also speed up the formation of the soul threads.


    In theory, the souls of the living could indeed allow cultivators who had fused with the dao seeds to cultivate faster.


    However, there was a difference. The souls required by the dao seed weren¡¯t limited to the human race; souls from all the races in the Wanggu Continent could be devoured and absorbed by it.


    However, such a thing couldn¡¯t be used as a basis to prove their innocence.


    Hence, in a short period of time, as the storm continued to brew, the Variant Immortal School turned from lively to silent. From its previous recovery, it became silent.


    There were even people who spared no expense to dig out the dao seed in their bodies and hand it over.


    Xu Qing watched as the recovery of the Variant Immortal School he had pushed forward was facing such a calamity. That feeling of a building about to collapse didn¡¯t bring him danger but killing intent.


    Since this matter had a certain relation to him, he wanted to investigate it himself.


    If this matter was really done by people who had fused with the soul seeds, he would cleanse the school, reclaim all soul seeds outside, and spare no effort to compensate for it.


    However, if this wasn¡¯t done by the Variant Immortal School and they were just being slandered and used by others, then no matter who was behind the other party, he would uproot them completely.


    Too many people had died.


    Hence, Xu Qing left the Imperial Academy immediately and entered a teleportation array, leaving the Imperial City.


    Outside the Imperial City, Xu Qing no longer suppressed the fluctuations of his soul seed. He spread them out with all his might and augmented his perception.


    In an instant, it was as though lightning had flashed in his mind. Threads of connection appeared in his mind. There were a total of hundreds of them that connected to everyone who had fused with a dao seed.


    Regardless of whether it was purple, green, or white, they were all within his perception.


    The vast majority of the threads pointed to the Imperial City. As for the outside world¡­ there were eleven of them.


    Some of them were close, while others were very far away. If it was the school head of the Variant Immortal School, it might be difficult for him to accurately sense them due to the range. However, Xu Qing was the source. Now that he was going all out, he could clearly sense the location and state of all the threads through his perfection.


    ¡°There are ten soul seeds that are in the state of fusion. The other one is the opposite.¡±


    Xu Qing could guess that the soul seed that was not in a fused state should be the one sent by the Tianzhao County Governor.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and carefully sensed the threads in his mind. After locking onto that soul seed, he recalled the time when this soul seed left the Imperial City.


    A while later, Xu Qing suddenly opened his eyes.


    ¡°More than half a month ago, a total of three soul seeds left the Imperial City and this was one of them.¡±


    ¡°The other two¡­¡± A dark glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he instantly locked onto two of the other threads outside.


    One of them was in the 97th ring of the Grand Imperial Capital Region, and the other was much further away. It wasn¡¯t in this large region but in one of the seven counties, the Nine Provinces County.


    The killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s heart was intense. He instantly flew out and even took out the ancient sun. He borrowed its astonishing speed to speed toward the 97th ring.


    The journey was long, but fortunately the teleportation was smooth along the way. So, after a day, undergoing multiple teleportations and aided by the speed of the ancient sun, Xu Qing arrived at the ninety-seventh ring of the outer perimeter of the Imperial Region.


    The Grand Imperial Capital Region had a total of 110 rings. Many mortals lived in the 97th ring. When Xu Qing arrived, it was already dusk. When Xu Qing arrived, it was already dusk. Looking around, the entire land in the ring appeared harmonious, as if nothing significant had happened.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and kept the ancient sun. According to the guidance of the soul seed, he sped toward the west of this ring.


    The blood red glow spread through the sky at this moment. Xu Qing, who was under the red glow, also carried intense killing intent as he shuttled through. An hour later, his figure appeared in the west of this land.


    This place was quite vast, dominated by plains, giving it a somewhat empty appearance. Within it, there were nine small human countries.


    Although it was called a small country, it was actually just a relatively autonomous city.


    Because it was located in the Imperial Region, the human cities here were much more peaceful. What Xu Qing was looking at currently was a country called Wanli.


    The capital of this country was bustling with activity, with smoke rising from many buildings. From above, the streets were crowded with people coming and going ¨C messengers, merchants, and all sorts of others bustling about.


    There were also some cultivators but not many.


    On the surface, the one with the highest cultivation was a Nascent Soul cultivator. He was currently in the royal palace.


    Xu Qing swept his divine sense over and with a sway of his body, he disappeared from the sky. When he reappeared, he was already in a corner of the streets of the city.


    As he walked in the city, no matter if it was mortals or cultivators, they couldn¡¯t sense him at all. It was as though Xu Qing didn¡¯t exist in their eyes.


    This was caused by the aura of a high-level cultivator. Because they had their own Heavenly Dao, they could form their own laws. Therefore, if they didn¡¯t want others to see them, unless the other side was someone with a higher cultivation level, they wouldn¡¯t be able to sense them.


    Xu Qing¡¯s current emotions also made him in no mood to experience the mortal delights. With a step, he appeared outside a shop.


    This was a grocery store, with the shopkeeper being an elderly man who was currently sleeping with his arms as pillows, resting on the counter. The business inside the store was being taken care of by a young staff.


    Xu Qing¡¯s walk naturally wouldn¡¯t attract the attention of the young staff. However, the sleeping shopkeeper¡¯s body suddenly trembled. At the next instant, his figure blurred and disappeared.


    Xu Qing was expressionless as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Come back.¡±


    With that, the rules were changed and the teleportation was affected. In an instant, the shopkeeper¡¯s figure blurred out again and gradually became clearer.


    His expression was filled with horror and he wanted to get up but it was too late. Xu Qing flicked his sleeve and their positions shifted. The space changed and they were no longer in the city but had appeared 5,000 kilometers above the sky.


    Astral winds gusted and the howling sound was ear-piercing. At that moment, the shopkeeper¡¯s heart was in turmoil as he looked at Xu Qing in bewilderment and fear.


    He had been extremely cautious. Ever since he found out that his companion had failed and was killed, he instantly gave up on action and used a secret art to scatter many traces in the other rings, while he chose to hide here.


    He planned to wait and see and make a decision after the higher-ups messaged him.


    While the other traces he scattered had no signs of being touched, someone had directly found his actual body.


    This made him vigilant, but what shocked him even more was Xu Qing¡¯s identity.


    He had naturally seen Xu Qing before.


    At the same time, what terrified him the most was the trembling of the dao seed in his body as though it didn¡¯t belong to him.


    All of this seemed to be telling him that the person his dao seed truly belonged to was Xu Qing, the region lord whose entire body emitted a terrifying Variant Immortal aura.


    ¡°The backer of the Variant Immortal School is actually him!¡±


    The shopkeeper felt despair in his heart. There was no need to ask anymore. There was solely one reason for Xu Qing to look for him at this time.


    Hence, his eyes revealed the intent to die. Without any hesitation, he gritted his teeth and crushed the poison sac hidden in them, his life force gradually rotting.


    His body trembled as he activated the restriction he had prepared in advance, causing his body to also begin to shatter without a trace.


    At the identical time, his soul was instantly burned by the void fire that he had planted lengthy ago.


    This series of actions was all his methods as a sacrificial soldier to ensure that he didn¡¯t leave any traces.


    It was completed in an instant. Before he died, the despair in his eyes disappeared and he revealed a hint of mockery.


    It was as if he was telling Xu Qing, ¡°You found me, you are the source of the Variant Immortals, but what difference does it make in the end?¡±


    Xu Qing calmly looked at the shopkeeper without stopping him. Instead, he observed his methods. After seeing the other party¡¯s method of suicide, he expressionlessly lifted his right hand.


    The needle of the Sundial in his body instantly moved, and a huge phantom appeared behind him, shaking the world. The 1.3 million soul threads in his body surged in, causing this phantom to materialize.


    From afar, it looked similar a god had descended.


    Half a month ago, Xu Qing had already tried using the soul threads to simulate his Sundial. It could break through the restrictions and manipulate time for seven breaths of time. This was half of his fourth form.


    Spacetime reversal.


    When his right hand pointed, the dispirited shopkeeper¡¯s body instantly returned to normal and he was stunned on the spot.


    ¡°Wha¡­¡±

 Chapter 1195 - 1195 There Are No Concealments Before a God

    1195 There Are No Concealments Before a God


    The shopkeeper¡¯s mind was in turmoil. The scene that just occurred caused his mind to rumble.


    He had heard of time reversal methods, but it was mostly used for retrospection, allowing one to see events from the past without being able to alter them. Moreover, such methods could only be used by a great Nihility cultivator.


    But now¡­ he had clearly used all his methods to commit suicide and had been poisoned. The restrictions on his body had erupted and his soul had burned. Logically speaking, he was already dead and there should have been no traces left of him.


    However¡­ with a raise of Xu Qing¡¯s hand, everything reversed. His time changed and actually reversed back to seven breaths ago.


    This matter caused his heart to churn intensely. As for the terrifying phantom that appeared behind Xu Qing, it caused his soul to tremble. In fact, he even felt a piercing pain in his eyes.


    ¡°How is this possible!¡±


    Amidst the horror, the shopkeeper rapidly retreated. He wanted to commit suicide again. However, this time, it was clearly too late.


    Xu Qing took a step and his body instantly arrived in front of the shopkeeper. He then lifted his right hand and grabbed the shopkeeper¡¯s chin. With a shake, the teeth in this person¡¯s mouth and the poison sac that had reappeared fell off.


    The shopkeeper¡¯s eyes revealed horror and he was about to struggle.


    Strands of soul threads instantly spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s body. They were like sharp swords that carried a resplendent light as they directly entered this person¡¯s body. Wherever they passed, all the restrictions would be destroyed like rotten weeds, unable to erupt at all.


    A muffled groan rang out from the shopkeeper¡¯s mouth. At the next moment, the soul seed in his body instantly switched sides and headed straight for his soul to suppress the intent of burning.


    Xu Qing restrained all his methods in advance, rendering them ineffective. All of this happened in the blink of an eye. From the start to the end, Xu Qing was expressionless.


    In the eyes of this shopkeeper, everything was bizarre and inconceivable. However, to Xu Qing, everything was done with a raise of his hand.


    Now that he had suppressed all of the other party¡¯s methods, he couldn¡¯t be bothered to ask. From the other party¡¯s previous series of reactions, he had already made a basic conclusion in his mind.


    Hence, without any hesitation, he lifted his left hand and pressed it on the top of the shopkeeper¡¯s head. His divine sense entered the latter¡¯s head and he began¡­ soul searching!


    Soul searching was an extremely cruel method in the world of cultivation. It entailed higher-level cultivators forcibly probing the minds of lower-level cultivators. The repercussions varied: at the lighter end, the target¡¯s soul may dim, while at the more severe end, the target¡¯s soul would be obliterated.


    This was especially so if the user of the soul search wanted to know minute details. The soul search had to be even more thorough, and they often used techniques to fragment the soul to do that.


    At that moment, Xu Qing was using this method.


    Under his search, the shopkeeper¡¯s soul showed signs of collapse. More and more cracks appeared and an extremely heart-rending cry that didn¡¯t seem human rang out from the shopkeeper¡¯s mouth.


    This sound was like wild shrieks and howls, containing extreme pain. If mortals heard it, they would definitely have nightmares for a long time. Even cultivators would feel their hair stand on end when they heard it.


    However, this place was 5,000 kilometers high in the sky and there was no one around, so the beauty of this sound was lost in the air.


    Xu Qing fragmented this person¡¯s soul bit by bit and checked all his memories. Gradually, the scene of this shopkeeper¡¯s life appeared in his mind.


    The other party¡¯s background, identity, and so on gradually became clearer. Due to their complexity, Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay too much attention, brushing past them and focusing instead on events from half a month ago.


    Finally, he saw the scene he wanted to know.


    More than half a month ago, in a hidden residence, the figure of the black-robed man and his words.


    However, just as Xu Qing wanted to take a closer look, the scene disappeared. The shopkeeper¡¯s soul was completely destroyed. Only a limp body was left, motionless.


    Xu Qing frowned slightly.


    ¡°This person¡¯s soul was born lacking¡­ It can¡¯t withstand a strong soul search.¡±


    Xu Qing recalled the scenes he saw.


    ¡°In his early years, he joined an organization whose origins he didn¡¯t know about. This organization gave him a chance to be reborn but it also restricted his life.¡±


    ¡°As for the details¡­¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and took out this person¡¯s storage bag, finding a black urn inside.


    After scanning with his divine sense, Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned even uglier. There were hundreds of thousands of human souls here¡­


    After a while of silence, Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and he disappeared from the spot, heading to a few locations in that person¡¯s memories.


    Every location was a harvest point set up by the other party. However, because his comrade was exposed, the situation became tense, so he refrained from activating these harvest points.


    Xu Qing went to those harvest points and destroyed them, while recording the evidence.


    After that, he left this ring.


    He took the shopkeeper¡¯s corpse as well. This was also evidence.


    Time flowed by. Five days later, in the Nine Provinces County of the Dao Heaven Region.


    This county was one of the seven enclaves of the human race and wasn¡¯t far from the Grand Imperial Capital Region. Hence, after Xu Qing sped over and used the teleportation arrays, it took him five days to arrive.


    When he arrived, it was already late at night.


    Xu Qing had passed by this county before on his way to the Imperial Capital. However, the group didn¡¯t stay for long before activating the ancient teleportation and leaving.


    Now that he had returned, killing intent filled his heart. The instant he walked out of the teleportation array, his figure had already disappeared, speeding toward the place where his soul seed perception had locked onto.


    Among the three people back then, one was killed by the Tianzhao County Governor, one was killed by Xu Qing, and the last one¡­ was here.


    It was difficult for outsiders to find the hiding place. However, in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, the tracks were clear due to the target absorbing a branch of his soul seed.


    Since he wanted to clean up the school and find the mastermind, he naturally had to eliminate them completely. At the same time, he also needed to soul search again to confirm the identity of the black-robed man he had seen.


    ¡°The other party¡¯s soul seed hasn¡¯t moved for several hours.¡±


    In the night, Xu Qing¡¯s figure teleported in the Nine Provinces County. An hour later, he appeared on a mountain range.


    This mountain range was pitch-black. Only the sounds of birds and beasts could be heard from time to time. There was also the sound of the wind blowing against the vegetation.


    Other than that, it was completely silent.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and his body turned blurry as he quickly left.


    At the next instant, when his figure was revealed, he was already outside a natural cave in the depths of this mountain range.


    Xu Qing frowned. On the way here, he had already sensed that something was amiss. Standing here, the feeling was even more obvious. A cold glint flashed in his eyes. He waved his right hand. The hidden restrictions in the cave were instantly corroded by the anomalous substances he emitted and lost their effect.


    In that instant, Xu Qing had already appeared in the cave.


    On the ground, there was an array formation operating.


    There was a person in the array formation.


    This person was a middle-aged man with a strong vitality but he was motionless.


    He was completely naked and his stomach was squirming. Xu Qing¡¯s soul seed was inside.


    Outside the array formation, there was a jade slip on the ground.


    Xu Qing looked at the array formation and then at the jade slip. After his divine sense swept over and confirmed that there was nothing wrong, he lifted his hand and grabbed the jade slip. The moment he checked it, an ancient voice echoed from the jade slip.


    ¡°Regardless of who it is, to be able to find this place means that you¡¯re the same as me. You¡¯re here to investigate the matter of the dao seed of the Variant Immortal School. I¡¯ve already asked for the answer.¡±


    ¡°As for this person, because he couldn¡¯t withstand the soul search, he¡¯s in a state of collapse. However, with the support of my array formation, his soul hasn¡¯t completely dissipated but he won¡¯t be able to last for long. Anyone who comes can check for themselves.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. After a while, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Petty tricks.¡±


    ¡°Shadow, spread out in all directions and seal everything, no matter what method you use, find the person hiding here.¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, the shadow under his feet instantly rose. After transmitting an ingratiating emotion, it rapidly spread, enveloping the entire mountain range and continuously spreading outwards.


    Within its range, all the birds and beasts trembled. They were possessed by the shadow and made to scout the place.


    Xu Qing looked at the person on the ground. He didn¡¯t believe what the jade slip said.


    He believed in another possibility. The person he was looking for had some mysterious methods that could extract his soul seed and place it on others, allowing him to escape.


    This method might not necessarily be targeting Xu Qing. After all, the other party didn¡¯t understand of Xu Qing¡¯s existence. In that case, this method should be targeted at the investigators of the Imperial City.


    Hence, this person left behind a jade slip to deliberately mystify things.


    The main point was how he extracted the soul seed without being discovered by Xu Qing. However, there was a possibility.


    That was, from the start to the end, the soul seed¡­ had never been taken out, but ironically, not taking out could achieve the effect of taking it out.


    ¡°Clone!¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the unconscious person on the ground and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.


    If the one who fused with the dao seed at the begin was a clone and the main body followed the clone, he would be able to create this seemingly perfect situation.


    The flaw in this matter was also the main reason for Xu Qing¡¯s guess. The reason was that¡­ it was impossible for anyone to find this place faster than him.


    Therefore, according to that person¡¯s plan, by the time someone found this place, his clone would have died long ago. The array formation could also explain everything. Presumably, even if the investigator utilized the time reversal technique to inspect, there would be no flaws.


    The person had indeed used soul probe on the clone and the array formation could indeed maintain the soul from completely collapsing. The clone had indeed lived for some time.


    However, the investigator would arrive too late.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He understood that if his guess was correct, his quick arrival was something that was beyond this person¡¯s prediction.


    The traces here also proved that it hadn¡¯t been set up for long.


    ¡°I¡¯ll understand in a while.¡±


    The soul threads in Xu Qing¡¯s body erupted and rapidly weaved behind him, forming¡­ the third level of the god form.


    Amidst the rumbling, the sky changed color and the wind blew.


    A terrifying figure appeared behind Xu Qing and fused with him, becoming one.


    It was as though a god had descended, causing the surroundings to blur and the anomalous substances to erupt. The rock walls of the cave couldn¡¯t withstand it and disintegrated. At this moment, the surroundings took on a new appearance.


    The mountains turned into burial mounds, vegetation became skeletal remains, and where the cave was located, a colossal skull emerged.


    This scene was both illusory and real, making it difficult to see the true appearance of this area.


    A figure walked out of this blurry scene.


    His long purple hair dragged on the ground, looking astonishingly sinister. Outside his crystal-like skeletal structure, there was flesh and blood formed by countless blood threads that distribute in all directions.


    There were also gigantic wings formed of purple feathers and flesh, with a purple moon rising behind him.


    All of this was accompanied by a terrifying rise of life level.


    He was Xu Qing.


    At that moment, He walked in front of the array formation and grabbed at the ground. The unconscious person immediately flew over and was grabbed by the top of his head.


    This time around, it wasn¡¯t a soul search. Xu Qing wanted to use the power of his level to check the life threads of the unconscious person and track his main body.


    As for getting the shadow to distribute out first, it was to prevent the other party from teleporting away if he was alarmed.


    ¡°Trace of Life, activate!¡±


    The divine sound was astonishing.

 Chapter 1196 - 1196 Unexpected Clue

    1196 Unexpected Clue


    As soon as this sound rang out, the world turned dark in this mountain range.


    Compared to the surrounding sky, this place seemed to have instantly turned into a forbidden region, hostile to the living, causing all beings to prostrate. All vegetation withered and all birds and beasts mutated.


    This dim boundary was still spreading and invading in all directions.


    Wherever it passed, the appearance of the world changed. It was as though an illusory veil had been lifted, revealing the true essence of the world.


    The world in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was covered in numerous burial mounds and skeletons that had rotted for countless years.


    At this moment, he was standing in a colossal skull exuding a terrifying aura. His purple hair fluttered behind him, while blood threads danced around. The unconscious figure he grabbed was starting to contort.


    Waves of murmurs from the void echoed in the world, causing the area here to rumble.


    The heavily injured and unconscious person was also stimulated by this scene and opened his eyes with much difficulty. The moment he saw Xu Qing, his eyes were first filled with confusion, then fear, and finally extreme horror.


    He seemed to want to say something but he couldn¡¯t open his mouth. There was only an indescribable blood-curdling scream. As the anomalous substances invaded him and he witnessed the god, the scream echoed through the sky.


    Compared to the heart-rending cries of his companion a few days ago, his scream clearly had more melody.


    This was because this blood-curdling screech wasn¡¯t one but countless¡­


    This was because countless overlapping shadows appeared on his body at this moment, as though he had become a book.


    Every page was a figure of him, representing his past and the endless possibilities of his future.


    They looked different but they also let out blood-curdling screams.


    These screams that gathered from the past, present, and future were naturally more beautiful than his companion¡¯s.


    As for Xu Qing, his gaze was calm. At that moment, the divinity in his body was surging. However, human nature didn¡¯t dissipate because it was formed from the soul threads and was in a relatively stable state.


    This state could make it easier for him to make many choices according to the will of human nature.


    For example, at this moment, the countless blood threads that extended from Xu Qing¡¯s body instantly drifted forward and landed on the person who was screaming. They were like tentacles that gently flipped through the other party¡¯s past.


    One scene after another was clearly reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He also saw the person¡¯s dead companion.


    This wasn¡¯t soul-searching but it was even more direct than soul-searching because this was a god¡¯s ability.


    Through this person¡¯s past, Xu Qing saw the other party¡¯s entire life. Just like his companion, the other party was born with a deficient soul.


    It seemed that the mysterious organization was very enthusiastic about recruiting such people.


    However, this person¡¯s talent was clearly higher than his companion¡¯s. Regardless of cultivation or spells, he was outstanding.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and he continued to check until he saw the scene he wanted to know.


    The location of the residence and the black-robed man¡¯s hand that was fiddling with the oil lantern.


    Xu Qing was expressionless as he stared at the scene. He then tugged the blood-colored threads in front of him and forcefully pulled the image of the past out of that person¡¯s body, making it float in the air.


    His gaze swept past the black-robed man on the image but he didn¡¯t act rashly. Instead, he placed it to the side.


    After that, he turned his head and looked at the cultivator who was screaming. He opened his mouth and exhaled.


    What emerged was purple fog. After it churned and enveloped the other party¡¯s body, threads manifested from the top of his head and spread in all directions.


    That was the person who existed in all his memories.


    One of the threads was located in the center. It was his life thread.


    Its direction¡­ was to the north, and wasn¡¯t far away.


    ¡°As expected, this is a clone.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke hoarsely and tugged slightly. Immediately, this life thread swayed intensely. The main body that was connected to it was directly affected.


    The shadow immediately adjusted its direction according to this clue. It gathered its spreading body and moved in a straight line. This method allowed its speed and length to increase greatly.


    At the same time, 500 kilometers away from Xu Qing, a middle-aged cultivator in a gray robe was moving forward. This person¡¯s appearance was ordinary and there was nothing special about him. If he was placed in a crowd, it would be very easy for him to be neglected.


    His eyes were quite small which hid the dark glint that occasionally appeared in them.


    At that moment, as he sped, he was also analyzing his arrangements. Although to a certain extent, his arrangements were almost perfect, he knew that he couldn¡¯t underestimate others. Hence, there was still a chance that his plan would be seen through.


    ¡°However, that¡¯s a matter for the future.¡±


    The gray-robed man muttered inwardly. He sped up and wanted to head to another county in this region, preparing to leave through the nonhuman races¡¯ teleportation array so that he could better hide himself and wait for further orders from the organization.


    However, at this moment, his mind suddenly shook. The world in front of him became slightly hazy, as though the world was spinning. His soul trembled in fear.


    Immediately after, a voice echoed in his soul.


    ¡°As expected, this is a clone.¡±


    These words caused the gray-robed man¡¯s expression to change drastically. Just as he was about to take action, a restraint from his soul enveloped his entire body, causing his body to stiffen and he fell from the air to the ground.


    The horror in his heart had reached its limit. He wanted to attack but there were no signs of enemies in the surroundings.


    However, the voice in his mind was extremely clear, and the constraints emanating from that voice were erupting.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on!¡±


    The gray-robed man¡¯s breathing became hurried. As he fell to the ground, he struggled with all his might. After his body landed on the ground, he spat out a mouthful of blood and regained a trace of mobility.


    He suddenly leaped up and was about to escape. However, at the next instant, his body stiffened.


    The shadow under his feet grew a blood-colored eye that emitted evilness.


    ¡°Found¡­ you¡­¡±


    In the cave, Xu Qing retracted his gaze from the life thread of the person in front of him and ignored him. Since he had captured the main body, there were some things he planned to try.


    Even if he failed, it wouldn¡¯t affect the capture. If he could obtain some clues from this, this matter would become clearer.


    Hence, Xu Qing looked at the image of the past that he had placed to the side.


    The focus of the image was the black-robed man who was fiddling with the oil lantern.


    Staring at this person, the purple moon behind Xu Qing shone brightly.


    At the next instant, all the blood-colored threads outside his body headed straight for the black-robed man in the scene. They instantly penetrated and fused into him.


    Using the past to see the future.


    The god¡¯s power seemed to be omnipotent. As long as something existed in one¡¯s memory, it could be affected by this indirect method.


    In that instant, the black-robed man actually trembled. His originally illusory state actually showed signs of turning into reality. During this process, Xu Qing also saw a portion of the black-robed man¡¯s life through his influence.


    This lasted until he saw the other party worshiping the sky on an altar¡­ However, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see what he was looking at.


    Hence, he increased the intensity of the divine source and wanted to take a deeper look. However, at this moment, a hidden will in the black-robed man¡¯s body seemed to have sensed that its host was being affected and it woke up from its slumber.


    Immediately after, an extremely abrupt cold snort rang out from the image where the black-robed man was. It directly blasted into Xu Qing¡¯s mind and transformed into anomalous substances that erupted in Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    This power of anomalous substances appeared out of thin air and formed an illusory scene.


    In the scene, blood flowed and endless wails rang out. Anomalous substances rose and the world darkened.


    It was using this scene to suppress Xu Qing.


    If it was any other cultivator, they would definitely be affected at this moment. However, Xu Qing was in his god form now. As the divine source spread, it directly formed the image of the Purple Moon in his mind and suppressed everything.


    Amidst the rumbling, Xu Qing¡¯s divine body swayed slightly and he took three steps back.


    The anomalous substances and scenes in his mind also dissipated at this moment. However, the other party¡¯s might was extraordinary. Although they couldn¡¯t do anything to Xu Qing, it affected this place.


    In an instant, the image of the past that was the source collapsed and shattered. As for the screaming clone, its body trembled and it turned into blood. The burial mounds also collapsed.


    Amidst the rubble and bones, Xu Qing stood there and slowly lifted his head, looking at the night sky. A cold glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m familiar with those anomalous substances that appeared with the cold snort¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m also familiar with the scene formed by the anomalous substances¡­¡±


    ¡°This black-robed man worshiped the sky. What he was looking at¡­ I know what it is now.¡±


    ¡°The anomalous substances came from the fragmented-face. The scene is the scene when the fragmented-face opens Its eyes. What the black-robed man was worshiping was that son of a b*tch fragmented-face in the sky!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart turned cold.


    When he was in the Nanhuang Continent, he knew that there was an organization. They worshiped the fragmented-face and even called themselves believers.


    After coming to the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region, he heard of this organization again and understood that other than believing in the fragmented-face, the other party¡¯s doctrine was to constantly search for the so-called divine son.


    After they found the divine son, they would devour him. In this way, they would be closer to the god they believed in.


    At the same time, through Princess Anhai¡¯s introduction, he realized that this organization wasn¡¯t just one of the ten super forces of the human race. It was one of the super forces of the other races as well.


    It was spread all over the Wanggu Continent, seemingly present in all the races.


    ¡°True Words!¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. His body slowly transformed and the god form gradually dissipated. The darkness in the surroundings and the changes to the world also rapidly blurred. In the end, when Xu Qing¡¯s main body appeared, everything returned to normal.


    Only the rubble under his feet proved that the scene earlier had indeed happened.


    Moreover, his hair had turned somewhat purple. It was as though the display of the god form on the third level still affected him in the end.


    It was also at this moment that a whistling sound resounded from afar. The gray-robed man¡¯s figure sped over and arrived behind Xu Qing. His expression was fanatical and filled with piety. However, his eyes were filled with unprecedented horror as he knelt down and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Greetings to the Master! There is something I have long wanted to tell you. Today, I use this form to express my true feelings. Master, you are an admirable figure, full of wisdom. Your wisdom and talent inspire trust and reliance in me. Under your leadership, I persist to develop and progress, feeling safe, comfortable, and at ease.¡±


    The shadow spoke loudly with a sincere expression. However, its gaze that didn¡¯t belong to it became increasingly horrified.


    In the dark night, Xu Qing stood in front. His light purple long hair fluttered in the wind.


    The gray-robed figure behind him kowtowed fanatically.


    ¡°Let¡¯s return to the Imperial City.¡±


    Xu Qing serenely spoke and stepped forward, walking into the night.

 Chapter 1197 - 1197 Locking onto the Source!

    1197 Locking onto the Source!


    Time flowed by. There was still a day before the competition between the Variant Immortal School and the Divine Fusion School.


    The Imperial Capital seemed to be calm during this period of time, but in reality, after Tianzhao County Governor sent over the dao seed as evidence, a storm was about to descend.


    Hence, under the calm before this storm, the atmosphere in the Imperial Capital was unpredictable.


    Everyone was observing.


    They were observing the Human Emperor and the Variant Immortal School.


    Regardless of whether it was in the Imperial Academy or outside the Imperial Academy, the Variant Immortal School was in a storm. Moreover, because the tower was sealed, the liveliness of the past seemed to have disappeared instantly and returned to its previous silent appearance.


    Those who cultivated Variant Immortal School art were also suffering, not daring to reveal their identities in the outside world.


    On the surface, the various forces seemed to be waiting for the decree of the Human Emperor.


    One could imagine that the moment this decree was passed down, there was a high likelihood of a drastic decline for the Variant Immortal School, with its resurgence potential collapsing, perhaps even worse than its previous decline.


    At least in the past, the decline could be attributed to being phased out by the times. But now, they were suspected to be involved in the extraction of the souls of millions of humans for cultivation, and the entire human populace was paying attention to this¡­


    If they were really linked to this case, this would be the greatest sin in the human race.


    Moreover, the evidence seemed to be conclusive.


    It was only when the agreed date for the competition between the Divine Fusion School and the Variant Immortal School arrived that the Human Emperor¡¯s decree that everyone was waiting for rang out from the palace.


    ¡°The seal of the Variant Immortal School is temporarily lifted. You are allowed to discuss the Dao with the Divine Fusion School to prove yourself!¡±


    This decree surprised many people but at the same time, it was also within their expectations.


    The Variant Immortal School had existed since the establishment of the Imperial Academy. Throughout history, countless human cultivators had cultivated the Variant Immortal School art.


    Although it declined later on, over the long ages, it had formed countless connections with various human factions, and there were many sentiments and bonds unknown to outsiders.


    One could imagine that behind this decree was a multifaceted power play, which was an affair beneath the surface and not something ordinary individuals could comprehend.


    In short, the Variant Immortal School had burned the sentiments they had accumulated since its establishment, to exchange for an opportunity.


    An opportunity to prove its innocence.


    Hence, the day before the Dao Discussion, at dusk, the gate of the white tower of the Variant Immortal School was slowly pushed open. The school head of the Variant Immortal School, who had been locked inside, appeared.


    During this half a month, his gaze had clearly become more aged. At this moment, he stood there and looked at the paths of the Imperial Academy in silence.


    And the students within the academy, upon noticing this scene, all kept their distance, each with a complex expression, some with disgust, some with emotion, some with anger, and some with hesitation.


    The emotions differed depending on the individuals.


    After a while, the school head turned around and sat in the main hall of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s white tower, waiting silently.


    Time passed little by little, but no students from the Variant Immortal School appeared.


    The school head¡¯s gaze slowly dimmed, but in the depths, a fire of unwillingness was burning.


    At the same time, outside the academy, dusk passed, night fell, and the cold wind howled across the land, like poetry, like weeping, like lamentation.


    It blew from the ancient city walls in the distance, attempting to stir up patches of dust invaded by snow, but ultimately only managed to evoke its chill, dispersing it into the thoughts of the people in the capital.


    Like an ancient poet, narrating the history of heaven and earth with melancholic verses, yet also resembling an indifferent bystander, silently recording the rise and fall of the world.


    And at this moment, in the deep night of the cold wind, a figure as dark as ink blended into the verses, its vague silhouette outlined in the wind, swiftly approaching a residence not far from the eldest prince¡¯s mansion.


    The night concealed the figure and the cold wind concealed its breath, letting the figure appear silently in the courtyard of this residence.


    It was Xu Qing, who had rushed back to the Imperial City.


    He stood there and sensed his surroundings.


    Although Xu Qing had used his divine technique to see a corner of the black-robed man¡¯s life, this corner only showed the altar and the other party worshiping the sky.


    As for the man¡¯s appearance, he couldn¡¯t see it.


    He only knew that the man was definitely one of the True Words¡¯ people. And through the soul search on the two people before, there seemed to be an employer as well.


    Of course, it was also possible that the word employer was used to mystify things.


    ¡°Also, under the indirect integration through the soul threads, not only did the anomalous substances emitted by the hidden divine sense inside the image of that black robed man give me a sense of familiarity, even the cold snort itself sounded familiar¡­¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and pushed open the door of the house, walking in.


    The house was pitch-black.


    However, in his eyes, everything was clear.


    The interior of the house was very simple, with only a wooden bed, a table, and a chair.


    On the table was an extinguished oil lantern.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes. Coupled with the soul searching and divine technique, he had locked onto this house. As he closed his eyes, he seemed to have returned to this place a month ago.


    The black-robed man sat there with three Variant Immortal School disciples standing opposite him.


    As he fiddled with the fire of the oil lantern, his voice echoed.


    No one saw his appearance.


    After a long time, Xu Qing opened his eyes and walked to the place where the black-robed man had sat back then. He then lifted his hand and waved it, causing the oil lantern in front of him to glow again.


    Amidst the flickering light, Xu Qing lifted his hand and gently fiddled with the fire. The power of the Purple Moon in his body spread out, forming anomalous substances that belonged to him. They followed his finger and fused into the oil lantern.


    Gradually, the fire in the oil lantern flickered violently, and its material gradually began to be influenced, until finally, there appeared a hint of vitality.


    This was also the power of a god.


    Anomalous substances could invade all things, but they could also produce life. This was also the reason why many new races had appeared in the Wanggu Continent after the fragmented-


    face arrived.


    Similarly, it was also the core reason for the appearance of the forbidden zones.


    For example, back then, the forbidden zone in the scavenger campsite was caused by the activation of a zither.


    Now, Xu Qing was also using this method. He wanted to give life to this oil lantern.


    In this house, no one had seen the face of the black-robed man, but¡­ this oil lantern had seen him.


    This technique was not something ordinary people could master. Just like the manipulation of the passage of time or special abilities of mighty figures that could simulate such things, what Xu Qing wanted to do now could only be accomplished by a god.


    After a long time, the swaying of the fire became increasingly intense. As for the lantern, it began to melt and split. Tentacles grew out from it and slowly swayed. In fact, facial features slowly emerged on it, as though it had grown a face.


    However, it was clearly extremely unstable. At this moment, other than trembling, cracks appeared on it.


    Xu Qing¡¯s finger paused as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Reveal¡­ the appearance of the black-robed man you saw a month ago!¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, the oil lantern trembled violently all over, as if to it, Xu Qing¡¯s voice was the highest command, so it disregarded everything and released its energy.


    At the next instant, the oil lantern rapidly melted but its flames soared. After the oil lantern completely disappeared, the remaining flames rose and¡­ a face appeared.


    A pale, ordinary, and strange aged face.


    Xu Qing had never seen this face before.


    At this moment, as the flame flickered, the face became increasingly distinct. Only after it was completely revealed did the fire gradually dim, as if it had released everything, and the life activated by a god¡¯s power also blossomed with the sparks of existence.


    It began to perish.


    However, its meaning was extremely important to Xu Qing. Xu Qing involuntarily leaned forward a little and stared fixedly at the face that emerged in the flames.


    What he was looking at was the eyes of this face!


    Those eyes reflected four figures!


    What was revealed by the oil lantern was the scene from a month ago. These four figures were different from what Xu Qing had seen when he did soul searches.


    From his soul searches and divine technique, there were clearly only three students from the Variant Immortal School here.


    However, it seemed that including the black-robed man, there were five people here that day, not four.


    There was another person here as well.


    However, the three students from the Variant Immortal School couldn¡¯t see this person¡¯s existence. Only the black-robed man could see it.


    It was also because of this that Xu Qing indirectly saw it with this unbelievable technique.


    That additional figure, dressed in a white robe with a mask of the Imperial Academy on their face, appeared unfamiliar at first glance. However, the aura emanating from the eyes revealed a familiarity that triggered a sudden urge of murderous intent within Xu Qing.


    This gaze reminded him of the school head of the Divine Fusion School he had seen when he first entered Imperial Academy.


    At that time, he had his doubts about this.


    Now, combined with that familiar cold snort and the aura in the eyes of the revealed figure, an answer emerged in his mind.


    ¡°The leader of the Divine Fusion School is¡­ Bai Xiaozhuo!¡±


    Xu Qing muttered to himself before waving his hand gently. The flames dissipated in front of him. After the house turned pitch-


    black again, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°After watching for so long, it¡¯s time to reveal yourself.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice echoed in the quiet house. A few breaths later, a hoarse voice rang out from a corner of the house.


    ¡°As expected of Region Lord Xu. Not only did you find this place, but you also have such methods¡­ It¡¯s truly astonishing.¡±


    As he spoke, a black-robed man who viewed exactly the same as the person Xu Qing saw, emerged from the void and emerged in the room.


    Xu Qing turned his head.


    ¡°You¡¯re not that person.¡±


    He calmly spoke. The aura and feeling of the person in front of him were different from the black-robed man.


    ¡°I¡¯m indeed not, but I might be in the future.¡±


    The black-robed man positioned on the spot and observed Xu Qing carefully. As for his face, it was a blur.


    He was looking at Xu Qing very seriously and Xu Qing was also observing him.


    A while later, the black-robed man lifted his right hand and a jade token flew out, landing in front of Xu Qing.


    ¡°The employer is the Seventh Prince. Here is all the evidence. I¡¯ve already helped you gather it completely. How to proceed with it is for you to decide.¡±


    With that, he turned and walked out, his figure gradually becoming blurry.


    When Xu Qing heard this, killing intent rose in his heart. However, he didn¡¯t look at the jade token. Instead, he viewed at the black-robed man¡¯s gradually disappearing figure. Besides speculating on this person¡¯s identity, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°If you have time, go back and see Ning Yan.¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing spoke, the blurry black-robed man¡¯s figure seemed to tremble slightly. He turned his head and glanced at Xu Qing before completely dissipating.

 Chapter 1198 - 1198 Dao Discussion

    1198 Dao Discussion


    1198 Dao Discussion


    After the black-robed man left, the house fell silent again.


    Xu Qing picked up the jade token on the table and fused his divine sense into it, slowly checking it. After a long time, a dense coldness rose in his eyes. As he looked out into the night through the window, the cold seemed to seep into the night, becoming part of the scenery.


    Using the night wind as his brush, the silence as his rhythm, the boundless universe as his canvas, and the starlight and moonlight as his ink, he painted a picture of the scene just before dawn.


    Gradually, Xu Qing¡¯s figure blurred outside this painting, until it eventually disappeared without a trace.


    When he appeared, he had already walked into the streets in the painting and walked into the distance, heading toward Imperial Academy.


    He had heard that the competition between the Variant Immortal School and the Divine Fusion School was going to proceed normally, and the Variant Immortal School¡¯s white tower had been unsealed.


    At that moment, as he moved forward, the light of dawn slowly broke through the darkness of the night behind him, bringing new hope to the world.


    It was as though everything was waking up and starting over.


    Just like the Variant Immortal School in Imperial Academy.


    In the white tower, the school head of the Variant Immortal School had sat there silently for the entire night.


    He watched as the darkness outside gradually faded away, as the first light of the sun descended, and as¡­ a figure appeared there.


    This figure stepped on the light of the rising sun and walked into the white tower step by step.


    ¡°School head.¡±


    Xu Qing bowed and spoke softly.


    The gaze of the school head landed on this figure with the sunlight on his back. He remembered this disciple and also remembered that when the other party joined the Variant Immortal School, the Variant Immortal School was still in decline.


    He had once felt this disciple had a high aptitude. However, in the end, as the Variant Immortal School recovered and grew stronger, more and more people with higher aptitude appeared. The other party naturally lost his attention.


    However, he didn¡¯t expect that after the Variant Immortal School was unsealed, this person¡­ would be the first and possibly the only one to come.


    His emotions became complicated. As his thoughts spread, Xu Qing walked toward the jade slip shelf at the side.


    He wanted to find the records of the Divine Fusion School in the Variant Immortal School. There were naturally many records of the Divine Fusion School in the Variant Immortal School since their ideals didn¡¯t match at all.


    This was especially so for the newsletters. Although most of them were fabrications and groundless rumors, there was more or less a source hidden in them.


    Xu Qing planned to check more carefully and comprehensively to verify his judgment. At the same time, he planned his actions in his mind.


    In his mind, the Seventh Prince was already a dead man, and his goal wasn¡¯t just the Seventh Prince.


    ¡®Bai Xiaozhuo¡­¡¯


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. He then walked to the side of the jade slip shelf and began to search.


    Looking at Xu Qing, the school head wanted to say something but hesitated. After a long time, he sighed softly and slowly spoke.


    ¡°Xuan Leizi, after today, there may no longer be the Variant Immortal School. You may choose to relinquish your core disciple identity and dig out your dao seed to avoid any future repercussions.¡±


    As he spoke, he took out a jade token and placed it to the side.


    This was the proof of removing his status as a core disciple.


    After doing this, he stood up from his seat and walked out of the tower step by step.


    Dawn had arrived and the time for the competition was about to arrive.


    Looking at the horizon, the Variant Immortal School Head felt a little desolate.


    He didn¡¯t know if that mysterious senior would appear, nor did he know what the fate of the Variant Immortal School would be.


    However, no matter what, he was the school head of this generation of the Variant Immortal School.


    Hence, determination gradually appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°No matter what, even if it¡¯s the end¡­ I can¡¯t tarnish the name of the Variant Immortal!¡±


    With such thoughts in mind, the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head, his steps growing firmer, made his way towards the Dao platform of the academy.


    In the white tower, Xu Qing lifted his head and glanced at the departing figure of the school head. Afterward, he resumed examining the jade slips until the distant tolling of the bell and the clamor of students outside filled the air. Only then did Xu Qing set down the scrolls.


    He found the answer he wanted, so he walked out of the white tower and into the crowd outside.


    The Dao discussion between the Variant Immortal School and the Divine Fusion School was already a popular topic of conversation. In addition, the calamity the Variant Immortal School had encountered now caused the level of attention to be even higher.


    This was especially so since¡­ the Human Emperor had specially allowed the Dao discussion to continue.


    As such, the attention drawn by this Dao discussion didn¡¯t just come from the students of the Imperial Academy, but also from various forces within the Imperial City. On this day, they used all kinds of methods to gaze upon this discussion.


    In the Imperial Academy, there was only one place to discuss the Dao.


    That was the Dao platform in the center of Imperial Academy.


    The area was vast enough to accommodate hundreds of thousands of people. Many years ago, there had been many large-scale Dao discussions held here, each of which had caused a sensation.


    At that moment, there were many students here. Almost all the students living in the Imperial City had arrived.


    The sounds of discussion echoed and it was noisy. Most of them were looking at the sky.


    Two huge octagonal Dao platforms floated in the air.


    One was black and the other was white. They were simple and elegant, seemingly symbolizing purity and resilience. The octagonal structure formed the foundation of the platforms, symbolizing the intersection of earth and sky.


    At this moment, there was a pressure emanating between heaven and earth, and the Daoist rhyme exuded from these two ancient platforms, spreading in all directions, forming patches of multicolored clouds.


    On the black platform, the head of the Divine Fusion School sat there. Behind him, the upper echelons of the Divine Fusion School, the chief disciple, the Seventh Prince, and the others were all sitting cross-legged. There were hundreds of them. Their auras were like a rainbow. Even more students of the Divine Fusion School were clustered below.


    On the white Dao platform opposite, only the school head of the Variant Immortal School was sitting alone.


    A sense of desolation spread from the white Dao platform.


    The various forces outside also shook their heads, feeling somewhat complicated in their hearts. After all¡­ many years ago, the Variant Immortal School was the number one school in Imperial Academy.


    But now¡­


    Sighs echoed in the minds of many people, including the students of the Variant Immortal School around the Dao platform.


    These students who had joined the Variant Immortal School could only remain silent.


    Xu Qing also stood in the crowd. He could sense the atmosphere here but his main focus now was the Seventh Prince and¡­ the school head of the Divine Fusion School.


    Xu Qing calmly looked at them.


    He didn¡¯t rush out to expose them. Instead, he was waiting for this big show to reach a critical moment.


    After a long time, when the bell rang for the ninth time, the sky of Imperial Academy suddenly fluctuated. Two figures in white robes walked over from the end of the sky.


    One in front and one behind, one old and one young.


    The old man walking in front had a gentle expression. The wrinkles on his face bore witness to the passage of time, like the traces left behind by the river of wisdom.


    Though his posture was no longer as upright, his temperament and wisdom became increasingly prominent with age.


    This person was the Principal of the academy, and behind him stood¡­ the Third Prince, serving as the Vice Principal of the academy.


    They didn¡¯t wear masks, so their appearances were clearly reflected in everyone¡¯s eyes. The moment they appeared, the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head, the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head, and all the students present cupped their hands and bowed.


    ¡°We pay our respects to the Principal.¡±


    To be appointed as the Principal of the academy by the Emperor was naturally a person of high virtue and prestige. In terms of knowledge, status, and contributions, this elderly man possessed all the qualifications.


    In the early stages of the academy, he had been instrumental in organizing it and assisted in the establishment of numerous schools.


    He also possessed the imperial bloodline; in terms of lineage, he was the uncle of the current Emperor.


    Hence, the Third Prince stood behind him with great respect.


    As the Principal approached, he halted in mid-air, lifted his head to gaze into the distant sky, and bowed respectfully.


    ¡°Greetings, Emperor.¡±


    As soon as his voice rang out, the hearts of the students below trembled. The sky the Principal gazed upon began to churn, revealing a scene.


    The screen showed the palace. The Emperor was sitting on the throne, gazing intently in this direction. Upon seeing the Principal paying his respects, the Emperor stood up and returned the gesture.


    The reason he stood upright up to return the gesture was not merely out of courtesy to the elder. As the Emperor, representing the human race, he had transcended ordinary etiquette. The reason he stood up was out of respect.


    He respected the Principal for his contributions to Imperial Academy over the years.


    Below the Human Emperor, 13 figures stood up and returned the greeting.


    Every figure emitted a shocking aura. Xu Qing only took a glance and could clearly sense that they were giving off the energy of Soul Accumulation.


    Their identities were self-evident.


    The Heavenly Kings left in the Imperial City.


    After the greeting, the Human Emperor sat upright, including the Heavenly Kings.


    The Principal retracted his stare after bowing. He gazed at the Variant Immortal School and the Divine Fusion School Dao Platforms before looking at the hundreds of thousands of students below with a kind smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I witnessed and hosted a Dao discussion in the Imperial Academy.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pleased to see that Dao discussions haven¡¯t disappeared.¡±


    ¡°The Dao Discussion is divided into three segments: the discussion of the Heavenly Dao to distinguish between right and wrong, the discussion of human nature to discern truth from falsehood, and the discussion of day and night to anticipate the future.¡±


    ¡°The final outcome doesn¡¯t depend on the schools but on you guys.¡±


    The Principal gazed at the students on the ground and slowly spoke.


    ¡°Each of you has your own wisdom and choices. The recognition in your hearts will be the outcome of the Dao discussion.¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, a rainbow light shot up from the Divine Fusion School¡¯s Dao Platform and entered the sky. This light was resplendent, causing the sky to rumble and its aura to shake the surroundings.


    This rainbow light came from the hearts of the students below.


    This scale and height were enough to prove that the students of Imperial Academy approved of the Divine Fusion School.


    On the other hand, the Variant Immortal School¡­ also had rainbow light, but it was only 30 feet long.


    The difference between them was like the difference between heaven and earth.


    Seeing this scene, the various forces in the outside world fell silent.


    There was even an uproar in the Imperial Academy.


    Xu Qing¡¯s brows under the mask also furrowed.


    In the air, the Principal also shook his head slightly. However, the Dao discussion still had to continue. Hence, his hoarse voice echoed.


    ¡°The Heavenly Dao discussion.¡±


    ¡°The cultivation arts and thoughts of the schools have to be recognized by the Heavenly Dao before they are qualified to discuss the Dao.¡±


    ¡°Among the Wanggu Heavenly Dao, 99 Immemorial Heavenly Dao are in slumber. It¡¯s difficult for us humans to sense them. However, among the 100,000 Heavenly Dao, 3,000 Heavenly Dao had given blessings when the Imperial Academy¡¯s Dao platform was first established. Hence, the thoughts and cultivation art have to be displayed here to be judged by the 3,000 Heavenly Dao.¡±


    ¡°If the Heavenly Dao doesn¡¯t acknowledge it, then there¡¯s no need to continue the Dao discussion. This means that your school still needs adjustment.¡±


    ¡°So, Variant Immortal School and Divine Fusion School, it is up to you to decide whether to proceed.¡±


    From the black platform, a faint laugh rang out from under the mask of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head.


    ¡°Students of the Divine Fusion School.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the auras of the students from the Divine Fusion School gathered in the air and transformed into a huge phantom.


    This phantom was astonishingly tall and had three heads and six arms. Its entire body was formed by parts of countless divine creatures, forming a peerless aura.


    It distorted the surroundings and blurred the world, like a true god.


    As the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head lifted his head, the huge phantom raised its right hand toward the sky and clenched it.


    The void exploded and a rumbling sound caused the world to tremble. The Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head stood upright up and bowed to the sky.


    ¡°Heavenly Dao, please judge if it is right or wrong.¡±


    The sky was torn apart, and cracks of various sizes appeared. These cracks opened one after another, transforming into eyes that showed indifference as they gazed at the phantom of the Divine Fusion School.


    ¡°Approved.¡±


    ¡°Approved.¡±


    ¡°Approved.¡±


    The sound of the Great Dao rang out from all directions.


    In an instant, the students in Imperial Academy were excited. The various forces were also focused. Even the Principal had a deep look in his eyes as he nodded lightly.


    ¡°Among the 3,000 Heavenly Daos, 2,137 have acknowledged it. This is a great blessing!¡±


    At the same time, the rainbow light above the Divine Fusion School¡¯s platform soared again.


    The school head of the Divine Fusion School bowed to the Principle, before sitting down and looking at the school head of the Variant Immortal School.


    The Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head fell silent. After a while, he could only brace himself and stand up. He spread out his aura and bowed to the sky.


    ¡°Heavenly Dao, please judge if it is right or wrong¡­¡±


    He expressed this without confidence.


    In the crowd, Xu Qing watched this scene with a calm gaze. He then gazed at the sky.

 Chapter 1199 - 1199 Yiya!

    1199 Yiya!


    There were 3,000 eyes of various sizes in the sky.


    These were the three thousand Heavenly Dao that, guided by the fortune of the human race, bestowed blessings upon the establishment of the Imperial Academy.


    At that moment, as the aura of the school head of the Variant Immortal School spread out, the moment he spoke, a large number of soul threads rushed out of his body, weaving a huge earth child in the sky.


    This was completely woven from soul threads. Every detail was displayed in the Heavenly Dao¡¯s perception, allowing the Heavenly Dao to judge.


    However, regardless of aura or pressure, it was far inferior to the phantom formed by countless students of the Divine Fusion School. The difference between the two sides was obvious.


    The eyes in the cracks in the sky emitted a cold light one after another, and the outcome was as everyone had expected. The vast majority of the Heavenly Dao¡¯s eyes chose to close. In the end, there were just over 20 who maintained their open state.


    The resonance of the Great Dao was also similarly subdued, unable to compare to the overwhelming momentum of the Divine Fusion School from before.


    The students around the Dao platform stared at this scene. Those who were inclined toward the Divine Fusion felt even more resolved. As for those who had some complicated feelings about the Variant Immortals, they sighed inwardly.


    One was the recognition of more than 2,000 Heavenly Daos, and the other was the recognition of more than 20¡­


    The latter was clearly inferior.


    The various forces outside also sighed with emotion. The Variant Immortal School had already lost the first segment of this Dao discussion, and had lost completely.


    On the black Dao platform, most members of the Divine Fusion School appeared aloof at this moment. The head of the Divine Fusion School shook his head, seemingly losing some interest as well.


    This action was a form of mockery and a blow to the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head.


    He looked at the sky and his heart was filled with bitterness. This outcome was within his expectations but when it really happened, he still found it a little difficult to accept.


    This was because this wasn¡¯t the first time the Variant Immortal School had participated in the Dao Discussion. Back when it was glorious, the recognition of the Heavenly Dao attracted by the Variant Immortal School¡¯s Dao Discussion could also reach more than 2,000.


    Now¡­ there were only more than 20 left. The Heavenly Dao no longer recognized the Dao of the Variant Immortals.


    ¡°Has the Heavenly Dao given up on the Variant Immortals¡­¡±


    The Variant Immortal School Head lowered his head. At this moment, he seemed to have aged a lot and his gaze became turbid. However, he still maintained his dignity and bowed to the Heavenly Dao in the sky.


    The Principal, who was in the air, also sighed softly inwardly and was about to announce the second segment of the Dao discussion.


    ¡°Next is¡­¡±


    However, at that moment, Xu Qing, who was in the crowd around the Dao platform, looked at the sky and frowned slightly under his mask.


    At the next instant, the sky suddenly rumbled and trembled intensely.


    Countless clouds and mist suddenly formed and rapidly dissipated. As this cycle repeated, an ancient aura gathered from the void and suddenly descended in the space of Imperial Academy, filling the surroundings, causing everyone here to clearly sense the vast might.


    This scene directly interrupted the Principal. He abruptly lifted his head and stared at the sky, his expression revealing a hint of shock and disbelief.


    He wasn¡¯t the only one who lifted his head. The Third Prince beside him and all the students here, including the school heads of the Variant Immortal School and the Divine Fusion School, had their thoughts churning as they looked at the sky.


    In fact, the hearts of the various forces fluctuated as well. Even the expressions of the Human Emperor and the 13 Heavenly Kings changed. The Human Emperor even leaned forward a little.


    While everyone was paying attention, the ancient aura became even more violent and spread out from the void. In the end, it transformed into earth-shattering heavenly lightning that erupted intensely in the sky of Imperial Academy.


    Under this eruption, the sky was forcefully torn apart. A huge crack pierced through the sky in Imperial Academy¡¯s space. Its range was so large that it far surpassed the other cracks.


    Compared to this, the other cracks were already insignificant.


    Very soon, the crack suddenly widened, revealing¡­ a huge pupil that formed a unique eye.


    This eye replaced the sky of the Imperial Academy and became the only one, transforming into the heavenly eye.


    It was formed by two colors, with purple as the pupil and blue surrounding it!


    The moment it appeared, a majestic aura spread throughout the entire space of the academy. The 3,000 cracks in the sky also emitted cracking sounds, and, in an instant, all the eyes opened wide. The eyes of the Heavenly Dao no longer showed indifference but respect.


    It was as though they were worshiping.


    The ancient aura overflowed into the sky at this instant.


    The color of the world changed, and wind and clouds surged, accompanied by lightning and thunder.


    That was the most primitive sound in the world. It was an unstoppable force erupting and merging with each other, transforming into a tender voice.


    ¡°Yiya!¡±


    This voice surpassed all the sounds of the Great Dao from before and replaced everything, becoming the only one. Although the words were unclear, when it landed in everyone¡¯s minds, its meaning was clear.


    That was recognition!


    ¡°Immemorial Heavenly Dao!!¡±


    The mind of the Principal rumbled as he cried out involuntarily.


    The heart of the Third Prince, who was beside him, trembled incomparably. All the students here were the same. On the Divine Fusion School¡¯s Dao Platform, the breathing of the higher-ups was also hurried. Even the eyes of the school head of the Divine Fusion School revealed a sharp glint at this moment.


    This was even more so outside. The Human Emperor and the Heavenly Kings were also moved.


    The 99 Immemorial Heavenly Dao of the Wanggu Continent were all in deep sleep. Even when the Human Emperor Mystic War ascended the throne, the Immemorial Heavenly Dao didn¡¯t appear.


    It was the same when the Imperial Academy was established.


    However, now¡­ it was just a Dao discussion but an Immemorial Heavenly Dao had actually appeared and acknowledged the Variant Immortal School!


    Such a level of recognition, such a remarkable honor, was beyond comprehension for many, leaving them utterly astonished.


    Even the school head of the Variant Immortal School was at a loss. He stared blankly at the ancient eye that had opened in the sky. Even in his dreams, he didn¡¯t dare to imagine that the Immemorial Heavenly Dao would appear.


    Only Xu Qing, who was in the crowd, looked at the eye in the sky and nodded slightly.


    Perhaps it saw its father¡¯s satisfied look, the enormous eye in the sky emitted a sense of warmth. Then, its gaze shifted, looking at something unknown. Finally, it closed slowly and disappeared.


    No one knew what it was looking at but Xu Qing guessed that the Heavenly Dao was looking at its other father.


    At that moment, in the Imperial Capital, in the Star Emperor¡¯s branch sect that had faced a theft some time ago, an ordinary-


    looking disciple was sweeping the floor. He seemed to have sensed something and lifted his head to look in the direction of the Imperial Academy with a proud expression.


    ¡°Good son, you didn¡¯t forget that your father.¡±


    The Imperial Academy was completely silent. It wasn¡¯t until the departure of the Immemorial Heavenly Dao that a tumultuous uproar erupted, surging up from all the students. They were boiling with emotions, expressing their astonishment and disbelief through their words.


    ¡°Immemorial Heavenly Dao¡­¡±


    ¡°The Variant Immortal School is actually recognized by the Immemorial Heavenly Dao!!¡±


    ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve sensed the Immemorial Heavenly Dao. This pressure, this terrifying heavenly might¡­¡±


    Compared to the commotion among the students, the Principal and the experts from the various forces in the Imperial City were even more shocked. At the same time, a question appeared in their minds.


    ¡°Among the 99 Immemorial Heavenly Dao, there doesn¡¯t seem to be anyone with blue eyes and purple pupils¡­ And, why does its voice sound immature?¡±


    However, no matter what, the aura of the Immemorial Heavenly Dao was extremely pure and couldn¡¯t be faked. Therefore, this question could only be buried deep in their hearts.


    The Human Emperor also narrowed his eyes and stared at the Imperial Academy. His gaze swept past every student and finally landed on Xu Qing.


    At the same time, another gaze spread out from the top of the Star-Picking Tower, staring at Imperial Academy and the sky.


    This gaze came from the State Preceptor.


    He stood on the top floor of the Star-Picking Tower and let the wind blow his long hair as he spoke softly.


    ¡°Brother, this is the second time you¡¯ve surprised me.¡±


    In the Imperial Academy, Xu Qing remained calm. He knew that he would be exposed, but it didn¡¯t matter. He hadn¡¯t planned to hide today anyway. Hence, he raised his head and looked towards the Seventh Prince who had a surprised expression on his face.


    At that moment, the rainbow light from the Divine Fusion School¡¯s Dao Platform dissipated a little. Although the rainbow still seemed to touch the sky, it was clearly dimmer than before.


    On the other hand, due to the recognition of the Immemorial Heavenly Dao, the length of the rainbow light from the Variant Immortal School¡¯s Dao platform increased from thirty feet to a thousand feet. Some Variant Immortal School disciples returned and a portion of students chose it again.


    This scene caused the Dao discussion to be completely stirred.


    The school head of the Variant Immortal School took a deep breath. His eyes revealed an unprecedented light and confidence as he stared at the Divine Fusion School.


    The head of the Divine Fusion School fell silent for a while before chuckling.


    ¡°Principal, please continue.¡±


    In the air, the Principal closed his eyes and opened them after a long time. His eyes revealed a solemn expression. His interest in this Tao discussion was much greater than before.


    He also wanted to see who would win at the end of this Tao discussion.


    He wasn¡¯t the only one with such thoughts. At that moment, all the schools and students in Imperial Academy, as well as the various forces outside, had the same thoughts.


    Originally, the victory or defeat could be easily decided. Now, it was different.


    The Principal spoke in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°The second segment of the Tao discussion is about discerning falsehood. The Dao has truth and lies, discernible by the human heart.¡±


    ¡°I will propose three topics. The Variant Immortal School and the Divine Fusion School can each discuss their own Tao according to these topics.¡±


    ¡°The first topic is¡­ the immortal way has been severed. How do you continue it?¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, the Imperial Academy fell silent again. Countless gazes gathered on the Variant Immortal and the Divine Fusion Tao platforms.


    The school head of the Variant Immortal School had a glint in his eyes. When he heard this, he articulated loudly.


    ¡°My Variant Immortal School uses the soul threads to weave the image of divinity, continuously strengthening it until it becomes a divine being. With this divine being as nourishment, we reference igniting the divine fire, burning the divine being, and continuing the way ahead. This path, where one thought becomes god, and one thought becomes immortal, is thus named the Variant Immortal.¡±


    His voice was loud and powerful, echoing in all directions, landing in the ears of countless students, as well as the outside world.


    This was the core philosophy of the Variant Immortal School. It had once been recognized by countless people but because of the slow cultivation speed, it had been impossible to achieve.


    However, it was different now. The appearance of the dao seed changed everything.


    However, it was also the dao seed that caused the current precarious situation for the Variant Immortal School.


    Hence, on the Divine Fusion School¡¯s Tao Platform, the school head shook his head and calmly spoke.


    ¡°The heretical art is like starlight. How can it compete with the bright moon?¡±


    * * *

 Chapter 1200 - 1200 Rather Than Ask the Bell, It’s Better to Ask the Sword (1)

    1200 Rather Than Ask the Bell, It¡¯s Better to Ask the Sword (1)


    ¡°Heaven and earth possess spirits, and all things possess divinity, the fact that gods have descended is undeniable. Over the long years, they have merged with the Wanggu and become one of the power systems. We should take advantage of this opportunity. We should view all things invaded by the gods as divine materials.¡±


    ¡°Just like with alchemy, by incorporating these divine materials into our bodies, actively replacing various parts of our bodies, we can form divine bodies. These bodies adapt to the times and environment. Henceforth, anomalous substances are no longer a deadly poison but rather a nutrient for cultivation. Like spiritual energy, we of the Divine Fusion School call this divine power.¡±


    ¡°By practicing in this way, our human race will surely become incredibly powerful. The Immortal Path is broken, so why force it to continue? We have already embarked on our own great Dao! The philosophy and goal of the Divine Fusion School is for humanity, where everyone becomes a god!¡±


    The voice of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head wasn¡¯t impassioned, but the meaning in his words transformed into a storm that rumbled in the hearts of the Imperial Academy students.


    Especially the last sentence, ¡°everyone becomes a god,¡± stirred the Divine Fusion School disciples, eliciting strong agreement and excitement.


    This was indeed the core of the Divine Fusion School and the reason why the Divine Fusion School was so popular.


    Now that it was said by the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head, it felt extremely convincing.


    ¡°Ridiculous!¡±


    The Variant Immortal School Head sneered and his voice spread in all directions.


    ¡°From ancient times to the present, our human race has experienced glory as well as lows, splendid civilizations as well as looming catastrophes. But no matter what, we have persisted. We are still the human race, retaining our red blood.¡±


    ¡°And you, who claim to act for the sake of the human race, have abandoned the body of the human race, abandoned the dignity of the human race. In the end, you will become a grotesque aberration. Rather than saying everyone becomes a god, it is more accurate to say you are becoming vassals of the gods.¡±


    ¡°Your method is a method of extermination. Everyone becomes a god, and no one is a human anymore.¡±


    The Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head was unfazed. This was his belief, and at this moment, his words reached new heights of conviction, causing even the neutral students of the Imperial Academy to waver.


    Even Xu Qing took a few more glances at the school head. He didn¡¯t expect the other party¡¯s words to be so sharp.


    Even some of the Divine Fusion School students fell silent and looked at the school head.


    The Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head didn¡¯t speak but looked at the Seventh Prince beside him.


    The Seventh Prince raised his brows and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Your Variant Immortal School¡¯s method is too traditional, stubborn, and conservative. You cling to past glory and refuse to let go. You harbor hostility towards all emerging ideas, especially towards my Divine Fusion School. However, the truth is that the students of the academy are clear-minded; they have their own judgment.¡±


    ¡°This is the reason why I chose the Divine Fusion School and also the reason why all the students chose the Divine Fusion School.¡±


    As the voice rang out, the Divine Fusion School students agreed. They were the new generation. Although they were respectful of ancient traditions, they agreed more with changes.


    Due to the Seventh Prince¡¯s identity, his words carried a lot of weight, so some neutral students felt their minds stirring. In an instant, the rainbow light from the Divine Fusion Dao platform shone brightly again.


    The Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head looked at the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Do you see that? This is the reason why your Variant Immortal School declined. The era have changed.¡±


    The Variant Immortal school head sighed softly and remained silent.


    Regarding the first topic about falsehood, the Variant Immortal School didn¡¯t gain any advantage.


    After a while, the Principal asked the second topic.


    ¡°What is the race¡¯s Dao?¡±


    This time, the first to speak was the side from the Divine Fusion School. The one who spoke was the chief disciple.


    ¡°In the Wanggu Continent, numerous races exist, with countless beings surpassing a trillion. Our vision must span the entirety of the Wanggu Continent. We should integrate the Dao of myriad races into the Dao of our human race, drawing from their strengths, refining ourselves, and complementing our weaknesses to achieve unprecedented accomplishments.¡±


    ¡°The times have changed. We cannot dwell in the past. If we want change, we must change thoroughly. Only then can we truly continue our past achievements while forging new paths forward.¡±


    ¡°And what¡¯s wrong with everyone becoming a god? We will be the foremost race in Wanggu. We will embrace everything and integrate everything. By that time, we might even call ourselves the divine race, reclaiming the unity of the Wanggu will not be an impossibility. And the fragmented-face in the sky won¡¯t bring us disasters anymore; It will bring us blessings!¡±


    ¡°Have you ever considered that the arrival of the fragmented-


    face has changed everything, yet life still persists on the Wanggu Continent? Isn¡¯t it possible that this is actually an opportunity? Once we seize it, the fragmented-face will transform into our weapon.¡±


    When these words rang out, it was as though thunder had streaked across the world, shocking all the students.


    However, it had to be said that although it deviated from the traditional doctrines, the statements seemed to hold logical reasoning. In an instant, everyone fell into deep thought.


    Among the various forces, some were disdainful, while others pondered.


    The Human Emperor stared at the Divine Fusion School with a deep gaze.


    The Divine Fusion School¡¯s school leader lifted his head, meeting the gaze of the Human Emperor. It was as though the statements spoken by the chief disciple were not truly directed towards the pupils or the Variant Immortal School, but towards the person whose gaze he met at this moment ¨C the Emperor.


    When Xu Qing saw this, he fell into deep thought.


    As for the school leader of the Variant Immortal School, he laughed angrily.


    ¡°Ignorant brat, do you think the race¡¯s Dao is just one ideal?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not it at all!¡±


    ¡°The so-called race¡¯s Dao is the soul of the race, its heritage, its ideals, its civilization, and its will, all merged together.¡±

 Chapter 1201 - 1201 Rather Than Ask the Bell, It’s Better to Ask the Sword (2)

    1201 Rather Than Ask the Bell, It¡¯s Better to Ask the Sword (2)


    At this point, the school head decided to go all out. He stood up and pointed at the Human Emperor in the sky while shouting at the students below.


    ¡°Tell me, why is the Human Emperor Mystic War called the Human Emperor?¡±


    ¡°Back then, the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether was the sovereign of all races, but why was he called the Human Emperor as well?¡±


    ¡°Because we¡¯re humans!¡±


    ¡°Regardless of the past or the future, we are all humans. This is the soul, this is the heritage, this is the ideal, this is the civilization, this is the will, and this is also tradition.¡±


    ¡°As for the fragmented-face in the sky, it has brought endless suffering to our human race and is our lifelong enemy. If we compromise, how can we justify to those countless people who have died from mutation over the years?¡±


    ¡°This is not the righteous path; it¡¯s a path of deviation!¡±


    His tone was filled with heartfelt anguish, and his words resonated throughout the academy, stirring waves of thought among the students. Especially the two questions regarding the term ¡®Human Emperor¡¯, they forced people to delve deeper into contemplation.


    The entire Imperial Academy became quiet.


    The Human Emperor closed his eyes.


    The Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head frowned under his mask. His gaze landed on the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head. He once again sensed how difficult it was to deal with this small fry that he originally didn¡¯t take seriously.


    After a long time, the Principal asked the third question.


    ¡°What is the righteous path?¡±


    This time, just as someone on the Divine Fusion School¡¯s side was about to speak, the Divine Fusion School Head raised his hand. He looked at the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head and spoke calmly.


    ¡°The righteous path is the orthodox path and also the path of justice.¡±


    ¡°My Divine Fusion School is worthy of heaven and earth, worthy of the human race. Although we merge with divine parts, we adhere to the righteous path. But your Variant Immortal School is cruel and malicious, tormenting our own kind and absorbing their souls for cultivation. This is common knowledge.¡±


    ¡°You kept on speaking about the human race and its soul, but you are just a hypocrite.¡±


    ¡°Variant Immortal School is not worthy of the righteous path.¡±


    These words were spoken in a calm tone. Coupled with the matter of the Variant Immortal School, they formed an extremely lethal force, causing the words of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head that made people think deeply to instantly weaken.


    ¡°Can words from an unrighteous person be considered righteous?¡±


    The Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head¡¯s words cut to the heart.


    The students of Imperial Academy all lifted their heads and looked at the school head of the Variant Immortal School. The various forces outside also sighed one after another.


    The case involving the Variant Immortal Dao seed was extremely vile, which turned the words of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head into sharp blades.


    The Variant Immortal School Head opened his mouth, but he didn¡¯t know what to say.


    He wanted to refute, but in the end, he could only remain silent. This was because even he had no way to defend himself against the massacre caused by the Variant Immortal Dao seed. During the period when the school was sealed up, his heart was similarly shaken.


    Although this Dao discussion had only gone through two segments, at this moment, no matter what the Variant Immortal School said, it didn¡¯t seem to have much convincing power.


    The Principal also sighed with emotion. At that moment, his gaze swept across the surroundings. Just as he was about to speak, a cold voice rang out from the crowd.


    ¡°The words of an unrighteous person are naturally not righteous, just as improper methods mean the school is also improper.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice echoed in all directions. Under the surprised gazes of the surrounding students, he walked into the air.


    His sudden appearance instantly attracted the gazes of everyone here as well as the various forces outside. The Human Emperor, who had his eyes closed, opened them.


    As numerous divine senses locked onto him and gazes stared at him, Xu Qing walked onto the Dao Platform of the Variant Immortal School step by step.


    The Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head¡¯s breathing became hurried as he looked at Xu Qing. He was a little stunned and puzzled. He naturally knew this disciple but it was also because he knew him that the feeling of unfamiliarity became increasingly intense.


    He never expected that this disciple named Xuan Leizi would walk out at this moment and say such words. All of this made him feel a little dazed.


    In the end, this daze turned into intense anticipation and guesses.


    As for Xu Qing, who was standing on the platform of the Variant Immortal School, his gaze was calm as he looked at the black platform of the Divine Fusion School. His gaze swept past everyone and finally landed on the Seventh Prince.


    The eyes of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head narrowed slightly as he stared at Xu Qing. A familiar feeling surfaced in his heart.


    As for the Seventh Prince beside him, although he didn¡¯t feel that sense of familiarity, he felt an intense sense of danger. As Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over, it erupted in the Seventh Prince¡¯s body and affected his mind.


    This lasted until a cold voice rang out from Xu Qing¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Regarding the matter of the Variant Immortal Dao seed, I ask all the students and His Majesty to bear witness.¡±


    Xu Qing slowly spoke. He then lifted his right hand and gently pinched the jade token in his hand.


    Immediately, the jade token emitted rays of light. These lights intertwined in the air and outlined a scene.


    The scene showed a secret cultivation chamber in which a person was cultivating.


    This person was the Seventh Prince.


    Surrounding him were countless human souls, numbering no less than several million.


    Among them were old and young, male and female, the vast majority of whom were ordinary people. They wailed, cried in pain, and begged for mercy, yet the Seventh Prince remained calm, showing no hint of pity. With each breath, he drew these souls of his fellow humans into his mouth.


    Slowly chewing, he used the technique of the Divine Fusion School, using the souls of his fellow humans to break through the bottleneck of his own Divine Fusion art, allowing him to more rapidly assimilate more divine materials.


    This was clearly extremely beneficial to him. Hence, there was actually a hint of joy in his expression.


    When compared to the crying despair of the surrounding human souls, this scene¡­ was shocking and heinous!


    This jade token wasn¡¯t an ordinary item. Not only did it imprint the image, but it also retained the aura. It could withstand any method of verification. It was also because of this that the evilness of this scene was extremely clear.


    The minds of every the students in Imperial Academy rumbled. Their eyes turned bloodshot and anger rose rapidly, causing the sky and earth to change color.


    The various forces outside instantly fell into an uproar as they realized that heinous crime¡­ was actually committed by the prince.


    The degree of wickedness soared even more as it was committed by a member of the imperial family.


    The Human Emperor¡¯s expression also darkened. A cold intent spread out from him and enveloped the entire Imperial City. In an instant, the sky outside darkened, and thunder roared across the world.


    The Seventh Prince trembled however he tried his best to maintain his expression. He stood above and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Father, this image is fake. Someone forged this!¡±


    ¡°I am willing to prove myself with the Immortal Inquisition Bell. The person in this image isn¡¯t me!¡±


    The Seventh Prince looked calm on the surface but his heart was trembling. No matter how freely he acted in Fenghai County, after he returned to the Imperial City, fear and panic yet occupied everything in front of the Human Emperor.


    But since Xu Qing had appeared at this moment, he naturally wouldn¡¯t give him any chance to turn the tables. With a wave of his hand, the student who was parasitized by the shadow appeared.


    Before he could speak, Xu Qing raised his hand and slapped his forehead. Instantly, the images from the man¡¯s memories began to rapidly form in the air.


    Everything that happened in the house that day appeared in everyone¡¯s eyes.


    The storm rose again.


    A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Amidst the rumbling of the storm, he looked at the school head of the Divine Fusion School who was staring at him.


    ¡°Who is poisoning our race?¡±


    ¡°Who is devouring human souls?¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s talking rashly?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice was low. His three sentences shook the world.


    The Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head was extremely excited. As for the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head, he cast a deep glance at Xu Qing and fell silent.


    The Seventh Prince stared fixedly at Xu Qing. With a sway of his body, he flew into the air and knelt toward the Human Emperor in the sky, speaking loudly.


    ¡°Father, someone is plotting against me. Please grant me a chance to prove my innocence. Under the Immortal Inquisition Bell, I can prove everything!¡±


    In the projection of the palace in the sky, the Human Emperor looked at the Seventh Prince coldly and spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°Approved.¡±


    His voice was similar to an imperial edict. His words always held sway, however today¡­ was different from the past!


    Xu Qing took a step forward and his voice echoed.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡±


    ¡°Rather than asking the bell, it¡¯s better to ask the sword!¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing lifted his right hand and pointed at the sky.


    ¡°Emperor Sword!¡±

 Chapter 1202 - 1202 The Emperor Sword Kills the Prince

    1202 The Emperor Sword Kills the Prince


    The words ¡®Emperor Sword¡¯ echoed in all directions.


    The sky of Imperial Academy trembled and clouds exploded, rumbling and spreading in all directions, transforming into rings of fluctuations that could be seen by the naked eye.


    There was also a supreme might that came from void, turning into an invisible storm that suppressed the Imperial Academy.


    All the white towers in the Imperial Academy swayed and the space shook. The students¡¯ hearts palpitated and their gazes were attracted by the figure wearing the same uniform as them on the white Dao platform.


    At this moment, everyone was looking at that person.


    ¡°Did he just say¡­ the Emperor Sword?¡±


    ¡°This person¡¯s identity¡­¡±


    A thunderous sound erupted in the minds of the students and the various forces in the outside world.


    The eyes of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head also revealed disbelief. He had thought that Xuan Leizi might be that hidden senior.


    However, the development of the matter left him in a daze. The other party¡­ didn¡¯t seem to be that senior but his identity was still shocking.


    ¡®It¡¯s actually him! He actually joined our Variant Immortal School?¡¯


    It was unknown if the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head was shocked or delighted. Although the other party wasn¡¯t the person he thought he was, such an identity caused his heart to stir incomparably. He couldn¡¯t help but look over.


    On the Dao platform, Xu Qing stood tall.


    He wore a white linen robe and a student mask. He looked no different from other students of the Imperial Academy.


    The identical attire and aura, under the academy¡¯s special rules, it was difficult to discern any differences. However, sometimes, the same attire on different individuals could evoke distinct impressions.


    Especially in certain specific circumstances, these distinctions could be infinitely magnified.


    Just like this moment.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about others¡¯ reactions. Right now, he only thought of the word ¡®kill¡¯. He had wanted to kill the Seventh Prince for a long time.


    Back then in Fenghai County, when the other party deliberately came late to force the old Palace Master to death for the sake of taking the credit, Xu Qing¡¯s killing intent had already been planted.


    However, at that time, he couldn¡¯t do it.


    Now, it was different.


    At this moment, his gaze carried an imposing air, akin to the heavens and the Dao, infused with the will of humanity, as he looked coldly at the Seventh Prince.


    In this moment, he held the higher ground, while the Seventh Prince, despite standing in midair, remained in a lower position.


    As time passed, in many instances, the unique charm of life lay precisely in the transformations of status brought about by the flow of years and the passage of time.


    The first time Xu Qing saw the Seventh Prince was when he rode a golden dragon in the sky, surrounded by thousands of soldiers and horses, appearing like a red sun on the battlefield at the border of Fenghai County.


    The second time was in Fenghai County¡¯s capital. The other party was surrounded by cultivators, exuding a heroic spirit, and worshiped by thousands of people, attracting everyone¡¯s attention.


    At that time, Xu Qing was among the remnants of the army outside the city. The Seventh Prince was like the sky, while Xu Qing was the ignored mud.


    Subsequent encounters were pretty much the same.


    It was only when Xu Qing returned from the Moon Offering that everything changed, and now¡­ the situation had completely reversed.


    This was the charm of time.


    It was also why everyone desired opportunities. It was also what Xu Qing had obtained through his struggles.


    Once, Xu Qing was not the cloud in the sky, but today, this Guyue Zhangan was mere mud.


    A similar feeling also surfaced in the Seventh Prince¡¯s heart. It was difficult for him to maintain his composure at this moment, and his expression changed drastically.


    In his eyes, the person who stood on the Dao Platform and refuted his father was high and mighty, like the red sun in the sky. Xu Qing was like the clouds, while he was like mud.


    This perception transformed into an unprecedented trembling and complexity that erupted from his mind and affected his entire body.


    The gaze he used to look at Xu Qing was filled with anger and a hint of madness.


    ¡°You¡¯re Xu Qing!¡±


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s voice was hoarse as he spoke word by word.


    The scene unfolding in the sky had long made everyone guess Xu Qing¡¯s identity, and the Seventh Prince¡¯s words completely exposed this identity.


    In an instant, the atmosphere in the entire Imperial Academy and even the entire Imperial City became extremely solemn.


    This was because Xu Qing was an extraordinary person.


    Not only was he the only region lord in the human race now, but he also carried the Emperor Sword!


    To a certain extent, the existence of the Emperor Sword allowed him to have the qualifications to refute the Human Emperor.


    However, being qualified and daring to truly do it were two different things.


    Clearly, Xu Qing dared to do this!


    He indeed possessed the status to utter the words ¡®rather than ask the bell, it¡¯s better to ask the sword¡¯.


    Especially now, the authority in his eyes gradually transformed into golden light, radiating in all directions.


    Not only were there lights in his eyes, but even more golden beams shot out from within his body


    In the blink of an eye, there were hundreds, thousands, and even tens of thousands of rays of golden lights surrounding Xu Qing, forming a sea of light.


    Amidst the dazzling light, a large sword manifested behind Xu Qing under the gazes of everyone.


    From afar, this sword appeared like bronze, adorned with intricate carvings that exuded both ancient meaning and dominance.


    It carried the aura of primordial creation, emanating a supremely majestic and awe-inspiring presence that struck fear into the hearts of onlookers.


    The Imperial Academy swayed and the Dao platforms cracked. Everyone who saw it was shocked.


    Endless fortune of the human race transformed into clouds and gathered above the Imperial City. The ground continued to rumble and all the living beings in the Imperial City felt the urge to worship.


    This was the sword of the race¡¯s Dao, the sword of the human race¡¯s will, and the sword of the human race¡¯s inheritance.


    This was the Emperor Sword!


    All of a sudden, the students in the Imperial Academy panted and instinctively knelt down in front of the Emperor Sword.


    Even the upper echelons of the Divine Fusion School on the black Dao Platform felt their hearts churning and bowed towards the sword.


    The Human Emperor fell silent and stared at Xu Qing without saying a word.


    The Seventh Prince knew that Xu Qing had always wanted to kill him, just like how he wanted to kill the other party at all times. However, as one thing after another happened, it was very difficult for him to have an advantage. Hence, he could only choose to hide and wait for an opportunity.


    But now, before he could obtain this opportunity, Xu Qing had already pushed him into a precarious situation. An intense sensation of life-and-death crisis rumbled in his mind. It kept rumbling and finally transformed into a hoarse shout.


    ¡°Xu Qing, how can you use the Emperor Sword for yourself!¡±


    As he spoke, the Seventh Prince gazed towards the Emperor with a tender and admiring look in his eyes, evoking a ripple of emotion in the Emperor¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Father Emperor, as your son and a prince, I have witnessed the decline of our people since childhood, witnessed your tireless efforts, and seen the suffering of the masses. My heart is filled with sorrow, and I have vowed to dedicate my life to the revival of our people.¡±


    ¡°For this reason, I chose to rescue Fenghai County, to contribute to the expansion of our territories for the resurgence of our people. I am constantly mindful of the upbringing and teachings you have bestowed upon me since childhood. How could I ever stoop to such beastly actions!¡±


    ¡°The person in the image isn¡¯t me!¡±


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s tone was filled with grief and indignation as his voice echoed in all directions.


    The waves in the Human Emperor¡¯s eyes intensified. Although he still didn¡¯t speak, the pressure from him transformed into oppression that enveloped the Imperial Academy.


    He was the Human Emperor but he was also a father.


    Though the latter identity had been suppressed and faded into the background, it now resurfaced as someone attempted to kill his son before his very eyes. His identity as a father made it difficult for him to remain calm.


    The Heavenly Kings under him looked at each other and finally stared at Xu Qing.


    The Imperial Academy¡¯s students were already shaken, and the various forces outside were watching solemnly.


    What was happening now was too significant.


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s words indeed made sense.


    However, just as everyone¡¯s thoughts were in turmoil, a cold voice rang out, as though winter had descended.


    ¡°Noisy.¡±


    Xu Qing coldly looked at the Seventh Prince and calmly spoke.


    As soon as he finished speaking, massive figures appeared amidst the churning clouds in the sky. Each of these figures was astonishingly vast and their identities made people worship them.


    They were¡­ the venerable ancestors of the human race.


    At that moment, they were all manifested.


    The shock caused by their appearance caused waves in the eyes of the various forces outside and too shattered the Seventh Prince¡¯s doubts.


    This wasn¡¯t a selfish usage of the Emperor Sword. This was formed by the blessing of the human race¡¯s fortune and the ancestors as evidence.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and bowed to the sages in the sky.


    ¡°Today, I, Xu Qing, in the presence of our venerable ancestors, condemn the seventh son of the Human Emperor Mystic War, Guyue Zhangan, of treason against the human race!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and landed on the Seventh Prince, whose expression was finally filled with horror.


    ¡°Guyue Zhangan has committed four sins.¡±


    ¡°Firstly, colluding with Illuminate and the once-enemy Holy Wave Race, this is a capital offense!¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke, the Emperor Sword behind him shone with boundless light, its sword cry resonating through the heavens, shaking the earth.


    ¡°Secondly, in order to snatch battle merits, you caused the death of the Sword Holding Palace Master of Fenghai County, Kong Liangxiu, and watched as countless cultivators died unjustly in Fenghai County, all to enhance your own reputation, this is a capital offense!¡±


    The Emperor Sword trembled violently, its sword cry growing fiercer, its aura surging in torrents.


    ¡°Thirdly, involvement in the murder of the previous Fenghai County Governor, this is a capital offense!¡±


    The Emperor Sword roared, ascending into the sky and tilting towards the Seventh Prince. Countless auspicious energies empowered it, myriad rays of radiance pervaded the surroundings, accumulating a terrifying aura of annihilation.


    ¡°Fourthly, for cultivating an evil art and devouring the souls of countless humans, this is a capital offense!¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke, the killing intent in his eyes turned intense. He lifted his hand and pointed at the trembling Seventh Prince who instinctively retreated.


    ¡°Emperor Sword, please slay this person!¡±


    The instance Xu Qing finished speaking, the Emperor Sword in the air emitted supreme might. The heavens turned golden and illusory palaces rose from the ground. The figure of the Sword Holding Emperor manifested and stared over.


    As the Emperor Sword moved, slashing towards the Seventh Prince, its sword aura soared. Its momentum was akin to a rainbow that could devour mountains and rivers, causing the void to shatter wherever it passed.


    This sword contained the soul of the human race, bearing the weight of the vicissitudes of time, unstoppable and unblockable by anyone.


    The Seventh Prince was overflowing with horror, rushing desperately towards the Emperor, despair evident in his cries.


    ¡°Father Emperor¡­¡±


    His utterances ended here.


    The Emperor¡¯s Sword, carrying the might to cleave through the heavens, swept across him. The Seventh Prince had neither the qualification to resist nor the ability to evade. In this sweep, his body trembled violently, his hands shattered, his legs crushed, and his torso exploded.


    For a brief moment, remnants of resentment and terror lingered in his eyes, only to dissipate as his head was crushed, vanishing from the world.


    He turned into ashes.


    His soul too couldn¡¯t escape the calamity and directly disintegrated. His body and soul were destroyed completely.


    The Dao he had cultivated all his life was too reduced to nothing at this moment.


    His imperial bloodline couldn¡¯t delay his death.


    Under the Emperor Sword, even an emperor could be killed, let alone a prince.

 Chapter 1203 - 1203 Display Item

    1203 Display Item


    The sky grew calm.


    The earth fell silent.


    The entire world seemed to become still.


    But at this moment, within the Imperial Academy and among all the various forces in the Imperial Capital, violent storms surged in their hearts. All their divine senses, all their gazes, converged on the Emperor Sword in the air above the academy and¡­ where the Seventh Prince had disappeared.


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s body and soul were destroyed, and had no chance to enter reincarnation.


    A dignified prince had fallen just like that.


    This was the second prince who had died during the reign of the Human Emperor Mystic War.


    Back then, when the Eleventh Prince died, the Human Emperor was filled with monstrous anger. In order to investigate this matter, the blood rain that was caused inside and outside the Imperial City spread to an extremely large range and countless people died.


    It only slowly calmed down a year later.


    Today¡­ another prince died, right in front of the Human Emperor and countless people.


    Moreover, the Human Emperor had already agreed for the Seventh Prince to use the Immortal Inquisition Bell to prove his innocence, but Xu Qing had refuted him.


    As a result, the turmoil of their minds created a stifling atmosphere, with rapid breaths turning into a heavy tension. The gazes from all directions seemed to transform into towering mountains pressing down from all sides.


    They gathered in the Imperial City and accumulated in the Imperial Academy. In the end, this heavy weight bore down upon Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression under the mask didn¡¯t change at all. He slowly descended from the air, landing on the white Dao platform. There, he bowed respectfully to the phantoms of the ancestors in the sky, to the Imperial Academy students below, and to the Variant Immortal School Head behind him.


    Finally, he lifted his hand and paused a little, before slowly removing the mask on his face. He removed the concealment given by the Imperial Academy¡¯s rules and revealed his true appearance.


    That face that was revealed in front of everyone was peerlessly beautiful.


    Like the first ray of sunlight at dawn, it bathed the Imperial Academy in a gentle yet dazzling glow.


    Beneath the arched eyebrows, a pair of eyes as deep as tranquil lakes, akin to the North Star in the night sky, exuded an aura of transcendence, calmness, and composure.


    His long hair flowed like a waterfall, fluttering in the wind. Every strand was filled with the power of life and determination to kill.


    All of this caused Xu Qing to resemble a radiant star in the night sky.


    The corners of his student robe fluttered lightly like drifting clouds in a poem, and the remnants of golden light upon him shimmered like the reflection of the moon on a tranquil autumn lake¡ªbrilliant and serene.


    The Emperor Sword whistled back, slowly fusing into Xu Qing¡¯s back. Although it gradually disappeared, its existence was the symbol of Xu Qing¡¯s identity.


    Xu Qing lifted his head, casting one last glance towards the Emperor in the projection in the sky.


    He bowed.


    He bowed deeply, paying respects first as a student to the students and the Variant Immortal School, then removing his mask and bowing as the Region Lord to the Emperor.


    The Human Emperor remained silent, and nobody knew what he was thinking. After a while, he slowly closed his eyes. The gazes of the thirteen Heavenly Kings under his command, though their faces were blurred, were filled with profound meaning as they looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing also didn¡¯t speak. After bowing, he came to the side of the shocked Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head and sat at the side with his eyes closed.


    Last night, in that house, the moment he obtained the jade slip, he had already tried to summon the Emperor Sword. At that time¡­ the Emperor Sword moved.


    This was also the reason why Xu Qing was certain that the Seventh Prince would definitely die.


    As for the many times the Seventh Prince wanted to prove himself with the Immortal Inquisition Bell, Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to test it and wouldn¡¯t give the other party this chance, regardless of whether the scene in the jade token was true or false.


    That wasn¡¯t important.


    The Emperor Sword moved and it was enough to explain everything.


    As Xu Qing closed his eyes, the silence in the surroundings lasted for a long time before the sound of someone gulping could be heard. This was the first time in their lives that they had seen someone kill a prince with their own eyes.


    This impact was incomparable.


    Regardless of whether it was the people from the Imperial Academy or the cultivators from the Imperial Capital, the ones who were the most shaken were¡­ the other princes.


    The Third Prince, who was standing beside the Principal, couldn¡¯t help but shudder. The gaze he used to look at Xu Qing was also filled with reverence and fear.


    He wasn¡¯t clean either, so he was afraid.


    Outside the Imperial Academy, from the Eldest Prince to the Tenth Prince, their hearts instinctively trembled. For them, Xu Qing¡¯s actions this time had already possessed the authority of the Tutor of the Princes.


    Even the Tutor of the Princes only had the authority to restrain, not the right to execute.


    How could they not be afraid of Xu Qing? After all¡­ the move by the Emperor Sword represented the righteousness of the human race. Even the Human Emperor couldn¡¯t stop it, so how could the others resist?


    ¡°His authority¡­ is too great!¡± This was the thought of all the princes other than Ning Yan.


    When Xu Qing chose to sit beside the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head, it gave off a different meaning.


    All of a sudden, in the eyes of the students and various forces, the Variant Immortal School looked different.


    This was the school Xu Qing had chosen. Moreover, Xu Qing had proved that this school wasn¡¯t evil. With the might of killing the Seventh Prince, he used blood to wash away the misunderstandings of the world about the Variant Immortal School and the slanders from the Divine Fusion School.


    The emotional upheaval caused by these events had already reached an unprecedented level.


    Soon, the rainbow light from the Variant Immortal School¡¯s Dao Platform directly soared from a thousand feet to tens of thousands of feet tall. All the students who had joined the Variant Immortal School were extremely excited at this moment.


    As for the students from the other schools, perhaps they didn¡¯t approve of the Variant Immortal School, or perhaps they had never encountered Xu Qing before and were unfamiliar with him. However, now they witnessed Xu Qing displaying the might of the Emperor Sword without fear of the imperial power,


    This scene brought an unprecedented huge impact to the younger generation.


    ¡°No wonder he could become the ruler of a region!¡±


    ¡°I heard that back then, it was Xu Qing who stood out alone and uncovered the cause of the storm in Fenghai County!¡±


    ¡°I also heard that during the Sword Holder¡¯s Heart Inquisition, Xu Qing¡¯s answer resulted in a 100,000 feet of light to shine. This means that his character can be trusted. I originally thought that this was more or less an exaggeration, but from the looks of it now, this might be the reason why the Emperor Sword chose him!¡±


    ¡°The person recognized by the Great Emperor and chosen by the Emperor Sword chose the Variant Immortal School. This school¡­ must be extraordinary!¡±


    As various thoughts echoed in the students¡¯ minds, the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head felt tumultuous emotions surging within him. A sense of dizziness grew stronger, and he felt as if his head was congested, overwhelmed by waves of excitement.


    Today¡¯s events had completely exceeded his expectations. Even now, he hadn¡¯t fully adapted to them. Instinctively, he looked towards Xu Qing beside him, opened his mouth to speak, but found himself at a loss for words.


    Finally, he took a deep breath and lifted his head, proudly looking at the silent Divine Fusion School on the black Dao Platform.


    The Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head¡¯s gaze remained fixed on Xu Qing, displaying a mixture of complexity, nostalgia, and a hint of sharpness. Eventually, he withdrew his gaze and looked towards the place where the Seventh Prince had fallen, sighing lightly.


    ¡®What a well-planned show for the Emperor¡­ The Seventh Prince, this chess piece, hasn¡¯t demonstrated its value yet, nor has it reached the point of being extinguished, but it was prematurely detonated.¡¯


    ¡®I think Xu Qing¡­ has guessed my identity.¡¯


    ¡®Twice¡­ This time, I miscalculated by two points.¡¯


    The Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head sighed lightly, his gaze shifting towards the direction of the Star-Picking Tower. A sense of remorse welled up in his heart as he felt that he might truly be growing old.


    At that moment, amidst the silence, the Principal let out a deep sigh.


    He didn¡¯t expect such a situation to occur during a Dao discussion. Moreover, the Dao discussion¡­ wasn¡¯t over yet.


    Hence, after a brief moment of contemplation, he looked towards the Human Emperor.


    ¡°Proceed.¡±


    The Human Emperor spoke, his voice deep and resonant.


    The Principal froze as he heard some additional meaning. Hence, his hoarse voice echoed in the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°The third segment of the Dao Discussion will be futurity!¡±


    ¡°Futurity signifies the future. Both the Variant Immortal School and the Divine Fusion School have already expressed their respective ideologies prior to this, but ultimately, we cultivators must see whose path leads straight to the Great Dao.¡±


    ¡°The students here are witnesses. Please display your cultivation arts!¡±


    After the Principal finished speaking, the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head took a deep breath and stood up. All his cultivation base erupted and more than 100,000 soul threads spread out from his body, forming a vortex in the air. As it rumbled, it weaved into an earth child.


    This was his limit but the Variant Immortal School¡­ had an ancestor as well.


    Shortly after, the earth child let out a roar in the direction of the Variant Immortal white tower.


    The roar was like thunder that exploded in all directions. In the white tower of the Variant Immortal School, the room of seclusion opened loudly. A white-haired old man in a Daoist robe walked out.


    This old man wasn¡¯t wearing a mask and his eyes were filled with spirit. His entire body emitted a terrifying pressure as he walked step by step in the air.


    In the blink of an eye, he arrived on the Dao Platform of the Variant Immortal School.


    His appearance caused many discussions. The Principal stared at the person and spoke softly.


    ¡°Chen Daoze.¡±


    The person who arrived was none other than the ancestor of the Variant Immortal School, Chen Daoze.


    At that moment, he was standing on the Variant Immortal Dao Platform. The first person he looked at wasn¡¯t the Principal but Xu Qing.


    After staring at him, Chen Daoze nodded slightly. He then gazed at the Principal and cupped his fists.


    ¡°Principal, I just exited my secluded practice, so I am a bit late.¡±


    ¡°The discussion of futurity will be shown by me.¡±


    As he spoke, Chen Dao¡¯s body rumbled and soul threads rose from his sea of consciousness. 100,000, 200,000, 300,000, 400,000¡­ Finally, 600,000 soul threads covered the sky and earth, churning in all directions.


    Its aura shook the area.


    Finally, they gathered and weaved together, forming an even more vast figure. Divine power spread out, the world dimmed, and anomalous substances spread.


    That figure was a god!


    It was a black-skeleton god who had been killed by the Great Emperor in years past.


    Tattered black robes billowed around its form, while its deer-like body was covered in scales, and its four eyes exuded a light that incorporated the light of the sun and moon. Standing tall in the sky, it instilled fear in all living beings.


    The students of the Imperial Academy were rendered speechless, while those from various forces outside were equally shaken to their core.


    Those who knew about the Variant Immortal School knew that 600,000 soul threads had never been accomplished before. It was almost a myth. Hence, an uproar broke out.


    ¡°600,000 to weave the body of a god¡­¡±


    ¡°This¡­ this is the Variant Immortal School?¡±


    Gasps of horror rang out in the surroundings of the Imperial Academy¡¯s Dao platform.


    ¡°It¡¯s merely a form, devoid of its divinity. Using 600,000 soul threads just for this, looks like the Variant Immortal art is nothing more than this.¡±


    Amidst the uproar of the students, a low voice emanated from the black Dao Platform where the school head of the Divine Fusion School stood.


    He recognized that his time was running out, and at this moment, he no longer cared about life or death. What he cared about was displaying the item.


    Since the display item prepared for the buyer had been cut down before demonstrating its value, why not use himself as the display item?


    At the pondered of this, a hint of determination appeared in the eyes of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head. As his voice echoed, he slowly positioned up.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes also opened at this instance as he gazed at the school head. At this moment, his killing intent couldn¡¯t be suppressed and transformed into an invisible sword that was extremely sharp.

 Chapter 1204 - 1204 A Million Soul Threads Spreading in the Sky

    1204 A Million Soul Threads Spreading in the Sky


    As the voice of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head continued to echo, his figure rose from the Dao Platform. With a step forward, he left the platform and stood in the air.


    Standing there, his gaze swept past Xu Qing. Finally, he lifted his head and looked at the Human Emperor in the projection. After a slight bow, a terrifying aura erupted from him.


    This aura surrounded his body in wisps, continuously swirling and forming visible vortexes that spread throughout the entire Imperial Academy. Wherever it passed, it was like a sweeping storm.


    Suddenly, fierce winds howled, and the Dao Platform trembled. Everyone took a step back, their eyes filled with solemnity. This aura was truly inhuman.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze also narrowed. He understood Illuminate and had also seen Saintly Star¡¯s father¡¯s god specimen body. Moreover, his understanding of gods far exceeded the norm.


    After all, his divine repository could let him transform into a god.


    Hence, at this moment, he could tell at a glance that the aura on the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head¡¯s body was composed of anomalous substances and divine sources.


    That was indeed the case.


    At that moment, the divinity emanating from the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head was incredibly prominent, resembling the presence of god¡¯s sense descending upon the mortal realm.


    ¡°In the discussion of futurity, it is about showcasing the essence of the school. While the Divine Fusion School¡¯s art isn¡¯t perfect, it¡¯s currently the closest method to become a god.¡±


    The Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head spoke hoarsely. He lifted his left hand and pushed upwards.


    In an instant, the skin on his left hand ignited with black flames. His skin turned into ashes in a moment, revealing his true right hand.


    This hand was black, resembling crystal, a hand made entirely of black crystal. Within it surged dense divinity, intertwined with the flow of divine sources.


    Everyone who saw it was shocked.


    The various forces were also in deep thought.


    The Human Emperor was expressionless. His eyes were pitch-black like an abyss. The 13 Heavenly Kings under him remained silent.


    Only the voice of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head echoed.


    ¡°This is my god¡¯s left hand, fused from the crystal cores of 1,798 divine creatures.¡±


    ¡°The students of the God Fusion School tried different fusion methods, with a total of 3,175 different permutations summarized. I personally tried each one and determined the correct sequence. By following this method, low-level cultivators will be able to form a hand like mine in a hundred years.¡±


    ¡°Higher level cultivators can achieve it in an instant.¡±


    The Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head spoke softly. After he finished speaking, he lifted his right hand as well. The skin on it instantly dissipated and a god¡¯s right hand that was completely different from his left hand appeared in front of everyone.


    This right hand was purplish red and was squirming. Upon closer look, one could see that what formed this right hand were purple nematodes.


    Every nematode emitted the fluctuations of divinity, densely intertwining with each other. The intensity of these fluctuations shook Imperial Academy, causing a surge in anomalous substances, shrouding everything in a blurred sensation.


    The sky suddenly dimmed. Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled, roaring through the world.


    Regardless of whether it was the students or the various forces, their expressions changed to varying degrees after sensing this scene.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze became increasingly sharp. Through this hand, he could already tell that Illuminate¡¯s experiments on gods had already reached beyond the level of god specimens.


    ¡°This is my god¡¯s right hand. extracted from the remains of an unknown god who perished alongside a scattered nonhuman race¡¯s emperor.¡±


    ¡°According to the methods of the Divine Fusion School, directly absorbing the remains of a god would be beyond what the body can withstand. Hence, a balance is needed. The first step is the left hand, which had to be completed before I attempted the right hand.¡±


    ¡°The exact method is recorded in the Divine Fusion records.¡±


    The Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head explained in detail. It was as though in his understanding, his body didn¡¯t belong to him at this moment but was just a commodity.


    He seemed like a shopkeeper, presenting his goods to a buyer.


    ¡°And my body¡­¡±


    The Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head rose higher in the sky. He placed his arms on his robe and suddenly removed them. Amidst the tearing sounds, his robe was torn apart, revealing a sinister-looking body.


    This body was pieced together from a large number of divine materials.


    Some places had bones growing out, some had fur, some were filled with scales, some were like crystals, and some had nematodes and bugs of various shapes.


    Every piece emitted a dense divine fluctuation.


    From afar, it seemed as if someone had spilled a palette onto a canvas, violently mixing the colors to create a chaotic array. Some areas were distinctly separated like stitched seams, while others had seamlessly blended together.


    Yet, strangely, with prolonged observation, this chaos seemed to have reversed itself, giving rise to an overwhelming sense of order, imbued with a unique sense of beauty and a degree of natural perfection.


    It was as though this was a perfect work of the creator.


    Its aura erupted explosively amidst everyone¡¯s shock. As wind and clouds surged, the surroundings became more blurry and anomalous substances grew violently.


    The Imperial Academy actually showed signs of transforming into a forbidden zone.


    This scene shook the world.


    The Human Emperor leaned forward slightly and took a closer look.


    The Heavenly Kings under him also had strange gazes.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was also solemn. This was because he could sense the emotions of desire from the shadow.


    ¡°Fragrant¡­ Eat¡­ don¡¯t dare.¡±


    The only thing that was incongruous with this body was the location of the heart on its chest¡­ That area was sunken and there was no heart.


    ¡°This body was formed from 9,785 types of divine materials. The sequence of fusion has to be correct, or the body will collapse. After many years of experiments, I finally found the correct sequence. There are also low-level substitutes documented in my school¡¯s records.¡±


    ¡°As for the heart, you can see that it¡­ is missing.¡±


    The Divine Fusion School Master raised his hand and touched the hole in his caved-in chest.


    ¡°This is because this is the last step of my Divine Fusion School method and also the main point that determines strength. It requires the heart of an utmost powerful expert. Once it is fused¡­¡±


    The school head swept his gaze across the surroundings and calmly spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have the foundation of a god.¡±


    ¡°At that time, Nihility could use this method to break through the limit of aptitude and change their path to a divine cultivator.¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, the hearts of many people from the various forces in the capital trembled.


    ¡°The Soul Accumulation can also use this to break through the shackles of the bloodline and change to the Divine Dao.¡±


    This sentence caused the eyes of the Heavenly Kings under the Human Emperor to shine even brighter.


    ¡°As for the ruler¡­ by coordinating with some special rituals, burning all this can achieve the goal of continuing the path, turning it into the key to divinity, a monochrome divine fire!¡±


    ¡°As for the divine cultivators, there¡¯s no such thing as the ruler realm. There¡¯s only the process of accumulating and igniting the divine fire. Below the divine fire, everything is divinity, with varying strengths, but ultimately their level is not high enough.


    Only when the divine fire is ultimately ignited can one leap over the dragon gate, turning the world upside down and experiencing a comprehensive enhancement.


    Afterward, all races referred to them as gods. In past eras, this level compared to cultivators is akin to being a Ruler or a half immortal.¡±


    ¡°So, although cultivating divine fire seems like a cultivation art of the same level for a Ruler, in reality, the path of a Ruler is already blocked. The moment one becomes a ruler, progress becomes difficult, and it¡¯s even more unlikely to break through to become a Quasi Immortal. However, after changing to the divine fire, if it burns with seven colors or more, one reaches the level of a high god, akin to the pinnacle of Ruler. This is a different kind of cultivation.¡±


    ¡°If one can ultimately cultivate the nine-colored divine fire and raise their own Dao altar, they will be an existence that surpasses a high god.¡±


    ¡°For example, the Great Emperors who were at Quasi Immortal realm.¡±


    ¡°And this is the answer to the futurity by our Divine Fusion School. It is also a gift our school has prepared for the human race.¡±


    After the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head finished speaking, he bowed to the Human Emperor.


    The Imperial Academy and the various forces remained silent. The Human Emperor closed his eyes.


    Everyone was thinking about the words of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head. Although the Variant Immortal School had also displayed the image of a god, their level was clearly inferior to the Divine Fusion School.


    Hence, the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head was a little anxious and looked at his ancestor. Chen Daoze was very calm. He waved his hand and dispersed the god¡¯s image, turning it back into 600,000 soul threads that returned to his body.


    After that, he stood on the white Dao platform and looked at Xu Qing. He then lowered his head and bowed.


    Everyone who saw this bow instantly felt their hearts stir.


    The heart of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head trembled. The thoughts he had eliminated earlier instantly rose again and he abruptly looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Is he¡­¡±


    The Principal, the Third Prince, and all the students here were in deep thought. An unbelievable premonition instantly rose in their minds.


    ¡°Could it be¡­¡±


    The various forces outside also quickly suppressed their thoughts about the Divine Fusion School. Their gazes and perception then landed on Xu Qing again.


    Under the convergence of the thoughts of everyone, Xu Qing slowly stood up from the Dao platform.


    His rise caused everyone to be shocked and all the princes¡¯ hearts to palpitate. They only relaxed after seeing that there remained no golden light in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and that the Emperor Sword didn¡¯t manifest.


    This time around, Xu Qing didn¡¯t manifest the Emperor Sword, but he also had no intention of concealing the matter of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s soul seed. Since he was going to kill, he would do so thoroughly. The rise of the Variant Immortal School would also be a thorough rise. he.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing took a step forward. The instant he took this step, soul threads shot out from his body and headed straight for the sky.


    100,000, 300,000, 500,000, 800,000, 1 million¡­


    This wasn¡¯t the end. 1.1 million, 1.2 million, 1.3 million!


    A total of 1.3 million soul threads stirred up a storm in the sky and churned in all directions, causing the sky to transform into pitch-black. It remained a shocking sight, as though doomsday had arrived.


    Very soon, these soul threads transformed into a huge vortex that covered the entire sky. It was as though they had replaced the sky and become the sky!


    Its aura shook everything in the surroundings.


    All the students around the Dao platform were shocked when they saw this scene. There were even people from the Variant Immortal School who cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°This is¡­ how many soul threads!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s more than twice that of Ancestor Chen Dao!¡±


    The various forces outside were moreover shaken.


    Xu Qing¡¯s long hair fluttered as he stepped forward and walked into the air step by step. When he arrived in front of the million soul threads and lowered his chief to look at the ground, he lifted his right palm and waved it. Immediately, the 1.3 million soul threads behind him surged and began to weave.


    In the blink of an eye, the first layer of god form appeared.


    Xu Qing walked out and positioned in front of the god. There were stars in his eyes as he stared at the Divine Fusion.

 Chapter 1205 - 1205 Peak of the Variant Immortal

    1205 Peak of the Variant Immortal


    1.3 million soul threads were like a million long snakes that kept intertwining and gathering, forming a shocking body that was thousands of feet tall.


    This body had the form of the Ghost Emperor, exuding a pressure that could shake the world. Above its head, a crown formed by D132 descended, crowning it like an emperor. Its aura permeated with imperial majesty, transforming into golden dragons roaring in all directions.


    Even the morning glow was simulated by the soul threads, shining around it, giving it a halo of a god.


    The roar of the mosasaur echoed within it, thundering like heavenly thunder, shaking the minds of all onlookers. The sense of heavenly Dao was particularly strong, burning fiercely within it like a furnace.


    The flames of the furnace spread outward, forming a vast sea of fire that surged and rolled for 50 kilometers.


    The towering body in the center of the sea of fire raised its right hand and grabbed at the air. Immediately, a Golden Crow spear appeared, firmly held in its grasp. With a wave of its hand, the spear tilted and pointed at the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head.


    The shape of the Golden Crow could be seen on the spear tip. It was very clear and its eyes were sharp. It spat out flames that fused into the sea of fire. Under this enhancement, the towering body gave off the presence of a god.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s first god form and it was the most complete form!


    However, it was different from the past. This time, He didn¡¯t fuse with Xu Qing but was behind Xu Qing, emanating monstrous divine might.


    As for Xu Qing, he stood in front of the god form and stepped on the flames. Compared to the god form, the difference in size was clearly huge but he gave off the feeling of controlling a god.


    It was as though the god had become a foil.


    This scene caused everyone in the Imperial Academy and the various forces to be shaken, even the Human Emperor was observing closely.


    The school head of the Variant Immortal School was extremely excited. Beside him, Chen Daoze took a deep breath. He had mixed feelings and emotions in his eyes.


    As for the disciples from the Variant Immortal School, they no longer hid their identities. Their eyes are filled with excitement, unable to hide their admiration for Xu Qing¡¯s actions, yearning to follow in his footsteps.


    This Dao discussion between the two major schools had unknowingly become Xu Qing¡¯s stage alone.


    He killed a prince and showed himself as a Variant Immortal.


    And now, his other identity was self-evident.


    The Variant Immortal School¡¯s¡­ mysterious master!


    One had to know that this mysterious master was discussed to be the strongest ancestor of the Variant Immortal School and the source of the rise of the Variant Immortals.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s appearance now caused an incomparably intense commotion among the Variant Immortal School disciples.


    Those core disciples of the Variant Immortal School were already shocked when Xu Qing revealed his identity as a region lord. Now that they realized that Xu Qing was actually the source of the Variant Immortal School, their hearts were in turmoil.


    The core disciple who once glared angrily at Xu Qing was now pale-faced, while those who vied for the chief disciple position were also feeling uneasy.


    As for the three core disciples who had joined earlier than Xu Qing, their eyes were wide open.


    ¡°Ancestor¡­ was printing the newsletters with us?¡±


    There was also a student in the crowd. This person was none other than the mysterious woman outside the Star Emperor¡¯s branch sect back then. She looked at Xu Qing who was in the air. She looked extremely confident and her heart continued to fluctuate.


    ¡°So, it¡¯s you!¡±


    The woman gritted her teeth.


    Under the gaze of everyone, Xu Qing, who was standing in front of the god form, stared at the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Variant Immortal School refines soul threads and uses it to weave divinity, forming divine figures.¡±


    ¡°However, all of this is only the surface. The greatest use of the Variant Immortal School is to turn the divine source into the power to break through!¡±


    ¡°When you reach your limit, burn the divine figure and transform it into a huge driving force to forcefully break through the barrier and connect to the path ahead. You can then arrive into a new path, using the god to become an immortal, a Variant Immortal.¡±


    ¡°In outsider¡¯s perspective, the reason why Variant Immortal School declined in the past was due to its slow cultivation progress. However, in reality, it was because there had never been a million soul threads.¡±


    ¡°A million soul threads can give birth to Dao seeds. By integrating Dao seeds, disciples can accelerate their cultivation.¡±


    ¡°Now, 300,000 Variant Immortal soul threads can weave the divine figure behind me, reaching the first stage of Nihility. Burning it can advance cultivation and break through the barrier!¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke, he looked at Chen Daoze.


    Chen Daoze naturally knew what Xu Qing meant. Hence, he took a deep breath and bowed respectfully to Xu Qing. After that, he lifted his head and stared at the divine figure behind Xu Qing. He was extremely meticulous, observing every inch of it.


    He had been immersed in the Variant Immortal School art for more than 2,000 years and his observation skills had long been perfected. Even though Xu Qing¡¯s divine figure was complicated, he still understood something a while later. He lifted his right hand and waved it.


    Immediately, 600,000 soul threads spread out from his body and danced outside. They quickly weaved behind him, forming the outline of a prototype and undergoing subtle adjustments.


    Finally¡­ a god form body that was slightly smaller than Xu Qing¡¯s was weaved.


    It had the exact same appearance and even its aura was the same. The only difference was that Xu Qing¡¯s divine figure was more realistic.


    Their essences were originally different. However, with the help of the Dao seed, their essences became similar at this instant.


    This scene shocked everyone.


    After all, seeing and doing were completely different things.


    The disciples of the Variant Immortal School were all excited because Ancestor Chen Daoze had formed Xu Qing¡¯s divine figure. This meant that everyone who met the requirements in the future could do it. This was hope.


    The most excited person was the school head of the Variant Immortal School. What he saw was even more profound than ordinary students, and knew that this scene was extremely significant.


    This was an unprecedented development of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s cultivation art. It raised the Variant Immortal School to a higher level.


    Before this, 200,000 soul threads was the limit of the Variant Immortal School.


    Now, they had reached a step higher.


    Ordinary students didn¡¯t realize this meaning but most of the various forces understood. While they had mixed feelings, they also foresaw that the Variant Immortal School¡­ would belong to Xu Qing from now on.


    Regardless of whether it was from Xu Qing¡¯s identity as the source or his contribution to the rise of the Variant Immortal School, this school would completely belong to Xu Qing alone in the future.


    This would be his school!


    Everyone fell into deep thought. However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t finished yet.


    ¡°100,000 soul threads can be used to weave the earth child. 200,000 soul threads can be used to weave Heavenly Kui. As for this divine image that can be formed from 300,000 soul threads, it is called the Emperor God¡­ Next, there¡¯s the form of 500,000 soul threads!¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing closed his eyes. The god form behind him dispersed and 1.3 million soul threads expanded, covering the sky again.


    When the world darkened, these soul threads rapidly contracted and gathered again, weaving again, transforming into black poison mist that molded a demonic god-like body.


    An armor covering its entire body, and the fog on its back transformed into a cloak that fluttered in the wind, covering the sky.


    Decay and poison erupted from this body. Darkness and gloom spread in all directions.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes. Nether flames appeared within the helmet of the divine image, coldly surveying the heavens and earth, like a demon.


    ¡°This is a Demonic God.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice was a little hoarse and his tone was cold.


    When the cultivators saw the Demonic God and sensed its poison, their expressions instantly changed.


    They felt that the first divine image was still alright, but they could sense a dense aura of death from the second one.


    Before everyone could continue sensing, Xu Qing lifted his hands. The second god form behind him expanded, undergoing a bizarre transformation.


    Purple appeared in the darkness and transformed into long hair that continued to extend until it landed on the ground. From afar, it looked like a purple waterfall.


    The armor disappeared, revealing Xu Qing¡¯s appearance, while its body took on an even more sinister appearance. Outside the crystal-like bones, there were numerous blood vessels intertwining, forming flesh, and countless blood vessels spread out like tentacles in all directions.


    Enormous wings formed from purple feathers and flesh began to emerge on its back. With a slight movement, the heavens and earth lost their color, and the winds began to howl.


    Finally, a purple moon slowly rose behind it!


    The appearance of this form was like the eruption of anomalous substances. Everything turned hazy, but the invasive power of the anomalous substances was restrained, and only its aura spread.


    The god¡¯s aura.


    ¡°This god¡¯s name is Purple Moon. It can be weaved with a million spirit threads.¡±


    ¡°And all of these are Variant Immortals.¡±


    Xu Qing, who was in front of the third god form, slowly opened his eyes.


    As for the cultivators from all directions, they were completely in an uproar. While they were shocked by Xu Qing¡¯s Purple Moon body, Xu Qing¡¯s voice was still echoing.


    ¡°This is the method of the Variant Immortal School. You don¡¯t have to use heavenly materials to replace your body, nor do you have to take on an inhuman appearance. With a thought, the Variant Immortal can reverse the heavens and earth and form their own immortal body.¡±


    ¡°To weave a god and break through one¡¯s shackles is a variant.¡±


    ¡°To control a god and fight for oneself, that is an immortal.¡±


    ¡°This is the ideology of the Variant Immortal School.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a concept in the Divine Fusion School that I agree with. Gods are just tools, but we don¡¯t have to become gods. With the path of immortals, it¡¯s not impossible to use gods as tools.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke, his voice echoing in everyone¡¯s minds.


    Regardless of whether it was in everyone¡¯s gaze or minds, Xu Qing¡¯s status continued to increase.


    He was the ruler of a region. He carried the Emperor Sword and was the source of Variant Immortals. He had killed the prince and displayed three terrifying gods. All of this combined with Xu Qing¡¯s words at this moment caused his prestige to reach its peak.


    This kind of peak was also the result Xu Qing wanted. This was because this could allow his words to have more weight and kill people against whom the Emperor Sword didn¡¯t move.


    The Emperor Sword couldn¡¯t be controlled at will.


    For example, Xu Qing had called out to the Emperor Sword to make a move against the Divine Fusion School¡¯s academy head, but it didn¡¯t move.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have much thoughts about this.


    He believed in the Emperor Sword, but he also knew that when the Emperor Sword killed people, it depended on the harm they caused to the human race, and it wouldn¡¯t move because of personal grudge.


    However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t the Emperor Sword.


    He didn¡¯t have such noble sentiments. What he thought about were first his friends and Fenghai County. As for the Imperial Capital, he didn¡¯t have a sense of belonging.


    Therefore, since what the academy head of the Divine Fusion School did didn¡¯t cause the Emperor Sword to move, he would do it himself.


    Hence, his gaze first landed on the Human Emperor in the projection before he retracted it. He looked at the academy head of the Divine Fusion School who had a complicated expression on his face, and killing intent rose in his gaze as he spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°Bai Xiaozhuo, the former Fenghai County Governor of the Purple Green Kingdom, what do you think about this?¡±

 Chapter 1206 - 1206 Deputy Governor, Please Correct

    1206 Deputy Governor, Please Correct


    Perhaps some individuals already knew the true identity of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head. However, 99% of the humans in the Imperial City had no idea about this at all.


    After all, the special rules of the Imperial Academy caused the identities of the people inside to be protected.


    Previously, very few people in the Grand Imperial Capital Region had heard of the organization ¡®Illuminate¡¯. It was only when the incident in Fenghai County happened that its name spread throughout the entire human race like a storm.


    After that, following the decree of the Human Emperor, a manhunt for Illuminate ensued, causing the name Illuminate to become widely recognized.


    Hence, in the perception of the vast majority of cultivators, Illuminate came to represent chaos, evil, and disaster, especially with the blood performances of this organization, which were even more horrifying to those who were paying attention.


    As the protagonist of the event in Fenghai County, the rumors surrounding Bai Xiaozhuo solidified his identity in the hearts of all living beings as a representative figure of Illuminate.


    Hence, after Xu Qing¡¯s words rang out, it was as though thunder had exploded in the world, rumbling through space and echoing in all directions of the Imperial City.


    ¡°Illuminate?¡±


    ¡°How is this possible!¡±


    ¡°The Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head is Bai Xiaozhuo?¡±


    The sound of commotion erupted uncontrollably from the mouths of various students within the academy, especially among those of the Divine Fusion School, causing intense reverberations in their minds.


    They couldn¡¯t believe it, so their initial reaction was to consider the whole thing absurd. If it weren¡¯t for the momentum and status that Xu Qing had accumulated previously, along with the scene of the Emperor Sword slaying a prince, there would surely have been someone at this moment ready to voice their anger.


    Nevertheless, Xu Qing¡¯s words still stirred up turmoil within the Divine Fusion School¡¯s students, while the faces beneath the masks of the upper echelons of the Divine Fusion School underwent various.


    They didn¡¯t believe it either. Hence, gazes gathered from all directions and landed on the school head of the Divine Fusion School in the sky.


    The Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head calmly looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing stood there and also looked at the school head.


    ¡°Back then, I paid my respects to you, Deputy Governor, for your kindness in giving lessons and clearing my doubts, bringing peace to my heart.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke. It was a similar scene, a similar moment, with the same two people but different identities.


    ¡°It¡¯s the same as back then. Deputy Governor, we meet again.¡±


    ¡°Illuminate cultivators disdain lying and emphasize on everything being reasonable.¡±


    ¡°I said these words in Fenghai County, but you went against your conscience.¡±


    Xu Qing was calm and there were no emotions in his eyes.


    The gaze of the Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head was deep. He felt complicated as he sighed, but didn¡¯t say a word.


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°Deputy Governor, do you still remember what I said back then? If Divine Fusion¡¯s matter were your blood performance, then I still think it is quite disappointing.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s bad isn¡¯t just about the performance, it is about you as a person, going against your principles. You don¡¯t deserve to be called Illuminate.¡±


    ¡°So, are you going to go against your heart again today?¡±


    ¡°Deputy Governor, please correct me.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice echoed.


    The Divine Fusion School¡¯s school head closed his eyes and raised his right hand, placing it on his mask. After a pause, he slowly took it off, revealing his true appearance.


    It was the Bai Xiaozhuo from Xu Qing¡¯s memories.


    Numerous gazes instantly gathered. Countless people¡¯s hearts were in their throats and the entire Imperial Academy fell silent.


    To cultivators, looks couldn¡¯t be used as a basis. The aura they gave off was the main basis for identification. However, the current Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s aura was completely different from when he was in Fenghai County.


    Therefore, he could actually refute.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s words were as sharp as back then.


    ¡°Xu Qing, we meet again.¡±


    Bai Xiaozhuo, who had taken off his mask, had a calm expression.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t disappoint you this time, right? I¡¯m Bai Xiaozhuo, the Purple Green Kingdom¡¯s Fenghai County Governor, Bai Xiaozhuo!¡±


    Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s voice rang out. That calmness filled his entire person with an indescribable aura. It also stirred up a monstrous storm in the Imperial Capital.


    All the students¡¯ hearts rumbled and their eyes revealed shock. As for the students of the Divine Fusion School, they trembled..


    All the trust instantly collapsed after he personally admitted it. What followed was confusion, madness, and anger.


    The school head of the Divine Fusion School was actually Illuminate, whom everyone wanted to kill!


    It was Bai Xiaozhuo, who had brought the calamity to Fenghai County and caused countless humans to die!


    The revelation brought by these pieces of information filled the hearts of the students in the academy with upheaval. As for the high-ranking members of the Divine Fusion School, their minds were tumultuous at this moment.


    They couldn¡¯t believe it, nor were they willing to believe it. However, the truth was already in front of them.


    An even greater storm erupted outside the Imperial Academy. The expressions of the various forces changed one after another. No matter what, at least on the surface, Illuminate and Bai Xiaozhuo couldn¡¯t exist in the world.


    Hence, many auras locked onto him from all directions. The entire Imperial Academy was filled with an oppressive atmosphere.


    Killing intent filled the air, bringing with it a coldness that was like the harsh winter.


    The Principal didn¡¯t move, but his gaze was profound. With a wave of his hand, the Imperial Academy rumbled, and a protective array formation spread out from the Dao platform below, enveloping the surroundings and protecting all the students.


    However, Bai Xiaozhuo didn¡¯t seem to care about these anymore. He looked at Xu Qing and his hoarse voice rang out.


    ¡°You stood up alone in Fenghai County.¡±


    ¡°Today as well, you¡¯re the only one who stood up.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, aren¡¯t you sad? Is such a humanity what you want?¡±


    ¡°Your Emperor Sword won¡¯t move against me. Don¡¯t you understand what it means?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°Too complicated, I don¡¯t want to think about it.¡±


    ¡°I only know that I stood up in Fenghai County because of an old man I respect very much. He died in battle but he¡¯s still alive in my heart.¡±


    ¡°Regarding today¡¯s matter, Deputy Governor, you have misunderstood.¡±


    ¡°I only stood up because I want you to die.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s tone was calm.


    ¡°It¡¯s that simple?¡± The Deputy Governor laughed and asked the same question as before.


    ¡°Do I need anything else?¡± Xu Qing replied the same way as before.


    ¡°I believed you would say a lot this time.¡± The Deputy Governor smiled.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t last time, and I won¡¯t this time.¡±


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, he took a few steps back and returned to the white Dao platform of the Variant Immortal School. He then sat cross-legged.


    He no longer cared about Bai Xiaozhuo who was in the air.


    He had already done what he desired to do and revealed the latter¡¯s identity. Now, there was no need for him to act.


    That was because in the face of righteousness, no matter what standpoint one had, one couldn¡¯t choose to ignore it. The Human Emperor would deal with the subsequent matters.


    After all, this wasn¡¯t Fenghai County but the Imperial Capital.


    This was indeed the case.


    The Human Emperor lifted his head and his gaze landed on Bai Xiaozhuo. His dignified voice descended upon the world.


    ¡°Imperial Academy Principal, capture the fugitive, Bai Xiaozhuo!¡±


    When the Principal listened this, his hunched body slowly straightened. His white hair turned black and the wrinkles on his face instantly disappeared. He transformed from an old man to a middle-aged man.


    His body also emitted cracking sounds as he grew in size. The aura on his body erupted like a furnace, spreading out in waves. There were a thousand dao marks in his eyes and countless phantoms behind him. The sky changed color and an illusory world appeared on his left shoulder.


    It was the Perfected Nihility Realm!


    The imperial bloodline in him formed a golden dragon in the illusory world. The dragon rushed out and flew in the sky, letting out a roar at Bai Xiaozhuo.


    The Principal took a step forward. With this step, the sky and earth seemed to have reversed. Countless rules and laws changed according to his wishes. Images of the sun, moon, and stars appeared as though the stars had moved.


    Bai Xiaozhuo fell silent. He retracted his gaze from Xu Qing and observed at the sky. No one understood what he was thinking or looking at. The aura on his body also soared at this moment.


    The anomalous substances spread out, and the divine sources rose, emitting the same battle prowess fluctuations as the Principal.


    However, his combat strength didn¡¯t come from his cultivation base but from his divinity.


    At that moment, he lifted his left hand and pressed down on the golden dragon. As he waved his right hand, the surrounding anomalous substances formed a divine image that moved toward the Principal.


    A rumbling sound exploded in the sky.


    The two sides clashed, causing the space of Imperial Academy to tremble, the sky to darken as if doomsday had arrived, and fierce winds swept in from all directions, howling wildly.


    Every time they clashed, it was like heavenly thunder, resonating throughout.


    It was a confrontation between the rules and divinity, a bombardment between laws and divine sources, and above all, a duel between immortal cultivation and divine cultivation.


    Xu Qing calmly observed at everything.


    Bai Xiaozhuo was even stronger than when he was in Fenghai County.


    ¡®He should be stronger than this. He hasn¡¯t showed his puppet technique yet and the core of the Divine Fusion hasn¡¯t been revealed.¡¯


    As Xu Qing muttered to himself, the sky swayed and a vast figure manifested. It was like the hand of a god blotted out the sky as it pressed down on the Principal.


    The Principal was expressionless. The world on his left shoulder suddenly rose, emitting a resplendent and piercing light, overlapping with him, confronting the imposing force.


    Amidst the deafening sound, Bai Xiaozhuo remained calm, waving his hand. Immediately, five vortexes appeared in the void behind him and five puppets walked out from within them.


    It was impossible to tell if they were humans because their bodies were all pieced together from divine materials that emitted the power of the divine sources, causing the anomalous substances here to become denser again.


    Each of them emanated fourth stage Nihility energy and illusory worlds materialized around them. However, they were dead worlds, and within these worlds, statues of different gods were erected.


    After they appeared, they headed toward the Principal with killing intent.


    However, as one of the important places in the Imperial Capital, the Imperial Academy naturally didn¡¯t have just one expert. In an instant, seven to eight figures teleported over from all directions.


    These people were all the leaders of some schools. The moment they appeared and joined the battlefield, the battlefield became even chaotic.


    Fortunately, the space in the Imperial Academy was still stable and the array formation¡¯s defense was powerful. Hence, the students here were fine but there were still some who were bleeding.


    At the same time, in the projection of the palace in the sky, a Heavenly King turned his head and observed at the Human Emperor.


    The Human Emperor didn¡¯t say anything.


    The Heavenly King retracted his gaze and continued to look at the battle, not making a move.


    Xu Qing was also watching.

 Chapter 1207 - 1207 Setting Boundaries With the Gods

    1207 Setting Boundaries With the Gods


    Xu Qing knew his strength. He wasn¡¯t a match for Bai Xiaozhuo, who had the strength of the Perfected Nihility Realm.


    Unless he used the ancient sun.


    However, if he did that, the range of impact would be too great.


    The entire Imperial Academy was probably going to collapse and the Imperial City would also be in ruins.


    In addition¡­ Xu Qing felt that it wasn¡¯t worth using the ancient sun to kill Bai Xiaozhuo.


    Hence, the ancient sun¡¯s function was mostly to intimidate and protect himself.


    ¡®If the Emperor Sword moved, all of this would actually be simple.¡¯


    Xu Qing felt regretful.


    Since the Emperor Sword wasn¡¯t moving, Xu Qing understood that the only thing he could do to kill Bai Xiaozhuo was to use other forces.


    Expose Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s identity and destroy him using the righteousness of the human race.


    As for Crow, it wasn¡¯t time yet.


    With Xu Qing¡¯s current strength, it wasn¡¯t enough to completely shake a State Preceptor.


    Hence, he sat cross-legged on the white Dao platform that was enveloped by the array formation and looked at the battle in the sky with the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head, Chen Daoze, and a large number of students below.


    Compared to the calmness Xu Qing displayed at this moment, the Divine Fusion School¡¯s members were filled with endless complexity. There was also fear and trepidation that couldn¡¯t be suppressed.


    Even the school head of the Variant Immortal School felt great waves in his heart. He never expected that the school head of the Divine Fusion School was actually Illuminate¡¯s Bai Xiaozhuo.


    And this answer allowed him to see the light of hope.


    He understood that after this battle, the rise of the Variant Immortal School was unstoppable.


    The Divine Fusion School would collapse. All its higher-ups and students would definitely be strictly monitored to look for any other members of Illuminate.


    All of this was brought about by Ancestor Xu Qing.


    As all kinds of thoughts churned, the school head glanced at Chen Daoze who nodded slightly.


    The Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head made a decision. Hence, when he turned to look at Xu Qing, his eyes revealed deep respect.


    However, at this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s attention was only on the battlefield.


    This was a rare opportunity. It allowed everyone to have a better understanding of the Nihility realm.


    To Xu Qing, the meaning of watching the battle was especially profound.


    This was because this was also a battle between immortal and divine cultivators.


    Even though the level of the battle wasn¡¯t at the Soul Accumulation realm, the combined attacks of multiple Nihility fourth stage cultivators still blurred the sky.


    What those without sufficient cultivation saw was only flashes of lightning, glimpses of the sun and moon, accompanied by deafening thunder. Their ears were filled with the roars, and their vision was obscured.


    However, Spirit Repository cultivators could see more.


    They could sense the changes between the rules and laws in the sky. They could even sense that the rules had materialized, and he laws formed ancient figures that kept shaking the divinity from Illuminate¡¯s side.


    This was Dao Observation.


    Also, according to their respective experiences and the focus of their cultivation, the rules of the battlefield that different people saw were also different.


    Some may see clearly what others may perceive as vague, and vice versa.


    Hence, the students of Imperial Academy held their breaths and focused, each trying to gain insights.


    Only when one¡¯s cultivation reached the Nihility could they truly see all the appearances of the battlefield, see all the rules and laws revealed, and see countless Daos flowing.


    In Nihility¡¯s eyes, the battle in the sky was like an ancient battle. Every syllable of the rumbling sound contained a Great Dao technique.


    It continuously echoed and exploded the void, causing cracks to appear in the surrounding space.


    Upon closer inspection, these cracks also contained changes in the laws. It shocked people and at the same time, they instinctively fell into deep thought.


    However, all of this was actually just the surface. Only by reaching the same level or higher as them could one see through the true essence.


    Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation hadn¡¯t reached that level but he was different from the others.


    He was an immortal cultivator and also a divine cultivator.


    Hence, in his eyes, the battlefield was also different from others.


    In his vision, colorful lights intertwined in the sky like a flowing and abstract painting.


    In the scene, the god-like Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s figure was sometimes clear and sometimes blurry.


    Every time he flickered, he would appear in a different location.


    The cultivation base of the Principal was terrifying. Moreover, with the enhancement of the imperial bloodline, he was 30% stronger than an ordinary perfected Nihility cultivator.


    Every time he attacked, millions or even more Dao would manifest, coordinating with the life-bound golden dragon.


    The rules changed at his will.


    Sometimes, a dazzling sun was manifested, sometimes ancient war chariots charged forward, or even previously unseen giant beasts, demonstrating extraordinary Dao that suppressed Bai Xiaozhuo in various ways.


    As for the battles between others around them, although there was a difference between the school heads of the other schools, they were still astonishing.


    They fought against the five nonhuman Divine Fusion puppets until the sky was dark and everyone suffered some injuries.


    Perfected Nihility was considered the peak in any race.


    In fact, among some races that didn¡¯t have Soul Accumulation, they were like gods.


    Therefore, there were naturally some mystical characteristics of Perfected Nihility.


    For example, when their blood fell, it directly formed a blood-colored lake on the ground.


    The sounds of their battle could shatter the land.


    Fortunately, the array formation here was powerful. Under the full-powered operation, it protected the safety of the students inside and didn¡¯t let the battle interrupt the students¡¯ comprehension.


    Xu Qing was also comprehending. As he stared fixedly, many thoughts appeared in his mind. Coupled with his understanding, he gained a greater understanding of immortal and divine cultivators.


    ¡°Divine cultivators¡­ don¡¯t have any spells. The feeling They give off is that everything seems to be instinctive. It¡¯s as though this heaven and earth was born for Them. In this world, They are free and unrestrained.¡±


    ¡°Immortal cultivators are completely different. They are also using the power of heaven and earth but their method is different from divine cultivators. They use the rules and laws as threads to affect the power of heaven and earth.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like¡­ enslaving heaven and earth!¡±


    ¡°With the Heavenly Dao?¡±


    A strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as thoughts raced through his mind. He had gained many insights in this battle.


    ¡°Once the Heavenly Dao appears, it¡¯s like binding heaven and earth and setting boundaries with the gods!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled. He didn¡¯t know if his guess was right.


    However, from his current judgment, this was logical.


    If that was the case, it also explained why the earliest batch of ancient immortals wanted to raise the Heavenly Dao that belonged to cultivators after conquering the Wanggu Continent.


    The Heavenly Dao was to allow younger cultivators to cultivate better.


    This also explained why the cultivation art system of cultivators nurtured the Heavenly Dao in the Spirit Repository.


    ¡°As long as we replenish the Heavenly Dao at all times, this world will be in the hands of cultivators!¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s really as I guessed, then this is unprecedentedly significant information. The methods to control the world are integrated into the cultivation system of cultivators.¡±


    ¡°Such methods, such outlook and vision¡­¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and felt admiration for the earliest batch of ancient immortals. After that, he continued to observe the battle in the sky.


    The fragmented-face couldn¡¯t be seen in the sky of the Imperial Academy¡¯s sky, but this didn¡¯t affect Xu Qing¡¯s analysis.


    ¡°Every time the fragmented-face opens Its eyes, the Heavenly Dao will fall. The moment all the Heavenly Dao is destroyed, this Wanggu will become the world of the gods again.¡±


    ¡°Also, although the Wanggu World is large, it¡¯s only an insignificant part of the starry sky. Outside the Wanggu World¡­ what does it look like?¡±


    This was the first time Xu Qing thought of the scene beyond the Wanggu.


    ¡°There are holy lands there, and further away might be¡­ the place Li Zihua went to. It¡¯s also the location of the Purple Moon Star.¡±


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and focused on sensing his Purple Moon Star.


    Far, far away.


    The moment Xu Qing closed his eyes and sensed, a new transformation appeared on the combat zone in the sky.


    This change came from Bai Xiaozhuo.


    His body flashed and appeared even higher in the sky, and as the Principal approached, he raised both hands and his head, as if paying homage to the highest point of the sky.


    ¡°The merging of the primordial solar energy, the ancient eyes of the Divine Fusion, become the light of the starry sky, shining upon Wanggu, casting shadow and transforming the land into the Divine Realm.¡±


    ¡°Revered Lord of the Sun, God of the cosmos and all heavens, Illuminate.¡±


    ¡°Descend upon this land!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the sky of the Imperial Academy rumbled and the Imperial Capital shook. An extremely terrifying and indescribable vast might descended from the void and descended on the Imperial Capital and the sky of Imperial Academy.


    In an instant, an illusory and blurry scene appeared in the sky of Imperial Academy.


    It replaced the sky here, the Dao here, and everything here.


    In that scene, there were towering monstrous trees and bizarre beasts that emitted dense divinity fluctuations, and towering and indescribable ancient temples exuding the aura of time.


    One could see frozen seas, gaseous peaks, humanoid eerie clouds, octopus-like spirits resembling suns and moons, as well as some giant birds with wings that obscured the sky, soaring past with a deafening roar.


    They were immense in size, varied in form, with tentacles twisting and entwining, their bodies composed of mysterious and resilient materials.


    This was a realm filled with bizarre entities and mysteries.


    It was inconceivable and extremely strange. In the deepest depths, one could see a colossal and terrifying sphere, stretching for thousands of kilometers.


    This sphere was entirely black, covered with countless tentacles that writhed constantly. Within a half-closed eye shimmered an eerie light, as if capable of piercing through time and space.


    The voice emanating from the sphere was deep and resounding, like thunder rolling in the clouds.


    With its movements, the entire world trembled, the earth shook, the oceans churned, and the sky burned.


    Countless faces appeared on the surface of the black sphere. They were all singing and shouting the same words as Bai Xiaozhuo.


    Divine might overflowed into the sky.


    Even though it was just an image, it caused countless students in the Imperial Academy to vomit blood. There were even people who showed signs of mutation because of this. It was the same in the imperial city. In an instant, the entire Imperial City was enveloped by intense and domineering anomalous substances.


    People were horrified and there was a huge uproar.


    The expressions of the various forces changed drastically. The Human Emperor stood up and the expressions of the 13 Heavenly Kings under him changed as their auras rose.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned solemn as he stared fixedly at the projection realm above Bai Xiaozhuo. He had sensed a similar place and aura once.


    ¡°Divine Realm¡­¡±


    In the Imperial Capital, in the ancestral hall of the Mortal World Forgetful Tower, the clay fox statue enshrined in the shrine instantly trembled. Its head came alive and its glimpse suddenly opened, staring in the direction of the Imperial Academy.


    ¡°An unfamiliar Divine Realm!¡±


    ¡°The deity who was born inside¡­ No, this god¡­ Something¡¯s wrong!¡±


    At the same time, a shocking aura erupted from the statue of the Great Emperor erected in front of the Imperial Palace¡¯s rainbow bridge.


    The Great Emperor¡¯s glimpse slowly opened, revealing the vicissitudes of time. There were also cracking sounds echoing. The Great Emperor¡¯s head slowly turned and finally looked at the Imperial Academy.


    A deep voice that surpassed heavenly lightning rang out lightly.


    ¡°Sword hovers in the blue sky, move and you shall taste it.¡±

 Chapter 1208 - 1208 Descent of the Divine Realm

    1208 Descent of the Divine Realm


    The voice of the Great Emperor rang out like thunder, sweeping through the entire sky.


    It was soul-stirring, as though the world was resonating with it.


    This voice surpassed all decrees, all divine abilities, and all wills.


    Those were the words of the Great Emperor. It represented the inheritance, civilization, and the will of the human race.


    The voice was domineering and its words were earth-shattering.


    The imperial city trembled, as though a storm had swept through all directions. All buildings were violently shaken, leaving people trembling with fear.


    As the voice entered the Imperial Academy, it seemed to pierce through the sky, resonating like a mighty bell. All the students felt a sense of awe, instinctively bowing in the direction of the statue of the Great Emperor.


    The only Great Emperor of the human race on the Wanggu Continent after the departure of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    They paid their respects to this Sword Holding Emperor who had protected the human race to this day. Even though his main body had died in battle, he had left his avatar to continue fighting for the human race!


    At this moment, all the students, the various forces in the capital, and countless individuals of the human race instinctively lowered their heads.


    Even the Human Emperor and the Heavenly Kings under him, showed reverence, bowing in homage.


    Xu Qing was the same, but there was another sentence echoing in his mind.


    ¡°Little friend, lend me your sword.¡±


    The moment these words appeared in his mind, his body shone with a golden light. This light continued to erupt and spread. In the blink of an eye, it transformed into a sea of light again.


    The Emperor Sword in his body emitted a wisp of consciousness, as though it was asking for Xu Qing¡¯s permission.


    This sword used to belong to the Sword Holding Emperor. Now¡­ it belonged to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was the Sword Carrier of this generation.


    The Sword Holding Emperor could forcefully summon it. However, it was obvious that his wisdom would not allow such oversight, and he wouldn¡¯t let the Sword Carrier he chose to harbor resentment toward the Emperor Sword.


    Hence, he made such a request.


    Xu Qing agreed. At the next moment, the Emperor Sword rushed out of his body.


    According to the Great Emperor¡¯s will, it hung in the sky.


    The sword pointed at the Divine Realm and its might spread out. Cracks spread in the sky of the Imperial Academy and the Imperial Capital.


    The sword energy rose even more intensely. The swords of all the Sword Holders in the entire Grand Imperial Capital Region trembled and rose into the air uncontrollably, pointing their swords at the sky of the Imperial Academy.


    It was difficult to calculate the exact number and could be said to be countless.


    Killing intent rose from the inside and outside of the hundred rings of the planet, piercing through the heavens and earth, locking onto the Imperial Academy.


    Even the huge Ancient Sovereign Planet echoed with the sound of storms.


    Images of the human ancestors manifested one after another, with the clouds and fog in the gaseous planet churning like dragons. The fortune of the human race gathered from all directions and quickly formed a huge face.


    Ancient and majestic, it bore the visage of the Sword Holding Emperor.


    In the sky above Imperial Academy, Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s body paused.


    The Divine Realm projection above his head that covered the sky also seemed to have stopped moving.


    A huge crisis shook everything.


    All the bizarre existences in the Divine Realm¡¯s projection lifted their heads, exuding traces of defiant aura despite sensing the danger.


    This was especially so for the huge and vast black sphere. Although Its body also paused, Its vertical eye emitted a cold gleam, gazing through the void towards the Imperial City, towards the Sword Holding Emperor.


    The atmosphere instantly became tense, as though war was about to break out at any moment.


    Just as countless people instinctively held their breaths, a cold voice rang out from the Sword Holding Emperor again.


    ¡°Scram!¡±


    The Sword Holding Emperor was expressionless. His voice transformed into thunder that entered the Divine Realm, stirring up a storm.


    The world was overturned.


    The black sphere in the Divine Realm squirmed a few times. Its vertical eye stared at the Great Emperor carefully.


    A long time later, the eye slowly narrowed.


    This contraction also affected the entire Divine Realm, causing the Divine Realm itself to begin to shrink. Finally, it transformed into a crack.


    It chose to retreat.


    At the same time, Bai Xiaozhuo, who was below the projection, looked in the direction of the Sword Holding Emperor. He lowered his head and cupped his fists. After that, he transformed into a rainbow that headed straight for the gap in the sky.


    He was fleeing there!


    This was his purpose in summoning the Divine Realm, and also his retreat strategy after showcasing himself.


    The Sword Holding Emperor didn¡¯t speak, and the Emperor Sword didn¡¯t stop him.


    Seeing that Bai Xiaozhuo was about to leave, Xu Qing frowned slightly, but there was another person as well who wasn¡¯t willing to let Bai Xiaozhuo leave.


    ¡°The display isn¡¯t over yet. There¡¯s no need to be in a hurry to leave.¡±


    The person who spoke was the Human Emperor.


    The moment he spoke, the Human Emperor lifted his hand and grabbed at the sky of the Imperial Academy.


    With this grab, the imperial intent erupted. A fluctuation that surpassed the Soul Accumulation shook the sky and suppressed the world.


    The sky of the Imperial Academy instantly darkened and a huge palm appeared. The palm patterns were clearly visible and covered everything like dark clouds.


    It also covered the gap in the Divine Realm and blocked Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s path.


    It was as though this palm could crush the Imperial Academy.


    The 13 Heavenly Kings dropped their heads and all living beings felt their hearts sway. Although the aura from the Human Emperor was inferior to the Sword Holding Emperor, it surpassed the others. This was¡­ the power of a Ruler!


    Under his palm, everyone¡¯s Heavenly Dao was his Heavenly Dao.


    Everyone¡¯s rules were his rules.


    The myriad of changes and all abilities depended on a single thought.


    In fact, if the Human Emperor was willing, he could instantly turn all the cultivators under his palm into mortals.


    There was also a dense fortune of the human race churning on this palm, causing multicolored light to spread and the pressure to spread throughout the entire Imperial City.


    Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s body paused again as he silently stood up in the sky.


    He lifted his head and looked at the path to the Divine Realm that was covered by the Human Emperor¡¯s hand, sighing softly.


    ¡°This is okay too.¡±


    After muttering, Bai Xiaozhuo lifted his right hand and grabbed at the void.


    Immediately, beams of black light appeared out of thin air.


    They gathered on his raised right hand and finally¡­ formed a beating heart.


    Every beat of this heart was like thunder, emitting anomalous substances and divine sources that flowed with black blood. Its aura was shockingly the same as the Divine Realm.


    Clearly, it came from the Divine Realm!


    Staring at the heart, Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s eyes revealed determination as he pressed it to his chest.


    The location of the heart on his chest was originally caved in and it was missing.


    Now, as the heart was placed in, Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s body trembled. Blood vessels spread in his eyes, turning them red.


    His aura also became violent.


    His combat strength soared.


    From the level that was originally equivalent to the Perfected Nihility realm, it continued to increase.


    Under the pulsation of the heart, an endless stream of divine energy surged through his entire body.


    Wherever it passed, the signs of his body being pieced together suddenly vanished, blending seamlessly, and his appearance also underwent some changes.


    The enormous black body looked like an elliptical sphere, with countless tentacles writhing and intertwining to form four limbs.


    Additionally, on its back, there grew claws resembling scythes, each emitting a sharp edge capable of tearing through space.


    Its head did not sit atop its neck but instead emerged from its chest.


    Where its head would normally be located, there was now a gigantic upright eye, within which sparks glimmered.


    This fire was extraordinary, exuding a sense of divinity and a terrifying aura.


    Moreover, behind it, there sprawled a body resembling that of a centipede.


    His entire person was no longer in human form.


    To those who hadn¡¯t seen the fragmented-face¡¯s true body, Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s current appearance was unfamiliar.


    However, to Xu Qing, the meaning of this body was different. It was actually somewhat similar to the fragmented-face¡¯s true appearance!


    It was clearly extremely ugly, but because of the existence of sparks in its eyes, it gave off an incomparably harmonious feeling.


    In the understanding of the heaven and earth of the Wanggu, this appearance was beauty, truth, and normal.


    This was the intent of sky and earth, but the Heavenly Dao didn¡¯t think so. Hence, the feeling it gave everyone was a strange contradiction.


    The combat strength exchanged for such a price directly surpassed the Nihility realm and reached a terrifying stage comparable to the Soul Accumulation realm.


    To immortal cultivators, the symbol of the Soul Accumulation was a large world.


    However, to divine cultivators, the standard of Soul Accumulation was the sparks of divine fire.


    If it was burning, they would be god.


    For example, back then, the fourth son of the Ruler, the Red Moon Divine Son, wanted to rise from the state of sparks and attempt to truly ignite the divine fire through a special ritual to become a god.


    Under the combat strength of the Soul Accumulation, the god form Bai Xiaozhuo was blurry in the eyes of too many people. It was difficult to see his true appearance because he already possessed a portion of the characteristics of the god.


    Gods couldn¡¯t be looked straight at.


    The instant Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s god form appeared, the Divine Realm that had only left a gap in the sky and was covered by the Human Emperor¡¯s hand suddenly expanded again. A deep roar echoed in the Imperial Capital.


    As soon as this roar rang out, the Human Emperor¡¯s large hand shivered and was forced back by the impact, revealing the rapidly expanding Divine Realm crack behind him and¡­ the black sphere that was about to rush out of the crack.


    On the sphere, all the faces were singing.


    ¡°The merging of the primordial sun energy, the ancient eyes of the Divine Fusion, become the light of the starry sky, shining upon Wanggu, casting shadow and transforming the land into the Divine Realm.¡±


    ¡°Revered Lord of the Sun, God of the cosmos and all heavens, Illuminate.¡±


    The bizarre voices spread throughout the Imperial Academy. Many students were in a daze and actually sang along. Upon closer inspection, one could discover that all the people singing were from the Divine Fusion School.


    This scene terrified the other students. The Sword Holding Emperor¡¯s blade also flew out at this moment, heading straight for the black sphere in the crack of the Divine Realm.


    At the same time, the god form Bai Xiaozhuo moved!


    He didn¡¯t target the Human Emperor¡¯s retracted hand or take the opportunity to flee to the Divine Realm. Instead¡­ he went after Xu Qing, who was on the white Dao platform below!


    Killing intent erupted from his eyes. His speed was so fast that it surpassed teleportation. His timing was also precise. In the blink of an eye, he had already touched the Imperial Academy¡¯s defense.


    He didn¡¯t stop and smashed fiercely.


    The Imperial Academy¡¯s protective barrier rumbled and countless cracks instantly appeared. Under such a huge force, it didn¡¯t have time to restore itself and collapsed, turning into a large number of fragments that scattered in all directions. Some of them were even swept toward Xu Qing.


    Bai Xiaozhuo moved faster than those fragments and directly appeared in front of Xu Qing.

 Chapter 1209 - 1209 Untitled

    1209 Untitled


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed but his expression didn¡¯t change at all. In the blink of an eye, his body entered the third god form and the semi-finished fourth god form rose.


    The shadow of the Sundial was faintly discernible.


    The ancient sun tied to his body also shone at this instant. A terrifying might rose from him.


    At that moment, the Emperor Sword in the sky was attacking the black meatball that was about to descend from the Divine Realm¡¯s rift.


    The large hand formed by the power of the Human Emperor was also dissipating because of the power of the god in the black sphere.


    The pressure from the Divine Realm spread through the Imperial Academy, causing most of the cultivators here to cough up blood. Their minds rumbled and they were unable to move.


    Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s timing could be said to be very precise and his speed was incomparably fast. Now that he appeared in front of Xu Qing, it was like a heavenly mountain was suppressing him. The tentacles of his entire body were enhanced by his Soul Accumulation combat strength. Coupled with his terrifying divinity, it formed a fatal blow.


    However, no matter how precise the timing was, how fast his attack was, it was impossible to kill Xu Qing here.


    Actually, Bai Xiaozhuo knew this. Hence, there was another reason for this seemingly fatal scene.


    He wanted to see who would save Xu Qing.


    Would the Great Emperor split his attention to save Xu Qing?


    Or maybe, as his master had mentioned, there could be a third-party force hidden within the Imperial City, or even some other presence.


    In short, Bai Xiaozhuo felt that he could at least lure out some of these forces with his attack so that his master could gain more information.


    Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s judgment was correct and the truth was indeed so. The instant Bai Xiaozhuo got close to Xu Qing, the expression of the Great Emperor¡¯s face on the Ancient Sovereign Planet suddenly revealed sharpness.


    In the Mortal World Forgetful Tower, in the shrine in the ancestral hall, the clay fox emitted a demonic light.


    At the same time, among the students around the Imperial Academy¡¯s Dao platform, not everyone was stripped of mobility. There was a student whose eyes revealed a cold glint and was about to step forward.


    However, there was a faction that cared more about Xu Qing¡¯s life and death than anyone else. No matter what, they wouldn¡¯t allow Xu Qing to be killed like this.


    Hence, they moved faster than others.


    The instant Bai Xiaozhuo got close to Xu Qing, furious roars spread in all directions like thunder.


    ¡°Freeze!¡±


    ¡°Retreat!¡±


    ¡°Collapse!¡±


    ¡°Weaken!¡±


    ¡°Fortify!¡±


    ¡°Accelerate!¡±


    ¡°Indestructibility!¡±


    Every word contained the intent of the Great Dao, and was like the sound of the Heavenly Dao. The laws and rules inside were circulated to the extreme and became the highest level of law.


    As soon as the word ¡®freeze¡¯ was spoken, even Bai Xiaozhuo, who had the combat strength of a Soul Accumulation cultivator, felt his entire body tremble violently. He was forcefully stopped for a moment. When the word ¡®retreat¡¯ rang out, it actually caused his body to take a step back.


    When the word ¡®collapse¡¯ echoed, Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s entire body rumbled and he actually showed signs of collapse.


    However, his divinity forcefully erupted at this moment. Although he was affected, his momentum turned into an illusory finger that continued to press down on Xu Qing. Wherever it passed, the void would shatter and everything would collapse. The intent of extermination was intense.


    However, it was only for an instant. In the blink of an eye, it was reduced by half by the word ¡®weaken¡¯.


    Immediately after, the ¡®fortify¡¯ word acted on Xu Qing¡¯s body, transforming into an incomparably sturdy protective armor that helped him resist the power of Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s finger.


    Booming sounds echoed as the armor collapsed. The word ¡®speed¡¯ enhanced Xu Qing¡¯s speed, causing his retreat speed to increase explosively. In an instant, he retreated by ten thousand feet.


    The final word ¡®indestructibility¡¯ actually contained divinity, and had the intent of a god¡¯s indestructibility. It enveloped Xu Qing¡¯s entire body and formed a golden light that transformed into a solemn face in front of him, enduring the last remaining strength from Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s finger.


    From afar, after Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s finger destroyed everything, it ultimately ruthlessly collided into the face¡¯s forehead.


    At the next instant, the face collapsed and thousands of wails rang out. However, Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s finger couldn¡¯t continue and dissipated.


    In the air, Xu Qing stood there unscathed¡­


    This scene caused the various forces to feel an intense sense of surprise. What was surprising wasn¡¯t that Xu Qing was fine but that the person who attacked¡­


    ¡°Xu Qing is the Divine Son of our sect!¡±


    A soft voice rang out from the void in front of Xu Qing. At the next instant, a crack was torn open in the void. Through the crack, one could see that there was an altar inside.


    This altar seemed to be in a heavenly cave. At the entrance of the cave above, one could see the sky and the fragmented-face hanging high in the sky. The altar was vast and had a total of 999 steps. At the highest point stood a cultivator in a black robe.


    On each step below stood numerous figures in black robes, and even in the depths of the abyss below the altar, more black-robed figures could be seen meditating in a cross-legged position.


    Inside were thousands of people, and the ground before them was stained with blood, indicating that they had taken upon themselves the force of Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s finger in place of Xu Qing.


    As that sentence echoed, the black-robed figure, who was standing at the highest point of the altar, took a step forward and directly crossed the rift that appeared in the space of the Imperial Academy. He walked into the Imperial Academy and stood in front of Xu Qing.


    The moment he appeared, the power of Soul Accumulation erupted from his body. His aura was mighty, and he actually gave off a trace of the aura of the fragmented-face.


    The arrival of this person caused the expressions of the various forces to change.


    ¡°High Priest of the True Words!¡±


    The faction who saved Xu Qing was none other than the True Words!


    This scene caused Bai Xiaozhuo to frown. What he wanted to lure wasn¡¯t this group of lunatics who seemed to be on the same path as him but in reality, their core ideals were completely different.


    The eyes of the Human Emperor in the projection of the palace narrowed slightly as well. He could have made a move earlier but he chose to wait and see because he also wanted to see who would come to save Xu Qing.


    Hence, at this moment, his mood was somewhat similar to Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s and he was even more surprised.


    Just as everyone was feeling shocked, the High Priest of True Words, who had appeared in front of Xu Qing, lifted his head. Within the black robes concealing his face, only a pair of red eyes could be seen, gazing at Bai Xiaozhuo.


    ¡°Divine Son, don¡¯t move!¡±


    After saying that, the black-robed figure turned his head and looked at Xu Qing. The red light in his eyes emitted greed and the sound of gulping rang out.


    ¡°Divine Son, I¡¯m late. Are you injured?¡±


    ¡°If you are injured, it will affect the taste due to other auras being mixed in, and you won¡¯t taste good.¡±


    As he spoke, the sound of him gulping became even more intense. A similar sound also came from the countless black-


    robed figures at the altar in the crack.


    All of them lifted their heads and greedily looked at Xu Qing through the crack.


    The doctrine of the True Words was to find people who didn¡¯t die under the gaze of the fragmented-face. They thought such people were blessed by the fragmented-face, and only such people could be the Divine Sons of the True Words.


    After eating the Divine Son, they would be closer to the god.


    They had been their practice throughout history. The ones they ate the most were people who had survived the opening of the fragmented-face¡¯s eyes once. As for those who have survived the gaze twice, there were rumors that the True Words of other regions had consumed them, but the followers of the human race¡¯s True Words had not.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was unsightly. He didn¡¯t expect that the one who appeared was actually the True Words. Also, the other party¡¯s words made him immediately realize that although he had discovered the True Words with his divine technique back then, they had also discovered some things about him.


    Hence, this group of lunatics appeared.


    At that moment, in the Divine Realm in the sky, the black meatball let out a deep roar. Under the threat of the Emperor Sword, It didn¡¯t dare to forcefully barge in. It was as though all Its previous actions were just a test.


    Now that It had probed the answer, It chose to retreat.


    The crack in the Divine Realm no longer expanded. It slowly began to shrink and turn blurry.


    As for Bai Xiaozhuo, seeing that the situation wasn¡¯t going according to his plan, he lifted his head and looked at the Human Emperor in the sky.


    The Human Emperor was also looking at him with a calm gaze, as though he was telling the other party that he was still watching the display.


    The moment their gazes met, for some reason, the words Xu Qing had said to him back then in Fenghai County appeared in Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s mind.


    ¡®You aren¡¯t worthy of following Crown Prince Purple Green.¡±


    Bai Xiaozhuo closed his eyes.


    ¡®He¡¯s right because I¡¯m¡­ not pure.¡¯


    When he opened his eyes again, Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s aura was less ancient and more lively. His eyes also became clear. He raised his hand and ruthlessly struck the heart in his chest.


    With this strike, his heart that came from the Divine Realm instantly exploded. Amidst the rumbling and violent sounds, all the power of the divine source contained in it erupted in unison.


    Nothing was left behind.


    His body also began to burn intensely at this moment.


    Like a moth flying into the fire, he displayed the last resplendence of his life.


    This eruption and burning brought him to his peak in an instant. The aura on his body soared explosively and the power of anomalous substances spread endlessly. The feeling of a god became increasingly intense.


    Under the influence of the anomalous substances, the sky above him blurred and sparks appeared in the haze.


    That was a flower formed by fire. It was¡­ the heavenfate flower!


    At first, there was one, but very soon, there were two, three¡­ In the blink of an eye, the entire sky of Imperial Academy was filled with heavenfate flowers. From afar, it was like a huge painting that was spread out between heaven and earth.


    They were endless, all formed by golden flames that were dazzling like woven brocade.


    As for the streams of fire on the flowers, when they landed on the ground, flames bloomed. However, they were no longer heavenfate flowers but spider lily.


    The color was red.


    Endless¡­ A gentle breeze blew past, and layers of ripples emerged on the sea of fire of the spider lilies. It was as though someone was plucking the ancient zither strings, emitting the sound of reincarnation.


    There were the heavenfate flowers above and spider lilies below, forming a sea of golden-red sparks that kept blooming and erupting.


    There were different rituals to become a god. At this moment, one of them emerged in the Imperial Academy.


    Once these flames continued, it was equivalent to igniting the divine fire!


    Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s body turned blurry and emerged as a different form with each passing moment.


    His combat force was also becoming increasingly astonishing in this sea of flowers. However, it was a pity that igniting the divine fire wasn¡¯t so simple after all. The difficulty was too great.


    The Red Moon Divine Son had failed, and Bai Xiaozhuo¡­ had started it in a hurry. There was no possibility of success.


    This could be seen from the fact that there were already sparks showing signs of extinguishing at the edge of the sea of flowers.


    However, no matter what, at this moment, Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s combat force had already reached the limit of his life.


    This scene also triggered waves in the hearts of everyone who was staring.


    The Human Emperor¡¯s eyes glowed resplendently, perhaps because of the reflection of the sparks.


    As this light shone, Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s voice was like the murmurs of a god, echoing through the Imperial City.


    ¡°With the world as a furnace and all living beings as charcoal, the dual fires of gold and red ignite the divine fire. Emperor, please watch.¡±


    The moment the voice rang out, Bai Xiaozhuo moved, enveloping the heavenfate flowers in the sky, the spider lilies on land, as well as the golden and red fires. Together, they formed a blazing meteor, moving toward the Emperor¡¯s direction!


    Around him, the clouds surged, the heavenfate flowers and spider lilies bloomed together, while the fierce golden and red fires illuminated the sky, their light shining upon thousands of kilometers.

 Chapter 1210 - 1210 Flowers Bloom and Fall

    1210 Flowers Bloom and Fall


    They were like moths to a flame.


    In the eyes of all the spectators, this was the case.


    The Human Emperor was the only Ruler of the human race at present. Other than the Sword Holding Emperor, he was the strongest expert. In front of him, regardless of whether it was Nihility or Soul Accumulation, the difference wasn¡¯t that significant.


    Even though Bai Xiaozhuo had burned the heart from the Divine Realm and his Divine Fusion body in exchange for the power of flames that surpassed sparks.


    However, in the end, he still couldn¡¯t achieve indestructibility, nor could he truly ignite the divine fire and become a god.


    Without becoming a god, it was impossible for him to contend with the Ruler.


    Therefore, the outcome of this battle was already predetermined.


    However, Bai Xiaozhuo remained steadfast, with clarity in his eyes and calmness in his heart, his speed increasing more and more.


    He swept up the heavenlyfates and spider lilies, carrying the golden-red sea of fire as he tore through the sky.


    Even though it was only the projection of the Human Emperor in the sky of the Imperial Academy, it seemed that for Bai Xiaozhuo at this moment, illusion and reality were all the same.


    In an instant, his aura formed a dazzling light.


    Like a shooting star descending from the nine heavens, he rapidly approached, tearing through the void, appearing before the Human Emperor. His hands came together, palms merging, as he formed a sword with two fingers.


    He gathered all the power inside and outside his body into the two-finger sword.


    It included the golden and red twin flames in the surroundings, the heavenlyfate flowers and the spider lilies, as well as his life, his time, and everything about him.


    Closer to the Human Emperor.


    Waves of heat spread out and the surroundings burned. The world distorted, giving off the feeling that the palace¡¯s projection was also corroded by raging flames.


    The Heavenly Kings under the Human Emperor lifted their heads and their auras spread out. Just as they were about to walk out, they were stopped by the Human Emperor.


    ¡°Interesting.¡±


    The Human Emperor spoke calmly. He lifted his right hand and pointed his index finger gently at the sea of fire and meteor that were rushing over.


    His action looked very ordinary, as though it didn¡¯t contain any cultivation power or manifest any powers.


    However, the instant it landed and came into contact with Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s sword, the world rumbled, emitting a deafening explosion.


    It was as though countless stars had exploded at the same time!


    The fluctuations caused the Imperial Academy to sway so violently that it looked like it would collapse.


    The thunderous explosion caused a sudden change in the weather. The sky instantly darkened, with dark clouds churning and thunder resounding. An indescribable sense of terror spread in all directions.


    As for the source of all the terrifying power, the Human Emperor and Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s bodies didn¡¯t change at all.


    Only the corner of the imperial robe swayed slightly, and a few strands of hair fluttered back as though they were blown by a breeze.


    That was all.


    As for Bai Xiaozhuo, his body trembled violently. His already blurry body was like dandelions that were drifting away, gradually disappearing.


    However, his eyes were still very bright. He stared at the Human Emperor who was inches away and mumbled.


    ¡°Between the fate and lilies, the flames of god.¡±


    The heavenfate flowers that surrounded him instantly bloomed again. When they reached their limit, they withered and turned into ashes that gathered in front of Bai Xiaozhuo.


    It was the same for the spider lilies. They shone brightly until they turned into ashes.


    There was also the golden-red sea of fire that churned and gathered from the surroundings. In the end, it surged in front of Bai Xiaozhuo and there was nothing left outside.


    Under these convergences, a mystical flower that fused the characteristics of the heavenlyfate and the spider lilies bloomed in front of Bai Xiaozhuo.


    This flower burned brightly.


    Its appearance attracted the attention of the Human Emperor.


    Immediately after, Bai Xiaozhuo let out a soft breath.


    He exhaled and blew on the mystical flower. The flower drifted and its petals surrounded the Human Emperor, as though they were about to form a new flower with him as the core.


    A dark glint appeared in the Human Emperor¡¯s eyes as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Disappear.¡±


    At his word, all the petals around him trembled and collapsed, turning into countless fragments, ultimately becoming ashes in the wind.


    As for Bai Xiaozhuo, he seemed to have completed all his missions and closed his eyes.


    His body¡­ completely dissipated into smoke, turning into countless mirror shards that contained memories. They shattered, dissipated, and turned into ashes.


    As though he didn¡¯t want the dirty ashes to taint him, the moment the Human Emperor retracted his finger, he waved his sleeve slightly.


    In an instant, the ashes that had gradually become indistinct in front of him were dispersed in all directions, leaving no trace behind.


    A deep sigh rang out from the crack in the sky that came from the Divine Realm. After that, the mark in the sky began to heal, and it seemed that everything had come to an end.


    Bai Xiaozhuo was the original Fenghai County Governor who had followed Crown Prince Purple Green during the era of the Purple Green Kingdom. His history had been buried in the passage of time. Now, it seemed his life had also returned to destiny.


    From the start to the end, Crown Prince Purple Green didn¡¯t appear.


    The sky outside was no longer dark, as the lingering light of the setting sun bathed the entire city in golden hues.


    The Great Emperor¡¯s face on the Ancient Sovereign Planet glanced at the Imperial Academy with a deep gaze. It was unknown if he was looking at the Human Emperor, Xu Qing, or¡­ an existence that no one noticed outside the gap in the Divine Realm.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart also stirred. Looking at the gap in the sky, he thought of the scenes in Fenghai County. Before he came to the Imperial City, he didn¡¯t expect to see Bai Xiaozhuo and Purple Green here.


    ¡°Bai Xiaozhuo is the first.¡±


    ¡°Crow is the second!¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly.


    And at this moment, the students of the academy were still in tumult, their emotions ranging from excitement to complexity, from apprehension to confusion. Various thoughts raced through their minds, differing from person to person.


    The Dao discussion of Imperial Academy ended here.


    The Human Emperor slowly sat back on the dragon chair and the entire palace¡¯s projection gradually blurred.


    The Emperor Sword also returned and fused into Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    After Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s death, his puppets lost their vitality and fell to the ground.


    Seeing that everything had truly ended, the Principal had a rueful expression. He was about to announce the end of the Dao discussion.


    However, at this moment, Xu Qing suddenly felt intense emotions from the shadow.


    ¡°Master¡­ eat¡­ time soul¡­ escape!¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he instantly lifted his head. His eyes were pitch-black as the power of the Poison Restriction erupted, forming his divine eye. However, everything was normal in his vision.


    The sky was normal, the crack in the sky was normal, and everything in the surroundings was normal.


    The shadow had followed Xu Qing for many years and naturally knew what to do. Hence, it instantly fused into Xu Qing¡¯s body and gathered outside his eyes, augmenting his eyes like glasses.


    Coupled with the power of the divine source and the shadow¡¯s ability, a scene that few people saw appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes at this moment.


    Although it was still a little hazy and not very clear, Xu Qing noticed that¡­ in the crack that was about to completely disappear from the sky, a wisp of soul was merging into it.


    To be precise, this might not be a soul but a section of time, and looked like ashes.


    This soul was special. If it wasn¡¯t for the little shadow locking onto it, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t have been able to see it at all.


    It was the time of Bai Xiaozhuo which had been taken away by Crown Prince Purple Green back then.


    ¡°The Human Emperor¡¯s last wave of his sleeve seemed to be dispersing the ashes. However, from the looks of it now, his action is fishy!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly revealed sharpness. However, he knew that this wasn¡¯t the time to think about the Human Emperor¡¯s actions.


    Hence, without any hesitation, the god form outside Xu Qing¡¯s body dispersed, transforming into more than 1.3 million soul threads that instantly headed toward the sky.


    ¡°Come back here!¡±


    A cold voice rang out from Xu Qing¡¯s mouth. His soul threads soared into the sky and arrived at the edge of the crack in the blink of an eye, enveloping the wisp of time soul.


    Little Shadow also rapidly spread out.


    If it was Bai Xiaozhuo from before, although Little Shadow wanted to eat him, it didn¡¯t dare to get close as it knew it didn¡¯t have the power to devour him.


    It was also this feeling of desire that had been torturing it, and so it had been watching Bai Xiaozhuo from the start. The impulse in its heart had continued to grow stronger as the battle went on.


    Right now, it could clearly sense that this time soul was no longer dangerous.


    As for the taste, it felt that it would be even more fragrant than before.


    It was as though the soul had experienced many calamities and refined all the impurities, leaving just the source essence.


    It also corresponded to the saying that the world was a furnace and all living beings were charcoal.


    This was used to forge and return to simplicity.


    This origin essence could reincarnate into a human or¡­ under a specific environment, reincarnate into a natural god.


    Hence, at this moment, Little Shadow was crazy with desire.


    Its saliva spread in all directions and together with Xu Qing¡¯s million soul threads, it instantly spread through the sky, grabbing fiercely at the time soul..


    This scene attracted the attention of everyone from the Imperial Academy and the various forces. They were all surprised.


    From the dissipating projection of the palace, the Human Emperor looked over as well.


    At that moment, under Xu Qing¡¯s control, the million soul threads moved rapidly in the sky, weaving into a huge cage.


    This cage was astonishing, sealing off all directions.


    Little Shadow worked even harder and spared no expense to stick to the traces formed by the crack in the sky and used its body to block them to prevent the food from escaping.


    After doing this, the coldness in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes rose. He lifted his right hand and ruthlessly clenched it toward the sky.


    Immediately, the soul thread cage shrunk, forming a palm-


    sized black sphere that headed straight for Xu Qing and landed in his hand.


    Xu Qing grabbed it and didn¡¯t even glance at it. He also didn¡¯t give the soul any chance to transmit its thoughts. His five fingers exerted strength and clenched again.


    With a boom, the million soul threads that had condensed into a ball devoured the time soul crazily.


    Little Shadow panicked and rapidly joined in. After taking a few bites, it wanted to continue, but its eating speed was clearly inferior to the soul threads.


    In the blink of an eye, the time soul completely dissipated.


    The nourishment formed by the power contained in it was astonishing. Xu Qing could clearly sense that his soul threads were splitting and undergoing a transformation under the influence of the source essence.


    1,400,000, 1,600,000, 1,800,000¡­ At the next instant, as the soul sphere exploded, 2,000,000 soul threads covered the sky and earth.


    As for Xu Qing, he stood under the 2 million soul threads. His long hair and clothes fluttered in the wind, looking like a god or a demon, with an aura that could devour the world.


    Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s body and soul were destroyed!


    The Human Emperor glanced at Xu Qing. The projection of the palace completely disappeared.


    At the same time, in the Imperial Capital¡¯s Star-Picking Tower, the State Preceptor who had been staring at the Imperial Academy closed his eyes.

 Chapter 1211 - 1211 Flower Blooming in the Lantern

    1211 Flower Blooming in the Lantern


    The chaos of the Imperial Academy ended just like that.


    The face of the Great Emperor on the Ancient Sovereign Planet slowly sank and disappeared. The head of the Great Emperor¡¯s statue also slowly turned back and stood in front of the rainbow bridge, stopping again.


    The light from the palace also returned to normal.


    In the Mortal World Forgetful Tower, the clay fox chuckled and closed Its eyes, transforming back into a statue.


    The crack in the sky also completely disappeared.


    Although this chaos caused by the Dao discussion ended, its impact remained significant, leaving a lingering suspense in the hearts of various factions. Its effect on the students of the academy was profound and far-reaching.


    Countless students had varying degrees of injuries.


    Thus, silence and complexity became the prevailing theme of the present day at the academy, especially evident in the sky above, where signs of vulnerability were visible in several areas, portraying a scene of desolation.


    Some areas resembled melting ice, revealing what seemed like corroded black holes, akin to festering ulcers on skin, unable to heal on their own.


    Moreover, the land fared no better; while not riddled with holes, many regions were visibly collapsing.


    Overall, there was a pronounced sense of collapse.


    Witnessing all of this, the wrinkles on the Principal¡¯s face seemed to have increased. He sighed softly and lifted his right hand, pointing at the sky.


    ¡°Reshape!¡±


    In coordination with the Principal, all the heads of the schools, including the head of the Variant Immortal School, also raised their right hands at this moment, activating the authority granted to them as heads of their respective schools.


    In an instant, the white towers emitted white rays of light which formed energy waves that spread to the ground. At the same time, white pillars of light rose from them and rushed into the sky of Imperial Academy.


    At the next instant, a large number of rune marks appeared in the sky, shining with white light. Every rune was octagonal, spreading across the sky and covering the ground.


    These rune marks were arranged in patterns, forming a gigantic octagonal shape.


    Encircling within, they rotated according to some kind of pattern, and with each complete cycle, the shattered space of the academy underwent repair.


    The same applied to the earth, with the same octagonal formation and the same rotating circles.


    Amidst the rumbling of the world, the recovery of the entire Imperial Academy Space was sped up. After about fifteen minutes¡­ the sky was clear and all the cracks disappeared.


    The ground was clean and all the collapsed areas were restored.


    Everything returned to its previous state.


    ¡°The Dao discussion is over.¡±


    ¡°The Variant Immortal School has won!¡±


    The Principal swept his gaze across all the students and finally looked at the Dao Platform of the Variant Immortal School. The focus of his gaze was Xu Qing, who had sat down cross-legged again.


    His gaze was deep and contained a hint of sharpness, as though it could see through people¡¯s hearts.


    His words marked the end of this Dao discussion.


    After he finished speaking, he flew away. As for the Third Prince, who had been following behind him, if it was before he witnessed this incident, he would at most smile on the surface and give the students some encouragement before leaving.


    However, now, he respectfully bowed to Xu Qing before daring to leave.


    As they left, after a short period of silence, the Imperial Academy erupted with enthusiastic cheers. All the voices came from the students of the Variant Immortal School.


    These students who didn¡¯t dare to acknowledge the Variant Immortal School before the Dao discussion were now excited.


    This was because they knew that after this Dao Discussion, with the defeat and exposure of the Divine Fusion School, the Variant Immortal School no longer had any obstacles and would definitely soar into the sky.


    The time of the Variant Immortal had arrived.


    This could be seen from the rainbows shining in all directions from the Variant Immortal School¡¯s Dao Platform.


    In fact, many neutral students were filled with yearning for the Variant Immortal School after witnessing today¡¯s events.


    Compared to the rising Variant Immortal School, the defeated Divine Fusion School was already on the verge of death. All the students of the Divine Fusion School, from the chief disciple to the ordinary disciples, were uneasy, confused, and regretful.


    All of this eventually turned into anger toward Bai Xiaozhuo.


    What they would face next was undoubtedly an investigation by the Imperial Academy and even the Imperial Capital regarding Bai Xiaozhuo. This was especially so for the higher-ups of the Divine Fusion School. None of them could escape scrutiny. Unless they could withstand the investigation, death was the only outcome.


    This was indeed the case. As the cheers rose, the black guards and the personal guards of the Imperial Family arrived together.


    They took all the higher-ups of the Divine Fusion School away in front of all the students.


    Moreover, they forcefully prevented the students of the Divine Fusion School from going outside, causing them to have no choice but to stay in the Imperial Academy for some time and wait for further investigation.


    As for the white tower of the Divine Fusion School, it was sealed just like the Variant Immortal School some time ago.


    Xu Qing stood up and walked down the Dao Platform with the school head and Chen Daoze. He was escorted by the students all the way back to the Variant Immortal School¡¯s white tower.


    Outside the white tower, the school head of the Variant Immortal School took a deep breath and announced to the students that the Variant Immortal School would reopen tomorrow.


    Amidst the cheering, the school head bowed to Xu Qing. Chen Daoze also bowed.


    Xu Qing understood that they had many questions for him. Hence, he walked into the white tower.


    The two of them followed behind and stepped in. The gate of the white tower slowly closed.


    The students also knew that it wasn¡¯t convenient to disturb them at this moment. Hence, they all bowed to the white tower with excited hearts and chose to leave.


    The white tower was completely silent.


    Under the bright lights, Xu Qing stood in front of the jade slip shelves and looked at the densely-packed ancient books. Behind him, the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head and Chen Daoze stood respectfully.


    They had too many questions in their hearts but now that they were standing here and facing Xu Qing, even though they had a thousand words to say, they didn¡¯t know how to start. The source of the Variant Immortal lineage was with Xu Qing, and this caused them to be worried about gains and losses.


    When someone could decide the rise and fall of their most precious thing with a single sentence, then it was inevitable that they would feel perturbed and hesitant.


    This was a big shot.


    Most of the time, the words ¡®big shot¡¯ weren¡¯t absolute but relative.


    Xu Qing understood their feelings. The experiences in the Seven Blood Eyes and Fenghai County had allowed him to mature and grow rapidly.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s voice echoed in the white tower.


    ¡°The Variant Immortal Dao seed is formed by my soul seed.¡±


    ¡°The pros and cons of this soul seed were clearly stated in the jade slip when I gave it to the school head for the first time.¡±


    ¡°I can indeed retrieve this soul seed with a thought and take back all the cultivation progress brought by the soul seed.¡±


    ¡°However, I¡¯ll only do this in one situation. That would be¡­ if you go against humanity.¡±


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, he turned around and looked at the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head and Chen Daoze with a sharp gaze.


    The two of them lowered their heads and cupped their hands.


    If they didn¡¯t know about Xu Qing¡¯s identity, these words would have been met with skepticism, caution, and vigilance. Even if they eventually acquiesced, it would have been merely a strategic move, a calculated choice of mutual benefit and exploitation.


    However¡­ things were different now.


    Among Xu Qing¡¯s identities, one of them was extremely heavy, and that was the identity of the Sword Carrier.


    To be recognized by the Great Emperor and become the Sword Carrier, his words naturally held weight.


    Hence, the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head and Chen Daoze trusted Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing waved his right hand and took out three more of the remaining 98 purple soul seeds in his body, handing them to the two of them.


    ¡°You can choose the right people to absorb these purple soul seeds. As for the specific rules of the Variant Immortal School, you can decide for yourself.¡±


    ¡°In the future, I¡¯ll draw a new reference map and send it here. In the future, the students can cultivate using it as a direction.¡±


    ¡°I obey the decree!¡±


    The Variant Immortal School Head took a deep breath, spoke solemnly, and then carefully put away the three purple soul seeds. After a moment of contemplation, he bowed again.


    ¡°Senior Xu, my identity outside is the advisor of the Observance Palace. If you need anything, please instruct me.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t ask about his identity in the outside world. However, as the person who was the core beneficiary of the benefits, the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head felt that he should disclose it.


    Chen Daoze also fell silent before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°Lord Xu, I haven¡¯t left the Imperial Academy for two thousand years. It was all thanks to the soul seed that I regained my consciousness and regained control of my body. Back then, my identity outside was one of the head elders of the Star Emperor Supreme Sect. Now that the matter of the Variant Immortal has come to an end, I plan to return to the sect.¡±


    ¡°Star Emperor Supreme Sect?¡± Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He thought of the Star Emperor Branch Sect that the captain had gone to and nodded.


    As Xu Qing took the initiative to speak, the Variant Immortal School¡¯s school head and Chen Daoze also asked Xu Qing about the cultivation art of the Variant Immortal soul threads.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have anything to guide on cultivation arts. However, he had his own comprehension of the core of the Variant Immortal School. Coupled with his god form, he told the two of them his thoughts.


    His words were of profound significant to Chen Daoze and the school head, causing their hearts to stir.


    ¡°The effect of the soul threads is to simulate the divine source¡­¡±


    ¡°Burn the divine image and break through the barrier!¡±


    ¡°The so-called Variant Immortals can be gods or immortals with a thought¡­¡±


    The two of them had a myriad of thoughts in their minds and time slowly passed. When Xu Qing left the white tower and entered the Imperial City, it was already late at night. The sky was enveloped by a black curtain, looking exceptionally deep and quiet.


    The stars dotted the night sky like pairs of mysterious eyes peeping at the world.


    A breeze blew past and the two sides of the quiet street emitted the rustling sound of trees swaying. When it landed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears, he stopped in his tracks and calmly spoke.


    ¡°The assassins who tracked me in the Imperial City before have already died without a complete corpse.¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, the moonlight behind him revealed the figure of a woman.


    The woman wore a mask and there became a hint of surprise and provocation in her eyes.


    ¡°You can try.¡±


    It was the mysterious woman who possessed appeared in the Star Emperor Branch Sect!


    Xu Qing turned around and the moonlight instantly soared, turning into purple moonlight that enveloped the long street.


    ¡­


    At the same time, a strange change happened on the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    On the Ancient Sovereign Planet, the clouds spread and slowly flowed.


    In the depths of the palace, on the vast pentagon-shaped altar, five golden coffins emitted terrifying imperial qi.


    These imperial qi seemed to have been corroded and invaded. They were pitch-black like black dragons that emitted a wail of death. They circled the lantern in the center and rotated rapidly.


    As for this purple lantern, it was originally extinguished. However, at this instant, a lump of swaying fire surfaced at the wick.


    It became a pair of golden and red flames. They were very weak, as though they would be extinguished by the wind.


    In the fire, a flower with the characteristics of the heavenfate and spider lily became faintly discernible.


    This flower became precisely the final display of Bai Xiaozhuo, as well as the last¡­ exhibit of his life.

 Chapter 1212 - 1212 Withering Flame Demon Magic True Self Dao

    1212 Withering Flame Demon Magic True Self Dao


    The night was as black as ink, stars twinkling, and the bright moon hung high in the sky. Its pure light spilled onto the earth, but when it fell upon the long street, it turned purple, as if draping a thin layer of purple gauze over the area.


    Outside the purple gauze, cold winds swept through, and the rustling of withered branches and leaves echoed faintly. Distant shadows of trees swayed as if whispering secrets to the night.


    Within the purple gauze, a chilling wind howled, chasing after a figure retreating rapidly as if imbued with the momentum of the advantaged side, challenging the darkness.


    The ground of the long street cracked as the retreating figure landed, leaving two long marks on the ground. Several dozen feet away, they steadied themselves with one hand pressed against the ground.


    Under the purple moonlight, it could be seen that this person was none other than the mysterious woman. Right now, she was no longer as calm as before. Cracks had already appeared on the mask on her face and her eyes revealed a dark glint as she stared at Xu Qing, who was walking toward her.


    ¡°It¡¯s rumored that you snatched the divine source of the Crimson Goddess. Previously, you didn¡¯t make many moves in the Imperial Academy, so I couldn¡¯t sense it clearly. Now that the moonlight has changed because of you, it seems that the rumors are true.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as usual. Under the moonlight, it was as though he was walking in his kingdom. As he walked toward the woman, the purple light in his surroundings increased greatly, dyeing the world and invading the surroundings, forming a terrifying divine figure that devoured everything.


    ¡°However, this just increases my interest.¡±


    ¡°Last time, I didn¡¯t want to expose myself in the Star Emperor Sect and attract some unnecessary trouble, so I didn¡¯t use my secret art. This time¡­¡±


    In the depths of the woman¡¯s eyes, strange images appeared. In her left eye, there was the curled-up form of an infant, while in her right eye, there was the hunched figure of an old woman. Each emitted its own aura, converging to form a bizarre force imbued with the essence of life and death, swirling around her.


    Behind her, black and white shapes formed, each taking on a fan-like pattern distributed to the left and right. They rotated around each other, manipulating the laws of heaven and earth, shaking the rules of the world with astonishing momentum.


    For the first time in this battle, ripples appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    Back then, outside the Star Emperor Branch Sect, he had sensed that the other party¡¯s aura was bizarre. It was like a god but not a god, like a cultivator but not a cultivator. This had attracted his attention back then. Now that they were fighting again, this feeling was even more obvious.


    ¡°You talk a lot of nonsense.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke calmly, raising his right hand and waving it. In an instant, the surrounding purple moonlight gleamed brilliantly, as if materializing into substantial beams resembling long spears, all rushing towards the mysterious woman in a flash.


    From afar, tens of thousands of moonlight beams approached from all directions, their speed surpassing lightning as they enveloped every direction, leaving the mysterious woman with nowhere to escape.


    At this critical moment, the mysterious woman¡¯s pupils contracted, and her hands quickly formed seals, then she fiercely waved them outward. Instantly, the black and white fan-shaped patterns behind her enveloped her like wings.


    A rumbling sound echoed out as all the moonlight spears landed with a lethal force and destructive might.


    The black and white wings continued to tremble. Although they blocked everything, the impact from the moonlight still caused the woman inside to cough up blood. However, she ultimately blocked this attack.


    A sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He rushed forward and the third god form instantly formed behind him. Its malevolent body stood in the sky and followed Xu Qing, approaching the mysterious woman.


    It was also at this moment that a voice emanated from within the black and white fan-shaped patterns.


    ¡°One bloodline, transformed into three souls. Three souls tempered into nine divinities. Nine divinities refined into my true self. This is¡­ Withering Flame Demon Magic True Self Dao!¡±


    The instant the woman¡¯s voice rang out, muffled thunder rang out in the void above her and three illusory mountain peaks appeared out of thin air.


    The three mountains were inverted, their peaks facing the ground.


    One was completely formed of ice and frost, containing boundless coldness.


    The second was crimson red like blood, almost like an immense pile of corpses.


    The third was a mountain of molten rock, that brimmed with supreme majesty.


    The moment they appeared, the three mountains rushed toward Xu Qing Their aura was filled with ancientness.


    ¡°What divine ability is this! It¡¯s filled with ancient intent¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression darkened. With a thought, more soul threads rushed out of his body. They quickly weaved into the first god form and the second god form beside the third god form in the air.


    Looking around, under the purple moonlight, Xu Qing¡¯s three god forms appeared simultaneously as never before.


    If it was before he killed Bai Xiaozhuo, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t have been able to accomplish this. His number of soul threads couldn¡¯t support it. Only the current 2 million soul threads could allow him to form all three forms at the same time.


    The moment they appeared, they were like three gods, forming a triangle and enveloping Xu Qing in the center. Each of them moved with Xu Qing¡¯s gestures, heading toward the three mountains.


    In an instant, anomalous substances spread and the surroundings became blurry. The purple moonlight became extremely dense.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s first god form¡¯s punch landed on the ice mountain. As the mountain rumbled, the second god form arrived and got close to the second mountain. Black poison mist spread and transformed into a huge demon that devoured ruthlessly.


    After that, the third god form lifted the Purple Moon high in the air and threw it toward the molten rocks mountain.


    The sky changed colors and the wind howled. The three mountains in the air trembled violently as cracks appeared on them, spreading rapidly until they shattered into pieces.


    They were originally illusory but as they shattered and returned to nothingness, they disappeared without a trace. However, if one took a closer look, they would see¡­ that when they dissipated, rainbow light flashed on all the fragments.


    The backlash from the destruction of the divine ability caused the mysterious woman to cough up blood. Her aura became weak and her body staggered back.


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible for such a huge commotion to be unnoticed. Regardless of whether it¡¯s the Imperial City¡¯s array formation or the various forces, it¡¯s impossible for them not to sense it.¡±


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°However, even now, this place is still quiet¡­ Unless it¡¯s the same as the assassination attempt I encountered back then, there¡¯s only another possibility.¡±


    ¡°This woman¡¯s identity¡­ is extraordinary!¡±


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed. His three god forms in the air also emitted divine might. Together with Xu Qing, they headed straight for the woman.


    Although there was blood at the corner of the mysterious woman¡¯s mouth, she was clearly still unconvinced. The provocation in her eyes was still there as she stared at Xu Qing. Her right eye suddenly closed, leaving only her left eye open.


    In her left eye, the curled-up infant moved slightly.


    With this movement, the white fan behind the woman rapidly expanded and unfolded in the sky, revealing a painting inside.


    The painting was quite simple, just an endless expanse of water marsh.


    As it appeared, the woman uttered a low chant.


    ¡°Marsh Kingdom!¡±


    With that utterance, the world shifted. The imperial city seemed to vanish, along with the streets where Xu Qing and the woman stood, replaced by a vast expanse of marshland.


    A strong sense of crisis surged in Xu Qing¡¯s heart as, in the depths of this marsh, the roar of a behemoth shook the watery space.


    Immediately after, a huge horn soared into the sky like a towering peak, one after another, tilting towards Xu Qing.


    Surging and billowing, it stirred thousands of layers of marsh flowers, resembling a stampede of ten thousand horses, with majestic momentum.


    At this critical moment, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He rushed up and lifted his hands in the air. He then performed a series of hand seals and pressed his palms together. In an instant, the three god forms in the surroundings instantly moved toward Xu Qing and fused with his body.


    In the blink of an eye, a figure that had gathered three layers of god form appeared.


    Crystal for bones, soul threads for flesh, poisonous mist transformed into armor, Heavenly Dao imprints, and three furnaces burning fiercely at its chest, forming a terrifying aura.


    The Purple Moon rose behind it, and behind the Purple Moon was an even larger sundial shadow.


    At this moment, the shadow spread out in all directions, forming the intent of the forbidden zone. The coffin in the depths was also swaying rapidly and murmurs spread in all directions.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s strongest form currently.


    He lifted his right hand and pressed down on the marsh. A divine voice echoed from his mouth.


    ¡°Withering Flame Demon Magic True Self Dao!¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, rainbow light erupted from his body. After it spread in all directions, the void rumbled. The three inverted mountains that had appeared earlier actually appeared again.


    This scene caused the expression of the mysterious female to change drastically, revealing disbelief.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Before she could finish speaking, the rainbow light in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes flickered. He lifted his right hand and pointed at the ground. Immediately, the first ice mountain landed with great force and rushed toward the rising horn.


    Amidst the deafening sounds, the marsh rumbled. After that, it was the second mountain, followed by the third mountain. The three mountains pressed down and the marsh swayed, causing space to be unstable.


    The final blow came from Xu Qing¡¯s main body. His body was like a shooting star as he landed a punch on the marsh.


    An unwilling roar rang out from the depths of the marsh. It was as though the existence hidden inside wanted to rush out completely, but due to some reasons, it couldn¡¯t do so in a short period of time.


    Hence, this space collapsed first and the world recovered.


    The white fan painting behind the mysterious woman shattered into pieces. Her expression was filled with disbelief as she looked at Xu Qing, who was standing there like a demonic god. She wanted to activate the secret art of her right eye.


    ¡°Destiny control¡­¡±


    However, due to the continuous backlash, the old woman in her right eye had just moved when the black fan dissipated on its own.


    The woman spat out another mouthful of blood and a life-


    and-death crisis appeared. She was about to speak.


    In the blink of an eye, Xu Qing¡¯s figure had already disappeared from her vision. At the next moment, the female felt a huge force blasting over. Although she struggled with all her strength and barely dodged the fatal blow, she couldn¡¯t avoid Xu Qing¡¯s palm that had changed from a fist to a palm.


    A slap landed on her face.


    The mask collapsed, revealing a lovely face. However, the gushing blood and the bruised half of her face destroyed the beauty and her body rolled back uncontrollably.


    Before she could land, Xu Qing¡¯s figure caught up with her and emerged behind her. When he lifted his right hand, a dagger appeared and he ruthlessly slashed at the mysterious woman¡¯s fair neck.


    No matter who the other party was, since the other party approached and attacked first, Xu Qing had no habit of sparing them.


    Blood gushed out and the head flew up.


    At the same time, countless soul threads spread out and rushed toward the woman¡¯s body and head, rapidly devouring them.


    The woman¡¯s body turned into ashes.


    However, Xu Qing frowned. The soul threads didn¡¯t devour any soul. This body¡­ didn¡¯t have a soul.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing sensed something and looked at the place where the female had turned into ashes. The ashes gathered there and formed a resplendent butterfly.


    This butterfly was illusory and colorful. As it flapped its wings, countless starlight scattered down. A serene voice rang out from its body.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    In the blink of an eye, the soul threads rushed over and the butterfly collapsed.


    However, it quickly formed again.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was cold.


    The woman¡¯s voice continued to echo.


    ¡°You¡¯ve previously killed. Your anger should have subsided by now, right?¡±


    With a boom, the million soul threads went again and the butterfly perished again. However, as expected, it reformed.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡±


    Boom!


    After about fifteen minutes, Xu Qing expressionlessly walked into the distance. The butterfly followed behind him and its voice continued to echo.


    ¡°You¡¯re so petty. You haven¡¯t calmed down yet. I was just joking with you earlier. If you still want to fight, you can destroy me a hundred times.¡±


    ¡°Aiya, don¡¯t be angry. I know you¡¯re curious about my cultivation art. You should be curious about my background too, right?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m from the Summer Immortal Palace.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m under the Palace Master¡¯s orders to invite you to the Summer Immortal Palace.¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks.

 Chapter 1213 - 1213 Summer Immortal Palace

    1213 Summer Immortal Palace


    The world was silent.


    In front of the bright moon in the sky, a few wisps of fog drifted past, giving off an ethereal feeling.


    As for the moonlight on the long street, the purple color spread. The source, Xu Qing, stopped in his tracks and turned to stare at the butterfly behind him.


    Summer Immortal Palace.


    Xu Qing had heard of this organization more than once. The first time was when Princess Anhai mentioned it on the way to the Imperial City.


    It was said that this palace not only existed in the human race but also in many races in the entire Wanggu Continent.


    The ancientness of this palace could be traced back to the time when Wanggu was established.


    In fact, the 99 Immemorial Heavenly Dao of the Wanggu Continent were also built by the founders of this palace. They were the ones who set the rules for this world and drew the boundary for the gods.


    They came from a place known as the Profound Earth, which was the lower realm.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was deep. After a long time, he slowly spoke.


    ¡°The human race¡¯s Summer Immortal Palace sends out a disciple to travel every thousand years. Are you the one in this generation?¡±


    The butterfly¡¯s wings fluttered, and sparkling starlight scattered from its body like dust, disappearing into the void, accompanied by the clear sound echoing.


    ¡°I¡¯m not telling you. If you want to know, you¡­¡±


    Xu Qing was expressionless. The soul threads in his body rushed out and surged into the butterfly¡¯s body.


    With a boom, the butterfly collapsed and quickly formed again. However, it was destroyed by the soul threads in the blink of an eye.


    Xu Qing only stopped after dozens of repetitions.


    The butterfly formed again. The pattern on its wings was like an eye, as though it was glaring angrily. After that, it let out a helpless voice.


    ¡°You¡¯re still angry. You¡¯re going too far. Don¡¯t attack!¡±


    ¡°Alright, let me answer your question. I also want to travel outside, but¡­ the Palace Master said that my ability isn¡¯t enough. Well, it makes sense. I can¡¯t even defeat you¡­¡±


    The voice inside the butterfly sighed.


    ¡°So are you going or not? If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll just keep following you. I have no choice. The Palace Master asked me to invite you, and if I don¡¯t fulfill it, it won¡¯t be good.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, he won¡¯t hurt you. Also, haven¡¯t you noticed that the array formation hasn¡¯t moved and no one has arrived since the time we fought¡­ You know the reason, right?¡±


    ¡°Because I represent the Summer Immortal Palace. As for the Summer Immortal Palace¡­ no matter in what race, we don¡¯t get involved in worldly affairs. We¡¯re just historians. We don¡¯t make enemies.¡±


    ¡°But I also don¡¯t know why the Palace Master invited you.¡±


    ¡°Are you going or not?¡±


    Xu Qing was quite annoyed. He discovered that after this mysterious woman transformed into a butterfly, she seemed to have become a chatterbox. Her words came one after another and there was no end to them.


    However, Xu Qing was indeed interested in the Summer Immortal Palace.


    In the Imperial City, many people were paying attention to him, so he wasn¡¯t worried of being in a fatal danger in the Summer Immortal Palace.


    Hence, after pondering for a bit, he lowered his head and looked at the ancient sun tied to his waist. He felt even more comforted.


    ¡°Lead the way!¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    The butterfly cheered and flew forward, leaving behind a colorful trail, beautiful like a starry sky.


    Xu Qing followed behind.


    He continued forward and arrived at the north of the Imperial City.


    The Imperial Capital was in the inner ring of the Ancient Sovereign Planet, and was quite vast.


    There were all kinds of terrains here like mountain ranges and plains.


    Compared to the other areas, the northern area was slightly empty and there were fewer buildings. The night gave it an even more desolate feeling.


    A while later, the butterfly stopped in the air above a plain. The resplendent light coupled with the moonlight illuminated this place clearly.


    Amidst the light, a temple was faintly discernible.


    There were no other buildings in the surroundings, so the temple stood alone.


    The temple was dilapidated and filled with a sense of the passage of time. Its existence seemed peculiar, as if it were constructed between reality and illusion.


    Xu Qing had passed by this place before and clearly remembered that there was no temple here.


    ¡®Is it the same as the Immortal Inquisition Bell?¡¯


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to speculate. The Summer Immortal Palace of any race is like this¡ªboth existing and not existing. When you seek it, you won¡¯t find it.¡±


    ¡°Only when the Summer Immortal Palace invites you will you be able to see it.¡±


    After the butterfly¡¯s voice rang out, its body swayed as it headed straight for the temple, disappearing without a trace in its passage. With its departure, the door of the temple slowly opened.


    The door was weathered, bearing the unmistakable marks of time, and a sense of antiquity pervaded both inside and outside the temple. Looking at it, it was as if one could see into history.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and the Sundials in his body slowly rotated. When he opened his eyes, he could vaguely see a river of time flowing outside the temple.


    This made this temple even more mysterious.


    A long time later, Xu Qing took a deep breath and tidied his clothes. He then bowed outside the temple.


    After that, he walked toward the entrance of the temple without stopping and directly stepped into the temple.


    The moment he entered, a temple that was as dilapidated as its exterior was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    The temple was ordinary, with a layout similar to other temples in the outside world. It was empty and quiet, with only the faint sound of burning candles echoing lightly.


    The source of the sound was an altar ahead, where nine candles were placed¡ªthree extinguished and six burning. The opening of the door caused the candles to flicker, casting a slight dimness over the entire temple.


    Below the altar were three straw mats, showing signs of wear and tear as if they had been used for meditation and worship for years.


    As for the temple¡¯s deities, they were not statues but nine ancient paintings.


    The ancient paintings were blurry and indistinct, with only faint outlines of human figures visible.


    In addition, the walls around the temple hall were adorned with murals, which appeared mottled in the light of the candles.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze moved away from the altar and landed on the surrounding walls. After staring at them carefully, his heart stirred.


    These murals were the condensed history of the human race!


    On the murals, Xu Qing saw the scene of the Human Emperor Mystic War ascending the throne!


    The portrayal was very clear, vividly portraying the grandness and magnificence. As he looked at it, it was as though he was there himself.


    A long time later, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze shifted to the other murals. He saw the scene of another Human Emperor ascending the throne.


    This emperor¡¯s appearance was unfamiliar but there were words left beside him.


    Dao World.


    Xu Qing took a closer look and continued walking. He saw the Human Sovereign Mirror Cloud who ruled before Dao World!


    Xu Qing paused in front of the mural of the Human Sovereign Mirror Cloud. He thought of Crown Prince Purple Green and knew that this Human Sovereign Mirror Cloud was from the same era as Purple Green.


    At that time, it could be considered a golden age in the post-


    human era.


    Xu Qing continued walking. He saw the Human Sovereign Holy Heaven and also the ambitious Human Sovereign Eastern Triumph who had brought half of the human race to ruin.


    The coronation scenes of these emperors varied in their grandeur, with the most astonishing being that of the Human Sovereign Eastern Triumph. In the mural, Heavenly Kings stood tall, many Rulers were present, exuding a majestic presence and an incredible dense aura of fortune.


    At that time, the human race¡¯s foundation was terrifying and the prestige of the ancient sovereign was still there.


    When Xu Qing looked back at Mystic War¡¯s coronation¡­ the feeling of the human race¡¯s decline was quite obvious.


    And these scenes, like history turned into a river, flowed before Xu Qing, using the murals to reflect the light of the human race after the departure of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    ¡°Then, what about the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether before the Human Sovereign Eastern Triumph¡­¡±


    Waves rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. He circled around the wall of the temple and continued walking until a scene that surpassed all the human emperors in the future appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    He saw¡­ the ascension of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    The Ancient Sovereign Planet flickered with light and countless auspicious signs. The world lost its color and 99 Immemorial Heavenly Dao appeared, lowering their heads to the palace.


    On the vast palace stood a person who surpassed the heavenly might.


    Below this person, all the races and countless emperors of the Wanggu Continent were worshiping him with incomparable respect.


    One person suppressed Wanggu.


    One person swept through the world.


    ¡°Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether!¡±


    Xu Qing gazed for a long time before slowly withdrawing his gaze. After calming his mind, he walked forward, wanting to see the human race before the time of the ancient sovereign.


    Before Mystic Nether, there were also emperors in the human race, with varying lengths of reign and different degrees of power.


    After the 31st person, Xu Qing saw a grand scene similar to the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether¡¯s mural.


    That¡­ was also an ancient sovereign.


    Mystic Nether wasn¡¯t the first ancient sovereign of the human race to unify Wanggu. The ancient sovereign before him was called Exiled Immortal!


    This person was an empress.


    Unparalleled magnificence, the center of attention, and brilliance that spanned the sky.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred. This was a history he didn¡¯t know about before. Hence, he observed even more carefully and only left after a long time. After that, there were more than 50 Human Emperors¡­


    At the end of the murals in the temple, Xu Qing finally saw¡­ the first ancient sovereign of the human race.


    It was a youth. He stood in front of an ancient palace. His clothes weren¡¯t imperial robes but Daoist robes.


    He didn¡¯t look at the myriad races worshiping below. Instead, he seemed to be staring at the starry sky.


    His expression was a little melancholic, complicated, and filled with longing.


    There were four words written on the side.


    Ancient Emperor Heavenly Calm.


    ¡°Ancient Emperor Heavenly Calm is the first emperor of the human ethnicity and also the first ancient sovereign.¡±


    An elegant sound rang out from behind Xu Qing.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he turned his head and looked in the direction of the altar. On the straw mat in the center, there was a woman with her back facing Xu Qing.


    Dressed in white, with black hair, illuminated by the candlelight, she appeared before Xu Qing like an old, faded painting.


    The person in the painting seemed to exist in time, yet also appeared before Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, making it difficult to tell if she belonged to the past or the present.


    Her aura was like a god but not a god, like a cultivator but not a cultivator.


    ¡®Immortal¡­¡¯


    In Xu Qing¡¯s body, the god¡¯s finger that had been sleeping for a long time emitted a trembling sound.


    ¡®I only took a nap. Why did you¡­ bring me to an immortal¡­¡¯


    The god¡¯s finger trembled and instinctively closed Its eyes. It was going to continue sleeping. Once It fell asleep, It wouldn¡¯t be afraid anymore.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the awakened god¡¯s finger. Instead, his gaze focused on the figure in white.


    Ancient temple, figure in white, dim firelight.


    At that moment, a moth appeared out of thin air and danced in the surroundings, adding to the scene. Finally, it settled on the woman¡¯s shoulder, its wing pattern forming an eye that looked toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, this is my master and also the Palace Master of the Summer Immortal Palace.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn as he bowed.


    ¡°Greetings, Palace Master.¡±


    The ancient shrine was silent for a long time¡­


    ¡°You have the aura of the Summer Immortal on you.¡±


    Her light sound was like water droplets falling on the green stone slab, emitting an ethereal sound that echoed in the archaic shrine for a long time.

 Chapter 1214 - 1214 Nine Summer Immortals!

    1214 Nine Summer Immortals!


    The ethereal voice echoed, drifting through the ancient temple. The speaker was right before him, yet, Xu Qing felt as though ages separated them.


    It felt as though someone gently plucked the strings of time outside of its flow, infusing the sound with a sense of temporality.


    The god¡¯s finger couldn¡¯t fall asleep, so It trembled even more.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart was also in turmoil. He couldn¡¯t see through the cultivation of the Summer Immortal Palace Master in front of him and couldn¡¯t even sense her.


    Her presence was illusory.


    As Xu Qing grew, this scene rarely appeared.


    With his experience till now, he had seen almost everything from a Ruler to bizarre entities.


    He had even seen several gods.


    So, when it came to assessing the aura, Xu Qing had his own reference in mind, but now¡­ he couldn¡¯t probe anything from the Summer Immortal Palace Master, nor could he find a similar reference.


    The feeling of the intersection between ancient and present, the fusion of reality and illusion, became even more intense at this instant.


    All of these feelings eventually gathered into a mystery that permeated Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    As for the other party¡¯s words, under this mysterious feeling, the feeling they exuded became profound. It was as though the sound came from all living beings and echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Summer Immortal¡­¡±


    Xu Qing suppressed the waves in his heart and pondered for a moment. He suddenly lifted his right hand and the demon-subduing staff where the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was instantly flew out and landed in Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Senior, are you talking about this item?¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the Summer Immortal Palace Master and spoke softly.


    The ancient temple was quiet, and lingering sounds could be heard.


    In this silence, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor in Xu Qing¡¯s hand clearly trembled intensely. He couldn¡¯t control that fear, as though he was facing a god.


    As for the shadow under Xu Qing¡¯s feet, it also swayed slightly. It restrained its emotions and didn¡¯t dare to act rashly.


    All of this allowed Xu Qing to make more judgments about the cultivation of the Summer Immortal Palace Master.


    A long time later, the ethereal voice rang out again.


    ¡°Yes and no.¡±


    The plain-clothed woman continued to sit there with her back facing Xu Qing. Her voice didn¡¯t dissipate even after a while.


    ¡°Do you know what the Summer Immortal is?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and didn¡¯t answer immediately. He carefully recalled everything he knew about the Summer Immortal.


    A long time later, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°The Summer Immortal is a realm.¡±


    The plain-clothed woman shook her head slightly.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, but not right either. Just take a look yourself.¡±


    The moment her voice drifted out, the woman lifted her right hand and pointed slightly at the first of the nine paintings enshrined behind the candles on the altar.


    Immediately, the hazy feeling on the painting began to dissipate and the figure in the painting gradually became clearer.


    That was an old man, tall in stature, with white hair and beard, rugged in demeanor, holding a golden cane, the material¡­ was bone.


    That wasn¡¯t an ordinary bone but the bone of a god.


    Even though it was just an image, its aura was astonishing. Xu Qing felt that this bone¡¯s aura had actually surpassed the Crimson Goddess!


    It was clearly a still painting, but the old man looked like he was walking forward. It was as though he was stepping on clouds, and his entire body was filled with endless domineeringness.


    His clothes looked a little tattered but it didn¡¯t affect his temperament at all. Instead, it added to his vicissitudes. His gaze was as deep as the starry sky, as though it could see through everything in the world.


    While looking at the painting, Xu Qing tried to remember it. However, he discovered that he couldn¡¯t do such a simple thing.


    It was as though¡­ the person in this painting couldn¡¯t be remembered.


    ¡°God can¡¯t be looked at directly, and immortals can¡¯t be remembered.¡±


    The voice of the plain-clothed woman drifted in the hall.


    ¡°What you¡¯re looking at is one of the nine Summer Immortals of the Wanggu Continent. His origins aren¡¯t that of a human. No one knows his exact appearance. This image was also transformed from his mortal skin.¡±


    The woman spoke softly. The feeling of time was especially intense at this moment.


    She waved her jade-like hand again and the second painting became clear.


    The figure in the painting was also an old man, but he was different from the previous figure. He wasn¡¯t as domineering and was more scholarly.


    He wore a scholar¡¯s robe, with long beard fluttering in the wind, his complexion rosy, his eyes profound, embodying the Heavenly Dao.


    His hair was neatly combed, gently secured at the top with a wooden hairpin, and his clothes were embroidered with exquisite cloud patterns, every stitch exuding an otherworldly charm.


    That was the gods¡¯ aura.


    Each stitch, each line, was intricately inscribed with a god!


    ¡°You¡¯re right that the Summer Immortal is a realm, but it¡¯s more of a definition by later generations of the ancestors. The cultivators of later generations believed that after the Soul Accumulation is the Ruler, and after the Ruler is Quasi Immortal Great Emperor. When a Quasi Immortal breaks through, they will advance to the Summer Immortal Realm.¡±


    As the Summer Immortal Palace Master spoke, she waved her hand again. The third and fourth paintings were reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    It was a man and a woman.


    The woman¡¯s dress floated gracefully, her face was ethereal, her hair cascading like a waterfall, dancing in the wind. Her eyes were like a spring pond, shimmering with ripples. With every frown or smile, she enchanted those who beheld her.


    Countless orbs of light surrounded her, emitting dazzling radiance. Upon closer inspection, one could see that these orbs were actually stars.


    As for the man depicted in the fourth painting, he appeared middle-aged, exuding an air of authority between his brows. His hair was jet black and thick, flowing behind him.


    His eyes were deep and profound, akin to the dark night sky, twinkling with the light of wisdom. With a straight nose and thin lips, he gave off an aura of calmness and composure.


    Under his feet was a mountain of divine corpses!


    The golden blood spread out like a sea.


    When Xu Qing saw this, his heart trembled intensely. Even through the painting, he could clearly sense how terrifying those divinities were.


    Some of them gave him the feeling that they were on par with the Crimson Goddess and there were even stronger ones.


    However¡­ in front of that man, they were just corpses.


    The voice of the Summer Immortal Palace Master was still echoing.


    ¡°In reality, Summer Immortal was just a title in the earliest days, a designation in the Brilliant Heaven for outstanding individuals of the Profound Earth, the lower immortals, the lower of the upper and lower.¡±


    ¡°After that, as history progressed, the lower immortals became the Summer Immortals.¡±


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath. He had never heard of this information.


    After the Summer Immortal Palace Master finished speaking, her finger landed on the fifth painting.


    This painting showed a youth.


    The youth wore a white robe and the sleeves of his robe fluttered in the wind, exuding an immortal aura.


    The robe was adorned with intricate patterns, displaying his noble status. His fingers were slender, holding a horsetail whisk, the threads of which danced in the wind, each strand tethering a starry realm.


    Within them lay countless worlds, containing all living beings


    As for the young man himself, despite his youthful appearance, his eyes exuded an ancient wisdom, as if he had witnessed the myriad facets of the world and possessed rich experiences. Yet, his original intentions remained intact, his smile gentle, evoking a sense of warmth akin to a spring breeze, leaving people irresistibly captivated.


    ¡°There are a total of nine of them and they come from different races. Among them, the human race is the most prominent, totaling five. This is also why the human race has produced three ancient sovereigns in the course of history.¡±


    The ethereal voice of the Summer Immortal Palace Master continued to echo. As she pointed again, the sixth painting revealed a dazzling light.


    In the painting, there was a woman. She had a gentle smile, akin to a blossoming white lotus, adorned in flowing Daoist robes, appearing like a celestial being descending to earth. Her long hair danced around her, complementing her willowy eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes, while her face radiated beauty with fair skin as pure as snow.


    Her eyes were clear and bright like a clear spring, shining brightly.


    A sword floated behind her. This sword was as black as ink and contained destruction and death.


    ¡°The remaining three died in the ancient war. Their immortal senses formed 54 of the 99 Immemorial Heavenly Dao.¡±


    The Summer Immortal Palace Master sighed softly and waved her jade-like hand. The remaining three paintings were revealed to Xu Qing at the same time.


    These three paintings bore a somewhat grayish hue. The first depicted a woman, her hair cascading like a waterfall, her skin fairer than snow. With a graceful figure and ethereal presence, she seemed to exude an otherworldly aura. Her lips, painted in vermilion, outlined a breathtakingly beautiful visage.


    Her smile was the most captivating among all the paintings, radiant and enchanting, likely akin to the warmth of a spring day¡¯s sunshine, but alas, now lost to time.


    The second figure was a young man, unremarkable in appearance save for his deep gaze. His face bore the marks of age, and he wore a simple Daoist robe that billowed in the wind, as if ready to be carried away.


    The last painting was mostly empty. Even though it was displayed by the Summer Immortal Palace Master, the figure was still hazy. One could only vaguely see that he seemed to be an elderly man.


    Though his figure was indistinct, the essence emanating from this painting seeped into Xu Qing¡¯s perception. He seemed to envision an old man, perhaps lifting his hand to support the collapsing heavens, resembling a mountain, imparting an unshakeable sense of stability.


    ¡°The last one didn¡¯t have time to leave behind a mortal molt, so only the essence before his fall was preserved.¡±


    The Summer Immortal Palace Master looked up at the painting on the altar.


    Xu Qing remained silent. He then solemnly bowed toward the paintings. Then, his gaze turned to the figure of the master of Summer Immortal Palace Master, and he spoke with reverence.


    ¡°I wonder why Senior summoned me here?¡±


    ¡°The mission of the Summer Immortal Palace is to record the history of the Wanggu Continent. However, in reality, the Summer Immortal Palace has another mission.¡±


    ¡°Record the growth arts that caused changes in the Immortal Source of the Summer Immortal Palace.¡±


    ¡°Your soul seed has stirred ripples in the Immortal Source, so¡­ would you be willing to leave one, to be perpetually stored within the Immortal Source of Summer Immortal Palace?¡±


    ¡°As a contribution, you may seek a growth art enlightenment from within the Immortal Source.¡±


    The Summer Immortal Palace Master spoke softly. The eye pattern on the little butterfly¡¯s wings flickered as a voice came from it.


    ¡°Ah, it was actually because of this. Master, that lousy growth art of his can cause ripples in the Immortal Source? That¡¯s the Immortal Source!¡±


    The voice sounded unconvinced and envious.


    Xu Qing remained silent. He didn¡¯t expect the goal of the Summer Immortal Palace to be the soul seed. This matter wasn¡¯t much to him but he was a little curious about the so-


    called Immortal Source.


    ¡°Senior, what is the Immortal Source you mentioned?¡±


    The person who answered Xu Qing wasn¡¯t the Summer Immortal Palace Master. That little butterfly let out a crisp sound.


    ¡°That was created by the nine Summer Immortals after the rise of the Wanggu. It is a great and only existence that surpasses the Heavenly Dao.¡±


    ¡°Its effect in the Profound Earth¡¯s myriad worlds is the source of all growth arts and divine abilities.¡±


    ¡°Most of the spells of the Profound Earth come from the Immortal Source, which spreads them in various ways in the world. At the same time, the Immortal Source is also in charge of collecting and disseminating rare and unique Daos.¡±


    ¡°This way, it can ensure the eternal growth of our homeland.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really unbelievable. How could your soul seed cause fluctuations in the Immortal Source!¡±

 Chapter 1215 - 1215 Harvest From the Immortal Source

    1215 Harvest From the Immortal Source


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart churned. He didn¡¯t expect that there was actually such a miraculous existence as an Immortal Source in this world!


    The effect of this Immortal Source that surpassed the Heavenly Dao was even more unbelievable.


    ¡°The source of all the Profound Earth cultivation arts¡­¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and instinctively looked at the ground. Before this, he knew that under the Wanggu Continent, what was sealed was the former Brilliant Heaven. He also knew that outside the Wanggu Continent, this starry sky actually belonged to Brilliant Heaven.


    What the Wanggu Continent suppressed was only one of the many worlds of the Brilliant Heaven Divine World.


    As for the Profound Earth, the homeland of the Summer Immortal, it was also the true origin of all the myriad races in the Wanggu, and was located even further below.


    That place must be endless and extremely vast, with countless lives. All their cultivation arts, divine arts, and spells were formed from the Immortal Source jointly forged by the nine Summer Immortals.


    It analyzed, collected, organized, and disseminated.


    As a result, in the myriad worlds of the Profound Earth, the flowers of cultivation bloomed eternally, and there were countless techniques. Many people obtained techniques through various means, but all of them ultimately originated from this Immortal Source.


    The nature of this phenomenon, its impact, left Xu Qing profoundly shaken, unable to put it into words. In his mind, there was only the concept of greatness.


    At the same time, Xu Qing also thought of the little butterfly¡¯s attack when she transformed into a human. Regardless of whether it was the Withering Flame Demon Magic True Self Dao or the Marsh Kingdom, they clearly came from Immortal Source.


    ¡®It¡¯s conceivable that someone who mastered and used such divine power to the fullest extent would have been among the elites of the Profound Earth.¡¯


    ¡®In that case, I wonder if there are similar things in the Wanggu Continent¡­¡¯


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought, and the little butterfly seemed to have guessed his thoughts. Hence, its voice echoed.


    ¡°Are you wondering if there are any similar Immortal Sources in the Wanggu Continent? Let me tell you, because of the will of the Brilliant Heaven, the effect of the Immortal Source is limited in the Wanggu Continent. It can only collect, but cannot evolve or propagate.¡±


    ¡°Only the successors of the Summer Immortal Palace from each race can utilize their respective permissions to comprehend from the Immortal Source under certain conditions. Outsiders do not have this opportunity.¡±


    ¡°Even I have to pay a price to obtain this opportunity. The rule of the Immortal Source is equivalent exchange!¡±


    ¡°Last time at the Star Emperor Branch Sect, I risked my life to secretly steal a treasure for the Immortal Source, but you are actually getting an opportunity so easily!¡±


    In the ancient temple, the little butterfly¡¯s voice echoed. Its crisp and clearly unconvinced voice also added a hint of liveliness to the ancient temple.


    Xu Qing glanced at the Summer Immortal Palace Master and then at the little butterfly. A guess couldn¡¯t help but rise in his mind. Perhaps¡­ the liveliness of this little butterfly was one of the reasons why the Summer Immortal Palace Master took her as a disciple back then.


    Here, immersed in the river of time, steeped in ancient history, the colors were too plain, too monotonous, loneliness and vicissitudes permeating the place to an overwhelming degree.


    All of this led those living here to be deeply affected, naturally acquiring a sense of age.


    Yet, the existence of their mission meant that the Summer Immortal Palace had to persist in this way generation after generation.


    ¡®Someday, when this small butterfly becomes the Summer Immortal Palace Master¡­ she might also become like the current Palace Master before us, born in the present but living in the past, traversing life within the bounds of duty and experiencing the vicissitudes of time.¡¯


    Xu Qing shifted his gaze away from the little butterfly, not caring about her tone. Instead, he looked at the Summer Immortal Palace Master and cupped his hands.


    ¡°Senior, I understand.¡±


    ¡°This¡­ can be done, but I want to see the Immortal Source with my own eyes.¡±


    The Summer Immortal Palace Master didn¡¯t speak. She only lifted her jade-like hand and guided it slightly toward the candlelight on the altar in front of her. Immediately, the flames of the six burning candles rose greatly and spread out.


    It was clearly just a candle flame, but as it spread, it actually formed a rotating sea of fire in the half-empty space of the ancient temple. Amidst the booming rotation, the radiance became much brighter than before, illuminating the dim ancient temple brightly.


    On the surrounding murals, the ancient sovereigns seemed to have come alive under this light and emitted the imperial might of the human race.


    This might fused with the sea of fire and finally formed a scene.


    Its true location remained unknown. It seemed to be merely a window to another realm, revealing a vibrant void within.


    Within this void grew an immensely colossal plant.


    It was¡­ a dandelion.


    Its stem was imprinted with countless runic marks, and every one of them emitted a terrifying and astonishing might. When gathered together, these marks rendered the dandelion pearlescent, mysterious, and utterly unique.


    Beneath it lay soil, nourishing its growth, yet upon closer inspection, this soil revealed itself to be composed of flesh and blood, the remains of countless gods.


    It was as though¡­ back then, after the nine Summer Immortals overturned this Brilliant Heaven Divine World, they buried most of the gods they slaughtered here.


    Let Them provide eternal nourishment to the dandelion.


    At the same time, the divine souls of these gods were also restricted here. They were forced to kneel and let out heart-rending and terrifying wails. Their divine sounds could better promote the operation of the dandelion.


    This was the Immortal Source.


    It was the Immortal Source created by the nine Summer Immortals, burying a divine world!


    In the mud formed by the flesh and blood of gods, there were still over a hundred corpses that hadn¡¯t completely decomposed. It was as though Their existence was too astonishing and the time needed for Them to decompose was infinitely long.


    Among them, Xu Qing only took a glance at one of the corpses before his mind rumbled. His body showed signs of collapsing and the divine sources in his body trembled.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s breathing to pause.


    That corpse was the largest among all the corpses in this land of fleshy soil. Because he didn¡¯t have a reference, it was difficult to judge Its exact size.


    However, the aura from Its body was the strongest Xu Qing had seen so far. Compared to It, the Crimson Goddess was like a firefly. Even the Sword Holding Emperor was only a firefly.


    This god had imperial qi!


    ¡°That¡¯s the former God Emperor of this divine world.¡±


    The sound of the Summer Immortal Palace Master rang out ethereally.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred. In the end, he retracted his gaze and looked at the dandelion.


    It was in full bloom and released countless furry seeds. They weren¡¯t white but tricolored in red, yellow, and blue. At this moment, they drifted into the surrounding void, continuously dispersing farther and farther away.


    One could imagine that these seeds were cultivation arts and divine arts, spreading across the myriad worlds of the Profound Earth.


    At the same time, some seeds were returning from the void, integrating into the dandelion, being absorbed, transformed, and then dispersing once again.


    The cycle repeated.


    Xu Qing stared at this scene and felt deep respect for this Immortal Source. He slowly released a soul seed from his body and let it drift in front of him.


    The soul seed shone with a purple light. Under Xu Qing¡¯s divine sense, it passed through the window and flew toward the emptiness where the dandelion was. The moment it entered, it also transformed into the appearance of a dandelion seed and got close to the dandelion.


    At the next instant, it fused into it.


    As for Xu Qing¡¯s divine consciousness contained in the soul seed, it should have been instantly erased, causing the soul seed to be blank. However, as the Summer Immortal Palace Master waved her hand, the burning power of the candle interfered, causing this process to slow down.


    ¡°Outsiders can¡¯t directly comprehend the Immortal Source. They only have this chance at the moment they contribute, but it¡¯s fleeting. However, with my authority, I can allow the consciousness in your soul seed to exist for ten breaths. You can grasp it yourself and see what divine powers you can obtain.¡±


    Summer Immortal Palace Master¡¯s sound echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. Xu Qing heard it but couldn¡¯t respond.


    This was because at that moment, his mind was churning intensely. Countless heavenly lightning bolts exploded in his ears and his perception fell into an indescribable state.


    It was as though he had entered the void where the dandelion was. There was minced meat below and a dandelion that was as tall as the sky in front of him.


    As for his size, it was the same as the seeds of the dandelion.


    Around him were countless dandelion seeds. A large number of blurry figures emerged in each of them and they were all displaying divine powers and spells.


    They were densely packed and endless.


    He seemed to be able to learn all of them but there were too many cultivation arts and they were of varying quality, mixed together. It was unrealistic to examine them one by one.


    In this short period of time, it was impossible for him to use this method to find the most suitable technique. Hence¡­ Xu Qing didn¡¯t choose to check them one by one.


    Instead, he observed. Regardless of whether it was in front of him or in the distance, he was observing everything within the range of his divine consciousness, scanning past the dandelion seeds.


    A few breaths later, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly narrowed.


    He saw a dandelion seed. This was a little different from the others. It wasn¡¯t going out but returning.


    Although there were also figures inside, compared to the many people in the other dandelion seeds, there were only two figures sitting cross-legged on the left and right.


    In addition, the moment Xu Qing looked at this seed, the Purple Moon power in his body truly reacted.


    Time was limited and Xu Qing didn¡¯t have time to think too much. He was decisive and controlled his divine consciousness to rapidly approach the dandelion seed. However, the process wasn¡¯t smooth.


    That seed was a little far away.


    Most importantly, the location it drifted to was directly above the God Emperor¡¯s corpse. Although it was far away from the corpse, the pressure was very intense.


    However, if he waited for the seed to pass by on its own before taking it, there wouldn¡¯t be enough time.


    Xu Qing could sense that his divine sense was already showing signs of dissipating. He understood that there wasn¡¯t much time left.


    ¡°I¡¯ll risk it!¡±


    Xu Qing sped forward, displaying his speed to the extreme. He avoided the other seeds along the way and rapidly got closer. The God Emperor¡¯s corpse below also became clearer.


    There was finally a reference to judge Its size. Compared to It, Xu Qing was like a strand of hair on Its body!


    The pressure from the God Emperor¡¯s corpse became even more terrifying. Even though Xu Qing was very far above It now, he was still affected. The heavenly lightning in his mind instantly reached the extreme and the body formed by his divine sense was about to collapse.


    Xu Qing steeled his heart. Before he collapsed from the pressure, he burned his divine sense himself. Amidst the rumbling sounds, his divine sense body was destroyed. However, with the help of this burning power, he finally rushed forward for a distance.


    He came into contact with the drifting dandelion seed.


    The moment they came into contact, an ancient and dignified sound echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°This realm of heaven and earth can be likened to a well¡­¡±

 Chapter 1216 - Chapter 1216: So, Have You Learned?

    Chapter 1216: So, Have You Learned?


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled and all his perception collapsed, turning into nothingness. His divine sense also dissipated from the Immortal Source.


    As for that dandelion seed, it quivered and flew back slightly, before following its original trajectory and returning to the Immortal Source. However¡­ the figures inside had changed from two to three!


    But the third figure was blurry, as though it might dissipate at any moment.


    Xu Qing¡¯s true body was standing in the ancient temple, under the sea of fire, and outside the window of the Immortal Source. His eyes were closed and he was motionless.


    The Summer Immortal Palace Master sighed softly with some regret.


    The little butterfly naturally understood the meaning behind her sigh, so it immediately spoke in its crisp sound.


    ¡°Xu Qing is too greedy. The returning seed has yet to be purified by the Immortal Source, so it is very difficult to comprehend it. If it were purified by the Immortal Source to become a blank slate, it would be much simpler.¡±


    The little butterfly¡¯s words contained a hint of smugness and joy. It thought to itself, ¡®It serves Xu Qing right for killing me so many times outside. That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t tell him this secret earlier.¡¯


    Amidst its joy, it continued to speak.


    ¡°Master, you helped him delay for ten breaths but he didn¡¯t grasp the opportunity. This is his fate. There¡¯s no need to sigh.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. My comprehension ability is even better. I will work a bit harder and I will be stronger than him.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a high chance that the figure Xu Qing left in the seed will dissipate on its own, proving that his comprehension has failed. Even if his comprehension ability is slightly inferior to mine, there won¡¯t be enough time anyway.¡±


    ¡°Once that seed returns to the main body without an imprint, it will also be purified.¡±


    H


    So, Master, you don¡¯t have to regret it.¡±


    The little butterfly happily spoke, but the Summer Immortal Palace Master shook her head.


    ¡°What I regret isn¡¯t this Xu Qing but that 1 chose you as my disciple too early.¡±


    After saying that, the Summer Immortal Palace Master¡¯s gaze landed on the dandelion seed Xu Qing had comprehended.


    The little butterfly didn¡¯t understand the meaning of these words and was stunned. Its gaze instinctively followed its master toward the seed. Just as it was about to ask, the eye on its wings suddenly narrowed.


    Within the realm of the Immortal Source, the dandelion seed that had been sensed by Xu Qing was returning to its mother body. It wasn¡¯t very far away, and it was estimated that it would only take several dozen breaths of time before it merged back into its mother body.


    However, in the process of returning, the originally blurry third figure inside actually became clearer at an unbelievable speed!


    The figure became more and more stable.


    In the end, the figure even showed Xu Qing¡¯s appearance.


    This speed was something the little butterfly couldn¡¯t imagine. In the past, it had comprehended purified seeds that were scattered outside, so it had sufficient time to comprehend them.


    Generally speaking, it would be able to leave an imprint in a day or two.


    That was why it had spoken like that earlier and didn¡¯t think that Xu Qing could succeed. It was using itself as a reference. However, everything it saw now subverted its understanding, causing its mind to rumble like thunder. It was dumbfounded.


    ¡°Wha¡­¡±


    At the same time, an earth-shattering storm erupted in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    He beheld a rippling expanse of stars, akin to the surface of water.


    Compared to the cosmos, this starry sky resembled a well.


    ¡°In the well lies all things, encompassing every divine skill, every magical treasure, every form imaginable¡­¡±


    The ancient voice was faint yet resonant.


    Entranced, Xu Qing immersed himself in it, his consciousness merging with the sound, sinking into the depths of this well.


    Though his perception in the realm of the Immortal Source had collapsed, and his divine sense there had completely dissipated, the fleeting touch from before had imprinted the legacy in his consciousness.


    Although it was only a wisp, it was enough. Xu Qing¡¯s comprehension ability was so strong that even Old Master Seventh and the heir were astonished on numerous occasions. Therefore, this wisp of comprehension in his sea of consciousness was more than sufficient.


    Hence, under this immersion, the starry sky in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes slowly calmed down as the ripples dissipated. At the same time, everything above it was reflected.


    Xu Qing vaguely saw himself in the well formed by the starry sky.


    On the surface of the water, he saw all his god forms, his Heavenly Dao, all his magic artifacts, and everything in his golden cores.


    God¡¯s Finger, Ghost Emperor Mountain, D132, morning glow¡­


    Not only that, but there were also all the cultivation arts, spells, and even divine arts he had cultivated since he started his cultivation journey.


    Golden Crow Refines All Life, Under the Nine Springs, and so on¡­ Even his figure was revealed inside.


    At first glance, it was almost impossible to tell if what was shown on the water was real or if reality lay beneath it!


    ¡°That¡¯s also me¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. This was a very profound feeling but it was extremely real.


    Amidst this haziness, Xu Qing also sensed that he had lost all his mobility. It was as though he had frozen up and his soul was being sucked away by the water surface.


    However¡­ there was no purple crystal in the reflection in the water!


    This discovery caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to tremble. After that, he heard that ancient and domineering voice again.


    ¡°This divine ability of mine is¡­ Fishing the Moon From the Well!¡±


    As these words were spoken, an indistinct hand seemed to materialize from the void. It gently scooped downward toward the water¡¯s surface, causing ripples to form. Within these ripples, the reflection of Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared. Astonishingly, with a light scoop from the hand, Xu Qing¡¯s image was lifted out of thin air.


    ¡°I found the moon in the well to be exquisite and wished to possess it for myself. Now, I have it.¡±


    Within the illusory hand emerged Xu Qing¡¯s image. With a firm grasp, the hand clenched tightly around Xu Qing¡¯s figure.


    ¡°He is you!¡±


    11


    So, have you learned?¡±


    As the voice echoed, a blurry figure slowly formed along the large hand and finally revealed itself in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    It was a middle-aged man in gray armor with a pale face and a calm gaze!


    He was a middle-aged man wearing gray armor, his face pale and his eyes calm as water. The armor on his body appeared ferocious, as if it were grown onto his flesh, blurring the line between armor and flesh.


    This gave the man an aura of malevolence that was oddly mixed with dominance, creating a contradictory yet harmonious presence.


    At that moment, what he was looking at was none other than Xu Qing in his palm.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t move. Regardless of whether it was his body or spells, even his god forms seemed to have been stripped away at this moment. However, his thoughts and comprehension weren¡¯t affected.


    H


    So the name of this divine power is Fishing the Moon From the Well!¡±


    ¡°What a great divine power. There was originally no moon in the well. Even if it appeared, it would only be a reflection of the moon in the sky. However, in this person¡¯s hands, it became such an earth-shattering technique!¡±


    ¡°The process he demonstrated seems to utilize the gaps between reality and illusion, incorporating a certain degree of temporal power, along with the art of mirror image. This was complemented by the concepts of creation from nothingness and materialization of the intangible.¡±


    ¡°This thought requires absolute confidence, absolute domineering intent, and absolute will.¡±


    Xu Qing came to a realization. The figure in the dandelion seed also became clearer and clearer until it completely formed and stood on one side with the other two.


    To a certain extent, it could be said that Xu Qing had already comprehended Fishing the Moon From the Well.


    However, at the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred.


    ¡°That¡¯s not right!¡±


    11


    It¡¯s impossible for the inheritance of the Immortal Source to be so simple. All of this should only be on the surface. My thoughts are a little one-sided. The heir and Third Grandma also told me that what limits a person¡¯s footsteps is imagination.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, Fishing the Moon From the Well might not be what 1 think it is¡­ It should be more profound with much greater use. It¡¯s just that I can¡¯t see it clearer due to my cognition and ability.¡±


    Xu Qing pondered. As he pondered, the figure in the dandelion seed suddenly collapsed and began to disappear. This scene caused the little butterfly, who had been paying attention, to be stunned again.


    It originally thought that Xu Qing had succeeded and its heart was already churning. However, now it saw Xu Qing¡¯s figure had collapsed¡­


    ¡°Master, this¡­ what¡¯s going on?¡±


    The little butterfly was at a loss.


    The Summer Immortal Palace Master sighed again, feeling even more regretful.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that the rule of the Summer Immortal Palace states that it can only be passed down to one person in each generation.¡±


    The little butterfly was shocked.


    The Summer Immortal Palace Master continued.


    ¡°He¡¯s dissatisfied with the inherited divine power and is probing its essence.¡±


    ¡°Essence?¡± The little butterfly¡¯s eyes widened.


    The Summer Immortal Palace Master wasn¡¯t wrong. At that moment, Xu Qing was indeed thinking about the essence of this technique.


    He recalled the reaction of the Purple Moon power in his body when he sensed the seed. Coupled with the name of this divine art, a bold thought instantly burst forth in his mind.


    ¡°What was fished out of the well wasn¡¯t just the soul of one person or a group of people.¡±


    ¡°What surfaces in the well aren¡¯t just divine powers, spells, magic artifacts, and the like.¡±


    ¡°These are too simple.¡±


    H


    Since there¡¯s a moon in the well, why should it be limited to the moon in the sky?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t necessarily have to be used on enemies. 1 can completely¡­ use this technique to retrieve the moon in my mind!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled. He felt that his thoughts were correct.


    ¡°I understand now. This is also why this gray-armored cultivator mentioned finding the moon beautiful and wanting to possess it. He was reminding me!


    He even asked me if 1 had learned. This is also a reminder!¡±


    ¡°In fact, when he said, ¡®he was me,¡¯ these words were almost a clear indication to me.¡±


    ¡°Is this person asking me if I¡¯ve really learned the essence of all this?!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts instantly became clear and smooth. With a thought, his figure in the palm erupted with an intense piercing purple light.


    This light spread in all directions and his figure disappeared, transforming into a¡­ vast Purple Moon!


    This star emitted a monstrous might from the palm. In an instant, the palm emitted a rumbling sound and directly collapsed. Even the gray-armored figure disintegrated under the purple light and turned into ashes.


    Only a Purple Moon rose from the surface of the well.


    This moon wasn¡¯t an illusion but a real existence!


    It wasn¡¯t the one that Li Zihua had taken away in the depths of the starry sky. Instead, it was the second Purple Moon Star in the Wanggu Continent formed by Xu Qing!


    It came from the same source as Li Zihua but it belonged exclusively to Xu Qing!


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared on the Purple Moon. He cupped his hands and bowed to the disappearing gray-armored cultivator with gratitude.


    Outside, the dandelion seed was already close to the main body. The moment it was about to fuse, the two figures inside shattered and completely disappeared. Only a figure stood there!


    It was Xu Qing!

 Chapter 1217 - Chapter 1217: Erniu’s Persistence (1)

    Chapter 1217: Erniu¡¯s Persistence (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    In the ancient temple, the Summer Immortal Palace Master stared at the dandelion seed that only belonged to Xu Qing through the window formed by the candlelight until it fused into the main body and disappeared.


    The little butterfly at the side watched this scene in a daze. Its thoughts were in chaos, and it couldn¡¯t even speak properly.


    ¡°Ah? The only one¡­ what is this? Master, he¡­ he¡¯s cheating!¡±


    ¡°For countless years, talented individuals in the Profound Earth have speculated that all techniques have their sources. If someone occupies these sources, then reaching the pinnacle of mastery in such techniques becomes extremely difficult.¡±


    The Summer Immortal Palace Master spoke softly.


    ¡°They don¡¯t know about the existence of the Immortal Source. This is what they guessed from their observations.¡±


    ¡°This guess is correct and incorrect.¡±


    ¡°The Profound Earth cultivation arts indeed have sources, and few are unique. However, if someone can do it, their imprint will become deeply rooted, and even the Immortal Source will respect it and refrain from erasing it, leaving it for future generations to observe and learn from.¡±


    ¡°This Xu Qing has done it.¡±


    The voice of the Summer Immortal Palace Master became less ethereal and was replaced by admiration. She waved her right hand. The candlelight in the air rolled back and returned to the candles on the altar.


    The imperial qi inside also spread out and fused into the various Human Emperor totems on the surrounding murals.


    Only the lingering voice of the Summer Immortal Palace Master still echoed in the ancient temple.


    Even though the little butterfly might seem foolish, combined with the regretful words of the master before, she also sensed this hint of admiration. So, feeling flustered, she was about to express herself.


    At that moment, Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes.


    There was no confusion in his eyes but clarity. There was also a purple halo flowing in them. Under the illumination, it gave people the feeling that his pupils were like the stars.


    Perhaps they were indeed stars.


    ¡°Thank you, Palace Master!¡±


    Xu Qing cupped his hands and bowed deeply to the Summer Immortal Palace Master.


    ¡°No need for that. Offering your soul seed to the Immortal Source is already a great merit for the Profound Earth. Afterwards, your soul seed will be stripped of its will and formed into techniques, spreading throughout the myriad worlds of the Profound Earth, adding a touch of color to the Profound Earth¡¯s techniques.¡±


    ¡°And through this merit, you obtained the chance to comprehend divine abilities in the Immortal Source. This is cause and effect.¡±


    ¡°Now, is there anything else you want to ask?¡±


    The Summer Immortal Palace Master spoke more than before. Clearly, the admiration she had for Xu Qing was the main reason.


    Xu Qing fell silent. His gaze then landed on the nine paintings.


    ¡°Palace Master, 1 want to know, where did the Summer Immortal seniors who founded the Wanggu Continent and raised the Heavenly Dao go? And why haven¡¯t they returned since the appearance of the fragmented-face of the god?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice drifted in the ancient temple. What answered him was a soft sigh from the Summer Immortal Palace Master.


    ¡°No one knows the exact locations of the six Summer Immortals. There¡¯s only a piece of information in the records of the Summer Immortal Palace.¡±


    ¡°Some of them went to the depths of Brilliant Heaven and some are recuperating in the Profound Earth. As for the details, I don¡¯t know either.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been too long.¡±


    The Summer Immortal Palace Master¡¯s voice contained some special emotions. After she finished speaking, her figure slowly blurred, and the nearby little butterfly, sensing its master¡¯s melancholy, also blurred along with her.


    Xu Qing remained silent. He knew that it was time for him to leave.


    Hence, he bowed again and turned to walk toward the entrance of the temple. Just before he stepped out, he turned his head and took one last look at the ancient temple.


    What he looked at wasn¡¯t the blurry Palace Master or the altar, but the painting which depicted the first emperor of the human race, also the first ancient sovereign.


    That youth who was looking up at the starry sky.


    After a glance, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and stepped out of the ancient temple.


    As he walked out, the ancient temple behind him shattered like a bubble amidst a colorful swirl, until it disappeared completely, leaving no trace of its existence.


    Xu Qing turned his head and stared, only to find emptiness.


    There were no buildings at all.


    It was as if it were just a dream, and at this moment, in the distance, the sun rose into the sky, marking the dawn. The sky gradually woke from darkness, becoming brighter.


    It was dyed crimson, creating a magnificent scene.


    The earth was shrouded in a thin morning mist, as if someone had draped a veil over it, giving it a hazy sense of mystery.


    As the first rays of sunlight spread across the land, the morning mist melted away like snow, becoming even thinner until it disappeared completely. The sunlight then shone through the space between heaven and earth, falling upon Xu Qing.


    The night had passed.


    Xu Qing gazed at the red sun, his breath forming white mist in the cold morning air. In his mind, the painting he had seen twice floated, vivid and clear.


    That first ancient sovereign of the human race, that youth¡­ When he first saw him, he already felt a sense of familiarity. When he took another glance at the painting before he left, the feeling was even stronger.


    ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve seen him before¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. With this thought in mind, he stepped on the light of the rising sun and walked toward Ning Yan¡¯s residence.


    Two hours later, the sky was already bright. The moment he walked to the lake in front of Ning Yan¡¯s residence, Xu Qing suddenly stopped in his tracks. He looked at the lake in front of him and vaguely found the source of the familiarity.


    ¡°He looks a little like Master.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He walked on the surface of the lake and returned to the mansion step by step.


    He had never seen his master¡¯s young appearance, but that youth¡¯s gaze was very similar to his master¡¯s eyes.


    While he was thinking of this, he saw Fenghai County cultivators waiting for him in the courtyard. The moment they saw Xu Qing, cheers erupted.


    In the crowd, there was also Ning Yan, along with Kong Xianglong, Wu Jianwu, and Li Yunshan, the Sword Holding Palace Master of Fenghai County, who had led the team accompanying Xu Qing to the Imperial Capital..

 Chapter 1218 - Chapter 1218: Erniu’s Persistence (2)

    Chapter 1218: Erniu¡¯s Persistence (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Zi Xuan had also returned and was smiling from afar.


    Even the captain was there. His hand was around Wu Jianwu¡¯s neck and was saying something. When he noticed Xu Qing, he grinned.


    Their cheers were because Xu Qing¡¯s identity as a member of the Variant Immortal School had been revealed, because he had won the Dao discussion, because Xu Qing had killed the Seventh Prince, and also because of Bai Xiaozhuo¡¯s death!


    To all the Fenghai County cultivators, the Seventh Prince and Bai Xiaozhuo were huge enemies!


    Hearing the cheers and looking at the familiar crowd in front of him, Xu Qing was in a daze. So much had happened in the past day and night that he only now realized that it had only been one night since yesterday¡¯s Dao discussion.


    The experiences in the Summer Immortal Palace and within the ancient temple filled with the aura of time and history seemed to distort Xu Qing¡¯s perception of time, giving him a vague sense of its passage.


    However, he quickly suppressed this feeling. A smile appeared on his face as he bowed slightly to the cheering crowd.


    Kong Xianglong was the first to rush out of the crowd. His eyes were red as he arrived in front of Xu Qing. Just as he was about to bow, Xu Qing stepped forward and hugged him.


    Kong Xianglong¡¯s body paused for a moment before he hugged Xu Qing as well.


    ¡°Thank you, thank you, thank you¡­¡±


    Li Yunshan¡¯s emotions were also churning. He walked out and bowed deeply to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Thank you, Lord Xu, for killing that bastard Bai, killing the Seventh Prince, and avenging the blood feud of Fenghai. If the late Palace Master knows about this in the netherworld, he would definitely be able to rest in peace!¡±


    All the Sword Holders bowed in unison.


    Ning Yan, who was among them, bowed even more deeply. Although the degree of his excitement was different from the others, it had also reached the extreme. The death of the Seventh Prince and the display of Xu Qing¡¯s might filled him with pride, stirring up a sense of valor in his heart.


    On this joyful morning for the cultivators of Fenghai County, Xu Qing reciprocated the gesture and made his way towards Zi Xuan.


    In the sunlight, Zi Xuan¡¯s figure appeared graceful and elegant, her face resembling a lotus flower, her eyes holding the clarity of autumn water, and her lips akin to a touch of vermilion. Serene as a delicate flower reflected in water, she wore a purple dress, moving gracefully like a fairy descending to earth or a blooming violet.


    Her eyebrows resembled distant mountains adorned with dark clouds, while her eyes were like rippling autumn water.


    ¡°Where did you go last night? How did you end up with a hint of the dust of time on you and a scent of pollen lingering around you?¡±


    Zi Xuan¡¯s beautiful eyes swept past Xu Qing with a spurious smile.


    Just as Xu Qing was about to speak, the captain not far away blinked and hurriedly shouted.


    ¡°Junior Brother, come quickly. I have something important to tell you. It¡¯s a huge matter!¡±


    As he spoke, he quickly stepped forward. Before Xu Qing could speak, he grabbed Xu Qing¡¯s arm and pulled him away. At the same time, he quickly spoke to Zi Xuan.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, you two have plenty of time to catch up later. I¡¯ve come back after a long absence, so let me discuss important matters with Little Qing first.¡±


    As he spoke, he hurriedly left with Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing felt somewhat helpless as the captain pulled his arm, leading him away until they reached a secluded chamber. With a gesture, the captain sealed off the surroundings, then turned to Xu Qing with a look of seeking recognition.


    ¡°How is it, Little Qing? Your Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s reaction is fast, right? Let me tell you, as soon as you returned, I could smell the fragrance of pollen on your body from afar.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still too young, inexperienced. Remember, if you¡¯re going to sneak around next time, make sure to clean up afterward!¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother helped you this time, but I can¡¯t make it in time every time, right?¡±


    Xu Qing was speechless. He looked at the smug captain and asked.


    ¡°Where have you been all this time?¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing spoke, the captain, sitting nearby with his legs crossed, raised his hand and took out a peach, then tossed an apple to Xu Qing. Eating one and speaking with an air of pride, he said.


    ¡°To do something big, of course.¡±


    ¡°Let me tell you, Little Qing, although you¡¯ve made a name for yourself now, it¡¯s only in the Imperial Capital. When my big plan succeeds, then it¡¯ll really blow your mind.¡±


    Xu Qing was too familiar with this scene and knew what the captain wanted. Hence, after talcing the apple, he put on a curious expression.


    ¡°What big plan?¡±


    The captain perked up, leaning forward slightly, and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°During this period of time, I was in the Star Emperor Branch Sect, the place where I went to steal things previously. At that time, I didn¡¯t manage to steal anything but I wasn¡¯t convinced, so I thought of a way to join this sect.¡±


    ¡°Now, I¡¯ve successfully become an outer sect disciple and the assessment is about to begin. I¡¯m confident that I¡¯ll succeed in the assessment. Once I succeed, I¡¯ll be an inner sect disciple!¡±


    ¡°When the time comes, I¡¯ll make a move and get close to my target!¡±


    Upon hearing this, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but feel a genuine curiosity stirring in his heart. After all, whatever could make the captain ponder over it so much must be far from ordinary.


    ¡°Senior Brother, what exactly are you trying to steal?¡±


    ¡°The Wordless Stone Scripture!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes lit up with deep desire.


    ¡°That mysterious chick back then also stole this item. You might think she succeeded, but that chick is a little silly. What she stole was just an empty shell, a broken stone.¡±


    ¡°What I want is the words inside!¡±


    ¡°Wordless Stone Scripture?¡± Xu Qing glanced at the captain.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, the Wordless Stone Scripture.¡± The captain smiled faintly.


    Xu Qing fell silent and nodded.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask me why the Wordless Stone Scripture has words?¡± The captain asked, expectantly.


    Xu Qing already had the answer. However, seeing the captain like this, he still chose to satisfy his expectations. Hence, he followed his intentions and asked.


    The captain perked up and laughed, speaking mysteriously.


    ¡°The Wordless Stone Scripture has four words. The silly girl stole the shell, but she doesn¡¯t know that those four words have become sentient long ago and escaped. They¡¯re now hiding in a jade slip somewhere in the upper level of the Scripture Transmission Pavilion. As long as I become an inner sect disciple, I can visit the upper level of the pavilion and find them!¡±


    ¡°These four words are related to the Divine Realms. Regardless of which Divine Realm, they all have a certain function. Moreover, I¡¯ve heard that the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race is planning a hunt in a Divine Realm soon!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    The captain looked even more smug.


    ¡°How¡¯s that? Impressive, right? Otherwise, why would I spend so much energy and time, even risking my life to infiltrate the Star Emperor Sect? For this, I¡¯ve put in a lot of effort.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s okay, all the effort is worth it. In a month, it will be the assessment, and I¡¯ll definitely be promoted to the inner sect. Then, we¡¯ll pay a visit to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. When they open the Divine Realm for hunting, we¡¯ll sneak in!¡±


    The captain¡¯s gaze was firm and incomparably persistent.


    ¡°Hunting in the Divine Realm?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled. He had a deeper understanding of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. However, the notion of hunting in the Divine Realm clearly held many details yet to be revealed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you in detail after I get it.¡± As the captain spoke, he finished the peach in his mouth and stood up to pat his butt.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll leave now. I¡¯m just letting you know in advance this time. You should also prepare yourself. Next¡­ wish me luck for success.¡±


    The captain took a deep breath and was about to leave.


    Xu Qing hesitated and asked.


    ¡°Is it that difficult to get the jade slip from the Scripture Transmission Pavilion?¡±


    When the captain heard this, he was unhappy.


    ¡°Little Qing, you¡¯re dreaming. That¡¯s the Star Emperor Supreme Sect. Although it¡¯s a branch sect, the Scripture Transmission Pavilion is the core of this sect. There are old monsters there, guarding the building. Outsiders aren¡¯t allowed to enter. Otherwise, I would have stolen it long ago and wouldn¡¯t have to go through so much trouble.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He thought of Chen Daoze. Hence, he took out a voice transmission jade slip and transmitted a message¡­


    The captain was curious.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, wait a while. I¡¯ll see if I can help you complete your plan ahead of time.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    The captain was stunned..

 Chapter 1219 - Chapter 1219: Sibling

    Chapter 1219: Sibling


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°Complete ahead of time?¡±


    The captain suspiciously sized up Xu Qing a few times and stroked his chin. He instinctively took out a peach and took a few bites.


    ¡°Little Qing, did you make a good friend in Star Emperor Sect while I was away? Is it a female cultivator? Is she attractive? How¡¯s her figure? Is the fragrance on you from her?¡±


    ¡°I have to criticize you for this matter. Always remember, you¡¯re my junior brother, and I¡¯m your senior brother!¡±


    The captain¡¯s expression was a little solemn.


    So, next time if something like this happens, let me handle it!¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain. He originally planned to tell the truth but now, he didn¡¯t want to say it anymore. Hence, he sat there and closed his eyes, ignoring the captain.


    Seeing Xu Qing like this, the captain blinked and sat opposite Xu Qing.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything? It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine. Regardless of whether you succeed or not, Eldest Senior Brother will remember your kindness. My heart aches for your body, Little Qing.¡±


    Xu Qing still had his eyes closed.


    The captain coughed and put on a mysterious expression as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Little Qing, do you want to know the reason why the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race is organizing a hunt in the Divine Realm?¡±


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and looked at the captain.


    The captain had a smug expression on his face as he ate the peach.


    ¡°You know that the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race is very strong, right? However, they still can¡¯t unify the Wanggu like the human race did in the past.¡±


    ¡°There are four reasons.¡±


    ¡°The first reason is that in the Wanggu Continent, there are still four super races that are as powerful as the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. In fact, among the five great races, Flame Moon¡¯s ranking is only third.¡±


    ¡°The second reason is the customs and survival methods of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. They have a small population spread across a vast territory, so most of them are nomads. They colonize and enslave numerous races to fight for them.¡±


    ¡°The third reason is that their three gods Sun, Moon, and Star have their own temples, influencing the secular world and dividing the race into three factions, leading to intense internal conflicts.¡±


    ¡°In the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, the highest level is the Divine Mountain, where the headquarters of the three divine temples are located. The Divine City built around the Divine Mountain is the supreme authority in the Flame Moon.¡±


    ¡°Next are the three Great Priests¡¯ tents, positioned around the Divine


    Mountain, establishing a tripod balance across the entire region.¡±


    ¡°The fourth reason is that although the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race has three gods, its overall strength is still inferior compared to other powerful races. Therefore, for countless years, in order to become stronger, this race has had a tradition of hunting, nurturing its people like raising Gu? This has cultivated a fierce temperament among the people and also promotes reverence for the strong.¡±


    ¡°They also set up a hunting festival that happens once every 60 years. They are no longer satisfied with hunting weak races. Hence, many years ago, they set their sights on the Divine Realm.¡±


    ¡°During the Grand Hunt that occurs once every 300 years, the three gods will randomly tear open an entrance to the Divine Realm, allowing the clan members to enter and hunt the beings within the Divine Realm.¡±


    The captain looked at Xu Qing.


    This was the first time Xu Qing had heard of these things. He now had a better understanding of the strength of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    When he thought of the current human race, Xu Qing fell silent.


    The captain finished the peach in his hand and took out another one before continuing.


    ¡°Now you know why there¡¯s hunting in the Divine Realm, right? Also, 1 heard that in every Grand Hunt of the Flame Moon Race, after experiencing many rounds of assessment, the person who ultimately wins will be bestowed a prestigious title by the Divine Mountain.¡±


    ¡°Mystic Heaven General!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    A hint of fascination appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°In my previous life, I participated in this Grand Hunt. It¡¯s a pity that there was an accident in the process. Otherwise, I would have been able to obtain the identity of a Mystic Heaven General.¡±


    ¡°Can it be someone other than a member of the Flame Moon Race?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    The captain nodded.


    ¡°Regardless of whether it¡¯s the Flame Moon Race¡¯s own people, its affiliated races, or the nonhuman cultivators who came from afar, as long as they can get the qualifications, they can participate in the Grand Hunt. However, throughout history, all those bestowed with the title of Mystic Heaven General have been members of the Flame Moon Race.¡±


    ¡°My plan this time is to use the Flame Moon¡¯s Grand Hunt to sneak into the


    Divine Realm¡­¡±


    The captain licked his lips and looked up at the door of the house.


    ¡°Little Qing, is your mistress coming or not? I¡¯ve been waiting for a long time. Is there any news?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the Scripture Transmission Pavilion. The cultivation of the old monster inside is astonishing, and his perception is extremely sharp. Every time 1 get close, 1 feel as though my soul is pierced by countless needles. Can your mistress help me get rid of that old monster?¡±


    The captain ate the peach in his hand in one bite and his gaze landed on Xu Qing.


    ¡°That is unrealistic. It¡¯s impossible for that old monster to leave the Scripture Transmission Pavilion. Can she bring people in? If not, I¡¯d better hurry back.¡±


    Xu Qing was expressionless as he looked at the door of the house.


    ¡°They¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    The captain was curious and was about to speak when a Sword Holder¡¯s voice rang out from outside the door, informing Xu Qing that someone wanted to see him.


    Invite him here.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± The captain was even more curious. He stared at the door eagerly. Soon, when he sensed something, there was a knock on the door.


    Xu Qing lifted his hand and waved it. The door opened and an entrance was revealed from the surrounding seals. The figure of an old man was revealed outside the door and he stepped into the secret chamber with a single step.


    This old man had white hair and wore an ordinary Daoist robe. One couldn¡¯t tell his identity but his Nihility energy fluctuation was incomparably deep, and his eyes were exceptionally bright.


    His arrival aroused the captain¡¯s vigilance.


    The moment he saw Xu Qing, the old man bowed and took out a storage bag, placing it in front of Xu Qing.


    ¡°All of them are here. You can return them in seven days.¡±


    With that, the old man stepped back and left the secret chamber, disappearing from sight.


    Throughout the entire process, he only said these words. He didn¡¯t even glance at the captain.


    After he left, the captain was a little puzzled. He looked in the direction the other party had left in and then looked at the storage bag.


    ¡°Little Qing, who is this person? His cultivation isn¡¯t simple. Also, he said that everything is here¡­ What¡¯s in this storage bag?¡±


    The captain¡¯s breathing was a little hurried. A guess rose in his mind but he felt that the possibility wasn¡¯t very high.


    ¡°All the jade slips in the Star Emperor¡¯s Branch Sect¡¯s Scripture Transmission


    Pavilion are here.¡±


    Xu Qing flicked his sleeve and the storage bag flew toward the captain.


    ¡°Impossible!¡± The captain suddenly sat up and grabbed the storage bag. His divine sense swept through it and his eyes widened. He immediately looked at Xu Qing.


    His expression was filled with disbelief.


    With a sweep of his divine sense, he sensed more than 100,000 jade slips in this storage bag, which included everything in the Star Emperor¡¯s branch sect. According to his previous inquiries, he recognized these jade slips here to be from the Scripture Transmission Pavilion.


    Moreover, the number¡­ they should be all of them.


    Most importantly, he sensed the obscure aura of the Wordless Stone Scripture from these jade slips. This meant that¡­ the escaped words were among these jade slips.


    ¡°This¡­¡± The captain was a little confused.


    He knew of the Star Emperor Sect, so he understood the difficulty and meaning of emptying a branch sect¡¯s Scripture Transmission Pavilion to lend to others. This kind of thing could only be done with the approval of the branch sect¡¯s sect leader or with the permission from the main sect.


    The person who approved it had to have an extremely high status.


    At that moment, looking at the storage bag, the captain was a little at a loss. He thought of how hard it had been for him previously and how he had paid a huge price. It would still take a month for him to complete it. However, with Xu Qing¡­ it was just a sentence.


    This feeling caused him to lose all the excitement of completing his wish in advance. Instead, he felt a little depressed. Hence, the gaze he used to look at Xu Qing also contained some hidden bitterness.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you mention it before¡­¡±


    ¡°You just told me today.¡± Xu Qing was expressionless.


    The captain became even more depressed.


    ¡°Who is that person?¡±


    ¡°He should be an elder of the Star Emperor Supreme Sect,¡± Xu Qing replied.


    ¡°Impossible. Even the elders of the main sect can¡¯t do this. This person¡¯s status must be above the elders!¡±


    The captain was right.


    ¡°It¡¯s not important. It¡¯s fine as long as you get the item. Remember to send them back in seven days.¡±


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, he stood up and walked out. He was in a good mood.


    In the secret chamber, the captain held the storage bag and looked at Xu Qing¡¯s back view. His heart churned and he didn¡¯t know what to say for a moment. After a long time, he lowered his head gloomily and searched for the words.


    As for returning to the Star Emperor Branch Sect, it was completely meaningless.


    ¡°This can¡¯t go on. As Eldest Senior Brother, I¡¯ve lost a lot of face¡­¡±


    The captain¡¯s gaze was firm but he didn¡¯t know what to do.


    ¡°My head hurts. When it was about cultivation, I could undo the seals and regain the prestige of Eldest Senior Brother, but what do 1 do now¡­¡±


    As the captain searched for words, he thought about it. In the end, he gritted his teeth fiercely.


    ¡°If it really comes to it, i¡¯ll have to use my identity from many lifetimes ago!¡±


    Just like that, time flowed by and very soon, seven days passed.


    In these seven days, as the matter of the Dao discussion ended, the investigation of the Divine Fusion School gradually began. Every day, some students from the Divine Fusion School would be taken away. All the various forces in the Imperial City were paying attention to the follow-up of this matter.


    As for the Seventh Prince¡¯s death, because of his sins and the fact that he was killed by the Emperor Sword, there was no funeral. Instead, his imperial status was stripped and he wasn¡¯t enshrined in the imperial temple.


    The historian only made a brief mention of the Seventh Prince¡¯s incident.


    ¡°In the winter of year 2936 of Mystic War Calendar, the Seventh Prince committed evil deeds and was slain by the Emperor Sword.¡±


    That was the end of it.


    The incense that represented the Seventh Prince on the rainbow bridge also turned into dust. Now, there were no longer 12 sticks standing there but 11.


    Xu Qing¡¯s name spread both inside and outside the Imperial City, and everyone learned of him.


    At this moment, the Fifth Prince, who had left the Imperial City for many years and followed the First Heavenly King to guard the borders, sent news that he was returning to the Imperial City to report on his duties.


    When this news spread, it attracted the discussion of many people in the Imperial City.


    As this after the Seventh Prince¡¯s death, it caused people¡¯s imagination to run wild.


    This was because the Seventh Prince and the Fifth Prince were from the same race.


    A few more days passed. This morning, the bell rang¡­


    Outside the eastern gate of the capital, on the ancient array formation, light shone. Under the resplendent sky, an army teleported back. From afar, banners were spread out. The army was imposing, causing the clouds in the sky to involuntarily churn.


    In front of the army, there was a person sitting on a mutated two-headed black dragon.


    This person wore black armor and his eyes were cold as he stared at the Imperial City.


    His long hair fluttered in the wind and his entire body emitted a baleful aura that shook the surroundings. Clearly, he had killed a shocking amount of people in his life. All the soldiers behind him were silent.


    ¡°I¡¯m back.¡±


    The black-armored man mumbled softly.

 Chapter 1220 - Chapter 1220: Guyue Qingji

    Chapter 1220: Guyue Qingji


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The array formation was filled with the strong smell of blood, the residue of slaughter clinging to the bodies of these soldiers.


    It settled on their armor, their skin, within their flesh, and their souls, gathering together and spreading in all directions, shaking the heavens and the earth.


    The sky changed color, winds surged, and clouds billowed. At this moment, even the heavens were tinged with their presence, growing dimmer, with bolts of lightning and thunder suddenly appearing out of nowhere, slashing across the sky.


    They overlapped with the bell chime and echoed in everyone¡¯s hearts.


    In this army, the weakest cultivator was at the Nascent Soul realm, and they were elites of their realm. They had experienced countless battles while guarding the human race¡¯s border all year round.


    Their lives were different from most of the cultivators in the Imperial City. Among them, many hadn¡¯t left the battlefield for decades.


    Hence, the years of battle and their indifference to death caused their faces to look numb.


    However, the more it was like this, the more astonishing the killing intent became. It had become instinctive. Even when they stood in front of the Imperial City, they couldn¡¯t suppress it.


    It was as though¡­ even the imperial authority held less importance in their hearts. The only thing that could cause waves in their hearts was¡­ the wavering banners ahead of the army.


    There were two flags, one golden, embroidered with the characters ¡®Guyue¡¯.


    The other was pitch-black, as if painted with blood, inscribed with the characters ¡®Zhen Yan E>¡¯.


    The title of the First Heavenly King of the human race was Zhen Yan.


    Beneath the banners, the Fifth Prince, clad in black armor, remained calm as he gazed towards the Imperial Capital. He had been away from here for seventeen years.


    ¡°The scenery remains, but the people have changed.¡±


    The Fifth Prince murmured softly to himself as the ninth toll of the bell sounded. Then, slowly, the eastern gate of the capital opened, and officials from the Lower Mystic Five Palaces emerged, most of them coming out to greet and bow to the Fifth Prince.


    ¡°Welcome, Fifth Prince!¡±


    Furthermore, the Fourth Prince, dressed in a yellow robe embroidered with a four claws dragon, stepped forward.


    By the decree of the Human Emperor, he was representing the imperial family in welcoming his fifth brother back to the capital. With a solemn expression on his face, he arrived 10,000 feet away from the Fifth Prince¡¯s army and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Guyue Qingji, listen to the decree.¡±


    As these words were spoken, the Fifth Prince, seated on the twin-headed black dragon, shifted his gaze away from the Imperial Capital and onto the Fourth Prince. With a slight movement, he dismounted from his steed and knelt down on one knee.


    The army behind him knelt down in unison.


    The Fourth Prince nodded slightly and raised his right hand, waving it to produce an imperial edict.


    ¡°The Fifth Prince, Qingji, has contributed to guarding the borders, possesses martial prowess and virtue, and embodies the Mystic lineage, a taboo and contributed to guarding the borders. He serves the country and the military with utmost respect, is filial to his parents, affectionate to his siblings, and commanding to his subordinates. He greatly resembles me.¡±


    ¡°The Fifth Prince is granted the reward of opening an office in the imperial mansion, and can further add 10,000 men. Thus decreed.¡±


    The moment the decree was finished reciting, the Fifth Prince stood up. Behind him, the soldiers also stood up and stood silently.


    ¡°Congratulations, Fifth Brother.¡± The Fourth Prince¡¯s face was no longer solemn but revealed a warm smile.


    ¡°Father is waiting for you. Why don¡¯t you go and express your gratitude?¡±


    The Fifth Prince was expressionless and didn¡¯t respond at all as he walked forward. When he passed by the Fourth Prince, he didn¡¯t even glance at him as he entered the eastern gate and stepped onto the rainbow bridge.


    As for the soldiers behind him, they set up camp on the array formation.


    This scene caused the Fourth Prince to frown slightly. However, a smile soon appeared on his face again. He simply smiled and followed behind the Fifth Prince, heading toward the palace.


    All the personal guards on the rainbow bridge lowered their heads slightly to show their respect when they saw the Fifth Prince.


    Under the rainbow bridge, a large number of commoners from the Imperial City had gathered. All of them looked at the Fifth Prince walking on the bridge, and it was unclear who was the first to cheer. Soon, the cheers became numerous and loud, echoing in all directions.


    Those who didn¡¯t know better would think that the army had returned victorious or that the eldest prince had appeared. The sentiment of the people was quite evident.


    The Fifth Prince stopped in his tracks and looked at the crowd. After a few breaths of silence, he bowed to the commoners before continuing.


    After walking all the way to the rainbow bridge and standing in front of the main gate of the palace, the Fifth Prince looked at the eleven huge incense sticks standing there, especially at the area in the center where one stick of incense was missing.


    A hint of sadness appeared on his face.


    ¡°All of us were surprised by Old Seventh¡¯s death. At that time, he requested to prove himself with the Immortal Inquisition Bell, but¡­¡±


    A gentle voice rang out from behind the Fifth Prince, its tone filled with regret.


    It was the Fourth Prince. He shook his head and walked over, standing side by side with the Fifth Prince.


    The Fifth Prince fell silent. His gaze moved away from the absent incense stick, towards the inner gate and the vast palace at the end of the square, atop the steps.


    ¡°Go in. Father, along with all the ministers, the Heavenly Marquises, the Heavenly Kings, and the Region Lord, are all inside.¡±


    The Fourth Prince said softly.


    ¡°Put away your thoughts,¡± the Fifth Prince spoke calmly.


    This was the first time he had spoken to the Fourth Prince since he returned to the capital.


    ¡°Old Seventh¡¯s death is my business. I don¡¯t need you to fan the flames.¡±


    ¡°As for arranging for the commoners to cheer, it¡¯s even more childish.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not returning victorious, and the Emperor is in his prime. I won¡¯t easily harbor suspicions as well. Whether it¡¯s you or others, these petty tricks are beneath your status.¡±


    After the Fifth Prince finished speaking, he lifted his head and strode toward the palace.


    At that moment, in the main hall of the palace, the Human Emperor was sitting upright. The 13 Heavenly Kings were also present and sat below him. All the Heavenly Marquises in the Imperial City attended as well.


    Below, the Grand Chancellor and the officials of the Upper Mystic Five Palaces were arranged in an orderly manner, each of them solemn.


    Xu Qing was also in the main hall. He sat in his seat with no expression on his face as his gaze landed on the main gate.


    He had received the imperial edict last night. During the court meeting this morning, he had known about the Fifth Prince¡¯s return. Through Ning Yan, he had a better understanding of the relationship between the Fifth Prince and the Seventh Prince.


    ¡®Siblings.¡¯


    To a certain extent, such a relationship surpassed everything in the imperial family. In fact, at certain times, the affection between siblings even outweighed the bond between parents and children.


    ¡®The Fifth Prince became the disciple of the First Heavenly King and is the only disciple of the First Heavenly King who is still alive. He follows the Heavenly King to guard the border all year round. To the human race, he is the one who has made the most contributions among all the princes.¡¯


    ¡®Among the princes, his combat strength is only inferior to the eldest prince, who has half of the Flame Moon Bloodline. He¡¯s also courageous and good at fighting¡­¡¯


    Some of this information came from Princess Anhai and some from Ning Yan. While Xu Qing was thinking, cheers rang out from outside. This sound entered and landed in the ears of everyone in the hall.


    However, no one¡¯s expression changed at all, as though they didn¡¯t hear it.


    ¡®Looks like he doesn¡¯t get along with the other princes.¡¯


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were calm as he looked over.


    Not long later, a figure entered his vision and was also reflected in the gazes of everyone in the hall.


    His tall and straight figure, handsome face, and black armor made him look extraordinarily heroic. In particular, the fluctuations of his cultivation were even more shocking.


    That was the intent of the third stage of Nihility.


    There were still faintly discernible threads of rules and laws in his surroundings, affecting the surroundings and transforming into the sound of wind and lightning. It was none other than the Fifth Prince.


    Under the gazes of everyone, he walked past the ministers step by step and appeared in front of the steps. He knelt down and spoke in a deep voice to the Human Emperor.


    ¡°Greetings, Father.¡±


    The Human Emperor nodded slightly.


    ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard.¡±


    The Fifth Prince stood up and his gaze landed on all the Heavenly Kings before looking at the Heavenly Marquises. He only swept his gaze past Xu Qing and didn¡¯t reveal any emotions. He continued to bow toward the Human Emperor.


    ¡°Father, in the past 17 years, the Flame Moon Border has been more or less stable.¡±


    ¡°During this period, a total of 97 small-scale battles occurred. Flame Moon¡¯s members didn¡¯t appear and the ones who caused trouble were all their affiliated races.¡±


    ¡°Under the protection of King Zhen Yan, it was all resolved properly.¡±


    ¡°The Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race is currently busy with the Grand Hunt, so they are rarely preying on other races.¡±


    ¡°As for the affiliated races that attacked, it was mainly for training their troops and probing. There¡¯s no major problem.¡±


    ¡°In terms of casualties, over 379,000 of our people have died in battle over 17 years. The name list is here.¡±


    As the Fifth Prince spoke, he took out a jade slip and handed it to the personal guard, who then handed it to the Human Emperor.


    ¡°Compared to the past, regardless of the number of invasions or sacrifices, they have decreased by more than half. This is enough to show that the Sun of Dawn that Father has planned for many years has formed a certain level of deterrence.¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, the faces of the surrounding ministers revealed smiles.


    ¡°However¡­ there¡¯s also bad news.¡±


    The Fifth Prince spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°One of the bad news is that the Flame Moon¡¯s subsidiary races¡¯ overall combat strength has increased somehow. Moreover, it¡¯s not the increase of one race¡¯s combat strength, all of them are becoming stronger at an unbelievable speed.¡±


    ¡°If we look at it in the long term, it will be very disadvantageous to our race. There is something fishy about this. We need the Special Command Palace to investigate it.¡±


    ¡°The second bad news is that after every Grand Hunt, Flame Moon will choose a subsidiary race to increase its status. I¡¯m afraid that there will be a subsidiary race who will start a war to attract attention.¡±


    ¡°I returned this time to ask Father to increase our military strength. Among the three strongest affiliated races of the Flame Moon, the Si¡¯e Race seems to be showing signs of unrest, aiming to gain attention from the Flame moon by provoking conflicts with our human race.¡±


    ¡°Thirdly, the anomalous substances in the Flame Moon Region have increased by three times compared to the previous year. After King Zhen Yan paid attention to them, he said that it¡¯s suspected that¡­ the Flame Moon is planning to welcome a fourth god!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell silent. The ministers¡¯ hearts were in turmoil. The news about the border was usually top secret and not many people knew about it.


    To most people, they only had a rough understanding of the situation. This was the first time they had heard all the details.


    Just as this group of ministers was pondering, the Fifth Prince finished his report and bowed to the Human Emperor again.


    According to the normal process, he should have returned to his seat. However, after bowing, the Fifth Prince didn¡¯t leave. Instead, he spoke softly.


    ¡°Father, Old Seventh committed evil and was killed by the Emperor Sword. Because he made a mistake, his death is deserved!¡±


    ¡°However, I¡¯m his biological brother!¡±


    ¡°If I remain silent, I¡¯ll be letting down my conscience. Us humans emphasize on bloodline inheritance and kinship. That¡¯s how we can remain united.¡±


    In your imperial decree, Father, it said that I¡¯m very close to my brothers. If 1 ignore kinship, I won¡¯t have any relatives. It doesn¡¯t match my philosophy.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, Father, 1 wish to request to fight against Region Lord Xu. Regardless of victory or defeat, my conscience will be cleared!¡±


    After saying that, the Fifth Prince¡¯s gaze swept over and landed on Xu Qing.


    A cold glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Region Lord Xu, please!¡±

 Chapter 1221 - Chapter 1221: Corpse Fire

    Chapter 1221: Corpse Fire


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The hall fell silent.


    No one spoke. Only the Fifth Prince¡¯s lingering voice echoed.


    The Fifth Prince¡¯s action did not arouse resentment, as he directly expressed himself and didn¡¯t conceal dark schemes while appearing calm. Instead, he requested a battle in a straightforward and honorable manner.


    His words were reasonable, and he also acknowledged the Seventh Prince¡¯s mistake and death.


    Indeed, as he said, being the elder brother of the Seventh Prince, if he remained indifferent to the news of his brother¡¯s death, there would undoubtedly be inner turmoil.


    Especially considering that the bonds of family formed the foundation of unity, it made it even harder for anyone to say much more on the matter.


    Hence, even the Human Emperor chose not to speak. Clearly, the right to choose was given to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing looked at the Fifth Prince.


    The Fifth Prince¡¯s eyes were bright. The moment his gaze met Xu Qing¡¯s, black flames rose in his eyes, revealing an ominous and deathly intent, as though they were about to erupt.


    However, he clearly restrained himself and stared at Xu Qing.


    ¡°This battle has nothing to do with our identities. I¡¯m just an elder brother acting for my younger brother!¡±


    ¡°When he was young, every time he was bullied by the other princes, 1 would be the one to resolve it for him.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, my brother was in the wrong. He deserves death.¡±


    ¡°And you killed him, so 1¡¯11 fight you!¡±


    After he finished speaking, the battle intent on his body became increasingly obvious as he waited for Xu Qing¡¯s answer.


    Time passed by, and Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred a little. He thought of some scenes when he was young. Not long ago, he also thought that he had such an elder brother¡­


    Hence, he closed his eyes and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing¡¯s words rang out, the battle intent in the Fifth Prince¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t be suppressed anymore. It erupted explosively and a black sea of fire spread in all directions.


    The entire palace also changed at this moment. It was as though the scene had shifted. The palace¡­ was no longer there.


    Only Xu Qing, who was sitting there, and the Fifth Prince, who was standing below, were left.


    It was as though the place they were at had been independently opened up and could be infinitely vast.


    This caused the Fifth Prince¡¯s black flames to instantly spread extremely far away, surrounding this place and forming an endless sea of black flames.


    The temperature rose and the flames continued to rise. The Fifth Prince¡¯s figure also grew taller. The aura of his entire body erupted and the power of his cultivation was displayed to the extreme as he walked toward Xu Qing.


    The black armor on his body also burned at this moment. He was like a fire giant with an imposing aura.


    Every step he took caused this space to rumble and tremble. In the end, he became faster and faster, transforming into a flaming meteor that rushed toward Xu Qing.


    The instant he got close, soul threads flew out of Xu Qing¡¯s body and weaved outside his body. In the blink of an eye, they formed the third layer of the god form. His bones were crystal and soul threads were the flesh. His blood-colored cloak fluttered and a Purple Moon rose.


    The anomalous substances spread out and the surroundings became blurry as the presence of the god became obvious. The god form became a separate existence and left Xu Qing. With a step in front of Xu Qing, it collided with the Fifth Prince who was rushing over.


    An earth-shattering boom rang out.


    The Fifth Prince, who was like a fire giant, was forced back.


    Xu Qing¡¯s god form was similarly forced back as well.


    The Seventh Prince¡¯s cultivation was at the third stage of Nihility!


    Xu Qing¡¯s third god form also had the same combat strength, so the two of them ended up in a draw after a simple collision.


    When he retreated 1000 feet away, the Fifth Prince stopped and abruptly lifted his head. He performed a series of hand seals with both hands and half of his long hair instantly turned gray. Its black color fell off and turned into fog in front of him.


    As it continued to rotate, it formed a black oil lantern with flames burning on it.


    This fire was golden!


    This lantern had an ancient appearance and carried the intent of the underworld. Clearly, it wasn¡¯t used by living people but was an item consecrated for the dead. The oil on it was very turbid and emitted an ancient aura, giving off the feeling of a god.


    That was the lantern oil refined from a god¡¯s corpse!


    Holding the lantern, the Fifth Prince took a deep breath and blew at the wick. In an instant, the fire of the oil lantern skyrocketed and the flames inside spread out rapidly. As it continued to sway, it stirred up the sea of fire that spread in this space.


    The sea of fire gathered and surged toward the lantern.


    In the end, it formed a flaming figure.


    This figure¡¯s form was ever-changing. Sometimes, it was human, sometimes it was a beast, sometimes it was a bizarre entity, sometimes it was blurry. It didn¡¯t have a specific form but the aura it emitted was shocking.


    It also had an aura of a god. It was as though under the Fifth Prince¡¯s divine art, the corpse oil had transformed into the sense from its former life. After it appeared, it headed straight for Xu Qing¡¯s god form.


    However, the instant this illusory figure got close, Xu Qing¡¯s god form swayed and instantly expanded. Soul threads danced, forming the first god form and the second god form and fusing them into one.


    As His aura soared, He lifted His right hand and pointed at the approaching illusory figure.


    They instantly collided. After each of them blurred, Xu Qing¡¯s god form recovered, while the illusory figure dissipated.


    The oil lantern in the Fifth Prince¡¯s hand emitted cracking sounds as seven to eight cracks appeared. Blood flowed out of the Fifth Prince¡¯s mouth, but the battle intent in his eyes grew even stronger.


    He rapidly retreated and used both hands to press the cracked oil lantern fiercely onto the ground.


    ¡°Rise, altar of the Flame Offering, ascend the sacred ground, seal the divine thoughts, suppress the heart of the heavens!¡±


    As his voice echoed and the broken oil lantern touched the ground, it shattered into pieces. All the oil inside spread out and the sea of fire in the entire space was infinitely enhanced.


    Booming sounds echoed as the flames went crazy and its form changed. In the blink of an eye, it transformed into surging magma that kept rising.


    In the magma, there was a white altar that was slowly rising.


    There was an item enshrined on the altar.


    It was a black funerary urn!


    On top of it, there were some decaying seals. While there was an incredibly strong sense of eeriness, there was also a thick, ominous aura spreading from it.


    A violent and cruel resentment emanated from within the urn, targeting Xu Qing¡¯s god form.


    As for the rapidly rising magma, it seemed to want to fill this space.


    Xu Qing had never seen such a divine art before. The feeling it gave him was that it was like a spell or something formed by fusing magic treasures.


    ¡°King Zhen Yan¡¯s Dao?¡±


    Just as Xu Qing was in deep thought, with a thought, the god form he formed outside instantly rushed into the sky. He stared at the altar below and lifted His right hand.


    Immediately, the sky churned and the sky in this space became blurry. Three huge inverted mountains appeared.


    One mountain was formed of molten rocks, the second was formed of ice, and the third was formed of blood.


    As soon as the three mountains appeared, the magma below seemed to be swept away by a violent wind, causing waves to appear.


    It was the Withering Flame Demon Magic True Self Dao that Xu Qing had learned from the little butterfly!


    As the god form lowered His right hand, the three mountains instantly descended from the sky. They carried a terrifying pressure and a vast aura as they smashed into the magma.


    A cold glint flashed in the Fifth Prince¡¯s eyes as he rushed out. As he waved his hands, his aura spread out and swept up the magma, ready to confront the mountains.


    However, before he could get close, Xu Qing¡¯s god form performed a series of hand seals and pointed. Traces like spiderwebs appeared on the three mountain peaks and they actually collapsed on their own, shattering into pieces.


    A large number of shattered rocks shot toward the sea of magma like countless meteors.


    Even though the Fifth Prince was ready, he had underestimated Xu Qing¡¯s god form. The god form performed a series of hand seals and three more inverted mountain peaks appeared in the sky.


    After that, there were three more.


    All of them smashed down and collapsed on their own, turning into even more fragments.


    After that, there were three more.


    This technique was used by Xu Qing¡¯s god form a total of ten times!


    They landed instantly.


    No matter how the Fifth Prince tried to stop them, he was still unable to destroy them all.


    Soon, the magma exploded and the flames dimmed. As for the countless rubble, they continued to smash down, pressing down on the Fifth Prince¡¯s body.


    Finally, the entire sea of magma and the altar inside were almost filled up.


    However, it looked uneven, and there were echoes of the Fifth Prince¡¯s low growls reverberating inside. Many areas were also churning, as if they could burst open at any moment.


    But Xu Qing¡¯s god form came crashing down at this moment, directly landing on the rocky ground. He slammed His hand fiercely onto the ground before dispersing, turning into countless soul threads that spread across the earth.


    Wherever it passed, the bumps would dissipate. Finally, what appeared was¡­ a flat ground.


    The soul threads formed a large number of sealing runes that were flickering.


    However, all of this was a little too simple in Xu Qing¡¯s perception. The power of the urn didn¡¯t seem to be revealed.


    At this moment.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you were negligent.¡±


    The Fifth Prince¡¯s voice calmly echoed.


    The moment the voice sounded, the sealed ground trembled, and over a hundred areas collapsed. Chains of bone, formed from the ashes, emerged from within the earth.


    Most of them entwined around the ground, suppressing the soul threads that were spreading, preventing them from leaving.


    The remaining chains rushed straight towards Xu Qing¡¯s sitting body in the distance. Their speed was incredible, arriving instantly. Instead of entwining around him, they swiftly spun around him, forming a vortex.


    ¡°Xu Qing, as a Region Lord, your significance to the human race isn¡¯t small. Hence, I won¡¯t kill you.¡±


    ¡°However¡­ I¡¯ll extract your divine soul and take a soul out of your three souls and seven spirits, burning them in my Corpse God Oil Lantern. You can come and take it whenever you think you can defeat me!¡±


    As the voice of the Fifth Prince echoed, his figure appeared in mid-air, not as one, but as eight figures. Each of them, upon appearing, reached out and grabbed a midsection of the bone chains connecting Xu Qing to the soul threads.


    They exerted strength and pulled.


    A mysterious power suddenly emanated from these bone chains. In an inexplicable manner, it seemed to harness the power of Xu Qing¡¯s soul threads at one end, transforming it into traction to draw out Xu Qing¡¯s divine soul.


    As for the Fifth Prince¡¯s role, it was to balance and control.


    In an instant, overlapping shadows appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s body. His soul was revealed, and looked like it was about to leave his body.


    However¡­ his expression was calm. He opened his eyes and looked at the Fifth Prince.


    Not a bad spell.


    ¡°Since you want to extract my soul, let me try something as well.¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke, he slowly lifted his right hand in the bone chain vortex and pressed down slightly on this space as he spat out softly.


    ¡°This realm of heaven and earth can be likened to a well¡­¡±

 Chapter 1222 - Chapter 1222: Blood-Red Mysterious Bird

    Chapter 1222: Blood-Red Mysterious Bird


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice, like it was separated by years, and as if it spread underwater, reverberated within this space.


    Every word contained Dao intent. After it was combined, it seemed to have become a drop of water that had activated a mysterious Dao Art and landed on the surface of the water.


    It turned into a clear sound.


    Dong¡­


    As this sound spread, ripples appeared in this space and spread in all directions.


    Unknowingly, this place¡­ became the surface of the water.


    As for the Fifth Prince, all eight of his figures trembled. A hint of shock appeared on his face and his heart churned to the extreme.


    He had never seen such divine art!


    Hence, he had never had such a feeling. However, he could sense the aura that appeared in this space at this moment. It was so vast that it even gave him the feeling of a Dao source.


    What made his heart rumble the most was that he had already sensed that he had lost all mobility at this instant. His body couldn¡¯t move at all, and his cultivation seemed to have frozen. His spells and everything he had were frozen.


    The shock on his face seemed to have become eternal.


    Only his thoughts could still move but it was useless. After that, as Xu Qing¡¯s voice rang out again, an even more shocking scene appeared.


    ¡°In the well lies all things, encompassing every divine skill, every magical treasure, every form imaginable¡­ including the real you.¡±


    As his voice echoed, the number of ripples on the surface of the water increased. In the Fifth Prince¡¯s eyes, he saw his figure appearing in the water under his feet¡­


    Not only was there his figure, but there were also all his magic treasures. There were even flames burning inside. Those were his spells.


    Not only that, but there were also many spells, including the ones he had cultivated all his life.


    There was even his Heavenly Dao and all the laws he comprehended. Even the altar and urn were revealed.


    All his secrets, everything, regardless of whether it was illusory arts or real things, appeared on the surface of the water.


    This scene completely shook the Fifth Prince. He instantly determined that¡­ once his figure in the water was injured, it would affect his main body.


    This premonition made him attempt to struggle. However, at this moment, all his actions were useless.


    His reflection in the water became clearer and clearer.


    This battle seemed to be in a separate space but in reality, it was happening in the palace. However, under the interference of the palace¡¯s array formation, it was isolated.


    Hence, everyone in the palace could sense the battle.


    They saw the Fifth Prince¡¯s strange corpse fire, the strangeness of the chains formed by the urn, and the scene of the Fifth Prince trying to extract Xu Qing¡¯s soul.


    Similarly, they also saw Xu Qing¡¯s attack.


    During the Dao discussion back then, although Xu Qing also made a move, he only displayed his god form. However, today, his god form used a spell, causing waves in the onlookers¡¯ hearts.


    The descent of the three mountains was just one of the waves.


    After all, many people had sensed Xu Qing and the little butterfly¡¯s battle that day.


    What really caused them to be shocked was the appearance of this technique Xu Qing used now.


    No one had seen this technique before!


    The 13 Heavenly Kings were also moved. The Human Emperor leaned forward slightly and a strange glint appeared in his eyes.


    Under everyone¡¯s attention, Xu Qing¡¯s voice calmly echoed in the space.


    ¡°He is you.¡±


    The moment these words rang out, the Fifth Prince¡¯s mind buzzed and the world in front of him instantly became blurry. It was as though there was water flowing, covering everything and turning blurry.


    In this blurry state, the him he was looking at didn¡¯t move at all. There were no spells, laws, or magic treasures beside him like what he had seen earlier.


    This discovery caused his heart to tremble again. He immediately realized that¡­ what he was looking at wasn¡¯t his body in the water.


    It was his main body outside the water.


    Unknowingly, his consciousness was no longer in his body outside the water surface but¡­ had fused into the figure in the water.


    He couldn¡¯t resist or stop it!


    This realization caused endless thoughts to rise in the Fifth Prince¡¯s heart. He was unwilling but he had no way to resolve it. He wanted to struggle but it was meaningless.


    This lasted until he saw a hand.


    Xu Qing lifted his hand and gently scooped it toward the surface of the water.


    This simple action contained endless Dao Arts. Moreover, his technique that didn¡¯t emit any aura also gave off a relaxed feeling.


    In reality, that was indeed the case.


    It was extremely easy for Xu Qing to fish for other people¡¯s souls after he comprehended that he could fish out the moon in his mind.


    In fact, during this period of time, he was also thinking about the other changes in the well.


    To a certain extent, this Dao Art could fish out everything in the world. There was no need to limit it to the moon.


    Moon was just a special pointer.


    Hence, at that moment, he calmly lifted his hand and dipped it into the water, gently scooping up the Fifth Prince who was in the water. As water droplets scattered down, the Fifth Prince¡¯s soul appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s palm.


    He retracted it slightly.


    This space rumbled and instantly collapsed. Even the bone chains that sealed Xu Qing¡¯s soul threads lost control and shattered into pieces.


    It was the same for the spinning chains around Xu Qing.


    Including the figures of the other seven Fifth Princes in the air, they all dissipated with this space.


    As everything shifted, the palace was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    The Fifth Prince stood rooted to the ground. His face was pale and his eyes were listless, not moving at all.


    He had lost his soul and only his body existed at this moment. He had become a soulless living corpse.


    As for Xu Qing, he had been sitting on his seat the entire time. His expression didn¡¯t change much and he was looking at his palm with his head lowered.


    He wasn¡¯t the only one watching. In the main hall, the gazes of everyone gathered here in unison.


    In his palm was the Fifth Prince¡¯s soul.


    ¡°As a prince, you have contributed a lot to the human race by guarding the borders. So, I won¡¯t make it difficult for you.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ii


    1¡¯11 only take one of your spells. You can come and take it whenever you think you can defeat me!¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing waved his right hand. Immediately, the Fifth Prince¡¯s soul in his palm split into several wisps that headed straight for the Fifth Prince below. In the end, there was only the funerary urn left. After Xu Qing held it in his palm, he kept it.


    As for the Fifth Prince, his entire body trembled and a hint of confusion appeared in his eyes. He quickly recovered and looked at Xu Qing with a complicated expression. After a moment of silence, he bowed and took a few steps back, returning to his seat and closing his eyes.


    The hall was silent. The thoughts in everyone¡¯s hearts formed waves that echoed in their sea of consciousness.


    Today¡¯s events added a touch of mystery to the evaluation of Xu Qing by these human elites. The scene of turning the heavens and earth into a water surface and retrieving souls gave people an inexplicable feeling.


    ¡°Unless one¡¯s cultivation level surpasses Xu Qing by a lot or they have special treasures¡­¡±


    ¡°This divine ability has a profound Dao aura and an ancient feeling. This shouldn¡¯t be a modern technique.¡±


    ¡°With the vastness of this divine power, if it has appeared in the past, it¡¯s impossible for there to be no traces left¡­¡±


    Everyone in the hall fell into deep thought. Some thought of the Summer Immortal Palace.


    ¡°Does this Dao Art have a name?¡± Among the Heavenly Kings participating in the court meeting, a female Heavenly King who wore a Daoist robe and had a blurry appearance suddenly spoke.


    As she spoke, everyone¡¯s gaze landed on Xu Qing.


    ¡°Fishing the Moon From the Well.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly replied.


    ¡°Good name.¡±


    The female Heavenly King nodded slightly and stopped asking.


    As for this court meeting, it was already coming to an end.


    Hence, the Grand Chancellor glanced at the sky outside and spoke to the ministers in the hall.


    ¡°Everyone, if you have something to report, please do so; if not, we shall end the meeting.¡±


    Everyone lowered their heads.


    The Grand Chancellor swept his gaze across and looked at the Human Emperor, waiting for a while.


    ¡°Then¡­¡±


    The Grand Chancellor nodded and was about to announce the end of today¡¯s court meeting. However, at this moment, in the sky outside the Imperial City, a bloody light shook the heavens and the earth.


    First, people saw it. After that, there was a sharp whistling sound.


    This sound was extremely loud and clear. When it landed in the ears of all living beings in the Imperial City, it formed an explosive momentum. Even the ground of the Imperial City trembled.


    It rushed toward the palace from the horizon. Its speed was so fast that it was as though it had teleported. Its momentum was earth-shattering, as though all array formations and obstacles couldn¡¯t affect it at all.


    In fact, not only did the imperial city¡¯s array allow it to pass, but it also enhanced it, causing its speed to be faster.


    In fact, within this blood light, there was even the aura of the Sun of Dawn. It gave off a feeling that one couldn¡¯t resist or stop it. If one forcefully touched it, they would definitely collapse and both sides would be reduced to ashes.


    Its appearance was sensed by the officials in the palace immediately. The Human Emperor suddenly lifted his head and his expression changed drastically.


    Because among the human race, there existed a supreme means of communication, which utilized the blood-red mysterious bird as a carrier. It could transmit information in the utmost secrecy across any distance within the human territories, ensuring that the message reached its destination immediately.


    At that moment, the blood light that appeared on the horizon was precisely this message.


    All the Heavenly Kings¡¯ auras surged instantly, and the expressions of all the Heavenly Marquises changed drastically. Other officials adjusted themselves and turned their heads simultaneously, looking towards the palace gates. As the blood light pierced into the palace with a sharp and urgent sound, it transformed into a blood-red mysterious bird, landing in the hands of the Human Emperor.


    With a flash of blood radiance, it turned into a blood-colored jade slip.


    The Human Emperor stared. After sensing it, his expression slowly darkened and an oppressive atmosphere spread through the entire palace. Everyone¡¯s hearts trembled.


    At the same time, more blood-red mysterious birds appeared in the sky and flew over one after another.


    A total of nine of them rushed into the palace and transformed into the same jade slips around the Human Emperor. One of them landed in the Grand Chancellor¡¯s hand with a flick of the Human Emperor¡¯s finger.


    The Grand Chancellor grabbed it. After sensing it, his eyes instantly shone with a sharp light. He held it tightly and a hoarse voice emanated from his mouth.


    ¡°The Si¡¯e Race, one of the three affiliated races of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, has mobilized an army of ten million and invaded our northwest border, initiating warfare!¡±


    ¡°At the same time, another subsidiary race of the Flame Moon, Baize Race, has mobilized its entire race¡¯s strength and teleported to the battlefield in the Black Heaven Race to reinforce Black Heaven. The commander of the war in Black Heaven, King Dong Ding, has been severely injured.¡±


    ¡°Our side is in danger on the Black Heaven Battlefield, and our northwest border is facing a crisis as well..¡±

 Chapter 1223 - Chapter 1223: Storm Erupts

    Chapter 1223: Storm Erupts


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    As soon as the Grand Chancellor spoke, the entire palace hall instantly fell silent. At the next instant, a solemn aura suddenly rose and streams of aura erupted from the ministers.


    The 13 Heavenly Kings stood up, as did the Heavenly Marquises below them.


    The northwest border held immense significance for the human race, as it bordered the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. Facing such a powerful race, even a small spark could start a prairie fire.


    As one of the three major subsidiary races of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, it was impossible for Si¡¯e Race¡¯s actions not to have the permission of the higher-ups of the Flame Moon Race.


    Hence, if this matter wasn¡¯t handled properly, the human race would face a huge calamity.


    Furthermore¡­ on the Black Sky Battlefield, the human army was originally singing triumphantly all the way, but now, with the addition of the Baize Race, they were clearly pinned down.


    The human army was being held back there, making it difficult to advance or retreat.


    As such, the current situation was extremely unfavorable for the human race, leaving them in a passive position.


    All the human subjects in the hall, from the Heavenly Kings to the lower officials, looked at each other. Due to the diverse factions and numerous families within the human race, there was actually quite a bit of hidden infighting among them.


    However¡­ at this moment, as those officials looked into each other¡¯s eyes, they saw the determination reflected in them. There was no need for explicit words. Those who were present in the hall had the necessary breadth of vision.


    All disputes over interests were set aside for the moment. All political opponents with differing ideologies were put on hold.


    All personal grievances were also set aside.


    Because the crisis at the border and on the Black Heaven Race Battlefield was greater than anything else, everyone understood that they had to come together at any cost.


    Individual and familiar interests were not important right now.


    If the human race was gone, what use would all those interests be?


    Seeking refuge with the nonhuman race was something that the people in the court couldn¡¯t accept.


    So, one after another, voices offering to fight erupted within the court.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯m willing to head to the northwest border to help King Zhen


    Yan!¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, 1 have 80,000 sacrificial soldiers in my family. I¡¯m willing to personally lead them to the Black Heaven Race and fight for our human race!¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, marching consumes a great deal of resources. We are willing to contribute our assets, everything¡­ with the priority being on war!¡±


    ¡°The Lower Mystic Five Palaces will do their best to maintain the operation of the war.¡±


    ¡°Although I don¡¯t like King Dong Ding and have many conflicts with him, 1 am willing to head to the Black Heaven Race and be his adjutant!¡±


    The sounds of requests for battle and funding echoed in the hall.


    When Xu Qing heard these words, waves rose in his heart and they grew larger and larger. This was because he could tell that these people¡¯s words weren¡¯t fake.


    They really thought so and wanted to do the same.


    This matter had exceeded Xu Qing¡¯s expectations. He originally thought that the imperial city was in chaos. Although the Human Emperor ruled over everything, the various factions were constantly fighting among themselves. It was a mess.


    Hence, the scene in front of him moved him deeply.


    ¡®Is this the other side of the human race?¡¯


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly.


    ¡®When there is no external crisis, everyone is competing for their own interests, seemingly harboring ulterior motives and hypocritically concealing their selfishness. But once an external crisis arises¡­¡¯


    ¡®Everyone, every faction, can instantly set aside everything and come together


    as one¡­¡¯


    Xu Qing was moved.


    However, these were just words. He didn¡¯t know if they would really act the same way. However, his senses told him that there was a high chance that they would do it.


    Not only did the officials speak, but the princes in the crowd also stepped out one after another.


    The Fifth Prince strode to the front of the hall and bowed to the Human Emperor.


    ¡°Father, please allow me to return to the northwest border immediately!¡±


    ¡°Father, I am willing to go to the Black Heaven Race, to share their fate, and to boost the morale of our human race with my identity as a prince!¡±


    The Fourth Prince took a deep breath and bowed as well. At this moment, he truly felt the same way. As for the competition among the princes, although it still existed, it shifted direction with the onset of war.


    It wasn¡¯t a contest of who was right or wrong, it was about¡­ who had contributed!


    The Third Prince, the Tenth Prince, as well as Princess Anhai and the other princes who were present, all spoke up one after another in the same manner.


    Ning Yan, who was among them, also requested to fight.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯m willing to head to the Black Heaven Race!¡±


    The Human Emperor was not surprised by this scene; he naturally knew the state of the human race. This was also why he allowed internal strife and conflict¡ªit was his way of ruling as a monarch.


    He lifted his head and gazed in the direction of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, his eyes gradually revealing a profound expression.


    A light sigh echoed in his mind.


    ¡®It came a bit too soon.¡¯


    This light sigh could only be heard by the Human Emperor himself. To outsiders, he always maintained a relatively unchanged expression. At his position, his expressions were scrutinized by everyone, and any change would trigger countless interpretations.


    And when a person reached a high position, it was like this. Sometimes, expressions and demeanor were also part of the way of ruling as a monarch.


    ¡°I heard what you all said.¡±


    ¡°Upper Mystic Five Palaces, heed the command.¡±


    The Human Emperor calmly spoke.


    In an instant, the cultivators of the Upper Mystic Five Palaces walked out and cupped their hands.


    At the same time, at the headquarters of the Upper Mystic Five Palace, five vast figures stood out and bowed at the same time.


    ¡°The five palaces will cooperate with the Grand Chancellor to establish military strategies according to the structure of the war against the Black Heaven Race. Arrange for three types of plans to deal with this battle. Hand them over to the palace within a day.¡±


    ¡°As you command!¡±


    The five figures in the Imperial City and the Grand Chancellor in the palace spoke at the same time.


    ¡°Lower Mystic Five Palaces, heed the command.¡±


    The Human Emperor continued.


    In an instant, the officials of the Lower Mystic Five Palaces stepped out. Their auras were majestic and extraordinary.


    ¡°You all must assist in all preparations and follow-ups regarding this battle without the slightest slackening.¡±


    n


    All the territories of the human race, from this moment onward¡­ enter a state of war.¡±


    As his voice rang out, the world resonated. The Imperial Capital¡¯s array formation trembled, pulling the entire Grand Imperial Capital Region into action. One array formation after another was activated, and countless arrays merged together, forming a restriction that erupted in full force.


    The court wasn¡¯t over, and no one left either. They were all waiting.


    They were waiting for the Grand Chancellor and the Upper Mystic Five Palaces to make arrangements for the overall battle situation.


    The workload was immense, requiring coordination, calculation, deduction, and consideration of numerous factors.


    Time slowly passed. Twelve hours later, the arrangements for this war were divided into three plans for the starting phase, mid phase, and late phase. They were handed over to the Human Emperor.


    After two hours of discussion, a plan was approved by the Human Emperor.


    Xu Qing saw the entire process. Although he didn¡¯t speak, this was the first time he had experienced this.


    As the plan was approved, a series of imperial decrees were immediately spread in all directions.


    Firstly, regarding the war with the Black Heaven Race, the Human Emperor issued five imperial decrees.


    ¡°Decree One: Four Heavenly Kings will lead the army to support King Dong Ding. Their task is to reverse the human race¡¯s situation, where they are being restrained by the Black Heaven Race, and instead restrain the Baize Race.


    Both sides must be in a stalemate, with neither able to seize the initiative.


    The Third Prince will accompany the army.


    Decree Two: Mobilize the forces of Fenghai County and the Holy Wave Large Region to join the battlefield, with Fenghai County as the leader, becoming the main force in this battle against the Black Heaven Race. Their task is to swiftly conquer the Black Heaven Region while the Baize Race is restrained.


    Decree Three: Five Heavenly Kings and the Twelfth Prince, Ning Yan, will lead troops to reinforce Fenghai County, carrying three Suns of Dawn.


    Decree Four: King Yuelan will coordinate with the Special Command Palace to establish a special army and secretly advance to the ancestral land of the Baize Race. Since their entire race is mobilized, their task is to completely destroy their ancestral land. The Sixth Imperial Prince will participate in this matter.


    Decree Five: Xu Qing is ordered to go to the Moon Offering Region and request the Crown Prince and others to lend a hand at a critical juncture. This is one of the safeguards for this war.¡±


    The five imperial decrees enveloped the war with the Black Heaven Race from different directions. It looked simple but almost everything had been considered.


    As for the Si¡¯e Race¡¯s invasion of the northwest border, six imperial decrees were issued.


    ¡°Decree One: The Fifth Prince, with a mighty army of ten million, is to swiftly return to the border.


    Decree Two: Each of the four Heavenly Kings will lead a separate army to the northwest border, cooperating with the forces of King Zhen Yan, ensuring the defense of the territory.


    Decree Three: The Fourth Prince is granted permission to join the army in the northwest, and the State Preceptor is requested to build a Star-Picking Tower in the northwest and guard it. As long as the State Preceptor remains, the border will not fall!


    Decree Four: Seven defensive lines are to be formed outside the capital, with each line guarded by a prince or princess. All forces are to provide necessary assistance, serving as safeguards and remaining on standby at all times to prevent surprise attacks by other races.


    Decree Five: The Eldest Prince is to immediately head to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race to investigate the cause of the war and to exert all efforts to resolve the conflict. If unable to do so, the Eldest Prince is to delay as much as possible.


    Decree Six: All the businesses of the Flame Moon within the human territories


    will be sealed until the war is concluded.¡±


    With the issuance of these 11 imperial decrees, the entire human race moved like a huge war magic artifact. The Upper Mystic Five Palaces erupted in full force, while the Lower Mystic Five Palaces provided full cooperation.


    The various forces indeed followed what they had claimed in the palace and put down all their disputes, cooperating with each other.


    What was different from the war with the Black Heaven was that this time¡­ almost all the imperial children participated. They formed the core, pulling along all supporting factions accordingly.


    So, soon enough, the teleportation arrays in the Imperial Capital kept activating, and according to the decrees, everyone was being teleported to their respective destinations. Ning Yan also bid farewell to Xu Qing; he would represent Xu Qing and embark on the journey back.


    Xu Qing was also leaving.


    However, before he left, Xu Qing looked at the city that was filled with an atmosphere of war and finally arrived at the Mortal World Forgetful Tower.


    This building had now been sealed off and was in a desolate state.


    Standing outside the building, Xu Qing looked into the distance and heard a soft laugh.


    ¡°Stinky brother, your human race is busy now. Did you come to beg me to help you?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He understood gods and it was also because he understood them that he was very clear that gods had no emotions.


    In the eyes of the gods, all living beings were ants. They were just a flash in the painting of the other party¡¯s long life.


    He shook his head.


    The clay fox laughed.


    ¡°That makes me like you even more.¡±


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s useless even if you ask me. If this is your private matter, then 1 can still help you for your yang essence. However, this is a conflict between the two races and there¡¯s a huge karma. Unless you can provide a better trade¡­ I can¡¯t help you..¡±

 Chapter 1224 - Chapter 1224: Inferior to Yanyan

    Chapter 1224: Inferior to Yanyan


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The sky over the capital resembled spilled ink, presenting a dull and monotonous color.


    The setting sun gradually sank to the west, with the remaining light of dusk fading away, equally dim.


    The only light cast upon the earth cloaked everything in a gray hue, as if the whole world were immersed in a sense of oppression.


    The clouds in the sky seemed to merge with the atmosphere, becoming one with the heavens.


    The pedestrians on the streets had hurried expressions. They didn¡¯t know the exact imperial decrees but when they saw the blood-red mysterious birds, they guessed that a calamity might descend.


    And when they noticed the army starting to move, their guess was confirmed.


    In this era, the human race was in sorrow.


    Hence, the darkness became the dominant color of the human world, gradually enveloping everything in pitch blackness. Lightning streaked through the darkness, heralding an imminent downpour.


    The wind no longer contained the coldness of midwinter, signaling the arrival of spring. Yet, when it touched the human skin, it felt even colder than winter.


    Xu Qing also sensed it but he was already used to it.


    Standing outside the Mortal World Forgetful Tower, he wasn¡¯t surprised when he heard the voice of the clay fox.


    He understood the nature of gods more than ordinary people.


    He had another motive for coming here this time.


    ¡°Crimson Goddess has died.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Of course I know. Stinky brother, what are you trying to say?¡±


    The clay fox chuckled and its voice carried a hint of temptation.


    ¡°But the Red Moon is still here.¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing spoke, a fluctuation spread out from the Mortal World Tower in front of him.


    Xu Qing calmly continued.


    ¡°I can sense that the Red Moon is returning.¡±


    ¡°I plundered the authority of the Crimson Goddess, so my senses can¡¯t be wrong. Not long later, the Red Moon will appear in the sky of the Wanggu Continent. At that time, the person standing on the Red Moon might be Li Zihua or someone else.¡±


    ¡°No matter who it is¡­ He will choose to be complete, and us, who have shared the flesh and blood of the Crimson Goddess, might be His direction.¡±


    ¡°Just like seeds, growing up only to be harvested later.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice entered the building. A long time later, the clay fox chuckled.


    ¡°Stinky brother, your words are quite interesting but I don¡¯t see that future.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t argue that the god could see the future, and continued.


    ¡°Crimson Goddess is Li Zihua¡¯s younger sister. They became gods after birth, unlike the innate gods.¡±


    ¡°Take the Fifth Prince for example. He knows it¡¯s right for me to kill the Seventh Prince for the greater good, yet as an elder brother, he still challenged me to a fight. 1 also have a big brother. He won¡¯t stop anyone from killing me, but after my death, I believe he will act to sever the karma for clarity.¡±


    The clay fox fell silent, as though It was pondering. A while later, there was less temptation in Its voice and more formality.


    ¡°An interesting deduction. Although the possibility isn¡¯t high, it sounds somewhat reasonable. So¡­ what do you want from me?¡±


    Xu Qing bowed.


    ¡°High God Star Flame, please give me the qualifications to participate in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s Grand Hunt.¡±


    I¡¯m indeed not wrong to be interested in you. Stinky brother, you¡¯re quite amusing at times. To think that you could think of such a way to break through the situation.¡±


    The clay fox laughed.


    ¡°If you can obtain the title of Mystic Heaven General in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s Grand Hunt, you will have an honorary identity in the Flame Moon Race.¡±


    ¡°And every Mystic Heaven General appearing in each Grand Hunt has an opportunity to request rewards from the three Great Priests.¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to use this opportunity to ask the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race to stop the war with the human race? There¡¯s no such possibility.¡±


    The clay fox¡¯s voice carried a hint of teasing. To It, life was but a flower.


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°If I succeed, I won¡¯t make this request.¡±


    ¡°Then what¡¯s your request?¡±


    The clay fox was a little curious.


    ¡°After 1 succeed, the High God will naturally know.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the Mortal World Tower and spoke softly.


    Laughter rang out from the building.


    ¡°You bad brother. Forget it, I can satisfy this request on account of your yang essence.¡±


    As It spoke, a pink light flew out of the building and headed straight for Xu Qing. It stopped in front of him and amidst the flowing light, it transformed into a pink token.


    On the front was the figure of a fox, and on the back was mountains and rivers.


    Xu Qing grabbed it and his gaze landed on it. At the same time, a lazy voice rang out from the Mortal World Tower.


    ¡°I can also tell you about the segments of the Grand Hunt in advance. You should know, this is me being partial toward you. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t bother to inform anyone else.¡±


    The temptation in the clay fox¡¯s voice grew even more intense.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. After cupping his hands, he listened attentively. He knew that this information would be very important.


    Like he said earlier, he indeed came for this qualification.


    As for returning to the Moon Offering Region, Xu Qing didn¡¯t intend to make it the main focus. Given his relationship with the heir and the others, if he earnestly requested, there was a high chance that they would eventually intervene.


    However, he needed to consider the wishes of the heir and the others. Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s plan was to think of a solution himself first. If it really couldn¡¯t be done, he would go to the Moon Offering.


    In addition, there was another reason why Xu Qing chose to head to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    That was to earn credit for Ning Yan.


    Only when Ning Yan became the crown prince would he have a chance to enter the ancestral planet and obtain the purple lantern.


    Xu Qing felt that just the battle merits from Ning Yan heading to the Black Heaven Race weren¡¯t enough.


    If he added the merit from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race as well, it would be extremely significant for Ning Yan.


    As Xu Qing pondered, the voice of the clay fox drifted over.


    ¡°The Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s Grand Hunt is divided into three segments. If you want to become a Mystic Heaven General, you have to be first in at least one segment. If you can be first in all three segments, then the person conferred the title will not be an ordinary Mystic Heaven General.¡±


    ¡°They will be the Grand Mystic Heaven!¡±


    There was also a hint of anticipation in the clay fox¡¯s tone.


    It¡¯s been many years since a Grand Mystic Heaven appeared.¡±


    ¡°The first segment of the hunt is currently underway. It will last for half a year and it¡¯s already halfway through.¡±


    ¡°The first segment is moving mountains.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not an ordinary mountain but forbidden mountains.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Forbidden mountain?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Regardless of whether it¡¯s within the Flame Moon Race¡¯s sphere of influence or outside it, any mountain in a forbidden zone will do.¡±


    The clay fox smiled.


    ¡°A forbidden mountain can be considered to have met the requirements but it¡¯s only the lowest requirement. If you want to become first, the forbidden mountain you need to move has to surpass everyone.¡±


    ¡°During this segment, you have to carry the forbidden mountain to the Divine City on the Divine Mountain of the Flame Moon. Only by merging it with the mountain there will the task be considered completed.¡±


    ¡°During this period¡­ all participants can kill and plunder each other.¡±


    At this point, the clay fox paused slightly. Its simple sentences revealed a bloody intent.


    Xu Qing nodded and the clay fox continued to speak.


    ¡°As for the second segment, it¡¯s even more interesting. It¡¯s called Taming.¡±


    ¡°There are a number of divine creatures with varying strength in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. Your task is to tame one of them to become your Mystic Heaven Mount.¡±


    ¡°The more powerful a divine beast is, the more difficult it will be to tame it. If you want to be first, the difficulty can be imagined. If you¡¯re not careful, you might become food.¡±


    ¡°So, stinky brother, you better think carefully. Don¡¯t go dying before you give me the yang essence. And during the Grand Hunt, even I won¡¯t be able to intervene easily.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Xu Qing seemed pensive, finding the requirements of this stage somewhat peculiar.


    ¡°As for the third segment, it¡¯s simple but also the most important.¡±


    In the ancestral hall, the clay fox licked Its lips as a demonic glint appeared in Its eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s hunting in the Divine Realm!¡±


    ¡°At that time, me and the two big sisters will act together and tear open an entrance to a Divine Realm.¡±


    ¡°As for which Divine Realm it is, I can¡¯t tell you. However, 1 think¡­ you should like it.¡±


    The clay fox chuckled.


    ¡°After a gap is opened in the Divine Realm, all participants will barge in. The number and strength of the creatures killed in the Divine Realm will be used as a standard of measurement.¡±


    ¡°The more you kill, the higher the chance of victory. However, that¡¯s the Divine


    Realm¡­ in every Grand Hunt, more than 80% of the participants have died.¡±


    ¡°There are also some that will be attacked and transformed into divine flesh.


    These divine meats can feed my little darlings well. Occasionally, if there¡¯s something particularly delicious, I might take a bite too.¡±


    ¡°This is a banquet prepared for the joy of the gods. If you participate, I¡¯ll watch this banquet more carefully.¡±


    ¡°However, I don¡¯t really want to see others eating your flesh after you die, so¡­ I might use my divine authority once to monopolize your flesh.¡±


    ¡°Stinky brother, what do you think of this suggestion?¡±


    The clay fox¡¯s voice was very gentle but the meaning behind Its words made one¡¯s hair stand on end.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care and nodded.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Inside the shrine, the clay fox chuckled coquettishly, causing the altar to tremble with Its laughter. Dust fell from Its body, and the shrine shook with Its amusement. Its eyes gleamed brighter, and finally, It licked Its lips and spoke softly.


    ¡°This time, it¡¯s true. Stinky brother, I find¡­ I¡¯m starting to like you more and more.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the Mortal World Forgetful Tower. He had experienced similar words and feelings from Yanyan in the past. In fact, in comparison, this clay fox was still a little conservative.


    Other than the strength of Her abilities, to a certain extent, there was a considerable gap between Her and Yanyan.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. After cupping his hands, he turned and left. Under the darkness of the sky, his figure gradually disappeared into the night, merging into one with the night.


    After a long time, in the pitch-black and relatively quiet imperial city, in the ancestral hall of the sealed Mortal World Forgetful Tower, the clay fox on the altar lifted Its head slightly and looked into the distance.


    ¡°Back then, Second Sister fell in love with someone. I wonder what that feeling is like..¡±

 Chapter 1225 - Chapter 1225: Trip to the Flame Moon

    Chapter 1225: Trip to the Flame Moon


    Translator: Atlas Studios


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    The Grand Imperial Capital Region was vast and seemingly boundless.


    Today was the fifth day of the war.


    In the northwest border, the human race had built a great wall long ago, separating them from nonhuman races like a giant dragon.


    This great wall stretched magnificently from west to north, lying diagonally across the land, its color dark and foreboding.


    With the onset of war, all passages in and out were completely sealed. Unless one held a token from a Heavenly King, no one was allowed passage.


    As for the territory outside the great wall, it was the territory of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, but it wasn¡¯t the core territory of the Flame Moon Race itself. Instead, it consisted of several regions formed by its affiliated races. After passing through the seven regions, one would reach the core territory of the Flame Moon Race.


    The Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s territory was really too large.


    Flame Moon and its affiliated races have a total of 87 regions. Although the scope of each region couldn¡¯t compare to the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region, it¡¯s still remarkable.¡±


    A lazy voice drifted into Xu Qing¡¯s ears.


    At this moment, thousands of kilometers away from the northwest black city, in the sky, a giant boat pulled by seven dragons roared towards the border with the sound of dragon roars echoing.


    There were hundreds of cultivators on the huge boat.


    Every one of them was dressed neatly, had solemn expressions and extraordinary auras.


    At the forefront stood a man who appeared to be middle-aged. He had a sturdy figure, much taller than the average human, with long jet-black hair tied up with golden ribbons, swaying in the wind


    He wore a magnificent brocade robe embroidered with golden dragon patterns, with a white jade belt around his waist, highlighting his noble status.


    His features were not delicate, slightly rugged, with thick eyebrows and large eyes, yet thin lips, exuding an invisible dignity. From afar, one might mistake him for the Emperor.


    He was none other than the Eldest Prince.


    He was also the person who looked the most similar to the Human Emperor in terms of appearance and temperament.


    At this moment, he stood at the bow of the boat, gazing into the distance with a solemn expression. His body exuded dense vitality, like a blazing sun, dazzling everyone behind him.


    This was the delegation led by the Eldest Prince to negotiate with the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. Alongside the Eldest Prince¡¯s own retinue were officials from the Lower Mystic Five Palaces and corresponding guards.


    As for the person who had spoken earlier, it wasn¡¯t the Eldest Prince but an ordinary-looking guard among the people on the huge boat.


    This individual appeared solemn, brimming with vigilance, and exhibited an attitude of readiness to act faithfully and dutifully at any moment. His words were not spoken through his mouth but rather transmitted in his stomach¡­


    Inside his stomach, amidst a crimson aura, Xu Qing sat cross-legged, his face filled with helplessness.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, is there a need to go secretly?¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and glanced at his surroundings.


    A few nights ago, after he left the Mortal World Forgetful Tower, he sent a voice transmission to the captain and told him about his plan. After all, the captain was also going to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race to do something major.


    The captain had been able to resolve a major problem because of Xu Qing¡¯s effortless act, so when he heard Xu Qing¡¯s arrangements, he immediately rushed over quickly to head over with Xu Qing.


    However, he had his own plan this time.


    ¡°Of course we have to go secretly. Let me tell you, Little Qing, my stomach space is extremely safe and hidden. Moreover, I only allowed you to hide in my stomach because I trust you.¡±


    The guard checked his surroundings vigilantly while transmitting his thoughts to his stomach.


    ¡°Little Qing, with your identity in the human race, although you won¡¯t cause much of a commotion if you go to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, you have to consider me. I¡¯m different.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m too famous in the Flame Moon. Everyone in the Flame Moon knows me. If I swagger over, I¡¯m worried that we¡¯ll be received with extreme enthusiasm. You know that 1 like to keep a low profile.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. He understood what the captain meant. If he revealed his identity in Flame Moon, he would be beaten to death by many people.


    Presumably, in one of his lives, the captain should have done something that infuriated everyone in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    This made Xu Qing think of the relationship between the captain and High God Moon Flame¡­


    ¡°Therefore, we have to enter quietly. What do you think of this identity? Don¡¯t worry, since I have a way to pass the inspection, I naturally have a way to pass the border defense array. In addition, with the protection of the prince¡¯s team, nothing will go wrong.¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice was smug.


    However, Xu Qing became even more vigilant.


    Just like that, as the captain spoke, the huge boat the Eldest Prince was on slowly approached the long black city wall. Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see its exact appearance but in the captain¡¯s eyes, as they got closer, the grandeur of the great wall seemed like a barrier of the heavens.


    ¡®It seems to be a little taller than before.¡¯


    The captain muttered inwardly before continuing to look solemn.


    Not long later, the power of the black city¡¯s array spread out and swept toward the giant boat. Even though it was the boat of the prince, in this wartime, it still had to undergo the necessary checks.


    The Eldest Prince allowed the power of the array formation to sweep past him. Everyone was the same. As for the captain, he secretly bit down on a drop of blood hidden in his teeth.


    The fluctuations of the array formation spread out. After about fifteen minutes, everything was shown to be normal.


    The black city¡¯s array formation spread out a gap and isolated the left and right, causing this gap to become an independent existence. It was like a gate that led to the outside of the black city.


    Even if there were no problems with the array formation¡¯s inspection, the Eldest Prince¡¯s imperial command didn¡¯t allow him to enter or stop at the border. Hence, he could only pass through here and couldn¡¯t stay.


    There were also auras that locked onto the giant boat.


    Under this auras, the seven golden dragons on the giant boat instinctively moved, dragging the boat into the crevice-like gap and heading towards the exit with all their might.


    Ten breaths later, when the giant boat left the gap and arrived at the world outside the human race¡¯s borders, the pass gate opened by the array formation at the back instantly closed.


    Throughout the entire process, no one spoke.


    The Eldest Prince didn¡¯t even turn his head as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Raise the human race¡¯s banner.


    As soon as he finished speaking, a huge banner suddenly rose from the boat. It fluttered in the wind and emitted a terrifying might.


    That banner depicted the portraits of the past Human Emperors of the human race since the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    Every one of them carried dignity.


    The moment it appeared, the world darkened.


    At the same time, the seven golden dragons in front of the huge boat let out dragon roars. Their speed instantly soared and they transformed into golden rainbows that disappeared into the horizon.


    The journey to the Flame Moon Headquarters was very long and there were many large regions between them. Even though the golden dragons didn¡¯t need to sleep or rest and the cultivators on the boat could do without rest too, there were some areas where they had to stop and go through necessary clearance procedures.


    If it was anyone else on a diplomatic mission, these processes wouldn¡¯t be easy. There could be difficulties or delays, but such things wouldn¡¯t happen to the Eldest Prince.


    Although his identity wasn¡¯t valued highly in the human race, it was different in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    With half of his bloodline originating from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, he would be revered by most of the subsidiary races of the Flame moon.


    Hence, after leaving the human race¡¯s territory, the aura around the Eldest Prince carried a sense of freedom.


    After several landings for clearance, the captain found opportunities to depart unnoticed. Eventually after passing through four regions, during a rest stop, the captain concealed his presence and quietly left.


    As for any investigation that might have been triggered by his departure, the captain clearly didn¡¯t care. He stealthily traveled for several hours, then opened his mouth and instantly expelled Xu Qing¡¯s figure from within.


    At the moment of landing, he resumed his normal appearance. When he turned around, the captain wore his usual proud expression and spoke arrogantly.


    ¡°How is it? Am I reliable this time?!¡±


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that 1 was worried that the Eldest Prince¡¯s group would be too conspicuous when they arrived at the Flame Moon Headquarters, I would have followed him all the way.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and knew what the other party was waiting for. Hence, he gave him a look of admiration.


    The captain was even happier and patted his chest.


    ¡°Little Qing, let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll bring you to the forbidden zone. You still don¡¯t know the segments of the Grand hunt, right? I know it too well.¡±


    ¡°There are three segments. 1¡¯11 tell you about them one by one later. 1 experienced these back then.¡±


    ¡°1 almost became a Mystic Heaven General before. Let¡¯s not talk about these trivial matters. Let me tell you, this first segment is related to the forbidden zone.¡±


    ¡°As for the qualifications, it¡¯s also very simple. The words in the Wordless Stone Scripture can allow us to change our auras. When the time comes, we can just kill two people we don¡¯t like and replace them.¡±


    ¡°The reason why I chose this place is also because there¡¯s a special forbidden zone in this region that can meet the requirements of the first segment. Come, follow me.¡±


    The captain looked like everything was in his grasp. After saying that, his body swayed and he sped away.


    When Xu Qing saw this, he had a different impression of the captain¡¯s preparations this time around.


    ¡°This time, he¡¯s indeed much more reliable.¡±


    However, the long-term impression still made Xu Qing skeptical.


    It was only after he followed the captain for a few days and saw a red forbidden zone from afar that Xu Qing truly felt that the captain was different this time.


    Do you see that mountain? That¡¯s our destination.¡±


    The captain licked his lips and a hint of madness appeared in his eyes, heading straight for the blood-red forbidden zone.


    Xu Qing followed behind at an equally astonishing speed. The shadow even emitted excited emotions.


    With Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s current combat strength, ordinary forbidden zones were no longer any obstacles or danger to them. Hence, after entering this forbidden zone, they moved straight towards the depths.


    The entire forbidden zone trembled and all the mutated beasts were trembling. There was also a violent aura that formed a red fog that gathered from all directions, forming a sense of rejection, rushing toward Xu Qing and the captain in an attempt to chase them away.


    However, as soon as it got close, a blue light flashed in the captain¡¯s eyes and the fog instantly froze.


    It then sensed Xu Qing. The fog churned and it almost collapsed.


    Finally, as though it sensed Xu Qing¡¯s shadow, this fog emitted a rumbling sound and instantly rolled back.


    Little Shadow suddenly rushed out and chased after it excitedly like a hunter.


    The captain swept his gaze over and chuckled before continuing forward.


    Xu Qing also ignored Little Shadow who was chasing after the fog. Little Shadow was the natural enemy of all existences in forbidden zones.


    Just like that, the two of them arrived at the foot of the blood-red mountain in the forbidden zone after a while.


    This mountain looked red from afar but was slightly dark from up close. The redness on it came from countless blood-red mosquitoes on its surface. These mosquitoes had a fierce appearance as they clung to the mountain, giving it its reddish hue.


    The appearance of Xu Qing and the captain caused these mosquitoes to shiver.


    Xu Qing surveyed the surroundings and was about to move the mountain when the captain at the side did something Xu Qing didn¡¯t expect.


    With a lift of his hand, the captain emitted a strange aura, which surprisingly stirred the mosquitoes, causing them to overcome their fear and unleash their instincts. A group of them buzzed loudly, heading straight for the captain.


    Without flinching, the captain allowed the swarm of mosquitoes to cover his entire body, enduring the piercing of their proboscises and the swelling of his body. Then, he spoke to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Little Qing, back then, because my body wasn¡¯t sturdy enough, 1 suffered a loss in the first segment of the hunt. Later on, I thought of this method and borrowed the strangeness of these mosquitoes to increase the defense of my body for a short period of time!¡±


    ¡°The first segment of the hunt is called the Sky Collapsing. It tests one¡¯s body. Come, you should hurry up too. The more bites you endure, the less you will have to fear the Sky Collapsing.¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice turned a little weak.


    Xu Qing was stunned.. He looked at the captain who was rapidly swelling into a mountain of flesh and didn¡¯t know what to say for a moment¡­

 Chapter 1226 - Chapter 1226: Little Qing, What Are You Doing?

    Chapter 1226: Little Qing, What Are You Doing?


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°Little Qing, what are you waiting for? When we just entered the forbidden zone, I sensed the mark of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. Someone should have designated it as a private property.¡±


    The captain endured the itchiness and swelling on his body and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Hurry up. Let me tell you, Little Qing, this feeling is very comfortable. The more intense it is, the more perfect the effect of body enhancement.¡±


    ¡°I suffered a loss in the first segment of the Flame Moon Hunt back then. Do you know why it¡¯s called the Sky Collapsing? It is because in the range of 50,000 kilometers of the Divine Mountain, the sky will collapse, suppressing everyone regardless of their cultivation base.¡±


    ¡°This is one of the reasons. Also, in this round, there will be all kinds of indescribable intense pain from the inside out. In short, all kinds of pain will appear on your body, making it difficult for you to take a single step forward.¡±


    ¡°At that time, I was too skinny and my body wasn¡¯t prepared. It was so painful that 1 almost fainted. However, 1 saw some powerful physiques and giant cultivators. They had a considerable advantage in this round.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, later on, 1 began to think of a way. I finally found this forbidden zone back then. If you can resist the toxins of these mutated mosquitoes, they can strengthen your body for a short period of time.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, it will gradually make people lose their sense of pain. It¡¯s very suitable for the first segment. It¡¯s a pity that I died tragically in that life and didn¡¯t have a chance.¡±


    ¡°Believe me, Little Qing.¡±


    As the captain spoke, he circulated his cultivation base in all sorts of ways. In the end, the mosquitoes outside his body fell to the ground in batches and died. Clearly, they had been poisoned to death by him.


    However, the captain was very persistent and wasn¡¯t satisfied with his current state. Hence, he attracted another large group of mosquitoes¡­


    Seeing this, Xu Qing recalled the Grand Hunt segments that the clay fox had told him. Compared to the captain¡¯s words, Xu Qing felt that¡­ the clay fox might be more reliable.


    Xu Qing felt that the captain might have been too immersed in his experience back then and didn¡¯t know that the rules had been changed. After all, the human race was far away from the Flame Moon Headquarters and the information about the Grand Hunt wasn¡¯t easily available.


    If he wanted to know in advance, unless he investigated the whole race, it would pose a certain difficulty.


    Hence, Xu Qing was about to tell the captain about the information he had obtained from the clay fox. However, just as he was about to speak, the captain raised his hand and threw out a pill bottle to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Little Qing, don¡¯t say that Eldest Senior Brother doesn¡¯t love you. This is my love. If you open it, you¡¯ll be able to attract mosquitoes like me.¡±


    ¡°And, the anomalous fragrance in this bottle is specially prepared for you. It attracts female mosquitoes for me and male mosquitoes for you, hehe.¡±


    The captain¡¯s entire body was swollen and he winked at Xu Qing, looking mischievous. However, his eyelids were also swollen. After winking, he couldn¡¯t open them anymore¡­


    Xu Qing glanced at the pill bottle and then at the captain. He picked up the pill bottle and kept it well, swallowing the words he was about to say.


    Instead, he turned and walked toward the red forbidden mountain. At the foot of the mountain, he lifted his head and looked at the mountain peak. He took a deep breath and raised his right hand, pressing it against the mountain rock.


    All of his cultivation base instantly erupted, forming a terrifying aura that enveloped the mountain peak, causing the Forbidden Mountain to tremble and rumbling sounds to echo.


    The mosquitoes on it were all frightened and flew up in large groups, covering the sky in a black mass, causing the already gloomy forbidden zone to become even darker.


    The buzzing sound also rose in an instant, shocking everyone.


    When the captain saw this scene, he noticed that Xu Qing didn¡¯t attract the mosquitoes. He couldn¡¯t help but feel surprised.


    ¡°Eh, what are you doing?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. At that moment, as his cultivation base circulated, the 2 million soul threads in his body rapidly became active and rushed out of his.


    From afar, these soul threads seemed to connect to the sky, attracting countless lightning bolts. In the end, they transformed into a vortex that coiled around the mountain, forming a huge force.


    It was like a huge palm that came from nothingness, grabbing the mountain peak and pulling it fiercely.


    He wanted to lift it from the ground.


    The ground quaked, the forbidden zone rumbled, and the mountain trembled.


    The captain wanted to open his eyes wide but he couldn¡¯t do it. His heart was churning as he became doubtful.


    Just as he was about to speak, an even louder rumbling sound rang out from the mountain like heavenly lightning. The mountain, shaking violently, cracked and split from the ground under the strain of two million soul threads.


    It was lifted by seven inches!


    A black liquid that was like blood seeped out from the mountain and the ground. If one lay on the ground and took a look, they would see countless strands of black flesh and blood between the mountain and the ground.


    There were also some bones.


    How was this a mountain? This was clearly a physical body, the physical body of the forbidden zone!


    This discovery slightly surprised Xu Qing.


    The mountain within the forbidden zone weighed much more than those outside, and after sensing it, Xu Qing gained a slightly deeper understanding of the forbidden zone.


    In addition, this mountain itself held a significant pressure, making it challenging to lift.


    Also, because it was lifted, the anomalous substances on it spread out densely.


    The most important thing was the relationship between this mountain and the forbidden zone. It was a part of the forbidden zone. If one wanted to take it away, it would be like cutting off the flesh of a living person.


    Right now, just as the mountain was lifted a little, the entire forbidden zone seemed to come alive. From every blade of grass, tree, all the anomalous substances, and mountain rocks, intense rejection and malice came from this world.


    The soil was also churning. The corpses of living beings who had died in this forbidden zone since ancient times crawled out one after another. Their ferocity was intense as they rushed toward Xu Qing and the captain.


    It didn¡¯t want to give it up!


    The entire forbidden zone seemed to have developed its own consciousness and locked onto Xu Qing. The wind that blew over also grew much stronger. It was unknown if it was the sound of the wind or words.


    ¡°Leave!¡±


    ¡°Leave immediately!¡±


    ¡°Die!!


    These voices caused Xu Qing¡¯s gaze to turn even colder.


    He could withstand the pressure, and he could withstand the weight with the soul threads.


    He could ignore the anomalous substances. As for the fact that this mountain was one with the forbidden zone¡­


    ¡°Since you don¡¯t want to give it to me, I¡¯ll take you with it.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes turned cold. He called out to Little Shadow, who was chasing and playing, in his mind and gave a command.


    ¡°Devour this forbidden zone!¡±


    Little Shadow had been waiting for this order for a long time. If it was in the past, it wouldn¡¯t care about these. It would eat when it was hungry. However, even since it met Xu Qing, it was always on tenterhooks and didn¡¯t dare to disobey at all.


    Hence, it only dared to chase and torture the fog but didn¡¯t dare to devour it directly. It was worried that it would be punished again if it did something wrong.


    Hence, after receiving Xu Qing¡¯s order, the little shadow, who was torturing the blood fog, immediately became excited. Its emotions instantly rose, transforming into a large shadow that directly stood up from the ground.


    It was like a black curtain.


    One could see a forbidden zone on this curtain!


    There was a jungle in the forbidden zone, and in the depths of the jungle, there was a towering tree that was covered with eyes.


    This tree was a bizarre entity. A black coffin hung on its branch and was swaying. That was the first form the shadow had displayed, the shadow tree.


    There was a coffin hanging from the tree that was swaying like a huge pendulum clock. Inside, there was the ear-piercing sound of fingernails scratching the wooden planks and a murmur that echoed in all directions.


    At the next instant, all the eyes opened in unison.


    Not only did it come from the tree, but countless eyes in the black curtain¡¯s forbidden zone also opened at this moment, revealing a red glow and greed. A huge crack opened from the curtain.


    It emitted an aura of decay.


    It pounced fiercely at the rapidly fleeing blood fog.


    A mournful wail suddenly echoed in the forbidden zone. The shaking of the entire forbidden zone became even more intense and one could faintly hear the hair-raising chewing sounds.


    It was swallowing at every moment.


    Amidst the devouring, the shadow that transformed into a curtain landed on the ground again and spread in all directions, covering everything in its path.


    Regardless of whether it was vegetation or ferocious beasts, regardless of whether they were alive or dead, they all looked blurry after being covered by the shadow.


    Under the shadow, the color of the soil rapidly changed and gradually turned gray. There was no vitality or aura of death. That gray color was like the background color of the world.


    It was as though a piece of meat had been swallowed.


    The forbidden zone rumbled and the wind grew even stronger. As it whistled, it seemed to emit a roar of pain that echoed in the forbidden zone.


    As the shadow spread, the wailing became even more intense.


    This scene shocked the captain.


    ¡°Well¡­¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, it¡¯s fine as long as you get bitten by a few mosquitoes. You¡­ why do you look like you¡¯re going to take this forbidden zone away?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t respond. After he sensed that Little Shadow had begun to spread and devour this forbidden zone, his hand on the mountain rock pressed down again. Immediately, a loud sound rang out from the mountain peak and it was slowly lifted by another seven inches.


    The pulling force of the soul threads in the surroundings was even greater, forming a fluctuation that swept through the corpses rushing over in the surroundings, shattering them all thousands of feet away.


    The forbidden zone was being refined and the forbidden mountain was being moved away.


    At that moment, the shadow was the first to send a fluctuation of emotions, warning Xu Qing. Immediately after, a blue light flashed in the captain¡¯s eyes. He moved his huge body and looked behind him.


    Behind them, there was a rainbow that was rapidly rushing over from the other end of the forbidden zone.


    The domineering aura and the first stage of Nihility transformed into thousands of illusory meteors that surrounded the rainbow like a meteor shower.


    Inside was a tall figure.


    This figure was similar to a human but was clearly more muscular. It was almost 20 feet tall and looked like a giant.


    His long golden hair fluttered in the wind, exuding nobility.


    Its eyes were also golden, giving off a lofty feeling. Its pupils were different from humans. They were vertical pupils, like dragon eyes.


    The aura emitted by his body was even more obvious and dense in terms of qi and blood. At that moment, he was like a volcano that was about to erupt. His combat strength also clearly surpassed cultivators of the same realm of the other races.


    There was also a faint bloodline talent contained in it. All the anomalous substances in the surroundings were actually rejected. Clearly, in terms of resisting the invasion, it surpassed the vast majority of races.


    ¡°Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes lit up and he licked his lips..

 Chapter 1227 - Chapter 1227: Nine Breaths Submission

    Chapter 1227: Nine Breaths Submission


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Xu Qing coldly looked over. This was the first time he had seen a cultivator of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, and he understood what the captain meant.


    The person who appeared wasn¡¯t from an affiliated race of the Flame Moon, but a member of the Flame Moon itself.


    Coupled with what the captain had said earlier about sensing a mark in the forbidden zone, it seemed that the person who put the mark was this person.


    Although Xu Qing had never seen a cultivator of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s race, he had some understanding of this race through the books in the Variant Immortal School.


    Hence, he knew that because the number of members of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven was much fewer than their affiliated races, any cultivator from the main race had a high status in the Flame Moon¡¯s territory.


    This could be seen from the treatment the Eldest Prince received just from having half of the Flame Moon bloodline.


    The cultivators of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven received preferential treatment even in the territory of the other races.


    No one dared to rashly offend the members of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven. This caused the cultivators of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s main clan to be filled with confidence no matter where they went, and they were often extremely domineering.


    The strength of the race was their confidence.


    This was even more so when they were in their territory.


    The rainbow appeared in the sky above Xu Qing and the captain. The meteors that followed it all landed on the ground.


    The forbidden zone and its surroundings trembled. A mighty pressure descended from the sky, transforming into two words.


    ¡°Human Race?¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, the color of the world changed, as if the words themselves had the power to shape reality. A power of laws emerged, exerting influence over both Xu Qing and the captain, attempting to manipulate their actions. Faintly, there was a sense of their bodies being on the verge of tearing apart.


    A blue light appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes and he was a little excited.


    Xu Qing was indifferent, as though he was looking at a dead person.


    Little Shadow, who was devouring the forbidden zone, paused slightly before continuing to devour.


    Seeing that these two humans didn¡¯t have the slightest reaction to his appearance, a hint of impatience appeared in the eyes of this cultivator from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven.


    He had not been here before; he had just arrived with the sole purpose of obtaining the forbidden mountain within this forbidden zone.


    As a participant in the Grand Hunt, he needed the forbidden mountain. The more, the better. The competition was fierce, so he had arranged for the affiliated races nearby to leave his mark in multiple forbidden zones.


    The marks meant that he had already claimed those areas, and anyone else who wanted to seize it would be hunted down by him afterward.


    Along the way to these forbidden areas, he had encountered both success and failure, putting him in a foul mood. Now, seeing humans daring to intrude, his impatience flared up, and with a disdainful look in his eyes, he raised his right hand and delivered a punch toward Xu Qing and Erniu.


    This punch looked casual, but when it carried a monstrous aura.


    The sky churned and the ground rumbled. A huge golden fist phantom appeared between heaven and earth. Its range was a hundred thousand feet wide, like the fist of heaven.


    It stirred up a storm that caused the forbidden zone to shake. The moment it was about to land, the captain laughed loudly and rushed out with his swollen body.


    ¡°Just nice, I¡¯ll use you to test the enhancement effect.¡±


    In an instant, the captain¡¯s massive body created a violent roar as it collided head-on with the incoming golden fist phantom.


    A deafening sound rang out like thunder.


    The captain landed on the ground and bounced a few times. As for the fist phantom in the sky, cracks appeared on it before shattering into pieces.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    The captain lifted his head and spoke proudly.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain. He could sense that not only was the captain¡¯s body much stronger, but his cultivation had also reached the level of Nihility at some point in time.


    Another seal has been undone?¡¯


    ¡®Also, Eldest Senior Brother seems to be deliberately enraging this Flame Moon cultivator.¡¯


    While Xu Qing was thinking, the captain shouted at the sky.


    ¡°Again.¡±


    The gaze of the cultivator of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race in the sky instantly landed on the captain. There were some waves in his eyes and he became a little more serious. He lifted his right hand and took a deep breath.


    As he inhaled, a storm suddenly rose. The anomalous substances, spirit energy, and all the nomological laws that existed here surged into his mouth at this instant.


    Amidst the rumbling sounds, a vortex formed.


    After taking a deep breath, the body of this Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator doubled in size. His right hand clenched into a fist and landed down again.


    With a boom, the void exploded and a huge golden mountain that was even larger than the fist phantom earlier appeared in the air, pressing down on the captain.


    The captain¡¯s eyes revealed disdain. He charged forward again and still used his body to collide with the mountain phantom.


    The captain fell, while the mountain phantom collapsed.


    This time around, the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator in the air looked solemn. He stared at the captain and was about to speak.


    ¡°Too weak, too weak, too weak!¡±


    The captain laughed wildly on the ground.


    When this laughter landed in the ears of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator, killing intent flashed in his eyes. He opened his mouth and inhaled again. This time, the range of the impact was even larger. The anomalous substances and spirit qi within 500 kilometers rushed over and formed a terrifying vortex in front of him.


    lie was about to inhale it.


    However, at this moment, the captain suddenly smashed the ground and borrowed the momentum to bounce up, his speed reaching an extreme level. In the blink of an eye, he appeared in the vortex formed by 500 kilometers of spirit energy and anomalous substances.


    The captain¡¯s eyes revealed a hint of relief. He opened his mouth and sucked fiercely before the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator could.


    In an instant, this vortex was like a ball that had lost air. It instantly shriveled and was devoured by the captain.


    The moment he swallowed it, the captain¡¯s body actually expanded. His hair also turned golden, and so did his eyes. He looked very similar to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s clansmen.


    This scene caused the expression of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator to change. He quickly retreated with an extremely solemn expression.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a human!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s not a human. Your entire family isn¡¯t human. Why are you throwing insults in the middle of the fight?!¡±


    The captain glared.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just the unique Nine Breaths Submission spell of your Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race? Once activated, each breath intake can drastically boost your power. So if I can counter devour it, does that mean I¡¯m not from the human race?¡±


    ii


    It¡¯s not that 1 want to criticize you, but why can you only breathe three times? Not enough, not enough, do it again.¡±


    The captain licked his lips and spoke excitedly.


    Xu Qing was calm. Previously, he had sensed the strangeness of the captain¡¯s behavior. Now that he saw this, he should have been surprised that the captain could cast the Flame Moon¡¯s spell, but he felt that everything was normal.


    Clearly, after interacting with him for a long time, Xu Qing was already used to everything about the captain.


    Even if the captain told him one day that he was a god, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t be too surprised.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with them and continued moving the mountain.


    As for the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator in the air, his expression was ugly. He stared at the captain and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve encountered such an interesting human. Alright, since you can grasp the Nine Breaths Submission spell, I wonder if you can learn my Flame Moon¡¯s innate talent.¡±


    As he spoke, this Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator touched his forehead. Immediately, the qi and blood in his body churned and erupted, forming a blood mist that shot into the sky.


    The entire sky trembled and formed a vortex. There were also blood-red lightning swimming inside with an astonishing aura.


    In the center of the vortex, a scene that was enough to shock everyone who saw it for the first time appeared.


    It was an unknown void in that scene.


    There was a huge kun-pengO inside!


    Waves of the aura of the Heavenly Dao spread out from its body. It wasn¡¯t an ordinary Heavenly Dao. It was¡­ one of the Immemorial Heavenly Dao of the Wanggu Continent!


    Countless iron chains surrounded its body, and every one of them pierced deeply into its body, locking it up. There was also a huge whip that waved in the air and kept whipping its body.


    There were countless wounds and its body was badly mangled.


    With every strike of the whip, the sound of thunder rang out. There were also wails from the Immemorial Heavenly Dao that landed in the world.


    This voice contained endless pain and an indescribable desire to die. It echoed in the human world, forming a sound that surpassed the rules and laws and rushed toward the captain and Xu Qing.


    If one was affected by it, they would develop empathy for it. Once they felt empathy, they would suffer and beg for death.


    This was the innate talent of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    Originally, this race didn¡¯t have an innate talent. At most, it was reflected in the strength of their bodies. However, as the times changed and the race became stronger, they created an innate talent for themselves.


    Locking down an Immemorial Heavenly Dao, enslaving this Heavenly Dao, using whip strikes to make it wail, thus forming fortune to bless the race.


    As for exactly how many Heavenly Dao were locked up by them, other than the Great Priests of this race and the gods, no one knew.


    At that moment, the sound formed by the wails of the Heavenly Dao ignored their cultivation and barriers and directly landed in front of Xu Qing and the captain. That pain and desire to die rapidly spread in their minds.


    However¡­ Xu Qing was as calm as ever, and the captain was still laughing mockingly.


    ¡°Son.¡±


    The Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator clearly misunderstood. When the cold glint in his eyes grew even more intense, a crisp babbling sound suddenly rang out from the void in the vortex.


    This voice¡¯s level was astonishing. It instantly neutralized the wailing of the kun-peng, causing the vortex in the sky to collapse.


    As for the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator, his body trembled violently and he spat out a large mouthful of blood. His expression was filled with horror and disbelief.


    ¡°What is this!¡±


    His breathing was hurried. As he spoke, he rapidly retreated. He didn¡¯t want to fight anymore. In his eyes, that handsome human wasn¡¯t much but that bloated fatty was too terrifying.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate and retreated fiercely.


    The captain shouted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t leave. Let¡¯s fight for a while more.¡±


    Xu Qing frowned and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Senior Brother, stop playing.¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing lifted his right hand and grabbed at the air. Immediately, black flames appeared out of thin air, forming a sea of fire. At the same time, the Golden Crow let out a cry from the totemic tattoo on Xu Qing¡¯s body and rushed out, transforming into a black spear.


    The instant it appeared, thunder rumbled and a roar echoed. The spear phantom was like a black destructive dragon, emitting an aura that caused the ground to tremble and rocks to collapse.


    At the next instant, the black spear soared into the sky.


    It looked like a spear but also like a Golden Crow. The flames in the surroundings rose from the ground and chased after the fleeing Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator.

 Chapter 1228 - Chapter 1228: First Mountain

    Chapter 1228: First Mountain


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The sky in the forbidden zone rumbled. The spear that flew out from in front of Xu Qing was like a dragon, flickering with a world-destroying black light.


    It even stirred up a sea of fire on the ground, spreading into the sky.


    Its speed was so fast that it was like a shooting star as it tore through the sky.


    There were also the soul threads from the mountain peak. At this moment, they spread out and augmented the spear like the sea of fire, causing the spear to emit an unprecedented sharpness.


    It made it impossible for anyone to dodge or resist it!


    The expression of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race cultivator completely changed.


    ¡°This aura¡­ This is a taboo weapon!¡±


    The strength of the race gave access to more comprehensive history, so the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator recognized the spear immediately.


    This realization caused his heart to churn and his mind to rumble.


    However, he didn¡¯t have time to think too much now. The intense sense of life-and-death crisis caused every inch of his body to tremble.


    He wanted to dodge but he couldn¡¯t do so. His instincts made him understand that if he took a step back in the face of this incoming spear of extermination, his mind would be suppressed by the aura.


    Once he was suppressed by the aura, he would definitely die.


    This was because this spear was not tolerated by the world or the Heavenly Dao. It was one of the oldest taboo weapons in the Wanggu Continent and was an existence that was sealed in the emperor cultivation arts.


    Facing such an ancient taboo weapon, the more afraid he was, the faster he would be destroyed.


    Hence, the eyes of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race cultivator instantly turned red. He let out a roar and spat out a mouthful of blood, using a forbidden blood art.


    This blood instantly turned into a blood fog that formed an arc in front of him, protecting him from the front. At the same time, one could see the blood fog churning and a large number of faces of the myriad races appeared. There were no less than a thousand of them and they let out low roars in unison. Each of them burned with all their might.


    However, this was clearly not enough.


    Hence, at this critical moment, the physical strength of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator rose completely. His hands instantly became incomparably thick as he lifted them and pressed forward.


    Golden light spread out from his body, transforming into a barrier of light that formed a second layer of defense.


    There was also a white light that rapidly flew out from his forehead, forming a Life God Art that transformed into a statue that stood behind him.


    This statue was in the shape of a human but its entire body was covered in feathers. It was completely white and gave off a holy feeling. At that moment, the statue lifted its arms and hugged the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator.


    All of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in the blink of an eye. At the next instant, the black spear had already shattered into nothingness.


    It was here!


    With thunder-like aura, the fragments swept through the blood-colored fog in front of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator.


    The instant they came into contact, the fog rumbled and churned intensely. It wanted to resist the spear¡¯s might but it was unable to do so. Even if all the faces inside burned, it was useless.


    In the blink of an eye, they let out mournful wails and were directly blown away by the spear wind like ashes.


    At the same time, the blood-colored fog dissipated completely. It couldn¡¯t withstand a single blow.


    The Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator immediately suffered a backlash. His face turned pale and blood flowed from the corner of his mouth. However, this was only the beginning for him.


    At the next instant, the black spear ruthlessly stabbed into the first layer of the cultivator¡¯s protective barrier, the golden light barrier.


    There was a loud sound of collision.


    The golden barrier shattered and countless cracks spread. It only lasted for a breath of time before shattering into pieces.


    The Flame Moon cultivator¡¯s face was pale. As he spat out blood uncontrollably, the black spear continued moving forward with an unstoppable pressure. Amidst the whistling sounds, it stabbed the white statue formed by the Flame Moon cultivator¡¯s Life God Art.


    Strength and dignity were released from the spear at this moment.


    Black fire, red soul threads, and indestructible taboo weapon. Although the impact and destruction formed by them weren¡¯t unstoppable, it was obvious that¡­ this Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator wasn¡¯t among those who could do it!


    Hence, as a deafening sound spread throughout the entire forbidden zone, the Life God statue of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator shattered like porcelain.


    First, it was his arm, then his body, then his head. It turned into countless fragments and rolled back, revealing the protected Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator.


    His expression was still filled with horror from before. Before he could react, the black spear had already appeared on his chest.


    It pierced.


    It pierced through his skin, flesh, and back.


    It directly¡­ pierced through him!


    However, he didn¡¯t leave.


    Instead, under the aftershock of the impact, this cultivator¡¯s body moved toward the original direction of the spear.


    No matter how noble this Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator¡¯s body looked previously, he was like a broken rag doll at this moment. His body was tattered and he had no choice.


    At the next instant, the sky rumbled. The black spear wrapped around this cultivator and nailed him to the sky!


    This was originally unbelievable. The sky was void and wasn¡¯t a physical object, so nothing could be nailed to it, but it was happening now.


    The sky seemed to have materialized in front of the spear.


    The Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator was nailed in the air just like that. Blood flowed down his wound and onto his body, dripping onto the ground.


    His complexion was dispirited and his expression was bitter. He gradually lost the strength to support his eyes. However, he still forcefully opened his eyes and looked at the calm Xu Qing on the ground.


    This figure was something he couldn¡¯t forget.


    Previously, he had thought that the bloated cultivator who had attacked first was the strongest and most mysterious of the two.


    After all, to be able to grasp the Flame Moon¡¯s Nine Breaths Submission spell, there must be a secret.


    But now, he didn¡¯t think so.


    The strongest¡­ was this person who had only fired a spear.


    ¡°Taboo weapons¡­¡±


    The Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator mumbled. In the end, he stared at Xu Qing meaningfully and closed his eyes.


    At this moment, countless cracks appeared on his body. All the marks were from his chest. After they rapidly spread throughout his body, they began to shatter.


    Finally, with a boom, his body transformed into hundreds of pieces and fell to the ground.


    It was as though his body and soul had been destroyed.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing let out a soft cry of surprise and abruptly pulled out his black spear from the sky.


    At this moment, the flesh and blood that fell from the sky underwent a strange change!


    At this moment, they all erupted with teleportation fluctuations.


    They were teleporting.


    ¡°You can run like this? Is this a new Flame Moon spell? I want to learn it.


    When the captain saw this scene, his eyes instantly lit up. He suddenly opened his mouth and sucked fiercely at the flesh and blood that were starting to blur.


    There was also black shadow on the ground. It seemed to have been waiting for a long time and suddenly rushed out.


    It was Little Shadow, who had spread here.


    It and the captain used their respective methods at the same time.


    The black spear also flew over at the same time. Xu Qing¡¯s habit was to kill whoever he could, leaving no one alive.


    The eruption of the power of the three parties also made the success rate of teleportation of these flesh and blood impossible.


    In an instant, 40% of the flesh and blood were pulled out of the teleportation under the captain¡¯s huge suction force, heading straight for the captain¡¯s mouth.


    As for Little Shadow¡¯s attack, it was even stranger. There were even murmurs coming from it.


    ¡°Three elements nurture, nine Qi circulate, five elements transform, organs form, and seven stars create orifices. The souls of all beings rise to the top, three feet above me, Dark Abyss, illuminated by the brilliance of three feet of starlight.¡±


    The voice alternated between high and low, between swift and slow, creating a bizarre feeling when combined.


    Under this interference, 20% of his flesh and blood instantly burned and turned into flames. They were stripped of the teleportation energy and fused into Little Shadow¡¯s body.


    As for the rest, Xu Qing¡¯s black spear whistled over. Black flames spread out and amidst the lingering soul threads, it destroyed everything.


    In the end, not a single piece of flesh and blood could escape. All of them disappeared from the world.


    After the surroundings fell silent, the captain chewed a few times and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°This person is a clone.¡±


    Little Shadow also transmitted its emotions, telling Xu Qing that it could sense the other party¡¯s aura within a certain range.


    It¡¯s fine. The next time we meet, we¡¯ll just kill him.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke softly. He then turned his head and lifted his right hand, pressing down on the forbidden mountain beside him again.


    The mountain rumbled and Little Shadow had already spread to all the forbidden zones. As Xu Qing moved, it began to devour crazily.


    The forbidden zone trembled and the wails gradually grew weaker. The sense of repulsion also slowly decreased.


    As far as the eye could see, the shape of this forbidden zone was getting fainter and blurrier. The location at the edge had completely disappeared.


    However, this speed wasn¡¯t very fast. Xu Qing was impatient and spread out his soul threads to support Little Shadow.


    During this process, the captain only took a glance. He was a little surprised but didn¡¯t ask. This was because at that moment, he was doing his best to digest Flame Moon¡¯s flesh and blood and search for a way to destroy the teleportation.


    Four hours later, Little Shadow¡¯s devouring ended.


    Everything around Xu Qing and the captain was empty.


    There was only that mountain floating a foot above the ground.


    The entire forbidden zone was gone!


    The ground was gray.


    Among this gray color, there was a sphere of black shadow that squirmed like a river, extending toward Xu Qing. Finally, after it returned to Xu Qing¡¯s feet, a burp rang out. After that, it spat out a piece of brown flame the size of a fingernail.


    This flame floated in front of Xu Qing and flickered. It would occasionally expand or rapidly shrink, as though it was extremely unstable.


    Because of its movement, the sky quickly turned pitch-black. Thunder rang out and bolts of lightning swam inside, as though they were attracted and spread out.


    At the same time, a soul power as majestic as the sea spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s shadow.


    ¡°Master¡­ full¡­¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and carefully kept the brown fire. He was very clear about the origin of this fire and also knew how dangerous it was.


    After putting it away, Xu Qing waved his right hand and the blood-red forbidden mountain rose into the air with a rumbling sound, floating above his head.


    ¡°Little Qing, are the mosquitoes still there? Release some. I felt a little pain just now. The effect still needs to be enhanced.¡±


    The captain glanced at Xu Qing¡¯s shadow.


    Xu Qing turned his head and looked at the swollen captain.


    ¡°Senior Brother, the High God Star Flame told me that the first segment of the hunt is moving mountains¡­¡±

 Chapter 1229 - Chapter 1229: Mystic Heaven General

    Chapter 1229: Mystic Heaven General


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    At the moment when the clone of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race cultivator died, in the sixth region of the Flame Moon, three forbidden zones away from where Xu Qing and the captain were at, a fierce battle was reaching its climax.


    The people who were fighting were two cultivators of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven.


    The bodies of these two people were dozens of feet tall, with golden hair and eyes, emitting a holy aura all over. Above each of them floated three forbidden mountains exuding dense anomalous substances.


    As wind and lightning roared, not only did the sound spread in all directions, but there were also collisions of nomological laws. Many cultivators from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s affiliated races were watching in the surroundings.


    At that moment, with a muffled groan, the body of a Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator in the battle collapsed and shattered into pieces. As blood splattered everywhere, his head was lifted by the opponent and placed before him.


    ¡°You clearly know that that¡¯s the forbidden zone 1 marked but you still snatched the forbidden mountain?¡±


    The other party calmly spoke.


    ¡°Yun Fanzi, I¡¯ll give this clone to you. However, on your way to the Divine Mountain, my main body will look for you. 1 hope you can keep all the forbidden mountains intact.¡±


    The head looked at the murderer and spoke in a deep voice.


    The cultivator Yun Fanzi had a calm expression. With a wave of his hand, he threw the head onto the forbidden mountain in the air.


    As the mountain rumbled and produced pressure, the head rapidly decayed and eventually turned into ashes. However, it didn¡¯t dissipate. Instead, it emitted the intent of teleportation and teleported away with the shattered pieces of the body on the ground.


    Yun Fanzi didn¡¯t bother with it. He raised his hand and grabbed. In the distance, the three forbidden mountains that originally belonged to the dead opponent flew over and surrounded him. The anomalous substances produced by the six mountains were incomparably dense, forming surging black fog in the sky.


    The onlookers in the surroundings lowered their heads. The subsidiary races didn¡¯t have the qualifications to participate in the battle of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s cultivators.


    This was especially so during the Grand Hunt.


    The Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s members were all considered heaven¡¯s chosen, each possessing remarkable abilities. This was one of the reasons why countless subsidiary races, after bowing their heads time and again, chose to submit from the depths of their hearts.


    Yun Fanzi, who was in the air, swept his gaze across the ground.


    He didn¡¯t fancy those affiliated races. After sweeping his gaze across them, he was about to leave. However, at this moment, his moving body suddenly paused and he abruptly turned his head to look into the distance.


    His expression instantly changed. He could sense that one of the clones he had sent to the other forbidden zones had disappeared.


    Generally speaking, as a member of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, even if the clone died, its origin source would teleport back. Just like the person he had killed earlier, all his flesh and blood had teleported away in the end.


    This was a tacit understanding between the cultivators of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven. Generally speaking, unless it was a life-and-death feud, the race wouldn¡¯t erase the other party¡¯s origin source. Most of them had some restraint and would wait for the final hunt in the Divine Realm before they staked everything.


    It was rare for a clone¡¯s origin to dissipate in the first segment.


    ¡°Who was it?¡±


    Yun Fanzi¡¯s gaze was gloomy. He let out a cold snort and walked in the direction where his clone had died.


    At the same time, in the direction he was heading in, several regions away, Xu Qing and the captain were moving forward.


    On the way, the captain¡¯s expression was sour. From time to time, he would look at Xu Qing but didn¡¯t say a word.


    At first, Xu Qing remained composed. However, after being stared at again and again, he felt a little helpless. He took out a tangerine from his storage bag and threw it over.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, do you want to eat a tangerine?¡±


    The captain instinctively raised his hand and took it. However, when he heard this, he couldn¡¯t suppress the sourness in his heart anymore and spoke righteously.


    ¡°Little Qing, as a man, you have to rely on your own strength. How can it be manly if you depend on a woman? Good looks won¡¯t feed you, will they?¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he corrected him.


    ¡°She isn¡¯t a woman, She is a god.¡±


    The captain took a deep breath and spoke disdainfully.


    ¡°So what if She is a god? I¡¯ve also been with a god before, they are the same as well.¡±


    Upon hearing these fierce words, Xu Qing could only remain silent.


    It was obvious the captain was still feeling bitter, so on the way, he would occasionally say some earth-shattering words¡­


    Just like that, time flowed by and half a month passed.


    The inner region of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven appeared in Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s eyes.


    The reason why they were so fast was because of the region-level teleportation. This kind of teleportation couldn¡¯t be used by ordinary cultivators. It required a specific identity, such as the qualifications to hunt.


    Originally, according to the captain¡¯s plan, it would take quite long for them to reach the inner region. However, Xu Qing took out the token¡­


    This was also the source of the captain¡¯s bitterness on the way.


    Now that he saw the inner region of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, the captain, whose body was still a little swollen, sighed reluctantly. He took out a peach and bit it fiercely. Just as he was about to speak, his expression suddenly changed as he looked at the sky.


    Xu Qing also lifted his head. The sky of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s inner region was turning red at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    Following the red light, waves of terrifying pressure also spread in all directions. It was as though at the end of the red light, there was a colossus moving forward in the sky.


    A long time later, this colossus was slowly reflected in Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s eyes.


    It was the head of a nonhuman.


    With brown skin and two horns on its head, it was oval-shaped, and there was a ring tied to its nose.


    It had seven eyes and its eyes were grayish-white. One could see the figures of cultivators sitting cross-legged and meditating.


    Every one of them was a cultivator of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s main race. Their auras were astonishing.


    This head was as large as a city. Even though it was very far away, people could still see it. The red light in the surroundings was emitted by this head.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know the race this head belonged to but he could sense the remnant will of the Soul Accumulation through the pressure it emitted.


    It seemed to be the head of a Soul Accumulation mighty figure!


    Most importantly, there was also the feeling of some gods on it. After Xu Qing sensed it, he couldn¡¯t help but feel his heart palpitate.


    However, at that moment, this head seemed to have been refined into a magic treasure. While its long hair danced in the wind, there was a large area in the middle where there was no hair.


    There were actually buildings built there, and crowds of people could be seen bustling about.


    It was like a market.


    People would fly out from time to time.


    Moreover, with its arrival, a strong wind fell from the sky, stirring up a storm on the ground. Xu Qing and the captain had no choice but to land a little.


    ¡°We actually encountered the Mystic Moon Square.¡±


    The captain stared at it for a while before reminiscence appeared in his eyes. After he gradually recognized it, his eyes revealed surprise.


    ¡°Mystic Moon Square?¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    Hearing Xu Qing¡¯s question, the captain lifted his chin.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t the god tell you?¡±


    Xu Qing blinked. He knew that Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s heart ached along the way. Hence, he shook his head and revealed a regretful expression.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s expression, the captain felt a little better and spoke proudly.


    ¡°Mystic Moon Square. This is a unique market style of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. The Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race often doesn¡¯t have a fixed residence and instead moves around the three mobile Great Priests¡¯ tents.¡±


    ¡°The Mystic Moon Square is the distinctive feature of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s external trade.¡±


    ¡°As for this head, judging from the aura of the gods on its body, there¡¯s a high chance that it came from the Divine Realm.¡±


    ¡°The Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race likes to tear open Divine Realms during the Grand Hunt and barge in to hunt. If you say they¡¯re courting death, they succeed every time; if you say they aren¡¯t courting death, that¡¯s a Divine Realm.¡±


    ¡°I wonder if the Sun, Moon, and Star Gods will one day provoke an existence they can¡¯t afford to offend and be slapped to death.¡±


    The captain sighed with emotion and muttered.


    ¡°If that day really comes, it¡¯s best to slap that old woman Moon Flame to death first before slapping that little slut Star Flame.¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    After the captain finished speaking, he seemed to feel much better.


    ¡°Since you have the Grand Hunt¡¯s token, we can enter. Let¡¯s go and see what good things are inside.¡±


    As he spoke, the captain¡¯s body swayed and he flew straight for the distant Mystic Moon Square. Xu Qing transformed into a rainbow behind him. As they got closer, the pressure from Mystic Moon Square became even more intense.


    The hustle and bustle inside also became clearer. In fact, Xu Qing even saw many shops and stalls.


    This reminded him of Ghost Lane.


    It also had a head and was a market city. The two had some similarities.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t sure if this was a coincidence or if there were some secrets hidden.


    Hence, he looked at the Little Shadow.


    Back then, in Ghost Lane, that head was attracted by Little Shadow.


    As for Little Shadow, after absorbing the forbidden zone from before, it seemed to be digesting and was in a state of hibernation.


    Just like that, Xu Qing and the captain got closer to the Mystic Moon Square, and when they were less than 10,000 feet away from it, a deep roar that caused the color of the world to change rang out from it. It attracted countless lightning, and even the void rippled.


    As the voice echoed, a strange ferocious beast rushed out of the Mystic Moon Square.


    This ferocious beast wasn¡¯t very large, only a thousand feet long, but the pressure emanating from its body was almost as strong as that of the head. A casual glance could unsettle ordinary cultivators¡¯ minds as if they were being mesmerized.


    This beast resembled a wolf, with a greenish black body and a turtle shell on its back. Its face was like that of a malicious ghost and white fur spread out on its head.


    As for the ghost masks on its body, there were six of them.


    Other than its head, there were ghost masks on its limbs, knees, and the end of its tail. It was a shocking sight.


    There were also roars coming from the six sides.


    Below it was also astonishing. It was a sea of ghosts that appeared out of thin air.


    It swept up the sea of ghosts as it moved, as though wherever it passed, it represented death and calamity. As for the head, there was a person standing between the white fur.


    This person wore purple-gold armor and had a tall figure. His golden hair fluttered in the wind and his gaze was like a torch, as though it could burn all living beings he looked at.


    There were also Soul Accumulation fluctuations that rose from his body, causing heavenly lightning to surge. He left the Mystic Moon Square on the strange beast, rushing toward the distant sky.ky.


    In the Mystic Moon Square, all the Flame Moon Race members who saw this scene revealed fanaticism in their¡¯ eyes and lowered their heads to worship.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart was also stirred. The captain beside him transmitted his voice softly.


    ¡°I know the name of that ferocious beast. It¡¯s called a ghost carriage.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen the person on it but there¡¯s only one type of cultivator who can wear purple-gold armor.¡±


    ¡°Mystic Heaven General!¡±

 Chapter 1230 - Chapter 1230: Please Allow Us to Reunite

    Chapter 1230: Please Allow Us to Reunite


    Translator: Atlas Studios


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°The purple gold of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race is different from our human race¡¯s gold. They used fortune to forge gold and killed Divine Realm creatures as materials. Coupled with the sacrifices of the hundreds of members of the subsidiary races of the Flame Moon Race, they finally turned mystic into purple and formed a set of purple gold Mystic Heaven Armor!¡±


    The captain looked at the terrifying figure in the sky and spoke in a low voice. His expression was filled with envy and his words were filled with sighs.


    ¡°Back then, I was just a little short of possessing a set of this purple gold Mystic Heaven Armor.¡±


    Let me tell you, Little Qing. In the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, this armor is not only a symbol of status but also a magic treasure comparable to a taboo¡±


    ¡°Moreover, it¡¯s a top-notch item. Its might is different according to the creatures killed in the Divine Realm.¡±


    The captain stared fixedly at the departing Mystic Heaven General. The desire in his eyes was so intense that it was about to materialize.


    Xu Qing also looked over. He also sensed that the purple armor was extraordinary.


    The moment the armor appeared earlier, the soul threads emitted a feeling of being suppressed. From this, it could be seen how extraordinary this purple gold Mystic Heaven Armor was.


    ¡°Also, that ghost carriage is a good thing. In the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, there¡¯s a special region. Flame Moon calls it the Mountain and Sea Region.¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice transmission continued.


    ¡°It¡¯s called the Mountain and Sea, but in reality, it¡¯s filled with all kinds of mutated beasts that have gathered to form a beast territory.¡±


    ¡°For countless years, regardless of whether it¡¯s the beasts in this region or the beasts the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race obtained from outside, under the accumulation and reproduction, not only are there an astonishing number of them but there are also too many unbelievable mutations.¡±


    ¡°It formed many ferocious beasts with all kinds of bizarre entity abilities. This ghost carriage is one of them.¡±


    It¡¯s said that this beast lives by devouring souls. After it grows to a certain extent, its soul can enter the dream and kill people from there. Hence, the commoners call this beast a nightmare.¡±


    The captain licked his lips.


    ¡°The most important thing is that it¡¯s delicious!¡±


    My information might be a little outdated, but in the memories of my previous life, the ghost carriage beast had only been successfully tamed twice in history.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes flickered. He thought of the second segment of the hunt that the clay fox had mentioned. According to the captain¡¯s information, it was clearly very likely that the location of the second segment was the Mountain and Sea beast region.


    Hence, Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°Senior Brother, are there any more famous mutated beasts or rankings in the Mountain and Sea region?¡±


    The captain was reminiscing about the delicious taste of the ghost carriage. When he heard Xu Qing, he swallowed his saliva.


    ¡°There are rankings but it¡¯s been too long. I don¡¯t remember them all. I only remember that in my life, the ghost carriage was ranked ninth. The beast which was ranked first was an existence called Jiuli. Unfortunately, I haven¡¯t seen it before. It¡¯s said that very few people have seen it.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, not much of its description was circulated. The information given by the Divine Mountain only said that this beast¡¯s name was Jiuli and didn¡¯t elaborate.¡±


    At this point, the captain sighed.


    ¡°Back then, 1 fantasized that if I wore the purple-gold Mystic Heaven Armor and stepped on the Jiuli beast, eating ghost carriage meat while returning to the human race with an imposing aura, others would definitely be shocked. What a pity, what a pity. It¡¯s all that old woman¡¯s fault!¡±


    The captain gritted his teeth and muttered a few words.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He knew who the old woman the captain was talking about was¡­


    As for the captain¡¯s dream of returning like that to the human race, Xu Qing had a different opinion. He felt that if he returned to the human race dressed like that, while others would be shocked, there would inevitably be a certain possibility of transferring a portion of the hatred of the race over.


    However, it was good that the captain was happy. Xu Qing didn¡¯t disturb his happiness. Just as he was about to ask about other things, Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed at the next instant. He abruptly turned his head and looked in the direction the Mystic Heaven General had left in.


    Wind and lightning suddenly rose from afar. In an instant, it was earth-shattering and deafening.


    The sky also showed signs of shattering, forming dense cracks. It was like a mirror that had been cracked but hadn¡¯t shattered yet.


    As the clouds and fog suddenly tore apart, a heart-rending sound rang out from the void. The sound was extremely sharp and stirred up a storm.


    The ground trembled and the Mystic Moon Square in the air also paused slightly.


    Immediately after, an illusory figure that seemed to be formed by fog appeared from the place where the wind and lightning came from. It fled rapidly in the southwest direction.


    Behind this figure, the Mystic Heaven General slowly arrived on the ghost carriage.


    He held a ghostly fire spear in his hand and his eyes were cold. His entire body flickered with golden light like the sun as he looked at the fleeing foggy figure and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Go back and tell your master that the brat lives very well here. On account of the brat, 1 didn¡¯t kill your race three times but next time, 1¡¯11 start killing.¡±


    Every word of his contained the power of the natural order, forming a mark that landed behind the fleeing figure and suppressed it, causing the figure to collapse dozens of times in a row. In the end, it barely escaped and disappeared.


    As this figure disappeared, the ghost carriage under the Mystic Heaven General let out a low roar. It turned and swayed, bringing its master into the distance, slowly disappearing from sight.


    The world returned to normal and the Mystic Moon Square continued forward.


    The cultivators of the Flame Moon Race lowered their heads with respectful expressions.


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, a hint of yearning appeared in his eyes.


    He also wanted that one day, his combat strength would reach the level of Soul Accumulation. The captain beside him clearly saw through Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts and patted his shoulder.


    ¡°What¡¯s the big deal? If I went all out to undo the seals, 1 would be able to do the same instantly. As for you, Little Qing, there¡¯s no hurry.¡±


    The captain blinked and turned to look at the approaching Mystic Moon Square.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go for a stroll.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and retracted his gaze from the direction the Mystic Heaven General had left in. He then moved forward with the captain and headed straight for the Mystic Moon Square.


    Here, although he still couldn¡¯t put away the forbidden mountain above his head, under the strangeness of the Mystic Moon Square head, it could shrink and float around him.


    The way to enter the Mystic Moon Square was very simple. One just had to enter.


    However, the qualification requirements had to be met. Only the Flame Moon Race could enter. If it was an outsider, they would need a token.


    Xu Qing¡¯s token was of a very high level and it was enough. As for the captain, he actually took out a token as well. Although it wasn¡¯t a token of qualification to participate in the Grand Hunt, it was enough for him to enter the Mystic Moon Square.


    Hence, after the restriction swept past, the two of them successfully walked on the streets of Mystic Moon Square.


    Looking at the crowd in the surroundings and noticing that a small portion of them also had forbidden mountains circling above their heads, Xu Qing confirmed that what the clay fox said was true. The captain also sighed.


    ¡°Looks like the first segment is really moving mountains.¡±


    We tried on the way but we couldn¡¯t store this mountain. Now that it has only shrunk in Mystic Moon Square, I know the difficulty of the first segment.¡±


    ¡°This is to expose all the mountains the participants have collected so that they can snatch from each other.¡±


    Little Qing, there will be no lack of blood in the first segment.¡±


    ¡°Look, many people have unfriendly gazes when they see that we¡¯re humans.¡±


    The captain transmitted his voice softly.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and swept his gaze across the surroundings. In this bustling market, he noticed many gazes landing on him. To be precise, they were on the forbidden mountain above his head.


    Control your expression. We have to show fear and obedience. This is also the reason why 1 brought you to Mystic Moon Square. We¡¯re here to fish¡­¡±


    The captain looked nervous.


    When Xu Qing heard this, his face turned a little pale after some thought.


    Just like that, the two of them continued forward. As they observed, a market city filled with a foreign style gradually appeared in front of Xu Qing.


    Although the buildings here were also shops, there weren¡¯t many people entering and exiting. The place with the most people was the kind of individual stalls. There were all kinds of things inside.


    In fact, Xu Qing even saw the flesh and blood of divine creatures. Moreover, the fluctuations they emitted were clearly not weak. This was a rare item in the human race but here, although it couldn¡¯t be seen everywhere, there were many choices.


    The Flame Moon Race¡¯s territory was too large. This caused the trading items in the race to be all-encompassing. There were even items from nonhuman races that appeared frequently.


    As for the appearance of all living beings in the market, it was the same.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over and saw no less than hundreds of different races. If it was before he stepped onto the path of cultivation and saw this scene, he would definitely think that he had arrived at the land of demons.


    The captain¡¯s experience was much richer than Xu Qing¡¯s and he had a lot of understanding of the Flame Moon Race. Hence, after walking for a while, the captain separated from Xu Qing and moved by himself. He squatted in front of a green stone man and bargained with him.


    Xu Qing continued walking and looked at the stalls, searching for something he was interested in.


    ¡°There¡¯s actually quite a lot of poisonous grass.¡±


    In front of a stall, Xu Qing looked at the bottles and dried medicinal herbs placed there. After checking, he bought some. An hour later, Xu Qing sighed inwardly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have enough spirit stones¡­¡±


    There were too many things in this city square and he was a little interested in them. However, the prices were all extremely astonishing. With Xu Qing¡¯s financial resources, he didn¡¯t have enough spirit stones with him.


    Unless he sold some of his items.


    It had been a long time since he had experienced the feeling of lacking spirit stones. This feeling reminded him of his days in the Nanhuang Continent.


    ¡°The prices of goods in this Flame Moon are a little exaggerated.¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head and was about to transmit his voice to the captain, planning to leave the city square. However, at this moment, D132, who had fused into his divine repository and hadn¡¯t moved for a long time, suddenly transmitted an excited divine sense.


    ¡°Great, handsome, invincible, and benevolent Guardian, I can sense the aura of an old friend. Please allow us to reunite!¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks. Over the years, there had been two people missing from Di32¡¯s cage. One was the straw doll and the other was the millstone.


    After the collapse of the Fenghai County¡¯s Prison Department, these two fled without a trace.


    Xu Qing raised his brows when he heard that. After looking at his surroundings, he walked toward a larger stall not far away.


    The items sold there were miscellaneous items of all cultivation levels. They were scattered all over the ground.


    Among them, there was a straw doll that was missing an arm and a leg. It lay among the miscellaneous items and looked at the sky listlessly.


    Beside it was half a millstone.


    As the guardian and the person who had merged with the aura of D132, Xu Qing¡¯s arrival was faintly sensed by the straw doll. Its eyes that were like stagnant water suddenly fluctuated and turned, landing on Xu Qing. After being stunned for a moment, it revealed excitement..

 Chapter 1231 - Chapter 1231: He’s Mine

    Chapter 1231: He¡¯s Mine


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The straw doll¡¯s experiences over these years made her feel that D132 was really a paradise.


    Over there, she had no worries, and she could revive even after dying.


    Over there, there were people to talk to and act mysterious with. Although there was a god¡¯s finger sleeping at the side, It would be in deep slumber most of the time.


    In addition, from time to time, there would be guardians who were pranked by her.


    Although she yearned for freedom at that time, upon truly attaining it, she discovered that it wasn¡¯t as joyful as she imagined. Life outside was too harsh, and her undying characteristics led to her being exploited in various ways.


    She was truly too miserable.


    Her undying characteristic was also fading away, unable to restore her limbs. But at least, she could still hold on. The millstone, which suffered as miserably as her, was now nearly dead.


    If this continued, in at most ten years, her undying attribute would completely disappear. At that time, she felt that she might instantly turn into ashes.


    Now, she was just waiting for death to arrive.


    Hence, her eyes were long listless, but she never expected that she would actually sense Xu Qing¡¯s aura in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race!


    This was unbelievable to her because this place was too far from Fenghai County.


    She was stunned and excited.


    Her remaining arm patted the millstone beside her. Unfortunately, the millstone didn¡¯t move at all.


    Her actions attracted the attention of the stall owner.


    This was a cultivator with white scales all over his body and a head similar to that of a human. However, the difference was that he had three eyes.


    The eye in the center was completely white, giving off the feeling that it could see through the void.


    There was also a small mountain circling above his head.


    Clearly, this person was also one of the participants in the Grand Hunt.


    At that moment, he looked at Xu Qing. His gaze first landed on the small mountain above Xu Qing¡¯s head. After that, he seriously sized up Xu Qing a few times as a dark glint flashed.


    ¡°Human? It¡¯s rare to see one in the Flame Moon¡¯s region.¡±


    Xu Qing had also recognized the other party¡¯s race.


    ¡°Baize Race.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have a good impression of this race. Right now, in the Black Spirit Region, it was this race that had sent out all their forces to participate in the Black Heaven War.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t say much and looked at the straw doll.


    ¡°How much for this?¡±


    The Baize cultivator smiled and raised his hand to grab. Immediately, the straw doll flew over and was pinched in his palm by his white-scaled hand. As he squeezed and kneaded, the straw doll emitted a piercing scream.


    ¡°Although the level of this item is very low, it¡¯s quite interesting. It contains the undying characteristic of a god and has research value.¡±


    ¡°Also, the soul sealed inside is that of a human soul, a female cultivator with decent looks. Though I¡¯ve grown tired of playing with her, the value of this item is still considerable.¡±


    The Baize cultivator looked at Xu Qing and observed his expression.


    ¡°Is she your friend? If that¡¯s the case, the forbidden mountain above your head can be exchanged for it!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also that half of the millstone that comes from the same source as this straw doll. However, it¡¯s a pity that it¡¯s about to die. If you want it, I can give it to you as a gift.¡±


    The Baize cultivator¡¯s words attracted the attention of the surrounding cultivators. Hence, many gazes swept over and some mocking laughter rang out.


    Ever since he entered the city square, Xu Qing had sensed too much ill will in the gazes around him, mostly disdain.


    The decline of the human race meant that in the eyes of the powerful races, their status wasn¡¯t just lowly, but also not worthy of much consideration. They might bully or kill them without much hesitation.


    However, the forbidden mountain above Xu Qing¡¯s head revealed his identity as a participant in the Grand Hunt, so these people couldn¡¯t disregard him.


    This was because during the Grand Hunt, only participants could kill each other.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the mocking gazes from the surroundings. He shook his head and turned to leave.


    He naturally wouldn¡¯t accept this price.


    Seeing that Xu Qing was about to leave, the Baize cultivator pinched the straw doll hard. However, this time, the straw doll gritted her teeth and used all her strength to restrain herself from screaming.


    ¡°Interesting.¡±


    The Baize cultivator smiled and looked at the departing Xu Qing. His eyes narrowed and the third eye on his forehead revealed an imperceptible white glint.


    The phantoms of four secret repositories instantly appeared and disappeared.


    ¡°Four secret repositories¡­¡±


    The Baize cultivator muttered inwardly. His third eye returned to normal and he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist of the human race, how about 50 kilograms of flesh of a high-grade divine creature?¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and calculated. He could sense that if D132 was complete, there might be some changes. Most importantly, this was one of his obsessions.


    He was Di32¡¯s guardian and was conferred the title by the old Palace Master.


    Hence, after Xu Qing thought for a bit, he took out a storage bag.


    He had the flesh and blood of divine creatures. He had obtained them in the Moon Offering Region. Although there wasn¡¯t a lot, he still had hundreds of kilograms.


    Hence, Xu Qing threw the storage bag over.


    After the Baize cultivator caught it, he sensed it and nodded in satisfaction.


    After that, he casually threw out the straw doll in his hand.


    As for the millstone, it also flew up with a wave of his hand and landed on Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing flicked his sleeve and kept the straw doll and millstone before turning to leave.


    Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s departing view, the Baize cultivator licked his lips and began to put away his miscellaneous items.


    As for Xu Qing, he sent the straw doll and millstone to D132 as he walked. The moment they entered the cage, the head, the stone lion, and the painting old man were all excited to varying degrees.


    Even the god¡¯s finger emitted a wisp of aura, causing the straw doll to recover rapidly. The other half of the millstone also began to restore.


    ¡°We¡¯re reunited.¡±


    The head laughed.


    Immediately after, D132 began to tremble. The return of all the prisoners caused this prison that was cursed by misfortune to become complete. A sense of transformation was also slowly rising.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing retracted his divine sense. From the corner of his eye, he glanced at the stall of the Baize cultivator and continued forward.


    Four hours later, Xu Qing and the captain met.


    The captain¡¯s face was tense, but his eyes betrayed satisfaction, giving off the impression of a fat sheep with a guilty conscience. He hurriedly pulled Xu Qing away.


    ¡°I have baited seven or eight of them, but I reckon some weren¡¯t lured by me but came passively.¡±


    ¡°What about you, Little Qing? How was your harvest?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s one.¡± Xu Qing transmitted his voice.


    ¡°Just one? A big one?¡± The captain blinked.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    The captain was excited. They quickly left Mystic Moon Square, looking like they were in a hurry.


    As they left, time slowly passed. On the way, the two of them controlled their speed. Although they didn¡¯t stop, they controlled their speed to a level that Spirit Repository cultivators could catch up with.


    However, even after half a day had passed, no one appeared.


    The captain was a little surprised.


    ¡°Impossible, when did Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s cultivators become so honest? Could it be that what I did wasn¡¯t obvious? Or was it too obvious?¡±


    The captain felt some regret and kept turning his head.


    Xu Qing used his perception and looked at the distant horizon before suddenly speaking.


    ¡°It¡¯s also possible that someone from one side took action and intimidated the others with ulterior motives, just like how the forbidden zone was marked.¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke, he lifted his sleeve and released the Poison Restriction, touching it slightly.


    Immediately, a fingernail-sized mark appeared on his sleeve that was originally normal.


    ¡°This was secretly left on me by a participant from the Baize Race. He had covertly sensed my cultivation and determined that I had four secret repositories. He is at the Perfected Spirit Repository.¡±


    ¡°So, let¡¯s wait a little longer. He has a forbidden mountain.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and he landed on a mountain peak below, sitting down.


    The captain¡¯s eyes lit up and he licked his lips. He then sat beside Xu Qing and stared at the sky eagerly.


    Two hours later, when he saw three rainbows appearing in the sky, the captain¡¯s eyes revealed excitement.


    The three rainbows were extremely fast, as though they could sense the direction. At that moment, they tore through the sky and headed toward Xu Qing. When they were 10,000 feet away, the rainbows paused and transformed into three figures.


    They were three Baize cultivators.


    The cultivator on the right was none other than the vendor who had sold the straw doll to Xu Qing. As for the cultivator in the center, his clothes were clearly much more luxurious. The aura on his body also surpassed the vendor¡¯s and reached the first stage of Nihility.


    The last person was at the perfected Spirit Repository Realm.


    After these three people appeared, the vendor pointed at Xu Qing and whispered a few words to Nihility cultivator beside him. He then looked at Xu Qing and the captain, and smiled just like in Mystic Moon Square.


    ¡°Human, regardless of whether you were baiting in Mystic Moon Square or not, it doesn¡¯t matter. After I saw you, I didn¡¯t plan to come alone.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve already booked the forbidden mountain above your head.¡±


    ¡°In addition, although I don¡¯t know your identity in the human race, I will give you two pieces of information about the current human race for free.¡±


    This Baize cultivator looked at the forbidden mountain above Xu Qing¡¯s head and licked his lips.


    ¡°Your human race encountered defeat on the northwest battlefield. Although it was forcefully suppressed by your State Preceptor, the high priest of the Si¡¯e Race has also arrived at the battlefield. I heard that the Shadow Demon Race was also persuaded to participate.¡±


    ¡°Your northwest border is in danger.¡±


    ¡°As for the Black Heaven Race¡¯s battlefield, although my race is being restrained by your army and your Fenghai County¡¯s strength is quickly sweeping through the Black Spirit Region, do you know that this restraint¡­ is our goal to begin with?¡±


    ¡°The casualties of your human race in these two places are extremely heavy.¡±


    ¡°If a human¡¯s hands are bound, how will he dodge the shot to the heart?¡±


    The smile on the Baize cultivator¡¯s face was very bright.


    ¡°While I am speaking, hundreds of humans might have died on the battlefield.¡±


    After saying that, the Baize cultivator observed Xu Qing¡¯s expression. His words all had ulterior motives. His goal was to lure Xu Qing and the captain to leave this mountain.


    Xu Qing and the captain had stopped here. He could sense it through the mark. His cautious personality made him think that the other party might have some arrangements here, and he wasn¡¯t willing to take the risk.


    Xu Qing and the captain, who had experienced too many things, could see these thoughts clearly.


    ¡°He¡¯s mine,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle the other two. It¡¯s been a long time since 1 have eaten the Baize Race.¡± The captain smiled.


    As the two of them spoke, their bodies instantly disappeared. In the air, sharp intent shrouded the three Baize cultivators..

 Chapter 1232 - Chapter 1232: A Sheep That Is Like a Demon

    Chapter 1232: A Sheep That Is Like a Demon


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The Baize Race didn¡¯t hold much prestige among the subsidiary races of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven. It was even harder to compare to the Si¡¯e Race.


    There were too many races like Baize in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven.


    ¡°Generally speaking, races like the Baize have one thing in common. They try their best to show their cruelty to other races, but they will grovel to the Flame Moon Race and higher-level subsidiary races. They have no bottom line.¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice echoed in all directions amidst the sharpness of the world.


    ¡°Therefore, since they don¡¯t dare to rob the participants from the other races, they naturally thought that you were a fat sheep when they saw you.¡±


    As the captain chatted and laughed, a blue light erupted. A chill that seemed to be able to freeze the void instantly enveloped the surroundings for 500 kilometers.


    Within 500 kilometers, it was as though winter had descended. The mountain peaks on the ground instantly turned into icebergs, and the vegetation turned into ice sculptures. Even the clouds in the sky gained weight and fell to the ground.


    Not to mention the Baize cultivator in the middle.


    ¡°However, there¡¯s a type of beast in the forbidden region that looks like a sheep but the locals call them demons.¡±


    The captain raised his hand and pressed down on the Baize cultivator.


    The expressions of the first stage Nihility cultivator and the Perfected Spirit Repository cultivator beside him changed. The former was fine, as his first stage Nihility cultivation allowed him to have his own Dao regarding rules and laws.


    Hence, threads surrounded his body, forming a furnace that suddenly erupted.


    However, the perfected Spirit Repository beside him was clearly weaker. No matter how the five secret repositories rose, they couldn¡¯t shake the ice. Under the heavenly transformation, his body fell uncontrollably with the clouds.


    This scene caused the two of them to feel their hearts skip a beat. At the same time, the expression of the vendor instantly changed and he retreated abruptly.


    He felt a life-and-death crisis and also saw the sudden drastic change in the situation. The difference between this and what he had thought before was too great.


    However, at this moment, he didn¡¯t have the time to think too much. He fully released his cultivation at the Perfected Spirit Repository and the five secret repositories erupted with monstrous flames. In fact, in this critical moment, he instinctively burned his life force.


    Using the huge strength boost, he instantly left.


    However, it was too late.


    Almost at the instant the Baize vendor rushed out, Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared behind him. No matter how fast this Baize cultivator was, it was useless.


    He couldn¡¯t shake Xu Qing off at all.


    Xu Qing, who was behind him, wore a Daoist robe and his long hair fluttered in the wind. His right hand that was raised was as white as jade, devoid of any worldly affairs.


    However, the black dagger wrapped in the shroud in his hand emitted an extremely dense aura of death.


    This aura invaded the surroundings, causing the mind of the Baize cultivator to rumble. The intent of death transformed into a tide that drowned him. He wanted to dodge but his body seemed to have lost the ability to move.


    He wanted to resist, but the deterrence from the human cultivator behind him transformed into suppression. His five secret repositories were collapsing.


    He wanted to stimulate his five Heavenly Dao, but they were trembling.


    His cultivation base was crushed, the Heavenly Dao were crushed, and his aura was crushed. Everything was crushed.


    Hence, his heart was filled with horror. In the next breath, Xu Qing¡¯s hand passed through his neck.


    Just like when he was young¡­


    He ruthlessly cut.


    Blood gushed out, but there were no screams. Only the sound of breathing could be heard as the corpse¡­ was separated.


    As it fell to the ground, soul threads shot out from Xu Qing¡¯s body and instantly caught up. They entered the corpse, trying to devour the soul.


    Very soon, the corpse withered. The souls contained in it were crazily absorbed by Xu Qing¡¯s soul threads and transformed into more soul threads before flying out.


    As for the corpse, it turned into ashes.


    At the same time, on another battlefield, the captain laughed sinisterly as his body exploded with a bang, transforming into countless blue lights. In each blue light, there was a blue worm that enveloped the first stage Nihility Baize cultivator from all directions.


    No matter how this person struggled or counterattacked, it was useless. In the blink of an eye, Baize Nihility was surrounded by countless blue worms and turned into a huge blue meatbail.


    Upon closer inspection, this meatbail was formed by worms. At the same time, the sound of chewing and heart-rending wails rang out from the meatbail.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over and could tell that the captain¡¯s combat strength was a little stronger than when he faced the Flame Moon cultivator previously. Clearly, on the way here, the captain¡¯s strong-willedness had allowed him to secretly gain quite a lot.


    Xu Qing smiled. He then lifted his right hand and caught the soul threads that had returned after devouring the vendor.


    As those soul threads fused into it, the wails in the meatball that the captain had transformed into disappeared. As it squirmed, the captain¡¯s figure condensed and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Little Qing, the Baize Race is still so delicious. Also, 1 learned two interesting pieces of information from the other party¡¯s memories.¡±


    ¡°The first piece of information is that the person you chose is a heaven¡¯s chosen in the Baize and is extremely good at hiding. As for the one 1 killed, it looks like he is stronger but in reality, he has just stepped into Nihility and hasn¡¯t formed many Daos. In his memory, the two of them had fought before and he was the one who was defeated by a sneak attack.¡±


    ¡°This is the most useless one.¡±


    As the captain spoke, he raised his hand and grabbed. Immediately, the last Baize cultivator who had fallen to the ground from the ice instantly lost consciousness and landed in his hand.


    Xu Qing nodded.


    He had already sensed that the number of soul threads that had returned was a little wrong. A portion was missing.


    Coupled with the captain¡¯s words, it was obvious that the Baize vendor had other life-saving methods. He looked like he was dead but in reality, he was pretending to be dead and hiding.


    The surroundings were empty and there were no fluctuations at all. If it was anyone else, they might not be able to find it instantly. However, to Xu Qing, this wasn¡¯t difficult.


    His eyes instantly turned pitch-black and the Poison Restriction spread out, rapidly spreading in all directions. Wherever it passed, the world would be poisoned.


    The captain glared.


    ¡®He¡¯s releasing poison again. I can¡¯t waste the one in my hand. It¡¯s a very good ingredient.;


    The captain performed a series of hand seals and pointed. As blue light shone from his body, the body of the last Baize cultivator changed rapidly. In the end, it actually transformed into over a hundred green apples.


    He put them away and transformed into blue light that fused into the void.


    Just like that, as Xu Qing¡¯s Poison Restriction spread, the void in the distance distorted and a fist-sized white eye had no choice but to be revealed.


    It revealed horror and determination.


    Previously, he was too close and didn¡¯t dare to teleport for fear of being interrupted. He originally planned to hide and wait for Xu Qing and the captain to leave. At the same time, he moved quietly, just in case.


    However, he still didn¡¯t expect to be discovered so quickly. Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate to activate teleportation. As the fluctuations spread out, the eyeball instantly blurred again, wanting to teleport away.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was calm. He lifted his right hand and waved it. The soul threads in his body spread out and rapidly arranged themselves in front of him, forming a huge sundial in the blink of an eye.


    As the gnomon needle moved, the law of time descended on the world.


    Xu Qing looked at the place where the eyeball had teleported. Time reversed and the fog flowed back. The teleportation fluctuations spread out and became restrained. The blurry eyeball inside also became clearer.


    The horror on it was the same.


    At the next instant, the power of the sundial dissipated and the eyeball contracted in shock. It wanted to teleport again and hide but it was already impossible. Xu Qing had already appeared in front of it.


    He raised his right hand and casually slapped it.


    It turned red and emitted a soul sound but it was useless. Under absolute strength, its resistance was meaningless.


    With a bang, the eyeball collapsed.


    The sundial transformed into soul threads and instantly entered it. When it returned, it brought with it even more soul threads that fused into Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    From afar, the countless scarlet soul threads outside Xu Qing¡¯s body squirmed. The fluttering they formed caused Xu Qing to look like a demon.


    The captain appeared at the side and looked at Xu Qing with a smile. At the same time, he picked up a green apple and took a bite.


    ¡°Little Qing, your current appearance doesn¡¯t look like a good person.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the apple in the captain¡¯s hand but didn¡¯t speak.


    The captain raised his hand and threw one over.


    Xu Qing took it and took a bite. It was very sweet.


    To him, from a young age, he had basically eaten everything other than the flesh of his fellow clansmen.


    Seeing that Xu Qing was willing to eat it, the captain became happy. He put his arm around Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°There¡¯s another piece of news.¡±


    ¡°A dignitary of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race is willing to open the forbidden zones in his territory to all cultivators participating in the Grand Hunt.¡±


    ¡°Among the five forbidden zones in this dignitary¡¯s territory, one of them has more than 20 forbidden mountains.¡±


    ¡°According to the information I just received, we should be able to make it if we set off quickly.¡±


    ¡°Since you have the qualifications to hunt, let¡¯s screw them up this time. This way, we can enter the Divine Realm with a more reasonable identity and complete my major plan. Also¡­ we might even be able to become Mystic Heaven Generals!¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, Eldest Senior Brother will do his best to help you!¡±


    The captain patted his chest, his eyes shining.


    ¡°Remember, if we succeed in the end and you really become a Mystic Heaven General, lend me your uniform for a few years.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded when he heard this. He then lifted his right hand and waved it. Immediately, the forbidden mountain that belonged to the Baize vendor flew over and landed on his head.


    The two forbidden mountains surrounded each other with red lightning intertwining between them like threads.


    From time to time, lightning would come into contact, forming sparks that illuminated the surroundings. They could be seen from afar.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, how many forbidden mountains do you think it will take to become first?¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the two mountains above his head as he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°You should need a hundred at least, right?¡±


    The captain casually said.


    ¡°Then 100.¡±


    A cold glint rose in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. With a sway of his body, he whistled into the distance. The captain blinked and smiled as he followed. Very soon, the two of them disappeared from the sky.


    They headed toward the forbidden zones that the dignitary of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven had opened to celebrate the Grand Hunt..

 Chapter 1233 - 1233 Its Star Flame Divine Envoy This Time

    1233 It¡¯s Star Flame Divine Envoy This Time


    Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s inner region, the eighth region.


    Every Grand Hunt was a grand event for the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. Not only were the various subsidiary races participating, but there would also be people from the other regions who had obtained the qualifications by chance. Xu Qing was one of them.


    Hence, the overall number of participants wasn¡¯t fixed.


    However, the number of forbidden mountains was limited.


    With so many cultivators participating, it would increase the difficulty for the vast majority of cultivators who wanted to obtain the forbidden mountain. After all, they needed at least three mountains to meet the basic requirements.


    This way, all the participants could only keep competing with each other to stack the number of forbidden mountains they had to reach the basic standard of passing.


    However, the basic standard wasn¡¯t what the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race wanted.


    What they wanted were experts. Hence, in order to make this competition even more intense, under the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s Gu raising strategy, something like what Xu Qing and the captain had heard happened.


    They would open some specific forbidden zones.


    In the first segment of the hunt, following the temples¡¯ instructions, various affiliated races as well as influential figures under the three Great Priests would open the forbidden zones in their territories at specific times, allowing all participants to enter.


    Moreover, they were not allowed to intervene in the hunting and looting actions of the participants, and had to promote them instead.


    These opened forbidden zones were like flesh and blood vortices that kept appearing in many regions of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    With this, they would continue to give momentum to the first segment of the Grand Hunt until the best of the best were born.


    However, due to the differences in geography and the timing of the openings of the forbidden zones, it was difficult for all participants to rush in immediately after the forbidden zone was opened.


    Usually, it was the participants passing nearby who became aware of the opening and gathered there, so the number of participants varied.


    At that moment, in the northwest region of the eighth region, a flesh and blood vortex was forming with the announcement from the Flame Moon¡¯s dignitary there.


    This place was originally sealed, with a golden light barrier visible on the outside, covering everything and making it a private domain.


    The forbidden zone inside occupied a vast territory, spanning half of the province, with a thick mist of anomalous substances enveloping it.


    The level of the mutated beasts inside was also very high. Moreover, from the looks of it, the entire forbidden zone wasn¡¯t far from advancing to a forbidden region on its own.


    From afar, within this forbidden zone, there were patches of jungle, poisonous rivers, eerie villages, and towering forbidden mountains that pierced the sky.


    A dazzling palace floated above the tallest mountain peak.


    Outside the palace, there were two rows of statues. On the huge seat in the deepest part, a tall figure was resting with one hand on his forehead.


    This person looked middle-aged. His entire body shone with golden light and his aura was majestic. The fluctuations of his Soul Accumulation cultivation were obvious, as though it could suppress the world.


    He was the owner of this forbidden zone, one of the dignitaries of the Flame Moon.


    This time, he followed the orders of the temple to open his forbidden zone. At the same time, he was also somewhat interested in this batch of heaven¡¯s chosen.


    Hence, he personally came to see if there were any good seedlings who would appear in his forbidden zone.


    Additionally, there were some tacit rules accepted by all parties. Due to considerations of personal relationships, he also needed to make some arrangements.


    Now that the time had arrived, the dignitary slightly opened and closed his eyes, taking a light breath.


    This breath instantly caused the color of the sky to change and the wind to surge. The huge golden light barrier that enveloped the forbidden zone instantly collapsed and shattered into pieces.


    It then transformed into roiling golden fog that headed toward the palace where the dignity was located.


    It instantly swept over and entered the palace, rushing into his mouth.


    ¡°The forbidden zone has opened. Kids, perform well.¡±


    The Flame Moon dignitary calmly spoke. His voice was like thunder that rumbled in all directions.


    As it echoed, at the next moment, the figures of the heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon¡¯s races appeared one after another in the surroundings of the forbidden zone. All of them moved with their full speed.


    They rushed into the forbidden zone from different directions.


    In an instant, intense competition immediately erupted in the forbidden zone.


    Here, regardless of whether it was fighting, robbing, death, or various other things, outsiders wouldn¡¯t interfere. Even that Flame Moon dignitary was only watching the show from the palace.


    Very soon, there were casualties.


    After all, not everyone chose to head to the forbidden mountain immediately. This was because they could obtain the forbidden mountain by killing and robbing others, hunting others was naturally simpler than fighting a group of people for it.


    However, the energy waves from the battles were hidden in the forbidden zone. From outside, this forbidden zone was like a black hole that devoured everything. No sound or energy fluctuations spread out.


    There was complete silence.


    Time flowed by and soon, seven days passed. Every day, participants would rush over from various directions and disappear in the forbidden zone. There were also people who chose to leave.


    However, what was strange was that the number of forbidden mountains inside didn¡¯t change much.


    ¡°It¡¯s a little boring.¡±


    In the palace in the forbidden zone, the Flame Moon dignitary yawned and shook his head.


    Just as the Flame Moon dignitary felt that the show was boring, Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s figures were rapidly approaching from the sky 50 kilometers away from the forbidden zone.


    They hadn¡¯t stopped on the way, so after seven days, they reached their destination.


    As for the forbidden mountains above Xu Qing¡¯s head, it had increased from two to three.


    Clearly, he had other gains on the way here.


    ¡®It¡¯s a little slow.¡¯


    Xu Qing muttered inwardly. The time he participated in the hunt was slow, and the speed at which he obtained the forbidden mountains was slow. Xu Qing felt that unless he could obtain a large harvest, he probably wouldn¡¯t have enough time to obtain a hundred mountains.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing lifted his head and stared at the silent forbidden zone in the distance. A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he rushed forward. The captain followed behind with a look of anticipation.


    Just like that, after about fifteen minutes, the two of them finally arrived at the edge of the forbidden zone. The moment they stepped into the forbidden zone, the fog of anomalous substances swept over, drowning the two of them.


    In the fog, Xu Qing¡¯s aura also changed, concealing him.


    His movements were no longer bold and open. Instead, he crouched down and moved forward. Every time his figure was revealed, he would fuse into the surrounding jungle environment.


    This method of moving forward was Xu Qing¡¯s instinct.


    He had lived in the forbidden zone for a very long time and had interacted with all kinds of people in it, so he had developed this habit.


    As for his forbidden mountains, after he stepped into the forbidden zone, they shrunk under the influence of external forces. Just like in Mystic Moon Square, they circled his head.


    Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s figure in front of him, a hint of surprise appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes. This wasn¡¯t the first time he had seen Xu Qing moving forward like this in the forbidden zones but this time, he observed carefully.


    Gradually, the movement of his body changed as well. Very soon, he learned some of Xu Qing¡¯s style. Together with Xu Qing, he crouched down and jumped forward on the branches.


    This method allowed them to conceal themselves in the dark to a certain extent.


    As he sped, Xu Qing also sensed that this place had a great influence on his divine consciousness. Even if he spread his divine consciousness with his full strength, it only covered a range of a few thousand feet.


    To cultivators, they were used to being able to sense their surroundings with a sweep of their divine sense. It was inevitable that they would feel restricted in such an environment.


    As for Little Shadow, it was still in a deep sleep and couldn¡¯t help at this moment.


    However, Xu Qing felt that it was still alright. His familiarity with forbidden zones allowed him to obtain more information through the surrounding vegetation and achieve the effect of indirect vision.


    Hence, as he hurried, Xu Qing observed his surroundings. He paid attention to the vegetation, the mutated beasts, and also noticed the distant mountains and the golden palace in the air.


    ¡°That palace feels incompatible with this place. There¡¯s a high chance that it¡¯s where that Flame Moon dignitary is. Looks like this important figure from the Flame Moon is a fan of watching shows.¡±


    The captain transmitted his voice softly.


    ¡°Little Qing, many people must have died here in the past seven days. I smell a very strong smell of blood.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. His gaze swept across some flowers and plants on the ground in the surroundings. Among them was a grass called blood spirit, which appeared to be thriving particularly well.


    This grass was born by absorbing the aura of death. Its branches and leaves would incline towards wherever death was present.


    The instant Xu Qing looked over, the branches and leaves of the blood spirit grass on the ground instantly moved and pointed in one direction, swiftly undulating as if absorbing something.


    There was no reaction from Xu Qing¡¯s divine consciousness but he sensed some fluctuations from the token the clay fox had given him. This caused him to fall into deep thought. He paused for a moment before hiding at the side.


    The captain too squatted down on a branch and transformed into a worm, disappearing without a trace.


    After about eight minutes, a rushing sound could be faintly heard from afar.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and waited silently.


    Not long later, a speeding figure appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s vision.


    This person was a youth from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. His cultivation was at the Spirit Repository realm but it was visibly unstable, clearly injured, with a downcast expression, and blood at the corner of his mouth.


    At this moment, there was still anxiety in his eyes. When he arrived at the hiding place of Xu Qing, he paused for a moment, immediately checked the surroundings, found nothing, and became increasingly anxious. He was about to say something.


    However, at this moment, the sound of metal crushing rang out from afar, sharp yet imbued with a sense of flames. In the next instant, a fiery figure enveloped in a sea of fire rushed toward the youth.


    A cold voice echoed.


    ¡°Qiu Quezi, since we¡¯ve met, it¡¯s moment to settle our old grudges. Where do you think you can escape to?¡±


    As his voice rang out, the figure of the cultivator who arrived paused in mid-air and revealed himself. He was also from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race and was also a youth. However, Xu Qing had never seen the flames on his body on other cultivators of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    There were two prohibited mountains circling above his head.


    ¡°Old grudges!¡± Qiu Quezi, who had been chased here, was furious.


    ¡°You know very well who should have a grudge against whom regarding the matter between us back then!¡±


    With that, Qiu Quezi bowed in each directions with a pious expression and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Qiu Quezi, the captain of the Sunken Spirit Great Priest¡¯s Tent of the Star Flame Temple, respectfully welcomes the Star Flame Divine Envoy!¡±


    As soon since he finished speaking, the expression of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator who was chasing after him changed and he looked around.


    The surroundings were silent and there were no fluctuations.


    A while later, Qiu Quezi¡¯s face turned a little pale. As for the Flame Moon cultivator who was chasing after him, he chuckled.


    At the same time, in the golden palace in the air, the Flame Moon dignitary, who was holding his forehead with one hand, opened his eyes and revealed a hint of interest.


    ¡°Interesting.¡±


    As he spoke, he lifted his hand and pointed lightly at the location Xu Qing was hiding in the prohibited zone.

 Chapter 1234 - Chapter 1234: Prince Mingnan

    Chapter 1234: Prince Mingnan


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to appear.


    Although the token the clay fox had given him continued to vibrate and heat up, Xu Qing chose to ignore it and strengthen his concealment.


    He had no obligation or necessity to get involved with unrelated individuals.


    As for the divine envoy that the other party mentioned, Xu Qing was already used to it.


    Ever since he pretended to be a divine envoy for the first time in the Holy Wave Large Region, he seemed to have an inexplicable connection with the identity of an envoy. It was the same in the Moon Offering Region. Now that he was in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised by the same situation happening.


    After all, he was indeed holding the token given by the clay fox.


    However, he was still a little tempted by the two forbidden mountains above the head of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race cultivator who emitted a scorching aura.


    Hence, his original plan was to wait for these two people¡¯s battle to end before he took action and took away the forbidden mountains.


    However, all of these thoughts were forcefully changed by the finger of the Flame Moon dignitary in the palace.


    As this finger landed, Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s cover were silently erased.


    The captain¡¯s body returned to human form from the worm state. He squatted on a tree branch and muttered inwardly.


    As for Xu Qing, his body had also become corporeal from its invisible state. He stood under the tree with a calm expression but in reality, waves were echoing in his heart.


    The feeling of being forcefully dragged out made him even more vigilant.


    Their appearance also caused the hearts of the two Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivators who were about to fight to tremble.


    As the disadvantaged party, Qiu Quezi¡¯s reaction speed was naturally even faster. After seeing Xu Qing and the captain, his breathing became hurried and he immediately bowed respectfully.


    ¡°Greetings, Divine Envoy!¡±


    At this moment, regardless of whether the person in front of him was a human or a member of his race, it wasn¡¯t important. What was important was the other party¡¯s identity. He had already confirmed this through his perception.


    To him, this identity could save his life.


    This was the main point.


    As he bowed respectfully, the expression of the cultivator who was chasing also changed. However, they were from different temples, so he couldn¡¯t sense it accurately like Qiu Quezi, especially since Xu Qing had deliberately strengthened the concealment.


    Additionally, Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s identity as humans caused this Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator to feel intense doubt.


    He had never seen or heard of a human divine envoy of the Star Flame Temple. To the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, the vast majority of races in the Wanggu Continent were inferior races.


    This included the human race.


    If a lower race really became the divine envoy, it would definitely attract attention.


    Also, the three forbidden mountains above Xu Qing¡¯s head also proved some things indirectly. If they were really divine envoys, why would they participate in the Grand Hunt?


    However, he wasn¡¯t willing to gamble.


    No matter what, the word ¡®divine envoy¡¯ still caused fear to rise in his heart. Hence, he retreated a little and stared at Xu Qing, his gaze flickering.


    He wanted to give up on killing Qiu Quezi but was unwilling.


    He wanted to attack, but wasn¡¯t sure.


    This scene fell into the captain¡¯s eyes. He felt that it was very interesting. Among the two people from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, one bowed and the other hesitated.


    And there¡¯s someone watching the show from the sky¡­¡¯


    The captain lifted his head and glanced at the palace in the air.


    Xu Qing was also annoyed. He didn¡¯t bother with Qiu Quezi who was greeting him. Instead, he looked at the hesitating cultivator and coldly spoke.


    ¡°Leave your forbidden mountains behind and leave.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, a cold glint flashed in the eyes of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator. He could tell that Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation level was only at the Spirit Repository. It was the same for the person beside him.


    Although such a cultivation was comparable to him, as a Flame Moon cultivator, very few people in the same realm could match him, especially the human race. Back then, when he was training in another region, he had also gone to the human race¡¯s territory and killed many so-called heaven¡¯s chosen there, even refining them.


    This experience made him understand that most human cultivators were weak.


    Hence, from the bottom of his heart, he was disdainful.


    However, due to his doubts about the identity of the person, he was hesitating. Hence, he suppressed his killing intent and lifted his head. He looked at the golden palace hanging high in the sky and bowed.


    ¡°Lord, the divine envoy is demanding the forbidden mountains, and this is a violation of the rules, please make a decision.¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, Qiu Quezi¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He had naturally seen what the other party had seen, and this question was like getting to the heart of the matter, very precise.


    The rules of the Grand Hunt were that those without qualifications couldn¡¯t interfere.


    Of course, there were still some loopholes, but they were limited.


    In the golden palace in the sky, a smile appeared on the lips of the Flame Moon dignitary. His voice carried some dignity as it echoed in the ears of Xu Qing and the others.


    ¡°This person isn¡¯t a divine envoy¡­¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the killing intent in the eyes of the Flame Moon cultivator, who was emitting heat from his entire body, intensified. His entire person was like an erupting volcano as he instantly approached Xu Qing.


    Since the identity that he was afraid of had been proven to not exist, he wanted the forbidden mountains of the person in front of him.


    However, most of the time, things didn¡¯t develop according to what people thought.


    This Flame Moon cultivator rushed over confidently and aggressively. The instant he got close, Xu Qing disappeared in front of him. The Flame Moon cultivator only saw a cold glint flashing in the latter¡¯s eyes.


    At the next instant, his head flew up. His body that had lost its head continued to move forward due to the momentum.


    At the next instant, countless red threads erupted from the void, enveloping his body, covering his head, dyeing his world red.


    After that, there was an indescribable pain of devouring the soul and the color of the world rapidly turning black.


    Everything happened and ended in an instant.


    He was reduced to ashes.


    ¡°¡­But you can¡¯t beat him.¡± In the air, the dignified voice from the golden palace slowly rang out, finishing what he hadn¡¯t finished saying earlier.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared again at this moment. He expressionlessly lifted his hand. The forbidden mountains of the Flame Moon cultivator whose soul he had devoured floated toward Xu Qing and circled above his head.


    In addition to his original three, five forbidden mountains circled his head like a crown, causing Qiu Quezi¡¯s heart to rumble and his breathing to become hurried.


    The scene in front of him subverted his understanding.


    He knew that the old enemy who was chasing after him could be considered an outstanding figure among his peers. He was ruthless and had many methods. However, he was actually killed in an instant by this human in front of him.


    This impact caused him to be in a daze. It was only when Xu Qing turned his head and glanced over that Qiu Quezi came back to his senses. He immediately lowered his head and revealed a respectful expression.


    However, the trembling in his heart grew increasingly intense because he could sense Xu Qing¡¯s gaze.


    Xu Qing took a closer look at Qiu Quezi. After confirming that this cultivator indeed didn¡¯t have a forbidden mountain, he retracted his gaze and walked into the distance.


    The captain leaped down. When he passed by Qiu Quezi, he smiled.


    ¡°Your luck isn¡¯t bad.¡±


    With that, he caught up to Xu Qing and left as well.


    Looking at Xu Qing and Xu Qing¡¯s backs, an unreal feeling rose in Qiu Quezi¡¯s heart. When he saw that the other party¡¯s figure was about to disappear, his breathing hastened slightly. He seemed to have thought of something and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Thank you for saving me, Fellow Daoists. I have two things to tell you about the human race.¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Qiu Quezi in the distance.


    Noticing that Xu Qing had stopped, Qiu Quezi quickly arrived and stopped 100 feet away as he respectfully spoke.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist, there are a total of 27 forbidden mountains in this forbidden zone.¡±


    ¡°However, not all of the forbidden mountains can be fought over. There are only ten that can be fought over.¡±


    ¡°The remaining 17¡­ have been internally decided.¡±


    At this point, Qiu Quezi looked up at the golden palace in the sky.


    ¡°These 17 predetermined forbidden mountains have been allocated to some races and the outstanding heaven¡¯s chosen of my race. As long as they come, they can take them away. No one will dare to fight with them.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and waited for the Flame Moon cultivator to continue. This was because these words had nothing to do with the human race. The other party clearly wasn¡¯t talking about the unspoken rules in the forbidden mountain.


    ¡°And?¡± the captain asked.


    ¡°I know that among the 17 forbidden mountains, one has been internally decided to be given to the Eldest Prince of the human race!¡±


    Qiu Quezi spoke in a low voice.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    The captain also revealed an interested expression.


    ¡°The Eldest Prince of the human race came to my Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, seeking help to resolve the crisis of the human race, but he faced rejection everywhere. In the end, he chose to participate in the Grand Hunt.¡±


    ¡°Many races have heard of this matter. I personally admire this Eldest Prince of your human race very much. He probably wants to become a Mystic Heaven General and propose conditions to the Great Priests to resolve the crisis of the human race.¡±


    ¡°Flame Moon also provided some convenience to him, which led to the arrangement of the designated forbidden mountain.¡±


    Xu Qing naturally couldn¡¯t compare to Qiu Quezi in terms of obtaining information about the Flame Moon.


    ¡°What happened next?¡± The captain continued to ask.


    ¡°But the Eldest Prince of your human race won¡¯t be able to arrive.¡±


    Qiu Quezi hesitated for a moment before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°I also found out a few days ago that the Eldest Prince of your human race met the heir of King Mingnan on the way to this forbidden mountain.¡±


    ¡°King Mingnan is the king of the Heavenly Cloud Great Priest¡¯s Tent under the


    Sun Flame God.¡±


    ¡°His heir¡¯s talent is astonishing and his combat strength suppresses his peers.


    He¡¯s one of the great heaven¡¯s chosen of our Flame Moon, and has high reputation.¡±


    ¡°Someone saw that the Eldest Prince of the human race along with some humans were captured and given to Prince Mingnan¡­ to pull his carriage.¡±


    Qiu Quezi glanced at Xu Qing and lowered his head as he spoke.


    ¡°Therefore, the forbidden mountain that was set for the Eldest Prince no longer has an owner.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and lifted his head to look at the distant world. The captain¡¯s expression also darkened.


    A long time later, Xu Qing slowly spoke.


    ¡°Then what¡¯s the situation of that forbidden mountain?¡±


    Qiu Quezi took a deep breath and respectfully replied.


    ¡°The rule for obtaining these forbidden mountains is that they can only be lifted after ten days. Right now, it has only been seven days since the forbidden zone was opened, so it is still there. However, because of the news that it has no owner, it has been occupied by other participants.¡±


    ¡°Lead the way.¡±


    A cold glint rose in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes..

 Chapter 1235 - 1235 This Is Xu Qing

    Chapter 1235: This Is Xu Qing


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Qiu Quezi noticed the coldness in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and thought of his old enemy who had died earlier. Hence, he took a deep breath and immediately nodded, leading the way.


    Xu Qing followed behind with a cold expression. The captain also put away his amused expression.


    Although his feelings for the human race were faint, there were still some waves in his heart when he heard about such a thing.


    ¡°Human race¡­¡±


    The captain sighed softly.


    Just like that, the three of them moved deeper and deeper into the forbidden zone.


    In the golden palace in the air, the corners of the Flame Moon dignitary¡¯s mouth curled up in joy.


    ¡°Now, this is interesting. Without blood and death, how can it be called the Grand Hunt?¡±


    Time slowly passed. IWo days later¡­


    In the depths of the forbidden zone, on a towering tree, Xu Qing, the captain, and Qiu Quezi stood there and looked into the distance.


    In the distance, a thin black mist pervaded between heaven and earth, rendering the world dim. On the barren land lay withered forests, shrouded in darkness, evoking a sense of eerie and malevolent presence.


    Beyond these desolate forests lay a series of undulating peaks, resembling dormant dragons, altogether forming a majestic mountain range composed of twenty-seven peaks.


    They passed through almost half of the forbidden zone.


    Several peaks harbored black flames, sporadically erupting and spewing black mist that enveloped the surroundings. Meanwhile, streams of black magma flowed out from the peaks.


    ¡°Those are the forbidden mountains of this forbidden zone.¡±


    Qiu Quezi spoke in a low voice.


    Xu Qing felt the heat mixed in the wind and narrowed his eyes.


    He had seen many forbidden zones. Generally speaking, they were mainly cold.


    This was the first time he had encountered volcanic mountains in a forbidden zone.


    ¡°The ten mountains at the rear can be fought over by all the participants. As for the 17 mountains in front, they were decided internally as 1 said earlier.¡±


    ¡°As for the one assigned to the Eldest Prince of the human race, it¡¯s¡­ the ninth mountain.¡±


    Qiu Quezi lifted his hand and pointed ahead.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze followed. From these mountains, he could sense a large number of auras coming from the participants who had gathered there.


    The participants were on every mountain peak, especially on the ten at the rear which seemed even more diverse and complex.


    The mountain peak Qiu Quezi was pointing to was the same.


    Besides, these auras also gave off a tense atmosphere, as if on the brink of conflict, yet somehow restrained, not immediately erupting.


    ¡°There¡¯s still a day before the forbidden mountains here can be lifted. That¡¯s when the chaos will erupt.¡±


    A hint of battle intent appeared in Qiu Quezi¡¯s eyes. His mountain peak had already been snatched away and was now with Xu Qing.


    He didn¡¯t dare to snatch it from Xu Qing. Hence, his target was the forbidden mountain here.


    On the way, he also politely requested if he could fight for one, and hoped that Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t make things difficult for him.


    Regarding this, Xu Qing agreed. Although he also needed the forbidden mountains, Qiu Quezi¡¯s information was valuable.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Xu, we only need to wait patiently for a day.¡±


    Qiu Quezi circulated his cultivation base and his eyes gleamed. In his plan, there was no need to fight now because he felt that it was meaningless. It was useless even if they won. They needed to stay there for a day and it would attract the attention and siege of other cultivators.


    In that case, the risk and difficulty would increase much more.


    ¡°When the last day is over and all the mountains can be taken away, we can rush out and leave immediately after snatching the target mountains.¡±


    ¡°This way, the success rate will be higher. After all, the other mountains can also be taken away at that time, so they will naturally disperse everyone¡¯s targets.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the ninth mountain and shifted his gaze to the other mountains. The coldness in his eyes was intense as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to go through so much trouble.¡±


    As he spoke, he leaped into the sky and headed straight for the mountain range.


    Behind him, Qiu Quezi¡¯s expression changed. He knew Xu Qing was very strong and had witnessed it with his own eyes. However, he didn¡¯t think that the other party could face everyone at the same time.


    If they waited, with Xu Qing¡¯s strength, Qiu Quezi was almost fully confident Xu Qing could obtain one forbidden mountain or even two. However, if he rashly rushed over and became the target of everyone, there would be many variables.


    ¡°Wha¡­t¡±


    Qiu Quezi panicked. Just as he was about to speak, the captain beside him chuckled, and flew past him, leaving behind a sentence.


    ¡°Your target is one or two, but my Junior Brother¡¯s target is all of them.¡±


    ¡°All of them?¡± Qiu Quezi¡¯s heart trembled violently. Before he could fully process it, Xu Qing had already arrived in the air. He lifted his right hand and pressed it on his left shoulder, pulling outward.


    The totemic tattoo on his body flickered and black flames erupted from his body, forming a sea of fire that spread into the sky.


    At the same time, as the totem appeared, the Golden Crow rushed out and danced in the sea of fire, emitting an impassioned cry toward the world.


    Its black body, phoenix appearance, and long tails of fire spread out, attracting the attention of the cultivators on the twenty-seven mountain peaks.


    The instant they looked at the Golden Crow in the air, Xu Qing¡¯s right hand grabbed at it.


    Immediately, the Golden Crow¡¯s cries became even more sharp. With a dash, it rapidly rushed toward Xu Qing¡¯s right hand. During the process, its body rapidly disintegrated and when it appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s right hand, it had turned into a black spear.


    As soon as this spear appeared, bolts of lightning streaked in all directions, as though they wanted to tear through the sky. There was also a low roar emanating from the void, seemingly warning against its appearance in the world.


    However, it was useless. The coldness in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes intensified. He threw the taboo spear toward the ninth mountain under the gaze of the golden palace and Qiu Quezi¡¯s shock.


    The black spear was like a dragon, carrying an irresistible force as it drew a long black trail in the sky.


    The lightning that spread out in the surroundings also chased over rapidly from all directions. They gathered around the spear and continued to circle it, augmenting it.


    It stirred up a storm and a sharp sound tore through the air.


    It headed straight for the ninth mountain.


    Its aura was filled with an imposing dignity.


    The next moment, the spear descended with unparalleled dominance and directly pierced the peak of the ninth mountain. As it pierced into the forbidden mountain, the heavens and earth roared with thunderous fury.


    The deafening roar shook the surroundings as the entire mountain trembled violently. The earth churned, and circular shockwaves along with arcs of lightning spread out from the point where the spear struck, sweeping across the ninth mountain in an instant.


    The hundred or so cultivators occupying the mountain had varying expressions. Some staggered backward, others showed expressions of shock and anger, while some furrowed their brows, unperturbed.


    The cultivators from the other mountain peaks also focused their gazes. Many of them had unfriendly gazes.


    At the same time, Xu Qing¡¯s voice came from the sky.


    ¡°Leave.¡±


    ¡°After three breaths, all living people on this mountain will be killed.¡±


    The domineering spear strike and cold words might intimidate the weak. However, as participants of the Grand Hunt, these cultivators from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race instead became stimulated, their killing intent rising.


    This was especially so when they saw that the person in the air was a human.


    Hence, in an instant, half of the hundred cultivators from the ninth mountain rose into the air.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve seen such an arrogant human.¡±


    ¡°You overestimate yourself.¡±


    ¡°I want to see how you¡¯ll kill all the cultivators on this mountain.¡±


    Just as those cultivators from the mountain rushed out, Xu Qing lifted his right hand and pressed down on these cultivators.


    The sky seemed to explode like lightning and three vast inverted mountains appeared in the sky.


    One mountain was crimson like blood, another was icy like frost, and the third was ablaze with flames.


    Any of these mountains surpassed the forbidden mountains on the ground. Their inverted appearance was like the edge of a sword, giving off an extreme sharpness.


    There was also a dense pressure that erupted from these three mountains. It was none other than the Withering Flame Demon Magic True Self Dao.


    After they appeared, the three inverted mountains suppressed the cultivators who flew out with the ninth mountain as the center.


    This suppression formed a seal-like effect, causing some of the weaker cultivators in the crowd to cough up blood.


    However, there were still experts, and there were quite a lot of them.


    More than 20 of them were able to resist the pressure by using divine abilities and spells.


    However¡­ the Withering Flame Demon Magic True Self Dao wasn¡¯t Xu Qing¡¯s main attack this time. Its effect was only to create a certain level of sealing. At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes turned pitch-black.


    The anomalous substances in the forbidden zone surged suddenly, drawn by him.


    On the ninth mountain, the Poison Restriction erupted. Some with bad luck directly touched it and let out a gasp of horror before screaming miserably.


    Their bodies turned into blood in the blink of an eye.


    If it was in the outside world, Xu Qing¡¯s Poison Restriction power could only be considered normal. However, in the forbidden zone, the anomalous substances here could augment it!


    Hence, as the poison mist churned, it turned into a thick fog that rapidly spread in all directions. Due to the sealing effect formed by the descent of the three mountains, this poison fog directly surged up and enveloped the surroundings.


    All the cultivators who hadn¡¯t left the mountain were enveloped.


    From afar, the fog looked like a huge pillar, connecting to the inverted mountains and forming a storm. Heart-rending wails rang out continuously.


    As for Xu Qing¡¯s seal, it wasn¡¯t just that. He waved his right hand; immediately, countless red soul threads rushed out and surrounded the fog storm, spinning rapidly, stopping anyone who wanted to escape.


    He was going to kill these cultivators.


    The poison grew denser and denser. The anomalous substances in the forbidden zone were drawn over by a large amount, and the poison fog became increasingly powerful.


    The heart-rending sounds became more ear-piercing and the rumbling echoed.


    One could imagine that the cultivators trapped in the fog must be in extreme despair at this moment. As their bodies rapidly rotted, they erupted with all their might.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s poison belonged to the power of gods. If the conditions were sufficient, even gods would be invaded.


    Even though Xu Qing couldn¡¯t display enough at this moment, with the enhancement of the anomalous substances in the forbidden zone, unless someone¡¯s cultivation had reached the Soul Accumulation realm, he could still kill them with his current strength.


    Hence, this process didn¡¯t last long. In the end, the three inverted mountains collapsed and shattered into pieces, and three to five cultivators rushed out.


    However, as the poison fog spread out, the vast majority of cultivators had already turned into blood.


    From afar, it was raining blood on the ninth mountain. The mountain gradually turned from black to purple.


    As for the few who escaped, they were screaming and shouting. Their bodies rotted at a speed visible to the naked eye until they turned into blood and landed in other places.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with them. At that moment, he was walking in the air. Amidst the huge waves in the hearts of the cultivators on the other mountains, he walked step by step to the empty ninth mountain that was drenched in blood. He then walked to his spear and sat down cross-legged.


    The wind blew over, bringing with it the smell of blood.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and took a deep breath.


    The familiar smell reminded him of the massacres in the past.


    He looked around.


    All around, there was silence..

 Chapter 1236 - Chapter 1236: What Is All?

    Chapter 1236: What Is All?


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    All the participants on the other 26 mountain peaks focused their gazes on Xu Qing.


    They had killed many people since they started cultivating. However, what happened earlier still caused quite a stir in their hearts.


    This was a sealed slaughter and also a poison attack.


    Sealed slaughter showed his ruthlessness, and the poison attack showed his viciousness..


    This was especially so for the latter¡­


    Xu Qing¡¯s poison shocked everyone. They could sense how terrifying this poison was.


    After one¡¯s cultivation reached a certain level, they would gain a high resistance to poison, and were even immune to many types of poison.


    Hence, they usually ignored poison.


    Today, after seeing this extremely powerful poison with their own eyes, their understanding of poison was refreshed.


    ¡°Drawing the anomalous substances here¡­¡±


    ¡°This poison isn¡¯t an ordinary poison. This is a god¡¯s poison.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard of a poison that is related to gods. It¡¯s called a divine curse¡­¡±


    ¡°Only a divine spell can neutralize the divine curse.¡±


    The gazes of the cultivators looking at the ninth mountain more or less revealed some fear. However, at the same time, they couldn¡¯t help but feel greed.


    This wasn¡¯t a contradiction.


    This was because on the ninth mountain, as Xu Qing sat cross-legged, the forbidden mountains continued to fall around him.


    Some of the people who came here to snatch the mountains already owned one or multiple forbidden mountains. After Xu Qing poisoned and killed all the ninth mountain¡¯s cultivators, the forbidden mountains that originally belonged to them became without owners.


    Now that they landed, Xu Qing grabbed them all.


    There were a total of 22 of them!


    In addition to Xu Qing¡¯s original five, there were now 27 shrunken forbidden mountains circling above Xu Qing¡¯s head.


    They were densely packed and were connected by lightning, emitting a dense pressure.


    It was incomparably eye-catching and tempting.


    The current Xu Qing was already equivalent to this forbidden zone in value.


    There were only 27 forbidden mountains in the forbidden zone and so many people wanted to fight to the death to snatch them. However, Xu Qing alone had 27¡­


    Which one was easier to obtain, and which one offered greater rewards? Different people had different opinions.


    Hence, after a short period of silence, the greed in the many gazes that were looking at Xu Qing grew increasingly intense.


    However, before they could find a way to suppress Xu Qing¡¯s poison, they wouldn¡¯t attack him.


    The captain and Qiu Quezi also arrived at the ninth mountain and appeared beside Xu Qing.


    The captain looked around. He knew that Xu Qing had a history of slaughtering, and he had witnessed them as well.


    However, such scenes had decreased recently.


    Hence, he was somewhat excited to see it again.


    Qiu Quezi, however, was completely shocked. He stood there in a daze for a long time, his heart churning at the stench of blood. When he looked at Xu Qing¡¯s back view, he felt even more reverence.


    The Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race was a race that respected the strong to begin with.


    In the golden palace in the air, the Flame Moon dignitary also leaned forward and his gaze landed on Xu Qing below.


    ¡°I originally thought that this human kid was just a killing star. I didn¡¯t expect¡­ him to be a malignant star!¡±


    ¡°This Grand Hunt has become even more interesting. Those brats from Flame Moon should also be properly stimulated.¡±


    The Flame Moon dignitary smiled and thought of the poison.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen it before, but from the aura, it comes from the Divine Realm.


    This kid¡¯s ruthless to control such a poison.¡±


    While the cultivators from the other peaks were paying attention to the 27 forbidden mountains above Xu Qing¡¯s head, Xu Qing was also counting the forbidden mountains above their heads.


    There were few forbidden mountains with the cultivators on the rear nine mountains, while the number of forbidden mountains with the cultivators on the predesignated mountains varied.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes.


    The captain understood Xu Qing. At that moment, he noticed Xu Qing¡¯s expression and smiled.


    What he had told Qiu Quezi earlier wasn¡¯t the 27 forbidden mountains in this forbidden zone but all the mountains of all the cultivators here!


    ¡¯A total of 213.¡¯


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. He could also tell that most of the cultivators here were at the Spirit Repository level. Although there were some at the Nihility Realm, there weren¡¯t many. Moreover, the highest level was at the second stage of the Nihility Realm.


    He licked his lips and spoke softly.


    ¡°How many hours before the mountains here can be lifted?¡±


    When Qiu Quezi heard this, he immediately replied in a low voice.


    ¡°There¡¯s still 26 hours!¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and closed his eyes to wait.


    He wasn¡¯t an unreasonable person, and it was Old Master Seventh who taught him this good habit of reasoning.


    As for whatever happened after the reasoning, he would be at ease.


    Hence, Xu Qing planned to ask everyone if they wanted to leave when the time was up.


    Just like that, a day passed.


    Throughout the day, the gazes from the other mountain peaks occasionally gathered towards the ninth mountain, especially from those cultivators on the predesignated mountains.


    There were also some who seemed to be transmitting their voices to each other.


    This scene made Qiu Quezi a little nervous, so he instinctively looked at Erniu.


    After discovering that the other party still had a relaxed expression, he felt a little uncertain.


    All of this was completely different from what he had imagined.


    Even though he knew that the two humans in front of him were very strong, it was obvious that the people here were eyeing the floating forbidden mountains. There was a high chance that they were calling people over.


    If this continued, they might not only face these cultivators here.


    It was very likely that a true great heaven¡¯s chosen would arrive.


    He couldn¡¯t help but remind them.


    The captain smiled but didn¡¯t speak.


    Xu Qing still had his eyes closed. However, his divine sense swept past his ancient sun and he continued to meditate.


    When there were only two hours left, someone chose to attack!


    The person who attacked wasn¡¯t a cultivator from any of the mountain peaks here but a figure who rushed over from afar.


    His entire body was covered in white scales and the third eye on his forehead revealed his race.


    The Baize Race.


    His appearance immediately attracted the attention of the cultivators from the other peaks.


    ¡°Baize Race¡¯s Tian Lingzi!¡±


    It¡¯s actually him!¡±


    ¡°As one of the famous heaven¡¯s chosen of the Baize Race, I heard that Tian Lingzi¡¯s cultivation speed is astonishing. He reached Nihility in less than 60 years. People say that he will definitely reach the Soul Accumulation realm in the future. He even had the fortune to meet the Heavenly Cloud Great Priest!¡±


    While the hearts of the cultivators here were in turmoil, the aura of the Baize cultivator spread out in the air, forming endless ferocity, causing the sky and earth to change color and the entire world to become darker.


    In this darkness, the long marks of laws flowed in his eyes and a huge phantom of a face flickered behind him, alternating between reality and illusion, with reality dominating most of it.


    It was the second stage of Nihility, and it was at the peak stage.


    Above his head, there were over a hundred forbidden mountains that emitted a terrifying pressure.


    Tian Lingzi swept his gaze across before looking towards the ninth mountain with a cold expression.


    At the same time, dozens of Baize Race cultivators flew out from the other mountain peaks and arrived beside Tian Lingzi.


    After greeting him, they whispered something to him before pointing at Xu Qing.


    ¡°The god¡¯s poison can be neutralized by using items related to gods.¡±


    Tian Lingzi calmly spoke. With a raise of his hand, a bronze incense burner appeared above his head.


    The ancient incense burner exuded astonishing fluctuations, causing everything around to blur and suppressing the anomalous substances, while the intent of a god became exceedingly apparent.


    Clearly, this item was closely related to a god.


    As it floated above Tian Lingzi¡¯s head, green smoke curled up from it for a thousand feet before spreading out, cascading down like a waterfall and forming rings of smoke that enveloped Tian Lingzi.


    The surrounding Baize Race members all had fanatical expressions as they lowered their heads.


    Like a Divine Son, Tian Lingzi calmly walked toward the ninth mountain where Xu Qing was.


    The gazes from the other mountain peaks also focused on him.


    Under these gazes, Tian Lingzi stepped into the ninth mountain. The poison fog covering the mountain actually couldn¡¯t instantly penetrate the rings of smoke and was blocked outside.


    He moved forward in the poison fog.


    All the cultivators who saw this scene were shocked. Qiu Quezi was also shocked. He had heard of this person.


    Although he was from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race and had a high status, he had to admit that the other party¡¯s reputation was even greater. He was the heaven¡¯s chosen with the fastest cultivation speed in the Baize Race in the past hundred years.


    Hence, he couldn¡¯t help but look at Xu Qing and the captain.


    The captain was still relaxed. Although Xu Qing had opened his eyes, the first thing he saw wasn¡¯t Tian Lingzi who was walking over but the incense burner above his head. Finally, he lowered his gaze and looked at Tian Lingzi.


    Tian Lingzi¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all as he walked over step by step. As he got closer, the pressure from his body became increasingly intense. His aura was like a rainbow, and every step he took caused the mountain peak to tremble.


    Wherever he passed, the poison fog in the surroundings would disperse on its own, not affecting him at all.


    Killing intent and domineeringness were also revealed on his body.


    However, in reality, there were also waves in Tian Lingzi¡¯s heart at this moment. This was because he could clearly sense that this poison fog was even more ferocious than he had imagined. It seemed to have no effect on him but in reality, its invasion persisted.


    Moreover, through his perception of the incense burner, he had a premonition that his incense burner could only last for an hour at most. There was a high chance that he wouldn¡¯t be able to stop the poison after that.


    ¡®This divine curse is extraordinary.¡¯


    ¡®But an hour is enough.¡¯


    The cold glint in Tian Lingzi¡¯s eyes intensified. At that moment, he was still 3,000 feet away from Xu Qing. He suddenly sped up and his entire person was like a meteor that could destroy the world as he rapidly approached Xu Qing.


    Like a hot knife through butter, everything was destroyed. The mountain rumbled and the rocks turned to dust. It was as though all light in the world had disappeared. Only this meteor became the only focus.


    Qiu Quezi¡¯s expression changed and the cultivation base in his body rose. The captain yawned. Xu Qing¡¯s expression remained unchanged throughout. He raised his right hand and, looking at the incoming meteor, pointed a finger to his own forehead, hovering three inches away from it.


    Instantly, numerous black lines appeared on his forehead, densely packed and varied in thickness, resembling blood vessels converging at this point, intertwining to form a sinister ghostly face.


    As his finger hovered in the air, the ghostly face seemed to ignite like a lantern, emitting underworld flames.


    From afar, it was as though a ghost lantern had appeared between Xu Qing¡¯s brows!


    Tian Lingzi was still 2,700 feet away.


    Xu Qing¡¯s finger swiped across and landed on his left shoulder.


    At the next moment, black blood vessels rapidly gathered on his shoulder, and a second ghost lantern appeared.


    The underworld fire swayed. When Tian Lingzi was 2,300 feet away, Xu Qing¡¯s finger landed on his other shoulder, then his dantian, then his legs. Finally, the place it landed on was his heart.


    All the hand seals were completed in an instant.


    The seven underworld fire lanterns burned in Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    As his aura soared, a curse power spread out from the seven ghost lanterns, transforming into seven sinister ghost faces with different emotions.


    It was a taboo art that came from the Ruler Li Zihua, and was mastered by his fourth son. Xu Qjng also simulated and mastered it.


    Seven Lanterns Underworld Fire Curse!


    This was a curse that would definitely kill!


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was cold. He looked at Tian Lingzi, who had already appeared too feet away from him with a monstrous aura but a slightly changed expression.


    ¡°When the lantern goes out, so does the person..¡±

 Chapter 1237 - 1237 Gate of Life and Death

    1237 Gate of Life and Death


    Xu Qing¡¯s cold voice echoed through the forbidden zone, sweeping across the heavens and earth like the wind of death passing through the mortal realm, yet also akin to the beckoning light of the underworld, calling forth lost souls.


    His body gathered a majestic force, seated atop the ninth mountain, with countless red soul threads spreading behind him, exuding a blood-red aura akin to that of a devil.


    The ghost faces formed by the seven underworld fire lanterns on his body spread out of his body and circled in the surroundings, looking bizarre and eerie.


    Coupled with his handsome face and long hair, Xu Qing truly looked peerless at this moment.


    That aura that could destroy anything caused the sky to change color and the wind to howl.


    When Tian Lingzi saw this scene, his heart couldn¡¯t help but tremble. Thunder rumbled in his mind and his expression changed drastically. An extremely intense sense of life-and-death crisis that had never appeared before surged in his mind.


    It was like an avalanche, drowning his mind. It was as though every piece of flesh and every inch of bone in his body was screaming at him at this moment.


    Danger, danger, danger!


    All his senses and consciousness transmitted a sense of danger at this moment. In the end, they gathered together and formed an even greater wave.


    The smoke rings outside his body also rippled and distorted.


    Tian Lingzi¡¯s breathing became hurried and he paused, wanting to retreat and distance himself from this strange human.


    However, it was too late.


    Xu Qing coldly looked at Tian Lingzi. With a raise of his hand, the poisonous fog that permeated the ninth mountain rose rapidly, forming a vortex.


    The black poison fog storm emitted a destructive and terrifying aura that blotted out the sky, transforming into a huge demon face. It opened its ghastly mouth and ruthlessly pressed down on the incense burner above Tian Lingzi¡¯s head.


    The incense burner shook and the smoke rings that fell like a waterfall became increasingly distorted.


    This suppression wasn¡¯t over. The invasion of the poison fog became even more ferocious and descended again, blocking all of Tian Lingzi¡¯s escape paths.


    At the same time, the seven flickering lanterns in Xu Qing¡¯s body reflected Tian Lingzi¡¯s figure as they swayed. After that¡­ one was extinguished.


    The instant this lantern was extinguished, Tian Lingzi¡¯s pupils contracted and a huge storm stirred in his mind. His internal organs suddenly felt intense pain, as if a sharp dagger was invisibly piercing and tearing through his body.


    A loud scream rang out from his mouth.


    Despite spewing forth seven or eight mouthfuls of blood consecutively, he couldn¡¯t alleviate the agony. Horrified, he staggered, his entire demeanor collapsing, no longer adorned in regal attire but instead covered in filth as if a lowly ant, pressed down upon the earth.


    His body showed signs of aging, and the flames of his life dimmed as though they were being buried in dust.


    ¡°You¡­¡± As Tian Lingzi¡¯s heart churned intensely, Xu Qing extinguished the second lantern.


    The instant the lantern was extinguished, an even more miserable wail rang out from Tian Lingzi¡¯s mouth. Many cuts appeared on his body and under the dense intersection, it was as though he was about to be slashed into a thousand pieces. A large amount of blood flowed out from the cuts, dyeing his scales and his robe red.


    His hair withered, and his scales fell off, turning into ashes.


    As for his cultivation base, it was as though it had been stripped away and his aura continued to decrease.


    The feeling of certain death surfaced intensely in Tian Lingzi¡¯s heart. Fortunately, the power of the incense burner was still there to protect him, and barely isolated this feeling of certain death.


    However, he was panicking. Endless terror and the envelopment of death made him feel like a lone boat on a raging wave. At this moment, he suddenly fled, not hesitating to burn his cultivation base to leave this terrifying ninth mountain.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop him because¡­ the other party couldn¡¯t escape.


    He coldly stared at the heaven¡¯s chosen of the Baize Race and the crumbling incense burner above his head. The third, fourth, and fifth lanterns in his body¡­ were extinguished one after another.


    With every extinguished lantern, Tian Lingzi, who was escaping, screamed miserably. His body and soul were withering.


    In the blink of an eye, six of the seven lanterns were extinguished.


    There were also a million soul threads that rushed past Xu Qing¡¯s back, heading straight for the incense burner.


    Finally, with a cracking sound, a crack appeared on the incense burner. Under the enhancement of the Poison Restriction, Xu Qing¡¯s Seven Lanterns Underworld Fire Curse, and the soul threads, this treasure finally couldn¡¯t last and became dim.


    The cascading smoke rings also stopped for a moment. One ring disappeared.


    The Poison Restriction invaded through this gap.


    At the next moment, Tian Lingzi¡¯s retreating figure suddenly trembled and fell from the sky, smashing into the ground.


    He had reached the foot of the ninth mountain.


    As he lay there, his entire body was covered in sweat that contained corrosion, melting half of his body.


    Not only was his body and soul heavily injured by the lanterns dimming, but the power of the Poison Restriction also spread in his body, corroding his flesh and blood and shattering his spirit, causing the black gas in his entire body to spread.


    The indescribable pain caused Tian Lingzi to lose the strength to scream.


    The feeling of death rose from his entire body, accompanied by an extremely strong stench. Hesitation, trepidation, horror, and various other emotions drowned his mind.


    It was as though the world had lost its vitality in his eyes. Only the flames of his life were left.


    He had thought that one day he would die, but in his imagination, it was after he became a Soul Accumulation cultivator, falling in battle during the Baize Race¡¯s campaigns against external foes.


    When he died, he would leave a deep mark in the records, letting future generations know that there was once an era when an expert called Tian Lingzi appeared in their race.


    The scene today was something he never expected. Hence, unwillingness and madness began to rise in the flames of his life, trying to reverse the situation.


    Xu Qing removed this hope as he extinguished the last lantern in his body. He then closed his eyes.


    As the flames extinguished, a gust of wind blew over, extinguishing the last of Tian Lingzi¡¯s fire of life.


    All his unwillingness became lingering sounds.


    All the madness returned to calm.


    When the lantern was extinguished, so was the person.


    The corpse at the foot of the mountain also turned into ashes under the influx of soul threads. They scattered in the wind and landed on the other mountain peaks¡­


    The surroundings fell silent again.


    Different from the silence from before, it was now¡­ a dead silence where even the breathing stopped.


    Countless gazes that were filled with horror seemed to have lost their ability to move. They landed on the ninth mountain and on Xu Qing, who had been sitting cross-legged from the start.


    ¡°Tian Lingzi¡­ died?¡±


    ¡°The heaven¡¯s chosen of the Baize Race¡­¡±


    ¡°Who, who the hell is this person? When did such a heaven¡¯s chosen appear in the human race?!¡±


    A long time later, an uproar broke out in all directions.


    ¡°I think I saw records of his divine power in an ancient book¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a Ruler¡¯s spell. It can only be used by someone with the bloodline of a Ruler!¡±


    ¡°Seven Lanterns, Underworld Fire Curse!¡±


    ¡°It is the Dao of one of the rulers who appeared at the peak of the human race, Li Zihua!¡±


    As one of the super races in the Wanggu Continent, the comprehensive knowledge of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race greatly surpassed the other races. Even though Xu Qing had used an ancient art, someone still found the source.


    While this uncontrollable gasp and shock filled the air, on the ninth mountain, Qiu Quezi¡¯s heart was also trembling.


    The gaze with which he looked at Xu Qing was already one of complete submission.


    He didn¡¯t know how many cards this human had up his sleeve and how strong he was.


    What happened today even gave him the illusion that¡­ the other party was like a black hole that could devour everything.


    The captain was also surprised. He glanced at Xu Qing a few times. This was the first time he had seen Xu Qing using the Seven Lanterns Underworld Fire Curse.


    ¡®This kid has learned to hide. This won¡¯t do, I have to put in more effort!¡¯


    Even the expression of the Flame Moon dignitary in the golden palace in the air changed. His gaze landed on Xu Qing as he fell into deep thought.


    ¡°Some time ago, something major happened in the Moon Offering Region. A few humans killed a god¡­¡±


    Amidst everyone¡¯s shock, the shrunken forbidden mountains slowly descended from the air and ultimately floated above Xu Qing¡¯s head.


    Together with his 27, there were a total of 139 forbidden mountains.


    They were connected by lightning, forming a single entity. At the same time, endless pressure spread out from it.


    Such a large number of forbidden mountains caused waves in everyone¡¯s hearts again. They knew that Xu Qing was very strong but the temptation of more than a hundred mountains and Xu Qing having no background was still tempting.


    This was especially so for the cultivators on the predesignated mountains. Their greed grew even more, but they chose to restrain it and wait.


    It was also at this moment that the ten-day limit of this forbidden zone reached its limit and disappeared.


    The moment it dissipated, it was as though a cage had opened. The aura of the outside world followed, and the ground rumbled and trembled. The 27 forbidden mountains also automatically severed their connection with the forbidden zone.


    The voice from the golden palace echoed at this moment.


    ¡°Mountain moving, begin.¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, it was as though a horn of slaughter and competition had been blown. No one paid attention to Xu Qing anymore. Even though they were still greedy, the most important thing now was to take away the mountains they were on.


    However, just as all the cultivators here erupted with their nurturing bases and killing intent flashed in their eyes, Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes.


    It was time.


    He lifted his right hand and waved it. At the next instant, the sky darkened and clouds surged. An presence that caused the entire forbidden zone to tremble manifested in the sky, suppressing the ground.


    The expressions of everyone in the forbidden zone changed again.


    In the sky, a pitch-black and vast prison slowly appeared, covering the sky and enveloping the forbidden zone.


    Countless bolts of lightning swam in the surroundings, and wails that came from the void spread in all directions.


    Majestic, eerie, bloody, oppressive¡ªthese were the sensations that the prison instilled in everyone.


    The ground quaked, and the prison pierced through the mountains, landing on the earth.


    The twenty-seven forbidden mountains and the surrounding area were all imprisoned within.


    At that moment, sinister laughter rang out from the prison. A stone lion danced within a cell and manifested gigantic figures.


    A head rolled, emitting both crying and eerie laughter.


    A millstone spun, squeezing out endless streams of blood.


    A straw doll wove straw, creating countless small figures, each one wailing.


    An old painter seemed to have gone mad, brandishing his brush and ink, depicting the death of every cultivator within the forbidden mountains.


    There was also¡­ a huge finger that pierced through many cells.


    A god¡¯s presence erupted from It.


    It was the complete D132.


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice moreover echoed at this particular moment.


    ¡°Within three breaths, all living beings here will die.¡±


    As he himself spoke, the prison gate of D132 slowly opened.


    This was the gate of life and death.

 Chapter 1238 - Chapter 1238: Misfortune and Forgetfulness

    Chapter 1238: Misfortune and Forgetfulness


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The gate of life and death had two meanings.


    Within three breaths, those willing to leave this gate had chosen life.


    Those who remained had chosen death.


    This was the first meaning.


    The second meaning was the special ability contained in D132 after it was complete.


    That was the divine authority of misfortune, as well as the domain of forgetfulness.


    The divine authority could cause the people here to fall into endless misfortune after the gate is closed. In the end, their only outcome was death.


    The domain of forgetfulness would then make them forget that they were dead. They would be filled with misfortune until they became bizarre beings.


    The head, the stone lion, and the others were such bizarre creatures.


    To a certain extent, they were a product of the accidental fusion of gods and immortal domain.


    After all, the divine authority came from the gods and the domain was a power researched by the cultivators to resist the gods.


    This was the display of Di32¡¯s true ability after it was complete. Other than that, D132 had also reached the extreme in terms of sealing.


    Unless one had the ability to resist misfortune and forgetfulness at the same time, or forcefully blasted it open with higher strength, they wouldn¡¯t be able to leave this place.


    This was also Xu Qing¡¯s plan. He was reasonable, so he opened the gate, giving the cultivators here time to leave.


    This scene landed in the air outside D132. The eyes of the Flame Moon dignitary narrowed slightly.


    He could naturally tell how extraordinary this prison was and could also sense the killing intent from the beings inside.


    He was faced with a choice now.


    Should he intervene?


    ¡°Why should I intervene? The goal of the Grand Hunt was originally to select the seeds of the race, and in this world, it¡¯s survival of the fittest. The rise and fall are up to fate. The arrival of such a powerful human will only stimulate these prideful youths within the race even more.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, I wonder if this human brat was taught by someone else. He¡¯s quite methodical in his actions. He opened the gate first and gave others a chance to leave.¡±


    The Flame Moon dignitary thought about it and smiled. The gaze he used to look at Xu Qing finally had a hint of admiration. He could also foresee that his forbidden zone would be covered in blood.


    ¡°Not bad, interesting.¡±


    The Flame Moon dignitary chose not to interfere. Hence, the cultivators from the Flame Moon race and its affiliated races in D132 now had a choice in front of them.


    Leave or stay?


    If it was before Xu Qing sealed the ninth mountain and killed the cultivators on it with poison, everyone would ignore his words and choose to stay.


    However, after witnessing Xu Qing massacre the ninth mountain¡¯s cultivators and using a mysterious art that killed by extinguishing the lanterns to kill Tian Lingzi, his words carried the weight of authority.


    And the actions of the bizarre beings like the head, and witnessing the god¡¯s finger, all of which contributed to the strangeness, were also the source of unsettling feelings.


    In the end, 30% of the cultivators gritted their teeth and sped up, giving up on fighting here and heading straight for Di32¡¯s exit.


    After all, not everyone was willing to risk it all at this moment.


    Their departure wasn¡¯t stopped. In an instant, they flew out one after another and left the prison.


    A portion of the remaining 70% emitted coldness and killing intent. Based on their own confidence and the advantage in numbers, they felt that they could take a chance.


    As members of the Flame Moon Race, their upbringing instilled in them the ideology of killing and competing. As long as the benefits were significant enough, they were willing to take the risk and fight for them.


    Clearly, the value of the forbidden mountains above Xu Qing¡¯s head had already surpassed the forbidden zone itself. Hence, in terms of benefits, it was enough.


    Additionally, there were some who were hesitating. Seeing that people had safely left, they were still choosing inwardly but it was already too late.


    Three breaths passed.


    Di32¡¯s prison gate instantly closed. A loud boom echoed out, and the stone lion, the head, and other prisoners cheered in unison to welcome their new cellmates.


    The bizarre aura suddenly erupted from D132.


    The god¡¯s finger rolled and collided with the prison, causing the entire prison to tremble. At this moment, It emitted endless blood energy that spread in all directions.


    Di32¡¯s appearance changed, turning into a blood-red underworld.


    The intent of misfortune spread out from every inch of the prison, dyeing the ground and invading the 27 forbidden mountains within it. The anomalous substances that originally belonged to this place were instantly devoured by the god¡¯s finger and became a part of D132.


    It might be much inferior to the other gods in terms of combat strength and lived an aggrieved life, but It was a god after all. It was much better than Xu Qing at some basic operations unique to gods.


    In an instant, everything inside D132 became one.


    The intent of misfortune erupted.


    Some unbelievable things started happening to the hundreds of people who stayed here.


    For example, someone¡¯s old injuries, due to deviation in their cultivation, were unexpectedly reignited. The probability of this happening should have been extremely low, but it still occurred.


    Under the eruption of these injuries, this cultivator immediately spewed blood.


    Someone had just taken out a magic artifact, but this magic artifact actually exploded due to the instability that only had a 1 in a 10,000 chance of happening.


    When someone consumed some antidotes, they strangely took the wrong pill. Not only did it not have any detoxifying effects, but it instead made it easier for the poison to invade their bodies.


    There were people who flew to the air but were affected by the fragments formed by the explosion of the magic artifacts at the side. Although they dodged, dozens of magic artifacts had exploded, and the terrifying energy affected many people.


    Someone activated their divine art, but there was a strange deviation. This deviation that shouldn¡¯t have happened caused the spell to backfire.


    Some forcefully attempted to perform extremely lethal spells or use powerful magic artifacts. While normally manageable and controllable, now all sorts of accidents occurred, causing each spell or magic artifact to be unstable.


    All the cultivators from the Flame Moon Race in D132 fell into chaos. The various accidents that happened to them could only be described as misfortune.


    They immediately realized that something was amiss. Some of them who were experienced and knowledgeable instantly recognized it and cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°Misfortune¡­ This is divine authority!¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of all the cultivators here changed drastically. Only Xu Qing sat calmly on the ninth mountain. The captain sat beside him with a smile on his face.


    As for Qiu Quezi, he was stunned again.


    At the same time, these cultivators quickly found a solution.


    ¡°After killing that strange human, we will naturally be able to resolve this issue!¡±


    Numerous gazes filled with killing intent gathered from all directions. After that, all the figures here quickly flew out and rushed toward Xu Qing.


    Although they were only moving, all kinds of accidents still happened. In fact, they even indirectly came into contact with spells for no reason, resulting in casualties.


    However, on the whole, the killing intent was intense as it rapidly approached Xu Qing.


    It was just that¡­ they didn¡¯t know that misfortune was only a portion of Di32¡¯s power. The domain of forgetfulness¡­ had unknowingly tainted this place.


    Moreover, the closer they got to Xu Qing, the more intense the invasion.


    In the blink of an eye, its effect manifested. Those cultivators who were closest to Xu Qing, only 2,000 feet away from him, had endured numerous strokes of misfortune and were about to charge.


    However, at the next instant, their expressions revealed confusion. They instinctively paused and stood in the air.


    They had forgotten their goal.


    After that, even more cultivators forgot their motive and forgot they were rushing toward Xu Qing. Some even forgot the reason they were here.


    They also forgot about the Grand Hunt¡­


    Confusion became the main theme here. Even though they looked at each other and occasionally recalled something, as the power of forgetfulness grew stronger, they forgot even more.


    Misfortune also laughed sinisterly and erupted from their bodies again.


    Death continued to appear. Many corpses of cultivators who had died due to various accidents fell from the sky.


    However, in the end, there were still cultivators who relied on their talent or special treasures and bloodlines to barely maintain their clarity under the enhancement of misfortune and forgetfulness and spoke anxiously.


    ¡°This is misfortune and forgetfulness. Everyone, disperse. Don¡¯t get close to each other and don¡¯t cast any unnecessary spells. Keep only one thing in your mind, continuously repeat it: kill the human! Shout it out loud, and use the echo of your voice to remind others of the constantly fading consciousness!¡±


    ¡°Kill the human!¡±


    ¡°Kill the human!!¡±


    ¡°Kill the human!!!¡±


    In the sky, all the cultivators of the Flame Moon Race were panting. In this crisis, in this life-and-death situation, in this bizarre situation, all of them shouted the same phrase.


    Even if someone forgot, they would still remember instinctively when they heard this.


    Under this instinct, all the Flame Moon cultivators charged toward Xu Qing.


    At the same time, the rolling impact of the god¡¯s finger was like thunder.


    The stone lion danced even more wildly.


    The head¡¯s strange laughter became even more ear-piercing.


    The rotation of the millstone had formed a vortex.


    The small dolls created by the straw doll continued to distort.


    As for the painting old man, his expression was crazy. He had already drawn the portraits of everyone here. Finally, he turned around and knelt down toward Xu Qing, shouting.


    ¡°Great Guardian, the criminals are rioting. Please suppress them!¡±


    The stone lion, the head, the straw doll, and the millstone also stopped what they were doing at this instant. They knelt down and shouted the same words.


    ¡°Great Guardian, the criminals are rioting. Please suppress them!¡±


    ¡°Please suppress them!¡±


    As soon as their words rang out, the color of the sky changed and a storm brewed. Xu Qing lifted his head and stood up from his cross-legged position, lifting his right hand.


    On the black spear in front of him, the Golden Crow let out a cry and black flames erupted. The spear flew back and was grabbed by Xu Qing.


    A chill rose in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He lifted his right foot and took a step forward!


    He headed straight for the sky!


    The captain also stretched his back and grinned at Qiu Quezi.


    ¡°Little Quezi, if you don¡¯t make a move now, the forbidden mountain you want will be gone.¡±


    The captain licked his lips and rushed over.


    The massacre had begun..

 Chapter 1239 - 1239 Sorry to Disturb You

    1239 Sorry to Disturb You


    The world was dark, filled with misfortune and forgetfulness.


    The proliferation of anomalous substances blurred the surroundings, creating an overwhelming sense of overlapping that caused everyone to experience visual confusion, affecting their mental state.


    The endless wailing and forgetfulness were like the wind, blowing incessantly, taking away the past but failing to return the future.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s battlefield.


    After D132¡¯s divine authority and domain erupted, 60% of the hundreds of cultivators had died.


    The corpses of those who died landed on the ground and appeared in the cells. They were clearly dead but they forgot it. Now, they were in a daze and became D132¡¯s prisoners who were neither alive nor dead.


    What awaited them was an eternal nightmare.


    As for the remaining hundred or so people in the air, although they were still persisting, they were all tortured by forgetfulness. They needed to keep on shouting and use the lingering sounds to remind themselves.


    At the same time, misfortune never left them. Regardless of spells or magic treasures, they faced countless unexpected accidents the moment they were activated.


    All of this caused them to only be able to unleash 30 to 40% of their combat strength which was already astonishing.


    From this, one could see how terrifying the complete D132 was.


    As for the calls from the stone lion, head, and others, they were filled with bizarreness and fanaticism. Xu Qing answered their worship and held the black spear. As D132¡¯s guardian, he stepped into the sky.


    To suppress the chaos.


    In an instant, he appeared in front of a Baize cultivator and slammed into him ruthlessly.


    The Baize cultivator, who had a dazed expression and had just forgotten his motive, was instinctively shocked. He cast spells and used magic treasures, wanting to resist, but the unexpected arrival caused his spells to become unstable and his magic treasures to self-destruct.


    Forgetfulness made him forget his misfortune. Hence, in his daze, Xu Qing directly collided with him.


    Flesh and blood flew everywhere.


    Blood landed on Xu Qing¡¯s fluttering hair before sliding down. Xu Qing calmly walked toward another person. He brandished the spear and at the next instant, a head soared into the air.


    From afar, a loud rumbling echoed in the sky. Some of these prisoners were counterattacking, while others were trembling in fear. While they still remembered, they turned around and used their own methods to escape.


    Some teleported successfully.


    However, the moment they appeared, they were still within D132 and landed on the god¡¯s finger. They were devoured by the mouth on It.


    D132 allowed teleportation. However, the influence of misfortune caused the destination of the teleportation to be where there was misfortune.


    There were also people who used powerful attacks to bombard D132¡¯s prison gate and barrier. However, with their combat strength, it was impossible for them to succeed.


    D132 was a whole entity. If they wanted to create a gap in it, they had to destroy everything here.


    And right now, they were also a part of D132.


    This was an endless cycle of death.


    Wherever Xu Qing passed, heart-rending sounds rang out and blood spurted out like rain. Heads flew up and corpses fell to the ground.


    The captain also attacked, with a clear target in mind. It wasn¡¯t those subsidiary races he was after, but rather the members of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. Their numbers were not large, only a dozen or so.


    But judging by the excitement in the captain¡¯s eyes, it was obvious that he was more interested in the cultivators of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    His attacks mainly involved fruits, as if he was stockpiling provisions. Using various methods, he transformed the cultivators of the Flame Moon Race into apples, grapes, and pears¡­


    This style was more eerie compared to his previous ice-sealing blue light.


    Clearly, as the seals continued to be undone, the captain slowly regained his cultivation from his previous life.


    This scene, coupled with D132¡¯s strangeness and Xu Qing¡¯s coldness, had an extremely great impact on Qiu Quezi.


    He originally thought that he was also a person who had astonishing methods. However, looking at Xu Qing and the captain, he felt that he was just a kid in comparison.


    His judgment of the human race had long changed after witnessing their methods.


    ¡°Who said the human race is weak¡­ Who said human nature is not fierce, not suitable for the present Wanggu¡­ Who said the human race is better at conspiracy and deceit¡­¡±


    ¡°You call this weak? You call this not fierce?¡±


    Qiu Quezi thought of what he had learned since he was young. At this moment, he took a deep breath. He saw more and more people dying, and appearing in the cells on the ground.


    The words of the human who was known as the captain appeared in his mind. Hence, he panicked and quickly rushed over to join the slaughter.


    Under such circumstances, this massacre couldn¡¯t last for too long.


    A while later, as the last Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator who wanted to escape was slapped into a tangerine by the captain, D132 fell silent.


    Only the blood rain, falling to the earth, was then absorbed and reappeared in the air, continuing to fall.


    On the ground, there was not a single corpse or any remains of the bodies.


    All of them were in the cells and they were all at a loss.


    Cheers rang out from the mouths of the painting old man, the head, and the others.


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath. The familiar scene here reminded him of his experiences when he was young. At the same time, he could clearly sense that as these hundreds of cultivators were imprisoned, the might of D132 had increased a little.


    Xu Qing looked at the cells below.


    There were more than a thousand cells in D132. At this moment, it was more than 30% full.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± The captain took an apple and took a bite. He then looked at Xu Qing and threw one to Xu Qing and Qiu Quezi each.


    Xu Qing caught it.


    ¡°I¡¯m wondering if there will be a day when this prison can imprison¡­ gods!¡±


    The captain was stunned for a moment before he laughed loudly.


    As for Qiu Quezi, he held the apple the captain had given him and hesitated. However, after looking at the two frightful humans and then at the cells on the ground, he no longer hesitated and took a bite.


    It was unexpectedly sweet.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t eat the apple immediately and put it away. He then lifted his right hand and waved it. Immediately, the forbidden mountains from the captives rushed toward him.


    Soon, they all floated above Xu Qing¡¯s head.


    Qiu Quezi couldn¡¯t help but look over. He was dazzled. Even though he was mentally prepared, he was still a little dazed.


    There were too many.


    Nearly 300 forbidden mountains were connected to each other by lightning. As they continued to circle and rotate, the pressure and aura they formed could cause one to be shaken.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the 27 forbidden mountains on the ground. He lifted his hand and grabbed. As the ground rumbled, these 27 forbidden mountains rapidly flew over. In the end, 26 of them joined the others, allowing Xu Qing¡¯s forbidden mountains to break through 300.


    As for the remaining one, Xu Qing glanced at Qiu Quezi.


    ¡°For you.¡±


    Qiu Quezi felt grateful. If it was any other time, he naturally wouldn¡¯t be excited because of a forbidden mountain. However, it was different now¡­


    After doing this, with a thought from Xu Qing, D132 shook and rapidly turned blurry. Finally, it dissipated into the world, revealing everything that was enveloped here.


    D132¡¯s departure didn¡¯t take away the blood here. Hence, the blood of hundreds of people spread in all directions, spreading the dense smell of blood.


    Xu Qing, who was standing in the air and enveloped in the stench of blood, lifted his head and looked at the golden palace higher up. He then cupped his hands and bowed.


    In the golden palace, the Flame Moon dignitary looked at Xu Qing. The admiration in his expression was even denser than before.


    ¡°Such a malignant star has appeared in my forbidden zone. This will be quite the topic to talk about at the hunting banquet later.¡±


    The Flame Moon dignitary smiled and spoke.


    ¡°Human brat, I can tell you a piece of information. Currently¡­ there are dozens of people who have more forbidden mountains than you.¡±


    ¡°Judging from your actions, your target should be the first place in this first segment. In that case, you have to continue working hard.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he nodded and bowed again.


    ¡°Thank you for your guidance, Senior.¡±


    Laughter rang out from the golden palace. At the next moment, the entire palace became a little blurry and finally disappeared into the sky. The show was over, so this Flame Moon dignitary chose to leave.


    Xu Qing watched until the palace completely dissipated before he retracted his gaze. Just as he was about to leave with the captain, he and the captain looked into the distance at the same time.


    Over there, a rainbow was rushing into the forbidden zone at an extremely fast speed.


    The person rushing over looked very arrogant.


    He indeed had the qualifications to be arrogant. From afar, one could see that eight forbidden mountains were circling his head.


    The person who came was none other than the main body of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator who appeared when Xu Qing was moving the first forbidden mountain. His clone was killed by Xu Qing and its teleportation failed, so it couldn¡¯t transmit the details of the death.


    The confidence of this cultivator also led him to rush towards this direction after sensing the general direction, guided further by the imperceptible mark left by the slaughter of his clone, until he found this place.


    Qiu Quezi also saw him. If it were another time, he would have been solemn, but now¡­ Qiu Quezi shook his head.


    Almost at the instant Qiu Quezi shook his head, the figure in the distance, whose imposing aura contained endless domineeringness and arrogance, seemed to have sensed something and suddenly stopped in mid-air.


    After that, the rainbow swayed a little, as though the cultivator was shivering intensely. Even the fog in the environment was stirred by him, as though he was breathing heavily.


    Clearly¡­ after he proudly entered the forbidden zone, he sensed that all the forbidden mountains here had disappeared. He also sensed the dense smell of blood here.


    He then noticed the 300-odd forbidden mountains above Xu Qing¡­


    As long as one wasn¡¯t a fool, they would know what had happened here.


    ¡°Killed them all?¡±


    ¡°Wha¡­ wha¡­¡±


    When this realization appeared in the Flame Moon cultivator¡¯s mind, his heart skipped a beat and he couldn¡¯t help but gasp.


    Without any hesitation, he turned around and wanted to escape at an even faster speed.


    He regretted it¡­


    When he thought about how he had rushed over aggressively but ended up bumping into an iron plate, his heart couldn¡¯t help but tremble intensely. At this moment, he was hating himself for being slow¡­


    Xu Qing was indifferent. The captain¡¯s eyes lit up and he grinned.


    ¡°An acquaintance.¡±

 Chapter 1240 - Chapter 1240: Ruthless Dao of Great Five Bulls

    Chapter 1240: Ruthless Dao of Great Five Bulls


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°There¡¯s a saying.¡±


    The captain licked his lips and looked at the fleeing figure in the sky with a teasing smile.


    ¡°Fate will bring together those a thousand miles apart, yes, this is the phrase.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, Junior Brother? Look, he appeared just like that. However, this time, he won¡¯t be able to escape.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and lifted his hand. Black flames rose from his body and flowed down his arm to his palm.


    The black spear that had just been put away formed in his hand again.


    The moment it appeared, the spear tip seemed to burn the void, producing one fine black hole after another that tore through the void with an astonishing aura.


    It also caused the bloody aura in all directions to rise into the air. Countless resentful spirits manifested around the spear and let out heart-rending wails of unwillingness.


    They couldn¡¯t enter reincarnation.


    The wails echoed, filled with a terrifying intent.


    The spear in Xu Qing¡¯s hand was like a sword of hell. The ghost fire it stirred up emitted waves of black fire patterns.


    The fire erupted and swept through the sky, turning the sky into a sea of fire.


    As waves of ripples echoed, it also caused the world to darken.


    When this phenomenon landed in the eyes of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator who was fleeing rapidly in the distance, he felt his scalp go numb. An extremely intense life-and-death crisis and endless regret rose in his heart.


    At this moment, he finally understood how his clone died.


    ¡°He must have died to this spear!¡±


    ¡°I was too impulsive. I shouldn¡¯t have come here!¡±


    This Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator¡¯s face was pale and he instinctively took a few deep breaths. He used everything he had to forcefully increase his speed and escape with all his might. He even tried to teleport, but this required time.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He held his spear and threw it toward the horizon.


    It pierced through the air, letting out a sharp sound as if heaven and earth were being split apart.


    It rapidly approached the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race cultivator.


    The void shattered and the sky turned blurry. Only the spear was clear like a mark in the sky. It instantly reached the horizon and arrived behind the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator, locking onto him.


    It was about to pierce through him.


    At the same time, D132 appeared in the sky. The vast prison caused the Flame Moon cultivator¡¯s heart to tremble uncontrollably.


    The image of the prison above his head quickly became clear and was about to envelop him and seal him.


    He could foresee that once the prison sealed him, he would be unable to escape calamity and would definitely die. Hence, at the moment of extreme danger, this Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivator did an extremely bold thing.


    He slapped his forehead without hesitation. Amidst the rumbling, overlapping shadows appeared on his body, it was his soul leaving his body, swiftly departing.


    As for the body he left behind, it became his weapon. It pounced toward the black spear on its own.


    With a boom, the spear came into contact and his body collapsed. However, the flesh and blood of the Flame Moon cultivator didn¡¯t splatter in all directions. Instead, it coiled in the opposite direction and actually firmly wrapped around the black spear, restraining it.


    Even though the flesh and blood were rapidly being destroyed by the power of the black spear, the spear was still stalled for a breath of time.


    The Flame Moon cultivator decisively abandoned his eight forbidden mountains and blew his soul at the side, forming a strong wind that blew the eight mountains, causing them to soar into the air with an imposing aura that headed straight for D132.


    The eight mountains swayed and expanded, transforming into huge and astonishing mountains. They were extremely domineering, and although they charged toward D132, it was an attempt to delay it.


    Amidst the rumbling sounds, Di32¡¯s descent slowed down slightly. Although it recovered quickly, this delay also lasted for a breath of time.


    To the cultivator of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, this breath of time was a moment between life and death.


    At the next instant, his teleportation was finally activated. With the help of this breath of time, he suddenly blurred and disappeared from the sky.


    At this moment, the flesh and blood that enveloped the black spear also lost its strength and scattered down.


    Only the eight forbidden mountains left behind by the Flame Moon cultivator in the sky were kept in the prison under Di32¡¯s suppression.


    Xu Qing looked at the void. The other party¡¯s reaction was too fast. If he was slightly indecisive, he would be trapped by D132. At that time, his teleportation method would be meaningless.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t feel anything. This was because the captain had said that this person couldn¡¯t escape this time.


    According to Xu Qing¡¯s understanding of the captain, this statement was likely not groundless.


    This was indeed the case. Seeing that the cultivator had teleported away, the captain smiled and spoke proudly to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t 1 eat the flesh and blood of this cultivator previously? During this period of time, I¡¯ve studied it and learned by analogy. I recalled a great divine power targeted at Flame Moon cultivators that I learned in my past life.¡±


    ¡°This divine power is quite powerful and restrains teleportation. The principle is to trace back to the origin. No matter where he goes, I can get him back.¡±


    With that, the captain raised his hand and grabbed at the ground. Immediately, five pieces of the Flame Moon cultivator¡¯s flesh flew up and landed in front of the captain.


    The captain flicked his sleeve and the five pieces of flesh arranged themselves into a pentagon in front of him.


    ¡°However, the prerequisite is that you have to possess five items that have the same origin. Flesh and bones are the best.¡±


    With that, the captain raised his hands and performed a series of hand seals. He muttered something and circles of ripples spread out from a piece of flesh, followed by the second piece, the third piece¡­


    Finally, the five pieces of flesh emitted ripples at the same time and collided with each other. As it became increasingly intense, they rose into the air, forming a black vortex.


    The captain looked at the vortex and let out a deep shout. His voice carried an ancient feeling that reverberated through the world.


    ¡°The soul of heaven and earth, origin descent.¡±


    The moment his voice rang out, the vortex spun increasingly intensely. Vaguely, the soul of the Flame Moon cultivator who had teleported away seemed to be guided and was revealed in the black hole.


    At first, it was blurry and distorted, as though it had been stretched. However, it quickly became clear.


    In fact, the terror, fear, and disbelief on his face were clearly visible.


    At the next instant, the captain laughed sinisterly and grabbed at the vortex. Immediately, the soul of the Flame Moon cultivator who had been summoned back was extracted from thin air.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    The soul of the Flame Moon cultivator revealed despair. Just as he was about to say something to save his life, the captain ignored him and clenched his hand ruthlessly.


    With a bang, his soul collapsed, turning into a pile of green apples that landed on the ground.


    Qiu Quezi, who was at the side, rushed over with great judgment. He quickly kept the scattered green apples and handed them to the captain.


    The captain lifted his chin and looked at Xu Qing. After noticing the waves in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, he became even more smug.


    ¡°How is it, Little Qing? Is my spell amazing or not?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and looked at the five pieces of flesh curiously. He could sense a familiar aura emitting from them.


    ¡°This spell¡­¡±


    Before Xu Qing could finish speaking, the captain waved his hand.


    ¡°I know that you want to ask about the name of this divine art.¡±


    ¡°Listen carefully. This divine art is called the Ruthless Dao of Great Five Bulls Tracing the Origin.¡±


    After saying that, the captain glanced at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed, as though he was awed by this name.


    The captain was even happier.


    ¡°Do you want to learn? Eldest Senior Brother will teach you. After you learn it, if others want to escape, you will have a way to get them back.¡±


    With that, the captain cheerfully took out a jade slip, branded it, and tossed it to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing took it. This spell was special. He felt that it might be of great use sometimes, so he nodded.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother.¡±


    ¡°Haha, there¡¯s no need to be polite. It¡¯s a small matter.¡±


    What the captain wanted was an attitude, and seeing Xu Qing like this, he felt incredibly satisfied.


    At the same time, the eight ownerless forbidden mountains also floated above Xu Qing¡¯s head.


    Xu Qing analyzed inwardly.


    According to the Flame Moon Senior in the palace, if 1 want to become first in this first segment, I might need a thousand forbidden mountains.¡¯


    ¡®I still have to work hard.¡¯


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked at the captain.


    The captain grinned and guessed Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts. Hence, the two of them moved at the same time and transformed into two rainbows that headed straight for the distance.


    When Qiu Quezi saw this scene, his breathing became hurried. He felt that meeting these two was his opportunity and there was no reason for him to let it go. Hence, he flew out as well, following behind.


    Just like that, three figures gradually flew out of the forbidden zone and slowly left for the Flame Moon Inner Region.


    As for this forbidden zone, it slowly returned to calm. The mutated beasts inside appeared one after another. The 27 forbidden mountains that had disappeared were occupied by blood-red grass.


    Several hours later, some cultivators appeared in the sky. They were the cultivators who had left earlier. They had returned to check the situation.


    Among them, there were also people who felt regret and felt that they shouldn¡¯t have left so easily.


    However, after they arrived, their expressions turned solemn as they sensed the changes here.


    This was especially so after they arrived at the location of the mountain range. When they saw the red grass here and smelled the dense blood, their expressions instantly changed and they couldn¡¯t help but gasp.


    ¡°Here¡­¡±


    ¡°How many people died to form such a bloody smell!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t notice anyone leaving. Could it be that¡­ all the cultivators here were killed?¡±


    ¡°That is impossible!¡±


    Gasps spread through the forbidden zone. Some people still didn¡¯t believe it, so they tried to transmit their voices to the communication slips of the cultivators they were familiar with, but there was no response.


    Gradually, everyone fell silent before quickly leaving with fear in their eyes.


    Just like that, time flowed by. As Xu Qing left and the remaining people spread out, the news of the human cultivators killing hundreds of participants quickly spread from those cultivators. One spread to ten, ten to a hundred¡­


    The news was like a storm that continued to spread in the Flame Moon Mystic


    Heaven Race.


    It attracted a lot of attention.


    The first reaction of those who heard it was disbelief. However, as they investigated, their thoughts stirred.


    This was especially so for the Baize Race. They were even more furious. After all, this race had suffered the most casualties this time around. Moreover, their heaven¡¯s chosen was killed.


    However, the experts of the Baize Race were also helpless about this matter.


    Most of their main forces were on the Black Heaven Race¡¯s battlefield and there weren¡¯t many of them left.


    That wasn¡¯t the main point. The main point was that they didn¡¯t dare to violate the rules of the Grand Hunt.


    Only participants could attack other participants.


    But covert operations were still inevitable, so invisible dark clouds were rising within the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, and a storm¡­ was imminent..

 Chapter 1241 - Chapter 1241: I’m Waiting for Him to Pull the Carriage

    Chapter 1241: I¡¯m Waiting for Him to Pull the Carriage


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Several days later.


    In the fifth inner region of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, the sun was blazing.


    The glaring sunlight fell upon an endless desert. Sand dunes stretched endlessly, like the back of a sleeping dragon.


    Rising heat waves spread in all directions, scorching everything in their path, and the air was filled with a stifling heat.


    In the distance, a sandstorm whirled on the horizon, with fierce winds howling. At its end lay an eternal illusion, concealing elusive hope, but more so¡­ silence and death.


    Just like at this moment, in the storm on the horizon, there was dead silence.


    A huge blood-red carriage that was ten thousand feet long thundered out of the sandstorm.


    The carriage resembled a gigantic dragon head with a spine that swayed like a dragon¡¯s tail.


    Indeed, it was a carriage crafted from dragon bones, with every inch of bone engraved with intricate markings, exuding a terrifying aura.


    Floating atop the dragon carriage were over three hundred forbidden mountains, imposing and awe-inspiring.


    As for the opulent interior of the skull, a young man reclined within.


    He was a youth of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    Clad in a white robe embroidered with golden threads, he exuded an endless air of nobility, though all of this seemed to pale in comparison to the youth himself.


    With his exquisite facial features, eyes shining like stars, and a high bridge of the nose, along with the aura emanating from his body, everything about him spoke of his noble status.


    It was as though wherever he was, not only did the affiliated races have to kneel, but even the vast majority of Flame Moon cultivators had to lower their heads, let alone the races other than the Flame Moon.


    With his identity, he could annihilate an entire race with just a word.


    And at the moment, he appeared content, with one hand propped against his forehead, while the other played with a jade slip. A curve formed at the corner of his mouth, and a hint of interest flashed in his eyes.


    A while later, the youth lifted his head and looked ahead as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°The speed is a little slow.¡±


    In front of this dragon carriage, there were hundreds of black iron chains, burning with flames that seemed to scorch both soul and flesh, as they blazed upon the chains. Each chain was pulled straight.


    At their ends¡­ were hundreds of human cultivators!


    These cultivators, each ragged and emaciated, wore expressions of humiliation, yet they endured and pulled the dragon carriage.


    Among them, the one at the forefront was taller than the rest, clad in tattered yellow robes, with blood at the corner of his mouth. Despite this, his gaze was resolute, gritting his teeth as he tugged on the iron chain attached to him, dragging himself forward.


    With their combined effort, the dragon carriage surged forth through the storm, traversing under the blaze.


    If there were any subordinates of the Human Emperor here, they would be able to recognize at a glance that these humans pulling the carriages were diplomats of the human race who had come to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    The tall youth at the front was none other than¡­ the Eldest Prince of the human race.


    ¡°Guyue, Zhonghui, your speed is still a little slow.¡±


    The voice of the youth in the dragon carriage echoed. It was neither hurried nor slow but it revealed a hint of coldness.


    ¡°At such speed, when will you be able to pull my carriage to the Divine Mountain?¡±


    ¡°I promised you that as long as you guys pull my carriage all the way to the Divine Mountain, I¡¯ll plead with my father, the king, to speak on your human race¡¯s behalf.¡±


    ¡°However, I¡¯m not satisfied with this speed.¡±


    The hundreds of humans pulling the carriage at the front lowered their heads. The humiliation and helplessness in their hearts grew increasingly intense. As for the Eldest Prince at the front, he didn¡¯t speak.


    After a few breaths of silence, the Eldest Prince surged forward, allowing the iron chains to cut into his flesh as he increased his speed once again.


    The others also gritted their teeth and exerted their strength at the same time. Hence, the speed of the dragon carriage increased a little.


    But evidently, the torment brought by the iron chains and the pressure from the dragon carriage itself increased with speed, causing greater harm. However, those pulling the carriage had no choice but to continue.


    The dragon carriage sped through the desert.


    The heat became even more intense. When the high temperature landed on the Eldest Prince and the others, it seemed like it could burn all their pride.


    ¡°That¡¯s more like it.¡±


    The youth laughed.


    ¡°You have to know that from the moment you refused to abandon your identity as a human, your maternal family had already given up on you. In the entire Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, only I thought that you were interesting and gave you this chance.¡±


    ¡°So, Guyue Zhonghui, you have to grasp this opportunity well.¡±


    The Eldest Prince and the other humans remained silent.


    The youth spoke as he spun a jade slip between his fingers.


    ¡°Also, I heard that a human is participating in the Grand Hunt. In a forbidden zone in the Eighth Inner Region, he killed quite a few participants, seemingly with ruthless methods.¡±


    ¡°There were some of my people among them.¡±


    The Eldest Prince was stunned, and so were the others. They didn¡¯t know about this.


    A smile appeared on the youth¡¯s face. Fie lifted his hand slightly and the iron chains in front of the dragon carriage instantly transformed into hundreds of whips that swung down.


    A rumbling sound echoed out as those iron chains lashed onto the humans pulling the carriage. Many of them spat out blood and the Eldest Prince suffered even more.


    ¡°No worries, for each person this individual killed, I¡¯ll whip you guys a thousand times.¡±


    ¡°That will be more interesting.¡±


    The sound of the whip rang out as the dragon carriage continued forward. Just like that, it shuttled through the desert. After it left the desert and the oasis entered its vision, the figures of some cultivators appeared on the horizon.


    After seeing the dragon carriage, regardless of whether it was the cultivators of the affiliated races or the Flame Moon Race, they either knelt or bowed.


    The youth¡¯s smile remained as the dragon carriage moved past those who were greeting him.


    ¡°Guyue Zhonghui, do you think that kid from your human race will come looking for you after he finds out that you are pulling the carriage for me?¡±


    ¡°If he joins you, I might be able to head to the Divine Mountain a few days earlier.¡±


    The Eldest Prince¡¯s expression changed and the other humans¡¯ breathing became hurried.


    The lack of information made it difficult for them to guess who the human was. However, they could clearly sense the malice from the prince behind them.


    As he spoke, the jade slip in the youth¡¯s hand flickered. He then spread out his whereabouts.


    After that, he stretched his back and waved his hand, continuing to whip.


    This scene was seen by many Flame Moon cultivators on the way and the news was also leaked by the youth himself. More people knew about it and spread it.


    Several days later, in the Sixth Region, Xu Qing¡¯s figure holding the black spear walked out of a mountain range. It was obvious that there were even more vengeful spirits on the black spear.


    The smell of blood also grew stronger on Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    The captain beside him had a smile on his face. From time to time, he would look at his storage bag. Clearly, he was very satisfied with his harvest.


    As for Qiu Quezi, who was following behind them, he had long gone numb.


    On his way here, he had a deeper understanding of the two humans in front of him. The person known as the captain was an abnormal person with bizarre spells. He liked to turn others into fruits and eat them.


    Even he ate a few of the fruits transformed from the affiliated races. The taste¡­ wasn¡¯t bad.


    As for the fruits transformed from his race, he rejected them.


    In this world where gods existed, even though he was from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, he had seen similar things before. It wasn¡¯t much. What really shocked him was Xu Qing.


    He had encountered killers before, even he himself was one, but he was still shaken by Xu Qing¡¯s killings.


    Unless they encountered the Baize Race, Xu Qing rarely took the initiative to attack, nor would he attack anyone just because they had forbidden mountains.


    There was no need.


    This was because the hundreds of mountain peaks circling his head were enough to intimidate many cultivators. However, there were still some ferocious people who used various methods to try to kill him.


    The outcome of these cultivators who provoked Xu Qing was that they became corpses. Their souls were devoured by countless red threads and their mountains became ownerless.


    For example, just now, a similar scene had occurred in that mountain range.


    On the way, there were more and more similar scenes. The number of forbidden mountains above Xu Qing¡¯s head also rapidly increased.


    They had become a vortex spinning with Xu Qing as the center.


    As for the reason why the vortex had formed, Qiu Quezi had also found out. He had also told Xu Qing and the captain about the dissatisfaction of the Baize Race, as well as the attention drawn by their actions within the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven.


    However, the captain didn¡¯t care at all, and Xu Qing was as calm as ever.


    At first, Qiu Quezi didn¡¯t understand. Later on, after thinking about it and combining it with the current situation of the human race, he had an answer.


    ¡®This person wants to fight for the qualifications to become a Mystic Heaven General. He wants to use this method to resolve the current danger of the human race!¡¯


    ¡®No wonder he killed so many people of the Baize Race. If the Si¡¯e Race appeared, he would definitely kill them immediately as well.¡¯


    With such thoughts in mind, in order to avoid causing misunderstandings in the future, Qiu Quezi still told Xu Qing the information he had just obtained.


    ¡°Fellow Daoists, I¡­ just received a piece of news about your human race¡¯s Eldest Prince.¡±


    Qiu Quezi looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing put away his black spear and looked at the hundreds of forbidden mountains above his head as he walked forward.


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°The Eldest Prince and his followers were captured alive by the heir of King Mingnan. They seemed to have some deal, so the Eldest Prince and the others are pulling the dragon carriage for him¡­ This matter has already spread throughout the Flame Moon¡¯s territories.¡±


    Qiu Quezi spoke in a low voice.


    Xu Qing looked indifferent, and the captain wasn¡¯t too surprised. Qiu Quezi had mentioned this before. Moreover, this transaction had nothing to do with them and they couldn¡¯t interfere.


    ¡°Some of the cultivators you killed were under the command of the son of King Mingnan, so he announced that for every Flame Moon cultivator you killed, he would whip the humans pulling the carriage a thousand times. Moreover, he revealed his own whereabouts.¡±


    Qiu Quezi hesitated but still told the truth.


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and the captain raised his brows.


    In that case, it would have something to do with them.


    ¡°He deliberately revealed his location?¡±


    Xu Qing turned his head and looked at Qiu Quezi.


    Facing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, Qiu Quezi felt a lot of pressure. After taking a deep breath, he nodded.


    ¡°He did it on purpose. Now that he¡¯s in the Fourth Inner Region, he clearly wants to lure you over. This Prince Mingnan¡¯s status is high in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. His father, King Mingnan, is the king of the Heavenly Cloud Great Priest¡¯s Tent under the Sun Flame God. He is deeply valued by the department¡¯s authority. His cultivation and authority are monstrous¡­¡±


    ¡°How many mountains does he have?¡±


    Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°I heard that there are over 400 of them.¡±


    Qiu Quezi looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Lead the way.¡±


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he calmly spoke.


    At the side, the captain grinned.


    Qiu Quezi¡¯s heart trembled and he wanted to persuade him. However, when he saw the coldness in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, he chose to nod.


    Three rainbows instantly rushed toward the Fourth Inner Region..

 Chapter 1242 - Chapter 1242: Thirty-Six Immortal Energy

    Chapter 1242: Thirty-Six Immortal Energy


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Time flowed by.


    Half a month later, after crossing the Fourth Inner Region in pursuit of Prince Mingnan, Xu Qing¡¯s group arrived at the Third Inner Region.


    This place was only two regions away from the Divine Mountain that was the final destination of the first segment of the Grand Hunt.


    The terrain of the entire Third Inner Region was mainly composed of volcanoes. Countless volcanoes erupted all year round, forming a dense black fog that spread in the sky.


    As for the ground, it was an endless sea of magma.


    Only the occasional cold wind blowing through formed intermittent and unstable paths. These paths often solidified for a period before turning back into magma, creating new pathways as the wind shifted.


    All of this was unstable, causing mortals to be unable to pass through here.


    Logically speaking, such a terrain wasn¡¯t suitable for survival for many races.


    However, in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s opinion, it was extremely suitable.


    Such terrain not only allowed their bodies to be tempered all year round but also allowed them to maintain the heart of an expert. At the same time, the word ¡¯flame¡¯ of this race also represented their commitment to fire.


    At that moment, in the center of the Third Inner Region, under the thick black cloud formed by the volcanic eruption for countless years, the sound of whips echoed. A bone dragon carriage rushed forward.


    It was very fast!


    One could see that at the end of the hundreds of iron chains in front of the bone dragon was the Eldest Prince and his subordinates pulling the carriage. All of them were in ragged clothes and their faces were sallow and skinny. The vast majority of them had listless eyes.


    The remaining people gritted their teeth in silence and erupted with all their might to pull the carriage forward.


    ¡°Interesting. I wonder if it¡¯s because of the whip, or if you guys have really come to a realization, or if you want to end it quickly¡­ Of course, there might be another reason. You don¡¯t want that famous human to catch up?¡±


    No matter what, I¡¯m very satisfied with your speed.¡±


    In the dragon skull, Prince Mingnan smiled and spoke. However, at the next instant, his smile was replaced by gloom and his voice became cold.


    ¡°However, I¡¯m not satisfied with your attitude.¡±


    ¡°Now, what I want is to be slow. You guys¡­ are moving too fast.¡±


    As he spoke, countless illusory whips flashed in front of the bone dragon and the sound of whipping rang out.


    Some humans spat out blood, and there were even a few who couldn¡¯t withstand the torture along the way and the devouring from the iron chains. They lost their breath and their corpses fell.


    Some landed in the magma and were swallowed.


    Some landed on the path and became dried corpses, waiting for the next cycle when a new path was formed. These corpses would then be drowned as the original path sank.


    The speed of the bone dragon carriage in the sky was forced to slow down.


    Humiliation and anger rose in the hearts of those humans pulling the carriages, but they were helpless¡­


    The strength of the race was the foundation of everything.


    Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s strength made it impossible for countless races to have dignity in front of them.


    Falling behind was the original sin.


    At the same time, under the same black cloud, Xu Qing¡¯s group were speeding over from thousands of kilometers away.


    ¡°That Prince Mingnan is very high-profile and didn¡¯t hide his whereabouts. According to the latest news, someone saw him moving toward the Second Inner Region. We shouldn¡¯t be far from his dragon carriage.¡±


    Qiu Quezi spoke in a low voice.


    The captain licked his lips and Xu Qing nodded slightly. He looked at the black clouds in the distance and then at the magma on the ground. The world of the Third Inner Region was filled with heat, like a steamer but there was no heat rising.


    However, the dry heat that invaded both his body and soul was extremely intense.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Xu, do you want to¡­ consider it?¡±


    ¡°Prince Mingnan¡¯s cultivation is astonishing. It¡¯s said that he broke through from the third stage of Nihility not long ago and is now at the fourth stage, forming an illusory world.¡±


    ¡°Moreover¡­ the physical bodies of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race surpasses many races, as do our spells and the density of cultivation base, making our race almost invincible in the same realm.¡±


    Qiu Quezi didn¡¯t dare to persuade, but he still couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    ¡°In addition, his father, King Mingnan, is a peak Soul Accumulation almighty with eight worlds. It¡¯s rumored that he¡¯s not far from the nine worlds.¡±


    ¡°As his only son, this Prince Mingnan has been extremely talented since he was young. Although he isn¡¯t the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of this generation, he can still be ranked in the top ten.¡±


    I¡¯ve never seen him fight, but I¡¯ve often heard about him.¡±


    ¡°For example, he¡¯s good at curses, forbidden arts, and even divine techniques.¡±


    ¡°There are even rumors that he has learned several techniques of the Flame Moon Emperor-level cultivation art, the Thirty-Six Immortal Energy!¡±


    ¡°Generally speaking, even one technique from the Thirty-Six Immortal Energy would be considered a peak emperor-level cultivation art in other races.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, not only is Prince Mingnan¡¯s background terrifying, but his strength is also astonishing¡­ Regardless of victory or defeat, there would be a price to pay. It¡¯s not worth it¡­¡±


    When Qiu Quezi tried his best to persuade him, Xu Qing was indifferent. The captain beside him grinned and gave Qiu Quezi an apple.


    ¡°Kid, you¡¯re not bad. Along the way, I¡¯ve found you to be someone worth befriending.¡±


    ¡°However, you only see the background of that Prince Mingnan but you don¡¯t know our background.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s just a mere King Mingnan. As long as Little Qing is willing to give away his yang essence¡­¡±


    Just as the captain said this, Xu Qing turned his head and glanced at him.


    The captain chuckled and didn¡¯t continue.


    Qiu Quezi started and thought about the yang essence¡­ His expression was a little hesitant as countless guesses surfaced in his mind. He glanced at Xu Qing but he didn¡¯t dare to ask.


    Just like that, as the guesses in his mind surfaced one after another, the three of them moved in the sky and time passed.


    Two hours later, Xu Qing¡¯s figure suddenly paused in mid-air and disappeared at the next instant. When he reappeared, he was already on a small path on the magma below.


    This path formed by the cold wind was currently melting. Clearly, it wouldn¡¯t be long before it dissipated.


    There was a dried corpse that could barely be considered intact.


    A human corpse.


    Xu Qing looked at the corpse and the captain also sized it up a few times.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen him before. He¡¯s one of the Eldest Prince¡¯s guards.¡±


    ¡°From the looks of it, he endured tremendous torture when he was alive and the marks of the whip are quite serious. He endured at least thousands of whip lashings¡­ His flesh, blood, cultivation, and even his soul were slowly corroded and devoured. The ultimate reason for his death was exhaustion and depletion.¡±


    Qiu Quezi remained silent, not daring to speak.


    Xu Qing stared at it for a few breaths before keeping the corpse. He then turned his head and glanced at Qiu Quezi.


    ¡°They shouldn¡¯t be far now. You don¡¯t have to follow me for the time being. Please help me take a look around and try your best to collect the human corpses.¡±


    Qiu Quezi immediately nodded.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything else. He instantly rose into the air, stirring up a monstrous rumbling sound. He used his fastest speed to rush toward the distant sky.


    He was much faster than before as he had a clear trail now.


    The captain¡¯s entire body flickered with blue light as he followed beside Xu Qing. He could tell that the killing intent on Xu Qing¡¯s body was getting denser and denser and a hint of anticipation appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Little Qing has an intense killing nature to begin with. He has been suppressing it throughout these years, but it won¡¯t be good for him if he continues to do that for a long time.¡±


    ¡°Kill. Don¡¯t think too much and don¡¯t have shackles. We cultivators need the spirit to break out of all shackles!¡±


    The captain mumbled to himself as he followed Xu Qing.


    An hour later, when the bone dragon and the hundreds of humans pulling it fell into Xu Qing¡¯s sight, he spoke softly.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, I want to fight alone in this battle. 1 want to see how powerful this heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race is.¡±


    ¡°If I¡¯m not a match for him, please take action and snatch his mountains.¡±


    The captain smiled and nodded in agreement.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s figure was like a burning meteor, stirring up the black clouds in the sky and emitting a deafening boom as he headed toward the bone dragon that had stopped in the sky.


    Wherever he passed, the void exploded and the world seemed to tremble.


    There were also millions of soul threads that erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s body. As Xu Qing got closer and his aura rose, these soul threads gathered together and formed Xu Qing¡¯s first god form.


    His aura soared, comparable to the first stage of Nihility.


    A storm brewed.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. At the next moment, on the foundation of the first god form, the soul threads squirmed and the second god form appeared.


    His aura erupted again, comparable to a second stage Nihility cultivator.


    His aura pierced through the rainbow.


    After that, when all the soul threads gathered, the third god form appeared!


    His combat strength was comparable to the third stage of Nihility and suppressed the surroundings.


    From afar, the sinister and tall figure, the blood-red cloak, the crystal skeleton, and the countless blood threads outside his body made Xu Qing look like a demon god had descended.


    Behind him, an illusory Purple Moon rose and above the Purple Moon, the Sundial also formed. As it slowly rotated, Xu Qing took out a piece of Crimson Goddess¡¯s flesh and swallowed it without hesitation.


    His flesh and blood exploded, and his god form rumbled. His form was actually somewhat similar to the Crimson Goddess¡¯. Upon closer inspection, it even bore some resemblance to Li Zihua¡¯s presence.


    His aura increased again, reaching¡­ the fourth stage of Nihility!


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s strongest combat strength!


    In front of the bone dragon, the expressions of the hundreds of humans changed. Some vaguely discerned the appearance of Xu Qing within the god form¡¯s manifestation, stirring up immense waves in their hearts.


    This was especially so for the Eldest Prince. When he saw that the person who came was actually Xu Qing, his heart trembled.


    He had never interacted with Xu Qing before and had only seen him from afar a few times. However, he naturally knew Xu Qing¡¯s identity and his mission this time.


    Hence, he was extremely shocked that Xu Qing had appeared in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. He was also anxious. Just as he was about to remind him, countless whips appeared around them and instantly wrapped around their bodies.


    This included their mouths and their divine senses. After sealing all methods of communication, laughter rang out from the dragon¡¯s skull. At the next instant, Prince Mingnan disappeared and reappeared in the outside world.


    Looking at Xu Qing who was rapidly approaching, a hint of interest appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°You actually came?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s actually such a transformation technique. Interesting, interesting.¡±


    ¡°I originally couldn¡¯t be bothered with the heaven¡¯s chosen of the human race. However, to be able to kill so many people of my race and have such a divine art, regardless of whether you pull my carriage or refuse and end up with your head hung in front of it, you could barely be considered a decoration.¡±


    As he spoke, he walked toward Xu Qing, who was approaching with monstrous momentum!

 Chapter 1243 - Chapter 1243: Peak Battle

    Chapter 1243: Peak Battle


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Xu Qing got close.


    The dark clouds that looked like colossal creatures pressed down, giving off an ominous feeling.


    As Prince Mingnan¡¯s footsteps landed, under the pitch-black night sky, the clouds began to churn, like ocean waves stirred by a fierce wind, with lightning flashing within, resembling silver serpents dancing wildly in the darkness, intersecting into ancient and mysterious runes.


    Thunder rumbled and shook the sky, as though a beast was roaring.


    The behemoth had awakened!


    A vast storm suddenly formed outside Prince Mingnan¡¯s body.


    The violent wind was like a blade, sweeping in all directions, pushing aside the clouds and stirring up the magma, forming a fire storm.


    Even the bone dragon was on the verge of collapse from the violent wind, as though it would be swept away by the storm in the next moment.


    Those human cultivators were like leaves that were swept up by the wind and thrown up, forming a chaotic scene.


    As for Xu Qing¡¯s figure, it was the focus of this storm. The corners of Prince Mingnan¡¯s mouth revealed a hint of disdain as the storm outside his body swept out.


    It was as though the world had transformed into a ferocious demon that swept over with destructive force, ruthlessly devouring Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s fourth god form was the first to bear the brunt. It directly collided with the storm that swept over. The expressions of the Eldest Prince and the humans under him changed.


    They had fought with this Prince Mingnan before and knew how terrifying he was. Although Xu Qing¡¯s aura wasn¡¯t weak, his figure was blurry now that he was drowned by the storm, looking small and insignificant.


    In the storm, a rain of fire poured down, drowning the world.


    The force of the storm was so strong that not only did it disperse the clouds and mist, but also created multiple large craters on the ground. This power, this might, made everything opposing it seem incredibly insignificant in its presence.


    However, this didn¡¯t include Xu Qing.


    The storm emitted a deafening sound at the next moment. Amidst the rumbling sounds, a mysterious power that surpassed the storm erupted.


    It was a saber.


    A saber that seemed to touch the sky.


    The cold white saber light and the pitch-black night sky painted a black-and-white painting!


    It erupted from the inside, shaking the storm outside, forming explosive air waves.


    Boom boom boom!


    Saber light erupted, illuminating the surroundings. It broke through everything in this storm and slashed out.


    There was also a spirit contained in it.


    It emitted an aura that broke through all constraints, shattered all rules, and destroyed all shackles.


    The sky shook and the clouds tore apart, forming a straight trail that stretched for at least 500 kilometers.


    The storm collapsed. The remnant wind rolled back and fire rained down like meteors.


    The ground churned like the sea, creating a 500 kilometer-long ravine. If a mortal were to stand at the edge and look down, they would see a vast canyon stretching endlessly into the distance.


    From this¡­ one could see the power of Nihility.


    As the storm shattered and the heavenly saber shone, Xu Qing¡¯s demonic god-like figure rushed out. With an endless aura and an indomitable force, he instantly arrived in front of Prince Mingnan.


    A hint of solemnity appeared in Prince Mingnan¡¯s eyes as he punched out.


    Thunder rumbled.


    The two of them fought without any delay. Their speed was extremely fast and they collided thousands of times in a short period of time.


    During this period, the sound of Prince Mingnan¡¯s breathing appeared 17 times!


    Every time he inhaled, it was like a dragon absorbing water. Not only was the sound loud, but it also absorbed all the power of heaven and earth in the surroundings into his mouth.


    After that, his physical strength clearly increased.


    Xu Qing had seen this spell being used by the cultivators of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven before. Regardless of whether it was the captain¡¯s explanation or Qiu Quezi¡¯s description of Prince Mingnan on the way, it allowed Xu Qing to understand this spell clearly.


    This was an emperor-level cultivation art of the Flame Moon Mystic Race, Thirty-Six Immortal Energy.


    This was a general term. To be precise, this was a peak art formed by 36 emperor-level cultivation arts.


    Nine Breaths Submission was just one of them.


    Although its name had nine breaths, it wasn¡¯t limited to nine breaths. Different cultivators had different understandings and perceptions.


    Hence, 17 breaths and strengthening 17 times, the physical strength of Prince Mingnan was elevated to a terrifying extent.


    However, Xu Qing could withstand it!


    He even counterattacked!


    As the heavenly saber continued to descend time and again, the spirit contained in it became stronger and clearer.


    As a result, the sound produced by each collision between the two sides was immense. However, due to the short duration of each collision, these sounds merged together to form a thunderous roar akin to the creation of the universe.


    The bone dragon finally couldn¡¯t withstand it and was sent flying.


    Countless deep craters formed on the ground.


    The thick clouds and fog that enveloped the sky were completely dispersed, revealing the sky.


    It was the night sky. While the stars were scattered, one could also see the fragmented-face of the god in the night sky!


    Under the fragmented-face, Xu Qing and Prince Mingnan were still fighting.


    With them as the center, energy waves quickly spread out, with each wave containing a terrifying power.


    Seeing this scene, the captain in the distance and the Eldest Prince in another direction felt waves in their hearts.


    ¡°The spirit contained in that strike¡­ Little Qing, he finally has his own embryonic Dao!¡±


    It¡¯s a Dao that breaks all shackles, breaks all rules, breaks through the constraints of heaven and earth, and breaks out of the conventional path!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes revealed an intense light.


    Due to his limited experience, the Eldest Prince¡¯s perception wasn¡¯t as accurate as the captain¡¯s. However, he was also moved and shaken due to the spirit in that strike.


    He didn¡¯t know how to describe it but he vaguely felt a sense of compatibility.


    It was as though that was the Dao he yearned for.


    Hence, at that moment, his scalp was numb. It wasn¡¯t because of the trembling but because of the resonance!


    Just as the hearts of the two of them churned, an even more intense sound exploded in the sky. After Xu Qing and Prince Mingnan¡¯s figures came into contact again, they each retreated, creating a distance of 1000 feet.


    Xu Qing, who was in his god form, stood there with a cold gaze. His entire body emitted a majestic aura. However, upon closer inspection, one could see that his god form body was filled with countless injuries.


    However, these wounds rapidly healed as the soul threads squirmed.


    As for Prince Mingnan, he no longer looked relaxed. The solemnity in his eyes not only permeated his expression but also spread to his entire body.


    There were also injuries on his body but as white light flashed, he instantly recovered.


    ¡°To be able to withstand my Nine Breaths Submission, I¡¯m impressed¡­ Human, your divine transformation method is quite interesting.¡±


    ¡°I wonder if you can withstand my¡­¡±


    Before Prince Mingnan could finish speaking, his expression suddenly changed and he retreated abruptly. Almost at the instant he retreated, the place he was originally at collapsed.


    The void shattered.


    An iron rod that shone with bizarre light rushed out of the collapsed void and returned to Xu Qing¡¯s side.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Prince Mingnan¡¯s expression was gloomy.


    ¡°Noisy.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice was calm. The moment it rang out, he rushed straight for Prince Mingnan like a bolt of lightning. At the same time, he lifted his right hand and tugged at his body. Immediately, the cry of the Golden Crow resounded through the sky.


    Black flames erupted from his body, forming a Golden Crow that spat out a sea of fire. After that, it rushed toward Xu Qing.


    Its body rapidly disappeared as though it had been stripped off. In the end, only a black spear was left in Xu Qing¡¯s hand. He held it fiercely and threw it toward Prince Mingnan!


    The iron rod also shone brightly. Countless black lightning surrounded it and rushed over as well.


    Killing intent flashed in Prince Mingnan¡¯s heart. He knew his own shortcomings, which his father had also reminded him of ¨C his arrogance.


    This was brought about by his lofty status and the overall strength of his race, which meant that despite appearing to have experienced many battles, in reality, there were few cultivators who dared to truly engage him in life-and-death combat wherever he went.


    A smooth life had brought him glory and prestige, but it had also left him with flaws.


    This was also the reason why he chose to participate in the Grand Hunt. He knew that he needed to temper himself and truly experience life and death before he could transform his strengths into a heaven-defying Great Dao.


    Now, he had a premonition that the opportunity he had been waiting for had appeared.


    Hence, the gloominess in his eyes transformed into dense killing intent. The instant Xu Qing got close, he lifted his hand and opened his palm to the sky, clenching fiercely!


    As if crushed by an invisible palm, a large area of the void collapsed, unleashing countless raindrops that showered the earth. Simultaneously, they hindered the charging spear and the iron rod to some extent.


    The starry sky was revealed to a greater extent at this moment.


    In the starry sky, nine incredibly bright stars shone, conspicuous and arranged together in the shape of a finger.


    Prince Mingnan lowered his right hand and pointed at Xu Qing without bothering about the black spear.


    ¡°The star handle points east, where everything becomes spring.¡±


    Nine stars shone, their starlight replaced all light, forming an illusory finger that appeared in the east of Xu Qing.


    This finger was incomparably huge and emitted a vast might. In Xu Qing¡¯s perception, it was as though he was facing the entire starry sky. Compared to it, he was insignificant.


    Under the envelopment of the force, Xu Qing felt as though he was bound. Everything slowed down.


    ¡°The star handle points south, everything becomes summer.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled. Just as he was about to break the binding force, a second finger appeared in the south. The binding power soared again!


    ¡°The star handle points west, everything becomes autumn.¡±


    Next was the third finger!


    ¡°The star handle points north, everything becomes winter.¡±


    Prince Mingnan¡¯s voice echoed as a fourth finger appeared in the north of Xu Qing.


    These four fingers were extremely long and vast, emitting a terrifying might. At that moment, all of them were pointing at Xu Qing.


    It was the Star Shifting Nine-Star Suppression Technique of the Thirty-Six Immortal Energy.


    ¡°East, south, west, and north, spring, summer, autumn, and winter, where the star handle points, there will be nowhere to escape!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the four star fingers descended towards Xu Qing in an instant!

 Chapter 1244 - Chapter 1244: Thank You

    Chapter 1244: Thank You


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas


    East finger grasped vitality!


    The vast finger in the east of Xu Qing that was formed by srarlight emitted a dense power of vitality.


    Anything that exceeded the limit was as bad as not enough. After exceeding the limit, the feeling it gave off was no longer good bur evil!


    Therefore, this finger of vitality was like a demon.


    South finger grasped prosperity!


    Flames rose, as if the finger of a fire god, aiming to burn and seal the heavens and earth.


    West finger grasped decay!


    A sense of decay and desolation pervaded, carrying with it the passage of time, making it seem as if one could witness the changing of the ages just by looking at it.


    The last one , rhe north finger grasped death!


    It was as though it had come from the netherworld, bringing death with it.


    At that moment, the four fingers with the power over life, death, decay, and prosperity landed. Seeing such a spell, the Eldest Prince¡¯s expression changed and he felt anxious.


    This was because¡­ he had lost to this Star Shifting Nine-Star Suppression.


    To be precise, after he used his bloodline to break through this Star Shifting spell, he was defeated by its hidden killing move.


    This is just the surface layer. Prince Mingnan¡¯s true killing move is hidden behind this surface¡­¡±


    The Eldest Prince wanted to remind Xu Qing, but he couldn¡¯t do it. Regardless of his voice or his divine sense, they were sealed by Prince Mingnan.


    He could only watch helplessly as the four fingers fell.


    The captain didn¡¯t intervene. He believed that Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t be killed so easily.


    This was indeed the case. Almost at the instant these four fingers landed, although Xu Qing¡¯s body couldn¡¯t move and was bound by an invisible force, he could still open his eyes.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes turned pitch-black!


    The Poison Restriction Gaze he had comprehended in the Moon Offering


    Region played a key role at this moment. The Poison Restriction¡­ could erupt through his gaze.


    Xu Qing looked at the east finger and the power of the Poison Restriction erupted. The huge east finger shook, and blackness spread rapidly like a rash on the finger.


    No matter how dense the life force inside was, under the Poison Restriction, it was like ice and snow meeting boiling water, rapidly melting.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Xu Qing shifted his gaze away and looked at the north finger that represented death.


    The Poison Restriction similarly represented death.


    The north finger instantly shook and the Poison Restriction churned like a fish in water.


    After the two fingers were blocked, Xu Qing¡¯s body finally broke through rhe restraints and regained his freedom under the squirming of the soul threads.


    He immediately pressed his hand toward the sky.


    Withering Flame Demon Magic True Self Dao.


    Three large inverted mountains appeared and descended from the sky, landing fiercely in the direction of the summer finger.


    At the same time, with a thought from Xu Qing, the black spear in the distance changed directions, drawing a long mark in the sky as it stabbed toward rhe south finger that represented prosperity.


    All of this took a long time to describe but it was completed in the blink of an eye.


    At the next moment, the Poison Restriction, the Demon Mountains, and the spear rumbled in unison. The sounds fused together, transforming into a huge sound that split the sky and earth.


    The east finger collapsed, the south finger shattered, the west finger broke and the north finger turned to ashes.


    The nine stars in the sky dimmed for a moment, no longer shining as brightly, but blending with the light of the other stars, as if dissipating.


    Xu Qing rushed out and headed straight for Prince Mingnan.


    Prince Mingnan wasn¡¯t surprised that his divine power was destroyed. Instead, he revealed a cold smile and spoke softly.


    Memorized?


    He naturally wasn¡¯t asking Xu Qing. Countless responses instantly rang out from the sky, the ground, the void, the clouds, and all the locations in this area.


    I have memorized.


    These three words were made up of countless different voices, including men, women, old, and young, with varying depths and sharpness, with cries, laughter, shouts, and murmurs¡­


    All the voices were saying these three words.


    Finally, the nine dim stars in the sky moved and formed a circle. After the srarlight connected, it was like a black hole and a terrifying power spread out.


    It didn¡¯t come from a cultivator¡¯s power, but exuded a dense divine aura. It also contained endless anomalous substances that surpassed the forbidden zone and the forbidden region¡­


    It locked onto Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing stopped. He had a feeling that he couldn¡¯t continue forward. Hence, he abruptly lifted his head and looked at the nine-star black hole that had locked onto him.


    He had sensed a similar aura before.


    That was¡­


    Divine Realm!


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing sensed it, an item fell from the nine-star black hole in the sky.


    It was a piece of yellow paper.


    A joss paper.


    The yellow paper floated and fell, seemingly slowly, but in reality, it grew larger and larger, indicating astonishing speed. What was even more eerie was that there was a face on the yellow paper, rapidly being outlined.


    That face¡­ was none other than Xu Qing¡¯s.


    When the Eldest Prince saw this scene, his anxiety became even more intense.


    He had lost to this move.


    He had later found out that this yellow paper was given to Prince Mingnan by his father.


    This item didn¡¯t come from Wanggu but from a Divine Realm that was filled with bizarre entities and death.


    Shifting Star Nine-Star Suppression was just superficial; its true essence lay not in its destructive power, but in its ability to copy the enemy¡¯s soul using rhe inflicted damage.


    When combined with that yellow paper, it could use the copied soul to be outlined by those eerie voices in a special way.


    Make that Divine Realm remember Xu Qing¡¯s appearance.


    After that¡­ burn the sealed soul.


    He wanted to struggle and remind Xu Qing, but he couldn¡¯t do it. The yellow paper that was rapidly falling had already begun to burn.


    Just like how rhe living burned paper money for the dead, this yellow paper money was also being offered.


    A huge pulling force emitted from the nine-star black hole as the paper money was burned. It enveloped Xu Qing¡¯s body and acted on his soul.


    In that instant, Xu Qing lost his perception of his body. Overlapping shadows appeared on his body and his soul swayed inside, as though it was about to rise into the air.


    There were also illusory iron chains that suddenly descended from the black hole in the sky, landing on Xu Qing¡¯s soul, binding it and pulling it upward.


    Xu Qing¡¯s soul struggled with all its might but there were more and more iron chains. There were hundreds of them densely packed together, causing his soul to gradually be pulled out of his body.


    You only amount to this much.


    Prince Mingnan stood in the air and calmly spoke.


    However, after fighting with you, 1 learned one thing. That is¡­ don¡¯t give the enemy any chance to turn the tables.¡±


    Therefore, even if your soul is powerless to reverse the situation, 1 won¡¯t give you the slightest chance.¡±


    And taboo weapons, I have them too!


    Prince Mingnan revealed a strange glint in his eyes. He took a deep breath, bit his tongue, and spat out a mouthful of blood. His right hand rose swiftly, forming seals within the mist of blood.


    With the celestial patterns of his seals, the blood mist surged outward, revealing an illusory scene within. It seemed to depict a sea of blood with thirty-six enormous whirlpools roaring within it.


    Upon closer inspection, one could see that there were thirty-six weapons in these thirty-six whirlpools.


    Every one of them emitted the same forbidden aura as the black spear.


    They were none other than the taboo weapons sealed in the emperor-level cultivation art, Thirty-Six Immortal Energy!


    At that moment, with rhe enhancement of Prince Mingnan¡¯s seal, three of the 36 taboo weapons rumbled and pierced through the seal.


    One was a trident.


    It emitted a terrifying divine might and a monstrous aura.


    Another was a long black saber.


    The saber was chilling and its murderous intent intimidated everything.


    The third was a blood-red battie-ax.


    It was surrounded by countless souls, making it a chilling sight to behold.


    In order to kill Xu Qing, Prince Mingnan displayed the utmost power of his divine arts, and these taboo weapons were no exception.


    With a tug of his right hand, the three taboo weapons rushed out of the illusory scene, transforming from illusory to corporeal. The moment they appeared before Prince Mingnan, their taboo power erupted tremendously.


    The Heavenly Dao should have stopped them, but¡­ this was the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. Flame Moon itself had Heavenly Dao under their control, making interference like this possible.


    Hence, although muffled thunder echoed, no lightning struck.


    As the killing intent in Prince Mingnan¡¯s eyes erupted, the three terrifying taboo weapons headed toward Xu Qing¡¯s body that was losing its soul!


    There was no obstruction or resistance. Only a weak rainbow light seemed to flicker a few times inside.


    After that, the trident pierced into Xu Qing¡¯s soul. The black long saber slashed at his neck and the blood-red battle-ax hacked vertically at his chest.


    His soul collapsed and transformed into light spots that floated toward the ground.


    His head flew up. As it spun, it was thrown toward the magma.


    His body was torn apart and countless pieces of flesh flew everywhere.


    The Eldest Prince¡¯s expression was distorted and his eyes were bloodshot. He trembled and endless sorrow rose in his heart.


    The captain seemed to be stunned as he remained motionless.


    Prince Mingnan heaved a long sigh of relief. He was not satisfied.


    I didn¡¯t expect that other than those few people, there¡¯s really no one of the same generation who can exist under this move.¡±


    Boring.¡±


    Prince Mingnan waved his hand and the nine stars in the sky dissipated. The surroundings returned to normal. He lifted his right hand and was about to grab at the place where Xu Qing had been torn to pieces.


    However, at this moment, his expression suddenly changed. He sensed a vast and astonishing power of time erupting from Xu Qing¡¯s flesh, blood, and shattered soul.


    Before he could confirm it, a huge and vast sundial actually appeared in mid-air. Amidst the rumbling, the color of the world changed and the sundial spun.


    Time¡­ reversed!


    All rhe falling flesh, blood, and soul light spots rolled back at this instant. They rapidly moved away from the ground, from the magma, and from the void. In the blink of an eye, they gathered together.


    They formed Xu Qing¡¯s god form body and soul again.


    The red soul threads swayed, and his crystal-like bones shone. His sinister body was filled with a unique sense of beauty. Xu Qing, who was standing there, looked like a statue of a god.


    Light flashed!


    &


    He was completely unscathed!


    When everyone saw this scene, the Eldest Prince, who was in the distance, was stunned.


    The captain¡¯s expression was as calm as ever and a smile appeared on his face.


    As for Prince Mingnan, he took a few steps back and stared fixedly at Xu Qing as he spoke word byword.


    Law of rime!


    Xu Qing opened his eyes, which overflowed with a rainbow light. His expression was calm as he looked at the extremely solemn Prince Mingnan and calmly spoke.


    Although it was a little difficult, I still have to thank you.


    As he spoke, Xu Qing lifted his right hand and grabbed at the air.


    Immediately, there was a long black saber with monstrous ferocity, a trident with terrifying divine might, a blood-red battle-ax that had an endless murderous aura, and an indestructible black spear¡­


    Four taboo weapons appeared around Xu Qing at the same time!

 Chapter 1245 - Chapter 1245: Return to the Light

    Chapter 1245: Return to the Light


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    This scene caused the hearts of the Eldest Prince and the group of humans in the distance to tremble with disbelief.


    The battle between Xu Qing and Prince Mingnan truly exceeded their judgment.


    That kind of law of time that reversed life and death was already strange and astonishing, let alone the taboo weapons Xu Qing summoned with a wave of his hand.


    Three of them had clearly been used by Prince Mingnan just earlier.


    In a short period of time, Xu Qing actually displayed the same three weapons. Two words rose in their minds.


    A monster.


    Only a monstrous being could possess such terrifying comprehension ability!


    Even the morning glow, by traditional standards, couldn¡¯t reach such terrifying levels. This was the result of Xu Qing combining his divine intent with numerous comprehensions, pushing ir to an unprecedented and unimaginable degree.


    Back then, even rhe heir and Third Grandma were shocked, let alone rhe others.


    Hence, at this moment, the waves in the young prince¡¯s heart had already surged into the sky, transforming into countless muffled thunder that kept exploding in his mind.


    The muffled rumbling sound caused his breathing to become hurried and his body instinctively retreated. He looked at the taboo weapons beside Xu Qing in disbelief and tried his best to control his emotions, trying to calm down.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    He couldn¡¯t finish his sentence.


    This was because an even greater shock was displayed by Xu Qing at the next instant. It shook everyone.


    Xu Qing lifted his right hand and looked at the serene sky. In an instant, a loud explosion rang out from the sky.


    This sound was like the roar of a god. As it echoed through the world, the stars in the starry sky dimmed!


    Only the nine stars shone brightly.


    Starlight scattered down, forming four vast fingers under the sky that enveloped the ground and Prince Mingnan.


    It was¡­ Prince Mingnan¡¯s Thirty-Six Immortal Energies¡¯ Star Shifting Nine-Stars Suppression.


    Impossible¡¯1¡® Prince Mingnan could no longer control his expression.


    It¡¯s impossible to learn an emperor-level cultivation art without a Dao seed!


    Xu Qing calmly took a deep breath.


    The world rumbled as endless power rapidly entered Xu Qing¡¯s mouth. In fact, a huge vortex formed in the surroundings. One could see how strong the suction force was.


    As the power from all directions gushed in, Xu Qing¡¯s physical strength soared!


    Seventeen consecutive times!


    The color of the world changed and the wind howled. A terrifying force that caused one s heart to tremble rose from Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    Prince Mingnans expression was gloomy as he stared at Xu Qing.


    What you displayed isn¡¯t a true emperor-level cultivation art. It¡¯s a simulation. It only has its form and doesn¡¯t have its essence!¡±


    However, this battle is meaningless.


    As he spoke, he turned and sped away without any hesitation.


    He didn¡¯t want to fight anymore. Although he still had many methods and trump cards, if this continued, he had a feeling that all his trump cards would probably be unable to kill the other party.


    Although he also had a similar method to reverse life and death, he instinctively didn¡¯t want to show it in front of Xu Qing.


    The feeling of nurturing the enemy was very disgusting.


    Hence, he fled extremely fast. In an instant, he arrived at the horizon and was about to leave.


    Xu Qing stared at him. He then lifted his right hand and waved it forward as a calm voice rang out.


    Do you think you can fight and leave whenever you want to?


    The moment he finished speaking, four fingers in the sky descended, heading straight for Prince Mingnan. East, west, south, north, spring, summer, autumn, and winter descended in unison.


    Seal!


    Seal his soul and seal his possibility of escape and teleportation!


    There were also four rainbows that represented death that rushed out from Xu Qing¡¯s side, cutting through the sky as they rapidly approached Prince Mingnan.


    Xu Qing¡¯s counterattack was fully unleashed at this moment. The sky turned blurry and the clouds rumbled. A huge prison that covered an area of 50o kilometers appeared in the sky.


    It immediately descended to the ground.


    In this prison, one could see rows of cells. Many of them were filled with prisoners. Some were at a loss, some were laughing foolishly, some were wailing, and some were crying.


    The myriad of forms of all living beings were all revealed here.


    On the other hand, the head and the others let out strange cries. The god¡¯s finger also flipped over and slammed fiercely.


    Immediately, D132¡¯s sealing power soared and rapidly landed on the ground.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the sealing power of rhe four fingers, it was possible for Prince Mingnan to escape. After all, Di32¡¯s descent required time. This was also one of its few flaws.


    But now, Prince Mingnan couldn¡¯t escape.


    The four fingers¡¯ seal began to collapse under his counterattack, but he was still delayed. At rhe next instant, the world darkened.


    D132 landed in the human world.


    Boom!


    Ir encompassed 500 kilometers which included the area Prince Mingnan was in!


    Immediately after, misfortune began to spread and forgetfulness began to grow. Four taboo weapons intertwined and arrived. Prince Mingnan¡¯s breathing was hurried. He could sense how terrifying this prison was, so he performed a series of hand seals and counterattacked, while trying to break out.


    The four taboo weapons chased after him. Every time they landed, they would unleash destructive power.


    Rumbling sounds echoed out, difficult to determine what was happening.


    Immediately after, countless sounds rang out from the cell. Among them, the head¡¯s voice was the sharpest.


    A prisoner wants to break our of prison and destroy the unity!1¡¯


    All rhe cells instantly opened and figures rushed out one after another. They pounced at Prince Mingnan with malice and greed.


    What was even more astonishing was that D132S cage actually began to shrink, forming a crushing force, making it increasingly difficult for Prince Mingnan inside.


    As misfortune completely erupted, forgetfulness became increasingly intense and the effects began to act up.


    At the same time, Xu Qing appeared in front of D132 in the blink of an eye. His terrifying physical strength transformed into soul-stirring might as he pressed down with his palm.


    Prince Mingnan spat out a mouthful of blood and his body paused. The four taboo weapons behind him were almost upon him again. He was about to use his divine ability to counterattack.


    However, an accident occurred, the divine ability that should have activated smoothly halted. Even though it started activating immediately after, it was still a moment late at this critical moment.


    The black spear pierced through his back at a speed that surpassed lightning, creating an explosion.


    Prince Mingnan let out a grunt, his expression ferocious. With a low growl, his whole body shimmered with black light, forming a protective array in the shape of an inner circle surrounded by a triangle. It rotated in a certain pattern to block the remaining three taboo weapons.


    However, it couldn¡¯t block Xu Qing¡¯s rapidly approaching punch.


    As the punch landed, the black light collapsed. Prince Mingnan spat out another mouthful of blood and wanted to use a spell. However, a hint of confusion flashed in his eyes.


    Forgetfulness.


    The trident rushed over and pierced through Prince Mingnan s abdomen.


    The black long saber swept over and slashed at his waist.


    The instant his body was split into two, the blood-red battle-ax got close and hacked fiercely.


    The intense pain and life-and-death crisis caused Prince Mingnan¡¯s expression to immediately recover. At the critical moment, he forcefully dodged the battle-ax that was about to land on his forehead, causing it to slash down from his right shoulder.


    With a boom, half of his upper body was completely cut open.


    As blood spurted out, Prince Mingnan let out a wail and controlled his body to retreat rapidly, wanting to continue to use a spell. However, at rhe next instant, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor rushed over and stabbed into his forehead.


    The huge force caused Prince Mingnan¡¯s body to roll back.


    At the next moment, Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared behind Prince Mingnan. Killing intent flashed in his eyes as he lifted his right hand and a dagger appeared. He stretched it out in front of Prince Mingnan¡¯s neck and ruthlessly slit it.


    The head flew up!


    This series of killing moves was completely smooth with no delay in-between.


    He directly killed him!


    Xu Qing¡¯s habit made him instinctively wave his hand. Immediately, the power of the Poison Restriction spread out, enveloping the remains of Prince Mingnan and rapidly corroding them.


    D132¡¯s contraction also stopped at this moment. All the prisoners inside let out strange laughter.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s expression darkened.


    D132¡¯s cell didn¡¯t have Prince Mingnan¡¯s soul!


    This meant that¡­ this person wasn¡¯t dead!


    As a cold glint rose in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, wisps of green smoke suddenly appeared at rhe place where Prince Mingnan had died earlier and instantly gathered together. As a voice echoed. Prince Mingnan s body directly formed.


    Return to the Light!¡±


    A majestic force rose from Prince Mingnan¡¯s body, seemingly unrelated to rime but more like a blessing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he observed carefully.


    D132 shook under the power of blessing. As for Prince Mingnan, his eyes suddenly opened.. His expression was gloomy and his eyes revealed killing intent as he looked at Xu Qing.


    I can also reverse life and death. I just don¡¯t want to continue fighting with you. Do you really think I can¡¯t do anything to you?!11


    As he spoke, he lifted his right hand and a black copper coin appeared in it. He bent down and pressed it fiercely on the ground.


    With this push, the ground of D132 trembled and a green array formation instantly spread in all directions with Prince Mingnan as the center.


    The center of this array formation was round, the outer layer was triangular, and the outermost layer was circular. They rotated together, emitting rumblin sounds. At the same time, it also looked like a special compass.


    It was filled with a large number of runes. At this moment, each of them shone with a golden light. Six runes rose into the air and grew larger.


    Their shapes varied, resembling


    The moment they appeared, they enveloped rhe surroundings, each of them distorted into black stone doors, exuding the aura of ancient times and accompanied by chilling winds laden with death.


    There were six runes, but seven doors.


    The last one appeared behind Prince Mingnan. Unlike the aura of death emitted by the other six doors, this seventh door exuded vitality.


    Human, since you seek death, let¡¯s see if your laws of time can reverse my taboo killing spell!¡±


    Taboo six runes and seven doors¡¯


    As rhe voice echoed and merged with rhe chilling wind, the six runes began to rotate. The doors behind them stood tall and slightly opened. Voices from the netherworld seemed to be calling from within.


    They called out to Xu Qing!


    Amidst the calls, Xu Qing¡¯s blurry figure appeared above the six doors and was being devoured by them.


    The faster the six runes rotated, the faster they would devour!


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. As cracking sounds rang out, six long marks appeared on his body. They entered his soul and began to tear it.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and immediately sat down. His right finger landed on his forehead, hovering three inches apart from it.


    A large number of black patterns rapidly formed on his forehead. The densely-packed blood vessels formed a sinister ghost face.


    As soon as the ghost face appeared, a cold wind gusted. It was like a lantern swaying and igniting in the cold wind.


    It was the Seven Lanterns Underworld Fire Curse!


    Using a curse technique to suppress the taboo art.


    See who dies first!


    Or perhaps, it would depend on who was unable to withstand the other¡¯s spell!

 Chapter 1246 - Chapter 1246: Curse, Taboo Art, Divine Technique

    Chapter 1246: Curse, Taboo Art, Divine Technique


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    It had to be said that as a heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, Prince Mingnan¡¯s combat strength was indeed astonishing. If it was anyone else of the same generation, they would probably find it difficult to fight him.


    Prince Mingnan had a tough physical body.


    His spells were also bizarre and incisive.


    This was especially so for that Return to the Light blessing. It was the same as Xu Qing¡¯s time law. It was an art that allowed him to be immortal to a certain extent.


    Such an opponent was extremely difficult to kill.


    Similarly, it also stimulated Xu Qing¡¯s battle intent. At that moment, a ghost lantern appeared on his forehead!


    After that, Xu Qing¡¯s finger moved and landed on his left shoulder.


    A second ghost lantern appeared there.


    The underworld fire swayed and Xu Qing¡¯s finger moved rapidly, landing on the other shoulder, dantian, and legs. Finally, the place he pointed at was his heart.


    At the next moment, all seven ghost lanterns appeared.


    As they burned, the figure of Prince Mingnan appeared in the flames.


    The curse power erupted.


    Prince Mingnan¡¯s expression turned even uglier. He could sense that Xu Qing was difficult to deal with. This was something he hadn¡¯t expected at the start.


    The last thing he wanted to face was someone like him who could reverse death and cast bizarre spells.


    What he was most worried about was that if the other party learned all his spells, it would be extremely disadvantageous for him.


    This was also the reason why he didn¡¯t want to continue earlier.


    However, now that he was caught between a rock and a hard place, he had no choice but to fight. He gritted his teeth fiercely and saw the intention of this human in front of him. He wanted to bet with him on who could last the longest.


    To be precise, it was who came back to life more times.


    Or¡­ whoever found the flaw in the other party¡¯s revival art first!


    Prince Mingnan threw caution to the wind. His eyes were bloodshot as he quickly performed a series of hand seals with both hands. The life gate behind him sent a large amount of vitality that fused into his body. At the same time, the compass under him spun rapidly.


    It was the same for the six runes in the air. Xu Qing¡¯s figures on the doors of death were also rapidly becoming blurry as they were bitten and devoured.


    Xu Qing felt intense pain in his entire body and the feeling of life and death spread in his mind.


    However, Xu Qing had been ruthless since he was young. He coldly looked at Prince Mingnan. As the seven lanterns on his body burned, one of them was extinguished.


    Prince Mingnan spat out a mouthful of blood. He gritted his teeth and sped up.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled as he extinguished the second, third, and fourth lanterns.


    Prince Mingnan¡¯s body trembled and his entire body decayed. However, the killing intent in his eyes intensified. Amidst the rumbling sounds, three of Xu Qing¡¯s blurry figures on the six doors dissipated.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body cracked and began to break.


    However, this rupture didn¡¯t affect the extinguishing of the ghost lanterns. In the blink of an eye, the fifth, sixth, and seventh lanterns¡­ were extinguished in unison.


    The moment they were extinguished was also the moment his figures on the six doors disappeared.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body completely shattered into pieces. His body and soul were collapsing.


    Prince Mingnan faced the same thing. Under the curse of the seven lanterns, even though the door of life behind him sent him life force, he still couldn¡¯t withstand it. His body withered, his hair fell, and his life force was destroyed. His body directly melted and his body and soul were destroyed!


    At the next instant, within D132, one could see the power of blessing erupting, as well as the image of a sundial forming and spinning.


    Immediately after, Prince Mingnan¡¯s body reformed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s shattered body and soul also rolled over and rapidly fused together, unscathed.


    The two of them opened their eyes at the same time and looked at each other.


    ¡°Damn it!


    Prince Mingnan raised his right hand and was about to press down on the copper coin that had landed on the ground.


    However, at that moment, a shadow leaped from the side and enveloped the copper coin as his hand descended.


    Amidst the rumbling, it seemed like a wail emanated from within. The shadow dissipated, and the copper coin it had enveloped vanished without a trace.


    When it appeared, it was in Xu Qing¡¯s hand!


    However, the moment he touched it, he felt an intense burning sensation and his hand started melting. He couldn¡¯t use this item for the time being.


    Hence, Xu Qing waved his hand and threw it into the shadow on the ground.


    That shadow was none other than Little Shadow.


    It was originally in a deep sleep but Xu Qing had forcefully awakened it earlier. It took advantage of the opportunity when Prince Mingnan was reviving, to approach him and snatch the copper coin at the critical moment.


    However, it had paid a huge price for this and was very dim now.


    ¡°That¡¯s not something you can use!¡±


    Prince Mingnan stared at Xu Qing. The moment he spoke, Xu Qing lifted his right hand and calmly spoke.


    ¡°I also have a taboo art for killing.¡±


    As he spoke, he pointed at the sky with his right hand. Immediately, the sky above D132 changed color.


    The Heavenly Dao Mosasaur roared and arrived, covering the sky and transforming into an incomparably huge heavenly blade!


    As the divine curse, Poison Restriction, spread, it flowed along the edge of the heavenly blade and became its edge.


    The morning glow shone brightly, becoming the blade light!


    As soon as this blade appeared, D132 shook and rapidly changed its form. It became long and narrow, like a groove for the blade.


    Prince Mingnan¡¯s pupils contracted. He could sense the terrifying aura from this blade and the ancient feeling of time. Most importantly, he sensed traces of gods being killed on this blade.


    All of this caused his expression to change drastically.


    ¡°This is¡­¡±


    As Prince Mingnan inhaled, he felt a sense of danger spreading throughout his body. He immediately lifted his hands pointed at his forehead and heart, inhaling deeply.


    In an instant, his entire body began to wither. It was even to the extent that his foundation seemed to have been shaken. Clearly¡­ he had to pay a huge price to use this spell.


    ¡°Curse Art, Seven Arrows to the Nail!


    Prince Mingnan spewed out seven mouthfuls of black blood in succession. With each expulsion, his body further decayed until he resembled nothing more than a skeleton.


    The seven mouthfuls of black blood transformed into seven blood arrows, each carrying a deadly curse and exuding a terrifying aura as they gathered momentum towards Xu Qing.


    In order to make sure the arrows had sufficient power, Prince Mingnan simply continued to spit out blood and augment the seven arrows.


    Xu Qing ignored them and his cold voice echoed.


    ¡°The Golden Crow is the connection, and the Purple Moon is the seal!¡±


    The Golden Crow danced and the Purple Moon formed runic marks. Under the control of the divine repository, they became one.


    ¡°Containing with time¡­¡±


    ¡°Controlling and commanding with the Sundial life lantern¡­¡±


    Five sundials formed behind Xu Qing. The flames of the life lanterns shook the sky and the gnomons on them spun rapidly as the aura of time erupted.


    At the next instant, they pointed towards quarter to noon!


    ¡°At noon on the Sundial, heaven and earth shall be slashed together!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he looked at Prince Mingnan and slashed out!


    The heavenly blade descended from the sky like a huge curtain or a mountain range, causing the sky to be shrouded and the ground to tremble.


    At the same time, Prince Mingnan also let out a loud shout. The seven arrows in front of him that were continuously enhanced by him suddenly swelled up and became incomparably huge. They rapidly flew toward the falling heavenly blade.


    At the next instant, the God Slaying Blade collided with the seven arrows.


    The world rumbled and a storm stirred up in D132. Seven arrows erupted and they kept resisting, but it was useless. They could only barely resist for a while before they collapsed one by one!


    The divine might was endless and the falling blade no longer had any obstruction. It seemed to have cut through the void and shattered the void, landing on the head of Prince Mingnan.


    There was a loud explosion.


    A huge ravine directly appeared on the ground, stirring up a storm of endless baleful aura that spread to both sides.


    Immediately after, Xu Qing performed a series of hand seals with both hands. Di32¡¯s power of misfortune erupted, affecting the formation of the other party¡¯s blessing.


    Forgetfulness enveloped him, causing him to forget the blessing.


    Xu Qing himself attacked, destroying everything.


    The Poison Restriction also descended, corroding everything. A Sundial also appeared, locking onto that area and sealing spacetime, stopping the other party¡¯s blessing from recovering.


    It was indeed effective.


    This time, Prince Mingnan¡¯s recovery wasn¡¯t completed in an instant like before. It only barely formed after dozens of breaths.


    Although his body appeared again, in the blink of an eye, the heavenly blade landed again.


    With a boom, Prince Mingnan¡¯s body and soul were destroyed again.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were cold. His body was in mid-air as he performed a series of hand seals with both hands. All kinds of divine arts landed. A hundred breaths later, when the power of blessing appeared again and Prince Mingnan¡¯s body was revealed, all the methods that were prepared in advance erupted in unison, drowning the figure of Prince Mingnan.


    He was dead again.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how long your blessing will last.¡±


    Xu Qing waved his hands and the divine might of the entire D132 spread out, augmenting the seal and forming an absolute death formation, causing Prince Mingnan to fall into a completely passive state.


    There were also four fingers from the east, west, north, and south that rapidly formed. Four taboo weapons rushed through the air. The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor hid himself, prepared to deliver another fatal blow at any time.


    Just like that, two hours passed.


    During this period, Prince Mingnan revived 13 times. Every time he appeared, he would be instantly killed by the methods Xu Qing had arranged. During this time, Prince Mingnan tried to use all kinds of ways to resist but he was too late.


    Moreover, each time, his revival took longer than the last time.


    This scene caused the hearts of everyone outside to stir endlessly.


    They could sense how powerful this Prince Mingnan was and how difficult it was to kill him. Similarly¡­ it was also because of this that they realized how terrifying and ruthless Xu Qing was.


    This was especially so when they recalled the process and details of this battle.


    It was as though¡­ from the moment they fought, the rhythm was within Xu Qing¡¯s control.


    Regardless of whether it was the initial probing or the adjustments after knowing that the other party also had the revival technique, Xu Qing had always taken the initiative.


    Every time he attacked, he had a motive.


    The curse art was to search for the foundation and flaws of the enemy¡¯s revival technique. The taboo blade was to create an opportunity.


    Just as everyone outside was shocked, in D132, as the blessing aura formed again and Xu Qing¡¯s methods erupted in unison, an anxious divine sense erupted from the blessing aura.


    ¡°Divine technique, Eye of the Sun Flame!!¡±


    In this extreme passive state, Prince Mingnan had died more than ten times in a row. This time, he clearly sensed that he wasn¡¯t far from true death, so he risked everything.


    He was unleashing all of his blessings in one explosive burst.


    As his voice echoed, the power of blessing rose unprecedentedly and directly soared, passing through D132 and surging into the sky outside.


    The sky in the Third Inner Region instantly rippled.


    In an instant, a huge crack opened in the sky, emitting a golden light.


    It was a huge eye!


    It wasn¡¯t of the fragmented-face but¡­ of the High God Sun Flame!

 Chapter 1247 - Chapter 1247: Dignity Can’t Exchange for Peace

    Chapter 1247: Dignity Can¡¯t Exchange for Peace


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    As expected!


    A dark glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. When he saw Prince Mingnan reviving time and again, it made him think of the head, the stone lion, and the others.


    Hence, he continued to exert pressure, aiming to push the opponent into a corner, prompting an all-out burst.


    This was because¡­ the god¡¯s blessing was the reason why Prince Mingnan could revive after death!


    To a certain extent, it was the same as the prisoners in D132. Under the influence of the god, they were undying.


    If he wanted to kill Prince Mingnan, he had to break this blessing.


    Sun Flame High God.


    Outside D132¡¯s cage, the expressions of the Eldest Prince and the other humans changed drastically and their breathing became hurried.


    A hint of disgust and hostility flashed in the captain1 s eyes. He narrowed his eyes and stared at the huge eye that had appeared in the sky.


    A huge gap opened in the sky and endless golden light scattered down from the gap, landing on the ground.


    The clouds and fog in the whole area collapsed, nor daring to exist.


    The magma on the ground instantly froze and didn¡¯t dare to churn.


    All the rules here were directly erased. All the laws here became illusory.


    In front of gods, there were no rules.


    Only in the crack that had opened in the sky, the cold eye that appeared in the golden light that couldn¡¯t be looked at directly didn¡¯t have any emotions. It was calm and high and mighty.


    It was as though everything under Its gaze was dust.


    The power of anomalous substances instantly filled the world. Time and space intertwined and countless lives seemed to be forming before directly dimming. All possibilities seemed to appear and shatter.


    There was no beginning or end, no rise or fall.


    Under this gaze, a forbidden zone¡­ began to appear.


    Numerous burning red vines grew out of the solidified magma. As they swayed the faces of all living beings appeared and let out cries of pain. Their range continued to expand.


    There were also mountains and rivers undulating inside.


    To a certain extent, this was already similar to the power of the fragmented-face. However, the fragmented-face¡¯s gaze would certainly create a forbidden zone, and was an irreversible natural phenomenon.


    And now, under the gaze of the Sun Flame High God, although an embryonic form of the forbidden zone appeared, it didn¡¯t have a foundation. It was as though after the gaze disappeared, it would also dissipate.


    However, no matter what, this gaze shook and affected everything.


    The bodies of the Eldest Prince and the others began to mutate. They wanted to wail as pain uncontrollably spread throughout their bodies.


    The captain seemed to be trying his best to restrain it, and signs of melting appeared on his body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body was also affected and became blurry under the god¡¯s gaze. All the flesh and blood in his body emitted the intent to become independent at this instant, as though they wanted to separate.


    There were also a large number of flesh buds that grew out of his god form body and spread out.


    D132 also disintegrated under this gaze and was entangled by those red vines.


    The god¡¯s finger trembled and the entire cage blurred at a speed visible to the naked eye. It was as though time had stopped for Prince Mingnan and all the spells Xu Qing had set up in the surroundings.


    His body finally gathered again at this moment.


    However, this time around, although he looked normal, he no longer had rhe characteristic of being undying. His entire person was no longer extraordinary and his expression was distorted. His eyes contained the joy of surviving a calamity mixed with madness as he stared fixedly at Xu Qing, who was showing signs of mutation.


    ¡®I have the blessing of the Sun Flame High God on me. Human¡­ under the god s gaze, you¡¯re just an ant!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with Prince Mingnan, nor did he care about the flesh buds growing on his body and the independence of his flesh and blood.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time he had experienced this feeling. Although he couldn¡¯t be said to be used to it, he knew that as long as the source was dissipated, it would at most consume some life force.


    Hence, he lifted his head and stared at the huge eye in the sky.


    Although gods couldn¡¯t be looked at directly, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were pitch-black.


    The Poison Restriction allowed him to stare at It to a certain extent.


    As he stared, Xu Qing took a deep breath and his god form body instantly dissipated. Millions of soul threads rapidly circulated outside his body and gathered again, forming a new body.


    This body was that of a clay fox!


    It was astonishingly tall and looked the same as the clay fox in his memories.


    It was Star Flame High God.


    The moment it was formed, Xu Qing lifted his right hand. He then lifted the token given by the clay fox high up.


    Under the influence of the Sun Flame¡¯s gaze, the token trembled. Ar the next instant, it emitted endless starlight that enveloped the surroundings and landed on Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    It flowed like a river of stars and the starlight in the surroundings transformed into pink flames that rose.


    The might of the Star Flame rose shockingly.


    The world trembled and all the red vines fell silent in unison. The anomalous substances that permeated the world tried to resist the pink flames.


    It was as though thunder echoed in the void and exploded.


    This scene caused Prince Mingnan¡¯s expression to change.


    Star Flame¡­ Divine Envoy! ¡±


    Xu Qing, who was enveloped by the sparks, seemed to have become a true Star Flame Divine Envoy at this moment. Moreover, it was of the highest level.


    As he stood there, the pink flames seemed to have become a blessing that continued to circle and rotate, forming a huge vortex that rumbled and shook the void.


    Xu Qing was gambling.


    He bet that the high and mighty god wouldn¡¯t really open Its divine eye for a Nihility cultivator. The huge eye that appeared this time was only a manifestation of the power of blessing.


    Even though it was a blessing, in the god¡¯s understanding, there was no difference between Nihility and mortals.


    To a certain extent, it was not completely gambling. Xu Qing understood gods better than many cultivators.


    He was aware that in this state, the clay fox formed by his soul threads and the token in his hand would fuse together to form an aura that could transform into a protective technique.


    Regardless of whether the other party¡¯s eye was real or nor.


    Xu Qing had gambled correctly!


    The huge golden eye in the sky focused Its cold gaze on Xu Qing before looking at rhe token.


    After that¡­ It slowly closed. Finally, the crack in the sky began to dissipate. A while later, it completely disappeared.


    The huge eye left.


    Xu Qing had proven his identity. Compared to a god¡¯s highest envoy, a servant who wasn¡¯t important could naturally be given up.


    This scene caused Prince Mingnan¡¯s countenance to instantly turn pale. He looked at the disappearing giant eye and then at Xu Qing. Unwillingness, grief, and indignation filled his heart as all kinds of thoughts churned in his mind.


    His greatest trump card was useless in front of the other party.


    His background now was completely meaningless.


    This was an outcome he never expected. No matter what, he couldn¡¯t have expected that Xu Qing¡­ was actually the Star Flame Divine Envoy.


    This matter../¡¯


    Prince Mingnan looked at the Eldest Prince and the others venomously.


    In his opinion, these people knew about this but they pretended not to know earlier. This made him make a wrong judgment¡­


    Otherwise, why would he deliberately wait¡­


    However, it was too late now. He had lost the blessing of immortality and his trump card. When he thought of Xu Qing¡¯s cruelty and ruthlessness earlier, his heart trembled.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all and turned his head abruptly. The qi and blood in his body burned as he sped into the distance.


    He wanted to make use of the opportunity when the other party¡¯s cage dissipated to escape this place.


    The teleportation method was also instantly activated.


    However, how could Xu Qing let him escape just like that? Killing intent flashed in his eyes.


    Eldest Senior Brother.


    As he spoke, he waved his hand and four taboo weapons flashed as he gave chase.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor also appeared from the darkness and sped over. He even let out a sinister laugh. It was unknown if it was to boost himself or to intimidate Prince Mingnan.


    There were also four fingers that formed in the sky and suppressed Prince Mingnan.


    The captain laughed. In the blink of an eye, blue light erupted from his body. As it spread through the sky, it formed a ghastly mouth that was like a heavenly dog as it headed straight for Prince Mingnan.


    The blue light enveloped the surroundings. The moment Prince Mingnan¡¯s teleportation was about to be activated, Xu Qing¡¯s divine art and taboo weapons reached him.


    Xu Qing also reached at rhe same time as the captain, and the two moved towards Prince Mingnan.


    One slashed with a dagger, while the other bit down.


    They didn¡¯t need to speak and naturally had a tacit understanding.


    In an instant, Prince Mingnan resisted with all his might. However, no matter how he defended, it was useless.


    Finally, a heart-rending scream rang out as his body was penetrated by the four taboo weapons. Half of his body was corroded by rhe blue light and a wound appeared on his neck.


    His head flew up.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor pierced into his forehead.


    Form annihilation!


    However, this Prince Mingnan was indeed extraordinary. Faced with such slaughter, only his physical body collapsed, while his soul seized the opportunity to escape.


    The teleportation activated, and the soul disappeared.


    Xu Qing performed a series of hand seals and pointed. The four taboo weapons emitted shocking killing intent as they headed straight for the place where the soul had disappeared. It was as though they had calculated that the other party would definitely appear.


    The captain grinned. With a wave of his hand, five pieces of flesh appeared and he cast a spell.


    At the next instant, the soul of the departing Prince Mingnan was directly drawn out of the vortex formed by the teleportation. His expression was filled with disbelief and despair, and tried to make a sound.


    However, it was too late.


    The instant he appeared, Xu Qing¡¯s four taboo weapons had already appeared in front of Prince Mingnan and landed fiercely on his soul.


    The long saber slashed it, the battle-ax destroyed it, the trident annihilated its future, and the spear burned past.


    A heart-rending sound appeared but immediately dissipated.


    Soul annihilation!


    The captain¡¯s figure appeared from the blue light. He licked the corner of his mouth and smiled at the Eldest Prince and the others in the distance.


    As for Xu Qing, he arrived at the place where Prince Mingnan had died. He lifted his right hand and grabbed at the void. Immediately, forbidden mountains appeared out of thin air and gathered above his head.


    There were nearly 400 forbidden mountains from Prince Mingnan.


    Coupled with Xu Qing¡¯s previous 300-odd mountains, he now had more than 700 forbidden mountains. The mountains above him undulated and gave off a terrifying aura.


    That destructive intent was even more obvious.


    When the human cultivators saw this scene, their hearts were in turmoil. All of them instinctively bowed to Xu Qing. However, there were also some among them who looked at the spot where Prince Mingnan had died with worried expressions.


    Although they didn¡¯t say it explicitly, everyone knew what they were thinking.


    After all, Prince Mingnan¡¯s father had a high status and his son had been killed. It was very likely that he would vent his anger on the human race.


    Xu Qing could see this and looked at the Eldest Prince.


    The Eldest Prince fell silent. A few breaths later, he looked at the whip marks on everyone¡¯s bodies and recalled the humiliation he had suffered on the way. His eyes were a little dim as he spoke in a low voice.


    It was my fault. A peace that is exchanged with dignity is nor peace.


    When rhe captain heard this, his gaze was deep as he calmly spoke.


    There¡¯s no peace that isn¡¯t exchanged through bloodshed. Regardless of whether it¡¯s the other party or our side, when there¡¯s enough bloodshed, peace will naturally arrive..¡±

 Chapter 1248 - Chapter 1248: First Place Competition

    Chapter 1248: First Place Competition


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The world seemed to be silent.


    After the battle between Xu Qing and Prince Mingnan, the sky seemed to be riddled with holes.


    The starlight outside scattered wantonly along the incomplete parts, as though it had draped a gauze of the starry sky over this area, giving it a sense of mystery.


    The deep pits and large-scale depressions in the magma on the ground also gradually recovered. After they were filled, the temperature began to rise.


    With the end of this battle, everything became peaceful.


    Only the captain¡¯s voice echoed slightly.


    It was rare for him to say such formal words.


    After saying that, the captain stood there with his hands behind his back and looked into the distance.


    The wind blew down from the clouds, lifting the captain¡¯s long hair and sleeves. A few strands of it fluttered in front of his eyes. Through the gaps in the hair, one could see some reminiscence and emotion in the captain¡¯s eyes.


    It was as though he had a special experience that ordinary people didn¡¯t have. Hence, at this moment, he was like a lonely commander standing at the center of the battlefield.


    When everyone in the human race saw this scene, they all felt something.


    Some of them had heard of Erniu.


    After all, just like Xu Qing¡¯s 100,000 feet of light in the Heart Inquisition was a record, the captain¡¯s ten feet of light was also unprecedented. To some extent, it also represented a certain level of experience.


    But now, as Erniu¡¯s words echoed, these people¡¯s impression of him changed drastically.


    Even the Eldest Prince took a few more glances at Erniu. He then cupped his hands and bowed.


    The captain raised his eyebrows slightly, but his expression remained the same.


    It was very difficult for others to notice but Xu Qing could tell that the captain was posing again with just a glance.


    However, he naturally wouldn¡¯t expose him. With a wave of his hand, a forbidden mountain descended from above and headed straight for the Eldest Prince.


    That was the mountain reserved for the Eldest Prince in the forbidden zone previously. Now, it had returned to its rightful owner.


    ¡°See you at the Divine Mountain.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t have much interaction with the Eldest Prince previously but he knew that the Eldest Prince was also a participant in the Grand Hunt.


    According to the rules of the Grand Hunt, if one didn¡¯t fight for first place, then having a forbidden mountain could be considered to have met the basic requirements.


    As for whether the Eldest Prince could preserve it till the end, it wasn¡¯t something Xu Qing could interfere with.


    After sending out a forbidden mountain, Xu Qing walked toward the horizon. The captain continued to maintain his sighing expression and walked side by side with Xu Qing.


    The two of them flickered in the sky.


    On the ground, all the humans were staring. Just as Xu Qing and the captain were about to disappear from their sight, the Eldest Prince suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Lord Xu.¡±


    The first prince cupped his fists and bowed!


    ¡°I wish you success!¡±


    He could already tell that Xu Qing¡¯s target was the Mystic Heaven General!


    Otherwise, there was no need for so many forbidden mountains.


    All the humans beside him lowered their heads and bowed toward the sky with sincerity.


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and turned his head to look at the ground. After a while, he returned the greeting.


    After that, he took a step into the distance and disappeared with the captain.


    As for the bone dragon carriage, it was also kept by Xu Qing.


    After a long time, the Eldest Prince and the human cultivators each took a deep breath. After looking at each other, all their gazes gathered on the Eldest Prince.


    The Eldest Prince looked at the place where Xu Qing had disappeared and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Our next goal isn¡¯t to exchange for peace but to think of a way to obtain enough information for Lord Xu. We¡¯ll do our best to prepare for Lord Xu to fight for the Mystic Heaven General!¡±


    With that, the Eldest Prince began to make arrangements. As he made the arrangements, the group of people dispersed and gathered information according to the Eldest Prince¡¯s request.


    Just like that, three days slowly passed.


    In these three days, the news of Prince Mingnan¡¯s death gradually spread.


    At the start, it was just a rumor. Most of the people who heard it didn¡¯t believe it. There were even people who scoffed and thought that it was nonsense.


    In their judgment, there weren¡¯t many people with the ability and guts to kill Prince Mingnan with his background and combat strength.


    He was the only son of King Mingnan.


    However, as the news continued to spread, the doubts slowly decreased and the shock gradually increased. In addition, Prince Mingnan never appeared. In the end, the news of his death became a hot topic and was noticed by many cultivators of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    After all, as an influential figure in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, Prince Mingnan¡¯s every move was paid attention to. His sudden disappearance¡­ the answer revealed by this caused waves in the hearts of everyone.


    Hence, many cultivators came to the location of the battle between Prince Mingnan and Xu Qing these few days. They each investigated and guessed the truth from a series of clues.


    This truth transformed into a storm that swept through the entire race at an extremely fast speed.


    ¡°Prince Mingnan¡­ suspected to be dead!¡±


    ¡°The person who killed Prince Mingnan is a human!¡±


    ¡°Someone has already recognized the identity of that human. This person¡­ is called Xu Qing!¡±


    Countless pieces of information were unearthed in a short period of time. Even Xu Qing¡¯s past was found out.


    It was just that¡­ as they learned more, an even greater storm began to erupt.


    Xu Qing¡¯s past was something that even the cultivators of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race were shocked by.


    ¡°The lord of Fenghai County!¡±


    ¡°In the Moon Offering Region, participated in the slaughter of the god!¡±


    ¡°Is honored as a god in the Black Spirit Region!¡±


    ¡°Killed a prince in the human capital! Carries the Great Emperor¡¯s sword!¡±


    ¡°His single word can decide the prosperity and decline of an entire region!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s said that this person possesses the art of a half-god. His poison art is astonishing and he even has the authority of the Purple Moon!¡±


    ¡°Not only does he have Soul Accumulation Dao Protectors behind him, but he also has the blessing of a god!¡±


    ¡°Also¡­ this Xu Qing seems to be the divine envoy of the Star Flame Temple!¡±


    Each information was more sensational than the other. As the news spread, Xu Qing¡¯s reputation rose in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    In addition, he had killed a lot in the Grand Hunt, so almost all the participants in the Grand Hunt knew of his existence.


    Before he arrived at the Divine Mountain, his name was already known by everyone.


    There was another important point here, and that was the number of forbidden mountains Xu Qing had. As he walked toward the Divine Mountain, he began to attract the attention of passersby.


    He had too many forbidden mountains.


    Coupled with Xu Qing¡¯s reputation, wherever he passed, he seemed to possess a piercing power that attracted all gazes like Prince Mingnan.


    Among them, some were indifferent, some were hostile, some were unconvinced, and some were indignant.


    After all, a human had obtained so many forbidden mountains in their Grand Hunt and suppressed almost all of their participants. This matter made them feel like they were inferior.


    It would have been fine if the human race was strong, but the current human race was weak.


    Hence, this feeling turned into humiliation in the hearts of many of the Flame


    Moon Race.


    The hostility grew increasingly intense.


    More and more people were paying attention.


    Numerous pieces of information about Xu Qing¡¯s whereabouts and harvest also continued to spread as time passed.


    ¡°Xu Qing¡¯s group has crossed the third inner region!¡±


    ¡°During this time, the Baize Race stopped him but was killed. He has nearly


    800 forbidden mountains!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing has stepped into the second inner region!¡±


    ¡°He killed many more participants. His forbidden mountains have exceeded 800.¡±


    He is getting close to the first inner region!¡±


    ¡°Forbidden mountains, 900!¡±


    ¡°He¡­ killed his way into the first inner region. He¡¯s less than five days away from the Divine Mountain!¡±


    ¡°Someone has noticed the astonishing baleful aura on Xu Qing¡¯s body!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s every action was being watched closely.


    In fact, many Flame Moon cultivators saw that Xu Qing¡¯s aura was like a rainbow as he continued to rise. Hence, their attention landed on King Mingnan.


    After all, his son¡¯s death was very likely to cause a calamity.


    However, the strange thing was that¡­ from the start to the end, King Mingnan didn¡¯t do anything.


    However, as the news of Xu Qing approaching the Divine Mountain spread, some of the heaven¡¯s chosen among the cultivators of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven finally became interested in Xu Qing.


    Although Prince Mingnan was strong, he wasn¡¯t the peak of his peers in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven. There were more than ten people who surpassed him.


    These true heaven¡¯s chosens of Flame Moon had different personalities. Some were indifferent to fame and fortune, some were arrogant and ostentatious, some kept a low profile, and some were wild in their demeanor.


    Some pursued hollow fame, while others disdained it, focusing solely on pursuing strength.


    Their attitude toward Xu Qing varied based on their personalities.


    At that moment, in the Flame Moon First Inner Region, where the Divine Mountain was only half a day away, a Flame Moon cultivator in a rough hemp robe was walking on the ground.


    His body was much taller than ordinary Flame Moon cultivators, reaching almost 50 feet, making him look like a giant. All the muscles on his body were bulging and his vitality was surging violently. He was extremely strong.


    As he walked, he was like a small mountain, giving off an irresistible feeling.


    Every step he took would cause the ground to rumble and tremble. At the same time, his step seemed to shrink the ground, causing his speed to be astonishing.


    What was even more shocking was the more than 900 forbidden mountains above his head!


    All of this caused everyone who saw him to be shocked and lower their heads.


    On one hand, it was his identity. On the other hand, it was his reputation.


    This person was one of the five top heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, Tuoshi Shan!


    Compared to the other heaven¡¯s chosens who weren¡¯t very interested in becoming first place in the first segment, his goal was to be the first place here and become a Mystic Heaven General.


    This was because the family he was in was the Mystic Heaven Family.


    Their family had produced six Mystic Heaven Generals!


    At that moment, as his vast body strode forward, the ground seemed to howl under his feet. As the world changed, his figure appeared on a mountain range. From afar, one could see a golden light flickering in the direction of the horizon.


    The endless golden light caused the details to be blurry.


    That was Flame Moon¡¯s Divine Mountain, which was also the destination of the first segment of the Grand Hunt.


    ¡°I¡¯m finally here.¡±


    Tuoshi Shan grinned and stood there, looking into the distance. The void around him distorted and nine figures appeared, bowing to him.


    ¡°Welcome, Young Master.¡±


    Tuoshi Shan nodded slightly and retracted his gaze.


    How long is Xu Qing from here? How many forbidden mountains does he have?¡±


    One of the nine figures beside him replied in a low voice.


    ¡°He¡¯ll be here in six hours. He has a few more forbidden mountains than you, Your Highness.¡±


    Tuoshi Shan licked his lips and a hint of interest appeared in his eyes. He didn¡¯t continue forward but sat on a rock and waited. He lifted his right hand and took out a wine jar, taking a big gulp.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°To be able to kill Prince Mingnan, he can be considered quite a character. I¡¯ve always disliked that guy. It¡¯s good that he was killed.¡±


    ¡°However, the first segment¡¯s first position is mine..¡±

 Chapter 1249 - Chapter 1249: Be Careful, There May Be a Trap

    Chapter 1249: Be Careful, There May Be a Trap


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Tuoshi Shan muttered to himself and took a big gulp of wine.


    The nine figures beside him maintained their bowing postures, not moving at all.


    They deeply respected this young master. His character and actions had earned their respect through numerous past experiences.


    For example, this time around, the difference between the number of the young master¡¯s forbidden mountains and that of the human Xu Qing was extremely small. With the young master¡¯s family¡¯s ability, it would be easy for him to casually add a few more forbidden mountains.


    Even if he didn¡¯t use his family¡¯s strength, as long as he spread the news, someone would naturally send the forbidden mountains over.


    In fact, he could instruct them, and they could use other methods to make things difficult for Xu Qing.


    However, they could already tell that the young master disdained such actions.


    He was clearly interested in that human named Xu Qing and wanted to wait here to fight with him and determine the first place directly.


    As for victory or defeat, they weren¡¯t worried.


    From what they knew, the young master could easily suppress someone like Prince Mingnan.


    The Mystic Heaven Bloodline was extraordinary.


    Time flowed by. After Tuoshi Shan finished the seventh jar of wine, a rainbow rushed from the distant sky.


    From afar, one could see the figures of Xu Qing and the other two.


    Tuoshi Shan lifted his head and burped. A strange glint appeared in his eyes as he looked at the horizon and grinned.


    ¡°He¡¯s finally here.¡±


    The moment Tuoshi Shan looked at the sky, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze also landed on the mountain peak in front of him.


    The moment he looked over, the expression of the captain behind him became a little solemn.


    ¡°Junior Brother, this person¡­ isn¡¯t simple. From the qi and blood energy he revealed, his physical body has clearly reached the great circle of perfection in Nihility. His cultivation base is also the same.¡±


    ¡°This person is only half a step away from the Soul Accumulation realm!¡±


    ¡°According to my understanding of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s cultivation art, cultivators at this level like to choose the blood of divine creatures to awaken divinity!¡±


    The captain¡¯s deep voice echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Xu Qing could also tell how extraordinary the Flame Moon cultivator who was drinking at the top of the mountain was. That piercing gaze seemed to sting his eyes, and the scorching aura felt like facing a volcano. This allowed Xu Qing to make a judgment about the combat strength of this Flame Moon cultivator.


    The other party¡¯s location happened to be the path he had to pass through. Moreover, from the looks of it, he was clearly waiting. In addition, there were more than 900 forbidden mountains above the other party¡¯s head.


    His motive was self-evident.


    ¡°He¡¯s Tuoshi Shan!¡±


    Qiu Quezi took a deep breath and quickly reminded.


    Before the battle with Prince Mingnan, he had completed the task as instructed by Xu Qing. They met up later, and he followed Xu Qing. Along the way, he had seen how terrifying this human cultivator in front of him was.


    He also knew Prince Mingnan had died. During this period, he had been shocked and nervous, but now he was indifferent to it all.


    However, this indifferent heart still fluctuated.


    He is ranked fourth among the five heaven¡¯s chosens of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race!¡±


    ¡°He possesses the bloodline of the Mystic Heaven Family and has great innate talent. He was born with divine strength and has been blessed by the Moon Flame Temple five times. He is appointed by the Moon Flame High God to be the guardian of the temple once he reaches Soul Accumulation.¡±


    ¡°He¡­ can be said to be one of the most dazzling stars of our Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race!¡±


    Qiu Quezi¡¯s words revealed the identity of Tuoshi Shan.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart was solemn but his expression didn¡¯t change at all. His speed also didn¡¯t decrease as he headed straight for the mountain the other party was on.


    He could get past Tuoshi Shan if he moved with his full speed, and reach the Divine Mountain which was in the distance.


    However, this was meaningless.


    At the next instant, the mountain peak trembled.


    Xu Qing directly landed on the top of the mountain and appeared in front of Tuoshi Shan.


    The captain and Qiu Quezi also landed one after another.


    The captain used a special way to transmit his divine sense to Xu Qing.


    ¡°The nine people beside him aren¡¯t simple either. You attack first and buy me some time. 1¡¯11 trap them. After you snatch the mountains, head straight for the Divine Mountain!¡±


    Xu Qing swept his gaze across the surroundings and finally looked at Tuoshi Shan, who was sitting in front.


    Tuoshi Shan smiled and threw out a wine jar with a wave of his hand.


    Xu Qing was a little surprised. His soul threads wrapped around it and it floater in front of him.


    The smell of alcohol spread out. With Xu Qing¡¯s understanding of the Dao of herbs, he immediately determined what it contained.


    It was a blood brew that greatly replenished qi and blood, and drinking it provided certain recovery and enhancement to the physical body.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t like Prince Mingnan either. Since you killed him, you are capable and bold. This jar of wine is for you.¡±


    As Tuoshi Shan spoke, he picked up his wine jar and lifted it. After toasting Xu Qing from afar, he took a big gulp.


    Xu Qing fell silent. This Flame Moon heaven¡¯s chosen in front of him was different from the ones he had encountered on the way. However, he wouldn¡¯t easily drink the wine just because of this.


    Tuoshi Shan clearly didn¡¯t care about this. After he finished drinking, he slowly stood up. His eyes revealed a hint of sharpness and the aura on his body spread out. In an instant, a storm brewed.


    It was as though a storm had formed on his body and spread in all directions. From afar, the tornado that was connected to the sky circled around him.


    The sky rumbled, forming a huge vortex. Bolts of lightning swam inside.


    Because it was too close to the Divine Mountain, the phenomenon here immediately attracted the attention of the cultivators in the Divine City under the Divine Mountain.


    Soon, figures flew out of the Divine City one after another. Wisps of divine sense also rapidly approached and stopped in the surroundings, paying close attention.


    A dark glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and his soul threads spread out. The god form instantly formed and his aura also shook the surroundings.


    A hint of excitement flashed in Tuoshi Shan¡¯s eyes. He carefully looked at Xu Qing¡¯s god form and spoke after a moment of silence.


    ¡°Let¡¯s first establish the rules and stakes.¡±


    ¡°In our battle, the loser can keep one forbidden mountain, as for the rest, they will be the stakes.¡±


    Xu Qing was surprised again. This Flame Moon cultivator in front of him was indeed different from the others.


    ¡°Also, there¡¯s no point in fighting directly like this. I heard that your sealing technique is quite extraordinary.¡±


    ¡°And I also have a sealing technique.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we act separately? I¡¯ll take the initiative to enter your seal and you¡¯L enter mine as well. Let¡¯s see who can break through the other party¡¯s seal first.¡±


    ¡°The side that walks out first wins.¡±


    Tuoshi Shan looked at Xu Qing with clear eyes and smiled. He could sense Xu Qing¡¯s aura. His premonition made him determine that once they fought, they probably wouldn¡¯t be able to resolve it in a short period of time.


    Most importantly, he didn¡¯t want to be injured.


    After all, this was only the first segment of the Grand Hunt. He had to maintain his peak strength and obtain sufficiently powerful divine blood in the Divine Realm in the third segment.


    Xu Qing fell silent. The captain stroked his chin and immediately transmitted his voice.


    ¡°Be careful, there may be a trap.¡±


    Xu Qing thought for a moment, but following the captain¡¯s previous approach seemed unreliable, and if they were to compete on sealing techniques¡­


    ¡°Alright!¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke. He lifted his right hand and pointed at the sky. Immediately, the sky rumbled and a vast aura descended from the sky, suppressing the surroundings. At the same time, the image of a huge prison slowly appeared.


    At first, it was still illusory but it quickly condensed. Its aura was violent like a waterfall, emitting waves of divine might.


    It was D132.


    After it appeared, the prison¡¯s gate silently opened. All kinds of strange cries spread out from the open gate.


    Its appearance immediately attracted the attention of the surrounding cultivators and divine senses. Tuoshi Shan also took a few more glances before taking out a tri-colored bead.


    This bead shone and floated on its own, growing larger and larger in the air. In the end, it was a thousand feet in size and emitted a dense sealing power. There were also divine patterns flickering on it.


    Interweaving with each other, they seemed to be arranged in a certain order. Eventually, they expanded outward, forming a golden light barrier. A gap appeared on top of it, splitting open outward like a door.


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s begin.¡±


    As Tuoshi Shan spoke, he directly flew toward the prison gate of D132.


    Xu Qing also moved, heading straight for the gap on the tri-colored bead.


    Tuoshi Shan looked like a brute, but he matched Xu Qing¡¯s speed. Finally, at the same time as Xu Qing, they both stepped into each other¡¯s seals.


    At the next instant, Di32¡¯s gate closed and the gap on the tri-colored bead disappeared.


    The two of them were each sealed in the other party¡¯s seal.


    In the tri-colored bead, the moment the gap closed, Xu Qing seemed to have entered a strange space. The first thing that entered his vision was black. It was like the night, endless and forming a seal.


    After breaking through, a second color would appear.


    Black, white, and red. Every color represented a type of seal.


    If all three colors were broken, what would appear would be the tri-colored fusion restriction, forming an even more terrifying seal. Moreover, every time the three colors overlapped, it would be stronger than last time.


    After continuously stacking, the sealing power would become extremely powerful.


    As for Tuoshi Shan, what he had to face was misfortune and forgetfulness, as well as all the prisoners and the god¡¯s finger. For him, this experience was not only novel but also extraordinary.


    Just like that, time flowed by. Fifteen minutes had passed, but the two of them were still trapped.


    A rumbling sound echoed in their respective seals.


    This lasted for an hour¡­ two hours¡­


    The subordinates of Tuoshi Shan revealed surprised expressions. It was the same for the captain. He understood Xu Qing¡¯s abilities, so he made some guesses about the seal that could trap him for such a long time.


    Finally, when the sixth hour arrived, the captain¡¯s expression changed and the servants of Tuoshi Shan became solemn.


    Although outsiders couldn¡¯t see the details due to the concealments of the seals, judging by the passage of time, they could imagine the difficulty of breaking these seals.


    In reality, that was the case.


    Within D132, Tuoshi Shan could no longer maintain his composure. His hair was disheveled and he was in a sorry state.


    What was in a sorry state wasn¡¯t his body but his mind.


    He was entangled by misfortune and had to go all out at every moment. In addition, forgetfulness had arrived, causing him to forget his goal many times. Hence, the disgusting feeling became increasingly intense.


    He didn¡¯t care about the prisoners.


    He had suppressed all the prisoners and destroyed them countless times. He didn¡¯t care much even about the god¡¯s finger. It was the first time he had seen such a weak god, and it had broadened his horizons.


    ¡°1 might be facing challenges here, but it must be even more difficult for Xu Qing over there. Besides, he can¡¯t possibly break out of my seal. When the three colors rotate to a certain extent, he will discover the final obstacle, one that cannot be broken by anyone below the Soul Accumulation realm. That¡¯s the gift I¡¯ve left for him.¡±


    With these thoughts, Tuo Shishan balanced the torment he endured. Breathing heavily, bloodshot eyes, he continued his onslaught. After suppressing even the god¡¯s finger, he gasped for breath as he walked towards the revealed prison gate.


    If he walked out of here, it would be considered breaking the seal.


    Tuoshi Shan laughed.


    At the same time, within the tri-colored space where Xu Qing was, the situation was equally challenging. He had exhausted almost all his means, but the three colors were endless, especially as they continuously merged and intensified, becoming increasingly formidable.


    Although he continued to break through them, at that moment, when the three colors merged for the three hundredth time, within the light of these colors, there appeared a figure sitting cross-legged in meditation.


    Looking at this figure, Xu Qing stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°Soul Accumulation!¡±


    In this tri-colored space, the final hurdle was a Soul Accumulation soul.


    He guarded the tri-colored space. As long as he didn¡¯t allow it, no one below the Soul Accumulation realm could walk out.


    ¡°You can¡¯t get out with me around.¡±


    That Soul Accumulation cultivator was an old man. At that moment, he opened his eyes and calmly spoke to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    At the same time, in D132 Prison, Tuoshi, who was standing in front of the prison gate, was also silent.


    A sphere was embedded in the gate in front of him.


    That was¡­ the ancient sun, which was also an enhanced version of the Sun of Dawn.


    If this gate was opened, the Sun of Dawn would self-destruct.


    ¡°How f*cking despicable!!¡±


    After Tuoshi Shan recognized the sphere, he was stunned for a long time before he gritted his teeth and cursed..

 Chapter 1250 - Chapter 1250: Little Friend, Don’t Be Impulsive, Let’s Talk It Out

    Chapter 1250: Little Friend, Don¡¯t Be Impulsive, Let¡¯s Talk It Out


    Translator: Atlas Studios


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    At that moment, there were many cultivators observing the two different seals.


    There were also many divine senses coming to watch the show.


    They were basically all cultivators from the various races of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven. There were also some from the main race.


    They were all attracted by the fluctuations here. After they arrived, they also saw some clues. They guessed from the nine people at the mountain peak that one of the people was Tuoshi Shan. They were relaxed after knowing that.


    From what they knew, Tuoshi Shan, who came from the Xuantian Family, had been extraordinary since he was young. He was also one of the five heaven¡¯s chosens of the Flame Moon Mystic Fleaven Race. It was impossible for him to lose.


    Even though Xu Qing had displayed impressive results and an imposing aura that was difficult to look down on, there was always someone better in this world.


    Humans didn¡¯t have any intrinsic talent, so even if they were also heaven¡¯s chosen, they were still far inferior to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven.


    However, this confidence and certainty gradually turned into bewilderment as time passed. Four hours had passed but Tuoshi Shan still hadn¡¯t broken out. This caused all the cultivators to be even more shocked and they each had their own guesses.


    ¡°Something is amiss!¡±


    ¡°This Xu Qing¡¯s seal¡­ isn¡¯t simple!¡±


    As for the nine followers of Tuoshi Shan, they were even more anxious.


    In their judgment, there was only one possibility for such a situation to happen. That was that there was something beyond imagination in Xu Qing¡¯s seal.


    Otherwise, it was impossible for their young master to still be unable to escape.


    Qiu Quezi was also a little hesitant. His thoughts were similar to the nine followers.


    The captain was much calmer, but he was also muttering inwardly.


    ¡®That sh*t Tuoshi Shan? must have cheated. He looks heroic, but his stomach is filled with feces. Otherwise, why would he be called Tuoshi Shan!¡¯


    However, the captain wasn¡¯t anxious. He felt that Little Qing had followed him for so long, experienced so many things, from the immaturity at the start to now, it was difficult for even him to trick Xu Qing.


    His temperament, knowledge, and all aspects had been tempered. This small wave now was nothing.


    ¡°Under my painstaking nurturing, Little Qing has gained profound insights. He can handle anything, but this kind of loss is something he can¡¯t swallow. I bet that Tuoshi Shan is also worrying right now.¡±


    The captain¡¯s guess was naturally correct.


    At that moment, inside Di32¡¯s seal, Tuoshi Shan, who was standing near the prison gate, gritted his teeth and cursed non-stop.


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    He looked at the gate in front of him and a strong sense of powerlessness rose in his heart.


    In these two hours, he tried all kinds of methods to bypass the Sun of Dawn and open the prison gate. However, everything failed without exception.


    No matter how he thought about it, he had no way to open the gate without detonating the Sun of Dawn.


    There were even a few times when his movements were a little too big and the Sun of Dawn actually emitted an aura of detonation. Whether it was an intimidation tactic or not, it truly shook Tuoshi Shan so much that he felt like he was about to die.


    This made him go crazy.


    ¡°Shameless. He actually placed a regional treasure here¡­ Who would bring a regional treasure when they go out? With this thing around, how can I get out?¡±


    Tuoshi Shan cursed inwardly.


    ¡°Xu Qing, oh Xu Qing, I¡¯ve underestimated you. I didn¡¯t expect you to be so sinister!¡±


    Although you may be cunning, I¡¯m no slouch either. The soul of the Soul Accumulation within my seal will surely pose an insurmountable obstacle to you. If I can¡¯t get out, neither can you!¡±


    ¡°At worst, it¡¯ll be a draw!¡±


    Tuoshi Shan sneered.


    At that moment, Xu Qing was also frowning in the tri-colored seal as he looked at the sphere of tri-colored light floating in front of him.


    Inside the light sphere, amidst the intermingling of the three colors, appeared the illusory figure of an old man with gray hair and youthful face.


    He sat in the light sphere with an indifferent expression. His gaze was calm as he looked at Xu Qing and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Human brat, don¡¯t waste your effort. With this old man around, you won¡¯t be able to leave.¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent. Fie had also made a move and used many methods, but all of them were like a stone ox entering the sea, not stirring up any waves at all. He was helpless against the soul of a Soul Accumulation.


    All divine arts were neutralized by the other party with one hand. The pressure from this forbidden land also became stronger and stronger, as though it had completely fused with the other party.


    If he couldn¡¯t make this soul step back, he wouldn¡¯t be able to break the seal.


    From this point, Xu Qing made a judgment. Clearly, the other party wasn¡¯t the soul of an ordinary Soul Accumulation, especially considering its incredibly close connection to this sealed place.


    ¡°This place should be one of the great worlds of this Soul Accumulation in the past!¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. The old man smiled and continued unhurriedly.


    ¡°You should have guessed it as well. This world was transformed from this old man¡¯s great world.¡±


    ¡°In the outside world, I¡¯m a Soul Accumulation, but in my great world, I¡¯m a god.¡±


    ¡°However, I won¡¯t make things difficult for you. You just have to stay here obediently.¡±


    ¡°If you continue to be noisy¡­¡±


    The old man licked his lips and revealed a malevolent expression.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll eat you.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he lifted his head and carefully sized up the soul of the Soul Accumulation a few times. A sharp glint appeared in his eyes.


    Although he was also confident that it was impossible for Tuoshi Shan to escape from D132, if this continued, it was inevitable that it would be a draw. This wasn¡¯t the outcome Xu Qing wanted.


    Moreover, the feeling of being threatened with his life wasn¡¯t something he wanted to face.


    Hence, Xu Qing narrowed his eyes as a hint of determination rose in his heart.


    He still had a method he hadn¡¯t used. If he used it here, Xu Qing felt that it would have some effect.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing patted his storage bag and took out an item.


    Seeing that Xu Qing still wanted to struggle, the Soul Accumulation old man looked impatient, and a cold glint appeared in his eyes.


    He felt that this human didn¡¯t know what was good for him. Hence, he was about to suppress him. However, at the next instant, after the old man sensed the item Xu Qing took out, his eyes suddenly narrowed and his body instantly stiffened.


    His gaze and divine sense locked onto the item in Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    It was a token.


    This is¡­¡±


    A storm stirred in the old man¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Ancient Spirit Emperor¡¯s netherworld token!


    The old man lost his voice and the storm in his body spread out. The sphere of light he was in was also affected and distorted intensely.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing was somewhat surprised. He didn¡¯t expect this old man to know about this item.


    The item he took out was indeed the teleportation token that the Ancient Spirit Emperor had given him to deliver food.


    Since the other party recognized it, things would be easy to handle.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing lifted the token in his hand and looked at the soul of the Soul Accumulation old man in front of him.


    ¡°This token is indeed the teleportation token of the Ancient Spirit Emperor.¡±


    The Ancient Spirit Emperor has been hungry for a very, very long time. All these years, 1 was in charge of feeding him to satisfy his cravings.¡±


    ¡°Senior, your place actually quite meets the requirements and standards of the Ancient Spirit Emperor for food. Since you don¡¯t have a body, you won¡¯t get stuck between teeth, and your soul is full, so the taste should be quite good.¡±


    ¡°However, 1 won¡¯t make things difficult for you. You just have to obediently make way.¡±


    ¡°If you continue to be noisy¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was sharp as he looked at the soul of the Soul Accumulation old man.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you over and let the Ancient Spirit Emperor eat you!¡±


    The Soul Accumulation old man¡¯s heart churned. Those familiar words were exactly what he had said to Xu Qing earlier.


    At that moment, he was returned the same words by the other party. He looked at Xu Qing and then at the token with a hesitant expression.


    Xu Qing was calm. He didn¡¯t give this Soul Accumulation old man much time to think. He clenched his right hand fiercely and the token instantly shone.


    There was also a wisp of netherworld energy that emitted from within, forming a black vortex outside.


    As it rumbled and rotated, a ghastly intent spread out from the vortex and spread in all directions, emitting a dense stench of decay.


    It was the aura of death.


    There was also a panting sound that was filled with hunger and vicissitudes.


    ¡°Hungry¡­¡±


    The moment he heard this word, the Soul Accumulation old man shuddered.


    A dark glint rose in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and he was about to activate the teleportation.


    The Soul Accumulation old man no longer hesitated. He stood up and spoke rapidly.


    ¡°Little friend, everything is negotiable. Let¡¯s be friends.¡±


    Xu Qing coldly looked over.


    After a while of friendly communication, the old man retreated with a smile and chose to make way.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior.¡± Xu Qing was a polite person. Before he left, he naturally had to thank him.


    The smile of the Soul Accumulation old man stiffened. He took a deep breath and continued to smile.


    At the next instant, the tri-colored seal blurred in front of Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. As it rapidly dissipated, he appeared in the air outside.


    The instant he walked out, a large number of gazes and divine senses gathered together. Gasps and cries of disbelief rang out from all directions.


    The expressions of the nine followers of Tuoshi Shan changed drastically.


    Qiu Quezi was excited and the captain smiled.


    At that moment, Xu Qing stood in the air and looked at D132. As the guardian, he could sense the situation inside with a sweep of his divine sense. He lifted his right hand and waved it.


    D132 shook. At the next moment, it turned blurry and the figure of Tuoshi Shan, who was trapped inside, was revealed.


    ¡°You lost.


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    Tuoshi Shan stared at Xu Qing. He wanted to curse but he was also surprised. He didn¡¯t know how Xu Qing came out.


    From what he knew, that should have been impossible.


    ¡°The old man actually let him out?¡±


    Tuoshi Shan was conflicted, but since he had boasted so boldly before so many people, he couldn¡¯t back down now. With a dark expression on his face, he raised his hand and flung out more than nine hundred mountains, leaving only one behind.


    Xu Qing lifted his hand and received them all. More than 1,800 forbidden mountains floated above his head, emitting an earth-shattering aura.


    Seeing that Tuoshi Shan had kept his promise, Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything else. He turned and flew toward the Divine Mountain.


    The captain smiled and followed at the side.


    Qiu Quezi excitedly followed behind.


    The three of them left. On the way, the others were intimidated and instinctively made way.


    As Xu Qing left, Tuoshi Shan was left with a belly full of frustration and confusion. He retracted his tri-colored seal, and the moment it was in his hand, he immediately transmitted a message inward.


    ¡°Grandpa, why did you let him go?¡±


    What responded to him was an even more depressed roar from the Soul Accumulation grandpa.


    ¡°F*ck you, this human brat actually has an Ancient Spirit Emperor token. He used the token to threaten me. What can I do?!¡±


    That old fart, Ancient Spirit Emperor, has been hungry for countless years. If he really sent me over, I would just be a snack.¡±


    ¡°And you are asking me? Why didn¡¯t you come out earlier!¡±


    Hearing the old man shout, Tuoshi Shan felt even more depressed and transmitted his voice faintly.


    ¡°He hung the Sun of Dawn on the gate. What can I do?¡±


    The old man took a deep breath and fell silent.


    Tuoshi Shan was also silent.

 Chapter 1251 - Chapter 1251: The Fourth Statue That Blasphemed the Gods

    Chapter 1251: The Fourth Statue That Blasphemed the Gods


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    On the vast land, there are towering mountains and winding ridges, like ink splashed on rice paper?, forming a magnificent landscape painting.


    Among the mountains, there was a mountain that led the way. It had a majestic aura and looked down on the mountains.


    That was the sacred mountain where Flame Moon Mystic Heaven lived, the Divine Mountain!


    It resembled a brushstroke in the canvas of the heavens and earth, sharp and towering, reaching straight towards the sky.


    Countless white clouds meandered at its foot, like the mythical Penglai Island, suspended in the air.


    Under the sunlight, the rocks and trees on the mountain shone brightly, accentuating its magnificence and glory.


    The outline of the mountain was extremely clear against the sky. Regardless of whether it was from afar or close up, it gave off an intense shock.


    Before he got close, that overwhelming aura assaulted him.


    It was just a mountain, but as it stood there, it seemed to dim the skies before it, as if willing to press the heavens down beneath it.


    This was the first time Xu Qing had seen such an aura even though he had seen many places.


    It stood proudly at the pinnacle, towering above the heavens.


    Golden light radiated from the sacred mountain, enveloping the sky and shrouding the earth. Whether it originated from within the mountain itself or was painted by the sunlight, it was uncertain.


    Xu Qing sensed it slightly and his gaze was deep.


    He could sense that this golden light contained the power of the god!


    To a certain extent, this power was also anomalous substances but it was controllable. It was as though it had been tamed and was wandering in all directions. It could actually be absorbed normally.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and it transformed into the energy of cultivation in his body.


    This scene moved him a little.


    The captain stood beside Xu Qing and looked at everything from afar. A hint of reminiscence appeared on his face.


    ¡°I am here again¡­¡±


    He mumbled softly in a voice that only Xu Qing could hear.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Junior Brother. Let¡¯s take a look at the peak of the Flame Moon Mystic


    Heaven Race.¡±


    The captain patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder.


    Xu Qing suppressed the waves in his heart and looked at the more than 1,800 forbidden mountains above his head.


    These forbidden mountains were rapidly shrinking as they got closer to the Divine Mountain. At that moment, they were like black dots circling above his head.


    Although it had become very small, there were so many of them that Xu Qing was still very eye-catching.


    ¡°With such a number, I should be able to get first place.¡±


    Xu Qing muttered to himself. His speed didn¡¯t decrease as he transformed into a rainbow and headed straight for the mountain range.


    As he got closer, the Divine Mountain grew larger in his eyes. In the end, he couldn¡¯t see its peak. That feeling of insignificance also rose uncontrollably.


    Under the Divine Mountain, three floating cities were built.


    Each of them was extremely vast, interconnected by golden chains, with abundant vegetation growing within them, revealing a sense of ancientness.


    These three cities were predominantly circular in design, reflecting the architectural style of the various races in the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era. Such designs were rare today, even among the human race.


    ¡°This is the holy city of my Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. Its name is Heavenly Flame City!¡±


    Qiu Quezi, who was following behind Xu Qing and the captain, sounded a little excited. Clearly, even he didn¡¯t have the qualifications to come here usually.


    ¡°Only during the Grand Hunt and special ceremonies will the Heavenly Flame City be opened to the public, allowing all races to enter. 1 was lucky enough to come here three times. This is the fourth time.¡±


    ¡°Flying is not allowed in the Heavenly Flame City, and all arrivals must come with a heart of pilgrimage.¡±


    Qiu Quezi spoke in a low voice and introduced the rules of Heavenly Flame City to Xu Qing and the captain. At the same time, the three of them gradually approached one of the cities.


    From afar, one could see that the city was bustling with activity and there were many cultivators. According to Qiu Quezi¡¯s introduction, most of them were outsiders. The cultivators who were truly qualified to stay in the holy city all year round were mostly temple cultivators.


    The arrival of Xu Qing¡¯s group immediately attracted the attention of many cultivators in the city.


    Truly¡­ the human race was extremely rare here.


    Needless to say, Xu Qing¡¯s current reputation and the battle of the seals with Tuoshi Shan had naturally attracted attention.


    In addition, the thousand-odd mountains above his head were also the focus of attention.


    Xu Qing was already used to this. As his figure landed in front of the city gate, his eyes gleamed. He took a deep breath and walked toward the gate in front of him.


    The city gate was naturally not meant for humans, and was a thousand feet high. Everything else inside the city was huge as well, and walking here was like entering the country of giants.


    As for the cultivators here¡­ With just a glance, Xu Qing saw hundreds of different races with different appearances. There were also some strange-looking people.


    The cultivators of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, who were quite rare in the outside world, were the mainstream here.


    Most of them wore white robes. No matter where they appeared, they would attract the respect of the surroundings.


    The kind of lofty demeanor didn¡¯t need them to deliberately show it; it naturally existed.


    ¡°I hated their demeanor back then.¡±


    The captain mumbled.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak and didn¡¯t bother with the scrutinizing and hostile gazes from all directions. He had more important things to do.


    That was¡­ to hand over the mountains!


    He needed to head to the Divine Mountain and fuse his forbidden mountains there to determine his ranking.


    Hence, he glanced at Qiu Quezi.


    Qiu Quezi had followed him all the way and had analyzed and observed him many times. At that moment, he immediately understood the meaning of Xu Qing¡¯s gaze. He quickly took a few steps forward and led the way.


    Just like that, under the gazes of the pedestrians in the surroundings, Xu Qing and the other two moved forward in the holy city. During this time, some rumors were naturally unavoidable. In fact, when they were halfway there, cultivators of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race walked out and directly issued challenges.


    Clearly, there were many cultivators who were dissatisfied with a human obtaining so many forbidden mountains in the first segment.


    Xu Qing only took a glance at them. After confirming that they had no mountains above their heads, he ignored them.


    Several hours later, as the light of the setting sun scattered down in the distance, the Divine Mountain¡­ appeared in front of Xu Qing and the other two.


    Nine huge chains connected to the city they were in and the Divine Mountain.


    Following the chains, one could see the end of the Divine Mountain, where there was a vast square built of greenish giant stones, adorned with three enormous statues.


    They represented the sun, moon, and star.


    Behind the three statues was a staircase that extended all the way to the unseen summit of the mountain.


    ¡°The path to the Divine Mountain has three routes, accessible from each of the three cities, so there are also three squares like the one in front.¡±


    Qiu Quezi introduced softly.


    Xu Qing nodded. He retracted his gaze from the Divine Mountain and looked at the bottomless abyss under the chains.


    At that moment, a gust of wind blew over. As the chains swayed, Xu Qing took the lead and headed straight for the Divine Mountain.


    The captain thought for a bit and chose the same chain as Xu Qing.


    Qiu Quezi was stunned for a moment before deciding to walk on the same chain. Very soon, the three of them followed the chain and walked through everything amidst the howling mountain wind.


    They didn¡¯t encounter any obstacles on the way.


    It was only when they stepped out of the iron chain and stood on the square of the Divine Mountain that the statues of the three gods standing here became clearer in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    The first statue was that of the Sun Flame High God, whose appearance was difficult to distinguish as male or female. The figure appeared feminine, yet the features were masculine. Behind it, the sun rose, while beneath its feet, numerous tribes and demons wailed.


    Its eyes were closed.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with the second one. It was none other than the Moon Flame High God. However, Her statue gave off a breathtaking feeling, with an expression as cold as an iceberg, quite different from the image Xu Qing remembered during his stay in the Moon Offering Region.


    Behind it, a moon formed, casting a cold moonlight that illuminated the statue, exuding a sacred aura.


    As for the third one, Xu Qing was even more familiar with it¡­ It was the statue of the clay fox. Stars shone behind it and its entire body emitted charm, making it difficult for one to shift their gaze away.


    What attracted Xu Qing¡¯s attention the most wasn¡¯t the three statues but¡­ the fourth statue.


    It was a faceless statue kneeling in front of the statue of the Moon Flame High God. Its entire body was covered in whip marks, with countless blades embedded in it¡­


    From the looks of it, the Moon Flame High God hated the person to the core and punished them by making them kneel here forever and suffer humiliation.


    Looking at this statue, the captain blinked.


    Qiu Quezi, who was at the side, noticed that Xu Qing¡¯s gaze had landed on the fourth statue. Hence, he hurriedly spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°This statue has a mysterious origin and has existed for a long time. My race calls it the Blasphemer. Legend has it that he blasphemed the Moon Flame High God and committed a monstrous crime. He was unpardonable and was personally killed by the Sun Flame High God. After that, his body was split into three, with each kneeling in front of one of the three god statues.¡±


    ¡°It is used as a warning to others.¡±


    ¡°I heard that the Moon Flame temple even has a description of this matter in their doctrine. In fact, they even have a special festival dedicated to condemning the Blasphemer.¡±


    Xu Qing silently glanced at the captain.


    The captain showed no changes in his expression. He even put on a serious expression as though he was listening attentively. Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, he even curiously looked at the fourth statue that was kneeling there.


    Qiu Quezi naturally couldn¡¯t understand Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s thoughts at this moment. Hence, he continued to speak.


    ¡°By the way, there¡¯s another rule in the Divine Mountain and the three holy cities.¡±


    ¡°That is, bulls can¡¯t appear. This is a taboo. I don¡¯t know why there is such a rule either, but as long as they appear, they will die tragically. In fact, some races related to bulls have almost been destroyed by the Moon Flame Temple over the years.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the captain? again.


    The captain thickened his skin and continued to look curious.


    Qiu Quezi spoke again.


    ¡°Also, those with names containing ¡®niu¡¯ in their names are also taboo here and cannot be known to others. By the way, Fellow Daoists, there¡¯s no ¡®niu¡¯ in your names, right?¡±


    On the way, he learned of Xu Qing¡¯s name, but he didn¡¯t know much about Chen Erniu. He only knew that he was Xu Qing¡¯s senior brother.


    Xu Qing shook his head and looked at the captain again.


    The captain coughed and quickly shook his head. Qiu Quezi didn¡¯t think too much about it and was about to continue speaking.


    ¡°And¡­¡±


    Seeing this, the captain finally couldn¡¯t pretend anymore and glared at Qiu Quezi.


    ¡°Enough with the introduction, hurry up and lead the way. Why are you talking so much nonsense!¡±

 Chapter 1252 - Chapter 1252: The Race Flags on the Divine Mountain

    Chapter 1252: The Race Flags on the Divine Mountain


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡®What¡¯s wrong with this person? I wasn¡¯t even talking about him.¡¯


    Qiu Quezi felt a little aggrieved at being suddenly scolded.


    He felt that he was just mentioning some rules about the Divine Mountain, so why did it cause such emotional fluctuations in this senior brother of Xu Qing?


    He couldn¡¯t help but make some guesses.


    But, clearly, no matter how he imagined it, even in his dreams, he probably wouldn¡¯t be able to understand Chen Erniu¡¯s thoughts¡­


    However, seeing that the captain¡¯s expression was becoming increasingly unfriendly, Qiu Quezi hurriedly put away his thoughts and led the way, walking toward the steps behind the four statues.


    When he passed by the Blasphemer¡¯s statue, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but take a few more glances.


    The captain rubbed his nose and looked at Xu Qing. He coughed and transmitted his divine sense.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look, Little Qing. 1 didn¡¯t expect that after so many years, that genderless, murderous old geezer Sun Flame, would do something so despicable!¡±


    ¡°This is too much!


    The captain snorted.


    Xu Qing remained silent and retracted his gaze. When he got close to the steps and mountain path, he couldn¡¯t suppress his doubt and transmitted his voice to the captain.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, will the Moon God and the Sun God notice you coming here and slap you to death¡­¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyebrows shot up.


    ¡°Otherwise, why would 1 dare to come here after obtaining the words of the Wordless Stone Scripture?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have a foolproof plan. Sun Flame is in a deep slumber, and Moon Flame has swallowed the flesh of the Crimson Goddess and is digesting them. As for the coquettish fox, although Her avatar has awakened, Her main body is also in a deep sleep. Also, She enjoys spectacles and won¡¯t easily expose us. So, we¡¯re safe on this journey.¡±


    The captain patted his chest.


    Xu Qing sighed and was prepared for an accident. After that, he took a deep breath and walked toward the steps ahead.


    The moment he stepped on the steps, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. One of the 1,800 forbidden mountains above his head disappeared.


    The forbidden mountain transformed into a rainbow and landed on the Divine Mountain, merging into it.


    At the same time, as a forbidden mountain fused into it, the Divine Mountain also underwent a strange change.


    One could see flags appearing on the Divine Mountain.


    It was like a direct ranking list. From the bottom to the top, it was the same height as the steps. The colors were different and the totems embroidered were of all kinds.


    The size of the flag was also different. The higher one went, the larger the flag and the more eye-catching it was.


    Even in the Holy City, one could see them clearly.


    There were the most flags at the bottom of the Divine Mountain. They were densely packed and numbered in the tens of thousands. The height of 100 steps was like a watershed. There were only about 2,000 flags there.


    Looking further up, the flag that was the height of 500 steps became the second watershed. There were only about 300 of them.


    The flag at the top was the height of 800 steps. It was extremely huge and eye-catching.


    Moreover, upon closer inspection, one could tell that 70 to 80% of the flags above 300 steps were the flags of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven.


    At the bottom, among the tens of thousands of flags, there was an additional one as Xu Qing¡¯s forbidden mountain fused with the Divine Mountain.


    It was a red flag. It was normal-sized and embroidered with mountains and rivers, but it was in the shape of a broken flag. It was as red as blood and exuded a sense of oppression.


    That was the current human race¡¯s flag that had gathered on its own on the Divine Mountain!


    The moment it appeared, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze instinctively gathered over.


    At the same time, Qiu Quezi¡¯s low voice rang out from behind Xu Qing.


    ¡°The end of the first segment of the Grand Hunt is to fuse the forbidden mountains with the Divine Mountain. With every step, a forbidden mountain will disappear and form the race flag.¡±


    ¡°This race¡¯s flag will move with the cultivators until the last forbidden mountain disappears. At the corresponding height, the race¡¯s flag will stand tall.¡±


    ¡°These flags on the Divine Mountain will only be revealed when a forbidden mountain merges with it. Otherwise, they remain hidden from view.¡±


    Qiu Quezi also stepped onto the first step. As the forbidden mountain above his head disappeared, a Flame Moon Mystic Heaven flag appeared on the Divine Mountain.


    ¡°Under normal circumstances, a forbidden mountain can pass the first segment and be qualified to enter the second segment of the Grand Hunt.¡±


    ¡°Only cultivators who want to fight for the first place in this segment will gather more mountains.¡±


    ¡°The race flag is formed by the Divine Mountain. It can automatically draw the unique flag of the different races according to their characteristics.¡±


    Qiu Quezi explained in a low voice.


    Xu Qing nodded and retracted his gaze from the human race¡¯s flag. He then walked toward the second step. The instant he stepped on it, another mountain above his head disappeared.


    The Red Mountains and Rivers Flag also increased in size.


    Just like that, Xu Qing walked step by step to the 100th step.


    Standing here, the Red Mountains and Rivers Flag had already become very large. Among the many flags, it also felt conspicuous.


    However, as the race flag grew larger, the shattering sensation emitted by the mountains and rivers on it became increasingly pronounced and clear. In fact, countless corpses even appeared, indicating the severity of the devastation.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but stare at it again. After a long time, he retracted his gaze and lifted his head to look at the flags of the various races above. He then continued walking in silence.


    200, 300, 400¡­


    The moment he reached the 500th step, there were tens of thousands of flags below him. As for the ones above, there weren¡¯t many.


    Such frequent steps caused the flags on the Divine Mountain to be displayed for a long time. A/Ioreover, the human race¡¯s red race flag kept rising and growing, and it was impossible for it not to attract attention.


    Even more holy city cultivators paid attention to this scene.


    Although many Flame Moon cultivators were mentally prepared, waves still rose in their hearts when they saw it for themselves.


    ¡°It¡¯s Xu Qing!¡±


    ¡°Previously, I saw him heading in the direction of the Divine Mountain¡­¡±


    ¡°Arrogant. A human actually raised their flag to such a height in our Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s Grand Hunt!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hateful that those heaven¡¯s chosen didn¡¯t attack him. Even Tuoshi Shan only competed in the seals. Otherwise, how could this human be so smug?!¡±


    As the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivators in the holy city became indignant and hostile, Xu Qing had already walked all the way to the 500th step of the Divine Mountain.


    Standing here, he was surrounded by clouds. As they lingered, there were very few flags above him.


    ¡°I can still walk past 1,300 steps!¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. With a sway of his body, he rapidly moved upward. Very soon, he reached 600, 700. When he stood on the originally tallest flag step, he didn¡¯t stop at all and instantly passed by.


    The red race flag surpassed the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s flag and instantly became the highest flag. Moreover, as Xu Qing moved forward, it was still rising!


    900th step, 1,000th step¡­


    He sped all the way.


    This scene was seen by more and more Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivators. They looked at the red Mountains and Rivers Flag that was continuing to rise and grow larger and larger. Their hearts churned and the humiliation became even more intense.


    As an upper race, most of the cultivators of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven were proud, but the stronger their sense of pride, the greater the inner frustration they felt at this moment.


    Especially when witnessing the human race¡¯s flag fluttering, not only did ordinary cultivators, but even the higher-ups of the Flame Moon Realm in the three holy cities lifted their heads and looked at the Mountains and Rivers Flag on the Divine Mountain.


    Their expressions were all different.


    One of them was none other than the dignitary from the Flame Moon Race who was in the palace in the forbidden zone earlier. He looked at Xu Qing on the Divine Mountain and felt the hostility of his race¡¯s cultivators. A smile bloomed on his face.


    Time flowed by and the height of the Mountains and Rivers Flag was still rapidly increasing. 1200 steps, 1400 steps, 1600 steps¡­


    This lasted until above the clouds, at the height of 1,873 steps, the red mountain and river flag whistled in the wind, its flag unfurled for 10,000 feet, leading the way, standing out from all others!


    The feeling of suppressing the crowd was incomparably intense.


    This was an unprecedented first!


    It was the first time in all the Grand Hunts in the countless years of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    The human race would become the first in the first segment.


    The instant the flag was completely erected, the three holy cities fell silent. Countless gazes gathered on the Divine Mountain and landed on the red Mountains and Rivers Flag!


    Xu Qing also looked at the flag. His expression was a little dazed and he couldn¡¯t describe what he felt. After a long time, he retracted his gaze and walked down step by step.


    On the way down the mountain, he vaguely heard an uproar and commotion from the outside world.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about these. He walked down the steps and walked to the captain¡¯s side. The captain smiled at Xu Qing.


    ¡°How does it feel to stand there?¡±


    Xu Qing turned his head and looked at the Divine Mountain, shaking his head.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that I didn¡¯t reach the peak.¡±


    The captain laughed loudly.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. Now, this has already attracted the hostility and disgust of all the races in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven. After all, this is placing a flag on their Divine Mountain.¡±


    ¡°The goal of the higher-ups of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race has been achieved. The reason why they tacitly agreed to your appearance and killing is to provoke this generation of cultivators of their race.¡±


    ¡°A pack of wild dogs, if they want to be fiercer, if they want to ignite their fighting spirit, naturally need a wolf to provoke them a bit, only then can they erupt better.¡±


    ¡°You are the wolf they are willing to see. Of course, 1 prefer to call you a sh*t-stirrer.¡±


    ¡°You can imagine that in the second or even third segment, you will have to face even more attention.¡±


    ¡°So, since that¡¯s the case, let¡¯s kill them properly!¡±


    The captain said with a smile.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, your analogy is quite apt.¡± When Xu Qing heard this, he calmly spoke.


    The captain blinked and felt smug. He also felt that his analogy was perfect.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. 1 just asked the little sparrow. We¡¯ll have a period of rest after this and wait for the second segment to begin. During this period, we have to find a place to stay. However, the prices here are too high and it¡¯s not worth it.¡±


    ¡°Fortunately, the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race provided all the participants in the Grand Hunt with free cave abodes. We can stay there for a while. It would be a waste not to take advantage of this.¡±


    ¡°Also, the second segment is similar to what i guessed.¡±


    ¡°Hunting in the Mountains and Seas Region!¡±


    The captain licked his lips.


    ¡°Let me tell you, Little Qing, there are many delicious ferocious beasts in the Mountains and Seas Region. 1 guarantee that you¡¯ll never forget them even if you eat them once..¡±

 Chapter 1253 - Chapter 1253: A Stranger in a Foreign Land

    Chapter 1253: A Stranger in a Foreign Land


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t yet very clear about how delicious the ferocious beasts in the Mountains and Seas Region were. However, as he and the captain left and arrived at the free cave abode, Xu Qing could clearly sense the high and mighty status of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    During the Grand Hunt, the three holy cities were opened to the public. However, the prices were too high. After all, this place was the core of the entire Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    Such prices weren¡¯t something ordinary cultivators could afford.


    Hence, the holy city provided a place for the cultivators of the various races who were participating in the hunt to stay and rest.


    However, such an area was very particular about the identity of the residents. It was divided into high-grade, medium-grade, and low-grade.


    Only the cultivators of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven and a few super high races were qualified to stay in high-grade cave abodes. There, not only was the spiritual energy divided separately, but they were also enhanced by the Divine Mountain, and divided into courtyards.


    Whether it be the beautiful environment or the suitability for cultivation, everything was of top quality.


    As for medium-grade cave abodes, they were the residences of the affiliated races of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, and were much simpler.


    The low-grade cave abodes were the crudest and were specially opened to participants from the lower races other than the Flame Moon Race.


    Even though Xu Qing had placed the Mountains and Rivers Flag on the Divine Mountain and became first, he didn¡¯t have the qualifications to stay in a high-grade or medium-grade cave abode. He could only choose a low-grade cave abode.


    In the eyes of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, those who were inferior to them and didn¡¯t choose to submit were all from the lower races.


    Regarding this, even Qiu Quezi was helpless. However, he still wanted to use his quota to help Xu Qing exchange for a high-grade cave abode. Hence, he tried to communicate with the cultivator in charge of the cave abodes.


    The strength and weakness of a race was often reflected in individuals, which was quite evident.


    Unless one had the personal strength to break through everything, only then could their identity surpass the race.


    However, Xu Qing clearly hadn¡¯t achieved it yet.


    The cultivator from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, who was in charge of arranging the cave abodes, naturally didn¡¯t have a good impression of Xu Qing and the captain.


    Regarding Qiu Quezi¡¯s request, he frowned and calmly spoke.


    ¡°No way!¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re willing to stay, then stay. If you¡¯re not, then leave. This is the rule in the entire Holy City.¡±


    As he spoke, the cultivator from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven threw out a cave abode token. After that, he closed his eyes and ignored Xu Qing and the others.


    Qiu Quezi sighed inwardly. He then looked at Xu Qing and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Xu, it¡¯s already late and the holy city will have a curfew after sunset¡­ It¡¯s almost time.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the grade of residence. However, when he heard the word ¡¯curfew¡¯, his divine sense swept through the outside world. The sun was setting but there was still an endless stream of pedestrians in all directions. It didn¡¯t look like there would be a curfew.


    ¡°It¡¯s only a curfew for foreign races.¡± The captain raised his brows and picked up the cave abode token.


    ¡°Since it¡¯s free, we naturally have to use it. It¡¯s a waste to abandon it.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He retracted his divine sense and nodded at Qiu Quezi before leaving with the captain according to the token¡¯s guidance.


    Qiu Quezi cupped his fists and bowed. He sighed with emotion.


    He had followed Xu Qing all the way and was very clear that the other party¡¯s combat strength was astonishing.


    He is just at perfected Spirit Repository, but already possesses the combat strength to fight against fourth stage Nihility¡­ If such a heaven¡¯s chosen was born in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, he would definitely be our race¡¯s heaven¡¯s chosen.¡±


    ¡°What a pity, what a pity.¡±


    Qiu Quezi sighed and watched as Xu Qing and the captain disappeared before leaving.


    Time slowly passed and the sun completely set. The moment the bright moon rose, Xu Qing and the captain had already found the cave abode they belonged to.


    To be precise, it couldn¡¯t be considered a cave abode; it was just a simple residence, both inside and out, very rudimentary, and in a remote location.


    However, Xu Qing had never cared much about the place he lived in. No matter how crude this residence was, it was still much better than the place he lived in when he was young.


    Hence, Xu Qing calmly sat cross-legged and closed his eyes to meditate.


    The captain also had a nonchalant expression. At the side, he held a jade slip and kept transmitting his voice. It was unknown who he was communicating with.


    Just like that, a night passed.


    The next morning, the captain greeted Xu Qing and winked at him.


    ¡°Little Qing, I¡¯ve inquired about it. There¡¯s still a month before the second segment starts. We have plenty of time. You should rest well. I plan to gather some information during this period.¡±


    ¡°Also, I have some personal matters to attend to.¡±


    The captain licked his lips and his eyes were filled with anticipation and excitement. He looked very similar to the people Xu Qing had seen heading to the feather tent at the scavenger campsite when he was young.


    ¡°Be careful.¡±


    Xu Qing reminded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, don¡¯t worry. With the Wordless Stone Scripture around, my aura won¡¯t be sensed.¡±


    The captain habitually patted his chest and rubbed his hands before leaving.


    Xu Qing shook his head and continued to meditate with his eyes closed.


    Several days passed.


    During these few days, Xu Qing didn¡¯t go out and the captain didn¡¯t return either.


    Now, after several days of rest, Xu Qing¡¯s mental fatigue from the slaughter had already recovered.


    ¡°I should go take a look and see if 1 can buy some information about the Mountains and Seas Region.¡±


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and pondered for a moment before walking out of the house.


    During these few days, flags appeared on the Divine Mountain many times but no one could surpass Xu Qing¡¯s height. The repeated display of the Divine Mountain flags also made the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivators feel increasingly uncomfortable.


    The feeling of seeing the Mountains and Rivers flag high and mighty when they lifted their heads caused them to feel disgust toward Xu Qing.


    This disgust was clearly emitted by the passersby as Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared in the city.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t mind.


    He ignored the discussions mixed with malice.


    The first segment had already ended. Without any benefits, Xu Qing felt that it was meaningless to make a move. Moreover¡­ there was too much disgust permeating the air. Even if he started killing, he wouldn¡¯t be able to kill them all.


    On the way, several challengers appeared, but none of them, Xu Qing felt, were worth his effort.


    ¡°Human Xu Qing!¡±


    As he walked forward, a jade slip whizzed out from the crowd and floated in front of Xu Qing.


    Following the jade slip was a young man from one of the affiliated races of the Flame Moon, staring coldly at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Do you dare to leave the Holy City and fight to the death with me?!¡±


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over and looked at the youth. After that, he ignored him and continued forward.


    The other party also was worthless.


    It was clear that the young man wasn¡¯t really looking to challenge Xu Qing; he was just seizing the opportunity. So, as Xu Qing walked away, he chuckled a few times, taking advantage to gain some reputation.


    Similar challenges appeared one after another as Xu Qing moved forward.


    Xu Qing felt a little annoyed, especially when he saw some shops in the holy city divided into different grades, with some even outright refusing service to him upon seeing him.


    That expression of disgust, malice, and provocation caused Xu Qing¡¯s gaze to turn cold.


    He knew that as long as he took out the clay fox¡¯s token, everything would be easily resolved. He could enter any store and buy whatever he wanted.


    However, he looked up at the Divine Mountain. In the end, he didn¡¯t take out the clay fox¡¯s token. Instead, he transmitted his voice to Qiu Quezi.


    After that, he turned and returned to his residence.


    After resting for a while in his residence, Qiu Quezi brought all the information he could gather about the Mountains and Seas Region and handed it to Xu Qing.


    After not seeing him for a few days, Qiu Quezi¡¯s expression looked a little complicated. After he delivered the information, he bowed and left.


    Xu Qing took a look. With his experience, if he were to put himself in Qiu Quezi¡¯s shoes, he could understand the source of the other party¡¯s complexity.


    As a member of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, he had followed two humans who were disliked by his race. Presumably, he had to endure many mocking words in the past few days.


    Xu Qing remained silent and recalled the scenes after he arrived in the holy city. A sense of resentment rose within him. After a long while, he picked up the jade slip brought by Qiu Quezi and carefully examined the information about the second segment of the hunt.


    The second segment would be held in the Mountains and Seas Region.


    This region was quite unique; inside, there were no cultivator groups, but instead an uncountable number of mutated beasts, some solitary and others in groups, ultimately forming a land of beasts.


    Over the countless years, regardless of whether it was the beasts in this regions or the beasts the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race had obtained from outside, under the accumulation and reproduction, there were too many inexplicable mutations and the emergence of various bizarre creatures, as well as fierce beasts not found in the outside world.


    For example, the ghost carriage Xu Qing and the captain had seen was one of them.


    As for the earliest history of the Mountains and Seas Region, the jade slip sent by Qiu Quezi didn¡¯t elaborate. It only had a short sentence about it.


    It was related to the ancient legend of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven.


    What it was specifically, it didn¡¯t mention.


    Regarding this, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t too curious. What he focused on was the famous ferocious beasts recorded in the jade slip and their territories.


    After a careful inspection, Xu Qing finally looked at the ferocious beast ranked first.


    Its name was Nine Li!


    This beast¡¯s status in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race was very special.


    This was because in the history of the Flame Moon Race, there had only been one time when Jiuli was subdued.


    That was the first patriarch of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race back then.


    He was also the one who led the rise of this race and unified the Great Magistrates.


    His mount was Jiuli.


    After that, no one succeeded in conquering it.


    It was also because of this that Jiuli held an extremely high position in the hearts of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivators.


    In fact, Flame Moon even said that if someone subdued Jiuli, then all the members of the Flame Moon Race would have to salute and bow to them.


    There were also many rumors about the Jiuli, but there were very few specific descriptions. Moreover, there was no mention of whether it existed alone or in a group.


    In addition, the jade slip also mentioned that although the experts of the older generation in the Flame Moon Race should have the ability to subdue Jiuli, the gods of the Flame Moon had made strict rules about the Mountains and Seas Region.


    That place was usually not open and it was strictly forbidden to enter.


    Only during the Grand Hunt would the gods open it. It was also at this time that the participants could obtain mutated beasts inside as mounts.


    This restriction caused the Jiuli to not appear again for countless years.


    As for the place where the Jiuli was located, it was called the Jiuli Forbidden. The jade slip clearly pointed out that that place was extremely dangerous. Anyone who entered would definitely die.


    ¡°Jiuli?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He didn¡¯t know if he was thinking too much but after reading these introductions about Jiuli, he had a faint feeling that there seemed to be contradictions in a lot of information.


    ¡°Is there something hidden¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    ¡°What kind of a ferocious beast is the Jiuli?¡±

 Chapter 1254 - Chapter 1254: Expertise

    Chapter 1254: Expertise


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Xu Qing was tempted by Jiuli.


    After all, if he could subdue this ferocious beast which had a special significance in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race and turn it into a mount, he would definitely be able to leave everyone behind and become the first in the second segment.


    Xu Qing¡¯s target wasn¡¯t the Mystic Heaven General but the Grand Mystic Heaven!


    If he wanted to become the Grand Mystic Heaven, he had to obtain first place in every segment.


    ¡°Unfortunately, Jiuli¡­ isn¡¯t something I can subdue.¡±


    Xu Qing felt a bit regretful. While he could be decisive and even reckless at times, most of his actions were based on careful consideration and comparison, which was slightly different from the captain.


    Simply put, Xu Qing still had his rationality.


    Hence, he was aware that since no one had successfully subdued this ferocious beast after so many years, there must be some secrets that outsiders didn¡¯t know about.


    One could imagine how dangerous it was.


    Hence, Xu Qing retracted his divine sense from the jade slip that introduced the Jiuli. He was about to check the jade slip that introduced the information of the other ferocious beasts and choose his target.


    At this moment, his expression changed slightly as he lifted his head and looked outside the house.


    At that moment, it was night outside. It was also time for curfew. The night was like ink, materializing into wisps that spread out through the gap in the door of the house. Finally, they gathered in front of Xu Qing, forming the captain¡¯s figure.


    This method of appearance was a little special. In fact, if it wasn¡¯t for the captain transmitting his divine sense when he got close, it would have been very difficult for Xu Qing to sense him in advance. Hence, he took a few more glances.


    These few glances made the captain feel fully satisfied.


    ¡°How is it, Little Qing? Wasn¡¯t my appearance silent?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°So, don¡¯t worry. The effect of the words of the Wordless Stone Scripture is incredibly profound. It wasn¡¯t in vain that I stayed in the Star Emperor¡¯s branch for so long.¡±


    Although Xu Qing was the one who obtained the words in the end, it was obvious that the captain had deliberately neglected this matter. At that moment, he maintained his arrogance and sat in front of Xu Qing. His gaze landed on those jade slips. After his divine sense swept through them and checked the content, he smiled spuriously.


    ¡°Jiuli?¡±


    ¡°This is a real treasure, but it¡¯s slightly difficult for you to subdue it.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he looked at the captain.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, have you seen Jiuli?¡¯


    The captain lifted his chin and was about to say something when he instinctively turned his head in the direction of the Divine Mountain and coughed.


    ¡°There are some things that can¡¯t be said in the Holy City. They¡¯re too sensitive. If you had been born a few years earlier, you might have had a chance of subduing Jiuli. Now¡­ don¡¯t even think about it.¡±


    ¡°As for this information about Jiuli¡­¡±


    The captain smirked, rummaged through the storage bag, and eventually took out a shrimp. He split it in half and winked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    Then, with a wave of his hand, he set aside the jade slips about Jiuli and pulled out a black bamboo slip from his body, emitting a hint of ancient aura, as if it had existed for a long time.


    ¡°Little Qing, in the first segment, Eldest Senior Brother didn¡¯t help much, so I went out a few days ago to gather information and look for some traces left behind before.¡±


    ¡°Full harvest!¡±


    The captain was beaming with joy.


    ¡°According to my investigation, I¡¯m 100% confident that I can make you first in the second segment.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about this. 1¡¯11 handle it!¡±


    ¡°When the second segment begins in a month, 1¡¯11 have to do something alone. You can just stroll around the Mountains and Seas Region. Don¡¯t worry about me. By the time the second segment ends, I guarantee that you¡¯ll obtain a shanchi cub!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a ferocious beast from the Mountains and Seas ranked in the top five. It¡¯s even higher than a ghost carriage. It can be considered the highest-level beast that can be subdued in this segment.¡±


    ¡°This time, Eldest Senior Brother has got your back!¡±


    The captain had a proud expression.


    Xu Qing smiled. Regardless of whether what Eldest Senior Brother said was reliable or not, this feeling of being protected was very warm to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother.¡±


    The captain¡¯s mood became even better. He hummed a tune and took out a carving knife. He started engraving on the black bamboo slip, observing as he worked. Sometimes, he blew away the wood chips with his breath, showing great care as if crafting some ancient artifact.


    As for Xu Qing, he glanced over but couldn¡¯t discern the specifics. He only saw what seemed like a crescent moon shape and numerous mysterious runes engraved on it.


    ¡°What is this?¡±


    The captain smiled mysteriously.


    ¡°This is the Mountains and Seas ferocious beast summoning token!¡±


    ¡°Back then, when I was on good terms with that old woman, Moon Flame, I was the one who helped make many of her things.¡±


    ¡°This token is a good thing. Although 1 don¡¯t have any ready-made ones now, it¡¯s okay. 1 plan to make a hundred or so. Let¡¯s see if I can¡¯t knock out a shanchi if 1 throw them together!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good at making this thing. Back then, I secretly sold a lot¡­ And I even gave it an impressive name.¡±


    At this point, the captain coughed and didn¡¯t speak anymore. He lowered his head and continued working.


    Looking at the captain working hard to engrave, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was a little strange. Just as he was about to speak, his voice transmission jade slip vibrated.


    Xu Qing took it out and checked with his divine sense.


    The captain also lifted his head and looked at Xu Qing¡¯s voice transmission jade slip.


    It¡¯s the Eldest Prince. He has arrived at the Holy City and is asking about our location. He wants to visit.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the bamboo slip in the captain¡¯s hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. He probably won¡¯t be able to recognize it. After all, this is an ancient item. Besides, it¡¯s fine even if he recognizes it. 1¡¯11 give him a few when the time comes.¡±


    The captain didn¡¯t care and continued to engrave.


    Xu Qing thought about it and transmitted the location of his residence.


    Not long later, the Eldest Prince appeared outside the residence and bowed.


    ¡°Guyue Zhonghui requests to see Lord Xu.¡±


    His posture and tone emphasized etiquette.


    If it was before Xu Qing killed Prince Mingnan, the Eldest Prince wouldn¡¯t have behaved like this. Even though he wasn¡¯t liked by the Human Emperor, he was still the Eldest Prince after all.


    However, that experience caused Xu Qing¡¯s status in his heart to be extremely high.


    He was sincerely convinced which was why he was so respectful.


    The door of the residence silently opened.


    The Eldest Prince, who was standing outside, took a deep breath and tidied his clothes before walking in. The moment he saw Xu Qing, he cupped his hands and bowed.


    ¡°Congratulations, Lord Xu, for obtaining the first place in the first segment of the Grand Hunt!¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the Eldest Prince. Compared to when they met during the fight with Prince Mingnan, the Eldest Prince¡¯s injuries seemed to have healed significantly. Additionally, he seemed to have grown a lot after that incident.


    Moreover, he looked the most similar to the Human Emperor, so there was a faint air of majestic aura on him.


    Xu Qing nodded slightly and gestured for the Eldest Prince to sit down.


    The Eldest Prince sat cross-legged and took out three jade slips, placing them in front of Xu Qing.


    ¡°Lord Xu, after we parted that day, the cultivators under me and I gathered a lot of information about the second segment, as well as the heaven¡¯s chosens among the participants in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s Grand Hunt.¡±


    ¡°I hope it can be of some help to Lord Xu.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also some information about the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.¡±


    The Eldest Prince spoke softly.


    ¡°The first jade slip records the habitats of the vast majority of ferocious beasts and the related introductions. Many of them can¡¯t be bought outside. I obtained them from my maternal family.¡±


    ¡°The second jade slip records the great heaven¡¯s chosens of the various races of the Flame Moon Race.¡±


    ¡°I heard of Lord Xu¡¯s battle with Tuoshi Shan. Tuoshi Shan is one of the five heaven¡¯s chosen for the Flame Moon Race.¡±


    ¡°Counting the other four heaven¡¯s chosens of the main race and the outstanding ones from the subsidiary races, there are a total of 17.¡±


    ¡°With Lord Xu¡¯s combat strength, the others won¡¯t be a problem, but you have to pay special attention to those few heaven¡¯s chosens of the Flame Moon Race¡­ Because identity is no longer important to them.¡±


    ¡°They are the seeds meant to suppress all directions in this generation of


    Flame Moon.¡±


    ¡°Tian Mozi is at the third stage of Nihility, but he possesses the combat strength of the perfected Nihility Realm. He¡¯s ranked fourth E> in the Flame Moon Race¡¯s current generation, and is the top talent within the jurisdiction of the Star Flame High God. He once fought against Tuoshi Shan and defeated him.¡±


    ¡°Fan Shishuang, also at the third stage Nihility, ranks third. He also possesses the combat strength of the perfected Nihility Realm. He even had the experience of fighting a life-and-death battle with a foreign almighty who had just stepped into the Soul Accumulation Realm and successfully escaped without dying. He is the top talent within the jurisdiction of the Moon Flame High God.¡±


    ¡°Ji Dongzi, at the third stage of Nihility, ranks second. He belongs to the jurisdiction of the Sun Flame High God. This person is ruthless and he will definitely kill when he attacks. The number of foreign races slaughtered by him exceeds dozens, and he has refined blood children to serve him.¡±


    ¡°He has numerous methods, including an impressive record of holding his own against a Flame Moon Race Soul Accumulation captive. Although that captive was already at the end of his rope, he¡¯s still a Soul Accumulation cultivator after all¡­¡±


    ¡°As for the last one, his name is Flame Mystic. His real name isn¡¯t this. He inherited the Dao title of Flame Mystic and is the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race!¡±


    ¡°He can suppress all the same generation cultivators of the race!¡±


    ¡°First stage of Nihility, but his combat strength surpasses the realm of Nihility. He possesses the power of a Soul Accumulation with a great world!¡±


    At this point, the Eldest Prince took a deep breath.


    Xu Qing was also moved.


    Although he hadn¡¯t truly fought with Tuoshi Shan, the pressure the other party gave him was very strong. Xu Qing admitted that he didn¡¯t have complete confidence in suppressing him.


    Of course, if it was a life-and-death battle, he was confident in killing Tuoshi Shan but the price would definitely not be small.


    However, any one of the four people the Eldest Prince mentioned made Xu Qing feel pressured, especially the last one¡­


    ¡°My cultivation base is still not enough.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly.


    ¡°These four are different from Tuoshi Shan. They don¡¯t care about becoming Mystic Heaven Generals. What they want is to enter the Divine Realm and obtain the blood of the divine creatures there, forming their own great world foundation in advance.¡±


    After the Eldest Prince finished speaking, he was about to talk about the content of the third jade slip. However, at that time, after talking for so long, he finally glanced at the captain from the corner of his eyes.


    Originally, it was just an instinctive glance, but with this glance, he suddenly swallowed what he wanted to say. His heart rumbled and his eyes widened.


    Looking at the bamboo slip the captain was carving, his face revealed uncontrollable disbelief.


    ¡°This is¡­¡±


    God¡¯s Law Token!!¡±


    The Eldest Prince¡¯s heart trembled violently and he stood up abruptly. He had seen this token before and there was one in his maternal family.


    It was an ancient relic as well as a divine artifact, revered by the family and enshrined in the clan¡¯s shrine.

 Chapter 1255 - Chapter 1255: Direction of the Spirit Repository

    Chapter 1255: Direction of the Spirit Repository


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The Eldest Prince¡¯s voice was filled with disbelief as he looked at the bamboo slip in the captain¡¯s hand. After identifying it again, he was certain that he hadn¡¯t remembered wrongly.


    Although he had been to his maternal family only a few times, he had a vivid impression of the items that could be enshrined in the clan¡¯s shrine.


    Especially the clan head and the elders of his maternal family treated this item with extreme respect. They called it the ¡®God¡¯s law Token,¡¯ attributing it to the clan¡¯s first patriarch who had performed great deeds for the Moon Flame High God, earning the god¡¯s reward.


    That was an item belonging to a god and to a certain extent, it represented the god. It was also the foundation of the family and wouldn¡¯t be easily shown to outsiders.


    Hence, even though he had confirmed that it was this item, the Eldest Prince still didn¡¯t dare to believe it.


    It was too subversive.


    That supreme item actually existed in Chen Erniu¡¯s hands. Moreover, he was carving it and carving one after another¡­


    However¡­ regardless of its aura, appearance, or even the unique fluctuations it emitted, everything told him that this item¡­ was the God¡¯s Law Token.


    The Eldest Prince¡¯s breathing quickened, to the point where he even forgot to continue introducing the content of the third jade slip to Xu Qing. He had a sense of urgency as if he was witnessing the squandering of a priceless treasure, and he spoke rapidly.


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Erniu, this item¡­ you can¡¯t engrave this item.¡±


    The captain¡¯s expression was extremely calm and composed. He lifted his chin slightly, his eyelids drooping as he cast a glance at the Eldest Prince.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite knowledgeable to know the name of this item.¡±


    With that, the captain¡¯s carving knife made another stroke. As the sound of the knife cutting through the air echoed, a tremor ran through the Eldest Prince¡¯s heart, followed by a surge of emotions.


    This was because he discovered that¡­ after this knife stroke, not only was the God¡¯s Law Token undamaged, but its aura became even denser.


    ¡°Wha..t.¡±


    The Eldest Prince was stunned.


    The captain calmly spoke.


    Since you can recognize it, it means that you¡¯ve seen it before. Such sacred items are extremely rare nowadays.¡±


    The Eldest Prince¡¯s heart was in a mess. He forcefully suppressed his emotions and cupped his hands toward the captain.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen it in my mother¡¯s family, it was obtained by my maternal family¡¯s first patriarch back then through meritorious service.¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyebrows shot up.


    ¡°What¡¯s your mother¡¯s family name?¡±


    ¡°Qingfeng, under the jurisdiction of the Moon Flame Temple¡­¡±


    The Eldest Prince remained silent and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Qingfeng of the three great families of Moon Flame? Your first patriarch¡¯s name is Qingfeng Lingkong, right?¡±


    The captain recalled and gave a spurious smile.


    The Eldest Prince was surprised that the other party could so easily speak it out, but considering that Chen Erniu was with Xu Qing all the way, and with Qiu Quezi following them, it was understandable that he might know of these.


    The captain didn¡¯t say anything else and continued to carve.


    Only Xu Qing had a strange expression. He thought of what the captain had said before the Eldest Prince came¡­ that he had once forged hundreds of them and secretly sold them.


    Hence, Xu Qing glanced at the Eldest Prince and a guess about the first patriarch of the Eldest Prince¡¯s maternal family obtaining this bamboo slip couldn¡¯t help but rise in his heart.


    After the interlude with the captain, it was clearly very difficult for the Eldest Prince¡¯s heart to calm down in a short period. This was especially so since¡­ it was unknown if the captain did it on purpose but the sound of him carving was very loud.


    As the carving sounds echoed, the Eldest Prince hurriedly introduced the content of the third jade slip to Xu Qing. After that, he stood up uneasily and bade farewell.


    Before he left, he also gave Xu Qing a token and told him that this was the token of his maternal family¡¯s shop in the holy city. If he took this token there, he could obtain some necessary supplies for the second segment for free.


    Clearly, although he had been abandoned by his maternal family because he had refused to return to the Flame Moon Race, there was still a tie between them.


    Otherwise, a forbidden mountain wouldn¡¯t have been designated for him in the forbidden zone Xu Qing had gone to back then.


    Seeing that the Eldest Prince was so sensible, the captain nodded slightly. He then casually threw the bamboo slip he had finished carving at the Eldest Prince.


    The Eldest Prince instinctively lifted his hands and caught it. His expression changed. He was very clear that the meaning of this God¡¯s Law Token was extraordinary, so he didn¡¯t know what Chen Erniu was trying to do.


    ¡°This is for you. Remember not to let others know. With this item, it won¡¯t be a problem for you to pass the second segment.¡±


    The captain spoke proudly.


    The Eldest Prince¡¯s head continued to buzz. The image of the captain in his heart changed again and was filled with mystery.


    ¡°This item is too valuable¡­ you should give it to Lord Xu. This way¡­¡±


    The Eldest Prince hesitated.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, but you deserve it!¡±


    The captain interrupted the Eldest Prince and stood up to walk in front of him. He patted his shoulder and spoke earnestly.


    ¡°Always remember that you¡¯re a human. Even if the value of this item is monstrous, as long as you¡¯re a human, you deserve to obtain it!¡±


    ¡°As for Xu Qing, he doesn¡¯t need it. His life is destined for battles and adventures, that¡¯s his path.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, I think more highly of you.¡±


    The captain encouraged.


    If it were any other time, his words wouldn¡¯t have caused much of a stir with the Eldest Prince, unless they were filled with profound philosophical insights.


    But now, it was different.


    The Eldest Prince shuddered, took a deep breath, nodded heavily, took three steps back, and bowed deeply to the captain.


    The captain placed his hands behind his back and nodded slightly. A smile appeared on his face as he watched the Eldest Prince leave. After the Eldest Prince¡¯s figure disappeared from the house, he winked at Xu Qing proudly.


    ¡°Back then, Lingkong was also deceived like this.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. His gaze landed on the three jade slips in front of him. After that, he picked up the second one and the details of the four great heaven¡¯s chosens the Eldest Prince had mentioned appeared in his mind.


    His divine sense also checked the jade slip. The records were even more detailed. Other than the introductions, there were also some recordings.


    Looking at these, Xu Qing¡¯s heart slowly calmed down.


    The smooth journey until now didn¡¯t make him feel any joy, although he knew that he had far surpassed his peers.


    This was especially so when he recalled his experiences over the years. Other than the captain, no one else could keep up with him.


    However, he was still not satisfied.


    Back then, his dream in the slums was only to find his parents and survive. If he could live a little better, he would be even more content.


    However, Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s appearance caused him tremendous stimulation and also changed his heart.


    He yearned to become stronger!


    After coming to this race whose strength surpasses the human race, I have found my shortcomings.¡¯


    ¡®Only by fighting against these heaven¡¯s chosens of the same generation can 1 go further!¡¯


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He then meditated and looked at his secret repositories.


    He now had four and a half secret repositories.


    Three formed the god forms, one was the Emperor Sword, and the other half was the shape of the Sundial he had envisioned previously.


    Xu Qing pondered over his cultivation path.


    ¡®I have to think of a way to completely form the fifth secret repository and increase my combat strength.¡¯


    In terms of direction, Xu Qing had a few choices. One was to rely on the soul threads to simulate the form of Crimson Goddess and fuse with it to become the master of the Purple Moon and reach the complete fourth god form.


    However, there were also some drawbacks to doing so. The connection with Red Moon would be too deep to the point of being inseparable.


    It was difficult for Xu Qing to tell if Li Zihua was a friend or foe. Hence, there would probably be life-and-death tribulations in the future.


    The other choice was to form the fifth secret repository again. However, this required an item that was of the same level as the other divine repositories.


    Xu Qing pondered and his heart tilted.


    ¡®There¡¯s another problem, and that is the Heavenly Dao¡­¡¯


    Right now, I only have a mosasaur. Although my combat strength isn¡¯t affected because of my god forms, if there aren¡¯t enough of them, it will pose a huge obstacle to my advancement to Nihility.¡¯


    Xu Qing understood that only when every secret repository had a Heavenly Dao could it be considered complete. Only then could one break through to Nihility.


    It was too difficult for the Heavenly Dao to naturally form in a Spirit Repository¡¯s spirit repository. Hence, the vast majority of them went to small worlds to capture Heavenly Dao and bind and tame it into their own Heavenly Dao.


    ¡®However, what I have are divine repositories. It¡¯s difficult for ordinary Heavenly Dao to support them. The mosasaur also appeared because of me and obtained an innate advantage before it could fuse into the divine repository.¡¯


    ¡®In that case, what kind of Heavenly Dao can support my divine repository¡­¡¯


    Xu Qing rubbed his forehead and thought of the Heavenly Dao son. However, this clearly couldn¡¯t be done. Hence, he opened his eyes and looked at the captain who had taken out another bamboo slip and was happily carving there.


    He mentioned this issue.


    When the captain heard this, he lifted his head. After some thought, he suddenly smiled.


    ¡°The Heavenly Dao that can fuse with the divine repository is naturally related to gods.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t there the third segment later?¡±


    At that time, no matter which Divine Realm is opened, it won¡¯t matter.¡±


    ¡°The Divine Realm is filled with divine items. At that time, we¡¯ll capture a few divine creatures and suppress them in your divine repository. Wouldn¡¯t their souls be the Heavenly Dao?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he pondered over the feasibility.


    Just like that, several days passed.


    There was only half a month left until the second segment began.


    As for the counterfeiting work the captain was doing, it was already halfway through. Xu Qing¡¯s train of thought was even more clear. Coupled with his thoughts and the captain¡¯s reminder, he had a direction after fine-tuning them.


    Hence, on this afternoon, Xu Qing left the house. He wanted to make a trip to the shop of the Eldest Prince¡¯s maternal family to buy some supplies.


    Other than medicinal pills, he also needed poisonous grass.


    That token played a huge role, causing Xu Qing¡¯s purchase this time around to be extremely smooth. Not only did he obtain many medicinal pills, but he also obtained a lot of poisonous grass that was rarely seen in the human territories.


    On the way out of the shop, he still encountered some Flame Moon cultivators who were challenging him to gain reputation and gazes filled with disgust. However, Xu Qing directly ignored them.


    However, sometimes, if one ignored it time and time again, they would be seen as weak and it would also fuel the other party¡¯s arrogance.


    For example, on the way back to his residence, Xu Qing stopped in his tracks.


    The aura on his body fluctuated.


    His gaze fell upon an open-air market on the right, which was a place where slaves were sold within the Flame Moon Race. Inside, there were various races, all of them cultivators.


    Each one appeared weak, covered in scars, with iron chains piercing their bodies, like livestock.


    Among them¡­ Due to the current war, there were many human prisoners of war. It was unknown what channels they used to send them here and make them merchandise.


    They were all human soldiers, but now, they were standing there numbly.


    The Eldest Prince was also here. He was negotiating with the slave master with a gloomy expression, wanting to buy back those humans.


    However, it was obvious that the discussion didn¡¯t go smoothly..

 Chapter 1256 - Chapter 1256: Continuing the Red Glow

    Chapter 1256: Continuing the Red Glow


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The slave owner with whom the Eldest Prince was negotiating was also a member of the Flame Moon, dressed in luxurious robes and possessing considerable cultivation. There was a hint of disdain on his face as he glanced at Xu Qing, who had stopped not far away, before turning his gaze to the Eldest Prince.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like I can¡¯t sell them to you.¡±


    ¡°But, you see, are you of the human race, or are you a member of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven? The difference here is not the same.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s the human race, you don¡¯t have the qualifications to buy slave cultivators. If it¡¯s my Flame Moon Race, 1 can sell some to you.¡±


    The slave owner calmly spoke and casually pried open the mouth of a human prisoner of war beside him.


    ¡°Look, these teeth are still not bad. He has value.¡±


    The expression of the human prisoner, numb with humiliation, changed slightly, a sense of shame flowing in his eyes, until eventually he closed them. However, as the slave owner shook his hand, the prisoner¡¯s eyes were forcibly opened again.


    The slave owner smiled and his gaze landed on Xu Qing again. This time, it carried a hint of provocation.


    To be able to open a slave market in the holy city and have a way to transport the human prisoners of war from far away in the Black Heaven Region, one could imagine that the forces behind this slave market must be astonishing.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t care about the Eldest Prince of the human race at all. After all, everyone knew that the other party had been abandoned by his maternal family.


    What he cared about was Xu Qing, the human who had obtained the first segment¡¯s first place.


    The Eldest Prince¡¯s expression was unsightly and his eyes were filled with anger. However, this was the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, so he took a deep breath and could only endure it. He took out a jade slip and transmitted his voice, preparing to use his own method to buy back the human prisoners of war.


    The development of the matter wasn¡¯t too surprising. After all, the Eldest Prince still had some friends in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. They might not be able to do a huge favor, but a small matter like buying these human prisoners of war wasn¡¯t hard.


    Hence, soon, a few cultivators from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven arrived. After negotiating, they bought those human prisoners of war.


    Xu Qing watched the entire time until the matter was over. Under the disdainful gaze of the slave owner, he silently turned around and walked toward his residence.


    However, he walked very slowly.


    The setting sun in the distance was red today.


    The light from the horizon scattered on his way, dyeing the sky and the path red like blood.


    Looking at the red glow, two voices gradually appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    One voice told him that he didn¡¯t have a deep attachment to the human race. When he was young, the experience of eating humans and the evil in the world mostly came from the humans.


    The Imperial Capital wasn¡¯t his home. His home was Fenghai County.


    Family and friends were his soft points.


    In this era, in this world, the most important thing was for him and his friends to live well.


    As for the other voice, it was very soft. Xu Qing couldn¡¯t hear what it was saying clearly either.


    He could only hear the old Palace Master¡¯s name and the name of the Sword Holding Emperor between the two voices¡­


    Xu Qing walked all the way.


    After a long time, just as the sunlight was about to dissipate, he arrived in front of his residence.


    There were dozens of jade slips at the entrance.


    Those were all challenge letters from the cultivators of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven and their affiliated races.


    In the past half a month, because Xu Qing hadn¡¯t accepted any challenges, the challengers became brazen and started throwing challenge jade slips to his residence.


    There were actually fewer today.


    Looking at those jade slips, Xu Qing stopped in his tracks. The scenes after he arrived at the Flame Moon Holy City surfaced in his mind. The repulsive gaze and the feeling that even his breathing seemed to be rejected caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to stir.


    There was also Qiu Quezi¡¯s loneliness and the provocation from the slave owner.


    Also, the numb expressions of those human prisoners of war and the humiliated gazes of the human whose mouth had been pried open.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes.


    He had killed since he was young because he sensed killing intent. Hence, he attacked to kill everything that threatened his life.


    The main reason why he didn¡¯t bother with these challenges was because he didn¡¯t want to complicate things.


    Before he obtained the first segment¡¯s first place, his goal was clear. Hence, he could kill on the way here. After coming here, what he wanted to do was to peacefully pass this month and wait for the second segment to begin.


    He didn¡¯t want any accidents to happen.


    He believed that some of these challenges were spontaneous, but he was also very clear that there were also some who must have encouraged these challengers from behind.


    It was all to make him leave the city.


    After all, in the Holy City, no one could make a move.


    If he accepted the challenge, he would have to leave the city¡­


    ¡®It¡¯s nothing. Just bear with it.¡¯


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. He retracted his gaze from the challenge jade slips and walked toward his residence. However, his footsteps became slower and heavier.


    In the residence, the captain sensed it and lifted his head in surprise. He was about to get up and go out to take a look.


    However, at that moment, footsteps rang out from behind Xu Qing. Five to six youths from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven who had challenged Xu Qing to gain reputation but were ignored by Xu Qing appeared.


    These people¡¯s cultivation levels were all in the Spirit Repository. After many challenges, they gained some fame among the younger generation of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. Hence, they came together today and prepared to continue throwing out challenge jade slips.


    After seeing Xu Qing from afar, one of them sneered and threw out a jade slip. It landed on the ground in front of the house and he was about to speak.


    However, at the next instant, Xu Qing stopped in his tracks. His gaze landed on the jade slip at the side. After that, he turned around and looked at the youth who had thrown the jade slip.


    The youth¡¯s body trembled. He swallowed the words he wanted to say after meeting Xu Qing¡¯s gaze.


    A chill seemed to spread over from Xu Qing¡¯s gaze and instantly enveloped his entire body. At this moment, an extremely intense sense of life-and-death crisis also erupted in his body.


    Every part of his body seemed to have become independent, and all of them transmitted a sense of danger. This caused the youth to instinctively take a few steps back and his breathing became hurried.


    His companions at the side also threw out challenge jade slips one after another. However, when they saw this scene and were swept by Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, their bodies trembled and an uneasy feeling suddenly rose in their hearts.


    They seemed to have suddenly landed in midwinter at this moment.


    Vaguely, there were also some blood-red snowflakes that intertwined between illusion and reality, falling in all directions. They swept up those jade slips and brought them in front of Xu Qing.


    Looking at these jade slips, Xu Qing lifted his hand.


    At that moment, the door of the house opened. The captain stood there and looked at Xu Qing¡¯s back. He wanted to say something but in the end, he changed what he wanted to say.


    ¡°Junior Brother, if you want to do it, do it. The most important thing is to have a clear mind.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s hand landed on those jade slips and he squeezed them slightly. All the jade slips shattered; the challenge contract was established!


    As Xu Qing¡¯s hoarse voice rang out, the temperature in the surroundings fell even lower.


    ¡°I accept.¡±


    The instant he finished speaking, Xu Qing¡¯s figure directly blurred. At the same time, the Flame Moon cultivators who came, as well as all the cultivators who had put down the challenge jade slips here today, became blurry.


    As long as they were still in the holy city, no matter where they were, their bodies would blur and they would be teleported out the moment the challenge contract was established.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s figure instantly disappeared from outside his residence. When he reappeared, he was outside the city.


    The dozens of Flame Moon cultivators who had challenged today appeared together.


    These people¡¯s breathing was hurried. Some were stunned, some were shocked, some were panicked, and some tried to retreat.


    They were just trying to gain some reputation.


    Xu Qing¡¯s acceptance didn¡¯t match his rationality and was also something they couldn¡¯t predict. After all, in the past half a month, Xu Qing had ignored all the challenges. However, today¡­ he actually agreed.


    Hence, all of their hearts stirred. Some of them were about to say something.


    However, at the next instant, the coldness in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes erupted. He took a step forward and directly arrived in front of the youth who had thrown out the jade slip.


    The huge gap between their combat strengths caused the youth to be unable to react in time. In the blink of an eye, Xu Qing¡¯s left hand grabbed his neck.


    His body rapidly withered and was absorbed by Xu Qing.


    His soul continued to dim and was devoured by Xu Qing.


    This youth was like a deflated balloon. In the span of a short breath, his entire life passed.


    He let out an extremely tragic wail that resounded through the world.


    This scene caused the hearts of the surrounding cultivators to rumble. In their eyes, Xu Qing was no longer that human who could be challenged at will but a ferocious demon.


    They instinctively tried to escape but it was too late.


    Xu Qing instantly disappeared and when he reappeared, he was behind another cultivator. A dagger slashed across this person¡¯s neck.


    His head and blood flew together.


    The world spun.


    A rumbling sound echoed out. It was the sound of flesh and blood collapsing and the shattering of the head that couldn¡¯t land on the ground.


    Kill!


    The hostility accumulated in Xu Qing¡¯s heart rose. He took another step and arrived beside the third Flame Moon cultivator. He didn¡¯t even glance at him. The moment he passed by, the cultivator let out a mournful wail and all the blood in his body erupted on its own.


    His blood had been controlled.


    It transformed into a blood flower that bloomed in the air before heading straight for Xu Qing, circling around him.


    It looked demonic and beautiful.


    At this moment, Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to consider anything. The two voices in his heart fused together and became one word.


    Kill!


    In an instant, flowers of blood bloomed outside the city. Accompanied by miserable cries, a large amount of blood spread out from these cultivators and gathered toward Xu Qing.


    He didn¡¯t stop. Wherever he passed, death would follow.


    One after another, their bodies collapsed and their heads flew up.


    The meaning of life seemed to be to sacrifice to his dagger at this moment.


    The shroud on the dagger was already dyed red, emitting a bloodthirsty aura.


    The sharpness of the dagger became the only light that all lives saw in the end.


    Dozens of cultivators died in less than ten breaths of time!


    As for Xu Qing¡¯s massacre, there seemed to be an artistic obsession with cleanliness. Hence, there were no corpses.


    Only the blood revolving around him, with the red glow fading from the sky, added to its continuation.


    Under the blood-red sunlight, Xu Qing looked at the holy city without saying anything.


    His actions, his gaze, and his aura had already formed words.


    All challengers, I await you¡­ to battle!

 Chapter 1257 - Chapter 1257: The Great Heaven’s Chosen of the Human Race

    Chapter 1257: The Great Heaven¡¯s Chosen of the Human Race


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    An uproar rang out in the holy city. The eyes of those Flame Moon cultivators who had challenged Xu Qing flashed but they didn¡¯t act rashly.


    To some of them, the value of the challenge wasn¡¯t to truly fight but to gain reputation.


    Previously, these cultivators only chose to follow the crowd when they saw that Xu Qing didn¡¯t accept the challenges and there were unseen forces at play behind the scenes that were encouraging them. As for now¡­ they had no intention of taking action.


    Their only thought was to watch the show.


    However, there were some Flame Moon cultivators who sincerely wanted to challenge Xu Qing. They couldn¡¯t accept that a human was defeating them.


    This feeling of humiliation made them extremely angry.


    Such cultivators often had a certain number of trump cards and were confident in themselves. Even though they had heard of Xu Qing¡¯s battle results and the death of Prince Mingnan¡­


    For them, the meaning of life was not reflected in its length, but in its brightness.


    Compared to a long but mediocre life, they desired brilliance and glory, even if it was just for a moment. That¡¯s what made life worthwhile for them.


    The Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race was a valiant and a terrifying race.


    Hence, at the next instant, dozens of Flame Moon cultivators rose into the air, revealing the cultivation base of the first stage Nihility, heading straight towards the outskirts of the city.


    Their powerful innate physical strength transformed into qi and blood energy.


    This caused the sky to change color and Dao marks appeared in the surroundings. After gathering the power of these dozens of cultivators, the sky rippled as though an invisible large hand was descending from it to suppress Xu Qing.


    It wanted to connect to the red glow on Xu Qing¡¯s body and directly destroy him.


    Flame Moon¡¯s foundation could be somewhat seen from this.


    In the remote regions of the human race, Nihility cultivators were already overlords. However, in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, they were only outstanding talents.


    At that moment, these dozens of first stage Nihility cultivators tore through the sky with the intent of extermination and suppression, stirring up sharp rumbling sounds. The moment they rushed out of the city, they directly headed straight for Xu Qing.


    In the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, even if it was a challenge, they wouldn¡¯t restrict it to being one-on-one. In the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s understanding, experts¡­ didn¡¯t appear in one-on-one battles.


    A true expert who could truly make others convinced was a cultivator who could fight against a hundred and a thousand alone, displaying supreme domineeringness that suppressed his peers.


    Only such a cultivator would be recognized as a heaven¡¯s chosen in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    Hence, they didn¡¯t hesitate at all. The Dao marks in the sky seemed to come alive and transformed into silver and golden dragons that roared in all directions.


    There were also dozens of extraordinary magic treasures, including sabers, spears, swords, and halberds. They followed the Dao marks along with the eruption of the divine abilities and physical strength of these cultivators.


    The laws collapsed and the rules dimmed here. The wind, rain, and lightning intertwined chaotically. The world seemed to experience rapid changes of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.


    Xu Qing lifted his head. There was a cold glint in his eyes. He could sense the blurry laws in the surroundings and the feeling of being squeezed from everywhere.


    He also felt the feeling of being restricted.


    This was the feeling brought about by the rejection of his Heavenly Dao here. It was also a sign that the enemy¡¯s Heavenly Dao had replaced everything.


    However, it didn¡¯t matter. Since the changes in the four seasons here were chaotic and the power of nature was chaotic, then¡­ if he was strong, even the mountain winds and waves wouldn¡¯t be able to shake him at all.


    At the next instant, millions of soul threads erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s body and rapidly gathered behind him. The first god form appeared, followed by the second god form, and then the third god form.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t plan to delay or give the enemy a chance to counterattack. Hence, the moment he attacked, he used crushing power.


    This was his habit.


    In an instant, the third god form emitted a terrifying energy. The power of the Poison Restriction erupted and the power of the Purple Moon rose. The blood around him seemed to cheer in joy and the world turned red.


    It was like a red glow had landed on the ground, enveloping the surroundings and blocking all detection.


    Many gazes and wisps of divine sense had spread over from the three holy cities. There were even some who flew to the air to observe.


    Although they couldn¡¯t see what was going on inside the red glow, they could roughly sense it through the fluctuations.


    Among them, there were those who were watching the show and those who were preparing to attack. They were all observing Xu Qing¡¯s true combat strength.


    However, most of their expressions were calm. Regardless of whether it was their expressions or their hearts, they didn¡¯t feel much waves.


    This was because they were from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    This was because they were one of the super races in the Wanggu Continent.


    This was because they, who were under the three gods, were high and mighty in the vast majority of regions in this world. Every time they started a race hunt, countless races would tremble in fear.


    The dignity brought by their race and their pride made them not care about the lower races.


    Xu Qing was only special because he had obtained the first place in the Grand Hunt and due to his battle results here.


    However¡­ ten breaths later, this calmness changed to varying degrees as heart-rending sounds rang out from the red barrier.


    At the next moment, two Flame Moon cultivators rushed out of the red glow. Their expressions were filled with horror as they attempted to escape at full speed. However, one of them didn¡¯t manage to rush far before the red light behind him moved.


    Countless blood tentacles connected with soul threads rushed over and caught up to him, not giving him any chance to struggle. They instantly coiled around him and penetrated his flesh.


    They then pulled.


    The Flame Moon cultivator¡¯s eyes revealed despair as he was directly dragged into the red glow. After that, another heart-rending scream rang out.


    As for the other escapee, his expression was also filled with horror as he headed straight for the holy city.


    As long as he stepped in, he would be able to survive. After all, no one was allowed to attack in the holy city.


    However, when he was only 100 feet away from the holy city, his body suddenly paused. The horrified expression on his face was replaced by a bizarre smile.


    However, the terror in his eyes was even more intense.


    Immediately after, he lifted his hands and held his neck, squeezing fiercely. A cracking sound echoed as his head spun around. After that, his cultivation base burned and he died from spontaneous combustion.


    At the same time, a loud sound rang out from the red glow as it shattered. It was swept away by the fluctuations erupting from inside, revealing the corpses that were rapidly rotting and dissipating on the ground.


    There was also the figure of the god standing there. Its entire body was covered in a monstrous blood light, It had countless blood tentacles, and It was surrounded by a blood lake.


    It calmly looked at the holy city.


    The expressions of the Flame Moon cultivators in the three holy cities turned solemn. They stared at that figure and their hearts stirred.


    This emotional upheaval came from the deaths of dozens of their fellow clansmen, but the even greater source was¡­ Xu Qing¡¯s calmness.


    From the start to the end, he didn¡¯t say a word. He just stood there and looked at the holy city.


    Vaguely, a domineering aura seemed to have appeared on his body.


    Even some of the older generation of Flame Moon¡¯s cultivators felt their hearts fluctuating.


    ¡°The great heaven¡¯s chosen of the human race¡­


    The human race was once the strongest race in the Wanggu Continent!


    But they were declining, with each generation worse than the last. However, there would still occasionally be resplendent light shining from it that reflected in the memories of these older generation cultivators of Flame Moon.


    The dozens of heaven¡¯s chosens from the Flame Moon Races recorded in the Eldest Prince¡¯s second jade slip were also in the holy cities.


    However, at this moment, no one chose to attack.


    Just as Xu Qing had thought, their target was the mounts in the second segment. This could increase their combat strength and allow them to obtain greater gains in the third segment.


    During this period of time, everything they did had to be worth it. If they chose to fight to the death with Xu Qing, regardless of the outcome, they would definitely suffer injuries. If they missed the subsequent Grand Hunt segments because of this, the gains wouldn¡¯t make up for the losses.


    Hence, in their respective cave abodes, they only sensed the situation before retracting their divine senses.


    The few great heaven¡¯s chosens whom the Eldest Prince had emphasized to Xu Qing were among them.


    At that moment, in Star Flame Holy City, on a luxurious tower, a cold-looking youth sat cross-legged.


    On his lap was a black heavy sword, emitting a strong smell of blood.


    He wore a black robe and had long hair. Tattoos of the Flame Moon Race spread throughout his body, including his face. As they flickered, a terrifying energy spread.


    His body was already extraordinary and holy. It was even harder to sense the specifics of his cultivation base. Only the aura emitted by his body determined that he was at the level of Perfected Nihility Realm.


    This person was none other than the fourth among the Flame Moon Race¡¯s heaven¡¯s chosens, Tian Mozi.


    That dense tattoos and heavy sword were his characteristics.


    His gaze also landed outside the city. He had heard of Xu Qing and knew of his battle results. He also knew who had a hand in the recent situation.


    However, he wasn¡¯t willing to participate and fight. It was no longer his path.


    What he wanted was the blood in the Divine Realm.


    Hence, he only glanced at it before retracting his gaze and ignoring it.


    At the same time, in a tavern within the Moon Flame Holy City, there sat a young man dressed in a blue robe, resembling a human scholar. His attire and even his gentle appearance bore a resemblance to those of the human race. He was engaged in cheerful conversation with two Flame Moon female cultivators seated across from him.


    ¡°What do you guys think of that human?¡±


    I¡¯ve heard that he¡¯s a little interesting.¡±


    The youth smiled as he tasted the dishes.


    The two female cultivators opposite him had sweet smiles and their appearances were also human-like. However, their skin color wasn¡¯t normal and their expressions didn¡¯t change at all. They didn¡¯t even move.


    Inside the tavern, there were numerous other patrons, seemingly creating a lively atmosphere at first glance. However, all of the patrons remained completely still, frozen in various poses.


    Nearby, the innkeeper appeared to be shouting, while a waiter was about to ascend the staircase.


    Upon closer inspection, it became evident that none of the individuals present were living beings; they were all puppets crafted from jade.


    In the entire tavern, only the youth was alive.


    In the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, there was someone who especially liked such puppets.


    That was the third among the Flame Moon¡¯s heavens chosens¡­ Fan Shishuang.


    As he muttered to himself, he nodded slightly.


    ¡°You guys are right. His gaze is indeed a little like your kind.¡±


    ¡°Then, do you think 1 should let him join you?¡±

 Chapter 1258 - Chapter 1258: Lord Purple Descends (1)

    Chapter 1258: Lord Purple Descends (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The sun had already set.


    At least for today, it had left.


    As it disappeared, the red glow in the sky also disappeared. However, the blood glow on Xu Qing¡¯s body stirred up a different color of red in the dark night.


    Blood light illuminated the sky.


    That was the encirclement of the blood vortex, the light of the soul threads on Xu Qing¡¯s body, and the killing intent in his heart.


    Standing there, he was like a demon god that represented blood and killing, waiting for the sacrifices to arrive.


    After a short period of silence, the sacrifices didn¡¯t disappoint the killing intent and arrived as promised.


    The first to appear was a middle-aged cultivator. This person wasn¡¯t from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s main race but¡­ the Baize Race!


    He walked over step by step from the holy city. With every step he took, ripples would form under his feet, turning into a black lotus flower that shone with a dark light.


    A fourth stage Nihility cultivation energy rose from his body. From the energy, he was stronger than Prince Mingnan.


    At the same time, a baleful aura spread out from his body.


    This baleful aura didn¡¯t seem to be accumulated from pure killing. It was more like it was accumulated after experiencing many battles.


    It was somewhat similar to those hundred-battle veterans in Fenghai County.


    The third eye on his forehead was half-opened, revealing a cold and confident gaze.


    He wasn¡¯t a heaven¡¯s chosen.


    Instead, he was summoned by the race and returned from the Black Spirit Battlefield specifically for Xu Qing!


    With the efforts of the Baize Race, he obtained the temporary qualifications to participate in the Grand Hunt.


    The Baize Race was one of those who had been behind this recent situation in the holy city.


    However, evidently, a mere Baize Race attempting to stir up such turmoil was overreaching. Yet, the answer soon emerged as the figure of this Baize cultivator approached; another figure emerged from within the holy city at the same moment.


    The figure was tall and slender, with six arms distinguishing it from the human race. There were natural scars on his forehead, and he had red skin, with eerie tattoos across his entire body, setting him apart.


    He was a member of the Sie Race who was fighting against the human race at the border!


    As one of the three major subsidiary races of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, this race had a deep foundation and had a close relationship with the Flame Moon Race. They even held positions under the three Great Magistrates¡¯ tents.


    The main ritual hosts.


    They were the masterminds behind the incident in the holy city.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and landed on these two cultivators. He wasn¡¯t surprised. In reality, in Xu Qing¡¯s judgment, Baize and Si e were only on the surface.


    Behind them were the families of the cultivators he had killed. Even King Mingnan was definitely among them.


    This was also the reason why Xu Qing didn¡¯t accept the challenges before.


    Eldest Senior Brother said that to the higher-ups of Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, this Grand Hunt is like Gu nurturing. They use such a cruel method to choose the strongest of the junior generation.¡¯


    My role is to agitate these heaven¡¯s chosen.1


    ¡°So, they allow all of this to happen, but if someone disrupts this requirement, it means interfering with the plans of the Flame Moon¡¯s higher-ups.¡±


    ¡®So¡­ if 1 were a higher-up of the Flame Moon, such a useful source of stimulation naturally cannot disappear after just the first segment. It¡¯s best if it can continue, burning out rhe best effects in the final segment.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was calm and so was his heart. He looked at the two cultivators who were walking over.


    The Si e Race cultivator stopped ten feet outside the city. He raised his right hand and began to perform a series of hand seals.


    As for rhe baleful middle-aged man from the Baize Race, his killing intent churned. Step by step, he sped up and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Almost at the instant he rushed over, the third god form outside Xu Qing¡¯s body dispersed. Millions of soul threads surrounded him and danced with the blood vortex.


    At the next instant, they quickly returned and reformed outside Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    In the blink of an eye, purple feathers appeared one after another, rapidly converging until they formed a body distinct from the third god form!


    Standing a thousand feet tall. Its entire body was covered in purple flesh feathers, with two massive wings on Its back. Murmurs emanated from Its body, echoing in all directions.


    That was the sound of the god.


    There was also a feeling that It couldn¡¯t be looked at directly. In the holy city cultivators¡¯ perception, Its appearance changed to a form that could be endured by their minds.


    At the same time, a purple moon slowly rose behind Xu Qing¡¯s new god form. Countless figures were worshiping on it and their voices spread out.


    ¡°The new moon¡¯s master was born in Wanggu, all beings respectfully call him Lord Purple.¡±


    ¡°Sacrificing our souls for our lord, on the other side, there is grace, the melody of eternal joy, and another life awaits.¡±


    As rhe prayer was chanted, the purple moon shone brightly. The Poison Restriction spread with its light.


    At that moment, rhe moon in the sky also dimmed and was replaced by Xu Qing¡¯s moon. The world¡­ was filled with purple.


    In front of It was a huge sundial. The gnomon was spinning, forming the power of time, distorting rhe void and blurring everything.


    Under It, a huge lotus platform appeared. Every lotus leaf represented one of Xu Qing¡¯s abilities. The Golden Crow, Ghost Emperor Mountain, morning glow, and so on were all inside.


    The purple tentacles they formed spread our. From afar, Xu Qing¡¯s form looked like a purple amaryllis.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s fourth god form!


    Its name was Lord Purple!


    Establishing this form meant it would be difficult for him to befriend Li Zihua in the future because of the integration of the divine source, similar ro how he had to confront rhe issue of anomalous substances when cultivating for the first time.


    Rather than thinking about life and death in the future, it was better to think about how to live better today..

 Chapter 1259 - Chapter 1259: Lord Purple Descends (2)

    Chapter 1259: Lord Purple Descends (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Hence, he didn¡¯t think about it anymore, and solidified Lord Purple form as his fourth god form.


    Once this form appeared, it was really as though a god had descended. The color of the world changed and the wind and clouds surged.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s strongest form currently. The dense fluctuations of the fourth stage of Nihility pushed Xu Qing¡¯s combat strength to the extreme.


    At that moment, in the three holy cities, the hearts of the cultivators trembled. Even the eyes of the older generation of Flame Moon revealed a strange glint.


    These experts of the older generation weren¡¯t looking at Xu Qing¡¯s combat strength but the potential of this god.


    The simulation of the god¡¯s body was like a concave-convex mirror, capable of greatly magnifying the basic combat power of cultivators. This ability was what they were staring at.


    However, Xu Qing still felt that it was a pity. He sensed his current state and understood that he was still half a step away from the great circle of perfection in Nihility.


    This was because his foundation was still not enough.


    There was still one secret repository missing.


    This required time to nurture. Only then could he transform Lord Purple form into his divine repository and truly reach the great circle of perfection with five repositories. From there, he could display even stronger combat strength.


    Under normal circumstances, the divine repository would appear before he could display their god form. The reason why Xu Qing could do the opposite was because of the Variant Immortal School.


    Also, there was the lack of the Heavenly Dao, causing Xu Qing to be greatly inferior to Nihility cultivators in terms of laws and rules. It was just that the existence of the Heavenly Dao son allowed him to ignore the enemy¡¯s rule power.


    ¡°However, with my god art, it¡¯s enough to fight against these two.¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his right hand and pointed at the Si¡¯e Race cultivator who was performing hand seals in the distance.


    Immediately, the sky above the Si¡¯e Race cultivator changed. The phantom of D132 flashed out and descended toward this cultivator.


    A cold glint flashed in the eyes of the cultivator and he sneered.


    He had long figured out Xu Qing¡¯s methods from various channels, especially D132. Hence, he didn¡¯t panic at all. He performed a series of hand seals and looked up.


    The totemic tattoos that filled his entire body shone rapidly and flowed as though they were alive. They surged into his mouth and after he swallowed them, he spat out six words.


    ¡°Seal the void, shatter and annihilate!¡±


    Seal the sky, forbidding its appearance, shatter the void, annihilate the restriction!


    These six words were like a command. D132, which was in the air, suddenly paused and couldn¡¯t form in the air. The void here didn¡¯t allow seals to appear.


    It trembled and collapsed.


    In the holy city, the Eldest Prince had been paying attention to this battle. Seeing this, anxiety rose in his heart.


    There was another cultivator in the holy city. At that moment, he was sitting on a roof, drinking and looking at the battlefield. There were also nine figures surrounding him, accompanying him as he watched.


    Looking at Di32¡¯s appearance and the seal restriction used by the Si¡¯e cultivator, he sneered.


    ¡°Even I failed against it, and you are still thinking of sealing the sky? Do you think Xu Qing doesn¡¯t know how to improve? Ridiculous.¡±


    ¡°I even suspect Xu Qing¡¯s sealing method doesn¡¯t need to descend from the sky to begin with. This fellow is very sinister. Maybe this is the flaw he took the initiative to reveal.¡±


    Almost at the instant he finished speaking, the void distorted around the Si¡¯e Race cultivator and cages rose from the ground.


    D132, which had collapsed in the sky, was instantly built under the moonlight around the Si¡¯e Race cultivator!


    Wherever the moonlight passed, Di32¡¯s cages started appearing.


    Sealing the sky was meaningless.


    ¡°Damn, it¡¯s really like that!¡±


    Tuoshi Shan spat out the wine in his mouth.


    At the same time, Xu Qing pointed at the middle-aged cultivator from the Baize Race who was already close to 100 feet away.


    In that instant, endless purple light emitted from Xu Qing¡¯s body, forming a sea of light from the Purple Moon that directly enveloped the Baize cultivator.


    The Baize cultivator¡¯s entire body trembled and his qi and blood churned as he attempted to resist. However, at the next instant, he spat out a mouthful of blood and the blood reversed uncontrollably. His body seemed to have been cleansed by time and began to decay.


    There was also corrosion. That was the eruption of the Poison Restriction under the moonlight.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and changed his pointing gesture to a palm wave. Immediately, overlapping shadows appeared on the body of the Baize cultivator.


    His past, his future, and everything about him surfaced.


    This included his past and his future death. Among the countless scenes of death, there was a scene of him dying and his Dao dissipating. It was rapidly becoming clear, wanting to replace the present.


    The intense life-and-death crisis caused the Baize cultivator to let out a roar. His cultivation base burned and his divine abilities erupted. There were also rules and an illusory world that descended in unison.


    As he resisted Xu Qing, killing intent appeared in his eyes. A baleful aura spread out and countless troops rushed out of his illusory great world, heading straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t move. In the Purple Moon, the figures worshiping him became increasingly pious and their prayers became even more passionate.


    In fact, at this instant, in the Black Spirit Region as well as Fenghai County and the Holy Wave Large Region, the temples that had been built there during this period of time¡­ trembled.


    The high priest from the Black Heaven Race and all the Purple Moon believers sensed it. They knelt down excitedly and began to pray.


    ¡°Master of the Purple Moon, our lord, guide the Wanggu. Mourn for all living beings, and enjoy the paradise.¡±


    ¡°Sacrificing our bodies for our lord, this life is not painful, with dawn and dusk as the curtain, our bodies remain incorruptible.¡±


    These countless voices augmented the Purple Moon and enveloped the Baize cultivator who was rushing toward Xu Qing, transforming into an even greater force. The instant he got close to Xu Qing, the scene on his body was completely pulled out, replacing the present!


    The Baize cultivator paused in front of Xu Qing.


    His eyes were wide open, filled with bitterness and confusion. At the next instant¡­ Xu Qing¡¯s fourth god form¡¯s wings spread out and enveloped the Baize cultivator.


    They tightened.


    Blood flowed down the wings.


    Two breaths later, when the wings slowly opened, pieces of flesh and blood splattered onto the ground.


    This scene was none other than the scene of his death.


    All around, there was silence.


    However, Xu Qing frowned. He felt some regret as he looked at the holy city.


    A blurry figure appeared there and rapidly became clear. In the end, it transformed into the dead Baize cultivator. The moment he appeared, he spat out a mouthful of blood and wounds appeared on his body, revealing horror in his eyes.


    His aura also uncontrollably decreased sharply. As he retreated, he continuously spat out blood.


    As for the illusory world on his body, it had already disappeared.


    His great world had died in his place, and his Dao had been severed.


    In this life, he would not be able to advance any further and his cultivation would continue to fall.


    In fact, if it wasn¡¯t for the rules of the holy city, he would have died at this moment.


    ¡°From the looks of it, Prince Mingnan might still be alive.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought..

 Chapter 1260 - Chapter 1260: Sultry Voice From the Divine Mountain

    Chapter 1260: Sultry Voice From the Divine Mountain


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The sky became even redder.


    In the holy city, numerous gazes and strands of divine sense gathered on Xu


    Qing. Shock, fright, complexity, and strangeness surfaced in them.


    In the end, it turned into silence.


    Xu Qing¡¯s attacks intimidated the surroundings and also proved his strength.


    He had obtained first place in the first segment!


    No one continued to fly out of the holy city to challenge.


    Xu Qing¡¯s actions caused varying degrees of waves in everyone¡¯s hearts.


    If Xu Qing attacked with a cultivator¡¯s abilities, it would be fine. However, he was using the power of a god.


    This frightened many.


    Although cultivators who had been in contact with gods for a long time might be able to display divine techniques, especially divine envoys,


    it was still rare for someone to be like Xu Qing, pulling out the image of a fourth level Nihility cultivator dying in the future and replacing the present.


    This was also the first time many cultivators had seen it in their lives.


    As for the middle-aged cultivator of the Baize Race who had his death scene replaced, his miserable state was even more shocking.


    At that moment, blood was still flowing out his mouth uncontrollably. His internal organs were all tearing and rotting, and his soul was also dispirited and dim. His state was irreversible.


    The destroyed great world not only brought him a sharp decrease in his cultivation but also the withering of his life.


    His body aged at a speed visible to the naked eye. It only stabilized after he retreated to 10,000 feet away and received the quick help of several Baize cultivators, but his cultivation reduced to second stage Nihility, and his appearance became old.


    The aura of death from his entire body was dense and the meaning of his declining years was obvious. There was also a lingering fear that was very intense from his expression.


    His heart churned. After escaping death, he recalled the battle earlier and was aware that he had already died once in that instant.


    If this was the battlefield and he didn¡¯t have the protection of the Holy City¡¯s rules, he would still be facing death now.


    This thought caused the lingering fear on his face to spread throughout his body and turn into trembling.


    He instinctively avoided looking at Xu Qing who had turned his gaze here.


    He was thoroughly intimidated.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and stopped looking. However, he had already memorized the other party¡¯s aura and was prepared to find an opportunity to eliminate him completely in the future.


    With this thought in mind, Xu Qing looked at the Si¡¯e Race cultivator who was trapped by D132.


    He walked over step by step.


    With every step he took, the space under his feet stirred up waves, as though he was walking on water.


    In D132, misfortune was descending. No matter what curses the Si¡¯e Race cultivator used, it was useless.


    All curses dissipated in misfortune. Di32¡¯s divine authority had an extreme restraining effect on divine arts like curses.


    The Si¡¯e Race cultivator who was trapped inside was unable to escape.


    He could only endure the gradual desolation and oblivion under the endless accumulation of misfortune.


    Xu Qing¡¯s arrival sped up this process.


    At that moment, he was already above D132. The purple moonlight from the fourth god form scattered down, enveloping D132 and about to augment it.


    However, at this moment, the falling moonlight suddenly changed directions, gathering to form a purple light barrier in front of Xu Qing.


    At the next instant, a finger stretched out from the void and landed on the barrier.


    A light touch.


    Ripples appeared on the purple barrier and it turned white rapidly, refracting a jade-like luster. Finally, it transformed into¡­ jade!


    The luster of the jade rapidly spread across the barrier.


    The entire process only lasted for the time of one breath before an arc-shaped jade barrier appeared in the air.


    After losing the power of the Purple Moon, it fell to the ground.


    It smashed into D132 and shattered into pieces. D132, which came into contact with it, also began to turn into jade.


    This scene was extremely abrupt. Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. The moonlight gathered in front of him and he retreated. He even lifted his right hand and pointed.


    D132 instantly turned blurry and disappeared.


    As for Xu Qing, who had retreated far away, his eyes gleamed. He lifted his head and stared at the area where the finger had appeared.


    The void there also emitted the luster of jade. Amidst this light, a beautiful youth in a scholar¡¯s robe who looked somewhat similar to a human gradually appeared.


    When he appeared fully, he smiled at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Those friends of mine have taken a fancy to you and want you to become one of them.¡±


    This youth¡¯s voice was gentle and without the slightest hint of anger. It was as though he was telling a fact and an immutable future. His gaze was also gentle and even contained a hint of closeness, as though he was looking at his own people.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t moved and a dark glint flashed in his eyes.


    Although this was the first time he had truly met this person, Xu Qing had seen this person in front of him in the Eldest Prince¡¯s jade slip.


    The Eldest Prince¡¯s introduction of this person appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Fan Shishuang, at the third stage Nihility, ranks third. He possesses the combat strength of the perfected Nihility Realm. He even had the experience of fighting a life-and-death battle with a foreign almighty who had just stepped into the Soul Accumulation Realm and successfully escaped without dying. He is the top talent within the jurisdiction of the Moon Flame High God.¡±


    Other than the introduction, when Xu Qing checked the jade slip in detail, he also saw the recordings of the other party¡¯s fights.


    Anything that came into contact with him would become jade.


    Fan Shishuang also had a habit. He liked to turn the cultivators who were hostile to him into jade puppets and keep them by his side.


    ¡°The great heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven who surpasses


    Tuoshi Shan¡­¡±


    A solemn feeling rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. The instant the other party attacked earlier, he felt an intense life-and-death crisis, especially the jade transformation. He could sense the power of god on it.


    Hence, his gaze swept across the surroundings. The figures of jade puppets wearing different clothes appeared in all directions.


    They didn¡¯t move and only stared at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything? Are you tacitly agreeing?¡±


    Fan Shishuang smiled and sized up Xu Qing. The more he looked at him, the more satisfied he was.


    ¡°It¡¯s quite suitable to solidify your form into jade and turn it into a statue in my residence.¡±


    ¡°I advise you not to struggle. It would be a pity if I accidentally destroyed your form.¡±


    ¡°Also, you¡¯re not my match.¡±


    Fan Shishuang chuckled and lifted his right hand before swinging it slightly. His combat strength fluctuations at the perfected Nihility Realm surged into the sky. In an instant, the sky rumbled and the ground trembled.


    There was also a storm that rose from his body, connecting the world.


    The strong wind blew in all directions, causing the night sky to distort. One could vaguely see shooting stars streaking past. They were Dao marks.


    At first, it was still fine, but very soon, the Dao marks became astonishing and there were more and more of them. In the end, they were so dense that they were almost connecting into one, turning into a meteor shower.


    Xu Qing had never seen such an incomparable aura from any Nihility cultivators before. His eyes couldn¡¯t help but narrow.


    There were also overlapping shadows that appeared in the sky, as though the gods and demons were coming together.


    Every one of them looked real. They glared angrily at the ground and emitted a terrifying pressure.


    This was the manifestation of the second stage of the Nihility, but Xu Qing had never heard of it turning into figures of gods and demons before.


    Under normal circumstances, illusory bubbles formed by divine sense would appear at the third stage of Nihility. However, this wasn¡¯t the case for Fan Shishuang.


    The illusory bubbles were not formed by his divine sense but by those figures of gods and demons


    They embodied the origins of life and death. After they appeared, they shattered and reformed, eventually converging to create a vast scene.


    It was a super large world that covered the sky and affected the void. It was more than ten times larger than ordinary Nihility worlds.


    Although it was also an illusion, it contained mountains and rivers, the sun and moon, and all living beings. It was like a real world that was continuously operating.


    It was as though as long as this world was a little more realistic, it would be the Soul Accumulation.


    As this scene appeared, the aura emitted by Fan Shishuang caused Xu Qing to become even more solemn. This aura¡­ surpassed the Baize Race member from before by a large extent. It was like the comparison between a bright moon and a firefly.


    Although they both showed perfected Nihility combat strength, the gap between them was extremely huge.


    ¡°It will be over in ten breaths.¡±


    Fan Shishuang smiled slightly and a hint of evilness appeared on his face. He then lifted his right hand and gently pressed toward Xu Qing.


    With this push, shocking thunder rang out from the sky. Looking over, the sky actually emitted the luster of jade. Even the ground was the same. With Xu Qing as the center, everything in the surroundings and even above and below shone with jade light at this instant.


    The moment this jade light was formed, it suddenly rolled back and surged toward Xu Qing.


    A sense of danger continued to erupt in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. The piercing pain that caused all the flesh and blood in his body to tremble caused Xu Qing to feel as though he was facing a Soul Accumulation.


    At this critical moment, Xu Qing took a deep breath and battle intent rose in his eyes. He also wanted to know his limit and what was the difference between him and the third-ranked heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven.


    He lifted his right hand and a layer of ripples spread out under his feet, as though it had turned into water. It was Fishing the Moon From the Well¡¯s opening move.


    In the holy city, countless gazes and divine senses were also watching this battle. The meaning of this battle had changed with the appearance of Fan Shishuang.


    However, the instant Xu Qing and Fan Shishuang were about to fight, the Divine Mountain trembled slightly.


    With just a tremble, the sky collapsed and shattered into pieces.


    The ground cracked and turned into mud waves that surged.


    Fan Shishuang¡¯s jade light instantly dimmed and was erased. His face didn¡¯t look evil anymore, it was filled with piety as he knelt down in front of the Divine Mountain.


    He wasn¡¯t the only one. At that moment, almost all the cultivators in the holy city were panting and lowering their heads to bow to the Divine Mountain.


    Xu Qing also couldn¡¯t use any divine arts. He followed the trend and bowed toward the Divine Mountain.


    A sultry voice echoed through the heavens, pervading the earth, becoming a divine sound, and transforming into a decree in the minds of every cultivator.


    ¡°The first segment has just ended. 1 originally wanted to give you guys some time to rest and recuperate, but since you¡¯re all so energetic, there¡¯s no need for you to do so.¡±


    ¡°The second segment of the Grand Hunt, the teleportation to the Mountains and Seas Region will begin immediately.¡±


    It was the voice of the Star Flame High God!

 Chapter 1261 - Chapter 1261: It Won’t Hurt Anymore

    Chapter 1261: It Won¡¯t Hurt Anymore


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    While the voice carried an air of superiority, it also bore a hint of laziness, like an invisible hook that landed in the hearts of all cultivators, eliciting ripples layer by layer, making them feel tingling sensations from within.


    This tingling sensation felt like their souls were being extracted, immersing them in an indescribable sense of pleasure.


    Some whose willpower was insufficient immediately fainted, trembling all over, unable to bear even a hint of the divine voice.


    Only the experts could barely suppress the ripples in their hearts. After all, reverence for gods was already engraved in the fate of the Flame Moon cultivators.


    And this was only a natural release of power of the Star Flame High God, without any deliberate action on Her part.


    Gods were like this.


    Fortunately, a cold snort echoed amidst the sounds of the Star Flame and neutralized Her influence. It was like a basin of cold water that landed in everyone¡¯s hearts.


    ¡°Teleportation, activate!¡±


    Everyone¡¯s hearts trembled as they recovered. As for the sky, it was accompanied by waves of lightning that descended on the mortal world.


    The thunder grew louder and louder. In the end, it accumulated to the extreme and emitted the sound of the world being split open.


    The world rumbled and the void stirred up huge waves that spread out in circles, forming a circular vortex.


    This vortex spun rapidly, as though it had pushed aside layers of appearances, revealing a gorgeous, rainbow-colored irregular hole.


    Looking up, one could see within this rainbow hole a vast expanse of mountains and rivers, where exotic flowers and rare herbs grew, and ferocious beasts roamed, resembling a primitive wilderness.


    There were also waves of beast roars.


    It was¡­ the location for the second segment of the Grand Hunt, the Mountains and Seas Region.


    At the next moment, rainbow light shot out from the vortex, forming countless wisps that landed on all the cultivators who were qualified for the second segment in the three holy cities.


    The Eldest Prince, Tuoshi Shan, Qiu Quezi¡­


    Even Xu Qing and Fan Shishuang, who were outside the city, were enveloped by the light. The moment they were enveloped by the light, the power of teleportation rose.


    Three breaths later, the teleportation was activated!


    The rainbow light flickered in the city. If one looked from the sky, they could clearly see rainbow flowers continuously blooming.


    Every time it bloomed, someone would be teleported away. This teleportation was without a fixed coordinate. If some cultivators wanted to group, they could only do it in the Mountains and Seas Region.


    Xu Qing also disappeared amidst the fluctuations of the rainbow light.


    The successive teleportation of hundreds of thousands of cultivators caused the rainbow flowers to outline a beautiful scene.


    It was as though the starry sky had landed on the ground.


    A while later, as more cultivators were teleported, there were fewer rainbow flowers.


    The Divine Mountain no longer shook. Only a chuckle from Star Flame echoed through the world.


    The Mountains and Seas Region was shaped like a gourd, with no plains within it, only mountain ranges and endless rainforests.


    This environment, combined with its constant temperature and centuries of isolation, had led to the creation of its own ecosystem, making it suitable for the habitation and reproduction of ferocious beasts.


    Hence, there were all kinds of strange ferocious beasts.


    Moreover, due to the extremely dense anomalous substances here, not only did ferocious beasts mutate, but vegetation also mutated.


    The entire Mountains and Seas Region was more like a forbidden region.


    It wasn¡¯t formed by the gaze of the fragmented-face of the god but by the three gods of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven.


    Additionally, due to the perpetual isolation of this place, many species that were extinct elsewhere still existed here. Moreover, some ancient relics were better preserved here than in the outside world.


    At this moment, deep within the rainforest in the upper ring of the Mountains and Seas Region, a black rotten tree was swaying its branches, dragging a white deer from afar.


    The white deer struggled, but to no avail, as vines pierced and entwined around its body, absorbing it as they wriggled.


    The white deer could only emit a desperate cry for help, its voice pitiful, its eyes revealing an attachment to life, clearly expressing its will to survive.


    White deers weren¡¯t common in the Mountains and Seas Region.


    It often symbolized beauty, perhaps that¡¯s why it became prey, coupled with its relatively lower value compared to other animals, leading to its dwindling numbers.


    However, its cries might have moved the heavens, as a rainbow light shone beside the rotting tree.


    Soon, a figure in a black robe was revealed.


    The moment the figure appeared, the rotting tree trembled and didn¡¯t dare to move. The white deer also trembled and instinctively stopped crying. However, its desire to survive made it let out a soft wail.


    The figure that appeared beside the rotting tree turned his head when he heard this. He glanced at the white deer and walked over.


    With two steps, he arrived in front of the wailing white deer and stared at it..


    At a glance, the vines that were wrapped around the white deer disintegrated inch by inch and turned into ashes.


    The man squatted down and lifted his hand, gently stroking the white deer¡¯s body. His movements were gentle.


    Unfortunately, although there were no more vines, the white deer¡¯s injuries were too serious and it couldn¡¯t even stand up. It could only rely on its spirituality to reveal gratitude through its eyes.


    However, the intense pain from its body caused it to involuntarily tremble and death was rapidly approaching it.


    ¡°It won¡¯t hurt anymore in a while.¡±


    The man spoke softly and his movements became gentler, comforting the white deer¡¯s heart. Its struggling movements decreased and the gratitude in its eyes increased. It even stuck out its tongue and licked the corner of the man¡¯s clothes.


    At the next instant, after it completely relaxed, the black-robed man¡¯s hand gently pressed down on its neck and squeezed.


    There was a cracking sound; the white deer¡¯s body shook for a bit before it died, painlessly.


    The man slowly stood up and looked into the distance.


    As the light from the sky scattered down through the gaps between the leaves above, his appearance gradually became clearer.


    He was a young man, his long hair tied up in a bun on top of his head, with a black headband around his forehead.


    Coupled with his black robe and black boots, everything about him exuded a chilling aura.


    Vaguely, one could see some blurry red figures around him. They seemed to be formed by blood and emitted a dense smell of blood.


    If a cultivator from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven was here, they would be able to recognize this person at a glance.


    This person was famous in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. He surpassed Tuoshi Shan and even Fan Shishuang.


    Back then, when the Eldest Prince introduced the great heaven¡¯s chosens of Flame Moon to Xu Qing, he had emphasized this person.


    Ji Dongzi was at the third stage of Nihility, ranked second, belonging to the jurisdiction of the Sun Flame High God.


    He had a cold personality and was ruthless. When he attacked, he would definitely kill. More than ten nonhuman races were slaughtered by him and they were refined into blood disciples that accompanied him.


    He had numerous methods, including an impressive record of holding his own against a Flame Moon Race Soul Accumulation captive. Although that captive was already at the end of his rope, he was still a Soul Accumulation cultivator¡­


    Even Fan Shishuang was extremely wary of this youth. The two of them had fought three times, and every time¡­ Fan Shishuang lost miserably.


    This was especially so for the last time. If it wasn¡¯t for the mediation of this generation¡¯s Flame Mystic, Fan Wushuang might have lost his life.


    Tuoshi Shan had also fought against Ji Dongzi, but was suppressed in just ten breaths of time.


    And the thing Ji Dongzi was most unwilling to accept in his life was his failure to obtain the title of Flame Mystic. That was also the first time he had experienced a failure in his cultivation journey.


    ¡°When you are dead, it won¡¯t hurt anymore.¡±


    Ji Dongzi retracted his gaze from the distance and lowered his head to look at the white deer¡¯s corpse at his feet.


    After that, he walked forward.


    A few steps later, he seemed to have thought of something.


    ¡°Spread the word. If anyone sees Xu Qing, inform me of his whereabouts.¡±


    After giving the order, Ji Dongzi remained calm and continued on his way. For him, killing Xu Qing was simply a transaction prompted by King Mingnan, accompanied by promises and conditions.


    It was just a casual matter; if he encountered Xu Qing, he would kill him, but if not, he wouldn¡¯t waste time personally searching for him.


    As for the difficulty, for him, other than Flame Mystic, who he wasn¡¯t confident of killing, anyone else of this generation would be easy to kill.


    As he moved forward, the blood figures around him bowed. Some of them disappeared to spread the news.


    As for the remaining blood figures, they followed him into the distance.


    At the same time, in the upper ring of the Mountains and Seas Region, near the central area of the region, in the rainforest, Xu Qing was stealthily moving forward.


    He was cautious and didn¡¯t emit any aura. Xu Qing was also very used to the rainforest and the anomalous substances here.


    He liked such an environment.


    During this teleportation, the captain wasn¡¯t by his side. However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t worried about the captain.


    According to his understanding of the captain, the other party must have a way to enter the Mountains and Seas Region.


    ¡°Although Eldest Senior Brother said that he had prepared shanchi for me¡­ I can¡¯t place all my hopes on him.¡±


    Firstly, he had given up on the Jiuli Forbidden that was located in the middle of the upper and lower rings.


    Since no one had successfully subdued this legendary Flame Moon Holy Beast over the countless years, Xu Qing didn¡¯t think that he was special.


    Therefore, rather than wasting time with the Jiuli, it was better to search for other things.


    ¡°I will search for a shanchi!¡±


    A dark glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. This choice could allow him to meet up with the captain as soon as possible. At the same time, it could also increase his chances of obtaining a shanchi.


    Hence, the description of the shanchi¡¯s activity area in the jade slip he had seen appeared in his mind.


    ¡°It¡¯s in the northwestern area of the lower ring.¡±


    ¡°Then, first, 1 have to identify which area this place belongs to.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and with the enhancement of his speed, he instantly disappeared from the rainforest.


    Time passed, and three days went by. Utilizing the habitats of various ferocious beasts, Xu Qing, under observation, roughly determined his position based on some ferocious beasts encountered along the way.


    With the direction, his speed became even faster as he moved toward the middle area of the upper and lower rings.


    ¡°At this speed, I¡¯ll reach the middle area in five days. I¡¯ll circle around the edge of the Jiuli Forbidden and head to the territory of shanchi. It should take about half a month.¡±


    ¡°In the Mountains and Seas Region, the killing and competition will be even more direct¡­ And that Fan Shishuang!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. If the second segment hadn¡¯t been activated in advance, the battle between him and Fan Shishuang would have erupted.


    Xu Qing was very vigilant against Fan Shishuang. Among the opponents he had encountered in his life, there weren¡¯t many who he didn¡¯t have confidence in winning against. Fan Shishuang was one of them..

 Chapter 1262 - Chapter 1262: Mountains and Seas Region

    Chapter 1262: Mountains and Seas Region


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Being vigilant, Xu Qing didn¡¯t speed through the sky. Instead, he moved forward in the rainforest, using the environment of the rainforest to hide his tracks.


    He also released the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor to scout the way.


    Just like that, five days passed.


    In these five days, he saw some other participants. Xu Qing remembered some of them challenging him before.


    However, he wasn¡¯t in the mood to care too much. Before the other party noticed, he had already left.


    He encountered many ferocious beasts in this jungle, whether perched on tree branches or hidden in the mud, they were countless.


    There were also some bizarre creatures. For example, a mountain suddenly trembled and rose from the ground, turning into a giant with a large number of arms. It strode past Xu Qing.


    There were suns with legs, running hand in hand.


    There were even centipedes singing songs, and mushrooms bouncing along after seeing Xu Qing.


    There were also strange creatures that looked like trees, but were actually noses sleeping within the earth.


    Even the wind, when it emerged, made Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widen in realization. The wind¡­ though seemingly invisible, was substantial, just transparent.


    If it wasn¡¯t for Xu Qing¡¯s sharp perception, he might have directly collided with it.


    There were also many other eerie and bizarre creatures, such as flying skulls, walking skeletons, and the chilling songs left in their wake.


    Some had form, and some were intangible.


    Xu Qing felt that this Mountains and Seas Region was like a different world. The abilities and appearances of the ferocious beasts here subverted his understanding.


    There were giant headless beasts, flowing hair dancing in the mud, and ruined temples exuding a dangerous aura, as well as faceless skeletal figures carrying stone tablets on their backs.


    At this moment, Xu Qing leaped over a sea of flowers within the rainforest.


    This colorful sea of flowers moved across the ground, forming waves that engulfed and consumed everything in their path¡ªevery plant, every creature, all becoming part of the flower sea.


    Upon closer inspection, it could be seen that this so-called flower sea was actually comprised of colorful toads. Each jump they made created ripples and waves.


    But the most terrifying aspect of this flower sea was its core¡ªa damaged statue carried by countless toads.


    The statue depicted a bare-chested male figure with four heads, all of them closed-eyed. One hand cradled a baby to its chest, while the other rested on its chin.


    Waves of soft snoring spread out as the flower sea moved.


    As for its broken parts, it only had half of its torso, and each of the four heads had some degree of damage, particularly the baby cradled in its arm.


    Xu Qing observed from afar, his heart skipping a beat. This was the seventeenth statue he had seen in the past five days, each one different but giving him the same sense of danger.


    It was the same as those broken halls of the Divine Palace.


    These statues were also damaged and none of them were intact. There were even some that looked like they had been cut into pieces.


    The one in front of him could be considered well-preserved.


    ¡°What exactly happened in the Mountains and Seas Region many years ago¡­¡±


    ¡°So many temples, so many damaged statues¡­¡±


    A strange feeling rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. He circled around the sea of flowers and pondered as he moved in the predetermined direction. However, after he sped for another fifteen minutes, Xu Qing¡¯s expression suddenly changed. He retreated abruptly and quickly rose into the air.


    Almost at the instant he left his original location, the void in the area he was in earlier exploded, revealing a huge black hole.


    It wasn¡¯t that this black hole suddenly appeared for no reason. The reason for its formation came from the ground.


    In the rainforest and in the swamp, there was a broken statue of a god that was 100,000 feet long lying there. Its body was shattered and incomplete, but its head remained relatively intact, especially the area around the mouth, which showed no signs of damage.


    Moreover, it was breathing.


    Every time it breathed, a black hole would appear in the air.


    At the same time, it also emitted a deterrence from the level of life.


    Even though Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation was extraordinary and his combat strength was astonishing, coupled with the fact that he had the god form, he was still shaken by this aura and had no choice but to circle around it.


    At the same time, the trembling voice of the god¡¯s finger rang out from Di32¡¯s body.


    ¡°Here¡­ here¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred.


    ¡°Continue.¡±


    The god¡¯s finger trembled as It spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Gods have died here before. Not just a few gods, but many gods¡­ Heavens, why didn¡¯t I know about this? I¡¯ve never heard of it.¡±


    ¡°Is it possible that when your original form descended, you were always in a state of slumber, and later when you split apart, you were still suppressed and asleep¡­¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor flew over from afar and transmitted his divine


    sense.


    The god¡¯s finger fell silent. It wanted to say something but It knew that the other party¡¯s status in Xu Qing¡¯s heart was probably higher than It. Hence, It scoffed inwardly, but didn¡¯t refute.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s words. He recalled the broken statues he had seen on the way and looked at this rainforest. His eyes slowly narrowed as he took a deep breath.


    The air here seemed normal but for Xu Qing, who was well-versed in pharmacology, he still caught a faint scent of blood inside.


    It came from the silt, from plants, from rocks, from the world¡­


    It was as though everything in this world was emitting a bloody stench.


    ¡°There has been a great battle¡­ and many gods have died. So, who were the gods¡¯ opponents?¡±


    Xu Qing only knew one side of the story. He didn¡¯t know the details, so he lacked clues to form an answer.


    He swept his gaze across the huge statue on the ground and circled around it. Just as he was about to speed up, a whistling sound rang out from the distant horizon, and seven to eight rainbows appeared. Just like Xu Qing, they intended to circle around the huge statue.


    Hence, they saw Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing also saw them clearly.


    Among these seven to eight people, there was the Flame Moon Race and other affiliated races. There was also a Si¡¯e Race member among them. Clearly, they were a temporary team.


    After seeing Xu Qing clearly, the expressions of these seven or eight individuals changed instantly. Instinctively, they backed away, maintaining silence for a few breaths. The leading Flame Moon cultivator bowed to Xu Qing from a distance before swiftly changing direction and flying away.


    The hearts of the followers behind him also trembled and they bowed one after another. The gaze of the Si¡¯e Race member flickered for a moment before he quickly lowered his head and chose to greet Xu Qing like the others.


    They had seen Xu Qing¡¯s battle outside the holy city previously, and it had caused huge waves in their hearts. Hence, when they encountered him now, they didn¡¯t dare to get close.


    Xu Qing¡¯s cold gaze swept over. When he sensed that the other side hadn¡¯t obtained any mutated beasts, he wasn¡¯t interested in attacking. His body swayed and he left for his destination.


    Sensing that Xu Qing had disappeared, this group of cultivators who were rapidly moving away heaved a sigh of relief. They looked at each other and noticed the hesitation in their expressions.


    However, the Si¡¯e Race cultivator didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He immediately took out a voice transmission jade slip and was about to transmit his voice.


    However, the instant he grabbed the voice transmission jade slip, a cold voice rang out from the void beside him.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    As soon as this voice rang out, the expressions of the seven to eight cultivators changed drastically, especially the Si¡¯e Race cultivator. He gasped and instinctively wanted to transmit his voice into the jade slip, but it was too late.


    A hand stretched out from beside him and grabbed his palm. With a slight squeeze, it crushed his hand and the jade slip inside, mixing flesh, blood, and jade fragments together.


    The heart-rending scream brought about by the intense pain rang out from the mouth of the Si¡¯e Race cultivator. Xu Qing, who was in his god form, walked out of the void and strangled the Si¡¯e Race cultivator¡¯s neck.


    The hearts of the other cultivators in the surroundings trembled and they immediately retreated. However, they couldn¡¯t retreat too far. The blood tentacles that spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s body had already landed in front of them one by one.


    It was as though if they moved even a little, their foreheads would be instantly penetrated.


    They stopped and looked at Xu Qing in horror.


    ¡°When others see me, it¡¯s understandable for them to bow. However, it¡¯s a little strange for you, a Si¡¯e Race cultivator, to bow to me¡­ Also, there¡¯s something wrong with your gaze, and I remember you challenging me before.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    Xu Qing was meticulous. Although he had left earlier, this small suspicious point still made him vigilant. Hence, he returned to take a look.


    In the end, he saw the scene of the other party wanting to transmit his voice.


    ¡°Tell me, who were you going to send the information to?¡± Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    Panic appeared in the eyes of the Si¡¯e Race cultivator. Just as he was about to speak, the cultivator from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Xu, let me tell you!¡±


    ¡°Ji Dongzi spread the news five days ago to search for your traces, and transmit your location if anyone sees you¡­¡±


    ¡°This cultivator of the Si¡¯e Race must be trying to inform Ji Dongzi.¡±


    ¡®This cultivator from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven was a smart person. He didn¡¯t want to be implicated by this Si¡¯e Race cultivator who had a death wish. He also knew that Xu Qing was decisive in killing. Hence, he understood that if that Si¡¯e Race cultivator took the initiative to answer, his life and death would be decided by Xu Qing¡¯s thought.


    If he said it first, the possibility of survival would increase greatly.


    The other cultivators also reacted and spoke one after another.


    Xu Qing glanced at the cultivator in his hand. Noticing the other party¡¯s panicked aura, he had an answer. He clenched his hand and with a cracking sound, the cultivator¡¯s body and spirit were destroyed.


    At the same time, the hearts of the others also trembled. They all fell silent and looked at Xu Qing in fear.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past them. He then released the Poison Restriction and planted it into them.


    These few people sensed it and their faces turned pale.


    ¡°Come and find me to detoxify the poison after the second segment ends.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke. With a sway of his body, he disappeared without a trace.


    All the cultivators, including the cultivator from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, fell silent. However, they had no choice but to leave bitterly.


    After they had moved far away, Xu Qing appeared again. He then frowned.


    ¡°Ji Dongzi?¡±

 Chapter 1263 - Chapter 1263: Hunting Xu Qing

    Chapter 1263: Hunting Xu Qing


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Although Xu Qing had never seen Ji Dongzi with his own eyes, he still had some understanding of this cultivator through the Eldest Prince¡¯s introduction.


    ¡°Ranked second among the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s heaven¡¯s chosens!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn. He felt that if he fought with all his might, he could reach a draw with Fan Shishuang, who was ranked third.


    However, such a battle would definitely consume a lot of his energy. He would need a long time to recover in the future, so it was not conducive to the second segment.


    Even with the purple crystal to heal his injuries, the consumption of divine sources and the loss of soul threads would take a long time to replenish.


    Ji Dongzi had fought with Fan Shishuang three times and won easily every time. Xu Qing recalled the content of the jade slip and knew that if Flame Mystic hadn¡¯t interfered, Ji Dongzi would have killed Fan Shishuang.


    Xu Qing knew very well that he wasn¡¯t a match for such combat strength.


    At the end of the day, his foundation was still relatively insufficient.


    As for the reasons behind the other party spreading the news and searching for his whereabouts, it wasn¡¯t important. The fact remained as it was, and there were too many reasons that could be speculated upon.


    Hence, after Xu Qing pondered for a while, he moved even more cautiously, focusing even more on his concealment.


    He didn¡¯t want to encounter this person before he obtained a mutated beast. Engaging in a life-and-death battle was one matter, and having his own plans disrupted was another.


    ¡°I¡¯m still ten days away from my destination¡­¡±


    In the rainforest, Xu Qing mumbled inwardly as he shuttled over.


    Just like that, time flowed by and very soon, another five days passed.


    During these five days, Xu Qing did his best to hide his tracks. If he saw any Flame Moon cultivators, he would stay far away and not get close. He also hid and waited for the other party to leave before appearing.


    However, sometimes, the development of things was beyond one¡¯s will. Other than cultivators, there were also a large number of ferocious beasts and bizarre creatures with terrifying strength in this Mountains and Seas Region.


    For the latter, Xu Qing had his shadow and could evade or intimidate them to a certain extent. However, for the former¡­ it depended on luck.


    It was impossible for his luck to remain high forever. On the fifth day, at the intersection of the upper and lower rings of the Mountains and Seas Region, near the area of the Jiuli Forbidden, Xu Qing encountered a group of mountain sparrows whistling overhead in the sky.


    After seeing them, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate to evade them.


    The so-called mountain sparrows referred to sparrows that carried mountains on their backs.


    They were enormous in size and moved with mountains on their backs. Therefore, in the eyes of cultivators, what they often saw first was the mountain peaks whistling through the sky, similar to cultivators moving the mountains in the first segment.


    Moreover, these ferocious beasts lived in groups and hunted together in large numbers.


    They possessed formidable strength, and the ones venturing out were usually all adults, with their combat prowess ranging from the first stage Nihility to perfected Nihility.


    There were a lot of them¡­ Hence, for the participants in the second segment, they were a headache.


    This was because the mountain sparrow¡¯s diet was very wide. Other than ferocious beasts, it liked devouring cultivators even more.


    What Xu Qing encountered now was a group of mountain sparrows that had gone out to hunt. With their strange innate ability, they instantly sensed Xu Qing¡¯s traces and suddenly turned in the air, rushing toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing frowned but his gaze swept past the group of at least a hundred mountain sparrows. He fell silent for a moment before fleeing at full speed.


    The world rumbled. The pursuit of the mountain sparrows formed an astonishing energy fluctuation that spread in all directions. They emitted sharp cries, as though they were summoning their companions.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and his eyes instantly turned pitch-black. The Purple Moon rose, forming a deterrence, causing the mountain sparrows that were chasing to pause.


    Taking advantage of this time, Xu Qing fled even faster. However, the mountain sparrows in the sky and the fluctuations they emitted still attracted the attention of the nearby cultivators who were passing by.


    The expressions of these cultivators changed and they quickly escaped, not daring to get close. There were also two Si¡¯e Race members among them. When they saw the mountain sparrows from afar, they were shocked. After that, their expressions changed and they took out jade slips at the same time.


    It was a special jade slip. It was purple in color and was currently shining.


    After these two checked, they quickly retreated. At the same time, they gritted their teeth and were about to transmit their voices.


    However, at the next instant, the wind whistled and a black fog appeared out of thin air, enveloping the two of them. The Poison Restriction erupted and mournful wails echoed. Very soon, the fog dissipated, leaving only black blood and storage bags scattered on the ground.


    On the ground, Xu Qing¡¯s figure flashed. He grabbed the storage bags and the two special jade slips and sped up without turning his head.


    However, his brows were tightly furrowed.


    He had killed the two Si¡¯e Race cultivators and because of the speed at which he killed them, they didn¡¯t have time to spread the news, but the two purple jade slips gave him a very bad feeling.


    ¡°The guidance formed by the blood of the Purple Moon believers and curse arts¡­¡±


    Xu Qing only needed a glance to sense the principles behind these two jade slips.


    He crushed the jade slips. He had a faint feeling that there might be no more need for anyone to spread his whereabouts.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t believe that such a jade slip that was specifically made to track him didn¡¯t have the effect of sending messages on its own.


    ¡°However, it¡¯s also possible that I¡¯m thinking too much. There are still five days before 1 reach my destination.¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and lifted his head to look in the direction of the Jiuli Forbidden.


    He was not far from the edge of the Jiuli Forbidden.


    The entire Jiuli Forbidden was filled with a dense gray fog that couldn¡¯t be penetrated by the sunlight. The fog inside slowly churned, giving one the feeling of an old man in his twilight years.


    From time to time, they would transform into pained faces that let out soundless cries in the surroundings, forming ripples in the void.


    Vaguely, there seemed to be blurry scenes forming inside, but they couldn¡¯t be seen clearly or remembered.


    Only roars filled with despair and madness echoed gloomily from the depths of the fog.


    The voices entered one¡¯s mind and shook one¡¯s soul, causing one to involuntarily tremble. Instinctively, unease and reverence rose.


    This was especially so for Xu Qing¡¯s divine sources. It actually felt like they were being suppressed. It was as though a god¡¯s power was incompatible with this place.


    As for the situation in the fog, it was filled with mystery.


    ¡°Jiuli Forbidden¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled.


    Although he couldn¡¯t see the specific terrain and details, he could sense a sense of oppression through his perception. As the decaying wind blew from the direction of Jiuli, it clearly landed in Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    More wind landed on Xu Qing¡¯s body, lifting his hair.


    In this wind, his hair showed signs of withering, as though some of its life force had been plundered at this instant.


    This scene caused Xu Qing to be even more wary of the Jiuli Forbidden.


    By now, he had seen too many forbidden zones and also visited a few forbidden regions.


    However, this place was completely different from the places he had been to before.


    ¡°This place is more like a tomb.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was deep as he took a closer look. Only then did he retract his gaze and continue to move stealthily in the direction of sanchi¡¯s territory.


    At the same time, he transmitted his voice to Eldest Senior Brother.


    During this period, he would attempt this every day. However, because the distance was too far, the information he transmitted seemed to not have been sent, and there was no response.


    Xu Qing shook his head and put away the voice transmission jade slip before flying away.


    A day later, at the edge of the area near the lower ring, rumbling sounds echoed and fog lingered. The figures of Si¡¯e Race cultivators wanted to rush out of the fog but in the end, they still turned into blood.


    When the fog dissipated, Xu Qing walked out.


    Behind him were dozens of cultivators of the Si¡¯e Race.


    Xu Qing turned his head and glanced at the melting corpses behind him with a gloomy expression.


    He had been ambushed when he passed by this place earlier.


    The other party seemed to be able to accurately grasp his whereabouts. Moreover, they didn¡¯t care about their lives at all. When they saw him appear, they used all kinds of destructive methods.


    There were even some who self-destructed like lunatics.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s opinion, their goal wasn¡¯t to kill but to stall for time.


    Most importantly, each of them had a special purple jade slip.


    ¡°My judgment isn¡¯t wrong¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He then lifted his head and looked in the direction of his destination.


    He still needed four days to arrive there.


    ¡°These people are stalling for time like this. This means that there¡¯s a high chance that Ji Dongzi isn¡¯t far away.¡±


    In the next four days¡­ it should be very difficult for things to go smoothly. Moreover, my tracks have been locked onto. Even if 1 successfully enter the sanchi¡¯s territory, there will still be huge hidden dangers in the future. There¡¯s not much meaning.¡±


    ¡°I have to think of a way to deal with Ji Dongzi and completely avoid detection.¡±


    ¡°Otherwise, if this continues, the troubles will never end.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He was very clear that some things needed to be prepared in advance. Only then could he grasp the opportunity to reverse the situation at the moment of life and death.


    Hence, after some thought, his gaze moved away from the direction of sanchi¡¯s territory and looked at the Jiuli Forbidden that he had passed by.


    That place was the restricted area of the Mountains and Seas Region. It was only a day¡¯s journey away from where he was.


    Xu Qing fell silent for a moment as he stared at the Jiuli Forbidden. Determination appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°In terms of combat strength, there¡¯s a high chance that I¡¯m inferior to Ji


    Dongzi. However, in terms of survival¡­¡±


    Xu Qing sensed the purple crystal and his heart calmed down. With a sway of his body, he changed his direction and sped toward the Jiuli Forbidden.


    Xu Qing¡¯s judgment wasn¡¯t wrong. Four hours after he left, a rainbow whistled over from the distant sky with a disdainful aura.


    It instantly arrived at the location where Xu Qing was previously. The rainbow dissipated and transformed into a figure.


    It was Ji Dongzi.


    He stood on the ground and glanced at the place where the Si¡¯e Race cultivators had died. After that, he closed his eyes and sensed.


    In the direction of Jiuli?¡±


    Ji Dongzi calmly spoke.


    ¡°He¡¯s not stupid. However¡­ the possibility of escaping from me is very small.¡±


    Ji Dongzi¡¯s expression was cold. He took a step forward and the sound of air breaking rang out. His figure seemed to be able to lock onto Xu Qing¡¯s tracks as he gave chase.


    Just like that, one rushed forward while the other gave chase. Six hours later, Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed and he abruptly turned his head.


    As he looked at the horizon, the clouds and fog exploded and the void churned. A blood light swept in all directions and connected the world, rumbling toward him like an avalanche.


    In the sea of blood, he could see a black figure coldly looking at him..

 Chapter 1264 - 1264 The Fourth God?

    1264 The Fourth God?


    A sea of blood filled the sky.


    From afar, it was as though doomsday had descended.


    As the sea of blood churned, the black-clothed figure inside appeared high and mighty, emitting an extremely powerful aura.


    Compared to him, Xu Qing¡¯s aura in the rainforest was clearly inferior. At the same time, a huge pressure descended in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Every inch of flesh in his body was trembling. An intense warning transmitted over from the Heavenly Dao.


    Strong, extremely strong!


    This was the strongest heaven¡¯s chosen Xu Qing had encountered so far.


    Regardless of whether it was Tuoshi Shan or Fan Shishuang, Xu Qing had never had such a strong sense of being outmatched. He could fight the former and he had the ability to be on par with the latter. However, Xu Qing was very clear that he wasn¡¯t Ji Dongzi¡¯s match.


    Hence, he retreated and circulated all his cultivation base. Countless soul threads erupted from his body and instantly formed the fourth god form.


    It was completed in an instant and he retreated again.


    ¡°Although you¡¯re quick-witted, you¡¯ve already lost the qualifications to survive after seeing me.¡±


    In the sky, Ji Dongzi calmly spoke. He then lifted his right hand and pressed toward Xu Qing.


    With this push, the sea of blood that covered the sky in the surroundings instantly churned violently and expanded to a range of 500 kilometers. It was like a real sea as it swept toward Xu Qing.


    Wherever it passed, the void shattered and the world rumbled. With Xu Qing as the center, the rainforest in a radius of 500 kilometers trembled. All the vegetation was illuminated with blood color and the ground turned into blood mud.


    All life forms within 500 kilometers wailed. No matter what form they had, be it ferocious beasts or bizarre entities, they instantly turned into blood. Strands of blood rose into the air and connected to the incoming blood sea.


    From afar, countless streams of blood rose into the air, seemingly turning this place into a cage of blood.


    There were also a large number of blood figures hidden in this sea of blood. They looked at Xu Qing greedily and let out sharp cries as they pounced over.


    Ji Dongzi¡¯s attacks seemed to seal all escape paths.


    The feeling of life-and-death crisis erupted even more intensely in Xu Qing¡¯s mind at this moment. His expression was gloomy and he sensed that his escape routes had been sealed, so he decided not to retreat anymore. His fourth god form¡¯s divine source spread out and anomalous substances soared, blurring the surroundings.


    A voice that was like a god¡¯s murmur rang out from Xu Qing¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Blood!¡±


    The instant this word echoed through the world, the blood sea that was pressing down on him suddenly trembled. The blood that rose into the air from the rainforest also paused and began to distort.


    A huge pulling force arrived out of thin air as Xu Qing¡¯s blood authority was unleashed. It guided this sea of blood into forming a vortex that belonged to Xu Qing.


    Once it was formed, this sea of blood would be controlled by Xu Qing.


    ¡°Not a bad authority. Then what¡¯s your limit?¡±


    Ji Dongzi calmly spoke. He then waved his hand again; immediately, the sea of blood erupted. All the blood figures inside roared in unison and melted.


    A terrifying scene was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, causing waves in his heart.


    There were thousands of blood figures in the blood sea. After each blood figure melted, it would form a large amount of blood that fused into the blood sea, causing it to be even more astonishing.


    In the blink of an eye, after over a hundred blood shadows melted, the range of the blood sea soared to 3,000 kilometers and continued.


    3,500, 4,000, 4,500¡­ until 5,000 kilometers.


    The sea of blood that stretched for thousands of kilometers stirred up a monstrous intent. Just the aura it emitted formed an aura of extermination. Even though Xu Qing had the authority of blood, the sea of blood that soared still made him feel pressure.


    This was especially so since 5,000 kilometers wasn¡¯t the end.


    As more blood figures melted and fused into the blood sea, it expanded to 10,000 kilometers, 15,000, 20,000¡­


    Finally, after the thousands of blood figures melted, this sea of blood had reached an incomparably terrifying 50,000 kilometers.


    The affected rainforest was the same.


    50,000 kilometers was an extremely large range. It was as though it had really replaced the sky and was falling toward Xu Qing. Moreover, during this process, it was still expanding.


    Xu Qing trembled as he felt his limit. His body became unstable and he felt a tearing pain in his soul.


    At this critical moment, Xu Qing¡¯s battle instincts played a key role. Determination appeared in his eyes as he gathered the blood authority from its scattered state and condensed it outside his body, forming a blood light. It spun and transformed into a vortex.


    In the vortex, his body transformed into blood and scattered.


    Since he couldn¡¯t resist it, he chose to fuse into it.


    At the same time, the 50,000-kilometer-long blood sea in the sky landed on the ground.


    The rumbling sound spread out to a range of more than 500,000 kilometers. A large number of Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivators in this range sensed it and their hearts trembled as they turned their heads to look into the distance.


    They were all shocked.


    The rainforest under the sea of blood was completely destroyed. All the vegetation, ferocious beasts, and bizarre entities perished in unison. The ground caved in before being filled up with the sea of blood.


    The 50,000-kilometer-long sea of blood transformed the terrain. As it churned continuously, drops of blood rapidly rose into the air and gathered together, forming Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    As soon as he appeared, he spat out a mouthful of blood. His face was pale and his god form had shattered as he rapidly retreated.


    Although he chose to use the integration method to resolve the crisis at the final moment, the huge difference in strength between them still caused Xu Qing to be heavily injured.


    ¡°You only amount to this much.¡±


    A cold voice rang out from the void in front of Xu Qing.


    What reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was a finger that appeared out of thin air. It carried the power of extermination as it pressed down on him.


    Even though he was at an absolute disadvantage, Xu Qing remained calm. He was well aware that his every move must have purpose. If he panicked even a little, the consequences would be dire.


    His eyes turned pitch-black. The power of the Poison Restriction erupted in all directions, forming endless black fog that invaded the finger that had appeared.


    Black spots immediately appeared on that finger, showing signs of rotting.


    However, at the next moment, a second finger appeared in another direction and also pressed toward Xu Qing.


    Seven lumps of underworld fire rose in Xu Qing¡¯s body and were extinguished one by one. It was none other than the Seven Lanterns Underworld Fire Curse.


    As they were extinguished, the second finger also began to decay.


    Xu Qing retreated even faster.


    A soft cry of surprise echoed at this moment. Clearly, Xu Qing¡¯s successive attacks had surprised Ji Dongzi.


    ¡°Interesting.¡±


    After a soft exclamation of surprise, a light laugh rang out. After that, what appeared in front of Xu Qing was no longer a finger but a blood-red, complete palm!


    Its aura was violent and much stronger than before. There was also an irresistible feeling that rose from within, suppressing the mind.


    In fact, it even had the power of the Soul Accumulation!


    It ignored the Poison Restriction and the underworld fire curse and landed in front of Xu Qing, replacing everything in his eyes.


    The feeling of life and death was unprecedented!


    Xu Qing wanted to resist but it was difficult for him to hold on. His body trembled and his god form directly collapsed, transforming into countless soul threads that rolled back and quickly gathered. However, it still collapsed.


    It collapsed once, then again, and again.


    When the soul threads couldn¡¯t gather and spread in all directions, it revealed Xu Qing¡¯s main body with his eyes closed.


    As for Ji Dongzi¡¯s palm, it passed through the soul threads and was about to press down on Xu Qing¡¯s main body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly opened, revealing purple pupils.


    He had been waiting for this moment. Everything before was to weaken the enemy to a certain extent.


    A purple moon distorted and appeared between Xu Qing and Ji Dongzi¡¯s palm.


    That wasn¡¯t an illusory moon but a real existence. At first, it was very small but it rapidly expanded. One could see a stone stele on it and the names of a large number of believers.


    At this moment, in the Black Spirit Region, countless temples of the Purple Lord trembled. Countless believers were worshiping. The power of faith gathered and formed purple light that shone in front of Ji Dongzi in the Mountains and Seas Region.


    His hand directly turned purple and his momentum paused for a moment. He wanted to withdraw his palm, but it was too late. The rapidly expanding purple moon suddenly rushed forward and pressed down on his palm with great force.


    It instantly came into contact with the hand and pushed it back continuously.


    The ripples spread out, outlining the figure of Ji Dongzi, who was hiding in the void behind the palm.


    This figure rapidly materialized and revealed a surprised expression. Just as he was about to continue attacking, the purple moonlight erupted in the next instant, dyeing his entire body red.


    At the same time, the soul threads that had scattered earlier rushed over from all directions. Their target wasn¡¯t Xu Qing but Ji Dongzi.


    Millions of soul threads surrounded him, forming a binding force.


    All of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in the blink of an eye. The moment Ji Dongzi was bombarded by the purple moon and entangled by the soul threads, the killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was intense. He raised his right hand and grabbed at Ji Dongzi.


    The surroundings trembled and ripples appeared in the world, as though it had changed into a well.


    The well water fluctuated, reflecting all of Ji Dongzi¡¯s spells, as well as all the fragments of his past and future. It also included Ji Dongzi¡¯s soul!


    This also contained all of Ji Dongzi¡¯s unknown secrets.


    For example, soul¡­ When Xu Qing saw it, his eyes narrowed.


    Ji Dongzi¡¯s soul wasn¡¯t just one wisp but a total of 97 wisps!


    Inside each wisp was a golden divine tablet.


    On the 97 divine tablets, there were 97 figures carved. Their appearances were different but they all emitted the presence of gods.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to tremble.


    This was because those divine tablets depicted 97 gods!


    One of them was the skeletal statue Xu Qing had seen in the rainforest previously!


    Xu Qing felt that Ji Dongzi was more like a vessel to contain the divine tablets!


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know if this was a ritual or not, but he instinctively thought of what the Fifth Prince had stated in the Human Emperor¡¯s Hall!


    ¡°The anomalous substances in the Flame Moon Region have increased by three times compared to the previous year. After King Zhen Yan paid attention to them, he stated that it¡¯s suspected that¡­ the Flame Moon is planning to welcome a fourth god!¡±

 Chapter 1265 - Chapter 1265: Killing Intent

    Chapter 1265: Killing Intent


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Ji Dongzi was already filled with extreme shock.


    He had never seen such a divine ability before and had never felt a similar feeling. However, he could clearly sense the vastness of the water waves that appeared around him.


    This was also the first time a life-and-death crisis appeared in his heart.


    At the same time, he also sensed that he had lost all mobility at this instant. His body couldn¡¯t move at all and his cultivation seemed to have frozen. Everything was still.


    In addition, he was suppressed by the purple moon and entangled by the soul threads. This made it difficult for him to use anything even if he had the ability to overturn the sky and sea.


    Only his thoughts could still move.


    What made his mind rumble even more was that all his secrets had been revealed.


    The water under his feet reflected everything, including what he had cultivated all his life.


    All his secrets, everything, regardless of whether it was illusory arts or real things, appeared on the surface of the water.


    He instantly determined that¡­ if he was injured in the water, it would definitely affect his main body.


    This premonition made him attempt to struggle. However, at this moment, all his actions were useless.


    His body in the water swayed even more.


    The feeling of life and death became increasingly intense.


    As for Xu Qing, a strange glint appeared in his eyes.


    Through Fishing the Moon From the Well divine power, he obtained an unexpected discovery.


    And this was Ji Dongzi¡¯s foundation!


    Clearly, this was also where his strength as the second among the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s heaven¡¯s chosens lay.


    97 divine tablets, 97 carvings of fallen gods!


    What he saw and felt caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to freeze.


    However, he was aware that now wasn¡¯t the time to guess and analyze. Hence, after a glance, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He raised his right hand and grabbed fiercely.


    ¡°The realm of heaven and earth can be likened to a well¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice, as if across the years, and as if spreading underwater, echoed throughout this vast expanse of sky and earth.


    Every word contained Dao intent. After it was combined, it transformed into a drop of water that activated a mysterious Dao Art and landed on the surface of the water.


    Ripples spread out on the water surface, distorting Ji Dongzi¡¯s figure and the 97 wisps of souls.


    This ripple formed a large hand that grabbed at the 97 wisps of souls!


    Xu Qing wanted to fish out everything!


    Ji Dongzi¡¯s mind rumbled as an intense feeling of tearing erupted in his heart. The 97 wisps of his soul in the water shook one after another.


    As Xu Qing increased the amount of force he used to fish them out, they slowly got closer to the surface of the water. They were about to be fished out by Xu Qing.


    However, at this moment, the divine tablets in the 97 wisps of souls suddenly flickered with a piercing golden light. The gods carved in the totems seemed to have come alive and opened Their eyes in unison.


    Their golden pupils stared at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart instantly stirred. Although they were separated by the water, the gazes of the 97 gods instantly caused his body to mutate.


    Countless flesh buds grew out in a disorderly manner and the tearing of his soul also rose crazily. His body was about to collapse.


    At the same time, in the water, the huge repulsive force emitted by the 97 gods also affected the well of heaven and earth, causing Xu Qing¡¯s fishing to fail for the first time!


    At this moment, the struggle grew increasingly intense on Ji Dongzi.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn. The divine sources in his body spread out and he used all his strength to suppress his state. At the same time, his eyes narrowed.


    He had two guesses about these 97 divine tablets.


    The first guess was that this was some kind of ritual.


    Since he couldn¡¯t fish out everything now, going all out to fish out a wisp would definitely destroy this ritual.


    The second guess was that among these 97 wisps of souls, there should be a wisp that was Ji Dongzi¡¯s life soul.


    If he could fish out this soul, it would form a killing technique.


    However, the difficulty was too great and time didn¡¯t allow him to screen them one by one.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he quickly swept his gaze across the 97 wisps of souls. With his intuition, he stared at one wisp and lifted his right hand again. He used all the power of Fishing the Moon From the Well to target only that wisp of soul.


    He scooped it up.


    One could see an illusory large hand appearing on the surface of the water. No matter how the surface of the water fluctuated, it couldn¡¯t be stopped. It entered the water and enveloped the wisp of soul before suddenly lifting it up.


    The sound of water echoed, accompanied by the furious roars from the other 96 wisps of souls. This hand formed by Xu Qing¡¯s divine art began to collapse.


    The struggle from the divine soul itself and the rejection from the other souls caused Xu Qing¡¯s large hand to be unable to pull the wisp of soul out of the water.


    Seeing that it was about to collapse, Xu Qing took a deep breath and lifted his right foot, stepping fiercely on the surface of the water.


    With a boom, the water surface immediately churned. All the water currents surged toward Xu Qing¡¯s collapsing hand and rapidly fused into it, slowing its collapse.


    As for the well of heaven and earth, it started to dissipate as it replenished Xu Qing¡¯s large hand.


    The large hand continued to collapse and replenish!


    In the end, before it completely disintegrated, Ji Dongzi¡¯s 97th soul was pulled out of the water by Xu Qing.


    The moment he held it in his hand, Xu Qing felt some regret. He could sense that this wasn¡¯t Ji Dongzi¡¯s life soul.


    However, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He turned and ran.


    The moment Xu Qing sped away, a heart-rending sound rang out from behind him. At the same time, the sound of water exploding rang out.


    Fishing the Moon From the Well disappeared!


    A terrifying aura erupted from Ji Dongzi¡¯s body. Amidst his mournful roars, he, who had regained his mobility, abruptly lifted his head. His eyes were red as he stared at Xu Qing in the distance.


    There was still lingering fear in his heart.


    Xu Qing¡¯s judgment wasn¡¯t wrong. There was indeed his life soul among the 97 wisps of soul. If Xu Qing fished it out, it would be a line between life and death for Ji Dongzi.


    This was the first time he had felt such a life-and-death crisis since he started cultivating.


    In addition, although Xu Qing couldn¡¯t capture his soul accurately, the loss of a divine tablet still injured Ji Dongzi¡¯s soul. Moreover, the tearing pain it brought caused his expression to twist. He anxiously wanted to give chase and get back the wisp of soul.


    Hence, while he had lingering fear, intense killing intent erupted in his heart.


    ¡°Die!¡±


    Ji Dongzi let out a deep shout and took a step forward, directly crossing the void and appearing in front of Xu Qing. He then lifted his right hand and pressed down ruthlessly.


    Just as it was about to land, a dark glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He lifted his left hand and finally took out the ancient sun.


    This was his trump card but its might was too great. Once he used it, the impact would definitely be terrifying. Xu Qing wasn¡¯t confident that he could escape unscathed from the eruption of the ancient sun.


    In addition, there was another worry. This was also the reason why Xu Qing only used the Sun of Dawn as a deterrence after coming to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    This worry was directly exposed by Ji Dongzi the moment he took out the ancient sun!


    ¡°Sun of Dawn!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, if you dare to release the Sun of Dawn in my race and destroy my Mountains and Seas Region, it¡¯s equivalent to declaring war on the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven!¡±


    ¡°According to our race¡¯s character, we will send troops to the human race immediately because you are a human. Because the Sun of Dawn is a regional treasure of your human race!¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t use the Sun of Dawn, only you will die; if you use it, you¡¯ll still die and the human race will have to die with you!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, do you dare?!


    Ji Dongzi¡¯s expression was distorted. Although anger filled his heart, he still maintained a certain level of calmness and directly pointed out the worries in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. At the same time, the hand he lifted didn¡¯t stop at all and slammed down.


    However, the appearance of the Sun of Dawn still made him feel fear. Even though he still attacked, he restrained some strength and was on guard.


    Xu Qing spat out a mouthful of blood and his body flew back.


    He didn¡¯t detonate the ancient sun.


    It wasn¡¯t because of Ji Dongzi¡¯s words. In reality, Xu Qing¡¯s goal in taking out the ancient sun wasn¡¯t to detonate it but to intimidate.


    He was telling Ji Dongzi that he had a trump card that could allow him to perish together with him.


    It was to make the other party feel a sense of worry.


    This concern would shake the other party¡¯s persistence in giving chase.


    Seeing that it was effective, Xu Qing was expressionless. He hung the ancient sun on his body and ruthlessly squeezed the soul in his right hand as he retreated.


    After Xu Qing fished out the soul, he still held it tightly in his hand. He didn¡¯t destroy it immediately because this was also his trump card.


    At that moment, as he clenched his fist, Ji Dongzi¡¯s body trembled and intense pain erupted. His cultivation was also in chaos.


    At the next instant, the shadow and the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor appeared at the same time. As Purple Moon returned, they bombarded Ji Dongzi.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t slow down and continued to flee.


    Ji Dongzi was frustrated and his killing intent became even stronger. With a wave of his hand, regardless of whether it was the shadow or the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, they all flew back. With a sway, he avoided the Purple Moon and continued to pursue.


    However, he only chased for dozens of breaths of time. Just as he was about to catch up to Xu Qing, Xu Qing exerted strength in his right hand again and pinched his soul, causing it to show signs of shattering.


    The pain erupted from Ji Dongzi¡¯s soul.


    Ji Dongzi¡¯s roar became even more heart-rending. Just as he was about to attack, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes turned pitch-black and he abruptly turned his head. The fog of the Poison Restriction appeared out of thin air and spread backward, enveloping Ji Dongzi and corroding him.


    After that, he took out a token and transmitted his divine sense.


    ¡°Your Majesty, the food is here.¡±


    With that, Xu Qing threw the token and activated it.


    However, at the next moment, the token flew over and returned to Xu Qing¡¯s hand. At the same time, a fluctuation spread out.


    ¡°Dead divine remains, I¡¯m not eating them. 1 want live food!¡±


    Xu Qing frowned and fled again.


    A while later, Ji Dongzi chased after him again. Just as he was about to attack, Xu Qing clenched his right hand again. At the same time, a deep voice rang out.


    ¡°The realm of heaven and earth can be likened to a well¡­¡±


    Ripples appeared in the void.


    Ji Dongzi instinctively paused. However, at the next instant, nothing happened. The water ripples dissipated.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t activate Fishing the Moon From the Well twice in a short period of time. He was only scaring Ji Dongzi. Borrowing the time Ji Dongzi paused, he had already flown further away with all his might. At the same time, he kept pinching the soul in his hand.


    Ji Dongzi was about to go crazy. Blood light erupted from his entire body and he was about to pursue again. However, at the next instant, cages rose out of thin air around him. They were none other than D132.


    Xu Qing understood human nature. He knew that when a person was first vigilant and later discovered that it was fake, it was often a moment when their instincts relaxed. This was especially so for people who were suffering continuous attacks to their souls. It was much easier for them to lose their rationality.


    At this moment, if he used another method, it would have the greatest effect.


    This was also the reason why Xu Qing didn¡¯t crush the soul in one go previously. One-time pain was naturally inferior to continuous pain. However, he couldn¡¯t use it many times. This would generate a sense of adaptation to pain. Hence, the best way was to maintain the same degree of strength first and then increase the strength at the critical moment.


    D132 descended with a bang and enveloped Ji Dongzi.


    At the same time, Xu Qing, who was fleeing rapidly, didn¡¯t even turn his head. He clenched his right hand with all his might and crushed the soul in his hand completely.


    The soul shattered and the damage erupted at once.


    The divine tablet inside landed in Xu Qing¡¯s hand. After it was enveloped by the divine source in his body, Xu Qing endured his injuries and headed in the direction of the Jiuli Forbidden at full speed.


    A while later, when Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared into the horizon, the wails of the prisoners rang out from D132. The prison collapsed and shattered into pieces. Ji Dongzi¡¯s disheveled figure dragged a huge finger and rushed out.


    His expression was malevolent and filled with pain. The damage caused by the shattering of his soul caused him to feel unbearable pain.


    As for the finger, It was also trembling. A face appeared on It, revealing horror as It begged for mercy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t kill me. I was forced. I can help you. I¡¯ve long wanted to kill that fiend. Our goals are the same!!¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Ji Dongzi shouted and his killing intent grew even more intense. He then chased after Xu Qing..

 Chapter 1266 - Chapter 1266: Escort to the Jiuli

    Chapter 1266: Escort to the Jiuli


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Xu Qing was moving at full speed.


    In the Mountains and Seas Region, the anomalous substances were too dense and there was also the seal from the three Flame Moon Gods enveloping it, making it difficult to activate large-scale teleportation techniques, and rendering some teleportation items ineffective as well.


    Although that was the case, Xu Qing still managed to buy some time with the help of the several interferences from before, widening the distance between them.


    However, the price wasn¡¯t small.


    Regardless of whether it was the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s injuries, the little shadow¡¯s dimness, or his own injuries, they were all at a critical point. If this continued, it would be very disadvantageous.


    In addition, there was D132.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. D132 was a divine art, so it naturally wouldn¡¯t disappear. Although collapse was inevitable, as long as it could buy time, it was worth it.


    He only needed to nurture it for some time before he could form the cages of D132 again.


    After all, the authority of misfortune seemed to come from the god¡¯s finger but it had long been grasped by Xu Qing. Forgetfulness was formed by the integration of luck.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that the finger and the prisoners are gone. 1 need to lock them up again.¡±


    Xu Qing felt a little regretful but when he thought of how useless the god¡¯s finger was, he didn¡¯t care.


    He continued to fly away.


    Xu Qing¡¯s choice of route back then showed its importance right now.


    If he had chosen to continue heading to shanchi¡¯s territory a day ago, it would probably be difficult for him to escape now.


    However, it was different now. This place was already very close to the Jiuli Forbidden. In another two to four hours, he would be able to enter the edge of the Jiuli Forbidden.


    ¡°If it was before 1 displayed the ancient sun, Ji Dongzi might have chased me inside the Jiuli Forbidden. But now¡­ there¡¯s a high chance that he won¡¯t take the risk.¡±


    ¡°If Ji Dongzi gives chase, I will have to consider something else¡­¡±


    Xu Qing continued to move while pondering. A while later, he sensed Di32¡¯s collapse and his thoughts froze.


    ¡°So fast. That finger is indeed trash!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned cold. He bit the tip of his tongue and augmented his speed. His figure could no longer be seen and only a fragmented line streaked across the sky.


    Just like that, time flowed by and two hours passed.


    When he was only an hour away from the edge of the Jiuli Forbidden, Xu Qing, who was moving forward in the sky, suddenly swayed and dodged to the side.


    The instant he dodged, a blood beam directly exploded where he was previously, forming a flower of blood.


    Soon, blood splattered in the surroundings and exploded one after another, blocking his path.


    This caused the surroundings to be covered in blood.


    There was also a figure that stirred up the sound of thunder from the horizon, heading straight here.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy as he quickly dodged the blood flowers. However, with countless blood flowers blooming in this place, inevitably, one of them caught up to him, seemingly due to a careless moment.


    As blood spurted out, the blood light transformed into threads that enveloped his entire body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and his soul threads spread out to resist the blood threads in the surroundings. However, these blood threads weren¡¯t ordinary. Although some of them had collapsed, there was still a wisp that wrapped around Xu Qing¡¯s waist.


    It rapidly circled around, forcing him to stop in mid-air.


    During this pause, Ji Dongzi rapidly closed the distance. At the next instant, he tore through the void and appeared in front of Xu Qing.


    His expression was sinister and his eyes revealed killing intent. The instant he got close, he didn¡¯t attack immediately but quickly performed a series of hand seals.


    Immediately, all the collapsed blood flowers in the surroundings formed blood rays that rapidly coiled around Xu Qing¡¯s body. In the blink of an eye, under Xu Qing¡¯s pale face and anxious expression, the blood rays formed a huge blood cocoon.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how you can escape this time!¡±


    With Xu Qing completely trapped and his soul still being in intense pain, the killing intent in Ji Dongzi¡¯s heart completely erupted. He directly headed straight for the blood cocoon and fused with it.


    However, the instant he fused into the blood cocoon and saw Xu Qing, he clearly noticed that the anxiety on Xu Qing¡¯s face earlier was gone. Instead, there was sharpness in his eyes as he lifted his right hand toward him.


    On his right hand, there was a fingernail-sized brown flame.


    This flame flickered faintly. It sometimes expanded and sometimes rapidly contracted, as though it was extremely unstable.


    Even more astonishing was that its appearance stirred the firmament. The clouds rapidly turned pitch-black, thunder resounded, and lightning danced within, seemingly drawn to it and spreading outward.


    Ji Dongzi¡¯s mind trembled. He couldn¡¯t tell what it was but he instinctively felt danger. It was as though every inch of his body had gained an independent consciousness at this moment and was screaming at him, telling him that this thing was extremely dangerous.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all and immediately retreated.


    However, it was too late.


    Xu Qing gently flicked the fingernail-sized brown flame out, heading straight for Ji Dongzi. As it floated over, it rapidly expanded and grew larger.


    Its instability also soared.


    At the next instant, a rumbling sound echoed out as flames rose and flickered in the blood cocoon.


    What appeared next was an extremely terrifying aura.


    This aura carried destruction, as though there was nothing in the world that couldn¡¯t be burned. At this moment, as it spread, the blood cocoon couldn¡¯t withstand it and was directly burned.


    Countless bolts of lightning descended from the sky like a thunderstorm, whistling over and smashing into it in the blink of an eye.


    The instant the lightning landed, the brown flames erupted on a large scale.


    Terrifying lightning and fire erupted into the sky, forming an earth-shattering firestorm that swept in all directions.


    Wherever it passed, everything was destroyed.


    The power contained in it was extremely majestic. Even with Ji Dongzi¡¯s cultivation, his heart trembled and he was directly enveloped by this firestorm.


    This fire was none other than the mysterious fire formed by Little Shadow when it devoured the forbidden zone back then. Its name was¡­ Boom, boom, boom.


    Xu Qing was already prepared. The moment the flames erupted, he had already controlled Little Shadow to cover his entire body.


    Even though Little Shadow wailed as it was burned, the fire was produced by it, so it had some resistance to it.


    Although Xu Qing was still affected, he could withstand the remnant heat.


    He didn¡¯t even look at the results.


    There was a certain chance that the other party would be killed by this terrifying fire, but Xu Qing had a steady personality and was worried that there could be a trap.


    This was after all an unknown matter, and all unknowns had a fifty-fifty probability.


    However, if he didn¡¯t bother with it, the probability of avoiding problems was one hundred percent.


    Hence, Xu Qing immediately retreated, rushing in the direction he had set.


    Not long after he left, in the brown flames, the instant Ji Dongzi¡¯s figure was completely burned to ashes, a self-destructive force suddenly spread out, enveloping an area of 50 kilometers and emitting a monstrous explosion.


    Although its degree of destruction couldn¡¯t be compared to the brown flames, it still affected its surroundings greatly.


    Fortunately, Xu Qing had already left. Otherwise, he would definitely be affected.


    Awhile later, as the fluctuations within 50 kilometers dissipated and the brown mysterious fire was extinguished, a deep pit appeared on the ground within a radius of 5 kilometers. Everything that existed was burned into nothingness by the mysterious fire.


    As for the area within 50 kilometers, it was filled with the aura of destruction. That was caused by the self-destruction.


    At the same time, a figure rushed over from the horizon and stopped in the air. After sweeping his gaze over the ground, his expression turned gloomy.


    This person was also Ji Dongzi.


    ¡°This Xu Qing is actually so difficult to kill!¡±


    A cold glint flashed in Ji Dongzi¡¯s eyes. Previously, out of caution, he had spread out his blood clone when he chased after Xu Qing. His main body was at the back in case Xu Qing used some strange methods.


    Moreover, his blood clone could self-destruct with astonishing lethality.


    According to his thoughts, no matter what, he would make Xu Qing pay a heavy price. However, from the looks of it now, the other party¡¯s methods were even stranger and bizarre than what he had judged.


    Moreover, Xu Qing¡¯s cautious personality made the self-destruction of the blood clone have no effect.


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    Ji Dongzi lifted his head and stared in the direction Xu Qing had left in with his perception. His expression became increasingly gloomy. He actually felt some regret.


    In his original opinion, it would be easy to kill Xu Qing.


    However, although he had the advantage, the other party had too many methods, so he had no choice but to face him with all his might.


    ¡°Should I continue chasing¡­¡±


    Ji Dongzi¡¯s soul felt pain. After taking a deep breath, his eyes revealed a cold glint.


    ¡°Since you want to go to the Jiuli Forbidden, then¡­ 1¡¯11 escort you there!¡±


    Ji Dongzi scoffed. As a great heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, he naturally had a better understanding of the Jiuli Forbidden. He was very clear that that place was a forbidden area.


    In every Grand Hunt, there would be people who thought that they were the children of luck and could obtain good fortune inside.


    However, in reality, none of the participants who entered Jiuli Forbidden during the Grand Hunt ever came out alive.


    At the thought of this, Ji Dongzi gave chase. However, his speed wasn¡¯t that hurried. Instead, he maintained some distance and used his killing intent to form a sense of oppression, as though he was chasing Xu Qing away.


    Xu Qing quickly noticed this action. A hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes but it quickly became firm. He didn¡¯t have a way out to begin with and if this continued, it would be disadvantageous in the end.


    Since that was the case, he might as well follow his original plan and enter Jiuli.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing touched his chest. That was the location of the purple crystal. He pressed down strongly and the cultivation base in his body surged. At the next instant, his entire body shone with purple light.


    By stimulating the purple crystal, he could stimulate faster recovery ability.


    After that, he didn¡¯t slow down and flew toward the Jiuli Forbidden.


    An hour later, the Jiuli Forbidden that was enveloped by the gray fog was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    The world was filled with gray fog. As it churned, it formed painful faces that let out soundless shouts in all directions. Accompanied by roars filled with despair and madness, they echoed from the depths of the fog.


    Looking at the Jiuli, Xu Qing took a deep breath. With a sway of his body, he directly entered the gray fog and disappeared.


    After about fifteen minutes, Ji Dongzi¡¯s figure appeared outside the Jiuli. He stared at the gray fog and sneered.


    ¡°This Xu Qing probably thinks that he has some understanding of the Jiuli Forbidden but he doesn¡¯t know that there are some secrets that only the ranked heaven¡¯s chosens know.¡±


    ¡°For example, as long as one comes into contact with this gray fog, they won¡¯t be able to leave the Jiuli Forbidden..¡±

 Chapter 1267 - Chapter 1267: Jiuli Gray Fog

    Chapter 1267: Jiuli Gray Fog


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Mountains and Seas Region, the Jiuli Forbidden.


    This place was the center and core of this region!


    From the outside, gray fog filled the air, enveloping everything. As it churned, it emitted the sense of endless mysteries and death.


    In the past Grand Hunts, no one who entered Jiuli survived.


    However, the legend of the Jiuli continued to attract generations of cultivators from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven.


    It was the same for Ji Dongzi.


    He had once thought of exploring it. However, as he learned about the Jiuli Forbidden, and some of its secrets that hadn¡¯t been made public, as well as his guesses¡­


    He didn¡¯t dare to anymore.


    ¡°Jiuli¡­ That¡¯s a special name.¡±


    Ji Dongzi¡¯s gaze was deep as he stared at the gray fog in front of him. Recalling his battle with Xu Qing, he had no choice but to admit that although Xu Qing was weaker than him, it was quite difficult to kill him.


    ¡°This person can indeed be considered the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the human race.¡±


    ¡°However, it will be in the past.¡±


    Ji Dongzi retracted his gaze and flicked his sleeve. Immediately, a blurry blood shadow appeared beside him and bowed to him.


    Go and inform King Mingnan that Xu Qing has died.¡±


    Ji Dongzi calmly spoke. He then turned and took a step, disappearing from the spot.


    In his opinion, the time of Xu Qing¡¯s death wasn¡¯t important anymore; he had been tainted by the gray fog and was destined to be unable to leave.


    Xu Qing¡­ also sensed this!


    At that moment, in the Jiuli Forbidden, his entire body was covered in gray fog and his expression was very gloomy.


    The instant he entered, the gray fog here seemed to have a life of its own. It carried greed and desire as it instantly enveloped him, wanting to assimilate him.


    However, this gray fog wasn¡¯t anomalous substances but an unknown matter.


    The moment the purple divine source in Xu Qing¡¯s body came into contact with the gray fog, he felt a sense of suppression. All the soul threads also became dispirited and gradually lost their vitality.


    It was as though the Jiuli Forbidden was filled with hostility toward gods. Hence, everything related to gods would be rejected by it.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s god form began to weaken and became unstable in a short period.


    ¡°My Purple Moon divine source came from the Crimson Goddess¡­ Although it can¡¯t compare to Her, its essence is the same and its status is the same. However, the gray fog here can actually suppress it!¡±


    Xu Qing had realized earlier that Jiuli wasn¡¯t simple. Now, this feeling was even more obvious.


    If it was just a suppression on things related to gods, it would be fine, but Xu Qing quickly discovered that his cultivation strength was also being repelled and suppressed.


    The furnace in his secret repository was being extinguished.


    Even the Heavenly Dao¡­ actually seemed to be on the verge of sleeping.


    ¡°Rejection of everything?¡±


    Xu Qing frowned. What he didn¡¯t expect was the special power he sensed within this gray fog.


    Just like karma, he was forcefully bound here. He¡­ couldn¡¯t leave.


    It was the same after many attempts.


    Xu Qing fell silent. After a long time, he suddenly took a step back, wanting to probe the limits.


    All the abilities he could use instantly erupted. However, at the next moment, his retreating body stopped.


    A life-and-death crisis that surpassed the sensation given by Ji Dongzi by hundreds or thousands of times descended on his entire body, causing Xu Qing to tremble uncontrollably, as though he was about to collapse.


    At this moment, whispers rang out from the surrounding fog.


    All the voices finally transformed into a single word that roared like thunder in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Die!¡±


    This word contained the most extreme resentment, anger, and killing intent Xu Qing had ever felt in his life.


    He could clearly sense that if he took another step back, Jiuli Forbidden would release an extermination power that he couldn¡¯t resist, and destroy his body and soul.


    If he moved forward, because of the power of rejection, the further he went, the more difficult it would become. In the end, it was very likely that everything of his would be rejected and he would become a mortal.


    If he retreated, his death was certain.


    Xu Qing hadn¡¯t encountered many such dilemmas.


    Hence, Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and suppressed the frustration in his heart, forcing himself to remain calm as he observed his surroundings.


    Although the area he was in was within the Jiuli Forbidden, it was close to the edge. The fog here was naturally denser compared to outside, but compared to the depths of the Jiuli in the distance, it was clearly thinner.


    Hence, he could vaguely see the environment.


    There was no vegetation, no mountains, and no anomalous substances!


    As for the ground beneath, it was somewhat soft; it was marshland.


    Countless skeletons could be seen in the black marsh. They had been submerged here for countless years, silently gazing through time.


    The land was filled with vicissitudes and desolation.


    Only a sizzling sound continued and rapidly rang out from outside Xu Qing¡¯s god form.


    That was the sound of him resisting the invasion of the gray fog.


    However, the god form became increasingly unstable, causing this confrontation to not last for long.


    ¡°Although staying here can delay the invasion, there¡¯s no possibility of neutralizing it.¡±


    ¡°Since I can¡¯t retreat, then¡­ rather than waiting for death here, I might as well enter completely and see what this Jiuli is. Perhaps¡­ there¡¯s still a chance of survival.¡±


    A dark glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He then walked forward decisively.


    With every step he took, he was incomparably vigilant. He controlled his body not to sink into the marsh, while using all his strength to resist the invasion of the fog.


    Just like that, time flowed by and six hours passed.


    Xu Qing, who was walking in the Jiuli Forbidden, didn¡¯t find any signs of life or Jiuli.


    This place was too big and seemed endless. Other than the thickening fog, there was nothing else.


    Moreover, the ground was becoming softer and the depression was even more intense.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s speed became slower and slower. In the end, his fourth god form couldn¡¯t be maintained and degenerated to the third god form. Next was the second god form and the first god form.


    In the end, all the soul threads fell silent.


    Purple Moon was in a deep sleep.


    Xu Qing¡¯s main body was revealed on the marsh. The fog tried to invade him, but he immediately spread the Poison Restriction.


    As a divine source that was higher in level than the Crimson Goddess¡¯, the resistance of the Poison Restriction was clearly stronger. However, as time passed, Xu Qing became increasingly anxious. The Poison Restriction was also becoming thinner.


    Under the suppression of this dense fog, the Poison Restriction¡­ fell into a deep sleep.


    Xu Qing¡¯s secret repositories fell silent as well.


    They were all extinguished.


    The instant the last wisp of fire from the secret repository¡¯s furnace extinguished, the feeling of greed emitted by the gray fog suddenly became intense. It was like a ferocious demon that had been wandering in the surroundings had sensed an opportunity and pounced toward Xu Qing.


    However, at the next instant, a bronze incense burner appeared above Xu Qing¡¯s head.


    This incense burner was ancient and emitted a peculiar energy. Green smoke curled up from it for a thousand feet before spreading out, cascading down like a waterfall and forming rings of smoke that enveloped Xu Qing and blocked the invasion of the gray fog.


    It was none other than the treasure of Tian Lingzi from the Baize Race whom Xu Qing had killed on the ninth forbidden mountain in the forbidden zone.


    This item had once resisted Xu Qing¡¯s Poison Restriction for Tian Lingzi, allowing him to successfully step onto the ninth mountain.


    From this, one could see its might.


    After he took it out, as the smoke rings descended, the sleeping cultivation base and divine sources in Xu Qing¡¯s body showed signs of recovery. This barrier seemed to have isolated him.


    Although the feeling of karma was still intense, to a certain extent, Xu Qing¡¯s pressure was eased.


    However¡­ he could sense that the incense burner was depleting rapidly, and the formation of the incense rings was sparse, so its duration wouldn¡¯t be very long.


    Right now, it was being rapidly invaded, so it would probably last for only fifteen minutes.


    ¡°This fifteen minutes can allow me to recover my divine sources and cultivation base, but that will only allow me to last a little longer¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was ugly as he stared at his surroundings. According to his judgment, even if he hadn¡¯t entered the core of the Jiuli, he was still in the depths.


    On the way, other than the fog, he sensed no other existences.


    Only the marsh.


    ¡°So, under the marsh?¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head and looked at the black marsh under his feet. After some thought, he didn¡¯t rashly try it himself. Instead, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Little Shadow!¡±


    The shadow appeared in the marsh under Xu Qing¡¯s feet, emitting weak fluctuations of emotions. It even put on an appearance that was filled with burn marks.


    It was as though it was reminding Xu Qing that it was injured.


    Xu Qing ignored it.


    Go down and take a look.¡±


    Little Shadow felt aggrieved. However, after being suppressed for many years, it could only tacitly agree to fate¡¯s arrangement. With a sway, it sank into the mud and spread inwards.


    It had only sunk for less than 30 feet when it distorted intensely, emitting wails. Even its body showed signs of dissipating.


    ¡°Pain¡­ rotting¡­ dissipate¡­ afraid¡­¡±


    Xu Qing was unmoved and continued to sense.


    Seeing that Xu Qing was ignoring it, Little Shadow felt even more aggrieved. It endured the feeling of dissipation and continued to spread.


    Very soon, it reached 100 feet, 500 feet, and finally 1,000 feet.


    All the areas were covered in mud.


    At this location, the dissipation intent on Little Shadow¡¯s body clearly intensified, causing it to be unable to help but emit emotions of begging for mercy again.


    ¡°Continue¡­ death¡­ afraid¡­ please¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and spoke.


    ¡°If I die here, you¡¯ll die too. If you bring me some opportunities, I promise that


    I¡¯ll think of a way to revive you after you die.¡±


    This voice was filled with determination. After Little Shadow sensed it, its body trembled and erupted in the next instant, forming an even greater fluctuation that continued to spread down.


    1000 feet, 3000 feet, 5000 feet¡­


    The dissipating force intensified and the wails were heart-rending. Little Shadow¡¯s body continued to shatter and finally shattered into dozens of wisps.


    One of them returned and the rest all headed deeper. They spread to the extreme in a way that was almost suicidal.


    These shadows collapsed one by one. The remaining ones split into dozens of wisps and continued deeper like a large net.


    The wails continued. After more than ten breaths of time passed and the shadow split dozens of times, forming hundreds of shadow threads, there was finally one shadow thread that burrowed into a depth of ten thousand feet.


    The moment it dissipated, it successfully transmitted a scene that was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    The instant he saw this scene, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled. His breathing became hurried and his expression changed.


    ¡°This is¡­¡±

 Chapter 1268 - Chapter 1268: Under the Deep Marsh

    Chapter 1268: Under the Deep Marsh


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    What entered Xu Qing¡¯s mind through Little Shadow was an incredibly shocking scene.)


    Below this marsh, there was a vast cavern with an astonishing range.


    To the cavern, the mire was the sky curtain, and the cavern itself was like an isolated world.


    As for the land of this world, it was a pitch-black void. One could see countless gray fog spreading out from the void, lingering in this world.


    However, these weren¡¯t the source of Xu Qing¡¯s shock.


    What shocked him was that there was a huge shrine floating in this world!


    The size of this shrine occupied one-tenth of this world¡¯s space, with a rectangular shape that looked like a coffin standing upright in mid-air.


    Rotten tendrils drifted from its edges, resembling tentacles swaying with the flow of fog.


    The long ones drooped into the void, while the short ones were thousands of feet long and winding.


    The entire shrine was a dark golden color, devoid of any gloss, exuding a sense of decay.


    It was as though he had experienced countless years, giving off an endless feeling of vicissitudes.


    As for the interior, it housed a terrifying presence.


    It resembled a spider with dark golden spots all over its body, and it had a man¡¯s head.


    A tree branch was nailed into the center of its forehead, piercing through the head. The tree branch was dull, but it gave Xu Qing a piercing feeling as though he was looking at the sun.


    At the same time, four ice-formed long spears penetrated the spider¡¯s body, firmly anchoring it to the shrine.


    On these four spears, Xu Qing keenly sensed the fluctuation of the moon¡¯s power.


    This wasn¡¯t the end, on the eight legs of this terrifying entity, there were eight clay jars, each emitting the aura of Star Flame.


    This terrifying existence had been sealed to death, and the shrine itself was like a coffin!


    It had both the effect of storage and the might of a seal.


    Upon closer inspection, one could see that there were countless marks engraved outside the shrine. Every mark exuded the aura of a god.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart was filled with endless waves. However, this wasn¡¯t all that shocked him.


    At most, it could only be considered half.


    The remaining half of the shock came from¡­ under the shrine.


    Under the shrine, in the void of this world, as the fog flowed, some rare scenes were revealed. There¡­ was a huge mountain formed by ashes!


    Although it was slightly inferior in size compared to the shrine, the difference wasn¡¯t much.


    This mountain formed by ashes kept emitting gray fog. Clearly, it was the source of the gray fog of the Jiuli.


    It was hard to imagine what kind of existence could transform into so much ashes after death. And around this huge mountain of ashes, there were nine relatively smaller mountains.


    Or rather, they weren¡¯t mountains but nine skulls!


    They were like dragon heads, sinister and emitting a primordial intent.


    Although they no longer had flesh and blood, one could faintly sense their anger and madness when they were alive from the gaping mouths of these skulls.


    The ancient sensation emitted by them was extremely dense and the sealing intent was extremely intense.


    The scene ended with that.


    On the marsh of the Jiuli Forbidden, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and he couldn¡¯t control himself as he spat out seven to eight mouthfuls of blood. His body was unstable and he had to retreat for a bit. Even though he only indirectly saw this scene through Little Shadow, it was still a little unbearable for him.


    As for Little Shadow¡­ there were no more fluctuations. It was unknown if it was dead or alive.


    However, Xu Qing was no longer in the mood to consider Little Shadow. His expression changed as he stared at the ground. The scene in his mind brought him too many guesses.


    ¡°That shrine itself is a seal. The spider-like existence inside is clearly a god!¡±


    ¡°There is the presence of the Sun, Moon, and Star Flame Gods on It. To be suppressed by these three at the same time and needing external objects to assist in the seal, It must not be a simple god.¡±


    ¡°As for the mountain of ashes under this shrine¡­¡±


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath. He didn¡¯t know who it belonged to but those nine heads caused a name to appear in his mind.


    ¡°Jiuli?¡±


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t sure. According to the information he had checked, Jiuli should have been nine lantern-like shapes, which did not match what he was seeing.


    However, Xu Qing had noticed that there was a certain level of fabrication regarding the Jiuli Forbidden. Hence, he couldn¡¯t judge the truth.


    ¡°Regardless of whether it¡¯s the Jiuli or not, to be able to exist here, there must be some connection. However, if it is, as the national beast with special significance to the Flame Moon, why would the Jiuli have a shrine suppressing it?¡±


    It¡¯s clearly dead but it¡¯s still being suppressed.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. This was clearly a series of suppressions. The three gods suppressed the unfamiliar god, and the unfamiliar god suppressed the mountain of ashes and the nine heads.


    Xu Qing found it difficult to understand the story behind this.


    Xu Qing frowned and sensed the bronze incense burner above his head.


    ¡°It¡¯s about to burn out¡­¡±


    Compared to the empty space above the marsh, the scene below 10,000 feet was clearly the main focus of this Jiuli Forbidden through Little Shadow¡¯s scouting.


    This was especially so since Xu Qing now knew the source of the gray fog.


    In that case, Xu Qing had no other choice.


    If I want to leave the Jiuli, the source might be the key. If I can get some of that ashes¡­ or if 1 can think of a way to get one of those nine heads¡­¡±


    This thought was very crazy.


    Xu Qing fell silent and checked his storage bag.


    ¡°Actually, there¡¯s another way that can allow me to hold on for a little longer¡­¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his hand and took out a piece of the Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh and threw it into the incense burner.


    At the next instant, the incense burner trembled and emitted even more smoke rings. However, in this environment, it only slowed the speed of the incense burner¡¯s consumption. There were also side effects, which was that more fog crowded over.


    ¡°In the end, it¡¯s not a long-term solution. The more god power is used here, the more severe the consequences.¡±


    Xu Qing stared at the incense burner and sighed inwardly.


    After that, he sensed that due to the isolation from the bronze incense burner, he had recovered quite a bit of the power of the divine source.


    Finally, he calculated the time and the scene below appeared in his mind.


    ¡°The mountain of ashes is directly under the shrine. It¡¯s not easy to move it, but the nine heads beside it are a little far away¡­¡±


    At the thought of this, a hint of determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and there was even madness. He lowered his head and looked at the marsh under his feet. He no longer hesitated and directly kept the bronze incense burner that wasn¡¯t finished burning.


    The instant the surrounding gray fog invaded, the god power in his body erupted, driving his body to sink rapidly into the mud.


    The moment his body completely entered the mud, intense pain immediately spread throughout his body.


    It was a sensation of corrosion. Regardless of whether it was the marsh itself or the gray fog in the surroundings, they were all corroding his body and soul at the same time.


    Xu Qing forcefully endured it and borrowed the help of his cultivation and the divine source to resist as he rapidly moved down.


    In the blink of an eye, he reached 1000 feet. The corrosion and invasion here were even more terrifying. In fact, many parts of Xu Qing¡¯s body had already disappeared.


    However, his speed continued to increase. Very soon, he reached 2000 feet, 3000 feet¡­


    When he reached 4000 feet, his body was already like a skeleton. Xu Qing gritted his teeth and sank another 1000 feet.


    He reached a depth of 5000 feet.


    Limit.


    His body began to melt and his soul appeared to be dimming. At the critical moment, Xu Qing took out a piece of Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh and directly swallowed it.


    The flesh of the Crimson Goddess was like fire entering his mouth, exploding in his body. A large amount of divine source power spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s entire body.


    This caused him, who was already in a melting state, to almost collapse.


    In reality, if it weren¡¯t for this environment, directly devouring the flesh of the Crimson Goddess would probably be much more destructive for Xu Qing. This was also the reason why he didn¡¯t use it in his battle with Ji Dongzi.


    But here, the divine power was rejected, abhorred, and dissipated. The gray fog and mud from the surroundings indirectly helped Xu Qing.


    It was like putting an inflating balloon in water. There was a certain level of counteraction.


    This allowed his body to barely hold on after swallowing the flesh of Crimson Goddess.


    Relying on this violent force, Xu Qing rushed downward again.


    6000 feet, 7000 feet, 8000 feet. During this time, the power brought about by Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh rapidly melted.


    He continued until he reached 9,000 feet. He was at his limit again.


    Xu Qing was aware that he couldn¡¯t continue to devour the flesh of the Crimson Goddess. Even though he was in this environment, his body wouldn¡¯t be able to hold on.


    Hence, he lifted his melting right hand and grabbed downwards with the location of the skull closest to him in his memory.


    With this grab, the world seemed to have transformed into a well. Regardless of whether it was illusory or real, it should have appeared inside.


    However¡­ the seal here and the limitation of distance blurred everything. What Fishing the Moon From the Well reflected was also distorted and indistinct.


    He grabbed, but there was nothing.


    The fishing failed!


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s body began to melt, as though it was about to be devoured by the marsh. However, very soon, life lanterns flew out of his broken body, forming Sundials.


    They each rotated and the power of time erupted from his body.


    Time reversed.


    At the next moment, Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared. When he reappeared, he wasn¡¯t outside the marsh. He was still in the mud. However, he wasn¡¯t 9,000 feet down but 1,000 feet.


    The environment here affected everything. Even the time power of the Sundial was weakened.


    After he appeared, Xu Qing immediately rushed up. The moment he broke through the mud and rushed out, he spat out a mouthful of blood. His body was covered in rot and his injuries were serious.


    He immediately took out the bronze incense burner and let it float above his head.


    With the help of the incense burner¡¯s smoke rings, Xu Qing sat cross-legged and did his best to recover.


    Time flowed by. Every time the incense burner was about to be extinguished, Xu Qing would throw out a piece of Crimson Goddess¡¯s flesh into it, slowing its extinguishing. This consumption was extremely extravagant and as the divine power continued to appear, the fog in the surroundings became extremely dense.


    That sense of karma had already seeped into his bones.


    However¡­ there was no other way.


    Even if it was drinking poison to quench his thirst.


    Half a day later, Xu Qing opened his eyes. His injuries were still there but his divine sources had somewhat recovered. His soul threads also showed activity because of the absorption of the Crimson Goddess¡¯s flesh.


    His heart ached because of such extravagant consumption. However, he could only suppress this heartache now and close his eyes to continue recovering.


    The day slowly passed.


    When Xu Qing opened his eyes again, his divine sources had mostly recovered. Hence, he lowered his head and looked at the mud under him, recalling his failure earlier.


    ¡°There¡¯s another way¡­ In theory, it should work!¡±

 Chapter 1269 - Chapter 1269: Mystic Heaven Great Magus

    Chapter 1269: Mystic Heaven Great Magus


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°Trying to enter 10,000 feet deep into the marsh with the physical body is too difficult, even with my current state.¡±


    ¡°I have already reversed time and returned through the Sundial. There¡¯s always a limit to this matter, and frequent use will lead to its destruction.¡±


    ¡°The failure of Fishing the Moon From the Well is partly due to the interference of the gray fog, and another major reason may be¡­ the distance was too far, so it couldn¡¯t take direct effect.¡±


    ¡°Based on this, if there¡¯s a way to form a tunnel on this marsh that penetrates


    10,000 feet and form a connection with the space where the skulls are located, and I activate Fishing the Moon From the Well again¡­¡±


    A look of contemplation appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. If this method could succeed, the danger to him would be reduced while increasing the chances of success.


    ¡°This passageway doesn¡¯t need to be too big. A crack or even a small hole will do.¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head and stared at the mud under him. One method after another appeared in his mind.


    However, this marsh was strange and there was gray fog. Hence, after he analyzed these methods, he gave up on them one by one. In the end, Xu Qing made up his mind and took out an item with a wave of his hand.


    It was a brown flame!


    It was something similar to divine fire formed by Little Shadow after devouring a forbidden zone.


    This fire was terrifying and couldn¡¯t be tolerated by the world. If it appeared in the outside world, it would cause heavenly lightning to descend to extinguish it.


    In the Jiuli Forbidden, even the Heavenly Dao was rejected, so its appearance didn¡¯t cause lightning. However, the gray fog seemed to have been stimulated and suddenly churned.


    Vaguely, countless whispers gathered again, forming a roar that spread everywhere.


    At the same time, the fog churned and rushed toward Xu Qing like an avalanche, drowning the smoke rings he was in. It wanted to extinguish the fire.


    It was as though they couldn¡¯t coexist.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze froze. He performed a series of hand seals and pointed at the bronze incense burner, speeding up its consumption and spreading out more smoke rings to block the surrounding fog that had become violent.


    ¡°The gray fog has such a reaction¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He then lowered his head and looked at the marsh before looking at the fire.


    He only had three such fires.


    One was used on Ji Dongzi, so he only had two left.


    ¡°Let¡¯s give it a try!¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and didn¡¯t hesitate. With a wave of his hand, he placed the brown fire on the marsh. The instant it came into contact, the marsh melted at a speed visible to the naked eye like snowflakes meeting hot water!


    The flame fell incomparably smoothly and sank all the way.


    Wherever it passed, the marsh would continue to melt. At the same time, the gray fog surrounding Xu Qingyan¡¯s smoke rings and the gray fog wandering in the marsh were immediately attracted. They fused into the marsh from all directions and headed straight for the fire.


    They enveloped it, trying to snuff it out.


    However, this flame was astonishing. Even though there were signs of it being extinguished, its sinking speed didn¡¯t change at all. All the mud that came into contact with it rapidly disappeared.


    1000 feet, 3000 feet, 5000 feet, 7000 feet¡­


    More fog rushed over.


    This process repeated again and again. Moreover, the repulsive force emitted by the marsh was also extremely huge. It even surpassed when Xu Qing and Little Shadow were sinking earlier.


    Hence, the brown fire grew dimmer and dimmer. However, the remaining power in it was enough for it to penetrate 10,000 feet!


    However, the passage left in its trail was rapidly recovering and becoming smaller.


    Finally, the flame passed through the layer of marsh and arrived at the cavern where Little Shadow had sent the image.


    The moment it appeared there, the gray fog contained in the cavern suddenly erupted and rapidly swept over.


    Endless gray fog surged forward. The brown flame was instantly extinguished and dissipated.


    As it dissipated, the passage that it had melted instantly recovered.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s expression to turn solemn.


    During this period, he had thought of taking out the last flame and using Fishing the Moon From the Well. However, this wasn¡¯t a secure plan. There were very few opportunities, so he ultimately chose to wait and see.


    He treated this as a probe.


    Now, there was an answer.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that one flame isn¡¯t enough but there¡¯s a lack of follow-up. Hence, it¡¯s difficult for it to last for too long before it¡¯s extinguished by the gray fog.¡±


    ¡°Also, it¡¯s difficult for the melted passage to continue existing.¡±


    ¡°After 1 recover now, Fishing the Moon From the Well can still be activated once for a short period. However, if 1 want to activate it a second time, I still need to wait for my soul to recover.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and started to think of a way to deal with these two points.


    A while later, he glanced at the marsh.


    As for the marsh recovering slowly after being melted, he had a solution.


    ¡°Freeze it with the power of the Sundial!¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. After experiencing the reversal of time under the marsh, he had a certain degree of confidence that this could be done. Hence, there was only one last issue left.


    ¡°How to make the flame burn more powerfully!¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the incense burner. With a wave of his hand, he took out a piece of Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh.


    ¡°The flesh of the Crimson Goddess can provide fuel for the incense burner. In theory, it can also augment the brown flame¡­¡±


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing took a deep breath and took out the third wisp of brown flame. He controlled this flame and slowly put it close to the Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh.


    Xu Qing was extremely solemn as he did this.


    This was his last hope. If he failed, he had no other ways left. He could only use all the flesh of the Crimson Goddess to see if he could break out of the Jiuli Forbidden.


    Hence, under his full attention, the flame came into contact with the flesh of the Crimson Goddess.


    The moment they came into contact, Xu Qing was prepared for an accident. However, luck seemed to have finally favored him after a series of reversals.


    The instant the Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh came into contact with the fire, sizzling sounds rang out. The Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh actually showed signs of burning and melting.


    As for that brown flame, it wasn¡¯t extinguished. Instead, under the continuous burning, the signs of the Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh melting grew larger and larger.


    Finally, a drop of golden oil-like liquid seeped out of the Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh.


    This oil was crystal clear. The moment it appeared, it emitted a dense god¡¯s aura that attracted the gray fog.


    Xu Qing was about to take the drop of golden liquid away but after some thought, he chose to continue controlling the brown flame to burn. Very soon, the drop of golden liquid that had melted out continued to accumulate and fell to the marsh ground.


    At the next instant, the marsh melted rapidly like when the fire came into contact with it, causing the drop of golden liquid to sink.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing¡¯s spirits were lifted. Although there were some deviations from his plan, it was moving in the same direction. Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all and continued to let the fire burn the flesh.


    Very soon, when the first drop of golden liquid sank to thousands of feet and was about to dissipate when it was enveloped by the gray fog and the small hole it pierced through was about to close, the second drop of golden liquid fell!


    At the same location and through the same small hole, the second drop of golden liquid broke through all the mud instantly like a hot knife through butter. It fused with the first drop of liquid that was about to dissipate thousands of feet below, increasing its momentum.


    The ground trembled.


    After the golden liquid under thousands of feet was assisted, it emitted an even denser divine aura. They continued to sink, directly reaching a depth of 7,000 feet.


    After that, the third drop, the fourth drop, and the fifth drop of golden liquid landed according to the same method.


    The passage continued to open and the liquid continued to gather until it finally penetrated the io,ooo-foot-long layer of marsh, forming a small hole that connected the surface to the bottom.


    The instant this small hollow hole appeared, Xu Qing performed a series of hand seals with his left hand and pointed. Immediately, the Sundials appeared behind him. The freezing power instantly erupted and spread along the small hole, causing the recovery of the passage to pause for a moment.


    Taking advantage of this time, madness appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. His cultivation and divine source erupted at once and the fourth god form instantly formed. He performed a series of hand seals with both hands and pressed toward the small hole.


    The realm of heaven and earth was likened to a well.


    In an instant, a vast force spread out in front of Xu Qing and ripples appeared in the surroundings. Everything became the surface of water.


    Through this small hollow hole, it connected to the cavern ten thousand feet below and reflected everything inside on the surface of the water.


    This time around, although it wasn¡¯t particularly clear, it was much better than before. At the very least¡­ the skull closest to the small hole was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s actions were essentially like a mayfly shaking a tree. He had used the golden oil to open the passageway and maintain it with the help of the Sundials.


    However, it was still unstable in the end. At that moment, cracks appeared on the Sundials. The gray fog in the cave also pounced over like an ocean, about to completely drown the passage.


    At this critical moment, Xu Qing lifted his right hand and scooped fiercely at the skull reflected in the water in front of him!


    With this scoop, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled. The strong resistance emitted by it prevented him from fishing it out and he even spat out a mouthful of blood from the backlash.


    There were even more cracks on the Sundials.


    The gray fog became increasingly dense.


    The passage was about to close.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were bloodshot as he gritted his teeth fiercely. He spared no expense and scooped again!


    This time, his entire body rumbled and lacerations appeared on his body. Blood flowed out of his entire body and his entire body seemed to be about to collapse.


    Finally, his trembling right hand scooped out a pool of water from the surface of the water.


    There was a skull reflected in the water!


    The moment he fished it out, Xu Qing¡¯s Sundials couldn¡¯t hold on anymore and disappeared. As for that passage, it was also washed in by the dense fog. No matter how the golden liquid landed, it couldn¡¯t stop it from closing.


    Xu Qing spat out another mouthful of blood. The injuries all over his body were serious and his vision was blurry. However, he was excited as he looked at his broken right hand.


    However, with a glance, Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed.


    The skull reflected in the water stain on his right hand was rapidly blurring, as though it would dissipate very soon.


    He couldn¡¯t truly retain it, so he couldn¡¯t make it materialize!


    Xu Qing was anxious. Seeing that the reflection of the skull in the water was about to completely dissipate, madness appeared in his eyes. He directly opened his mouth and sucked, swallowing the water in his palm along with the reflection inside. At the same time, he activated his purple crystal.


    The instant it entered his mouth, Xu Qing¡¯s body rumbled. A force of self-destruction rose uncontrollably. Just as it was about to erupt, a purple light shone from his chest and covered his entire body, followed by sealing power.


    At the same time, an ancient voice that seemed to carry reluctance and bitterness, and separated by endless years, echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Father Magus, Li has let down our Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race!¡±

 Chapter 1270 - Chapter 1270: The Secrets Hidden by the Gods

    Chapter 1270: The Secrets Hidden by the Gods


    Translator: Atlas Studio


    As this bitter voice appeared, waves stirred in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. A memory that didn¡¯t belong to him appeared in his mind.


    This memory was fragmented and incoherent, like a puzzle.


    Because it lacked a lot of details, even when it surfaced in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, it was still difficult for him to piece together intact answers.


    Only a relatively clear understanding was revealed from this memory fragment.


    Countless years ago, during the era of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, when the gods had not descended on Wanggu, Flame Moon Mystic Heaven had another name.


    This race¡¯s former name was¡­ the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race!


    It was one of the most important allies under the command of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    It was also the race with the most support from rhe human race.


    They had an extremely close relationship with the human race and fully supported the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether to ascend the throne and unify Wanggu.


    In fact, during the era of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, the Ancient Sovereign and the Ancestral Magus had bonds forged in life and death. Before they reached the pinnacle of their achievements, they were partners and close friends, saving each other¡¯s lives many times.


    That Ancestral Magus¡¯s strength was astonishing. He could be said to be Mystic


    Nether¡¯s right-hand man. He had made a great contribution to unifying Wanggu for the Ancient Sovereign.


    The only son of the Ancestral Magus was named by the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    This realization surfaced in the memory fragments and was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s perception, causing his heart to shake. His closed eyes suddenly opened, revealing a bewildered expression.


    Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly. Regardless of whether he was in the imperial capital or in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, he had never seen an introduction to this history.


    Now that he recalled it, the records of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race and the human race could only be traced back to the great defeat during the Human Emperor Eastern Triumph¡¯s Era. There were no records of the history before that.


    It was as though both sides had unknowingly erased the history of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era.


    However, no one thought of it, no one paid attention, and no one tried to look into it. It was as though the blank history was reasonable.


    This was extremely bizarre.


    Cognition is affected!¡±


    These words instantly appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    To be able to affect the two races for such a long time¡­ it must be the power of the gods.¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent as he thought of the three gods of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    He carefully sorted out the memory fragments that appeared in his mind after he fished out the skull. Although it was still difficult to grasp the details, he had an additional guess about the Jiuli Forbidden.


    There¡¯s a high chance that the Father Magus mentioned in that sentence is the close friend of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, the Ancestral Magus.¡±


    The son of the Ancestral Magus is called Li¡­


    This name was given by the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, and this is the land of Jiuli.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart churned.


    Is Jiuli not a ferocious beast¡­ but the son of the Ancestral Magus of the Mystic I leaven Great Magus Race?¡±


    In that case, him saying he has let down the Mystic Heaven Great Magus


    Race¡­¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head and looked at the marsh under him. His gaze seemed to be able to penetrate ten thousand feet and see the seal below.


    Is that mountain of ashes formed by Jiuli¡¯s corpse?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent and curious about this land of Jiuli.


    Awhile later, he retracted his thoughts and sensed his purple crystal. In this crystal, a skull appeared, shining with a strange light.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and lifted his head to look at the bronze incense burner above his head. Very soon, he made a decision.


    He waved his hand fiercely, instantly dissipating the smoke rings emitted by the bronze incense burner.


    The smoke ring¡¯s isolation power also disappeared.


    The gray fog that filled the surroundings instantly pounced over.


    However, a bizarre scene appeared.


    After the fog got close to Xu Qing, although the suppression on the god¡¯s power and cultivation base was still terrifying, the invasion on Xu Qing¡¯s body and soul actually decreased!


    However, the feeling of karma was even more intense, causing Xu Qing¡¯s connection with this place to be incomparably close. It was as though they were becoming one and were inseparable.


    Xu Qing sensed for a long time and a sharp glint appeared in his eyes. He lifted his hand and pointed at the bronze incense burner. The smoke rings landed and the isolation formed again. His divine power and cultivation base became active again.


    This gray fog from the Jiuli is incomparably domineering and rejects all foreign energies, causing ail cultivators who arrive to be unable to leave after stepping in.¡±


    However, after i fused with a skull, I¡¯m no longer completely different from the gray fog here. So¡­ I¡¯m considered to have half the same source?1¡®


    Then, if I can fish out all nine skulls and completely resemble the same source as the gray fog, the gray fog will no longer be a restriction to me.¡±


    Although that will deepen the karma between me and this place, and the gray fog won¡¯t let me leave¡­¡±


    What if i leave with the gray fog?!¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. After that, he closed his eyes again and began to recuperate.


    Just like that, time flowed by. A few days later, Xu Qing opened his eyes and sensed that there were fewer cracks on his Sundials. He also sensed that Fishing the Moon From the Well could be activated again.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He stood up and walked to the area on the marsh which was above the second skull according to his memory.


    Over there, he lifted his hand and performed a series of hand seals. The brown flame appeared once again and burned the flesh of the Crimson Goddess. Very soon, droplets of liquid fell and the marsh melted, revealing a small hole.


    After having a successful experience, it was much easier for Xu Qing to repeat his previous success.


    Although the consumption of the Sundials and the effect on his body still existed, after the ten thousand-foot-long passage was formed and Fishing the Moon From rhe Well was activated, the world rumbled. A second skull appeared in the water he fished our with his right hand.


    He swallowed it and activated the purple crystal¡¯s power to seal it.


    The memory storm appeared in his mind again and there were more memory fragments.


    Xu Qing suppressed the thought of searching through the memories and closed his eyes to recuperate. Just like that, half a month passed in the blink of an eye.


    Although it was inevitable that there would be failures, overall, Xu Qing succeeded most of the time.


    There were a total of four skulls in the purple crystal!


    The four skulls caused Xu Qing¡¯s connection with the Jiuli Forbidden to reach an astonishing level. In fact, he no longer needed the bronze incense burner.


    The gray fog here had completely lost its invasion to him. It swam around him and actually gave off an intimate feeling.


    He could even use the divine and cultivation power to a certain extent.


    This was unprecedented in rhe Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race!


    in fact, if Ji Dongzi was here and saw this scene, he would definitely be extremely shocked and wouldn¡¯t believe what he saw.


    It was truly unbelievable!


    However¡­ this was Xu Qing¡¯s limit.


    This was because the brown flame had finally extinguished after burning for more than half a month.


    Without the fire, it was impossible to burn the Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh to form the golden liquid that could melt the marsh.


    Unless Xu Qing could think of another way, if he wanted to continue, he could only personally sink into the mud.


    However, after some thought, he still gave up on this thought.


    As he could be said to be of the same source as this place, Xu Qing had a premonition that once he entered 10,000 feet below the marsh, he would probably be instantly judged as Jiuli by the shrine there¡­


    He would then be suppressed.


    At that time, there would be no hope at all.


    As for how to continue, Xu Qing didn¡¯t think about it for the rime being.


    This was because the memory fragments contained in the four skulls kept piecing together in his mind until a piece of history that had been hidden for countless years and the mystery that was concealed by the gods lifted a corner.


    The wind of the ancient era blew.


    It was rhe story after the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether left.


    The Ancestral Magus of the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race rejected the invitation of his close friend, Mystic nether, and refused to leave Wanggu, his hometown.


    The two sides had a rare disagreement when it came to facing the gods.


    The moment the Ancient Sovereign left and the gods fragmented-face arrived, the world turned dark and blurry. Accompanying the fragmented-face were numerous terrifying gods.


    That day, the Heavenly Dao cried and all living beings wailed.


    These gods scattered in the Wanggu Continent. Some landed in the territories of the races that stayed behind and some in secret realms, each causing a calamity.


    One of them, which looked like a spider, walked out of the fragmented-face.


    Its level was astonishing, surpassing most of the gods.


    Wherever It passed, the gods would lower Their heads.


    its target was clear. That was¡­ rhe Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race.


    It wanted to enslave this race and become their faith.


    The Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race wasn¡¯t willing to be slaves. Under the lead of the Mystic Heaven Ancestral Magus, they didn¡¯t hesitate to risk their lives to fight against the gods.


    In this battle, the world was covered in blood and the great region collapsed.


    As a close friend of Mystic Nether, the strength of the Mystic Heaven Ancestral Magus was naturally terrifying, and his clan members were equally formidable. Their sorcery differed from that of cultivators, with some transforming into giants and others into huge beasts.


    That battle was earth-shattering.


    Countless people from the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race died, and the gods¡­ also fell. Many of Them were killed and Their corpses fell to the ground.


    In the end, the Ancestral Magus sacrificed his life to heavily injure the spider-form god worshiped by the gods and died, transforming into God Killing Array, sealing off all divine power and enveloping his race to protect it.


    Before he died, he passed the position of the Ancestral Magus to his only son, allowing him to uphold the faith of the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race and fight against the gods for the race!


    His son was called Jiuli.


    Jiuli was heartbroken, but in this era, in this world filled with gods, he didn¡¯t only inherit the position of the Ancestral Magus and the faith of his race, but he also inherited responsibility.


    Hence, he led rhe remaining great magi of the race and continued to fight against the gods outside the God Killing Array without retreating.


    To the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race, Jiuli was a qualified Ancestral Magus.


    This was because under his and all the great magi¡¯s resistance against the gods, they continued to survive. In the territory of the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race, which was enveloped by the God Killing Array, the race obtained time to rest and recuperate.


    Gradually, a new generation of magi began to appear. Among them, one had peerless aptitude and even possessed the demeanor of a leader.


    Because the Ancestral Magus stayed out to battle, he was almost only a legend. Moreover, the race had to adapt to the changing times. Thus, this highly anticipated figure, who had risen to prominence within the clan, became the first Great Magistrate of the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race.


    Ancestral Magus governed the sky, managing heavenly fate.


    The patriarch governed the earthly, managing mortal authority.


    Thus, it was called the Great Magistrate.


    At this point, the memory was interrupted.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes with a complicated expression. This was because he thought of the information he had seen about Jiuli in the holy city.


    The name of the ferocious beast ranked first in the Mountains and Seas Region is Jiuli!


    This beast¡¯s status in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race was very special.


    This was because in the history of the Flame Moon Race, there had only been one time when Jiuli was subdued.


    That was the first patriarch of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race back then.


    He was also the one who led the rise of this race and unified the Great Magistrates.


    His mount was the Jiuli..

 Chapter 1271 - Chapter 1271: Name of the Dirge: Betrayal

    Chapter 1271: Name of the Dirge: Betrayal


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    Through the history pieced together by these memory fragments, he understood why there were so many corpses in the Mountains and Seas Region, and he also grasped the events that had occurred in this race¡¯s past.


    The premise being that all of this was real.


    If this history were indeed true, then the irony compared to the claims of the current Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race would be extremely strong.


    The Ancestral Magus who died in battle to protect the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race was hidden in history.


    The inheritor of his will, his son Jiuli was vilified and turned into a mount.


    The role of the supposed Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s leader who unified the Great Magistrates, the Mystic Heaven Cultivator who could only grow up due to the protection of the Jiuli, became intriguing in this context.


    Xu Qing sighed softly.


    His heart told him that this was actually true.


    Even though it wasn¡¯t his race, through those memory fragments, he seemed to have experienced the past years, empathizing with it, and stepping into history.


    So, how did Jiuli perish, what specific actions did that Great Magistrate take, when did the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race change its name to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, and¡­ what connection do the Sun, Moon, and Star Gods have with the history of this race¡­¡±


    ¡°These answers are in the memories of the remaining five skulls.¡±


    Xu Qing stared at the mud.


    However, now that the brown flame had been extinguished, there was no way to continue burning the Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh. Moreover, after such a consumption, there wasn¡¯t much flesh left.


    ¡°There are only six pieces left.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. He sensed the four skulls that appeared in the purple crystal and also sensed his incomparably close connection with this Jiuli Land.


    Right now, he no longer needed the bronze incense burner.


    The gray fog didn¡¯t invade him anymore. With a thought, he could control this gray fog.


    In fact, the troubles he faced had also disappeared.


    He clearly determined that if he wanted to leave, the gray fog would move with him.


    However, there were flaws in this departure.


    His cultivation and divine power were still rejected.


    Unless he gave up on his cultivation and the power of the gods and accepted the gray fog fully, allowing the gray fog to fuse into his body and soul, sinking to his origin and becoming a part of him.


    ¡°At that time, I¡¯ll no longer be a god or a cultivator but¡­ a magus!¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the horizon.


    He was both unfamiliar and familiar with magi. He was unfamiliar because he had never come into contact with them before, but he was familiar with them because this gray fog was the origin of magi. The four skulls he had fused into were, in a sense, the inheritance of Jiuli.


    However, this wasn¡¯t the path he wanted to take.


    ¡°The Ancestral Magus could only heavily injure that powerful god at the cost of his life.¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and looked at the mud, thinking of a solution.


    He had actually thought of a method, but this method required five skulls to activate.


    He was short of one.


    After pondering for a moment, Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Little Shadow.¡±


    There were no fluctuations under his feet, nor were there any emotions emitted. Little Shadow seemed to be dead.


    Xu Qing was calm. He waited for three breaths before speaking again.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t come out now, you don¡¯t have to come out in the future too.¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing said this, a faint shadow appeared on the mud under him. Weak fluctuations rippled.


    ¡°Go dive 10,000 feet, and form a conduit that I can cast my spell through.¡±


    Little Shadow immediately sent anxious emotions. Countless rejections were transmitted to Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°I¡¯ll control the gray fog to not interfere with you.


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, he waved his hand and the gray fog in the surroundings churned according to his thoughts. The sensation of it being controlled freely was very obvious.


    Upon seeing this scene, Little Shadow¡¯s anxiety decreased a little. It was the same for his rejection.


    ¡°After this is done, I¡¯ll give you a piece of Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice was calm.


    The flesh of the Crimson Goddess was something Little Shadow yearned for extremely. In the past, it could only watch helplessly as Xu Qing absorbed them. It couldn¡¯t even smell it.


    Hence, after hearing Xu Qing¡¯s promise, it clearly hesitated. Its anxiety and rejection decreased again.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t listen, then there¡¯s no need for our master-servant relationship to continue.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice contained a hint of coldness that landed in Little Shadow¡¯s heart, causing his entire body to tremble. Eventually, under the influence of rewards and life-and-death choices, a sense of determination emanated from its emotional fluctuations.


    In order to survive and for the flesh, it let out a deep roar like a ferocious beast and charged into the mud.


    At the next instant, the shadow sank by a thousand feet. The gray fog in the surroundings was about to approach but under Xu Qing¡¯s interference, they quickly dissipated. Hence, the Little Shadow¡¯s descent was much smoother than before.


    Very soon, it arrived at the 8,000 feet mark.


    However, here, Xu Qing could clearly sense the sealing power from below.


    That power was currently in a deep sleep but he could sense that once his aura came into contact with the seal, it would immediately be suppressed.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t dare to release his aura too much to interfere with the spread of the gray fog.


    Little Shadow¡¯s descent gradually slowed down and wails rang out.


    However, it was still better than its previous state. Little Shadow used all its strength and risked being invaded by the gray fog to sink to more than 9,000 feet. But here, it looked like it had no strength left.


    After all, it had split into too many parts previously and had yet to recover.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Two pieces of Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh!¡±


    When this voice landed in Little Shadow¡¯s mind, it trembled and erupted with crazed emotions. Under such a heavy reward, it was stimulated and ruthlessly rushed down.


    With a boom, it directly penetrated 10,000 feet and arrived at the cavern under the marsh.


    Here, Xu Qing could no longer interfere. Hence, when the fog swept over greatly, Little Shadow¡¯s wails became increasingly tragic.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn. He knew that the opportunity would pass in the blink of an eye. Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. After the Little Shadow pierced through the marsh, he lifted his right hand and Fishing the Moon From the Well was cast.


    The ripples of heaven and earth turned into water.


    The fifth skull clearly appeared. Xu Qing directly scooped it up.


    The moment it was swallowed and sealed in the purple crystal, Little Shadow collapsed.


    It looked like it was dead but there was a trace of it crawling out of the marsh thirty feet below Xu Qing and returning.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised by this.


    Little Shadow was cunning. Although what it said before about it dying was true, there were naturally exaggerations. Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t believe that it would really risk everything.


    Hiding a trace of shadow was within his expectations.


    However, Little Shadow was indeed almost at its limit. After this trace returned, it was very dim in the purple crystal and was about to fall into a deep sleep.


    However, it struggled and didn¡¯t fall asleep immediately. Instead, it instinctively emitted a weak fluctuation of emotions toward Xu Qing, as though it wanted to confirm it.


    ¡°Flesh¡­¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and sensed Little Shadow¡¯s state. He understood that it wasn¡¯t important if he had the flesh or not. In any case, it didn¡¯t have the strength to eat it.


    However, Xu Qing was a kind-hearted person. He felt that there was a need to comfort Little Shadow.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give them to you when you wake up.¡±


    When Little Shadow heard this, it was satisfied and fell asleep.


    As for Xu Qing, he closed his eyes and meditated to recuperate.


    A few days later, his eyes suddenly opened, revealing a sharp glint.


    Now that he had five skulls, he could use another method to extract the skulls.


    This method didn¡¯t require melting the marsh to form a tunnel.


    Once it was used, it could allow the skulls below to automatically appear in Fishing the Moon From the Well¡¯s divine power.


    ¡°I will believe in Eldest Senior Brother this once!¡±


    Determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The cultivation base in his body rushed into the purple crystal and the crystal shook fiercely.


    Immediately, the purple crystal emitted a purple light that penetrated Xu Qing¡¯s body. At the same time, the five skulls inside also appeared in this purple light.


    They floated above Xu Qing¡¯s head and arranged into a pentagon.


    Looking at the five skulls, Xu Qing performed a series of hand seals with both hands and chanted.


    Very soon, circles of ripples spread out from one of the skulls, followed by the second, third¡­


    Finally, the five skulls emitted ripples at the same time and collided with each other. It became increasingly intense, forming a black vortex.


    Looking at the vortex, Xu Qing let out a shout.


    ¡°The soul of heaven and earth, origin descent.¡±


    His voice carried an ancientness that echoed through the world.


    The moment it was transmitted, the vortex rotated increasingly intensely. Vaguely, four lumps of gray fire appeared in the black vortex as though they were being guided.


    Those four lumps of gray fire were the same as the skulls in the purple light!


    This spell was none other than the Ruthless Dao of Great Five Bulls Tracing the Origin that Chen Erniu had taught Xu Qing.


    The principle was to trace back to the origin and attract items that came from the same source as it.


    However, the prerequisite was that he had to have five pieces of the same source first.


    At that moment, the instant the four lumps of gray fire appeared, Xu Qing¡¯s Fishing the Moon From the Well spell was immediately activated. He grabbed at the vortex and the four lumps of gray fire that were summoned instantly trembled. Three of them left the vortex and were directly extracted.


    They were reflected in the water stains on Xu Qing¡¯s palm.


    Xu Qing was excited. Although he didn¡¯t fish out all of them, to be able to fish out three skulls at once was enough to show how astonishing the captain¡¯s spell was.


    He immediately swallowed the water.


    A large number of memory fragments erupted in Xu Qing¡¯s mind like a storm, rapidly fusing with the fragments.


    The wind of the ages past blew again, like a xunfl being played, composing a dirge.


    The dirge told the tale of the Great Magistrate, who was valued by Jiuli, valued by the clan, and granted the authority to lead the clan within the God Killing Array.


    This person was indeed worthy of being a heaven¡¯s chosen. Under his leadership, the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race was united and displayed the momentum of a revival. The new generation also gradually grew and supported him.


    This made Jiuli, who was guarding outside, feel gratified. Hence, he no longer paid attention to the clan in the array formation. Instead, he focused all his attention and energy on fighting against the gods.


    He had to abide by the will of his father and inherit the spirit of the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race. He couldn¡¯t take half a step back.


    Behind him was his race, the clansmen he wanted to protect.


    Even if he died in battle in the future, he would have no regrets because he had found an inheritor.


    The Great Magistrate he valued and protected was the next Ancestral Magus he had chosen.


    Just like that, he, who had nothing to worry about, led the great magi under him and began a long battle of resistance.


    As time passed, a blood-red feast prepared by those whom he protected appeared.

 Chapter 1272 - Chapter 1272: The Dust of History

    Chapter 1272: The Dust of History


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Three thousand years could change many things.


    The growth of the new generation of the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race could reach new heights, especially under the leadership of that Great Magistrate. Under his governance, the race gradually expanded, and strong individuals emerged one after another.


    Although the strength of the race still couldn¡¯t compare to what it once was, compared to the current state of the Wanggu, it was already quite impressive.


    As for the war outside the God Killing Array, it was still continuing.


    As that spider-form god fell into a deep sleep, although the gods under him were also powerful, the Ancestral Magus of this generation, Jiuli¡¯s aptitude was higher than his father¡¯s.


    Under his lead, the great magi of the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race didn¡¯t care about their lives or the consequences. They finally repelled the gods who were trying to invade their race.


    This was a great victory that could be recorded in history.


    While the other races in Wanggu were enduring the calamity of the gods, the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race successfully repelled the invading gods and protected their homeland.


    Hence, in order to celebrate the great victory this time, that Great Magistrate personally ascended the Ancestral Altar, where he knelt before the heavens.


    His expression was sincere and excited as he invited the Ancestral Magus and all the great magi who had fought for the race until now to return home.


    In order to welcome the Ancestral Magus back home, this Great Magistrate worked with the famed people in the race to set up a feast in the territory of the Mystic Heaven.


    On that day, countless clansmen in the race cheered. Together with the Great Magistrate, they shouted the words ¡®return home¡¯.


    These two words resounded through the clouds and spread through the world. It was also heard by Jiuli and his subordinates outside the God Killing Array.


    Their emotions fluctuated. After 3,000 years of battle, many of their companions had died. The remaining ones were already exhausted.


    If it was any other time, their hearts would still be firm and they wouldn¡¯t take half a step back.


    However, now that they had obtained a great victory and the gods had retreated, their homesickness grew even more intense.


    They also had descendants in the mortal world. They also wanted to step onto their hometown again and see their clansmen whom they had protected for 3,000 years.


    However, in the end, Jiuli refused.


    He couldn¡¯t return with all the great magi at this moment because he wasn¡¯t sure if the gods would still counterattack. He wanted to make sure his race was completely safe during his lifetime.


    Therefore, he glanced at the races in the God Killing Array with relief and silently retracted his gaze. He sat cross-legged outside the array and continued to protect his race.


    Outside his body, a nine-headed dragon manifested and surrounded his race¡¯s territory. That was his magus form.


    The other great magi also suppressed their homesickness in silence and released their respective magus forms.


    From afar, gigantic ferocious beasts continued to protect their land with determination.


    Even if they died, they would still die in the war to protect their race. Even if they died, they hoped that their souls could be like their companions who had sacrificed themselves in the past few thousand years and fuse into the God Killing Array.


    While alive, they would protect the race.


    Even when dead, they would protect it.


    Time passed again and another 2,000 years passed.


    In the past 2,000 years, although there were occasional incursions by the gods, they found it difficult to infiltrate even the slightest under the protection of Jiuli and the great magi. It was as though in this chaotic world, the territory of the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race had become a forbidden zone for the gods.


    At this moment, the Great Magistrate, who had completely grown up, led the ministers and countless clansmen to step onto the Ancestral Altar again. There, he knelt down and kowtowed to the sky again.


    He invited the Ancestral Magus back home.


    Countless voices rang out, calling for him to return home.


    That was the call of the race, the desire of the race.


    Outside the God Killing Array, great magi opened their eyes and stared at their hometown through the array formation.


    They looked at the statues built in their hometown. Those were their statues.


    5,000 years¡­


    Finally, their gazes landed on their leader, Jiuli.


    Jiuli fell silent for a long time. He opened his eyes and wanted to refuse, but when he looked at his companions beside him and felt their fatigue and thoughts, he couldn¡¯t say the words of rejection.


    He sighed softly and nodded before standing up.


    He brought most of the great magi home.


    This was the first time he was leaving the God Killing Array and also the first time returning to his hometown after his father died.


    The moment they landed in the territory of the Mystic Heaven, cheers resounded through the world. Countless people knelt down in excitement.


    Looking at these, Jiuli¡¯s heart stirred. His 5,000 years of fatigued body felt warmth as he landed on the ground.


    However, he never expected that the race he trusted fully, the clansmen he had protected for 5,000 years, and the successor he valued greatly, had prepared a blood-red ending for him.


    He never came out of this place again¡­


    This was because that was a trap specially prepared for him and the great magi under him. It was a conspiracy that had been planned for thousands of years.


    The place that welcomed him and his subordinates became a burial ground.


    The person he trusted the most chose to cooperate with the gods and silently set up a divine formation for thousands of years.


    This was a killing array, a sealing array, and also a god summoning array.


    The moment Jiuli and his subordinates arrived, the array formation was activated.


    That day, the entire land was turned blood red.


    That day, the God Killing Array that had protected the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race collapsed.


    That day, the spider-form god, who had recovered to a certain extent, arrived again. At the same time, Its subordinate gods also arrived.


    That day, the wails and frenzied roars from the Mystic Heaven land spread in all directions.


    Death became the main theme in this place.


    Jiuli¡¯s heart was filled with grief, indignation, and madness. The feeling of being stabbed in the back by the people he protected made him bitter, confused, and furious.


    However, the outcome was already decided!


    Without the God Killing Array, in addition to the cooperation from the inside and the cold help of those clansmen, all the great magi under him died tragically one after another. Even though he erupted with everything he had, he could only heavily injure the spider-form god again.


    He perished in this blood-red betrayal.


    His corpse was sealed in the depths of the ground, suppressed by the spider-form god, absorbing his flesh and blood to restore Itself.


    The blood, flesh, and shattered souls of his dead subordinates filled the surroundings and fused into this land.


    The array formation here still didn¡¯t dissipate and became eternal¡­


    The ancient wind gradually left, and the xun¡¯s tune that accompanied the dirge also disappeared.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes.


    The resentment from the memory fragments and the pain of being betrayed by the trusted people rose in his heart.


    This wasn¡¯t his emotion but it was extremely intense.


    He knew that this emotion came from Jiuli.


    Xu Qing remained silent and slowly calmed his mind. After a long time, he suppressed these emotions from Jiuli, his expression turning a little complicated.


    Although he had already guessed it previously, now that he had truly sensed the history of the memory fragments, he had a deeper sentiment towards Jiuli, towards this land.


    Although Jiuli¡¯s memories ended at the moment of death, Xu Qing could imagine what happened after that.


    Many years after Jiuli died, ferocious beasts appeared at the place of his death under the nourishment of the flesh, blood, and souls of those great magi.


    They had different forms but they were all filled with viciousness, malevolence, and incomparable ferocity.


    This was because resentment was their core.


    Regardless of their forms, they had similar origins as those great magi.


    In their magus forms, they looked like ferocious beasts.


    Hence, this place that used to be the land of authority had another name.


    Mountains and Seas Region.


    Xu Qing finally understood the origins of the ferocious beasts in the Mountains and Seas Region.


    At that moment, he looked around at the place where this race used to live.


    A long time later, Xu Qing took a deep breath and erased the last trace of emotion from Jiuli in his heart.


    He was Xu Qing, not Jiuli.


    The moment it was erased, Xu Qing¡¯s expression returned to calm. However, he still had a doubt.


    According to the memory fragments, the spider god chose to seal Jiuli¡¯s corpse and absorb his energy to recover Itself.


    However, what Xu Qing saw was that the spider god was sealed by the Sun, Moon, and Star Gods.


    ¡°There are other events in the future¡­ When did the three gods arrive?¡±


    After a while, Xu Qing stopped thinking about this matter. This was because the most important thing now was to take out the last skull.


    Although eight skulls already gave him the qualifications to leave and store the gray fog, since he had already taken out eight, Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to give up on the ninth one.


    If he was doing it, he had to do it to the end.


    A dark glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he performed a series of hand seals with both hands. Immediately, the purple crystal shook and light shot out. Eight skulls danced inside and arranged themselves, forming Chen Erniu¡¯s array formation.


    However, this time, he didn¡¯t extract it with five. Instead, he used the eight skulls to guide the last one!


    Very soon, the eight skulls emitted ripples that collided with each other, forming a black vortex that reflected the ninth skull.


    Xu Qing immediately performed another series of hand seals. The divine power of Fishing the Moon From the Well spread out. The moment the world transformed into a well, he lifted his hand and scooped the water up.


    However, the moment he came into contact with the ninth skull, an astonishing fluctuation suddenly spread out from ten thousand feet below the marsh.


    The shrine ten thousand feet below trembled intensely and a terrifying aura rose.


    This aura was earth-shattering. The moment it appeared, the entire Jiuli Forbidden trembled. It even affected the outside world and spread to the entire Mountains and Seas Region.


    In an instant, the Mountains and Seas Region rumbled. The color of the world changed and anomalous substances rose, blurring and distorting, occupying everything.


    It was as though the fragmented-face had opened Its eyes!


    Countless ferocious beasts in this large region trembled. Their eyes were red and they let out wails and roars filled with resentment.


    Regardless of their cultivation levels, unprecedented fear rose in the hearts of the hundreds of thousands of Flame Moon cultivators hunting here. Their expressions changed drastically, not knowing what had happened.


    Ji Dongzi was among them. At this moment, he was flying. Under this sudden change, his figure suddenly stopped. His breathing was hurried and his expression instantly changed. After sensing, he suddenly looked at the Jiuli Forbidden.


    He could sense that the source of this fluctuation was in the Jiuli!


    If it was any other time, he wouldn¡¯t think too much about it. However, what appeared in his mind now was the scene of Xu Qing stepping into Jiuli.


    An indescribable uneasiness rose..

 Chapter 1273 - Chapter 1273: The Ninth Skull!

    Chapter 1273: The Ninth Skull!


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The sky of the entire Mountains and Seas Region turned blurry. As the wind and clouds surged, the ground rumbled. Countless ferocious beasts roared.


    Their voices fused together and finally resounded through the clouds, causing the color of the sky to change.


    That roar was accompanied by sorrowful wails that were filled with heart-rending resentment.


    It was as though they were blaming the heavens for being unfair and the land for being corrupted!


    They were blaming their race for betraying them and blamed themselves for their foolish loyalty!


    All of this seemed to have existed in the depths of the souls of these ferocious beasts and within their bloodline inheritances, hidden away to the point where even they themselves couldn¡¯t perceive it. Now, due to the changes in the Mountains and Seas Region, and the presence of the formidable foe, these emotions instinctively surfaced.


    The expressions of the cultivators in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s Grand Hunt kept changing. Some were surprised, some were horrified, and some were shocked. All kinds of emotions erupted in their hearts like a storm.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?!¡±


    ¡°Why is the Mountains and Seas Region suddenly like this?!¡±


    ¡°These ferocious beasts seem to have been greatly stimulated!¡±


    It wasn¡¯t just the ordinary cultivators who were shocked. The great heaven¡¯s chosen of Flame Moon in the Mountains and Seas Region were the same.


    Ji Dongzi¡¯s heart palpitated as he looked at Jiuli Forbidden. At the same time, in another area, Fan Shishuang, who was sitting cross-legged and meditating with a calm expression, suddenly opened his eyes. His expression changed and he quickly turned to look at Jiuli Forbidden.


    Gradually, his expression turned solemn and his eyes narrowed.


    ¡°The source comes from Jiuli!¡±


    ¡°What¡­ happened there?¡±


    An uneasy feeling rose in Fan Shishuang¡¯s heart. Regardless of whether it was his experience or what he had heard, this scene had never appeared before.


    There was also Tian Mozi and Tuoshi Shan. They were all different. A similar storm rose in their minds and they were shocked by the fluctuations produced by Jiuli.


    The feeling of uneasiness spread even more.


    At the same time, in the lower-ring region of the Mountains and Seas Region, in Shanchi¡¯s territory, a figure was running rapidly.


    This figure was extremely fast but if one took a closer look, for some reason, they would feel that it was vulgar.


    It was Erniu.


    He also sensed this vast fluctuation. As he sped, he looked at the sky and made a guess.


    ¡°Why do 1 feel that it has something to do with Junior Brother?¡±


    Erniu blinked and thought to himself that since his junior brother didn¡¯t come to meet up, could it be that he had discovered a better treasure¡­


    Just as he was thinking, a sharp whistling sound rang out from behind him. A youth with a jade-like face rushed out of the jungle behind Erniu.


    Even though the world had changed, nothing seemed to be important in the eyes of this youth. Only Erniu in front of him was the only one in his eyes.


    Hence, after he appeared, he continued to give chase.


    If other Flame Moon cultivators were here, they would definitely recognize that this youth was the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of Flame Moon, the high and mighty Flame Mystic!


    As the number one heaven¡¯s chosen, his status and identity were extremely high. No one in his generation dared to provoke him, so there weren¡¯t many cases of him chasing someone.


    However, such a scene appeared here.


    Most importantly, the clothes of Flame Mystic, who had appeared here, were a little disheveled. His expression was gloomy and his eyes contained killing intent, as though he was irreconcilable with Erniu.


    Such a thing was rare.


    ¡°Yanzi, why do you have to chase after a man like me? My heart belongs to someone else. You should give up.¡±


    Erniu¡¯s voice was despicable and filled with emotion.


    With that, his body swayed and he entered the rainforest again. However, madness appeared in his eyes.


    When Flame Mystic, who was behind him, heard this, his eyes turned bloodshot and his killing intent became even more violent. He gritted his teeth and chased after him.


    Just like that, waves and storms appeared in the entire Mountains and Seas Region.


    At the core of this storm, in Jiuli Region, Xu Qing¡¯s heart was also rumbling.


    The tremors from the shrine ten thousand feet below the marsh and the terrifying aura made him feel like a lone boat in the raging waves, feeling as though he would collapse and shatter into pieces at any moment.


    Clearly, fishing out the last skull had touched the root cause of this matter, causing the changes in the shrine.


    If he wanted to neutralize it, it was actually very simple. He just needed to give up on fishing.


    However, he had already obtained eight. He was only missing this last one to complete it, and he was unwilling to give it up.


    This was especially so since he had a strong premonition that if he could fish out the ninth skull, there was a high chance that there would be some mystical changes between the nine skulls.


    He couldn¡¯t sense what this change was but he felt that it was definitely not small.


    However, the price of obtaining it was a little high.


    Once he forcefully took it, it would definitely stimulate an even more terrifying aura to appear in the shrine.


    Facing a god that surpassed the Crimson Goddess, Xu Qing was very clear that he didn¡¯t have the slightest resistance.


    If it was before he understood the history of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, he would naturally choose to give up without hesitation.


    After all, survival was the most important thing.


    However¡­ his understanding of the history of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race caused Xu Qing to have a faint judgment that it wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t snatch food from the tiger¡¯s mouth!


    Hence, he quickly weighed the pros and cons as the situation ten thousand feet below the marsh surfaced in his mind.


    ¡°The shrine was suppressed by the three gods¡­ Its trembling will definitely trigger the seals of the three gods!¡±


    ¡°From the past history, there is something between the three gods and this spider god¡­¡±


    At the thought of this, determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. There was also a hint of madness like Erniu¡¯s.


    Sometimes, one couldn¡¯t follow the rules too much in life. One needed to take a gamble!


    Fishing the Moon From the Well was collapsing under the influence of this aura. Even Erniu¡¯s array formation was the same. The opportunity was about to disappear in the blink of an eye.


    Xu Qing no longer hesitated. All his cultivation and divine power at the same time, transforming into a huge force that fused into Fishing the Moon From the Well¡¯s divine art. Xu Qing decisively scooped up the last skull.


    The sound of water splashing could be heard and Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled. This forceful fishing caused many parts of his body to collapse. There were countless wounds on his entire body and he was covered in blood.


    However, after paying such a price, the ninth skull clearly appeared in the water stain on his raised right hand.


    The instant he took it out, Xu Qing swallowed it without hesitation. At the same time, his body rapidly rose into the air, wanting to escape.


    However, even more violent fluctuations surged into the sky from under the marsh.


    Accompanied by a sense of recovery, it spread out completely.


    The sky shattered and the ground collapsed.


    It was as though doomsday had descended!


    A murmur that seemed to come from ancient times echoed from the depths of the ground. The marsh was affected and as it trembled, it formed a huge vortex.


    This vortex rumbled and rotated, stirring up all the marsh. At first, it was a little slow and was only tens of thousands of feet in size. However, in the blink of an eye, it was extremely astonishing, reaching hundreds of thousands of feet.


    Finally, it covered the entire Jiuli Land and rotated faster and faster, causing mud to splatter in all directions.


    The scene 10,000 feet under the marsh was instantly revealed in the vortex.


    The cavern was revealed!


    The shrine was also revealed, and it was rising!


    The light emitted by it illuminated the sky. The gray fog of Jiuli began to dissipate.


    The monstrous fluctuations erupting from this shrine sent the murmurs inside to every corner of the Mountains and Seas Region.


    In an instant, the ferocious beasts¡¯ wails and roars became even more intense and the cultivators¡¯ souls trembled intensely.


    The Mountains and Seas Region¡­ completely erupted!


    As for the spider statue at the source, its aura rose amidst the rumbling of the world. The signs of revival were even more obvious.


    The power of the Sun Flame on Its forehead, the traces of the Moon Flame on Its body, and the surrounding Star Flame actually showed signs of being expelled and began to loosen.


    Its eyelids were also trembling, as though they were about to open.


    When Xu Qing saw this, his breathing became hurried. Right now, his body was above this vortex. As he sped, a large amount of gray fog surged over from everywhere and surrounded him, augmenting him.


    However, such an enhancement wouldn¡¯t be of much use against the spider god.


    Amidst the intense eruption of the revival intent, a huge suction force also rose from within, enveloping Xu Qing, causing him to be unable to continue moving. Instead, he rolled back under the suction force.


    It was as though it was impossible for him to leave this place without giving up on the skull.


    Could it be that my judgment was wrong? There is nothing between the three gods and this god?¡±


    At the critical moment, when Xu Qing was facing the choice of whether to give up or not, an unforeseen event happened again!


    The branch formed by the power of the Sun Flame at the forehead of the spider statue in the shrine suddenly emitted a piercing light after it was forced an inch away.


    This light was like the sun, extremely resplendent. As it spread through the world, it gave Xu Qing the feeling that a sun had really appeared on the forehead of the spider statue.


    A painful wail rang out from the spider statue.


    When it landed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears, his mind rumbled and he spat out a mouthful of blood, unable to withstand it.


    Fortunately, the gray fog had completely fused with Xu Qing because the nine skulls in Xu Qing¡¯s purple crystal were intact. It whistled through the air and neutralized it.


    At the same time, the four spears formed by the power of the Moon Flame on the spider statue became sharp. A cold feeling spread out and overlapping shadows appeared on them, forming another four spears that pierced the statue.


    The wails became even more heart-rending.


    There were also the eight clay jars from the Star Flame that seemed to have become heavier as they pressed down fiercely.


    The vortex instantly paused. The shrine that was about to rise inside trembled intensely. Under the power of the three gods, it couldn¡¯t continue and could only land back in the cavern.


    The suction force also disappeared.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body was trembling. During the wails of the spider god earlier, he endured immense pain. His body continued to collapse and his soul dimmed.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the protection of the gray fog, his body and soul would probably have been destroyed. At this moment, he forcefully pulled himself together and used all his strength to fly away.


    He finally left the range of the vortex and appeared thousands of feet away.


    Without any hesitation, Xu Qing bit the tip of his tongue, clearing his unconscious mind a little as he continued speeding.


    When he flew 50 kilometers away, vast waves of ripples spread out behind him, accompanied by three earth-shattering divine pressures.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing paused as he turned his head.


    50 kilometers away, above the core of the vortex where the spider shrine was located, a majestic scene that shook the world appeared in the sky!


    They were three huge shrines that had appeared out of thin air!


    One was shaped like a war chariot, enshrining the sun.


    One resembled a phoenix palace, enshrining the moon.


    One appeared as a red sedan, enshrining the star.


    They appeared at the same time and golden light filled the sky.


    They pressed down ruthlessly!

 Chapter 1274 - Chapter 1274: The Figure in the Ash Mountain

    Chapter 1274: The Figure in the Ash Mountain


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Ripples spread out in all directions.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body emitted countless gray fog.


    This origin power of the magi allowed him to withstand the pressure and turn his head to take a look at the scene from this distance.


    After a glance, Xu Qing immediately retracted his gaze. He didn¡¯t even turn his head as he sped forward.


    From afar, one could see a dense gray fog permeating Xu Qing¡¯s surroundings. As it churned, it blotted out the sky. With the enhancement, his speed became increasingly astonishing.


    More than ten breaths later, when Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared into the horizon, the fog here had decreased by 30%.


    To be precise, it didn¡¯t decrease. Instead, 30% of the fog at the core seemed to possess life and flowed into the distance.


    As Xu Qing continued forward, the flow became increasingly violent. It was as though the entire fog of Jiuli Forbidden had split into two.


    Winds formed by the convection howled through the world.


    Four hours later, at the edge of Jiuli Forbidden, the fog suddenly surged violently, billowing outward, breaking through the boundary of Jiuli and appearing in the outside world.


    The huge lump of fog rushed out of Jiuli.


    The range of this fog was terrifying and it was filled with a vast amount of gray fog. In fact, because the fog was too dense, it formed a huge gray vortex.


    If a cultivator was nearby and saw this, they would definitely be shaken.


    The aura of this fog vortex was too shocking.


    This was the first time the gray fog had appeared outside after the formation of Jiuli Forbidden. Before this, the fog of Jiuli had a boundary and wouldn¡¯t spread out at all.


    Today, things had changed.


    In this fog vortex, there was a figure. It was none other than Xu Qing.


    He had successfully left Jiuli Forbidden!


    Although the person who entered Jiuli Forbidden would form a karmic tie with the gray fog and be unable to leave, he followed his thoughts and left with the fog¡­


    As for the unforeseen event at the core, he no longer had the time to consider it. The instant he appeared outside, Xu Qing¡¯s speed soared again and he flew forward.


    He had to find a place to recover from his injuries as soon as possible.


    In addition, he still couldn¡¯t absorb the gray fog around his body, so it was extremely conspicuous.


    This state wasn¡¯t conducive to hiding.


    In his current state, if he encountered a great heaven¡¯s chosen like Ji Dongzi, it would be very disadvantageous.


    He needed time to completely retract the gray fog.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and he directly descended from the sky. The moment he landed, he lifted his right foot and stomped fiercely, instantly merging into the ground.


    As he continued to sink, he also brought the gray fog outside his body into the ground.


    When he sank to more than 10,000 feet, all the gray fog finally entered the ground. From the outside world, there were no longer many traces.


    Only then did Xu Qing heave a sigh of relief.


    However, he knew that this place was still not safe because it was too close to Jiuli.


    Hence, he gritted his teeth and persisted as he continued to advance underground. A day later, he finally found a suitable place to hide.


    It was a mountain range in a rainforest.


    This mountain range could better hide the gray fog and form a natural barrier.


    Hence, under the mountain range, Xu Qing dug out a cave and sat cross-legged to meditate.


    ¡°It¡¯s meaningless to continue searching for a hiding place. I¡¯m hiding from the other participants in the Grand Hunt, not the three gods¡­¡±


    ¡°If the three gods want to find me, then it¡¯s the same whether I hide or not in the Mountains and Seas Region.¡±


    Xu Qing was aware of this. After weighing the pros and cons in his heart, he closed his eyes. The purple crystal in his body emitted a purple light that enveloped his entire body.


    He began to recover.


    Time slowly flowed by. Three days later, Xu Qing, who was sitting cross-legged, opened his eyes. His eyes flickered with a resplendent purple light. The wounds on his body had completely healed but his internal injuries had only recovered by about half.


    This time, his injuries were too serious.


    Even the purple crystal required some time for him to recover to his original state.


    However, Xu Qing had already recovered some combat strength.


    ¡°Now, I have to keep this gray fog in the purple crystal¡­¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. He knew that the gray fog didn¡¯t follow him out but the nine skulls of Jiuli.


    Hence, after pondering for a moment, he closed his eyes and fused his senses into the purple crystal, trying all kinds of methods to store the gray fog.


    This was a process of exploring Jiuli skulls, so it wasn¡¯t very fast. However, as Xu Qing studied the nine skulls in the purple crystal, the gray fog that permeated the soil around him slowly gathered toward him.


    Strands of them came from all directions and entered his body, gushing into the purple crystal on his chest through his flesh and blood. However, the process was still a little slow.


    Two days later, as the light of the purple crystal shone intensely, Xu Qing abruptly opened his eyes.


    ¡°I have finally fused my mark into these nine skulls and can barely be considered to be one with them. They will no longer reject me!¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and lifted his right hand to his chest as he spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°Magus source!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, nine skulls suddenly appeared amidst the flickering purple light in the surroundings. Each of them was malevolent and at the same time, they emitted a feeling of being from the same source as Xu Qing.


    ¡°Return!¡±


    Xu Qing performed a series of hand seals with his right hand and pressed out.


    The gray fog that was swimming around him instantly paused. In the next breath, it became violent and crawled crazily out of the soil in all directions, rapidly fusing into the nine skulls.


    The fog was getting less and less.


    The nine skulls actually grew gray flesh.


    In the end, when the fog completely fused into the nine skulls, their appearances also changed greatly.


    They became¡­ flesh lanterns!


    These nine lanterns were gray in color and looked like they were made of flesh and blood, but in reality, their essence was still gray fog.


    At that moment, they floated around Xu Qing, slowly rotating within the purple light.


    Xu Qing gazed intently, sensing clearly the kinship between himself and the nine lanterns formed by Jiuli¡¯s skulls. However, the connection was faint, and could be erased and stripped away at any time.


    Ultimately, he had used the purple crystal to seal them. It wasn¡¯t a true integration with himself, thus not wholly belonging to him.


    ¡°It can be considered half an external object¡­¡±


    At the same time, because of the appearance of the ninth skull, the memory fragments in his mind were complete.


    A relatively complete history of that era was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    It was similar to his previous guess and judgment. Overall, this was the story of a betrayal.


    As for the history after that, it didn¡¯t exist in the memory fragments of the skulls.


    After all, the memories of these skulls stopped at the moment of Jiuli¡¯s death.


    There was no answer in the memories about why that Great Magistrate did this.


    There was also no answer to how and when the Sun, Moon, and Star gods appeared.


    Xu Qing fell silent.


    From the current clues, it wasn¡¯t difficult to guess the subsequent history.


    The three gods might have been on the same side as the spider god.


    It was also possible that They appeared later and plundered everything here.


    No matter what, one day, a vast divine mountain appeared in the sky of the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race.


    When the mountain landed, the three gods walked out.


    It was also because of Their arrival that the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race changed its name to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. Hence, there was a subsequent history and their current glory.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t tell if this was a good or a bad outcome for this race.


    If he said it was bad, not only did this race survive, but they also reached an astonishing height.


    If he said it was good, the betrayal hidden in history was ultimately a lamentable act of treachery.


    Especially in today¡¯s era, Jiuli had been vilified as the mount of that Great Magistrate. Similarly, the fate of the ferocious beasts formed from the bloodline of the deceased great magi who had sacrificed everything for this race was also the same.


    This kind of history fabricated by later generations caused Xu Qing to sigh with emotion.


    ¡°Only by living can one be qualified to write history.¡±


    ¡°This is how that Great Magistrate beautified his own affair, and it is also what the gods are willing to see.¡±


    Xu Qing recalled the suppression of the spider shrine by the three gods in the end. He then recalled the captain¡¯s spurious smile when he read the information about Jiuli Forbidden in the holy city.


    At that time, the captain took out a shrimp and split it in half.


    Xu Qing understood that the shrimp was a euphemism for blind J. The content was fabricated.


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    When did the Sun, Moon, and Star gods appear in the Flame Moon and were they related to this conspiracy? This question was meaningless to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Now, the most important thing to me¡­¡±


    It¡¯s how to transform Jiuli sealed in the purple crystal into my combat strength and increase my cultivation!¡±


    ¡°Let them truly fuse with me!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was decisive. He already had an answer about how to do this.


    ¡°I now have three divine repositories and one Emperor Sword secret repository.


    I¡¯m still lacking one more to reach the great circle of perfection¡­¡±


    ¡°Originally, it could be formed in the form of Crimson Goddess, but there are hidden dangers.¡±


    ¡°But now¡­ if 1 refine Jiuli into a secret repository, everything will be easily resolved. As the peak of the path of magus, for Jiuli to be valued so much by the spider god, it can be seen that his status is definitely not inferior to Crimson Goddess, and there is even a high probability that he surpasses her.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s very suitable to use him as my fifth secret repository. It will be a magus repository!¡±


    ¡°After becoming my magus repository, it will naturally become one with me and won¡¯t be stripped away easily. The fog of Jiuli will also become my ability!¡±


    A dark glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    He had an extremely strong feeling about the gray fog. He knew how domineering the will of rejecting gods and cultivation contained in it was.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing stood up with a solemn expression. He then bowed to Jiuli.


    This bow was for karma, honoring his glory.


    After that, he sat down and closed his eyes to begin refining!


    At the same time, in the depths of Jiuli Forbidden that was some distance away from him, the three gods¡¯ suppression of the shrine had also ended.


    As the three shrines dissipated, the marsh on the ground returned to normal. The fog in the surroundings flowed, covering all traces.


    Under the marsh, the seals on the spider god in the shrine became even stronger. Its final aura also seemed to show signs of extinguishing.


    As for the mountain of ashes below, it was normal and there were no changes.


    However, in the depths of the mountain that outsiders couldn¡¯t detect, there was a sigh that faintly echoed.


    A figure was hidden in the mountain of ashes.


    This figure emitted an ancient aura.


    He didn¡¯t move at all, like a corpse.


    However, at this moment, he opened his eyes.


    If a cultivator of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race was here and saw this person¡¯s appearance clearly, they would definitely be extremely shocked.


    This was because his appearance was exactly the same as the Great Magistrate of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race who had been dead for countless years!

 Chapter 1275 - Chapter 1275: The Fifth Secret Repository: Magus Repository

    Chapter 1275: The Fifth Secret Repository: Magus Repository


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.


    The fluctuations in the Mountains and Seas Region also calmed down because of the resealing of Jiuli Forbidden.


    The ferocious beasts inside no longer wailed. The struggle from their souls and bloodlines gradually dissipated and their bestial nature replaced everything.


    However, the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivators who participated in the Grand Hunt couldn¡¯t calm down. Different guesses surged in their minds.


    Most of them learned of the source of the fluctuations in the Mountains and


    Seas Region through different methods. Hence, they all avoided it, unwilling to get close to Jiuli.


    Even though the mountain range Xu Qing was hiding in was some distance away from Jiuli Forbidden, there weren¡¯t many passersby in these seven days.


    In addition, he hid very well and the gray fog was completely absorbed by the purple crystal, so no one noticed him.


    This caused Xu Qing to be completely immersed in refining Jiuli Magus Repository during these seven quiet days.


    If he wanted to completely control Jiuli and make it a part of him, the only way was to refine the skulls into a magus repository.


    However, this step wasn¡¯t that simple.


    The first thing he needed to do wasn¡¯t to fuse the nine lanterns floating outside his body into his body one by one. Instead, he had to first build a secret repository foundation that could accommodate the lanterns in his sea of consciousness.


    The foundation of this secret repository was especially important. On one hand, it had to be able to withstand the integration of Jiuli. On the other hand, it was also closely related to whether Xu Qing could truly fuse with Jiuli in the end.


    Hence, after some thought, Xu Qing made a decision.


    Flesh as the foundation, bones as the mountain!


    During these seven days, he continuously spent his flesh, causing them to gather in his sea of consciousness and build the foundation of the secret repository.


    This process required too much flesh. Under normal circumstances, even if Xu Qing used up all of his flesh, it wouldn¡¯t be enough.


    Hence, he thought of the white wind in the Green Sand Desert of the Moon Offering Region.


    It was a terrifying wind that caused flesh and bones to grow disorderly. Back then, in the Green Sand Desert, anyone who was touched by the white wind would have their flesh deformed until they turned into a mountain of flesh and died.


    He had studied this phenomenon and experimented on others. It was once one of the formulas for creating the curse-breaking pill.


    At the same time, he knew that the flesh that grew did indeed belong to him.


    Hence, after thinking about it, Xu Qing gritted his teeth and started swallowing the remaining white wind pills in his storage bag. His body immediately grew disorderly.


    Seven to eight arms, dozens of legs, and many heads all shot out crazily, and his body became bloated and huge.


    With the help of the flesh that grew, as Xu Qing consumed them, the foundation of the secret repository in his sea of consciousness gradually took shape.


    During this period, he also swallowed a lot of the white wind pills. The disorderly growth of his body also gradually reached an exaggerated level and he turned into a mountain of flesh many times.


    He felt a sense of weakness frequently.


    Fortunately, with the recovery power of the purple crystal, he could barely persist.


    Finally, he formed a land of flesh that was 100,000 feet in size.


    This was his limit.


    This ioo,ooo-foot-long flesh belonged to him. Using it as the foundation of the secret repository, it naturally came from the same source as him.


    In addition, on this ioo,ooo-foot-long land of flesh, Xu Qing¡¯s bones were also continuously piling up, forming nine bone mountains.


    These nine bones all looked like skulls.


    They were created by Xu Qing according to the layout and appearance of the core of Jiuli below 10,000 feet.


    The land was his flesh, and the mountain of bones was his bones.


    The moment it was formed, Xu Qing opened his eyes under the mountain range.


    His face was pale and his body was weak. The spirit in his eyes was also much dimmer. The consumption was too great.


    However, his eyes still contained light.


    ¡°I¡¯ve formed the foundation with my flesh and bones. Next, it¡¯s time to fuse them!¡±


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the nine lanterns floating in the surroundings. He then lifted his right hand and pointed at one of them. The instant he pointed, the lantern shook and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    The moment it came into contact with his finger, the lantern quickly fused into it and disappeared in front of Xu Qing. When it appeared¡­ it was in his sea of consciousness. On the 100,000 feet of flesh, it fell toward the mountain of bones that was designated to it.


    In the blink of an eye, the lantern collided with the mountain of bones. The gray fog inside erupted and fused into the mountain of bones along with the lantern.


    The moment it completely fused, the skull mountain quaked. Under the cover of the gray fog, flesh and blood appeared. Two lumps of black fire also rose from the originally empty eye sockets.


    After that, a bull-like roar rang out from the skull.


    Immediately after, a ferocious beast that looked like a bull but had a golden body, golden armor, and a dragon head appeared. It roared at the sky and let out low voices that was like a god¡¯s murmur.


    ¡°Magus Life Qiuniu j>!¡±


    It emitted immense aura and Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness fluctuated endlessly.


    Its connection with Xu Qing also became one at this moment.


    This made Xu Qing immediately realize that this beast named Qiuniu was one of the magus forms of Jiuli back then.


    ¡°Nine skulls, nine different magus forms!¡±


    Seeing that it was effective, Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred. As he performed a series of hand seals, he fused the second lantern into his repository. Very soon, a second ferocious beast appeared on another mountain of skulls.


    It was a ferocious beast with the body of a dhole and the head of a dragon, exuding a ferocious and cruel aura all over, showing a penchant for killing and fighting, giving off a palpable sense of death.


    Especially with its all-black body and overwhelming murderous intent, it engulfed Xu Qing¡¯s mind like a peerless weapon of slaughter descending into the world!


    Back then, when Xu Qing felt Ji Dongzi¡¯s killing intent was already astonishing.


    However, compared to this ferocious beast, the difference was too great.


    At that moment, as killing intent churned, a deep roar echoed.


    ¡°Magus Life Yazi?!¡±


    ¡°Such killing intent¡­¡± Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled as he felt a sense of intimidation.


    A long time later, he calmed the fluctuations in his sea of consciousness and raised his right hand, pointing at three lanterns.


    As the three lanterns fused into him, they landed on the third bone mountain, the fourth bone mountain, and the fifth bone mountain.


    An unprecedented storm rose in his sea of consciousness that had just calmed down.


    The moment the lanterns fused into the bone mountains, three ferocious beasts of different shapes and sizes appeared in unison. Their tyrannical auras erupted like an avalanche.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled violently and he almost couldn¡¯t withstand it. He had no choice but to use the purple crystal to heal himself. He then released his soul threads and directly manifested the third god form before he could persevere.


    He then looked at the three ferocious beasts in his sea of consciousness.


    One figure appeared blurry at first glance, making it difficult to discern specifics, but he could sense its speed surpassing imagination. Only by utilizing a series of residual images formed during multiple teleportations could he clearly see its lizard-like wings.


    A whistling wind accompanied it, emitting sharp sounds.


    ¡°Magus Life Chaofeng?!¡±


    As for the fourth beast, resembling a dragon, it was relatively smaller in size compared to the other ferocious beasts. When it appeared, it floated there quietly. However, the moment Xu Qing¡¯s consciousness fell upon this beast, the small dragon suddenly raised its head, opened its mouth, and emitted a roar as mighty as the creation of heaven and earth.


    ¡°Magus Life Pulao?!¡±


    As soon as this roar rang out, Xu Qing¡¯s body rumbled. The third god form also became unstable and was almost split open. He quickly formed the fourth god form to endure it.


    As for the fifth ferocious beast, it was even more astonishing!


    Shaped like a lion, it exuded an aura of smoke and fire, floating atop the fifth skull mountain. It emitted a vast majesty, as if it could suppress everything, be it the heavens or the earth!


    Surrounded by the spiraling incense, it was like a true god.


    A deep roar echoed in all directions.


    ¡°Magus Life Suanni?!¡±


    Xu Qing sensed these five ferocious beasts and countless lightning bolts seemed to explode in his mind. The waves in his heart rose even more.


    Too strong!


    Although he still didn¡¯t know their specific abilities, any one of them was even more terrifying than the ghost carriage Xu Qing had seen before from their auras.


    After a long time, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed anticipation. He calmed his sea of consciousness and waited for all the fluctuations to dissipate before pointing at the other lanterns.


    Immediately, ghostly flames appeared on the sixth, seventh, and eighth skull mountains one after another, transforming into different beasts.


    One beast resembled a dragon-headed turtle body, exuding an earth-shaking dominance. Its body was astonishingly large, and the moment it appeared, Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness was filled significantly.


    ¡°Magus Life BaxiaQ!¡±


    Another beast had a tiger-like body with enormous fangs. As it manifested, a sense of sealing spread from its body, affecting Xu Qing¡¯s mind and spreading throughout his entire body, extending into the outside world.


    This caused this mountain range to directly feel blurry as it was put in a sealed state.


    In the seal, murmurs echoed.


    ¡°Magus Life Bi¡¯an Q!¡±


    The eighth beast also had a dragon-like appearance but was slender and exuded an elegant aura. It emitted countless blue light spots as it flew, nourishing Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness. It even brought a refreshing sensation to his soul, accompanied by a sense of heaviness, as if adorning his soul with an unparalleled armor.


    This was an enhancement to the soul. It silently descended.


    A strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He could sense this enhancement very clearly. The effect¡­ was extremely astonishing.


    ¡°It¡¯s like the blessing of a god!¡±


    Just as Xu Qing came to a realization, the beast¡¯s voice echoed softly.


    ¡°Magus Life Fuxi0!¡±


    Immediately after, it was the last lantern!


    Under Xu Qing¡¯s integration, this lantern appeared on the ninth skull mountain. With the trembling of this mountain and the flickering of ghostly flames within the skull, above it, a beast with the head of a dragon, the body of a lion, and the tail of a fish suddenly appeared.


    Its emergence didn¡¯t bring about any earth-shattering aura or eerie changes, but the moment its gaze met Xu Qing¡¯s consciousness, his body visibly trembled.


    He felt the injuries he had been steadily recovering from suddenly fully healed, not only his physical body but also his soul threads, as if both were blessed.


    What felt most peculiar was that the fluctuations in his sea of consciousness caused by integrating with Jiuli suddenly returned to normal in an instant under the gaze of this beast.


    It was as if all negative states dissipated under the creature¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Magus Life Chiwen?!¡±


    The nine heads of Jiuli fused with Xu Qing¡¯s flesh. With Xu Qing¡¯s bones as a carrier, all the magus life forms appeared!


    At the next instant, the land of the flesh suddenly caved in. Booming sounds and the roars of the nine beasts gathered together, as though they had ignited a vast furnace.


    Boom!


    The fifth secret repository was formed!


    Magus repository!


    The aura of the Perfected Spirit Repository rose violently from Xu Qing¡¯s body!

 Chapter 1276 - Chapter 1276: Target: Ji Dongzi

    Chapter 1276: Target: Ji Dongzi


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The mountain range quaked and cracks appeared on the rocks. Very soon, the mountain above Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation place seemed to be covered by a spider web.


    More and more cracks appeared, quickly becoming denser.


    Three breaths later, the vast mountain range seemed as if it had always been composed of loose dust. It lost its supporting force and collapsed.


    A gust of wind stirred up a dust storm, spreading out in all directions.


    At the same time, a terrifying aura spread out from the depths.


    This aura carried an extreme domineeringness and the might of a god as it spread out in waves.


    Cracks spread on the ground, forming ravines.


    At the same time, the rainforest surrounding the mountains shook violently, and in the next moment, all the trees and vegetation withered and became part of the dust storm.


    The ferocious beasts within it were no exception, until the impact reached hundreds of kilometers before finally coming to a halt.


    At the epicenter of the countless cracks and crevices intersecting with each other in the area where the former mountain was located, the ground had sunken down by thousands of feet.


    From afar, it looked like an irregular crater.


    At the bottom of the crater, a figure gradually rose into the air.


    As the figure walked out, a terrifying pressure emanated from it. The storm in the outside world became even more violent, and as it spread out, deafening whistling sounds rang out.


    The sky also churned and changed as if responding to the emergence of this figure.


    Moreover, black flames spread from its body, flowing along the ravines like a river from the underworld, representing death and slaughter.


    Countless soul threads erupted from its body, blotting out the sky and circling it at high speed.


    In the gap between the flames and the soul threads, the figure walking over step by step was faintly discernible. One could only vaguely see that it was a youth.


    His peerless appearance couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. Only his long hair that fluttered in the wind shone with purple light in the fire.


    This lasted until this slender figure walked out of the ten thousand-foot-deep crater and stood above the storm, standing between heaven and earth.


    The wind blew his long black robe, bringing with it a cold and sharp intent.


    He lifted his head.


    It was a peerlessly beautiful face, giving off a feeling that it couldn¡¯t be blasphemed. It seemed to belong to a god.


    His expression was cold but the circular mark shining on his forehead exuded a hint of evilness. That was the mark brought by the magus!


    He was Xu Qing.


    Spirit Repository¡­ perfection stage.¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head and looked at the ravines on the ground and the soul threads surrounding him. He then took a deep breath.


    He had spent the most time in the Spirit Repository realm. It wasn¡¯t because this realm was unprecedentedly difficult, but because his secret repositories were different from others.


    Others were secret repositories, but his were divine repositories, an emperor repository, and a magus repository.


    He demanded too much, so it naturally took more time.


    It was only today that he could be considered to have reached the great circle of perfection.


    However, there was still a necessary requirement before he could break through and step into Nihility.


    ¡°Heavenly Dao¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was deep.


    He recalled what Eldest Senior Brother had said about the way to obtain the Heavenly Dao.


    The third segment of the Grand Hunt, the Divine Realm!


    ¡°Then, the Divine Realm opened by the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race will be where 1 step into Nihility!¡±


    ¡°Even though I still lack four Heavenly Daos, my combat strength is completely different from before.¡±


    After pondering for a moment, Xu Qing restrained his expectations for the future. With a thought, the soul threads in the surroundings rushed over and quickly gathered on his body.


    In the blink of an eye, the first god form was formed.


    That was the combat strength of a first stage Nihility cultivator.


    After that, even more soul threads gushed in. In an instant, the second god form appeared.


    The fluctuations of a second stage Nihility cultivator¡¯s combat strength shook the surroundings.


    Immediately after, even more soul threads fused into it and the third god form appeared. The power of the third stage of Nihility spread in all directions and the might of the god was earth-shattering.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. When the last soul thread returned, the fourth god form erupted monstrously from Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    That was the form of Crimson Goddess and also the ultimate god form.


    Its combat strength at the fourth stage of Nihility swept through the sky, shaking the earth, distorting the void, and producing anomalous substances.


    This form was Xu Qing¡¯s strongest state in the past. It contained all his cultivation strength and the divine authorities he had come into contact with in his life.


    Regardless of whether it was the Sundial or the Purple Moon, they were all a part of this form.


    ¡°This form was the limit of my strength before 1 entered Jiuli.¡±


    ¡°But now¡­¡±


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and the fifth magus repository in his body erupted with energy. Roars from different heads of Jiuli rang out from Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    The sky trembled and the clouds exploded. Endless waves spread out from the void. Jiuli¡¯s nine heads rushed out of his body and surrounded his body, forming a huge vortex.


    They moved rapidly, forming a force that suppressed the surroundings.


    It was a shocking sight.


    Amidst the rumbling, Qiuniu was the first to leave the vortex and transform into an illusory dragon totem that rushed towards Xu Qing and adhered to his neck, forming a dragon armor!


    It would empower Xu Qing in all Dao related to sound, and in Xu Qing¡¯s fourth god form, his words would echo like whispers of the gods. With Qiuniu¡¯s empowerment, these whispers would become even more terrifying.


    Next, Chaofeng flew in and merged into Xu Qing¡¯s body, manifesting a pair of black wings on his back. As they flapped, a strong wind howled, causing the world to change color.


    Chaofeng would empower Xu Qing in all matters related to speed.


    Next were Pulao, Bi¡¯an, and Chiwen.


    Pulao transformed into arm armors, empowering all divine abilities. Henceforth, all the divine abilities and spells displayed by Xu Qing in this state would be empowered by Pulao, greatly enhancing his combat prowess.


    Bi¡¯an transformed into chest armor, empowering the Dao of sealing. Whether it was D132 or any of Xu Qing¡¯s sealing techniques, they would become extremely terrifying in this state.


    As for Chiwen, it transformed into back armor. Its function was simple yet incomparable ¨C it could dispel all disasters!


    Immediately after, it was Baxia and Fuxi.


    The former formed most of his body armor, covering more than half of the area. What it enhanced was Xu Qing¡¯s physical defense.


    From now on, Xu Qing¡¯s defense would reach an incredibly astonishing height.


    The latter had a similar effect, but what it enhanced was the soul.


    In this state, as long as Fuxi didn¡¯t die, Xu Qing¡¯s soul wouldn¡¯t die.


    Henceforth, his body and soul would be completely different from before in terms of defense.


    The most special one was the Suanni!


    Even Xu Qing was very surprised by its effect. What it transformed into wasn¡¯t armor but a wisp of green smoke that swayed behind Xu Qing and connected to the sky. What it augmented¡­ was actually Xu Qing¡¯s divinity!


    With its enhancement, Xu Qing¡¯s fourth god form was enhanced from the divine source.


    On this point, after Xu Qing thought about it, he had a guess. Perhaps the original Suanni wasn¡¯t like this. It was because of the suppression and devouring by the spider god, resulting in a common mutation.


    Only this answer could explain why the magus form of Jiuli¡¯s Suanni was actually compatible with divine powers.


    Xu Qing buried this guess and looked at the last head of Jiuli.


    It was Yazi.


    It transformed into a malevolent mask. The moment Xu Qing looked over, it quickly flew over and landed on Xu Qing¡¯s face.


    It enhanced slaughter. From now on, all magic treasures and weapons would display peerless ferocity under its integration.


    The moment it came into contact with Xu Qing¡¯s face, the sky darkened and rumbling sounds rang out in all directions. Countless bolts of lightning danced like silver snakes.


    At this moment, the storm became even more violent. In this strong wind, Xu Qing, who was standing in the sky, underwent a drastic transformation!


    It was a bizarre figure, combining the god form with the magus form!


    The grayish-black dragon armor exuded an aura of killing intent and mystery, while the totems of the nine heads of Jiuli carried the breath of ancient times.


    With wings spread behind, a rising purple moon, and the god¡¯s body beneath the dragon armor, magus and god merged into one.


    Even denser gray fog emanated from his body, enveloping the heavens and the earth, churning outward continuously, giving a profound sense of awe.


    In this form, Xu Qing had a feeling.


    He could turn the sky pitch-black with a thought.


    He could collapse the ground with a gaze.


    He could destroy all living beings with his thoughts.


    He could ignore the rules with a raise of his hand.


    ¡°So, this is the battle prowess of the great circle of perfection of Nihility¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. After recalling the few great heaven¡¯s chosen he had come into contact with in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, his eyes gleamed.


    He was very clear that with the enhancement of Jiuli in all aspects, his combat strength had already surpassed the fourth stage of the Nihility and reached the perfection stage.


    He was truly in the same combat strength range as Tuoshi Shan, Fan Shishuang, and Ji Dongzi. Moreover, he was at the peak.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s strongest form now!


    ¡°However, this isn¡¯t the strongest state of the magus repository!¡±


    ¡°In the memory fragment of Jiuli¡¯s skulls, his magus form wasn¡¯t like this.¡±


    Xu Qing recalled the memory fragments he had seen. At that time, outside the God Killing Array, Jiuli who was sitting cross-legged there had a vast gray fog behind him.


    In the depths of the fog, there was a humongous creature with a terrifying aura that could shake the heavens and the earth. Moreover, it wasn¡¯t in the shape of a dragon.


    It looked like a human body!


    ¡°That¡¯s the true ancestral magus form of Jiuli!¡±


    Xu Qing was tempted and tried to activate the magus repository. However, no matter how he activated it, the magus repository only rippled and didn¡¯t show any signs of activating.


    At the same time, a mysterious restriction was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    It was like a sturdy barrier that couldn¡¯t be broken through.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and analyzed inwardly.


    ¡°With my current strength, I¡¯m still unable to display it¡­¡±


    ¡°Perhaps when I obtain the four Heavenly Daos and step into Nihility, I will have the ability to break through the barrier and allow the magus form of Jiuli to reappear in the world.¡±


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing retracted his thoughts and looked into the distance.


    He recalled the events after coming to the Mountains and Seas Region. From the time he met Ji Dongzi and was chased into Jiuli Forbidden, to the time he struggled with his life on the line and finally reaped a huge harvest.


    Everything he experienced during this period, as well as the true history he saw, made him feel an indescribable emotion.


    After a long time, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Since I¡¯ve walked out of Jiuli, then¡­ Ji Dongzi!¡±


    Killing intent rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. With a sway of his body, the sound of thunder exploded in the sky and his figure tore through the air..

 Chapter 1277 - Chapter 1277: I’m Waiting for You

    Chapter 1277: I¡¯m Waiting for You


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The second segment of this Grand Hunt was destined to be filled with blood. At the same time, it was different from the past.


    For example, the fluctuations in the large region had never appeared before.


    Even though the three shrines had descended and suppressed the core of Jiuli, the fluctuations from the spider god still caused many bloodline stimulations in the ferocious beasts in the Mountains and Seas Region.


    The savageness of the beasts in the Mountains and Seas Region, which were already filled with ferocity, became increasingly intense. In fact, small-scale beast tides even appeared in some areas.


    Hence, the danger brought to the cultivators participating in this segment also soared.


    Almost every day, many participants died tragically in this large region. Their flesh and blood became nutrients that nourished this place.


    Amidst this chaos, some people benefited and obtained achievements that were originally impossible to achieve, obtaining precious mounts.


    However, overall, there were more signs of chaos in the Mountains and Seas Region.


    When Xu Qing left his seclusion and sped through the sky, he felt this even more clearly.


    He saw a pack of beasts running violently on the ground.


    It was a ferocious beast that looked like a horse but had six legs and a snake head.


    Its name was flame walker.


    It was called so because when this creature galloped, green flames appeared under its feet, and wherever it passed, green flames filled the sky, capable of burning souls.


    As they galloped, within the flames surrounding their bodies, numerous souls of beasts and cultivators could be seen, bound by them, emitting cries of agony.


    The moment Xu Qing passed by in the sky, this pack of flame walkers breathed out green smoke and were about to roar at Xu Qing.


    However, at the next instant, the aura of Jiuli on Xu Qing¡¯s body spread out a little.


    With just a trace, the group of originally berserk flame walkers all trembled and stopped. After that, they crawled toward the sky and wailed.


    The wails weren¡¯t because they had suffered physical injuries, but because of pain and sorrow from their souls.


    That was an instinct in their bloodline.


    Jiuli was the Mystic Heaven Ancestral Magus. His aura and bloodline were supreme in this land.


    The source of all the ferocious beasts in the Mountains and Seas Region was the great magi under Jiuli back then.


    Hence, when they sensed the aura of Jiuli again, the memories of these ferocious beasts formed by the deaths of the great magi back then were evoked.


    Xu Qing paused as he looked at the group of prostrating flame walkers. After a while, he flew into the distance.


    Such scenes continued to appear on his way.


    It was the same even in the sky. Groups of birds were stirring up a storm unscrupulously. However, the moment Xu Qing got close, these birds stopped in unison. They trembled and worshiped while wailing.


    All of this allowed Xu Qing to deeply sense the sorrow of this group of ferocious beasts. He also sensed Jiuli¡¯s status here.


    He even gradually felt as though he was walking in his own territory.


    However, this feeling was accompanied by Jiuli¡¯s bitter emotions that accumulated in Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t like to be affected. Hence, he erased the emotions that belonged to Jiuli.


    As he moved, his speed became faster and faster. Several hours later, a dark glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He had found the clue he was looking for.


    It was a Si e Race cultivator who was being chased by mountain sparrows.


    This cultivator was a middle-aged man. Clearly, he had some methods, as he was about to escape even under the pursuit of several mountain sparrows.


    However, at the next instant, a calm voice echoed beside him. When it landed in his mind, it was like lightning had exploded.


    ¡°Seal.¡±


    A single word spread out in the world.


    This was a seal enhanced by the Bi¡¯an. The moment it appeared, ripples formed with the cultivator as the center and sealed the surroundings.


    In the blink of an eye, the cultivator¡¯s body trembled and he suddenly stopped, unable to move at all. His body, soul, and even the space he was in instantly froze.


    As for the mountain sparrows chasing after him, they all trembled. After that, as though they had received some order or were frightened, they quickly turned around and left.


    Only the Si¡¯e cultivator was left frozen in the air alone. The horror in his heart was already monstrous.


    This lasted until he saw a figure appearing in the distant void. It walked over step by step and wherever it passed, black flames spread to the world.


    The moment he saw the face clearly, a storm stirred in the mind of the Si¡¯e Race cultivator. He recognized Xu Qing!


    However, according to the information he knew, Xu Qing should have been killed by Ji Dongzi!


    But now, he had actually appeared in front of him.


    This scene caused the storm in the mind of this Si¡¯e Race cultivator to reach the extreme. His body instinctively wanted to shudder but the seal was too strong, causing him to be unable to even shudder.


    Hence, all the horror and fear could only be seen in his eyes.


    This was especially so as Xu Qing walked over. Flames lingered around the cultivator¡¯s body, causing his body to feel intense burning pain. What frightened him the most was the pressure from Xu Qing.


    This pressure caused cracks to appear on his body. He felt as though he was facing a Soul Accumulation.


    Do you know where Ji Dongzi is?¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the Si¡¯e Race cultivator in front of him and calmly spoke.


    As his voice echoed, the restraints on the Si¡¯e Race cultivator loosened a little. His hurried breathing suddenly rang out from the cultivator¡¯s mouth. The feeling of life and death was intense and his body could finally tremble.


    However, no matter what, it couldn¡¯t dissipate the feeling of death. He quickly shook his head. He really didn¡¯t know where Ji Dongzi was.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡±


    Xu Qing was calm. Everything about the other party was clear in his eyes. At that moment, he lifted his hand and waved it. Immediately, a soul thread danced around the Si¡¯e Race cultivator, tying him.


    He only restricted this person¡¯s cultivation but didn¡¯t restrict his voice transmission. In fact, under the precision of the seal, the other party¡¯s storage bag could be opened. However, the only thing he could take out was the voice transmission jade slip.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t going to kill this person now. This was because rather than searching for Ji Dongzi aimlessly, Xu Qing felt that it was better to make Ji Dongzi find him.


    However, this required the cooperation of this Si e cultivator.


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor rushed out and moved around the Si¡¯e Race cultivator. Its sharp tip swam along the cultivator¡¯s skin, leaving behind light marks.


    The chili and the danger caused the Si e Race cultivator to shiver even more.


    ¡°Are you going to call for help yourself, or do you want me to help you?¡¯


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s figure transformed and he sat on the iron rod. He swept his gaze across the cultivator and spoke gently.


    ¡°Where should I poke a hole for you? You better hope you have enough connections, otherwise¡­ hehe.¡±


    Under the gaze of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, this Si¡¯e Race cultivator didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He immediately followed the other party¡¯s request and began to transmit his voice to his fellow clansmen for help.


    Just like that, under the urging of the Diamond Ancestor, as Xu Qing continued to move forward in the sky, the cultivator from Si¡¯e, who was tied to the soul thread on his back, kept transmitting his voice for help.


    As for some of the signals sent in his voice transmission, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care. He hoped that more people would come.


    However, it was unknown if it was because Xu Qing¡¯s ferocious reputation was too great, or if this cultivator from the Si¡¯e Race wasn¡¯t popular, or if he was unreliable in his actions, but even after several hours, there was still no one coming to save him.


    Xu Qing was getting a little impatient from waiting, so he decided to speed up.


    Just like that, several days passed.


    During this period, the cry for help from the cultivator from the Si¡¯e Race became weaker and weaker. Despite the ferocity of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, this cultivator was powerless and could only wail.


    Fortunately, he had gained many companions to distract the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s attacks.


    For the past few days, whenever Xu Qing encountered Baize and the Si¡¯e Race, he would directly attack and tie them up before tossing them behind him.


    Now, there were dozens of them¡­


    These dozens of cultivators¡¯ hearts were filled with despair. Under the torture and threats of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, they kept sending requests for help. At the same time, their screams became increasingly hoarse.


    As he looked at the increasing number of companions, the fear in the heart of the first cultivator to be captured by Xu Qing grew increasingly intense.


    This was because in these few days, what he saw wasn¡¯t only Xu Qing¡¯s cruelty.


    There was also the abnormality of the ferocious beasts from the Mountains and Seas Region!


    On the way, he saw many ferocious beasts that he usually had to think of a way to escape from. However, the moment they saw Xu Qing, they actually took the initiative to prostrate. Regardless of whether they were alone or in groups, it was the same.


    It was like a subject seeing a king!


    This scene was too shocking, so much so that he felt a sense of loss several times.


    He had never heard of this before, nor had he seen any records of it in any records.


    From what he knew, the ferocious beasts in the Mountains and Seas Region were all savage and untamed. If someone wanted to tame them, they needed strength and opportunities.


    Moreover, after taming one, the difficulty of taming a second one would increase infinitely.


    But now¡­ He recalled all the ferocious beasts that had prostrated toward Xu Qing on the way. Some of them were even on the rankings and were wanted by many cultivators.


    It was obvious that as long as Xu Qing nodded, they would immediately run over and follow him willingly.


    ¡°Wha¡­ wha¡­¡±


    This unbelievable thing caused the Si¡¯e Race cultivator¡¯s heart to tremble even more intensely.


    Six days later, when the number of cultivators tied up behind Xu Qing reached over a hundred, the densely-packed crowd was a shocking sight.


    They were sending out voice transmissions for help at all times, finally causing a monstrous storm in the Mountains and Seas Region.


    The news that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t dead quickly spread.


    The matter of him asking about Ji Dongzi¡¯s whereabouts also spread in this storm.


    As for the savage scene of tying up over a hundred cultivators and flying through the sky, it naturally caused the storm to become even more violent and ferocious as other cultivators witnessed it.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s name once again appeared in the minds of all the participants and it was even more profound than before.


    Xu Qing was using his actions to tell Ji Dongzi.


    I¡¯m waiting for you!¡±

 Chapter 1278 - Chapter 1278: Meeting the Fiend

    Chapter 1278: Meeting the Fiend


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Time flowed by and another three days passed.


    In these three days, the storm caused by Xu Qing had completely spread throughout the Mountains and Seas Region. Unless it was some lone wolves or people who were trapped in some situations, almost everyone had heard about Xu Qing and Ji Dongzi¡¯s matter.


    Regarding Ji Dongzi, the publicly acknowledged second ranked heaven¡¯s chosen of the current generation of all the races of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, the Flame Moon cultivators directly or indirectly knew of his terrifying combat strength.


    Hence, after knowing that Xu Qing actually used such a method to challenge Ji Dongzi, most cultivators didn¡¯t think highly of Xu Qing.


    Even though Xu Qing had appeared in an extremely domineering manner this time around, he still couldn¡¯t change the bias of those cultivators.


    After all, two months ago, Ji Dongzi spread the news to look for Xu Qing. After that, he announced that Xu Qing had died. Although Xu Qing didn¡¯t die, the period of time he disappeared was enough to show the outcome of the battle between the two of them.


    Now that there was a two-month gap, so what?


    However, what made people feel strange was that there was actually no news of Ji Dongzi responding to Xu Qing, nor did he appear. In fact, very few cultivators knew of Ji Dongzi¡¯s whereabouts.


    This was a little thought-provoking and couldn¡¯t help but cause one¡¯s imagination to run wild.


    As for the hundred-odd Si¡¯e Race and Baize Race cultivators tied behind Xu Qing, countless guesses rose in their minds as they let out weak cries.


    They had done their best. Over the past few days, they had transmitted their voices to everyone they could.


    However, not only did Ji Dongzi not come, but none of the people they sent voice transmissions to appeared.


    After all¡­ no one was stupid. They wouldn¡¯t sacrifice their lives to save someone unless they had a certain level of confidence.


    For example, now.


    It was noon. This was the time of the day when the sunlight was the most intense in the Mountains and Seas Region. Yang qi rose and all dark and bizarre beasts would usually rest during this period.


    The intense sunlight illuminated everything with clarity, brightening the entire world. As he traveled through the air, Xu Qing halted, gazing towards the horizon.


    As he stared, the hundreds of cultivators who were screaming behind him immediately fell silent. All of them looked over nervously and expectantly.


    In their eyes, there were four rainbows cutting through the sky, rushing over as though they wanted to tear the sky apart.


    Within these four streaks of light, each contained a formidable cultivator with a remarkable presence and formidable cultivation.


    Three of them were from the Si¡¯e Race. Their expressions were gloomy and contained killing intent.


    The last person was from the Baize Race. His body was burly like a small mountain and emitted dense qi and blood energy. His heartbeat was like muffled thunder, giving off a feeling that he was unrivaled!


    What was even more astonishing was that the four of them had acquired impressive mounts.


    The Baize Race cultivator had a winged giant python, ferocious and menacing, capable of soaring through the clouds.


    As for the mounts of the three Si¡¯e Race cultivators, they were each unique. One had the head of a lion and the body of a wolf, exuding a soul-captivating aura. The other was a turtle shell elephant that gave off a feeling of boundless strength.


    The last one was a terrifying ghostly creature, shrouded in darkness and eerie in form.


    These four mounts strengthened their combat strength quite a bit. Their auras spread through the sky, dyeing the sky pitch-black, swirling and spreading like a fog.


    The moment they saw them clearly, the hundred or so cultivators tied up by the soul threads behind Xu Qing instantly became excited. They had naturally seen the heaven¡¯s chosen of their race before.


    Those three Si¡¯e cultivators were the strongest heaven¡¯s chosen of the Si¡¯e Race in the second segment of the Grand Hunt. They were only at the second stage of Nihility but they possessed combat strength comparable to the fourth stage of Nihility.


    Although they couldn¡¯t be compared to a peerless existence like Ji Dongzi, they would be considered heaven¡¯s chosen in other races as well.


    As for the burly youth from the Baize Race, his body was comparable to a fourth stage Nihility cultivator. His status was even nobler as he was the second son of the Baize Race¡¯s patriarch!


    After the four of them received the cries for help from their clansmen and knew about the storm Xu Qing had caused, they chose to join forces and arrived at this moment.


    They had taken so long to appear which meant that they had made ample preparations and were very confident.


    Hence, the moment they appeared, the four of them attacked Xu Qing immediately.


    The fastest was the young master of the Baize Race. This burly youth exuded a fierce demeanor, and the vital energy emanating from his body seemed to possess a suppressive force..


    The instant he got close, he performed a series of hand seals with both hands and waved them fiercely. Immediately, crackling sounds rang out from the void around Xu Qing, forming countless cracks, as though they were about to be torn apart together, to be torn apart together with him.


    The power of rules and traces of laws collapsed at that moment, only to reassemble into the Dao belonging to the Baize cultivator.


    Immediately after, the third eye on his forehead opened and emitted a red light that enveloped his entire body, transforming into a gigantic blood-red figure behind him.


    The giant swung two terrifyingly huge hammers, causing the heavens and earth to tremble, and the winds to surge. With immense force, it descended upon Xu Qing.


    At the same time, the mount of the Baize cultivator opened its mouth and ferociously bit at Xu Qing.


    In the distance, the Si¡¯e Race cultivator riding the ghostly creature instantly appeared behind Xu Qing, blocking the escape paths he might choose. He performed a series of hand seals with both hands while chanting.


    Countless ghosts rushed out of his body, forming a spirit sea. Not only did they block Xu Qing¡¯s escape route, but they also sealed his surroundings.


    As for the other two cultivators, one appeared above Xu Qing and the other below.


    The cultivator who appeared above didn¡¯t use his divine ability but instead lit a red candle.


    ¡°Divine binding!¡±


    Instantly, an image of Xu Qing appeared within the burning wick.


    As for the cultivator below Xu Qing, he performed a series of hand seals while sitting cross-legged. His entire body began to rot as he activated a mysterious curse. Gray light that could taint the soul emitted from his body and erupted toward Xu Qing.


    At this moment, the combined assault of these four individuals could be likened to an overwhelming force: the Baize cultivator attacked head-on, one Si¡¯e cultivator sealed all directions preventing Xu Qing¡¯s escape, another used a special treasure to suppress Xu Qing¡¯s physical body, making it difficult for him to resist, while the last used a curse which contaminated Xu Qing¡¯s soul.


    In addition, the mounts of these three cultivators also rushed straight for Xu Qing.


    At the same time, in the clouds that were rolling back in the distant horizon, there was a figure that was faintly discernible. It was calmly walking over.


    Although this person¡¯s aura wasn¡¯t as good as Ji Dongzi¡¯s, the difference wasn¡¯t much.


    Due to the clouds and mist lingering around the figure, its exact appearance couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. However, its domineering aura was still extremely obvious.


    However, for some reason, as this mysterious cultivator walked, they instantly stopped in the clouds.


    They didn¡¯t dare to place their foot down!


    Their expression, which was blurry due to the clouds, seemed to reveal a hint of shock and horror. The domineering aura also dissipated.


    While this cultivator paused, gray fog rose in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    At the next instant, a massive amount of gray fog erupted from his body and spread in all directions, instantly affecting an area of 10,000 feet, enveloping the hundred cultivators behind him and the four rescuers.


    The incoming heavy hammers were directly affected, and so were the surrounding seals.


    The greatest changes were in the four mounts. Their bodies trembled and they actually changed sides. They revealed unprecedented cruelty toward their respective masters and pounced over fiercely.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. He lifted his head and looked at the Si¡¯e Race cultivator who was holding the red candle.


    The instant their gazes met, Xu Qing walked toward him.


    The mind of the Si¡¯e Race cultivator rumbled. The candle in his hand changed rapidly from its original slow burning state, as though it had received a huge stimulation. It instantly became intense. The entire candle only lasted for two breaths of time¡­


    The candle melted fully!


    The moment it was extinguished, the Si¡¯e Race cultivator was about to retreat but it was too late.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared in front of him. He lifted his right hand and grabbed the cultivator¡¯s neck. Amidst waves of mournful wails, countless gray fog flowed through his seven orifices and all the pores on his body, crazily surging into the body of the Si¡¯e Race cultivator.


    His body trembled and he let out miserable screams. His cultivation base was rejected and his body rotted until his body and soul were destroyed.


    Xu Qing let go and disappeared from the spot.


    When he appeared, he was in front of the Si¡¯e Race cultivator who had used the sealing technique. This cultivator was retreating with a horrified expression. He could sense that Xu Qing definitely wasn¡¯t displaying the power of Nihility.


    He felt that this was already infinitely close to the Soul Accumulation realm!


    This discovery instantly caused the fear in his heart to reach its peak.


    Hence, he shouted anxiously.


    ¡°Brother Tian Mo, you¡­


    However, his lifespan wasn¡¯t enough to support him to finish speaking completely. At the next moment, his body exploded into pieces and countless soul threads flew out.


    Xu Qing left and walked toward the last Si¡¯e Race cultivator below.


    This cultivator trembled and wanted to leave. However, the gray fog had a karmic pull and he couldn¡¯t leave. When he saw Xu Qing walking over, his anxious expression was filled with madness as he quickly cast a large number of curses.


    ¡°Die, die, die!!¡±


    Curses spread out from his body. The price was that his body kept withering and melting.


    However, after these curses reached Xu Qing¡¯s body, they were like an ox entering the sea. They didn¡¯t cause any waves or obstruct him at all. At the next moment, Xu Qing calmly arrived in front of the Si¡¯e Race cultivator.


    Amidst this person¡¯s bitterness and despair, his life was reaped.


    Finally, Xu Qing turned and took a step toward the rapidly retreating Baize young master.


    The instant he landed, he arrived in front of the blood-red giant formed by the Baize cultivator. He ignored the heavy hammers and walked past, appearing in front of the Baize young master whose expression had changed drastically.


    The Baize young master¡¯s heart rumbled with extreme horror. The appearance of the gray fog shocked him and disrupted all their arrangements. As for the person they had prepared as a backup, he actually didn¡¯t appear.


    The three heaven¡¯s chosen of Si¡¯e Race had died so simply. The huge gap between them almost made him collapse.


    ¡°Damn it, damn it, damn it!!¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t they say that he was chased by Ji Dongzi during their battle? This guy¡­ the strength he is displaying now is even more terrifying than Ji Dongzi¡¯s!¡±


    ¡°And this gray fog¡­ This is the Jiuli fog. Why is it being released by him¡­ Are the changes in the Jiuli related to him?!¡±


    Countless thoughts erupted uncontrollably. As Xu Qing walked past him, all the gray fog gushed into the body of the Baize cultivator. Amidst the extremely miserable wails, the body and soul of the Baize young master were destroyed.


    The gray fog disappeared.


    At the same time, the hundred or so cultivators bound by the soul threads disappeared. They were no longer of any value and all of them died.


    In the sky, where the gray fog had covered earlier, Xu Qing was the only one bathing in the dense sunlight.


    He looked at the clouds in the distance and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Tian Mozi.¡±


    The clouds and fog trembled and dissipated very quickly. A young cultivator from the Flame Moon Race immediately walked out.


    He was none other than Tian Mozi, who was at the third stage of Nihility but possessed the combat strength of the perfected Nihility Realm. He ranked fourth in the Flame Moon Race¡¯s current generation and was the top talent of this generation within the jurisdiction of the Star Flame High God.


    He had once fought against Tuoshi Shan and defeated him. From this, one could see how outstanding his combat strength was.


    Right now, however, his expression was extremely respectful. He cupped his fists toward Xu Qing and bowed respectfully.


    ¡°Tian Mozi greets Brother Xu!¡±


    ¡°Tian Mo came here today to specially deliver two big gifts to Brother Xu.¡±


    ¡°Firstly, it¡¯s these four slaves to appease Brother Xu¡¯s anger.¡±


    ¡°Secondly, it¡¯s about Ji Dongzi¡¯s whereabouts! Under my close investigation, I¡¯ve already found him for Brother Xu!¡±


    As he spoke, Tian Mozi immediately respectfully handed over the jade slip he had just made..

 Chapter 1279 - Chapter 1279: Monarch’s Arrival

    Chapter 1279: Monarch¡¯s Arrival


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    As the jade slip floated over, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was cold. He didn¡¯t accept it, instead a soul thread flew out and instantly pierced the jade slip, shattering it.


    If someone else had witnessed this scene, they would undoubtedly tremble inwardly, thinking that Xu Qing¡¯s murderous intent had arisen.


    However, as one of the great heaven¡¯s chosen, Tian Mozi had already discerned some clues even before Xu Qing took action. His vision was naturally broad, so he remained respectful as he spoke.


    ¡°Ji Dongzi¡¯s originally targeted shanchi to be his mount, but an accident happened. Hence, he went to the location of the ghost carriage a month ago.¡±


    ¡°According to my investigation, there are many cultivators fighting for the ghost carriage now. Among them, the main cultivator was that bastard, Fan Shishuang. However, after that vicious beast, Ji Dongzi, joined, it¡¯s different.¡±


    ¡°However, that disgusting Fan Shishuang is a gloomy person. He must have made some secret preparations for this Grand Hunt. That¡¯s indeed the case. After that rotten ghost Ji Dongzi entered the ghost carriage Dark Forest, he didn¡¯t come out again.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a high chance that these two dogs are in a stalemate.¡±


    Tian Mozi didn¡¯t hide anything and told Xu Qing everything he knew. His words even criticized these two people who had fought with Xu Qing in all kinds of words.


    He did his best to express his stance to Xu Qing.


    The reason why he knew so much was because he had originally planned to enter the ghost carriage dark forest.


    As for the timing, he would wait for Ji Dongzi and Fan Shishuang to suffer heavy losses.


    After saying that, for the sake of safety, Tian Mozi thought of the rumors that Xu Qing was the divine envoy of the Star Flame Temple. Hence, he even emitted some aura of the Star Flame Temple¡­


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. The moment the soul thread penetrated the jade slip, although it was destroyed, Xu Qing had already clearly probed the information inside with the soul thread. It was basically the same as what Tian Mozi had said.


    Whether it was the criticism in the other party¡¯s words or the aura of the Star Flame Temple, Xu Qing naturally understood the meaning behind it. The other party was hinting that they were on the same side.


    So Xu Qing looked deeply at Tian Mozi. Whether it was the information provided by the other party or Tian Mozi¡¯s identity as a cultivator of the Star Flame Temple of the Starfire, Xu Qing found it difficult to justify killing him.


    Most importantly, Tian Mozi hadn¡¯t made any reckless moves.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t fuss over it and took a step forward.


    He instantly walked past Tian Mozi and headed straight for the distance.


    In the blink of an eye, he was on the horizon.


    As Xu Qing left, Tian Mozi finally heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. He turned his head and looked in the direction Xu Qing had left in. At the same time, he felt a relief of surviving from a calamity which made him feel complicated.


    ¡°Xu Qing shouldn¡¯t have held back in his battle with Ji Dongzi. He was really weaker than Ji Dongzi.¡±


    ¡°However, in these two months, this person¡¯s cultivation broke through, and every time such a heaven¡¯s chosen breaks through, it will bring about a tremendous change.¡±


    ¡°As for the gray fog¡­ the drastic change in the Jiuli Forbidden some time ago must be directly related to him.¡±


    ¡°And he actually brought out the gray fog of the Jiuli Forbidden and has control over it¡­¡±


    Tian Mozi was solemn. He knew the meaning of this matter and had a guess that he couldn¡¯t believe.


    ¡°Did he subdue¡­ Jiuli!¡±


    At the thought of this, Tian Mozi took a deep breath. He had a faint premonition that the person ranked first in the final rankings of this Grand Hunt might no longer be a cultivator of the Flame Moon.


    ¡°First in the first segment, probably first in this second segment as well, and if he is first in the third segment¡­¡±


    ¡°Grand Mystic Heaven!¡±


    Tian Mozi¡¯s heart trembled.


    It had been a very, very long time since the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race had seen a Grand Mystic Heaven.


    The last time was ten thousand years ago.


    ¡°If the Grand Mystic Heaven really appears this time¡­¡±


    Tian Mozi¡¯s thoughts churned wildly. After a long time, determination appeared in his eyes. He didn¡¯t fly to other areas but followed in the direction Xu Qing had left in as he shouted.


    ¡°Brother Xu, Ji Dongzi is as sinister as Fan Shishuang. It¡¯s very likely that he will choose to join forces with Fan Shishuang in the end. To avoid unnecessary trouble for Brother Xu, I¡¯m willing to accompany you and lend you a helping hand!¡±


    As he spoke, he quickly sped up.


    Xu Qing raised his brows and sized up Tian Mozi again. A vigilant voice rang out from the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    ¡°Master, there¡¯s something wrong with this rascal. This must be a conspiracy. Master, I suggest that we kill this cunning person immediately!¡±


    Xu Qing ignored the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor. After his gaze swept past Tian Mozi, he narrowed his eyes. He didn¡¯t refuse or agree. He turned and walked toward the ghost carriage¡¯s location.


    Seeing that Xu Qing didn¡¯t refuse, Tian Mozi¡¯s spirits were lifted and he chose to follow behind.


    During this time, in order to leave a good impression on Xu Qing, Tian Mozi told him in detail what he knew about the Mountains and Seas Region. Many of the information he shared couldn¡¯t be bought outside and this was also the first time Xu Qing knew about them.


    For example, the habits of some special beasts, some dangerous places hidden in the rainforest, and so on.


    Just like that, the two of them sped forward, getting closer and closer to the location of the ghost carriage.


    At the same time, in the Mountains and Seas Region, in the upper ring, in the rainforest where shanchi was, a pursuit that had lasted for months was still ongoing.


    However, it was different from when Ji Dongzi was chasing after Xu Qing, where Xu Qing fled for thousands of kilometers. The pursuit that was happening in the upper ring had always been in the land of shanchi.


    The one being chased was Erniu.


    The pursuer was Flame Mystic.


    Through all kinds of unbelievable methods, Erniu led Flame Mystic in circles in the territory of shanchi, occasionally uttering contemptuous words.


    ¡°Are you not done yet? I only interrupted your subjugation and know you are neither a man nor a woman, do you have to be like this?!¡±


    ¡°Forget it, forget it. Can you stop chasing? How about I introduce you to a Dao companion?¡±


    ¡°Let me tell you, i have a junior brother¡­¡±


    As the captain spoke, Flame Mystic, who was behind him, suddenly raised his hand. Immediately, a pressure comparable to the Soul Accumulation shot out from his hand with hatred. It covered the sky and the earth, suppressing Erniu in front of him.


    Amidst the rumbling, the world collapsed and Erniu¡¯s body was also destroyed. However, at the next instant, a blue worm flew out from the soil in the distance and quickly formed Erniu¡¯s body, continuing to escape.


    However, at this moment, Erniu was grumbling inwardly. Although his mouth was still tough, he had lost too much in the past few months. If this continued, he felt that he was probably done for.


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t Junior Brother here yet?¡±


    Just as Erniu was feeling anxious, in the lower-ring region of the Mountains and Seas Region, outside a black rainforest, two figures rushed over from the sky.


    ¡°Brother Xu, this is the ghost carriage dark forest.¡±


    ¡°The ferocious beasts here are mainly bizarre entities. They are extremely savage and have sinister appearances. It¡¯s impossible to guard against them.¡±


    ¡°The ghost carriage clan resides here. They feed on bizarre entities and have terrifying combat strength. There are some powerful people in their clan who are comparable to Soul Accumulation. Therefore, the risk to subdue a baby ghost carriage here is quite huge.¡±


    Tian Mozi quickly glanced at Xu Qing and spoke in a low voice.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the dense forest in front of him that was different from the other places. The vegetation here was pitch-black, and the sky was the same. It was filled with dark clouds and red lightning swam between the clouds. From time to time, it would land and cause a huge explosion.


    In the dark forest, the chill and ominous atmosphere were unmistakable, so much so that even from the outside, one could sense the intent of souls being consumed.


    It was as if this dark forest were an invisible vortex, devouring all souls.


    ¡°They are cultivators who died here recently. Their souls were devoured and their bodies were revived by the dark forest. They will continue to search for their souls¡­ until their bodies are corroded by the vegetation here and become nutrients.¡±


    Tian Mozi¡¯s tone was filled with fear and solemnity.


    ¡°Also, this place is huge. That son of a b*tch, Ji Dongzi, and that bastard, Fan Shishuang, have been inside for a long time and are in the dark. If we enter to search, we will be in the light, and it might cause us some trouble.¡±


    After saying that, Tian Mozi quickly glanced at Xu Qing. He discovered that Xu Qing still didn¡¯t move. Hence, he blinked and took out an incense stick, lighting it.


    ¡°However, I¡¯m already prepared. All cultivators who want to enter this place to obtain a ghost carriage will buy this divine incense from the temple to protect their souls. Only then can they enter this forest to a certain extent.¡±


    ¡°I still have seven to eight of them here. They should be enough.¡±


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze from the dark forest and glanced at Tian Mozi.


    You don¡¯t have to continue probing.¡±


    Tian Mozi smiled awkwardly. His previous words seemed to be an introduction but they were actually probing. He wanted to know if Xu Qing¡¯s strange ability that could make ferocious beasts prostrate was effective here.


    Xu Qing ignored Tian Mozi. He knew that the matter of him subduing Jiuli couldn¡¯t be concealed. Sooner or later, others would find out. Hence, there was no need to deliberately hide his abilities.


    At the same time, he wanted to know what the Jiuli could achieve in the Mountains and Seas Region.


    Xu Qing calmly spoke as he looked at the terrifying dark forest.


    ¡°Ghost carriage, come!¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the aura of Jiuli erupted from his body, spreading through the world.


    The clouds and fog in the sky instantly exploded and collapsed. The bolts of lightning inside also broke apart because of the shattering of the clouds and fog. They rolled back one after another, forming a net of red lightning.


    As it spread out, all the vegetation in the dark forest on the ground swayed and trembled. They actually bowed.


    At the same time, all the bizarre entities hidden inside wailed. Those walking corpses also instantly fell to the ground and didn¡¯t move at all.


    What followed was the rumbling of the rainforest and the ground. The sound grew louder and louder until finally, the entire ghost carriage dark forest seemed to have revived with an astonishing aura.


    Immediately after, earth-shattering auras surged into the sky from this trembling dark forest.


    At the next instant, one after another, sinister-looking ghost carriages soared into the sky from the dark forest.


    They were of various sizes and numbered in the hundreds. The cultivation levels they emitted ranged from the Spirit Repository to Nihility. After they appeared, they roared and rushed toward Xu Qing as though they had been summoned.


    Wherever they passed, the sky and the earth seemed to collapse. The overwhelming momentum was incomparably intense. After they got close in an instant, the eyes of these ghost carriages shone with a dark light. All of them actually prostrated before Xu Qing.


    It was like they were seeing their king.


    Their auras spread out and rumbled in all directions, stirring up dust that swept through everything like a storm.


    Only Xu Qing stood in front of them expressionlessly.


    This scene stunned Tian Mozi on the spot.


    However, his shock hadn¡¯t ended.


    The ground suddenly churned even more intensely. As the rainforest swayed, three terrifying fluctuations that felt like the Soul Accumulation rose from the dark forest.


    This aura was too astonishing and suppressed everything. In the blink of an eye, three huge ghost carriages that emitted ancientness appeared in the sky and stared at Xu Qing.


    Seeing all of this, Tian Mozi gasped. His hair stood on end and he broke out in cold sweat.


    Immediately after, Xu Qing¡¯s voice echoed again.


    ¡°Outsiders, appear.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the ground rumbled. All the vegetation in this vast dark forest instantly rose from the ground and rapidly spread in all directions.


    They actually took the initiative to reveal the Flame Moon cultivators who were hiding in the dark forest and preparing to hunt using different methods.


    At this moment, all of them were trembling in disbelief and their minds were blank.


    This kind of thing had exceeded their understanding and had already reached a level close to a myth.


    In the distance, there were still two cultivators confronting each other, separated by thousands of feet.


    They were Ji Dongzi and Fan Shishuang.


    Right now, the expressions of the two of them also changed drastically. Waves of emotions that they had never felt before rose in their hearts. They turned their heads in unison and looked in the direction Xu Qing was in..

 Chapter 1280 - Chapter 1280: Making a Comeback

    Chapter 1280: Making a Comeback


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    At thta mt,meon in shti ceapl erehw hte gtsho racrgeias eerw s,ectedtar rehet weer rove a erdnuhd .titsluvrcoa vyEer one fo meht dah ithre won teohm.sd oeSm drilee on ailutnicotv ,arst ihwle oetshr deiler no nlexarte .tcejbos


    Moreover, they were outstanding figures among their peers. That was why they could hide here until now, waiting for an opportunity to obtain a ghost carriage cub.


    If Xu Qing hadn¡¯t appeared, although there would be casualties among them, there would definitely be someone who could successfully obtain the ghost carriage.


    vweroH,e n¡­ow htiw Xu sg¡¯niQaira,rvl with tjus a scetenen, all hte tsohg caargiser heyt yareend for elwf .out


    With a wave of his hand, it was as though he had pulled open the curtains in the dark room, exposing everyone¡¯s concealment.


    In fact, this description wasn¡¯t appropriate. To be precise, with a wave of Xu Qing¡¯s hand, not only did he open the curtains, but the house instantly dismantled on its own and grew feet before leaving separately.


    The chsko rhogutb uoatb yb tshi nesce cauesd lai eht ImFea oonM iuctrsolatv reeh to flee uherndt lirubmgn in ierth ms.din


    The land became clear in an instant, from darkness to light, causing their breathing to become hurried.


    Ji Dongzi felt the biggest shock. Previously, after he sensed that the source of the change in the Mountains and Seas was Jiuli, he guessed that it might be related to Xu Qing.


    He dah slao houhttg ttha Xu giQn thgim ton eb ddea and taht eyht mihtg teem gaani ni the ueut.rf Hreev,wo no ttaemr wth,a eh dntid¡¯ xpceet that eht tenx tiem eht two seids m,et it wludo utacalyl epnpha ni suhe na iebevnluabel ayw.


    Looking at the hundreds of ghost carriages prostrating in the distance as though they had seen a king and the three terrifying and ancient figures in the sky, Ji Dongzi shivered.


    An intense sense of danger erupted in his mind.


    tl was eth same for nPa sihnguhSa, ohw asw 10,000 tfee aywa frmo .hmi He was Iryinalgio tionrfnongc ij gz,Doin tub ta ihts met,mon retfa isegen all of htis, waves fo shock rudseg in his .dnim


    In an instant, everyone was intimidated by this scene and didn¡¯t dare to act rashly.


    Only Xu Qing stood outside this scattered dense forest. His gaze didn¡¯t land on Ji Dongzi in the distance immediately. Instead, he looked at the three Soul Accumulation ghost carriages in the sky.


    Tshee htere wree nrffeteid mofr lai teh fcisooeru besats he dah nneoetcreud on his aw.y


    They didn¡¯t wail or prostrate. Instead, they watched him with a hint of doubt and scrutiny.


    ¡°After the ferocious beasts in the Mountains and Seas Region reach the Soul


    Accumulation realm, they might¡­ awaken some memories hidden in their bloodline.¡±


    uX nQig lief otni eped tuohght. Only tish rewsna dcoul elaixpn the sezag of hte there Slou tAcciumanluo ghost aiergsra.c


    This gaze also allowed Xu Qing to understand the limit of his Jiuli aura.


    ¡°Unless I can display the true ancestral magus form, 1 can¡¯t control the Soul


    Accumulation ferocious beasts.¡±


    Xu Qing dnperode dna tteearcrd sih g.zea He tpwse shi gaze taps the culirttsoav sewho erugisf had neeb drvaleee in teh deens sforet dna lyfanil Idokeo ni the ditnceroi fo Ji gD.iozn


    The distance between them was very far. Mortals wouldn¡¯t be able to see so far.


    However, as cultivators whose combat strength and cultivation had reached such a level, as long as the distance wasn¡¯t too far, with the enhancement of their divine consciousness merging with their senses, they could sense and see each other.


    As he tdsaer at Ji oignDz, hte senes fo gdeanr ni ij iDzgno¡¯s mind rose oenc again. uX Qing ildtef ihs foot and ootk a tpse .rrofdwa


    With this step, thunder rumbled from his body. A large number of red soul threads spread out, forming a blood-red storm in the surroundings before rapidly fusing to form his god form.


    It was directly the fourth form, the Crimson Goddess Form, also known as Lord Purple!


    Stnaignd a nauosdht etef tal,l Its rieent doby aws eredoev ni uepplr efslh stfeehar, with two esmasiv wings on stl back. msMruur aeemantd ormf Its ,boyd eocihng ni all tcidnsr.oei


    Behind It was a slowly rising purple moon. Countless figures were worshiping on it.


    In front of It was a huge sundial. The gnomon was spinning, forming the power of time, distorting the void and blurring everything.


    ednUr t,I a hueg otuls oplmratf a.ppadere yrevE sutol leaf nedteerreps one of uX Qsgin¡¯ eiil.stbai


    The purple tentacles they formed spread out. From afar, It looked like a purple amaryllis.


    The god¡¯s intent descended on the world, causing the souls of many cultivators to sway. Even the ghost carriages were restless. The three Soul Accumulations emitted their own pressure.


    rev,ewoH uX Qgin ¡®dditn cear. htiW siht ytngierrif god fm,or he okot eth cedosn .pste


    The moment he landed, nine flesh lanterns instantly flew out of his body and surrounded the surroundings. Nine astonishing heads formed on them. As they let out roars, they rapidly surged toward Xu Qing.


    In an instant, they fused with Xu Qing¡¯s god form and transformed into a set of magus armor that was filled with the vicissitudes of time.


    The inen sdeah fo eht luiij epeaprda ni ns,uion ntenggiuma Xu ¡®giQns tbmoac tneshrgt ehvele.rpnmisocy


    The moment the mask formed by Yazi stuck to Xu Qing¡¯s face, the color of the sky changed and a storm brewed!


    What was displayed in this world was an existence that had never appeared in history.


    doG dna magus dappaere on a rsoepn at het smea eimt. An bieaclynibsdr pluorwef auar soer frmo Xu Qing¡¯s ybo.d


    The prostrating ghost carriages on ground shivered, while the ghost carriages in the sky lowered their heads.


    The vegetation in the surrounding rainforest bent down in unison. The red lightning in the sky also exploded, dyeing the sky red.


    Mayn fo eht Flame Mono utcirsvatlo Ic¡¯ndotu thdwsitan eht arua and spat uot ,oodbl vingha on ohccie but ot treat.re eThri rhteas rwee Iryeada elldif whti rho.rro


    Even Fan Shishuang and Ji Dongzi felt as though thunder had exploded in their minds.


    They didn¡¯t need to exchange a blow to clearly sense how powerful Xu Qing was at this moment.


    ni the atseidc,n inTa Mso¡¯iz nierbtagh saw rreui.hd eiLk eevenyor eels, siht was the rtsif mite he adh sene uX ingQni isht m.rof eTh incenncoot rmof his dloiebnlo scueda imh to liovyrtunnlia feel a neses fo osihr.pw


    Just as everyone was intimidated by Xu Qing, Xu Qing, who was in his divine magus form, took the third step and crossed the distance, appearing 10,000 feet away from Ji Dongzi.


    The moment he appeared, the ground rumbled and the sky cracked. The violent aura and the peerless killing intent emitted by Yazi caused purple snowflakes to fall in this world.


    Fan aShhusign suddeynl .atrdteeer morF Xu sngQi ezag nda wath he adh raehd ni the stioude wodrl buato uX Qnig ingeb diekll by Ji gonDzi, he imymediaetl iedrndmeet taht the teorh rpayt hda come here for Ji .iDongz


    It had nothing to do with him.


    At the same time that he retreated, a rumbling sound rang out from Ji Dongzi¡¯s body. He also moved.


    He yculikq peromdrfe a irsees fo hand seasl ithw btho hsdan nad rtedereta rlidy.pa His tmoeba gertthns at eht erftdeeep iNiyhlit Rmela esor mfor his dyo.b


    As the heaven¡¯s chosen ranked second, even though Xu Qing gave him a great sense of oppression, he didn¡¯t have the habit of submitting without fighting.


    Moreover, he was very clear that since Xu Qing had found this place, this battle was definitely a life-and-death situation!


    nl na n,atnist the sky that was aalyred revodec ni csakrc esedrtta.h A ughe gfreni edldna morf itwihn nad nstaylnit aproedpahc Xu Qgn.i


    This finger had a majestic aura, as though it had the might to destroy the world. It also contained all of Ji Dongzi¡¯s combat strength, countless laws, and his Dao marks.


    It distorted the void and headed straight for Xu Qing with an overwhelming force.


    uX Qing wsa .cmal Facgni hte mcnioing fi,genr he fteild his hrigt ahdn and ehsupd y.etgln With a ,boom the eguh fnegri yactuall dspteop in front of .him


    It was even lifted up. The cracking sound surpassed thunder and echoed.


    This terrifying finger actually distorted from the middle and was broken by Xu Qing!


    At the etxn nm,tome hte o,ndsec th,dir or,tfuh dna tfihf sfrgine opceuidc eht ksy dna dsdneeecd eon aefrt a.hontre


    Back then, Ji Dongzi had displayed this move to Xu Qing. At that time, Xu Qing had paid a huge price and used all his divine arts before he could barely deal with them one by one. However, he was also heavily injured and had no choice but to display Fishing the Moon From the Well.


    But now, it was different.


    Xu Qgni took his fhotru stpe.


    As cracking sounds rang out one after another, the four fingers that arrived couldn¡¯t stop Xu Qing at all. All of them were broken by him.


    Facing this scene, Ji Dongzi¡¯s expression was solemn. As he retreated, he performed another series of hand seals. In an instant, the sky darkened behind the five broken fingers and a huge palm blotted out the sky as it slapped toward Xu Qing.


    Xu nQgi iltdfe sih daeh dna loeodk at hte satv pm.al Gray fog appeedar ni ish esye.


    The fog grew thicker and thicker. In the blink of an eye, it rose from his body and headed straight for his palm.


    As the two sides collided, the palm couldn¡¯t land and was forced back under the impact. At the next moment, the fog rapidly condensed into a gray nail that pierced through the palm, dragging it down to the ground.


    ehT dgroun eqaukd ti.eslnyne sihT geuh aplm was naldei ot the gndrou yb eth la.in


    No matter how Ji Dongzi tried to control it, the palm couldn¡¯t break free.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked at Ji Dongzi whose expression had changed. He didn¡¯t say a word and took his fifth step.


    ehWn eh ep,apeardre he was ryleada 0001 teef ni nfort fo Ji Doin.zg


    Ji Dongzi¡¯s breathing was hurried and his entire body instantly turned red. Many blood figures flew out of his body, forming a blood lake. Moreover, the blood figures inside continued to collapse, causing the range of the blood lake to continue to increase explosively as they moved toward Xu Qing.


    As for himself, he quickly rose into the air. His expression distorted and the killing intent in his eyes was intense as he spread his hands. Immediately, more blood and blood figures erupted from his body.


    nl hte nblik of an ,eey a stva aes fo dbloo padpaere around ,mih htiw an hiostnsigan rgena thta ddeexnte enoydb isth,g cgoinrve eht sky dna turginn the nteeri owdlr tnoi a cmrnsio h.ue


    ¡°Suppress!¡±


    In the center of the blood sea, Ji Dongzi, who was almost invisible amidst the crimson waves, let out a deep shout and lowered his hands. Immediately, the terrifying blood sea around him pressed down upon the earth.


    kcaB thne, Xu Qign ahd bnee deafdete yb this move basecue it dah edeexcde eht mtili fo his doolb tutr.yoahi vnEe utoghh he gmdaaen to eescap ni eht ,ned eh dah rffduese seruiso ueirsni.j


    When he saw it again, Xu Qing lifted his head and stared at the red sea falling from the sky. He then lifted his right hand and grabbed at the red sea.


    His cultivation base surged through his entire body and his divine sense spread in all directions. The nine heads of Jiuli left his body and roared at the world.


    eUdnr such txeeerm ntacenmhene, uX Qisng lobdo tuhoyatri Imemitieyda dapresuss the tiiml bake then adn swa uhdeps to an enev ehgrih .level


    The sea of blood that blotted out the sky instantly churned, forming a huge vortex. The source of this vortex was Xu Qing¡¯s raised palm!


    The surging sea of blood continued to rotate and gather in Xu Qing¡¯s palm, becoming smaller and smaller.


    ooLking at isht sceen, the rhseat fo all eht iobenrsgv iurtvctaslo kohso a.gain


    In the end, under everyone¡¯s gaze, the boundless sea in the sky actually transformed into a spinning blood sphere in Xu Qing¡¯s palm.


    It emitted a dazzling red light that dyed the world red. One would feel a piercing pain in their soul when they looked at it, as though they could hear countless wails.


    hreTe was oals a niiegrfrty aaur sinpngni edniis taht saw lleifd wtih jbylatsntii sa otghhu ti cldou exepldo ta any moemtn and form a ylmtlaaci


    This scene caused lightning to explode in Ji Dongzi¡¯s mind and his body and soul shook. He couldn¡¯t hide the horror in his heart anymore. When it appeared in his eyes, Xu Qing¡¯s index finger flicked the terrifying blood sphere.


    In an instant, the blood sphere, carrying an aura of annihilation, burst forth with tremendous force.. Everywhere it passed, it left behind corrosive bloodstains in the void, resembling scars upon the heavens, heading straight for Ji Dongzi!

 Chapter 1281 - Chapter 1281 One More Whipping and I’ll Die

    Chapter 1281 One More Whipping and I¡¯ll Die


    Chapter 1281  One More Whipping and I¡¯ll Die


    The blood light illuminated the sky, causing the sky to turn red. The bloodstains spread rapidly and instantly covered the void like a red curtain.


    It was the same for the ground. It was like a blood purgatory and the source of all this was the blood sphere compressed by Xu Qing.


    The instability within revealed violence and terror. It also contained the intent to destroy everything.


    All the Flame Moon cultivators who saw this scene retreated rapidly. Their hearts raced and they even felt as though they were about to lose control of the blood in their bodies.


    Fan Shishuang¡¯s pupils contracted. The fight between Xu Qing and Ji Dongzi was absolutely one-sided. Regardless of whether it was the breaking of the fingers or the reverse control of blood, everything made him clearly realize that he¡­ was definitely not a match.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t even use any divine abilities¡­¡±


    When Fan Shishuang thought of this, he retreated even faster.


    As for the person involved in all of this, Ji Dongzi¡¯s expression changed drastically. He understood his divine ability and its might, so he instantly sensed that the lethality of the incoming blood sphere was greater than before.


    In fact, the world was like a cage at this moment. The redness that enveloped the surroundings made him feel that he would be unable to dodge or resist it.


    Seeing that he was in danger, at this moment of life and death, Ji Dongzi¡¯s many years of combat experience and instincts caused him to not hesitate at all. He opened his mouth and spat out at the approaching blood sphere.


    Immediately, a golden light flew out of his mouth and headed straight for the blood sphere.


    At the same time, Ji Dongzi made use of this time to disintegrate himself. In an instant, he transformed into countless blood figures that shot in all directions.


    As for the golden light he spat out, it became dazzling, forming a piercing light.


    At the core of the light was a ring.


    The ring was crafted from golden bones, with little flesh remaining, as if it had been shaved off, leaving only a face.


    This face, now filled with terror, emitted cries of agony.


    ¡°Master, it¡¯s me, Little Fish, one of your people¡­ Master, I miss you so much. It¡¯s all that damn Ji Dongzi¡¯s fault¡­¡±


    This ring was none other than the god¡¯s finger that had been captured alive by Ji Dongzi after It broke out of his seal on D132.


    After that, It was cruelly refined by Ji Dongzi, turning into such a ring treasure. Now, It was taken out to stop the blood sphere.


    Perhaps it was because Xu Qing was nostalgic, or maybe it was because the words of the god¡¯s finger moved him, at the next instant, although the blood sphere still came into contact with the ring and passed through it, it didn¡¯t cause any damage to it at all.


    In fact, the instant the blood sphere touched the ring, the imprint of Ji Dongzi on the ring was destroyed.


    After experiencing a near-death experience, the god¡¯s finger trembled as It quickly moved closer to Xu Qing. It wanted to say something but at the next instant, the figure of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor appeared in front of It.


    ¡°Halt!¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor spoke calmly and condescendingly. He felt that this was the highlight of his life. After all, to be able to shout this to a god wasn¡¯t something any artifact spirit could do.


    Although the god¡¯s finger was upset, It didn¡¯t dare to act rashly at this moment. It could only reveal a fawning expression.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about their exchange. His gaze landed on the sky.


    After being delayed by the god¡¯s finger, the blood figures that Ji Dongzi had separated into had already scattered in all directions. More than half of them had fled to the horizon but they didn¡¯t rush out of the blood curtain. Instead, at the end, they each transformed into Ji Dongzi¡¯s figures.


    There were thousands of them, and they were all Ji Dongzi.


    Every Ji Dongzi had a solemn expression and the killing intent in their eyes contained madness. They stared fixedly at Xu Qing from all directions and spoke at the same time, emitting a voice that was like the sound of the Dao.


    ¡°Sacrifice!¡±


    ¡°Sacrifice!¡±


    ¡°Sacrifice!¡±


    These were the secret repositories Ji Dongzi had formed when he was at the Spirit Repository Realm.


    Although his cultivation base was at the Nihility Realm now, these five secret repositories were still the foundation that supported his Nihility. Right now, he was clearly forced to the limit, so he didn¡¯t hesitate to use them.


    This word echoed through the world. As the void rumbled, five blood-red secret repositories appeared in the sky. They were like five huge volcanoes that emitted rumbling sounds.


    These were the secret repositories Ji Dongzi had formed when he was at the Spirit Repository Realm.


    Although his cultivation base was at the Nihility Realm now, these five secret repositories were still the foundation that supported his Nihility. Right now, he was clearly forced to the limit, so he didn¡¯t hesitate to use them.


    As the word ¡®sacrifice¡¯ echoed, the roar of the Heavenly Dao soared into the sky from the five huge blood-red secret repositories. Five figures rose out of the secret repositories.


    One was a blood demon with eight arms, another was a crimson-scaled Taotie and a blood-colored eyeball emitting a crimson light.


    These were the Heavenly Daos that Ji Dongzi had refined and subdued when he was at the Spirit Repository Realm.


    After they appeared, they didn¡¯t get close to Xu Qing. Instead, amidst their respective roars, they decisively rose into the air and broke through the blood curtain, arriving at the end of the sky before smashing fiercely.


    The entire sky trembled, forming a vortex that churned in all directions. The hidden blood-red lightning appeared again and swam inside with an astonishing aura.


    In the center of the vortex, a scene appeared.


    In the scene, it was a land of nothingness. Inside was a huge Kun Peng that was bound by countless iron chains!


    Dense Heavenly Dao aura emitted from its body.


    It was the Immemorial Heavenly Dao of the Wanggu Continent that had been captured by the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race!


    Countless iron chains surrounded its body, and every one of them pierced deeply into its body, locking it up. There was also a huge whip that waved in the air and kept whipping its body.


    It was badly mangled.


    The whip was filled with many dao marks and they were all shining. With every strike of the whip, the sound of thunder rang out. There were also wails from the Immemorial Heavenly Dao that landed in the world.


    This voice contained endless pain and an indescribable desire to die. It echoed in the human world, forming a sound that surpassed the rules and laws, and stopped Xu Qing¡¯s blood sphere in the air.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time Xu Qing had seen this Immemorial Heavenly Dao. However, it was different from what he had experienced back then. This time, Ji Dongzi didn¡¯t just borrow the voice of the Heavenly Dao to form a suppression.


    He was¡­ offering his Heavenly Dao!


    In the blink of an eye, his five Heavenly Daos headed straight for the void. There, they actually disintegrated on their own and fused into the whip, causing the whip to have five more marks and its might to increase a little.


    This disintegration was irreversible. It meant that Ji Dongzi would lose the five Heavenly Daos forever. This would have a huge impact on his cultivation. If he wanted to recover, he would have to pay an astonishing price.


    This was also the reason why he didn¡¯t display this move in his battle with Xu Qing before.


    Such sacrifice naturally exchanged for astonishing might. In an instant, one of the iron chains that bound the Immemorial Heavenly Dao loosened and rapidly hung down through the gap in the sky. With a whooshing sound, it landed in the world, in the world of ghost carriage dark forest.


    It rapidly whipped toward Xu Qing with a rule that couldn¡¯t be resisted or dodged.


    There was a loud explosion.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled. The iron chain directly lashed out at his body, causing him to retreat by 10,000 feet.


    The power inside transformed into countless red lightning bolts that swam through his entire body. The Jiuli¡¯s magus armor shook intensely as it blocked the red lightning with all its might. The nine heads manifested and roared, revealing traces of shattering.


    Xu Qing¡¯s soul swayed and shock appeared in his eyes. However, in the depths of this appearance, there was a hint of surprise.


    He could sense how terrifying the might of this iron chain was. It was the magus armor that withstood everything for him.


    After the Jiuli Magus Armor withstood all of this, it looked like it was about to shatter. However, in reality, Xu Qing could clearly sense that the Jiuli Magus Armor was showing signs of fusing in advance.


    It was as though there was a trace of the origin of the Ancestral Magus in this chain that had fused into it with the help of this lash.


    From Xu Qing¡¯s previous judgment, the nine heads of Jiuli weren¡¯t in the true form of the Ancestral Magus. He needed to break through to Nihility before he could fuse the nine heads and display the true form of the Ancestral Magus.


    ¡®That iron chain that bound the Immemorial Heavenly Dao actually has such an effect¡­¡¯


    Xu Qing was tempted. He looked at the void where the Heavenly Dao was bound and a guess suddenly appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Back then, the God Killing Array¡­¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and didn¡¯t continue his thoughts.


    Noticing that the drooping iron chain was about to disappear after whipping him, he immediately bit the tip of his tongue and spat out a mouthful of blood.


    His body shook, causing his god form to show signs of collapse, looking like he was barely able to withstand the whipping and wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand it the second time.


    Due to the lack of information, Ji Dongzi would never have guessed the effect of the iron chain on Jiuli. Hence, after seeing Xu Qing¡¯s appearance, he was caught in a dilemma. The faces of every figure revealed madness.


    ¡°Sacrifice!!¡±


    This time, he sacrificed his life force.


    At the next instant, all of Ji Dongzi¡¯s bodies rapidly withered. From his original youth appearance, he directly transformed into an old man. In fact, most of the figures in the sky turned into ashes.


    After such dense vitality rushed into the void, it was finally exchanged for a second iron chain.


    In that instant, the second iron chain descended, stirring up monstrous force as it lashed out fiercely at Xu Qing, who looked like he couldn¡¯t withstand a single blow.


    Boom!


    Xu Qing spat out three mouthfuls of blood and his god form directly collapsed. His body was badly mangled and even some of the bones in his body were revealed. As for his Jiuli Magus Armor, most of it shattered and barely hung on his body.


    He looked as though he would die if he was struck the third time.


    He fled into the distance with all his might.


    At the same time, he emitted a sense of danger, as though he still had a trump card.


    This caused the cautious Ji Dongzi to not dare to get close. However, at this point of the battle, he had sacrificed too much. If he didn¡¯t completely kill Xu Qing, there would be endless trouble in the future.


    Hence, Ji Dongzi gritted his teeth fiercely. He only had one life and wasn¡¯t willing to take the risk. However, as long as he survived, he could obtain the life force and the Heavenly Dao again.


    Hence, his gaze was filled with determination as he spoke again.


    ¡°Sacrifice!¡±


    This time, what he sacrificed was his cultivation base!


    Nihility cultivation base erupted from his body at this instant. All the Daos he had refined and all the rules he had comprehended transformed into meteors that headed straight for the Immemorial Heavenly Dao.


    After they disintegrated there, the third iron chain descended like he wished.


    ¡°Die!¡±


    Ji Dongzi let out a hoarse shout. The iron chain howled and lashed Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    Before the whipping, Xu Qing looked like he was heavily injured. After the whipping, he spat out a few more mouthfuls of blood, more bones were exposed, and the magus armor cracked more.


    However, he was still in the heavily injured state. He looked like he would die if he took on the fourth whip.


    Ji Dongzi trembled and his expression revealed grief and indignation. He didn¡¯t know why Xu Qing wasn¡¯t dead¡­ However, at this moment, even though he didn¡¯t know the reason, he still made some guesses.


    Hence, his remaining figures fused into one. After that, he suppressed the emotions in his heart and fled into the distance.


    The instant he left, Xu Qing, who looked extremely miserable, lifted his head and frowned.


    With the help of Ji Dongzi, he had successfully fused half of the Jiuli¡¯s heads. He was still half a step away from completely merging it and revealing the form of the Ancestral Magus.


    However, the other party actually stopped whipping.


    ¡°Trash.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was cold. All the injuries on his body instantly recovered. His aura was even more terrifying than before because half of the Jiuli had fused. He then walked toward Ji Dongzi.


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll settle the remaining half by suppressing you.¡±


    After Ji Dongzi, who was in the distance, sensed all of this, the various emotions in his heart erupted and he spat out a large mouthful of blood.

 Chapter 1282 - Chapter 1282 Suppressed in the Magus Repository

    Chapter 1282 Suppressed in the Magus Repository


    Chapter 1282  Suppressed in the Magus Repository


    ¡°Why?!¡±


    At this moment, the indignation, anger, confusion, helplessness, and other negative emotions in Ji Dongzi¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t be suppressed and churned in his mind.


    He couldn¡¯t understand. The iron chains that bound the Immemorial Heavenly Dao under his huge sacrifice should have had earth-shattering might.


    He wasn¡¯t the first member of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race to use the iron chains. In reality, borrowing the power of the iron chains through sacrifice was originally a talent unique to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    However, because the price of using it was too great and there had to be enough sacrifices, few people chose to use it unless it was absolutely necessary.


    Moreover, the iron chain attracted by this technique wasn¡¯t real and was only a projection.


    Although that was the case, every time this great divine ability that belonged to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race was displayed in the world, it would always show extremely lethality.


    Very few people could block this move.


    However, today, not only did this chain projection he had exchanged for through sacrifice not kill Xu Qing, but the latter seemingly gained a huge benefit.


    This made Ji Dongzi feel aggrieved.


    This was especially so when he saw Xu Qing¡¯s current appearance. He sensed that Xu Qing¡¯s aura had clearly surpassed earlier.


    The strangeness of this matter wasn¡¯t within his understanding, so while he felt that it was unbelievable, he also felt a sense of loss.


    He didn¡¯t understand why this was the case.


    The feeling of risking everything, sacrificing the Heavenly Daos, life force, and cultivation base to benefit the other party caused Ji Dongzi¡¯s chest to feel intense pain and he spat out another large mouthful of blood.


    Xu Qing¡¯s words caused Ji Dongzi¡¯s eyes to turn red. At this moment, his killing intent had already surpassed the desire to survive.


    He was aware that he would definitely be unable to escape calamity this time around. Unless a god personally came, the possibility of him surviving this battle was extremely slim.


    As a great heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, he naturally understood gods very well. He also understood that this was almost impossible.


    The Grand Hunt was the same as nurturing Gu, so how could there be a rescue?


    Gods were high and mighty and had no emotions.


    Hence, in this hunt, whether he lived or died, he had to rely on himself to fight for it.


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case¡­¡±


    Ji Dongzi laughed bitterly and decided not to flee anymore. Instead, he stared fixedly at Xu Qing. The madness in his expression suddenly erupted as he gritted his teeth fiercely.


    As the rumbling echoed, a dangerous aura rose from Ji Dongzi¡¯s body.


    Accompanied by terrifying fluctuations, it spread in all directions with him as the center.


    The source of all these changes came from his sea of consciousness!


    The 96 divine tablets in his sea of consciousness shook in unison. The faces of the dead gods appeared on them and let out furious roars from the underworld.


    When it landed in the human world, it formed a huge vortex that rumbled as it spun around Ji Dongzi.


    The sound grew louder.


    The pulling force also became increasingly violent.


    In an instant, the sky turned from red to dark and the ground became blurry, as though it had become a dark sea.


    The entire world seemed to have fallen into darkness. Waves of ancient murmurs echoed from the darkness.


    As for Ji Dongzi, who was in the center of this vortex, the dangerous aura on his body grew stronger and stronger. In the blink of an eye, cracking sounds rang out from his body.


    It began to collapse.


    The soul of Ji Dongzi hidden in the 96 divine tablets suddenly flickered. Under Ji Dongzi¡¯s shout, the true soul collapsed on its own and transformed into a violent force that affected all the divine tablets.


    His true soul was the core of his sea of consciousness. The destruction of his soul could affect everything.


    It was as though his body wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand this eruption.


    However, he didn¡¯t care.


    After sacrificing the Heavenly Dao, life force, and cultivation, he still had his soul left.


    The soul of Ji Dongzi hidden in the 96 divine tablets suddenly flickered. Under Ji Dongzi¡¯s shout, the true soul collapsed on its own and transformed into a violent force that affected all the divine tablets.


    His true soul was the core of his sea of consciousness. The destruction of his soul could affect everything.


    Hence, under its stimulation, the divine tablets that were already shaking trembled even more intensely.


    At the next instant, they each emitted a sacred golden light that pierced through Ji Dongzi¡¯s broken body.


    One after another, they were reflected in the sky.


    From afar, in the dim world, a total of 95 golden lights shot into the sky, transforming into 95 huge divine tablets.


    They floated in all directions, emanating the power of annihilation, then coalesced together to form a gigantic closed-eyed visage.


    The visage was grotesque, lacking distinct humanoid features and resembling more like insects, sending shivers down one¡¯s spine.


    At the same time, Ji Dongzi¡¯s body was at the end of its rope. Before it turned to ashes, he cast a final glance at Xu Qing with a smirk on his face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for you in the underworld.¡±


    With that, everything about him dissipated.


    Only the immense face remained, looming in the sky.


    Its eyes moved slightly before they suddenly opened.


    The void stirred up an ancient wind, blowing decay and death into the world.


    It landed on Xu Qing.


    The world lost its color and mutations immediately appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    However, Xu Qing was no longer the same as back then. He had faced gods many times, causing him to already possess a certain level of resistance. At the same time, his fourth god form was also a divine existence.


    When it came to resisting the influence of the mutations, one way was to remove the mutated parts. At the next moment, as Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed, all the mutated parts on his body actually burned on their own and finally disintegrated into soul threads.


    Then, he looked up at the vast face in the sky, with a glint in his eyes.


    His scrutiny seemed to commit a sacrilege, drawing the wrath of the gods. Consequently, the face opened its mouth and suddenly sucked towards Xu Qing.


    The world collapsed and the void exploded. A huge suction force erupted from everywhere, enveloping Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t control his body. Under this suction force, he rapidly got closer to the vast face, as though he was going to be devoured.


    This was Ji Dongzi¡¯s final trump card.


    Sacrificing his soul in exchange for the revival of all the divine tablets to a certain extent, in order to perish together with Xu Qing!


    This was the only method he could think of now.


    It was impossible for the gods to come and save him.


    If he died, so be it.


    However, if he displayed his value and determination at the moment of death, it wasn¡¯t impossible for the gods to be satisfied and revive him in the future.


    Whether the gods were satisfied or not, no one knew. However, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was colorful and he was fully satisfied.


    All of this was what he wanted to see.


    In the battle with Ji Dongzi a few months ago, he knew how strange the other party¡¯s sea of consciousness was. The over 90 divine tablets with the carvings of the dead gods reflected in the Fishing the Moon From the Well were still vivid in his mind.


    At that time, he didn¡¯t know why.


    However, after understanding the content of the Jiuli¡¯s memory fragments and seeing the history back then, he was clear about the origins of those divine tablets.


    Those were the gods who had died during the battle with the magi.


    Even if They were died and didn¡¯t possess the might They had when alive, since They could appear in Ji Dongzi¡¯s sea of consciousness and transform into his powerful foundation, Xu Qing felt that They should be able to be placed in his magus repository and become nutrients.


    The prerequisite was that these divine tablets were activated.


    For example, now.


    ¡°The divine tablets made from the dead gods are only tablets. In the end¡­ They have all died!¡±


    If They were really 95 gods, Xu Qing might have died with just one glance at Them.


    However, Xu Qing felt he could try to suppress these divine tablets made from dead gods.


    The instant he got close to the vast face, the Purple Moon behind him emitted a monstrous purple light. Countless murmurs echoed as it resisted the face.


    The soul threads that formed the fourth god form suddenly squirmed and spread out along Xu Qing¡¯s raised right hand.


    A sea of soul threads that surpassed the size of the face formed between Xu Qing and the vast face.


    The suction force paused and a dark glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He lifted his right hand and pinched the soul sea that was blocking the face.


    Immediately, the sea formed by millions of soul threads rumbled. Waves surged endlessly and rushed toward the vast face with the momentum of enveloping it.


    The soul threads coiled around the face and rapidly contracted, wanting to suppress it.


    The vast face seemed to be without life and dead silent. However, when it opened its mouth, it no longer inhaled but spat out golden fog toward the sea of soul threads.


    This fog instantly came into contact with the sea of soul threads. It was extremely corrosive and Xu Qing immediately sensed that the soul threads were disappearing one by one.


    At the same time, the features of the face turned blurry and overlapping shadows appeared, as though it wanted to take the opportunity to leave the shackles of the sea of soul threads.


    It also emitted 95 golden beams of light that were like 95 golden spears that headed in all directions. Wherever they passed, they would destroy everything, and even the soul threads couldn¡¯t stop them.


    However, how could Xu Qing let this vast face have its way? At that moment, he lifted his hand and grabbed. Immediately, the blood sphere that had stopped in the air because of the appearance of the Immemorial Heavenly Dao also arrived. It spread out, forming a sea of blood that enveloped the outer perimeter of the sea of soul threads.


    It coordinated with the soul threads to form a double encirclement and shrink together to suppress the vast face.


    At the same time, he took a deep breath and leaped into the air, sitting cross-legged. He placed his hands in front of his knees and lowered his forehead slightly. The ring-shaped magus mark on his forehead flickered slightly.


    He silently called out.


    ¡°Ancestral Magus!¡±


    Immediately, the Jiuli Magus Armor on his body shook. Endless gray fog spread out crazily from within, instantly enveloping Xu Qing and spreading in all directions, covering a vast area.


    As for Xu Qing¡¯s body, although it was drowned in the gray fog, as the fog churned, a majestic figure that was like a mountain could be faintly seen in the fog!


    Back then, this figure guarded the race for ten thousand years outside the God Killing Array. Later on, it became the dust of history and few remembered it.


    But now, it had appeared again.


    It was the true ancestral magus form of the Mystic Heaven Great Magus.


    Accompanying it was a supreme aura that shocked the world.


    It shook the Mountains and Seas Region, causing the world of this region to rumble. Countless ferocious beasts wailed and the bloodlines of countless cultivators were also affected, raising the intention to worship.


    However, it was a pity that this majestic figure was still blurry, giving off the feeling that it was only half formed.


    But its might was still peerless. After it appeared, it ruthlessly pressed down on the vast face that was trapped by Xu Qing.


    With a boom, the vast face dissipated and transformed into 95 divine tablets again. They were about to reassemble but it was too late.


    The million soul threads, the 50,000-kilometer-long sea of blood, and the half-ancestral magus form combined to form an absolute pressure.


    Amidst the rumbling sounds, the gray fog also enveloped the figure. From afar, it looked like it had become one with the figure.


    A while later, the fog dissipated and Xu Qing¡¯s cross-legged figure appeared in the air.


    The vast face was gone.


    It appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness and was suppressed under the land of the magus repository.


    It became a huge nourishment for the activation of the ancestral magus form!

 Chapter 1283 - Chapter 1283: The Last One

    Chapter 1283: The Last One


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The aftermath of the sky resembled ripples, expanding in all directions along with the mist, lingering for a long time without dispersing.


    From afar, these ripples resembled fish scales, as if there was a gigantic fish caught between reality and illusion, swimming slowly in the void, with the sky as its water and the void as its boundary.


    It gave off an incredibly shocking feeling.


    Before this illusory giant fish, a figure sat cross-legged, with long hair fluttering, exuding an aura of ancientness, becoming the focus of this world.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and remained motionless.


    Outside his body, the blurry figure of the half-ancestral magus also gradually fused into the sky. As the large fish swam, it seemed to be leaving.


    The ground was silent. All the cultivators here felt their hearts churning intensely and were filled with endless horror.


    They had personally witnessed this battle and the death of the second ranked of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, Ji Dongzi!


    Tremors of apprehension spread uncontrollably throughout their bodies.


    From the moment Xu Qing appeared, the ghostly carriages knelt, and the rainforest dispersed on its own¡ªthey knew of Xu Qing¡¯s strength. But no matter what, in their minds, Ji Dongzi was still the stronger side.


    However, in the battle, from the start to the end, all of Ji Dongzi¡¯s methods were useless against Xu Qing.


    He had been suppressed all this time, and it even gave people the illusion that Ji Dongzi seemed to have become weaker than before.


    However, an illusion was ultimately an illusion.


    Ji Dongzi wasn¡¯t weak at all. The reason why people felt this way was because his opponent was too strong!


    Although Ji Dongzi¡¯s defeat shocked everyone, the commotion in their hearts was still limited. It was impossible for it to be like now, causing them to be incomparably shaken.


    What truly shook them was the thin gray fog that was dissipating around Xu Qing and the blurry figure that was about to disappear behind him!


    This was the source of the monstrous waves in their hearts.


    Because they recognized that this gray fog came from Jiuli.


    As for that figure, they didn¡¯t know him but the bloodline connection they felt revealed an indescribable familiarity, as though¡­ it was the source.


    The instant this feeling became intense, Xu Qing, who was sitting cross-legged and meditating, slowly opened his eyes.


    The moment he opened his eyes, the magus mark on his forehead suddenly shone. The presence of the half-ancestral magus behind him became even more intense.


    The instinctive sense of reverence that came from their bloodlines and souls caused the bodies of all the cultivators here to tremble.


    It was the same for Fan Shishuang and Tian Mozi.


    Those ghost carriages that were already prostrating let out wails that sounded like they were crying.


    Their sounds rang out in all directions, causing the world to be filled with indescribable mourning, dyeing everyone¡¯s emotions. This caused intense sorrow to rise in their hearts as they looked at that figure.


    It was a cry that came from their souls and bloodlines.


    Under this intent, some of the cultivators on the ground directly knelt down and bowed to Xu Qing and the figure behind him.


    Tian Mozi was the same. The others also followed.


    Finally, it was Fan Shishuang. Even he lowered his head under the waves of uncontrollable throbbing in his heart, making him worship and revere.


    In front of Xu Qing, the three ancient ghost carriages that emitted the fluctuations of the Soul Accumulation also appeared. They no longer had the scrutiny from before and lowered their heads even lower toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing looked at all of this. He finally understood why there was a saying in the legends about the Jiuli that the people who owned the Jiuli would be worshiped by all races in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven.


    This was because that was the source of the bloodline.


    ¡°Unfortunately, I¡¯ve only fused half of it.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly and sensed his fifth magus repository.


    At this moment, the 95 divine tablets were buried on the ground forged from his flesh and blood. They were enveloped by flesh and blood, permeated by gray fog, and were corroding.


    In the sky of the magus repository and above the nine mountains, the originally empty void now had a colossus.


    It was the figure of the half-ancestral magus.


    He sat cross-legged and floated in the space. His entire body emitted an earth-shattering vast aura. Moreover, he clearly had life and was actually breathing.


    With each inhalation, there would be a sensation of contraction in the magus repository, and wisps of golden smoke would emanate from the 95 divine tablets buried in the fleshy land, shooting towards the sky, to be swallowed by him.


    They were like nutrients, providing all the needs for the fusion of this magus repository.


    After that, as the figure of the ancestral magus exhaled, the magus repository would tremble intensely and show signs of expanding.


    All of this seemed to have formed a cycle.


    The magus repository seemed to have come alive with the arrival of the divine tablets and the appearance of the ancestral magus!


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze stared at everything. Finally, his gaze landed on the figure of the half-ancestral magus and anticipation rose in his heart.


    After a long time, he retracted his gaze and stood up amidst the worship from the surroundings.


    The moment he stood up, an energy fluctuation spread out from afar. Waves of teleportation intent also spread out with the fluctuations. This fluctuation and teleportation intent came from the entire Mountains and Seas Region.


    That was a sign that the second segment was about to end.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. After some thought, he headed toward the horizon.


    When he completely disappeared into the distance, the rainforest recovered, the ghost carriages no longer wailed and returned inside.


    As for those cultivators, all of them rushed out with pale faces. The aftershocks in their hearts echoed with complexity and shock. They didn¡¯t stay here and left one after another.


    They had to hurry up and obtain their mounts.


    This was because the fluctuations from the Mountains and Seas Region earlier allowed them to understand that the second segment of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s Grand Hunt was almost coming to an end.


    The last to leave were Tian Mozi and Fan Shishuang.


    The two of them looked at each other. Tian Mozi lifted his chin and assumed a calm posture as he walked away with his hands behind his back.


    In the end, only Fan Shishuang stood in the air.


    ¡°Jiuli¡­ has appeared¡­¡±


    ¡°Since ancient times, there has never been¡­¡±


    After a while, Fan Shishuang took a deep breath and suppressed the shock in his eyes before turning to leave.


    Time slowly passed just like that. When there were still two days before the end of the second segment, Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared in an unfamiliar place.


    This place was known as the Shanchi Forest.


    It was also the place Xu Qing and the captain had agreed on.


    Standing in the air, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the dense forest ahead.


    Here, he sensed the captain¡¯s aura but he didn¡¯t see him. Even when he transmitted his voice through the jade slip, there was no response.


    ¡°There are traces of a battle¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought and walked into the dense forest. As he walked, all the vegetation in front of him bent down and took the initiative to open a path.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever as he walked. A while later, he stopped in his tracks and looked at a tree beside him.


    That tree emitted a cold air that contained the aura of being affected by the cold.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s cold air.¡±


    Xu Qing walked over and stared at it for a while. He simply lifted his hand and pressed it down. The aura of the Jiuli in his body suddenly spread out, enveloping the surroundings with his divine consciousness.


    ¡°Open your memories.¡±


    At the next instant, the memories of all the vegetation in this dense forest transformed into threads that weaved together, forming a net of memories. After they overlapped, a scene appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    On the screen, he saw the captain¡¯s speeding figure and the person chasing him.


    He also saw the two of them fighting in the dense forest, as well as some of their respective methods.


    In the end, the captain left this dense forest. The cultivator who was chasing after him emitted baleful aura and persistence as he continued to give chase.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes, his heart calm.


    He wasn¡¯t actually worried about the captain.


    Even though he had already recognized that the person chasing after the captain was the first ranked great heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon, Flame Mystic.


    However¡­


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother has been entangled with this person for so long here but that person still hasn¡¯t been killed, it seems like he can¡¯t be killed.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, judging from Flame Mystic¡¯s expression which shows that he hates


    Eldest Senior Brother to the bone, he should have suffered a huge loss.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He calculated the time and knew that it was almost time for this segment to end.


    In the past few days, he could sense that the array formation in the entire Mountains and Seas Region was showing signs of activating. From time to time, energy fluctuations would spread.


    ¡°Two days at most.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled.


    According to his understanding of the second segment before he came, he understood that once the teleportation was activated, all the participants here would be instantly teleported back outside the Divine Mountain.


    ¡°Since the captain had a way to be teleported in with the participants, he must have a way to be teleported out as well, so he will also exit in a few days.¡±


    Xu Qing felt at ease.


    However, considering his friendship with the captain, Xu Qing felt that he could go and look for him in these two days.


    Hence, he walked into the air and searched ahead.


    Once the traces of the captain¡¯s aura disappeared, he would spread out his divine consciousness and rely on Jiuli¡¯s aura to sense the memories of the vegetation. After finding a new direction, he continued walking.


    Unfortunately, the time he had left was ultimately limited. Xu Qing searched for traces but still couldn¡¯t find them after two days.


    During these two days, the teleportation fluctuations from the Mountains and Seas Region became more and more frequent. There was even a time when Xu Qing saw a Flame Moon cultivator speeding on the horizon from afar and his body instantly disappeared and he was teleported away.


    ¡°It¡¯s starting.¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and sensed this Mountains and Seas Region. He found a mountain peak and sat there, waiting to be teleported out.


    As time passed bit by bit, a rumbling sound echoed in the world of the Mountains and Seas Region. The sound was deafening and spread in all directions like the furious roar of a god.


    The ripples of teleportation also spread out formlessly in the Mountains and Seas Region, sweeping through the world like waves.


    The first to be teleported away were cultivators who didn¡¯t obtain a mount. After that, teleportation was carried out according to the strength of the mounts.


    If one were to look at the entire Mountains and Seas Region from high above, one would be able to see the figures of cultivators flickering with teleportation light and disappearing one after another. Only one person remained no matter how the huge teleportation wave swept over him!


    As the participants in the entire Mountains and Seas Region continued to disappear, this figure was still not affected at all.


    Several hours later, only this person was left in the entire Mountains and Seas Region.


    Xu Qing frowned and looked at the sky.


    The world rumbled. Because he was the only one in the vast Mountains and Seas Region, all the teleportation fluctuations erupted in the area he was in. In fact, because the teleportation fluctuations kept gathering in the sky, they formed a huge vortex like a black hole.


    They spun violently.


    However, no matter how it guided, the teleportation intent didn¡¯t form on Xu Qing¡¯s body, so he couldn¡¯t be teleported out.


    This phenomenon surprised Xu Qing.


    ¡°Since I can¡¯t be teleported out, I¡¯ll walk in myself!¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and stood up.. He then took a step toward the vortex in the sky!

 Chapter 1284 - Chapter 1284: Jiuli Enters the World!

    Chapter 1284: Jiuli Enters the World!


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, Divine Mountain.


    This Divine Mountain that was surrounded by the three holy cities emitted a rumbling sound, accompanied by golden light.


    The light of the Divine Mountain gathered at the top of the mountain and finally formed a beam of light that rushed toward the sky.


    The sky rumbled, creating layers of ripples that spread in the sky.


    As the ripples spread, the surrounding void was illuminated by this golden light. There were also waves of teleportation fluctuations rising in the surroundings.


    After sensing this scene, many figures quickly rose into the air from the three holy cities around the Divine Mountain and looked at the sky.


    There were close to a million of them.


    Most of them were cultivators from Flame Moon and its affiliated races who hadn¡¯t participated in the Grand Hunt.


    Among them, there were many experts of the older generation of the various races.


    There were also many who were related to the participants.


    Now that they saw the intense energy fluctuations from the Divine Mountain, they all focused their attention on the sky, wanting to see if among the returning cultivators, those who are relevant to them or valued by them had obtained impressive mounts.


    ¡°The second segment is ending.¡±


    ¡°This time, if nothing unexpected happens, Flame Mystic¡¯s mount will definitely get the first place.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also Ji Dongzi. As the second-ranked heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon, the mount he obtained must be extraordinary.¡±


    ¡°I wonder if there¡¯s an unexpected dark horse. Also, I wonder how the harvest of that human, Xu Qing, is.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing? Although he¡¯s also a heaven¡¯s chosen, he obtained the first place in the first segment only because the great heaven¡¯s chosens of my Flame Moon Race didn¡¯t care. In this second segment, even if he didn¡¯t die, he should have learned the gap between him and our great heaven¡¯s chosens.¡±


    Waves of discussion rang out from the crowd in the three cities.


    They clearly had no idea what was happening in the Mountains and Seas Region.


    After all, the isolated existence of the Mountains and Seas Region was like a seal, isolating everything.


    Hence, to these waiting people, everything that would happen next was unknown.


    It was also the unknown that made them even more curious and expectant.


    Just like that, time flowed by. An hour later, when the beam of light from the Divine Mountain became increasingly resplendent and the rumbling between heaven and earth reached the extreme, the teleportation fluctuations churned intensely. After a loud rumbling sound, a huge vortex appeared in the sky.


    As the vortex rumbled and rotated, the figures of cultivators who had been teleported back could be seen faintly.


    The gazes of the million spectators from the three holy cities quickly gathered over.


    Under these countless gazes, one could see that in the vortex in the sky, there were almost thousands of figures that rapidly turned from blurry to clear.


    When they were completely revealed, one could see that all of their faces were pale. Some of their expressions were filled with loneliness, some were filled with horror, and some looked like they had survived a calamity.


    They were all different but what was similar was that they didn¡¯t subdue any mounts in the second segment.


    As the first batch of people to be teleported out, they couldn¡¯t leave on their own. They could only leave after the Divine Mountain¡¯s teleportation was completely over.


    ¡°According to the rules of teleportation in the past, the earlier one is teleported out, the lesser the harvest. The last batch to be teleported out is the best of all cultivators.¡±


    ¡°But it looks like there are many failures in the Mountains and Seas Region this time¡­¡±


    These failures had no value in the hearts of the surrounding spectating cultivators. Hence, most of them only swept their gazes over and didn¡¯t pay too much attention to them.


    Hence, no one noticed that after one of the failed cultivators had returned, a blue light flashed in his eyes. After that, he hid himself and put on a lonely expression as he scattered in the surroundings with everyone.


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t there any movement from Junior Brother in the Mountains and Seas Region?¡±


    This cultivator was none other than Erniu.


    Because he had been fleeing for his life and being chased for the past few months, he didn¡¯t know much about the matters happening elsewhere. However, after he swept his gaze across the surroundings and discovered that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t around, he felt a little smug.


    ¡°Junior Brother didn¡¯t look for me, nor was he teleported out in the first batch. Looks like he gained something. This is even better. If there¡¯s no comparison, I won¡¯t be able to highlight my excellence as Eldest Senior Brother.¡±


    Erniu sighed, picturing in his mind the scene where he presented the shanchi egg to Xu Qing and Xu Qing looking at him with shock and gratitude.


    ¡°Sigh, I¡¯m so envious of Little Qing. What kind of luck is this? He actually has a big senior brother like me to back him up. Other than being moved, it¡¯s only right for him to give all the flesh of Crimson Goddess to me.¡±


    Erniu licked his lips and the anticipation in his heart grew. He took out a peach and bit it proudly.


    He had been thinking about Xu Qing¡¯s share of the Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh for a very, very long time.


    Usually, he couldn¡¯t find an excuse to ask for it, but this time, he felt that his chance had come.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    As the Divine Mountain¡¯s teleportation fluctuations erupted, one figure after another was teleported back from the vortex in the sky. Some chose to conceal their mounts and remained unseen, while others showcased their mounts, sparking discussions among the onlookers from the three cities.


    ¡°Chen Lingzi from the Cloud Glutton Race has actually tamed a mountain sparrow, quite impressive!¡±


    ¡°And then there¡¯s Zhou Xian from the Thought Spirit tribe, judging by the floating figures around him, he seems to have acquired something rather eerie.¡±


    ¡°Something¡¯s not right. Why are the expressions of these people who were teleported out a little strange?¡±


    Amidst the discussion, someone quickly saw some clues.


    These returnees who had gained something didn¡¯t leave after their figures were teleported out. Instead, they all looked at the vortex in the sky with complicated expressions.


    It was as though they were waiting and confirming something.


    This caused the spectators to be surprised. They wanted to ask, but the teleportation array in the sky continued to be activated. It wasn¡¯t over and they couldn¡¯t transmit their voices. They had to wait for the array formation to close before they could transmit their voices.


    As they stared at each other, more and more figures teleported back from the vortex in the sky. The mounts they revealed were clearly getting stronger and stronger.


    This lasted until two familiar figures appeared in the vortex.


    They were Tuoshi Shan and Fan Shishuang!


    The appearance of these two people immediately attracted the attention of everyone. On Tuoshi Shan¡¯s side, he was sitting on a giant ape. This ape¡¯s entire body emitted black miasma and it was incomparably sinister with an astonishing aura.


    As for Fan Shishuang, his face was pale and his expression was complicated. Behind him was also a giant ape.


    ¡°It¡¯s the demon ape ranked behind the ghost carriage!¡±


    ¡°This Tuoshi Shan actually subdued a demon ape. To him, this harvest is enough, but why is Fan Shishuang¡¯s mount also a demon ape?¡±


    ¡°According to their rankings, I originally thought that Fan Shishuang¡¯s mount should be ghost carriage¡­¡±


    Amidst everyone¡¯s discussion, Tuoshi Shan and Fan Shishuang looked at each other and fell silent. After that, like the others who had teleported out, they turned and looked at the vortex.


    This scene caused a huge commotion among the spectators. Doubts rose in their hearts.


    ¡°Almost everyone is looking at the vortex. What are they waiting for?¡±


    Erniu¡¯s heart also raced. Just as he had a bad feeling, a rumbling sound rang out from the vortex in the sky. A figure rapidly became clear from within. The moment he stepped out, all eyes gathered.


    ¡°Tian Mozi!¡±


    ¡°The mount behind him¡­ That¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°Ghost carriage!¡±


    The person walking over was none other than Tian Mozi.


    His expression was calm. After he appeared, he didn¡¯t look around but faced the vortex with a solemn expression.


    Immediately after, the vortex in the sky rumbled again. This time, it was even more intense than when Tian Mozi came out until Flame Mystic¡¯s figure walked out.


    Behind him was a ferocious beast that seemed to have been born from flames, emitting a monstrous pressure. It was shanchi, who was ranked second and was above ghost carriage!


    The moment he appeared, Flame Mystic¡¯s expression was gloomy and filled with killing intent. He looked around and swept his gaze across everyone in the sky, as though he was searching.


    The captain blinked. He believed in his concealment, so he allowed Flame Mystic¡¯s gaze to sweep past him. However¡­ the uneasiness in his heart grew increasingly intense with Flame Mystic¡¯s appearance.


    ¡°Junior Brother hasn¡¯t come out yet¡­ Unless he¡¯s dead, he can only be teleported out after shanchi. This¡­¡±


    The captain had a suspicion brewing in his mind, and when he was shaken by his own conjecture, the scene presented by Flame Mystic with shanchi immediately caused a stir among all the onlookers.


    ¡°Shanchi!¡±


    ¡°Looks like these participants were waiting for Flame Mystic.¡±


    ¡°With shanchi, he is the first in this segment!¡±


    ¡°However, why don¡¯t 1 see Ji Dongzi?¡±


    ¡°Moreover, the teleportation isn¡¯t over. Look, the vortex is still spinning!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not right. Take note of these participants. Other than Flame Mystic, most of the others are still staring at the vortex. They seem to be waiting!¡±


    Everyone in the Holy City sensed the abnormality and their hearts trembled.


    In the sky, Flame Mystic also saw some clues. He noticed that everyone around him was staring at the vortex, so he frowned and turned his head.


    The vortex in the sky emitted an earth-shattering sound. As it rumbled, it gradually gave off a feeling of difficulty.


    It was as though an incomparably huge existence was borrowing the power of this teleportation vortex to arrive.


    Its body was too large, so the teleportation was having difficulties.


    This lasted until wisps of gray fog that carried the ancient vicissitudes were drawn out of the vortex. They lingered in all directions, forming a pressure that filled the sky.


    In an instant, waves of emotions surged in the hearts of all the spectators from the Flame Moon Race in the three holy cities.


    They could sense the resonance from their bloodlines.


    This was especially so for those experts from the Flame Moon Race. Their gazes were even more solemn. Many of them suddenly flew up and sensed the gray fog with disbelief on their faces.


    ¡°This is¡­¡±


    Under the attention of everyone and the moment the bloodline fluctuations spread in all directions, a figure finally appeared in the vortex in the sky.


    His long hair fluttered in the wind as he walked step by step to the human world!


    Outside the vortex, all the subdued ferocious beasts instantly let out wails and immediately prostrated.


    Tian Mozi had an excited expression as he spoke loudly.


    ¡°Tian Mozi welcomes the future Grand Mystic Heaven of the Flame Moon, returning triumphantly, shaking the eight directions with unbeatable might!


    With that, he bowed.


    The captain¡¯s eyes were wide open and the peach in his hand almost fell off. He stared blankly at the familiar figure in the vortex that was becoming clearer and clearer.


    The emotions in his heart churned uncontrollably as he muttered.


    ¡°He really knows how to posture!¡±

 Chapter 1285 - Chapter 1285: The Gods’ Acquiescence

    Chapter 1285: The Gods¡¯ Acquiescence


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Above the three cities of the Divine Mountain, the sky was filled with endless waves.


    The rumbling of the vortex was accompanied by bolts of lightning that spread out, forming a heaven and earth phenomenon.


    This sound reverberated in all directions, shaking the minds of the cultivators here.


    Especially, the fluctuations of bloodlines intensified at this moment, resonating with the thunderous explosion.


    All the Flame Moon cultivators¡¯ qi and blood churned and their expressions changed.


    As for those affiliated races, although they didn¡¯t sense the bloodline attraction, they were all surprised when they saw the aura fluctuations of the Flame Moon Race¡¯s cultivators.


    In the sky, not only was Tian Mozi bowing and worshiping, but Fan Shishuang also lowered his head and bowed. As the figure in the vortex walked over, more than half of the participants in the second segment instinctively lowered their heads.


    Regardless of whether it was Tuoshi Shan or the other heaven¡¯s chosens, it was the same.


    Even Flame Mystic¡¯s expression changed as he looked at the vortex.


    As for Erniu¡­ Looking at the surroundings, he sighed inwardly. At the same time, he felt a little sour and incredulous.


    This scene also shocked the cultivators of the three cities. They immediately understood that after these participants came out, they were waiting for the person walking out of the vortex. Hence, they all stared at him.


    Under the attention of everyone, the spinning of the vortex seemed to slow down. As the figure inside stepped forward, it became clearer and clearer.


    The gray fog also churned like the sea, affecting the void and spreading to the world.


    The ancientness contained in it stirred up a strong wind and caused the color of the world to change. Also, because of the bloodline resonance, waves of roars that sounded like the roars of the gods rang out from the gray fog.


    The nine heads of Jiuli were faintly discernible as they appeared around this figure, gazing at the ground through the fog.


    On the ground, the bloodline resonance of all the cultivators of the Flame Moon Race became even more intense. No matter what cultivation base they had, as long as they were cultivators of the main race, they couldn¡¯t control this attraction that came from the depths of their bloodline.


    Among them, there were experts from the older generation of the Flame Moon. They were all stunned when they saw the appearance of the nine beasts. After that, their hearts trembled and they instinctively revealed looks of disbelief.


    ¡°That is¡­¡±


    ¡°Wha¡­¡±


    Among the Flame Moon¡¯s affiliated races, there were also people whose expressions changed when they saw the nine beasts in the fog. Countless guesses rose in their minds as an answer that they didn¡¯t dare to believe appeared in their minds.


    Before they could confirm this answer, the vortex rumbled again. The fog inside suddenly spread out. After enveloping the surroundings, the nine beasts inside instantly rushed out of the vortex and appeared in the world.


    Qiuniu, Yazi, Chaofeng, Pulao, Suanni, Baxia, Bi¡¯an, Fuxi, and Chiwen moved around, their roars reverberating throughout the heavens and earth.


    After being isolated for countless years, Jiuli finally appeared again!


    The aura of the ancestral magus and the bloodline of the Mystic Heaven Great Magus directly reached the peak.


    All of a sudden, the souls of all the cultivators of the Flame Moon Race trembled. Their bloodlines erupted, and the guidance from the depths of their bloodlines and the perception of their race caused all the Flame Moon Race members to instinctively lower their heads and worship the nine beasts.


    As for those affiliated races, although they didn¡¯t have such bloodline guidance, they were all shocked by this scene. The guesses in their hearts directly became reality.


    That unbelievable feeling also erupted endlessly.


    What followed was the legend of Jiuli and the worship of the Flame Moon Race in the surroundings, causing them to choose to lower their heads in their extreme shock.


    At this moment, no matter what cultivation base or identity they had, they were all lowering their heads.


    It was also at this moment that the figure in the vortex walked out.


    His appearance was completely revealed.


    His long hair was like the river of time, drifting behind him.


    His eyes were like the spirit of the starry sky, containing countless stars.


    He seemed to embody the pinnacle of life, evoking a profound response from the bloodlines.


    He was Xu Qing!


    The instant he appeared, the roars of the nine heads of Jiuli became even louder. They moved toward Xu Qing and surrounded him, forming nine flesh lanterns!


    Sensing the connection between the nine heads and him coming from the same source, Xu Qing didn¡¯t look at the ground. Instead, he turned his head and looked at the vortex behind him.


    At that moment, as he walked out, the vortex was dissipating.


    Through this vortex, Xu Qing could sense the Mountains and Seas Region and the ferocious beasts inside.


    This caused an idea to rise in his mind.


    ¡®If 1 can completely unleash the aura of the Jiuli, will 1 be able to summon the


    Mountains and Seas Region¡­¡¯


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. However, it was obvious that the consequences of doing this in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race were extremely serious. Hence, he buried this thought in his mind.


    At that moment, in the eyes of outsiders, the sky changed color and the void became blurry. Only Xu Qing¡¯s figure and the nine lanterns were clear, emitting a vast might.


    As for Flame Mystic, his heart was rumbling and his breathing was hurried. He didn¡¯t want to lower his head, but the resonance from his bloodline caused the veins on his forehead to bulge. He could only lower his head.


    The world was relatively quiet at this moment.


    Only the soundless thunder exploded in the hearts of all the bowing cultivators.


    The cultivators here weren¡¯t the only ones shaken. As the aura of Jiuli spread, the bloodlines of all the members of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, no matter where they were, churned intensely.


    The instant Xu Qing walked out, three illusory images with monstrous auras descended simultaneously.


    They were three incomparably grand tents!


    Each one resembled a city.


    The first emitted a terrifying blaze, containing the power of the sun, surrounded by a sea of fire. Through the flames, one could see a golden tent resembling a palace deep within.


    The second was bathed in moonlight, exuding a chilling aura. The moonlight draped over it like silk, mysterious and unfathomable, shrouding everything in haze. Within this misty realm lay a tent resembling a moon palace.


    As for the third tent, it sparkled with starlight, dazzling with countless stars. Its surroundings seemed to transform into a vast expanse of the cosmos. At the end of this stellar void, countless starlights converged into a palace.


    These three palaces were the grand tents of the three magistrates who were like emperors below the gods in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race!


    They were also the peak of the imperial power in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    They were respectively the Heavenly Cloud Great Magistrate under the Sun Flame God, the Silver Stream Great Magistrate under the Moon Flame God, and the Sunken Spirit Magistrate under the Star Flame God!


    The moment they appeared, the clansmen and affiliated races in the surroundings who were already bowing lowered their heads even more.


    Although it was only a projection, it was extremely rare for the three magistrate tents to appear at the same time unless it was a grand ceremony.


    At that moment, the projections of the three tents descended at the same time. The instant they were formed, three terrifying gazes pierced through the void and gathered on Xu Qing.


    The gazes were filled with scrutiny.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the Divine Mountain.


    He understood that the outside world might not know about him obtaining the Jiuli, but the three gods definitely knew.


    However, from the start to the end, the three gods didn¡¯t interfere. Even when he walked out now, it was the same.


    Coupled with the layout under the Jiuli Land, Xu Qing was even more certain of his judgment.


    The three gods tacitly allowed the Jiuli to appear. To a certain extent, they might have even hoped that someone could bring the Jiuli out¡­


    Although he didn¡¯t know the reason, the actions of the three magistrate tents further confirmed his judgment.


    The first thing to change was the Star Flame God sinking into the Spirit Department¡¯s large tent. The starlight outside fluctuated and the gaze emitted by the Star Palace inside changed from judgment to deepness. A calm voice echoed through the world.


    ¡°Jiuli, the Saint of my Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, 1 shall bestow upon you the Starlight Robe!¡±


    As soon as this voice rang out, a robe that was filled with starlight drifted out from the projection where the Sunken Spirit Tent was located and landed in front of Xu Qing.


    This robe was extremely exquisite and floated in the air like a window to the starry sky. One could see countless stars shining inside.


    All the cultivators on the ground, regardless of whether they were from the main race or affiliated races, had many thoughts.


    The symbolism of the Starlight Robe was extremely great. Those who wore this robe had the qualifications to meet the Sunken Spirit Great Magistrate at any time. Moreover, so far, not many people in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race had been bestowed with this robe.


    All of the people who were bestowed this robe were people who had made great contributions.


    Xu Qing cupped his hands and bowed.


    He understood his strength and the terror of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, so he naturally wouldn¡¯t become arrogant because of Jiuli.


    Immediately after, a cold voice rang out from the projection of the Silver Stream Great Magistrate Tent.


    ¡°Silver Stream Moon Spirit Token.¡±


    As the voice rang out, a gray token flew out of the Silver Stream tent. Its appearance stirred the moonlight, evoking a sense of mystery.


    It was a bone token.


    The moment it appeared, Erniu¡¯s eyes suddenly widened as he stared blankly at the token, his breath quickening slightly.


    Xu Qing cupped his hands and bowed again.


    After that, flames rose from the Heavenly Cloud tent under the Sun Flame God and spread out. A few strands separated and gathered together, forming a short sword.


    This sword shone with a dazzling light and flowed with flames as it floated in front of Xu Qing.


    After that, a bell-like chime echoed through the sky and earth from the Heavenly Cloud tent.


    ¡°1 bestow the Heavenly Cloud Sun Flame Sword.¡±


    One robe, one token, and one sword.


    Every one of them had a huge symbolic meaning. Now that they appeared at the same time, the meaning was self-evident.


    As for the first place in the second segment, there was no need to rank it.


    Regardless of whether it was the appearance of Jiuli or the actions of the three magistrates, it all explained everything.


    The projections of the three magistrate tents gradually blurred and finally disappeared from the world.


    At this moment, a god¡¯s voice rang out from the Divine Mountain.


    ¡°Seven days later, the final segment of the Grand Hunt will begin.¡±


    The voice echoed and the vortex in the sky dissipated. The second round of the Grand Hunt was over.


    At the same time, in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, in the sky, as the void fluctuated, a vast floating city slowly appeared from afar.


    Within the city, there were no less than tens of thousands of structures, each shining with starlight like celestial bodies.


    There were countless living beings inside, emitting terrifying energy.


    There were also some whose auras alone could cause the world to lose color and cause one¡¯s mind to tremble.


    Surrounded by these stars was a large tent formed by starlight.


    It was the Sunken Spirit Magistrate¡¯s tent under the Star Flame God.


    At that moment, in this large tent, a vast figure sat cross-legged. His eyes slowly opened as he looked in the direction of the Divine Mountain and muttered.


    ¡°Jiuli has finally appeared¡­¡±


    ¡°The three gods have tacitly agreed to this¡­¡±


    ¡°This kid is implicated by great karma¡­¡±

 Chapter 1286 - Chapter 1286: Ownerless Divine Realm

    Chapter 1286: Ownerless Divine Realm


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    Translator: Atlas Studios


    Outside the holy cities, as the voice of the god dissipated, the teleportation vortex also blurred in the sky until it disappeared.


    The thoughts of the Flame Moon cultivators who were teleported back rose and fell as they looked at Xu Qing.


    The spectators from the three cities below were the same. The gazes they used to look at Xu Qing were filled with surprise and complexity. However, it was different from when Xu Qing had obtained the first place in the first segment.


    This time, there weren¡¯t so many provocative gazes.


    To be able to subdue Jiuli and be bestowed with items by the three magistrates, all of this already showed Xu Qing¡¯s qualifications.


    Moreover, the fluctuations in their bloodlines and the faint sense of suppression caused them to instinctively ignore Xu Qing¡¯s identity as a human.


    Hence, amidst everyone¡¯s complicated gazes, Xu Qing stepped out and descended from the sky, walking toward the holy city.


    ¡°I have to recuperate well in these seven days. The next Divine Realm Hunt is the main focus of this Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Grand Hunt.¡±


    Xu Qing pondered. He had already sensed where the captain was and knew everything was fine, so he didn¡¯t go to acknowledge him.


    However, just as he was about to leave, a cold voice rang out from behind him.


    ¡°Wait!


    This voice carried the intent of a law. The moment it rang out, ripples appeared in the void. The laws in the surroundings were also affected, giving off a feeling that the void had become viscous.


    It was as though moving forcefully in this environment would attract calamity from all directions.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and coldly looked behind him.


    The person who spoke was Flame Mystic.


    Although the resonance from his bloodline made Flame Mystic feel very uncomfortable, the suppression and anger in his heart became a new force that washed away everything.


    After he spoke, his gaze met Xu Qing¡¯s.


    With just a glance, the void between the two of them seemed to collapse and an explosive sound echoed. The laws inside collapsed but they transformed into threads that contained Flame Mystic¡¯s will and swam around Xu Qing.


    The gray fog around Xu Qing churned, emitting a pressure. The nine heads of Jiuli revealed a dark glint in their eyes, ready to attack.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. The feeling this Flame Mystic gave him far exceeded that of Ji Dongzi.


    Flame Mystic¡¯s eyes narrowed. He was already certain that the other party wasn¡¯t the person he was looking for.


    The person he was looking for used bizarre coldness mainly, while Xu Qing clearly practiced the Dao of Slaughter.


    Hence, he retracted his gaze and spread out his divine sense that was filled with coldness and ferocity, enveloping the other cultivators who had teleported back.


    ¡°All of you, stop as well!¡±


    The expressions of these cultivators who had returned changed. Flame Mystic¡¯s status was noble and he was a peak existence in this generation of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    Hence, although his divine sense couldn¡¯t cause bloodline fluctuations like Xu Qing¡¯s, it still possessed a powerful intimidating force.


    Only Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with him anymore. He walked forward toward the holy city.


    Flame Mystic didn¡¯t care about Xu Qing¡¯s departure. He focused all his attention on the other returnees. He was certain that the damn scourge must be hidden among them.


    He checked them one by one.


    However, in the end, he still found nothing. Unless he killed everyone, he wouldn¡¯t be able to find him¡­


    The frustration and killing intent in his heart grew even more intense and his expression became extremely gloomy. However, it was clearly unrealistic to kill here.


    Hence, Flame Mystic suppressed the killing intent in his heart and left this place.


    After he left, the Flame Moon cultivators who had teleported back were shocked and quickly dispersed.


    Some gathered with their families and some flew into their race¡¯s cultivators. However, as these cultivators who had experienced the Mountains and Seas Region returned to their race, news about Xu Qing in the Mountains and Seas Region immediately spread.


    ¡°Ji Dongzi¡­ was killed by Xu Qing!¡±


    This matter was like a storm, causing waves in the hearts of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivators. Even the experts of the older generation fell into deep thought.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay attention to all of this. At that moment, he was walking toward his residence in the city. The information he had learned about the hunt in the Divine Realm surfaced in his mind.


    ¡°The three gods will tear open an entrance to a Divine Realm and let the Flame


    Moon cultivators barge in to hunt the beings of the Divine Realm¡­¡±


    ¡°On the surface, this matter is a tempering for the Flame Moon cultivators by the three gods. However, after experiencing the incident in the Mountains and Seas Region and knowing the true history¡­¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the true goal of the three gods to tear open a Divine Realm?¡±


    Amidst these thoughts, Xu Qing suddenly stopped in his tracks and turned to look behind him.


    A figure rushed over from behind and instantly got close. It stopped dozens of feet away. It was none other than Tian Mozi.


    ¡°Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Xu. You are about to achieve the position of the Flame Moon Race¡¯s Grand Mystic Heaven!¡±


    Tian Mozi¡¯s expression was filled with piety and his gaze was filled with heat. His voice was very impassioned. After he finished speaking, he even bowed to Xu Qing.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Xu Qing directly ignored Tian Mozi¡¯s words and calmly spoke.


    Tian Mozi blinked. Although Xu Qing¡¯s attitude was cold, it didn¡¯t affect his enthusiasm. This was especially so when he thought of the scene behind Xu Qing¡¯s back in the Mountains and Seas Region. Tian Mozi was even more certain that he had to be on good terms with him.


    Hence, he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Brother Xu, the third segment of my Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s Grand Hunt is the Divine Realm Hunt. Although Brother Xu already knows a lot about the Divine Realm Hunt with your connections and resources, I saw that arrogant Flame Mystic speaking rudely just now. I¡¯m worried that he has ill intentions toward Brother Xu during the Divine Realm Hunt¡­¡±


    ¡°Therefore, I have some information about the Divine Realm here. It might be able to help Brother Xu in the Divine Realm and prevent you from being schemed against by that despicable, petty, calculative Flame Mystic.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was a little strange. His deepest impression of Tian Mozi was that when the other party addressed others, it was different every time.


    What b*stards, rotten ghost, vicious beast, two dogs¡­


    Now, there were also arrogant, despicable, petty¡­


    ¡°Tell me about it.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke while walking forward.


    Seeing that Xu Qing was willing to listen to him, Tian Mozi instantly felt his spirits lift. He quickly walked a few steps to Xu Qing¡¯s side and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Brother Xu, no matter what the rumors are, in reality, since ancient times, my Flame Moon Mystic Heaven has only opened the Divine Realm three times in history.¡±


    ¡°Every time, it¡¯s the same Divine Realm. However, the location of the tear is different. Also, because the Divine Realm is too big, most outsiders don¡¯t know about this and think that it¡¯s a different Divine Realm each time.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°The same Divine Realm?


    Tian Mozi immediately nodded.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Moreover, this Divine Realm isn¡¯t in the history of the Wanggu


    Continent. In other words, it wasn¡¯t formed later but¡­ a natural existence!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred. This news was very important and it was also something he hadn¡¯t expected.


    ¡°Therefore, this time too, it should be this Divine Realm!¡±


    Tian Mozi spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Although I don¡¯t know where the location of this time¡¯s tear will be, according to the previous records, the beings inside have been divided into levels.¡±


    As he spoke, Tian Mozi took out a jade slip.


    ¡°The levels and appearances are all here.¡±


    ¡°In addition, the previous few times were smooth because of an important condition. That is¡­ there is no god in this Divine Realm!¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°Generally speaking, the Divine Realms are ruled by gods, but there aren¡¯t any in this Divine Realm!¡±


    ¡°The family I¡¯m from has analyzed this matter before. This should be the reason why this Divine Realm is selected every time during the Grand Hunt.¡±


    ¡°Also¡­ there might be other deeper motives.¡±


    Tian Mozi looked at the Divine Mountain and immediately retracted his gaze, looking at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing nodded and understood what the other party meant.


    ¡°The truth isn¡¯t something we can analyze. However, although the hunting itself is dangerous to us, the benefits are also astonishing.¡±


    ¡°All living beings in the Divine Realm are treasures. Their souls can be refined into the Heavenly Dao and their bodies can nourish flesh, blood, and cultivation.¡±


    ¡°However, there¡¯s also a drawback, and that is that hunting the creatures of the


    Divine Realm will form a curse mark.¡±


    ¡°The more you kill and the higher the level of the creature you kill, the deeper this curse mark will be. However¡­ this Divine Realm has no owner, so no matter how deep this mark is, it¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°In this segment, the criteria for choosing first place is to see the depth of this mark.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. Although he hadn¡¯t personally experienced killing creatures of the Divine Realm and the curse marks, he had indirectly sensed it.


    Back then, on the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar in the Yinghuang Continent, the first time he sensed the origin of the Crimson Goddess was from a mark on it.


    That mark was formed by the Divine Realm creatures killed by the Ghost Emperor.


    ¡°Is there anything else?¡± Xu Qing asked.


    Seeing that Xu Qing had taken the initiative to speak, Tian Mozi was excited. Hence, he told him everything he knew.


    Just like that, when the two of them arrived at Xu Qing¡¯s residence, Xu Qing had a better understanding of the Divine Realm.


    Finally, Tian Mozi took a few steps back and cupped his fists and bowed to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Big Brother Xu, I wish you victory in the Divine Realm and successfully take the first seat. You will become my Flame Moon Grand Mystic Heaven!¡±


    ¡°Please pay attention to those jackals in the Divine Realm. They are extremely vicious and harbor ill intentions, especially that idiot Flame Mystic. So, if you have any orders, just instruct me when the time comes. I, Tian Mozi, will definitely complete them!¡±


    With that, Tian Mozi cupped his hands and left.


    After sending Tian Mozi off, the information the other party had told him on the way surfaced in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. He then walked into his residence in silence.


    The moment he stepped in, the first thing he saw was a familiar back view standing beside the window of the house.


    Xu Qing blinked. He knew that the captain was about to put on a show. Hence, he sat at the side and took out an apple. As he ate, he waited silently.


    Not long later, a long sigh filled with sorrow, vicissitudes, and bleakness echoed in the residence.


    ¡°Junior Brother, do you know¡­ how hard it was for Eldest Senior Brother this time¡­¡±


    Before the captain could finish speaking, Xu Qing threw the bone token given by the Moon Flame¡¯s magistrate over.


    ¡°I understand. Eldest Senior Brother, you want this, so you can have it.¡±


    The captain instinctively turned and caught it. He looked at Xu Qing and felt a little awkward. The excuse of pretending to be pitiful that he had prepared in his mind couldn¡¯t be said at this moment.


    However, considering his status, he revealed a mysterious expression and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Little Qing, I won¡¯t take your things for nothing.. How about I tell you a secret about Flame Mystic?¡±

 Chapter 1287 - Chapter 1287: Little Swallow, Brightly Dressed

    Chapter 1287: Little Swallow, Brightly Dressed


    Translator: Atlas Studios


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    When Xu Qing heard this, he glanced at the captain. Previously, outside the Divine Mountain, he had naturally sensed the captain¡¯s concealment. In addition, Flame Mystic had probed with killing intent later on and there was also information about the shanchi forest in the Mountains and Seas Region.


    All of this matched.


    The captain must have had an intense conflict with Flame Mystic. Moreover, the one who suffered a loss was Flame Mystic¡­


    Although Flame Mystic¡¯s cultivation was comparable to the Soul Accumulation Realm and was very terrifying, in Xu Qing¡¯s heart, there seemed to be nothing that the captain couldn¡¯t resolve. As for Flame Mystic¡¯s secret, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t interested.


    However, seeing that Eldest Senior Brother was in high spirits, Xu Qing nodded and replied cooperatively.


    ¡°What secret?¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes lit up and he licked his lips. He sat in front of Xu Qing and instinctively looked around before speaking quietly.


    ¡°Junior Brother, that Flame Mystic is top-grade!¡±


    Xu Qing was puzzled. This was the first time he had heard the captain describe someone as top-grade. This was especially so for the way Eldest Senior Brother licked his lips¡­ It was thought-provoking.


    Upon seeing Xu Qing¡¯s expression, the captain¡¯s desire to speak soared. He chuckled at Xu Qing, looking very wretched.


    ¡°Let me tell you, Little Qing. According to my experiences and understanding in my previous lives, Flame Mystic is an existence comparable to a treasure in the eyes of some cultivators with special hobbies.¡±


    ¡°This person can attack and endure. He can advance and retreat freely and has a myriad of changes. It¡¯s impossible to guard against him.¡±


    As he spoke, the captain even smacked his lips, giving off a feeling of drooling.


    When he noticed the captain¡¯s expression again, Xu Qing was really stunned this time around. Confusion rose in his eyes. Although he had experienced many things since he was young, at the end of the day, he was still young in some aspects.


    Hence, he couldn¡¯t react at all. Hence, Flame Mystic¡¯s figure appeared in his mind. He recalled the other party¡¯s aura during the confrontation earlier and searched for something special.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s doubts, the captain blinked. He felt that this was fun and became even more arrogant.


    He thought to himself that his junior brother¡¯s current state was really innocent and pure. As the eldest senior brother, he couldn¡¯t let his junior brother have any weaknesses in his understanding.


    Hence, he patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder and spoke in the tone of an elder.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you still have a lot to see.¡±


    ¡°Forget it, forget it. I¡¯ll tell you directly. That Flame Mystic¡­¡±


    The captain paused.


    ¡°He can be a man or a woman. It¡¯s incomparably wondrous!¡±


    With that, the captain licked his lips again.


    His words were like thunder in Xu Qing¡¯s ears.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened. Although there were countless bizarre things in the Wanggu Continent and it wasn¡¯t too strange for the gender to change, what caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to stir was the captain¡¯s expression and the words he used from the start to the end.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but make some associations. After that, he hesitated for a moment before speaking.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, how¡­ did you discover it?¡±


    When the captain heard this, he lifted his chin in disdain.


    ¡°That Little Swallow? doesn¡¯t know the immensity of heaven and earth, daring to rush ahead of me to suppress my shanchi!¡±


    ¡°After I found it out, he had the guts to tell me to scram!¡±


    ¡°That expression, that tone, acting like he was high and mighty.¡±


    The captain snorted coldly.


    ¡°Hence, I listened to his request and scrammed away. However, the more I thought about it, the angrier I became. So, I took advantage of the time when he was suppressing shanchi cub and used all the God¡¯s Law Tokens I created, attracting the parents, grandparents, and so on of the shanchi cub he was suppressing.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, Little Swallow was extremely miserable. Although his cultivation base and combat strength are extraordinary, comparable to the Soul Accumulation Realm, he didn¡¯t have an easy time being surrounded and attacked by so many shanchis.¡±


    ¡°So guess what I saw?¡±


    The captain rubbed his hands and was very excited. He didn¡¯t wait for Xu Qing¡¯s response and continued to speak.


    ¡±1 saw that at the critical moment, he actually used an extremely terrifying divine ability. To a certain extent, it was no longer a divine ability but a divine technique!¡±


    ¡°And it¡¯s the kind of incredibly powerful divine technique, like divine condemnation!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    The more the captain spoke, the more excited he became.


    ¡°There is a side effect to this technique, but it might not be a side effect to Little Swallow. In short, after using this technique, his gender will change for a short period of time!¡±


    ¡°Let me tell you, Little Qing, I saw with my own eyes that every time he used it, he turned into a woman. One moment, he was a man, the next moment, he was a woman, and the next moment, he was a man. It¡¯s very fun.¡±


    Looking at the captain¡¯s excited expression, Xu Qing¡¯s expression became strange.


    At that moment, the captain didn¡¯t care about Xu Qing. He was already in an excited state as he continued to speak.


    ¡°Every time the side effects appear and his gender changes, a bead will form beside him. It will surround his body and absorb the converted aura in his body, causing the side effects of his divine technique to dissipate and he will return from a woman to a man.¡±


    ¡°I understood at a glance that that was his life pearl. It¡¯s extremely important to him.¡±


    ¡°And you also know that I, your Eldest Senior Brother, am a kind and helpful person. I¡¯m selfless and can¡¯t bear to see others sad.¡±


    ¡°So, how can I bear to see him transform so much? After all, the transformation of the gender is related to the many changes in the meridians in the body and the characteristics outside the body. Just thinking about it is very painful.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ when he turned into a woman, I snatched that pearl away¡­¡±


    ¡°This way, he won¡¯t be able to transform. It can be considered a relief for him.¡±


    As he spoke, the captain raised his hand and a red pearl floated out of his palm. It emitted a dazzling light but it was also covered by a blue light barrier, preventing its energy from spreading out.


    ¡°How is it?¡±


    The captain looked at Xu Qing proudly.


    ¡°So, don¡¯t think that Little Swallow¡¯s appearance didn¡¯t change much previously, inside, there is actually a girl. She, you see, can¡¯t change back anymore. When I left, I even kindly left her a piece of Nether Fairy¡¯s flowery undergarment.¡±


    Xu Qing was shocked and stared blankly at the captain. He recalled the extreme anger and killing intent emitted by Flame Mystic when he was searching for the captain earlier.


    Now, he understood the reason.


    ¡°No wonder¡­¡±


    Xu Qing sighed.


    The captain laughed and kept the pearl. He stood up and stretched, feeling satisfied.


    He felt that his trip to the Mountains and Seas Region this time around was very exciting and his harvest was also full. However, when he thought of Xu Qing¡¯s Jiuli, he hesitated for a moment.


    In the end, he couldn¡¯t hold back his curiosity and asked.


    Xu Qing told him the truth.


    After hearing Xu Qing tell him the whole story, the captain¡¯s eyes widened. He was stunned for a long time before he stomped his feet fiercely.


    ¡°Swallow wasted my time!¡±


    ¡°I should have joined in on this kind of thing too. What a missed opportunity!!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak.


    The captain let out a long sigh and sat down again. A contemplative expression appeared on his face. After a long time, his eyes lit up and he mumbled.


    ¡°Although I missed this opportunity, this matter also confirms one of my previous guesses. It provides strong evidence of what we¡¯re going to do next!¡±


    After saying that, the captain looked at Xu Qing. His eyes were bright and filled with madness.


    ¡°Junior Brother, during the opening of the Divine Realm this time, I originally only had 10% confidence in what I was going to do.¡±


    ¡°But now that I¡¯ve heard you say this, my confidence is even greater!¡±


    ¡°This time, I¡¯ll bring you to do something¡­ a super big thing that surpasses everything we did before!!¡±


    Xu Qing became instantly wary. The phrase ¡®do something big¡¯ was always a red flag for him, as every time the captain said it, it meant they would be dangerously close to death.


    Moreover, the degree of madness was getting more and more astonishing.


    Going back, it started from the flesh of Binding, the statue of the Sea Corpse Race, the theft of Nether Fairy¡¯s treasured clothes, the Heavenly Dao son, the Green Sand Desert, and the slaughter of Crimson Goddess. It was getting more and more exaggerated.


    Now, the captain actually said the word ¡®super¡¯.


    Xu Qing¡¯s vigilance instantly reached its peak. He looked at the captain and couldn¡¯t help but sigh.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, let¡¯s¡­ not court death¡­¡±


    The captain smiled mysteriously.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve been planning this for a very, very long time. With your words to verify my guess, it¡¯s absolutely safe this time.¡±


    The captain patted his chest hard.


    Upon hearing the captain¡¯s words, all the hairs on Xu Qing¡¯s body stood up and his mind churned. He had a feeling that the captain might really do something unprecedentedly terrifying this time around.


    Just as he was about to say something, the captain¡¯s body swayed and he disappeared from the residence. His remaining words echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Junior Brother, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll go out for a while and make the final preparations for our major event.¡±


    In the house, Xu Qing fell silent. After a long time, determination appeared in his eyes.


    According to his understanding of the captain and some premonitions that rose in his heart at this moment, he decided that after entering the Divine Realm this time, his goal was only to collect the Heavenly Dao and obtain the marks.


    As for the captain¡¯s big matter, he definitely wouldn¡¯t participate.


    After all, he didn¡¯t think he had the hobby of risking his life.


    At the thought of this, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes to meditate, nurturing his fifth magus repository. While maintaining his peak state, he also increased the absorption of the 95 divine tablets in the repository.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    Six days passed and the time was almost up.


    There was about fifteen minutes left before the Grand Hunt¡¯s Divine Realm opened. When Xu Qing got up and was about to leave his residence, the captain returned.


    The first thing he did when he returned was to take out a bottle before Xu Qing could speak. After that, his body collapsed in front of Xu Qing, transforming into blue worms that burrowed into the bottle¡­


    ¡°Junior Brother, put me in your storage bag and we¡¯ll set off.¡±


    Almost at the instant the captain¡¯s voice rang out from the bottle, a shocking energy fluctuation spread out from the Divine Mountain, sweeping in all directions. Amidst the rumbling sounds, three terrifying divine senses had already covered the large region.


    The gods¡¯ aura enveloped everything.


    All life forms below the level of a god trembled intensely at this instant. A cold divine voice echoed through the world.


    ¡°The Divine Realm is about to open. All children, step forward.¡±


    Xu Qing grabbed the bottle the captain was in and kept it in his storage bag. After that, his body swayed and he disappeared from the house.


    The moment he appeared in mid-air, he saw three earth-shattering and vast figures standing on the Divine Mountain in the distance.


    Sun Flame, Moon Flame, and Star Flame.


    The three gods acted together!

 Chapter 1288 - Chapter 1288: Primordial Divine Realm

    Chapter 1288: Primordial Divine Realm


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    On the Divine Mountain, in the sky, the divine aura of the Sun, Moon, and Star God blotted out the sky. The weather changed and the sky felt as though it was collapsing and couldn¡¯t be supported, forming a depression.


    They were the center of attention.


    In the center stood the Sun Flame God, Their figure ethereal, clad in what appeared to be a golden robe, Their gender ambiguous, seeming feminine yet with masculine features, a sun rising behind Them, flames engulfing the earth with Their overwhelming divine power.


    To Their right stood the Moon Flame God, adorned in a silver gown, Her hem cascading down, seemingly able to cover the sky, Her countenance perfect, embodying all the beauty of the world.


    Despite the stunning appearance, Her expression remained as cold as an iceberg. She performed a one-handed seal; a moon halo appeared behind Her, casting a cool moonlight upon Her divine form.


    The Star Flame God, standing on the left, lacked the majestic aura of the Sun Flame and the flawless beauty of the Moon Flame, looking just like an ordinary clay fox.


    However, when the cultivators¡¯ gazes landed on Her, ripples would rise in everyone¡¯s minds and turn into heat that spread throughout their bodies, influencing their minds and affecting their vitality.


    Behind Her were shining stars that transformed into starlight that spread out, forming a painting of a sea of stars.


    The cultivators were filled with turmoil in their hearts, bowing their heads in reverence. Regardless of their cultivation level or status, at this moment, their expressions were devout to the extreme as they knelt before the three gods.


    In fact, even further away, the projections of the three magistrates¡¯ tents appeared behind their respective gods. The magistrates also walked out of the tents and bowed to their respective gods!


    Xu Qing stood in the air above his residence and looked at everything from afar. Waves also surged in his heart.


    At this moment, he witnessed the difference between the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race and the human race.


    The Flame Moon Mystic Heaven was a race controlled by the gods. In front of the gods, all living beings were slaves!


    Xu Qing fell silent. He wasn¡¯t from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race but since he was here, he could only bow and lower his head.


    After a long time, amidst the silence, the three gods on the Divine Mountain swept their gazes in all directions. They were all staring at Xu Qing.


    Sun Flame was indifferent, Moon Flame was complex, and Star Flame smiled.


    After that, the sun behind the Sun Flame suddenly shone with resplendent light, burning the sky and spreading golden flames.


    It was divine fire.


    As it continued to burn, the sky actually began to melt, layer by layer, revealing the void. After corroding countless layers, it formed a black hole.


    And the burning continued.


    The black hole collapsed in the divine fire. After that, a new black hole was formed. This cycle repeated and became increasingly deep.


    During this process, the entire region trembled. One could even faintly hear the mournful roar of the Heavenly Daos. They seemed to want to stop it but they couldn¡¯t do anything.


    Finally, a golden vortex appeared in the deepest part of the void.


    In the vortex, there was a layer of turbid membrane. Through this membrane, one could vaguely see another world inside.


    Almost at the instant the golden vortex appeared, Moon Flame lifted Her hand; moonlight transformed into a long river that flowed toward the vortex and fused into the turbidity.


    Shortly after, a roar that was different from the Heavenly Daos¡¯ echoed from the depths of the vortex, as though the moonlight river was being stopped. However, as Moon Flame scoffed, the aura of Crimson Goddess appeared on Her body¡­


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled. At the next moment, the turbid membrane fused with the power of the Moon Flame became clear and the world inside was revealed.


    One could see that it was a white world¡­


    Before everyone could lift their heads and take a closer look, the clay fox smiled. The starlight on Her body rose and transformed into two huge mud hands that reached into the vortex and ruthlessly tore at the transparent membrane!


    The loud sound of the world being split apart rang out at this moment. The sound was so loud that it caused the minds of all cultivators to buzz.


    The membrane was directly torn apart and the range of the impact was even larger. Looking up from the ground, one could see that this crack extended to half the sky.


    It was like a rift in the sky.


    The smell of decay, the ancient aura, and the unfamiliar feeling were accompanied by dense anomalous substances and clear roars. They spread out through the crack.


    Because the crack was too large, the world inside revealed more clearly.


    Xu Qing lifted his head. After he saw it clearly, countless thoughts ran through his mind.


    He had made too many connections with the world inside the rift and the aura it emitted also made him feel a sense of familiarity.


    Inside the rift was an unfamiliar starry sky. Amidst the stars, there was a huge¡­ spiderweb!!


    This web enveloped this starry sky and countless stars.


    As for the thickness of each spider silk, although it wasn¡¯t as large as the star, it was still 10% as large.


    This was the Divine Realm opened by the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race!


    ¡°The ownerless Divine Realm¡­¡±


    ¡°It was opened three times previously¡­¡±


    ¡°Primordial Divine Realm¡­¡±


    Tian Mozi¡¯s words echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind at this moment. Coupled with the content of the jade slip given by the other party, a conclusive answer soon appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind!


    ¡°This is the core of Jiuli, that spider god¡¯s Divine Realm!!¡±


    A strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he completely understood.


    Everything corresponded. Because there was a problem with the spider god and It was suppressed by the three gods, Its Divine Realm naturally became ownerless.


    The reason why the three gods had explored it many times was obvious.


    While Xu Qing¡¯s heart was fluctuating, the voice of the gods in the sky carried an inexplicable dignity as it echoed through the land.


    ¡°Children, the hunt begins!¡±


    With these four words, a tremendous force erupted from the cracks in the sky, guided by the three gods, splitting into tens of thousands of strands and heading towards all the cultivators who had passed the second round.


    They enveloped all the participants, including Xu Qing. Their bodies rose into the air uncontrollably, moving faster and faster. Finally, they transformed into rainbows and were sucked into the rift.


    They entered the void where the Divine Realm was and the unfamiliar starry sky!


    Compared to this vast Divine Realm, the figures of tens of thousands of cultivators were insignificant. However, the danger was extremely high.


    At this moment, almost as soon as everyone was sucked into the starry sky, someone¡¯s body trembled, emitting a piercing scream. Their body disintegrated directly, flesh and blood scattering in all directions. Each retained consciousness, yet continued to disintegrate until they were completely annihilated in both form and spirit.


    What killed them was a black whisker suddenly appearing from the nearby void.


    This whisker only swept past, and anyone who came into contact with it would either die or be injured.


    Following the whisker, Xu Qing saw a decaying giant fish, thousands of feet in size, materialize from the void.


    Covered in whiskers of varying lengths, some drooping and some drifting in all directions, it looked incredibly eerie.


    A rotting aura spread out from the giant fish and the terrifying energy caused the hearts of the Flame Moon cultivators who entered to palpitate.


    However, their palpitations were quickly suppressed. All the participants in the Grand Hunt were already prepared before they entered this place.


    After all, this was the Divine Realm!


    Hence, the moment this bizarre entity appeared, everyone reacted fast. They immediately scattered in all directions and sped toward the distant Divine Realm spider web with different methods.


    Xu Qing had personally witnessed the scene of a heaven¡¯s chosen of a Flame Moon subsidiary race dying after being touched by the whisker. His pupils contracted as he recalled the information about the whiskered fish from the jade slip given to him by Tian Mozi.


    ¡°The void spirit of the Divine Realm has the form of a rotting fish. Its whiskers can destroy life and devour all external objects. Moreover, its size is bizarre, appearing differently to different observers!¡±


    ¡°Some might see it as hundreds of thousands of feet large, while others perceive it as ten thousand feet¡­¡±


    ¡°Moreover, they have an astonishing number and possess undying bodies.


    Even if destroyed, they will resurrect from the void.¡±


    As this information appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, he immediately left that area with extreme speed while being vigilant.


    On the way, he saw a few more void spirits, and carefully avoided them one by one.


    As he moved forward and the spider web grew larger and larger in his eyes, when he passed by some vast stars in the periphery, Xu Qing could sense from afar that those stars were filled with death.


    They were dead stars.


    There were no signs of life inside, only endless spiderwebs and ruins.


    At the same time, as he got closer, the spider web became incomparably large in his eyes. In the end, it transformed into white paths that pierced through the starry sky.


    Compared to the spider silk, Xu Qing was like dust.


    On those huge spider silk, Xu Qing also saw many cocoons of various sizes that were enveloped by spiderwebs. There were skeletons that had died for countless years inside.


    All of this caused Xu Qing¡¯s sense of danger to rise continuously.


    Especially after he attempted it himself, he found that those spider webs were filled with terrifying stickiness. When he threw out something to test, as soon as it touched the path formed by the spider silk, it was firmly stuck, and then the webs grew out on their own, enveloping it.


    Looking at this scene, Xu Qing understood the origin of those skeletons.


    I can¡¯t touch the spiderwebs here!¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and carefully flew through this strange Divine Realm, gathering all the available information. At the same time, he took out the bottle the captain was in and was about to open it.


    However, at this moment, his expression suddenly changed. His body suddenly retreated by 100 feet and his soul threads spread out. Millions of threads wrapped around his entire body and formed the fourth god form in the blink of an eye.


    His aura spread out, stirring up a storm.


    The instant he retreated, a black shadow slammed into the ground where he was previously and whistled past.


    The force was so great that the void exploded. After missing, this figure landed on the huge spider silk not far away.


    It revealed its appearance.


    It was a spider!


    Its body was a thousand feet long, its entire body was covered in dark golden spots, and it had the head of an old man.


    At that moment, the eyes of the head opened. Its pupils were red as it stared coldly at Xu Qing.


    From its mouth, one could see sharp triangular teeth.


    The moment he saw this beast, Xu Qing immediately thought of the spider god in Jiuli¡¯s memories.


    They¡­ in terms of appearance, other than the difference in their heads, were almost identical.


    However, it was obvious that it didn¡¯t have the pressure of the spider god.


    While Xu Qing was observing this spider, it was also observing Xu Qing. Gradually, the red light in its eyes intensified and it let out a roar. With a sway, it rushed over again..

 Chapter 1289 - Chapter 1289: Eye of Annihilation

    Chapter 1289: Eye of Annihilation


    Translator: Atlas Studios


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    The spider was so fast that it transformed into an afterimage and instantly got close.


    In his god form, Xu Qing¡¯s combat strength had the combat strength of the fourth stage of Nihility. Even though he hadn¡¯t activated the Jiuli¡¯s enhancement, he still had his strength. However, facing such speed, it still caused his eyes to narrow.


    One had to know that this spider was only one of the living beings in this Divine Realm. In the jade slip given by Tian Mozi, there were quite a lot of them.


    From the arrangement, there were many existences in the Divine Realm whose terror surpassed this spider¡¯s.


    And with such a large number of spiders possessing this kind of speed, it¡¯s evident just how astonishing this divine domain was.


    Xu Qing immediately retreated a thousand feet, dodging the spider¡¯s attack again. After that, when he lifted his right hand, the Golden Crow manifested and spread out black flames, gathering into a black spear that Xu Qing threw forward.


    In that instant, when the spider missed its attack, the black spear pierced through it.


    The spider didn¡¯t dodge at all and allowed the black spear to penetrate it. A strange scene occurred. Its body actually didn¡¯t suffer any injuries or changes, as though its existence could ignore spells and divine arts.


    The spider rushed toward Xu Qing again. A sharp sound rang out from its mouth that could shake the soul.


    Xu Qing frowned. The introduction of this spider in Tian Mozi¡¯s jade slip appeared in his mind.


    ¡°The spider spirits of the Divine Realm are like guards, wandering in every corner of the Divine Realm. They are occasionally alone and mostly in groups. The divinity in their bodies is dense, and they are especially good at speed.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, they are completely immune to all physical damages.¡±


    ¡°The only way to kill them is to suppress them with divine arts.¡±


    A dark glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The content of the jade slip was clearly wrong. His black spear was formed from a divine art spell and the damage wasn¡¯t physical.


    However, it was still ineffective.


    Therefore, either there was a problem with the record or there were other changes in this Divine Realm.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. When the spider roared again and got close, he clenched his hand into a fist and attacked from afar. The spider ignored it and directly appeared in front of Xu Qing, spitting out a large number of white threads.


    They were about to envelop Xu Qing.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Since spells and physical damage were ineffective, he planned to use other methods to deal with it. At this moment, he decided not to dodge anymore. Instead, he rushed forward and directly transformed into a rainbow.


    He shuttled through the spider web at an even more astonishing speed and arrived in front of the thousand-foot-large spider. He didn¡¯t attack but continued to rush over.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing penetrated the spider¡¯s body and appeared in it.


    Although this didn¡¯t cause any damage to the spider, Xu Qing, who was in the spider¡¯s body, felt killing intent rising in his heart. His body suddenly trembled and he scattered the soul threads in the spider¡¯s body.


    In the blink of an eye, millions of soul threads spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s god form and spread in all directions, filling the spider¡¯s entire body. Every soul thread unleashed its soul devouring ability in that instant.


    This was the method Xu Qing had thought of to kill the spider.


    As Xu Qing¡¯s soul thread was originally formed from divine source, the effect of this method was extraordinary.


    These spiders could ignore the methods of cultivators but they couldn¡¯t ignore the might of gods.


    At the next moment, the thousand-foot-large spider¡¯s entire body trembled and it let out a heart-rending wail. Its body withered and shrunk at a speed visible to the naked eye. Finally, it turned into ashes and dissipated.


    Xu Qing¡¯ walked out with a strange expression.


    Almost at the same time he appeared, a shadow rapidly approached from afar. It was another spider!


    In fact, even further away, black figures whistled and flashed. Sharp sounds rose and fell, and one could vaguely see more than ten of them moving rapidly toward Xu Qing.


    Seeing this, the strange expression on Xu Qing¡¯s face became even more intense.


    He thought of what Tian Mozi had said. The living beings of the Divine Realm were treasures.


    After he absorbed the spider, it actually provided more than 100,000 soul threads.


    This number exceeded Xu Qing¡¯s expectations.


    Most importantly, Xu Qing sensed a fluctuation similar to the Heavenly Dao from this spider.


    Although they weren¡¯t the Heavenly Dao, it was obvious that their existences could become the Heavenly Dao after some refinement.


    ¡°The number of my current soul threads is about 5 million. The increase from the slaughter and devouring outside was limited.¡±


    ¡°This place¡­ is clearly more suitable.¡±


    Xu Qing licked his lips and looked at the spiders rushing over in the surroundings. With a sway of his body, he turned into soul threads and created a vortex storm.


    As the storm rumbled and spun, the spiders approached one after another without stopping. They let out sharp roars and crashed into the storm.


    A total of 17 of them.


    All of them entered the vortex storm. After that, wails and cries echoed from the storm. There was even a spider that rushed out of the storm, trying to escape.


    However, it was still too late. The number of soul threads in the vortex soared to more than 6 million. At this moment, the vortex also expanded abruptly like a ghastly mouth, devouring the escaping spider in one bite.


    After that, the vortex formed from more than 6 million blood-red soul threads shrunk until it finally gathered into Xu Qing¡¯s figure.


    After waiting here for a long time but seeing that no other spiders appeared, Xu Qing felt some regret. Only then did he take out the bottle the captain was in and open it.


    One after another, blue worms flew out and fused together. They looked like melted wax men and slowly piled up into a human figure, finally revealing the appearance of the captain.


    If others saw this scene, they would definitely think that it was a bizarre entity. However, Xu Qing was already used to it.


    The captain¡¯s eyes also opened at this moment. After seeing his surroundings clearly, the captain¡¯s eyes were incomparably bright as he laughed loudly.


    ¡°I am finally in!!¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, we¡¯re infinitely close to our target!¡±


    ¡°Haha, this time, it was too dangerous. Previously, that neither male nor female old fart, Sun Flame, almost discovered me when They were looking at you.¡±


    ¡°Fortunately, I was well-prepared and directly sealed everything.¡±


    The more the captain spoke, the more excited he became. His gaze surveyed the surroundings.


    ¡°This is it. The primordial and ownerless Divine Realm!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Little Qing. Follow me!¡±


    As the captain spoke, his body swayed and he rushed forward as though he was extremely familiar with this place.


    Xu Qing sighed. Looking at the captain¡¯s actions, he knew that the captain must have been here in his previous life.


    Presumably, his major event this time was the same as before. He wanted to complete the business he hadn¡¯t completed back then.


    Xu Qing shook his head. Actually, there were many times when he didn¡¯t understand why his captain liked to risk his life so much. It was as though he had to work hard to play himself to death in every life.


    It was as though he wouldn¡¯t stop until he died.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing became even more vigilant. He secretly reminded himself that he definitely wouldn¡¯t participate in the big matter of the captain here.


    While thinking of this, Xu Qing followed behind the captain.


    As he sped, the captain continuously identified the direction and brought Xu Qing through the cracks of spiderwebs. Just like that, seven days passed.


    In these seven days, tens of thousands of participants from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race were scattered in various areas of this Divine Realm. Some were hunting the beings of the Divine Realm, while others were being hunted.


    If one stood at the highest point and lowered their head to sense these tens of thousands of cultivators, they would discover that death¡­ appeared at every moment.


    In this vast Divine Realm, there were many living beings, and every one of them was unbelievable and extremely bizarre. However, the cultivators who could enter this place clearly had a certain level of confidence. Hence, they could reach a relative balance between self-preservation and hunting.


    Also, the anomalous substances here were extremely dense. There was no spirit energy here at all.


    To races other than the Flame Moon Race, this was extremely fatal.


    However, to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, they were a race who worshiped the gods. Hence, they had unique resistance to anomalous substances and could even use it.


    However, in the Divine Realm, there were some terrifying existences. Once one encountered them, the chance of survival was extremely small.


    For example, the whiskered fish at the start.


    Another example was the changes to the dead stars that were enveloped by spiderwebs in this Divine Realm.


    Some dead stars began to tremble, causing the surface of the stars to shake violently, and amidst the turmoil, they revealed¡­ gigantic eyes hidden within these dead stars.


    These eyes were white, and wherever they looked, spider silk would instantly surge. Additionally, every time they blinked, any living beings within their gaze would perish in bizarre and mysterious ways.


    ¡°That is the Eye of Annihilation¡­ In the Divine Realm, life is influenced by the gods and can undergo various mutations, and the stars are no exception.¡±


    ¡°In my previous life, I had tried to think of ways to transplant one on my forehead, but I failed.¡±


    The captain had a look of regret.


    At that moment, in front of the captain and Xu Qing, there was such a dead star. Amidst the continuous trembling, it opened its eyes. When it stared in all directions, it seemed to have sensed something and abruptly spun, looking at the location of Xu Qing and the captain.


    Almost at the instant the white eye looked over, the captain directly took out an invisible item and pressed it into Xu Qing¡¯s hand.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t evade. He felt an invisible mark appear on his hand. As the mark appeared, the huge eye from the star lost its focus and slowly shifted its gaze away.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and looked at the back of his hand.


    ¡°Do you remember the wordless book? Hehe, trust me, Little Qing. I¡¯m extremely well-prepared this time!¡±


    The captain proudly lifted his hand and waved it in front of Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing nodded and thought of the two words the captain had hidden his identity to obtain.


    One was ¡®not¡¯ and the other was ¡®word¡¯.


    ¡°Their function is to hide our existence and make those great terrors here ignore us.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Our journey will be much smoother now. My first destination is ahead.¡±


    The captain was excited and quickly moved forward.


    Xu Qing shook his head and followed.


    Several days later, after passing through many spiderwebs, a special area was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    It was a red sea.


    The seawater was strange. It was frozen and endless.


    Occasionally, massive shells would rise up from the depths, towering a hundred thousand feet high. Every now and then, they would open to reveal the heads of giant beasts, resembling eagles, peering out from within.


    The captain pointed ahead.


    ¡°We¡¯re here, Little Qing. This is our first destination..¡±

 Chapter 1290 - Chapter 1290: An Old Clam Yielding a Pearl

    Chapter 1290: An Old Clam Yielding a Pearl


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The red sea had no end in sight, and its frozen appearance meant it had no waves.


    It floated in the starry sky, between the gaps of the spider web.


    If one shrunk everything here, they would discover that this red sea was like a drop of blood that had landed on a spider web.


    At that moment, on the sea that was like blood, there were hundreds of huge shells that were a hundred thousand feet large. They were separated by a long distance and opened and closed one after another.


    Every time they opened, the giant eagle¡¯s body inside them would peer out.


    The eagles within these shells had crimson fur, with their eyes closed as if in slumber. They emitted an eerie aura, instilling a sense of unease in anyone who caught sight of them, stirring a discomfort deep within the soul.


    They were like gods that were being nurtured.


    Looking at all of this, Xu Qing¡¯s understanding of the Divine Realm increased.


    During these days, he and the captain traversed this Divine Realm, and much of what they saw and felt exceeded the bounds of comprehension. Most of the phenomena here did not adhere to basic logic.


    Regardless of whether it was the large whiskered fishes swimming in the air, the Eyes of Destruction that opened when the stars shook, or the spiders that ignored spells,


    They all exuded bizarreness.


    ¡°Do you see that, Little Qing? These shells are good stuff!¡±


    The captain stood beside Xu Qing and stared at the shells. His eyes lit up as he spoke excitedly.


    ¡°Take a closer look. There are meatballs inside those shells. Let me tell you, there are divine pearls growing in these meatballs!¡±


    ¡°This pearl is useless to others but to us, this thing can become an important cornerstone to support this major event in the future!¡±


    ¡°Also, you know that I¡¯m a kind-hearted person and can¡¯t stand to see others suffering at all. Look, every time these shells are closed, they seem to be in pain. It¡¯s obvious that they were poked by those pearls!¡±


    The captain licked his lips and stared at the pearls as he spoke to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Sigh, let¡¯s do something good and help them. Take out these pearls and let them feel more comfortable.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He looked at the shells and then at the red sea. He sensed the terrifying intent emitted by them and also felt a life-and-death crisis rising in his heart.


    He was clear that this blood-red sea definitely hid fatal dangers.


    As for the captain¡¯s words, he directly ignored them. With the thought of never participating, Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and he wanted to retreat and leave.


    When the captain saw that Xu Qing was about to leave, he instantly became anxious and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Junior Brother, don¡¯t leave. 1 have a way to obtain the pearl safely. Look, I¡¯m already prepared.¡±


    As he spoke, the captain quickly took out a rope.


    ii


    1¡¯11 tie one end of this rope to myself and you can hold the other end. After that, find an open shell and throw me in. After I dig the pearl inside, I¡¯ll give you a signal and you can pull me out.¡±


    ¡°With my speed and your help, nothing will go wrong!¡±


    Xu Qing hesitated and glanced at the rope. It looked a little familiar.


    It was a skin rope. After taking a closer look at the patterns on it, Xu Qing sighed inwardly as he recognized it.


    ¡°Recognized it? Haha, Junior Brother, you see my efforts, right? Help me.¡±


    The captain smiled.


    It was the captain¡¯s skin.


    Just like back then in the Moon Offering Region, the captain had clearly peeled off his skin and made it into a rope.


    This level of dedication made it difficult for Xu Qing to refuse, so he looked at the captain meaningfully and nodded.


    Seeing Xu Qing¡¯s agreement, the captain became excited and moved closer to discuss the details. Xu Qing also thought comprehensively about the next plan and made some adjustments. Then, gritting his teeth, he lifted the rope and the captain and flew above.


    He appeared on the blood-red sea.


    Soon, he found a shell that had just opened. Almost at the instant the giant eagle inside peered out, the captain put on special gloves and let out a shout.


    ¡°That¡¯s it!


    H


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate and strongly swung the rope in his hand.


    Immediately, the captain on the other end of the rope erupted with speed. His entire person transformed into a blue light that broke through the void at an incomparably astonishing speed and rushed in through the opening of the shell.


    Perhaps it was because the captain¡¯s preparations were indeed sufficient this time around, or maybe it was because the wordless book¡¯s concealment was astonishing, the captain, who was the size of a mosquito, didn¡¯t attract the attention of the giant eagle.


    He successfully entered the shell. When he landed on the flesh inside, the captain¡¯s eyes shone with a blue light. Without the slightest hesitation, he wiped the flesh with his gloved hand.


    This glove was strange. When it touched the flesh inside the shell, the flesh actually squirmed and spread out on its own, revealing the pearl inside.


    The captain was excited. He hugged the pearl that was about the same size as his body and retreated fiercely.


    At this moment, Xu Qing also used all his strength to pull the rope in his hand. With his help, the captain¡¯s speed became even faster and he instantly rushed out of the shell.


    When he returned to Xu Qing¡¯s side, the captain laughed loudly.


    ¡°How is it, Little Qing? I already said that nothing will go wrong.¡±


    Xu Qing was suspicious. From the looks of it, this matter was indeed as the captain had said. There was no danger. However, his habit still made Xu Qing vigilant.


    The captain shook his head and sighed with emotion.


    ¡°You have to believe me, Junior Brother. Come, let¡¯s continue.¡±


    As he spoke, the captain pointed to another shell not far away that was about to open.


    Just like that, with Xu Qing¡¯s help, time flowed by. After about fifteen minutes, the number of pearls the captain took out had already reached more than ten.


    He succeeded every time and didn¡¯t fail once. There was even a time when the captain took two pearls from a shell and returned safely.


    ¡°I¡¯m a little tired. Little Qing, come, come, come. How about you give it a try?¡±


    Xu Qing rejected.


    The captain¡¯s eyebrows shot up.


    ¡°Little Qing, you¡¯re becoming more and more timid now. Forget it, let me handle it. We need a hundred of these pearls.¡±


    The captain lifted his chin, showing some disdain, gesturing for Xu Qing to throw him out.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the captain¡¯s words. He had decided that he wouldn¡¯t participate too deeply this time. Hence, just like before, he threw the captain out.


    However, this time, although it was late, the accident still came.


    The instant the captain¡¯s figure entered the shell, before he could dig for the pearl, the giant eagle, which had originally ignored him, suddenly opened its eyes and bit the rope with its sharp beak.


    With a cracking sound, the rope broke.


    The captain was shocked and his expression changed. He tried to retreat but he was still too late. The shell instantly closed.


    The sea was quiet and there were no waves in the surroundings. Only Xu Qing stood in the air and looked at everything. He let out a long sigh. He knew that this would definitely happen.


    Hence, his gaze landed on the closed shell. After that, he looked at the shells the captain had gone to earlier. None of them opened again.


    Obviously, there was some time interval between the openings of these shells.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait anymore.¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and the fourth god form immediately erupted. As soul threads filled his entire body, the nine heads of the Jiuli also surrounded him. In order to prevent any accidents, the fifth magus repository in his body rumbled and half of the image of the Ancestral Magus inside directly descended on this red sea.


    The moment it appeared, the red sea trembled and all the shells swayed. A divine might from all directions immediately enveloped it and an intense sense of danger erupted.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled. At that moment, he wasn¡¯t in the mood to think too much. He gathered all his strength and tore at the shell that had devoured the captain.


    The shell rumbled. Under Xu Qing¡¯s all-out effort, a gap was finally opened.


    Although it was a gap, a person could still pass through it.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother!¡±


    Xu Qing shouted. A figure rushed out of the gap.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t hold on for too long and retreated abruptly.


    The shell closed again loudly. Xu Qing also quickly retracted all his aura. Only then did the divine might that enveloped him from all directions dissipate somewhat.


    As for the captain, he was in an extremely sorry state.


    His entire body was wet and his skin was corroded to the point his bones could be seen. It was the same for his face. It was as though if Xu Qing had opened the shell a little later, he would have been melted and absorbed.


    Moreover, a pearl-like shell had appeared on his body¡­


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the captain but he didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°Ahem, Junior Brother, this isn¡¯t an accident. It¡¯s normal!¡±


    The captain felt awkward but he would never admit his failure.


    ¡°I did it on purpose. Look at what I have on me. It¡¯s also a part of the divine pearl. I can take it out and use it.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Xu Qing nodded. Seeing that his eldest senior brother was in such a miserable state, he didn¡¯t expose him.


    However, his gaze still made the captain feel that it was damaging his dignity as the Eldest Senior Brother. Hence, he placed all his anger on the shell. At this moment, he turned his head and stared at the shell that had bitten him, his eyes revealing madness.


    ¡°Junior Brother, lend me your Sun of Dawn!¡±


    Xu Qing was shocked. Just as he was about to refuse, the captain blinked and quickly spoke.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not going to blow up this place. There¡¯s a treasure of mine in the ancient sun. I¡¯m going to take it out. Just give it to me.¡±


    Xu Qing sighed. Although he didn¡¯t believe it, since Eldest Senior Brother had spoken, he still passed the Sun of Dawn over. However, after giving it to him, his body swayed and he instantly moved 10,000 feet away.


    As though he still felt that it wasn¡¯t safe, he blinked again and appeared 30,000 feet away.


    Looking at Xu Qing¡¯s departing figure, the captain was a little dissatisfied.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the trust between people?!¡±


    The captain snorted. However, after picking up the Sun of Dawn, all his emotions transformed into madness.


    It was indeed as Xu Qing had expected. He didn¡¯t take out anything, since he had left nothing in the Sun of Dawn.


    At that moment, he stared fixedly at the shell and clenched his right hand fiercely, directly activating the Sun of Dawn!


    In an instant, intense heat rose from the Sun of Dawn. A terrifying aura and violent fluctuations directly enveloped the entire red sea.


    Even the surrounding void showed signs of distortion. The heat from the Sun of Dawn seemed to be able to boil everything.


    F*ckyou, it¡¯s usually me who bites others. This is the first time I¡¯ve encountered someone who dares to bite me. 1¡¯11 cook you and eat you!¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice was filled with madness as it echoed in all directions.


    In the distance, Xu Qing¡¯s face darkened as he turned and fled even further..

 Chapter 1291 - Chapter 1291 Dumbfounded Grandpa

    Chapter 1291 Dumbfounded Grandpa


    Chapter 1291 Dumbfounded Grandpa


    Xu Qing sighed at the captain¡¯s crazy actions. He wasn¡¯t surprised at all.


    The captain¡¯s action of asking for the Sun of Dawn had already revealed everything. Xu Qing knew that he couldn¡¯t stop the captain¡¯s suicidal behavior. The only thing he could do was to escape further away.


    At that moment, on the red frozen sea, regardless of whether it was the captain¡¯s eyes or expression, they were filled with madness. He was always the one who bit others, but today, he was actually bitten by a shell in front of his junior brother. This made him feel very embarrassed.


    Hence, in his madness, the captain looked at the shells below and laughed loudly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know that I can¡¯t be bitten casually!¡±


    As he spoke, the Sun of Dawn in his hand was activated, emitting an astonishingly high temperature that spread out.


    Wherever it passed, the seashells would turn red and ripples would appear in the seawater.


    This terrifying temperature instantly enveloped the entire frozen sea.


    The world also distorted. Even Xu Qing, who had fled tens of thousands of feet away, could sense the intense heat behind him.


    However, although the captain was crazy, maybe it was because he wasn¡¯t willing to perish together with the enemy, or maybe the shell hadn¡¯t bitten him strongly, he still had some sense of propriety. He only stimulated the high temperature of the Sun of Dawn and didn¡¯t detonate it.


    From this, it could be seen that the captain seemed to be quite experienced in controlling the Sun of Dawn.


    After all, the original form of this one was the ancient sun he had personally salvaged from the Sacrificial Yin River.


    Even so, the Sun of Dawn was a human race¡¯s regional treasure. Moreover, Xu Qing had even fused Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh into this one, so its might had already surpassed that of an ordinary Sun of Dawn.


    Hence, even if it was just the spreading of its temperature, even in the Divine Realm, it was still incomparably astonishing.


    This directly caused the red frozen sea to boil. The frozen state melted, as though it had become a true sea.


    As for the shells¡­ they had all turned red from the heat. The giant eagles inside closed their eyes, shaking.


    Under the high temperature, even the anomalous substances were forcefully repelled at this moment, causing this place to become the realm of the Sun of the Dawn.


    The captain laughed wildly. With a sway of his body, he headed straight for the shell that had bitten him. In the blink of an eye, he rushed in and dug out the divine pearl before escaping.


    His speed was very fast. Taking advantage of the fact that the other shells were opening their mouths in the high temperature, he moved through them with all his might. While digging out the pearls, he spoke arrogantly.


    ¡°A bunch of trash. Just obediently let me take out the pearl. Why did you have to make me use my ultimate move?¡±


    ¡°Back in the day, I could freeze all of you, take the pearls freely, and you wouldn¡¯t even dare to fart. Today, even though my cultivation is not as good as it used to be, I still have a way to deal with you. This time, I won¡¯t freeze you, I¡¯ll cook you!¡±


    The captain felt comfortable and shouted at Xu Qing, who was still moving further away.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you¡¯re too cowardly. Come, come, come, help me take the pearls.¡±


    50,000 feet away, Xu Qing continued to leave without turning his head.


    Seeing this, the captain shook his head. He felt that he still needed to train Little Qing, so he hummed a small tune and continued to dig for pearls. However, just as he dug out more than a hundred pearls¡­


    As the seawater boiled more intensely and the high temperature spread, the entire frozen sea looked like boiling water from afar. The shells inside were also extremely red. Under this extreme stimulation, the giant eagles inside opened their eyes one after another.


    Their eyes revealed black light and they let out sharp cries.


    The cries came from thousands of shells. Their voices gathered together and were deafening.


    lights¦­¦Ïv¦Ål ?¦Ïm Their struggles also reached the top at this instant. The shells continued to shake, and some even flew up as though they had wings.


    The sea underwent a peculiar change!


    The seawater was like a fountain, suddenly erupting into the sky from many directions.


    This scene stunned the captain as he looked at the fluttering shells.


    ¡°Can fly?¡±


    In his memory, this red frozen sea had never changed like this, and those shell eagles had never flown up.


    Just as the captain was surprised, the sea rumbled and countless shells actually flew up. As the shells continued to flap, the sea completely erupted.


    Seawater rose into the air!


    The cries of the giant eagles became even more impassioned. Furious killing intent erupted from the eyes of these giant eagles as they stared fixedly at their captain.


    They quickly chased after him.


    If that was all, it would have been fine. A cold glint flashed in the captain¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Who are you trying to scare!¡±


    He let out a cold snort and was about to attack. However, at the next instant, even he gasped¡­


    This was because the sea actually floated up completely amidst the rumbling, and rose into the air. In fact, there were even many tentacles under the seawater¡­


    The captain was stunned. He instinctively kept the Sun of Dawn and turned to run toward Xu Qing with all his might.


    Xu Qing, who was far away, sensed the terrifying fluctuations behind him and couldn¡¯t help but turn his head to take a look.


    In his eyes, what was rising into the air was not seawater but an incredibly huge red jellyfish!


    This jellyfish was too big. It was originally resting there and its head was seawater.


    At that moment, it was clearly stimulated to wake up. As it rose into the air, the captain was like dust in comparison.


    Looking at this terrifying jellyfish, Xu Qing¡¯s scalp went numb. He turned around and sped up. The captain behind him wailed and displayed his full speed. He even shouted at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother¡­¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say a word. He made a grabbing motion toward the back; at the next instant, the captain borrowed this force to increase his speed, dodging a huge tentacle behind him.


    His breathing was hurried as he hurriedly threw out his skin rope.


    Xu Qing grabbed and pulled, instantly pulling the captain closer.


    ¡°Junior Brother, this was an accident¡­¡±


    When he got close to Xu Qing, the captain spoke in a low voice. Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and quickly moved forward.


    Behind them, thousands of giant eagles flew and huge jellyfish floated as they chased after them.


    Furious cries echoed, revealing an intent to fight to the death.


    Fortunately, there were spiderwebs and the jellyfish¡¯s body was too large. When it moved, it inevitably came into contact with the spiderweb, causing its speed to be slow and its movements not very agile.


    However, it was also because of this that it showed how terrifying this jellyfish was. Some of the spiderwebs actually broke when it moved forward.


    There were also some spiders that collapsed immediately after coming into contact with it.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to tremble. The captain was also trembling with fear.


    ¡°When I came here in my previous life, this sea wasn¡¯t like this. This, this, this¡­ the sea is actually a large jellyfish!¡±


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t be bothered to say anything else. He gritted his teeth and sped off.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    Several days later, in the sky of the Divine Realm, there was also a person running crazily like the captain and Xu Qing.


    This person was none other than Tuoshi Shan. At that moment, his hair was disheveled and he was in a very sorry state. Two huge whiskered fish could be seen behind him. They had locked onto him and were chasing after him.


    ¡°Why am I so unlucky!¡±


    Tuoshi Shan felt helpless and even a little anxious. After he entered the Divine Realm, he didn¡¯t know what was wrong. Although it was smooth at the start, things didn¡¯t go smoothly later on.


    He even encountered the Eyes of Destruction.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the old grandfather in his body had woken up to help him, his body and soul would have been destroyed under the Eye of Destruction.


    He originally thought that his bad luck had passed, but he didn¡¯t expect to be locked onto by these two whiskered fishes. Now, the old man was sleeping again¡­


    Tuoshi Shan sighed. Unless he reached his limit, he didn¡¯t want to force the old man to wake up. He felt his heart ache for the old man¡¯s sacrifice.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. There are other ways. The characteristic of the whiskered fishes is that as long as they hunt something, they will stop¡­¡±


    Tuoshi Shan muttered inwardly and quickly checked his surroundings, planning to find someone to divert the trouble.


    Hence, under his diligent search, two hours later, he saw two figures rushing over from the distant horizon.


    ¡°Xu Qing? Who¡¯s the other person? Is he also a human?¡±


    Tuoshi Shan¡¯s eyes lit up. He was a little conflicted about whether he should harm Xu Qing or not. However, he gritted his teeth and thought to himself, ¡®Better someone else dies, instead of me. A great man has to be ruthless.¡¯


    Xu Qing, Xu Qing, we don¡¯t have much of a relation. Since we met at this moment¡­ you can only be considered unlucky!


    At the thought of this, Tuoshi Shan no longer hesitated. He suddenly rushed forward and stimulated his remaining strength, causing his speed to increase explosively again. He led the two whiskered fish behind him and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing and the captain were also mentally and physically exhausted. Over the past few days, they had been chased by the huge jellyfish. They had specially searched for places with dense spiderwebs, causing the large jellyfish¡¯s speed to become slower and slower.


    However, the pursuit continued. The ¡®not¡¯ word¡¯s effect seemed to be useless against the large jellyfish.


    ¡°Our concealment isn¡¯t useless but locked by karma. However, as long as we widen the distance and aren¡¯t locked onto by it for a few hours, we can sever the karma thread.¡±


    The captain quickly spoke. When Xu Qing nodded, they saw Tuoshi Shan flying over from afar and the two whiskered fish behind him.


    Xu Qing raised his brows.


    At the same time, an earth-shattering roar rang out from behind Xu Qing and the captain. The large jellyfish that was wrapped in spiderwebs was chasing after them again and its figure was unveiled in the distance.


    That size and aura shook the surroundings.


    Tuoshi Shan¡¯s gaze was originally on Xu Qing, leading the whiskered fish behind him. At that moment, he instinctively lifted his head and his gaze landed in the distance.


    He saw the terrifying huge jellyfish and countless shell eagles in the distant horizon.


    With just a glance, sweat broke out on his forehead. The two whiskered fish on his back instantly paused. They didn¡¯t prevent at all and turned to run. They quickly hid in the void and disappeared in the blink of an eye¡­


    While Tuoshi Shan¡¯s heart was churning, Xu Qing and the captain were already close. Their gazes were filled with a strange glint as they gazed at Tuoshi Shan. They had seen the two whiskered fish following behind Tuoshi Shan earlier.


    A life-and-death crisis immediately erupted in Tuoshi Shan¡¯s heart. He didn¡¯t hesitate at all and spoke loudly with a sharp expression.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Xu Qing, let me help you!¡±


    As he spoke, he immediately forcibly stimulated the old man in his body. With a wave of his hand, a dazzling light flashed and the old man¡¯s figure appeared. In his daze, he was swept up by the light and headed straight for the huge jellyfish.

 Chapter 1292 - Chapter 1292 Ancestral Emperors Tomb

    Chapter 1292 Ancestral Emperor¡¯s Tomb


    Chapter 1292 Ancestral Emperor¡¯s Tomb


    Tuoshi Shan¡¯s reaction was quick and decisive. He deeply understood that with his cultivation, he was no match for Xu Qing at such a close distance.


    After all, although he didn¡¯t see Ji Dongzi¡¯s death with his own eyes, he understood it very clearly from others.


    Hence, he knew that he, who had first revealed the intention of attracting trouble, would probably not have a chance if he didn¡¯t express his stance immediately and give an explanation.


    Needless to say, the shifty-eyed person beside Xu Qing was clearly a person full of schemes. Moreover, he remembered that when he competed with Xu Qing outside the Holy City, this wretched-looking fellow who didn¡¯t look like a good person seemed to be beside Xu Qing.


    Those who could stay by Xu Qing¡¯s side naturally weren¡¯t weak.


    From this judgment, he would surely die if he fought them.


    In addition, these two fellows had actually provoked such a terrifying existence. This¡­ was also a capability.


    Not everyone could provoke such a terrifying thing. Not everyone could continue to flee and not die after provoking it.


    After combining all of this, Tuoshi Shan didn¡¯t hesitate to stimulate the old man and throw him out as his stance.


    At that moment, the old grandpa who was thrown out also jolted from his daze. The moment the huge red jellyfish stared at him, his entire soul trembled and his heart churned to the extreme.


    ¡°You brat¡­¡±


    He was going crazy, but there was nothing he could do now, nor did he have the time to curse. At this critical moment, he erupted with his Soul Accumulation power and pressed down on the huge jellyfish that was approaching.


    The world rumbled and the surroundings trembled.


    The figure of the majestic jellyfish also paused slightly. However, as the wind and clouds rolled back, its body broke through everything and rushed over again.


    ¡°This is already an existence comparable to a minor god!¡±


    The old man¡¯s heart trembled. He braced himself and continued to attack.


    The captain and Xu Qing also had strange expressions when they saw the sudden arrival and help of Tuoshi Shan. This was especially so when they saw the old man putting in so much effort¡­


    Since the other party was already in such a state, it wasn¡¯t good for them to make a move and harm him. Hence, Xu Qing nodded at Tuoshi Shan, who had a stern expression.


    ¡°Thanks!¡±


    Xu Qing then moved past Tuoshi Shan.


    Tuoshi Shan was also retreating but it was obvious that he wasn¡¯t as fast as Xu Qing. After Xu Qing surpassed him, he forced out a smile.


    ¡°We¡¯re brothers, no need to be polite.¡±


    When the captain heard this, he was a little moved. He nodded at Tuoshi Shan and quickly left after Xu Qing.


    Very soon, the two of them disappeared into the horizon.


    Tuoshi Shan was fleeing with all his might, but he was still a little slow. However, although the old man kept letting out miserable cries, he still managed to stall for time with his methods.


    Hence, Tuoshi Shan gradually distanced himself from the large jellyfish.


    When he reached a safe distance, Tuoshi Shan finally breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he was safe for the time being. However, when he thought of the miserable state the old man was in, he couldn¡¯t help but feel bitter.


    ¡°How did it come to this¡­¡±


    In the other direction, Xu Qing and the captain, who had finally completely shaken off the jellyfish, didn¡¯t slow down at all. After flying for several hours, the captain cut off the karma thread between them and the large jellyfish.


    After the connection was broken, the two of them were still worried. Under the captain¡¯s lead, they flew for a few days in a row. As the palpitations completely disappeared, the crisis from the large jellyfish was completely resolved.


    At that moment, on a reishi mushroom that was hundreds of feet wide, the captain squatted there and heaved a long sigh of relief.


    Recalling the scenes from before, he couldn¡¯t help but sigh with emotion.


    ¡°Look, I told you before that sh*t Tuoshi Shan is a good person.¡±


    As he spoke, the captain dug out a piece of reishi¡¯s flesh and ate it.


    ¡°Eat some. This reishi is the only safe thing in the Divine Realm.¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and lifted his head to look at the horizon. Only after confirming that the terrifying jellyfish indeed had no more karmic ties with him did he feel somewhat relieved.


    He then looked at the captain.


    The captain smiled awkwardly.


    ¡°Accident, it¡¯s really an accident.¡±


    As he spoke, the captain handed a piece of reishi flesh he had dug out to Xu Qing.


    Even though he was long used to the captain¡¯s madness, Xu Qing¡¯s emotions still fluctuated. He silently took the piece of reishi flesh and, without hesitation, ate it.


    Since the situation was already like this, he wasn¡¯t afraid of attracting other troubles.


    Although this reishi flesh was black, it tasted exceptionally sweet. Moreover, it seemed to have a certain nourishing effect on the soul, causing Xu Qing¡¯s spirit to feel refreshed.


    ¡°How is it, Junior Brother? I didn¡¯t lie to you, right? This flesh is edible. Let me tell you, there were a lot of reishi here in the past. Later on, I discovered this use¡­¡±


    ¡°So there¡¯s less now,¡± Xu Qing said unenthusiastically.


    The captain chuckled. He was best at coaxing Xu Qing, and he didn¡¯t mind Xu Qing¡¯s tone at all. He stepped forward and hugged Xu Qing¡¯s neck, speaking proudly.


    ¡°Little Qing, you know me best. That¡¯s right, I¡¯ve eaten 70 to 80% of the reishi here. This stuff is good, but it won¡¯t grow back. I reckon there¡¯s even less of it now.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat more. When we¡¯re done eating, I will bring you to see a big treasure.¡±


    With that, the captain dug out another piece of flesh.


    Just like that, the two of them took one bite after another. Two hours later¡­ this reishi that was hundreds of feet long disappeared without a trace.


    It was all eaten. The captain ate little and Xu Qing ate a lot. His anger had mostly subsided.


    After eating so much of the reishi¡¯s flesh, the most direct benefit for Xu Qing was the thickness of his soul.


    Compared to before, it had increased by at least 40%. This allowed Xu Qing to clearly sense the shackles of his cultivation.


    That was a stagnation caused by the lack of the Heavenly Dao. In fact, after the thickness of his soul increased, his perception of the five secret repositories in his body became even more clear.


    He could sense that other than the divine repository in the first god form and the fifth magus repository, the other three repositories were all transmitting the sense of being empty.


    ¡°The mosasaur is in the first divine repository, and the fifth magus repository doesn¡¯t need the Heavenly Dao because¡­ the body of the Ancestral Magus that is taking shape inside is the Heavenly Dao!¡±


    ¡°Therefore, what I really lack now are three Heavenly Daos.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. After coming to this Divine Realm, he could sense that the whiskered fish could be used as the Heavenly Dao¡­ and that large jellyfish could also be used.


    However, these two were too powerful and Xu Qing couldn¡¯t suppress them.


    ¡°Spiders are fine too. The shell eagles are barely qualified, but they are a little weak. Also, the main thing is the Emperor Sword¡¯s secret repository¡­¡±


    While Xu Qing was deep in thought, the captain blinked and smiled.


    ¡°Are you thinking of the Heavenly Dao?¡±


    On the ground, the captain patted his stomach and burped.


    ¡°The big treasure I¡¯ll bring you to see in a while can allow you to obtain the Heavenly Dao. Junior Brother, stop pondering. Your Heavenly Dao is waiting for you.¡±


    With that, the captain stood up and pointed ahead.


    After hearing the term ¡®big treasure¡¯ from the captain twice, Xu Qing¡¯s vigilance rose again. Hence, he lifted his head and looked in the direction the other party was pointing at.


    The spiderwebs there were clearly denser than the other places. Moreover, one could vaguely see a star in the depths.


    This star was enveloped by a large number of spiderwebs, emitting a sense of dilapidation. Moreover, some vegetation that Xu Qing had never seen before appeared.


    They were withered trees growing on a spiderweb.


    The human face had its eyes closed as though it was in a deep sleep, and the tree¡¯s body was as withered as a ghost.


    The closer they got to the depths, the more there were.


    ¡®¡±That¡¯s the place where you do great things, right, Senior Brother?¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke. He had already decided not to go there but to find a suitable Heavenly Dao elsewhere.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I have to correct you. It¡¯s not a place for me to do big things. It¡¯s us.¡±


    The captain coughed. Seeing Xu Qing¡¯s determined gaze, he blinked.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I¡¯ve observed your divine repositories¡­ Actually, the Heavenly Dao of your repositories needs to be compatible with you!¡±


    ¡°Also, the Heavenly Dao for the divine repository isn¡¯t difficult.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s truly difficult is your Emperor Sword secret repository!¡±


    ¡°Not just any Heavenly Dao can be qualified to enter the Emperor Sword secret repository!¡±


    The captain had a solemn expression as he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°So, I stated that I wanted to bring you to see a big treasure. You saw it, right? There¡¯s a star there!¡±


    The captain raised his hand and pointed into the distance again.


    ¡°Do you know that there¡¯s an emperor¡¯s tomb on that star?!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He had also pondered about the secret repository of the Emperor Sword. The answer was the same as what the captain had said.


    A Heavenly Dao that was suitable for the Emperor Sword secret repository was very rare.


    Sensing Xu Qing¡¯s contemplation, the captain perked up and spoke again.


    ¡°According to my research back then, this Divine Realm we¡¯re in wasn¡¯t like this in the past.¡±


    ¡°This place was originally a world like the Wanggu Continent. Although it¡¯s not a large world but formed by many stars, there¡¯s not much difference.¡±


    ¡°In the past, there were cultivators, civilizations, and many races here!¡±


    ¡°Until one day, the spider god descended here and devoured everything. Its aura affected everything and finally turned this place into a Divine Realm. The lifeforms here became bizarre entities and lost their intelligence, becoming divine creatures.


    The captain¡¯s voice carried a hint of vicissitudes, as though it contained time.


    ¡°Although the status of the Wanggu Continent is far higher than here, its future fate¡­ might be like this.¡±


    ¡°Because the god¡¯s fragmented-face is even more terrifying than the spider god!¡±


    ¡°The tomb in this star is the tomb of the former ancestral emperor of this star field.¡±


    ¡°You can imagine the identity and status of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether. To a certain extent, they experienced the same!¡±


    ¡°In the tomb, it will definitely produce a Heavenly Dao that is suitable for your Emperor Sword secret repository! Junior Brother, what I stated is true. If you don¡¯t find a Heavenly Dao suitable for the Emperor Sword in there, you will be the eldest senior brother from now on!¡±


    The captain¡¯s gaze was fixed and his tone was firm. In order to pull Xu Qing over, he was going all out.


    Xu Qing was moved.


    He realized Eldest Senior Brother and understood that since the other party uttered like this, it was basically equivalent to swearing a vicious oath.


    Hence, his gaze landed on the stars that were enveloped by countless spiderwebs. Gradually, a hint of madness emerged in his eyes. A few breaths later, his body swayed and he rushed out.


    The captain licked his lips and excitedly whistled away.


    In an instant, the two of them rushed into the spiderweb!


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1293 - Chapter 1293: Moon Worshiping Statues

    Chapter 1293: Moon Worshiping Statues


    Translator: Atlas Studios | Editor: Atlas Studios


    As the two of them rushed over, the spiderweb grew larger in their eyes. The withered trees on it also became clearer.


    ¡°Take it slow, Junior Brother. These human-faced trees were the guards of the ancestor emperor back then. They were transformed by the invasion of divine aura and are now all asleep. Each one possesses formidable combat power.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s especially astonishing is that once they wake up, they will emit sounds that can destroy the soul. Moreover, there will be great horrors descending from their voices.¡±


    The captain hurriedly spoke and came to Xu Qing¡¯s side, moving through the spiderwebs with him.


    Xu Qing nodded. Previously, he could sense the strangeness of these human-faced trees when he looked at them from afar. Now that he was closer, he could see them even more meticulously.


    Most of those faces were middle-aged. There were no women among them and they were all men.


    Their appearances were similar to humans but their skin color was different.


    Moreover, behind their ears, there were fine lines that looked like gills.


    Other than that, although their eyes were closed, their expressions were distorted. The anomalous substances growing on their bodies were mixed with dense resentment. Coupled with their expressions, they revealed intense unwillingness.


    ¡°Those below the gods are all ants. They resisted when they were alive but it¡¯s a pity¡­¡±


    The captain sighed and flew through the gaps between the human-faced trees, not touching any of them.


    Xu Qing was the same. After about fifteen minutes, under the concealment of the wordless book, the two of them seemed to have lost all sense of existence and successfully passed through this terrifying human-faced forest.


    They flew past layers of spiderwebs like two mosquitoes and gradually arrived at the core of this spiderweb area.


    The huge star was reflected in their eyes.


    From outside the star, it was completely gray and filled with cracks. It was filled with the aura of death, and huge vortices were slowly moving inside.


    That was a storm.


    Other than that, there were also 16 huge deep pits on the surface of the star.


    Every one of them was a shocking sight.


    The instant he saw this deep pit, Xu Qing sensed something and thought of the spider god in the shrine he had seen in the core of the Jiuli.


    That god had 16 legs that matched the 16 deep pits.


    Hence, an image appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind: The terrifying and huge spider god rested on this huge gray star. Its 16 legs sank into the ground, forming 16 deep pits.


    ¡°According to my judgment back then, this is the resting place of the owner of this Divine Realm. Unfortunately, as the owner of the Divine Realm left and never returned, this Divine Realm gradually showed signs of decline.¡±


    The captain stared at the star and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°This place is much less dangerous.¡±


    ¡°However, this place is the Divine Realm after all and can be considered the core. Hence, there are still many dangers.¡±


    ¡°The more this is the case, the greater the benefits!¡±


    Madness appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t forget to remind Xu Qing.


    ¡°The Heavenly Dao that is suitable for your Emperor Sword secret repository is inside!¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, let¡¯s go!¡±


    As he spoke, the captain flew over first.


    Determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Since he had decided, he didn¡¯t hesitate anymore and followed the captain into this vast star.


    In the star, the ground was originally gray and the sky was black. However, due to the envelopment of the storm, most of it was hazy.


    As for the storm that was stirred up all year round, it swept in all directions. The whistling sounds were also deafening.


    Coming here was like coming to a dangerous place.


    Before this, the greatest storm Xu Qing had seen was in the Green Sand Desert in the Moon Offering Region. Now that he had stepped onto the star and entered the storm here, the contrast between them was especially obvious.


    It surpassed the Green Sand Desert!


    The sandstorm seemed to be the only thing here. It swept through the sky and even landed on their bodies. Xu Qing and the captain felt that it was difficult for them to move an inch.


    This wasn¡¯t an ordinary storm.


    This was the remnant of a divine technique that contained the aura of a god, with an extremely high level status, and even imperial qi.


    One could imagine that this place must have experienced an earth-shattering battle in the past.


    Fortunately, Xu Qing himself possessed the god form. Hence, after he displayed the divine source, he could move forward in the sandstorm. Also, it was clearly not the captain¡¯s first time here. With his mysterious methods, he could barely move here.


    Moreover, it seemed like he knew where to go.


    Just like that, the two of them walked forward in the sandstorm.


    Time flowed by and very soon, seven days passed. The storm became stronger and stronger. Moreover, as they got closer to their destination, many storms here fused together.


    Even Xu Qing and the captain felt that it was strenuous.


    What made Xu Qing¡¯s heart palpitate even more was that every time a storm arrived, there would be a strange heartbeat hidden. It was as though¡­ something was hiding in the core of the storm.


    Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    The captain shook his head and didn¡¯t speak.


    After the fifth great storm, when the core vortex of the sixth storm was about to envelop them, the captain brought Xu Qing to a crack in the ground.


    The moment he entered, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t too surprised to discover that there was another cave hidden here.


    It was unknown how long this cave had been dug out for. It was very ingenious. By hiding inside, one could avoid the storm.


    After entering the cave, the captain heaved a long sigh of relief and looked around with emotion.


    ¡°There aren¡¯t many changes here. Junior Brother, let¡¯s rest here for three days. According to my calculations, in three days, it will be a small cycle of the storm outside.¡±


    ¡°At that time, the storm will be much weaker.¡±


    ¡°As for your previous question, I don¡¯t have an answer. In one of my lives, I was swept into the core vortex of the storm. Although I didn¡¯t die, I lost my memories after coming out. Even now, I can¡¯t recall them.¡±


    The captain¡¯s words caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to skip a beat. The more he understood the captain, the more he could sense the terror of the existence in the core of the storm through his words.


    Hence, he fell silent for a moment. His gaze swept across the surroundings before looking out of the cave and asking.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, how many times have you been here?¡±


    ¡°This is the third time!¡± The captain appeared nonchalant, seemingly not caring about the previous explanation. At that moment, he stretched lazily and chuckled, sitting down against a rocky wall.


    He leaned there and lifted three fingers at Xu Qing.


    With a meaningful glance, Xu Qing looked at the captain. He understood well that whatever kept the captain persisting after two failures must be of significant importance. It reminded him of the captain¡¯s mention of a ¡®super big event.¡¯


    ¡°What¡¯s the purpose of this trip?¡±


    Xu Qing spoke in a low voice.


    The captain blinked and looked around. In the end, he shook his head.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I really can¡¯t say. Wait a little longer¡­ I can only tell you one thing now. Compared to this, the gains from Crimson Goddess arc nothing.¡±


    ¡°The reason why I¡¯ve been thinking about this place is because half of my previous preparations were for this place.¡±


    ¡°Originally, I thought that I would need another three to five lifetimes before I could make any progress. However, Junior Brother, your appearance changed the plan.¡±


    The captain slapped his thigh with an excited expression.


    Xu Qing fell silent and fell into deep thought.


    He was very clear that the captain wasn¡¯t a person to deliberately mystify things. Unless there was really some reason why he couldn¡¯t say it, with the captain¡¯s personality that liked to show off and like to see him shocked, he would probably have said everything to admire his shock.


    ¡®To make the captain so hesitant, it must be related to the three gods¡­¡¯


    Xu Qing fell silent. Coupled with the fact that the three gods had used the name of the Grand Hunt many times to explore this place and the sealing of the spider god, a bold guess rose in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡®Fourth god?¡¯


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed and he didn¡¯t speak anymore. He closed his eyes and regulated his cultivation, maintaining his peak state.


    The entire cave slowly fell silent at this moment. Only the howling of the storm outside was left. It was like a god was roaring angrily to vent Their anger, sweeping across the ground and affecting the sky.


    There were also some whimpering sounds that seemed to be crying, struggling, sometimes heart-rending, and sometimes bizarre.


    These sounds continued to ring out, reminding Xu Qing of how terrifying this place was.


    Three days passed very quickly.


    The captain¡¯s understanding of this place was very accurate this time. The wind outside had indeed died down.


    After the third day passed, there was a moment when the storm almost completely disappeared and couldn¡¯t be heard at all.


    II


    It¡¯s time!


    II


    The captain¡¯s eyes lit up and he instantly rushed out. Xu Qing followed behind.


    The moment he left the cave and arrived outside, the black sky became clear for the first time. It was the same for the gray land.


    The storm that had permeated this place earlier was gone.


    ¡°There¡¯s only two hours!¡±


    The captain let out a deep shout and unleashed his speed to the extreme, transforming into a rainbow.


    Xu Qing followed behind and his speed erupted.


    The two of them tore through the air and charged forward with all their might while the storm dissipated.


    However, two hours passed very soon, and the wind slowly appeared again.


    But when the howling sound gradually grew stronger, a strange mountain and a group of statues appeared in front of the two of them.


    That mountain was vast and towered into the clouds.


    In the center was a circular hole. The wind and sand moved past the surroundings and the hole, forming an extremely sharp whimpering sound.


    It fused into the wind and spread in all directions, shaking one¡¯s soul.


    At the same time, the feeling of ancientness and vicissitudes also permeated Xu Qing¡¯s heart through his gaze.


    At the foot of the mountain, there were ancient statues surrounding it.


    They had three heads and six arms and looked at the sky. Each of them held a large blade and emitted a terrifying pressure.


    What attracted Xu Qing¡¯s attention even more was that there was a half-moon mark on the forehead of each huge statue.


    In fact, the posture of the statue at the edge vaguely looked like it was kneeling toward the sky.


    When Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the statues, the captain¡¯s voice rang out from behind him through the sandstorm.


    ¡°This is the manifestation of the 36 princes of the Ancestral Emperor.¡±


    ¡°When they were alive, they worshiped the moon, not Moon Flame or Red Moon, but the oldest moon. It¡¯s intangible, the yin within the yin and yang.¡±


    ¡°Some races like to call it the Ancestral Moon.¡±


    ¡°Also, this mountain is our destination, the ancestral emperor¡¯s tomb!¡±


    As he spoke, the captain headed straight for the mountain. However, after taking a few steps, he sensed that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t following. Hence, he turned his head and looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t move. At that moment, he was standing beside a statue that worshiped the moon. He stared at the statue and an intense glint appeared in his eyes.


    The mosasaur in his body was emitting fluctuations, as though it was reminding Xu Qing. The one with the greatest fluctuations was his third divine repository.


    The third divine repository was related to the moon. At this moment, an intense desire rose!


    Xu Qing instantly realized that this statue was very suitable to be the Heavenly Dao of the third divine repository..

 Chapter 1294 - Chapter 1294: Divine Repository Burning Lantern

    Chapter 1294: Divine Repository Burning Lantern


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The life-bound mosasaur was Xu Qing¡¯s first divine repository¡¯s Heavenly Dao. It had been formed for a long time. This caused the first divine repository to be filled with spirituality. At the same time, the power of laws and rules in it was also the most abundant.


    However, the second divine repository formed from the Poison Restriction, the third divine repository formed from the power of the Purple Moon, and the Emperor Sword Repository were only repositories without spirits.


    Spirit was the Heavenly Dao, and a repository without the Heavenly Dao was not complete. The five repositories wouldn¡¯t be able to erupt with all the energy, nor could they form rules and laws, failing to become Nihility.


    Hence, obtaining Heavenly Dao was Xu Qing¡¯s goal in coming to the Divine Realm other than needing the identity of the Grand Mystic Heaven!


    On his way, although he encountered many creatures in the Divine Realm and most of them could transform into the Heavenly Dao, he gave up on them for various reasons.


    Until this moment!


    The aura emitted by those statues with three heads and six arms and moon marks actually incited a reaction from his third divine repository. This was the first time this had happened!


    A strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    At the same time, the captain¡¯s voice rang out from ahead.


    ¡°Junior Brother, come over quickly. We¡¯re running out of time.¡±


    The captain shouted loudly. His voice didn¡¯t spread too far in the wind. When Xu Qing heard it, his voice had already been torn apart by the wind and was fragmented.


    Xu Qing nodded and retracted his gaze from the statue. He looked at the storm that swept in all directions in the distance and felt the sandstorm in the surroundings blowing on his body. It felt like countless sharp blades were stabbing at him.


    All of this made him lower his head slightly. With a sway of his body, he headed straight for the captain.


    Seeing that Xu Qing was catching up, the captain moved at full speed and finally arrived at the mountain of the imperial tomb.


    When they arrived here, the storm behind them became even more intense. From afar, it looked like a black mass. Regardless of the sky or the ground, they were all hazy in the storm. It was as though endless evil with the power of extermination was invading.


    The statues at the edge were already submerged in the black sandstorm. Even the mountain of the emperor¡¯s tomb seemed to be covered by the sandstorm.


    However, the captain was well-prepared and his target was extremely clear. The instant he got close to the mountain, he directly spat out a large amount of blood.


    It was indeed a large amount!


    This was because the amount of blood was comparable to the total blood of an adult human.


    As he spat out the blood, he lifted his right hand and brandished the blood.


    Using the blood as ink, he drew on the rocky wall of the mountain.


    He drew a curve.


    Without stopping, the captain spat out mouthfuls of blood until he had sprayed out seventeen mouthfuls. Under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, the captain used this blood to draw a complete circle on the wall!


    Then, a sobbing cry, like that of a mourning, echoed from the captain¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Alas, sorrowful is my father, who fell ill and passed away.¡±


    ¡°Deeply aware of my father¡¯s lifelong hardships, cherished us as precious in his life.¡±


    ¡°But fate has abandoned me, separated me from my kin, my soul wanders in the underworld, cries unheard, longings unmet, his presence distant, his voice silent, tears my heart apart, how can I express my feelings?¡±


    Every word of the captain¡¯s voice was sorrowful and mournful. The wind tore his voice, but could not diminish its meaning. It permeated the surroundings, moving Xu Qing as well.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that he saw the captain who was filled with sorrow turning his head and winking at him with a hint of smugness in his eyes, Xu Qing even had the feeling that the person buried in the imperial tomb was really the captain¡¯s father¡­


    At the next instant, after the captain shouted, he raised his right hand and plunged it into his own body. He took out his liver and pressed it into the blood-red circle on the rock wall.


    His voice instantly became even more mournful.


    ¡°Here lies my offering, to express filial piety, may my departed father¡¯s spirit taste and partake. Alas, mournful indeed! Let him be honored!¡±


    The entire rock wall shook. After that, the captain took out his kidneys, spleen, and lungs and placed them into the blood-red circle on the rock wall one by one. Finally, he even took out his heart and pressed it atop the others.


    It was as though these were his sacrifices!


    He was waiting for his father to come and eat!


    The world rumbled and emperor mountain trembled. At this moment, the storm became even more terrifying. As it moved closer, the captain performed a series of hand seals with both hands. His eyes revealed madness and his head leaned back. After that, he suddenly moved forward and ruthlessly slammed into the rock wall in front of him as he shouted.


    ¡°I beg you to partake of this sacrifice!¡±


    He had used all his strength.


    With a cracking sound, a crack appeared on the captain¡¯s skull.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed again.


    All of the captain¡¯s actions caused the mountain of the emperor¡¯s tomb to quake violently. In the circle on the rock wall, a crack actually appeared where he collided.


    The captain¡¯s expression became even crazier. With a sobbing sound, he raised his head again and slammed the rock wall fiercely.


    ¡°I beg you to partake of this sacrifice!¡±


    The earth trembled and the mountain swayed.


    The crack on his forehead grew larger and larger, and there were more and more cracks on the rocky wall.


    Finally, after the captain slammed nine times in a row, the blood-red circle on the rock wall collapsed loudly, revealing a passage!


    Inside the passage, a light barrier shone, isolating it from the outside world.


    ¡°Haha, it¡¯s finally opened!¡±


    The captain¡¯s face was covered in blood and his expression was crazed. He rushed into the barrier and didn¡¯t forget to wave at Xu Qing with a loud laugh.


    ¡°Little Qing, this is the back door of the emperor¡¯s tomb that I left behind in my previous life. You can activate it with some phrases, and with this light barrier blocking the gap, dangers from outside cannot enter.¡±


    ¡°Haha, the treasures here are waiting for us. Let¡¯s charge!¡±


    As the captain spoke, he rushed forward. However, after taking a few steps, he sensed that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t following. Hence, he turned his head and was stunned.


    ¡°Junior Brother, what are you doing?¡±


    Outside the light barrier, Xu Qing originally planned to follow the captain inside. However, after hearing the other party say that the dangers outside couldn¡¯t enter, Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred and a hint of determination flashed in his eyes. His purple god form instantly activated.


    Millions of soul threads spread out and quickly gathered to form Lord Purple¡¯s body. With the enhancement of the heads of the Jiuli, his combat strength directly reached the peak. He pushed a statue closest to him.


    The divine source spread out and formed an illusory large hand that headed straight for the statue.


    He wanted to kill a statue here and suppress its soul, turning it into his Heavenly Dao!


    The ¡¯not¡¯ and ¡¯word¡¯ concealment also dissipated at this moment.


    That statue suddenly shook and its closed eyes opened, revealing a dark glint. Its petrified body instantly recovered into a body of flesh and blood. Facing the large hand that grabbed over, the statue said a word.


    ¡°Capture!¡±


    As the word left its mouth, the world churned. White bone chains descended from the void and directly locked onto Xu Qing¡¯s illusory hand, making it difficult for it to move forward at all.


    Devour!


    There was also a backlash. As the statue spoke, the backlash suddenly affected Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    Xu Qing let out a muffled snort and took a step back. Immediately after, the statue¡¯s aura became violent, emitting terrifying fluctuations. The three heads glared angrily and its six arms performed a series of hand seals, heading straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart was calm. He suppressed the backlash in his body and stared at the statue that was rushing over like a sharp blade. As he retreated, he lifted his right hand and grabbed at the void beside him.


    Immediately, the void tore apart and flames erupted from within. A black spear flew over. After Xu Qing grabbed it, a malevolent and savage beast with the body of a dhole and the head of a dragon rushed out of Xu Qing¡¯s body and fused into the black spear, augmenting it.


    It was the bloodthirsty and battle-loving Yazi!


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were filled with coldness. He lifted his hand and ruthlessly threw it toward the statue in front of him!


    The flames raged wildly in all directions, the Jiuli Yazi roared ferociously, and the black spear created a resounding sound, like the dawn tearing through the night, like the darkness shattering the sunset, crashing towards the statue.


    A deafening sound surged into the sky. The statue suddenly paused and raised its four arms, grabbing the spear and preventing its tip from touching it.


    Without any hesitation, when he threw the spear, Xu Qing¡¯s left hand was already raised, four fingers pointing towards the sky like sharp blades, his arm straight as a blade. A vortex formed in the sky, and an ancient temple appeared between heaven and earth.


    The gate of the temple silently opened, revealing the saber-wielding statue on the altar. This statue took a step forward and crossed the temple gate, drawing its saber and slashing.


    The world became bright.


    This temple was called Extreme Heaven and the statue had Xu Qing¡¯s face.


    As for this saber that fused with the Heavenly Dao, it was the Heavenly Saber!


    As Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation level advanced, this saber also became extraordinary. It no longer only was just a saber shadow, but appeared with the temple and the statue!


    The revived statue¡¯s body trembled and its remaining two arms quickly lifted, forming halberds. Its three heads opened their mouths and roared at the sky.


    The color of the world changed. Under the heavenly saber, the halberds broke and the statue¡¯s two arms collapsed as well as a head!


    The heavenly saber also dissipated.


    The statue was sent back a thousand feet before stopping. The remaining two heads and four eyes emitted black air. It actually rushed toward Xu Qing again with astonishing speed. It spread out its four arms and grabbed over.


    Xu Qing frowned and retreated rapidly without any hesitation. The instant the statue rushed over, he retreated into the barrier of the cave in the rock wall.


    The statue also got close at this moment. Amidst the rumbling, its four arms landed on the barrier.


    The barrier trembled violently, blocking the statue.


    The captain was right. This barrier could indeed block the dangers of the external world. As for the statue outside the barrier, it stared coldly at Xu Qing. After a while, it retreated and returned to its original position, its body turning into stone again.


    However, the broken parts were difficult to recover.


    Seeing this, before the captain could say anything, Xu Qing, who was in the barrier, suddenly took a step forward. He actually stepped out of the barrier and performed a series of hand seals, displaying a divine art that descended like a meteor.


    The statue woke up and fought again.


    In an instant, sounds echoed and violent fluctuations spread out. Xu Qing sometimes retreated and sometimes advanced.


    The captain, who was in the barrier, was shocked when he saw this scene. He knew that Xu Qing was using the barrier as a shelter to grind the statue to death.


    He instinctively wanted to remind Xu Qing that the statues here couldn¡¯t die. This was because according to his previous research, if the statues were destroyed, there was a high chance that there would be other greater changes.


    But then he thought again, if he were to speak out like this, wouldn¡¯t it undermine his aura as the senior brother?


    Aura was more important than life and death.


    Hence, he hurriedly revealed a gratified expression.


    ¡°Junior Brother, let me help you.¡± As he spoke, he also rushed out and attacked together with Xu Qing to suppress the statue.


    This cycle repeated and the statue¡¯s collapse continued. A while later, the Heavenly Dao Saber appeared outside the barrier again. However, this time, it was different from before.


    The Heavenly Dao transformed into a blade and the Divine Curse Poison Restriction transformed into its edge, with morning glow turning into blade light!


    Ghost Emperor Mountain transformed into a slaying platform, and Di32¡¯s fortune shaped the blade groove!


    The Golden Crow was the connection, and the Purple Moon was the seal!


    They were contained by time and commanded by the Sundial life lantern!


    God Slaying Platform!


    As the saber fell, the statue that was continuously damaged and only had an arm left trembled intensely outside the barrier. Its head was severed and its body shattered into pieces, collapsing on the spot.


    The instant it shattered, strands of moonlight emitted from its shattered body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened slightly. The third divine repository in his body opened wide and transformed into a guiding force. In an instant, the moonlight headed straight for Xu Qing and fused into his divine repository.


    In the pitch-black divine repository, it was as though a lantern had been lit!


    Meanwhile, on the distant backside of this particular star, far from the location of the imperial tomb, a figure was initiating a strange and mysterious ritual.


    This ritual drew power from the sun, the moon, and the star, forming a gigantic triangular totem on the ground.


    Around the totem, strong winds howled, and at its center sat a cross-legged figure.


    This person wore loose-fitting garments that appeared masculine, but the robes clung to their body in the wind, revealing a graceful and alluring form.


    Their appearance was even more peerless. Their skin was soft and fairer than snow. Only their expression was cold and contained a murderous intent.


    It was Flame Mystic.


    The ritual shone at this moment, forming a beam of light. It didn¡¯t soar into the sky but entered the ground and pierced through the entire star, connecting to the imperial tomb on the other side of the star.


    In an instant, Flame Mystic¡¯s figure disappeared..

 Chapter 1295 - Chapter 1295: Five Gates of Secret Repository

    Chapter 1295: Five Gates of Secret Repository


    Translator: Atlas Studios


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    Divine Realm, Emperor Star, outside the Imperial Tomb.


    A drastic change occurred.


    The instant that statue was destroyed by Xu Qing¡¯s God Slaying Platform, all the statues here trembled at this instant. Their eyes opened in unison, revealing a pitch-black light. At the same time, their bodies instantly changed from their petrified state.


    All of them revived.


    A terrifying aura soared into the sky, stirring the wind and clouds, forming a huge vortex. With the Imperial Tomb Mountain as the center, it rumbled in all directions.


    Black lightning swam within, as though a god was painting, outlining the slaughter of the world.


    At the same time, outside the Imperial Tomb Star, the human-faced withered trees that grew on the spiderwebs were agitated and swayed intensely.


    All the human faces opened their red eyes in unison and sharp voices rang out.


    This sound contained astonishing power and endless resentment. It was as though the gate to the netherworld had opened and the voice of the netherworld had fallen into the human world, causing ghosts and gods to howl.


    Countless voices gathered together, causing the color of the sky to change and the wind and clouds to surge. Even the surrounding storm stopped at this moment.


    The vortex in the sky was torn apart by this sound, as though a huge eye was opening in the sky.


    It was as though the stars had revived and would destroy everything!


    At that moment, Xu Qing and the captain were both shocked. They retreated rapidly without saying a word but in the end, they were still affected by the violent power of the recovery of the entire star.


    Xu Qing¡¯s god form instantly collapsed. All his defensive barriers instantly shattered and his internal organs churned.


    The captain was the same. His body was about to collapse from the violent aura.


    The feeling of death directly descended on their minds, as though they were about to be erased at the next instant. Fortunately, they were very close to the passage in the mountain. At the instant the drastic change erupted, they stepped into the barrier and were isolated from the outside world.


    The moment they entered, Xu Qing spat out a large mouthful of blood. His entire body and even his soul felt intense tearing pain. He immediately sat down cross-legged and regulated his breathing to heal his injuries.


    The captain couldn¡¯t hold on either. His body collapsed and transformed into a large number of blue worms that gathered together again. When he formed his body again, his face was pale.


    A long time later, their injuries eased and they looked at each other.


    The captain coughed.


    ¡°Junior Brother, that madness of yours just now is quite like my demeanor.


    However¡­ the next time you do this, can you tell me in advance¡­¡±


    The captain felt a little strange. Although he had judged that there was a high chance that something major would happen if the statue was destroyed, it was only a judgment after all. He didn¡¯t know that it would awaken the star and descend with the power of extermination, almost destroying them.


    In addition, in the past, he was the one who courted death first and Xu Qing was implicated by him.


    However, this time, it was the other way around.


    Xu Qing was surprised when he heard this and glanced at the captain.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, you didn¡¯t tell me as well.¡±


    The captain smiled awkwardly.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that because Eldest Senior Brother is worried that you¡¯ll be afraid?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    The captain raised his brows and thought to himself that Little Qing had really learned bad things. This wouldn¡¯t do; he needed to show him what true fearlessness, what true recklessness, what true madness really meant.


    Hence, his expression was solemn as he criticized.


    ¡°Junior Brother, this little thing outside is nothing. Eldest Senior Brother brought you here to do something big and make a fortune. Let¡¯s go!¡±


    As he spoke, the captain¡¯s entire body emitted an indomitable aura. He took the lead and charged forward.


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, he sighed. He kept feeling that his captain was competing in courting death.


    Hence, he slowed down a few steps before following.


    Before leaving, he looked at the storm outside the barrier. He felt a little regretful that only one statue had collapsed, but he also knew that it wasn¡¯t suitable for him to continue hunting the statues at this moment. Hence, he retracted his gaze and followed the captain.


    At that moment, they were in a man-made passageway. The surrounding walls were carved with some complicated runes that occasionally shone with a dim light.


    On the way, there would occasionally be corners that seemed to extend in all directions without a fixed route.


    It was like a labyrinth.


    However, the captain didn¡¯t lose his momentum as he took the lead. It was as though he knew the exact route and didn¡¯t stop at all as he moved forward.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the route. As he followed, he immersed his mind in his sea of consciousness.


    At the top of his sea of consciousness, there were five huge gates!


    Each of them was 100,000 feet tall and incomparably vast, emitting a majestic and ancient feeling. They were arranged in five different directions.


    The first gate opened and one could see the vast world inside. A mosasaur swam inside and occasionally roared, echoing through the entire world.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s first divine repository!


    The second gate was closed. However, this gate was filled with the aura of the Poison Restriction, causing one¡¯s heart to palpitate. It was extraordinarily terrifying.


    The third gate was also closed. The power of the Purple Moon rose inside, as though it was contained in a furnace, emitting rumbling sounds.


    The fourth gate was different. Although it was still closed, the emperor¡¯s intent of this gate towered into the sky. It was thick and dignified, as though a king was suppressing and killing everything, looking down on the world.


    The fifth gate was the magus Dao. The gate was half-opened, and one could vaguely see a majestic figure sitting cross-legged in the abyss inside, supporting the world. There were also waves of wails coming from the gate.


    It was Ji Dongzi¡¯s voice.


    These five hidden gates enveloped the entire sea of consciousness like gods. They were supreme.


    This was the gates to the secret repositories at the Spirit Repository realm. However, to Xu Qing, they were gates to the divine repositories, the emperor repository, and the magus repository.


    The Spirit Repository realm was the process of forming repository gates. Every time a secret repository was formed, a hidden gate would appear in the sea of consciousness.


    If there was the Heavenly Dao, the hidden gate would be opened. If there was no spirit, it could only close.


    Right now, out of Xu Qing¡¯s five repository gates, one was open, one was half-open, and three were closed.


    However, at that moment, in the closed third gate, which was also Xu Qing¡¯s third divine repository, as the wisps of moonlight fused into it earlier, a change that overturned the heavens and the sea was erupting.


    This moonlight was the light of the oldest moon and contained the Dao of Extreme Yin. It came from the same source as the power of the Purple Moon that formed the divine repository and was even more ancient. Its appearance seemed to have ignited the entire divine repository, emitting the sound of the world being split open.


    The rumbling from inside the third repository gate erupted in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness and grew larger and larger, surpassing everything. In the end, a gap slowly opened in the closed third repository gate!


    Although it was only a gap, this was a process of gaining something. It was extremely precious and had great meaning!


    Through this gap, one could see a blurry white lump appearing in the dim purple third divine repository.


    This lump gave off an ancient feeling, as though its existence was the definition of ancient.


    His body emitted a cold air that seemed to be able to freeze time and space. It was as though wherever the moonlight passed, the Great Dao would be frozen.


    That was the embryonic form of the Heavenly Dao in this third divine repository.


    This shape was the Extreme Yin, and its ancient name was Nether Luminescence!


    The instant it appeared and the gap in the third repository gate opened, it was as though a volcano had erupted, emitting an earth-shattering aura that filled Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, spreading through his entire body, cleansing and augmenting everything.


    In the passageway of the Emperor Tomb¡¯s labyrinth, Xu Qing, who was moving forward, trembled and the power of his cultivation erupted with a bang. It surpassed his past strength, but he instantly concealed it. Only the spirit in his eyes and the sharpness in them were even more extraordinary than before, like a bright lantern flickering in the dark night.


    The captain in front also stopped in his tracks. He turned his head and cast a meaningful glance at Xu Qing but didn¡¯t speak. Instead, he took a step forward and his figure disappeared into the rock wall in front of him.


    Xu Qing stared at it and didn¡¯t hesitate. He treated the rock wall as nothing and took a step forward. It was as though he had crossed a space and appeared in a cave.


    This cave was different from the previous maze. It seemed to be formed naturally. The surroundings were empty and pitch-black, as though they were in nothingness. Only nine vortexes that were filled with starlight existed above. They spun silently and were extraordinarily resplendent.


    They resembled nine entrances as well as nine realms.


    Just as Xu Qing was staring, the captain¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°The outer layer of the Imperial Tomb is originally a chaos maze. If one doesn¡¯t know the layout, even a Soul Accumulation will find it difficult to get through it. However, to me, it¡¯s extremely simple.


    ¡°This place is the core of the maze. The nine vortices above are nine paths. Among them, there are five paths of survival and four paths of death. Moreover, they change at all times, making it difficult to determine life and death.¡±


    The captain stood in the air with his hands behind his back as he looked at the nine vortices with a proud expression.


    ¡°However, according to my research and preparations in my previous life, I¡¯m confident that no matter how these nine entrances change, as long as it¡¯s the path I take, it will automatically form a path of survival for me!¡±


    The captain lifted his chin and flicked his sleeve, thinking to himself that his words were astonishing. With Little Qing¡¯s quick-wittedness, he should be showing shock and admiration next.


    He waited for a while but no words came from below. Hence, the captain was surprised and lowered his head to take a look.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze wasn¡¯t on him at all. Instead, he looked at the seventh vortex with a strange glint in his eyes and a pensive expression.


    ¡°That¡¯s a dead end. The deadliest path. Stop looking.¡±


    The captain coughed and reminded.


    Xu Qing ignored him and the strange look in his eyes grew even more intense. He didn¡¯t know what was in the seventh vortex but¡­ the instant he arrived, the second divine repository in his body, which was the Poison Restriction, emitted the same fluctuations as the third divine repository when he saw the statue earlier.


    That fluctuation transmitted an intense desire!


    The captain raised his brows and was about to speak. However, at this moment, on the other side of the cave, the void churned and a figure in a wide Daoist robe walked out with a terrifying and domineering aura.


    The wind blew his robe back and stuck it to his body, revealing the outline of this person¡¯s graceful body.


    Half of her body had undulating mountains, and half of her body had hidden gullies, especially with the robe on her body, a mysterious feeling would rise up in the minds of the onlookers.


    It was Flame Mystic.


    The moment she appeared, she saw Xu Qing and Erniu. She was first stunned. After that, the light in her eyes instantly erupted like the sun and moon and monstrous killing intent instantly rose.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze froze and the captain was stunned. After that, he gasped and his expression changed drastically as he cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°F*ck, how did you get here!¡±


    With that, the captain turned and was about to run. Flame Mystic¡¯s killing intent was world-destroying. Her terrifying aura, which was comparable to the Soul Accumulation, caused the entire cavern to rumble. With a step, she arrived beside the nine vortices and punched out at the captain.


    ¡°Die!

 Chapter 1296 - Chapter 1296: Tough Opponent

    Chapter 1296: Tough Opponent


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The figure who appeared beside the vortex had beautiful hair fluttering in the wind. Even her loose Daoist robe couldn¡¯t hide her curvaceous figure. Her small, extraordinarily beautiful face exuded killing intent, yet it added to her elegance.


    As she attacked, the entire cave trembled and seemed to show signs of collapse. Flame Mystic¡¯s full power punch was comparable to the Soul Accumulation, capable of crushing everything.


    This punch distorted space, disrupted time, penetrated the void, and carried the intent of extermination.


    In fact, before Xu Qing could make a move, the captain let out a tragic cry. His body exploded into pieces under Flame Mystic¡¯s punch.


    Countless pieces of flesh and bone fragments, as well as blood splattered hundreds of feet in the surroundings.


    Flame Mystic¡¯s killing intent rose. After the punch, she didn¡¯t stop at all. She took a step forward and headed straight for the captain¡¯s collapsed body, wanting to destroy it with another punch.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was grim as he rushed over the instant Flame Mystic was about to throw a second punch.


    His fourth god form formed instantly and the nine heads of Jiuli transformed into the magus armor that covered his entire body.


    His combat strength increased explosively and was comparable to a perfected Nihility cultivator.


    As he performed a series of hand seals, he activated the Poison Restriction. The Purple Moon descended, causing Lord Purple¡¯s divine technique to be displayed. While it divided the void, a heavenly saber also appeared.


    The ancient temple appeared in the air and the gate of the temple opened. The statue walked down and slashed.


    The saber light was like a rainbow, like the sky was tilted, fusing into Xu Qing¡¯s god combat strength. Under the enhancement of the Jiuli and the Heavenly Dao in the third repository, the energy he erupted with was even stronger than before.


    It headed straight for Flame Mystic.


    Flame Mystic paused. The punch that was supposed to land on the captain¡¯s flesh rotated and blasted toward the incoming heavenly saber.


    A deafening sound rang out.


    The fist and saber collided.


    The fist was undamaged while the saber collapsed!


    Flame Mystic¡¯s combat strength was terrifying. It gave Xu Qing the feeling that he wasn¡¯t facing Nihility but a true Soul Accumulation!


    In the Nihility realm, as the first among the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s heaven¡¯s chosens, although her cultivation hadn¡¯t reached the end, her peerless aptitude and endless foundation caused her combat strength to surpass the peak and define a new extreme!


    At that moment, under this punch, not only did the heavenly saber collapse, but the ferocious and domineering intent it stirred swept through Xu Qing¡¯s entire body. It was as though countless mountains were rumbling over, as though the world had collapsed on him.


    His magus armor instantly collapsed and even his god form dispersed, transforming into millions of soul threads that scattered in all directions.


    Xu Qing spat out a mouthful of blood and was forced back hundreds of feet away.


    However, in the end, it bought time for the captain.


    In the air, the flesh and blood of the captain who had been blasted apart by the punch rapidly gathered. In the blink of an eye, he formed his body again and stared at Flame Mystic from a different direction from Xu Qing.


    While his expression was solemn, his killing intent also intensified.


    ¡°Junior Brother, let¡¯s kill this androgynous guy!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes were filled with madness. As he spoke, a face appeared in his eyes. There were also faces in the eyes of the faces. There were countless of them, stacking on top of each other, forming a bizarre aura.


    There was also endless cold air emitted from the captain¡¯s body. As he lifted his right hand, the flesh on his arm squirmed and transformed into a blue ice blade.


    With just a slight movement, the blade cut through the void and slashed at Flame Mystic.


    The captain performed a series of hand seals with his left hand and a piercing blue light erupted from his body, forming a sea of blue light that swept up endless cold air.


    Wherever it passed, the void would turn into ice that rapidly spread toward Flame Mystic with cracking sounds.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was also solemn. This was the first time he had fought with Flame Mystic. Although it was only a single strike, the punch from Flame Mystic and the domineering aura she emitted now made him think of someone.


    Saintly Star!


    The two of them didn¡¯t look alike and couldn¡¯t be compared at all. The reason why Xu Qing thought of Saintly Star was because of the feeling Flame Mystic gave him at this moment. It was the same as when he faced Saintly Star in the Phoenix Forbidden back then.


    They were powerful, and acted high and mighty like they were unrivaled!


    However, back then, Xu Qing had defeated Saintly Star and blocked his path to invincibility. Today, facing Flame Mystic, battle intent involuntarily rose in his heart.


    This battle intent instantly soared. His sea of consciousness erupted and the repository gates rumbled. All the cultivation in his body surged and his god form appeared again. His magus armor was reconstructed and nine flesh lanterns appeared outside.


    Three inverted mountains appeared. The Golden Crow turned into the black spear and Xu Qing grabbed it, heading straight for Flame Mystic with the captain.


    In an instant, the three of them came into contact.


    A loud sound spread throughout the cave. It was like the sound of heaven and earth being split apart.


    Flame Mystic¡¯s strength was completely revealed at this moment. Facing Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s attacks, her way of dealing with them wasn¡¯t a divine art or external magic treasures. It was still her fist!


    With a single punch, she destroyed Erniu¡¯s blade, shattering it into pieces.


    With a punch, she forced the black spear back.


    With a punch, she shattered Erniu¡¯s ice and the cold air couldn¡¯t invade her at all.


    With a punch, she split the three mountains in the sky!


    It was as though she could break through everything with a punch. As she stepped forward, her ferocious aura became increasingly astonishing. A terrifying feeling spread in all directions, especially her indomitable figure. It actually gathered into an invincible intent and punched out again at Erniu.


    Just as it was about to land, D132 manifested and trapped her.


    Flame Mystic was overbearing. When her punch landed, D132 collapsed. She simply turned around and charged toward Xu Qing.


    With every step she took, she punched out, shattering the Jiuli and destroying Xu Qing¡¯s god form. Xu Qing spat out a mouthful of blood and kept retreating. Seeing that Flame Mystic continued to rush forward, the countless faces in the captain¡¯s eyes opened their mouths in unison. An invisible sharp sound that could shake the soul spread out.


    Flame Mystic¡¯s body paused.


    The captain¡¯s eyes were filled with madness as he let out an inhuman roar. An illusory ancient staircase appeared in front of him!


    This staircase appeared in mid-air. There were a total of nine steps and an ancient aura spread out, as though it had appeared from ancient times. As for the captain, he lifted his feet and walked up.


    With every step he took, his body would tremble and his chest would squirm. After he reached the ninth step, an ice-blue bone hand broke through his flesh and blood. It carried a terrifying pressure, an ancient aura, and the wind of death as it grabbed at Flame Mystic!


    Xu Qing also didn¡¯t hesitate. He lifted his right hand and the Heavenly Dao rushed out to form a blade. The Divine Curse Poison Restriction became the blade¡¯s edge and the morning glow transformed into blade light. The Ghost Emperor Mountain transformed into the slaying platform and D132¡¯s fortune transformed into the blade groove!


    The Golden Crow and Purple Moon were both contained by time and commanded by the Sundial life lantern!


    The God Slaying Platform descended here. The saber shone and slashed at Flame Mystic.


    The two of them attacked at the same time and used their ultimate techniques. Even someone as powerful as Flame Mystic revealed a hint of seriousness.


    However, it was only a smear!


    She lifted her right hand and clenched it, causing the void to collapse.


    Her entire body shone with a golden light at this moment. This light flowed through her entire body and through her Dao bones. The intent of indestructibility gathered on her fist and transformed into¡­ the Indestructible Emperor¡¯s Fist!


    One punch at Erniu.


    The ice-blue bone hand directly exploded and Erniu¡¯s body collapsed again, his flesh and blood scattering in all directions.


    With a single punch, Xu Qing actually couldn¡¯t slash down with the God Slaying Platform that had always been successful. There was only a rumbling sound echoing and no head flying. It could only turn into nothingness, leaving behind Xu Qing¡¯s body that was forced back and bleeding profusely.


    However, it wasn¡¯t that Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s joint attack didn¡¯t have any effect. At that moment, although the Indestructible Emperor¡¯s Fist was shocking, Flame Mystic¡¯s face was still a little paler in the end and a trace of blood flowed from the corner of her mouth.


    However, her killing intent was still domineering and intense. At that moment, she took a step forward and headed straight for Erniu.


    Her target had always been Erniu.


    The desire to kill Erniu had become an obsession.


    However, just as she took a step forward and lifted her fist, a hoarse voice rang out from behind her.


    ¡°The realm of heaven and earth can be likened to a well¡­¡±


    ¡°In the well lies all things¡­¡±


    As the voice echoed, ripples appeared in the air in the cave, covering everything, including Flame Mystic.


    Flame Mystic¡¯s body paused again. A water surface formed under her feet and a figure appeared on the water surface.


    In the distance, the corner of Xu Qing¡¯s mouth was covered in blood that he couldn¡¯t wipe away in time. His eyes were filled with battle intent as he lifted his right hand and scooped at the figure under Flame Mystic¡¯s feet.


    Flame Mystic¡¯s entire body trembled as a feeling of life and death rose in her heart for the first time. However, in the blink of an eye, golden light flowed from her entire body and fused into the reflection on the water.


    The reflection shone with golden light and transformed into a sun that suddenly rose from the water!


    The moment the sun rose, the terrifying high temperature burned everything. Regardless of whether it was the void or the surface of the water, they instantly evaporated and dissipated.


    Fishing the Moon From the Well was broken!


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled and his eyes turned red as intense pain spread to his soul. However, he could withstand this pain. The instant the Fishing the Moon From the Well shattered, the third repository in his body rumbled. The white sphere inside slammed into the gate.


    The gate shook and the gap widened. The cold air from Nether Luminescence instantly erupted.


    That was the power of Extreme Yin, the power of the ancestral moon. It was the power that could freeze time and space. The moment it rushed out, it gathered into a finger in front of Xu Qing and pressed down on Flame Mystic.


    Flame Mystic¡¯s eyes narrowed. This was the first time she had retreated since the battle began.


    However, the instant she retreated, the shattered flesh and blood of the captain rose into the air and transformed into blue worms. There were over 100,000 of them.


    All of them teleported and appeared around Flame Mystic. Each worm bore the captain¡¯s face, and at that moment, they all opened their mouths simultaneously, spewing blue cold air towards Flame Mystic.


    The density of this cold air surpassed that of before. Coupled with Xu Qing¡¯s Extreme Yin Finger, it froze the void and spacetime.


    Cracking sounds spread in all directions and a huge ice cube appeared in the air, extending from the top of the cave to the walls around it.


    Flame Mystic was sealed within and showed no movements.


    ¡°She won¡¯t be trapped for long. Let¡¯s retreat quickly. Follow me. The path I tread will automatically form an escape route. That woman won¡¯t be able to enter!¡±


    The 100,000 worms spoke in unison and quickly rolled back, gathering into the captain¡¯s disheveled figure that headed straight for the third vortex above.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate and instantly caught up. However, just as he was about to step into the third vortex, he glanced at the seventh vortex and determination appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, I¡¯m going there!


    As he spoke, Xu Qing rushed toward the seventh vortex.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­¡±


    The captain started. Before he could finish speaking, Xu Qing¡¯s figure had already disappeared.


    The captain was helpless. Seeing that the ice cube was starting to shake, he turned and headed straight for the third vortex.


    ¡°Dad¡¯s dead, mom¡¯s remarried?. I don¡¯t care, let everyone fend for themselves!¡±


    Not long after their figures disappeared, a change occurred in the ice cube in the cave.


    In the ice, the shadow of an illusory great world appeared behind Flame Mystic!


    In that great world, there were stars, sky and earth, and life.


    The instant this world appeared, figures rushed out of the illusory great world. There were over a hundred of them, and every one of them was Flame Mystic!


    The instant the hundred or so Flame Mystic rushed out, they each clenched their fists and punched at the ice outside in unison.


    The ice instantly exploded into pieces. However, Flame Mystic was also repelled. Her clothes were mostly torn apart, revealing her fair upper body¡­


    However, she didn¡¯t care at all. Killing intent filled her eyes as she chased after the vortex.

 Chapter 1297 - Chapter 1297: Northern Age and Green Wood

    Chapter 1297: Northern Age and Green Wood


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    At the same time, on the star where the Imperial Tomb was located in the Divine Realm, as the human-faced trees wailed and the statues outside the Imperial Tomb Mountain revived, as the vortex in the sky spun, the endless storm became even more terrifying.


    It was as though doomsday or heavenly punishment had descended. The entire star was trembling.


    The howling and whimpering sounds wreaked havoc in the world.


    ¡°Damn it, which bastard triggered the divine restrictions here!!¡±


    In the storm, in a leather tent, a person sat cross-legged.


    The skin of the tent this person was in was very strange. It was unknown what beast it was from but it could actually stand firm amidst the storm.


    When the wind blew over, it was actually frozen in this small space.


    However, it couldn¡¯t calm Fan Shishuang¡¯s heart. In the tent, he gritted his teeth and looked outside with intense fear in his eyes.


    His goal in coming to the Divine Realm was on one hand to perfect his cultivation and on the other hand, to hunt the creatures of the Divine Realm. The core of the plan was the imperial tomb on this star.


    For this, his family had prepared for a long time. Hence, after he entered the Divine Realm, he didn¡¯t stop and headed straight here.


    However, he didn¡¯t expect that after he arrived, this star would erupt as though it had revived.


    As for the method he had set up to enter the imperial tomb, it was still a little incomplete.


    ¡°lean only risk it!¡±


    Fan Shishuang gritted his teeth and lowered his head to perform a series of hand seals with both hands. He then continued to use the secret art his family had prepared for him.


    In reality, he wasn¡¯t the only one. On this star, there were two other people doing a similar thing. They were also cursing the person who had triggered the divine restrictions.


    Tian Mozi and Tuoshi Shan.


    The former had arrived earlier, while the latter had paid a huge price to shake off the jellyfish before rushing over.


    Coupled with Flame Mystic, it could be seen that the top four heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race were all here.


    Moreover, the method of entry that each of them used was different. Clearly, the forces behind them had prepared for many years.


    However, because of the sudden change in this star, the entry became even more difficult. The price they had to pay was also greater, and it was the same for the dangers they experienced.


    At that moment, Xu Qing, who was being cursed by the three of them, stepped into the seventh vortex, following the longing from his second divine repository.


    The moment he entered, it was as though he had passed through a membrane and arrived in a void.


    It was an endless void, pitch-black, cold, and unfamiliar.


    All perception seemed to have been stripped away in this darkness. There was no direction, no path, and no sky and earth.


    Even his consciousness seemed to have slowed down. Everything he saw and sensed was darkness.


    The rules and laws were different from the outside world.


    It seemed like slumber and sluggishness were the principles here; everyone who entered had to abide by the will of this place.


    Xu Qing was no exception.


    In this darkness, his divine sense slowly lost its fluctuations, his thoughts gradually drifting into slumber. Only the longing emanating from the second divine repository within him grew particularly intense in this absolute silent void.


    It was like a lump of fire that burned increasingly intensely, guiding Xu Qing¡¯s perception.


    Following this perception, Xu Qing instinctively moved forward. In this dark void, he was like a fish swimming.


    It was unknown how much time had passed. It might have been a century or even a breath of time. The instant the longing from the second divine repository was extremely intense, the fish rushed out of the sea and leaped out of the surface.


    It stepped through the void and arrived under a resplendent starry sky.


    When the starry sky reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, all of his lost perception returned. His divine sense that was no longer fluctuating rose again and his sleeping thoughts instantly woke up.


    Next, he saw two indescribably vast existences far away in the starry sky.


    It was a huge tree that seemed to represent life and origin, as well as a majestic behemoth that seemed to represent terror and evil!


    The tree was so large that it occupied half of the starry sky. Its thick, tough branches that were filled with mysterious runes spread out in all directions. Every pattern on it seemed to contain laws and the Great Dao.


    At the same time, one could see Dao Fruits growing on the tree. Every one of them was the size of a star. Or rather, they were stars.


    From afar, the treetops extended endlessly, seeming to symbolize dominance, while their roots delved deep into the void, as if supporting the universe.


    However, it was not lush but mostly withered; not only the branches, but also the stars on them appeared shriveled, as if life itself was ebbing away.


    Yet, even in their withered state, each branch emanated an indescribable and formidable aura, shaking the starry sky and affecting the universe.


    As for that behemoth, it was equally astonishing. Though not as large as the starry tree, it was still half its size. Its body resembled that of a bull, shrouded in poisonous mist, and amidst the haze, one could see that each of its hairs was tied to a corpse, draped over its body like armor made of corpses, a ghastly sight to behold.


    Its head was white, contrasting against the starry backdrop, eerie and demonic.


    Its single eye occupied half of its face and its vertical pupil emitted endless evil. It also had a serpent tail, coiling like a python around the stars, emitting roars that shattered and obliterated the stars.


    At this moment, this colossal beast was locked in battle with the starry tree, each fighting for survival, their respective auras reaching the pinnacle, every move threatening to collapse this expanse of stars, bringing annihilation and doomsday in its wake.


    Xu Qing looked at this scene from afar and was shaken.


    Regardless of whether it was the starry tree or the terrifying behemoth, they were like gods in his eyes. He couldn¡¯t resist them or move them.


    He didn¡¯t know why they were fighting but the longing from the second divine repository clearly told Xu Qing that that terrifying behemoth¡­ was the source of the longing!


    The instant Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the battle in the starry sky, the serpent tail of the terrifying behemoth swayed and its snake eyes stared fixedly at Xu Qing. After that, it swung and tore through the starry sky, breaking through the void and coming over.


    It opened its mouth, wanting to devour Xu Qing and the surrounding starry sky.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed and he immediately retreated. At the same time, the starry tree swayed and a huge leaf suddenly appeared in front of Xu Qing first.


    This leaf was like a continent. Most of it had withered and only 20% of it exuded vitality. At that moment, it curved like a boat as it floated over and flashed past Xu Qing.


    At the next instant, a mighty force descended. Xu Qing felt his vision blur and the roar in his ears gradually faded until it disappeared. When everything in front of him became clear¡­ the starry sky wasn¡¯t there, the tree wasn¡¯t there, and the behemoth wasn¡¯t there either.


    What appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was a world.


    This world was gray, the ground was gray, the sky was gray, and all he could see was thin fog. There was no sign of life, only ruins in the distance that were hazy in the fog.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart froze. His gaze swept across the surroundings as his mind raced.


    He recalled the scenes since he stepped into the seventh vortex. Regardless of whether it was the silent and cold void, the starry sky where the tree and the behemoth fought for their lives, or the world in front of him now, they all made him feel that it was unreal.


    Only the longing from the second divine repository in his body seemed to be the only real existence.


    ¡°That behemoth is the source of the fluctuations in the Poison Restriction divine repository¡­ As for the leaf¡­¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes.


    He didn¡¯t know if this world was within the leaf or the next stop of this vortex journey.


    A long time later, Xu Qing retracted his thoughts. He then lifted his head and looked at the gray sky before sensing the fog in the surroundings.


    That fog was poison.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body swayed and he flew into the distance. Several days later, in this world that was enveloped by poison fog and amidst the ruins, Xu Qing¡¯s figure stood on a tall slanted pagoda.


    ¡°This is a withered world with no life. There¡¯s a high chance that it¡¯s that leaf that floated over¡­¡±


    ¡°What caused the world to wither was the poison here.¡±


    ¡°In the past, this world might have been prosperous, but now¡­ it has become ruined.¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head and his gaze penetrated the fog here, looking at the ruins in the surroundings. He could see the damaged roads, the skeletal remains of buildings, the collapsed ancient temples, and the broken statues.


    Looking at the entire scene, he could vaguely sense the prosperity of this world countless years ago.


    But now, everything had turned to ruins.


    Xu Qing fell silent. After a long time, he retracted his gaze and looked at the dozens of huge stone tablets that had collapsed in front of the slanting pagoda.


    He lifted his right hand and waved it. Immediately, these stone tablets floated and arranged themselves together, forming a ten-thousand-foot-long stone tablet.


    Although it was barely pieced together, there was still a remnant light that slowly appeared. From afar, the world enveloped by the poison fog seemed to have a hint of the light of civilization.


    As the remnant light circulated, the runes on the stone tablet gradually appeared.


    These runes smelled unpleasant but if one¡¯s divine consciousness enveloped them, they would gain knowledge.


    It recorded the history of this world.


    This world was called the Northern Age Sky. It was one of the nine skies under the command of the Immortal Emperor. The Immortal Emperor personally conferred Green Wood the Dao of the Northern Age to protect this world and protect all living beings.


    However, after the Immortal Emperor¡¯s early demise, the invasion of foreign gods caused the nine skies to collapse.


    After that, evil spirits tainted this world and poisoned the energy of this world, causing a great plague. They spread throughout the Northern Age and weakened the Heavenly Dao, wanting to devour it.


    Most of the inhabitants of this world died from the plague and pestilence.


    During this time, there were also resistance efforts, with three attempts to alter fate, all ending in failure.


    In the final attempt, the ruler of this world gathered all his strength and finally split open the sky.


    However, from the crack in the sky, a beast walked out. It had the body of a white-headed bull and the tail of a snake. The world withered and the sky collapsed.


    On the slanted pagoda, Xu Qing sensed the runic marks and understood the origin of this world, as well as the reason for its withering and destruction. As for the immortal emperor inside, he was probably the ancestral emperor buried in the imperial mausoleum.


    ¡°Northern Age, Green Wood¡­¡±


    Xu Qing thought of the starry tree.


    As for the description of the evil beast, it was exactly the same as what he had seen in the starry sky previously.


    After pondering for a while, Xu Qing waited for a while but didn¡¯t see any other changes. Hence, he was about to dissipate his divine sense.


    However, at this moment, a low and aged voice rang out from the sky, the ground, the ruins, the inscriptions, and all the substances in this world, landing in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°That malevolent entity is called Ming FeiO.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s formed by the seven negative emotions of all the dead living beings when the Immortal World collapsed and the outer gods invaded.¡±


    ¡°Little friend from the outside world, you are the first cultivator to come here after the Immortal Emperor died¡­¡±


    ¡°Please, help me.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as usual and he wasn¡¯t surprised at all. He lifted his head and looked at the sky as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°The Immortal Emperor bestowed the name Green Wood to me to protect the


    Northern Age. I am the Heavenly Dao of this world.¡±


    An aged voice echoed in all directions.

 Chapter 1298 - Chapter 1298: Perfect Live Specimen

    Chapter 1298: Perfect Live Specimen


    Translator: Atlas Studios


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    The vast voice entered his mind. Xu Qing¡¯s eyelids drooped slightly as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Your Excellency, I don¡¯t have the strength to participate in your fight with Ming Fei. I wonder how I can help you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s precisely because of this that I need your help.¡± The voice of the Heavenly Dao rang out again, its tone ancient yet tinged with plea.


    ¡°My battle with that malevolent entity spans across the stars and the myriad realms, contesting both fate and the Dao.¡±


    ¡°This realm is the origin of the Northern Age, as well as the starting point of the appearance of Ming Fei. It harbors the shadow of its Dao, and it has already usurped much of the Heavenly Dao authority in this realm.¡±


    ¡°Little friend, please draw out Ming FeiO¡¯s Dao Shadow Origin, and slay it more than a hundred times!¡±


    ¡°Each time it dies, it will deplete Ming Fei¡¯s origin power, which will then create an opportunity for me to unfold the heavenly fate!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve let down the Immortal Emperor, unable to protect the lives of the beings in this realm. Now, clinging to the last vestiges of existence, I only seek to seize this opportunity, to perish together with that malevolent entity, fulfilling my destiny, perfecting my Dao, and upholding the principles of the Heavenly Dao, in gratitude for the Immortal Emperor¡¯s grace.¡±


    ¡°And in return, little friend¡­ I¡¯ll give the sole eye of Ming Fei to you when I die with it.¡±


    ¡°Your repository lacks the Heavenly Dao and contains special senses. Ming Fei was born out of resentment, with this resentment stemming from the calamity caused by the outer gods. Hence, it can be called the source of the god of resentment. It can help you make up for the flaw in your repository.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, this is also the only way for you to leave this place.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought but didn¡¯t reply. He then lifted his head and stared at the fog in the sky.


    That fog contained poison and flowed through the world. From time to time, it would fall like a waterfall, rinsing the ground. The entire fog looked thin but because the range was vast, it also gave off the feeling of blotting out the sky.


    The words of the self-proclaimed Heavenly Dao of this world made sense. Xu Qing understood that because his second divine repository was formed from the Poison Restriction, there were very few living beings who could become the repository¡¯s Heavenly Dao.


    After all, Xu Qing had long understood the essence of the Poison Restriction over the years. That was a god¡¯s curse.


    This was also the reason why he took the risk to enter the seventh vortex.


    If Ming Fei was really born from the resentment of all living beings when the outer gods descended to destroy the world, this resentment toward the gods could indeed meet the conditions of becoming the Heavenly Dao of the Poison Restriction¡¯s divine repository to a certain extent.


    This point could also be verified from the fluctuations of the Poison Restriction¡¯s divine repository and the desire it emitted after seeing Ming Fei in the starry sky.


    However¡­


    A dark glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. After pondering for a moment, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Alright!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, little friend. I cannot afford to be distracted with more words. At this moment, my mind is focused on the battle with Ming Fei. You only need to stir up intense disturbances here, perform acts of destruction, and Ming Fei¡¯s Dao shadow will naturally descend to stop you.¡±


    ¡°And your safety shall be my responsibility, do me this favor and once this is done, Green Wood shall not forget his promise!¡±


    An aged voice filled with resolve echoed in all directions.


    After that, countless light spots flickered in all directions and rose from the world. They seemed to represent his divine sense and gathered into a beam of light that headed straight for the sky.


    Xu Qing, who was standing on the slanted pagoda, retracted his gaze as he watched the beam of light disappear into the sky.


    His expression was emotionless, as calm as water. There were no distracting thoughts. He only looked meaningfully at the stone tablet that had been pieced together in front of him.


    A long time later, he waved his right hand and dispersed the power of the stone tablet.


    The huge stone tablet that recorded history collapsed and turned into dozens of pieces again, scattering on the ground. It lost its light and was covered in dust again.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and sat on the slanted pagoda. Green Wood¡¯s words told him that if he wanted to lure Ming Fei¡¯s Dao Shadow Origin Body, he had to perform acts of destruction.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to go through so much trouble.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and his eyes instantly turned pitch-black. The second repository gate rumbled and the power of the Poison Restriction rose, merging into his eyes.


    Wherever his gaze landed, the Poison Restriction spread.


    He looked at the ruins. All the buildings instantly blurred. It was the same for the roads and buildings. The Poison Restriction turned into fog, distorting everything.


    He looked at the surrounding land. The gray land of this world seemed to be splattered with ink and turned pitch-black. The aura of the Poison Restriction gave birth to toxic miasma.


    He looked at the sky. The sky churned. In the fog that filled the sky, there was an additional fog of the Poison Restriction. They didn¡¯t mix together but exploded like water entering a pot of oil.


    Wherever Xu Qing¡¯s gaze fell, the divine curse descended.


    The world rumbled and the fog turned violent.


    Soon, from everything he had gazed at, the fog that represented the Poison Restriction continued to rise and gather in the air above the slanted pagoda. It was clearly different from the fog in the surroundings.


    Booming sounds echoed through the sky.


    One could see two vortexes appearing in the sky. One was in the center and contained Xu Qing¡¯s Poison Restriction. It spun rapidly and emitted a majestic aura.


    The second was everywhere around it. It came from the poison of this world and formed an enveloping force that rotated in the opposite direction. It was astonishingly vast.


    The two vortices spun at the same time in opposite directions, forming a tearing intent, causing the void to shatter and lightning to distort.


    As time passed, it became increasingly intense and continued to explode. There was also a strong wind howling on the surface of the ground, forming a storm that swept through everything.


    From afar, it was as though the sky and earth had collapsed.


    Only Xu Qing, who was on the slanted pagoda under the vortex, looked calm as he stared fixedly at the sky.


    His long hair and clothes fluttered in the storm, and coupled with his appearance, he looked like an immortal or a god.


    At the next instant, a bull-like roar rang out from the sky. This sound echoed and was deafening, shaking the world.


    Moreover, it contained lightning and nomological rules. As the sound spread, the sky no longer collapsed and the ground no longer cracked. Even the vortices stopped.


    The wind also stopped!


    Only the fog churned intensely and fell from the sky like a waterfall. It was like an inverted flower that spread in all directions. A beast walked out of the fog.


    This beast¡¯s body was like a bull¡¯s. Its head was white and it had a single eye with a vertical pupil. Its tail was like a serpent and it looked sinister.


    As it walked over, a great plague that was like an ancient poison surrounded it.


    As it walked in the air, the air seemed to decay.


    As it stepped on the void, the void seemed to collapse.


    Wherever it passed, the poisonous plague spread, dyeing the sky and spreading to the ground. It then rushed toward Xu Qing with killing intent.


    Its appearance was none other than of Ming Fei which Xu Qing had seen in the starry sky. However, compared to its body in the starry sky, it was too small.


    If a mortal saw it, they would definitely be extremely terrified. However, in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, although this beast¡¯s poison plague was astonishing, the combat strength of Ming Fei¡¯s Dao Shadow Origin Body was only at the first stage of Nihility.


    However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t too surprised by this. The instant Ming Fei¡¯s poisonous plague rushed over, he casually lifted his right hand and slapped forward.


    The world trembled and countless soul threads flew out, forming a huge palm in the air. In front of Xu Qing, it was like the hand of a god as it grabbed the Dao Shadow.


    It then clenched ruthlessly.


    With a boom, the incomparably terrifying Ming Fei from a breath ago was directly crushed by Xu Qing¡¯s palm at the next instant, both body and soul destroyed.


    However, just as the huge palm formed by the soul threads relaxed and was about to be retracted by Xu Qing, 30% of the soul threads that formed the palm suddenly trembled and instantly turned pitch-black. There was also resentment rising from them.


    It rapidly spread, as though it wanted to envelop the entire palm.


    That was the Fei Poison!


    For the first time, a strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t bother with the palm in the air but lifted his hand and grabbed. Immediately, a black soul thread headed straight for him and landed in his hand.


    Xu Qing had studied the Dao of Poison extremely deeply and had a lot of experience. At that moment, his gaze landed on the black soul thread in his palm. After observing it thoroughly, he fell into deep thought and suddenly inhaled.


    Immediately, the black soul thread fused into Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    At the next instant, a dazed expression appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s face. After that, brutality rose but he suppressed it in the blink of an eye. The Poison Restriction in his body erupted and spread throughout his body, enveloping everything.


    This caused the wisp of black soul thread to dissipate as though it had been purified.


    However, his eyes had a peculiar look.


    ¡°This poison is actually targeted at divinity!¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. He now had a better understanding of the Fei poison.


    The poison of Ming Fei was born out of resentment toward the gods. Hence, it could taint divinity, causing it to lose its radiance and fall to a lower level. It was a rare poison that could have an effect on gods.


    Xu Qing took the initiative to absorb that trace of poison to observe earlier. Although it was only a trace, it still caused his divinity, human nature, and bestial nature to temporarily lose balance.


    ¡°Interesting.¡±


    Xu Qing licked his lips. This was the first time he had encountered a poison that could resist the Poison Restriction to a certain extent. Although it wasn¡¯t in all aspects, it was unique in terms of divinity.


    Hence, he activated the Poison Restriction in his eyes and stared at the soul thread palm in the air. The moment his gaze landed, the Poison Restriction and the Fei Poison used the palm as a battlefield and fought against each other.


    The world rumbled again. From the place where Ming Fei died, the fog from the world gathered. Ming Fei¡¯s body transformed from illusory to corporeal and formed again. Moreover, its combat strength had increased a little compared to before. After it was formed, it roared and sped toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing lifted his right hand and grabbed fiercely. This time, it wasn¡¯t the convergence of soul threads. Instead, he relied on his terrifying combat strength to grab Ming Fei from afar and bring it in front of him.


    Ming Fei couldn¡¯t even struggle. It could only spit out poison mist that spread in all directions.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the poison. He held it in front of him and slashed it open. His gaze was focused as he began to study it.


    He wanted to study its body structure, soul structure, and the essence of how its poison was formed.


    This action stunned even Ming Fei. It immediately struggled even more intensely. However, the huge difference between the two of them caused anything it used to be ineffective other than its poison.


    However, this poison was indeed ferocious. After Ming Fei spat out seven to eight mouthfuls of poison, the poison dyed the surroundings and invaded the divinity. Xu Qing frowned. With a wave of his hand, the black spear appeared beside him and pierced through Ming Fei¡¯s head, destroying its body and soul again.


    ¡°Its body is illusory and its soul is blurry. It is indeed born from resentment, but the way this resentment circulates in its body is a little interesting¡­¡±


    ¡°I need to dissect it a few more times before I can understand its essence.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were bright as he looked at the place of death. Anticipation rose in his heart.


    A few breaths later, Ming Fei formed in front of Xu Qing again. The moment it appeared, it was about to roar but at the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s large hand had already arrived.


    He continued to hold it close and dissected it. He separated its body, serpent tail, and limbs. With the spirit of research, he carefully studied it¡­

 Chapter 1299 - Chapter 1299: Five Filths of God

    Chapter 1299: Five Filths of God


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios Time flowed by.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t in a hurry. Other than the first time he killed Ming Fei cleanly, the subsequent dozen or so times¡­ were mainly about dissection and research.


    The reasons for the ten or so deaths varied. Sometimes, Ming Fei died in the process of being studied.


    Most of the time, it was because the poison Ming Fei spat out was too potent, tainting the surroundings and affecting Xu Qing¡¯s divinity, causing his research to encounter obstacles.


    However, it didn¡¯t matter. Every time Ming Fei died, it would revive in dozens of breaths. This time was enough for Xu Qing to lure the other party¡¯s poison away with his soul threads.


    This was the method he had thought of to temporarily neutralize Ming Fei¡¯s poison. Fei poison


    After all, the poison targeted divinity. As the soul threads were formed from Xu Qing¡¯s divine source, they naturally contained Xu Qing¡¯s divinity.


    Xu Qing¡¯s Poison Restriction continued to resist Ming Fei¡¯s poison.


    Hence, more and more soul threads were tainted in the ruins, lingering in all directions.


    Even so, Xu Qing¡¯s research continued.


    Ming Fei¡¯s combat strength would increase every time it revived. Now that it had revived again, it erupted with combat strength comparable to the second stage of Nihility.


    Its aura was imposing and its roar was like the roar of a god. Its poison was even more intense and it brought the plague with it¡­


    However, the outcome was no different. No matter how much Ming Fei¡¯s combat strength increased, Xu Qing grabbed it again like before and brought it close.


    He skillfully divided, dissected, and focused on his research.


    Regarding learning and research, Xu Qing had always been very persistent and serious.


    This was fully shown by him when he was in the Seven Blood Eyes. The prisoners in the Homicide Department¡¯s prison were all witnesses.


    These were also the important reasons why Xu Qing had his current attainments in the Dao of Poison.


    At the end of the day, Xu Qing respected knowledge.


    Just like at this moment, with a wave of his hand, the black spear pierced through Ming Fei¡¯s body, killing it who couldn¡¯t withstand the torture and was about to self-destruct.


    The structure of Ming Fei¡¯s body¡­ is a little strange.


    However, I already know a thing or two about the way its poison is formed¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and narrowed his eyes. As he fell into deep thought, he didn¡¯t forget to spread out his soul threads and lure away the poison inside and outside his body. After that, he stared at the place where Ming Fei had died and prepared to begin the next round of research.


    This time, he wanted to study Ming Fei¡¯s soul.


    However, at this moment, the fog in this world suddenly churned and raged like the sea. At the next instant, it headed straight for the place where Ming Fei had died. In the blink of an eye¡­ Ming Fei appeared again.


    The instant it appeared, the aura of a third stage Nihility cultivator rose from it. It swept up the fog and headed straight for Xu Qing with madness and hatred.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly as the black spear instantly shot out above his head. Seeing that it was getting close, Ming Fei, who had been killed many times by this spear, suddenly turned blurry and dodged the black spear. When it appeared, it was already in front of Xu Qing and was about to spit out poison mist.


    However, at the next instant, the heavenly saber descended.


    Ming Fei¡¯s body trembled and split into two, collapsing on the spot.


    The moment he died, the Golden Crow behind Xu Qing rose up, emitting an ear-piercing cry. It then sucked fiercely at the collapsed Ming Fei.


    Ming Fei was destroyed and the Golden Crow was at a loss.


    Xu Qing frowned.


    He could sense that no soul was absorbed by the Golden Crow.


    His actions seemed to have violated some taboos. Hence, all of a sudden, the fog in this world became even more violent. The vortex in the sky also rumbled loudly in the blink of an eye.


    In fact, bolts of lightning even swam between heaven and earth. The sky distorted and the ground quaked. A series of roars from the void appeared in the real world.


    After that, the vortex in the sky suddenly exploded and a ten-thousand-foot-long Infernal Ming Fei walked out.


    Regardless of whether it was its aura or body, it was far stronger than before. The moment it appeared, its roar was even more deafening, like the sound of the world being split open.


    Before Xu Qing could make a move, it opened its mouth and sucked fiercely.


    The fog in the entire world churned at this moment and came from all directions, heading straight for Ming Fei¡¯s mouth. In the blink of an eye, the world was cleansed and all the fog was absorbed by Ming Fei.


    Its aura was filled with an imposing dignity.


    Not only did it absorb the fog from the external world, but it also absorbed its own body.


    At a speed visible to the naked eye, its io,ooo-foot-longbody also shriveled up as though it was being absorbed. At the next moment, its body withered and only the single eye on its face became increasingly resplendent. It shone with a dark light barrier and became the only focus of attention.


    It stared at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing lifted his head and a strange glint appeared in his eyes.


    Not letting me study the soul¡­¡±


    At the same time, the color of the world changed and the world was overturned. The aged voice of Qing Mu carried a hint of anxiety as it hurriedly echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Little friend, your help has already had miraculous effects. However, you have to be careful. That evil spirit has already fallen into a desperate situation and has no choice but to send more power to fuse into its origin body to unleash its strongest innate divine power to suppress you.¡±


    ¡°This is¡­ the Five Filths of God!


    Little friend, please stall for more time and exhaust its strength. My battle with it in the starry sky has reached a critical moment.¡±


    As Qing Mu¡¯s voice rang out, the sky rumbled. It was as though even more violent fluctuations were erupting in the starry sky outside the sky.


    In an instant, the world swayed and began to collapse.


    The ground shattered and irregular rubble rose into the air. The cracks in the sky were like mirrors and there were more and more patterns, about to shatter.


    This world seemed to be facing a true doomsday at this moment.


    For the first time, Xu Qing stood up from his cross-legged state on the slanted pagoda.


    The instant he stood up, the vertical pupil of Ming Fei¡¯s single eye in the sky dissipated!


    An incomparably evil and ancient power suddenly descended.


    Accompanied by the faint Dao sound, it exploded in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°First Filth: Divine fire yields smoke. It inherently lacks smoke; the arising of smoke imparts impurity.¡±


    ¡°Second Filth: Divine soul harbors desires. Divine soul inherently lacks desire; the arising of desire harbors mundane attachments, leading to loss of omniscience.¡±


    ¡°The third Filth: Divine body can decline. Divine body inherently lacks decay; the arising of decay leads to corruption, devoid of eternity.¡±


    The fourth Filth: Divine shrine is shrouded in dust. Divine shrine inherently lacks dust; the arising of dust obscures its brilliance, severing the incense flame.¡±


    II


    ¡°The fifth Filth: Divinity bears defilement. Divinity inherently lacks defilement; the arising of defilement lacks wisdom, disrupting the divine order.¡±


    These were the Five Filths of God.


    As soon as the five Dao sounds rang out, Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. There was no divine fire in his body but there were still signs of the first filth appearing, producing black smoke. It was as though impurities had appeared out of thin air, giving off an impure feeling.


    After that, his soul trembled and his seven emotions and six desires erupted uncontrollably, wanting to drown him like a tide. He lost all his senses.


    Not only that, but his body also showed signs of aging. His vitality was dim and rotting.


    Next was all the soul threads in his body. These threads formed by the divine source seemed to have replaced the shrine in the fourth filth. They were covered in dust and lost their radiance.


    Finally, it was his divinity that erupted intensely. He couldn¡¯t control his human nature and bestial nature. It was as though his status was falling.


    Even Xu Qing was shaken by this scene.


    He could sense that this¡­ was a poison specially targeted at gods!


    After personally experiencing it, Xu Qing finally understood why Ming Fei was suitable to become his Poison Restriction Heavenly Dao.


    This was because the God¡¯s Five Filths could perfectly combine with his God¡¯s Curse to form the sixth Filth.


    A god¡¯s life bred curses. A god¡¯s life inherently lacked curses; the arising of curses severed life, extinguishing the divine source.


    These thoughts instantly appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. The ferocity of the Five Filths of God also erupted to the extreme in just a few breaths of time.


    A dark glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. At the next instant, a rumbling sound rang out behind him and the image of a huge sundial suddenly appeared.


    The gnomon on it spun as though it had opened the path of time, fluctuating the long river of time, causing the waves five breaths ago to dissipate on the long river.


    Time¡­ reversed with the gnomon!


    The black smoke impurities produced by the first filth in Xu Qing¡¯s body instantly dissipated.


    The turbulence of the soul and the emergence of the seven emotions and six desires also instantly subsided, and the lost five faculties and six senses became entirely clear.


    The aging of his body reversed and he no longer rotted.


    The soul threads in his body were no longer covered in dust and their brilliance rose again.


    Divinity, human nature, and bestial nature were rebalanced.


    Everything seemed to have gone back in time and returned to before he suffered the five Filths. However, after the sundial dissipated, Xu Qing frowned.


    He discovered that although the sundial reversed time and allowed him to recover, it couldn¡¯t reverse the Five Filths of God.


    The source of the Five Filths still existed.


    However, it no longer erupted but gathered into a lump, as though it was accumulating strength. One could imagine that it wouldn¡¯t be long before it spread throughout his body again.


    Xu Qing had a lot of experience in dealing with poison. Regardless of whether it was forcefully ordering the shadow to devour it, luring it into the body of the god¡¯s finger, or opening the gate of the Ancient Spirit Emperor to vent the poison, he could try it.


    He could even use the method he used to deal with the god¡¯s curse back then. With the sundial, his body would produce appropriate antibodies time and time again to slowly withstand this poison.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t choose any of these methods. His choice was to raise his right hand. In an instant, his entire arm and palm became eerie and translucent.


    After that, he decisively pressed down on his chest. He used a strange and bizarre method to extend his right hand into his sea of consciousness. In front of the second repository gate where the Poison Restriction was located, he punched out at the closed gate.


    Although the second repository gate didn¡¯t have the Heavenly Dao, under Xu Qing¡¯s full strength, they still managed to open a gap for a short period of time.


    The instant this gap appeared, under Xu Qing¡¯s control, a suction force suddenly erupted, enveloping the poison source and sucking it into the second repository action..


    The gap in the gate directly disappeared and closed again.


    As for the poison source, it had already been sealed in the Poison Restriction¡¯s divine repository.


    After doing this, Xu Qing lifted his head and looked at the stunned Ming Fei in the air. He then raised his left hand and the black spear shone along with the heavenly saber.


    He brandished his saber and spear at the same time, slashing at the world.


    Even someone as powerful as Ming Fei trembled and collapsed.


    At the same time, this collapsing world fell off piece by piece like a shattered mirror, revealing the starry sky behind the sky.


    In the starry sky, the huge Ming Fei¡¯s true body let out an unwilling wail and became incredibly weak. It glanced at Xu Qing venomously.


    It wanted to counterattack but it was powerless. Its body was ruthlessly entangled by the ancient tree Qing Mu. No matter how it struggled, it was useless.


    In the end, its body was penetrated by those branches. Amidst the blood rain that scattered in all directions, the branches broke through its flesh from many parts of its body.


    It was extremely tragic and there was gradually no movement.


    The starry sky trembled as though the source of resentment had dissipated and clarity returned.


    As for the huge tree, it had also used all its strength. At this moment, it was like a lantern that was out of oil, revealing weakness and relief.


    ¡°Thank you. I have no more regrets.¡±


    As the ancient voice echoed, a branch whipped at the face of Ming Fei¡¯s corpse. Ming Fei¡¯s head collapsed, and only its eye was swept up by the branch and brought in front of Xu Qing.


    ¡°Little friend, here is the promised item.¡±


    Xu Qing, who had been mostly silent, was still silent. The instant the eyeball was brought to him, he raised his right hand and the heavenly saber appeared, slashing toward the eye like a bolt of lightning.


    The eye was destroyed!


    ¡°Have you acted enough?¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke..

 Chapter 1300 - Chapter 1300: You Won’t Die on This Path

    Chapter 1300: You Won¡¯t Die on This Path


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The eyeball was torn to pieces and scattered toward the starry sky below.


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice echoed coldly in this void-like starry sky.


    From the start to the end, his expression didn¡¯t fluctuate much. He only calmly looked at the corpse that had lost its eyeball in the distance, the tree branch that was wrapped around Ming Fei¡¯s body, and the large tree that was emitting decay and seemed to be on the verge of death.


    ¡°Little friend, what do you mean?¡±


    The ancient voice from Green Wood sounded weak and confused.


    What responded was a black spear that was wrapped in a sea of fire. It transformed into a trail of fire in the starry sky and decisively pierced toward the large tree.


    A rumbling sound rang out. The battlefield of Green Wood and Ming Fei seemed to overlap, as if¡­ it was a bubble composed of illusions.


    Under the penetrative force of the spear, the bubble started shattering.


    The intent of decay and the aura of death spread through the starry sky the instant the bubble split open.


    At the same time, the starry sky collapsed from Xu Qing¡¯s saber strike, turning into pieces of eyeball fragments that scattered down. At this moment, its form suddenly changed. Black fog spread from the eyeball fragments, and poison and filth permeated the air. Finally, they gathered into a blurry figure.


    It stared fixedly at Xu Qing.


    ¡°How did you find out?!¡±


    Its gloomy voice was filled with resentment.


    Xu Qing was right. This was indeed a trick, and it was also Ming Fei¡¯s desperate move!


    It was truly too weak. Born from the resentment of this immortal realm during the divine calamity, it did seize control of this Northern Age realm at a critical moment, attempting to devour Green Wood¡¯s Heavenly Dao in order to gain a place of refuge for itself.


    However, what was different from what he told Xu Qing was that its battle with Green Wood had ended countless years ago.


    Green Wood had used its trump card of mutual destruction to heavily injure Ming Fei.


    As the guardian of the Northern Age, since Green Wood could be appointed by the Immortal Emperor, it naturally had its own extraordinary aspects. Hence, its trump card was truly powerful. Even though Ming Fei didn¡¯t die, it was still heavily injured and sealed.


    Its injuries couldn¡¯t be healed and only continued to worsen.


    The seal isolated everything, causing Ming Fei to feel as though it was in a cage that it could never escape from.


    After that, because the outside world had become the Divine Realm, it was like another cage had been built outside its cage, completely cutting off all hope.


    In this lifeless and deathly silent world, where no outsiders came and no replenishment was present, Ming Fei could only weakly wait for death to approach.


    However, it was unwilling. It wanted to leave and return to its peak, but after endless years, the weakness had spread throughout its body, and it was the same for its withering.


    It was only when its last bit of consciousness was about to dim that Xu Qing arrived.


    Xu Qing¡¯s appearance gave it hope. It had taken a fancy to Xu Qing¡¯s body. However, it was already extremely weak and didn¡¯t have the ability to forcefully snatch it.


    Hence, it created this show.


    The instant Xu Qing appeared, it created an illusion, allowing Xu Qing to see the battle scene it wanted him to see. After that, it led him into a decayed world.


    Over there, it took on the identity of Green Wood to communicate with Xu Qing and told half-truths of the past events.


    Its goal was to make Xu Qing believe in this show.


    As for the Ming Fei¡¯s Dao Shadow Origin Body that Xu Qing had killed in this illusion, although it was also fake, the poison contained in it was real.


    It wanted to let Xu Qing slowly be invaded by its poison as he killed it again and again.


    Once it succeeded, it could use poison to possess Xu Qing¡¯s body and escape, leaving this place and obtaining freedom.


    However, it never expected that its poison could actually be neutralized to a certain extent by the other party. What shocked it more was that the other party was actually researching it!


    He even tried to research its soul.


    It was worried that it would be exposed, so it could only risk everything to display the Five Filths of God in an attempt to possess him. However, it miscalculated again.


    The Five Filths of God were also neutralized.


    However, this wasn¡¯t its only trick. It also had an ultimate plan, which was to make Xu Qing think that it had succeeded. This way, it could give out its eyeball to express its gratitude.


    As long as Xu Qing absorbed the eyeball, he would be possessed by it.


    However¡­ Xu Qing¡¯s clean saber strike cut through everything.


    ¡°When did you discover it?!¡±


    Ming Fei¡¯s voice was filled with persistence as it echoed again.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. He lifted his right hand and waved it in front of him. Immediately, the black spear howled and all the flames contained in it erupted, affecting the starry sky.


    At the next instant, the bubble-like illusion completely shattered.


    It revealed the real scene here.


    This place wasn¡¯t the starry sky but the void.


    A sphere that was like a star floated in the void. It was astonishingly huge, and was formed from withered and rotting branches that had been dead for countless years.


    Countless branches entwined together, forming such a star-like¡­ wooden cage!


    And inside this wooden cage was Ming Fei¡¯s true body!


    Its body was indeed penetrated by countless tree branches and it was dry and withered like a dried corpse. Even its head was the same.


    The armor of corpses on its body had already transformed into countless resentful spirits, traversing inside and outside its body, perpetually gnawing away¡­


    In its entire body, only its eyeball was still intact.


    It was staring at Xu Qing in bitterness and despair. There was no spirit in its eyes.


    ¡°How did you discover¡­¡±


    This was already its obsession.


    ¡°I never believed you!¡±


    Xu Qing stared at the eyeball and spoke in a deep voice as he walked over.


    With a single step, he arrived in front of the wooden cage. Amidst the increasingly intense desire and rumbling sounds from the Poison Restriction divine repository in his body, he lifted his right hand and pressed it toward the eye.


    With this motion, the Poison Restriction in his body completely erupted and the spiritual perception in Ming Fei¡¯s eye completely dissipated.


    The entire eyeball turned grayish-white and rose from the corpse, transforming into gray fog that fused into the Poison Restriction divine repository.


    The divine repository of the Poison Restriction no longer fluctuated. A while later, it emitted the aura of the Heavenly Dao. The second repository¡¯s gate suddenly opened!


    A terrifying might erupted from the gate.


    One could see a huge eyeball rising from the Poison Restriction inside the gate.


    Six ancient seals circulated inside, giving off a mysterious feeling and containing the power of divinity.


    This eye was the Heavenly Dao.


    The seals were the God¡¯s Six Filths.


    With the loss of the eyeball, Ming Fei¡¯s corpse turned into ashes. The starry wooden cage also collapsed and dissipated into the void, turning into a vortex.


    That was the way out of here.


    Just like that, Green Wood and Ming Fei met their end and completed their karma. Their bodies and souls were destroyed.


    In the void, only the lingering sound of obsession continued to echo.


    ¡°How did you discover¡­¡±


    This obsession landed in Xu Qing¡¯s heart and echoed in his Poison Restriction divine repository. The moment he walked into the vortex, Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen the sacrificial dance.¡±


    Compared to the God¡¯s Sacrificial Dance that could change one¡¯s cognition, Ming Fei¡¯s illusory art was really nothing.


    Xu Qing took a step into the vortex and disappeared.


    The seventh path wasn¡¯t a path of death but a path of survival.


    The ancestral emperor¡¯s tomb, or the immortal emperor¡¯s tomb, wasn¡¯t particularly complex in structure.


    The outer layer was the maze of immortal knowledge, followed by four to five choices of life and death, and finally, the endpoint was the imperial palace.


    It was also the resting place of the immortal emperor¡¯s corpse.


    The imperial palace was vast and huge, forming a space of its own, like a vast great world.


    There was sky and earth.


    What existed in the sky were 108 imprisoned stars!


    They formed the starry sky of the Imperial Palace.


    Those stars were all eerie. Facing the earth, they perpetually emitted starlight, but on their backside were horrifying gigantic faces.


    The sounds of agony and lamentation spread through the sky above the Imperial Palace, resembling a funeral dirge.


    Amidst the echoes of this dirge, if one looked closely, they could even see some figures seated upside down within the starlight of those 108 stars.


    Flame Mystic, Tuoshi Shan, Tian Mozi, Fan Shishuang¡­ sat cross-legged on different stars. Their eyes were filled with vigilance as they lifted their heads and stared at the Imperial Palace, as though they were waiting for an opportunity to arrive.


    Clearly, the families and forces behind them had provided the method of entry with the support of their foundation, allowing them to enter here.


    The captain was naturally among them. However, compared to the others, the captain looked a little anxious. He would occasionally look at the uninhabited stars in the surroundings or at the Imperial Palace.


    Countless starlight scattered down and gathered, transforming into nine dragons of starlight. They looked lifelike as they moved around.


    Other than the 108 stars, there were two even more dazzling stars. They were the sun and moon that were imprisoned here, circulating according to a fixed trajectory.


    When the sun came, it emitted the power of the golden sun and was incomparably hot.


    When the moon arrived, it emitted silver extreme yin power that was endlessly cold.


    Under the sun and moon, upon the earth, there existed a colorful rotating canopy, covering half of the land.


    This canopy was adorned with several crystal bells, emitting a tinkling sound as it spun, clear as celestial music. It harmonized with the lamentation of the stars, creating an eerie yet sacred atmosphere.


    Surrounding it were numerous banners, chimes, and giant drums.


    They were all enormous and floating in mid-air


    They were items for sacrificial burial.


    The nine celestial dragons roamed around these sacrificial items, seemingly guarding them.


    Further down, one could see the ground.


    This land wasn¡¯t made of soil but was pieced together from countless pieces of skin. Among them were the skins of humans, nonhumans, and countless races. They were laid out as the land of the Imperial Palace, and had mountains and rivers inside.


    The mountain ranges were made of bones, and the rivers were flowing with blood.


    There were also rows of armored soldiers that emitted a monstrous fiendish aura!


    They seemed to be endless in number.


    At the center of this terrifying land, directly under the canopy, there was a towering altar!


    On the altar was a purple-gold coffin!


    There were carvings on it that depicted mountains and rivers. It was extremely noble. It was the Immortal Emperor¡¯s coffin.


    It was also at this moment that on the 108 stars above the Imperial Palace, a star that originally had no people suddenly fluctuated. At the next instant¡­ a figure seemed to have come from nothingness and instantly became clear.


    He was Xu Qing.


    The instant he appeared, Xu Qing saw the Imperial Palace and those familiar figures on the surrounding stars. All of this made him realize that he might have arrived too late.


    At the same time, many gazes gathered over. Everyone had different expressions.


    As for the captain, he also noticed Xu Qing¡¯s appearance immediately. The anxiety on his face immediately disappeared and he beamed with joy as he waved at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you¡¯re finally here. If you hadn¡¯t appeared, I really would have thought that you had died..¡±

 Chapter 1301 - Chapter 1301: It’s Not Too Late for Me to Take the Stage

    Chapter 1301: It¡¯s Not Too Late for Me to Take the Stage


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The captain¡¯s words landed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Xu Qing smiled.


    He realized that he was not too late.


    Seeing the captain and Flame Mystic here was within his expectations. However, he was a little surprised that Tian Mozi, Tuoshi Shan, and Fan Shishuang were also here.


    However, the surprise was only slight.


    After all, the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race had opened this Divine Realm more than once. To be able to become the top five heaven¡¯s chosens of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, the family or faction behind them naturally had a longer time to prepare.


    The fact that these people were all here was enough to show that this place- had the most fortuitous opportunity in the Divine Realm!


    At the same time, it also indirectly proved the captain¡¯s sense of smell and the so-called major event.


    Hence, after Xu Qing nodded in response to the captain, his gaze swept across everyone. Flame Mystic let out a cold snort, Tian Mozi revealed a surprised expression, Tuoshi Shan showed a flattering look, while Fan Shishuang lowered his head and avoided eye contact.


    They didn¡¯t say anything and weren¡¯t surprised by Xu Qing¡¯s appearance.


    Clearly, from what they knew, it was only right for Xu Qing to appear here; they would be surprised if it were the opposite.


    As his gaze swept over and this vast imperial palace was reflected in his mind, Xu Qing also gained more perception of the star he was on.


    For example, the outer layer of each of the 108 stars in the starry sky had an invisible barrier.


    Although this barrier was difficult to see with the naked eye, one could sense its might through divine sense. It was like a seal, stopping anyone in the star from leaving.


    However, although this barrier possessed divine powers and might be able to trap Tian Mozi and the others, Xu Qing felt that regardless the captain and Flame Mystic wouldn¡¯t find it difficult to break through the barrier.


    However, it just so happened that¡­ even the two of them were staying on the stars.


    Not willing to leave? Or is it because the time isn¡¯t ripe yet?¡±


    All of this was analyzed rapidly in Xu Qing¡¯s mind as his gaze swept past.


    Soon, he discovered the answer.


    Under the stars, the sun and moon were switching, and the sun moved along its trajectory.


    It was moving across the sky.


    A scorching power, brimming with supreme domineeringness and frenzy, containing terrifying power, emanated from the sun, resembling a massive fireball that illuminated the entire sky with its fiery light.


    As it drew nearer, its power became increasingly astonishing. When it reached the other stars, it was obstructed by the barriers outside the stars, filtering out its frenzy and terror, and delivering the pure power of the sun into the barriers.


    Tian Mozi, Tuoshi Shan, and Flame Mystic¡¯s bodies shook as they absorbed the power of the sun, tempering their bodies and souls.


    As they absorbed it, the aura on their bodies clearly strengthened.


    This was the reason why Flame Mystic didn¡¯t break through the barrier!


    It was also the reason why everyone was sitting cross-legged on the stars!


    This was because the barrier of these stars was not only a seal but also a form of protection for them. This caused these stars to be like Dao platforms and become the best and safest place to absorb the energy.


    ¡°This is the power of the sun!¡±


    The captain¡¯s divine sense entered Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°When the moon arrives later, it will emit the power of extreme yin. Junior Brother, I told you before that the imperial tomb is the real treasure but you didn¡¯t listen and fought with the statue outside.¡±


    ¡°Look, isn¡¯t there more extreme Yin power here?¡±


    The captain shook his head, his tone tinged with emotion, as if Xu Qing¡¯s demeanor resembled that of a minor character.


    Xu Qing fell silent. His gaze landed on the moon in the Imperial Palace. Because the sun had arrived now, he couldn¡¯t sense the power of the moon. However, through the density of the power of the sun, he could determine that the captain was right.


    It was as though the battle with the statue outside the tomb was indeed meaningless.


    Seeing Xu Qing¡¯s expression, the captain became even more smug. He was about to continue transmitting his voice.


    However, at this moment, Tuoshi Shan, who was absorbing the power of the sun, suddenly trembled. A bright light appeared in his dantian, as though a star was shining inside.


    Accompanying the appearance of the star were Dao marks that appeared out of thin air¡­


    These dao marks rapidly turned into bubbles and there were more and more of them. When they gathered, they formed an illusory great world.


    Under the starlight in his dantian, this illusory great world actually revealed a trace of reality. It was as though there was life being born in this world.


    There was also an aura that shook the surroundings. It was vast and astonishing, far surpassing the realm of the Nihility. It erupted as the world turned from illusory to corporeal.


    That was¡­ the aura of the Soul Accumulation.


    Tuoshi Shan was borrowing the power of the sun here to perfect his Dao, illuminate his path, and shape his great world.


    Once he succeeded, he would reach the Soul Accumulation!


    This was his ultimate goal in coming to the Divine Realm. As one of the heaven¡¯s chosens at the peak of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, although he hadn¡¯t reached the end of his realm, he had long polished his strength to the extreme.


    He also knew the difference between him and others, so he didn¡¯t ask for perfection. What he pursued was his own excellence.


    Now that he had reached his limit, he didn¡¯t hesitate to choose to advance!


    There was no place more suitable than this place to illuminate his great world. This was because the power of the sun represented life force and endless possibilities, especially since he understood that this sun in the Divine Realm¡¯s Imperial Tomb¡­


    was the first sun of this world!


    It was also the only sun, its power and significance akin to Wanggu¡¯s ancestral sun, though their strengths might vary, their statuses were the same.


    This wasn¡¯t only his choice but also Tian Mozi¡¯s.


    When the second beam of starlight lit up in Tuoshi Shan¡¯s body, the star where Tian Mozi was also erupted with light. A terrifying aura and pressure appeared.


    He was also advancing.


    In an instant, the stars where the two of them were on rumbled in unison.


    This scene fell into Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. As he understood everything, he suddenly looked in Flame Mystic¡¯s direction.


    Xu Qing had a deep understanding of how powerful Flame Mystic, who hadn¡¯t advanced to the Soul Accumulation, was. As for Tian Mozi and Tuoshi Shan who had completed their Dao first, they didn¡¯t represent the strongest because their extreme limits were limited.


    Among the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, there was only Flame Mystic who had almost no limits.


    Hence, she needed more sun power.


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing looked over, Flame Mystic, who was sitting cross-legged on the star, rumbled. Five ancient and huge repository gates that seemed luxurious instantly appeared.


    All five gates opened, emitting a huge suction force.


    A large amount of sun power instantly headed straight for Flame Mystic. As it surged into the five gates, Dao marks, bubbles, and nihility land appeared on three of the five gates.


    The dao marks continued to expand and bubbles flowed out endlessly, gathering in the nihility land¡­ This caused the land to continue expanding, surpassing the limit of a large world and forming an unprecedented super world!


    However vast the world might be, while its land was limitless, it was challenging to match it with an equally expansive sky.


    However¡­ If a sky that was compatible with this world really appeared, then the moment Flame Mystic advanced, she would instantly reach the peak of the first stage of the Soul Accumulation Realm.


    This was because her world was so vast that it surpassed everything. There had been very few worlds of such size since ancient times.


    From this, one could see her talent and determination.


    Seeing this scene and the advancement of the three heaven¡¯s chosens, for some reason, what someone had said to him when he was in the Seven Blood Eyes appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°This is an era of great competition and heaven¡¯s chosens appear frequently, and this might be Wanggu Heavenly Daos¡¯ final attempt at saving themselves!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    At the next instant, the sun set and the moon approached from afar.


    The power of extreme Yin dispersed the sun and swept over.


    Fan Shishuang, who had his head lowered, suddenly lifted his head. His eyes were persistent and his heart was firm. Back then, after he watched helplessly as Xu Qing killed Ji Dongzi, he knew that he was weaker than Xu Qing, let alone Flame Mystic. However, he was only weaker in the past.


    He firmly believed that his future would be beautiful.


    In the future, it was still uncertain who was stronger!


    This faith supported him. When the power of extreme Yin arrived, he began to absorb it crazily. Moonlight gathered on his forehead until it formed a star that illuminated the surroundings.


    He also began to advance!


    Similarly, Erniu was also absorbing the power of extreme Yin.


    Moreover, compared to Fan Shishuang, Erniu¡¯s absorption method was rather domineering. It seemed to be suppressing Flame Mystic¡¯s absorption method. Erniu¡¯s head swayed and clouds actually rose above his head.


    As the clouds churned, a huge dog head rushed out and sucked fiercely at the power of extreme Yin.


    That was an immortal art.


    It had the power to devour anything.


    In the blink of an eye, the power of extreme Yin headed straight for the captain and was crazily absorbed.


    Fan Shishuang¡¯s body trembled and he felt powerless. His expression instantly darkened.


    As for Erniu, his posture was arrogant. He looked at Flame Mystic with contempt and also emitted a smug divine sense toward Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother, as long as you beg Eldest Senior Brother with a hundred compliments and sign a thousand promissory notes, I will leave you with twenty percent.¡±


    Hearing the captain¡¯s despicable divine sense, Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with him. He looked at the approaching moon in the distance and sensed the third repository gate in his body that had opened after it had absorbed the power of the statue.


    The repository gate emitted a power that came from the same source as the moon. It was also the extreme Yin and the ancestral moon!


    An intense desire surged into his mind.


    Who said that the battle outside the tomb was useless? The gains from that battle were seeds!


    Xu Qing understood. He looked at the moon and stood up. The instant he took a step forward, a deafening sound rang out from the second repository gate in his body.


    Ming Fei¡¯s eye inside opened. In an instant, the Six Filths of God erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and blasted against the invisible barrier in front of him.


    The God¡¯s Six Filths could taint gods!


    At the next instant, under the corrosion of the God¡¯s Six Filths, this barrier transformed from invisible to tangible. It was like a bubble that had been blown through and directly dissipated.


    Xu Qing¡¯s footstep also landed and he disappeared from the star, appearing outside it.


    The power from the Imperial Palace came from all directions and pressed down on Xu Qing¡¯s body. However, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. Jiuli¡¯s nine heads and his god form appeared. The Six Filths became even denser.


    Amidst everyone¡¯s shock, he walked toward the moon that was moving in the distance.


    He directly stepped onto it and¡­ sat down cross-legged.


    The Purple Moon Repository in his body suddenly erupted and absorbed crazily.


    It was as though it was cheering..

 Chapter 1302 - Chapter 1302: Competing

    Chapter 1302: Competing


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    At this moment, the Purple Moon Repository Gate was in an uproar. The wisp of extreme Yin power that originally existed inside was the seed of the repository gate. It was the Extreme Yin Nether Firefly? that resonated with the moon¡¯s radiance.


    Moreover, Xu Qing had the authority of the Purple Moon. This authority was born from the Red Moon and now, it belonged to him alone. It was also a mark of connection.


    Even though the moons were not the same, these circumstances gave him the conditions, making his current actions logical and reasonable.


    The instant he sat down, the sound of the Purple Moon Repository Gate overflowed into the sky. The incomparably dense power of extreme Yin from the entire moon surged toward Xu Qing.


    After a short period of discomfort, he enjoyed it alone!


    Compared to Xu Qing, Tian Mozi, Tuoshi Shan, and Fan Shishuang were like fireflies in terms of absorption methods and total quantity absorbed.


    Even for Flame Mystic and Erniu, the former could at most open five gates to absorb, while the latter used the heavenly dog to devour.


    If there was no comparison, it would naturally be fine. However, now that the comparison was present, the difference was obvious.


    Xu Qing sat on the moon as though he was its master!


    Hence¡­ Tian Mozhi and Tuoshi Shan, who were currently advancing, couldn¡¯t help but look with shocked expressions. As for Fan Shishuang, who was also absorbing the power of extreme Yin, his breathing turned hurried. He looked at Xu Qing and a sense of absurdity rose in his heart, but he couldn¡¯t do anything.


    Even Erniu was anxious. On one hand, it was because of his need for the extreme Yin. On the other hand, he felt that in this time¡¯s major event, his junior brother was in the limelight more frequently than him¡­


    Compared to the past, the roles had reversed once again.


    This made him feel that his dignity as the Eldest Senior Brother had been severely challenged.


    Hence, he immediately shouted.


    ¡°Junior Brother, my dear Junior Brother¡­ Leave some for me!¡±


    The heavenly dog transformed by Erniu couldn¡¯t absorb the extreme Yin. At that moment, he could only shout at Xu Qing. As though he felt that it wasn¡¯t enough, Erniu gritted his teeth fiercely and stood up, heading straight for the barrier of the star he was on.


    The moment he got close, blood spurted out in large mouthfuls as though it wasn¡¯t his. When it landed on the barrier, it instantly dyed it red and froze it.


    After that, the heavenly dog above his head charged forward and bit down on the barrier.


    With a cracking sound, the barrier collapsed and the captain rushed out, wanting to step onto the moon as well.


    However, he didn¡¯t have the required conditions. The instant he got close, he was rejected by the moon.


    The huge pushing force from the moon caused him to be pushed away every time he got close. It was as though he could only shout again in the storm.


    ¡°Junior Brother¡­¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t open his eyes and was immersed in absorbing the extreme Yin. However, he still lifted his right hand and waved it, guiding the captain.


    He used himself as the captain¡¯s anchor and transformed into an invisible rope that was connected to Erniu.


    In the end, although Erniu was still rejected by the moon, he relied on this anchor to absorb the power of extreme Yin.


    In order to regain his dignity as the Eldest Senior Brother, Erniu quickly transmitted his voice as he absorbed it.


    ¡°Little Qing, let me tell you, I was the first to arrive at the Imperial Palace.


    Moreover, before the others arrived, I already completed all the arrangements.¡±


    ¡°This power of extreme Yin and whatnot is just an appetizer. When the time comes, you¡¯ll know my target. That¡¯s the main dish.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. The Purple Moon Repository Gate in his body continued to absorb and the power of extreme Yin inside became increasingly dense. The aura of the Heavenly Dao also soared.


    Through the crack that was gradually opening in the third repository gate, one could see that the cold power inside was constantly erupting. The Extreme Yin Nether Firefly that was the embryonic form of the Heavenly Dao also became clearer.


    Xu Qing¡¯s aura also rose!


    It was the same for the captain. The two of them were reaping benefits from the moon power. Very soon, the moon started setting, heralding the arrival of the sun.


    Their method of absorption by sticking close to the moon caused Fan Shishuang¡¯s connection to the extreme Yin power to be cut off. Helpless, he could only grit his teeth fiercely and perform a series of hand seals, manifesting countless flying swords around his body.


    These flying swords headed straight for the invisible barrier of the star he was in. There were intense collision sounds. Finally, all the swords gathered together and attacked the same spot on the barrier.


    He didn¡¯t want to shatter the barrier but only wanted to poke a hole!


    This way, he could retain the greatest amount of defense and also absorb some of the Yin power wandering outside through this small hole.


    Although only a little extreme Yin power was flowing outside, fortunately, Xu Qing arrived late and Fan Shishuang had absorbed a lot previously. Hence, he didn¡¯t need much now.


    Compared to him, Tian Mozi and Tuoshi Shan heaved a long sigh of relief. This was because what they needed was the power of the sun, not the extreme Yin¡­


    However, before they could completely relax, Flame Mystic frowned.


    She let out a cold snort and actually took a step forward, arriving beside the barrier. She then punched the barrier with the Indestructible Emperor¡¯s Fist.


    The entire barrier directly shattered into pieces.


    Her domineeringness was fully displayed in this punch.


    She then headed straight for the sun that had now appeared. However, she was in the same situation as the captain. She didn¡¯t have the conditions to step onto the sun.


    Hence, the rejection of the sun blocked her out.


    However, she was Flame Mystic. Although she was repelled, seeing the two people she despised being able to absorb through this method, she didn¡¯t believe she couldn¡¯t do it herself.


    Even though the repulsive force was terrifying, she continued forward with one punch at a time.


    Her punch was indestructible and overbearing. That was her Dao.


    Indomitable and unstoppable!


    Hence, amidst this deafening rumbling, under the shock of Tian Mozi and Tuoshi Shan, she really approached the sun step by step.


    After that, she spread out her five repository gates and revealed her nihility land, transforming into her great world. She used them to press on herself, causing her to sit on¡­ the sun.


    This scene made the captain feel sour.


    ¡®This Flame Mystic is indeed extraordinary. Although she¡¯s still a little inferior to me, she¡¯s about the same as Junior Brother.¡¯


    Flame A/tystic¡¯s actions immediately led to some reactions. Tian Mozi was unwilling and took out a small white jade bottle. After opening it, he blew on it.


    Starlight emitted from the small bottle. This starlight was different from the starlight of this world. At this moment, when Tian Mozi blew on it, the starlight seemed to have gained spirituality as it headed straight for the barrier ahead.


    At the next moment, a portion of the barrier was penetrated, forming a vortex that absorbed the power of the sun drifting outside.


    This was also Tuoshi Shan¡¯s choice.


    Facing competitors like Xu Qing and Flame Mystic, they had no choice and didn¡¯t want to complicate matters. Hence, as long as there was residual energy to absorb, they could reluctantly accept the situation.


    After all, their goal now was to advance to the Soul Accumulation realm.


    As for the exploration of the Imperial Palace, that would have to wait until they advanced.


    Everyone seemed to be waiting.


    Tian Mozi and the other two¡¯s goal was the Soul Accumulation. Hence, within this emperor¡¯s tomb, they waited for their opportunity, awaited transcendence, awaited breaking through Nihility, awaited the illusory world becoming corporeal, and awaited the illumination of the great world.


    The captain was also waiting, waiting for the opportunity he mentioned.


    Others didn¡¯t know his goal but Xu Qing had done many major things with the captain, so he could more or less guess it.


    Flame Mystic was clearly waiting as well. It was impossible for her target to be just the Soul Accumulation. For Tian Mozi and the others, the opportunities within the emperor¡¯s tomb were significant, but Flame Mystic didn¡¯t need these opportunities that much.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s opinion, everyone here was divided into three levels.


    As for himself, wasn¡¯t he also waiting?


    He was waiting for his Purple Moon divine repository¡¯s Heavenly Dao to be completed. He was waiting for the Heavenly Dao that matched the Emperor Sword to appear. He was waiting for the five repository gates to open, and step into Nihility.


    He was also waiting for what he had judged in his mind was the captain¡¯s major matter!


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    As the sun and moon rotated, the auras of Tian Mozi and the other two became increasingly majestic, containing the might of the Soul Accumulation. The captain¡¯s eyes also revealed a dark glint, and the madness in them was about to be ignited.


    Flame Mystic, who was sitting cross-legged on the sun, had also opened her eyes. What she looked at wasn¡¯t above but below the star.


    As for Xu Qing¡­ the Purple Moon divine repository in his body finally emitted a deafening sound that echoed throughout his entire sea of consciousness. The Purple Moon Repository Gate, which had originally opened a crack, was completely opened at this moment!


    In the repository gate, the extreme Yin Nether Firefly rose and the cold air that could freeze time and space erupted.


    Three of the five gates were opened!


    Xu Qing¡¯s aura also skyrocketed at this instant, surpassing what it had been in the past. A chill spread out from his entire body and he seemed to merge with the moon under him.


    Right at this moment!


    Under the sun and moon, under the canopy, the chimes, the drums, and the nine huge dragons of starlight that surrounded them, on the ground made of skin, on the altar, in the Immortal Emperor¡¯s coffin¡­


    There was a heartbeat!


    Peng peng!


    This heartbeat surpassed the sound of heavenly thunder, and even the creation of heaven and earth seemed difficult to compare with it. This was because the heavens had been tainted by divinity, and the earth had fallen into a divine kingdom.


    Hence, the heartbeat was the sound of a god.


    If the Immortal Realm was tainted, how could the emperor¡¯s corpse¡­ be immune?


    As soon as this sound rang out, the Imperial Palace rumbled, affecting the tomb and spreading throughout the starry sky. As it swept through the entire Divine Realm, the opportunity Flame Mystic was waiting for¡­ had arrived!


    Without any hesitation, she rushed out of the sun, and amid the reverberation of that heartbeat, she headed straight toward the enormous and luxurious canopy which exuded a divine aura and covered half of the land!


    That was the Immortal Emperor¡¯s supreme treasure!


    It was also the sky she had prepared for her great world!


    What she wanted to form was a super world whose vastness surpassed everything.


    This world¡¯s nihility land could be molded, but its sky was hard to create.


    This was Flame Mystic¡¯s target.


    For this reason, she even suppressed her killing intent toward Erniu. At that moment, she approached rapidly. Her Indestructible Emperor¡¯s Fist rumbled and she used all her strength to shake off a star dragon that was charging over.


    Under the collapse of the star dragon, she spat out a mouthful of blood. However, her figure didn¡¯t stop at all and appeared on the canopy!


    The instant she sat down, her five gates opened and nihility land fell. She wanted to refine this canopy in her body and turn it into her Soul Accumulation canopy. From there, she would step into the peak that surpassed everyone.


    Such boldness was far from what Tian Mozi and the others could compare to.


    And now, there was no one who could stop her choice. At the next instant, the rainbow canopy emitted a supreme intent and began to fuse with her.


    The aura of advancement soared into the sky.


    From afar, it looked like a god¡¯s flower had bloomed in this Imperial Palace. The flower enveloped the sun and moon and spread to 108 stars. The rainbow roots growing under the flower¡­ were actually connected to the coffin that emitted the heartbeat!


    Regardless of whose handiwork lay within that coffin, whose contingency plan it was, or whose rebirth it signified¡­


    The peak she, Flame Mystic, wanted wasn¡¯t the Soul Accumulation¡­ but god!

 Chapter 1303 - Chapter 1303: Come Over

    Chapter 1303: Come Over


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Only a person with such a spirit was worthy of being the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon Race.


    Only such domineeringness could uphold the name of Flame Mystic, named after the race.


    What she wanted wasn¡¯t the Soul Accumulation. What she wanted¡­ was God!


    She wanted to turn the body of the Immortal Emperor into nutrients for herself. She wanted to mold her divine soil and burn her divine fire!


    She wanted to become a god in one step!


    This scene completely surpassed the goals of Tian Mozi and the other two. As Flame mystic became the center of attention, her domineeringness crushed their desire to compete with her.


    How could they compare to such a person¡­


    Howto win¡­


    Howto fight¡­


    Tian Mozi sighed, Tuoshi Shan lowered his head, and Fan Shishuang felt bitter.


    However, they weren¡¯t willing to give up. Even though the goal they were pursuing was already beyond their reach, they still had their own path. Their advancement had officially begun.


    They put in more effort!


    Xu Qing also opened his eyes and looked at Flame Mystic.


    Even with him and the captain joining forces, they could only trap Flame Mystic. She was a rare peerless heaven¡¯s chosen among everyone Xu Qing had seen.


    The human race¡¯s Fifth Prince, who had returned from the borders of the human race, had told the human race a piece of shocking news.


    The Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race might be trying to create¡­ the fourth god.


    Originally, Xu Qing thought it was Ji Dongzi because there were more than 90 tablets of fallen gods in Ji Dongzi¡¯s soul. It was like a ritual to become a god.


    Hence, he killed Ji Dongzi and suppressed the divine tablets in the magus repository, turning them into his own fuel.


    After killing him, Xu Qing knew Ji Dongzi wasn¡¯t the fourth god that Flame Moon wanted to mold. Or to be precise, Ji Dongzi was a semi-finished product.


    He could only be considered a failed container.


    Xu Qing looked at Flame Mystic. From the looks of it, it seemed like¡­ she was the fourth god Flame Moon was trying to create.


    ¡°But, is it really her?¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled silently. At the next instant, he sensed something and turned to look at the captain.


    What he saw was the cold fire burning on the captain¡¯s body, the madness that erupted in his eyes, and the gluttonous desire as if he had starved for countless millennia.


    The opportunity for Flame Mystic and the others had arrived, and the opportunity the captain was waiting for had also arrived at this moment!


    ¡°Finally!¡±


    The captain licked his lips and his expression became increasingly crazed as he laughed loudly.


    ¡°Little Qing, look at that sh*t Tuoshi Shan and the other two. They¡¯re just little sparrows. Their target is nothing more than the power of the sun and moon. They¡¯re just seeking a perfect Soul Accumulation. How unambitious!¡±


    ¡°Little Swallow is quite bold. She is trying to use the canopy as the sky and the divine body as firewood to become a god in one step. However, in your eldest senior brother¡¯s eyes, she can at most be considered a slightly bigger sparrow.¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, the big thing I brought you to do this time is something that surpasses the sparrows¡­ the big eagle!¡±


    As he spoke, the captain let go of the connection with Xu Qing and no longer used Xu Qing as an anchor. When his body retreated along with the repulsion force from the moon, he laughed wildly and lifted his hand, pointing at the 108 stars above.


    ¡°Turn¡­ around!!¡±


    In an instant, the entire Imperial Palace rumbled again. This sound came from the starry sky of the Imperial Palace, from the 108 stars, from their¡­ backs!


    Originally, the side of the 108 stars facing the ground was star soil, but on their back sides were faces that continued to wail in pain!


    At that moment, the once-empty foreheads of the faces of the 108 stars shone as the captain performed a series of hand seals. A pearl appeared in each of them!


    That pearl was the item the captain had obtained from the shell eagles in the outside world.


    108!


    This was what the captain had prepared. It was also the arrangement he made when he arrived here before anyone else.


    Now, they exploded in unison with a huge commotion and astonishing aura.


    It caused the starry sky to ripple and lose its color!


    With the help of the strange power of these pearls and the captain¡¯s methods, the instant they exploded, these 108 stars actually¡­ rotated in unison.


    Amidst deafening rumbling sounds, the 108 stars all changed. The star soil side where Tian Mozi and the other two were on became the rear side, and the side that was wailing in pain became the front!


    Wails erupted crazily toward the entire Imperial Palace.


    Under the stimulation of the collapse of the pearls, the voices of these faces were unprecedentedly sharp. The voices converged, forming a sonic boom that froze the sun, sped up the moon, shook the star dragons, suppressed the sacrificial offerings, and moved the world!


    The expressions of everyone here changed drastically.


    Xu Qing instantly left the moon. When he reappeared, he was already beside the captain. His eyes gleamed and his expression was as calm as ever.


    This change was basically close to his judgment, so he wasn¡¯t surprised. This was especially so under the terrifying sonic boom formed by the wails of those faces, the sun froze and the moon sped up¡­


    ¡®Next should be the second step of the captain¡¯s plan, the collision of the sun and moon!¡¯


    While Xu Qing was in deep thought, the moon whistled as it moved, heading straight for the frozen sun. It formed the power of the tide and changed the layout of the imperial palace.


    As for the captain¡¯s crazy voice, it was still echoing.


    ¡°Junior Brother, you¡¯ve always been curious about our major event this time, right? 1 couldn¡¯t tell you before because regardless of whether it¡¯s outside or here, it¡¯s related to the gods.¡±


    ¡°If I say it, there will be unforeseen events.¡±


    ¡°Now that everything has begun, there¡¯s no harm in me saying it!¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, my target is the ancestral emperor¡¯s body in the coffin!¡±


    The captain pointed at the altar and licked his lips.


    ¡°Or rather, it¡¯s the new body prepared for the master of this Divine Realm, the spider god who had been sealed by the three gods for countless years!¡±


    ¡°1 want to suppress this body and fuse it in my body, indirectly obtaining the recognition of this Divine Realm!¡±


    ¡°I want to take this opportunity to become the master of this Divine Realm!¡±


    ¡°Your target is the emperor¡¯s soul which is also the soul of the god. I want the body while you make the divine soul into your Heavenly Dao. Once we succeed, you will also indirectly become the master of this Divine Realm like me. We can both possess the authority of this Divine Realm and fuse with it at a deeper level!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been preparing for this for a long time! I can¡¯t succeed with just myself due to the interference of the divine soul. Junior Brother, you have to help me!¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice spread in all directions. Even though the wails of the 108 star faces had turned into a sonic boom, shattering the captain¡¯s voice as it spread, the thing he was after still caused the hearts of Tian Mozi and the others to rumble unprecedentedly.


    They only wanted the Soul Accumulation while Flame Mystic wanted to become a god. As for these two humans¡­ they actually wanted to become the masters of the Divine Realm!


    How dare they!


    This was the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s hunt and a grand ceremony recognized by the three gods. In fact¡­ this was the authority the three gods wanted!


    At this moment, they wanted to stop it. Even if they didn¡¯t consider their race and only weighed the pros and cons for themselves, if they allowed things to continue, the drastic changes here would definitely affect their advancement.


    As for the canopy where Flame Mystic was, it also swayed under the wailing sonic boom. Flame Mystic, who was inside, suddenly opened her eyes and killing intent erupted.


    Only Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised.


    Snatching food from the tiger¡¯s mouth and dancing on the tip of a knife was the captain¡¯s style.


    In reality, the moment he arrived in the Divine Realm, with his understanding of the captain, he had already guessed the answer.


    If it wasn¡¯t like this, how could it be called madness? If it wasn¡¯t like this, how could he be Erniu?


    Moreover, it was very difficult to stop the plan. At the very least, it was very difficult for these people in the Imperial Palace to stop them.


    This was because as the sun froze, the trajectory of the sun and moon had already changed. The moon that whistled over smashed fiercely toward the sun with an unstoppable aura and endless terrifying coldness.


    The hundred and eight stars wailed and powerful sound waves rang out as the sun and moon collided!


    The world seemed to collapse.


    The starry sky swayed and space shattered.


    When the flames and cold came into contact, they formed a light of annihilation.


    The sun shattered and the moon collapsed. Countless boulders, ice cubes, and flames flew out in all directions.


    In an instant, the entire imperial palace was engulfed in rain of fire, rain of ice, and rain of stars. Only where Xu Qing and the captain were located remained the sole place of safety, as if it were the one left from the countless permutations of the Great Dao.


    The entire emperor¡¯s tomb shook!


    The entire world rumbled intensely!


    The entire Divine Realm was fluctuating!


    The wind also swept in at that moment, an extermination after the fusion of ice and fire, an infinity mixed with yin and yang, a storm after the collision of sun and moon.


    That was¡­ the storm of chaos, descending upon the Imperial Palace below, shrouding the heavens.


    The star dragons dimmed and collapsed in the wind.


    The chimes rang on their own, transmitting the sound of death.


    The drums shook and the spirits woke up.


    As for the huge canopy, it was also forced away in the storm, revealing¡­ the covered altar and the sacred coffin on it!


    Moreover, on the vast expanse of skin that formed the ground, countless eyes opened, and the countless armored warriors standing on the ground all simultaneously revived!


    However, no matter what, the path was cleared!


    As for the starry sky, it also tilted in the storm. Tian Mozi and the other two, who wanted to stop them, couldn¡¯t care less in this drastic change and could only choose to protect themselves first.


    Only Flame Mystic, whose advancement was interrupted, gathered her new hatred and charged over.


    Looking at all of this, Xu Qing¡¯s expression still didn¡¯t change. This didn¡¯t deviate from his judgment. He knew that there must be a follow-up on Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s side.


    As for what it was, Xu Qing had guessed it. After all, there was an item that the captain hadn¡¯t returned.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t move when Flame Mystic rushed over.


    The captain beside him laughed wildly. He had been preparing for this scene in his previous life. Now that he had finally seen it with his own eyes, he felt both happy and gratified. Also, how could he not be prepared against Flame Mystic?


    Hence, the instant Flame Mystic rushed over, the captain proudly lifted his head. He then lifted something high.


    The instant she saw what it was, Flame Mystic¡¯s expression changed drastically.


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy!!¡±


    She retreated at a speed so fast that the space around her exploded.


    The item in the captain¡¯s hand was a sphere.


    That was the ancient sun, the Sun of Dawn, and the peak-level regional treasure of the human race!


    ¡°Come over!¡±


    The captain looked at the retreating Flame Mystic and let out the anger in his heart. As he laughed wildly, he pointed the Sun of Dawn at the altar below¡­


    He threw it over!

 Chapter 1304 - Chapter 1304 - 1304: Dawn Splitting the Seal

    Chapter 1304 ¨C 1304: Dawn Splitting the Seal


    Chapter 1304 ¨C 1304:  Dawn Splitting the Seal


    The first time the Sun of Dawn of the human race appeared in the eyes of the myriad races in the Wanggu Continent was during the battle with the Black Heaven Race a few years ago.


    In that battle, the Black Heaven Race and some other nonhuman races attacked the human race. The flames of war spread to the Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    The human race was on the verge of collapse.


    In the judgment of all parties, the human race had almost no hope in that battle back then. Although they wouldn¡¯t be exterminated, there was a high chance that they would lose more than half of the Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    As for the seven counties, it would depend on their fates.


    No one expected that at that critical moment, the Sun of Dawn would appear on the battlefield with terrifying might that shook the Wanggu.


    All the races who had been paying attention fell silent. Black Heaven retreated in defeat and the other nonhuman races who were attacking the human race were horrified.


    It was also in that battle that the name of the Sun of Dawn spread throughout Wanggu. Even a race as powerful as the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race developed a strong interest in the Sun of Dawn.


    The research on the Sun of Dawn naturally became the focus of the various races.


    As the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, Flame Mystic also had the knowledge of the power of the Sun of Dawn. Hence, when she saw the item in Erniu¡¯s hand, she immediately recognized it and her expression changed drastically.


    Her pupils contracted and thunder rumbled in her mind. The intense life-and-death crisis caused her to retreat without hesitation.


    If a regional treasure of this level exploded, the range of impact would be extremely great. The Imperial Palace here was an independent space, but its range was ultimately limited.


    Once the Sun of Dawn was detonated here, the storm would instantly envelop everything.


    Although the layout of the Imperial Palace and the immense pressure of this place were equally astonishing, filled with a sense of vastness, capable perhaps of containing the power of the Sun of Dawn, the living beings here would undoubtedly face unprecedented life-threatening danger.


    Not only was Flame Mystic retreating, but the expressions of Tian Mozi and the other two, who were advancing, also changed drastically.


    Their hair stood on end, every inch of flesh and bone trembling, conveying a sense of unparalleled danger that churned their minds completely.


    They didn¡¯t hesitate at all. Even though their advancement was interrupted, they immediately stood up and used all their strength to protect themselves. At the same time, they used different methods to leave this place.


    In an instant, the situation in the entire Imperial Palace changed.


    Only the Sun of Dawn continued to fall, passing through the gaps in the star dragons that were swept away by the sonic boom and falling through the empty space.


    Due to the appearance of the sonic boom earlier, the altar below was clearly revealed and there were no obstructions.


    Hence, this Sun of Dawn landed on the altar and the purple-gold coffin there!


    A piercing light erupted immediately.


    The might of this Sun of Dawn, which was formed by the ancient sun, surpassed the norm. This was especially so when Xu Qing had added the flesh of Crimson Goddess back then.


    This caused this item to contain incomparably terrifying might. It was enough to be Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s trump card.


    However, because it was a one-time use item, it had more meaning in terms of deterrence.


    At this moment, it was no longer a deterrence but a true activation!


    An indescribably vast and terrifying power rose from within and began to erupt.


    In the blink of an eye, its light shot out violently, illuminating the starry sky and covering the ground!


    The sky turned red.


    The ground quaked intensely.


    For the first time, the wails of the 108 star faces in the sky were interrupted. Their expressions were filled with pain. Under the sweeping of the light and heat, they were instantly reduced to ashes. They were evaporated by the heat wave and turned into nothingness.


    The 108 stars themselves didn¡¯t last long either. Under the light and heat, they no longer existed!


    The eruption of the Sun of Dawn had just begun. After the sea of light covered the sky, it also enveloped everything else.


    The chimes, drums, canopy, and the huge star dragons were all covered by it.


    There was also the altar that bore the brunt, as well as the mountains and rivers, the armored soldiers, and countless miscellaneous skins under the altar.


    Everything in sight was red. The heat wave followed the sea of light, wanting to destroy everything.


    One could imagine that if nothing unexpected happened, the Imperial Palace would soon turn into ashes. Even the entire imperial tomb and the star it was on would be enveloped by the Sun of Dawn.


    As for the people here, they had also arrived at the boundary of life and death. Flame Mystic¡¯s hair was disheveled and she spat out a mouthful of blood. She let out a deep shout and punched out one punch after another. Her body even rolled back to resist the light and heat.


    However, it was obvious that even she couldn¡¯t hold on for too long. Death was approaching.


    There was no need to mention Fan Shishuang and the others. The three of them seemed to have been heavily injured and their souls were being destroyed. They had already gone crazy and used countless methods to save themselves, but it was clearly useless.


    It had to be said that the captain¡¯s move was too ruthless.


    This was because not only was he ruthless to others, but he was also¡­ equally ruthless to himself.


    He and Xu Qing were also within the range of the Sun of Dawn.


    A life-and-death crisis also enveloped them.


    However, the preparations in advance allowed him to last longer. The instant the Sun of Dawn exploded, he opened his mouth and glanced at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing understood without there being a need for verbal communication. He didn¡¯t hesitate at all and transformed into a stream of light that entered the captain¡¯s mouth.


    After entering the captain¡¯s body, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation erupted completely. His protective power spread out and the might of the extreme Yin rose. All the methods and divine arts used for defense were used in this life-and-death crisis.


    The captain did the same. A face appeared in his pupils and his chest transformed into a vortex. Four blue arms tore out of his flesh and quickly performed a series of hand seals, fusing with Xu Qing¡¯s power to form an ice cube.


    At the same time, his eyes revealed madness as he took out a large amount of human skin. They were all his own skin and he draped them all over his body. Finally, he took out a green jade slip and held it tightly in his hand.


    The power of time actually spread out from the jade slip.


    ¡°Junior Brother!¡±


    As the captain roared, Xu Qing, who was in his body, immediately unfolded the Sundial. As it rumbled and rotated, it augmented the time ability of the jade slip and added more defense.


    However, even so, under the eruption of the Sun of Dawn, the ice cube collapsed, the power of time distorted, Erniu¡¯s skin burned, and his flesh was torn apart. His four blue arms began to collapse.


    Xu Qing was the same. Cracks appeared on the Sundial and his cultivation base was rumbling. All his defense didn¡¯t seem to be able to resolve the key problem. At most, it would delay his death.


    However, he trusted the captain.


    Even though the captain¡¯s madness was courting death time and time again, every time¡­ he still had a chance of survival. He didn¡¯t really want to die.


    This was indeed the case!


    As the Sun of Dawn erupted, poised to destroy the Imperial Palace, turn the world into one of extreme light, and intending to turn the world into nothingness. The resistance from the imperial palace appeared!


    This was the tomb and the palace of an Immortal Emperor. Although this region was far inferior to Wanggu, from a certain perspective, the person buried here was extremely noble.


    Needless to say, there was also the arrangement of the gods here.


    Hence, at the next instant, the red chimes began to ring and arrange themselves.


    The drums that were burned by the flames started to beat and fused into the chimes one by one.


    The star dragons let out a deafening roar and rushed over.


    From afar, they resembled eight fingers!


    The chimes were the fingernails, the drums were the crescent moons on the nails, and the dragons were the illusory fingers.


    On the ground, on all the burning skins, the eyes that were closed opened in unison.


    The illusory finger gained skin!


    Those countless burning armored soldiers, all of them stirred, their breaths erupting in an instant, all revived together, raising military spirits, raising deathly aura, rushing towards the sky, transforming into a palm.


    One palm, eight fingers!


    The mountains and rivers rose, transforming into a vast array formation that became the fingerprints!


    Even more astonishing was the altar itself, emitting black light, symbolizing destruction, blending with the light and heat of this place, and infusing the black light into the palm, making it pitch black.


    What followed was the heartbeat from the coffin on the altar again.


    Thump, thump, thump!


    The appearance of the heartbeat caused the huge palm that could blot out the sky to directly revive and grab at the erupting Sun of Dawn!


    At this moment, the light was covered.


    At this moment, the heat was isolated.


    Everything was enveloped by the black palm.


    However, the Sun of Dawn was a regional treasure, and this one was even more extraordinary. Hence, even with the counterattack of the Imperial Palace, it couldn¡¯t be stopped easily.


    Hence, at the next instant, the black palm and the light and heat of the Sun of Dawn started an intense resistance. This lasted until a rumbling sound that shook the entire tomb rang out like countless bolts of lightning exploding.


    The black palm disappeared, and so did the Sun of Dawn.


    The terror that came from the Sun of Dawn was finally neutralized.


    In the sky, Flame Mystic was in an extremely sorry state and her entire body was covered in blood.


    In the distance, Tian Mozi and the other two¡¯s bodies were incomplete. Their weakness was incomparably intense and the fear they felt was monstrous.


    This was because they were just a step away from dying here.


    The captain was also in a sorry state. He had used up all his methods and his entire body was covered in cracks, as though it could shatter at any moment. When he noticed that Flame Mystic and the others were fine, he seemed to feel a little regretful.


    However, at the next instant, his eyes lit up as he looked down.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure also flew out of his body. He suppressed his exhaustion and injuries and also looked down.


    The appearance of the Imperial Palace below had changed drastically.


    The chimes, drums, armored soldiers, mountains and rivers¡­ All of them turned into nothingness. Even the altar had a huge crack that pierced through the coffin.


    The coffin split into two and slid to the sides.


    Exposed within was a corpse dressed in golden-threaded jade attire!


    Completely withered, adorned with an emperor¡¯s crown, beneath the golden-threaded jade attire lay an imperial robe.


    Although the attire faintly hinted at majesty, it lacked his dignity when he was alive, for on his face lay a spider.


    It fused with the corpse and was indistinguishable.


    Hence, the spider¡¯s face became his face.


    ¡°The sound wave removed the barrier and the Sun of Dawn broke through the seal. Finally¡­ we opened the coffin of the ancestral emperor of this world!¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, let¡¯s go!¡±


    The madness in the captain¡¯s eyes rose again. With a sway of his body, he rushed toward the corpse below. Xu Qing gritted his teeth fiercely. At such a critical moment, he naturally wouldn¡¯t give up. His eyes were also filled with madness as he rushed toward the corpse.


    Tian Mozi and the other two, who were in the air, were already powerless to do anything. Seeing that Xu Qing and the captain were moving, their hearts skipped a beat and they instinctively retreated rapidly.


    They were afraid and tired.


    Only Flame Mystic¡¯s hatred completely erupted at this moment as she sped toward Erniu.


    No matter what the other party wanted to do, what she wanted to do was very simple. She wanted to kill this thief and destroy everything!


    The instant the three figures rapidly approached the corpse on the altar, the eyes of the spider face that had fused into the withered corpse suddenly opened!


    It was a pair of golden eyes.


    They were the god¡¯s eyes!

 Chapter 1305 - Chapter 1305: Promise in Time

    Chapter 1305: Promise in Time


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Indifference was the only color in this god¡¯s eyes.


    It was as though to It, all experiences of life were devoid of joy or sorrow; birth or death, it was all just a simple cycle.


    Whenever revival came, whenever departure beckoned, It could ¡®see¡¯ it all.


    Fate, like a river formed of countless particles of dust, every ripple, every wave within it, It knew them all.


    Hence, tranquility was the unwavering aspect of this god¡¯s gaze.


    From the moment of consciousness, there was never a ripple in Its eyes. This was true during the battle with the Ancestral Magus, and it remained so even after being suppressed by the three gods.


    Today, by utilizing the resurrection of the emperor¡¯s corpse within Its Divine Realm, It aimed to change the situation of the seal within the Mountains and Seas Region. To It, it was just another day.


    Even though Its current body was extremely weak, success or failure was still an experience.


    Therefore, It looked at this place where It had revived.


    The dust storm formed by the shattered stars in the sky stopped spreading. Time here stopped operating and the rules and laws here also lost their origin.


    Even the void froze.


    Needless to say¡­ the ants that were rushing toward It.


    Xu Qing, Erniu, and Flame Mystic.


    The three of them stopped in their tracks in the void. In this time, they seemed to have become paper cutouts.


    Their flesh and blood, soul and destiny were all withering away.


    In the eyes of the god, they were slowly being erased.


    Just like what It perceived within Its omniscience, there were no changes.


    Hence, Its gaze did not linger on those three paper figures; instead, it looked beyond the Imperial Palace, toward another fate seemingly predetermined within Its omniscience.


    That was Its only chance.


    As an omniscient being, It understood that there was no absolute omniscience in this universe; there were only relative and limited forms of knowledge, each with its own scope and level.


    Therefore, this was a battle that It had engaged in long ago, transcending time and space, with those three mysterious gods of later generations.


    This battle was a divine fruit for both sides.


    They were Its true adversaries.


    And now, It would revive here, relinquishing Its divine source within Its main body in the Mountains and Seas Region. It would return to Its identity as the master of the Divine Realm here and win the battle of the gods.


    It would then suppress the three gods and swallow the divine fruits formed by the three gods.


    Moreover, with the help of his experience this time, once It formed a divine platform, It could truly ascend the divine platform and enter another realm of gods.


    It would rebuild everything, and time would change because of this. In a way that the world didn¡¯t understand, It would return to the battle with the Ancestral Magus back then and sever all fates that were disadvantageous to It.


    The only fate left was the divine platform.


    This was Its divine path. It crossed time to sever fate and achieve the divine fire. It was the Divine Platform Realm!


    It was very serious because It, who was omniscient, understood that to gods, there would definitely be obstacles in reaching the divine platform.


    In the fate It ¡®saw¡¯, what obstructed It was naturally the mysterious three gods. So, long ago, It turned the Divine Realm into a battlefield, thoroughly entwining them with Itself. This was¡­ mutually fruitful.


    It was just that¡­ like It understood, a god¡¯s omniscience wasn¡¯t absolute. It was only relative.


    Hence, the instant It looked outside the Imperial Palace, a change that was hidden outside Its omniscience and an accident that was hidden in the time of fate It saw appeared naturally and abruptly.


    It came from the ants that Its gaze pierced through.


    It came from the time when Erniu and Xu Qing were together.


    Or to be precise, it came from the other omniscience that covered It in terms of range and level.


    A long time ago, in the Moon Offering Region, Xu Qing asked the captain a question.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, in the past of the Moon Worship Divine Son that you were responsible for severing in that battle, it contained Li Zihua.¡±


    ¡°Over there, did you meet the Li Zihua of that time?¡±


    Back then, when Li Zihua descended into the Moon Offering Region and brought the Crimson Goddess away from the Wanggu Continent on the Red Moon, the captain answered Xu Qing¡¯s question.


    ¡°I made a deal with Li Zihua in time.¡±


    Back then, Xu Qing had thought that that transaction was related to Crimson Goddess.


    Until this moment, he understood that transactions in time also had to occur within time.


    Hence, Li Zihua came.


    What came was the deal between Him and the captain.


    It was a finger, a finger that had stretched out from the time Xu Qing had spent with the captain. It was as though It had been waiting here.


    It was hard to describe this finger. At first glance, It seemed to be formed by fate, the galaxy, and the will of the universe.


    It gathered all light, all power, and everything.


    With the appearance of the finger, the entire Imperial Palace became a dispensable decoration.


    The entire star became an insignificant decoration.


    The entire Divine Realm became an neglected background.


    It was difficult to compete with It at all.


    At the second glance, It was so ordinary, like an ordinary finger.


    It wasn¡¯t too exquisite, nor was It particularly rough. One could see Its fingerprints, and that was it.


    Under the gaze of the god¡¯s eyes, It landed on the spider face.


    A light touch.


    The spider on the emperor¡¯s corpse¡¯s face trembled violently. The eternal coldness in Its eyes collapsed and Its eternal calm was destroyed.


    Gods also had emotions!


    Its indifference turned into confusion.


    Its calmness turned into bewilderment.


    At this moment, It seemed to understand that the obstruction to Its divine platform didn¡¯t come from the three gods but from¡­ the finger that shouldn¡¯t have appeared.


    ¡°So, he was a springboard.¡±


    As expected, the spider shattered into pieces and turned into dust!


    The emperor¡¯s corpse didn¡¯t resist at all. The altar below transformed into an abyss that kept falling, about to be buried by nothingness!


    Hence, the remaining souls couldn¡¯t cause any waves and were suppressed!


    Its world was pitch-black.


    This wasn¡¯t the only place that had gone dark. There was also the Mountains and Seas Region¡­


    Its world became darkness but color appeared in Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s world in the imperial palace. The paper was no longer cut and their vitality returned.


    The captain didn¡¯t disappoint Xu Qing this time around.


    ¡°The sonic boom removes the barrier, the dawn breaks the seal, and the time node suppresses the god. Junior Brother, our era¡­ has arrived!¡±


    As the captain laughed, he transformed into a stream of light and headed toward the emperor¡¯s corpse that was suppressed by Li Zihua¡¯s finger.


    An intense fluctuation rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart. This was the first time such a fluctuation had appeared in his heart since he came to the Divine Realm. He had done too many major things with the captain, causing Xu Qing to be able to remain calm to a certain extent.


    Even so, his heart still trembled at this moment. However, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. His body was like light as he headed straight for the emperor¡¯s corpse with the captain.


    One went to his dantian and the other went to where the soul was.


    There was also someone else moving with astonishing speed. It was none other than Flame Mystic.


    She saw everything from the start to the end. These scenes of shock churned in her heart, so she firmed her belief. Regardless of whether it was stopping or plundering, she wouldn¡¯t give up this opportunity.


    She was about to rush into the emperor¡¯s corpse with Xu Qing and the captain.


    At this moment, the captain raised his hand and performed a series of hand seals, pointing into the distance.


    In the imperial tomb, outside the Imperial Palace, a pearl appeared in the collapsing maze.


    This pearl flowed with light and could fix yin and yang. An ancient aura circulated within and contained the source of one¡¯s life. One could tell at a glance that it was a supreme treasure.


    However, at this moment, the instant it appeared, it was like a fish that had left the water source or like a lump of mud that had lost its moisture¡­


    It began to dry up, shatter, and die.


    Once it shattered, it would no longer exist unless the fish could return to the water within a short period and the mud ball was watered.


    At that instant, Flame Mystic, who was about to rush toward the emperor¡¯s corpse, suddenly trembled. She could sense the aura of the pearl. It was her life pearl and the reason for her hatred of Erniu.


    To her, the importance of this pearl could be seen from how she hated Erniu.


    She quickly made a judgment. She could either continue chasing into the emperor¡¯s corpse or give up here and take back her life pearl.


    This was the captain¡¯s goal in performing the hand seals.


    Flame Mystic had no choice.


    Her eyes were bloodshot. With a sway of her body, she instantly left and sped toward the location of her life pearl.


    Almost at the instant she left, the captain and Xu Qing were already close to the emperor¡¯s corpse that was falling into the abyss. One was above and the other was below, and the two of them instantly entered.


    The emperor¡¯s corpse sank into the abyss of nothingness and disappeared.


    At this moment, this Imperial Palace completely collapsed and no longer existed.


    The imperial tomb and this star collapsed together.


    As for Tian Mozi and the others, they quickly teleported away with lingering fears.


    After everyone left, in the Divine Realm, the star in the core area transformed into a black vortex that silently rotated, guiding the entire Divine Realm.


    Outside the vortex, Tian Mozi and the other two were silent.


    This lasted until a vast aura descended from above them. Divine light flickered and divine might enveloped the surroundings. The figures of the three gods descended into the Divine Realm and appeared above this vortex.


    ¡°The time has come.¡±


    The Sun God calmly spoke.


    Tian Mozi and the others lowered their heads one after another with mixed feelings. They had guessed before why¡­ the three gods hadn¡¯t appeared.


    However, now that they saw this, this wasn¡¯t a doubt anymore.


    After taking back the pearl, Flame Mystic, who appeared there, was also silent. This was because he already understood that regardless of whether it was Tian Mozi and the others or him, they were all pawns in this Divine Realm battle.


    ¡°Then, who will be the next chess player?¡±


    Flame Mystic lowered his head and stared at the deep vortex. This vortex gradually spread to his eyes and occupied his pupils.


    It was pitch-black.


    Under the Jiuli Forbidden in the Mountains and Seas Region, a pair of eyes slowly opened in the darkness, converging the night into its pupils like an endless vortex.


    ¡°Has the time arrived?¡±


    A hoarse voice came from his mouth. It was like the wind of time had blown through the abyss, awakening a promise in time about becoming a god.


    He slowly stood up.


    He walked toward the shrine that was sealed and suppressed under the Jiuli.


    In the shrine, the withered spider god was dying¡­ The connection of fate caused the aura of the figure walking over to become stronger and stronger.


    He was absorbing everything from this spider god..

 Chapter 1306 - 1306 Come Onstage!

    1306 Come Onstage!


    The grand spectacle of the Divine Realm, echoing with the Sun God¡¯s voice, surged like tumultuous waves, engulfing this desolate world.


    The storm, forming at this moment, swept through all the areas of the Divine Realm along with the waves, washing away the starry soils entangled in spider webs, dispersing the dust buried by history.


    As a result, in one place, amidst the ruins of stars, an ancient stone stele emerged.


    It remained relatively intact, though most of the inscriptions on it had become blurred.


    Only the four characters at the bottom could be sensed with divine sense.


    Northern Immortal Emperor World.


    This was the name of this world that had been forgotten in time.


    It might have had its own glory in the past, and in this universe where gods existed, it undoubtedly had its stories with them. Naturally, there were names that propelled this world¡¯s ascent.


    But then, all that remained was a desolate ruin, a lonely imperial tomb, and this vast expanse of heartbreaking destruction, along with countless divine creatures who had lost consciousness.


    This world had nothing to do with the Wanggu Continent.


    The place where this world used to be was endlessly far away from Wanggu.


    It was the invasion of the spider god¡¯s aura that swept over everything after the fall of the Immortal Emperor, transforming the Northern Immortal Emperor World into Its own Divine Realm. Then, accompanying the fragmented-face of the god, It arrived at Wanggu. Thus, the Northern Immortal Emperor World appeared amidst the crevices of the Wanggu continent.


    It also became the chessboard, or rather, the divine fruit, coveted by all the players in this place at this moment.


    At this moment, the stone stele floating amidst the ruins was scooped up from the starry sky by a hand gathered from moonlight. It was brought to the center of the Divine Realm, above the swirling black vortex before the three gods.


    The gazes of the three gods silently gathered on it.


    Perhaps it was the karmic consequence of Xu Qing and Erniu merging with the emperor¡¯s corpse, or perhaps it was the power formed by Their divine might. As a result, Their gaze seemed to carry a special aura, washing over the stone tablet.


    The faded inscriptions on it were revived, bearing traces of ancient history.


    ¡°The emperor knew that his lifespan was coming to an end. Sensing the impending catastrophe, in order to preserve a thread, on the day of self-closure, defying ancestral decree, he swallowed the divine fruit, refining the sun, moon, and stars, dividing into three souls, paying respects to them.


    Using the body as incense, it allowed the three souls to enter the cycle of reincarnation, severing his fate and hiding karma. From then on¡­ humans remained humans, immortals remained immortals, and gods remained gods.¡±


    ¡°Emperor fell¡­ his souls departed.¡±


    The ancient traces described a hidden history. Just as they were revealed at this moment, they dissipated again before Flame Mystic and the others could sense them with their divine senses.


    The stone stele was still the stone stele.


    The history it represented was truly buried in time.


    But in that fleeting moment of splendor, the hidden karma was brought back, silently landing in the fate of the three gods.


    Hence, at this instant, the authority of this Divine Realm was divided into five parts. One was the Sun God, one was the Moon God, and one was the Star God.


    As for the remaining two parts, one was in the Mountains and Seas Region, and the other¡­ resided within the emperor¡¯s corpse.


    ¡°The part in the emperor¡¯s corpse is a lock. Now, the lock has been unlocked.¡±


    The Sun God calmly spoke.


    ¡°Can they make it in time?¡± The Star God asked.


    ¡°The time is here. They¡¯re not important anymore. We need to start,¡± the Moon Goddess said calmly.


    ¡°Sister hates them, but I am guessing¡­ they¡¯ll make it in time.¡± The Star God chuckled.


    The three gods were waiting for an opportunity.


    Under the Mountains and Seas Region, the Great Magistrate who had unified the Mystic Heaven Race back then and betrayed Jiuli was waiting for the promise in time.


    Now, what They had been waiting for had arrived. This curtain that had lasted for tens of thousands of years was pulled open.


    The stage was revealed.


    The show had begun.


    In the corner covered by the curtain, the chess players on the other side, or rather, the chess players who were bound to appear, Erniu and Xu Qing, were also placing their pieces.


    However, this stage was the home ground of the three gods and the Great Magistrate. They wouldn¡¯t interfere with the timing, nor would They engage in meaningless waiting after the opportunity had arrived.


    So¡­


    The stage was right there.


    The show was there as well.


    Whether they could place the piece in time, whether they could make it in time for this show, whether they could really make it on stage and obtain that authority¡­


    It would depend on their fates.


    ¡­


    ¡°What bullsh*t fate!¡±


    In a dark red world, the sky was collapsing.


    On the sea of blood, Erniu laughed wildly at the sky. His entire body emitted a resplendent blue light. From his chest, numerous blue malevolent arms stretched out, trying to hold the sky.


    These arms transformed into a massive ice pillar, continuously melding into it to fill the gaps, while endless streams surged forth from within Erniu¡¯s chest.


    One after another.


    The ice pillar grew larger and larger, taller and taller. It supported the sky and quickly spread, as though it wanted to freeze the sky.


    There were also countless blue worms that scattered down from his body, spreading into the sea of blood and rapidly inhaling and exhaling, as though they wanted to devour the sea of blood and dry it up.


    However, the collapse of this world seemed to be an irreversible fact. Soon, the sky fell and the sea roared.


    The ice pillar broke and the worms were crushed.


    However, at the next instant, a new ice pillar appeared and more worms spread out.


    Only those who could hold the sky were called ancestors.


    Only those who could overturn the sea were called lords.


    By holding the flesh and reversing the corpse¡¯s blood, one could then control this immortal emperor¡¯s corpse.


    However, the difficulty was huge and was divided into two points.


    Firstly, he needed to conquer this world. Secondly, he needed to conquer more worlds.


    This collapsed world was an abstract representation of the emperor¡¯s corpse. That sea of blood was just a drop of blood among the countless blood in the emperor¡¯s corpse.


    The falling sky was an inch of flesh.


    As for Li Zihua¡¯s finger, it suppressed the second difficulty, causing the sea of blood in this world to be either a drop or all the blood in the corpse.


    The falling sky could be an inch of flesh and all the flesh.


    Conquering a world was equivalent to conquering everything.


    This reduced the difficulty a little. However, even so, even if Erniu succeeded in the end, it still wasn¡¯t enough to decide everything.


    This was because¡­ in this emperor¡¯s corpse, there was also the remnant soul of the immortal emperor that had been tainted or fused with the god.


    Only when the soul, physical body, mind, and dantian were all complete would it be considered a success.


    Hence, while the captain was going at it crazily, Xu Qing was also doing his best.


    The difficulty of suppressing the remnant soul was also divided into two points.


    Firstly, how to fuse the terrifying soul of the emperor into his emperor repository!


    Secondly, after fusing it with the emperor repository, how could he conquer it?


    Li Zihua¡¯s finger gave a huge push, suppressing this remnant soul and wiping away its horror, making it easier to fuse into the emperor repository.


    However, this was the soul of the emperor that had fused with a god after all. Even if it was suppressed, it still had some heaven-defying aspects.


    Hence, Xu Qing was indeed risking his life. In a vast immortal palace, he saw the remnant soul sitting on the dragon throne, staring at him fixedly. With the bizarre nether hand, he forcefully pushed open his Emperor Sword Repository¡¯s gate, revealing it outside and making it descend upon the remnant soul.


    He was merging the remnant soul into the emperor repository.


    The remnant soul didn¡¯t resist. This was because compared to the physical body which the captain was trying to obtain, this soul with intelligence was aware that the success or failure lay not in the physical body, but here.


    If it could turn the tables in the repository gate and possess the body, then it might be the one to win this contest.


    Hence, the moment it entered the repository, his remnant soul rebelled. The emperor repository rumbled and cracks appeared in its gate, a sign that it couldn¡¯t hold up.


    Regarding this, Xu Qing had his own choices.


    He closed his eyes and his Dao soul opened its eyes. It leaped up from his sea of consciousness and rushed toward the emperor repository.


    The world in the emperor repository was vast.


    However, thunder was rumbling and silver filled the sky. The mountains were shaking and the earth churned intensely.


    A sword stood upright between heaven and earth.


    This sword shone with endless treasure light, illuminating the world.


    Its material was bronze and it moved with the fortune of the human race. The sword body should have been four feet and seven inches long but now, it was 470,000 feet in the repository.


    The sword edge was oppressive and sword qi surged. It was sharp enough to cut through the sky, the ground, and people.


    Anyone below the ancient sovereign could be killed.


    It was called¡­ the Emperor Sword.


    Beside the sword was a soul. It wore an emperor¡¯s robe and wore an emperor¡¯s crown. It was expressionless. At first glance, it looked like an emperor, but at another glance, it looked like a god. Its figure first had the emperor¡¯s body and then the face of an illusionary spider.


    At that moment, it was staring at the emperor sword with admiration.


    ¡°What a good emperor¡¯s sword!¡±


    It then looked at Xu Qing who was charging over.


    ¡°You want to make me into the Heavenly Dao and control this sword?¡±


    As it spoke, the soul raised its hand, attempting to move the Emperor Sword.


    ¡°You can¡¯t move this sword without my permission.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    As soon as he finished speaking, the Emperor Sword rang out, and the sword hum tore through the angelic sky. As for the sword light, it shot in all directions, illuminating the world.


    The right hand of the emperor soul beside it paused and slowly retracted.


    ¡°You can¡¯t move it either.¡±


    With that, the emperor soul¡¯s body swayed and it headed straight for Xu Qing.


    The spirit battle erupted!


    In an instant, the entire emperor repository rumbled and the trembling spread throughout Xu Qing¡¯s entire body. His body didn¡¯t move but the more it was like this, the more dangerous it was.


    Erniu¡¯s side was also intense.


    This battle between the body, remnant soul, dantian, and mind erupted at the same time and instantly became intense.


    His childhood experience taught Xu Qing decisiveness.


    The life in the Seven Blood Eyes taught Xu Qing to conceal himself.


    The events in Fenghai County had taught Xu Qing about perspective.


    Only Eldest Senior Brother taught Xu Qing how to strive!


    Strive against heaven, against earth, against people, against gods!


    And also, to strive against fate.


    A sound echoed from the dantian of the emperor¡¯s corpse that had fallen into the abyss.


    ¡°Open my seal, open the Nine Abyss, the Summer Immortal has left, the realm turns to frost!¡±


    Blue ice flowers blossomed from the dantian, spreading instantly over the entire corpse, covering its body, limbs, and everything else.


    In the mind of the corpse, Xu Qing¡¯s voice also echoed.


    ¡°When I was holding a sword in my early years, I cultivated a technique.¡±


    ¡°All Sword Holders learn this technique and nurture it. Today, in my emperor repository, I will show you the essence of this technique.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know that I can move this sword!¡±


    ¡°I have a sword¡­


    Its name is the Emperor Sword!¡±


    The sword rose from the emperor repository and tore through the void. It slashed through the abyss with unstoppable momentum and landed on the emperor corpse¡¯s mind!


    The mind caved in.


    It shook moment and space, and slashed all illusions!


    The emperor¡¯s corpse trembled and stopped falling, hanging in the void. As the blade illumination flashed, the corpse¡¯s closed eyes suddenly opened!


    It didn¡¯t belong to the Immortal Emperor or the spider god.


    That was Erniu¡¯s eyes and Xu Qing¡¯s spirit.


    The void rumbled as it announced its return.


    The abyss shattered, congratulating the new master.


    Unknowingly, the fifth portion of power of the Divine Realm formed by the Northern Immortal Emperor World landed in the fate of Xu Qing and the captain.


    At the same time, in the Mountains and Seas Region, the figure moving forward lifted his head and seemed to be looking into the distance.


    In the Divine Realm, the three gods standing outside the vortex looked down at the vortex in unison.


    ¡°Looks like I guessed correctly.¡±


    The corners of the Star God¡¯s mouth curled up slightly.

 Chapter 1307 - 1307 True Fire, Karmic Fire, Tribulation Fire, Flawlessness

    1307 True Fire, Karmic Fire, Tribulation Fire, Flawlessness


    Among the five portions of the authority of the Divine Realm, four of them were already taken.


    Hence, the three gods retracted Their gazes from the vortex and stared at the Mountains and Seas Region through the void.


    Next, the last authority of the Divine Realm would be decided under Their gazes.


    Just like how They didn¡¯t interfere in the battle for the emperor¡¯s corpse that happened in the depths of the vortex, whether Xu Qing and Erniu lived or died, or whether they succeeded or lost, it was all up to their fates.


    Since they had chosen to vie for fate here, all must abide by the decree of destiny.


    For the three gods, the contest over the emperor¡¯s corpse was the opportunity They had been waiting for, the key to opening the curtains on the grand stage.


    As for the Mountains and Seas, it was a karma that pierced through time and connected the Northern Immortal Emperor World and the Wanggu Continent.


    It had taken shape and was connected.


    Therefore, at this moment, They also wouldn¡¯t help with the success or failure of the person in the Mountains and Seas.


    Regardless of karma or fate, although there were promises in time, it still depended on whether the fate of the person who was promised could withstand them.


    If that person in the Mountains and Seas could inherit the authority, They were also willing to fulfill the promise and add icing on the cake, giving him the opportunity of becoming a god.


    If he couldn¡¯t bear it, it would also be karma. The fifth authority would return and enhance the three gods. With the promise as fuel, burning through countless ages, forging a divine Dao.


    It was also a divine fruit.


    At that time, Mountains and Seas wouldn¡¯t be able to blame anyone but fate.


    Hence, nothing was predestined. Only¡­ the spider god was bound to die.


    It would either die in the Mountains and Seas or in the hands of the three gods.


    Time passed.


    The Mountains and Seas Region was still choosing, and the fortune of the Divine Realm had already landed in the fates of those with authority. Hence, the auras of the three gods, Sun, Moon, and Star, rose increasingly under the enhancement and their divine shrines appeared above the vortex, becoming increasingly glorious.


    Their status also fluctuated correspondingly. Their respective golden divine flames were burning fiercely. When it reached the extreme, a hint of hidden black fire vaguely appeared and the seal was undone amidst the gold.


    Among them, the Sun God had the densest amount of black fire, followed by the Moon God, and then the Star God.


    ¡°Finally unseal the tribulation fire.¡±


    The Sun God closed Their eyes, the Moon God was silent, and the Star God was filled with anticipation.


    ¡­


    Those with authority included the emperor¡¯s corpse in the depths of the vortex.


    Hence, fortune also landed in the long river of fate of the emperor¡¯s corpse.


    Because its body was being controlled by Erniu and its soul was controlled by Xu Qing, the two of them seemed to have occupied the end of the river, deciding the direction and fate of the emperor¡¯s corpse.


    Hence, the fortune that fell naturally belonged to the two of them.


    The captain¡¯s choice was to turn the fortune of the Divine Realm into a furnace. As he burned the words of the Wordless Scripture, he also took out two feathers and burned them with fortune.


    It was like refining.


    This refinement process was extremely rare. In fact, it was enough to shock Wanggu.


    After all, not many cultivators in the Wanggu Continent could have such good fortune to use the blood and qi of the emperor¡¯s corpse as fire and the fortune of the Divine Realm as firewood to refine artifacts extravagantly.


    This refined artifact was also extraordinary.


    One was the mysterious Wordless Scripture that could evade the great calculations. Its extraordinariness could be seen from how it was able to support the two all the way to this place.


    The second was born from the sentient ancient teleportation array. It embodied the wonders of creation and the changes of the Wanggu, and mysterious qualities within itself.


    Its feathers were naturally astonishing.


    Ordinary items could also become mystical after refining like this, let alone these two extraordinary items.


    As he refined, the madness in Erniu¡¯s heart rose even more. He even muttered something with his divine sense.


    ¡°Hurry up and burn, faster!¡±


    ¡°Almost there, bless it, oh heavenly and earthly spirits, Summer Immortal, Mystic Nether, master, myself, and junior brother¡­ It must succeed!¡±


    The captain¡¯s divine sense landed in Xu Qing¡¯s perception. At that moment, the two of them were fused together. Even if Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to see or listen to the captain¡¯s actions and words, it was useless.


    Moreover, with his understanding of the captain, he made a judgment after successfully refining the emperor¡¯s corpse¡¯s remnant soul.


    The captain¡¯s ambition was definitely not just this.


    Although he had obtained this corpse and gained the authority of the Divine Realm¡­ this was still a little incompatible with what the captain had once said about doing a super big thing.


    After all, what they obtained wasn¡¯t the complete fortune of the Divine Realm.


    At that moment, Xu Qing could already sense through this fortune that the authority of the Divine Realm had been divided into five portions.


    Together with the captain, they only obtained one portion.


    To others, this harvest might be an extreme opportunity. However, according to Xu Qing¡¯s understanding, his crazy eldest senior brother shouldn¡¯t be satisfied.


    Now that fortune had fused, the other party actually used it to refine artifacts¡­ Xu Qing knew that his judgment wasn¡¯t wrong.


    However, he couldn¡¯t care less.


    This was because the most important thing in front of Xu Qing now wasn¡¯t Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s madness but the opportunity for his cultivation to break through.


    His life bound repository gate had long been opened. The mosasaur inside was the Heavenly Dao and was roaming around his divine repository while letting out a monstrous roar.


    It was the same for the Poison Restriction¡¯s repository gate. Ming Fei had been formed. It had a mysterious single eye and had the marks of the Six Filths.


    After the Purple Moon repository gate experienced the absorption of the power of extreme Yin earlier, the Heavenly Dao Nether Firefly had truly entered the sect. The repository gate had long opened.


    As for the emperor repository, it was already perfected.


    The remnant soul had turned into the Heavenly Dao under the Emperor Sword and transformed into the artifact spirit of the Emperor Sword that only belonged to Xu Qing. At this moment, it was completely activated.


    Four of the five repository gates had been opened. There was only one gate left, and it was in a half-opened state.


    That was¡­ the gate to the magus repository.


    This repository didn¡¯t need an additional Heavenly Dao. The body of the Magus inside was the Heavenly Dao.


    What he needed was to condense the power of the magus race and push open the repository gate.


    Xu Qing used the fortune of the Divine Realm to perfectly replace this force!


    This was because this use wasn¡¯t one-sided. The authority of the Divine Realm existed forever. Now, it was only guiding the direction of enhancement.


    At the next instant, the invisible fortune that landed in his fate gushed toward the magus repository under Xu Qing¡¯s divine sense!


    The magus repository rumbled and ancient magus¡¯ body rapidly took shape. It grew taller and larger.


    The nine heads of Jiuli roared in unison and fused into the body one by one. Finally, they formed a majestic figure that supported the world, emitting the light of ancient times.


    It was like a giant standing in the magus repository.


    This giant lifted its hand like the hand of heaven and pushed into the void in the magus repository world.


    Boom!


    The gate of the magus repository in Xu Qing¡¯s body was suddenly pushed open from the inside!


    The instant it was opened, the five repository gates shone with a piercing light that was extremely resplendent, enveloping all of Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    This was the activation of all five repositories!


    A majestic force erupted from these five repository gates like a torrent, engulfing Xu Qing¡¯s entire body.


    His cultivation base rose and his soul instantly sublimated.


    His combat strength continued to increase. His status was like a fish leaping through the dragon gate!


    One could see that on the five repository gates, the mosasaur roared at the sky. Its eyes were arrogant and disdainful, Nether Firefly flew up, and dark fireflies rose to the highest point. The emperor¡¯s soul held the sword and walked, and the ancestral magus opened its eyes that were like the sun and moon!


    This was the appearance of the Heavenly Dao!


    An earth-shattering change appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s body. As the five Heavenly Daos appeared, Xu Qing¡¯s five repository gates transformed into a furnace and began to erupt.


    The rumbling sounds surpassed that of heavenly lightning. As it continued to explode, snow-like volcanic ashes erupted from the five repositories.


    That dust that was like volcanic ash was formed by the Dao and fate, formed from the traces left by Xu Qing¡¯s journey in this world.


    Its name was¡­ Nihility Dust!


    It would lay out a patch of ruins that could accommodate Dao marks on Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    This was the sign and foundation of Nihility!


    A strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. To him, there was no longer any obstruction in breaking through the Spirit Repository and stepping into the Nihility. He could reach it with a wave of his hand.


    However, when he thought of his judgment of the captain¡¯s major event¡­ Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness suddenly calmed down and the five repository furnaces instantly froze.


    Since he could break through at any time, he chose to slow down first.


    It was also at this moment that the captain¡¯s voice rang out faintly.


    ¡°Junior Brother¡­¡±


    The captain felt very regretful. He originally planned to stop Xu Qing from advancing and put on the attitude of a senior brother. He had even prepared what he wanted to say in his mind. After that, he could extort in the future.


    Unexpectedly, Xu Qing actually slowed down his breakthrough¡­


    ¡®Forget it. Although he has already postponed it, I¡¯ve already prepared a script!¡¯


    The captain coughed at the thought.


    ¡°Junior Brother, there¡¯s no hurry to break through. I see that your bones are extraordinary and you¡¯re a cultivation genius that¡¯s one in a million. I have an unprecedented fortune here. Do you want it?¡±


    Upon hearing the captain¡¯s words, Xu Qing knew what he was thinking. Hence, he cooperated and nodded.


    The captain was satisfied.


    ¡°Junior Brother, do you remember what I said before? Our era has arrived. Your Nihility can¡¯t be so simple.¡±


    ¡°Becoming the master of the Divine Realm is just the prelude to my major event this time. You can also see it as a qualification token¡­¡±


    ¡°In a while, your sister-in-law, your lover, and that f*cking b*stard will put on a big show outside. We can rise with the wind!¡±


    ¡°However, I¡¯ve prepared for a long time for this and paid a huge price. So, you have to promise me¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Before the captain could finish speaking, Xu Qing nodded.


    ¡°Ah? I haven¡¯t said what I want you to promise me¡­¡±


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, to me, as long as I can do it, I can promise you anything.¡±


    Now that the two of them had fused with the emperor¡¯s body, Erniu could sense the determination in Xu Qing¡¯s voice, and an unprecedented warmth involuntarily rose in his heart.


    Amidst this warmth, he felt that his thoughts of fleecing his junior brother was a little narrow-minded.


    The responsibility and burden of being the elder brother surged warmly within him, prompting him to speak proudly.


    ¡°What conditions are there to talk about when helping my own junior brother? I was just joking with you. Let¡¯s not talk about this.¡±


    ¡°Let me tell you about my plan¡­¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, you should know by now that the mark of a god is divine fire. Before igniting the divine fire, they are only divine beings. Only by igniting the divine fire can they be called a god.¡±


    ¡°As for the Divine Fire Realm, it¡¯s actually divided into three levels.¡±


    ¡°They are True Fire, Karmic Fire, and Tribulation Fire.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred. This was the first time he had heard of the level of gods after igniting Their divine fire.


    ¡°For example, the fish we encountered in Fenghai County¡¯s Immortal Palace belongs to the level of true fire. It can be called a minor god until Its true fire transforms into karmic fire, then it can be called a high god.¡±


    ¡°The scope of the high god is very large. Karmic fire and tribulation fire are both considered high gods.¡±


    ¡°If you can perfect the tribulation fire and achieve flawlessness, the perfected stage of the tribulation fire and have a flawless achievement, there¡¯s a possibility of ascending to the divine platform, and the divine platform is Li Zihua¡¯s current realm.¡±


    Xu Qing listened very seriously. He also sensed that when the captain spoke of this information, there was an additional sense of vicissitudes.


    ¡°The level of tribulation fire, for the gods, while possessing unlimited strength and omniscience, is also incredibly perilous, as it brought tribulations for the gods.


    This tribulation is beyond the god¡¯s omniscience. If unable to transcend, it will result in the extinguishing of the divine fire, the god¡¯s path will become void, and everything will turn to dust. Only when reaching the stage of flawlessness can one avoid the tribulation and prepare to break through to the divine platform in peace.¡±


    ¡°As for the realm of the spider god, it¡¯s the third level of the Divine Fire Realm. Moreover, It has reached the end but It didn¡¯t reach flawlessness, hence its tribulation came.


    Three gods along with you and I exist Its tribulation.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the same for Crimson Goddess back then. Her realm is that of a high god, and She can be considered to have mastered the tribulation fire. Her status is similar to the spider god, but She¡¯s still a little short of flawlessness.


    Hence, Li Zihua, you and I were Her tribulation.¡±


    ¡°Just like how Crimson Goddess was the tribulation for the Li Zihua of the past.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred as he suddenly asked.


    ¡°What about the three gods?¡±


    ¡°According to what I learned in my previous life, the three gods gave up on improving when They first entered the tribulation fire stage and sealed their tribulation fires. Hence, despite they are high gods, they are much weaker than Crimson Goddess.¡±


    ¡°This time, I think¡­ the ultimate goal of the three gods should be to cross the dangerous stage of tribulation fire in one step and directly reach flawlessness. This will open the path to the divine platform and allow them to see the divine platform!¡±


    Just as the captain appeared saying this, his voice suddenly paused. Xu Qing moreover immediately sensed that the emperor¡¯s corpse in the vortex that the two of them possessed fused into suddenly lifted its head.


    Its eyes flickered with divine light as it pierced through the vortex and saw¡­ the outside world.


    A drastic change appeared happening there!


    ¡°The wind is blowing!¡±


    The captain¡¯s tone appeared filled with madness.

 Chapter 1308 - 1308 I Have No Regrets!

    1308 I Have No Regrets!


    The wind came from the mountains and seas!


    It blew through space and time, through the boundary of the world, from the human world to the Divine Realm, from Wanggu to the Northern Immortal, and landed on the vortex below the three gods.


    Thunder rumbled throughout the Divine Realm, as though there was an invisible cutting force. Bearing the karma of tens of thousands of years, the promise made in time slashed out with a shocking sharpness, shattering the void here.


    A huge rift showed up in the sight of the three gods.


    That rift stretched endlessly, lying across the vortex. it resembled an open eye from afar, evoking a sense of grandeur and vastness.


    The wind howled out of the rift and swept in all directions like a flower, landing in the cold eyes of the three gods.


    At this moment, the selection of the Mountains and Seas that they were watching¡­ was finished.


    In the rift was the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s Mountains and Seas Region. In the center was Jiuli Land.


    The entire Jiuli Land caved in, revealing the sealed spider shrine underground.


    However, the brilliance of the shrine was already covered in dust. The spider god inside also trembled intensely and was withering at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    What withered wasn¡¯t only Its flesh and blood but also Its karma, even Its time was silently decaying.


    Everything was gradually taken away by the hand in front of It.


    It was a black bony hand. The owner of the hand was wearing a black robe. The robe on his body fluttered and covered his face, but it couldn¡¯t hide the ancientness of his body.


    He stood in front of the spider god, and his withered hand gradually gained flesh and blood, while the spider god became increasingly shriveled.


    It clearly tried to struggle, but Its fate had been decided. Everything was in vain.


    In the end, when It turned into ashes and dissipated into the world, that hand seemed to transform from death and returned from time. It gained a bloody hue and became full.


    At this moment, the wind swept up his robe, revealing his long gray hair and an aged face.


    With the passage of time, he looked neither human nor ghost.


    However, as he absorbed everything from the spider god, one could still vaguely see the same elegance as the ancient statue standing in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race from the wrinkled face that was gradually showing flesh and blood.


    That was the Great Magistrate who had unified the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race tens of thousands of years ago and was worshiped by all!


    He looked up and down, as though he was staring at the history of the race on this land.


    He saw the Flame Moon¡¯s rise, the fight with the myriad races, the numerous battles with the human race, the protection of the three gods, and above all, he saw the formidable position of the Flame Moon in Wanggu.


    As his gaze swept across, sensing history and condensing past and present, his aura surged more and more, growing stronger and denser, ultimately spreading across the entire Mountain and Seas Region, affecting the Flame Moon¡¯s homeland, causing the heavens and earth to change color, and stirring up great winds and clouds.


    All the cultivators of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race felt their bloodlines resonating at this instant. This was especially so for the three magistrates. They walked out of their large tents with shocked expressions and looked at the Mountains and Seas, sensing their ancestor who had walked out of history.


    To the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, this Great Magistrate who had once unified the race had a status no different from a god.


    They all worshiped him.


    Amidst the worship of the entire race, the gaze of this returning Great Magistrate shifted away and landed on the sky.


    After that, he lifted his feet and walked toward the sky, toward the rift.


    What he absorbed from the spider god wasn¡¯t only flesh and blood and time but also¡­ the authority of the Divine Realm.


    This authority followed his footsteps and shifted to his fate. It enhanced his fate and perfected his deficiencies. It would also revive the sparks that had been extinguished for tens of thousands of years.


    Just like that, he walked over step by step. Regardless of his status or life level, they were all sublimating until he walked into the Divine Realm from the rift and arrived in front of the three gods.


    He looked at the three gods and spoke in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°Sorry to keep you waiting.¡±


    This voice was like heavenly lightning that scattered through the Divine Realm and landed in the vortex.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He recognized the other party¡¯s identity and also felt the sadness left behind by time in the magus repository.


    He had witnessed that betrayal clearly in Jiuli¡¯s memories¡­


    Now, the cause and effect of the betrayal seemed to be clearer.


    Outside the vortex, the Sun and Moon God remained silent as the Great Magistrate walked over. The Star God looked at the vortex and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s begin.¡±


    When the Great Magistrate heard this, his gaze landed on this Divine Realm.


    ¡°I had a question back then. I want to ask it today.¡±


    ¡°According to the three of you, this Divine Realm was your former hometown. In that case, the tainted divine creatures here are all your former citizens. Are you¡­ willing to part with them?¡±


    ¡°The Northern Emperor has died and the karma is over. He is us, but we aren¡¯t him.¡± The one who answered was the Moon God.


    The Great Magistrate stopped talking.


    The Sun God¡¯s voice carried vast might as it pierced through the void from the Divine Realm and echoed in this world.


    ¡°The ancient isn¡¯t empty, shining upon the wilderness, asleep until now, the source dissipating through time.¡±


    ¡°The star ring has gained, all are his children, the myriad realms are moved, all call him father.¡±


    ¡°Today, the children of the Northern World, Sun, Moon, and Star offer five sacrifices to father god!¡±


    The Sun God¡¯s voice rose and fell, rumbling through the Divine Realm. Every word caused the Divine Realm to tremble. When they were connected, it caused a drastic change in Wanggu.


    After that, a large sun rose into the sky.


    The Moon God closed Her eyes. Bright moon shone in the sky and the Star God opened Her eyes, replacing the sky of the Divine Realm with endless stars!


    The three gods were actually going to sacrifice to the fragmented-face!


    At this moment, it was no longer the wind but a storm¡­ had arrived.


    In the vortex below, the emperor¡¯s corpse that was watching all of this also trembled. The captain inside laughed wildly.


    As for Xu Qing, he understood everything!


    The three gods¡¯ motives were completely revealed!


    They wanted to offer sacrifice to the god¡¯s fragmented-face in exchange for the fragmented-face opening Its eyes and looking at the Divine Realm they were in!


    With a glance from the fragmented-face, a forbidden zone would appear. If It looked at the forbidden zone, the forbidden zone would transform into a forbidden region. If It looked at the forbidden region, the forbidden region would transform into a Divine Realm!


    However¡­ what if It looked at the Divine Realm!


    Xu Qing had obtained the answer to this question on the Red Moon.


    That was, the Divine Realm would ascend and become the Divine World!


    Once this happened, as the masters of the Divine Realm, They would definitely ascend with the Divine Realm!!


    Coupled with the captain¡¯s previous words, Xu Qing already understood the path of the three gods.


    They wanted to borrow the identity of the master of the Divine Realm to cross the entire tribulation fire stage in one step and directly reach the flawless stage.


    This way, They wouldn¡¯t suffer a tribulation like the Crimson Goddess and the spider god, and with the completion of Their fates, the path to the divine platform would also be opened!


    As long as They accumulated enough in the future, They had hopes to reach the divine platform!


    This was a huge and astonishing opportunity, but it was also extremely terrifying and dangerous.


    Back then, Crimson Goddess also failed.


    However, the three gods were different from the Crimson Goddess.


    In the case of Crimson Goddess, it was a passive encounter, while the three gods were actively seeking It out.


    One was unprepared and the other had planned for tens of thousands of years.


    ¡°Such a big move!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. Back then, because his cultivation was too weak, he couldn¡¯t intervene at this level, ¡°Such a big move!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. Back then, because his but now¡­ it was different.


    The drastic changes in the outside world were still ongoing.


    The voice of the Sun God rumbled through the Divine Realm.


    ¡°The first sacrifice is the sacrifice of all living beings in seven regions!¡±


    The words of the Sun God were world-shaking and landed in Wanggu. They landed in the seven great regions that had been specially chosen and prepared by the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race for many years. They were just waiting for today¡¯s event.


    Each of these seven large regions had a vast range.


    At this moment, in each of the seven regions, the auras of many kings of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race soared into the sky, altering the course of events and the trajectory of fate.


    As far as the eye could see, in the seven regions, the Flame Moon Army was a black mass. When the banners were spread out, they seemed to be able to blot out the sky.


    In front of them were countless prisoners of war.


    The uniqueness of these seven regions was also reflected in these prisoners of war. Every region actually belonged to unified races.


    Other than the region¡¯s race, there were no other races!


    At that moment, these prisoners of war were all kneeling there, their eyes revealing despair. At the next instant, as the Sun God¡¯s voice spread out, the venerable kings acted.


    ¡°Blood sacrifice, begin!¡±


    With a command, the massacre in the seven regions erupted at the same time!


    In an instant, many people died. It couldn¡¯t be said to be unprecedented, but it was still rare to see such a slaughter in tens of thousands of years.


    Blood flowed like a river and souls filled the sky.


    Some tried to escape, and some tried to fight back, but they couldn¡¯t break out of the seal or break through their determined fate.


    Another special characteristic of the seven races was revealed as they were killed.


    Their blood was of seven colors!


    Red, orange, yellow, green, indigo, blue, and violet!


    One region, one color.


    As for the region where the red blood was located, the exterminated race wasn¡¯t human.


    However, one could imagine that with the domineeringness of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, it was impossible for the large region dominated by the human race not to be their original goal. Looking back to the war, the initial uprising of the Black Heaven Race seemed to now have an answer.


    If that battle had been lost, if there hadn¡¯t been Suns of Dawn, if it hadn¡¯t forced out the last strike of the Sword Holding Emperor¡­


    However, there were no ifs in history. There were only results.


    At that moment, the seven races of the seven regions were all destroyed. Corpses piled up and blood formed a sea. The souls of the dead filled the air like a ghost world. They were all¡­ sacrifices!


    Above Wanggu, the highest existence, the huge fragmented-


    face that suppressed all cultivators, all lives, and even all gods, moved Its eyelids slightly.


    After that, the voice from the Divine Realm echoed again.


    ¡°The second offering is the battle souls over tens of thousands of years!¡±


    This voice wasn¡¯t that of the Sun God but¡­ the Great Magistrate.


    This was because what was sacrificed this time was the souls of the heroic spirits that had died in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race in the past tens of thousands of years. This was a self-offering by the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven!


    Only then could it be considered sincere.


    Only this could be called a sacrifice!


    Hence, the three gods weren¡¯t qualified to mention sacrificing the war souls.


    Only the first Great Magistrate could fulfill this karma.


    If he was dead, he would be replaced by the three current magistrates.


    In an instant, all the ancestral halls and heroic spirits belonging to the three magistrates of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race rumbled in unison. The countless battle souls that had accumulated in them for tens of thousands of years rose into the air and formed sacrifices!


    The entire Flame Moon Race fell silent. From the ministers to the commoners, there was sorrow in their hearts that couldn¡¯t be controlled.


    However, this was life!


    Their lives belonged to that Great Magistrate who had returned from history.


    Back then, he chose to betray. Although there was a promise of becoming a god, he had considered the long-term interests of the ethnicity as well.


    He knew that it was impossible for Jiuli, who had inherited the position of the Ancestral Magus, to be able to kill the spider god. He also didn¡¯t want to decide the fate of the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race only with the antique array.


    ¡°Jiuli¡¯s choice can only protect the ethnicity for a while.¡±


    ¡°And my choice can help the ethnicity gain a future in this world!¡±


    ¡°There are no ifs in history, only results.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, I have no regrets!¡±

 Chapter 1309 - Chapter 1309: What If It Succeeds?

    Chapter 1309: What If It Succeeds?


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    At this moment, from all the ancestral halls and martyr shrines within the scope of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s territory, endless souls rose and erupted like stars.


    They gathered from all directions, forming a soul river that rushed toward the Wanggu¡¯s sky.


    The higher the soul river flew, the smaller it became. Finally, it approached the fragmented-face like a black thread.


    From afar, it shone with a dark light, emitting starlight that flickered in the Wanggu Continent.


    It disappeared without a trace in an instant.


    Many regions of the Wanggu Continent didn¡¯t sense this. Only the powerful races, the experts of the Wanggu Continent, and the various gods hiding here¡­ sensed it.


    As these experts lifted their heads, the sacrificial offerings continued in the Divine Realm.


    ¡°The third sacrifice is the Kun Peng Heavenly Dao Sacrifice!¡±


    The voice of the Sun God echoed in the Divine Realm, each word akin to thunderous might, each sentence like the sound of creation, shattering the void, resonating throughout the skies of Flame Moon.


    This sky wasn¡¯t the starry sky, but the source of the talent planted in the bloodline of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    At that moment, the sky of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race collapsed.


    Every cultivator of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race was in a daze.


    As their talent collapsed, an instinct hidden in their consciousness, bloodline, and lives by the three gods was being stripped away.


    It then appeared in the world in an unbelievable way.


    That instinct and talent were the Heavenly Dao!


    The one who appeared on Wanggu at this moment was the Kun Peng of the Immemorial Heavenly Dao who had been captured and locked up alive by the three gods and fused into the fortune of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, allowing the clansmen to possess innate talents.


    A heart-shaking wail echoed in Wanggu. Accompanied by the rustling of countless iron chains. Soon, black iron chains that were inscribed with runes were revealed.


    Behind these black chains, a huge Kun Peng that was badly mangled and covered in whip marks was forcefully pulled out of the void.


    While letting out a sharp cry, it was forcefully pulled toward the fragmented-face.


    It wanted to struggle, but it was useless. No one could save it at this moment because the fragmented-face was moving!


    Hence, the Kun Peng Heavenly Dao could only rise higher and higher under the pull of the iron chains until it collapsed and died!


    The sound spread through the ancient times.


    Wanggu fell silent. Anyone who cultivated the laws of Kun Peng Heavenly Dao had lost them now.


    In the future, the nomological laws that belonged to it would also be erased and never appear again.


    At the same time, the gigantic fragmented-face of the god in the sky suddenly turned blurry.


    When It became clear, Its face had already changed directions and was facing the Flame Moon¡¯s Mountains and Seas Region!


    That place was the place where the Divine Realm and Wanggu fused.


    At this moment, in the Divine Realm, the fourth sacrifice also appeared.


    ¡°The fourth sacrifice is the sacrifice of all the divine lifeforms in the Northern Emperor Divine Realm!¡±


    All the divine lifeforms in the Divine Realm that had been invaded and transformed by the gods back then and had reproduced for countless years were sacrificed by the three gods with the authority of this realm!


    After sacrificing the seven races, Flame Moon¡¯s souls, and the Kun Peng Heavenly Dao, the divine lifeforms in the Divine Realm let out even more mournful wails.


    One spider after another collapsed, mutated beasts were destroyed, and human-faced trees turned to ashes.


    As far as the eye could see, the entire Divine Realm¡¯s sea was withered. The stars rumbled, and many died, withering in groups¡­


    The Divine Realm instantly became a graveyard!


    Even those powerful existences Xu Qing encountered on the way, such as the whiskered fish and jellyfish, couldn¡¯t escape and perished one after another.


    This sacrifice caused the fragmented-face of the god to move Its eyes slightly.


    The final sacrifice of the three gods was delivered at this moment.


    ¡°The fifth sacrifice is the sacrifice of the Northern Emperor Divine Realm!¡±


    This realm would be Their last sacrifice!


    Sacrificing their former subjects, even though they had been invaded and transformed into crazed divine beings.


    Sacrificing their former homeland, even though it had been transformed into a Divine Realm.


    Such a method could be seen as madness and determination!


    This was also the reason why the Great Magistrate asked the three gods if they were willing to part with it!


    The three gods had already given the answer!


    After becoming a god, They were no longer human.


    In an instant, the Divine Realm rumbled. The starry sky trembled as though an invisible force had descended, pulling the Divine Realm out of the rift.


    It appeared in the sky of the Wanggu Continent and moved closer to the fragmented-face.


    At that moment, all the races in the Wanggu Continent stared at it. Countless experts and gods sensed it!


    The three gods and five sacrificial offerings ended here.


    As for the huge fragmented-face on Wanggu, Its eyes were about to completely open.


    It was also at this moment that Xu Qing, who had witnessed everything, heard the captain¡¯s mad shouts.


    ¡°Sixth sacrifice, sacrifice of the god¡¯s origin!¡±


    As he spoke, over a hundred puppets flew out of the captain¡¯s body. These puppets had the same shape and each of them had a name engraved on their faces.


    As they flew out, under the captain¡¯s control, they were sent out of the emperor¡¯s corpse. He also controlled the hand of the emperor¡¯s corpse to crush these puppets.


    The momentum was impressive, and combined with the captain¡¯s voice, it gave a spectacular feeling.


    Only those puppets looked very cheap. As for the names on them¡­ Xu Qing saw a few familiar ones.


    The Lord of Corpse Forbidden, the Crimson Goddess, the Sun God¡­


    ¡°Junior Brother, how¡¯s Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s aura? Haha.¡±


    ¡°Let me tell you, 1 have no way to sacrifice these enemies during normal times, but using this opportunity, I can sacrifice them.¡±


    The captain¡¯s smug voice echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Xu Qing looked at those cheap puppets and didn¡¯t sense any god fluctuations from those fragments.


    These were just pure puppets. Only the names engraved on their faces were different.


    However, from the number, it could be seen how many enemies the captain had.


    However, in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, such a sacrifice was meaningless.


    His thoughts were naturally sensed by the captain, so he coughed.


    H


    I¡¯m just making my presence known. What if it succeeds?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. Soon, his divine sense spread out.


    ¡°Seventh sacrifice, the sacrifice of Crown Prince Purple Green!¡±


    He felt that what the captain said made sense. What if it succeeded?


    At the next instant, it was unknown if it was because the captain and Xu Qing¡¯s sacrifice echoed, but on the Wanggu Continent, the fragmented-face, which was already facing the Mountains and Seas Region, suddenly opened Its eyes!


    With this opening, the cosmos seemed to have reversed, causing myriad stars to lose their light.


    The world in the Wanggu Continent changed drastically. The sky distorted and shattered, spreading to the endless sky with no end in sight.


    Many areas on the ground churned, and countless mountain peaks collapsed.


    The rivers and seas rose into the sky, displaying a shocking change.


    Wind and clouds surged, and the strong wind churned into a storm, while the clouds turned heavy and sinister.


    The entire world rumbled and thunder erupted from the void.


    Boom!


    The explosion of all invisible objects echoed in the minds of all living beings.


    This was different from when the fragmented-face opened Its eyes before!


    This was because the sound of a heartbeat echoed in the ears of all lifeforms in Wanggu.


    Thump, thump, thump!


    The fragmented-face opened Its eyes!


    The starry sky dimmed in front of those huge eyes which seemed to contain countless worlds, infinite thoughts, all the Dao, all essences, the cycle of all beings, and the beginning of the universe.


    Everything was included, karma was included, and fate was included.


    Everything It saw would follow Its thoughts.


    It was¡­ omniscient!


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind froze. His thoughts and everything else were pulled away from the concept of time. His understanding was also sucked away and his mind was blank.


    Similarly, Erniu was also frozen.


    The Great Magistrate and even the three gods outside the vortex¡­ had their lives temporarily paused at this moment!


    As for the Divine Realm they were in, there was an unprecedented change!


    As the gaze of the fragmented-face fell upon it, the Divine Realm no longer seemed to be a space.


    Instead, it became a painting. Regardless of whether it was the stars or the ground, even the three gods and Xu Qing and the others inside seemed to have become ink in the painting.


    The stars in the painting turned into ink, dimmed, and were disappearing.


    It was the same for the world in the painting.


    As for the painting itself, it was rising into the air and rapidly approaching the fragmented-face in the sky.


    The closer it got, the more it dissipated. At that moment, all the experts and gods in the Wanggu Continent, regardless of whether they were hiding or sleeping, woke up and lifted their heads.


    They all looked at the fragmented-face and the painting-like Divine Realm!


    All of them were shaken.


    This was because the painting-like Divine Realm was gradually dissipating. At the same time, It was also¡­ advancing!


    A terrifying aura rose from within. The strength of this aura was enough to cause the hearts of many gods to tremble and learn what fear was.


    A piercing golden light erupted from within the painting. The brilliance of this golden light surpassed the glory of the sun, causing many suns and moons in the Wanggu Continent to lose their color. It was as though they only learned the meaning of light today.


    The Divine Realm was advancing to¡­ the Divine World!


    The whole world was paying attention!


    At the same time, as the Divine Realm advanced, all existences holding the authority of the Divine Realm also got what they wanted at this moment. Their bodies and status were also upgraded!


    There were originally flames in the Great Magistrate¡¯s body. At this moment, these flames instantly soared and spread to his body, wanting to burn it into a divine body.


    It spread to his soul, wanting to refine it into¡­ the soul of a god.


    The flames erupted and burned crazily. One could see the pain on the face of the Great Magistrate. However, his eyes were filled with determination and persistence, as well as anticipation.


    He was becoming a god!


    The three gods had planned for tens of thousands of years and paid such a price. Naturally, They had to gain something now. Their respective divine sources erupted and they no longer suppressed Their tribulation fire.


    They wanted to use the incomparable opportunity of the Divine Realm advancing to the Divine World to cross the extremely dangerous tribulation fire realm in one go!


    They wanted to cross the tribulation fire and directly achieve flawless godhood!


    Once They succeeded, it would be equivalent to clearing the path to the divine platform. From then on, there would be no tribulations and the divine platform would be within sight.


    This was the dream of all gods!


    Even someone as strong as the Crimson Goddess hadn¡¯t reached this step. She could only rely near flawlessness through indirectly facing the fragmented-face, intending to devour gods to accumulate Her strength.


    Even someone as strong as Li Zihua destroyed his divine fire just before he became a god and changed to the cultivator¡¯s path. After that, he planned for tens of thousands of years to cross ancient times before he attained the Dao.


    As for the spider god, it didn¡¯t have the boldness of the three gods. It only used the divine fruit as a cause and wanted to devour the fruit to form Its own. Naturally, It got inflicted with karma and ended up with the death of Its body and soul.


    From this, it could be seen that the three gods had extraordinary abilities!

 Chapter 1310 - Chapter 1310: Stepping Into Nihility!

    Chapter 1310: Stepping Into Nihility!


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The Great Magistrate was becoming a god and the three gods were transcending, but the Divine Realm had five portions of authority.


    At that moment, in the Divine Realm¡¯s vortex, with the emperor¡¯s corpse as the carrier, the opportunity from the Divine Realm¡¯s advancement progressed.


    ¡°Little Qing, what do you think of such an opportunity!¡±


    The captain¡¯s tone was excited and the smugness in his heart was transmitted to Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Let me tell you, everything in the world and the universe can be used by us. Even that son of a batch¡¯s fragmented-face is the same!¡±


    ¡°Back then, when the Red Moon advanced, I was already envious. However, the conditions at that time didn¡¯t allow me to make a move, especially since it happened so suddenly and I didn¡¯t expect such a change to happen.¡±


    ¡°However, this time¡­¡±


    The captain¡¯s heartbeat sped up a lot and the fluctuations in his heart became even more intense.


    ¡°This time, it¡¯s our turn to see the scenery.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    ¡°Junior Brother, let me now tell you a secret of Wanggu!¡±


    ¡°This is related to your path, my path, and Master¡¯s path!¡±


    The captain¡¯s impassioned voice landed on Xu Qing¡¯s mind. When he heard the word ¡¯master¡¯, Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled.


    ¡°By now, you should know the god¡¯s realms. Before the divine fire, They are all divinity. After the flawlessness, it is the Divine Platform realm. What is beyond the Divine Platform?¡±


    ¡°I can now tell you that it is a realm on the same level as the Summer Immortal¡­ True God.¡±


    As soon as the captain spoke, Xu Qing felt as though there was a thunderclap in his mind. As for the captain¡¯s voice, it continued. Every word was like heavenly lightning, echoing in his mind.


    ¡°After the True God is the Lord God, above which is the Venerable God, and beyond the Venerable God lies the Divine God!¡±


    ¡°This is a clear path. Regardless of whether it¡¯s the Crimson Goddess back then or the three gods now, they are all advancing on this path.¡±


    ¡°Among them, Li Zihua advanced the fastest. From the peak of the Ruler realm back then, he integrated the karma of the Crimson Goddess. After his plan that spanned tens of thousands of years succeeded, he finally stepped into the peak of the Divine Platform Realm in one fell swoop!¡±


    Some of these things were known to Xu Qing previously, and there were also some that he had guessed. However, this was the first time he had heard of them. He finally had a true understanding of the god¡¯s system.


    After the captain finished speaking, he controlled the emperor¡¯s corpse to lift its head. Its gaze seemed to penetrate the vortex, the Divine Realm, and landed on the fragmented-face in the sky.


    ¡°Junior Brother, look at that fragmented-face. Do you know why the Sun God said the ancient isn¡¯t empty, shining upon the desolateO?¡±¡±


    ¡°Why did Its origin energy disperse through time and why did Its arrival cause


    Mystic Nether, the last Summer Immortal of the Wanggu, to escape?¡±


    ¡°Because Its name is Desolate!¡±


    ¡°Because Its realm is a half-step Divine God!¡±


    ¡°To be precise, It has been sleeping since It failed to break through to the Divine God Realm!¡±


    ¡°As for cultivators, why are they inferior to gods¡­¡±


    The captain paused.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He already had an answer in his heart.


    ¡°Junior Brother, do you know what the first thing the fragmented-face did when It arrived back then?¡±


    ¡°It devoured the first Immemorial Heavenly Dao!¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice was low.


    ¡°That was the strongest Heavenly Dao of Wanggu. Its original body was the strongest one among the few Summer Immortals who came from the lower realm and killed the Wanggu¡¯s Brilliant Heaven¡¯s gods back then!¡±


    ¡°This immortal, after suppressing the indigenous gods of Wanggu, once wept while looking at the stars, saying that fate abandoned the immortals, so the divine path rose, and the immortals lost their status.¡±


    ii


    So, this immortal closed his eyes to leave behind his body, transforming his immortal soul into the first Heavenly Dao of Wanggu, intending to reverse the cycle.¡±


    ¡°That first Immemorial Heavenly Dao recorded the cultivation system and inheritance of immortals!¡±


    ¡°However, he was swallowed and fused with the fragmented-face.¡±


    ¡°This is the reason why the immortal path was severed after the Ruler!¡±


    The captain¡¯s tone couldn¡¯t hide his dejection and there was an inexplicable meaning to it.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind churned. He originally thought that the broken immortal path he understood in the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region was because of the disappearance of the Summer Immortal. Now, he knew that other than this reason, the most important thing was that the Heavenly Dao where the immortal¡¯s Dao inheritance was located was actually devoured by the fragmented-face first!


    ¡°This is also the reason why there were no more Great Emperors in the future generations of Wanggu, and all the races are trying to continue the path.¡±


    The captain continued to speak.


    ¡°Ever since then, the path beyond the Soul Accumulation has been cut off. When one¡¯s cultivation reaches the nine worlds of the Soul Accumulation, there¡¯s no path left.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, after Mystic Nether, no cultivator race could step onto the Quasi Immortal Great Emperor realm that is equivalent to the Divine Platform Realm, let alone the Summer Immortal.¡±


    ¡°In reality, even if the first Heavenly Dao wasn¡¯t devoured, cultivators would at most be able to take a few more steps than now. In the end, there would still be nowhere to go.¡±


    ¡°Because the Summer Immortal was the pinnacle of cultivation in the past.¡±


    The captain sighed softly.


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    ¡°However, some people firmly believe that the Summer Immortal isn¡¯t the end of the cultivation system.¡±


    The captain¡¯s voice rang out again.


    ¡°Do you know why it¡¯s called the Summer Immortal?


    ¡°Summer and Lower?!¡±


    ¡°Immortals from the lower realm are also called Lower Immortals!¡±


    ¡°There should be Upper Immortals above Lower Immortals, but from ancient times to the present, no cultivator race has achieved the realm of Upper Immortals.


    As time passed, no one believed it anymore, and the Lower Immortal was considered the end of cultivation.¡±


    ¡°Gradually, because the term ¡®lower¡¯ wasn¡¯t auspicious, it was changed to Summer.¡±


    ¡°However, 1 still believe that there is Upper Immortal Realm, Venerable Immortal after the Upper Immortal, and once you reach the end of the Venerable Immortal¡­ there must be another path!¡±


    ¡°I am going in this path from one direction and Master takes another. There are also people who take other paths in many races in the Wanggu Continent.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re all exploring and trying to walk out!¡±


    ¡°Today, you will also join us!¡±


    ¡°This is also the reason why I asked you to delay your breakthrough earlier. Nihility is a critical point!¡±


    ¡°In reality, before we set off for Flame Moon, Master had come to the Grand Imperial Capital Region and met me.¡±


    ¡°Master came?¡± Xu Qing was stunned but he quickly understood. He had long understood that the captain and Master each had extremely mysterious backgrounds.


    Or to be precise, they were moving along their respective paths, each belonging to their own.


    Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s path must have something to do with his previous lives.


    As for his master, Xu Qing didn¡¯t know, but he guessed it was related to recovery.


    Regarding Xu Qing¡¯s question, the captain replied softly.


    ¡°Yes. He was the one who asked me to tell you to delay your breakthrough at the critical moment. The reason why he didn¡¯t tell you in advance was because he was afraid that it would affect your path.¡±


    His and Xu Qing¡¯s minds were fused, and his words carried profound meaning.


    ¡°Now, Junior Brother, do you wish to embark on a path of your own exploration? The choice is yours. If you do not wish to, you can sever your connection to the authority of the Divine Realm and continue breaking through as before.¡±


    ¡°If you wish to explore, then the power of the Divine Realm¡¯s advancement this time is like the wind that will aid you in your journey. However, this path is undoubtedly perilous. Whether the future holds life or death, how far you can go, it¡¯s all unknown. You¡­ must weigh it carefully.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak, and the captain also didn¡¯t speak anymore. He was using this opportunity to walk his own path and search for the Dao that belonged to him.


    ¡°The path that belongs to me¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and closed his eyes to focus. He didn¡¯t need to think.


    This was because he had already known and clarified his path several years ago!


    That was in the Grand Imperial Capital Region¡¯s Imperial Academy. After cultivating the Variant Immortal School, he had already decided on his path.


    This path¡­ would use the god as the fuel, retain the divine authority, and turn them into divine sources.


    He would use the divine source as fuel as well, burn it and turn it into his variant immortal soul threads.


    He would then use the soul threads to manifest all things and all divine bodies. The limit of the imagination was the limit of this path.


    He could gather all the divine authorities and become a god of the gods.


    Finally, he would use his own will as the primary and achieve a path of immortality cultivation through gods!


    This was a Variant Immortal.


    ¡°In that case, my Nihility will really become¡­ the Nihility of gods!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened.


    The five repository gates in his body immediately resumed their previous dormant state, rumbling once again like colossal volcanoes shaking the heavens and earth, erupting simultaneously.


    The sound of the world being split apart roared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. The volcanoes erupted and a large amount of volcanic ash swept through his sea of consciousness.


    This volcanic ash looked the same as when ordinary cultivators advanced to Nihility, but there was a difference in its material.


    Xu Qing had divine repositories and divine sources. His Nihility was different from the others.


    The nihility ashes of the volcano in his body contained gods¡¯ aura.


    And at this moment¡­ for the path he wanted to take, the auras of these gods were clearly not enough.


    Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. At the next instant, wails rang out from D132. The god¡¯s finger directly collapsed and was broken down into nutrients by Xu Qing, merging into the five volcanic repository gates.


    After burning, the volcanic ashes that spewed out made the gods¡¯ aura even denser.


    Immediately after, with the authority of the Divine Realm, the terrifying power formed by the advancement of the Divine Realm also surged into the emperor¡¯s corpse and split into two, landing on Xu Qing and Erniu.


    The portion that landed on Xu Qing directly gushed into the nihility ashes.


    This was the power of the Divine World, and the Divine World corresponded to the Divine Platform. It could be said that¡­ this was the power of the Divine Platform!


    Turning this power into nihility ashes, he would be able to form a nihility land which could bury and refine gods!


    Boom boom boom!


    The sounds in Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness rumbled loudly. In the end, it became earth-shattering. At the next instant, his entire sea of consciousness was filled with ashes.


    It could be seen that there was no more sea in his sea of consciousness.


    It was formed from the precipitation of the ashes!


    It was boundless and astonishingly vast.


    If other cultivators from the Nihility could see the nihility land in Xu Qing¡¯s body, they would definitely be shocked. This was because the range of Xu Qing¡¯s nihility land was dozens of times larger than an ordinary Nihility¡¯s.


    Moreover, the material was even more astonishing.


    The moment the nihility ashes turned into soil and transformed into the foundation, Xu Qing¡¯s Heavenly Palaces and the five repository gates above the Heavenly Palaces landed on the nihility land.


    The instant they fused with the nihility land and became one, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation suddenly broke through.


    Stepping into Nihility!!


    To be precise, this was a Nihility that was different from all the Nihility. This was Xu Qing¡¯s unique path and his Dao. It could be called the Divine Nihility!


    Terrifying fluctuations continued to rise from Xu Qing¡¯s body. This advancement was a breakthrough in a major realm. It could be said that the increase in Xu Qing¡¯s combat strength was unprecedented.


    However, the realm of the Nihility was still incomplete at this moment. With the nihility land, the next step was the Dao marks.


    Because Xu Qing¡¯s Dao marks were astonishing, they were naturally different from ordinary cultivators. If one traced back, this difference was fundamentally different!


    Regardless of whether it was him, the captain, the Great Magistrate who was about to become a god, or the three gods who wanted to cross the tribulation fire to achieve flawlessness¡­ what they wanted now was extremely great.


    Therefore, there would definitely be some existences who wouldn¡¯t allow it to happen!


    Outside the vortex, resistance descended!

 Chapter 1311 - Chapter 1311 Gods Appear

    Chapter 1311 Gods Appear


    In the sky, the eyes of the god¡¯s fragmented-face were slowly closing.


    The Divine Realm¡¯s status that had been exchanged for by sacrificing everything didn¡¯t stop here. On the contrary, it was still advancing amidst the deafening rumbling.


    However, at the same time that the Divine Realm was advancing, it was also dissipating. An invisible fire was burning.


    It was as though it wanted to burn all the impurities in the Divine Realm completely.


    Clearly, the transformation of the Divine Realm into the Divine World wasn¡¯t something simple. The power of the fragmented-face was incomparably vast, but¡­ whether the Divine Realm could withstand it was also the key.


    As for this Divine Realm, even though the three gods had prepared for tens of thousands of years, it still seemed unable to support the full advancement.


    During the Red Moon incident back then, the Red Moon was one of the 36 moons of Wanggu. While possessing the authority of Wanggu, Crimson Goddess was also at the peak of the tribulation fire and half a step away from flawlessness.


    There was also Li Zihua who had planned since ancient times.


    The most important thing was the Crimson Goddess¡¯ identity.


    As the first person to become a god in the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era and receive the fragmented-face, Her karma with the fragmented-face was extremely deep. Her half-step flawlessness stage allowed Her to devour many gods, feared by both humans and gods.


    Hence, Her tribulation naturally became an auspicious sign for Li Zihua.


    All kinds of combinations allowed him to obtain that chance.


    However, the three gods were different.


    Hence, when the fragmented-face slowly closed Its eyes, resistance suddenly descended.


    In the Wanggu Continent, in the Nine Ridges Region, in a swamp that occupied 30% of this region, a huge golden eye opened and transformed into a heavenly eye that stared at the Divine Realm here.


    In the Ancient Holy Region, there was a mountain that was incredibly large and was worshiped by the races of this region. At that moment, this mountain changed from black to golden and rose from the ground like a huge golden horn, shattering the void.


    In the Endless Harmony Region, there was a vast sea. As the waves churned, a statue of a god rose from the bottom of the sea. This statue had three heads and six arms. The three heads were of a beast, a ghost, and a god.


    The six hands controlled the cycle of life and death. The moment it appeared, the sea gathered and transformed into its vast body. It took a step into the void.


    ¡­


    Such changes erupted at the same time in many areas of the Wanggu Continent.


    Streaks of terrifying divine intent surged into the sky from all directions, causing the color of the Wanggu¡¯s sky and earth to change. These divine intent approached the Divine Realm here and unleashed their divine power.


    In an instant, the sky where the Divine Realm was located became blurry, the ground distorted, and time exploded. Accompanied by an intense eruption of greed, They were trying to stop the three gods and plunder their results.


    At this moment, countless races trembled. Most of the living beings felt the palpitations of impending disaster.


    However¡­ the three gods had prepared for tens of thousands of years. With Their omniscience, how could They not be prepared for this? Hence, almost at the instant the dozens of divine intents descended and attacked, the three gods, who were in the midst of advancing, opened Their divine eyes at the same time.


    At the next instant, a vast array formation directly shone from the three gods¡¯ bodies. With a flash, this array formation enveloped the surroundings, emitting a five-colored light and manifesting countless runes.


    Those rune marks all carried an ancient feeling. Their pervasiveness caused the entire array formation to give off the feeling of time.


    This array formation was known as the God killing Magus Array!


    The Ancestral Magus of the Mystic Heaven Great Magus Race back then had used his body to protect this array formation.


    After that, it was refined by Jiuli, causing its might to increase.


    After the three gods obtained it, They refined it for tens of thousands of years. As for using this array formation to lock the Immemorial Heavenly Dao, other than its purpose of sacrificing the Heavenly Dao, the fundamental goal was to nourish the array with the blood of the Heavenly Dao.


    It was all for this moment!


    At this moment, the God Killing Array was activated, instantly blocking the incoming gods.


    However, although the origin of this array formation was astonishing and it had been refined many times, the gods it was facing were extremely terrifying. Hence, it could only block Them for a while and not for too long.


    However, the preparations of the three gods weren¡¯t limited to this array formation.


    Blocking Them for a moment was enough in the judgment of the three gods.


    Hence, the instant the divine array was activated, the divinity of the three gods rose at the same time. One could see a sun, a moon, and a star appearing above the heads of the three gods, emitting a vast momentum that instantly overlapped with each other.


    They transformed into a huge halberd.


    This halberd was a million feet long. Upon closer inspection, it could be seen that there were more than a million types of materials contained in it.


    Other than that, there were also countless souls gathered.


    In the past tens of thousands of years, the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race controlled by the three gods had destroyed the souls of countless races and plundered all treasures.


    Adding with the fortune of the entire Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, this treasure was formed.


    This treasure had long surpassed the level of a regional treasure and could be said to be eternal.


    It would be easy to destroy other races with it, and even kill gods.


    This was the foundation of the three gods!


    At that moment, the eternal halberd appeared in the world, as though it was separating the sky and the ground. The pressure it emitted caused the expressions of the approaching gods to change and their hearts to tremble as They sensed danger.


    At the next instant, with a thought from the three gods, this terrifying halberd waved in the sky and directly swept through the heavenly river, taking the initiative to move toward the gods who had arrived.


    Wherever it passed, the power of extermination would make one¡¯s soul unstable. A rumbling sound spread through nearly half of the Wanggu Continent.


    The gods who came to stop the advancement instantly retreated until They were out of the region. At the same time, the voices of the three gods fell.


    ¡°Scram!¡±


    This word echoed non-stop.


    The gods who had arrived were all mysterious and supreme in their regions. However, They could only remain silent now. In the end, They stared at the halberd meaningfully and gradually hid Themselves.


    The God Killing Array could stop them for some time, while the halberd was too terrifying. They didn¡¯t have a lot of karma with the three gods, so They would stop the advancement if it didn¡¯t take too much effort, but if They had to pay a heavy price, it wouldn¡¯t be worth it.


    After all, while They were spying on the three gods, There must be other existences spying on Their fight, trying to benefit from it.


    Hence, since nothing could be done, They naturally hid themselves.


    lights¦­¦Ïv¦Ål ?¦Ïm Noticing that the gods were hiding, the three gods were expressionless but They were even more vigilant.


    They were currently at the critical moment of their advancement. If They were interrupted, it was almost impossible for Them to have such an opportunity again.


    They couldn¡¯t afford to make a mistake.


    However, what was destined to come would eventually arrive. Although the gods had hidden Themselves, those who had karma with the three gods still appeared.


    At that moment, at the edge of the Wanggu Continent, in a nameless region that was enveloped by silver fog, there was no land here. There was only a huge ancient mirror.


    It could be said that this mirror was the land of this region.


    In this region, there were no mountain peaks or races. Everything seemed to have been erased and the mirror was spotless.


    It reflected a silver moon. However, if someone lifted their head to take a look, they would be shocked to discover that there was no moon in the sky but a golden sun.


    The golden sun in the sky and the silver moon in the mirror.


    At this moment, they blurred and disappeared, before appearing at the same time¡­ above the Divine Realm where the three gods were!


    The golden sun and silver moon descended!


    ¡°I had no wish to intervene, but the struggle for divine power leaves no room for avoidance.¡±


    A deep divine voice exploded in the world.


    A terrifying divine might erupted as the sun and moon descended.


    The God Killing Array emitted the sound of shattering and cracks appeared on it immediately. The terror of the golden sun and silver moon surpassed the gods from before.


    The three gods were extremely solemn. With a thought, the halberd suddenly arrived and swung at the sun and moon.


    They didn¡¯t stop. Almost at the instant the halberd swung at the sun and moon, determination appeared in the eyes of the three gods. Other than the preparations They had made for tens of thousands of years, there were also regional treasures from many races in the Wanggu Continent.


    There were even some treasures from the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era and treasures from the Northern Emperor in the Divine Realm.


    All of this was the second foundation of the three gods.


    At this moment, they were determined to use them.


    Immediately, the sky became colorful. A total of 108 regional treasures that came from various races filled the sky.


    They all ascended into the air and emitted all their might at the same time. They didn¡¯t explode but transformed into stars.


    The front of these stars was filled with star soil, and on their back sides were wailing faces.


    Those faces were also different. They were formed from the fortune of the races from which these regional treasures were plundered!


    They were drawn over from the races that the three gods had destroyed.


    This scene was exactly the same as the starry sky in the emperor¡¯s tomb.


    At that moment, it combined with the collapsed God Killing Array and the terrifying halberd.


    It became resplendent!


    The God Killing Array shattered into starlight, the halberd swept out like a galaxy, and the 108 stars shone dazzlingly.


    Finally, it transformed into a starry sky that enveloped the golden sun and silver moon!


    At that moment, the Sun God and the Moon God gathered all Their divine sources in the Star God¡¯s body and activated the secret art they had prepared for tens of thousands of years!


    Empyrean Starry Sky!


    They would use the starry sky to seal the sun and moon in exchange for time.


    In an instant, the terrifying golden sun and silver moon disappeared from the Divine Realm with the Empyrean Starry Sky.


    However, before the three gods could relax, a cold voice rang out from the void.


    ¡°Zhu Ling has karma with me, so I¡¯ll lend a hand this once.¡±


    As he spoke, in the endless Forbidden Sea of the Wanggu Continent, in a dark abyss, a crimson light shone forth. Within that light, countless paper effigies made of red paper might be seen.


    At this moment, one of these paper effigies drifted out from within, rising from the depths of the ocean, and in the next instant, it manifested in the Divine Realm. It was like a seal as it headed straight for the three gods.


    An incomparable palpitation surged in the hearts of the three gods and spread from the heart of the Great Magistrate who was becoming a god. Even Xu Qing and Erniu, who were under the vortex, felt their hearts tremble.


    ¡°It¡¯s actually still alive!¡±


    The captain exclaimed.


    ¡°Who is It?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart was in turmoil. He didn¡¯t know the origin of the ¡®It¡¯ the captain was talking about but he could sense that just this paper effigy was as terrifying as the Crimson Goddess.


    Before the captain might reply, the expressions of the three gods outside the vortex had changed drastically.


    Even the usually calm Sun God was extremely solemn at this moment.


    At the next instant, divine flames burned on each of the three gods. They¡­ were igniting Their divine sources!


    The colors of the fire were red, blue, and black!


    Three colors erupted at the same time. The instant the red paper effigy arrived, the three flames fused together!


    The three gods picked this moment to temporarily fuse with each other to erupt with the power of their previous lives.


    In an instant, flames surged into the sky, emitting the feeling of reincarnation. It was vast and shocking.


    As it enveloped the three gods, one might faintly see a majestic body from the flames. It seemed to have walked step by step from time to beyond the time.

 Chapter 1312 - Chapter 1312: Mysterious Cultivator

    Chapter 1312: Mysterious Cultivator


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    For this time¡¯s success, the three gods had used all their foundations.


    Regardless of whether it was the God Killing Array, the halberd that had been prepared for tens of thousands of years, the 108 races¡¯ regional treasures that had been plundered, or the fortune of the various races, they all ultimately transformed into the Empyrean Starry Sky.


    Any one of them could be considered a supreme treasure.


    The halberd was even more terrifying, treasure and reaching the level of eternal.


    surpassing the level of a regional


    As such, it could be seen that the three gods were determined to obtain this breakthrough.


    However, even so, these preparations seemed to be insufficient. The resistance¡­ was too astonishing.


    For example, at this moment, the red paper effigy with a mysterious origin, which even made Erniu tremble with apprehension, shook the minds of all present in this place.


    However, it wasn¡¯t that the three gods didn¡¯t have a way to resist It. They burned their divine flames formed by their divine sources. Under this fusion they burned the past and present, pierced through time, and guided their previous lives.


    It appeared from Their souls, from Their memories, from the flames that were like reincarnation.


    That figure was extremely noble. The moment it walked over, the color of the sky changed and rumbling sounds rang out in all directions.


    As he appeared, one could see that the person was dressed in an emperor¡¯s robe and wore an emperor¡¯s crown. His face couldn¡¯t be seen clearly but the aura of an emperor covered the world and suppressed the world.


    He was¡­ the Northern Emperor!


    He took a step out of the flames and lifted his right hand, gently landing on the incoming red paper effigy.


    The instant his hand came into contact with the red paper effigy, no sound rang out, nor did it cause a monstrous storm. Only a white hole appeared where his finger came into contact with the paper effigy!


    The instant this hole appeared, a chill ran down everyone¡¯s spine.


    This white hole wasn¡¯t within the rules and laws, nor was it within the god¡¯s omniscience. No Dao or techniques were within its scope.


    It was like an existence that shouldn¡¯t have appeared, emerging from the samsara J, of all who beheld it.


    from the folds of time, and then disappearing from the memories


    The red paper effigy also disappeared!


    It no longer existed.


    Outside the Divine Realm, the gods who were hiding shuddered. They stared at the figure who walked out of the flames as though they were facing a great enemy.


    Even now, the Northern Emperor¡¯s face was still blurry and couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. One could only notice that he was standing in the air and lowering his head to look at the three gods. After that, he let out a soft sigh.


    At the next instant, he actually raised his hand and slashed!


    It didn¡¯t slash rhe sky but into the flames, cutting off his connection with rhe three gods.


    In the blink of an eye, the three gods¡¯ bodies trembled and the flames transformed back into three colors. They opened Their eyes and looked at the Northern Emperor with mixed feelings.


    From now on, the karma is severed.¡±


    The Northern Emperor spoke softly. After that, he lifted his head and looked at the sky of the Wanggu.


    I still have three breaths of time left. I¡¯ll lend you a hand.¡¯1


    Murmurs echoed. The Northern Emperor took a step and arrived outside the Divine Realm. The moment his foot landed, the surroundings rumbled, producing endless lightning.


    All the hiding gods instantly left with terrified expressions.


    The surroundings were empty!


    The resistance was cleared!


    After that, the Northern Emperor took another step and stepped into the void chasing after the red paper effigy.


    The outcome was unknown but as he left, the auras of the three gods became even denser. The obstacles this time seemed to have disappeared but Their state wasn¡¯t very good either.


    Their faces were pale and Their souls emitted a sense of weakness.


    At this moment, another unforeseen event occurred!


    Flames rose in the sky, covering the sky and the earth. They quickly gathered together and formed a fire spear that headed straight for the three gods!


    This spear was world-shaking and pressed forward with indomitable will. It was as though it could break through all obstacles and burn all existences.


    Amidst the rumbling; it hovered above the three gods. Its pressure was monstrous, as though once it landed, it could destroy everything.


    Behind the spear, an illusory body that was as tall as the sky emitted energy that shook the world. It stared at the three gods and let out a divine voice that was like a law.


    By the judgment of the Underworld, the Northern Fate, and the Empyrean Crimson Land, I inform the Sun, Moon, and Star: the Flame Moon Race shall not produce the fourth god!¡±


    A dark glint rose in the Moon God¡¯s eyes, while the Star God remained silent. As for the Great Magistrate, he sighed inwardly.


    At the same time, in the emperor¡¯s corpse in the vortex, Xu Qing, who was transforming the Dao marks, heard the captain¡¯s voice.


    ¡°The Underworld Origin Corpse Race, the Northern Fate Royal Race, and the Empyrean Crimson Land Race. These are all powerful races ranked in the top five of the Wanggu Continent!¡±


    Almost at the instant the captain¡¯s voice rang out, the Sun God calmly spoke.


    Great Magistrate, we¡¯ve already done our best to fulfill the promise we made to you back then. You¡¯ve seen it too.¡±


    Moreover, the accident I told you about back then still appeared.¡±


    They don¡¯t want the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race to produce a fourth god.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, either your race is destroyed and you can still become a god, equal to us in brilliance, or you die and we will continue to protect your Flame Moon Race.¡±


    Choose your race or continue to become a god, it is your choice.¡±


    The Great Magistrate closed his eyes. He wasn¡¯t surprised. Just as the Sun God had said, the other party had already told him all of this back then, and even told him that this would certainly happen.


    Now that he looked at it, it had indeed happened.


    It wasn¡¯t that the three powerful races didn¡¯t allow him to become a god, but they didn¡¯t allow a fourth god to appear in Flame Moon.


    If he wasn¡¯t a Great Magistrate, he could sever his relation with Flame Moon and become a god.


    However, his identity meant that the relation couldn¡¯t be severed.


    As for the choice¡­ he had already made it back then. No matter what he said, he understood that back then, he had betrayed Jiuli for the race and for himself.


    However, for some reason, it was a little difficult to make a choice now.


    As for whether the three gods had calculated all of this back then, he was aware of it but he didn¡¯t care so much.


    It was fine if They had or not, as They had always given him the right to choose.


    Forget it¡­


    The Great Magistrate sighed softly. The gaze Jiuli used to stare at him when he died appeared in his mind.


    That gaze was filled with hatred, bitterness, and regret.


    The words he had said in front of Jiuli also appeared.


    Let your lineage die, leaving a hope for the race.¡±


    The scenes from back then all rose in his mind at this moment.


    He seemed to have seen himself becoming a Great Magistrate step by step in the ancient era in the God Killing Array, governing the race and gradually leading its rise.


    This lasted until he seemed to see Jiuli again.


    This time, the words he said back then seemed to have come from the mouth of Jiuli in his memory.


    It is like a cycle¡­¡± The Great Magistrate¡¯s gaze was complicated.


    A few breaths later, he shook his head and laughed self-deprecatingly.


    Some words, when spoken too often, start to convince even oneself¡­¡±


    The Great Magistrate closed his eyes. The divine fire that was about to be completed in his body instantly erupted and spread throughout his body. His flesh and blood burned, his soul burned, and everything of his burned.


    At the same time, within the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, all the clan members, tracing back to the ancient lineage, began to exhibit signs of burning in their bodies, a sense of impending death descending upon them.


    However, at the next instant, the flames on the bodies of rhe Flame Moon Race¡¯s clansmen disappeared.


    As for the fire on the Great Magistrate¡¯s body, it became even more intense drowning his figure until¡­ he turned into ashes.


    He no longer existed.


    No matter what he thought back then and how difficult the choice was just now, his final answer¡­ was to give up on becoming a god!


    Only a resplendent divine talisman that gathered a portion of the authority of the Divine Realm flickered a few times and flew7 toward rhe Sun God.


    This divine talisman was an existence that surpassed supreme treasures because it contained the power of the Divine Realm¡¯s divine status!


    Other than that, there was a final sentence that echoed in all directions.


    I,


    I hope¡­ you will keep your promise.


    h


    ii


    We have always kept our promises. This is the foundation of a god,¡± the Sun God calmly replied.


    This scene registered in Xu Qing¡¯s perception, eliciting a complex mix of emotions within him. However, at this moment, he had no time to dwell on it. Currently, the nihility land within him was roiling; reaching a critical moment in forming the Dao marks.


    Only when the Dao marks were completed would he be considered to have truly stepped into the Nihility Realm.


    At the same time, as the Great Magistrate was reduced to ashes in the outside world, rhe fire spear above the three gods disappeared along with the divine figure behind the spear.


    The world recovered as though nothing had happened.


    The three gods closed Their eyes and their realm was about to cross over the tribulation fire, stepping into the flawlessness stage. As for the fragmented-face¡¯s eyes, It had already closed until there was only a gap.


    However, at the next instant¡­ the sky suddenly darkened!


    A large black hand took advantage of this opportunity to blot out the sky and grab fiercely at the three gods.


    It wanted to plunder the opportunities of the three gods and Their divine fruits!


    The appearance of this hand caused the expressions of the three gods to change drastically.


    The timing of this attack was extremely precise. It was the moment when the three gods were about to succeed.


    After experiencing repeated obstructions from before, the three gods had already exhausted their foundations.


    Just as the large hand was about to land, a mysterious figure suddenly stepped through the void and appeared below the large black hand.


    This figure didn¡¯t emit the aura of gods but cultivators!


    However, one couldn¡¯t see which race they belonged to. One could only see that with a raise of this cultivator¡¯s hand, nine vast and astonishing great worlds were displayed in the world.


    After that, these nine worlds transformed into nine planets, forming a resplendent galaxy!


    In fact, there were even stars in this galaxy, as though they were about to form a starry region.


    It was the Ruler Realm after the Soul Accumulation Nine Worlds!


    This was the ultimate level in the current Wanggu cultivation system and was comparable to gods. If one reached the peak of the Ruler Realm, they could fight against tribulation fire gods.


    The appearance of this cultivator caused the hearts of ail the various forces who were paying attention to this place to tremble.


    This was because according to the observations and understanding of the various races, the current Rulers of the Wanggu Continent could be counted on one hand and they were all at the early-stage!


    The path after the Soul Accumulation Nine Worlds had already been cut off from the cultivation system. Now, the only way to become a Ruler was to rely on the inherited bloodline or other heaven-defying opportunities.


    At this moment, the outline of the mysterious cultivator¡¯s starry region had already appeared. They were not an early-stage Ruler, but were close to the peak stage of Ruler!


    In ancient times, such a cultivator could be considered an overlord of an area.


    In the current records of the various races, there was no such cultivator in the world!


    Unless¡­ some old fellows who had faked their deaths back then had hidden themselves.


    Hence, the question about this cultivator¡¯s identity¡­ arose in the minds of all the forces in an instant.


    With the appearance of this cultivator; as the starry region rumbled, the large hand that arrived also shook. Taking this opportunity, the auras of the three gods finally rose greatly.

 Chapter 1313 - Chapter 1313: This Is the Super Big Thing

    Chapter 1313: This Is the Super Big Thing


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    In an instant, countless gazes and divine senses landed on the three gods and the cultivator who had blocked the black hand with the strength of a half-step peak Ruler.


    The appearance of this cultivator was extremely critical. It was the moment when the three gods were about to be interrupted by the black hand.


    It could even be said that without this cultivator¡¯s help, the three gods would fail in their breakthrough after exhausting all their resources.


    Even though They still had some hidden methods, it was likely they would be thwarted, and They would not be able to achieve all their goals.


    At least one or two of them would have to give up this great opportunity!


    And evidently, the appearance of this mysterious cultivator was also a part of the three gods¡¯ preparations!


    However, for a cultivator to come here to help the gods was a little thought-provoking.


    It would be fine if it was a low-level cultivator. However, at such a high level, there must be an extremely deep karma for them to make such a move.


    Hence, the various races, forces, and gods were extremely curious about this cultivator¡¯s identity.


    Moreover, the robe they wore possessed the power of concealment, preventing all probings, making it impossible for all parties to discern any clues.


    Hence, everyone could only guess this cultivator was an ancient cultivator.


    The appearance of this cultivator finally bought the three gods the last bit of time.


    At the next instant, the auras of the three gods soared greatly. Their respective tribulation flames were rapidly rising to flawlessness at this moment.


    The situation was set!


    At the same time, in the Divine Realm¡¯s vortex, after brewing for so long, Xu Qing¡¯s Dao marks finally reached the point of carving.


    This carving required him to think about his own Dao. It couldn¡¯t be simply drawn down.


    This was also the reason why Xu Qing took some time to make a move after the nihility land was formed.


    He had to clarify his own Dao to understand his marks, only then could he walk his own path.


    However, to truly carve it, he still needed to borrow the power of the Divine Realm¡¯s advancement.


    With the power of the Divine Realm¡¯s advancement, he could easily shape his nihility land and carve his own marks.


    Xu Qing was aware that to ordinary cultivators, the first stage of the Nihility realm was called the Shattering Thousand Dao.


    After a cultivator broke through the Spirit Repository and stepped into Nihility, all the cultivation arts and Daos they had cultivated in the past would rapidly materialize at that moment and transform into Dao marks that would be left on the nihility land.


    Externally, these manifest as streaks of shooting stars in their eyes.


    All the first stage Nihility he had seen before were like this with no exceptions.


    As for breaking through from the first stage, what was needed was a thousand nomological laws. Only then could it be perfected.


    This was the origin of the words ¡®Shattering Thousand Dao¡¯.


    All of this appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. His mind was clear and his eyes were calm.


    He understood that this path of cultivation was his own but not exclusively his.


    Saying that the normal path of Nihility was his own path was the first mark that formed on the nihility land with a thought from him..


    At this moment, the sound of the world being split apart rang out from the nihility land formed by his sea of consciousness and a long mark appeared.


    This mark was formed by the Magus Dao, the Emperor Sword Dao, and all the cultivation arts Xu Qing cultivated. All the traces could be found, and most were from the Variant Immortal School.


    It continued to carve and extend. In the end, it surrounded the entire boundary of the nihility land, connecting from head to tail, transforming into a huge and astonishing ring.


    This was Xu Qing¡¯s first mark and also his vital mark.


    The moment it was formed, it formed a boundary for the nihility land. It was the mark of a Variant Immortal!


    Saying that the normal path of Nihility wasn¡¯t his own path was because this mark of Xu Qing had already included everything.


    Moreover, he didn¡¯t consider letting his second mark walk the path of the nomological laws of ordinary cultivators.


    What he wanted to walk on was divine authority!


    In an instant, the nihility land rumbled. Dazzling purple light flickered inside. At the next instant, all the purple light was buried in the nihility land, forming a moon mark.


    It emitted a terrifying fluctuation!


    That was the Purple Moon, Xu Qing¡¯s divine authority, and the mark of his Purple Moon divine authority!


    ¡°Next¡­¡± Xu Qing mumbled. He didn¡¯t hesitate and the nihility land in his sea of consciousness churned again.


    After the Purple Moon, the Poison Restriction erupted in the ruins, forming a poison mist that filled the sky. It spread out in all directions and unleashed a terrifying might.


    In the end, all the poison mist gathered and was buried in the nihility land, transforming into a sinister face.


    That was Xu Qing¡¯s third mark, the mark of the god¡¯s curse!


    After that, the power of misfortune spread out, leaving traces in the nihility land and merging with the dissolved god¡¯s finger here, thus completing Xu Qing¡¯s fourth mark.


    Transforming the misfortune dao authority to a mark!


    The first one was his vital mark, the later three were his divine authorities.


    Since ancient times, no cultivator in the Wanggu Continent could form divine authority in their own nihility land.


    This was because their nihility land couldn¡¯t withstand it and their Dao couldn¡¯t withstand it.


    However, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t one of them.


    The instant the four divine marks appeared, Xu Qing suddenly opened his eyes.


    One could see that the four divine marks were like shooting stars streaking past, emitting earth-shattering might.


    Although there were only four of them, they were definitely not something ordinary Dao marks of the Nihility could compare to.


    With a thought from Xu Qing, the four marks in the nihility land shook. A large number of soul threads actually erupted from these four divine marks.


    A total of¡­ 40 million!


    These soul threads were boundless and astonishing. The aura they emitted was even more terrifying.


    Although Xu Qing was mentally prepared, he was still shaken.


    ¡°One divine mark can transform into ten million soul threads!¡±


    ¡°Previously, I only had a few million soul threads. Moreover, the further 1 went, the harder it was to refine them. There seemed to be a limit, but I¡¯ve already broken it now!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. He could sense that at this moment, he was unprecedentedly powerful.


    Because the soul threads could transform into all things, his divine sense, his body, his spells, and even everything else were advancing comprehensively.


    ¡°This way, my god forms¡­ will no longer be limited.¡±


    A sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and he became even more excited. Just as he was about to continue observing his nihility land, a sudden sense of hunger erupted from his body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled. This feeling instantly intensified, as though his body was empty. A sense of madness also followed.


    His eyes couldn¡¯t help but turn bloodshot and his breathing became even more hurried. He instinctively looked around.


    He wanted to devour the divine sources, the gods, and everything else!


    At that moment, if an ordinary Nihility cultivator were to stare at him, their minds would shake and their cultivation levels would be unstable.


    Not to mention fighting against him.


    In fact, even someone at the perfected Nihility would be shaken when facing the current Xu Qing.


    For example, with Flame Mystic¡¯s terrifying combat strength previously, Xu Qing and the captain couldn¡¯t fight him for long even when joining forces.


    However, if he encountered him again at this moment, Xu Qing would directly devour him. It was the same even though the other party had achieved the Soul Accumulation.


    The source of this hunger was the nihility land in his body.


    The nihility land that filled his sea of consciousness was currently squirming and churning, revealing an indescribable desire.


    Hungry!


    Hungry!!


    Hungry!!!


    This feeling grew increasingly intense.


    Fortunately, Xu Qing had experienced hunger too many times when he was young. He wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with the feeling of wanting to swallow everything he saw or even wanting to eat soil.


    It was also his childhood experience that caused Xu Qing to barely suppress the feeling of hunger in his body.


    A long time later, he took a deep breath as he forced himself to adapt to this hunger. It was also the arrival of this hunger that allowed Xu Qing to have a clearer understanding of his path.


    ¡°My nihility land feeds on gods, fueled by the divine sources, and turns divine authorities into marks. How much divine authorities do 1 need in the future¡­¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know.


    However, the hunger in his body made him understand that this was definitely¡­ a path to slaughter gods!


    ¡°This is my Dao!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice was hoarse and filled with killing intent.


    As for the benefits brought about by the upgrade of the Divine Realm, they naturally wouldn¡¯t be limited to this. At that moment, on the churning nihility land of Xu Qing, a divine talisman that contained the terrifying power of advancement was forming!


    That was formed from the part of the power of the Divine Realm that hadn¡¯t been digested by Xu Qing. Just like the divine talisman transformed from the Great Magistrate¡¯s death, although it wasn¡¯t as resplendent as that one, it was still a supreme treasure to the gods of the Wanggu Continent!


    As long as one had the appropriate realm and absorbed this item, they would be able to obtain an opportunity to cross the tribulation fire and step into the flawlessness stage like the three gods.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and his divine sense landed on the divine talisman. While he was observing, the captain¡¯s voice suddenly rang out in his mind.


    ¡°Little Qing, are you hungry?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s delicious food. Do you want to eat it?¡±


    Xu Qing abruptly lifted his head. The hunger he had barely suppressed showed signs of erupting again as the captain¡¯s words rang out.


    He was indeed hungry. Incomparably hungry.


    Hehe, your current appearance is becoming more and more like mine. This hunger¡­ I¡¯ve experienced it before.¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, don¡¯t worry. Senior Brother will bring you to eat a feast!¡±


    At this point, the captain seemed to gulp.


    ¡°Do you remember what 1 told you before about doing a super big thing?¡±


    ¡°Entering the Divine Realm, gaining authority over it, seizing and dividing the power of the Divine Realm¡¯s advancement¡­ These are significant endeavors, but they cannot be considered super!¡±


    ¡°Do you know why I borrowed the fortune to refine the Wordless Scripture and feather previously? In fact, I even borrowed the power of advancement and refined them again. At the same time, I also added a large amount of the flesh of Crimson Goddess!¡±


    ¡°All of this is for a super important matter!¡±


    ¡°Wordless is for concealment, and the feather is for escape!¡±


    The captain paused and Xu Qing¡¯s breathing hastened. He had vaguely guessed the answer but this answer was too crazy.


    ¡°Little Qing, this time, our target¡­ the number one treasure in Wanggu!¡±


    ¡°In other words¡­ that bastard fragmented-face!¡±


    At this point, even with the captain¡¯s madness, his breathing became heavy. It could be seen that even he was a little nervous now.


    Let me tell you, i observed it in my past lives. Around the wound of that fragmented-face, there was separated flesh and blood! There was also sweat and a lot of broken hair¡­ So this time, our goal is the blood, flesh, sweat, and hair of the fragmented-face!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a half-step Divine God. Its flesh and blood are no longer just flesh and blood. That¡¯s a supreme treasure among supreme treasures, and it contains Its source! They will definitely be delicious!¡±


    ¡°This is the super big matter I mentioned to you!¡±


    ¡°Everything before was just an appetizer. I look down on that group of small fries outside from the bottom of my heart. The only thing they did was to reach flawlessness in a step!¡±


    ¡°What I want is the flesh of the Divine God


    ¡°Junior Brother, are you going to do it or not?¡±


    Hearing the captain¡¯s crazy and bold words, Xu Qing¡¯s mind was already in turmoil. However, compared to this madness, the feeling of hunger was even more intense.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it!¡±


    Xu Qing gritted his teeth with bloodshot eyes..

 Chapter 1314 - 1314 Risking Everything

    1314 Risking Everything


    The moment Xu Qing spoke, the captain was clearly excited.


    ¡°Junior Brother, don¡¯t worry. This time, I¡¯m 100% confident. There will definitely be no problem!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were originally bloodshot and he was ready to do this, but when he heard the captain¡¯s words, his heart skipped a bit.


    As for the captain, he became even more excited and was still speaking.


    ¡°Junior Brother, ever since I guessed the three gods¡¯ motive back then, I¡¯ve been planning for a long time. I have been fighting tooth and nail to get on this bandwagon!¡±


    ¡°Before I encountered the sentient ancient teleportation array, I actually didn¡¯t have much confidence. Although I¡¯ve prepared escape items and refined them many times, the materials are still a little inferior.¡±


    ¡°Until I encountered that sentient ancient teleportation array. The heavens are really helping me!¡±


    The captain laughed.


    ¡°In fact, the plan against the Crimson Goddess back then is also related to this matter. This is because the flesh and blood of the Crimson Goddess are good things. She was the first to become a god in Wanggu and was the one who guided the fragmented-face here. There is a great karma between Her and the fragmented-face.¡±


    ¡°This karma, coupled with the enhancement of the feather, can theoretically form a fixed teleportation!¡±


    ¡°However, the power required for this teleportation is too terrifying.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, there was this trip to the Divine Realm!¡±


    ¡°The power of the Divine Realm¡¯s advancement will be the driving force. You know how difficult it is to obtain this kind of driving force, how rare the opportunity is!¡±


    ¡°And now, the Divine Realm is still rising into the air and the distance between it and the fragmented-face has been shortened¡­ However, this isn¡¯t enough, we still need to borrow the guidance of the Heavenly Dao to point the way!¡±


    ¡°Our son¡¯s role is here!¡±


    ¡°The Wordless Scripture will conceal us to the greatest extent. In addition, with the power of this emperor¡¯s corpse which has the intent of a god and the emperor, it gives us the possibility of doing such a super big thing!¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother, our minds are connected. There will definitely be no problem this time!¡±


    The captain laughed wildly and his words were extremely crazy.


    ¡°When will we start?!¡± Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to listen anymore. The more the captain spoke, the more he felt that it was dangerous.


    However¡­ Xu Qing wasn¡¯t willing to give up at this point.


    Hence, he suppressed the hunger in his body again.


    ¡°Soon. The moment the Divine Realm is destroyed, it will be the time of teleportation. We¡­ Hmm? Our chance is here!¡±


    The captain¡¯s words changed and Xu Qing instantly focused.


    At the same time, in the outside world, the god¡¯s fragmented-face hanging in the sky finally closed Its eyes.


    The moment It closed, the Divine Realm where the three gods were silently disintegrated. It began to turn into ashes from the edges which then scattered in the sky.


    As for the Divine Realm itself, it was getting closer and closer to the fragmented-face.


    From afar, the Divine Realm that was gradually dissipating in the sky was getting smaller and smaller.


    As for the three gods who were sitting cross-legged and meditating inside, Their respective divine eyes suddenly opened and Their bodies instantly disappeared from the Divine Realm that was about to disintegrate. Accompanying Them was Flame Mystic and the others, who were already unconscious from the drastic change.


    When They reappeared, the three gods were already outside the Divine Realm and in the air above Wanggu.


    Their auras erupted explosively at this instant. They had finally crossed the entire tribulation fire stage and stepped into the flawlessness.


    From now on, They would soar and there would be no tribulations. There was hope to reach the Divine Platform.


    This was the level that many gods in the Wanggu Continent yearned for. It was a pity that it was too difficult to reach flawlessness. In the entire Wanggu Continent, the number of gods who had achieved flawlessness before this could be counted on one hand.


    Even someone as strong as the Crimson Goddess was only half a step away back then.


    Now, the three gods were flawless and the divine fire burned to the extreme in Their bodies. Each of Them emitted a terrifying aura that surpassed the Crimson Goddess, causing the sky and earth to change color.


    With the three gods making a breakthrough, one could imagine that the situation in Wanggu would probably change.


    Their expressions also revealed a rare hint of joy. At this moment, They lifted Their heads and watched as the Divine Realm disintegrated and the sacrifice ended.


    This grand show seemed to come to an end.


    However, at this moment, the Sun God¡¯s expression suddenly changed. The pupils of the Moon God contracted, and the Star God raised Her beautiful brows.


    Their gazes all landed on the Divine Realm that was flying toward the fragmented-face.


    Right now, only the core area of the Divine Realm was still there. The other parts had already disintegrated. Moreover, even this core area was turning into ashes.


    However, there was a power of teleportation that erupted into the sky.


    The aura of this teleportation was astonishing and incomparably majestic. Its aura surpassed the activation of the ancient array formation by more than a hundred times, causing the sky to instantly dazzle.


    It was extremely bright, just like how darkness could blot out the sky!


    At this moment, not only did the three gods see this scene, but all the gazes and divine senses that were attracted by the three gods¡¯ previous actions also noticed this scene.


    Under the convergence of countless gazes and divine senses, a figure appeared in the teleportation array that erupted with a terrifying aura.


    It was the emperor¡¯s corpse where Xu Qing and Erniu were!


    Everyone¡¯s attention was on it, and shock naturally rose from all directions.


    ¡°What are they doing?!¡±


    Even the calm Sun God¡¯s heart trembled.


    ¡°Courting death.¡± A complicated look flashed in the Moon God¡¯s eyes, but She didn¡¯t seem surprised.


    As for the Star God, Her heart was also shaken but there was a strange expression on Her face.


    While everyone¡¯s hearts were in an uproar, in the collapsed Divine Realm, in the teleportation light, the emperor¡¯s corpse raised its right hand.


    It held up an extraordinary golden feather!


    The light of teleportation was emitted from this feather.


    This feather had been refined by the captain many times before it possessed such divine might. Its appearance caused the light of teleportation to soar into the sky.


    ¡°Son!!¡±


    The emperor¡¯s corpse suddenly said with a thunderous voice.


    The sky instantly churned and the sound of a baby rang out. It actually caused some subtle changes in the Wanggu¡¯s sky, causing the teleportation light that rushed into the sky to be guided in the correct direction.


    ¡°Crimson Goddess¡¯ karma!¡±


    The emperor¡¯s corpse said again.


    At the next instant, a large amount of the Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh and blood flew out and merged with the teleportation light, forming red threads that rapidly spread and actually adjusted the teleportation slightly.


    The teleportation¡¯s coordinates were locked with the karma.


    The instant all of this was completed, the Divine Realm where the emperor¡¯s corpse was located completely collapsed.


    A deafening sound spread through the world.


    The sound grew louder and louder, until finally, in the moment when it seemed to become the only sound in the heavens and earth, the divine realm¡­ completely dissipated into the sky.


    The offer of the Divine Realm was fully completed at this moment.


    This Divine Realm might have become the Divine World because dissipating didn¡¯t mean that it wouldn¡¯t exist anymore. However, there was another possibility.


    This advancement failed because the Divine Realm couldn¡¯t withstand it.


    The outcome was no longer important. What was important was that¡­ it had long been sacrificed to the fragmented-face.


    This was also the end of the matter that the three gods had planned for tens of thousands of years.


    With this, they were rid of the karma!


    They borrowed the power of the fragmented-face to advance it and sacrificed it to the fragmented-face to form a closed-


    loop.


    The curtains of the three gods finally fell.


    But¡­ the prologue of Xu Qing and the captain was now unfolding!


    The instant the Divine Realm crumbled and turned into ashes, with the help of the energy of advancement, teleportation¡­ was finally activated. That feather instantly turned into specks of golden light.


    The emperor¡¯s corpse inside had already disappeared.


    In the emperor¡¯s corpse, Xu Qing heard the captain¡¯s wild laughter.


    ¡°Junior Brother, let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡­


    Outside the Wanggu Continent was a vast starry sky.


    If someone stood in the starry sky and turned back to look at Wanggu, they would see how vast Wanggu was.


    Outside the huge Wanggu, there was a golden spine.


    This spine was very long and surrounded the continent like a golden centipede, enveloping the entire Wanggu Continent in circles.


    It had no arms, no body, and no legs. There was only this golden spine that was connected to Its fragmented-face that was hanging down towards the ground.


    The fragmented-face¡¯s hair fluttered and permeated the clouds above half of the continent.


    As for the wound on Its face, one could see a large amount of minced flesh, blood, sweat, hair fragments¡­


    However, It was too big. From Wanggu¡¯s perspective, It had surpassed the sun and moon. When looked from the starry sky, Its size was even more astonishing.


    Compared to It, cultivators were far inferior.


    Its hair was naturally the same. Every strand of hair was extremely thick and emitted an indescribable pressure.


    Those pieces of flesh were even more terrifying.


    The smallest drop of blood was also like the sea.


    They floated outside the wound and spread to an endless range, existing here eternally with the fragmented-face.


    It was the same for Wanggu¡¯s entanglement.


    Ever since It floated over from the depths of the starry sky and entangled Wanggu, It didn¡¯t seem to have changed for countless years. However, if one explored the river of time, one could clearly discern the contrasts before and after.


    The golden spine had tightened its grip on the Wanggu.


    As for the area of the Wanggu Continent, although it still looked huge, it was actually much smaller than before.


    Wanggu was being devoured.


    This was the fragmented-face of the god that all living beings saw when they looked up.


    It was supreme.


    Ever since Its arrival, since ancient times, there didn¡¯t seem to be any living beings who could appear in front of It.


    It was as though to It, regardless of whether it was life or anything else, it was just the passage of time. There was no beginning or end.


    Until today.


    A tiny dot of light blinked in the void outside the wound on Its face, next to a drop of blood.


    If someone magnified the point of light infinitely, they would see a figure wearing an emperor¡¯s robe.


    The moment this figure appeared, it immediately turned blurry.


    It was indescribably terrifying. A terrifying force that exceeded the imagination of life attacked its body like a torrent.


    In the blink of an eye, the emperor¡¯s corpse began to collapse. However, its expression also revealed unprecedented madness at this moment.


    It was as though nothing in the world could compare to the thing in front of it. That expression of extreme madness and greed naturally came from the captain.


    The light in the emperor¡¯s corpse¡¯s gaze was also extremely intense. It gave off the feeling of a hungry ghost that had starved for tens of thousands of years. In order to have a bite of food, it could disregard everything and erupt with everything.


    The light in its gaze came from Xu Qing.


    At this moment, the two of them could be said to be connected in mind. Their divine senses fused together and regardless of their thoughts or actions, they were perfectly intertwined.


    Under their control, the emperor¡¯s corpse didn¡¯t care about its collapse or the dimming of its soul as it rushed toward the drop of blood that was like a sea with incomparable madness.

 Chapter 1315 - Chapter 1315:I Want More!

    Chapter 1315:I Want More!


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Above the clouds in the Wanggu¡¯s sky, at the peak, there had been no one there for a long time.


    Ever since the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether left back then and the gods arrived, the top of the sky in Wanggu was covered by an invisible divine restriction.


    This restriction was extraordinarily obscure, invisible to the eyes and imperceptible to the senses. It was like a massive lid that enveloped Wanggu, making it possible to enter but impossible to leave.


    Unless one was like Li Zihua, who had transcended with the Divine Platform.


    In the entire Wanggu Continent, after Mystic Nether and the emperors of the various races left to establish their respective holy lands, there were very few Divine Platform-level cultivators left now, almost non-existent.


    Even flawless stage gods only had the possibility of advancing to the Divine Platform. Although there was the tribulation that was outside of omniscience, the required energy remained terrifying.


    Therefore, unless They launched a divine war to devour each other, They would need time to accumulate energy before They could advance to the Divine Platform.


    However, how could a battle of gods be started so easily? Moreover, gods were different from cultivators to begin with. They did not have to endure suffering.


    To all the living beings in Wanggu, Wanggu was just like the doctrine of the Litu Sect, a cage.


    That divine restriction was the gate of the cage.


    It divided freedom and isolated liberation.


    All the living beings in the Wanggu Continent could only wait silently for generations until the day Wanggu was completely devoured to exterminate their sea of bitterness.


    They couldn¡¯t resist or escape.


    This was Wanggu¡¯s fate, determined by the god¡¯s fragmented-face.


    It devoured the Heavenly Dao and surpassed everything. It was like the will of heaven in Wanggu, prescribing fate for Wanggu.


    This was the will of the heavens. How could anyone stop it?


    However, today, something unexpected happened.


    Someone managed to turn the impossible into possible, using an audacious method, leveraging the ascent of the Divine Realm, borrowing from the karma of the Crimson Goddess, and exploiting a loophole to defy fate, teleporting from inside the cage to the outside!


    It was as though they had broken out of the cage!


    Hence, almost at the instant Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s emperor¡¯s corpse appeared beside the fragmented-face, the expressions of many experts from the various races on the Wanggu Continent changed drastically.


    They rushed out of their respective seclusion places and into the air. They couldn¡¯t hide the shock on their faces.


    First, surprised by the jailbreak, second, surprised by the audacity, and third, surprised by the outcome!


    There were even cultivators who exclaimed in shock.


    ¡°They actually got out!


    ¡°Wha¡­¡±


    ¡°What a waste! Such a peerless opportunity is unprecedented. If we obtain it, wouldn¡¯t it mean breaking out of the cage?¡±


    ¡°What a pity, what a pity, what a pity! It¡¯ll be difficult for such an opportunity to appear again!¡±


    The three gods also had different expressions. The Sun God¡¯s expression was gloomy and there was a chill in Their eyes.


    The Moon God¡¯s expression fluctuated.


    As for the Star God, She also had a pensive expression.


    At that moment, the source of all the divine senses¡¯ attention, the emperor¡¯s corpse where the captain and Xu Qing were, had already pounced toward the sea of blood in front of them.


    They didn¡¯t waste any time. In the blink of an eye, they completely entered the sea of blood with madness, greed, excitement, and hunger.


    The instant they entered, a huge resistance and a terrifying pressure that could erase the will of all existences erupted in a chaotic and vast manner.


    The terror of this power not only came from the sea of blood but also from the fragmented-face at the side.


    This place was so close to the fragmented-face that no living being had ever come here. As for the aura of the fragmented-face, it was naturally extremely terrifying.


    Even if the three gods were here, they wouldn¡¯t be able to hold on for long before they disintegrated and their bodies and souls were destroyed.


    Erniu¡¯s preparations, no matter how comprehensive they were, still showed signs of collapse at this moment.


    However, in this limited time, Erniu and Xu Qing were staking everything on the line.


    They could sense the extreme danger but they clearly couldn¡¯t care less now.


    They used the time of one breath to descend and rush into the sea of blood. In the second breath, the captain transformed into a large mouth and devoured crazily without caring about anything.


    However, with just one bite, the captain collapsed.


    He instantly reformed. With a conflicted and pale expression, he opened his mouth again. It seemed like he was no longer absorbing, but using a special method to contain the blood.


    He looked like he was not afraid of bursting to death.


    Xu Qing also madly took a bite. His body rumbled and the nihility land churned violently. His cultivation base then soared explosively.


    The most astonishing thing was that over a hundred marks of divine authorities appeared in his nihility land!


    One had to know that he had only accumulated four of them. Now, with just one mouthful of the blood, he had gained a hundred marks!


    One could see how terrifying it was!


    However, these marks of divine authorities were all dim and weren¡¯t actually formed. They were just phantoms and if he wanted to materialize them, he still needed to comprehend them.


    However, it was still a peerless opportunity!


    Even though he was somewhat prepared for this, Xu Qing was still incomparably shaken and excited.


    His hunger also disappeared without a trace.


    A strong feeling of satiation rose!


    All of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in an instant. Xu Qing gritted his teeth. Although he was full, he was risking his life here. How could he be satisfied with just a sip?


    Hence, when the second breath ended and the third breath arrived, he opened his mouth and swallowed again regardless of everything.


    At the same time, he did his best to stimulate his purple crystal.


    If there was an item on him that could contain the blood of the fragmented-face, it would definitely be this item!


    If the purple crystal couldn¡¯t do it either, Xu Qing would feel regret, but he would have no other choice.


    At the next instant, purple light shone from Xu Qing¡¯s entire body and the sea of blood in the surroundings rapidly surged over.


    It succeeded!


    Xu Qing was excited and went all out.


    However, time was ultimately limited.


    All of this seemed like a long time but in reality, it only happened in three breaths of time.


    When the fourth breath arrived, the Wordless Scripture¡¯s concealment finally collapsed.


    Although it was magical and had been refined many times, it had reached its limit.


    Without the concealment, only the emperor¡¯s corpse was left to protect them. Xu Qing and the captain were frightened but they didn¡¯t stop devouring the blood sea.


    Under their crazy devouring, the sea of blood had already shrunk by 30%.


    However, the collapse continued. The emperor¡¯s corpse was badly mangled and was turning into ashes.


    This corpse wasn¡¯t ordinary. When it was alive, its cultivation was unknown but it was probably at least at the Great Emperor level. In addition, it had the authority of the Divine Realm. Hence, it became Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s greatest protective barrier here.


    However, it had died after all. It was just a corpse with no source to replenish it, so at this moment, under the fragmented-face¡¯s aura, it rapidly disintegrated.


    The aura from the fragmented-face could destroy fate and stars.


    The emperor¡¯s corpse couldn¡¯t block it. Once Xu Qing and Erniu lost the emperor¡¯s corpse, they probably wouldn¡¯t be able to last a breath under the aura of the fragmented-face.


    An extreme life-and-death crisis erupted in the sixth breath and death descended.


    There was still 40% of the blood sea left.


    ¡°Do you still have a backup plan? If not, we should leave!¡± Xu Qing suppressed his greed and sent out his divine sense.


    ¡°Yes, I still have one last move!¡± The captain didn¡¯t use the feather to teleport away. Instead, he had a deranged expression and let out a loud shout with his divine sense.


    ¡°Master, if you don¡¯t appear now, you¡¯ll have no disciples!!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly lit up.


    The scene that happened in the sky shocked all the cultivators again!


    Breaking out of the cage was already horrifying, but what was even more shocking was Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s greed.


    This greed couldn¡¯t even be described as madness.


    It wasn¡¯t an exaggeration to say that this event could be recorded in the history of Wanggu.


    At that moment, be it the gods, the powerful races, the many experts on this continent, or the hidden existences, all of them felt waves in their hearts. Their minds buzzed and a monstrous storm surged in their hearts.


    The Divine God Desolate whose half face was hanging in the sky and Its spine wrapping around the entire land of Wanggu, was supremely sacred, both in the past and present.


    In its glorious days, Its name spread throughout this universe¡¯s thirty-six star rings and countless star domains. As a half-step Divine God, It had almost reached the pinnacle of this realm.


    It was worshiped by the myriad worlds and countless lives¡¯ fates changed because of Its thoughts.


    Even though It failed to break through and Its body collapsed under the unimaginable backlash, It still couldn¡¯t be offended.


    Just as a whale¡¯s death sustained all life, so did a being like It.


    Its fall had shaped countless gods over the countless years, with even the very ground where It trod giving rise to gods who followed in Its wake.


    Respected as the Father God.


    From this, one could see its supreme level.


    Hence, since ancient times, even if there were people who were greedy for Its flesh and blood, no one dared to act.


    If cultivators couldn¡¯t pass the divine restriction, they naturally wouldn¡¯t be able to obtain Its flesh and blood. The gods were incomparably respectful of It and didn¡¯t dare to.


    Hence, wanting to take a bite of It was something impossible to accomplish before this.


    Needless to say, the aura of the fragmented-face could wipe out all things.


    However, today, under the gaze of everyone, two people not only appeared beside the fragmented-face but also pounced toward the sea of blood droplet with incomparable madness.


    It wasn¡¯t appropriate to describe Xu Qing and Erniu as snakes devouring an elephant. To be precise, they were ants wanting to devour a giant dragon.


    Most importantly, they seemed to have¡­ succeeded but they were also about to be exterminated.


    At this moment, the entire world was paying attention.


    What was madness, what was recklessness, what was courting death¡­


    This was it.


    Hence, all the divine senses and gazes stared at them, wanting to witness their deaths.


    However, at this moment¡­


    A large golden hand suddenly appeared outside the divine restriction in the sky!


    This large hand had astonishing divine might. The instant it appeared, it swept in all directions.


    It actually grabbed a large piece of fragmented-face¡¯s flesh and even scooped up the blood sea where Xu Qing and Erniu were at.


    After that, It grabbed another piece of flesh!


    All the gods who were watching were shaken!


    The expressions of the three gods changed drastically.


    As for the fragmented-face¡¯s eyelashes, they moved slightly.


    At the next instant, the large hand shook and collapsed.


    Golden blood spurted out. However, it was obvious that the large hand that appeared at this moment was the source of greed. Despite the collapse, it still forcefully charged forward and transformed into a huge mouth that ruthlessly swallowed the flesh and blood before retreating.


    However, the price was also huge. The palm collapsed and its fingers were destroyed, leaving only a ball of golden light that swept Xu Qing and Erniu away rapidly.


    However, it was still too late. The golden light was destroyed. Just as it was about to dissipate, a shout echoed in Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s minds.


    ¡°You two crazy brats, hurry up and escape! I can¡¯t hold on anymore!!¡±


    Almost at the instant this sound rang out, in the remaining 10% of the sea of blood, the second feather suddenly activated in the dilapidated emperor¡¯s corpse.


    Under the protection of the golden light, the power of teleportation instantly erupted, revealing a piercing light.


    When the light appeared, Xu Qing was in a good mood. He lifted his head and controlled the fragmented eye of the emperor¡¯s corpse to stare at the golden light.


    The golden light dissipated.


    Xu Qing felt at ease and was about to retract his gaze. However, at the next instant, his eyes narrowed.


    He saw hundreds of stars in the endless starry sky in the distance. They were like shooting stars and seemed to be approaching!


    The distance was very far. Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what it was and was about to take a closer look but it was already too late.


    At the next instant, the emperor¡¯s corpse he was in disappeared through teleportation!

 Chapter 1316 - Chapter 1316: Final Trump Card!

    Chapter 1316: Final Trump Card!


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The sky grew calm.


    The clouds and fog dissipated with the light of the teleportation.


    In the sky, although the god¡¯s fragmented-face ¡®s eyelashes fluttered slightly because of Old Master Seventh¡¯s appearance, for some reason, It still didn¡¯t open Its eyes.


    At that moment, as the emperor¡¯s corpse disappeared and the golden dot formed by the golden hand dimmed, rhe sky returned to normal.


    It was as though nothing had happened.


    However, to the experts and gods who were paying attention to all the causes and effects, what happened today was something they would never forget for the rest of their lives.


    This was especially so for the large golden hand that appeared at the end. Clearly, it had a close relationship with rhe two audacious people. While the origins of this hand might be traced, its actions had certainly caused a sense of gravity among all onlookers.


    Although the other party didn¡¯t rely on their own strength to rush out of the divine restriction but hid on the two crazy cultivators to ger close to the fragmented-face, their subsequent attacks revealed formidable strength.


    They are a cultivator, but not a cultivator; a god, bur not a god.¡±


    This is an unknown ability formed by fusing immortal and god systems with some special techniques.¡±


    ¡°Although this unknown force is strong, they were too greedy this time and are definitely heavily injured. However, it¡¯s precisely because of this greed that they obtained a lot of Father God¡¯s flesh and blood¡­ The future is uncertain.¡¯1


    They might be the same mysterious cultivator who appeared earlier!


    This unknown person isn¡¯t that mysterious cultivator who helped the three gods!¡±


    Waves of thoughts surges in the minds of everyone. As their understanding was different, their judgment was also different. Moreover, they wouldn¡¯t communicate with each other about this.


    It was a matter of vision and wisdom.


    Everyone, we won t see you off!¡±


    Just as everyone¡¯s thoughts were fluctuating, the Sun God lifted Their head and coldly looked at the surrounding sky.


    As soon as Their voice rang out, it transformed into heavenly lightning that continued to explode.


    At the next instant, the various parties who had gathered their divine senses and gazes here dispersed one after another, while holding various thoughts about the mysterious cultivator, the unknown person, and the two audacious people.


    Moreover, now that the three gods had succeeded, they naturally couldn¡¯t continue to observe.


    With the three gods advancing to the flawlessness stage, there would probably be a drastic change in the situation of rhe Wanggu¡¯s powerful races.


    Hence, they had to make preparations early.


    Very soon, this land became empty. The Sun God turned and looked at the Moon God and Star God at the side, about to speak.


    However, at the next instant, Their expressions changed slightly and They became blurry.


    The Moon God also sensed it but She was expressionless. However, She also disappeared from the spot.


    The Star God chuckled.


    You¡¯re quite bold to teleport back.


    Forget it. After all, you still owe me yang essence.


    As She spoke, the Star God¡¯s charming appearance turned into flowing light as She stepped into the void.


    At the same time, 5,000 kilometers away, in a large region of rhe Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, teleportation light erupted from a desolate mountain.


    it formed a resplendent ring that swept in all directions like a storm.


    As ir spread, the mountains and vegetation in the surrounding dozens of kilometers turned to dust. The ground also turned into scorched earth.


    At the center of this place, a broken corpse flashed our.


    The moment it appeared, the broken corpse couldn¡¯t hold on anymore and disappeared again. However, two figures fell out.


    They were Xu Qing and Erniu.


    Xu Qing¡¯s footsteps were unstable and blood flowed out of rhe corner of his mouth. His face was even paler and his entire body was badly mangled. With his firm willpower, he barely spread out his divine sense and quickly checked his surroundings.


    When he sensed that the aura here was still in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s territory, Xu Qing¡¯s expression darkened.


    Something must have happened to Master!


    Xu Qing spoke hoarsely. This answer was obvious because if Old Master Seventh was alright, he would have adjusted the teleportation for them, making them teleport somewhere far away from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven.


    Erniu¡¯s situation wasn¡¯t any better. His body was covered in holes and he was panting heavily as he lay on the ground. When he heard this, he waved his hand indifferently.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. If something really happens to the old man, like if he is dead, then as the Eldest Senior Brother, I¡¯ll be Master Seventh from now on!¡±


    The captain chuckled, appearing nonchalant.


    When Xu Qing heard such treacherous words, he instinctively looked around.


    The captain also immediately glanced around with narrowed eyes.


    A few breaths later, he blinked and heaved a sigh of relief.


    Looks like rhe old man is indeed not nearby.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the old man is so experienced, we don¡¯t need to fret. Since he chose to make a move, how can he not be prepared? Relax, he has done bigger things than us; he won¡¯t die.¡±


    Xu Qing felt that it made sense and nodded.


    The captain barely got up and pur his arm around Xu Qing¡¯s neck. His eyes were filled with excitement and smugness.


    So, how about it, Junior Brother? This time, was it worth it?¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and sensed the hundred or so faint marks in his nihility land. Every one of them was a divine authority.


    He still needed to comprehend them one by one before he could turn these illusory marks into corporeal, but his unprecedented cultivation path could be considered to have taken a huge step forward with them.


    This harvest was a great fortune.


    lr also increased his combat strength explosively.


    Other than that, there was also the divine talisman formed by the power of rhe Divine Realm in his body.


    This item was also a supreme treasure that contained terrifying might. Once Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation reached a bottleneck in the Nihility, this item would be like a divine pill. After refining it, his cultivation path would be even smoother.


    If he used it after reaching the peak of the Soul Accumulation realm, he could even break the shackles of Wanggu cultivators who didn¡¯t have bloodline inheritances or fortune and advance to the Ruler realm!


    However, this was still not the most valuable usage of this item.


    if Xu Qing relied on his own ability to reach the Ruler realm one day and used this divine talisman, then he would have a certain chance to forcefully advance to the Quasi Immortal Great Emperor realm.


    Although the possibility of the latter was very small, if he included the fragmented-face¡¯s blood¡­


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart palpitated. He immediately checked the purple crystal and saw a drop of golden blood sealed there!


    Although the blood of gods was golden, compared to this drop, one would realize that the golden blood of other gods wasn¡¯t pure at ail.


    Only this drop of blood was the true golden blood. It was extremely pure. Xu Qing seemed to see the universe in it. At the same time, Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled, and in his perception, the universe became blurry and transformed into a huge fragmented-face.


    This fragmented-face was none other than the Divine God in the Wanggu¡¯s sky.


    Although It had closed its eyes, a deep karma was formed between Xu Qing and


    Following the connection of karma, Xu Qing understood.


    He knew that the divine blood of the fragmented-face was a peak-level good fortune, but devouring ir would bring a shocking calamity.


    Although the fragmented-face occasionally opened Its eyes, it hadn¡¯t woken up, and was just an instinctive reaction.


    if there was a day when lr truly woke up, then everything that had karma with it would first become nutrients for It.


    However, to Xu Qing, this wasn¡¯t important. This was because all living beings in the Wanggu Continent and the natives were already locked in the cage and were nutrients for the fragmented-face.


    Xu Qing spoke in a low voice.


    Worth it!


    The captain laughed heartily at the words and reached out to take out an exquisite phoenix hairpin typically used by women, handing it ro Xu Qing.


    Just as he was about to speak, rhe sky darkened. A terrifying pressure came from the sky, isolating time and void.


    This caused the place Xu Qing and the captain were in to become a lonely boat, it undulated intensely in the violent storm, as though it would be destroyed at the next instant.


    The three sods descended.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart sank. His expression was solemn as he bowed toward the sky.


    Greetings, three gods.


    Xu Qing spoke in a low voice but he wasn¡¯t too flustered, as he had realized the karma with the fragmented-face after swallowing its blood, and also understood Its fortune or taboos!


    The captain clearly understood this logic and seemed to have other preparations. Hence, he coughed and wasn¡¯t flustered at all. He actually greeted the three gods and was about to speak.


    However, at this moment, rhe Sun God coldly looked at Xu Qing and Erniu.


    With a glance from Them, Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s bodies trembled. The intent of extermination spread throughout their bodies and their lives were about to wither.


    It was as though this power couldn¡¯t tolerate resistance or rejection.


    However, at the next instant, terrifying power rose in their bodies, causing the intent of extermination to pause.


    The fragmented-face¡¯s blood they swallowed was of a supreme level. Compared to the Sun God, ir was like comparing millennium ice to ordinary water.


    However, there was too little ice in the end, and the water was boundless.


    The churning of the sea could naturally destroy the little ice.


    At this critical moment, the Star God was about to raise Her hand bur the captain shouted shocking words with all his might.


    Moon wife, my lady!!¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, the color of the world changed!


    The Star God blinked and a rare hint of anger appeared in Their eyes. The intent to exterminate instantly soared, but in that instant¡­ rhe Moon God actually took a step forward.


    With this step, an astonishing divine might spread out from Her body and blocked the power of the Sun God.


    After that, the Moon God expressionlessly looked at Erniu.


    Xu Qing was also shocked. He had thought that the captain still had a backup plan but he didn¡¯t expect it to be like this¡­


    As for the captain, he was still shouting.


    Wife, Niuniu knows his mistake¡­


    Xu Qing had a strange expression. Hearing the captain refer to himself as Niuniu, he almost got goosebumps.


    However, the captain clearly didn¡¯t care about these. At that moment, his eyes had an infatuated look and his face was filled with love.


    ¡°Wife, do you know that 1 came here in this life and did all these things so that I can stand in front of you again like in my previous life?!¡±


    I didn¡¯t care about life and death, madness, or anything, because I have love in my heart. It¡¯s because I¡¯m still that Niuniu who could give up everything for love.¡±


    In my previous life, I didn¡¯t cherish it. In this life, regardless of whether the heavens give me this chance or not, 1 have to fight for rhe right to stand in front of you!¡±


    ¡°For this, I specially used ten-thousand-year-old mystic gold with the eternal crystal and the help of my junior brother to forge two phoenix hairpins together. We want to give them ro our loved ones.¡±


    Moon, please accept my phoenix hairpin¡­ Let¡¯s make up.


    After saying that, the captain took our a phoenix hairpin that was exactly rhe same as the one he had given Xu Qing earlier. He then shakily flew ro the sky.


    His head was lowered and he didn¡¯t dare ro look at the Moon God¡¯s expression directly, as though he was afraid that he would see rejection and coldness.


    Xu Qing was getting fed up. But since it involved their safety, he could only silently watch the captain¡¯s confession. In rhe next instant, he caught the captain¡¯s glance.


    Xu Qing was too familiar with rhe captain. He understood rhe meaning of this gaze almost instantly and also thought of the phoenix hairpin the other party had given him earlier.


    If it was any other time, he would definitely refuse. But now¡­


    Xu Qing sighed inwardly and lifted his head to look at the Star God. He braced himself and spoke.


    High God Star Flame, I prepared a gift when I came¡­

 Chapter 1317 - Chapter 1317: Abandoned Wasteland

    Chapter 1317: Abandoned Wasteland


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    After fifteen minutes.


    Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s figures were moving further and further away from the scorched earth formed by the vast power of teleportation.


    In the end, the three gods still tacitly agreed to their departure.


    Regarding the flesh and blood of the fragmented-face, although They knew that they were peerless supreme treasures and were very beneficial to them, just like Xu Qing analyzed, They knew of the vast karma they would be affected with.


    This fortune was taboo.


    They naturally didn¡¯t want to be tainted by such karma when they had already reached flawlessness and could advance to Divine Platform in the future.


    After all, They were gods.


    Wanggu was nutrients for the fragmented-face and was destined to be devoured in the future.


    However, They wouldn¡¯t be devoured.


    As for the last trace of shackle, it was also severed by the Northern Emperor. From that moment on, They were already part of the true god lineage.


    Even if the Wanggu disappeared, They could continue to follow the fragmented-face and become Its subordinate gods.


    Of course, They had other choices as well. For example¡­ They could kill Xu Qing and Erniu, take back Their Father God¡¯s blood and offer it as a sacrifice.


    Hence, as Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s figures left, the eyes of the Sun God in the sky remained cold and gloomy.


    Their killing intent was still there.


    What do you guys think about this mad bull?


    The Sun God calmly spoke. Their gaze swept past the Moon God and the Star God before finally landing on the Moon God.


    The Moon God remained silent and looked into the distance. No one knew what She was thinking.


    As for the phoenix hairpin floating in front of Her, She didn¡¯t seem to even glance at it.


    However, the Star God was smiling while fiddling with the other phoenix hairpin in Her hand.


    These two ultimately helped us to some extent, and moreover, their appearance was within our omniscience. It¡¯s just that the mad bull blocked our omniscience in the event afterwards.¡¯1


    They are quite interesting, it might not be a bad idea to form a good relationship.¡±


    As soon as the Star God spoke, the Sun God frowned.


    It¡¯s fine if it¡¯s Moon Flame, but Star Flame, you and that living corpse trash beside the mad bull¡­¡±


    Before They could finish speaking, the Star God¡¯s eyes suddenly turned cold and interrupted Them. Her voice also turned cold.


    His name is Xu Qing. He¡¯s not a living corpse or a piece of trash!


    The Sun God narrowed Their eyes and was about to speak again when the Moon God coldly spoke.


    Don¡¯t say useless words. If you want to kill that thief, just attack. With your omniscience, you¡¯ll naturally be able to see the outcome.¡±


    With that, the Moon God¡¯s body blurred and She disappeared.


    The phoenix hairpin in front of Her also disappeared.


    When the Sun God saw this, They fell silent.


    Their omniscience could indeed see the results, but the results were ever-changing. This was because he couldn¡¯t see what actions the Moon God and the Star God would take. At the same time, he couldn¡¯t see the large golden hand from before. Clearly, the other party had some secret arts to block the omniscience.


    As such, the outcome was uncertain.


    As for the Star God, Her gaze was filled with deep meaning as She looked at the silent Sun God.


    Wasn¡¯t the outcome already decided after that person helped?¡±


    Besides, their Master is here too.


    The Star God s voice echoed and She didn¡¯t say anything else. Her body turned blurry and disappeared from the spot. However, there was a sentence that rang out with the wind.


    Also, let me repeat myself. He¡¯s not a living dead or a piece of trash. His name is Xu Qing.¡±


    In the sky, only the Sun God stood. After a long time, They shook Their head.


    Gods are emotionless, but the two of you¡­


    The Sun God sighed softly. They knew that although the three of Them had joined the god lineage, They were ultimately different from the natural gods in terms of origin.


    Just like how rhe Crimson Goddess had emotions.


    The only difference was how much.


    Omniscience, who can really know everything?


    The Sun God closed Their eyes and Their body dissipated into the sky.


    At the same time, 100,000 feet away, Xu Qing and Erniu, who were walking faster and faster, increased their speed again until they flew and turned into beams of light.


    They flew for three days before landing on a short mountain.


    Xu Qing immediately checked his surroundings and stared at the sky. At this moment, his tense heartstrings eased a little.


    Although he was certain that there was karma in the fragmented-face¡¯s blood he also believed that his master wouldn¡¯t have left them here without any purpose. He and the captain had tried their best with the Moon God and the Star God.


    However, the outcome was still unknown after all. It was only now that he was certain that the three gods had really let them off.


    ¡®It should be fine now. The old man is too irresponsible to leave us here. If it wasn¡¯t for my great ability and Little Qing¡¯s relationship with the coquettish fox, we would be finished this time!¡¯


    The captain heaved a sigh of relief and thought to himself. However, on the surface, he naturally wouldn¡¯t show any fear. Instead, he lifted his chin with a proud expression.


    Junior Brother, how is it? Are you convinced?!


    ¡°However, your words when you gave the phoenix hairpin earlier were too stiff, especially the way you addressed her. It was like a block of wood.¡±


    You have to study hard with me on this point. You have to include emotions and make the other party feel that you¡¯re a hot-blooded youth who can walk to the ends of the world for love.¡±


    Come, let me teach you. Say it like this, my beloved, the only little star 1 love. Come, say it once so you can use it later.¡±


    As soon as the captain spoke, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but recall the captain calling himself Niuniu. His expression couldn¡¯t help but be strange as he felt goosebumps.


    Seeing Xu Qing¡¯s rejection, the captain didn¡¯t think much of it.


    ¡°Little Qing, you¡¯re still too inexperienced. Back then, I called your sister-in-law Little Moon and she called me Niu Darling. That period of time¡­


    Xu Qing coughed. He really couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. Seeing that the captain was about to continue, he interrupted the captain¡¯s intoxication.


    Eldest Senior Brother, Master seems to have taken two large pieces of fragmented-face¡¯s flesh¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s words were extremely effective for the captain. The moment he heard this, he immediately snapped out of it, his eyes gleaming with intensity.


    That¡¯s right, 1 noticed it too. No, we have to hurry back to human territory and make a scene with the old man to strive to get some portions.¡±


    ¡°Making a scene probably won¡¯t be effective. Why don¡¯t we think of a way to coax him?¡± Xu Qing blinked.


    When the captain heard this, he felt that it made sense, so he began to ponder over their respective plans to coax Old Master Seventh.


    Seeing that the captain had returned to normal, Xu Qing¡¯s ears finally calmed down. He lifted his head and looked in the direction of the human race. The figures of Zi Xuan and everyone in the Grand Imperial Capital Region appeared in his mind.


    It¡¯s time to return.


    This time, he and the captain didn¡¯t come out for long bur too many things had happened. Now that everything was over, their desire to return became intense.


    However, before he returned, he had one more thing to deal with.


    This was also the initial reason why he had come to the Flame Moon Mystic


    Heaven Race.


    Originally, this matter would have become impossible because he had obtained the blood of the fragmented-face. However, the attitudes of the three gods now gave hope to this matter again.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    Grand Mystic Heaven!


    At the end of the day, in name, this was still a Grand Hunt of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    In the first segment, Xu Qing was ranked first.


    In the second segment, in the Mountains and Seas Region, Xu Qing, who had obtained Jiuli, still suppressed everyone and became first.


    As for the third segment in the Divine Realm, although all kinds of things happened¡­ regardless of whether it was Tian Mozi, Tuoshi Shan, or Fan Shishuang, if Xu Qing said that he was first, they probably wouldn¡¯t dare to fight for it.


    Only Flame Mystic might not be convinced.


    It¡¯s fine. If she¡¯s unwilling, just beat her until she¡¯s convinced.¡±


    At the thought of this, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He hadn¡¯t paid much attention to Flame Mystic in the Divine Realm. He wondered if the other party had succeeded in reaching Soul Accumulation.


    If she didn¡¯t reach Soul Accumulation, Xu Qing was confident that he could suppress her with a raise of his hand.


    Even if she was at the Soul Accumulation realm, as long as it was one world, Xu


    Qing felt that he could suppress her with his current combat strength.


    Hence, after he told the captain what he was thinking, the captain fell silent for a moment and agreed.


    Although this trip was dangerous, it was something that had to be completed. Hence, in order to prevent any accidents, the two of them prepared some escape methods, including the remaining few teleportation feathers.


    Even though these feathers hadn¡¯t been refined, the two of them had the fragmented-face s blood in their bodies now. If they refined these feathers their might would be extraordinary.


    >


    In addition, the emperor¡¯s corpse was also their trump card.


    Although the emperor¡¯s corpse was broken, that was the Northern Emperor s body after all!


    However, what they had done previously was too great, so no matter how much preparations they made, it was impossible to make them feel at ease.


    Fortunately, this was the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. As long as the three gods didn¡¯t have any killing intent toward them, even if the other gods had greed, They wouldn¡¯t dare to rashly come here at this moment.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    Very soon, a month passed.


    In this month, the powerful races of the Wanggu were all on guard against the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven. They were also preparing for battle, preparing for the changes that might occur in the future.


    And with the conclusion of the Grand Hunt, the ceremony of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race was declared open.


    This was the case every time the Great Hunt was completed. All cultivators who had a ranking would be rewarded. This time, because the three gods had advanced, the grand ceremony held was even more magnificent.


    As for the location, it was the holy city of the Divine Mountain!


    The three magistrates arrived and the experts of the race returned.


    As for Xu Qing and the captain, when the grand ceremony began, spells and divine arts rose into the air, forming auspicious signs that filled the sky as they quietly arrived at the holy city.


    There were continuous booming sounds, like heavenly lightning exploding in the sky.


    Among those auspicious signs, there were the images of holy beasts, resplendent flowers, and figures of war gods. Accompanied by the auras of countless clansmen, they formed a vast and astonishing momentum in the sky.


    However, almost no one noticed that above these auspicious signs that rose into the air, in the boundless starry sky outside the divine restriction¡­ the hundreds of stars Xu Qing had seen back then were approaching!


    They turned out to be meteorites, each adorned with countless runic inscriptions exuding an ancient aura and emanating a terrifying presence.


    When they got close to Wanggu, they avoided the range where the fragmented-face was and hid themselves, not emitting any aura. Regardless of whether it was with the divine consciousness or the naked eyes, it was difficult to detect them at all.


    At the next instant, they penetrated the divine restriction that allowed only entry but not exit and silently landed in various places in Wanggu¡­


    One of them landed on a desolate mountain in the area between the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race and the human race.


    The mountain instantly turned into ashes and dissipated. A ten thousand-foot-deep pit appeared where the mountain peak used to be.


    Waves of cold air spread out from the pit. As the surroundings turned cold, a few voices rang out.


    I¡¯m finally back.


    The barren world, the thin spirit qi, the omnipresent invasion of divine aura¡­¡±


    This place is indeed the legendary wasteland abandoned by our holy land..¡±

 Chapter 1318 - Chapter 1318: Cultivators of the Holy Land

    Chapter 1318: Cultivators of the Holy Land


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Wanggu, Liaoxuan County.


    This county belonged to the human race in ancient times and was one of the outer counties of the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    It was once famous in Wanggu for producing the liaoxuan fruits that had a great effect on comprehending the laws.


    However, when the fragmented-face arrived, calamity descended and the divine aura invaded the world, changing everything. Not only did the liaoxuan fruits disappear from then on, but for some reason, this county was invaded extremely seriously.


    The density of anomalous substances in this county was several times denser than elsewhere.


    As such, it was no longer suitable for native races to live in and gradually became a desolate place.


    Only mutated beasts born from anomalous substances and bizarre entities stayed here.


    As for the races that originally belonged to this place, they had all migrated to the surrounding areas, constantly plagued by these mutated beasts and bizarre entities.


    It wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t want to leave. Even though the world was vast, these small races had nowhere to go. After all, places with lesser anomalous substances all had owners.


    They might as well stay here. Although there was a certain degree of danger, at least there wasn¡¯t much treachery, so they could barely protect themselves.


    Moreover, the location of this county was special. It neighbored the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven and the human race and naturally became a buffer zone for the two races. This allowed these small races to gain certain benefits in this gap.


    At that moment, in the western part of Liaoxuan County, three figures walked out of an endless stretch of desolate mountains ¨C one man and two women.


    These three weren¡¯t humans but they looked similar to humans, but they had fleshy wings on their backs and a third eye on their foreheads.


    The cultivator at the front was a youth dressed in a black robe embroidered with golden threads. As he moved forward, his robe fluttered, and the golden threads within it shimmered, passively tearing faint rifts in the surrounding space.


    This showed how extraordinary the robe was.


    Wherever he passed, there would be an icy wind, as though he was an emissary from the dark abyss.


    His figure was tall and sturdy, towering over ordinary people by a considerable margin, resembling a mountain, giving off a sense of oppression. His face was stern, with a jawline as sharp as a knife¡¯s edge, highlighting an unparalleled determination and ruthlessness.


    His eyes were deep, like the dark night sky, but within those depths flickered a cunning, cold, and ruthless light, making it difficult for anyone to gaze directly into them.


    While moving forward, he played with a red eyeball in his hand. That eyeball was bloodshot and was struggling with all its might. It kept flickering with red light and letting out sharp wails.


    However, it couldn¡¯t break free from the youth¡¯s hands.


    If there were native cultivators around, they would definitely recognize at a glance that this eyeball was the notorious bizarre eye demon.


    This demon was good at escaping and it was hard to track. It also possessed a talent that targeted the soul. Usually, even Nihility cultivators would frown when they encountered it.


    But now¡­ in the hands of the youth, it was actually in such a miserable state. After wailing a few times, it was crushed by the youth.


    ¡°The aura in this dirty wasteland is nauseating. I can¡¯t believe that this is our holy land¡¯s origin. I am sure the races here are a group of dirty reptiles, not much different from livestock.¡±


    The youth seemed to be in a bad mood as he coldly spoke.


    However, as soon as he finished speaking, a cold voice rang out from behind him.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Feng, your words are too harsh. You know well that this place is like this due to the presence of Desolate. Back then, the holy lands of the various factions had no choice but to leave, and most of the native races here can find the source of their bloodlines in the holy lands.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just that we¡¯re in the sky and they¡¯re on the ground. They¡¯re already isolated and it¡¯s difficult for them to survive. Your lofty words are a little too much.¡±


    The person who spoke was the woman on the right behind the youth.


    This woman had a graceful figure and the wings on her back were silver. Her skin was fair and flawless like jade, emitting a faint pink luster.


    She wore the same black robe embroidered with gold, but it gave off a different feeling on her. Coupled with her ethereal appearance, she seemed like a fairy from a painting, ethereal and misty.


    With brows like distant mountains, delicate and slender, her eyes were clear and bright, like rippling water, emanating a calm light. Looking at them, one couldn¡¯t help but feel affectionate, yet also hesitant to covet.


    The youth was about to retort but it was obvious that he was a little afraid of his companion. In the end, he didn¡¯t speak. He only raised his head and looked at the high and mighty fragmented-face in the sky.


    However, the other woman on his left chuckled.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Yue Dong, you¡¯re wrong. Back then, although the Great Emperors and Emperors of the various races left, all the qualified people followed them. Those who remained were merely commoners or sinners.¡±


    ¡°And yet, commoners remain commoners. It¡¯s interesting how they¡¯ve managed to thrive under the influence of this divine aura for thousands of years. If you feel compassion, why not find a commoner here to cultivate with? Leaving behind more descendants would fulfill your compassionate intentions.¡±


    The face of the woman who spoke was as beautiful as a flower, her long black hair flowing like water. What caught the most attention was her slender waist, graceful like a willow branch, adding a touch of allure


    Her long jade legs were faintly visible beneath the dark robe, adding to her allure.


    However, her words were filled with mockery.


    Yue Dong¡¯s eyes turned cold.


    ¡°Lan Yao, do you want to die?¡±


    An energy fluctuation of the Soul Accumulation rose from her body. As for the woman named Lan Yao, her eyes also emitted killing intent. Her cultivation erupted and she was also at the Soul Accumulation Realm!


    However, there was something peculiar; both seemed to be at one world stage, yet were somehow not one world, as if the world was sealed in some way.


    Seeing the two women facing each other, the youth frowned and looked at Yue Dong as he coldly spoke.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Yue Dong, our descent this time is a joint effort of multiple holy lands. We are here to carry out the orders of our Holy Lord and set up guide nodes in different areas from the other holy lands¡¯ people. By stirring up trouble like this, do you perhaps have ulterior motives?!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t blame me for not warning you in advance. If you do such a thing again on the way, Fellow Daoist Lan Yao and 1 might have to capture you.¡±


    As soon as the voice rang out, a chill spread out and actually transformed into illusory small flags in the surroundings, causing the color of the sky and earth to change. It was a sign that a divine power restriction had been formed.


    As for Lan Yao, she smiled and grabbed at the air. Rainbow colored sand appeared out of thin air and transformed into a vortex that circled the sky.


    The aura was majestic and spread for tens of thousands of feet, as though it could pour down at any moment.


    Seeing this, Yue Dong, who was locked onto by the two of them, narrowed her eyes and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Since our paths are different, let¡¯s split up and carry out the orders of the Holy Lord. I¡¯ll complete my share myself.¡±


    Yue Dong¡¯s body blurred and she appeared in the distance the next instant, disappearing in a flash.


    Glancing in the direction Yue Dong had left in, Feng and Lan Yao looked at each other.


    ¡°She¡¯s quite tactful. She took the initiative to leave and saved me some effort. Otherwise, with her personality, she would definitely obstruct me from what happens next.¡± Feng sneered.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Feng, I¡¯ve already helped you drive away Yue Dong. But if what you told me before coming here turns out to be false, 1 won¡¯t be pleased.¡± Lan Yao smiled sweetly at Feng.


    However, her eyes were filled with coldness.


    ¡°You can rest assured. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that I found out about this secret in an ancient book passed down in my family, I wouldn¡¯t have taken the initiative to join the Holy Lord¡¯s mission this time. After all, there are gods here.¡±


    Feng raised his head and looked at the fragmented-face again. After that, he looked at the woman in front of him.


    ¡°Besides, I¡¯ve also shown you the evidence. Also, with your Dao companion¡¯s status in my race¡¯s holy land, how could I dare to lie to you?¡±


    Lan Yao¡¯s smile was still there. She nodded when she heard this.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s set off quickly. I¡¯ve already learned a portion of the outside world¡¯s information through this mixed beast and know that there are some servant races nearby. The thing we¡¯re going to do will be smoother if it¡¯s a blood sacrifice.¡±


    At this point, Feng¡¯s eyes revealed a hint of anticipation as he strode forward. After taking a few steps, he suddenly turned his head and his gaze flickered.


    ¡°By the way, if Yue Dong secretly follows us and obstructs our actions, Fellow Daoist Lan Yao, you know what to do, right?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle her myself.¡±


    Lan Yao smiled and gracefully stepped forward. Very soon, the two of them disappeared.


    At the same time, in the hundred-odd regions of the Wanggu Continent, the other meteorites had already landed. From them, a different number of cultivators walked out. They immediately spread out and completed the missions of their respective holy lands one after another.


    Of course, there were also people with other thoughts. However, no matter what, they had to complete the orders of their respective holy lands and arrange many guide points to make their future actions smooth.


    After all, this concerned whether they could leave¡­


    Divine restriction made it that they could enter but not leave.


    However, it was obvious that they had something to rely on to dare to come.


    In fact, it was unknown if some races had long known about these things and secretly helped.


    In short, as these hundred or so meteorites that were like an advance army landed, undercurrents surged in the entire Wanggu¡­


    However, these undercurrents didn¡¯t affect the grand ceremony held by the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race on the Divine Mountain.


    As waves of rumbling echoed and countless auspicious signs bloomed in the sky, the light of the Divine mountain flickered. Bells rang out and cheers erupted from all directions. The ceremony had officially begun.


    The three magistrates floated in front of the statues of the three gods on the Divine Mountain, emitting a vast might. Their backs were against the statues and in front of them was the vast number of Flame Moon Race members.


    These clansmen were divided into three groups and were ranked according to their cultivation and status. Each of them had kings and marquises and there were as many experts as the clouds. From this, one could see how terrifying Flame Moon¡¯s foundation as one of the top races in the Wanggu Continent was.


    There were even more people outside. All the higher-ups and core members of the affiliated races arrived grandly. The aura formed by all of them caused the sky and earth to change color and wind to stir.


    Further away were the surrounding cultivators. They didn¡¯t have the qualifications to get too close but since they could watch the grand ceremony from afar, they all felt that this trip wasn¡¯t in vain.


    This was the Flame Moon¡¯s ceremony. There were no complicated rituals or luxurious offerings. Everything was simple and domineering.


    At that moment, a divine priest first worshiped the gods. After that, an official representing the magistrates read a decree. His words were filled with encouragement as they echoed through the world.


    As for Xu Qing and the captain, they had changed their appearances and were hiding among the surrounding cultivators. They were looking at the grand ceremony in the distance and listening to the decree while transmitting voices to each other.


    ¡°Little Qing, have you thought it through?¡±


    ¡°Mm, I have to obtain the Grand Mystic Heaven no matter what.¡± A sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he calmly replied.


    On the way here, he already had a plan in his mind and was about to fly out. However, at this moment, the words of the official who was reading the decree changed.


    ¡°Next is about this time¡¯s Flame Moon Grand Hunt!¡±


    ¡°The first segment of the hunt, Moving Mountains: Human race¡¯s Xu Qing, in first place!¡±


    ¡°The second segment of the hunt, Mountains and Seas Region: Human race¡¯s Xu Qing, in first place!¡±


    ¡°The third segment of the hunt, Divine Realm: Human race¡¯s Xu Qing, in first place!¡±


    ¡°Through the approval of the gods, Xu Qing shall be bestowed the title of Grand Mystic Heaven!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, hurry up and come forward to meet the three magistrates!¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, the surroundings were in an uproar. Although everyone already knew about the first and second segments, not everyone knew the details of the matters in the Divine Realm.


    Hence, when they heard these words, they naturally caused a commotion.


    Xu Qing blinked.


    ¡°Looks like that hairpin of yours is quite useful.¡±


    The captain chuckled..

 Chapter 1319 - Chapter 1319: Flame Moon Grand Mystic Heaven!

    Chapter 1319: Flame Moon Grand Mystic Heaven!


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The captain looked like he was smiling, but he still felt a little envy.


    ¡®Look at the Star Flame. This is what love is.¡¯


    The captain sighed. He thought back to the life where he had spent a herculean effort to pursue Moon Flame.


    He had to exert great effort, pay numerous significant costs, present countless gifts, arrange numerous romantic encounters, and flatter countless times before he finally moved Her with his thick skin and achieved his goal..


    Just thinking about it made it feel arduous.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t seem to have done much from the start to the end¡­


    ¡°Does it mean that for goddesses, they don¡¯t like men who are proactive, but the men also can¡¯t truly be passive? They don¡¯t like men who approach them with intentions, but the men also can¡¯t truly be without intentions.¡±


    ¡°In short, they don¡¯t like being overly attended to, but they also can¡¯t truly be ignored?¡±


    The captain shuddered in realization.


    As for Xu Qing, his eyes gleamed. He didn¡¯t notice the captain¡¯s expression, nor did he know that the captain was comprehending a Great Dao.


    All his attention was on the location of the three magistrates. He was determined to obtain the title of Grand Mystic Heaven and had made many preparations on the way. He had made plans for the various obstacles that would appear.


    However, everything was actually so smooth now.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t help but hesitate. As for the plan he had prepared on the way, there was naturally no need for him to take it out.


    However, such a smooth progress made Xu Qing feel that it was a little unreal.


    After ail, ever since he was young, most of the things he did seemed to have many twists and turns.


    This was especially so after he entered the Seven Blood Eyes and got to know Eldest Senior Brother¡­


    Everything he did was almost on the line between life and death.


    This caused Xu Qing to be somewhat used to twists and turns and obstructions. It was as though he wouldn¡¯t be able to obtain any benefits if he didn¡¯t risk his life.


    Hence, he inexplicably felt a little uneasy about the smoothness of this.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s expression, the captain, who had just comprehended the Great Dao, naturally guessed what Xu Qing was thinking. Hence, he blinked and the envy in his heart decreased by a lot.


    It was replaced with satisfaction.


    He thought to himself that under his lead, his junior brother had finally developed such a good instinctive reaction.


    ¡°Junior brother, I¡¯m glad. You must understand, we cultivators can¡¯t settle for handouts. Hmph, what we want, we must obtain with our own hands, with our spirit of risking everything.¡±


    ¡°Only then will it be sweet!¡± The captain transmitted his voice proudly.


    ¡°If I were you, I would reject it on the spot and then go and get it according to the plan we prepared!¡±


    ¡°Otherwise, it won¡¯t taste sweet.¡±


    The captain instigated.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and saw through his thoughts.


    ¡°Although it may not be sweet, it smells good.¡±


    The captain glared and was about to respond.


    At that moment, the voice of the official who was floating in the air in front of the three magistrates and reading the decree echoed again, repeating what he had said earlier.


    ¡°Xu Qing, hurry up and come forward to meet the three magistrates!¡±


    These words spread out in the world. The Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race and all the affiliated races around the Divine Mountain also calmed down from the shock and looked at the sky.


    Seeing this, determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He no longer hesitated and rushed into the sky. In an instant, he transformed into a rainbow and headed straight for the official.


    The appearance of his figure immediately attracted the attention of countless people. Countless gazes and divine senses instantly gathered from all directions. Some of these gazes looked complicated, some were shocked, some were surprised, some were hostile, and some were envious.


    All kinds of colors were contained in them.


    The eldest prince of the human race was also among them. At this moment, his expression was extremely excited. As the representative of the human race¡¯s diplomatic team, he naturally had to witness the grand ceremony of the Flame Moon Grand Hunt here.


    Previously, after he lost in the second segment, he couldn¡¯t participate in the third segment, the Divine Realm, so all his hopes were placed on Xu Qing.


    Although he felt that the possibility wasn¡¯t high, he still had anticipation. Now that he saw that everything had become true, he was incomparably excited.


    Since ancient times, although outsiders occasionally obtained the title of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s Mystic Heaven General, the rarely-seen Grand Mystic Heaven had never fallen into the hands of outsiders.


    After all, this was one of the supreme honors that individuals could obtain in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    At that moment, under the convergence of countless gazes, Xu Qing¡¯s figure had already arrived in front of the official and nodded slightly.


    There was a strange glint in the official¡¯s eyes. He sized up Xu Qing a few times before turning his body.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath. Right now, he could be considered to be directly witnessing the terror of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. It was fine if it was the three gods, but among the members of this race, there were countless experts.


    No wonder it could suppress countless races and look down on Wanggu.


    He didn¡¯t know if the entire race was present here now¡­ But thinking about the historical records where the human race, despite not being weak after the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether left, was still defeated by this race.


    From this, he was sure that what was displayed here wasn¡¯t everything.


    Although the three gods had consumed a lot of energy to advance to the flawlessness stage in the Divine Realm, Xu Qing felt that there must be more trump cards.


    However, now wasn¡¯t the time to think. Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn as he looked at the three Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s magistrates sitting in front of the three god statues in the distance. He then cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°Xu Qing greets the three magistrates.¡±


    Among these three peak authorities of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, one was an old man, the other was a middle-aged man, and the third was a youth.


    They were all wearing emperor robes and were filled with dignity.


    Among them, the old man had a burly figure, looking like a mountain. His entire body emitted a terrifying pressure, as though it contained endless power.


    His brows revealed determination and boldness, as though no difficulty could shake his determination. His gaze was deep and sharp, as though it could see through people¡¯s hearts and see through the world.


    As for the middle-aged magistrate, he looked gentle and refined, like the spring breeze. His expression was gentle and his eyes were filled with the light of wisdom.


    His gaze was genial, like the warm sun illuminating the ground, making one feel incomparably warm and close.


    Finally, the young magistrate was different from the previous two. He sat there. He clearly looked young but his expression was mighty and domineering. He was like a ferocious tiger descending the mountain with a majestic aura, as though he could shake the world.


    His gaze was as sharp as a blade, causing one to feel fear.


    At that moment, the three magistrates with different auras all looked over after Xu Qing bowed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled.


    He could sense that the gazes of the three magistrates were like swords that contained astonishing penetrative power, as though they wanted to see through him from the inside out.


    However, at this moment, four divine authorities flashed in the nihility land in his body and a hundred illusory divine authorities rose.


    As though they had sensed the offensive gazes, they erupted with power, forming an obstructive force that shook outwards in an inviolable manner.


    Immediately, the expressions of the three magistrates changed slightly and their gazes darkened. They couldn¡¯t see through Xu Qing at all.


    At the same time, some soft exclamations rang out from the surrounding crowd.


    The people who exclaimed were all nobles under the three great magistrates.


    It would have been fine if that was all. Under the flickering of the divine authorities, the Jiuli in Xu Qing¡¯s body moved outside his body, transforming into nine heads that roared in all directions.


    The aura was imposing and the sound was deafening, like thunder exploding.


    After that, they transformed into lanterns and slowly rotated.


    The aura of the Ancestral Magus rose.


    The bloodline power of the Flame Moon cultivators below each had varying degrees of fluctuations.


    No matter what cultivation level it was, from the ordinary to the magistrate, it was all activated without exception.


    The expressions of all the cultivators changed and the nobles also focused. The official in the air was the closest to Xu Qing. At that moment, he actually couldn¡¯t control his breathing and it became a little hurried. The strange expression in his eyes when he looked at Xu Qing dissipated and was replaced by surprise.


    Although similar things had happened after Xu Qing came out of seclusion in the second segment, compared to now, the difference was like heaven and earth.


    At that time, it only caused one¡¯s bloodline to resonate. Now¡­ it was the churning of one¡¯s bloodline that caused waves in the entire race!


    This was naturally because in the fifth magus repository, the ancestral magus had transformed into the Heavenly Dao. Moreover, Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation had broken through the Spirit Repository and stepped into the Nihility.


    ¡°Jiuli¡­¡±


    There was a hint of complexity in the eyes of the three magistrates. Clearly, they knew about the actions of the Great Magistrate who had unified the race back then. They might even know of the transaction between that person and the gods.


    Hence, as they looked at Xu Qing, they each had their own thoughts. However, they didn¡¯t speak and only nodded slightly.


    Seeing that the three magistrates had tacitly agreed, the official standing in front of Xu Qing immediately spoke.


    ¡°The title of Flame Moon¡¯s Grand Mystic Heaven is bestowed to the human Xu Qing, let it be known to Wanggu and all the races!¡±


    ¡°You are rewarded with the Grand Mystic Heaven Armor, no injuries shall harm you!¡±


    ¡°You are rewarded with nine counties to nourish your cultivation!¡±


    ¡°You are rewarded with the Spirit Devouring Blade to increase your sharpness!¡±


    ¡°You are rewarded with the blessings of the Star God, and become the general of the temple!¡±


    ¡°You are granted the token of Mystic Heaven, with a status of nobility, enjoying the glory of the Flame moon. All subordinate entities shall kneel in submission, and when seen by the myriad races, none shall dare to disobey!¡±


    His voice grew louder and louder as he announced the rewards, causing all the cultivators here to be in an uproar.


    These rewards were extremely precious.


    That Grand Mystic Heaven Armor could be considered a supreme defensive treasure. Although it couldn¡¯t really make the wearer impervious to all injuries, it would be difficult for ordinary Soul Accumulation cultivators to break through it.


    Nine counties could be said to be half a region.


    Also, that Spirit Devouring Blade was even more astonishing. Its killing power was so strong that it made people tremble in fear.


    Needless to say, the blessings of the Star God and becoming the general of the temple was also a heavy reward.


    As for the Mystic Heaven Token at the end, it increased Xu Qing¡¯s status to an extraordinary level in the other races.


    These rewards caused even Xu Qing¡¯s heart to tremble, and a complex look appeared in his eyes.


    He naturally knew that this was because of High God Star Flame.


    However, he didn¡¯t know why the Star Flame continued to give him so much help after meeting him.


    As for Her saying it was all about yang essence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t believe it.


    He just didn¡¯t know what kind of karma and truth was contained in this.


    Just as he was feeling complicated, a cold voice suddenly rang out from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race members below.


    ¡°Magistrates, please let me challenge Grand Mystic Heaven Xu Qing!¡±


    As soon as the voice rang out, a figure flew out from the countless members and stood in the air.


    He wore a red robe that was like flames and had long hair that seemed to be formed from Dao laws.


    Although his handsome face wasn¡¯t perfect, it could still be said to be peerless.


    A dense and terrifying aura erupted from his slender body. On his right shoulder, white flames burned. There was a vast and astonishing great world in the flames.


    He was Flame Mystic.


    His eyes were bright and contained lofty battle intent as he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I wonder if Grand Mystic Heaven Xu Qing dares to accept the battle!¡±


    His voice was like a sharp blade, and the chill was felt in all directions.


    At this moment, all the cultivators of the Flame Moon Race focused their attention. The eyes of all the affiliated races gleamed, and all the cultivators who were watching from all directions glanced over.


    The three magistrates fell into deep thought. Even the Divine Mountain emitted a golden light..

 Chapter 1320 - 1320 Xu Qings Path

    1320 Xu Qing¡¯s Path


    The Divine Mountain shone with golden light but no divine decree was transmitted.


    The gazes of the three magistrates were deep, but they remained quiet.


    As for the surrounding Flame Moon Race members, those affiliated races, and countless onlookers, all of them were in high spirits and filled with anticipation. Only a few were surprised.


    It was as though they weren¡¯t too surprised by Flame Mystic¡¯s challenge to Grand Mystic Heaven.


    This was related to the habits of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    Over the countless years, because the number of members of the Flame Moon Race was relatively small and in order to maintain the combat strength of their powerful race, this race tacitly allowed a certain degree of fighting. One of the reasons for the Grand Hunt was also for this.


    They used the method of nurturing Gu to nurture the battle-thirsty blood of the race. Within this brutal environment of survival of the fittest, they selected for the strongest among them.


    Hence, after choosing the Mystic Heaven Generals in every hunt, they would tacitly allow all parties to challenge them. However, this was only limited to that day.


    This was within the rules.


    Throughout the history of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, although there weren¡¯t many people who challenged the Mystic Heaven Generals, there were still some.


    Hence, no one found Flame Mystic¡¯s challenge strange.


    Moreover, Flame Mystic had first admitted Xu Qing¡¯s identity as Grand Mystic Heaven. In that case, this wouldn¡¯t be considered destroying the ceremony or questioning the fairness of the decision.


    He was only challenging according to the rules.


    However, he was challenging the Grand Mystic Heaven. Since ancient times¡­ this was the first time this happened.


    After all, the glory of Grand Mystic Heaven far surpassed that of the Mystic Heaven Generals.


    However, Grand Mystic Heaven¡¯s status was extraordinary after all, so they could reject the challenges.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s reputation would more or less be damaged because of this. The glory of Grand Mystic Heaven would also be stained.


    One naturally had to pay a price for challenging Grand Mystic Heaven. As a challenger, once they lost, they had to give away the soul blood that was closely related to their lives.


    This soul blood didn¡¯t control life and death but could be used as a substitute for death at critical moments.


    However, if Grand Mystic Heaven lost, they wouldn¡¯t have to pay any price.


    Though it appeared unfair, those who dared to challenge the hierarchy must possess such resolve.


    Hence, as Flame Mystic¡¯s words echoed, all eyes instantly gathered on Xu Qing, waiting for his choice.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and only calmly looked at Flame Mystic. He could naturally tell that although the other party¡¯s right shoulder was burning with white flames and there was a majestic and astonishing great world inside¡­ it wasn¡¯t the Soul Accumulation realm!


    ¡°Second stage of Nihility.¡± Xu Qing narrowed his eyes.


    If Flame Mystic had already reached the Soul Accumulation Realm and displayed such an aura, he wouldn¡¯t care too much; the other party was just so-so.


    But if someone who hadn¡¯t yet achieved Soul Accumulation managed to create a world resembling that of a Soul Accumulation, it would be a different story.


    This was a little inconsistent with Xu Qing¡¯s previous judgment.


    In his judgment back then, the other party¡¯s gathering of an unprecedented great world within the emperor¡¯s tomb was likely aimed at crossing the nihility and stepping into Soul Accumulation.


    Right now, Xu Qing had to admit that he had underestimated Flame Mystic¡¯s boldness.


    This person actually used this great world that was enough to step into the Soul Accumulation Realm as the foundation for gathering his own laws, shaping the nihility land, and forming Illusory and Truth Myriad Transformations!


    With this approach, he progressed step by step, and truly reached the great circle of perfection of Nihility and broke through to the Soul Accumulation realm, his formidable power would not only be rare but also enough to astonish peers in the ancient times.


    ¡®As expected of the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the current generation of Flame Moon!¡¯


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly as battle intent gradually appeared in his eyes.


    Such an opponent caused him to be serious as well as have the rare thought of battle.


    There was no need for words to express whether he would accept the challenge or not. The light in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes already revealed the answer.


    Seeing that Xu Qing¡¯s battle intent was rising, the battle intent in Flame Mystic¡¯s eyes intensified and the aura on his body grew stronger and stronger. The white flames on his right shoulder also erupted as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯m at the second stage of Nihility and you¡¯re at the first stage. Even though your Nihility is extraordinary, my Nihility still has the fortune of a world. Moreover, as a member of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, my body surpasses yours.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I won¡¯t use my left hand in this battle!¡±


    Flame Mystic calmly spoke and placed his left hand behind his back. He wouldn¡¯t use his left arm at all in this battle.


    Although his actions were a little silly, this was the thought of an expert.


    It wasn¡¯t for Xu Qing but for his dignity.


    Even if he lost because of this, he would only lose this battle and not lose his heart.


    Ever since he was young, he had fought countless battles and experienced several life-and-death situations. The name Flame Mystic was obtained by suppressing his fellow race members and other experts step by step.


    Hence, his heart had always been firm. He knew that the path of cultivation was to fight with all living beings and the heavens. Xu Qing¡¯s actions in the Divine Realm had already left a shocking impression on him, and he knew he must dispel this notion.


    Victory could be broken, and he would still be able to continue on the path of invincibility in his generation.


    If he was defeated, these thoughts would fuel his pursuit even more.


    But to not fight would go against his heart.


    After saying that, Flame Mystic lifted his right foot and took a step toward Xu Qing.


    The instant he landed, the world rumbled.


    The white flames on his right shoulder surged into the sky and spread between the heavens and the earth, sweeping in all directions.


    His speed was so fast that he covered 50 kilometers in the blink of an eye.


    The long sea of fire was shockingly hot, causing the color of the world to change. At the same time, the great world in the flames became even vaster. However, it was clearly still in a miniature state.


    Its five hundred kilometers size was only its manifestation after shrinking to a certain extent.


    This scene caused most of the people who saw it to be shocked and exclaim.


    ¡°This world¡­¡±


    ¡°Such a vast world, but it¡¯s actually not the Soul Accumulation but the Nihility¡­ How did he do it!¡±


    ¡°This is the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven.¡±


    Very few people here had seen the true vastness of this world. However, Xu Qing had personally witnessed the formation of this world and naturally understood that this was a peerless world that surpassed the ancient and present times.


    ¡°Before the trip to the Divine Realm, I was at the first stage of Nihility and this world was in its embryonic stage. At that time, I could fight against a Soul Accumulation One World, but it was a life-and-death struggle for both sides.¡±


    ¡°Now, if a Soul Accumulation One World is in front of me, I can easily suppress them. Even common two worlds are inferior to me. Even if I face the peak of the two worlds, I can still fight them.¡±


    ¡°I named this world the Flame Mystic World.¡±


    ¡°If you can withstand it, you can discuss divine arts with me!¡±


    Flame Mystic stood above the world and his voice was like thunder. He lifted his hand and pressed down on Xu Qing.


    The great world in the sea of fire below also rumbled at this moment, emitting a terrifying might that rumbled and oppressed Xu Qing.


    Under this suppression, the bodies of those below the Soul Accumulation realm would become unstable and their minds would be in turmoil. Their souls would dim and they would lose all resistance.


    Facing the suppression from such an astonishing world, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed but he didn¡¯t retreat at all. He understood that this was his first battle after stepping into the Nihility.


    He wanted to use this battle to test his strength and judgment.


    Hence, standing in the air, he raised his right hand and pressed forward.


    With this push, the endless nihility land in his body instantly erupted. Soul threads broke through the soil and rushed out of Xu Qing¡¯s body, appearing in the world and rapidly spreading in all directions.


    There were so many soul threads that they seemed to be countless. They formed a sea of soul threads, causing lightning to flicker and the void to distort.


    A million, ten million¡­ a total of 40 million soul threads spread out in the sky at that instant. They rapidly gathered and instantly weaved, using the method of Variant Immortals to simulate all things to actually¡­ form a large world!


    This world was also in a miniature state and was 500 kilometers in size. The aura and pressure it emitted were also extremely terrifying.


    Moreover, this was creating something out of nothing!


    This was the¡­ Dao of Variant Immortals that Xu Qing had understood from studying the predecessors¡¯ methods and pioneering an unprecedented path.


    What was especially astonishing was that the sound of the world being split open rang out from the great world formed by the Variant Immortal soul threads. A hundred illusory giant pillars rose from the ground in different directions.


    The appearance of these pillars was filled with monstrous divine might. They were the illusory divine authorities gained by Xu Qing after swallowing the blood of the fragmented-face.


    However, even though They were illusory, this large world was still enhanced.


    Their enhancement actually made Xu Qing¡¯s world seem like¡­ a Divine Realm!


    What was even more terrifying were the four pillars in the center of this great world. They weren¡¯t illusory but real. Moreover, They were filled with mysterious runes.


    They seemed to have soul-stirring abilities that surpassed the myriad of laws in the world.


    They were naturally not a cultivator¡¯s rune. They were Xu Qing¡¯s¡­ divine authority marks!


    One was his vital mark, second was Purple Moon, third was God¡¯s curse, and fourth was misfortune!


    Their appearance caused the aura of Xu Qing¡¯s world formed by the soul threads to soar violently again. Endless pressure rose, and it was actually superior in terms of aura to the vast peerless world from Flame Mystic.


    This scene stirred up a huge storm and endless waves in everyone¡¯s hearts.


    ¡°Is this Nihility!¡±


    ¡°Nihility¡­ Before this, I didn¡¯t believe that there could be such a Nihility expert in this world!¡±


    ¡°Moreover¡­ there are two of them!¡±


    Shock continued to erupt.


    As Xu Qing lifted his head, the world formed by his soul threads rumbled and directly collided with the Flame Mystic World.


    In an instant, the power of the two worlds erupted at the same time.


    The sky seemed to be about to shatter and the ground was about to collapse. At the critical moment, a magistrate took action and an independent battlefield for Xu Qing and Flame Mystic was formed.


    ¡°Good!¡±


    In the sky, Flame Mystic laughed loudly. As he lifted his right hand, the great world buzzed and soared again, increasing to the size of 5,000 kilometers. The fortune of this world rose, as though it wanted to transform into the world¡¯s will.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. With a thought, the soul threads separated from his world and transformed into a huge divine eye!


    That was the eye of the Ancient Spirit Emperor.


    As the eye stared at it, Flame Mystic¡¯s great world instantly shook.


    The fortune contained in this world actually flowed in reverse.


    A large number of soul threads flew out, forming the Crimson Goddess. She was cold and prideful as She stepped into Flame Mystic¡¯s world.


    The world rumbled.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. At the next moment, Li Zihua¡¯s figure was actually simulated by the soul threads and he walked into Flame Mystic¡¯s great world.


    Even the fishbone god appeared and stepped in.


    There was also another unknown god¡¯s eye that Xu Qing had seen back then that was oppressed under the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Ghost Emperor¡¯s weapon. It rapidly formed and entered Flame Mystic¡¯s great world.


    Gods descended one after another!


    At this moment, Xu Qing, who was standing in the air, gave everyone the feeling that he was controlling the gods!


    ¡°So, this is Junior Brother¡¯s path!¡±


    In the crowd, the captain was excited.

 Chapter 1321 - 1321 Flaw of the Divine Art

    1321 Flaw of the Divine Art


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t the only one in history to cultivate both immortal and god¡¯s way.


    Regardless of whether it was Old Master Seventh, Li Zihua, or other unknown experts, there were many people pursuing this path.


    After all, this path, whether looked at from the present or the future, was undoubtedly considered the orthodox method and the most easily conceived route.


    However, it was also because of this that it became the most difficult path.


    This was because too many people had walked on it, but none of them had reached the end.


    There were countless forks in this path. Before reaching the end, no one knew which path could go further and which path was correct.


    The path that Erniu took wasn¡¯t this path, his path could be considered unorthodox.


    Xu Qing¡¯s path was also different.


    It looked like he cultivated both the immortal and god way at the same time, but in reality, he used the method of Variant Immortals as the foundation for everything. They walked the path of devouring gods, simulating them, and then enslaving them.


    On this path, gods were only nutrients.


    Everything was to become the Variant Immortal!


    Immortals who fed on gods.


    At this moment, in this first battle after stepping into Nihility, Xu Qing clarified his path. A dark glint flashed in his eyes and the gods formed by his soul threads stepped into Flame Mystic¡¯s great world one after another.


    In an instant, the mountain peaks in the great world collapsed, and the world changed drastically.


    From afar, one could see Li Zihua¡¯s figure. He was indomitable and incomparably huge. Wherever he passed, the world would collapse.


    Crimson Goddess¡¯ majestic body swept up blood mist in all directions. As She flew, all things wailed and withered.


    There was also the eyeball that was suppressed by the Ghost Emperor¡¯s magic artifact. It floated in the sky of this world and countless joss papers formed out of thin air around It, dancing in all directions.


    Wherever they floated, the world would turn into paper. In fact, there was even a faint bizarre singing voice.


    The fishbone god entered the rivers and seas, causing the rivers to flow in reverse and the seawater to turn pitch-black.


    As for the eye of the Ancient Spirit Emperor, It was absorbing fortune and tainting it, changing the essence of this great world.


    All of this was the invasion of the gods, invading and changing everything.


    It was very similar to the scene that happened in the Wanggu Continent back then. It was just that the degree of difference was much greater and the fragmented-face had been changed to Xu Qing.


    However, it still shocked everyone.


    The descent of those gods caused the anomalous substances in Flame Mystic¡¯s great world to erupt in an instant. Divine aura spread out and invaded the sky, the ground, and all existences in this great world.


    It was turning into a forbidden zone!


    If this succeeded, the existences in this world would have their fates change, and their life states would be changed until they became suitable for a world of gods.


    What was even more terrifying was that during the process of transforming into a forbidden zone, soul threads appeared in Flame Mystic¡¯s vast and peerless world!


    They were new soul threads!


    Although there weren¡¯t many, only tens of thousands, the speed of their formation was astonishing. In the blink of an eye, it reached hundreds of thousands.


    Not only was this world invaded, but it was also being devoured!


    From this, it could be seen how terrifying Xu Qing¡¯s combat strength and divine arts were after he achieved Nihility.


    However, as the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, Flame Mystic naturally wasn¡¯t a weakling. Seeing that his great world had been invaded, his eyes flickered with endless stars.


    As the stars flashed, his great world rumbled. The rivers, mountains, everything seemed to have their own will and transformed into spirits, beginning to resist.


    Amidst this resistance, five blazing suns rose in his world, emitting his nomological laws.


    They were his Heavenly Daos!


    With the Heavenly Daos, the world awakened. Even though the will of this peerless world was being interfered with by the Ancient Spirit Emperor, it still appeared.


    A battle with the gods.


    At the same time, Flame Mystic looked at Xu Qing. The battle intent in his eyes instantly reached its peak. With a step, he shattered the void and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    His aura was monstrous.


    Xu Qing raised his head and his battle intent erupted as well. With a step, he swept up a destructive force and walked in the air.


    A rainbow seemed to collide with the sun.


    In an instant, the two of them met in the gap between the two worlds.


    Flame Mystic¡¯s speed was extremely fast, creating loud sonic booms. The instant he got close, his terrifying physical strength erupted.


    In the blink of an eye, amidst a series of thunderclaps, the two of them exchanged over a hundred blows.


    Every time, thunder rumbled in the world and the void in all directions was destroyed.


    At the next instant, Flame Mystic took a deep breath and an endless aura rushed into his mouth. After he swallowed it, he didn¡¯t use any tricks, and simply slammed Xu Qing with his shoulder.


    This simple collision contained the Great Dao, making it impossible to avoid. One could only face it.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He could sense a force that seemed to shake the mountains from this collision. He threw a punch.


    A deafening sound rang out.


    Xu Qing was forced back. Flame Mystic¡¯s eyes were red. He actually ignored the backlash and relied on the injuries to increase his speed. His momentum rose again and he instantly got close to Xu Qing. He then squeezed fiercely toward Xu Qing¡¯s neck.


    It was as though he was going to crush Xu Qing¡¯s throat!


    ¡°What divine power is this!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression darkened slightly. He could sense some kind of Great Dao contained in this move. A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he opened his mouth and spat out. Immediately, three inverted mountains appeared in front of him.


    One mountain was formed of ice, one mountain was formed of blood, and one mountain was formed of molten rocks.


    At the next moment, the three mountains collapsed and Xu Qing retreated. However, Flame Mystic¡¯s attack was still violent. His hand that seemed to be squeezing the throat clenched into a fist and punched out at Xu Qing.


    It was the Indestructible Emperor¡¯s Fist that had destroyed Erniu¡¯s body with a single punch.


    As soon as it appeared, the color of the world changed. The violent aura and the indescribable domineering feeling moved with the fist.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. It was as though everything before was to accumulate strength. The instant the Indestructible Emperor¡¯s Fist was used, Flame Mystic¡¯s entire body shone with a piercing golden light.


    This light erupted from his skin, flesh, tendons, bones, and blood.


    The skin served as the outer defense, flesh as the adamantine, tendons for extending force, bones as the foundation, and blood as the essence source.


    When combined, it was none other than¡­


    ¡°Undying Five Elements!¡±


    Flame Mystic¡¯s entire body emitted boundless golden light and his body also expanded explosively. He was like a mountain, as though he had entered some invincible state. His aura also reached its peak and he gathered all his physical divine arts toward Xu Qing, transforming them into a fist that could shatter the universe.


    As the punch landed, the laws cracked and collapsed, shocking all living beings.


    An intense light erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, as well as the radiance of the morning glow. Flame Mystic¡¯s series of consecutive moves and divine arts made him feel stunned.


    ¡°I want this divine art!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes glinted and he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. The instant the other party attacked, Jiuli manifested outside Xu Qing¡¯s body, enveloping his entire body and forming an ancient magus armor.


    With the senses of the ancestral magus merging with him, his body swelled in an instant, transforming into a living ancestral magus.


    Towering like a mountain peak, touching the sky, his aura dispersed through time, carrying ancient legacies and embodying the pinnacle of contemporary magi.


    With the nine sons of the dragon swirled around him, the magus armor exuded unparalleled dominance, causing countless fierce beasts in the Mountains and Seas Region to roar and the bloodlines of the races present here to surge.


    The feeling of primordial times, ancient intent, and the might of heaven and earth erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    He pressed his palm down on Flame Mystic¡¯s punch.


    The fist and palm collided in the air.


    Flame Mystic¡¯s entire body trembled. His body was fine but his mind was about to explode. An intense pain continued to erupt in his mind and he couldn¡¯t help but spit out a mouthful of blood. His face was pale and his eyes revealed intense unwillingness. However, his body was still forced back under the contact.


    When the two of them came into contact, one could see the void shatter and split apart layer by layer, forming a black hole. It actually pulled two large worlds, tilting them.


    There were also countless lightning dragons dancing chaotically in all directions, as though they had transformed into a huge lightning net that wanted to cover everything.


    Among the two of them, one had a peerless divine art and the other was at the peak of the Magus Dao. The instant the two of them collided, the two worlds dimmed.


    Only a storm that shook even the Soul Accumulation Realm exploded in all directions.


    In this storm, Xu Qing¡¯s figure was like an immortal or devil. His long hair fluttered as he walked out.


    He was visibly moved and there was a strange glint in his eyes.


    He could tell that it wasn¡¯t that Flame Mystic¡¯s divine art was inferior to his Ancestral Magus Dao, but that the other party¡¯s cultivation art¡­ was incomplete.


    Unlike him, who had obtained a complete inheritance.


    The other party¡¯s cultivation art was too extreme. It only had a corporal part and didn¡¯t enhance the soul.


    It wasn¡¯t that Flame Mystic didn¡¯t have enough soul strength; on the contrary, his soul was much stronger than his peers. However, compared to the enhancement of the corporal body by this cultivation art, the soul became a weakness.


    And Flame Mystic had lost on this point.


    However, he was still terrifying.


    Xu Qing felt that this cultivation art seemed to be able to be used at any cultivation level. Moreover, as his cultivation level increased, the more frightening he would be when he used this divine art. It was as though there was no upper limit!


    However, at their level of cultivation, they couldn¡¯t allow any flaws.


    A flaw was a flaw.


    Hence, in the next breath, a chill rose in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. He took a step toward Flame Mystic and the magus armor on his body actually automatically fell off, transforming into streams of light that entered the void.


    Even ancestral magus¡¯ senses separated on their own and disappeared from Xu Qing¡¯s body. When they reappeared, they were above the head of the retreating Flame Mystic.


    Flame Mystic¡¯s expression changed drastically. The ancestral magus¡¯ senses materialized and suppressed him.


    The Jiuli broke through the void and surrounded Flame Mystic, instantly gathering toward him. There were sharp sounds targeting the soul emanating their mouths, complementing the soul-suppressing power of the also a sharp voice targeting the soul in its mouth, combined with the ancestral magus¡¯ soul suppression.


    They formed the power of immobilization!


    Flame Mystic¡¯s body trembled. He knew his weakness but the fact that Xu Qing could sense it so quickly made him anxious. Just as he was about to struggle, Xu Qing raised his right hand. Immediately, ripples appeared in the void in all directions and the location turned into water.


    It reflected everything.


    It was Fishing the Moon From the Well.


    This divine power could freeze one¡¯s soul to begin with. The moment it appeared, it was enhanced by the ancestral magus and formed a divine power.


    At the same time, seven lanterns flickered with a dim light behind Xu Qing. The Seven Lanterns Underworld Fire Curse was also targeted at the soul!


    In terms of combat experience, regardless of whether it was when Xu Qing was young or after he stepped into cultivation, he had always fought with others, fought with the heavens, and fought with gods.


    After countless life-and-death experiences, his combat ability had long reached an astonishing level.


    As long as he caught a flaw, it would be life and death.


    At that moment, all the spells targeting the soul erupted. In the great world that Xu Qing¡¯s soul threads created, the three divine powers, Misfortune, Purple Moon, and God¡¯s Curse, suddenly shone.


    They landed behind Xu Qing.


    Although there was a high chance that he wouldn¡¯t need to use his divine authority, Xu Qing¡¯s personality determined that after he caught a flaw, he would go all out and not give the other party the slightest chance to turn the tables.

 Chapter 1322 - 1322 Ill Continue Being Invincible (1)

    1322 I¡¯ll Continue Being Invincible (1)


    From the Jiuli removing themselves, the suppression of the Ancestral Magi, to the Fishing the Moon From the Well, the Seven Lanterns Underworld Fire, and the descent of the three divine authorities, all of this happened in the blink of an eye.


    In the blink of an eye, Flame Mystic, who had a terrifying body, was frozen in place. His soul was frozen and so was his mind.


    His weakness was only relative and not a real weakness. However, against Xu Qing, this flaw proved to be fatal.


    Moreover, he didn¡¯t need any life substitution. Compared to letting a defeated enemy die in his place in the future, he was more inclined to directly kill him at this moment and end the karma.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t hold back at all and went all out.


    His hand transformed into a huge palm that suddenly grabbed at Flame Mystic.


    This hand seemed both illusory and corporeal. It was as though it was formed by fate and contained an indescribable profundity. The moment it landed, more ripples appeared in the sky that had turned into water.


    Silently, water splashed up. Flame Mystic¡¯s soul, which was reflected on the surface of the water, was scooped out by the large hand along with the water in the surrounding void.


    Immediately, Flame Mystic¡¯s body lost its luster and he became a walking corpse. As for the soul Xu Qing fished out, it was extremely resplendent and colorful. Only its expression was equally dull.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He closed his fingers and clenched them ruthlessly.


    However, at this moment, a sudden change occurred.


    Although the originally sluggish soul didn¡¯t have any expression of struggle, it suddenly became blurry. It was unknown what heaven-defying technique it used but it actually disappeared and escaped from the large hand.


    A dark glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. Almost at the instant Flame Mystic¡¯s soul escaped, the seven lanterns of the Underworld Fire Curse that appeared behind him flickered and were extinguished in unison.


    When the lanterns were extinguished, the curse erupted.


    A muffled groan rang out from the void. Flame Mystic¡¯s missing soul was forced out of thin air in the distance. Moreover, the light was no longer resplendent and was incomparably dim. His soul body and expression were also blurry.


    At this moment, the three divine authorities behind Xu Qing erupted at the same time, forming three golden threads that tore through the void, fate, life and death, flashing toward the dim soul.


    Using karma to lock onto him and fate to kill, they directly appeared around the soul.


    The three golden threads suddenly intertwined and slashed over.


    The sky changed color and the ground rumbled. Flame Mystic¡¯s soul split into several parts, turning into specks of fluorescent light that dissipated in the air.


    This scene was clean and efficient. One could see how decisive Xu Qing was.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s attack wasn¡¯t over. Almost at the instant he killed Flame Mystic¡¯s soul, he had already arrived beside Flame Mystic¡¯s body with a step and slashed down.


    After losing his soul and becoming a walking corpse, Flame Mystic¡¯s head instantly flew up and his body collapsed, turning into flesh and blood.


    With a wave of Xu Qing¡¯s hand, black flames swept out, burning this shattered body into ashes.


    Although Flame Mystic¡¯s body was special and it was difficult for him to turn into ashes, it was already impossible for him to revive with the help of this burning body.


    Moreover, everything happened too quickly, so much so that most of the Flame Moon cultivators who were paying attention to this battle were shocked. Their expressions changed drastically and many of them revealed looks of disbelief.


    However, nobles of Flame Moon, the experts from the affiliated races, and the three magistrates didn¡¯t have any special changes in their expressions. All of them looked very calm.


    As for Xu Qing, he also didn¡¯t have the feeling of victory from killing Flame Mystic. He frowned slightly and turned to look at the place where the fragments of Flame Mystic¡¯s burned body were.


    Then, his pupils constricted.


    At the location where Flame Mystic¡¯s body was shattered, an illusion actually appeared.


    There was a tomb in this illusion. It was actually the emperor¡¯s tomb in the Divine Realm. One could see Flame Mystic¡¯s figure sitting cross-legged on the huge canopy.


    In the blink of an eye, the illusion blurred. When it appeared again, it was still Flame Mystic. However, the environment had changed and the Mountains and Seas Region had appeared.


    After that, in the blink of an eye, this illusion appeared hundreds of times. Every time, the one that appeared inside was Flame Mystic¡­


    To be precise, it was Flame Mystic from different periods in the past.


    It was the figure he had projected at hundreds of time nodes in the past.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop him. Instead, his gaze flickered as he stared at the scene of Flame Mystic not being on guard at all to perform such a bizarre art that was close to a divine technique.


    After those illusionary figures appeared, they dissipated one after another, transforming into countless points of light that rapidly gathered. Finally, they formed a massive ring.


    Dense time power erupted from within.


    Seven to eight breaths later, Flame Mystic¡¯s corporeal body appeared and he walked out of the circle of light.


    The moment he appeared, the floating flesh and blood in the surroundings dissipated. The circle on his back also instantly contracted and finally transformed into a pearl that landed in Flame Mystic¡¯s hand.


    His appearance didn¡¯t seem any different from before, but his temperament was different. In the past, although Flame Mystic¡¯s appearance wasn¡¯t ordinary, he was more resolute, so he was handsome.


    But now¡­ it could only be described as beautiful.


    He had become her.


    It was the same for the body. Her chest bulged and her waist became slender. Her legs were also much slender under the robe. Her steadfastness was no longer there and was replaced by coldness.


    Xu Qing was comparing the change according to his memories.


    The crowd instantly fell silent. Those who knew that Flame Mystic¡¯s divine art was peculiar weren¡¯t moved. However, those who didn¡¯t know were stunned.


    The captain blinked and chuckled inwardly.


    At the same time, Xu Qing, who was in the air, fell into profound thought.


    ¡°The captain once stated that in the Mountains and Seas Region, he saw this person displaying a great divine technique that was near to a divine technique. This art is strange. After it is used, the gender will change.¡±

 Chapter 1323 - 1323 Ill Continue Being Invincible (2)

    1323 I¡¯ll Continue Being Invincible (2)


    ¡®I think it¡¯s this art.¡¯


    ¡®This art is indeed close to a divine technique. It can bring one back from the past, and after they appear, their cultivation and combat strength seem to remain at the peak.¡¯


    Xu Qing muttered to himself. As he pondered over the method to kill, Flame Mystic, who had walked out of the circle, stared at Xu Qing and sighed inwardly.


    Earlier, when she used this divine art, she could have succeeded even faster. However, she deliberately slowed down, wanting to wait for Xu Qing to attack.


    Once Xu Qing attacked at that time, she could take the opportunity to pull him into her divine art and taint the other party with the power of this scripture.


    It would cause all the horrors in the other party¡¯s memories to turn into demons. From there, demonic flames would rise and burn his body and soul.


    ¡®It¡¯s a pity that the cultivation art I inherited only has the Undying Scroll and a small portion of the Ancient Scroll. I¡¯m missing Longevity and the other half of the Ancient Scroll.¡¯


    ¡®And the Undying Scroll is also somewhat incomplete. Although I made up for it with other techniques, it still led to flaws in the activation of the Ancient Scroll.¡¯


    ¡®However, as long as Xu Qing can¡¯t break through my Past Reincarnation Sutra, it¡¯s not impossible for me to win this battle!¡¯


    At the thought of this, the battle intent in Flame Mystic¡¯s eyes rose again. He took a step forward and waved his right hand. Immediately, the life pearl in his hand shone and dozens of rings that were exactly the same as before appeared around him.


    After that, numerous figures rushed out of those rings.


    They were all Flame Mystic.


    Although there was a difference between their cultivation and the main body, they could transfer between each other at will, which was extraordinarily profound under tacit cooperation.


    After she appeared, as Flame Mystic¡¯s battle intent erupted, the auras of her past bodies also rose and attacked Xu Qing from all directions.


    Compared to before, not only did her aura not decrease, but it was even stronger.


    A sharp glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He raised his right hand and swung it forward. Immediately, the golden thread formed by the Divine Authority of Misfortune behind him disappeared and appeared in Flame Mystic¡¯s fate in a mysterious way.


    The power of misfortune instantly landed in her fate.


    In an instant, it spread out.


    The expressions of Flame Mystic¡¯s past bodies all changed. When some of them rushed over, a spatial rift suddenly appeared in front of them and devoured them.


    Some had their bodies engulfed in brilliant light, causing their cultivation to inexplicably become disordered.


    Some experienced even more exaggerated accidents. They circulated their divine powers and suffered a backlash.


    There were also a few who actually showed signs of chaotic divine sense and their connection with Flame Mystic¡¯s main body was intermittent.


    There were even a few whose eyes turned bloodshot and started attacking each other.


    This extremely bizarre scene caused waves to surge in the hearts of all the cultivators who saw it. Some of the nobles muttered.


    ¡°Power of misfortune.¡±


    Flame Mystic¡¯s expression also changed. However, she knew that now wasn¡¯t the time to think. Hence, she maintained her peak battle intent and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was cold. Although he had seen most of Flame Mystic¡¯s divine arts in this battle, this wasn¡¯t what he wanted. His unchanging thought from the start was to end the battle quickly.


    Since the other party¡¯s soul was a weakness, he naturally had to target it again.


    Hence, after the misfortune, the Poison Restriction Divine Authority beside Xu Qing suddenly rose, instantly forming a monstrous black fog. As the fog churned, a world-shaking roar rang out.


    The giant shadow of Ming Fei was faintly discernible inside, like a god, suppressing the world.


    Its single eye flashed as it looked at Flame Mystic, who had arrived 1000 feet away from Xu Qing.


    The Six Filths of God suddenly descended.


    ¡°First Filth: Divine fire yields smoke; the arising of smoke imparts impurity.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice was like a command as it rang out from Ming Fei¡¯s mouth. The universe seemed to have fused into one, forming the sound of the Great Dao.


    As soon as he spoke, Flame Mystic¡¯s entire body trembled. Countless impurities appeared out of thin air in her body, turning into black dots that spread throughout her entire body.


    This sudden change caused her body to tremble.


    ¡°Second Filth: Divine soul harbors desires; the arising of desire harbors mundane attachments, leading to loss of omniscience.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s words were as cold as heaven¡¯s sound. Flame Mystic¡¯s expression changed drastically and all her perception instantly disappeared.


    ¡°The third Filth: Divine body can decline; the arising of decay leads to corruption, devoid of eternity.¡±


    All the black spots rotted. In the blink of an eye, Flame Mystic looked neither human nor ghost. Her flesh and blood fell off and her bones were decaying.


    ¡°The fourth Filth: Divine shrine is shrouded in dust; the arising of dust obscures its brilliance, severing the incense flame.¡±


    Flame Mystic¡¯s Dao foundation collapsed and she let out a wail as her cultivation base shook.


    ¡°The fifth Filth: Divinity bears defilement; the arising of defilement lacks wisdom, disrupting the divine order.¡±


    The power of soul annihilation rose.


    ¡°The sixth Filth: A god¡¯s life breeds curses; the arising of curses severs life, extinguishing the divine source!¡±


    Killing intent erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. His voice was like thunder and every word he said seemed to shake the world.


    For the first time, the Six Filths of God shone in Wanggu.


    Under their power, Flame Mystic¡¯s body was instantly destroyed and his soul turned to ashes. None of her bodies in the surroundings was spared and all of them dissipated.


    At that moment, the power of time erupted again and illusions appeared one after another. Seeing that Flame Mystic was about to use the divine power secret art from before, Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed cold.


    He had been searching for a solution and had found it!


    He didn¡¯t need to kill her bodies time and time again, he had to destroy them all in one go.


    At that moment, he raised and lowered his right hand. Immediately, the Purple Moon Divine Authority behind him shone, forming a Purple Moon. The moonlight shone down, landing on Flame Mystic¡¯s illusions and her fate.


    Hence, in the illusions that appeared, there was purple moonlight.


    This moonlight had fused into all of Flame Mystic¡¯s past and was everywhere.


    Everything about Flame Mystic appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind with the moonlight as a guide. He knew almost everything!


    Flame Mystic wanted to struggle. Xu Qing shook his head and a sword cry rang out from his body. A cold light rushed out of his body with the momentum of splitting the sky.


    The sky changed color and a white light illuminated the world.


    It was a sword shadow!


    It was the Emperor Sword in Xu Qing¡¯s body!


    The soul of the Northern Emperor held the Great Emperor Sword and controlled it from within the repository. Although he couldn¡¯t materialize the sword outside, he could form sword shadows.


    With the Purple Moon¡¯s light as the catalyst, the sword slashed down!


    This sword strike could destroy reincarnation, slash the past, and sever the present.


    All of Flame Mystic¡¯s illusory past spat out blood at this instant, their expression turning crazed.


    The crowd was in an uproar, and the nobles were visibly moved.


    The gazes of the three magistrates suddenly flickered. The young magistrate disappeared from his position and reappeared within the illusory scenes of all the pasts of the Flame Mystic, standing before him with his hand raised as if to obstruct the descending shadow of the Emperor Sword.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes flashed. After pondering for a moment, he flicked his sleeve. Immediately, the majestic Emperor Sword disappeared.


    Before the sword shadow landed, it dissipated on its own, and the world returned to normal.


    Xu Qing calmly cupped his fists and bowed to the youth. After that, he ignored them and headed toward the crowd, standing beside the captain.


    At that moment, as the sky recovered and the sword shadows in Flame Mystic¡¯s illusions disappeared, Flame Mystic¡¯s secret art was finally completed. After he reformed his body, he resided there silently and stared at Xu Qing¡¯s back with a complicated expression.


    ¡°I lost. In the future, I¡¯m willing to die in your place once!¡±


    As he spoke, he pressed his forehead; a drop of soul blood headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing took it but didn¡¯t speak.


    As for that magistrate youth standing beside Flame Mystic, his gaze was deep as he stared at Xu Qing and voiced in a low voice.


    ¡°Omniscience?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°It¡¯s not omniscience, I just know everything about her.¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, everyone fell silent.

 Chapter 1324 - 1324 The Creditor Awakens

    1324 The Creditor Awakens


    The Dreamflow Region was one of the five regions at the southeastern edge of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    This region was peculiar, sometimes the landscapes were pristine, while at other times, it was filled with impurities, with dark mountains and polluted waters.


    The reason behind this lay with the strange clouds that flowed through the regions.


    The clouds here weren¡¯t singular entities but rather an unending mass, resembling the sky itself or vast rivers coursing through the sky.


    When the clouds were white, the land beneath them flourished with vitality, but when they turned black, demons and monsters emerged, and anomalous substances assailed everything within the region.


    This scene was unique to this region, a natural phenomenon and a manifestation of its climate.


    The natives called it the dream cloud.


    At that moment, as the white clouds flowed in the sky of the Dreamflow Region, a special magic boat flew past.


    The appearance of this boat exceeded common expectations. It wasn¡¯t in the shape of a boat but a human figure.


    It was an old woman in a black robe, with numerous tentacles spreading out, swaying and moving about. Her tall figure appeared indistinctly in the clouds and mist.


    If mortals saw this, they would definitely think that a god was patrolling the sky.


    And above the god-like old woman¡¯s head, two people sat cross-legged.


    ¡°Little Qing, how is this region? Let me tell you, there¡¯s a legend here.¡±


    ¡°Legend has it that some years ago, a divine bull was passing by this place and slept here. It had a sweet dream, and when it woke up, it sneezed and spat out the sweet dream, forming countless fog that transformed into clouds.¡±


    ¡°From then on, dream clouds appeared in this large region.¡±


    The person who spoke was a youth with an ordinary appearance. Only his eyes were exceptionally bright, and deep like a vortex that could devour everything.


    His hair was messy, and his overall appearance was not remarkable, but the bright red robe he wore made him sitting there quite dazzling and eye-catching.


    It was as though anyone would be attracted by it immediately.


    After all, not only was his robe red, but so were his shoes and pants, causing his entire person to look red.


    This red person had a very smug expression and was speaking proudly to another youth beside him.


    The youth beside him was the opposite of his appearance. His clothes were just ordinary blue clothes, simple and elegant.


    However, with his peerlessly handsome face, everything in the world seemed to be just a foil to him. They didn¡¯t dare and couldn¡¯t fight for the slightest bit of brilliance.


    At that moment, this peerless person opened his eyes and looked at the green mountains and rivers below.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, back then, when you were in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, you made up this legend and spread it to the outside world, right?¡±


    His voice was clear and pleasant to the ears.


    These two people were naturally Erniu and Xu Qing, who had left the Divine Mountain and were headed toward the human race¡¯s territory.


    Upon hearing Xu Qing¡¯s words, the captain chuckled. He then raised his head and looked at the distant horizon, stretching his back.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. What I want to say is a Great Dao of Heaven and Earth. That is¡­ the truth of history needs to be modified!¡±


    The captain¡¯s expression became arrogant again.


    ¡°For example, how will history record our Flame Mystic¡¯s trip this time and how will it record the peerless contributions we made for the human race in a few years!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it. This is how history should be recorded.¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡°In the year 2939 of the Mystic War Calendar, the peerless heroes of the human race, Chen Erniu and Xu Qing, swept through the heaven¡¯s chosens of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven and seized the title of Grand Mystic Heaven. Their names spread far and wide.¡±


    ¡°At the supreme ceremony of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, the three magistrates issued a decree for the subsidiary races to retreat. Henceforth, for a thousand years, they won¡¯t invade the human race¡¯s territory. They also made a decisive statement on the ownership of the Black Heaven Race!¡±


    ¡°The human race is fortunate to have these two peerless people. It¡¯s a nourishment of the fortune of the ancient humans and a powerful proof that the fortune of the Wanggu is still with the human race.¡±


    lights¦­¦Ïv¦Ål ?¦Ïm


    The captain said boldly.


    Xu Qing had a strange expression and didn¡¯t speak. Although the captain¡¯s words were exaggerated, the truth wasn¡¯t much different.


    Although the two of them had left the ceremony in advance, after defeating Flame Mystic, as the Grand Mystic Heaven, he made his request to the three magistrates.


    As a reward for becoming the Grand Mystic Heaven, he could make a request to the magistrates.


    Xu Qing¡¯s motive for coming to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race was also this.


    Hence, under the decree of the three magistrates of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, the affiliated races that were fighting against the human race retreated. Also, in the battle in the Black Heaven Race¡¯s region, the Flame Moon¡¯s side no longer participated.


    Xu Qing was also a little surprised by the smoothness of this matter. After all, this was a war and not child¡¯s play.


    He had even prepared other plans for this.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, I keep feeling that Flame Moon¡¯s withdrawal of troops was something they would have done. Our appearance only gave them a legitimate reason to end it faster.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    The captain waved his hand.


    ¡°Why are you thinking so much? Regardless of whether there was a reason or not, it¡¯s fine as long as the glory belongs to us.¡±


    Xu Qing smiled. He felt that what the captain said made sense. Since he couldn¡¯t find the reason, rather than thinking too much, it was better to put it aside. As long as the outcome was good, it was good.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing lowered his head and looked at the black shadow that was reflected by the light.


    The sunlight seeped through the clouds and scattered down mottled behind him, reflecting the shadow in front of him. Although it was a little blurry, Xu Qing could still clearly sense the careful fluctuations of emotions transmitted from it.


    It was explaining, as though it didn¡¯t want its master to worry too much, so it had been pretending to be dead.


    Little Shadow woke up five days ago and pretended to be dead for about fifteen minutes before Xu Qing discovered it.


    Xu Qing originally thought that the other party was really dead.


    After all, in the Mountains and Seas Region, in order to take out the Jiuli, the shadow had withstood the might of extermination. In the end, even its will dissipated. It seemed to be in a deep sleep and also seemed to be dead.


    ¡®Its fate is quite tough.¡¯


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. He was still very happy about the recovery of the shadow. Hence, a smile appeared on his face.


    However, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was unhappy, while the shadow was both happy and worried.


    It was happy that it was alive, but it was worried that there would be more dangerous things in the future¡­


    However, it didn¡¯t dare to show it. It could only carefully put on a happy expression. After that, it cautiously emitted another fluctuation of emotions.


    ¡°Master¡­ promise¡­ Crimson Goddess¡¯¡­flesh?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s smile froze.


    Little Shadow shuddered.


    While Xu Qing and the captain were rushing toward the human race¡¯s territory, the news of Xu Qing becoming a Grand Mystic Heaven spread through the entire Wanggu at an even faster speed.


    The current Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race was incomparably eye-catching because the three gods had advanced to flawlessness. After all, this concerned the changes in the future of Wanggu.


    Hence, every move of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race was naturally paid attention.


    At this moment, the Grand Mystic Heaven that was chosen would naturally be paid attention to.


    Moreover, this time¡¯s Grand Mystic Heaven was actually a human. Regardless of whether this was a coincidence or not, it caused people to fall into deep thought.


    The most important thing was that in the eyes of the various experts, they could instantly tell that this human was actually someone who coveted the flesh and blood of the fragmented- face. This caused an incomparably great commotion.


    In an instant, the powerful races from all over the Wanggu began to collect information about Xu Qing and Chen Erniu. Their names were also deeply remembered by countless experts.


    It was the same for the mortal race.


    Before Xu Qing and Erniu returned, their deeds had spread like a storm in the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region. All the heavenly kings, heavenly marquises, and ministers were extremely shocked.


    The princes were even more shaken.


    ¡°Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡­ Grand Mystic Heaven!¡±


    ¡°The first human Grand Mystic Heaven in the history of the Flame Moon!¡±


    ¡°This¡­ this is too unbelievable!¡±


    ¡°In the battle between Xu Qing and the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of Flame Moon, if it wasn¡¯t for the magistrate, the number one heaven¡¯s chosen would definitely have been killed!¡±


    ¡°Lord Xu made a request to Flame Moon to retreat and the Black Heaven Race will belong to the human race!¡±


    ¡°Peerless contribution!!¡±


    Most of them knew Xu Qing and were unfamiliar with Erniu. From the news, it was obvious that the person named Erniu wasn¡¯t the main character. Hence, most of their attention was on Xu Qing.


    Shock and disbelief rose rapidly in the mortal race¡¯s territory.


    It was the same in the Imperial Academy.


    The Variant Immortal School had risen to prominence to begin with. Now, with Xu Qing¡¯s huge reputation, they also enjoyed further benefits. They rose to a new peak, and all the students of the Variant Immortal School were excited.


    The ones who were even more excited than them were the Sword Holders from Fenghai County who had followed Xu Qing to the Imperial City.


    The glow formed by Xu Qing¡¯s glory illuminated the surroundings and also shone resplendently on their bodies, causing the oppression they had felt during the days Xu Qing was missing to be swept away.


    That feeling of glory was extremely intense for every cultivator of Fenghai County.


    This was especially so for Ning Yan who was beside himself in excitement. He knew too well what Xu Qing¡¯s contribution meant to him.


    Currently, among the 12 incense sticks outside the palace, although his incense stick wasn¡¯t the one that burned the fastest, it was still at the bottom. Fortunately, because of the war, the crown prince was to be chosen after the war.


    Hence, at that moment, he was extremely looking forward to Xu Qing¡¯s return.


    As for Kong Xianglong, after he found out about Xu Qing¡¯s deeds, he laughed loudly. He was happy for Xu Qing and also for Fenghai County.


    He knew that he couldn¡¯t catch up to Xu Qing but he had his own path.


    During the days when Xu Qing left, the Sword Holding Palace Master of Fenghai County, Li Yunshan, who had come to the Imperial City with him, did his best to cultivate him. Clearly, all the old people in Fenghai County hoped that the descendant of the old Palace Master would take over the position of the Sword Holding Palace Master.


    Although Wu Jianwu was also excited, he still felt a little envious. Nevertheless, to appear similar to others, he specially composed a poem.


    ¡®In the beginning, a verdant life did unfold,


    Throughout the ages, who was favored,


    Mystic Heaven should possess included me in its fold,


    Alas! Stolen away by treacherous thieves.¡±


    This poem gained some popularity.


    Among everyone in Fenghai County, there was an extremely special woman to Xu Qing. She was sitting in a pavilion with a jade slip in her slender jade-like hand as she chuckled.


    The woman exuded an air of nobility, her features delicate like fine porcelain. Her skin was flawlessly fair, her eyebrows reminiscent of distant mountains, her eyes like autumn waters. With a high-bridged nose and rosy lips, her teeth gleamed white.


    Her figure was graceful like a willow swaying in the wind. Her every move was filled with gentleness and elegance.


    ¡°Kid, you¡¯ve grown up.¡±


    The woman blinked her beautiful eyes and lifted a piece of green cloud cake in front of her.


    At that moment, Xu Qing and the captain had already departed the borders of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race and stepped into Liaoxuan County.


    A strong smell of blood, accompanied by anomalous substances, permeated the world of this county.

 Chapter 1325 - 1325 The Paranoid Fellow Daoist Feng and the Two Crazies (1)

    1325 The Paranoid Fellow Daoist Feng and the Two Crazies (1)


    ¡°Something¡¯s not right.¡±


    In the sky above Liaoxuan County, the moment Xu Qing¡¯s great wing stepped in the range of the county, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    Beside him, the expression of the originally sloppy Erniu changed as he muttered.


    ¡°The stench of blood is so dense. Only the deaths of a million or more living beings can accumulate such stench.¡±


    ¡°A million?¡± Xu Qing vigilantly scanned his surroundings before looking into the distance.


    Back when going to Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, they didn¡¯t take this route. The reason they chose this route while returning was caution, so they only decided on it a few days ago


    For this reason, Xu Qing and the captain each compiled information about this place.


    They had some understanding of this county and knew that at the edges of this county, there were some native races scattered around.


    Because these races lived in the buffer zone between the two races, they were usually very careful, and gave offerings to the human race and the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    However, the bloody aura now made them solemn.


    ¡°I wonder if it was the ferocious beasts or those races here that formed such a bloody scene.¡±


    Xu Qing pondered silently, exchanging a glance of solemnity with the captain, both discerning the gravity in each other¡¯s eyes.


    Regardless of whether it was the ferocious beasts or the races that formed this bloody aura, it meant that a drastic change had occurred in Liaoxuan County and it had become unsafe.


    ¡°Could it be that some god or old fellow is planning to rob us here?¡±


    The captain was vigilant.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, it¡¯s impossible for us to smell such dense blood here. This way of alerting the enemy doesn¡¯t seem like the method of a god.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke in a low voice.


    If it were indeed an ambush, there must be some concealment, or perhaps some restriction would have erupted at this moment.


    But now, other than the stench of blood, everything was normal.


    The captain nodded.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like those old fellows¡¯ ways either, this is too crude.¡±


    The two of them discussed and the captain felt that they could continue to move forward. However, after careful consideration, Xu Qing decided to move around this county.


    At this point, changing their route meant taking a detour which consumed more time and likely increased the level of danger as time passed.ger level would probably increase drastically as time passed.


    Moreover, this place wasn¡¯t far from the human race¡¯s territory. With their speed, they would arrive in seven days at most.


    However, since he had discovered that something was amiss, with Xu Qing¡¯s personality, he naturally wouldn¡¯t enter headfirst.


    After considering their options, they swiftly retreated from Liaoxuan County. Then, from another direction outside the county, they prepared to cautiously proceed, planning to spend two to three times the usual time to make a small detour.


    While Xu Qing and the captain chose to leave, in an area not far from their location, there stood a nonhuman race¡¯s city.


    This city belonged to a small tribe and currently, it was in a sealed state, filled with corpses and blood.


    In the air, the expressions of several experts of this race were filled with horror, anxiety, and despair.


    What they fought against were clouds of insects that were formed by black centipedes the size of an arm with ghost face totems on their backs.


    Their sounds gathered together to form an extremely shrill and sharp sound.


    Their number was no less than hundreds of thousands.


    Under their siege, those Nihility elders of this race couldn¡¯t hold on for long at all. Soon, one of them, whose cultivation had depleted, was swarmed by a group of venomous insects that burrowed into his body, resulting in a tragic demise.


    Above them, two figures stood in the sky.


    The man and woman were none other than the youth surnamed Feng and the woman named Lan Yao.


    ¡°These Ghost Spirit Black Centipedes that Fellow Daoist Feng reared are quite profound. From the looks of it, it won¡¯t be long before they can evolve into Heaven Centipedes.¡±


    Lan Yao calmly spoke.


    Feng smiled.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Lan, you are overpraising. It¡¯s impossible for these dark centipedes to evolve without a few hundred years. Even if they¡­ Hmm?¡±


    Feng¡¯s countenance suddenly changed and he looked into the distance.


    A dark glint flashed in Lan Yao¡¯s eyes as she spoke softly.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Feng, did you discover anything?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I believe Fellow Daoist Lan has also sensed it, right? Previously, out of caution, I scattered some void eyes that I brought from the holy land. This eye is a secret treasure in my race. Although its other effects are ordinary, it¡¯s extremely good in concealment. Its source is a void beast that belongs to ancient times. It¡¯s not within the rules of this world, so it can¡¯t be detected by the natives here.¡±


    ¡°Just now, two native low-level cultivators appeared in the range of the void eye.¡±


    Feng narrowed his eyes and slowly spoke.


    ¡°However, these two are quite cautious. They didn¡¯t enter further but chose to leave. Since that¡¯s the case, I can¡¯t be bothered to divert my focus to stop them. I should prioritize the preparations for the significant event now. Consider them lucky.¡±


    Lan Yao smiled slightly.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Feng¡¯s actions are indeed cautious. It seems the words that incited Yue Dong to leave earlier were not spoken because you were taking the situation here lightly.¡±


    Feng didn¡¯t comment. Lan Yao¡¯s eyes flickered and she didn¡¯t ask anymore.


    As for Xu Qing and Erniu, they had already left Liaoxuan County. For the rest of the journey, the old hag great wing moved in a blurred state under the effect of Xu Qing¡¯s spell. He fully activated its concealment power and its speed was also a little faster than before.


    It silently sped through the sky.


    As expected, the smell of blood was gone. However, the two of them were still vigilant. Just like that, a few days passed and the journey was peaceful. There were only three days left until they reached the human race¡¯s territory.

 Chapter 1326 - 1326 The Paranoid Fellow Daoist Feng and the Two Crazies (2)

    1326 The Paranoid Fellow Daoist Feng and the Two Crazies (2)


    Right at this moment, red fog churned in the distant horizon and the bloody aura was reflected in their perceptions again.


    Moreover, it had clearly been formed not long ago and was spreading at this moment.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression instantly darkened. The captain¡¯s eyes also flickered with ferocity.


    The two of them circulated their cultivation bases in their eyes, looking at the blood mist.


    The blue light in the captain¡¯s eyes spread out, while Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were pitch-black and restrained. Both of their gazes contained the power to penetrate and break through the fog¡¯s obstruction to see the scene of purgatory in the fog.


    ¡°That is¡­¡± The captain paused and his voice was filled with surprise.


    Xu Qing also frowned.


    Under their gazes, they saw the source of the fog.


    It was a small race¡¯s city.


    This city was surrounded by blood mist and was completely silent. There was no sign of life at all. What was left were 99 bone towers that were piled up by countless corpses.


    Every tower had nearly ten thousand corpses.


    This small race was actually slaughtered and piled up into towers. Moreover, the third eye on the forehead of every clansman was dug out.


    The thick stench of blood came from this small race which had a third eye on their foreheads.


    Such dense blood formed this blood fog.


    ¡°Blood Sacrifice!¡±


    The captain mumbled.


    ¡°The souls of this race¡¯s members have all been extracted. This blood sacrifice method isn¡¯t like a sacrificial ritual to gods, but more like refining some astonishingly powerful treasure.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept across the city as he spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°From the looks of it, the blood fog in Liaoxuan County also formed like this.¡±


    The captain nodded. After carefully sizing up the blood fog, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°However, the blood fog wasn¡¯t taken away. Clearly, the person who did this hasn¡¯t completed the refinement¡­¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t have anything to do with us. We should continue forward at full speed and return to the human race first. There¡¯s no need for us to participate in the matters here.¡±


    The captain looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing naturally didn¡¯t have overwhelming sympathy for the nonhuman races. When he heard this, he nodded and put away the great wing. They then circulated their cultivation bases and sped forward.


    At the same time, in an area not far from here, Feng and Lan Yao, who were refining the lives of a native race, stepped into the void.


    ¡°All the blood sacrifices have been completed and the requirements have been met. This way, there will be no more obstacles to entering that place.¡±


    Feng looked at the blood banner in his hand. At this moment, a rare hint of excitement appeared in his gloomy eyes.


    ¡°Twenty million souls, including mortals and cultivators, drawn into a sea of blood and corpses. Such methods, if used in the holy land, would be a grave taboo, inviting soul annihilation. But Fellow Daoist Feng, in pursuit of that object, seems to have thrown caution to the wind.¡±


    Lan Yao calmly spoke.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Lan, you don¡¯t have to mock me. I¡¯m not doing this only for myself. After obtaining that item, won¡¯t your benefits be equally great?


    ¡°Moreover, in the holy land, I naturally wouldn¡¯t dare to do this. However, it¡¯s different here. Also, Fellow Daoist Lan, don¡¯t forget the agreement between us after we succeed. Don¡¯t go back on your word and not abide by it. Otherwise¡­¡±


    Feng narrowed his eyes and looked at Lan Yao.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Feng is too suspicious. If everything is really as you said, I won¡¯t go back on our agreement.¡±


    Lan Yao smiled slightly.


    Feng nodded. Just as he was about to say something, his expression suddenly darkened. He raised his head and looked into the distance as a cold glint flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°Again?¡±


    ¡°A few days ago, when they first appeared, I thought they were just passing through, so it was normal for them to choose to leave. But now, they¡¯ve changed their route and reappeared.¡±


    ¡°Although it¡¯s possible that they are really passing by, it¡¯s also possible that these two¡­ have ulterior motives!¡±


    ¡°Also, they sensed the blood sacrifice. It¡¯s hard to guarantee that they won¡¯t spread this matter after they leave.¡±


    Feng frowned. He had a suspicious personality to begin with and the plan was too important. Seeing someone appearing again and again, all kinds of thoughts couldn¡¯t help but arise in his mind.


    Finally, the suspicions turned into killing intent.


    ¡®To ensure that nothing goes wrong, I will just kill these two Nihility!¡¯


    At the thought of this, Feng headed straight for the distance. Lan Yao¡¯s gaze flickered slightly as she chose to follow behind.


    In an instant, the two of them disappeared without a trace.


    A day later, in an area that was still two days away from the human race¡¯s borders, the sky suddenly darkened in front of Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s speeding figures. Bolts of lightning rumbled down and a shocking storm appeared out of thin air.


    A cold snort also followed the storm.


    ¡°The two of you, stay!¡±


    With the appearance of the sound, a huge hand of wind and lightning stretched out from the storm and grabbed at Xu Qing and Erniu.


    This hand blotted out half of the sky. It was majestic and filled with destructive power. Wherever it passed, lightning flashed wildly.


    Xu Qing and the captain paused. Their expressions changed drastically and they retreated, but it was too late.


    That large hand landed and directly enveloped Xu Qing and Erniu. After grabbing them, it ruthlessly squeezed.


    With a boom, Xu Qing and the captain instantly collapsed.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Almost at the instant they collapsed, a surprised voice rang out from the storm. After that, two people walked out. They were none other than Feng and Lan Yao.


    Looking at the minced flesh revealed in the large hand of wind and lightning, Feng looked gloomy.


    ¡°These are flesh puppets, and not their true bodies.¡±


    ¡°However, do you really think you can escape with such a small trick?¡±


    Feng let out a cold snort and performed a one-handed seal. He turned blurry and he appeared in the distance as he continued to pursue.


    At the same time, within the range of half a day¡¯s journey from here, Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s expressions changed.


    ¡°My two flesh puppets have been destroyed. This means they have hostility toward us. We¡¯re still two days away from the human race. We might not make it in time.¡±


    A cold glint appeared in the captain¡¯s eyes.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. His gaze swept across the ground and landed on a short mountain. With a sway, he descended and stood at the top of the mountain. With a wave of his hand, countless soul threads spread out and fused into the surroundings.


    There were also restrictions that spread out and hid in the surroundings.


    After that, the Grand Mystic Heaven armor appeared on his body. At the same time, he flipped his hand and a blood-red dagger appeared in his hand.


    This dagger was carved with mysterious patterns that formed a sinister face. At that moment, it appeared and bit Xu Qing¡¯s palm.


    Xu Qing calmly let the sinister face swallow a mouthful of his blood. After swallowing the blood, that sinister face revealed madness and hid in the dagger. With another squeeze, the dagger fused into his palm and disappeared.


    Only the sound of breathing could be heard from Xu Qing¡¯s palm.


    This voice was heavy and filled with desire. It was extremely bizarre.


    It was the Spirit Devouring Blade that Xu Qing had been rewarded with after he obtained the identity of Grand Mystic Heaven.


    After doing this, Xu Qing raised his head with killing intent in his eyes.


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, let¡¯s fight.¡±


    The captain laughed sinisterly and landed beside Xu Qing. His entire body emitted a resplendent blue light that spread out abruptly.


    After covering a radius of 50 kilometers, it flashed and disappeared.


    After that, overlapping bizarre faces emerged in his eyes. Moreover, for the first time, they left his gaze and appeared outside, forming over a hundred illusory faces that moved around the surroundings in a concealed state.


    After that, he punched his chest. Immediately, a deep roar that shook one¡¯s mind rang out from his back. A sarcoma grew there until a blue bony grasp broke it open from inside.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed when he saw this hand. He could sense the danger it emitted.


    This grasp swayed in the air and concealed itself.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. The captain gritted his teeth and pressed down on the back of his neck. With a pull, he actually extracted his spine.


    His body went limp, but soon regained support, and his grin became even more grim.


    ¡°Junior Brother, there¡¯s something I didn¡¯t say earlier.¡±


    ¡°I smell treasures.¡±


    ¡°It smells delicious.¡±


    As the captain spoke, he licked his lips and madness flashed in his eyes.


    When Xu Qing heard this, his heart stirred. After some thought, he performed a series of grasp seals. Immediately, the shadow under him became blurry and spread out. At the same time, seven lanterns emerged behind him and instantly fused into his body.


    He then closed his eyes.


    Two hours later, Xu Qing opened his eyes. The madness in the captain¡¯s gaze intensified. The two of them raised their heads at the same time and gazed at the sky.


    In the sky, blood clouds emerged and churned in all directions. As lightning flashed and thunder rumbled, a man and a woman walked out.

 Chapter 1327 - 1327 Qing and Niu Steps on Feng (1)

    1327 Qing and Niu Steps on Feng (1)


    The blood fog churned and stretched for no less than 500 kilometers in the sky. Lightning flashed faintly inside, dancing like red snakes.


    There was also rumbling thunder that was like the roar of the Heavenly Dao, shaking the world.


    Under this blood fog, the ground was also affected. The surrounding mountain rocks were shaking and were pulled into the air.


    It was as though there was some world-shocking evil in the clouds that was using indescribable attraction to control all living beings.


    Even the short mountain where Xu Qing and Erniu were at quaked under the influence of the blood fog.


    At that moment, the man and woman who walked out of the blood fog were like the lords of heaven and earth. Their auras were overwhelming and abnormally terrifying.


    The man was like a mountain, tall and robust, exuding a strong sense of oppression. His face revealed determination and indifference, with his deep eyes shining with a cold and cruel light.


    The woman was exquisitely beautiful like a fairy, her long hair flowing in the breeze of blood, her waist slender like a willow branch, highlighting her captivating figure. A single glance at her was enough to make one¡¯s heart beat faster uncontrollably.


    These two weren¡¯t humans. Although they were extraordinarily handsome and beautiful, they both had wings on their backs and three eyes.


    They were dressed exactly the same, in black robes embroidered with golden threads. The golden threads shimmered within, radiating outward. As they moved, the surrounding space tore apart, leaving behind faint cracks that were truly alarming to behold!


    They were Feng and Lan Yao.


    After the two of them appeared, Lan Yao smiled spuriously and glanced at Xu Qing and Erniu below.


    However, when her gaze swept over, it landed on Xu Qing a few more times.


    As for Feng, he looked down from above and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Are you insects not running away?¡±


    Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s expressions were gloomy but there were no waves in their hearts. Instead, they were filled with intense battle intent.


    Since the other party refused to let them go, even though they had never met and there was no hatred between them¡­ since the killing intent was present, they had to counterattack!p


    The two of them had no doubts about this scene. After all, this was a cruel era, a world where fights weren¡¯t limited to hatred and contradictions.


    The other party had performed a blood sacrifice in this region and they had barged in. This was clearly the reason why the other party wanted to kill.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say a word. His personality was like this and he wouldn¡¯t engage in a battle of words. All his actions were focused on killing.


    At that moment, his gaze swept past the two nonhumans in the air. While he was analyzing their race, he was also sizing them up and searching for weaknesses in their bodies. What he looked at the most was their necks.


    However, how could the captain lose the edge in a battle of words? Hence, he sneered.


    ¡°Do you really think you¡¯re a birdman just because you have two chicken wings? Three-eyed little chicken, speak to Grandpa properly!¡±


    As soon as the captain spoke, Lan Yao frowned and her gaze turned even colder, while Feng¡¯s expression darkened. He suddenly glanced at the surroundings of Xu Qing and Erniu.


    ¡°So you set up some traps here and some crude restrictions. No wonder you dared to stay here and even used words to provoke me.¡±


    Feng calmly spoke.


    ¡°However, even if mere Nihility has some tricks up their sleeves, they are still frogs at the bottom of a well. You don¡¯t know the immensity of heaven and earth.¡±


    As Feng spoke, he walked toward Xu Qing and Erniu.


    With this step, the blood fog in the sky rumbled and sank. As for the ground, it quaked even more intensely. The floating rocks shattered in unison and a terrifying pressure surged over.


    In an instant, the surroundings seemed to be imprisoned. All the laws and rules here seemed to have gained a will.


    That was the will of Feng.


    When it landed on Xu Qing and the captain, their expressions changed. They circulated their cultivation bases and put on an appearance of resisting with all their might.


    Feng had an indifferent expression but his footsteps didn¡¯t stop. After he took the second step, the sky cracked as though it was about to shatter and the ground churned.


    The short mountain Xu Qing and Erniu were on couldn¡¯t withstand the pressure and directly collapsed.


    When the rubble rose into the air, Feng raised his right hand and pressed down.


    Immediately, a huge pressure gathered from the surroundings, squeezing everything. It swept over violently with the momentum of a violent wind sweeping away fallen leaves, wanting to destroy everything.


    Those collapsed boulders immediately turned into dust. Even the void felt like it was overlapping. This area was like a piece of fabric that was piled up and filled with folds, drowning Xu Qing and Erniu.


    A rumbling sound rang out. Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s figures had already shattered into pieces, and their flesh and blood scattered in all directions.


    Feng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. It was as though slaying two Nihility cultivators in one strike was something that was natural.


    Just as he was about to leave, his expression suddenly changed at the next instant. His look landed on the place where he had attacked earlier.


    The instant he looked over, countless runes suddenly flashed in the void around him. There were hundreds of thousands of these runes.


    They didn¡¯t appear out of thin air but from the dust formed by the shattered mountain rocks.


    They instantly enveloped him.


    They were the limitations Xu Qing had set up earlier.


    After it appeared, the hundreds of thousands of restriction runes flickered three times and suddenly erupted.


    With deafening sounds, the power of limitations suddenly formed a huge storm that directly swallowed Feng.


    However, Feng still looked indifferent. The black robe on his body emitted golden energy waves. When they spread out, they actually blocked all the power of the restrictions.


    A hint of derision emerged in his eyes and he was about to raise his hand.


    However, at the next instant, a situation that caused his expression to change appeared. A hundred or so bizarre visages emerged in the limitations that had transformed into a storm.

 Chapter 1328 - Chapter 1328: Qing and Niu Steps on Feng (2)

    Chapter 1328: Qing and Niu Steps on Feng (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    These faces were sinister and all of them revealed greed in their eyes. The corners of their mouths split open to reveal sinister smiles as well as a large number of sharp teeth.


    Each of them emitted a terrifying aura.


    They had hidden in the restrictions. Now that the restrictions were activated, they opened their mouths in unison and roared as they headed straight for Feng.


    Their speed was extremely fast and violent, leaving behind blue trails of light.


    That blue light actually allowed them to directly penetrate the energy waves emitted by Feng¡¯s robe.


    They instantly closed in on him and bit at him crazily.


    ¡°What the hell is this!¡±


    Feng¡¯s heart shook and he immediately performed a series of hand seals with both hands. His Soul Accumulation cultivation erupted explosively and mercury-like substances rapidly appeared all over his body, trying to cover those faces and suffocate them to death.


    However, right at this moment, Xu Qing instantly appeared in the air outside the storm.


    The moment he appeared, there were already seven lanterns flickering in his body.


    it was the Seven Lanterns Underworld Fire Curse that targeted souls.


    The instant they shone, they were extinguished at the same time.


    The curse instantly activated and landed on Feng.


    Feng was first obstructed by the restriction storm and then entangled by the cap tain¡¯s bizarre faces. Although his strength was terrifying and he was destroying the faces, Xu Qing¡¯s timing was precise and his cooperation with the captain was perfect.


    At that moment, under the eruption of the Underworld Fire Curse, Feng¡¯s expression changed drastically. A destructive power pierced through his body and soul like a sharp spike.


    The moment the intense pain appeared, the feeling of withering also rose.


    Even the suppression on the bizarre faces outside his body couldn¡¯t help but slow down.


    The captain s bizarre faces also seized the opportunity. Their eyes revealed madness as they instantly self-destructed.


    Rumbling sounds continued to ring out.


    The attacks at his body and soul caused Feng to be in a sorry state. However, he came from a holy land and had many methods. Such a fatal strike to others was not enough to kill him.


    But how could Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s killing moves just amount to this?


    At the next instant, Xu Qing got close. As his entire body shone, a terrifying might rose from his body. His right hand clenched into a fist and punched out.


    This punch shattered the void, pierced through the world, and molded the undying body. It carried the intent of indestructibility. It was extraordinarily domineering and extraordinary.


    It was Flame Mystic¡¯s Indestructible Emperor¡¯s Fist!


    If Flame Mystic was here and saw this scene, he would definitely be horrified.


    Back then, during the battle with Flame Mystic, Xu Qing had paid a lot of attention to this divine art. He simulated it silently during the battle and had been comprehending it on the way. At this moment, he finally displayed it with all its majestic aura.


    Under the punch, Feng¡¯s expression changed again. However, Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s killing moves still continued.


    Xu Qing had learned madness from the captain, and the captain naturally learned something from Xu Qing.


    What he had learned from Xu Qing was to stay quiet if he didn¡¯t make a move, but if he made a move, he had to go all out and kill in one go.


    Hence, the instant Xu Qing¡¯s Indestructible Emperor¡¯s Fist blasted out, a blue skeletal hand broke through the void and appeared behind Feng, grabbing fiercely at his heart.


    This blue bony hand was extremely sinister, as though it was an item from another world. Now that it had broken through the void, countless shrill cries rang out from it, shaking the mind and affecting emotions.


    Lt made people instinctively feel a sense of fear and terror that couldn¡¯t be stopped. Both the body and soul trembled.


    The intent of decay also erupted, as though this skeletal hand was an item of the death god, bringing inevitable misfortune with their touch.


    Ln the blink of an eye, this blue skeletal hand penetrated everything and unleashed the power of extermination and soul damage together with Xu Qing.


    All of this sounded slow but in reality, it happened in an instant. To Feng, victory was in his grasp a moment ago but in the next instant, he was in a life-and-death crisis.


    The change was so great that it caused his breathing to become hurried. This was especially so for the skeletal hand on his back, causing his hair to stand on end.


    However, his combat experience was also incomparably rich. Moreover, to be able to join the holy land¡¯s plan this time, he was naturally an extraordinary talent in the holy land.


    Hence, in this critical moment, he opened his mouth decisively and spat out something.


    This item was originally only an inch in size, but it grew rapidly to ten feet.


    Lt was a black shield!


    Simple and heavy, without any runic marks or decorative engravings, it looked quite ordinary.


    But it exuded an ancient and profound aura, as if soaked in the river of time for endless ages. In a flash, it seemed to form multiple facets, guarding all directions.


    It directly resisted Xu Qing¡¯s Indestructible Emperor¡¯s Fist, the captain¡¯s blue skeletal hand, the storm in the surroundings, the self-destruction of the faces, and the eruption of the Underworld Fire Curse.


    A deafening rumbling sound rang out. As the world changed color, a violent force erupted outwards.


    Xu Qing and the captain also shook and were forced back, stopping only when they were hundreds of feet away.


    At the same time, a piercing red light flashed where Feng was. A blood-red figure rushed out from there and quickly fled 1000 feet away.


    When he escaped, countless red lights spread out in all directions, blocking all pursuit.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was cold. The captain¡¯s eyes were filled with madness as he stared fixedly at Feng who was revealed after the blood light stopped 1,000 feet away.


    At the last moment, not only did Feng use that extraordinary shield, but he also used a secret art. Only then did he force Xu Qing and Erniu back and escape.


    However, he had paid a considerable price for this..

 Chapter 1329 - Chapter 1329 Qing and Niu Steps on Feng (3)

    Chapter 1329 Qing and Niu Steps on Feng (3)


    He had returned to where his companion was. However, he wasn¡¯t very close. Instead, he was hundreds of feet away. His internals rumbled and he spat out a mouthful of blood.


    His face was pale and his expression was gloomy, looking like his vital qi had been damaged.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Feng, why can¡¯t you even suppress two Nihility cultivators?¡±


    Lan Yao, who was hundreds of feet away, hadn¡¯t made a move. At this moment, her eyes flickered slightly. Although she was shocked, she suppressed it and slowly spoke.


    ¡°Hmph, Fellow Daoist Lan, why are you asking when you already know the answer? You also saw the attacks of these two brats. They aren¡¯t ordinary people and are especially good at joint attacks.¡±


    ¡°And your words, it¡¯s nothing more than trying to provoke me, wanting to see what trump cards I have. There¡¯s no need to use such tricks.¡±


    Feng replied gloomily.


    Lan Yao chuckled.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Feng, you¡¯re being paranoid again. I was just saying casually. Our cooperation isn¡¯t over yet. Why would I do such a thing?¡±


    Feng snorted coldly and didn¡¯t respond.


    He wasn¡¯t surprised that Lan Yao didn¡¯t help him previously.


    Their relationship was only cooperation.


    However, now that he was in such a sorry state, the other party was still taunting him, trying to provoke him further, so he became less polite with his words.


    But for Xu Qing and Erniu, he now took them more seriously.


    As a cultivator of the holy land and a Soul Accumulation cultivator, although his cultivation had been sealed after descending here and he could only display the power of two worlds, in his eyes, even if Nihility cultivators had some trump cards, he could still destroy them with a raise of his hand.


    But now, it was different.


    The person who had similar thoughts earlier was naturally his companion. Hence, the woman named Lan Yao only watched and didn¡¯t attack together.


    Clearly, at that time, she also thought that at this level, it would be easy for Feng to suppress them.


    It was no wonder the two of them were like this. If they were facing Wanggu¡¯s Soul Accumulation experts, the two of them wouldn¡¯t underestimate them too much. However, Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s cultivation levels looked like they were at the first stage of the Nihility no matter how they looked at it.


    In this case, while they weren¡¯t being careless, they wouldn¡¯t consider them a serious threat either.


    However, what happened in front of them caused intense waves in their hearts.


    ¡°These two people are definitely not simple people in Wanggu¡­ Even in the holy land, they will be considered heaven¡¯s chosen. Doesn¡¯t Fellow Daoist Lan like to kill heaven¡¯s chosens? Why don¡¯t we attack together?¡±


    Feng¡¯s gaze flickered. He looked at Xu Qing and Erniu before transmitting his voice to Lan Yao.


    ¡°They¡¯re humans. It¡¯s naturally not strange for the human race to have such heaven¡¯s chosens.¡±


    Lan Yao smiled.


    ¡°As for attacking together, Fellow Daoist Feng was the one who took the initiative to attack these two. It has nothing to do with me. However, on account of our cooperation, I can help you when the time is right.¡±


    Feng¡¯s eyes flashed as he looked at Xu Qing and Erniu again. He suddenly waved his right hand; immediately, a buzzing sound rang out beside him and black clouds appeared.


    These black clouds were formed by black centipedes the size of an arm with ghost face totems on their backs.


    Numerous incomparably savage sounds gathered together. They were extremely sharp and even sounded ear-piercing.


    Their number was no less than hundreds of thousands.


    After they appeared, with a wave of the youth¡¯s hand, they formed a large group and headed toward Xu Qing and the captain.


    Their shadows covered a large area of the land, giving off a sense of oppression.


    Their momentum was astonishing and terrifying.


    However, the moment they rushed over, the captain suddenly raised his hand. Immediately, the blue light in the surroundings that he had hidden shone from all directions and rose into the air.


    Wherever it passed, the power of ice would erupt, freezing the world and sealing all things.


    Those ghost centipedes at the forefront were the first to bear the brunt and their speed instantly decreased. However, not only did their ferocity not decrease, but it increased instead. They hissed and spewed out flames that swept in all directions.


    Although the power of ice was strong, it was limited in quantity. Meanwhile, the number of ghost centipedes was overwhelming, turning the surroundings into a sea of fire as they spewed out flames.


    However, the instant they collided, an endless shadow spread out on the ground. Its target¡­ was the shadows of the insect cloud formed by those centipedes!


    The possession technique erupted.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing and the captain rushed out from the left and right, heading straight for Feng.


    Feng clearly treated Xu Qing and Erniu as cultivators of the same cultivation realm after suffering the loss earlier.


    Hence, as he activated these ghost centipedes, the cultivation base in his body erupted.


    Two lumps of black flames rose from his shoulders!


    Each of them had a great world flickering inside, emitting a terrifying aura that filled the surroundings.


    What was even more astonishing was that there were three lumps of black flames on his arms and head.


    However, these three lumps of fire were dim, as though they were covered by a layer of fog or sealed.


    It was the same for the great worlds inside.


    ¡°Five Worlds Soul Accumulation!¡± Xu Qing took a deep breath.


    ¡°Why are the three worlds sealed?¡± The captain¡¯s heart also trembled. However, doubts quickly rose. He exchanged glances with Xu Qing and didn¡¯t slow down.


    As they rushed over, the two of them used their respective divine arts.


    The captain¡¯s entire body emitted an unprecedented brilliance that illuminated the sky. One could vaguely see that it was like a great world.


    As for Xu Qing, 40 million soul threads appeared and quickly formed the great world he had manifested when he fought with Flame Mystic.


    This world was majestic and there were 100 illusory divine pillars supporting the sky. The power of three divine authorities was extraordinary and the might of the world was completely displayed. Together with the captain, he attacked Feng.

 Chapter 1330 - 1330 Qing and Niu Steps on Feng (4)

    1330 Qing and Niu Steps on Feng (4)


    Seeing this, Lan Yao¡¯s expression in the distance was even more solemn than before.


    Feng was the same. His pupils contracted but the killing intent in his eyes intensified.


    ¡°As expected of heaven¡¯s chosens, they can actually display the Soul Accumulation¡¯s world while in Nihility!¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll let you see the outcome of offending the powerful!¡±


    As he spoke, the two great worlds on Feng¡¯s shoulders rumbled and manifested outside, suppressing Xu Qing and the captain.


    At the same time, he took a deep breath and silver light appeared in his mouth. It rapidly spread to his face and covered his entire body in the next instant, turning him into a silver man.


    After that, the silver light soared like a sharp blade and shot in all directions. A terrifying pressure spread out from his body.


    As the silver light touched the great world formed by Xu Qing¡¯s soul threads, the great world actually shook and showed signs of separation.


    It was the same for the blue light world created by the captain.


    The might of this light could be seen from this.


    ¡°Light of the holy land, Junior Brother, let¡¯s retreat quickly!¡±


    The captain¡¯s eyes suddenly narrowed as he cried out involuntarily and quickly retreated.


    When Xu Qing heard these words, his expression changed. Although he didn¡¯t know what this was, the weight of the term ¡®holy land¡¯ was naturally huge. However, he still felt that something was wrong with the captain¡¯s words.


    According to his understanding of the captain, he wouldn¡¯t have said such words.


    After all, they still had many trump cards, and they even had the emperor¡¯s corpse!


    ¡®Eldest Senior Brother should have a plan¡­¡¯ Xu Qing fell into deep thought. However, on the surface, he pretended to be shocked and also fled hurriedly.


    ¡°He actually knows about the light of the holy land. Interesting.¡±


    Feng, who had transformed into a silver man, sneered. His body instantly disappeared and reappeared in front of Erniu, slapping out.


    The blue light outside Erniu¡¯s body directly collapsed. His body seemed to have been erased and disappeared.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Feng¡¯s gaze flashed and he disappeared again. However, when he appeared this time, he was in front of Xu Qing, who was rapidly retreating. He struck out with his palm again.


    A terrifying pressure descended on Xu Qing¡¯s body and the great world of soul threads in front of him collapsed. That palm pierced everything and landed on his chest.


    With a boom, Xu Qing¡¯s body was sent flying thousands of feet away.


    His face was pale but he didn¡¯t suffer any apparent injuries. The Grand Mystic Heaven Armor on his body was shimmering, complemented by the Jiuli heads moving around him, as well as the presence of the ancestral magus body.


    Added to this was the physical enhancement brought by simulating Flame Mystic¡¯s Indestructible Emperor¡¯s Fist, all of which bolstered his physical defense to a terrifying level.


    This time, Feng was truly shocked.


    ¡°Such defense¡­ Let¡¯s see if the laws can hurt you!¡±


    Feng let out a cold snort and grabbed at the sky. Immediately, countless threads appeared out of thin air and densely packed around him, forming a large net.


    This net was formed by laws. In the next instant, under the silver light, they each turned silver and spread out in all directions.


    Wherever it passed, everything was cut.


    Xu Qing circulated all his cultivation and his defensive powers erupted to the extreme. He was instantly struck by the large net and a tearing sound rang out, but his body actually showed signs of blocking it.


    However, he was still sent flying.


    Not far away from Feng, as the large net covered everything, the captain who was hiding in the void was forced out.


    However, the moment he appeared, he instantly self-


    destructed, transforming into countless blue worms that surrounded the bony hand and headed straight for Feng at an astonishing speed.


    It seemed to erupt with everything as its speed and aura rose to a horrifying level, easily breaking through the silver light. After it got close to Feng, the bony hand grabbed fiercely and all the worms opened their mouths, spewing chilly air.


    Seeing that the light of his holy land had actually been broken, Feng was shaken. Although he had time to block the attack of the bony hand, he couldn¡¯t stop the cold air that covered everything.


    Endless cold air directly enveloped him, causing his figure to pause.


    Killing intent flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. At this moment, he lifted his right hand without hesitation and a blood-colored dagger appeared. A malevolent face materialized on the dagger and he used it to slash forward forcefully.


    There was a tearing sound.


    The net of laws was cut open by the dagger. At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s body appeared behind Feng in a flash. The dagger slashed fiercely at his neck!


    Feng¡¯s expression changed drastically. At this moment, Lan Yao, who was watching this battle, narrowed her eyes and suddenly raised her hand.


    Immediately, petals appeared around the place where Xu Qing and Erniu were fighting Feng.


    Lan Yao herself additionally took a step forward and was about to arrive.


    However, how could Xu Qing and the captain not be wary of Lan Yao? Almost at the instant Lan Yao made a move, a blue spine suddenly appeared in front of her and ruthlessly lashed out.


    At the identical time, the ghost centipedes in the distance which were spitting fire at the blue light suddenly stopped and changed directions, heading straight for Lan Yao.


    They had been controlled by Little Shadow!


    The blue light additionally soared into the sky at this moment, transforming into a barrier that enveloped Lan Yao!

 Chapter 1331 - Chapter 1331: Spirit of the True World

    Chapter 1331: Spirit of the True World


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    At that moment, the battle in the sky was divided into two by the ice barrier formed by the blue light!


    On the left side of the blue light, Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s trump cards were erupting.


    The captain, in the form of countless blue worms, exhaled chilling air that froze everything. With the enhancement from the blue bony hand, his power had become even more astonishing, breaking through the silver light with terrifying killing intent.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure was like an emissary of death, wielding the Spirit Devouring Blade, carrying the wind of destruction and the intent of death, cleaving through.


    On the right side of the blue light, Lan Yao was obstructed by the barrier. There were also tens of thousands of ghost centipedes controlled by the shadow which fearlessly charged toward her. Their black flames and poisonous mist blotted out the sky.


    And these weren¡¯t the greatest obstacles to Lan Yao.


    What really made this woman feel fear was the bizarre blue spine.


    When this spine moved in front of her, it was like a huge blue centipede. It was somewhat similar to those ghost centipedes and emitted a terrifying aura.


    From afar, it was as though it was the leader of this sea of insects, the king of the ghost centipedes.


    The aura within was something Lan Yao had never experienced before, and a strong sense of crisis welled up in her heart. For a moment, it was hard to tell whether she was truly trapped or unwilling to take the risk to save Feng.


    !!..


    At this instant, the worms formed by the captain had already frozen Feng. His bony hand smashed into the back of the youth like a hot knife through butter, shattering his flesh and blood. It then grabbed Feng¡¯s heart and squeezed it with all its might.


    That heart was about to explode.


    At the same time, the sharpness of Xu Qing¡¯s Spirit Devouring Blade also broke through the light of the holy land. When it touched the skin on the neck of Feng, it directly cut a deep wound, wanting to completely decapitate him.


    Lan Yao¡¯s gaze flashed. While resisting the blue spine, she quickly swept her gaze over.


    He should be using his trump card now¡­¡±


    At this critical moment, the instant death embraced him, Feng let out a heart-rending cry. His eyes revealed determination and his body rumbled as the five great worlds suddenly shone.


    The terrifying power of the Soul Accumulation erupted again and spread out, causing the bony hand that was grabbing his heart to stop for a moment. It was as though the heart that was about to shatter had suddenly turned into profound iron.


    As for Xu Qing¡¯s dagger, it also paused for a moment and it was difficult for him to continue cutting.


    Their expressions changed. Immediately after, five-colored light surged into the sky and a feather flew out from each of the five great worlds of Feng.


    The feathers flew out even from the sealed great worlds, as though they weren¡¯t restricted by the seal.


    And these five feathers, each of a different color, were about three feet long. Moreover, the instant they appeared, a sense of primordial chaos rose from them and they gave off the feeling of extreme power.


    They weren¡¯t much inferior to regional treasures.


    They also seemed to contain origin power, shocking flesh and blood, stirring the soul.


    ¡°Spirit of the True World!¡±


    The captain¡¯s pupils constricted and he decisively gave up on attacking. He quickly retreated and even gave Xu Qing a look.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart also trembled. He didn¡¯t hesitate at all and kept the Spirit Devouring Blade, retreating hundreds of feet.


    Almost at the instant the captain recognized the feathers and the two of them retreated, the feathers¡¯ aura soared into the sky and transformed into a five-colored storm that connected the sky and the ground.


    The color of the sky changed and was filled with five colors. The clouds rumbled and scattered in all directions. The terrifying might transformed into a terrifying feeling that rose violently.


    After that, these five supreme treasure feathers instantly fused together, forming a five-colored feather fan. Its might soared again, shaking the world.


    As Feng raised his hand and gripped it, his gaze turned icy, but his complexion took on an abnormal flush of red, evidently indicating that wielding such a treasure was more taxing for him than merely depleting his energy.


    However, right now, he couldn¡¯t care less about this. After he grabbed the five-colored feather fan, he fiercely fanned it toward Xu Qing and the captain.


    With the swing, a strong wind howled.


    This wind swept through everything like fallen leaves, causing void to collapse wherever it passed. In the area where Xu Qing and the captain were, blood sprayed out even more violently. The captain¡¯s body collapsed into flesh and blood, only to reform again, but at the moment of formation, it couldn¡¯t hold together and burst apart once more.


    After several consecutive attempts, the body he reformed gave a sense of fragmentation and disintegration.


    As for Xu Qing, he was a little better. His body was too powerful. Regardless of whether it was his divine body, the Grand Mystic Heaven Armor, or the enhancement brought by circulating the Indestructible Emperor¡¯s Fist, they made his body abnormally tough.


    Although he spat out a large mouthful of blood and was forced back, his body was intact.


    However, the light of the Grand Mystic Heaven Armor dimmed a little, and intense pain spread throughout his entire body.


    At the same time, the blue light barrier blocking Lan Yao, the blue spine, and the tens of thousands of ghost centipedes all swiftly retreated, eventually returning to the vicinity of Xu Qing and the captain.


    After one swing, Feng¡¯s five-colored feather fan seemed to be unable to withstand it and transformed into five feathers again. After they returned to their respective great worlds, his three illusory and two corporeal great worlds turned blurry.


    They looked like their origin sources were damaged.


    Feng also spat out a large mouthful of silver blood. His countenance was extremely pale and his body exuded a sense of weakness. At that moment, he stared at Xu Qing and the captain. A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°You actually forced me to the extent of using my origin¡­ I indeed underestimated you guys and paid a price for it. It¡¯s a pity that three worlds have been sealed. Otherwise, if 1 used the power of the five worlds, 1 would have instantly killed the two of you.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was cold and he didn¡¯t say a word. He stared at Feng¡¯s neck where the wound was healing.


    This scene caused his heart to sink.


    This battle allowed him to truly experience the terror and foundation of the Soul Accumulation.


    Although he still had some tricks up his sleeve¡­ the other party wasn¡¯t alone. There was also his companion whose combat strength was clearly terrifying.


    However, the captain sneered at this moment.


    ¡°Chicken wings, can you stop talking nonsense? What, is it worth showing off that you can use the power of the Soul Accumulation Five Worlds to destroy two Nihility?¡±


    ¡°The Demon Feather Race from the holy land who possesses the light of the holy land and has cultivated the spirit of the True World!¡±


    The captain licked his lips and revealed the other party¡¯s identity.


    Xu Qing remained silent. Previously, when the captain mentioned the light of the holy land, he had already guessed it, so he wasn¡¯t too surprised at this moment.


    When Feng heard this, he fell silent for a few breaths. He then cast a deep glance at the captain and said something that caused Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s hearts to sink.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. This is indeed not worth showing off. It¡¯s just that my mentality hasn¡¯t adjusted properly. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    After experiencing two near-death situations, Feng felt like his prestige had been severely damaged. Moreover, his vital energy and origin had been depleted. At this moment, his words were incomparably calm and the gloominess in his expression dissipated.


    It turned into coldness again, and his emotions became calm.


    Not everyone could do such a thing. From this, one could see how terrifying Feng was.


    Immediately after, Feng looked at Lan Yao and cupped his fists solemnly.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Lan, I know that you held back earlier because you wanted to see my trump card. Now, you¡¯ve seen it.¡±


    ¡°We are in a cooperative relationship right now. 1 admit that if 1 want to kill these two people, I have to remove my seal or use more origin power.¡±


    ¡°However, as soon as the seal is undone, I¡¯ll immediately be rejected by the Heavenly Dao here and die. After all, the Holy Ancestor hasn¡¯t descended yet. The Heavenly Dao doesn¡¯t recognize us¡­¡±


    ¡°As for using more origin energy, it will also affect our future cooperation.¡±


    So, Fellow Daoist Lan, please help!¡±


    Feng had a sincere attitude. After he finished speaking, he waved his hand and threw the blood banner he had refined from the blood sacrifices to Lan Yao.


    ¡°This item concerns our matters. I¡¯ll leave it in Fellow Daoist Lan¡¯s hands to safeguard it as a show of my sincerity.¡±


    Feng was speaking openly, and not transmitting his voice. Clearly, he was very confident about what would happen next.


    Hence, Xu Qing and the captain heard him clearly.


    Xu Qing made up his mind. He still had divine techniques that he hadn¡¯t used, the Emperor Sword, and the emperor¡¯s corpse. However, the captain suddenly blinked subtly and transmitted his voice.


    ¡®Junior Brother, don¡¯t be rash. These two chicken wings aren¡¯t simple. We¡¯re not their match. Let¡¯s escape immediately. As long as we return to the sect, we¡¯ll be safe with Master and the supreme elder.¡¯


    With that, the captain¡¯s body swayed as he put away the scattered things and sped into the distance. As though to increase his speed, he even spat out a few mouthfuls of blood and used a blood escape technique.


    Xu Qing also didn¡¯t hesitate. He put away the ghost centipedes and his speed soared.


    In the blink of an eye, the two of them transformed into two beams of light that disappeared into the horizon.


    Feng didn¡¯t stop them from escaping. Instead, he calmly looked at Lan Yao.


    Lan Yao chuckled and took the blood banner. She moved it around a few times while pondering.


    She had indeed held back earlier. Just as Feng had said, her goal was to see what other trump cards he had. Although she saw the five-colored fan, she didn¡¯t think that this was really his limit.


    With her understanding of Fellow Daoist Feng, there was a high chance that he had other powerful methods.


    However, it was clearly unrealistic for her to continue holding back and observe his trump cards.


    ¡®Also, those two humans are indeed heaven¡¯s chosen. They¡¯re not simple¡­ Regardless of whether the master and supreme elder they mentioned in their voice transmission are true or false, we have to take them seriously.¡¯


    ¡®If it¡¯s true¡­ it means that the forces behind them are terrifying. This is also possible. After all, not every force can nurture such heaven¡¯s chosen, and there are even two of them.¡¯


    ¡®If I still let Feng fight alone, it will probably take a long time and the commotion will be too great. On one hand, it¡¯s easy for some accidents to happen and affect the grand plan.¡¯


    ¡®On the other hand, it will also increase the resentment in Feng¡¯s heart. In fact, with his suspicious personality, he will definitely have doubts. After all, me probing to this extent can still be explained and understood. However, if 1 continue¡­¡¯


    ¡®Too much is as bad as not enough.¡¯


    At the thought of this, Lan Yao nodded.


    ¡°How do I help you?¡±


    Feng¡¯s eyes flashed as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°It¡¯s naturally best if Fellow Daoist Lan personally takes action. However, after seeing the methods of those two humans, you probably aren¡¯t willing to take the risk.¡±


    Lan Yao didn¡¯t say anything and looked noncommittal.


    Feng continued.


    ¡°Then, please lend me a drop of the Empyrean Creation Liquid. I¡¯m going to activate the Empyrean Holy Restriction and refine these two people.¡±


    ¡°The Empyrean Holy Restriction?¡± Lan Yao¡¯s expression changed before she smiled.


    ¡°Looks like you take these two very seriously. Although it¡¯s a little too much to activate the Empyrean Holy Restriction, with your current strength, even with the Empyrean Creation Liquid, this restriction will at most display some of its power, but even that little power is quite terrifying and extraordinary.


    ¡°However¡­ these two are indeed barely worth refining with this restriction.¡±


    Lan Yao nodded and waved her hand, causing a jade bottle to fly out..

 Chapter 1332 - Chapter 1332: Junior Brother, Don’t Care About Me, Leave Quickly!

    Chapter 1332: Junior Brother, Don¡¯t Care About Me, Leave Quickly!


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    This jade bottle was white and smooth like lamb fat. There was also a halo lingering outside. Clearly, it was not an ordinary item.


    Feng took it and nodded after scanning it with his divine sense.


    ¡°The Empyrean Saint Restriction is a secret art that only the direct descendants of my race can learn. It¡¯s said that if it¡¯s full might is displayed, even gods can be refined. Those two humans aren¡¯t simple and I also don¡¯t have time to waste. This is the only way.¡±


    Lan Yao calmly spoke.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a rumor. You¡¯re only a half-blood, so there are some things you don¡¯t know the whole truth about. In reality, when the Holy Ancestor left the Wanggu with my race back then, although Desolate hadn¡¯t truly arrived, some gods had already appeared.¡±


    ¡°The Holy Ancestor used this restriction to refine several high gods.¡±


    Feng¡¯s expression changed and he nodded.


    ¡°Thank you for telling me, Fellow Daoist Lan. Those two humans have fled for some time, so 1 shall cast the spell now.¡±


    With that, Feng took a deep breath and opened the jade bottle without any hesitation. He waved it out and a drop of white liquid immediately flew out of the bottle.


    After this liquid appeared, no spiritual energy spread out. However, in an instant, the surroundings became dry, as though all the moisture had disappeared.


    !!..


    It was as if the presence of this liquid meant that no water could exist.


    Even Feng and Lan had to use the light of the holy land to cover themselves and lock the water in their bodies.


    Feng¡¯s expression was solemn. He looked at the white liquid in front of him and performed a series of hand seals with both hands. Dao runes quickly shot out and flew toward the liquid.


    A strange scene appeared. The runes passed through the liquid, expanding to become a thousand feet long. They then flew into the sky and disappeared.


    There were a total of 108 runes.


    This seemed to be Feng¡¯s limit.


    When the last rune entered the void, the drop of white liquid turned transparent and the dryness in the surroundings disappeared.


    ¡°Alright, those two can¡¯t escape. Let¡¯s go over and take a look.¡±


    Feng looked at Lan Yao.


    Lan Yao smiled happily and both sides took a step forward.


    At that moment, in the air thousands of kilometers away from the two of them, Xu Qing and the captain were flying rapidly. During this time, they didn¡¯t communicate at all, looking like they were trying their best to escape.


    However, at the next instant, the sky suddenly changed. A thousand-foot-long rune suddenly appeared and rushed toward them.


    In an instant, it landed in front of Xu Qing and the captain.


    With that, the void collapsed, transforming into countless spatial fragments that spread in all directions. From afar, it looked like a spatial flower had bloomed.


    That was indeed a flower!


    It was as white as a lotus and was spinning.


    Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s expressions darkened and they changed directions without hesitation. However, at this moment, the sky rumbled again. The second rune, the third, the fourth¡­


    A total of more than 30 of them descended one after another.


    The rumbling continued and many parts of the void in the air collapsed, creating a spatial storm.


    White lotuses in the storm enveloped Xu Qing and the captain and bloomed one after another.


    Even more thousand-foot-long runes appeared in the sky.


    In the blink of an eye, a total of 108 white lotuses surrounded a radius of 50 kilometers. Each of them rotated rapidly, forming a terrifying sealing power.


    What was even more astonishing was that every time they rotated, green threads would appear.


    With the power of heat and the might to destroy the world, they silently headed toward the trapped Xu Qing and Erniu.


    In an instant, countless green threads surrounded Xu Qing and the captain. Further away, as the lotuses spun, more green threads emerged.


    These green threads formed a huge green lotus that was 50 kilometers long!


    All the moisture in the surroundings disappeared and was replaced by intense heat.


    The intent of refining emerged as the seal became a furnace!


    Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s expressions instantly changed.


    An intense sense of danger rose in the two of them. They looked at each other and immediately used their respective methods, trying to break out of the trap.


    The captain¡¯s body swayed and countless blue worms appeared, spitting out cold air. His spine and skeletal hand flickered in the cold air as he ruthlessly charged forward.


    A rumbling sound echoed like heavenly lightning, but the giant lotus furnace only shook slightly and didn¡¯t shatter.


    It was the same for Xu Qing. The Spirit Devouring Blade could break through the rules but here, it was unable to break through the wall of refinement. It only made it tremble and couldn¡¯t cut it.


    Seeing this, Xu Qing looked at the captain.


    Their gazes met. Although they didn¡¯t transmit their voices, they already understood each other¡¯s intentions.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Xu Qing asked in a low voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure!¡±


    The captain licked his lips and blinked. A blue worm silently appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s hand and he kept it.


    After that, Xu Qing slapped his forehead.


    With this slap, his body rumbled and his divine soul actually flew out of his body. It opened its mouth and swallowed the body.


    The captain also did the same thing. His soul flew out and stored the countless worms his body had transformed into.


    After that, Xu Qing¡¯s divine soul body lifted its hand and pushed forward.


    With this push, ripples appeared in the surroundings. Water seemed to have appeared in the air where there was no moisture.


    Ripples spread in all directions.


    However, this Empyrean Holy Restriction was terrifying and extraordinary. Although the Fishing the Moon From the Well technique that could be used anywhere had also formed here, it was severely affected.


    Almost as soon as the ripples appeared, they immediately dried up.


    Xu Qing¡¯s soul didn¡¯t hesitate. Taking advantage of the fact that he could still use the power of Fishing the Moon From the Well, he raised his hand and scooped the water surface.


    What he caught wasn¡¯t the giant lotus but the souls of himself and the captain.


    At the next instant, a large hand manifested outside the giant lotus. It seemed to be formed by the galaxy as it rushed toward the giant lotus with endless strength.


    The moment they came into contact, the large hand trembled and the green lotus shone.


    However, in the end, it was obvious that the illusory power of the Fishing the Moon From the Well was even more mystical. This was especially so because Xu Qing had become a source of this Fishing the Moon From the Well, so its status was extremely high.


    Hence, the illusory hand pierced through the giant lotus.


    It landed in the air above the water surface. With a scoop, it grabbed Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s souls in its palm and abruptly withdrew.


    Xu Qing was using this unbelievable method to escape.


    However, at that moment, a cold snort rang out. Accompanied by countless flower petals, it landed on Xu Qing¡¯s Fishing the Moon From the Well hand.


    The cold snort belonged to Feng.


    The petals belonged to Lan Yao.


    The two of them had surprised and solemn expressions.


    Clearly, they didn¡¯t expect Xu Qing to possess such a freakish method.


    Feng raised his hand and waved it, causing the storms to transform into a five-colored peacock with black horns. It lunged toward the large hand.


    Lan Yao¡¯s petals also gathered at this moment, forming a sky-cleaving sword that slashed out.


    In the blink of an eye, Xu Qing¡¯s large hand shook and showed signs of collapse, as though it couldn¡¯t continue persisting. At this critical moment, a shout rang out from its palm.


    The captain¡¯s soul rushed out and spat out his body, fusing together.


    ¡°Junior Brother, don¡¯t care about me. Hurry, go inform the sect!¡±


    As he spoke, the captain¡¯s eyes revealed death intent. He assumed a reckless posture and stretched out his arms. Resplendent blue light and countless worms erupted outwards. Coupled with his spine and blue skeletal hand, they formed a human-shaped barrier.


    It stopped the five-colored peacock and the sky-cleaving sword.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother!!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was filled with grief and indignation, accompanied by a roar of anger. However, ultimately, he seemed resigned. He could only seize the opportunity provided by the captain¡¯s obstruction. With a sudden motion, the illusory giant hand grabbed his soul and escaped from the trap.


    At the next moment, outside the huge green lotus, the illusory large hand dissipated, and Xu Qing¡¯s soul appeared. After he spat out his body, his soul and body fused into one and he turned to escape.


    At this moment, a cold voice rang out from the giant lotus.


    ¡°If you leave, your Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s soul will be destroyed instantly!¡±


    ¡°He is doing this for you.¡±


    As the voice rang out, the giant green lotus immediately became transparent, revealing Lan Yao and Feng.


    As for the captain¡¯s body, it was being held by the neck by Feng.


    His eyes were closed and he was motionless, seemingly unconscious.


    His body was limp and many parts of his body were badly mangled. Clearly, his injuries were extremely serious.


    When Xu Qing saw this, grief and indignation appeared in his eyes. There was also determination as the light of divine authorities shone outside his body.


    In an instant, the Purple Moon rose, Ming Fei manifested, and the power of misfortune emerged.


    Not only that, but the Emperor Sword in his body was also humming as it was held by the Emperor Soul Heavenly Dao. Although it didn¡¯t transform into a terrifying sword shadow like it did in the battle with Flame Mystic, it still looked like it was going all out.


    Grand Mystic Heaven¡¯s armor also emitted a piercing light. With his actions, Xu Qing expressed his determination to persevere in this battle, even if it meant facing destruction.


    At the same time, tens of thousands of ghost centipedes appeared, all of them emitting the intent to self-destruct.


    This reckless attitude caused the hearts of Feng and Lan Yao to turn increasingly gloomy.


    Although they still had many methods, the two of them looked united but were at odds. They were both on guard against each other, so they didn¡¯t dare to rashly reveal all their cards.


    As for this human in front of them, although he was in Nihility, the methods he displayed earlier were already astonishing. The illusory large hand just now even contained Dao.


    Hence, it wouldn¡¯t be easy to trap him.


    Now, it looked even more difficult. The god¡¯s aura on the other party¡¯s body was very terrifying. They could guess that it must be his ultimate trump card.


    Also, that sword intent¡­ Feng and Lan Yao both sensed a trace of a Great Emperor¡¯s aura.


    ¡°He has the Emperor Sword in his body!¡±


    The two of them panted slightly and their expressions grew increasingly gloomy.


    With their experience, they immediately determined the combat strength Xu Qing had displayed at this moment. If they wanted to suppress him, there was a risk of them being heavily injured.


    As for which one of them would be heavily injured, it was hard to say.


    As such, wariness rose and they couldn¡¯t act decisively.


    They couldn¡¯t let Xu Qing leave but it was difficult to trap or kill him.


    Fortunately, the Empyrean Holy Restriction had captured the other party¡¯s senior brother alive¡­


    However, even so, it was still a difficult situation.


    Feng¡¯s heart was gloomy and his gaze flickered.


    Lan Yao, who was at the side, suddenly spoke after glancing at Xu Qing a few times.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist, since we fought until now, you know our strength and we¡¯ve seen your abilities. Now that your Eldest Senior Brother is in our hands, we truly can¡¯t let you leave.¡±


    ¡°Instead of being in such a deadlock, why don¡¯t¡­ you participate in our plan!¡±

 Chapter 1333 - Chapter 1333 Insisting on Traveling With the Crazies

    Chapter 1333 Insisting on Traveling With the Crazies


    ¡°As for your Eldest Senior Brother, we¡¯ll hand him to you as soon as our matter is over.¡±


    Lan Yao spoke slowly. Her voice was soft but her words were astonishing, causing the expressions of Feng and Xu Qing to change.


    Feng refused almost immediately.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡±


    ¡°Oh? Could it be that Fellow Daoist Feng has another better method or are you confident that you can kill this person without suffering any damage?¡±


    ¡°If you can, I have no objections.¡±


    Lan Yao chuckled sweetly.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say a word as his gaze flickered.


    Feng hesitated when he heard this. Countless thoughts rose in his mind. However, no matter what, even he had to admit that Lan Yao¡¯s suggestion was indeed the most suitable solution to the current situation.


    It could be said that she had solved all the problems almost perfectly.


    They were wary of Xu Qing¡¯s trump cards and were also afraid of Xu Qing leaving. However, it was difficult for them to trap him or kill him without suffering any damage.


    Instead, if he joined them, they could resolve the current stalemate.


    As for the subsequent matters, they could naturally adapt to the situation.


    The only thing that made him worried was that he suspected that Lan Yao might have other motives for doing this. However, there was indeed no other way now. Also, the most important thing was that the eldest senior brother of this human kid was in his hands¡­


    In that case, the initiative was with him.


    After some thought, Feng¡¯s gloominess suddenly disappeared and he revealed a smile.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Lan¡¯s words make sense. With this person¡¯s combat strength, he indeed has the qualifications to join us. How is it, fellow Daoist of the human race? Are you willing to participate? That¡¯s a huge fortune!¡±


    As he spoke, he squeezed the neck of Erniu in his hand slightly. Erniu¡¯s body trembled and he frowned, as though he could feel the pain even when he was unconscious.


    Xu Qing glanced at the captain and muttered a few words to himself. If he didn¡¯t have complete confidence in the captain¡¯s acting skills and didn¡¯t know him so well, he might have genuinely believed that the captain¡¯s life was in jeopardy at this moment.


    However, he naturally wouldn¡¯t reveal his thoughts on his face.


    And now, this situation¡­


    Xu Qing sneered inwardly but on the surface, his expression turned unsightly, looking like he wasn¡¯t willing to participate but was worried about his senior brother dying.


    ¡°How do I know if you two will release my Eldest Senior Brother as promised after the matter is done?¡±


    Xu Qing spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°That¡¯s simple. Fellow Daoist Feng can just make a heart oath.¡± Lan Yao looked at Feng.


    Feng fell silent. Who knew what he was thinking but he actually nodded. He made a heart oath in front of Xu Qing. Once he violated it, the backlash would affect him greatly.


    Such an oath carried a certain potency, and would take effect as long as Xu Qing agreed.


    However, Xu Qing still hesitated.


    ¡°How do I know if you guys have other methods to avoid the backlash of the heart oath?¡±


    Lan Yao frowned.


    Feng was the same. However, he wasn¡¯t surprised by Xu Qing¡¯s words. On the contrary, if the other party really believed him so easily, he would feel that something was amiss.


    After all, if he was the other party, he would be the same when faced with this matter.


    However, on the surface, he naturally revealed displeasure. He snorted coldly with a sinister expression.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go too far. We¡¯ve already taken a step back. If you still insist on acting like this, then don¡¯t blame me for killing your Eldest Senior Brother first. As for you, if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that I don¡¯t want to be injured, how would I allow you to join us!¡±


    ¡°However, if you continue to push your luck, even if I have to pay a certain price, I will kill you.¡±


    Feng¡¯s voice was cold and his killing intent seemed to rise again.


    Lan Yao didn¡¯t speak, but her eyes were equally cold. She had already expressed her attitude.


    Xu Qing fell silent. After a while, he slowly spoke.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine if that¡¯s the case. However, I wonder what the two fellow Daoists¡¯ plan is?¡±


    Upon hearing Xu Qing agreeing to the heart oath, Feng¡¯s expression softened a little and Lan Yao smiled.


    ¡°Alright, we are a team now, but I still don¡¯t know Fellow Daoist¡¯s name?¡±


    ¡°Flame Mystic,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Flame Mystic, this isn¡¯t a place to talk. Why don¡¯t we talk in detail as we move forward?¡±


    Lan Yao¡¯s beautiful eyes moved as she smiled.


    Xu Qing sighed softly and nodded.


    Soon, the three of them transformed into three lights and headed toward the distant horizon.


    However, they were each separated by some distance.


    On the way, Lan Yao also transmitted a message to Xu Qing, telling him about the thing they were after. As for how much of it was true or false, that was subjective.


    Just like that, a few days later, the three of them arrived at a large canyon in the southwestern part of Liaoxuan County.


    The canyon here was enormous, resembling a scar on the earth, with darkness pervading inside, seeming unfathomable in depth.


    Fog flowed within, with dense anomalous substances all around, causing everything to wither. Occasionally, eerie cries emanated from within the canyon, chilling to the soul.


    Feng was still carrying Erniu. He didn¡¯t let go at all on the way. At this moment, his gaze landed on the canyon and excitement flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°This is the place.¡±


    Lan Yao took a few steps forward and stood at the edge of the canyon. She also lowered her head to look.


    As for Xu Qing, he was more than 100 feet away from the two of them. He looked at the canyon and thought of the scheme these two had mentioned on the way.


    ¡°Liaoxuan liquid?¡±


    Xu Qing muttered inwardly. Before this, he had never heard of this item.


    According to the two of them, the liaoxuan liquid was the essence of the liaoxuan fruit tree.


    Before the fragmented-face arrived, it was already a supreme treasure. Its effect far exceeded that of the liaoxuan fruits and was also a holy item of the Liaoxuan Race.


    Back then, the Liaoxuan Race had built a hidden underground palace under the liaoxuan fruit tree. They gathered all the tree roots and formed a Liaoxuan Pool.


    This pool would be opened once every hundred years and all the liaoxuan liquid inside would be taken away. However, there weren¡¯t many of them, only a few hundred drops.


    The usage of this liquid was the same as the liaoxuan fruits, but the effect was over a hundred times greater. It could allow one¡¯s comprehension of the laws to reach an unbelievable level.


    In the past, people had to pay a huge price to obtain a single drop.


    Now, with the destruction of the liaoxuan fruit tree, it was even rarer.


    ¡®This Liaoxuan County used to produce a lot of liaoxuan fruits¡­¡¯


    Just as Xu Qing was pondering, Lan Yao¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for Fellow Daoist Feng showing me the bloodline inheritance ancient record, I really wouldn¡¯t believe that such a supreme treasure still exists!¡±


    Feng calmly replied.


    ¡°Back then, before the Liaoxuan lineage left Wanggu, they took away all the pool water and destroyed the trees, causing the liaoxuan fruits and liquid to be extinct in Wanggu. They only took some branches to plant it again in the holy land.¡±


    ¡°However, the planting failed, this tree cannot survive outside of Wanggu.¡±


    ¡°After that, with the accidental death of the Liaoxuan Holy Ancestor, the Liaoxuan holy land fell apart and was divided up by various parties. As a half-blood liaoxuan, I luckily dodged this calamity with my grandfather. It was also because of the stimulation of the Demon Feather Bloodline that I arrived at your Demon Feather holy land.¡±


    ¡°However, no one knows that the ancestor of my bloodline was once the person in charge of destroying this tree. Back then, he took advantage of the chaos and secretly left a part of it that was not completely destroyed¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s for the sake of one day, when his bloodline returns, they will also have their own foundation. Before they pass away, they will pass down this secret to the next generation.¡±


    ¡°At this point, I¡¯m the only one who knows.¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent. As he listened to the two of them talk, he analyzed the authenticity of these words.


    Lan Yao nodded, her eyes revealing a hint of anticipation.


    ¡°Forget about the ordinary liaoxuan liquid. I¡¯m more interested in the liaoxuan holy liquid that Fellow Daoist Feng mentioned might appear.¡±


    Feng smiled.


    ¡°There¡¯s a high chance that it will appear!¡±


    ¡°After all, tens of thousands of years have passed and the place where the ancestor hid that root is extremely secretive. Therefore, unless an unexpected accident happened during this period, there¡¯s a high chance that a lot of liaoxuan liquid has accumulated. As they condense, they will naturally become liaoxuan holy liquid.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    At this point, Feng glanced at Xu Qing before continuing to look at Lan Yao.


    ¡°When I go down later and cast a spell to break the restriction, I¡¯ll have to rely on Fellow Daoist Lan to protect me. Also, don¡¯t go back on your promise to me after this is done.¡±


    Lan Yao grinned and twirled her hair that had been blown away by the wind as she leisurely spoke.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Feng, don¡¯t worry. Didn¡¯t you look for me to cooperate for the sake of my husband¡¯s item? I promise you, I won¡¯t go back on my word.¡±


    Feng affirmed and didn¡¯t speak anymore. He raised his right hand and waved it. Immediately, a terrifying pressure spread out, transforming into the image of a five-colored peacock that landed in the canyon.


    The canyon instantly rumbled as black fog swept up, churning and spreading.


    A passageway was revealed.


    Feng headed straight for the passageway and entered it.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Flame Mystic, please.¡±


    Lan Yao¡¯s beautiful gaze landed on Xu Qing.


    Without a word, Xu Qing strided forward and stepped into the path in the fog, disappearing from sight after a few flickers.


    Seeing how cautious Xu Qing was, Lan Yao¡¯s gaze flickered slightly as she casually swept her gaze into the distance. After that, she stepped into the passage.


    As the three of them disappeared, not long later, the passage here was filled up by the surrounding fog again and everything returned to normal.


    Only the heart-rending roars in the fog instantly intensified. However, they quickly became quiet and isolated everything.


    Several hours later, outside the canyon, a figure silently strided over from the horizon.


    It was a woman.


    This woman was peerlessly beautiful and had a gentle aura. Moreover, her skin was fair and flawless. Behind her graceful figure was a pair of silver wings.


    As for her attire, it was the same as Feng and Lan Yao¡¯s. It was a black robe embroidered with golden threads, complementing her fairy-like appearance and adding to her grace.


    Her eyes were clear and bright. Right now, they emanated a calm light that swept in all directions.


    ¡°That Feng Lintao is truly cautious and paranoid. Other than setting up the void eyes here, there¡¯s also the intent of space shattering, and even a trace of the Empyrean Holy Aura¡­ all to secretly check if someone has arrived.¡±


    ¡°However¡­ what¡¯s the use of these when I am prepared?¡±


    This woman was none other than Yue Dong, who had descended with Feng and Lan Yao!


    At that moment, her gaze flickered slightly. She took a step forward and directly stepped into the fog of the canyon, disappearing without a trace¡­

 Chapter 1334 - Chapter 1334: Moving in Liaoxuan

    Chapter 1334: Moving in Liaoxuan


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.


    To Feng and Lan Yao, it seemed that this oriole was Yue Dong.


    At that moment, in the canyon of Liaoxuan County, the fog churned intensely and rumbling sounds rang out endlessly. Sharp cries pierced through the fog, containing heart-rending cruelty.


    A long time later, as one heavy object after another landed on the ground, a storm erupted at the bottom of the canyon.


    With a sweep, the fog at the bottom of the canyon was instantly torn apart. It was as though an invisible palm was waving inside, causing the dense fog here to rise.


    The bottom of the canyon, previously obscured by the fog, was revealed!


    It was a vast expanse of ruins.


    Within the ruins lay numerous buildings with ancient designs, ranging from tall towers to streets and houses, all over the place.


    More precisely speaking, this was a small city.


    One could imagine that many beings had lived here in the past.


    !!..


    However, most of the buildings here had collapsed, with few remaining intact.


    The traces of the anomalous substances invasion were clearly visible.


    However, there were no ancient corpses to be found. Instead, scattered throughout the ruins were the corpses of a hundred or so two-headed strange birds, bleeding profusely.


    Some of them were still struggling, emitting mournful cries.


    A figure rushed down from the fog above and landed in the ruins, standing on top of a struggling strange bird.


    The moment he stepped on it, the strange bird¡¯s body directly turned into minced flesh and blood.


    This person was none other than Feng.


    Immediately after, two figures rushed down and landed behind him.


    They were Lan Yao and Xu Qing.


    Looking at the surrounding ruins, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever but he was secretly even more vigilant. His gaze swept across the surroundings and glanced at the captain in Feng¡¯s hands.


    The captain was still unconscious.


    Xu Qing quietly retracted his gaze and looked at the corpses of those strange birds.


    Previously, in the fog, the three of them were moving smoothly at the start but they soon encountered attacks. Those existences who attacked them seemed to be able to fuse with the fog.


    They hovered between reality and illusion, posing a formidable challenge.


    Xu Qing naturally wouldn¡¯t go all out. However, it was obvious that Feng was quite anxious. He took out the five-colored feather fan, and with one wave, he forced out most of the entities attacking them, and killed quite a few, causing their flesh to collapse.


    After that, Lan Yao also made a move. Xu Qing assisted from the side and killed another hundred before they were able to break out of the fog.


    The ones attacking them were none other than these strange birds.


    ¡°This world is dirty but also filled with dangers. Even ordinary sparrows have mutated into such forms under the invasion of the god¡¯s aura.¡±


    Feng spoke gloomily.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Lan, there might be many similar beasts along the way. If you continue to hesitate like earlier, I¡¯m afraid our journey will be significantly delayed, and then¡­ other unforeseen events may occur.¡±


    Feng then looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Also, Fellow Daoist Flame Mystic, if I keep charging ahead and encounter some troublesome existences, it¡¯s hard to guarantee that I won¡¯t use your eldest senior brother as a shield.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. He stared at Feng and slowly spoke.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind continuing the life-and-death battle with you here!¡±


    Feng narrowed his eyes and a chill instantly spread out from his body, enveloping the surroundings. At the same time, he tightened his grip on the captain¡¯s neck.


    The captain¡¯s legs twitched and he had a pained expression.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned even uglier.


    Lan Yao, who was at the side, noticed the hostility between the two of them.


    She chuckled and walked between them.


    ¡°Alright, Fellow Daoist Flame Mystic, you indeed didn¡¯t contribute much previously, so you can¡¯t blame Fellow Daoist Feng for being dissatisfied.¡±


    ¡°However, Fellow Daoist Feng, since everyone has chosen to cooperate, you don¡¯t have to be so cautious all the time.¡±


    ¡°How about this? For the next stretch of the journey, if it¡¯s as tough as before, we¡¯ll team up, otherwise, each one of us takes a turn.¡±


    When Feng heard this, he snorted and flew forward.


    However, the hand that was grabbing the captain¡¯s neck still relaxed a little, and the captain¡¯s legs stopped twitching.


    Xu Qing looked at Feng¡¯s back and didn¡¯t say anything. Lan Yao cast a meaningful glance at Xu Qing.


    Let¡¯s go, Fellow Daoist Flame Mystic.¡±


    Xu Qing understood that it was impossible for the two of them to let him follow from behind. It was the same in the fog earlier. Hence, he silently moved forward.


    Just like that, the three of them sped above the ruined city with Feng in the lead.


    However, there was a deliberate distance of thousands of feet between them, especially Feng, he was ten thousand feet away.


    As he moved forward, this ruined city was even clearer in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He saw that between the buildings here, there were a large number of withered tree roots.


    They were densely packed, but many were broken.


    At the edge of the city, countless roots penetrated deep into the rocks in the canyon.


    It was as though this city was built among the roots.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s mind, a scene emerged: there had once been a giant tree that grew outside the canyon, perhaps reaching the sky, its branches spreading like the sky.


    Its roots extended into the ground.


    As for the location of this city, it should have been a catacomb back then.


    One day, perhaps a mighty being appeared, and with a single move, the earth split open, giving birth to this vast canyon, exposing the catacomb to the outside world.


    ¡®Then, what about that tree¡­ Maybe it was moved away by the Liaoxuan Race or maybe it dissipated in time? However, there are still traces of its roots. Even if the tree trunk disappeared, there should still be traces.¡¯


    ¡®However, there¡¯s no trace of it outside, so there¡¯s a high chance that it was moved. As for the movers¡­ they were either from Liaoxuan or another race.¡¯


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He naturally wouldn¡¯t believe what Feng had said outside the canyon earlier. Xu Qing¡¯s personality determined that he would only trust his observations and judgment when it came to unknown things.


    Unless it was said by the people he trusted.


    In his contemplation, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze fell upon the ruins of the buildings. These structures, judging by their style, bore similarities to human culture, yet some details diverged.


    This was understandable. In the era of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, the human race was the supreme race in Wanggu, and all other races instinctively imitated human culture as their standard of aesthetics.


    Just as he was observing and moving closer to the center of the ruined city, a rumbling sound suddenly rang out from Feng¡¯s place at the front. At the same time, an extraordinary energy fluctuation spread out.


    Xu Qing immediately focused and rose into the air. Lan Yao, who was behind him, also made the same choice.


    From this height, everything ahead became clearer to Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. In an instant, he noticed that in the center of the ruins, where there had been no apparent change, a grotesque face had appeared.


    This face grew on the ground and seemed to have been hiding, so it wasn¡¯t discovered earlier. As Feng flew past, it suddenly appeared and stretched out its rotting tongue to attack him.


    However, Feng grabbed its tongue. As his Soul Accumulation cultivation erupted, Feng¡¯s body swayed and actually transformed into a five-colored peacock. He let out a cold snort and charged toward the face.


    A rumbling sound pierced through the face. At the next instant, this strange ferocious beast looked incomparably fragile as it directly collapsed under Feng¡¯s attack.


    After its body and soul were destroyed, a deep pit was revealed.


    As for Feng, he returned to his normal form. He stood there but didn¡¯t step in. Instead, he looked at Xu Qing and Lan Yao.


    ¡°Next, it¡¯s your turn.¡±


    Feng calmly spoke.


    Lan Yao smiled and rushed into the deep pit.


    Feng didn¡¯t move and coldly looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say a word and also flew into the deep pit.


    After looking at the two of them entering, Feng entered as well.


    This deep pit was even colder than outside. Crystals appeared on the surrounding walls. As they went deeper, the cold air became more intense and the surroundings became pitch-black.


    However, the three of them weren¡¯t ordinary cultivators. No matter how pitch-black this place was, they could see their surroundings clearly.


    This time, their progress was much smoother than before.


    They moved for about fifteen minutes without encountering any danger. However, this pit was too deep. Although they weren¡¯t moving at full speed, they still hadn¡¯t reached the bottom.


    However, this smooth progress was short-lived. When about twenty five minutes passed, petals suddenly spread out from Lan Yao¡¯s side and scattered in all directions.


    These flower petals looked fragile but each of them contained terrifying might. The instant they spread out, a rumbling sound immediately rang out. There was also a snake-like creature that flashed past Lan Yao.


    This creature had clearly been hiding and trying to launch a sneak attack on Lan Yao. However, for some reason, Lan Yao sensed it and forced it out with the eruption of the flower petals.


    At that moment, its shocking appearance was revealed.


    It wasn¡¯t a snake but a weird existence that looked like an intestine. It was squirming and trying to escape, but with a scoff from Lan Yao, the petals in the surroundings gathered and transformed into a seven-colored peacock!


    It had a white horn!


    As a result, the peacock had eight colors!


    Regardless of whether it was its aura or the purity of its bloodline, it was clearly superior to Feng¡¯s by far.


    After appearing, it headed straight for that intestine.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t help. Instead, his heart stirred and he suddenly turned to look at Feng.


    With a glance, he saw a flash of greed in Feng¡¯s eyes.


    Xu Qing¡¯s sudden turn of his head caused Feng¡¯s expression to sink.


    Xu Qing calmly retracted his gaze. As he pondered, the eight-colored peacock¡¯s entire body shone with resplendent light. It directly approached the strange intestine and tore it apart before returning to Lan Yao¡¯s body.


    Lan Yao paused. She turned and looked at Xu Qing and Feng with a spurious smile. Finally, her gaze landed on Xu Qing as she spoke softly.


    ¡°Next, it¡¯s your turn..¡±

 Chapter 1335 - Chapter 1335 Entire Liaoxuan’s Bloodline

    Chapter 1335 Entire Liaoxuan¡¯s Bloodline


    As soon as Lan Yao finished speaking, Feng also looked at Xu Qing.


    Although Xu Qing¡¯s combat strength was astonishing, he was being stared at by two Soul Accumulation cultivators. Moreover, the captain was still in the other party¡¯s hands. Now, his legs were twitching again. This scene¡­


    No matter how one looked at it, he was in a passive situation.


    Without saying anything, Xu Qing moved past Lan Yao and sped toward the depths of the pit.


    The Grand Mystic Heaven Armor shone brightly on his body. The physical strength of the god erupted and the Ancestral Magus Armor also covered him. There were also nine lanterns surrounding him.


    Coupled with his long hair and blue robe, Xu Qing looked truly extraordinary.


    At the same time, he waved his hand and a large number of ghost centipedes appeared, scouting ahead of him.


    When Lan Yao saw this, her eyes turned bright. Feng¡¯s gaze became even gloomier as he looked at the ghost centipedes. However, he didn¡¯t say anything in the end.


    Just like that, under Xu Qing¡¯s lead, the three of them moved deeper into the pit.


    Xu Qing¡¯s movements weren¡¯t slow, nor did he continue to hold back as before, so he was about as fast as Feng and Lan Yao when they cleared the way.


    On the way, perhaps it was because Xu Qing¡¯s luck was good or maybe it was the intimidating effect of the eight-colored peacock¡¯s aura earlier, they didn¡¯t encounter any obstacles. After fifteen minutes passed, he finally arrived at the bottom of the deep pit.


    This place was also a catacomb.


    However, it was a little smaller than the outside world. It was the same for the buildings. There were much fewer of them. Only the nine tall towers were obvious.


    They were relatively well-preserved and were engraved with ancient runes and restrictions. One could imagine that at their peak, these rune marks would be shining brightly.


    However, now that time had passed and with the invasion of the anomalous substances, there was no longer any spiritual energy in them.


    Although there were very few buildings here, the withered roots were even denser and covered the surroundings densely. Regardless of whether it was the ground or the cave walls, the roots were all over.


    Even those tall towers were entangled by withered roots.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s arrival seemed to have brought the aura of the outside world with him, breaking the calm here and causing some peculiar changes.


    The first thing to change was that some of the roots turned into ashes on their own¡­


    The ashes didn¡¯t dissipate. Instead, they gathered together under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, forming black children.


    These children looked to be only five or six years old and there were hundreds of them. After they appeared, they each lay on the withered roots that hadn¡¯t dissipated. Their pitch-black eyes stared at Xu Qing with greed and hunger.


    A cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. After that, rushing sounds rang out from above as Lan Yao and Feng appeared.


    The two of them swept their gazes across the surroundings before looking at those strange children. However, they didn¡¯t make a move.


    Xu Qing naturally understood that they were waiting for him to make a move.


    As for the origins of these children¡­ As a native cultivator of the Wanggu, Xu Qing naturally could tell at a glance that they were bizarre entities formed by the invasion of the god¡¯s aura and mutation after fusing with spirits.


    To others, this bizarre entity was very difficult to deal with and impossible to guard against. However, to Xu Qing, he had killed too many of them.


    The most effective way to deal with them was Little Shadow.


    However, although Little Shadow¡¯s existence had been revealed earlier, it only revealed the ability to possess. It could still be considered completely unknown to Feng and Lan.


    As such, Xu Qing didn¡¯t want to expose it too early.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t use Little Shadow. Instead, he got those ghost centipedes to protect him from the sudden attacks from Feng and Lan Yao.


    After doing this, he recalled that fleeting greed in Feng¡¯s eyes.


    He then thought of how Lan Yao and the other party were on guard against each other.


    ¡®Although I can¡¯t reveal too many of the shadow¡¯s abilities so early, but¡­ showcasing some of my abilities here might have other uses¡­¡¯


    As he pondered, Xu Qing took a step forward. The instant he landed, those black children lying on the withered roots suddenly opened their mouths to an exaggerated degree, emitting piercing screams that shook the soul, and lunged fiercely toward Xu Qing.


    Almost at the instant they got close, the soul threads in Xu Qing¡¯s body spread out. In the blink of an eye, 10 million soul threads shot out and penetrated in all directions with Xu Qing as the center.


    They were extremely fast and sharp.


    When they shot everywhere, the bizarre entity black children all paused in mid-air.


    Every one of them was penetrated by a large number of soul threads, and because the range wasn¡¯t large, the soul threads connected in all directions, causing these black children to freeze in the air.


    This scene caused Feng¡¯s and Lan Yao¡¯s gaze to flicker slightly.


    These soul threads actually formed a spider web-like shape. Xu Qing was in the center and the hundreds of bizarre entity black children around him were motionless like they were caught in the web.


    Soon, as the surrounding walls trembled, those bizarre black children swiftly dissipated into black mist, and then the ten million soul threads slowly retracted and merged into Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    Xu Qing stood calmly and made way for Feng.


    ¡°Your turn.¡±


    Feng glanced at Xu Qing and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Those threads of yours are strange. I wonder how they were formed?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t answer but asked.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Feng¡¯s five-colored feathers are also quite mystical. I wonder how they were formed?¡±


    Feng frowned.


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll tell you?¡±


    ¡°My answer is also the same.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    Feng flicked his sleeve and didn¡¯t speak anymore. He then headed straight for the fifth tower. He performed a series of hand seals there, as though he was using some secret art.


    As for Lan Yao, she flew toward Xu Qing, but didn¡¯t get too close. She stood over 100 feet away and diverted her attention to Feng while speaking to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Flame Mystic, Fellow Daoist Feng¡¯s feathers are called the spirits of the True World. It¡¯s a special secret technique of the Soul Accumulation Realm but not all Soul Accumulation experts can possess them.¡±


    As soon as Lan Yao finished speaking, Feng, who was casting a spell in the distance, let out a low shout.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Lan, why are you so talkative!¡±


    When Lan Yao heard this, her gaze turned cold.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Feng, the secret art of the True World¡¯s spirit you used is an inheritance of my Demon Feather Race and not something that belongs to you alone. Why is it that every sentence I say is too much? Fellow Daoist Feng, watch your words!¡±


    Feng fell silent and let out a cold snort, continuing to cast his spell.


    However, Lan Yao clearly hated that talkative remark. Her gaze remained cold but she didn¡¯t say anything more to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing blinked. He could tell that Lan Yao¡¯s actions more or less contained some goodwill.


    Hence, he pondered and was about to say something. However, at this moment, the fifth tower where Feng was suddenly rumbled and began to shine with white light.


    This light appeared at the top of the tower and flowed like water. After it covered the entire tower, it spread along the withered roots that were wrapped around it.


    However, almost all of the roots only flickered a few times after the light flowed in before dimming again. Clearly, they didn¡¯t have any vitality and couldn¡¯t be stimulated.


    However, after one of them flickered, a white line appeared.


    This line followed the direction of the root and slowly flowed over, attracting the gazes of the group.


    Under their gazes, this white line swam in the many withered roots for a while before dissipating. The roots still looked lifeless.


    However, Feng looked excited. He performed another series of hand seals with both hands and activated the inheritance technique. At the next instant, the light of the tall tower shone again and the same scene appeared.


    After nine consecutive times, according to the points where the white lines disappeared, Feng Windrun youth raised his hand as though he was calculating.


    Xu Qing looked at all of this and contemplated to himself that if what Feng said earlier was true, then his ancestor had put in a lot of effort back then. Moreover, the arrangements could be considered rigorous.


    If it was an outsider, it would be very difficult for them to see any clues without knowing the secrets of this place.


    While Xu Qing was deep in thought, time flowed by. A long time later, Feng¡¯s eyes suddenly lit up. He looked at the surrounding mud walls and his gaze landed on one place.


    ¡°There!¡±


    As soon as Feng completed speaking, he instantly moved toward that wall and pressed with his hand; immediately, the mud wall rumbled and caved in.


    There was nothing inside.


    However, he wasn¡¯t anxious. He bit the tip of his tongue and spat out a mouthful of blood.


    When the blood came into contact with the sunken mud wall, it instantly shone with blood light, and the soil began to dissipate. However, the process was not swift, indicating some difficulty.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Lan, I¡¯m only half-blood Liaoxuan. My bloodline power can¡¯t satisfy the ancestor¡¯s requirements. Why aren¡¯t you taking out the blood banner I gave you!¡±


    ¡°Those races I sacrificed are all inferior races with the Liaoxuan bloodline in their bodies. With about 20 million lingering bloodline power as nourishment, they can stimulate my bloodline and activate this restriction!¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he finally understood the use of the blood sacrifice. It was just that he didn¡¯t expect that the other party would sacrifice people of the same race.


    However, in the other party¡¯s heart, those races that were sacrificed were no different from livestock.


    Lan Yao seemed to have already guessed some of it, so she wasn¡¯t too surprised at the moment. After taking out the blood banner, she glanced at Feng and cast a spell to activate it, and spoke.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Feng is indeed an extraordinary person. You decisively sacrificed 20 million people of your bloodline, you will definitely soar to great heights.¡±


    Lan Yao was clearly still a little dissatisfied with the word ¡®talkative¡¯ earlier, so she didn¡¯t lose the chance to mock Feng.


    As she spoke, the blood banner in her hand rumbled and the blood fog containing countless souls flew out in unison, heading straight for Feng.


    When Feng heard her, a cold glint emerged in his eyes. However, he held it in and raised his hand to grab. Immediately, the blood fog and souls that surged over spread throughout his body. After that, he cast a spell. His body quivered and he actually absorbed all the blood fog and souls.


    At the next moment, the wings on his back disappeared and the third eye on his forehead also disappeared. He no longer eyed like a member of the Demon Feather Race. Instead, as his body squirmed, a second head grew out of his neck!


    The Liaoxuan lineage had two heads!


    After doing this, Feng took a deep breath and spat out another mouthful of blood at the mud wall. The melting there that was originally a little stagnant instantly increased in speed.


    In just over ten breaths of time, a ten-foot-wide tunnel was revealed!


    When Lan Yao spotted this, her expression finally became excited. It was the same for Feng. The two of them were about to rush over when a sudden change occurred!

 Chapter 1336 - Chapter 1336: Each Has Their Own Intentions

    Chapter 1336: Each Has Their Own Intentions


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    A dense corpse aura swept out crazily from the tunnel. At the same time, two figures rushed out.


    Feng¡¯s gaze flashed. His body only paused for a moment but he didn¡¯t retreat.


    However, Lan Yao quickly performed a series of hand seals and activated her defense.


    At the next instant, a rumbling sound echoed out as Lan Yao retreated. Two figures that looked like corpses or puppets appeared in front of her.


    These two figures each had two heads and their eyes emitted a bloodthirsty glint. Their open mouths were filled with fangs and their entire bodies emitted a terrifying pressure.


    After attacking Lan Yao, one of the puppets changed its direction and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    It immediately started fighting with Xu Qing. Xu Qing¡¯s heart sank. He could sense the boundless strength of this puppet and its terrifyingly tough body. Moreover, it even had resistance against divine abilities.


    It was obvious that these puppets were extraordinary.


    However, other than fighting, Xu Qing swept his gaze across the opened tunnel. He suddenly sent a thought to the ghost centipedes in the surroundings.


    This thought wasn¡¯t divine sense but was emitted by Xu Qing through the purple crystal. It was almost impossible for outsiders to sense it.


    !!..


    In an instant, the ghost centipedes gathered around Xu Qing. One by one, they fearlessly attacked the puppet. Some even self-destructed.


    Lan Yao¡¯s heart churned as well, facing the equally troublesome puppet.


    In an instant, Xu Qing and Lan Yao were held back.


    As for Feng, these two puppets actually ignored him.


    This scene caused Lan Yao¡¯s expression to immediately turn gloomy. As she manifested the eight-colored peacock and attacked, she looked at Feng.


    ¡°Feng Lintao, what is the meaning of this? Before we set off, I told my husband my whereabouts and the purpose of this trip!¡±


    Feng¡¯s gaze flickered. He wanted to leave immediately but he clearly had some reservations. In the end, he still explained.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Lan, don¡¯t misunderstand. I now possess the bloodline of the entire Liaoxuan. Moreover, this place was set up by my ancestor, so it naturally won¡¯t cause much harm to me.¡±


    ¡°As for these two corpses, regardless of whether Fellow Daoist Lan believes it or not, 1 indeed didn¡¯t know about them before. However, from the looks of it now, they should be fellow clansmen refined by my ancestor to guard this place.¡±


    ¡°If there were no outsiders today, perhaps they wouldn¡¯t have been activated. However, it¡¯s indeed my oversight, but don¡¯t worry, Fellow Daoist Lan, I¡¯ll go in and retrieve the liaoxuan holy liquid. I¡¯ll naturally distribute it to you according to our agreement.¡±


    With that, Feng¡¯s body swayed and he rushed toward the tunnel that no longer had any obstructions.


    The energy fluctuations here were very great, Lan Yao was engaged in fighting, and Feng had been focusing on her, so he failed to notice a shadow emerging from a ghost centipede that had self-destructed. It left no trace on the ground and emitted no aura as it entered the tunnel¡­


    Seeing Feng leave, Lan Yao¡¯s expression became even uglier. At this moment, under her attack, rumbling sounds echoed. However, the puppet in front of her blocked her with all its might, causing her to be unable to shake it off in a short period of time.


    A baleful glint flashed in her eyes. She took out a seven-colored pearl. After swallowing it, her cultivation erupted explosively and a faint phantom appeared above her head.


    The phantom was blurry and couldn¡¯t be seen clearly, but the cultivation power it emitted was incomparably astonishing. After it appeared, it immediately pounced toward the puppet.


    No matter how the puppet dodged, it wasn¡¯t able to avoid the phantom. After an instant of contact, an earth-shattering boom rang out. This extraordinary puppet directly collapsed and shattered into pieces.


    As for the phantom, it also dissipated.


    Lan Yao¡¯s face was also a little pale but she didn¡¯t hesitate at all. She didn¡¯t even glance at Xu Qing as she rushed toward the tunnel.


    Xu Qing looked at all of this and was shocked by the other party¡¯s secret art. His gaze flickered but he quickly calmed down and calmly fought against the puppet corpse in front of him without using any trump cards.


    Ten breaths later, a whistling sound suddenly rang out from the tunnel. The next instant, Lan Yao and Feng rushed out.


    The expressions of the two of them had changed. After they flew out, they paused in the air and each performed a series of hand seals, as though they were facing a great enemy.


    Immediately after, rumbling sounds rang out from the tunnel as a golden light chased after him.


    It was a giant golden rat!


    All the hair on its body was standing on end, and its eyes shone with golden light. Its exposed teeth looked abnormally sharp.


    There were also countless faces growing out of the flesh between its hair, looking incomparably sinister.


    After it appeared, a ferocious glint flashed in its eyes as it roared at Feng and Lan Yao.


    All the faces on its body followed suit, creating a soul-stirring sound.


    After that, its body swayed and it actually disappeared. When it reappeared, it was in front of Feng. It opened its ghastly mouth, biting fiercely.


    Feng¡¯s expression changed drastically and he immediately retreated. At the same time, a shield appeared. It was the shield he had taken out when he fought with Xu Qing.


    With a boom, the golden rat collided with the shield.


    However, the shield that had blocked Xu Qing¡¯s attack back then directly shattered under the collision, turning into a large number of fragments that flew everywhere.


    The golden rat¡¯s body also shook, but its ferocity increased instead of decreasing.


    Just as it was about to continue rushing over, Lan Yao¡¯s gaze flashed. She actually wanted to take this opportunity to head to the tunnel.


    The golden rat roared and instantly disappeared, changing its direction and appearing in front of Lan Yao. At the same time that it blocked her path, golden light erupted from its entire body.


    The eight-colored peacock manifested to block it, but after coming into contact with the golden light, the peacock collapsed.


    When Xu Qing saw this scene, he revealed a shocked expression.


    He could tell that this golden rat was a divine creature. Moreover, the density of its divinity was so high that it was almost at the stage of igniting the divine fire.


    ¡°That¡¯s not right. It¡¯s not that it¡¯s about to be ignited but it was once ignited but for some reason, it was extinguished. Now that it has accumulated, it has reached a state where it can be ignited again.¡±


    Xu Qing had interacted with a lot of gods. Now that he took a closer look, he immediately made a new judgment.


    Feng¡¯s expression turned unsightly. He performed a hand seal with one hand and quickly spoke.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Flame Mystic, don¡¯t just stay there. This divine rat entered the location of the liaoxuan holy liquid from other directions. Moreover, it has clearly been in hiding for a long time and was sleeping previously.¡±


    ¡°I encountered it halfway and was chased by it. If we can¡¯t kill or trap this rat, it will be impossible for us to obtain the liaoxuan holy liquid!¡±


    ¡°As for the liaoxuan liquid, although 1 didn¡¯t see it with my own eyes, I smelled it in the tunnel earlier. It¡¯s still there!¡±


    ¡°Therefore, only when we go all out will we have a chance. I also have some trump cards. Also, I can try to control the puppet you¡¯re fighting against!¡±


    As he spoke, Feng didn¡¯t forget to pinch Erniu to intimidate Xu Qing.


    In his heart, he was feeling extremely frustrated. What he said was true. Although he entered first, he hadn¡¯t reached the Liaoxual Pool yet when he encountered this golden rat.


    The appearance of this beast wasn¡¯t part of his plan, nor was it arranged by his ancestor.


    However, now, he had no other choice. He gritted his teeth and spat out a mouthful of blood, activating a secret art. Immediately, the puppet fighting with Xu Qing trembled and retreated. It actually turned its head and headed straight for the golden rat.


    When Lan Yao saw this, she wasn¡¯t in the mood to pursue the ill intentions of Feng. At this moment, she resisted and retreated as she rapidly spoke.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Flame Mystic, what he said is true!¡±


    Xu Qing revealed a look of hesitation. He naturally knew that this was true¡­


    After that, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°I want 30% of the liaoxuan holy liquid!¡±


    When Feng heard this, he gritted his teeth fiercely.


    ¡°Alright!¡±


    Lan Yao also knew that now wasn¡¯t the time to be calculative, so she immediately nodded.


    Seeing the two of them like this, Xu Qing wanted to say something.


    However, considering that this would cause them to feel that he was stalling, he no longer hesitated. With a raise of his hand, the Spirit Devouring Blade appeared. He leaped up and cooperated with Feng, Lan Yao, and the puppet to attack the golden rat.


    At the same time, he glanced at the tunnel and secretly sent a thought to Little Shadow.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take them all away.. Leave some there!¡±

 Chapter 1337 - Chapter 1337: One Layer

    Chapter 1337: One Layer


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    In the catacombs, Xu Qing¡¯s figure transformed into a rainbow that headed straight for the golden rat. 40 million soul threads formed a great world outside.


    Feng took a deep breath. Five great worlds ¨C two corporeal and three illusory ¨C appeared on his body. Each of them emitted a different color of light as they attacked the golden rat.


    As for Lan Yao, the surrounding flower petals formed a storm and transformed into an eight-colored peacock. After it faced the sky and absorbed the surrounding power of heaven and earth, it expanded by 1000 feet and pounced at the golden rat.


    The corpse puppet was unafraid of death and rushed forward.


    Attacks rained down on the golden rat from different directions.


    The lethality of the attacks was astonishing.


    A rumbling sound spread from the battlefield, causing the surrounding mud walls to show signs of collapse. The ruins below also collapsed and countless withered roots turned into ashes.


    However, this golden rat was truly terrifying. Regardless of whether it was its body or the divinity in its body, they had reached the peak of a divine creature and were only a trace away from igniting the divine fire.


    Before the destructive power of Xu Qing and the group¡¯s attacks landed on the golden rat, the golden light on its entire body suddenly erupted.


    In an instant, the entire catacombs world was dyed golden.


    !!..


    A destructive might swept in all directions with the golden light.


    Xu Qing¡¯s 40 million soul threads world instantly collapsed. The golden light transformed into an overwhelming force that blasted into Xu Qing¡¯s body, causing him to spurt out blood and sending him flying.


    It was the same for Feng. All his great worlds shattered into pieces and his body was swept back under this unstoppable might.


    Lan Yao¡¯s eight-colored peacock was torn apart by the golden light. Her face was pale and her expression was incomparably solemn. She retreated while protecting herself.


    As for the corpse puppet¡­


    As soon as the golden light passed through it, it shook. The next instant, the golden rat¡¯s figure appeared in front of it and bit down fiercely.


    There was a cracking sound.


    Half of the corpse puppet¡¯s body was swallowed by the golden rat. The remaining half shattered under the swing of the golden rat¡¯s head and collided with the mud wall at the side, completely destroyed.


    This scene caused the hearts of Xu Qing and the other two to tremble violently.


    However, after the golden rat killed the puppet, it didn¡¯t continue rushing toward Xu Qing and the other two. Instead, it returned to the side of the tunnel and watched with a ferocious gaze.


    ¡°If the two of you only have these methods, I¡¯ll give up on this trip!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy as he continued to retreat. The terror of this golden rat was no longer something he could resist.


    If this continued, his survival would be at stake.


    After all, just one flash from the golden light had destroyed his great world. Xu Qing felt that even if he could block the subsequent attack of the golden rat that had destroyed the puppet, the price he had to pay would be huge.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Flame Mystic, wait a moment. There¡¯s something wrong with this golden rat. It only seems to be guarding the entrance. Could it be that there¡¯s something important to the golden rat in the Liaoxuan Pool that my ancestor set up?¡±


    ¡°Or maybe its goal is also the liaoxuan liquid?¡±


    Feng¡¯s expression was unsightly. He looked at the golden rat guarding the entrance of the tunnel and said in a deep voice.


    Xu Qing paused when he heard this.


    At that moment, Lan Yao¡¯s breathing was hurried. Suddenly, an eight-colored light appeared in her eyes as she looked at the golden rat and quickly spoke.


    ¡°There¡¯s one more thing that¡¯s not right. This beast¡¯s divinity is already at the peak and it¡¯s in a state where it¡¯s about to ignite its divine fire. It¡¯s not much different from a Perfected Soul Accumulation.¡±


    It¡¯s just that although the combat strength it displayed is strong, it¡¯s far from being as terrifying as the peak of the Soul Accumulation Realm¡­¡±


    ¡°I understand now. This beast was once a god and its divine fire was extinguished. Moreover, it has extremely serious injuries that shook its foundation. They should be injuries left behind from the battle where its divine fire was extinguished!¡±


    ¡°It hasn¡¯t recovered yet. Moreover, this beast seems to have given birth recently¡­ It¡¯s in an extremely weak state!¡±


    The eight-colored light in Lan Yao¡¯s eyes clearly possessed terrifying probing power. She actually saw many key points.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he fell into deep thought. This information was in line with his judgment, and through Little Shadow, he had seen two eggs in this tunnel¡­


    ¡°Although that¡¯s the case, this beast isn¡¯t something we can fight against.


    However, 1 have an artifact here that might be able to trap it for a period of time.¡±


    Lan Yao quickly spoke while maintaining vigilance against the golden rat.


    ¡°However, it will take some time to activate the artifact. Therefore, Fellow Daoist Feng and Fellow Daoist Flame Mystic, I need you to protect me during this period.¡±


    Feng immediately nodded. After that, he coldly looked at Xu Qing. His hand that was holding Erniu¡¯s neck exerted a little force, emitting cracking sounds.


    There was no need to mention any threats. His action had already exposed it.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was ugly. After a few breaths of silence, he took a deep breath and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°I¡¯ll only guard for fifteen minutes. If we can¡¯t trap this beast after that, I¡¯ll give up immediately. I won¡¯t participate in the matters here anymore. Also, Fellow Daoist Feng has to release my Eldest Senior Brother when I leave.¡±


    Feng nodded decisively. As long as Xu Qing didn¡¯t request to release Erniu now, he could accept it.


    Seeing that Xu Qing and Feng had agreed to her plan, Lan Yao no longer hesitated. She retreated a little and sat cross-legged in the distance, taking out a mirror and placing it in front of her.


    After that, she performed a series of hand seals with both hands and pointed toward the mirror. Immediately, the mirror shone and nine closed eyes appeared.


    These nine eyes emitted bizarreness, and their aura started rising.


    ¡°Nine-Eyes Mystic Magic Mirror!¡±


    After Feng swept his gaze over, he was a little moved and believed Lan Yao¡¯s words even more.


    A strange glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡®This mirror is somewhat similar to the magic treasure of the Seven Blood Eyes¡­¡¯


    At the same time, the moment the aura of the mirror spread out, the golden rat guarding the entrance of the tunnel suddenly looked in Lan Yao¡¯s direction. The ferocity in its eyes was intense and as the golden light flickered, its body blurred again.


    At the next instant, with a whistling sound, the golden rat headed straight for Lan Yao.


    Feng didn¡¯t hesitate and blocked with all his might. Xu Qing also gritted his teeth and cooperated.


    A rumbling sound rang out and Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled. He only felt golden light fill his vision as a terrifying force gushed over. At the next instant, his body was thrown back and he spat out a mouthful of blood.


    Countless cracks appeared on the Grand Mystic Heaven Armor and the Jiuli Magus Armor. His divine body was shaken and his internal organs churned intensely.


    Feng also didn¡¯t have it easy and spat out a mouthful of blood. However, at this critical moment, he reluctantly took out a purple ring and placed it outside to form a protective barrier.


    The barrier¡¯s defense was astonishing. Although it shattered, it still blocked the golden rat¡¯s attack in the end.


    ¡°Flame Mystic, send your energy into this ring!¡±


    Feng¡¯s face was pale as he hurriedly spoke. At the same time, he circulated his cultivation base and fused it into the purple ring, allowing the treasure¡¯s barrier to recover rapidly.


    This purple ring was the trump card he had prepared for this trip. He had originally planned to use it later, but now, he had no choice but to take it out in advance.


    Xu Qing remained silent. His gaze swept past the purple ring and could tell that this item was extraordinary. When he heard Feng, he hesitated a little. However, he instantly became decisive. His cultivation base spread out and fused into the purple ring¡¯s barrier.


    In the blink of an eye, as the purple ring¡¯s energy increased greatly, the golden rat outside rushed over again. Golden light erupted explosively and combined with its impact, it formed a terrifying huge force.


    With a boom, the purple ring¡¯s barrier rapidly flickered and cracks appeared. Xu Qing and Feng both spat out blood, but stopped it once again.


    However, the golden rat seemed to have gone slightly crazy. Suddenly, its body stopped in mid-air. All its golden fur stood up and broke, forming countless golden needles that shot toward Xu Qing and Feng.


    They were extremely sharp and their speed was astonishing, forming a golden storm.


    Amidst the rumbling, the purple ring¡¯s defense lasted for a breath of time before collapsing. The purple ring itself also shattered into pieces.


    Xu Qing and Feng¡¯s expressions changed. It was unknown if they really didn¡¯t have any strength left but they quickly retreated.


    At this moment, from the looks of the situation, it seemed that it would be very difficult for them to continue guarding.


    Hence, those golden needles all shot toward Lan Yao.


    Seeing that the needles were approaching, Lan Yao¡¯s closed eyes suddenly opened. After a flash of anger, she raised her hand and the nine eyes on the mirror in front of her opened at the same time.


    Being able to attack at such a critical moment, it¡¯s apparent whether her earlier claim of needing time was true or false.


    As the nine eyes on the mirror opened, the nine gazes materialized into nine black pillars of light.


    A vast power erupted from within. As they spread out, the golden needles paused in mid-air.


    The golden rat was also stared at by the nine corporeal gazes. Its body trembled and it actually stopped moving in the air. However, the aura on its body churned as though it was struggling.


    ¡°I can only trap it for fifteen minutes. Any contact during this period will allow it to escape instantly!¡±


    Lan Yao spat out a mouthful of blood and it landed on the mirror, causing the nine eyes in the mirror to look even more demonic. After that, her body swayed and she ignored the mirror floating there as she headed straight for the tunnel.


    Feng also moved extremely fast.


    Xu Qing also followed immediately.


    In an instant, the three of them rushed into the tunnel one after another.


    Without the obstruction of the golden rat and time being tight, Feng and Lan Yao no longer had the thoughts of scheming, so the journey through the tunnel went smoothly.


    Soon, the three of them arrived at the end of the tunnel.


    This place was a cave, but the range wasn¡¯t large, only about 1,000 feet. The marks were rough, indicating that it had been hurriedly opened back then.


    In the center was a five-foot-wide pool, with a tender green branch hanging down from the ceiling. At the moment the three arrived, a drop of clear liquid fell from this branch.


    With a thud, it landed on the surface of the pool.


    At the same time, it also attracted the gazes of Xu Qing and the other two.


    In the pool, there was an egg. At the same time, a dense fragrance rose from the water and spread around.


    Xu Qing took a sniff and felt his thoughts becoming extremely clear. Even the faint divine authorities on the nihility land in his body flickered slightly.


    Countless laws of divine authorities flowed in his mind.


    Xu Qing was moved.


    ¡°Liaoxuan holy liquid!¡±


    Feng and Lan Yao¡¯s breathing were also hurried.


    However, after seeing the amount of water in the pool clearly, the expressions of the three of them changed drastically. There was really too little liaoxuan holy liquid in the pool¡­


    There was only one thin layer of it..

 Chapter 1338 - Chapter 1338 Whos the Oriole!

    Chapter 1338 Who¡¯s the Oriole!


    After tens of thousands of years of accumulation¡­


    Although the appearance of the liaoxuan holy liquid required the precipitation of the liaoxuan liquid, it couldn¡¯t be so little after such a long time.


    Under normal circumstances, even if it didn¡¯t overflow, it should be dozens of times more than now.


    But now, there was only this thin layer.


    It was no wonder that Feng and Lan Yao¡¯s expressions were uncertain.


    After all, this time, they had paid a huge price to obtain the liaoxuan holy liquid, and each of them was constantly scheming and calculating against each other.


    Although they didn¡¯t come away empty-handed, the difference from their expectations was too great.


    ¡°That damn golden rat!!¡±


    Feng gritted his teeth. Even though he had a bad feeling after seeing the golden rat earlier and was mentally prepared, he was still extremely furious after seeing it now.


    However, he was helpless. He could only stare at the egg in the pool and narrow his eyes.


    Lan Yao was also silent with a gloomy expression.


    As for Xu Qing, he was also frowning. His gaze landed on the pool and he surveyed his surroundings. His gaze then paused slightly in the direction of the tunnel entrance.


    After that, he didn¡¯t reveal any abnormalities. He took the opportunity to shift his gaze away and search the surroundings with an unwilling expression.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s actions, Feng sneered. Other than the golden rat, he knew everything here like the back of his hand. He knew that there were no other treasures, so he didn¡¯t care about Xu Qing¡¯s actions.


    As for Lan Yao, after she looked at Xu Qing, her gaze finally landed on the pool.


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste time. Although there is little of it, it is still very helpful to us. As for this egg, I think it¡¯s the reason that the golden rat was guarding this place.¡±


    As she spoke, her body swayed and she headed straight for the pool.


    Feng and Xu Qing also rushed toward the pool.


    However, the instant the three of them got close to the pool, something unexpected happened!


    The soil around the pool suddenly collapsed and four black phantoms rushed out, heading straight for the three of them.


    They were four huge mantises. Their bodies were withered and emitted dense anomalous substances. The aura in their bodies was extremely unstable and there was no intelligence in their eyes.


    It was as though there was only some instinctive reaction left.


    Moreover, after they appeared, other than one that pounced toward Xu Qing, the other three¡­ attacked Lan Yao.


    The instant they attacked, Feng suddenly turned around. His aura erupted and his cultivation base rumbled as he attacked Lan Yao.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. An illusory phantom flew out of Feng¡¯s sleeve and swept toward Lan Yao at an astonishing speed.


    This illusory phantom was an intestine!


    It was the item that had appeared on the way here earlier.


    All of this took a long time to describe but it happened in the blink of an eye. It was still fine for Xu Qing since he was only facing one mantis.


    However, as for Lan Yao, the moment the three mantises got close, they all chose to self-destruct. There was also the bizarre intestine and the full-powered attack of Feng.


    Immediately, a loud explosion rang out and intense energy waves spread in the surroundings. As a violent wind swept past, Lan Yao¡¯s body directly collapsed and shattered into pieces.


    However, before Feng could show any expression of succeeding, Lan Yao¡¯s shattered body actually transformed into a damaged beast skin talisman. The moment it landed on the ground, the void fluctuated not far away and Lan Yao¡¯s figure gathered again.


    She looked as though she had expected this.


    When Xu Qing saw this, he immediately retreated. As for the mantis that attacked him, it also rapidly retreated and returned to Feng¡¯s side.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Feng, you¡¯re breaking your promise.¡±


    Lan Yao smiled slightly.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I broke my promise, but Fellow Daoist Lan, you have ill intentions. Do you really think I didn¡¯t notice?¡±


    Feng sneered. He wasn¡¯t too surprised that Lan Yao had dodged this attack. At this moment, he turned his head and looked at the entrance of the tunnel as he coldly spoke.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Yue Dong, you¡¯ve followed us for so long but you are still hiding. Do you think I don¡¯t know about your conspiracy with Lan Yao?!¡±


    As soon as Feng spoke, Lan Yao¡¯s smile instantly froze and her eyes gleamed.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Feng, what do you mean?¡±


    Xu Qing also narrowed his eyes.


    Feng sneered. He lifted his right hand and waved it fiercely at the entrance of the tunnel.


    At the next instant, a rumbling sound rang out as a figure appeared at the entrance of the tunnel. It quickly became clear and transformed into a woman.


    This woman was incomparably beautiful and had a graceful figure. She looked gentle but her eyes were cold.


    ¡°Everyone says that Feng Lintao is naturally paranoid and meticulous. From the looks of it, it¡¯s indeed so.¡±


    This woman was Yue Dong.


    Lan Yao no longer hid anything and nodded.


    ¡°Indeed, I didn¡¯t expect him to actually sense this¡­¡±


    Seeing that there was an additional person here, Xu Qing blinked and looked at the captain who was being carried by Feng. Hence, he took a few steps back and expressed his attitude that he didn¡¯t want to participate.


    ¡°Demon Feather Race¡¯s Lan Yao and Yue Dong, although the two of you don¡¯t seem to have a deep relationship in the race, I¡¯ve long known that your relationship isn¡¯t what you show on the surface. I just didn¡¯t expect you, who have a good reputation in the race, to commit such a greedy act!¡±


    ¡°As for the item we originally agreed on, from the looks of it, Fellow Daoist Lan doesn¡¯t plan to hand it over either.¡±


    Feng gritted his teeth and suddenly looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Flame Mystic, you¡¯ve seen it too. Please help me with this, and I¡¯ll surely repay your kindness afterwards!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak.


    His stance was crucial. If he helped Feng, it would be impossible for Lan Yao and Yue Dong to end the battle in a short period. After all, the golden rat outside couldn¡¯t be trapped for too long.


    Lan Yao sneered.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Feng, there¡¯s no need to flaunt yourself as a victim. Do you really think I don¡¯t know that the deal you mentioned with me is just an excuse?¡±


    ¡°The reason why you told me about the liaoxuan holy liquid is to lure me here. Other than the liaoxuan holy liquid, you also want my Demon Feather Holy Bloodline, right?¡±


    ¡°Right now, we can only enter the Wanggu Continent and can¡¯t leave. You have got quite a good plan there!¡±


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Flame Mystic, you¡¯re a smart person. Don¡¯t be fooled. You just have to not participate in this matter. Even though your eldest senior brother is in this person¡¯s hands, he won¡¯t dare to kill him.¡±


    ¡°Once he kills your eldest senior brother, he¡¯ll have to face three people.¡±


    After Lan Yao finished speaking, her body swayed and she headed straight for Feng. At the same time, Yue Dong lifted her jade-like hand and waved it behind her, forming a seal that landed at the entrance of the tunnel, blocking the path. With a step, she arrived in front of Feng.


    She performed a series of hand seals, using her divine ability to attack Feng together with Lan Yao.


    Soon, deafening sounds of collision spread out.


    Facing the two women¡¯s attacks, Feng had to keep on retreating. His expression was gloomy as he quickly spoke to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Flame Mystic, if you still don¡¯t make a move, I¡¯m going to reveal your secret!¡±


    ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t know why there¡¯s so little liaoxuan holy liquid here?!¡±


    As soon as Feng spoke, Lan Yao and Yue Dong¡¯s expressions changed.


    When Xu Qing heard this, his expression didn¡¯t have the slightest change.


    ¡°Nonsense. I¡¯ve been with the two of you the entire time. It¡¯s a little clumsy of you to try to drag me down like this.


    As for what you want to say, Fellow Daoist Feng, feel free to say it.¡±


    ¡°However, no matter how you fabricate it, I¡¯m not willing to participate in the matter between the three of you. Moreover, since Fellow Daoist Feng knew that someone was following us long ago, you must have prepared a backup plan and don¡¯t need my help.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was calm as he continued to retreat until he reached the entrance of the tunnel. He paused there and coldly watched the battle between the three.


    When Lan Yao saw this scene, her eyes flashed slightly. As she increased her strength, she smiled and spoke.


    ¡°Thank you for your reminder, Fellow Daoist Flame Mystic. I think Feng Lintao definitely has a backup plan.¡±


    As she spoke, Lan Yao manifested the eight-colored peacock, while an icy body created behind Yue Dong, causing the place to instantly turn cold. Additionally, an ice spear materialized beside her, aimed directly at Feng.


    The aura emitted by this spear was terrifying, capable of piercing through void. Moreover, around her, two solid and three illusory great worlds appeared.


    She cooperated with Lan Yao¡¯s eight-colored peacock and formed a killing blow.


    No matter how extraordinary Feng was and how many magic treasures he had, he still retreated. However, there was no panic on his face. Instead, as he retreated, he sneered.


    ¡°Alright. Since you guys have guessed that I have a backup plan, I don¡¯t have time to continue here with you guys.¡±


    ¡°Lanyao, you were wrong earlier. Other than the liaoxuan holy liquid and your bloodline, my goal is moreover Fellow Daoist Yue Dong¡¯s yin essence. This will be the greatest help for me in shaping the sixth world later!¡±


    With that, while holding Erniu with one hand, Feng grabbed the air with the other, taking out an item.


    This was a vine!


    It was golden and extraordinarily resplendent. It was as thick as an arm and about ten feet long. The spirituality inside was world-shaking. The instant it appeared, a majestic and terrifying aura erupted from it.


    The entire catacombs was engulfed in the storm, sweeping in all directions. Moreover, above Feng, the appearance of the vine created a shadowy illusion of a starry sky.


    This illusion showed endless celestial bodies, countless stars, and a tremendously large vine traversing the galaxy, wandering within this cosmic expanse.


    This vine was filled with countless profound runes that were innate. Moreover, there were even fruits on it that looked like stars.


    When Lan Yao and Yue Dong saw the vine and the illusory starry sky, their expressions completely changed. Lan Yao cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°Holy Heavenly Vine! A cosmic species. Its mature form spans across the star region, and this is its juvenile form!¡±


    ¡°Although it¡¯s a juvenile, you actually have it. How is this possible!!¡±


    ¡°The former Liaoxuan Holy Lord died under this vine. The Liaoxuan Holy Land was moreover destroyed because of this. You¡­¡±


    Although Xu Qing had never seen this vine before, he could sense its vast might.


    As for Feng, he gazed at Lan Yao and Yue Dong¡¯s expressions and chuckled sinisterly.


    ¡°How I obtained it isn¡¯t something you guys can know. You can consider it your blessing to die under the Sacred Heavenly Vine.¡±


    ¡°However, the first person to receive the blessing is the person in my hands.¡±


    ¡°Every time the Holy Heaven God Vine is used, it needs live sacrifices.¡±


    Feng chuckled loudly. At this moment, he didn¡¯t hide anything anymore. The reason why he kept holding onto Erniu seemed to be to threaten Xu Qing, but in reality, it was to have a living sacrifice ready at hand!


    While laughing, he transmitted his divine sense to the ten-


    foot-long golden vine. Immediately, the vine shone with golden light and opened its tip like a snake, heading straight for Erniu.


    However¡­ the instant it got close to Erniu, an unbelievable scene appeared!


    Erniu instantly opened his eyes, revealing unprecedented madness and greed. He actually¡­ bit the vine back. After that, he inhaled and the vine that emitted a terrifying aura suddenly trembled for some reason.


    It was as though it had encountered its natural enemy and wanted to struggle. However, as a blue light flashed in Erniu¡¯s eyes, the vine was directly sucked into his mouth.


    This scene caused the minds of everyone here other than Xu Qing to rumble and they were stunned.


    Erniu¡¯s body swayed and he disappeared from the spot. When he reappeared, he was beside Xu Qing. He burped with a smug expression.


    ¡°The reason why I was captured by you was because I smelled this smell. I was waiting all this while for you to take it out.¡±

 Chapter 1339 - Chapter 1339: Everyone, Attack Together!

    Chapter 1339: Everyone, Attack Together!


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The entire catacombs instantly fell silent.


    Lan Yao was stunned. Yue Dong¡¯s mind was also buzzing, and a deep sense of confusion arose.


    ¡± Swa ¨C swallowed?¡±


    Facing the scene in front of them, they had a strong sense of unreality. Even after witnessing it with their own eyes, they still couldn¡¯t believe their eyes.


    The item that Feng had taken out earlier was too horrifying, causing them to feel an incomparably great sense of danger. They even instinctively wanted to escape and give up on the treasure here.


    That was the Holy Heavenly Vine!


    Not only did this mature vine destroy a holy land, but the legend formed by its terror had been circulated in the holy lands until now. Almost no one could ignore it.


    However¡­ such a terrifying thing was actually swallowed by someone in one gulp-


    Although it was a juvenile, devouring it so easily had seriously exceeded their understanding. They even suspected that Feng had taken out a fake vine.


    If they were already like this, there was no need to mention Feng.


    !!..


    His expression was completely stunned and his eyes were wide open. Thunder rumbled in his mind, drowning all sounds.


    His mind instantly went blank from the shock. He actually indirectly entered a completely ethereal state where there were no distracting thoughts at all.


    He seemed to be dumbfounded.


    He stared blankly at Erniu¡¯s mouth¡­


    To someone like him who was naturally paranoid, this state could only be occasionally stepped into when he was comprehending laws.


    Moreover, he needed some opportunities to enter such a state and would still have some random thoughts.


    To reach the realm of complete clarity required an even greater fortune. At the very least, this was the first time in his life.


    Fortunately, this state was quickly reversed. One moment, there was no thought at all; the next moment, all kinds of thoughts erupted.


    These countless distracting thoughts passed through his entire body, resulting in a shudder. When they landed in his throat, they transformed into hurried breathing that fused into his soul, gathering into an idea that he had taken out the wrong item.


    Hence, he instinctively checked and discovered¡­


    ¡°Cough, Little Fengfeng, stop looking. 1 can prove that you didn¡¯t take the wrong thing out. The taste is quite pure.¡±


    The captain blinked and praised in a tone that could anger someone to death.


    Killing the body and destroying the heart.


    The captain¡¯s words perfectly displayed this sinister punishment.


    When these words fell into Feng¡¯s ears, his body trembled intensely and all kinds of emotions erupted.


    Anger, regret, anxiety, bitterness, jealousy, and oppression filled his mind and heart.


    He felt a piercing pain in his mind and the blood vessels in his head bulged. The pressure increased to the extreme and his head seemed to be heating up rapidly.


    There seemed to be a hole in his chest that devoured everything.


    His pale face instantly turned red. After that, it turned green and finally, a dark aura lingered on his face.


    It was hard to imagine what kind of upheaval of emotions could cause such changes in a person¡¯s face in just a moment.


    At the next instant, Feng spat out a large mouthful of blood and let out an extremely heart-rending shout that seemed to be able to shatter the world!


    Resentment filled the sky and madness shocked the world.


    ¡°I will kill you!!!


    n


    The shout shook the heavens and the earth. Feng went completely crazy and his aura turned violent. In fact, the three sealed illusory great worlds actually showed signs of being unsealed.


    His figure stirred up endless momentum as he rushed toward Erniu.


    Facing this crazy Feng, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He clenched his right hand into a fist and directly took a step forward, using the momentum to punch forward ruthlessly.


    The Indestructible Emperor¡¯s Fist instantly erupted and the shadow of the emperor sword flashed and slashed fiercely at Feng.


    At the same time, the captain let out a cold snort. With a sway of his head, a green vine rapidly grew out of his head. In an instant, it was dozens of feet long. With a swing, it shattered the void and lashed out fiercely.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s fist landed on Feng. As the rumbling echoed, Xu Qing let out a muffled groan and was forced back. Feng didn¡¯t care about being injured and was rushing over.


    However, the emperor sword flashed and the sword light passed. Blood spurted out of Feng¡¯s body and half of his arm was instantly cut off. At the same time, the vine above the captain¡¯s head moved with a terrifying might and lashed out in front of Feng.


    With a whip, rumbling sounds rang out in all directions.


    Feng spat out another mouthful of blood and was sent back.


    ¡°I just swallowed it. It¡¯s still a little difficult to control and use it.¡± The captain coughed and smiled.


    It looked like he was telling the truth but also mocking.


    At the same time, although Lan Yao and Yue Dong were shocked by Erniu¡¯s actions earlier, they weren¡¯t ordinary people after all. At this moment, they suppressed the horror in their hearts. Seeing this rare opportunity, killing intent instantly rose and they rushed out separately.


    Since they had reached this stage with Feng, the two of them had to kill him no matter what.


    At this moment, the eight-colored peacock surrounded by the winds of eight colors, gathered the rains of eight colors, and raised the clouds of eight colors, all heading straight toward Feng.


    The ice spear from Yue Dong swept up a terrifying frost storm with irresistible force and blasted over.


    Facing such an attack, the sense of life-and-death crisis erupted in Feng¡¯s heart. It instantly gathered his chaotic and crumbling mind that was affected by the captain¡¯s actions.


    As he regained his senses, he had no choice but to suppress all the distracting thoughts in his mind. No matter how crazy and aggrieved he was, he couldn¡¯t be controlled by emotions now.


    This was a life-and-death crisis. Compared to life and death, external objects¡­ could only be put aside for now!


    If it had been someone else, even if they had realized the need to do so, actually implementing it would have been difficult. After all, too much had been lost, and emotions were the hardest thing to control.


    However, Feng, who was paranoid and cautious by nature and had an extraordinary mind, actually accomplished it in such a short instant.


    His eyes turned cold again. Without hesitation, he raised his hand and performed a series of hand seals. Immediately, one of the three illusory great worlds became even blurrier and instantly collapsed.


    As it collapsed, a terrifying force was released and swept violently in all directions.


    He chose to detonate a sealed great world!


    This price could be said to be incomparably huge. This was because in the sealed state, the might of the self-destruction couldn¡¯t reach 100%. Reaching even half of the power would be considered good.


    Moreover, the existence of the seal caused the power of this self-destruction to be unable to augment his body. It could only be used as a one-time-use magic treasure.


    In addition, the self-destruction would reduce one of his worlds and his true cultivation would fall. It would be much more difficult to cultivate it again.


    There was even a certain possibility that it would be irreversible.


    Hence, this decisiveness and choice could be said to be ruthless.


    At least for Lan Yao and Yue Dong, even in a life-and-death crisis, they wouldn¡¯t be able to make such a decision without hesitation.


    As for the might of the self-destruction, even though it couldn¡¯t spread out much under the seal, it was still violent and terrifying. After all, it was a great world.


    At that moment, amidst the rumbling, the void stirred up, forming violent waves that swept in all directions.


    Lan Yao and Yue Dong were the first to bear the brunt. Naturally, they wouldn¡¯t forcefully risk their lives and chose to dodge this powerful attack.


    As for Xu Qing and the captain¡­ After they attacked earlier, they didn¡¯t continue.


    Feng also decisively gave up on attacking Xu Qing and the captain. He wanted to use the chance he obtained from detonating a sealed great world to survive.


    Hence, in the blink of an eye, he headed straight for the entrance of the tunnel and punched out at the barrier Yue Dong had set up when she arrived.


    He wanted to leave this place!


    At the same time, the coldness in his eyes was intense. Although he planned to leave, he didn¡¯t completely give up on this trip. He planned to release that golden rat!


    That would cause this place to fall into a chaotic situation. Only then could he take advantage of the situation and have some chance to counterattack and turn the situation around.


    Only then would the destruction of a great world be worth it.


    However, the other four weren¡¯t idiots. There was naturally no need to mention Xu Qing and Erniu. Lan Yao had been secretly plotting against Feng and hadn¡¯t been at a disadvantage. Naturally, one could see her intelligence.


    Although Yue Dong hadn¡¯t shown much, one who conspired with the tiger for its skin surely had extraordinary talent.


    Hence, almost at the instant Feng detonated his great world and bombarded the barrier at the entrance of the tunnel, they immediately guessed the other party¡¯s thoughts.


    In the blink of an eye, the vine above the captain¡¯s head moved and he shouted.


    ¡°Everyone, attack together and kill him. If the rat appears, we¡¯ll all suffer greatly!¡±


    As he spoke, the captain looked like he was going all out and rushed forward. Lan Yao and Yue Dong, who had retreated, also gritted their teeth and rushed forward.


    They all seemed to be attacking Feng, but at the next instant, three of them, their actions were somewhat deviated¡­


    Only Yue Dong got close to Feng who was attacking the barrier.


    Xu Qing paused in mid-air while Lan Yao retreated and headed straight for the Liaoxuan Pool.


    She waved her hand at the liaoxuan liquid and the golden egg in the pool, wanting to collect them both.


    Yue Dong, who had attacked Feng, didn¡¯t look surprised, as though she had known this would happen.


    However, the captain¡¯s vine also made the same move as Lan Yao.


    This vine¡¯s speed was astonishing. It instantly arrived and coiled around the golden egg. Finally, it and Lan Yao quickly divided the pool water.


    However, because it had targeted the golden egg first, it only had time to collect 20% of the pool water. The remaining 80% was taken away by Lan Yao.


    Although she was a little unwilling to give up on the golden egg, Lan Yao¡¯s gaze flickered as the scene of Erniu appeared in her mind. She then glanced at the vine warily and retreated while being vigilant.


    The captain also seemed to be unwilling, but it was obvious that the current situation was urgent. In the end, he still let Lan Yao leave. At the same time, he swept his gaze and kept the broken body of the nearby mantis that had collapsed and the mantis that had shattered from the battle fluctuations.


    At this time, the battle between Feng and Yue Dong reached a critical moment.


    Under Yue Dong¡¯s obstruction, Feng¡¯s attempt to break through the barrier wasn¡¯t successful. After all, this barrier was originally set up by Yue Dong.


    However, Feng¡¯s decisiveness clearly wasn¡¯t just a one-time thing.


    A cold glint flashed in his eyes. Another sealed illusory great world actually exploded!


    The formed force swept in all directions, transforming into a storm that forced Yue Dong back. At the same time, the barrier at the entrance of the tunnel also disintegrated.


    Feng¡¯s breathing was hurried as he rushed out.


    It was also at this moment that black fog rose in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The divine authority of the Poison Restriction suddenly erupted, forming a black fog that spread out, within which Ming Fei descended!


    ¡°God¡¯s Six Filths!¡±

 Chapter 1340 - Chapter 1340 The True Behind-The-Scenes (1)

    Chapter 1340 The True Behind-The-Scenes (1)


    Ming Fei¡¯s body was astonishingly terrifying. It swept up black fog and poison spread in all directions.


    The commands of curse rang out from Xu Qing¡¯s mouth and also from Ming Fei.


    First Filth: Divine fire yielded smoke, imparting impurity.


    At the entrance of the tunnel, Feng who was about to leave the tunnel suddenly trembled and his expression changed drastically. One could see countless black dots that contained impurities spreading throughout his entire body and face.


    Second Filth: Divine soul harbored desires, harboring mundane attachments.


    At the next moment, all his perception was stripped away.


    Third Filth: Divine body could decline, leading to corruption.


    All the black spots on the Feng youth¡¯s body rotted, his flesh fell off, and his bones decayed.


    Fourth Filth: Divine shrine was shrouded in dust, obscuring its brilliance.


    Feng let out a heart-rending wail. He could sense that his Dao foundation, which had already been shaken by the detonation of the great worlds, was collapsing at this moment.


    However, the curse wasn¡¯t over yet.


    Fifth Filth: Divinity bore defilement, resulting in lack of wisdom.


    Sixth Filth: A god¡¯s life bred curses, severing life.


    A soul exterminating power rose. Feng was like a malicious ghost; his body was badly mangled, rotting, and emitted a dense stench of corpses.


    However, at this moment, he fiercely patted his chest. Immediately, a large amount of tainted blood and countless wailing souls rushed out of his body.


    That was the blood and souls of 20 million of his bloodline. Previously, he had absorbed them into his body, allowing him to become a full-blooded liaoxuan. Now, he had no choice but to abandon them.


    As the sea of blood and the souls spread out, his bloodline purity decreased; wings appeared on his back again and the third eye appeared on his forehead once again.


    As for the curses that landed on his body, they naturally dispersed. He barely withstood them. The wings on his back flapped and his speed soared as he rushed out of the tunnel.


    However, although Xu Qing¡¯s curses were suppressed by him using this extermination method, the previous process had a considerable impact on his speed. Hence, almost at the instant he tried to rush out, Yue Dong, who was already the closest to him, also moved her wings and chased after him.


    At the same time, she performed a series of hand seals with both hands, forming dozens of restrictions in the tunnel.


    These restrictions were clearly set up by her when she had been hiding earlier. Now, they erupted one after another to stop Feng.


    Hence, under the obstruction of these dozens of restrictions, even though Feng had seized the initiative, his speed still continued to slow down, but finally rushed out of the tunnel left behind by his ancestor¡­


    The instant he rushed out, Yue Dong flew out faster than him and landed in front of the golden rat, causing Feng¡¯s plan to be unable to be carried out.


    He didn¡¯t hesitate and was about to choose to escape. However, Lan Yao had already caught up and blocked his path.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing and the captain also appeared outside. However, they didn¡¯t attack Feng. Instead, they headed straight for the exit of the catacomb above at the same time!


    To Xu Qing and the captain, this was an opportunity to leave this place.


    Lan Yao and the other two were entangled with each other. The timing was just right.


    This opportunity was actually secretly created by him and the captain in the tunnel.


    Otherwise, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t have used the Six Filths of God previously.


    His goal in using it wasn¡¯t to kill Feng. He only wanted to stall for time to block the possibility of the other party releasing the golden rat.


    As for how the three of them fought next and the outcome, it had nothing to do with them.


    Xu Qing and the captain understood that they had gained enough. They had to leave now.


    However, just as Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s figures were in the air and were about to reach the exit, a barrier suddenly emerged silently in the air.


    It was a large silver net formed by crystalline white threads that enveloped the entire catacombs world.


    It emitted a terrifying pressure that contained an astonishing seal. It was even stronger than the power from the destruction of Feng¡¯s great worlds.


    It would have been fine if that was all. After Xu Qing and the captain fused into the emperor¡¯s corpse, it wasn¡¯t like they couldn¡¯t blast it open with some price. It was just that¡­ there was actually a talisman floating on this seal.


    This talisman paper was silver in color. Although the words on it were clear, it was difficult to tell their meaning. However, the holy feeling it emitted was very dense.


    It was different from the gods¡¯ aura. That was¡­ the Great Emperor¡¯s aura!


    Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s expressions changed.


    There was no need to consider this seal. They immediately understood that it must have been set up by Yue Dong, who had hidden and followed them all the way.


    This woman and Lan Yao, one inside and one outside, coordinated with each other perfectly.


    However, to set up such a trap and even use such an item, the reason probably wasn¡¯t simply to snatch treasures.


    After all, the value of this talisman was also huge.


    ¡°Fellow Daoists, don¡¯t worry. This lock isn¡¯t targeted at you but to prevent Feng Lintao from escaping. After the two of us kill Feng Lintao, we will naturally open the seal and let you leave.¡±


    ¡°Also, if the two of you are willing to help and shorten the killing time, it will naturally be the best. After all, that golden rat¡­ won¡¯t be trapped for long.¡±


    Yue Dong calmly spoke. The golden rat behind her was struggling more intensely at this moment. Clearly, although what Lan Yao said about trapping it for fifteen minutes was a lie, the mirror indeed couldn¡¯t last for too long.


    Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s hearts sank.


    They had no choice but to admit that not only were these three cultivators from the holy land powerful and had many magic treasures, but their intelligence was also extraordinary. Almost everyone had ulterior motives on this trip and each side had many backup plans.


    If one wasn¡¯t careful and was afraid of death, they would be destroyed here.


    Feng also scanned his gaze over and his face instantly turned even paler. In fact, his eyes even revealed despair as he let out a bitter laugh.

 Chapter 1341 - Chapter 1341 The True Behind-The-Scenes (2)

    Chapter 1341 The True Behind-The-Scenes (2)


    ¡°Holy Ancestor¡¯s sealing talisman. This talisman requires a huge amount of battle merits in the race to exchange for one¡­ I didn¡¯t expect Fellow Daoist Yue Dong to be so generous for me.¡±


    ¡°The conflict between us is only a temporary one caused by benefits. Moreover, you guys have already taken everything away, but you set up this seal in advance. It looks like you want to completely kill me.¡±


    ¡°Is there a deep hatred between us?!¡±


    Feng¡¯s were red and he seemed to have gone crazy from despair. He was almost shouting towards the end.


    ¡°Deep hatred? You tell me!¡± The killing intent in Yue Dong¡¯s eyes was intense. The gentleness on her face completely disappeared and was replaced by a deep hatred, as though she couldn¡¯t wait to devour Feng alive.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Feng, how did you really obtain this Demon Feather bloodline? The two of us have been investigating for many years!¡±


    ¡°You think no one knows, but she¡­ has a younger sister. It¡¯s just that she didn¡¯t tell you. On this trip, treasures are secondary. Our real target is you.¡±


    Lan Yao gritted her teeth and spoke. Her body swayed as she headed straight for Feng. Yue Dong also rushed over with hatred.


    A rumbling sound echoed as the three of them fought.


    Feng¡¯s injuries were serious, barely able to defend himself, but blood was flowing from his wounds incessantly.


    At the same time, in the air, under the large sealing net, Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s expressions were gloomy. They weren¡¯t willing to participate in this matter but the golden rat¡¯s struggle was becoming increasingly intense.


    Once it broke free¡­


    Xu Qing and the captain exchanged glances, both sensing lack of confidence within . They had each taken an egg, and were afraid that once the golden rat struggled free, it would go after them first.


    If they wanted to leave, the only way now seemed to be to help Yue Dong and Lan Yao.


    Moreover¡­ the conversation between the two women and Feng also revealed karma. Although the specifics were unclear, a simple judgment indicated that the women sought revenge for their sister, revealing aspects of their character.


    Hence, after Xu Qing and the captain looked at each other again, they revealed determination.


    ¡°A guy who is lower than beasts deserves to die!¡±


    The captain shouted and continued.


    ¡°Fairies, we¡¯ll just stand here and wait!¡±


    Looking at this, Feng¡¯s face turned even paler. Ever since he started cultivating, he had experienced many life-and-death crises. However, he had not encountered such a hopeless situation.


    This was especially because with his personality, he was usually the hunter and not the prey.


    And everything was because the Holy Heavenly Vine had been devoured¡­


    At the thought of this, the veins on his forehead were about to bulge and the pressure in his head was about to increase. However, he forcefully suppressed it and didn¡¯t think about this matter that could make him go mad.


    As he attacked with all his might and retreated repeatedly, coughing out blood several times, he looked to be in despair but he was quickly analyzing the current situation in his mind. He understood that if he wanted to release that golden rat now, he had to detonate another great world.


    However, now that he had already lost two, if he lost a third¡­ his cultivation level would really be at the Two Worlds Soul Accumulation.


    Even facing life and death, this was acceptable. But after the self-destruction, even if he could release that terrifying golden rat, he would be weaker than he was now.


    This way, the possibility of him taking advantage of the situation was infinitely small.


    The greater possibility was that he would be digging his own grave and be killed by the golden rat.


    The detonation had to be worth it.


    Of course, if he really had no choice, he wouldn¡¯t mind doing so. At the very least, he could drag one or two of them down with him.


    He wouldn¡¯t even hesitate to detonate his unsealed great worlds and coordinate with the golden rat to take down everyone with him. There was a certain probability that it would succeed.


    ¡®However, those two humans are interesting¡­ Could it be that they saw something? Also, that sentence just now¡­¡¯


    ¡®Are they telling me that they know I have a way to break this seal?!¡¯


    Feng¡¯s flashed and he spat out a pearl. This was his intrinsic magic treasure. After it appeared, it spun rapidly and rushed toward Lan Yao and Yue Dong.


    At the same time, he turned and headed straight for Xu Qing and the captain.


    Amidst the rumbling, under Yue Dong and Lan Yao¡¯s attacks, Feng¡¯s intrinsic magic treasure was immediately damaged. However, it managed to stop them.


    Seeing that Feng was vomiting blood and his aura was weak as he flew toward Xu Qing and Xu Qing, Yue Dong¡¯s expression was filled with grief and indignation as she hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Fellow Daoists, please help me. You don¡¯t need to kill him, just block him for a bit!¡±


    As she spoke, she and Lan Yao rushed over.


    At that moment, when Xu Qing and the captain noticed this scene, killing intent emerged in their eyes. They seemed to have chosen to help the two women and rushed toward Feng.


    Feng¡¯s eyes displayed madness as he made the decision to gamble!


    There were some things he couldn¡¯t say. If he did, it would expose his trump card.


    Hence, he gambled that the two people in front of him had seen through the nature of this situation. After all, if they cooperated with the two women to kill him, it wouldn¡¯t do them any good. On the contrary, because of his death, they would have to face the two women next.


    With the golden rat sealed here and unable to leave, the situation would be incomparably passive for them.


    If he didn¡¯t die and escaped, he would definitely attract the attention of the two women and distract them from chasing after the duo.


    This was the only way to break through the situation!


    At the next instant, Xu Qing and the captain were about to collide with Feng, but in the blink of an eye, they suddenly swayed and parted ways.


    The expressions of the two women changed.


    Feng didn¡¯t hesitate at all and rushed over. The instant he got close to the seal, he detonated the third illusory great world and directed all the power at the seal.


    At the same time, he took out a Great Emperor¡¯s talisman that was exactly the same as the sealing talisman.


    Coupled with the self-destruction of his world, it formed a silver light that soared into the sky, directly piercing through the seal and the mud layers, connecting to the outside world!


    He immediately rushed out.


    Xu Qing and the captain also didn¡¯t hesitate. They transformed into two beams of light as they rushed out through the gap.


    In the blink of an eye, the three of them escaped and disappeared into the horizon.


    As they sped away, Yue Dong and Lan Yao also emerged outside the seal. They stared fixedly in the direction the three of them had left in with ugly expressions.


    ¡°Was my words a little deliberate just now, or was it because I didn¡¯t have a younger sister to begin with, leading to the insincerity of the affection?¡±


    ¡°Or maybe my innate power has been sensed?¡±


    Yue Dong voiced gloomily.


    ¡°If the two of them believed me at all, with my talent, they would think that I really cared about revenge and did not have any designs on them, thus planting seeds of emotions in their hearts. And previously, my talent indeed sensed that I had grasped captured emotions.¡±


    ¡°Due to the secret treasure in Feng Lintao¡¯s soul that is related to the Liaoxuan Holy Ancestor¡¯s inheritance, I could only unleash half of my talent on him and make him think that there¡¯s really a woman whose bloodline was snatched by him. If I overdid it, he might have started suspecting it.¡±


    ¡°Other than that, this is the first time I¡¯ve faced cultivators of the same realm or even inferior and failed to activate my talent¡­¡±


    ¡°What a pity. They would have been good flesh puppets. Also, the amount of liaoxuan holy liquid is so small. There¡¯s a high chance that it¡¯s related to them! What a pity, what a pity, what a pity¡­¡±


    Yue Dong mumbled and turned her head to look at Lan Yao. Her gaze was cold, as though she wasn¡¯t looking at a human but a flesh puppet that had its emotions controlled.


    Lan Yao turned a deaf ear to her words. At that moment, she gritted her teeth and stared in the direction Feng Lintao had fled in. She was extremely furious.


    ¡°These two humans deserve to die, and Feng Lintao deserves to die even more. Fortunately, we found evidence of him before we came. We have to kill him this time and avenge my little sister!¡±


    Her eyes were bloodshot and her expression was malevolent.

 Chapter 1342 - Chapter 1342: Droz

    Chapter 1342: Droz


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Yue Dong kept on looking in the direction Xu Qing and the others had left in. After a while, although she was a little unwilling, she still gave up on Xu Qing and Erniu in the end.


    Clearly, to her, the most important thing now wasn¡¯t to refine puppets or the liaoxuan holy liquid, but the Liaoxuan Holy Ancestor¡¯s inheritance in Feng Lintao¡¯s soul.


    After all, that was the inheritance of a Quasi-Immortal Great Emperor!


    ¡°I can¡¯t give Feng Lintao time to recuperate. He has the seeds of my emotions on him, so his tracks are like torches in the night to me.¡±


    A dark glint flashed in Yue Dong¡¯s eyes. After making the decision, she no longer hesitated and moved toward the horizon.


    Beside her, Lan Yao was still gritting her teeth. She also took a step forward and followed Yue Dong.


    As for the emperor¡¯s talisman, it also silently disappeared and was stored away with the departure of the two women.


    The entire catacombs fell silent.


    Awhile later, accompanied by the sound of the mirror shattering, an angry roar rose into the sky from the catacombs. At the next moment, a golden light rushed out.


    It was that golden rat.


    However, just as it was about to rush out of the catacombs, a mournful cry rang out from its mouth.


    Its entire body trembled as though an invisible pressure had descended, stopping it from leaving this place.


    Very soon, this pressure transformed into countless runes that rose from its bloodline like meridians. They appeared densely on its body.


    This was especially so for the head. There were even more rune marks.


    These rune marks emitted an ancient aura and contained the fluctuations of gods. Moreover, they had clearly existed on it for many years. It was also because of this that the golden rat couldn¡¯t leave the catacombs.


    It was suppressed here!


    The intense stimulation and the tearing of the soul caused the golden rat¡¯s heart-rending roar to become even more shocking.


    As it struggled, these runes seemed to come alive and rapidly flowed through its entire body. Finally, they all gathered on its head and ruthlessly pierced into it.


    They circled around its mind and reversed its soul, causing its intelligence, which was already constantly being erased, to be even more like a wild beast.


    The strangest thing was that its forehead showed signs of turning into paper.


    It was as though if it continued to struggle, very soon, its body would turn into paper and it would become a paper rat.


    It could only let out an unwilling roar as it stared fixedly at the sky.


    The color of the sky changed and the wind surged. A huge vortex appeared in the sky. As it rumbled, one could vaguely see a cold eye looking down at the ground and the golden rat from the vortex.


    This eye was strange, as though it was drawn. What was even stranger was the vortex in the sky. At first glance, it was vast but upon closer inspection, it seemed that¡­ this vortex was also formed from paper.


    A deep voice spread from the vortex.


    ¡°Night Mill, you¡¯ve been refined for over 30,000 years and your divine fire has been extinguished many times. Even now, you¡¯re still unwilling to become the Night God under me.¡±


    The color of blood in the golden rat¡¯s eyes became even more intense. As its body struggled, a hint of intelligence that seemed like it could dissipate at any moment slowly gathered in its pupils. It didn¡¯t speak much, but the hoarse and unclear voice coming out of its mouth revealed an irreconcilable hatred.


    ¡°Dr¡­ oz!¡±


    After letting out a roar, the golden rat turned and headed straight for the catacombs, returning to the tunnel where the Liaoxuan Pool was located.


    In the sky, the eye in the vortex became increasingly cold.


    ii


    It¡¯s fine. 1 have plenty of time.¡±


    As the voice echoed, the vortex blurred and gradually dissipated.


    Everything in the world returned to normal.


    The scene that appeared here was only limited to this area. Hence, regardless of whether it was Xu Qing, Erniu, Feng, or Yue Dong and Lan Yao, their perception of this place was blocked for various reasons.


    However, they were not ordinary people. They all had different advantages in their spirit perception.


    Hence, they more or less sensed something at this moment.


    Between the two beams of light that moved through the air, Xu Qing suddenly turned his head and looked behind him with a puzzled expression.


    The captain beside him also immediately looked at the sky behind him with a surprised expression.


    The two of them looked at each other and quickly retracted their gazes and sped up without saying anything.


    Just like that, three days passed in the blink of an eye.


    Xu Qing and the captain used all kinds of methods to conceal themselves. Finally, they safely flew out of Liaoxuan County and entered the territory of the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    They saw the human cities on the outer-rings of the Imperial Capital.


    The familiar style and familiar aura caused Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s hanging hearts to relax a little. However, their vigilance still existed.


    The scene the two of them sensed a few days ago caused their hearts to stir.


    Hence, even in the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region, they moved at full speed to their destination.


    But, doing this meant they would naturally pass by mortal cities and the mountains where some sects were located.


    It was still fine for the former. The mortal cities naturally wouldn¡¯t pose any obstruction to Xu Qing and the captain.


    For the latter, after their almighty cultivators sensed Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s speed, their hearts palpitated and they didn¡¯t dare to stop them. They pretended not to see them and allowed them to be on their way.


    Yet, there were still some who thought they were strong and refused to yield.


    Just like this, as Xu Qing and the captain sped, a cold snort rang out from a red mountain range below them.


    ¡°Who is it? How dare you treat my Crimson Cloud Sect like nothing? You dare to move above us. Stay here!¡±


    As the voice rang out, a blood mist rose from this mountain range and swept toward the sky, wanting to stop Xu Qing and the captain.


    Xu Qing frowned. Just as he was about to speak, the captain beside him suddenly glared and shouted at the incoming blood mist.


    ¡°Such guts! This is the lord of the Holy Wave Large Region, the honorary noble of the Flame Moon Grand Mystic Heaven, Heavenly Marquis Xu Qing himself, and his eldest senior brother. Step back!¡±


    The last two words were like thunder that exploded in all directions. Moreover, his voice was incomparably arrogant and he spoke with great familiarity without hesitation. Clearly, the captain had practiced this speech.


    He was probably waiting for such an opportunity on the way here.


    In an instant, the incoming blood mist paused.


    The captain let out a cold snort and continued to move forward. Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak and didn¡¯t slow down. In an instant, the two of them had already flown past the mountain range and gradually left.


    After they left, the blood mist shrank and transformed into a red-haired old man with a bewildered expression. He looked at the horizon hesitantly.


    In the end, he didn¡¯t dare to continue obstructing them.


    Because¡­ the identity mentioned in Erniu¡¯s words was extremely prominent!


    This Crimson Cloud Ancestor wasn¡¯t someone who cultivated in seclusion all year round, so he naturally knew about the matters in the external world. He had heard that a few years ago, the Holy Wave Large Region had appointed a region lord and that the other party had been conferred the title of Heavenly Marquis.


    At the same time¡­ after the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race announced the results of their Grand Hunt, he naturally knew that someone from the human race had actually become the Grand Mystic Heaven.


    The name of the owner of all the glory was none other than Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing¡­¡±


    The Crimson Cloud Ancestor fell silent. Regardless of whether the other party was real or fake, he didn¡¯t want to stick his head out.


    After all, a fake one didn¡¯t benefit him, but if it was the real one, he would have to suffer countless hardships. He felt that it wasn¡¯t worth it to fight for the sake of mere pride.


    Moreover, the other party just sped past without greeting him.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just crossing over? It¡¯s not a big deal.¡±


    Crimson Cloud coughed and transformed into a blood mist, quickly returning to the mountain range.


    Just like that, Xu Qing and the captain flew out of the outer-rings at the edge of the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region for a few more days before they finally felt relieved.


    On one hand, they felt a sense of security here. On the other hand, according to their previous doubts, if the other party really wanted to make things difficult for them, it was impossible for them to not appear in these few days.


    Hence, it was basically certain that the crisis had passed.


    At the same time, after these days of journey, they also saw their destination.


    It was a huge and ancient teleportation array.


    This array formation was the path to the inner ring of the Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    Such a strategic place was naturally heavily guarded all year round. Right now, there were over a million soldiers guarding this teleportation array. There was also a Heavenly Marquis with Nihility cultivation base guarding it.


    Hence, almost at the instant Xu Qing and the captain flew over, waves of baleful aura rose from all directions. The Heavenly Marquis guarding this place also flew out with a solemn expression and stood in the air.


    His eyes were scorching but the moment he saw the person clearly, his expression instantly changed and waves of emotions surged in his heart.


    ¡°Xu Qing!¡±


    This Heavenly Marquis had once sat in the same hall as Xu Qing in the Human Emperor¡¯s Palace. When he got to know Xu Qing, he had also heard about the Grand Mystic Heaven. Even though some time had passed, the shock in his heart was still intense.


    The honorable name of the Grand Mystic Heaven was extremely illustrious. It was far from what ordinary people could imagine.


    That was Flame Moon¡¯s highest honor. Countless races had to kneel when they saw him.


    The most important thing was that the battle between the human race and Flame Moon¡¯s affiliated races ended with a single sentence from the other party.


    This aura, status, and identity were the only resplendent stars in the entire human race!


    Moreover, the other party was a lord of a region to begin with!


    As for his cultivation base, although it was only at the Nihility, he had heard of the battle between the other party and Flame Mystic, the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of Flame Moon who could fight with Soul Accumulation.


    The result was a crushing victory!


    All of this caused this Heavenly Marquis¡¯ heart to tremble. His expression immediately turned solemn as he straightened his attitude and cupped his fists.


    ¡°Greetings, Heavenly Marquis Xu!¡±


    In the sky, Xu Qing and the captain instantly got close and stood in the air. Their appearance and the Heavenly Marquis¡¯ words immediately attracted the attention of the million human cultivators in all directions.


    Although not everyone knew of Xu Qing, the term ¡®Heavenly Marquis Xu¡¯ still made some human cultivators think of something. Their expressions instantly changed, revealing excitement and admiration.


    They had heard too much about Xu Qing¡¯s story over the past few days. It could be said that during this period of time, the person who was discussed the most in the entire Wanggu Continent was Xu Qing!


    ¡°So it¡¯s Heavenly Marquis Wang.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and landed on that Heavenly Marquis, smiling slightly.


    ¡°I want to use the teleportation array here to head to the Imperial Capital.¡±


    Heavenly Marquis Wang immediately nodded.


    ¡°Heavenly Marquis Xu has returned. This is the most important matter for the human race. All the teleportation arrays are to be opened for Heavenly Marquis Xu!¡±


    As he spoke, he immediately made arrangements and personally accompanied Xu Qing. He acted as though he was in front of a Heavenly King. He was even extremely polite to Erniu, who was beside Xu Qing.


    Erniu felt truly comfortable.


    Not long later, under the company of Heavenly Marquis Wang, the teleportation array was activated with countless human cultivators in the surroundings excitedly and instinctively peeking at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing bade farewell to Heavenly Marquis Wang and stepped into the teleportation array with the captain.


    As the teleportation light shone, the two of them instantly disappeared.


    Although he had left, the discussions about Xu Qing outside the teleportation array were boiling.


    ¡°That¡¯s the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of our human race!!¡±


    ¡°Not only is he so young, but he also has peerless talent. Haha, if 1 tell others in the future, I¡¯ll be able to gain some renown for activating the teleportation array for Heavenly Marquis Xu.¡±


    Heavenly Marquis Wang¡¯s gaze landed on the teleportation array. He looked at the emptiness inside and listened to the excited words of the surrounding soldiers. He sighed with emotion.


    ¡®I¡¯m afraid that the next time we meet, he will have become at least a Heavenly King!¡¯

 Chapter 1343 - 1343 Qing and Niu Returns

    1343 Qing and Niu Returns


    In the inner ring of the Human Race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    The teleportation array didn¡¯t directly teleport them to the imperial city. Instead, it teleported them outside the imperial city just like how Xu Qing and the others had arrived in the Grand Imperial Capital Region for the first time with the third princess.


    The moment they appeared, before the guards of this array formation could see Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s figures clearly, they were already far away in the sky.


    Standing here and looking at the distant imperial city, the first thing one saw were the statues surrounding the imperial city.


    Now that he looked at them again, Xu Qing¡¯s state of mind was different from back then.


    As he sighed inwardly, he could vaguely see the long rainbow bridge that led to the palace and the hazy Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    ¡°I¡¯m finally back.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. Figures emerged in his mind and a smile appeared on his face.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s expression, Erniu was in high spirits. He suddenly thought of something and asked.


    ¡°By the way, Junior Brother, back in the catacombs, what Yue Dong said was filled with sincerity. The depth of her sisterhood was really moving.¡±


    ¡°However, we let that Feng fellow go. I can¡¯t shake off this feeling of guilt all the way.¡±


    Erniu blinked and glanced at Xu Qing.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he looked at his eldest senior brother.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to feel bad.¡±


    Erniu chuckled.


    ¡°Those girls spoke sincerely, with the appearance of seeking revenge for their sister, even that girl, Lan Yao, was brimming with righteous indignation. The entire catacomb was filled with vengeance and determination; it was truly touching.


    However, with my sharp eyes, I could tell at a glance that that Yue Dong girl isn¡¯t a good person. However, there¡¯s a reason why I could sense it.¡±


    Erniu lifted his chin and revealed a proud expression.


    ¡°It¡¯s because my physique is special. Let me tell you, ever since I was young, from ancient times until now, I was the one who deceived others. Be it cultivators or gods, there are many who were deceived by me!¡±


    ¡°After deceiving many times, I vaguely comprehended a Great Dao. Hence, my body unknowingly developed immunity to deceit. If others try to deceive me, I will sense it immediately.


    ¡°But, how did you discover that something was wrong?¡±


    Erniu was curious. This question had been on his mind for a long time, but with time pressing along the way, he didn¡¯t bring it up. Otherwise, he might have asked it long ago.


    ¡°After being with Eldest Senior Brother for a long time, I also have immunity.¡±


    Hearing the other party¡¯s nonsensical talk of immunity, Xu Qing slowly spoke while looking at the captain¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m not lying to you.¡±


    When Erniu heard this, he coughed and avoided this topic. After that, he raised his hand and slapped his forehead. Immediately, a tender green vine grew out of his head. It was about ten feet long and drooping.


    He suddenly took a bite and threw one half to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Take it. It¡¯s a gift from Eldest Senior Brother. We¡¯re good brothers and have to share any treasure equally!¡±


    Erniu spoke boldly. After he finished speaking, he looked at Xu Qing eagerly, as though he should treat him the same way.


    Xu Qing smiled. He didn¡¯t mind if his eldest senior brother didn¡¯t share the vine. He didn¡¯t have time on the way. Now that they had returned to the human race, even if the captain didn¡¯t say anything, he would still distribute the harvest.


    There were basically no treasures between the two of them that couldn¡¯t be shared.


    Hence, he raised his hand and waved it. Immediately, the void in front of him distorted and the shadow appeared. It obediently spat out a large amount of liaoxuan holy liquid.


    There was so much of it that it could fill most of a ten-foot-long pool.


    When Erniu saw it, his eyes instantly widened.


    ¡°Little Qing, although I had expected you to secretly take it away, I didn¡¯t expect¡­ there to be so much!!!¡±


    Xu Qing was also satisfied with his harvest this time around. He took out two bottles and stored the liaoxuan holy liquid in them before tossing one to the captain. After that, he glanced at the shadow that was emitting obedient emotions.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, do you still have the flesh of the Crimson Goddess?¡±


    Xu Qing asked. He didn¡¯t have a single piece left now. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have owed Little Shadow.


    Erniu was stunned. He glanced at Xu Qing¡¯s shadow and smiled before tossing three pieces to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing waved his hand. Little Shadow excitedly opened its mouth and swallowed the three pieces of Crimson Goddess¡¯ flesh. After that, it circled around Xu Qing happily. It then opened its mouth again and spat out an egg.


    This egg was golden and filled with divine intent. It was extraordinary.


    ¡°There was actually another one? This is good stuff. Although I¡¯ve never seen that golden rat before, I know that it¡¯s not simple¡­¡±


    Looking at the egg, Erniu also took out one.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that we¡¯re not good at hatching eggs¡­¡±


    Erniu sighed. Just as he was pondering with some reluctance, the image of a person and the other party secretly hybridizing and incubating mutated beasts appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Wu Jianwu is good at it.¡±


    Erniu¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, he¡¯s good at it. We¡¯ll lend these two eggs to Wu Jianwu and let him incubate them for us.¡±


    With that, the captain raised his hand and kept the two eggs. Just as he was about to say something, the Imperial Capital in the distance suddenly shone.


    Waves of light soared into the sky, transforming into clouds that spread out over half of the sky.


    At the same time, the sound of the bell rang out from the Imperial City. The sound was deafening, incomparably grand, and extremely solemn.


    The bell rang twelve times!


    It echoed in the Imperial City and fell into everyone¡¯s ears.


    This completely surpassed the Heavenly King¡¯s ceremony. It would only be like this when the human race won a great victory or gave offerings to the ancestors.


    Today, although the human race didn¡¯t achieve a great victory, they managed to avert the crisis. Although this glory belonged to Xu Qing alone, he was a human. The radiance of this glory would envelop the land of the human race.


    Hence, the 12 bell tolls were for him alone!


    Upon seeing this scene and hearing the bell chimes, Xu Qing took a deep breath. The captain beside him puffed out his chest proudly.


    At the same time, he quickly transmitted his voice.


    ¡°Junior Brother, release Jiuli and put on the Mystic Armor. Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s dream will depend on you today.¡±


    Xu Qing was helpless. He naturally knew that his eldest senior brother¡¯s dream was to become a Mystic Heaven one day and return to the human race to show off.


    He didn¡¯t like being high profile, but since Eldest Senior Brother had requested it¡­


    Outside Xu Qing¡¯s body, the Grand Mystic Heaven Armor suddenly emerged. Jiuli roared and transformed into nine lanterns that surrounded him. At this moment, his aura soared to the sky.


    This caused the sky and earth to change color and wind to surge.


    At the same time, the Ancient Sovereign Planet in the Imperial Capital was also captivated by the bell chimes. It shook slightly and streams of fortune immediately rose, forming auspicious beasts with majestic auras.


    Even the dragon of fortune of the human race had manifested and moved in the sky. Accompanied by the images of ancestors, the entire human capital was extraordinarily colorful!


    Finally, after the fortune dragon let out a roar that shook the world, thousands of figures flew out of the Imperial City.


    Among them were the ministers, nobles, and experts of the human race. Xu Qing had seen most of them before, and the person in the lead was an imposing middle-aged man!


    This middle-aged man wore a blue robe inlaid with white clouds. His figure was burly like a tall mountain, giving off an intense visual impact.


    His face was resolute and his gaze was like a torch, as though he could see through everything and make people revere him.


    His nose bridge was high and his lips were tightly shut, giving off a sense of stability and determination. In particular, there was a domineering aura between his brows, as though he was a natural leader.


    At that moment, he walked over like the leader of the group, and emitted a sense of calmness that seemed to be innate.


    His cultivation had reached eight worlds of Soul Accumulation!


    He was the Heavenly King of the human race, King Zhen Yan.


    In the human race, he was a legend and a myth!


    As the Heavenly King and the strongest person on the surface other than the Human Emperor, his existence was the stabilizing pillar among cultivators and he was considered the god of war among the soldiers.


    As the only Eight Worlds Soul Accumulation of the human race, under the circumstances that the Human Emperor couldn¡¯t easily leave the Imperial City and when the Sword Holding Great Emperor only had the strength left to use one strike, he had to deal with all the battles of the human race outside.


    Therefore, other than guarding the borders against the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven all year round, King Zhen Yan had fought countless battles in his life.


    He had took part in almost every war of the human race in his generation. He was duty-bound to participate in the most tragic and grim situations.


    Over the countless years, he had almost died many times and was injured countless times. By paying such a price, he had killed so many nonhumans that they could pile up into a sea of bones.


    It could be said that he had lived all his life in military service!


    And today, he actually returned and personally walked out to welcome Xu Qing!


    This demonstrated the high regard with which the human race welcomed back Xu Qing, indicating the esteem in which both the Human Emperor and King Zhen Yan held him.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart also trembled. Although he had never seen King Zhen Yan before, he had heard too much about him after coming to the Imperial City.


    At that moment, from everyone¡¯s attitude, from the other party¡¯s terrifying cultivation, and from his aura that was difficult to suppress because he had killed too many people, he immediately recognized his identity.


    Xu Qing naturally respected such a Heavenly King who was a warhorse of the human race.


    Hence, he ignored the captain and put away Grand Mystic Heaven as well as Jiuli, and took a few steps forward. His expression was solemn as he cupped his fists and bowed to the person.


    ¡°Xu Qing greets King Zhen Yan.¡±


    King Zhen Yan¡¯s eyes gleamed as they landed on Xu Qing. A rare smile appeared on his serious face.


    ¡°100,000 feet of light in Heart Inquisition. The Great Emperor bestowed you his sword, the lord of the Holy Wave Large Region, Flame Moon¡¯s honored Grand Mystic Heaven. What a great heaven¡¯s chosen of our human race!¡±


    King Zhen Yan laughed loudly, his eyes revealing admiration for Xu Qing from the depths of his heart.


    The thousands of nobles behind him might have other thoughts but on the surface, they were full of smiles. Their gazes toward Xu Qing were filled with respect as they cupped their fists in unison.


    ¡°Heavenly King, you are exaggerating. I don¡¯t dare to take the credit. If it wasn¡¯t for my Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s help, it would have been very difficult for me to succeed on this trip.¡±


    Xu Qing returned the greeting solemnly.


    When King Zhen Yan heard this, his gaze shifted away and landed on Erniu.


    ¡°Scheming against the three gods, seizing the Divine Realm, swallowing the blood of the fragmented-face ¡ª what a remarkable achievement, Chen Erniu! . Even if Flame Moon Mystic Heaven didn¡¯t offer you the Grand Mystic Heaven Armor or glory, our human race will!¡±


    As soon as King Zhen Yan concluded speaking, Erniu¡¯s eyes widened and his heart churned. Not only did King Zhen Yan comprehend them, but he could even see through his thoughts.


    ¡®This person isn¡¯t simple. He can actually inform at a glance that I¡¯m extraordinary and know that I¡¯m the son of heavenly fate. He understands my excellence and my greatness.¡¯


    Erniu was overjoyed and hurriedly thanked him.


    King Zhen Yan¡¯s laughter rang out. When he saw Xu Qing and Erniu, he felt extremely gratified. He then waved his hand.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±

 Chapter 1344 - Chapter 1344: King Zhen Cang!

    Chapter 1344: King Zhen Cang!


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The word ¡®home¡¯ had great meaning.


    Xu Qing had heard the word ¡®home¡¯ from Old Master Seventh a long time ago. He knew that everyone¡¯s understanding of this word was similar but there were also differences.


    The home Old Master Seventh was talking about was the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The home King Zhen Yan was talking about was the human race.


    The home of the former Palace Master of Fenghai County¡¯s Sword Holding Palace was Fenghai County.


    To Xu Qing, he had traveled all the way from the Nanhuang Continent to the Yinghuang Province, to Fenghai County, to the Holy Wave Large Region¡­ and finally to the human capital.


    The meaning of home seemed to keep changing with time.


    From a nest in the slums to Captain Lei¡¯s house at the scavenger campsite, to the Seven Blood Eyes, to the Sword Holding Palace in Fenghai County, to the current Imperial Capital.


    Unknowingly, Xu Qing was no longer the youth from back then.


    Time didn¡¯t take away his appearance but it still flowed through his life.


    Fortunately¡­ time wasn¡¯t wasted.


    Although it was irreversible, it left behind the experiences of life, precipitating the thoughts of life and turning them into a gift of fate.


    This gift had a name.


    It was called growth.


    30 years.


    It had been 30 years since Xu Qing buried all the corpses in that ruined city.


    Hence, when he heard King Zhen Yan¡¯s words, Xu Qing¡¯s expression fell into a daze for a moment. Finally, he looked at Ning Yan¡¯s residence in the Imperial City. For some reason, the beautiful figure of a woman seemed to have been buried in his heart for a long time. At this moment, it was getting clearer.


    He remembered the night they first met, looking like a violet flower falling from the sky.


    He didn¡¯t forget their journey on the Immortal Enrichment River.


    He could still hear the melody of the tune called Parting Sadness.


    This tune carried the meaning of the martial world and described the sorrows and joys of life. In the end, everything turned into a pot of turbid wine.


    In the loneliness, the wine was drunk.


    It flowed in his heart and caused ripples.


    What was reflected in the ripples was the figure of the woman hugging her knees on the cliff and muttering.


    ¡°Perhaps there is a lantern in this world¡­¡±


    This lantern was called Clear Purple Mystic, and it resided in the pitch-black phoenix hall like a cycle of parting sadness.


    The past was still vivid in his mind.


    ¡°Home?¡±


    A gentle smile appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s face. Over the years, he had grown up. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t understand the ignorance he had in the past.


    Hence, he took a deep breath. Under the captain¡¯s doubts and King Zhen Yan¡¯s smile, he walked toward the imperial city.


    On the way, there were auspicious signs in the sky and flowers on the ground.


    Beside him was King Zhen Yan and behind him was a group of nobles.


    In the Imperial Capital, countless commoners were waiting.


    The moment they saw Xu Qing¡¯s figure, cheers soared into the sky.


    Their joyous cheers came from the bottom of their hearts.


    The commoners were actually very simple and sincere. As long as they thought that you were good, they wouldn¡¯t be stingy with their love and praise.


    Someone that could show their might to the other races was the definition of a hero in the hearts of the commoners.


    Hence, there was this spontaneous welcome.


    This foreign race was the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. The might Xu Qing displayed was becoming the Grand Mystic Heaven of this race.


    At the same time, the end of the war also caused the glory of this prestige to no longer be limited to himself but became the fortune of the race.


    Hence, Xu Qing, who had returned, received the welcoming ceremony of a hero from the entire human race.


    Dense fortune resonated with the cheers. It came from all directions and gushed toward Xu Qing, flowing in his body, nourishing his nihility land and the Emperor Sword.


    There were also some familiar figures in the crowd.


    For example, Wu Jianwu, Kong Xianglong, and the Sword Holders from Fenghai County.


    Xu Qing nodded at them. However, he didn¡¯t see Zi Xuan which caused waves in his heart.


    As he moved forward, he waved at Wu Jianwu, Kong Xianglong, and the others.


    Kong Xianglong smiled and walked over. Wu Jianwu didn¡¯t dare to put on airs in this environment. Seeing that Kong Xianglong had gone forward, he followed behind.


    ¡°Congratulations, Region Lord!¡±


    After walking to Xu Qing¡¯s side, Kong Xianglong¡¯s smile turned solemn and he immediately bowed.


    ¡°Brother Kong, there¡¯s no need for this between us.¡±


    Xu Qing smiled and helped him up. As for Wu Jianwu, who was at the side, he was about to say something when Erniu put his arm around his neck and pulled him closer.


    ¡°Little Jianjian, did you miss me?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t pay attention to Wu Jianwu. He looked at Kong Xianglong and hesitated for a moment before asking.


    ¡°Ning Yan and¡­ Fairy Zi Xuan, have they been well during this period of time?¡±


    A strange look appeared in Kong Xianglong¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°After Ning Yan returned, he was very motivated and focused on cultivation. Now, he¡¯s at the critical moment of breaking through the Nascent Soul realm and stepping into the Spirit Repository. He¡¯s in seclusion and seems to be working very hard to advance.¡±


    ¡°As for Fairy Zi Xuan, ahem. When I was coming, Fairy asked me to pass you a message.¡±


    ¡°She said that when 1 saw you and you didn¡¯t ask about her, I should tell you that she has gone out to Imperial City and won¡¯t be around for the time being¡­¡±


    ¡°If you take the initiative to ask, then I should tell you¡­ when you are done with your matters, she¡¯ll look for you.¡±


    Kong Xianglong quickly glanced at Xu Qing. After that, he lowered his head and didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    Regarding the matter between this good friend in front of him and Fairy Zi Xuan, most of the people in Fenghai County had heard many rumors¡­


    Xu Qing smiled and didn¡¯t ask further. Instead, he put away all his thoughts and raised his head to look in the direction of the palace.


    When he entered the imperial city, King Zhen Yan had already informed Xu Qing that the Human Emperor had summoned him and asked him to head there immediately after entering the city. Moreover, all the Heavenly Kings, the Grand Chancellor, and the others were waiting in the imperial palace.


    Regarding this Human Emperor, even though Xu Qing had glory on him now and his cultivation was incomparable to before, he still couldn¡¯t see through him.


    At that moment, Xu Qing looked at the end of the rainbow bridge. There were 12 huge incense sticks standing in front of the palace.


    A spiral of green smoke rose from the twelve incense sticks.


    That was the incense used to choose the crown prince!


    Back then, when Xu Qing left the imperial city, the speed of these 12 incense sticks burning was almost the same. However, now¡­ although the one that represented Ning Yan wasn¡¯t the fastest to burn, it was still at the bottom.


    No wonder Ning Yan was putting in so much effort in his cultivation.


    As for the ones that burned the slowest and stood tallest, there were three of them.


    One represented the Fourth Prince under the state preceptor, and the other represented the Fifth Prince under King Zhen Yan.


    The last was the Eldest Prince!


    The three sides could be said to be evenly matched.


    Looking at these, Xu Qing fell into deep thought. As the state preceptor¡¯s disciple, the Fourth Prince had contributed a lot in the war. It was only right for the Fifth Prince, who stayed at the borders, to have high contributions.


    As for the Eldest Prince, it must be because of the Flame Moon.


    While pondering, Xu Qing and the group walked toward the palace under the guidance of King Zhen Yan. Not long later, everyone arrived in front of the palace gate.


    The two huge statues guarding the gate lowered their heads slightly to show their respect.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze passed through the palace gate, the square, up the steps, and at the imperial hall that represented the highest will of the human race.


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing looked over, a gaze that contained dignity met Xu Qing¡¯s gaze.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and bowed toward the main hall.


    A voice rang out from the palace.


    ¡°Reporting, Heavenly Marquis Xu and Chen Erniu have arrived!¡±


    The voice echoed in all directions like heavenly might.


    Xu Qing glanced at his eldest senior brother. The two of them didn¡¯t hesitate and walked into the palace at the same time.


    King Zhen Yan smiled and walked over as well.


    As for the other nobles, those who were qualified naturally walked with them, while others stood solemnly on the square.


    Just like that, more than ten breaths later, Xu Qing and the others passed the steps and entered the main hall that was filled with people.


    The officials were standing solemnly on both sides of the hall.


    On the steps ahead, the heavenly marquises sat upright. Above them were the thrones of the human race¡¯s 32 Heavenly Kings!


    Right now, most of them were present.


    Further up, on the dragon chair at the end of the steps, the Human Emperor¡¯s gaze was like the sea. He sat there expressionlessly and looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing solemnly bowed.


    Erniu, who was at the side, blinked and recalled King Zhen Yan¡¯s words earlier. Hence, he imitated Xu Qing and bowed.


    ¡°Xu Qing.¡±


    The Human Emperor spoke calmly in a deep voice that spread throughout the hall.


    ¡°You have been on this trip to the Flame Moon Race for several years. You have observed the Flame Moon Race, probed the mysteries of the Mystic Heaven, and seen the Magistrate of the Magus Path. What are your thoughts on this person?¡±


    As soon as the Human Emperor spoke, the surroundings fell silent. All gazes landed on Xu Qing.


    The matter of the three Flame Moon Gods had long spread throughout Wanggu. Although the details were still considered secret, the current human race already had the ability to know.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he fell silent. The image of Jiuli being stabbed in the back, the Great Magistrate wanting to become a god, the three gods sacrificing the martyrs of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, and finally, the Great Magistrate choosing to sacrifice himself appeared in his mind.


    How could ¡®thoughts¡¯ describe everything?


    After a long time, Xu Qing spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°If one cannot control their own life, how can they control the fate of a race? It is ultimately an illusion, a fleeting moment in time.¡±


    The Human Emperor fell silent.


    A long time later, he raised his hand, indicating to the Grand Chancellor.


    The Grand Chancellor stepped forward and stared at Xu Qing with bright eyes, speaking loudly.


    ¡°In accordance with the heavenly mandate, Emperor Mystic War proclaims: With the rise of the human race, the emergence of Xu Qing, the lord of Holy Wave Large Region, heralds the end of the war with the Black Heaven, the suppression of the rebellious foreign races, and the exaltation of the human race¡¯s prestige.¡±


    ¡°For your meritorious deeds and unrivaled influence, the imperial Capital¡¯s high spiritual mansion shall be bestowed upon you, and you shall be appointed¡­ as King Zhen CangO, and further honored as the Imperial Prince¡¯s Grand Tutor!¡±


    As soon as this imperial decree was issued, other than a few people in the hall, everyone else¡¯s hearts trembled. No matter how strong their composure was, it was inevitable that their expressions would change.


    With Xu Qing¡¯s contributions, conferring the title of king was something that was expected by everyone. However, it was actually a title with ¡®Zhen?¡¯. The meaning behind it was too great.


    Heavenly Kings with Zhen in their titles were at the peak of the Heavenly King status. Before this, there was only one person with that identity.


    This matter was already astonishing, let alone the identity of Imperial Prince¡¯s Grand Tutor.


    One had to know that not only was the position of the Imperial Prince¡¯s Grand Tutor high, but more importantly, he could control all the descendants of the imperial family, and all the imperial children would have to pay their respects to him.


    Until the appearance of the Crown Prince, this position would merit reward. According to the customs of past generations, it would then be promoted to Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince.


    At that time, he would be an existence like the Imperial Preceptor.


    Xu Qing was also extremely surprised. As for the imperial decree read by the Grand Chancellor, it continued.


    ¡°There¡¯s the righteous warrior, Chen Erniu, fearless and talented, possessing extraordinary courage and martial prowess. It is hereby decreed that the Creator¡¯s Manor shall forge Great Heavenly Dipper Armor for him with extreme profound dark iron, nine heavenly ice crystals, seventeen exceptional materials, along with other materials!¡±


    ¡°In the land of the human race, everyone below the Heavenly Kings has to pay their respects to him.¡±


    This reward looked gorgeous but in reality, he didn¡¯t have any official position. However, the captain¡¯s eyes were incomparably bright as he excitedly shouted.


    ¡°Long live the emperor!!¡±

 Chapter 1345 - Chapter 1345 Morning at the Hundredth Day

    Chapter 1345 Morning at the Hundredth Day


    For Erniu, official positions and such weren¡¯t important; as long as they sufficed, it was fine.


    Although he was also a Sword Holder, since King Zhen Yan and the Human Emperor didn¡¯t mention this at all, he didn¡¯t care much. In his heart, prestige was the most important.


    After all, he knew that although he was somewhat related to the human race, he couldn¡¯t be considered a human.


    In fact, even Erniu couldn¡¯t figure out what race he was from.


    ¡®Sigh, this is the problem with having too many past lives.¡±


    Erniu felt proud and instinctively looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze also landed on Eldest Senior Brother. He smiled slightly, his eyes filled with congratulations.


    Seeing this, Erniu was incomparably happy. When he thought of that Great Heavenly Dipper Armor, he became even more excited.


    The Grand Chancellor paused slightly after announcing the reward for Erniu, giving everyone time to accept this matter before he continued.


    ¡°The human race has regained fortune, first rising with the Sun of Dawn, intimidating the various foreign races. Then, Fenghai County fought against the Holy Wave and Black Spirit Regions, expanding the territories.¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, the gazes of the officials in the hall fluctuated.


    Previously, it was only right for the imperial decree to confer the title of king to Xu Qing. However, most of them could tell that the latter part of the announcement wasn¡¯t simple.


    There would definitely be discussions rising with such an introduction.


    Hence, guesses rose in their minds.


    ¡°In the following battle, the Black Heaven Region submitted the letter of surrender and the Flame Moon Race also retreated. Soon, there will be envoys discussing the thousand-year agreement in detail¡­ There will also be an agreement with the Moon Offering Region for an alliance.¡±


    ¡°Our human race has experienced countless years and generations of ancestors had ambition. Now¡­ there is finally hope!¡±


    ¡°Today, the human race¡¯s territories are no longer one region and seven counties but four regions and seven counties!¡±


    ¡°Grand Imperial Capital Region, Holy Wave Large Region, Black Spirit Region, Black Heaven Region!¡±


    ¡°This is the time to honor our ancestors, to worship the heroes, and to inform the human race in the whole Wanggu!¡±


    ¡°In accordance with the heavenly mandate, Emperor Mystic War proclaims:


    In the year 2939 of the Mystic War Calendar, following the ancestral worship eight hundred years ago, on the hundredth day at early hours, we shall reopen the ancient planet, entrust our fortune to the Heavenly Altar, and the Human Emperor shall carry the fortune of the race to once again worship the ancestors!¡±


    As soon as the Grand Chancellor spoke, the hearts of the ministers in the entire hall instantly rumbled.


    To the human race, the worship of the ancestors was an extremely important ceremony. It could even be said that the importance of it surpassed everything.


    Only when the previous emperor passed away and the new emperor succeeded the throne or the human race obtained earth-shattering achievements could it be carried out.


    After all, every time the Ancient Sovereign Planet opened, the resources needed could be said to be vast. In fact, in the era when the Human Emperors were still around and the human race was still considered powerful, every time the human race worshiped their ancestors, it would attract the attention of the entire Wanggu.


    Although the human race¡¯s situation was not as good as before, they were already showing signs of rising. The matter of worshiping their ancestors would probably also attract the attention of many foreign races.


    Such a major event naturally shocked everyone in the hall.


    However¡­ according to the announcement, the human race had indeed obtained unprecedented achievements. It was only logical for them to pay respects to their ancestors.


    lights¦­¦Ïv¦Ål ?¦Ïm Xu Qing¡¯s heart also trembled. An imperceptible light circulated in his eyes.


    He came to the Grand Imperial Capital Region to report on his work and a private matter!


    That was to find the Clear Purple Mystic Lantern for Zi Xuan!


    He even helped Ning Yan up because of this matter. This was because that lantern¡­ was on the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    As the greatest foundation of the human race, the array formation on the Ancient Sovereign Planet was terrifying and its interior was definitely even more astonishing. Hence, it wouldn¡¯t be opened easily unless it was to worship the ancestors.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred slightly.


    At the same time, the Grand Chancellor¡¯s voice echoed again.


    ¡°The Eldest Prince made contributions in the Flame Moon, the Fourth Prince has achieved victories in bloody battles, and the Fifth Prince has defended the borders. These three princes excel among their peers, possessing both virtue and talent, practicing self-discipline and serving the public. Therefore, they are granted the honor of participating in the ancestral worship!¡±


    With that, the Grand Chancellor turned and bowed to the Human Emperor.


    The Human Emperor nodded without saying anything.


    The Grand Chancellor waited for nine breaths of time before he raised his head. He turned his head and looked at the ministers in the hall with a deep gaze.


    ¡°Everyone, if you have something to report, please do so; if not, we shall end the meeting.¡±


    The ministers lowered their heads.


    Only Xu Qing took a step forward and bowed to the Human Emperor.


    ¡°Xu Qing wants to report something.¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing spoke, the gazes of the surrounding people gathered over. Even the Human Emperor¡¯s gaze landed on Xu Qing. It was the same for those Heavenly Marquises and Heavenly Kings.


    King Zhen Yan also focused.


    With Xu Qing¡¯s current status, anything he said would definitely not be small.


    The Grand Chancellor¡¯s expression was solemn as he spoke.


    ¡°King Zhen Cang, what do you want to report?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. Instead, he took out a jade slip and recorded the appearances and actions of the three holy land cultivators he had seen in Liaoxuan County.


    Other than the part about the liaoxuan liquid, everything else was imprinted in it.


    After doing this, Xu Qing raised it and the jade slip flew toward the Grand Chancellor.


    The Grand Chancellor took it and swept it with his divine sense. At the next instant, his expression changed drastically. His eyes abruptly widened as he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Heavenly King Xu, this¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s absolutely true,¡± Xu Qing said in a deep voice.


    The Grand Chancellor¡¯s expression and Xu Qing¡¯s answer caused everyone in the surroundings to be bewildered. Only Erniu clearly guessed the content of the jade slip. He smiled and then continued to fantasize about the gorgeousness of his Great Heavenly Dipper Armor.


    The Grand Chancellor took a deep breath. His composure was not usually shaken like this, but the information Xu Qing had informed him of was truly staggering.


    They were¡­ people from the holy land.


    The Grand Chancellor sent the jade slip in his hand to the Human Emperor without hesitation.


    The Human Emperor swept his divine sense over expressionlessly. However, there was a hint of profound meaning in his gaze. He then waved his hand and sent the jade slip to King Zhen Yan.


    After King Zhen Yan looked at it, his expression darkened and he handed the jade slip to the other Heavenly Kings.


    A long time later, as various guesses emerged in the minds of the ministers in the hall, all the Heavenly Kings finished checking the jade slip, their expressions turning solemn. They didn¡¯t hand the jade slip to the Heavenly Marquises.


    The Human Emperor¡¯s voice rang out as well.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to spread this matter. It is enough for the Heavenly King to know of it.¡±


    Although there were many doubts, the ministers could only lower their heads. However, a haze unconsciously rose in their minds.


    The sky outside also darkened at this moment. Amidst the rumbling of heavenly lightning, heavy rain fell from the clouds and scattered onto the human world.


    Amidst the sound of the falling rain, Xu Qing no longer paid attention to the matters of the holy land. In his opinion, these things naturally needed someone from a higher position to take care of.


    He was only a Nihility. The holy land was too high above, so it wasn¡¯t his place to worry.


    In his opinion, there was something more important than the holy land at this moment.


    Hence, he spoke again.


    ¡°My trip to the Flame Moon was because of Ning Yan. Although Prince Ning Yan¡¯s merits may not be apparent, in terms of both virtue and talent, as well as self-discipline and service to the public, he is the top choice.¡±


    ¡°Since His Majesty has conferred me the title of the Grand Tutor, I request Your Majesty to give Ning Yan the qualifications to participate in the ancestral worship.¡±


    ¡°I hope Your Majesty will approve.¡±


    Xu Qing bowed.


    His words weren¡¯t fake. Everyone naturally knew about Xu Qing¡¯s relationship with Ning Yan. Hence, a while later, the Human Emperor¡¯s voice echoed.


    ¡°Granted!¡±


    The moment the tone rang out, the Human Emperor¡¯s figure turned blurry and disappeared.


    This court assembly ended just like that.


    As everyone left the main hall, most of the officials revealed a smile on their faces. They cupped their fists in congratulations toward Xu Qing and Erniu. For a while, voices rang out non-


    stop, as though every one of them truly meant it.


    In reality, though this wasn¡¯t the case, overall, there was more goodwill.


    This was determined by status and human nature.


    When a person reached a certain height, most of the people around them would treat them kindly.


    This was because the price of conflict was too high.


    Unless it was for an even greater benefit, otherwise¡­ the universe was filled with kindness for them.


    ¡°This is human nature. Everyone is filled with kindness because we¡¯re the center of attention in the human race now.¡±


    Xu Qing and Erniu, who had left the palace after receiving the high spiritual mansion token from the palace¡¯s inner guards, walked on the streets toward the mansion while holding oil-


    paper umbrellas.


    The rain turned into threads that cascaded down the umbrella¡¯s eaves. The universe turned hazy under the rain.


    There weren¡¯t many pedestrians on the road, and the scene of welcoming the hero also dissipated under the rain. Erniu¡¯s leisurely words echoed as though he had seen through life.


    ¡°So, Little Qing, we have to work hard and not fall lower. I think you don¡¯t want to see humanity at that time.¡±


    Erniu patted Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder. Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm as he replied.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen it before.¡±


    ¡°I forgot that your experiences when you were young caused you to see too many evils in the world.¡±


    The captain smiled.


    Just like that, they continued forward. They listened to the sound of the rain and looked at all living beings, enjoying the rare peace they had after returning from the Flame Moon.


    Two hours later, the high spiritual mansion rewarded by the Human Emperor appeared before their eyes.


    In the entire Imperial City, there were a total of 108 high spiritual mansions.


    Most of them were empty and sealed.


    This was because only Heavenly Kings had the qualifications to obtain this mansion.


    As for each high spiritual mansion, its value could be said to be astonishing. This was because it was built on the cores of the human race¡¯s protective array formation, so it gathered dense spiritual energy that surpassed the other areas.


    Regardless of whether it was the materials used to build it or the decorations inside, everything gathered the peak strength of the human race. The array formation contained in it was also astonishing.


    Other than that, every high spiritual mansion had different characteristics. For example, Xu Qing¡¯s mansion had a spirit pool inside.


    This spirit pool was quite helpful to one¡¯s body and cultivation. In fact, it could even nourish one¡¯s soul if used for a prolonged period of time. It was also because of this that this high spiritual mansion could be ranked in the top ten among the 108 mansions.


    The Human Emperor had rewarded this mansion, showing how much he valued Xu Qing.


    In front of the mansion, Erniu bade farewell.


    ¡°I won¡¯t go. I¡¯m going to look for the old man and see if he¡¯s in the Grand Imperial Capital Region. After all, the flesh and blood of the fragmented-face¡­ As the master, he can¡¯t monopolize it!¡±


    On the way back, the captain had never mentioned this matter. However, now that he said it, it was obvious that he had been thinking about it.


    With that, under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, Erniu left with his head held high.


    After sending off Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s figure, Xu Qing suddenly pondered of something. After some hesitation, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Senior Brother, wait a moment.¡±


    Erniu¡¯s figure paused and he turned his head in surprise.


    Xu Qing tried his best to keep his tone calm and spoke without any expression.


    ¡°Do you have any more hairpins?¡±

 Chapter 1346 - Chapter 1346: Waiting for the Moon While Facing the Wind

    Chapter 1346: Waiting for the Moon While Facing the Wind


    Translator: Atlas Studios


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°What?¡±


    Erniu started. Clearly, he didn¡¯t expect Xu Qing to call out to him and actually say such a thing.


    However, as an experienced person, he immediately reacted at the next instant. His eyes suddenly lit up and he instantly arrived before Xu Qing.


    ¡°Little Qing, are you finally enlightened?¡±


    ¡°Are you going to do something big?¡±


    ¡°Aiyaya, why do 1 feel that I¡¯m even more excited than you?¡±


    Erniu was in high spirits and had forgotten that he was going to look for their master.


    Being stared at by Erniu like this, Xu Qing felt very uncomfortable. However, he still maintained his usual expression and calmly spoke.


    ¡°1 don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    Erniu chuckled and took out more than ten boxes, giving them all to Xu Qing.


    ¡°These are all high-grade hairpins and have never been used before. 1 wonder why Nether Fairy was so persistent about the hairpins back then.¡±


    ¡°The materials used to forge them are all extraordinary materials. 1 originally planned to keep them and give them to others in the future.¡±


    ¡°But you can take them all.¡±


    Erniu had an excited expression on his face and even glanced at the mansion behind Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing had a headache. After he took those hairpins, he looked at his eldest senior brother and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, do you think Master will choose to leave with the fragment-face¡¯s flesh and blood after finding out that we have returned?¡±


    When Erniu heard this, he gave a spurious smile.


    ¡°Little Qing, this move isn¡¯t useful anymore. How can I be tempted by such a deliberate excuse? After all, our master has a broad vision.¡±


    Even so, Erniu still mumbled inwardly.


    Xu Qing blinked and spoke again.


    ¡°Although the Creator¡¯s Manor has a lot of exceptional-grade materials, many precious items are needed to forge the Great Heavenly Dipper Armor, so if they use a little of some materials, it shouldn¡¯t show in the final product.¡±


    ¡°Even if you can tell, it¡¯ll be very difficult to forge it again. After all, it¡¯s impossible for the Human Emperor to issue another decree for it.¡±


    H


    Eldest Senior Brother, if I were you, I would definitely keep an eye on this matter. This will be the armor you are going to wear, and the forging on the first day is equivalent to building its foundation. The materials needed are extremely important.¡±


    Xu Qing rarely spoke so much in one go.


    Erniu was stunned when he heard this. He hadn¡¯t thought of this. After some thought, he felt that what Xu Qing said made sense. Hence, he felt conflicted.


    A light flashed on Xu Qing¡¯s body and the Grand Mystic Heaven Armor flew out, landing in front of him.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, you can bring this armor with you and compare them.


    You can¡¯t let the Creator¡¯s Manor cut corners.¡±


    Erniu looked at the Grand Mystic Heaven Armor in front of him and felt its gorgeousness. He thought of his dream and then looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Kid, forget it.¡±


    On one hand, Erniu could tell that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t willing to let him follow. On the other hand, he also felt that what Xu Qing said made sense. Hence, he lifted his hand and grabbed the Grand Mystic Heaven Armor. He suppressed the regret in his heart and left.


    Looking at the captain¡¯s departing view, Xu Qing heaved a sigh of relief inwardly.


    He retracted his gaze and turned to look at the mansion in front of him.


    After a long time, he pushed the gates open.


    The vermilion gate of the mansion slowly opened.


    Spiritual energy gushed over, causing Xu Qing¡¯s hair to float slightly backward. He sensed the density of the spiritual energy and walked in.


    The moment he entered, the array formation of this mansion was instantly activated, as if it completely isolated anyone else from entering.


    As the array formation spread out, a hidden blue worm in the air was ejected.


    ¡°Little Qing is too strict.¡±


    The worm, feeling helpless, tried to use its telepathic abilities to probe the clone placed in Xu Qing¡¯s storage bag but discovered that it was also isolated. With a sigh, it could only leave.


    At the same time, outside Ning Yan¡¯s residence, a purple figure holding a white oil-paper umbrella walked out of the gate with elegant steps and slowly walked toward the high spiritual mansion Xu Qing was in.


    Under the oil umbrella was a graceful figure with a peerlessly beautiful face.


    Moreover, she had clearly put on meticulous makeup¡­


    However, her cheeks turned slightly red, and there was a peculiar gleam in her eyes, suggesting a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.


    The rain grew heavier.


    After fifteen minutes.


    In the high spiritual mansion, Xu Qing checked all the areas of this residence according to his habit. After confirming that there was nothing wrong, he looked at the large mansion and arrived in front of the unique spirit pool in this residence as he recalled the scenes of him heading to the Flame Moon.


    From the mountain moving at the start to the Mountains and Seas Region, then the Divine Realm, and finally encountering the three people from the holy land while returning. The rounds of schemes, battles, and vigilance had exhausted him mentally.


    Now that he was finally safe, in this silent mansion, he decided to sit beside the pool and feel the dense spiritual energy in the surroundings as well as the comfortable warmth emitted by the pool water.


    ¡°I need to have a good rest. 1 also need to make a trip to the Variant Immortal School and study those inheritance jade slips again.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled.


    After he confirmed his path in Flame Moon, the Variant Immortal style would become his main cultivation art in the future. Hence, Xu Qing wanted to spend some time comprehending it in detail.


    He had to completely absorb the inheritance of the Variant Immortal School. Only then could he carve the path ahead.


    ¡°In the Variant Immortal School, no one has trodden the path ahead, and there are no cultivation techniques either. There are only concepts and directions¡­ So everything that follows needs to be created.¡±


    A sharp glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. In reality, this was the path of cultivation. After reaching a certain level, unless the cultivation arts of the predecessors were too heaven-defying, it was impossible for them to be suitable for everyone.


    If he wanted to go further, they had to create it himself.


    If his cultivation was low and weak, such creation naturally needed the help of others, such as Old Master Seventh creating a cultivation art for him before.


    However, now that Xu Qing had stepped into the Nihility, in theory, he already had the qualifications to create his own cultivation art. It was just that the difficulty was very high. After all, creating a cultivation art required opportunities and comprehension.


    ¡°Fortunately, I have the liaoxuan holy liquid!¡±


    Xu Qing grabbed at the air. Immediately, a small white bottle appeared in his palm.


    The liaoxuan holy liquid in the bottle could be said to be an extremely precious heavenly treasure. Otherwise, it wouldn¡¯t have attracted the covetous gazes of the three people from the holy land.


    It possessed mysterious effects and was extremely helpful in comprehending laws.


    Xu Qing recalled the scene in the catacombs earlier. Just by smelling it, it caused the hundred divine authority marks on his nihility land to fluctuate.


    ¡°Let me try again.¡±


    After making a decision, Xu Qing opened the small bottle. Immediately, a fragrance spread out in all directions. At the same time, the pool water in front of Xu Qing seemed to be boiling.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred. After pondering for a moment, he simply poured a drop into the pool water.


    When the drop landed, the entire surface of the spirit pool instantly churned.


    Thick fog rose and the spiritual energy of the pool water was also a little denser than before.


    Although the fragrance was a little faint, it permeated the entire pool.


    Xu Qing stood up to take off his clothes, revealing his muscular body. He then walked into the pool and sat down cross-legged.


    Endless spiritual energy gushed into his body from the pool water. After the drop of liaoxuan holy liquid contained in it was diluted like this, a portion of it permeated Xu Qing¡¯s entire body along with the spiritual water and a portion fused into the spiritual energy before being absorbed into his body.


    A sense of comfort slowly rose in Xu Qing¡¯s body and soul. His body and soul slowly relaxed, and he became immersed in these senses, his mind slowly becoming empty.


    Time flowed by. Two hours later, Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes.


    His eyes were at a loss at first, but then they became clear. He looked at the nihility land in his body and saw that the divine authority marks on them seemed to be clearer than before.


    ¡°Although I didn¡¯t gain anything concrete, that feeling just now¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and recalled that ethereal feeling. He wanted to continue comprehending.


    However, at this moment, his expression changed slightly. He spread out his divine sense and fused it into the array formation of the mansion. He saw a beautiful figure walking over from outside the mansion.


    Despite holding an oil-paper umbrella, her graceful figure was still discernible, especially with the rainwater on the ground, as if she were stepping on lotus petals.


    When she stood in front of the gate, her posture was even more elegant and graceful, capable of captivating everyone.


    The moment Xu Qing swept his divine sense over, the oil-paper umbrella held by the beautiful figure was lifted slightly, revealing a peerlessly beautiful face.


    ¡°Still not opening the gate?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He instinctively stood up and hurriedly put on his clothes. For some reason, all kinds of thoughts rose in his mind but in the end, he still silently raised his hand.


    Immediately, a gap appeared in the mansion¡¯s array formation.


    The beautiful figure waved her fair hand and the gate opened. After she stepped in, the gate closed and the array formation immediately closed.


    In the air, the blue worm was forced out again. Erniu hadn¡¯t left from the start¡­


    ¡°This is too much.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hear Erniu¡¯s indignant voice. At that moment, the void fluctuated in front of him and the purple figure revealed herself.


    Xu Qing instinctively became nervous and his body stiffened unknowingly.


    ¡°Greetings, Fairy Zi Xuan.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice was slightly hoarse.


    The person who came was naturally Zi Xuan.


    Standing beside the spirit pool, she was like a painting, her eyebrows and eyes delicately drawn, curved and graceful. Her phoenix-like eyes were as clear and bright as autumn water, full of tenderness and vitality.


    The lively and radiant charm in her eyes made it unforgettable at first sight.


    Only the description of a charming smile and a beautiful gaze could begin to capture her beauty.


    At that moment, she first swept her gaze across Xu Qing¡¯s body, then looked at the spirit pool at the side. There was a hint of something unusual in her phoenix-like eyes, but she quickly composed herself, smiling lightly as she spoke.


    ¡°Why do you look so unnatural when you see me?¡±


    ¡°Could it be because we haven¡¯t seen each other for many years, or is it because Heavenly King Xu has encountered other splendid scenes on his journey through life in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race?¡±


    Zi Xuan slowly spoke. As she spoke, she walked to the side of the pool. After taking off her shoes, she sat down and dipped her fair feet into the water, causing water to splash.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know what to say either. He was usually reticent, and was even more so now.


    In the end, he could only lift his right hand and take out more than ten boxes, placing them in front of him.


    Zi Xuan had a spurious smile on her face. With a wave of her jade-like hand, those boxes were opened one after another. They were all hairpins¡­


    Xu Qing took out all the boxes that the captain had given him.


    Even Zi Xuan was stunned by this scene.


    ¡°So many? Are they all for me?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    Upon hearing this, Zi Xuan blinked her eyes. Her cherry-like lips, slightly upturned, carried a hint of charm.


    ¡°Whoever heard of giving away so many hairpins all at once?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know how to answer and could only remain silent.


    Zi Xuan smiled and collected all the hairpins with a smile, leaving only one beside her. Then, her beautiful eyes fell on Xu Qing.


    ¡°Silly Xu, aren¡¯t you going to ask me why I¡¯m here?¡±


    ¡°Zi Xuan¡­ why is fairy here?¡± Xu Qing was completely on the passive side and instinctively asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to take a bath.¡±


    Zi Xuan spoke softly.


    The fog spread out and enveloped her graceful figure slightly. Amidst the haziness, there seemed to be a red flush rising on her cheeks..

 Chapter 1347 - Chapter 1347 The Young General in the Blue Robe Mounts the Horse for the First Time

    Chapter 1347 The Young General in the Blue Robe Mounts the Horse for the First Time


    With that coquettish voice, combined with the fog surrounding them, it suddenly created a sense of charm, spreading along with the fog.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heartbeat couldn¡¯t help but quicken, feeling an unprecedented nervousness, even his mouth felt dry and parched, instinctively looking towards Zi Xuan.


    Within the fog, Zi Xuan¡¯s face was as lovely as peach blossoms, her eyes containing a spiritual charm. They were bright and deep.


    In those eyes, it seemed as if myriad worlds were hidden, with the shyness and innocence of a young girl as well as the depth and wisdom of a mature woman.


    At this moment, her eyes blinked gently, like the brightest stars twinkling in the night sky, making it impossible for one to look away.


    Even though it was hazy, one could still discern her fair complexion with a hint of rosy hue, exuding a charming and enticing allure, which was accentuated by the mist, adding an extra layer of temptation.


    As the fog grew denser, a scene that caused thunder to explode in Xu Qing¡¯s mind appeared.


    Zixuan walked into the pool.


    Beside the pool was a long purple dress¡­


    That body that was as exquisite as snow jade and revealed a natural rosy color was faintly discernible. It was perfect and soul-stirring.


    When she was about to be completely enveloped by the fog, she turned her head slightly and smiled.


    She looked back and smiled charmingly.


    This face was so charming that it was enough to captivate anyone.


    Her voice rang out at this moment.


    ¡°Xu Qing, do you want to join me¡­¡±


    This sentence only had a few words, but Zi Xuan spoke shakily.


    At the next instant, the fog completely enveloped her figure. In fact, as it rose, it also enveloped Xu Qing¡¯s figure.


    The night passed.


    That night, the water in the pool fluctuated and fog churned. No one knew what was happening inside.


    Outside the mansion, there was a blue worm in the air. It tried everything it could to enter, but it was ultimately unsuccessful.


    Hence, it continued to wait unwillingly.


    This wait¡­ lasted for seven days.


    Ever since Zi Xuan entered Xu Qing¡¯s high spiritual mansion, she hadn¡¯t come out in these seven days.


    On the morning of the eighth day, the gate of the mansion slowly opened. Zi Xuan, who was wearing a long dress, walked out.


    Her figure was like a blooming flower.


    Under the sunlight, her exposed skin resembled delicate porcelain, fair and smooth. It seemed as if beneath her skin flowed the water of a clear spring, giving off an unparalleled sense of freshness and comfort.


    And her oval face was flawless, with a refined jawline that was both elegant and smooth, resembling a figure from a painting, evoking a sense of longing.


    Her long, shiny hair, which had cascaded like a waterfall over her shoulders seven days ago, was now gathered up, held in place by a golden phoenix hairpin.


    This revealed her slender neck and graceful collarbone, captivating all who beheld her.


    As the morning breeze gently blew by, the jade beads on the hairpin swayed with the wind.


    It was the scene of a fairy descending to the mortal world.


    And her already stunning face, now adorned with the remnants of rosy hues, carried a lingering charm, with a hint of coquettishness still lingering in her eyes.


    All of this added to her beauty.


    The moment she walked out of the gate, she turned her head slightly and her beautiful eyes landed on Xu Qing. She then gently said in a heavenly voice.


    ¡°Then we agree?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and nodded.


    Zixuan¡¯s smile became even more beautiful. She turned and left. However, after taking a few steps, she seemed to be feeling a little unwell. However, very soon, the redness on her cheeks rose again¡­


    After watching Zi Xuan¡¯s figure leave, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was a little dazed.


    However, before he could recall the scenes in the past seven days, Erniu¡¯s figure whistled over from nearby. Moreover, he wasn¡¯t alone. Wu Jianwu was beside him.


    ¡°Sigh, Little Qing, what a coincidence.¡±


    Erniu looked like he had just arrived and waved at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Fortunately, you reminded me earlier. Let me tell you, Little Qing, when I went to the Creator¡¯s Manor, I kept an eye on them for seven days and seven nights. They indeed didn¡¯t have a chance to cut corners.¡±


    Erniu walked over proudly. Beside him, Wu Jianwu wanted to say something but hesitated. However, in the end, in order not to cause unnecessary trouble, he still chose to shut up.


    Xu Qing turned his head. The dazed look in his eyes had already dissipated as he calmly looked at his eldest senior brother.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, what a coincidence indeed.¡±


    Erniu blinked and his gaze rapidly sized up Xu Qing¡¯s body, looking incomparably curious. He even walked a few rounds around Xu Qing, his eyes shining as he smacked his lips.


    Under this gaze, Xu Qing¡¯s calm expression faltered and some blush colored his complexion¡­


    ¡°Little Qing, there¡¯s something wrong with you. Something seems different.¡±


    The captain gave a spurious smile.


    ¡°I think I saw someone leaving your mansion earlier¡­ Hehe.¡±


    Xu Qing coughed and was about to speak when Wu Jianwu, who was at the side, suddenly spoke.


    ¡°The young general in the blue robe mounts the horse for the first time, how many battles can he last? Though it seems he¡¯s exhausted after seven days, who knows how many breaks he took in between!¡±


    As soon as Wu Jianwu finished speaking, a violent wind rushed toward him, sending him over five hundred kilometers away.


    Xu Qing snorted coldly.


    Er Niu coughed lightly, noticing Xu Qing¡¯s embarrassment, so he quickly intervened.


    ¡°That¡¯s too much. This Wu Jianwu deserves a beating!¡±


    ¡°Wu Jianwu, remember to come back quickly.¡± After shouting at the horizon, Erniu glanced at Xu Qing¡¯s mansion.


    Although Xu Qing felt a little helpless about his eldest senior brother, he was already experienced in dealing with him. At that moment, his expression calmed down again and he asked.


    ¡°Is Master here?¡±


    At the mention of their master, Erniu¡¯s thoughts were also diverted. He gritted his teeth angrily and spoke.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. The old man has left!!¡±


    ¡°As expected, you¡¯re right. A few days ago, I used my unique method to sense his tracks. However, when I went over, this old brat was long gone.¡±


    ¡°This is clearly trying to monopolize everything!¡±


    ¡°How can you be someone¡¯s master like this? He¡¯s too much. He will have to give us an explanation. I¡¯ve already thought it through. We¡¯ll make a trip back in a while. I¡¯ll use my dignity as the eldest disciple to gather Old Second and Old Third. The four of us will look for Master together!¡±


    ¡°If he doesn¡¯t distribute the spoils, we¡¯ll leave the sect and let the old man be alone in the future.¡±


    Erniu¡¯s words were astonishing. His expression was arrogant, as though he planned to do this.


    Xu Qing blinked and spoke softly.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t good¡­¡±


    ¡°An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth!¡± Erniu snorted.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already planned this matter. When the time comes, we¡¯ll move together!¡±


    As they spoke, the two of them had already entered the mansion. After they sat down in the front hall, Erniu was clearly still brooding over Old Master Seventh¡¯s matter. It was only after a long time when Wu Jianwu returned with a swollen face that he placed his attention on him.


    Wu Jianwu immediately became obedient.


    Firstly, he was afraid of Xu Qing, and secondly, he was afraid of Erniu. Earlier, he really couldn¡¯t hold return his cheap mouth and ended up being lectured by Xu Qing. Right now, regardless of how he cursed inwardly, he was extremely obedient on the surface.


    He was sitting in front of the two of them with his mouth tightly shut, looking at them eagerly.


    ¡°Little Jianjian, I hope you will complete the matter I talked about with you the other day. Don¡¯t worry, I, Chen Erniu, always do things fairly, I won¡¯t let you work in vain.¡±


    ¡°How about this? After they hatch, the eggshells are yours!¡±


    The captain¡¯s tone was solemn as he slowly spoke.


    As he spoke, he took out his egg and placed it in front of Wu Jianwu.


    Xu Qing expressionlessly took out one.


    Looking at these two eggs, although Wu Jianwu was 100% confident, he still felt a little embarrassed about such a thing. Previously, although he had no choice but to agree in front of Erniu, he was still a little hesitant now that he saw the eggs with his own eyes.


    Seeing this, Erniu patted Wu Jianwu¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Let me tell you, these two eggs aren¡¯t simple. They are the children of a god. How can Their eggshells be ordinary eggshells? That¡¯s a divine shell!¡±


    ¡°Moreover, the most important thing is that you will gain the experience of incubating gods. This will undoubtedly be an unprecedented experience for you to hatch more pets in the future.¡±


    ¡°You need to have ambition. Your hybrid pets at most have the bloodline of a Ruler . Just imagine, if one day, instead of Ruler bloodlines, a group of divine spiritual pets raised by you appeared with just a wave of your hand, how impressive would that be!¡±


    ¡°At that time, if you need the relics of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, who dares not to give them to you?¡±


    It was unknown which sentence it was that made Wu Jianwu make up his mind. Determination appeared in his eyes as he gritted his teeth and agreed to this matter. After Xu Qing nodded, Wu Jianwu took the eggs and quickly left the residence.


    When he was far away, Wu Jianwu¡¯s eyes revealed determination as he mumbled.


    ¡°Divine pets¡­¡±


    His breathing was hurried and determination rose once again.


    At this moment, if his master return then was here, he would undoubtedly have mixed feelings, unable to say if it was good or bad.


    Truly¡­ Back then in the Seven Blood Eyes, the heaven¡¯s chosen of the First Peak was clearly a sword cultivator, but because of an item he accidentally obtained, his Dao path changed.


    And it changed completely and thoroughly.


    In the high spiritual mansion, post Wu Jianwu left, Erniu slapped his forehead. A tender green vine grew out of his head and surrounded him. It was very spiritual.


    ¡°Little Qing, this thing is a treasure. You can also fuse with yours. As long as we raise it and it matures, hehe¡­ we¡¯ll be even more powerful.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the vine and he sensed the mystical power contained in it. Hence, he nodded and the vine appeared in his hand.


    After pondering for a moment, Xu Qing ultimately didn¡¯t swallow it. Instead, he slit his finger and as a drop of blood landed which the vine rapidly absorbed. After that, with a flash, it entered through the wound.


    A soul fluctuation resonated at this moment.


    At the next instant, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor became vigilant. Xu Qing¡¯s shadow also fluctuated slightly¡­


    ¡°There¡¯s also the puppet parts I took away in the catacombs. Although these things have shattered, they still contain energy that can¡¯t be underestimated.¡±


    The captain licked his lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking that they should be something good. Let¡¯s see if we can piece them together. If we can make a large mantis¡­ it will undoubtedly be a powerful card.¡±


    As the captain spoke, he waved his hand and a large pile of components flew out. He called Xu Qing over and the two of them studied them attentively.


    At the same time, while they were studying these puppet parts, a group of figures stood in front of the teleportation array in the Imperial City¡¯s outer ring.


    All the human cultivators in the surroundings had solemn expressions. The Heavenly Marquis Wang guarding here was even more solemn and vigilant.


    This group of cultivators had been fighting against the human race not long ago.


    They were the subsidiary races of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, Baize and Si¡¯e!


    These two groups of cultivators, with bodies different from those of humans, stood out conspicuously, each wearing an unpleasant expression. Clearly, there was lingering resentment in their hearts regarding the end of the war.


    However, they had no choice but to come. Their mission this time was to sign a post-war agreement with the human race.


    The person accompanying them was a cultivator from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven who had an even uglier expression than them.


    It was Fan Shishuang!


    His expression was gloomy and he was very frustrated. However, he was helpless. This time, he was appointed as the Flame Moon Supervisor and followed these two subsidiary races to the human race to witness the truce contract.


    ¡°I heard that Xu Qing returned to the human race. Why am I so unlucky to be assigned this job!¡±

 Chapter 1348 - Chapter 1348 Immortal Soul Purification

    Chapter 1348 Immortal Soul Purification


    Time flowed by and a month passed.


    During this month, the atmosphere in the human capital was livelier than ever before. While not everyone had a smile on their face, most hearts were filled with a sense of excitement and upliftment.


    The dark deeds in the streets had also decreased significantly. The level of public security in the Grand Imperial Capital Region had reached its highest point in hundreds of years.


    There were four reasons for this.


    Firstly, Xu Qing¡¯s glorious return had caused the commoners to spontaneously welcome him. That feeling of glory was very intense.


    Moreover, as he was conferred the title of king, the feeling of festivity became even more intense.


    After being suppressed countless years, although the appearance of the Sun of Dawn made the human race feel proud and elated, the depression and suffocation still existed.


    It had been accumulated for tens of thousands of years. How could the Sun of Dawn break it instantly?


    After all, regardless of whether it was human cultivators or mortals, they all deeply felt the strength of the foreign races.


    Regardless of whether it was in terms of physical body or talent, the human race was clearly inferior.


    This was especially so for the latter¡­


    For some reason, other than a small number of humans possessing innate talents, the vast majority of humans didn¡¯t possess it. Moreover, even the ones with innate talents had different talents.


    It was as though humans didn¡¯t have innate divine powers.


    However, in the records of history, in the era of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, the human race had their own race¡¯s innate talent.


    Its name was¡­ the Spirit Ancestor Transformation.


    But now, it was as though it was isolated from the human race¡¯s bloodline.


    Under such circumstances, Xu Qing¡¯s rise was naturally like a heatwave that impacted the hearts of the human race.


    At the end of the day, the human race¡­ needed a hero.


    At the right time and with the right mindset, Xu Qing had stepped into the spotlight of the human race.


    As for the second reason why the imperial city was lively, it was because of the emissaries from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s affiliated races, Baize and Si¡¯e.


    These two races had sent their higher-ups to the human race to sign a truce and a thousand-year agreement.


    Such a thing was quite common in the era of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether until he unified Wanggu.


    However, after the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether left, the human race¡¯s situation worsened. Most of the time, they were the passive party when signing agreements. This time was different.


    Hence, regardless of whether it was cultivators or mortals in the imperial city, they couldn¡¯t help feeling excited.


    This was especially so for the students in the Imperial Academy. All of them were in high spirits and their morale rose.


    As for the third reason, Tomb-Sweeping Day was approaching, and it was common for ancestral worship to occur in the human race. Every family was preparing to pay their respects to their ancestors on this day.


    And the imperial decree of the Human Emperor elevated this third reason to a level of extreme importance, thus creating a fourth reason.


    The Human Emperor would perform the ancestral worship!


    The Human Emperor¡¯s ancestor was the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether. The era he was in was the most glorious and peak of the human race. Hence, according to tradition, if there was nothing major, the human race would need to do a minor worship every thousand years and a grand worship every ten thousand years.


    The last time was 800 years ago.


    Now¡­ the imperial decree made it that the ancestral worship was going to happen 200 years in advance.


    In a short period, this matter spread throughout the Grand Imperial Capital Region, the seven counties outside, the Holy Wave, Black Spirit, and Black Heaven Regions.


    Even the Moon Offering Region knew of it.


    The date was set to be a hundred days later.


    It was set to be early morning.


    Now that a month had passed, there were only two more months left.


    Hence, the entire human race was preparing for this.


    As for Xu Qing, he only walked out of the high spiritual mansion today this month.


    The place he went to was the Sword Holding Ministry.


    As the headquarters of the Sword Holding Palaces, this wasn¡¯t Xu Qing¡¯s first time here, but the significance was entirely different this time.


    All the Sword Holders in the Sword Holding Ministry, from bottom to top, stood solemnly and looked at Xu Qing with admiration.


    Xu Qing had another identity in his series of glory.


    He was a Sword Holder and the Sword Carrier of this generation.


    He walked the world with the Emperor Sword.


    With such an identity, his reputation in the Sword Holding Ministry could be described as vast.


    The eight deputy swordmasters also solemnly bowed to Xu Qing.


    The Great Swordmaster of the Sword Holding Ministry, who was also a Heavenly King, King Yun Wu, personally welcomed him at the Sword Holding Ministry.


    ¡°King Zhen Cang.¡±


    A smile appeared on King Yun Wu¡¯s face as he cupped his fists toward Xu Qing.


    As a Heavenly King, Xu Qing naturally wouldn¡¯t be negligent. He also cupped his fists and returned the greeting. After that, he stated his intentions.


    He wanted to pay his respects to the Sword Holding Great Emperor.


    King Yun Wu would not agree if anyone other than the Human Emperor made this request.


    Even the State Preceptor or King Zhen Yan wouldn¡¯t be given special treatment.


    However, Xu Qing was different. To a certain extent, he could be considered the successor of the Great Emperor. From a relationship point of view, he was closer to the Great Emperor than the Sword Holding Ministry.


    Hence, King Yun Wu only pondered for a bit before nodding. He personally accompanied Xu Qing into the restricted area in the depths of the Sword Holding Ministry.


    King Yun Wu stopped outside the secret chamber and didn¡¯t step in.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and walked in.


    He had many questions that he wanted to ask the Great Emperor.


    Regardless of whether it was his thoughts about the Ancient Sovereign Planet or the fact that the emperor soul in his form could control the Emperor Sword, he needed to clear his doubts.


    In the entire imperial city, the number of people Xu Qing trusted was limited. Eldest Senior Brother clearly couldn¡¯t answer and his master wasn¡¯t around, so Xu Qing wanted to consult the Sword Holding Great Emperor.


    A few days later, Xu Qing left with a pensive expression.


    He got some of the answers.


    Regarding his first question, the Great Emperor fell silent for a day before answering Xu Qing.


    ¡°Continue watching.¡±


    As for the second question, the Great Emperor pondered for two days.


    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s fate. Since that¡¯s the case, this sword¡­ shall move according to your soul from now on. I hope you¡¯ll remember the words I said to you when we first met.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t forget my original intention.¡±


    Xu Qing recalled those two sentences and came to a realization. At the same time, a hint of sadness and bitterness rose in his heart.


    This was because this time, he could tell that the Sword Holding Great Emperor¡¯s state was even worse than back then.


    Using the phrase ¡®an oil lamp that¡¯s running out of oil will eventually go out¡¯ to describe him, while not entirely fitting, was quite appropriate.


    ¡°The Great Emperor¡­ He¡¯s forcefully holding on¡­¡±


    Recalling the life of the Sword Holding Great Emperor, Xu Qing sighed softly and bowed deeply toward the secret chamber.


    After leaving this place and returning to the high spiritual mansion, Xu Qing didn¡¯t go out for the next month.


    In the first few days, Erniu came frequently and studied the Holy Heavenly Vine with Xu Qing. They even put some effort into trying to piece together those puppet parts. Unfortunately, they still failed in the end.


    Erniu wasn¡¯t willing to give up, so he simply left with the parts. He was going to find someone to help him see if there was any other way to repair these puppet parts.


    At the same time, he didn¡¯t give up on searching for Old Master Seventh.


    As for Xu Qing, in the following days, he spent most of his moment in the spirit pool, comprehending the divine authorities in his nihility land.


    At this moment, it had to be said that the effect of the liaoxuan holy liquid was great.


    Its assistance in comprehension was as significant and profound as laying the foundation when in Qi Condensation Realm.


    Under the repeated comprehension, Xu Qing¡¯s mind became increasingly ethereal. His foundation, which had just entered the Nihility, had unknowingly become much more stable. He had completely entered the ranks of the Nihility.


    This kind of thing usually varied from person to person. Some needed decades, while others needed more than ten years to stabilize their realms.


    However, the existence of the liaoxuan holy liquid sped up this process.


    At the same time, as he continued to cultivate in the pool water, especially when he put enough liaoxuan holy liquid in it, a mysterious state would occasionally appear in his mind.


    Every moment this state appeared, Xu Qing would unintentionally step into it.


    When this state appeared for the sixth time, Xu Qing gained some understanding.


    ¡°I can now go to the Variant Immortal School and study all the inheritance jade slips about Variant Immortals.¡±


    He felt that his current state was very suitable for learning.


    Learning had always been Xu Qing¡¯s obsession since he was young. Regarding knowledge, even though he had cultivated until now, he still respected and yearned for it.


    Hence, when there were still 60 days before the ancestral worship, Xu Qing left his high spiritual mansion and arrived at the Imperial Academy, entering the Variant Immortal School.


    His arrival naturally caused a commotion in the Imperial Academy and also excited the Variant Immortal School.


    Under the adoring gazes of all the students of the Variant Immortal School, the school head of this generation personally welcomed him.


    The moment he saw Xu Qing, the old school head, who had absorbed a wisp of Xu Qing¡¯s Variant Immortal soul seed to form his soul base, couldn¡¯t help but reveal shock on his face.


    The waves in his soul churned even more.


    A month ago, when Xu Qing returned, he had seen him from afar in the crowd.


    At that time, the Xu Qing he saw was like a sharp blade with astonishing sharpness.


    However, now that he saw Xu Qing again, he discovered that he actually couldn¡¯t see through Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation. No matter how he looked at it, Xu Qing was like a mortal with no spiritual energy at all.


    In fact, when he got closer, he could even smell a faint fragrance on Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    ¡®Immortal Soul Purification?!¡¯


    The old school head gasped.


    At the same time, he also sensed an indescribable profoundness from Xu Qing¡¯s ordinary body, as if it had merged into his soul, becoming innate.


    He didn¡¯t know that Xu Qing also didn¡¯t understand it very well. The effect of the liaoxuan holy liquid wasn¡¯t just to assist in comprehension.


    If one consumed it for a long time, under the subtle influence, there would be indescribable wonders.


    However, the liaoxuan liquid was already scarce back then, let alone now. This was especially so since¡­ it was the liaoxuan holy liquid formed after tens of thousands of years of precipitation!


    Moreover¡­ even if someone had the liaoxuan holy liquid, they definitely wouldn¡¯t have as much as Xu Qing. They would all treat it as a supreme treasure and consume a drop at the critical moment to help in comprehension.


    Unlike Xu Qing, who could pour a drop into the pool water every date to soak his entire body.


    Such extravagant action naturally hastened the other wonders of the liaoxuan holy liquid.


    Just like that, under the lead of the shaken school head, Xu Qing arrived at the top floor of the Variant Immortal School¡¯s tower.


    That place contained all the ancient records of the Variant Immortal School. Copies of some of them existed on the first level, but most of them were unique.


    Looking at these jade slips, Xu Qing began his seclusion.


    He studied every jade slip and records very carefully. His goal was to learn all the inheritances and records of the Variant Immortal School in detail.


    ¡°Only then can I pioneer¡­¡±


    After Xu Qing mumbled, he took out the liaoxuan holy liquid, but it wasn¡¯t the original liquid; instead, it was diluted with drinkable spiritual water, making it into spiritual liquid.


    After taking a sip, as his mind cleared, he immersed himself in his study.


    Time flowed by and a month passed.


    An imperial decree was issued to Xu Qing from the palace. It was brought by specialized guards to the Variant Immortal School¡¯s tower.


    Xu Qing had to end his seclusion early because of this.

 Chapter 1349 - Chapter 1349: Obeying the Decree to Posture

    Chapter 1349: Obeying the Decree to Posture


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The content of the imperial decree was related to the arrival of the envoys from the Baize and Si¡¯e races.


    Simply put, the two affiliated races of Flame Moon had come here to sign a truce and the thousand-year agreement. However, the process wasn¡¯t smooth.


    There were signs of a war starting again.


    Although this was impossible, the attitudes of these two races were tyrannical and many of their requests were extremely unreasonable.


    This stalemate was ultimately not good for the ancestral worship that was about to begin.


    Hence¡­ in the main hall of the palace, someone suggested that Xu Qing step forward to coordinate.


    This matter had obtained the unanimous agreement of the ministers, so there was such an imperial edict.


    Although Xu Qing was in seclusion studying, since the imperial decree had arrived, it wasn¡¯t good for him to reject it directly. This was especially so since he was the most suitable candidate to participate in this.


    Hence, after pondering for a while, he stood up and left the Variant Immortal School. He walked out of the Imperial Academy and walked toward the Foreign Affairs Pavilion where the negotiations were taking place.


    He didn¡¯t walk fast. As he moved forward, he thought about his gains in the past month.


    During this period of time, he had already read all the inheritances and books in the Variant Immortal School completely.


    Not only were there the changes in the divine diagrams, but there were also the insights of many ancestors in cultivation and their imaginations about the future of the Variant Immortal School.


    These were all like nutrients that fused into Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Gradually, a vague idea began to take shape in his mind.


    It was the exclusive Variant Immortal cultivation art that perfectly matched him, which he had created for himself in the Nihility.


    However, creating something was already difficult, let alone when it was with conceptual trains of thought like the Variant Immortal School.


    Hence, the difficulty was naturally even greater.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t in a hurry as he already had a vague direction.


    ¡°I still need to perfect it and try many times before I can finally confirm it¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. As he pondered, he moved forward. Occasionally, he would subconsciously raise his right hand and perform hand seals according to his thoughts.


    As such, a bizarre scene appeared on his body.


    His entire body was sometimes blurry, sometimes clear, sometimes overlapping, and sometimes completely disappeared, appearing in the distance.


    In addition, the mysterious feeling the school head had sensed on his body back then was even more intense at this moment. There were also some faint nomological threads that appeared out of thin air and flashed past him.


    However, he didn¡¯t grab any of them.


    He only silently sensed and observed.


    Just like that, time flowed bit by bit with his footsteps.


    At that moment, in the Foreign Affairs Pavilion, which was specially used to receive the foreign races, a negotiation that had lasted for more than a month was still undergoing intensely.


    In this pavilion¡¯s main hall, the human cultivators were on the left. Led by the Eldest Prince, they were in charge of negotiating the agreement and signing it.


    The members of the Foreign Affairs Pavilion assisted from the side. There was also a Heavenly King who overlooked the whole situation.


    This Heavenly King was a woman. She was none other than King Yuelan, who was rumored to have a close relationship with the Sixth Prince.


    At that moment, other than King Yuelan, who had her eyes closed and a calm expression, most of the others had gloomy expressions as they glared angrily at the nonhuman cultivators opposite them.


    Opposite the humans, on the right of the main hall of the Foreign Affairs Pavilion, sat the representatives of the Baize Race and the Si¡¯e Race. There were dozens of them in total.


    Most of them had cold gazes that carried a hint of condescension. Although they rarely spoke, the aura on their bodies was filled with killing intent.


    This was especially so for one from each of the two races. They sat there and emitted an astonishing aura. They were none other than the Heavenly Kings of the two races.


    Although they weren¡¯t multi worlds Soul Accumulation, it still looked like they had two worlds. Their gazes locked onto King Yuelan with a hint of disdain.


    As for the few people who spoke among the representatives of these two races, their words were quite sharp. Regarding the contents of the agreement, not only did they not give in at all, but they also increased their conditions.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to talk about this anymore. My Baize Race will never give up the areas that have been conquered!¡±


    ¡°Regarding the captives, My Si¡¯e Race only agrees to exchange them with your human race on a one-for-one basis. As for the remaining human captives, you will need to redeem them according to our prices.¡±


    ¡°How can the noble human race be so stingy even when it comes to redeeming their own kin?¡±


    ¡°Furthermore, to enhance the friendship between our races and establish a millennium-long treaty of friendship, the exchange of secret arts naturally needs to be conducted fairly, requiring a one-for-one exchange!¡±


    Hearing these words, the expressions of the human race¡¯s side were gloomy. After a few breaths of silence, the Eldest Prince¡¯s attitude changed from when he was in the Flame Moon. Instead, his gaze was like lightning.


    ¡°If the area your two races occupied aren¡¯t returned, we will release the Sun of


    Dawn. If you want to try, our human race will accompany you to the end.¡±


    ¡°As for redeeming our clansmen, although you guys are asking for a sky-high price, we¡­ agree to this!¡±


    ¡°However, our human race has a long history of trading secret arts. We once unified Wanggu and gathered so many secret arts. How can they be compared to you subsidiary races? Are they worthy of exchanging one-for-one?¡±


    ¡°What a joke. 30 for 1. Otherwise, we won¡¯t exchange!¡±


    Upon hearing the Eldest Prince¡¯s words, the auras of the representatives of the Baize and Si¡¯e races rose and their eyes revealed a cold glint.


    To them, agreeing to a truce was already a gift to these humans. In reality, they were extremely dissatisfied with this, but they couldn¡¯t disobey the Flame Moon¡¯s order.


    Hence, with such a mentality, it was naturally impossible for this negotiation to go smoothly. It was inevitable that they would have such an arrogant attitude.


    In fact, in their opinion, if Flame Moon hadn¡¯t stopped them and the war continued, although it was impossible for them to devour the human race, they could summon a few more subsidiary races and send out troops together, crippling the human race.


    Hence, the killing intent in the eyes of the Heavenly Kings of the Baize and Si¡¯e races was intense. As for King Yuelan, her gaze was scorching, not giving in at all.


    Although she was a woman, her personality was explosive. Compared to ordinary men, she was even more bloodthirsty.


    Moreover, every time she led troops to fight against the nonhuman races, she would not take any captives.


    She would order all the captives to be killed.


    In fact, for the sake of victory, she had ordered the slaughter of entire nonhuman races several times. Even if she had to sacrifice her subordinates for the greater good, she wouldn¡¯t hesitate.


    For the greater good, if needed, she could sacrifice herself as well.


    Her identity was filled with the dense stench of blood of the nonhuman races and madness.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to waste your breath. I don¡¯t have that much time after wasting over a month. Immediately give the order to restart the war. I haven¡¯t had my fill of killing yet.¡±


    King Yuelan slowly spoke.


    Her voice was hoarse and the stench of blood instantly filled the entire hall.


    The battle intent of the two Heavenly Kings also rumbled as they stood up.


    Seeing that things had come to this point again, the Eldest Prince felt a headache coming on. This was the fifth time in the past month or so that he had seen such a scene.


    Moreover, it looked like it was about to happen more and more.


    Although he understood that it was impossible for the war to start, he was still worried that there was a chance. After all, no one could be 100% confident about such a thing.


    Moreover, in this month and a half, the Flame Moon Supervisor, other than appearing in a hurry on the first day, actually never appeared again.


    If this person had stepped forward, this negotiation wouldn¡¯t have continued like this. After all, that person represented Flame Moon, and the order to stop the war was issued by Flame Moon¡¯s three magistrates.


    ¡°Why is Fan Shishuang like this? Is he avoiding Xu Qing?¡±


    The Eldest Prince hesitated. He didn¡¯t know many details, so he was very puzzled by Fan Shishuang¡¯s actions.


    Now, seeing that both sides were about to fight again, the Eldest Prince could only brace himself. He was about to speak up to ease the tension like he had done the previous few times and end today¡¯s negotiations.


    However, at this moment¡­


    A calm voice rang out from the entrance of the Foreign Affairs Pavilion.


    ¡°What¡¯s all the fuss about?¡±


    When the voice entered the main hall, the human race¡¯s expressions instantly revealed surprise. The Eldest Prince even stood up abruptly and walked out quickly as though he had seen the Human Emperor.


    As for the cultivators from the two races, their expressions changed drastically.


    Even the two Heavenly Kings¡¯ hearts skipped a beat as they quickly looked at the gate.


    Under everyone¡¯s gazes, a slender figure in blue clothes with long hair that draped over his shoulders and a handsome face like an immortal walked in with an indifferent expression.


    The sunlight formed a halo on his body. It was as though it was also subdued by him and was willing to serve him.


    He was Xu Qing.


    The Eldest Prince quickly strode forward and arrived in front of Xu Qing. He bowed like a junior.


    ¡°Greetings, Grand Tutor.¡±


    The other human cultivators also bowed.


    ¡°Greetings, King Zhen Gang.¡±


    King Yuelan also retracted her killing intent. Although she was expressionless, she still nodded at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing also nodded in response. After that, his gaze swept over and landed on the two races on the right.


    The moment he looked over, the cultivators of the Baize Race and the Si¡¯e Race fell silent for a few breaths. As Xu Qing¡¯s gaze turned cold, they immediately left their chairs and knelt down in front of Xu Qing.


    No matter what cultivation level it was, even the two Heavenly Kings were no exception!


    No matter how conflicted they felt inwardly, how unwilling they were, and how they roared, they still knelt down.


    This was because that was the Grand Mystic Heaven!


    ¡°Greetings, Grand Mystic Heaven!¡±


    When the subsidiary races saw the Grand Mystic Heaven, they had to kneel!


    Even as Heavenly Kings of the two races, as long as they still cared about the race and respected the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, they had to abide by it. This was the rule.


    Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡¯s rules.


    Breaking these rules would result in consequences even more serious than death.


    When the humans here saw this scene, their expressions changed and waves of shock surged in their minds.


    Although they knew the might of the Grand Mystic Heaven, knowing and seeing it with their own eyes were two completely different impacts. Hence, after witnessing Xu Qing¡¯s status with their own eyes, how could they not be shocked?


    Even King Yuelan¡¯s eyes gleamed. Clearly, there were waves in her heart.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past the cultivators of the two subsidiary races and finally landed on one of them as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Fan Shishuang?¡±


    Through the imperial decree, he naturally knew who Flame Moon¡¯s representative was.


    ¡°Reporting to Grand Mystic Heaven, King Fan is¡­ in seclusion.¡±


    The heart of the Baize Race representative who was being stared at by Xu Qing trembled. He had personally seen the battle between Xu Qing and Flame Mystic and knew how terrifying Xu Qing was. Hence, he braced himself and spoke.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t comment. He walked toward the human race and sat at the corner.


    ¡°You guys can continue.¡±


    After saying that, Xu Qing closed his eyes and immersed himself in his thoughts of the Variant Immortal School art. He didn¡¯t seem to be interested in what was going on here.


    However, his presence here represented his attitude..

 Chapter 1350 - 1350 King Yuelans Intentions

    1350 King Yuelan¡¯s Intentions


    After Xu Qing sat down, the entire hall fell silent.


    Tens of breaths later, as the representatives of the two races silently stood up and returned to their chairs, their auras completely reversed.


    Facing Xu Qing, they were afraid, hateful, and shocked. Overall, fear and shock occupied the majority.


    This was especially so for a few of them. They had witnessed Xu Qing¡¯s killing intent in the Mountains and Seas Region in the second segment.


    In that situation, if Xu Qing wasn¡¯t hellbent on killing Ji Dongzi, it would have been impossible for them to have any hope of surviving.


    In the end, they luckily escaped.


    In addition, Xu Qing¡¯s series of achievements in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven could be said to have suppressed their current generation. Hence, to a certain extent, the Flame Moon¡¯s side understood how terrifying Xu Qing was better than the human race.


    The battle with Flame Mystic was even more decisive, causing all the doubters on Flame Moon¡¯s side to be shaken.


    Baize and Si¡¯e were naturally well aware of this. In addition, they also saw some clues from Fan Shishuang.


    Fan Shishuang was clearly avoiding Xu Qing¡­


    Hence, at that moment, as Xu Qing sat there, Baize and Si¡¯e felt bitter inwardly.


    It was completely different for the human race. All the human cultivators were excited, especially when they noticed the current state of the nonhuman races who were incomparably arrogant just now.


    The Eldest Prince wasn¡¯t surprised by this, and inwardly heaved a sigh of relief.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that he was extremely respectful of Xu Qing and didn¡¯t dare to personally suggest it to the Human Emperor, he would have long requested the Grand Tutor to step forward.


    At this moment, he finally gained support. He lifted his chin and was in high spirits, but he didn¡¯t speak immediately.


    ¡®I have to endure it. When their pressure reaches a certain extent and they want to end today¡¯s negotiations, that will be the best time to make a move.¡¯


    When the Eldest Prince thought of this, he simply stood up and respectfully walked to Xu Qing¡¯s side. He personally poured tea for Xu Qing and knelt at the side like a student.


    In reality, he was indeed a student.


    As the Imperial Prince¡¯s Grand Tutor, Xu Qing was the teacher of all the imperial children. Any prince or princess had to obey him.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and glanced at the Eldest Prince beside him.


    The Eldest Prince lowered his head.


    Although Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything, with his experience, he naturally saw through the Eldest Prince¡¯s thoughts. He didn¡¯t mind. He picked up the teacup to take a sip.


    Time flowed by¡­


    An hour passed. Those from the human race who could participate in this negotiation were naturally not stupid. They could all see the advantage at this moment and understood how to maximize it.


    So they all kept silent, sitting without uttering a word.


    King Yuelan simply meditated.


    However, the pressure on Baize and Si¡¯e was too great. They grumbled inwardly as they saw what was happening, but they couldn¡¯t do anything about it.


    The invisible power that came from Xu Qing¡¯s identity caused the pressure on them to grow greater and greater as time passed.


    Two hours later, the Heavenly King of the Baize Race sighed softly.


    The Eldest Prince also sensed that the time was about right. Hence, he spoke to the representatives of the Baize and Si¡¯e races.


    ¡°The areas occupied by your two races need to be returned within half a month after the agreement is signed. Everything needs to be like how they were. If there is destruction or plundering of resources, they will have to be returned.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already agreed to your condition of how we redeem the captives, so I won¡¯t go back on my word!¡±


    ¡°As for the secret art transaction, it will be like what I said earlier. 30 for 1.¡±


    ¡°If you agree, we can seal the agreement today and we can end this negotiation earlier. After all, it¡¯s been over a month.¡±


    The Eldest Prince spoke meaningfully.


    When Baize and Si¡¯e heard this, they sighed inwardly. In reality, this war couldn¡¯t continue under Flame Moon¡¯s orders.


    However, according to their understanding of Flame Moon, under the premise of a truce, Flame Moon naturally wouldn¡¯t stop them from negotiating and obtaining benefits from the human race.


    Similarly, if they couldn¡¯t obtain it, they couldn¡¯t blame others.


    The sense of propriety in this was extremely important.


    But now¡­ gaining benefits was impossible.


    Fan Shishuang was clearly afraid of the Grand Mystic Heaven Xu Qing. In that case, if this dragged on, the outcome would probably be Fan Shishuang leaving the human race¡¯s territory in order to end things early. It was very likely that the situation would become even worse then.


    One had to know that over the past few days, Fan Shishuang had impatiently urged them many times.


    At the thought of this, the representatives of both sides looked at each other. In the end, they gritted their teeth and stood up to bow to Xu Qing before speaking to the Eldest Prince.


    ¡°Alright!¡±


    ¡°We will sign the agreement today!¡±


    Seeing that things were progressing so smoothly, the Eldest Prince was excited. The other human cultivators were the same. Everyone immediately began to adjust the content of the agreement.


    Xu Qing still had his eyes closed as he pondered over his comprehension.


    Just like that, fifteen minutes passed. The human race and the two races signed the contract. After that, Baize and Si¡¯e bowed to Xu Qing again and left quickly.


    At this moment, Xu Qing also opened his eyes and tactfully rejected everyone¡¯s invitation.


    Just as he was about to leave the Foreign Affairs Pavilion, King Yuelan suddenly took a step forward.


    ¡°King Zhen Cang, please wait.¡±


    Xu Qing turned his head and looked at the only female cultivator among the Heavenly Kings.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, King Yuelan?¡±


    ¡°King Zhen Cang, after paying my respects to the ancestor, I¡¯ll be leaving the Imperial City and heading to the borders of the Soul Wave Heavenly Demon Race.¡±


    ¡°I would like to invite King Zhen Cang to follow me and stay there for a period of time¡­¡±


    Xu Qing frowned. The other party¡¯s words were an invitation but there was no reason behind it. It was so abrupt, especially when he thought of King Yuelan¡¯s reputation. How could Xu Qing agree?


    Hence, he replied calmly.


    ¡°My cultivation is low and weak. It¡¯s meaningless for me to go. Also, I have other things to do.¡±


    Xu Qing tactfully rejected.


    However, King Yuelan didn¡¯t care about Xu Qing¡¯s rejection and continued speaking.


    ¡°Although the Soul Wave Heavenly Demon Race isn¡¯t a powerful race, there are many resources in their race that are very useful for the rise of our human race. I strategize to find a reason there to incite this race to start a war.¡±


    ¡°As a Heavenly King of the human race and with the identity of Grand Mystic Heaven, King Zhen Yan¡¯s strength isn¡¯t important. What I need is your identity as the Grand Mystic Heaven.¡±


    King Yuelan¡¯s words were as forceful as before, even making arrangements for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing had seen many Soul Accumulation experts but this was the first time he had seen someone like King Yuelan.


    He decided not to bother with her and was about to leave.


    King Yuelan frowned.


    ¡°King Zhen Cang, this matter is beneficial to the human race. Why are you refusing? Don¡¯t leave first. Let¡¯s talk in detail.¡±


    As she spoke, she actually lifted her hand and grabbed at Xu Qing.


    With this grab, the surrounding laws instantly shone and a restraining force erupted.


    When the Eldest Prince and the others who walked out of the main hall saw this scene, their expressions changed drastically. The Eldest Prince shouted anxiously.


    ¡°King Yuelan, what are you doing?!¡±


    ¡°Nothing, I am just asking King Zhen Cang to stay for a chat.¡±


    King Yuelan calmly spoke, but her hand didn¡¯t stop as she continued to grab.


    The world trembled and the laws emitted by King Yuelan formed a large hand. Just as it was about to land on Xu Qing, a tender green vine suddenly danced out of Xu Qing¡¯s palm at an unbelievable speed.


    The primordial intent directly spread out, and the scene of the starry sky also rose, transforming into an astonishing might that lashed out at the large hand formed by the laws.


    It was the Holy Heavenly Vine that Xu Qing had absorbed two months ago!


    After two months of rearing, this vine could already show some strength and reveal its terrifying aspect. Its lashing actually ignored the laws.


    With a boom, the large hand instantly collapsed and shattered into pieces.


    Xu Qing coldly glanced at King Yuelan.


    King Yuelan frowned and also looked at Xu Qing.


    When the Eldest Prince and the others saw this, they hurriedly stepped forward to stop her. The Eldest Prince glared angrily at King Yuelan.


    ¡°King Yuelan, although you are a Heavenly King, you took the initiative to attack the Grand Tutor in the Imperial City. I will definitely report this matter to Father!¡±


    King Yuelan didn¡¯t speak.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. He instinctively felt that King Yuelan¡¯s attack must contain deep meaning. However, he couldn¡¯t understand the truth for a moment. Hence, after some thought, he turned and was about to leave.


    However, for some reason, King Yuelan actually moved past the Eldest Prince and flew to the sky.


    ¡°King Zhen Cang, I have no ill intentions toward you. I only made a move earlier to make you stay. Now, I¡¯ll still say the same thing. Stay. I¡¯ll talk to you about what I suggested just now.¡±


    As she spoke, King Yuelan lifted her right hand again. This time, as her cultivation circulated, more nomological powers gathered from all directions, forming a cloud of mist that transformed into a huge face that headed toward Xu Qing.


    However, the instant it got close, a shocking sword intent surged from Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    The shadow of the Emperor Sword flashed in the sky. When the sword landed, the fog face formed by the laws was instantly cut into two and dispersed.


    The sword shadow didn¡¯t stop. It swooped down and slashed at King Yuelan.


    At this moment, King Yuelan¡¯s calm expression from the initiate changed drastically.


    ¡°Emperor sword!!¡±


    She rapidly retreated.


    However, the sword shadow was like a hot knife through butter and its speed was astonishing. Not only did it not slow down at all, but it sped up and was about to land.


    At that moment, a exhale rang out from the void. King Zhen Yan¡¯s figure appeared between Xu Qing and King Yuelan. His back was facing Xu Qing, trying to use his body to block the sword.


    Xu Qing admired King Zhen Yan, so he could only exhale when he saw this scene. With a wave of his hand, the sword shadow instantly disappeared and only the wind swept in all directions.


    King Zhen Yan didn¡¯t turn around. Instead, he stared coldly at King Yuelan.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you really want King Zhen Cang to help you or if you strategize to use him as bait to obtain the victory of the war you want to start.¡±


    ¡°Or maybe this is the faction behind you trying to probe something.¡±


    ¡°However, King Yuelan, I¡¯m warning you and the people behind you. If there¡¯s a next time, I¡¯ll suppress you!¡±


    King Yuelan fell silent and turned to leave.


    King Zhen Yan narrowed his eyes and calmly spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯m saying that I will suppress you the next time, I didn¡¯t say that you can depart without paying any price this time. One arm. Moreover, unless a war breaks out, in the next hundred years, you can¡¯t restore it!¡±


    In the air, King Yuelan paused. She raised her right hand and directly tore off her left arm before leaving.

 Chapter 1351 - Chapter 1351: Undercurrents Rise Again

    Chapter 1351: Undercurrents Rise Again


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Erniu had said before that when a person reached a certain height, the people they met would mostly be kind.


    However¡­ this wasn¡¯t true kindness.


    Instead, it was revealed after suppressing other thoughts.


    The human race wasn¡¯t all sunshine and rainbows.


    Whether it was the actions of the Seventh Prince in the past, the proud and domineering attitude of King Tian Lan, or the various forces surviving on the great ship of the human race for countless millennia¡­


    They all had their own thoughts and interests.


    Usually, it wasn¡¯t rare for people to scheme against each other and fight in secret to seize power.


    It was just that the overall direction was suppressed by the Human Emperor, which presented an appearance of prosperity and unity.


    However, in reality, unity would only appear when the race faced a life-and-death crisis.


    Or perhaps¡­ when an expert like the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether appeared. With the momentum of suppressing the ages, the evil was suppressed and turned into good, the complicated was suppressed and turned into simple.


    Dissatisfaction was suppressed and turned into willingness!


    Otherwise, just like how there was day and night, distracting thoughts, malice and self-interest would always be there.


    Xu Qing understood this logic and the scene today allowed him to understand it even more deeply.


    Hence, it wasn¡¯t important what King Yuelan¡¯s motive was.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm as he looked at King Zhen Yan.


    King Zhen Yan also looked at Xu Qing. After a long time, he spoke softly.


    Wanggu is like the night. You, me, and all living beings are actually in the darkness¡­¡±


    Some have fallen deep into it.


    Some are still struggling¡­


    Because what they yearn for is the light that definitely exists.


    After saying that, King Zhen Yan sighed softly and turned to walk toward Xu Qing.


    Just as Xu Qing was in deep thought, King Zhen Yan¡¯s voice rang out in his ears.


    There¡¯s another reason why King Yueian attacked you. Her goal might be to assess my attitude at this moment¡­¡±


    A sharp glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    As for the Eldest Prince and the others, they also rushed over rapidly. All of them had terrified expressions, especially the Eldest Prince. His heart was filled with anger toward King Yueian.


    Grand Tutor¡­¡±


    The Eldest Prince was about to say something when Xu Qing shook his head.


    This has nothing to do with you.¡±


    With that, Xu Qing turned and took a step forward, disappearing from this place.


    When he reappeared, he was already on the street not far from the Foreign Affairs Pavilion. As he moved, he recalled the scenes from before, focusing on King Zhen Yan¡¯s words.


    After a long time, when he returned to the high spiritual mansion, he suppressed this matter in his mind. It reminded him of a few things he had inadvertently been involved in when he first arrived in the capital.


    Regardless of whether it was when he was attacked on the rainy night back then, the theft of rhe Sun of Dawn later, the big case of the Imperial Academy¡¯s Divine Fusion School, or the figure he saw in the house


    All of this appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    The Human Emperor and the State Preceptor have a deal and are also playing a game¡­¡±


    There¡¯s also a third party¡­¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. Previously, he could only be a chess piece. Even if he obtained the Emperor Sword, as long as he was in the Grand Imperial Capital Region, he wouldn¡¯t be able to escape the chessboard.


    But now, whether it was his identity or combat strength, he already had the possibility of becoming a chess player.


    When he reached the entrance of the high spiritual mansion, Xu Qing raised his head and looked in the direction of the imperial palace.


    He looked at the Ancient Sovereign Planet that was floating there in the hazy night.


    His eyes revealed a deep light.


    All undercurrents will probably erupt when the Human Emperor pays respects to the ancestor.¡±


    In the dark night, lightning suddenly flashed and the sound of thunder echoed. As it rumbled in all directions, it also shook the black clouds.


    The sky had changed.


    The clouds shook and rain fell on the human world.


    it grew larger and larger, continuing to fall endlessly.


    Xu Qing pushed open the gate of the high spiritual mansion. The moment he entered, a figure ran over from afar.


    Junior Brother, what¡¯s going on? I was following a fellow suspected to be Master and almost left the city when I sensed the fluctuations of the Holy Heavenly Vine.¡±


    Erniu¡¯s appearance caused a smile to appear on Xu Qing¡¯s gloomy face.


    After seeing the complexity of the world, seeing that malice could appear for no reason, and then looking at Erniu, the simplicity and sincerity of the other party became even more precious.


    Even if this simplicity and sincerity were only targeted at a few people.


    Fortunately, Xu Qing was one of them.


    Xu Qing was very happy.


    It¡¯s nothing important.


    Xu Qing said.


    Erniu was surprised. After looking at Xu Qing, he also laughed.


    Then I¡¯m relieved. However, Little Qing, in the past, it was always me who brought you to do big things. So, if you¡¯re preparing to do something big, if you don¡¯t call Eldest Senior Brother, 1¡¯11 be angry!¡±


    it had to be said that Erniu¡¯s sense of smell was extremely sensitive.


    Looking into the other party¡¯s eyes, Xu Qing thought about it and nodded. He then entered the high spiritual mansion with Erniu.


    In the main hall, Erniu was clearly still brooding over his stalking attempt earlier.


    Let me tell you. Little Qing, I feel that 70% of that figure is that old geezer!


    During this period, Old Master Seventh s term had changed many times in Erniu¡¯s mouth. From Master to the old man, then to the old fellow, followed by the old kid, and now it had changed to old geezer.


    Master might have his own considerations. Eldest Senior Brother, you don¡¯t have to look for him every day¡­¡±


    Xu Qing hesitated for a moment before persuading.


    That won¡¯t do. That old bandit is cunning. If 1 find him a day later, we¡¯ll have one less portion of fragmented-face¡¯s flesh and blood.¡±


    Erniu wasn¡¯t willing.


    Seeing that his eldest senior brother was so persistent, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t say anything. However, in his mind, he didn¡¯t think that their master wanted to monopolize the food. In his opinion, their master must have a reason for doing this.


    As for Erniu, after complaining, he waved his hand and a puppet appeared in front of him.


    This puppet¡­ was very ugly. It was forcefully pieced together and many parts clearly didn¡¯t match, so it could only maintain a rough figure.


    Xu Qing swept his gaze over and could tell that this puppet would collapse with a single strike from a Spirit Repository cultivator.


    It¡¯s too difficult. This is my limit.


    Erniu sighed and frowned.


    If I had known this would happen, I would have spent some effort in my previous lives to learn puppet art.¡±


    I now realize that puppets are actually quite fun and useful. 1 think Feng Lintao is quite proficient in using puppets.¡±


    No, I have to think of a way to repair this thing. Looks like I have to find someone who is good at puppet art in the Grand Imperial Capital Region.¡±


    As Erniu spoke, he thought hard.


    Xu Qing fell silent. His gaze swept past the seams on the puppet and he thought of his experience today.


    Eldest Senior Brother, maybe there¡¯s someone who possesses the puppet technique.¡±


    When Erniu heard this, he immediately looked at Xu Qing.


    Fan Shishuang.¡±


    Xu Qing slowly spoke.


    Erniu¡¯s eyes lit up as he recalled.


    I have some impression of him. He¡¯s that sh*t Shishuang who rushed out with a very powerful appearance outside the Divine Mountain back then and took out countless puppets with a raise of his hand, wanting to suppress you and turn you into his puppet?¡±


    He indeed looks like he¡¯s very good at puppet art, but we can t make another trip to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race because of this, right?¡±


    Erniu frowned. During this period of time, he was either studying puppets or staring at his Great Heavenly Dipper Armor. The rest of the time, he was tracking and searching for his master.


    In addition, Fan Shishuang was very cautious after he arrived, so Erniu clearly didn¡¯t know about the other party¡¯s arrival.


    Xu Qing smiled.


    He¡¯s in the Imperial City!


    Erniu¡¯s eyes lit up.


    Outside the high spiritual mansion, a huge bolt of lightning tore through the endless black clouds, illuminating the world. After that, a deafening thunder rumbled and exploded.


    This thunder was too loud. Not only did it shake the world, but it also entered the ears of countless people and landed in their hearts.


    Erniu and Xu Qing heard it.


    Fan Shishuang also heard it.


    He was inexplicably shocked and the wine glass in his hand trembled slightly.


    With his cultivation and willpower, it was naturally impossible for thunder to make him feel this way.


    Just as he was feeling bewildered , music started spreading where he was. Amidst the laughter and chatting, a gentle voice rang out.


    Fellow Daoist Fan, I heard that you¡¯re leaving tomorrow. Today, I invited Third Sister to bid farewell to you together.¡±


    Fan Shishuang lifted his head.


    He was in a large hall. There were dozens of people on both sides of the hall and all of them looked like heaven¡¯s chosen of the human race. From the introductions earlier, he remembered that they seemed to be descendants of some noble family.


    To him, these identities were not worth mentioning. They were just a group of small fries.


    Even if the people sitting beside him were the Third Princess and the Fourth Prince of the human race, he only took a few more glances at them and accepted their invitation to drink.


    Of course, another reason why he agreed to the invitation was because he was leaving tomorrow. He thought that since the mission had been completed smoothly, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t find trouble with him.


    In addition, after he came to the human race, he had holed himself up in his residence and refused to see anyone. Although the reason he mentioned was that he was cultivating in seclusion, he felt that his reputation had been damaged. After he returned to the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, he might be mocked.


    Hence, he came out today.


    At that moment, looking at the Fourth Prince who had a smile on his face and a gentle tone, Fan Shishuang suppressed the inexplicable palpitations in his heart and calmly acknowledged.


    The Fourth Prince wasn¡¯t surprised by this attitude. In his opinion, the other party was a great heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race who was among the top of the race. Moreover, he had stepped into the Soul Accumulation realm at such a young age.


    The moment he stepped in, he had become a peak expert in the Soul Accumulation¡¯s one world stage.


    Recently, he had been conferred the title of king by the Flame Moon Mystic


    Heaven Race.


    It was only right for such a person to be arrogant. Hence, he looked at the Third Princess.


    For some reason, the Third Princess had interacted more with the Fourth


    Prince during this period of time. At this moment, although she was dissatisfied with the attitude of this great heaven¡¯s chosen, she still smiled and raised her wine cup to toast.


    Fan Shishuang remained aloof, lifting his glass as a gesture of acknowledgment.


    This scene fell into the eyes of everyone below. Their expressions didn¡¯t change much but they were filled with countless thoughts.


    They were heaven¡¯s chosens of the human race, but the pressure they felt right now wasn¡¯t small. It looked like the hall was lively with singing and dancing, but in reality, every one of them was paying attention to Fan Shishuang.


    He was the guest of honor here..

 Chapter 1352 - Chapter 1352: Expression Changing After Hearing Qing

    Chapter 1352: Expression Changing After Hearing Qing


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Within the grand hall, the melody of the pipa drifted like waves.


    The player was a well-known musician in the capital.


    This woman wasn¡¯t old. She was dressed in a white gown, her face veiled with a semi-transparent veil, giving her delicate features a hazy allure, adding a touch of elegance.


    While her appearance was exquisite, her skill in playing music was even deeper, with remarkable achievements, which is why those who invited her were often high-ranking officials and nobles.


    Commoners couldn¡¯t easily hear her music.


    Today, she was here to perform a song at the invitation of the Third Princess and the Fourth Prince. Her beautiful eyes swept across the surroundings and she could naturally tell who the guest of honor was.


    Despite the high status of the guest of honor, she remained unruffled. Over the years, while many had heard her music, only a few truly understood it. Perhaps, to be accurate, there was only one.


    Most of the others only understood a little, but her role was actually just an embellishment and a background. She was well aware of it.


    So, as usual, she closed her eyes, focusing her heart on the pipa in her arms, letting her thoughts flow into her hands.


    As her jade-like fingers danced lightly, the sound of the pipa flowed like a gentle stream, soft and emotional, as if telling ancient stories that echoed throughout the grand hall.


    The music was deep and profound, seemingly capable of deeply touching people¡¯s hearts. Combined with the dance of the maidservants around, most of the people here showed signs of being enchanted.


    However, that was only on the surface.


    If it was any other time, everyone here might really be a little intoxicated. However, right now¡­ their minds were almost completely focused on Fan Shishuang, who was accompanied by the Third Princess and the Fourth Prince at the same time.


    They had different thoughts.


    Some people harbored thoughts of currying favor with him, while others schemed on how to leverage the situation to their advantage. There were also those who observed his every move with keen interest.


    Their thoughts differed according to their status and standpoint.


    Even the Third Princess and the Fourth Prince were no exception.


    The Third Princess was more concerned about not becoming enemies.


    As for the Fourth Prince, he clearly had more thoughts. Although the human race¡¯s imperial power wasn¡¯t something that outsiders could interfere with, if he had such a great heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race as an ally, at least from a standpoint, he could take away a portion of the Eldest Prince¡¯s halo.


    With his achievements in the Flame Moon, the Eldest Prince had surpassed the other princes from being previously overlooked and became the most prominent figure among the three at present.


    Almost all the princes paid special attention to this matter.


    Fan Shishuang could see through their thoughts clearly.


    Although he had suffered a loss against Xu Qing and was afraid of him, this didn¡¯t mean that he wasn¡¯t outstanding. On the contrary, as a heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, regardless of whether he was in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race or the other races, he was the center of attention.


    Scenes like today were all too familiar to him.


    He had been adulated, sought after for leverage, and even excessively flattered.


    He was already used to the special treatment because of the strength of his race and his own excellence.


    In fact, this was also his Dao.


    His Dao was puppetry and also all living beings. Hence, he wanted to see the appearance of all living beings and their thoughts. Whether it be simple or complicated, good or evil, everything was helpful to him.


    This would allow him to walk further on the Dao of puppets.


    As for the great world he was shaping, although the vastness wasn¡¯t as great as Flame Mystic¡¯s and the wondrousness wasn¡¯t as great as Xu Qing¡¯s, it was still unique.


    That was the Puppet World.


    All living beings in this world were puppets. They simulated the myriad forms of life and acted out the arranged journey of life.


    One day, if he walked to the nine worlds of the Soul Accumulation and the puppets gave birth to life, that would be the moment he used the identity of creation to achieve Ruler Realm!


    This was his dream and his path.


    Although the path to Ruler was broken, he believed that it wasn¡¯t impossible to continue on this path. Even if it was completely broken, there were other ways.


    ¡®Becoming a god!¡¯


    Fan Shishuang narrowed his eyes and gently stroked the wine glass in front of him with his right index finger. He sneered inwardly as he felt the patterns on the surface of the glass.


    He could see through the thoughts of everyone in the hall at a glance.


    To a certain extent, this ability was also his invisible advantage. Otherwise, how could he still be alive after provoking Xu Qing?


    One had to know that Tuoshi Shan didn¡¯t emit too much malice toward Xu


    Qing, while Tian Mozi immediately took Xu Qing¡¯s side. As for him and Ji Dongzi¡­


    The latter was dead but he was still alive. He had even advanced to the Soul Accumulation realm like the others and became one of the Flame Moon Kings.


    ¡®However, 1 somehow feel a little frustrated and uneasy today¡­¡¯


    Fan Shishuang muttered inwardly.


    During the time he had been in the human race, other than the first day he followed the representatives of the two affiliated races to the negotiations, he had been in closed-door cultivation the rest of the time. Today was his second time going out.


    Just as Fan Shishuang was pondering, the music suddenly took on a more lively tone, with the sound of bells and chimes echoing profoundly, seeming to contain the rhythmic pulse of life itself, resonating in the hearts of everyone present.


    In an instant, the various thoughts of the crowd dissipated under the sudden surge of the music, until it gradually faded away, leaving only lingering echoes.


    It wasn¡¯t finished yet.


    For the first time, Fan Shishuang¡¯s expression changed. He lifted his head and his gaze landed on the woman playing the pipa.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Suyue.¡±


    The woman hugged the pipa and spoke softly. After that, she didn¡¯t say anything else. Instead, she bowed and returned to the seat prepared for her.


    When the Fourth Prince saw this scene, his eyes flashed and some thoughts rose in his mind. He then smiled and picked up his wine cup to toast Fan Shishuang.


    Fan Shishuang¡¯s expression was as calm as ever as he took a sip.


    The banquet became lively. During this time, many people stood up and took the initiative to toast. There was an endless stream of compliments.


    However, Fan Shishuang ignored them.


    Even though these were all so-called heaven¡¯s chosen, in his eyes, they were just a group of sparrows. In front of the eagle, they were all a motley crew.


    ¡®I really don¡¯t know why someone like Xu Qing would appear in such an environment!¡¯


    At the thought of Xu Qing, Fan Shishuang felt depressed. At the same time, he felt a little uneasy. Back then, he had personally seen Xu Qing kill Ji Dongzi and his mind was already shaken.


    Later, the events in the Divine Realm shook him even more. In the end, in the grand ceremony outside the Divine Mountain, Xu Qing suppressed Flame Mystic. At that moment, the other party¡¯s figure had become an eternal obstacle in his heart.


    As he pondered, in the clouds outside, lightning flashed again and thunder rumbled in all directions.


    ¡®It¡¯s not good to stay here for long today¡­¡¯ Fan Shishuang¡¯s uneasiness rose again.


    As for those whose toasts he ignored, they dared not show dissatisfaction and could only sit down with forced smiles.


    However, in this world, there were always those who deliberately tested boundaries or acted according to their own interests, making what seemed like clever moves.


    For example, at this moment, the son of a noble smiled and spoke.


    ¡°King Fan, our human race, also has appointed a king recently. It¡¯s King


    Zhencang, Xu Qing. He¡­¡±


    As soon as Xu Qing¡¯s name landed in Fan Shishuang¡¯s ears, his vigilance instantly reached the extreme.


    Before this person could finish speaking, Fan Shishuang suddenly lifted his head. His eyes revealed a soul-stirring light as he shouted in a deep voice.


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    This sound surpassed thunder and exploded in the hall.


    The expression of the cultivator who spoke turned pale. He spat out a large mouthful of blood and took a few steps back with a horrified expression.


    Fan Shishuang¡¯s expression was incomparably gloomy and the vigilance in his heart grew even more intense. He didn¡¯t want to provoke Xu Qing. The other party clearly had ulterior motives for saying this. If he really let the other party say something bad¡­


    If it reached Xu Qing¡¯s ears and he was here, he would definitely be implicated.


    At the thought of this, he didn¡¯t reveal any thoughts on his face. He snorted coldly and stood up, wanting to leave this place.


    He didn¡¯t plan to stay any longer.


    As for the others, their hearts trembled. Some were surprised, some had flickering gazes, and some were deep in thought.


    Seeing that Fan Shishuang was about to leave, all kinds of thoughts surfaced in the Fourth Prince¡¯s mind. He hurriedly stood up and was about to speak.


    However, at this moment¡­


    Outside the hall, the sound of thunder exploded again. Under the rumbling sound, two figures broke through the void and entered the hall.


    As the two figures walked in, water mist also spread in from the outside, attracting the attention of everyone here.


    The moment they saw who it was, everyone¡¯s expressions changed.


    The Third Princess immediately stood up. After some hesitation, the Fourth Prince also stood respectfully.


    ¡°Greetings, Grand Tutor.¡±


    The other descendants of the nobility were naturally the same.


    ¡°Greetings, King Zhen Cang.¡±


    Fan Shishuang stood there, not knowing what to do. His heart instantly trembled.


    ¡°Haha, Junior Brother, it seems that the people of the Baize Race are right.


    Little Fanfan is indeed here.¡±


    The people who came were none other than Xu Qing and Erniu. At that moment, Erniu had a look of surprise on his face as he smiled and spoke.


    Previously, in the high spiritual mansion, after Xu Qing mentioned that Fan Shishuang was in the Imperial Capital, the two of them went to look for him. They first went to the encampment where Baize and Si¡¯e were at but they didn¡¯t find Fan Shishuang there.


    Hence, Xu Qing asked a friendly question and got the answer.


    Upon hearing this, Xu Qing swept his gaze over and ignored the Fourth Prince. After nodding at the Third Princess, he looked at the gloomy-looking Fan Shishuang and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Fan Shishuang, come with me.¡±


    As soon as he said this, the gazes of everyone in the surroundings instinctively landed on Fan Shishuang.


    To Fan Shishuang, although face was very important, it also depended on when and who he was facing¡­ Right now, he couldn¡¯t consider face at all. After hearing Xu Qing¡¯s words, his expression instantly changed.


    His heart skipped a beat as the scene of Ji Dongzi¡¯s death and the miserable scene of Flame Mystic being suppressed instinctively appeared in his mind.


    As his heart churned, an intense grievance spread throughout his body.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you¡­ don¡¯t go too far!!¡±


    Fan Shishuang¡¯s breathing was hurried as he spoke anxiously.


    ¡°As the Grand Mystic Heaven, you can¡¯t bully me like this. There¡¯s no grudge between us. Moreover, I don¡¯t have any other motive for coming to the human race this time!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just going through the motions!¡±


    ¡°Moreover, 1 entered closed-door cultivation immediately after I arrived at the human race!¡±


    ¡°Previously, someone mentioned your name and wanted to plot against you. 1 even stopped him immediately!!¡±


    ¡°No matter how unreasonable you, Xu Qing, are, you still have to¡­ be reasonable!¡±


    The grievance in Fan Shishuang¡¯s voice was extremely intense and also contained sincerity. He indeed wasn¡¯t lying.


    When Xu Qing heard this, his expression was a little strange. He noticed the other party¡¯s grievance, and thinking of how he was here to seek his help, his expression relaxed and his tone became gentle.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking for you to ask you for a favor.¡±


    Fan Shishuang was puzzled.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and turned to walk out. Erniu, who was beside him, also nodded rapidly with a sincere expression.


    Fan Shishuang was conflicted but he knew that he didn¡¯t have the ability to refuse. Hence, while having various thoughts, he gritted his teeth fiercely and stepped out of the main hall nervously, disappearing into the rain with Xu Qing and Erniu.


    At that moment, thunder rumbled in the clouds. As lightning flashed, the rain became even heavier.


    Far away from the main hall, in a residence, an aged sigh rang out from the darkness.


    ¡°Why did he suddenly come¡­


    ¡°Then, do we still kill Fan Shishuang? He finally came out after so long, or¡­ we can kill them together!¡±


    Another voice with a hint of sharpness spoke coldly.


    It was completely silent in the darkness, as though a decision was being made. After a long time, a third voice echoed coldly like ice.


    ¡°We can¡¯t touch Xu Qing. We can only act when Fan Shishuang is alone.¡±


    ¡°But everything has been arranged. If this drags on¡­¡± The sharp voice was clearly unwilling.


    ¡°I¡¯ll say it once again. Xu Qing can¡¯t be touched!¡±


    The icy voice was resolute and decisive..

 Chapter 1353 - 1353 A Gift From Purple Green

    1353 A Gift From Purple Green


    In the rain, Xu Qing was in front, Fan Shishuang was in the middle, and Erniu was behind.


    This made Fan Shishuang even more nervous. His nervousness further intensified because he was in the territory of the human race without any helpers at this moment.


    After Xu Qing and the group left, the Fourth Prince¡¯s banquet hall was completely silent.


    Everyone fell silent.


    However, under the appearance of silence, storms erupted.


    Shock, disbelief, horror, and all sorts of other emotions surged in their hearts.


    Regarding Xu Qing¡¯s trip to the Flame Moon Race, they only knew the results and didn¡¯t know the details of Xu Qing becoming the Grand Mystic Heaven in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    Naturally, they didn¡¯t know the details of the conflict between Xu Qing and the great heaven¡¯s chosens from Flame Moon.


    However, they could more or less make some guesses from the clues.


    After all, in the end, Xu Qing was the one who became the Grand Mystic Heaven and defeated Flame Mystic.


    However, the clues were only clues. They couldn¡¯t imagine what kind of experience could make Fan Shishuang feel such fear after seeing Xu Qing.


    One had to know that Fan Shishuang was at the Soul Accumulation realm!


    Moreover, he was a great heaven¡¯s chosen of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race and was famous in Wanggu.


    Although it was puzzling that he had chosen to enter seclusion when he came to the capital, this was normal. As a cultivator who had just reached the Soul Accumulation realm, he was at a critical moment in his cultivation. It was normal for him to enter seclusion.


    After all, he didn¡¯t need to participate in the negotiations. As a supervisor, he only needed to witness the signing of the agreement in the end.


    Previously, even though someone mentioned Xu Qing¡¯s name and was immediately stopped by him, it could only show his displeasure.


    Those who didn¡¯t know the inside story would instinctively think that there was a considerable conflict between Fan Shishuang and Xu Qing.


    But now¡­ everything had an answer!


    The reason why Fan Shishuang went into seclusion after coming to the human race¡¯s territory was clearly to avoid Xu Qing!


    When someone mentioned Xu Qing and was stopped by him, the displeasure was real and the conflict was also real. However, under this reality, there was also vigilance. He was afraid of being implicated.


    As most of them thought of this, the rumbling in their minds became even more intense.


    ¡°How terrifying was Xu Qing in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven!¡±


    Everyone was shaken.


    The Third Princess, on the other hand, had a dazed expression. She couldn¡¯t help but recall the scenes of her meeting Xu Qing.


    At the start, they had seen each other at the Seventh Prince¡¯s banquet in the Holy Wave Large Region. When they met again, Xu Qing was already the Holy Wave Region Lord. After that, they entered the Grand Imperial Capital Region together¡­


    He then awakened the Sword Holding Great Emperor, led the rise of the Variant Immortal School, and killed the Seventh Prince; these events had caused a huge commotion and shocked everyone in the Imperial City.


    She originally thought that this was already Xu Qing¡¯s peak.


    However, after going to the Flame Moon, the other party leaped to become Flame Moon Grand Mystic Heaven. He was even conferred the title of Zhen by the Human Emperor and also the title of the Imperial Prince¡¯s Grand Tutor¡­


    All of these left her looking up at him, but she could only see his distant figure.


    Moreover, today, she directly sensed how terrifying Xu Qing was. The high and mighty Fan Shishuang whom they had to treat carefully was actually so apprehensive in front of Xu Qing.


    She could imagine how ferocious Xu Qing¡¯s reputation was when he was in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    Beside her, the Fourth Prince also had a chaotic expression on his face. However¡­ a strange glint flashed in his eyes.


    ¡®Someone wanted to use me to lure out Fan Shishuang. However, Master had already seen through it and asked me to play along. So, with Xu Qing¡¯s arrival¡­ are they going to die together?!¡±


    At the thought of this, the Fourth Prince instinctively analyzed the gains and losses.


    Among everyone, there was a woman who was also shaken at this moment. Her eyes revealed spirit as she looked out of the main hall.


    This woman was none other than the famous musician, Su Yue.


    ¡®Is he that person¡¯s younger brother¡­¡¯


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know about anything happening in the hall. Not long later, the three of them arrived at his high spiritual mansion.


    In the residence, Xu Qing sat cross-legged with a calm expression. He looked at Fan Shishuang, whose expression was gloomy.


    As for the captain, he was all smiles.


    ¡°Brother Fan, back in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, I could tell that you had extraordinary talent. Your attainments in puppets have reached the peak.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll disappoint me. After all, if I¡¯m disappointed, my junior brother will be disappointed as well. If both of us are disappointed¡­ then you¡¯ll be disappointed too.¡±


    The captain coughed and didn¡¯t give Fan Shishuang a chance to speak. With a raise of his hand, his puppet landed in front of Fan Shishuang.


    ¡°Brother Fan, please help me repair it. As for its strength¡­ it has to reach its original level.¡±


    The captain licked his lips.


    Xu Qing was expressionless.


    Fan Shishuang cursed inwardly but he didn¡¯t dare to reveal it on the surface. However, he still heaved a sigh of relief in the end. He could tell that the other party was really asking for his help and didn¡¯t have any other intentions.


    If it were anyone else seeking him out, he could handle it with composure. But now, for Fan Shishuang, all he wanted was to finish up quickly and then leave, to get far away from this place.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t say a word. After his gaze landed on the puppet, he raised his hand and waved it. Immediately, the puppet collapsed, turning into countless parts.


    After waving his hand and picking up one, Fan Shishuang took a deep breath. After trying his best to calm himself down, he began to study it.


    As he studied, his expression changed slightly.


    ¡°This is an ancient object that has existed for at least tens of thousands of years.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s also stained with corpse energy¡­ This is a refining method popular in the Liaoxuan lineage during the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era.¡±


    ¡°Their puppet crafting often involves live sacrifices, using the blood of living beings for nourishment, their meridians as connections, and their flesh and bones as materials, supplemented by various ingredients, ultimately forming blood-flesh puppets.¡±


    Fan Shishuang was indeed a puppet master. He immediately revealed the origin of the puppet.


    Erniu¡¯s expression changed as he revealed a look of admiration and shouted, ¡°Impressive.¡±


    After Xu Qing saw this, admiration appeared in his eyes as well.


    After receiving the praise of the two of them, Fan Shishuang didn¡¯t seem to care at all on the surface, but inwardly, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a little smug and proud.


    Erniu blinked.


    ¡°Brother Fan is indeed powerful. Looks like it can definitely be repaired to a level that surpasses perfection!¡±


    When Fan Shishuang heard this, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Although it¡¯s a little difficult, as long as there are enough materials, it¡¯s naturally possible.¡±


    Erniu smiled.


    ¡°However, we only have these materials. With Brother Fan¡¯s ability, you¡¯ll definitely be able to make seven to eight of them. Forget it, I only want five of them. I¡¯ll give the additional ones to Brother Fan as compensation.¡±


    Fan Shishuang couldn¡¯t help but curse even more intensely in his mind. He thought to himself that these two damn fellows not only wanted to use him for free, but they also wanted him to take out the materials.


    This was too much!


    ¡°These materials aren¡¯t enough for even one puppet. What I¡¯m talking about is refining items like the Absolute Earth Crystal and Crimson Soul Iron.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t have them.¡± Hearing Fan Shishuang¡¯s tone, Erniu glared.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression also darkened.


    Fan Shishuang gritted his teeth and glanced at Erniu before glancing at Xu Qing.


    A long time later, he took a deep breath.


    ¡°Promise me that from now on, our grudge is cleared!¡±


    Seeing that Fan Shishuang had compromised, Erniu smiled and agreed.


    Xu Qing pondered for a moment and nodded as well.


    Fan Shishuang gritted his teeth and took out a large number of refining materials. In front of Xu Qing and Erniu, he began to repair the puppet.


    Time flowed by and very soon, more than a month passed.


    In the past month or so, it could be said that Fan Shishuang had performed exceptionally. Under Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s gazes, he modified all the puppet parts, causing their respective spirituality to be stimulated.


    During this time, he used a lot of refining materials.


    During the process, Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak much but the captain¡¯s encouragement and praises came endlessly.


    Although Fan Shuang was annoyed by the end, he unconsciously used more materials.


    Towards the end, he even took out some ferocious beast flesh and souls that he had killed before.


    Adding them to the puppet components finally endowed these parts with spirituality, while also activating them.


    On the last day, as he performed a series of hand seals, two large black-armored puppets appeared in front of the three of them.


    These two puppets emitted a cold aura from head to toe and a terrifying pressure spread out. They were actually even stronger than the puppets Xu Qing had encountered in the catacombs back then.


    ¡°They have reached the physical body level of One World Soul Accumulation!!¡±


    The captain¡¯s expression changed.


    One had to know that in the entire human race, they had never heard of such a puppet. Even with Erniu¡¯s memories from his past lives, such a puppet was extremely rare.


    ¡°This is also the first time I¡¯ve come into contact with and refined a puppet of this level in my life.¡±


    Fan Shishuang took a deep breath and looked at the puppets in front of him. An intense greed instinctively rose in his heart. As a puppet master, he knew the value of these two puppets better than others.


    ¡®It¡¯s a pity that these two watched me the whole time, so I couldn¡¯t tamper with it¡­¡¯


    ¡°The reason why this puppet has reached such a level is because although the effects of my materials aren¡¯t small, the main point is still those original components.¡¯


    ¡°The cultivator who refined this puppet originally had to be at least a high-level Soul Accumulation expert. It¡¯s even possible for him to be a Ruler¡­ That¡¯s why he could refine a Soul Accumulation being into a puppet.¡±


    ¡°Unless there are more of those original parts, otherwise¡­ it¡¯ll be very difficult to create a third puppet.¡±


    Fan Shishuang sighed with emotion inwardly but reality still made him put away all his greed. He stood up and coldly glanced at Xu Qing and Erniu.


    ¡°Can I go now?¡±


    Erniu hurriedly stood up and praised loudly. Xu Qing also smiled.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Fan is indeed extraordinary.¡±


    Fan Shishuang was expressionless but he was once again excited by Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s praise and recognition. However, at the next instant, he felt sad. He had experienced these emotions several times in the past month.


    At this moment, he only wanted to leave. He didn¡¯t say a word and flew out of the residence, rushing toward the encampment.


    On the same day, he left the human capital with the two races that were waiting for him¡­


    As for the two puppets, Xu Qing and Erniu each took one. Erniu left happily and prepared to study it properly because he had specially requested for Fan Shishuang to add tracking ability in his puppet.


    ¡°Old geezer, I will find you!¡±


    After leaving Xu Qing¡¯s residence, Erniu licked his lips in excitement.


    Just like that, period flowed by.


    Several days later, when there were only two days left until the ancestral worship¡­


    Xu Qing, who was cultivating in the spirit pool in the mansion, suddenly opened his eyes and looked outside the mansion.


    Someone delivered a wooden box.


    It was placed in front of the gates.


    The person who came was a boy.


    ¡°I¡¯m here on the orders of the State Preceptor to deliver this item.¡±


    With that, the lad bowed and left.


    A long period later, the crate shattered in the wind, revealing the object inside.


    A rag doll.


    That wasn¡¯t a cultivator¡¯s item, but mortal¡¯s.


    However, it seemed to possess been torn into pieces countless times and stitched back together¡­


    Its expression gazed like it was crying.

 Chapter 1354 - Chapter 1354: Sacred Ceremony

    Chapter 1354: Sacred Ceremony


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The moment he saw this rag doll, Xu Qing was expressionless. However, waves gradually rose in his heart¡­


    He recognized this rag doll.


    It was a birthday gift his brother had given him when he was young in Peerless City.


    In that calamity, he, who was only six or seven years old, hugged this rag doll and cried in the blood rain, calling for his father, mother, brother¡­


    After that, he fainted.


    When he woke up, the rag doll was gone.


    Today, it appeared here.


    The meaning contained in it¡­


    ¡°The purpose of him sending this item is for me to think¡­¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    There were some things that he was also confused about. For example, the memories that appeared in the purple crystal in the battle with the Crimson Goddess in the Moon Offering Region that didn¡¯t match his memories¡­


    In the scene, the palm that landed on the top of his head slapped down without any hesitation.


    However, in his memories, no palm appeared. Instead, he had fainted on his own.


    Another thing was this rag doll that had disappeared in the past had now appeared, stitched back together.


    Why was it torn?


    After a long time, Xu Qing closed his eyes.


    He didn¡¯t take the rag doll and left it at the gate¡­


    Time flowed by. The night wind blew over, stirring up the dust on the ground and scattering it on the rag doll.


    The cold in the wind invaded from all directions, causing the rag doll that had been stitched together to seem to be trembling.


    Just like the trembling body back then who sat curled up in the cold in the slums.


    A day passed.


    When there was only one more day left until the ancestral worship, all the nobles and ministers took a deep bath in their respective residences.


    This was the ritual of ancestral worship.


    Regardless of whether they had the qualifications to follow the Human


    Emperor to the Ancient Sovereign Planet, they had to do this.


    This was because ancestral worship was divided into internal and external aspects.


    Internally, it was formal within the Ancient Sovereign Planet, while externally, it was a show of respect.


    Moreover, they were required to wait six hours outside of the Imperial Ancestral Temple before the ancestral worship, until the moment of the sunrise.


    The Imperial Ancestral Temple didn¡¯t exist on normal days.


    Only six hours before the ancestral worship would it appear in a specific area outside the palace, as if emerging from the passage of time.


    16 hours later, Xu Qing left his mansion in the dark.


    After stepping past the rag doll, he paused for a moment and lowered his head to stare.


    A long time later, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and left.


    He calculated the time and arrived in front of the Imperial Ancestral Temple the instant it appeared.


    Although the sky was pitch-black, at this moment, colorful lights still mixed in.


    A vast and gorgeous temple was revealed, standing in the east of the palace.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t the first to arrive. To be precise, everyone had arrived at almost the same time.


    As a Heavenly King, Xu Qing naturally stood at the front.


    King Zhen Yan was beside him.


    Behind the Heavenly Kings were the Heavenly Marquises, followed by all the ministers. There were thousands of them but it was completely silent.


    All their gazes were gathered at the front.


    There, six figures appeared from the void.


    They were the Human Emperor and the princes who had obtained the qualifications to accompany him!


    Today, the Human Emperor¡¯s clothes were unprecedentedly luxurious and grand.


    Behind him were the Eldest Prince, Fourth Prince, Fifth Prince, and Twelfth Prince.


    Although Ning Yan had been in closed-door cultivation, on this day, no matter how important his cultivation was, he had to attend.


    Regardless of whether it was him or the other princes, their clothes were different from their usual formal wear. They were all extraordinarily gorgeous and ritualistic.


    However, what surprised everyone was that beside the Twelfth Prince, Ning Yan, there was actually another prince.


    That was the Tenth Prince!


    To be able to stand here, he was naturally specially allowed by the Human Emperor to participate. However, before this, there were no imperial decrees regarding it.


    However, since this matter concerned a prince, the others couldn¡¯t say much about it. Although Xu Qing could ask with his identity as the Grand Tutor, given the current situation, he had no intention of inquiring either.


    Tens of breaths later, under everyone¡¯s gazes, the Human Emperor¡¯s gaze swept past the ministers.


    At that moment, the Human Emperor seemed to be different from usual.


    In the past, there was no color in his eyes at all. But now¡­ there seemed to be some waves in them.


    It was as though he was taking one last look at the ministers, at the mountains and rivers, at the human race, and at the statue of the Great Emperor in the distance.


    After that, the Human Emperor took a deep breath. Regardless of whether it was his expression or his eyes, they returned to their usual state and he turned around.


    As the five princes lowered their heads and stepped back, he looked at the Imperial Ancestral Temple in the distance and walked toward it step by step.


    It was only when he had walked more than 100 feet away that the five princes behind him followed solemnly.


    In the last six hours, according to the etiquette of paying respects to the ancestor, the Human Emperor had to sit cross-legged in the Ancestral Temple and meditate, waiting for time to pass. The princes who were allowed to pay respects to the ancestor with him had to accompany him and kneel in the Ancestral Temple, waiting for the sun to rise.


    The interior and exterior of the Imperial Ancestral Temple were completely silent during these six hours.


    Even the Imperial City was incomparably quiet at this moment.


    As time passed bit by bit, the night sky slowly turned lighter. It was as though flames were burning on the horizon, forming a sea of fire that burned the night.


    At the next instant, the redness spread, as though a giant that could support the world lifted the veil of the night sky.


    Multicolored light shot in all directions, blotting out the sky and covering the earth, scattering onto the human world.


    ¡°The time for the ceremony has arrived!¡±


    At this moment, an impassioned voice echoed throughout the world.


    Outside the Imperial Ancestral Temple, everyone from the Heavenly Kings to the ministers knelt down.


    ¡°Sovereign Planet, awaken!¡±


    Accompanying this sound were waves of majestic bell chimes, forming a solemn sound.


    In the multicolored light in the sky, the dragon formed by the fortune of the human race swam in the light and circled the sky of the Imperial City, breathing out waves of auspicious clouds.


    At the same time, the figures of the human ancestors also formed in the sky and bowed in the direction of the palace.


    They naturally weren¡¯t bowing to the current Human Emperor but¡­ the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    At the next instant, the Ancient Sovereign Planet shone. With a rumbling sound, it rose into the air. It grew larger and larger, and a sense of shock rose in everyone¡¯s minds.


    The dense fog that originally existed on this star churned intensely and actually transformed into seven colors, turning into a rainbow that spread toward the Ancestral Temple.


    Finally, they were connected to the Ancestral Temple!


    The rainbow fog formed a path, a bridge.


    The Human Emperor in the Ancestral Temple walked out and rose into the air. He was the first to step onto the rainbow fog bridge and walk at the front.


    The five princes followed from 100 feet behind him with their heads lowered.


    After that, King Zhen Yan¡¯s eyes carried a deep look as he walked forward. The group of Heavenly Kings stepped onto the rainbow fog bridge at the same time.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn from the start.


    Behind them was the Heavenly Marquises. The ministers were divided into many groups according to their levels. There was a 100-foot gap between them as they walked onto the rainbow bridge.


    From afar, thousands of people moved forward silently. With the Human Emperor in the lead, they slowly approached the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    At this moment, the commoners in the capital and many cultivators who weren¡¯t qualified to come to the Imperial Ancestral Temple lifted their heads one after another and looked at this incomparably grand scene of the human race.


    At the same time, a voice broke the silence of the world and said one name after another.


    ¡°King Zhen Yan, King Zhen Cang¡­¡±


    These names continued to ring out as everyone on the rainbow fog bridge moved forward.


    Not all the Heavenly Kings, Heavenly Marquises, and the ministers were called out.


    When the voice shouted the 99th name, it paused.


    ¡°All of you above have obtained the qualifications to enter the Sovereign Planet and witness the ancestral worship ceremony.¡±


    When this sentence echoed, it was the moment the Human Emperor¡¯s figure reached the end of the fog bridge. He didn¡¯t stop at all and stepped into the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    After that, the five princes walked over one after another, followed by all the nobles and ministers whose names had been called out.


    When all the qualified people, including Xu Qing, walked out of the fog bridge and stepped onto the Ancient Sovereign Planet, the Ancient Sovereign Planet trembled. Fog churned inside and one could vaguely see a vast altar rising on this planet.


    At the same time, the array formation of the human capital was also activated with all its might. It focused on protecting this place.


    As for those who didn¡¯t have the qualifications to enter the Ancient Sovereign Planet, they stood on the fog bridge and bowed solemnly.


    They would witness the ancestral worship together.


    As for the altar that rose on the Ancient Sovereign Planet, it grew larger and clearer. Finally, it rose into the air above the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    It became the altar of heaven!


    ¡°This¡­ is the Ancient Sovereign Planet.¡±


    Under the heavenly altar, all the qualified people who had stepped in appeared. Xu Qing instinctively looked around and muttered.


    The first thing he sensed was the incomparably dense power of fortune and the fluctuations of the imperial bloodline everywhere.


    At this moment, the color of the world changed and the wind surged.


    Other than fortune and the fluctuations of the imperial bloodline, there was also astonishing spiritual energy.


    Its density was so high that it transformed into spiritual streams that flowed in the void of the Ancient Sovereign Planet. They were like spirit dragons that were incomparably dazzling.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t have time to observe further. The ancestral worship ritual had already begun.


    The voice continued.


    ¡°Human Emperor, don the armor.¡±


    Ancestral worship was the Human Emperor¡¯s ceremony. Hence, under everyone¡¯s gazes, the Human Emperor walked forward. Multicolored light gathered from all directions and formed a set of rough hemp robes on his body.


    ¡°Since ancient times, emperors received the commands of the immortals, ruling over the world. Thus, take the crown, leave the shoes of worry-free, signifying the return to heaven and earth.¡±


    The voice rang out again.


    With closed eyes, the Emperor¡¯s imperial crown levitated above his head, and his worry-free shoes transformed into nothingness.


    An illusory phantom gathered from the fortune and received them with both hands.


    With this, the Emperor had no obstruction above his head and no impediment beneath his feet, taking steps forward.


    ¡°Ignite the incense of humanity¡¯s fortune and honor the ancestor.¡±


    Before the Emperor, the fortune of humanity converged, forming a colossal tripod. Three joss sticks appeared out of thin air and fell into the Emperor¡¯s hands, which he solemnly placed into the tripod.


    At the next instant, the joss sticks were ignited and smoke rose into the air.


    The sky rumbled and clouds churned. There was also lightning flickering and it was as though many illusory doors had appeared.


    These doors floated in the world, as though they pierced through various alternate space-time worlds.


    At that moment, black gas emitted from the doors, as though some inexplicable existence had sensed the fragrance of fortune and wanted to transform into demons and ghosts to break through the doors.


    However, as these doors rumbled and trembled, even more terrifying auras suddenly spread out from the depths of the Ancient Sovereign Planet under the heavenly altar.


    Their appearance was incomparably domineering as they moved in the surroundings, forming a pressure that was as vast as the sea. There were also waves of indistinct murmurs that echoed in all directions.


    These murmurs contained a shocking intent that shook the world.


    Other than the location of the heavenly altar, everything in the surroundings, including the illusory doors, collapsed and shattered under this terrifying muttering, turning into spirit rain that scattered down and nourished the planet.


    This scene caused Xu Qing, who was attending the ancestral worship ceremony for the first time, to feel waves in his heart.


    As for the Human Emperor, after he lit the joss sticks, his footsteps didn¡¯t stop at all. He followed the steps in front of him and walked unhurriedly toward the highest point of the altar.


    Behind him were the five princes, including Ning Yan. Each of them also had clothes made of thick hemp transformed from fortune. They took off their crowns and removed their shoes, following barefooted.


    They walked onto the altar..

 Chapter 1355 - Chapter 1355 Shocking Change!

    Chapter 1355 Shocking Change!


    At this moment, outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet, on the rainbow fog bridge, thousands of nobles and ministers who didn¡¯t have the qualifications to step onto the Sovereign Planet stood solemnly with their heads lowered.


    Outside the fog bridge, a group of cultivators were kneeling down.


    In fact, it was the same in the entire Imperial City. The dragon of fortune in the sky roared and the sky shone. The human race¡¯s array formation was activated fully, forming a vast world.


    It wasn¡¯t just the imperial capital. At that moment, the Grand Imperial Capital Region and even the seven counties, including the Holy Wave, Black Spirit, Black Heaven¡­ All the human territories also had offering rituals and bowed solemnly.


    The various county governors and garrisons had long received the notice.


    This was a grand ceremony of the human race. Hence, at this moment, almost everyone in the entire human race who knew about this looked in the direction of the Grand Imperial Capital Region in unison.


    Today, all the nonhuman races and forces with ulterior motives in the human race¡¯s territories instinctively restrained themselves. They didn¡¯t dare to cause disturbance on the day of the human race¡¯s ancestral worship.


    While disturbances on ordinary days might be minor, any disruption today would undoubtedly be earth-shattering. It would be a great disrespect to the human race, and the nonhuman races within the human territories did not dare to act so recklessly.


    For a time, fortune rose in the human race¡¯s territory. Even their bloodline was fluctuating, forming a massive momentum that caused the sky to stir.


    The human race¡¯s allies also followed the agreement and worshiped together.


    Not to mention the Baize Race and the Si¡¯e Race, in the Moon Offering Region, the heir and the others sighed with emotion as they stood on the Moon Offering Altar and looked towards the Imperial City.


    Although they were already independent and their roots were under their feet, how could they part with the human race?


    Outside the human race¡¯s territory, the various nonhuman races surrounding the human race were also shaken. They arranged for a large number of soldiers to gather at the border.


    They didn¡¯t have any intention of invading. All of this was to prevent the human race from invading using ancestral worship as a pretext.


    At the same time, the gazes of all the powerful races in the Wanggu gathered on the human capital. All kinds of thoughts emerged.


    Right after the drastic event in the Flame Moon, the human race was performing ancestral worship.


    In this large Wanggu, major events had happened¡­ a little too frequently in this short year.


    How could it not be taken seriously by those powerful races?


    In everyone¡¯s hearts, there was a feeling that a storm was coming.


    Hence, on this day, the human race became the only focus of attention in Wanggu.


    Countless thoughts converged, countless hearts intertwined, and countless eyes gazed intently.


    If there were any ritual capable of shaking both past and present, then a ritual that could gather the thoughts, hearts, and gazes of the entire Wanggu should certainly be counted among them.


    At that moment, in the human capital where Wanggu¡¯s senses had gathered, on the mysterious Ancient Sovereign Planet that had risen, wisps of terrifying aura from the depths of this planet circled.


    As they shattered all the spatial doors and nourished the planet, their rotations formed a huge vortex.


    As the vortex rumbled, the sky changed color.


    At the center of the vortex was the vast altar that was the center of Wanggu¡¯s gaze. Ninety nine figures stood in reverence, accompanied by the five princes, and leading them all was the Emperor¡­ advancing alone!


    With no hindrance above and no obstacle below, symbolizing the unity of heaven and earth, he proceeded with sincerity and reverence.


    Step by step, he ascended the steps of the altar, heading towards its summit.


    A voice that carried inexplicable dignity rang out as the Human Emperor walked over.


    ¡°Profound Earth human ancestors, the progenitors of Wanggu.¡±


    ¡°Their achievements span the cosmos, blessing the heavenly spirits. Their virtue invigorates martial prowess, fostering unity among all races, ensuring continuity through the ages, and origins stretching far and wide.¡±


    ¡°Through self-reliance and fortitude, prosperity is achieved through worship. For countless eons, it has been so, in the east of the Wanggu.¡±


    ¡°Billions of descendants, scattered throughout the heavens.¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of everyone changed.


    Regardless of whether it was the people from the rainbow fog bridge or the cultivators in the Sovereign Planet, all of them were shocked.


    Xu Qing also abruptly lifted his head.


    The expressions of the people around him changed.


    This was because¡­ the words of worship weren¡¯t referring to the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether but¡­ the ancestors of the human race!


    The so-called human ancestors were the earliest batch of immortals who came to the Wanggu countless years ago. There were immortals from all races among them, and the human immortals among them established this land together with the others. They also decided on the first ancient sovereign, allowing for the proliferation of humans and various other races here.


    Such a worship to the human ancestors without worshiping the Mystic Nether was rarely seen but not unheard of.


    In the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era, ancestral worship was done like this.


    At that moment, the Human Emperor Mystic War¡¯s ancestral worship continued.


    While everyone¡¯s hearts were trembling, the Human Emperor continued climbing in silence.


    The impassioned voice, though trembling, continued to echo.


    ¡°Yet¡­ through countless ages, the heavens lost their authority, the earth lost its cycles, after the ancestors, the vicissitudes repeated, the fortune of the race rose and fell, and foreign enemies gradually emerged.¡±


    ¡°After numerous wars, troubles were frequent, enduring millennia of hardships, the land of the race stained with blood, though the Mystic Nether arose, gods also appeared, the powerful forces wreaked havoc.¡±


    ¡°Mountains and rivers shattered, sentient beings suffered, wars never ceased, much has changed, strong neighbors encroaching, the state facing calamity.¡±


    ¡°The mistake of the Eastern Triumph, whose fault was it; the weeping of the Mirror Cloud, whose fortune was it?¡±


    ¡°Then came the Black Heaven and Crimson Goddess, rampant and crazed, darkness spreading, with blood and gore.¡±


    ¡°But our soldiers and people, rose up with raised arms, bringing forth the dawn, finally avenging the shame of the race, punishing the Black Heaven, restoring the pride of the human race.¡±


    ¡°The heavens and earth soar, opportunities arise, the cosmos opens, now emerges talented individuals, ushering in the glory of the human race.¡±


    The voice echoed and every word was like thunder, shaking the surroundings. At the same time, the Human Emperor¡­ finally reached the peak of the heavenly altar!


    The moment he stood there, everyone¡¯s attention was on him.


    The voice didn¡¯t continue. Although there was still a voice echoing, it wasn¡¯t the voice from earlier. Instead, it rang out from the mouth of the Human Emperor.


    The Human Emperor spoke for the first time and his voice contained the dignity of the heavens.


    ¡°As the stars revolve and the ages pass.¡±


    ¡°Today, the mountains and rivers grow more magnificent, the humans display their elegance, spanning time, carrying on from the past, facing the impending battle, time waits for no one.¡±


    ¡°Yet, the mission is in our hearts, the heavy responsibility on our shoulders. I, Mystic War, have lived up to our ancestors and made achievements for the human race.¡±


    ¡°I swear to elevate our human race to its peak!¡±


    ¡°There shall be three offerings!¡±


    The Human Emperor raised his head and his gaze landed on the universe, the void, and outside Wanggu.


    There was a strange glint in his eyes and his expression actually fluctuated at this moment.


    Clearly, he, who was standing here, seemed to have waited for this day for a long time.


    ¡°First offering, human map!¡±


    As the Human Emperor¡¯s voice rang out, he waved his right hand. Immediately, fortune from all directions rumbled over, forming a gigantic map in front of him.


    This map depicted the current territories of the human race.


    It showed the rise of the four regions.


    ¡°Second offering, heroic soul records!¡±


    The Human Emperor spoke again, and countless stone steles thundered down, too numerous to count, stretching endlessly. each one bore a multitude of names, the names of those who had perished in the countless ages since the departure of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    The exact number was impossible to ascertain, but a profound sense of heroism rose to the heavens.


    Xu Qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. He saw many familiar names on the stone steles at the front. Among them was¡­ the Sword Holding Palace Master of Fenghai County, Kong Liangxiu!


    Sadness not only rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart but also spread in the hearts of many humans.


    They could see the ancestors of their families and the misery of the human race for countless years on these stone steles¡­


    ¡°Third offering, wind and rain!¡±


    The Human Emperor¡¯s expression was solemn as he spoke again.


    The moment he finished speaking, a strong wind blew over, accompanied by heavy rain.


    The wind was the wind of the human race. It had blown for countless years and participated in countless battles. It was taken from time.


    Rain was the rain of the human race. For countless years, all the rain that descended on the human race had witnessed the world, the sorrows. It had been collected by people from different eras until now.


    Combined together, they were offered up today, symbolizing¡­ good weather!


    It was ironic¡­


    Because that wind hadn¡¯t descended from the sky, it had risen from the earth, blowing towards the heavens.


    And that rain hadn¡¯t descended to the earth.


    Instead, it had risen from the earth, swirling towards the sky.


    By now, even the most dumb person could sense that something was amiss. Waves surged in Xu Qing¡¯s heart, and the surrounding people also panted in horror.


    Outside the Sovereign Planet, it was the same. The hearts of the ministers who were worshiping at the rainbow fog bridge sped up and they felt an intense sense of worry.


    Even among the commoners, although the vast majority of them hadn¡¯t reacted yet, some of the wise people were already shaken.


    The ancestral worship continued.


    ¡°Remembering the ancestors, blessing our descendants, in this spirit of offering, may the ritual be flawless.¡±


    After the offerings were made, the Human Emperor stood there and kowtowed in the direction of the sky and beyond Wanggu¡­ again and again!


    Every kowtow was filled with determination!


    One bow, three bows, nine bows!


    Every bow was filled with resolve!


    It was as though he was bidding farewell!


    After three kowtows and nine bows, all the mountains and rivers in the Grand Imperial Capital Region trembled at this instant.


    The mountains rumbled and the rivers rolled back.


    On the Imperial Capital¡¯s Ancient Sovereign Planet, on the heavenly altar, the images of mountains manifested and long rivers swam.


    That was the arrival of the spirit of the mountains and rivers of the large region!


    Immediately after, the terrifying auras that were moving in the surroundings sighed faintly, forming blurry figures that fell with the mountains and rivers.


    They walked into the offerings as though they wanted to enjoy it.


    At the same time, the extremely dense power of the human race¡¯s fortune erupted at this moment, enveloping the entire Imperial City. Everyone had to lower their heads as a sense of suppression suddenly descended.


    The Human Emperor looked at the shadows of mountains and rivers and the blurry figures that gathered and fused into the offerings. His voice, now hoarse and no longer deep, softly uttered.


    ¡°May the spirits¡­¡±


    What he wanted to say was may the spirits receive our offerings.


    However, at that moment, before he could say the last three words¡­ a shocking change occurred!


    A voice rang out from behind the Human Emperor.


    ¡°Mystic War, are you worthy of being the Human Emperor?¡±


    ¡°Today, under the ancestral presence, with the hopes of the human race, I, in the capacity of a son, am willing to wield the blade of the human race, to slay you, this tyrant devoid of virtue, devoid of benevolence, and ruthless in devouring the blood of the people!¡±


    This sound swept in all directions, causing the surrounding void and the sky to ripple crazily.


    The entire world was shocked.


    Xu Qing abruptly raised his sound as he instantly recognized this voice¡­


    On the heavenly altar, the Human Emperor slowly turned and gazed behind him.


    Behind him, four of the five princes¡¯ expressions altered and they instinctively retreated. Only one individual stood there and stared coldly at the Human Emperor.


    He was¡­ Ning Yan!

 Chapter 1356 - Chapter 1356: Anything More?

    Chapter 1356: Anything More?


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    These words came from Ning Yan¡¯s mouth!


    His voice echoed endlessly, forming a storm in everyone¡¯s hearts and shaking their souls.


    Xu Qing looked at Ning Yan and sighed inwardly. With his understanding of Ning Yan, he naturally saw some clues and guessed who was controlling Ning Yan.


    ¡®No wonder he continued to stay in closed-door cultivation¡­¡¯


    Ning Yan took a step forward. His eyes were like sharp blades, not evading the Human Emperor¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Father, am I wrong?¡±


    As he spoke, dense fluctuations of the imperial bloodline erupted from his body and rose into the air, sweeping toward the fortune of the human race, causing the power of fortune to surge at this instant.


    The instant his footstep landed, a pitch-black long silk appeared out of thin air around him. After moving around him a few times, it soared into the sky.


    ¡°Today, I also have three offerings for you!¡±


    The instant Ning Yan¡¯s voice rang out, the long silk that rushed into the sky spread out in the sky like a black dragon. It grew larger and larger and finally¡­ formed a scroll!


    Countless scenes emerged in that scroll, depicting the suffering and wailing of the people of the human race!


    One could see the miserable scenes of children being sold for food, the corpses frozen in the winter, the commoners wailing in flames, and the children suffering from anomalous substances¡­


    Burning, killing, plundering, and the strong preying on the weak. The sorrow of all lives that happened in the mortal world because of chaos kept emerging.


    Some starved to death, some were refined to death, and some were sacrificed alive not long after they were born.


    Good people died because of kindness, evil people died because they were killed by even worse people, criminals wreaked havoc, and some laughed sinisterly.


    The scenes¡­ were shocking.


    Xu Qing looked at these. There were many of them and he had experienced them all. Memories of his childhood surfaced in his mind.


    At that time, he had been at a loss as to why the humans were like this and why the world was like this.


    Why was it that the gazes of life only saw evil in this world?


    Why did wanting to survive become his dream?


    Where was the light¡­


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    The surroundings fell silent.


    The world fell silent.


    Only Ning Yan¡¯s eyes were bloodshot as he stared fixedly at the silent Human Emperor and gritted his teeth.


    ¡°This is the Scroll of Resentment, depicting all the misery of the common people within the territory during your reign. Their cries, their pain, their confusion¡­ Today, Human Emperor, would you care to listen to them?¡±


    ¡°Is this how you rule as emperor?!¡±


    Is this how you solemnly honor our ancestors?!¡±


    ¡°Is this how shamelessly you take credit for accomplishments?!¡±


    ¡°Today, I¡¯m not convinced. The people who have died in these 3,000 years are not convinced!¡±


    As Ning Yan spoke, he suddenly waved his hand. Immediately, the sky rumbled. The Scroll of Resentment shook and shattered, turning into countless black spots that mixed into the fortune in all directions.


    Immediately, the fortune of the human race churned unprecedentedly and finally formed a vortex that rumbled above the altar.


    The fluctuations were intense and earth-shattering.


    ¡°I, Mystic War, have lived up to our ancestors and made achievements for the human race? How can you even utter such words?¡±


    ¡°Did the human map you offered depict the suffering of all living beings?¡±


    ¡°Did the heroic soul records you offered record the tragic fate of their descendants?¡±


    ¡°Where is the so-called good weather for the human race you offered?¡±


    Ning Yan¡¯s voice, equally mournful, spread across the eight directions, echoing through the sky with a resounding roar. The Sovereign Planet trembled, and even the heavenly altar shook. A tremendous pressure surged forth from within the human race¡¯s fortune, tainted by the black spots.


    The Human Emperor looked at Ning Yan calmly without saying anything.


    When Ning Yan saw this, his eyes turned even redder as he took another step forward.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re unwilling to speak, as your son, I¡¯ll give you the second offering!¡±


    With that, Ning Yan raised his hand and a second long scroll instantly soared into the sky.


    This scroll was red and spread out in the sky, revealing countless scenes.


    They were¡­ the various official positions of the human race!


    Within them were greed, sins, killings, and more, vividly displayed. Under the reign of the Human Emperor, each family committed countless sins for their own selfish interests, different stances, and various purposes.


    Many of them were heinous!


    This was a list of the officials¡¯ crimes!


    Its appearance caused the expressions of many of the ministers to change drastically. Their minds rumbled and they were frightened.


    The feeling of uneasiness was even more intense.


    ¡°Mystic War, is this your world? Is this your empire?¡±


    Ning Yan laughed loudly. Immediately, the long red scroll shattered, turning into countless red spots that also fused into the fortune of the human race.


    The surging of the fortune reached its peak at this moment, even surpassing it, like an ancient giant roaring towards the heavenly altar.


    It was as though it was questioning.


    However, the Human Emperor still didn¡¯t say a word and continued to look at Ning Yan.


    Seeing this, Ning Yan took a deep breath and took out the third item!


    It was a blood-red skull!


    Human skull.


    Moreover, it looked like it was of a child.


    The blood within the body seemed to have flowed to it before death, turning it red.


    Holding the skull, Ning Yan stared at the Human Emperor and gritted his teeth as he said something that caused everyone¡¯s expressions to change again!


    ¡°Mystic War, you probably don¡¯t recognize this bone. It¡¯s fine, I¡¯ll let you know today.¡±


    After saying that, Ning Yan¡¯s gaze swept in all directions, sweeping past Xu Qing and the others. He then looked outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet and finally stared at the vortex of fortune.


    He spoke loudly.


    ¡°My ancestors, my race¡¯s fortune, and countless humans.¡±


    Do you know how the Human Emperor Mystic War advanced to the Ruler realm back then?!¡±


    As soon as he said that, shock spread in all directions. This was because the Human Emperor had advanced to the Ruler realm before he succeeded the throne¡­


    ¡°Most outsiders think that Mystic War relied on his bloodline to break through the Soul Accumulation and step into the Ruler realm. However, in reality¡­ he secretly sacrificed the living beings of nine counties of another region to himself and advanced.¡±


    ¡°This wouldn¡¯t be a problem if it were just a foreign region. However, in the nine counties that were sacrificed, other than a large number of nonhuman races, there were also some of our own people!¡±


    ¡°As the Human Emperor, Mystic War is the emperor of all the humans. Although those people were of another region, they were still his citizens!¡±


    ¡°However, he didn¡¯t care about the lives of his people and did such a cruel thing, enraging the heavens and people!¡±


    ¡°In his advancement to the Ruler Realm, there is the blood and souls of our own people.¡±


    Ning Yan¡¯s voice was deafening, transforming into heavenly lightning that exploded in the Imperial City.


    He raised his hand and sent the blood-red skull into the human race¡¯s fortune vortex.


    ¡°Human race¡¯s fortune, please verify it.¡±


    The red skull disappeared in the sky and everyone¡¯s gaze instinctively landed on the fortune vortex. At the next moment, the dragon of fortune flew out of the vortex and roared at the Human Emperor.


    Its voice was extremely heart-rending.


    At this moment, everyone¡¯s expressions changed drastically.


    As for the fortune vortex, amidst the heart-rending cries of the dragon of fortune, it also sped up its rotation. A rumbling sound shook the heavens and the earth and its color also contained black and red.


    As if the resentment within it had spread, and as the water that carried the boat could also capsize it, in the next instant, under thunderous booms growing louder with each passing moment, chains of black and red iron materialized from within this fortune vortex, violently whipping downward.


    There were a thousand of them.


    They headed straight for the Human Emperor on the altar below. However, the Human Emperor didn¡¯t resist at all and allowed the iron chains to fall, binding his body and dragging him to the air.


    At the next instant, even more iron chains erupted from the fortune, augmenting the suppression and the punishment!


    Ning Yan¡¯s eyes shone as he glared fixedly at the Human Emperor.


    ¡°Previously, you disdained to speak. Now, do you still have nothing to say?!¡±


    The Human Emperor¡¯s expression was still calm.


    Even though he was suppressed by the human race¡¯s fortune and bound by the iron chains, he only looked at Ning Yan as though he was waiting for him to do something else.


    This scene caused the ministers to be bewildered. Ning Yan¡¯s heart also sank.


    However, he was very confident in his preparations. Moreover, the arrow was already on the bowstring. He had to fire it!


    Hence, his eyes turned even redder as he roared.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you making a move?!¡±


    These words were clearly not meant for the Human Emperor.


    This was because the instant his voice rang out, a scene that caused Xu Qing¡¯s breathing to pause appeared.


    King Zhen Yan beside him¡­ instantly disappeared!


    A crack suddenly opened in the sky.


    King Zhen Yan¡¯s figure walked out. He was expressionless and emitted a monstrous aura. The power of the Soul Accumulation Eight Worlds erupted completely, as though it could suppress everything.


    With a stride, his aura was like a rainbow. He raised his hand and a long saber gathered in front of him, aiming at the Human Emperor¡­


    He slashed out with his saber!


    With this strike, one could see eight large worlds shining and rumbling. They gathered in the saber light and formed a destructive power!


    All of this happened too quickly and most of the people on the Ancient Sovereign Planet didn¡¯t even have time to react. King Zhen Yan¡¯s betrayal had exceeded everyone¡¯s expectations.


    There was a certain possibility that anyone would defect. However, in everyone¡¯s hearts, it was absolutely impossible for King Zhen Yan, who had fought for the human race for many years and poured his heart and soul into the human race¡¯s cause, to betray them!


    But now¡­ such an unbelievable change had actually happened!


    He was actually Ning Yan¡¯s trump card.


    In an instant, the storm in the hearts of everyone became even greater and they were extremely shocked. However, they didn¡¯t have time to think further. Seeing this ritual turn into regicide, cultivators from within and outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet instinctively rushed forward to intervene.


    The fastest to appear was an aged figure that suddenly appeared in front of the Human Emperor. He was dressed in eunuch attire, as if he had always been present there, but only now revealed himself. With a swift motion, he pushed his hand towards the blade aimed at the Emperor.


    The cultivation power of the nine worlds stage of the Soul Accumulation actually rose from this old eunuch.


    He was a hidden expert of the human race!


    At this moment, the world rumbled and wind surged as he blocked King Zhen Yan¡¯s saber strike!


    However, even with his strength of nine worlds, he was forced back a few steps and spat out a mouthful of blood.


    This showed how extraordinary King Zhen Yan was!


    As for the guardian cultivators rushing over from outside the Sovereign Planet, they were about to step in when the human race¡¯s array formation erupted, blocking them outside.


    Those who didn¡¯t have the qualifications weren¡¯t allowed to enter this planet!


    As for everyone on the Ancient Sovereign Planet, although they also rushed out, they all retreated under King Zhen Yan¡¯s powerful attacks.


    However, King Zhen Yan couldn¡¯t make any more moves and was pestered by the eunuch.


    Xu Qing looked at Ning Yan.


    Killing intent flashed in Ning Yan¡¯s eyes as he headed straight for the bound Human Emperor. He grabbed the air and a spear appeared.


    However, at that moment, the body of the Human Emperor, who was bound by the fortune of the human race in the air, swayed slightly. With a boom, an iron chain collapsed.


    Immediately after, as the aura of the Human Emperor spread out, a terrifying intent filled the sky. The iron chains on his body couldn¡¯t withstand it at all and they broke one after another.


    During the process of collapse, the Human Emperor expressionlessly lifted his head and looked at Ning Yan, who had a gloomy expression on his face. He then spoke his first words today.


    ¡°Little Eleven, is there anything else?¡±

 Chapter 1357 - Chapter 1357: Decision!

    Chapter 1357: Decision!


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    As soon as these words were spoken, it was as though lightning had streaked through the sky and landed in the human world, landing in the hearts of the ministers inside and outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    It became a rumbling sound but it didn¡¯t cause any more storms.


    This was because the scenes that happened today had shaken everyone from the start.


    Firstly, it was Ning Yan¡¯s sudden great rebellion. After that, the three items he took out were each more sensational than the last, even triggering the punishment of the human race¡¯s fortune, forming iron chains that bound the Human Emperor.


    This kind of thing that could shake fortune could only mean that¡­ what Ning Yan said was true.


    However, compared to these, King Zhen Yan¡¯s saber strike was the most unbelievable and shocking thing.


    No one would have thought that King Zhen Yan, who had always been conscientious about the human race, would betray them.


    Such a thing was completely unreasonable.


    They couldn¡¯t guess why King Zhen Yan would choose to fight against the Human Emperor!


    After all, at King Zhen Yan¡¯s level and identity, there were fewer and fewer things in the world that could move him. Moreover, he had truly fought for the human race all these years.


    He had been on the verge of death many times, heavily injured many times, and killed many nonhuman races. These¡­ couldn¡¯t be faked.


    Such an independent and noble Heavenly King who was devoted to the human race, actually¡­ slashed at the Human Emperor.


    All of this caused huge waves that could be said to be tempestuous.


    So, in reality, Ning Yan¡¯s true identity was no longer important.


    In fact, some old officials even made a judgment at that instant just now.


    The major case involving Ning Yan years ago was still extremely clear in everyone¡¯s minds.


    However, the matter about Ning Yan¡¯s elder brother, the Eleventh Prince, was a taboo set by the Human Emperor. No one wanted to touch it.


    Hence, as the iron chains that bound his body continued to break, the Human Emperor¡¯s calm expression and calm voice echoed on Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    I¡¯m not too surprised by your appearance, but the intervention of King Zhen Yan is the first thing that surprised me today.¡±


    ¡°King Zhen Yan, are you willing to tell me the answer?¡±


    The Human Emperor at King Zhen Yan, who was fighting against the old eunuch.


    King Zhen Yan didn¡¯t say a word and continued to attack with all his might. Booming sounds echoed as saber light erupted in the world.


    The person who replied to the Human Emperor was Ning Yan¡¯s elder brother, the Eleventh Prince.


    ¡°He naturally chose to attack you for the sake of the human race and righteousness! Father, you are a malignant tumor of the human race. You¡¯re not worthy of being the emperor!¡±


    ¡°As for the term ¡®Little Eleven¡¯, it¡¯s been a long time since I heard it from you.


    Back then, these two words made me feel warm. Now¡­ these words coming from your mouth feel extremely hypocritical!¡±


    The Eleventh Prince¡¯s expression was distorted and his eyes were bloodshot, revealing deep hatred. He wasn¡¯t surprised that the Human Emperor knew of his identity.


    He didn¡¯t care about the identity at all. He only cared about one thing¡­ and that was to kill the Human Emperor!


    For this, he had endured and prepared for too many years.


    The Human Emperor was expressionless. He retracted his gaze from King Zhen


    Yan and looked at the Eleventh Prince. He didn¡¯t seem to care about the other party¡¯s mockery at all and continued calmly.


    ¡°When did you possess Ning Yan?¡±


    When the Eleventh Prince heard this, he laughed loudly and his expression became even more sinister.


    He was usually gloomy and wouldn¡¯t have such emotions, but today was different. He had endured and prepared for too long. And today, he finally had the chance to take revenge.


    Hence, his emotions were the same.


    Of course it¡¯s when you locked my stupid brother in the imperial dungeon. In order to make you do this, I deliberately revealed myself in that matter.¡±


    ¡°Only then will the spearhead be pointed at Ning Yan on the surface. I calculated that Ning Yan would use the Immortal Inquisition Bell to prove his innocence. Moreover, someone as great as you is busy with private matters and won¡¯t pay too much attention to this.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, imprisoning him is the only possible choice.¡±


    ¡°This way, I can make use of the imperial dungeon and subtly possess Ning Yan¡¯s body with my divine sense.¡±


    The Eleventh Prince¡¯s voice spread in all directions.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    ¡®The mysterious man in black in the house back then¡­ was indeed this Eleventh Prince.¡¯


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. Back then, when he searched the souls to investigate the mastermind who framed the Variant Immortal School, he had found a house.


    There, he met with a man in black for the first time.


    As he pondered, Xu Qing quickly recalled that Ning Yan had once said that he sensed a familiar fluctuation in the depths of the dungeon¡­


    As for the reason why the other party possessed Ning Yan, his motive was obvious. The identity of the Eleventh Prince was shrouded in secrecy, and what he intended to do undoubtedly required proximity to the Human Emperor.


    If he tried to kill the emperor in the capital, there would be too much resistance.


    Hence, if he wanted this matter to succeed, he had to prevent outsiders from rescuing the emperor.


    Hence, the Ancient Sovereign Planet where the ancestral worship would be performed and was isolated from the outside world, was the best battlefield.


    Here, if outsiders wanted to enter, they had to have the qualifications.


    As for the qualifications, only the Human Emperor could provide with fortune.


    However, now, the fortune had transformed into iron chains that bound the Human Emperor. Before the Human Emperor resolved this matter, he wouldn¡¯t be able to get the help of the fortune.


    The Eleventh Prince had clearly waited a long time for this trap.


    What he was waiting for was the ancestral worship.


    And he had to receive the qualifications to enter the Ancient Sovereign Planet during the ancestral worship, so perhaps he had other choices before Ning Yan returned.


    However, after Ning Yan returned, the option of possessing Ning Yan also became a viable option for the Eleventh Prince.


    Or more accurately, initially possessing Ning Yan was just one option, but after Xu Qing¡¯s rise in the Flame Moon, it became the optimal choice.


    With his recommendation, the other party used Ning Yan¡¯s body to enter the Ancient Sovereign Planet and stand beside the Human Emperor.


    However, there were two questions that didn¡¯t disappear from Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡®Is Ning Yan clueless about this, or¡­ did he allow it voluntarily?¡¯


    ¡®As a Ruler and the highest will of the human race, does the emperor really not know about all of this? Or¡­ did he do it on purpose?¡¯


    Xu Qing remained calm and composed. After experiencing so much, he understood that the color of human nature wasn¡¯t simply good or evil, and the human heart was even more so. Its complexity and variability often changed depending on different standpoints at different times.


    Moreover, the Human Emperor¡¯s reaction was also somewhat peculiar. A meaningful smile appeared on his calm face.


    ¡°It seems that your feelings for your younger brother are very deep. Even at this point, your words imply that you want to distance yourself from him. Are you worried that today¡¯s matter will fail and implicate your younger brother?¡±


    ¡°I naturally won¡¯t make things difficult for Ning Yan, so you don¡¯t have to talk too much about this. Since you are talking so much, you clearly want to stall for some time.¡±


    ii


    No matter who you¡¯re waiting for, since you haven¡¯t finished speaking, I¡¯ll give you fifteen minutes to speak.¡±


    ¡°After all, killing one¡¯s father and usurping the throne requires a convincing reason to tell the world.¡±


    Right from the start, the Human Emperor¡¯s voice was calm.


    This scene caused the Eleventh Prince¡¯s expression to turn a little ugly. However, he was still very confident in his preparations and the forces behind him.


    Soon, his expression returned to normal and he stared fixedly at the Human Emperor.


    ¡°Reason? Don¡¯t you know why I¡¯m like this?¡±


    ¡°Since the moment you ordered my mother to be killed, and I saw her die before my eyes, causing my mind to collapse, Mystic War, I¡¯ve been at odds with you!¡±


    ¡°My hatred for you consumes me every moment, and I know you know I didn¡¯t die. I also know why you let me live!¡±


    ¡°You just wanted to use me as bait to see how many you could catch when the crucial moment came.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll indulge you! Because if 1 don¡¯t kill you, my thoughts won¡¯t be clear, if 1 don¡¯t kill you, I¡¯m unworthy of being a son, if 1 don¡¯t kill you, I don¡¯t deserve to live in this world!¡±


    The Eleventh Prince¡¯s heart-rending voice echoed in all directions.


    The Emperor¡¯s eyes revealed a trace of reminiscence, evidently, Ning Yan¡¯s words reminded him of the painting that hung in his residence every day after that incident, and the beautiful figure within that painting.


    In the end, it turned into a sigh.


    This sigh contained the emotions he had felt in the past. As he exhaled softly, his heart calmed down again and he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Then, do you have any more backup plans? You can continue to use them.¡±


    ii


    As you wish!¡±


    The Eleventh Prince lowered his head and looked into the depths of the Ancient Sovereign Planet. After that, his eyes revealed a dark glint as he spoke coldly.


    As soon as he finished speaking, a muffled explosion rang out from the depths of the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    It was as though some drastic change was erupting on the Ancient Sovereign Planet. This change was naturally the result of the Eleventh Prince stalling for time.


    At the next instant, a scene that caused even greater waves in the hearts of everyone outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet appeared in front of them!


    As rumbling sounds that were like heavenly lightning continued to erupt on the Ancient Sovereign Planet, an earth-shattering fluctuation rumbled in the depths of the Ancient Sovereign Planet that was enveloped by endless fog.


    The fog exploded and swept crazily in all directions. Amidst the incomparably intense aura of destruction, a pentagonal altar¡­ was actually forcefully drawn out by some force from the depths of the Ancient Sovereign Planet!


    That altar was the source of everyone¡¯s shock.


    This was because on the altar were five huge golden coffins.


    They were placed on five corners and each coffin emitted a terrifying imperial qi that contained supreme might.


    Moreover, they each had shrines standing on them.


    There were no statues enshrined in the shrine, only spirit tablets.


    The names on them were Eastern Triumph, Holy Heaven, Mirror Cloud, Dao World¡­


    As well as the last one, Mystic War.


    This scene was like a heaven-shattering and earth-shattering mysterious ritual.


    And in the center of these five coffins, there was a lantern.


    This lantern was completely made of purple stone, like a blooming redbud. On it rested a purple phoenix. Its wings were spread out and it was lifelike.


    However, at this moment, this lantern was actually filled with cracks and red flames were emitted from it. After enveloping the five coffins, it underwent an unknown transformation and fused with the five coffins, interweaving with the imperial qi, causing the color of the flames at the outermost layer to turn golden.


    It was burning fiercely.


    The god¡¯s aura spread out amidst the golden flames.


    It was divine fire.


    To be precise, it was the divine fire that was on the verge of succeeding!


    ¡°Father, I¡¯ll show the god-ascension ritual you performed openly and secretly in front of the world. Do you think¡­ this can be considered a reason to kill you?¡±


    The Eleventh Prince sneered..

 Chapter 1358 - Chapter 1358 Sword Slashing the Altar

    Chapter 1358 Sword Slashing the Altar


    As soon as this altar appeared, the sky seemed to shatter!


    Outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet, the anxious ministers were shaken. The churning in their hearts could be said to be earth-shattering.


    There were also some who revealed looks of disbelief, as though they had been struck by lightning.


    ¡°That¡¯s the coffin of the past human emperors!¡±


    lights¦­¦Ïv¦Ål ?¦Ïm ¡°This¡­ this is indeed a ritual to become a god!!¡±


    A storm brewed in everyone¡¯s hearts.


    To all the races in Wanggu, gods were life-and-death enemies!


    Wanggu suffered sorrow because of the gods, and living beings withered because of the gods.


    Countless years had passed, many races ultimately chose to bow their heads, willingly submitting to servitude, and also gained benefits, becoming powerful races.


    Flame Moon Mystic Heaven was one such example.


    However, slaves were slaves!


    The human race¡­ This race that had unified Wanggu many times and had their own pride had never lowered their heads from the start.


    Generations of human emperors didn¡¯t lose their hearts no matter how difficult the situation was.


    They insisted on Mystic Nether¡¯s teachings, on the Holy Land¡¯s oral decree, and on the tradition of the Summer Immortal.


    Although studying gods was inevitable, and it was also because of this that there was the train of thought of Divine Fusion, but fundamentally, there was an irreconcilable conflict between cultivators and gods.


    This was because this was the difference in Dao!!


    Becoming a god was unacceptable to the human race, and no human emperor had chosen it.


    This was about holding firm, it was about principles, it was also about bottom lines, and moreover, it was the shared understanding of generations of people throughout the Grand Imperial Capital Region, from young to old.


    However, now, the aura of the divine fire was clearly sensed by everyone, especially the appearance of the shrines and the names on the spirit tablets.


    One could imagine that four of the five coffins must contain the corpses of the past human emperors!


    Human Emperor Mystic War clearly wanted to borrow the power of the corpses of the past human emperors to achieve his goal of becoming a god!


    In the hearts of those old ministers, this was absolutely unacceptable. It could even be said that this would be an even greater sin than the Eleventh Prince committing regicide!


    Though past emperors had also pursued power in their lifetimes, their contributions were immense.


    After their deaths, they should not have been disturbed. Yet now, they were being treated as fuel for the ambitions of future generations. This action could only be described as a departure from the path of humanity, a great act of treachery!


    Hence, cries of sorrow rang out from outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    ¡°Your Majesty, you can¡¯t do this!¡±


    ¡°We are the descendants of cultivators. We walk the path of cultivation, not the path of gods!¡±


    ¡°If our emperor chooses to become a god, will our human race¡­ still be human?¡±


    ¡°If the emperor becomes a god, not only will we lose our bottom line, but the holy land will also feel disappointed when they sense the events here¡­¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, please think twice!!¡±


    ¡°The gods are our enemies. If the emperor becomes a god instead¡­ what¡¯s the point of us holding on for generations? What¡¯s the point of the help the holy land has silently given us all these years?¡±


    Not only were the old officials outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet crying out in grief, but even the hearts of everyone who was allowed to watch the ceremony were filled with waves.


    The altar raised by the Eleventh Prince stirred up a tsunami of thoughts!


    Except Xu Qing!


    He didn¡¯t care if the Human Emperor wanted to become a god. This was because his attention couldn¡¯t be diverted at all the moment the altar appeared. It was all on the lantern in the center of the altar!


    With just a glance, he immediately knew that this lantern¡­ was his goal in coming here.


    That was Zi Xuan¡¯s life lantern!


    Clear Purple Mystic Lantern!


    The cracks that filled the lantern caused Xu Qing to feel intense uneasiness the instant he noticed them.


    His breathing hastened slightly as he had a premonition.


    ¡®This ritual¡­ is currently in operation!¡¯


    ¡®That lantern¡­ is burning its origin. Once the origin is exhausted and the ritual succeeds, the lantern will shatter. If that¡¯s the case¡­¡¯


    At this instant, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes revealed a soul-stirring glint.


    At the same time, the Eleventh Prince¡¯s words echoed in all directions.


    ¡°Human Emperor Mystic War is deranged. He disobeyed the teachings of the ancient sovereign and the words of the holy land. He refined the holy bones of the past human emperors and turned them into fuel for his attempt to become a god!¡±


    ¡°This path deviates from the Immortal Dao and betrays the human race!¡±


    ¡°Mystic War has disrespected the ancestors and brought troubles to the commoners!¡±


    ¡°The heavens can testify and the fortune can sense it. Is such a person¡­ worthy of being the human emperor?!¡±


    The Eleventh Prince¡¯s voice was earth-shattering and every word caused waves among the human officials. At the same time, his gaze suddenly turned and landed on Xu Qing.


    ¡°King Zhen Cang, I know you need that lantern!¡±


    ¡°Do you want to see this lantern shatter or barge in and break this ritual to retrieve it?¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and took a step forward.


    At this moment, the expression of the old eunuch who was fighting King Zhen Yan in the air changed drastically. He wanted to stop him but was stopped by King Zhen Yan.


    Hence, he shouted sharply.


    ¡°King Zhen Cang, the Human Emperor¡¯s actions have a deeper meaning. Don¡¯t be bewitched by a renegade. Step back!¡±


    What responded to him was Xu Qing¡¯s cold gaze and footstep.


    With a step, the world rumbled. The aura in Xu Qing¡¯s body erupted violently and tens of millions of soul threads spread out with rumbling sounds, forming his great world.


    There was also the sound of a sword hum coming from his body, causing the sky to churn. A huge sword shadow suddenly formed in the sky of the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    Seeing this, the Eleventh Prince laughed.


    However, just as he smiled, Xu Qing turned his head and coldly glanced at him.


    This glance caused the Eleventh Prince¡¯s heart to suddenly tighten.


    Xu Qing ultimately didn¡¯t speak and retracted his gaze.


    As for why the other party knew that he needed this lantern, he didn¡¯t have the time to get the answer now.


    To a certain extent, this matter allowed him to find the Clear Purple Mystic Lantern faster, but the scheme in it was obvious.


    However, none of this was important at the moment.


    The instant Xu Qing¡¯s footstep landed, he sped toward the altar.


    He didn¡¯t want to help the Eleventh Prince or participate in the Human Emperor¡¯s matters.


    However, he had to take that lantern away, even though this was the Human Emperor¡¯s ascension ritual!


    At the next instant, his figure appeared outside the altar and rushed toward the sea of fire. At the same time, the shadow of the Emperor Sword tilted from the sky.


    The sword slashed at the altar!


    The expression of the old eunuch changed drastically. He wanted to stop it but was unable to do so. As for the others on the Ancient Sovereign Planet, they were all hesitating.


    If this ritual wasn¡¯t a god-ascension ritual, they would naturally stop Xu Qing.


    But now¡­


    Everyone remained quiet.


    The shadow of the Emperor Sword that had a majestic aura swept up the power of fortune and emitted a sharp edge. It landed with an aura that could tear through the world and destroy everything.


    The Eleventh Prince laughed loudly and looked at the Human Emperor who had been silent since the altar rose.


    ¡°Father, you¡¯ve lost your way!¡±


    The Human Emperor still didn¡¯t speak. Although the iron chains on his body were still breaking, he didn¡¯t seem to care at all. At that moment, his gaze landed on Xu Qing outside the altar.


    It wasn¡¯t just him. At this moment, everyone outside the altar was the same.


    Under the attention of everyone, the shadow of the Emperor Sword finally slashed at the flames outside the altar.


    The flames suddenly churned and gathered together, forming a huge face.


    This face was of Mystic War!


    The moment it appeared, it charged toward the Emperor Sword.


    An earth-shattering explosion occurred.


    The sword shadow dissipated and the face disappeared.


    The flames churned as though they were blown by a strong wind, swaying intensely.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop at all. He took this opportunity to increase his velocity explosively, turning into an afterimage as he headed straight for the altar.


    However, the instant he got close, countless figures appeared in the flames outside the altar.


    Among those figures were humans, nonhumans, ferocious beasts, and even gods.


    These were all formed by the lingering auras from the corpses of the past human emperors.


    The instant they formed, the auras of these flaming figures soared explosively as they headed straight for Xu Qing.


    However, at this moment, the Clear Purple Mystic Lantern in the middle of the altar suddenly trembled slightly. It was as though Xu Qing¡¯s appearance had caused it to resonate in some way.


    Hence, those figures rushing toward Xu Qing were also affected and their velocity instantly slowed down.


    A strange glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and his velocity soared again. The great world formed by 40 million soul threads provided him with almost endless power. The nihility land in his body also shone with divine authorities.


    Black fog churned behind Xu Qing and Ming Fei roared.


    The Purple Moon rose above Xu Qing¡¯s head. Nether Firefly emerged and dyed his hair purple.


    There was also the power of misfortune that spread out at this instant. Even the lifeless fiery figures couldn¡¯t escape the envelopment of misfortune.


    Grand Mystic Heaven¡¯s armor also emerged. There were also nine lanterns spinning around him. Each of them protruded a sinister dragon head and let out a soundless roar.


    At the same time¡­ Xu Qing¡¯s right hand turned translucent. He directly reached into his chest and grabbed at his illusory sea of consciousness, entering the nihility land. He then pushed open the repository gate where the Emperor Sword was.


    Inside, it fused with the emperor soul and grabbed the Emperor Sword!


    The Emperor Sword rumbled but didn¡¯t resist.


    This was because after Xu Qing met the Great Emperor after returning, following the Great Emperor¡¯s words, to a certain extent, he had already acknowledged that Xu Qing had relied on his own will to master the Emperor Sword.


    The constraints were gone.


    Hence, in theory, as long as Xu Qing¡¯s strength was enough, he could truly take out the Emperor Sword and hold it in his hand.


    However, it was clearly still not enough at this moment.


    However¡­ although he couldn¡¯t take out the Emperor Sword¡¯s true body, he still grabbed a wisp of sword qi and took it out.


    The instant this wisp of sword qi was taken out, it immediately transformed into a sword shadow.


    It was exactly the same as the sword that had emerged in the sky earlier, but it was more condensed and sharper.


    At that moment, as Xu Qing held it, killing intent flashed in his eyes.


    It headed straight for the figures whose velocity had greatly decreased.


    From afar, Xu Qing¡¯s aura was like a dragon!


    A rumbling sound suddenly rang out.


    Wherever the Emperor Sword passed, one figure after another would immediately collapse. There was also the might of divine authorities spreading out, suppressing the surroundings. At the same time, a vine lashed around Xu Qing.


    It wasn¡¯t attacking those figures but devouring the flames here!


    As it devoured, it emitted joyous emotions.


    Little Shadow wasn¡¯t willing to be left behind. It quickly spread out and jumped in the flames. It was like a fish in water in this sea of fire.


    This scene caused everyone¡¯s hearts to rise and fall.


    This was the first time Xu Qing had erupted with all his combat strength under the gazes of everyone in the human territory!

 Chapter 1359 - Chapter 1359: Taking the Lantern From the Fire

    Chapter 1359: Taking the Lantern From the Fire


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    On the Ancient Sovereign Planet, the gazes of thousands of people gathered on the altar where the Human Emperor had prepared his god ascension.


    At this moment, this altar became the core of this drastic change in the ancestral worship!


    This pentagonal altar was completely greenish-black, giving off an ancient and heavy feeling.


    Looking at it as a whole, it was as though it had been scooped out of time and rose from the depths of the netherworld.


    Other than the countless complicated totem marks on it, the most eye-catching things were the five coffins and the shrines!


    The ancient coffins exuded endless imperial aura, containing the remains of the past emperors, representing the imperial bloodline that traced back to the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, recognized by the Heavenly Dao of the Wanggu.


    Their bloodline was so powerful that it was already the limit of the Wanggu.


    The shrines were even more luxuriously built, and were made from god¡¯s bones!


    They were naturally the foundation of the human race, and the Human Emperor had taken them out to forge these five shrines. Moreover, because of this extraordinary material, the gods¡¯ aura emitted by these five shrines was especially obvious.


    At that moment, this aura gathered on the black tablets in the shrine and the void, causing the color of the world to change.


    Everything could be said to be extremely luxurious. Other than the imperial family, it was almost impossible for other cultivators to obtain them.


    To become a god, one had to ignite the divine fire. This process required a ritual!


    However, the ritual wasn¡¯t fixed, as each entity aspiring to become a god was different.


    For example, the five-element skeletons that Xu Qing had seen under the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar in the Yinghuang Province were one of them. Another ritual was the arrangement in time made by the Divine Son of the Crimson Goddess Temple.


    The Great Magistrate of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race used the method of replacing the spider god.


    As for the extraordinary altar on the Human Race¡¯s Ancient Sovereign Planet, it was the god-ascension ritual that the Human Emperor had chosen for himself.


    However, whether it be the coffins or the shrines, they were clearly not the main focus of this ritual. The purple lantern in the center of the ritual was the core.


    The aura it emitted was earth-shattering.


    That was the aura of an immortal!


    This was using the fortune of a race as the wind, the bones of gods as the furnace, the immortal aura of the ancient lantern as the fire, and the past human emperors as the materials to burn immortals and gods!


    Its vastness surpassed everything Xu Qing had seen.


    This was the complete ritual for the Human Emperor to become a god.


    Hence, in the scattered sea of fire, the figures formed by the almost complete divine fire were also in a mysterious state.


    They weren¡¯t immortal cultivators.


    But they weren¡¯t gods either.


    They were between immortal cultivators and gods.


    Even though it was only an illusion and they didn¡¯t have absolute combat strength or a specific cultivation, they had the astonishing status that could suppress cultivators. Under the suppression of the status and the burning of the divine fire¡­


    As long as a cultivator stepped in, the anomalous substances in their bodies would instantly reach the peak during the battle with these figures.


    They would either perish or become a part of these figures.


    However, Xu Qing was different.


    He couldn¡¯t be considered a cultivator anymore, nor was he a god.


    No one had walked the path he was on before. As the founder of this path, he had the cultivation of a cultivator, the authority of gods, and the soul threads of a Variant Immortal.


    His body was also that of a god.


    Not to mention that he had devoured the fragmented-face¡¯s blood and there were over a hundred illusory divine authorities in the nihility land in his body.


    Hence, his status was about the same as a true god.


    In addition, these figures in the sea of fire were suppressed by the Clear Purple Mystic Lantern that resonated with him.


    Hence¡­ Xu Qing, who had killed his way into the sea of fire, swept through everything like a storm amidst a series of deafening explosions.


    Regardless of whether it was the Emperor Sword in his hand, Little Shadow, or the heavenly vine, everything was a part of this storm.


    Wherever they passed, everything would be suppressed.


    The heavenly vine whistled, eagerly devouring flames while swirling towards one figure after another. In its perception, they seemed to be nothing more than food.


    The flames were delicious and the figures were like candy.


    Little Shadow wasn¡¯t willing to fall behind either. As he swayed and jumped, the flames formed countless afterimages.


    If one pieced these afterimages together, they would discover that it was a large tree. Under the tree hung a coffin that was filled with strange eyes.


    Xu Qing was equally incisive. He brandished the Emperor Sword and shook the surroundings.


    As he sped forward, the hunger that had once appeared in his body in the Divine Realm and was suppressed after devouring the fragmented-face¡¯s blood seemed to be attracted by the aura of this divine fire and rose again.


    Hungry¡­


    The moment this feeling appeared, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes turned slightly red. He lifted the Emperor Sword in his hand and allowed a figure to approach. The instant it pounced over, he suddenly opened his mouth.


    He inhaled fiercely.


    Immediately, that figure¡¯s body shook and was directly sucked into Xu Qing¡¯s mouth.


    The nihility land in Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. The divine fire figure he swallowed transformed into a rain of fire that scattered down. It changed into nourishment and also evoked Xu Qing¡¯s hunger to an even greater extent.


    ¡°The taste is not bad.¡±


    Xu Qing licked his lips. With a step, he arrived in front of a divine fire figure enveloped by Little Shadow and inhaled again.


    That figure instantly disappeared and Little Shadow was stunned.


    Xu Qing had already left and continued devouring.


    Seeing this, Little Shadow became competitive. In the blink of an eye, all shadows that were jumping on the sea of fire opened their mouths and devoured all the divine fire figures crazily.


    The heavenly vine was clearly anxious and devoured even faster.


    Just like that, in the sea of fire outside the altar, a shocking scene appeared.


    Not only were the figures in the sea of fire rapidly decreasing, but even the sea of fire itself was decreasing.


    The entire process took less than fifteen minutes.


    The figures that formed in the sea of fire disappeared completely!


    The last one was directly torn into pieces by the heavenly vine and Little Shadow.


    Moreover, it seemed that they had gotten a little angry with each other because of the competition. As Little Shadow¡¯s emotions fluctuated, all the shadows gathered, revealing the strange tree in the sea of fire.


    All the eyes opened and looked at the heavenly vine coldly.


    As a rare seed of the starry sky, Holy Heavenly Vine was an existence that could devour gods when it matured. Naturally, it wouldn¡¯t be afraid. Although it was still in its infancy, when the vine danced, it emitted a terrifying aura that charged toward Little Shadow.


    Moreover, mysterious patterns appeared on all the vine leaves. As they continued to flicker, an illusory starry sky appeared above them.


    The feeling of cruelty was incomparably intense.


    This scene caused varying degrees of fluctuations in the minds of everyone who was watching.


    Little Shadow and the heavenly vine were both bizarre.


    However¡­ after Xu Qing walked to the center, this savage strangeness instantly became obedient.


    Little Shadow swayed and all its eyes were wide open. If one looked at them individually, they looked somewhat adorable and obedient.


    The heavenly vine curled up and moved around Xu Qing, clearly showing the intent to curry favor.


    The impact of this scene was intense.


    In the scene, the purple-haired Xu Qing¡¯s long hair fluttered in the wind. His face was peerlessly handsome, as though nothing in the world could compare to him. The shadow tree beside him was adorable and the heavenly vine was obedient.


    Many human cultivators instinctively gasped when they saw this scene.


    As Wanggu cultivators, they naturally couldn¡¯t avoid life-and-death battles in their lives. Hence, they were very clear that what was needed to make savage people become obedient and adorable¡­


    One needed to be even more ferocious than them!


    This was a little different from what Xu Qing had shown in the human race.


    One had to know that after Xu Qing arrived at the Imperial City, although he was high-profile, like how he had killed the Seventh Prince, his cruelty wasn¡¯t revealed too much. However, now, everyone could sense this indirectly.


    Hence, the gazes they used to look at Xu Qing became even more respectful and their expressions became increasingly solemn.


    At that moment, Xu Qing didn¡¯t care about the thoughts of others. After walking between Little Shadow and the heavenly vine, he looked at the altar in front of him.


    Outside the altar, golden flames burned intensely. Compared to the entire sea of fire, this was where the internal flames resided.


    The temperature was shockingly high.


    Moreover, what nourished it were the corpses in the five coffins.


    This golden fire was like a barrier, blocking the path ahead.


    Through the flames, Xu Qing could see that there were more cracks on the Clear Purple Mystic Lantern than before.


    It was as though it couldn¡¯t hold on for long.


    A sharp glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. With a sway of his body, he headed straight for the golden flames on the altar. However, at the next instant, as the golden flames rumbled, Xu Qing¡¯s approaching figure suddenly retreated.


    His entire body was burning, revealing that his skin had clearly withered a little and was badly mangled.


    Even with his ability and his divine body, he couldn¡¯t enter the flames.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t give up. He suppressed the intense burning pain that spread in his entire body and with a raise of his hand, divine arts rumbled. Divine authorities descended and suppressed the golden fire in front of him. However, after more than ten breaths, everything was back to normal.


    This fire couldn¡¯t be shaken.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was gloomy. The aura of the Emperor Sword in his hand spread out and he slashed down.


    The world rumbled as a huge sword shadow appeared in the sky and slashed at the golden sea of fire on the altar.


    This fire paused. Although a gap appeared, at the next instant, the flames soared again, causing the sword qi to dissipate.


    ¡°Is it impossible to breakthrough?¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled. After seeing that there were a few more cracks on the lantern, he started becoming more anxious.


    After seeing the god-ascension ritual several times, Xu Qing understood that generally speaking, only those with vast power that far surpassed the ritual itself could directly destroy it.


    Otherwise, if he wanted to interrupt the operation of the ascension ritual, he could only use some tricks.


    Hence, a hint of madness appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he sent a thought to Little Shadow and the heavenly vine.


    Little Shadow hesitated slightly, but the heavenly vine didn¡¯t hesitate at all. It rushed out and headed straight for the golden flames. It arrived behind it and devoured them with all its might.


    The huge devouring force formed a pull, causing the flames to tilt in the direction of the heavenly vine like flowing water.


    Hence, the flames in front of Xu Qing clearly thinned a little.


    However, the price was that the heavenly vine itself also began to burn and showed signs of withering. Clearly, it couldn¡¯t hold on for long.


    Seeing this, Little Shadow threw caution to the wind, and in the next instant, it pounced forward. It ignored the golden flames and transformed into a black curtain, sticking to the thin area of the flames facing Xu Qing.


    The moment it landed, Little Shadow wailed and let out blood-curdling screams. As the flames burned it, the intense pain caused the curtain formed by the shadow to distort.


    However, it didn¡¯t dare to leave and could only endure it forcefully. It made an even more ruthless decision and suddenly tore itself apart in the middle.


    It formed a gap and separated the flames!


    Xu Qing immediately charged ahead. His speed was extremely fast, seemingly passing through the void. The instant Little Shadow was about to collapse, he approached the gap.


    His right hand turned translucent, penetrating the gaps in the shadow and reaching into the flames!


    He grabbed at the Clear Purple Mystic Lantern with all his might!

 Chapter 1360 - Chapter 1360 First Step Completed

    Chapter 1360 First Step Completed


    After the bizarre nether transformation, Xu Qing¡¯s right hand was translucent but there were five drops of blood inside, forming a pentagonal pattern.


    Even with his bizarre nether transformation, he couldn¡¯t hide the five drops of blood.


    It could be seen how extraordinary these five drops of blood were.


    In the altar, the moment Xu Qing grabbed toward the Clear Purple Mystic with his right hand, the lantern suddenly trembled and rose into the air on its own, wanting to fly toward Xu Qing.


    However, at this moment, the five coffins in the surroundings shook. Each of them emitted the bloodline aura of the imperial family and fused with the flames here, transforming into a large golden hand.


    It grabbed fiercely at the Clear Purple Mystic Lantern that was rising into the air.


    At the same time, waves of inhuman roars rang out from the coffins. The lids of the coffins were also shaking, as though they were about to be lifted.


    The power of flames erupted even more intensely.


    The terrifying high temperature and the divine aura that could suppress the souls caused Xu Qing¡¯s bizarre nether translucent right hand to immediately burn.


    Grand Mystic Heaven¡¯s armor and the god¡¯s body couldn¡¯t withstand this high temperature at all. In an instant, his right hand started breaking down rapidly.


    Only the divine authorities in his body could persist a little longer, but they couldn¡¯t change the destruction of his right hand.


    Even as his right hand was about to shatter like a moth fighting against fire, Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop or slow down. The five drops of blood in his damaged arm were stimulated by him.


    As the flames burned, these five drops of blood suddenly moved toward the five coffins on the altar.


    An even purer and more ancient fluctuation of the imperial bloodline erupted from the five drops of blood.


    It formed a bloodline suppression!


    The large golden hand formed by the aura of the coffins couldn¡¯t stop them. It was penetrated by the five drops of blood and they landed on different coffins at the next instant.


    The instant they landed, the five coffins that were shaking suddenly paused. The roars inside also instantly disappeared and fell silent.


    At the same time, the large golden hand formed by their auras froze in mid-air.


    As for Xu Qing, his right hand, which was mostly destroyed, had already grabbed the Clear Purple Mystic Lantern that was flying over!


    He pulled it out.


    This lantern finally flew out of the gap.


    The moment it left the altar, the shaking of the five coffins appeared again. The roars appeared with endless unwillingness.


    However, the five drops of blood that landed on them shone and suppressed them again.


    At the same time, Xu Qing¡¯s right hand also turned into ashes. However, he instantly lifted his left hand, grabbed the lantern that was brought out, and retreated.


    All of this took a long time to describe but in reality, from the moment Xu Qing rushed into the flames until now, everything happened in the blink of an eye.


    Little Shadow finally couldn¡¯t hold on anymore and rapidly dimmed. It collapsed and turned into countless shadows that scattered in all directions.


    As for the heavenly vine, it had also reached its limit and withered by more than half as it retreated.


    The pulling force dissipated and the flames immediately recovered from their slanted state.


    An even more violent roar rang out from the five coffins in the flames. In fact, cracks even appeared on the coffins themselves.


    An unstable fluctuation rose from the altar.


    Losing the core lantern was equivalent to losing the integration of immortals, and the violence of the god¡¯s aura could no longer be neutralized at this moment. Hence¡­ this ritual naturally formed a backlash!


    The terrifying pressure grew increasingly intense in the flames.


    This scene made the Eleventh Prince laugh.


    The ministers fell silent.


    The old eunuch let out a heart-rending cry.


    At that moment, Xu Qing couldn¡¯t care less about these. As he sped forward, he had already kept the Clear Purple Mystic that was filled with cracks. At the same time, his right arm that he had lost also grew out under the special effect of the god¡¯s body amidst waves of intense pain from his flesh being torn apart.


    Although he couldn¡¯t help but feel weak, he finally heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. The method he had discussed with Zi Xuan in the high spiritual mansion a few months ago appeared in his mind.


    This method was suggested by Zi Xuan and they had perfected it together.


    Zi Xuan¡¯s perception of that lantern was very accurate, especially during the few years Xu Qing had left the Imperial City. Zi Xuan seemed to be in closed-door cultivation but in reality, she had used many secret arts to obtain more information.


    Those five drops of blood were none other than Zi Xuan¡¯s origin blood.


    They were also specially prepared for the five coffins. This blood could suppress the coffins for a short period.


    This way, the process of retrieving the lantern would be smoother.


    At the same time, they also discussed other steps. However, this fire formed from the ritual caused too many methods to lose their effect. Hence, Xu Qing could only take the risk.


    However, after taking back the Purple Mystic Green Lantern, Xu Qing instinctively had a strange feeling.


    ¡®It looks like I took a gamble, but this process seems¡­ too smooth.¡¯


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and kept Little Shadow and the heavenly vine before continuing to retreat.


    At that moment, as Xu Qing retreated, a monstrous roar rang out from the altar that had lost its lantern. At the next instant, the coffins collapsed and exploded.


    However, before the corpses could rush out, the golden flames surrounding the altar suddenly rolled back.


    The backlash had appeared.


    The high temperature inside instantly erupted and swept through everything inside.


    The five coffins were the first to bear the brunt. Under the backlash of the divine fire, they instantly turned into ashes. Even the corpses and the altar turned to ashes.


    Everything was caused by the backlash of the golden flames.


    Without any nourishment, the golden flames gradually died out.


    The aura of godhood that permeated the surroundings also dissipated at this moment and the world returned to normal.


    The Human Emperor¡¯s ascension ritual was interrupted!


    He failed!


    The Eleventh Prince¡¯s laughter spread in all directions and the joy contained in it was extremely intense. After that, he looked at the Human Emperor.


    At that moment, the ministers of the human races inside and outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet all had mixed feelings. However, they more or less heaved a sigh of relief, but the anxiety about the future couldn¡¯t help but keep growing in their minds.


    However, at the next instant, the Eleventh Prince¡¯s laughter immediately stopped. An uneasy feeling rose in his heart.


    That was because he didn¡¯t see any changes on the Human Emperor¡¯s face!


    At that moment, there were still more than half of the chains binding the Human Emperor. He looked calm even when he saw that his ascension ritual had failed.


    The uneasiness in the Eleventh Prince¡¯s heart grew increasingly intense. Just as he was about to speak¡­


    Right at that moment, the ashes formed by the burning altar and corpses headed straight for the Human Emperor, and arrived in front of him in an instant.


    As the Human Emperor inhaled, the ashes and dust¡­ landed in his mouth and he swallowed them.


    The sky rumbled and the ground quaked.


    The Ancient Sovereign Planet also swayed.


    The fortune became increasingly tumultuous!


    An aura of godhood that was countless times stronger than before erupted again at this instant from the state of dissipation!


    However, the source of this eruption was no longer the altar that had turned into ashes but¡­ the entire Ancient Sovereign Planet!!


    The Ancient Sovereign Planet was actually burning!


    The golden fire that were so much denser than before that they couldn¡¯t even be compared ignited with the Ancient Sovereign Planet as the core.


    The entire Imperial Capital shook and the entire Grand Imperial Capital Region started fluctuating with violent energy.


    The god-ascension ritual that appeared again was too terrifying.


    All of this caused the hearts of all the ministers inside and outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet to experience another wave of extreme rise and fall. The ones who felt the greatest shock¡­ were King Zhen Yan and the old eunuch who were fighting.


    The two people who had been fighting to the death retreated respectively amidst the rumbling. King Zhen Yan arrived beside the Eleventh Prince with his usual expression.


    As for the old eunuch, he returned to the Human Emperor.


    He stood behind the Human Emperor and spoke respectfully.


    ¡°Congratulations, Your Majesty. The first step of the ascension ceremony has been successfully completed.¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, everyone fell silent.


    At this moment, everyone understood that the old eunuch¡¯s previous attempts to stop Xu Qing were clearly just an act.


    The key to this scene was the god-ascension ceremony that Xu Qing had destroyed!


    Now that the entire Ancient Sovereign Planet had erupted, it meant that the destruction of the pentagonal altar wasn¡¯t just part of the Human Emperor¡¯s plan, it was also part of the true god-ascension ritual!


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. Although it looked dangerous when he made a move earlier, he had a feeling that it had gone too smoothly.


    Now, it seemed his feeling wasn¡¯t wrong.


    However, this didn¡¯t affect his decision. He wouldn¡¯t participate in or judge the matters here.


    He was content with just getting the Purple Mystic Green Lantern.


    Xu Qing retreated a little and simply sat down cross-legged.


    As for the Human Emperor, the chains on his body were still breaking. There was still no change in his expression. He only calmly looked at the Eleventh Prince whose expression had changed drastically and spoke calmly.


    ¡°Anything else?¡±


    The Eleventh Prince¡¯s face was pale as he looked at all of this. His eyes revealed a gloomy expression. Beside him, King Zhen Yan spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°Ning Chang, there¡¯s no need to have such an expression. This was within our expectations.¡±


    When the Eleventh Prince heard this, all the abnormalities on his face instantly vanished and he laughed.


    ¡°Although it¡¯s within our expectations, I hoped that such a situation wouldn¡¯t happen. He¡¯s indeed the Human Emperor. No matter how I deliberately fluctuated my emotions, he remained calm from the start. How boring.¡±


    ¡°However, now, I don¡¯t have to overstate my emotions.¡±


    The Eleventh Prince spoke regretfully and bowed to the Human Emperor.


    ¡°Father, if you want to see my preparations, then¡­ you can continue watching.¡±


    After saying that, Ning Yan immediately slapped his forehead, spitting out a large mouthful of blood.


    At the same time, with a wave of his hand, 11 small bottles appeared out of thin air and shattered. They were all filled with blood.


    Coupled with the mouthful he spat out, there were a total of 12 spheres of blood.


    The instant they appeared, the imperial bloodline fluctuations soared from the 12 spheres of blood.


    As soon as these spheres appeared, the expressions of the Eldest Prince, Fourth Prince, Fifth Prince, and Tenth Prince, who had retreated to the edge of the altar, changed. They could sense their blood in these blood spheres.


    They weren¡¯t the only ones. At this moment, the princes and princesses who hadn¡¯t entered the Ancient Sovereign Planet also had a similar sensation.


    ¡°This is the blood of all the brothers and sisters I¡¯ve secretly collected over the years, including myself.¡±


    The Eleventh Prince spoke softly.


    ¡°Today, with the blood of the Human Emperor¡¯s children, I open the vortex of fortune, bypass the great array formation of the human race, circumvent the edges of the Sovereign Planet, and form the gate of heaven and earth!¡±


    The Eleventh Prince performed a series of hand seals with both hands and waved them fiercely. Immediately, the twelve spheres of blood rose into the air and created a huge blood-


    red vortex in the air above the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    Amidst the deafening rumbling sounds, the vortex emitted a pulling force, as though it had opened a tunnel!


    A terrifying presence descended from within.

 Chapter 1361 - Chapter 1361: Four Sky Devouring Lords

    Chapter 1361: Four Sky Devouring Lords


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The Sky Devouring Race couldn¡¯t be considered a powerful race in the Wanggu Continent. It could only be considered a second-tier race.


    Compared to the powerful races at the first tier, the Sky Devouring Race was lacking in foundation, fortune, and god.


    Hence, if they wanted their race to become a powerful race in the Wanggu Continent, they needed to work harder, sacrifice more, and pay a higher price.


    As for the Sky Devouring Region, it was very far from the Human Race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    Even a Nihility expert would have to fly for dozens of years.


    Hence, there had never been any war between them and the human race.


    But this race was unwilling to stay at that position, especially under the leadership of the current Sky Swallowing Emperor, who possessed remarkable talent and vision. In this generation, this race had reached the pinnacle of its history.


    In fact, that Sky Devouring Emperor had used some unknown method to break through the limit of the Soul Accumulation and become the first Ruler of this race since the era of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    Such strength caused the Sky Devouring Race to be ambitious.


    They needed to devour a suitable race to increase their foundation and fortune. From there, they would obtain the qualifications to offer sacrifices to the god and have the possibility of becoming a powerful race.


    As a former powerful race, the human race was the perfect target for them.


    After all, in terms of foundation, the human race naturally had enough, and their fortune was even more so.


    However, although the human race was no longer a powerful race, the existence of the Sword Holding Great Emperor still intimidated the other forces. In addition, the human emperors were all at Ruler Realm, so those with malicious thoughts had to restrain themselves.


    Hence, in the judgment of the Sky Devouring Emperor, if they wanted to hunt the human race, they had to hide their motive, be careful, and¡­ wait for an opportunity.


    Many years ago, an opportunity had come.


    It was just not mature yet, until today¡­ he was waiting for the promise.


    At that moment, outside the Sky Devouring Race¡¯s imperial palace, on the vast square, stood four colossal figures.


    These four figures were all 1,000 feet tall, with different appearances from those of the human race, each having only one eye which was on their foreheads.


    Their skin was dark green, rough yet imbued with astonishing physical strength.


    Clad in armor, they stood there with a formidable aura, causing the heavens and earth to tremble and the winds to surge.


    On their shoulders, above their heads, and within and outside their bodies, there were at least seven worlds present, with the two most powerful ones possessing nine worlds!


    These four were all high-level Soul Accumulation cultivators!


    They were the four strongest Heavenly Kings of the Sky Devouring Race and were the most precious peak power of the race.


    At that moment, on the square, all of them were silent as they stared at an even vaster figure standing outside the palace in front of them.


    That was their emperor!


    This figure was ten thousand feet tall and had an extremely imposing aura like that of a true god.


    He stood there and raised his head to look at the sky, as though he was listening.


    The entire square fell silent.


    Awhile later, as the sky rumbled, blood-red lightning flashed, forming a huge rune that covered the sky.


    As the rune shone, the redness spread and finally transformed into a majestic vortex.


    Waves of attraction force spread out and enveloped the Sky Devouring Race¡¯s palace.


    However, the four Heavenly Kings on the square still didn¡¯t move.


    Until¡­


    Among the countless blood-red lightning, there was a bolt of silver lightning that tore through the sky and headed straight for the io,ooo-foot-long figure. After it entered his forehead, the emperor of the Sky Devouring Race exhaled softly.


    His aura broke through the void and destroyed it.


    ¡°They promised¡­¡±


    ¡°Everyone, for the future of our race, I invite you to make a trip to the human race!¡±


    The Sky Devouring Emperor calmly spoke.


    The battle intent on the four Heavenly Kings on the square instantly rose. No one spoke. They transformed into four beams of colorful light that seemed to be able to tear through the world, heading straight for the blood-red vortex above.


    Soon, these four figures disappeared in the vortex. When the fluctuations of teleportation spread out, the Sky Devouring Emperor continued to look at the blood-red sky and muttered softly.


    ¡°As long as what they promised is enough¡­ even if this opportunity is to become a knife and pierce first.¡±


    ¡°But, it¡¯s acceptable!¡±


    ¡°After all, it¡¯s them who gave the promise¡­¡±


    The Sky Devouring Emperor smiled. His gaze was still fixed on the sky, as though it could penetrate the clouds and see far, far away¡­


    At the same time, in the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region, on the Ancient Sovereign Planet, as the 12 spheres of blood in front of the Eleventh Prince rose into the air, a blood-red vortex rapidly spun in the sky. At the same time, the aura of the nonhumans erupted.


    This aura was unfamiliar to everyone, but the terror and strength contained in it caused the hearts of all those who sensed it to tremble.


    At the next instant, a thousand-foot-tall figure in armor rushed out of the vortex. As a rumbling sound echoed, this figure appeared on the Ancient Sovereign Planet!


    The moment he descended, the planet shook and the fortune of the human race churned intensely.


    The thousand-foot-tall giant¡¯s eye looked in all directions. As the corners of his mouth curled into a sinister smile, a loud sound rang out from the blood-colored vortex. A second, third, and fourth figure landed at the same time.


    Each of them was a thousand feet tall, wore armor, and emitted astonishing fiendish auras.


    They were the four Heavenly Kings of the Sky Devouring Race!


    Countless gasps spread out uncontrollably outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    ¡°Which race is this?¡±


    ¡°Nine Worlds Soul Accumulation!¡±


    Even everyone on the Ancient Sovereign Planet was in turmoil. Even though the Human Emperor was becoming a god¡­ after the nonhumans arrived, it was no longer important.


    One aura after another erupted and locked onto these intruders.


    The gaze of the old eunuch behind the Human Emperor instantly turned extremely sharp.


    The Eleventh Prince¡¯s voice echoed.


    ¡°Abide by the agreement and kill¡­ the Human Emperor!¡±


    When the four Sky Devouring Race Heavenly Kings heard this, they didn¡¯t hesitate at all. They had made up their minds before they came here. At that moment, they circulated their cultivation bases and released shocking auras as they walked toward the Human Emperor who was bound by the chains.


    As for the old eunuch, his expression was gloomy as he quickly rushed out, trying to stop them.


    At the same time, many Heavenly Kings beside Xu Qing also soared into the sky. At the next instant, rumbling sounds rang out in all directions in the sky above the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    In an instant, the sky turned blurry and an intense feeling of danger spread everywhere. The battle of these Heavenly Kings turned void chaotic and shattered time, causing the aura of godhood that rose from the Ancient Sovereign Planet to fluctuate.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was also solemn. At this point, this matter was no longer an internal problem of the human race but an invasion by the nonhumans.


    Immediately after, as the sky rumbled, the Eleventh Prince looked at the Human Emperor who was still calm and took out an item with a smile.


    ¡°Father, you should recognize this Sun of Dawn, and you probably know that it was with me.¡±


    The item in his hand was the Sun of Dawn that had been stolen back then!


    ¡°I¡¯m very curious. Since you know that 1 was the one who took away the Sun of Dawn, what preparations do you have for this item today?¡±


    A hint of ruthlessness flashed in the Eleventh Prince¡¯s eyes. He raised his hand and waved it, throwing the Sun of Dawn in his hand deep into the Ancient Sovereign Planet!


    The Sun of Dawn immediately emitted an intense and piercing light, like a sun that had detonated!

 Chapter 1362 - Chapter 1362 Parent (1)

    Chapter 1362 Parent (1)


    Almost at the instant the Eleventh Prince took out the Sun of Dawn, Xu Qing had already retreated rapidly. He even took out the emperor¡¯s corpse.


    Although Erniu wasn¡¯t here and the emperor¡¯s corpse needed the two of them to control it, Xu Qing could fuse it into it to protect himself.


    Xu Qing hadn¡¯t told Erniu about this matter.


    He was very clear that this matter concerned the Human Emperor and Crown Prince Purple Green. The waters were too deep.


    There were some things that with his personality, he would ultimately choose to face alone.


    Xu Qing was experienced in dealing with the eruption of the Sun of Dawn.


    He also noticed some differences.


    Although the principle of this Sun of Dawn was similar to his ancient sun, the details were different.


    To be precise, the one he had in the past was a mixture of the ancient sun and the flesh of the Crimson Goddess. It relied on the instability within to explode with terrifying and world-shaking might.


    The human race¡¯s Sun of Dawn was different.


    It was a stable energy. Although it couldn¡¯t be mass-produced, it could still be formed in an orderly manner under the human race¡¯s system.


    Only then could it be considered a regional treasure of a race.


    Of course, the prerequisite was that they had enough materials.


    Hence, the piercing light formed by the eruption of the Sun of Dawn didn¡¯t give off fear but of sunrise!


    Like the rising sun that tore through the night, it burned the darkness of the world and rose into the air.


    It brought light to the world and suppressed all darkness.


    However¡­ when it was in the hands of the Eleventh Prince, it was defined as the side of darkness to the human race and the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    Hence, at the next instant, as endless light and heat spread in all directions like a storm and furious waves, the entire Ancient Sovereign Planet shook violently.


    It was as though there was really a sun rising on the Ancient Sovereign Planet!


    It even felt like it was going to replace the Ancient Sovereign Planet and become a true sun in Wanggu. Under its power at such a close distance, the divine fire formed by the godhood ritual in the Ancient Sovereign Planet also swayed intensely.


    Terrifying energy and the aura of destruction brought forward calamity at this instant.


    On the Ancient Sovereign Planet, the expressions of all the human cultivators changed. A life-and-death crisis erupted in their minds and intense horror filled their bodies and minds.


    Only¡­ the expressions of the four Heavenly Kings of the Sky Devouring Race who were fighting against the human Heavenly Kings in the air didn¡¯t change at all.


    From the moment they stepped into the blood-red vortex and descended on the human race, they already knew their mission.


    For the sake of their race and that promise, they understood that they were a blade to stab the human race.


    As for the blade¡¯s mission¡­ other than killing, there was self-destruction.


    Hence, after leaving behind the arrangements for revival in the race, they were prepared to self-destruct their bodies and cultivation.


    At that moment, the eruption of the Sun of Dawn was a signal to them.


    Hence, after the four Sky Devouring Race Heavenly Kings looked at each other, determination appeared in their eyes. Without hesitation, their bodies emitted an aura of destruction.


    One Sun of Dawn and four Heavenly Kings self-destructed to transform into a true blade!


    At this moment, the entire Ancient Sovereign Planet fell into an unprecedented crisis!


    Life and death were decided in an instant.


    As for the human capital outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet, everyone was shaken and in turmoil.


    The human array formation shone even more intensely as it attempted to suppress the explosive might.


    However¡­ it was useless.


    Unless there was an even more powerful force that could ignore the Sun of Dawn, this ancestral worship ceremony would come to an end.


    Such an outcome would be a true calamity for the human race.


    Hence, someone instinctively looked at the statue of the Sword Holding Great Emperor¡­


    At this moment, it seemed that only the Sword Holding Great Emperor¡¯s final strike could resolve everything.


    However¡­ the Great Emperor was silent.


    Xu Qing sighed softly inwardly. However, even now, he still felt that it wasn¡¯t over yet.


    This was because Crown Prince Purple Green hadn¡¯t appeared yet.


    This was because the Human Emperor was serene the entire time.


    As for the ruinous might on the Ancient Sovereign Planet, it had already shocked the heavens.


    However, at that moment¡­ the Human Emperor moved.


    He calmly lifted his right hand.


    As he lifted his hand, many of the chains of fortune on his body instantly broke. His raised right hand pressed down slightly.


    A huge palm substituted the sky of the Ancient Sovereign Planet and enveloped the ground.


    In an instant, a storm rose and the world lost its color as a vast intent descended.


    While covering the sky, it also emitted a terrifying might that surpassed the Soul Accumulation Realm.


    After that, it gently pushed down.


    The void shattered and the world rumbled. The bodies of the four Sky Devouring Race Heavenly Kings who were self-


    destructing suddenly quaked and a force that made them tremble descended, directly enveloping the four of them, forming an unbelievable pressure.


    Amidst their wails, the intent of self-destruction was forcibly suppressed back into their bodies!


    Under this huge force, the four Heavenly Kings spat out blood and their bodies trembled, falling to the ground.


    The four bodies were pressed on the ground, unable to struggle.


    Even their great worlds were the same.


    Under absolute strength, all resistance was meaningless.


    They weren¡¯t the only ones. At the next instant, the Sun of Dawn that was erupting also trembled. All the light and heat it emitted directly withdrew.

 Chapter 1363 - 1363 Parent (2)

    1363 Parent (2)


    It was forcefully pressed back until it became a Sun of Dawn again.


    Only the cracks on it were filled, and it became unstable from its previous stability.


    After that, it disappeared from the spot.


    When it reappeared, it was in the hand of the bound Human Emperor who had raised his hand.


    The sky fell silent.


    The world fell silent.


    Countless gazes instinctively gathered on the Human Emperor.


    These gazes held shock, disbelief, and fear, all mixed together.


    The Human Emperor was the only Ruler of the human race at the present. Everyone here naturally knew about this. It was just that¡­ in the past 3,000 years since the Human Emperor succeeded the throne, he had never made a move.


    As a result, humans only had a simple understanding of the combat strength of a Ruler through the description in ancient books.


    After all, almost all the cultivators here had never seen another Ruler in their lives.


    Coupled with the existence of the gods, one would instinctively look down on those who were in the realm of Rulers.


    Until now.


    ¡°Ruler¡­¡±


    ¡°This is the power of a Ruler!!¡±


    ¡°Soul Accumulation is like an ant in front of it! If even the Ruler is so powerful, then wouldn¡¯t the god¡­¡±


    Gasps rang out from all directions.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he stared at the Human Emperor. This was the first time he had seen the Human Emperor make a real move.


    ¡®Although it¡¯s far inferior to Li Zihua, it¡¯s indeed the combat strength of a Ruler¡­¡¯


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly.


    At that moment, the Human Emperor¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. He held the Sun of Dawn and his gaze landed on the gloomy Eleventh Prince.


    ¡°Little Eleven, is there anything else?¡±


    The Human Emperor spoke calmly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if he has or not, but I do!¡±


    A cold voice suddenly rang out from the edge of the altar behind the Human Emperor.


    In that instant, many gazes landed on the person who spoke, and their gazes were mostly filled with surprise.


    This was because the person who spoke wasn¡¯t the Eleventh Prince but¡­ the Tenth Prince who was standing together with the Eldest Prince and the Fourth and Fifth princes!


    Tenth Prince, who was chosen to suddenly join before the ancestral worship, had always had a look of horror on his face, as though he couldn¡¯t believe everything that was happening before him.


    However, now, his expression was unprecedentedly calm. As he spoke, his gaze met the Human Emperor¡¯s.


    The Human Emperor wasn¡¯t surprised.


    ¡°Have you decided to fight me in the end? You could have had other choices.¡±


    The Tenth Prince fell silent. After two breaths, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you suddenly have this prince I possessed join the ancestral sacrifice to draw me out and face you in battle?¡±


    ¡°I indeed have other choices, but the promise they gave me left me with no other choice. Since that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll follow their wishes and test your combat strength first.¡±


    After the Tenth Prince finished speaking, his body turned blurry. At the next instant, his expression distorted and an earth-shattering aura erupted from his body.


    The color of the sky changed and storms appeared.


    This aura stirred the wind and clouds, causing the Ancient Sovereign Planet and even the outside world to rumble.


    Under this aura, the Nihility trembled and even the Soul Accumulation was suppressed. This was because that was¡­ the aura of a Ruler.


    It was on par with the power displayed by the Human Emperor earlier.


    The Tenth Prince¡¯s demeanor calmed down after a few breaths and his face changed.


    He had one eye which was on his forehead and his skin was purple-black.


    It was exactly the same as the four Sky Devouring Race members.


    ¡°Human Emperor!¡±


    The Tenth Prince slowly spoke.


    ¡°Sky Devouring Emperor.¡±


    The Human Emperor said calmly.


    The auras of the two Rulers collided in the sky, tearing through the void and shaking the world.


    The battle was about to erupt at any moment.


    However, at this moment, the Eleventh Prince¡¯s eyes abruptly revealed a dark glint. He lifted his hand and took out a small silver bottle.


    ¡°Father, I will add something to your battle with the Sky Devouring Emperor to make it even more perfect.¡±


    ¡°After you succeeded the throne, although you didn¡¯t make a move, before you succeeded the throne, you had many life- and-death battles with the nonhumans. Over the years, I spent a steep price and huge efforts to gather a drop of your blood!¡±


    ¡°I use this blood to form a life curse!¡±


    The Eleventh Prince crushed the silver bottle in his hand.


    The silver bottle shattered into a large number of fragments, revealing a drop of blood.


    As soon as this blood appeared, the dense intent of the human imperial bloodline surged into the sky.


    After everyone sensed it, their expressions changed.


    That was indeed the blood of the Human Emperor!


    As for the shattered pieces of the silver bottle, they didn¡¯t fall to the ground. Instead, they surrounded the blood. They spun rapidly, transforming into silver maggots that let out heart-


    rending sounds and rushed into the blood.


    After a frenzy of devouring, they morphed into a grotesque centipede, which promptly devoured the maggots in one gulp.


    Then, with a flick of its tail, the centipede morphed into a sinister skeleton, its gaping maw swallowing itself whole.


    As the skeleton collapsed, a small black figure emerged, exuding a divine aura. It spewed forth a cloud of black fog towards the disintegrating skeleton.


    This fog enveloped the skeleton. After that, the small figure¡¯s entire body burned and it also entered the fog.


    The black fog contracted intensely and finally morphed into a drop of¡­ black blood.


    The stench of decay was especially intense on the black blood.


    One could even vaguely see a blurry figure within the black blood. From the looks of it, it was the Human Emperor!


    A dense curse intent was formed.


    This wasn¡¯t a simple curse!


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. He could tell that this was a terrifying divine curse!


    A smile emerged on the Eleventh Prince¡¯s face as he looked at the Human Emperor and voiced softly.


    ¡°Father, I still have two gifts for you. This is one of them. If you can persevere, you¡¯ll be able to see my last gift.¡±

 Chapter 1364 - 1364 Parent (3)

    1364 Parent (3)


    ¡°However, I think that under this divine curse, against the Sky Devouring Emperor who is at the same realm as you, Father, you don¡¯t have much chance of survival.¡±


    As the Eleventh Prince spoke, his right hand silently performed a series of hand seals and pointed at the black blood.


    The black blood burned.


    The Human Emperor¡¯s figure in the drop of blood distorted and a heart-rending sound of pain echoed from it.


    Finally, it transformed into a thread of fate and instantly flew toward the Human Emperor who was bound by the iron chains.


    It directly fused into his body.


    However, at the next instant¡­ the thread of fate actually flew out of the Human Emperor¡¯s forehead again.


    It was as though it couldn¡¯t find its target!


    After that, it searched the air again and headed straight for the depths of the Ancient Sovereign Planet¡­


    Curse, success!


    However, all the cultivators who saw this scene felt a great storm in their hearts!!


    Xu Qing was also stunned and his mind rumbled.


    This was because an unbelievable, even more unbelievable guess that exceeded their understanding and was almost impossible to make surfaced instinctively in everyone¡¯s hearts.


    The Eleventh Prince¡¯s expression completely changed. Although many of his expressions were intentional previously, at this moment, the shock on his face was genuine.


    He felt as though he had been struck by heavenly lightning. His body trembled and he instinctively took a few steps back. His eyes were filled with disbelief and there was even a sense of absurdity that roared like a storm in his heart.


    ¡°You¡­ you¡­ you are standing there¡­¡±


    ¡°This curse locks onto one¡¯s fate, but why would it go in another direction¡­¡±


    ¡°Could it be that you have a way to change the thread of fate?¡±


    ¡°Or maybe you¡­¡±


    ¡°Impossible!¡±


    He still couldn¡¯t believe the absurd feeling in his heart.


    From the start to the end, the Human Emperor didn¡¯t look at the Eleventh Prince. At that moment, he looked at the Sky Devouring Emperor whose expression had turned solemn and spoke calmly.


    ¡°The kid¡¯s temper is a little bad. I¡¯ve made a fool of myself.¡±


    ¡°However, today¡¯s farce should indeed end.¡±


    ¡°Since they asked you to test my true combat strength, I¡¯ll let you and them take a look.¡±


    As the Human Emperor¡¯s calm voice rose and fell, the chains of fortune around his body broke one after another.


    With every broken strand, his aura soared by a few times. In the blink of an eye, the world rumbled and a strong wind blew over. An incomparably terrifying pressure rose from his body.


    ¡°Ever since I gained the Dao, I haven¡¯t attacked in front of the world. Today, Fellow Daoist Sky Devourer, watch carefully. I¡¯ll only attack once.¡±


    With that, the last iron chain on the Human Emperor¡¯s body broke as well.


    An aura that was even more vast than before soared into the sky from his body.


    At this moment, the Ancient Sovereign Planet was in an uproar, the imperial capital was in an uproar, and the large was in an uproar.


    The Human Emperor raised his right hand. It was the same as when he suppressed the Sun of Dawn previously. However, this time around¡­ the palm that appeared wasn¡¯t in the sky of the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    It was outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet!


    The sky above the human capital instantly turned pitch-black.


    An endlessly large hand covered the sky and landed with an indescribable vast aura.


    The void collapsed and the sky shattered into pieces. The ground split apart in many places and the mountains were crushed.


    This scene covered the sky with one hand!


    Even the gods were no exception!


    The large hand landed on the Ancient Sovereign Planet at an unbelievable speed.


    It actually grabbed the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    With a squeeze, the entire Ancient Sovereign Planet rumbled. Everyone inside felt as though the world was shaking.


    The Sky Devouring Emperor¡¯s expression became even more shocked.


    His breathing was hurried and his face was pale. His eyes were filled with disbelief as he retreated abruptly. A blurry shadow appeared on his face, as though he wanted to leave this body.


    There was also the intent of teleportation.


    He actually wanted to escape immediately!


    However, it was clearly too late.


    The vast hand that held the Ancient Sovereign Planet pierced through the planet, harming no one, and only swept across the Sky Devouring Emperor.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you on your way!¡±


    Boom!


    An illusory figure was blasted out of the Tenth Prince¡¯s body, transforming into the appearance of the Sky Devouring Emperor. It continued to collapse, form, and roll back.


    This cycle continued for at least a thousand times before the Sky Devouring Emperor¡¯s soul remnant was completely destroyed!


    ¡°Today, I¡¯ll destroy your soul fragment. If you don¡¯t hand over your race¡¯s regional treasure in half a month, I¡¯ll tear through the void and personally descend on your race.¡±


    The Human Emperor spoke calmly.


    At this moment, his domineering aura towered into the sky.


    The human race was completely silent. Everyone¡¯s minds seemed to have turned black.


    They knew that the Human Emperor was powerful but¡­ it was horrifying to observe him suppressing another ruler so easily.


    Moreover, this suppression was one-sided dominance!


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart shook. He had seen another Ruler!


    Li Zihua had been a Ruler.


    Rulers were also divided into different levels.


    There was definitely a huge gap between the early, middle, late, and peak Ruler Realm.


    ¡®The feeling this hand gives me is almost the same as Li Zihua back then¡­¡¯


    ¡®Is the Human Emperor¡­ at the peak of the Ruler realm?!¡¯


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. A sense of unreality rose intensely in his heart.


    According to his understanding, in the current Wanggu Continent, bloodline and luck were required to have a chance of advancing to the Ruler Realm.


    However, it was only till the early stage.


    As for the peak¡­ under the attention of the various powerful races in the Wanggu, it almost didn¡¯t exist.


    Therefore, during the process of the three gods of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race advancing, a peak-level Ruler Dao Protector appeared, causing a huge commotion among the Wanggu¡¯s races.


    The follow-up investigation was still ongoing. Regardless of whether it was the powerful races or the various gods, they all wanted to understand who the peak-level Ruler who could block all omniscience was!


    This was because in the cultivator system, there were very few Rulers now. The various gods would definitely not allow peak level Rulers to exist.


    ¡®Is he¡­¡¯


    Xu Qing abruptly looked at the Human Emperor.


    At that moment, the Human Emperor, who was standing in the air, walked down step by step and finally stood on the heaven altar.


    This was also the location of the ancestral worship.


    There, he turned and his gaze landed on the dejected Eleventh Prince, just like before.


    ¡°Little Eleven, is there anything else?¡±

 Chapter 1365 - 1365 I’ll Bloom When Other Flowers Are to Be Withered and Gone (1)

    1365 I¡¯ll Bloom When Other Flowers Are to Be Withered and Gone (1)


    That sentence had been said by the Human Emperor several times today.


    Every time, it would make the Eleventh Prince¡¯s heart sink a little, but now it seemed to have sunk to the depths.


    At this moment, his face was pale, instinctively retreating several steps, his body trembling, his eyes filled with confusion, and disbelief.


    The Human Emperor was still calm and composed, showing no change in expression.


    No matter what the Eleventh Prince showed, what trump cards he displayed, everything seemed like a farce to the Human Emperor.


    Hence, the Human Emperor didn¡¯t get anyone to suppress the Eleventh Prince from the start and allowed him to cause trouble.


    Clearly, in his heart, all of this was just a kid throwing a tantrum in front of his parents.


    If the parents didn¡¯t care, then so be it. After crying for a while, the resentment would be gone. At that time, he would still be an obedient child.


    However, if the parents were unhappy, the child would inevitably suffer and be taught a lesson by the parents.


    After teaching the child a lesson, they would know that an afraid child is an obedient child as well.


    As for the external enemies summoned by the child, it was nothing much. It was fishing to begin with. No matter how many he caught, he would just knock them down.


    This attitude and gaze formed a sense of despair that suffocated the Eleventh Prince.


    He felt that his breathing wasn¡¯t smooth and his chest was extremely congested. His originally firm heart also shattered.


    An indescribable sense of powerlessness couldn¡¯t help but grow in his shattered heart. It swept through his entire body and finally transformed into a mouthful of blood that he spat out.


    ¡°How did it become like this¡­¡±


    ¡°How can you be a Peak Ruler¡­¡±


    ¡°How could the curse lose its effect¡­¡±


    The Eleventh Prince was in a daze. His eyes were bloodshot and his body trembled even more intensely.


    All his preparations were insignificant in front of the other party.


    He had paid a heavy price to cooperate with the nonhuman race but they were killed by the Human Emperor with a single palm strike.


    His series of items, from the scroll of resentment to the blood, had all become toys.


    The Human Emperor did not even move.


    He was like a mountain that supported the world!


    If he didn¡¯t collapse, then the world of the human race wouldn¡¯t collapse!


    This feeling was incomparably intense. Not only did it appear in the Eleventh Prince¡¯s heart, but it also rose intensely in the hearts of the surrounding ministers and the commoners in the Imperial City.


    However, the Eleventh Prince was still unwilling!


    His eyes were bloodshot as he stared at the Human Emperor. Under the calm gaze of the Human Emperor, his heart felt as though it was burning with fire. In the end, flames erupted throughout his body and filled his mind.


    He suddenly raised his right hand and waved it forward.


    Immediately, an ancient painting appeared out of thin air in front of him!


    In the painting, there was a woman.


    This woman wore a simple blue dress, quite plain, and had no decorations in her hair. Her appearance was delicate, with a mischievous charm in her eyebrows and eyes. A subtle smile adorned her lips, revealing a playful demeanor.


    Although she might not be considered extraordinarily beautiful, there was something unique about her. There was a sparkle in her eyes that conveyed her lively personality.


    It was the painting that depicted the Eleventh Prince and Ning Yan¡¯s biological mother hanging in Ning Yan¡¯s residence!


    It was unknown who created this portrait but it was very lifelike, even capturing the reflections within the pupils.


    While the details were somewhat blurred and unclear, the outline within the pupils of the portrait seemed to depict an altar¡­


    Looking at the painting, Xu Qing sighed softly. He recalled how Ning Yan had cried in front of this painting back then.


    When he looked at the painting again, Xu Qing felt a little rueful. At the same time, his gaze suddenly landed on the pupils of the person in the painting. The outline of the altar that was vaguely reflected in them made him feel a little familiar.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s pupils contracted.


    That altar was a pentagon. It actually looked extremely similar to the altar he had destroyed earlier.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s core to tremble.


    ¡°Mystic War!¡±


    The Eleventh Prince shouted with a distorted expression. At this moment, he had completely thrown caution to the wind and glared at the Human Emperor.


    The Human Emperor fell silent and shifted his gaze away from the Eleventh Prince to the painting. As he stared at the woman in the painting, his expression stirred and there was a hint of reminiscence in his eyes.


    ¡°Mystic War, this is the last gift I prepared for you!¡±


    The Eleventh Prince¡¯s voice was like a sharp blade that wanted to cut through the world.


    ¡°All my actions today, even my reason for joining forces with a foreign race is to take revenge for my mother!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind about race or righteousness. I don¡¯t need the status of a prince either. I know that my actions will be despised and hated by countless people, but I¡­ can¡¯t care about those!¡±


    ¡°Whether the world collapses or the race is exterminated, it has nothing to do with me! From the beginning to the end, I only wanted to do one thing, and that is to kill you!¡±


    The Eleventh Prince¡¯s voice was heart-rending and the stench of blood filled the air.


    ¡°Today, I, Ning Chang, yet have to ask the ministers of the human race!¡±


    ¡°You all know that although the Human Emperor Mirror Cloud proposed the concept of the Sun of Dawn, it hadn¡¯t been developed in tens of thousands of years. The progress was slow.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my mother. With her peerless talent, even with a mortal body, she structured all the operations inside!¡±


    ¡°It was my mother who didn¡¯t hesitate to spend her lifespan and life force to bring forward the birth of the Sun of Dawn by at least 30,000 years for the human race, the Human Emperor, and all of you!¡±


    ¡°It was my mother who raised the Creation Manor¡¯s research on gods to a level comparable to the powerful races!¡±

 Chapter 1366 - 1366 I’ll Bloom When Other Flowers Are to Be Withered and Gone (2)

    1366 I¡¯ll Bloom When Other Flowers Are to Be Withered and Gone (2)


    ¡°It was my mother who repaired the human race¡¯s protective array and enhanced it to the peak, protecting you!¡±


    ¡°But¡­ what was her ending?¡±


    ¡°Her ending was to become nutrients for the Human Emperor!!¡±


    ¡°She became the nutrients for your Human Emperor to attain the Dao!!¡±


    ¡°Mystic War, your aptitude is average. You sacrificed another region to forcefully advance to the Ruler realm and then went crazy. You coveted my mother¡¯s aptitude and actually ignored the relationship between Dao companions to devour her!!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not worthy of being a human emperor, not worthy of being a husband, and not worthy of being a father!!¡±


    The Eleventh Prince laughed miserably and his voice spread in all directions. The ministers fell silent.


    The Human Emperor closed his eyes.


    Although Xu Qing had never really seen Ning Yan¡¯s mother, he had heard of her from Ning Yan after coming to the Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    Even though Ning Yan didn¡¯t say much, he could still sense the peerless talent of that woman from just a few words.


    However¡­ with her death, her name and relation with the Human Emperor became taboo and no one mentioned it.


    What exactly happened back then became a secret.


    Amidst the silence of the ministers, the Eleventh Prince suddenly knelt in front of the painting and kowtowed hard, tears flowing from his eyes.


    It was as though he was bidding farewell.


    After that, he raised his hand and made a cut on his fingertip. A drop of blood flew out and headed straight for the painting.


    The Human Emperor didn¡¯t stop him.


    As the drop of blood fused into it, in the next instant, the eyes of the Eleventh Prince¡¯s biological mother in the painting slowly gained a hint of spirituality and emitted specks of fluorescent light.


    These lights flew out of the painting and gathered in front of the Eleventh Prince, forming¡­ a firefly flower!


    However, this flower seemed to be withering.


    Looking at this flower, bitterness rose in the Eleventh Prince¡¯s heart. It was filled with pain and intense longing.


    His mother¡¯s voice and appearance kept appearing in his mind.


    ¡°This is Mother¡¯s lifebond flower.¡±


    ¡°Although my mother was a mortal and couldn¡¯t cultivate for various reasons, in terms of aptitude, she should be number one among the human race!¡±


    ¡°Back then, when she was studying the Sun of Dawn, she had some comprehension. Using a special method, she still condensed a lifebond flower without possessing any cultivation.¡±


    ¡°She gave this lifebond flower formed by her bloodline to Ning Yan and me.¡±


    ¡°At that time, I didn¡¯t understand, but it seemed that Mother clearly knew her ending, so she left this flower for us brothers to protect ourselves.¡±


    ¡°To a certain extent, this flower can be said to be the most primitive Sun of Dawn or the source of dawn!¡±


    ¡°As long as the light of the Sun of Dawn shines on it, it will be in its cause and effect. Hence, it withers and all things flourish. If it blooms, all things that the dawn shone on will wither as well!¡±


    ¡°Mystic War, this is the reason why I stole the Sun of Dawn!¡±


    ¡°Although you have eliminated the fluctuations of its collapse, you, who have the Sun of Dawn in your hands, have been illuminated by the dawn!¡±


    ¡°Let me see how you¡­ avoid this¡­ killing trap that¡¯s specifically targeted at you!¡±


    The Eleventh Prince¡¯s voice was earth-shattering. The instant it echoed, the withered firefly flower in front of him suddenly swayed. Its petals stretched out at this moment and its stamen swayed.


    This withered flower¡­ was blooming in the world!


    It was as though a life had bloomed.


    In an instant, light appeared out of thin air. High temperatures rose in the world, burning the void, causing the color of the world to change, causing the wind to stop and the clouds to quieten.


    Regardless of whether it was in the Imperial City, on the fog bridge, or on the Ancient Sovereign Planet, spots of light actually appeared on everyone¡¯s bodies at this moment.


    These light spots were like cause and effect. They were affected by the Sun of Dawn and settled in their bloodlines.


    At that moment, they rose into the air in unison and under everyone¡¯s shock, formed that blooming flower!


    It adorned this world and shook people¡¯s hearts.


    Its light was like the stars in the sky descending to the human world, displaying life and strength in everyone¡¯s hearts.


    It was incomparably vast.


    ¡®Wait till the Double Ninth Day in fall comes around,


    I¡¯ll bloom when other flowers are to be withered and gone!¡¯


    In an instant, the will of withering rose from the ground, from all living beings, from all things, and from the sky!


    In the end¡­ everything gathered on the Human Emperor!


    At that moment, the Human Emperor opened his eyes.


    His eyes revealed reminiscence and complexity. In the end, he sighed for the first time in many years.


    As he sighed, he lifted his hand.


    He gently summoned the blooming flower in the sky.


    This summoning caused everyone to be in disbelief and an extremely shocking scene to appear.


    The blooming bloom actually flew toward the Human Emperor and landed on his palm. After that¡­ it fused into his body!


    There was no rejection or pause, as if the flower had returned to its source.


    It was as though this flower and the Human Emperor were one to begin with.


    At this moment, the world fell silent.


    Countless gazes landed on the Human Emperor with countless guesses.


    These gazes contained intense waves. If they could materialize, they would definitely form monstrous waves that were enough to drown the large region.


    Among them, the most intense gaze was naturally from the Eleventh Prince.


    His entire person felt as though he had been bombarded by a million bolts of lightning. His form trembled and his breathing became hurried. His face instantly turned pale before turning red.


    ¡°Impossible, this¡­ how is this possible!¡±


    ¡°This is my mother¡¯s lifebond flower. It definitely won¡¯t fuse into others¡¯ bodies. This¡­ this¡­ you¡­¡±


    At this instant, Xu Qing¡¯s heart also fluctuated greatly. A guess that was completely out of his thoughts earlier also rose in his mind.


    Amidst everyone¡¯s hurried breathing, in the silence of the world, in the flames of the Ancient Sovereign Planet, under the oppression of the surroundings¡­


    The Human Emperor shifted his gaze away from his palm and looked in all directions. Finally, his gaze landed on the Eleventh Prince.


    After that, he raised his right palm and pressed it on his forehead, tapping gently.


    At the next instant¡­ his face turned blurry and a piece of dermis fell off, revealing his true appearance!


    It was a woman.


    Her facial features were dignified and beautiful, and her temperament was elegant, emitting an innate noble aura. Her gaze were as bright as the stars, shining with wisdom and determination, as though they could see through people¡¯s hearts and understand the world.


    Her brows were gentle and firm, like the mountains in the far distance, giving off a steady and firm feeling.


    She was tall and straight, like a pine tree that stood proudly in the wind and frost. It was as though she could maintain her dignity no matter what occasion it was.


    Her demeanor was calm and elegant, as though she was writing a legend of her own every moment.


    Her appearance was exactly the same as the portrait of Ning Yan¡¯s mother. However, there was more vicissitudes and dignity.


    At this moment, the entire universe was shocked.


    The Eleventh Prince¡¯s mind rumbled and his mind instantly went blank.


    ¡°Mother¡­¡±

 Chapter 1367 - 1367 Empress

    1367 Empress


    Now, everything had an answer.


    Why was it that with the curse of the Human Emperor¡¯s blood, the target of the black curse thread wasn¡¯t the Human Emperor but the depths of the Ancient Sovereign Planet?


    Why did the pentagonal altar have Mystic War¡¯s coffin and shrine during the godhood ritual?


    Why was it that when Xu Qing took out the lantern, the corpse aura rose from the five coffins and transformed into a palm with five fingers instead of four?


    The Eleventh Prince¡¯s actions were so treacherous, but despite the Human Emperor¡¯s coldness, he didn¡¯t attack him or suppress him from the start. It was all the attitude of a parent.


    The Emperor only killed the Sky Devouring Emperor¡¯s soul fragment that possessed the Tenth Prince. As for the Tenth Prince, he wasn¡¯t injured at all.


    Everything was answered the moment the Human Emperor took off the skin mask.


    This was because she wasn¡¯t Mystic War!


    She was Mystic War¡¯s Dao companion and the mother of the Eleventh Prince and Ning Yan. In fact, with her status back then, she was just a step away from being officially recognized as the empress.


    At that moment, everyone on the Ancient Sovereign Planet, the ministers outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet, and even the cultivators from the imperial city who were paying attention to this place felt their hearts pounding and minds buzzing.


    The shock from this matter had exceeded their imagination and understanding.


    This should have been impossible.


    This was because regardless of whether it was the Human Emperor¡¯s words and actions in his daily life, it was impossible for there to be no flaws.


    Even if those habits and temperament could really be perfectly imitated, when the pentagonal altar appeared and Mystic War¡¯s coffin appeared, no one had any doubts.


    Instead, they instinctively felt that Mystic War¡¯s coffin was empty.


    This was an extremely terrifying concept.


    This was especially so when¡­ five streams of corpse aura rose from the five coffins, but no one still wondered why¡­


    It was as though the fact that the Human Emperor wasn¡¯t Mystic War was covered up by some astonishing power and blocked from the world¡¯s knowledge.


    This made everyone have a reasonable explanation for everything that had happened previously.


    Until now.


    The veil of understanding was lifted by the Human Emperor.


    Now that the truth was out, the shock it caused was naturally enormous.


    Gods could silently obstruct and change everyone¡¯s understanding, but they would have to be experts among high gods. Also, there was another existence who could also do it.


    Moreover, him doing it would make it even more flawless.


    That was¡­ the Sword Holding Great Emperor!


    This also explained why the Sword Holding Great Emperor had acknowledged the Human Emperor from the start and why Xu Qing¡¯s Emperor Sword didn¡¯t move against the Human Emperor.


    With her appearance, everything about her was acknowledged by the Sword Holding Great Emperor!


    This thought not only rose in Xu Qing¡¯s mind but also erupted in everyone¡¯s minds.


    As for what this peerlessly talented woman went through and the twists and turns between her and Mystic War, whether Mystic War helped her in this or she truly died from being devoured and was resurrected, and by what means she became the Emperor, it was unclear.


    Or perhaps, she had faked her death to replace the Human Emperor from the start¡­


    No one knew the truth about this.


    It became an enigma.


    However, amidst the horror of the ministers and the continuous rumbling in their minds, as well as the fear and uneasiness about the future that followed, three people had normal expressions.


    The first was the silent Grand Chancellor on the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    The old man walked out and knelt down in front of the Human Emperor.


    ¡°Greetings, Human Emperor!¡±


    The second person was the old eunuch with the Nine Worlds Soul Accumulation cultivation beside the Human Emperor. He lowered his head and knelt down as well.


    ¡°Greetings, Human Emperor!¡±


    The third person was someone who exceeded everyone¡¯s expectations but when they thought about it carefully, it was reasonable. It was none other than¡­ King Zhen Yan.


    His expression was calm as he walked beside the Eleventh Prince and arrived in front of the Human Emperor. When he looked at the Human Emperor¡¯s face, his eyes revealed a hint of reminiscence. Finally, he lowered his head and knelt down.


    ¡°Greetings, Human Emperor!¡±


    He had actually never betrayed the human race!


    Everything was just cooperation.


    This was because this was a trap.


    This was a trap set up by this talented girl who had replaced Mystic War many years ago.


    When she started preparing for the godhood ritual, she knew that such behavior was definitely intolerable by many forces. Hence, she had been hiding her combat strength.


    She couldn¡¯t reveal her peak Ruler cultivation. Even if the nonhuman races invaded, even if the human race was in danger, unless the race¡¯s survival was at stake¡­


    If she revealed her peak Ruler cultivation, what awaited the human race would be the arrival of the gods.


    Gods wouldn¡¯t allow the Wanggu to have a peak Ruler.


    Even if she could only display this peak cultivation within the human race and was only a half-step peak Ruler outside the human race¡¯s territory.


    It would still be a great taboo.


    Hence, she could only endure it.


    She was waiting for an opportunity. An opportunity that allowed her to have a way to control the situation even if she displayed her combat strength.


    Hence, she ignored the Ning brothers and made them fend for themselves. She allowed their resentment toward the Human Emperor Mystic War to become a point of attraction for the nonhuman races.


    She had to capture all these forces in one fell swoop when the time came.


    At this moment, she succeeded.


    As the Grand Chancellor, the old eunuch, and King Zhen Yan paid their respects, the ministers had a myriad of thoughts in their hearts. All of them had complicated gazes, but in the end¡­ they all lowered their heads.


    A storm also rumbled in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    This scene was indeed the last guess that appeared in his mind. However, when the truth was revealed in front of him, the shock was still incomparably intense.


    What caused even more waves in his mind was that this mother of Ning Yan was actually a peak Ruler.


    Xu Qing sighed softly.


    This was because he thought of the presence of impending death on the Sword Holding Great Emperor when he first arrived at the Imperial City.


    Everything seemed to have an answer now.


    ¡°Could it be that the Great Emperor used some secret art, support, or inheritance to give his cultivation to this Human Emperor?¡±


    ¡°As for the Emperor Sword, he gave it to me¡­¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t know if his analysis was the truth. At that moment, he raised his head and stared at the statue of the Great Emperor outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    The Eleventh Prince was dumbfounded. His body trembled and he seemed to have lost all his strength. His expression was blank until the Human Emperor¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°Stop fooling around and step back.¡±


    The Eleventh Prince became excited because of this sentence. He lowered his head and tears of joy flowed down uncontrollably.


    This child¡¯s temper completely dissipated at this moment.


    The Human Emperor, who had taken off her skin mask, turned around.


    Her eyes revealed determination and boldness. Her expression was confident and calm. Every move she made was filled with strength and determination. It was as though she was using her resolve to tell the world that she was the sovereign of this world and had the strength to change everything.


    ¡°Ministers, do you have any objections to me being the emperor?¡±


    A dignified voice rang out.


    The surroundings fell silent. A few breaths later, the ministers inside and outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet bowed.


    ¡°Greetings, Human Emperor!¡±


    The sound was deafening and earth-shattering.


    At the next instant, the Ancient Sovereign Planet rumbled. All the fortune of the human race churned and descended on the Human Emperor, enveloping the surroundings and augmenting her, forming an illusory sovereign crown that landed on her head.


    Fortune had accepted her already, and now, it acknowledged her once again!


    At that moment, the Human Emperor was the center of attention. She raised her head on the heavenly altar and faced the heavens with her true appearance.


    ¡°After making the offerings to the ancestor, it¡¯s time to make offerings to the heavens!¡±


    Her eyes emitted a sharp light.


    Confidence erupted from her entire body.


    At this moment, the first part of this grand ceremony ended and the second part¡­ officially began!

 Chapter 1368 - Chapter 1368 May You Be Honored and Pleased (1)

    Chapter 1368 May You Be Honored and Pleased (1)


    Since ancient times, the offering ceremony of the human race had been divided into two parts.


    One was to make offerings to the ancestor, and the other was to make offerings to the heavens.


    Among them, ancestral worship, as the name suggested, naturally referred to Mystic Nether.


    Although the Human Emperor didn¡¯t make the offerings to Mystic Nether but Human Ancestor, it was understandable. Even though it had surprised everyone, it couldn¡¯t be considered overstepping the bounds in the end.


    As the Human Emperor, it was barely within the scope of etiquette for her to offer sacrifices to the Human Ancestor.


    However, the heaven in the heaven worship couldn¡¯t be changed by the Human Emperor.


    This heaven, before the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether left, represented all the Immemorial Heavenly Dao in Wanggu.


    After he left Wanggu, mandates came from beyond the heaven, and the heaven became the holy lands.


    It wasn¡¯t just the human race. All the races in the Wanggu Continent that didn¡¯t have gods were under the mandates from beyond heaven.


    Their offerings to heaven were to pay respects to holy lands with similar bloodlines.


    If they didn¡¯t worship, they would be considered a rebel. Such a race would often perish due to various accidents in the future.


    Although holy lands rarely appeared in Wanggu and they were located beyond the heavens and were high and mighty, they could still sway the hearts of the Wanggu¡¯s races through some special means.


    Therefore, the heaven worship done by the past human emperors was all done toward the holy lands.


    lights¦­¦Ïv¦Ål ?¦Ïm The empress seemed to be no exception.


    She stood on the altar, her tall and straight figure like a tall mountain, as though she could become a world that protected all living beings.


    Fortune surrounded her. She was dressed in the imperial robe and a crown condensed from fortune.


    With a confident and composed demeanor, her sharp eyes seemed capable of piercing through the sky, gazing into the holy lands above the sky.


    Her well-defined face revealed incomparable dresolve at this moment.


    When the ministers saw this scene, they couldn¡¯t calm down. For them, the events of this day felt like they had lived through half a lifetime.


    What happened today was too subversive.


    Moreover, all of them had a faint feeling that this ceremony was only the beginning.


    The next scenes would probably cause an even greater storm.


    As for what the storm would be, they couldn¡¯t guess. This was because no one could guess the thoughts of this empress over the years.


    Only she knew how much she and Mystic War loved and hated each other. How she ascended to the throne, the hardships and tribulations she endured along the way, perhaps only she herself knew.


    But what everyone could see was that she had clearly never lowered her head to fate.


    She had used her wisdom and courage to write a legend that belonged to her in the human race over the years.


    Although she was a woman and didn¡¯t have the bloodline of the imperial family, all the nobles and ministers inside and outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet were convinced in their hearts.


    Hence, at this moment, the outside world of the Ancient Sovereign Planet was completely silent.


    Xu Qing also had many thoughts. He recalled everything from before. Clearly, his actions were also within the scope of this empress.


    ¡®Perhaps she already knew my goal on the first day I arrived in the Imperial City.¡¯


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly.


    Time slowly passed breath by breath. The instant the 49th breath arrived, the old eunuch beside the Human Emperor suddenly looked up, his eyes gleaming with sharpness, his expression solemn.


    ¡°The offering to heaven is the prosperity of the human race.¡±


    ¡°First offering¡­ human race¡¯s battle flag!¡±


    As soon as she said this, the world churned. The fog formed by fortune in the sky bloomed like a flower and rolled in all directions. At the same time, streams of blood light soared into the sky from the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    One after another.


    A total of 49 blood lights gathered at one point in the sky. There, it was as though the world had been split open, tearing through the void and fate, luring out a large flag that had been nurtured in time.


    The flag spread out, covering the sky and transforming into the sky. It danced like waves and had a peerless aura!


    This caused the ground to darken, but lumps of fire of life were forming on the Ancient Sovereign Planet, outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet, and in the Imperial Capital.


    From every human!


    This was because this flag was the human race¡¯s battle flag!


    It represented the will of the human race, the battle intent of the race, and the dignity of all humans.


    Even though this flag wasn¡¯t the oldest one, its meaning was still incomparable.


    As for the oldest mortal battle flag, it was forged by the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, consisting of one main banner and 360 subordinate ones, which once accompanied him when he unified Wanggu.


    When the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether left Wanggu, he took the battle flag with him.


    Hence, at that time, the human race decided to use countless heavenly and earthly treasures to forge a new set of human battle flag.


    This battle flag post-Mystic Nether Era had accompanied the Human Emperor Eastern Triumph on the battlefield and absorbed the blood of countless nonhumans.


    When the Human Emperor Eastern Triumph was defeated, although the main banner didn¡¯t fall, too many of the subordinate banners were broken, scattered all over the Wanggu.


    Even though it was incomplete, it still possessed a certain level of might.


    Some of these broken banners dissipated into the world, some were kept by other races, and some were obtained by human cultivators. It was too difficult to gather them all back.


    For the human race, rather than expending effort to collect them, it was better to forge them again.


    Hence, after the attempt to collect them failed, the human race gave up.


    After that, it was reforged and appeared in the hands of the other mortal emperors in every major battle.


    For countless years, this flag had become the symbol of the mortal race.


    It was filled with the blood of the nonhumans. The moment it was displayed, blood qi rose in this world. At the same time, the will of the mortal nation instantly erupted.

 Chapter 1369 - Chapter 1369: May You Be Honored and Pleased (2)

    Chapter 1369: May You Be Honored and Pleased (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    It triggered the bloodline power of all the humans and formed a resonance.


    Xu Qing was the same, fie looked at the human battle flag in the sky and the flag in the Seven Blood Eyes back then appeared in his mind.


    Although he didn¡¯t know much about the main and subordinate banners, he could still tell that the materials of these two flags were similar. They probably came from the same source. As for their might, it was naturally like the difference between a bright moon and a firefly.


    Just as Xu Qing was observing the human race¡¯s battle flag, the old eunuch¡¯s voice echoed again.


    ¡°The battle flag is out. Raise the flag!¡±


    ¡°Open the heaven prisons!¡±


    ¡°Sacrifice to our human race¡¯s battle flag!¡±


    As soon as the old eunuch finished speaking, the world rumbled. Lightning swam inside and outside the battle flag, and thunder rumbled explosively. At the next instant, the Upper Mystic Five Ministries in the Imperial Capital each opened their heaven prisons.


    Squads of human cultivators escorted countless nonhuman captives toward the battle flag in the sky.


    There were no less than ten million nonhuman captives.


    At this moment, all the cultivators in the Imperial City and on the Ancient Sovereign Planet stared at the sky.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept over and his eyes narrowed.


    At the same time, the teleportation arrays in the imperial city were constantly activating. On the other side of the teleportation arrays, the various human armies in the large region also received the decree.


    They opened their prisons and escorted the captives out.


    If someone looked at the entire Grand Imperial Capital Region from high above, they should be able to roughly calculate that there were a total of 50 to 60 million captives being escorted at this moment.


    This was the result of the wars that had occurred during the era of the current Human Emperor, and most of them were the battle spoils after the appearance of the Sun of Dawn.


    The Human Emperor calmly spoke.


    ¡°Slash!¡±


    In an instant, the tens of millions of captives in the sky trembled violently. The human cultivators behind them raised their hands and slashed down.


    Countless heads flew up, rain of blood and corpses fell down.


    However, they didn¡¯t fall to the earth. In the next instant, with the formation of a vortex within the human race¡¯s battle flag that covered the sky, these corpses and blood were drawn in, swirling back toward the battle flag.


    At the same time, the teleportation arrays everywhere activated and the corpses of the prisoners of war who had been killed were sent over.


    The moment they appeared, they were also drawn into the air and fused into the battle flag.


    The battle flag instantly turned dark red!


    This extremely bloody scene showed the cruelty between the Wanggu races.


    It wasn¡¯t just the human race. The offering ceremonies of the other races were the same. The strong preyed on the weak; in the Wanggu, this was the supreme law.


    After absorbing such amounts of flesh and blood, although the human race¡¯s battle flag was red, it still didn¡¯t have enough spirituality. Hence¡­ the second segment of the offering started.


    That was soul sacrifice.


    At the next instant, the souls of these tens of millions of dead nonhumans appeared in the world, their reincarnations locked and unable to move on to the afterlife.


    Their souls roamed the sky, as if a ghostly realm had descended upon the human world.


    However, the human world wasn¡¯t weak, and the ghostly realm did not always bring sharp cries but also contained the sound of mournful wails.


    So, in an instant, as the vortex of the human race¡¯s battle flag spun, these tens of millions of souls were drawn in, as if being devoured, and were all absorbed into the battle flag.


    All of them entered and were absorbed into the battle flag as nutrients!


    At this moment, the old eunuch¡¯s voice became excited.


    ¡°The sacrificial rites for the race¡¯s flag are complete. Our emperor shall now offer the sacrifice!¡±


    The Empress expressionlessly raised her right hand and grabbed at the sky.


    With this grab, the sky rumbled and distorted, tilting toward the Empress. Finally, the human battle flag that covered the sky headed straight for the Empress.


    At the next instant, it was plucked from the sky by the Empress!


    She grabbed the flagpole of the battle flag and waved it at the sky that was now uncovered.


    The large flag waved and spread out like waves. After waving it once, it formed a red vortex in the sky.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. The Empress waved the battle flag again.


    Immediately, the blood-red vortex became even more intense.


    After nine times, the vortex transformed into a blood-red tornado. With monstrous power and the might to destroy the void, it tore in all directions.


    It was as though a gap was about to be opened!


    However, the sky of the Wanggu was sealed; entry from the outside was possible, but exiting from the inside required an extraordinarily high price.


    Back then, Xu Qing and Erniu relied on the power of the Divine Realm to do this.


    Seeing the Empress¡¯ actions, Xu Qing¡¯s pupils narrowed slightly.


    At the next instant, a deafening sound echoed. The Ancient Sovereign Planet swayed and the fortune of the human race soared into the sky like a dragon, smashing fiercely toward the center of the vortex!


    The dragon of fortune roared and its entire body fluctuated intensely, as though it was pressing forward!


    At the same time, an even more terrifying energy wave spread out from the Ancient Sovereign Planet. To be precise¡­ it came from the golden divine fire burning on the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    Although this fire wasn¡¯t completed, it now possessed the aura of gods. As the Ancient Sovereign Planet rumbled, it was guided into the air and headed straight for the blood-red storm in the sky.


    Its aura was astonishing, like an eternal fire that burned everything!


    This wasn¡¯t the end. At the next moment, the Empress raised her hand and swung it fiercely. She used the human battle flag in her hand as a spear and shot it into the sky.


    The battle flag pierced through everything in its path with unstoppable force, as if any obstacle before it would be shattered, and any barrier would be torn apart by the indomitable will contained within the fortune of humanity.


    At the same time, she took a step toward the sky, appearing at the zenith of the sky. She embodied the destiny and will of the human race. From her position as the emperor, with unparalleled determination, she clenched her right fist and punched toward the sky.


    Everything gathered to break through the sky!


    The storm generated from the flag as a vortex, humanity¡¯s will as the catalyst, fortune as the dragon, battle flag as the spear, and divine fire as power, all of these paired up with a peak Ruler¡¯s strength to form a power that could split the sky and earth!


    The sky rumbled and cracking sounds echoed.


    The sky cracked!


    A huge gap opened in the sky.


    It revealed the starry sky outside and a beam of silver light.


    This beam of light was huge and enveloped the sky above the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region. One end was here, and the other end¡­ extended into the starry sky.


    It connected to a holy planet that was completely silver in an unknown area in the starry sky!


    That planet was naturally not as big as Wanggu but it was large enough. Upon closer inspection, it was actually extremely similar to the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    It was¡­ the Mystic Nether Holy Land established by the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether back then!


    As for this huge silver beam of light, it was like a passageway!


    The Empress¡¯ eyes revealed determination as her voice echoed.


    ¡°Wanggu¡¯s human race¡¯s current generation Human Emperor.¡±


    ¡°Today, 1 offer forty-nine Imperial Seals formed from the nourishment of the human race¡¯s fortune as tributes to the Mystic Nether Holy Land.¡±


    As she spoke, the Empress waved her hand, and immediately, one by one, luminous Imperial Seals soared into the sky from the human race¡¯s fortune on the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    Each of these seals exuded an aura of supreme treasure rich with the human race¡¯s fortune and will. Due to the recent resurgence of the human race, these seals appeared even more radiant than before.


    It even emitted a sense of faith power.


    At that moment, all of them rose into the air and were personally sent off by the Human Emperor to the holy land.


    Soon, under the gazes of everyone from the human race and with the Empress bowing her head in reverence, these forty-nine Imperial Seals flew out of the crack and into the silver light passage.


    They followed the passage and headed up.


    This was the complete offering ritual.


    Every time they made an offering to heaven, they had to pay a tribute to the holy land. However, in the past, although the tribute was also the Imperial Seals formed by fortune, there weren¡¯t many of them and they couldn¡¯t tear the sky like this.


    Instead, the offering was completed through an ancient method that had been passed down from the holy land.


    Only this time was different.


    What was even more different was that the instant the forty-nine Imperial Seals flew rapidly toward the holy land in the silver beam of light, the silver light flickered and there was a sense of rejection.


    There were also fluctuations that rapidly swept through the silver light, as though they were probing. The moment they came into contact with the forty-nine Imperial Seals, they shook in unison.


    At the next instant, a shocking scene appeared before all the human cultivators.


    The forty-nine Imperial Seals that were speeding in the silver beam of light shattered, revealing the things that were hidden in them.


    There were forty-nine sun-like existences.


    They were forty-nine spheres of flames.


    They were forty-nine Suns of Dawn!!


    ¡°Please enjoy the offering, holy land.¡±


    ¡°May you be honored and pleased!¡±


    The Empress raised her head and calmly spoke..

 Chapter 1370 - 1370 Ill Bear It Alone!

    1370 I¡¯ll Bear It Alone!


    This happened too quickly and abruptly.


    Although the human cultivators knew that this Empress¡¯ next actions would definitely cause a storm, the sacrifices were only from nonhuman races.


    None of them imagined¡­ this storm was actually directed toward the holy land!


    Cries of surprise erupted into the sky.


    Although the holy land was far away from Wanggu, its control over Wanggu still existed over the countless years.


    This was especially so for the human race.


    After all, the largest holy land belonged to the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    Even though countless years had passed, his name, his deeds, and his dignity still enveloped Wanggu.


    The more difficult it was for the human race, the more they yearned for their former glory. The more bitter they felt, the more they yearned to be guided by the holy land.


    For countless years, the holy land had become the hope in the hearts of countless humans.


    Even though their ancestor had abandoned them back then, they made up various reasons to justify it, especially with the reign of the Human Emperor Eastern Triumph. With the ongoing rituals of heaven worship, a connection had been established between the Mystic Nether holy land and the human race.


    Regardless of whether it was the help of resources or the gift of hope, although outsiders didn¡¯t know much, the officials of the human race and those who had reached a certain level of cultivation knew.


    Hence, at this moment, the Empress¡¯ actions shocked and confused them. After that, there was anger and fear. All kinds of emotions erupted in the hearts of many humans at this moment.


    However, it was useless.


    In the sky, outside the gap, the forty-nine Suns of Dawn hidden in the Imperial Seals emitted unprecedented light and heat at this moment as they erupted in unison.


    In an instant, the sky of Wanggu was covered with extreme radiance.


    Even the other large regions could clearly see this scene that had never appeared before.


    Amidst the piercing and resplendent light and the endless heat waves, the forty-nine Suns of Dawn that had been specially arranged didn¡¯t diffuse their power at all.


    They formed a large array formation.


    This array formation was called the Dawn Array.


    There were two uses of this array formation; gather and attack!


    At the next instant, the explosive power of the forty-nine Suns of Dawn gathered together, forming an extreme beam of light that contained light and heat.


    It followed the silver light from the holy land and headed toward the Mystic Nether Holy Land at the other end at an incredibly astonishing speed!


    The passage formed by the silver light instantly shattered.


    As for the light formed from the forty-nine beams of light, wherever it passed, the surrounding starry sky collapsed and the pitch-black space was illuminated by the light traces.


    Like a spear, it carried the power of the Empress and the madness of the Suns of Dawn as it headed straight for the Mystic Nether holy land.


    At the next instant, an extremely terrifying explosion rang out from the depths of the starry sky, as though a cosmic beast was roaring.


    At the same time, the shattered pieces of the collapsed silver passage followed the gap in the sky and landed in Wanggu, turning into light that shone on the human capital.


    It was a light that was different from Wanggu¡¯s light.


    That was the light of the holy land that Wanggu didn¡¯t have.


    At that moment, the Empress¡¯ voice echoed, landing in the hearts of everyone who couldn¡¯t accept this.


    Her voice was dignified and hoarse.


    It was as though it had come from the passage of time, telling the story of time.


    ¡°Officials, citizens, and all my clansmen¡­¡±


    ¡°According to the ancestral teachings of the human race, the rulers are bestowed their mandate from the heavens. And the heavens are the holy land, and the holy land originates from the Holy Ancestor.¡±


    ¡°The ancestor said that the rulers of the human race can¡¯t blaspheme the holy land and can¡¯t walk the path of the gods. The enemy of all generations is the god.¡±


    ¡°Our human race has acknowledged these teachings for generations and has persisted. No matter how much suffering or deaths we suffer, we have no regrets.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­ there are some things you don¡¯t know!¡±


    The Empress paused.


    ¡°The fragmented-face descended, but the holy land only looked to protect itself.¡±


    ¡°For tens of thousands of years, they enjoyed the support of our race¡¯s offerings but ignored our sufferings. They are high and mighty. This is also the holy land.¡±


    ¡°In the year 37938 of the Eastern Triumph Calendar, the Human Emperor Eastern Triumph was eager for military glory. He mobilized the entire race to start a war with the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. This battle ended in a huge defeat, with tens of thousands of years of accumulation of the human race gone to waste, and is known as the Mystic Heaven Incident. However, the true history isn¡¯t like this!¡±


    ¡°The truth is that the Human Emperor Eastern Triumph went on an expedition under the orders of the holy land to obtain the secrets of the Flame Moon. After enduring countless hardships and finally acquiring the tribute, the holy land betrayed us, leaving our human race to bear the wrath of the Flame Moon, leading to our downfall.¡±


    ¡°In order not to displease the holy land, Eastern Triumph bore the burden alone and never explained anything. Even after death, this stigma follows him to this day. The one who orchestrated such events is the holy land.¡±


    ¡°When the Human Emperor Holy Heaven ascended the throne, he changed the tradition. He conducted offering rituals to the holy land every year, earnestly pleading for their protection. He sought not to expand, but simply to ensure that during the weakest times of our people, the holy land, as part of the human race, would offer its protection.¡±


    ¡°However, the holy land sealed its doors and only took. It didn¡¯t care about the life and death of the human race and ignored the fact that our human race had lost 39 regions. 100 billion human commoners were scattered all over the Wanggu, becoming slaves of the nonhuman races.¡±


    ¡°In the reign of the Human Emperor Mirror Cloud some years later, our human race had a chance to soar. The wise and virtuous Human Emperor Mirror Cloud incited the fear of the holy land, which subtly descended to suppress our people.


    ¡°After that, the people of the world stated that the emperor wanted to sever ties with the holy land. However, he died suddenly and became an unsolved case. Who was behind this?¡±


    ¡°Are only the humans of the holy land considered human, but the humans of Wanggu are not?¡±


    ¡°Holy land, why are you afraid of the rise of the human race of the Wanggu? Is Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether still in the holy land? Who exactly is the person who has been controlling the holy land all these years!¡±


    ¡°Today, the Sky Devouring Race sent an Emperor and four Heavenly Kings. They knew that they shouldn¡¯t have come but they still came to probe. This is because someone gave them a promise. Who gave the promise?!¡±


    The Empress¡¯ voice echoed and the human race fell silent.


    Some of the ministers wanted to say something, but their words were stuck in their throats and they eventually fell silent.


    There were some things that the commoners didn¡¯t know but as the kings and ministers, how could they not know about the suspicious points in history?


    It was just that they deliberately ignored it.


    ¡°Today, I¡¯m going to go against the ancestral teachings; I will destroy this holy land and take the god¡¯s path.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll completely break off ties with the holy land!¡±


    ¡°From now on, I don¡¯t seek eternal life. I only want to open up a thriving path for the human race for all eternity and rebuild its ancient glory!¡±


    A sharp glint appeared in the Empress¡¯ eyes. At this moment, endless tyranny rose from her body. Her voice echoed and spread throughout the Imperial City.


    She raised her hand and grabbed. Immediately, the light from the holy land that landed in the Imperial City was drawn over from all directions and headed straight for the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    The light of the holy land seemed to be the key to the godhood ritual. As it landed, it seemed to have ignited a certain opportunity!


    At the next instant, the Ancient Sovereign Planet rumbled. With it as the center, five huge vortexes showed up and encircled the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    In each vortex, a heavenly altar rose.


    On every heavenly altar, a figure in an emperor¡¯s robe sat cross-legged.


    Those were the corpses of the past emperors of the human race, including Mystic War.


    What was in the coffin earlier was only a portion of them. Only now did the true corpses appear in the world.


    Imperial aura towered into the sky.


    They each had divine flames that were burning with the Ancient Sovereign Planet as the core.


    The Empress raised her hands, as if to lift the Ancient Sovereign Planet, her voice carrying a thunderous authority, bearing witness to her resolve.


    ¡°Not only am I becoming a god today, I will bring the late human emperors to become gods together.¡±


    ¡°Henceforth, the five rulers will become corpse gods. Although they won¡¯t have spirit and wisdom, they will possess divine might and bear the will of the human race. They will follow the guidance of the human race¡¯s fortune and guard the foundation of our human race.¡±


    ¡°As a god, I will protect my human race and ensure peace for all ages!¡±


    ¡°The calamity that will come down due to my actions, I¡­ will bear it alone!¡±


    ¡°The holy land is heartless. Only we¡­ can save ourselves!¡±


    The Empress abruptly raised her head and stared at the sky. Her voice fused with the Heavenly Dao. This was her oath!


    In an instant, Wanggu rumbled and the figures of the Heavenly Dao showed up one after another.


    Thunder rumbled.

 Chapter 1371 - Chapter 1371: Dawn and Night (1)

    Chapter 1371: Dawn and Night (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The time now was dawn. Around the Ancient Sovereign Planet, the five great vortices rumbled and rotated.


    The corpses of the past Human Emperors each emitted a shocking imperial aura. Even though they were dead, this aura was still earth-shattering under the condensation of the vortices.


    They formed five huge beams of light that shot into the sky.


    They formed a pentagon with the Ancient Sovereign Planet as the center. From afar, they seemed to have formed a huge pentagonal altar.


    Although it was a little similar to the previous one, in terms of size and specifications, the previous one couldn¡¯t be compared at all.


    This was the Empress¡¯ godhood ritual.


    Moreover, compared to previous rituals, the ritual now had an unprecedented spirituality as though it itself possessed life!


    This was something Xu Qing had never seen before.


    To a certain extent, all the godhood rituals he had seen in the past were just rituals. There was no sense of life in them.


    Only now, what he beheld was unique.


    ¡®To become a human god herself and make the previous human emperors into corpse gods¡­ Such boldness!¡¯


    Xu Qing was moved.


    He had encountered many domineering individuals and had also seen those with great magnanimity, but most of them were men.


    A woman like the Empress, possessing a breadth of vision that countless men could not attain, was truly a rare sight!


    This was especially so for the way she cut the relation with the Holy Land.


    The appearance of the forty-nine Suns of Dawn exceeded Xu Qing¡¯s expectations and also the expectations of all the humans.


    Such grandeur was worthy of the title of Emperor.


    The main point of this ritual was that other than the existing ones, there seemed to be another item that served as the catalyst for igniting everything.


    ¡®The light formed from the shattering of the silver light passage of the holy land!¡¯


    Xu Qing raised his head and looked at the gap in the sky that had already closed.


    The fragments fell from there, turning into light that scattered into the imperial city. After that, it was drawn over by the Empress and fused into the ritual.


    The ritual then gained life.


    Clearly, this light from beyond heaven, or to be precise, the light from the holy land, was a key material for the Empress¡¯ godhood ritual.


    All of this caused waves in the minds of all the humans here.


    What happened today was a series of storms.


    The Empress¡¯ words were like heavenly lightning and every sentence was like a volcano erupting. It could be said that her words overturned history!


    So, this was the story of the Human Emperor Eastern Triumph.


    So, this was the sorrow of the Human Emperor Mirror Cloud.


    It turned out that the bitterness of the Human Emperor Holy Heaven was so intense.


    It turned out that the death of the Human Emperor Dao World was an eternal mystery.


    At this moment, all living beings fell silent.


    Only the Empress stood in the air, within the five pillars of light, looking at the sky.


    Flames burned on the Ancient Sovereign Planet under her feet. They were light golden in color and were becoming denser.


    The moment it completely turned golden, it meant that the ritual was a success. At that time, the five Human Emperors would advance to become gods and she would succeed. From then on, she would step onto a legendary path.


    At the thought of this, the Empress¡¯ eyes revealed a sharp glint.


    This light seemed to be able to break through the sky and shake the ground!


    The instant the world changed color, a rumbling thunderous sound suddenly rang out from the sky.


    This sound didn¡¯t come from the sky but¡­ from outside the sky!


    After it was transmitted to Wanggu, it became a vast statement that echoed through the entire Imperial City like a command.


    ¡°By the decree of the ancient sovereign: The false emperor who is not of ancient descent, lacking in virtue and benevolence, with a poisonous heart and malicious intent, was once a concubine of Mystic War. She entered his service as a mere mortal, secretly conspiring in his private chambers, plotting to gain favor in the harem.¡±


    ¡°With a serpent¡¯s heart and a wolf¡¯s nature, she has indulged in depravity, beguiling the loyal and righteous.


    ¡°Despised by both humans and ghosts, and intolerable by heaven and earth.¡±


    ¡°She still harbors treacherous intentions, seeking to usurp the race¡¯s artifacts. Who does this region¡¯s sky belong to?¡±


    ¡°Wanggu¡¯s humans, the words still resonate in our ears, loyalty remains steadfast in our hearts. By the mandate of Wanggu¡¯s destiny, remove this woman!¡±


    ¡°Everyone shall be rewarded with titles and rewards.¡±


    ¡°If you cling to delusions and stray from the path, ignoring the warnings, you will surely face future retribution!


    ¡°Take heed of the decree!¡±


    With these words, the heavens and earth of the human race roared, and countless human cultivators felt a storm brewing in their hearts.


    This storm appeared out of thin air, hidden in their bloodline and exploding in their minds.


    Even the power of fortune that surrounded the human race suddenly churned and rolled in all directions, rejecting the Empress.


    The emperor¡¯s robe on the Empress¡¯ body tore apart and the emperor¡¯s crown on her head instantly collapsed.


    This was because what came from beyond the heaven was the true sacred decree of the human race!


    That was the decree of the ancient sovereign!


    It could command all races, determine life and death with a single word, and even the fortune of the human race had to submit to it.


    Thus, the hearts of the people were in turmoil, and the giant dragon formed by the human race¡¯s fortune roared at the Empress. Countless phantoms of ancestors appeared, glaring angrily at the Empress.


    At the same time, the surging fortune also brought forth the spirits of humans who had died in battles against the gods over countless years. Their numbers were vast, covering the sky and forming an overwhelming force.


    All of them had sorrowful expressions as they glared at the Empress.


    They wanted to destroy her throne and stop her from becoming a god!


    This was the holy land¡¯s counterattack!


    However, the Empress¡¯ gaze was still sharp. After sweeping her gaze across the countless heroic spirits formed by the surrounding fortune, she calmly spoke.


    ¡°You have all witnessed the mistakes of Eastern Triumph.¡±


    ¡°You have seen the sorrow of Mirror Cloud.¡±


    ¡°You are aware of the bitterness of Holy Heaven.¡±


    ¡°You have experienced the downfall of Dao World.¡±


    ¡°You are indeed ancestors, indeed heroes, born as part of the human race, and even in death, you remain so. I respect that. However¡­ I cannot simply turn a blind eye, feign ignorance, or let myself be deceived!¡±


    ¡°Nor can 1 allow all actions and thoughts to be dictated solely by an external decree!¡±

 Chapter 1372 - Chapter 1372: Dawn and Night (2)

    Chapter 1372: Dawn and Night (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°For countless millennia, the human race has suffered. The people have endured without shelter, facing death at every moment. Bodies have floated for miles, enslaved, and treated as livestock. It¡¯s a sight too heartbreaking to bear¡­¡±


    ¡°Today, 1 aim to rise, to protect our people, to summon back those who are wandering, to guard our land for countless miles, so that our people will no longer be weak, so that they can hold their heads high!¡±


    ¡°My heart is witnessed by heaven and earth, my words are heard by Wanggu.


    With my contributions for the human race¡­ why should the fortune of the human race consume me?¡±


    The Empress¡¯ voice suddenly rang out like a sharp blade, piercing through the world and blasting into the fortune.


    This caused the fortune to surge even more. The heroic spirits inside seemed to have been questioned.


    The Empress took a step forward.


    The world rumbled and her aura overflowed into the sky, causing the sky to change color and wind to surge.


    Her voice was like heavenly lightning, exploding in all directions.


    ¡°The human race has been weakening and declining, but the holy land only takes without caring about our life and death!¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have it easy. There are many powerful races neighboring us and their desire to exterminate us will last forever!¡±


    ¡°Since ascending to the throne, I have been diligent and dedicated, never daring to slack even for a moment. Creating the Sun of Dawn, forging alliances, I tread as cautiously as if on thin ice. The slightest misstep, and our people will cease to exist. What can I do?¡±


    ¡°Heroic ancestors, can you tell me?¡±


    ¡°Do you want to watch helplessly as our race suffers and is destroyed?¡±


    ¡°Do you want to see all the humans become martyrs like you?¡±


    The Empress took another step, causing the heavens and earth to tremble. The fortune of the human race surged and rolled within, and the expressions of all the spirits and ancestors within were no longer filled with anger, but rather with complexity and sorrow.


    ¡°I can¡¯t!


    ii


    The voice of the Empress became the only voice in the world!


    ¡°Therefore¡­ the only way is to become a god!¡±


    ¡°I am first the Human Emperor and then the Fluman God. All the karma, I bear alone, solely for the glory of the human race. I ask the heavens, the earth, the hearts, the fortune, the spirits and ancestors, what wrong have I done with my actions?¡±


    ¡°The holy land doesn¡¯t care about the human race, I do!¡±


    ¡°The world doesn¡¯t pity the human race, I do!¡±


    ¡°Fortune of the human race, heroic spirits and ancestors, with my heart and intentions as they are, why do you oppose me?¡±


    The Empress raised her head. Her voice was like heavenly might, shaking the world.


    It stirred karma and formed a grand vow!


    With a righteous heart and words said with clear conscience, she gathered a majestic momentum, questioning the fortune, these heroic spirits, these ancestors!


    What right do you have to devour me?


    Why do you oppose me?


    Fortune erupted, its sound mournful. All the heroic spirits and ancestors fell into a collective silence.


    Immediately after, all the heroic spirits and ancestors lowered their heads and knelt down in front of the Empress.


    ¡°Human Emperor!¡±


    A buzzing sound rang out, cutting off the world.


    Fortune churned violently, the emperor¡¯s robe appeared on the Empress¡¯ body again. The emperor¡¯s crown was formed again and it was even more dense and majestic than before.


    At this moment, the world of the human race, the will of the human race, the history of the human race, and the fortune of the human race all moved around the Empress, augmenting her.


    A terrifying aura rose from the Empress¡¯ body.


    After the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, this was a scene that had never appeared on the previous emperors in the countless years of the human race!


    The flames on the Ancient Sovereign Planet became even more intense.


    At the same time, the aura of the human race soared into the sky at dawn. In another large region very far away from the human race, it was dark.


    Everything was the opposite.


    This was the Sky Devouring Region.


    The io,ooo-foot-tall figure of the Sky Devouring Race¡¯s emperor in this region was collapsing. Endless streams of blood flowed out of his body and drowned the surroundings.


    Countless members of the Sky Devouring Race floated in the surroundings with terrified and anxious expressions.


    However, there was nothing they could do.


    The feeling of weakness was incomparably obvious on their emperor.


    A long time later, the Sky Devouring Emperor slowly opened his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    A hoarse voice rang out. However, anyone could tell that his situation was serious. His injuries were extremely serious and he would need to enter closed-door cultivation immediately.


    ¡°You guys¡­¡±


    The Sky Devouring Emperor endured his injuries. He wanted to make many arrangements before he went into seclusion. However, the instant he spoke, his heart suddenly trembled and an intense sense of danger erupted in his mind.


    He immediately raised his head and looked at the dark sky above him. A hint of surprise appeared on his face.


    ¡°This is¡­¡±


    Before he could finish speaking, a murmur suddenly rang out from the sky above him.


    ¡°The merging of the primordial sun energy, the ancient eyes of the Divine Fusion, become the light of the starry sky, shining upon Wanggu, casting shadow and transforming the land into a Divine Realm.¡±


    ¡°Revered Lord of the Sun, God of the cosmos and all heavens, Illuminate.¡±


    ¡°Descend upon this land!¡±


    As soon as the mutter rang out, the heaven and earth of the Sky Devouring Race¡¯s territory swayed. An extremely terrifying and indescribable vast might descended from the void and landed here, landing in the entire Sky Devouring Region.


    An illusory but clear scene appeared in the sky above the Sky Devouring Emperor.


    It replaced the sky here, the Dao here, and everything here.


    That scene was a world filled with bizarre entities and mysteries.


    One could see towering monstrous trees, bizarre beasts that emitted dense divinity fluctuations, and towering and indescribable ancient temples.


    One could see frozen seas, gaseous peaks, the humanoid clouds, octopus-like spirits resembling suns and moons, as well as giant birds with wings that obscure the sky.


    All of them were extremely huge.


    In the depths of this world, one could see a colossal and terrifying sphere that was thousands of kilometers large.


    This sphere was entirely black, covered with countless tentacles that writhed constantly. The half-closed eye within shimmered an eerie light, as if capable of piercing through time and space.


    The voice that came from the sphere was deep and loud, like thunder rolling in the clouds.


    As it squirmed, the entire world trembled. The ground was collapsing, the sea was churning, and the sky was burning.


    Countless faces appeared on the surface of the black sphere, singing and shouting the same words as before.


    It was¡­ Illuminate¡¯s Divine Realm!


    At the next instant, the black meatbail shot out countless tentacles that stretched out from the scene. Every tentacle emitted the power of divine authority, ignoring the laws and piercing through the void.


    The Sky Devouring Emperor¡¯s expression changed and he quickly retreated. At the same time, he raised his hand and his Ruler Realm¡¯s aura erupted.


    Heaven and earth seemed to have been cut off from the world, becoming its own universe.


    However, with a flash of black light, the black meatball actually leaped out of the Divine Realm and enveloped the universe, devouring it.


    Countless tentacles extended crazily.


    In the blink of an eye, the heavily injured Sky Devouring Emperor was dragged into the Divine Realm.


    After that, amidst the shocked cries of the surrounding Sky Devouring Race members, the figures of various races descended from the Illuminate¡¯s Divine Realm.


    There were no less than hundreds of thousands of them!


    Some of these figures were filled with baleful aura and incomparably ferocious.


    Some were expressionless like ordinary people, and some contained gentle smiles.


    Their temperaments were different and they were from different races, but what was similar was that they were all heaven¡¯s chosens who had carried out blood performances.


    They were all Illuminate members from the various races in the Wanggu Continent!


    Other than them, there were also some even stranger figures.


    These figures were all wearing black robes that covered their bodies. However, the aura they revealed was shockingly cold, as though they were ancient ghosts from the underworld.


    Black mist emanated from their entire bodies, swirling around them, transforming into demons, creating a horrifying sight.


    There were also some whose bodies seemed to have fused with plants. All of them were either tall or bizarre. Some were in human form and some were in beast form. Their entire bodies emitted anomalous substances that belonged to gods.


    If Xu Qing was here, he would definitely be able to recognize them at a glance.


    These were the god specimens he had seen before!


    After descending here, these evil cultivators¡¯ eyes revealed a dark glint, laughing sinisterly.


    ¡°Is this the place the crown prince chose for us?¡±


    ¡°The air here is indeed beautiful¡­¡±


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s start the massacre. Heed the crown prince¡¯s orders and turn all the lives here into flesh and blood materials!¡±


    As they spoke, all of them charged in all directions.


    In an instant, when the human race was attracting countless gazes, a shocking massacre unfolded in the Sky Devouring Imperial City and quickly spread to the entire large region.


    After losing the emperor and the four strongest Heavenly Kings, the originally powerful Sky Devouring Race faced the descent of all the members of the Illuminate, the god specimens that could self-destruct, and the Divine Realm that appeared in their sky¡­


    The outcome was easily imaginable.


    This was especially so when¡­ the bizarre entities in the Divine Realm descended, spreading terror all over the earth.


    The entire Sky Devouring Region faced all kinds of calamity!

 Chapter 1373 - Chapter 1373 The Awakening of the Human Race’s Heavenly Dao (1)

    Chapter 1373 The Awakening of the Human Race¡¯s Heavenly Dao (1)


    The calamity of the night descended in the Sky Devouring Region, wreaking havoc on all living beings.


    While the light of dawn was falling on the world of the human race¡¯s imperial city.


    At this moment, light and darkness were exceptionally clear in the vast painting of the Wanggu.


    However, there were also struggles in the dark night and obstacles in the dawn.


    In the human capital, on the Ancient Sovereign Planet, as the fortune guided by the holy land counterattacked the holy land, it formed an emperor robe and crown on the Empress¡¯ body again. Raging divine flames also rose on the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    This fire became increasingly golden.


    The corpses of the past human emperors in the five vortices in the surroundings were the same. In the light golden flames, their appearances became lively and their bodies showed signs of recovery.


    The gods¡¯ aura gradually appeared on them.


    The most astonishing person was naturally the Empress herself.


    The aura on her body was peerlessly shocking at this moment. As she stood there, she was like the master of the world.


    It was as though she had become a god in this world. She possessed omniscience and gave off a boundless feeling.


    This was especially so for the golden light that was constantly flickering on her body.


    From afar, it was like a scorching sun in the sky!


    Its aura shook the sky, and its intent could penetrate the void.


    What erupted with her was the fortune of the human race.


    Fortune churned and rose in waves, forming boundless auspicious clouds.


    At this moment, there were no objections to her becoming a god¡­


    Under the eruption of the initial might of the previous human emperor gods, it shook the world and fused with the Empress¡¯ aura, turning into a bright divine lantern.


    The light illuminated Wanggu.


    Countless powerful races and countless gods sensed it. Hence, streams of divine senses gathered at the human capital from all directions.


    The aura emitted by the Empress was too astonishing.


    Her actions were too domineering.


    Her ambitions were enough to make everyone feel fear.


    Peak Rulers were already terrifying existences like tribulation fire high gods. Although they weren¡¯t flawlessness, they were infinitely close.


    Such an existence had changed her path to become a god, which was an extremely rare case since ancient times.


    Once she succeeded¡­ with the power she erupted with after igniting the divine fire, she would at least be at the flawlessness stage!


    There was even a chance that she would be like Li Zihua, directly crossing the flawlessness stage and stepping into¡­ the Divine Platform!


    In the Summer Immortal¡¯s system, it was the Quasi-Immortal Great Emperor realm!


    As for the details, it was hard to judge.


    However, what was certain was that although this trace of opportunity wasn¡¯t much, there was still a possibility!


    Li Zihua was an example!


    Hence, how could the various parties in Wanggu not be shocked?


    Even though there was only a trace of possibility, the Wanggu gods still wouldn¡¯t allow another god like this to appear.


    The Flame Moon¡¯s influence was already rising, and the Wanggu¡¯s dominant races did not wish for another race to rise to power.


    Therefore, the resistance the Empress faced in her godhood ascension was far greater than that faced by the three Flame Moon¡¯s gods back then.


    Besides the reasons mentioned earlier, another factor was that the Flame Moon race itself was a powerful race, with its rulers being high gods. Thus, to some extent, they were qualified to achieve flawlessness, the human race didn¡¯t possess such qualifications.


    lights¦­¦Ïv¦Ål ?¦Ïm Moreover, back then, only the Great Magistrate of the Flame Moon was carrying out the godhood ritual. However, for the human race¡­ including the Empress, there were six who were becoming gods!


    More importantly, the Flame Moon didn¡¯t belong to the holy land.


    However, the human race was different.


    To be precise, over the years, the holy land had always maintained a high and mighty attitude and controlled the human race. Regardless of whether it was the Eastern Triumph or the Holy Heaven, they had to lower their heads to the holy land.


    Dao World had the intention to break the relation, but he was killed secretly and his death became an unsolved case. This showed how much control the holy land had over the Wanggu¡¯s human race.


    The Empress¡¯ action of becoming a god represented the independence of the Wanggu¡¯s human race and that it would be out of the holy land¡¯s control from now on. Hence, even without the attack of the forty-nine Suns of Dawn, the Mystic Nether holy land would definitely not allow it!


    Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have made a promise to the Sky Devouring Race, making its emperor attack to probe the Human Emperor¡¯s combat strength.


    Hence, for the human race, the obstructions now were all the gods, powerful races, and the holy land!


    It wasn¡¯t an exaggeration to say that the Empress¡¯ godhood ascension was not permitted.


    Hence, the holy land used its holy decree to influence the fortune earlier.


    That was only the first stage.


    At that moment, the second stage of the Holy Land¡¯s counterattack arrived.


    The holy land was beyond the sky and couldn¡¯t easily descend. Hence, there was a certain limit to their methods and they couldn¡¯t personally interfere. However, relying on the remnants left behind back then, they could still exert terrifying might.


    At the next instant, the sky above the human metropolis rippled. Amidst the sounds of heavenly lightning exploding, a huge figure shuttled through the void and replaced the sky of the human race.


    It was a behemoth with a human face and a dragon body.


    Its form was huge, blotting out the sky. The instant it appeared, all the cultivators¡¯ hearts trembled.


    A feeling of worship seemed to rise from its souls, causing the expressions of everyone to change.


    As for this terrifying existence that had arrived, it was facing the Human Emperor in the heavens with a cold and emotionless gaze.


    Its gender couldn¡¯t be differentiated from its face and its entire form emitted heavenly might. Every scale contained laws that could shake the cultivation foundation of all cultivators.


    It was a Heavenly Dao.


    One of the 99 Immemorial Heavenly Dao of the Wanggu Continent!


    Moreover, it wasn¡¯t just one!


    The next instant, a second Heavenly Dao manifested in the sky.


    This second Heavenly Dao was a nine-headed lion. It walked over from afar, stirring up wind, rain, lightning, and thunder, forming a violent pressure that tore through everything.


    In the blink of an eye, a black ancient statue also descended from the void, suppressing the sealing might and rising into the sky.


    Then, a snow-white crane let out a resounding call and flew in from the horizon, circling above the human race.

 Chapter 1374 - 1374 The Awakening of the Human Races Heavenly Dao (2)

    1374 The Awakening of the Human Race¡¯s Heavenly Dao (2)


    This was also a Heavenly Dao.


    The last one to appear wasn¡¯t a living creature but a large seal!


    This seal was ancient and emitted the feeling of time. It was carved with the images of the Wanggu¡¯s mountains and rivers and countless humans. In the carvings, those humans were fighting against the gods.


    This was¡­ the Human¡¯s Seal!


    It was the seal of the first ancient sovereign of the Wanggu. It was sent to the sky and became one of Wanggu¡¯s Heavenly Daos.


    At that moment, including this seal, a total of five Immemorial Heavenly Dao landed in the sky of the human race.


    This was the foundation the Mystic Nether Holy Land had left behind in Wanggu. Now, in order to stop the Empress, they were used.


    In an instant, the color of the sky changed and the wind surged. The might of the Heavenly Daos was vast, forming a power of suppression.


    The ground shook and the void tore apart. Countless seals enveloped the Empress.


    Regardless of whether it was the mortals, cultivators, or the officials, most of the humans in the capital had bewildered expressions. Only a few of them looked normal.


    The Empress was one of them.


    She stood in the air. Not only did her aura not decrease, but it instead became increasingly shocking under the suppression of the Heavenly Daos.


    It was as though there was no obstacle that could sever her obsession.


    No force could crush her spine.


    No one could make her lower her head.


    At that moment, she looked at the five descending Immemorial Heavenly Daos with her bright eyes and waved her hand.


    Immediately, a huge war drum rumbled and manifested on the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    This drum was condensed from the mountains, rivers, and lands of the human race, using the will of the human race as its top, and powered by the bloodline of the human race. The moment it appeared, the world was turned upside down and it emitted a vast aura that could determine victory!


    It was the human race¡¯s war drum!


    ¡°King Zhen Cang.¡±


    ¡°Your status is the most suitable for this moment. Are you willing to beat the drum for me and suppress the Heavenly Daos?!¡±


    The Empress calmly spoke. Her voice landed on the Ancient Sovereign Planet and echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears.


    Ever since Xu Qing made a move earlier, he had been watching this magnificent godhood ritual. Hearing the Empress¡¯ words now, he understood that there must be a deeper meaning behind the Empress pointing him out.


    She should have known about his Heavenly Dao child and noticed that the karma between him and the Immemorial Heavenly Daos was extremely deep.


    Xu Qing fell silent. He sensed the vast might of the Empress at this moment and didn¡¯t dare to refuse.


    Hence, he charged into the sky. Three steps later, he stood on the huge human war drum under the gazes of everyone.


    His cultivation base circulated and 40 million soul threads erupted, forming an illusory great world. There was also the appearance of the Grand Mystic Heaven Armor. Jiuli surrounded him and his aura rose to the peak.


    A sharp glint appeared in his eyes as he punched at the human war drum.


    This punch shattered the void, creating a world-shaking force that landed on the war drum of the human race, producing a thunderous, earth-shattering sound!


    As this sound erupted, the sky roared, and the earth was stirred into violent tremors. Every building within the imperial capital shook, and the ground outside the capital undulated wildly.


    Even the rivers surged and churned at this moment, ultimately merging the colossal sounds of heaven and earth, and the roaring of rivers, into the singular sound of the drum.


    This sound cut through the sky, forming a brilliant momentum, sweeping through the five Immemorial Heavenly Daos that were pressing down.


    Not only was the drumbeat monstrous, but it also contained the karma between Xu Qing and the Immemorial Heavenly Daos. Vaguely, it was accompanied by the cry of a baby that echoed through the void.


    In an instant, the five Immemorial Heavenly Daos trembled in unison.


    As for Xu Qing, after his all-out attack landed, a terrifying force was also reflected from the human war drum. It spread through his entire body through his fist. Under waves of cracking sounds, this terrifying force swept through his flesh, blood, meridians, bones, and soul.


    Xu Qing trembled and spat out a mouthful of black blood.


    This blood had an extremely fishy stench, like poison that contained endless filth.


    As he spat out this mouthful of blood, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body felt unprecedentedly transparent. A light and agile sensation surfaced in his entire body, transforming into waves of comfort.


    All of this caused his heart to stir and a strange glint to appear in his eyes.


    Most of the hidden injuries that had been left behind from the countless battles over the years were actually healed by the counterforce from the human war drum, as though he had been purified.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He raised his hand again and circulated his cultivation base, augmenting it completely as he threw a second punch at the human war drum.


    DONG!


    The drumbeat rang out again, the sky swayed, and the hearts of the people rumbled. Strands of fortune rose from all the humans and gathered in the dragon of fortune.


    This caused this fortune dragon¡¯s body to grow countless times stronger. It swam in the fortune of the race and roared at the sky at the Heavenly Daos.


    As it roared, the surrounding heroic spirits and ancestors who had submitted to the Empress shone with light, forming boundless killing intent.


    Then they charged toward the Heavenly Daos.


    When they were alive, they were killing enemies. After they died, they protected the Human Emperor!


    Kill!!


    At this moment, the color of the world changed.


    The five Heavenly Daos in the sky also trembled more intensely. The suppressive power of the seal showed signs of being shaken.


    Xu Qing felt that all the hidden injuries on his body had disappeared under the counter-shock purification. In fact, his physical strength had even increased.


    Moreover, his body and soul were further merged, causing him to inexplicably feel as though he was complete.


    This feeling came too suddenly. He didn¡¯t have time to think too much now. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he threw out the third punch.


    As the drum sound arose, the heavens and earth seemed to crumble. This sound resonated not only from the Grand Imperial Capital Region, but also from the seven counties, the Holy Wave, the Black Spirit¡­ and even from all the miserable humans who were stranded outside.


    No matter what they were doing, they were all guided by their bloodlines and released their wills.


    A spark could start a prairie fire.


    The determination of all the humans in the Wanggu erupted amidst the drumbeats. They invisibly fused into the third drumbeat and transformed into a deep roar of the human will.


    ¡°Ni!¡±


    This word was extraordinary, historically associated with the name of the underworld. As the Heavenly Daos were established, apart from a few that were formed from artifacts, the rest were formed from the valiant souls who died in battle.


    Hence, it was named by the Summer Immortal to be the true name of the Dao of all heavens.


    As the saying went, when a human died, they became a ghost, feared by the living. When a ghost died, they became Ni, feared by other ghosts. This was the Heavenly Dao.


    At this moment, this word, shouted out by the collective will of the human race, swept from the earth to the heavens, from humanity to the Dao¡­


    Break through the Heavenly Daos!


    The Wanggu Heavenly Daos existed for the determination of the myriad races and protected the living beings in this world. At that moment¡­ the impact formed by the will of the humans who had unified Wanggu many times, calling out the true name naturally shook the very foundation of the Heavenly Daos.


    These five Heavenly Daos controlled by the holy land also had to follow their essence. At this moment, they all swayed and took a step back!


    Seeing this, the Empress¡¯ eyes gleamed.


    When the three gods advanced back then, they had the regional treasures and even an eternal artifact to fend off the obstruction of the gods. This formidable collection was the force of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, representing the foundation of the three gods.


    As for the human race¡­ although they had deep foundations in the past, they had been in dire straits for countless years and didn¡¯t have many trump cards left. However¡­ the will of the human race still existed in this cruel Wanggu.


    And the war drum stimulated it.


    At that moment, it towered into the sky and shook the world.


    Xu Qing¡¯s aura rose and with the new sense of completeness, he threw out the fourth punch.


    The sound of the drumbeat shook the sky.


    As it reverberated in all directions, the resonance of the determination of the human race, the resonance of fortune, the resonance of mountains and rivers, the resonance of bloodlines, and then¡­ the connection of timeless epochs, the past glory also descended in this brief resonance, projecting an image.


    It was a map of the mountains and rivers!


    It was drawn from the currents of time by the drumbeat, converging between heaven and earth.


    The regions of the ancient times were all lands of various races.


    The races of the Wanggu all bowed in reverence.


    The Empress raised her hand and held the illusory ancient map in her hand.


    ¡°Back then, the Heavenly Daos were conferred mainly by our human race. The other races agreed and built them together.¡±


    ¡°Your descent at this moment, this act¡­ is overstepping your boundaries!¡±


    ¡°Do not forget, our human race also has a Heavenly Dao, which, apart from the ancestral Dao formed from the Summer Immortal, is the foremost existence among the Heavenly Dao of the Wanggu!¡±


    ¡°After the fragmented-face arrived and Mystic Nether left, it fell into a deep sleep for countless years.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s time for it to wake up!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, beat the drum!¡±


    The Empress¡¯ voice was like thunder. She waved the territory map in her hand and it transformed into a massive drum mallet that was thrown at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and enhanced his entire body with his cultivation base. His qi and blood churned endlessly as he lifted his hand and took the drum mallet formed by the map of the territory that contained the glory of the human race.


    He struck the human war drum with all his might!


    DONG!


    The fifth drumbeat!


    The instant it spread throughout Wanggu and echoed in the sky, a roar that seemed to come from ancient times rose from time and echoed in the void.


    At the next instant, the world turned golden.


    A seven-clawed golden dragon suddenly emerged in the clouds.

 Chapter 1375 - 1375 Arrival of Gods (1)

    1375 Arrival of Gods (1)


    This dragon coiled in the sky and its aura seemed to suppress the time.


    Its body was like a galaxy that was filled with the vitality of life. Scales covered its entire body, and every piece was like meticulously polished gems that flickered with a mysterious light.


    These scales were densely packed and tightly arranged, like an invulnerable armor.


    Its head was incomparably majestic, as though it was formed from the essence of the world. Its eyes were like resplendent stars, filled with deepness and wisdom that could see through everything in the world.


    Its sharp fangs were intimidating. Its whiskers were long and elegant, like golden ribbons, adding a hint of otherworldliness.


    The most eye-catching thing was its dragon horns.


    Two long horns curved back from its forehead, as though they could guide the race forward.


    Its appearance caused the entire world to tremble.


    Mystery, dignity, and strength were the definitions of it at this moment.


    In the surroundings, other than the Heavenly Dao formed by the large seal, the other four Heavenly Daos were all prostrating.


    This was the Heavenly Dao of the human race!


    Due to its slumber, the innate talent of the human race also turned dormant. Now¡­ in response to the call of the fortune, will, and bloodline of the human race, under the strike of the ancient territorial map-turned drum mallet¡­ It awakened!


    The entire world was shaken!


    The bodies of the Heavenly Daos that were prostrating there turned blurry and chose to retreat. The human seal buzzed and floated toward the golden dragon.


    It was swallowed by the golden dragon and sank into its body.


    Originally, this seal was in the golden dragon¡¯s body. It was just that it was spat out because it went to slumber back then.


    At this moment, they became one once again.


    The aura of the Heavenly Dao Golden Dragon rose again, emitting a vast might as it slowly flew around the human capital.


    The humans in the Imperial Capital gasped.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart also stirred. He raised his head and stared at this huge seven-clawed golden dragon. He now had a deeper understanding of the glory of the human race back then.


    The Empress¡¯ eyes were bright as she suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Xu Qing, beat again!¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. After taking a deep breath, he gathered all his strength and knocked one last time.


    The moment the sixth drumbeat spread through the world, his entire body trembled and countless cracks appeared on his body!


    These cracks didn¡¯t look like new injuries but more like old ones.


    They spread throughout Xu Qing¡¯s entire body, as though the Xu Qing of the past was fragmented and then glued back together.


    However, at that moment, under the sound of the drum, the cracks actually began to truly heal.


    As they healed, a sense of warmth surfaced in Xu Qing¡¯s entire body. The feeling of completeness also spread out even more densely.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled as he sensed the cracks on his body. He was very unfamiliar with these injuries.


    However, at the next instant, the image of the rag doll that had been stitched up appeared in his mind¡­


    Time didn¡¯t allow Xu Qing to think too much. After the sixth drumbeat rang out, the seven-clawed golden dragon in the sky let out a roar that echoed in the minds of all humans.


    This roar lit up the darkness!


    As everyone¡¯s hearts echoed, it was as though they had broken through some shackles, awakening a certain aura that was sleeping in their bloodline.


    Many cries of surprise immediately rang out from the mouths of many humans in the Imperial City.


    In fact, there were even some whose bodies shone with intense light at this moment. One could vaguely sense that their auras were also enhanced and they were much stronger. Their bodies also swelled up.


    They transformed into giants of different heights!


    The tallest was a thousand feet tall and the shortest was a hundred feet tall.


    The astonishing physical strength churned in their bodies like an ocean.


    This scene caused everyone¡¯s breathing to become hurried. Some old officials who were familiar with ancient books had dazed expressions and cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°Human talent¡­¡±


    ¡°Spirit Ancestor Transformation!!¡±


    Humans had an innate talent!


    Today, with the awakening of the seven-clawed golden dragon and its roar, this talent was released from the human bloodline.


    The second stage of the holy land¡¯s counterattack was resolved just like that.


    The divine aura on the Empress¡¯ body became increasingly intense, and the divine fire of the Ancient Sovereign Planet burned even more intensely.


    However, at this moment, a cold snort suddenly came from the sky and landed on the human race. It transformed into a series of heavenly lightning that rumbled through the sky.


    There were five dominant Wanggu Races!


    Other than the top two races, the strength of the latter three races was once almost the same. They were the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, the Empyrean Crimson Land Race, and the Underworld Origin Corpse Race!


    At that moment, as the chilly snort rang out, a sea of fire swept through the sky. Everyone looked up and saw nothing but flames.


    And from this sea of fire, a god walked over.


    He was clad in a fiery red robe, resembling a blazing inferno, embroidered with intricate patterns of flames, showcasing His identity and glory.


    His height was majestic and astonishing, like a colossal mountain. His broad shoulders seemed capable of shouldering the weight of the entire world. His hair was as red as fire, like lava gushing out of a volcano.


    His locks flowed wildly and fervently, swaying gracefully with His stride, manifesting the essence of all living beings.


    His countenance bore an indifferent demeanor, devoid of any emotion in His piercing gaze. Confidence and composure radiated from Him unmistakably, as if He could conquer all before Him with ease.


    He was none other than the Blazing God, one of the three gods of the Empyrean Crimson Land Race!


    ¡°Humans can¡¯t become gods.¡±


    His words echoed in the world, forming a law that imprinted on heaven and earth and landed on the Empress¡¯ body, covering the divine fire of the Ancient Sovereign Planet and the heads of the corpses of the past human emperors.


    In an instant, the divine fire dimmed and the lively intent of the corpses of the past human emperors became unstable.


    This was the law of the gods, surpassing the rules.


    At the same time, in the western sky, the night was as black as ink. It instantly spread and split the human race¡¯s sky into two.


    In the dark night, countless corpses piled up like mountains and collapsed, emitting an endless stench. There were also terrifying anomalous substances that, combined with astonishing godly might, landed in the human world.


    Amidst the corpses, there was a god.


    This god didn¡¯t have a human shape and was a piece of rotting flesh. Under the countless mucus on It, a large number of eyes grew. As They appeared, They all looked at the Empress.


    Terrifying fluctuations erupted from Its body.


    The seven-clawed golden dragon roared. The human world turned hazy, like the fog of doomsday.


    ¡°Empyrean Crimson Land Race, Underworld Origin Corpse Race!¡±


    The Empress calmly spoke.


    At the next instant, the Blazing God took a step forward. The flames of heaven and earth erupted and headed straight for the Empress.


    The night sky in the west instantly poured down. Countless corpses rolled in the air like a huge meatball, approaching the Empress.


    The battle of the gods was about to begin.


    However, at that moment, a luminous moon rose at the intersection of the night and the sea of fire. The moonlight scattered on the ground, forming an astonishing might. Wherever it passed, the sea of fire would move back and the night would melt.


    From under the moonlight, a god walked over.


    She had heavenly beauty, but was as chilly as ice.


    She was one of the three Flame Moon Gods¡­ the Moon Flame High God.


    After She appeared, the stars in the sky flickered and countless starlight scattered down. Accompanied by a soft laugh, it gathered in the air and formed a clay fox.


    On top of the fox¡¯s head sat a god.


    She was incomparably seductive and charming.


    Naturally, She was Star Flame High God.


    The moment They appeared, these two flawlessness stage gods landed in front of the sea of fire and the night, blocking their way forward.


    ¡°Who said that humans can¡¯t become gods?¡±


    Star Flame smiled. The instant She spoke, the speech spell formed by the Blazing God started shaking.


    ¡°Can!¡±


    Moon Flame calmly spoke.


    In that instant, the mark crumbled and shattered into pieces. The godly fire on the Ancient Sovereign Planet reignited and the corpses of the past human emperors became lively again.


    Only the Empress¡¯ expression didn¡¯t change at all.

 Chapter 1376 - 1376 Come if You Want to Die! (1)

    1376 Come if You Want to Die! (1)


    The scene of Them appearing in the sky caused Xu Qing to immediately confirm that his previous judgment wasn¡¯t wrong. Back then, when the three gods advanced, the mysterious cultivator who had appeared at the critical moment to stop the giant starry hand.


    It was the Human Emperor.


    ¡®No wonder I felt that the Flame Moon agreed to retreat too easily back then, and that my appearance only gave them a reasonable excuse to allow this retreat.¡¯


    ¡®Now that I think about it, Star Flame High God had appeared in the human capital previously¡­ She probably already made a deal with the Human Emperor at that time¡­¡¯


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. As he looked at the magnificent scene in front of him, his admiration for the Empress rose.


    ¡®I hope¡­ she will succeed.¡¯


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t find a reason not to wish her well, especially after experiencing the baptism of the drumbeats.


    Hence, he looked at the Empress.


    In his eyes, she exuded confidence and composure, commanding the realm with her regal bearing. It seemed as if no change could ruffle her, no obstacle could daunt her; her expression remained serene throughout.


    If it was Xu Qing when he hadn¡¯t entered the Seven Blood Eyes, his perspective, his understanding, his experiences would not have been fully broadened.


    In that case, he might have another understanding of the Empress¡¯ calmness.


    However, with his current experience, he naturally understood that her status and stature necessitated concealing her emotions. At this moment, the eyes of all the humans were fixed on her.


    She was the source of the strength of the human race in the Wanggu.


    If she showed fear, the people would be afraid; if she showed panic, the people would panic.


    Similarly, at this moment, countless Wanggu races, experts, and gods were using their own methods to pay close attention to this grand ceremony of the human race.


    Therefore, one could imagine that every expression, every word, and every action of the Empress would be magnified countless times and deeply scrutinized by all parties.


    If she was fully understood, the danger would become even greater.


    This was the so-called walking on thin ice.


    Hence, she could only remain calm.


    As Xu Qing was thinking, the sounds from the sky became increasingly intense. The feeling of shattering was obvious and the ground resonated, swaying.


    This area of the world seemed to have transformed into a surging sea. The human race was like a lone boat amidst the monstrous waves, rising and falling intensely with the waves and in danger of capsizing at any moment.


    As for the rumbling sounds coming from the sea of fire in the sky, they were deafening.


    One could see the moonlight scattering down, forming waves of divine authority. The aura of the Moon Flame High God swept through everything domineeringly and coldly.


    The battle between gods, especially when it came to battles between gods at the level of Moon Flame and Blazing, wasn¡¯t something that ordinary people could see with their naked eyes.


    Even their perception would become abstract.


    Hence, the sea of fire in the sky and the moonlight intertwined into an abstract painting.


    In the painting, the moon was spreading and the fire was churning.


    The difference between flawlessness and tribulation fire was clearly reflected in this painting.


    In reality, if Moon Flame wanted to, She could suppress a tribulation fire stage god with a flip of Her hand.


    However, it was obvious that She wasn¡¯t willing.


    The clay fox at the side was the same. She calmly walked in the dark night. Dirt fell from the sky and mud rose from the ground. Wherever She passed, everything seemed to pile up into a huge mud statue.


    This also included the god gathered by countless corpses that were constantly retreating in front of Her.


    Clearly, these two Flame Moon gods were only willing to obstruct these two gods for a while.


    They could easily kill the two tribulation fire stage gods for the human race, but the human race didn¡¯t seem to be able to afford this price at the moment.


    This also exceeded the scope of the deal.


    All of this was noticed by the Empress.


    Regardless of whether it was the arrival of the Blazing God or the appearance of that god from the Underworld Origin Corpse Race, they were all within her expectations.


    Back then, when the three gods advanced, to a certain extent, it could already be considered a preview of the difficulties she would face in the future.


    So¡­ back then, she chose to cooperate with the three gods. At the most critical moment of the other party, she took a huge risk to intervene and resist the huge starry sky hand for the three gods.


    It was exchanged for the arrival of the three Flame Moon At the most critical moment of the other party, she took a huge risk to intervene and resist the huge starry sky hand for Gods today!


    Even though the two gods didn¡¯t use their full strength, Their attitudes were already obvious. The Empress also knew very well that this was just a transaction.


    Although the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race was an adversary since ancient times, in the future of the human race, enemies¡­ could become allies.


    After all, compared to the other gods from Wanggu, the origins of the Flame Moon High Gods were more suitable for becoming allies.


    Of course, the prerequisite was that they had to have the qualifications to make a deal with Them.


    The Empress shifted her gaze away from the sky and gazed at the corpse of the Human Emperor Eastern Triumph in the five vortexes around the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    The secret about the origins of the three Flame Moon High Gods was the reason why the Human Emperor Eastern Triumph started a war.


    This secret was reported to the holy land, and Human Emperor Eastern Triumph had told his descendants too.


    The Empress retracted her gaze and gazed at the horizon. Her divine flame had already burned to a critical moment.


    ¡°There¡¯s another item in this transaction.¡±


    The instant she gazed over, an earth-shattering sound of drums rang out from the end of the sky.


    As this sound rang out, it continued to shake the souls of all living beings. The sky lost color and the ground was about to turn into nothingness. At this moment, the entire world trembled violently.


    It was the same for the sky, the earth, the mountains and rivers, and all living beings.


    It was as though there was an incomparably terrifying being walking into the human world amidst this sound.


    Very soon, the void was ripped apart and an endlessly long rift that spread from the west to the east appeared.


    Strong breeze blew from the north from within this rift.

 Chapter 1377 - 1377 Come if You Want to Die! (2)

    1377 Come if You Want to Die! (2)


    This wind was ice-cold and able to exterminate all life. It grew larger and larger until it finally formed a whimpering sound, transforming into a storm that could suppress time and space..


    Regardless of whether it was the Blazing God or the darkness god, They trembled while looking at the storm in the distance.


    Under Their gazes, two figures walked out of the rift.


    These two figures were vastly different in size.


    The taller one was a thousand feet tall, Its entire body covered in golden bone armor that seemed fused with Its flesh, inseparable and sacred in appearance.


    The head was also armored but did not cover the face, which was bizarrely black as if it were a black hole.


    It had no facial features.


    Behind It trailed numerous ribbons formed from countless golden lightning bolts, stretching for a hundred thousand feet, exuding an immense and awe-inspiring presence.


    They formed¡­ a pair of huge wings!


    Terrifying pressure and aura descended into the world as It walked over.


    The smaller figure following It was like a servant. It was dressed in a gray robe, exuding a gray mist from head to toe. From within, the sound of roaring echoed. it was a high god.


    Although It wasn¡¯t at tribulation fire, It was still at the karmic fire stage.


    Such an existence was actually a servant. From this, it could be seen how high the status of this golden-armored god was.


    ¡°The Northern Fate Royal Family!¡±


    The Empress slowly spoke in a low voice.


    Among the countless races in the Wanggu, the Northern Fate Royal Family was ranked second.


    Although the strength of this race was a little inferior to the number one race, it far surpassed the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven of the past.


    In the entire Wanggu, they could be considered a supreme race.


    The one who had arrived now was none other than one of the many gods of this race, the Fate Arbiter God. It was at the peak of the flawlessness stage!


    As It walked over, Blazing lowered His head and the darkness restrained itself. Star Flame and Moon Flame also looked solemn.


    Although they were all at flawlessness, this god was clearly more close to the Divine Platform than them.


    ¡°It¡¯s not unacceptable for cultivators of Wanggu to become gods.¡±


    ¡°However, Northern Fate has urgent matters to attend to right now. Emperor of the human race, your godhood must be postponed for three thousand years.¡±


    The Fate Arbiter God calmly spoke.


    Its voice landed on Wanggu and became a law, sealing the sky and the ground.


    After saying that, Its gaze landed on the Empress. Its tone was calm, as though it was just an order. The listener was given no choice to refuse.


    The Empress fell silent. However, not only did the divine fire on the Ancient Sovereign Planet not slow down, but it became more and more exuberant as thoughts fluctuated.


    Booming sounds rang out and the burning was incomparably intense.


    Seeing this, this Fate Arbiter God expressionlessly raised Its hand.


    Immediately, the storm in the surroundings churned violently, wanting to sweep toward the Empress and Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    However, at this moment, a large sun appeared out of thin air between the Empress and this Fate Arbiter God. It shone with the light of the world, illuminating the surroundings.


    Wherever the light passed, the storm would pause.


    A figure stepped out of the sun.


    Their body looked like a woman¡¯s but Their appearance was that of a man. Behind Them, an endless radiance of the sun shone, while beneath Their feet, countless tribes and wailing evil spirits manifested.


    It was the strongest of the three gods, the Sun Flame High God.


    The moment They appeared, They stopped the Northern Fate Royal Family¡¯s Fate Arbiter. They waved Their hand, sending a seven-colored divine talisman flying toward the Empress.


    ¡°We value promises the most. Although we don¡¯t do anything outside the range of the transaction, we will definitely abide by it. The deal was that if you provided your full assistance and the Great Magistrate still fails, this item will belong to you. Now, it is yours.¡±


    ¡°May the Empress of the Human Race likewise uphold any future agreements with the same integrity!¡±


    After the Sun God slowly spoke, he took a step toward the Fate Arbiter God.


    ¡°Northern Fate Royal Family, this is the eastern part of Wanggu, not your northern part. Your hands¡­ are stretched too far.¡±


    With that, the sun behind the Sun God shone brighter and brighter, forming a piercing light that enveloped the frowning Fate Arbiter God.


    The seven-colored divine talisman also got close to the Empress at this moment. The Empress lifted her hand and grabbed it.


    Almost no one in the human race could recognize this divine talisman.


    However, Xu Qing recognized it at a glance.


    This was because he and Erniu had possessed the same divine talisman before.


    This talisman¡­ was the item formed after the death of the Great Magistrate who had failed to become a god in the Divine Realm back then.


    It was formed from the authority of the Divine Realm and gathered the might of the Divine Realm¡¯s advancement. After the Divine Realm disappeared, this item still existed. Because the power contained in it was astonishing, it would be a massive help in becoming a god.


    After holding it, the Empress¡¯ eyes revealed a sharp glint. She carefully checked it and confirmed that it was indeed genuine. Resolve materialized in her eyes as she waved it.


    The talisman instantly disappeared and when it reappeared, it was already in the depths of the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    At the next instant, as it shattered into fuel, the entire Ancient Sovereign Planet rumbled. The divine fire instantly soared by more than ten times.


    The intensity of the fire also increased rapidly.


    The process of godhood was instantly sped up. An astonishing soulfulness rose into the air from the corpses of the past human emperors.


    There were no more obstacles.


    However, at that moment, a gray figure suddenly flew out from the sun¡¯s light.


    It was the karmic fire servant of the Fate Arbiter God.


    The Sun God could stop this servant god if They wanted to, but like They said, They only did things within the scope of the transaction. Stopping three gods for the Human Emperor was already the limit of the scope of the transaction.


    How the human race faced other obstacles was their business. The three gods also wanted to see the current foundation of the human race and if they were really qualified to join Them in major events in the future.

 Chapter 1378 - Chapter 1378: Come if You Want to Die! (3)

    Chapter 1378: Come if You Want to Die! (3)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Of course, the Empress could ask for Their help but it would be another transaction.


    The Empress¡¯ expression was calm and she didn¡¯t say anything. The instant the gray-robed god arrived, an aged figure rushed out from beside the Empress with determination.


    It was none other than the old eunuch who had been guarding the Empress.


    The moment he rushed out, his body rapidly changed, transforming from flesh and blood to a translucent appearance.


    During this process, his entire life flashed in his mind.


    He wasn¡¯t a human but a member of the Bizarre Fiend Race.


    Their race had very few members, with each individual being a unique entity.


    In his early years, he relied on the unique traits of his race, specializing in assassination and covert attacks. This line of work, however, subjected him to numerous retaliations, leading him to the brink of death multiple times.


    In the most serious retaliation, although he escaped, he fell unconscious. It was the Empress, then just a little girl, who unexpectedly saved his life.


    Through years of living together, he watched the Empress grow up and rise step by step to the pinnacle of power. Unconsciously, he had developed a bond with her in his heart.


    Moreover, after the Empress succeeded the throne, she gave him endless opportunities and hope, allowing him to borrow the fortune of the human race, the human race¡¯s foundation, and countless precious secret arts to break through his limit and step into the nine worlds stage step by step.


    However, his nine worlds cultivation was much weaker than others who had achieved this stage on their own. Moreover, he had lost the possibility of advancing.


    Ruler Realm wasn¡¯t something his bloodline could reach to begin with. After reaching the nine worlds stage, which was the peak of the cultivators in the present era, he had no regrets in his life.


    Now, seeing that the little girl from back then was walking toward the peak, he was willing to burn his life to protect her for the last time.


    At the next instant, his body burned and he took out a purple skull.


    This skull was completely purple and emitted a shocking baleful aura. It also contained endless resentment and unwillingness. It was as though it was letting out a soundless roar that transmitted the last sorrow of its life to the world.


    The moment it appeared, heavenly lightning flashed in the sky. Countless Heavenly Daos manifested in the air and silently looked at the skull with the same sorrow.


    They looked at the skull of the peerless person who had once been peerlessly stunning and carried the last trace of hope of Wanggu.


    That was Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s skull from his previous life!


    The power contained in it was too astonishing. Originally, it wasn¡¯t something that ordinary cultivators could activate. Even the Nine Worlds Soul Accumulation wasn¡¯t qualified.


    Hence, the old eunuch burned his life force, his racial talent and his cultivation base in exchange for a trace of power that could shake this skull.


    In an instant, his body and soul dissipated.


    The skull shone with an astonishingly dense purple light and suddenly erupted. A roar that contained endless madness seemed to come from the river of time and echoed in the world tens of thousands of years later!


    It contained resentment, unwillingness, bitterness, madness, and monstrous hatred. It formed a storm of extermination that headed straight for the gray-robed god.


    This gray-robed god¡¯s body paused as It sensed the fatal danger and retreated abruptly.


    But it was still too late.


    The storm swept past Its body.


    It shook and screamed in pain, as though It had experienced the process of Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s death back then.


    After that, It collapsed!


    The god was exterminated.


    The Empress looked at the place where the old eunuch had disappeared. A hint of sadness appeared on her calm face.


    She sighed softly.


    She recalled the question she had asked Xu Qing in the palace back then.


    ¡°What do you think of Flame Moon¡¯s Great Magistrate?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s answer at that time was¡­


    ¡°If one cannot control their own life, how can they control the fate of a race? It is ultimately an illusion, a fleeting moment in time.¡±


    The sadness on the Empress¡¯ face was replaced by resolve.


    At this moment, the divine fire grew even more intense!


    Under the astonishing spirituality, the corpses of the past human emperors in the five vortices also sat cross-legged and raised their hands, starting to perform hand seals.


    These seals weren¡¯t the seals of a cultivator but the authorities of gods.


    The first to form the embryonic form of a divine authority was Human Emperor Eastern Triumph. He opened his eyes, revealing pitch-black eyes. An extreme aura of destruction and power erupted from his body.


    That was a divine authority related to war.


    Next was the Human Emperor Mirror Cloud. His eyes slowly opened and for a moment, his expression seemed to be confused. After that, he calmed down and an aura of protection soared into the sky from his body.


    It enveloped the heaven and earth of this region and the human race.


    After that was Holy Heaven.


    Waves of light flickered on his body. This light was gentle and didn¡¯t have any offensive power. Instead, it nourished the body and soul.


    It was a divine authority related to healing!


    At the next moment, divine authority also erupted from the Human Emperor Dao World.


    This divine authority was different from the other human emperors. The moment it appeared, the vortex rumbled and waves of curses, poison, and even plague spread out from his body.


    They tainted the surroundings, forming a terrifying aura.


    Immediately after, it was Mystic War¡¯s turn!


    His divine authority was also astonishing. It was endless death that overlapped with the divine authority of the netherworld. What he controlled was the netherworld authority!


    The moment the five human emperors¡¯ embryonic forms of divine authorities appeared, it meant that the ritual to become gods had reached its final juncture.


    The Empress also emitted divine authority fluctuations.


    However, at this moment, another obstruction appeared!


    A cold murmur echoed throughout the entire Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    ¡°Sword Holding Great Emperor, I¡¯m here to witness your final journey!¡±


    The sound exploded in the region and red light rose.


    Countless mountains collapsed and emitted red fog.


    One river after another flowed in reverse, forming red water.


    All the red hues rose into the air from the Grand Imperial Capital Region, converging in one direction. From a distance, these red shades seemed to form the hem of a magnificent robe!


    A god descended, robed in red, with a body towering to the sky.


    The hem of the robe spread across the earth, covering rivers and mountains, moving like a red sky as the god advanced.


    With a step, They crossed the large region and appeared at the top of the sky of the human capital.


    Their figure was revealed.


    It was a handsome middle-aged man, with long flowing hair, each strand glistening with light. The divine aura emanating from Him made the sun and moon pale in comparison and filled the hearts of other gods with dread.


    What was even more shocking was the sight of an illusory longsword piercing his chest.


    Blood continuously flowed from the wound, and it seemed as though his robe had turned red because of it.


    Xu Qing recognized at a glance that the illusory sword was the Emperor Sword!


    ¡°Time has passed, and the years have changed. Alas, you are no longer what you once were¡­¡±


    ¡°Back then, our battle caused me to fall from the Divine Platform, and my wounds have yet to heal. Today, knowing your demise is imminent, I have come to witness your final journey and to settle our karma!¡±


    The blood-red middle-aged man spoke hoarsely.


    In the next moment, an ancient, weathered voice resonated from within the imperial capital, carrying the force of creation and the might of ages.


    It surpassed heavenly sound and became the only sound in the world.


    Spanning across time, it forged an unparalleled sanctity.


    The Heavenly Daos lowered their heads and all living beings bowed toward it.


    ¡°Jade Flowing Dust, come if you want to die.¡±


    As these words echoed, a world-shaking aura erupted from the Sword Holding Palace within the imperial capital, suppressing all gods with its overwhelming force.


    Even the powerful Flame Moon Gods felt Their hearts tremble.


    A rainbow path formed by countless sword qi spread out from the Sword Holding Palace, crossing the capital and arriving in front of the blood-red middle-aged man on the horizon.


    It became a path.


    It was as though it was welcoming Him to step on it.


    However, He remained silent..

 Chapter 1379 - 1379 At the Peak of the World, I Ask the Immortal (1)

    1379 At the Peak of the World, I Ask the Immortal (1)


    Jade Flowing Dust, this former Divine Platform god, followed the fragmented-face to Wanggu and had His moments of unparalleled splendor.


    As a Divine Platform god, countless gods would bow and tremble before Him.


    Even flawlessness would have flaws and face tribulations if He willed it.


    This was because He was the tribulation.


    It was even more so for all living beings.


    In the early days, His divine name was enough to make Wanggu tremble and countless gods look up in reverence.


    He originally had the qualifications to walk toward the peak of the Divine Platform or even break through to the True God Realm.


    However, all of this changed when a middle-aged man carrying a seven-foot-long bronze sword on his back arrived from the horizon and entered His Divine Realm.


    In that battle, if He hadn¡¯t detonated his Divine Realm at the critical moment, He might have perished.


    Although He used that opportunity to escape, He was seriously injured and His Divine Platform collapsed into pieces.


    From then on, He could only hide, continuously slumbering, not daring to reveal Himself to the world. Despite His lack of emotions, He still felt a sense of fear toward that sword-bearing figure.


    That was the instinct of life.


    Countless years had passed, but this fear still existed deep inside Him. In the end, His cultivation couldn¡¯t be recovered because¡­ the heart tribulation wasn¡¯t gone.


    Therefore, after He knew that the life tribulation of the Sword Holding Great Emperor had descended, He decided to come here.


    He wanted to send the other party on his way.


    However, when the words left His mouth, it turned into witnessing the last journey¡­


    Ultimately, He was still extremely wary of the Great Emperor who had shocking combat strength back then and still chose to stay after all the Wanggu experts left.


    He understood that with the other party¡¯s peak strength back then, although he wasn¡¯t a Summer Immortal, he was qualified enough to establish a holy land beyond the heaven.


    To a certain extent, it could be said that he would have been truly free and not be trapped in the mortal world.


    However, against everyone¡¯s expectations he chose to stay behind to protect the human race.


    In this world that was filled with gods, staying here for tens of thousands of years.


    Because of this, the human race was still breathing till now.


    Without this Great Emperor, there was a high chance that the human race would have already ceased to exist.


    Even if they did survive, they would have scattered into countless small clans that were affiliated with other races. It was impossible for them to still retain the great region of the human race.


    During this period, many gods were killed by this Great Emperor, but the price was equally huge. His main body had already died in battle and only an avatar was still struggling.


    ¡°Sword Holding Great Emperor, you¡¯re the cultivator I admire the most on this Wanggu.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s gaze followed the vast path of sword qi under His feet and looked at the Sword Holding Palace. His gaze could penetrate the barrier and see the figure sitting cross-legged in the secret chamber.


    Right now, there was only one Great Emperor in the cultivation system in the entire Wanggu World.


    ¡°However, do you really yet have the strength to make a single strike?¡±


    His blood-red robe covered the ground and His body emitted a monstrous blood light. He stood between heaven and earth like the master of the universe.


    As this sentence rang out, the aura on His body also rose shockingly.


    The wind and clouds surged, and the entire sky turned blood-


    red.


    At this moment, the sea of fire, the night, the sun, moon, and star all dimmed. His aura became the only presence.


    His steps slowly lifted, and it was as if a sea of blood erupted within His eyes. His robe extended, seeming to spread with His steps, as if to cover the entire imperial capital beneath His blood-red robe.


    However, at this moment, the human race¡¯s protective array suddenly rumbled. Intense energy formed a powerful resistance.


    This was the operating principle of the human race¡¯s array formation. It would produce different degrees of resistance according to the invasion of different strengths.


    Right now, the resistance it erupted with was in the level of facing the highest level of danger. Hence, it erupted with all its strength.


    An intense and piercing light suddenly flickered. A light barrier formed by the human array formation that contained countless runes and imprints formed and blocked Jade Flowing Dust.


    There were also stars flickering in the array formation, a total of 49.


    Those were all Suns of Dawn!


    They were all the Suns of Dawn in the human race at the moment.


    After experiencing countless calamities, the human race could be uttered to have used up all its trump cards.


    Other than the Sword Holding Great Emperor, the Sun of Dawn was their greatest foundation.


    Their energy caused the color of the sky and earth to change. However, Jade Flowing Dust laughed.


    ¡°It seems that you really don¡¯t have the strength of a single strike.¡±


    After saying that, He didn¡¯t hesitate anymore. He raised His right foot and was about to step on the path of sword qi in front of Him. At the next instant, a bellow rang out from the blood-red sky.


    With a tearing sound, the blood-red sky was torn apart. The Heavenly Dao of the human race, the seven-clawed golden dragon, swam in the sky and let out a roar. Its body shone with boundless light, as though a golden sun had risen in the blood-red sky.


    The instant the light landed on the imperial city, the human¡¯s Heavenly Dao swayed and headed straight for¡­ the imperial palace!


    Its target was actually the area enveloped by the shadow of the Great Emperor¡¯s statue on the plaza in the imperial palace.


    Purple smoke rose from the Great Emperor¡¯s shadow.


    It curled up and formed dense fog. A large bell appeared out of thin air and floated in the air above the square.


    It was the Immortal Inquisition Bell.


    It was rumored that this bell came from the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era. It existed between corporeal and incorporeal and could only be seen at the instant the sun rose.


    It couldn¡¯t be moved and was one with the entire Imperial City. Or to be precise, it was a part of the human race¡¯s imperial palace and had witnessed the growth of the past human emperors.


    Its usage was to prove one¡¯s heart.


    Since ancient times, there would occasionally be officials whose words were doubted by others. They could ring the Immortal Inquisition Bell to prove their true intentions.


    Back then, Ning Yan had used this bell to prove his heart.

 Chapter 1380 - Chapter 1380: At the Peak of the World, I Ask the Immortal (2)

    Chapter 1380: At the Peak of the World, I Ask the Immortal (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Other than this effect, this bell had shown no other use.


    Gradually, it was ignored by almost all the humans and was only treated as a somewhat mysterious ancient symbolic item.


    Until today, when the Heavenly Dao of the human race woke up and it rushed into the Immortal Inquisition Bell¡­


    The bell suddenly shook.


    It was as though it had been sleeping for a long time, and now it finally woke up!


    The totemic carvings of mountains and rivers, and all living beings on it came alive. They circulated on the surface of the bell and shone with a resplendent light. At the same time, a dense prehistoric aura rose from the Immortal Inquisition Bell.


    The sky churned, vitality exploded, and heaven and earth reversed.


    This aura was accompanied by an astonishing sovereign aura. It was formed by a vast will that surpassed the world. It was condensed from the endless domineering intent that suppressed the ages. It was bestowed by the Dao of the Wanggu itself.


    That was¡­ the aura of an ancient sovereign!


    However, it wasn¡¯t of the Mystic Nether that the world thought it was!


    This aura was even more ancient.


    Mystic Nether wasn¡¯t the first ancient sovereign of Wanggu.


    Before him, there were many ancient sovereigns in Wanggu, regardless of whether it was the Ancient Spirit Emperor or the sovereigns of other races who unified Wanggu.


    At the source, in myths and legends, after the Summer Immortal left back then, he had chosen a cultivator to be the first ancient sovereign of the Wanggu!


    This ancient sovereign was a human.


    This bell originated from him!


    Hence, when this aura appeared, the world trembled and Wanggu shook.


    Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s expression also changed and His raised footstep stopped.


    At the next instant, the Immortal Inquisition Bell swayed in the air. An ancient chime rang out, echoing through the ancient times and landing in the present world.


    The sound, while ancient, carried a hint of sorrow, as if calling out, asking the immortals who had left¡­


    When will you return?


    As the bell tolled, the world felt desolate; here 1 stand in the mortal realm, asking the immortals when they shall return.


    Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s expression changed drastically and His entire body trembled. Thousands of tears appeared on His blood-red robe that covered the ground.


    He retracted His footstep and retreated by 100 feet.


    ¡°What is this!!¡±


    Even the omniscience of the Divine Platform couldn¡¯t cover the Immortal Inquisition Bell.


    It was as though it was hidden in the passage of time, hidden outside cognition, only appearing at the moment the sun and moon intersected.


    Not only did Jade Flowing Dust lose His voice, but the hearts of the Blazing God, the God of Night, and the Sun, Moon, and Star Gods also stirred.


    The human race indeed didn¡¯t have any foundation left.


    This was because it had an even greater foundation than the Sword Holding Great Emperor. It had already hidden itself before the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    Today, it woke up under the convergence of various factors.


    The Empress was calm.


    The Great Emperor also didn¡¯t respond.


    As for Jade Flowing Dust, almost at the instant His heart stirred, the Immortal Inquisition Bell floating in the air above the palace shook again and rang a second time.


    A loud sound echoed through the world.


    As time passes and all things journey on, here I stand in my homeland, asking the immortals how desolate it has become!


    Jade Flowing Dust trembled intensely and the change in His expression became even more intense. The wound on His chest tore open at this instant and His old injury was actually stimulated by the chime.


    He couldn¡¯t help but take another step back. This step was a thousand feet.


    The Immortal Inquisition Bell shone with boundless light, and amidst its grandeur, the sorrowful chime rang out for the third time.


    It seemed to ask the immortals one last time¡­


    The path to immortality is long, life is infinite. Here 1 stand at the pinnacle of the world, asking the immortals¡­ where is the Dao?


    Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s soul shook and His body directly dissipated under the bell¡¯s tolling. Although He recovered in an instant, He kept on stepping back.


    His body only stabilized after He retreated 10,000 feet away. He then raised His head and stared fixedly at the bell.


    The intent contained in the bell was extremely terrifying. It was the intent to find the Dao, the aspiration to find the immortals.


    It was as though someone had once rang the bell to ask the immortals with his peerless cultivation and status as the peak of Wanggu!


    Just three chimes were enough to make Jade Flowing Dust like this, so He knew that if there was a fourth chime, some of the injuries He had painstakingly recovered from over the countless years would completely revive.


    However, He didn¡¯t believe that there was no price for ringing such a terrifying thing.


    This price must be incomparably huge.


    Therefore, it was still unknown if the bell could be rung again.


    However, He didn¡¯t dare to gamble.


    If He won the bet, with His current state, He wasn¡¯t confident in facing the Sword Holding Great Emperor.


    If He lost the bet, He would have even less confidence.


    Hence, He fell silent.


    The bell shook again in mid-air, as though it was really going to ring for the fourth time.


    Seeing this, Jade Flowing Dust suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Today, 1 am only here to observe the ceremony!¡±


    As soon as His voice rang out, the Immortal Inquisition Bell paused.


    At the next instant, a cold voice rang out from the Sword Holding Palace.


    ¡°Scram!¡±


    As soon as the word sounded out, the world seemed to collapse.


    It wasn¡¯t only targeted at Jade Flowing Dust but it echoed in the sky and rumbled in all directions, exploding the world like heavenly lightning, forming a surging wave that swept through the sky.


    All of a sudden, the various divine senses that had used various methods to observe the Human Emperor¡¯s ascension instantly disappeared.


    They chose to leave.


    Whether the human Sword Holding Great Emperor really had the strength of a single strike or not, they didn¡¯t dare to gamble.


    Moreover, that astonishing bell caused everyone¡¯s hearts to palpitate.


    Jade Flowing Dust looked at the Sword Holding Palace. A few breaths later, His body turned blurry and He left.


    He also chose to leave.


    The divine fire on the Ancient Sovereign Planet grew increasingly exuberant.


    At the same time, in the Holy Wave Large Region, which was extremely far away from the Grand Imperial Capital Region, in the northern part of Fenghai County..

 Chapter 1381 - 1381 At the Peak of the World, I Ask the Immortal (3)

    1381 At the Peak of the World, I Ask the Immortal (3)


    The wind and snow were blowing on that plain.


    In the heavy snow, one could see an earth-shattering huge pillar standing on the icy plain. Countless tents surrounded it, forming a gathering place like a city.


    That pillar was none other than the Absolute Beginning Separation Pillar.


    Half of it sank into the ground.


    That place was a mysterious ghost cave.


    At the end of the cave, there was a huge eye.


    The eye was closed and motionless.


    Above the eye, there was a pentagon-shaped wooden hut suspended by five iron chains that were connected to the surrounding rock walls.


    At the five corners of the wooden hut, there were corpses of the five elements.


    In the hunt, there was a lantern.


    It was a life lantern.


    Through the gaps in the paper window, one could see a woman in a red wedding dress sitting there silently.


    She seemed to be a mortal. There were no fluctuations of cultivation from her body, nor any trace of god¡¯s aura.


    Her appearance wasn¡¯t clear but through the paper window, one could see that she had spat out three mouthfuls of blood within this short span of time.


    Her blood strangely turned into paper money and drifted out of the hut, scattering upwards in the ghost cave, causing countless bizarre entities to scramble and devour it.


    The time she spat out the blood was the same as the three chimes of the Immortal Inquisition Bell!


    ¡°The transaction is completed.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s not time for me to leave yet¡­¡±


    A long time later, the woman wiped the blood from the corners of her mouth and muttered softly.


    After that, the song that seemed to last forever continued to flutter in the air.


    ¡°The previous life is not here, but the afterlife is always here. I cut off the lovesickness and drew the mortal world¡­¡±


    ¡°Wandering in this life, buried for the rest of my life. Who is waiting in the cycle of reincarnation¡­¡±


    As the voice rang out, the five-element remains outside the pentagonal wooden shack swayed.


    At the same time, there was also a similar singing sound that echoed in the Sky Devouring Region.


    In a short period, under the invasion of the Illuminate and the sky being enveloped by the Illuminate Divine Realm, ordinary living beings in the Sky Devouring Region had already been sacrificed.


    Regardless of cultivators, mortals, or races¡­


    This was the full-strength eruption of Illuminate. This was the first time all of Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s hidden force had descended.


    Hence, it was unavoidable for death to descend in this region.


    Countless corpses and flesh and sanguine filled this land with the Sky Devouring Imperial Palace as the center.


    Blood dyed the soil red and the souls of the dead filled the surroundings.


    The slaughter continued.


    However, these killings were no longer the main point.


    At that moment, in the Sky Devouring Imperial Palace that was filled with sanguine and corpses, a vast ritual was being carried out!


    The huge meatball from the Divine Realm floated in the air.


    There were five vortexes around it and five remains sat cross-


    legged in each vortex. They were the previous Sky Devouring Emperors.


    Looking over, this scene¡­ was exactly the same as the ritual held in the human capital!!


    Moreover, it was held in the imperial capital and the imperial palace. The meatball was like the Ancient Sovereign Planet and the remains in the vortex were like the past human emperors.


    There was also an illusory projection that covered the world, revealing itself here.


    In the projection was the scene of the current human race and the Human Emperor becoming a god.


    Everything was overlapping here!


    Countless Illuminate growers in all directions and the mysterious black-robed figures were kneeling with burning gazes.


    The sound of chanting also echoed.


    ¡°The merging of the primordial sun energy, the ancient eyes of the Divine Fusion, become the light of the starry sky, shining upon Wanggu¡­¡±


    ¡°Souls of the netherworld drink the water, creating an ancient dream that awakens today¡­¡±

 Chapter 1382 - 1382 Is It Worth the Trouble?

    1382 Is It Worth the Trouble?


    The sun had already set.


    The Empress becoming a god was a monumental event involving many parties.


    This included the Empress¡¯ own ritual in the human race, Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s arrangements in the Sky Devouring Region, and the plans of the Sun, Moon, and Star gods for the future.


    It also included the holy land¡¯s attitude.


    It also included people who had traded with the Empress even though they hadn¡¯t descended.


    For example, the woman in the wedding dress in the ghost cave.


    The complexity of the process could be imagined.


    Needless to say, among the many karma, there was also the fate of the Great Emperor.


    In his life, the Sword Holding Great Emperor had killed countless gods and injured even more. Hence, after predicting that he was about to die, there were naturally many gods attracted by karma.


    Hence, the already diverse situation became even more complicated.


    Such a degree of change was rare in Wanggu!


    It attracted the attention of the entire Wanggu!


    However, even now, the legendary final strike of the Sword Holding Great Emperor still hadn¡¯t been used.


    This sword strike seemed to hang above the heads of all parties. Many powerful races and many gods were therefore apprehensive; none of them were willing to become the unjust victim to bear the brunt of this sword.


    Hence, even the powerful Jade Flowing Dust chose to retreat in the end.


    He seemed to be stopped by the Immortal Inquisition Bell, but at the end of the day, what He was most afraid of was still the Sword Holding Great Emperor.


    He didn¡¯t want to risk his life to probe!


    However, if no one probed, then this ritual would be coming to an end, and it wouldn¡¯t be long before the Empress succeeded.


    At that time, with the Empress, who had become a god at the peak of the Ruler Realm, and the five human emperor gods, it would be impossible to probe the Sword Holding Great Emperor.


    At this moment, it depended on which side didn¡¯t want the Empress to become a god the most.


    Hence¡­


    In the human capital, when most of the commoners were anxiously gazing at the Empress in the sky, a soft sigh rang out from a bookstore on Nine Sieves Street in the eastern district. This bookstore had been operated by generations of the same family.


    There were no customers in the store on this special day.


    Only a few staff members sat beside the door and looked at the sky, whispering to each other.


    Behind them, at the counter of the store, the owner, Zhao Youde, who was dressed in a yellow robe, closed the bamboo slip in front of him and looked up.


    The sigh came from him.


    Zhao Youde¡¯s appearance wasn¡¯t strange. His hair was already graying. The wind blew into the shop and landed on his body, causing his hair to sway like reeds in autumn.


    Perhaps it was because he was old, although time had left wrinkles on his face, it also brought about a benevolent look.


    His eyes weren¡¯t bright but they were a little deep. However, at this moment, there was a hint of helplessness.


    ¡°Is it worth the trouble?¡±


    Zhao Youde was the 17th-generation owner of this bookstore. He lived here and resided in the backyard of the store.


    Other than his wife¡¯s early death from illness, he didn¡¯t seem to have any regrets in his life. His parents were still alive and his children were filial. The business was also good.


    As a mortal, such a life was enough.


    He liked to read, especially classic books from ancient times.


    Through reading and thinking, he seemed to be able to comprehend many philosophies of life. He often used these philosophies to guide his own actions and was even more eager to share this wisdom with those around him.


    His neighbors also maintained a certain level of respect for him.


    He also liked such a life.


    However, today, he knew that¡­ everything was about to end.


    As he sighed, he walked out from behind the counter with his hands behind his back.


    He looked at the bookstore longingly and shook his head as he walked toward the entrance.


    When he passed by the threshold, the few staff sitting there looked at him in surprise.


    ¡°Boss, there are many people outside and it¡¯s very chaotic. You¡­¡±


    Zhao Youde stopped in his tracks and looked at these staffs with a reminiscent expression.


    ¡°Buttface, you are starting to look more and more like your grandfather.¡±


    ¡°And Little Grasshopper, you have to study more, understand?¡±


    ¡°You guys¡­ have followed me for generations. I¡¯ll leave this store to the two of you.¡±


    These words left the two assistants stunned. They hurriedly stood up, about to say something, but in the next moment, their boss had already disappeared from the store.


    On Nine Sieves Street, under the setting sun, Zhao Youde¡¯s figure walked out of nothingness and walked toward the Imperial City.


    As he walked, he sighed.


    ¡°Is it worth the trouble¡­¡±


    Zhao Youde sighed again. He liked the mortal world and the human race in this world. Over the countless years, he had run a bookstore here with different identities and interacted with the humans who came to the bookstore to buy books. He had also made many friends despite the age difference.


    He had thought that his life would continue like this.


    ¡°Although the holy land is the past, there¡¯s no need to rebel¡­ Sigh.¡±


    Amidst the sighs, in the backyard of his bookstore, his parents, his descendants, and all his family members, these people who usually looked alive.


    At that moment, their bodies suddenly stiffened. After that, they sighed like him.


    After that, all of their bodies turned blurry and dissipated, turning into specks of silver light that fused into the void. They appeared on Nine Sieves Street and fused into Zhao Youde¡¯s body.


    His back slowly straightened.


    His aged face gradually became younger.


    A terrifying cultivation power was churning in his body. Foundation Building, Nascent Soul, Nihility, all the way to the Soul Accumulation¡­ and then the Ruler!


    It continued to rise and finally stopped at the half-step Peak Ruler Realm!


    It was an incredibly powerful energy but not even a hint of it spread out.


    His back view looked lonely under the afterglow of the setting sun.


    He moved forward silently, recalling his life.


    He was born in a holy land and had descended to Wanggu because of a mission.


    This mission was to kill the Human Emperor Dao World!


    After succeeding, he was unable to leave, so he hid in the human race for a very, very long time. During this period, he didn¡¯t make a move once.


    He had been hiding.


    This was because he was afraid of the Sword Holding Great Emperor.


    Zhao Youde sighed again and took a step forward.


    This step directly took him across the imperial city, the imperial palace, and stepped on the Ancient Sovereign Planet. His target¡­ was the divine fire on the Ancient Sovereign Planet!


    He didn¡¯t want to fight the Empress, nor did he want to personally probe the Sword Holding Great Emperor. He followed his faith and only wanted to¡­ extinguish the divine fire.


    He appeared silently.


    There was no rumbling of heavenly lightning or waves. Just like how he had been hiding all this time, the moment he appeared, he raised his hand. The instant the Empress sensed him and everyone looked over, his hand landed on the divine fire and was about to extinguish it!


    However, at this moment, a calm voice echoed around Zhao Youde.


    ¡°Shopkeeper Zhao, this fire can¡¯t be extinguished.¡±


    As the voice rang out, a slender figure appeared.


    He wore a long purple robe and had long purple hair. His facial features were like the work of heavens, exquisitely detailed. His brows were long and strong, resembling the outline of distant mountains.


    This was especially so for his eyes. They were wise and deep.


    He was the State Preceptor!


    Crown Prince Purple Green.


    He appeared in front of Zhao Youde with his back facing the divine fire. However, even this fire couldn¡¯t hide his brilliance.


    Amidst the flames, his entire person was like a resplendent star, shining in the Wanggu¡¯s sky.


    The corners of his mouth curled up slightly with a faint smile that seemed to exist forever. As he spoke gently, he waved his right hand.


    Zhao Youde¡¯s hand couldn¡¯t land.


    The appearance of the State Preceptor caused many human cultivators to heave a sigh of relief.


    Although the State Preceptor was mysterious and unfathomable, it was precisely because of this mysteriousness that he seemed to represent endless possibilities.


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    He wasn¡¯t surprised by the other party¡¯s arrival.


    Hence, he calmly looked over.


    He wanted to see Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s true strength.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, Crown Prince Purple Green, who was facing Zhao Youde, also shifted his gaze away and looked at Xu Qing. His smile became even gentler.


    ¡°Brother, have you received the gift?¡±


    Xu Qing was expressionless.


    Crown Prince Purple Green smiled again and his gaze returned to Zhao Youde.


    ¡°I saw your time.¡±


    As soon as he said this, Zhao Youde¡¯s expression darkened.


    As a half-step Peak Ruler, he was an overlord even in the holy land.


    Among the humans in the Wanggu, other than the Empress and the Sword Holding Great Emperor, he wasn¡¯t afraid of anyone. It was only at this moment that he suddenly realized that his understanding of this person had always been blurry.


    However, he never noticed it before.


    ¡°Since Brother wants to see it, I¡¯ll be more meticulous. Next, I¡¯ll cut off your time and make them independent.¡±


    Purple Green continued to speak. As his words echoed, the void around Zhao Youde suddenly distorted. His life and his past were actually out of his control. Just like images, they spread out with him as the center.


    In the scenes, one could see the scenes of him killing Dao World, him concealing himself in the bookstore, creating his generations of family¡­


    Just like that, his life in the Wanggu was unveiled to the world.


    After that, just as his expression darkened, Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s right hand fiddled with time. In the blink of an eye, countless Zhao Youde from the past in those scenes raised their heads abruptly.


    From the past to the present.


    After that, they all lifted their feet and took a step forward.


    The world rumbled and the sky altered color. The aura of the Great Dao descended and the River of Time came from nothingness, spreading out in the world.


    A dark glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. This wasn¡¯t the first time he had seen the River of Time. Back then, in the Moon Offering Region, Third Grandma, who was proficient with the Dao of time, had also drew the River of Time.


    However, compared to the River of Time brought out by Crown Prince Purple Green, Third Grandma¡¯s was like a stream.


    What appeared in the world was like the eternal heavenly river.


    It saturated the imperial palace, covered the imperial city, and affected the large region.


    The entire world that was visible to the naked eye was covered by the River of Time.


    In this long river, countless Zhao Youde from the past jumped up like fish in the river.


    From the past, they stepped into the present and emerged in the air.


    The moment they appeared, they rushed toward Zhao Youde.


    ¡°Brother, did you see it clearly? Every one of these figures is the past of Shopkeeper Zhao. If they slaughter Shopkeeper Zhao, he won¡¯t exist anymore. If he doesn¡¯t exist now, the past will only be a dream.¡±


    ¡°And if Shopkeeper Zhao kills them, it will be equivalent to killing his own past. Without his past, his present won¡¯t exist.¡±


    ¡°Brother, if it was you, what would you do?¡±


    Purple Green spoke gently.

 Chapter 1383 - 1383 Sword Rises

    1383 Sword Rises


    Fiddling with time and cutting through the past was an ability that cultivators could master but they definitely couldn¡¯t achieve such proficiency and control.


    This was because this was the god¡¯s authority.


    This was the meaning of being omniscient.


    In the eyes of the god, everything was recorded on the bodies of all living beings. Everything in the past overlapped with the present and was extremely clear.


    At that moment, the River of Time churned and enveloped the human world. Countless past bodies of Zhao Youde rapidly approached him.


    However, Ruler was a realm second only to a Quasi-Immortal in the cultivation system. Moreover, Zhao Youde, who had hidden in the human race for many years, was a half-step Peak Ruler.


    With such cultivation, he had the strength to fight even gods.


    Faced with this seemingly fatal divine authority, he raised his right hand and grabbed at the sky.


    With this grab, the sky reversed as though the sky had been changed.


    The sky was replaced by a vast starry sky.


    This starry sky was so large that it enveloped everything in the surroundings. At the same time, it seemed to separate this area from Wanggu, making it into a universe that belonged to him, Zhao Youde.


    In this universe, although there were countless of his past bodies, there were more stars.


    The instant the countless stars shone, Zhao Youde¡¯s thoughts undulated and the stars shattered in unison.


    The destruction of countless stars affected the entire universe, causing it to collapse.


    As they collapsed, they turned into a depression that formed a huge pulling force.


    It was like the universe had become a vast black hole.


    In an instant, all of Zhao Youde¡¯s past bodies were devoured by the collapsing universe under the guidance of this majestic devouring force.


    Not a single one was left!


    Cutting through time and manifesting the past to counterattack the main body seemed like a certain victory. Since both of them couldn¡¯t die, there was only one way to resolve it.


    Suppress, seal, and return to one.


    All of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in the blink of an eye. The instant all his past bodies were devoured by the collapse of the universe, Zhao Youde grabbed fiercely.


    Immediately, the world returned to its original state.


    The universe that belonged to him shrank and finally transformed into a black bead that landed in front of Zhao Youde.


    Without any hesitation, he looked at Purple Green and flicked the bead.


    This bead suddenly rose into the air.


    He instantly disappeared and reappeared in the sky.


    ¡°Suppress!¡±


    Zhao Youde spoke stiffly.


    At the next moment, the black bead that flew to the sky suddenly erupted and covered the sky, changing the sky again.


    However, this time, the sky transformed into a galaxy.


    It suppressed the ground and the River of Time that was drawn out by Purple Green.


    Using the galaxy to suppress the River of Time.


    When Crown Prince Purple Green saw this scene, he chuckled.


    ¡°Interesting.¡±


    ¡°You can suppress your time, but what about my time?¡±


    As Crown Prince Purple Green spoke, he tapped his forehead.


    The instant the finger landed, the void around Crown Prince Purple Green instantly distorted. His past also appeared in all directions.


    However, they were all blurry and couldn¡¯t be seen clearly.


    One could only feel endless resentment and madness. Carrying unwillingness, they transformed into waves of monstrous roars that erupted from the peak of the world.


    As for himself, his expression was still gentle. At that moment, he lifted his finger and casually grabbed at the illusory blurry surroundings.


    He had cut off a portion of his time from his previous life and manifested it in the main world, pressing it into the River of Time.


    The vast River of Time churned intensely at this instant, and huge waves surged into the sky.


    In the river, a huge white jade finger broke through the surface of the water with destructive force, sweeping up the power of his previous life and shaking the Dao of heaven and earth as it rushed out of the River of Time.


    From afar, it looked like a pillar that supported the world.


    Its peak aura shook the world.


    It then collided with the galaxy that was falling from the sky.


    The galaxy trembled and shone intensely. In the end, it collapsed, revealing the gloomy Zhao Youde behind it.


    That earth-shattering white jade finger didn¡¯t stop at all and headed straight for Zhao Youde.


    It was about to get close.


    In the sky, Zhao Youde took a deep breath and quickly performed a series of hand seals with both hands. He then spread out his thumbs and index fingers in front of his chest.


    It formed a rhombus shape and pushed down on the white jade finger.


    Immediately, the galaxy erupted from it and the power of the Great Dao flowed like a river, churning toward the white jade finger.


    This Great Dao contained the power of space.


    This was Zhao Youde¡¯s Dao and the main reason why he could hide in the human race until now.


    At that moment, as the power of the Great Dao swept out, Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s white jade finger suddenly trembled.


    It actually transformed into a painting in the air.


    This painting was unstable, as though it could collapse at any moment.


    Zhao Youde¡¯s breathing was hurried. He performed hand seals with both hands and pressed down again.


    Immediately, the white jade finger that had become a painting folded under the power of the Great Dao, forming a white line.


    Zhao Youde¡¯s eyes turned bloodshot as he pressed down for the third time.


    This white line became a white dot!


    Zhao Youde was about to chant for the fourth time when an earth-shattering aura emitted from the white dot, accompanied by a deafening boom.


    This dot directly exploded.


    From within, the white jade finger tore through space and landed in front of Zhao Youde.


    A rumbling sound spread through the world.


    Zhao Youde spat out a mouthful of blood and retreated abruptly. His expression was incomparably solemn. As he retreated, his body was constantly covered in wounds and blood splattered everywhere.


    ¡°Jade Capital Immortal Finger!¡±


    ¡°You are that Crown Prince Purple Green from back then!¡±


    ¡°But now¡­ you are neither human nor cultivator nor god, neither alive nor dead nor existing!¡±


    Zhao Youde¡¯s pupils contracted.


    The ones who were even more shocked were the other cultivators.


    Everyone knew how mysterious the State Preceptor was, but his combat strength had exceeded their imagination. Now, his identity was revealed¡­


    When the name ¡®Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯ was spoken, it was like thunder rumbling in the sky.


    Not everyone knew the identity of the State Preceptor, so the vast majority of officials felt their hearts stir at this moment.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was cold. He saw the scene he wanted and confirmed his judgment.


    Only the Empress didn¡¯t glance at Purple Green. The divine fire on her body had reached the final moment and vast divine authority was erupting.


    The Sword Holding Great Emperor also didn¡¯t show any response.


    Seeing this, Zhao Youde, who was in the air, turned and was about to leave.


    He knew that it was impossible for him to extinguish the divine fire today.


    However, Crown Prince Purple Green clearly didn¡¯t want this Ruler to leave just like that.


    ¡°First, it was the universe, then the Great Dao. My goal in telling you so much is to see your fate.¡±


    ¡°Now, I see it.¡±


    Crown Prince Purple Green spoke softly. He raised his right hand and grabbed at the sky. Immediately, the blood that fell from Zhao Youde¡¯s body gathered together and finally floated in Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s palm.


    With a squeeze of his palm, the blood transformed into a red thread.


    After that, under the gaze of everyone and under Zhao Youde¡¯s drastic change in expression, he connected this thread to his hair.


    They merged into one.


    After that, he inhaled.


    A bizarre and unbelievable scene appeared in everyone¡¯s eyes at this moment.


    In the air, Zhao Youde¡¯s body trembled violently and he let out a mournful wail. His body weakened rapidly, as though some precious existence had disappeared from his body.


    It was absorbed by Purple Green who had seen his fate.


    At this critical moment, Zhao Youde pressed his forehead.


    His body instantly transformed into a painting, then a line, and then a dot. After that¡­ he vanished without a trace.


    ¡°A portion of his fate has been sucked away!¡±


    The Sun God suddenly spoke.


    Not many people could see the mysteries of this scene. Only someone at flawlessness stage or higher could see the truth.


    ¡°Connecting fate and absorbing it¡­¡±


    ¡°Such a divine technique is the same as Father¡¯s Wanggu Devouring Art.¡±


    The Sun God¡¯s expression was solemn as They looked at Purple Green.


    ¡°I think this is a way for you to recover your cultivation from your previous life.¡±


    Purple Green smiled gently, not replying. Instead, he walked toward the sky.


    He naturally wouldn¡¯t let go of a tonic like Zhao Youde.


    With a step, he chased after Zhao Youde¡¯s traces and vanished into the horizon.


    The human world fell silent.


    The gods who came to obstruct the ritual, regardless of whether it was the Blazing God, the Night God, or the god of the Northern Fate Royal Family, all retreated in silence.


    Since they couldn¡¯t stop the ritual, there was no point in staying anymore.


    90% of the divine fire on the Ancient Sovereign Planet had already twisted golden. As for the past human emperors in the five vortices in the surroundings, the god aura on their bodies grew increasingly intense as their divine authorities solidified.


    The Empress¡¯ god aura was even more dense.


    The ritual would be finished in just fifteen minutes now.


    However, at this moment, a shattering sound rang out from the sky!


    It was the sound of the wind blowing through the Wanggu¡¯s sky.


    A strong wind blew in the human capital.


    Someone slashed in the direction of Wanggu from the Mystic Nether Holy Land.


    This slash traversed the starry sky, and seemed capable of cutting the ancient times and ending the present. It carried endless momentum and the might to destroy the world, landing in Wanggu.


    It appeared at the top of the sky above the human palace.


    It formed a huge crack that was 500,000 kilometers long. It was endless and altered into a saber shadow, like a true heavenly saber.


    The moment it appeared, the color of the sky changed and the wind blew. A suffocating feeling descended on the world.


    Compared to the Wanggu¡¯s gods and the Wanggu¡¯s races, the one who didn¡¯t want the Empress to become a god and leave their control the most was naturally the Mystic Nether Holy Land!


    Therefore, the power of a Great Emperor was used!


    The saber slash of a Great Emperor!


    A sigh rang out in the human world.


    The withered figure in the Sword Holding Palace opened his eyes.


    That one sword strike of his was to be utilized against the gods or¡­ the holy land!


    ¡°You still made a move in the end.¡±


    The figure in the Sword Holding Palace muttered hoarsely. His voice contained the vicissitudes of time and endless complexity.


    After that¡­


    The Emperor Sword in Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled unprecedentedly. Endless sword light flickered shockingly from his body.

 Chapter 1384 - Chapter 1384: Great Emperor!

    Chapter 1384: Great Emperor!


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    In the secret chamber under the Sword Holding Palace in the human capital.


    The Sword Holding Great Emperor, who had stayed alone in the human world and protected the human race until now, sighed. The moment his sigh echoed through the world, a blurry soul walked out of this withered body.


    This figure was a middle-aged man. He wasn¡¯t tall or burly but he emitted an unshakable determination as though he could shoulder the burdens of the entire world, causing people to feel reverence.


    He took a step and arrived outside the Sword Holding Palace, in the world, on the Ancient Sovereign Planet, and in front of Xu Qing.


    At this moment, the color of the sky changed!


    At this moment, the human race was in an uproar!


    For the first time, the Empress¡¯ expression fluctuated.


    All the gods here cast sidelong glances.


    At this moment, the sky and earth¡­ seemed to have become the background. Only his voice and sword intent became the sole presence.


    ¡°Little friend, let me borrow your body and your sword.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled. At this moment, the Emperor Sword in his body emitted a sword hum that soared into the nine heavens. At the next instant, his body trembled and a sense of warmth spread throughout his body.


    He could sense that the will that was as vast as the starry sky had fused into his body. It wasn¡¯t domineering and didn¡¯t cause him any harm.


    However, it temporarily took over his body.


    He didn¡¯t resist and allowed this will to fill his entire body.


    At the next instant, under the gazes of everyone here and all the gods, Xu Qing¡­ raised his head.


    In his eyes was the vicissitude of ages.


    There was also an endless aura that erupted from his body, stirring the wind and clouds, shaking the world, causing the sky to tilt and the mountains and rivers to tremble.


    All the human heroic spirits prostrated themselves and all the ancestors knelt.


    The fortune of the human race surged out and gathered around Xu Qing¡¯s body, forming many dragons of fortune.


    Ultimately, they molded a ten-thousand-foot-tall body for him!


    This body had mountains as its bones, rivers as its blood, the earth as its skin, dense forests as its hair, and the sky as its armor.


    Fortune formed the body of a supreme Great Emperor, with all living things aiding his soul.


    Thus, the visage of the Great Emperor returned to the mortal world.


    His face was resolute and profound, like a bronze statue carved by time. His eyes were bright and piercing, resembling the brightest stars in the night sky, shining with endless light.


    As he stood there, the sky lost its color and the gods seemed to lose their brilliance.


    He was the only Quasi-Immortal in the present Wanggu!


    He was the only Great Emperor left in Wanggu after Mystic Nether left!


    He was the Sword Holder who had protected the human race for tens of thousands of years and killed countless gods. Even though he was only left with his last breath, he still wanted to bring peace to the human race.


    He was undoubtedly the Great Emperor of the human race!


    A dignified aura shocked the world.


    The Sword Holding Great Emperor had descended into the world!


    ¡°Great Emperor!¡±


    The Empress lowered her head and spoke with unprecedented respect, but there was a trace of sadness in her expression that she couldn¡¯t hide. This was because she knew that the moment the Great Emperor appeared would also be the moment of his demise.


    This last breath was not only to protect his Dao but also to fight for the lives of the human race.


    At this moment, all the officials in the surroundings were breathing rapidly, their hearts in turmoil. They all knelt in unison. No matter what they had once thought in their hearts, at this moment, their respect for the Great Emperor was unanimous.


    All the commoners in the Imperial City kowtowed. The voice of the Great Emperor echoed throughout the entire Imperial City with extreme piety.


    When the three Flame Moon gods saw this, They also lowered Their heads.


    The three gods from the Underworld Origin Corpse Race, the Northern Fate Royal Family, and the Empyrean Crimson Land Race retreated, not daring to act rashly.


    Although They were gods, They had all heard of the might of the Great Emperor who wielded the sword. Over the long ages, They had also witnessed this god-slayer.


    Amidst the worship of the entire world, the Sword Holding Great Emperor swept his gaze across the human race and the human world he had protected for tens of thousands of years. Finally, he raised his right hand.


    He grabbed at the void and the Emperor Sword in his body immediately rushed out with an earth-shattering sword hum.


    It appeared in the world and landed in the hand of the Sword Holding Great Emperor.


    The sword qi tore through the sky and the sword light shocked the world.


    The sword hum was filled with longing, sadness, and reluctance¡­


    ¡°Old friend, let¡¯s take one last journey together.¡±


    The Sword Holding Great Emperor smiled and took a step into the sky. The sky rumbled and the void shattered, but no lightning appeared.


    It was as though even the lightning didn¡¯t dare to shine at this moment.


    The Great Emperor walked step by step toward the 500,000 kilometers-long saber shadow that was falling from the sky.


    His footsteps were steady and powerful. Every step he took shook the world.


    That mighty figure and firm footsteps caused all the humans to feel extreme relief and reverence in their hearts.


    With the Great Emperor around, the human race would be safe.


    His back view was like the sky and his figure was like light, cutting through the dark night sky after the setting sun, allowing the human race to have light in the night.


    At this moment, countless hearts were in turmoil. They had grown up listening to the stories of the Sword Holding Great Emperor and following his guidance.


    The Sword Holding Great Emperor was an eternal great man and everlasting legend in their hearts.


    Hence, under the gazes of all living beings and the convergence of the world, the figure of the Sword Holding Great Emperor walked to the top of the sky and arrived in front of the heavenly saber of destruction descending from the sky, representing the punishment of the holy land.


    Standing there, he raised the sword in his hand.


    One strike, cut through the sky!


    Sword aura rose, the sky cracked, and sword light flashed. Eternal Brilliance!


    When the sword shadow appeared, the gods were shaken, and the heavenly saber shook!


    The heavenly saber and the Emperor Sword shattered endless time at the top of Wanggu, destroying all the laws and surpassing the abilities of the universe. It was like different fates were colliding and intertwining.


    They formed a resplendent belt of light.


    It looked like a vast rainbow that traversed the sky of all the major regions of the Wanggu with unstoppable might, ignoring all obstacles.


    This light connected Wanggu.


    In an instant, the sky looked like daytime.


    It was shining brightly even outside Wanggu.


    The light illuminated the surrounding starry sky. Even the fragmented-face was enveloped by the light at this moment.


    From afar, it looked like a huge dragon churning in the sky, emitting a shockingly violent might. The Heavenly Daos trembled and all the races in the Wanggu could see the changes in the sky when they raised their heads.


    Finally, the Emperor Sword and heavenly saber were destroyed at the same time.


    It formed a huge nebula that continued to dim and form, drawing countless vortexes, like a magnificent painting that replaced the entire Wanggu¡¯s sky.


    It didn¡¯t dissipate for a long time.


    The aftershock transformed into countless bolts of lightning that spread in all directions with the human race¡¯s sky as the center.


    Heavy rain poured down in many large regions.


    This scene caused everyone in the human capital to exclaim.


    ¡°Peak of the Divine Platform!¡±


    The gods mumbled.


    In the sky, the figure of the Great Emperor stood there and looked at the nebula sky without saying a word.


    After a long time, an ancient voice rang out from the holy land and echoed in the sky.


    ¡°Sword Holder, are you determined to do this?¡±


    The Great Emperor calmly spoke.


    ¡°From the moment you guys left, this was destined to happen.¡±


    ¡°I was silent regarding the matter of Eastern Triumph, I was silent during the rise and suppression of Mirror Cloud, and I remained silent when the Dao World perished.¡±


    ¡°But I won¡¯t stay silent forever.¡±


    ¡°I allowed the Empress to become a god!¡±


    This time, the holy land fell silent. A long time later, a sigh rang out and dissipated.

 Chapter 1385 - Chapter 1385: Karma Has Been Severed

    Chapter 1385: Karma Has Been Severed


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The sky was calm.


    The human world was peaceful.


    The wind that blew a few breaths ago dissipated at this instant.


    It was as though it had never appeared. Only the resplendent vortexes formed by the nebula in the sky remained, silently and continuously rotating, replacing the sky.


    They would continue for a period of time and become traces of that world-shaking battle.


    The holy land left.


    The three gods from the Underworld Origin Corpse Race, the Northern Fate Royal Family, and the Empyrean Crimson Land outside the Ancient Sovereign Planet also knew that the matter of the Empress becoming a god couldn¡¯t be stopped.


    Hence, They chose to retreat while looking at the figure of the Great Emperor in the sky with fear and complexity.


    They had other thoughts too, but whether these thoughts could become reality depended on whether They got such an opportunity.


    As for the Sun, Moon, and Star, They had completed Their end of the deal. At this moment, as They stared at the sky and the human Great Emperor, Their expressions revealed a rare hint of nostalgia and turmoil.


    What They were nostalgic for might not be the Great Emperor before Them, and what caused their turmoil might not be the present Wanggu.


    Perhaps it was the Northern Emperor or the Northern Immortal Realm.


    They recalled that person.


    The surroundings were silent.


    Regardless of whether it was the Empress, the gods, the ministers, the commoners in the imperial city, or the divine senses hidden in the void, at this moment, they all looked at the figure in the air who had slashed out the last strike, stunning everyone.


    Silently, under the gazes of everyone, the Great Emperor slowly turned around.


    His ancient eyes looked at the human race and the human world.


    He let out a soft sigh.


    The body formed by fortune gradually dissipated until it became hazy. Only the outline was left, revealing Xu Qing¡¯s body inside.


    This body fell to the ground and finally lay on the human war drum.


    During the process, a blurry soul came out of Xu Qing¡¯s body and floated in the air.


    That was the soul of the Great Emperor.


    It was dissipating irreversibly.


    He had guarded the human world for tens of thousands of years and fought countless battles in his life, killing many gods. Today¡­ he was tired.


    The fatigue from his soul spread at this moment.


    His life force had actually been extinct many years ago, leaving only his clone to reach this day.


    His fatigue had long appeared in the tens of thousands of years and it had accumulated until now.


    He could have had an endless lifespan, he could have had the highest glory, and he wouldn¡¯t have been so tired.


    He only needed to choose himself at the node in the past between him and the race.


    However, he chose the race.


    Sometimes, a choice at a critical moment in life would be a path of no return. No matter what was right or wrong, there was no turning back.


    Did he regret it¡­


    The Great Emperor smiled. It had been a very, very long time since he last smiled.


    ¡°No regrets.¡±


    The Great Emperor muttered inwardly.


    He had walked through the mountains and rivers of the human world for tens of thousands of years, stepping on the world and causing waves in ancient and modern times. In this life, he used his sword to kill gods and guarded his race.


    Such a life was naturally much better than hiding beyond heaven and struggling at death¡¯s door.


    With this thought in mind, the Great Emperor¡¯s gaze swept through the human world, looking at the imperial capital, the great regions, the mountains and rivers. In the end, he only looked at two people.


    One of them was Xu Qing. The person he had chosen to carry the sword would carry his sword and continue walking.


    He wouldn¡¯t restrict the other party¡¯s path. How he walked was his freedom. As for the sword¡­ what it slashed and how it slashed was also his freedom.


    ¡®The karma on this kid is too great¡­ His past and future might be even more exhausting than mine.¡¯


    The second person was the Empress.


    This woman who cried under the devouring power of the Mystic War, and who had given all her talents for the human race, stirred a ripple in his heart at that time.


    He thought of his daughter who had been devoured by a god.


    Hence, he saved the Empress.


    ¡®Not all human emperors are good¡­ but at least right now before I leave, she is good.¡¯


    Looking at the Empress whose body was burning intensely with divine fire, the Great Emperor¡¯s eyes were filled with anticipation.


    He wanted to see what kind of power a cultivator who had crossed half a step to the peak of the Ruler Realm and cultivated the god¡¯s path would obtain with the support of the fortune of the entire race.


    Was it the peak of the flawlessness stage, or¡­ would she reach the Divine Platform in one step!


    As for the ancestral teachings from the holy land that said humans couldn¡¯t become gods, he adhered to it.


    Hence, in this life, he didn¡¯t choose to become a god.


    However, what should the race do after he left?


    After he left, who would continue to protect the human race¡­


    Between the ancestral teachings and the living people of his race, the Great Emperor didn¡¯t want to think about it.


    He only wanted to spend his last moments taking another look at this human world he had been protecting.


    At the same time, he was fishing.


    Hence, at the next instant, when his soul blurred and the Empress¡¯ expression changed drastically, the instant Xu Qing slowly opened his eyes¡­


    Behind the Great Emperor, a figure appeared from the void like a bolt of lightning and slapped fiercely at the Great Emperor¡¯s soul.


    ¡°Sword Holder, 1¡¯11 send you off on your last journey!¡±


    The person who appeared was none other than Jade Flowing Dust!


    He didn¡¯t leave but remained hidden, searching for an opportunity. Now that He had finally found it, His words turned from watching the final journey into sending off!


    However, just as everyone¡¯s expressions changed drastically and Jade Flowing


    Dust¡¯s palm was about to land,


    the Great Emperor raised his hand and swung it behind him.


    With this swing, endless power surged into the sky from his body. The nebula vortex spinning in the sky suddenly sped up, turning from calm to violent in an instant.


    The rumbling sound was deafening.


    It was as though everything before was fake and they were all waiting for the fish to appear!


    Another world-shaking storm erupted at this instant, forming a destructive force that swept toward Jade Flowing Dust with an overwhelming force.


    Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s body trembled and He spat out large mouthfuls of golden blood uncontrollably.


    The sword on his chest shot out endless sword qi that swept through Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s body. Wherever it passed, flesh and blood would be annihilated. A heart-rending sound from Jade Flowing Dust spread through the world.


    ¡°You actually still have such a trick up your sleeve. You guys¡­ If you don¡¯t attack now, when are you going to do it!!¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s expression distorted and His voice caused the sky to collapse. The moment it rang out, He rushed toward the Sword Holding Great Emperor again.


    Almost at the instant Jade Flowing Dust spoke, the strong wind in the sky rose again. This wind was cold and wherever it passed, the world would turn white. Snow filled the air and everything was sealed.


    Regardless of whether it was the clouds, mountains, rivers, or all things, even the laws and rules were frozen in the wind.


    This was because this was the flawless wind, the wind of the gods.


    This was a divine authority that came from another flawlessness god of the Northern Fate Royal Family.


    In the wind, a god walked over.


    This god¡¯s figure couldn¡¯t be seen clearly, and He didn¡¯t seem to have a fixed form. He fused into the wind and transformed into a palm formed by the wind, grabbing at the Great Emperor.


    The Great Emperor was pincer attacked by Jade Flowing Dust and god of the cold wind.


    These two terrifying gods attacked at the same time.


    In all directions, as the void shattered, seven to eight gods also tore through the air. They had been hiding in the surroundings all this time for¡­ this moment.


    What They wanted was the intrinsic light emitted by the last Quasi-Immortal in the Wanggu before he died.


    This scene was seen by the human race.


    The Empress¡¯ body trembled. She wanted to attack but she couldn¡¯t move now. The moment the divine fire was about to form, it was also her most vulnerable moment.


    As for the others, they didn¡¯t have the qualifications to participate in this battle.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes instantly turned bloodshot. After he woke up, he sensed that something different had happened to his body. It was the same for his soul.


    The feeling of completeness he had felt when he beat the drum earlier appeared again and it was even more intense.


    It was as though regardless of whether it was outside or inside, regardless of whether it was obvious or hidden, all the wounds were meticulously repaired by the Great Emperor.


    Now, he was fully complete.


    Not only that, but the last trace of the Great Emperor on the Emperor Sword was also erased.


    The sword was given to him without any hidden dangers!


    Other than that, there was also an inheritance left in his mind.


    Sword Holder Form!


    The name of this inheritance was these three words.


    This was the most precious ultimate art of the Great Emperor. It was his legacy!


    It was also the move that slashed at the sky earlier!


    Such kindness was so deep that Xu Qing couldn¡¯t repay it. However, he didn¡¯t have the ability to help at all when he saw the emperor facing such a siege.


    Xu Qing suddenly stood up. Even though he didn¡¯t have the qualifications, he still had to show his sword.


    However, at this moment, a calm voice rang out from the sky.


    ¡°Calm down.¡±


    This voice echoed through the human race. Just like how it had protected it for countless years, it could make the human race feel at ease.


    At that moment, it spread through the entire world and comforted the Empress and Xu Qing. At the same time, the expression of the Sword Holding Great Emperor in the sky didn¡¯t fluctuate at all, as though it was nothing much to face the joint forces of so many gods.


    He raised his right hand and grabbed at the rushing Jade Flowing Dust.


    With this grab, Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s entire body trembled violently. The illusory sword on His chest actually emitted a shocking sword hum before rushing out.


    This was the first time in tens of thousands of years that this sword was pulled out of Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s chest.


    The moment it appeared, it shone with a resplendent sword light and emitted monstrous sword qi before landing in the Great Emperor¡¯s hand.


    The Great Emperor grabbed it and slashed at the cold wind divine hand that was approaching from behind!


    Sword light rose, shocking the world.


    The divine hand was broken without any resistance. Countless drops of divine blood scattered down, the wind that could freeze everything also disintegrated and shattered.


    The god from the Northern Fate Royal Family didn¡¯t hesitate to flee.


    As for the aftershock, it swept in all directions, causing all the hidden gods who rushed out of the void to spit out divine blood and retreat, not daring to get close at all.


    The Great Emperor actually had another strike!


    This sword had been left on Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s chest tens of thousands of years ago. Today¡­ he took it out.


    It intimidated the surroundings.


    When the gods retreated, it was the same for Jade Flowing Dust. He quickly retreated but His eyes revealed an unprecedented clarity. All her previous reactions instantly dissipated.


    It became incomparably calm.


    ¡°The debt of gratitude for not killing me back then has been repaid!¡±


    He came here to observe the last journey and also to deliver the last strike!


    After saying that, with no more obstruction to hinder the recovery of His injuries He turned and took a step forward. His red robe rolled as He stepped into the void, leaving carefreely.


    ¡°The karma has been severed. Sword Holder¡­ Farewell..¡±

 Chapter 1386 - 1386 Sunset Reflecting in the Hearts of People, the Rising Sun Illuminating Wanggu

    1386 Sunset Reflecting in the Hearts of People, the Rising Sun Illuminating Wanggu


    ¡°Jade Flowing Dust!¡±


    A chilly raspy sound rang out from the void. It contained seriousness and killing intent. That was the voice of the Northern Fate Royal Family¡¯s Wind God.


    However, that was all.


    Jade Flowing Dust, who no longer had a sword impaled on His chest, would have no obstructions in the recovery of His cultivation. He was a Divine Platform god tens of thousands of years ago.


    Powerful as the Northern Fate Royal Family was, although they did not fear Divine Platforms, they ultimately did not want to offend Them too deeply unless they had no choice, especially a Divine Platform that had not used the Wanggu¡¯s faith.


    Hence, they could only endure this loss.


    The other forces were also filled with various thoughts when they saw this scene.


    The Great Emperor held the sword shadow and stared in all directions.


    Wherever his gaze landed, the void would fluctuate. The gods hiding in the void retreated again and again, not daring to face him head-on.


    The divine senses of the various powerful races trembled and retracted.


    They originally thought that the Sword Holding Great Emperor was already at the end of his rope. However, the scene earlier reversed the situation. At this moment, no one wanted to risk their lives to test it.


    This was because they weren¡¯t sure if the Sword Holding Great Emperor still had a trump card or if he was still fishing.


    Hence, all the forces stayed put.


    Just like that, time passed bit by bit. After dozens of breaths, the divine fire on the Empress¡¯ body had already surged into the sky.


    The world turned golden. Endless divine flames formed a vast momentum that swept through the sky.


    She was only one step away from success¡­


    She was only ten breaths away!


    All eyes were on her.


    The Sword Holding Great Emperor also looked at the Empress and smiled.


    However, in the depths of this smile, there was deep fatigue.


    At this moment, he was really at the end of his rope.


    Although he hoped that the sword in his hand could continue to shine, the hidden weakness in his body still spread in the end, causing the sword to start dissipating.


    Just like his soul, it began to disappear, starting from its essence.


    However, he was still forcing himself. At least on the surface, he was still supreme.


    He wanted to hold on until the Empress¡¯ godhood ritual finished.


    After that, he wanted to take one last look at this human world, the human race here, and this sorrowful world at the instant his life faded.


    Compared to the Great Emperor¡¯s weakness, the Empress¡¯ divine fire was increasingly vigorous.


    The world in the Great Emperor¡¯s heart dimmed, and the world that belonged to the Empress became increasingly golden.


    The god¡¯s aura from the Empress¡¯ body rose one last time, forming the sound of endless heavenly lightning. It shattered the laws and Dao.


    Her life was undergoing a qualitative change!


    This scene caused people to sigh.


    One was dying, while the other¡¯s vitality was soaring high.


    ¡®Like a cycle¡­¡¯


    The Great Emperor murmured to himself, feeling endless fatigue and boundless weakness, like the tides of eternity overwhelming him from within. This caused a hint of cloudiness to appear in his once sharp eyes.


    The once wise heart of his lifetime was now covered in dust.


    In a daze, this cloudiness unknowingly reflected red.


    This dust silently transformed into paper.


    The red and paper merged together, forming five¡­ red paper effigies.


    They looked like they were crying but also laughing.


    Four of them appeared around the Sword Holding Great Emperor¡¯s soul body, while one appeared within the soul body.


    Then, with a clap of thunder and an ancient cry of sorrow, the expressions of these five paper figures turned intensely greedy. They lunged from all directions!


    The paper effigy inside the Great Emperor¡¯s soul suddenly melted, turning into blood, spreading throughout his soul, and instantly intertwining with the incoming paper effigies!


    All of this happened too suddenly.


    The timing was also extremely precise.


    Those five paper effigies, like venomous snakes hidden in time and space, with an extremely skilled hunting method and patience surpassing that of the gods, struck just as the Empress was about to succeed, and at the moment when the Sword Holding Great Emperor was at his weakest and on the verge of collapse.


    They bared their fangs, and immediately launched a fatal blow!


    The paper effigies landed and enveloped the Great Emperor¡¯s soul.


    They instantly fused with the soul.


    The world rumbled and the Great Emperor¡¯s aura seemed to have been erased. The sword in Xu Qing¡¯s body let out an extreme sorrowful cry.


    In the air, the only paper effigy inside the Great Emperor¡¯s soul let out a satisfied laugh.


    ¡°I¡¯ve finally obtained the light of the Quasi-Immortal¡¯s death.¡±


    At this moment, all the experts were shocked.


    All the gods¡¯ expressions fluctuated in unison.


    The hearts of all beings in Wanggu felt as if their strings had snapped.


    The sky roared, the earth surged, and the fate of the human race let out a cry of sorrow. At that moment, whether they were officials or commoners, all humans gnashed their teeth and widened their eyes, their hearts experiencing the greatest upheaval of their lives.


    The sky had collapsed!


    The Great Emperor had died!


    ¡°Great Emperor!!¡±


    One figure after another instinctively rose into the air. Their shouts carried endless sorrow and anger as they echoed in this human world.


    Seeing the Great Emperor fall like this, the humans, whether they were strong or weak, couldn¡¯t endure it.


    Heaven-shattering anger and world-shattering madness ignited in the human race¡¯s bloodline at this instant. They were like flames that burned the minds of all the humans.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were red, but he didn¡¯t utter a word.


    This was his personality. The more intense his killing intent was, the more silent he became. At that moment, he rushed forward and the Emperor Sword in his body buzzed, illuminating everything in the surroundings.


    As for the red paper effigy that was still laughing in the sky, it licked its lips and looked at the Empress who was trembling and trying to walk out of the monstrous divine fire.


    It laughed again and was about to attack.


    Its target wasn¡¯t just the light of death.


    However, at this moment, Its smile froze and a mournful wail rang out from Its mouth as Its body started burning.


    This fire had boundless might.


    That was the burning of the Dao, the burning of the Sword Holding Great Emperor¡¯s final obsession, and the burning of the anger in the human race¡¯s bloodline at this moment.


    ¡°Even at this point, you still had one more move left, Sword Holder. Using your own death, your Dao, your obsession to ignite the fire of the human race¡­ You¡¯re ruthless!¡±


    As the red paper effigy wailed, Its body instantly turned into an ashy trail, unable to continue Its plot. It could only carry the remaining trace of the light of the Quasi-Immortal¡¯s death within the ashes and break through the vacuum to escape.


    It had indeed successfully obtained the light of the Great Emperor¡¯s death.


    Among the many gods who came here, only It had accomplished this.


    However, because of the Dao fire of Obsession, the quantity became very small.


    While the price¡­ was extremely great!


    The fire didn¡¯t only burn Its paper effigy, but following the karma, it headed toward Its main body!


    Hence, Its wails echoed in the sky for a long time.


    The anger of the human race was still erupting.


    The sorrow of the human race spread like a tide.


    At this moment, the divine fire on the Empress¡¯ body merged with the flames of the human race. The anger stemming from the shared goal of countless humans within the fire caused the Empress¡¯ divine will to emanate intense humanity.


    It filled Her mind and surpassed Her divinity.


    Flames surged into the sky and the sky completely turned into a sea of fire that burned in Wanggu, visible from everywhere.


    On the Ancient Sovereign Planet, the past human emperors stood up one after another.


    Dense god aura rose from Their bodies and erupted.


    They had finally become gods.


    Although They didn¡¯t have any spiritual intelligence, They were guided by the fortune of the human race¡­ Corpse Gods!


    The will of the human race was Their will.


    The direction of the race was Their direction!


    In the air, at this instant, the Empress¡¯ aura exceeded everything and Her aura shone brightly!


    It caused the sky to lose color as though it was submitting to Her.


    The ground rumbled as though it was worshiping.


    Countless mountains and rivers in the human race¡¯s territories resonated with Her. The bloodline of the citizens who were stranded in the various large regions also surged for some reason.


    This was because under the fusion of the anger of the human race and the peak waves of human nature, She had completed Her awakening.


    Success, Human God!


    Her aura, under the help of the majestic divine ritual, the help of the Divine Realm authority talisman, the blessing of the Sword Holding Great Emperor, and the fusion of the anger of the human race in the end, it¡­ jumped past flawlessness.


    In one step, She reached Divine Platform!


    The so-called Divine Platform shone brighter than all the stars, with an aura like the lightning from the nine heavens, immense and majestic, causing all beings who beheld Her to be filled with awe.


    Her eyes were as deep as the void, capable of devouring everything, boundless and vast.


    Her long hair flowed with the wind, each strand exuding a rich, divine aura that shook the heavens.


    Any single strand seemed capable of tearing the heavens and earth.


    Even the surrounding vacuum became exceptionally oppressive, an invisible force pressing against the chests of all beings. At this moment, whether they were cultivators or gods, everyone felt a sense of suffocation.


    All the heads lowered one after another.


    Only the figure wearing the imperial robe and crown in the air became the sole focus of the world.


    She stood there, radiating brilliant light, but the flames did not dissipate. Instead, they surged even higher, enveloping Her Divine Platform fire and gathering the fury from the hearts of the human race. Together, they burned the sky, scorched time and space, and seared all directions.


    They transformed into a sentence that shook the world.


    ¡°Droz, from now on, wherever space reaches, wherever time passes, the one to slay you will be my human race! This is my oath upon the Divine Platform.¡±


    This statement became an imprint, branded into the Wanggu, above the rules and laws.


    All humans remembered these words and engraved them into their souls, merging them into their bloodlines and passing them down from generation to generation.


    The killing intent in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was intense. After a long time, he silently turned his head and gazed at the statue of the Sword Holding Great Emperor.


    Under the light of the flames, the statue of the Great Emperor still gazed majestic.


    It was as though he was telling the world that in the last breath of his life, he had fulfilled his thoughts and wishes. He had succeeded in protecting the Empress, and even ignited the flames of the human race at the most critical moment.


    He had already used everything he had.


    He had no regrets.


    Xu Qing lowered his head and bowed deeply to the Great Emperor¡¯s statue.


    At this moment, all the living beings of the human race bowed with deep sorrow.


    Sorrow became the only theme in the world.


    The Sword Holding Great Emperor dominated the world for the first half of his life and accompanied Mystic Nether in battles everywhere. He made illustrious contributions to the human race and even established the Sword Holding Palace, setting its creed.


    The light of heaven and earth shall erupt when they slay the danger for the people!


    They shall create prosperity and peace for eternity. With the sword as the command, they shall protect the myriad beings.


    And the latter half of his life was the embodiment of these two statements.


    Today, he used up the last trace of his aura.


    However, his desire of taking one last look at the human world and the human race would never be fulfilled¡­


    In the distance, on the horizon of the night sky, the morning star was rising.


    The long night arrived with yesterday¡¯s sunset and passed with this moment¡¯s sunrise.


    It was the sunset that reflected in the hearts of people, while the rising star illuminated the Wanggu.


    With each sunset, there was a sunrise.

 Chapter 1387 - Chapter 1387: The Empress Executes the Gods (1)

    Chapter 1387: The Empress Executes the Gods (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The sunset and sunrise, though separated by the night, were also an alternation.


    Xu Qing stared at the Great Emperor¡¯s statue and then at the Empress in the air. There were thousands of thoughts in his mind and he seemed to have comprehended something.


    This affected his mind and soul, and a few of the hundred light marks in the nihility land clearly fluctuated.


    At that moment, the sun rose into the sky.


    The sunlight scattered down, transforming into endless light that dispelled all the darkness in the surroundings.


    In the end, along with Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, it converged on the Empress, forming countless brilliant spots of light, as if draping her in a robe of many colors


    The light connected all beings, and their thoughts merged with Wanggu.


    There were also five vast divine auras erupting from the vortexes around the Ancient Sovereign Planet.


    Eastern Triumph, Mirror Cloud, Holy Heaven, Dao World, Mystic War¡­


    Under the enhancement of fortune, the five human emperors were dressed in imperial robes and crowns, emitting auras of different divine authorities as they rose into the air.


    They stood behind the Empress.


    The gathered aura was monstrous and dazzling.


    Wind and clouds surged, the mountains and rivers of the human race rumbled, the surroundings shook, and the bloodline churned.


    Everything gathered into a will that rushed into the sky.


    It was as though it was telling Wanggu and all parties that from now on, the human race would have gods. From now on, the human race would rise.


    All the Heavenly Kings of the human race knelt down along with all the Heavenly Marquises.


    It was the same for the officials.


    The Upper Mystic Five Ministries, the Lower Mystic Five, be it cultivators or commoners, whether they were from sects or armies,everyone in the Grand Imperial Capital Region bowed to the Empress in unison!


    ¡°Human Emperor!¡±


    Countless humans shouted; the sky rumbled and fortune swept out.


    This was the voice of the human race¡¯s will.


    Amidst this voice and light, all parties in Wanggu were shocked. The hearts of the gods who came here also fluctuated.


    This was especially so when¡­ the Empress raised Her head at this moment. The power of the Divine Platform rose and a sense of oppression descended on the world.


    ¡°Today, the emperor¡¯s blood fell.¡±


    ¡°But the god¡¯s blood hasn¡¯t fallen enough.¡±


    The instant these two sentences were spoken, an intent to exterminate erupted. An eternal coldness appeared, and every word was like heavenly lightning that shattered the sky.


    In an instant, the hearts of the gods who came to obstruct Her, regardless of whether They were hiding or showing Themselves, froze. After that, They didn¡¯t hesitate and retreated abruptly.


    The Blazing God of the Empyrean Crimson Land, the Night Corpse of the Underworld Origin Corpse Race, and the Wind God of the Northern Fate Royal Family. The bodies of the three gods instantly rumbled. Flames rolled back, the bones retreated, and the wind dissipated.


    The gods who were hiding moved even faster. Although there were still some among Them with ulterior motives who weren¡¯t sure of the Empress¡¯ true combat strength, especially her divine authority.


    But They weren¡¯t willing to provoke Her when the human race¡¯s will and anger were at their peak.


    However, the human race now was different from the past. Although the Sword Holding Great Emperor had fallen, a new Great Emperor had appeared. Hence, They couldn¡¯t come and go as They pleased.


    Just like what the Empress had said.


    ¡®The god¡¯s blood hasn¡¯t fallen enough.¡¯


    At the next instant, the Empress raised Her hand.


    The power of the Divine Platform soared.


    She grabbed at the sky.


    The sky caved in, as though it had become a curtain. The Empress¡¯ hand directly tore it off, causing it to tilt.


    Boundless starlight fell from beyond the sky and passed through the sky curtain, gathering in the sky of the human race to form the hand of a god.


    It swept through the void!


    It broke through time and space.


    Wanggu¡¯s void rumbled and the sky collapsed. Those existences hiding in the cracks between time and space all emitted intense fluctuations. Their divine powers erupted as They joined forces.


    However, in the face of the power of the Divine Platform, Their combined strength was clearly insufficient.


    At the next instant, heart-rending sounds rang out from the collapsing void. A large amount of divine blood fell from the sky and landed on the human world. At the same time, the joint force shattered.


    There was also a god that was pulled out of the void by the Empress¡¯ hand of starlight.


    It was revealed to the world.


    It was an eye with three pupils, entirely golden, unlike any god¡¯s eye Xu Qing had ever seen.


    This eye flickered with an ancient mark and emitted a scorching aura. Clearly, It was a god from the land of blazing fire.


    At that moment, after It was pulled out by the large hand of starlight, It wanted to struggle. An anxious murmur echoed as It tried to reverse the situation.


    However, It didn¡¯t have the qualifications.


    As the Empress clenched Her starlight hand, the sound of the world being split apart spread in all directions. This divine eye was directly crushed.


    The divine power inside was suppressed, Its soul was extinguished, and Its body was completely destroyed.


    Boom!


    God, perished!


    The heavens and earth roared, countless drops of divine blood fell and were purified, no longer anomalous substances, but transformed into nutrients that could be absorbed by the human race, spreading over the imperial capital.


    The entire world was shaken.


    ¡°It¡¯s still not enough.¡±


    The Empress spoke calmly, Her gaze falling to the south, in the direction where the Blazing God of the Empyrean Crimson Land had fled.


    ¡°Since your divine authority is fire, let me see you try to break my fire.¡±


    As She spoke, the Empress¡¯ divine fire burned the sky, causing the slanting sky to become a world of flames. The destructive force swept towards the direction of Her gaze, burning everything in its path.


    Wherever it passed, the heavenly fire burned even more fiercely.


    The figure of the Blazing God appeared in the distance and was enveloped by the Empress¡¯ divine fire. His struggles were utterly feeble, his resistance like child¡¯s play.


    Everything He did was ineffective.


    Fire was His divine authority, but today¡­ it no longer belonged to Him.


    Divine blood splattered onto the southern land.


    Tragic wails rang out from His mouth, echoing through the world. Everyone who heard it felt their hearts churning.


    The Empress was still expressionless. In fact, She only took a glance at the Blazing God before retracting Her gaze and looking to the west..

 Chapter 1388 - Chapter 1388: The Empress Executes the Gods (2)

    Chapter 1388: The Empress Executes the Gods (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    That was the direction the Night Corpse God of the Underworld Origin Corpse Race had fled.


    ¡°Since your divine authority is corpses, capable of controlling life and death. My life and death, let me see you control it.¡±


    As soon as the Empress¡¯ voice rang out, the western horizon instantly distorted. The darkness that was hiding there and rapidly leaving seemed to have its veil lifted and had no choice but to be exposed to the sunlight.


    From afar, it looked like a black spot in the day.


    Inside the spot were countless corpses, piled into a mass of flesh.


    At that moment, all the corpses¡¯ expressions changed, and in the next instant, a bizarre scene occurred.


    All the faces of the corpses blurred simultaneously, then transformed into the Empress¡¯s emotionless face, all repeating Her previous words.


    These words continued to echo and gather together, forming a divine voice that forcefully suppressed the authority of life and death.


    It was irreversible.


    A mournful wail rang out from the depths of the corpse, echoing in the night.


    God¡¯s blood splattered on the western land as well.


    The Empress retracted her gaze and looked toward the north.


    ¡°As for you, there is no northern wind in my territory.¡±


    The instant these words were spoken, a strong wind rumbled in the northern horizon and a hurricane appeared out of thin air.


    The existence in this storm was none other than Wind God of the Northern Fate Royal Family. Its servant had already died. At that moment, It was alone. Facing the Empress¡¯ divine voice, It suddenly turned Its head, and Its eyes gleamed.


    ¡°Empress, the Divine Platform isn¡¯t the peak of the Wanggu. You¡­¡±


    ¡°Noisy!¡±


    What answered It was the Empress¡¯ calm voice.


    Although the voice was light, it contained unyielding might.


    The moment it spread out, the hurricane in the surroundings of the Wind God was forcefully torn apart.


    It was intolerable by the human race¡¯s territory.


    The northern wind couldn¡¯t exist here.


    Amidst the rumbling, the northern wind shattered and the hurricane dissipated. The body of the Wind God was being torn apart, and god¡¯s blood landed on the northern land of the human race.


    Wails spread in all directions.


    The might of the Empress determined the lives of three flawlessness gods with just a few words, causing everyone who was paying attention to this scene to feel their souls tremble.


    This was the Divine Platform.


    However, the Northern Fate Royal Family was a powerful race that was ranked second in Wanggu. The number of gods that accepted the worship and faith of this race was unknown, and it wasn¡¯t like they didn¡¯t have a Divine Platform.


    At the next instant, the sound of the wind rose again.


    ¡°Back then, when the three Flame Moon Gods advanced, even They had to show respect to my Northern Fate. As for you¡­ don¡¯t have a choice anymore.¡±


    It was still the northern wind but it was different from the hurricane from before. This time, an ice-cold wind appeared. It could freeze time and space and seal the wind of the god.


    It had been here before and one of Its arms was severed by the Sword Holding Great Emperor.


    It appeared again at this moment.


    It was also a Divine Platform.


    The wind and snow howled, forming a snowy hand that grabbed at the Wind God, trying to save It.


    At the same time, wind and snow fell above the Empress¡¯ head.


    The range was so large that it enveloped the imperial city and the human race¡¯s imperial region. It wanted to completely freeze this place, completely freeze this region, and seal the human race in ice.


    The divine might of the Corpse Gods shone and protected the surroundings. As for the Empress, She took a step forward and the wind and snow stirred.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you!¡±


    A sharp glint appeared in the Empress¡¯ eyes. Of course, she knew how powerful the Northern Fate Royal Family was and also understood the various drawbacks of provoking this race.


    However, after She became a Divine Platform, it was no longer suitable for the human race to hide their strength and bide their time.


    If they continued to endure, they would have to face continuous probing from all sides. Moreover, the Northern Fate Royal Family wouldn¡¯t give up on their malicious intentions due to their patience.


    Back then, the Sword Holding Great Emperor had relied on his combat prowess to strike fear into all the forces, creating the possibility of protecting the human race. Even when only an avatar of his was left, it still deterred gods from descending rashly.


    Hence, being domineering was the best protection now!


    She wanted to tell the Northern Fate Royal Family that the human race was like a nail; even if the Northern Fate were formidable, they needed to consider the heavy price they would pay for striking it.


    More importantly, She needed to show Her value. This was the foundation to form an alliance with other forces.


    She wanted everyone to know that Her Divine Platform was the Tempered Divine Platform!


    Hence, the moment Her voice rang out, She stepped in the void and closed Her eyes.


    There were waves in the sky of all the large regions in the Wanggu.


    There are many suns and moons in Wanggu.


    Hence, at any time, there was day and night.


    It was just that the areas were different.


    And the Empress¡¯ step caused ripples throughout all of Wanggu¡¯s daylight.


    At that moment, if the fragmented-face in the sky opened Its eyes, It would see that in the black-and-white interwoven regions across Wanggu, as if extinguishing a flame, all the daylight in that instant turned pitch black.


    All the regions in Wanggu fell into the night.


    She blew out the lights and temporarily removed the concept of light from Wanggu.


    This also included the territory of the human race.


    The originally bright day instantly turned pitch-black.


    The eyes of the Empress became the only source of light in the entire Wanggu.


    This was the Empress¡¯ divine authority.


    Extracting the concept of light, She gathered it within Her own eyes, becoming the source of light in that fleeting moment.


    Just like the Sun of Dawn.


    At that moment, the Empress opened her eyes.


    Endless light flickered in Her eyes. That was the source of light in Wanggu. It was the concept of light in many large regions. It was also the dawn that tore through everything in the dark night.


    Wherever this light passed, the world would brighten.


    The wind and snow melted and the Northern Fate god inside turned into nothingness..

 Chapter 1389 - 1389 The Empress Executes the Gods (3)

    1389 The Empress Executes the Gods (3)


    Although It didn¡¯t die, the heavy injuries It suffered this time were comparable to the injuries Jade Flowing Dust suffered back then. Its voice echoed with fear.


    ¡°Your divine authority¡­ is actually light¡­¡±


    The voice dissipated.


    In the end, facing such divine authority, It couldn¡¯t save the Wind God.


    Hence, the divine blood of the hurricane turned into a rain of blood that splattered onto the human world.


    This god would no longer exist.


    The world returned to normal.


    The large regions that had lost the concept of light regained it again.


    The human race¡¯s sky was also once again bright.


    Two towering god statues descended from the sky, landing in the south and the west.


    One was called Blazing, and the other was called Night Corpse.


    The Empress didn¡¯t kill these two gods but sealed Them on the ground of the human race.


    Today, there was enough divine blood.


    And at this moment, the ceremony of becoming a god also came to an end.


    All parties were silent.


    The three gods looked at the Empress from afar. In the end, They slowly disappeared. The transaction was completely over and there was no need for Them to remain here.


    The entire world fell silent at this instant.


    It should have been exhilarating, but in the hearts of all the human race, it was like the ebb and flow of the tide. Despite the mighty will of the race, what emerged was still the sorrow of the Great Emperor¡¯s departure.


    Xu Qing sighed softly and looked at his surroundings.


    Perhaps the world sensed their sorrow.


    Vaguely, Xu Qing seemed to hear a funeral song coming from the sky.


    A chilling wind blew across the lands of the human race¡­ carrying a sobbing sound and a bone-chilling cold, growing stronger and stronger until it stirred the sky.


    The entire firmament was filled with endless heavenly wind, gradually seeming to contain countless fierce ghosts, roaring with infinite greed, released from the hell.


    ¡°An ominous sign, the wind from the nine hells¡­¡±


    In a courtyard in the Imperial City, the current Palace Master of the human race¡¯s Summer Immortal Palace stood there and raised her head to look at the heavenly wind.


    Her hoarse voice sighed and muttered.


    Someone had opened the netherworld.


    The wind from the nine hells blew over Wanggu, growing stronger and stronger.


    This wind passed through the human race¡¯s imperial capital, the various regions of the Flame Moon, and stretches of desolation, ultimately converging in the Sky Devouring Region.


    In the capital of the Sky Devouring Race, in the surroundings of the ritual that was arranged exactly the same as the Empress¡¯ godhood ritual, the wind of the nine hells kept coming, forming a huge vortex.


    Projections manifested in all directions, illuminating the scenes of the Human Emperor becoming a god.


    Here, the divine flames on the bodies of the five previous emperors of the Sky Devouring Region were also rumbling. However, it wasn¡¯t to become gods but because their bodies were burning the moment they became gods.


    Their sacrifices boosted the wind even more!


    Hence, the nine hells vortex erupted with rumbling sounds and spread to the Imperial City, spreading to everything and affecting the entire Sky Devouring Region.


    The sound of the wind wasn¡¯t just whimpers but also cheers, murmurs, and anticipation.


    ¡°Return!¡±


    Around the ritual, countless Illuminate members and black-robed suddenly lifted their heads and let out earth-shattering sounds.


    ¡°Return!¡±


    This sound grew louder and louder, causing the color of the sky to change and the wind to surge. It caused the wind of the nine hells that spread through the entire region to rise and rumble toward the sky.


    As far as the eye could see, in the Sky Devouring Region, blood formed rivers and flesh formed mountains. Countless corpses were like plates of feasts.


    Together with all the arrangements in the Sky Devouring¡¯s Imperial City now, it seemed to be¡­ a huge ritual that was even more vast than the human race!


    This was indeed an earth-shattering ritual!


    It was also one of Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s ultimate targets.


    That was¡­ to revive the entire Purple Green Kingdom!


    He wanted the former Purple Green Kingdom to return from ancient times.


    He wanted the Wanggu Kingdom that belonged to him to descend into the main world again!


    He wanted to restore the country!


    Bai Xiaozhuo also had such a dream. However, he only thought of reviving a county, but still failed in the end.


    What Purple Green was thinking about was the whole Purple Green Kingdom.


    The difficulty was so great that it could be said to be unparalleled!


    Therefore, he needed a massive ritual!


    That was¡­ to organize, promote, and participate in an unprecedented godhood ritual. He would cut out this period of time and use it as a sacrifice to the Divine God Desolate.


    At the same time, he had to perfectly replicate and present this ceremony in the chosen land of restoration, thereby substituting it as if exchanging fates.


    The other side would bear the calamity, while his side enjoyed the fruits!


    The more vast, resplendent, and unprecedented the godhood ritual was, the greater the chance of him succeeding in reviving his country.


    Hence, he chose¡­ the Human Emperor¡¯s godhood ritual!


    The human race didn¡¯t allow the Human Emperor to become a god, so it was naturally unprecedented.


    A peak Ruler abandoning the cultivation system and choosing to become a god. This had never happened in countless years, thus it naturally possessed an unparalleled grandeur.


    Now, the Human Emperor had succeeded.


    He also succeeded.


    In fact, he didn¡¯t even need to personally preside over it. Everything this place was proceeding perfectly according to his plan.


    The fragmented-face was delighted.


    A deafening sound rang out from the sky of the Sky Devouring Race.


    Amidst cracking sounds, the vortex that filled the sky finally shattered the gates to netherworld.


    As the ground called out, the netherworld above the Sky Devouring was opened!


    ¡°Return!¡±


    ¡°Return!!¡±


    Countless Illuminates, countless black robes, and countless god specimens were roaring.


    Their voices became the guide for the souls of the dead, and their ceremony became the mark of the kingdom, surging inside the shattered netherworld.


    It completely cut off the period of time before the Purple Green Kingdom was pulled inside the netherworld!


    It landed in the Sky Devouring Region.


    The sky shattered and the ground collapsed.


    An illusory and shocking country appeared from the netherworld. From the shattered universe, it landed in Wanggu, the main world, and the Sky Devouring Region.


    This was none other than the Purple Green Kingdom that had shocked the entire Wanggu Race rear then.


    Roars and shouts of unresigned madness, and infinite cold wails rang out from the illusory country that had descended.


    Countless souls erupted from the Purple Green Kingdom that was buried in time.


    Some of them were citizens, some were soldiers, and some were officials¡­


    They were endless, transforming inside a soul sea that swept through the entire Sky Devouring Region.


    It headed toward the river where blood had gathered on the ground, toward the mountain peaks where flesh and bones were piled up.


    Devour everything, devour the blood river, devour flesh and blood, devour everything.


    At this moment, flesh and blood were their nutrients.


    Using the flesh and blood of all living beings in a region to reconstruct the bodies of the citizens of the Purple Green Kingdom!


    Numerous bodies were born from the flesh and blood, and waves of aura erupted between the heavens and the earth.


    All of them opened their eyes, revealing piety. Their hearts contained hatred for the heavens, the earth, and the myriad races!


    They had returned!


    The Purple Green Kingdom had successfully revived!


    A vast and shocking imperial city landed on the Sky Devouring Imperial City and replaced it, representing a huge purple city.


    Similar cities appeared in many places in the Sky Devouring Region.


    A total of 99 cities.


    In the imperial city, in the Purple Green Palace, figures with flesh and blood appeared one after another. They knelt down toward the empty throne in the depths of the imperial palace.


    They weren¡¯t the only ones kneeling. At that moment, all the revived purple-green citizens in the various cities knelt fanatically in the direction of the palace.


    They were waiting.


    They were waiting for their peerless crown prince to return and sit on the throne of the Purple Green Kingdom to ascend the throne and become¡­ Emperor Purple Green!


    This was the promise the crown prince had made to the entire Purple Green Kingdom before the last battle of his life.


    ¡°When I return, I will ascend the throne!¡±


    At that moment, the emperor they were waiting for, Crown Prince Purple Green, who had completed most of his goals, was walking toward the human race¡¯s imperial capital.


    Every step he took caused the ground to wail and the sky to ripple.


    His expression was gentle and there was a smile on his lips.


    ¡°Brother, I¡¯m approaching to get the doll.¡±

 Chapter 1390 - Chapter 1390: Purple and Qing (1)

    Chapter 1390: Purple and Qing (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    At that moment, in the imperial city, in the courtyard specially opened for Zi Xuan in Ning Yan¡¯s residence.


    Zi Xuan was struggling.


    She sat there cross-legged, and the ground around her revealed complex runes, forming a seal that bound her body.


    Those runes were formed by soul threads.


    These soul threads erupted the moment the ancestral worship started, causing Zi Xuan to be unable to leave.


    In a residence not far away from here, Erniu was also sitting cross-legged and struggling. The veins on his face bulged and his eyes were bloodshot.


    There was also a seal binding him.


    It wasn¡¯t formed from soul threads, but an arrangement by Old Master Seventh.


    ¡°Old man, you old codger, you actually plotted against me and sealed me here. I¡¯m going to rebel against the sect!!¡±


    Erniu shouted while struggling with all his might.


    Outside, the wind from the nine hells blew past the human capital.


    At that instant, the sky seemed to be turbid. The opening of the gate to the netherworld couldn¡¯t be hidden in the end and was revealed in Wanggu, causing everyone whose attention was attracted by the Empress¡¯ ascension to sense it.


    After all, that was the revival of an ancient country. Moreover, the ritual itself was peculiar and could be said to be unparalleled.


    However¡­ it was different from when the Empress was becoming a god.


    Regarding everything that was happening in the Sky Devouring Region, no race or god went to stop it.


    All of them turned a blind eye.


    It was as though that place was a taboo.


    It was because that was a sacrifice to the Divine God, and Desolate was pleased.


    In the human capital, a complicated expression flashed across the Empress¡¯ face, but ultimately, it turned calm.


    At this point, the deal between Her and that person was completely over.


    Both sides obtained what they wanted.


    In the future, everything would be centered around the race.


    The human race had broken off relations with the holy land and the Great Emperor had fallen. From now on, the fate of the Wanggu humans, whether to struggle through stormy times or to rise completely, rested entirely on Her own shoulders to bear eternally.


    Just like what She had said before, She would handle this karma alone!


    The Empress¡¯ heart was calm as She withdrew Her gaze, looked towards the human race, and swept her eyes over the citizens of the imperial capital, sensing their excitement. She then looked over the gathered officials, feeling their turbulent emotions.


    She also saw all the princes and princesses and sensed their nervousness.


    She finally looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡®Younger brother of that person in this life, the Sword Carrier chosen by the Great Emperor¡­¡¯


    In Her gaze, Xu Qing stood on the war drum of the human race, with visible sorrow still lingering on his face. Upon sensing Her gaze, he also looked towards Her.


    He bowed to her.


    The Empress nodded slightly and finally looked at the rising sun. Her dignified voice echoed through the world.


    ¡°Pass the decree to all the eastern regions of the Wanggu.¡±


    ¡°From this day forth, ensure that all our people within their regions are properly settled. No humans in the foreign regions are to die unjustly.¡±


    ¡°King Zhen Yan, King Bei He, King Yun Lan¡­ Seventeen Heavenly Kings in total, lead seventeen armies to the various territories of the different races in the eastern part of Wanggu, and bring our people¡­ back home.¡±


    As soon as She said that, everyone¡¯s emotions fluctuated.


    Ever since the Eastern Triumph, there had been too many humans stranded outside. It wasn¡¯t that the past human emperors didn¡¯t want to bring them back, but they were helpless.


    But now, on this day, after the Empress became a god, with the authority of a Divine Platform, She issued Her decree. In the east of Wanggu, Her voice was like the heavenly voice.


    King Zhen Yan and the other Heavenly Kings instantly flew out and bowed to the Empress in the air.


    ¡°The rest of the officials, princes, and others, gather in the palace hall seven days from now. We will change the imperial title and elevate the grand court!¡± The Empress¡¯ voice echoed again and all the officials bowed.


    ¡°The ceremony is over. Everyone, disperse. Eleventh, follow me.¡±


    The Ancient Sovereign Planet rumbled and slowly sank back to its original location. The sky recovered and the fortune of the human race concealed itself.


    The cultivators on the ancient planet were also teleported out.


    This vast ceremony finally came to an end.


    At that moment, the officials could also tell that the Empress and Her son clearly had things to discuss. Hence, it wasn¡¯t convenient for them to disturb Her. After they bowed, they silently left the palace with endless thoughts about the events today.


    Only Eleventh, like a child who had done something wrong, was excited and apprehensive. He lowered his head and walked toward the Empress.


    After standing beside the Empress, he opened his mouth as though he wanted to say something. However, in the end, he didn¡¯t know what to say.


    The Empress didn¡¯t look at the Eleventh Prince.


    She looked at the sky. After the human war drum disappeared and the officials left, Xu Qing was still standing there.


    ¡°King Zhen Cang.¡±


    The Empress calmly spoke.


    Xu Qing, who was in the air, bowed to the Empress.


    ¡°I am waiting for someone, Your Majestic. I think he¡¯ll come.¡±


    Xu Qing replied softly.


    The Empress¡¯ gaze was deep as She stared at Xu Qing for a while. She didn¡¯t say anything else and turned to walk toward the palace.


    The Eleventh Prince took a deep breath and nervously followed.


    The world gradually fell silent.


    Compared to the grand ceremony here earlier, the sudden silence formed an indescribable pressure.


    Amidst this oppression, Xu Qing was the only one standing in the air. There was no one else in his surroundings.


    Only he stood there, waiting while looking at the horizon.


    He had enough patience because he had waited for this day for a long time.


    He believed that the other party would come.


    This was a hunch brought about by his intuition.


    To be precise, when he came to the human capital back then and saw the figure in the imperial palace, he knew that the moment they faced each other wasn¡¯t far away.


    Just like that, time slowly passed.


    The sun slowly rose in the sky. Light and heat spread throughout the world until¡­ noon.


    The intense sunlight wiped away the darkness from the earth, melted the dust, and dazzled the eyes, making it seem as if the sky couldn¡¯t be seen clearly..

 Chapter 1391 - Chapter 1391: Purple and Qing (2)

    Chapter 1391: Purple and Qing (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios | Editor: Atlas Studios


    Xu Qing had seen many such suns.


    One of them was etched into his memory, engraved into his soul, never to be forgotten through all his lifetimes.


    It was the last noon in Peerless City.


    The sunlight on that day was also intense until a figure appeared. After that, a rain of blood descended on Peerless City-


    Today, this figure once again appeared before Xu Qing¡¯s gaze under the noon sun.


    Purple hue invaded the light and isolated the heat, gathering from the sky and descending from the heavens.


    Step by step, he walked toward the human world.


    Finally, he replaced the daylight and the sky, stepping into Xu Qing¡¯s sight, covering his world and everything he saw.


    Crown Prince Purple Green!


    His features were handsome, his smile gentle, his gaze serene, and his steps light.


    He stood in the air and softly spoke towards the palace.


    ¡°Congratulations, Your Majesty, on advancing to the Divine Platform.¡±


    A calm voice echoed in the palace.


    ¡°At this moment, you should be in your region, and not in mine.¡±


    When Purple Green heard this, he smiled and nodded.


    ¡°Empress is right. After I take the doll, 1¡¯11 leave.¡±


    After saying that, Purple Green turned and looked at Xu Qing.


    His gaze was as gentle as ever, just like when he was in Peerless City.


    ¡°Brother, have you been waiting for me?¡±


    Xu Qing calmly nodded.


    ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve really grown up.¡±


    Purple Green smiled. He then raised his right hand and gently grabbed at Xu


    Qing.


    ¡°So, let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll take you home.¡±


    With this grasp, the sky instantly reversed, and the earth roared. A terrifying force descended upon the world, slicing through time in all directions and severing the fate of this place from that of Wanggu.


    This caused Xu Qing¡¯s surroundings to become a spacetime independent of


    Wanggu.


    It was unstoppable and irresistible like fate.


    in fact, it was unknown if it was an illusion, but Xu Qing seemed to see Peerless City, the blood rain, and himself crying helplessly while hugging the rag doll.


    However, at that moment, a cold snort suddenly rang out from the palace.


    There were also five god auras that erupted from the fortune of the human race and descended between heaven and earth, locking onto Purple Green.


    in an instant, the reversed sky was straightened and the rumbling ground was suppressed.


    ¡°Your Majesty, this is a family matter between my brother and me.¡±


    Purple Green¡¯s hand paused in mid-air. He looked at the palace and spoke softly.


    ¡°Minister Xu is my subject, King Zhen Cang of my race, and the Grand Tutor.¡±


    The Empress¡¯ voice was calm and unquestionable.


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    As if hearing something interesting, Purple Green¡¯s smile grew even wider. His eyes slowly revealed a light other than gentleness. It looked resplendent but there was a hint of ancient vicissitudes.


    Even his voice was the same.


    ¡°My brother doesn¡¯t seem to want you to interfere either.¡±


    ¡°However, since Your Majesty has spoken, then¡­ how about we play a game of choice?¡±


    After Purple Green finished speaking, he raised his left hand and flipped it over, revealing a purple wooden box.


    With a touch of his fingertips, the box opened.


    A beam of light burst out from within the wooden box!


    That light was colorless and invisible, but one could sense that the instant it appeared, the sky rippled, the ground rumbled, and the sun and moon lost their color!


    The expressions of everyone in the Imperial City, regardless of whether they were mortals or cultivators changed drastically at this moment.


    Because that light¡­


    It was the gaze that the god¡¯s fragmented-face emitted after opening Its eyes!


    It first appeared years ago at Seven Blood Eyes, released by the Night Dove.


    After that, Xu Qing also saw It in a god specimen.


    However, at this moment, the light that appeared in the box in Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s hand was much denser than what he had seen in the past!


    At the instant It was displayed, no matter what cultivation realm one had, no matter if their divine powers and Dao arts could change the world, at this instant¡­ they were all trembling.


    Even gods were no exception.


    This was because that was the suppression of life level. It was a blade of execution that hung above the heads of all races in the Wanggu.


    Levels determined everything.


    As the wooden box was opened and an invisible, colorless, and even undetectable gaze was released, the clouds and fog churned intensely, as though they had transformed into a raging sea.


    The Imperial Capital became blurry.


    Vaguely, there seemed to be a murmur that shook the souls echoing in this world, causing one¡¯s body to be unstable. The surroundings spun, and people roared in pain and madness.


    Everything in the world was blurry and distorted.


    However, the imperial capital wasn¡¯t the Seven Blood Eyes and the Empress was a powerful Divine Platform god. At the next instant, the array formation in the palace rumbled and the fortune of the human race rose into the air. The five gods formed by the past human emperors revealed their true bodies and descended.


    An earth-shattering aura appeared in the palace, seemingly transforming into a huge vortex that wanted to absorb all the light that landed here.


    However¡­ since Purple Green was here and wanted to play a game with the Empress, his actions couldn¡¯t be limited to this.


    At the next instant, in a mysterious area that was heavily guarded all year round in the Grand Imperial Capital Region, gazes of awe shot up to the heavens.


    This area was the repository of the human race¡¯s historical mission. For tens of thousands of years, no matter the circumstances, it had never been affected. There, in addition to the heavy human military presence, there also existed a special sect.


    This sect, although one of the top ten sects of the human race, had almost never had disciples emerge into the world. They spent their years guarding this place!


    This sect was the Hidden Earth Path that was located under the abyss and had a special mission!

 Chapter 1392 - 1392 Purple and Qing (3)

    1392 Purple and Qing (3)


    Their mission was to guard the gate that led to the Abyss.


    They could even disregard the emperor¡¯s orders.


    The Abyss was the hometown of Crimson Goddess and Li Zihua.


    That was¡­ the true Wanggu!


    It was the battlefield between the Summer Immortal, who had arrived from the Profound Earth back then, and the former Brilliant Heaven God Race.


    In that battle, the Summer Immortal won. He sealed the Brilliant Heaven God Race and their God Emperor and even transformed the Wanggu¡¯s sky back then into the earth.


    Hence, there was this current Wanggu.


    Under Wanggu, above the Profound Earth, the place where the Brilliant Heaven God Race was sealed was thereafter defined in the Heavenly Dao as the AByss.


    There were a total of nine gates in the Abyss.


    The human race was suppressing one gate!


    At that moment, light erupted from the Abyss gate, forming a terrifying might that resonated with the light from the imperial capital outside.


    A rumbling sound rose into the sky.


    Nine cracks appeared on the Abyss gate!


    Loud sounds rumbled in the human race¡¯s region. Waves of murmurs from the Abyss and unwilling roars spread out from the gate.


    They were returning.


    They were the true owners of the Wanggu.


    They were the Brilliant Heaven God Race!


    Violent fluctuations spread out intensely, spreading through the Grand Imperial Capital Region. Endless anomalous substances also spread out crazily from the cracks in the Abyss gate.


    From the ground, from the sand, from the rivers, from the mountains.


    From within the city, from every brick and tile, from all the food, and from every item!


    Ultimately, it rose from all existence, forming wisps of fog that shook the heavens and earth.


    The clouds in the sky, infused with this mist, changed color rapidly, becoming alarming red clouds in the blink of an eye. Crimson lightning flashed through, and drops of blood-red rain began to fall from the sky.


    An unimaginable and irresistible great terror was forming under the resonance of the two lights.


    If they didn¡¯t suppress it in time, once the gate to the Abyss was broken open, no matter what the future would be, it was certain that the human race and the nearby large regions would fall into a calamity immediately.


    In an instant, the fortune of the human race churned and the world continued to rumble.


    Purple Green smiled gently and spoke softly.


    ¡°Your Majesty, if you and the five Corpse Gods go to the Abyss and suppress it for fifteen minutes, there¡¯s a high chance that the cracks in the Abyss Gate can be healed.¡±


    ¡°And I will take my brother with me while you are suppressing the Abyss.¡±


    ¡°So, the game is on.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, what¡¯s your choice? Will you choose an individual or the race?¡±


    Purple Green looked at the palace.


    The vortex above the palace rumbled, revealing the Empress¡¯ eyes.


    Three breaths later, the five Human Emperor Corpse Gods surrounding Purple Green suddenly rose into the air and headed straight for the Abyss gate. The vortex in the palace also instantly disappeared.


    The Empress took a step forward and walked into the Abyss¡­


    She chose the race.


    Seeing this, Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s emotions fluctuated for the first time in this life and laughed.


    However, as he smiled, a look of reminiscence appeared in his eyes.


    He seemed to recall that in the past, there was also a person who chose the race when faced with a similar choice.


    He looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression remained unchanged from beginning to end as he calmly observed everything.


    ¡°Brother, the Empress has given up on you. The people around you also seem to have given up on you. No one chose you at this moment.¡±


    ¡°So, it¡¯s better if you come home with me.¡±


    Purple Green¡¯s voice was gentle as he raised his hand and grabbed. At the next instant, the fate¡¯s hand grabbed at Xu Qing without any obstruction.


    The Emperor Sword hummed in Xu Qing¡¯s body but Xu Qing didn¡¯t respond. He looked at Purple Green and spoke calmly.


    ¡°My big brother, the crown prince of the Purple Green Kingdom, over the years, I have gradually developed a question in my mind that I want to ask you¡­ What are you afraid of?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice echoed in all directions and landed in Purple Green¡¯s ears. Purple Green was still smiling, and was about to reply.


    But at that moment, a roar erupted from a residence in the capital, shaking the heavens and shattering the void. It carried a resolve to sacrifice everything and a madness capable of overturning the very fabric of the universe.


    ¡°I¡¯ll devour you!¡±


    In the residence, the seal that surrounded Erniu suddenly collapsed. It was directly destroyed by a madness that surged from his body, causing this madness to no longer have any obstructions and shoot into the sky.


    The sky turned blue at this moment.


    Endless ice sealed the sky and froze the ground.


    Countless blue arms appeared in the blue sky, forming a blue vortex.


    As it rumbled, the aura of reincarnation and death erupted in the vortex with the sound of seals breaking.


    There were also intense panting sounds echoing inside.


    It was as though something terrifying was struggling to crawl out from the depths of the vortex!


    At the same time, blue snowflakes floated down.


    Those snowflakes were formed by blue worms that filled the world.


    ¡°Who spoke Little Qing was abandoned? I didn¡¯t give up!¡±


    A roar spread throughout the Imperial City. Crown Prince Purple Green lifted his head and his gaze landed.


    Since waiting for Purple Green, this was the first time Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed. He suddenly turned his head, looking towards the blue vortex, sensing his eldest senior brother¡¯s madness and also sensed the aura of the seals being undone.


    He immediately spoke.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, calm down!¡±


    The sky paused for a moment before an even more intense roar rang out.


    ¡°Calm down? At this point, I¡¯m going all out.¡±


    Amidst the rumbling, the vortex in the sky spun with even more astonishing force. The sound was earth-shattering but it seemed that the difficulty of forcefully undoing the seals was beyond imagination.


    Very soon, amidst this deafening sound, the vortex collapsed. Finally, a rumbling sound rang out, accompanied by a heart-


    rending and outraged roar as it dissipated in the sky.


    The snowflakes disappeared.


    The ice-blue color of the sky was dissipating.


    Soon, in the residences of the imperial city, this crazy aura rose again, attempting to erupt again. Booming sounds rang out endlessly, but it still failed.


    Once, twice.


    The madness was extremely intense.


    ¡°Your Eldest Senior Brother seems to be putting on an act.¡±


    Purple Green smiled. The hand of fate had already grabbed Xu Qing¡¯s body and brought him in front of him.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I won¡¯t hurt him today, but I¡¯m a little curious about what you said earlier.¡±


    ¡°But what I¡¯m more curious about is that since you¡¯re waiting for me, then¡­ what are your preparations?¡±


    Purple Green¡¯s gaze landed on Xu Qing, who was enveloped by the hand of fate, and spoke gently.


    Xu Qing was still calm.


    ¡°When I saw you make a move earlier, I confirmed my thoughts.¡±


    Purple Green¡¯s expression was gentle and there was even a hint of anticipation in his eyes. He seemed to be very interested in Xu Qing¡¯s next words.


    ¡°When I was in Fenghai County, I was thinking about a question. How can I kill you?¡±


    Xu Qing also spoke gently.


    ¡°Since I don¡¯t know your true strength or abilities, I couldn¡¯t find an answer for a long time. Unless I become stronger.¡±


    ¡°But I never gave up on thinking about this.¡±


    ¡°Until I saw an opportunity in the Moon Offering Region.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Purple Green.


    ¡°Then, I perfected it in the Flame Moon.¡±


    ¡°Last night, I saw you fiddling with time, severing Shopkeeper Zhao¡¯s time as well as your own, even intertwining his fate with your own as nourishment.¡±


    ¡°Thus, I finally confirmed my inner judgment.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice was somewhat hoarse at this moment, like gravel scraping against time, drifting into memories.


    ¡°Why did I have a feeling of being complete when I beat the drum earlier? Why did I see a recollection of Peerless City in the Moon Offering Region back then that hadn¡¯t appeared in my mind before?¡±


    ¡°Why is it that in my memory, the palm you landed on back then was gentle?¡±


    ¡°And in another memory, your palm was cruel.¡±


    ¡°My body was in pieces, just like the stitched rag doll you sent me.¡±


    ¡°However, why is it that I don¡¯t remember this part before?¡±


    Xu Qing sighed softly and his gaze met Purple Green¡¯s.


    ¡°Who cut that cruel time and replaced it with a gentler one?¡±


    ¡°If it was the same person, then why would he go on to sew it back together after cutting out the cruelty? This is a very conflicting action.¡±


    Purple Green quietly listened without interrupting.


    At this moment, he smiled gently and spoke.


    ¡°Is it possible that after that person attacked and saw the shattered you, sympathy rose in his heart?¡±


    ¡°So he sewn you up again and gave you a soft memory.¡±


    Under the sky and in the air, Purple and Qing looked at each other.


    The wind blew over at this moment, lifting their hair. As the hair fluttered, it was like the rag doll that had been placed beside the gate of the high spiritual mansion ¨C swaying in the wind.

 Chapter 1393 - Chapter 1393: Outside of Time

    Chapter 1393: Outside of Time


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s tone was gentle.


    Clad in a purple robe, his long purple hair flowing, even his pupils were a faint purple. He gazed at Xu Qing, who was caught and bound by the hand of fate before him.


    Both his expression and gaze were gentle.


    It was just like back then in Peerless City, the big brother who had once been perfect in Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Is it possible that this is the truth?¡±


    Crown Prince Purple Green spoke softly.


    His voice blended into the wind and drifted through the time, as though it wanted to blow toward the Peerless City that was buried in time.


    ¡°Brother, I have no ill intentions.¡±


    ¡°This hand of fate is a gift from me to you. It was formed by the fortune of the Purple Green Kingdom after it returned.¡±


    As soon as Crown Prince Purple Green finished speaking, the large hand that seemed to contain fate that bound Xu Qing instantly dissipated and transformed into a purple dragon. As dense fortune churned, it circled around Xu Qing.


    ¡°I came here today to bring you home.¡±


    ¡°I have already taken the Purple Green Kingdom out of the Abyss. Now, it has descended in the Sky Devouring Region, and its countless citizens have descended as well.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re waiting for me. When I return, I¡¯ll ascend the throne as Emperor Purple Green.¡±


    ¡°As my younger brother in this life, your karma with me is extremely deep, so I want to bring you back. The moment I become the emperor, you will inherit the title of Crown Prince Purple Green.¡±


    ¡°This title, this name that was once brilliant and is still glorious, I am ready to give it to you.¡±


    ¡°Once you accept it, with the current fortune of the Purple Green Kingdom and my support, you can ignite your divine fire in one step and surpass your current cultivation level, becoming a god.¡±


    ¡°Brother, are you willing to accept it?¡±


    Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s voice landed on the world like thunder tearing through the sky. It roared across the land, bringing with it a sense of destiny that descended upon the world.


    Witnessing the authenticity of his words and the firmness of his determination.


    Everything he said was true.


    The world could prove it.


    As he spoke, Crown Prince Purple Green pressed his hand against his forehead, as though he was taking out something but there was nothing.


    However, at this moment, as the invisible object was taken out, Crown Prince Purple Green seemed to have lost something important.


    That was the name.


    He took out Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s name and put it in his words.


    They were waiting for Xu Qing¡¯s decision.


    At that moment, the purple dragon of fortune that surrounded Xu Qing also let out earth-shattering roars. It was as though as long as Xu Qing nodded, it would fuse into Xu Qing¡¯s body and help him ignite his divine fire and become a god.


    This scene caused the hearts of the cultivators watching to stir.


    Erniu, who was in the residence, was also stunned. After that, he gritted his teeth and shouted.


    ¡°Little Qing, don¡¯t believe him. He¡¯s a liar!¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Crown Prince Purple Green.


    Crown Prince Purple Green also looked at Xu Qing gently.


    At that moment, there were only the two of them in the sky above the palace.


    The surroundings distorted.


    The rumbling from the Abyss Gate in the human race¡¯s territory was still echoing. The illumination of the two lights caused dense anomalous substances to spread through the world.


    However, the rumbling was gradually decreasing.


    Clearly, the Empress and the five Corpse Gods were successful in their suppression.


    Fifteen minutes was almost up.


    However, whether it was his expression or tone, Crown Prince Purple Green showed no sense of urgency. It was as though Xu Qing¡¯s choice was the most important thing to him at this moment.


    And he saw countless scenes in the flow of time, where in most of the outcomes, Xu Qing accepted his name and became the Crown Prince Purple Green.


    Although a small portion rejected him, in the end, they still accepted it under his different responses.


    In reality, the outcome had already been decided in time.


    Purple Green¡¯s gaze was gentle.


    Xu Qing remained silent. The other party¡¯s words took him by surprise. At this moment, his gaze intertwined with that of Crown Prince Purple Green, stirring up waves of childhood memories deep within his heart.


    After a long time, he didn¡¯t say his choice but spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡±


    ¡°I also have a guess. Please verify it for me. In that fragment of cruel time that was cut-off, did something strange happen after I shattered into pieces?¡±


    Xu Qing calmly looked at Purple Green, the big brother in his memory as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°If this guess is true, then what exactly happened after I was shattered that made you feel the need to cut off that part of time, preventing it from surfacing in the world?


    ¡°You even replaced that cut-off time with gentle memories.¡±


    ¡°It caused me to not notice anything, and unknowingly took the gentleness in my memories as the truth in the days that followed.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice drifted into Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s ears.


    This was another explanation for the same thing.


    The gentleness on Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s face slowly dissipated.


    Looking at his big brother in front of him, Xu Qing continued softly.


    ¡°I was also thinking about the reason why you sent the stitched rag doll over. It was only when that guess surfaced in my mind that I thought of a possibility. The doll is a key.¡±


    Xu Qing rarely spoke so much. However, it was different today, and the person he was facing was also different.


    ¡°A key to opening fate, just like how you plundered Shopkeeper Zhao¡¯s fate previously.¡±


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and stared at Crown Prince Purple Green, whose gentleness had dissipated and was emitting an inexplicable aura.


    ¡°Back then, did you see something when I was shattered? Or was it your requirement or your fear that forced you to cut it and replace it with gentleness, like a seal!¡±


    ¡°Today, you thought that the time was ripe, so you appeared here.¡±


    ¡°When you asked me to inherit the name Crown Prince Purple Green, it further confirmed my guess. If I agree, will the soul in my body in the future be me or you?¡±


    ¡°Although I¡¯m not sure of your true goal, this bizarre possession method of using a name leaves me with only one answer.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something in my soul that you want but can¡¯t obtain. So, you can only do this.¡±


    ¡°Am I right, big brother?¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    Purple Green¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    At the next instant, wind blew past the world, gently caressing the two of


    them,     lifting their hair and separating the colorful lights from the sunlight. As they landed, an extremely unstable and terrifying energy suddenly rose from Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    This energy contained the aura of destruction and affected fate, causing the sky and earth to change color and the wind and clouds in all directions to stir.


    That was the aura of self-destruction.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate to do something that shocked and surprised everyone.


    He chose to self-destruct, causing himself to shatter like he had back then.


    This was his answer to Crown Prince Purple Green.


    He also wanted to know what exactly existed in his soul.


    ¡°Back then, Saintly Star¡¯s father, Chu Tianqun, used a divine technique on me to erase all karma in my soul. However, in the end, he wailed in horror¡­¡±


    ¡°He, what did he see¡­¡±


    The power of self-destruction enveloped the world. Xu Qing mumbled to himself amidst the destructive storm.


    Although he didn¡¯t know what Purple Green¡¯s motive was, he could guess the cause and effect after combining everything.


    However, this didn¡¯t affect his plan.


    How could he not have made any preparations after seeing Purple Green in the Imperial City? This wasn¡¯t his nature.


    In reality, ever since he first saw Crown Prince Purple Green in the Imperial City back then, he had secretly communicated with Old Master Seventh and set up a plan against Purple Green.


    The core of this plan was to exceed Purple Green¡¯s control over time.


    To do something that the other party didn¡¯t see in time.


    Hence, self-destructing was the only thing Xu Qing could think of that exceeded that range.


    Old Master Seventh also approved of this.


    As for Crown Prince Purple Green, his expression changed drastically.


    His gentle expression changed for the first time. His pupils contracted and waves appeared in his heart.


    Xu Qing¡¯s choice exceeded his expectations.


    This wasn¡¯t within the time he saw!


    At the same time, in the Nanhuang Continent, which was extremely far from the human capital and across the Forbidden Sea, the Lord of the Nanhuang Continent, the Flame Phoenix, spread Its wings that blotted out the sky and circled in the sky of the Nanhuang Continent.


    Wherever It passed, clouds and fog churned and the world rumbled.


    Waves of storms swept across the ground.


    Directly below it was a place of ruins.


    This was the place where Crown Prince Purple Green had died in battle back


    then.     It was also the location of Peerless City.


    At that moment, hundreds of thousands of cultivators were sitting cross-legged, forming a vast and shocking array formation.


    The range of this array formation was extremely large. There were cultivators from the Foundation Building realm to the Nascent Soul realm, Spirit Repository, and even the Nihility.


    If Erniu was here, he would definitely be able to recognize at a glance that most of these people were disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes. There were even some who came from Purple Earth.


    It could be said that this was a huge array formation formed by the various forces in the Nanhuang Continent.


    The inner ring of the array formation was formed by flesh and blood that emitted a terrifying pressure. The appearance of this flesh and blood caused the world to continue rumbling and the surroundings to distort as though they were about to be destroyed.


    In the center stood a colossal mercury giant, formed from countless amounts of mercury, towering at a height of a hundred thousand feet.


    This giant lay there. Its appearance was exactly the same as Xu Qing¡¯s.


    There was also a drop of blood from Xu Qing on its forehead.


    Old Master Seventh sat cross-legged in the air above the mercury giant.


    The wind blew over, blowing his white hair. He emitted intense majesty and his expression was also extremely solemn.


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing self-destructed, Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes suddenly opened.


    ¡°Array activate, Time Movement!¡±


    Hundreds of thousands of cultivators in all directions shouted in unison. The


    Flame Phoenix in the sky spat out a beam of light below and Old Master Seventh emitted an ancient aura.


    This aura was timeless, as if it had become the measure of time itself.


    ¡°Supreme Star Platform, ever-changing and unyielding. Banish the ancient, bind the present, protect the divine, and guard the spirit. Illuminate wisdom, calm the mind, bring peace to the soul. May the three souls endure forever, and the spirit never decay. My disciple is at peace, traversing the Yellow Springs in reverse. By the authority of the divine decree!¡±


    With that, Old Master Seventh¡¯s left hand suddenly pressed down on the mercury man below.


    After that, he placed his right hand on his chest and performed a series of hand seals before chanting again.


    ¡°Heaven and Earth are natural, impure energies disperse. In the mysterious void of the cave, the primordial brightness shines. The divine powers of the eight directions make me natural. The decree of the Spiritual Treasure, proclaimed to the nine heavens.


    ¡°100,000 years ago, the famed Purple Green perished here. Before he died, he breathed his last. Today, in the name of the Summer, with the Immortal as the guide, summon this breath back. By the authority of the divine decree!¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes were wide open in anger. His voice was like thunder, and every word rumbled.


    He actually wanted to extract the last breath Crown Prince Purple Green exhaled when he died here, from the heavens, from within time, from among all things!

 Chapter 1394 - Chapter 1394: Lightning

    Chapter 1394: Lightning


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Crown Prince Purple Green. These four words represented an extremely dazzling and peerless identity in the later eras of Wanggu.


    He was once known as the number one outstanding talent in the human race after the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived!


    He was born with the fortune of the Wanggu. The moment he was born, wails rang out from all the forbidden regions in the Wanggu. Strange blood flowed and spread outside the various forbidden regions.


    He was a self-rescue attempt by the vast realm of Wanggu, gathering the power of the entire realm solely to bring him into existence.ld.


    He had been given the mission of unifying the Wanggu and was also the last hope of the Wanggu.


    Such a person gathered all the glory this world could give.


    However, in the end, he and his country still fell.


    On the day of his death, Wanggu¡¯s mountains quaked as though they were shouting, and the billions of rivers flowed against the current as though they were crying.


    The Heavenly Daos wailed.


    The last breath he exhaled contained Wanggu¡¯s fortune, his glory, and his fate in this life.


    This fate dissipated into the world with his last breath.


    After that, Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s body and soul were destroyed.


    When he descended again, he was no longer Wanggu¡¯s hope.


    He was a returnee who carried endless hatred!


    But today, someone used themselves as the measure of time, in Nanhuang Continent, at the site of the old Peerless City, where Crown Prince Purple Green fell in battle. Using Summer as the command and Immortal as the guide, they commanded the heavens and the Wanggu.


    They extracted the breath that Crown Prince Purple Green exhaled back then that contained Wanggu¡¯s fortune and glory¡­ from the world, from time, from everything!


    The hundreds of thousands of Seven Blood Eyes cultivators in the Nanhuang Continent chanted together.


    ¡°Today, in the name of the Summer, with the Immortal as the guide, summon this breath back.¡±


    The Flame Phoenix danced in the sky, Its eyes severing time, Its breath piercing through eternity.


    Its wings covered the heavens, causing winds to blow from all directions, shaking mountains and stirring great waves in the Forbidden Sea.


    It was empowering this ancient and unparalleled formation!


    In the end, everything gathered in the hands of Old Master Seventh, who was standing above the silver giant.


    It turned into a ball of resplendent fog.


    The fog with Wanggu¡¯s fortune and fate churned!


    Staring at this fog, Old Master Seventh¡¯s eyes were filled with wisdom of ages, his aura ancient. Finally, he raised his right hand and pressed the brilliant fog of fate directly onto the brow of the silver giant below.


    It fused with Xu Qing¡¯s blood.


    It then transformed inside the silver giant.


    The moment it landed, the world rumbled, wind surged, and the sky changed color.


    Numerous Heavenly Daos appeared in a blur. The entire Wanggu mountain ranges rumbled and the rivers churned. Many forbidden zones and forbidden regions actually let out inexplicable wails at this moment.


    There was also strange blood flowing out of the various forbidden regions. This scene was exactly the same as the phenomenon that appeared when Crown Prince Purple Green was born back then!!


    At the same time, Old Master Seventh¡¯s long hair fluttered and spread behind him, his aura once again astonishing the heavens. His right hand came into contact with the silver giant¡¯s forehead, while his left hand formed a seal in front of his chest, his eyes reflecting the light of the sun and moon, illuminating the world.


    ¡°Heaven and Earth¡¯s profound sect, the root of the myriad Qi, cultivation of a hundred million tribulations, prove my divine powers. Within and beyond the three realms, only the Dao reigns supreme.¡±


    ¡°Command You Ling, embody golden light, envelop his form, recite ten thousand times, extinguish law and venerables, the five movements govern, ten thousand gods bow in worship, command thunder and lightning. Ghosts and demons cower, spirits and monsters perish.¡±


    Every word was like heavenly sound, falling into time.


    The moment they echoed in the Nanhuang Continent, the aura of Xu Qing¡¯s self-destruction also surged into the sky.


    Dense black fog filled his entire body, shattering his cultivation base, bones, body, and everything else.


    The self-destruction force rumbled and erupted in all directions. From afar, a black ring-shaped fog wave swept in all directions with destructive force.


    If that was all, it wouldn¡¯t be much. Crown Prince Purple Green could suppress the self-destruction of a Nihility with a raise of his hand. Even someone as powerful as Xu Qing wasn¡¯t much different to him.


    He could even manipulate time, causing everything to reverse In the blink of an eye.


    However¡­ Xu Qing¡¯s self-destruction wasn¡¯t just about his body.


    To be precise, the physical self-destruction was merely a peripheral effect. The true core of the self-destruction was¡­ the soul!


    His soul seemed to have been ignited in an instant. It was like a piece of paper had been violently torn apart.


    An aura that shook the world and caused the sky to change color rose into the sky. It was unstoppable and irreversible.


    A rumbling sound replaced the heavenly lightning in Wanggu at this moment.


    In an instant, the sky over the entire human race¡¯s imperial capital turned to daylight.


    This daylight spread at an incredible speed, covering the entire region, illuminating everything with a crystal-clear brilliance.


    It was as if the concept of night had been stripped away. Contrary to the Empress¡¯s divine authority, it brought light to the world, while the place where Xu Qing stood remained shrouded in the deepest darkness.


    That endless black fog seemed to contain the greatest abyss of Wanggu. Terrifying roars emanated from the black fog formed by Xu Qing¡¯s soul destruction, echoing in all directions.


    One could even faintly see an ancient passage appearing amidst the intense churning of the fog.


    In this passage, countless stone doors could be seen. They varied in size and shape, but each one exuded an endless sense of ancientness.


    The roars came from these stone doors.


    As the booming sounds grew more and more astonishing, these stone doors began to tremble violently, one after another. The pounding sound resonated through the time, as if it were striking the hearts of all living beings.


    The existences inside the doors were crazily knocking against them.


    They wanted to break out!


    Terrifying aura filled the world.


    What was even more astonishing was that in the depths of the passage that was filled with the stone doors, there seemed to be¡­ a chair!


    This scene was what Saintly Star¡¯s father, Chu Tianqun, had seen in Xu Qing¡¯s soul back then.


    It was also this scene that had made him scream in extreme fear.


    He didn¡¯t know what those stone doors were but back then, he could sense how terrifying the stone doors were. What shocked him even more was that he couldn¡¯t imagine why there was a chair in this passageway that contained great terrors.


    Whose chair was this?


    Who had the qualifications to sit on a chair in this passageway that was filled with terrifying stone doors!


    It suppressed everything.


    Back then, Chu Tianqun didn¡¯t have an answer.


    However, Purple Green clearly knew something.


    Hence, Crown Prince Purple Green sighed.


    ¡°Although it¡¯s not mine, it wasn¡¯t yours in the first place.¡±


    He looked at the black fog formed by Xu Qing¡¯s self-destruction, the stone doors in the fog, and the chair at the end of the passage.


    Purple Green spoke softly.


    His target was this chair!


    Regarding this item, after he discovered it back then, he had many guesses. He also understood that it had nothing to do with the Purple Green Kingdom but it concerned another goal of his.


    Become a True God!


    It might even touch the possibility of the Lord God Realm which was above the True God Realm.


    He wanted to fuse this mysterious chair with the returning fortune of the Purple Green Kingdom, and then integrate it into his throne. By doing so, he could push himself into a higher god realm.


    With the support of the entire Purple Green Kingdom, he could reach the peak. This was his final goal for using the ritual of the Human Emperor and bringing back the Purple Green Kingdom.


    Only when all the previous goals were completed would the final goal have a foundation to complete.


    Hence, back then, he stitched Xu Qing up, cut the time, and corrected his fate.


    Because this item had already fused with Xu Qing¡¯s soul, it harbored an unbreakable karmic bond. Attempting to forcibly extract it would be imperfect, hence today¡¯s events¡­


    He hoped that Xu Qing would accept the title of Crown Prince Purple Green and truly fuse with him, sharing his future.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s actions were something he hadn¡¯t seen in time.


    With this, the situation he had planned was broken.


    Purple Green shook his head.


    Since that was the case, although there might be flaws, he could only forcefully take it.


    Hence, he raised his right hand and probed into the churning black fog.


    His hand was like time, infinitely long.


    In that passageway, he passed by the stone doors that were being knocked into intensely. He ignored everything and reached the end, wanting to grab the chair.


    However, at this moment!


    An ethereal Dao voice suddenly echoed in the passage.


    ¡°Command You Ling, embody golden light, envelop his form, recite ten thousand times, extinguish law and venerables, the five movements govern, ten thousand gods bow in worship, command thunder and lightning. Ghosts and demons cower, spirits and monsters perish.¡±


    The instant this sound rang out, an aura used Xu Qing¡¯s soul as a catalyst to implicate the void.


    After Xu Qing self-destructed, an item that had fused into the void instantly locked onto this place and was drawn over.


    It was a beam of golden light!


    This sound appeared out of thin air!


    A piercing golden light enveloped its body. The Dao seals that had been augmented ten thousand times shone on its body and unsealed the seal that isolated it from omniscience!


    An endless destructive power that could suppress everything erupted from it!


    It was an iron stick!


    There was a soul on the iron stick.


    It was the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    His real name was You Lingzi!


    Therefore, the first three words of the Dao voice were ¡®Command You Ling¡¯. Back then, before Xu Qing came to the human capital, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor and the iron stick he was on had been taken away by Old Master Seventh and refined for him. After they returned to Xu Qing¡¯s hands, their might increased by quite a bit.


    However, in the end, they were still quite weak.


    At this moment, as the Dao voice appeared, its true might was finally revealed to the world.


    It was like a thorn!


    Surrounded by lightning!


    In the passageway, from the direction of the chair, it suddenly headed toward Purple Green¡¯s hand.


    It broke through space and time, destroying anomalous substances and shaking the divine authority.


    Its speed ignored all rules and laws.


    Its might terrorized all the so-called gods.


    The cultivators didn¡¯t feel anything, only the gods were shaken!


    In the blink of an eye, it landed on Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s large hand. It didn¡¯t stop at all, and with a destructive force, it specifically targeted the power of gods.


    It directly¡­ penetrated the hand.


    Amidst the rumbling, Purple Green¡¯s hand exploded. His palm turned into minced meat and the flesh and bones of his fingers flew everywhere.


    Divine blood splattered.


    Outside the passage and outside the fog, Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s right hand shattered and turned into ashes that dissipated into the world with the divine blood.


    His expression gradually turned solemn.


    He turned his head and looked in the direction of the Nanhuang Continent.


    ¡°There¡¯s actually still a God Destroying Thorn in this world!¡±


    * * *

 Chapter 1395 - Chapter 1395: Wanggu’s First Sovereign

    Chapter 1395: Wanggu¡¯s First Sovereign


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    In the current Wanggu, very few people knew about the God Destroying Thorn.


    It wasn¡¯t mentioned even in most ancient books.


    Only those incomplete records that had been passed down until now, or the ancient families would have a certain understanding of these three words.


    That was a weapon specially created by the Summer Immortal to deal with the gods in the war between the Profound Earth and the former owner of Wanggu, the Brilliant Heaven God Race.


    To cultivators, it didn¡¯t have any extraordinary might, but against gods¡­ it could destroy Their divine source!


    However, due to the unique and rare materials, only forty-two of them were created back then.


    Every single one of them was tainted by a large amount of divine blood of the Brilliant Heaven God Race. It could even be said that the gods would be shaken just by hearing its name.


    In the end, in the decisive battle when the Brilliant Heaven God Emperor descended, most of the forty-two God Destroying Thorns were destroyed while the remaining ones stabbed the Brilliant Heaven God Emperor.


    They had become a seal and were left in the abyss under Wanggu back then.


    Some people also called that place the Divine Abyss.


    After that, the God Destroying Thorns disappeared from the world. Due to the departure of the Summer Immortal, the refinement method was also lost.


    Now, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor actually emitted the power of the God Destroying Thorn.


    This was one of the reasons that made Purple Green¡¯s expression turn solemn.


    ¡°Unfortunately, it only possesses a portion of its might.¡±


    Crown Prince Purple Green calmly spoke and looked in the direction of the Nanhuang Continent.


    ¡°What a good Old Master Seventh!¡±


    ¡°Brother destroyed his soul, going beyond my time to sever karma, and you used yourself as a carving ruler to summon my last breath before I died, stirring the time and severing karma.¡±


    ¡°However¡­ the karma between me and my brother can¡¯t be severed just like that!¡±


    As he spoke, Crown Prince Purple Green pressed down on the black fog formed by Xu Qing¡¯s self-destruction.


    With this push, the fog rumbled. The power of time actually appeared on it, as though it wanted to pull it into space and time.


    At the same time, in the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, as Xu Qing¡¯s soul self-destructed, a drastic change that affected many Flame Moon Mystic Heaven cultivators also appeared.


    The source of this drastic change was¡­ Flame Mystic, who was preaching the Dao to his clansmen.


    At that instant, his body suddenly split open. As countless drops of blood sprayed out, Flame Mystic couldn¡¯t even complete what he was saying before he shattered into pieces.


    His body and soul collapsed.


    Life substitution.


    Only a wisp of remnant soul was preserved in this life-substituting tribulation because he had sent it to the temple before.


    It left behind the possibility of revival in the future.


    A similar thing also happened in the Nanhuang Continent.


    In the array formation formed by hundreds of thousands of Seven Blood Eyes cultivators in the old site of Peerless City,


    the huge silver giant trembled intensely.


    The mysterious connection of fate and the cycle of life and death caused the waves brought by Xu Qing¡¯s self-detonation to not only erupt on Flame Mystic but also rise on this silver giant under the interruption of time.


    Cracks instantly appeared on the silver giant¡¯s body. As the moments passed, the cracks grew more numerous and deeper, spreading across its form.


    The silver giant showed signs of collapse.


    At the critical moment, the Dao voices of the hundreds of thousands of Seven Blood Eyes cultivators in the surroundings changed.


    ¡°Supreme Heavenly Venerate, comfort this form, disciple¡¯s soul and body, five viscera profound and mysterious. Azure Dragon and White Tiger, array in formation, Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise, guard its essence.¡±


    As the voice echoed, the color of the sky changed, winds roared, and clouds churned. The celestial phoenix in the heavens screeched, shattering the eight directions, and rain fell from the sky, nurturing the world.


    Old Master Seventh also muttered something. His right hand, which had touched the silver giant¡¯s forehead, pressed down again. At the same time, he bit the tip of his tongue and spat out a mouthful of blood.


    It landed on the silver giant, isolating it from external causes.


    The cracks on the silver giant¡¯s body finally stopped increasing. Although it looked like it was riddled with holes and couldn¡¯t be healed, it didn¡¯t truly collapse in the end.


    Old Master Seventh slowly raised his head and said in a hoarse and murderous voice.


    ¡°I had an agreement with the Summer Immortal Palace back then.¡±


    ¡°Since then, I have walked through time, witnessing life and death, and letting fate take its course.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, although it hurt to see the Sixth? die, I could only sigh.¡±


    ¡°The rise and fall of the human race are also unrelated to me.¡±


    ¡°Even if the Empress became a god and the Sword Holder fell, it is the same.


    It¡¯s all because I have no karma with them.¡±


    ¡°Purple Green, I didn¡¯t care that you wanted to restore your country and use the Empress¡¯ ritual to replace the calamity and sacrifice to the fragmented-face without suffering any damage. This is because all of this has nothing to do with me.¡±


    ¡°So, I didn¡¯t interfere at all.¡±


    ¡°But you shouldn¡¯t have schemed against my disciple!¡±


    ¡°My disciples are all my karma. They kowtowed to me and presented three thought teas, and I promised to protect them. As long as I am here, no one can touch them!¡±


    ¡°Purple Green, since you schemed against my disciple and aren¡¯t willing to cut ties with him, then¡­ this old man will go for your imperial power!¡±


    ¡°Let karma continue, if it must! Let¡¯s just make this matter decisive!¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression was grim as he raised his left hand, forming intricate gestures in a matter of seconds, pointing towards the sky.


    His sound was as vast as heavenly lightning, like an imperial decree.


    ¡°Before, a renowned figure named Xu Zi? was born in this land, exhaling his divine breath, taking his first breath. Today, in the name of the Summer, with the Immortal as the guide, summon this breath back.¡±


    Before, Old Master Seventh used Summer as a command and Immortal as a guide to summon Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s last breath before he died in his previous life.


    Now, he was summoning¡­ the first breath of a person named Xu Zi after he was born here!


    As soon as he finished speaking, rumbling sounds rang out in all directions. Wind howled, and the color of the world changed. Endless aura surged over and finally gathered in Old Master Seventh¡¯s left hand, forming a lump of dense purple gas.


    He raised his hand and pressed it against the chest of the silver giant below.


    At the same time, a rhythmic sound rang out.


    ¡°Slash!¡±


    With his word, the mountains and rivers of Wanggu resounded. Throughout all the regions of Wanggu, numerous sparkling lights emerged. The contours of the mountains and the shapes of the rivers seemed to form a massive array.


    This array covered Wanggu and was circulating explosively.


    Immediately, the sky above the human capital fell, forming a saber that slashed toward Crown Prince Purple Green!


    Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s entire body trembled. The moment he raised his head, the saber had already landed.


    Non-True Golds couldn¡¯t stop it!


    The saber didn¡¯t slash at one¡¯s life or soul but¡­ the imperial power of fortune of the Purple Green Kingdom that had returned!


    The instant the saber slashed down, the hearts of all the living beings who had returned from the Sky Devouring Region trembled. The fortune of the Purple Green Kingdom transformed into a purple dragon and circled the entire Sky Devouring Region, emitting heart-rending wails.


    Its body was directly cut into two!


    What split into two at the same time was the chair that represented the Purple Green Heavenly Emperor in the Purple Green Kingdom¡¯s palace!


    It suddenly split open!


    Half of the imperial power was cut off and fell into the void, surging toward the Nanhuang Continent!


    In the air above the human capital, Crown Prince Purple Green¡¯s face was pale as he slowly lifted his head.


    ¡°What a good first-generation ancient sovereign of Wanggu. It was worth it to fall into your trap.¡±


    ¡°However, your actions also reveal your weakness. You¡­ are still old in the end. The sky in the past didn¡¯t belong to you, and the sky later on doesn¡¯t belong to you either.¡±


    ¡°As for Brother, this half of the imperial authority is yours. However, make sure you keep it well. I¡¯ll take it away next time.¡±


    Purple Green fell silent for a few breaths before his expression returned to normal. After calmly speaking, he retracted his gaze from the Nanhuang Continent and glanced at the black fog that was about to completely dissipate.


    He lifted his feet and walked toward the horizon.


    In a few steps, he disappeared. When he reappeared, it was in the Sky Devouring Region, in the purple fortune dragon that was wailing after having half of its body cut off.


    From this purple dragon of fortune, he reconstructed his new body and wore the emperor¡¯s robe and crown.


    Under the kneeling of the countless commoners who had returned with the Purple Green Kingdom, the kowtowing of the palace officials, and the fanaticism of all the Illuminate¡¯s members, Crown Prince Purple Green walked toward the palace and the cracked throne.


    The moment he sat down, the singing from the entire Purple Green Kingdom rose to the sky.


    ¡°Congratulations to my emperor for ascending the throne!¡±


    Amidst the endless sound, the fragmented-face of the god in the sky opened Its eyes toward the Sky Devouring Region.


    Under his gaze, the Sky Devouring Region rumbled and all living beings were mutating. The anomalous substances surged into the sky and there was an endless divine aura.


    A fragmented-face statue stood on the square outside the palace.


    This was the only one in the entire Wanggu!


    As for Crown Prince Purple Green, at this moment, a fluctuation of the Divine Platform appeared.


    It rose violently!


    This lasted until he reached the peak of the Divine Platform!


    After a long time, Purple Green chuckled as the past appeared in his mind.


    ¡°Only then will the future be more interesting.¡±


    At the same time, in the array formation formed by hundreds of thousands of people from the Seven Blood Eyes in the Nanhuang Continent, Old Master Seventh¡¯s gaze was ancient and his aura was ancient as he unleashed his last technique.


    ¡°Return!¡±


    His words carried an inexplicable sense of ritual, shaking life and death and implicating fate.


    In an instant, the countless flesh and blood surrounding the silver giant rose into the air and headed straight for the silver giant.


    This flesh and blood emitted a terrifying aura that surpassed the world and was outside of time.


    They were¡­ the flesh and blood of Desolate.


    At that moment, they fused into the silver giant together. The entire silver giant rumbled and gradually shrunk. Gradually, the silver light turned into skin until finally¡­


    It became a body.


    Its appearance was exactly the same as Xu Qing¡¯s!


    However, it was more complete and transparent!


    ¡°Disciple, why are you still not waking up!¡±


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s voice was hoarse and carried a hint of fatigue. It landed in all directions and also landed beside Xu Qing¡¯s ear.


    A few breaths later, Xu Qing opened his eyes.


    ¡°The Dao is originally invisible. It can¡¯t be understood without the scriptures and a teacher.¡±


    ¡°Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether started a great undertaking, so our human race needs to bow once to him.¡±


    ¡°Heaven and earth bear the weight of history, so our human race needs to bow three times.¡±


    ¡°However, the high and mighty ancient sovereign hasn¡¯t graced you. The sea of bitterness of all living beings in heaven and earth didn¡¯t spare you.¡±


    ¡°Only a teacher can take you to the sky and tread on the ground. He shall grace you in this life and help you to cross into the next. He will do his best to walk the Great Dao together, so you need to bow nine times to him!¡±

 Chapter 1396 - Chapter 1396: After Awakening (1)

    Chapter 1396: After Awakening (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios | Editor: Atlas Studios


    Five months later.


    North of the Nanhuang Continent.


    The scorching sun hung high in the sky, and golden rays pierced mercilessly down towards the Forbidden Sea like countless sharp swords.


    Where the light passed, the Forbidden Sea seemed to ignite, forming tumultuous waves that surged upwards. The oppressive atmosphere left one breathless, yet it also conveyed the defiant spirit of this vast sea.


    Especially with the strong sea wind sweeping in, it seemed as if it wanted to blow everything on the sea¡¯s surface toward the boundless horizon.


    The echoing roar of the waves, like the howls of countless sea beasts, formed a tremendous force that shook all beings.


    It seemed as if everything would be buried in the vast and deep sea.


    Anomalous substances rose with the waves, distorting the light and casting the world into a haze.


    Compared to these, all existence within the Forbidden Sea seemed insignificant, like mere specks of dust.


    Just like at this moment, on the boundless Forbidden Sea that seemed to be connected to the edge of the world, there was an inconspicuous lone boat.


    In the lone boat, Huang Yan lay there. Amidst the blurry world, amidst the anomalous substances and the intense waves, he patted his stomach and let out a long breath as he glanced at the bottom of the sea.


    ¡°What a spectacle.¡±


    Huang Yan¡¯s voice carried a note of emotion, nearly drowned out by the roar of the waves. At the same time, a massive vine, over ten feet thick, burst forth from the sea¡¯s surface. It swept across the surroundings, radiating waves of excitement.


    After that, it dove into the sea again, stirring up the undercurrents as it headed straight for the bottom of the sea.


    In the depths of the Forbidden Sea, the world seemed to be smeared by black oil, covering all light and sealing off all heat, causing it to be pitch-black and cold.


    Only the starlight emitted by the vine became the only source of light at the bottom of the sea.


    As it rushed over, the seawater parted and the anomalous substances inside seemed to have become nutrients for the vine.


    It eagerly devoured, moving faster and faster. Some ordinary sea beasts, sensing it from afar, trembled and quickly moved away to avoid it.


    Hence, the vine¡¯s path was unimpeded. As it got closer to the bottom of the sea, the starlight on its body also illuminated a portion of the bottom of the sea.


    With the help of this starlight, one could see that at the bottom of the sea in this area, amidst the black sand, there was a deep pit.


    It was so profound that even the starlight couldn¡¯t illuminate it. It also emitted an inexplicable aura that gave off astonishing pressure.


    Sitting cross-legged above this sea pit was a person.


    This person wore a long purple robe embroidered with dark patterns, his purple hair draped over his shoulders, untouched by the water of the Forbidden Sea, floating naturally. The purple attire further highlighted his handsome features.


    His skin was as fair as jade, seemingly glowing faintly under the starlight.


    His eyes were like deep lakes, bright and profound, as if they could see through one¡¯s heart, making it hard for anyone to meet his gaze.


    Especially striking was the heroic and wise aura his face emitted, with sharp features that commanded respect and admiration.


    His entire person was like a dazzling star!


    He was Xu Qing!


    His expression was calm and there was no fluctuation in his eyes. He sat cross-legged above the sea pit and grabbed the vine.


    One end of the vine extended outward, traversing the Forbidden Sea, now returning to encircle him, exuding a sense of familiarity.


    As for the other end¡­ it was deep into the sea cave and was struggling intensely.


    Moments later, as Xu Qing pulled his hand, the end of the vine that had been deep within the sea pit suddenly retracted with a shrill howl. It floated in front of Xu Qing.


    There was actually a terrifying existence tied to it!


    It was an old woman clad in a robe woven from countless fish bones, with numerous tentacles sprouting from her body.


    Her face was deeply wrinkled and half-decayed, yet her golden eyes gleamed with terror, and her breath carried a thick, potent anomalous substance imbued with intense divinity.


    From behind the old woman, amidst the swirling fishbone robe, extended a massive, crimson tongue covered with countless souls of the dead.


    They were all wailing.


    As for the tentacles covering her body, each one bore a golden eye, all of which were wide open, staring fearfully at Xu Qing.


    However, many of them were now severed, and even the old woman¡¯s flesh had deteriorated, rendering her incomplete.


    The former intimidation that once emanated from her now lacked its previous power in front of Xu Qing. All that remained was trembling fear.


    She was Binding!


    Back then, she was one of the gods worshiped on Merfolk Island.


    Although she was called a god, she was actually just a powerful divine creature.


    She neither had divine fire nor had a divine authority.


    Right now, she was Xu Qing¡¯s bait.


    Xu Qing had tied her up with the Holy Heavenly Vine and used her as bait to¡­ fish here.


    ¡°The divinity you emit isn¡¯t enough.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke. With a swing of his hand, starlight flickered on the vine forming a restraining force, causing Binding¡¯s screams to become even more ¡¯ miserable. He then threw her into the sea pit again.


    This time, the fluctuations from Binding were clearly stronger than before. The divinity she emitted was also extremely dense.


    The effect also exceeded the past.


    After about fifteen minutes, heavy breathing rang out from the pitch-black pit.


    This sound was like heavenly lightning exploding in all directions, forming an undercurrent that swept out, stirring up the seawater in all directions.


    At the next instant, amidst Binding¡¯s wails, Xu Qing tugged the vine.


    Immediately, the vine was straight and taut, as though a prey had bitten the hook. At that moment, it was resisting Xu Qing in terms of strength.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes flashed with coldness, and his right arm¡¯s blood vessels bulged m an instant. The entire right arm seemed to take on a mercurial quality, coupled with a terrifying physical force, which erupted forth.


    In the next moment, with a pull from Xu Qing, the vine came coiling back, dragging out from the depths of the sea pit a rotting lizard-like creature..

 Chapter 1397 - 1397 After Awakening (2)

    1397 After Awakening (2)


    It was a divine river dragon!


    Its appearance was similar to that of a lizard but also different. It was more sinister and uglier, and its entire body emitted decay and death.


    These divine creatures are rare in the Forbidden Sea and seldom appear in shallow waters; they usually lurk in the depths of the sea.


    Only when they needed to feed did they emerge from the seabed, appearing on the surface to devour all living beings.


    Therefore, every time a divine river dragon appeared, it would be a calamity for the forces on the island.


    Hence, among the various races of the Forbidden Sea, they were known as the lizards of the underworld river.


    This particular specimen was extraordinary; it stretched for a hundred thousand feet, its entire body shimmering with an eerie glow. Countless lost souls devoured by it manifested around its scales. While its terrifying aura filled the surroundings, its gaping maw clamped down fiercely on Binding¡¯s body.


    Despite Binding¡¯s agonized screams, the divine river dragon, having severed its prey, found itself trapped by the spikes formed by the vine, unable to break free.


    It couldn¡¯t break free.


    Now that it was fished out, the aura on its body erupted, causing this part of the Forbidden Sea to tumble. The waves outside became even larger. Even the sky changed color and the wind and waves became even more majestic.


    A violent energy of Soul Accumulation fluctuations surged into the sky.


    It was comparable to the three worlds Soul Accumulation!


    It let out a furious roar at Xu Qing, forming a storm that swept over. Three worlds of death appeared on its body, enhancing its entire body, causing its aura to be even more terrifying.


    After that, it rushed toward Xu Qing. Although it could only barely open its large mouth, it was still huge for a human.


    When it opened and closed, the seawater formed a vortex.


    All the sea beasts in the surroundings trembled after sensing it.


    Only Xu Qing calmly stood up.


    The instant he stood up, he was like a pine tree, giving off a feeling of strength and firmness.


    With strides akin to a dragon and tiger in motion, as if a god walking among mortals, he approached the ferocious divine river dragon with the heavenly vine in hand.


    As the divine river dragon roared closer, its gaping maw ready to swallow, in that moment, Xu Qing clenched his left fist, emanating an endless imperial aura from his entire body.


    Indestructible Emperor¡¯s Fist.


    He punched out.


    The seawater exploded, forming intense ripples that destroyed everything, directly colliding with the head of the incoming divine river dragon.


    A muffled roar reverberated throughout the seabed, suddenly echoing back. The divine river dragon let out an even more piercing cry, its skull cracking, and many of its teeth shattering.


    Under this terrifying heavy blow, its head reeled back uncontrollably, flesh and blood scattering everywhere.


    However, this divine river dragon wasn¡¯t ordinary either. Although it was heavily injured, it lashed out with its tail.


    Its tail was covered in bony spikes. It ignored the obstruction of the seawater and instantly reached Xu Qing.


    While holding the vine with one hand, Xu Qing looked at the incoming tail but he didn¡¯t dodge.


    He stood there and allowed the tail to land on his body.


    At the next instant, an unbelievable scene appeared.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t budge even a bit.


    As for the divine river dragon¡¯s tail, it trembled as though it had slammed into an immovable mountain peak. Half of the tail instantly shattered.


    The barbs on it were broken.


    The intense pain caused this divine river dragon to emit extreme terror. It suddenly turned around and tried to escape.


    However, the heavenly vine barbs in its mouth had long burrowed into its flesh and bones. Moreover, Xu Qing had been holding onto the vine, so it had nowhere to escape.


    At that moment, Xu Qing took a step and directly stepped on the head of the divine river dragon. He stood there and ruthlessly tugged at the vine.


    Wails echoed.


    The 100,000-foot-long divine river dragon¡¯s head was forced up, and it rushed upwards.


    It charged out crazily from the bottom of the sea to the surface of the sea.


    The sea caved in and the sky was covered with seawater before the seawater fell down, casting a huge shadow that covered the lone boat Huang Yan was on.


    The seawater splattered all over Huang Yan.


    Huang Yan was not happy.


    Xu Qing stood on the head of the divine river dragon. As he looked at the world, he grabbed at the sun.


    With this grab, the sun actually distorted.


    At this instant, Xu Qing seemed to have stolen the illumination of the sun. His body became the sun, shining with an astonishing light.


    From afar, it looked like he was the sun.


    He emitted endless illumination and heat which he pressed against the skull of the divine river dragon.


    Amidst the rumbling and light, the divine river dragon trembled violently and its wailing stopped abruptly.


    At the next instant, its corpse landed on the surface of the sea and floated there motionlessly.


    The huge waves from the fall swept in all directions, forming a tsunami.


    Resplendent illumination spots of divinity flew out of the divine river dragon¡¯s corpus and headed straight for Xu Qing, surging into his entire body.


    He seemed to be surrounded by various colors and was as resplendent as the stars.


    It was as though a god had descended.


    ¡°This Profound Sun Immortal Light Technique is really not simple.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and took a step forward, stepping on the boat Huang Yan was on.


    He loosened his right hand, and the heavenly vine swiftly retreated, dragging Binding back. It danced joyfully around the lone boat, but Binding, now missing half of her body, shivered uncontrollably.


    Little Shadow, who was on the lone boat, shivered as well.


    It was originally resting. After seeing Xu Qing¡¯s return, it immediately emitted cracking sounds that spread toward the Forbidden Sea with a certain rhythm.


    ¡°Master¡­ no¡­ reaction. Good¡­ continue¡­¡±

 Chapter 1398 - Chapter 1398: After Awakening (3)

    Chapter 1398: After Awakening (3)


    Translator: Atlas Studios | Editor: Atlas Studios


    Huang Yan, who was at the side, wiped the seawater off his face and glanced at the trembling Binding.


    ¡°This Binding is quite miserable. Ever since you caught her, she has been used as a bait for the past few months. Her body has been destroyed and regrown, only to be destroyed again¡­¡±


    As Huang Yan spoke, he swept his gaze across Little Shadow.


    ¡°It¡¯s also miserable. It¡¯s been stammering for months.¡±


    ¡°However, it doesn¡¯t seem to be of much use. We still haven¡¯t found any clues regarding the bronze carriage and the giant you¡¯re looking for.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m even worse off!¡±


    Huang Yan¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°Your master went into closed-door cultivation without any worries, asking me to accompany you¡­ I miss Senior Sister. It¡¯s been a long time since I left her side for so long. She must be missing me too, not being able to see me.¡±


    Huang Yan felt aggrieved.


    Huang Yan felt aggrieved. Used to Huang Yan¡¯s complaints, Xu Qing spoke while inspecting his own body.


    ¡°This is Master¡¯s mission, Brother-in-law.¡±


    Huang Yan sighed and looked dejected. His eyes were filled with divine sense as he took out a jade slip to transmit a message. After that, he fell silent.


    Ten breaths later, he suddenly blinked and became energetic. The gloominess on his face was replaced by excitement as he chuckled.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m done recording and sent it to your Second Senior Sister. I have no choice. Your Second Senior Sister is a bit petty. After all, her background isn¡¯t strong, and she lacks a sense of security. I have to take care of her.¡±


    Xu Qing responded with an ¡°Oh.¡± Over the past few months, Huang Yan would do this almost every few days.


    ¡°Xu Qing, you can tell too, right? My background is at the top of the Nanhuang Continent!¡±


    Huang Yan was proud.


    ¡°I tell you, my charm is too great. Your Second Senior Sister clings to me every day, afraid that I¡¯ll ignore her. Whether I¡¯m going out or completing tasks for your sect, she always begs me for a long time, finding various ways to please me so that I¡¯ll stay with her.¡±


    ¡°All these years, I¡¯ve been troubled.¡±


    ¡°Fortunately, Old Master Seventh could see it. We are all men, after all. He gets


    it, allowing me to be free during this period.¡±


    Huang Yan was excited and smug. Although his words seemed to imply that his status was very high, no matter how Xu Qing looked at it, he was very similar to the prisoners who had been released after serving their sentences in the Seven Blood Eyes1 prison back then.


    ¡°Where are we going to play next? If you have nowhere to go, I have a good place¡­ Let me tell you, that place is really magical. Just the thought of it makes my blood boil¡­¡±


    As Huang Yan spoke, he instinctively looked left and right. After confirming that no one else had heard him, his eyes lit up.


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to head to the border between the inner sea and the outer sea.¡±


    The Forbidden Sea was divided into the inner and outer. The inner sea was vast, where the Wanggu¡¯s Forbidden Sea races resided. Although it was dangerous, it could be explored with some caution.


    However, the outer sea¡­ was a desolate place, full of mystery. It was even rumored that many gods were sleeping in the outer sea.


    ¡°There? Alright, that works too.¡±


    Huang Yan nodded regretfully. He then thought of something and spoke.


    ¡°By the way, when you were tempering your body down there, there was news from the human race.¡±


    ¡°Kid, you¡¯ve been promoted!¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Huang Yan.


    ¡°Just earlier, the human race sent out a message that the Empress has issued a decree that Ning Yan is the crown prince.¡±


    ¡°That kid is really lucky. He sleeps for a while and when he wakes up, his Father Emperor turns into the Empress, and he¡¯s appointed as the crown prince. Word has it he¡¯s still in a daze!¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re the crown prince¡¯s grand tutor. You¡¯re also the lord of the Holy Wave and Black Spirit regions. Once the silly kid Ning Yan ascends the throne in the future, you¡¯ll be the Imperial Preceptor!¡±


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised that Ning Yan was appointed as the crown prince.


    After all¡­ the only children who truly belonged to the Empress were Ning Yan and the Eleventh Prince.


    The Eleventh Prince was clearly not suitable in all aspects. Although the reason for his actions in the ancestral worship ceremony was for his mother, the various actions from before still left a thorn in the hearts of the officials.


    Hence, it was reasonable to choose Ning Yan.


    As for the fact that She had chosen a crown prince so quickly, there were clues of it. The 12 incense sticks from before were probably to pave the way for the future crown prince.


    ¡°With the Empress¡¯ talent, she should have already seen this result long ago.


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. As the lone boat moved forward, his thoughts also returned to his experiences in the past five months.


    After the incident in the human capital, the Purple Green Kingdom appeared in the Sky Devouring Region. That place was enveloped by the fog formed by endless anomalous substances. Outsiders couldn¡¯t enter and didn¡¯t know the details.


    However, according to the information of the human race, a terrifying aura was rising in the Sky Devouring Region. It was as though¡­ everyone from the Purple Green Kingdom who had returned was in the midst of transformation.


    ¡°This is a reward after pleasing Desolate.¡±


    That was what the Empress said.


    One could imagine that once the fog in the Sky Devouring Region dissipated, the Purple Green Kingdom that walked out would be even more terrifying than before.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was cold and there were no fluctuations in his heart.


    With half of the Purple Green Kingdom¡¯s imperial authority, he could sense the changes there more clearly and also sense the summoning of this change.


    That was the summoning of the fortune of the Purple Green Kingdom.


    As for the captain, he had also left the human capital. The message he sent back a few months ago was that he was on his way back.


    However, he couldn¡¯t return for the time being. He was going to the Cloth Race to visit an old friend.


    He should still be playing with his right-hand sister in the Cloth Race.


    Zi Xuan arrived in the Nanhuang Continent a few months ago. After seeing that Xu Qing was fine, the haggard her heaved a sigh of relief. She accompanied him for half a month before leaving.


    She took the lantern and was going to make a trip to the phoenix hall in the Mystic Nether Palace under Fenghai County to accept the inheritance from her previous life.


    Other than that, with the Empress becoming a god, the human race¡¯s power truly rose in the eastern part of Wanggu. Countless small races in the surroundings chose to submit.


    Especially the large regions which had human race¡¯s territories..

 Chapter 1399 - Chapter 1399 After Awakening (4)

    Chapter 1399  After Awakening (4)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    There were no obstructions, nor were there any accidents. They were recaptured by the human race without any bloodshed.


    The entire human race now had a total of ten regions, including the Holy Wave and Black Spirit.


    Many times, strength itself was a form of deterrence.


    Needless to say, the human race and Flame Moon had truly formed an alliance and became the common lord of Eastern Wanggu. After they banded together, they were coveted by all sides.


    At the same time, the humans who had been scattered outside for countless years were also returning with the help of King Zhen Yan and the others.


    The humans who had been exploited outside for countless years finally realized their dream of returning home after the Empress became a god.


    After Xu Qing woke up five months ago, he opened the Sword Holder¡¯s secret space that he had prepared in advance.


    Before he self-destructed, he placed everything other than the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, including the purple crystal, in that space.


    This secret key space technique was taught to Xu Qing back then in Fenghai County by a cultivator with the code name Sick Ghost. It was a concealment technique unique to Sword Holders.


    This technique used secret keys. Normally speaking, there were two secret keys.


    One was something that was unique to the individual Sword Holder, and the other was something only the Palace Master had. Others couldn¡¯t open it and only those with the secret keys could.


    Only Xu Qing had the secret key to his secret key space.


    Hence, after he woke up, he took everything back. As for the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor, Xu Qing left him with Zi Xuan to protect her during her trip to obtain the inheritance.


    Old Master Seventh, just as Huang Yan had said, had entered closed-door cultivation.


    Before he went into seclusion, he had a long chat with Xu Qing.


    He told Xu Qing many things about this body.


    His current body was a combination of the flesh and blood of the god¡¯s fragmented-face and immortal silver. It had been heaven-defyingly combined using the Summer Immortal¡¯s art. Its potential could be said to be limitless.


    How much he could develop and to what extent he could display its abilities were all unknown. It depended on how Xu Qing would temper himself in the future.


    This process required Xu Qing to continue fighting, comprehending, and experiencing life and death.


    At the same time, because the level of this body was too high and extremely terrifying, it was actually difficult for Xu Qing¡¯s soul to perfectly fuse with his body in such a short period of time.


    Hence, Old Master Seventh left behind two seals and imparted a cultivation art to Xu Qing.


    This cultivation art was called Profound Sun Immortal Light Technique.


    Cultivating this art could condense streams of profound sun immortal light. This light was extremely helpful in fusing the soul and body.


    Moreover, according to Old Master Seventh, this cultivation art was one of the methods used by one of the nine Summer Immortals who came to Bright Heaven from Profound Earth back then. In the battle with the God Emperor, the other party died.


    Before he died, he left this cultivation art behind.


    If this art was mastered, its might would be extremely terrifying.


    Hence, Xu Qing had two goals for going out to sea.


    The first was to hunt divine creatures and determine the defense of his body through repeated battles. He had to get used to the combat strength of this body combined with the divine authorities and the Profound Sun Immortal Light Technique as soon as possible.


    From there, he would obtain a precise understanding of the strength of this body.


    His second goal was to find the bronze carriage and the giant where he found the Golden Crow cultivation art back then.


    The reason why he was searching for the bronze carriage and giant was because the cultivation of the Profound Sun Immortal Light Technique wasn¡¯t going smoothly.


    After Xu Qing pondered on the issue, he thought of the Golden Crow.


    This was because the principle of this Profound Sun Immortal Light Technique Art was to plunder the light of the great sun and turn it into one¡¯s own immortal light, turning one¡¯s body into the profound sun. It would burn oneself like a furnace and also burn the world.


    To a certain extent, it was somewhat similar to the Golden Crow.


    Hence, Xu Qing was trying to find the bronze carriage and try to control the giant.


    He wanted it to take the route that the Golden Crow used to take and become the sun back, experiencing the process of the Golden Crow rising to become the sun and illuminating Wanggu.


    From there, he could comprehend his profound sun.


    Hence, he came to the Forbidden Sea.


    This was also the reason why Little Shadow kept making sounds.


    Xu Qing remembered that Little Shadow¡¯s sound had attracted the giant pulling the bronze carriage back then.


    However, it was a pity that even after several months, there was no effect.


    ¡®Perhaps that giant is sleeping in the Forbidden Sea, so we need to explore more areas¡­¡¯


    Xu Qing lifted his head. After glancing at the shadow, he took out the nautical chart and was about to mark it.


    However, at this moment, the voice transmission jade slip of Huang Yan, who was originally carefree, vibrated. After he casually took it out to take a look, he suddenly trembled and gasped. His expression instantly became incomparably solemn.


    ¡°Xu Qing, something big has happened!¡±


    ¡°I have to leave for a while. This is a world-shaking matter!¡±


    Huang Yan looked nervous and apprehensive.


    ¡°I have to go immediately.. If I¡¯m a step slower, there will be a huge storm that will shake the entire Nanhuang Continent!¡±

 Chapter 1400 - 1400 The Spark of Love (1)

    1400 The Spark of Love (1)


    World-shaking was a metaphor.


    The meaning of the world differed to different people.


    For example, for the Empress, the world in Her heart was the human race. For the sake of the human race, She could shoulder everything. In this era that didn¡¯t belong to the Human Dao, She was willing to go against the tradition for Her world.


    As for the world in Xu Qing¡¯s heart, it was the people who had entered his heart in his journey.


    Captain Lei, Grandmaster Bai, Master, Erniu, Zi Xuan, Ling¡¯er, and so on¡­ There were also external objects that appeared because of these people, such as Fenghai County, the Seven Blood Eyes, and the Holy Wave Large Region.


    These were the colors of his world and an important part of his humanity.


    Like an anchor, they allowed his divinity to be used by human nature and prevented it from deviating.


    This was especially so after he revived this time around. By using the fragmented-face¡¯s flesh and blood to mold his body, his heart naturally contained divinity. Hence, the color of human nature became even more crucial for him.


    However, to Huang Yan, the world in his heart¡­


    It was a glance he took unintentionally when he was arrogantly flying in the sky back then.


    The figure waving the large sword in the Forbidden Sea became his world, his everything.


    It made him willing to descend a clone, disregarding his status and all his pursuits.


    Even though the process was complicated, he was still persistent.


    His pride could be humbled for that person, and his strength could be weakened because of that person.


    In his life, he never made offerings to the fragmented-face like others, nor did he care about the life and death of all living beings. As the Lord of Nanhuang, he always held his head high.


    Only in front of that person, he was willing to lower his head.


    It was because as the only phoenix in the world, that was the first time he was moved.


    It would also be the only time in this life.


    Hence, after Huang Yan finished speaking, Xu Qing had already guessed the reason.


    Senior Sister was furious.


    ¡°No, we have to leave immediately!¡±


    Huang Yan took a deep breath and transformed into the Flame Phoenix.


    The Forbidden Sea darkened.


    In the sky, a huge figure blotted out the sky and the sun. Its terrifying aura instantly reached the peak.


    Wherever it passed, the sky and earth would change color. As it flapped its wings, wind and clouds surged.


    The dignity of the Nanhuang Lord filled the Forbidden Sea at this moment.


    Regarding Huang Yan and Second Senior Sister¡¯s love, Xu Qing had witnessed most of the process. Hence, he strode into the sky and followed behind.


    Accompanied by endless lightning, their figures instantly disappeared into the horizon.


    Their destination was an island some distance away from here.


    ¡°Our Seven Blood Eyes will have a competition every few decades. Back then, the competition we participated in was held at Merfolk Island. The current competition is underway and is being hosted by Senior Sister.¡±


    ¡°The venue is the Sea Turtle Race¡¯s territory.¡±


    ¡°Just now, Senior Sister transmitted a message to me. The Sea Turtle Race summoned their god, which is a divine creature.¡±


    As he sped, Huang Yan¡¯s voice echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    In the eyes of experts, a divine creature wasn¡¯t a big deal. Xu Qing had killed eight of them in the past few months.


    If Huang Yan made a move, he could destroy it in one move.


    However, if he angered his senior sister, this matter would be huge.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s expression also turned solemn. He nodded and moved forward at full speed.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go faster!¡±


    Hearing Xu Qing say this, Huang Yan shouted, ¡°Good brother!¡± and their pace quickened.


    As he sped at full speed, Xu Qing¡¯s divine source surged within him, spreading throughout his entire body, making him appear as if he was radiating a golden glow.


    It intertwined with the silver light that occasionally appeared on his body, making him look like a demonic god.


    All of this was naturally the changes brought about by this form formed from the fragmented-face¡¯s flesh and blood.


    In his body, the flesh and blood of the fragmented-face were merged together with the immortal silver. The former was used to create the body, while the latter was a medium to fuse the flesh and blood of the fragmented-face.


    As for the Profound Sun Immortal Light Technique, during the process of speeding up the fusion of his soul and body, it would gradually refine the immortal silver. When there was no more immortal silver within Xu Qing¡¯s body, that would be the moment his form and soul were completely unified.


    As for the physical form formed by the fragmented-face¡¯s flesh and blood, it brought about a tremendous change. Not only did it increase his physical strength, but it also had a huge impact on other aspects of Xu Qing.


    Right now, the nihility land in his form was completely golden.


    On the golden nihility land, there were four resplendent divine seal marks.


    One was intrinsic and three were formed of divine authorities.


    The intrinsic seal was formed by the Magus Dao, the Emperor Dao, and all the cultivation arts that Xu Qing cultivated. Within it, traces of everything could be found, with the primary focus on the Variant Immortal School.


    It encircled the entire boundary of the nihility land, connecting end to end to form an enormous and astonishing ring.


    It marked the boundaries of the nihility land, becoming the mark of a Variant Immortal!


    As for the three divine authorities, they represented the Purple Moon, Misfortune, and God¡¯s Curse.


    Compared to Xu Qing in the past, there wasn¡¯t much difference. The only difference was that the traces of divine authority on the nihility land were faint before because they hadn¡¯t been comprehended.


    Originally, there were 100.


    And now¡­ the number had soared to over a thousand!


    In the past, Xu Qing¡¯s perception told him that if he comprehended all 100 divine authorities one day and made them shine, he would be at the peak of the Nihility Realm.


    And now¡­


    If Xu Qing¡¯s intrinsic mark was to draw a boundary for his nihility land, then the increase of the thousand light traces brought by the fragmented-face¡¯s flesh and blood form was to increase the upper limit of Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation base to the extreme.


    He could sense that when all 1,000 divine authorities shone, he would break through the Nihility and step into the Soul Accumulation realm. This Soul Accumulation would be unprecedented in the world.


    However, what corresponded was the increase in the difficulty of cultivation.

 Chapter 1401 - Chapter 1401: The Spark of Love (2)

    Chapter 1401: The Spark of Love (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Fortunately, these weren¡¯t the only changes. Xu Qing¡¯s body no longer had the concept of spiritual energy.


    This was because the level of spiritual energy was clearly lower and weaker. This body formed by the fragmented-face¡¯s flesh and blood didn¡¯t allow it to exist.


    Hence, what filled Xu Qing¡¯s body was the extremely pure power of the divine source!


    This caused not only the nihility land to turn golden but even his sea of consciousness to turn into a golden divine sea.


    This was an increase in his potential.


    As for defense, it was even more terrifying.


    Because his body hadn¡¯t completely fused with his soul and was too powerful, it would suppress Xu Qing¡¯s soul. Hence, the two seals Old Master Seventh had left behind before he went into seclusion were the Ruler¡¯s seal and the Quasi-Immortal¡¯s seal.


    As Xu Qing cultivated the Profound Sun Immortal Light and his soul fused with his body, these two seals would be undone one after another.


    In the end, after he completely unlocked them, the strength of his physical body would be akin to a True God!


    In cultivator¡¯s term, it was the Summer Immortal!


    Before Old Master Seventh went into seclusion, he had told Xu Qing that the fragmented-face of Desolate was a result of the failure to break through to the Divine God Realm. By Itself, It was at the peak of the Venerable God Realm.


    If Its arms were independent, They would have the power of a Divine Venerable!


    If it were the fingers, They would contain the power of a Lord God!


    As for the flesh and blood that formed Xu Qing¡¯s body, to the majestic and boundless fragmented-face, it could only be considered an insignificant portion.


    Hence, it could display the power of a True God which was also the Summer Immortal.


    As for the two seals imprinted on his physical body, although they were necessary to ensure that Xu Qing¡¯s soul would not be suppressed by the remnant face¡¯s flesh and blood, even with these seals still intact, Xu Qing¡¯s physical strength remained extraordinarily terrifying.


    No one under the Ruler Realm could injure his body.


    Xu Qing had confirmed this through his repeated battles with divine creatures during the past few months.


    The defense of his body was incomparably astonishing.


    For example, when the divine river dragon lashed at him with its tail earlier, Xu Qing didn¡¯t even budge, instead the divine river dragon¡¯s tail was badly mangled from the backlash and its sharp spikes broke.


    As for his cultivation base, because it was only a transformation of his body, it didn¡¯t increase by much.


    However, because the components of this body were too powerful and the impact affected his entire body, his combat strength was naturally different from before.


    Through these few months of tempering, Xu Qing confirmed the eruption of his combat strength.


    He could kill four worlds Soul Accumulation.


    As for the Soul Accumulation five worlds and higher stage¡­ Xu Qing couldn¡¯t defeat them with his cultivation base.


    However, the other party couldn¡¯t hurt him either.


    Hence, Xu Qmg was aware that the most important thing to him now was to refine the divine authorities and increase his lethality!


    At the same time, he cultivated the Profound Sun Immortal Light Technique to undo the seals on his body as soon as possible.


    ¡°It requires battle, comprehension, and experience gained from life and death.¡±


    Xu Qing muttered inwardly.


    Just like that, as Xu Qing and Huang Yan sped, they reached the Sea Turtle Island, which was originally very far away, in just eight minutes.


    At this moment, Huang Yan sensed his surroundings and confirmed that senior sister was fine. Hence, he transformed from the Flame Phoenix¡¯s appearance to the little fatty again.


    He spoke to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Speaking of which, the location of this trial is related to the Illuminate.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s one of the hidden bases of the Illuminate in the Forbidden Sea. After it was discovered by the Seven Blood Eyes, they held the competition here with the goal of eliminating it.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his expression was as calm as ever. After experiencing the soul destruction and reviving, he could already completely hide his emotions toward Illuminate and Purple Green.


    It wasn¡¯t just his expression. It was the same in his heart.


    Like the deep sea, there were no waves.


    Only when it erupted would it spew out killing intent that filled the sky.


    This characteristic had been part of Xu Qing¡¯s personality since childhood, but Purple Green had once been an exception.


    But now, this exception had dissolved.


    Xu Qing¡¯s state of mind had returned to its original equilibrium.


    He calmly looked at Huang Yan, who had clearly reverted from his Flame Phoenix form on purpose.


    Huang Yan coughed and explained.


    ¡°Senior Sister doesn¡¯t like my big bird form. She says she prefers my current handsome and dashing appearance.¡±


    As he spoke, Huang Yan patted his stomach and the flesh on his body trembled a few more times.


    Xu Qing smiled and retracted his gaze, looking into the distance.


    The vastness of the sea was only relative. To Xu Qing and Huang Yan, they could sense everything from this distance.


    In their perception, on Sea Turtle Island, which was in the shape of a star, the sound of the Qiang flute? echoed continuously.


    Inside, countless Seven Blood Eyes disciples were undergoing the trial.


    Some chose to kill, while others chose to search for treasures. According to their different personalities, their choices were different.


    However, overall, they still retained the style of the Seventh Peak, with the vast majority of disciples concealing their good fortune.


    Just like what Xu Qing did on Merfolk Island back then.


    Looking at them, memories surfaced in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Further away in the Forbidden Sea, as the sound of the flute continued to echo on Sea Turtle Island, waves churned and swept in all directions like a tsunami, approaching Sea Turtle Island.


    Within the waves, there seemed to be a huge existence.


    As it got closer, a terrifying aura spread out violently, enveloping Sea Turtle Island and affecting the sky, causing a vortex to appear in the sky. It rumbled and trembled, threatening the safety of the Seven Blood Eyes disciples on the island.


    In front of the waves, a huge existence that was different from Old Master Seventh¡¯s great wing stood there.


    From the looks of it, it was a shocking sword.


    This suited Second Senior Sister¡¯s aesthetic taste.


    Second Senior Sister stood in front of the great wing. Under her armor, she looked valiant and heroic as she coldly looked at the existence in the waves.


    ¡°Scram!¡±


    Almost at the instant Second Senior Sister¡¯s voice rang out, a thousand red spheres of fire appeared in the huge waves in front of her. In the hazy seawater, they were like red eyes.

 Chapter 1402 - 1402 The Spark of Love (3)

    1402 The Spark of Love (3)


    At that moment, a sharp sound that shook the soul spread everywhere.


    The island shook and the surface of the sea churned even more, revealing the existence in the waves.


    It was a piece of tattered cloth that was laying on the surface of the sea!


    It was over ten kilometers long.


    Its color was pitch-black, similar to the Forbidden Sea. It also rose and fell with the waves, so at first glance, it seemed to be a part of the Forbidden Sea.


    It was only when the thousand red lumps of fire appeared that it looked different from the Forbidden Sea. The so-called lumps of fire were actually scarlet lanterns.


    They floated on the tattered cloth and the light spread out in all directions, rapidly illuminating the tattered cloth in red.


    The light also revealed some hidden patterns on it.


    Those dark patterns were like tree bark patterns. What was even stranger was that there was also a faint starlight that shone under the envelopment of the scarlet color.


    It was extremely bizarre.


    A terrifying aura spread out, causing thick fog to rise from the surrounding seas.


    This thick fog was like countless tentacles. As it swayed, a portion of it swept toward Sea Turtle Island and another portion rushed toward Second Senior Sister.


    It was as though it wanted to drown everything here.


    However, the instant the fog tentacle got close to the Second Senior Sister, an earth-shattering flame erupted from her body.


    In the air, the flames formed the phantom of the Flame Phoenix. With a flap of its wings, the sky and the Forbidden Sea burned.


    This was the protective barrier Huang Yan had left on Second Senior Sister.


    As the flames swept across, all the fog instantly dissipated. The tattered cloth that was floating over also paused.


    A cold glint flashed in Second Senior Sister¡¯s eyes. With a sway of her body, she leaped down from the large sword and walked toward the tattered cloth amidst the sea of fire.


    Just as she was about to step forward, in the next instant¡­ a fat figure appeared out of thin air in front of Second Senior Sister and hugged her.


    ¡°Senior Sister, calm down, don¡¯t get agitated. Let me handle it.¡±


    Huang Yan¡¯s face was filled with gentleness as he carefully spoke. As he spoke, he snapped his fingers.


    A weak spark was born between his fingers.


    It was like a beating heart that possessed endless liveliness. It flickered with a weak light in the darkness as it descended on the piece of tattered cloth.


    As it fell, a soft hissing sound rang out, as though flames were whispering, announcing its existence to the surrounding world.


    As the sound spread out, the number also increased. It was as though they were attracted by an invisible force and gathered together.


    At the next instant, it emitted a shockingly high temperature!


    Its sound also became more intense, like a high-pitched drum.


    It roared and roared angrily, as though it could transform into a furnace that could burn the world, wanting to devour everything in its surroundings.


    It landed on the tattered cloth.


    Immediately, mournful wails and extremely sharp cries rose into the sky from the tattered cloth.


    Although the lanterns were also a flame, there was a difference in the strength of these two flames.


    In the blink of an eye, all the lanterns melted and turned into ashes.


    Wherever the flames passed, the tattered cloth burned, the sky burned, the Forbidden Sea burned, and even the void burned.


    In fact, this fire was so terrifying that even the anomalous substances¡­ were burned.


    Hence, a rare scene emerged in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    The Forbidden Sea in this area was no longer black.


    Instead, under the intense melting, it revealed the original blue color from countless years ago.


    It was as though it had been purified!


    Under the cleansing of the flames, all the impurities and filth were burned to ashes, leaving only the purest essence.


    This was the first time Xu Qing had seen the Flame Phoenix attack.


    He also understood why the Flame Phoenix could occupy the Nanhuang Continent and be called the Southern Emperor in Wanggu where gods existed.


    He didn¡¯t worship gods or offer sacrifices.


    He was the emperor of the Nanhuang Continent!


    At that moment, this emperor was gently hugging Second Senior Sister.


    To him, that spark was like a breath of air. In fact, everything in the surroundings was no longer in his perception.


    All his attention was on Second Senior Sister.


    As for the Second Senior Sister who was hugged by the emperor, she glared at Huang Yan, as though she wanted to reprimand him. However, when she saw Xu Qing who came with Huang Yan, she endured it.


    Huang Yan heaved a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to speak, his eyes suddenly narrowed as he looked at the Forbidden Sea below.


    Xu Qing was about to greet Second Senior Sister when he also sensed it. His gaze landed on the place where the tattered cloth had been previously.


    Over there, the flames had been extinguished.


    However, under the sea, there was a palm-sized piece of tattered cloth that still remained under Huang Yan¡¯s terrifying purification fire.


    At that moment, it was rapidly heading toward the bottom of the sea.


    However, it was still burning, but to be able to persevere like this, it could be seen that it was extraordinary.


    ¡°Interesting.¡±


    Huang Yan fell into deep thought.


    As for Xu Qing, a strange glint emerged in his eyes. He seemed a little surprised and puzzled.


    ¡°Previously, I only glanced at this item. Now that I look at it, it looks a little familiar¡­ Second Senior Sister, Brother-in-law, I¡¯ll go take a look.¡±


    With that, Xu Qing took a step forward and directly stepped into the Forbidden Sea. His speed rose in the seawater and he sped toward the fleeing cloth like a sharp blade.


    At the same time, the Holy Heavenly Vine also crawled out of Xu Qing¡¯s body. With a sway, it became huge like an arrow that had left the bow. It carried emotions of desire as it chased crazily.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. The reason why he was surprised earlier was because of the clear fluctuation emitted by the Holy Heavenly Vine in his body.


    What made him familiar was the hidden designs on this piece of tattered cloth¡­


    ¡±¡±It seems to be a little resembling to the skin of the Holy Heavenly Vine¡­¡¯

 Chapter 1403 - 1403 The Spark of Love (4)

    1403 The Spark of Love (4)


    Xu Qing followed the tracks of the tattered cloth that was like the skin of the vine and got closer and closer to the bottom of the sea under the guidance of the heavenly vine.


    After about fifteen minutes, Xu Qing finally caught up.


    Only¡­ this piece of tattered cloth that had endured Huang Yan¡¯s fire all along the way had now reached the limit.


    That palm-sized piece of tattered cloth completely burned to ashes in front of Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    In the end, only a gray trail was left. At the bottom of the Forbidden Sea, it shone with specks of starlight and dissipated.


    Staring at the starlight, Xu Qing appeared at the place where the tattered cloth had burnt to ashes and focused his senses.


    ¡°It¡¯s indeed the aura of the Holy Heavenly Vine. In that case, this vine had appeared on the Wanggu before Feng Lintao descended?¡±


    Xu Qing pondered. As for the Holy Heavenly Vine beside him, it was clearly a little unwilling. Hence, it moved around in the surroundings. A while later, it suddenly paused and locked onto a direction before speeding away.


    Xu Qing immediately followed behind.


    Just like that, time passed. The man and the vine sped through the seabed for several hours, arriving at a hidden area.


    This place had numerous densely packed trenches, resembling scars.


    Outside these trenches, the heavenly vine emitted an excited emotion and plunged into one of the chasms.


    As the dust rose, the heavenly vine disappeared completely into the chasm.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t immediately follow but paused outside the trench. Through his connection with the heavenly vine, he sensed it delving deeper within the trench.


    After a while, it reached a hidden pit.


    There was actually an item in the deep pit.


    It was a pagoda, a dilapidated pagoda!


    It was entangled by a withered heavenly vine.


    It was unknown how many years it had been buried, but it emitted intense ancientness.


    At the same time, as Xu Qing saw the mysterious deteriorated pagoda in the Forbidden Sea, and while Huang Yan diligently accompanied the second senior sister outside the Forbidden Sea¡­ there were five remote areas on the Wanggu, emitting guiding marks that reached toward the sky.


    These five marks were located in the east, west, south, north, and center of Wanggu, each belonging to a different region.


    At each location, there were three to four cultivators in silver robes sitting cross-legged.


    Their race was distinct but they wore the same clothes and had a similar temperament. They were exactly the same as Feng Lintao and the other two back then!


    They were cultivators of the holy land!


    The place where they were sitting had a complicated array formation. As they performed hand seals, the array formations silently circulated, emitting mysterious threads that stirred the starry sky outside the Wanggu.


    In the depths of the starry sky, starlight twisted as various celestial bodies of differing sizes shifted forward.


    Some resembled planets, others landmasses, and some even looked like mountains.


    These celestial bodies, varied in appearance and numbering in the hundreds, were the holy lands!


    If someone could overlook the starry sky, they would see that the direction in which these holy lands were heading was none other than the Wanggu.


    Although these holy lands were connected into a line, the distances between them were quite vast, as if they were divided into distinct batches.


    There were five at the front.


    They were two terrifyingly large mountains, a vast landmass, and two strange statues.


    A terrifying pressure and an astonishing aura spread out in the starry sky as they shifted forward. Countless meteors silently disintegrated into dust in their wake, which then swept up to form a cosmic storm.


    They were getting closer and closer to the Wanggu.


    In one of the mountain holy lands, on the mountain peak stood an old man in a golden Daoist robe. His appearance was similar to that of the human race, but his skin was a striking crimson.


    At that moment, he was looking in the direction of Wanggu and muttered hoarsely.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to return one day¡­¡±

 Chapter 1404 - 1404 Sky Change! (1)

    1404 Sky Change! (1)


    The Forbidden Sea was endless, and the seabed was equally so.


    Before Desolate¡¯s fragmented-face descended upon Wanggu, no expert in the world dared claim a thorough understanding of the seabed.


    At most, their knowledge varied in scope.


    This was partly because the seabed spanned a vast area, and partly because the deeper one ventured, the more layers there were. Often, what appeared to be the bottom layer was not; there might be grotto-heavens or even another sea further down.


    The truth was that this sea was profoundly deep, and the seabed contained countless mysteries. Some areas were even more ancient than the Brilliant Heaven God Race back then.


    Even the Great Emperors had to stop the exploration.


    Whether it was the Summer Immortals back then or the successive ancient sovereigns, although they had the wish to control the bottom of the sea, they still didn¡¯t manage to fulfill it in the end.


    Fortunately, although the bottom of the sea was mysterious and there were ancient ruins, it was as though it had been isolated from the world and didn¡¯t emit the slightest threat to the surface world. Gradually, people accepted the mysteries of the bottom of the sea.


    When Desolate¡¯s fragmented-face arrived and the Endless Sea became the Forbidden Sea, amidst the dense anomalous substances, the already mysterious seabed became even more terrifying.


    This was especially so for the outer sea. It was certain that¡­ there were definitely unknown gods there!


    This made Xu Qing suspect many times that the bronze chariot and giant he was looking for might have entered the outer sea.


    As for the trench he was in now, it was still very far from the outer sea. Compared to the entire seabed, it was inconspicuous, like one of the many grains of sand on the beach.


    If it weren¡¯t for the senses of the Holy Heavenly Vine, even if Xu Qing passed by here, he would not have detected the presence of the damaged pagoda hidden deep within the trench.


    Xu Qing fell silent. Through the connection with the heavenly vine, he sensed if there was any danger through its observation.


    Time flowed by.


    The surroundings were pitch-black but it wasn¡¯t silent. The roars of the unknown creatures in the deep sea were deep and long.


    A while later, after confirming that there was nothing wrong, Xu Qing sped toward the trench the heavenly vine had entered.


    Soon, he entered the trench.


    Compared to the outside world, this place was even darker. It was like an abyssal mouth that mercilessly devoured all the lives that came.


    Fortunately, the connection with the heavenly vine formed a guide. Hence, Xu Qing didn¡¯t slow down. After entering for fifteen minutes, he finally saw the hole made by the heavenly vine.


    This hole was slowly closing up.


    Xu Qing immediately entered the hole. He followed the traces of the heavenly vine all the way to the end and appeared at the location of the heavenly vine.


    If there were eyes capable of piercing through the seabed, they would clearly see a massive bubble beneath the sea trench.


    This bubble spanned a full hundred thousand feet in circumference.


    Inside, there was no seawater or silt, only a dilapidated tall pagoda wrapped in withered vines.


    As for Xu Qing and his heavenly vine, they were currently at the edge of the bubble, a temporary cave that had been dug out from the silt.


    Xu Qing stared at the bubble and the pagoda but he didn¡¯t sense any pressure from them, as though everything was ordinary.


    However, the strange thing was that he could clearly see the bubble and the pagoda inside with his naked eye, but in his divine consciousness, there was nothing here.


    ¡°It can only be seen but not sensed?¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. After sensing the profundity here, he looked at the heavenly vine at the side.


    The emotions of the heavenly vine fluctuated greatly, as though it wanted to rush over but didn¡¯t dare to. At the same time, admiration spread out, as though it had seen its relatives.


    In the end, it seemed to have made a decision. It first got close to Xu Qing and gently rubbed Xu Qing¡¯s body a few times. It then suddenly rushed forward with determination, heading straight for the bubble in front.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop it.


    At the next instant, the bubble fluctuated and the divine vine¡¯s figure entered it, rushing toward the broken pagoda.


    Although Xu Qing¡¯s heavenly climber was ten feet thick, it was insignificant when compared to the bubble.


    At that moment, outside the pagoda, it was like a thin snake. After circling a few times, it headed straight for the withered vine and landed on it. Finally, under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, it gradually fused.


    Xu Qing sensed the intent of inheritance through the emotions emitted by the heavenly vine.


    This perception only lasted for an instant before disappearing.


    Xu Qing focused. After waiting for a while, he didn¡¯t see any other changes here. Hence, he lifted his feet and walked toward the bubble. However, the instant he got close and tried to step in¡­


    An astonishing opposition rose majestically from the bubble, preventing Xu Qing from even taking a step inside.


    A dark glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. His vitality energy rose and the strength of his physical body erupted completely. He relied on his frightening body to forcefully take a step forward.


    With this step, the fluctuations of the globule instantly intensified and the repulsive force soared. An invisible impact that could topple mountains and overturn seas bombarded Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing frowned and took another step forward. After that, he took the third, fourth, and fifth step.


    This globule didn¡¯t shatter. Instead, as Xu Qing moved forward, it caved in. After it caved in by half, the repulsion from it had reached a soul-stirring level.


    Especially after Xu Qing took the sixth step, the repulsion surged again, forming a devastating backlash. Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled, forcing him to retreat rapidly.


    He withdrew all the way back to his original position and abruptly raised his head, staring intently at the globule before him.

 Chapter 1405 - 1405 Sky Change! (2)

    1405 Sky Change! (2)


    Blood flowed out of the corners of his mouth.


    This was the first time Xu Qing was injured in the past five months!


    ¡°The might of a Ruler!¡±


    A hint of surprise appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    His goal in coming to the Forbidden Sea was to temper himself. However, the defense of his physical body was too strong, making his journey seem smooth but leaving him unsatisfied.


    This mysterious bubble caused Xu Qing¡¯s emotions to fluctuate for the first time in five months.


    Hence, he observed the heavenly vine and confirmed that his actions wouldn¡¯t affect the other party. Moreover, it looked like the heavenly vine¡¯s inheritance process would take a while to complete.


    Xu Qing made a decision. He took out a feather of the Flame Phoenix and transmitted his divine sense, telling Huang Yan that he wouldn¡¯t be returning for the time being and would be cultivating at the bottom of the sea.


    Although Huang Yan had received Old Master Seventh¡¯s request to protect Xu Qing, this was the inner sea and there wasn¡¯t much danger. Moreover, with Xu Qing¡¯s current combat strength, he didn¡¯t really need a Dao protector.


    Hence, Huang Yan thought it over and agreed. In the following days, he stayed by his senior sister¡¯s side.


    Thus, time passed, and three months quickly went by.


    During these three months, Xu Qing simply stayed in this trench.


    Every day, other than cultivating the immortal light, he would head out to hunt sea beasts. After his warm-up ended, he would circulate his qi and blood and make use of the repulsion from the mysterious bubble to temper his body.


    Although he was injured many times, these injuries recovered very quickly. The effects of this tempering were also astonishing.


    Xu Qing could sense that his control over this body was even more exquisite than before.


    Moreover, the repulsive force of this bubble was controllable as it changed based on how many steps he took.


    As such, to the current Xu Qing, it could be said to be the best whetstone.


    As for the outside world, the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ competition had long ended. Huang Yan also accompanied his senior sister back to the Nanhuang Continent. Occasionally, he would use the feather to communicate with Xu Qing. Knowing that Xu Qing was fine, he felt even more at ease.


    As for the heavenly vine¡¯s inheritance, it gradually came to an end during these three months.


    On this day, Xu Qing was tempering his body in front of the mysterious bubble. He took a few steps and was about to continue. However, at the next instant, he sensed something and looked at the broken pagoda in the bubble.


    The withered vines there actually turned into ashes and dissipated.


    It meant that Xu Qing¡¯s heavenly vine had absorbed them.


    It surrounded the broken pagoda as though it had just woken up from a deep sleep. After a while, it moved and flew out of the broken pagoda, breaking through the bubble and heading straight for Xu Qing.


    It circled around Xu Qing and gently rubbed him. The emotions it emitted were filled with sorrow, as though its close ones had passed away.


    Xu Qing patted it gently. He had experienced such emotions before.


    ¡°Can you take me in?¡±


    A long time later, after the heavenly vine¡¯s emotions stabilized, Xu Qing transmitted his divine sense.


    When the heavenly vine heard this, it immediately responded with confirmation.


    Xu Qing nodded and released Little Shadow.


    ¡°You keep watch outside and pay attention to the changes in the outside world.¡±


    Little Shadow perceived aggrieved. It felt that ever since that damn vine appeared, its status had lowered.


    It had finally surpassed the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor but a new pet had descended from out of nowhere.


    In fact, it, which had gradually perfected its intelligence, even thought of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor back then. Did he feel the same way?


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with Little Shadow¡¯s emotions. He gestured to the heavenly vine.


    The heavenly vine coiled around Xu Qing¡¯s entire body and brought Xu Qing straight to the bubble.


    It was different from when Xu Qing barged in. This time, the mysterious bubble didn¡¯t reject him at all and allowed the heavenly vine to bring Xu Qing in.


    This was the initial time Xu Qing had stepped into this mysterious bubble.


    ¡°There are no anomalous substances. The aura here¡­¡±


    In this mysterious bubble, Xu Qing immediately sensed that this place was different from the outside world.


    ¡°It¡¯s not spiritual energy but a sense of the starry sky.¡±


    After Xu Qing used his perception, his gaze landed on the broken pagoda. He took a step forward and appeared in front of the pagoda¡¯s gate.


    He gently pushed.


    The gate of the broken pagoda silently opened. As the gate opened, an ancient aura spread out, as though it had transformed from time into mottled light.


    There were three crystal coffins in the pagoda.


    The corpses in the coffins weren¡¯t humans. They had tails and dull horns on their skulls.


    As for the exact appearance, it could longer be seen clearly. Only bones were left.


    Obviously, even the most powerful force, in front of time, seemed to wither gradually.


    Other than that, there was also a high platform in the center with a black jade the size of a human head embedded on it. It was filled with cracks.


    On the surrounding pagoda walls, there were pictures of the starry sky.


    It was like a map of the sky. There was nothing else.


    Looking at these and recalling the withered heavenly vine from before, Xu Qing guessed that this pagoda should be a flying magic artifact that could cross the starry sky.


    Due to some accidents, it landed in the Wanggu¡¯s Forbidden Sea.


    As for how ancient it was, Xu Qing judged from the remnants of time here that it might have appeared before the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.


    In other words, it had arrived before the fragmented-face descended.


    ¡°Moreover, there¡¯s a high chance that there are still survivors!¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes.


    Otherwise, this place wouldn¡¯t be so clean. Although the arrangement of these three coffins might have been completed before they died, it was more like the result of someone settling them properly.


    ¡°If my judgment is correct, then the survivor left the Forbidden Sea after burying his companions.¡±


    He lacked details and couldn¡¯t accurately pinpoint the precise era, so he couldn¡¯t tell where the survivor had left afterwards.

 Chapter 1406 - Chapter 1406: Sky Change! (3)

    Chapter 1406: Sky Change! (3)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    As for trying to find the survivor through these physical characteristics, it was almost an impossible thing since it was extremely simple for cultivators to change their appearances.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t interested in doing so either.


    He swept his gaze across the interior of the pagoda and felt some regret. Hence, he carefully checked it and his gaze finally landed on the star map.


    Although it was unfamiliar, he still memorized it.


    After that, he turned and was about to leave.


    However, just as he was about to step out, Xu Qing¡¯s expression suddenly changed. He stopped in his tracks and turned to look at the tall central platform that he had failed to check earlier.


    His gaze gathered on the black jade that was covered in cracks.


    His soul threads spread out and quickly fused into the jade. At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s expression changed and a strange glint appeared in his eyes, carrying a hint of disbelief.


    ¡°This is¡­¡±


    His mind stirred and he was about to take a closer look to confirm.


    However, at this moment, suddenly¡­


    The shadow that Xu Qjng had left outside transmitted extremely intense emotions through the connection with Xu Qing.


    This emotion was filled with horror and confusion!


    At the same time, a scene was transmitted.


    In the scene, the seawater outside the bubble was sinking.


    This wasn¡¯t the only sunken area, but it covered all the ranges.


    The pressure at the bottom of the sea also soared, and there was a deafening, rumbling sound that was resounding everywhere.


    A large number of sea beasts were trembling.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s expression to sink. He immediately headed straight for the outside of the bubble. After sensing his surroundings, his body shot upward until he broke through the surface of the sea.


    As far as he could see, the world seemed to have been pressed by an invisible force. This force came from the sky, causing the surface of the Forbidden Sea to sink.


    In the sky, the sky changed color. Countless bolts of lightning spread through the entire sky, engulfing the Forbidden Sea, the continent, and the entire Wanggu.


    A loud, rumbling sound spread throughout the world.


    At this moment, no matter what area one was in in Wanggu, as long as one lifted their head, they would be able to see this unprecedented phenomenon.


    This lasted until five resplendent shooting stars appeared at the end of the sky.


    At first, they were only points of light, but they quickly grew larger and larger, flickering with endless light.


    In the end, what appeared in the eyes of all living beings was two huge mountains, two statues, and a landmass.


    Endless force swept up the starry sky storm and descended.


    The feeling of vicissitudes spread.


    The places they went to were in different directions. They were the north, south, east, west, and central areas!


    The ground rumbled and Wanggu trembled.


    A terrifying pressure and a shocking aura swept through the Wanggu. At this moment, countless races and living beings couldn¡¯t help but tremble.


    The sky had changed!


    In the northern part of Wanggu, on the endless icy plains, in this world that belonged to the Northern Fate Royal Family, gods looked indifferently at the sky.


    In the western part of Wanggu, cold snort from the Empyrean Crimson Land echoed in the world.


    Fog of death rose from the Underworld Origin Corpse Race in the south.


    As for the east¡­


    In the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, the three gods raised Their heads.


    In the human capital, the Empress stood outside the palace with a cold gaze.


    Other than that, there were also gods who were either active or hiding. At this moment, They looked at the sky with different attitudes.


    In the eastern part of Wanggu, in a bamboo forest on a desolate mountain, Jade Flowing Dust was brewing tea and yawning.


    ¡°Making so much noise, are they not afraid of Father awakening?¡±


    Some gods didn¡¯t feel anything about this change.


    Some gods were joyous.


    Some gods looked with greed.


    Some gods were hungry.


    There was also the original Sky Devouring Region that was enveloped by the fog of anomalous substances. In the imperial city of the Purple Green Kingdom, Purple Green, who was sitting in the main hall, revealed a smile.


    ¡°I saw this in time¡­¡±

 Chapter 1407 - Chapter 1407: The fth Authority!

    Chapter 1407: The fth Authority!


    Editor: Aas Studios


    The holy lands had descended!


    At this moment, some races trembled, some were excited, and some were at a loss.


    However, no matter what¡­ the appearance of the holy lands occued everything.


    As for the holy land, ever since the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether left, it had been circulating among the Wanggu Race.


    These holy lands formed by the emperors of the various races and the heaven¡¯s chosen clansmen they had taken away back then had been scolded and promised by others in the past tens of thousands of years.


    Some people thought that they were cowards who had left Wanggu at a critical moment and ed.


    Some people thought that they hoped that when they returned, they would end the misery of Wanggu and allow it to regain its light.


    No matter what their attitude was, they had arrived at this moment.


    Purpose, unknown!


    Intentions, unknown!


    Wanggu is like a cage. It¡¯s easy to enter but difcult to exit.


    On the Forbidden Sea, Xu Qing stared at the sky and muttered to himself.


    Ever since Xu Qing learned from Feng Lintao and the other two that the holy lands were about to descend, he had been thinking about a question.


    Why did the holy lands appear?


    Unless they have grasped the method to leave.-


    While Xu Qing was pondering, Huang Van¡¯s voice transmission carried a hint of solemnity. It also entered Xu Qing¡¯s mind from the feather.


    Xu Qing, did you see it?


    Not only are the cultivators from the holy lands here, but even the holy lands have descended. This is a very bad sign. They should have grasped the method to leave.11


    Based on the information about your human race and my understanding, there are over a hundred holy lands. They are divided into four levels: Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow.


    From the auras of the ve holy lands that just descended, they should only be yellow-level holy lands. There are about 50 such holy lands.¡¯1


    As for the holy lands at the Black, Earth, and Heaven levels, the exact number and which races control them are unknown.¡±


    However, the Empress is certain of one thing. Although the Mystic Nether holy land was once heaven-level¡­ it might not be so anymore.¡±


    Let¡¯s see. In the future, the descent of the holy lands will become more frequent, and chaos will spread in Wanggu.¡±


    I¡¯ll be keeng watch over the Nanhuang Continent during this period of time.


    Cultivate in the Forbidden Sea and be careful.¡±


    Huang Yan hurriedly transmitted his voice.


    After Xu Qing replied, his gaze landed in the direction of Fenghai County.


    Fenghai County had sent a message to Xu Qing through a special method that allowed communication across a vast range, asking for instructions on his attitude toward the holy lands.


    Be on guard and observe.


    Xu Qing pondered for a while before giving the order.


    After doing this, Xu Qing sighed sofy. However, his eyes soon gleamed.


    Faced with the arrival of the holy lands and their unknown motive, Xu Qing knew that there wasn¡¯t much he could do. Only by becoming stronger could he advance in the ever-changing situation.


    Hence, he sank into the sea, heading straight for the trench where the broken pagoda was located.


    Soon, Xu Qing¡¯s gure appeared in front of the mysterious bubble again and stepped in with the help of the heavenly vine. After entering the broken pagoda, he spread out his soul threads and fused them into the black jade that was lled with cracks.


    A while later, Xu Qing retracted his soul threads.


    I didn¡¯t sense it wrongly. There are traces of a divine authority mark in this item!¡±


    This mark is within the thousand marks in my nihility land.


    When Xu Qing was about to leave earlier, he sensed a faint mark ickering on the nihility land in his body. After that, it fused into his soul thread to investigate. After verication, he nally conrmed this point.


    I just don¡¯t know what the divine authority of this mark is.


    A dark glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as anticipation rose in his heart.


    He was aware of the difculty of making the thousand dim marks in his nihility land shine. This required him to devour more gods or existences related to gods.


    Hence, he had previously hunted divine creatures and absorbed the divinity in their bodies to nourish himself.


    However, this process was slow.


    It was unlike now where he could direcy sense the divine authority. This was a huge opportunity.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He immediately sat cross-legged in front of the black jade and meditated, using the soul threads as a guide to attempt to comprehend it.


    Time owed by.


    A few days later, Xu Qing opened his eyes, revealing contemplation.


    It seems to be related to sound¡­


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t sure, Although he was completely immersed in his comprehension over the past few days and had a faint understanding, it was very unclear.


    It was like looking at owers in the fog or looking at the moon in the water.


    However, Xu Qing was patient. He took out a small bote containing the liaoxuan holy liquid.


    He drank it all at once.


    Immediately, waves of profound knowledge rose in his mind as he continued to comprehend.


    Time slowly passed. A month later.


    Xu Qing was completely immersed in comprehension, giving off an ethereal feeling. In this mysterious state, he seemed to hear something.


    It was like a murmur.


    It went from far to near, and then from near to far.


    It was as though it was saying something but it couldn¡¯t be heard clearly.


    However, this murmur fainy echoed, causing the divine source in his body to slowly circulate on its own. The corresponding dull mark on the nihility land also gradually shone more often.


    Just like that, the second month passed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s comprehension continued for a whole two months.


    In the past two months, due to the descent of the holy lands, there were varying degrees of commotion in the outside world.


    rsy, the actions of the holy lands. Other than the statue that descended in the center and destroyed a small race, the holy lands in the other four regions didn¡¯t do anything drastic.


    They didn¡¯t come into contact with other forces and only spread out small teams to collect all kinds of resources in their respective areas.


    They were mainly focused on gathering anomalous substances.


    They also focused on collecting items that had been invaded by the anomalous substances.


    These actions attracted the attention of all parties. At the same time, an entire race migrated to the western region.


    This was because the holy land that descended there was the clansmen of this race.


    Other than that, the greatest commotion came from the central region, from the statue holy land that had destroyed a small race.


    This was because in the rst month it descended, two gods walked out of the incomparably mysterious number one race that was located in the center of the Wanggu and stepped onto that holy land.


    When They left, the statue holy land was completely silent. All life had perished. Even the statue itself had turned into ashes and dissipated into the world.


    There was also a voice that echoed through Wanggu.


    Holy lands aren¡¯t allowed to step in the central region.


    This matter shook Wanggu and the other holy lands. In an instant, those holy lands seemed to have been knocked off their altars and their actions became even more cautious.


    However, just as many races in Wanggu were feeling complicated, relieved, or at a loss¡­


    The phenomenon in the sky that appeared when the ve holy lands descended, appeared again.


    Six holy lands descended like meteors and landed in different places in Wanggu.


    In the following days, such descents appeared everywhere. Almost every once in a while, a varying number of holy lands would land in Wanggu,


    Those ancient holy lands with different shapes would cause the world to rumble every time they descended.


    The feeling of oppression appeared again,


    So far, the number of holy lands that had descended had reached 23!


    However, the strange thing was that all the holy lands that landed were collecting things related to anomalous substances.


    It was as though they had returned only to harvest.


    At that moment, Xu Qing, who was in the broken pagoda at the bottom of the sea, had reached the critical moment of his comprehension.


    The vague murmurs he heard grew increasingly intense, but he still couldn¡¯t hear what was being said clearly.


    However, amidst the repetition of these murmurs, an ancient power spread over his entire body domineeringly and seeped into his mind, as though it wanted to replace his cognition.


    It even seemed to want to snatch away the concept of his sound.


    It was as though it wanted to enslave him and strip him of his self, becoming the slave of this murmuring voice.


    This state was extremely dangerous. At the same time, there was a great temptation that transformed into understanding. It was as though it was suby inuencing Xu Qing, telling him that if he continued this, he would grasp this divine authority.


    Xu Qing suddenly opened his eyes. His eyes were bloodshot and at the same time, the divine authorities in his body erupted. They manifested on his forehead, shining with a strange light.


    All of this nally woke him up for an instant. Without hesitation, he immediately severed his comprehension.


    The sound of threads breaking echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Xu Qing shuddered and spat out a large mouthful of blood. His breathing was hurried and his expression was incomparably solemn.


    This feeling of being controlled and enslaved has appeared again!11


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was ugly. In the past two months, every time he comprehended to a certain extent, the sense of danger from earlier would appear. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that he had Nether rey and had experienced many things, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to survive the rst time this danger appeared.


    Why is it like this¡­


    Xu Qing fell silent. He had wondered if this divine authority possessed some kind of life. Hence, when he comprehended it, it would use a special method to possess him.


    However, after several attempts, Xu Qing discovered that the muttering didn¡¯t seem to have any exibility. It only followed a certain trajectory.


    It didn¡¯t resemble something that possessed sentience.


    Could it be that¡­ my comprehension method is wrong?¡±


    Xu Qing pondered. After all, this was his rst time truly comprehending the divine authority. His understanding of the divine right stopped at instinct.


    As for the Purple Moon and misfortune, they were devoured and not comprehended.


    God¡¯s curse was also obtained through a similar method,


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t continue to comprehend. Instead, he recalled his experiences in the past few months. A few days later, his body suddenly trembled.


    The level of my comprehension might be wrong.


    The reason why I was enslaved was because I was affected by this divine authority. What I need to do is to control it!¡±


    How to control¡­


    Xu Qing fell silent. After a long time, a strange glint appeared in his eyes.


    Perhaps it¡¯s wrong to hear it.


    If I hear it, it means that Tin affected.


    Determination appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s face. He stood up and direcy arrived outside the mysterious bubble. He didn¡¯t borrow the help of the heavenly vine but walked in forcefully like before.


    A few steps later, an overwhelming repulsive force gushed over. Xu Qing ignored it and took another step at the end of his endurance.


    Immediately, the counterattack erupted and enveloped his entire body. At the same time, it was deliberately guided by Xu Qing and blasted into his ears.


    At the next instant, his mind buzzed and intense pain assaulted him. Blood owed out of his ears, his eardrums were shattered, and the bones in his ears were broken.


    Xu Qing fell over and he felt the world snning as he lost his sense of hearing.


    However, his expression was calm as he forcefully endured it. He summoned the somewhat stunned heavenly vine and made it take him back into the pagoda.


    The moment he entered, Xu Qing immediately sat down cross-legged. His soul threads fused into the black jade and he comprehended it again.


    This time, he no longer listened but used his mind to sense.


    Gradually, he seemed to ¡¯hear¡¯ a murmur.


    This murmur came not only from the black jade but also from the faint mark in his body. It also came from the waves of his divine source sea.


    A sense of enlightenment appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. At the same time, his perception seemed to be different from before. The divine source towered into the sky, pushing his perception to a level he had never come into contact with before.


    He comprehended.


    Only when he didn¡¯t listen and could ¡®hear¡¯ with his perception could his perception sublimate and enter the range of divinity, capturing the power that uniquely belonged to this range.


    This power was ancient, primitive, and chaotic. Or rather, it was an extremely ancient power that existed in the world.


    Cultivators couldn¡¯t grasp it because the most basic qualication to obtain this power was the divine source.


    The source of this power was too deep and difcult to reach.


    Just mastering it was equivalent to obtaining the qualications to use it and forming a mark. This¡­ was divine authority.


    However, it could only be used. To probe its essence, that wasn¡¯t something an ordinary god could do.


    At that moment, in Xu Qing¡¯s nihility land, the faint mark that had been ickering for a few months with the black jade suddenly lit up brighy. Amidst the resplendent light, it formed a divine rune.


    That was Xu Qing¡¯s fth divine rune.


    Divine Sound Rune!


    Controlling all sounds in the world was an important part of omniscience.

 Chapter 1408 - 1408 Squeaky Clean (1)

    1408 Squeaky Clean (1)


    Omniscience was a concept that belonged solely to gods.


    They were filled with mysteries and couldn¡¯t be fathomed.


    In fact, in the hearts of many cultivators, omniscience meant terror.


    This was because once one was omniscient, regardless of the past or future, even their fate would be controlled. They wouldn¡¯t be able to break free or change it.


    To a certain extent, this was also a term about range.


    Before Xu Qing understood the divine authority of sound, although his understanding of omniscience surpassed that of cultivators, compared to gods, he was like a young child who had just been enlightened.


    It was only at this moment that he truly relied on his comprehension to control this divine authority.


    The divine authority of sound was an important part of omniscience.


    Grasping all sounds.


    This was also one of the keys to opening the gate of omniscience.


    Compared to controlling this divine authority, the process in between was an even more precious experience for Xu Qing.


    It gave him unprecedented inspiration.


    So, this was divine authority.


    Divine authority possessed life but also no life. It was like a wandering transcendent existence.


    When you tried to sense it, It would possess life and backlash, attempting to invade everything in you.


    However, when one didn¡¯t try to sense It but could sense It, Its life would cease to exist.


    This statement was a little contradictory.


    If one understood, they understood.


    If they didn¡¯t understand, they wouldn¡¯t understand no matter what.


    Xu Qing mumbled.


    Accompanying the divine authority were countless pieces of information that were drifting at the level of divine knowledge.


    This information permeated ancient aura. Some of them were useful, while others were completely chaotic and contradictory. However, no matter what, the main function of the influx of information was to inform.


    Tell those who were qualified to use this divine authority on how to use it.


    This information didn¡¯t exist naturally but was a chaotic will. It came from the sea of consciousness of everyone who had the qualifications to obtain this divine authority.


    It instinctively spread out.


    Understanding and mastering this information was a long process.


    Those who had the qualifications to use it until they grasped its essence and became the only one to master this divine authority would deprive the other gods of their qualifications regarding this divine authority.


    This was the god¡¯s advancement in divine authority. To a certain extent, it was also the most important backbone of the god system.


    ¡°Divine creatures can be seen to be in the process of accumulating divine source. When the divine source¡¯s density reaches a certain level, they can ignite the divine fire and become a god.¡±


    ¡°At this time, based on their previous accumulation and comprehension, with their divine knowledge, they can vaguely comprehend a divine authority, which is to say, they will possess the qualifications to use it.¡±


    ¡°To grasp and understand the essence of divine authority is the goal of the divine fire stage. The process is difficult and dangerous. Once you accomplish it¡­ you will advance to the Divine Platform realm.¡±


    ¡°The three gods of the Flame Moon borrowed the help of the Divine Realm to advance to flawlessness. From the looks of it now, the main point of this power of advancement of the Divine Realm was to help Them grasp and understand the essence of Their divine authorities.¡±


    ¡°Now that the path to the Divine Platform has been cleared, this means that They have actually almost completed this point. They have almost completely understood and grasped Their divine authorities.¡±


    ¡°As for the Empress¡­ with Her cultivation at the peak of the half-step peak Ruler realm and the fortune of the human race, she reached the Divine Platform in one step which also means that She crossed the level of usage and directly reached control.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s extremely difficult to reach the Divine Platform realm. Even with peerless talent, the Ruler realm cultivation is only the foundation for completing this step. Looking at it now, the Empress should have started studying divine authorities a long time ago¡­ Perhaps the Sun of Dawn appeared because of this.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why She was able to step onto the Divine Altar.¡±


    ¡°After the Divine Platform is the True God realm which is at the same level as the Summer Immortal¡­ They are the only one who controls Their divine authorities. That¡¯s why there¡¯s the word ¡®true¡¯.¡±


    Xu Qing understood.


    He had obtained these insights from the divine knowledge. It might be correct but there was a certain possibility that there were flaws in this understanding.


    As for the details, he would have to verify them in the future.


    However, there was one thing that was once clear to him and now, it was even clearer.


    ¡°Divine creatures are like the Soul Accumulation of cultivators.¡±


    ¡°The different levels of the holy fire are like the different stages of the Ruler realm.¡±


    ¡°As for the Divine Platform, only the Quasi-Immortal Great Emperor can fight It.¡±


    ¡°True God is a match for the Summer Immortal.¡±


    ¡°Beyond True God, above the Summer Immortal, that¡¯s the direction both gods and immortals pursue. Unfortunately¡­ the god system has a path beyond the True God which is Lord God.¡±


    ¡°And in the cultivator system, there seems to be no one who has treaded past the Summer Immortal Realm. Everything has to be explored by oneself. According to different origins, the direction everyone is taking is also different.¡±


    ¡°The reason why the Summer Immortals disappeared back then was precisely because they each pursued their own paths of advancement.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s also because of this that this starry sky belongs to gods.¡±


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath and opened his eyes, staring at the black jade in front of him.


    At that moment, more cracks appeared on this black jade. In the end, it silently turned into dust and dissipated.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that the divine authority of noise has too many gods who own it¡­ This is an extremely widespread divine authority.¡±


    ¡°And with the same holy authority, the more qualified individuals there are, the corresponding power will be dispersed.¡±


    ¡°But if there could be a singular possessor of this widespread holy authority, then its divine power would be terrifyingly immense.¡±


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He slowly closed his eyes and immersed himself in the fifth authority on the nihility land.


    The holy source in his body surged over as well, transforming into a hammer that struck down.


    A bell-like noise reverberated in Xu Qing¡¯s mind, yet this sound did not emanate outward.


    What did emerge was only a transparent and imperceptible ripple.


    With Xu Qing¡¯s body as the center, it spread outwards in all directions, instantly passing through the broken pagoda, spreading out along the trench, extending towards the boundless Forbidden Sea.

 Chapter 1409 - Chapter 1409: Squeaky Clean (2)

    Chapter 1409: Squeaky Clean (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    In an instant, it reached fifty kilometers.


    Countless sounds within fifty kilometers appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s divine perception at this instant.


    There was the sound of water flowing, the roars of ferocious beasts, the sound of fish swaying their tails, the sound of sand moving with the undercurrents¡­ In fact, there was even a sound that sounded like breathing coming from the Forbidden Sea itself.


    It was bizarre and drawn out¡­


    Everything appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s divine perception. He had a feeling that as long as he wanted to, all these sounds could be used by him.


    Hence, at the next instant, the area of fifty kilometers around him suddenly fell silent.


    All the sounds were stripped away by Xu Qing¡¯s thought and sent outside of fifty kilometers.


    With the help of their sounds, the ripple continued to spread.


    250 kilometers, 500 kilometers¡­


    The cycle repeated.


    Xu Qing was like a child who had just obtained a toy. He kept trying out various ways to play with this toy and also tested his limits.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    After an unknown period of time, the ripples emitted by Xu Qing had spread endlessly under the repeated push.


    It had long exceeded the range of Xu Qing¡¯s soul perception.


    During this period, countless sea beasts, a large number of divine creatures hidden at the bottom of the sea, and even some boats and ships on the surface of the sea were reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. However, they were no exception and didn¡¯t sense anything.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t pause on them at all.


    He continued to spread out the sounds.


    This lasted until a scene appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s divine perception.


    At an area of seabed extremely far away from where Xu Qing was, close to the Corpse Forbidden, there was a terrain that resembled a plain.


    A huge formation had been set up on this underwater plain.


    At the core of the array formation, two figures sat cross-legged.


    These two figures were both wearing silver robes, revealing skin that was like the surface of an octopus.


    They had no hair and human-like facial features. Moreover, even in their sitting posture, they were over 100 feet tall.


    The cultivation energy they emitted were at peak of the Soul Accumulation two worlds.


    From their special clothes and the structure of the array formation, it could be seen that these two were from a holy land.


    This was indeed the truth. They were descenders from the same batch as Feng Lintao.


    Back then, many teams from the holy land had descended in different areas of Wanggu.


    The two of them had landed in the Forbidden Sea.


    Moreover, during this period of time, they had gathered enough information and resources in the Forbidden Sea. Hence, they set up a guiding array formation at seabed to transmit a signal to the outside world.


    Their respective cultivation bases circulated as they increased the power of the array formation to signal their holy land.


    It had to be said that their luck wasn¡¯t bad. From the moment they descended until now, the process was very smooth.


    They almost didn¡¯t encounter any obstacles. Even if they occasionally came into contact with some powerful divine creatures, they would avoid them in advance under their probing.


    Now, seeing that everything was about to end, the two of them relaxed a little.


    However, at that moment, cracking sounds suddenly rang out from one of them.


    What made this sound was a jade slip he had placed in front of him.


    This jade slip was dark-black and imprinted with complicated runes. It was made of special black jade. During this period of time, relying on its flickering, they were able to detect danger in advance many times.


    At that moment, the jade slip seemed to have shattered on its own without flickering.


    In an instant, these two holy land cultivators immediately opened their eyes, revealing surprise. At the same time, the cracking sound of the jade slip shattering didn¡¯t dissipate. Instead, it instantly turned into a storm that swept toward them.


    The surroundings trembled. The expressions of these two holy land cultivators changed and they immediately retreated. They released their perception and checked their surroundings. One of them even performed a series of hand seals with his right hand and pointed forward.


    Immediately, a torrent surged out of the surrounding seawater and spread out in all directions under his control, stirring up sand at the bottom of the sea and shaking the dark stones in all directions.


    He was searching for hidden dangers.


    However, he found nothing.


    Just as the two of them were feeling even more bewildered, a shocking scene appeared. All the sounds caused by their actions earlier didn¡¯t spread out.


    Just like the cracking sound of the jade slip, it transformed into a bizarre scene that possessed astonishing lethality. It suddenly swept through the two of them.


    A rumbling sound echoed in the surroundings.


    The two of them were in a state of turmoil. One of them immediately transmitted his voice.


    ¡®There¡¯s a god watching us!¡¯


    Even though it was a voice transmission, the instant it was transmitted, the instant his partner heard it, it transformed into bizarre killing intent again, causing their heads to tremble. Their faces were pale and their internal organs churned.


    Terror rose in their hearts.


    ¡°The sounds of this place has been stolen!¡±


    This realization surfaced in their minds at the same time.


    They didn¡¯t dare to continue speaking and quickly exchanged glances. After seeing their respective shock, they quickly fled upward.


    However, the faster they fled, the louder the sounds they caused. It was the same for the rapids.


    Hence, the bizarre killing intent formed by the sounds appeared again.


    It formed a rumbling sound, continuing to damage them.


    At the same time, from this area, all the fish, sea beasts, sand grains, plankton, and even all the seawater emitted different sounds to varying degrees.


    Some could be heard and some couldn¡¯t be heard, but it didn¡¯t mean that they didn¡¯t exist.


    Now, it was like a band from the Forbidden Sea playing a world-shaking tune.


    As the killing power continued to rise, the destructive force headed toward the two cultivators from all directions.


    The rumbling sounds grew increasingly intense.


    The hearts of these two holy land cultivators trembled. They spat out blood and each unleashed their own great worlds.


    These illusory and corporeal great worlds resisted the bizarre attacks.


    They even took out many magic treasures and kept trying to erase the sounds in the surroundings. In the end, after experiencing endless danger and enduring repeated attacks, suffering heavy injuries, they rushed out of the sea.


    However, before they could heave a sigh of relief¡­


    More and louder sounds from the outside world descended.


    The sound of seabirds echoing in the sky.


    The sound of waves spreading along with the sea.


    The sound of the wind that was everywhere.


    All the sounds in the surroundings erupted in unison at this moment, sweeping through everything with an unprecedented vastness.


    Like lightning, the moment the two of them rushed out, they were directly enveloped.


    From afar, these sounds formed a huge ball that emitted endless waves of terrifying might.


    A voice echoed through the world.


    ¡°What were you doing at the seabed?¡±


    As the voice appeared, an elegant purple figure walked into the world like a god.


    He appeared outside the terrifying sound sphere and calmly looked at the two cultivators who were filled with horror.


    This question had no need for an answer.


    This was because the moment it rang out, the sound fused into the sound sphere and rumbled.


    When it landed in the ears of these two holy land cultivators, they couldn¡¯t hear what Xu Qing was saying at all. AU they heard was a vague murmur.


    This murmur grew increasingly intense. As it repeated, an ancient power spread over crazily and greedily, permeating their minds and replacing their understanding, robbing them of the concept of their sounds.


    Regardless of whether it was the sound of their bodies, souls, or even their own self, they were all stripped away.


    The answer was naturally among them.


    Xu Qing took a step and entered the seabed.


    On the surface of the sea, the sound sphere turned blood-red. The two holy land cultivators inside were destroyed in body and soul.


    The sound sphere also dissipated. The sounds inside carried the remnant will of the dead cultivators back to the world.


    The surroundings were squeaky clean.


    As for the underwater plain, Xu Qing walked toward the array formation step by step. He stared at the array formation and waved his hand.


    Immediately, this place churned and the array formation collapsed.


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°Although it is destroyed, the signal was already sent out earlier.¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it and took out a jade slip. He then sent a voice transmission to Fenghai County, Huang Yan, and the others to tell them about this and let them make preparations in advance.


    After that, Xu Qing disappeared from the spot, continuing to focus on comprehending his sound authority in the Forbidden Sea, while also searching for the bronze carriage.


    Seven days later¡­


    Seven shooting stars appeared in the Wanggu¡¯s sky, flickering with resplendent light as they landed on Wanggu.


    One of them landed on the Forbidden Sea between the Yinghuang Province and the Nanhuang Continent!

 Chapter 1410 - Chapter 1410: Evil Life Holy Land (1)

    Chapter 1410: Evil Life Holy Land (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios | Editor: Atlas Studios


    A meteor fell from the sky.


    It landed on the Forbidden Sea.


    The resplendent light formed by the meteor could be seen from the Nanhuang Continent and the Yinghuang Province. Everyone was shocked.


    During this period of time, although holy lands had descended one after another, this was the first time¡­ one had appeared in this area.


    The unknown and inexplicable nervousness about the holy land couldn¡¯t help but rise among the many forces and sects.


    This was especially so when this holy land arrived. The terrifying pressure it emitted swept up a storm and bombarded the sky like an avalanche. A sense of oppression followed and continued to spread.


    The deafening sound continued to reverberate.


    It was like the roar of the sky, shaking one¡¯s mind.


    The greatest impact was on the sea area near the Corpse Forbidden.


    As far as the eye could see, the sea surface in this area, over a hundred thousand kilometers, had sunken into a massive vortex. The resulting waves created a tsunami that swept in all directions. From the sunken region, the faint outline of the seabed could be glimpsed.


    The colossal waves generated by the tsunami covered a vast area, submerging some islands instantaneously.


    Fortunately, it didn¡¯t last long, and the inhabitants of these islands had been reminded earlier and were prepared.


    Otherwise, it would have become a calamity.


    From this, it could be seen that the force formed by the holy land was extremely terrifying.


    Countless sea beasts instinctively trembled and retreated far away from this sea area. This lasted until¡­ amidst the changing colors of the world, the speed of the meteor-like holy land slowed down.


    Finally, what appeared on the Forbidden Sea was a huge blue ice mountain.


    This mountain was so tall that it seemed to touch the sky.


    The vastness of this mountain was comparable to a province.


    It didn¡¯t land on the surface of the sea but floated 10,000 feet above the sea surface, looking like a huge floating island.


    As for the place directly below, it was the place where Xu Qing had killed the two Soul Accumulation cultivators earlier. It was also the location where the array formation had transmitted the signal and it was also¡­ above the Corpse Forbidden.


    Corpse Forbidden was a forbidden region in the sea area between the Yinghuang Province and the Nanhuang Continent. That place was hidden at the bottom of the sea all year round. For countless years, other than occasionally causing some disturbances when the master of the Corpse Forbidden awakened, it was still considered stable.


    However, everything changed dramatically when the ancient door appeared years ago, and the master of the Corpse Forbidden perished. Since then, the entire Corpse Forbidden seemed devoid of life, with no further disturbances.


    Very few people knew about the specifics.


    Today, the arrival of the holy land here clearly had a deeper meaning.


    At that moment, when the divine senses from the Yinghuang Province, the Nanhuang Continent, and the Forbidden Sea locked onto this huge blue ice mountain holy land, the mountain¡­ shook.


    Cracking sounds that were like thunder echoed.


    Numerous cracks appeared on the ice layer of the mountain and rapidly spread.


    In just fifteen minutes, they spread throughout the entire mountain.


    At the next instant, the ice layer shattered into pieces and exploded in all directions, revealing the white mountain inside.


    As pieces of blue ice landed on the surface of the sea and melted, the temperature in the surroundings rapidly decreased. One could faintly see a layer of icy sand appearing on the surface of the sea under the holy land.


    As for the white mountain, it erupted with dense vitality. Patches of green grass swayed as they emerged, towering trees shot up from the ground, and dense spiritual energy began to flourish within. Mythical beasts, as if awakened from a long hibernation, started to fly and roam around, adding to the scene¡¯s burgeoning vitality.


    Auspicious clouds appeared and lingered in the surroundings.


    Very soon, the holy land looked like an celestial mountain¡­


    A i,ooo-foot-tall figure walked out of the celestial mountain.


    This figure didn¡¯t seem to be from the same race as the two Soul Accumulation cultivators Xu Qing had killed.


    His facial features were humanoid and had no hair.


    The exposed skin was jade-colored and looked like it was made of white jade, giving off a sacred feeling.


    As for his age, it was impossible to tell. However, his body emitted an obvious ancient aura.


    The most astonishing thing was the cultivation fluctuations emitted by his body.


    This cultivation realm surpassed the understanding of the vast majority of cultivators. It was a terror they had never witnessed in their lives. Only true experts could probe it with their divine senses.


    This was¡­ a Ruler!


    The world changed color because of him, the sea churned because of him, and the laws and rules cheered.


    Even the Heavenly Daos seemed to have tacitly acknowledged this cultivator.


    This was because he was at the peak of the Ruler Realm!


    He had no need for the enhancement of fortune or any external support, as he was a genuine peak Ruler realm cultivator, comparable to flawlessness!


    He took a step out of the celestial mountain and into the Forbidden Sea, stepping into¡­ the Corpse Forbidden!


    The entire Corpse Forbidden instantly a while later. Heart-rending cries rang out endlessly and black blood flowed out of the Corpse Forbidden, becoming a part of the seawater.


    This blood flowed for seven days.


    The cries lasted for seven days.


    Under the gazes of everyone, on the eighth day¡­ the white jade cultivator at the peak of the Ruler Realm walked out of the Corpse Forbidden with an ancient stone door on his shoulder!


    This door was none other than the one that had opened inside the Corpse Forbidden back then.


    Back then, the badly mangled hand that stretched out from this door killed the master of Corpse Forbidden.


    But now, this mysterious door was brought back to the celestial mountain by the white jade cultivator with a single step.


    After that, a large number of holy land cultivators rushed out.


    This holy land was quite peculiar.


    The appearances of its clansmen were surprisingly diverse. Some were like the two people Xu Qing had killed earlier, while others seemed to have their bodies pieced together.


    Among them were human forms, beast forms, and a variety of strange and unusual shapes..

 Chapter 1411 - 1411 Evil Life Holy Land (2)

    1411 Evil Life Holy Land (2)


    After appearing, they all rushed into the Corpse Forbidden.


    This strange behavior caused the people from the Yinghuang Province and the various forces in the Nanhuang Continent, who were already paying attention to this place, to pay even more attention.


    At the same time, they raised their vigilance to the peak. The Fenghai County army was mobilized and stationed in the Yinghuang Province.


    But strangely, in the following month, this celestial mountain made no further moves. The cultivators within seemed to focus all their attention on the Corpse Forbidden.


    They continued to gather all kinds of resources in the Corpse Forbidden Zone.


    Seawater, anomalous substances, vegetation in the Corpse Forbidden, and even bizarre entities and divine creatures were all within the range of their collection.


    Xu Qing, who was practicing the divine authority of sound and was searching for the Golden Crow Dragon Carriage in the Forbidden Sea, had also heard of this matter from the information sent by various parties.


    He got much more information from Huang Yan who had developed close ties with the human race during this period and had a deep understanding of ancient matters.


    ¡°Xu Qing, the information about the race within the holy land that has appeared at our doorstep has been found by the human race from ancient records. It must be said that your human race is quite adept at recording history.¡±


    ¡°This race is called the Evil Life Race. Although it wasn¡¯t a large race during the era of Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether Era, due to the evil and peculiar nature of their existence, the early submission of their race¡¯s emperor to Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether and the many contributions they made, they were able to survive and prosper to some extent.¡±


    ¡°And the reason this race is considered evil is because of their innate abilities. They are born extremely weak and, during their growth, they need to plunder the organs and bodies of other races to continuously replace their own, integrating them as part of themselves.¡±


    ¡°Just like hermit crabs using others¡¯ shells.¡±


    ¡°So, most of this race¡¯s members have different appearances. Before submitting to Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, this race once traded the organs and bodies of various races throughout the entire Wanggu. If they weren¡¯t so powerful, they would have been wiped out long ago.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded in agreement. Although the human race had declined, they had a long history after all and had many ancient books. Although their records of history couldn¡¯t compare to the Summer Immortal Palace, they still surpassed the other races by a large extent.


    ¡°As for the level of this holy land, it¡¯s a yellow-level holy land. Generally speaking, there will be one to two mighty figures at the Ruler realm in such a holy land.¡±


    ¡°The person who stepped into the Corpse Forbidden that day should be the master of this holy land.¡±


    ¡°According to the investigations of your human race¡¯s Empress, as well as the scattered attempts of various races to contact other holy lands during this period, and some of my own channels, I have come to a conclusion.¡±


    ¡°When those holy lands left, they did not have such strict distinction. They were mostly equal, with the Mystic Nether Holy Land being the highest, serving as the master of all the holy lands.¡±


    ¡°After that, something must have happened which divided them into four levels: Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow.¡±


    Xu Qing moved forward in the Forbidden Sea as Huang Yan¡¯s divine sense from the feather echoed in his mind.


    ¡°There are one to two Rulers in a yellow-level holy land, while a black-level holy land that is one level higher hasn¡¯t descended yet, they should have a Quasi-Immortal Great Emperor existence.¡±


    ¡°As for the earth-level holy land¡­ it¡¯s impossible for them to have a Summer Immortal, so it is likely that the number of Quasi Immortals determines whether a holy land is earth-level or not!¡±


    ¡°And there seems to be only one heaven-level holy land¡­ I suspect that there¡¯s a high chance that they have a Summer Immortal.¡±


    ¡°According to the Empress¡¯ analysis, the Mystic Nether Holy Land isn¡¯t heaven-level. In that case, there¡¯s a high chance that the Summer Immortal in the current heaven-level holy land isn¡¯t Mystic Nether but¡­ someone else!¡±


    In the Forbidden Sea, Xu Qing stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°Summer Immortal¡­¡±


    He mumbled inwardly as a sharp glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°All the holy lands have been doing the same thing ever since they arrived.¡±


    Huang Yan continued transmitting his voice.


    ¡°That¡¯s gathering resources!¡±


    ¡°However, no matter what, since the holy land has descended here, don¡¯t stay in the Forbidden Sea for too long and return early.¡±


    Huang Yan ended the voice transmission.


    Xu Qing raised his head and stared at the top of the sea.


    The wind stirred in the calm sea, gradually growing stronger, stirring up waves.


    A storm was about to arrive as the sky darkened.


    ¡°I will search for another two months. If I still don¡¯t find the Golden Crow Dragon Carriage by then, I will leave the Forbidden Sea and return to Fenghai County.¡±


    Xu Qing muttered to himself and continued forward.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    A month passed.


    Three more holy lands descended on Wanggu.


    Up until now, the number of holy lands that had descended had reached 33.


    As for the Evil Life Holy Land on the Forbidden Sea, their excavation of the Corpse Forbidden seemed to be coming to an end. They began to arrange for their clansmen to head to the surrounding islands.


    They didn¡¯t commit any evil deeds. All the cultivators who headed to the surrounding islands were friendly.


    They politely asked for some data about Wanggu, and even treated some people who had been seriously invaded by anomalous substances. Before they left, they even handed out some medicinal pills from the holy land.


    This pill was very useful in expelling the anomalous substances in the body.


    Although the various races were apprehensive, they could sense the goodwill of the holy land.


    As all the information was gathered, three letters were sent out from the Evil Life Holy Land.


    One was sent to the Nanhuang Continent¡¯s Phoenix Forbidden and placed outside. This was a letter for the Flame Phoenix.


    The second letter was sent to the Seven Blood Eyes. It was a letter to Old Master Seventh.


    The third letter was sent to the Yinghuang Province. It was a letter to the lord of the Holy Wave Large Region.


    The three letters were worded differently, but their meanings were consistent. They politely informed the three parties that their Evil Life Holy Land had descended to this place without malicious intent, coming only to seek resources and not wishing to be enemies with anyone.


    They hoped that they could get along peacefully with the three parties.


    Regarding this, after communicating, Fenghai County, Nanhuang Continent, and the Seven Blood Eyes decided to maintain the same attitude as the Wanggu¡¯s races, continuing to observe the holy land.


    They didn¡¯t act rashly, but they were still vigilant and paid attention to the holy land¡¯s actions at all times.


    As stated in the letters, the Evil Life Holy Land pursued peace and didn¡¯t do anything that might cause misunderstandings in the following month.


    Although the range of their exploration had increased and they came into contact with more island races in the surroundings, their attitudes were still gentle. They healed people and handed out medicinal pills.


    Those medicinal pills were researched by the Seven Blood Eyes, and Huang Yan personally checked and confirmed that there were no hidden dangers.


    As such, everything seemed to be progressing smoothly.


    Only the storm on the Forbidden Sea seemed to have grown larger.


    As for Xu Qing, from the start until now, more than half a year had passed. In the past two months, he had used his divine authority of sound to investigate almost all the sea areas between the Yinghuang Province and the Nanhuang Continent.


    There were many dangerous places inside, but Xu Qing didn¡¯t go deep. What he wanted to find was still the Golden Crow Dragon Carriage.


    But in the end, it was to no avail.


    ¡°There¡¯s a high chance that the dragon vehicle and the giant might have gone to the outer sea.¡±


    On the surface of the sea, Xu Qing stood on the corpse of a megalodon that was tens of thousands of feet long and covered in countless wounds.


    The sea breeze blew over, and his purple hair fluttered in the wind.


    His expression was calm and the surroundings were filled with countless resplendent spots of light.


    These were the scattered divinity of the creature under his feet.


    As he absorbed them, Xu Qing looked into the distance.


    That place was the direction of the outer sea.


    A long time later, Xu Qing shook his lead and retracted his gaze. It was clearly not suitable for him to go to the outer sea at this time.


    He was prepared to give up for the time being. Just as he was about to end the search and lead to Fenghai County, his voice transmission jade slip vibrated.


    Xu Qing¡¯s divine sense swept over. At the next instant, Second Senior Sister¡¯s voice echoed in his mind.


    ¡°Junior Brother, there¡¯s something I need you to deal with¡­¡±


    ¡°Ancestor Xue Lianzi is currently on Dongyou Island. He¡­ issued a request for help and specifically asked for you.¡±


    Second Senior Sister¡¯s voice carried a hint of resignation, evidently finding it somewhat ridiculous that the ancestor sought help from his grand disciple.


    However¡­ it made sense.


    ¡°The old man is getting older. These years, he rarely speaks up. Now that he has, he probably wants to show off in front of Esteemed Master Dongyou. You should go and check it out.¡±


    Xu Qing was also stunned. His expression was solemn as he immediately replied.


    ¡°Second Senior Sister, I will immediately lead to Dongyou Island.¡±

 Chapter 1412 - Chapter 1412: Sun’s Musician

    Chapter 1412: Sun¡¯s Musician


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Dongyou Island was an ally of the Seven Blood Eyes back then.


    Now, the alliance had grown extremely close. Moreover, due to the rise of the Seven Blood Eyes in Fenghai County and the indirect influence on the Holy Wave Large Region and the Black Spirit Region, Dongyou Island was also an overlord of the Forbidden Sea.


    Esteemed Master Dongyou, who was also Yanyan¡¯s grandmother, had a good personal relationship with Xue Lianzi. In fact, occasionally, some bold disciples within the Seven Blood Eyes speculated that the relationship between Ancestor Xue Lianzi and the widowed Esteemed Master Dongyou might have developed beyond mere friendship.


    This was evident from Xue Lianzi¡¯s frequent visits to Dongyou Island over the years, each stay lasting several months¡­


    Right now, all the cultivators on Dongyou Island had solemn expressions and were on high alert.


    At the center of the island, on a tall array platform, a woman sat cross-legged.


    Time had left its mark on her, but these marks manifested in a more mature physique and an increasingly enchanting appearance.


    Her pale complexion, the sickly frailty, and her stunning beauty were complemented by her black long dress and the array of beloved weapons placed around her.


    She was none other than Yanyan.


    But now, she had her eyes closed, as if asleep, with only her eyelashes occasionally trembling violently. Her expression alternated between ferocity and terror, full of pain, giving off an unmistakable sense of abnormality.


    What was most abnormal was her body.


    Back then, when Xu Qing first saw Yanyan, he sensed that she was different. She was very rare, someone without any anomalous substances within her body.


    Anomalous substances were divine auras and were present everywhere in the Wanggu. Only high-level cultivators could expel them from their bodies. For low-level cultivators, achieving a state of being without any anomalous substances was nearly impossible.


    Xu Qing accomplished it because of the purple crystal.


    And Yanyan could do it because of her special unknown physique.


    However, now, this body that didn¡¯t have anomalous substances in the past had a wisp of black gas forming.


    They were anomalous substances.


    Fortunately, the instant the anomalous substances appeared, the light of the array formation appeared on the ground around her. As rumbling sounds echoed, vast power followed the array formation and seemed to purify it, dispelling all the anomalous substances in the surroundings.


    It also descended on Yanyan¡¯s body, instantly dispelling the black gas growing in her body.


    As the anomalous substances disappeared, the pain on Yanyan¡¯s face disappeared. Her breathing was even, as though she was really sleeping.


    Seeing this, Xue Lianzi and Esteemed Master Dongyou, who were controlling the array formation, heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡°How about that? With just a slight effort, I almost resolved this matter. This formation was sent over immediately from Fenghai County with just one word from me.¡±


    ¡°This array formation is extraordinary. In the human imperial capital, only Heavenly Marquis-level families can possess it.¡±


    After confirming that Yanyan was fine, Xue Lianzi coughed and spoke to Esteemed Master Dongyou.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, that good grand-disciple of mine will be here in a while. Once he cooperates with me, this matter will be resolved.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the big deal? It¡¯s just being targeted by a divine creature¡¯s gaze, easily solvable.¡±


    Xue Lianzi spoke confidently.


    Esteemed Master Dongyou, who was at the side, glanced at Xue Lianzi and wanted to say something. However, she ultimately held it in and nodded.


    ¡°How long will it take?¡±


    Seeing that Esteemed Master Dongyou agreed with his words, Xue Lianzi¡¯s emotions surged.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve already sent my words. This matter is actually half resolved.¡±


    ¡°After all, you also know that my current identity is extraordinary.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a high chance that my disciple is a Summer Immortal.¡±


    ¡°The teacher of a Summer Immortal, do you understand?¡±


    Xue Lianzi stroked his beard, looking proud.


    Upon hearing these words, Esteemed Master Dongyou, who had been bickering with Xue Lianzi for most of her life, really couldn¡¯t hold it in.


    ¡°You really know how to flatter yourself.¡±


    As soon as she said this, Xue Lianzi chuckled.


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I flatter myself? I¡¯m still Old Seventh¡¯s father-in-law. How about it? Do you want to become his mother-in-law? It¡¯s a rare opportunity.¡±


    Esteemed Master Dongyou was speechless.


    Xue Lianzi was delighted.


    ¡°Even if you don¡¯t recognize me as the teacher of the Summer Immortal, it¡¯s a fact that I have two grand-disciples, right? One is the human race¡¯s King Zhen Cang, the lord of two regions, the Grand Tutor, and the future Imperial Preceptor!


    ¡°The other is the Flame Phoenix¡¯s Dao companion!¡±


    Esteemed Master Dongyou calmly spoke.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t there two more?¡±


    Xue Lianzi waved his hand.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really a good grandmaster.¡± Esteemed Master Dongyou snorted.


    Xue Lianzi raised his white brows and was about to speak. However, at the next instant, the two of them looked at the sky at the same time.


    Thunder rumbled in the sky and bolts of lightning swam around, instantly exploding on Dongyou Island.


    However, this explosion happened silently.


    This bizarre scene caused the cultivators on Dongyou Island to be shocked. Even Xue Lianzi and Esteemed Master Dongyou¡¯s hearts trembled.


    Amidst the silent lightning, a figure suddenly walked out. With a step, he arrived at the center of the island and outside the array platform.


    The moment he appeared, Xu Qing bowed respectfully to Xue Lianzi and Esteemed Master Dongyou.


    ¡°Greetings, Grandmaster. Greetings, Senior Dongyou.¡±


    After receiving Second Senior Sister¡¯s message, in order to rush over faster, Xu Qing activated the divine authority of sound. The soundless lightning earlier was formed by the might of the divine authority.


    Only then could he cross the Forbidden Sea as quickly as possible. Otherwise, it would have taken longer.


    Hence, it wasn¡¯t intentional.


    ¡°Good grand-disciple! Haha, I haven¡¯t seen you in a long time. Not bad, not bad. Your current temperament is very similar to mine back then.¡±


    Xue Lianzi suppressed the shock in his heart and stroked his beard as he laughed loudly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s respect made him feel at ease. At the same time, the scene of him seeing Xu Qing for the first time back then couldn¡¯t help but appear in his mind. Time had passed, and the youth had already become a Heavenly King.


    Esteemed Master Dongyou¡¯s heart also churned. After taking a deep breath, she nodded at Xu Qing.


    Only then did Xu Qing stand up straight and look at Yanyan¡¯s figure on the array platform.


    ¡°Grandmaster, did you summon me here for Yanyan?¡±


    Xu Qing could tell at a glance.


    ¡°Yes An unknown divine entity, for some unknown reason, gazed at Yanyan from the seabed several months ago during the night. This gaze established a connection, and it has been summoning her ever since.¡±


    ¡°Before you arrived, this old man had been purifying its summoning intent with the dispelling formation. Now that you¡¯re here, it¡¯s up to you to deal with it.¡±


    Speaking of serious matters, Xue Lianzi¡¯s voice became solemn.


    After all, this matter concerned Yanyan, Esteemed Master Dongyou¡¯s only family.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression also turned solemn.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing took a step forward and arrived in front of Yanyan. As he stood before Yanyan, his eyes shimmered with divine runes, seeing her differently than mere mortal eyes could perceive.


    Yanyan was enveloped in wisps of black aura, these tendrils resembling specters and ghosts, emitting soundless roars as they swirled around her, coalescing above her head.


    They formed a lump of fog that couldn¡¯t be seen with naked eyes.


    With his divine perception, Xu Qing saw a hand in the fog.


    It was a severed hand of a woman.


    In the palm, there was an eye that was currently closed as though it was in a deep sleep.


    A cold glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He raised his right index finger and was about to press it against Yanyan¡¯s forehead.


    However, at this moment, it was as though the aura he emitted caused Yanyan, who was incomparably familiar with this aura, to wake up from her sleep. She opened her bright eyes and stared at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing¡­¡±


    A murmur came from her mouth. After that, her entire expression changed. Joy, infatuation, attachment, obedience, and various other emotions were revealed on her face.


    What made Esteemed Master Dongyou and Xue Lianzi feel even more strange was that Yanyan¡¯s eyes were filled with anticipation. Facing Xu Qing¡¯s outstretched finger, she actually opened her small cherry mouth.


    Xu Qing fell silent and his finger paused.


    Seeing that Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak, Yanyan¡¯s expression also dimmed. It was like a blooming flower instantly showing signs of withering. Even her desire to survive seemed to have decreased. The black gas in the surroundings that outsiders couldn¡¯t see also instantly became sinister.


    Xu Qing sighed and placed his finger beside the comer of Yanyan¡¯s mouth.


    The moment it landed, Yanyan¡¯s body seemed to light up. She immediately sucked Xu Qing¡¯s finger into her mouth. At the same time, her tongue instinctively moved around Xu Qing¡¯s finger.


    The infatuation on her face grew even more intense.


    Esteemed Master Dongyou fell silent.


    Xue Lianzi blinked and looked at Esteemed Master Dongyou before remaining silent as well.


    As for Xu Qing, he allowed Yanyan to continue while enveloping her with his divine sense.


    With the physical contact and the fusion of perception, he found the black aura on Yanyan¡¯s fate and followed it toward the Forbidden Sea.


    Deeper and deeper.


    After an unknown period of time, at the bottom of the pitch-black sea, Xu Qing heard heart-rending sounds. They sounded like crying and wailing.


    They came from malicious ghosts.


    There wasn¡¯t just one but countless¡­


    In the depths of his divine perception, Xu Qing sensed the presence of a dilapidated palace buried in the mud, seemingly a small part of a much larger palace complex.


    Now, it had become ruins in time.


    Countless malicious ghosts were lying on the ruins.


    Their appearances were sinister and incomparably eerie. However, they clearly didn¡¯t sense Xu Qing. They were busy shrieking and howling, their voices piercing and soul-shaking, echoing incessantly in the underwater realm.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts to freeze.


    It was very familiar.


    He had heard the same voice and seen the same endless malicious ghosts on the Forbidden Sea many years ago.


    That was¡­ the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts!


    ¡°There are wonders in the Endless Sea that mortals haven¡¯t heard of. With the Golden Crow Chi Yang as a companion, a hundred sounds form a tune ¨C Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon.¡±


    ¡°The god is delighted. When he closes his eyes and looks, the entire sea becomes a forbidden zone. A hundred sounds become yin.¡±


    Xu Qing still remembered the words recorded in the sea record.


    He also saw the divine creature that implicated Yanyan with his divine perception in the ruins where endless malicious ghosts existed.


    It was a slender severed hand!


    It was a thousand feet long. In the ruins, although the eye on the palm was closed, its fingers were moving.


    As the fingers moved¡­ the eerie cries and wails of the ghosts seemed to fluctuate in response!


    It was as if the hand was playing those haunting sounds like a musician playing an instrument.


    ¡°Could this be the origin of the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes lit up with wonder. Suddenly, he had a feeling that the elusive Golden Crow Dragon Carriage he had been searching for might¡­ just might be within reach at this moment!


    Hence, after watching for a while, his divine perception locked onto the severed hand. At the same time, his body, which was standing on the island¡¯s array platform, suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Grandmaster, I don¡¯t know much about the legends of the Forbidden Sea. You¡¯re knowledgeable, do you know of any legends that are related to a hand and the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts?¡±


    ¡°This hand seems to be able to control the sounds of a hundred ghosts.¡±


    Xue Lianzi started and fell silent. Esteemed Master Dongyou, who was beside him, suddenly spoke.


    ¡°I know more about the legends on the Forbidden Sea.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a legend that matches your description.¡±


    ¡°Legend has it that the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts is originated from the Golden Crow Sun.¡±


    ¡°In the tales, before its fall, the Golden Crow would ride its dragon carriage to the sky every day, transforming into the sun to illuminate Wanggu. When it returned at night, within its Sun Palace, a musician would play the ¡®Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon¡¯ tune, summoning the moon into the sky.¡±


    ¡°When the fragmented-face descended and the Golden Crow died, the hundred sounds turned into yin. The musician who played ¡®Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon¡¯¡­ also melted away, leaving only a single hand, which fell into the Forbidden Sea.¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing, you¡­ found that hand of legends?¡±


    Esteemed Master Dongyou looked at Xu Qing..

 Chapter 1413 - Chapter 1413: Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon (1)

    Chapter 1413: Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Esteemed Master Dongyou¡¯s words echoed on the array platform.


    When it landed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears, the other party¡¯s unique hoarse voice seemed to carry a hint of age as it recounted the legend of the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts in greater detail.


    Coupled with his current divine perception observation, Xu Qing was basically certain that¡­ that slender hand was most likely the hand of the musician who played the Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon in the legendary Golden Crow Temple.


    It was also the opportunity to find the dragon carriage.


    ¡®But why did the other party stare at Yanyan and mark her¡­¡¯


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought as his gaze landed on Yanyan.


    Yanyan¡¯s uniqueness was definitely her physique that didn¡¯t suffer from the invasion of anomalous substances. Even Xu Qing couldn¡¯t see the source of this physique.


    ¡°Perhaps I can ask Master when he comes out of seclusion. It¡¯s also possible Master already knows that Yanyan¡¯s physique is special.¡±


    Xu Qing pondered silently before determination appeared in his eyes.


    No matter what, the most important thing was to deal with that slender hand first and resolve the karma caused by the other party staring at Yanyan.


    He didn¡¯t hesitate. After knowing the origin of that hand, within the range of his divine perception, in the pitch-black underwater ruins that were filled with countless malicious ghosts, all the sharp cries¡­


    stopped in unison.


    It wasn¡¯t that those malicious ghosts had stopped screaming but their voices had been stripped away by Xu Qing at this moment!


    It became his strength, his killing intent, and his weapon.


    It transformed into a surging and strange lethal force that descended upon the slender hand.


    In an instant, the seabed churned silently and a storm formed. A terrifying pressure and aura spread from the seabed to the surface, causing huge waves to surge in the sea outside.


    However, it was completely silent.


    At this moment, all the sounds in this area had a master.


    The divine authority of sound completely erupted.


    However, the eye on the slender hand suddenly opened the instant danger descended.


    It revealed its red pupils that emitted endless malevolence. Its fingers moved rapidly, as though it was plucking invisible zither strings.


    A similar sound divine authority actually spread out from this palm.


    This was completely different from the divine creatures Xu Qing had seen.


    Generally speaking, the strength of divine creatures lay in their divinity and their divine source. They usually didn¡¯t have divine authority. At the very least, the ones Xu Qing had killed in the Forbidden Sea during this period didn¡¯t have it.


    But this severed hand actually showed divine authority!


    At the next moment, the bodies of those malicious ghosts whose sounds had been stolen by Xu Qing trembled. They surprisingly recovered from their silenced state. At the quiet seabed, mournful wails and ear-piercing screams echoed again.


    The power formed came into contact with the suppression and killing power controlled by Xu Qing.


    A thunderous roar spread across the seabed in all directions, reverberating intensely for a moment before falling into sudden silence.


    The sounds within the seabed mirrored this pattern, erupting violently in an instant, only to be hushed the next. They were controlled by the hand¡¯s fingers, and then abruptly stripped away by Xu Qing.


    The wailing of the malicious ghosts was particularly affected, their screams becoming intermittent and fragmented.


    This was a battle of the same divine authority!


    Such battles were rare among gods, but when they did occur, it would definitely be a battle of life and death.


    When two sides held the right to use the same divine authority, it resulted in a contention for dominion over that divine authority.


    In this battle of divine authority, the wailing of those malicious ghosts was the core.


    The intensity of this conflict was such that many of the spirits couldn¡¯t withstand it and began to crumble. The resulting silence, formed by the sounds Xu Qing had stripped away, grew ever more pervasive, enveloping the surroundings in an expanding sphere of quietude.


    His divine authority was relatively more complete. On one hand, it was due to his comprehension. On the other hand, he already had its mark in his nihility land. In terms of status, it was like the pinnacle.


    Hence, he naturally had the advantage in this battle of divine authority.


    However, just as Xu Qing¡¯s dominance was growing, the eye in the palm of the slender hand seemed to have sensed the threat to its existence. It opened wide in rage, its blood-red pupil surrounded by spreading blood vessels, ultimately shedding a single blood-red tear.


    With the release of this tear, the crumbling ghosts around it trembled violently, all turning their gaze towards Xu Qing.


    In a desperate, self-destructive frenzy, they roared, their sharp cries piercing through the silence.


    The blood-red tear collected their renewed sound, forming a wave of noise. This sonic wave, carried by the blood-red tear, surged from the sea depths, pierced through the water, and burst forth towards Dongyou Island, where Xu Qing stood, cutting through the air like a blade.


    The entire Dongyou Island rumbled.


    After doing this, the eye in the slender broken hand visibly weakened. It flickered for a moment before swiftly gathering the remaining thousands of ghosts around it. Together, they sped towards the depths of the Forbidden Sea, attempting to flee.


    On the Dongyou Island, all the cultivators¡¯ bodies and souls shuddered upon seeing the approaching blood-red meteor.


    Only Xue Lianzi and Esteemed Master Dongyou were in a better state, but even their hearts were shaken.


    Xu Qing raised his head and stared at the blood-red meteor.


    The other party¡¯s counterattack didn¡¯t surprise him much. Since he had understood the identity of that severed hand, he had mentally prepared for the possibility that it also possessed the power of sound.


    After all, that was the hand of the sun¡¯s musician.


    However, he didn¡¯t know why the musician could still retain one hand under the gaze of the fragmented-face nor did he know whether the consciousness controlling the hand was the musician¡¯s own or a newly emerged remnant will..

 Chapter 1414 - 1414 Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon (2)

    1414 Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon (2)


    However, those counterattacks earlier were within his expectations.


    He took a step forward and instantly stepped into the air. Facing the incoming blood-red meteor, he grabbed at the pitch-black sky.


    The sun couldn¡¯t be seen in the night sky.


    However, this didn¡¯t mean that the sun didn¡¯t exist. It was just that the sun in this area had left. There were suns shining in various areas of Wanggu at all times.


    The Profound Sun Immortal Light Technique didn¡¯t just snatch the sunlight above the cultivator.


    At the next instant, wisps of light that were drifting in the night seeped out of the endless void and gathered on Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    The night sky suddenly lit up.


    Xu Qing was like a sun that stood between heaven and earth. The moment the light from him illuminated the world, he lifted his palm and pressed it toward the incoming blood-red meteor.


    A piercing light erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s body. Wherever it passed, everything was torn apart, including the night and the blood-red meteor.


    It was erased.


    Xu Qing seemed to have devoured both the night and the blood light, becoming increasingly resplendent. He transformed into a bright star that rumbled toward the Forbidden Sea.


    When the cultivators on Dongyou Island saw this scene from afar, their hearts were in turmoil.


    In their eyes, this looked like the great sun descending to the sea.


    It was as though a legend had manifested in the world!


    ¡°After the Golden Crow died, a hundred sounds turned into yin. Both of us know that there¡¯s a high chance that this really happened. From the looks of it now¡­ it seems to be even more certain. As for Xu Qing¡­ I don¡¯t know what level he will reach in the future.¡±


    Esteemed Master Dongyou mumbled.


    Xue Lianzi coughed.


    ¡°Who cares what level he will reach? What will never change is that he is¡­ my grand-disciple!¡±


    Dongyou fell silent. Her gaze landed on Yanyan, who was staring infatuatedly at the spot where Xu Qing had disappeared.


    ¡°You meet your grand-disciple too few times. Next time you come to my place, you can bring him along more often¡­¡±


    While the Dongyou Island cultivators were shocked and Esteemed Master Dongyou was conversing with Xue Lianzi, the sky of the Forbidden Sea turned pitch-black again, with only the faint moonlight shining. The light emanating from the sea surface rapidly dimmed as well.


    Finally, the world turned pitch-black again.


    However, in the depths of the sea, the sun that Xu Qing had transformed into illuminated the surroundings as he moved forward.


    He was chasing after the severed hand!


    All the sounds on the way became his speed.


    The weak moon in the sky was unknowingly affected and revealed a purple color. The purple moonlight landed on the sea and seeped in.


    A large number of ferocious sea beasts couldn¡¯t evade in time and their bodies collapsed. Their blood also enhanced Xu Qing¡¯s speed.


    For the sea beasts that perished, today was a day of misfortune.


    Similarly, for the severed hand and the parade of a hundred ghosts being pursued by Xu Qing, today was also a day of misfortune.


    Their misfortune translated into good fortune for Xu Qing, enhancing his speed once again.


    Just like that, after about fifteen minutes, above an area of the seabed covered with dense, black seaweed, the quickly fleeing severed hand encountered the fall of the great sun.


    The light shone, illuminating the surroundings.


    Amidst the rumbling sound, the scattering of the immortal light, the diffusion of good luck, and the guidance of the blood, Xu Qing took a step out.


    He blocked the path of the severed hand and the thousands of malicious ghosts.


    He punched out!


    The Indestructible Emperor¡¯s Fist instantly stirred up a storm at the seabed, sweeping through everything. The sound was peeled off and transformed into a bizarre killing power that augmented it. At the same time, purple moonlight descended, trying to seal the severed hand.


    However, this severed hand was extremely extraordinary. In this incomparably dangerous situation, its eyes displayed cruelty and coldness. The next instant, its fingers plucked the invisible strings.


    The thousands of malicious ghosts in the surroundings instantly went crazy and consumed each other.


    In the blink of an eye, the number of the malicious ghosts decreased drastically under this madness and only a hundred were left!


    These hundred ghosts, with their altered appearances, grew even more ghastly. Intertwining with each other, they formed a score of sorts, accompanied by a series of mournful wails, creating a melody that Xu Qing had never heard before.


    It was the same tune as the Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts, but what appeared at this moment was even more complete!


    The moment it spread out, the sea in all directions instantly turned cold. Xu Qing¡¯s Purple Moon divine authority actually trembled as though it was being guided. It was as though this tune had an inexplicable might against the power of the moon.


    Vaguely, as these ghost sounds echoed, an illusory scene appeared.


    A decaying moon actually manifested at the seabed and rose.


    On the decaying moon, a huge face could be seen.


    It was the face of a young girl. It was somewhat similar to the youth Xu Qing had seen when he inherited the Golden Crow¡¯s cultivation art. They were like siblings.


    At that moment, this face was rotting. One could see the nether chains formed by the dense aura of death piercing through the face. At the same time, a terrifying divine might rose from it.


    It was as though it wanted to walk from illusion into reality.


    It affected the main world and affected Xu Qing.


    This divine might was different from all the gods¡¯ auras Xu Qing had felt!


    It was also different from the surrounding anomalous substances!


    It was as though¡­ it had nothing to do with the fragmented-


    face.


    One had to understand that in the current Wanggu, all gods were related to the fragmented-face. They were either born due to It or had followed It here. More or less, their bodies had the aura of fragmented face.


    They belonged to the same lineage.


    However¡­ this moon was different.


    With Its appearance, Xu Qing could clearly sense that regardless of whether it was the seawater here, the soil at the seabed, or this world, there seemed to be waves at this instant.


    This was because the divine aura from this decayed moon¡­ came from the same source as Wanggu!


    Or to be precise, it came from the same source as the former Wanggu.

 Chapter 1415 - Chapter 1415: Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon (3)

    Chapter 1415: Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon (3)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Combining all of this, a guess surfaced in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°The Brilliant Heaven God Race!¡±


    Only the Brilliant Heaven God Race would emit origin energy waves of Wanggu.


    Only the Brilliant Heaven God Race would have a different lineage from the fragmented-face.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled but he didn¡¯t have the time to think too much at this moment. As the ghostly cries echoed and the illusory moon of death rose, a terrifying pressure erupted.


    Xu Qing retreated. All of his divine authorities shone and the divine source in his body surged in unison while he rapidly thought of a solution.


    Purple Moon could be considered to belong to the same category as this moon. However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t believe that his current Moon God Authority could confront It head-on.


    Even though It was just a projection and a dead god.


    Misfortune wasn¡¯t of much use here, and the God¡¯s Curse was clearly not suitable.


    In that case¡­ only the divine authority of sound could be used.


    He gathered all the divine source in his body into the divine authority of sound, even augmenting it with his soul threads.


    He unleashed his full strength!


    His target wasn¡¯t the moon but the ghost cries that had summoned It.


    He invaded this sound!


    This process was dangerous during the descent of the decaying moon. Fortunately, Xu Qing had become adept at using the divine authority of sound due to constant practice in recent times.


    Additionally, his divine authority¡¯s status was sufficient.


    Finally, just as the decaying moon was about to be drawn into the mortal realm, the harsh, dissonant ghostly sound known as the ¡®Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon¡¯¡ªfilled with wailing and off-key notes¡ªwas overtaken by Xu Qing¡¯s divine authority¡­


    The sound was suppressed.


    With a thought, he deprived the wailing of the hundred ghosts from this piece and used his divine authority to purify the noise.


    Thus, a melody that caused Xu Qing¡¯s mind to become momentarily entranced emerged. After tens of thousands of years, the melody traversed through time, drifting from the past to reappear in the depths of the sea.


    According to the legends, Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon was the first music in Wanggu.


    It was indescribably beautiful.


    Its ethereal, mysterious, and beautiful nature could only be described with the words ¡®heavenly voice¡¯.


    It could even be said to be a part of the divine authority of sound.


    It was composed for the moon, written for the moon, and played exclusively for the moon.


    The young girl¡¯s face on the decaying moon¡¯s image softened.


    As the melody swayed and eventually concluded, the image of the moon became blurred and finally dissipated into the sea.


    Only Xu Qing remained standing there. It took a long time for his mind to recover, and within his heart, endless waves of emotion surged.


    ¡°So, this is the Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon¡­¡±


    ¡°¡±After the Golden Crow returned to its palace, the musician played ¡®Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon,¡¯ which was meant to welcome the moon formed by the Brilliant Heaven God Race!¡±


    ¡°Then, the origin of the Golden Crow and that figure who resembled a young emperor, how¡­¡±


    Xu Qing already had a guess.


    However, he wasn¡¯t sure. Hence, he suppressed this guess and looked into the distance.


    The severed hand had already fled.


    However, it had exchanged moves with Xu Qing, thus becoming entangled in cause and effect. As long as it wasn¡¯t too far away, it would remain within Xu Qing¡¯s divine perception.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes and sensed. He locked onto a direction and transformed into sound, silently disappearing.


    As for this area where the Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon once echoed, it gradually returned to silence.


    The pavilion on the celestial mountain of the Evil Life Holy Land was also silent.


    Eleven figures sat in the pavilion.


    Their appearances were different. In the middle was the white-jade old man who had taken back the stone door from the Corpse Forbidden.


    Now, they were all silent.


    The reason for this was something said during their discussion earlier.


    ¡°Nanhuang Continent, suspected to have a Summer Immortal!¡±


    A long time later, the white-jade old man, who was the master of the Evil Life Holy Land, slowly spoke.


    ¡°The situation in Wanggu is different from what we knew before we came.¡±


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, we shall still maintain our previous decision and not act rashly. When the earth-level or even heaven-level holy lands descend in the future, we¡¯ll listen to their arrangements.¡±


    After the old man finished speaking, another elder from the Evil Life Holy Land hesitated for a moment before respectfully speaking.


    ¡°Ancestor, we have been here for several months. The clansmen are becoming increasingly agitated and they can¡¯t hold it in anymore. They yearn for the flesh and blood of the outside world but they are forced to just watch¡­¡±


    ¡°In addition, our race¡¯s population is limited and requires new blood for replenishment. The nearby islands¡¯ smaller races have been investigated, and there are a dozen or so that are quite suitable.¡±


    ¡°Those suitable races have had their bodies nurtured sufficiently, and they can be parasitized at any time. Within a month, they can be catalyzed to be consumed by the larvae, thus giving birth to new members of our race.¡±


    ¡°This matter is kept secret and should not be detected. Moreover, that existence suspected to be Summer Immortal is currently in seclusion¡­¡±


    After this elder finished speaking, he looked at the ancestor.


    The other elders also looked over, waiting for the ancestor¡¯s decision.


    The White Jade Ancestor remained silent for a while before shaking his head.


    ¡°Tell the clansmen to wait a little longer. The time isn¡¯t ripe yet.¡±


    ¡°At the very least, we must wait for Transient Evil to exit seclusion. He has been in seclusion for a hundred years, focusing entirely on breaking through to the Ruler Realm. Now is a critical moment for him, and a breakthrough is within reach. He cannot afford too many disruptions at this time.¡±


    ¡°And once he succeeds, our race will have two Rulers. At that time, this old man won¡¯t have to worry too much about many things.¡±


    The White Jade Ancestor calmly spoke.


    Everyone agreed and announced the decree of the holy land to their respective factions.


    ¡°The ancestor¡¯s decree to continue with the previous policy will last until my father comes out of seclusion. This is really a little too conservative.¡±


    Below the Evil Life Holy Land¡¯s mountain and above the surface of the Forbidden Sea, because of the cold air from the blue ice earlier, icicles formed here.


    The surface of the sea was also filled with ice sand that emitted endless cold air.


    At that moment, on this patch of ice sand, a young man from the Evil Life Race dressed in luxurious clothes spoke in a slightly gloomy tone as he moved forward.


    This person looked like a human, but there was a closed eye on his forehead. His expression was cold and his eyes were dark like the pitch-black night sky, flickering with a cunning, cold, and cruel glint.


    Behind him were nine Dao Protectors, each emitting a terrifying aura. When they heard him, they remained silent.


    The youth didn¡¯t need their replies. His identity and bloodline allowed him to ignore many rules in the Evil Life Holy Land.


    At that moment, he had already arrived at an area. When he stopped here, one of the Dao Protectors behind him stepped forward and spoke in a low voice. ¡°The two pioneers of our race died here.¡±


    The youth¡¯s gaze landed on the ice sand and a strange glint flashed in his eyes. ¡°Interesting. According to the feedback from the innate secret art, the killer is the sky, the earth, the wind, the sea, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, ferocious beasts¡­¡±


    ¡°Countless traces, yet it gives off a feeling of being completely clean.¡±


    The young man pondered, then suddenly opened the third eye on his forehead, revealing a sinister gleam as he gazed beneath the ice sand.


    A long time later, the third eye closed again.


    ¡°Even the karma is broken.¡±


    As he mumbled, the youth¡¯s interest was clearly piqued. He suddenly raised his right hand and a needle with blood threads on it flew out from his palm.


    It danced in front of him as though it was sewing up the void.


    ¡°If so, I just need to stitch up the karma with this needle left behind by a Great Emperor.¡±


    The young man smiled. The blood needle in front of him, now finished with its stitching, returned to his palm, adding another line to his palm print.


    Staring at the additional palm line, the youth calmly spoke.


    ¡°Now, as long as the killer appears within my perception range, I¡¯ll be able to lock onto him.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Although this sea is filthy, the so-called heaven¡¯s chosen materials you marked earlier are indeed quite good. Let¡¯s retrieve them first. If we encounter that killer along the way, that would be perfect.¡±


    As the youth spoke, he calmly walked forward, while the Dao Protectors behind him followed.


    Soon, the group of ten walked out of the ice sand area and headed outside the range of the holy land..

 Chapter 1416 - 1416 Continue Playing Music (1)

    1416 Continue Playing Music (1)


    At this moment, dawn appeared on the Forbidden Sea, like a god spreading Its divine power from within the darkness.


    It dyed the sea and the world.


    In the end, it was hard to tell if this god was in the sky or in the sea.


    Was it the color of the sea that invaded the sky, or was it the sky accentuating the Forbidden Sea?


    However, this was not important to the races living in the Forbidden Sea. Whether it was day or night didn¡¯t matter to them. They lived here and were already used to everything here.


    On the black sea, the shadows of some boats could occasionally be seen rising and falling with the waves.


    In the sky, one could occasionally see birds sweeping up the night to hunt.


    As for the seabed¡­ the speed of the severed hand was displayed to the extreme as it continued to escape. It was sometimes blurry and sometimes clear; every time it did this, it would have warped across a large area.


    All the sea beasts that appeared in front of it instantly withered, their divinity and life becoming its nutrients.


    This allowed it to move even faster.


    In addition, wherever it passed, regardless of whether it was itself, the seawater, or the sea beasts in the surroundings, everything was silent. All sounds were suppressed by it using its divine authority.


    This was because it knew that the sound was its weapon but it was also the weapon of the pursuer.


    However¡­ even if it gained more speed, the pursuer who was chasing it through some strange method was still there.


    He wasn¡¯t shaken off at all.


    Moreover, the distance between them was getting closer and closer.


    This was because the divine authority of sound wasn¡¯t the only thing augmenting Xu Qing¡¯s speed.


    Misfortune could augment him and the Purple Moon power could too. In fact¡­ the anomalous substances contained in the Forbidden Sea could provide Xu Qing with a certain level of support.


    That body of his was astonishingly terrifying.


    Therefore¡­ after fifteen minutes passed, the waters around the severed hand suddenly surged, forming vines of water.


    They swiftly approached, soundlessly blocking its path as they closed in.


    The hand swayed, attempting to change direction, but more vines formed from the seawater, obstructing its path in other directions as well.


    In the blink of an eye, it was trapped.


    Countless seawater vines appeared one after another, enclosing around the severed hand.


    No matter how the severed hand attacked, it still had to pause under the envelopment of the countless water vines.


    The price of this pause was it being trapped in the cocoon formed by water vines.


    The cocoon was like a seal.


    Although it only existed for a few breaths of time and collapsed under the attacks of the severed hand, the explosion that instantly formed was the first sound in this silent battle.


    Booming sounds echoed.


    Even though it was only for a breath of time before the sounds were snatched away, it was still too late.


    Almost at the instant this rumbling sound rang out, Xu Qing had already captured it. His body mysteriously emerged directly from within the rumbling sound.


    He stood in front of the severed hand.


    Among the vines formed by the seawater, the figure of the Holy Heavenly Vine also flashed past, emitting emotions of contribution. After that, it spread out in all directions, manifesting more water vines, sealing this place again.


    The shadow wasn¡¯t willing to be left behind and rapidly spread out, replacing the seabed in this area, and even spread above, completely enveloping this place.


    There was also Xu Qing¡¯s god¡¯s curse poison that also spread out from his body, causing the seawater to become even darker.


    After doing this, Xu Qing stared at the severed hand with a dark look.


    This hand was the key to whether he could summon the dragon carriage.


    He took a step forward.


    The instant his foot landed, the eye in the palm of the severed hand flashed with blood-red light. Illusory ghostly figures emerged from its gaze, and eerie ghostly sounds echoed once more.


    A murderous melody was about to erupt.


    ¡°In this place, besides my sound, there shall be no lingering sounds.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    The instant his voice rang out, the sharp cries of the malicious ghosts stopped abruptly.


    The severed hand quivered, and immediately the eye in its palm glowed with intensified red light. A tear, blood-red in hue, flowed from within, unleashing a terrifying aura as it shot straight at Xu Qing.


    Wherever this tear passed, the seawater erupted, churned up by its resentment, madness, and boundless hatred, closing in an instant.


    A light flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s body and immortal light was about to spread out. However, he narrowed his eyes and withdrew the immortal light. He didn¡¯t stop at all and continued walking.


    He allowed the red tear to land on his body.


    There was no sound.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body paused. A feeling like he was being pricked by needles surfaced throughout his body.


    That was all.


    Before an attack reached the strength of a Ruler, it couldn¡¯t shake his current body. Only the power of the Ruler Realm and above could make his form and soul feel like they were separating.


    Only like that would his body be damaged.


    He raised his foot and landed again. When he reappeared, he was already in front of the severed hand. He let the red light in the severed hand¡¯s eye to rise again, allowed the malicious ghosts in the surroundings to appear and struggle, and even allowed the fingers of the hand to perform a series of hand seals¡­


    He raised his right hand and punched out.


    This punch looked like the Indestructible Emperor¡¯s Fist but in reality, it had been modified by Xu Qing, incorporating the Under the Nine Springs given by Old Master Seventh. Through this fusion, it possessed both substance and emptiness simultaneously, making its power even more astonishing.


    There was still no noise but an blast erupted.


    The cut appendage was sent flying.


    Its overall combat prowess, in fact, paled in comparison to its authority of sound.

 Chapter 1417 - 1417 Continue Playing Music (2)

    1417 Continue Playing Music (2)


    Making the ghostly cries summon the decaying moon was already the limit of the severed hand.


    If Xu Qing wasn¡¯t proficient in the divine authority of sound, he would undoubtedly have found it difficult to deal with the eerie nature of this severed hand, requiring much more brute force. But now¡­ in his presence, this severed hand was like a toothless snake.


    It had no choice but to fight Xu Qing using methods it was not proficient in.


    The outcome was as expected.


    In the span of fifteen minutes, after seizing control of the sound, Xu Qing relied on his formidable physical body to ignore everything the severed hand sent out.


    He kept on attacking while moving forward.


    The severed hand continued to retreat. Its malicious ghosts were torn to pieces, its tears completely broken, and all its spells were useless.


    As it continued to retreat, it grew increasingly dim, with cracks beginning to appear in its eye.


    Its aura also grew weaker.


    Finally, Xu Qing¡¯s fist stopped three inches in front of the eye in the palm of the severed hand, not delivering the final blow.


    He didn¡¯t want to completely erase this severed hand. What he wanted was control.


    So, after severely injuring it, divine consciousness emanated from Xu Qing, instantly enveloping the severed hand, suppressing it entirely from its divine source, divine consciousness, divine authority, and status.


    The severed hand trembled violently. Even though Xu Qing completely suppressed it, the blood-red eye in its palm displayed a hint of madness, staring fixedly at Xu Qing.


    The fluctuations of self-destruction spread out from it.


    This wasn¡¯t the outcome Xu Qing wanted.


    Just as the severed hand was about to self-destruct, the cry of the Golden Crow suddenly rang out from Xu Qing¡¯s body. This sound was loud and clear. At the same time, a black sea of fire spread in all directions with Xu Qing as the center.


    The Golden Crow rushed out of the sea of fire and circled above Xu Qing¡¯s head.


    Its black body and black flames, along with thousands of tail feathers, created a fiery snow that illuminated the darkness, beautifully and spectacularly falling to the sea floor.


    The severed hand shook.


    After circling around a few times, the Golden Crow headed straight toward Xu Qing. In the end, it merged with Xu Qing, transforming into an imperial robe adorning him.


    It also formed an imperial crown that rested on his head.


    As Xu Qing stood there, he bore a striking resemblance to the Golden Crow youth of the past.


    This was especially so for the Golden Crow¡¯s aura!


    The eye in the severed hand¡¯s palm shook even more violently as it witnessed this transformation. watched all of this and its trembling became even more intense. With Xu Qing¡¯s permission, a faint, piercing whisper emanated from the severed hand.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t care what it said. He looked at the severed hand and calmly spoke as though he was giving instructions.


    ¡°Play the music.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Qing¡¯s divine consciousness surged forth. However, this time, under the influence of the Golden Crow, the severed hand¡¯s struggle significantly diminished.


    In the end, Xu Qing¡¯s divine sense completely covered it.


    The eye in the palm of the severed hand slowly closed.


    From the point where the hand was severed, wisps of phantom blood threads emerged, rapidly extending and outlining a vague silhouette.


    It was a woman.


    She wore a white long robe, her head lowered, obscuring her face. Only the broken-stringed ancient zither she held could be seen.


    At this moment, her only visible right hand plucked the invisible strings of the zither.


    Waves of melodious music rang out.


    Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon.


    This was the original tune.


    While it sounded the same as the version that Xu Qing had extracted from the wailing of the ghosts, its essence was fundamentally different.


    And at this moment, as dawn faded in the outside world and the night was dispersing, the expected arrival of sunlight was eerily delayed.


    In the depths of the sea, as the musician played, the surface of the Forbidden Sea rippled, as though something was about to rise from the sea.


    In the end, the illusory decaying moon slowly appeared.


    It rose from the seabed, breaking through the surface, and at the moment when the sun was supposed to appear, It seemed poised to take the sun¡¯s place and ascend according to Its destiny.


    The young girl¡¯s face on It seemed like it was about to open its eyes.


    But unfortunately¡­ the moon that was meant to ascend into Wanggu¡¯s sky under the melody of ¡®Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon¡¯ had long since fallen. It only existed in the annals of time, and in this current world, what remained was merely a projection.


    It couldn¡¯t stay in the sky.


    Hence, the rising moon slowly dissipated like bubbles.


    It was difficult for the young girl¡¯s face to open its eyes.


    As it completely dissipated, a murmur echoed through space and time, accompanied by the late sun in the distant horizon.


    ¡°Brother¡­¡±


    This sound wandered in time and landed in the Forbidden Sea outside time. As it rippled across the surface of the sea, it was also sent to the outer sea by the sea breeze.


    Under the ink-like seawater, at the bottom of the terrifying outer sea that was even more mysterious than the inner sea, a rotting giant was slowly advancing with large strides.


    Its footsteps formed massive waves.


    Its corpus was wrapped in rusty iron chains, and at the end of the iron chains¡­ was a dilapidated bronze dragon carriage.


    At that moment, the dragon carriage shook. No matter how the giant pulled, it didn¡¯t budge. Hence, the giant also slowly stopped.


    In the dragon carriage, the Golden Crow Art engraved on the murals was shining.


    As those runes distorted, they seemed to form a Golden Crow. It opened its eyes and looked toward the inner sea.


    After a long time¡­ the Golden Crow dimmed.


    However, the rotting giant gradually changed its direction and gave up on sleeping in the outer sea. It pulled the bronze dragon carriage and walked toward the inner sea.


    As it moved forward, the waves became even larger, and the sound of the sea breathing could be heard.


    ¡­


    Its exhalation echoed in the inner sea.


    Xu Qing, who was at the bottom of the sea, sat cross-legged and meditated.


    The musician transformed from the sliced hand in front of him was still playing the Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon.


    The melody was graceful and moving.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he clearly felt that his godly authority of noise was becoming increasingly bright.


    Only that hint of regret from the projection of the decayed moon seeped into his heart with the music.


    Time slowly passed.


    In the blink of an eye, more than half a month passed.


    During these twenty days, Xu Qing didn¡¯t move from the seabed. As for the tune of Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon, it wasn¡¯t played all the time. It would only be played after every sunset and when night fell.


    Once, twice.


    Xu Qing could sense that the seawater had changed. It was colder than before, as though there was an undercurrent that was slowly approaching with a certain colossus.


    He knew that he had succeeded.


    The bronze dragon carriage was slowly walking over from a direction he didn¡¯t know.


    Xu Qing was very patient and waited silently.


    However, Little Shadow was anxious.


    The appearance of the heavenly vine made it feel danger. The appearance of the sliced appendage made this danger even more intense. Hence, it took the initiative to stand at the side. When there was no Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon during the day, it would do its best to make sounds.


    Just like that, another seven days passed.


    As the temperature of the seawater in the inner sea decreased and the waves became larger than before, most of the forces who lived in the Forbidden Sea felt the difference.


    Hence, they all reduced the number of times they went out to sea to avoid danger.


    However¡­ some dangers couldn¡¯t be evaded even if they wanted to.


    For example, at this moment, on the island of the Sea Spirit Race, which had only a few thousand members and could only survive in the Forbidden Sea by relying on nearby larger islands, the fire of calamity was burning.


    The color of that fire was red.


    Blood dyed this race¡¯s territory red. The thousands of its members, without exception, had all become corpses. Among them were men and women, old and young.


    Even some children who had just been born couldn¡¯t escape the calamity.


    All of them died.


    The son of Transient Evil sat atop a stone house, inhaling the blood-soaked air with a look of enjoyment.


    ¡°Such a wonderful smell.¡±


    The nine Dao Protectors who followed him were digging out the hearts of the corpses one by one.


    The heart of the Sea Spirit Race¡¯s members was a type of crystal core.


    In the records of the Evil Life Holy Land, these crystal cores were considered highly valuable materials, and the worth of thousands of them was even greater.


    Soon, all the crystal cores were collected. As the fire burned, everything here turned to ashes, leaving no traces.


    As for the son of Transient Evil, he also stood up and took out a map, determining the next location to gather materials.


    However, at that moment, his correct hollow suddenly shone with a faint light.


    The young man swept his gaze over, a sharp gleam in his eyes, and a smile appeared on his lips.


    ¡°The killer has been sensed so quickly?¡±


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s go and see what this killer looks like.¡±


    The son of Transient Evil smiled and stood up, walking toward the horizon.


    The nine Dao Protectors followed without saying a word.


    The sea breeze became even stronger.

 Chapter 1418 - 1418 Ive Changed My Mind

    1418 I¡¯ve Changed My Mind


    The wind came from the outer sea.


    The undercurrent was the same. As the waves formed by the tsunami in the outer sea swept into the inner sea,


    At the bottom of the sea, a rotting giant with an expressionless face descended step by step, forming an even larger wave. All the mountains in front of it didn¡¯t seem to exist in front of it.


    Wherever it passed, everything collapsed.


    The bronze dragon carriage behind it crushed everything in its path.


    It was getting closer and closer to Xu Qing.


    Not everyone could sense the terrifying pressure and aura. Only those who had a connection to it could sense it at this moment.


    Hence, the shadow trembled but the heavenly vine didn¡¯t show any abnormalities.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes and turned to look into the distance with a solemn expression.


    He sensed the aura of the dragon carriage.


    He already had many plans in his mind about how to step onto the bronze dragon carriage and fly it out of the sea to walk the path of the Golden Crow rising into the sky back then.


    Moreover, every plan had undergone repeated analysis and could be switched at will to increase the chance of success.


    This allowed his confidence to reach more than seventy percent.


    However¡­ that was the Golden Crow Dragon Carriage after all.


    Moreover, Xu Qing knew how terrifying the giant pulling the carriage was.


    Although his physical defense was strong now, he wouldn¡¯t let his guard down because of this.


    Hence, in the past half a month, he had made some arrangements at the seabed.


    Right now, he was only waiting for the dragon carriage and the giant to appear.


    ¡°However, to avoid being disturbed, some small nuisances eyeing this place need to be dealt with in advance.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and retracted his gaze from the direction of the dragon carriage. He then raised his right hand and pointed ahead.


    Immediately, the seawater ten thousand feet away from him churned, forming a sonic boom that rang out dully at the seabed. An intense counterattack also erupted there.


    It transformed into a storm that swept in all directions, stirring up the waves on the surface of the sea. At the same time, this storm carried a domineering aura and disdain as it rushed toward Xu Qing.


    Endless seawater was swept up, and deafening sounds continuously rang out. This storm transformed into a sea dragon that roared as it approached.


    It was about to collide with Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t even look at the approaching sea dragon. Instead, he performed a hand seal with one hand and pushed in front of him.


    He spat out softly.


    ¡°Scram!¡±


    As soon as he spoke, a vast might erupted in the range of ten thousand feet around Xu Qing, forming an overwhelming force. There were also countless shadows of malicious ghosts that formed, emitting heart-rending wails.


    They formed a sonic boom that swept out with a rumbling sound.


    When the sea dragon collided with the sonic boom, it directly collapsed, revealing four figures.


    Behind Xu Qing, thousands of feet away, the seawater churned and three figures were forced out.


    On his left, 5,000 feet away, as the seawater exploded, two figures had no choice but to appear.


    There were a total of nine of them. After they appeared, they looked at Xu Qing in unison. Their respective cultivation bases erupted, revealing their Soul Accumulation realm.


    As they locked eyes on Xu Qing, a cold glint flashed in their gazes. Suddenly, their expressions turned peculiar, and they glanced at each other as if recognizing Xu Qing¡¯s identity.


    From a farther distance, the sound of clapping could be heard.


    ¡°Not bad. No wonder you could kill the scouting team chosen by my race.¡±


    ¡°Looking at your arrangements here and the severed hand beside you, interesting. Could it be that you¡¯re fishing?¡±


    ¡°Why do I feel that you look a little familiar? I think I¡¯ve seen you in the race¡¯s jade slip.¡±


    Thousands of feet away, a person walked over.


    This person was a youth. He was none other than the son of Transient Evil.


    Previously, he didn¡¯t get close and only arranged for the Dao Protectors to approach. After he walked out, he looked at Xu Qing. After carefully sizing him up, a strange glint appeared in his eyes.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever, and there were no fluctuations in his heart at all.


    He only stared coldly.


    The moment these people appeared, he recognized that they were cultivators from the Evil Life Holy Land.


    Although he didn¡¯t have a good impression of the holy land, the two sides were currently in a delicate situation, so he calmly spoke.


    ¡°Leave this place in three breaths of time!¡±


    ¡°Three breaths?¡±


    The gaze of the son of Transient Evil flickered. He naturally recognized Xu Qing.


    If it was any other human, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to kill them at all at this moment.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s identity¡­ made him hesitate.


    It was the same for the nine Dao Protectors.


    From the information they obtained, the introduction of Xu Qing appeared in their minds. They were very clear that some people couldn¡¯t be touched at present.


    Once they were touched, it wouldn¡¯t be a small matter, and it would be against the race¡¯s current rules.


    Hence, that youth cast a deep glance at Xu Qing and was about to leave.


    Although he was a silkpants, he knew that if he did some things, the consequences would be too great.


    Hence, he was ready to leave. However, at this moment, he vaguely sensed something. His gaze moved away from Xu Qing¡¯s face and landed on his body.


    At the next instant, his nose twitched and his eyes suddenly widened. His breathing became a little hurried.


    ¡°So fragrant¡­¡±


    ¡°Your body¡­¡±


    The youth¡¯s expression changed.


    He wasn¡¯t the only one. The cultivators around Xu Qing who were forced out also sensed something and their expressions changed.


    All of their eyes instinctively revealed shock. Some even licked their lips, unable to hide their greed.


    ¡°The smell of immortal silver!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s even mixed with¡­ the flesh and blood of a god!!¡±


    ¡°What level of god is this¡­¡±


    ¡°But there are traces of cultivator system on his body, and it has the aura of a god as well!¡±


    At this moment, the youth¡¯s mind couldn¡¯t help but stir intensely. In the Evil Life Race, from the moment they were born, they needed to constantly plunder organs and flesh from other races to replace their own.


    This concerned the essence of their lives and also their cultivation.


    It could be spoke that their race¡¯s characteristics were the source of everything for them.


    A body like Xu Qing¡¯s was something he had never seen in his life.


    Whether it was in the other holy lands or in the information gathered about Wanggu, there were no other similar bodies.


    In fact, it wasn¡¯t even recorded in any records.


    This completely exceeded his imagination. The desire from his innate instinct erupted intensely at this moment.


    The sense of longing intensified in an instant, forming an indescribable hunger that devoured his mind and transmitted instinct to him at every moment.


    His body had an endless need for this body!


    The nine Dao Protectors also had a similar fluctuation. They couldn¡¯t control their breathing and gazed at Xu Qing as though they wanted to devour him alive.


    However, Transient Evil¡¯s son narrowed his eyes and forcefully suppressed the greed in his heart as he laughed.


    ¡°Since Region Lord Xu is here, we¡¯ll leave.¡±


    He licked his lips and glanced at his Dao Protectors before retreating.


    They were going to observe from the outside and confirm if Xu Qing was the only one here before informing the race and deciding what to do next.


    However, these thoughts were very clear in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    He knew that he was going to have to kill.


    His gaze turned even colder as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯ve changed my mind.¡±


    The moment these words were spoken, the sound authority erupted!

 Chapter 1419 - Chapter 1419: Five Hundred Kilometers Underworld Domain (1)

    Chapter 1419: Five Hundred Kilometers Underworld Domain (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice echoed at the seabed.


    The sound of the undercurrent surged all around.


    The swimming sounds of all the fish from the nearby waters, the wails of the sea beasts, and the breathing sounds from the deep sea¡­


    At this moment, the heartbeats of Transient Evil¡¯s son and his nine Dao Protectors, the sound of their blood flow, and the sounds produced from their movements were all intertwined.


    Coupled with the Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon that was being played by the severed hand, it formed a vast and astonishing symphony that spread in all directions.


    As the melody played, a deadly force emerged.


    The resulting bizarre force surged sky-high, sweeping across the surroundings, unleashing terrifying power, causing the sea to churn and pressure to become violent.


    An earth-shattering force suppressed everything.


    The hearts of Transient Evil¡¯s son and his Dao Protectors trembled. They each used their divine powers immediately, and their bodies began to swell as if their flesh was rapidly growing.


    That was their innate ability, stimulating all the flesh and blood of the foreign races they had plundered and assimilated over their lifetimes.


    They looked like monstrous demons, each with a different and grotesque appearance.


    At that moment, they were all displayed to resist Xu Qing¡¯s sound storm.


    A rumbling sound shook the heavens and the earth. The power of sound and authority swept everyone¡¯s bodies in all directions, forming a huge vortex.


    This vortex enveloped an area of 500 kilometers and formed a barrier and seal.


    From afar, it looked like a huge sound sphere.


    Sounds from the seabed, both near and far, were rapidly drawn in, causing the sonic explosions within the vortex to be endless.


    Xu Qing¡¯s killing intent could be said to have descended instantly.


    As these cultivators from the Evil Life Holy Land resisted in shock and their hearts churned intensely, Xu Qing stood up expressionlessly.


    A cold glint flashed in his eyes. Within 500 kilometers, the figures of the cultivators from the Evil Life Holy Land who had been forcefully dispersed by the power of the sonic boom appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s divine perception.


    This was his battlefield.


    It was originally prepared for the dragon-carriage and the giant, but the giant hadn¡¯t arrived yet, so the cultivators of the Evil Life Holy Land would bear the burden first.


    Xu Qing originally didn¡¯t want to kill, but since these people had obvious malice, according to his principles, he could only kill them.


    At that moment, Xu Qing took a step forward.


    When he stepped into the sound, he disappeared without a trace. When he reappeared¡­ he was still in the sound.


    He appeared before a Dao Protector.


    This person¡¯s appearance was very different from humans. His body was hundreds of feet tall and he had four arms. His body was thin and his head was very small. Only his chest was bulging and squirming.


    His appearance was very sinister and strange. At that moment, he was performing a series of hand seals and his entire body emitted dense vitality. As his chest squirmed intensely, he actually devoured the sounds in his surroundings as he retreated.


    This evil life cultivator was extraordinary. Or to be precise, his heart was extraordinary. It could actually swallow sound.


    The instant Xu Qing appeared, the cultivator sensed something and abruptly raised his head. He immediately performed hand seals with his four hands and pressed down.


    However, what awaited him was a cold snort.


    This cold snort exploded in all directions, and the power of sound authority appeared violently. It instantly attracted the sounds from all directions and surrounded the cultivator, forming a mini sound sphere in the five hundred-kilometer-wide sound sphere.


    Inside, the intense vibrations and collisions of sound waves created a powerful resonance, causing the expression of the evil life cultivator to change drastically as he sensed a life-threatening danger.


    At the critical moment, he remained silent as three great worlds appeared silently on his body. As soon as they manifested, his chest split open, revealing a unique white heart.


    Ancient runes spread across this heart, and the instant it was fully revealed, it transformed into a vortex. The power to devour sound surged dramatically, forming waves of demonic thoughts that influenced the surroundings.


    This extraordinary heart was called the Nine Thoughts Demon Heart, originating from a mysterious starry sky race. The juveniles of this tribe were at the Nascent Soul level, while adults could reach the peak of Soul Accumulation.


    This evil cultivator had paid a huge price to obtain it back then. It was also because of this that his status rose in the Evil Life Holy Land and went from an ordinary clansman to where he was today.


    At this moment of life and death, he went all out and stimulated the power of this heart, trying to reverse life and death.


    However¡­ although this heart was extraordinary, the Xu Qing he was facing now had already surpassed extraordinary.


    This was especially so since the battlefield here was set up by Xu Qing for the dragon-carriage and giant. He had buried too many sounds in advance. Now that he had personally come to control them, the power he activated was terrifying.


    More sounds rushed over.


    Even this extraordinary heart couldn¡¯t swallow so many sounds. It trembled violently until it couldn¡¯t endure anymore, directly shattering into pieces under the resonance of the sound sphere.


    As a mournful wail rang out, the sound transformed into a saber that separated the evil cultivator¡¯s body.


    Blood mist splattered, body and spirit destroyed.


    Xu Qing transformed into a Golden Crow and flew out of the collapsing sound sphere.


    As he flickered in the air, he transformed into a black spear that fused into the sound and headed straight for another evil life cultivator in another direction.


    His movement couldn¡¯t be simply described with speed. He was like a ghost; wherever the sound was, it would be where he appeared.


    While this was bizarre and ghastly, it was also quite suitable for killing.


    At that moment, the spear instantly broke through the void and when it appeared, it was already in front of the second evil cultivator. It pierced ruthlessly.


    To be able to become a Dao Protector of Transient Evil¡¯s son, the strength of one¡¯s cultivation was only the foundation. What was more important was one¡¯s potential. Only with enough potential did one have the qualifications to become a Dao Protector..

 Chapter 1420 - 1420 Five Hundred Kilometers Underworld Domain (2)

    1420 Five Hundred Kilometers Underworld Domain (2)


    As a Dao Protector, protecting Transient Evil¡¯s son was only one aspect of their life¡¯s mission. The more important mission was to grow together with him.


    According to the traditions of the race, after Transient Evil advanced to the Ruler realm, his son would become the young patriarch.


    These Dao Protectors would accompany him in his growth and eventually become the pillars of the race.


    Hence, for example, the Dao Protector Xu Qing killed earlier clearly had three worlds but the feeling he gave Xu Qing was that he was on par with the peak of four worlds cultivation.


    To a certain extent, their identities and statuses were much more important than the two scouts Xu Qing had killed back then.


    With the difference in the level of the holy land, the strength of the scouts would also be different.


    As for this person before Xu Qing, he was even more extraordinary.


    As the spear approached, the Dao Protector¡¯s eyes flashed with determination. Despite the severe damage from the authority of the sound, he chose to persist, forming a hand seal with both hands.


    In the blink of an eye, he disappeared from the spot.


    He fused with the surrounding seawater!


    This body of his came from a certain race in the starry sky that relied on the sea for a living. The reason he hadn¡¯t merged with the sea earlier was to preserve his trump card for a critical moment.


    As he saw Xu Qing approaching, he didn¡¯t hesitate to transform into seawater, churning the surrounding sea and generating tidal forces that surged toward the black spear.


    Additionally, the seawater formed a binding force, attempting to entangle the black spear.


    He also spread out his perception and informed the other Dao Protectors through the seawater.


    ¡°So what if he¡¯s a region lord?!¡±


    Divine will spread out from the seawater and swept over.


    At the same time, the other evil life cultivators used their own methods to counter the sound authority, struggling to break free from its encompassing force. However, their efforts seemed to be useless and each suffered injuries.


    Transient Evil¡¯s son, as the only descendant of a quasi-Ruler, his methods were extraordinary.


    At the critical moment, the Great Emperor¡¯s treasure that could stitch karma¡­ suddenly flew out from his right palm, dragging the blood threads along with it. It shone with a red light and swam in all directions.


    It sewed up the cause and effect of this place, corrected the fate of this place, and corrected the trajectory of the sounds being snatched.


    It restored the laws of this place.


    At the same time¡­ coupled with the guidance of that Dao Protector, the seawater immediately pointed to the place Xu Qing was at!


    If the sound authority was compared to ice, then the pressure emitted by this needle at this moment was magma. Wherever it passed, the sound authority would be forced back.


    ¡°Follow the guidance of this needle and find Xu Qing. Kill him!¡±


    As the cold voice of Transient Evil¡¯s son echoed, the red radiance emanating from the needle shot like threads towards where Xu Qing was situated. Other scattered evil life cultivators immediately sensed it and, relieved by this needle¡¯s influence, swiftly surged forward toward Xu Qing.


    However, the instant they chased after the traces, the Dao Protector who had fused into the seawater was shaken. Despite his tidal force, despite his entanglement, restraining the black spear, when the spear dispersed, Xu Qing¡¯s figure emerged from within, ignoring all his tactics.


    It seemed as though the tides and entanglements were nothing more than a gentle breeze, stirring only a few strands of Xu Qing¡¯s long hair, incapable of shaking his flesh.


    Inevitably, Xu Qing stepped past, reaching the waters where the Dao Protector had merged. In that instant, as the Dao Protector recoiled in horror, Xu Qing¡¯s sound authority erupted.


    With a boom, that part of seawater was directly destroyed.


    ¡®Since you¡¯ve merged with the sea, there¡¯s no need to emerge again. Being buried in the seawater can be considered a form of returning home.¡¯


    When the rumbling sound spread, Xu Qing had already left.


    At the same time, misfortune¡­ spread out in this five hundred kilometers range, overlapping with the sound authority, causing the bizarreness to emerge again.


    This scene fell into the perception of the few Dao Protectors who had rushed over and they were all horrified.


    The slaughter continued.


    The rumbling sound of the second Dao Protector¡¯s death spread dozens of kilometers away with the enhancement of the sound authority. When the third Dao Protector heard it, endless soul threads appeared in his eyes.


    A vast world formed by soul threads suppressed this Dao Protector.


    This cultivator was shaken. Countless bumps appeared on his body, which immediately burst open. From within, a swarm of black insects flew out.


    His body was composed of these small insects.


    At that moment, they spread out and fled separately.


    A strange glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He now had a better understanding of these evil life cultivators.


    Every single one of them was very strange.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. After that, the vast great world shook and disintegrated. The fifty million soul threads that formed this world suddenly spread in all directions.


    With the guidance of the sound authority and misfortune, the soul threads relentlessly pursued every insect.


    As for the outcome, it was already decided. Xu Qing then looked in another direction.


    At that moment, within 500 kilometers, most of the remaining Dao Protectors had joined up with their master.


    Only the direction Xu Qing was looking at had one person.


    It was as though this was on purpose.


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes and walked over.


    The moment he appeared, he saw the Dao Protector who was alone.


    As soon as he saw him, the Dao Protector suddenly turned around, and his appearance¡­ changed in the blink of an eye, becoming exactly the same as Xu Qing.


    Not merely was his appearance like this, but even his aura, karma, and fate seemed to be connected.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you for a long time. Your fate and your karma are now linked to mine. From this moment on, my injuries will be your injuries, and my death will be your death.¡±


    This Dao Protector who had transformed into an exact replica of Xu Qing spoke coldly.


    Xu Qing looked at him but didn¡¯t say a word. He only shook his head.


    After that, he took a step forward and raised his right hand. The Indestructible Emperor¡¯s Fist combined with Under the Nine Springs created a heaven-shaking strike.


    It violently landed on this person.


    This Dao Protector didn¡¯t dodge at all and allowed Xu Qing¡¯s punch to land. His body trembled and he spat out a mouthful of blood as he was sent flying.


    His expression was still cold as he looked at Xu Qing. This trump card of his had always been successful.


    However, Xu Qing calmly threw out the second punch.


    The seawater churned intensely.


    The Dao Protector spat out a mouthful of blood and his body rolled back uncontrollably. Xu Qing continued to walk over like a war god.


    The Dao Protector¡¯s expression finally changed. He discovered that the moment the terrifying attack of the person in front of him landed on him, he felt that the other party also suffered a backlash.


    However¡­ while his internal organs were churning from the injuries, the other party was unscathed.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    He had never encountered such a thing before. He, who was originally filled with confidence, finally became shocked and wanted to retreat. However, it was clearly too late.


    Xu Qing instantly emerged in front of him and punched him again and again!


    In just a few moments, he threw out nine punches.


    The moment the ninth punch landed, the Dao Protector¡¯s body was blasted apart.


    His body and soul were destroyed.


    However, at the next instant, this person¡¯s body actually created again, as though it could be infinitely formed. This was clearly the reason why he dared to use karma connection for many years.


    However¡­ the Golden Crow manifested and devoured it directly.


    There was nothing left of him.


    Xu Qing stood on the spot and calmly spoke his first sentence in this battle.


    ¡°You can¡¯t withstand my karma.¡±


    At the same time, mournful wails rang out from all directions within the 500-kilometer-wide sound sphere.


    These screams came from the countless insects that the third Dao Protector had changed into.


    Under the pursuit of soul threads that moved several times faster than them, not a single one of these small bugs could escape.


    They were caught and devoured cleanly.


    ¡°Next, it¡¯s time to deal with the last few.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was cold as he took a step forward.


    In the sound sphere, the Purple Moon rose above. Its purple moonlight, imbued with murderous intent, disseminate everywhere, even causing the seawater to be further chilled.


    The Poison Restriction also grew in the seawater here at this moment. As it continued to spread, it was as though a huge eye had opened at this moment.


    That was Ming Fei¡¯s eye, staring at the seabed that was changing into the underworld.

 Chapter 1421 - Chapter 1421: Like God Descending on Earth

    Chapter 1421: Like God Descending on Earth


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    For Xu Qing, killing was something he was intimately familiar with throughout his life.


    From childhood, it had become his instinct. Living in a world where the strong prey on the weak, faced with so much evil and cruelty, the only way to survive was¡­


    through killing.


    Erasing those who harbored malice towards him meant ensuring his own safety.


    The slums, the scavenger campsite, Seven Blood Eyes, Yinghuang Province, Fenghai County, Moon Offering Region, the human imperial capital, Flame Moon Region¡­


    He continued to walk this path.


    He couldn¡¯t remember how many he had killed; the bamboo slip had long since been insufficient.


    Perhaps only the cold wind formed by the envoy of death that accompanied the massacre would remember the exact number.


    This was because it blew past everywhere Xu Qing went.


    Now, the cold wind transformed into an undercurrent, spreading across the seabed.


    There was no wailing sound, but the killing intent contained within it was extremely dense.


    Like the rising Purple Moon, the purple moonlight was like countless blades; by the time you saw it, it had already passed through your perception, landing in your heart, seeking out your vulnerabilities to shatter them.


    The remaining six Dao Protectors and Transient Evil¡¯s son they were protecting in the center were shaken again.


    The moonlight flickered around them, tearing through the seawater and cutting through the void, bringing intense coldness with it.


    There was also the spreading of the fog of the Poison Restriction, causing the seawater that was filled with anomalous substances to become the vessel of the messenger of death, enveloping all life.


    Poison wiped out all living beings and cursed all beings. The underworld descended upon this area.


    The moon searched.


    The poison invaded.


    When these people sensed the moonlight, their bodies began to rumble from the inside. The sharp blades from the moonlight formed a storm, knocking open their memories and sweeping through their lives.


    One of the Dao Protectors let out a heart-rending wail. The unspeakable secrets in his soul were illuminated by the moonlight and became his weakness.


    His great worlds instantly turned purple, and the poison spread immediately. With the moonlight as a catalyst, it erupted in his body.


    The Dao Protector wailed as his entire body rotted and melted into blood in the blink of an eye.


    All of this caused the expressions of the cultivators from the Evil Life Holy Land to change. They felt an even more intense life-and-death crisis.


    This was especially because this 500-kilometer-wide area was sealed, causing their contact with the outside world to be blocked.


    Moreover, the death of four of their comrades cast a shadow over the remaining cultivators.


    Previously, when they saw Xu Qing, they thought that they could kill him.


    However, now¡­ things had changed.


    However, as heaven¡¯s chosens, even in such perilous conditions, their resolve only wavered momentarily, ultimately remaining largely unshaken.


    This was especially so for that son of Transient Evil. Although he was a silkpants, his mindset matched his status. Even now, faced with the death of four protectors, his killing intent surged, but he did not lose his reason.


    ¡°This sea area is his battlefield. We¡¯ll leave first and report this matter to the holy land.¡±


    ¡°At that time, even if this person¡¯s status is high, we will have a reason to make a move since he is the one who attacked us first.¡±


    Transient Evil¡¯s son slowly spoke. He didn¡¯t transmit his voice but directly spoke.


    He knew that Xu Qing could hear it and also hoped that the other party could hear it.


    After that, he and the surrounding Dao Protectors quickly retreated.


    As he tried to leave this area, he also controlled the needle from the Great Emperor.


    He didn¡¯t let it fly too far. Instead, he used it to stitch the karma in the surroundings, shattering the moonlight and breaking off the Poison Restriction.


    Moreover, it was locked on Xu Qing at all times. Once Xu Qing appeared, this needle would immediately sense him.


    The other five Dao Protectors also used their trump cards and activated their most precious organs or limbs with all their might. Their minds were also focused on the needle.


    He was prepared to attack with all his might at any moment.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    After the amount of time it took for an incense stick to burn out, when they retreated hundreds of kilometers, the needle suddenly flashed. It changed directions and headed straight for the right. Wherever it passed, the seawater would immediately surge.


    ¡°Attack!


    II


    Transient Evil¡¯s son let out a low shout and performed a series of hand seals. The third eye on his glabella suddenly opened, forming a red light that directly pierced through the seawater where the needle was heading and instantly landed.


    At the same time, the five Dao Protectors in the surroundings also used their trump cards without any hesitation.


    The auras of these five Dao Protectors erupted, forming a powerful storm. One transformed into a giant salamander, another¡¯s single hand grew massively, revealing a formidable form.


    Another took on a bizarre shape, transforming into a long spear of flesh and blood, whistling through the air.


    They took on different forms but their lethality was terrifying.


    The seawater area around them directly exploded and turned into a vacuum.


    The energy it stirred up was also powerful.


    However, their divine abilities seemed to touch nothing. The Great Emperor¡¯s needle also returned at this moment.


    There was a drop of blood on the tip of the needle.


    Looking at the blood, a bright glint appeared in the eyes of Transient Evil¡¯s son. After confirming with his perception that there was nothing wrong, he threw it to a Dao Protector beside him.


    ¡°Use this blood as the medium to curse!¡±


    That person didn¡¯t hesitate. After catching the drop of blood, he immediately performed a one-handed seal and the few great worlds on his body appeared. All the living beings in the great worlds could sense the will of their lord.


    They all knelt down and sent out their thoughts, forming a curse!


    ¡°I curse your body, may your life force be cut off!¡±


    ¡°I curse your soul, may your spirit be shattered!¡±


    ¡°I curse your origin, may your body and soul be obliterated!


    II


    As countless voices echoed, the drop of blood fluctuated intensely. In the blink of an eye, it turned pitch-black, as though it was being cursed, subsequently affecting its source.


    However, at this moment, the expression of the Dao Protector who cast the curse suddenly distorted drastically. The moment he opened his eyes, they revealed unprecedented horror and exploded.


    He wailed loudly and his voice came out in stutters as though he had suffered an indescribable fright.


    ¡°The source¡­ of this blood¡­¡±


    Before he could finish speaking, he trembled and his entire body turned pitch-black. It was as though he had been invaded by anomalous substances, as though he had glimpsed an existence that shouldn¡¯t have been seen, as though he had cursed something he should never have touched.


    He directly exploded.


    His life force was cut off.


    His spirit was shattered.


    His body and soul were obliterated!


    This was clearly a backlash, causing everyone¡¯s hearts to palpitate.


    No matter how unshakable their wills were, they shook at this moment. The scenes that happened today gave the few of them who were still alive a strange feeling as though they were facing a god.


    This feeling rose uncontrollably as the cultivator who cursed Xu Qing died from the backlash.


    At the same time, seven lights lit up in the pitch-black sea.


    They were seven underworld fire lanterns!


    Their appearance was like the eyes of the god of the underworld staring at them.


    At the next instant, the seven lanterns began to flicker before extinguishing together.


    The four Dao Protectors were fine, but their minds shook. As for Transient Evil¡¯s son, his expression changed drastically and he felt as though he was on the verge of death. At this critical moment, he spat out a mouthful of blood and controlled the needle.


    He connected his karma and fate to a Dao Protector beside him.


    In an instant, the feeling of near-death dissipated from his body. However, the Dao Protector stopped in his tracks. The curse of the Seven Lanterns Underworld Fire erupted and split his worlds. The moonlight landed in his heart and found the fragility of his soul upon which the Poison Restriction invaded.


    He died miserably.


    His death finally rang the bell of fear, causing Transient Evil¡¯s son and the remaining three Dao Protectors to have no intention of continuing to fight.


    They were afraid.


    They had faced many powerful enemies in their lives, regardless of whether it was from the other holy lands or races from the starry sky.


    Hence, they weren¡¯t unfamiliar with killing.


    However, this was the first time they had encountered such a strange massacre.


    Killing through sound was already astonishing, but they were witnessing killing through moonlight, bizarre poison, backlash from the curse, and now the underworld fire curse.


    What was even more terrifying was that they only saw Xu Qing at the start and didn¡¯t see him after that¡­


    Six of them had died.


    In the blink of an eye, they each unleashed their extreme speed and fled into the distance.


    However, in the seawater opposite them, the seven underworld lanterns appeared again and began to flicker, about to be extinguished.


    Seeing this, Transient Evil¡¯s son gritted his teeth fiercely. He raised his right hand and performed a seal.


    This seal didn¡¯t have any might but it was an order related to an oath.


    When these people became his Dao Protectors, they had to swear to the will of the race that they would protect him at all costs, even at the cost of their lives.


    Now, it was time for the order of this oath to be used.


    The three Dao Protectors stopped silently. Determination appeared in their eyes and they no longer fled. Instead, they headed straight for the seven lanterns.


    Transient Evil¡¯s son was also feeling extreme anguish. These nine Dao Protectors were his direct relatives and had accompanied him for many years. However, now¡­ six of them had been killed by Xu Qing.


    The outcome of the remaining three was also destined.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯ll definitely make you pay countless times over!¡±


    Transient Evil¡¯s son felt regret and killing intent. In the end, it transformed into a roar in his mind.


    Behind him, the seven lanterns were extinguished and one Dao Protector died.


    After that, dragon¡¯s roars echoed and Jiuli was revealed. Coupled with the Poison Restriction and the moonlight, another Dao Protector died as Xu Qing¡¯s figure flashed past.


    Eight minutes passed.


    Near the edge of this five hundred-kilometer-wide underworld, the eyes of Transient Evil¡¯s son were red and he was in an extremely sorry state. As he controlled the needle to shatter the moonlight and the Poison Restriction, he sped crazily.


    He was getting closer and closer to the boundary.


    The hope in his heart grew greater and greater.


    He was confident that when he reached the boundary of this barrier, he could shatter the seal with this needle and escape.


    Once he was out of this barrier, he could contact the holy land. He believed that regardless of whether it was his father or the ancestor, they would arrive immediately.


    Hence, he moved with his fastest speed.


    However, when he was less than 10,000 feet away from the boundary, a voice calmly entered his ears.


    ¡°Now, you¡¯re the only one left.¡±


    As the voice rang out, a cold figure dressed in a purple robe and with purple hair fluttering in the wind, who was as handsome as a celestial being, carried a head and walked step by step into the gaze of Transient Evil¡¯s son.


    Undercurrents surged, as though they were transmitting the murmurs of death.


    This caused Xu Qing who was walking over to resemble the God of Death.


    It struck the mind of Transient Evil¡¯s son and shook his heart.


    Xu Qing stood between him and the boundary..

 Chapter 1422 - 1422 One Sword Strike Shatters the Soul and Destroys the Body!

    1422 One Sword Strike Shatters the Soul and Destroys the Body!


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure stood there, as if standing on the boundary between life and death, standing in the fate of Transient Evil¡¯s son, replacing his world, blocking his hope.


    This caused his heart to skip a beat.


    It was as though a heavy stone had fallen into his sea of consciousness, stirring up monstrous waves.


    He was even more shaken as he looked at the head Xu Qing was holding in his right hand. At that moment, it was swaying with the seawater. Its eyes that weren¡¯t able to close in peace emitted an aura of death, and being stared at by them made him feel as though he was seeing death.


    What was even more terrifying was the heavenly vine swimming around Xu Qing, spreading in all directions. The starlight emitted by the vine made Xu Qing look even more divine.


    There was also a shadow that fused with the seawater. At this moment, it gathered behind Xu Qing. In the end, it actually used the seawater to ¡®stand¡¯ up, forming a blurry tree.


    The coffin hanging on the tree swayed like a pendulum. The eyes on the tree stared greedily at Transient Evil¡¯s son.


    This scene was extremely bizarre.


    At the same time, divine authorities flickered into being.


    Sound was controlled.


    The moon had an owner.


    Poison was the source.


    Misfortune was omnipresent other than on Xu Qing.


    This caused Xu Qing to look like a god descending upon the mortal world.


    After that, the moonlight headed straight for the son of Transient Evil like sharp blades.


    The Poison Restriction followed the moonlight and invaded his body, seeping into his bones.


    The sounds also formed a killing force.


    The heavenly vine also rapidly approached Transient Evil¡¯s son.


    The shadow was eager to make a contribution, and covered the area with all its might.


    At this moment, everything at the seabed seemed to have a will, rushing toward a common enemy.


    In front of Xu Qing, the seven underworld fire lanterns were flickering and about to be extinguished.


    Transient Evil¡¯s son felt bitter but he didn¡¯t say anything. This was because sound was the other party¡¯s weapon and any words now wouldn¡¯t have much strategic meaning.


    Threats were useless.


    It was impossible for begging for mercy to be effective.


    Everything was destined from the moment the other party changed his mind.


    Or to be precise, all the events were inevitable after he misjudged the other party¡¯s combat strength.


    Hence, intense battle intent appeared in his eyes and a fire of survival burned in his heart.


    Only by fighting would he have a chance of survival.


    Only by fighting would there be hope.


    His body rumbled as he burned his soul, cultivation base, and body.


    The source of all this burning was his bloodline!


    As someone with a noble bloodline in the Evil Life Holy Land, his bloodline was purer than that of ordinary clansmen. At the same time, this body of his was also extraordinary. His father had paid a huge price to obtain it back then.


    Now, they had all become fuel.


    Silver fire erupted from his body, burning the seawater and also burning his madness.


    His combat strength rose sharply!


    Originally, he was in the Soul Accumulation two worlds stage and could display the combat strength of the four worlds. At this moment, under the burning, his combat strength soared and directly broke through his limit.


    A terrifying aura erupted from his body and intertwined with the silver fire, forming a terrifying pressure.


    That was the strength of Soul Accumulation Five Worlds!


    There seemed to be just a difference of one stage between the four worlds and five worlds, but in reality, the difference in essence was extremely great. The five worlds was the first major leap in the Soul Accumulation realm.


    Before the five worlds, the accumulation in Soul Accumulation implied the meaning of conception.


    After reaching the five worlds, the accumulation signified the idea of nurturing.


    The soul that was conceptualized and nurtured was not a god¡¯s soul, but the primordial spirit formed by the sublimation of one¡¯s own soul!


    Once the primordial spirit appeared, it could be considered the master of rules and laws.


    At this moment, the seabed for kilometers around suddenly trembled, and a terrifying aura rose from the son of Transient Evil. His flesh completely shriveled up, yet above his body appeared a translucent primordial spirit.


    Its eyes were bright, its form vast, and to some extent, its aura even surpassed Xu Qing¡¯s, who stood before it.


    The heavenly vine that was about to entangle it had no choice but to retreat.


    The shadow also retreated rapidly.


    That needle was also flickering and moving rapidly in the surroundings, blocking the divine authorities. At the same time, the primordial spirit raised its hand and pointed at Xu Qing.


    With this motion, the rules arrived and the laws transformed into countless threads that rushed toward Xu Qing, wanting to entangle, seal, and punish him.


    It was as though what the finger was pointing at was an enemy of the Dao, a defiance of the immortal, a rebellion against cultivation!


    In an instant, the combat strength from the Soul Accumulation Five Worlds displayed an earth-shattering might that blasted toward Xu Qing.


    The first to bear the brunt was the seven lanterns.


    In the blink of an eye, the underworld fire was extinguished but it didn¡¯t bring about death. Instead, the lanterns shattered.


    They couldn¡¯t stop the nomological laws drawn by that finger, causing this nomological storm to instantly drown Xu Qing.


    The rumbling sound was no longer silent and spread in all directions.


    This lasted until a cold voice rang out amidst the rumbling. It was as though it came from the heavens, rising above all other sounds.


    ¡°Rewind.¡±


    As this word reverberated, within the storm formed by the threads of law, a massive sundial appeared. This sundial floated in mid-air, unaffected by the sweeping threads of law, unmoved in the slightest.


    The gnomon on the sundial started to turn backward. Initially, it was slow, but within a few breaths, its speed rapidly increased. In the blink of an eye, time in this place astonishingly reversed.


    The seawater flowed back and the storm retreated.


    As for the son of Transient Evil, his entire body trembled violently. The nomological laws that were controlled by his primordial spirit instantly dissipated and his primordial spirit body disintegrated.


    In an instant, it disappeared and his withered body appeared.


    Everything returned to before he burned himself!


    His strength was still at the four words Soul Accumulation stage, not the five worlds.


    This scene caused the mind of the son of Transient Evil to shake violently. His expression changed drastically and he was about to burn everything again when¡­


    On the sundial, Xu Qing¡¯s figure was revealed. Endless light emitted from his body like the sun, illuminating the surroundings. At the same time, these lights gathered together and formed a beam.


    It headed straight for the son of Transient Evil.


    Darkness was torn apart, the void was shattered, and everything in the path was destroyed.


    That was Xu Qing¡¯s Profound Sun Immortal Light.


    It was as domineering as the sun and its immortal might was like a calamity.


    In an instant, it enveloped the son of Transient Evil. A piercing wail, an unbearably painful scream, uncontrollably erupted from his mouth, heart-wrenching and desperate.


    His body instantly became a bloody mess, and as his entire form disfigured, he began to dissipate, as if about to be erased by this immortal light.


    At this critical moment, the madness in his heart transformed into an inhuman roar.


    ¡°Immortal Art, Return to Oneness!¡±


    Immortal arts were created during the time of Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, classified as forbidden techniques, and nearly extinct in Wanggu, with only remnants remaining.


    However, it was obvious that there were many immortal arts in holy lands.


    As Transient Evil¡¯s son shouted, the Great Emperor¡¯s needle shone brightly. As it rapidly moved around him, the red threads behind it actually outlined figures.


    Those figures were like souls. They were none other than the nine Dao Protectors Xu Qing had killed earlier.


    However, to be precise, these figures weren¡¯t souls but karma.


    This needle stitched up the karma of the nine dead people. After connecting them together, the needle headed straight for Transient Evil¡¯s son and pierced between his brows.


    In an instant, Transient Evil¡¯s son¡¯s injuries no longer worsened. The silver flames formed on his body again.


    It resisted Xu Qing¡¯s immortal light.


    His primordial spirit reappeared instantly and the immortal light dimmed.


    The aura of Transient Evil¡¯s son, who had escaped death, rose again. His expression was sinister as he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll use the price of forever falling from the Soul Accumulation cultivation to unleash this technique. I don¡¯t believe¡­ that I can¡¯t do anything to you!¡±


    Transient Evil¡¯s son shouted. His primordial spirit shone, towering about 10,000 feet tall, stirring the Forbidden Sea with even greater grandeur than before.


    Its large hand controlled the nomological laws and pressed down on Xu Qing.


    Its aura surpassed the past.


    Just its hand pressing down caused the seabed to rumble.


    This time, not only did he burn his bloodline, but with the enhancement of the karma of the nine Dao Protectors, this burning contained fate.


    To a certain extent, he was blazing his future.


    In this way, he obtained the temporary strength of peak Soul Accumulation Five Worlds.


    Moreover, with the Great Emperor¡¯s needle stabilizing his spirit, rewinding time was even more difficult.


    This was his final trump card!


    At that moment, as he shouted, his large hand rumbled and headed straight for Xu Qing. The void around Xu Qing seemed to have been sealed and he couldn¡¯t dodge.


    ¡°This needle is interesting.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was still calm. He looked at Transient Evil¡¯s son¡¯s forehead, which was also the place where the needle had pierced.


    He didn¡¯t do anything and allowed the primordial spirit¡¯s hand to land on his head.


    After a loud boom that spread in all directions, Xu Qing still stood there unscathed.


    Transient Evil¡¯s son was stunned. A huge wave of emotions surged in his mind as he looked at the scene in disbelief.


    ¡°Wha¡­ wha¡­¡±


    He shouted and stimulated his primordial spirit again, erupting with even more strength. Once more, he wielded the rules and laws, carrying his own madness and overwhelming killing intent, and raised his hand, bringing it down towards Xu Qing.


    Boom!


    Xu Qing was still standing there.


    Transient Evil¡¯s son fell silent. At the next instant, he suddenly moved past Xu Qing and fled.


    He knew that he couldn¡¯t maintain his current combat strength for a long time and Xu Qing¡¯s strangeness had exceeded his imagination. He had never heard of such an existence in his life.


    He wasn¡¯t willing to think about the reason. Horror and despair occupied all his thoughts.


    Now, he only wanted to escape.


    Xu Qing turned around and looked at the back of Transient Evil¡¯s son. He then waved his right hand gently.


    With this wave, the seawater in the five hundred kilometers range had a boundary.


    That boundary was the mouth of the well.


    The seawater inside became well water.


    It was Fishing the Moon From the Well.


    Transient Evil¡¯s son suddenly paused. His spells, treasures, and everything he had were reflected in the seawater at this moment, including the Great Emperor¡¯s needle.


    As for the cultivation base he had obtained by blazing his potential, it had reached its limit. As he remained motionless, his increased cultivation base dissipated on its own.


    Xu Qing scooped the water out.


    He took out that needle.


    After doing this, a sword cry rang out from within Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    At the next instant, a sword light flashed. An earth-shattering sword qi shook the Forbidden Sea and shattered fate, slashing at the soul and body of Transient Evil¡¯s son.


    With one sword strike, the soul shattered and the body collapsed!


    The sound of the sword then turned into the power of sound authority, shattering the battlefield.


    After doing this, Xu Qing retracted his gaze and walked toward the deep sea. Having dealt with these disturbances, he prepared to wait for the arrival of the dragon carriage giant.


    However, just as Xu Qing moved 10,000 feet, he suddenly paused, abruptly turned his head, and for the first time, a grave expression appeared on his face. His heartbeat quickened, as if a great calamity was about to descend.


    He sensed that he was being locked onto by a terrifying gaze!


    This gaze didn¡¯t come from the dragon-carriage giant but from a place in the Evil Life Holy Land where Transient Evil had been in seclusion for a hundred years.


    The terrifying figure sitting cross-legged inside opened his eyes.


    The moment he opened his eyes, the sky outside the holy land darkened. Endless dark clouds rolled over and the seawater fluctuated intensely until immense waves surged into the sky.


    A boundless presence swept through the world, causing the laws to lower their heads and bow.


    The islands in the surroundings shook violently. Countless races of the Forbidden Sea felt their hearts inexplicably tremble in fear.


    The tribesmen in the Evil Life Holy Land also had their own thoughts churning.


    The power of a Ruler shook the world at this moment. It even replaced the sound of heavenly lightning and swept up astonishing killing intent as it landed in the Forbidden Sea.


    ¡°The person who slain my son, I saw you!¡±

 Chapter 1423 - Chapter 1423: Ruler’s Authority (1)

    Chapter 1423: Ruler¡¯s Authority (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios | Editor: Atlas Studios


    Gaze was a mysterious power!


    The fragmented-face¡¯s gaze could invade the world.


    The gaze of a god could affect all living beings.


    As for the gaze of a Ruler, it could sever the past and present, forming a rift.


    Moreover, when this gaze was combined with their authority, they could erupt with power comparable to a god.


    After all, a Ruler was the heavenly mountain in the cultivation system. It was an extreme sublimation.


    An early stage Ruler could fight head-on against the divine fire!


    Peak-stage Rulers were comparable to flawlessness gods!


    Although it was the first step of Transient Evil, it was like a god had arrived.


    Hence, at that moment, under his gaze combined with his special authority, Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled and his soul felt suffocated.


    Suffocation wasn¡¯t only manifested in breathing.


    When it was reflected in the soul, it would feel as though it had been erased.


    It was loneliness, darkness, and despair.


    Xu Qing trembled. All the divine authorities in the nihility land in his body, regardless of the depth of the mark, shone in unison at this instant. A silver luster also appeared on his body.


    He erupted with all his might to resist this gaze while retreating. His divine sense spread out, wanting to move amidst the sound. At the same time, he also took out the Flame Phoenix¡¯s feather.


    He had to send a message.


    However, in the dark, a cracking sound rang out.


    It was as though something sharp had tyrannically cut through all his connections with the outside world in a way that exceeded his understanding.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred. He kept the feather and retreated even faster.


    At this moment, in the Evil Life Holy Land, a pair of resplendent and vast scissors appeared above the head of Transient Evil, who was sitting cross-legged in a secret chamber.


    This pair of scissors was extremely ancient, filled with endless vicissitudes, exuding a strong sense of the passage of time, and rising with terrifying power.


    After that, the thousand-foot-tall Transient Evil slowly stood up.


    His rise caused the world to rumble and the wind and clouds to surge.


    A hundred years ago, he, who possessed the royal bloodline of the Evil Life Holy Land, decisively chose to enter life-and-death seclusion after reaching the peak of the Soul Accumulation Realm, attempting to break through to the


    Ruler Realm.


    This matter spread to all the yellow-level holy lands and was the focus of countless people.


    This was because a Ruler¡­ was an overlord of an area even in the holy lands.


    Those who could become Rulers were extremely rare.


    This was especially so for the Evil Life Holy Land.


    The Evil Life Holy Land was originally considered an inferior holy land among the yellow-level holy lands. For many years, its ancestor had relied on his peak Ruler combat strength to support it alone.


    Many times, it was as though his hands and feet were bound.


    Hence, in the hearts of the Evil Life Holy Land, Transient Evil¡¯s seclusion was the most important matter.


    Once he succeeded, the status of the Evil Life Holy Land would also increase.


    Hence, if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the decree to descend to Wanggu was an order they couldn¡¯t resist, they wouldn¡¯t have chosen to come at this time.


    Although they had no choice but to come, to the Evil Life Holy Land, the matter of Transient Evil¡¯s seclusion was still the main focus of their race.


    They didn¡¯t disturb him and strictly forbade the outside world from interfering.


    Hence, Transient Evil who had been in closed-door cultivation for a hundred years and was completely immersed in his breakthrough didn¡¯t know about the situation in the external world. He only knew from an awakening many years ago that the holy land would descend to Wanggu to carry out the decree.


    Regarding Wanggu¡¯s information, he was still stuck on his previous understanding.


    At this moment, the death of his only bloodline descendant caused ripples in his heart and formed karma, disturbing him.


    It was hard to say if it was a blessing or a curse.


    Blessing was because he had actually stepped into the threshold of the Ruler Realm a few years ago. However, his aura and pressure fell into chaos, as though he was in the cycle of reincarnation.


    It was a cycle, repeating endlessly, unable to awaken.


    Outsiders couldn¡¯t help him in this matter.


    Only by awakening could he be considered to have truly advanced.


    Almost all Rulers would experience this. This was also the process of condensing their authority.


    The so-called authority was similar to divine authority, but fundamentally different.


    Generally speaking, it was something that only existed at the Ruler realm. However, occasionally, there would be some peerless heaven¡¯s chosen who could obtain it at the Soul Accumulation realm. It was just that it was extremely rare.


    As for the process of gaining authority, for some, awakening was instantaneous, while for others, it may take hundreds or even thousands of years, or even longer.


    So, the appearance of these ripples, the resulting entanglement, transformed into the murderous intent and anger of bloodline, resonating with his authority, finally causing him to awaken.


    As for the calamity¡­ it was the death of his child and the flaws formed by the premature awakening of authority.


    However, no matter what, at this moment, he was already a Ruler.


    He opened his eyes and stared at the void, breaking through the karma and pursuing the sensation in his heart.


    Just as he had said, he¡­ saw Xu Qing.


    Although he was unfamiliar with the situation outside, combined with his previous understanding, he realized that the holy land had arrived in Wanggu.


    As for the identity of the person who killed his son, he didn¡¯t know and there was no need for him to know.


    This was because no matter who the other party was, at this moment¡­ he was a target he had to kill.


    Only then would he be able to restore his mental state and perfect the flawed authority.


    This was related to his Dao!


    Moreover, the figure he saw had cut off the connection with the outside world with the treasure left behind by the peak Great Emperor of his race and was using some strange means to conceal himself. Therefore, without any hesitation, Transient Evil took a step forward.


    This step, taken within his secluded chamber, caused waves in heaven and earth, and stirred the fates. His figure disappeared in an instant.


    Following the guidance of his bloodline and the lock of his gaze, the instant his step landed, he had already appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s five hundred-kilometer underworld domain.


    The moment he appeared, the rules here gained an owner and the laws became slaves.


    Although the Heavenly Daos of Wanggu rejected the holy lands that had left back then due to the influence of Wanggu¡¯s will, they were still tolerant of almighties who had reached the Ruler realm¡­ regardless of their origins..

 Chapter 1424 - Chapter 1424: Ruler’s Authority (2)

    Chapter 1424: Ruler¡¯s Authority (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios | Editor: Atlas Studios


    This was because the Heavenly Daos back then had been created to serve cultivators.


    So, the moment Transient Evil stepped in this underworld domain, the submissive rules and laws of heaven and earth became the carriers of his thoughts, as if he had transformed into the heavens themselves.


    His will had become heaven¡¯s will.


    His thoughts became heaven¡¯s thoughts.


    If he wanted to seal this place, then this place would be instantly sealed.


    If he wanted to kill Xu Qing, killing intent would erupt in Xu Qing¡¯s surroundings.


    These killing intents were formed by heaven¡¯s will and Transient Evil¡¯s thoughts.


    Killing intent was invisible.


    However, after countless invisible killing intent gathered together, they became tangible due to the integration of Transient Evil¡¯s intent.


    Thereupon, a red finger with five knuckles appeared in front of Xu Qing.


    As soon as this finger emerged, everything around seemed to freeze, even thoughts were suppressed, and the seawater no longer rippled. Only an extreme killing intent shook everything at that moment.


    With a move, it pressed down on Xu Qing, who was retreating rapidly, trying to fuse into the sound.


    Seawater erupted, heaven¡¯s will erupted, and killing intent erupted.


    With this pressing motion of the finger, a terrifying pressure and killing intent approached Xu Qing with an unstoppable and irresistible aura.


    The shadow wailed and the heavenly vine was torn apart.


    The moonlight shattered and the sound authority dimmed.


    Whether it was the Jiuli or the Grand Mystic Heaven Armor, they were useless.


    The finger fell directly on Xu Qing as if it were destined.


    Boom!


    All of the obstructions were useless and all of his divine abilities and spells shattered.


    Everything seemed to be meaningless.


    The power that could topple mountains and overturn seas bombarded his body with a destructive force, wanting to tear his soul apart and shatter his body.


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body rumbled and was sent flying by the storm.


    However, he didn¡¯t collapse!


    This scene caused Transient Evil, who had entered this place, to reveal a strange glint in his eyes.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Although Xu Qing¡¯s body didn¡¯t collapse under the Ruler¡¯s finger, he still coughed out large mouthfuls of blood.


    Cracks appeared on his body and strands of immortal silver flowed out of them, merging into the seawater like blood.


    These cracks weren¡¯t caused by the Ruler¡¯s finger but had always existed on Xu Qing¡¯s body. They were the traces of the flesh and blood of the fragmented-face being sewn together by immortal silver.


    It was also where the seal on Xu Qing¡¯s body was.


    Although the Ruler¡¯s finger couldn¡¯t destroy his body, it caused his body that was connected by immortal silver to show signs of separating.


    In the end, his body hadn¡¯t completely fused.


    This was also the reason why Old Master Seventh told Xu Qing that the defense of his body was below that of a Ruler.


    At that moment, the intense pain of his body shattering erupted in his mind like a storm, tearing apart his perception and destroying his thoughts.


    This caused Xu Qing¡¯s body to tremble as an indescribable pain spread throughout his body.


    However, what made his eyes turn even redder was the feeling of his soul being torn apart.


    A life-and-death crisis rose intensely at this moment.


    However, Xu Qing had experienced many life-and-death situations in his life. He wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with the current situation. He understood that the more critical the situation, the more important it was to stay calm.


    Hence, he endured the destruction of his body and soul and gritted his teeth. The divine authority of sound erupted and his entire person finally fused into the sound, leaving rapidly.


    ¡°I need to leave this place and send a message outside!¡±


    However, with the personal arrival of a Ruler, no matter how powerful Xu Qing was, there was still a limit. Although he fused into the sound and escaped, he was still under the gaze of Transient Evil¡­


    A cold voice rang out from Transient Evil¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Erase.¡±


    This was the power of the authority of Transient Evil!


    The instant this word was spoken, all sound within a 500-kilometer radius instantly disappeared. This wasn¡¯t being snatched, nor was it being controlled. It was just erased!


    All sounds were erased like they were never there.


    Since there were no sounds, if Xu Qing didn¡¯t come out, he would be erased too.


    Hence, at the next instant, Xu Qing had no choice but to appear again.


    The instant he appeared, a large red hand enveloped above Xu Qing.


    This hand had seven red fingers with five knuckles. It looked strange but at the same time, it also looked like it came from the underworld.


    After it appeared, it covered the sky and occupied Xu Qing¡¯s world. It then grabbed at Xu Qing.


    The pressure from it descending caused more cracks to appear on Xu Qing¡¯s body, as though he was being suppressed by the world.


    The immortal silver flowed like blood again. The feeling of his body shattering and the weakness from his soul being crushed caused the sense of life and death to surge like a monstrous wave.


    It wanted to drown everything.


    Blood gushed out of Xu Qing¡¯s mouth and his eyes turned even redder.


    At this critical moment, his expression revealed determination. Without the slightest hesitation, he raised his hands and waved them in all directions.


    Immediately, the fluctuations of terrifying self-destruction rose.


    This battlefield was the five hundred-kilometer-long underworld domain that Xu Qing had set up for the dragon-carriage giant. He had arranged many divine sources here to better display his divine authorities.


    Now, as the fluctuations of self-destruction spread out, in the blink of an eye, the underworld domain erupted silently.


    The hundreds of spots where he had set up the divine source became explosive points. Every time one exploded, the terror here increased by a degree.


    In the end, after all of them exploded, they formed a world-shaking storm that swept upward with Xu Qing as the center.


    It headed straight for the gigantic palm that was enveloping him!


    Although this entire process had been silent because of the Ruler¡¯s authority, the storm shone with the light of the Purple Moon and the power of the Poison Restriction, causing the 500-kilometer-long storm to be enhanced and its might to be even greater.


    In the end, it grew larger and larger like the eruption of a divine mountain at the bottom of the sea. It swept up a heaven-defying momentum and ruthlessly collided with the Ruler¡¯s hand.


    The Ruler¡¯s large hand paused in mid-air.


    The storm stopped it!


    However, a Ruler was like a god. Although this storm was vast, it could only make the hand pause for a moment.


    In the end, it still landed abruptly.


    It bombarded the seabed.


    The 500-kilometer-wide underwater plain instantly shattered, sinking into a huge pit.


    However, the collision of these two forces still neutralized the might of the erase authority to a certain extent, causing sound to weakly ring out.


    At the start, it was still light but in an instant, it spread out.


    What Xu Qing wanted was this sound!


    Almost at the instant the sound rang out, his figure, which had suffered serious injuries, borrowed the momentum of the sound to leave.


    Blood splattered into the seawater.


    Immortal silver flowed into the void.


    Wherever the sounds passed, there would be a sea of silver and red.


    Amidst the sounds, Xu Qing¡¯s consciousness gradually blurred and his divine sense was dissipating. However, he still fled with all his might.


    The direction he was heading in was where he could sense the dragon carriage!


    At the same time, at the moment of life-and-death crisis for Xu Qing, outside the Holy Wave Large Region, in the region where the Cloth Race was located, Erniu was sleeping soundly in a colorful lump of clothes.


    He was surrounded by all kinds of women¡¯s clothes.


    Clearly, he was very popular in the Cloth Race and had many good friends who could sleep with him.


    For example, that glove was lying on his chest now, and its fingers were circling there¡­


    At the next instant, Erniu shuddered and he abruptly opened his eyes.


    His awakening also caused the clothes in the surroundings to wake up and float around him. That glove was the same. It gestured a few times in front of Erniu, as though it was asking him what was wrong.


    Erniu scratched his head with a puzzled expression.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I just had a nightmare.¡±


    ¡°In the dream, Little Qing seemed to want to say something¡­¡±


    ¡°This dream is so strange.¡±


    Erniu mumbled. When those clothes heard this, they all fluttered in the wind, as though they were comforting him.


    ¡°You guys are right. Maybe I¡¯ve been too tired recently. You guys want to give me a massage?¡±


    Erniu licked his lips.


    ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll continue sleeping. You guys, massage me well.¡±


    Erniu lay down excitedly.


    However, at the next instant, he suddenly sat up again.


    ¡°No, I¡¯d better return to the Nanhuang Continent. I keep feeling that something has happened.¡±


    ¡°If you can¡¯t bear to part with me, why don¡¯t you come with me?¡±

 Chapter 1425 - 1425 The Approaching Dragon Carriage

    1425 The Approaching Dragon Carriage


    Outside the Nanhuang Continent, in the depths of the Forbidden Sea.


    At the bottom of the pitch-black sea, a huge snake-shaped sea beast was chasing its prey.


    Its speed was astonishing. As it opened its mouth and devoured its prey, the sea beast let out a low roar of satisfaction.


    The roar was low and echoed at the seabed.


    Amidst this sound, Xu Qing¡¯s figure suddenly appeared.


    The moment he appeared, his body suddenly swelled up, as though he couldn¡¯t hold on anymore and was about to collapse.


    However, at the next instant, as the light of the seals shone on his body, he returned to his original size.


    After that, Xu Qing spat out seven to eight mouthfuls of blood and barely managed to steady himself.


    His expression was gloomy as he observed his body.


    At that moment, his body was covered with numerous cracks, and the immortal silver flowing from within made his appearance shocking.


    And the shattered soul, along with the weakness emanating from within, made Xu Qing¡¯s vision blur severely at that moment, causing everything to twist and distort.


    The deep sea, in this distortion, seemed to become filled with monstrous specters, revealing their ferocity.


    But it was only for a moment; the faintness brought by the feeling of weakness was forcibly suppressed by Xu Qing.


    The distortion and confusion also dissipated.


    However, the danger hadn¡¯t disappeared yet.


    Xu Qing understood that time was extremely precious for him now, so he immediately stimulated the power of the purple crystal within his body, allowing his recovery to fully erupt at that moment.


    At the same time, he also took out the fragmented-face¡¯s blood he had obtained back then and swallowed a large mouthful.


    He allowed the blood to flow in his body.


    Finally, the cracks in his body stopped worsening.


    After that, Xu Qing immediately took out the Flame Phoenix¡¯s feather and tried to send a message again.


    However, at the next instant, the sound of shattering rang out once again.


    His voice transmission was still cut off and couldn¡¯t be transmitted.


    ¡°It¡¯s not just a seal. That Ruler must have another supreme treasure that severed all contact with the outside world.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was ugly. He knew very well that in this state, it was almost impossible for him to escape.


    As for his body, it would break if he were to get hit by a few more attacks from the other party.


    ¡°I have to think of a way to escape first. If I can¡¯t¡­ then I have to delay as much as possible!¡±


    After all, this was the inner sea. The greater the commotion, the greater the possibility of others noticing.


    As for the seals his master had left behind, they were to protect his soul. If he forcefully broke them¡­ Xu Qing was very clear that his soul would dissipate because it couldn¡¯t withstand the power of the fragmented-face.


    At the thought of this, the intense pain from his soul and body caused the coldness that Xu Qing hadn¡¯t experienced in a long time to surface in his entire body again.


    He savored this coldness, and fused into the sound again, heading straight in the direction the dragon carriage was arriving from.


    ¡°With the help of the dragon carriage, I might have a chance of escaping!¡±


    Almost at the instant Xu Qing disappeared, he heard a sinister voice.


    ¡°Erase.¡±


    This word was like a nightmare. The instant it echoed, in the area beyond Xu Qing¡¯s perception range, not only were the sounds erased, but even countless sea beasts disappeared silently.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure reappeared. As he spat out blood, a sinister figure walked over step by step from the void behind him.


    With every step he took, the bottom of the sea churned. With every step he took, the rules and laws spread with his thoughts.


    It was like heaven was trying to kill someone!


    ¡°The laws here tell me that when you killed my son, you also pursued him like this.¡±


    A cold voice rang out.


    When it landed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears, it disappeared on its own before he could control it. It became an erased authority that acted on his body.


    This caused the cracks on his body to expand again.


    The feeling that he was about to collapse grew increasingly intense.


    At this critical moment, a piercing light suddenly emitted from Xu Qing¡¯s body. His body transformed into a large sun. Amidst the resplendent light, all the light rapidly gathered and formed a single beam.


    With a speed that exceeded his previous speed, he fled far away.


    In just an instant, he disappeared without a trace.


    ¡°Immortal light?¡±


    Transient Evil emerged at the place where Xu Qing had disappeared. He looked into the distance and shook his head.


    ¡°But you are still within my range.¡±


    ¡°However, there is truly too much karma involved with this human¡­¡±


    ¡°There are actually so many fates. They fluctuate mysteriously, making me feel like a calamity will descend if I kill him.¡±


    In front of Transient Evil, the gigantic and ancient scissors appeared again, cutting off the threads that were emitted from Xu Qing¡¯s form one by one.


    Among these strands, there were a few that, at the moment of being cut, elicited a crack from the scissors, intensifying its ancient appearance, and even revealing signs of rust.


    Clearly, cutting these strands also bore a cost for this terrifying and mysterious pair of scissors.


    ¡°However, at the same time, I can sense that if my authority can erase them, then¡­ the might of my authority will also be greatly nourished.¡±


    ¡°And his body¡­ No wonder my son died because of this.¡±


    ¡°This karma, this body, this opportunity¡­ carry poison thorns. I have to slowly pick them off before I can taste them.¡±


    ¡°This process can¡¯t be rushed, especially since there are some threads that can¡¯t be cut roughly. They need to be specially handled.¡±


    Transient Evil seemed to be in deep thought as he took a step forward. Like a hunter, he put the pressure on his prey.


    Tens of thousands of kilometers away, as soon as Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared, the might of the Ruler behind him descended with a bang.


    Xu Qing gritted his teeth and his eyes shone again as he fled.


    This light escape art was a divine power from the Profound Sun Immortal Light spell. When using this spell, it could allow one¡¯s speed to reach the extreme, but it required two beams of light.


    However, Xu Qing only had one beam of immortal light. It wasn¡¯t enough to support the usage of this divine art.


    Hence, he burned his soul threads and borrowed the soul light emitted by the burning soul threads to replace the immortal light and barely cast the light escape art.


    This was a desperate move and he couldn¡¯t hold on for too long.


    After five to six times, whether it was the surface of the sea or the seabed, Xu Qing seemed to have been enveloped by an inescapable net.


    If he couldn¡¯t escape, it would be impossible for him to send a message.


    What was even stranger was that Xu Qing felt that his existence was also being erased.


    This was because the sea beasts didn¡¯t seem to be able to sense him. Above on the surface of the sea, he saw the nonhuman islands, boats, and even the disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    However, they didn¡¯t notice him at all.


    There was even a time when Xu Qing emerged on a Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ boat. However, he was clearly standing there but he didn¡¯t seem to be in the same dimension.


    They just kept on moving away as though he was invisible.


    This scene had caused Xu Qing to turn increasingly gloomy. After he appeared in the deep sea, his soul was extremely dispirited and his feeling of weakness was the same.


    However, he gritted his teeth and continued to rush out.


    As for his soul threads, after these few times, they had decreased from 50 million to half.


    However, even so, he still couldn¡¯t escape the other party¡¯s range. When he emerged again, the pressure of a Ruler instantly enveloped him from behind him.


    Fortunately¡­ Xu Qing had also arrived at his destination.


    A rumbling sound came from the seabed in front of him. It was the sound of footsteps landing.


    This sound, ignoring the erased authority, was arriving closer.


    A terrifying pressure and terrifying aura spread crazily at the seabed, causing the Ruler behind Xu Qing to look over.


    ¡°It¡¯s actually the Brilliant Heaven God Race¡¯s crown prince¡¯s dragon carriage and corpse servant. No wonder they weren¡¯t within my perception earlier. I only sensed them when I saw them.¡±


    ¡°The crown prince of the Brilliant Heaven God Race¡­¡±


    ¡°In the ancient records, this crown prince was permitted to transform into the sun while his sister transformed into the moon. The two of them caused the change in day and night.¡±


    ¡°Until Desolate arrived and the siblings died.¡±


    ¡°His servant also died and became a corpse¡­¡±


    ¡°Is this dragon carriage and corpse the hope you¡¯re looking for?¡±


    Transient Evil calmly spoke.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say a word. The instant he sensed the dragon carriage, madness emerged in his eyes. With a sway of his body, black flames appeared and the surroundings turned into a sea of fire.


    His entire person transformed into a gigantic Golden Crow.


    His claws grabbed the musician¡¯s severed hand and he sped toward the giant and the dragon carriage.


    Xu Qing was gambling.


    He gambled that his Golden Crow and the dragon carriage came from the same source. He gambled that the appearance of the severed hand would implicate the karma even more. He also gambled that¡­ he wouldn¡¯t be too obstructed.


    The severed hand also opened its eyes at this moment. As its fingers moved, the Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon melody echoed.

 Chapter 1426 - 1426 The Edge of Time

    1426 The Edge of Time


    The melody of Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon rang out in the seabed.


    The aura of death was approaching.


    Regardless of whether it was behind or in front.


    But Xu Qing, who had transformed into a golden crow, now had a resolute look in his eyes. Holding the severed hand, he sped forward with the melody of the heavenly voice.


    While rushing forward, his eyes flickered as he ignited the Golden Crow Fire in his body.


    In that instant, flames surged on Xu Qing¡¯s body, blooming like a fiery flower in the depths of the sea.


    It swept in all directions.


    All of this made him dazzling in the depths of the sea, like a flaming arrow that instinctively attracted all eyes.


    He sped towards the direction of the approaching bronze dragon carriage.


    At this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s mind was empty. All the thoughts were blocked out by him. His entire person was immersed in the Golden Crow he had transformed into and the music of the severed hand.


    He was like a true Golden Crow, getting closer and closer to the bronze dragon carriage.


    The silt at the bottom of the sea spread and the pitch-black seawater became even more turbid. As the flames on Xu Qing¡¯s body burned, he became the center of attention in the turbid seawater. Hence, Transient Evil¡¯s gaze easily landed on him.


    The moment his gaze landed, the Golden Crow that Xu Qing had transformed into trembled.


    He once again felt the power of the Ruler¡¯s gaze. Or rather, he felt the weight of the authority in this gaze.


    It was both erasure and severance.


    Erasing the traces and severing the existence.


    Under this gaze, the black flames emitted by Xu Qing¡¯s body were extinguished and cut off.


    His body trembled violently and the cracks on it spread wider.


    It was also at this moment that a terrifying existence was vaguely reflected in the distant seawater.


    That was a colossal giant!


    Its body was tall and covered with swaying tentacles. On its shoulder, it carried a thick iron chain.


    The chain extended into the distance, and in the blur, the end could be seen as a bronze dragon carriage.


    This dragon carriage was tattered and covered with rust, full of the marks of time. Yet, its tall frame and intricate, majestic carvings exuded an imperial aura.


    At that moment, the giant was pulling the bronze dragon carriage, striding across the seabed. With each step, it stirred up silt, causing the sea to churn and waves to spread.


    Accompanying its movements was the terrifying sound of grinding teeth, echoing ominously.


    The moment it landed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears, a sense of palpitation rose in his mind. Even with his current cultivation, the pressure from the other party still caused him to instinctively tremble.


    However, Xu Qing didn¡¯t slow down at all. Instead, he moved faster.


    In an instant, he broke through the torrent, appearing in front of the huge dragon-carriage giant.


    Compared to the giant, the Golden Crow that Xu Qing had transformed into was insignificant.


    However, the Golden Crow¡¯s aura and the tune emitted by the severed hand¡­ formed a special karma that couldn¡¯t be cut off.


    Hence, the giant stopped in his tracks and raised his head.


    He allowed the Golden Crow that Xu Qing had transformed into to pass by it.


    However, it blocked Transient Evil.


    Xu Qing made the right bet.


    It was just that¡­ almost at the instant Xu Qing got close to the giant, Transient Evil retracted his gaze from Xu Qing.


    ¡°You made yourself resplendent, causing me to instinctively lock my gaze onto you, then used the giant¡¯s body to obstruct me, trying to make my gaze that contains killing intent to interact with giant, triggering some unknown conditions and creating complications?¡±


    ¡°The Great Emperor¡¯s needle of my son is also with you, right? You aren¡¯t capable of connecting my karma.¡±


    ¡°A bit cunning , but not much.¡±


    Transient Evil spoke indifferently and, with one step, was about to bypass the dragon carriage.


    To him, this wasn¡¯t difficult.


    After all, no matter how astonishing this giant was when it was alive, it was only a corpse now. Even if it had some instincts, as long as they weren¡¯t triggered, it would be fine.


    However, even though this scheme was seen through by Transient Evil, how could Xu Qing only have prepared this in such a life-threatening crisis?


    At the next instant, when the Golden Crow that Xu Qing had transformed into moved past the head of the corpse giant, the eye in the severed hand turned red.


    A hundred ghosts appeared.


    The original heavenly voice suddenly changed and became screams.


    The melody was still the same, but the sound was heart-rending.


    It became the sound of the night parade of a hundred ghosts.


    It was also the sound that summoned the decaying moon.


    In the blink of an eye, the seabed churned and a decaying moon phantom suddenly appeared in front of the giant and beside Transient Evil.


    The malevolent young girl¡¯s face on It opened its eyes and looked at this place, looking at Transient Evil!


    A divine restriction that was similar to a curse rose.


    It emitted vast divine might.


    The giant shuddered. He lowered his head and his turbid gaze instantly locked onto Transient Evil.


    Transient Evil frowned and his body paused in mid-air as a strange glint appeared in his eyes.


    At the same time, Xu Qing gave it his all. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the soul threads in his body burned as he used the light escape again.


    In an instant, his figure disappeared behind the giant.


    When he appeared, he was already 5,000 kilometers away.


    On the sea.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure suddenly appeared. Blood flowed out of his mouth continuously and more immortal silver flowed out of the cracks in his body. It mixed with blood and splattered into the sea together.


    His footsteps were unsteady, as though he couldn¡¯t stand properly.


    The aura of death was spreading and his soul distorted and decayed.


    That was the curse power of the decaying moon.


    Although the curse emitted by the moon phantom wasn¡¯t targeted at him, the aftershock still caused Xu Qing¡¯s soul to decay.


    However, Xu Qing knew the method to neutralize the curse.


    Hence, the instant he appeared, he immediately controlled the severed hand and played the true Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon.


    This melody swayed and landed in Xu Qing¡¯s soul. Only then did the decaying intent of Xu Qing¡¯s soul dissipate.


    After that, he immediately transmitted his voice. However, at the next instant¡­ Xu Qing¡¯s expression became even gloomier.


    ¡°This is still within his range!¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled and continued to escape.


    His figure disappeared.


    Time slowly passed.


    The Forbidden Sea fluctuated.


    The pitch-black surface of the sea stretched as far as the eye could see. Compared to usual, there was no difference.


    Regardless of whether it was the races on the various islands or the boats and ships that traveled on the sea, everything was normal.


    Cultivators cultivated, hunters hunted, and bustling sounds rang out in the dusk in many islands.


    Only the afterglow slowly dissipated into the black waves.


    The sky gradually darkened.


    The night was approaching.


    No one noticed or sensed that an intense pursuit was continuing on the Forbidden Sea.


    All traces had been erased.


    The erase authority from Transient Evil could make cultivators whose cultivation levels were inferior to him unable to sense it at all.


    As for the supreme treasure scissors, it was left behind by the ancient emperor who had reached the peak of the Great Emperor Realm and left with the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, founding the Evil Life Holy Land.


    It was a race artifact of the Evil Life Holy Land and was related to authority.


    Originally held by the ancestor, it was bestowed upon Transient Evil a hundred years ago when he went into closed- door cultivation to break through to the Ruler Realm. For the past century, it floated above his head, cutting away the misfortunes of his repeated failures to break through.


    Moreover, its greater significance lay in allowing Transient Evil to comprehend and thus attain the unique dominion over erase authority inherent to their race.


    The moment Transient Evil succeeded, with the enhancement of the supreme treasure scissors, his erase power could reach the extreme.


    Even though it was difficult to cut off a Great Emperor¡¯s perception, it could be temporarily erased. This treasure could do it.


    The range was endless.


    Hence, even though Xu Qing emerged in front of others, no one noticed him. He was clearly in the same time and space but he had become invisible.


    It was the same now.


    From the start to the end, this pursuit was silent.


    When dusk was completely buried by the night, there were only more than 3 million soul threads left in Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    He had used up everything he had.


    However, the voice transmission was still ineffective.


    It was as though the world was within the range of Transient Evil. He clearly knew that this was impossible, but this feeling occupied everything as night arrived and hope dimmed.


    ¡°I can only use light escape one last time¡­¡±


    In the dark night, on the surface of the sea not far from the Sea Turtle Race, Xu Qing¡¯s face was pale. At this moment, regardless of whether it was his body or soul, they had reached their limit.


    However, his heart was still calm.


    Even though he was being chased by a Ruler, even though he was in a life-and-death crisis, he had experienced similar life-


    threatening situations several times in his life.


    Although it was even more dangerous this time, the more it was like this, the more he couldn¡¯t let negative emotions sway him.


    Hence, Xu Qing took a deep breath and completely lost the humanity that had been dimming along the way, causing the absolutely rational divinity to fill his body.


    His eyes grew increasingly deep as he turned his head to look behind him.


    A rational analysis appeared in his mind.


    He knew that even if the dragon-carriage giant could affect the Ruler, there was a high chance that it wouldn¡¯t be able to stop him for long.


    After all, be it the dragon-carriage giant or the decaying moon, they were dead things.


    ¡°There¡¯s a high chance that this person let me escape on purpose.¡±


    ¡°He seems to be using this method to erase my existence.¡±


    ¡°Now that I look at it, he has already mostly succeeded.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at a sea beast slowly swimming in the seawater below.


    In the past, the moment this sea beast sensed Xu Qing¡¯s aura, it would tremble and flee. However, it was as though it didn¡¯t sense him at all now.


    ¡°It should be the karma on my body that made him wary, so he didn¡¯t choose to kill me directly.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s meaningless to continue fleeing.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly pondered.


    Regarding the other party¡¯s authority, Xu Qing didn¡¯t have all the information, so he couldn¡¯t analyze its principles. He could only use the clues he knew to judge his actions.


    A few breaths later, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed at the bottom of the sea.


    ¡°He needs time to erase me, and I also need time for the outside world to indirectly sense my disappearance.¡±


    ¡°But in theory, he will reach his goal faster.¡±


    ¡°So, what I need to do now is to slow down his time and quicken my time¡­ There¡¯s a place that¡¯s very suitable.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly sensed the remaining soul threads in his body and ignited them without hesitation.


    After exchanging them for one last light escape, he instantly disappeared.


    The moment he appeared, he was already beside a trench in the deep sea.


    However, his continuous injuries broke through the critical point at this moment.


    His body swelled, and his flesh and blood seemed to want to leave. Fortunately, the immortal silver and seals connected his body like threads.


    However, he no longer looked human.


    His soul was also shattering.


    Even with the support of the rationality of divinity, his consciousness was dimming.


    However, before he fainted, he calmly issued a decree to the heavenly vine in his body.


    The instant he lost his train of thought, the heavenly vine flew out and wrapped around his body, heading straight for the trench. It quickly entered the bubble and flew toward the broken pagoda.


    After about eight minutes, a blurry figure walked out of the trench. As he stared at this place, a strange glint emerged in his eyes.


    ¡°Is this the kid¡¯s last reliance?¡±


    Transient Evil took a step forward. He emerged outside the bubble and stepped in.


    The repulsion of the bubble erupted and surged toward Transient Evil.


    After more than ten steps, Transient Evil halted in his tracks. He gazed at the pagoda tower that was only dozens of steps away from him through the bubble and frowned.


    He couldn¡¯t continue forward.

 Chapter 1427 - 1427 Wind Rises in the Forbidden Sea

    1427 Wind Rises in the Forbidden Sea


    Late at night, the already pitch-black Forbidden Sea grew even more obscure.


    The surrounding space seemed to have been devoured by a ghastly mouth. The naked eye could only see about half a foot in front of it.


    One couldn¡¯t even see their fingers if they stretched it out.


    The temperature was just as oppressive.


    As night fell, an icy sea breeze howled between the sea and sky, blowing northward.


    This wind was very cold, carrying a fishy smell and a sense of decay, like an old man plagued by disease, struggling in his twilight years, exhaling gusts of death¡¯s breath.


    Accompanying this aura was the whimpering of unknown sea beasts.


    It echoed in the darkness.


    It was filled with mystery and intimidation.


    Under the sea, the undercurrents were the same.


    They were larger and more intense than during the day, sweeping in all directions.


    On the surface, they would form huge waves, while on the bottom, they would transform into majestic vortices that moved on the ground.


    For countless years, it was the same scene every night.


    No one knew why these vortices formed. They only knew that this seemed to be the natural law of the Forbidden Sea.


    The cycle repeated endlessly.


    At this moment, as a vortex swept across, roaring through an underwater region, the spreading silt revealed trenches in the seabed that resembled scars.


    In the depths of one of the trenches, there was a huge bubble buried under the silt.


    There was a dilapidated pagoda within the bubble.


    Heavenly vine coiled around the pagoda, emitting nervous and hostile emotions as it kept watch.


    And in the pagoda¡­ there was a miserable-looking corpse.


    It lay there as though it had been dismembered.


    However, the dismembering blade clearly wasn¡¯t sharp, so the flesh of the corpse wasn¡¯t completely cut off. There were a large number of silver threads that barely connected the flesh.


    As time passed, the silver threads contracted and the separated flesh slowly retracted. There was also a faint purple light flickering as though it was repairing the body.


    Several days later¡­


    The flesh of the corpse completely contracted together, revealing its human form. However, the densely-packed cracks on it were still a shocking sight.


    Fortunately, life force emitted from this body, as though it had returned from the underworld.


    Its closed eyes slowly opened, revealing a weak but incomparably cold gaze.


    ¡°Being here and still alive means that my final decision was correct.¡±


    ¡°The Ruler of the Evil Life Holy Land can¡¯t step into the bubble formed by this pagoda.¡±


    ¡°In terms of time, I¡¯ve obtained it again at the edge.¡±


    Xu Qing was calm.


    At this moment, he still maintained his divinity. With extreme rationality, he calmly judged everything.


    His weak divine sense spread out outside the pagoda. After confirming his analysis, he slowly sat up.


    During the process of sitting up, the intense pain from his body and soul was enough to make a person with normal perception go crazy or even faint.


    However, Xu Qing, who was filled with divinity, didn¡¯t seem to feel anything. It was just that his movements were a little slow and it took him more than 20 breaths of time to completely sit up.


    After that, he took out the fragmented-face¡¯s blood and slowly swallowed it. He then closed his eyes and began to meditate.


    He wanted to recover from his injuries as quickly as possible and return to his peak cultivation.


    At the same time, he made use of the time advantage he had obtained to wait for reinforcements from the outside world.


    At that moment, outside the dilapidated pagoda and the bubble, Transient Evil was expressionless and was also meditating cross-legged.


    A pair of rusty scissors floated above his head. As they shone with a dim light, a terrifying and ancient pressure circulated it.


    It formed a force that could block all senses from the outside world and erase all traces of the area it was in, causing everything to turn illusory.


    As for the scissors itself, it was also turning illusory.


    ¡°This defense is indeed extraordinary.¡±


    ¡°Only that Holy Heavenly Vine can allow one to enter it unscathed.¡±


    Transient Evil stared at the bubble in front of him and muttered inwardly.


    In these three days, he used many methods to try to step into the bubble but all of them failed.


    If he forced his way through, he would be unable to continue after taking twenty steps at most. The repulsive force from the bubble had already reached the limit he could withstand.


    ¡°However, it¡¯s not impossible to break through it. I only need to grind it down with my authority. However, this will take a hundred days.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s another way to open it in an instant. That is to use the origin power of the scissors again.¡±


    Transient Evil fell silent.


    Using the origin power of the scissors would speed up the consumption of the scissors, causing it to turn even more incorporeal until it completely disappeared and became a part of the Great Dao.


    This consumption was something he couldn¡¯t accept.


    Most importantly, when he chased after Xu Qing earlier, there were many karma threads that made him feel fear and didn¡¯t dare to cut them off directly. Hence, he had already used the origin energy of the scissors, as though he was using the might of a peak-level emperor to block them for a short period of time.


    If he were to use it again now, the scissors would most likely completely dematerialize, dissipating into the Great Dao and no longer remaining under his control.


    At that time, all the barriers he had set up around those terrifying karma would instantly disappear.


    ¡°At that time, almight cultivators will probably descend here in an instant.¡±


    ¡°It will take time to refine this person¡¯s body. I won¡¯t have time¡­¡±


    Transient Evil pondered. After that, he raised his head and his gaze landed on the pagoda in the bubble. A strange expression gradually appeared on his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m a little unwilling to give up.¡±


    ¡°This is the flesh and blood of the fragmented-face¡­ His body is probably the only one in the world!¡±


    ¡°Coupled with the legendary immortal silver, although the body formed by all of this implicates great karma¡­¡±


    ¡°This is an opportunity to achieve the Summer Immortal Realm or even higher!¡±


    ¡°Once I have it, I only need to hide for some time and wait for the Void Star Holy Land to descend. At that time, although that lord will also covet it, he surely won¡¯t want to be implicated in the karma of Desolate. So, in all likelihood, he will allow me to control it¡­¡±


    ¡°Under his protection, those karma of this kid can be destroyed easily. And my Evil Life Holy Land will also soar to great heights!¡±


    Transient Evil narrowed his eyes. After a moment of silence, he made up his mind.


    ¡°So¡­ only the third method can be used. Although it carries danger, those who seek the Dao aren¡¯t afraid to risk their lives. There might even be opportunities born from this.¡±


    At the thought of this, Transient Evil closed his eyes and his entire body trembled. After that, strands of flesh and blood actually dispersed out from his body and rapidly spread toward the bubble in front of him.


    There were no less than ten million of these strands.


    Soon, these blood threads enveloped the bubble and completely enveloped it, pulling it bit by bit.


    He was trying to pull it into his body and slowly assimilate it!


    During this process, Transient Evil¡¯s expression was extremely solemn. His focus wasn¡¯t on pulling Xu Qing in but on the Great Emperor¡¯s treasure above his head. He was vigilant against all perceptions trying to sense him and Xu Qing.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    A day later.


    In the Seven Blood Eyes Port of the Nanhuang Continent, Second Senior Sister was sitting in a building of the Seventh Peak, dealing with sect matters.


    During this time, with the descent of the Evil Life Holy Land and contact with the outside world, the situation in the entire Forbidden Sea was in a tense state.


    For the Seven Blood Eyes, which was considered a top-notch sect in both the Nanhuang Continent and the Holy Wave Large Region, there were many things to do.


    Xu Qing was training outside, Erniu was even more reluctant to leave the nonhuman race and didn¡¯t return. As for the third brother¡­ he traveled the continent, seeking pleasure and companionship, his whereabouts unknown.


    Her master was in seclusion and the ancestor was experiencing his second spring¡­


    Hence, in the Seven Blood Eyes, she was the only one in this generation who could handle matters.


    Although the other peaks were also assisting, they were mainly led by the Seventh Peak.


    Hence, Second Senior Sister was busy every day.


    Seeing his delicate wife like this, Huang Yan¡¯s heart ached.


    Hence, he had been accompanying her with a fawning expression.


    Sometimes, he would massage Senior Sister¡¯s shoulders, sometimes squatting down to knead her legs, and at times, he would take out the fruits from the table, gently peel them, and tenderly place them at her lips.


    It could be uttered that he was taking care of her meticulously. At the same time, he was also cursing others.


    ¡°I knew Chen Erniu wasn¡¯t a good person the first time I saw him. Now, he¡¯s reluctant to leave the Cloth Race and won¡¯t return, making Senior Sister work so hard. He deserves to die!¡±


    ¡°Old Third is the same as Erniu. He¡¯ll die of exhaustion sooner or later!¡±


    ¡°As for Little Qing¡­¡±


    Huang Yan was about to continue when Second Senior Sister lifted her head and glanced at him.


    Huang Yan hurriedly coughed. He knew that his wife wasn¡¯t good at speaking and expressing herself, but deep down, she had strong feelings for her master and fellow apprentices.


    Hence, he hurriedly changed his words.


    ¡°Erniu is okay, Third Brother is alright too, and Little Qing is the best¡­ come to think of it, I haven¡¯t been in contact with him for several days.¡±


    As Huang Yan spoke, his voice transmission jade slip suddenly vibrated.


    It wasn¡¯t just him. Second Senior Sister¡¯s voice transmission jade slip also vibrated.


    The two took it out at the same time. After each of them listened to the message, they instantly lifted their heads and looked at each other.


    The person who transmitted the message was Erniu.


    Because the Cloth Race was too far away from the Nanhuang Continent, Erniu¡¯s voice transmission had to go through many counties. In the end, it was transmitted to the Nanhuang Continent through the voice transmission array in the Yinghuang Province.


    ¡°Recently, I¡¯ve been feeling inexplicably uneasy. I keep feeling that something has happened. Old Second, Brother-in-law, is Little Qing with you? Is he alright? I can¡¯t contact him!¡±


    Second Senior Sister immediately transmitted her voice to Xu Qing.


    After failing, she transmitted the message to Ancestor Xue Lianzi.


    She remembered that the last time she contacted Xu Qing was to get him to go to the ancestor¡¯s place.


    Very soon, the ancestor sent back a message. After Second Senior Sister saw it, her expression instantly turned solemn as she looked at Huang Yan.


    ¡°Old Fourth is searching for a divine creature, but there¡¯s no news of him at all!¡±


    Huang Yan yawned and smiled comfortingly.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine. There are distortions in many places at the depths of the sea. It¡¯s normal that you can¡¯t get through to him through voice transmission. Moreover, that kid won¡¯t have any troubles against divine creatures. Besides, I left a feather with him. Once there¡¯s an irresistible danger, he will naturally tell me.¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯re worried, I¡¯ll sense his location.¡±


    As Huang Yan spoke, he sensed his feather.


    However, at the next instant, his eyes suddenly widened. Flames rose in his eyes as he sensed that his perception of the feather had disappeared.


    However, he saw the fluctuations in Senior Sister¡¯s emotions, so he pretended to be relaxed and smiled.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I found him. That kid encountered a sea beast that was about to ignite its divine fire. I¡¯ll go deal with it.¡±


    As he spoke, he walked out.


    ¡°Huang Yan.¡±


    Second Senior Sister suddenly spoke.


    Huang Yan stopped in his tracks and turned to look at his beloved wife with a smile.


    ¡°Bring Old Fourth back.¡±


    Second Senior Sister uttered softly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    With a hearty laugh, Huang Yan stepped outwards with a relaxed demeanor. But as his back faced his senior sister, a solemn expression flashed across his face, and he disappeared from the spot in an instant.


    On the Forbidden Sea, in an area that the Seven Blood Eyes couldn¡¯t see, black clouds churned in the sky, covering the sun, causing the black Forbidden Sea to be enveloped in shadow.


    Endless lightning rumbled through the sky as a huge figure that looked like a phoenix and an eagle hooted into the distance.


    Its brown body was like a rock, and its feathers were like lumps of burning flames.


    Wherever it passed, it was as though heavenly fire had descended.


    It was the Flame Phoenix.


    ¡°A certain almighty severed my senses!¡±


    * * *

 Chapter 1428 - Chapter 1428: A Raging Hurricane!

    Chapter 1428: A Raging Hurricane!


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°Something has happened to Xu Qing!¡±


    At this moment, the black clouds in the sky of the Forbidden Sea exploded!


    Crimson flames spread out and swept in all directions, burning even the void.


    It became a sky of fire.


    When the flames landed on the Forbidden Sea, the seawater was also burned.


    It became a sea of fire.


    Aura from the Flame Phoenix¡¯s body followed the burning sky and fused into the sea.


    He asked the sky, the sea, the birds, and the water beings.


    Where was he!


    Amidst the rumbling, countless chaotic thoughts came from all directions and fused into the Flame Phoenix¡¯s consciousness.


    These thoughts rapidly weaved, as though they wanted to tell him a complete piece of information.


    However¡­ a force, intangible, without cause or effect, without thought, arrived silently, turning the world upside down, affecting the void, causing these surging thoughts to instantly become chaotic.


    The eyes of the vast figure that was like a phoenix or an eagle suddenly erupted with flames as he let out a shocking deep shout.


    The shout surpassed the heavenly lightning and exploded.


    It was as though the barrier had been broken, directly causing the interference to collapse.


    After that, over a hundred million perceptions gushed into the Flame Phoenix¡¯s mind.


    Every one of them¡­ actually had Xu Qing¡¯s aura and traces of the Flame Phoenix¡¯s feathers.


    Where these perceptions came from¡­ were the fish in the Forbidden Sea, countless sea beasts, and divine creatures.


    The range was boundless!


    This was clearly impossible.


    ¡°This existence didn¡¯t erase my karma with Xu Qing but scattered it in various directions.¡±


    Huang Yan¡¯s heart sank. He was very clear that those who could do this were at least at the level of gods or Rulers!


    Hence, his huge body descended from the sky and broke through the surface of the sea, directly rushing into the sea. As he sped, countless flames erupted from his body.


    Wherever he passed, the seawater burned with strange flames, changing colors, and rushing towards the hundred million sensations.


    After fifteen minutes.


    In the endless Forbidden Sea, all the existences who were implicated in karma instantly wailed. Their bodies burned with phoenix fire and turned into ashes.


    With the help of these ashes, a deep voice spread in all directions in the Forbidden Sea.


    ¡°The first shakes, the second departs, the third and the eighth are bound, the fourth is celestial, the fifth is aqua, the sixth is swift, the seventh is the gate. On the day of the ninth, the eighth is found, and the ninth and tenth are sought on the mountain.¡±


    This sound echoed and the Forbidden Sea churned.


    The bottom of the sea rumbled and waves surged into the sky.


    The ancient intent erupted, forming a terrifying might that gathered over a hundred million thoughts.


    They were looking for Xu Qing!


    At that moment, in the depths of the sea, in the trench, Transient Evil who had erased all traces of himself in the darkness had completely enveloped the bubble in front of him.


    As it continued to be pulled into his body, the meatball formed by the bubble continued to shrink.


    However, at this moment, his closed eyes suddenly opened. The scissors above his head trembled intensely.


    ¡°Someone sensed it so quickly!¡±


    Transient Evil¡¯s expression was gloomy as he quickly performed a series of hand seals with both hands. As one seal after another was inserted into the scissors, the trembling of the Great Emperor¡¯s treasure eased a little.


    However, at the next instant, the trembling became intense again. There was even a large amount of rust spreading on it.


    It looked like it was about to be broken.


    Seeing this, Transient Evil Eyes directly bit the tip of his tongue and spat out a mouthful of precious Dao blood on the scissors.


    Immediately, the scissors shone with blood light and the trembling eased again.


    However, it was clearly still not enough.


    Very soon, the fluctuations of the scissors erupted again.


    Determination appeared in Transient Evil¡¯s eyes. He slashed fiercely at his left arm. In an instant, his left arm was cut off. After it left his body, it fused into the scissors as though it was being sacrificed.


    He used his left arm to exchange for the release of the pressure on the scissors.


    At the next instant, the erase authority on the scissors emitted an ancient intent. The trembling finally stopped and froze in this state, unable to be shaken.


    However, the price was that other than one of his arms, there was also a shocking crack on the scissors.


    It couldn¡¯t be erased or repaired.


    At the same time, the Flame Phoenix suddenly raised his head the moment the scissors stopped trembling. His eyes revealed an intense sharp glint.


    ¡°The other party¡­ possesses a Great Emperor¡¯s treasure!¡±


    ¡°However, it might have erased all of its traces, but I have found¡­ its origins!¡±


    The Flame Phoenix looked around before locking onto the location of the Evil Life Holy Land.


    When he came into contact with the treasure¡¯s aura just now, he smelled the aura of the Evil Life Holy Land.


    The flames in his heart couldn¡¯t be suppressed anymore and erupted, burning everything. He soared into the sky, sweeping up vast heavenly fire as he headed straight for the Evil Life Holy Land.


    Wherever he passed, the sky would burn and the Forbidden Sea would burn. Terrifying flames swept through everything.


    Awhile later, in the Forbidden Sea trench, the meatbail formed by the bubble that were enveloped by the strands of flesh and blood was finally pulled in front of Transient Evil and fused into his body. It became a sarcoma on his shoulder.


    ¡°Next is assimilation¡­¡±


    ¡°Although the time won¡¯t be short, you won¡¯t be able to escape.¡±


    Transient Evil narrowed his eyes and a cold voice entered the sarcoma. After that, he stood up and looked up.


    He was thinking about his next move.


    He didn¡¯t consider returning to the Evil Life Holy Land.


    That place seemed safe and he also believed that he had done this secretly. However, in the end, he still felt a little uneasy staying in the holy land.


    After all, hiding at home was inappropriate no matter how one looked at it.


    ¡°The ancestor should know my Dao. There¡¯s no need to communicate. We have our own tacit understanding.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­ I¡¯ll hide. I¡¯ll assimilate that kid while waiting for that lord from the Void Star Holy Land to descend.¡±


    Transient Evil muttered inwardly. After the figure of the lord from the Void


    Star Holy Land appeared in his mind, his heart instinctively trembled.


    ¡°The day he descends will be when the holy lands shine in Wanggu.¡±


    He then turned around and headed into the distance.


    As he moved forward, the flesh and blood of his body continued to surge into the sarcoma on his shoulder. He continued to crush and refine it.


    At this moment, a fire storm that swept through the Forbidden Sea was sweeping toward the Evil Life Holy Land with vast and shocking might as the Flame Phoenix spread his wings.


    The sky was completely red.


    The Forbidden Sea burned with endless flames.


    A large number of nonhumans looked at the sky in shock.


    Countless existences under the sea also trembled.


    This was the anger of the Flame Phoenix!


    Second Senior Sister and Huang Yan weren¡¯t the only ones who received Erniu¡¯s voice transmission jade slip.


    Under his inexplicable palpitations and uneasiness, Erniu had transmitted the message everywhere!


    It included all the forces in Fenghai County, the Imperial Capital, the Moon Offering Region, and even the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven¡­


    The content of the message was similar to the one sent to Second Senior Sister but there was an additional sentence.


    ¡°Something has happened to Xu Qing!¡±


    This sentence stirred up a storm even greater than the Flame Phoenix¡¯s current tempest¡­ a raging hurricane in the eastern lands of Wanggu..

 Chapter 1429 - Chapter 1429: Changes of the Forbidden Sea’s Sky!

    Chapter 1429: Changes of the Forbidden Sea¡¯s Sky!


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The phoenix flying over the Forbidden Sea shook all living beings.


    On this day, the sky of the islands of various races within the Forbidden Sea was obscured!


    Crimson light replaced the sky.


    Explosive winds flowing through the air replaced the void.


    Flames sweeping across the sea surface took away the waves¡¯ dominion over the Forbidden Sea.


    They charged in one direction with killing intent and anger!


    Flame Phoenix has gone out to sea!¡±


    That is Flame Phoenix!


    What happened to make the Flame Phoenix so angry!!¡±


    Voices of reverence and horror erupted on the many islands of the Forbidden Sea.


    Countless gazes landed on the vast figure that swept through the world and transformed into a terrifying storm.


    All kinds of guesses spread. However, no matter what, at this moment¡­ the hearts of the various races in the Forbidden Sea who saw this scene stirred.


    Hence, they instinctively looked in the direction of the storm.


    Above the Forbidden Sea, where the once Corpse Forbidden lay, stood the Evil Life Holy Land which was a colossal mountain.


    It was difficult to see the peak of the mountain when one lifted their head and the area it occupied was even vaster.


    From afar, there were countless mysterious runes that were faintly discernible on the mountain. They swam in the light and collided with each other at all times. According to the number of collisions between the runes, rumbling sounds of different sizes rang out.


    Sometimes it was light, as though it was mumbling, and sometimes it was violent, like heavenly lightning.


    This was the protective array of the Evil Life Holy Land. It was set up by the peak Great Emperor of this race back then.


    The reason why holy lands were called holy lands was because of the existence of the Great Emperors.


    Back then, when the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether left, the races with the qualifications to follow him were naturally the races with Great Emperors.


    However, as time passed and some unknown accidents happened, eventually, some Great Emperors died.


    Hence, a yellow-level holy land appeared.


    After the Great Emperor who founded the holy land died and there was no new


    Great Emperor to inherit it, this type of holy land¡­ was the yellow level.


    The situation was the same in the Evil Life Holy Land. However, although the Great Emperor had long died, the mountain-protecting array he set up had protected this race for tens of thousands of years.


    However, as time passed, without the replenishment of the Great Emperor¡¯s power, its might gradually weakened. Now, it had lost its peak might.


    However, it was still powerful.


    At that moment, as the array formation mark shone, the thousands of kilometers of ice sand formed by the melting ice in the surroundings and the Forbidden Sea also trembled slightly, as though they were resonating with the array formation.


    In this area, boats and ships couldn¡¯t enter and sea beasts didn¡¯t dare to come near. It formed a mountain island On the Forbidden Sea, it stood as a mountain island unto itself.


    In addition, the aura of the starry sky emitted by this mountain was ancient and carried an inexplicable might that fused with the Wanggu¡¯s void, forming white fog around it.


    With this mountain as the center, fog scattered in all directions. Compared to the pitch-black Forbidden Sea in the surroundings, the color difference was obvious.


    Hence, during this period, in the hearts of the other races on the surrounding islands, this place was like a fairyland.


    However, today¡­ outside the fairyland, a demonic wind blew and a demonic sound rang out.


    This wind was formed by flames and came from the south. The moment it appeared, the sky was covered in red. It was as though it was dyed in blood, as though doomsday had arrived.


    The black fog that burned the Forbidden Sea churned, as though countless demons and monsters were struggling inside and letting out bizarre murmurs.


    This was a part of the demonic sound.


    The other part was the howling of the wind.


    At this moment, the sky roared, the earth growled, and all living things wailed in anguish.


    Together, they formed a deafening, earth-shaking roar.


    The Evil Life Holy Land was the first to bear the brunt.


    The ice sand on the surface of the sea for thousands of kilometers instantly melted.


    The white fog that enveloped this place was ignited and became a part of the flames. It then rapidly rolled back in the wind, revealing the huge mountain inside¡­


    The crimson completely covered the sky, the burning fire shrouded the Forbidden Sea, and the sounds of storms and howls became the entirety of this area, transforming into a vast figure resembling a phoenix or an eagle.


    It rushed toward the Evil Life Holy Land.


    The moment it got close, this terrifying figure stretched out its huge claws from the black clouds.


    Its claws carried countless bolts of lightning as it grabbed fiercely at the mountain!


    It was as though it wanted to pull this huge mountain up!


    The Flame Phoenix¡¯s claw was like the hand of a god as it descended from the sky. Wherever it passed, the void tore and the world rumbled. Even the Forbidden Sea caved in.


    A terrifying pressure that carried violent anger instantly enveloped the surroundings.


    As it landed, monstrous flames burned all the seawater in the surroundings of the mountain. The flames of the sky enveloped all the areas on the mountain.


    A rumbling sound suddenly tore through the sky and shook the Forbidden Sea.


    Evil Life¡¯s mountain shook intensely.


    However, at this moment, a cold snort suddenly rang out from the mountain. The next instant, all the runes and marks on the mountain rose into the air in unison, forming a huge barrier.


    It was the protective array of the Evil Life Holy Land.


    As soon as the array formation appeared, light circulated, forming a resplendent light that illuminated the surroundings. At the same time, the countless runes inside also emitted vast power.


    This caused the defense of the barrier to reach the extreme and was able to resist the claws of the Flame Phoenix.


    Booming sounds shook the sky.


    The fluctuations that were enough to shake a part of the Forbidden Sea instantly erupted.


    Monstrous waves surged from the sea.


    In the end, the Flame Phoenix¡¯s claws couldn¡¯t land and grabbed the array formation.


    Inside the array formation, all the clansmen of the Evil Life Holy Land were in turmoil. They all raised their heads and looked at the Flame Phoenix that covered the sky outside the array formation.


    While everyone¡¯s hearts were in turmoil, the figure of an old man appeared on the mountain peak.


    It was the peak Ruler ancestor of this holy land.


    He looked outside through the barrier.


    He knew about the Flame Phoenix and its status in the Nanhuang Continent.


    He also had a judgment of its strength and condition.


    And now that he looked at it, his judgment of its strength was basically correct.


    However, there was a huge deviation in his judgment of its condition.


    An extremely rare species in both Wanggu and the starry sky, its divine source is terrifyingly powerful, yet it bears no karma with Desolate¡­¡±


    It walks the path of a god, but¡­ it didn¡¯t ignite the divine fire!


    Evil Life Ancestor¡¯s heart sank.


    Without igniting the divine fire, it is only relying on its divine source to attack the mountain-protecting array. Moreover, although the pressure it displayed wasn¡¯t comparable to the Divine Platform or the Great Emperor, it was on par with mine¡­¡±


    How did it do it?!


    With just the accumulation of divine sources, it actually reached such a shocking level. In that case, if it ignites the divine fire¡­¡±


    Evil Life Ancestor¡¯s expression was incomparably solemn.


    The depth of its foundation can be said to be peerless¡­ and its ambition is also astonishing.¡±


    Does it want to rely on its own accumulation to become a True God in one step the moment it ignites the divine fire?¡±


    However, its body¡­ has flaws!


    It¡¯s trapped! A certain existence trapped it in the sea area of the Nanhuang Continent, preventing it from leaving too far¡­¡±


    Is that why it wants to reach the True God Realm in one go to break through this trap?¡±


    At the thought of this, this Evil Life Ancestor¡¯s expression was solemn as he slowly spoke.


    Fellow Daoist Flame Phoenix, since you¡¯re here, even if you are extremely furious, you still have to give me an explanation for it.¡±


    His voice was like thunder, rumbling through the external world.


    Hand over Xu Qing!¡±


    Outside the array formation, flames rose from the body of the Flame Phoenix, which was pressing its claws on the array formation, emitting an earth- shattering sound.


    The world shook from its voice.


    Xu Qing?


    Evil Life Ancestor¡¯s heart stirred. When he thought of the matter of Transient Evil coming out of seclusion earlier, he already had an answer. It was just that Transient Evil represented the future hope of the Evil Life Holy Land and was also the next and only guardian of the race that he had focused on cultivating.


    His importance surpassed that of all the clansmen.


    Especially given that his old wounds were beyond healing and his end was near, it could be said that even if all his clansmen were gone, as long as the other party remained, the race would naturally continue.


    Otherwise, if Transient Evil perished, and his end came, the Evil Life Holy Land¡­ wouldn¡¯t be able to continue existing.


    There were many other holy lands who coveted the Evil Life.


    In the records of the holy lands, scenes of those holy lands that had lost their rulers in the past tens of thousands of years being divided and devoured could be seen everywhere.


    ¡®Wasn¡¯t the Liaoxuan Holy Land like this back then?¡¯


    Hence, although he sighed inwardly and felt that this matter was incomparably troublesome and contained great danger, he still chose to believe that Transient Evil wasn¡¯t a fool. Since he had done this, it was naturally a decision after weighing the pros and cons.


    ¡®That Xu Qing must have something on him that Transient Evil believes is worth gambling the fate of the entire race!¡¯


    Hence, Evil Life Ancestor frowned and revealed a surprised expression.


    Is this Xu Qing you¡¯re talking about the lord of the Holy Wave and Black Spirit Regions?¡±


    As he spoke, he took out a jade slip and gently squeezed it. Immediately, many figures appeared on it.


    These were all information gathered by the Evil Life Holy Land. One of the figures was none other than Xu Qing.


    Fellow Daoist Flame Phoenix, you¡¯re talking about this human, right?


    I¡¯ve never seen this person before.


    With that, he turned his head and stared at the holy land¡¯s clansmen, calmly asking.


    Have you seen him before?


    The clansmen shook their heads.


    So, Fellow Daoist Flame Phoenix, have you considered that you might be targeting the wrong direction and just bullying unreasonably?¡±


    The Evil Life Ancestor looked at the Flame Phoenix calmly.


    However, the instant he finished speaking, killing intent flashed in the eyes of the Flame Phoenix outside the array formation. It flapped its wings and its huge body rushed into the sky.


    In an instant, it arrived high in the sky and then dove toward the mountain like a flaming meteor!


    It didn¡¯t slow down at all.


    Wherever it passed, the void shattered and the world trembled. The seawater boiled and a terrifying aura descended.


    The flames in the surroundings exploded violently.


    This scene caused the heart of the Evil Life Ancestor inside the barrier to sink. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes and he was about to augment the power of the array formation to face the next attack of the Flame Phoenix.


    However, at this moment, the world rumbled. A huge teleportation array actually broke through the void here and forcefully appeared in the air.


    The aura of the Moon Offering Region erupted violently from this vast teleportation array.


    As the aura spread out and pressured the surroundings, a cold voice echoed through the air like sword qi.


    So what if we bully you?


    Whether we¡¯ve targeted correctly or not, we¡¯ll make our own judgments!


    As the voice rang out, Old Ninth of the Moon Offering Region walked out of the array formation.


    He was clearly only at the Soul Accumulation realm, but at this moment, he revealed a sharpness that could threaten a Ruler.


    Behind him, the heir, the Third Princess, the Fifth Princess, and Old Eighth walked out one after another. Their auras rose and the power of their authorities erupted much more powerfully than before.


    Li Zihua¡¯s children had obtained authorities in the Soul Accumulation Realm.


    Back then, even Mystic Nether praised them as great heaven¡¯s chosens.


    Once tormented by the Crimson Goddess, they would never again conform after regaining their freedom!


    At this moment, they were here.


    After receiving the news from Erniu and knowing that something had happened to Xu Qing, they rushed over immediately. At the same time, they also brought the Moon Rebel Hall, Li Zihua¡¯s supreme treasure back then.


    What was even more astonishing was that if Xu Qing or Erniu were here, they could clearly sense that their bodies emitted Li Zihua¡¯s aura.


    At the same time, behind them, Ling¡¯er also took a step forward anxiously and glared at the holy land.


    Seeing this, the Flame Phoenix¡¯s diving figure paused. This was because the instant the Moon Offering appeared, vast teleportation arrays appeared one after another.


    Countless cultivators¡¯ killing intent rose and gathered together, forming a shocking baleful aura as they lined up from the array formation.


    That was the army of the Holy Wave Large Region!


    They were here to rescue their lord!


    There were also countless purple-robed Black Heaven priests. They all had the Purple Moon totem on their foreheads. They came from¡­ the Purple Moon temples and were here to fight for Lord Purple!


    After that, as the minds of the people from the Evil Life Holy Land rumbled and the Evil Life Ancestor¡¯s heart churned, an even more majestic teleportation array shone above the holy land.


    A terrifying power of fortune erupted from the array formation. As it swept in all directions, an endless army of cultivators walked out with shocking killing intent.


    At the front was King Zhen Yan!


    It wasn¡¯t over¡­


    This was because gods¡¯ aura was approaching from time!


    The wind and clouds surged in the Forbidden Sea, and the sky changed color!

 Chapter 1430 - Chapter 1430: Divine Decree of the East

    Chapter 1430: Divine Decree of the East


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The sky churned, causing waves akin to fish scales, vast and sweeping, spreading beyond the visible horizon.


    As if a presence crushed the clouds and scattered them like petals across the sky, decorating the void.


    Within the clouds and mist, dewdrops gathered to form a river called Time, churning waves of time that flowed from a distance and halted above the Evil Life Holy Land.


    Suppress this mountain, suppress the cultivators in the mountain, and suppress the sea.


    The Evil Life Holy Land shook and the array formation barrier fluctuated intensely.


    The hearts of the cultivators were shocked. All of them panted and their souls trembled.


    The seawater in all directions completely caved in, forming a huge vortex. It was so deep that one could see the dilapidated Corpse Forbidden.


    Its aura was imposing and earth-shattering.


    It attracted all the attention here.


    Under the attention of all parties, a god walked over from the waves in the sky.


    This god wore an imperial robe formed by divine aura and an imperial crown formed by fortune. He was expressionless and divine fire spread out from His entire body. At the same time, the aura of death spread densely.


    As for His eyes, they were completely calm, like stagnant water.


    However, there was great terror hidden in the stagnant water.


    It was fine if it didn¡¯t erupt, but once it did, it would instantly emit a destructive light.


    That was the divine authority of war!


    The god who walked over was none other than¡­ the Human Emperor Eastern Triumph among the five Human Emperor Corpse Gods!


    He came over with His eyes closed. The moment He descended, His eyes suddenly opened, revealing His pitch-black eyes. An extreme sense of destruction and power erupted from His body.


    He stared at the Evil Life Holy Land!


    Amidst the rumbling of the holy land, the divine voice from the Eastern Triumph echoed vastly.


    ¡°By the decree of Empress Parting Summer, I am here to inquire of the Holy Land of Evil Life: by involving our Grand Tutor Xu Qing in your karma, are you all seeking death for your entire race?¡±


    As soon as Eastern Triumph¡¯s voice rang out, it was like heavenly lightning had exploded.


    Parting Summer was the Empress¡¯ imperial title.


    All the Evil Life cultivators in the holy land were horrified. Only the Evil Life Ancestor frowned and was about to speak.


    However, at this moment, in the River of Time in the sky, waves rumbled and the river instantly turned pitch-black. A cold feeling suddenly erupted.


    Countless corpses appeared in the long river and let out mournful cries.


    Corpses also appeared on the Forbidden Sea.


    The Corpse Forbidden was even more shaken.


    It was as though there were signs of recovery.


    This was because the descending darkness came from the divine authority of the underworld.


    Under the envelopment of this aura of death, the sky turned into pitch-black river water and a god appeared.


    He also wore an imperial robe formed by divine aura and an imperial crown formed by fortune.


    The person who came was the Human Emperor Mystic War!


    The instant He appeared, his power overflowed into the sky.


    Two of the five Human Emperor Corpse Gods of the human race had arrived!


    At this moment, the clansmen of the Evil Life Holy Land couldn¡¯t help but tremble. Even the heart of that Evil Life Ancestor sank heavily.


    His gaze landed outside the array formation.


    To the east of the mountain-protecting array, there were countless troops from Fenghai County. They were on guard, as though they could charge and crush everything in the next instant.


    In the south was King Zhen Yan. Killing intent rose and the human army behind him emitted a monstrous murderous aura.


    The Moon Offering Region was in the north. Its aura was sharp and indicated endless killing.


    In the west¡­ the two gods¡¯ might enveloped the area and shook the sea.


    Above him was the Flame Phoenix. Although it had stopped diving, as it spread its wings, its might shocked the nine heavens.


    Endless killing intent suppressed the Evil Life Holy Land from all directions.


    They were all here for Xu Qing!


    The sigh in Evil Life Ancestor¡¯s mind became even more intense.


    However, the arrivals continued.


    The sky was torn apart at this moment.


    A giant that was hundreds of thousands of feet long tore through the sky and laughed sinisterly at the Evil Life Holy Land below. After that, it moved aside, revealing the world behind it.


    The divine mountain of the three Flame Moon Gods appeared in the rift.


    Although there was a rift between them, the gods¡¯ aura still spread out even more astonishingly at this instant. A cold voice rang out from a god and followed the rift in the sky, landing on the Forbidden Sea.


    ¡°Those who dare to touch my race¡¯s Grand Mystic Heaven are the enemies of my Flame Moon Mystic Heaven!¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, the waves of the Forbidden Sea were also affected. They flowed slowly and an intense pressure descended from the rift, causing the array formation of the Evil Life Holy Land to ripple even more.


    The expression of Evil Life Ancestor was extremely solemn.


    He naturally knew about the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven and understood how terrifying the three flawlessness gods were.


    What happened today made him change his understanding of Xu Qing from just information to experiencing it personally.


    Xu Qing¡­ had great significance in Wanggu¡¯s eastern area.


    Transient Evil touched someone who couldn¡¯t be touched.


    Evil Life Ancestor realized everything. It was just that¡­ once he admitted what had happened today, regardless of whether Xu Qing was alive or dead, Transient Evil would definitely die.


    If Transient Evil hadn¡¯t advanced to the Sovereign Realm, this matter would be simple. He would definitely find the culprit and try his best to resolve it. Even if the other party was executed, it would be insignificant compared to the race.


    ¡®However¡­ the moment Transient Evil advanced to the Ruler realm, the meaning of his existence was the meaning of the race¡¯s existence.¡¯


    At the thought of this, Evil Life Ancestor sighed again. He knew that it was impossible for him to tell the truth. No matter what, he, who wasn¡¯t far from the end of his life, had to protect Transient Evil.


    This was the wisest choice in the midst of uncertainty.


    ¡®Transient Evil, I hope your choice is correct.¡¯


    Evil Life Ancestor muttered inwardly. After that, he took a deep breath and looked at the various parties outside before speaking.


    ¡°As the current ancestor of the Evil Life Holy Land, I swear on the Dao!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen Xu Qing, whom you guys are looking for. Xu Qing¡¯s matter has nothing to do with me or my race¡¯s holy land.¡±


    ¡°My race¡­¡±


    Evil Life¡¯s voice echoed but before he could finish speaking, his expression suddenly changed drastically. He retreated and his cultivation base erupted with all his might.


    Previously, when the Flame Phoenix arrived, he was solemn.


    When the Moon Offering came, his expression was solemn.


    The appearance of Fenghai County and the human army made his heart sink.


    The descent of the two gods of the human race made it troublesome for him.


    Flame Moon¡¯s appearance made him feel wariness.


    However, this time, he was horrified!


    Almost at the instant he retreated, a woman¡¯s hand appeared out of thin air outside the holy land¡¯s array formation and gently pressed down.


    With this push, the array formation protecting the holy land suddenly rumbled, emitting a deafening sound. At the same time, the entire array formation echoed with the sound of shattering.


    Cracks swept in all directions with the palm as the center.


    In an instant, this array formation was like a spider web, on the verge of collapse. As the holy land¡¯s mountain swayed and a large amount of spiritual energy surged in, it attempted to repair it.


    However, that hand seemed to suppress everything and isolate it.


    It contained a domineering will as it ruthlessly pressed inward.


    In that instant, it was as though the world had collapsed.


    The array formation barrier around the Evil Life Holy Land had guarded this race for countless years and needed at least a peak Great Emperor to break through.


    However, the erosion of time had weakened its power, and the Evil Life Holy Land had not seen another Great Emperor in many years, making it difficult to replenish the array.


    Hence, at this moment, the power from that hand finally touched the critical point of this array formation.


    After that, the array formation was like a shattered mirror¡­


    Amidst the shocking sounds, it instantly exploded.


    It shattered and collapsed.


    Countless array formation fragments transformed into a storm that swept toward the holy land with a terrifying pressure and speed.


    The expression of the Evil Life Ancestor changed drastically as he retreated. At the same time, he had already raised his hands. Under the eruption of his cultivation base, he went all out to block it.


    For a time, there were endless rumbling sounds.


    In the end, although he barely blocked the storm, it was only a portion.


    30% of the array formation fragments landed on the holy land.


    The mountain of the holy land trembled and countless cracks instantly appeared. This was especially so for the peak of the mountain, which was directly erased.


    As for the evil life cultivators¡­ many of them didn¡¯t even have time to react before their bodies turned to ashes under the storm.


    Only at this moment did the owner of the hand slowly reveal their figure.


    The instant they appeared, regardless of whether it was Fenghai, Holy Wave, Moon Offering, or the Flame Phoenix, all of them lowered their heads.


    ¡°Greetings, Empress!¡±


    The person who came was none other than the human Empress, Parting Summer.


    It wasn¡¯t Her main body but a projection.


    However, even so, the might of the Divine Platform was still enough to shake everything here.


    Her tall and straight figure was like a mountain. Fortune surrounded Her and She shone brightly. She stood outside the collapsed array formation and looked at the damaged Evil Life Holy Land mountain and the pale-faced Evil Life Ancestor as She calmly spoke.


    ¡°Xu Qing is indeed not here and you have nothing to do with him.¡±


    ¡°However, there¡¯s still one more Ruler of your race.¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯ve given up on cooperating, Evil Life Holy Land shall be sealed for now. If Xu Qing dies, your race will be buried with him.¡±


    With three sentences, the sealing power from the Divine Platform descended violently, enveloping the Evil Life Holy Land and landing on all their clansmen, becoming shackles.


    Even that ancestor was no exception.


    After the shackles wrapped around them, the heavy pressure caused all the members of the Evil Life Race to kneel down. Many of them spat out blood and their bodies showed signs of collapsing.


    As for that ancestor, he tried but couldn¡¯t resist this seal¡­


    In the end, he lowered his head.


    Only the Empress stood in the world and looked into the depths of the Forbidden Sea before looking in the direction of the Nanhuang Continent.


    A few breaths later, She seemed to be in deep thought. She retracted Her gaze and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Seal Eastern Wanggu, teleportation and cross-region movements will not be permitted. Send the decree of the human race to all the forces in the Eastern Wanggu.¡±


    ¡°Anyone who finds my race¡¯s Grand Tutor, Xu Qing, will be bestowed with a divine fire opportunity.¡±


    ¡°The sky, the earth, the rivers, vegetation, all living beings, the Heavenly Daos, and the gods, listen to my orders!¡±


    The Empress¡¯ voice was heard by countless living beings and existences in the entire east of Wanggu, including the Forbidden Sea. All of their hearts rumbled and stirred greatly.


    Countless divine creatures became excited. A large number of foreign races felt huge waves in their hearts and greed rose.


    Immediately after, the words that caused the hearts of all the existences in the Eastern Wanggu to fluctuate intensely again spread in all directions from Flame Moon¡¯s direction.


    ¡°Spread the decree of the Flame Moon to the Eastern Wanggu. All living beings, listen up. The gods have issued an order and all living beings shall obey.¡±


    ¡°Those who find my race¡¯s Grand Mystic Heaven, Xu Qing, will be bestowed with a divine fire opportunity.¡±


    The human race¡¯s decree, the Flame Moon¡¯s decree. The overlapping of these two decrees made it the supreme will of the Eastern Wanggu.


    Now, it was like a meteorite had fallen into the sea, stirring up endless waves, turning into a tsunami, a hurricane, and erupting in every area in the eastern part of Wanggu.


    This was something that had never happened in the countless years in the east of Wanggu.


    Everyone went crazy over the divine fire and began to search for Xu Qing!


    This was especially so for those divine creatures. They were even more restless than ever.


    Gods were no exception. This was because the divine fire opportunity didn¡¯t only refer to ignition but also included the advancement of fire.


    At this moment, in the Forbidden Sea, Transient Evil, who had erased all traces of himself and even transformed into the appearance of a human, was carefully moving forward.


    The sarcoma on his shoulder was also changed by him, transforming into a large sword that seemed to be on his back.


    ¡°Kid, although the pagoda you¡¯re in is profound, some things are predestined.¡±


    As he moved forward, Transient Evil calmly transmitted his voice.


    In the damaged pagoda in the large sword, Xu Qing closed his eyes and continued to meditate..

 Chapter 1431 - 1431 The Pressure on Transient Evil

    1431 The Pressure on Transient Evil


    ¡°Xu Qing is missing!¡±


    ¡°The human race¡¯s decree states that those who find Xu Qing will obtain the opportunity to obtain divine fire!¡±


    ¡°Flame Moon also issued a similar decree!¡±


    The decree of the human race and the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven, as well as their rewards, ignited an uproar among all living beings.


    This wind rose from the Forbidden Sea, causing waves in the Nanhuang Continent and the Yinghuang Province. It transformed into a storm that spread to Fenghai County and even the Holy Wave Large Region. In the end, it became a hurricane that swept through the entire Wanggu Eastern Region.


    In the Wanggu Eastern Region, all the large regions, counties, provinces, races, forces, sects, regardless of whether they were good or evil¡­ waves stirred in their hearts.


    They immediately issued a mission to find Xu Qing.


    In an instant, figures soared into the sky from various races and forces and quickly investigated their surroundings.


    There were also some people with powerful cultivation who brought the treasures of their forces to investigate even further.


    There were also sects and races that almost sent out their entire force to join the search.


    The Wanggu Eastern Region was in an uproar.


    At every moment, countless cultivators were searching for Xu Qing.


    Even the plants, mountains, rivers, the very earth, and countless divine beings went mad at this moment.


    The opportunity to achieve the divine fire was a monstrous fortune in itself.


    One had to understand that igniting divine fire was an extremely arduous process, with a highly complex ritual. The uncertainties involved, along with the preparation time and materials required, were incredibly variable, lengthy, and precious.


    For example, Crimson Goddess¡¯ Divine Son back then, the Great Magistrate of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race, had gone through this process, but they still failed.


    From this, one could see how difficult it was.


    However, now, the Empress of the human race, the immortal who had transformed into a god and reached the Divine Platform in one step, had given Her word.


    Her story had long spread throughout Wanggu, so if She said that She would give a divine fire opportunity, then the possibility of success would clearly be infinitely great.


    As for Flame Moon¡¯s decree, it made this opportunity even more tempting, causing countless existences to go crazy.


    One Divine Platform, three flawlessness gods, and their joint divine fire opportunity¡­ It was basically certain that the probability of success was almost a hundred percent!


    Hence, roars of many divine creatures resounded everywhere as they flew out of their territories and began to search.


    There were also gods at the divine fire stage who woke up from their resting places and spread out their divine auras, sweeping through the Wanggu Eastern Region.


    They had no distinction between good and evil, no boundary between right and wrong; they pursued only omniscience!


    As for omniscience, it required an increase in their divine status.


    Finding Xu Qing represented a step forward in the path of omniscience.


    Hence, it wasn¡¯t an exaggeration to say that Wanggu Eastern Region erupted solely for Xu Qing on this day!


    Everyone knew about it.


    Such an event caused Xu Qing¡¯s name, which was originally eye-catching, to become extremely resplendent. He was like the brightest star, shining in Wanggu.


    The vast and shocking hurricane that happened in the east of Wanggu was also known by other areas of Wanggu. This caused Xu Qing¡¯s name to spread even more. At the same time, it also allowed the entire Wanggu¡¯s forces to truly sense¡­ the peak authority of the east.


    This authority naturally came from the human race and Flame Moon.


    In the eyes of powerful races like the Empyrean Crimson Land, the Northern Fate Royal Family, and the Underworld Origin Corpse Race, searching for Xu Qing was just the surface of this matter.


    The true meaning of this event was the first display of power and will after the alliance between the human race and the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven!


    They were using this event to inform others of the might of the overlords of the Eastern Wanggu!


    This might indeed shocked everyone.


    The powerful races like the Empyrean Crimson Land sensed this intensely.


    Those yellow-level holy lands that had landed in the east like the Evil Life Holy Land also sensed this.


    They immediately ordered their clansmen to return and restrained themselves. They didn¡¯t dare to complicate matters and attract trouble at this moment.


    Hence, under the display of the authority and will of the human race and Flame Moon, the shocking hurricane that was activated to search for Xu Qing grew larger and larger, replacing the will of the heavens and everything.


    Discussions from various factions about this matter were also part of the hurricane.


    For example, at this moment, on an island of the Sea Elephant Race near the Yinghuang Province, the members of the Sea Elephant Race who were discussing this hurricane in the marketplace were a microcosm of the Eastern Wanggu Region¡¯s discussions.


    The Sea Elephant Race, although humanoid, looked very different from humans.


    Their average height was about ten feet, their entire bodies were covered in fine blue scales, and their most distinctive feature was their long noses, which hung down to their chests like elephant trunks.


    Additionally, their faces had many tentacles, giving them a strange and fierce appearance.


    However, their temperament was much gentler compared to some more violent races. Furthermore, given their proximity to Yinghuang Province, their island served as a place for resupply.


    Hence, there were many cultivators from the other races in the markets of this island.


    At this moment, the marketplace was very lively and filled with endless voices. However, what rang out the most wasn¡¯t the sounds of trading but the news about this hurricane and Xu Qing¡¯s name.


    ¡°Xu Qing could be said to be quite famous in the Forbidden Sea even before this!¡±


    ¡°He came from the Nanhuang Continent and is a disciple of the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes. In the past few decades, he has become a legend step by step!¡±


    ¡°However, it¡¯s still unimaginable that his disappearance would cause such a storm!¡±


    ¡°This matter is too crazy!¡±


    ¡°One person stirred the entire Eastern Wanggu!¡±


    Amidst the many discussions, a middle-aged human cultivator wearing tight-fitting clothes and carrying a large sword on his back walked through the crowd. The cultivation base he revealed was at the perfected Foundation Building realm.


    Those voices kept entering his ears. His expression was as usual as he listened and moved forward.


    This person was none other than Transient Evil.


    Although he had hidden all his traces and karma, he still needed some information from the outside world to know the waves caused by his actions.


    Previously, although the Flame Phoenix¡¯s investigation was fruitless, Transient Evil felt an intense sense of danger.


    Hence, he came here.


    As he listened, when the discussion in the market spoke of the Evil Life Holy Land, he stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°So what if it¡¯s a holy land!¡±


    ¡°Although that Evil Life Holy Land did many good deeds previously, they clearly harbored malicious intentions. Moreover, they are so bold and reckless. They actually participated in Xu Qing¡¯s disappearance.¡±


    ¡°Truly stupid! Don¡¯t they know who Xu Qing is?!¡±


    ¡°The Flame Phoenix descended for Xu Qing. The Fenghai County army arrived to rescue their savior, the experts of the Moon Offering Region came with a domineering aura, the human army emitted deterring force, the three gods of the Flame Moon showed their might, and the two gods of the human race appeared.¡±


    ¡°Even the Human Empress walked over. She destroyed the defense of this holy land with a single palm strike, suppressed its ancestor, and even sealed it!¡±


    ¡°Have you heard? That Empress uttered that if Xu Qing dies, the holy land will be buried with him!¡±


    ¡°The Empress¡¯ words were even more domineering.¡±


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re talking about. ¡®The sky, the earth, the rivers, vegetation, all living beings, the Heavenly Daos, and the gods, listen to my orders!''¡±


    Discussions continued and there were even more people talking passionately about it.


    However, no one noticed that there were obvious fluctuations in the eyes of the middle-aged cultivator in the crowd.


    ¡°Looks like your name is Xu Qing.¡±


    Transient Evil¡¯s divine sense fused into the large sword on his back and he slowly spoke.


    In the broken pagoda, Xu Qing calmly opened his eyes. Although he couldn¡¯t sense the outside world, he already made some guesses after hearing Transient Evil¡¯s words. Hence, he calmly replied.


    ¡°To be able to know my name, I think the outside world already knows about my disappearance. In that case¡­ the Evil Life Holy Land you¡¯re in should be in an unknown state now.¡±


    Transient Evil didn¡¯t speak. Regarding his holy land, while killing intent filled his heart, the pressure was also incomparably great.


    When he chased after Xu Qing, although he didn¡¯t know the other party¡¯s identity, he could more or less sense it from those terrifying karma threads. This was also the reason why he was so careful.


    He was also mentally prepared.


    However¡­ this matter actually caused such a drastic change in the Eastern Wanggu, causing him to have no choice but to admit that he had still underestimated this human named Xu Qing. The deep and terrifying connections the latter had could not be described with just terrifying.


    ¡°To be able to destroy the holy land¡¯s array formation with a single palm strike, could this Empress¡¯ cultivation have reached the Great Emperor realm¡­ Also, I wonder what level the gods of the Flame Moon are at.¡±


    ¡°But no matter what, to be able to command the Eastern Wanggu, this matter has become even more troublesome¡­¡±


    Transient Evil¡¯s heart grew increasingly gloomy. Standing on this island, he felt inexplicably uneasy and turned to leave.


    However, at this moment, he frowned and looked into the distance.


    At the next instant, the entire island trembled violently.


    This tremor affected the entire island. While countless planters were in shock, a deafening boom rang out and a huge head suddenly rose from the sea outside the island.


    This head looked like the head of a crocodile and was the size of half the island. It was covered in pitch-black scales and emitted terrifying divinity.


    The waves in the surroundings swept over with an astonishing aura.


    When those members of the Sea Elephant Race saw this terrifying existence, they were all in a daze, then seemed to recall something. Their expressions changed drastically, and they instantly fell to their knees.


    Their priests flew out excitedly and bowed piously.


    This divine creature was the god their race had worshiped for many years.


    However, for countless years, in the records of the race, this divine existence seemed to be a legend. No matter how they summoned it, there was no response at all.


    It didn¡¯t appear even during the few life-and-death crises in the history of this race that forced them to migrate to another island.


    As a result, even the priests thought that the divine creature the ethnic worshiped was really a legend that was fabricated by their ancestors.


    However, today, this being¡­ actually appeared.


    The moment it appeared, a vast divine sense easy-going out in all directions, echoing like a roar.


    ¡°Help me¡­ find¡­ Xu Qing!¡±


    As soon as this divine sense appeared, the minds of the entire Sea Elephant Race, from top to bottom, rumbled. They instinctively responded while kneeling.


    This divine creature¡¯s divine sense swept across the island and searched before returning to the bottom of the sea where it easy-going out its divine sense again and searched.


    As for Transient Evil, his figure had already blurred and dissipated the moment the divine creature appeared.


    When he reappeared, he was already at the depths of the sea with an extremely gloomy expression.


    The information from before made him feel that the matter was troublesome. After witnessing the hunt of the divine creature with his own eyes, he understood that this was definitely not an exception.


    Hence, a sentence he had heard from the Sea Elephant Race surfaced in his mind.


    ¡°The sky, the earth, the rivers, vegetation, all living beings, all living beings, the heavenly law, and the gods, listen to my orders!¡±


    Transient Evil fell silent. However, at the next instant, his eyes revealed a cold glint and determination.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s see how strong your determination to find Xu Qing is, and whether you truly have the power to command all living beings!¡±

 Chapter 1432 - Chapter 1432: Transient Evil’s Breakdown

    Chapter 1432: Transient Evil¡¯s Breakdown


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Two days later.


    In the Southern Isle Region, which, like the Holy Wave Large Region, bordered the sea, within a desolate mountain range, Transient Evil, having transformed into the form of a different race, was swiftly traversing the terrain.


    During these two days, he had been moving while concealing himself. He first decided to move on the seabed and head to the outer sea.


    In his opinion, since everyone in the Eastern Wanggu was looking for Xu Qing, it should be much safer for him in the outer sea.


    Although endless danger permeated the outer sea and he didn¡¯t dare to rashly step in, it was relatively more suitable for hiding.


    However, after he sensed an invisible seal isolating the inner and outer seas, he had no choice but to give up on this choice.


    This seal came from the decree of the human race and the Flame Moon Mystic


    Heaven Race. It used divine might to surpass the rules and form a seal.


    Once someone came into contact with it, it would be difficult for them to hide.


    After staring at it for a long time, Transient Evil¡¯s heart sank.


    In the end, he changed directions.


    He originally planned to find a place at the bottom of the sea to continue hiding. However, in the past two days, he sensed that the number of divine senses at the bottom of the sea was increasing explosively at every moment.


    There were more and more of them, and they became denser.


    It was as though all the divine creatures in the inner sea had joined the search.


    Even the seawater felt a little abnormal. It was as though the undercurrents outside his body had inexplicably increased.


    Moreover, Flame Phoenix is constantly searching. If this continues, the Great Emperor¡¯s treasure won¡¯t be able to hold on much longer¡­ I have to leave this range!¡±


    Due to the pressure and the rising sense of danger, after Transient Evil gave up on going to the outer sea, he also gave up on hiding in the inner sea. Hence, he arrived at the Southern Isle Region that wasn¡¯t within the scope of Fenghai County.


    There were almost no human forces in this region and it was controlled by seven medium-sized races. They rarely interacted with the outside world. To a certain extent, it could be considered a place isolated from the world.


    Moreover, the terrain in the region was mainly mountains, and the border area was an endless desert.


    However, although this region seemed to be suitable for concealment, it was precisely due to this that it would attract more attention.


    Hence, it was a choice made helplessly by Transient Evil.


    But even if this is also in the Eastern Wanggu, it¡¯s not a place directly controlled by the human race¡­¡±


    With such thoughts in mind, Transient Evil who stepped into this region changed his appearance many times on the way. He cautiously cut off all traces and karma and carefully sped through the desolate mountainous ranges.


    At the same time, he was also refining the broken pagoda, trying to assimilate Xu Qing into his body as soon as possible.


    However, the power of the broken pagoda was mysterious and the bubble¡¯s rejection still existed. Hence, the refinement process was incomparably slow.


    This increased Transient Evil¡¯s sense of urgency.


    What made him even more frustrated was Xu Qing, who was in the broken pagoda.


    The other party had caught some information from his previous sentence.


    Hence, during these few days, Xu Qing¡¯s resistance became even more intense.


    From time to time, he would even transmit some divine sense.


    Although these divine senses had been severed by him and couldn¡¯t be transmitted outside, they still caused his heart to gradually turn gloomy.


    ¡°You chose not to answer the question from last time. Looks like the Evil Life


    Holy Land you¡¯re in is indeed in turmoil.¡±


    Xu Qing sat cross-legged and meditated. Now that almost half of his injuries had recovered, he transmitted his divine sense.


    No response.


    Or perhaps¡­ it no longer exists.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm. Under the guidance of divinity, he was extremely rational. Hence, even though he didn¡¯t like to speak much, he needed to judge the information of the outside world through this Ruler¡¯s reaction.


    Then, you should be fleeing, right? Fleeing from the pursuit of the human race and avoiding the search from everywhere.¡±


    Xu Qing continued.


    However, Transient Evil wasn¡¯t a stupid person. No matter what Xu Qing said, there was no response.


    However, the gloominess in his heart grew increasingly dense.


    Fortunately, his judgment of the Southern Isle Region seemed to be somewhat correct. After entering the Southern Isle Region for a few days, he didn¡¯t sense divine sense searches like in the inner sea.


    Hence, after weighing the pros and cons, he chose a cave, preparing to hide for some time and refine the broken pagoda with all his might.


    However, this comfort only lasted for a few hours.


    When night fell, outside the cave where Transient Evil was, the world rumbled as powerful divine senses swept out in waves.


    That was the sensing of the experts in this region.


    Transient Evil immediately opened its eyes, extremely vigilant.


    An hour later, these divine senses dissipated.


    However, before he could heave a sigh of relief, an even more terrifying will accompanied by divine might swept past him.


    The range covered all directions. Wherever it passed, the sky would surge and the ground would tremble. All the mountains were shaking.


    This was a god.


    Transient Evil¡¯s expression changed. He immediately took out the pair of scissors and used the erase authority. At the same time, a strong wind howled outside the cave he was in.


    A bizarre voice seemed to spread with the wind.


    Xu Qing, Xu Qing, Xu Qing!


    The sound was hoarse and carried an indescribable rhythm that echoed in all directions.


    This was a god unleashing Its divine authority and calling out the name.


    Wherever the sound spread, the color of the world changed. The large sword behind Transient Evil trembled even more. Xu Qing, who was in the broken pagoda, suddenly opened his eyes.


    At this moment, Transient Evil made a prompt decision. He bit the tip of his tongue and spat out his precious Dao blood onto the scissors.


    The scissors vibrated and more rust appeared on it. Finally, with a snip, everything was erased.


    After a long time, the sound gradually dissipated.


    As for Transient Evil, his countenance was already pale.


    He didn¡¯t dare to stay here any longer. After confirming that the god had left, he immediately walked out. He didn¡¯t put away the scissors either and maintained the erase authority as he moved forward rapidly.


    Just like that, another two days passed. He crossed countless mountain ranges and changed directions many times before finally entering a desert.


    During these two days, it could be said that Transient Evil¡¯s heart skipped a beat many times. He had encountered the divine senses of the gods many times. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that he had the Great Emperor¡¯s scissors, he would have been discovered long ago.


    But even with the Great Emperor¡¯s Scissors, such frequent use came at a great cost.


    Moreover, he had spat out Dao blood many times, causing his cultivation that had just advanced to become a little unstable.


    However, he had no choice.


    At that moment, the sense of oppression in his heart was already extremely intense. Hence, in this desert, he transformed into sand and moved forward with the wind.


    On the first day, everything was normal.


    The next day¡­ Transient Evil who was carefully moving suddenly stopped. He heard a ballad.


    Five kilometers of sand, search and seek,


    Fifty kilometers of marsh, trawl and peek,


    Five hundred kilometers of graves, run and flee,


    Five thousand kilometers of bamboo, you¡¯ll be found,


    Transient Evil, Transient Evil, where are you,


    I will wait here until I find you.


    This ballad was bizarre and its tone was sinister. When it landed in Transient Evil¡¯s heart, it became a shocking wave.


    This was because his name was actually mentioned!


    At the next moment, the entire desert trembled as the ballad echoed. Countless grains of sand floated in the air and gathered into small sand hands that swayed like a grassland.


    The sound of the ballad came from every grain of sand.


    As it echoed and swayed, a great sense of horror suddenly descended on the horrified Transient Evil.


    It transformed into an intense life-and-death crisis.


    Transient Evil¡¯s breathing was hurried. Without any hesitation, he self- destructed half of the sand grains he had transformed into, forming a large amount of Dao blood that landed on the scissors.


    Crack.


    Cutting off one¡¯s karma, cutting off one¡¯s traces, cutting off time, and even using the source of the scissors itself.


    At the next instant, everything in the surroundings became blurry with Transient Evil¡¯s perception. When everything became clear again, he had already left the area of the desert. With the power of the scissors, he forcefully teleported and appeared in a swamp in an unknown area.


    As soon as he appeared, he couldn¡¯t help but spit out a large mouthful of blood.


    Before the blood could fall, he instantly grabbed it, wiping it away.


    He couldn¡¯t leave any traces.


    The terror in his eyes was extremely obvious.


    What level of god is that¡­ Just a little more and he would know everything about me!!¡±


    Transient Evil¡¯s breathing was hurried. On this escape, the situations he encountered became increasingly dangerous and bizarre. Even though he was a Ruler, he still sensed the danger to his life.


    At that moment, before he could see his surroundings clearly, his already turbulent heart suddenly churned again.


    This was because¡­ in this swamp, the water was fluctuating, the mud was shaking, the withered trees in the surroundings were swaying, and the insects in the mud were twisting.


    All things seemed to have gained a will.


    There wasn¡¯t much will, as though it was only instincts. However, this instinct¡­ was to search for him and Xu Qing.


    Hence, in the perception of Transient Evil, the feeling of danger erupted once again.


    He didn¡¯t have time to think and could only activate the source power of the scissors again. His figure was instantly cut off and he disappeared without a trace.


    After teleporting several times, as the cracks on the scissors increased, the mentally and physically exhausted Transient Evil finally appeared on a bare mountain that looked like a lonely tomb.


    At this point, the palpitations slowly dissipated.


    However, his heart was like the ground that had been baked by the scorching sun. It was incomparably dry and cracked, and it was enveloped by anxiety.


    Xu Qing¡¯s divine sense also transmitted over at this moment.


    Your time is running out.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± This time, after experiencing many dangers, Transient Evil finally couldn¡¯t help but reply.


    Although it was just two words, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly gleamed.


    He got his answer.


    Looks like your time¡­ is really running out.


    Transient Evil¡¯s expression was gloomy as he severed Xu Qing¡¯s divine sense.


    Killing intent rose in his heart.


    Then let¡¯s see if I¡¯ll refine you first or if they will find me first!


    With that, he was about to leave the mountain when endless clouds suddenly appeared in the sky.


    It was like an ocean that was churning over.


    In the clouds, one could faintly see a huge baby crawling rapidly.


    The vast heavenly might descended at this moment. Accompanying it were the cries of the baby calling out for its father.


    The sound carried anger.


    As this voice echoed, the laws trembled and the rules prostrated.


    Transient Evil¡¯s eyes widened as he cried out involuntarily.


    Heavenly Dao!


    As he inhaled, he activated the scissors again, forming an isolating force. The scissors cut the senses again, and cracking sounds rang out from it.


    Now, there were so many cracks on it that it looked on the verge of falling apart. Transient Evil disappeared again.


    When he reappeared, he had completely lost his way. He could only rely on his instincts and speed all the way. During this time, he heard the cries of the baby and sensed gods¡¯ auras many times. Every time, he couldn¡¯t care less about his heartache as he activated the power of the scissors.


    At the same time, he spat out blood again and again.


    On the eighth day of his escape, he, who was exhausted to the extreme, arrived at an area.


    There was no almighty being¡¯s divine sense here, no cries of a baby, and no mumblings of gods. There was only¡­ a bamboo forest that spanned five thousand kilometers.


    A red bamboo forest!


    A cool breeze blew past and the bamboo forest swayed like a red sea. The sound that came with its swaying was not the rustling of leaves but rather the soft, whispering noise of wind sweeping through a desert, stirring up grains of sand.


    Accompanying this sound was a ballad that caused Transient Evil¡¯s mind to collapse.


    Five kilometers of sand, search and seek,


    Fifty kilometers of marsh, trawl and peek,


    Five hundred kilometers of graves, run and flee,


    Five thousand kilometers of bamboo, you¡¯ll be found,


    Transient Evil, Transient Evil, where are you,


    I will wait here until I find you.


    This ballad was like heavenly lightning. At the same time that Transient Evil¡¯s mind collapsed, a god walked over from the bamboo sea.


    Because of His arrival, the sky shone with red light.


    Because of His appearance, the ground emitted red fog.


    Time was dyed red by His arrival.


    All the redness came from the sky and time, gathering into a red robe!


    It was a handsome middle-aged man, with long flowing hair, each strand glistening with light. The divine aura emanating from Him made the sun and moon pale in comparison.


    This god was called Jade Flowing Dust!


    He walked step by step to the trembling Transient Evil and chuckled.


    Transient Evil, Transient Evil, where are you? I will wait here until I find you.


    Transient Evil¡¯s mind completely collapsed and he lost all resistance. Even his thoughts stopped at this moment.


    Only the ballad kept echoing in his mind, confirming everything he had experienced on his way here.


    Simultaneously, in the endless void, a procession of countless clay figures, carrying a shrine, walked through time. Their destination was the bamboo forest where Jade Flowing Dust was located.


    Erniu was among the mud figures, fiddling with the heavenly vine, sensing the direction.


    Useless Niu, you don¡¯t have to torture your thin vine anymore. I already know


    Xu Qing¡¯s location.¡±


    A lazy voice emanated from within the shrine.

 Chapter 1433 - 1433 Storyteller God

    1433 Storyteller God


    Outside the vast bamboo forest, a gentle breeze arose. The red bamboo swayed in the wind, and the rustling sound reverberated.


    It wasn¡¯t heavenly music, but it was better than heavenly music.


    The roaring in Transient Evil¡¯s mind also surged with it, becoming part of this heavenly symphony in his world.


    It spread throughout his body, causing his entire form to gradually tremble, and his thoughts to rapidly dissipate.


    However, the speed of dissipation wasn¡¯t fast, so he had some time to recall this journey.


    Five kilometers of sand represented the desert he had gone to, fifty kilometers of marsh represented the swamp he had fled to, five hundred kilometers of graves referred to the bare mountain that looked like a tomb, and the five thousand kilometers of bamboo referred to the forest in front of him.


    The ballad bore witness to his journey.


    It was as though from the moment he stepped into the desert, everything about him was in the ballad the other party had woven.


    This was a strange divine authority.


    Its name was Story.


    After Transient Evil realized this divine authority, he completely lost all his thoughts and his mind turned blank.


    His gaze was also blank and dazed as he looked at the bamboo forest and the god standing in front of him.


    In his sight, the other party¡¯s figure was infinitely large, as though He controlled everything and knew everything.


    He seemed to have become a character in a story, staring at the creator.


    He couldn¡¯t think because the thoughts of characters were all bestowed by the storyteller.


    He couldn¡¯t move because the character¡¯s actions were also given by the storyteller.


    In fact, he even lost the feeling of fear.


    To a certain extent, this storyteller could be considered compassionate.


    At that moment, the compassionate Jade Flowing Dust raised His right hand and made a gentle motion. Instantly, the sound of tearing echoed as the great sword embedded in Transient Evil¡¯s back was ripped away from his flesh.


    It slowly flew up.


    As disgusting flesh and blood slid down in the air, they revealed the dim bubble and broken pagoda.


    ¡°Eh, there¡¯s someone here.¡±


    As Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s lips curled into a smile and his voice sounded, Xu Qing silently stood up within the pagoda. He stepped out of the pagoda and, with a single stride through the bubble, appeared before Jade Flowing Dust.


    ¡°Greetings, Senior.¡±


    Xu Qing lowered his head.


    Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s appearance wasn¡¯t within his expectations. He had considered the possibility of someone coming to save him, but no matter how he analyzed it, Jade Flowing Dust had never been a possibility.


    Even though this god had cooperated and helped the Sword Holding Great Emperor before he died, He gave Xu Qing an impression of unpredictability and strangeness, both in actions and thoughts.


    Joy, anger, good, and evil were all interchangeable with a thought.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this the Sword Holder¡¯s successor?¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust smiled faintly.


    Xu Qing retracted his thoughts and bowed respectfully.


    ¡°Senior, I will remember your kindness for saving my life.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust smiled and waved his right hand Instantly, stalks of bamboo flew over and assembled into a bamboo table in front of him, upon which he placed five teacups.


    A stove also appeared out of thin air beside it, with a worn-out teapot on it being heated by flames.


    The teapot contained water that began to boil, and then five streams of water flew out, each landing in one of the five teacups. The aroma immediately spread, filling the air.


    After doing this, Jade Flowing Dust sat cross-legged and took a sip of the teacup in front of him.


    ¡°Are you saying you will remember with your current divinity, or with the fading humanity you are about to lose?¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it and took out a blank bamboo slip from his storage bag. He then carved six words on it.


    Jade Flowing Dust, done great favor.


    Xu Qing placed the jade slip back in his storage bag and looked at Jade Flowing Dust.


    ¡°Remember it with this.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust raised an eyebrow, revealing a playful expression, and carefully scrutinized Xu Qing for a few moments.


    ¡°Interesting. Well then, sit down and have some tea.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He sat at the side and picked up a teacup.


    The scalding tea flowed down his throat and exploded within him, forming a wave of heat that instantly spread throughout his entire body. It surged into his mind, churning up all of Xu Qing¡¯s memories from childhood to the present.


    These memories were like images that surfaced in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    He saw Peerless City, the misery when he was young, the silence after the first killing, Grandmaster Bai¡¯s death, the relations in the Seven Blood Eyes, the distortion when he faced Purple Green, the figures of the old Palace Master, Kong Liangxiu, and the Sword Holding Great Emperor¡­


    He also saw Zi Xuan, Ling¡¯er, and Eldest Senior Brother¡­


    However, these experiences that belonged to him and all these scenes were indescribably unfamiliar now. It was as though he was looking at the life of someone else.


    The joy and sorrow inside couldn¡¯t affect his heart at this moment.


    At the next instant, under the heat of the tea, the colors of these memories became increasingly vibrant. The emotions of joy, anger, and sorrow that jumped out of them became increasingly obvious.


    In the end, they were magnified endlessly, rumbling in his mind.


    Boom!


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled. He could sense joy.


    Boom!


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart stirred. He felt horror, followed by anger, fear, and sadness¡­


    All kinds of human emotions and desires returned at this instant.


    The world became different in his eyes.


    There was more color.


    Xu Qing abruptly raised his head. His breathing was hurried and his expression wasn¡¯t as calm as before. He could sense that the humanity he had no choice but to suppress was rising.


    It reached a balance with the divinity that he had deliberately magnified.


    As a result, his killing intent toward Transient Evil erupted uncontrollably, causing Xu Qing to turn his head and look at the dazed Transient Evil at the side. The killing intent in his eyes was intense.


    However, very soon, he took a deep breath and retracted his gaze. He looked at Jade Flowing Dust in front of him and stood up to cup his fists. He then bowed again.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior!¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust took a sip of tea and calmly spoke.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me. The main reason I¡¯m here is because I¡¯m curious.¡±


    Xu Qing hesitated as thoughts spun in his mind. He couldn¡¯t figure out what the other party was curious about.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious about the condition of the person formed from Desolate¡¯s flesh and blood. This has never happened before you.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I came.¡±


    ¡°In fact, even if I hadn¡¯t come, the person to save you would have arrived soon.¡±


    ¡°So, you don¡¯t have to thank me. I don¡¯t want to have karma with you.¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the three additional cups on the bamboo table other than his and Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s.


    ¡°However, speaking of which, what happened to you this time is quite interesting¡­¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust smiled and waved his hand at the dazed Transient Evil.


    Transient Evil shook and his perception recovered. His body also regained mobility. His pupils contracted as fear returned.


    After doing this, Jade Flowing Dust continued unhurriedly.


    ¡°Although his scissors is not bad¡­ if he can¡¯t escape my eyes, how can he escape the eyes of that Empress of your human race? Moreover, your master didn¡¯t do anything from the start.¡±


    ¡°You might not know¡­ but during the few days you disappeared, the human race and Flame Moon jointly issued a decree. The effect was extremely powerful, achieving a perfect collaboration that unified the will of the Eastern Wanggu.¡±


    ¡°It intimidated the other regions and the holy lands that descended on your Eastern Region.¡±


    ¡°At the same time, using the search for you as a pretext, they rationally arranged military forces and strategic deployments. Some of these arrangements¡­ even I cannot fully discern.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust praised.


    Xu Qing could hear the hidden meaning in Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s words and sighed.


    As for Transient Evil, when he heard this, his breathing clearly became even more hurried.


    ¡°I think the next move of the Empress should be¡­ using your incident as a pretext, and to prevent similar occurrences, She will rationally and forcefully disperse all the holy lands in the Eastern Region after demonstrating Her deterrence.¡±


    ¡°With such a method, She only needs to pay a small price to purge the Eastern Region. No wonder the Sword Holder chose to fulfill Her wish.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust narrowed His eyes and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°It¡¯s quite tough on you. All these hardships¡­ it turns out gods are indeed heartless. So pitiful, so pitiful.¡±


    Xu Qing helplessly looked at Jade Flowing Dust.


    ¡°Senior¡¯s words have a profound meaning¡­¡±


    When Jade Flowing Dust heard this, he smiled happily. He was deliberately trying to sow discord for no other reason than fun.


    However, very soon, He couldn¡¯t smile anymore.


    Xu Qing spoke politely.


    ¡°But, Senior, my perspective isn¡¯t that narrow¡­ If things are really as you say, then I believe even more that my master has been paying attention to everything.¡±


    ¡°Is it possible that Senior¡¯s appearance was also within my master¡¯s expectations?¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Jade Flowing Dust and voiced softly.


    Jade Flowing Dust blinked. Xu Qing¡¯s words made Him feel that it wasn¡¯t that interesting anymore. Hence, He fell into deep thought.


    At this moment, there was madness in Transient Evil¡¯s eyes. Taking advantage of this opportunity, his body suddenly rumbled and his entire cultivation base erupted. He didn¡¯t care about the price, didn¡¯t care about expending his Dao blood, and didn¡¯t care about anything else as he retreated at full speed.


    The Great Emperor¡¯s scissors above his head suddenly materialized and swiftly cut toward him.


    With a cracking sound, it seemed to cut through the void.


    Transient Evil suddenly disappeared.


    Xu Qing coldly looked over. Jade Flowing Dust didn¡¯t even turn around as He calmly spoke.


    ¡°Kid, let me tell you a story.¡±


    ¡°In the story, there¡¯s a cultivator called Transient Evil. He walked through five kilometers of sand, fifty kilometers of marsh, five hundred kilometers of graves, finally arriving at the forest of five thousand kilometers of bamboos. Then he got lost, but managed to teleport back by luck. In the end, to show his gratitude, he decided to explode and bloom like a flower. After that, he drank a cup of tea.¡±


    Just as Jade Flowing Dust finished speaking, the void in front of him where Transient Evil had disappeared earlier distorted. The figure that had become even weaker and was about to collapse materialized again.


    The moment he appeared, Transient Evil gazed around at the scene and people who seemed unchanged from when he had left a month ago. His expression grew even more horrified, and the terror in his eyes surged once more.


    A month ago, after he severed the karma here, he didn¡¯t hesitate to use the source of the scissors in exchange for teleportation.


    Finally, he escaped from this place. In the next month, he experienced many life-and-death situations and passed through countless areas until¡­ he returned here.


    At that moment, as he trembled, he gazed at Jade Flowing Dust and without hesitation, chose to self-destruct.


    This was the only way he could think of to escape now.


    However, at the next instant, when he woke up, the scene in front of him was still not the scene he had imagined. He was still looking at the bamboo forest, Xu Qing, and Jade Flowing Dust.


    He didn¡¯t wake up at the predetermined location but here.


    ¡°Have some tea,¡± Jade Flowing Dust uttered calmly.


    Transient Evil stared blankly at the teacup in front of him. In despair, he trembled as he picked it up and drank it in one gulp.


    At the same time, the distant horizon suddenly turned gray, as if transforming into sludge. As it spread in all directions, a procession made up of countless clay figures, carrying an altar, marched toward them.


    In the procession, Erniu had an excited expression that was filled with joy as he waved at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Little Qing, Eldest Senior Brother is here!¡±

 Chapter 1434 - 1434 Now, Im the Hunter (1)

    1434 Now, I¡¯m the Hunter (1)


    Looking at the clay figures and altar in the sky, Xu Qing immediately understood who was here.


    As for Erniu¡¯s figure, it also caused Xu Qing¡¯s fatigue from being refined and chased to dissipate a little.


    At the next instant, the team of clay figures appeared above the forest.


    Erniu, who was in the procession, walked over quickly in high spirits. After he landed beside Xu Qing, he punched Xu Qing¡¯s shoulder. A gentle force spread out and spread throughout Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    Sensing the weakness in Xu Qing¡¯s body and the traces of his body collapsing many times, Erniu didn¡¯t say anything on the surface. He only winked at Xu Qing and laughed.


    ¡°Junior Brother, did you miss me especially when you were fleeing for your life?¡±


    ¡°Without me around, you must have found it hard to eat well, sleep soundly, and you must have felt especially out of sorts. Even your cultivation must have felt bland, as if something was missing from your life.¡±


    ¡°I guessed correctly, right? Haha, you don¡¯t have to be shy. It¡¯s fine, just admit it boldly.¡±


    Erniu was smug but he didn¡¯t forget to flatter Jade Flowing Dust. Hence, after he finished speaking, he bowed to Jade Flowing Dust with a flattering expression.


    ¡°This distinguished and elegant senior, with a graceful demeanor and majestic presence, whose noble and proud aura commands the admiration of the four seas, must be the legendary Jade Flowing Dust, the one who makes gods bow, dims the heavens and earth, and causes the stars to shine brighter. I am Chen Erniu, paying my respects to you, Senior!¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust, who was sitting there and drinking tea, swept His gaze across Erniu. He blinked and revealed a hint of interest.


    ¡°Xu Qing, your eldest senior brother is indeed very hardworking. He was the first to notice your disappearance and sent jade slips across most of the Eastern Wanggu.¡±


    Looking at the eldest senior brother in front of him and hearing Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s words, Xu Qing revealed a smile for the first time in this period of time.


    Just as he was about to speak, the altar in the air shone. A gust of wind blew over and lifted the cover of the altar slightly, revealing a clay fox enshrined inside.


    This clay fox statue was still inanimate a moment ago, but in the blink of an eye, it seemed to have come alive and colors appeared on it. Immediately after, it came alive and became a charming woman.


    She walked down the altar and walked toward the bamboo forest.


    As She walked, Her ample bosom responded to the waves, and Her hourglass figure, with its incredibly slender waist and curvaceous hips, instinctively made people gasp and their hearts race.


    She was the epitome of perfection.


    Especially striking was the semi-transparent red gauze draped over Her body, seemingly ready to slip off at any moment.


    Her translucent skin and shapely figure, moving gracefully, exuded a tantalizing allure that seemed to plant a seed of desire in anyone¡¯s heart, ready to take root and grow.


    At that moment, She descended into the bamboo forest, appearing beside Xu Qing. Her lazy yet seductive voice echoed in all directions.


    ¡°Stinky brother, you actually gave your yang essence to someone else behind my back. I originally didn¡¯t want to come to save you.¡±


    As soon as this voice rang out, Xu Qing didn¡¯t know how to respond. He could only brace himself and greet.


    ¡°Greetings, Senior.¡±


    The clay fox let out a soft snort. Her beautiful eyes swept past Xu Qing and revealed a hint of satisfaction.


    ¡°However, what the bull said isn¡¯t wrong. You¡¯ve changed your body, so it¡¯s indeed equivalent to your yang essence returning.¡±


    When Erniu heard this, he coughed and patted his chest.


    ¡°Of course, I wouldn¡¯t dare lie to you. Besides, after changing bodies, my junior brother is definitely more passionate than before. Look at this body, absolutely explosive. Just look at his vitality; it¡¯s enough to set the heavens and earth ablaze.¡±


    After saying that, he even winked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing remained silent. The captain¡¯s words made him feel strange.


    ¡°Forget it, forget it. I won¡¯t argue with you.¡± The clay fox seemed to be extremely tempted. Her charming gaze swept past Xu Qing and She instinctively licked Her lips.


    ¡°Seductress.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust said faintly.


    Star Flame turned a deaf ear to His words and turned to look at Transient Evil.


    The moment She looked over, Her gaze instantly turned cold, as though She was looking at a dead person.


    ¡°You¡¯re the filthy thing who doesn¡¯t know the meaning of death, trying to scheme against Xu Qing¡¯s body?¡±


    Erniu also turned his head. His eyes were filled with killing intent and coldness.


    Erniu wasn¡¯t sure how much murderous intent the others had toward Transient Evil, but he knew that the current him had an extremely intense desire to kill Transient Evil.


    Previously, he seemed relaxed and spoke smugly to Xu Qing to ease Xu Qing;s fatigue conveyed about by the dangerous journey.


    In reality, the nervousness he felt on the way was rare in his life.


    This was especially so after he sensed Xu Qing¡¯s weakness and the traces of his body collapsing many times. Overflowing anger had long risen in his heart. This anger wasn¡¯t only directed at Transient Evil but also at the Empress.


    ¡®I¡¯m not a person with a broad vision, so¡­ turning something that shouldn¡¯t have been so complicated into this mess, I¡¯ll remember this!¡¯


    Erniu snorted coldly inwardly. The killing intent in his gaze when he looked at Transient Evil grew even denser.


    Transient Evil shuddered, his mind had long collapsed. He could tell that the woman who had arrived was also a god and¡­ there was actually the aura of a Divine Platform on her body.


    That was a sign of the peak of the flawlessness stage.


    All of this caused him to feel deep despair. He understood that he couldn¡¯t escape. At this moment, he only wanted to die as soon as possible. That was his only chance of survival.


    However, the self-destruction earlier was useless.


    ¡°Only by being killed by other gods can I sever it¡­¡±


    At the thought of this, his hopelessness changed into madness. The aura of his body erupted at this moment as he took a step ahead and headed straight for Xu Qing. He gazed like he was attacking but he was actually courting death.


    Xu Qing was calm. He didn¡¯t dodge and only stared coldly at Transient Evil.

 Chapter 1435 - 1435 Now, Im the Hunter (2)

    1435 Now, I¡¯m the Hunter (2)


    At the next instant, Star Flame lightly touched Transient Evil¡¯s forehead.


    Transient Evil¡¯s rising cultivation base instantly collapsed. His body trembled and he was like a deflated balloon, directly shriveling up. Regardless of whether it was his aura or his body, they were extremely weak.


    However, he didn¡¯t die.


    Star Flame¡¯s voice also caused the dispirited him to tremble even more.


    ¡°Because what is here isn¡¯t all of you, so you want to die early, right?¡±


    Star Flame calmly spoke, revealing the truth.


    What appeared here wasn¡¯t all of Transient Evil but only a part of him.


    After sensing Xu Qing¡¯s karma, how could he not be prepared? In order to prevent his ultimate failure leading to death, he used the immortal art left behind by his race while chasing after Xu Qing.


    This immortal art was bizarre. The principle was to engrave one¡¯s memories and send them into the bodies of other living beings like seeds.


    After triggering the awakening condition, this memory would erupt. It would be like the cycle of reincarnation, allowing the life occupied by his memories to become the new him!


    According to his plan, if his trip was smooth, then this immortal art naturally didn¡¯t need to be activated. However, if it wasn¡¯t smooth¡­ After using death as the trigger condition, although he would die, he would be revived to a certain extent.


    However, right now, he wanted to trigger the immortal art, but death had become extravagant.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. His eyes were filled with coldness as he walked toward Transient Evil who was suppressed by the Star Flame God and couldn¡¯t resist at all.


    The moment he got close, Transient Evil raised his head and looked at Xu Qing. He looked at this human who he had chased all the way and almost assimilated. He tried his best to move the corners of his mouth and reveal a disdainful expression. His gaze even emitted killing intent.


    He didn¡¯t speak, but the meaning was already revealed from his expression.


    He was telling Xu Qing that if it wasn¡¯t for someone helping you, you would have long become a part of me. You¡­ are nothing.


    Xu Qing understood this expression and knew that the other party was asking for death.


    Hence, after he got close, he put away the other party¡¯s storage bag. With a raise of his right hand, a dagger appeared and he stabbed Transient Evil.


    It was instantly penetrated. As blood flowed, Xu Qing expressionlessly slashed again.


    A total of eight slashes.


    From the moment he saw Transient Evil until today, nine days had passed.


    However, he only stabbed eight times.


    After that, as Transient Evil¡¯s entire body was covered in blood and his breathing was weak, the shadow under Xu Qing¡¯s feet instantly spread and enveloped Transient Evil.


    Under Xu Qing¡¯s divine sense, the little shadow instantly opened its mouth and devoured Transient Evil¡¯s shadow.


    At the same time, the heavenly vine crawled out of Xu Qing¡¯s body and opened its mouth sinisterly. It also rushed toward Transient Evil and entered his body through the wounds, biting crazily.


    An indescribable pain caused Transient Evil¡¯s eyes to turn bloodshot and he let out hissing sounds. It was a sound that came out as he forced himself to not wail.


    He wanted to die.


    However, the pace of death was a little slow.


    After torturing the body, Xu Qing raised his right hand and pressed it against the top of Transient Evil¡¯s head. He began¡­ Soul Refinement!


    His soul threads were already exhausted and needed to be replenished.


    The soul of a Ruler was naturally the most suitable nourishment.


    At the next instant, the trembling of Transient Evil¡¯s body suddenly intensified. The intense pain brought about by the collapse and refinement of his soul surpassed physical pain.


    He instinctively wanted to resist but the pressure from Star Flame High God shattered all his resistance.


    He was like a fish on the chopping board, letting Xu Qing to refine him.


    Just like how he wanted to refine Xu Qing previously.


    Everything was reversed.


    As time flowed by and the refinement continued, as Xu Qing¡¯s soul threads reformed, this endless pain caused Transient Evil to be unable to hold it in anymore. His face distorted and he let out a heart-rending wail that echoed in all directions.


    Hearing the wails, Xu Qing¡¯s expression was still calm. When the number of soul threads in his body had completely recovered and he was saturated, he looked at Erniu.


    Erniu naturally knew about Xu Qing¡¯s meaning. He licked his lips and took a step over. As Transient Evil shook, he raised his hand and pressed down as well.


    In the blink of an eye, the shadow of the Heavenly Hound appeared behind Erniu. It devoured fiercely with greed and killing intent.


    Immediately, the wails of Transient Evil became even more miserable.


    After about fifteen minutes, Transient Evil¡¯s soul had already collapsed and shattered. Only a trace was left, causing his life to still persist.


    As for the soul of a Ruler, it wasn¡¯t something Xu Qing and Two Ox could accommodate now. During this process, Star Flame helped and crushed the part they couldn¡¯t devour for the time being into soul pearls.


    Such spirit pearls were crystalline and resplendent. Any one of them could make cultivators go crazy.


    That was refined from the soul of a Ruler and its value was extraordinary.


    Xu Qing¡¯s vengeance wasn¡¯t over. After he finished refining the soul, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. The Profound Sun Immortal Light Technique erupted from his body and formed a large sun that rose into the air. At the same time, a Golden Crow manifested within it and spewed out the fire that refined all living beings.


    This fire combined with the immortal light technique formed a terrifying might that immediately enveloped Transient Evil¡¯s body.


    Finally, under the devouring of the Golden Crow and the flames, Transient Evil¡¯s body was devoured, continuing to be burned and refined.


    Xu Qing¡¯s goal was to see if he could refine Transient Evil¡¯s erase authority.


    At that moment, as Transient Evil¡¯s body was devoured, there was only a broken pair of scissors left on the ground.


    Xu Qing grabbed it and put it away. A hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes.


    ¡®Since you wanted to refine me, I will refine everything you have.¡¯


    After doing this, Xu Qing turned and bowed to Jade Flowing Dust and Star Flame.


    Jade Flowing Dust put down His teacup and gazed at Xu Qing, calmly speaking.


    ¡°You owe me one. When you¡¯re done with these things, I¡¯ll come to you.¡±


    With that, His figure turned blurry and gradually disappeared with the surrounding bamboo forest.


    After He left, everything in the surroundings changed into¡­ a vast desert.


    As for Star Flame, She gazed at the place where Transient Evil had disappeared and chuckled.


    ¡°Do you want me to help you find the rest of that dirty thing?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°Xu Qing will remember the grace of the high god. I can handle the rest myself.¡±


    The corners of the Star Flame God¡¯s lips curled into a smile. She spoke the same words as Jade Flowing Dust, but the meaning seemed to be a little different..


    ¡°Alright, you owe me a favor. When you¡¯re done with these things, I¡¯ll look for you.¡±


    As She spoke, Star Flame licked Her lips, Her charm becoming even more intense.


    Xu Qing hesitated.


    Star Flame let out a coquettish laugh. Her graceful body swayed as She walked into the altar. After She sat down, She transformed into a statue. The clay figures procession moved forward again, gradually disappearing into the distance.


    Only Xu Qing and Erniu were left in the desert.


    Erniu gazed at Xu Qing and grinned.


    ¡°Little Qing, what are you going to do next?¡±


    A chill rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart and his killing intent grew dense. He gazed in the direction of the Forbidden Sea and narrowed his eyes. His voice was like a sharp blade.


    ¡°He still owes me a knife wound. Now, it¡¯s my turn to hunt him down.¡±


    ¡­


    In the depths of the Forbidden Sea, a huge plesiosaur was chasing its prey in the undercurrents.


    Its huge body sped at the bottom of the sea. However, just as it caught up to its prey and opened its mouth to devour it, it suddenly trembled and its gray eyes shone with a colorful light.


    A memory that didn¡¯t belong to it erupted in its mind, turning into a storm that swept through everything, affecting its body, causing it to directly collapse.


    Flesh and blood scattered in all directions.


    However, at the next instant, these shattered pieces of flesh and blood rapidly gathered together, forming a humanoid body.


    Its eyes suddenly opened. At first, it was at a loss, then it sobered up and its expression darkened.


    ¡°It seems that my main body has failed!¡±


    As he mumbled, the person formed from the flesh and blood of the plesiosaur warily surveyed his surroundings as uneasiness rose in his heart.


    ¡°I wonder if the one who killed my main body was the one in that kid¡¯s karma¡­¡±


    ¡°However, no matter what, my current state is extremely weak and I no longer have the power of a Ruler. In that case, according to my original plan, I need to find a place to hide for some time.¡±


    At the thought of this, he suppressed the anxiety in his heart and moved while concealing himself.

 Chapter 1436 - Chapter 1436: Today, All Living Beings Stand For Him (1)

    Chapter 1436: Today, All Living Beings Stand For Him (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios | Editor: Atlas Studios


    Near the coast of the Southern Isle Region, a roaring sound echoed from the sky, deafening and intense. Additionally, a great wind was stirred up, transforming into a sweeping storm between heaven and earth.


    It shook the surroundings.


    Within the storm, two figures could be seen, moving forward with astonishing speed.


    As they passed, it was as if they carved two long scars across the sky, swiftly extending across the heavens and tearing through the void with ease.


    The various forces of Southern Isle, divine creatures, the hidden gods here, and even all living beings in this world, as long as they had perceptive abilities, only stared after sensing Xu Qing¡¯s figure and didn¡¯t obstruct them at all.


    They looked at him because the huge waves caused by Xu Qing¡¯s disappearance during this period had affected too large a range and the situation it stirred up was even more monstrous. Xu Qing¡¯s name was already completely illustrious.


    He was the Flame Moon Grand Mystic Heaven and the human race¡¯s Grand Tutor.


    In the east of Wanggu, he could be said to have an extremely high status!


    The entire Wanggu was stirred up to find him..


    The human Empress and the three Flame Moon Gods took this opportunity to display their will to the extreme and tell the world who the rulers of the Eastern Wanggu were!


    Therefore, even though there were very few humans in the Southern Isle Region¡­ as they were in the Eastern Wanggu, they had to listen to the joint decree of the human race and the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    Hence, under the gazes of everyone, Xu Qing and Erniu headed straight for¡­ the Forbidden Sea after leaving the desert.


    The news of Xu Qing escaping quickly spread. When the various large regions in the Eastern Wanggu found out, the decree from Xu Qing also immediately reached the Holy Wave and Black Spirit!


    ¡°Holy Wave, Black Spirit, declare war on Evil Life!¡±


    As soon as this decree appeared, it shook the heavens and the earth.


    The two large regions of Holy Wave and Black Spirit, with Fenghai County as the core, immediately boiled over. Large-scale teleportation arrays were mobilized.


    Teams of battle-hardened cultivators stepped into the arrays under the orders of their region lord and descended¡­ on the Evil Life Holy Land, joining up with the army from before.


    A great battle was about to begin!


    At the same time, the Nanhuang Continent also sent out its decree.


    ¡°Nanhuang Continent, declare war on Evil Life!¡±


    The divine creatures from the Phoenix Forbidden rushed out one after another under the Flame Phoenix¡¯s decree, causing endless waves in the world.


    ¡°Seven Blood Eyes, declare war on Evil Life!¡±


    On the various islands of the Forbidden Sea, there were countless sounds from the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ troops. All their killing intent was directed at Evil Life.


    ¡°Moon Offering Region, declare war on Evil Life!¡±


    The heir and the others hadn¡¯t left the Forbidden Sea. After knowing that Xu Qing had escaped and hearing the declaration of war, their voices echoed in the void.


    In an instant, the forces Xu Qing belonged to were in an uproar. Array formations continuously appeared around the sealed Evil Life Holy Land. This was Xu Qing¡¯s hunting momentum.


    I he first step of his hunt for Transient Evil was to uproot his holy land!


    Xu Qing was extremely vengeful. This was the case when he was young.


    Even if they only showed hostility to him and didn¡¯t act, he would still kill them in advance, let alone Transient Evil who made him have a close experience with death.


    Moreover, Transient Evil was a Ruler of the Evil Life Holy Land. Even though Evil Life Holy Land couldn¡¯t stop him due to various reasons, the seed of hatred couldn¡¯t be resolved.


    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case¡­¡±


    Killing Transient Evil wasn¡¯t enough.


    If he wanted to kill, he would kill more. If he wanted to destroy, he would destroy a holy land.


    Only then would there be no future troubles.


    ¡°Also, to find traces of Transient Evil, I need the bloodline of his clansmen!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were filled with monstrous killing intent.


    The captain licked his lips as his eyes gleamed with bloodlust.


    ¡°Little Qing, there¡¯s no problem with your thoughts. Some things indeed don¡¯t need to be fed to you. While it may taste good that way, it lacks the experience of peeling it open yourself.¡±


    ¡°Since you want to experience it, after sacrificing the Evil Life Holy Land, I will personally use the bloodline of this race to set up the Ruthless Dao of Great Five Bulls Tracing the Origin!¡±


    ¡°Use this to lock onto the location of that b*stard and go kill him!¡±


    The captain¡¯s murderous voice echoed. After the howling sound tore through the clouds, they finally stepped into the sky of the Forbidden Sea. They didn¡¯t stop at all. Under the waves of the sea and the churning sky, they headed straight for the Evil Life Holy Land.


    Countless sea beasts could be seen leaping up from the sea. Sea waves swept through everything and gathered toward the Evil Life.


    One could even see divine creatures walking out of the depths of the sea. Their target was also the Evil Life Holy Land.


    When the two of them appeared in the territory of the Evil Life Holy Land, what entered Xu Qing¡¯s eyes was a majestic and soul-stirring scene.


    Countless banners fluttered in the wind.


    Countless cultivators lined up in all directions. At this moment, their baleful auras shook everything, causing the weather to change and a storm to surge. These cultivators included the army of the Holy Wave Large Region, the priests of the Black Spirit Region, the human army, and the many Forbidden Sea races that were allied with the Seven Blood Eyes.


    There were also cultivators from the Moon Rebel Hall!


    The boundless army surrounded the Evil Life Holy Land.


    There were also many figures in the sky that warmed Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    There was the heir, Third Grandma, Fifth Grandma, Eighth Grandpa, and Ninth Grandpa.


    Ling¡¯er was also among them.


    There was also King Zhen Yan and all the ancestors of the Seven Blood Eyes, including Xue Lianzi.


    Experts from the two regions, Holy Wave and Black Spirit, also appeared.


    As for the top, it was the Flame Phoenix that covered the sun. Its entire body was surrounded by endless flames, forming a sea of fire that burned the sky. Second Senior Sister stood on the Flame Phoenix.


    Everyone was ready.


    They were only waiting for Xu Qing!


    Xu Qing walked over step by step from the sky.


    His footsteps landed, forming a rumbling sound. The arrival of his figure transformed into an imposing aura.


    ¡°Greetings, Region Lord!¡±


    ¡°Greetings, Grand Tutor!¡±


    ¡°Greetings, Dao Child!¡±


    ¡°Greetings, Master of Moon Rebel!¡±

 Chapter 1437 - Chapter 1437: Today, All Living Beings Stand For Him (2)

    Chapter 1437: Today, All Living Beings Stand For Him (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Different titles echoed from the various forces¡¯ armies. Though the words varied, the respect and fervor within them were unmistakably identical.


    He was the region lord of the Holy Wave and Black Spirit.


    He was the Grand Tutor of the human race.


    He was the Dao Child of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    He was the master of the Moon Rebel Hall!


    These were all things he had obtained step by step with his own strength!


    Originally, as Xu Qing was training, he didn¡¯t reveal all his identities. He only wanted to follow his master¡¯s request and temper himself.


    However, since Transient Evil wanted him dead during this training process, he came today.


    He was going to erupt with all his forces.


    As he walked over, thunder rumbled and deafening rumbling sounds rang out.


    He was just fifty kilometers away from the holy land.


    As for the Evil Life Holy Land, the array formation had already collapsed. All the clansmen inside trembled and revealed despair.


    Under the pressure from all directions, most of their bodies and souls felt as though they were being tortured. As they moved, blood flowed from the corners of their mouths.


    Evil Life Ancestor¡¯s expression was even more gloomy. In the past few days, he had been making preparations. However, when he saw Xu Qing¡¯s figure walking over from the horizon, his heart skipped a beat.


    The worst-case scenario occurred.


    ¡°Transient Evil¡­ failed¡­¡±


    Evil Life Ancestor felt a strong bitterness. He stared at Xu Qing who was walking over and no longer hesitated. His gaze shifted away and landed on King Zhen Yan in the sky.


    ¡°King Zhen Yan of the human race, please inform Empress Parting Summer that our Evil Life Holy Land is willing to surrender and become a subsidiary of the human race!¡±


    ¡°These words are sworn in the name of my race and its fortune. If the human race agrees, our race will abide by this oath for generations to come!¡±


    As the master of the Evil Life Holy Land, Evil Life Ancestor naturally had his own strategies. Ever since he decided to protect Transient Evil, he had already analyzed everything.


    Now that the worst outcome had appeared, there were very few choices left for him.


    Although¡­ he knew that that lord from the Void Star Holy Land had a monstrous cultivation base and once he betrayed them, the odds were against him. But now¡­ he had no other choice.


    Hence, he continued.


    ¡°This old man is more than willing to be branded with the Empress¡¯ seal. I¡¯m also willing to change my cultivation path into cultivating god system and ignite my divine fire!¡±


    ¡°Like this, I will completely break off ties with the holy land!¡±


    As soon as he said this, the gazes of everyone outside the holy land landed on King Zhen Yan.


    King Zhen Yan fell silent.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop at all. At that moment, he was only fifteen kilometers away from the Evil Life Holy Land.


    Seeing this, Evil Life spoke again.


    ¡°Once I become a god, there¡¯s a high chance that I can step onto the Divine Platform realm. At that time, be it for the human race or Flame Moon, I will be of great assistance, allowing you to advance or retreat when stronger holy lands descend!¡±


    He was afraid of that lord from the Void Star Holy Land, but once his divine fire was ignited, he would no longer be a cultivator but a god.


    He was well aware that the plan of that lord aimed to avoid conflict with the gods as much as possible.


    Although it wasn¡¯t completely safe, facing such a dangerous situation, this was the only solution he could think of.


    Hence, his words were directed at King Zhen Yan. This was because he was very clear that the only person who could save him now was the Empress.


    As for the Empress¡­ She was a god and a human god. This determined that Her actions would prioritize Her race.


    ¡°The Empress could clearly find Transient Evil previously, but She used this opportunity to display Her will. From this, it can be seen that my judgment isn¡¯t wrong. With Her, as long as She thinks that accepting my race can make the human race stronger, then no matter what Xu Qing thinks, it¡¯s useless.¡±


    However, although these thoughts were good, King Zhen Yan was still silent.


    As Xu Qing got closer, the crowd in front of him respectfully retreated, making way for him. He walked toward the Evil Life Holy Land step by step.


    Evil Life ignored him and continued.


    ¡°Empress Parting Summer, I know many secrets of the other holy lands and also know the main reason why the holy lands have descended this time. I also know the location of the holy lands that will descend next!¡±


    ¡°Wanggu is going to be caught in the flames of war.¡±


    ¡°This matter is inevitable, but my information can allow the human race to gain an advantage!¡±


    ¡°Moreover, since Xu Qing is unscathed, and Transient Evil must have paid a price, I implore the Empress not to pursue this matter further. Can you let Transient Evil atone for his actions by performing meritorious deeds for the human race?¡±


    Evil Life stared at the end of the sky.


    He could sense that the Empress¡­ was there.


    He didn¡¯t glance at Xu Qing at all, and was only waiting for the Empress¡¯ answer.


    He believed that he, his race, and all the information he knew were enough to exchange for the survival of his race and the actions of Transient Evil.


    Hence, he bowed to the sky.


    At this moment, King Zhen Yan finally frowned.


    As for the army from all directions, be it the Moon Offering, the Seven Blood Eyes, the Nanhuang Continent, Holy Wave, and Black Spirit, they were unmoved. To them, the one who decided everything here wasn¡¯t the Empress but Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing also arrived above the holy land. After taking a look with a calm expression, he raised his head and looked at the sky.


    He also wanted to know the Empress¡¯ answer.


    Beside him, Erniu narrowed his eyes, revealing a terrifying glint.


    The Empress¡¯ cold voice rang out from the sky.


    ¡°Exchanging the grievances of one person for the benefits of the race seems correct.¡±


    ¡°However, back then, when Fenghai County was facing a life-and-death crisis, this person, who was at the Golden Core realm, foolishly stood up for the people of Fenghai County, knowing it was impossible yet still doing it..¡±

 Chapter 1438 - 1438 Today, All Living Beings Stand For Him (3)

    1438 Today, All Living Beings Stand For Him (3)


    ¡°The Moon Offering Region was originally the Crimson Goddess¡¯s ranch. It was also this person who stood up with his Nascent Soul cultivation to save all living beings in the Moon Offering Region.¡±


    ¡°Before I ignited the divine fire, when my race had friction with the Flame Moon, it was also this person who walked to the Flame Moon and became the Grand Mystic Heaven. In front of all living beings in the Flame Moon, he spoke words of a truce.¡±


    ¡°He carries the Emperor¡¯s Sword and walks the world, his heart inquisition emitted 100,000 ft of light, and he still maintains his original heart.¡±


    ¡°Tell me, if I choose to ignore the grievances of such a person, what is the meaning of the race?¡±


    ¡°What about the next one? What about the next one after that? The benefits of the race that were obtained from the grievances of the clansmen time and time again might be worth it in your eyes, but in my eyes, they are not benefits.¡±


    ¡°Although I¡¯m a god, I am a human god.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to put me in your heart, nor do you have to stand beside me. I¡¯m the god who stays in front of the Wanggu Human Race!¡±


    ¡°Xu Qing has stood up for everyone. In that case, today, everyone, including me, will stand up for him.¡±


    ¡°So, I don¡¯t want your surrender!¡±


    As soon as She said this, the world rumbled violently.


    The clansmen of the Evil Life Holy Land were in despair. The ancestor¡¯s face was even paler. He didn¡¯t expect such an answer.


    The cultivators here were even more excited.


    The coldness in Erniu¡¯s eyes also melted. He snorted inwardly and the resentment he had toward the Empress dissipated.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked at the Evil Life Holy Land.


    ¡°Today, Evil Life shall be exterminated!¡±


    ¡°We obey the order!¡±


    The army from various forces immediately replied. Their overflowing baleful aura formed a vast might that landed on the Evil Life Holy Land like a furious wave.


    The mountain of the holy land erupted and corpse qi rose. The stone door of the Corpse Forbidden that was captured by the Evil Life Ancestor was released by the holy land.


    Taking advantage of this chaos, the Evil Life Ancestor instantly disappeared. When he reappeared, he was already on the horizon.


    He didn¡¯t even turn his head as he frantically fled.


    He knew that there was no hope for the Evil Life Holy Land today, and it was meaningless for him to stay. If he could luckily escape, he might have some hope in the future.


    However, at the next instant, the Empress¡¯ figure appeared in the sky and took a step toward Evil Life Ancestor.


    With this step, ripples appeared in the sky.


    It wasn¡¯t just here. At that moment, ripples appeared in the sky of all the large regions in Wanggu.


    With this step, the Empress caused a wave throughout Wanggu¡¯s daylight.


    In the black-and-white interwoven regions across Wanggu, as if extinguishing a flame, all the daylight in that instant turned pitch black.


    All the regions fell into night.


    She blew out the lights and temporarily removed the concept of light from Wanggu.


    Only the eyes of the Empress, who was standing in the air above the Evil Life Holy Land, became the source of light in the entire Wanggu.


    This was the Empress¡¯ divine authority.


    Extracting the concept of light, She gathered it within Her own eyes, becoming the source of illumination in that fleeting moment.


    In this moment, the concept of light returned to Wanggu from various regions. Endless rays of light converged from across the heavens and earth, ultimately coalescing into a dawn that tore through the darkness of night.


    Wherever this illumination passed, the world would brighten.


    The Evil Life Ancestor trembled, enveloped in light, his figure becoming blurred. His right hand lifted as if trying to grasp something, his mouth opened as though to speak, but ultimately, in this light, all became void.


    Only a bitter and helpless sigh echoed in all directions.


    It became a total silence.


    At the next instant, when everything in the universe returned to normal, the Flame Phoenix in the sky let out a deep cry. The sea of fire that it emitted from its huge body dropped from the sky.


    This fire burned the sky, the void, the holy land¡¯s mountain, and everything in the surroundings of the holy land. It even dropped into the sea, enveloping everything here in a universe of fire.


    However, it was only targeted at the Evil Life cultivators.


    In the sea of fire, the practitioners from the other forces had already killed their way out. In an instant, rumbling sounds filled the sky and the sounds of slaughter shook the sea.


    These sounds intertwined like dancing notes, playing a mysterious tune for the world.


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure also fused into this sound.


    His killing intent rose with the sound!


    At the same time, in the depths of the Forbidden Sea, Transient Evil, who was hiding and fleeing, suddenly paused. An indescribable sadness emerged in his heart.


    His entire body trembled as he turned his head in the direction of the Evil Life Holy Land.


    ¡°The ancestor¡­ has fallen¡­¡±

 Chapter 1439 - Chapter 1439: Evil Life Race’s Annihilation

    Chapter 1439: Evil Life Race¡¯s Annihilation


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°Ancestor.¡±


    In the horizon, the moment the Evil Life Ancestor was erased by the Empress¡¯ divine authority, his sigh echoed in all directions.


    Sorrowful cries rang out from the clansmen of the Evil Life Holy Land.


    However, at the next instant, an endless sea of fire drowned everything.


    The destructive might of the fire covered everything and gathered in the holy mountain, into the stone door of the Corpse Forbidden that had been opened by Evil Life Ancestor before he fled.


    The door was closed with fire.


    After that, the army of cultivators immediately moved.


    It was like a huge hand that descended from the sky, sweeping up the might of the sky and killing intent as it landed on the Evil Life Mountain.


    The intent of death enveloped the entire Evil Life race.


    At this moment, terror and despair occupied the hearts of every member of the Evil Life Race. Some of them instinctively chose to escape.


    Some went crazy.


    As for the elders who represented the will of the race after the ancestor died, their eyes almost split open. They flew out separately and called for the entire race to try to resist.


    However, at the next instant, a loud bang rang out as the large hand descended.


    The mountain shook deafeningly.


    The resistance of the evil cultivators instantly collapsed under the huge hand. As they shattered, countless evil cultivators spat out blood. However, there were still figures who instantly flew out and were still struggling.


    However, under the aura of the huge hand, everything was destroyed. They fell no matter how they flew out.


    The army of cultivators that formed the huge hand flew out like a swarm of bees, pouncing toward the mountain with an overwhelming force.


    In an instant, heart-rending sounds, crazed roars, and wails intertwined and echoed in all directions.


    The mountain shook even more intensely. Cracks spread out on the surface at every moment and a large number of rocks fell off.


    Slaughter erupted in all areas.


    The armies from the human race, Fenghai County, Moon Offering, and the Seven Blood Eyes were too many. Even though this holy mountain was huge and vast, it couldn¡¯t accommodate such a large number.


    Hence, only a portion of the elite cultivators charged in.


    Even so, they still covered the entire mountain.


    In just an instant, amidst the intense battle, the corpses of the evil life cultivators were scattered everywhere.


    As for the cultivators outside the mountain, they were sealing off the surroundings.


    They locked down the heaven and earth, void, laws, and the Forbidden Sea in the range of the Holy Mountain with array formations, causing all the evil life cultivators inside to have no way out.


    What awaited the Evil Life race was the inevitable path of extermination.


    There was no other choice.


    As Xu Qing¡¯s figure spread out with the sounds of slaughter in the holy mountain, the divine authority of sound silently erupted and he appeared in every place where the sounds rose and fell.


    Wherever he passed, death followed; heads flew, flesh and blood splattered, and killing intent shook the heavens.


    He needed to kill.


    His experience in the past ten days had caused his nerves to be constantly tense, especially when he was being chased like a stray dog.


    The pain caused by his body collapsing time and time again now transformed into monstrous killing intent.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t someone who liked to suffer losses.


    Killing was also the norm in his life.


    Originally, the holy land could have lived in harmony with him.


    He originally didn¡¯t want to have friction with the holy land so quickly. He was just waiting for the dragon-carriage giant to arrive. However, the greed of the son of the Ruler and the Dao Protectors was too obvious.


    Since that was the case¡­ he would just kill.


    The wind rose from the surface of the sea, stirring up waves and blowing the seawater on the holy mountain. It gathered with the slaughter here and moved upwards.


    At the foot of the mountain, a Nihility cultivator of the Evil Life Race was fighting against Ancestor Xue Lianzi with a crazed expression.


    Although Xue Lianzi was old, he was the first batch of people to rush into the holy mountain. He still felt guilty about Xu Qing¡¯s disappearance. At that moment, he went all out.


    ¡°Since you dared to touch my grand-disciple, I¡¯ll bury your race with you!¡±


    Xue Lianzi¡¯s heart turned cold as he transformed into countless blood-red threads, wanting to devour and suck dry all the evil life cultivators he saw.


    Madness rose in the heart of that evil life cultivator. He knew that the odds were against him today. At that moment, in this bloodbath, he wanted to drag someone down with him. His eyes were red and he performed a series of hand seals with both hands. A majestic aura erupted from his body.


    He was about to self-destruct!


    However, at the next instant, when the wind blew past, the figure of death was revealed amidst the sound of the wind. It appeared behind him and ruthlessly slashed with the dagger in its hand.


    The head flew up!


    The spinning world became the last scene this cultivator saw. However, it was a pity that he didn¡¯t see the person who killed him. All he saw was the envelopment of the blood threads formed by Xue Lianzi.


    The slaughter continued.


    At this moment, if one looked down at the holy land from the sky, they would see that there were increasingly more corpses in the holy land.


    Everyone was going mad.


    It was the same for Erniu.


    He transformed into countless blue worms that emitted frost. Wherever they passed, everything would be frozen.


    There was a cold smile on his face, accompanied by the howling of the cold wind.


    ¡°The holy land is nothing!¡±


    At the same time, in another location, an evil life cultivator at the perfected Nihility Realm spat out a mouthful of blood and retreated rapidly in the face of the siege from many sides. As far as he could see, there was death everywhere on the holy mountain.


    The smell of blood and mournful cries filled his senses.


    The approach of death caused his heart to tremble even more. Hence, as he retreated, he disregarded everything and used a secret art, wanting to do his best to escape.


    He was halfway to success.


    Under his secret art, his entire body emitted a blood light and he escaped the fate of being surrounded and attacked. However, under the envelopment of the array formations in the outside world, he couldn¡¯t completely teleport out. He could only¡­ appear at the foot of the holy mountain.


    The moment he appeared, before he could see the situation in his surroundings clearly, the wind had already blown into his face.


    The sense of life-and-death crisis that was countless times more intense than when he was surrounded earlier suddenly erupted in his mind. His heart trembled violently and he instinctively wanted to retreat. However, at the next instant, the wind cut off his head.


    The world slowed down in his perception until it turned pitch-black.


    As blood gushed out, the corpse fell.


    As for his head that flew up, it landed in the hand of a figure who walked out of the wind. He then carried it and disappeared again.


    When he appeared again, he was already in the middle of the mountain.


    There were even more corpses here. To the Evil Life Race, the situation was a complete defeat.


    The disparity in power between the two sides rendered the resistance of the Evil Life Race utterly meaningless. Their struggle only bought them a bit more time, but at the cost of injuries and mental torment.


    Even the Soul Accumulation elders and experts of the race died one after another under the attacks of the heir, King Zhen Yan, and the others.


    Blood clouds gathered in the sky and blood rain fell.


    The flames were still burning, burning the falling blood rain into fog that enveloped the holy mountain.


    Xu Qing was like the god of death walking in the human world. Amidst the blood fog, he walked from the foot of the holy mountain to the top of the mountain.


    He did not select his targets. No matter what cultivation base they had, as long as they were an Evil Life race member, they would be branded with the mark of death.


    He did this for Nihility, Spirit Repository, Nascent Soul, and Golden Core cultivators.


    Hence, the smell of blood grew denser and denser. The blood-curdling screams became increasingly heart-rending but the number of them gradually decreased.


    In the end, when Xu Qing walked out of the blood fog that surrounded the mountain, the moment he stood at the top of the mountain, the wails of the evil life cultivators no longer rang out from the battlefield.


    Their race was completely annihilated.


    There were only corpses scattered everywhere on the mountain. Most of them were mutilated.


    Blood dyed this white mountain red.


    The aura of death caused the Corpse Forbidden under the sea to tremble slightly. However, it was quickly suppressed by the aura on the surface of the sea.


    On the mountain peak, Xu Qing took a deep breath and looked at all those who had come to help. After taking a look, he bowed to everyone.


    He then looked at Ling¡¯er, who was beside the heir.


    Ling¡¯er had grown up. She knew that Xu Qing had more important things to do, so she didn¡¯t disturb him. After noticing Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, her expression was filled with longing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was gentle as he nodded. He then turned and looked at the captain who was also walking over from the blood fog.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother?¡±


    Erniu knew what Xu Qing wanted to say. Hence, he licked his lips and sensed the blood in the surroundings. He then laughed sinisterly.


    ¡°Little Qing, don¡¯t worry. With the blood sacrifice of the entire Evil Life race, I¡¯ll definitely be able to find traces of that person! Moreover, not only does he no longer have that strange pair of scissors, but he¡¯s also in a weak state. There¡¯s a high chance that he¡¯s no longer at the Ruler realm.¡±


    As he spoke, the captain stomped his right foot and rose into the air.


    In the air, he raised his hand and grabbed at the blood fog below. Immediately, the dense blood fog that filled the holy land let out rumbling sounds and transformed into five hurricanes. With Erniu as the center, they soared into the sky and continued to spin.


    A large number of corpses were also shaken by the hurricanes and swept into them, circling around like fallen leaves.


    This scene was shocking, as though it was some evil technique.


    A sharp glint appeared in Erniu¡¯s eyes. He quickly performed a series of hand seals with both hands and muttered something. Immediately, the five hurricanes rumbled and all the corpses inside shattered.


    After the corpses turned into minced meat, the five hurricanes looked even more soul-stirring. In the end, Erniu pointed at the sky with his right hand and the five hurricanes headed straight for the sky.


    They gathered in the sky, forming a sea of blood. As it churned, rumbling sounds rang out, forming a black vortex.


    Looking at the vortex, Erniu let out a deep shout.


    ¡°Junior Brother!¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. The Golden Crow flew out of his body and spat out the main body of Transient Evil that had been refined.


    It landed beside Erniu.


    Erniu raised his right hand and pressed it on the top of Transient Evil¡¯s head. After his fingertips grabbed the skull tightly, his voice carried an ancient feeling as it echoed through the world.


    ¡°Using blood as the catalyst and thoughts as the cause, this bone, this cultivator, the soul of heaven and earth, origin descent.¡±


    The moment the sound rang out, the vortex spun even more intensely. Bolts of lightning swam inside and rumbled in all directions, like silver snakes filling the sky.


    Vaguely, an illusory scene was guided and revealed in the black vortex.


    At the start, it was still blurry and distorted. However, at the next instant, a sharp glint appeared in Erniu¡¯s eyes. A blue light appeared on his entire body and gathered together, blasting into the scene.


    While the scene was dyed blue, Erniu coughed blood repeatedly and they landed on the scene.


    It was as though he was cleaning it.


    Soon, the scene became clear.


    That was the seabed!


    A pitch-black figure was originally moving rapidly, but it seemed to have sensed something and instinctively turned its head.


    It revealed its appearance.


    It was Transient Evil!


    His expression was first stunned but in the next instant, it turned gloomy. After that, he raised his hand and waved it, as though he wanted to sever this connection.


    At this moment, the scene became blurry again.


    ¡°You want to run?¡±


    Erniu laughed coldly. With a sway of his body, he headed straight for the vortex. Xu Qing also took a step forward immediately and instantly got close, entering the vortex with extreme killing intent.


    A flaming figure rushed out of the holy mountain and transformed into Huang Yan, stepping into the vortex with the two.


    With a boom, the vortex dissipated

 Chapter 1440 - Chapter 1440: Hunting Time

    Chapter 1440: Hunting Time


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    At the bottom of the Forbidden Sea, amidst the black currents, Transient Evil¡¯s anxiety and unease reached their peak. He pushed his speed to the utmost, rushing forward with all his strength.


    He didn¡¯t dare to stop at all.


    At that instant just now, he vaguely sensed a mysterious and ancient power descending and locking onto his location.


    He tried to erase this feeling but failed.


    This caused his heart to skip a beat as he felt an impending calamity. Hence, he immediately left the seabed.


    While running away, he performed a series of hand seals, preparing an immortal art.


    This immortal art was similar to teleportation but the way it was displayed was bizarre.


    Moreover, he still had to pay a price.


    If it was him when he was still at the Ruler Realm, he only needed to breathe to complete it. Moreover, although the price wasn¡¯t small, it wasn¡¯t unbearable.


    But now, he needed some time to prepare and pay a greater price.


    However, he had no other choice.


    At that moment, the immortal art seed rapidly condensed in his sea of consciousness and his thoughts stirred.


    ¡°The ancestor has died¡­ The holy land will definitely fall into a calamity¡­¡±


    Transient Evil felt bitter. The scenes from all those years in the holy land appeared in his mind and he couldn¡¯t help but feel a hint of regret.


    He indeed felt some regret, but he understood that since things had already reached this point, there was no meaning in regretting.


    He didn¡¯t have deep feelings for the race like the ancestor. What he pursued had always been individual strength.


    In order to become stronger, he was willing to pay any price.


    Therefore, he knew that even if everything started over, he would most likely make the same choices again.


    Facing the temptation of reaching the Summer Immortal Realm, even if it was extremely dangerous, it was impossible for him to resist.


    Even though there was only a trace of success in this opportunity.


    That was the fortune of the Summer Immortal!


    Throughout the ages, only a few people in the entire Wanggu had stepped into this realm. Once he succeeded¡­ then with his terrifying power similar to that of a True God, he would have a place even in the vast starry sky.


    In fact, he could even embark on the path of pursuing an unprecedented higher realm like that almighty.


    ¡°Summer Immortal¡­¡±


    ¡°What a pity¡­ what a pity¡­¡±


    A deep sense of unwillingness rose in Transient Evil¡¯s heart, which transformed into madness. As this madness flickered in his eyes, a terrifying pressure from above suddenly descended.


    The deafening rumbling sound that followed the pressure interrupted Transient Evil¡¯s thoughts. His expression changed as he abruptly lifted his head.


    What he saw was an astonishing sea of fire.


    The seawater was burning, and red flames engulfed the surroundings. The flames incinerated all anomalous substances in the area, restoring the seawater to its original color.


    The high temperature rapidly spread at the seabed.


    At the center of the sea of fire, a huge vortex appeared. As it continued to spin, two figures walked out.


    After Transient Evil saw one of them, the unwillingness in his heart became even more intense.


    However, before his emotions could fluctuate completely, the next instant, the illusory body of the Flame Phoenix spread out at seabed as the third figure walked out.


    A sharp cry rang out as Huang Yan walked out of the vortex. His eyes were filled with killing intent as he took a step toward Transient Evil.


    With this step, the seabed churned and the burning of the seawater became even more intense. Transient Evil¡¯s body trembled and he directly spat out a large mouthful of blood.


    After relying on the memory transfer of the immortal art to revive, he had already lost his Ruler realm and fallen to the Soul Accumulation realm. His current state had no chance against the Flame Phoenix¡¯s anger.


    In just an instant, he was heavily injured from the pressure of the Flame Phoenix.


    As he spat out blood, his cultivation base became unstable again. His fleeing speed was forcefully interrupted. Even the immortal art seed that was brewing in his sea of consciousness swayed.


    As for Huang Yan, he had already arrived in front of Transient Evil.


    He only waved his hand.


    The terrifying power from the Flame Phoenix erupted explosively.


    Flames gathered at the bottom of the sea, forming a firestorm that swept toward Transient Evil.


    Under the absolute difference in strength, any resistance was meaningless.


    In that instant, Transient Evil¡¯s body trembled violently and he spat out more than ten mouthfuls of blood in a row. His cultivation base collapsed from its unstable state and fell again.


    He fell from Perfected Soul Accumulation Realm to the four worlds Soul Accumulation stage.


    At this life-and-death moment, he couldn¡¯t care less that the immortal art seed in his sea of consciousness wasn¡¯t completely prepared. As his expression distorted and his mind churned, under the envelopment of the aura of death, he spared no expense and forcefully activated it.


    At the next instant, his figure suddenly collapsed, transforming into countless dazzling threads that then disappeared.


    Huang Yan stood there and looked into the distance coldly.


    At that moment, Xu Qing and Erniu also walked down from the fire vortex.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I know you want to kill him personally. With this person¡¯s current cultivation, he has already lost his threat to you. I¡¯ve also interfered with his secret art, so he can¡¯t escape far.¡±


    Huang Yan looked at Xu Qing. His previous attack was clearly the result of him deliberately controlling his strength.


    Xu Qing nodded. His relationship with Huang Yan was second only to the captain, so there was no need for him to say anything. At that moment, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.


    In that instant, his divine sense spread out and countless sounds were transmitted to him.


    There was the sound of water flowing, fish swaying their tails, the roars of sea beasts, the movement of sand¡­ all kinds of sounds gathered to become the breathing of the Forbidden Sea.


    In this breath, Xu Qing felt the beating of Transient Evil¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Found him.¡±


    He calmly spoke and took a step forward.


    Huang Yan sat down and glanced at the eager Erniu.


    ¡°Sit down. He can handle the rest himself.¡±


    The captain hesitated for a moment. He originally wanted to watch the show, but after looking at Huang Yan, he still chose to sit at the side. After that, he coughed.


    ¡°Brother-in-law¡­¡±


    ¡°Erniu, I remember you saying before that you wanted to go to my house to train. Moreover, you¡¯ve been preparing for a long time. You even have a way to open my house¡¯s gate.¡±


    Huang Yan gave a spurious smile.


    The captain blinked and immediately shook his head. He then suddenly spoke.


    ¡°There¡¯s something wrong with Junior Brother. No, I¡¯ll go take a look¡­¡±


    As he spoke, he got up and instinctively wanted to leave. However, Huang Yan put his arm around his neck.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m keeping an eye on him. Let¡¯s talk about how you¡¯re going to open my door while I¡¯m sleeping. Come, let¡¯s talk in detail¡­¡±


    While Huang Yan and the captain were talking amicably here, in an area some distance away from them, resplendent threads flickered in the seawater and quickly gathered together, forming Transient Evil¡¯s figure.


    The moment he appeared, he spat out another mouthful of blood. His body was dispirited and his face was pale. He quickly checked his surroundings and discovered that he hadn¡¯t escaped far. The pressure in his heart was infinitely intense.


    However, he didn¡¯t hesitate. He gritted his teeth and continued to prepare the immortal art seed in his sea of consciousness as he rapidly moved forward.


    ¡°The complete immortal art seed requires fifteen minutes¡­¡±


    Transient Evil was anxious but there was nothing he could do. At that moment, his heartbeat sped up and he mumbled as he broke through the seawater in front of him. However, the moment he rushed out¡­


    He heard the sounds from the sea.


    The first thing that entered his ears was the sound of water flowing.


    This sound rang out from all directions and transformed into invisible ripples. The moment it came into contact with Transient Evil, his expression changed drastically.


    ¡°Not good!¡±


    He was about to block it, but he couldn¡¯t do it anymore. In an instant, the sound of flowing water exploded around him, transforming into an astonishing killing power.


    That was the might of sound authority.


    Amidst the rumbling, Transient Evil¡¯s body trembled violently. If he was still at the Ruler realm, he would naturally be able to ignore Xu Qing¡¯s sound authority. However, he wasn¡¯t right now.


    His cultivation base, which had fallen to the four worlds Soul Accumulation, fluctuated violently. In an instant, his flesh was drenched in blood, and turmoil surged within his body.


    At this critical moment, Transient Evil performed a series of hand seals with both hands and activated his divine power. He was barely able to use his erase authority before forcefully rushing out of the sonic explosion area.


    Blood flowed out of the corner of his mouth but¡­ the sounds that contained Xu Qing¡¯s killing intent continued to ring out.


    It came from his heartbeat.


    This heartbeat suddenly became like lightning that continuously rose in Transient Evil¡¯s chest. It was as though it was controlled by someone and directly exploded at the next instant.


    A rumbling sound directly echoed.


    Transient Evil¡¯s chest exploded.


    As blood splattered in all directions, his entire body trembled and everything in front of him seemed to distort.


    Only an indescribable pain spread throughout his body.


    At the same time, countless sounds arrived.


    He heard the sound of fish swaying their tails, the roars of sea beasts, the movement of sand at the bottom of the sea, and the breathing of the Forbidden Sea.


    All of these sounds gathered together and erupted with an earth-shattering killing intent.


    Everything exploded.


    Booming sounds continuously echoed, transforming into a storm of killing intent. It arrived in a bizarre way and acted on Transient Evil¡¯s body and soul.


    Blood splattered in the air. He endured the intense pain from his injuries and soul as madness appeared in his eyes. He barged forward and unleashed the power of erase authority time and time again, trying to neutralize the sound authority.


    However, the effect wasn¡¯t perfect.


    Blood spurted out, and the injuries to his body were even more serious.


    In the end, when his entire person was about to shatter, he finally rushed out of the rumbling area and stepped into a silent world.


    Silence!


    However, his expression changed drastically again.


    A sense of life-and-death crisis followed.


    This was because he knew that silence didn¡¯t represent safety. In fact, it was the complete opposite. Silence¡­ represented having one¡¯s sounds stolen.


    Once the sounds were stolen, the snatcher would have a power akin to omniscience.


    He immediately activated the immortal art seed that wasn¡¯t completely ready.


    He had to pay an even greater price in exchange for the ability to escape.


    Amidst the rumbling, his figure transformed into countless resplendent threads that were about to disappear into the sea. However, at the next instant, countless sounds erupted from the silence, forming a vast power that ruthlessly suppressed the threads formed by Transient Evil.


    A rumbling sound echoed. Many of the threads directly collapsed and the rest disappeared without a trace.


    A few breaths later, Xu Qing¡¯s figure appeared in this area. He was expressionless as he looked in the direction Transient Evil had fled in.


    ¡°You can¡¯t escape.¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing walked forward unhurriedly like how he was chased by Transient Evil before..

 Chapter 1441 - 1441 Refining Transient Evil

    1441 Refining Transient Evil


    Transient Evil was in an extremely sorry state. His face was pale and his vision was turning blurry.


    He lost one of his legs.


    The moment he used the immortal art and fled, Xu Qing¡¯s sound authority combined with the backlash of the immortal art severed one of his legs from his soul, impacting his physical body.


    The intense pain surged through his mind like a tidal wave, engulfing his entire body. For him, such agony had only been encountered during his lower cultivation stages.


    After advancing to Nihility, he didn¡¯t have such an experience again.


    Even though he had lost a leg and used the immortal art, not only did the sense of fatal crisis not reduce, but it was even more intense.


    This was because his remaining leg had rotted at some point in time!


    This rotting came from poison and curses.


    That was Xu Qing¡¯s Poison Restriction divine authority!


    It was extremely ferocious. It was erupting and spreading crazily. Now that it had reached his thigh, it seemed to want to cover his entire body. It wouldn¡¯t let go of his cultivation, body, and even his soul.


    This caused his heart to shake. He could only risk everything and use his origin energy to delay the Poison Restriction while trying to erase it with his authority.


    However, now that his cultivation had fallen and his state was extremely poor, he was even being hunted. He didn¡¯t have the time or energy to neutralize it.


    ¡°Damn it, damn it, damn it!!¡±


    Transient Evil¡¯s hair was disheveled and he let out an unwilling roar inwardly. His eyes revealed madness.


    He was clear that he didn¡¯t have the time to neutralize it. In that case¡­ there was only one choice in front of him.


    His origin power erupted, forming a soul-slaying power that directly severed his lower body from his soul!


    His physical body was naturally affected as well.


    In an instant, the lower half of his body directly exploded, turning into poisonous blood that splattered in all directions. He was now even weaker with only his upper body remaining. His vision even distorted.


    Regardless of whether it was the physical pain or the pain of his soul being torn apart, they all caused him to be in endless torture.


    He could only grit his teeth and force himself to barely stay awake, continuing to escape.


    However, there was no hope ahead and he had no direction in his mind.


    He didn¡¯t even know where he was going to escape to.


    Sadness, bitterness, and countless negative emotions silently grew in his heart. When there were more and more of them, Transient Evil¡¯s heart suddenly trembled. He felt that something was wrong with his state.


    However, it was too late.


    These negative emotions became his flaw and transformed into uncontrollable thoughts that erupted in unison, affecting the blood all over his body and attracting the purple moonlight.


    At first glance, these lights were still far away. However, at the next instant¡­ they actually surfaced in Transient Evil¡¯s blood and¡­ erupted from his body!


    A heart-rending sound rang out from Transient Evil¡¯s mouth before transforming into sound authority.


    Even the Poison Restriction appeared again.


    They intertwined and cycled, forming extreme torture, causing Transient Evil to be in an extremely tragic state.


    He could only continuously cut his soul and unleash the unfinished immortal art seed, each time teleporting further.


    This lasted until he lost his left arm, right arm, and torso. Finally¡­ there was only a head left!


    It was as though he was surrounded by misfortune.


    Misfortune turned into dust and covered his Dao heart.


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice echoed in the dust.


    ¡°Your ancestor has died.¡±


    ¡°Your clansmen are dead.¡±


    ¡°Your main body has been refined by me.¡±


    ¡°Your race no longer exists.¡±


    ¡°You are the only remaining member of the Evil Life Race in the Wanggu.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t succeed in refining me and lost the opportunity to become the Summer Immortal¡­¡±


    ¡°Next, I¡¯ll refine you and you will lose your erase authority.¡±


    These voices carried the divine authority of the Purple Moon and were transmitted in the form of sound authority. Coupled with the invasion of the Poison Restriction, they transformed into a conduit for misfortune, completely covering and surrounding Transient Evil¡¯s Dao heart.


    A cracking sound rang out in Transient Evil¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Transient Evil trembled and let out a hysterical shout.


    His Dao heart had shattered!


    ¡°The time has come.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke softly. He walked out of the seawater and stood above Transient Evil.


    It was as though a god had descended.


    Endless light spread out from his body, transforming into a dazzling sun in the sea.


    Light scattered in all directions and heat spread.


    Xu Qing, who had transformed into a great sun, illuminated the seabed. The immortal light from the profound sun carried terrifying might and vast power as it enveloped Transient Evil who only had a head left and was invaded by all of Xu Qing¡¯s divine authorities.


    The originally pitch-black seabed was lit up at this moment!


    Transient Evil, who was enveloped by the light, continued to scream and wail. A cry rang out from the sun.


    This sound suppressed all the heart-rending sounds and became the only sound.


    The Golden Crow¡¯s pitch-black figure rushed out of the sun.


    It grew larger and larger until it finally shook this sea area. The Golden Crow opened its mouth and spat out the fire that refined all living beings.


    This fire intertwined with the immortal light and covered the wailing head of Transient Evil. It rolled it up and inhaled¡­


    The head was swallowed!


    Xu Qing wanted to refine Transient Evil¡¯s authority.


    This wasn¡¯t easy. There were two reasons. One was that Transient Evil he had refined earlier wasn¡¯t complete.


    Secondly, the other party was a Ruler and it was naturally very difficult to refine a Ruler¡¯s authority.


    But now, with the arrival of the head that was engraved with Transient Evil¡¯s memories and authority, the endless refinement fire completely erupted in the Golden Crow¡¯s body.


    It burned intensely.


    The first difficulty had been resolved.


    As for the second difficulty, the other party¡¯s cultivation had also fallen.


    In addition, in the Golden Crow¡¯s body, five bloody hurricanes were burning along with Transient Evil. They were the blood formed from the deaths of the entire Evil Life race.


    Refining a race!


    It was the Golden Crow Refines All Life.


    The Forbidden Sea rumbled. The sky in the external world changed color and clouds churned.


    Countless bolts of lightning exploded in the sky, and the shadow of the Heavenly Dao was faintly discernible.


    An aura of authority that uniquely belonged to cultivators erupted from the Golden Crow¡¯s body in the Forbidden Sea.


    At the next instant, the Golden Crow let out a clear sound and headed straight for Xu Qing, entering his right eye.


    Xu Qing closed his eyes.


    A few breaths later, when he opened his eyes, the color of the world changed. A storm brewed and the sea rumbled.


    His right eye shone with origin power and a Dao mark appeared!


    As soon as this mark appeared, the world rumbled.


    That was the authority to erase!


    This authority belonged to the cultivator system and was also the only cultivator authority Xu Qing had now.


    The instant it appeared, Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled. This authority belonged to the cultivator system and was also the only cultivator authority Xu Qing had now.


    Immortal silver flowed out of his body crazily, transforming into lumps of silver water that completely escaped.


    As for the traces of authority, they covered it!


    Previously, his body had collapsed many times from being chased by Transient Evil and he had lost too much immortal silver.


    Although his body healed later on, the decrease in immortal silver caused the incongruity in his body to increase slowly.


    At this instant, the appearance of authority spread throughout his entire body from his right eye.


    Authority, originating from the dominion of the cultivator¡¯s system, and immortal silver, also a manifestation of the cultivator¡¯s system power, were, in a certain sense, of the same source.


    However, the latter was only a temporary collaboration after all. Xu Qing needed to cultivate more immortal light as soon as possible to make himself perfect.


    This was because immortal silver was ultimately an external object and didn¡¯t integrate with him.


    But now, it was different.


    Authority replaced immortal silver!


    This caused his body to be bathed in immortal light with the flesh and blood of Desolate as the foundation and authorities as the mark!


    It was even more stable!


    As that near-perfect feeling appeared in his heart, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. He knew that his path was even more stable than before.


    The path behind him was flawless, and even though the path ahead might still be thorny, he had the confidence to do his utmost to reach the end.


    At the same time, a phenomenon appeared in the sky above the Forbidden Sea!


    Figures appeared on the Forbidden Sea. In an instant, the Forbidden Sea rumbled and the world stirred.


    Countless auspicious colors filled the sky.


    It was a congratulations from Wanggu!


    This scene immediately attracted the attention of all forces on the Forbidden Sea, causing the hearts of countless people to fluctuate intensely.


    Most of them didn¡¯t know the meaning of this scene but it stirred in the hearts of the heir and the others.


    ¡°Congratulations from Wanggu¡­¡±


    ¡°Legend has it that the only thing that can trigger such a phenomenon is the appearance of an unprecedented talent!¡±


    While the heir and the others were moved, the Empress, who was in the sky, looked at this scene from afar with a strange glint in Her eyes.


    ¡°Xu Qing has obtained authority at the Nihility Realm!¡±


    ¡°I think this is also his master¡¯s true goal!¡±


    The Empress fell into deep thought as She looked in the direction of the Nanhuang Continent.


    At that moment, in the Nanhuang Continent, in the secret chamber of the Seventh Peak in the Seven Blood Eyes, Old Master Seventh, who had been in seclusion after refining the body for Xu Qing, opened his eyes.


    ¡°Fourth didn¡¯t let me down. He successfully snatched away the power and used the power of the authority to replace immortal silver¡­¡±


    ¡°This erase authority is most suitable for the current state of his body.¡±


    ¡°Now, this old man finally has one less worry. Next¡­¡±


    Old Master Seventh slowly raised his head. His gaze seemed to be able to penetrate the sky and look into the starry sky. Behind the many holy lands that were rushing toward Wanggu, there was a statue that emitted a terrifying aura.


    Old Master Seventh¡¯s expression was solemn.


    ¡°A familiar aura¡­ Master¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you still the one who returned?¡±


    Old Master Seventh felt bitter.


    Time flowed by.


    A few days later, the news of the destruction of the Evil Life Holy Land swept through the entire Wanggu, causing waves in all directions. At the same time, all the holy lands that descended were also shocked by this news.


    Immediately after, an even more shocking decree spread out from the human species and the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race. After it fused together, it formed the supreme will of the Eastern Wanggu.


    ¡°Evil Life Holy Land harbored malevolent intentions!¡±


    ¡°There are two crimes.¡±


    ¡°First, under the guise of benevolence, it secretly embedded itself in many races of the Forbidden Sea, with the malicious intent of parasitic infestation, an act of utter depravity and outrage. The evidence is conclusive!¡±


    ¡°Second, it attempted to assassinate our Grand Tutor and Flame Moon¡¯s Grand Mystic Heaven, a vile and heinous act of extreme malevolence. The entire race, without exception, sheltered and condoned these actions without any remorse or correction, leaving the Grand Tutor in endless suffering. Their intentions deserved condemnation, their actions deserved condemnation, and their entire species deserved condemnation.¡±


    ¡°Since the arrival of the holy lands, we in the Eastern Wanggu have adhered to a principle of peaceful coexistence, with no intention of instigating conflict.¡±


    ¡°However, given the holy land¡¯s rampant and unrestrained actions, we can judge the aims of other holy lands!¡±


    ¡°To prevent such occurrences in the future, we now notify the entire Eastern Wanggu that the holy lands must depart from the Eastern Wanggu within three days.¡±


    ¡°After three days, any remaining presence will be considered a common foe of the Eastern Wanggu!¡±


    As soon as the mandate was issued, the Eastern Wanggu was completely stirred.

 Chapter 1442 - Chapter 1442: God Who Devours Light

    Chapter 1442: God Who Devours Light


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    On the fifth day since the Empress¡¯ decree was issued.


    It was clear weather with gentle wind and bright sun.


    The morning sun shone on the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ port.


    The bustling port was filled with numerous cultivators and ordinary people coming and going. Among them were various races from different islands, engaging in trade.


    The current Seven Blood Eyes was already an overlord-level existence. Its sphere of influence covered the inner sea, causing countless island races to be willing to come under it.


    All the resources of the Nanhuang Continent converged at the ports of the Seven Blood Eyes. While goods were distributed from here to various places, the port connected to Yinghuang Province transported goods from the Wanggu.


    High-ranking cultivators did not usually participate in these matters, which were mostly managed by lower-ranking cultivators. This created a vast grassroots base, serving as nourishment for the sect¡¯s growth and the training of its disciples.


    As a result, a dense array of magic boats and foreign races¡¯ ships constantly entered and exited, with more vessels always waiting outside the port for entry.


    Even so, the order was very good.


    This made the work of the various departments that maintained public security in the Seven Blood Eyes simple.


    Especially the Homicide Department. Most of them looked kind and harmless.


    However, the nonhumans were extremely wary of those disciples wearing the uniform of the Homicide Department.


    They knew that the appearances of this group of Homicide Department cultivators were all fake!


    In reality, all of them were scheming. They could laugh and stab at the same time.


    All these years, during the course of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ rise, the corpses of all the troublemakers and fiendish people who had been killed were the best proof.


    The older generation of nonhumans knew about this the best. Many young nonhumans learned from them that originally, only the disciples of the Seventh Peak of Seven Blood Eyes exhibited such behavior.


    But now¡­ the Homicide Departments of all the peaks had adopted the same demeanor.


    In fact, looking broadly, it was evident that not only the Homicide Department but also the disciples of the other peaks of Seven Blood Eyes had mostly become like the Seventh Peak of the past¡­


    It was as though it had become a trend.


    ¡°This group of people is very sinister!¡±


    This was the common understanding of all forces.


    However, there was nothing they could do. They didn¡¯t dare to offend the Seven Blood Eyes, let alone the Homicide Department.


    This was because there was a big shot who was currently at the peak of the Eastern Wanggu and he was from the Homicide Department.


    All the forces on the Forbidden Sea knew of this big shot.


    Just recently, the entire Eastern Wanggu had been in an uproar because of him alone.


    As for his past legends, they could be found everywhere.


    It could be said that on the Forbidden Sea, his name could cause an entire race to instantly fall silent.


    He had supreme status!


    Compared to the reverence of these foreign races, the Homicide Department of all the peaks in the Seven Blood Eyes worshiped this big shot who was born in their department. They almost regarded him as a god.


    At that moment, this god of the Homicide Department was sitting in the pavilion that Old Master Seventh used to stay in. Under the morning sun, he silently cultivated.


    Every time he breathed, a resplendent light emitted from the rising sun in the sky and fused into his mouth, as though he was devouring the light.


    It transformed into specks of crystals that spread throughout his body. At the same time, it was also nurturing Xu Qing¡¯s Profound Sun Immortal Light.


    Under the sunlight, as he devoured the light, his body looked even more gorgeous.


    The purple robe, the long purple hair, the peerless face, and the tall and straight body made everyone who saw it involuntarily sigh at the perfection.


    ¡°He can clearly rely on this face to live a better life. For example, he can find a god to dual cultivate with but he still chooses to work so hard¡­¡±


    ¡°As expected of my junior brother. His choice is exactly the same as mine back then.¡±


    Erniu was also sitting in the pavilion. After taking a look at Xu Qing, he sighed with emotion and spoke to his second junior sister and Huang Yan.


    Second Junior Sister fell silent and didn¡¯t bother with him.


    However, Huang Yan raised his brows.


    ¡°Emiu, you dropped something.¡±


    Emiu was smug.


    ¡°Are you trying to say that my face has fallen, hinting that I¡¯m shameless? Brother-in-law, you¡¯re too petty.¡±


    Huang Yan glared. The other party¡¯s despicable appearance made him want to slap him to death.


    Emiu also glared. At the seabed, he was a little afraid of Huang Yan. However, in his sect, especially since his junior sister was still here, he naturally wasn¡¯t afraid.


    Seeing the two of them exchange glances as though there was fire, Second Junior Sister frowned.


    ¡°Enough, you two.¡±


    As soon as she finished speaking, Huang Yan immediately smiled apologetically while Erniu was filled with pride.


    Seeing her senior brother like this, Old Second had no choice but to change the topic.


    ¡°All the holy lands left Eastern Wanggu two days ago. Before the new holy lands descend, there should be a short period of peace.¡±


    ¡°However, according to what that Evil Life Ancestor said before he died, a war in the future¡­ is probably unavoidable. Now that Master is in seclusion, how should the Seven Blood Eyes prepare? Senior Brother, do you have a plan?¡± ¡°Of course!¡± Erniu licked his lips.


    ¡°That Empress is also petty. She only gave us half of the resources in the Evil Life Holy Land. She even monopolized the Evil Life Holy Mountain!¡±


    ¡°She is too much. If we modify the Holy Mountain, it will be a great killing weapon!¡±


    ¡°Therefore, my plan is that our Seven Blood Eyes will write a letter to the Empress in the name of the old man and severely condemn the Empress before asking for the Holy Mountain.¡±


    At this point, the captain¡¯s eyes lit up.


    When Huang Yan heard this, he blinked and was a little tempted.


    Old Second fell into deep thought. A long time later, she was about to speak when her voice transmission jade slip vibrated at the next instant. After she picked it up, she used her perception and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior brother, someone saw the bronze dragon carriage you¡¯re looking for.¡±


    Upon hearing these words, the meditating Xu Qing¡¯s body flickered with dazzling light, which was then entirely swallowed back into him as he opened his eyes.


    The mark of authority in his right eye glowed, emitting a terrifying pressure that shook some of the laws and rules here, causing the sky to change color.


    After the battle with Transient Evil, Xu Qing had returned and had been focusing on adapting to the erase authority, leaving him no time to search for the dragon carriage.


    However, he knew that the dragon carriage must still be in the inner sea.


    Hence, after he returned, he issued a mission in the sect, asking the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples to inform him immediately if they noticed the dragon-carriage giant.


    Now, the result had finally come.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing stood up and looked at Second Senior Sister.


    ¡°The disciple who saw the dragon carriage has some relationship with you.¡±


    Second Senior Sister waved her hand and threw a jade slip at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Sister.¡±


    After Xu Qing caught it, he swept his divine sense over and nodded. He then walked in the direction of the Forbidden Sea.


    Erniu also stood up and laughed.


    ¡°Junior Brother, Eldest Senior Brother will go with you and protect you.¡±


    As he spoke, he strode toward the sky and disappeared with Xu Qing.


    ¡°With that little strength of his, what will he protect?!¡±


    Huang Yan snorted and his gaze landed on his senior sister.


    After Second Senior Sister nodded, Huang Yan spiritedly jumped, speeding toward the place Xu Qing and Erniu had left in.


    At that moment, on the Forbidden Sea, a giant was moving forward, half of its body exposed to the surface of the sea.


    As it moved, the ferocious waves transformed into a tsunami that swept in all directions.


    In the distance, a magic warship was bobbing up and down on the surface of the sea, as though it would be devoured by the huge waves at any moment. However, it didn¡¯t change its direction and followed the giant from afar.


    On the magic warship stood three cultivators.


    These three people were all wearing the uniform of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Homicide Department. The leader was a youth with black hair that draped over his shoulders. His entire body emitted a fiendish aura, and his eyes were like those of a ferocious beast, filled with a cold indifference towards the world and a detached attitude towards life.


    The last two were middle-aged men. In comparison, they were slightly ordinary.


    However, their cultivation bases weren¡¯t weak, especially the youth who was filled with ferocity. He had reached the perfected Golden Core realm and was only half a step away from the Nascent Soul realm.


    They were cultivators from the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department and their statuses in the department were extremely high. The person in the lead was the current director of the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department.


    Usually, there were very few missions in the department that needed them to go out.


    A few days ago, after this director saw the mission Xu Qing had issued, he didn¡¯t hesitate to bring the two deputy directors out to sea together.


    Finally, after searching dangerous areas many times, they chanced upon the dragon-carriage giant.


    With their cultivation bases, even if they only followed from afar, they were about to collapse.


    The terrifying aura from the giant caused them to instinctively tremble.


    However, even so, the black-haired youth still gritted his teeth and persisted with his special ability.


    Such desperate actions caused the two deputy directors behind him to recall some things and rumors about this director.


    Before their director took office, he was a mute. He was crazy and bloodthirsty. Many times, he would fight like a wild beast.


    Most of his enemies ended up in pieces.


    After taking office, as his cultivation base increased, he was able to speak but he was extremely reticent. As for his ferocity, it grew even stronger.


    He had captured almost all the wanted criminals over the years.


    During this process, their director¡¯s ferocious name rose illustriously among the various races in the Forbidden Sea.


    There were also rumors that this director was Xu Qing¡¯s follower.


    Some people said that they had seen it with their own eyes, while others thought that it was nonsense.


    Also, because Xu Qing didn¡¯t return for many years, it gradually became a rumor.


    However, now that the two of them saw their director putting so much effort, they believed the rumors even more.


    Just like that, while they were trembling in fear, fifteen minutes passed.


    The giant¡¯s figure slowly disappeared from the surface of the sea. However, the tsunami became even larger and rumbled over many times. The magic warship they were on also cracked under the power of the Forbidden Sea, looking like it would shatter into pieces at any time.


    However, the black-haired youth was still persistent. As he desperately circulated his cultivation base to control the magic warship, his special perception spread out and locked onto the direction so that he wouldn¡¯t deviate.


    Even though his seven orifices were beginning to bleed, he didn¡¯t dare to relax at all.


    However, as time passed and the tsunami grew larger, vortices formed one after another on the surface of the sea, transforming into a huge tearing force, causing more cracks to appear on the magic warship.


    At that moment, an even larger vortex moved closer and directly swept up the magic warship. The entire magic warship shook violently and started shattering.


    The two cultivators from the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department shouted in fright.


    However, at the next instant, the sound of thunder rang out from the sky, exploding in all directions.


    The sound merged with the noise of the tsunami, transforming into a calm voice as it reached the sea¡¯s surface.


    ¡°Calm!¡±

 Chapter 1443 - 1443 Re-Enacting the Myth

    1443 Re-Enacting the Myth


    It was just a single word but in the blink of an eye, as though the law was enforced with just a word, the once raging sea immediately became docile. The waves formed by the tsunami all calmed, and the tsunami itself grew peaceful.


    Those vortices instantly disappeared and were suppressed by this mysterious power.


    The word ¡®calm¡¯ signified the calming of the sea!


    At this moment, the wind and waves were still, and tranquility reigned in all directions.


    On the magic warship, the two disciples of the Seventh Peak¡¯s Homicide Department instinctively lifted their heads while trembling. They saw three resplendent figures walking over from the sky.


    They had seen Huang Yan before.


    As for the ordinary-looking person beside Huang Yan, they were a little unfamiliar with him. They seemed to have seen his portrait before but they didn¡¯t have a deep impression.


    However, the moment they saw the purple figure in the lead clearly, they were instantly extremely excited.


    ¡°Fourth Highness!¡±


    The fourth highness was the Seventh Peak¡¯s special term for Xu Qing!


    The moment the two of them spoke excitedly, the cold eyes of the black-haired youth in front of them rippled and he immediately knelt down.


    ¡°Little Mute?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the black-haired youth as he spoke gently.


    These words caused the black-haired youth¡¯s emotions to fluctuate even more intensely, and he raised his head.


    ¡°M-Master¡­¡±


    The rumors about him weren¡¯t wrong. Ever since he came to the Seven Blood Eyes, he didn¡¯t have a sense of belonging to this sect. It was just that¡­ he had a completely different perception of Xu Qing.


    At first, he was afraid of Xu Qing. After that, it was Xu Qing who saved him. Then, it was Xu Qing who pointed the way for him. Later, it was Xu Qing who helped him in his crisis in the Foundation Building realm.


    Xu Qing had always been in front of him, becoming his lamp.


    He had been following Xu Qing¡¯s footsteps, and offered his loyalty.


    This was because he had grown up among wild dogs since he was young and his personality was similar to them.


    ¡°Your cultivation isn¡¯t bad. Looks like you¡¯ve worked very hard.¡±


    Looking at the little mute, Xu Qing¡¯s gaze softened.


    To the little mute, his words were a supreme praise. His excited heart instantly rippled and surged throughout his body.


    ¡°Thank you for helping me find the dragon carriage. Just wait for me here.¡±


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and looked at the sea. He then took a step forward and disappeared without a trace, merging into the sound.


    When he appeared, he was already at the seabed.


    In front of the vast dragon carriage giant.


    The giant continued to move forward, the iron chain on its shoulders stretched taut. This chain connected to the bronze dragon carriage, which dragged along the seabed, leaving deep, trench-like marks in its wake.


    ¡°We meet again.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly as intense anticipation appeared in his eyes. However, he didn¡¯t take action immediately.


    Instead, he followed it and waited.


    This lasted until day left and night fell. After that, the night filled the air and the night passed.


    Before dawn¡­


    ¡°The time has come.¡±


    Xu Qing waved his right hand. Immediately, the musician¡¯s severed hand appeared in front of him. As it waved its fingers, the Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon melody rang out.


    The giant¡¯s footsteps suddenly halted. It turned its head, and its hollow eyes seemed to be gazing intently, as if it were listening to something.


    Xu Qing immediately rushed forward without hesitation.


    Regardless of whether it was his previous experience or his analysis, he had a lot of confidence in his plan this time.


    At that moment, he flew past the giant at full speed.


    He wasn¡¯t stopped.


    That giant allowed Xu Qing to fly past it. Its thoughts were fully focused on the Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon.


    Hence, Xu Qing sped toward the bronze dragon carriage.


    Back then, he had only stayed for an instant.


    Now, he had returned again. With a dash, he directly entered the dilapidated dragon carriage and sat on the chair in the dragon carriage.


    The instant he sat down, the dragon carriage swayed. The giant in front also trembled, as though it wanted to turn its head.


    At the next instant, the Golden Crow manifested on Xu Qing¡¯s body and let out a loud and clear sound, spreading out a sea of fire that covered the dragon carriage. At the same time, Xu Qing fully used the Profound Sun Immortal Light in his body and augmented the Golden Crow.


    This caused the light released by the Golden Crow to become even more resplendent.


    From afar, the person sitting in the dragon carriage no longer looked like a cultivator but a sun!


    At the same time, his divine sense and the divine source spread out from his body. He controlled the musician¡¯s severed hand, causing the music to become even more passionate.


    The giant¡¯s entire body was trembling at this moment. It was attracted by the Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon and instinctively wanted to listen. However, the Golden Crow¡¯s aura in the dragon carriage behind it caused another instinct that had been nurtured for countless years to surface on its body.


    These two instincts erupted in its body.


    Xu Qing was completely focused. The instant he observed this scene, flames appeared in his eyes. He had been waiting for this instant.


    In the myths and legends, after the Golden Crow returned to the palace, the musician played the Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon tune. Hence, the moon rose. This music lasted for the entire night. When it died down, the moon would return to the palace and the Golden Crow would ride the dragon carriage and rise from Wanggu.


    At this moment, amidst the instinctual frenzy within the giant and the approaching dawn outside, the heavenly melody played by the severed hand reached its conclusion, fading into silence just as the break of day approached.


    The music disappeared.


    ¡­


    On the surface of the sea, Erniu was lying on the deck of the little mute¡¯s ship, humming a tune.


    Huang Yan sat at the bow and yawned.


    The two deputy directors of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ Homicide Department were still thrilled and would look at the two of them from time to time.


    Only the little mute stayed at the stern of the ship and kept looking at the surface of the sea.


    The sky was pitch-black.


    When dawn appeared, the instant the entire sky was about to light up¡­ light appeared from the seabed first, like countless sharp blades breaking through the surface of the sea and lighting the sky.


    Immediately after, Erniu¡¯s humming paused. Huang Yan¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint as a vast giant broke through the surface of the sea, churning up monstrous waves. As the sea rumbled, the giant¡¯s huge figure rushed into the sky!


    It strode toward the sky.


    Behind it was an iron chain.


    At the next instant, even greater waves rose on the surface of the sea. Under the pull of the giant, an ancient bronze dragon carriage¡­ rose into the air from the depths of the sea again after tens of thousands of years!


    In the dragon carriage, Xu Qing sat upright. The Golden Crow let out a screech from outside his body, and endless flames erupted from within him, enveloping the surroundings. Additionally, immortal light radiated outward, making the dragon carriage extremely dazzling.


    ¡°F*ck!!¡±


    Erniu quivered and his eyes widened.


    He didn¡¯t know Xu Qing¡¯s motive and Xu Qing hadn¡¯t mentioned it either. Hence, in his judgment, Xu Qing was going to use the dragon carriage to cultivate, but he never expected that it was actually¡­ to make the dragon carriage rise into the air.


    ¡°Re-enacting the myth?¡±


    Erniu took a deep breath.


    Huang Yan, who was beside him, was different from Erniu. He knew Xu Qing¡¯s motive. At that moment, his expression was solemn because he didn¡¯t only see Xu Qing in the dragon carriage.


    He also saw¡­ a blurry figure looking at the world in front of Xu Qing.


    That figure was a youth but he was like a god or an emperor!


    ¡°Brilliant Heaven God Race¡¯s Crown Prince Golden Crow!¡±


    In Wanggu, at this moment, the sky brightened!

 Chapter 1444 - Sun Patrolling the World

    Sun Patrolling the World


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Wanggu was too vast. Before the god¡¯s fragmented-face arrived, there were a total of 37 suns.


    These 37 suns were different. Regardless of the material or origin, they all had their own unique and mysterious past.


    Among them, there was a sun and moon that was even more unique.


    It was rumored that countless years ago, when the Brilliant Heaven God Race was still the master of Wanggu, there were 36 suns in Wanggu.


    It was the same for the moon.


    This lasted until after the war between the immortals and gods. After that, the New Wanggu that were controlled by the immortals had an additional sun and moon.


    It was rumored that this additional sun and moon came from the Brilliant


    Heaven God Race.


    They were gods allowed by the ancient Summer Immortals to live in the Wanggu after the Brilliant Heaven God Race was sealed.


    According to the agreement, they were required to patrol the Wanggu.


    Among them, the sun was the crown prince of the Brilliant Heaven God Race.


    His name was the Golden Crow and He was tasked with patrolling during the day.


    The moon was named Robin.


    It symbolized kindness, innocence, and the promise of a beautiful love, and It patrolled during the night.


    The sun and moon alternated in the sky day after day, seldom meeting. Only during the rare moments when the sun and moon shone together could they gaze upon each other.


    And what They shone on¡­ wasn¡¯t the Wanggu but the mysterious outer sea.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    Time flowed, its power changing the world and washing away history.


    As generations of cultivators appeared and the Wanggu races continued to separate and merge, the traces of the story of the Wanggu¡¯s sun and moon became fainter and fainter.


    This lasted until the fragmented-face descended.


    With different cause and effect, more than half of the 37 suns fell, leaving only


    17 suns.


    The stories about these suns and moons also became increasingly shallow until no one knew about them and they became a talk of distant legends.


    People only knew that these 17 suns were scattered irregularly on the Wanggu.


    Some of them were very close to each other, while others were endlessly far apart.


    This was also the reason why a portion of the Wanggu was always in darkness and a portion of it was always bright.


    And the mysterious and unfathomable outer sea was deprived of light, as both the sun and the moon were lost.


    However, the Nanhuang Continent, the Holy Wave Large Region, and the two surrounding large regions could be considered lucky.


    This was because the sun that belonged to this place had never fallen for tens of thousands of years.


    It still existed.


    It would reveal itself at the moment dawn broke, illuminating this area and nourishing all living beings with warmth.


    For countless years, it didn¡¯t change and became the norm.


    Today was the same.


    However, this morning was somewhat different from usual. Today¡¯s sunlight was brighter, and the temperature was more intense, almost thick.


    All living beings were used to the norm, so their senses would immediately perceive when something unusual appeared within the norm.


    This was instinct.


    Whether it was cultivators, mortals, the various races, or anyone with life, it was the same.


    Hence, at dawn, when the light in this area was incomparably bright, regardless of whether it was the nonhumans, cultivators, mortals, or even ferocious beasts, they raised their heads and looked at the sky.


    At the next instant, the minds of all living beings stirred with monstrous rumbling. It was like a huge wave engulfing their souls, forming an earth- shattering storm that shook their bodies and swept through their minds.


    Horror, shock, disbelief¡­


    All kinds of emotions erupted at this moment.


    This was because the various races living in the Nanhuang Continent, the Holy Wave Large Region, the Southern Isle Region, and the countless islands in the inner sea saw that in the sky¡­


    Two suns appeared!


    The world lit up!


    The blackness of the Forbidden Sea, under the illumination of these two suns, even revealed a hint of green, causing all the boats sailing on the sea before dawn to halt in their tracks in astonishment.


    Mortals even prostrated on the ground to worship.


    All of this was extremely shocking to the little mute and the two deputy directors of the Homicide Department.


    Erniu was still inhaling sharply.


    Huang Yan¡¯s expression was even more solemn.


    Under the gazes of everyone, the rotting giant strode toward the sky while the bronze dragon carriage behind him became increasingly resplendent.


    Like a fireball, like a light source, like a great sun, its ascent was the very process of sunrise.


    In this endless light and heat, Xu Qing sat upright in the dragon carriage. His mind was empty, completely focused on the transformation of the Golden Crow as it patrolled the world once again.


    The Golden Crow Refines All Life art carved in the dragon carriage also seemed to have gained life at this moment. It flowed and appeared outside, forming light seals.


    After converging, they vaguely formed a blurred figure standing desolately with his back to Xu Qing.


    This figure was none other than the youth Huang Yan had seen earlier.


    Xu Qing also saw him at this moment.


    His mind rippled with emotion. The radiance of his Golden Crow and parts of the legacy he had seemed to create a mysterious resonance with this silhouette.


    He felt loneliness, sadness, and longing¡­


    This loneliness came from a long life.


    This sadness came from the end of the race.


    This longing came from the bond with Robin.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind unknowingly sank into these emotions until he vaguely heard a soft sigh.


    Sun patrolling the world.


    At the next instant, the giant who was pulling the dragon carriage into the sky trembled. The light from the dragon carriage flowed in all directions, dyeing the dragon carriage golden. It was like a war chariot with a monstrous aura.


    When it landed on the giant¡¯s body, it transformed into golden armor, causing the giant¡¯s aura to be filled with holiness.


    The giant lifted its head, and its hollow eyes emitted light. A deep roar rang out from its mouth as it took large strides in the sky toward the outer sea.


    Hence, in the eyes of all living beings, the additional sun changed its trajectory and moved toward the outer sea.


    As it got closer, the darkness of the pitch-black outer sea churned.


    For the first time in tens of thousands of years, there was light here.


    When the light landed on the sea, it was unknown if it was refraction or its original color, the seawater¡­ actually had a hint of purple.


    The Golden Crow soared high in the sky, shining upon everything in the outer sea, moving in the sky.


    Wherever it passed, it brought light and dispelled the darkness, causing the surface of the outer sea to be clearly visible.


    The seawater in the outer sea was darker and denser than that in the inner sea, with significantly higher buoyancy.


    There were very few large waves here.


    Fragments of countless ancient ruins could be seen on the surface of the sea¡­


    There were boulders, giant corpses, and the ruins of mysterious temples¡­


    There was a huge eye that was floating like an island.


    A terrifying divine might spread through the seawater.


    An unknown existence as vast as a province rose from the sea surface and gazed coldly at the sky.


    It stared at the sun patrolling the world.


    Time flowed by.


    The giant pulled the dragon carriage and galloped in the sky of the outer sea. At noon, when the sun was the brightest, it stopped in the sky.


    Countless obscure gazes and divine senses spread out from the outer sea, converging here as if they were witnessing something.


    A long time later, the figure standing inside the dragon carriage in front of Xu Qing slowly turned around.


    He stared at Xu Qing.


    The instant His gaze met Xu Qing¡¯s, Xu Qing¡¯s mind rumbled.


    Countless information surged into his mind like angry waves.


    This was an inheritance!


    It came from the Golden Crow, a true inheritance!


    The Golden Crow that Xu Qing had transformed into immediately shone.


    At the next instant, the youth¡¯s figure closed His eyes.


    The giant outside the dragon carriage let out a roar filled with sorrow and started the journey back.


    Gradually, the temporarily driven-away darkness, as the dragon carriage departed into the distance, greedily spread out, filling the void left by the return of the dragon carriage.


    Finally¡­ at dusk, the dragon carriage left the outer sea.


    The outer sea turned pitch-black again.


    The golden armor on the giant¡¯s body slowly faded and his rotting body returned.


    The light on the dragon carriage dimmed again, returning to its dilapidated state.


    The dusk faded.


    Under the gazes of Erniu and Huang Yan, the giant came from the sky. Step by step, as the aura of death permeated the air, it entered the inner sea.


    The bronze dragon carriage also entered.


    The moment it was about to sink into the sea, a gentle force spread out from the dragon carriage, sending Xu Qing, who was immersed in the inheritance, out.


    After that, the dragon carriage completely sank into the sea.


    As the giant pulled, an illusory palace of time seemed to appear at the seabed.


    Outside the palace, the giant stopped and knelt there motionlessly.


    The youth¡¯s blurry figure walked down from the bronze dragon carriage and walked into the palace step by step. His footsteps were very slow and every step He took exuded bleakness.


    He walked inside the palace and sat down silently on the only seat.


    Time fluctuated in the surroundings and musicians appeared.


    Heavenly Voice Welcomes the Moon started playing faintly.


    Amidst this beautiful tune, the youth lowered His head and listened alone.


    However, no matter how this music played, there was no longer a moon called


    Robin on the Forbidden Sea.


    Hence, loneliness became eternal, drowning out the music and time, restoring the palace to its true form.


    The broken walls and ruins lay everywhere.


    It was like a tomb.


    Outside the tomb, the giant kneeling there wept sorrowfully.


    On the surface of the sea, Xu Qing sat cross-legged on the little mute¡¯s magic warship.


    The little mute silently guarded beside him and was extremely vigilant against everyone here.


    The two deputy directors who were standing in the distance still had shocked expressions. The way they looked at Xu Qing was as though they were looking at a god. Everything that happened today had exceeded their understanding and imagination.


    They had heard of the legend of the dragon carriage, but they never expected that someone could sit in it, transform into the sun, and experience sunrise and sunset.


    Hence, their minds were in turmoil and they couldn¡¯t calm down at all.


    Erniu and Huang Yan couldn¡¯t take their eyes off Xu Qing.


    This was especially so for Erniu. What happened to Xu Qing today shocked him greatly. Hence, he was even more curious about Xu Qing¡¯s harvest.


    As for Huang Yan, he wasn¡¯t curious about Xu Qing¡¯s harvest, but had some questions about the Crown Prince Golden Crow and wanted to ask Xu Qing. However, he only stared at him for a while before his expression suddenly changed and abruptly looked at the horizon.


    Red light appeared in the dark sky.


    This light spread and invaded the night sky, causing the entire sky to turn red.


    It was the same for the sea, as though it had turned into a sea of blood.


    This endless redness gathered together and transformed a god.


    This god walked over from the sky and arrived on the magic warship in a single step. The instant He landed, the little mute and the other two fainted.


    The blood wind blew, fluttering the god¡¯s crimson robes, lifting His hair, revealing a face of enchanting beauty, which caught the eyes of Huang Yan and Erniu.


    Erniu¡¯s eyes narrowed, then he displayed a surprised expression, rising and seemingly casually blocking in front of Xu Qing, bowing respectfully to the god.


    Senior, it was actually you. No wonder I felt that the world had lost its light just now.¡±


    Huang Yan didn¡¯t say a word. His entire body emitted terrifying fluctuations and his expression was solemn.


    No need to be nervous.


    I came here to ask Xu Qing to return the favor.


    Jade Flowing Dust chuckled and sat down cross-legged. With a wave of His hand, a bamboo table appeared beside Him with four teacups.


    After personally pouring the tea, He picked one up and took a sip. He then looked at Erniu and Huang Yan.


    Have some tea.

 Chapter 1445 - 1445 Jade Flowing Dusts Demand

    1445 Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s Demand


    The appearance of Jade Flowing Dust emitted an invisible force that enveloped the sky and the Forbidden Sea.


    This caused the sky to seem to stop at this moment.


    This was even more so for the Forbidden Sea.


    The waves on the surface of the sea froze, maintaining their appearance.


    The flowing seawater also froze.


    Everything seemed to have become a painting, depicting a story that others didn¡¯t know.


    Only the god from the story, while drinking tea, extended an invitation.


    Erniu smiled awkwardly. He didn¡¯t dare to not drink Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s tea.


    He had personally seen Transient Evil in the other party¡¯s story. Because he didn¡¯t drink tea at the start, everything was distorted. It was as though he was being carried back and forth, and it was incomparably miserable.


    In the end, even his mind collapsed.


    ¡®This one, though looking all godly and divine, I¡¯ve heard before that He¡¯s notorious among the gods for being petty, and He has a peculiar habit: the more unwilling someone is, the more He enjoys forcing them to comply.¡¯


    ¡®Besides, with my stomach, what can¡¯t I digest? What am I afraid of?!¡¯


    At the thought of this, Erniu didn¡¯t hesitate. He picked up the teacup and took a sip. After that, he revealed an expression that was like he was eating delicacies and praised endlessly.


    ¡°Good tea, delicious!¡±


    Huang Yan, who was at the side, was expressionless and didn¡¯t touch the teacup at all.


    Jade Flowing Dust glanced at Huang Yan and narrowed His eyes. However, in the end, He seemed to have thought of something and chuckled. He didn¡¯t say anything but looked at Xu Qing, who was meditating, with interest.


    ¡°Kid, you¡¯re clearly awake but you¡¯re rapidly analyzing inwardly and pretending not to be awake. This reminds me of a similar story. The main character in the story is also called Xu Qing. Did I tell you about it?¡±


    When the word ¡®story¡¯ fell into Xu Qing¡¯s ears, he immediately opened his eyes without any hesitation.


    The instant he opened his eyes, the Golden Crow flew out of his body. Between the motionless sea and sky, it burned with the flames.


    As it continued to circle around, loud and clear sounds rang out.


    It flew higher and higher.


    In the end, at the end of the sky, the Golden Crow¡¯s entire body shook. An even more intense fire erupted from its body, forming terrifying light and heat. It was as though it had transformed into the sun, illuminating the surroundings.


    An ancient aura and the might of a god rose from its body.


    There were also ten immortal lights surrounding the Golden Crow. They were none other than Xu Qing¡¯s Profound Sun Immortal Light Technique.


    It had increased from one beam at the start to ten.


    As they, the ten rays of immortal light became increasingly resplendent. They fused with the Golden Crow and enhanced each other, causing the Golden Crow to seem to have become a true sun.


    It instantly ignited the darkness.


    After that, the light flowed into Xu Qing¡¯s eyes again and disappeared without a trace.


    The sky was pitch-black again.


    Only Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were as bright as the sun. He stood up and bowed to Jade Flowing Dust.


    Xu Qing was willing to listen to Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s story about Transient Evil. However, he didn¡¯t dare to listen to the story of himself. Hence, he had to be polite.


    ¡°I¡¯m very interested in the Golden Crow¡¯s story.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust looked at Xu Qing and smiled.


    Xu Qing fell silent. The Golden Crow¡¯s inheritance was too majestic and incomparably complicated. It wasn¡¯t something he could completely understand in a short period. Hence, he placed this inheritance in his sea of consciousness and slowly absorbed it.


    Before it completely fused, the Golden Crow¡¯s story¡­ was also incomplete.


    ¡°Senior, I can tell you what you want to hear.¡±


    Xu Qing thought about it and calmly spoke.


    Jade Flowing Dust shook His head.


    ¡°An incomplete story will have too many uncertainties that will affect the quality. I¡¯ll listen to it when you know the whole story.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I won¡¯t listen to it for nothing.¡±


    ¡°So this time, the favor you owe me¡­ will be returned by being a bait.¡±


    ¡°Come with me. We¡¯ll make a trip to the outer sea.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust put down His teacup and calmly spoke.


    Xu Qing fell silent. The bait and the outer sea that Jade Flowing Dust mentioned made him make some connections. A few breaths later, he looked at Jade Flowing Dust.


    ¡°Senior, please enlighten me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going fishing in the outer sea.¡± Jade Flowing Dust smiled.


    Huang Yan¡¯s eyes gleamed as he stood up.


    Jade Flowing Dust turned His head and stared at Him. A divine sense flashed out, as though it was saying something to Huang Yan.


    Huang Yan frowned, but the sharpness in his eyes didn¡¯t diminish at all as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°I will respect Xu Qing¡¯s wishes.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent. He had been to the outer sea earlier in the Golden Crow Dragon Carriage. Although he didn¡¯t know the details, he could sense how terrifying the outer sea was.


    However, the current him was no longer the same as before. This was especially due to the Golden Crow¡¯s inheritance which allowed him to have a certain understanding of the outer sea.


    As long as he was careful, it wasn¡¯t impossible for him to enter.


    The most important thing was that he had to return Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s favor.


    ¡°Now?¡±


    Xu Qing slowly asked.


    ¡°Now.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust smiled and nodded before standing up.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    With that, He took a step into the sky.


    Xu Qing drew in a deep breath. Huang Yan, who was beside him, frowned.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I won¡¯t interfere with your choice but if you¡¯re unwilling, you can tell me. I¡¯ll think of a way!¡±


    ¡°Back then, Senior Jade Flowing Dust saved me. I have to return this favor.¡± Xu Qing remained silent for a bit before shaking his head. His principle was to always remember grudges and favors.


    With that, Xu Qing stepped into the sky and stood behind Jade Flowing Dust.


    Huang Yan stared at Xu Qing. After seeing Xu Qing¡¯s determination, he didn¡¯t persuade him anymore.


    Seeing that Xu Qing and Jade Flowing Dust were about to leave, Erniu blinked and coughed. A fawning smile appeared on his face as he shouted at Jade Flowing Dust in the air.


    ¡°In that case, I can¡¯t help much either. I won¡¯t go. I wish Senior and Junior Brother victory!¡±


    ¡°Um, we¡¯ll take our leave first.¡±


    After Erniu finished speaking, he wanted to control this magic warship and leave this place, as though he was afraid of being implicated.


    Jade Flowing Dust, who was in the air, lowered his head and glanced at Erniu.


    ¡°Erniu, if you want to go, just say it directly. There¡¯s no need to use such rhetoric.¡±


    When Erniu heard this, he hurriedly shook his head and patted his chest, speaking loudly.


    ¡°Senior, you¡¯ve misunderstood. I¡¯m not going. Absolutely not. I won¡¯t go even if you beat me to death!¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust raised His brows with a spurious smile.


    ¡°You mean that if I don¡¯t beat you to death, you¡¯ll go? If you want to go that much, fine. There are two hooks on my fishing line; one more bait won¡¯t hurt.¡±


    As he spoke, he waved his right hand; immediately, Erniu¡¯s body rose into the air and stood beside Xu Qing. As Jade Flowing Dust stepped forward, the redness that filled the sky rapidly gathered, forming a vast red cloud.


    It moved toward the outer sea.


    In the magic warship, Huang Yan silently looked at the departing red cloud.


    Within the red cloud, Erniu was frowning and sighing.


    However, in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes, with his understanding of his eldest senior brother, he could see a hint of smugness hidden in the depths of his expression.


    ¡°Stop pretending. Originally, you were one of the baits this time. Even if you hadn¡¯t said that, I would have taken you along.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s voice rang out in the red cloud..


    ¡°As long as you don¡¯t court death, although this trip will be dangerous, it won¡¯t be fatal.¡±


    It would have been fine if he hadn¡¯t said this. Now that he did, Xu Qing instantly experienced an inexplicable uneasiness in his heart. He then looked at Erniu beside him.


    If it was about courting death, Eldest Senior Brother was definitely at the top.


    Feeling somewhat guilty under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze, Erniu coughed lightly.


    ¡°Senior, in order to fish better and let you gain a lot from this trip, uhh¡­ do you want to tell us the reason for our trip?¡±


    ¡°Our lives aren¡¯t important but if we delay Senior¡¯s important matter, it will be serious.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he raised his head and looked at the red fog in front of him. The captain¡¯s words were exactly what he planned to ask. This was because knowing the specifics of this trip would also enhance his safety.


    In the cloud, Jade Flowing Dust observed through everything and chuckled.


    However, since He had come to ask Qing to return the favor, He naturally wouldn¡¯t say nothing. Moreover, this matter was extremely important to Him.


    Hence, as the red cloud moved toward the outer sea, His voice echoed in Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Before I tell you the reason, I have to tell you about the outer sea.¡±


    ¡°The outer sea is mysterious and unfathomable. Its history is even longer than the Brilliant Heaven God Race¡¯s. I also don¡¯t know exactly how long it has existed. In fact, I don¡¯t know many areas inside.¡±


    ¡°According to my judgment, the Brilliant Heaven God Race should have walked out of the outer sea at the earliest. The outer sea is the source of Their race¡­ After They walked out, They founded Brilliant Heaven.¡±


    ¡°Later on, although the ancestors of you cultivators suppressed and sealed the Brilliant Heaven God Race and constructed the Wanggu above the Brilliant Heaven, they were also helpless against the outer sea.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing that this is also the reason why the Crown Prince Golden Crow was left behind and given the right to patrol the world. It¡¯s not because He¡¯s strong but because of His bloodline.¡±


    ¡°The outer sea can be seen as a separate world.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s voice echoed. The information contained in it was extremely great and very few people in the world knew about it. Xu Qing and Erniu also felt their hearts stir.


    ¡°As for my goal¡­¡± Jade Flowing Dust paused.


    ¡°Xu Qing, do you know the difference between immortals and gods?¡±


    Xu Qing was still digesting the information from before. When he heard this, he contemplated about it and uttered in a low voice.


    ¡°The essence of immortal cultivation lies in its origin, while divine cultivation encompasses omniscience.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust smiled.


    ¡°You¡¯re both right and wrong.¡±


    ¡°The answer is, immortal cultivation seeks the true self, while divine cultivation seeks the true name!¡±


    ¡°Therefore, although the Summer Immortals can die, the True Gods won¡¯t be destroyed.¡±


    ¡°Even if a True God dies, as long as Their true name is circulated in the starry sky, They will still return after many years. However, the one who returns is Them, but also not Them.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s voice carried an ancient aura, dissipating the fog between Him and Xu Qing, causing His figure to be revealed in Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s eyes.


    His eyes were staring in the direction of the outer sea. His voice seemed to have drifted over from time and echoed in the main world.


    ¡°The history of Wanggu is filled with war. For example, your ancestors from the lower realm suppressed the Brilliant Heaven God Race here back then.¡±


    ¡°Although I didn¡¯t experience that war, I observed in the time of Wanggu that a True God of the Brilliant Heaven God Race was killed in the outer sea.¡±


    ¡°So, after I was injured back then, I spent tens of thousands of years telling time a story about this True God.¡±


    ¡°Finally, in the past thousand years, time has acknowledged my story. I can sense the aura of that True God¡¯s return.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s very weak and is still in the midst of recovery. However, it¡¯s enough for me to weave this story of the True God to completion.¡±


    ¡°The reason why I chose you guys as bait is because you guys are related to the Summer Immortal and are implicated by karma. This True God was killed by a Summer Immortal back then. Even if it¡¯s not related to you guys, there are only a few Summer Immortals in this starry sky.¡±


    ¡°So, you guys are the best bait.¡±


    ¡°I want to borrow your auras to lure out this weak True God who has returned and make my story real at the True God level. I want to restore my Divine Platform to its peak and pursue the one-in-ten-thousand chance of the True God¡¯s path.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust didn¡¯t hide anything. After telling Xu Qing and the captain the reason, the moving red cloud in the sky suddenly stopped.


    They had arrived at the outer sea.


    An endless line emerged on the surface of the sea.


    On one side was black. That was the inner sea.


    On one side was purple. That was the outer sea.

 Chapter 1446 - 1446 Bizarre Outer Sea

    1446 Bizarre Outer Sea


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The sky wasn¡¯t completely dark this time.


    The blood cloud became a source of light, scattering redness in the surroundings.


    Xu Qing and Erniu stood in the clouds, looking at the sea while listening to Jade Flowing Dust.


    On the surface of the sea, black and purple fused together, forming an endless long line.


    It was like a dividing line that divided the Forbidden Sea into the inner and outer.


    The inner sea, while dangerous, was relatively manageable.


    Regardless of whether it was the Yinghuang Province, the Nanhuang Continent, the Southern Isle Region, or the countless islands on the sea, they had already explored a large part of the inner sea in the past tens of thousands of years.


    Based on the cultivation bases, the range of exploration was also different. However, with the efforts of generations, the inner sea¡­ could no longer be considered mysterious to a certain extent.


    However, in the outer sea¡­ even when the Sun and Moon were patrolling the world, it was still a forbidden place for all living beings.


    There were extremely few who were qualified to enter it.


    If one¡¯s cultivation didn¡¯t reach a certain level and they forcefully stepped over, it wouldn¡¯t be long before their bodies and souls were destroyed.


    In fact, most of the time, they would not even know how they died.


    Moreover, Crown Prince Golden Crow and Robin had fallen for tens of thousands of years, so the outer sea had no sun or moon, causing it to be engulfed in darkness all year round.


    Those who could check its situation became even fewer.


    Mystery and the unknown became the main theme in the outer sea.


    Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s introduction of the outer sea removed the first veil of the outer sea, but there were still endless secrets under this veil.


    It was endlessly deep.


    Erniu fell silent. It was unknown what he was thinking but his gaze carried a hint of complexity as he looked at the outer sea.


    As for Xu Qing, he had a myriad of thoughts in his mind.


    What Jade Flowing Dust said about the outer sea, combined with what he had seen from inside the dragon carriage and the inheritance he had obtained, made him aware that what the other party said was most likely true.


    ¡®The history of the outer sea is even older than the Brilliant Heaven God Race¡­¡¯


    ¡®The Brilliant Heaven God Race came from the outer sea¡­¡¯


    ¡®In that case, what exactly is the origin of this outer sea?¡¯


    A guess rose in Xu Qing¡¯s mind. He raised his head and looked at the fragmented-face of the god floating high in the sky outside Wanggu.


    ¡®Why¡­ did He come to Wanggu?¡¯


    This question had been lingering in the minds of all living beings for tens of thousands of years and there was no answer.


    At that moment, just as Xu Qing was making guesses, Jade Flowing Dust took a deep breath and spoke softly.


    ¡°Can you smell it?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    It was the smell of blood.


    It drifted over from the outer sea¡­ To be precise, this was the smell of the outer sea.


    It was similar to the fishy smell in the inner sea but its essence was completely different.


    ¡°Actually, before Father descended, the color of this outer sea was like this. Black was the divine aura of the Brilliant Heaven God Race and it was mixed with the blood of unknown existences. Hence¡­ it caused the color of the sea to turn purple.¡±


    ¡°After Father descended, His divine aura enveloped the world and invaded the outer sea. Hence¡­ the divine aura here, which is the anomalous substances you cultivators speak of, is even more mixed and extremely dense.¡±


    ¡°Thus forming such a beautiful smell.¡±


    ¡°This reminds me of a legend that circulated in all the star rings.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust took another deep breath, appreciating the smell of the outer sea. A strange glint appeared in His eyes.


    When the words He said landed in Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s ears, they couldn¡¯t help but look at each other. After that, Xu Qing spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°I wonder what the legend Senior mentioned is?¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust cast a meaningful glance at Xu Qing. He looked at the vast fragmented-face hanging high in the sky, speaking calmly.


    ¡°That¡¯s the legend of Father God.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust clearly didn¡¯t want to talk about the specifics of this legend. At this moment, He waved His right hand. Immediately, the red cloud He was in spread toward the boundary of the inner and outer seas.


    At the next instant, the red cloud swept Xu Qing and Erniu across the boundary of black and purple.


    They had truly stepped into the outer sea!


    Here, the red cloud didn¡¯t continue forward but rapidly dissipated.


    At the same time, Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s voice arrived.


    ¡°You guys will have to move here on your own and move as far into the depths of the outer sea as possible.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to do anything else. Just by appearing here, you are already baits.¡±


    As the voice rang out, there was also a repulsive force that pushed Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s figures out of the dissipating red cloud.


    They landed on the purple sea.


    In that instant, Xu Qing¡¯s old hag-like great wing appeared and landed on the surface of the sea.


    If it was the inner sea, the descent of the great wing would definitely cause a huge commotion.


    However, in the outer sea, even if it was only the edge, the seawater was clearly more viscous. Hence, the waves were so faint that they couldn¡¯t be seen. If one didn¡¯t take a closer look, they wouldn¡¯t be able to discover the waves at all.


    The entire surface of the sea was like stagnant water, motionless.


    It was the same for the great wing on it.


    Xu Qing and Erniu, who were standing on the great wing, felt the heaviness of the outer sea. While they maintained their vigilance, the mystery from the outer sea transformed into an inexplicable pressure. Accompanied by a terrifying aura, it mixed with unknown substances, forming an invisible mental storm that surged toward them.


    Xu Qing¡¯s body trembled and Erniu¡¯s breathing became hurried.


    At this moment, they both felt their souls trembling.


    An intense palpitation rose uncontrollably in their hearts and spread throughout their bodies.


    This feeling reminded Xu Qing of his first experience going out to sea in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    At that time, to him, the inner sea was mysterious but also endlessly dangerous.


    Just like now.


    It was only after a long time that the two of them got used to it. After looking at each other, Erniu sighed.


    ¡°I thought He was going to bring us straight to our destination and then lure His target. I didn¡¯t expect¡­ to be set loose immediately.¡±


    Erniu felt a little helpless. He felt that this god was somewhat lazy. It was fine if He used him and Little Qing to fish, but He let the baits run by themselves.


    ¡°I can tell that He¡¯s not a professional.¡±


    Erniu squatted down and looked at the purple seawater in the surroundings.


    After some thought, Xu Qing still reminded him.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, I roughly saw some aspects of the outer sea from the Golden Crow Dragon Carriage. There are too many terrifying things in this place, so you¡­ shouldn¡¯t court death.¡±


    When Erniu heard this, he was instantly unhappy.


    ¡°Little Qing, how can you say that about your Eldest Senior Brother? Those words are too hurtful. I¡¯m a person who never courts death. Otherwise, how could I still be alive and well?¡±


    Erniu was dissatisfied.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything and only calmly looked at Erniu.


    Under his gaze, Erniu slowly felt a little guilty. In the end, he coughed.


    ¡°Alright, alright. I won¡¯t court death!¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. He performed a series of hand seals; immediately, the defense of the great wing was activated. Under his spell, the special great wing that looked like an old woman rumbled as it slowly moved forward.


    Time flowed by and three days passed.


    During these three days, there was no distinction between day and night in the outer sea. It was always pitch-black.


    Moreover, it was quiet.


    The sound of the waves rarely appeared, causing one to have the illusion that they weren¡¯t at sea.


    However, the humidity from the seawater and the increasingly intense stench of blood constantly reminded Xu Qing that this place¡­ was indeed the outer sea.


    The great wing was also affected. Regardless of whether it was in the inner sea or the Wanggu, this huge ship showcased powerful defense, but in just three days in the outer sea, its surface was covered in a layer of purple fog.


    A sense of corrosion gradually appeared.


    After sensing carefully, Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s expressions turned solemn.


    It was a kind of corrosion that appeared with the flow of time.


    ¡°This outer sea is indeed strange. Not only is it pitch-black and quiet, but the anomalous substances are also denser and more mixed. The effect on external objects is clearly more bizarre¡­ What it displayed on this great wing in just three days is as though a thousand years have passed.¡±


    Erniu took a deep breath and raised his hand to touch the mist on the surface of the great wing.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn. Just as he was about to speak, he looked into the distance.


    The captain also sensed something and looked over.


    With their cultivation bases, although their vision wasn¡¯t completely clear in the dark outer sea, they could still make out outlines. At that moment, they had already noticed the item floating on the surface of the sea in front of them.


    There were some irregular rocks.


    They were dilapidated and floated on the surface of the sea, as though they couldn¡¯t be sunk.


    Each of them emitted an ancient aura, as though they had witnessed endless time.


    Xu Qing had seen a similar scene from the dragon carriage before. He knew that many areas on the surface of the outer sea were littered with floating ruins, which shouldn¡¯t have been too serious. However, at this moment, a gloomy light appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, something¡¯s wrong¡­¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke, he walked to the edge of the great wing and looked in the direction of the rocks. His divine source gathered in his eyes and he looked over.


    On the pitch-black surface of the sea, behind the rocks, there were ruins.


    It was like a city had collapsed and shattered, spreading broken walls and ruins on the sea. The range wasn¡¯t small.


    In the center, there was a tilted ruined temple!


    On the ruined temple, there was actually a young figure!


    It was a little girl dressed in ancient clothing, sitting on the broken wall of a temple, barefoot, with its legs swinging up and down, seemingly very happy.


    Its mouth was open, looking like she was singing, but there was no sound.


    The only exception was the numerous ghostly shadows, so many that it was astonishing, densely surrounding it as if worshiping it.


    The instant he saw this little girl, Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled. A chill rose from the bottom of his heart for some reason.


    That was an instinct that came from his soul, revealing intense signs of danger!


    Erniu also used his own method to see this scene. His pupils suddenly constricted and he gasped.


    ¡°What the hell is it?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like a ghost, a god, or a cultivator. This thing doesn¡¯t even have the aura of death on it. No, there¡¯s no aura at all!¡±


    ¡°Could this be the god Jade Flowing Dust is fishing?¡±


    ¡°But I feel like this thing is even more terrifying than the Jade Flowing Dust!¡±


    Erniu¡¯s breathing was hurried. His intuition had always been accurate. At this moment, there was clearly a danger that surpassed Jade Flowing Dust and was rising rapidly.


    ¡°Little Qing¡­ Do you think that guy, Jade Flowing Dust, might end up baiting a shark while fishing and get himself killed?¡±


    Erniu trembled and quickly transmitted his voice to Xu Qing. Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn as he controlled the great wing he was on, preparing to circle around this range.


    However, at this moment, the little girl sitting on the ruined temple suddenly turned its head and looked at them with its pitch-black eyes.


    Its lips curled up into a smile.


    At the next instant¡­ Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled. The divine source that gathered in his eyes instantly collapsed. Even his vision disappeared and turned black, directly losing his sight.


    At the same time, he felt his back turn cold, as though there was something lying on his back.


    Immediately after, a tender voice rang out clearly from behind him, as though it was stuck to his ear.


    ¡°Little brother, don¡¯t go any further. Ahead is the end of the sea and the end of life..¡±

 Chapter 1447 - 1447 Nervous, Regretful, Weary (1)

    1447 Nervous, Regretful, Weary (1)


    While this voice was faint, it carried an inexplicable chill. When it landed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears, he felt like his mind had turned into a glacier.


    It was as though a piece of ice had appeared out of thin air in his soul.


    This ice emitted waves of coldness that spread out from Xu Qing¡¯s soul and affected all his perception, causing him to seem to have lost all warmth at this moment.


    Only the coldness penetrated everything.


    Every letter in the voice was like a curse, stirring Xu Qing¡¯s sea of consciousness along with the cold air. At this moment, the divine source in his entire body lost its vitality like stagnant water.


    Under the enhancement of these layers of coldness, it seemed like he was going to be frozen to death.


    This feeling caused Xu Qing¡¯s consciousness to stagnate. However, a breath before his consciousness turned blank, Xu Qing used the last trace of his divine sense to stimulate the Golden Crow in his body.


    At the next instant, the Golden Crow¡¯s cry echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    This voice seemed to be summoning.


    It summoned the sun from Xu Qing¡¯s body.


    Hence, Xu Qing¡¯s body was like a world. The sun in this world rose into the air and illuminated his soul!


    Black flames instantly erupted. After burning the entire area, ten rays of Profound Sun Immortal Light Technique rose as well, emitting endless light and heat.


    At this moment, the sunrise in his sea of consciousness shone brightly.


    The instant it came into contact with the coldness, a soft laugh echoed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Little brother, remember my warning. Also, what your friend said is wrong. I¡¯m not some ghost. If he curses me again, I¡¯ll take him away.¡±


    This voice was inexplicable, as though it was filled with deep meaning. After it rang out, it was unknown if it was the power of the sun in Xu Qing¡¯s body or if the little girl had changed its mind, but the chill on Xu Qing¡¯s back rapidly dissipated.


    The laughter in his ears also gradually faded away.


    At the next instant, the darkness in front of Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and the coldness in his heart were completely ignited by flames.


    The cold was burned and his perception returned.


    The moment his vision recovered, Xu Qing¡¯s breathing became hurried and he abruptly turned his head.


    There was nothing behind him.


    Only Erniu, who wasn¡¯t far away, had turned into an ice sculpture.


    However, there was heat coming from Erniu¡¯s body that was filled with the fragrance of tea. It was resisting the cold and gradually melting the ice.


    That tea was given to him by Jade Flowing Dust.


    Sensing that his eldest senior brother was fine for the time being, Xu Qing forcefully suppressed the fluctuations in his heart and controlled the great wing to speed up. After about fifteen minutes, he bypassed this ruined area.


    When he was far away, his face was pale. He turned his head and took one last look at the faintly discernible ruins that were drowned in the darkness in the distance.


    Regarding this outer sea, his vigilance became even stronger.


    ¡°What kind of god is that?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart palpitated. He had seen many gods but the feeling that the little girl gave him seemed to be related to gods but not exactly.


    ¡°And during that last moment, my immortal light might have some effect but it seems¡­ like it took the initiative to leave. Why is that?¡±


    ¡°As for it saying that it¡¯s not a ghost like my friend mentioned¡­¡±


    Xu Qing remained silent. He glanced at the ice sculpture where the captain was and waved his hand. The immortal light in his body spread out and landed on the ice sculpture.


    Gradually, the ice melted. After over ten minutes, it finally completely melted. Erniu¡¯s eyes suddenly opened. The first thing he did was to suck in the cold air that came from the melting ice.


    Under this inhaling, Erniu¡¯s entire body trembled, and frost appeared on his brows and hair.


    Cold was his usual method, and the danger this time didn¡¯t seem to be able to suppress Erniu¡¯s greed. Even though his body showed signs of freezing again, he still swallowed the mouthful of chilly air forcefully.


    However, at the next instant, Erniu¡¯s expression changed and he suddenly vomited violently.


    What came out was countless withered and rotting hair.


    As soon as those hairs fell, they turned into cold air and dissipated.


    After vomiting for a long time and finally vomiting out all the hair, Erniu had lingering fears and sat down unsteadily.


    ¡°I miscalculated. This isn¡¯t chilly energy. It¡¯s a mixture of demise energy and corpse energy. It¡¯s stinky and is of benefits at all!¡±


    ¡°What the hell is that gho¡­¡±


    Erniu clutched his stomach and looked at the ruins behind him. Before he could finish speaking, Xu Qing hurriedly interrupted him.


    ¡°It told me to tell you that if you curse at it again, it¡¯s going to take you away.¡±


    When Erniu heard this, he took a deep breath and instantly shut up.


    He was bewildered. He recalled that when the little girl transformed its head to look at them earlier, he had indeed instinctively thought to himself, ¡®What kind of ghostly thing is this¡­¡¯


    ¡®Did it come because of my one thought?¡¯


    ¡®So petty?¡¯


    Erniu hesitated.


    At this moment, the one who was even more hesitant than Erniu was Jade Flowing Dust.


    Hidden in the void, He stared at the ruins with a solemn expression.


    What He saw was different from the scene Xu Qing and the captain had seen earlier.


    Those ruins weren¡¯t ruins at all.


    Instead, it was countless strands of tresses intertwined together, forming a hairball¡­


    Decay, withering, and stench spread here.


    As for the little girl, it was a figure woven from a massive amount of hair, exuding endless malevolence, staring at Jade Flowing Dust.


    ¡®I wonder if it¡¯s because of Xu Qing¡¯s specialness or that bull¡¯s specialness that it actually attracted this thing¡­¡¯


    Jade Flowing Dust hesitated for a moment but chose to be amicable. Hence, He separated a silver of his godly source, transforming it into a cup of tea, and sent it floating toward the little girl.


    ¡°Please have some tea.¡±


    The little girl grinned and a large amount of tresses spread out from its body. After wrapping around the teacup, it fused back into the ball of hair and disappeared.


    Just like that, time passed again.


    Although Erniu vomited a lot, it was obvious that his stomach was still damaged. In the next half a month, his entire body was turning black and long rotting tresses grew from his body.

 Chapter 1448 - 1448 Nervous, Regretful, Weary (2)

    1448 Nervous, Regretful, Weary (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    At the most serious moment, his entire body was surrounded by hair. Even if he took off his clothes, he gave off a feeling of being covered in hair.


    Moreover, no matter how he scraped, he couldn¡¯t scrape it off.


    However, it had to be said that Erniu¡¯s mentality was indeed extraordinary. Other than feeling a little vexed at the start, he seemed to be used to it in the next few days. In fact, he even looked a little smug.


    ¡°Little Qing, I can sense that these hairs possess extraordinary defense. After covering the entire body, it¡¯s equivalent to wearing hair armor!¡±


    ¡°And it¡¯s warm!¡±


    ¡°Not bad, not bad. When it grows a little longer, I¡¯ll think of a way to cut it and send it to the Cloth Race to weave it for me. At that time, I might be able to sell it for a high price!¡±


    Erniu touched the hair on his body and his eyes lit up.


    ¡°Also, I realized that ever since I grew these hair, our journey has been much safer. Look, we haven¡¯t encountered any danger¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that the pressure here is serious and we can¡¯t hold on for too long. Otherwise, we can travel faster by flying in the sky.¡±


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t be bothered with Erniu¡¯s rambling. He closed his eyes and meditated. As for Erniu, he was about to continue boasting¡­


    However, at that moment, Xu Qing abruptly opened his eyes. Erniu¡¯s voice also paused.


    They both looked into the distance.


    The world far away from the great wing was originally pitch-black. However, at that moment, a sun¡­ rose from the surface of the sea.


    The sun was immense and vast. The moment it appeared, the sky brightened, and the seawater rippled, reflecting the great sun. The light from the sky and sea illuminated all directions.


    This light was blood-red, like the setting sun.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled and Erniu¡¯s eyes also widened. However, they quickly discovered that what was rising might not be a sun.


    This was because¡­ in another direction, there was actually a second sun rising from the surface of the sea.


    This wasn¡¯t the end. Farther away, the third sun appeared.


    After that, the fourth, fifth, sixth¡­ The world became brighter and brighter. Finally, after over ten minutes, more than thirty suns rose into the air!


    Each emitted light of varying intensity.


    The light they emitted could not extend too far, unable to cover the entire outer sea and only illuminating certain areas.


    As for the heat they radiated, there was none at all.


    Even stranger was that these rising suns swiftly fell again one after another, crossing paths without any pattern, sometimes soaring into the sky and sometimes sinking into the sea.


    Hence, the light in the outer sea flickered.


    The anomalous substances became increasingly dense and divine aura became increasingly viscous.


    At the next instant, amidst the intense waves in Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s hearts, a gap suddenly opened in the center of the sun closest to the two of them.


    After that, the gap spread and opened.


    It resembled an eye!


    To be precise, it was indeed an eye!


    It seemed to awaken from a deep sleep, now staring at Xu Qing¡¯s great wing.


    The instant the gaze landed on it, the great wing rumbled and began to disintegrate. The distortion emitted by this gaze also affected Xu Qing and Erniu.


    Their bodies immediately started mutating.


    Amidst his horror, Erniu trembled and his voice became sharper.


    ¡°Little Qing, quickly do the ritual dance with me. This is the dream of an unknown god. This god is so terrifying that Its dream can affect reality to a certain extent!!¡±


    As he spoke, Erniu immediately jumped up. All the hair on his body was flicked around by him as he performed the ritual dance that was specially performed for gods.


    He even mumbled some words of worship.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t dare to be negligent. He immediately stood up and danced with the captain.


    In his previous life, Erniu, who was the Grand Ritual Dancer in the Moon Offering Region, was clearly much more knowledgeable about a god¡¯s dream. At that moment, as they danced, the sun-like eye paused in mid-air as though it had been attracted.


    Time slowly passed. Six hours later, the huge eye slowly closed. Together with the other sun eyes, it sank into the sea and disappeared.


    Xu Qing controlled the tattered great wing to quickly leave this area and enter the darkness again.


    After sensing that there were no other abnormalities, Xu Qing and Erniu, who were on the great wing, heaved a sigh of relief at the same time. The two of them looked at each other and smiled bitterly.


    ¡°Little Qing, do you think that guy Jade Flowing Dust is still around?¡±


    ¡°I feel that this place is too dangerous. I guess Jade Flowing Dust has caught something already. Why don¡¯t we go back?¡±


    Xu Qing pondered for a bit. After looking around, he nodded.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head back. If Senior Jade Flowing Dust isn¡¯t willing, He will have to appear and tell us¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. If He doesn¡¯t appear, it means that He is allowing us to leave.¡± Erniu quickly agreed. After the two of them looked at each other again, Xu Qing changed the direction of the great wing without hesitation and moved in the direction of the inner sea.


    At this moment, Jade Flowing Dust they were talking about was at the bottom of the sea¡­


    At the bottom of the sea, the 30-odd suns that had sunk earlier returned to their original appearance and clustered together densely.


    There were indeed more than 30 huge eyes and there were some blurry thin threads connecting Them, resembling grapes.


    They were staring at Jade Flowing Dust.


    Jade Flowing Dust remained silent, but was cursing inwardly.


    This wasn¡¯t His first time in the outer sea. Before this, He had investigated many times.


    Although the outer sea was mysterious, and many areas even felt dangerous to Him, the vastness of the outer sea meant that as long as He did not venture into the depths, He rarely encountered beings that required Him to invite for tea.


    However, this time around, it was different.


    The encounter with the little girl could be described as a coincidence, while the eyes before Him, He remembered, usually dwelled in the depths of the outer sea. Yet now, unexpectedly, They appeared here..

 Chapter 1449 - 1449 Nervous, Regretful, Weary (3)

    1449 Nervous, Regretful, Weary (3)


    Moreover, this place was very far from the depths¡­


    It was near the coast of the outer sea.


    ¡®I brought them here to fish, but this¡­ how can I fish randomly!¡¯


    Jade Flowing Dust sighed helplessly inwardly. He waved His hand, taking out a cup of tea and sending it over.


    ¡°Please have some tea.¡±


    Those grape-like eyes all squinted, releasing tendril-like appendages that wrapped around the teacup. Then, They slowly sank into the sea, disappearing into the depths.


    Jade Flowing Dust was weary.


    Sensing that Xu Qing and Erniu were leaving, He hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn¡¯t stop them.


    ¡°I just hope the next period will be peaceful enough to successfully lure out the returning true god. I can feel that¡­ It is already stirring.¡±


    ¡°Also, It¡¯s very weak¡­¡±


    Anticipation rose in Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s heart.


    His expectations differed greatly from reality. It seemed that His story authority had been affected and distorted by the outer sea.


    The reason might be attributed to something Erniu said a few days later on the silent outer sea.


    ¡°Little Qing, I¡¯ve been recalling these few days. The little girl acted because of my thoughts. Then, the sun seemed to make a move because I said that we were safe¡­¡±


    On the great wing, Erniu had a solemn expression as he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I think something¡¯s wrong!¡±


    ¡°In this outer sea, it seems that my words will form a strange power!¡±


    ¡°Are the ancient legends true?¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he looked at Erniu and his expression turned solemn. This was because he was actually thinking about a similar question on the way. However, he didn¡¯t think the reason was his Eldest Senior Brother but his identity as the Golden Crow.


    He kept feeling that after he stepped into the outer sea, an ancient gaze was faintly staring at him.


    Upon hearing Erniu¡¯s words, Xu Qing asked.


    ¡°What legend?¡±


    Erniu took a deep breath.


    ¡°The legend says that the outer sea has a master. This master was incredibly handsome, the greatest in all the heavens and earth, with unparalleled grace, countless consorts in his harem, and an ancient and sacred presence. But one day, he grew weary of his invincibility and left this sea.¡±


    ¡°Before leaving, he left behind a message: ¡®When I return, the gods will come to worship me.''¡±


    Erniu coughed.


    At first, Xu Qing was still listening very seriously. However, he soon realized that something was amiss.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, where did this legend come from?¡±


    ¡°From me.¡±


    Erniu chuckled and shook the hair on his body.


    ¡°I¡¯m just joking. Haha, I just saw that we have been too nervous these few days. Don¡¯t worry, don¡¯t worry. I have memorized our route. We¡¯ve passed through this sea area before. It¡¯s safe¡­¡±


    Before Erniu could finish speaking, a drastic change occurred!


    A loud explosion suddenly rang out from the area they were in. This was extremely abrupt in the silent outer sea.


    Huge waves rose on the surface of the sea.


    It was like a tsunami.


    This was also a situation that had never happened before.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled. Erniu¡¯s eyes widened and he gasped.


    The two of them immediately tried to control the great wing to rise into the air and avoid the waves on the surface of the sea. However, at the next instant¡­ the surface of the sea in this area actually rose into the air first!


    If one were to look down from the highest heavens, they would clearly see that the sea surface in this area was rising in a circular shape, with an enormous scope. The great wing where Xu Qing and Erniu were at was merely a dot.


    As the circular sea rose and became clearer, it turned out to be a bowl!


    This sea area was actually a sea within the bowl.


    A multi-armed sea demon that was the size of a province revealed a portion of Its figure.


    It was soul-stirring and vast!


    Each of its hands was holding some items. One of them was holding¡­ the bowl sea where Xu Qing and Erniu were.


    It was moving forward.


    Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s hearts rumbled and they didn¡¯t dare to move at all.


    Clearly, their existence was insignificant to this terrifying ocean demon. Hence, after several hours, the huge sea demon entered the surface of the sea again and disappeared.


    The bowl also entered the sea.


    On the great wing, Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s countenances were pale.


    In the distant void, Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s face was also pale.


    ¡°There¡¯s a huge problem with the two of them. Otherwise, it¡¯s impossible for such weak baits to attract such an old existence!¡±


    ¡°I brought them here to fish, but not to fish for such fish!¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust felt that if this continued, these two might attract even more terrifying existences. At that time, before His fish arrived, the bait and Him, the fisherman, would probably die first.


    At the thought of this, Jade Flowing Dust no longer hesitated. He instantly disappeared and when He reappeared, He was on the great wing where Xu Qing and Erniu were.


    After seeing Jade Flowing Dust, Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s emotions fluctuated. They felt a bit guilty and immediately paid their respects.


    ¡°No need for greetings, I¡¯ll bring you guys away!¡±


    ¡°Ah? Didn¡¯t you tell us to move on our own?¡± Erniu hurriedly asked.


    ¡°If you guys continue on your own, I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll encounter an existence that can devour me in one bite.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust wasn¡¯t willing to waste time. As He spoke, He waved His hand, picking up Xu Qing and Erniu and stepping into the sky.


    ¡°Senior, you must be joking. How could we possibly encounter an existence that could devour Senior in one bite¡­¡±


    Just as Erniu uttered this, Xu Qing took a deep inhale and his scalp felt a little numb. He thought of how terrifying Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s utterances were earlier and was about to remind Jade Flowing Dust.


    At the next instant, Jade Flowing Dust suddenly raised His head and His countenance changed drastically.


    Xu Qing and Erniu also sensed the abnormality and raised their heads to look over.


    ¡°How did the sky turn red?¡±


    Erniu mumbled, gaze wide open, completely panicked.


    ¡°Are my utterances really so effective in the outer sea?¡±


    As for Xu Qing, other than shock, he had another feeling.


    He felt it¡ªthe faintly discernible gaze that had been present since he entered the outer ocean seemed clearer at this moment!


    At the next instant, the sky fell!


    It was as though an earth-shattering existence had opened its mouth¡­


    Or rather, this existence had long opened its mouth and was now closing it.

 Chapter 1450 - 1450 The Mysterious Person Inside Suix

    1450 The Mysterious Person Inside Suix


    In the outer sea, there was a fish known as Suix.


    It dwelled in the void and was rarely seen.


    Every time it appeared, its upper jaw would turn into a red sky, the lower jaw into myriad seas, swallowing the light of suns and moons, devouring all beings and lives. Even time and space are consumed within its maw.


    Very few living beings knew its exact form. They only knew that when Suix appeared, heaven and earth would become empty.


    Just like now.


    When the red sky fell, everything ceased to exist. Even the sea caved in, as though an area was missing.


    A vortex appeared on the surface of the sea. As it rumbled, a deafening sound rang out.


    This sound echoed in the outer sea, causing countless tremors. It would also turn into a storm that wouldn¡¯t dissipate for months.


    Xu Qing and Erniu disappeared without a trace.


    After a long time, the storm swept through the seawater, causing bolts of lightning to appear in the sky. They swam in the surroundings and rushed into the distance.


    In the outer sea, it began to rain. When it landed on the surface of the water, it formed ripples.


    In the rain, Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s figure stood in the air in a daze.


    Earlier, at the critical moment, with His ability, He could only allow Himself to avoid the fate of being devoured, and was unable to save Xu Qing and Erniu.


    This was because Suix didn¡¯t devour just physical bodies. Instead, it severed its food¡¯s fate, time, and all other aspects to become nutrients for itself.


    Hence, He could only watch helplessly as Xu Qing and Erniu disappeared from His sight.


    ¡°Even Suix appeared. How can this be a coincidence?¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust fell silent. He wanted to curse but immediately after, He narrowed His eyes and His entire body shone with blood light.


    ¡°That¡¯s not right¡­¡±


    ¡°After coming to the outer sea, my emotions are a little off!¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust knew that stories needed to contain emotions. Only stories that could move oneself could move others.


    Hence, many times, He didn¡¯t appear as cold as the other gods. This was due to His authority.


    However¡­ the essence of a god was indifference.


    This was something that no one could change. Hence, although He seemed to be filled with emotions, it was intentional.


    However, this trip to the sea was very different.


    ¡°I¡¯m affected!¡±


    ¡°A certain existence stirred my emotions?¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s heart trembled as He looked at the sea with a complicated expression. After a long time, He suddenly spoke.


    ¡°One day, Xu Qing and Chen Erniu went out to sea together under the will of the god named Jade Flowing Dust¡­¡±


    ¡°The outer sea wasn¡¯t unfamiliar to Jade Flowing Dust. However, to Xu Qing and Chen Erniu, it was filled with unknowns.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, under the influence of some unknown external force, the two of them first encountered an ominous statue, then the divine dream¡¯s sun, and later a sea demon moving in the sea¡­¡±


    ¡°Until they met Suix.¡±


    ¡°Suix is not hungry, just an ordinary swallowing of the sky. In ten hours¡­¡±


    As Jade Flowing Dust spoke, the power of divine authority spread out and fused into the sky, imprinting the sea, forming true speech and declaring them with His true name.


    At the next instant, the color of the world changed and rumbling sounds echoed. The true speech showed signs of shattering.


    This was a sign that the story couldn¡¯t come true.


    When Jade Flowing Dust saw this, his words immediately changed.


    ¡°In a day¡­¡±


    The true speech rumbled and formed an imprint again. However, as soon as the imprint appeared, it actually continued to crack and was about to shatter.


    ¡°In seven days¡­¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust revised again.


    Although the cracks eased a little, they still spread.


    ¡°In a month!¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s divine authority shook as He continued to revise.


    This time, although the imprint still shook, it didn¡¯t shatter.


    Seeing this, Jade Flowing Dust continued.


    ¡°In a month, to the east of this place in the outer sea, forty million kilometers away, they will emerge with water spouting towards the sky.¡±


    The moment He finished speaking, thunder rumbled and the sea churned. The imprint became increasingly resplendent, as though they had become the truth.


    Jade Flowing Dust finally exhaled and stepped into the sky, disappearing.


    The rain became heavier.


    ¡­


    ¡°What kind of godforsaken place is this? Even the rain is corrosive!¡±


    In the world in Suix¡¯s body, Xu Qing and Erniu sped through the air with ugly expressions.


    It was raining here as well.


    However, it was a rain of corrosion.


    They had been trapped here for ten days.


    Ten days ago, when the sky fell and the sea was swallowed, they lost their perception.


    When the world in front of them became clear, they were already here.


    The sky here seemed to have stars that kept flickering, but upon a closer look, they were not stars but some glowing flowers.


    As for the ground, it was a swamp with countless ruins.


    In these ten days, Xu Qing and Erniu had long determined that they were in the world in the body of the massive existence that had devoured them.


    They also sensed the size of this existence¡¯s body.


    They hadn¡¯t reached the end even after flying for ten days.


    In fact, according to the observation of the surrounding environment, Xu Qing judged that the area they had traveled in the past ten days was probably less than one ten-


    thousandth of this beast.


    in the past ten days was probably less than one ten-


    thousandth of this beast.


    This judgment caused their hearts to sink.


    Fortunately, they didn¡¯t encounter any danger on the way.


    Other than the continuous rain, there were no other living beings here.


    However, the boundlessness in front of them and the blurry surroundings still made him feel a little frustrated.


    This was especially so when they occasionally observed statues in the ruins. Some were dilapidated and some were still intact. These statues had different shapes and sizes. In this silent world, under the hazy starlight, they looked like demons and monsters.


    Although they didn¡¯t show any signs of coming to life, the aura they emitted still made Xu Qing and Erniu feel stifled.


    ¡°Little Qing, we can¡¯t go on like this¡­¡±


    At that moment, as he sped, Erniu muttered.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. He looked into the distance. The sensation of being stared at was even more intense here. He had a faint premonition¡­


    The existence staring at him was just ahead.


    ¡®Is it possible that the encounters on the way were deliberately arranged?¡¯


    Xu Qing pondered.


    Seeing that Xu Qing wasn¡¯t paying attention to him, Erniu sighed.


    ¡°I have no choice but to use my trump card.¡±


    ¡°After all, if this continues, there¡¯s no way to leave.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Erniu. He knew what the other party wanted to do.


    Erniu took a deep breath and looked at the surrounding void as he spoke loudly.


    ¡°There is no sound of even breathing here? Looks like we should be safe here¡­¡±


    After saying that, Erniu immediately became vigilant and paid attention to any accidents that might happen.


    However, after waiting for a while, nothing abnormal happened. Erniu blinked and was a little puzzled when Xu Qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, in front¡­ there seems to be an existence looking at us.¡±


    When Erniu heard this, his gaze followed.


    A long time later, he exchanged glances with Xu Qing. After that, determination appeared in their eyes. Since they couldn¡¯t find a way out, they had to explore the way even if there was really something ahead.


    The two of them instantly sped forward.


    A few days later, a lump of fire was especially obvious under the hazy starlight. It was reflected in the eyes of the two of them.


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks. The vigilance in his heart had reached the extreme. However, the scene he observed caused his and the captain¡¯s hearts to tremble.


    The light in front of them came from a campfire.


    By the fire sat an old man who looked human. He had an unremarkable appearance, with one foot wearing a straw sandal and the other bare. In his hand, he held an iron skewer with several pieces of unknown meat, roasting them over the fire.


    Noticing Xu Qing and Erniu, the old man looked up, his triangular eyes flickering as he glanced at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t sense wrongly. Looks like a god but not a god, like a cultivator but not a cultivator, yet with human fortune. It seems you once were human. Though your body isn¡¯t now, you can still barely be considered one.¡±


    He then looked at Erniu.


    ¡°As for you, what are you? Some kind of fur monster?¡±

 Chapter 1451 - 1451 Your World…

    1451 Your World¡­


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The pitch-black sky, the swamp that filled the land, and the ruins formed a sense of dense gloom and oppression.


    In this dark and drowsy world of Suix, there was actually a campfire and a human old man beside it.


    This scene was bizarre.


    Xu Qing couldn¡¯t tell if the other party was a human, monster, or a god¡­ However, the vigilance and nervousness in his heart had reached the extreme. This was because he could sense that ever since he stepped into the outer sea, that faintly discernible gaze¡­ had come from this place. To be precise, it had come from the old man in front of him.


    This answer was also the source of his nervousness.


    The other party¡¯s intentions were unclear.


    Xu Qing could roughly imagine that the other party had been paying attention to him ever since he stepped into the outer sea until they met at this moment¡­ To be able to do this meant that the strength of the person in front of him had probably surpassed the Divine Platform.


    ¡®Could he be trapped here?¡¯


    Just as this thought rose, it was immediately denied by him. He had come into contact with many gods and understood that there were some terrifying existences who could read someone¡¯s thoughts with just a glance.


    Hence, he put away all his thoughts and bowed to the old man.


    ¡°Greetings, Senior!¡±


    At the side, Erniu¡¯s face was pale and his pupils contracted. His body trembled slightly and the churning in his heart was already monstrous.


    With just a glance from the other party, he felt as though his soul had been seen through. All his secrets seemed to be revealed.


    Erniu searched his memories and was very sure that he had never seen this old man in front of him. Even with the memories of his previous lives, he was unfamiliar with this person.


    However, his uniqueness allowed Erniu to judge the other party¡¯s cultivation more accurately than Xu Qing.


    ¡®What realm is this? Summer Immortal? True God? Or¡­ above the Summer Immortal? Above the True God Realm?¡¯


    At the thought of this, the captain¡¯s breathing became hurried and his scalp felt a little numb. He hurriedly revealed a fawning expression and bowed respectfully to the old man who was grilling.


    ¡°Junior Chen Erniu greets Senior. Thank you for granting me this name. I will definitely do my best to repay such a great kindness in the future! In the future, I¡¯ll be called Fur Monster!¡±


    When Erniu¡¯s words landed in Xu Qing¡¯s ears, they immediately resounded like thunder.


    He understood his eldest senior brother too well. It was extremely rare for the other party to be so respectful immediately.


    One had to know that even facing Jade Flowing Dust, Eldest Senior Brother only bootlicked.


    But now, he actually said that the other party had granted him a name¡­


    To be able to make Eldest Senior Brother do this, Xu Qing felt how terrifying this old man was even more deeply. Hence, he became even more careful. Beside the fire, the old man had a spurious smile on his face. His gaze then landed on Xu Qing and Erniu again.


    ¡°Fur Monster, you have the aura of a curse on you¡­ Interesting. Why do I feel like you were the one who cast this curse on yourself? You¡¯ve had quite a past, I¡¯ll consider you a human for now.¡±


    As soon as he said this, Erniu laughed awkwardly.


    As the old man spoke, he flipped the iron meat skewer in his hand over. Waves of rotting smell spread out, making one feel nauseous. However, after he smelled it, he swallowed his saliva, as if the meat was very delicious.


    ¡°Are you guys eating or not?¡±


    The old man asked.


    Xu Qing hesitated.


    Erniu hurriedly shook his head. Ever since he ate the cold air and hair grew all over his body, his stomach had been a little bad during this period. Most importantly, he didn¡¯t dare to eat it.


    Although he had once felt that there was nothing his stomach couldn¡¯t digest, looking at the old man¡¯s gaze, he felt that it was better not to eat.


    ¡°We won¡¯t eat. Erm¡­ we came here after eating our fill.¡±


    When the old man heard this, his expression darkened.


    Immediately, the oppressive feeling in the surroundings intensified. The sky rumbled as though it was about to shatter. The ground churned and fog rose. The swamp seemed to be about to dry up!


    This scene caused Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s hearts to skip a beat.


    Erniu¡¯s expression instantly turned solemn. He then turned to look at Xu Qing with an incomparably solemn expression.


    ¡°Junior Brother, hurry up and accompany the elder to eat. Respecting the old and loving the young is a virtue of our human race. The old man is old and you are young!¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at Erniu and pondered inwardly.


    He understood the meaning in the captain¡¯s words. This old man was bizarre. If they continued to refuse, the old man might fall out with them. Moreover, his body was special¡­


    At the thought of this, determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. He walked to the fire and sat down cross-legged.


    Seeing Xu Qing coming over, the old man threw a meat skewer over.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn as he took it. He looked at the meat skewer in front of him and smelled the nauseating taste. He gritted his teeth fiercely and placed it to the side of his mouth to take a bite.


    At the next instant, his expression suddenly became strange. He lowered his head and looked at the meat skewer in his hand before taking another bite. After chewing and swallowing, Xu Qing felt the incomparable deliciousness and the heat in his body. After taking three to five bites silently, he finished the meat skewer.


    Not far away, Erniu was a little curious when he saw all of this. Just as he was about to ask Xu Qing, the old man beside the fire had an inexplicable smile on his face as he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Is it delicious?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. This meat of unknown origin could be said to be the most delicious thing he had eaten in his life.


    The old man smiled and grabbed at the empty space to his right. Immediately, a loud sound rang out from his right. A wall of flesh seemed to have been absorbed from afar and came over with an overwhelming force.


    This wall was as tall as the sky and vast and endless. It was like the wall of this world. As it got closer, the world seemed to become smaller.


    Finally, the vast meat wall stopped beside the old man. The old man¡¯s hand slashed across the meat wall and cut off a piece of meat, skewering it on an iron stick before continuing to roast it.


    This scene caused Xu Qing to gasp.


    Erniu¡¯s eyeballs almost fell out as he stared fixedly at the wall¡­


    How was this a wall? This was clearly the flesh of this terrifying creature!


    Seeing this, Erniu licked his lips and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°Elder, um¡­ actually, I wasn¡¯t full earlier¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not full either!¡± The old man calmly spoke and passed another skewer to Xu Qing.


    Erniu felt aggrieved but he didn¡¯t dare to say anything. He could only look at Xu Qing eagerly.


    Xu Qing hurriedly took it and ignored Erniu as he continued eating.


    The burning sensation in his body grew increasingly intense. Every time he took a bite of the meat, his aura would erupt explosively.


    The current him naturally understood that this meat skewer could be said to be an opportunity for him!


    His soul was nourished and its connection with his body became even closer.


    Hence, he took one bite after another.


    Erniu became increasingly anxious and he almost drooled. However, he didn¡¯t dare to get close. In the end, he could only silently tell himself, ¡®Isn¡¯t it just a piece of meat? What¡¯s the big deal¡­¡¯


    Just like that, under Erniu¡¯s eager gaze, Xu Qing and the old man each ate several skewers, but Xu Qing finally couldn¡¯t eat anymore.


    Although he still wanted to eat it and his body could accommodate it, his soul showed signs of saturation after it strengthened by a great extent.


    When the old man saw this, a smile appeared on his face.


    ¡°Since you like it so much, fine. I still have some fruits here, so I¡¯ll roast them.¡± As the old man spoke, he raised his hand and grabbed at the air. Immediately, a string of black grapes flew out of thin air and landed in his hand.


    There were more than 30 grapes clustered together, and every one of them was plump.


    However¡­ after Xu Qing looked over, he vaguely felt that they were a little familiar.


    This lasted until he saw that these grapes were actually trembling. Moreover, one of them had a gap like an eye.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heart trembled violently.


    ¡°This is¡­¡±


    Erniu felt as though he had been struck by lightning. His heart was also trembling violently.


    While the two of them were in shock, the old man pinched a grape with two fingers. After a faintly discernible heart-rending wail, he pulled it down and threw it to the side.


    Immediately, the grape grew larger.


    It transformed into a huge eye that emitted a piercing light.


    It was the sun that appeared in the divine dream Xu Qing and Erniu had encountered on their way.


    At that time, Erniu had said that this god was terrifying and Its dream was actually half-real.


    And now¡­ such a god actually appeared in the old man¡¯s hand and became a fruit in his words.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and Erniu¡¯s mind rumbled.


    They stared blankly as the old man cut off some flesh from the huge sun and made a few skewers¡­


    He was about to roast them.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and immediately stood up, speaking respectfully.


    ¡°Senior, let me do it.¡±


    The old man smiled and passed them to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing caught them and felt a huge force erupt in his hand, causing him to fall abruptly. At the next instant, he circulated his cultivation and used all his strength in his body before he could barely hold them steadily.


    He placed them tremblingly on the fire.


    Erniu looked at the grapes. The desire in his heart was endless, so he immediately patted his chest.


    ¡°Senior, 1 think this fire is about to extinguish. I¡¯m good at blowing fire. I¡¯m very good at it.¡±


    As he spoke, Erniu ran over and squatted there, blowing at the fire.


    The old man looked at the two of them with a spurious smile but he didn¡¯t stop them.


    Just like that, under Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s efforts, the grapes were finally roasted.


    The first skewer naturally belonged to the old man.


    For the second skewer, Xu Qing looked at his eldest senior brother who was working hard.


    ¡°Give it to him,¡± the old man said casually.


    Erniu was excited. He took the grape flesh skewer from Xu Qing and ate them in big mouthfuls, his eyes shining.


    Xu Qing took a deep breath and took a bite. Immediately, his body rumbled.


    After his soul was saturated, it actually strengthened again, especially the divine source in his body, which also began to surge.


    For a moment, other than the sound of the fire burning and swallowing, there was no other sound.


    A long time later, Xu Qing really couldn¡¯t eat anymore. Seeing that his eldest senior brother wasn¡¯t satisfied, he simply passed half of his skewer over.


    Erniu was instantly touched and wolfed down the food ravenously.


    When the old man saw this scene, he patted his stomach and stood up.


    ¡°It¡¯s fate that we met. The little thing I am waiting for is about to arrive. In that case, this old man will leave.¡±


    As he spoke, he looked at Xu Qing and Erniu.


    ¡°Although you aren¡¯t my clansmen, you¡¯re still humans. However, the world you¡¯re in actually attracted Desolate¡­ I wonder if it¡¯s a good or bad thing for the living beings of your world.¡±


    ¡°As for you, kid¡­¡±


    The old man looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°The one who helped shape your physical body, they must be your elder. They¡¯ve got quite the courage and walk a wild path, bold and daring. But you shouldn¡¯t have come to the Primordial Sea. Your aura here will affect all the star rings.¡±


    ¡°This is also the reason why I lured you here after sensing you. I wanted to see your body formed from the flesh and blood of Desolate.¡±


    ¡°This is an unprecedented path.¡±


    ¡°The human race in this world has too little understanding of the Primordial Sea, so it¡¯s normal for them not to know the reason why they shouldn¡¯t come here.¡±


    As the old man spoke, his gaze landed on Xu Qing¡¯s eyes that were filled with admiration.


    ¡°Kid, your character isn¡¯t bad either. You know how to come and help. You¡¯re not someone who eats for free. This Fur Monster has also contributed. Forget it, I¡¯ll help you remove the dirty things on your bodies.¡±


    As he spoke, the old man waved his hand.


    Immediately, a fiery wind blew toward Xu Qing and Erniu.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing heard a mournful wail echoing behind him.


    Two blurry souls transformed from his and Erniu¡¯s bodies. They rolled back in the hot wind and floated into the distance. These two souls fused and transformed into the little girl they had met earlier.


    It had never left!


    After appearing, the little girl looked at the old man in horror.


    ¡°Scram,¡± the old man said calmly.


    The little girl trembled and instantly disappeared.


    Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s hearts stirred. They immediately stood up and thanked him. There were countless questions in their minds and they were about to ask.


    The old man suddenly lifted his head and looked up with a smile.


    ¡°The little thing 1 am waiting for is here..¡±

 Chapter 1452 - 1452 The Fifth Star Ring

    1452 The Fifth Star Ring


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Almost at the same time as the old man¡¯s voice rang out, ripples of light suddenly appeared in the sky of this dim world of Suix.


    It was gorgeous.


    It was as though light had refracted on the surface of the water, forming waves that were reflected in the sky.


    It was colorful and varied.


    Not only that, but the swamp on the ground also underwent a mysterious change at this moment.


    Thick fog seeped out of the void and filled the swamp in the blink of an eye, causing the surroundings to be hazy.


    Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s expressions changed. However, before they could make a move, an extremely loud sound, like the roar of a behemoth or a god, suddenly rang out from the sky.


    Immediately after, a large river appeared out of thin air, churning and surging over with the waves of time.


    In an instant, it roared past Xu Qing and Erniu.


    Then, it disappeared like it was being swallowed by a black hole in a distant region a hundred thousand feet away.


    It was as if the spot where Xu Qing and Erniu stood was just a necessary segment along the river¡¯s path.


    The river came from the sky, swept past them, and then vanished in the distance, flowing into another segment of the river of time.


    Even more bizarre was that despite the river¡¯s rapid current, it seemed to exist in a different space from Xu Qing and Erniu, its flow appearing like an illusion that intersected with them for some unknown reason.


    ¡°River of Time!¡±


    Xu Qing recognized this river.


    Wherever there was a passage of time, this river always existed. However, to reveal it required special authority or astounding power.


    In Xu Qing¡¯s experience, regardless of whether it was the Third Grandma in the Moon Offering Region or other gods who manipulated time, they mostly actively used their powers to reveal this river of time, and then utilized its power to retrieve moments from within it.


    They were all using it.


    However, the old man who seemed to be a cultivator from another world standing in front of them wasn¡¯t like that.


    At that moment, the old man stood in the River of Time and looked at the source of the river. He was waiting.


    Waiting for the little thing he mentioned earlier¡­


    It was as if the river of time held no secrets from him. He could calculate any segment of its flow and understand all causes and effects. Therefore, he could wait within time itself for the prey that was bound to appear.


    This level had already surpassed the usage.


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred with the flow of the river.


    He thought of his comprehension when he obtained the sound authority.


    Divine authority, primordial and chaotic, was an ancient force that existed in the world in a mysterious and profound way.


    Grasping it was equivalent to obtaining the qualifications to use it, forming an imprint.


    However, the qualification was only for usage.


    Above it, there was an even higher level, which was control.


    Xu Qing looked at the old man in front of him and recalled his comprehension.


    The feeling the other party gave him right now¡­ was exactly this!


    Although the old man wasn¡¯t a god, he had done something that even ordinary gods couldn¡¯t do.


    This was the limit Xu Qing could ¡®see¡¯.


    However, Xu Qing understood that this was clearly not the other party¡¯s limit.


    As for where the limit was, according to different perceptions, it was naturally different.


    Perhaps in the eyes of the vast majority of living beings, the word ¡®strong¡¯ could only be expressed in general terms.


    Beside him, Erniu¡¯s heart was also rumbling.


    Just as the two of them were lost in their own thoughts, a golden light suddenly appeared in the long river of time.


    This light sped through the river at a speed that was much faster than the flowing river. Wherever it passed, waves of time would collapse.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s heart to fluctuate intensely again.


    ¡°Its speed surpasses that of the river of time¡­ Doesn¡¯t this mean that the speed of this golden light surpasses time?!¡±


    After arriving at the outer sea, everything he saw, heard, and experienced broke Xu Qing¡¯s understanding of the world to a certain extent and broadened his horizons.


    For example, at this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s heart pounded intensely when he saw with his own eyes an existence whose speed could surpass time.


    He wanted to see what that golden light was, but it was clearly impossible for him to do so with his current cultivation.


    This lasted until¡­ the golden light that was speeding through the river seemed to have discovered the old man standing there. After that, it suddenly stopped and stopped moving forward, revealing its true body.


    The moment he saw it clearly, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes widened. A strange glint also appeared in Erniu¡¯s eyes.


    It was a golden rat!


    It was very similar to the golden rat Xu Qing and Erniu had seen in the liaoxuan cave back then. However, its aura was different. Moreover, the ancient aura emitted by this one in front of them was even denser.


    However, they were certain that these two golden rats were from the same race!


    This golden rat didn¡¯t run on all fours but stood on two feet like a human. It held a straw shoe in its mouth and hugged it with both hands.


    It was as though it was originally running and chewing at the same time, causing the straw shoe to be a little torn.


    The instant it saw the old man, it was clearly frightened. Its body stopped and horror appeared in its eyes. Even its chewing stopped.


    After that, the golden rat suddenly turned around and was about to flee by moving against the current.


    The old man in the River of Time swept his gaze across the golden rat and a smile appeared on his face.


    ¡°Little thing, you stole my thing and escaped for so long, so why are you appearing before me?¡±


    As the old man spoke, he grabbed at the River of Time.


    With this grab, the golden rat immediately let out an anxious squeak. Golden light erupted from its entire body, dyeing the surrounding river water golden and increasing its speed.


    It was about to disappear into the sky.


    However, at the next instant, as the old man grabbed, the source of the river of time in the sky and the point of its disappearance 100,000 feet away were both severed.


    The two points were directly sealed.


    This caused time to not flow here!


    It also sealed the golden rat¡¯s path.


    As for the part of the river in the middle, it was cut off and fell.


    The golden rat trembled and was about to break through the void. However, in an instant, the river water that was intercepted here churned rapidly and transformed into a water beam that headed straight for the golden rat.


    Ignoring its struggles, it tightened around its neck like a rope and dragged it toward the old man.


    In the blink of an eye, it fell into the old man¡¯s hand. He grabbed it and dangled it, swaying it back and forth.


    Perhaps it was because the waterline formed by the river was too tight and the mighty power contained in it was too terrifying, the golden rat¡¯s legs trembled and the squeaking sounds from its mouth stopped abruptly. It started foaming and its eyes rolled back.


    The vitality in its body rapidly dissipated and the aura of death spread throughout its body.


    It was motionless, as though it was dead.


    Erniu blinked and suddenly spoke loudly to show off.


    ¡°Senior, this little thief is pretending to be dead! Hmph, 1 can tell at a glance, this little thing is too inexperienced!¡±


    The old man smiled and glanced at the golden rat.


    ¡°Even the Fur Monster can see through your pretense. It¡¯s obvious that it¡¯s clumsy. If you want to continue, I can help you.¡±


    The golden rat¡¯s entire body trembled and it instantly opened its eyes before glaring fiercely at Erniu. After that, it hurriedly looked at the old man with a fawning expression.


    It held the straw sandal with both hands and lifted it high, looking like it was returning it.


    The old man took the straw sandal, glanced at the worn-out parts, then shook it a few times to shake off some remnants of straw, and finally threw it on the ground and put his foot into it.


    He then shook his head.


    ¡°Useless thing, last time you stole my clothes, I sealed your ability to speak. Then you coveted these straw sandals of mine for tens of thousands of years. Finally, you managed to steal one, and you could only eat this much?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s also because your luck isn¡¯t good enough.¡±


    With that, he held the time rope that was around the golden rat¡¯s neck and walked toward the sky.


    As the golden rat swayed, it looked pitiful. When its gaze landed on the ground, it looked at Erniu again with an unfriendly expression, looking like it was holding a grudge.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with the golden rat. He looked at the old man¡¯s departing back and hesitated. He had a question he wanted to ask.


    As for Erniu, when he saw that the golden rat was actually glaring at him, he sneered inwardly and thought to himself that the old man was right. This was a thing with no luck. It couldn¡¯t even eat a few mouthfuls of the straw sandal. If it were him, he would have stuffed it into his stomach.


    Hence, he looked over disdainfully.


    The golden rat became even angrier and started squeaking.


    The old man laughed.


    ¡°There¡¯s the aura of your descendant? Of course, otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have been swallowed by this Suix I captured to wait for you.¡±


    ¡°Alright, stop complaining. We should go home.¡±


    As the old man spoke, he walked to the horizon and waved his right hand gently at the sky.


    Immediately, the sky rumbled and an earth-shattering sound rang out. After that, with a cracking sound, the entire sky split open, revealing a huge rift¡­


    Outside the rift, it was pitch-black but the aura of a foreign world gushed in.


    It was above the surface of the sea!


    The old man took a step forward and was about to walk out.


    Xu Qing suddenly raised his head and bowed to the sky, speaking loudly.


    ¡°Senior, this junior has a question. If Senior is willing to clear it up, please answer.¡±


    ¡°Senior previously said that this is the Primordial Sea and that the world Senior Brother and I are in has a limited understanding of the Primordial Sea. Then¡­ what is the Primordial Sea?¡±


    ¡°Why would my aura here be sensed by all the star rings?¡±


    Xu Qing bowed and waited for an answer.


    In the air, the old man turned and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°With the flesh and blood of Desolate as your body, you should have a vague understanding. Regardless of whether it¡¯s yours or this old man¡¯s, in this universe, there are thirty-six star rings.¡±


    ¡°Each star ring is vast and endless, containing many realms.¡±


    ¡°The Primordial Sea is mystical; wherever it exists, it¡¯s both strategic and prosperous because it connects all star rings within the universe.¡±


    ¡°This is also the reason why your aura spread out after you arrived here.¡±


    ¡°However, you don¡¯t have to worry. I¡¯ve already helped you cover it up. Moreover, the Primordial Sea here is extremely special. It¡¯s sealed now and there are only gaps. Even if outsiders enter, they won¡¯t be able to stay for long.¡±


    ¡°After all, the space ring you¡¯re in used to be famous.¡±


    ¡°Meeting is fate. If you can reach the Lower Immortal realm one day, you will have the most basic qualifications to pass through the Primordial Sea and leave this world. At that time, if you¡¯re willing, you can come to the immortal capital of the fifth space ring to find me.¡±


    ¡°That place is a world dominated by humans and also a world of immortals.¡±


    After the old man finished speaking, he turned and took a step toward the rift in the sky, disappearing..

 Chapter 1453 - 1453 Place That Might Not Exist

    1453 Place That Might Not Exist


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    In Suix¡¯s world, Xu Qing and Erniu gazed at the rift in the sky, each lost in their own thoughts.


    This experience in the outer sea was truly bizarre for Xu Qing, with both the strange entities he encountered and the elderly human.


    It made him feel a myriad of emotions.


    Especially the words the old man said before leaving, which caused Xu Qing¡¯s worldview to reverberate extensively.


    ¡°Thirty-six star rings¡­ Primordial Sea¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s mind stirred. After he obtained the body formed from the flesh and blood of Desolate, he had a faint impression of the thirty-six star rings.


    However, this was the first time he had heard of the Primordial Sea.


    ¡®Although I can¡¯t rule out the possibility of it being a lie, there¡¯s a high chance that it¡¯s true¡­¡¯


    Xu Qing pondered.


    At the side, Erniu suddenly slapped his thigh and spoke with a serious expression.


    ¡°Little Qing, I finally understand!¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he immediately looked over. He wanted to hear Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s thoughts. After all, that human old man who claimed to be from the fifth star ring¡¯s Immortal Capital was too earth-shattering regardless of his cultivation or his words.


    It wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to describe it as unbelievable.


    Erniu¡¯s expression was solemn as he looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Previously, when we were at sea, when I said it was safe, we would encounter big monsters¡­ From the looks of it now, it was this old man who did it!¡±


    ¡°He did it on purpose!¡±


    Erniu felt a little regretful, like he had truly believed he had the power of words.


    Clearly, his thoughts were different from Xu Qing¡¯s. He didn¡¯t pay attention to the explosive information contained in the old man¡¯s last words.


    Xu Qing, upon hearing this, was thoughtful. He had already grown accustomed to his senior brother¡¯s unconventional way of thinking.


    ¡®In the end, that senior said that the fifth star ring is dominated by the human race and is the world of immortals¡­ However, we can¡¯t completely believe his words.¡¯


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly. He then looked at the rift in the sky.


    As for Erniu, it was unknown if he really didn¡¯t pay attention to this information or if he was too careless. At that moment, when Xu Qing was staring at the rift, his gaze landed on the place where the old man was shaking his straw sandal earlier.


    He leaped over and started searching there.


    Soon, he really found four dried straws in the surrounding mud.


    After picking them up as though he had obtained a supreme treasure, Erniu¡¯s eyes revealed ecstasy. He brought them to his mouth and took a fierce, then frowned, realizing he couldn¡¯t bite through them at all.


    Just as he was about to continue, he noticed Xu Qing¡¯s pondering expression and blinked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think about it, Little Qing.¡±


    ¡°Those things are too far away from us.¡±


    ¡°Besides, it¡¯s hard to judge whether that old man has good or evil intentions. In my opinion, other than wanting to see your state, he also wants to form a karmic relationship with us!¡±


    ¡°Otherwise, why would he treat us to those meat skewers?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, you only said that you couldn¡¯t judge if he was good or evil. You didn¡¯t question the authenticity of his words¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes were filled with deep meaning.


    ¡°You¡­ knew about the information that that human senior mentioned long ago?¡±


    When Erniu heard this, he coughed and thought to himself that Little Qing was becoming more and more sneaky. It wasn¡¯t easy to fool him. Hence, he laughed and looked left and right. After that, his eyes lit up.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this. Oh right, you noticed that golden rat, right? We have them too. They are being incubated at Little Jianjian¡¯s place. I wonder if they have successfully hatched by now.¡±


    ¡°No, since this golden rat is so amazing, we have to make a trip to the Imperial Capital and get the little rats back from Wu Jianwu.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak and kept looking at Erniu.


    Seeing this, Erniu changed the topic again and shook the four straws he had harvested earlier at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Also, for that old golden rat to care so much about these straws, they must be treasures!¡±


    ¡°I took a bite just now and realized that this thing is very hard. I actually couldn¡¯t bite it!¡±


    Erniu looked at the straws in his hand.


    ¡°However, that old golden rat is indeed brainless. If you can¡¯t bite it, does it mean it can¡¯t be eaten?!¡±


    Erniu was proud.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯ve never seen something I can¡¯t bite through. I have a way to deal with such a situation!¡±


    As he spoke, he gritted his teeth fiercely. In order to divert Xu Qing¡¯s attention, he decided to risk it all.


    Hence, in front of Xu Qing, he actually raised his hand and cut open his stomach.


    He then stuffed the two straws into his stomach¡­


    After doing this, he tightened his gaping stomach from both sides as if buttoning up a short, tying the black hair all over his body into knots, which, in a way, could be considered as stitching it up.


    As for the remaining two straws, he generously threw them at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Although I don¡¯t know what they taste like, look, I still ate them.¡±


    Erniu had a smug expression as he patted his stomach.


    Xu Qing sighed softly.


    Xu Qing already had his own judgment about his senior brother using various ways to divert the topic.


    He believed that there must be a reason why his senior brother couldn¡¯t talk about it¡­


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing didn¡¯t probe further. Instead, he held the two straws in his hand and kept them in his storage bag.


    After that, his expression was calm.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Seeing that Xu Qing no longer asked, Erniu heaved a sigh of relief inwardly and hurriedly nodded. He then rose into the air with Xu Qing and sped toward the rift.


    In an instant, the two of them passed through the rift. When they appeared, they were no longer in the world of Suix but on the surface of the outer sea.


    As for Suix they left, Xu Qing still didn¡¯t see its entire true appearance, because the instant they flew out, it seemed as if Suix had been painted and then melted into the sea.


    It strangely disappeared.


    This scene caused Xu Qing¡¯s gaze to become increasingly deep. In the end, he looked into the depths of the outer sea in the distance.


    He was thinking about the fifth star ring that the old man had mentioned.


    The surface of the sea was calm and silent.


    Erniu stood beside Xu Qing and noticed Xu Qing¡¯s gaze. He sighed again inwardly and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Junior Brother, don¡¯t think about it.¡±


    ¡°Just now, you asked me if I knew long ago. I didn¡¯t answer not because I wasn¡¯t willing to tell you but because I am not willing to say the name of the place you¡¯re thinking about.¡±


    ¡°Those three words are taboo and ominous.¡±


    ¡°Regardless of whether it¡¯s in my current life or my many previous lives, I have indeed never seen that old man before. However, the moment he said that name, I had some guesses about his identity.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the first time he appeared in Wanggu.¡±


    ¡°Master also indirectly knows that this old man was the one who told me about the taboos and inauspiciousness of that place. In fact, over the countless years, Master has investigated in detail and told me that the other party might have appeared three times in the history of Wanggu.¡±


    ¡°The first time was when he appeared in front of those Summer Immortals back then and told them the words ¡®fifth star ring¡¯. After that, the Summer Immortals left and seemed to have gone there, but no one has returned until now.¡±


    ¡°The second time, Master suspected that the old man appeared before the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether left. According to the judgment of the Empress and Master, Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether is clearly no longer in the holy land. In that case, where did he go?¡±


    ¡°Now, this should be the third time. For you or for me, he appeared.¡±


    ¡°The place he is at, those three words¡­ Master¡¯s judgment is that¡­ it¡¯s a place that doesn¡¯t exist. However, the moment people hear it, it will have a true foundation. The more they say these three words, the more true its existence becomes.¡±


    Xu Qing abruptly looked at Erniu.


    Erniu looked at Xu Qing.


    A long time later, Xu Qing spoke softly.


    ¡°Then, Eldest Senior Brother, what¡¯s your judgment?¡±


    Erniu raised his head and looked into the distance. After a long time, he shook his head.


    ¡°Master¡¯s judgment makes sense. I agree with a portion, but there¡¯s also a portion that I have doubts about.¡±


    ¡°After all, Master has never been there either. I feel that that place might be real. It¡¯s just that it¡¯s hard to say if this person has good or evil intentions.¡±


    ¡°And in this god¡¯s universe, there are too many strange things. Anything is possible.¡±


    ¡°Just like me,¡± Erniu mumbled.


    To Xu Qing, this last sentence was like heavenly lightning that thundered in his mind, causing his breathing to become hurried.


    Compared to this sentence, all other information wasn¡¯t that important in Xu Qing¡¯s opinion.


    lie still didn¡¯t know his eldest senior brother¡¯s true identity. However, Xu Qing naturally had many guesses about the bizarre scenes that had been shown by his eldest senior brother in the past.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, you¡­¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Erniu.


    Erniu fell silent. After a long time, his eyes revealed a rare confusion.


    ¡°Junior Brother, some people call me divine sinner, and some call me a freak¡­


    What exactly am 1? Master doesn¡¯t know, and neither do I.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve actually been searching.¡±


    ¡°As for my memories, as time passed and I revived again and again, every time I recall some of the past, I¡¯ll forget some of the present.¡±


    ¡°Actually¡­ I¡¯ve forgotten some of the things and habits of this life.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that one day, Junior Brother¡­ 1 won¡¯t recognize you or Master¡­ It¡¯ll be only in my next life that I¡¯ll think of you guys at a certain moment.¡±


    Erniu¡¯s voice grew softer and softer.


    Xu Qing felt a surge of indescribable emotions in his heart. He couldn¡¯t pinpoint what this feeling was, only that it was very bitter and astringent.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s expression, Erniu had a fleeting look of smugness, feeling a sense of pride. He thought to himself, ¡®Oh, Little Qing, no matter how cunning you are, your senior brother is still your senior brother. Fooling you is easy.¡¯ ¡®Now, I need a perfect ending.¡¯


    At the thought of this, Erniu coughed lightly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about these sad things. Junior Brother, you don¡¯t have to be too sad. Remember to give me more good things in the future.¡±


    ¡°For example, the flesh and blood of gods, divine authorities, and of course, those filthy spirit stones¡ªthe more, the better. It¡¯s not that I¡¯m greedy, but the more you give me, the deeper my memories can be.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded and took out a spirit stone from his storage bag, handing it to Erniu.


    Erniu quickly took a look and kept it. He spoke unhappily.


    ¡°Just one?¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was bitter.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, you used to love eating spirit stones the most. You only ate one every time. Have you¡­ forgotten this habit?¡±


    Erniu was stunned before he looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing had a sincere expression.


    Erniu hesitated and took out the spirit stone. After looking at Xu Qing, he made up his mind and took a bite. After a few crunches, he swallowed it.


    After that, just as he was about to speak, Xu Qing took out an iron sword. With a wave of his hand, he cast a spell and covered it in rust before handing it over.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Erniu was suspicious.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, every time you finish eating a spirit stone, you¡¯ll say that it tasted a little bad and eat a rusted sword¡­¡±


    Xu Qing spoke.


    Erniu fell silent. After a long time, he laughed.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I was joking with you just now. How could I lose my memory? It¡¯s completely fine.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was clear as he looked at Erniu and spoke softly.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, 1 don¡¯t know how much of what you said before was true or false, but I can sense that you care a lot about those three words¡­ So, 1 want to tell you.¡±


    ¡°I will work hard to make sure that nothing unpleasant will happen to you and everyone I care about.¡±


    ¡°If I can¡¯t do it, then¡­ we¡¯ll endure it together.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice landed in Erniu¡¯s ears and echoed in his heart, stirring up waves.


    lie looked at Xu Qing and an impulse rose in his heart. He wanted to disregard everything and tell him everything.


    Xu Qing shook his head.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, you have secrets, so do I, and so does Master¡­ Tell me when you think it¡¯s suitable.¡±


    Erniu fell silent. After a long time, he smiled and nodded vigorously.


    ¡°Alright!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re almost there¡­¡±


    Outside the Wanggu World, in the starry sky, one holy land after another stirred up a space storm that swept up a terrifying aura as they approached Wanggu.


    Behind these many holy lands was an eight-armed statue. On the top of the statue, everything was distorted.


    There seemed to be a person sitting cross-legged inside.


    ¡°My hometown, my disciples, and¡­ the Primordial Sea..¡±

 Chapter 1454 - 1454 He Should Be a True God

    1454 He Should Be a True God


    Primordial Sea.


    As Suix dissipated, an inexplicable sense of danger quietly approached on the calm water.


    It stirred the darkness and distorted one¡¯s vision, forming an oppression that transmitted to one¡¯s mind.


    Vaguely, there were waves of maddening murmurs coming from the sea.


    It was as though death was approaching.


    This was the Primordial Sea, a sea where danger was omnipresent.


    Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s expressions immediately turned solemn.


    However, they had been in this sea for more than a month. Through their various experiences, they had a deep impression of this dangerous sea.


    At that moment, one of them controlled the magic warship to speed forward, while the other spread out his perception and paid close attention to their surroundings. Erniu also used a concealment technique, turning the ship into a part of pitch-black nothingness.


    Although the great wing had already collapsed under the devouring of Suix and the two of them could only use the substitute magic warship to sail on the sea now, with the enhancement of the divine source in Xu Qing¡¯s body, this magic warship seemed to have put on the cape of a god and its speed was astonishing.


    After more than ten minutes, it was unknown if it was their luck, the aura when Suix dissipated, or the effect of Erniu¡¯s concealment technique.


    The death that was approaching didn¡¯t reach them.


    Hence, the two of them sped nervously and gradually left this sea area.


    After another two hours, the sense of danger slowly weakened and finally disappeared.


    Only then did Xu Qing and Erniu let out a long breath.


    The two of them looked at each other and saw each other¡¯s tightly furrowed brows.


    ¡°We are lost¡­¡± Xu Qing said in a low voice.


    Previously, they had been paying attention to their location on the journey to prevent themselves from losing their way in the vast outer sea.


    However, the devouring of Suix had interrupted their perception. They didn¡¯t know where they were now.


    All they could see was endless darkness.


    ¡°I wonder how Old Geezer Jade is doing. Although that guy wasn¡¯t devoured by Suix, I have a feeling He¡¯s not doing so well out here in the outer sea.¡±


    Erniu sighed.


    ¡°I miscalculated. If I had known this would happen, we could have thought of a reason to not come here.¡±


    Xu Qing fell silent for a while before suddenly speaking.


    ¡°I have a way to know our direction. However, the activation process might attract the attention of unknown existences.¡±


    After Xu Qing finished speaking, he looked at Erniu.


    When Erniu heard this, he thought about it and spoke.


    ¡°Little Qing, how long will it take for you to cast the spell?¡±


    ¡°Fifteen minutes will do.¡±


    Xu Qing calculated and gave an accurate time.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a problem. Wait for me to prepare. However, do you have a smaller boat?¡±


    Erniu looked at the ship they were on and hesitated for a moment.


    Xu Qing immediately took out an even smaller magic boat and replaced the magic warship. Erniu then gritted his teeth fiercely and punched his chest, forcing himself to cough up blood as he walked around the magic boat.


    Xu Qing wasn¡¯t surprised by Erniu¡¯s actions. After so many years, he was very clear that Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s blood seemed to be omnipotent many times.


    As expected, not long later, when the inside and outside of the magic boat were covered in Erniu¡¯s blood, Erniu sat there with a slightly pale expression and waved his hand at Xu Qing.


    ¡°I used my blood to simulate the concealment of the Wordless Stone Scripture. We should be fine for fifteen minutes!¡±


    Xu Qing immediately closed his eyes and spread out his divine sense. The divine authority of sound in his body suddenly fluctuated. At the next instant¡­ sounds appeared in the quiet outer sea.


    It was the sound of waves in the sea, the sound of darkness flowing, the sound of ruins drifting on the sea, and the murmurs of the unknown under the sea.


    Countless sounds erupted at this moment.


    As time passed, these sounds continued to transmit and cover the area. During this time, terrifying wills also transmitted terrifying divine thoughts.


    There was laughter, cries, polite inquiries, and angry roars.


    The varied sounds caused Xu Qing¡¯s body to tremble. He could only do his best to block them and spread his divine authority into the waves of the sea to find the location and the way back.


    During this process, the oppressive feeling in the surroundings grew increasingly intense. Erniu was incomparably nervous. He got up and spat out blood many times, strengthening the concealment.


    Fifteen minutes finally passed.


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly opened. After he spat out a mouthful of blood, a dark glint appeared in his eyes. He then pointed in a direction.


    ¡°That¡¯s where the inner sea is!¡±


    Erniu immediately augmented the magic boat with Xu Qing, causing the speed of the magic boat to increase explosively as it headed straight for the direction Xu Qing had sensed.


    Time slowly passed and half a month passed.


    It had been a full month since they were devoured by Suix.


    At that moment, forty million kilometers east of the place where Suix had devoured them, the instant the magic boat Xu Qing and the other two were on moved past, the seawater suddenly rumbled.


    Amidst the resounding noise, a fountain-like torrent burst forth from the sea floor, like water soaring to the sky. It enveloped the surroundings, carrying Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s boat upward within the flow.


    The two of them were shocked. The moment their thoughts were stirred by this sudden change, a voice that was like heavenly wind echoed in their ears.


    ¡°Did the two of you have a good time on the way?¡±


    As the voice rang out, red fog appeared out of thin air and instantly enveloped Xu Qing and Erniu. After that, it sped into the distance and quickly disappeared without a trace.


    On the boat that was filled with red fog, a figure appeared in front of Xu Qing and Erniu.


    The figure stood tall and straight like a pine tree, clad in a red robe, with an extraordinary aura.


    He was none other than¡­ Jade Flowing Dust, who had completely concealed His anxiety and depression.


    The instant he saw Jade Flowing Dust, Xu Qing¡¯s heart relaxed a little. He cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°Greetings, Senior.¡±


    Erniu¡¯s face was also filled with excitement.


    ¡°Senior, you¡¯re finally here.¡±


    Jade Flowing Dust turned around. His handsome face was the same as when He had just went into the outer sea, his expression a faint smile, exuding an air of having everything under control.


    ¡°Did you have a good time in my story?¡±


    Xu Qing blinked. He didn¡¯t think that Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s story could describe that mysterious human old man. Hence, the latter¡¯s words were definitely a little exaggerated.


    However, since He could find them, there must be a story about them.


    Hence, he pretended to be in a daze and revealed disbelief.


    Erniu and Xu Qing were so in tune with each other that they didn¡¯t need to communicate. At this moment, Erniu chose to mirror Xu Qing, his face showing a dazed expression, followed by awe and shock.


    ¡°So, the things we encountered on our way here were all the result of your story, Senior.¡±


    ¡°Senior can command the gods with a single sentence and countless bizarre entities are immersed in the story without knowing it. Such divine might¡­ Senior is indeed a peerless god who can make all gods worship Him, make the world lose its brilliance, and make the starry sky shine!¡±


    After Erniu flattered Him, he hurriedly asked another question.


    ¡°Um¡­ Are we going to continue fishing?¡±


    Upon hearing the words ¡®continue fishing¡¯, Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t help but stir. However, His expression was normal, as though he had forgotten His experience of handing tea on the way. He only swept His gaze indifferently.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need. It¡¯s already here. Your mission is considered completed.¡±


    After saying that, Jade Flowing Dust turned His head and looked at the ocean behind Him. With a step, He stepped onto the sky. In the sky, He flicked His sleeve and Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s boat were instantly enhanced by divine power, speeding into the distance.


    His voice carried some kind of karma as it echoed out.


    ¡°There was a god in Brilliant Heaven who died in the hands of a Summer Immortal. Its true body collapsed and Its divine consciousness dimmed, Its true name returning to the starry sky.¡±


    ¡°And then for ten thousand years, Its name would reappear intermittently. After another ten thousand years, Its divine consciousness sensed the calling. After yet another ten thousand years, Its true body showed signs of revival¡­ This became a cycle.¡±


    ¡°After many cycles, Its true name finally flickered and and started returning from nothingness.¡±


    ¡°Its journey was arduous, encountering unknown entities, devouring a few, then meeting other unknowns and being devoured in turn. Facing danger repeatedly, continuously encountering and collapsing, until Its divine source dispersed!¡±


    ¡°Dispersed to the limit and be extremely weakened. It¡¯s no longer a True God and is at the edge of the Divine Platform!¡±


    As Jade Flowing Dust spoke, the power of divine authority spread out and fused into the sky, imprinting the sea, forming true speech, which He articulated with His true name.


    ¡°At this point, the fire of rebirth finally rose in the Primordial Sea. It originally wanted to rest and recuperate for 100,000 years¡­ However, there was a calamity in Its fate. The bringer of this calamity was Jade Flowing Dust!¡±


    ¡°Jade Flowing Dust used the Summer Immortal¡¯s karma, using two humans as bait, and spent two months in the Primordial Sea to lure this returning True God. Here¡­ it manifests!¡±


    ¡°The manifested god¡¯s divine might is extremely weak and Its divine power is extremely low. Its true name is blurry and Its memory is unclear.¡±


    As soon as He finished speaking, the world rumbled. The surrounding seawater stirred up monstrous waves, and countless deep roars echoed in all directions.


    Only Jade Flowing Dust stood in the sky. His voice was like thunder, getting louder and louder.


    ¡°Hence, under the gaze of Jade Flowing Dust, this god collapsed on Its own, ceasing to exist!¡±


    At the next instant, the color of the world changed and rumbling sounds echoed. The true speech showed signs of shattering.


    Jade Flowing Dust frowned and continued to revise the story.


    ¡°However, this god¡¯s might still lingered. Under Its struggle, It broke through Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s gaze. However, Jade Flowing Dust was already prepared. He displayed His extreme might and devoured this returning god!¡±


    The true speech rumbled and the imprint cracked again. Clearly, it still wasn¡¯t feasible.


    ¡°Although the devouring failed, the true name of the returning god has become even more obscure, with only few hints of it remaining. It escaped, but all of this is within Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s plan. He has been waiting for this moment, and He gave chase!¡±


    This time, although the imprint still shook, it didn¡¯t shatter.


    Seeing this, Jade Flowing Dust continued.


    ¡°Chase¡­ for 137 days, Jade Flowing Dust eventually absorbed the true name of this returning god and replaced It!¡±


    ¡°Because Jade Flowing Dust told this story and completed this story, He should be a True God!¡±


    The imprint once again showed signs of collapse.


    A strange glint appeared in Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s eyes as His entire body emitted a monstrous blood light that improved the imprint.


    ¡°Because Jade Flowing Dust told this story and completed it, He should be at the peak of the Divine Platform and has a chance of advancing to the True God Realm!¡±


    The moment He finished speaking, thunder rumbled and the ocean churned. The imprint became increasingly resplendent, as though it had become the truth.


    At the next instant, as Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s hearts churned in the distance, the seawater in the area behind them erupted into the sky. Countless murmurs rose into the sky.


    It formed an extreme oppression that suppressed the world.


    That murmur echoed like an ancient ballad.


    That suppressed time gathered.


    In the sky, Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s eyes disclosed a strange glint. The main character in the story He had planned for tens of thousands of years and carefully selected for Himself had finally¡­ appeared!

 Chapter 1455 - 1455 The Holy Land War Begins

    1455 The Holy Land War Begins


    Xu Qing and Erniu controlled the magic boat and sped away immediately.


    The augmentation from Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s divine power provided a certain level of protection as well as increased the boat¡¯s speed. Right now, the boat was already far away from that sea area.


    However, the aftershock and the sound of Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s story still affected them even though they were so far away.


    It transformed into an intense life-threatening crisis!


    Xu Qing was solemn. At that moment, he circulated all his cultivation and divine source, augmenting the magic boat.


    Erniu also knew that the further they got, the safer they would be. Hence, he also did everything to assist.


    After all, that was once a True God, on the same level as the Summer Immortal!


    So, through their efforts, even though the outer sea was thick and viscous, the speed of the magical boat surpassed its limits, becoming like a fleeting flash, moving farther and farther away.


    Behind them, where Jade Flowing Dust was, the heavy seawater seemed to be insignificant at this moment. It exploded amidst the intense waves.


    A ghostly figure that looked like a demon or an illusion surged out from beneath the sea.


    The instant it appeared, Xu Qing and Erniu, who were in the distance, trembled intensely. Both of them spat out blood and fled even faster in horror.


    At the same time, they used their own methods to pay attention to the back.


    From afar, one could see that the figure that rose from the surface of the sea was incomparably huge, as though it could touch the sky.


    Its appearance was like a half-rotten skeleton, emitting a dense aura of death. Its entire body was grayish-white.


    It didn¡¯t have a human form!


    It was more like a combination of a lizard and a human.


    The moment it appeared, lightning flashed and thunder rumbled.


    As the wind and clouds changed, the terrifying extermination fluctuations emitted by this ghostly entity caused the sky to tremble and huge waves to continue appearing in the sea.


    What was even stranger was that the head of this figure didn¡¯t grow on its body but was carried by its right hand!


    As for its other hand, it held a huge black candle high and black flames were burning on it.


    Its overall appearance was clearly eerie, but for some reason, it gave off a holy feeling.


    Xu Qing and Erniu could no longer look; with just a momentary glance, their eyes burst open. Although each had the power to recover, under this influence, the process slowed significantly.


    Along with their vision, they also lost their sense of perception, as if their senses had been stripped away.


    So, without looking back, they relied on their instincts to judge the direction and fled frantically.


    Only Jade Flowing Dust stood in the sky. His blood-red robe extended and spread out on the sea, sweeping through the sky, causing the sky and sea to be completely red.


    His eyes revealed a resplendent golden light, completely displaying His divine might at this moment.


    It surpassed flawlessness and reached¡­ the Divine Platform!


    Divine Platforms controlled sole divine authorities!


    At that moment, under His gaze, His divine authority, and the karma of His story, the aura of the returning True God of Brilliant Heaven was clearly weakened.


    This weakness came from the essence of the True God. In the process of returning, It had experienced too many dangers. Although It neutralized them time and time again, the origin energy still dissipated in the end.


    Right now, Its divine might was extremely weak and Its divine power was extremely low. It originally planned to rest and recuperate, but It was somehow attracted and appeared here.


    Most importantly, Its will hadn¡¯t completely awakened.


    After all, It had once died!


    During the process of recovery, It was targeted by Jade Flowing Dust. All of this caused It to forget about fifty to sixty percent of Its true name.


    Hence, under Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s all-out eruption and the golden light in His eyes, the returning god emitted an earth-shattering rumbling sound and actually began to collapse.


    However, at the next instant, although this collapse continued, It let out a roar that tore the sky apart, causing the color of the world to change and Its decayed divine authority to shine.


    However, It was still in the story!


    Jade Flowing Dust, , well-prepared, directed the red hue that colored the sky and sea from all directions like a massive red mouth, instantly enveloping the returning god and beginning to devour it.


    This devouring was destined to fail.


    This was because the story described it to be so.


    Hence, not long later, as heart-rending sounds rang out, the red color shattered. The returning god tore through the red color and sped into the depths of the outer sea.


    Its consciousness still didn¡¯t awaken, and It continued to forget Its true name.


    As for Its current escape, it was Its instinct¡­ and also the description of the story.


    ¡°Everything is in the story.¡±


    ¡°You are the main character I chose after a long time.¡±


    ¡°The story about you will be the most beautiful story of my life up to this point.¡±


    In the sky, Jade Flowing Dust licked His lips and looked at the returning god. With a step, He moved forward!


    He had to maintain this chase for 137 days. It couldn¡¯t be less or more by even one day.


    On the 137th day, He had to devour this god and absorb Its true name from the remains.


    By doing so¡­ He would replace It!


    After that, His story would end perfectly.


    Because He had told this story and completed it, He could instantly recover His peak cultivation. At the same time, He could also take a step further and obtain the possibility of becoming a true god.


    ¡°True God¡­¡±


    The red light formed by Jade Flowing Dust swept through the sky and instantly left.


    ¡­


    ¡°Although I¡¯ve lost my senses, I have a premonition that Old Geezer Jade might become a true god. That old rascal¡¯s holy authority is too bizarre.¡±


    On the sea, flesh was growing in the holes in Erniu¡¯s pitch-


    black eyes.


    ¡°However, this old geezer is too petty. He used us to fish but didn¡¯t give us anything as a memento.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak. Although he was also blind, his recovery speed was a little faster than Erniu¡¯s. At that moment, he could already vaguely see his surroundings and his perception was also recovering. Hence, he enhanced the magic boat at full speed.


    ¡°Little Qing, am I right or not?¡±


    Erniu was clearly very dissatisfied and asked Xu Qing.


    When Xu Qing heard this, he replied, ¡°Yes, too petty.¡±


    Erniu habitually ignored Xu Qing¡¯s response. After some thought, he made a decision.


    ¡°However, speaking of which, this experience has taught me how to fish. If there¡¯s a chance in the future, we¡¯ll find someone to use as bait to fish!¡±


    ¡°Who are you going to use as bait? What fish are you going to catch?¡± Xu Qing casually asked as he controlled the magic boat.


    A complacent look appeared on Erniu¡¯s face.


    ¡°There are too many baits. What do you think of Ning Yan? Little Jianjian is also suitable. As for what fish to catch¡­ I have to think about this carefully. Little Qing, do you have any suggestions?¡±


    Xu Qing shook his head and was about to speak when his expression changed at the next instant. He abruptly raised his head and looked at the sky in the direction of the inner sea, his pupils constricting.


    Erniu¡¯s eyes and feelings hadn¡¯t recovered yet, so he couldn¡¯t see. When he discovered that Xu Qing didn¡¯t respond, he asked in surprise.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Are you bullying me because I can¡¯t see and have lost my senses?¡±


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother¡­ the sky above the inner sea is burning.¡±


    Xu Qing slowly spoke.


    A sea of fire was reflected in his pupils as he looked at the distant sky.


    It was the end of the first year of the Parting Summer Calendar.


    ¡­


    Burning flames descended from the sky and spread to the east, west, south, and north of Wanggu.


    This fire came from the starry sky and swept up the stardust into a storm. It transformed into a storm of fire and descended on Wanggu along with sixteen vast and astonishing black-level holy lands.


    The holy lands were built by the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether and all the emperors of the myriad races after they left Wanggu.


    Every race had a holy land.


    In the past tens of thousands of years, some had declined and were annexed by others. The number was much lower than before.


    Moreover, as the emperors who founded the holy lands died and disappeared due to various circumstances, in the end, the holy lands were gradually divided into levels.


    Heaven, earth, black, and yellow.


    There was a world of difference between the various levels. Yellow-level holy lands had no Great Emperor.


    However, black-level¡­ represented the existence of a Great Emperor!


    If it was earth-level, it meant that there was more than one Great Emperor!


    After all, in the bygone era, although Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether unified Wanggu, Wanggu didn¡¯t have just the human race.


    There were thousands of races.


    Even though not all races had Great Emperors, there were naturally races that followed Mystic Nether to outer space and established holy lands.


    Now, from the various races that had left back then, sixteen black-level holy lands finally descended to Wanggu after all the yellow-level holy lands descended.


    There were four in each direction of Wanggu: east, west, south, and north!


    Among them, in the east of Wanggu, there were three above the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven.


    As for the fourth holy land¡­ it directly descended in the Human¡¯s Imperial Region, right outside the imperial city!


    Different from the yellow-level holy lands that had descended earlier, the first thing the sixteen black-level holy lands that had descended in all directions did when they arrived at Wanggu¡­ was war!


    As for all the yellow-level holy lands, they no longer restrained themselves and erupted in unison.


    The war began at the end of the first year of the Parting Summer Calendar.


    This event didn¡¯t exceed the expectations of the Wanggu races and they were all prepared, especially the east. Previously, they had used searching for Xu Qing as a cover and had already arranged everything.


    In addition, all the yellow-level holy lands in the east had been expelled. Hence, the sudden outbreak of war did not catch the eastern Flame Moon and the human race off guard. Everything proceeded in an orderly manner.


    They also gathered the power of the eastern regions, separating the sky and earth, isolating the flames of war outside.


    At the same time, on the Primordial Sea, the boat Xu Qing and Erniu were on was getting closer and closer to the inner sea.


    At the same time, outside the human capital, in the territory of Liaoxuan County, a figure was speeding desperately toward the human race.


    This person¡¯s entire body was in a sorry state and his aura was unstable. There were a large number of injuries in his body and there were seven to eight heads tied to his waist.


    ¡°Lan Yao and Yue Dong, those two b*tches are really persistent!¡±


    This figure¡¯s expression was filled with fatigue and anxiety. However, amidst this anxiety, there was venom in his eyes.


    ¡°The holy land that descended on the human race is actually the Demon Feather Holy Land!¡±


    ¡°Lan Yao¡¯s family has a high status in the Demon Feather Holy Land, and her husband is the disciple of the Great Emperor. The arrival of this holy land will definitely result in my death.¡±


    ¡°So, at this moment, my value will be even greater. After all, I know many secrets of the Demon Feather Holy Land. Since you guys want me to die so badly, I¡¯ll head to the human race and sell the holy land in exchange for protection!¡±


    Feng Lintao¡¯s eyes gleamed with coldness as he sped up.

 Chapter 1456 - 1456 He Calls Himself Flame Mystic (1)

    1456 He Calls Himself Flame Mystic (1)


    The holy lands held various meanings to the various races in Wanggu.


    Hope and hatred eventually mixed into complicated emotions.


    If time continued to pass in this manner, perhaps after a much longer period, the various races¡¯ perceptions of the holy lands would gradually fade until they were eventually forgotten.


    But no one expected that the holy lands would unexpectedly return one after another within just over a year, bringing war along with them.


    The flames of war ignited and spread all over Wanggu.


    Confusion, anger, unwillingness, killing intent, and resentment that had accumulated for tens of thousands of years¡­ All kinds of emotions rose in the hearts of the Wanggu races.


    Back then, when you left, you took away all the elites and hope.


    Now, you have returned, high and mighty, bringing war with you.


    Hence, the counterattack from the Wanggu Races began to erupt under the call of the powerful races of the east, west, south, and north.


    Their responses were different.


    In some areas, there was an all-out war, divine abilities and spells filling the regions.


    Some areas focused on defense, controlling the scale of the war.


    As for the east, the focus was on grasping the initiative and rhythm. Almost at the instant the four black-level holy lands landed with the heavenly fire, ninety-nine pillars of light shot into the air from all over the east.


    It formed a peerless array formation that gathered the power of a large number of races. Coupled with the anomalous substances, it enveloped the eastern part of Wanggu, including the Nanhuang Continent and the inner sea between them.


    It isolated the path of return for the yellow-level holy lands that had been expelled. It also drew a boundary between sky and earth.


    This caused these four black-level holy lands to only be able to hover outside the protective barrier.


    At the same time, the anomalous substances also served as an important method in the Eastern Wanggu, permeating the sky and invading the holy lands.


    Immediately after, the three Flame Moon Gods and the Empress appeared. Coupled with the Flame Moon¡¯s eternal artifact and the Suns of Dawn that the human race had prepared for war, they started a peak-level battle with the Great Emperors of the four holy lands.


    This battle lasted for seven days.


    During these seven days, the sky was in chaos and painted an abstract scene.


    It was difficult for the world to understand. The outcome of the battle was unknown. They only knew that seven days later, the three gods returned and went into seclusion. As for the Empress, She showed no change.


    As for the Great Emperors of the four holy lands, it was impossible to judge. However, in the subsequent war, these four Great Emperors along with the three gods never appeared again.


    Just like that, a month passed.


    Under the initiative of Flame Moon and the human race, small-scale wars continued.


    Occasionally, there would be some holy land cultivators who used special methods to barge into the East¡¯s array formation and attempt to destroy the array core. However, under the special teams formed by the various races in the East, they were tracked down and killed one after another.


    Among them, Feng Lintao had made many contributions.


    He had arrived at the territory of the human race half a four weeks ago. He exposed his identity and made a request to see the Empress.


    However, the Empress didn¡¯t summon him immediately. Instead, She arranged for him to join the special squads and participate in the battle to track down the intruders.


    It had to be said that in order to obtain protection, Feng Lintao did his best. Just the trespassers he found numbered in the dozens.


    When he fought these intruders, he didn¡¯t show any mercy and killed his fellow clansmen.


    Moreover, every time he killed, he cut off the opponent¡¯s head and tied it around his waist. By the end, the heads hung densely like a long skirt, and each appearance struck fear into those who saw it.


    Finally, with his hard work, he received a summons from the Empress half a month later.


    At this moment, standing solemnly outside the hall of the palace, his eyes showed fervor and excitement, but deep down, he felt cold and desolate.


    ¡®During this period, I¡¯ve heard a lot about this Human Empress¡­¡¯


    ¡®Switching to the god¡¯s cultivation, seizing the momentum of the past Human Emperors as a woman, becoming a Divine Platform¡­¡¯


    ¡®This Empress isn¡¯t simple¡­ However, the more extraordinary a person is, the more confident they are. From a certain perspective, such a person¡­ is more suitable for the escape route I prepared for myself.¡¯


    Feng Lintao murmured to himself, then looked down at the skirt of human heads around his waist.


    These were his initial tokens of allegiance.


    Surrendering to the human kind was a choice he had created after careful consideration, and it was the only escape method he saw after analyzing deeply.


    ¡®However, I still have to prove my value and prove that I am on their side.¡±


    Feng Lintao narrowed his eyes. He realized that the things he was thinking about were easy for gods to investigate. And this¡­ was actually something he did on purpose.


    As he pondered, a calm voice rang out from the hall in front of him.


    ¡°Feng Lintao, enter the hall.¡±


    After hearing this, Feng Lintao¡¯s expression turned solemn. He bowed deeply toward the hall before walking over.


    The instant he stepped into the hall, he saw over a hundred human cultivators. These people were divided into four rows and were all staring at him.


    At the forefront were several layers of massive steps leading up to numerous seats where the Heavenly Marquises were seated, and above that were the seats of the Heavenly Kings.


    At the top, on a grand imperial throne, the Empress sat expressionless.


    A person in the crown prince¡¯s robe was standing beside Her. He was Ning Yan.


    After he was appointed as the crown prince, he would stand beside the Empress every court meeting. His goal wasn¡¯t to learn how to deal with government affairs but to observe. This was a request his mother had for him.


    At that moment, he was observing this first holy land cultivator who had sought refuge with the human race.


    ¡°Feng Lintao greets Human Emperor Parting Summer!¡±


    Feng Lintao retracted his gaze and bowed toward the Empress. When he raised his head again, he tugged at his body.

 Chapter 1457 - 1457 He Calls Himself Flame Mystic (2)

    1457 He Calls Himself Flame Mystic (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    He removed the dozens of heads and placed them to the side.


    ¡°Your Majesty, these are the tokens of allegiance from me. Some of them are descendants of large families in the holy lands and have high statuses.¡±


    ¡°But 1 know that just this isn¡¯t enough to prove my sincerity.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯ve prepared two secrets!¡±


    ¡°Firstly, a thousand years ago, the Demon Feather Holy Land wasn¡¯t at black level but the weakest earth-level holy land, having two Great Emperors!¡±


    ¡°A thousand years ago, Demon Feather Ancestor, who was at the peak of the Great Emperor Realm, tried to break through but failed to step into the Summer Immortal Realm. His body weakened and his soul dissipated. After leaving behind his inheritance, he entered a life-and-death seclusion.¡±


    ¡°Hence, the Demon Feather Holy Land fell and became black level.¡±


    ¡°However, there are rumors that this Devil Feather Ancestor still has a chance of reviving. Your Majesty, please be vigilant.¡±


    Feng Lintao¡¯s voice echoed in the hall and the expressions of the surrounding people changed. Feng Lintao waited for them digest this information before continuing.


    ¡°Secondly, it¡¯s about why all the holy lands are returning¡­¡±


    His words instantly attracted everyone¡¯s attention.


    Under the gazes of so many people, Feng Lintao calmed his mind and spoke.


    ¡°There are three reasons!¡±


    ¡°One, they are truly leaving, so before they go, they returned to loot all the resources they can take with them!¡±


    ¡°Two, they initiated the wars to carry out blood sacrifices and obtain more resources.¡±


    ¡°Three, they are here on orders!¡±


    ¡°The person who ordered them isn¡¯t Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether.¡±


    ¡°In reality, the ancient sovereign mysteriously disappeared twenty thousand years ago which resulted in chaos in all the holy lands. It was only two thousand years ago that an ancient Summer Immortal who had left Wanggu¡­ returned!¡±


    As his voice echoed, the hearts of everyone in the human race¡¯s main hall instantly rumbled.


    This news was too huge.


    This was especially so since it involved the ancient Summer Immortals. This caused everyone¡¯s first reaction to be filled with horror and disbelief.


    ¡°With my status, 1 don¡¯t have the qualifications to know this Summer Immortal¡¯s name. However, I¡¯ve heard rumors from some secret places¡­ It¡¯s said that the cultivation of this Summer Immortal has already reached the extreme of the Summer Immortal, even surpassing it, reaching an unimaginable realm.¡±


    ¡°Someone said that that realm was the level of the Brilliant Heaven¡¯s God Emperor back then which is equivalent to the Lord God Realm. In the cultivator system, it is called the Immortal Lord!¡±


    ¡°However, his cultivation seems to be unstable, so the holy lands returned this time. He ordered all the holy lands to find an item that could stabilize his realm in Wanggu. The blood sacrifices are to summon this item!¡±


    ¡°The more blood sacrifices there are, the more accurate the summoning will


    As for what that item is, I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°However, I¡¯m certain of one thing. This half-step Immortal Lord has found a method that can allow one to avoid the blockade of the fragmented-face for a short period and leave Wanggu.¡±


    ¡°This is also one of the reasons why the holy lands dare to descend.¡±


    Feng Lintao¡¯s voice echoed, and the hall was filled with the sound of people gasping. Even though everyone¡¯s resolve was strong enough, the information Feng Lintao revealed was too overwhelming.


    Even Ning Yan¡¯s breathing was hurried, and looked at his mother beside him many times.


    Everything in the surroundings was reflected in Feng Lintao¡¯s eyes. Seeing this, he felt satisfied in his heart.


    He wasn¡¯t lying. Everything he said was true.


    He believed that what he said was enough to prove his loyalty. Now, he needed to give an explanation for his actions.


    He needed to explain why he was submitting to the human race.


    At the thought of this, Feng Lintao cupped his fists again and bowed to the Empress, whose expression hadn¡¯t changed much from the start.


    ¡°Your Majesty, the reason for my honesty and revealing everything is because the Demon Feather Holy Land is heartless. Inside, there are two mortal enemies of mine. One of them is named Yue Dong. This woman is cruel and extremely cunning. She is irreconcilable with me.¡±


    ¡°The other person¡¯s name is Lan Yao. She also has a vicious heart. Her family is one of the five great families in the Demon Feather Holy Land. As for her husband, he is the last disciple of the Demon Feather Ancestor who is in closed-door cultivation.¡±


    ¡°In the Demon Feather Holy Land, because my bloodline wasn¡¯t pure, I wasn¡¯t valued. I also offended them, which is equivalent to offending more than half of the holy land, so they have been trying to kill me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I am submitting to the human race!¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, what 1 said isn¡¯t baseless. Two human cultivators have witnessed the conflict between me, Yue Dong, and Lan Yao. From what I feel, these two aren¡¯t simple people and should have quite a reputation in the human race!¡±


    After Feng Lintao finished speaking, he looked at the Empress.


    At that moment, most of the people in the hall had solemn expressions as they looked at the Empress.


    The Empress was still calm as she calmly spoke.


    ¡°What are the names of the human cultivators you mentioned who know about this?¡±


    When Feng Lintao heard this, he immediately spoke.


    ¡°One of them calls himself Flame Mystic, and the other is his senior brother. However, I think it should be a fake name. As for his true body¡­ I was lucky to have some understanding during this period.¡±


    With that, he waved his hand, forming two illusory images.


    One of them wore a blue robe and had a tall and straight figure. His eyes were like the stars and he had a peerless appearance.


    The other was also wearing a blue robe but his appearance was ordinary and his expression was a little wretched.


    Clearly, Feng Lintao harbored a deeper resentment towards the person who had pretended to be dead all the way, snatching away the Holy Heavenly Vine at a critical moment.


    The instant the people in the hall saw these two images, they had strange expressions. Ning Yan¡¯s eyes were wide open.


    ¡°So, Your Majesty, you only need to ask these two people to know that what I said is true.¡±


    Feng Lintao drew in a deep breath and calmly spoke.


    On the Primordial Sea, Erniu sneezed.


    ¡°There must be some troublemakers gossiping about me!¡±


    Erniu¡¯s eyes had grown back, and he was lying on the magic boat, speaking with a hint of suspicion.


    Xu Qing ignored him, sitting with closed eyes beside him, cultivating while examining his own changes.


    The divine source in his body was a little denser than when he went out to sea previously. It was the same for the divine authorities. They were shining more brightly.


    All of this was the extensive effect of the meat skewers he ate.


    Suix¡¯s meat was naturally extraordinary.


    The aspect that improved the most was his soul.


    The density of his soul had increased by several times, and it was still being nourished.


    His divine consciousness also skyrocketed because of this, and his divinity became denser.


    With the improvement of the soul, its compatibility with the body would naturally increase.


    ¡°My combat strength has also increased with this.¡±


    A long time later, Xu Qing, who had ended his day of cultivation, opened his eyes and looked in the direction of the inner sea.


    ¡°Almost there.¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled.


    In this month, the two of them had augmented the magic boat with all their strength, trying to return as soon as possible. Although they encountered some dangers on the way, it was unknown if it was because their luck had turned for the better, or if it was because of Jade Flowing Dust¡¯s enhancement before they left, or if it was some other reason.


    In short, their return trip was quite smooth.


    Right now, they were less than half a day¡¯s journey away from the inner sea.


    After sensing that they were close to the inner sea, Erniu began to tidy himself up. He clearly had to maintain his image. Although the hair on his body couldn¡¯t be cut, Erniu¡¯s brain circuits were different from ordinary people. Moreover, he was quite talented.


    He had actually woven those black hairs one by one, forming a coat that resembled a fur armor¡­


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze was filled with admiration as he looked at Erniu¡¯s actions.


    Just like that, several hours later, at the border between the inner and outer seas, as the black fog churned, the boat they were on shuttled out.


    The moment they stepped into the inner sea, the power of an array formation suddenly spread out. After it swept across their bodies, it dissipated, allowing Xu Qing and Erniu to enter the inner sea.


    The sunlight was bright and beautiful.


    The sea breeze was also relatively gentle.


    In the sky, as the clouds churned, a vast figure that was like an eagle or a phoenix rushed over from afar. It instantly got close and transformed to Huang Yan, standing on the surface of the sea, looking at Xu Qing with hidden bitterness.


    ¡°You are finally back. I promised Senior Sister that I would bring you back but you keep disappearing. Xu Qing, you are making me lose face in front of Senior Sister.¡±


    A smile appeared on Xu Qing¡¯s face.


    Huang Yan landed on the magic boat. He then looked at Erniu with a surprised expression.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the extra sweater after a trip to the sea? If a bull grows hair, what do you call it? A yak?¡±


    Erniu sneered.


    ¡°You old bird, what do you know? Have you been to the outer sea? Let me tell you, this is the most popular clothing of the various races in the outer sea!¡± Huang Yan glared and waved his hand. At the next instant, a storm rumbled in front of Erniu, sweeping his body and sending him tens of thousands of kilometers away.


    ¡°It¡¯s finally quiet.¡±


    Huang Yan grinned.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Xu Qing. Let¡¯s go home!¡±


    ¡°Also, Senior Sister asked me to tell you¡­ there are many people waiting for you.¡±


    At this point, Huang Yan coughed.


    ¡°Female¡­¡±

 Chapter 1458 - 1458 Those Years, Those People

    1458 Those Years, Those People


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    The sky was serene.


    The sunset¡¯s glow over the inner sea unfolded the most dazzling tapestry between the Forbidden Sea and the skies of the Nanhuang Continent.


    The deep colors and mysterious charm seemed to interpret the brilliance and sediments of life.


    Finally, melting into the sunset¡¯s afterglow, it sprinkled over the sea, adorning the black sea with a layer of shimmering ripples.


    The afterglow also fell on the land, reflecting at the harbor of the Seven Blood Eyes, where the gentle rhythm of the waves lapped against the rocky shore, emitting a deep and rhythmic sound together, witnessing the imminent arrival of the night.


    The sea breeze was among them.


    On this quiet evening, the gentle breeze blew past the various boats anchored in the port and the cultivators of the various races and sects.


    On the way, the wind lifted a few strands of Ding Xue¡¯s hair.


    The bell that Yanyan placed on the wooden box beside her rang.


    It also caused the skirt of the graceful figure in the medicinal shop facing the sea on the street to undulate slightly.


    Ding Xue stood on the shore of the harbor. Her tight clothes revealed her beautiful curves and at the same time, she looked valiant and heroic like back then.


    It was as though time had no effect here.


    The bronze sword on her back and the infatuated Zhao Zhongheng in the distance were the same.


    Yanyan squatted at Port 79, where Xu Qing used to dock his magic boat, sitting on a wooden box and gazing out at the Forbidden Sea.


    Beside her were five water vats that emitted the stench of blood.


    She narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips, her eyes revealing anticipation.


    Many disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes and members of the Homicide Department from the various peaks were waiting with these women.


    Just like that, time slowly passed and night fell.


    The lights at the port gradually lit up like stars, illuminating the entire port like the starry sky.


    This starlight intertwined with the ripples of refraction on the surface of the sea, forming a beautiful painting.


    A magic boat gradually sailed in.


    Xu Qing stood on the magic boat and looked at the familiar Seven Blood Eyes and those familiar faces.


    As the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples in the port called out ¡®Fourth Highness¡¯, Second Senior Sister¡¯s figure walked down from the Seventh Peak Mountain and walked to the harbor, arriving in front of the magic boat.


    Huang Yan immediately moved beside his senior sister with a smug expression as if saying, ¡®Look, I have successfully brought your junior brother back.¡¯


    Second Senior Sister smiled and then looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Junior Brother, welcome home.¡±


    A familiar aura, a familiar environment, and a familiar mountain peak.


    After reminiscing with his old acquaintances, Xu Qing didn¡¯t disturb Huang Yan and Second Senior Sister¡¯s reunion. Instead, he walked alone into his cave abode under the cover of night.


    Although Xu Qing hadn¡¯t lived in this cave abode for long, as he sat cross-legged and felt the surrounding tranquility, his heart, weary from the long journey, finally found some peace.¡±


    He recalled his experiences in the past half a year, from encountering Transient Evil to destroying the holy land and hunting Transient Evil¡­ He then followed Jade Flowing Dust to the outer sea. The whole experience was filled with danger.


    His heart had always been on edge, and his will had remained taut.


    At this moment, in the Seven Blood Eyes, Xu Qing heaved a long sigh of relief.


    However, he was clear that this rest was only temporary.


    It was impossible for him to stay in the Seven Blood Eyes for too long.


    The war had already begun. As the lord of the Holy Wave Region and the Black Spirit Region, as the soul of the Fenghai County¡¯s cultivators, he needed to return when necessary and respond to the Empress¡¯s call to participate in this war that concerned the entire Eastern Wanggu.


    He also needed blood and killing to increase the compatibility between his body and soul, while also deepening his comprehension of divine authorities.


    ¡°Also, the great wing has shattered and can¡¯t be used anymore. I need to look for Zhang San to repair it.¡±


    Xu Qing pondered for a while before closing his eyes and starting his cultivation.


    The Profound Sun Immortal Light flowed in his body, as though a great sun had risen in his heart, emitting a resplendent light that nourished his entire body. It then returned to the great sun, forming a cycle.


    During this process, his divine source was also mobilized, illuminating the 1,000 traces of divine authorities.


    Time slowly passed.


    Two hours later, Xu Qing opened his eyes and looked at the cave abode¡¯s entrance with a frown.


    After a while, a voice rang out from outside the door.


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, is it convenient for you? I made sweet potato and peanut porridge and brought it for you.¡±


    She deliberately softened her voice, even adding a bit of obvious timidity.


    This familiar tone and familiar style was naturally Ding Xue.


    Xu Qing was helpless. He was no longer as ignorant as he was back then. He already understood Ding Xue¡¯s thoughts and the way she looked at him.


    However, they were from the same sect after all. Hence, Xu Qing raised his hand and the cave abode¡¯s gate silently opened. As the moonlight fell, a graceful figure slowly walked over.


    This lasted until she arrived in the cave abode and appeared in front of Xu Qing.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, it¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve seen you.¡±


    Ding Xue¡¯s face was slightly flushed, her eyelashes thick and long. Every time she blinked, it was as if she was telling a captivating story.


    After she got close, she bent down and placed the sweet potato and peanut porridge in front of Xu Qing.


    Her body-fitting clothes made her posture look perfect when she bent down.


    When her eyes stared at Xu Qing¡¯s face, they were like the brightest stars in the night sky, flickering with a mysterious and charming light.


    The passage of time didn¡¯t take away the slightest bit of beauty from her body. Instead, they left behind beauty, making her eyebrows even more graceful than before. They now resembled slender willow leaves, gently curved, giving off a sense of both gentleness and determination..


    Paired with her straight nose and cherry-like lips, just one look at her would stir an impulse within anyone to want to delve deeper.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. He only looked at the anticipation in Ding Xue¡¯s eyes and thought of the other party¡¯s sponsorship in the early days¡­ He sighed and picked up the bowl to take a bite of the porridge.


    ¡°Not bad.¡±


    Xu Qing slowly spoke and asked about some things about the other party¡¯s cultivation.


    Ding Xue looked at Xu Qing¡¯s face and her heart raced. Her original plan was to conquer Xu Qing tonight.


    That was why she was dressed like this.


    However, now that they were meeting, she became nervous again. She didn¡¯t know what to do next and could only go with Xu Qing¡¯s flow and talk about cultivation.


    Time slowly passed.


    An hour later, Ding Xue inexplicably left the cave abode.


    The moment she walked out, she realized that her plan to conquer Xu Qing had failed again.


    ¡°I still have to make preparations. Next time¡­ next time, I¡¯ll definitely take down Senior Brother Xu Qing!¡±


    ¡°However, I have to restrain myself. I like him. This is my own business. I can¡¯t let Senior Brother Xu Qing feel pressured.¡±


    Ding Xue patted her towering chest and took a deep breath. After cheering and encouraging herself, she left.


    She knew that someone was following her but she was already used to it. To her, the person behind her was an existence like air.


    That person was none other than Zhao Zhongheng.


    In the darkness not far away, his face was filled with deep emotions as he muttered.


    ¡°Xue¡¯er, it¡¯s been so many years. I like you but I know that liking you is my own business, so you don¡¯t have to feel pressured. I don¡¯t want my love to burden you. I hope you¡¯ll always be happy.¡±


    As Zhao Zhongheng spoke, he was once again touched by himself. After taking a deep breath, he followed firmly.


    Xu Qing¡¯s perception naturally saw this scene clearly.


    Seeing that Zhao Zhongheng was still like this after so many years, some pity rose in his heart. After that, he shook his head and closed his eyes, wanting to continue cultivating.


    However, at the next moment, he opened his eyes again and looked outside the cave abode.


    A long time later, a trembling voice entered the cave abode.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing, I heard from my grandmother that something happened to you because you saved me¡­ However, I couldn¡¯t capture any cultivators from the holy land. I could only capture a few Night Doves for you to vent your anger.¡±


    Outside the cave abode, under the moonlight, Yanyan, who was wearing a red robe, stood there charmingly. She had bitten a corner of her lip, but no blood fell; she used her tongue to lick it all up.


    An hour later, Yanyan left the cave abode.


    In the cave abode, Xu Qing fell into deep thought.


    He had sensed the uniqueness of Yanyan¡¯s body before. In addition, it could attract the attention of the Golden Crow musician. All of this made him have a guess.


    When Yanyan was dealing with those few Night Doves earlier, Xu Qing used his divine consciousness to confirm this guess.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that she doesn¡¯t have anomalous substances. It¡¯s just that the anomalous substances aren¡¯t in her body but have fused with her soul¡­ This makes her soul extremely special. It can absorb anomalous substances but she doesn¡¯t know how to make use of it.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, her path of cultivation isn¡¯t smooth. Moreover, her emotions will fluctuate intensely. To a certain extent, Yanyan is a natural-born divine cultivator!¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly.


    Hence, in Yanyan¡¯s soul just now, he left behind a wisp of his divine source and turned it into a seed to guide Yanyan¡¯s future cultivation.


    Xu Qing pondered for a while before closing his eyes again and starting to cultivate.


    Finally, no one came to disturb him anymore. This lasted until late at night and until dawn.


    At the peaceful Seven Blood Eyes Port, a figure with wet fur crawled up from the sea.


    The moment he got ashore, the furry figure cursed.


    ¡°Huang Yan, you old bird, you sent me flying and even sealed my storage bag and a portion of my cultivation, making it so I couldn¡¯t fly for long and had to swim back! Just you wait!¡±


    This person was none other than Erniu.


    As he gritted his teeth, the sky lit up.


    The morning wind brought with it some raindrops that scattered onto the harbor.


    In the rain, Xu Qing held an oil-paper umbrella and walked down the Seventh Peak. His appearance was concealed as he walked on the streets. Just like back then when he was still a low-level disciple, he drank a bowl of beancurd from the breakfast shop he had gone to before.


    After that, he walked toward Port 176, where Zhang San was at.


    Although it was raining, the liveliness at the port didn¡¯t decrease by much. There was an endless stream of cultivators and mortals coming and going.


    Until, passing by an apothecary he used to frequent in the past, Xu Qing saw a figure dressed in an orange-yellow long skirt, busy refining pills inside the shop.


    That was the heaven¡¯s chosen of the Second Peak, Gu Muqing. She had gotten to know Xu Qing because of a white pill.


    Looking at the other party¡¯s serious expression, Xu Qing didn¡¯t disturb her and left.


    In the shop, Gu Muqing sensed something. She raised her head and looked outside.


    In the rain, the pedestrians were moving in a hurry and everything was hazy.


    It was like a distant embrace that was destined to be out of reach..

 Chapter 1459 - 1459 Forging the Most Powerful Great Wing

    1459 Forging the Most Powerful Great Wing


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    At the end of the first year of the Parting Summer Calendar, snow fell upon the human imperial capital.


    But in the Seven Blood Eyes, winter always seemed to arrive late, with rain being more prevalent throughout the year.


    It was the same even at the end of the year.


    The curtain of rain enveloped the ports, and the hurrying pedestrians and boats coming and going outlined a beautiful canvas.


    The sound of the rain falling on the oil-paper umbrellas and dripping down was delicate and gentle, like the sound of nature, gently brushing past one¡¯s heartstrings.


    It was as if the sky was professing its deep love for the earth and the clouds were expressing their endless affection for all beings.


    Amid this rhythm and melody, Xu Qing walked through the rain and arrived at Port 176, which belonged to him. In a large warehouse area, he saw Zhang San squatting under the eaves, smoking a pipe like an old farmer.


    There was another familiar face beside him.


    Erniu was also sitting there, wringing the rain-soaked hair on his body while saying something.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s arrival, Erniu waved his hand. At the side, Zhang San¡¯s eyes lit up and he quickly stood up. He kept the pipe and even instinctively rubbed his hands, revealing an honest smile.


    This smile was Zhang San¡¯s instinct when he faced enemies or important figures.


    Clearly, the current Xu Qing was both familiar and unfamiliar to Zhang San. What he was familiar with were the memories of their early years, but what he was unfamiliar with was the shockingly high cultivation and identity.


    ¡°Xu¡­¡± Zhang San hesitated, not knowing how to address him.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang San.¡±


    Before Zhang San could consider how to address him, Xu Qing smiled and spoke.


    As he spoke, he walked under the eaves and sat down as well.


    Just like how Erniu had brought Xu Qing back then and met Zhang San for the first time.


    Zhang San smiled, while Erniu looked into the distance, searching around before voicing his discontent.


    ¡°Where¡¯s that old bird Huang Yan? He¡¯s not with you? Let me tell you, Little Qing, that old bird is really not a good bird!¡±


    Erniu snorted.


    Xu Qing thought for a moment and spoke softly.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, with Huang Yan¡¯s cultivation, even if he¡¯s not here, he should be able to hear your words.¡±


    When Erniu heard this, his eyes widened and he spoke loudly.


    ¡°This is the Seven Blood Eyes. With my junior sister and master, why would I, the eldest highness of the Seventh Peak, be afraid of a bird?¡±


    It was unknown if it was a coincidence or not, but the instant Erniu spoke, the sky rumbled. Lightning flashed and a deafening thunder rang out.


    Erniu was shocked.


    Zhang San had a headache. The captain had come this morning. After he arrived, he had been sitting there and complaining for a long time¡­


    Zhang San didn¡¯t want to offend either side, so seeing Xu Qing, he hurriedly changed the topic.


    ¡°Xu Qing, I heard from the captain that you guys went to the outer sea?¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. With a wave of his hand, he took out the great wing that was mostly shattered. With a boom, it landed in the courtyard of the warehouse. It occupied almost the whole courtyard.


    Although the great wing had collapsed, the aura of the flesh of the divine creature on it and the anomalous substances from the outer sea mixed together, emitting a dense black fog that spread out sinisterly.


    It looked extremely sinister. Even the rain was devoured by the black fog which then rapidly spread to the surroundings.


    Wherever it passed, it would be pitch-black.


    Zhang San was shocked.


    Xu Qing gently pressed down. Immediately, the black fog emitted by the great wing was compressed. It stopped spreading and was gradually erased.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang San, the great wing is broken. Do you have a way to repair it?¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Zhang San.


    Xu Qing admired Zhang San¡¯s professionalism. Moreover, Zhang San had been in charge of his magic boats from the start. Although Zhang San couldn¡¯t personally handle it because of his low cultivation, his understanding of the magic boat could provide a preliminary plan.


    Zhang San looked at the great wing and the damages it had endured and gasped.


    ¡°This looks like it was bitten into pieces by a large mouth¡­¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. Erniu coughed.


    ¡°Sansan, your judgment isn¡¯t wrong. There was indeed a large beast that swallowed me, Little Qing, and this great wing together. Yes, I summoned it.¡± Erniu was proud.


    Looking at his eldest senior brother¡¯s smug expression, Xu Qing was speechless. However, his words did seem a little true.


    Zhang San¡¯s eyes widened when he heard that. After that, he shook his head.


    He felt that it was better not to know too much about Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s experiences.


    After all, there were many things that could be dangerous just by knowing them.


    ¡®My little life isn¡¯t suitable for participating in such things.1


    Zhang San was very satisfied with his current life. He had a monstrous background in the Seven Blood Eyes, owned his own port, and earned endless spirit stones. He had also found many Dao companions in the sect.


    Few people would dare to offend him.


    He was satisfied with such a life.


    He didn¡¯t want to court death.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t answer the captain¡¯s words. Instead, he walked out and arrived on the great wing in one step, starting to inspect it.


    A while later, Zhang San returned below the eaves after a rough inspection. He took out his pipe and took a puff before sighing.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be used. Even if it¡¯s dismantled, the materials are severely corroded.¡± ¡°Xu Qing, I¡¯m also helpless.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the damaged great wing and he fell silent for a moment.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang San, what if we build a new one?¡±


    Zhang San shook his head.


    ¡°With your cultivation, an ordinary great wing is already meaningless.¡±


    ¡°As for the extraordinary great wing, the materials needed must be of extremely high quality. However, I can¡¯t handle materials that are too high quality¡­ Unless I can get help and you have to participate as well.¡±


    ¡°But, this is still secondary.¡±


    ¡°At the end of the day, it¡¯s the materials. Just divine creatures are no longer enough. You need higher-level or even the flesh and blood of gods. You might have them, but the most important thing is that you still need a powerful carrier as the foundation.¡±


    ¡°However, I can¡¯t think of anything that can carry the flesh and blood of gods.¡± Zhang San was helpless.


    Xu Qing pondered.


    Erniu¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡°That holy land mountain will work. Little Qing, I still suggest that we use Master¡¯s name to write to the Empress and ask for it!¡±


    Zhang San nodded. Although he had never seen the holy land mountain, according to his understanding, he indeed felt that the materials that could form the holy land must be perfect and meet the requirements.


    Xu Qing pondered for a while before keeping the damaged great wing. After that, he flicked his sleeve and took out a piece of flesh.


    This was Transient Evil¡¯s flesh.


    After staring at the flesh for a while, Xu Qing clenched his fist tightly and the flesh instantly collapsed. A gray light flew out and transformed into a dilapidated pagoda that landed in the courtyard.


    It was the mysterious pagoda that Xu Qing had discovered at the bottom of the sea.


    Back then, this pagoda had been kept into the flesh of Transient Evil. Xu Qing had escaped with the help of Jade Flowing Dust, but he didn¡¯t take the pagoda out from Transient Evil¡¯s flesh.


    After all, with Xu Qing¡¯s current ability, he couldn¡¯t store this pagoda. It was more suitable to store it in Transient Evil¡¯s flesh.


    After taking it out, Xu Qing looked at Zhang San.


    ¡°How is this item?¡±


    Before Zhang San could speak, Erniu¡¯s eyes instantly narrowed and he was a little moved. He sensed the terrifying aura of this pagoda and the aura of the Holy Heavenly Vine on it. He was speechless.


    ¡°This is a good thing!¡±


    As he spoke, the Holy Heavenly Vine in his body appeared and headed straight for the damaged pagoda. It circled it and emitted emotional fluctuations.


    Xu Qing¡¯s heavenly vine also flew out and twined around the pagoda.


    It resonated with Erniu¡¯s vine; starlight shone from the two vines. Even the dilapidated pagoda was affected and shone with starlight.


    Zhang San¡¯s expression also became serious. After carefully observing the pagoda, he felt increasingly shocked. Finally, with Xu Qing¡¯s permission and the help of the heavenly vine, he entered the bubble surrounding the dilapidated pagoda.


    A while later, he returned. His mind was rumbling and his eyes were shining as he muttered.


    ¡°Unknown material, and it doesn¡¯t look like it was refined later on. There¡¯s a high chance that it¡¯s a natural item!¡±


    ¡°The aura emitted by it is like primordial chaos and incomparably ancient. It seems to come from the same source as your two vines¡­¡±


    ¡°Good stuff, a unique peerless item. As for the details, I have to study them carefully.¡±


    After saying that, Zhang San took a deep breath and looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, my intuition tells me that if there¡¯s a way to refine this item, the warship forged¡­ will definitely be astonishing.¡±


    ¡°Even if I can¡¯t refine it, its reference value is still huge. Also, your vine¡­ I have to think about this matter carefully. Also, we need to ask Lord Flame Phoenix for help.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he took out the voice transmission jade slip and transmitted his voice to Huang Yan.


    Moments later, amidst Erniu¡¯s grumbling, Huang Yan arrived.


    When the two of them saw each other, sparks seemed to ignite in the air.


    Xu Qing hurriedly stepped forward and walked between the two of them. Zhang San also hurriedly spoke and told Huang Yan about building a new great wing for Xu Qing.


    When Huang Yan heard this, his gaze landed on the pagoda. He thought about it and nodded.


    ¡°You need my fire? No problem.¡±


    Just as Zhang San was about to agree, Erniu coughed and looked at Zhang San. ¡°San, do you also need some ice power to forge the great wing for Little Qing?¡± Facing Erniu¡¯s gaze, Zhang San hesitated, but could only agree in the end. Hence, Erniu and Huang Yan glared at each other again. Finally, under the mediation of Zhang San and Xu Qing, they began to prepare to refine the pagoda.


    The matter of Xu Qing¡¯s great wing was a top-notch matter in the Seven Blood Eyes. Moreover, Zhang San clearly wasn¡¯t strong enough alone. Hence, under Second Senior Sister¡¯s decree, all the refiners in the Seven Blood Eyes rushed over.


    In the end, the refinement location was chosen to be in an empty area in the forbidden region.


    Over there, hundreds of thousands of artifact refinement cultivators began to forge Xu Qing¡¯s great wing.


    During this period, there weren¡¯t many times when they needed Xu Qing. He just had to leave the heavenly vine behind.


    Hence, for a time, Xu Qing became the most free person.


    He simply spent some time guiding the little mute¡¯s cultivation. At the same time, he held a few public lectures in the Seven Blood Eyes.


    He shared his cultivation comprehension with the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples. At the same time, he also guided and answered the questions and doubts the disciples encountered during their cultivation.


    A month passed.


    On this morning, Xu Qing, who was sitting cross-legged and meditating in the cave abode, received Zhang San¡¯s voice transmission.


    ¡°Xu Qing, your great wing is roughly completed. The process was smooth and not smooth. You¡­ will know when you come and take a look.¡±


    Xu Qing immediately stood up and walked out of the cave abode. Just as he was about to head over, he sensed something and raised his head to look at the sky. A smile appeared on his face.


    In the distant sky, a rainbow shot through the air, heading straight for the Seventh Peak.


    Within the rainbow, there were two figures.


    One was a middle-aged man, and the other was a young girl.


    The middle-aged man was Ninth Grandpa, and the young girl was¡­ Ling¡¯er.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing.¡±


    Ling¡¯er¡¯s cheerful and coquettish voice rang out from afar like a silver bell..

 Chapter 1460 - 1460 Holy Heaven Pagoda

    1460 Holy Heaven Pagoda


    Translator: Atlas Studios | Editor: Atlas Studios


    The Seven Blood Eyes in the morning was the purest and most peaceful moment of the day.


    When the first rays of sunlight quietly spread from the eastern horizon, the golden light gradually filled the ground and finally reflected the figure of a young girl walking over from the horizon.


    She wore a long white dress that accentuated her beauty.


    The morning sun shone on her fair skin that was as exquisite as porcelain, revealing a refreshing and refined temperament.


    Her figure was slender and graceful, like a willow tree standing elegantly.


    Her nose was straight, her lips rosy, and her smile as warm and bright as the surrounding sunshine.


    Her smooth hair fluttered gently as she approached, carrying a mysterious


    rhythm that was mesmerizing.


    Especially captivating were her eyes, like two sparkling gems, radiating joy and brightness. Combined with her fluttering eyelashes, reminiscent of butterfly wings, she exuded a playful and adorable charm.


    Ling er, filled with thoughts of Xu Qing, arrived at the Seventh Peak.


    She pounced into Xu Qing¡¯s arms and the moment she sensed Xu Qing¡¯s aura, tears flowed uncontrollably.


    ¡°Brother Xu Qing¡­¡±


    Endless longing, worry, and inexplicable anxiety were all expressed in these four words.


    With these three words, her experiences fell into Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Xu Qing gently stroked Ling¡¯er¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Why are you crying?¡±


    Xu Qing spoke gently.


    -I don¡¯t know either¡­ I just feel like I¡¯m about to lose Brother Xu Qing.¡±


    Ling¡¯er raised her head and looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing fell silent. After a long time, he smiled.


    ¡°You won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Really.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded.


    Ling¡¯er smiled through her tears.


    Xu Qing looked at Ninth Grandpa, who had never landed.


    Ninth Grandpa was sitting cross-legged in the air.


    Xu Qing thought about it but didn¡¯t head to the forbidden region to check on his great wing immediately. Instead, he sat outside the cave abode and told Ling¡¯er about what had happened after he left the Moon Offering Region.


    The waves and twists during this period caused Ling¡¯er to gradually fall into a daze. Her emotions also fluctuated along with Xu Qing¡¯s description.


    Whenever she heard Xu Qing mentioning various dangers, she would feel


    nervous.


    When she heard about Xu Qing talking about the gains, she would be happy.


    Gradually, she forgot her worries and immersed herself in Xu Qing¡¯s world.


    As Xu Qing recounted the story, the inexplicable hesitation in Ling¡¯er¡¯s heart disappeared. Gradually, every smile and action she displayed was filled with love for life and longing for the future.


    This was a charm unique to young girls. It was the vitality and passion of youth, as well as the innocence and dreams of young girls.


    It was as though one could see the flowers of spring, the sunlight of summer, the fallen leaves of autumn, and the snowflakes of winter on her body.


    From time to time, when she heard Xu Qing mention Erniu, the laughter she emitted was like a clear spring in a mountain stream, crisp and pleasant to the ears.


    Time flowed by.


    Amidst Xu Qing¡¯s gentle voice, the sky slowly revealed a faint blue color. A few pure white clouds floated leisurely in the air. Just like Ninth Grandpa, they quietly observed everything on the Seventh Peak.


    Under the illumination of the morning sun, this scene was like an ink painting, elegant and fresh.


    This lasted until Ling¡¯er yawned and fell asleep.


    Xu Qing gently stroked Ling¡¯er¡¯s head, causing her to fall deep asleep. After that, his expression turned a little solemn. He raised his head and bowed to Ninth Grandpa.


    After that, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Ninth Grandpa, Ling¡¯er¡¯s body?¡±


    in the sky, Old Ninth, who was sitting cross-legged, opened his eyes.


    ¡°A month ago, when she reached the perfected Nascent Soul Realm, the cursed


    bloodline finally began to counterattack.¡±


    ¡°The imperial qi you left behind isn¡¯t enough.


    Old Ninth slowly spoke.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the sleeping Ling¡¯er. The instant he saw Ling¡¯er earlier, he could sense that the cultivation fluctuations in her body were unstable.


    ¡°Therefore, I brought Ling¡¯er here to look for you. I want to make a trip to the location of the Ancient Spirit Emperor with you and bring all his imperial qi over.¡±


    -However, there¡¯s no need to be in a hurry. Ling¡¯er¡¯s condition is fine.¡±


    Old Ninth was expressionless and his voice was calm.


    Xu Qing nodded. They would need to go to the Wood Spirit Race in Fenghai County to head to the location of the Ancient Spirit Emperor.


    Although he had a token previously, after he revived in the Nanhuang Continent, that token had lost its effect. Back then, when Xu Qing was chased by Transient Evil, he had tried to activate it but he failed.


    ¡°Alright, Senior, let me finish some things first.¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing raised his hand and emitted a gentle force. After helping Ling¡¯er suppress the unstable cultivation base in her body, he took a step into the air and instantly disappeared.


    When he appeared, he was already in the forbidden region where his great wing had been forged.


    A large empty area was cleared in the forbidden region. The instant Xu Qing¡¯s figure was revealed, he saw hundreds of thousands of cultivators doing their final inspection under Zhang San¡¯s command.


    As for Huang Yan and Erniu, they were meditating far away from each other.


    What Zhang San and the hundreds of thousands of Seven Blood Eyes refinement cultivators were examining was a nine-story pagoda that towered into the clouds.


    This pagoda stood there and circulated with light, emitting a vast might that contained an ancient aura.


    One look and one could tell that it was extraordinary.


    It was surrounded by Xu Qing¡¯s Holy Heavenly Vine and shone brightly with starlight.


    Upon closer inspection, one could see that this nine-story pagoda wasn¡¯t truly complete. It was formed by piecing different things.


    The lowest floor was none other than the earliest damaged pagoda.


    The eight floors above seemed to be added later to enhance and coordinate with control.


    Noticing Xu Qing¡¯s appearance, Zhang San stood on the tall pagoda and grinned at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Xu Qing, how is it? Are you satisfied?¡±


    ¡°That broken pagoda of yours is too difficult to refine. Fortunately, Lord Huang Yan¡¯s fire is equally astonishing, so we barely refined it. In addition to the captain¡¯s creative ideas, we added eight floors and fused the broken pagoda.¡±


    ¡°This way, you can indirectly control it!¡±


    -Not only can this great wing sail in the Forbidden Sea, but its greater use¡­ is the starry sky!¡±


    ¡°This is a great wing that can travel in the starry sky!


    ¡ö?It contains divine creatures¡¯ materials, and also contains some gods¡¯ flesh and blood placed by the captain and Lord Huang Yan. It has astonishing might and can be stored and released freely.¡±


    -Especially considering your habit of frequently damaging things, I chose to forego inscribing divine spells and arts, focusing entirely on its sturdiness. This great wing¡­ can even be used to smash people.


    ¡°Regardless of speed or power, this great wing is superior to the past!¡±


    Zhang San spoke loudly, feeling extremely excited.


    in the past month, as the main person for designing the construction plan, he had poured his heart and soul into it. He had displayed his talent and imagination exceptionally.


    Now, he felt that this work was the pinnacle of his life.


    ¡°Now, you need to awaken your heavenly vine!¡±


    -This heavenly vine is the artifact spirit of this great wing. During the process of refining this great wing, it has already fused deeply with it and is currently in a deep sleep.¡±


    -With it as the artifact spirit, you can perfectly control this pagoda!¡±


    ¡°Also, the protective bubble has been retained.


    After Zhang San finished speaking, he leaped down and walked to Xu Qing s side. The excitement on his face and the unconcealable fatigue as well as the bloodshot eyes caused waves in Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    He took a deep breath and bowed to Zhang San. He then bowed deeply to the hundreds of thousands of cultivators in the surroundings.


    After that, he waved his hand at the pagoda.


    As his divine sense spread out, the Holy Heavenly Vine that surrounded the pagoda suddenly moved. After that, it woke up from its slumber and swam around the pagoda.


    As the starlight shone resplendently, Xu Qing¡¯s Holy Heavenly Vine suddenly swayed and swept the pagoda toward Xu Qing.


    During the process of arrival, it and the pagoda rapidly shrunk. In the end, when it landed in Xu Qing¡¯s hand, it was less than an inch.


    Xu Qing spread his divine sense to sense it. A while later, when he retracted his divine sense, Erniu and Huang Yan had also ended their meditation. At this moment, their expressions revealed pride.


    However, at the next instant, when they sensed that the other party was also like this, they glared at each other as though they were about to bicker again.


    Xu Qing coughed.


    ¡°Huang Yan, I have something on and have to leave the Nanhuang Continent first.¡±


    When Huang Yan heard this, he looked at Xu Qing and was about to speak when Erniu instantly stood up and walked to Xu Qing¡¯s side, laughing.


    -We¡¯re finally leaving? Hurry, hurry, hurry, let¡¯s go quickly. It¡¯s too boring to face a birdman here every day. I am almost fading into a bird myself!¡± Xu Qing cupped his fists toward Huang Yan. There was no need to say much to each other. After that, he bowed to everyone again. With a raise of his hand, the pagoda rose into the air. According to Xu Qing¡¯s will, it transformed into a thousand-foot-long pagoda that shone with rainbow light.


    When the majestic intent spread in all directions, Xu Qing took a step forward and walked onto the pagoda. Erniu also walked behind him. As the starlight of his Holy Heavenly Vine flashed, he walked in as usual.


    After that, the world rumbled and the pagoda directly broke through the void, instantly disappearing without a trace.


    When it reappeared, it was already above the Seventh Peak of the Seven Blood Eyes.


    The gate of the pagoda opened and the sleeping Ling¡¯er¡¯s body rose into the air. As she was sent into the pagoda, Old Ninth also walked over and stepped into the pagoda.


    His gaze swept across the surroundings, revealing a strange expression.


    ¡°This item is extraordinary!¡±


    When Erniu heard this, he smiled proudly.


    ¡°I refined it!¡±


    Old Ninth directly ignored him.


    Xu Qing once again reinforced Ling¡¯er, causing her cultivation to become even more gentle. Under his divine sense, this pagoda shone brightly on the Seventh Peak, catching the attention of the Seven Blood Eyes¡¯ disciples.


    The light rippled through the sky and spread out for 5,000 kilometers.


    After that, it disappeared.


    It sped through the Forbidden Sea at an astonishing speed.


    It stirred up monstrous waves on the surface of the sea as it moved in the direction of the Yinghuang Province.


    Wherever it passed, countless sea beasts would tremble violently after sensing the aura and pressure of the pagoda.


    At that moment, in the Yinghuang Province, the great elder of the Sword Holding Ministry who was in charge of this province was flying in the direction of the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain. After crossing the Immortal Enrichment River, his figure appeared outside the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region in the province.


    Here, his expression was solemn as he looked at the holy land and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Three days ago, a Sword Holder from my Sword Holding Ministry carried out a mission to pursue the wanted cultivator of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, Li Zimei. They entered this place together and disappeared.


    ¡°Master of Spirit Sound, be it the Yinghuang Province or Fenghai County, the Holy Wave Large Region they¡¯re in is already different from the last time you woke up!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m under the orders of the Fenghai County¡¯s Sword Holding Palace to command your forbidden region to release the person immediately!¡± A heavenly sound suddenly rang out from the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region, forming waves that transformed into a sound attack.


    The sound was astonishing. The moment it spread out, the entire forbidden region trembled. Even the flowing Immortal Enrichment River stirred up large waves, transforming into a cold voice that rang out from the forbidden region.


    ¡°Scram!¡±


    The great elder of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Ministry trembled and retreated thousands of feet. His face was pale but his gaze was even sharper. He stared at the forbidden region and slowly spoke.


    -That Sword Holder¡¯s name is Qing Qiu. She is an old friend of my region lord, Xu Qing.¡±


    ¡°If you insist on doing things your way, there will definitely be a calamity.. Do not blame me for not warning you!¡±

 Chapter 1461 - 1461 LI Zimei Fusing With Spirit Sound

    1461 LI Zimei Fusing With Spirit Sound


    There was a secret Sword Holder document that was urgently sent to Fenghai County from the Yinghuang Province!


    When the Sword Holding Palace of Fenghai County received this secret document, they immediately arranged for the experts of the Sword Holding Palace to head to the Yinghuang Province. At the same time, they also reported this matter to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Twenty days ago, Grand Affairs Immortal Sect in the Yinghuang Province issued a bounty for their disciple, Li Zimei, informing the entire province that she had succumbed to demonic influences and was no longer a human, even brutally slaughtering her fellow sect members.¡±


    ¡°She fled and was chased by the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect for ten days.¡±


    ¡°In ten days, most of the dozens of pursuit teams from the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect were eliminated.¡±


    ¡°On the way, this woman encountered Qing Qiu, a Sword Holder from our Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Ministry, who was on a mission. For reasons unknown, the two clashed and disappeared in the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region.¡±


    ¡­


    The Holy Heaven Pagoda, which was forged by the Seven Blood Eyes with all its might, traversed the Forbidden Sea with great speed. In just one day, it crossed the inner sea and arrived at Yinghuang Province. Xu Qing, who was sitting inside the pagoda, received this secret letter from the Sword Holding Palace.


    ¡°Qing Qiu¡­¡±


    Xu Qing retracted his divine sense from the jade slip. The figure of that little girl in the scavenger campsite back then and their encounters in the Sword Holding Palace surfaced in his mind.


    Also, the other party¡¯s persistence.


    As for the other name, Xu Qing had some impression of it. It was a woman in the Seven Blood Eyes who was somewhat similar to Qing Qiu. She was timid but her self-esteem was extremely strong.


    After that, the other party was taken in by the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect and met Xu Qing on the Immortal Enrichment River.


    At that time, Li Zimei was going on a trip to accept the sect¡¯s inheritance. After that, Xu Qing headed to Fenghai County and the two of them lost contact.


    He didn¡¯t expect to hear about her like this.


    ¡°Spirit Sound Forbidden Region¡­¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at the sleeping Ling¡¯er. Just as he was pondering, Old Ninth calmly spoke.


    ¡°You have something to deal with?¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Ninth Grandpa.


    ¡°I received a secret letter from the Sword Holding Palace. Two old acquaintances have gone missing in the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region.¡±


    When Old Ninth heard this, his gaze swept past Ling¡¯er. Erniu, who was at the side, spoke first.


    ¡°Spirit Sound? Just destroy that f*cking small forbidden region! Who went missing there?¡±


    ¡°Qing Qiu,¡± Xu Qing calmly said.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Qing Qiu the one who fought with us for the treasures of Nether Fairy, later became a Sword Holder just like us, even joined us in the Holy Wave Large Region, right? I remember now. She liked carrying a scythe, which had an artifact spirit, and she is also a pervert with Blood Domain!¡±


    Erniu thought it over and immediately recalled who Xu Qing was talking about. After that, he gave a spurious smile.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the other one?¡±


    ¡°Li Zimei,¡± Xu Qing replied.


    ¡°Li Zimei? Who is it? I don¡¯t remember her.¡±


    Erniu searched his memories but couldn¡¯t remember who this Li Zimei was. Clearly, to him, regardless of whether it was in the Seven Blood Eyes or the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, Li Zimei was unknown.


    At that moment, Old Ninth retracted his gaze from the sleeping Ling¡¯er and calmly spoke.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a forbidden region. It won¡¯t waste much time. If you want to go, then go.¡±


    Xu Qing nodded. He controlled the Holy Heaven Pagoda and flew past the top of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Eight Sects Alliance, heading straight for the distant mountain range.


    That mountain range was formed by large black mountains that rose and fell one after another. They were different in height and were endless, extending into the depths of the Yinghuang Province.


    From afar, it looked like the corpse of a behemoth. It was pitch-black and hazy, as though it was hiding demons and monsters.


    It was covered with countless evil forests that contained ferocious trees and bizarre entities.


    This was the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain in the Yinghuang Province!


    On one side of the coastal area of this mountain range was the Eight Sects Alliance, and on the other side was the once infamous Three Spirits Suppression Mountain.


    At that moment, the pagoda Xu Qing was in sped forward. The moment it appeared in the air above the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain, it suddenly stopped.


    From the direction of the Three Spirits Suppression Mountain¡¯s path, two figures, one tall and one short, appeared. They were looking at the pagoda in bewilderment.


    The taller figure was as skinny as firewood, like a tall skeleton. He was skinny but at the same time, his back was like a small mountain that bulged high.


    Upon closer inspection, one could see that the bulging mountain was actually a huge sarcoma. Greenish-red blood vessels filled it as if the sarcoma had sucked away all the flesh and blood in his body.


    As for the short figure beside him, he was a dwarf.


    This dwarf was dressed in a black robe, with small, narrow eyes that protruded outwards. His eyebrows drooped down to his cheeks, while his chin was sunken, causing his beard to curl inward, resembling a pair of fangs.


    In the surroundings, wisps of black fog transformed into centipedes. As they continued to entangle and move, they emitted ear-piercing cries and trills.


    Clearly, the appearance of the Holy Heaven Pagoda and the pressure it emitted caused the hearts of these two to tremble intensely.


    It was only when Xu Qing walked out of the pagoda and met their gazes that the two phantom bodies heaved a sigh of relief. After that, an intense glint appeared in their eyes. They lowered their heads and bowed to Xu Qing.


    They were none other than the Heaven Soul Embryonic Light and the Earth Soul Sun Execution!


    Back then, Xu Qing had borrowed their strength to suppress the Corpse Forbidden. He had promised that in the future, he would help them break off their tether with the Ghost Emperor and gain complete freedom.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten my promise. When I reach the Soul Accumulation realm, I¡¯ll come here to fulfill my promise.¡±


    Xu Qing spoke in a low voice.


    When the Heaven Soul and Earth Soul heard this, their thoughts fluctuated. Although they didn¡¯t directly witness Xu Qing¡¯s rise, they had witnessed it with their own eyes at two critical points.


    The first time was when they saw Xu Qing and Erniu. They were still two thieves who had secretly come here to steal Nether Fairy¡¯s clothes. With their cultivation bases at that time, any one of the three souls could kill them with a raise of their hands.


    The second time they saw Xu Qing was when Xu Qing brought Qingqin here and asked the Heaven and Earth Souls to take action.


    At that time, Xu Qing had already shown signs of rising. Hence, Heaven Soul decided to make a casual investment. However, to Heaven Soul, a casual move was just that¡ªcasual. He wasn¡¯t certain whether he could use that in the future.


    However, they never expected that after that, Xu Qing would rise all the way. He left Fenghai, entered the Moon Offering, took in the Holy Wave, and headed to the Imperial City¡­


    Now, he was the lord of two regions, the grand tutor of the human race, and was also Grand Mystic Heaven. His name had spread throughout the Eastern Wanggu.


    A holy land was brought down just for him.


    All of this had exceeded their imagination. Xu Qing had already reached a height that they had to work hard to look up to.


    Today¡­ was the third time they had seen each other.


    They lowered their heads and bowed respectfully.


    The casual investment had already become a fortune.


    Xu Qing stared at the pair souls and didn¡¯t say anything else. He then turned and walked into the pagoda. At the next instant, the pagoda shone, dispelling the darkness of Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain. After this place instantly lit up, the pagoda left.


    After a long time, the Heaven Soul and Earth Soul raised their heads and looked into the distance. The waves in their hearts couldn¡¯t calm down for a long time.


    ¡°In the history of Wanggu, how many heaven¡¯s chosen could surpass him?¡±


    Heaven Soul mumbled.


    Dusk was slowly descending, bringing darkness to the world.


    Under the afterglow of dusk, as the Holy Heaven Pagoda moved forward, a vast river that reached the sky was reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    There was a mountain and a river in the Yinghuang Province.


    The mountain was the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain and the river was the Immortal Enrichment River.


    This ancient river was as vast as a sea, with its water surging and rumbling loudly.


    Dense immortal energy spread out from it.


    It flowed in from another province and passed through the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect in the eastern part of the Yinghuang Province. It then passed through the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain and flowed into the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region. After that, it entered the sea at the western end.


    At that moment, at the intersection of this ancient river and the Grand Affairs Misfortune Passing Mountain, the Holy Heaven Pagoda roared past, following the river straight towards¡­ Spirit Sound Forbidden Region.


    The Spirit Sound Forbidden Region was divided into two by the Immortal Enrichment River.


    Before the spiritual river water flowed into the forbidden region, the immortal qi in it was dense and it could cleanse the anomalous substances in the bodies of all living beings to a certain extent.


    After it flowed into this forbidden region, its purity dissipated, turning into murky, black water.


    It was invaded and tainted by the anomalous substances in the forbidden region.


    However, the karma of all things was relative.


    It was precisely because this ancient river, filled with immortal qi, flowed into the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region all year round, cleansing its anomalous substances, that over the years, at the cost of its own contamination, it prevented the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region from expanding.


    Although it was a forbidden region, there was a gap between it and the Corpse Forbidden, let alone Nanhuang.


    As for the master of the forbidden region, Spirit Sound Emperor, although it occasionally woke up, Yinghuang Province¡¯s forces would seal it and make it continue sleeping.


    After all, even if the emperor of the forbidden region died, as long as the forbidden region was still around, there would still be a new emperor.


    Compared to an unfamiliar emperor, Yinghuang Province would rather have this familiar Spirit Sound Emperor.


    Hence, both sides maintained their distance.


    Today, a calamity arrived in the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region.


    Just as the afterglow of dusk was about to disappear, a nine-


    story pagoda that shone with rainbow light descended above this forbidden region with an ancient primordial aura and a terrifying pressure.


    The instant it appeared, Xu Qing walked out of the pagoda and stood in the air.


    The afterglow could obscure all things but when it landed on his body, it couldn¡¯t blur it at all. His body was straight, his figure was clear, and his gaze was deep.


    He calmly spoke.


    ¡°Master of this forbidden region, come out and meet me.¡±


    The instant these words were spoken, countless sounds erupted in the entire forbidden region.


    There was the sound of wind, the rustling of leaves, the sound of water dripping, and the sound of the swamp on the ground¡­


    Countless sounds, including all existences in the forbidden region, rang out uncontrollably at this instant.


    Any sound was within Xu Qing¡¯s sound authority. Any sound was within his divine consciousness.


    At this moment, all the sounds coming from the forbidden region didn¡¯t belong to the forbidden region.


    They belonged to Xu Qing!


    They gathered together and fused into the ten words he said, causing them to shake the forbidden region.


    Under the authority of sound, the forbidden region had no choice but to submit.


    Countless scenes and countless understandings were reflected in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    He saw everything inside and also¡­ Li Zimei¡¯s figure in the depths of the forbidden region.


    She was planted in a bizarre tree. As her long hair fell, her eyes were closed but her expression was sinister and murderous.


    Her aura was very bizarre and was about to fuse with the forbidden region.


    It was additionally at this moment that the entire forbidden region was under Xu Qing¡¯s control¡­


    Li Zimei, who was planted in the tree with only her head exposed, suddenly opened her closed eyes, revealing a dense bloodshed light that erupted with a shocking fiendish aura.


    Her originally delicate little face was now filled with dark bloodshed vessels amidst the malevolence, forming a ghost face totem which looked at Xu Qing.


    This scene caused Xu Qing to sigh softly.


    He thought of the farewell letter Li Zimei had left for him before she left.


    The past surfaced in his mind.


    ¡­


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, everything is fine in the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m about to participate in a comprehension ceremony of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect¡­ If I succeed, my personality might change a little.¡±


    13:04


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can succeed or what I¡¯ll become¡­ but I don¡¯t want to continue being weak.¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Xu Qing, I sincerely wish you well. I hope you¡¯ll be better, forever better, and always be fine.¡±


    ¡°Li Zimei.¡±

 Chapter 1462 - Purifying the Forbidden Region

    Purifying the Forbidden Region


    Translator: Atlas Studios | Editor: Atlas Studios


    All sorts of things from the past surfaced in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. In the end, the scenes in his memories gradually blurred like ink.


    It dyed everything and gathered into Li Zimei¡¯s distorted face in the tree.


    It was very clear.


    The fiendish intent became even more intense.


    Coupled with Li Zimei¡¯s letter back then, a hint of coldness appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes as he looked in the direction of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    He saw the reason.


    Li Zimei cultivated a special cultivation art which caused an issue in her soul.


    It was continuously invaded by fiendish aura and was riddled with holes.


    This invasion clearly lasted for more than a day.


    This might be the comprehension ritual Li Zimei had mentioned back then.


    Under this invasion, the pain it brought to Li Zimei distorted her personality


    and affected her state of mind.


    This caused her to slowly be enveloped by the madness and killing intent born from this pain over the years.


    If in the end, Li Zimei¡¯s soul was completely torn apart and no longer existed, then perhaps the ritual would be successful.


    What would return was no longer Li Zimei but a monster with extreme killing intent.


    However, evidently, there was an accident during this period which led to Li Zimei escaping, thereby creating entanglements with the Grand Affairs


    Immortal Sect.


    ¡°This should be the succumbing to demonic influences told by the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect in the secret document of the Sword Holder.¡±


    The coldness in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes intensified.


    He could already tell that the so-called fiendish aura was actually a soul!


    An ancient and cruel soul.


    The so-called invasion was actually some kind of modification and possession.


    It would transform Li Zimei into a suitable embryo and let this ancient soul perfectly occupy her body.


    This was also the reason why Li Zimei was enveloped by the large tree in the center of the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region¡­ This was because this modified embryo was also very suitable for the master of the Spirit Sound Forbidden


    Region.


    ¡°Parasitize this suitable body and leave the forbidden region¡­¡±


    Xu Qing mumbled inwardly.


    As for whether this was a coincidence or not¡­ Xu Qing didn¡¯t bother with it. He would naturally be able to make the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Ministry investigate it in the future.


    As for Qing Qiu, she was also among the trees.


    She was completely surrounded. The blood light emitted by her body became the parasitic nutrients for the master of the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region.


    This was the rule of cultivation for all things.


    The strong preyed on the weak.


    It was the same for Transient Evil, the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, and the


    master of this forbidden region.


    The weak would suffer similar experiences in different fates.


    Xu Qing remained silent.


    With his current strength, he couldn¡¯t change the rules of cultivation for all things. However, he could stop it and not let such a thing happen to someone he was familiar with.


    Hence, Xu Qing walked into the depths of the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region.


    With every step he took, this forbidden region would tremble. The anomalous substances here could invade all things but they couldn¡¯t do anything to Xu


    Qing.


    This was because at this moment, Xu Qing¡¯s body also emitted the aura of a god, forming anomalous substances that belonged to him that rapidly spread in all directions.


    The two different types of anomalous substances collided with each other in an invisible manner, causing the entire forbidden region to tremble intensely. Countless trees swayed and mountains rumbled.


    The sound became even louder.


    The moment these sounds rang out, they were immediately controlled by Xu Qing. They became his divine consciousness and weapons. They rose from all the areas in the forbidden region and headed toward the large tree in the center.


    It was as though a storm had appeared.


    The sound wave that should have been invisible took form at this instant and approached the large tree in the center like an avalanche. It was about to sweep through.


    However, at this moment, Li Zimei suddenly raised her head. Her expression was distorted as she opened her mouth and let out an extremely sharp heart-rending cry.


    This sound was extremely sharp and seemed to be able to pierce through everything.


    The world rumbled and the surroundings swayed.


    The sounds in the forbidden region that were controlled by Xu Qing actually showed signs of leaving.


    This was the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region. To a certain extent, the name Spirit Sound also represented the ability of the master of the forbidden region. Although it was far from the level of a god, as the master of the forbidden region, with the advantage of his identity, his counterattack was still swift and fierce.


    At that moment, a sharp sound spread through the world, shaking Xu Qing s control. After that, it charged toward Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing was as calm as ever. He raised his right hand and grabbed at the air in front of him. After that, he clenched his hand into a fist.


    It was as though he had crushed the void and swept away everything.


    In an instant, the sound authority was shaken like a majestic mountain. Even the heavenly wind couldn¡¯t shake it at all.


    Not only that, but even the killing intent formed by the sharp voice from Li Zimei¡¯s mouth was broken by Xu Qing at this moment.


    He snatched the sound.


    The world fell silent!


    Xu Qing stretched out his palm and waved it toward the forbidden region.


    At the next instant, the power of sound was completely released.


    Countless sounds broke the short silence, like the rising sun tearing through the night. They erupted completely in the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region.


    The sound of flowing water shattered the invaded river channel, the sound of leaves collapsing on their own, the roars of mutated beasts, and the sounds of everything in this forbidden region transformed into a killing force.


    Booming sounds filled the sky.


    Countless trees collapsed and exploded. One by one, the mutated beasts died heart-rendingly.


    From the sky, one could see the might of destruction rising from the edge of this forbidden region. It spread ferociously like a huge palm, enveloping the whole forbidden region.


    At that moment, it charged toward the central tree with an unstoppable aura.


    Direct contact!


    The large tree in the center trembled and couldn¡¯t withstand it. It shattered into pieces!


    Amidst the sawdust Zimei and Qing Qiu¡¯s figures appeared. However, they didn¡¯t fall with the collapse of the huge tree. Instead, they strangely floated in the air.


    There seemed to be a mysterious force controlling them.


    Behind the two women, a three-foot-tall puppet staggered out of the dust fog.


    This puppet¡¯s entire body was tattered and there was a decayed flute hanging on its neck.


    Its one eye was gone, while the other eye was wide open, expressing confusion. However, there were dense divinity fluctuations rising from its body.


    The moment it appeared, this dilapidated forbidden region seemed to have regained its vitality. The remaining mutated beasts and bizarre entities worshiped in the direction of the puppet.


    However, the puppet¡¯s attention wasn¡¯t on the forbidden region. Right now, it was all focused on Xu Qing. Waves appeared in the chaos and turbidity in its eye, as though it was trying very hard to force itself to have a trace of intelligence. It let out a low roar.


    ¡°Go away!¡±


    Xu Qing ignored it and continued walking over.


    Seeing this, the chaos and madness in the puppet¡¯s eye rose again. After that, Li Zimei, who was controlled by it, suddenly moved and headed straight for Xu Qing.


    An intense killing intent erupted from Li Zimei¡¯s body, causing the weather to change and a cold wind to rise in all directions. Wherever she passed, it would affect understanding and distort one¡¯s vision.


    That was the Slaughter Domain.


    Qing Qiu also immediately opened her eyes. She was confused, as though she had just woken up from a deep sleep.


    After that, a blood-red light erupted from her body, dyeing the surroundings red.


    A bizarre laughter rang out from Qing Qiu¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Hehehe.¡±


    The moment this laughter rang out, Qing Qiu¡¯s eyes were still blank as she looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°You¡­ are very familiar¡­¡±


    As she spoke, strands of blood from the dead mutated beasts in the forbidden region rapidly gathered from all directions.


    Xu Qing stared at Qing Qiu.


    He knew that the strangeness that appeared on Li Zimei and Qing Qiu was called the domain.


    Li Zimei¡¯s domain focused on killing.


    As for Qing Qiu, she had the Grand Affairs¡¯ Blood Domain!


    Back then, Eldest Senior Brother had said that this was a taboo secret art of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect. Even if cultivators were only at the slight proficiency stage, it would still be extremely powerful.


    It was said that those who successfully comprehended this Blood Domain would have more than two personalities!


    ¡°For every additional personality, the world in their eyes will lack a color. After eleven personalities, there will only be blood-red color left which is the mastery stage!¡±


    However, so far, in the history of the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, no one had successfully possessed eleven personalities in the end. All of them had died from madness during this process.


    ¡°Domain was the direction of the Sword Holding Palace¡¯s research during the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether¡¯s era. Its goal was to find a power that could make gods bow Their heads¡­ but in the end, it failed.¡±


    Xu Qing recalled what the heir had said when he taught him cultivation in the Moon Offering Region.


    While pondering, Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop in his tracks when he faced Li Zimei and Qing Qiu who were rushing over. However, his right eye shone with origin power and a Dao mark appeared!


    As soon as this mark appeared, the world trembled.


    That was the erase authority!


    With this authority, Xu Qing looked at Li Zimei and Qing Qiu again and immediately saw countless threads connecting to the puppet on the two women.


    If he saw it, he could erase it.


    Xu Qing¡¯s right eyelid drooped and the action of closing it was like cutting.


    At the next instant, Li Zimei and Qing Qiu stopped in their tracks and their bodies trembled.


    The threads on their bodies that couldn¡¯t be seen with ordinary methods were all broken the instant Xu Qing closed his eyes!


    The instant the threads were erased, the two women opened their eyes and closed them at the same time. Their bodies then landed on the ground motionlessly.


    The domain realms they emitted also rapidly dissipated.


    A wail that was even more mournful than before rang out intensely from the mouth of the puppet whose threads had been erased. At this moment, its body suddenly flew up amidst anger and resentment, heading straight for Xu Qing.


    Its heart-rending sound transformed into a translucent sonic spear that stabbed fiercely at Xu Qing¡¯s heart!


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t dodge and allowed the sound spear to land.


    The moment the spear came into contact with his body, it was as though it had collided with an indestructible mountain. The sound spear disintegrated at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    In an instant, it was completely destroyed.


    There was also a counter shock that affected the puppet, causing the Lord of Spirit Sound¡¯s body to instantly step back and several cracks to appear on its body.


    The instinctive fear of death suppressed the chaos of its intelligence at this moment. It was about to speed up its retreat and leave this place.


    However, it was too late.


    Xu Qing took a step forward. The great sun gathered in the sea of consciousness in his body, and when it was revealed, the light on his entire body instantly became resplendent, emitting countless light and heat. His body then transformed into a vast sun.


    It rose from the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region!


    At that moment, dusk passed and night fell. However, in an instant, the night reversed and the sky lit up again!


    The pitch-black forbidden region was also penetrated by the light. The river water that was filled with anomalous substances also showed clarity.


    Everything seemed to have been purified!

 Chapter 1463 - Spirit Sound’s New Master (1)

    Spirit Sound¡¯s New Master (1)


    Translator: Atlas Studios | Editor: Atlas Studios


    The sun rose into the sky, illuminating the night and illuminating the entire Spirit Sound Forbidden Region. It also enveloped the surroundings with light and heat.


    Although it wasn¡¯t the true sun and couldn¡¯t nourish all living beings in Wanggu, in this forbidden region, the sun that rose on Xu Qing¡¯s body was still enough to suppress the world in his eyes.


    The forbidden region he was looking at rumbled and the river churned intensely.


    The space around him distorted and the ground under his feet became blurry. The moment the sun rose, he had become the master of this place.


    The anomalous substances that belonged to the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region were still trying to struggle. They fluctuated intensely and countless wails echoed from the void, including the puppet with the damaged flute hanging on its neck.


    The puppet rapidly retreated. Its single eye revealed madness as it let out a deep roar. It wasn¡¯t willing to accept this and wanted to counterattack. However, any actions became powerless in the light of the sun.


    At the critical moment, it even took off the broken flute and placed it by its mouth before blowing it fiercely. A sharp and ear-piercing sound tore through the air, wanting to fight a decisive battle with Xu Qing.


    Although it had some effect, causing the light of the sun to dim a little, it only lasted for a moment before everything returned to normal.


    Only despair was left, causing it, whose intelligence was in chaos, to wake up for a short period. A bitter expression appeared on its face.


    It knew that the forbidden region had both made it what it was and limited its growth!


    In the end, amidst the puppet¡¯s bitterness, the flute¡¯s melody collapsed into fragments of sound.


    Even the damaged flute trembled, with a few horrifying cracks appearing on it.


    The puppet¡¯s body emitted cracking sounds as countless fine cracks spread throughout its body.


    This lasted until immortal light circulated and illuminated all things. Under Xu Qing¡¯s sun, most of the puppet¡¯s body shattered. The remaining part of it was invisibly suppressed and fell from the sky.


    With a loud crash, it smashed into the spot where the core tree had been. It was as it an invisible giant mountain was pressing down on it, making any struggle futile, leaving it unable to get up at all.


    The anomalous substances in the forbidden region also calmed down after the puppet was suppressed. The river didn¡¯t churn anymore and every being prostrated.


    Only Xu Qing¡¯s figure walked over step by step from the horizon and stood in front of the puppet.


    The puppet raised its head with difficulty and the sound of wood shavings scraping rang out from its mouth. The clarity in its eyes gradually dissipated and it became chaotic and crazy again as it stared fixedly at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Realizing that relying on the forbidden region made it difficult to improve its own realm, it decided that instead of waiting for the fragmented-face to glance here, it would be better to take a risk and break free from the shackles of the forbidden region?¡±


    ¡°Hence, it parasitized Li Zimei.¡±


    ¡°But it paid a price. During this process, its intelligence was obscured and fell into chaos.¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke and revealed the truth he had seen.


    The puppet¡¯s answer was still struggle and low roars.


    Xu Qing shook his head. His gaze then landed on the unconscious Li Zimei and QingQiu.


    It was still fine for Qing Qiu, Xu Qing arrived in time. Although she had lost her vitality, her foundation hadn¡¯t collapsed and she could still be saved.


    However, Li Zimei¡­ was already on the verge of death.


    Her soul was already riddled with holes and corroded beyond recognition Now half of it was parasitized by the Master of Spirit Sound¡­ This half was both her ¡¯ calamity and her lifeline.


    Once the Spirit Sound¡¯s Master died, the parasite would disappear and Li


    Zimei¡¯s soul would instantly dissipate.


    If it was before he encountered Transient Evil, Xu Qing wouldn¡¯t be able to turn the tables in such a situation. Unless he looked for the Empress or his master to help him, he could only watch helplessly as Li Zimei¡¯s fate was difficult to change.


    But now, he had a way to change it.


    The Dao mark of erase authority flickered in Xu Qing¡¯s right eye as he waved his right hand. Immediately, a needle appeared in the air and shone with a cold light in front of him.


    This needle looked ordinary but as it appeared, everything in the surroundings overlapped for a moment.


    This needle came from Transient Evil¡¯s son. It was the treasure left behind by a peak-level Great Emperor of their holy land.


    It had the power to sew karma.


    It could be used by itself but that would be somewhat crude, but if it was combined with the erase authority, everything would be perfect.


    This was because with erase authority, the world in Xu Qing¡¯s eye was different from what ordinary people saw.


    He could see strands of karma threads.


    In his eyes, although the thread between Li Zimei and the puppet had been erased previously, it was only temporary. It hadn¡¯t completely disappeared and was in the midst of recovery.


    Once it was completely cut off, with Li Zimei¡¯s current weakness, she would die instantly.


    Hence, Xu Qing was prepared to implicate other karma for Li Zimei before severing this karma to extend her life.


    The best karma was right in front of him.


    Xu Qing¡¯s gaze landed on the surrounding forbidden region.


    After some thought, he raised his hand and waved it. Immediately, the needle in front of him shone and headed straight for Li Zimei. It shuttled rapidly through her body and began to suture.


    it stitched together the karma between Li Zimei and this forbidden region.


    At the same time, a pair of rusty scissors appeared above the puppet¡¯s head out of thin air under Xu Qing¡¯s summoning. Under Xu Qing¡¯s control, it ruthlessly cut.                 y


    Snip.


    The karma between the forbidden region and the puppet was instantly severed.


    The puppet¡¯s body trembled and it let out a heart-rending wail.


    However, because of Xu Qing¡¯s cultivation, these karma threads couldn¡¯t be completely cut off. It was only temporary. Moreover, the broken karma threads were still trying to reconnect.


    However, the needle that was suturing the karma between Li Zimei and the forbidden region moved even faster at this moment, transforming into countless afterimages.


    Just like that, several times later.


    As the scissors continued to cut, the karma between Li Zimei and the forbidden region was finally completely stitched together, causing the karma with the puppet to be severed!

 Chapter 1464 - Spirit Sound’s New Master (2)

    Spirit Sound¡¯s New Master (2)


    Translator: Atlas Studios | Editor: Atlas Studios


    The puppet¡¯s entire body trembled and more cracks appeared, spilling out a large amount of black blood. It directly fainted and the flute hanging on its neck dissipated.


    As for Li Zimei, the aura on her body rose intensely at this moment and fused with this forbidden region. Her soul that was riddled with holes also began to recover.


    There were also a large number of tree branches that spread over from all directions and surrounded Li Zimei. They continued to gather and finally formed a towering tree.


    Half of Li Zimei¡¯s body fused into the tree, revealing her face. It was no longer distorted and appeared calm.


    And on her chest, a damaged flute appeared.


    That was the symbol of the master of the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region.


    Xu Qing stared at her. He knew that although Li Zimei was still in a deep sleep now, in the future, when she woke up, she would become the new¡­ Master of Spirit Sound.


    ¡°Li Zimei, I hope you¡¯ll be better. You¡¯ll always be better. You¡¯ll always be fine.¡± Xu Qing spoke softly and gave Li Zimei¡¯s last blessing back then.


    This voice landed in Li Zimei¡¯s ears. Although she was in a deep sleep, her body trembled slightly and she couldn¡¯t open her eyes. However, tears fell from the corner of her eyes.


    It brushed past her face and dripped onto the ground.


    Perhaps when she woke up, the place where her tears fell would bloom into an unforgettable flower.


    Xu Qing left.


    He took the sleeping puppet away. This was a gift he had prepared for the Ancient Spirit Emperor.


    As for Qing Qiu, with a lift of Xu Qing¡¯s hand, her unconscious body floated up. She rose into the air with Xu Qing and flew toward the Holy Heaven Pagoda floating at the top of the sky.


    The moment he was about to enter the pagoda, Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and turned to look at the distant world.


    A while later, dozens of figures rushed over from the horizon.


    Among them was the Great Elder of the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Ministry, as well as the people sent from Fenghai County. There were also some experts from the Litu Sect and the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect.


    From afar, when they saw the Holy Heaven Pagoda, they all had shocked expressions. When their gazes landed on Xu Qing, the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Ministry immediately bowed.


    ¡°Greetings, my lord!¡±


    The person who came to help from Fenghai County wasn¡¯t someone Xu Qing was familiar with. It was a nonhuman cultivator recruited by Fenghai County during their development over the years.


    Although they had never seen Xu Qing¡¯s true body before, they knew about the portrait. Now that they saw Xu Qing, their hearts instantly stirred. They immediately lowered their heads and greeted him.


    The Grand Affairs Immortal Sect and the Litu Sect also greeted him.


    However, the former was clearly a little nervous while the latter was mostly worried. Among them was someone Xu Qing had seen in his early years.


    That was Qing Qiu¡¯s elder brother.


    He followed behind everyone, and was one of the younger generations.


    When he saw Xu Qing, his mood fluctuated. He knew from Qing Qiu that Xu Qing was the Brother Kid.


    Although he had long known of Xu Qing¡¯s current status and had heard of his legendary experiences over the years, he still couldn¡¯t suppress the churning in his heart.


    The image of that dirty kid from back then involuntarily appeared in his mind.


    Time flowed by unpredictably.


    Back then, he had ignored Xu Qing and left. Today, he was bowing to Xu Qing with everyone else.


    A long time later, Xu Qing walked into the pagoda.


    Qing Qiu was taken away by the Litu Sect. According to the Litu Sect, they had a secret technique that could speed up Qing Qiu¡¯s recovery.


    At the same time, they respectfully told Xu Qing that although their Litu Sect¡¯s doctrine was related to the holy land in the past, the thoughts of the sect had long been unified and changed. In the future, they would firmly stand on Wanggu¡¯s side.


    As for Qing Qiu, she would become the holy maiden of the Litu Sect in the Eastern Wanggu to accept the Fate Arbiter¡¯s inheritance.


    As for the issue with the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect, Xu Qing handed it to the Yinghuang Province¡¯s Sword Holding Ministry. They would conduct a thorough investigation. If the Grand Affairs Immortal Sect really participated in helping the master of the forbidden region escape, they would have to suffer the punishment they deserved.


    After that, under everyone¡¯s respectful farewell, the pagoda shone with rainbow light and left into the horizon.


    Everyone left one after another with different thoughts.


    The sky slowly returned to night.


    The Spirit Sound Forbidden Region was once again filled with anomalous substances. From the core tree inside, the faint sound of a flute could be heard¡­


    Two days later.


    In Fenghai County, on the territory of the Wood Spirit Race, above the countless towering trees, the sky was filled with waves and clouds. The Holy Heaven Pagoda had descended here.


    The moment it appeared, a terrifying pressure spread out. The Wood Spirit Race¡¯s patriarch, the great elder, and the other experts of the race rose into the air. Amidst their bewilderment, Xu Qing walked out of the pagoda.


    Behind him was Old Ninth and Erniu.


    The moment they saw Xu Qing, the Wood Spirit Race¡¯s patriarch and great elder heaved a sigh of relief inwardly and immediately greeted him.


    After exchanging pleasantries with them, Xu Qing revealed his intentions.


    Upon hearing that Xu Qing was going to the abyss where the Ancient Spirit Emperor was located, the Wood Spirit Race immediately opened their territory and cooperated with Xu Qing and the others to arrive at the pitch-black cave under their race¡¯s secret ground.


    Standing in the cave and feeling the coldness in the surroundings, Old Ninth expressionlessly took a step forward.


    Xu Qing followed behind and directly stepped in.


    On the other hand, Erniu¡¯s face was filled with curiosity. This was his first time here. With a sway of his body, he entered the cave.


    The three of them charged down.


    The aura of death spread up from the bottom. The cold feeling grew increasingly intense, accompanied by waves of inexplicable roars that seemed to come from the netherworld.


    There was also a repulsive force that kept appearing.


    However, to the three of them, these were insignificant.


    As they sped, the pressure emitted by their bodies collapsed the aura of death, suppressed roars, and shattered the repulsive force.


    They were getting closer and closer to the bottom of the cave.


    ¡°Little Qing, this is a good place.¡±


    As he sped, Erniu¡¯s eyes gradually lit up. He sensed his surroundings and licked his lips as he quickly transmitted his voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s not within karma and is outside the Heavenly Dao. It has its own reincarnation cycle and only has life and death¡­¡±


    ¡°Other than the barrenness, this is the perfect hiding place!¡±


    ¡°Moreover, I smell treasure!¡±


    The light in Erniu¡¯s eyes became even brighter. He was about to continue speaking.


    However, at that moment, with the speed of the three of them, they arrived at the bottom of the cave and instantly shuttled through it, entering a world of nothingness.


    This world was filled with fog, and it was difficult to see too far with the naked eye.


    However, the current Xu Qing was no longer the same as back then. As soon as his consciousness dissipated, it immediately became clear. He led the way and searched for the giant snake.


    On the way, Erniu kept clicking his tongue. His interest in this place grew increasingly intense.


    As for Old Ninth, he was cold and aloof from the start.


    Just like that, after more than ten minutes, Xu Qing, who was shuttling through the fog, suddenly locked onto a location within the range of his divine perception.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Xu Qing stopped in his tracks and turned his head to look in that direction.


    Just now, in his divine perception, he vaguely sensed an extremely faint trace flashing past.


    This trace was ancient and hidden, with a hint of malice.


    ¡°Ignore it.¡±


    Old Ninth calmly spoke.


    Erniu also looked over and licked his lips thoughtfully.


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and continued forward.


    A long time later, he finally found his target.


    It was a rotting giant snake that emitted a dense aura of death.


    This snake died in the fog and its body rotted. At the same time, it also carried a great world on its head.


    This great world was a blur and waves of wails spread out. They were heart-wrenching and fell into Xu Qing¡¯s divine consciousness in the void and fog.


    A dark glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes and his body instantly disappeared. When he reappeared, he, Erniu, and Ninth Grandpa were above the great world on the giant snake¡¯s head.


    ¡°This is it!¡±


    Xu Qing rushed over and the three of them headed straight for the great world like shooting stars.


    As they got closer and closer, the giant snake¡¯s body grew larger and larger.


    The world became clearer.


    In the end, as rumbling sounds echoed, the three of them broke through the barrier of this world and descended.


    A familiar aura, a familiar sky that was shrouded in fog. There was no sun or moon here, only will-o¡¯-the-wisps that were faintly discernible in the fog. The pale and dim light turned the world hazy.


    On the ground paved with rotting flesh and blood, there were no mountains or trees. There was only an endless aura of death.


    It was the Ancient Spirit World!


    Almost at the instant the three of them landed, a huge eye floating in a flesh-and-blood palace some distance away suddenly opened.


    ¡°Damn it, why is he here again!!¡±

 Chapter 1465 - 1465 FairTrade

    1465 FairTrade


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    ¡°Ancient Spirit Race.¡±


    ¡°Before the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether, they unified the Wanggu Race!¡±


    Standing in this world filled with death, Old Ninth looked at the dim sky and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Their race is good at fighting. The young ones are born as snakes, eventually transforming into human form. Then, accompanied by dragons and snakes, they achieve the ancient spirit battle physique.¡±


    ¡°When this race ruled the Wanggu Era, the various races were suppressed till they couldn¡¯t even dare to raise their heads in front of them.¡±


    ¡°Even the human race back then was weak and fragmented.¡±


    As Old Ninth spoke, he walked forward. With every step he took, the sky churned and the ground rumbled. Countless souls scattered in all directions and the bones in the mud trembled.


    The aura from Old Ninth¡¯s body grew increasingly intense as he moved forward. There was also a faint aura that didn¡¯t belong to Wanggu that seemed to have risen from his body, guiding a foreign world.


    Xu Qing and Erniu followed behind.


    Erniu looked around, extremely curious about this place. From time to time, he would squat down, digging out some soil and grabbing some souls. His gaze grew increasingly intense.


    Clearly, he was very interested in this place.


    As for Xu Qing, his expression was serious as he listened to Ninth Grandpa.


    Although he had some understanding of Ancient Spirit Race, it was clearly lacking in front of Ninth Grandpa, who had lived since the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether era.


    What made him pay even more attention was the aura that didn¡¯t belong to Wanggu that Ninth Grandpa emitted.


    In the past, Xu Qing might have been ignorant about this. However, now that his right eye had erase authority, he could see karma.


    Hence, in his eyes, the aura emitted by Ninth Grandpa was karma from beyond this world.


    ¡®Eldest Senior Brother once said that Senior Li Zihua is returning¡­ The aura on Ninth Grandpa¡¯s body looks like a signal.¡¯


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought as Old Ninth¡¯s words continued to echo.


    ¡°Although the Ancient Spirit Race was powerful, the time they spent ruling Wanggu was like a flash in the pan. After reaching the peak in a short period, their Spirit Emperor did a crazy thing.¡±


    ¡°He gathered the strength of the entire race and fortune to plot against the Heavenly Dao.¡±


    ¡°He tried to possess all the Heavenly Daos and gather all the Heavenly Daos into one, making himself the strongest and only Heavenly Dao in Wanggu.¡±


    ¡°If he succeeded, his will would be Wanggu¡¯s will. His Dao would be Wanggu¡¯s Dao.¡±


    ¡°He could use this to surpass the Summer Immortals who once founded Wanggu and raised many Heavenly Daos. From then on, the fate of Wanggu would belong to one person.¡±


    ¡°It would also allow the Ancient Spirit Race to rule Wanggu forever and suppress all races. He would also break through the bottleneck of the Summer Immortal and walk his own immortal path.¡±


    When Old Ninth said this, his expression revealed a hint of admiration. What he admired wasn¡¯t the actions of the Ancient Spirit Emperor but the ambition and choice of an expert.


    ¡°Such a person¡­¡±


    Old Ninth stopped in his tracks and looked at the void in the distance. A hint of battle intent appeared in his eyes as he slowly raised his right hand, as though he was grabbing at the sky.


    At the same time, Erniu, who was following behind Xu Qing and Old Ninth, dug out a skeleton from the ground. After putting it away, seeing that Xu Qing was listening attentively, Erniu coughed and prepared to reveal his knowledge as the eldest senior brother.


    He imitated Old Ninth¡¯s tone and calmly spoke.


    ¡°But that was a great rebellion!¡±


    ¡°Therefore, the possibility of success was naturally extremely slim. In the end, the Spirit Emperor failed and suffered the backlash from all the Heavenly Daos in Wanggu. His race¡¯s bloodline was cursed.¡±


    ¡°At the critical moment, Spirit Emperor relied on his terrifying cultivation to bring most of his clansmen into his great world in an attempt to avoid the calamity of his entire race perishing under the backlash of the Wanggu Heavenly Dao. However, even so, they still couldn¡¯t escape the curse in the end.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, when the Spirit Emperor died, his great world withered and transformed into a Death Realm. All the ancient spirit members in it were instantly exterminated, but the terrifying aspect of this curse wasn¡¯t simply death.¡±


    ¡°After all, that was a curse that came from all the Heavenly Daos of Wanggu. Under that curse, the dead ancient spirits turned into ghosts who wailed in pain day and night.¡±


    ¡°This withered death realm became the Ancient Spirit Death Nation, eternally enduring the torture of the curse and buried deep underground in the Wanggu.¡±


    ¡°At the same time¡­¡±


    Erniu was about to show off his knowledge but before he could finish speaking, Old Ninth raised his hand and grabbed at the sky. Immediately, the sky rumbled and countless muffled thunder exploded in the sky.


    Thousands of bolts of lightning gathered from the sky and headed straight for Old Ninth, shining the world as they landed on his raised right hand.


    With a clench of his hand, the endless lightning directly transformed into a lightning longsword.


    As soon as this sword appeared, the color of the world changed.


    A powerful aura and terrifying fluctuations rose from Old Ninth¡¯s body. After that¡­ he slashed at the sky.


    There seemed to be a furious roar coming from the void. At the next instant, a huge crack appeared in the sky as this terrifying sword slashed across.


    Storm spread out from the crack and swept in all directions. At the same time, a familiar scene appeared from the crack.


    That place was a palace.


    Deep within the palace, there was a mountain of flesh, with a gigantic floating eye at its peak.


    At that moment, the eye opened, revealing a golden light. He was staring angrily at this place through the crack.


    He saw Xu Qing, whom He hadn¡¯t seen for a long time. However, what He cared about the most at this moment was the figure whose sword slashed through the world and whose entire body was filled with killing intent.


    He recognized him!


    When He fought against Crimson Goddess, He had taken notice of Li Zihua¡¯s ninth son. The reason was that the full-strength slash of the latter before Crimson Goddess had caused His mind to waver as well.


    Xu Qing was about to speak when Old Ninth took a step forward and stepped into the crack, appearing above the huge eye of the Ancient Spirit Emperor.


    ¡°Such guts!¡±


    A deep shout that contained the rules of this world of death rang out from the Ancient Spirit Emperor.


    In an instant, the sky in the world where the Ancient Spirit Emperor was located became even darker. The ground continued to rise and countless souls and bones appeared.


    There was also the Yellow Springs River.


    That was the will of the entire world!


    It moved with the Ancient Spirit Emperor¡¯s divine sense.


    Not only that, but there was also an ability that seemed like authority or divine authority that shone in the huge eye of the Ancient Spirit Emperor. That was a special ability that belonged to Him.


    Under that gaze, all enemies would be heavily injured if they were lightly injured. If they were heavily injured, they would die.


    At the same time, in the Ancient Spirit World, the other 98 imperial palaces and the gigantic eyes all opened their eyes at this moment. They all stared at Old Ninth and were ready to attack.


    Old Ninth¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. However, amidst his coldness, there was even more battle intent, as though he really wanted to fight.


    The situation instantly reached a boiling point.


    Xu Qing walked out of the crack and stood beside Old Ninth, respectfully speaking.


    ¡°Ninth Grandpa, let me handle this matter. His Majesty the Spirit Emperor isn¡¯t an outsider. There¡¯s no need for us to fight.¡±


    Old Ninth glanced at Xu Qing and frowned. In the end, he reluctantly agreed.


    After convincing Ninth Grandpa, Xu Qing turned and bowed to the Ancient Spirit Emperor.


    ¡°Junior greets Your Majesty.¡±


    The Ancient Spirit Emperor¡¯s heart churned and countless curses erupted in His heart. Just as He was about to roar out angrily, a portion of His gaze landed on Xu Qing. All the curses turned into shock.


    ¡°Your body¡­¡±


    All of the Ancient Spirit Emperor¡¯s gigantic eyes narrowed in unison.


    Previously, His attention had been attracted by Old Ninth. Now that His gaze landed on Xu Qing, He immediately sensed how terrifying Xu Qing¡¯s body was.


    ¡°1 had some opportunities, so my body has undergone some changes. I¡¯ll explain to Your Majesty about this later. I came here today for the imperial qi.¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the thirteen dragons formed by the fortune of the Ancient Spirit Race in the surroundings of the Ancient Spirit Emperor¡¯s giant eye and slowly spoke.


    ¡°No!¡±


    The Ancient Spirit Emperor suppressed the shock in His heart and His huge eyes revealed a dark glint as He directly rejected.


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was calm, not surprised by the Ancient Spirit Emperor¡¯s answer. He had interacted with the other party too many times and the three of them actually had a plan on the way here.


    Hence, a smile appeared on his face and he spoke softly.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯m here on the orders of the Human Empress.¡±


    ¡°Although Your Majesty is in seclusion here, Your Majesty should have sensed the fluctuations of our Human Empress advancing to the Divine Platform previously.¡±


    As Xu Qing spoke, he spread out the fortune of the human race, causing the power of fortune to circle around him. He even changed into the official robe of the crown prince¡¯s grand tutor.


    ¡°The person who is speaking now was personally conferred the title of King Zhen Cang by the Human Empress and was also appointed as the crown prince¡¯s grand tutor! He was also conferred the title of Grand Mystic Heaven by the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s three gods!¡±


    Erniu spoke loudly and proudly. He naturally knew how to coordinate with Xu Qing.


    Heavy breathing rang out in this dead world. All the huge eyes of the Ancient Spirit Emperor stirred at this moment.


    Although He didn¡¯t see the Human Empress becoming a god directly, He did sense it.


    It was impossible to say that He wasn¡¯t wary.


    However, the unwillingness in His heart was still rising. The feeling of being robbed made Him feel that His prestige had been challenged.


    Xu Qing glanced at Erniu.


    Erniu smiled and gazed down at the huge eye of the Ancient Spirit Emperor, his voice ringing out clearly from his elevated position.


    ¡°Junior Brother, I know that you have a relationship with Ancient Spirit Emperor and aren¡¯t willing to bully the weak. Otherwise, as long as we report this to Master, with his Summer Immortal status, he, who was able to easily reshape your physical body, can naturally suppress this realm with a single palm!¡±


    The Ancient Spirit Emperor was shocked again.


    At the same time, seeing that the communication was fruitless, Old Ninth revealed a hint of impatience.


    ¡°Why waste your breath? My father is about to return. If you don¡¯t give me the imperial qi today, I¡¯ll snatch them by force. If I¡¯m injured, I¡¯ll destroy all your plans of rebirth and revival on the day my father returns.¡±


    With that, the aura emitted by Old Ninth¡¯s body became even denser and even formed a blurry starry sky. There seemed to be a blood-red star approaching.


    The sense of oppression caused the Ancient Spirit Emperor¡¯s heart to churn again.


    However, his past dignity still made Him unable to accept the grievance of being extorted. His breathing became increasingly hurried.


    Seeing that the timing was about right, Xu Qing took a few steps forward and stood in front of the huge eye before bowing again.


    ¡°Your Majesty, 1 haven¡¯t finished speaking yet. 1 didn¡¯t come here to simply ask for the thirteen strands of imperial qi but to make a deal.¡±


    After saying that, Xu Qing raised his hand and took out the puppet from the Spirit Sound Forbidden Region, handing it to the Ancient Spirit Emperor.


    ¡°This was the master of the forbidden region, 1 hope Your Majesty likes this spirit.¡±


    This was giving the Ancient Spirit Emperor a way out.


    The Ancient Spirit Emperor cursed inwardly. He could naturally tell that the three of them were putting on an act. It was just that¡­ regardless of whether it was the Empress, Xu Qing¡¯s master, or Li Zihua, they weren¡¯t people He could afford to provoke now.


    Moreover, He still had something major underway in the dark. Once a Divine Platform descended, His plan would probably be exposed immediately.


    Hence, a long time later, the Ancient Spirit Emperor suppressed the disgust in His heart and glared fiercely at Xu Qing. His huge eye emitted a suction force that instantly sucked the puppet in.


    Crunching sounds rang out as though all the grievances were placed on biting. Ten breaths later, the thirteen fortune dragons beside the Ancient Spirit Emperor let out deep roars and headed straight for Xu Qing¡¯s group.


    Accompanying them was the suppressed and gloomy voice of the Ancient Spirit Emperor.


    ¡°Leave! Don¡¯t come again!¡±

 Chapter 1466 - The Empress Summons

    The Empress Summons


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Although the Ancient Spirit Emperor was often hungry over the years, He had unknowingly become a little picky.


    In those days, whenever He saw anything with divinity, His eyes would widen, and an overwhelming sense of hunger would engulf Him. Without hesitation and without any pickiness, He would devour it in one gulp.


    Regardless of how others perceived the taste, He found it supremely delicious.


    As a result, His eating manner was quite unseemly.


    But now¡­ He actually looked down on this puppet from the bottom of His heart.


    After all, His previous meal was the flesh and blood of Crimson Goddess.


    Compared to the flesh and blood of Crimson Goddess, this puppet was no different from mosquito meat.


    Hence, the Ancient Spirit Emperor felt very complicated when it came to Xu Qing. Although He cursed at Xu Qing not to come again, He was still growling inwardly.


    If Xu Qing really didn¡¯t come, He would feel some regret.


    These complicated thoughts made the Ancient Spirit Emperor even more annoyed. At this moment, when He spoke, the entire Ancient Spirit World was rumbling. Under His control, a huge vortex appeared above Xu Qing and the other two out of thin air, emitting a huge suction force that affected the world.


    Old Ninth didn¡¯t mind such treatment. He took the thirteen strands of imperial qi and walked toward the vortex without saying a word.


    Erniu also didn¡¯t care about being kicked out like this; he was used to it. At that moment, he licked his lips, his eyes gleaming with a dark light, and flew into the vortex.


    As for Xu Qing, he naturally maintained his manners. Before leaving, he bowed to the Ancient Spirit Emperor.


    ¡°In that case, I won¡¯t disturb Your Majesty¡¯s secluded cultivation anymore. I wish Your Majesty a smooth future and for you to come out of seclusion as soon as possible.¡±


    It was unknown how much sincerity these words held, but when He heard Xu Qing say them, although the Ancient Spirit Emperor felt frustrated, He had to admit that Xu Qing had been very polite to Him from the start.


    Compared to the boorish Old Ninth who drew his sword the moment they met and the idiot with a sly expression who made Him worry about losing His treasures, Xu Qing¡¯s respect was very obvious.


    ¡°Your Majesty, the token from before has lost its effect, and this junior might encounter a better sacrifice in the future. If I can¡¯t send it in time because of the token¡­¡±


    Xu Qing looked at the Ancient Spirit Emperor. He didn¡¯t want to give up on such a useful combat strength so easily.


    The Ancient Spirit Emperor fell silent. After a long time, He let out a cold snort. In an instant, the suction force of the vortex above Xu Qing soared and the repulsive force from this world rose even more.


    Seeing this, although Xu Qing felt some regret, he didn¡¯t force it. His body swayed as he headed straight for the vortex.


    Just as he entered the vortex and was about to disappear, a token came from the void and flew into the vortex. The next instant, the vortex rumbled and disappeared from the Ancient Spirit World.


    The entire Ancient Spirit World fell silent.


    In the end, the Ancient Spirit Emperor still gave out the token.


    The huge eyes slowly closed.


    However, He didn¡¯t notice that in the silt on the ground of the Ancient Spirit World, among the countless skeletons, there was a small skeleton. At this moment, its eyes revealed a flash of blue light.


    There was a blue worm hidden in the skeleton¡¯s bones.


    The worm¡¯s body emitted a concealment power that concealed all its aura.


    This was naturally left behind by Erniu.


    In the future, this little skeleton would search this world of death bit by bit and find the treasures its main body smelled¡­


    Time flowed by. Half a day later, outside the Wood Spirit Race¡¯s territory, in the sky.


    Ninth Grandpa left with Ling¡¯er.


    After fusing all thirteen strands of imperial qi into Ling¡¯er¡¯s body, the curse of Ling¡¯er¡¯s bloodline was completely suppressed. There wouldn¡¯t be any problems for the time being.


    Her cultivation base also successfully increased and she began to transition to the Spirit Repository.


    Due to the special physique of the Ancient Spirit Race, there was no bottleneck in the improvement of cultivation at this stage, but it required periods of deep sleep.


    Right now, wars were erupting everywhere in Wanggu. However, the Moon Offering Region was safer.


    After all, most of the powerful races in Wanggu knew that Li Zihua was about to return. Even the holy lands didn¡¯t descend in the Moon Offering Region.


    Hence, letting Ling¡¯er return to the Moon Offering Region during her slumber was naturally the best choice.


    Originally, Xu Qing was also considering whether he should return to the Moon Offering Region.


    However, an imperial edict from the Empress caused Xu Qing¡¯s thoughts to change.


    ¡°Summoning the crown prince¡¯s grand tutor, Xu Qing, to return to the human capital. The army of Fenghai County will arrive in three batches.¡±


    Whether due to the past with the human race or the Empress¡¯ actions during his disappearance, after the holy lands descended, small-scale battles frequently erupted in the Flame Moon¡¯s territories and the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    Xu Qing had no reason to refuse the summoning.


    Hence, after watching Ninth Grandpa¡¯s figure gradually leave, Xu Qing looked at his eldest senior brother beside him.


    Erniu didn¡¯t care about Old Ninth¡¯s departure or the Empress¡¯ imperial decree. At that moment, all his attention was on the worm he had left in the Ancient Spirit World.


    A while later, Erniu¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡®I can sense it. Haha.¡¯


    Erniu was excited.


    With just a glance, Xu Qing knew that his eldest senior brother must have made arrangements in the world of the Ancient Spirit Emperor. Hence, he reminded him.


    ¡°Senior Brother, I¡¯ve been to the Ancient Spirit Emperor¡¯s death world many times.¡±


    Erniu looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°Previously, I didn¡¯t sense much, but this time¡­ Maybe it¡¯s because of the difference in cultivation or maybe it¡¯s because my body is different, I sensed something strange.¡±


    Xu Qing pondered and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°It seems that the Ancient Spirit World I went to this time¡­ isn¡¯t the same place as the one I went to previously!¡±


    ¡°In fact, when I recall the previous few times, it seems to be like this every time.¡±


    ¡°I suspect that there might be more than one Ancient Spirit World!¡±


    ¡°There might be more than one giant snake.¡±


    ¡°Also, in the thick fog of the Spirit Abyss, my divine perception detected an ancient aura and gaze that carried deep malice.¡±


    Xu Qing rarely spoke so much. He was really worried that his Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s madness might lead to deviations without accurate information.


    If that happened, it wouldn¡¯t be madness but having a death wish.


    When Erniu heard this, he fell into deep thought.


    ¡°That¡¯s logical. If I were the Ancient Spirit Emperor, I would have prepared many worlds, mixing the real and fake within.¡±


    ¡°Alright, the worm I left there will be even more careful.¡±


    ¡°However, Little Qing, there¡¯s indeed a treasure there. Although I don¡¯t know what it is exactly, I feel that¡­ that treasure is definitely very useful to you and me!¡±


    ¡°I have to explore properly¡­¡±


    Erniu instinctively licked his lips.


    Xu Qing nodded. He knew that although Eldest Senior Brother was crazy, he wasn¡¯t stupid. Hence, he didn¡¯t say anything else and his gaze landed in the direction of Fenghai County.


    The pagoda was fast but it naturally couldn¡¯t compare to teleportation when heading to the human race¡¯s capital. After all, the journey covered many large regions.


    In addition, before he headed to the human capital, Xu Qing still had something to deal with in Fenghai County.


    Hence, he didn¡¯t continue to stay in the Wood Spirit Race. After bidding farewell to the Wood Spirit Race, he rode the Holy Heaven Pagoda and headed straight for Fenghai County.


    Xu Qing¡¯s return was a major event in Fenghai County, and naturally, there were many reunions and greetings among old acquaintances.


    For example, Marquis Yao, Qingqin, his old acquaintances from the Sword Holding Palace, Yao Yunhui¡­


    Moreover, to activate the inter-region teleportation array, it would take time to prepare and check everything. After all, Fenghai County wouldn¡¯t allow any accidents to occur in Xu Qing¡¯s teleportation.


    Hence, he and Erniu needed to stay in Fenghai County for a night.


    That night, during the first half, various representatives of Fenghai County reported to Xu Qing. As the night progressed and everyone departed, Xu Qing also left the county residence.


    He appeared in the former Prison Department.


    As he walked here, Xu Qing felt as though he was walking through time. The scenes of him being a Pawn here in the past surfaced in his mind. Among them, the one who appeared the most was the old Palace Master, Kong Liangxiu.


    Finally, Xu Qing arrived at the bottom of the Prison Department. It was also the ruins of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether¡¯s temporary palace back then. At the same time, it was also the resting place of the fishbone god before It died.


    This place was now completely under the control of Fenghai County. Some areas had been modified, like palaces at the edge.


    Some areas had been explored, such as the hall where the immortal arts were located. The immortal arts inside were now an important foundation of Fenghai County.


    Some areas were turned into forbidden places, such as the phoenix hall.


    Xu Qing¡¯s destination was this hall.


    Step by step, he walked toward the phoenix hall and stared at this mysterious place.


    Back then, he had lost a portion of his memories here.


    Later on, he finally found out that this hall was the place where the daughter of the Ancient Sovereign Mystic Nether died. It was also the place where the Clear Purple Mystic Lantern was stored.


    It was also¡­ the place where Zi Xuan was accepting the inheritance.


    Standing outside the hall, the first thing Xu Qing sensed was the aura of the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor.


    Almost instantly, the iron stick where the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was flew out from the bricks on the hall. After transforming into You Lingzi¡¯s figure, he knelt down and bowed to Xu Qing.


    ¡°Greetings, Master!¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor had an excited expression.


    The shadow under Xu Qing also fluctuated for a moment, transforming into an eye that examined its mortal enemy.


    ¡°How¡¯s Zi Xuan?¡±


    Xu Qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°Master, after the madam entered the main hall, she hasn¡¯t come out. During this time, I guarded this place and didn¡¯t allow anyone to approach.¡±


    ¡°In addition, before the madam entered the main hall, she said that if Master comes here, don¡¯t forcefully enter this hall. Give her some time. No matter what difficulties there are, she can resolve them herself. After she succeeds, she will look for you.¡±


    The Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor hurriedly spoke.


    When Xu Qing heard this, his gaze landed on the main hall. His divine sense couldn¡¯t spread in here and he could only sense that the fluctuations inside were in a stable state.


    Hence, he retracted his divine perception and silently sat outside the main hall. He then closed his eyes and sat cross-legged in meditation.


    The night passed.


    That night, the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor was solemn and Little Shadow was vigilant. The two of them had a million thoughts in their minds as they thought of all kinds of methods to target each other in the future.


    However, when they occasionally looked at each other, their expressions were different. Little Shadow was filled with hostility, while the Diamond Sect¡¯s ancestor smiled.


    It was only when the night melted in the sky of Fenghai County and the sun rose that Xu Qing opened his eyes. After looking at the phoenix hall again, he turned and left.


    An hour later, under the respectful farewell of the representatives of the various parties in Fenghai County, the Fenghai County¡¯s teleportation formation rumbled and circulated. Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s figures became blurry in the formation before disappearing..

 Chapter 1467 - How Much Do I Still Resemble My Old Self?

    How Much Do I Still Resemble My Old Self?


    Translator: Atlas Studios


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    Since the arrival of the black-level holy lands, the wars in the southern, western, and northern Wanggu had intensified. Both sides had experienced victories and defeats, and the battles had become increasingly brutal.


    Almost every moment, lives were reaped and battles erupted.


    Wanggu was in chaos.


    As for the Eastern Wanggu, the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven and the human race led the gathering of the various races to form a peerless array formation that divided the sky and earth.


    Outside the array formation was the sky and four black-level holy lands.


    Inside the array formation were all living beings of the Eastern Wanggu.


    Although the Great Emperors of these four holy lands didn¡¯t appear again after the battle with the Human Emperor and the Flame Moon Gods, it was the same for the Flame Moon Gods.


    Outsiders didn¡¯t know who had won and who had lost the battle between peak levels back then.


    They only knew that the Human Emperor was active and still presiding over this war.


    The war in Eastern Wanggu continued.


    During this time, there were only small-scale battles. The Eastern Wanggu and the holy lands were trying to take control of the rhythm of the war.


    Regardless of whether it was the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race or the human race, small-scale battles continued to erupt.


    At that moment, there was such a small-scale battle being carried out outside the peerless array formation. There were many people from both sides participating in the battle, and they were densely packed together, forming countless black dots.


    By now, Xu Qing and Erniu had teleported several times from Fenghai County as they moved toward the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region.


    The journey was quite smooth.


    They didn¡¯t waste much time on the way. It was just that outside the sentient ancient array formation, Erniu plucked a few more teleportation feathers¡­


    Right now, as they appeared inside the array formation, rumbling sounds and screams rang out from the sky and immediately entered their ears.


    These countless sounds echoed in all directions like muffled thunder. At the same time, the colorful spell lights also dyed the night sky with various colors.


    They raised their heads and saw that under the array formation, groups of cultivators from various races of the Eastern Wanggu were fighting in an orderly manner and returning to recuperate.


    Judging from the state of the returnees, they had clearly suffered great losses.


    However, it was the same for the holy lands. Corpses fell and were destroyed by the array formation.


    ¡°War¡­


    Xu Qing¡¯s expression was solemn. While he was paying attention to the battle outside the array, the teleportation array he appeared in was located in a heavily guarded military camp. Hence, many divine consciousnesses enveloped him solemnly from all directions.


    There were also streams of killing aura that instantly locked onto him.


    After sensing Xu Qing¡¯s identity, these divine consciousnesses and auras dissipated.


    After that, many figures flew over from all directions and bowed to greet Xu Qing.


    The person in the lead was an old man.


    Xu Qing had seen this person before. The other party was a Heavenly Marquis of the human race with the surname Chen.


    Greetings, Grand Tutor!


    The few Heavenly Kings are currently on the battlefield outside the array formation and can¡¯t return. I was ordered to preside over the situation here.


    Also, Her Majesty has instructed us to tell you to head to the main palace immediately.¡±


    Heavenly Marquis Chen greeted and spoke solemnly.


    Xu Qing nodded and looked at the battle in the sky. After that, his divine sense spread out and covered the military campsite. He saw countless soldiers from the various races recuperating.


    His heart sank.


    Compared to the misery here, what he saw on his way to the other places in the Eastern Wanggu was actually not bad.


    This was because this place bore almost everything.


    This place was not only the core of the Eastern Wanggu but also the frontline.


    How¡¯s the situation?


    Xu Qing slowly asked.


    It¡¯s still manageable.


    Heavenly Marquis Chen grinned. However, the aura he emitted was a little unstable. Clearly, he was injured. Just as he was about to continue speaking, a rumbling sound echoed outside the array formation.


    Among the countless densely-packed black dots formed by the two sides, a dazzling light erupted.


    It was a middle-aged burly man from a holy land. He had huge wings on his back and his entire body emitted a bloodthirsty aura. His cultivation level had even reached the Soul Accumulation Five Worlds.


    Such a cultivation base surpassed the vast majority of Heavenly Kings of the human race.


    This was especially prominent in this small-scale battle. Although the Soul Accumulation cultivators of the various races were participating, they were all held back by high-level enemy cultivators. Hence, at this moment, this person was freely starting a massacre.


    It was as though he was going to tear a path through the battlefield.


    Behind him were more than a thousand Demon Feather cultivators, following him like guards.


    Their target was none other than the isolating array formation.


    Seeing this, the pupils of Heavenly Marquis Chen constricted but he didn¡¯t panic. He naturally had a way to deal with unexpected situations.


    Very soon, the light of the peerless array formation circulated and was about to stop the enemy.


    However, at the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared from the spot.


    When he appeared, he was already outside the array formation.


    An even more intense sound than before instantly rang out clearly from all directions. Amidst the countless ear-deafening sounds, Xu Qing looked at the Demonic Feather cultivator who was rushing over.


    This burly man also noticed Xu Qing. He let out a cold snort and didn¡¯t slow down at all as he walked over.


    All of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in the blink of an eye.


    In the array formation, Heavenly Marquis Chen was shocked. He knew that Xu Qing¡¯s status was extremely high but his combat strength seemed to have barely reached the initial standard of a Heavenly King. Now, he was facing an expert with the Soul Accumulation Five Worlds realm¡­


    He immediately became nervous.


    Erniu coughed at the side.


    What are you nervous about? You don¡¯t have to worry.


    Although he said that, how could Heavenly Marquis Chen listen?


    He wasn¡¯t the only one who was nervous. On the battlefield, the few Heavenly Kings of the various races who were entangled also immediately sensed this and recognized Xu Qing. Their hearts trembled and some even cursed.


    Clearly, in their judgment, they didn¡¯t think that Xu Qing could resist that cultivator with five worlds realm.


    They wanted to help but they couldn¡¯t withdraw immediately.


    They could only watch helplessly as the burly man rushed toward Xu Qing.


    Nonsense, why did Xu Qing appear randomly!


    Activate the array formation and spread it to envelop Xu Qing!


    Hurry!


    The array formation rumbled and shone like flares, wanting to protect Xu Qing.


    However, through this action, the burly man indirectly realized that Xu Qing¡¯s identity wasn¡¯t ordinary. After taking a closer look, his eyes lit up as he recognized Xu Qing¡¯s identity.


    Their Demon Feather Holy Land naturally had the intel of the important figures of the human race, especially Xu Qing. He had caused such a huge commotion previously.


    Because of him, a holy land had fallen.


    Because of him, yellow-level holy lands were expelled from the Eastern Wanggu.


    However, what they knew was that Xu Qing had been captured by Transient Evil and was rescued later on.


    They didn¡¯t know the details of this, nor did they know that Transient Evil died in Xu Qing¡¯s hands, or knew Xu Qing¡¯s true combat strength.


    Hence, the burly man¡¯s eyes lit up and he let out a sinister laugh. With the enhancement of his speed, he headed straight for Xu Qing.


    However¡­ the instant his figure got close, Xu Qing expressionlessly raised his hand.


    He clenched his fist at the burly man.


    With this clench, all sounds in the area of 5,000 kilometers around Xu Qing instantly disappeared!


    The sounds were stolen!


    And the silence only lasted for a breath of time.


    In the next instant, these sounds were controlled. They gathered around the burly man, forming a huge sphere.


    It enveloped the burly man and the thousand guards behind him.


    The sphere shook crazily as terrifying ripples spread inside.


    Heart-rending shouts immediately rang out from the burly man and his guards.


    These sounds added even more lethality to the sound authority.


    Immediately, one-third of the guards¡¯ bodies collapsed and shattered into pieces. As for the Devil Feather burly man, his expression had completely changed. He could hear a blurry murmur.


    This murmur grew increasingly intense. As it repeated, an ancient power followed the murmur and spread crazily and greedily throughout his body, seeping into his mind and replacing his understanding.


    It also stole the concept of his voice.


    Regardless of whether it was the sound of his body, soul, or even his self, they were all stripped away.


    This lasted until¡­ all the guards exploded into blood mist!


    After that, the sphere disintegrated and transformed into countless sounds again. With Xu Qing as the center, they spread out in all directions with rumbling sounds.


    Wherever it passed, casualties appeared throughout the battlefield.


    Although this scene happened in a corner of the battlefield, it affected the entire battlefield in the blink of an eye. It even caused the expressions of the Heavenly Kings of the various races and the Soul Accumulation cultivators of the holy lands to change drastically!


    Truly¡­ Xu Qing¡¯s attack had killed too quickly and now, it had affected the entire situation.


    The cultivators of the Eastern Wanggu were shaken.


    The cultivators of the holy land were horrified.


    God¡¯s authority!


    There¡¯s something wrong with this human!


    On the holy lands¡¯ side, waves of emotions stirred in their hearts. It was just that¡­ it was very difficult for war to change because of a single person unless this person possessed the peak power to suppress everything.


    Hence, at the next instant, a terrifying divine sense directly spread out from a floating holy land in the distance. A Ruler was about to descend!


    Similarly, an aura of a god spread out from the human¡¯s side and faced each other from afar.


    It was the Corpse God Mystic War!


    As these two forces restrained each other, Xu Qing¡¯s figure disappeared and returned to the array formation. On his way back, he detonated all the power of sound he had scattered on the battlefield, adding the curse of misfortune.


    A rumbling sound surged into the sky outside the array formation, forming a storm of sound.


    The moods of the cultivators from the various races in the Eastern Wanggu were also stirred. Under the decisive orders of the few Heavenly Kings, they seized this opportunity and immediately pounced over.


    The situation of this small-scale battle instantly tilted.


    Facing such a situation, bell chimes began to ring out from the holy lands¡¯ side and they started to retreat¡­


    Two hours later, this battle came to an end. The moment the cultivators returned, they were all discussing Xu Qing¡¯s appearance.


    As for Xu Qing, he had already left with Erniu.


    He walked into the human capital and arrived in front of the main hall.


    Xu Qing had already changed into the grand tutor¡¯s official robe. Erniu also wore the imitation Mystic Heaven Armor that the human race had forged for him.


    This armor called Great Heavenly Dipper was personally supervised by Erniu according to his needs back then. He rarely wore it and seemed to like it very much.


    Right now, he wore it and stood proudly in front of the hall. His entire body shone under the sunlight, causing him to look like a person of light.


    From afar, he really looked a little mighty.


    Not long after the two of them stood solemnly outside the hall, a low voice rang out from inside the hall.


    Summoning the Grand Tutor and Great Heavenly Dipper!


    Xu Qing and Erniu simultaneously stepped toward the main hall. Inside the hall, they saw the gathered ministeres, and also saw the Empress sitting at the top with Ning Yan who was looking excited by her side.


    Greetings, Your Majesty!


    Xu Qing bowed.


    Erniu also greeted loudly.


    The Empress nodded slightly and replied.


    It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back. Take a seat.


    Xu Qing took a step forward, and arrived at the second seat among the thirty- three Heavenly King seats below the Empress.


    He sat upright and gazed at the ministers.


    This position was second only to the Human Emperor and King Zhen Yan who wasn¡¯t present!


    The ministers lowered their heads respectfully under Xu Qing¡¯s gaze.


    Even Ning Yan bowed to Xu Qing.


    Regardless of whether it was because of his reliance on Xu Qing in the past or Xu Qing¡¯s identity as his Grand Tutor, Ning Yan was sincerely convinced and his heart stirred.


    In fact, in his heart, Xu Qing was even closer than his mother.


    When Erniu saw this, he felt a little envious. However, very soon, his attention was placed on an old acquaintance standing in the distance. He was first surprised, then amused. He even took out the Holy Heavenly Vine and played with it.


    This lasted until Xu Qing¡¯s gaze swept past the ministers below and also landed on this cultivator¡­


    This Demon Feather cultivator, who was being stared at by Erniu and Xu Qing, had mixed feelings. He took a deep breath and bowed slightly.


    Feng Lintao greets the Grand Tutor.

 Chapter 1468 - Incomparably Loyal Feng Lintao

    Incomparably Loyal Feng Lintao


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Feng Lintao sighed with emotion inwardly.


    Sometimes, fate was like this. It was ever-changing and unpredictable.


    However, Feng Lintao wasn¡¯t an ordinary person either. Just like Lan Yao¡¯s description of him back then, this person was selfish, cold, cruel, and paranoid. He was also good at enduring.


    Hence, ever since he chose to submit to the human race, he had already simulated all the situations in his mind. Now that he saw Xu Qing, some complicated emotions rose but he quickly put them down.


    During this process, he didn¡¯t hide his thoughts. Instead, he openly revealed them on his face and expression.


    This was what he was good at.


    To be able to cultivate step by step to the Soul Accumulation realm in the Demon Feather Holy Land as a half-blood, he naturally had his own way of survival.


    He knew how to make use of everything around him, including his emotions.


    Today, he wanted to make use of this to prove his sincerity.


    After all¡­ in the few months since he defected, he had always been treated coldly. The Human Emperor didn¡¯t have any plans for him.


    This made him feel a little uneasy.


    He knew that this was because the Empress didn¡¯t completely believe his allegiance.


    She was still observing him.


    Hence, he needed to make use of this opportunity to increase his sincerity.


    With such thoughts in mind, Feng Lintao bowed to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing looked at Feng Lintao with a calm expression and didn¡¯t say a word.


    One couldn¡¯t tell if he was happy or angry, nor did he show any emotions.


    Although he didn¡¯t speak, Erniu laughed at this moment. Fie played with the Holy Heavenly Vine in his hand as he smiled and spoke.


    ¡°Little Feng, long time no see.¡±


    Feng Lintao turned and looked at Erniu. His expression was still filled with emotion as he cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°Greetings, Great Heavenly Dipper. What happened back then was my fault. I hope the Great Heavenly Dipper and the Grand Tutor won¡¯t take it to heart. Although I have no choice but to submit to the human race this time, my heart is sincere.¡±


    Feng Lintao¡¯s words not only chose to lower his head, but they also indirectly pointed out that he indeed knew Xu Qing and Erniu.


    However, Xu Qing saw through his scheme at a glance. With Erniu¡¯s vicious eyes, how could he not see through this?


    When Erniu heard this, he lifted the heavenly vine in his hand and his smile was filled with joy.


    ¡°Why would we take it to heart? You gave me and Little Qing so many good things last time. I have yet to thank you properly for being such a good person.¡±


    Feng Lintao smiled bitterly on the surface but his heart couldn¡¯t help but stir.


    At the end of the day, he actually didn¡¯t hate Xu Qing much. The main target of his hatred was Erniu.


    It was Erniu who deceived him and made him carry him all the way.


    It was Erniu who acted like he was on the verge of death the entire time, causing him to be negligent.


    Also, at the critical moment, Erniu bit off the heavenly vine, directly destroying his trump card.


    That was why he was chased after by Lan Yao and Yue Dong.


    Originally, if it wasn¡¯t for Erniu, he could have turned the tables.


    The root cause was right in front of him.


    However, he couldn¡¯t show his hatred.


    Hence, Feng Lintao took a deep breath and was about to suppress his churning thoughts. However, at this moment, Erniu continued to speak despicably.


    ¡°Come, good vine, greet your benefactor.¡±


    Erniu proudly lifted the heavenly vine.


    The heavenly vine turned its head and the leaves on its body swayed slightly¡­


    Feng Lintao remained silent, striving to maintain his composure.


    Seeing that Erniu was about to continue to speak, the Grand Chancellor, who was standing not far away, coughed and interrupted Erniu. Fie then looked at Xu Qing.


    ¡°This time around, Fler Majesty has summoned the Grand Tutor back for military matters as well as to verify something.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, he looked at the Grand Chancellor.


    ¡°Is it about Feng Lintao¡¯s identity?¡±


    The Grand Chancellor nodded.


    ¡°Not only that, but the exact details are in here. Grand Tutor, please take a look.¡±


    As he spoke, the Grand Chancellor took out a jade slip and sent it to Xu Qing. It contained all of Feng Lintao¡¯s words.


    Xu Qing took it. After checking, he fell silent for a few breaths before slowly speaking.


    ¡°The first time 1 met this person was on the way back to the human race from the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven. 1 once submitted a jade slip that recorded the details of the encounter.¡±


    ¡°As for the entanglement between this person and Lan Yao and Yue Dong, from what 1 saw back then, there was indeed killing intent between them. If it wasn¡¯t for Eldest Senior Brother and me helping him back then, it would probably have been difficult for this person to escape.¡±


    ¡°Judging from the situation, my and Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s appearance can be considered a coincidence.¡±


    ¡°Moreover, if the Demon Feather Holy Land chose to use Feng Lintao as a spy before they descended, he wouldn¡¯t have defected now.¡±


    ¡°As for the final decision, it is still up to Fler Majesty.¡±


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    The Grand Chancellor nodded.


    Xu Qing¡¯s words served as evidence of Feng Lintao¡¯s allegiance.


    This caused Feng Lintao to heave a sigh of relief inwardly.


    The subsequent court meeting mostly involved ministers reporting on the war. Xu Qing gained a general understanding of the current state of the war and the associated losses.


    Overall, the situation wasn¡¯t optimistic.


    The entire hall slowly filled with an oppressive atmosphere.


    Feng Lintao listened attentively, not daring to make any subtle movements. In his mind, he thought that if given a choice, he would rather not hear about these war matters.


    Two hours later, the meeting ended and Feng Lintao hurriedly left.


    Xu Qing didn¡¯t move.


    After everyone in the hall left, only Xu Qing, Erniu, the Empress, and Ning Yan were left.


    Xu Qing stood up and bowed to the Empress.


    ¡°Your Majesty asked me to stay. What are your instructions?¡±


    The Empress¡¯ gaze landed on Erniu.


    Erniu pretended not to see it.


    Awhile later, the Empress calmly spoke.


    ¡°Xu Qing, help me do something.¡±


    When Xu Qing heard this, his expression didn¡¯t change at all as he waited for Her to continue.


    ¡°I want you to capture Lan Yao alive. If you can¡¯t capture her alive, you have to bring her corpse back.¡±


    Confusion appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Lan Yao?¡±


    Xu Qing had an impression of this woman. Moreover, in his memory, through the conversation between the other party and Feng Lintao in the Liaoxuan cave, he could determine that Lan Yao seemed to have a lot of power behind her in the Demon Feather Holy Land.


    However, even so, it shouldn¡¯t be so important that the Empress would pay attention to this woman.


    Ning Yan was also surprised. He didn¡¯t know why his mother would make such a request.


    ¡°Lan Yao¡¯s identity isn¡¯t simple.¡±


    Facing Xu Qing and Ning Yan¡¯s doubts, the Empress expressionlessly spoke.


    ¡°There are two Great Emperors in the Demon Feather Holy Land.¡±


    ¡°One is suspected to have died.¡±


    ¡°Lan Yao is the descendant of that suspected fallen Great Emperor. According to my information, she has a pure bloodline.¡±


    ¡°Bring her back. I can use her bloodline to know if that Great Emperor has really died. At the same time, she will have other uses.¡±


    After the Empress finished speaking, she took out a white jade token.


    The material of this jade token was special. It looked like it existed but it also gave off an illusory feeling. It was as though it was condensed from light and was incomparably mystical.


    ¡°Xu Qing, if you encounter any unblockable force on the way, you can crush this light jade and I will personally descend.¡±


    The Empress waved her hand and this light jade headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing caught it and immediately felt a dense pressure emitting from the light jade.


    He pondered for a while before accepting the request.


    ¡°Your Majesty, if you want Lan Yao alive, 1 have to use Feng Lintao. Only with him as bait will Lan Yao appear.¡±


    ¡°However, this person is cunning. When it comes to matters of life and death, it is difficult to expect full cooperation. He will undoubtedly leave himself a way out. Any ordinary method to conceal the plan will be detected by him. Once he realizes that he has become bait, it may cause unforeseen complications.¡±


    Xu Qing slowly asked.


    ¡°What is your plan?¡±


    The Empress looked at Xu Qing.


    Before Xu Qing could respond, Erniu, who had been listening from the beginning, suddenly interrupted, his eyes already gleaming.


    ¡°I have an idea!¡±


    As he spoke, his lips moved slightly as he transmitted his voice to Xu Qing and the Empress.


    A long time later, Xu Qing¡¯s expression turned strange while Erniu looked incomparably smug.


    The Empress¡¯ gaze was deep as She calmly spoke.


    ¡°Granted.¡±


    Xu Qing stood up and bade farewell to the Empress. He then left the hall with the excited and expectant Erniu.


    In the hall, Ning Yan stared eagerly at Xu Qing¡¯s departing figure. Maybe he wanted to follow him or maybe he wanted to ask what they were talking about¡­


    However, he didn¡¯t dare to leave without permission.


    ¡°Yan¡¯er, write an imperial edict.¡±


    Just as Ning Yan was yearning for the outside world, the Empress¡¯ calm voice rang out in the hall.


    Ning Yan solemnly lowered his head in agreement.


    Just like that, five days passed.


    After Xu Qing and Erniu found Wu Jianwu, who had been staying in the human capital the entire time, they asked him for the two young golden rats that had been hatched with his experience¡­


    An imperial edict was spread out from the human race, informing the entire Eastern Wanggu.


    Feng Lintao was conferred the title of Heavenly Marquis Feather Fiend.


    And his achievements were listed.


    ¡°Abandoned the darkness and joined the light. Reported the holy land¡¯s confidential information to redeem our human race¡¯s huge losses!¡±


    ¡°He is brave and powerful, and is irreconcilable with the holy land. He hates the Demon Feather Race to the core and killed over a hundred people from the Demon Feather Holy Land who had secretly invaded!¡±


    As soon as this imperial edict was issued, the Eastern Wanggu immediately stirred.


    Feng Lintao instantly attracted the attention of the entire Eastern Wanggu and all the races began to investigate.


    However, this was clearly not what he wanted¡­ This instantaneous resplendence and becoming the center of attention made him feel very uneasy. What made him even more uneasy was that in the following month, the development of things became increasingly astonishing.


    In the large number of small-scale battles between the human race and the Demon Feather Holy Land in this month, the number of victories instantly increased. The human race even seemed to have some understanding of the war arrangements of the holy land.


    Every time, the Fluman Emperor would reward Feng Lintao.


    She even protected him and arranged for many personal guards to show his importance.


    It was impossible for the Demon Feather Holy Land not to notice this.


    However, only Feng Lintao knew that even he had no idea about those war arrangements, so how could he inform¡­


    As time flowed by, very soon, a scene that shocked Feng Lintao even more appeared.


    That was the conferment of the king title!


    Under the illumination of the peerless array formation in the sky, it was clearly visible on the holy land¡¯s side¡­


    In the wilderness outside the human capital, about ten thousand prisoners of war from the holy lands who had been captured by the human race knelt there densely.


    As for Feng Lintao, he wore the Heavenly Marquis robe and stood in front of these prisoners of war.


    The Empress¡¯ voice echoed through the world.


    ¡°Official Feng, although you¡¯re not of human origin, your loyalty to the human race is unwavering and sincere, and your battle achievements are outstanding. Therefore, today, I bestow upon you the title of Heavenly King Feather Fiend!¡± ¡°I know you harbor deep hatred for the Demon Feather Holy Land. As you ascend to your new title, let the blood of Demon Feather celebrate your kingship. Official, you may slaughter as you see fit!¡±


    He was the center of attention.


    The holy lands were watching, the human race was watching, and Xu Qing and the various races were all watching.


    There was also Erniu. The anticipation and excitement in his eyes were incomparably intense.


    Feng Lintao¡¯s heart trembled but he didn¡¯t dare to show it on his face at all. On the contrary, he looked extremely excited, as though he was completely touched. He bowed deeply in the direction of the palace and spoke loudly.


    ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty, for fulfilling my wish!¡±

 Chapter 1469 - Self-Made Bait

    Self-Made Bait


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    Feng Lintao was conferred the title of Heavenly King of the human race!


    This matter caused quite a commotion. During this period of time, the human race had won increasingly more battles against the Demon Feather Holy Land.


    Some of the victories seemed to be caused by leaks of information.


    In addition, the human race seemed to know the information of the experts in the Demon Feather Holy Land like the back of their hand. They even had a clear grasp of their internal connections.


    This caused the Demon Feather Holy Land to feel pressure.


    There was also the strategic layout of this war.


    On this point, the human race took the initiative.


    What gave the Demon Feather Holy Land the most headache was the uprooting of the spies!


    Ever since the two sides started fighting, the Demon Feather Holy Land had secretly sent spies in many areas to deal with the isolating array formation. Some were death warriors, choosing to strike directly.


    Some were hiding.


    However, all their efforts were aimed at disrupting and destroying the isolating formation.


    This was a significant matter, so the Demon Feather Holy Land had prepared a detailed plan for it.


    However, during this time, the spies were clearly exposed.


    All of this intensified around the time Feng Lintao was conferred the title of marquis, growing increasingly fierce until now, with his elevation to king, reaching its peak.


    However, if that was all, it couldn¡¯t prove Feng Lintao¡¯s use and value. After all, there were many things that the Demon Feather Holy Land knew very well. With Feng Lintao¡¯s previous identity, it was impossible for him to know of their strategies.


    It was just that¡­ during the conferment of the title of king, the blood sacrifice of ten thousand prisoners of war of the holy land was too great a matter for the Demon Feather Holy Land.


    These ten thousand prisoners of war had their relatives, Dao companions, fellow disciples, and friends. The influence radiated outward, affecting tens or even hundreds of times more people.


    It would be fine if they died on the battlefield. Although the members of the Demon Feather Holy Land would be sad, it wouldn¡¯t cause intense anger. However, if they were sacrificed in public¡­


    This would instantly incite the hatred of all the clansmen in the Demon Feather Holy Land!


    Also, the existence of the array formation caused there to be very few human prisoners of war in the Demon Feather Holy Land. Hence, if they wanted to take revenge in the same way, it would be like punching cotton. There would be no effect.


    This would instead increase the anger of the members of the Demon Feather Holy Land.


    And as the executor of this task and the one who was being honored and promoted to king, Feng Lintao would directly become the hated target of all the clansmen within the Demon Feather Holy Land!


    Hence, when the Empress¡¯ words rang out and Feng Lintao thanked her excitedly, outside the isolating array formation, the holy lands rumbled.


    Numerous divine senses erupted from within and locked onto the array formation area.


    The divine senses were filled with monstrous anger and unprecedented killing intent!


    No matter how smart one was or what choices were made, this matter¡­ was unsolvable.


    Because this was determined by necessity, it was an open strategy!


    It was like a raging fire that swept through the world.


    This caused Feng Lintao¡¯s thoughts to surge intensely.


    He was cunning and smart. The things that had happened during this time had long made him anxious, especially now¡­ Although he looked excited on the surface, he was already extremely flustered inwardly.


    This wasn¡¯t a conspiracy to begin with, so he was very clear about the meaning of this matter.


    ¡®This is forcing me to have no way out!¡¯


    ¡®They are thoroughly binding me to the human race¡­¡¯


    ¡®And this is only one of the motives. That Empress has a second motive¡­¡¯


    ¡®She clearly wants to increase my value and make me fatter. At the very least, She wants most of the people of the Demon Feather Holy Land to hate me to the extreme.¡¯


    ¡®In that case, even if the higher-ups of the Demon Feather Holy Land realize 1 am being wronged and see the real issue¡ªconsidering many of the secrets 1 didn¡¯t even know about¡ªit wouldn¡¯t matter anymore!!¡¯


    ¡®If most of the clansmen of the Demon Feather Holy Land hate me to the core, then in reality, it¡¯s no longer important if I¡¯m wronged or not.¡¯


    ¡®I¡¯ve become a target. For the Holy Land, putting the blame for their failures on me can further incite their people¡¯s madness and fighting spirit, which will be advantageous for their war efforts.¡¯


    ¡®For the human race, if I attract endless hatred from the holy land, I will naturally become a bargaining chip for them.¡±


    ¡®If the human race suffers a defeat in the war, they can simply hand me over to obtain other war benefits!¡¯


    ¡®After all, the human race has pushed me to such an extreme that the killing intent of the holy land¡¯s people toward me surpasses everything.¡¯


    ¡®Even though the higher-ups of the Demon Feather Holy Land are well aware of this, they will definitely take advantage of the mood and public opinion of their clansmen and agree to this matter.¡¯


    ¡®How ruthless!¡¯


    ¡®Be it the human race or the holy lands, they¡¯re all a bunch of schemers!¡¯


    As his thoughts fluctuated, Feng Lintao maintained the excitement on his face. He looked at the holy land outside the array formation and then at the human race¡¯s palace. In the end, he made up his mind and raised his hand before pressing down on the Demon Feather cultivators below.


    His cultivation base erupted!


    The world rumbled. One-tenth of the suppressed Demon Feather cultivators¡¯ bodies collapsed and their bodies and souls were destroyed!


    Outside the array formation, the people from the Demon Feather Holy Land roared angrily when they saw this.


    Feng Lintao¡¯s eyes were bloodshot as he put on a bloodthirsty expression. Under the attention of the human race, he walked forward and the slaughter¡­ commenced again.


    With the death of the prisoners of war and the blood splashing around, Feng Lintao seemed to be enjoying himself. The cultivators from the holy land outside the array formation were all terrified.


    They had watched helplessly as their clansmen died. Among them were their elders, fellow disciples, and descendants¡­ Such a death was unseemly and cruel.


    However, this was war. It had nothing to do with right or wrong.


    From the moment the holy lands descended and the invasion war began, it had already determined the standpoint of both sides.


    Either you die or I die!


    Hence, the human race stared coldly. It was the same for the various races. Xu Qing didn¡¯t stop it but Erniu licked his lips.


    Feng Lintao started slaughtering even more crazily.


    He only cared about his own interests. What he cared about was the consequences of killing the captives, not the process.


    Finally, after fifteen minutes, when Feng Lintao smacked the last prisoner of war to death, his entire body was covered in blood and his expression was sinister. He looked up at the holy land and sneered.


    After that, he bowed in the direction of the human palace.


    ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty!¡±


    From the cruelty of his attacks, his words, his actions, and his attitude, one couldn¡¯t find any problems with Feng Lintao. He perfectly cooperated with the human race and made himself a target of hatred of the Demon Feather Holy Land.


    Xu Qing looked at this scene from afar and a dark glint appeared in his eyes.


    Erniu, who was beside him, smiled.


    ¡°This Little Feng indeed has some ambitions. There shouldn¡¯t be a need for us to force him. He probably already had a follow-up plan before he came to the human race¡­¡±


    ¡°So, in order to ensure that the fishing is successful, Little Qing, in the next few days, we have to find an opportunity to get five pieces of his flesh to use my Ruthless Dao of Great Five Bulls Tracing the Origin!¡±


    Xu Qing had the same thought. He nodded when he heard this.


    After that, the two of them disappeared in the crowd.


    Half a month passed by.


    In this half a month, the battles between the human race and the Demon Feather Holy Land became even more frequent. The holy lands sent more spies.


    Moreover, all the spies had an additional mission other than the order to destroy the array formation.


    Kill Feng Lintao!


    In this half a month, the public execution of prisoners of war happened once again. Moreover, many of the contributions on the battlefield were also contributed to Feng Lintao by the human race.


    All of this caused Feng Lintao¡¯s name to rise illustriously in the Eastern Wanggu and he finally became the publicly acknowledged number one target of hatred of the Demon Feather Holy Land!


    Countless members of the Demon Feather Race wished they could devour him alive.


    Hence, the assassination naturally happened.


    In order to protect this hero, the human race increased the guards around Feng Lintao.


    Feng Lintao seemed to have completely acknowledged the human race from the depths of his soul. There were even a few times when he took the initiative to apply to go out and kill enemies. It was as though he hated the Demon Feather Holy Land even more than the human race.


    However, under the benevolence of the Empress¡¯s holy heart, he wasn¡¯t allowed to leave the array formation; instead, he was permitted to search for spies within the boundaries of the human imperial region.


    This made Feng Lintao feel very regretful. However, he obeyed the Empress¡¯ decree. After that, he killed the spies extremely cruelly. He occasionally suffered injuries but they were all light injuries.


    This lasted until¡­ another seven days passed.


    The Demon Feather Great Emperor appeared and the small-scale battles between the human race and the Demon Feather Holy Land turned into a war.


    Several Rulers descended and many Soul Accumulation cultivators participated.


    On the human race¡¯s side, the Empress personally arrived at the battlefield and the past Human Emperor Corpse Gods also descended on the battlefield.


    The Heavenly Kings of the various races also appeared. A dazzling battle erupted.


    At the critical moment of this battle, when there was not much high-level power within the imperial region power, an assassination was carried out on the outskirts of the human imperial capital!


    The ones carrying out the assassination mission were two Seven Worlds Soul Accumulation cultivators from the Demon Feather Holy Land!


    They had been hiding for a long time and hadn¡¯t been exposed. Now, they didn¡¯t hesitate to launch a thunderous attack.


    The target of the assassination was none other than Feng Lintao, who had returned with his personal guards!


    The timing of this assassination was extremely precise and the process was incomparably tragic.


    All of Feng Lintao¡¯s personal guards died in battle and he couldn¡¯t escape. His body collapsed and his soul was destroyed. His head was taken away.


    Although King Zhen Yan rushed over as fast as he could, he was still a step too late. He managed to hold back one of the Demon Feather Holy Land¡¯s assassins but he couldn¡¯t stop the other from leaving with Feng Lintao¡¯s head.


    He could only take away all the corpses of the personal guards who had sworn to protect Feng Lintao to the death.


    After this matter spread, cheers rang out from the side of the Demon Feather Holy Land outside the array formation. As for the Empress, her expression was gloomy. However, She clearly didn¡¯t have the energy to consider this matter now. The war¡­ continued.


    However, no one noticed that after King Zhen Yan returned to the residence of the human capital with the corpses of Feng Lintao¡¯s personal guards, the corpses turned illusory and transformed into specks of crystal light that gathered into the figure of the Human Emperor Eastern Triumph.


    These personal guards were all fake.


    King Zhen Yan wasn¡¯t surprised by this. He only lowered his head and bowed. After that, he looked into the distance and a meaningful smile appeared on his face.


    At the same time, outside the human emperor¡¯s region and at the border of the Gray Sea Region, there was a hidden cave in a desolate mountain.


    This cave was hidden and this place was desolate, so it was very difficult to detect.


    At that moment, in the cave, a figure sat cross-legged.


    This body fused into the darkness and looked a little blurry.


    Awhile later, the eyes of this figure suddenly opened, revealing a sharp glint. Its entire body shone, causing the pitch-black cave to have a hint of light.


    With the help of this light, one could tell that this figure was a youth. His appearance was somewhat similar to that of a human. However, on his forehead, there was a red line mark formed by countless tiny runes.


    That was the symbol of the Liaoxuan Race and it was quickly concealed.


    ¡°Be it the Empress or the Demon Feather Holy Land, what can they do to me?!¡±


    The youth mumbled.


    ¡°I went to the human race not for long-term dependence. Although the Empress¡¯ overt strategy put me in a passive position, overall¡­ it hasn¡¯t deviated from my plan!¡±


    ¡°Finally, feigned death successfully!¡±


    ¡°Next, when the outside world thinks that I¡¯ve died, my Liaoxuan body can be considered to have truly escaped karma!¡±


    This person was none other than Feng Lintao!

 Chapter 1470 - Tragic, Tragic, Tragic!

    Tragic, Tragic, Tragic!


    Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios


    In the cave in the desolate mountain in the Gray Sea Region which bordered the human race¡¯s Grand Imperial Capital Region, the instant Feng Lintao opened his eyes, his perception immediately spread out, enveloping the surroundings.


    After confirming that his arrangements in the cave were normal, he finally heaved a sigh of relief.


    His eyes narrowed, revealing a dark glint and coldness.


    Ever since he decided to head to the human race and borrow the protection of the human race to avoid being chased by Lan Yao and Yue Dong, he had made a plan.


    lie wanted to be high-profile in the human race and attract the attention of the holy land, especially Lan Yao and Yue Dong¡¯s. After that, he would complete a death performance at the critical moment.


    He would make everyone think that he had died.


    He would truly be free then!


    While expelling half of his Demon Feather bloodline, he made this Liaoxuan avatar his new main body, thus truly escaping and turning from light into dark.


    Be it the human race or the holy land, they were all within his scope of use.


    ¡°Although there were some twists and turns in the process and 1 was used by the human race, my plan didn¡¯t deviate¡­¡±


    Feng Lintao laughed coldly.


    ¡°Even if I had to give up half of my Demon Feather bloodline, causing my current cultivation level to be at the Nascent Soul realm¡­ it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll cultivate back very quickly.¡±


    ¡°Compared to this, freedom and survival are the most important!¡±


    ¡°However, 1 can¡¯t treat the other parties as fools¡­ So, whether I succeed or not will depend on the subsequent changes in the outside world.¡±


    At the thought of this, Feng Lintao remained vigilant and left the cave quickly, lie followed the predetermined route and sped into the distance.


    A while later, two blurry figures appeared in the sky.


    It was Xu Qing and the Erniu who had relied on Erniu¡¯s Dao of Tracing the Origin to find the location of this avatar.


    They stood there but no one could see them. Even the gods would find it hard to detect them.


    This was because what enveloped the two of them at this moment was an astonishing concealment formed by the wordless method.


    Back then, this concealment hid them from the three gods to a certain extent, so it was quite easy to avoid Feng Lintao¡¯s perception.


    ¡°Little Feng isn¡¯t bad. He didn¡¯t need us to push him and made himself into bait.¡±


    Erniu licked his lips proudly, his eyes revealing anticipation.


    ¡°Little Qing, when we were in the outer sea previously, we were used as bait by Jade Flowing Dust to fish. At that time, I was already envious of Jade Flowing Dust. Ilaha, now, we can finally experience the joy of fishing!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s follow him.¡±


    Xu Qing raised his head and looked in the direction Feng Lintao had left in. He then nodded slightly and followed Erniu in the sky.


    Just like that, time flowed by and very soon, seven days passed.


    During these seven days, Xu Qing and Erniu didn¡¯t use any methods to interfere. They only followed behind. This was because with Feng Lintao¡¯s paranoia, he would probably instantly sense any movement caused by any actions in the outside world.


    On the way, Feng Lintao¡¯s journey was very smooth, although he would occasionally encounter some dangers, such as ferocious beasts, bizarre entities, or ferocious cultivators with evil intentions,


    he either evaded, killed, or relied on concealment to ingeniously neutralize the danger.


    Xu Qing and the captain¡¯s judgment wasn¡¯t wrong. Feng Lintao was indeed paranoid by nature.


    Not only did this smoothness not reduce his vigilance, but it also intensified.


    Finally, on the seventh day, when Feng Lintao was about to leave this desolate mountain area, his figure paused and he hid in a crack in a rock wall.


    Hiding there, Feng Lintao¡¯s expression was uncertain.


    ¡°It is too smooth. 1 keep feeling that something is amiss!¡±


    ¡°Everything is according to my plan and the smoothness of this journey is within my expectations. After all, I specially chose this place and the war in the outside world is continuing¡­¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    Feng Lintao fell silent.


    ¡°I have to think about it carefully. Did 1 make a mistake somewhere?¡±


    After some thought, Feng Lintao organized his thoughts and confirmed three things he was worried about.


    Firstly, he was worried that the human race would see through his plan and pursue him.


    Secondly, he was worried that the human race was deliberately letting him go and using him as bait.


    Thirdly, he was worried that Lan Yao and Yue Dong would guess his thoughts.


    ¡°If the human race sees through my disguise and pursues me, once they find me, although I¡¯ll lose my freedom, my life will be fine for some time¡­¡±


    Feng Lintao narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°However, if the human race had long seen through my plan and deliberately let me go¡­ then they must have other motives. They are fishing.¡±


    ¡°You want to use me as bait to fish out all the spies?¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then the human race will definitely not announce my death. Instead, they will spread the news that I fled and lure the spies hidden in the holy lands in Wanggu to hunt me down¡­¡±


    ¡°Next, let¡¯s see the situation. I¡¯ll be able to determine if the three things I am worried about will happen.¡±


    At the thought of this, Feng Lintao took a deep breath and left the crack in the rock wall, heading deeper into the Gray Sea Region. On the way after that, he didn¡¯t only travel in desolate areas but would occasionally search for cities where cultivators from the Gray Sea Region gathered.


    He wanted to gather information there.


    Another seven days passed¡­


    In a bustling city where cultivators were gathered, Feng Lintao sat in a simple restaurant and listened to the lively discussions in the surroundings as he fell into deep thought.


    In these seven days, other than the war with the Demon Feather Holy Land, what he heard also included his own matters.


    The human race had announced his death!


    ¡°Since the human race has really announced my death, the possibility of fishing is much lower.¡±


    After taking a sip of the wine in the cup in front of him, Feng Lintao fell silent.


    ¡°However, it¡¯s not completely impossible¡­ I still have to confirm further if they are using me to fish.¡±


    ¡°In addition, I also need to confirm if the human race really thinks that I¡¯m dead, if they will secretly pursue me, and¡­ if I have successfully deceived the two women, Lan Yao and Yue Dong?¡±


    ¡°I need to verify it.¡±


    Feng Lintao narrowed his eyes. Such thoughts that felt tiring to others were already instinctive to him.


    At this moment, he finished the wine in his hand in one gulp and crushed the wine glass, wiping away all traces. He then left this city and continued forward.


    On the way outside, he mostly moved in the wilderness, but he didn¡¯t encounter any pursuers he thought, be it the human race or the spies from the holy lands.


    They didn¡¯t appear.


    It was as though he had really deceived everyone.


    However, Feng Lintao¡¯s suspicious nature required him to verify this multiple times. As a result, he cleverly orchestrated several life-and-death crises. On several occasions, it even seemed as if he narrowly escaped death, experiencing what could be described as near-death situations.


    Using this as a price to verify if anyone was secretly following him¡­


    After a few times, the dying Feng Lintao barely confirmed that no one was following him.


    Hence, he pretended to be relieved and sped up. However, it was unknown if he was unlucky¡­ Three days later, when his injuries had recovered, he was actually targeted by a ferocious beast whose cultivation was comparable to the Spirit Repository.


    In the brutal pursuit of the ferocious beast, he fought valiantly, employing every tactic he could muster, but to no avail. Ultimately, he was overpowered by the beast, which tore into his flesh piece by piece, devouring him completely amidst his agonized screams, until nothing remained.


    Only then did the ferocious beast leave¡­


    Several days later, as the ferocious beast rushed through the mountain forest, its eyes flickered.


    ¡°Looks like there¡¯s really no one secretly following me¡­¡±


    The ferocious beast sped away.


    In the sky, Xu Qing and Erniu looked at the departing figure of the ferocious beast that was parasitized by Feng Lintao and felt speechless.


    ¡°Little Feng is too paranoid. What did he experience in the holy land to be like this?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve really broadened my horizons!¡±


    Erniu praised.


    Xu Qing fell into deep thought. He looked at the figure in the sky and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°With Feng Lintao¡¯s paranoia, I¡¯m afraid what he has revealed now isn¡¯t enough to truly reassure him.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s already like this but you¡¯re still worried. Are you still worried that someone will follow you?¡±


    Erniu was surprised.


    And what he was surprised about became true five days later.


    When the ferocious beast that Feng Lintao was parasitizing passed by a forbidden region, it was suddenly entangled by divine tentacles. It wailed and broke through its flesh, pulling it into the forbidden region.


    Unexpectedly, it died.


    Outside the forbidden region, a dark glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. At the side, Erniu felt a little tired.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell if this death was intentional¡­¡±


    Xu Qing glanced at Erniu.


    ¡°Eldest Senior Brother, continue to unleash your tracing origin. Within my sound authority and divine consciousness, Feng Lintao¡¯s life fluctuations are completely extinguished here.¡±


    ¡°If he still has a clone, it means that he deliberately died here. He probably can¡¯t tell if someone is following him, so he died again to ensure that there¡¯s nothing wrong.¡±


    Erniu sighed.


    ¡°Little Qing, I suddenly understand how Jade Flowing Dust felt back then¡­¡±


    As he spoke, he unleashed the Ruthless Dao of Great Five Bulls Tracing the Origin. A while later, Erniu suddenly raised his head and gritted his teeth.


    ¡°This kid indeed has another avatar. Clearly, he didn¡¯t activate it previously and it was in a dead state like corpses, so it avoided my detection. Now that he has activated it, I¡¯ve locked onto it!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still quite far from here¡­¡±


    At the same time, in another direction of the Gray Sea Region, in a swamp, there was a body soaked in countless venomous bugs.


    However, at the next instant, as a stream of vitality spread out from the body, a red line flashed on the forehead of the body. Its eyes¡­ suddenly opened.


    Amidst the rumbling, the aura of the Nihility erupted from the body. After intimidating the surroundings, the body rushed out and directly broke through the swamp, arriving in the air.


    ¡°Now, I should be completely safe!¡±


    ¡°Regardless of whether Lan Yao and Yue Dong saw through my plan or whether the human race sensed it, whether they are secretly following, capturing, or fishing¡­¡±


    ¡°Whether they are or not, it no longer matters!¡±


    At the thought of this, a cold glint appeared in Feng Lintao¡¯s eyes. His body swayed as he headed straight for the horizon.


    This time, he truly moved forward at full speed.


    ¡°Leave the Eastern Wanggu and head to the Northern Wanggu!¡±


    ¡°Cultivating in the cold land of the Northern Wanggu under a million feet of ice will meet the requirements of the Liaoxuan Great Emperor¡¯s inheritance. When I come out of seclusion¡­¡±


    Feng Lintao¡¯s eyes narrowed and his expression was cold. His speed increased.


    At the same time, outside the human capital, there was also a hidden cave in the former Liaoxuan Race¡¯s territory.


    This place wasn¡¯t far from where the golden rat was.


    In the cave, two people were sitting cross-legged.


    One of them had a withered body and no vitality at all. They didn¡¯t look much different from a corpse.


    Only there was a red line on their forehead that flickered with a weak red light. However, it was getting dimmer and dimmer, as though it could be extinguished at any moment.


    He was also a clone that Feng Lintao had secretly arranged and hidden for his escape plan!


    Only he knew how many similar clones he had set up.


    However, there were also drawbacks to its technique. It was that time was limited. If it wasn¡¯t used for a long time, once the red light on the forehead completely disappeared, the clone couldn¡¯t be used.


    For example, at that moment, the red light on the forehead of this clone was about to disappear.


    Opposite the corpse, the other person meditating was a middle-aged man. He stared fixedly at the corpse, his eyes revealing endless hatred.


    ¡°Feng Lintao, you are really heartless. You refined Miss Yue Dong¡¯s younger sister and achieved half of your Demon Feather bloodline. However, justice always catches up. Under the orders of Lady Lan Yao, all the Liaoxuan criminals in the holy land were sacrificed, and their blood was used to locate your Liaoxuan clones¡­¡±


    I¡¯ve finally found your clone!¡±


    ¡°Now, as long as you use this clone, you won¡¯t be able to escape!¡±


    This person gritted his teeth, as though he wished he could chew the corpse in front of him alive and swallow it.


    This emotion was clearly¡­ abnormal.


    Just like Lan Yao back then.


    His thoughts had been changed, affecting his emotions and messing up his karma. He had become a sentient puppet with emotions!


    If Xu Qing was here, he would definitely be able to tell that this middle-aged cultivator¡¯s karma thread was a mess by relying on his erase authority and the power of the scissors.


    Those threads weaved together, outlining a human face.


    It was Yue Dong¡¯s face.


    And this was Yue Dong fishing!


    Xu Qing and Erniu used Feng Lintao as bait to get rid of Lan Yao.


    As for Yue Dong, she used Feng Lintao¡¯s clone as bait to fish for Feng Lintao¡¯s origin soul!

 Chapter 1471 - Turning Advantage Into Weakness

    Turning Advantage Into Weakness


    Translator: Atlas Studios | Editor: Atlas Studios


    Feng Lintao was very smart. He used the human race and the holy land to fake


    his death and escape.


    He was also very cautious. After he faked his death, he faked his death again to


    cut off all traces.


    However, he¡­ was in a tragic state.


    He was Xu Qing and Erniu¡¯s bait and the fish Yue Dong wanted to catch.


    He possessed both the identity of a bait and a fish. It had to be said that this was quite a fate.


    At that moment, with his double identity, he was speeding through the land of


    the Gray Sea Region. His target was the Northern Wanggu.


    He wanted to take advantage of the fact that Wanggu was at war with the holy lands and advance secretly. He wanted to enter the icy plain in the Northern Wanggu and cultivate the inheritance of the Liaoxuan Great Emperor m the endless cold.


    Feng Lintao believed that with his aptitude and his preparations, the possibility of success was very high.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that I obtained too little of the liaoxuan holy liquid; otherwise, my chances of success would have reached more than seventy percent!¡±


    Feng Lintao drew in a deep breath and sped into the distance at full speed.


    Several days later, he bypassed the Grand Imperial Capital Region of the human race from the edge of the Gray Sea Region and prepared to pass through the Flame Moon and leave the Eastern Regions.


    Although he encountered some bizarre entities due to the chaos of the war, he


    carefully resolved them one by one.


    He cared a lot about his current body. In addition, he had confirmed that he was safe now, so he no longer used fatal methods to probe like before.


    Xu Qing and Erniu, who were hiding in the sky, finally felt that things had become smoother.


    Previously, after Feng Lintao faked his death for the second time, they locked onto his location again and chased after him at full speed. Now that they saw that Feng Lintao was starting to cherish himself, Erniu revealed a satisfied smile.


    ¡°Little Feng really makes one worry.¡±


    ¡°isn¡¯t it good to be a good bait? Why does he struggle so much? Shouldn¡¯t he consider how we fishermen feel?!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I say Feng Lintao is much inferior to the two of us. When the two


    of us were bait, we were so obedient!¡±


    Erniu glanced at Feng Lintao who was shuttling through the jungle below and


    spoke to Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing glanced at Erniu and thought of Erniu¡¯s words on the outer sea. In comparison, he felt Feng Lintao was actually still alright. At the very least¡­ he wouldn¡¯t attract those terrifying gods and the behemoth that devoured them in one gulp.


    However, considering that Eldest Senior Brother¡¯s interest was currently very strong, Xu Qing didn¡¯t say anything. The two of them followed from afar, waiting for the fish to appear.


    Just like that, another five days passed.


    There was a major change in Feng Lintao¡¯s matter.


    On the Demon Feather Holy Land¡¯s side, the bounty that had been canceled because they had successfully assassinated Feng Lintao was revealed again!


    As the wanted poster was released, there were also decrees from the Demon Feather Holy Land!


    They announced to the public that the Heavenly King Feather Fiend of the human race, the traitor of the holy land, hadn¡¯t really died but had faked his death to escape!


    As soon as this news spread, it immediately caused a commotion in the Eastern


    Wanggu.


    Feng Lintao¡¯s previous reputation was already illustrious under the push of the human race. His death even incited the anger of the human race.


    And now¡­ the holy land actually announced that Feng Lintao had faked his death!


    This matter was bizarre.


    The unrelated forces couldn¡¯t tell if it was true or false.


    However, as the wanted poster was released, the rewards listed were enough to


    tempt many cultivators.


    The rewards included Ruler¡¯s fortune!


    Moreover, regardless of Wanggu races or the holy lands, anyone who killed


    Feng Lintao could obtain the rewards.


    Hence, the spies from the holy lands who were hiding moved out one after another to search for Feng Lintao.


    As for Wanggu¡¯s side, their thoughts were in turmoil, but on the surface, they all revealed indignation. They also spread out their men, as though they wanted to stop the tragedy.


    However, only they knew what their true plans were.


    The human race also displayed indignation and began to investigate this matter.


    Just like that, as the war outside the array formation continued to erupt, various parties in the array formation began to frequently search for Feng


    Lintao.


    The one who suffered the most was naturally the person involved.


    Feng Lintao¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He felt an intense sense of uneasiness and became increasingly cautious on this trip.


    Xu Qing and Erniu also had their own thoughts after hearing this news, and looked at each other.


    Xu Qing and Erniu also had their own thoughts after hearing this news. In the


    end, their gazes met.


    Xu Qing slowly asked.


    Erniu licked his lips as a blue glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°Interesting. There must be a deeper meaning for the Demon Feather Holy Land to announce this at this time¡­ I wonder if it¡¯s Lan Yao¡¯s doing or the holy land¡¯s own decision.¡±


    -Are they really going to kill Feng Lintao, or¡­ are they intentionally startling


    the enemy??¡±


    Xu Qing looked at Feng Lintao, who was advancing stealthily in the mountain range below. He narrowed his eyes and calmly spoke.


    ¡°When I caught snakes as a child, I would hit the grass because snakes hidden in the grass are hard to catch. Only by startling the snake out of the grass can you catch it.¡±


    Erniu fell into deep thought.


    ¡°But there¡¯s still one thing 1 don¡¯t understand. The Demon Feather Holy Land could have carried this out in secret. Why create such a huge commotion?¡±


    ¡°Little Qing, let¡¯s analyze this. 1 feel that something is amiss here.¡±


    Erniu frowned.


    Xu Qing thought about it and looked at Erniu.


    ¡°Senior Brother, let me put myself in Feng Lintao¡¯s shoes and think about this matter. If I were Feng Lintao, what would I do in the face of such a situation¡­ ¡°1¡¯11 be worried that there are other problems here. Rather than being chased like this, it¡¯s better to find an opportunity and fake my death again in front of everyone. Even though this has been done several times, it will take time to verify it. What 1 need is time.¡±


    When Erniu heard Xu Qing¡¯s words, his eyes lit up, revealing a look of


    understanding.


    ¡°That makes sense. In that case, is it possible that the Demon Feather Holy Land wants Feng Lintao to make such a choice? With Feng Lintao¡¯s paranoid personality, he will definitely react to their action of startling the snake!¡±


    ¡°If this is the case, then what¡¯s the holy land¡¯s goal in wanting Feng Lintao to fake his death¡­¡±


    Before Erniu could finish speaking, he suddenly looked at Xu Qing. The two of them looked at each other and already had an answer in their minds.


    ¡°Feng Lintao still has a third clone! Moreover, there¡¯s a high chance that this third clone has already been found by the holy land or Yue Dong or Lan Yao.¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s voice was low.


    ¡°Exactly. So, the holy land or Lan Yao and Yue Dong want Feng Lintao dead.


    Once he dies, the third clone will instantly fall under their control!¡±


    ¡°This is taking advantage of Feng Lintao¡¯s paranoia!


    ¡°The more suspicious he is, the harder it will be for him to see through this trap!¡±


    -There will be countless doubts in his heart and he won¡¯t be willing to let such a situation that has gone out of control keep appearing. He will definitely think of a way to try to take the initiative, so I¡¯m certain that he will reveal himself and not hide forever.¡±


    ¡°Because he¡¯s worried!¡±


    The two of them suddenly felt enlightened and began the follow-up arrangements in advance.


    As for Feng Lintao, his paranoia was already engraved in his bones. In the next few days, his whereabouts became even more concealed and his speed slowed down by a lot.


    Clearly, his paranoia had begun to take effect. Any point of doubt would be magnified and thoroughly investigated by him.


    The more he investigated, the more suspicious points he found¡­


    Finally, on the sixth day, under the attention of Xu Qing and Erniu, Feng Lintao seemed to have made a decision. He could clearly continue to choose to hide but in the face of the increasing search range from all sides, he chose to expose his whereabouts!


    Of course, the method of exposing himself was very ingenious. He looked like


    he had been schemed against.


    The moment he was exposed, he fled crazily and tried to hide his tracks many times. However, it was clearly too late. His whereabouts were instantly spread out, causing the pursuit to continue to heat up in the territory of the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race.


    This pursuit went on for eleven days¡­ In the Flame Moon Mystic Heaven Race¡¯s territory near the boundary of Southern Wanggu, Feng Lintao, who had fled all the way here as though he wanted to step into the southern territories, was finally stopped.


    It was as though he was at his wits¡¯ end and was enveloped by despair. Feng Lintao fell into madness and struggled to escape with his life. However, everything was already set in stone.


    Even though he counterattacked and killed many of the pursuers, he was still killed by the spies from the holy lands in the end!


    Feng Lintao died again!


    Almost at the instant he died, in the cave in Liaoxuan County, the red light on the forehead of the third clone of Feng Lintao that was hidden here was almost completely extinguished.


    However, at the next instant, it shone brightly.


    After that, Feng Lintao¡¯s third body opened its eyes.


    However, the instant he opened his eyes, his expression changed drastically. His body swayed back and he was about to escape. However, with a cold snort, the middle-aged cultivator who had been waiting here for a long time clenched his fist.


    immediately, the cave rumbled. The arrangements made here that isolated perception and prevented him from dying to escape again were activated one after another. At the same time, a huge force erupted around Feng Lintao, who had just woken up. After it gathered, it directly bound him.


    There was also a suction force, causing Feng Lintao¡¯s body to head straight for the middle-aged cultivator.


    In an instant, the middle-aged cultivator grabbed his neck with hatred in his eyes.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Feng, you¡¯re finally here.¡±


    Feng Lintao¡¯s face was pale as he stared fixedly at the unfamiliar middle-aged man in front of him. He was certain that he had never seen the other party before but he felt a sense of familiarity from this person.


    That was the same hateful gaze as Lan Yao and a tone that was similar to Yue Dong¡¯s!


    He wanted to speak but the palm on his neck was like an iron clamp, causing him to be unable to make a sound. Moreover, the cultivation base in his body had been completely sealed. At this moment, only death enveloped his mind.


    He instantly understood everything. He knew why the Demon Feather Holy Land had announced that he wasn¡¯t dead and also knew that he had miscalculated!


    ¡°Your paranoia is your strength but also your weakness.


    The middle-aged cultivator spoke coldly. He carried Feng Lintao and left this place in an instant. When he reappeared, he was already in the outside world, speeding into the distance.


    At that moment, the sun was setting. The afterglow scattered on the former territory of the Liaoxuan County.


    The middle-aged cultivator¡¯s figure moved further and further away m the afterglow.


    However, he didn¡¯t sense that the Feng Lintao in his hand was emitting invisible threads. These threads represented karma, origin, and fate.


    They guided the way and drifted very far away, landing in front of Xu Qing and Erniu, who were rushing over.


    After being grabbed by Erniu who was using the ruthless dao of tracing the origin, his eyes revealed a strange glint.


    ¡°The fish has finally taken the bait!¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s right eye flickered with the dao mark of authority. He stared at these threads and then looked into the distance, calmly speaking.


    ¡°The other party is also very cautious. It¡¯s just a small fish.¡±


    ¡°However, if we follow this fish, we¡¯ll definitely be able to find the owner.¡± Erniu smiled. After augmenting his perception of the origin threads, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°Little Qing, why do you think Lan Yao and Yue Dong are spending so much effort on Feng Lintao? Does this guy have some treasures that we don¡¯t know about?¡±


    Erniu narrowed his eyes and licked his lips.

 Chapter 1472 - So Obedient

    so obedient


    translator: atlas studios


    editor: atlas studios


    ¡°we¡¯ll know what treasures or secrets feng lintao has after asking. if he doesn¡¯t tell us, we can just ask lan yao and yue dong.¡±


    the dao mark in xu qing¡¯s right eye flickered as he stared into the distance and calmly spoke.


    erniu chuckled, his eyes filled with anticipation. he sped up with xu qing and maintained their concealment as they continued to speed.


    just like that, another few days passed.


    during these few days, the middle-aged cultivator who had captured feng lintao was extremely cautious. he kept changing directions and was vigilant of his surroundings.


    in the end, he passed feng lintao to an ordinary-looking old man in a small city.


    after that, he left on his own. the face of yue dong that was intertwined in the threads of his fate also rapidly dissipated, allowing his fate to return to normal, but he would lose this memory forever.


    as for the old man, he left the small city in another direction like a relay and continued forward.


    this happened five times in the following half a month.


    every relay point was filled with different people. the former would leave while the latter would continue.


    moreover, their races were different. there were humans and even people from the flame moon mystic heaven race.


    they used this method to cut off all traces.


    this caused the pursuers who might exist to lose the karma.


    however, erniu¡¯s ruthless dao of great five bulls tracing the origin was created in his previous life to scheme against the gods. it could even lock onto the body of a ruler and its level was extremely high. hence, no matter how yue dong¡¯s people changed, erniu¡¯s lock on feng lintao was still there.


    it couldn¡¯t be broken by yue dong.


    during this process, xu qing and erniu finally caught up to feng lintao. they also witnessed these strange exchanges. erniu¡¯s gaze flickered slightly while xu qing narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°little qing, those people¡­ something¡¯s wrong. they can¡¯t all be devil feather¡¯s spies, right?¡±


    erniu suddenly spoke. he didn¡¯t have an authority. although he could sense feng lintao¡¯s fate threads with his dao of tracing the origin, he couldn¡¯t see the fate of those whose emotions were controlled by yue dong.


    however, it was clear in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    the dao mark in his right eye flickered. after staring at the people, a hint of solemnity appeared on his face as he saw the reason.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, these people¡¯s karma and fate threads are weaving yue dong¡¯s face¡­¡±


    when erniu heard this, his eyes revealed a strange glint.


    ¡°weaving the threads of fate into a face¡­ this is clearly some kind of puppetry technique. could it be that between lan yao and yue dong, yue dong is the mastermind?¡±


    xu qing recalled the scenes in the golden rat cave with lan yao and yue dong back then and wasn¡¯t very sure. he only remembered that lan yao¡¯s hatred for feng lintao was extremely intense.


    ¡°after the fish takes the bait, 1¡¯11 see if there¡¯s a similar face in lan yao¡¯s fate.¡±


    as xu qing spoke, he strode forward in the sky and followed the cultivator who had captured feng lintao.


    snow started falling from the sky.


    in fact, if one looked at it from above, the black land was covered in white snow. the further north they went, the thicker the snow and ice became.


    at that moment, the person holding feng lintao was a middle-aged beautiful woman. this person clearly had some status in the nearby area, so her journey was even smoother.


    although this area also belonged to the flame moon mystic heaven, it was very close to the border of the northern wanggu.


    the territory of the flame moon mystic heaven race formed a long strip, with its edges connecting to the north and extending down to liaoxuan in the south.


    hence, there was no need for any teleportation to head to the north from this location.


    as they moved forward, the middle-aged woman¡¯s speed became faster. moreover, she seemed to have a clear target, as though this fishing trip was about to come to an end.


    this was indeed the case.


    three days later, on a snowy mountain, the middle-aged woman stopped.


    at the top of the mountain, she knelt down and lowered her head without saying a word.


    feng lintao¡¯s eyes were tightly closed as he was carried like a corpse. at that moment, even though the middle-aged woman was kneeling and he was placed to the side, he was still unconscious.


    the surroundings were relatively quiet. only the howling wind blew over from the horizon, stirring up waves of white snow that blended with the new snow that was blowing from the sky.


    a long time later¡­ a blurry figure appeared in the wind and snow.


    it was a woman.


    her graceful figure was adorned in a star-studded long dress. with a delicate face resembling a hibiscus flower, her smooth, jet-black hair flowed like water, trailing behind her and intertwining with the falling snow as she walked.


    what caught the most attention was her slender waist, graceful like a willow branch.


    her long jade legs were faintly visible beneath the dress, adding to her allure.


    she was lan yao!


    lan yao¡¯s figure possessed both the slenderness of a young girl and the allure of a mature woman. this combination gave her an enchanting charm that was captivating and soul-stirring.


    especially with the white wings on her back, lan yao exuded an aura of purity, adding a touch of sanctity to her slender and alluring figure.


    at that moment, she arrived from the wind and snow and walked to the snow mountain, standing in front of the middle-aged woman.


    ¡°greetings, fellow daoist lan. i didn¡¯t let you and miss yue dong down. i¡¯ve brought this damn feng lintao over.¡±


    the middle-aged woman took a deep breath and respectfully spoke.


    lan yao nodded. her gaze landed on the unconscious feng lintao at the side and her beautiful eyes revealed incomparable hatred. she raised her jade-like hand and pointed down.


    at the next instant, feng lintao¡¯s body trembled and his eyes slowly opened, revealing confusion.


    it was as though everything in front of him was illusory as though he had just woken up. however, in reality, he was having endless thoughts in his mind, analyzing one method after another to face such a situation.


    confusion was only on the surface.


    however, it was obvious that lan yao knew him too well. before feng lintao could speak, she had already waved her jade-like hand. immediately, feng lintao¡¯s face distorted and he couldn¡¯t help but let out a heart-rending wail.


    the veins on his face bulged and his body trembled violently, as though his soul¡­ was being extracted.


    ¡°lan yao, wake up!!¡±


    ¡°didn¡¯t you realize that your personality has changed since we first met?¡±


    ¡°during the time i was chased by you and yue dong, i reviewed the past many times. i realized that¡­ there¡¯s something wrong with yue dong!¡±


    ¡°lan yao¡­ you¡­¡±


    as feng lintao wailed, he shouted, trying to wake lan yao up.


    however, lan yao was unmoved. she was still extracting his soul.


    very soon, despair appeared in feng lintao¡¯s eyes. overlapping shadows appeared on his body and his soul seemed like it was about to be grabbed out.


    at this critical moment, feng lintao used his last bit of strength to cry out for help.


    ¡°your majesty, save me!¡±


    ¡°your majesty, i guessed that the assassination attempt in the human race must have been tacitly approved by you. there¡¯s a high chance that your goal is to use me to fish¡­ your majesty, lan yao and yue dong hate me to the core. save me!¡±


    lan yao raised her head and stared at her surroundings.


    the sky was as usual, the wind and snow were as usual. nothing had changed.


    upon seeing this, the despair in feng lintao¡¯s heart grew even more intense. actually, he wasn¡¯t very sure if the empress was around, but now, in hindsight, as he recalled his journey, he had a vague premonition that he might have been used as bait.


    as his soul was being torn apart and half of it was extracted, feng lintao threw caution to the wind.


    ¡°i have the inheritance of the liaoxuan holy ancestor on me!! that¡¯s the inheritance of a great emperor. back then, my liaoxuan holy ancestor was only a step away from the summer immortal!¡±


    ¡°your majesty, this inheritance of mine is the reason i am being targeted by lan yao and yue dong. i¡¯m willing to offer it to the human race. this inheritance is very useful to the human race!!¡±


    however, there were still no changes in the surroundings. only the wind and snow became heavier.


    with a whoosh, feng lintao¡¯s soul was finally extracted by lan yao.


    as his soul was taken out, feng lintao¡¯s body turned into ashes that were blown away by the wind.


    ¡°lan yao, wake up. you¡¯re under yue dong¡¯s control!¡±


    ¡°lan yao!!!¡±


    feng lintao¡¯s soul trembled. the instant he was grabbed by lan yao, he let out his final cry in despair.


    however, during this cry, he secretly risked the exhaustion of his soul and used a secret art to form a soul spike.


    it suddenly erupted and pierced into lan yao¡¯s forehead.


    this soul spike¡¯s full name was the liaoxuan soul agitation technique!


    once it was activated, it could cause the soul of the target to be in chaos and lose control.


    hence, in that instant, lan yao¡¯s body trembled and a hint of confusion appeared in her eyes. her grip on feng lintao¡¯s soul relaxed slightly.


    in the blink of an eye, feng lintao¡¯s soul retreated.


    in fact, for feng lintao, calling for the humans was the best outcome if it succeeded. if it failed, he could also turn this action into a display of his desperate struggle.


    from there, he could ambush with his soul spike.


    at this moment, it erupted unexpectedly.


    however, the instant feng lintao¡¯s soul sped into the distance, lan yao¡¯s eyes turned bloodshot. she raised her head and stared fixedly into the distance, saying her first words since she arrived!


    ¡°you are courting death!¡±


    after saying this, regret immediately rose in her heart. this was because before she arrived, she had received yue dong¡¯s request that she couldn¡¯t say a word after she appeared.


    not a single sound.


    originally, she would have completely complied. however, feng lintao¡¯s soul spike still had its effect, causing her soul to tremble and the threads of fate to blur for a moment.


    the four words that came out of her mouth were spoken during that instant of relaxation.


    she couldn¡¯t care less right now. she raised her hand and wanted to grab feng lintao.


    however, at this moment, a calm voice echoed from the horizon.


    ¡°you¡¯ve finally spoken.¡±


    these words directly exploded in all directions, causing the whistling of the wind and snow here to form a storm that appeared out of thin air, instantly enveloping lan yao¡¯s figure.


    lan yao¡¯s expression changed. immediately after, she saw a familiar figure walking over from the storm.


    he wore a long robe and had long hair. his peerlessly beautiful face made the storm into a backdrop.


    he was xu qing.


    the instant she saw xu qing, lan yao¡¯s actions were extremely decisive. she immediately closed her eyes and her body rapidly withered. in an instant, her body directly turned into ashes.


    this was only her clone!


    at that moment, as the clone self-destructed, a storm swept past.


    however, xu qing¡¯s expression was calm. earlier, when he sensed that the other party hadn¡¯t said a word after appearing, he already felt that something was wrong. presumably, the other party had obtained information about him. she knew that she couldn¡¯t make any sound.


    hence, he didn¡¯t appear.


    it was only when lan yao said those four words that he walked out.


    now, even though the other party was only a clone and her confidence had dissipated, to xu qing, as long as he heard her voice, her main body¡­ wouldn¡¯t be able to hide.


    xu qing raised his head and his divine consciousness spread out along with the divine authority of sound.


    he followed the other party¡¯s words, borrowed the wind, borrowed all things, borrowed all sounds¡­ and began his search!


    on the horizon, feng lintao, who was fleeing at full speed, had a drastic change in his expression. after that, he hurriedly revealed a fawning expression and quickly spoke to his side.


    ¡°is fellow daoist erniu beside me? i guessed from the start that you guys were going to fish, so 1 cooperated with all my might. i spared no expense and died many times and used all my tricks to help you catch this fish¡­¡±


    as feng lintao spoke, erniu¡¯s figure walked out from the distortion in the void and stood in front of feng lintao with a spurious smile.


    ¡°so obedient..¡±

 Chapter 1473 - Immortal Art: Sixth Thieves Delusions

    immortal art: sixth thieves delusions


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    xu qing¡¯s expression was calm. he stood in the storm and raised his right hand, grabbing gently at the place where lan yao had disappeared.


    he grasped the void there, retrieving the traces from that place, and gathering the sounds that had once emerged from that area.


    this process required a higher level of mastery of the divine authority of sound.


    although xu qing¡¯s divine authority of sound had absorbed the musician of the sun¡¯s authority and also snatched away the authority of the spirit sound forbidden region¡¯s lord, it still hadn¡¯t reached the level where he could plunder sound from time.


    however, he had the sundial!


    the world rumbled and the phantom of the sundial appeared where lan yao had disappeared. the sundial spun, reversing time in that small area.


    this lasted until lan yao¡¯s figure appeared again and the only thing she said echoed again.


    ¡°you are courting death!¡±


    the moment these four words appeared again, xu qing grabbed them.


    after that, the sundial blurred and everything recovered. however, in xu qing¡¯s divine consciousness, these words became a mark.


    he sent them into the divine authority¡­


    at that moment, feng lintao¡¯s voice and the howling of the wind landed in xu qing¡¯s ears.


    there was also eldest senior brother¡¯s strange voice, as well as the sound of snow falling from the sky¡­


    there were also the sounds of everything on this snowy plain, including mutated beasts and cultivators. all of them appeared in xu qing¡¯s divine consciousness at this instant.


    after that, he used the mark of this sound and the authority of the sound to inquire.


    he asked the wind, where could this sound be heard?


    he asked all things, where did this sound exist?


    he asked the heavens, where did it have memory of this sound?


    he asked the earth, where did this sound trace?


    the wind blowing across vast distances revealed where it could be heard.


    all things infinite informed where the sound had traveled.


    the sky informed where memories of it lingered.


    ultimately, the earth and snow conveyed its trace¡­ in the north!


    countless scenes, countless sounds, the mountains and rivers of the world, the wind and snow flashed past xu qing¡¯s mind until he located an ice mountain!


    the surroundings of the ice mountain were hazy and there was a cave in the mountain. lan yao and yue dong were sitting cross-legged there.


    almost at the instant xu qing locked onto her, lan yao¡¯s body trembled. yue dong¡¯s eyes suddenly opened and her expression changed. she quickly performed a series of hand seals and pointed.


    immediately, an emotional fluctuation rose in xu qing¡¯s heart, messing up his thoughts, disturbing his sound authority, and shaking his mind.


    his sense was instantly cut off.


    however, it was still a step too late. this was because xu qing could hear¡­ lan yao¡¯s heartbeat from this locked-on scene.


    this sound combined with the mark from before.


    it was enough.


    ¡°found them.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke. he then raised his right hand and grabbed at erniu.


    erniu chuckled and similarly grabbed the trembling soul of feng lintao.


    after that, two people and one soul instantly disappeared.


    they were enveloped by xu qing¡¯s divine authority of sound and fused into the void, into all sounds.


    wherever there was a sound, it would be their warping point.


    hence, in an instant¡­ xu qing, erniu, and feng lintao¡¯s soul crossed an endless range and appeared at the border between the flame moon mystic heaven race and the northern wanggu.


    the snowy storm there was even heavier. the ground was no longer covered in snow mountains but ice peaks.


    the cold intent was sharp, as though even life was about to be sealed here.


    in these ice peaks, one of them suddenly collapsed and shattered into pieces. two figures rapidly flew out with solemn expressions as they sped into the distance.


    they were lan yao and yue dong.


    behind them, on the collapsed ice peak, xu qing took a step forward and headed straight for the two women.


    he appeared in lan yao¡¯s heartbeat and landed on the ice peak.


    he saw lan yao and yue dong.


    lan yao was still the same, other than looking more panicked.


    as for yue dong, her figure became even more graceful in the wind and snow. the silver wings on her back reflected the snow.


    her skin was fair and flawless, like jade. with the black robe embroidered with gold on her body, she looked like a fairy from a painting, ethereal and misty.


    with brows like distant mountains, delicate and slender, her eyes were clear and bright.


    however, what flowed in her watery eyes wasn¡¯t a calm glint but a hint of darkness.


    it had to be said that the two women¡¯s appearances were both peerlessly beautiful. if they had been seen by someone lustful, they might have felt a peculiar sensation upon just one glance.


    however¡­ although they were beautiful, in xu qing¡¯s understanding, beauty and ugliness weren¡¯t important. in his eyes, people could only be divided into friends or enemies.


    these two were enemies.


    hence, the instant he appeared, xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. his entire body shone and a large sun rose in his sea of consciousness. his entire person was like a sun, emitting endless light and heat that swept up a terrifying pressure as he approached the two women.


    at this critical moment, lan yao¡¯s face was pale but the dark glint in yue dong¡¯s eyes was even more dazzling. she performed a series of hand seals with both hands and quickly pointed at xu qing.


    with this gesture, yue dong¡¯s ability was finally completely revealed to xu qing-


    that was a technique that used emotions to fluctuate the target¡¯s fate!


    to a certain extent, this was actually a type of authority power and it was very special.


    at that moment, after it erupted from yue dong, xu qing was the first to bear the brunt. his emotions instantly fluctuated, as though a hand had reached into his emotions, shocking him, scaring him, saddening him, and instantly stirring up his despair.


    it was like a huge wave that wanted to drown everything.


    what was even more astonishing was that there was anger in it!


    this anger was like a starting point.


    it was anger shared with yue dong, originating from yue dong.


    using this as a gap, it wanted to break into xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness!


    once it broke in, xu qing¡¯s inner world would be imprinted with yue dong¡¯s thoughts. his threads of fate would also weave yue dong¡¯s face.


    it was the same as being parasitized.


    if it was before xu qing fought against transient evil, it would definitely be difficult for him to deal with yue dong¡¯s ability. he would have to deal with it from many aspects and try to neutralize it.


    it was really hard to guard against yue dong¡¯s method.


    moreover, it was extremely difficult to deal with.


    however, now¡­ xu qing¡¯s erase authority was the nemesis of yue dong¡¯s ability!


    at the next instant, xu qing¡¯s right eye suddenly flickered with the erase authority. it was as though an invisible large hand had transformed into the power of laws that surpassed the rules and laws, wiping out everything!


    erase all the fluctuations in his emotions!


    at the same time that his body instantly recovered, an ancient pair of scissors appeared above xu qing¡¯s head.


    it was made of bronze and emitted a primitive aura. it was covered in rust, as though it had experienced the baptism of time.


    as for the tip of the scissors¡­ they were pointed at yue dong!


    it ruthlessly cut toward yue dong.


    a cracking sound echoed in this icy plain.


    it cut through emotions, fate, and all the threads.


    it was as though a gust of wind swept past, causing the ice peaks to tremble one after another.


    he broke yue dong¡¯s spell.


    yue dong¡¯s entire body trembled and her eyes turned bloodshot. after her spell was broken, she suffered an even greater backlash. her internal organs churned and she spat out a mouthful of blood.


    her expression was gloomy as she grabbed lan yao¡¯s arm and retreated at full speed.


    as she retreated, her body shone with the light of teleportation, as though she wanted to escape.


    however, at this moment¡­ in the void behind her, the figure of erniu silently appeared from hiding. he licked his lips and suddenly erupted.


    erniu¡¯s eruption shook the wind and snow in all directions, controlling all the coldness here.


    at this moment, cracking sounds came from the sky. it was actually frozen.


    even the void froze.


    only erniu¡¯s entire body shone with blue light and countless sinister overlapping faces appeared in his eyes. his chest split open and a blue skeletal hand stretched out. it emitted coldness, greed, and madness as it grabbed at yue dong and lan yao.


    xu qing also walked over at this instant.


    the two of them were about to deal fatal blows one after another.


    however, at that moment, the rune on yue dong¡¯s forehead shone. xu qing had seen that rune before. it was the great emperor array mark that yue dong had displayed when she tried to seal feng lintao back then.


    this imprint flashed on her body and transformed into layers of fluctuations that rapidly covered her entire body like flowing water.


    it also spread out with her as the center, forming a protective barrier.


    it tried to block the resistance that came from xu qing and erniu.


    a rumbling sound instantly shook the heavens.


    erniu¡¯s gaze flickered. his body retreated rapidly under the counterattack but he forcefully distorted it and rushed over again, continuing to bombard the array formation.


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. although he also stopped in his tracks and his body seemed to be swept away by a violent wind, he took a few steps back. however, at the next instant, his figure disappeared and fused into the sound, appearing above yue dong¡¯s array formation. the great sun shone and suppressed down.


    a deafening sound spread in all directions.


    that great emperor¡¯s array formation wasn¡¯t ordinary and actually blocked all of xu qing and erniu¡¯s attacks. however, it was obvious that this array formation couldn¡¯t last long and yue dong, who was inside, couldn¡¯t last long either.


    at that moment, her entire body trembled violently and she spat out another mouthful of blood. her originally beautiful face now became sinister.


    although this array formation was her defense, it had also become her cage!


    facing xu qing and erniu¡¯s attacks, one could imagine that the moment the array formation disappeared, it would be the moment of her life and death.


    at this critical moment, yue dong¡¯s expression was ugly. after her cold gaze swept past xu qing and erniu, she suddenly raised her right hand and pressed it fiercely against the ground.


    with this push, the glacier outside the array formation shattered.


    one figure after another rushed out from under the cracked ice.


    these figures were experts from the flame moon subsidiary races. at that moment, all of their eyes revealed hatred and anger. in their fate threads, yue dong¡¯s face could be seen.


    they were all yue dong¡¯s emotion puppets.


    the moment they appeared, they didn¡¯t fear death and crazily rushed toward xu qing and erniu.


    it wasn¡¯t a fight but¡­ self-destruction!


    yue dong relied on self-destruction of these puppets to stall the two of them.


    at the same time, yue dong sat down cross-legged and controlled lan yao to sit opposite her. she pressed her hand on lan yao¡¯s forehead, as though she was extracting something.


    lan yao¡¯s entire body trembled and her expression was filled with pain.


    however, yue dong¡¯s aura rose, and there were dao marks rapidly forming in her eyes.


    as for the outside world, as those puppets rushed out and self-destructed, rumbling sounds shook the world. the sky rippled and the ground shattered even more. countless cold air was swept up by the storm, causing this place to be a blur.


    however, although there were many self-destructions and their might wasn¡¯t weak, they were clearly not enough to completely stop xu qing and erniu.


    this was especially so for xu qing. the impact of these self-destructions on his body was negligible. his body emitted light and heat in the air, ignoring everything as he blasted toward the array formation where yue dong was again.


    as the array formation fluctuated intensely, yue dong, who was inside, stared fixedly at xu qing and said her first words since the battle.


    ¡°people can¡¯t live long because of the delusions of the six thieves?. the eyes see wrong, the ears hear wrong, the nose smells wrong, the mouth tastes wrong, the body moves wrong, and the mind thinks wrong, ultimately unable to return to the true essence.¡±


    ¡°this is the source of the seven emotions and six desires, hence the forbidden art of the immortals!¡±


    yue dong¡¯s voice was low. the moment she spoke, her entire body emitted a seven-colored light that transformed into a seven-colored storm that swept through the world.


    ¡°today, disciple yue dong will use this technique to strip these two individuals of their six desires, detach them from their seven emotions, and make them my puppets!¡±


    ¡°lan yao, the daughter of the great emperor¡¯s bloodline, will bear the backlash of karma and fate alone!¡±


    ¡°immortal art: six thieves delusions!¡±


    yue dong abruptly raised her head. she used a forbidden art to control xu qing and erniu here!

 Chapter 1474 - Chapter 1474: Great Emperor’s Disciple

    chapter 1474: great emperor¡¯s disciple


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    immortal arts were created during the ancient sovereign mystic nether era by a human great emperor who combined ancient spells.


    during that period, which was a critical moment in the ancient sovereign mystic nether¡¯s conquest of all races, the spread of immortal arts among the allies of the human race played a significant role. these races made great contributions to the ancient sovereign mystic nether¡¯s unification of wanggu.


    however, the price was extremely high.


    those who used immortal arts suffered varying degrees of side effects according to the level of the immortal art.


    in light cases, their vitality would be depleted; for the severe, it shattered their foundation.


    therefore, after wanggu was unified, the immortal arts were bound in the immortal art pavilions and sealed as forbidden arts.


    however, with the arrival of the fragmented-face and the departure of the ancient sovereign mystic nether and the emperors of the various races at that time, the immortal arts were also taken away by the various races and circulated in their respective holy lands.


    however, those who had the qualifications to learn them were extremely rare.


    this was especially so for some immortal arts that emphasized on single lineage. often, after the next generation mastered them, the previous generation would suddenly die. these arts were extremely vicious.


    the six thieves delusions that yue dong cast was one of these types!


    the instant she activated the immortal art and the seven-colored light on her body transformed into a sea of light that shone in all directions, xu qing and erniu, who were bombarding the great emperor¡¯s barrier, felt their minds stir.


    this disturbance was entirely triggered by external forces, causing ripples in their thoughts and spreading throughout their bodies.


    irresistible, unstoppable!


    yue dong looked up, gazing at xu qing and erniu. at the moment when their heartstrings were stirred, she raised her jade-like hand and first pointed toward¡­ xu qing!


    ¡°strip the six desires and separate the seven emotions!¡±


    clearly, in her opinion, the pressure xu qing gave her was the most fatal.


    almost at the instant her finger landed, the seven-colored sea of light that erupted from her body rushed out of the great emperor¡¯s array formation, changing the color of the sky and spreading to the ice plains.


    this caused the entire world to be dyed with multiple colors.


    xu qing, who was covered in light, instantly had colorful threads appear on his body. these threads were illusory and represented his seven emotions and six desires.


    at that moment, it was as though they were being forcefully extracted. the threads rapidly spread out from his body and gathered together, wanting to form yue dong¡¯s face.


    however¡­ although xu qing¡¯s emotions and his heartstrings were in turmoil, his expression became somewhat strange.


    as the seven emotions and six desires were continuously extracted, his aura became stronger and stronger!


    finally, when the threads of emotions and desires on his body were all extracted, the strangeness on his face disappeared.


    his entire person became extremely cold and his aura was even more soul-stirring, causing the sky to change color and inexplicable rumbling sounds to ring out from the void in all directions.


    it was as though not only was yue dong¡¯s immortal art ineffective, but it even augmented xu qing!


    in reality, the immortal art wasn¡¯t useless.


    it indeed had an effect on xu qing.


    it peeled off xu qing¡¯s six desires and separated his seven emotions.


    however, these were the aspects of human nature!


    xu qing¡¯s uniqueness caused the divinity to appear on his body after his human nature was stripped away.


    ¡°interesting.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    he had experienced such a thing several times, so he didn¡¯t feel any discomfort because of the temporary loss of human nature.


    hence, he allowed yue dong to strip them away.


    this was because the moment divinity took over, xu qing would be at his strongest!


    at that moment, as human nature left and divinity spread, xu qing, who was standing there, emitted absolute rationality and absolute coldness.


    his aura seemed to have fused with the coldness of the entire ice plain.


    at this moment, in xu qing¡¯s eyes, be it life or all things, everything was pale and unimportant.


    the shadow on the ground trembled slightly. what it was most afraid of was xu qing in such a state.


    even the holy heavenly vine felt nervous.


    xu qing, who was dominated by divinity, was extremely terrifying.


    he calmly glanced at yue dong, who was protected by the great emperor¡¯s array formation. he then pointed at the sky.


    at the next instant, the sky rumbled.


    a vast pagoda suddenly appeared in the sky.


    it was xu qing¡¯s holy heaven pagoda.


    as soon as this pagoda appeared, it moved toward the ground extremely fast and smashed into the great emperor¡¯s protective array.


    the world rumbled and a deafening sound soared into the sky.


    the icy ground shattered layer by layer and rolled in all directions.


    xu qing took a step forward. as he transformed into the sun and burned, the divine authority of misfortune, sound, and purple moon erupted.


    after gathering together, they landed on the array formation.


    there was also the terrifying power of the divine source that swept out like a tsunami.


    the most terrifying thing was that after xu qing displayed everything, he actually used his body as a weapon and directly collided with the array formation.


    immediately, the array formation trembled intensely and yue dong¡¯s expression changed drastically.


    she stared at xu qing as her heart churned.


    she didn¡¯t expect such an outcome!


    at the end of the day, her understanding of xu qing was still not enough!


    seeing that under her immortal art, the aura on xu qing¡¯s body became increasingly cold and there were no emotions in the way he looked at her at all, and his attacks were even more soul-stirring, the trembling in yue dong¡¯s heart became even more intense.


    at the same time, mocking laughter rang out from erniu.


    ¡°my junior brother cultivates both immortality and divinity. do you think you¡¯re dying too slowly that you actually stripped away his humanity? now, his divinity is in control¡­¡±


    ¡°when little qing is in this state, i¡¯m telling you, even i have to avoid him.¡±


    erniu clicked his tongue.


    yue dong¡¯s expression was gloomy as she turned to look at erniu.


    immediately, the seven-colored light enveloped erniu.


    erniu wasn¡¯t worried but was happy instead.


    ¡°come, come, come, let me try too. let¡¯s see if your immortal art can strip away my seven emotions and six desires. if you can really do it, i have to thank you properly.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve been alive for so many lifetimes but i¡¯ve never succeeded.¡±


    erniu¡¯s face was filled with anticipation. at the next instant, under the envelopment of the seven-colored light and the eruption of the immortal art, his seven emotions and six desires churned.


    they were being separated and stripped one by one.


    when everything was stripped away, it would transform into a curse that would imprint itself on his body, forming threads that fluctuated with emotions and forming yue dong¡¯s face.


    however, the scene that happened to erniu at this moment was different from xu qing¡¯s.


    xu qing¡¯s seven emotions and six desires threads were quickly extracted.


    but as for erniu¡­


    his seven emotions and six desires seemed to have no end. no matter how yue dong circulated her immortal art, she couldn¡¯t completely extract them in a short period.


    this was especially so for his greed¡­ although his other desires looked like they were about to be extracted completely, this greed was like a bottomless pit that was endless!


    yue dong¡¯s expression changed again.


    just xu qing alone was already troublesome for her. now, she realized erniu was even more of a monster.


    she had never seen a cultivator with such intense greed. she couldn¡¯t extract them all even if she used all her strength.


    there were too many.


    ¡°you¡¯re a bit slow. this feels like scratching an itch, but with very little force, making me feel neither here nor there.¡±


    erniu was dissatisfied.


    ¡°i¡¯ll help you.¡±


    as he spoke, he took a deep breath and raised his right hand to slap his chest fiercely. his eyes instantly revealed madness. that was his expression when he saw treasures.


    in order to stimulate himself more realistically, erniu even took out feng lintao¡¯s soul and stared fixedly at it. after imagining the other party¡¯s treasure, his greed instantly soared.


    amidst the rumbling, it gushed out like a volcano erupting.


    however¡­ this greed was too intense and actually exceeded yue dong¡¯s extraction power, causing yue dong¡¯s body to tremble and she spat out a mouthful of blood. her immortal art actually disintegrated.


    the backlash also followed.


    because lan yao had withstood the karma, she spat out a mouthful of blood and her body instantly withered. while she was on the verge of death, xu qing¡¯s attack also erupted with sharpness.


    the holy heaven pagoda was extraordinary to begin with. when it smashed down, it caused the great emperor¡¯s array formation to rumble. coupled with xu qing¡¯s divine authorities, divine source, and physical attacks, the array formation continued to corrode. after several collisions¡­


    the sound of the great emperor¡¯s array formation shattering finally rang out!


    this great emperor array formation was actually incomplete. back then, when yue dong tried to seal feng lintao, some of its energy had been used up. now, as she faced the backlash and under xu qing¡¯s bombardment¡­ it looked like it wouldn¡¯t be long before it shattered into pieces.


    yue dong¡¯s hair was disheveled and viciousness appeared in her eyes. she performed a series of hand seals with both hands and pushed out, letting out a heart-rending cry.


    ¡°explode!¡±


    she actually took the opportunity before the array formation completely shattered to activate it, causing it to self-destruct in exchange for an overwhelming might.


    at the next instant, the great emperor¡¯s array formation emitted a loud rumbling sound as it shattered on its own, sweeping in all directions with unstoppable force.


    wind howled violently, glaciers collapsed, and fish scale-like ripples spread in the sky.


    taking advantage of this chance, yue dong grabbed lan yao and fled rapidly into the distance. she even took out a jade token, crushed it, and threw it into the air.


    she originally didn¡¯t want to use this jade token.


    however, she had no choice but to use it now.


    the instant this jade token shattered, xu qing and erniu¡¯s figures had already rushed out of the range of the great emperor¡¯s array formation¡¯s self-destruction and moved toward yue dong.


    xu qing was like a god. every step he took caused the color of the world to change. the pressure was astonishing and there was a holy feeling coming from his body.


    his face was expressionless and his eyes were cold.


    erniu beside him was the complete opposite of him.


    the light formed by endless greed spread out through the seven colors, dyeing the surroundings black.


    in this black light, erniu was like a demon, his hair swaying.


    as he laughed sinisterly, he moved step by step.


    at this moment, it was as though the god and devil were together!


    seeing this scene, yue dong¡¯s breathing became hurried. suddenly, she screamed in a heart-rending voice toward the fragmented jade token.


    ¡°lu lingzi, why aren¡¯t you appearing yet!¡±


    almost at the instant yue dong spoke, the jade token fragments she had thrown out earlier instantly shone with silver light and teleportation fluctuations erupted.


    it formed a huge vortex. as it rumbled, a tall figure walked over, emitting a shocking aura.


    with just a step, he crossed the void and walked out of the array formation, landing beside yue dong.


    this person was a youth. he carried nine great worlds on his body. every one of them was filled with dense vitality that gathered on his body, forming the cultivation fluctuations of the peak of the nine worlds soul accumulation.


    his cultivation base affected the sky and earth as though this place had become his world.


    the moment he appeared, the first person he looked at wasn¡¯t yue dong but the unconscious lan yao.


    a hint of gentleness appeared in his eyes. after that, he turned his head. when he looked at xu qing and erniu, the gentleness was replaced by sharpness!


    he calmly spoke.


    ¡°are the two of you the ones who injured my wife?¡±

 Chapter 1475 - Chapter 1475: Erniu’s Words Shock Three People

    chapter 1475: erniu¡¯s words shock three people


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    these words were as resounding as heavenly lightning, shocking everyone¡¯s hearts.


    as the sound spread, the tall figure that appeared in front of yue dong and lan yao walked toward xu qing and erniu step by step.


    his footsteps were firm and powerful. every step he took felt like he was stepping on a heartbeat, giving off an intense sense of oppression.


    as he walked, nine great worlds on his shoulders, chest, abdomen, legs, and atop his head, all shimmered with brilliant light and exuded rich vitality.


    the might of the nine worlds realm caused the sky to change color.


    a terrifying pressure descended, causing the ground to rumble.


    amidst this monstrous aura and this terrifying storm, this person was imprinted increasingly clearly in xu qing and erniu¡¯s eyes.


    his body stood over eight feet tall, robust and towering like a majestic mountain on the turbulent battlefield.


    his skin, weathered by years of wind and sun, appeared dark and rugged, as if shaped into a hardened black rock by time.


    his face was stern and profound, beneath thick brows, with eyes deep and sparkling like stars, emitting a sharp and resolute light.


    his gaze seemed to bring forth a thousand charging horses, endless flames, and shattered mountains and rivers.


    the most dazzling aspect was his armor, clearly crafted by a master artisan, shimmering with a cold light in every detail.


    various gemstones were embedded in the armor, gleaming brightly under the sunlight, reflecting a dazzling radiance that adorned his entire body like stars.


    xu qing stared at this person expressionlessly with no fluctuations in his heart. at this moment, his divinity was dominant.


    erniu focused on the other party¡¯s armor. a hint of sourness appeared in his eyes as he snorted coldly.


    ¡°you look invincible, like a worm in armor thinking it¡¯s a tortoise. identify yourself, for i, the great erniu, won¡¯t kill nameless nobodies!¡±


    the tall figure¡¯s gaze was cold and his aura rumbled. as he walked over, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°demon leather holy land¡¯s great emperor nether flame¡¯s tenth disciple, lu lingzi.¡±


    the moment he spoke, he had already arrived in front of xu qing and erniu.


    his rough and powerful right hand seemed to be able to hold the entire world as he pressed down on the two of them.


    the divine source in xu qing¡¯s entire body erupted and the divine authorities enveloped him. erniu shone with blue light and ice erupted around him.


    the two sides instantly collided.


    amidst the rumbling, xu qing¡¯s entire body trembled. due to his physical body, he was fine, but he was still thrown back.


    however, he rushed over again. erase authority spread out, misfortune and purple moon divine authorities searched for the flaw in the other party¡¯s heart to breed the poison restriction.


    erniu¡¯s defense wasn¡¯t as good as xu qing¡¯s. facing the palm strike of the soul accumulation nine worlds, his body directly exploded and turned into a blood mist. after that, it quickly took shape and spoke.


    ¡°your strength isn¡¯t small. however, what did you mean by those words earlier? which dao companion are you talking about? are both of these women your dao companions?¡±


    ¡°or should i say, one is a dao companion, the other a mistress?¡±


    as his voice echoed, erniu pounced over again, transforming into countless blue worms that spat out cold air.


    he tried to freeze, while xu qing bombarded with attacks.


    however, the power of the nine worlds surpassed all the divine creatures xu qing had faced before.


    this was an existence that was only a step away from becoming a ruler.


    even though xu qing wasn¡¯t ordinary and erniu was bizarre, the absolute difference in strength still caused their various methods to collapse.


    lu lingzi didn¡¯t even use his divine abilities. he only relied on the enhancement of the nine great worlds to punch through everything.


    the world rumbled as xu qing was sent flying and erniu collapsed again.


    however, erniu¡¯s voice continued.


    ¡°that¡¯s not right. why did your mistress turn your dao companion into a puppet?¡±


    ¡°hey, little qing, i seem to have discovered a secret.¡±


    ¡°the three of them really know how to play. so exciting.¡±


    as erniu spoke, his body swayed. he raised his right hand and tore open his chest, grabbing his heart and squeezing it ruthlessly.


    his heart directly exploded.


    the strange thing was that lu lingzi also stopped in his tracks. a rumbling sound came from his chest, as though erniu had crushed his heart, affecting him.


    ¡°cough, i say, do the three of you still lack people in your game? i want to participate too. look at my heart. isn¡¯t it very large and majestic?¡±


    erniu licked his lips, looking very interested.


    it had to be said that erniu was an expert at destroying the atmosphere of the battlefield¡­


    originally, lu lingzi¡¯s aura was monstrous, but as erniu¡¯s words rang out, it actually mixed in other charms, causing yue dong¡¯s expression to be extremely unsightly.


    as for lu lingzi, the cold glint in his eyes intensified. he suddenly raised his left hand and pressed his forehead.


    immediately, a gap opened on his forehead and a red blood eye grew out!


    as soon as this eye appeared, a sense of authority suddenly rose.


    the blood eye was filled with dao marks.


    it wasn¡¯t just xu qing, the heir of the moon offering region and his siblings who gained authority before advancing to the ruler realm.


    this tenth disciple of the great emperor nether flame also obtained authority at the soul accumulation realm.


    at that moment, as the blood eye shone, his figure was like a violent wind on the battlefield. it howled and erupted, engulfing everything, dyeing the world red, causing the sky and ground to darken.


    the wind was everything here.


    that was the authority of wind.


    wherever it passed, the void would be torn apart and cracks would appear in the sky. the ground churned up glaciers. xu qing and erniu were like kites with a broken string in the storm.


    erniu¡¯s body collapsed time and time again and reformed again while he screamed.


    ¡°little qing, use your ultimate move!¡±


    a strange glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s calm eyes. as he retreated, he cast a meaningful glance at lu lingzi. after that, he raised his right hand and pointed at the sky.


    the sky changed color and light circulated. the holy heaven pagoda suddenly descended from above the storm. no matter how the storm swept past, it stood in the air.


    xu qing immediately stepped into the pagoda.


    erniu was stunned but his reaction was also extremely fast. he instantly flew in.


    in the blink of an eye, the pagoda rumbled in the storm. it was like a boulder and wasn¡¯t shaken at all.


    this scene caused lu lingzi to frown slightly.


    in the pagoda, erniu stood beside xu qing and couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    ¡°little qing, the ultimate move i¡¯m talking about isn¡¯t this. it¡¯s the empress¡¯ jade token.¡±


    xu qing turned a deaf ear and looked at lu lingzi outside the pagoda, deep in thought.


    when he fought with this great emperor¡¯s disciple earlier, he sensed an extremely faint divine fire fluctuation.


    this fluctuation was too hidden. under normal circumstances, he wouldn¡¯t be able to sense it. xu qing didn¡¯t actually sense it with his mind but his body instinctively sensed the divine fire.


    this was related to the fact that he had divinity as his dominant aspect right now and his body was special.


    if that wasn¡¯t the case, he probably wouldn¡¯t have noticed it either.


    when erniu, who was beside him, saw that xu qing wasn¡¯t paying attention to him, he couldn¡¯t help but mutter a few words inwardly.


    ¡®i hate little qing in this state the most. he¡¯s completely guided by divinity and doesn¡¯t respect the elders at all!¡¯


    ¡®however, why is he staring at lu lingzi? could it be that he discovered some secrets?¡¯


    erniu narrowed his eyes and looked over as well. he observed carefully, trying to find some clues.


    at that moment, outside the pagoda bubble, the great emperor¡¯s disciple, lu lingzi, was trying to rely on the power of authority to bombard the pagoda.


    the storm rumbled and howled. however, to the pagoda floating in the air, the effect was very little.


    seeing this, the great emperor¡¯s disciple didn¡¯t continue. instead, he looked at xu qing through the bubble and waved his hand.


    immediately, a sea of fire appeared in the wind. with the enhancement of the wind, it enveloped the pagoda and began to refine it.


    after doing this, he no longer bothered with the pagoda. instead, he turned and walked to the ground, in front of yue dong.


    compared to his tall and burly figure, yue dong looked very delicate. however, before lu lingzi could speak, yue dong had already spoken.


    ¡°deal with those two first!¡±


    lu lingzi shook his head slightly.


    ¡°there¡¯s not enough time.¡±


    as he spoke, his gaze landed on the unconscious lan yao.


    ¡°let¡¯s settle our matter first. as for those two humans, although they avoided my authority by relying on the ancient artifact, they also trapped themselves to death. there¡¯s no need to bother with them for the time being.¡±


    ¡°after we¡¯re done with our matters, they won¡¯t be able to escape.¡±


    ¡°now, undo the emotion spell on lan yao!¡±


    lu lingzi¡¯s tone was unquestionable.


    yue dong was a little unwilling, but after sensing lu lingzi¡¯s determination, she fell silent for a few breaths before reluctantly agreeing. she then raised her hand and pointed at lan yao.


    immediately, the face of yue dong weaved in the threads of fate on lan yao¡¯s body dimmed rapidly and finally dissipated, allowing lan yao¡¯s emotions to return to normal.


    her body trembled and she slowly opened his eyes.


    her bright eyes were at a loss at first, but she quickly regained her senses. the moment she saw yue dong and lu lingzi in front of her, her face instantly turned pale. everything that happened since she came to wanggu surfaced in her mind.


    when she recalled the experience of having her emotions controlled by someone, she instantly saw some clues. hence, she stared at yue dong and spoke resentfully.


    ¡°yue dong, ever since we met, i¡¯ve treated you well and treated you as my best friend. however, you actually used this vicious forbidden art on me!¡±


    yue dong¡¯s gaze was cold as she calmly replied.


    ¡°although you and i are best friends, if you want to blame someone, blame yourself for being born in a great emperor¡¯s family and having a pure bloodline. as for me¡­ i¡¯m just a small fry who has to rely on myself to fight for everything.¡±


    ¡°in this world, the strong prey on the weak, so i want to go further.¡±


    lan yao¡¯s breathing hastened when she heard this. she then looked at her dao companion, lu lingzi.


    lu lingzi¡¯s eyes were gentle as he looked at lan yao and spoke softly.


    ¡°don¡¯t be anxious. you and i are dao companions. i¡¯ll tell you everything. moreover, with your intelligence, you should have guessed it.¡±


    ¡°lan yao, as the disciple of the great emperor, i feel that my aptitude greatly surpasses others¡¯. however, due to my bloodline, i¡¯m unable to comprehend the core inheritance. it¡¯s still a long time before i can advance to the ruler realm.¡±


    ¡°i hope you can help me fuse your bloodline with mine and let me comprehend the great emperor¡¯s inheritance on behalf of your family.¡±


    ¡°now that master is in such a state, i think even if he knows, he will acquiesce.¡±


    ¡°however, your family is powerful after all, so¡­ i got yue dong to get close to you and lure you out of the holy land, allowing her to control your emotions here. this way, at the right moment, i could fuse with you.¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s the whole story.¡±


    the moment lu lingzi finished speaking, the resentment in lan yao¡¯s eyes intensified and her expression was heart-rending. just as she was about to say something, erniu, who had witnessed this scene, widened his eyes and slapped his thigh. he couldn¡¯t help but exclaim loudly.


    ¡°damn, are the people from the holy land so good at playing?!¡±


    erniu¡¯s eyes were bright as though his horizons had been broadened.


    ¡°but why do i feel that the plot will flip!¡±


    as soon as erniu¡¯s despicable voice rang out, the expressions of yue dong, lan yao, and lu lingzi changed imperceptibly..

 Chapter 1476 - Chapter 1476: Truly a Master of Voice

    chapter 1476: truly a master of voice


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    to be able to shock the three of them with a single remark, it could be seen how formidable erniu¡¯s ability to speak was.


    after all, while others could only spend a lifetime honing their speech, erniu had refined his verbal skills over many lifetimes, achieving a mastery beyond compare.


    if there were a system of cultivating verbal ability, erniu would undoubtedly be approaching its pinnacle.


    even xu qing, who was now dominated by divinity, glanced at erniu.


    erniu was smug. he held his head high and puffed out his chest with a proud expression.


    he suddenly discovered a new challenge from xu qing.


    ¡®getting the normal little qing to worship me isn¡¯t difficult at all. it¡¯s too simple. what i have to do is to get little qing, who is controlled by divinity, to also develop intellectual respect for me. this is true capability!¡¯


    erniu coughed and was about to continue speaking.


    at that moment, outside the pagoda, on the damaged icy plains, the scene of yue dong and the other two also reached its first climax.


    as yue dong raised her hand and pointed, lan yao, who had regained her senses, felt her emotions fluctuating intensely again.


    the seven emotions and six desires continued to erupt from lan yao¡¯s body, turning into threads that were extracted from her body and spread toward lu lingzi.


    lan yao¡¯s entire body trembled and her expression revealed pain. she wanted to struggle but very soon, even her thoughts of struggling were drowned by emotions.


    beside her, yue dong ignored lan yao¡¯s pain and looked at lu lingzi.


    ¡°lord lu, i¡¯ve already disrupted lan yao¡¯s seven emotions and six desires, making her into a hotbed. now, with her emotions erupting, all the conditions are met.¡±


    ¡°i hope that after you succeed, you will remember our agreement. i want feng lintao¡¯s inheritance to imprint my immortal art as authority. as for you¡­ you will rise to the top from now on and advance to ruler realm!¡±


    lu lingzi¡¯s gaze was gentle as he stared at yue dong. he smiled and nodded with a sincere expression.


    ¡°i naturally won¡¯t forget you. in the future, we will walk the path of the great dao together.¡±


    yue dong fell silent for a moment before taking a deep breath. her expression was firm as she performed a series of hand seals and pointed again. immediately, the last trace of consciousness in lan yao¡¯s eyes disappeared.


    what was left was emptiness and confusion.


    she could be fused!


    lu lingzi took a deep breath and a hint of anticipation rose in his eyes as he walked toward lan yao. when he raised his right hand, it came into contact with the seven emotions and six desires threads emitted by lan yao.


    the instant they came into contact, these threads rapidly fused into lu lingzi¡¯s fingers, fusing with his flesh and blood and connecting to his soul.


    at the next instant, lan yao¡¯s trembling became even more intense. her aura gradually weakened and the fate threads formed by the seven emotions and six desires continued to surge into lu lingzi¡¯s body.


    lan yao¡¯s flesh and blood followed.


    she was rapidly losing weight!


    there was also the power of her cultivation base that surged toward lu lingzi through the seven emotions and six desires threads.


    the most important thing was that lan yao¡¯s pure bloodline from the great emperor had also begun to transfer.


    the emptiness in lan yao¡¯s eyes grew deeper, and her confusion intensified. a sense of sorrow seemed to gather at the corners of her eyes, eventually forming tears that glistened and then rolled down her gaunt cheeks.


    lu lingzi saw these tears. as he fused with her, he sighed softly and stopped.


    yue dong, who was at the side, suddenly spoke when she saw this scene.


    ¡°you can¡¯t bear to part with her?¡±


    lu lingzi shook his head.


    ¡°it¡¯s nothing like that. i was just thinking about when the two of you would stage this turnaround.¡±


    ¡°even tears were shed, making it look incredibly real.¡±


    ¡°could it be when i absorb everything together?¡±


    ¡°yue dong.¡±


    ¡°although the backlash method you hid in lan yao¡¯s seven emotions and six desires was ingenious¡­ i still sensed it.¡±


    lu lingzi smiled and looked at yue dong.


    in the pagoda in the sky, xu qing was expressionless as he stared at this scene. his main focus was on lu lingzi.


    next to him, erniu, clearly focused on the plot, brightened up instantly at the words, exclaiming loudly.


    ¡°the tables are turning!!¡±


    ¡°didn¡¯t i say it? these three really know how to play.¡±


    ¡°yue dong, your plan has been figured out. counterattack quickly, or you¡¯ll miss the timing. trying to succeed again will be infinitely harder.¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, yue dong frowned. she ignored erniu and looked at lu lingzi.


    ¡°lu lingzi, what do you mean!¡±


    lu lingzi smiled, and a strange glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°didn¡¯t you hear what that fellow daoist in the pagoda said?¡±


    ¡°although you still want to continue acting, i¡¯m no longer interested. what i mean is that i don¡¯t want this fusion anymore.¡±


    with that, lu lingzi suddenly raised his right hand and grabbed at lan yao. the power of the nine worlds soul accumulation erupted violently, forming a fatal blow that stirred the wind in all directions as it headed straight for lan yao.


    he wanted to crush the unconscious lan yao.


    yue dong¡¯s expression instantly changed. she could sense lu lingzi¡¯s killing intent. that was true killing intent, not probing. hence, she immediately performed a series of hand seals with both hands and pointed.


    immediately, the seven emotions and six desires threads emitted by lan yao¡¯s body shone with a resplendent light. they each transformed into a curse and imprinted themselves on lu lingzi.


    in lu lingzi¡¯s body, the seven emotions and six desires that he had absorbed also turned into curses at this moment and erupted in his body.


    at the same time, lan yao, who was originally empty and confused, suddenly revealed spirituality in her eyes. her body swayed and she actually regained all her movements. her expression was even colder as she smacked her forehead with her right hand.


    with a boom, the seven emotions and six desires she emitted erupted even more intensely, taking the initiative to surge the threads of fate toward lu lingzi.


    from the start to the end, she hadn¡¯t lost consciousness!


    this was originally a hunt for her, but from the looks of it now, she had transformed from a prey into a hunter.


    moreover, her cooperation with yue dong was extremely tacit. clearly, the two of them had practiced many times. now that they made a move, the curses formed by the seven emotions and six desires instantly soared.


    there were also voices that echoed in all directions.


    ¡°lu lingzi, this was all set up for you! did you think 1, lan yao, wasn¡¯t aware of your thoughts? let me tell you, little lu, 1 know very well what you did!¡±


    ¡°yue dong¡¯s sister has already told us everything. our target has always been you. you¡­ are my prey!¡±


    the person who spoke wasn¡¯t lan yao.


    it was erniu. he imitated lan yao¡¯s voice and didn¡¯t mind the commotion as he spoke loudly.


    at that moment, regardless of whether it was lan yao or yue dong, they weren¡¯t in the mood to care about erniu¡¯s words. their attacks were powerful and the curses continued to invade lu lingzi.


    lu lingzi¡¯s body swayed and his aura was chaotic, showing signs of weakness. however, his expression didn¡¯t change at all from the start. he even smiled and was about to speak.


    the voice appeared again.


    ¡°yue dong and lan yao, do you two b*tches really think that victory is in your grasp? as the disciple of the great emperor, 1, great lu, have never trusted you. since 1 dared to descend today, i¡¯m naturally fully confident that 1 can shatter your plans!¡±


    it was still erniu who spoke first.


    he was like a voice actor, helping the three of them tell their stories.


    when lu lingzi heard this, the smile on his face grew even wider. in fact, while suppressing the curses in his body, he even looked up at the pagoda.


    ¡°fellow daoist, you¡¯ve indeed spoken my thoughts.¡±


    as he spoke, a sharp glint flashed in lu lingzi¡¯s eyes. he lifted his feet but he didn¡¯t walk toward yue dong and lan yao. instead, he stepped on the air and punched an empty space.


    the nine great worlds on his body rumbled in unison, adding terrifying power, causing this punch to seem as though it could shatter everything.


    the instant his fist landed, the space suddenly distorted. six figures flashed out from within and resisted lu lingzi.


    booming sounds rose into the sky.


    blood flowed out of the corner of lu lingzi¡¯s mouth as he rapidly retreated.


    as for the six of them, they also spat out blood and retreated, revealing the appearance of middle-aged people.


    from their appearances, they vaguely looked a little similar to lan yao. at this moment, they were all looking at lu lingzi with killing intent.


    ¡°the six nine worlds soul accumulation elders of the lan family actually secretly descended to wanggu.¡±


    ¡°looks like it wasn¡¯t lan yao hunting me in this hunt but the lan family.¡±


    ¡°in that case, why hasn¡¯t the lan family¡¯s ancestor appeared even though he has arrived?¡±


    lu lingzi looked at the empty space.


    at that moment, that area distorted again and the figure of an old man in luxurious clothes appeared. the instant he took a step out, the color of the sky changed and the wind surged. the might of a ruler descended.


    the instant he walked over, lan yao and yue dong along with the six elders immediately greeted him.


    the old man was expressionless. after nodding slightly at lan yao and yue dong, he looked at lu lingzi and calmly spoke.


    ¡°although you don¡¯t have the bloodline of a great emperor, you do possess a rare magical eye that appears once in a millennium. this is why the great emperor ancestor accepted you as a disciple and why our family accepted you as a son-in-law.¡±


    ¡°as for hunting¡­ you want my race¡¯s bloodline and my race wants your magical eye. it¡¯s fair.¡±


    when xu qing saw this scene, a hint of contemplation flashed in his eyes. erniu, who was beside him, saw all of this and blinked.


    ¡°d*mn, this matter has become somewhat big.¡±


    ¡°i wonder what kind of backup plan this little lu has prepared.¡±


    outside the pagoda, lu lingzi looked at the lan family¡¯s ancestor and nodded with a smile.


    ¡°it¡¯s indeed fair.¡±


    ¡°so, ever since 1 married into your lan family and became a disciple, i have never trusted you or my master.¡±


    seeing how lu lingzi was still calm, whether it was lan yao, yue dong, or the lan family¡¯s ancestor, the sole ruler within their family, they felt a slight unease deep within.


    ¡°lu lingzi, this old man knows that you¡¯re extraordinary, so before i descended, i made use of the ongoing war to restrain all your backup plans in the holy land.¡±


    ¡°at this moment, you have no way out.¡±


    as the lan family¡¯s ancestor spoke, the aura on his body transformed into a suppressive force that enveloped the surroundings. the might of a ruler caused the weather to change. it was as though all the aura had gathered on him and he had become the master of this place.


    he walked toward lu lingzi. every step he took caused the world to rumble.


    however, lu lingzi¡¯s expression was still calm in the face of these. he was still smiling.


    he spoke softly.


    ¡°my backup plan?¡±


    as he spoke, he raised his head and looked at the¡­ holy heaven pagoda that stood in the sky!


    he looked at erniu.


    erniu was stunned..

 Chapter 1477 - Chapter 1477: The Fish Is Fat, Everyone Gets What They Need

    chapter 1477: the fish is fat, everyone gets what they need


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the icy plains instantly fell silent.


    lu lingzi¡¯s gaze immediately attracted the attention of the lan family¡¯s ancestor and the six elders.


    they were wary of this great emperor¡¯s disciple.


    this person was a peerless genius in the entire demon feather holy land.


    his thoughts were profound and unpredictable.


    moreover, the magical eye on his forehead was profound and mysterious. not only did it allow him to obtain authority while in the soul accumulation realm, but he could also use it to cast all kinds of terrifying spells.


    although his overall cultivation wasn¡¯t the highest among the disciples of the lan family¡¯s great emperor, his aptitude and methods were extremely astonishing.


    there were also many forces behind him and he was valued by some high-ranking figures in the demon feather.


    hence, if they wanted to touch him, they had to be exceptionally cautious.


    at least in the holy land, it was almost impossible.


    only by leveraging the current wartime period, where the focus of the race was on battling the human race and they had no time for anything else, and by luring this person out of the holy land, with the ancestor of the lan family using his ruler cultivation to personally suppress, could they ensure a foolproof situation.


    but now¡­ clearly, they had sealed off all of the other party¡¯s backup plans. however, in this seemingly foolproof situation, the other party¡¯s expression remained the same from the start. his smile was still there as he looked at the pagoda in the sky.


    this scene immediately caused the hearts of everyone from the lan family to skip a beat as they had a bad premonition.


    as for lan yao, as lu lingzi¡¯s dao companion, she knew more about him. hence, her expression instantly changed and her breathing became slightly hurried.


    the bad premonition that surfaced in everyone¡¯s hearts, combined with their understanding of lu lingzi, was becoming infinitely real.


    yue dong was the same. uneasiness rose in her heart. after quickly exchanging glances with lan yao, the two women didn¡¯t hesitate and immediately retreated, trying to distance themselves and find an opportunity to leave the battlefield.


    at the same time, under the gaze of everyone, in the holy heaven pagoda that was floating in the air, erniu was surprised.


    ¡°why is he looking at me?¡±


    ¡°what does he mean by saying i¡¯m his backup plan?¡±


    ¡°or is he telling me to continue dubbing for him?¡±


    in the pagoda, erniu was about to say something but the contemplative look in xu qing¡¯s eyes had already dissipated. he took a step forward and walked out of the pagoda, standing outside it!


    xu qing¡¯s sudden appearance caused everyone who was already on high alert to immediately turn solemn. their gazes instantly shifted away from the pagoda and focused on xu qing.


    erniu was also in a daze. he thought of xu qing¡¯s gaze earlier and made a guess.


    ¡°is he¡­¡±


    lan yao was even more bewildered at this moment. yue dong¡¯s expression changed again, and the lan family¡¯s ancestor and the six elders felt that something was amiss, frowning tightly.


    only lu lingzi¡¯s smile was as usual. he looked at xu qing and smiled.


    ¡°are you my backup plan?¡±


    xu qing shook his head.


    ¡°oh? then why did you walk out?¡±


    a strange glint appeared in lu lingzi¡¯s eyes as he carefully sized up xu qing.


    xu qing was expressionless. his gaze passed through the bubble in front of him and looked at lu lingzi.


    ¡°i¡¯m not your backup, but when i fought with you earlier, i noticed some interesting fluctuations from you.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s a trace of divine fire fluctuations in your body that¡¯s hidden extremely deeply. if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that my divinity is dominant now, giving me greater perception of divine fire fluctuations than before, and my body is special, it would probably be impossible for me to notice.¡±


    ¡°so, to be precise, it¡¯s my body¡¯s instinct that sensed this fluctuation.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m very familiar with this fluctuation, so i kept thinking about the source just now, and i found the answer.¡±


    ¡°this divine fire comes from the human emperor parting summer.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was calm but his words were like thunder that rumbled and exploded in all directions.


    erniu¡¯s eyes widened but he quickly returned to normal. he laughed loudly and quickly walked to xu qing¡¯s side. he put on a confident expression that looked like he had long guessed and knew the entire situation like the back of his hand as he spoke proudly.


    ¡°little qing is right. this is also what i want to say.¡±


    lan yao and yue dong retreated immediately without hesitation.


    the expressions of the lan family¡¯s ancestor and the six elders completely changed.


    xu qing¡¯s voice didn¡¯t contain any emotions and continued to echo.


    ¡°i think since you have the divine fire of the human emperor parting summer, there¡¯s a high chance that the empress personally gave it to you.¡± ¡°furthermore, considering the task given by the empress this time, it¡¯s merely to capture lan yao¡­ given the empress¡¯s status, she wouldn¡¯t prioritize such minor matters. therefore, it¡¯s more likely that this fishing expedition has feng lintao as bait, lan yao as bait, and you as bait as well.¡±


    ¡°she is luring the entire lan family.¡±


    ¡°in addition, in the previous battles between the human race and the demon feather holy land, the many victories were because of the leakage of the demon feather¡¯s strategic information. although the empress gave the merits to feng lintao,¡­¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s a lot of information that feng lintao cannot obtain with his identity. hence, there must be someone else working with the empress.¡±


    it was rare for xu qing to speak so much like this. at that moment, all his words were like a cold wind sweeping past, gathering into one sentence.


    ¡°so, your backup plan isn¡¯t me but the empress.¡±


    these words caused a huge commotion that rumbled in the outside world like a huge wave.


    the lan family¡¯s ancestor immediately spread out his divine sense and sensed his surroundings. at the same time, his body swayed. he didn¡¯t choose to attack lu lingzi but headed straight for the sky. he raised his hand, wanting to tear a gap and leave.


    the six elders also erupted with their cultivation bases and were extremely vigilant as they rose into the air together.


    what xu qing said was extremely true in their judgment. hence, leaving this place and returning to the holy land was the best choice.


    once they were entangled and the empress really descended, the consequences would be unimaginable.


    although the magical eye was important, it wasn¡¯t as important as their own lives.


    this was especially since they learned lu lingzi was colluding with the human race. once this news was spread, there was no need for them to make a move. with such a contribution, lan family naturally would be able to obtain his magical eye.


    xu qing didn¡¯t pay attention to their actions. lu lingzi also didn¡¯t glance at them. he looked at xu qing with a hint of admiration in his eyes.


    ¡°as expected of the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the human race. no wonder the empress asked you to help me.¡±


    ¡°the empress promised that she wouldn¡¯t tell anyone about me. i thought that she had broken her promise and told you about me.¡±


    xu qing shook his head.


    ¡°the empress didn¡¯t say anything. there¡¯s another reason why i walked out. there are enough fish here. it¡¯s fine even if my judgment is wrong.¡±


    as he spoke, xu qing took out the jade token formed by light that the empress had given him.


    amidst erniu¡¯s anticipation, lu lingzi¡¯s smile, the lan family¡¯s rapid escape, and the instant the lan family¡¯s ancestor tore open a rift¡­


    xu qing crushed the light token!


    a crisp sound echoed through the icy plains.


    the world instantly turned pitch-black!


    it was as though there was a god that blew out the lights of wanggu and temporarily removed the concept of light from wanggu, causing all daytime to turn pitch-black at this moment.


    only the specks of white light that scattered from the shattered jade token became the only source of the light at this moment.


    just like the eruption of the sun of dawn.


    it was so resplendent that it formed a sea of light that rumbled the entire sky. from the sky, a god with their eyes closed walked over from the light source! this god was clad in imperial robe and adorned with an emperor¡¯s crown. they were surrounded by the aura of human race¡¯s fortune and accompanied by a storm of divine energy. their appearance affected time and spanned across space.


    the entire space seemed to have become a foil.


    the rift that the lan family¡¯s ancestor tore froze. his body trembled in the air and he couldn¡¯t take a step forward at all.


    the souls of the six elders beside him were trembling.


    in the distance, lan yao and yue dong directly turned into statues, dominated by endless fear.


    all living beings were affected because of them.


    that peerless figure was none other than the empress.


    she took a step and arrived in front of xu qing, opening her closed eyes.


    endless light shone from her eyes, becoming the light that tore through everything in the darkness.


    wherever this light passed, the world went from pitch-black to bright.


    ¡°you did very well.¡±


    the first person the empress looked at was xu qing.


    as her voice rang out, the human nature that had dissipated from xu qing¡¯s body returned.


    xu qing took a deep breath and bowed.


    erniu blinked and hurriedly went to pay his respects.


    the empress retracted her gaze and looked at lu lingzi.


    ¡°greetings, empress. i didn¡¯t let you down and have attracted the lan family¡¯s ancestor and the core elders.¡±


    lu lingzi¡¯s expression was solemn as he bowed.


    the empress nodded.


    just as xu qing had said, it was naturally impossible for her goal to be lan yao alone. she wanted the core experts of lan yao¡¯s entire family. only by refining all the bloodlines of these people could she shake the great emperor who was suspected to have died.


    she had long teamed up with this great emperor¡¯s disciple.


    it was lu lingzi who had provided information due to which the human race was able to gain many victories.


    seeing that everything was completed, the empress calmly spoke.


    ¡°i will give you what you need.¡±


    as she spoke, the empress raised her hand and a wisp of divine fire rose from her palm, flying toward lu lingzi.


    for the first time, lu lingzi¡¯s breathing became hurried and his eyes revealed heat. he had betrayed the holy land and done everything for¡­ the divine fire! outsiders thought that he valued his master¡¯s inheritance. however, in reality, after descending to wanggu and knowing about the empress, his desire was no longer the great emperor¡¯s inheritance.


    what he wanted was the fire to become a god!


    he wanted to become a god!


    for him, his future was everything. hence, he was unwilling to participate in this war.


    regardless of whether it was in wanggu or the holy land, he didn¡¯t want to fight meaninglessly and end up as cannon fodder.


    he only considered himself and planned to leave the holy land and become a god himself.


    after becoming a god, he could go anywhere.


    after all, this was the god¡¯s universe. leaving the cultivation system and becoming a god was the right path!


    originally, he only yearned for this and wasn¡¯t confident.


    however, the empress had found him and given him hope!


    as the only cultivator who had successfully become a god, the hope given by the empress was extremely important to him.


    hence, there were many events since the war started.


    lu lingzi took a deep breath. after taking the divine fire, he bowed to the empress again before leaving toward the horizon.


    almost at the instant he left, a sea of light rose from the icy plains.


    amidst the light, the empress walked toward the lan family¡¯s ancestor.


    the lan family¡¯s ancestor was horrified. the teleportation rift was right in front of him, but he couldn¡¯t move at all. he could only watch helplessly as the empress approached.


    the huge pressure and terrifying aura caused the lan family¡¯s ancestor to tremble. no matter how he struggled, the cultivation gap between them that couldn¡¯t be crossed made everything useless.


    at the next instant, the empress raised her hand and pressed down gently.


    the lan family¡¯s ancestor¡¯s eyes revealed despair. his body was covered by the light and became a part of it. the empress then took it away.


    after that, the empress calmly looked at the six elders of the lan family.


    their souls instantly dimmed and melted under the empress¡¯ gaze, dissipating and wiping away all traces of their existence.


    finally, it was lan yao.


    they were all taken away by the empress.


    before she left, the empress¡¯ voice clearly echoed beside xu qing and erniu.


    ¡°yue dong has an immortal art, and there¡¯s an inheritance hidden in feng lintao¡¯s soul.¡±


    ¡°they are your rewards for completing this mission.¡±


    ¡°now that wanggu is in chaos and the situation is complicated, the two of you shouldn¡¯t participate too deeply. it¡¯s best if you find a peaceful place to enter seclusion to comprehend the immortal art and the inheritance.¡±


    the sound gradually dissipated and the world returned to normal. the empress had already left.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze landed on the unconscious yue dong in the distance as he fell into deep thought. erniu, who was beside him, looked at the horizon suspiciously and suddenly spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°little qing, why do i feel that there¡¯s something wrong with the empress? why was she talking so much? it looked like she wanted to send us away¡­¡± ¡°could it be that she¡¯s like the old man back then, wanting to eat alone behind our backs?¡±

 Chapter 1478 - Chapter 1478: Indeed Eating Sneakily!

    chapter 1478: indeed eating sneakily!


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    without a profound understanding of both human and divine nature, it would be impossible to articulate such clear, imaginative, and mind-bending thoughts.


    hence, as soon as erniu spoke, xu qing¡¯s thoughts were interrupted.


    at that moment, he, who had regained his human nature, was no longer as absolutely rational as before. hence, his mind was stirred by erniu¡¯s astonishing words.


    after all¡­ normal people wouldn¡¯t think like this.


    no matter how one listened to the empress¡¯ words, they were filled with concern. she reminded them not to do anything dangerous in this chaotic world. the most important thing was she asked them to cultivate in peace.


    however, when these words entered erniu¡¯s ears, that was clearly not the case.


    xu qing couldn¡¯t help but remind him.


    ¡°senior brother, lower your voice¡­ the empress might not have left.¡±


    erniu was shocked. he instinctively looked around and spoke loudly.


    ¡°haha, i was just joking. that¡­ feng lintao¡¯s soul contains an inheritance, right? i¡¯ll check now and see what kind of inheritance it is.¡±


    as he spoke, erniu hurriedly took out feng lintao¡¯s soul and stared fiercely at it.


    feng lintao trembled. after exchanging glances with erniu, the trembling in his heart grew even stronger. this was especially so for someone as paranoid as him. people who were suspicious tended to have very rich imaginations.


    at that moment, in his imagination, there were already countless scenes of him being interrogated about his inheritance by all kinds of vicious methods. regardless of whether it was soul searching, soul refinement, or throwing him inside the bodies of ferocious beasts to torture¡­


    these thoughts became a huge wave that continuously rumbled his soul sea. as a result, after erniu glared at him, before he could speak, feng lintao quickly took the initiative to speak.


    ¡°thank you for saving my life, fellow daoist erniu. i have nothing to repay you with, so i¡¯m willing to give the inheritance away!!¡±


    ¡°my inheritance comes from the creator of the liaoxuan holy land, the liaoxuan great emperor back then!¡±


    ¡°this inheritance looks illusory but it¡¯s not completely so. that¡¯s a mark. once one succeeds in comprehending it, it can transform into a dao mark of authority!¡±


    feng lintao explained immediately.


    he didn¡¯t dare to have any other thoughts. he recalled that ever since he came to wanggu, every time he encountered erniu and xu qing, he would be unlucky and be on the verge of death.


    hence, at this moment, his only thought was to save his life.


    his straightforwardness and cooperation caused erniu to blink and suspicion to rise in his heart. hence, he continued to put on a savage expression. he narrowed his eyes and tightened his grip on feng lintao¡¯s soul again.


    feng lintao¡¯s soul body felt a sharp pain and he became even more anxious. he hurriedly continued to speak.


    ¡°fellow daoist, don¡¯t be anxious. i¡¯m not done.¡±


    ¡°the opening of this inheritance requires three specific conditions. the first condition is long-term nurturing that requires a large amount of blood and souls. i¡¯ve completed this over the years. there¡¯s no need for you two to prepare anymore. i¡¯ve helped you complete it.¡±


    ¡°the second condition is that it has to be carried out in an ice-cold state. there can¡¯t be the slightest bit of heat in the body. i¡¯ve also prepared this for you two. beyond this area is the northern part of wanggu.¡±


    ¡°that place is filled with icy plains. if we find an ice cave and go underground, the second condition will be fulfilled.¡±


    ¡°the third condition is the liaoxuan holy liquid. this is also the reason why i went to liaoxuan county previously.¡±


    ¡°therefore, i¡¯ve helped you two fulfill this condition as well. i still have to thank you for your help back then.¡±


    feng lintao looked at erniu fawningly.


    it had to be said that feng lintao was good at talking. he kept saying that he had helped them complete the requirements, making erniu feel very comfortable. moreover, he could tell feng lintao was telling the truth.


    hence, he coughed.


    ¡°little feng, don¡¯t worry. i¡¯m not the kind of person who likes to be ruthless. you¡¯ve made a great contribution this time. i¡¯ll leave some benefits for you.¡±


    after saying that, erniu loosened his right hand slightly, allowing feng lintao¡¯s soul to feel less pain. he even gently patted feng lintao¡¯s soul.


    his words and actions caused feng lintao¡¯s soul to tremble. he hurriedly put on an extremely touched expression¡­


    at the same time, xu qing also walked toward the unconscious yue dong.


    xu qing had personally experienced the immortal art mentioned by the empress before she left. although it was ineffective against him, this immortal art was truly bizarre.


    not only could it form an emotion puppet that could be controlled invisibly, but it could also change the seven emotions and six desires into curses.


    its lethality was clearly not small.


    this immortal art was naturally extraordinary.


    hence, xu qing stood in front of yue dong at that moment. his eyes shone with rainbow light as his morning glow spread, trying to simulate this art.


    however, the strangeness of the immortal art appeared at this moment.


    the morning glow simulation failed!


    a dark glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he raised his right hand and touched yue dong¡¯s forehead.


    a long time later, xu qing frowned.


    he didn¡¯t sense any clues related to this immortal art in yue dong¡¯s body. it was as though this immortal art didn¡¯t exist and couldn¡¯t be found.


    as for soul searching, this was the last resort.


    xu qing had a feeling that if the soul search also failed, this immortal art would be destroyed along with yue dong¡¯s soul.


    xu qing fell silent. he thought of the mask he had obtained from the immortal arts hall that old master seventh had brought him and eldest senior brother to.


    he wiped yue dong¡¯s face with his hand.


    everything was normal.


    ¡°there¡¯s no mask. could it be that the six thieves delusions immortal art is even more special?¡±


    while xu qing was thinking, yue dong¡¯s body trembled and her eyes suddenly opened. she woke up from her unconsciousness and stared fixedly at xu qing, her eyes filled with resentment.


    ¡°you¡¯re searching for my immortal art?¡±


    ¡°you won¡¯t find it, and i can¡¯t give it to you either!¡±


    yue dong laughed coldly, her resentment deep.


    ¡°you¡¯ll give it to me.¡±


    xu qing glanced at yue dong and calmly spoke.


    ¡°little shadow.¡±


    at the next instant, the shadow under xu qing¡¯s feet suddenly distorted and waves of excited emotions rose. it was as though it had waited for this day for too long and it was finally its turn to show its value.


    hence, little shadow worked extra hard and spread on the ground. as yue dong¡¯s expression changed drastically, it enveloped her shadow.


    as chewing sounds echoed, yue dong¡¯s breathing became hurried and she wanted to resist. however, as soon as xu qing pressed down, yue dong was like a deflated balloon and immediately became dispirited.


    having lost all power to resist and little shadow devouring her shadow, she felt an immensely evil and icy force spread throughout her body, invading her consciousness and taking control.


    little shadow had possessed her!


    in the blink of an eye, yue dong¡¯s hurried breathing calmed down. her expression was fanatical as she knelt down in front of xu qing and spoke loudly.


    ¡°greetings, master.¡±


    the resentment in her eyes was quickly replaced by horror.


    when he saw this scene, feng lintao¡¯s eyes widened and his heart rumbled. at the same time, he felt incredibly lucky.


    for him, what had happened before him was even more terrifying than yue dong controlling others.


    ¡°speak about the immortal art and her goals.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    yue dong¡¯s expression became even more fanatical and she looked extremely excited. however, the fear in her eyes intensified as her words flowed out uncontrollably.


    ¡°master, her immortal art isn¡¯t in her soul or body but in her memories. i can¡¯t transfer it out. moreover, this memory was sealed by her master. if i touch it even slightly, it will disappear like smoke.¡±


    ¡°however, i can control its use.¡±


    ¡°this woman¡¯s goal is to use the authority formed by feng lintao¡¯s inheritance to imprint this immortal art. it¡¯s like a dove occupying a magpie¡¯s nest, fusing the immortal art with it and forming a new authority!¡±


    ¡°once it succeeds, it can allow the six thieves delusions to break through the restrictions of the immortal art and allow endless possibilities to appear!¡±


    as soon as he said this, xu qing looked at erniu.


    erniu chuckled and pinched the soul of feng lintao in his hand.


    ¡°little feng, your liaoxuan¡¯s inheritance is quite interesting. why didn¡¯t you say so earlier?¡±


    feng lintao¡¯s soul trembled and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°fellow daoist erniu, i originally was about to say it. the authority formed by my inheritance is an imprint!¡±


    ¡°simply put, this is an empty shell of authority that can imprint any ability and transform it into a true authority.¡±


    ¡°however¡­¡±


    feng lintao put on a hesitant expression.


    ¡°fellow daoist erniu, fellow daoist xu qing, what that b*tch yue dong said about imprinting her immortal art into my inheritance and forming an authority can indeed succeed, but it can only form one. once it is fused, it will become your own dao mark and your strength will increase greatly. however, it can¡¯t be separated.¡±


    feng lintao carefully looked at xu qing and erniu.


    he indeed didn¡¯t dare to have any rash thoughts, but it didn¡¯t mean that he had really compromised. at this moment, he seized the opportunity to plant the seed of conflict.


    authority was something any cultivator yearned for, let alone an authority that contained immortal art.


    however, only one could be formed, so who would it belong to?


    feng lintao lowered his head.


    feng lintao¡¯s plan might have some effect on others but against xu qing and erniu, it was insignificant.


    at the next instant, a wail rang out from feng lintao¡¯s mouth. his plan had failed.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care at all. he brought yue dong, who was controlled by little shadow, and headed straight north.


    erniu pinched feng lintao¡¯s soul hard and spoke with a spurious smile.


    ¡°little feng, your qualification to enjoy some benefits is gone.¡±


    as he spoke, erniu flew up and caught up to xu qing in a few steps, heading north together.


    time flowed by. half a month later.


    when xu qing and erniu left the eastern wanggu and stepped into the endless icy plains of the northern wanggu, the empress was sitting cross-legged and meditating in the restricted area of the imperial city, which was very far away from them.


    strands of white light floated out of the empress¡¯ body and continued to gather in front of her, forming the outline of a human figure.


    this outline gradually became clearer and finally transformed into a person!


    it was that great emperor¡¯s disciple, lu lingzi!


    regardless of aura, karma, or fate, they were exactly the same as the real lu lingzi.


    lu lingzi¡¯s deal with the empress not only lured out the lan family but also included his name.


    he had given away everything he had and abandoned everything to completely cut off his connection with the holy land. this way, he could safely hide in a place that an outsider couldn¡¯t find and begin the ritual to become a god.


    as for the empress, she had taken over everything and replaced it.


    at the next instant, ¡®lu lingzi¡¯ opened his eyes and looked up.


    his gaze penetrated the restricted area and the array formation as he looked north.


    after sensing xu qing and erniu¡¯s auras, he looked at the demon feather holy land.


    ¡°all variables have been removed. the demon feather¡­ will change..¡±

 Chapter 1479 - Chapter 1479: Luck Divine Authority

    chapter 1479: luck divine authority


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    although wanggu was divided into east, west, north, and south during the ancient sovereign mystic nether¡¯s era as well, the geographical boundaries weren¡¯t clearly defined. mystic nether also deliberately blurred these borders.


    it was only when mystic abyss left wanggu and the fragmented-face descended that everything changed.


    calamities enveloped wanggu. the myriad races continued to experience death and war. some races disappeared forever, and some races rebelled and ultimately evolved into the five great races.


    among them, flame moon mystic heaven race was in the east, the northern fate royal family in the north, the empyrean crimson land race in the west, the underworld origin corpse race in the south, and the number one race in the center.


    these five large races stood at the peak of the present wanggu.


    also, because human emperor parting summer became a god, ascending to the divine platform in one go and leading the rise of the human race, forming an alliance with flame moon, the five great races became six. this made the strength of the eastern wanggu to surpass that of the west, south, and north and catch up to the number one race in an instant.


    one could see how powerful they were through the current war situation.


    no holy lands descended in the central region.


    in the east, the battlefield was controlled outside the array formation.


    as for the north, south, and west, the flames of war permeated the air, and countless people died or were injured on both sides¡­


    this was especially so for the north. in this half a year, they had fought frequently with the four black-level holy lands that had descended there.


    no matter how strong the northern fate royal family was, they were gradually beginning to feel strained.


    as far as the eye could see, the entire northern icy plains were no longer as white as before. many areas¡­ had already been dyed red with blood.


    xu qing and erniu entered the northern wanggu at such a time.


    sensing the cold wind in the north, looking at the endless glaciers and smelling the blood from death in the world, even erniu became quieter.


    the whistling of the cold wind was more like a whimper, transmitting the thought of life withering.


    the icy plain under their feet was mixed with blood. they could even see many corpses that had frozen into ice sculptures.


    these corpses maintained their postures before they died.


    ¡°compared to the east, this place¡­ is too tragic.¡±


    xu qing looked into the distance and mumbled.


    ¡°so, it¡¯s best not to go too deep.¡±


    ¡°how about just choosing this place? anyway, the environment we need is under the icy plain.¡±


    erniu¡¯s gaze landed on a corpse not far away and he sighed.


    xu qing nodded. he retracted his gaze from the distant sky and looked at the ice under his feet. he raised his right foot and was about to step down, wanting to shatter the ground.


    however, at this moment, his expression suddenly changed.


    the whistling of the wind sent over sounds that didn¡¯t belong to the wind, forming an image in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    someone was being chased in the distance.


    the person being chased was a middle-aged cultivator. his skin was slightly blue, clearly not a human. his cultivation was at the first level of nihility.


    he wore luxurious clothes and a purple-gold crown. one look and one could tell that he had an extraordinary status.


    his robe was embroidered with dark patterns of snowflakes. as he moved forward, these snowflakes formed an illusion that surrounded his body, attracting cold air in all directions to form a storm that enhanced his speed.


    as for the two pursuers, their cultivation levels were also at the first level of nihility. they wore silver robes and had scales on their foreheads, tails on their backs, and horns on their heads.


    their bodies contained the aura of the starry sky.


    this aura revealed the identities of these two nonhumans. they weren¡¯t cultivators from the wanggu but from beyond heaven, from the holy lands.


    at that moment, their eyes were filled with killing intent as they gave chase, even performing a series of hand seals. one spell after another shone brightly, heading straight for the middle-aged cultivator.


    although he was chased and hit, and blood flowed out of the corner of his mouth, the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s expression was normal. he didn¡¯t panic at all and was very calm.


    relying on his speed, he kept trying to distance himself.


    even though the effect was very little and the two sides were getting closer and closer, and there were more and more spells, causing him to be bombarded many times and vomit a large amount of blood, his expression still didn¡¯t show the slightest panic.


    it was as though he didn¡¯t care about his injuries at all. he didn¡¯t seem to mind that he would die if he was caught.


    xu qing sensed this strange scene with his perception. not long later, erniu also sensed it.


    ¡°this person¡¯s clothes are from the northern fate royal family. interesting. does he know that we¡¯re here? or does this person have other methods? otherwise, why would he be so calm?¡±


    erniu was curious.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze landed on the three people.


    these three people quickly arrived at the horizon. however, with their cultivation levels, they naturally couldn¡¯t sense xu qing and erniu, who were in their concealed state.


    however, it was unknown if it was a coincidence or not, but the instant they got close to xu qing and erniu, the two pursuers from the holy land unleashed their trump cards. amidst the rumbling of spells, the northern fate royal family cultivator who was being chased couldn¡¯t dodge in time and his body trembled as he spat out a mouthful of blood.


    as his figure staggered, his path was blocked and he had no choice but to head straight for the ground.


    as the two holy land cultivators approached with killing intent, the three of them actually started fighting a thousand feet away from xu qing and erniu.


    booming sounds echoed out as the light of spells erupted.


    this strange scene caused xu qing and erniu to frown.


    ¡°isn¡¯t this too much of a coincidence? they actually started fighting in front of us.¡±


    erniu narrowed his eyes.


    however, looking at the attacks of these three people, it was indeed as though they were trying to kill the other party. moreover, from their expressions, it was obvious that they really didn¡¯t sense anyone in the vicinity.


    hence, erniu intended to continue watching from the sidelines and see if there would really be a casualty.


    after all, the appearance of these three people was filled with coincidences, and to a certain extent, coincidences meant the presence of bizarre.


    however, after xu qing observed carefully, a dark glint flashed in his eyes. he suddenly waved his right hand.


    with this wave, the sounds emitted by the three cultivators who were fighting seemed to be cut off and instantly disappeared. after that, the sounds formed an invisible killing intent that instantly erupted.


    it formed a sonic explosion. the expressions of the two cultivators from the holy lands changed and they had shocked expressions. it was too late for them to dodge and they were instantly enveloped by the sonic explosion.


    amidst the rumbling sounds, the two people¡¯s bodies collapsed and shattered into pieces. their bodies and souls were destroyed.


    only blood splattered, dyeing the ground red.


    as for the middle-aged cultivator from the northern fate royal family, he was also shocked by this sudden change. he instinctively retreated a little and quickly looked around.


    he didn¡¯t notice anything.


    xu qing and erniu¡¯s concealment caused the surroundings to be empty.


    a long time later, this cultivator from the northern fate royal family took a deep breath and bowed to the air.


    ¡°i¡¯m long jiu, a disciple of the northern fate royal family. thank you for saving my life, senior.¡±


    ¡°since benefactor isn¡¯t willing to appear, 1 won¡¯t force you. however, i will remember this kindness in my heart.¡±


    ¡°in the future, if benefactor comes to my royal family, you can look for me with this token. if you have any orders, long jiu will definitely do his best.¡±


    the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s attitude was sincere but his expression was neither servile nor overbearing. as he spoke, he took out a shining silver-white token and placed it on the ground.


    after that, he bowed again and waited for a while. after seeing no response from the surroundings, he took a deep breath and stood up, heading straight for the horizon.


    a long time later, the token left behind by long jiu flew up and landed in erniu¡¯s hand.


    ¡°interesting, this token is actually made of ice crystal, and of excellent quality at that. this long jiu¡­ judging from his demeanor, he must hold some status within the northern fate royal family.¡±


    ¡°if we go to this race in the future, this person might really be of some use.¡±


    ¡°however, everything that happened earlier was still too coincidental. little qing, why did you attack just now?¡±


    erniu played with the token in his hand and looked at xu qing.


    xu qing looked in the direction long jiu had left in and slowly spoke.


    ¡°this person is indeed not simple. there¡¯s¡­ a trace of the fluctuations of divine authority on his body.¡±


    ¡°divine authority?¡±


    erniu¡¯s gaze froze.


    ¡°it should be an extremely rare divine authority¡­ it¡¯s in a state where it¡¯s about to bloom and will take some time to fully surface. after we deal with feng lintao¡¯s matter, i plan to explore it.¡±


    after xu qing finished speaking, he waved his hand and the sundial rose into the air. after that, he stomped on the ground.


    immediately, the icy plain silently shattered and a large area collapsed. xu qing jumped down.


    erniu blinked and also walked into the hole on the ground.


    the two figures disappeared.


    under the icy plain, in the ice river, they continued to move down.


    the environment they needed had to be extremely cold without the slightest bit of heat. only then would they meet the requirements of the inheritance hidden in feng lintao¡¯s soul.


    therefore, they had to head to the bottom of the ice river!


    as for the sundial outside, it started moving in reverse at this moment and the power of time spread out. immediately, everything on the shattered ground returned to normal.


    the sundial blurred and disappeared.


    just like that, seven days slowly passed.


    on the northern icy plains, about ten thousand kilometers away from the place where xu qing and erniu had disappeared, there was a huge glacier.


    compared to other places, there were slightly fewer anomalous substances here, so it was originally a gathering place for many small sects. however, with the onset of war, some were conscripted, others relocated. now, only the ice river sect remains.


    this sect was very small and had less than a hundred disciples. their lives were usually filled with sufferings and the appearance of war made them suffer even more.


    at that moment, a figure rushed over from the horizon and flew into the sect¡¯s main hall, revealing his figure.


    it was long jiu, whom xu qing had saved.


    right now, the calmness on his face was replaced by pride. after he sat down in the main hall, a disciple walked in and bowed to him with a worried expression.


    ¡°greetings, master.¡±


    this was long jiu¡¯s eldest disciple.


    noticing the worry on the eldest disciple¡¯s face, long jiu raised his brows.


    ¡°what happened?¡±


    ¡°master¡­ another eleven sect disciples chose to leave today. now, there are only thirty-seven people left in the entire sect. moreover, the cultivation resources are severely lacking. if this continues¡­¡±


    when long jiu heard this, he smiled.


    ¡°it¡¯s fine. everyone has their own aspirations. i¡¯m also about to succeed.¡±


    when the eldest disciple heard this, he sighed. he knew that his master was already obsessed and it was difficult to persuade him, so he asked.


    ¡°master, how was your harvest on this trip?¡±


    long jiu laughed.


    ¡°when i go out ten times, i¡¯ll definitely encounter danger once and always encounter a benefactor!¡±


    ¡°this time, my luck exceeded the past. as 1 moved through the danger, i encountered three benefactors!¡±


    looking at his master¡¯s smug expression, this eldest disciple thought of the bitter days in the sect and couldn¡¯t help but persuade him again.


    ¡°master, the spirit stones the disciples need for cultivation are finished. why don¡¯t¡­ we sell one of the tokens? just one¡­¡±


    when long jiu heard this, he frowned.


    ¡°short-sighted!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m relying on my luck to become famous!¡±


    ¡°you have to know that those benefactors who saved me are all important figures. they took my token and sensed that i was extraordinary. when they pass by the northern fate royal family in the future, they will definitely remember me and mention it to the experts in the race.¡±


    ¡°at the start, the lords in the race might not know who i am.¡±


    ¡°however, as many benefactors visit the race it the race and mention my name, those lords will naturally have a deep impression of me and will let more clansmen know who i am.¡±


    ¡°besides, every benefactor is my connection. i have to repay them for saving my life. this is karma!¡±


    ¡°to make all the big shots become my benefactors, tell me, how can i not be famous? after i have such a reputation, i can have anything i want.¡±


    with that, long jiu glanced at his eldest disciple. he thought that the other party had indeed suffered following him all these years, so he comforted him.


    ¡°wait a little longer. 1 estimate that after i give out the remaining seven tokens, the timing will be about right. let¡¯s not talk about it anymore. master will rest and recuperate before continuing to head out to find my benefactors.¡±


    the eldest disciple fell silent and wanted to say something else. however, seeing his master like this, he could only obey.


    but thinking about his master over these years, it was indeed extraordinary luck. there were many times when he was chased and faced life-threatening crises, yet each time, there were benefactors who stepped in to help.


    the eldest disciple fell silent and wanted to say something else. however, seeing his master like this, he could only obey.


    ¡°i hope it works.¡±


    the eldest disciple sighed..

 Chapter 1480 - Chapter 1480: You Present the Betrothal Gifts, and I’ll Enter the Bridal Chamber (1)

    chapter 1480: you present the betrothal gifts, and i¡¯ll enter the bridal chamber (1)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    in the area of the northern wanggu near the east, beneath the glacier, it was pitch black.


    the thick layer of ice formed the sky of the ice river, enveloping this place.


    the bone-piercing coldness should have frozen the water, yet the river here was peculiar. it contained both spiritual energy and anomalous substances formed by divine aura.


    the distribution of these elements at different levels caused the freezing point to vary


    the deeper one went, the more the freezing point defied understanding.


    even though xu qing and erniu couldn¡¯t sense any heat in their bodies and were completely relying on their cultivation to support their vitality, the river water still did not freeze.


    as for the coldness, as they sank, it became even more intense.


    when they were about 300,000 feet below, xu qing paused.


    if he continued to sink, his body would naturally be able to withstand it, but his soul already felt the pressure.


    but it could still support him till another 100,000 to 200,000 feet.


    however, feng lintao and yue dong had already reached their limit.


    if they continued to sink, they wouldn¡¯t have the strength to display immortal art and inheritance.


    on the other hand, the strangeness of erniu was vividly displayed here. he¡­ was relaxed!


    in fact, xu qing felt that in this cold river, erniu seemed to be much more comfortable than outside.


    ¡°your eldest senior brother will always be your eldest senior brother.¡±


    noticing xu qing¡¯s gaze, erniu had a smug expression.


    when xu qing heard this, he cooperated and revealed a look of admiration on his face, making erniu feel incomparably comfortable. however, he also knew that feng lintao and yue dong couldn¡¯t be brought any deeper.


    hence, after the two of them exchanged glances, they decided to activate feng lintao¡¯s inheritance here.


    erniu raised his hand and waved it. immediately, feng lintao¡¯s soul appeared in the ice river. the moment he appeared, his soul body immediately shivered and began to freeze.


    the intense life-and-death crisis caused feng lintao¡¯s mind to stir. he didn¡¯t hesitate to erupt all his soul power in an attempt to resist the cold here. however, the effect was minimal.


    as a result, feng lintao had no choice but to drift upward. it was only after he rose by 30,000 feet that he barely managed to maintain the balance, avoiding the fate of turning into an ice sculpture.


    ¡°so useless!¡±


    erniu frowned and reprimanded.


    feng lintao felt aggrieved. he wanted to tell erniu that he was a soul and didn¡¯t have a physical body, so the strength he could unleash was naturally much weaker.


    and all of this was not by his choice; it was because he had been used as a bait¡­


    in addition, he was also put under restrictions, so his strength was naturally much more restricted.


    however, he didn¡¯t dare to mention these grievances. he could only bury them in his heart and reveal a fawning expression.


    he was really worried that after handing over the inheritance, his value would be infinitely small¡­ if he made the other party unhappy, he would probably die. although he had been thinking about how to break out of this situation on the way, he hadn¡¯t thought of any solution until now.


    at that moment, he was being stared at by erniu and xu qing. that covetous gaze made feng lintao tremble but he didn¡¯t dare to disobey. hence, he steeled his heart and looked at xu qing.


    ¡°fellow daoist xu qing, i¡¯ll be sincere. i won¡¯t hide anything and won¡¯t use any methods that are disadvantageous to you. i¡¯ll do my best to give out the inheritance and help you brand the immortal art into authority.¡±


    ¡°i don¡¯t have any other requests, nor do i have any extravagant hopes that you guys will return my freedom. 1 only want to survive. it¡¯s fine even if 1 become a slave. so, fellow daoist xu qing¡­¡±


    ¡°i trust you. i hope you can give me a promise!¡±


    feng lintao looked at xu qing. after he finished speaking, before xu qing could say anything, erniu, who was at the side, was unhappy.


    ¡°what do you mean by it? you don¡¯t trust me?¡±


    feng lintao¡¯s heart trembled. just as he was about to explain, xu qing¡¯s voice rang out and interrupted him.


    ¡°i¡¯ll do my best to send you back to the human race. as for your life and death, it¡¯s up to the empress to decide.¡±


    as soon as xu qing finished speaking, feng lintao¡¯s heart finally calmed down and he heaved a long sigh of relief.


    if xu qing agreed fully, he would feel uneasy, but xu qing¡¯s words showed sincerity.


    hence, determination appeared in feng lintao¡¯s eyes. he no longer hesitated or asked for more. at that moment, he performed a series of hand seals with both soul hands and pressed his forehead.


    immediately, his soul body shone with a resplendent light. in this pitch-black ice river, it was like a star.


    there were also threads that appeared on his soul body because of the cold here. they intertwined and outlined each other, forming a blooming flower.


    as soon as the flower totem appeared, a strange fragrance wafted out.


    as it spread outwards¡­


    a hint of primitive and majestic intent rose from the flower. it was¡­ the aura of a great emperor.


    if this aura appeared in the outside world, it would be illusory.


    however, when it appeared in this cold river, it gained substance¡­ it transformed into a ring formed by countless marks that appeared around feng lintao. it continued to spin and shine.


    it reflected the light of the flower totem.


    in the end, this ring, as if it were an extension of that flower, materialized into a blossom outside feng lintao¡¯s soul.


    each of the marks that formed this flower emitted a sense of dao. upon closer inspection, one could see that these marks were all blank. they didn¡¯t contain any will or spells.


    what they had was only the purest and most basic essence of the great dao.


    ¡°this is the authority formed by the inheritance of the great emperor of my liaoxuan holy land. it¡¯s blank and can be branded with suitable spells and divine powers to form authority!¡±


    ¡°however, not all spells can succeed. moreover, every failure will cause the inheritance mark to dissipate a little permanently. therefore, it¡¯s best if you can choose something that can succeed in one go.¡±


    feng lintao immediately spoke. his expression was distorted. clearly, even with the help of the environment here, it was still difficult for him to release the inheritance..

 Chapter 1481 - Chapter 1481: You Present the Betrothal Gifts, and I’ll Enter the Bridal Chamber (2)

    chapter 1481: you present the betrothal gifts, and i¡¯ll enter the bridal chamber (2)


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    ¡°fellow daoists, i can only maintain this for fifteen minutes!


    ¡± hurry up and decide what spell you want to brand!¡±


    xu qing and erniu looked at each other.


    they could choose not to use yue dong¡¯s immortal art¡­


    ¡°however, since yue dong planned to brand her immortal art as authority, she must have made preparations. the possibility of success is the greatest.¡±


    xu qing remained silent.


    erniu narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°little qing, i¡¯m thinking of a question. is yue dong¡¯s plan really just to brand her immortal art as authority¡­ according to the few times we fought with yue dong, this woman gives me the feeling that she¡¯s extremely scheming.


    ¡°so, is it possible that she still has a follow-up plan¡­ imprinting authority might just be an important part of her final plan.¡±


    after erniu finished speaking, xu qing fell into deep thought.


    recalling yue dong¡¯s cooperation with lan yao previously, if she was really only doing this for feng lintao, there was actually no need for her to participate in the battle between the lan family and the great emperor¡¯s disciple, lu lingzi.


    she should have other methods to bypass the lan family and snatch feng


    lintao¡¯s inheritance.


    however, she chose the path that would benefit the lan family the most if she succeeded.


    ¡°she must have other motives!¡±


    xu qing and erniu exchanged glances, and then as they raised their heads, yue dong, controlled by the shadow, appeared in the river.


    the moment she appeared, yue dong trembled. her eyes were still filled with resentment but her body was controlled by little shadow and she couldn¡¯t resist. she could only let little shadow control her to speak.


    ¡°master, i can¡¯t find any other motive in this woman¡¯s memory. it seems that transforming the immortal art into authority is her final plan.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes were cold. he looked at the resentment in yue dong¡¯s eyes and calmly spoke.


    ¡°control this woman and cast the immortal art. we will directly brand her immortal art into this inheritance authority!¡±


    little shadow accepted the order.


    under his control, yue dong raised her hands and activated the six thieves


    delusions immortal art.


    as the seven-colored light shone, the resentment in yue dong¡¯s eyes was quickly replaced by anxiety. however, it was useless. she could only watch helplessly as her body cast the immortal art.


    very soon, seven-colored light erupted from her body, forming a seven-colored sea of light that completely enveloped the flower formed outside feng lintao¡¯s body.


    those blank marks also rapidly absorbed the seven-colored light, turning into vibrant hues. finally, little shadow controlled yue dong to raise her hands and slash fiercely in front of her.


    immediately, the connection between the seven-colored sea of light and yue


    dong was severed.


    all the seven-colored light gushed into feng lintao¡¯s inheritance flower and was distributed among all the marks, causing the blooming flower to become a seven-colored flower.


    staring at the flower, a conflicted feeling rose in feng lintao¡¯s heart. he wanted to monopolize it, but at the next instant, xu qing¡¯s figure appeared behind him and erniu arrived in front of him.


    under xu qing¡¯s cold gaze and erniu¡¯s spurious smile, feng lintao had no choice but to put away the restlessness in his heart and speak sincerely.


    ¡°fellow daoists, water it with the liaoxuan holy liquid and it will completely solidify.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve hidden the liaoxuan holy liquid in my soul. in my current state, outsiders can¡¯t retrieve it and it will affect the formation of the authority. so, please remove the restraints and i¡¯ll take it out.¡±


    feng lintao tried his best to make his expression look sincere.


    this was his final trump card.


    however, there was something that he had misjudged from the source¡­


    xu qing also had liaoxuan holy liquid and it was much more than his¡­


    hence, at the next instant, xu qing raised his right hand and took out a bottle. with a wave of his hand, the liaoxuan holy liquid that was dozens of times more than feng lintao¡¯s poured out of the bottle.


    the moment it landed on the seven-colored flower, because there was enough of the liquid, this flower rapidly solidified and completely turned from an illusory state into solid.


    at the next instant, as xu qing raised his hand, cracking sounds echoed out. this seven-colored flower suddenly separated from feng lintao and flew toward xu qing.


    xu qing grabbed it and held it in his palm.


    this scene caused feng lintao¡¯s eyes to widen and his heart to rumble.


    ¡°so much¡­¡±


    he immediately guessed the reason and understood that back then in the cave with the liaoxuan holy liquid, the holy liquid wasn¡¯t as little as he had seen but had been taken away by xu qing in advance!


    his mind churned and countless emotions rose, but he had no choice but to suppress them. he endured the grievances and bitterness and continued to put on a fawning expression. at the same time, he placed his hope on the seven-colored flower.


    this flower emitted a vast aura and the great dao contained in it was intense.


    it had become a true authority.


    moreover, it had no owner. once anyone fused with it, it could transform into a dao mark.


    if such a fortune was placed in the outside world, it would definitely cause countless cultivators to go crazy. in fact, even gods would be tempted.


    ¡®there¡¯s only one¡­¡¯


    under his fawning appearance, feng lintao mumbled inwardly. if it was him, even if they were biological brothers, he would still snatch it, let alone if they were only from the same sect.


    however, at the next instant, a scene that made his heart skip a beat appeared. after xu qing looked at the seven-colored flower for a bit, he actually threw it to erniu.


    erniu caught it and held it in his hand to take a look. he then raised his head and looked at feng lintao.


    feng lintao¡¯s fawning expression grew even more intense.


    erniu grinned.


    ¡°little feng, let me perform a magic trick for you. speaking of which, this magic trick only had a foundation to complete under your generosity.¡± after saying that, amidst feng lintao¡¯s confusion, erniu glanced at xu qing.


    they had found a solution to this matter on the way here.


    hence, when xu qing raised his hand, his holy heavenly vine flew out, heading straight for erniu.

 Chapter 1482 - Chapter 1482: You Present the Betrothal Gifts, and I’ll Enter the Bridal Chamber (3)

    chapter 1482: you present the betrothal gifts, and i¡¯ll enter the bridal chamber (3)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    erniu¡¯s body also swayed and his holy heavenly vine also flew out.


    these two heavenly vines were once one entity, but they were split into two after being bitten off by erniu. now that they were close, they actually began to fuse again and quickly became one.


    after that, under feng lintao¡¯s shock, erniu threw the seven-colored flower in his hand toward the heavenly vine.


    the heavenly vine opened its mouth and swallowed.


    in an instant, seven-colored light shone from its entire body. after the light circulated, it transformed into a dao mark that spread throughout the vine. after that, the vine separated on its own and returned¡­


    after the vines fused into xu qing and erniu¡¯s bodies, their bodies trembled and they closed their eyes. the aura of authority rose from their bodies and they began to absorb it.


    the immortal art, six thieves delusions, was perfectly split into two!


    feng lintao¡¯s heart continued to sink. helplessness rose intensely.


    yue dong, who was at the side, had the same emotions in her eyes.


    for the first time in their lives, the two of them had the same feelings.


    however, the outcome couldn¡¯t be changed. what shocked the two of them even more was that dozens of breaths later, as xu qing and erniu opened their eyes, they turned their heads in unison at the same time and looked at yue dong.


    ¡°so that¡¯s how it is!¡±


    ¡°you actually hid the thoughts of your ultimate goal in the immortal art¡­ if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that it had transformed into an authority, it would be extremely difficult to detect.¡±


    ¡°no wonder little shadow couldn¡¯t see it in your memories¡­¡±


    yue dong indeed had a deeper plan. that was the reason she chose to cooperate with the lan family.


    this thought was erased from her memories at the critical moment and transferred to the immortal art. hence, little shadow couldn¡¯t probe it previously.


    right now, after xu qing and erniu fused with the authority, they roughly understood her goal.


    refining feng lintao¡¯s inheritance and branding immortal art into authority was only the second step of yue dong¡¯s overall plan.


    the first step was for her to cooperate with the lan family and help lure the great emperor¡¯s disciple over. at the same time, she would also plot against feng lintao¡¯s inheritance.


    the second step was to fuse with feng lintao¡¯s authority, causing the immortal art, six thieves delusions, to become an authority.


    the third step was her ultimate goal.


    she had made an agreement with the lan family that after the lan family took away the magical eye of the great emperor¡¯s disciple, his body would be handed to her and she would refine it into an emotion puppet.


    after that, she would control this puppet and go with the lan family to the place where the great emperor was in seclusion to snatch the great emperor¡¯s body who was suspected to have died!


    it was unknown what methods the lan family had hidden but they were absolutely confident. moreover, they told yue dong that the great emperor wasn¡¯t seemingly dead but had really died.


    moreover, his seclusion place was sealed. the dao accumulation and cultivation base emitted by the death of the great emperor would settle down. if they were absorbed, it could allow one¡¯s cultivation to advance by leaps and bounds.


    they said that according to the plan, it would definitely succeed.


    at that time, the lan family would obtain the other inheritances and cultivation base of the great emperor.


    as for yue dong, she would use this authority to imprint it on the great emperor¡¯s corpse and refine a great emperor corpse puppet.


    this plan obviously required many details and clearly involved scheming and maneuvering, as on the surface, yue dong¡¯s role didn¡¯t seem particularly significant.


    however, the lan family still chose to cooperate with yue dong¡­


    but the specifics didn¡¯t exist in this thought.


    it was unknown if she had used other methods to hide it, or if it was hidden in the emotions of others, or if it was with the lan family.


    even so, erniu was still moved by the madness of this plan.


    ¡°this yue dong is so crazy and bold¡­ i like it!¡±


    erniu¡¯s eyes lit up. he turned his head and looked at xu qing.


    ¡°little qing, since yue dong is fated with us and has planned this step for us, if we don¡¯t help her complete it, our conscience will be severely condemned.¡±


    ¡°besides, the place where that great emperor is in seclusion contains opportunities for cultivation improvement. our normal cultivation is too slow. how about we go and do this job?!¡±


    ¡°although there might be something fishy, it¡¯s been a long time since we did anything big.¡±


    ¡°since we bumped into this plan, if i don¡¯t go, my dao heart will be unstable.¡±


    erniu licked his lips, his eyes filled with madness..

 Chapter 1483 - Chapter 1483: Snatching the Authority of a True God

    chapter 1483: snatching the authority of a true god


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    erniu saying that his dao heart might become unstable showed how firm his thought of going to the demon feather holy land was.


    after all, xu qing knew that his eldest senior brother¡¯s dao heart was a desire for treasures and fortune.


    moreover, eldest senior brother was right about one thing. xu qing recalled the experiences of the two of them. it had indeed been several years since they did something major.


    most importantly, xu qing was also very tempted by the opportunity to increase his cultivation in the great emperor¡¯s seclusion place.


    xu qing was clear that with his current cultivation, if he followed the normal routine, it would be extremely difficult for him to break through the nihility and step into the soul accumulation realm.


    he really had too many divine authorities and needed to materialize a hundred divine authorities.


    this gave him powerful combat strength but at the same time, it also became a terrifying restraint.


    only by comprehending all the divine authorities could he break through the nihility realm and become a soul accumulation expert.


    although this soul accumulation would be unprecedented, surpass all those in the same realm, and was infinitely close to being a god, the time it would take would definitely be incomparably long.


    if it was during peacetime, it would be fine.


    however, now that the holy lands were frequently descending and the war with wanggu was erupting, the future fate was a blur¡­


    at this moment, it was imperative for xu qing to increase his cultivation and become stronger.


    xu qing fell silent and glanced at feng lintao and yue dong.


    feng lintao panicked and hurriedly put on a fawning expression.


    under little shadow¡¯s control, yue dong also lowered her head respectfully.


    after some thought, xu qing and erniu finally looked at each other and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, if you want to go to the demon feather holy land to obtain such a fortune, we need an identity.¡±


    hearing that xu qing¡¯s tone didn¡¯t have any intention of rejecting, erniu became even more excited. after his gaze quickly swept past yue dong and feng lintao, he chuckled.


    ¡°isn¡¯t this a ready-made identity?¡±


    the panic in feng lintao¡¯s heart intensified. yue dong¡¯s eyes also revealed despair, accompanied by intense resentment.


    although yue dong¡¯s body was possessed, she could see and hear. at that moment, she watched helplessly as the two people in front of her wanted to snatch her arrangements and seemed to want to do it with her identity¡­


    her heart was already tearing and dripping blood.


    however, whether it was xu qing or erniu, they naturally wouldn¡¯t care about yue dong¡¯s feelings. at that moment, erniu licked his lips and continued to speak.


    ¡°little qing, do you still remember when we went to the black fleaven race? at that time, we transformed into the black fleaven race¡¯s people and used the special medicinal pill of the cloth race, the profound heaven demon moon pill!¡±


    ¡°i have a good relationship with the cloth race. when 1 lived there previously, they gave me many good things, including that medicinal pill. moreover, it was a pill that was blank and hadn¡¯t been branded.¡±


    ¡°so¡­ you can become yue dong and i can become little feng. with this identity, wouldn¡¯t it be perfect for us to head to the demon feather floly land?!¡±


    the light in erniu¡¯s eyes lit up even more. at the thought of xu qing transforming into yue dong, he couldn¡¯t help but be filled with anticipation.


    when these words landed in xu qing¡¯s ears, he immediately understood his eldest senior brother¡¯s evil thoughts. hence, he glanced at the other party and shook his head.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, didn¡¯t you say that you like yue dong? her plan is so crazy and it¡¯s very compatible with you. you¡¯re the most suitable in nature to transform into yue dong.¡±


    ¡°in addition, you have experience transforming into female cultivators. back then, when you transformed into the princess of the sea corpse race, it was flawless.¡±


    when erniu heard this, his eyes widened.


    ¡°i¡¯m your eldest senior brother, little qing. your words are too hurtful. i¡¯m sad.¡±


    xu qing was unmoved. he looked at erniu and made a suggestion.


    ¡°or, the old rule?¡±


    erniu gritted his teeth as a sense of depression rose in his heart. he knew that the old rule xu qing mentioned was actually to fight each other.


    it was just that if it was in the past, he still had some confidence. however, xu qing¡¯s body was too unreasonable now. if they fought¡­ erniu felt that even if he died of exhaustion, he wouldn¡¯t be able to do much damage.


    unless he unlocked more seals.


    however¡­ that was a method for when he had to risk his life. the consequences were too serious to unlock the seals without any cause.


    however, transforming into yue dong prevented him from fulfilling his mischievous desire to see xu qing in women¡¯s clothing, leaving him somewhat conflicted.


    seeing this, xu qing spoke softly.


    ¡°moreover, senior brother, only someone like you, who understands human nature, acts with utmost smoothness, thinks with extreme meticulousness, and speaks flawlessly, can transform into yue dong and not be detected by outsiders.¡±


    ¡°this isn¡¯t something an ordinary person can do. here¡­ 1 know that no matter how hard i work, i¡¯m still inferior to you, eldest senior brother. this time, 1 will study hard.¡±


    these sentences made erniu feel much more comfortable in his heart. he lifted his chin.


    ¡°you¡¯re right!¡±


    after saying that, he thought of the good fortune in the demon feather, so erniu coughed.


    ¡°alright, alright. you¡¯re the junior brother. as the eldest senior brother, i¡¯ll go easy on you.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll become yue dong. anyway, this isn¡¯t the first time i¡¯ve worn female clothes.¡±


    ¡°as for you, little qing, you¡¯re my puppet. learn well!¡±


    erniu glared at xu qing.


    xu qing knew when to stop and hurriedly nodded. at the same time, he revealed a touched expression and cupped his fists and bowed deeply to erniu.


    ¡°thank you, senior brother. i¡¯ll remember this matter for the rest of my life and will definitely work hard to study!¡±


    seeing xu qing like this, although erniu still had some doubts in his heart, it was mostly resolved. hence, he waved his hand.


    ¡°wait at the side first. for the cloth race¡¯s profound heaven demon moon pill to display its effect perfectly, it needs to fuse with the target first and envelop them, turning them into clothes.¡±


    ¡°after we wear them, as long as we don¡¯t encounter a great emperor, nothing will go wrong.¡±


    ¡°this will take some time. about¡­ a month.¡±


    xu qing nodded. he then thought of long jiu whom they had encountered earlier and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, since it needs a month, i have something to deal with. see you here in a month.¡±


    erniu had always been diligent and passionate about doing major things. after hearing xu qing¡¯s words, he waved his hand.


    ¡°go, go.¡±


    with that, he took a step toward yue dong and feng lintao. after he grabbed them, he brought them up a little higher and began to deal with them.


    xu qing headed straight for the outside world. very soon, he broke through the ice layer and appeared in the world.


    the cold wind howled and snow fluttered in all directions.


    in the wind and snow, xu qing closed his eyes and sensed.


    when long jiu left back then, xu qing had already secretly left a mark on his body. at this moment, he sensed it and locked onto a direction before moving toward that direction.


    he used sound to move.


    seven days later.


    on the icy plain, long jiu stood in a broken place. his face was pale but his expression was neither servile nor overbearing. fie cupped his fists and bowed to an old man from the soul accumulation realm in front of him.


    ¡°i¡¯m long jiu, a disciple of the northern fate royal family. thank you for saving my life, senior.¡±


    ¡°junior will remember this kindness in my heart. in the future, if benefactor comes to my royal family, you can look for me with this token. if you have any orders, long jiu will definitely do his best.¡±


    with that, he left behind a token and took a few steps back. after bowing again, he calmly left.


    the soul accumulation old man looked at the token and revealed the same expression as erniu back then¡­


    in the sky, xu qing had concealed his aura and was watching this scene.


    he found long jiu on the first day. in the following days, xu qing followed the other party and witnessed long jiu¡¯s extraordinary experience.


    the other party¡­ had encountered a total of three dangers. all of them were life-and-death crises which could kill him if he wasn¡¯t careful.


    however, every time, he would encounter rescuers.


    moreover, there were no traces of any arrangements during the entire process. everything seemed to be a coincidence.


    every time he was saved, long jiu would give out a token.


    ¡°the fluctuations of divine authority on this person¡¯s body became stronger as he gave out the tokens¡­¡±


    ¡°it will mature very soon¡­¡±


    xu qing followed long jiu¡¯s figure from afar.


    with these past few days of observation, he had discerned more information.


    ¡°why would such a divine authority related to luck appear in the body of a cultivator who doesn¡¯t have any divinity on him?¡±


    ¡°moreover, it¡¯s very obvious that this divine authority is incomplete.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s as though there was an existence that split the true divine authority of luck into countless parts. one of them was placed in long jiu¡¯s body.¡±


    a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°the truth will be revealed the moment the divine authority in his body matures.¡±


    xu qing took a step and disappeared without a trace.


    just like that, while remaining concealed, another half a month passed.


    long jiu¡¯s extraordinary adventures appeared several more times until he only had one token left. moreover, under xu qing¡¯s gaze, he met another benefactor.


    as he thanked and handed over the token, the divine authority fluctuations on long jiu¡¯s body suddenly boiled and erupted.


    this eruption didn¡¯t affect a large range, but it caused waves in the sky.


    a returning aura suddenly arose from long jiu, pointing beyond the heavens¡­


    as for long jiu himself, he didn¡¯t notice all of this and continued to move forward. however, his body had clearly lost weight and his essence, qi, and spirit instantly dimmed.


    it was as though his soul, his body, and everything else had become nutrients at this moment.


    they transformed into a thread that connected to the starry sky.


    however, he still didn¡¯t sense anything.


    it was as though his cognition had been blinded.


    in the end, he even lost the strength to move forward and fainted, but his expression was filled with satisfaction¡­


    this bizarre scene caused xu qing¡¯s heart to turn solemn. he took a step forward and appeared beside long jiu and pressed on his forehead.


    at the next instant, xu qing sensed that in the distant starry sky, there seemed to be a huge ball of light. it kept expanding and collapsing.


    this ball of light emitted an aura that even xu qing felt was terrifying. that was¡­ a true god!


    thousands of threads of different lengths rose from wanggu.


    every one of them was a divine authority of luck.


    one-third of them had already extended into the starry sky and were connected to the ball of light.


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled. because the other party wasn¡¯t conscious and the distance was too far, his body could withstand it.


    he put his hand away from long jiu¡¯s forehead and his eyes revealed a dark glint as he looked at the sky.


    ¡°senior jade flowing dust once said that true gods won¡¯t truly perish. as long as their true names exist, even if they die, they will return from nothingness¡­¡±


    ¡°this is a true god who is returning!¡±


    ¡°the method of its return is to split its divine authority into thousands of parts and parasitize them in the bodies of living beings.¡±


    ¡°however, it¡¯s still too early for it to return completely. it needs the guiding line formed by the thousands of incomplete divine authorities of luck to mature completely before it can meet the conditions for its return.¡±


    ¡°the price for every thread of mature divine authority is complete sacrifice of the parasitized target, just like this long jiu who is about to die.¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and looked at long jiu, who was withering. sensing the divine authority of luck in the latter¡¯s body, a hint of determination and madness quickly appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°since that¡¯s the case¡­ what if i snatch it? it can be considered saving this person¡¯s life..¡±

 Chapter 1484 - Chapter 1484: Little Qing, Am I Beautiful?

    chapter 1484: little qing, am i beautiful?


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    a sharp glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he raised his right index finger and pressed it against long jiu¡¯s forehead again.


    the moment it landed, the divine source in his entire body erupted and gushed into long jiu¡¯s body, transforming into a vortex that spun violently.


    the suction force of the vortex attracted the divine authority in long jiu¡¯s body that was constantly devouring him.


    this divine authority was deeply rooted in long jiu¡¯s body, parasitizing him. it was like a gu worm, entangled with his flesh and blood and soul.


    it was extremely difficult to take it out.


    moreover, long jiu was rapidly weakening and would probably die in just over ten minutes.


    hence, the first thing xu qing had to do was to maintain long jiu¡¯s life force.


    hence, he performed a series of hand seals with his left hand while taking out a large number of medicinal pills. after he scattered them, they formed dust that landed on long jiu¡¯s body and seeped into his body, nourishing his vitality.


    at the same time, he also spread out the flames of his own life and enveloped the surroundings, mobilizing long jiu¡¯s life force, causing his soul fire that was about to be extinguished to sway and maintain its burning state.


    however, this only barely maintained long jiu¡¯s life force.


    the devouring of the divine authority was too domineering, as though it wanted to completely extinguish long jiu¡¯s life.


    in the end, the key to allowing long jiu¡¯s life force to continue was the flesh and blood pill xu qing had refined with the white wind in the moon offering region back then.


    this pill had an unbelievable effect on vitality, allowing one¡¯s vitality to increase explosively.


    although it was chaotic, to a certain extent, it was also a huge nourishment for life force.


    if it was any other time, the effect of this pill would be harmful without any benefits. however, now, everything would be reversed.


    just like that, under xu qing¡¯s efforts, time flowed by.


    five days passed in the blink of an eye.


    xu qing worked hard to extend long jiu¡¯s life.


    although long jiu was on the verge of death many times during this period, in the end, he still barely survived.


    this allowed xu qing to have enough time to slowly guide that trace of luck divine authority into his divine source vortex.


    at the last moment, the great emperor¡¯s scissors appeared above xu qing¡¯s head.


    as soon as this pair of scissors appeared, the weather changed. as it ruthlessly snipped, cracking sounds echoed in all directions!


    the scissors trembled and the traces of rust became even denser. it couldn¡¯t cut the threads.


    after all, this divine authority came from a true god. from a certain perspective, if the divine authority was complete, the great emperor¡¯s scissors wouldn¡¯t even be able to shake it.


    fortunately, this was only a trace of the complete divine authority of luck.


    hence, xu qing gritted his teeth. after paying the price of increasing rust, amidst the many cracking sounds echoing, the threads that were connected to the starry sky formed by the divine authority were continuously cut off time and time again.


    nine times later, under the eruption of the great emperor¡¯s scissors, the threads formed by the divine authority finally broke completely!


    the moment they were cut off, xu qing¡¯s divine source vortex completely enveloped this trace of luck divine authority. he then ruthlessly pulled it out and put it back into his body.


    at the next instant, xu qing sat cross-legged and closed his eyes, motionless.


    his body suppressed the divine authority with all its might and continued to invade it.


    at this moment, long jiu, who was lying at the side, trembled. in his unconscious state, a large amount of blood flowed out of the corner of his mouth. however, the continuous devouring of his life force had been restrained.


    at that moment, although his aura was weak, it was much more stable.


    a day later.


    xu qing opened his eyes.


    his eyes were bloodshot and his soul felt exhausted. however, he was in high spirits.


    that trace of luck divine authority was ultimately refined into a divine authority seed in the nihility land after it became rootless.


    ¡°it also created karma with the returning true god¡­¡±


    ¡°but¡­ the karma between me and the fragmented-face makes me not afraid of other karma.¡±


    ¡°moreover, according to this god¡¯s plan, it will take more than thousands of years for it to return.¡±


    ¡°if i were still alive thousands of years later, i wouldn¡¯t have to fear this god at all.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he looked at long jiu.


    although long jiu was still unconscious, his breathing was becoming more and more stable and his expression had eased a lot.


    before this, xu qing and long jiu didn¡¯t have much to do with each other.


    they were strangers.


    previously, under the influence of this divine authority, long jiu was already on the brink of death. without xu qing¡¯s intervention, he would have long been annihilated, his entire being completely sacrificed to facilitate the return of that unknown true god.


    although xu qing¡¯s primary goal was to seize that trace of divine authority, it must be said that this was a stroke of luck for long jiu, who otherwise would have certainly perished.


    because this divine authority had been taken away by xu qin, in this situation where he would definitely die, long jiu survived.


    ¡°this divine authority is indeed strange. to a certain extent, my appearance and saving him can be seen as the divine authority still playing a role at the last moment.¡±


    ¡°every time he encounters danger, he will definitely meet a benefactor.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought. he now had a better understanding of the god¡¯s exclusive divine authority.


    ¡°it¡¯s completely different from the origin of cultivators.¡±


    ¡°divine authority is an even more ancient power.¡±


    xu qing sensed the divine authority seed in his body. a while later, he took a deep breath and stood up.


    he was going to leave this place.


    however, before he left, he took one last look at the unconscious long jiu.


    ¡°i obtained this divine authority from you and saved your inevitable death. from now on, the karma has been severed.¡±


    xu qing raised his hand and waved it. after sending out a stream of vitality that fused into long jiu¡¯s body, he took a step toward the sky and disappeared into the distance.


    a while later, as the cold wind howled here, the unconscious long jiu¡¯s body trembled and he slowly opened his eyes.


    at first, there was confusion in his eyes, but very soon, his eyes widened and he quickly stood up. as he surveyed his surroundings, he also checked his body.


    when he discovered that everything was normal, suspicion appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°why do i remember that before i fainted, something seemed to have appeared in my body and was devouring everything about me¡­¡±


    ¡°and now, there¡¯s nothing abnormal. instead, there¡¯s an unprecedented clarity, as though i have been purified?¡±


    long jiu was at a loss. however, his past experiences allowed him to adapt very quickly.


    ¡°there¡¯s a high chance that i met another benefactor after i fainted.¡±


    at the thought of this, excitement rose in long jiu¡¯s heart. now that he had given out all his tokens, according to his plan, he just needed to wait for those benefactors to go to the northern fate royal family to find him.


    ¡°i¡¯ll definitely be able to rise in the northern fate royal family!¡±


    long jiu took a deep breath and was about to leave. however, after he took a step forward, he retracted his foot and bowed respectfully to the surroundings, speaking loudly.


    ¡°thank you, benefactor. i¡¯m long jiu, a member of the royal family.¡±


    ¡°benefactor, i have no way to repay you for saving my life. if you head to the northern fate royal family in the future and have any orders for me, i will definitely do my best to repay you.¡±


    with that, long jiu bowed again before rising into the air. in the cold wind, he headed straight for the distance.


    due to the violent wind and the swaying of the snow, the sky looked dim like the starry sky.


    as the clouds churned, they were like nebulae.


    it was sometimes clear and sometimes blurry.


    the nebula churned.


    in the starry sky outside the wanggu world, in the distant void, it was dark.


    very soon, a white dot of light appeared in the darkness.


    this light spot grew larger and larger until it transformed into a gigantic ball of light.


    it continued to expand and collapse. there was a blurry murmur that continued to echo.


    ¡°eternal star ring, all realms¡¯ beings.¡±


    ¡°my name is vast star, holding authority since ancient times.¡±


    ¡°recite my name, and i shall grant luck.¡±


    ¡°worship my form, and eternal life shall be yours.¡±


    whispers spread out from the ball of light and drifted through the star ring, landing in all directions like seeds¡­ among them, the place where they drifted the most was wanggu.


    the threads were connected to it and guided it forward.


    this lasted until there was a thread that flickered and rapidly dimmed the instant it connected to it. finally, it broke with a cracking sound.


    the ball of light shook and the light inside suddenly spread out.


    however, that was all. there was only an instinctive murmur from the ball of light that had no will¡­


    xu qing raised his head and used the emperor¡¯s scissors again, cutting off the murmur that suddenly appeared in his ears.


    on the way to where erniu was, this was the seventh time this murmur suddenly appeared in his ears.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t surprised.


    every time it appeared, he would just cut it. moreover, as he cut it again and again, the sound became softer and softer. the previous time was almost undetectable.


    ¡°in the end, it is a god who died and only its true name is left.¡±


    xu qing glanced at the sky. after that, he retracted his gaze and his body disappeared in the wind and snow. he followed the sound of the wind and the sounds of everything as he shuttled through the void.


    finally, he returned before the agreed date with erniu.


    erniu wasn¡¯t finished yet.


    a few days later, xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged on the ice plain, opened his eyes.


    the ice layer under him collapsed. as the shadow rapidly returned, a graceful figure rushed up from under the glacier and walked over, standing in front of xu qing.


    this was a woman.


    her appearance was like a spring breeze in a cold world, bringing a touch of unique color to the gloomy land.


    her face resembled a delicate painting, fine and vivid.


    her eyebrows were like new moons, akin to a clear spring flowing through the mountains, fresh and natural.


    her eyes were deep as lakes, sparkling with wisdom, seeming to penetrate all worldly matters. the slight upward curve of her lips revealed a calm confidence, as if she could face any situation with ease.


    especially notable was her elegant long dress, which perfectly outlined her figure. the hem of the dress swayed gently with her steps, like a light butterfly dancing among flowers.


    her demeanor was both unique and charming, embodying the gentle grace and tenderness of a woman, yet also independence and strength.


    when she got close, she revealed a gorgeous smile.


    ¡°brother qing, am i beautiful?¡±


    xu qing remained silent.


    the woman didn¡¯t stop. she raised her jade-like hand and tucked her hair behind her ear. a gentle expression appeared in her eyes as she chuckled.


    ¡°who is more beautiful, ling¡¯er or me?¡±


    veins bulged on xu qing¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°who is more beautiful, that seductive fox or me?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s right eye flickered with erase authority.


    ¡°who is more beautiful, zi xuan or me?¡±


    the woman smiled slyly.


    the divine authorities in xu qing¡¯s body erupted violently. he looked at the person in front of him and took a deep breath. after that, he took out a recording jade slip and calmly spoke.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, what did you say just now? i didn¡¯t hear you clearly. say it again.¡±


    the woman¡¯s expression turned serious. she coughed and calmly spoke.


    ¡°little qing, stop playing.. let¡¯s get down to business!¡±

 Chapter 1485 - Chapter 1485: Erniu Enters Demon Feather

    chapter 1485: erniu enters demon feather


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    xu qing stared at erniu.


    at that moment, the wind blew across the ice plain, stirring up snowflakes.


    the woman in the snow looked even more charming. however, in xu qing¡¯s eyes, everything was just a dream¡­


    eldest senior brother, there are flaws in your previous plan.


    xu qing held the recording jade slip in his hand and didn¡¯t let go at all as he calmly spoke.


    erniu¡¯s gaze swept past xu qing¡¯s hand that was holding the recording jade slip and he muttered a few words inwardly.


    it had to be said that xu qing¡¯s move still had a certain lethality to erniu, who had always cared about his face. at the very least, erniu couldn¡¯t be as smug as before.


    erniu coughed.


    what flaws? feng lintao¡¯s wanted identity?


    xu qing nodded.


    i had already thought of this. feng lintao, being wanted, is naturally unsuitable, but yue dong has more than one puppet.¡±


    as he spoke, erniu raised his hand and waved it. immediately, a coffin flew out of his storage bag and landed on the ice plain.


    this coffin was pitch-black and a large number of marks appeared on it. there were also a few nails that nailed the coffin lid tightly.


    as erniu performed a series of hand seals, the coffin shook. the nails on it trembled and pulled out on their own. the marks and runes on it also quickly flickered, causing the lid of the coffin to be opened.


    it revealed the corpse of a seven or eight-year-old boy.


    this corpse¡¯s entire body was pitch-black and there were livor mortis spots everywhere. its entire body emitted the fluctuations of a perfected nihility cultivator.


    there¡¯s no need for us to rely on the six thieves delusions to make puppets. i found this one in yue dong¡¯s storage bag.¡±


    i¡¯ve already found out his background from yue dong¡¯s memories. he¡¯s her junior brother.¡±


    yue dong¡¯s lineage is very famous in the demon feather holy land. her master was a great immortal master when he was alive. after that, yue dong and his junior apprentice brother fought for many years. in the end, he was killed by yue dong and refined into a corpse puppet.¡±


    when erniu said this, he clicked his tongue and his words carried a hint of teasing.


    although yue dong later broke through and no longer needed this corpse puppet to fight, she kept it because of her past relationship with it. from time to time, she would torture it.¡±


    it can be seen how much hatred she has for this junior brother. so, little qing, look. compared to them, don¡¯t i treat you extremely well?¡±


    you have to cherish it!


    xu qing nodded.


    erniu was satisfied. he ended the lesson and pointed at the coffin.


    little qing, you can transform into him first.


    here is the medicinal pill for you.¡±


    as he spoke, erniu threw out a black-colored medicinal pill. it was none other than the cloth race¡¯s profound heaven demon moon pill.


    xu qing took it and glanced at the corpse in front of him. a hint of contemplation appeared in his eyes.


    senior brother, how many times can this pill be used?


    erniu chuckled.


    don¡¯t worry, you can use it many times. if you don¡¯t like this puppet, when we reach the holy land later, we¡¯ll find a charming female cultivator like yue dong. you can just transform again.¡±


    at that time, you and i, qing and niu, will definitely be able to stir up the holy land.¡±


    erniu was proud.


    xu qing pretended not to hear such lofty aspirations. he pressed the medicinal pill on his forehead, and at the next instant, black gas rose from his body and transformed into a cloth that completely enveloped him.


    after that, in erniu¡¯s eyes, xu qing¡¯s figure began to transform, becoming smaller and smaller. his skin also turned pitch-black and a large number of livor mortis spots appeared.


    there was also a dense aura of death lingering around his body.


    the entire process only lasted for ten minutes or so. what appeared in front of erniu was the figure of the corpse boy.


    xu qing opened his eyes.


    his black skin, white pupils and eyes made him look like a malicious ghost, giving off an intimidating feeling.


    not bad!


    erniu licked his lips.


    xu qing turned his head and glanced at the corpse in the coffin before looking at erniu. he suddenly raised his hand and waved it.


    immediately, the great emperor¡¯s needle appeared out of thin air. it first shuttled through the corpse, connecting its fate and karma to xu qing.


    after doing this, under xu qing¡¯s control, the needle flew toward erniu and continued to suture, allowing erniu and yue dong¡¯s fate to connect.


    this way, regardless of karma, fate, or aura, they were all completely blended.


    perfect!


    erniu¡¯s eyes lit up and he waved his hand proudly.


    let¡¯s go, junior brother. let¡¯s go home.


    as he spoke, erniu¡¯s delicate body swayed and headed straight for the sky.


    invisible threads spread out from the boy xu qing had transformed into and connected to erniu. this was a manifestation of the authority of their six thieves delusions.


    with this immortal art, the final flaw would be covered.


    at that moment, erniu had already risen into the air. in the air, he performed a series of hand seals with both hands, waving them at the sky.


    with this wave, a rift instantly formed in the sky.


    it was like a wound in the sky that was extremely unstable and was rapidly healing.


    this was a spell found by erniu from yue dong¡¯s memories and it could teleport them to the demon feather holy land.


    at the moment the spell activated, intense anticipation surfaced in erniu¡¯s eyes. however, he quickly retracted it. his gaze turned cold and his face was like ice. with a cold intent, he stepped into the rift.


    with a grab of her jade-like hand, she seemed to have grasped the fate of the corpse puppet boy behind her and¡­ pulled him into the crack.


    at the next instant, the two of them disappeared.


    the rift instantly closed.


    only the wind and snow blew past this place. at the same time, there were also some snowflakes that followed xu qing and erniu to the holy land.


    during the teleportation process, a mysterious power descended and locked onto the two of them, emitting a vast might that probed their identities at a deeper level.


    this detection method didn¡¯t check aura or bloodline but fate.


    in the eastern part of the demon feather holy land.


    in a distant plain far from the eastern emperor¡¯s dao altar, a place called skyfall, the spring breeze swept through, bringing the fragrance of flowers and the sounds of birdsong.


    there were no anomalous substances here.


    the density of spiritual energy here was rarely seen in wanggu.


    in this place that was like a fairyland, there was a teleportation array.


    this array formation was connected to wanggu and was one of the many array formations of the demon feather holy land.


    at that moment, more than a hundred demon feather cultivators were sitting cross-legged around the array formation.


    their clothes were all silver robes that were imprinted with the pattern of the starry sky. they emitted extraordinary fluctuations and each of them had wings on their backs.


    their cultivation levels were different, but the weakest was at the nascent soul realm. as for the leader, he had reached the five or six worlds soul accumulation realm, and there was more than one of them.


    they were the team that guarded this array during wartime. they were in charge of verifying the identities of all those who returned through this array.


    although the array formations of the demon feather holy land could detect the infiltration of cultivators who weren¡¯t demon feather cultivators, in order to prevent any accidents during this war, all the teleportation arrays were verified by demon feather cultivators again.


    what they mainly verified was whether the other party had any records of leaving the holy land. moreover, if necessary, they could forcefully search, including the storage bag.


    at that moment, the teleportation array suddenly shone. the light and fluctuations immediately attracted the gazes of the surrounding cultivators. all of them circulated their cultivation and their auras spread out. their gazes were sharp, looking like they were prepared to face an enemy.


    soon, snow and wind drifted out from within the formation. then, in the light of the formation, two figures¡ªone tall and one short, one female and one male ¡ªrapidly appeared.


    a few breaths later, as the array formation stopped, xu qing, who had transformed into a corpse, and erniu, who had transformed into yue dong, appeared in front of the demon feather cultivators.


    the moment he appeared, xu qing was expressionless. he knew that he was a corpse puppet now, so he didn¡¯t need to have any emotions.


    he would leave everything to eldest senior brother.


    erniu didn¡¯t disappoint. at this moment, he raised his chin and walked out of the array formation with a cold expression.


    when the surrounding demon feather cultivators saw yue dong, their expressions changed. some even lowered their heads and greeted her.


    greetings, immortal master!


    when xu qing heard their words, he followed without any change in his expression.


    yue dong ignored this. just as she was about to walk out of the array formation, a figure walked over from the crowd and appeared outside the array formation.


    ¡°halt!¡±


    erniu¡¯s gaze landed on this person and spoke coldly.


    you want to stop me?


    the cultivator looked hesitant but he still took a deep breath and spoke in a low voice.


    in times of war, everything is strictly enforced. it is my duty, please


    understand.¡±


    immortal master yue dong, you indeed have a record of going out and can return. however, there are no records of the corpse puppet behind you. we have to verify it and you have to tell us its identity.¡±


    yue dong was expressionless and didn¡¯t say anything.


    the cultivator gritted his teeth and performed a series of hand seals, mobilizing the power of the array formation here to envelop xu qing. at the same time, the cultivator took out a jade token and began to verify if xu qing was from the holy land.


    a long time later, as the verification ended, the cultivator heaved a sigh of relief inwardly.


    however, he was a little hesitant about the identity of the corpse.


    at that moment, yue dong calmly spoke.


    he¡¯s my junior brother. back then, he fought with me for the identity of the


    immortal master and was refined into a corpse puppet by me.¡±


    as soon as yue dong finished speaking, the hearts of the surrounding cultivators stirred.


    they knew yue dong¡¯s identity. the other party¡¯s master was once a famous great immortal master in the eastern part of the demon feather holy land when he was alive.


    he was in charge of the eastern immortal arts hall.


    not everyone in the holy land could learn the immortal arts. even if they occasionally came into contact with them, they would only have a superficial understanding of them.


    only the immortal arts hall contained truly terrifying immortal arts.


    only those with the identity of an immortal master could learn them.


    as for the junior brother that yue dong mentioned, they had also heard of him being refined. however, this was the first time they saw this corpse puppet.


    yue dong¡¯s words caused the cultivator in the lead to ponder.


    if it was anyone else, he might have probed deeper. however, he was wary of yue dong.


    ¡®those who cultivate immortal arts are all lunatics¡­ moreover, this yue dong has a good relationship with the lan family. now that the lan family has encountered a calamity and that lord has returned¡­ this is a sensitive period. it¡¯s best not to be involved in it.¡¯


    at the thought of this, the cultivator retreated and made way for yue dong and her corpse puppet to walk out of the array formation and fly into the distance.


    the gazes of the surrounding cultivators also landed on yue dong¡¯s figure. however, a few of them secretly took out voice transmission jade slips and quickly spread the news of yue dong¡¯s return.


    in the sky, erniu smiled faintly.


    junior brother, you should be able to find your new identity yourself.


    when xu qing heard this, he calmly spoke.


    i hope the person who comes will be suitable.


    at the same time, as the few cultivators in charge of the teleportation array spread the news of yue dong¡¯s return, someone in a cave abode on a bare mountain in the east suddenly opened his eyes, revealing a blood-red hue.


    yue dong, you¡¯ve finally appeared. i¡¯ve used the resources i obtained from the battle merits i gained from the human race to increase my cultivation base by a lot. as for your relationship with the lan family, it has also lost its influence following the lan family¡¯s calamity.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s time for the grudge between us to be settled!


    at the next instant, the cave abode rumbled. a figure rode a blood mist and headed straight for the sky.


    at the same time, in the eastern part of the demon feather holy land, near the center, a huge war chariot was rumbling forward.


    there were cultivators guarding the front and back of the war chariots with solemn expressions.


    the entire war chariot was incomparably luxurious and majestic.


    right at this moment, excited laughter suddenly rang out from the war chariot.


    change the direction. let¡¯s not go to the battlefield first and head to the skvfall plains!¡±


    the chariot rumbled and immediately changed its destination, heading straight for the skyfall plains.


    in the chariot, there was a young man with a fair complexion dressed in luxurious robes. at this moment, his face was full of excitement as he held a jade slip in his hand, his eyes brimming with endless tenderness.


    miss dong¡¯er, you have finally returned¡­ do you know the pain of longing?


    during the 529 days you were gone, i prayed for you every day.¡±


    little dong, rest assured, i am no longer the person i once was. from now on, as long as i¡¯m here, no one can bully you.¡±

 Chapter 1486 - Chapter 1486: Immortal Art: Five Dogs Sheltering Immortal

    chapter 1486: immortal art: five dogs sheltering immortal


    translator: atlas studios , editor: atlas studios


    in the sky of the eastern wanggu.


    outside the barrier formed by the peerless array formation constructed by the human race and the flame moon mystic heaven race, the demon feather holy land floated with a majestic aura.


    from afar, its shape was like a disc and its range was vast, comparable to a region.


    on its eastern and western sides stood awe-inspiring sculptures.


    they were like two wings!


    they angled upwards, as if about to take flight.


    ¡°that¡¯s the great emperors¡¯ dao altars in the demon feather holy land!¡± xu qing and erniu were speeding forward. at that moment, the latter looked at the shocking huge winged statue in the distance and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°by comparing feng lintao¡¯s and yue dong¡¯s memories, i¡¯m now very clear about the structure of this demon feather holy land.¡±


    ¡°little qing, the demon feather holy land is divided into east and west.¡±


    ¡°both sides have a great emperor dao altar. that¡¯s the spiritual pillar of their race!¡±


    ¡°but now, the dao altar of the great emperor nether flame in the east has dimmed¡­¡±


    erniu¡¯s voice echoed. as xu qing listened, he looked at the dao altar in the distance.


    although they were very far away, because the dao altar was vast, they could still see it from here.


    what he saw was indeed as eldest senior brother had said. this wing-shaped dao altar was becoming ordinary.


    it had lost its light and was dim.


    ¡°just like the eastern forces of the demon feather holy land, it¡¯s bleak.¡± erniu narrowed his eyes and looked to the west as he continued to speak. ¡°however, in the west of the holy land, the dao altar of the great emperor who rose after inheriting the title ¡®demon feather¡¯ is dazzling and radiant, its brilliance capable of illuminating the entire holy land.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s also because of this that the current demon feather holy land is led by the west.¡±


    ¡°the western forces of the demon feather are domineering and prosperous, while the eastern forces are weak.¡±


    erniu retracted his gaze and looked at xu qing.


    ¡°however, it¡¯s beneficial to our major event this time. the weaker the eastern forces are, the better.¡±


    xu qing nodded.


    erniu continued to speak.


    ¡°of course, little qing, you still need to know about the various forces of the east.¡±


    in the east of this holy land, there are three ancient families. these three families have existed since the holy land was first established and have continued until now.¡±


    ¡°the lan family is one of them.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought. he didn¡¯t know much about the structure and information of the holy land. according to his and erniu¡¯s usual practice, erniu was primarily responsible for handling such matters.


    as for erniu, he was very familiar with it. in the past month, he had gathered a lot of information.


    ¡°other than the three great families, there are also nine ruler mountains in the east and the corresponding forces formed with these nine ruler mountains as the center.¡±


    ¡°ruler mountain?¡± xu qing looked at erniu. the word ¡®ruler¡¯ made him pay special attention.


    erniu nodded.


    ¡°mountains with rulers are naturally the ruler mountains. among these nine ruler mountains, six of them are disciples of the great emperor nether flame.¡± ¡°only by breaking through and reaching the ruler realm can one have the qualifications to establish their own ruler mountain.¡±


    xu qing thought about it and raised his question.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, i remember that lu lingzi called himself the tenth disciple of the great emperor nether flame. however, that great emperor only has six disciples who have achieved their ruler mountain.¡±


    erniu smiled and explained.


    ¡°this point is also in yue dong¡¯s memories. lu lingzi had three senior brothers who perished long ago. as for the ruler mountain, only living rulers can establish it.¡±


    after death, the mountain will no longer exist.¡±


    xu qing nodded and no longer had any doubts.


    seeing that xu qing had no more questions, erniu took a deep breath and a hint of anticipation flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°little qing, other than the three ancient families and the nine ruler mountains, there is a transcendent organization among the eastern forces of the demon feather holy land. we¡¯re actually unfamiliar with this organization; it¡¯s called the immortal arts hall.¡±


    ¡°this hall inherited the immortal arts from the ancient sovereign mystic nether era and nurtured cultivators who could use immortal arts in the holy land. such cultivators are known as immortal masters by the holy lands.¡± ¡°yue dong¡¯s master was the previous generation¡¯s great immortal master who controlled the immortal arts hall. however, many years ago, with the inheritance and yue dong mastering the six thieves delusions, this great immortal master passed away.¡±


    ¡°the immortal arts hall of the eastern demon feather also gradually grew weaker in influence because of the dimness of the great emperor nether flame.¡±


    ¡°originally, according to yue dong¡¯s plan, if she successfully fused with feng lintao¡¯s inheritance authority and transformed her immortal art, then after she returned, she would have the qualifications to become a great immortal master. she would then lead the rise of the immortal arts hall.¡±


    ¡°if that happened, her status would be completely different from before.¡±


    erniu sighed with emotion and looked regretful.


    ¡°yue dong has already done so much for us. i naturally have the responsibility and obligation to help her fulfill her dream.¡±


    ¡°therefore¡­ becoming a great immortal master and controlling the immortal arts hall is my next step.¡±


    erniu patted his chest and let out a muffled sound.


    regarding eldest senior brother¡¯s regrets and heroic aspirations, xu qing didn¡¯t care. at that moment, his gaze landed on the western demon feather.


    ¡°senior brother, how¡¯s the western demon feather¡¯s influence?¡±


    when erniu heard this, a solemn expression appeared on his face.


    ¡°the western demon feather has a great emperor and is supported by five ancient families. there are twenty one ruler mountains there and many sects¡­¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s an immortal arts hall there as well. the main immortal art passed down in that hall is called the five dogs sheltering immortal!¡±


    at this point, erniu paused.


    xu qing started. the name of this immortal art was really a little strange.


    soon, a dark glint flashed in his eyes as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°six thieves delusions, five dogs sheltering immortal¡­ it seems that the two immortal arts halls in the demon feather holy land inherit complementary techniques that are part of a unified art.¡±


    erniu nodded.


    according to yue dong¡¯s memories, the two immortal arts halls of the demon feather holy land actually inherited a supreme killing immortal art that could be ranked in the top three among countless immortal arts during the ancient sovereign mystic nether era!¡±


    ¡°this immortal art has a long name, known as the art of three poisons, four snakes, five dogs, six thieves, seven kills, eight sins, and ten thousand evils!¡±


    ¡°the demon feather holy land only mastered two arts among them. as for the origin of this art, it is said that all living beings suffer endlessly throughout their lifetimes across the three realms, unable to find liberation. this suffering is caused by the arrows of the three poisons, the bites of the four snakes, the thefts of the five dogs, the terror of the six thieves, the demise of the seven kills, the entanglements of the eight sins, and the congregation of ten thousand evils.¡±


    ¡°the three poisons are stupidity, attachment, and desire.¡±


    ¡°deluding the heart, known as stupidity. taking the self as object, forsaking detachment, and clinging to delusions of memory, known as attachment. greed for sensual pleasure is known as desire. when these three afflictions arise, they are called ordinary beings.¡±


    ¡°the four snakes are ulceration, indignation, jealousy, and envy.¡±


    ¡°not valuing others¡¯ goodness is ulceration. suppressing anger is indignation. fear of others¡¯ superiority is jealousy. feeling threatened by others¡¯ beauty is envy.¡±


    ¡°the five dogs are miserliness, greed, delusion, evil, and precipice.¡± ¡°refusing to part with possessions is miserliness. insatiable desire is greed. creating false standards is delusion. winning arguments through deceit is evil. refusing to accept the truth and obstinately rejecting the three paths to liberation is the precipice.¡±


    ¡°as for the seven kills and eight sins, yue dong doesn¡¯t fully understand them. in her memory, she focused on the western demon feather¡¯s five dogs sheltering immortal.¡±


    ¡°simply put, this immortal art states¡­ when the miserly dog enters, one loses treasures; when the greedy dog enters, one is bound; when the deluded dog enters, one falls into the cycle of life and death; when the evil dog enters, one falls into hell; when the precipice dog enters, one forever loses human form.¡±


    erniu¡¯s eyes sparkled as he looked at xu qing.


    i his art sounds extraordinarily unique. if we can somehow obtain the five dogs sheltering immortal from the western demon feather and devise a plan to acquire several other immortal arts from other holy lands in the future¡­ after combining them, whoever opposes us, we can just use a set of immortal arts!¡±


    ¡°our opponents will definitely feel incredibly comfortable!¡±


    a look of anticipation appeared in erniu¡¯s eyes.


    after xu qing heard this, his interest also rose. from eldest senior brother¡¯s expression, he knew that the latter should be even more interested in the complete immortal art.


    just as he was about to speak, his expression immediately turned sluggish and his eyes were listless.


    erniu, his expression instantly turned cold. he stopped in his tracks and turned his head to look into the distance, frowning.


    in the distant sky, whistling sounds surged over. at first, they were still weak but very soon, they were like beating drums. the rumbling sounds continued and they even stirred up a storm that moved like an avalanche.


    this storm was blood-red.


    in the storm was a figure in a blood-red robe. his cultivation base of six worlds soul accumulation realm spread violently. his hair was also red and now that they were fluttering in the wind, coupled with the stench of blood, this cultivator who arrived looked like a fiend.


    the instant he got close, he shouted.


    ¡°yue dong, die!¡±


    as his words rumbled and exploded like thunder, the storm headed straight for


    erniu and xu qing.


    erniu raised his brows but didn¡¯t dodge. instead, he lifted his hand and took out the wordless concealment seal.


    xu qing¡¯s listless eyes revealed a hint of light.


    although he didn¡¯t know the identity of the person who came, this person¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t bad. moreover, he dared to attack yue dong here. clearly, he had a certain status.


    in that case, he would probably be suitable.


    at the next instant, the storm rumbled over. under the intense killing intent of the red-robed youth, blood mist churned and instantly enveloped xu qing and erniu.                ~ ¡ã


    lightning swam within, and rumbling sounds echoed.


    the sky changed color.


    a while later, the churning of the blood mist became even more intense. a blood-red figure wanted to rush out, but in the blink of an eye, two heavenly vines rapidly approached, instantly entangling it and pulling it fiercely.


    the blood figure wanted to struggle but it was useless. it wanted to shout but a graceful figure stuck behind it and pressed a hand over its mouth.


    in the end, the figure could only be pulled into the depths of the blood mist again by the two vines.


    after that, the fluctuations of the six thieves delusions immortal art spread out in all directions.


    it was getting more and more intense.


    however, at this moment, fluctuations came from the distant sky. a luxurious war chariot shuttled through the void and directly appeared here.


    at the front and back of the war chariot, a large number of cultivators stood guard. they still had the bloodthirsty aura from the battlefield.


    from the chariot, a figure quickly rushed out and headed straight for the mist ahead.


    it was yue dong¡¯s pursuer, the luxuriously-dressed youth.


    his eyes were filled with anxiety as he shouted.


    ¡°xue chenzi, if you dare to hurt miss dong¡¯er in the slightest, i¡¯ll make sure to kill you!¡±


    ¡°all cultivators, heed my command! xue chenzi has gone mad and intends to


    harm me. seal off the area and eliminate xue chenzi!¡±


    the surrounding cultivators all erupted with killing intent and rushed toward the blood mist.


    at the same time, the luxuriously-dressed youth had already arrived at the edge of the blood mist and spoke rapidly.


    ¡°dong¡¯er, don¡¯t panic.. i¡¯m here to save you!¡±

 Chapter 1487 - Chapter 1487: Don’t Even Think About Hogging It All for Yourself! (1)

    chapter 1487: don¡¯t even think about hogging it all for yourself! (1)


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    the voice of the luxuriously-dressed youth was filled with anxiety. he ignored his own safety and rushed into the blood mist.


    at the same time, the guards under him had also erupted with their respective combat strength.


    these guards were all personal guards arranged by this youth¡¯s family. their cultivation levels were extraordinary and there were many of them. at this moment, although the blood mist was extraordinary, it was still unable to withstand their full strength.


    at the next instant, as the rumbling sounds soared into the sky, this blood mist seemed to have been slapped by an invisible hand and directly exploded.


    it dispersed violently like it was swept away by a violent wind.


    three figures were revealed!


    one was yue dong. at that moment, her face was cold and contained killing intent. as she performed a series of hand seals, she emitted immortal art fluctuations.


    the other was a seven or eight-year-old black-faced corpse puppet. it was opposite yue dong and was doing a pincer attack. it was cooperating with the spell to restrain xue chenzi in the middle.


    the immortal art emanating from yue dong and the corpse puppet had transformed into a multitude of colorful threads, enveloping xue chenzi, some of which had already intertwined with his fate.


    if this continued, it wouldn¡¯t be long before xue chenzi was refined by the immortal art.


    xue chenzi was also struggling but it wasn¡¯t of much use.


    however¡­ this sudden drastic change outside and the rumbling from all directions caused the blood mist to collapse. it also affected the refining process that was underway here.


    the original goal of the violent wind was to disperse the people fighting here. this was the act of the luxuriously-dressed youth trying to save yue dong.


    but now¡­ due to a freak combination of factors, it had become xue chenzi¡¯s life-saving wind.


    hence, in the blink of an eye, xue chenzi¡¯s struggles intensified. all his cultivation base erupted violently and he didn¡¯t even hesitate to detonate two of his great worlds, forming a destructive power that swept in all directions.


    as for the anxious voice of the luxuriously-dressed youth who was rushing over, it caused erniu¡¯s eyes to widen and his heart to tremble. it was as though his emotions were in chaos because of this, causing the immortal art threads to fluctuate.


    hence, at the next instant, the corpse puppet that was cooperating with her was also affected by her. its body shook and the threads were broken.


    this caused the struggle formed by the collapse of xue chenzi¡¯s worlds to instantly surge. his entire body erupted with blood light as he activated a secret technique that caused considerable damage to his foundation and transformed into a blood light¡­


    with a flash, he finally broke free.


    he disappeared between yue dong and the corpse puppet. when he reappeared, he was already far away.


    the moment he appeared, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. blood light erupted once again as he charged into the sky and disappeared.


    escaped!


    as for the seven to eight-year-old child corpse puppet that xu qing had transformed into in the air, it was expressionless at this moment. death aura permeated the air and its listless eyes looked in the direction xu chenzi had fled in, motionless.


    he didn¡¯t pursue.


    this was because the puppet he had transformed into only had a nihility cultivation base and didn¡¯t have its own intelligence. hence, any out of line actions would become a flaw.


    although the arrival of the luxuriously-dressed youth inadvertently allowed his prey to escape, his traces had already been left behind.


    hence, xu qing wasn¡¯t in a hurry. his prey couldn¡¯t escape.


    however, at the end of the day, there were additional twists and turns in the appearance of this matter. xu qing could ignore it, but erniu, who had transformed into yue dong, couldn¡¯t help but express it.


    she abruptly turned her head and stared fixedly at the luxuriously-dressed youth.


    ¡°what is the meaning of this?!¡±


    this scene indeed exceeded the imagination of the luxuriously-dressed youth who had rushed in to save yue dong. at this moment, he smiled bitterly and knew that his good intentions had ruined things, so he hurriedly explained. ¡°miss dong¡¯er, i heard that you were back and was worried about your safety, so i rushed over immediately. i didn¡¯t expect it to be like this¡­ i¡­


    ¡°shut up!¡±


    yue dong shouted with an unfriendly look in her eyes. the other party¡¯s interference already made erniu unhappy, and the way he kept calling her miss dong¡¯er made him feel uncomfortable.


    this was especially so since¡­ in yue dong¡¯s memories, although there was a pursuer, it was very blurry. clearly, yue dong didn¡¯t care about the pursuer at all.


    hence, erniu couldn¡¯t recognize the person in front of him.


    under the two emotions of unhappiness and discomfort, his killing intent also rose. however¡­ erniu swept his gaze across the other party¡¯s guards in the surroundings and retracted his killing intent.


    however, when he thought of yue dong¡¯s usual coldness, erniu snorted coldly.


    ¡°don¡¯t let me see you again!¡±


    as he spoke, erniu raised his hand and grabbed at xu qing. he seemed to have grasped an invisible thread and was about to leave with the corpse puppet xu qing had transformed into.


    the young man, carefully watching yue dong, was filled with unease, his face displaying a mix of anxiety and apprehension.


    seeing that yue dong was about to leave, he instantly panicked and hurriedly shouted.


    ¡°miss dong¡¯er, i really didn¡¯t mean it. i¡­ i was worried about your safety. during the more than five hundred days you were gone, i thought about you every single moment.¡±


    erniu felt even more disgust and sped up.


    xu qing was expressionless but he paid a lot of attention to the luxuriously-dressed youth. it felt really¡­ good to see such a scene happening to eldest senior brother.


    the luxuriously-dressed youth turned pale and his heart was filled with endless regret. as he looked at yue dong¡¯s departing figure, his face was filled with bitterness as he muttered.


    ¡°dong¡¯er, i really didn¡¯t do it on purpose. for this meeting, i even meticulously prepared a gift for you in these over five hundred days¡­¡±


    erniu, who was speeding in the distance, suddenly stopped.


    as for the luxuriously-dressed youth¡¯s voice, he was still muttering bitterly. ¡°i know you won¡¯t accept it. in the past, the gifts i gave you were all rejected. i¡­¡±


    before he could finish speaking, erniu suddenly turned around..

 Chapter 1488 - Chapter 1488: Don’t Even Think About Hogging It All for Yourself! (2)

    chapter 1488: don¡¯t even think about hogging it all for yourself! (2)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    ¡°what gift?¡±


    the luxuriously-dressed youth was first stunned before his face was filled with ecstasy. he hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°it¡¯s the star dragon marrow. i heard from the lan family that immortal art will cause damage to your body, so i specially obtained this marrow from the ancestor for you¡­¡±


    as he spoke, the luxuriously-dressed youth immediately took out a jade bottle from his storage bag.


    at the next instant, erniu¡¯s figure disappeared in the distance. when he reappeared, he was in front of the luxuriously-dressed youth. he took the jade bottle and opened it. after taking a sniff, he placed it in his pocket and calmly spoke.


    ¡®tll accept your gift but your previous actions still make it impossible¡­¡± the luxuriously-dressed youth was excited. he had pursued yue dong for many years and this was the first time she had accepted his gift. hence, his heart was boiling. he felt that this was a signal.


    this was a sign that she was touched by him!


    ¡®i have to strike while the iron is hot!¡¯


    as erniu spoke, he quickly took out a bracelet.


    dong¡¯er, this is also a gift i prepared for you. it¡¯s made of star crystals.¡±


    erniu instantly paused.


    looking at the sparkling bracelet, he blinked. after taking it, he coughed.


    ¡°forget it, forget it. your sincerity¡­¡±


    miss dong¡¯er, i still have a gift. this hairpin is naturally made from top-grade immortal jade¡­¡±


    the luxuriously-dressed youth became increasingly excited and kept taking out gifts one after another. as for erniu, his eyes grew brighter and brighter as he put them away. in the end¡­ the luxuriously-dressed youth suggested the idea of escorting him.


    erniu hesitated for a moment before the luxuriously-dressed youth took out another gift.


    looking at the gift, erniu took a deep breath and couldn¡¯t refuse anymore. he could only smile and nod.


    this smile caused the thoughts of the luxuriously-dressed youth to soar.


    xu qing, who was at the side, saw everything. he paid even more attention and continued to watch the show.


    on the way, the luxuriously-dressed youth talked about the things that had happened in the holy land during the more than five hundred days since yue dong left. every word he uttered was incredibly gentle, and each term of endearment was filled with deep affection, accompanied by one gift after another¡­


    it was obvious that whether it was in erniu¡¯s present life or his many previous lives, he had never experienced such an experience. in the end, his expression revealed some confusion.


    through this luxuriously-dressed youth, xu qing also gained a deeper understanding of the latest developments in the demon feather holy land. this was especially so when the other party mentioned the disciple of the great emperor nether flame, lu lingzi, and the lan family.


    erniu was also paying attention, so he asked about it.


    faced with erniu¡¯s question, the luxuriously-dressed youth explained in greater detail.


    lu lingzi had returned a month ago!


    ¡°regarding the matter between lu lingzi and the lan family, what i saw in the past was only the surface. so, miss dong¡¯er, don¡¯t blame me for not telling you in the past.¡±


    ¡°it was only during this time when my family¡¯s status increased and i heard the ancestor¡¯s discussion that i found out¡­ that the higher-ups of the holy land knew the reason for the conflict between the lan family and lu lingzi ¡°however, they didn¡¯t interfere. whether it was the lan family¡¯s victory or lu lingzi¡¯s, it didn¡¯t matter to them. they just had to support the final victor.¡± ¡°a month ago, lu lingzi returned as a ruler and told everyone that the lan family wanted to harm him. he beat them at their own game and borrowed their strength to break through to the ruler realm before killing the lan family¡¯s ancestor.¡±


    ¡°this matter is somewhat fishy, but the attention of all parties is no longer here. this is because after lu lingzi returned, he did two things. the first was to publicize that he had obtained the pure bloodline of the lan family and fused the bloodline into his magical eye.¡±


    ¡°it can be said that the current lu lingzi can already be considered the true successor of the great emperor nether flame!¡±


    ¡°and because he has advanced to the ruler realm, he is now soaring like the sun in the sky!¡±


    ¡°the second thing lu lingzi did was to inform all parties that he would head to the place where the great emperor nether flame was in seclusion in three months to carry out the final inheritance.¡±


    ¡°at the same time, lu lingzi proposed to take all his fellow rulers and five heaven¡¯s chosens from the race with him, regardless of their faction, to share in this fortune!¡±


    ¡°this method obtained praise from all parties in the holy land. even the demon feather great emperor allowed it.¡±


    ¡°after all, the place where the great emperor is in seclusion is considered sealed. if you want to open it, you need a specific method. right now, the only person who can open the place where the great emperor is in seclusion is lu lingzi, who has fused with the lan family¡¯s bloodline and is almost a successor. moreover, he also needs the help of the other disciples of the great emperor.¡±


    ¡°hence, one can imagine that in the next three months, undercurrents will definitely surge in the holy land. everyone will be fighting for these five spots.¡± ¡°however, dong¡¯er, you¡¯re still the smartest. presumably, although you have a good relationship with the lan family, you didn¡¯t participate in the matters between the lan family and lu lingzi. hence, when lu lingzi returned, he didn¡¯t mention you at all.¡±


    the luxuriously-dressed youth spoke gently.


    when erniu heard this, his heart trembled. his gaze then swept imperceptibly toward xu qing who was beside him.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever but there were also waves in his heart.


    they knew the truth.


    so now, hearing about this matter¡­ no matter how they looked at it, it seemed suspicious.


    but at this moment, with outsiders present, xu qing and erniu did not communicate with each other.


    just like that, under the continuous mushy words of the luxuriously-dressed youth, three days passed.


    under the escort of the other party, xu qing and erniu finally arrived at a city. this was the destination they had decided on previously.


    the luxuriously-dressed youth looked reluctant to leave. however, as his jade token continued to vibrate, he finally helplessly bade farewell and started to head to the battlefield.


    before he left, he affectionately gave erniu some gifts.


    as erniu held them, his expression became complicated.


    after the luxuriously-dressed youth left, xu qing glanced at his eldest senior brother beside him and calmly spoke.


    eldest senior brother has had quite the romantic encounter.¡±


    erniu had a strange expression on his face. after a long time, he sighed. ¡°damn it, in my next life, i¡¯ll reincarnate as a woman! the gifts i received on the way made me feel that it¡¯s not a loss for us to leave the holy land now¡­¡± seeing that his eldest senior brother was sighing, xu qing didn¡¯t continue teasing him. instead, he mentioned lu lingzi.


    when erniu heard this, his eyes narrowed.


    ¡°i feel that there¡¯s something wrong with lu lingzi¡¯s identity. did i guess correctly back then?!¡±


    erniu looked at xu qing.


    xu qing fell silent and was also thinking about this matter.


    a long time later, erniu coughed.


    ¡°no matter what, he can stop thinking about hogging it all for himself! in three months, we have to think of a way to sneak in.¡±


    ¡°now, i¡¯m going to make a trip to the immortal arts hall of the east demon feather to help yue dong fulfill her dream. little qing, what about you? do you want to join me?¡±


    xu qing shook his head and looked into the distance.


    ¡°i won¡¯t go to the immortal arts hall. i¡¯ll go get my identity.¡±


    at the same time, in the east demon feather, not far from the great emperor


    nether flame¡¯s dao altar, there was a huge and majestic mountain.


    this mountain didn¡¯t exist a month ago.


    it had only risen recently.


    it was the tenth ruler mountain that lu lingzi had built after he returned because of his ruler cultivation.


    at that moment, in the main hall on the mountain peak, lu lingzi, who was wearing a golden robe, was meditating with his eyes closed.


    his breath echoed like heavenly lightning, shaking the main hall and echoing through the mountain, forming a terrifying pressure.


    at the next instant, his eyes suddenly opened. it was as though there were stars inside them, emitting a resplendent light in unison.


    he frowned slightly and took out a jade token.


    lu lingzi¡¯s frown deepened when he sensed the information about yue dong¡¯s appearance from the jade token.


    ¡°i already sent them so far away, but they still came here!¡±

 Chapter 1489 - Chapter 1489: Mysterious White Dust (1)

    chapter 1489: mysterious white dust (1)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    to the demon feather race, the immortal arts hall was a sacred place whether it be in the east or west demon feather.


    as for the great immortal masters of every generation, even though their cultivation levels weren¡¯t all at ruler realm, their statuses were equivalent to rulers.


    however, as the east demon feather declined and the great immortal master of the immortal arts hall in the east died, the immortal arts hall of the east demon feather slowly lost its former glory.


    all its immortal masters were fighting openly and covertly, wanting to suppress each other and succeed the position of great immortal master.


    although yue dong was the disciple of the previous generation¡¯s great immortal master , she wasn¡¯t the only one who was qualified to succeed him.


    that was why she had a crazy plan to cooperate with the lan family to plot against the great emperor nether flame¡¯s corpse. if she really succeeded¡­ then forget about the immortal arts hall, even the entire east demon feather would be controlled by her and the lan family.


    but now¡­ everything had changed.


    fortunately, there was erniu.


    erniu was kind and willing to help others. hence, yue dong¡¯s plan had a successor.


    at that moment, in a city in the demon feather holy land, closest to the east demon feather immortal arts hall, erniu¡¯s gaze landed on xu qing when he heard that xu qing didn¡¯t plan to act with him.


    ¡°that¡¯s true. the most important thing for you now is to have an identity.¡±


    ¡°so you will come find me after you get your identity?¡±


    erniu asked.


    xu qing shook his head.


    he had his own matters to deal with, just like how eldest senior brother wanted to enter the immortal arts hall. what xu qing wanted to do was to resolve a problem that had troubled him for a long time.


    xu qing had thought about this problem many times but he still couldn¡¯t find a solution. it was only when xue chenzi appeared that xu qing made some connections.


    hence, xu qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°i¡¯m not sure when i¡¯ll be back.¡±


    ¡°xue chenzi has a quality that intrigues me. eldest senior brother, i¡¯m planning to investigate further.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll look for you after i¡¯m done looking into it.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s words immediately aroused erniu¡¯s curiosity.


    ¡°what quality?¡±


    xu qing looked into the distance. he sensed that the mark on xue chenzi¡¯s body had mostly dissipated on its own. however, just in case, he had left a shadow eye of little shadow.


    hence, he didn¡¯t lose track of xue chenzi.


    after using his perception, a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he mumbled.


    ¡°unbound by karma!¡±


    after xu qing finished speaking, he took a step forward and blurred, disappearing into the horizon.


    erniu looked in the direction xu qing had left in and fell into deep thought.


    ¡°alright. anyway, with junior brother¡¯s current cultivation, he should have no issues if he acts cautiously. besides¡­ this is the east demon feather. isn¡¯t lu lingzi here?¡±


    erniu licked his lips and turned to look in the direction of the immortal arts hall before speeding off.


    just like that, qing and niu separated to do their own things.


    several hours later, in the sky above the east demon feather, xu qing, in a concealed state, continued to move toward the direction guided by the shadow eye.


    as he got closer, waves rose in his heart.


    meeting xue chenzi and sensing the unique quality in him was an unexpected event for xu qing.


    this surprise became a focal point of his inner turmoil.


    the biggest issue that had been troubling him during this period was his cultivation.


    after dying in the human imperial capital and being resurrected by his master using the fragmented-face¡¯s flesh and blood, xu qing had gained immense benefits but also faced many constraints.


    the fusion of the soul and body was only one of them.


    what made him the most anxious was his cultivation!


    to a certain extent, his cultivation had been stuck!


    if he wanted to break through to the nihility realm, he needed the hundred divine authorities in his sea of consciousness to shine fully.


    this was extremely difficult.


    however, he wanted to become stronger and step into the soul accumulation realm. this was because whether it was the threat from crown prince purple green or the current war in the wanggu continent, everything required him to become a true powerhouse. only then could he walk further and calmly.


    staying under his master¡¯s wings wasn¡¯t the path xu qing wanted.


    however, divine authorities weren¡¯t something he could obtain just by working hard.


    whether it was comprehension or plundering the divine authorities, it was something uncertain.


    xu qing, whose cultivation had been rising smoothly before, couldn¡¯t accept the word ¡®uncertainty¡¯.


    ¡°this body allows me to not be shaken at all by those below the ruler realm. it also provides me with unlimited potential¡­ but it also restricts me.¡±


    ¡°as for the divine authorities¡­ although they increased my combat strength, each acquisition required an opportunity.¡±


    ¡°success comes from divine authority, but so do the challenges.¡±


    xu qing muttered inwardly.


    he had thought about how to resolve it previously and also thought of some solutions.


    in fact, when he was in the nanhuang continent, he had even asked old master seventh.


    old master seventh told xu qing that this was a new path with unlimited potential. no one could completely guide him. in the end, everything still had to be explored by him.


    what he could give him was the profound sun immortal light that sped up the fusion of the soul and body.


    during the few months in the human imperial capital, xu qing paid attention to feng lintao while thinking of a solution. in the end, he thought of a solution.


    that was to create a clone and bypass the main body to cultivate.


    this would allow him to achieve his goal of breaking through.


    however, in the end, he still gave up.


    this was because after his deduction, he discovered that the possibility of forming a clone to cultivate was almost zero.


    the reason for this lay in the significant and numerous karmic ties he had accumulated.


    whether it was the karma from the outer sea, the karma involving gods, or the karma with crown prince purple green¡­ most importantly, it was the karma with desolate¡¯s fragmented-face..

 Chapter 1490 - Chapter 1490: Mysterious White Dust (2)

    chapter 1490: mysterious white dust (2)


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    this meant that even if he created a clone, there would be a huge problem because of these karma.


    because the clone couldn¡¯t withstand these karma, it would collapse on its own the moment it was created.


    although the grand emperor¡¯s scissors were mystical, they couldn¡¯t cut through these karma.


    originally, xu qing had already rejected the idea of creating a clone.


    until he met xue chenzi earlier!


    xue chenzi¡¯s appearance and his fight with xu qing in the blood mist allowed xu qing to notice some peculiarities.


    the fate threads on xue chenzi¡¯s body were different from ordinary people.


    under xu qing¡¯s erase authority, he saw some white dust on xue chenzi¡¯s fate threads.


    it was very subtle.


    this was something xu qing had never seen in anyone¡¯s fate threads.


    at that time, he and erniu had used the six thieves delusions immortal art on xue chenzi and were unintentionally interrupted by the arrival of the luxuriously-dressed youth.


    however, during the process of casting this immortal art, xu qing could already sense that the white dust was resisting the existence of the immortal art.


    this made it difficult to brand the seven emotions and six desires.


    this uniqueness attracted xu qing¡¯s attention. after the luxuriously-dressed youth arrived, xu qing took the opportunity to let xue chenzi go. at the same time, he buried this matter in his mind.


    after that, he followed them in a daze. however, as he listened to the conversation between the luxuriously-dressed youth and erniu, he also pondered about xue chenzi¡¯s uniqueness.


    finally, he had a guess.


    ¡°he is seemingly unaffected by karma.¡±


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. it was already dusk. as the afterglow scattered down, he looked at a short mountain not far away and headed straight for it.


    at that moment, there was a hidden cave abode on the short mountain.


    the outside of the cave abode was filled with array formations. other than concealment effects, it also possessed considerable defense.


    in the cave abode, xue chenzi sat cross-legged and meditated.


    after he escaped from xu qing and erniu, he didn¡¯t return to his original cave abode. instead, he checked if there were any marks on his body and changed many cave abodes to leave traces.


    finally, he entered this place.


    right now, his face was pale and he looked like his vitality had been greatly injured. the veins on his face bulged and the fluctuations on his body were unstable.


    this was especially so for the great worlds on his body. there were originally seven but now, there were five. moreover, they were all dim and lifeless.


    during his battle with xu qing and erniu, he had detonated two great worlds in exchange for the ability to escape.


    ¡°there¡¯s something wrong with yue dong!¡±


    ¡°this b*tch¡¯s attacks are even more sinister than before and her combat strength is even stronger. also, that corpse puppet of hers¡­ actually gives me a sense of trepidation.¡±


    ¡°and it can actually cooperate with yue dong to unleash her six thieves delusions immortal art¡­¡±


    ¡°damn it!¡±


    xue chenzi¡¯s heart churned with unwillingness and resentment. however, he didn¡¯t doubt yue dong¡¯s identity because the six thieves delusions was both the symbol of the east demon feather immortal arts hall and yue dong.


    ¡°after this b*tch joined the advance team and headed to wanggu, she must have other huge opportunities!¡±


    ¡°if i want to kill her, i need to make a plan.¡±


    xue chenzi was helpless. while healing his injuries, he took out a jade slip.


    this was the mission jade slip issued by the demon feather holy land to all the clansmen. it listed all the missions and the number of battle merits obtained after completion.


    ¡°i have to continue accumulating battle merits in exchange for more resources and the qualifications to head to other secret realms.¡±


    ¡°fortunately, there are enough humans and there are also many weaklings among them. at most, i¡¯ll kill more and accumulate battle merits through numbers.¡±


    xue chenzi had to suppress his desire to kill yue dong. he was inherently someone who excelled at patience; otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have waited until he felt confident before striking with such thunderous force.


    now that he realized his strength was still insufficient, he was prepared to continue accumulating. he would take revenge after he became stronger.


    however, just as his divine sense was searching for a suitable mission on the mission jade slip, there was suddenly a fluctuation outside his cave abode.


    this fluctuation was very light at the start but at the next instant, it suddenly became intense, causing the mountain to shake. a loud explosion rang out.


    the array formation was shaken.


    cracks appeared on the cave abode¡¯s entrance.


    this sudden change caused xue chenzi¡¯s expression to change. he was about to press his right hand against the ground.


    the ground under him was engraved with teleportation runes.


    as long as he pressed it, he could teleport.


    however, when his hand was three inches away from the ground, it suddenly paused. an eye opened in the shadow under him.


    it was little shadow.


    it made a move at this critical moment.


    although it hadn¡¯t completely possessed xue chenzi, it could control him to some extent.


    xue chenzi¡¯s heart trembled violently and he instinctively let out a low roar. while struggling, he tried to put his left hand on the ground.


    however, at this moment, a cold voice rang out.


    ¡°found you.¡±


    at the next instant, as xu chenzi¡¯s mind rumbled, xu qing¡¯s figure revealed his true body through sound waves in an incomparably bizarre way.


    in the blink of an eye, he became incomparably clear. he then grabbed xue chenzi¡¯s neck.


    he immediately dragged xue chenzi away from the teleportation array, ruthlessly pressing him against the wall of the cave abode.


    boom!


    the cave abode shook violently.


    xue chenzi¡¯s eyes widened in horror as he attempted to counterattack. however, the other party¡¯s hand that was grabbing his neck sent out some force that caused his entire body to tremble. his body was actually being crazily and rapidly invaded by the anomalous substances.


    this scene frightened him out of his wits. he instinctively wanted to use some hidden trump cards. however, at the next instant, he discovered to his horror that he¡­ couldn¡¯t move at all..

 Chapter 1491 - Chapter 1491: Mysterious White Dust (3)

    chapter 1491: mysterious white dust (3)


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    countless eyes appeared in his shadow.


    with xu qing making a move, little shadow took advantage of xue chenzi¡¯s swaying mind and parasitized him.


    the fear in xue chenzi¡¯s eyes grew even stronger. he didn¡¯t recognize the person in front of him, but there was a hint of familiarity.


    this unfamiliar and familiar feeling intertwined, and he suddenly remembered.


    he had obtained a large number of battle merits by killing many human cultivators, so he was familiar with the appearances of some of the higher-ups of the human race.


    and this person in front of him¡­ was none other than the lord of two human regions, grand tutor xu qing, whom he had seen in the recordings of the higher-ups of the human race!


    xu qing had actually appeared in the holy land and in front of him, attacking him¡­


    this caused xue chenzi¡¯s heart to sink. amidst the rumbling explosion in his mind, he suddenly reacted. this matter must have something to do with yue dong.


    it had to be said that his reaction was very fast.


    unfortunately, it was still too late.


    xu qing was expressionless. he grabbed xue chenzi and turned to leave the cave abode.


    he moved in a concealed state. after several hours, he found a desolate land and walked underground. after opening a cave, he let go of xue chenzi¡¯s neck and sat cross-legged at the side.


    he stared at xue chenzi and fell into deep thought.


    there was despair and madness in xue chenzi¡¯s eyes. however, he couldn¡¯t control himself and could only watch helplessly as his body knelt in front of xu qing.


    the cave was completely silent.


    a long time later, xu qing first used the cloth race¡¯s profound heaven demon moon pill to form a medicinal pill targeting xue chenzi. then, with the dao mark formed from the erase authority, he looked at xue chenzi and saw a large number of fate threads on the latter¡¯s body.


    after taking a closer look, as xue chenzi¡¯s mind shook, xu qing raised his hand and plucked one, observing it carefully.


    just like xu qing had seen before, there was a lot of white dust on this illusory thread. they were illusory and tainted even the inside of the threads; moreover, they were gradually becoming one.


    xu qing tried to remove the dust, but the moment he removed it, the dust vanished on its own.


    xu qing frowned.


    this white dust was very important to him.


    only by finding the source of the dust and obtaining enough of it could he utilize its karma-free quality, making his idea of creating a cultivation clone feasible.


    hence, a long time later, xu qing¡¯s left eye also flickered with dao marks. that was the six thieves delusions authority.


    at this moment, xue chenzi¡¯s heart rumbled again. on one hand, he was certain that xu qing and yue dong were definitely together. on the other hand, he was also shocked by xu qing¡¯s authorities.


    before advancing to the ruler realm, he already possessed two authorities.


    this was something that xue chenzi had never heard of.


    before his shock could last for too long, xu qing¡¯s dao mark caused xue chenzi¡¯s mind to turn blurry and he lost consciousness.


    however, xu qing¡¯s research had just begun.


    he wanted to find out what this dust was.


    at that moment, under the dao marks in his eyes, the threads on xue chenzi¡¯s body were not only clear but also colorful.


    they contained karma, emotions, and desires.


    xu qing studied them one by one.


    just like that, five days passed.


    during these five days, xu qing didn¡¯t sleep or rest as he immersed himself in the research. unfortunately, no matter how many times he tried, the white dust dissipated on its own the moment he removed it.


    no method could store it.


    this caused xu qing¡¯s frown to deepen.


    ¡°is the direction wrong¡­¡±


    when the morning of the sixth day arrived, xu qing suddenly broke xue chenzi¡¯s finger. he held it in his hand and observed the flesh. at the same time, he didn¡¯t waste any of the other party¡¯s blood and began to explore the latter¡¯s¡¯ body deeply.


    at first, it was his fingers, then his palm, then his arm, and finally his organs.


    even xue chenzi¡¯s great worlds were included in xu qing¡¯s research.


    finally, he discovered extremely well-hidden white dust in xue chenzi¡¯s flesh and blood.


    this discovery caused xu qing to be invigorated.


    however, that was all. this was because the white dust in the flesh and blood also rapidly dissipated after they were separated from xue chenzi¡¯s body.


    it was as though xue chenzi himself was the source.


    ¡°the white dust exist in his fate threads and in his flesh and blood, but they don¡¯t exist in the great worlds. what about the soul¡­¡±


    a few more days passed. after xu qing ended his research on the physical body, he fed xue chenzi some medicinal pills, maintaining the latter¡¯s life force.


    after that, he began to study his soul.


    one had to be extremely careful when studying souls. this was because if one exerted too much force, it would cause an irreversible outcome.


    1 his would affect xu qing¡¯s subsequent research.


    hence, in terms of time, the research on the soul took longer. it was only ten days later that xu qing retracted his divine sense and frowned.


    he searched xue chenzi¡¯s soul carefully but still couldn¡¯t find the white dust.


    it s strange. this xue chenzi looks like the source but not the source at the same time.¡±


    xu qing pondered for a while before spreading out a wisp of his divine authority of misfortune, wrapping it around xue chenzi¡¯s fate threads. at the same time, he also activated some of the six thieves delusions immortal art and continued to invade xue chenzi¡¯s mind.


    after that, he focused his attention and observed carefully.


    a few days later, xu qing ended his research. he closed his eyes and fell silent.


    after these few days of observation, he clearly saw the effect of the white dust. the so-called unbound by karma was actually the white dust devouring karma..

 Chapter 1492 - Chapter 1492: Mysterious White Dust (4)

    chapter 1492: mysterious white dust (4)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    it slowly devoured the misfortune and the invasion of the seven emotions and six desires.


    ¡°it can¡¯t be separated¡­ so now, there are only two paths left.¡±


    ¡°regardless of whichever path succeeds, it is acceptable to me.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze landed on xue chenzi.


    at that moment, the other party no longer looked human. under the disorderly growth of his flesh, he looked very sinister, and his surroundings were filled with broken limbs and minced meat.


    his spirit was completely dispirited.


    he was on the verge of death.


    his flames of life were only burning due to xu qing¡¯s forceful measures.


    now that he was being stared at by xu qing, xue chenzi¡¯s heart was already numb. the experiences in this month made him want to die.


    at the next instant, xu qing lifted his hand and grabbed, extracting xue chenzi¡¯s soul. after that, he sealed it at the side.


    the first path he wanted to take was to refine xue chenzi¡¯s body and use the secret art of the variant immortal school to transform it into his clone.


    the difficulty lay in achieving homogeneity with his own body and dealing with the peculiar nature of the white dust. however, once successful, xu qing would have a clone that was free from karmic entanglements. from then on, he could use this clone for cultivation, bypassing the shackles on his main body.


    at the thought of this, xu qing performed a series of hand seals with both hands. immediately, soul threads flew out and fused into the flesh and blood in front of him, beginning to refine them.


    three days later, as the human figure pieced together in front of xu qing turned into a lump of blood that scattered down, xu qing¡¯s refinement failed.


    ¡°in the end, homogeneity can¡¯t be achieved¡­ even if i fused my soul threads with him and reconstructed my soul in this body, it still won¡¯t work. also, that white dust is too special. it¡¯s also one of the reasons for my failure.¡±


    xu qing sighed and rubbed his forehead. his gaze then landed on xue chenzi¡¯s remaining soul at the side.


    ¡°then it can only be the last path.¡±


    determination appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. this last path was to use soul search on xue chenzi¡¯s soul.


    this was to find the source of the white dust in his fate threads.


    at the thought of this, determination flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he raised his right hand and grabbed, immediately grabbing xue chenzi¡¯s soul.


    his divine consciousness spread out. amidst the wails of xue chenzi¡¯s soul, it invaded everything, bit by bit, not letting go of any memory fragments, excavating them destructively.


    lie saw xue chenzi¡¯s childhood, his growth, his enmity with yue dong, and the humans he killed to obtain battle merits.


    countless memory fragments appeared in front of xu qing frame by frame like a tide.


    in the end, xu qing¡¯s focus was on the memories from three months ago.


    three months ago, xue chenzi had used the battle merits he had accumulated to exchange for a chance to enter the world source secret realm!


    the world source secret realm was a precious place in the east demon feather. it contained the dense aura of the world and a large number of nomological laws. it was extremely helpful for the soul accumulation to create a new world.


    in the past, it belonged to the lan family. now that the lan family had fallen, the ownership changed to lu lingzi.


    previously, this secret realm wasn¡¯t open to the outside world. it was only during the war that it was opened as a strategic resource, allowing all the cultivators of the demon feather holy land to exchange for qualifications to enter it with a vast number of military contributions.


    xue chenzi had molded his seventh great world there.


    it was also after he left this secret realm that white dust appeared in xue chenzi¡¯s fate!


    after taking a closer look and confirming this point, xu qing opened his eyes as xue chenzi¡¯s soul was exterminated.


    ¡°xue chenzi underwent a transformation within a canyon in that secret realm. unfortunately, from the moment he entered the canyon until he left, his memory is blank.¡±


    ¡°however, i can confirm that the source is this world source secret realm¡­¡±


    ¡°looks like i have to make a trip to this secret realm and head to the canyon there to see what xue chenzi experienced inside¡­¡±


    after xu qing fell silent, he took out xue chenzi¡¯s mission jade slip.


    if he wanted to go to the world source secret realm, he needed a large number of battle merits to exchange for the qualifications.


    the mission ranked first in this jade slip was none other than the wanted posture for feng lintao.


    xu qing took a look and swept his divine sense across the other missions. a long time later, he narrowed his eyes and made a decision.


    hence, with a sway of his body, he instantly disappeared from this cave.


    when he appeared, he was already in the sky in xue chenzi¡¯s appearance.


    the medicinal pill of the cloth race caused xu qing¡¯s aura to be the same as xue chenzi¡¯s. after a month of mastering the movements, xu qing was already able to copy all of xue chenzi¡¯s habits. coupled with the stitching of the great emperor¡¯s needle, it was now a perfect replacement.


    it was early in the morning and the sun was shining brightly. under the morning light, xu qing waved his sleeve and a blood mist rose, heading straight for the sky..

 Chapter 1493 - Chapter 1493: Your Majesty, I Need the Secret Realm Qualification

    chapter 1493: your majesty, i need the secret realm qualification


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the eastern demon feather originally had nine ruler mountains.


    ever since the return of the tenth disciple of the great emperor nether flame, lu lingzi, the lan family declined. the many resources within its sphere of influence were naturally taken over by lu lingzi.


    not far from the lan family¡¯s territory, the tenth ruler mountain stood.


    this mountain towered into the clouds, and from a distance, it appeared majestic, exuding an immense aura of power. at the same time, waves of pressure that belonged to a ruler emanated from it, enveloping the surrounding area.


    it suppressed the heaven and earth of this area.


    this caused a massive vortex to form in the sky above, which had been continuously rotating for several months, producing a thunderous noise.


    it attracted countless bolts of lightning that swam inside with a majestic aura.


    as for the surroundings of this mountain, the area within one and a half kilometers was like a forbidden zone. it was empty.


    outside of this range, ten thousand or so demon feather race cultivators had gathered and were all meditating with the mountain as the center.


    looking from the sky, the surroundings of the mountain were densely packed.


    among them were rogue cultivators and forces that originally belonged to the lan family. their goal in coming here was to join the tenth ruler.


    in the demon feather holy land, whenever a new ruler appeared and formed their own ruler mountain, something similar would happen.


    the new rulers would also expand their influence and recruit a large number of subordinates.


    hence, at the foot of the tenth ruler mountain, cultivators came to seek refuge from afar every day. after gathering for a few months, they formed their current scale.


    after all, if they could become a subordinate of the ruler, their status would be completely different from before. moreover, in this wartime, with the protection of a ruler, they would be much safer.


    it was just that¡­ so far, the new ruler, lu lingzi, hadn¡¯t recruited anyone into the mountain.


    even his previous subordinates weren¡¯t summoned by him.


    hence, lu lingzi was the only one on the huge mountain.


    because there were a lot of cultivators surrounding the mountain, they spontaneously formed a market city and traded items and information with each other. they were all waiting to become the ruler¡¯s subordinates.


    as time passed, it gradually became lively.


    however, all the cultivators who came here didn¡¯t step within 1.5 kilometers of the mountain, limiting all the commotion to outside that range.


    when xu qing arrived, what he saw was the bustling scene around the ruler mountain.


    xu qing, who had transformed into xue chenzi, didn¡¯t stop in the market. he sped past and headed straight for the deserted 1.5 kilometers forbidden region.


    at the start, not many people paid attention to xu qing¡¯s appearance. it was only when xu qing sped all the way across the city square and stepped into the forbidden range that he attracted some gazes.


    however, that was all.


    in the past two months, there were many cultivators who flew like xu qing. all of them went to see the ruler after they got close to the mountain. however, in the end, they waited for a long time but there was no response. they could only leave the forbidden range and wait in the surroundings.


    hence, those who saw xu qing¡¯s actions only looked at him.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care about those gazes. after he got close to the ruler mountain, he stood in the air and looked up at the huge mountain in front of him.


    his eyes were deep and he was in deep thought. after a long time, xu qing took a deep breath and determination appeared in his eyes. he bowed and spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°xue chenzi requests to see the ruler!¡±


    his voice was like muffled thunder that echoed in all directions, attracting even more attention.


    this was xu qing¡¯s probe.


    if he agreed to meet, everything could be discussed.


    if he didn¡¯t, xu qing had another plan.


    however, fifteen minutes passed and there was no response from the majestic ruler mountain.


    hence, most of the gazes that landed on xu qing retracted. all of them sighed with emotion and transmitted their voices to each other.


    ¡°another one who believes he won¡¯t fail.¡±


    ¡°isn¡¯t this xue chenzi? does he think that the ruler will treat him differently just because of his cultivation base and battle merits?¡±


    ¡°he clearly saw us waiting here but he still insisted on trying his luck. such a loud voice¡­ if i were the ruler, i definitely wouldn¡¯t like to be disturbed like this.¡±


    ¡°if you want to become a subordinate of the ruler, you have to let the ruler see your sincerity. so, the best solution is to wait in the surroundings. one day, the ruler will see our sincerity.¡±


    everyone shook their heads and ignored xu qing.


    in their judgment, it wouldn¡¯t be long before xue chenzi left dejectedly.


    xu qing turned a deaf ear to everyone¡¯s discussion. his expression remained calm as he continued to stand in the air and bow.


    just like that, another fifteen minutes passed.


    everyone retracted their gaze. everything returned to normal and the market became lively again.


    however, at this moment¡­ xu qing shouted again.


    ¡°xue chenzi requests to see the ruler!¡±


    the same words echoed again, attracting the attention of everyone in the surroundings. hence, many gazes were cast over again, and some of them were filled with dissatisfaction.


    discussions rang out one after another.


    however, at the next instant, a scene that caused all the cultivators here to fall silent and their expressions to change drastically appeared.


    the ruler mountain suddenly rumbled!


    the mountain shook!


    amidst the rumbling, lightning soared in the huge vortex above, spreading out like a torrent, stirring up an even greater commotion.


    the rumbling sound seemed to be enhanced and spread in all directions.


    after that, a pair of huge eyes appeared in the vortex.


    these eyes were silver and cold. it was like the eye of heaven, looking down at the ground.


    anyone who was stared at by this gaze was shaken. they lowered their heads and instinctively prostrated.


    a vast intent emerged and a terrifying pressure caused the ground to tremble. countless cultivators¡¯ breathing was hurried and their minds were in turmoil. lu lingzi¡¯s voice coldly rang out from the ruler mountain.


    ¡°come up.¡±


    these words surpassed heavenly lightning and exploded.


    it formed countless lingering sounds that landed in the ears of everyone here, rumbling their souls.


    just as everyone¡¯s minds were churning intensely, xu qing took a deep breath and took a step forward.


    under the gaze of everyone, he directly flew toward the ruler mountain.


    very soon, he disappeared into the mountain.


    when the cultivators who had been waiting in the surroundings saw this scene, they were all stunned. all kinds of emotions couldn¡¯t help but interweave in their hearts and their gazes became fiery.


    they were extremely surprised that xue chenzi was summoned. however, what followed was excitement.


    this was because if the first one was summoned, it meant that there could be a second one. it meant that their wait would end soon.


    compared to the excited mood of everyone in the outside world, xu qing¡¯s thoughts ran as he had a preliminary answer from the first probe.


    he flew into the mountain and sped inside, heading straight for the top of the mountain.


    very soon, a simple-looking hall appeared in his eyes.


    this hall was located at the top of the mountain and the door was wide open.


    as he got closer, he saw a person sitting cross-legged at the top of the hall with his eyes closed.


    it was lu lingzi.


    the moment he saw the other party, xu qing lowered his head and walked a few steps forward. he didn¡¯t step into the hall but bowed outside.


    he didn¡¯t say a word.


    a long time later, lu lingzi, who was in the hall, opened his eyes.


    there were no fluctuations in his eyes, nor were there any emotions. he calmly spoke.


    ¡°what is it?¡±


    this sound contained laws, and it caused ripples in the void.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate and replied in a low voice.


    ¡°ruler, please grant me the qualification to enter the world source secret realm.¡±


    lu lingzi¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. he only glanced at xu qing and slowly spoke.


    ¡°exchange with your war contributions.¡±


    xu qing shook his head and calmly spoke.


    ¡°i don¡¯t have any war contributions.¡±


    he indeed didn¡¯t.


    previously, when xu qing checked the mission jade slip, he discovered that there were many missions in it, mostly related to war.


    in fact, many of them even had to fight against the human race and kill their experts.


    as for those that had nothing to do with the war, the price to complete them was also very high. moreover, they didn¡¯t give many battle merits and it would take too long.


    as for the qualification for the world source secret realm, it required a lot of war contributions.


    if he really went to complete those missions, it would take several months for him to accumulate enough.


    since that was the case, xu qing felt that he might as well not take the path of missions. it would be simpler to directly ask lu lingzi for the qualification.


    after all, from his and erniu¡¯s analysis, there was something wrong about lu lingzi¡¯s identity.


    if the other party was indeed lu lingzi, then even with his status as a ruler, there was a high chance that he wouldn¡¯t recognize the karma between them.


    in that case, the possibility of xu qing being summoned was very small.


    however, if the other party wasn¡¯t the real lu lingzi, then his identity¡­ other than the empress, there was anyone else.


    hence, xu qing felt that it was feasible for him to ask for the qualifications to enter the secret realm.


    this was why he had come.


    after meeting him, xu qing was still not sure if the lu lingzi in front of him was the same person he had seen back then.


    or perhaps, it was the empress¡­


    hence, he had been secretly observing.


    at that moment, after hearing xu qing¡¯s words, lu lingzi slowly spoke after a long time.


    ¡°wanting the qualifications to enter the secret realm without military contributions is one thing, but speaking so righteously about it¡ªxu qing, you have a lot of nerve, even more than your senior brother!¡±


    as his voice rang out, the pressure spread out, enveloping the entire ruler mountain.


    this caused the vortex in the sky to rumble even more. the entire mountain shook, forming an isolating seal.


    after his identity was exposed, xu qing blinked. he could naturally tell that the other party was implying something when he said that he was bold. hence, he raised his head and met lu lingzi¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°your majesty¡­¡±


    xu qing fell silent after saying that.


    a long time later, amidst this pressure, lu lingzi spoke.


    ¡°where¡¯s your senior brother?¡±


    xu qing blinked and answered truthfully.


    ¡°he went to the immortal arts hall.¡±


    lu lingzi fell silent. a while later, he let out a cold snort and a token flew out, heading straight for xu qing.


    xu qing caught it.


    this token was the qualification token to the world source secret realm.


    ¡°thank you, ruler!¡±


    xu qing bowed and turned to leave.


    ¡°don¡¯t make too much noise!¡±


    lu lingzi¡¯s voice rang out from behind.


    xu qing stopped in his tracks and nodded before leaving.


    after he left, lu lingzi, who was sitting cross-legged in the main hall, rubbed his temples.


    ¡°it¡¯s still fine with xu qing. he knows his limits. as for his senior brother¡­ he¡¯s worrisome..¡±

 Chapter 1494 - Chapter 1494: Candle in the Recording

    chapter 1494: candle in the recording


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    the world source secret realm was famous in the east demon feather because it was of huge help to the soul accumulation in shaping their new world.


    its location was located in the world source wilderness, 3,500 kilometers north of the lan family¡¯s territory.


    from the outside, this wilderness appeared as a desolate and treacherous land, filled with fierce beasts and rising poisonous miasma. moreover, there were powerful seals in place, preventing any cultivators from attempting to enter.


    even if a powerful expert forcefully broke through the seal and entered, it would be useless.


    this was because without the tokens that the lan family¡¯s great emperor nether flame had personally forged back then, cultivators below the great emperor realm couldn¡¯t see through the essence of this place. they would only be trapped in the nefarious environment and gain nothing.


    however, if they held the lan family¡¯s token, then the moment they entered this world source wilderness, a completely different scene would appear before them.


    what they would see would no longer be desolate mountains and rivers, no longer filled with fierce beasts and rising poisonous miasma, but rather a vast basin.


    at the center of the basin stood a massive object!


    this object was astonishingly large, nearly a hundred thousand feet tall, and shaped like a long strip, with numerous runes carved on its surface.


    anyone who saw this object for the first time would undoubtedly feel their mind reverberate with a thunderous roar, experiencing endless waves of shock. this was because this was a jade slip!


    to be precise, this was an ancient recording jade slip.


    it was unknown who its owner was but looking at the size of the jade slip, they must be extraordinary.


    as for its origin, in the records of the demon feather holy land, during the era of the ancient sovereign mystic nether, it came from beyond the heavens and fell into the hands of the demon feather race at that time before being borrowed by the ancient sovereign mystic nether.


    many years later, under the struggle of the demon feather race¡¯s great emperor at that time, they finally regained this jade slip from the ancient sovereign mystic nether with countless battle merits.


    after that, this jade slip became a holy item of the demon feather race.


    before the fragmented-face arrived, the demon feather race left with the ancient sovereign mystic nether and built their holy land in outer space. after a few twists and turns, this item was monopolized by the great emperor nether flame.


    in the end, it became an item of the lan family.


    what was strange about it was the image imprinted on it.


    holding the lan family token and stepping into this jade slip would allow a person to transition from reality into illusion, from the present world into that recorded scene.


    as for the details of the recording¡­


    some called it the creation of the world.


    over the years, this secret realm had always been controlled by the lan family. outsiders wishing to enter had to pay a considerable price, and whether they could ultimately succeed depended on the lan family¡¯s mood.


    if the lan family wasn¡¯t willing, no matter how great the price was, it was useless.


    at that moment, outside this world source wilderness, xu qing¡¯s figure approached amidst the howling wind. he paused in mid-air and lowered his head to take a look.


    there were few people here and no one was guarding it.


    after all, not many people could obtain the qualifications to enter this secret realm, and there was no need to guard it with its peculiar characteristics.


    a few breaths later, a dark glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he raised his hand and took out the token given by the empress. without any hesitation, he walked toward the ground.


    it was like walking through a water curtain, filtering out the mountains, rivers, ferocious beasts, and miasma.


    at the next instant, the huge basin and the vast and astonishing jade slip inside appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°walk into the recording¡­¡±


    xu qing stared at the majestic jade slip and sensed the ancient aura on it. finally, his gaze landed below.


    ¡°nearly 30% of this jade slip is buried underground¡­ the exposed part is only about 70%.¡±


    ¡°what kind of existence requires such a large jade slip?¡±


    ¡°what kind of existence can leave a recording of the creation of the world?¡±


    a hint of anticipation appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he roughly knew about this secret realm from xue chenzi¡¯s memories, but he hadn¡¯t seen it with his own eyes after all.


    although he had experienced many secret realms in his life, this was the first time he had encountered a secret realm like the one in front of him.


    hence, after confirming that there was nothing wrong in the surroundings and that the huge jade slip in front of him was operating normally, xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate. he held the token and headed straight for the jade slip.


    the moment he came into contact with the huge jade slip, his figure suddenly disappeared.


    he didn¡¯t fuse into the jade slip but seemed to have been erased.


    he disappeared from the main world in a bizarre way!


    when he appeared¡­ he was already in the recording!


    when he saw the scene in front of him clearly, the waves in xu qing¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t calm down anymore and rose explosively.


    ¡°this is¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s breathing paused.


    to the knowledgeable xu qing, this shouldn¡¯t be the case. it was just that the scene he saw at this moment was too astonishing.


    it was a scene of void!


    in the depths of the void, xu qing saw a huge candle.


    the candle was red and burning.


    as it burned, its flame illuminated all directions, making the entire void flicker. in the ebb and flow of the light, countless stars and worlds were forming from the gathering dust.


    the number was countless.


    he could only see at the periphery of the glow that those stars and worlds were instantly completing the process of forming from the dust, and in the next moment, they seemed to reach their limit and collapsed, turning back into dust and scattering in all directions.


    in this process, as the worlds and stars formed, countless rules and laws were also born within, only to be destroyed along with them, merging back into the dust.


    the cycle repeated endlessly.


    in just that one glance, xu qing saw at least hundreds of thousands of worlds appear and then be destroyed.


    however, this phenomenon was limited to the periphery of the glow.


    the closer one got to the red candle, the slower the formation of stars and worlds became. as their formation slowed, so did their eventual destruction.


    hence, xu qing could see many almost complete stars near the red candle.


    ¡°this scene¡­¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath. he didn¡¯t know if this was the true creation of the world but at that moment, he could clearly sense that this scene was filled with an extremely dense aura of the world.


    rules, laws, origins, everything could be seen everywhere here.


    ¡°but it¡¯s an illusion¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze swept past everything as he mumbled.


    however, he was aware that even though these were all illusions and he had also entered this illusory scene, to soul accumulation cultivators, this place would be an incomparable place of comprehension.


    ¡°however, there are also dangers.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s divine sense spread out, enveloping the surroundings. his body swayed as he carefully moved forward.


    according to xue chenzi¡¯s memories, the canyon where his fate had changed was located on a star in the middle of the candlelight¡¯s glow.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t sure if that star had finished its life and collapsed into dust after these few months.


    hence, he didn¡¯t waste any time and sped inside the recorded scene.


    as he got closer to the glow, xu qing felt a burning sensation. that was the heat wave formed by the burning of the red candle in the distance. he could also sense countless rudimentary changes in rules and laws.


    he carefully avoided the collapsing worlds and continued to approach his destination.


    an hour later, xu qing finally saw the star in xue chenzi¡¯s memories from afar.


    this star was currently in the midst of collapse.


    however, because the flow of time in the area it was in was relatively slow, it had only collapsed by half.


    although there was danger in getting close, at least there was hope.


    seeing this, xu qing heaved a sigh of relief. just as he was about to head over, his expression darkened at the next instant. he grabbed fiercely at the side.


    a cold feeling swept past his palm.


    there was nothing there.


    the dao mark of authority in xu qing¡¯s eyes flickered as he stared in all directions. information about a dangerous item that existed in xue chenzi¡¯s memories appeared in his mind.


    that was a strange existence.


    their exact form and number were unknown to xue chenzi.


    he only knew that although such an existence couldn¡¯t be seen, after getting close, because of the heat contained in this place, he could form a sense of that cold intent.


    from this, he could sense them.


    although he didn¡¯t know their true forms, xue chenzi knew their origins.


    these peculiar cold intent were once cultivators.


    this concerned another type of danger in this secret realm.


    that was assimilation.


    if one stayed in this place for too long or was too close to the red candle in the center, there was a certain chance that they would be assimilated by this place. after assimilation, the cultivator seemed to be erased and transformed into an unknown form. moreover, they would forever be trapped in this illusory scene and unable to enter the main world.


    although most of the cultivators who came here knew about this risk, as time passed, there were still people who eventually got assimilated and were trapped here for various reasons.


    as for their form after they were erased, was it the state of their souls or other aspects? the great emperor might know this but it was obvious that xue chenzi didn¡¯t understand.


    hence, after xu qing¡¯s cold gaze swept through the surroundings, his body rumbled and his qi and blood spread out. the uniqueness of his body made him confident that he wasn¡¯t someone these strange existences could touch.


    hence, after looking at his surroundings, xu qing continued to speed forward, getting closer and closer to the collapsing star.


    the instant he got close, xu qing took a step forward and directly stepped on this star.


    the instant he landed, the heat instantly disappeared and endless coldness spread in all directions.


    although he could see nothing but emptiness, xu qing could faintly sense countless strange things in the surroundings!


    this was a star that was filled with that strange existence!


    at the same time, outside the world source secret realm, in the west of the demon feather¡­


    in the western demon feather territory, the wing-like divine dao altar shone with resplendent light.


    on the dao altar, at the highest point, a figure sat cross-legged on an octagonal altar.


    their body was blurry and the details couldn¡¯t be seen. one could only see their outline.


    although it was just an outline, the fluctuations from this person and the indescribably terrifying aura caused everyone who came to pay their respects to tremble in their hearts, not daring to look straight at them.


    for example, a western demon feather ruler kneeling beside the altar was like this.


    his heart trembled uncontrollably as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°great emperor, during this period, we¡¯ve searched all the areas in the entire holy land. other than the place where the great emperor nether flame is in seclusion, we haven¡¯t found the item you mentioned.¡±


    the demon feather great emperor fell silent.


    the kneeling ruler waited for a long time before standing up and respectfully taking his leave.


    a long time later, the deep voice of the demon feather great emperor rang out from the silent altar.


    ¡°does this item really exist?¡±


    as his voice echoed, the sound of iron chains rang out above the altar and a black-robed figure hung down from the void.


    his entire body was bound by iron chains and was corroding his body. however, this black-robed man didn¡¯t seem to care at all and calmly spoke.


    ¡°i told you long ago that the wish mask possesses its own wisdom; it never lets others find it but rather seeks out the suitable ones itself.¡±


    ¡°if it doesn¡¯t want you to find it, with your cultivation, you won¡¯t be able to see it even if it appears in front of you.¡±


    ¡°and you¡¯ve been searching for so long but you still haven¡¯t found it. this is enough to show that¡­ you, the demon feather great emperor, aren¡¯t fated with it.¡±

 Chapter 1495 - Chapter 1495: The Face Beside the Red Candle

    chapter 1495: the face beside the red candle


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    in the world source secret realm, in the middle area of the range of the red candle¡¯s glow, as xu qing arrived, the collapsing star suddenly descended like midwinter.


    awhile ago, in his perception, xu qing could see flames flowing in the sky and the surroundings incomparably hot.


    however, at the next instant, frost appeared on the ground and the coldness in the surroundings suddenly intensified.


    accompanying the coldness was endless killing intent.


    it went for xu qing from all directions.


    a cold ghnt appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he took a step forward and landed on the ground. the instant lie stepped on the ground, the frosty ground in the surroundings rumbled and cracks appeared with xu qing as the center.


    these cracks spread in the blink of an eye, shattering like a mirror and forming a web that covered a vast area.


    they simultaneously surged and exploded, intertwining in the air, causing convection and forming a storm.


    amidst the flying soil, the storm grew larger, dispersing countless icy chills.


    it swept in all directions.


    at the same time, with the help of the power of this storm, xu qing leaped up and sped into the distance.


    however, the killing intent from the invisible existences didn¡¯t decrease with the shattering of this place. instead, it intensified and fused into the storm.


    the storm emitted cracking sounds and was directly frozen, turning into an incredibly huge ice pillar that seemed to connect the sky and earth.


    the edge of it was still spreading in the direction xu qing was in.


    it seemed to be chasing him.


    xu qing frowned. in xue chenzi¡¯s memories, although he had unintentionally arrived on this star to avoid danger back then, he didn¡¯t encounter much danger here.


    instead, he entered the canyon relatively smoothly.


    however, xu qing was experiencing a different thing.


    ¡°did something happen here during this time, or¡­ is it because of my arrival that it¡¯s different?¡±


    as xu qing pondered, his speed became even faster, while the coldness behind him became even more intense. wherever it passed, the ground and even the wind would be frozen, turning into ice cones.


    some landed on the ground, while others gathered together, forming claws and fangs that extended into the sky.


    this caused the sky to show signs of freezing.


    it was as though this killing intent that was provoked by those strange existences was chasing after xu qing from the sky, the ground, the storm, the void, and everywhere.


    ¡°if this continues, i¡¯ll be in a passive state.¡±


    when he passed by a lake, as the lake froze, xu qing¡¯s body paused in mid-air.


    he spread his perception and after confirming that there were no other cultivators here, the divine source in his body suddenly erupted and endless golden light shot out from xu qing¡¯s body.


    the divine authority of sound and the divine authority of the purple moon formed lethal force at this moment, sweeping through everything.


    wherever it passed, any place where the sound of ice appeared would instantly shatter.


    the ice sealing the sky turned purple, and a purple moon rose within this recording.


    it dyed the collapsing stars.


    a large number of soul threads from the variant immortal school flew out of xu qing¡¯s body, transforming into a torrent that replaced the storm. they gathered into a vast vortex, wanting to tear everything apart.


    even five or six worlds soul accumulation cultivators would feel waves in their hearts if they encountered such a power. however, here¡­ even if the sky and the earth collapsed under xu qing¡¯s divine authorities, the cold and gloomy aura didn¡¯t disappear at all. at most, it was swept away. however, very soon, it gathered from all directions with xu qing as the center. the killing intent didn¡¯t weaken at all.


    in fact, because of the fluctuations here, strange existences from nearby stars seemed to be attracted as well, rushing toward here.


    although he couldn¡¯t see these strange existences, the ice that appeared outside the starry sky made xu qing realize this.


    ¡°can¡¯t be destroyed?¡±


    a sharp ghnt flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he no longer used the divine authorities but took a deep breath. immediately, a large sun rose in his sea of consciousness.


    it was the profound sun immortal light.


    this light erupted from xu qing¡¯s body, forming light and heat that shone in all directions.


    however, the effect¡­ was still ordinary.


    even though xu qing had temporarily escaped, these invisible strange existences soon chased after him again.


    ¡°if this continues, even if i reach the location of the canyon, it will be very difficult for me to wholeheartedly search for the source of the white dust that appeared in xue chenzi¡¯s fate threads.¡±


    xu qing pondered. through the many times he had fought with these strange existences here, he had a rough judgment.


    these existences that had lost their bodies because of assimilation and were transformed by the red candle indeed possessed the attribute of immortality. however, this attribute was definitely relative.


    according to everything xu qing had seen on his journey, from all living beings to the gods, none could truly be considered immortal and indestructible.


    even true gods were no exception.


    otherwise, why would jade flowing dust scheme against a true god?


    ¡°so, whether it¡¯s immortality or indestructibility, both can only be achieved under certain conditions.¡±


    ¡°then, for these strange beings here that i can clearly crush with ease, what are the conditions for their immortality and indestructibility?¡±


    xu qing moved forward and pondered while being chased by those invisible existences.


    a few breaths later, xu qing abruptly turned his head. his expression revealed sharpness as he mumbled.


    ¡°it¡¯s obvious that the condition for these strange creatures to be immortal and indestructible is invisibility!¡±


    ¡°because they are invisible, they cannot be killed!¡±


    ¡°in other words, to kill them, one must first see them!¡±


    almost at the instant xu qing realized this, little shadow¡¯s emotions fluctuated in his mind.


    ¡°master¡­ right¡­ fuse¡­ can see¡­¡±


    xu qing frowned. the timing of little shadow¡¯s message was as if it had been waiting for him to realize this.


    ¡°why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier?!¡±


    xu qing asked coldly.


    master¡­ i¡­ can¡¯t¡­ this place¡­ candle¡­ shadow¡­ restriction¡­ can¡¯t speak¡­¡±


    little shadow nervously and quickly transmitted its emotions.


    xu qing understood its meaning. due to the restrictions of the candle here, it couldn¡¯t tell him. xu qing had to react before it could say it.


    if it was any other time, xu qing would definitely study this issue. however, now was clearly not the time.


    hence, he suppressed this matter and gave little shadow the order.


    at the next instant, the aura on little shadow¡¯s body erupted and enveloped xu qing¡¯s entire body.


    in the early years, when xu qing and little shadow encountered danger, they would choose to fuse. after fusing, xu qing¡¯s cultivation strength would be suppressed and only some special divine powers could be used as usual.


    all of this was exchanged for a great increase in the might of his body.


    after that, as xu qing¡¯s cultivation base increased, he gradually stopped fusing with little shadow. at this moment, this fusion appeared again.


    in the blink of an eye, the shadow transformed into a black dress that enveloped xu qing. it also formed a black cloak on his back. as his purple hair fluttered, a terrifying physical strength rose from xu qing¡¯s body.


    storms appeared just because of this physical strength.


    what was even more astonishing was that xu qing¡¯s eyes were pitch-black.


    immediately after, he used his shadow eyes to see the world¡­


    the world seemed to have its veil lifted, revealing its true appearance!


    the sky was empty.


    the starry sky was nothingness.


    its end was like jade.


    the dust and stars in the surroundings became scenes of paintings. the mountain ranges and the ground in the stars were all a part of the paintings.


    only the red candle was still burning strangely.


    next was¡­ those strange existences that he couldn¡¯t see previously. this time¡­ xu qing saw them.


    they were black shadows that appeared outside the glow of the candle!


    their shapes varied, sometimes human, sometimes beast, sometimes irregular, and sometimes thread-like¡ªstrange and diverse. however, their color was uniformly pitch-black, and their essence was always that of shadows!


    for countless years, the bodies of the cultivators who had been assimilated in this secret realm had disappeared, leaving only¡­ shadows.


    and this secret realm was, in fact, a world within a painting that belonged to the shadows!


    this discovery caused a huge commotion in xu qing¡¯s heart.


    little shadow¡¯s origin was an enigma that he couldn¡¯t find an answer to.


    however, today¡­ he seemed to have found a clue.


    xu qing raised his head and stared at the red candle in the distance. at the same time, the countless shadows in the surroundings pounced toward xu qing.


    at the next instant, as the profound sun immortal light on xu qing¡¯s body erupted again, light and heat spread in all directions from his body. mournful wails suddenly echoed.


    the immortal light was one of the few special divine abilities that could be displayed under the fusion form.


    those shadows that couldn¡¯t be killed previously quickly blurred under the illumination of the immortal light and disappeared.


    the temperature in the surroundings instantly rose.


    xu qing¡¯s body swayed and he quickly moved forward. immortal light illuminated the way as he flew past the drawn lakes and mountain ranges. wherever he passed, the shadows in all directions would be destroyed. after fifteen minutes, a huge canyon appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    however, in xu qing¡¯s opinion, this canyon¡­ was the same as the lakes and mountain range. it was all drawn.


    it looked realistic but in reality, he couldn¡¯t step in.


    he stood at the edge of the drawn canyon. after pondering for a while, the immortal light on his body flickered again. xu qing guided it into the canyon and it continued to sweep.


    after a few times, the black color in xu qing¡¯s eyes faded as he canceled his fusion with little shadow.


    in xu qing¡¯s eyes, the world returned to its original appearance. the canyon in front of him was no longer drawn but truly formed.


    it was pitch-black inside and he couldn¡¯t see the details.


    xu qing stood at the edge of the canyon. after his gaze swept over, he took a step forward and directly walked into the canyon.


    his divine sense spread out and enveloped all the areas in the canyon as he began his search.


    he wanted to find the source of the white dust that appeared in xue chenzi¡¯s fate.


    however¡­ time flowed by and xu qing flew out of the canyon two hours later. he stood in the air above the canyon and frowned.


    although this canyon was deep, it wasn¡¯t very large overall.


    hence, in two hours, not only did xu qing explore it completely with his divine consciousness, but he also walked through all the places in the canyon and probed with his naked eye. however, he found nothing in the end.


    he didn¡¯t find any place where there might be white dust, nor did he sense any traces.


    it was as though he had come to the wrong place.


    ¡°it¡¯s not here?¡±


    ¡°however, from xue chenzi¡¯s memories, the dust in his fate threads clearly appeared after entering this place.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. a long time later, he suddenly rushed up and instantly arrived in the sky. after looking down at the ground, everything he saw was normal.


    hence, he flew up again. even after he left this planet and circled it to observe, he still didn¡¯t find any clues.


    ¡°then¡­¡±


    xu qing sent out a thought. at the next instant, the little shadow fused with him again. as his eyes turned pitch-black again, xu qing stood at this height and looked at the star below again.


    with this glance, xu qing¡¯s eyes abruptly widened.


    in the shadow eyes, the star that was drawn¡­ the fissure and the canyon resembled an open mouth.


    the distant mountain range was like a nose.


    the two lakes further away were like eyes.


    how was this drawing a star? it was a face!

 Chapter 1496 - Chapter 1496: The Ninth Star Ring

    chapter 1496: the ninth star ring


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    xu qing¡¯s heart stirred.


    this scene naturally didn¡¯t exist in xue chenzi¡¯s memories.


    at this moment, he stared at the face on the star and completely understood¡­


    this was definitely the reason why the white dust appeared in xue chenzi¡¯s soul!


    although he didn¡¯t know what the white dust was, xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. he suddenly raised his right hand. at the next instant, a vast hand materialized in front of xu qing.


    it grabbed at the face that appeared on the star.


    it got closer and closer, growing larger and larger. finally, when it got close to the collapsing star, this large hand that xu qing had manifested had already enlarged to the point where it could cover the star.


    however, just as the hand enveloped the face, the instant it landed¡­ a strange change occurred!


    whether it was a coincidence or not, the collapsing star, at that moment, reached its critical point and suddenly collapsed, breaking apart into countless pieces.


    it shattered with a thunderous roar, fragments scattering in all directions.


    at the same time, the face also shattered.


    the mountain range that had turned into a nose was instantly erased.


    the lakes that formed the eyes were instantly leveled.


    the canyon that formed the mouth¡­ directly collapsed.


    the giant face was gone!


    as the star collapsed, a destructive force also erupted from the star, erupting with a terrifying aura.


    the large hand that xu qing materialized bore the brunt of the attack and was touched by the destructive storm.


    at the next moment, a heaven-shattering explosion rang out. the rumbling sound was deafening and the aura of destruction swept through everything. the large hand couldn¡¯t stop it and directly collapsed.


    he also instantly retreated until he was a million feet away. only then did he barely avoid the destructive power of the star.


    he looked into the distance again¡­


    that star had turned into dust¡­


    this dust was white.


    it was exactly the same as the one in xue chenzi¡¯s fate threads.


    xu qing¡¯s heart trembled. he immediately tried to collect them.


    however, after appearing, the white dust started to rapidly dissipate.


    moreover, most methods weren¡¯t effective in collecting this dust. after all, back then, xu qing had tried many times to collect the white dust in xue chenzi¡¯s fate threads but he had failed without exception.


    however, he wasn¡¯t willing to let it go just like this.


    perhaps it was because this white dust hadn¡¯t fused into the threads of fate yet, there were differences in its state. hence, after xu qing changed many methods, he finally relied on a jade bottle with double augmentation of divine source and authorities to collect a little.


    at that moment, he stared at the jade bottle in his hand as thoughts rose in his mind.


    he knew the origin of the white dust in xue chenzi¡¯s fate.


    previously, he had seen the collapse of the other stars and worlds here but this white dust didn¡¯t appear. however, this substance appeared when this star was destroyed.


    the difference was obvious.


    ¡°only when the star or world where that face appeared collapses will white dust appear!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a pity that even though i did my best to collect it earlier, this mysterious substance dissipated too quickly. the amount i collected is too little¡­¡±


    xu qing checked the jade bottle and noticed that although it had the enhancement of his authorities and divine source, the white dust in the jade bottle was disappearing irreversibly.


    although the speed was a little slow, they would all disappear in a day at most.


    ¡°one day¡­¡±


    xu qing frowned.


    there wasn¡¯t enough time.


    his cautiousness also prevented him from absorbing these mysterious dust into his fate threads before he studied them.


    ¡°so, the main point isn¡¯t actually this white dust but that face¡­¡±


    xu qing looked in all directions.


    ¡°is there a second face?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought for a while before transmitting his divine sense to little shadow. very soon, little shadow quickly fused with xu qing, causing xu qing¡¯s eyes to turn pitch-black again.


    he was going to use the shadow eyes to carefully explore this secret realm to see if there was a second face.


    after the fusion, xu qing didn¡¯t waste any time. he sped forward in this secret realm that had turned into a painting again and relied on his shadow eyes to search carefully.


    time flowed by.


    although this world source secret realm had turned into a series of paintings, it was not static. instead, it was dynamic and numerous in quantity.


    most importantly, because the red candle was still burning, regardless of whether it was light or heat, or the risk of assimilation, it increased as xu qing continued to explore.


    two days later, xu qing had no choice but to retreat some distance away from the area illuminated by the red candle-glow. after looking at it from afar, his heart sank.


    ¡°in two days, i¡¯ve only searched 30% of the area, and most of them are in the periphery.¡±


    ¡°if i want to explore them all, i¡¯m afraid i won¡¯t be able to do it in less than ten days. moreover, the closer i get to the red candle, the greater the risk of assimilation.¡±


    ¡°this won¡¯t do.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. a long time later, a decisive thought rose in his heart. he still had a trump card he could use.


    ¡°then¡­¡±


    xu qing closed his eyes and the divine source in his body rumbled. as it churned continuously, a seed of divine authority shone with resplendent golden light on his nihility land.


    this light grew increasingly intense and finally illuminated the entire nihility land. it spread out from xu qing¡¯s body and finally gathered together, forming a golden thread that coiled around xu qing¡¯s finger.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes revealed anticipation as he stared at the golden thread.


    this was because the divine authority of this golden thread belonged to the luck divine authority he had obtained from the cultivator surnamed long of the northern fate royal family!


    with a squeeze, the golden lucky thread began to burn.


    however, everything in the surroundings was normal.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze swept over but he didn¡¯t see anything strange. however, this was his first time unleashing this divine authority after all. hence, he was still exploring it.


    a long time later, he took a deep breath and rushed into the area where the red candle was burning. he then started searching again.


    this time around¡­ after fifteen minutes, xu qing felt something different.


    he saw traces of rules and laws.


    one had to know that the benefits of this world source secret realm to soul accumulation cultivators were mainly the rules and nomological laws.


    there were too many worlds and stars here. they would collapse at any time and gather again. this would help soul accumulation cultivators shape their new world and provide sufficient reference and comprehension.


    however, other than the most basic rules, the rules and laws were different in every star and world.


    some were suitable and some weren¡¯t. moreover, according to the different cultivators¡¯ soul accumulation realm, the requirements were different. in addition, there was a particular timing to pay attention to.


    it was best to be able to see the complete changes from the appearance of a rule to its destruction.


    if they only saw part of the changes, they would have to search for similar rules many times to comprehend them.


    also, because they couldn¡¯t stay for too long, there was an element of luck.


    on xu qing¡¯s previous journey, although the focus was on searching for that face, he would occasionally observe the power of the nomological laws that appeared during the destruction and creation of the worlds.


    however, on one hand, it was a quick glance. on the other hand, everything he saw was incomplete while few were already complete.


    but now¡­ a bizarre scene appeared.


    a complete nomological thread unexpectedly appeared in front of him, taking the initiative to display its evolution process.


    moreover, it wasn¡¯t just once¡­


    as xu qing moved forward, similar things happened frequently. the moment xu qing got close, a large number of rules were displayed endlessly like a peacock spreading its tail.


    it was as though they were fighting to be the first!


    if an outsider saw this scene, they would definitely be extremely shocked and in disbelief.


    what was even more astonishing, to the point of shocking xu qing himself, was that some of the stars that were clearly in the midst of collapsing would, after being looked at by him, either slow down their collapse or have their rules and laws exposed in an extraordinary manner due to some inexplicable coincidence.


    everything was to let him see more comprehensively and carefully.


    as for the shadows in the secret realm, they were also affected. they would often discover xu qing immediately and instinctively rush over. however, every time they got close, they would be suddenly attracted by something else and leave.


    what was even more astonishing was that regardless of whether it was the collapse of the stars or the departure of the shadows, they were indirectly shielding xu qing from the flames of the red candle¡­


    this made xu qing¡¯s journey incomparably smooth.


    the second face he wanted to find also appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes several hours later.


    xu qing¡¯s heart stirred as he suppressed his heart that was shaken by the divine authority of luck. his body paused and he looked into the distance.


    there was a collapsed star there.


    on the star, there was a continent that retained more than half of its original size after the star shattered into pieces.


    the mountains and lakes on it formed a face.


    originally, under the shattering of the star, it would be impossible for this continent to be intact. even if it was intact, it would be covered up, making it difficult for passersby to see.


    however, xu qing saw it.


    however, almost at the instant he looked over, the face actually blurred. in an instant, the mountain range and lakes above collapsed and the face disappeared.


    as for the storm from the collapse of the star, it spread in all directions at this moment. the outline of a human face was vaguely revealed and was fleeing into the distance.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze froze as he sped over at full speed, chasing after it.


    the speed of the human face¡¯s outline was astonishing. although xu qing was moving forward at full speed, he was still a little slow. after over ten minutes, the human face¡¯s outline suddenly disappeared.


    three breaths later, xu qing appeared at the place where the face had disappeared. after quickly checking his surroundings, his gaze locked onto a fine spatial crack.


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. compared to searching aimlessly in all directions, his choice was to explore this crack that was most likely where the human face had hidden. hence, with a dash, he directly flew into the crack.


    the moment he entered, a scene that caused xu qing¡¯s heart to tremble intensely was reflected in his eyes.


    inside this rift was a world of nothingness. there was no red candle inside but¡­ it was also a recording!


    the jade slip where the world source secret realm was located contained not one level but two!


    under the first level where the red candle was located, the second level of recording that entered xu qing¡¯s eyes was a shocking star chart!


    it was a magnificent diagram composed of thirty-six star rings of varying sizes!


    each star ring contained multiple star regions and countless stars, shining brilliantly and defying description in their vastness.


    the first star ring was blurry, but the others were incredibly clear. in the middle of the fifth star ring sat the silhouette of an elderly figure in meditation.


    it was a mark.


    xu qing recognized at a glance that this old man¡­ was the old man he and his eldest senior brother had met in the outer sea!


    what caused xu qing¡¯s heart to fluctuate the most was the ninth star ring.


    this was because he saw the mark of a fragmented-face in the center of the ninth star ring!


    the instant he looked over, a sense of comprehension appeared in his mind.


    this was¡­ the divine god desolate! in that case, the place it was at was naturally the wanggu!


    in the ninth star ring and around the wanggu¡­ there were other terrifying marks!


    to the east of the star ring, there was a sleeping behemoth.


    to the north of the star ring, there was a golden river.


    to the south of the star ring stood a black pagoda.


    to the west of the star ring, a paper effigy sat cross-legged..

 Chapter 1497 - Chapter 1497: I Wish…

    chapter 1497: i wish¡­


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    the first star ring was roughly triangular in shape. it was blurry inside, as though it was enveloped by supreme power and couldn¡¯t be probed!


    the second star ring was much clearer. there were also marks inside but they were only outlines.


    the third and fourth places were roughly the same.


    the fifth star ring, however, was different, with the mark of the meditating old


    man in the center being much more distinct.


    as for the other star rings, they also had terrifying marks, some clear, some only outlines, varying in sizes and shapes.


    staring at these, xu qing¡¯s mind rumbled intensely.


    back then, after he was reborn in the body made of flesh and blood of desolate, his consciousness gained some more blurry understanding, such as the thirty-six star rings.


    it was only after he followed jade flowing dust to the outer sea and was devoured by the suix that he met the old man who claimed to be from the fifth star ring¡¯s immortal capital.


    the conversation with the old man caused xu qing¡¯s vision to expand. he confirmed that the universe he was in was one of the thirty-six star rings.


    however, that was all.


    he knew the information but there was no image. he also didn¡¯t know which


    star ring he was in.


    hence, when the star map of the thirty-six star rings appeared in front of him, the rumbling in his heart was earth-shattering. the waves were enough to cause his sea of consciousness to surge intensely.


    he finally knew the star ring he was in.


    the ninth star ring!


    in the ninth star ring, there were many forces. there were terrifying marks in the east, west, north, south, and west.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t know if it was an illusion. regardless of whether it was the behemoth, the golden river, the black pagoda, or the paper effigy, they were all vaguely pointing in the direction of the fragmented-face.


    it was as though they were being attracted.


    moreover, from the clarity, the fragmented-face was the clearest mark in the


    thirty-six star rings!


    none of the other marks were as clear.


    the other marks in the ninth star ring, the old man¡¯s mark in the fifth star ring, and even all the marks that could be seen in the entire thirty-six star rings were relatively inferior.


    only the first star ring was blurry, so he couldn¡¯t see it clearly. it was unknown


    if there was such a terrifying existence like the fragmented-face inside.


    however, no matter what, the star chart before him was like a creation myth unfolding in xu qing¡¯s mind, instantly expanding his worldview.


    the world was right in front of him.


    the starry sky was also in his eyes.


    the star rings were infinitely vast.


    compared to this, wanggu was like a grain of sand on the beach, insignificant.


    however, because of the existence of desolate, this grain of sand¡­ was extremely resplendent.


    hence, it was only after a long time that xu qing took a deep breath and forced his surging heart to calm down again.


    ¡°the level of the fragmented-face is half-step divine god¡­ hence, its


    resplendence surpasses all others.¡±


    ¡°in that case, what level of strength are the marks in the surroundings of the ninth star ring? lord god? venerable god?


    ¡°there¡¯s a high chance that it¡¯s the latter.¡±


    ¡°in that case, was the fragmented-face originally in the ninth star ring or did it


    come from another star ring?¡±


    ¡°the east, west, north, south, and west are all faintly affected by the


    fragmented-face¡­¡±


    xu qing fell silent. he was unfamiliar with the behemoth and the golden river, and had never seen similar existences before. however, he had seen a similar object like the black pagoda.


    ¡°i fused the damaged pagoda under the forbidden sea into my great wing, forming the holy heaven pagoda¡­ i wonder if it has a connection with this black pagoda.¡±


    ¡°as for the paper effigy¡­¡±


    a dark glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he thought of droz, who had appeared


    in the battle where the sword-holding great emperor died!


    ¡°droz¡¯s methods are related to paper. does it have a connection with this paper


    effigy?¡±


    after a long time, xu qing suppressed the various thoughts that kept erupting.


    what he saw today was too shocking. he needed some time to settle down.


    and this place was clearly not a suitable place.


    hence, xu qing¡¯s gaze swept across the surroundings and his divine sense spread out. a while later, xu qing looked at the void further away.


    here, he couldn¡¯t find the face that had escaped.


    however, from a certain perspective, the value of this star chart was astonishing.


    hence, xu qing copied it in his mind. after firmly memorizing it, his body swayed and he began to explore a larger area.


    however, he instinctively didn¡¯t approach this vast star map.


    the first level of the jade slip¡¯s candle possessed a terrifying assimilation power. in that case, xu qing knew that he had to be cautious on the second level.


    it was very likely that there was a similar assimilation here.


    just like that, two hours passed.


    as xu qing searched, an inexplicable sense of danger gradually rose in his heart.


    it was getting increasingly intense.


    at this moment, his heart was pounding with fear.


    this made xu qing even more certain of his previous guess.


    ¡°i can¡¯t stay long.¡±


    it was a pity that he couldn¡¯t find that face on this trip and there was a high chance that he wouldn¡¯t be able to find it after leaving this level and returning to the recording where the candle was. his goal wasn¡¯t achieved, but he was well aware that fate was like this sometimes.


    he had seen it twice and searched twice but he had failed.


    this meant that¡­ that face might have its own will and it didn¡¯t want to be


    found.


    ¡°what a pity¡­¡±


    xu qing sighed softly and touched the jade bottle in his storage bag.


    ¡°i hope the white dust inside is enough for me to research and use.¡±


    xu qing no longer hesitated. he made up his mind and headed straight for the exit.


    ¡°i¡¯ve stayed in this world source secret realm for a long time. in order to prevent any accidents, it¡¯s better to leave.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s speed was extremely fast. he sped through the void like a rainbow and soon returned to the entrance rift.


    he had left behind a trace of divine sense here previously. after checking that there was nothing wrong, he took a step forward and approached the rift, wanting to return to the candle world on the first level.


    however, just as xu qing was about to pass through the rift, waves of unfamiliar and familiar auras suddenly spread out from the void behind him.


    after xu qing sensed it, his body trembled and his cultivation base erupted.


    two authorities shone in his eyes as he abruptly turned around, staring fixedly at the void.


    there, waves of ripples were spreading.


    almost at the instant xu qing looked over, an item appeared out of thin air at


    the center of the ripples.


    it was a mask!


    its appearance was the face xu qing had seen twice but failed to catch.


    however, now, it had materialized into a mask.


    it was as though this was its main body.


    at that moment, it faced xu qing as though it was observing. at the same time, it was swaying, prepared to instantly leave if there was any movement.


    xu qing was vigilant and didn¡¯t act rashly. instead, he stood in front of the rift and observed as well, pondering.


    ¡®when i looked for it, it hid from me, but when i gave up, it took the initiative


    to appear.¡¯


    just like that, fifteen minutes passed.


    both sides didn¡¯t do anything and only looked at each other. moreover, this mask no longer swayed like before. it was as though because xu qing didn¡¯t make a move, it lowered its vigilance.


    when xu qing narrowed his eyes and thought about how he could capture this mask in an instant, this mask seemed to be able to sense xu qing¡¯s thoughts and rapidly blurred, as though it was about to dissipate.


    xu qing frowned and dispelled the thought of attacking. when he thought about how this item had appeared when he didn¡¯t plan to search for it¡­ he simply gave up on the thought of capturing it.


    almost at the instant he put down this thought, the mask became clear again. after staring at xu qing for a while, it suddenly emitted a fluctuation. its lips parted slightly and a numb voice entered xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°you, what wish do you want to make?¡¯


    xu qing fell silent and the vigilance in his heart grew even stronger. he didn t know what this mask was but it could actually speak.


    however, he had seen many bizarre entities in his life, so he had his own judgment. he understood that some things couldn¡¯t be casually answered.


    just as xu qing was pondering, when the mask saw that xu qing didn¡¯t answer, its body blurred again, as though it was about to dissipate again.


    upon seeing this, xu qing¡¯s eyes flashed and he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°i wish¡­¡±


    after saying these words, the blurry state of the mask paused for a moment before it became clear again. when it stared at xu qing, xu qing took a step back and directly stepped into the rift behind him.


    he instantly disappeared.


    when he appeared, he was no longer on the level of the star chart but on the level where the red candle was.


    light and heat assaulted his senses.


    xu qing didn¡¯t bother with it. instead, he quickly looked at the rift to see if the mask would follow him.


    very soon¡­ ripples appeared at the spatial rift he was looking at. the mask really flew out with xu qing.


    the moment it appeared, it stared at xu qing.


    it was as though it was waiting for xu qing to make a wish.


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and sped into the distance. at the same time, he paid attention to the mask.


    a hint of hesitation appeared on the mask¡¯s face. however, it quickly chose to follow and fly toward xu qing.


    it was as though xu qing¡¯s previous words had created a certain cause.


    moreover, xu qing didn¡¯t mention his wish, so this cause remained without an effect.


    hence, this mask no longer left but followed behind xu qing.


    just like that, after flying for eight minutes, xu qing suddenly moved back and instantly appeared near the mask behind him, and grabbed it.


    this time around, the mask didn¡¯t disappear in a blur like before. instead, it allowed xu qing to grab it.


    in his hand, the mask looked at xu qing, as though it was still waiting for xu qing to make a wish.


    xu qing¡¯s face was expressionless as he casually placed the mask inside his dress.


    xu qing was worried about placing this item in his storage bag. after all, it was a living creature.


    as for methods like sealing, they might break the mask¡¯s current state due to the malice of such actions.


    moreover, after the previous test, xu qing judged that there was a high chance that this item would continue to follow him until he made a wish.


    hence, it was very suitable to put it inside his dress.


    as for the specifics of this mask, the cause and effect of the wish, and the matter of the white dust, xu qing planned to study them carefully after leaving this world source secret realm.


    now that his goal in coming here had been accomplished and there was a risk of assimilation if he stayed for a long time, xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate. he immediately took out the token of the world source secret realm and was about to leave.


    however, as he pinched the token, the flames of the red candle in the distance suddenly soared, enveloping all the range and illuminating xu qing.


    it was unknown if it was because of the fire, but this token¡­ actually didn¡¯t have any reaction!


    xu qing raised his head and looked at the red candle.


    ¡°is it because the mask is on me that this red candle won¡¯t let me leave?¡±


    ¡°or is it something else that caused this red candle to burn so intensely¡­


    ¡°or maybe it¡¯s just a coincidence.¡±


    xu qing fell silent and pinched the token again. the fire of the red candle shone again, causing the token to lose its effect.


    the malice emitted by this scene caused xu qing¡¯s expression to sink..

 Chapter 1498 - Chapter 1498: Indomitable Will

    chapter 1498: indomitable will


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    ¡°you won¡¯t let me leave?¡±


    xu qing looked at the red candle in the distance and retreated a little, avoiding the range of the flames. with a sway, he flew toward the rift that led to the second level.


    a while later, he got close, but¡­ the rift had already disappeared.


    ¡°not only am i not allowed to leave this place, but even the rift leading to the second level has disappeared.¡±


    ¡°the reason¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was gloomy.


    he quickly made a judgment and finally locked onto three points.


    ¡°firstly, it¡¯s the karma caused by the mask! either it can¡¯t leave this place or its own power is guiding the candle, causing me to be unable to leave before i make a wish.¡±


    ¡°secondly, it¡¯s because of this red candle itself! because of some special characteristics on my body, it is filled with malice toward me and wants to forcefully keep me behind and assimilate me.¡±


    ¡°thirdly, it¡¯s the divine authority of luck from before! although i¡¯ve grasped a little of this divine authority, it¡¯s still incomplete after all, so there might be some extreme changes. for example, misfortune descending after good luck?¡±


    xu qing sensed the divine authority of misfortune in his body and could tell that it was more active than before.


    however, he couldn¡¯t be sure of it just based on this.


    ¡°it¡¯s also possible that all of the three reasons are taking effect!¡±


    ¡°then the solution¡­¡±


    xu qing frowned and his mind raced. at that moment, the cold intent in the surroundings suddenly gathered. in the blink of an eye, xu qing retreated.


    cracking sounds echoed out as the void where he was earlier instantly froze.


    as xu qing¡¯s eyes instantly turned pitch-black as he fused with little shadow. he immediately saw countless shadows whistling over from all directions. they seemed to be controlled and emitted dense malice as they headed straight for him.


    at the next instant, the sun rose in xu qing¡¯s body and the profound sun immortal light circulated violently, forming countless rays of immortal light. wherever they passed, the ice would shatter and a large number of shadows would wail.


    in the blink of an eye, most of the shadows around xu qing were gone.


    his body swayed and he rushed out.


    however, there were still many shadows that flew out from all directions, heading straight for xu qing.


    ¡°there can¡¯t be so many of them!¡±


    as xu qing sped, immortal light spread out, initiating a passive pursuit within the boundary of the world source secret realm. moreover, the flames of the red candle were still flickering repeatedly.


    every time, it would cause the stars here to change faster. at the same time, when the light of the candle landed on xu qing¡¯s body, it actually caused his soul to feel a burning sensation.


    ¡°these shadows aren¡¯t just from the cultivators who died here in the demon feather holy land over the years!¡±


    ¡°this world source secret realm is far more ancient than the holy lands. before it descended on the wanggu, it must have existed in other worlds, which is why¡­ it accumulated so many shadows!¡±


    killing intent flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. the characteristics of these shadows were that one could only kill them after seeing them. since he could see them now, not only could the immortal light kill them, but his other methods could also do it.


    very soon, as the rumbling echoed, a large number of soul threads of the variant immortal school surged out of xu qing¡¯s body like a torrent. they carried divine authorities and attacked.


    wherever they passed, the shadows would collapse and shatter in batches.


    however, not only did xu qing¡¯s sense of danger not decrease, but it also became increasingly intense.


    this was because under the light of the red candle, the burning sensation from his soul became even more intense.


    at the same time, within this world source secret realm, the stars that had turned into a series of paintings began to accelerate in their transformations. it was as if they had become painted eyes, exuding endless greed as they fixed their gaze on xu qing.


    their gazes instantly caused xu qing to feel a sense of danger.


    other than the burning sensation, his soul even showed signs of tearing. it was as though those star eyes were emitting a terrifying attraction, wanting to suck xu qing¡¯s soul out.


    not only that, but what made xu qing¡¯s heart sink was that he could sense that his soul was rapidly taking shape from its original formless state.


    this shape was a painting!


    he was gradually turning into a painting!


    to be precise, it was a soul drawn using the body as a drawing board.


    ¡°the state of my fusion with little shadow allowed me to see those shadows, so i can kill them. however¡­¡±


    ¡°all things are relative. as 1 see them, my presence allows that red candle to see me as well¡­ thus, the assimilation accelerated.¡±


    ¡°however, if i remove this state, i won¡¯t be able to kill those shadows here because i can¡¯t see them!¡±


    this was contradictory, like an endless cycle.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was ugly but he still canceled the fusion with the little shadow. as the little shadow dissipated, when xu qing¡¯s eyes were no longer pitch-black, the feeling of his soul being drawn out finally disappeared.


    however, xu qing couldn¡¯t see the shadows that came from all directions, so he couldn¡¯t kill them. he could only flee at full speed and search for a way to leave.


    however, with that red candle around, all of xu qing¡¯s attempts to leave failed.


    every time the token was activated, it would be directly interrupted.


    in the end, even though he didn¡¯t fuse with little shadow, the light from the red candle still caused xu qing to show signs of assimilation.


    his physical body remained unchanged, but his soul gradually became sluggish, and even his thoughts seemed to be affected, as if his mind had begun to rust.


    not only that, but even the fate marks that xu qing had used to transform into xue chenzi began to melt away in the eerie red candlelight.


    he could no longer maintain his disguise as xue chenzi; all his concealments and all the fate connections were dissolving.


    as the saying goes, when it rains, it pours. perhaps it was the third point xu qing had analyzed that came into play at this moment. after a stroke of luck, the misfortune he was all too familiar with followed¡­


    a cultivator appeared in front of him!


    this was the first time xu qing had seen a living person since he came to this secret realm.


    it was a cultivator in the three worlds soul accumulation realm. it seemed that he hadn¡¯t been here for long and was originally comprehending. however, he was affected by the drastic changes here and flew out of his seclusion. when he looked around in surprise, he noticed xu qing.


    the instant he saw xu qing, the demon feather cultivator was clearly stunned. after that, disbelief appeared on his face as he blurted out.


    ¡°xu qing?¡±


    with the concealments gone and xu qing¡¯s reputation being too high in the human race, it was reasonable for him to be instantly recognized. after recognizing xu qing, this cultivator didn¡¯t hesitate at all. he directly took out a token and was about to leave.


    a vortex appeared beside him as he pinched the token.


    seeing that he was about to leave, a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he noticed the vortex in the other party¡¯s surroundings and his speed instantly erupted to the extreme.


    with a boom, he got close.


    however, the instant he got close, the red candle suddenly flickered and instantly erased the vortex beside the cultivator, interrupting the demon feather cultivator¡¯s teleportation.


    it also caused xu qing to be unable to leave.


    it was unknown if this bad luck was used on xu qing, the cultivator, or perhaps both simultaneously.


    after all, xu qing also controlled the divine authority of misfortune¡­


    xu qing didn¡¯t have the time to analyze the exact reason. seeing that the other party¡¯s teleportation had collapsed, xu qing¡¯s expression turned ugly. as for the demon feather cultivator, he quickly retreated in horror.


    however, he had retreated less than a hundred feet when his body suddenly trembled. a look of confusion appeared in his eyes, as though he was being controlled. he abruptly looked at xu qing and revealed an intense greed. he no longer fled but self-destructed toward xu qing.


    a rumbling sound instantly echoed.


    a while later, xu qing left.


    the self-destruction of the three worlds soul accumulation couldn¡¯t shake his body. however, to him, who was gradually assimilating, there was still a tremor to his soul.


    fortunately, xu qing didn¡¯t encounter any other cultivators who entered this place to comprehend.


    after all, the amount of battle merits needed to enter this world source secret realm was huge. hence, there couldn¡¯t be many cultivators here at the same time.


    however, xu qing still couldn¡¯t think of a way to leave.


    the shadows chasing him had increased greatly.


    the assimilation was also becoming more severe.


    in the end, xu qing could clearly feel that the entire secret realm was exuding a thick malice. even on the path ahead of him, stars or worlds would inexplicably collapse in an instant under the red glow, abruptly crumbling in an impossible state.


    there would also be stars that would suddenly appear in the originally empty space and self-destruct.


    the destructive power formed by all of this made it impossible for xu qing to guard against it.


    what was even more exaggerated was that the patience of the red candle seemed to be decreasing. hence, after an intense flickering, the fire continued to erupt.


    it was like the eruption of a volcano. the light was much stronger than before, illuminating this world source secret realm. it was the same for the heat waves, melting everything.


    as far as the eye could see, everything in the secret realm was melting.


    stars, worlds, dust¡­


    other than the red candle, everything else was burning. as for the candle itself, it dissipated a little.


    ¡°this is to completely destroy me, leaving no possibility of survival.¡±


    ¡°unless i can wait until the empress senses the abnormality here or the candle burns out.¡±


    ¡°regarding the former, 1 have no idea when it will happen; as for the latter, i¡¯m not sure if the candle will appear again after melting. after all, it might be the karma caused by the mask!¡±


    ¡°the most important thing is that i can¡¯t endure for that long.¡±


    after xu qing, who had been fleeing until now, tried a lot of methods but to no avail, the killing intent in his eyes erupted explosively. he only had one method left!


    hence, his body paused and he looked at the candle in the distance with a determined expression.


    he knew that if this continued, he would probably die.


    ¡°since you don¡¯t want me to leave and want to assimilate me¡­¡±


    madness and ruthlessness appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he decided to rush toward the core of this world source secret realm, the red candle, at full speed.


    there was a huge risk in this. however, if this method succeeded, the three reasons he was thinking about could be instantly resolved.


    the karma of the mask affected the candle, preventing him from leaving.


    the candle itself was greedy and wanted to assimilate him.


    after the divine authority of luck was used, misfortune would descend.


    ¡°then, i¡¯ll assimilate you!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes were bloodshot.. under the intense swaying of the red candle in front of him and the gathering of countless shadows, he was like a meteor or a moth, moving toward the candle¡­ with indomitable will!

 Chapter 1499 - Chapter 1499: Broken Supreme Divine Authority

    chapter 1499: broken supreme divine authority


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    his speed was astonishing. in an instant, he rushed into the glow of the red candle and rushed forward rapidly.


    from afar, he looked like a shooting star piercing through the void.


    as he got closer, his body rapidly turned red. endless light and heat assaulted his face.


    in the blink of an eye, it enveloped xu qing¡¯s entire body.


    there were also countless shadows rushing over from all directions. at the same time, the stars continued to collapse and explode, wanting to stop him.


    it was as though everything was stopping xu qing from approaching.


    this didn¡¯t make sense!


    this was because according to the assimilation of this place, since xu qing had made such a choice, the red candle shouldn¡¯t have stopped him. after all, he was like a moth darting into the fire.


    it could just let him be.


    however, not only did this obstruction appear, but as xu qing sped up, it also intensified. more stars self-destructed and even the flames of the red candle swayed intensely.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes flashed and he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. he immediately transmitted his divine sense. at the next instant, little shadow fused with him. his eyes were pitch-black and everything in front of him collapsed, directly turning into paintings.


    this was to avoid the self-destruction and collapse of the stars.


    as for the shadows that were originally invisible, a large number of them appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. xu qing could sense anxiety and madness from them.


    their obstructions came in waves.


    facing these, xu qing¡¯s speed became even faster. he circulated the cultivation base in his body and all his divine authorities erupted. the power of his authorities shone and the sun rose in his body. no matter how red his body had become or how his soul was burning, he still charged forward ruthlessly.


    since you don¡¯t want me to come over, i¡¯ll go over!


    in an instant, as the countless shadows in the surroundings dissipated and the red candle flickered, xu qing¡¯s figure appeared 10,000 feet away from the red candle!


    at such a close distance, xu qing¡¯s body was still fine but his soul couldn¡¯t withstand it anymore. countless flames flowed through the cracks hidden in his body and seeped into his body, gathering in his sea of consciousness and burning his soul.


    the assimilation and melting caused by it spread on a large scale.


    at this critical moment, xu qing¡¯s eyes were filled with madness. his soul swayed and directly transformed into tens of millions of soul threads that spun in his sea of consciousness, forming a vortex storm to resist the candle flames that seeped in from the outside world.


    using this method, he charged forward again.


    he reached 5000 feet.


    large areas of his soul threads were destroyed and burned into ashes. some of them even disappeared and became the shadows of this world.


    however, xu qing¡¯s speed was still erupting.


    amidst the eruption, 3000 feet, 2000 feet¡­ when more than ninety percent of xu qing¡¯s soul threads were burned and disappeared, leaving only a very small portion, xu qing¡¯s body finally crossed the distance.


    he appeared above the red candle fire.


    over there, he closed his eyes and sank toward the candlelight below!


    he wanted to use his body to extinguish this fire!


    the candle flame also fluctuated intensely at this moment, as if it didn¡¯t expect that xu qing¡¯s choice would be to get close to it.


    this act of taking the initiative to walk into death and despair wasn¡¯t within its understanding.


    at the next instant, the flames of the red candle burned intensely and crazily, causing xu qing¡¯s falling body to pause. at the same time, flames that were many times more intense than before swept in all directions, enveloping xu qing¡¯s entire body.


    his body was still alright but the fire that surged into xu qing¡¯s body continued to gather in his sea of consciousness and permeate the nihility land.


    the number of his variant immortal soul threads was rapidly decreasing and they were about to be completely burned.


    however, at that moment, xu qing suddenly opened his eyes and stared at the red candle below.


    ¡°i don¡¯t know what your relationship with the mask is, but i know that you have consciousness, so i deliberately said assimilation so that you wouldn¡¯t stop me from approaching.¡±


    ¡°although i still haven¡¯t lied to you¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes flashed.


    ¡°but do you think i have no choice but to make a wish?¡±


    xu qing had gained a lot from entering the world source secret realm.


    firstly, he saw the map of the 36 star rings!


    this map was vast and broadened his vision.


    secondly, he found the reason why white dust appeared in xue chenzi¡¯s fate threads.


    that strange wish mask!


    for an unknown reason, the red candle emitted malice and didn¡¯t allow him to leave. however, making a wish still wasn¡¯t xu qing¡¯s first choice.


    this was because¡­ xu qing had a guess that had lingered in his mind for a long time.


    everything had been laid out in the open.


    with the situation he had faced previously, no matter how he analyzed it, the only way to leave was to make a wish.


    this was very likely a choice left for him by the red candle!


    since that was the case, xu qing wouldn¡¯t make a rash decision.


    before he studied the mask, he didn¡¯t want to use it.


    after all, this object was bizarre, and according to xu qing¡¯s understanding, in this world, nothing came without effort, especially concerning wishes, which surely demanded a price.


    it was obvious that the price would be different according to the magnitude of the wish.


    and since the mask had a certain level of intelligence and wasn¡¯t an inanimate object, it was possible for it to be cunning and deceitful.


    all of these, including the price, were unknown.


    the price of making a wish might be one¡¯s lifespan, calamity, or the people and things one cared about the most. it might even be one¡¯s memories and soul.


    anything was possible.


    hence, he had to be clear about the price he had to pay.


    otherwise, once he made a wish, the consequences would be too great.


    only by knowing the price could it be used rationally.


    this was also the reason why xu qing kept it and didn¡¯t say his wish.


    therefore, if he wanted to leave this place without following the set route of making a wish, there was only one way to break through the situation.


    that was to rush toward the source of danger, the location of the red candle! he wanted to use his body to extinguish it!


    searching for life in the path of death.


    however, to do this, the first thing he had to do was to get close.


    hence, xu qing said the word assimilation, trying to get the conscious red candle to let him pass.


    other than that, there was another reason for his choice.


    he believed in the strength of his body!


    in the star map of the 36 star rings, desolate, which was located in the ninth star ring, could attract the four terrifying marks in the east, west, south, and north. this point further confirmed the terror of the fragmented-face.


    in that case, this body formed from its flesh and blood would definitely be able to withstand the burning of the candle flame.


    the only flaw was his soul!


    his soul couldn¡¯t withstand the candle flame.


    regarding this, xu qing had already made a choice!


    ¡°then let¡¯s see if you¡¯ll burn my soul first or my body will extinguish you first!¡± as he spoke, under the intense burning of the candle flames that seeped into his sea of consciousness, xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. his eyes were filled with determination as he activated all the hundred faint traces of divine authorities in his nihility land.


    these traces of divine authority came from the flesh and blood of the fragmented-face. xu qing hadn¡¯t comprehended them completely yet.


    they increased xu qing¡¯s upper limit but also restrained xu qing¡¯s breakthrough. hence, burning them was a matter of weighing the pros and cons to a certain extent.


    however, xu qing¡¯s judgment was both right and wrong!


    the nearly hundred faint traces of divine authorities could indeed be burned, forming a resistance to the candle flames. however, they weren¡¯t true divine authorities. they were just illusory marks that were similar to a recorded scene.


    no matter how they burned, the marks themselves couldn¡¯t be erased. at most, some impurities would be burned out.


    as such, under the rumbling of the candle flames, the effect was lower than xu qing¡¯s expectations.


    xu qing made up his mind. he still had another layer of preparations!


    ¡°luck divine authority!¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. he immediately took out his luck divine authority and sent it into the candle.


    at the next instant, the divine authority of luck instantly burned in the candlelight, erupting with a large amount of divine might. while resisting the candlelight, it also indirectly protected xu qing¡¯s soul.


    this method was crazy!


    burning a divine authority was a rare occurrence since ancient times. on one hand, gods couldn¡¯t bear to part with their authorities. on the other hand, fire that could burn divine authorities was even more precious and needed a fortuitous opportunity to encounter it.


    at that moment, with the help of the divine authority of luck, xu qing obtained more time. his body rumbled and he was already sitting on the candle flame.


    the candlelight caved in and swayed even more intensely. it wanted to burn the body but it was unable to do so. it could only allow the red body to sink continuously.


    however, the resistance of the red candle didn¡¯t decrease. more and more flames seeped into xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    these flames filled xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, burning violently.


    under this continuous burning, most of the divine authority of luck dissipated, leaving only a trace.


    this trace of golden light actually couldn¡¯t be completely burned.


    after noticing this scene, xu qing¡¯s heart stirred. he didn¡¯t have time to think too much and immediately activated the divine authority of misfortune. it surrounded his body and resisted the candlelight.


    a rumbling sound echoed in his sea of consciousness. more flames fused into it and burned even more, causing the divine authority of misfortune to rapidly dissipate. finally, there was only a trace left!


    after a moment of hesitation, the next divine authority xu qing took out was the purple moon!


    the purple moon divine authority surrounded xu qing and resisted the candlelight intensely.


    as for xu qing¡¯s body, it was completely submerged in the flames of the red candle. it kept pressing down on the candlewick below!


    the flames swayed even more intensely, as though they were making their final struggle. what was reflected in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness was that a large amount of his purple moon divine authority had dissipated.


    in the end, just like the first two divine authorities, there was only one golden strand left!


    the instant xu qing gritted his teeth and was about to take out the divine authority of sound, a strange scene that exceeded his expectations and also had the greatest impact on the red candle suddenly appeared!


    luck, misfortune, purple moon¡­


    these three divine authorities that were burned into golden strands actually sucked at each other and entangled together at this instant.


    the three golden threads intertwined. although they weren¡¯t fused, as they intertwined, the golden light they emitted became even more resplendent. this caused the candle flames to pause for a moment.


    an astonishing aura spread out from the interweaving of the strands of the three divine authorities.


    this aura seemed to surpass spacetime and hold control over all living beings, but it seemed to be incomplete.


    however, even though it was incomplete, the aura it emitted was still incredibly terrifying, surpassing all the divine authorities xu qing had seen in his life.


    as for the details, before xu qing could extend his perception, the aura disappeared in the blink of an eye.


    this was because they were only intertwined under a freak combination of factors and couldn¡¯t fuse together.


    at that moment, after a short period of entanglement, due to the lack of integrity, there were signs of them separating¡­


    xu qing¡¯s heart trembled. he immediately sent the three strands of intertwined divine authority into the candle flames in his sea of consciousness and made them endure the burning flames in place of his soul.


    the flames instantly soared. amidst the anxiety of being extinguished, the red candle completely erupted and burned crazily. as the candle reduced in size, the flames that fused into xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness also soared.


    under their burning, the three strands of divine authorities that originally wouldn¡¯t fuse and were only intertwined for an instant¡­ actually showed signs of fusing..

 Chapter 1500 - Chapter 1500: Red Candle on the Back

    chapter 1500: red candle on the back


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    although xu qing¡¯s understanding of divine authorities was limited, regardless of whether it was his own or of other gods, he had seen quite a few and had conducted his own research on it.


    he knew that divine authority was different from the origin energy. it was even more ancient and belonged to the god¡¯s lineage.


    it could influence all things, affect all living beings, and cover the entire starry sky and even the thirty-six star rings.


    this was because this was the god¡¯s cosmos.


    divine authority was divided into two levels: the right to use it and the right to enjoy it alone. the former enjoyed divine authority together with the other gods, and they were competing with each other.


    only by devouring and plundering other gods with the same divine authority could they reach the second level.


    they would become the only controller of that divine authority.


    according to xu qing¡¯s understanding back then, the person who reached this point was at least a true god.


    as for the divine authorities, in xu qing¡¯s previous understanding, there seemed to be no distinction in their strength. it was determined by the degree of control and¡­ range!


    range was the main point of divine authority.


    however, at that instant earlier, this understanding wavered in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    this was because at that instant, the aura emitted by the special divine authority formed by the interweaving of three strands of divine authority was extremely terrifying. it surpassed everything.


    it was so overwhelming that he could sense the difference between it and other authorities.


    xu qing didn¡¯t know what this divine authority was. he could only make a simple judgment from the characteristics of luck, misfortune, and purple moon.


    however, it was obvious that now wasn¡¯t the time to explore. under the eruption of the candle flame, the instant his body sank and landed on the candle wick, trying to extinguish the red candle¡­


    in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, the counterattack from the fire of the red candle had become monstrous. the flames burned madly.


    this fire had no choice but to burn the three strands of divine authority. this was because xu qing had surrounded his soul with this strange divine authority formed by the interweaving of the three strands of divine authority.


    it was resisting the candle flames.


    even so, the lingering warmth still burned xu qing¡¯s soul.


    the number of soul threads decreased until there were less than 10,000 left¡­


    in the outside world, he had lost all his clothes and his red body was completely sitting on the candlewick.


    boom!


    as he landed, a rumbling sound echoed in the entire world source secret realm.


    the candle flame was extinguished!


    at this instant, the fire in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness instantly disappeared. on the nihility land that was riddled with holes, the unfamiliar divine authority formed by the three strands of divine authority also underwent a huge change.


    from the state where it was originally unable to fuse with each other, it actually fused by ten percent.


    a vast aura of divine authority rose from within and engulfed xu qing¡¯s entire sea of consciousness.


    as for the outside world, the moment the candle was extinguished, there was also a drastic change.


    as the candle glow disappeared, all the stars vanished simultaneously, whether they were the collapsing stars once seen with the naked eye or the paintings transformed under the shadow¡¯s gaze. at that instant, they all seemed to be erased.


    those shadows also disappeared with the extinguishing of the candle.


    it was as though all of these illusions disappeared because the candle was no longer there.


    the entire world fell into darkness.


    even the world source secret realm itself seemed to have disappeared at this moment.


    a long time later, xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged and meditating, slowly opened his tired and bloodshot eyes.


    the weakness of his soul caused him to feel dizzy.


    it was pitch-black around him. he couldn¡¯t see anything. this world without light was just a scene of nothingness even when he looked with his divine eyes.


    even the candle under him was nowhere to be seen.


    only the feeling of surviving a calamity rose in xu qing¡¯s heart.


    ¡°the candle flame was extinguished and the recording disappeared¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled. he then raised his hand and touched his sleeve. after touching the mask, his heart relaxed slightly.


    this item was still there.


    xu qing didn¡¯t want to stay here for too long. he wasn¡¯t sure if the candlelight would appear again and if everything in this secret realm would recover at the next moment.


    he quickly took out the secret realm token and was about to activate it.


    however, at this moment, xu qing¡¯s expression suddenly changed and he turned his head.


    behind him, there was nothing but darkness.


    however, xu qing was extremely vigilant. at that moment earlier, he vaguely felt that¡­ the candle that had disappeared seemed to have appeared again.


    ¡°that¡¯s not right!¡±


    xu qing quickly raised his right hand and pressed it on the back of his naked body. as he touched it, the different sensation transmitted from his fingertips caused waves in his heart.


    the red candle indeed didn¡¯t disappear!


    for some reason, it was imprinted on xu qing¡¯s back. in xu qing¡¯s perception, it was like a tattoo that occupied his entire back.


    fortunately, he realized that the candle that had appeared on his back was in a state of extinguishing.


    xu qing frowned as many guesses rose in his mind. at the same time, he squeezed the token.


    however¡­ the token still didn¡¯t have any reaction.


    one had to know that the token still had a reaction previously, but it was interrupted by the light of the red candle.


    however, now, it was as though it had lost its connection to the world source secret realm and had become useless.


    ¡°world source secret realm¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart sank. he clenched the token again and continued to try.


    at the same time, outside the world source secret realm, the moment the candle was extinguished, a shocking change was erupting.


    the first thing to change was the huge jade slip where the world source secret realm was located. this jade slip originally shone with treasure light, but now, it was dim.


    as it dimmed, the ground around it seemed to have lost its nourishment and became dry and cracked.


    cracks spread on the ground, and even some of the nearby mountains inexplicably collapsed.


    it was like the spiritual energy had been sucked dry.


    as a result, the seal where the jade slip was located dissipated, causing the cultivators from the outside world to be able to see through it clearly even without holding the secret realm token.


    hence, the demon feather cultivators who were nearby and cultivating with the help of the spiritual energy here were all shocked. all of them opened their eyes and looked over, bewilderment and horror rising in their hearts.


    ¡°the spiritual energy here has disappeared¡­¡±


    ¡°the seal of the world source secret realm is also disappearing!¡±


    ¡°what happened?!¡±


    amidst everyone¡¯s emotions, lu lingzi, who was sitting cross-legged in the main hall at the top of the tenth ruler mountain, suddenly opened his eyes and frowned.


    silently, his divine sense spread out and directly enveloped the location of the world source secret realm, suppressing it.


    immediately, the surroundings of the world source secret realm solidified and was isolated.


    his divine sense rapidly fused into the jade slip. the moment he entered, even someone as powerful as the empress felt a breeze in her mind.


    she had naturally been to the world source secret realm and knew the things inside.


    however, now that she used her divine sense to check, this place was pitch-black.


    the red candle was gone, the stars were gone, and there was nothing but void.


    only xu qing was sitting cross-legged on the location where the red candle had been. he was holding the token she had given and trying all kinds of methods to activate it¡­


    this scene caused the empress to fall silent.


    a long time later, her voice echoed in the void.


    ¡°what are you doing?¡±


    xu qing paused and surprise rose in his heart. he then looked at the void in the distance.


    ¡°greetings, your majesty!¡±


    ¡°there were some abnormalities here. i originally planned to leave with this jade token, but this jade token¡­ lost its effect.¡±


    xu qing stood up and cupped his fists. he knew that since the empress was here, it meant that he could leave this place.


    however, after the empress heard xu qing¡¯s words, she didn¡¯t respond. while xu qing was starting to have some thoughts about it, he vaguely heard a sigh.


    after that, the empress spoke.


    ¡°you really didn¡¯t listen to my words at all¡­¡±


    ¡°come see me quickly after you get out!¡±


    the instant these two sentences were spoken, a vast force swept over from the void and gathered on xu qing¡¯s body, emitting a loud explosion that formed a huge vortex.


    with a single breath, it sucked xu qing in before disappearing.


    after sending xu qing off, the empress¡¯ blurry figure appeared in the void.


    what appeared here was only the body formed by her divine sense. at this moment, she looked around and finally shook her head.


    ¡°i originally thought that it was just his senior brother that was worrisome, but i didn¡¯t expect him to be the same.¡±


    the empress took a step and disappeared from the void. when she reappeared, she was on the jade slip in the outside world. she raised her right hand and pressed down. immediately, the huge jade slip regained its luster.


    the seal in its surroundings formed again.


    everything looked no different from before.


    however, if someone could enter the interior of the jade slip, they would discover that¡­ the world source secret realm had disappeared.


    however, the empress naturally wouldn¡¯t let such a thing happen. hence, very soon, a decree spread from the tenth ruler mountain.


    the spiritual energy in the world source secret realm was lacking. it needed to recuperate for a hundred years and wouldn¡¯t be opened to the public during this period.


    this world source secret realm could be said to belong to the tenth ruler now, so lu lingzi¡¯s decree was effective.


    even though the world source secret realm had been included in the strategic resources during this war, because lu lingzi had just advanced, no one would go against him.


    as a ruler, he naturally had these privileges.


    of course, if the empress wanted to completely hide the matter of the world source secret realm, she still had to deal with some details.


    at that moment, xu qing appeared on a plain fifty kilometers away from the world source secret realm nervously.


    the moment he appeared, he immediately transformed into xue chenzi. after that, he turned his head and looked at the world source secret realm that was being sealed again. he hesitated.


    on this trip, he couldn¡¯t say for sure what his harvest was. it looked like he had obtained the mask, but the strange candle was imprinted on his back.


    at the same time, xu qing also felt apologetic for causing trouble for the empress. his personality was like this. he clearly distinguished gratitude and grudges and wasn¡¯t willing to owe others.


    a long time later, he took a deep breath.


    ¡°i will help the empress with her plan.¡±


    xu qing headed straight for the tenth ruler mountain.


    on the way, his focus was on the unfamiliar divine authority in his body.


    luck was as the name suggested.


    misfortune was also the same.


    as for the purple moon divine authority, it belonged to the purple moonlight that illuminated all things and searched for flaws in life. once the flaws were found, they would be invaded by the poison restriction.


    ¡°i¡¯ve grasped luck and the flaws of life.¡±


    ¡°the divine authority formed by them fusing together¡­¡±


    xu qing, who was speeding, suddenly stopped. in the air, his breathing became slightly hurried and a strange glint appeared in his eyes. a word appeared in his mind.


    ¡°¡­fate?¡±

 Chapter 1501 - Chapter 1501: Destiny and Luck!

    chapter 1501: destiny and luck!


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes as great waves stirred in his mind.


    his mind was swaying.


    although he wasn¡¯t sure about the level of this divine authority, the fact that it was interwoven by three divine authorities already showed its status.


    ¡°is it fate or not?¡±


    xu qing mumbled and suddenly raised his right hand. at the next instant, the unfamiliar divine authority that seemed to be fate shone with a resplendent light and disappeared from xu qing¡¯s body.


    when it appeared, it was in his palm.


    it transformed into¡­ a carving knife!


    it felt solid and also felt illusory. it was extremely bizarre.


    in fact, the moment it appeared, the surrounding void seemed to have become a little viscous. it was obvious that it was affected by the knife.


    xu qing had a strong feeling that be it the ground, the sky, or the countless plants and mountains, it was as though these¡­ could all be cut down by the carving knife.


    once he used it, it seemed like he could change some trajectories.


    moreover, this trajectory wasn¡¯t within the original range.


    this feeling was vague and somewhat unclear. xu qing¡¯s mind was filled with countless thoughts, but it seemed he could never piece together the truth. it was like being separated by a layer of gauze, unable to grasp the essence of his divine authority.


    however, there was one thing he was certain of.


    ¡°there¡¯s a high chance that it¡¯s the divine authority of fate, but it¡¯s a little different from what i know¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled. waves surged in his mind and he couldn¡¯t calm down.


    this was because he had seen a person displaying the divine authority that seemed to be similar to fate.


    that person was none other than crown prince purple green!


    crown prince purple green controlled fate!


    xu qing drew in a deep breath as the scenes of him seeing crown prince purple green attack back then surfaced in his mind. he carefully recalled it.


    ¡°purple green relied on the fragmented-face to revive. in that case, is his divine authority related to the fragmented-face?¡±


    ¡°as for me¡­ my body also came from the flesh and blood of desolate. now, by a freak combination of factors, i have also obtained this suspected authority of fate.¡±


    ¡°is there some kind of karma in this?¡±


    ¡°purple green¡¯s fate authority is related to time.¡±


    ¡°then¡­ what about my divine authority?¡±


    xu qing pondered.


    a long time later, he retracted his thoughts.


    he had already realized that he lacked enough understanding of this divine authority. if he wanted to know the details, he had to have a greater understanding of it.


    in that case, rather than exploring without a direction, asking was clearly the best choice.


    even though his master wasn¡¯t here, the empress was.


    as a god, the empress had already reached the divine platform. she might have more precise information about divine authorities than his master.


    at the thought of this, xu qing rushed toward the tenth ruler mountain.


    on the way, he no longer studied this divine authority that seemed to be fate. instead, he nourished his soul while looking at the other divine authorities.


    ¡°sound, poison restriction¡­¡±


    after xu qing compared them, he was even more certain that the divine authority that seemed to be fate was more powerful.


    after that, he placed his focus on the candle tattoo on his back and the mask.


    just like that, time flowed by and very soon, two days passed.


    with his speed, he was less than an hour away from the tenth ruler mountain. xu qing also had some basic judgment about the candle through these two days of research.


    ¡°this candle has completely fused with my body.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s as though it has transferred its carrier from the recording jade slip to my body.¡±


    ¡°perhaps the way to move it is to extinguish the lit candle¡­¡±


    ¡°right now, although it¡¯s in an extinguished state, it gives me the feeling that it can be ignited. however, it requires some specific preparations.¡±


    ¡°as for the specifics, i still need more time to explore and experiment.¡±


    xu qing analyzed inwardly. he also made a preliminary judgment that this tattoo was temporarily fine for him.


    ¡°as for that mask¡­¡±


    xu qing lowered his head. with a flip of his right hand, the mask appeared in his palm. it was still staring at xu qing, as though it was waiting for him to say his wish.


    on this day, other than studying the tattoo on his back, he was also researching this mask.


    ¡°unknown material.¡±


    ¡°although it has spirituality, it¡¯s insufficient.¡±


    ¡°if i don¡¯t make a wish, it seems like it will continue to follow me.¡±


    ¡°as for the price of making a wish, although i still don¡¯t know the details, from its persistence, it must be extremely high.¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes, his heart calm.


    this was because making a wish was only his method of attracting the mask. it wasn¡¯t his original goal.


    from the start to the end, he only had one goal. that was¡­ to obtain the reason why it couldn¡¯t be tainted by karma and think of a way to obtain it.


    hence, the white dust was the main point.


    hence, xu qing raised his head. authority flickered in his eyes as he stared at his fate threads.


    his threads connected the surroundings and were astonishingly resplendent. there were a few among them that contained a terrifying intent.


    however, at that moment, xu qing clearly saw¡­ white dust appearing amidst these threads of fate.


    this dust seemed to be growing and silently formed outside xu qing¡¯s fate threads.


    ¡°touching the mask can cause such white dust to appear in fate?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought and was about to retract his gaze. however, at that moment, he suddenly had a sudden impulse and thought of his divine authority that seemed to be fate.


    ¡°what would happen if i sent this divine authority into my threads of fate?¡±


    as soon as this thought appeared, it was rapidly ingrained in xu qing¡¯s mind and became increasingly intense. in the end, after xu qing carefully weighed the pros and cons, determination appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°let¡¯s give it a try!¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate. he waved his right hand. immediately, what seemed to be the divine authority of fate in his body flew out and formed a carving knife in front of xu qing, heading straight for the fate threads that appeared above his head.


    after it entered them, xu qing tried his best to restrain the thought of cutting. he only suspended this carving knife in his fate threads and kept it motionless.


    the instant the knife entered his fate and stopped¡­


    an unbelievable scene appeared.


    a black light emitted from the carving knife, instantly enveloping all of xu qing¡¯s fate threads, as though it was covering his fate.


    immediately after, the white dust shook and flew up. they were actually driven away from xu qing¡¯s fate threads and all of them floated in the outside world, unable to invade at all.


    next, the perception that appeared in xu qing¡¯s entire body caused intense waves in his heart, as though there was a storm rumbling.


    there was a rare change in his expression. in fact, he was stunned.


    this was because in his perception, the moment the light emitted by the carving knife covered his fate threads, he suddenly had the illusion that he had crawled out of water and arrived on the surface of the water, breathing freely.


    his soul was infinitely at ease.


    his body exceeded its previous freedom.


    in fact, xu qing had a strong realization. compared to the feeling at this moment, it was as though he had been living in suffocation and mud. there were huge shackles.


    however, before he had his current perception, he didn¡¯t sense the suffocation and shackles in the past at all.


    only by comparing were they clearer!


    it was as though at this moment, his fate was finally under his control.


    xu qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. this comparison really surprised him. at the same time, a realization surfaced in his mind.


    ¡°the feeling of controlling fate?¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    at the same time, the instant xu qing grasped his fate, different existences in many places on wanggu sensed it.


    wanggu, in a region enveloped in black fog.


    the density of anomalous substances in this region surpassed all the areas in wanggu.


    all kinds of terrifying roars continuously echoed in the heaven and earth of this region.


    at the center of this endless pitch-black fog was a huge city. this was an imperial palace.


    in the palace, the hall was deathly silent.


    it was empty.


    there was only one person sitting on the throne.


    this person was extraordinarily handsome, dressed in imperial robes, with one hand resting on his forehead, eyes closed and motionless. in the next instant, he suddenly opened his eyes, raised his head to gaze at the sky, and his brow gradually furrowed.


    ¡°took off the hook?¡±


    the person mumbled softly. after a long time, his brows relaxed and a faint smile appeared on his face.


    ¡°brother, this is interesting.¡±


    in the outer sea, waves rose and fell. in the depths, black lines rose from the surface of the sea. they rapidly weaved in the air and finally formed jade flowing dust¡¯s cross-legged figure.


    he was absorbing his gain.


    originally, before he completely absorbed it, he wouldn¡¯t wake up.


    however, now, an inexplicable feeling that he had never felt before caused him to wake up from his slumber. after he showed up, he looked at the sky.


    ¡°a character from my past story has disappeared from within the story¡­¡±


    at the top of the tenth ruler mountain of the demon feather holy land, the empress who had transformed into lu lingzi opened her eyes.


    she stared at the foot of the mountain with a strange expression.


    an hour later, a voice rang out from the foot of the mountain.


    ¡°xue chenzi requests to see the ruler!¡±


    the empress seemed to be in deep thought as she grabbed below.


    at the next instant, xu qing¡¯s figure directly appeared in the main hall in front of her.


    the moment he appeared, xu qing hurriedly bowed and was about to speak.


    however, the empress¡¯s voice had already echoed.


    ¡°for me to not notice anything amiss within the secret realm under the gaze of my avatar, and only sense it at the moment this divine authority was activated¡­ xu qing, you possess an additional divine authority.¡±


    ¡°its name is¡­ fate!¡±


    xu qing immediately raised his head and looked at the empress.


    this was exactly what he wanted to ask. now that the empress saw through it at a glance, his desire for the knowledge of this divine authority grew even stronger. he took a deep breath and respectfully spoke.


    ¡°your majesty, can you clear my doubts?¡±


    the empress¡¯ gaze landed on the top of xu qing¡¯s head. after a long time, she slowly spoke.


    ¡°fate, which encompasses destiny and luck, refers to the trajectory of all things in the world formed by a combination of fixed and variable elements. it is also one of the supreme divine authorities within the god system.¡±


    ¡°and destiny and luck are two completely different concepts.


    ¡°destiny is fixed, referring to specific trajectories, like pre-existing paths.¡±


    ¡°back then, during my battle to become a god, you should have witnessed crown prince purple green¡¯s method of controlling the fate of others.


    the fates of others became a book in the hands of crown prince purple green.


    through fate, he saw the past and deduced the future.


    countless futures could be deduced, but they all existed to begin with.


    he removed the future that belonged to a desperate situation and replaced everything, changing and affecting the fate of others.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he instantly understood most of it. he felt as though he had been enlightened. at the same time, the fluctuations in his mind were also huge.


    the scenes of crown prince purple green attacking back then appeared in his mind. that divine authority was extremely powerful.


    ¡°therefore, through this divine authority, crown prince purple green deduced countless future trajectories of his opponent. all of them really exist and this is fixed.


    is it also the ¡®destiny¡¯ aspect of the divine authority of fate?¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    the empress nodded and continued speaking.


    ¡°and luck is a variable, referring to the traces beyond the fixed numbers. more precisely, it represents those new paths that might be carved out.¡±


    ¡°the path to the future that originally didn¡¯t exist was created through the fusion of luck and misfortune, exceeding the established trajectory.


    this is the variable.¡±


    ¡°your divine authority is the luck of fate. it¡¯s also a variable!¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath. at this moment, his thoughts were completely clear.


    ¡°your majesty, do you mean that my divine authority of fate can borrow luck and misfortune to transform into two hands to fiddle with a person¡¯s fate, allowing it to form a new fate other than the existing fixed fate?¡±


    the empress nodded.


    ¡°your understanding is correct.¡±


    ¡°although you and purple green¡¯s fate divine authority is from the same source, the direction is different. however, it can be described in one sentence.¡±


    ¡°anything is possible.¡±


    ¡°for fixed, the countless trajectories that already exist might become reality.¡±


    ¡°for variables, it¡¯s naturally possible to create a new path that replaces the original.¡±


    xu qing closed his eyes and carefully analyzed and absorbed the empress¡¯s words before opening his eyes.


    his eyes were clear as he spoke softly.


    ¡°therefore, crown prince purple green¡¯s divine authority of fate is similar to a book. because that fate is already written, crown prince purple green flipped through it and found the most suitable page.¡±


    ¡°as for the carving knife formed by my divine authority of fate¡­ its function isn¡¯t to read books but to carve a new fate trajectory on it, becoming a new page..¡±

 Chapter 1502 - Chapter 1502: Arrogant by Imperial Decree (1)

    chapter 1502: arrogant by imperial decree (1)


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    xu qing¡¯s voice echoed in the main hall of the tenth ruler mountain.


    the empress¡¯ gaze landed on xu qing.


    ¡°this divine authority is supreme, especially the variables of luck. even i can t


    see through it.¡±


    ¡°i can only tell you that the divine authority of fragmented-face is fate.¡± ¡°between you and purple green, one has a body formed from the flesh and blood of desolate, while the other was reborn as a dependent of desolate.¡± ¡°at the same time, under your master¡¯s saber strike back then, some of the fortune of the purple green kingdom was plundered and given to you, causing the return of the purple green kingdom to be incomplete.¡±


    ¡°and your relationship with purple green is one of kin in this life.¡±


    ¡°these are like the entanglements of fate. they will definitely gather in the


    future.¡±


    ¡°this is a debate of fate and variable, a contention between destiny and luck, and a battle to determine fate between you and purple green.¡±


    the empress retracted her gaze from xu qing and looked at the distant sky. a stream of light seemed to flash in her eyes, as though¡­ she had seen that day.


    after that, it dimmed.


    xu qing fell silent.


    he saw the dimness in the empress¡¯ eyes but he didn¡¯t ask about it. this was because no matter what the other party saw, it was within a fixed range.


    variables couldn¡¯t be seen.


    since fate was ultimately controlled by him, he would have to personally carve


    it down with the carving knife in the future.


    he would not only draw the destiny of others but also carve his own life.


    hence, xu qing was calm. he looked at the empress and bowed.


    ¡°thank you for clearing my doubts, your majesty. 1 wonder if there¡¯s anything i can help with in the demon feather holy land this time?¡±


    ¡°if there is, i will definitely do my best to complete it!¡±


    when the empress heard this, she nodded slightly.


    ¡°not originally.¡±


    xu qing blinked as he understood the hidden meaning behind these words.


    ¡°but considering that you¡¯re a little restless, you can just follow me from now


    on.¡±


    ¡°in three days, i¡¯ll make a trip to the western devil feather holy land. with lu lingzi¡¯s identity, i¡¯ll pay a visit to this generation¡¯s demon feather great emperor and discuss the details of the opening of great emperor nether flame¡¯s seclusion place.¡±


    ¡°you¡¯ll follow me at that time.¡±


    -now, you can rest outside the hall and recover your current weakened soul.¡± the empress raised her hand and a pill bottle and a jade slip flew toward xu qing-


    xu qing held them. there was a pill in the bottle and it was clearly a soul-nourishing pill. the jade slip also had the same use. gratitude rose in his heart and he bowed again before leaving the hall.


    outside the hall, xu qing took a deep breath and sat cross-legged. he then swallowed the medicinal pill in the pill bottle in his hand.


    the moment this pill entered, it melted and turned into waves of soul-nourishing power, entering his sea of consciousness.


    it was like the rain when it landed in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness that was like a withered land. the land gained new vitality and the dimmed soul started recovering rapidly.


    three days passed.


    under the effect of the medicinal pill, xu qing¡¯s soul recovered by half.


    although he hadn¡¯t completely recovered, the impact on his combat strength wasn¡¯t much. next, he would need some time to nurture it. at the same time, the power of the jade slip slowly appeared. xu qing had a feeling that he would be able to gradually recover to his peak state in a month at most.


    the empress walked out of the main hall at dusk and stepped into the sky.


    xu qing immediately stood up and followed behind.


    the large number of demon feather cultivators gathered at the foot of the tenth ruler mountain saw this scene and bowed deeply.


    the ruler had come out.


    this was the first time lu lingzi had publicly shown himself after establishing the ruler mountain.


    as for xu qing, who was following behind, he was also immediately noticed by all the people who were paying attention.


    among them, some knew xue chenzi but most of them had seen xu qing paying his respects to the mountain with their own eyes. it was also after xu qing was allowed to enter the ruler mountain that waves rose in their hearts.


    now that they saw xu qing following the ruler with their own eyes, they immediately understood the meaning.


    he had become the follower of the tenth ruler!


    from now on, his status and identity would be completely different from before. if he went down the mountain alone, he could even make these cultivators gathered at the foot of the mountain respectfully bow.


    complicated and unwilling emotions rose in many people¡¯s hearts. however, no matter what, these emotions had to be forcefully suppressed and couldn¡¯t be revealed at all. what could be revealed¡­ was only respect.


    under everyone¡¯s worship, xu qing followed the empress toward the sky. the empress wasn¡¯t fast but with every step she took, the world became blurry, giving off obvious energy of a ruler.


    the empress¡¯ appearance immediately attracted the attention of the other rulers of the east devil feather. many gazes stared at her from afar.


    xu qing instinctively retracted his aura. however, after sensing the calmness of the empress, he also gained confidence.


    after all, this was the peak of the divine platform. since she dared to meet the demon feather great emperor, it was obvious that the empress had absolute confidence.


    since that was the case, there was no need for him to think too much when following the other party.


    at the thought of this, xu qing raised his head and also became calm.


    just like that, under the gaze of the other rulers of the east demon feather, the empress brought xu qing and walked through the sky. after a few steps, they left the territory of the east demon feather and stepped into the territory of the west demon feather.


    the instant they appeared here, even more rulers¡¯ gazes landed on them.


    in an instant, the ground rumbled and the void distorted. traces of laws and rules shone in all directions. there were also divine senses sweeping over domineeringly.


    they landed unceremoniously on the empress.


    the empress was expressionless as she continued forward..

 Chapter 1503 - Chapter 1503: Arrogant by Imperial Decree (2)

    chapter 1503: arrogant by imperial decree (2)


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    xu qing calmly lowered his head and followed.


    there were twenty-one ruler mountains in the west devil feather, far surpassing that of east devil feather.


    xu qing could sense that the gazes of these rulers only swept past him. their focus was on the empress.


    this made xu qing feel almost no pressure.


    he only needed to be a good follower.


    however, he also sensed that the gazes of those rulers were filled with hostility. moreover, such a domineering intent was clearly filled with warning and contempt for this new ruler of the east demon feather, lu lingzi.


    this contempt naturally had a deeper motive, so it didn¡¯t come from just the rulers.


    it also included the current demon feather great emperor.


    the empress¡¯ visit was fruitless.


    after the empress expressed her intentions, the demon feather great emperor¡¯s dao altar didn¡¯t immediately send out a summons. instead, a disciple of the great emperor, a middle-aged cultivator who was also a new ruler, sent the decree to the empress.


    this decree only had one word.


    ¡°wait!¡±


    with that, this new ruler looked at the empress with scrutiny and coldly spoke.


    ¡°lu lingzi, back then, when we sparred, there was no victor. now that you¡¯ve also advanced, why don¡¯t we fight again?!


    as soon as he said this, thunder rumbled in the sky and a sense of oppression suddenly descended.


    from the start to the end, the empress¡¯ expression didn¡¯t change at all. she didn¡¯t even glance at the disciple of the demon feather great emperor. instead, she turned to look at xu qing and calmly spoke.


    ¡°xue chenzi.¡±


    ¡°your humble servant is here!¡± xu qing immediately bowed.


    ¡°go and spar with all the soul accumulation cultivators under the rulers of the


    west devil feather. don¡¯t sully the east demon feather¡¯s name.¡±


    as soon as these words were spoken, all the rulers who were staring at this place instantly looked at xu qing. even the ruler who announced the great emperor¡¯s decree shifted his gaze away from the empress and looked at xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. he understood the meaning in the empress¡¯ words.


    she was clearly asking him to show off.


    however, divine authorities and authority were his main weapons. hence, his greatest problem was that he would definitely be exposed if he made a move.


    however, since the empress had spoken like this, it was impossible for her to not have considered this. hence, xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. a murderous aura rose from his body as he accepted the order, replying with a deep voice.


    ¡°i obey the decree!¡±


    with that, his body swayed and he headed straight for the distant horizon.


    the empress closed her eyes and didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    as for xu qing, thoughts spun in his mind. on one hand, he guessed that the empress had used a method to conceal his attacks. on the other hand, he recalled xue chenzi¡¯s understanding of the west devil feather.


    ¡°among the twenty-one ruler mountains of the west devil feather, the strongest is the second one, followed by the first, third, and seventeenth.


    ¡°the empress asked me to spar. in that case, the most suitable target for the


    first battle¡­¡±


    xu qing looked toward the north.


    that was the direction of the seventeenth ruler mountain.


    ¡°it shall be there!¡±


    ¡°as for the way the empress will disguise my attacks, there¡¯s a high chance¡­


    xu qing touched the jade slip the empress had given him before.


    he originally thought that this jade slip was only used to nourish his soul.


    however, now it seemed that this item was something the empress had specially prepared for him.


    at the thought of this, xu qing no longer hesitated and headed straight for the seventeenth ruler mountain.


    he displayed extreme speed, leaving sonic booms in his trail. after fifteen minutes, the towering seventeenth ruler mountain appeared in his eyes.


    the instant he got close, xu qing¡¯s voice was like thunder, exploding on the mountain.


    ¡°xue chenzi, subordinate of the tenth ruler of the east demon feather, challenges all the soul accumulation cultivators of the seventeenth ruler mountain!¡±


    almost at the instant xu qing¡¯s voice rang out, a cold snort rang out from the seventeenth ruler mountain.


    ¡°chen fei, go and suppress this kid!¡±


    all the ruler of the west devil feather had heard the empress¡¯ words to xu qing earlier.


    in their opinion, since lu lingzi didn¡¯t fight and sent out a subordinate, then¡­ after suppressing this subordinate, lu lingzi would have no excuse to refuse a fight.


    amidst the cold snort, a figure flew out of the mountain.


    this was a middle-aged cultivator. he was tall and burly and gave off powerful cultivation fluctuations. he had seven great worlds flickering with dazzling light.


    after he flew out, he paused in mid-air. he first bowed toward the mountain before turning to look at xu qing with a sharp gaze.


    he headed straight for xu qing.


    the seven great worlds circulated violently, forming a terrifying might. xu qing¡¯s expression was calm as he lifted his right hand and pressed in the direction chen fei had come from. after that, he clenched his palm.


    immediately, the sound authority in his body erupted.


    the sounds that rose in chen fei¡¯s surroundings all transformed into killing intent that rolled back, forming a huge sphere. the sound waves from it were majestic and shook everyone.


    such a method caused chen fei¡¯s expression to change and his mind to fluctuate. however, what he was seeing wasn¡¯t sound power but countless astonishing blood seals.


    every seal exuded a dense stench of blood and contained extraordinary power. moreover, when combined, it gave off a mysterious feeling.


    this caused him to lose the initiative immediately.


    at this critical moment, his seven great worlds flashed and he performed a series of hand seals with both hands. seven different bizarre entity statues rose malevolently from the seven great worlds.


    they materialized and rushed out of their worlds, rushing toward xu qing. xu qing was expressionless. the moment the seven bodies got close, he instantly disappeared and fused into the sound. when he reappeared, he was behind chen fei.


    two authorities in his eyes instantly dazzled.


    he saw chen fei¡¯s karma threads and agitated his seven emotions and six desires.


    using karma to lock his life and emotions to turn it into waves.


    after that, the profound sun immortal light transformed into a sun and rose into the air in his sea of consciousness, forming endless light and heat. it instantly enveloped chen fei and ruthlessly suppressed him.


    a rumbling sound rose into the sky. chen fei had lost the initiative due to the sound authority and was continuously forced into a passive state. at this moment, before he could completely unleash his abilities, he was heavily injured by the profound sun immortal light, and his body fell down heavily.


    xu qing instantly chased after him and punched his chest, causing his injuries to become even more serious.


    all of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in the blink of an eye.


    almost at the instant xu qing displayed his divine authority and authority, the jade slip given by the empress silently fused with him, perfectly concealing all his methods.


    hence, the sound authority displayed in this battle became a seal related to blood, the authority became a dao art, and the immortal light sun became a secret technique.


    the fact that the battle ended so quickly caused the hearts of the cultivators who were paying attention to this battle to tremble. there was a moment of silence.


    xu qing recalled the empress¡¯ request. hence, he looked down at chen fei.


    ¡°you¡¯re too weak.¡±


    as he spoke, he kicked chen fei¡¯s body toward the ruler mountain.


    after that, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°which other soul accumulation wants to fight?¡±


    when chen fei heard this, reluctance rose in his heart. he still had many methods he hadn¡¯t used. from what he thought, his failure previously was clearly due to his negligence.


    he wanted to say something, but as his body landed on the ground, the seriousness of his injuries caused him to spit out blood again before he could speak.


    at the same time, a deep voice suddenly rang out from the seventeenth ruler mountain.


    ¡°i originally didn¡¯t want to bully the weak, but since you are taking the initiative to request a battle, then¡­ this old man will suppress you.¡± as the voice spread, a terrifying aura that surpassed chen fei¡¯s rose from the seventeenth ruler mountain. the figure of an old man walked over from the void.


    this old man had red hair and his entire body emitted a terrifying aura. the nine great worlds didn¡¯t appear on his body but on his back. under the contrast of these worlds, this old man gave off a feeling that he was infinitely close to being a god.


    he walked toward xu qing step by step.


    nine worlds soul accumulation!


    an imperceptible glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he wasn¡¯t confident that he could win against a nine worlds soul accumulation. hence, as he looked at the cultivator walking over, xu qing shook his head.


    ¡°you¡¯re also no match for me.¡±


    ¡°however, since you¡¯ve said that you¡¯re bullying the weak, i¡¯ll stand here and let you attack three times. if you can injure me even a little, it will be considered your victory.¡±


    after xu qing finished speaking, he landed on the ground and looked at the old man with his hands behind his back..

 Chapter 1504 - Chapter 1504: Scoundrel Spreads His Name

    chapter 1504: scoundrel spreads his name


    translator: attas studios editor: atlas studios


    xu qing was also feeling helpless.


    according to his nature, he wouldn¡¯t act or speak like this.


    however¡­ this was the empress¡¯ decree after all.


    the empress¡¯ words hinted at him to show off. since xu qing had received her kindness, he had no choice but to carry it out.


    so he could only recall in his mind the methods and tone of his senior brother, which led to his previous words and his current arrogance.


    and in the eyes of others, his figure was not just arrogant.


    it could be described as outright brazen!


    at that moment, xu qing, who was standing at the foot of the ruler mountain with his hands behind his back, gave everyone on the mountain the feeling that he was incomparably domineering.


    he actually said such words to a high-level almighty like the nine worlds soul accumulation.


    at the next instant, the anger of many cultivators on this mountain rose one after another. figures rose into the air and their gazes gathered, all of them locking onto xu qing.


    facing such pressure, xu qing was incomparably vigilant. however, he didn¡¯t reveal it on the surface and even closed his eyes.


    all of this caused the nine worlds soul accumulation old man who walked out to laugh angrily.


    ¡°good, good, good!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s words and arrogant attitude caused a cold glint to flash in the old man¡¯s eyes. it wasn¡¯t like he hadn¡¯t encountered such an arrogant person in his life.


    however, almost all of them had turned into corpses.


    at that moment, seeing that xu qing had even closed his eyes, the old man raised his right hand. at the next instant, the sky changed color and the ground rumbled. a storm circled in the surroundings.


    at the moment the old man¡¯s right hand descended, a gigantic palm print materialized directly behind him, seemingly replacing the sky, piercing through itself, and together with his hand¡­ crashed toward xu qing.


    this palm strike completely displayed the power of the nine worlds soul accumulation, forming a destructive might. in fact, the laws and rules were even tearing apart under this palm print.


    more cracks appeared in the void.


    it headed straight for xu qing.


    it was like a violent wind sweeping past, lifting xu qing¡¯s long hair and robe. however, xu qing still had his eyes closed and didn¡¯t move at all.


    the huge palm print descended with destructive power, causing the area here to shake violently.


    in everyone¡¯s eyes, black flames appeared on xu qing¡¯s body at this instant. these flames rapidly spread under his feet, forming a resplendent black lotus! this lotus was in full bloom and countless fire petals surrounded it. xu qing¡¯s location was at the center of the lotus.


    the black fire lotus that rose around him seemed to have molded a perfect defense for him.


    it directly collided with the huge palm print that fell from the sky.


    a deafening rumbling sound spread through the area.


    the black lotus was still burning as usual. its petals surrounded it and continued to flutter.


    within it, xu qing was not affected in the slightest, not even a strand of his hair was touched. he didn¡¯t even open his eyes, only spoke faintly.


    ¡°there are still two moves left.¡±


    as his voice echoed, the eyes of the old man in the sky narrowed. the expressions of the many cultivators on the seventeenth ruler mountain also changed.


    not everyone could withstand an all-out attack from a nine worlds soul accumulation expert.


    to be able to do this, it represented strength.


    among them, there was a scholar who stared fixedly at the black fire lotus around xu qing. he vaguely felt that it was familiar, as though he had seen it in some texts before.


    soon, someone recognized it and exclaimed involuntarily.


    ¡°that is the underworld lotus!¡±


    ¡°great emperor nether flame¡¯s protective secret art!!¡±


    as the person exclaimed, more and more people recalled the various rumors and records about great emperor nether flame that were recorded in the books.


    xue chenzi actually mastered such a secret art!¡±


    ¡°no wonder ruler lu lingzi came to west demon feather with this person!¡± ¡°this is also the reason why xue chenzi is so arrogant!¡±


    an uproar spread in all directions. xu qing calmly stood there with his eyes closed. as for the old man in the air, his brows were tightly furrowed.


    he had heard of the underworld lotus. it was rumored that this secret art was extremely astonishing in terms of defense.


    he narrowed his eyes and raised his hands, quickly forming a seal. instantly, the nine great worlds behind him began to shine brightly, each one raising the highest peak within its world.


    these nine peaks transformed from illusion to reality, appearing in the sky of the holy land. the moment they emerged, they triggered the laws of the heavens and earth, causing lightning and thunder to continuously erupt. after that, the old man pointed with both hands and the nine mountain peaks charged straight toward xu qing.


    this wasn¡¯t the end. after using the second spell, the old man pressed his forehead. immediately, the nine great worlds behind him rumbled again.


    i hey emitted countless rules and laws, all of which were the dao that the old man had comprehended in his life.


    after it appeared, the old man shouted.


    ¡°transforming the dao into the tip!¡±


    his dao gathered in front of him, forming a huge spearhead!


    after that, the old man¡¯s deep voice echoed again.


    ¡°using the worlds as the body!¡±


    i he nine great worlds were arranged in sequence, connected to each other. from a distance, they truly resembled the body of a spear!


    ¡°change the eruption of the spells into the spear tassel!¡±


    the old man shouted and countless spells erupted from his body. amidst the colorful lights, they surrounded the earth-shattering spear.


    finally, killing intent flashed in the old man¡¯s eyes as he ruthlessly pushed. this shocking huge spear headed straight for xu qing.


    the old man¡¯s plan was to use the spell and the divine ability at the same time, using up the second and third moves.


    with such a method, he tried to blast open the legendary underworld lotus.


    1 he color of the sky changed and countless gazes were focused on this fight. it could be seen that the first to reach xu qing was the nine mountains.


    these nine mountains were huge but they shrunk as they sped. in the end, they were like nine large swords that blasted out with all their might at the underworld lotus around xu qing¡¯s body.


    its momentum was vast like a mountain, and its strength was like a tumultuous sea.


    xu qing trembled and the underground lotus in everyone¡¯s eyes shone intensely. under the churning flames, no matter how sharp the swords formed by the nine mountain peaks were, they couldn¡¯t shake xu qing at all.


    as the fire of the underworld lotus erupted, the nine mountains swords returned from reality to illusion until they disappeared.


    however, the instant they dissipated, that terrifying spear pierced through all illusions and directly landed on xu qing¡¯s head.


    the spearhead formed extreme strength that erupted intensely.


    a loud explosion rang out, accompanied by an astonishing impact.


    under the impact, xu qing couldn¡¯t maintain his original position and was forced back.


    while being forced back, this terrifying spear continued to rush over like a hot knife through butter.


    xu qing suddenly opened his eyes and wanted to raise his hand to block it. however, the speed of this spear was too fast. before xu qing could raise his arm, it had already stabbed xu qing¡¯s chest.


    when the spearhead came into contact with his body, xu qing trembled and was forced back again.


    100 feet, 1,000 feet, 5,000 feet.


    he was sent back for a long distance.


    however, the spear couldn¡¯t break through xu qing¡¯s body, no matter how powerful it was. at that moment, when xu qing¡¯s body retreated to 10,000 feet, the force finally weakened. he took a step back and stopped.


    in an instant, the spearhead that stabbed into his chest shook and emitted cracking sounds.


    starting from the tip, the cracks continued to spread. very soon, it spread to the spear body. finally, with a loud sound, the spear¡­ shattered.


    the power of this spear had already reached the peak of the soul accumulation realm, but in the end, it still hadn¡¯t reached the ruler level.


    the wind blew through the world. xu qing, who was standing there, calmly spoke.


    ¡°it¡¯s finished.¡±


    the surroundings were silent.


    in the air, the old man looked at xu qing with a complicated expression. after a long time, he silently shook his head.


    he turned and returned to the mountain.


    xu qing walked forward and crossed ten thousand feet, arriving at the foot of the ruler mountain again. he took a step up the steps in front of him and sat down cross-legged, raising his head to look at the mountain.


    he recalled his eldest senior brother¡¯s usual attitude and calmly spoke.


    ¡°i¡¯ll sit here. if anyone below ruler level and without using a ruler-level treasure, can break through my defense in three days, it will be my loss!¡± on the seventeenth ruler mountain, the cultivators were silent.


    even a cultivator at nine worlds soul accumulation realm couldn¡¯t break through xu qing¡¯s defense. the other soul accumulation cultivators felt powerless.


    it was meaningless to continue attacking.


    as for nine worlds soul accumulation cultivators, there wasn¡¯t just one of them on this mountain. however, through the battles earlier, they had already determined that xu qing¡¯s lethality wasn¡¯t enough, but his defense was too extreme.


    unless they imitated the other party and sat there asking the other party to attack them, they would be helpless against xue chenzi.


    however, those with cultivation levels higher than xue chenzi couldn¡¯t choose this option. it was equivalent to admitting that they were inferior¡­


    because the cultivation levels of both sides were unequal, it was reasonable for xue chenzi to not be able to break through their defense.


    however, to them, relying on this method to obtain victory¡­ was no different from failure.


    in fact, it was very likely that they would lose even more reputation like this than if they lost.


    most importantly, although this looked like a battle between cultivators, in reality, it was a battle between rulers and also a competition between the eastern and western demon feather.


    hence, the entire ruler mountain fell silent.


    time flowed by and three days passed.


    the west demon feather was already in turmoil.


    xu qing opened his eyes and stood up. under the complicated gazes of the cultivators on this mountain, he walked toward the horizon, heading toward the sixteenth ruler mountain.


    after he got close, under the hostile gazes of the cultivators on the sixteenth ruler mountain, xu qing sat cross-legged on the steps of the mountain and calmly spoke.


    ¡°you guys should know the rules.¡±


    ¡°if anyone below ruler level and without using a ruler-level treasure, can break through my defense in three days, it will be my loss!¡±


    three days later, xu qing shook his head and left.


    during this period, several cultivators from this mountain attacked but they all failed. in the end, just like the seventeenth mountain, they chose to remain silent.


    hence, xu qing went to the fifteenth ruler mountain and repeated the same action and words.


    he stayed three days on every mountain. half a month later, when his figure appeared on the tenth ruler mountain, xue chenzi¡¯s name had completely spread throughout the entire west demon feather.


    everyone knew about him and he became the focus of countless west demon feather cultivators.


    similarly, xu qing¡¯s deeds in the west demon feather also spread back to the east demon feather.


    the cultivators of the east demon feather were excited. many of them even crossed the border and came to the west demon feather to witness everything with their own eyes.


    at the same time, in the immortal arts hall in the east demon feather.


    yue dong sat cross-legged in a hall. the smell of blood from the outside world spread here.


    soon, the sound of footsteps echoed outside the hall. yue dong opened her beautiful eyes and stared outside.


    a youth in a luxurious robe walked over quickly with an affectionate expression. he was holding a head in his hand.


    when he got close to yue dong, the luxuriously-dressed youth spoke gently.


    ¡®dong¡¯er, this old thief actually dares to question your identity. i¡¯ve already gotten rid of him for you. don¡¯t worry, with me around, no one in the east demon feather will dare to hurt you.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s just that¡­ something happened.¡±


    ¡°you still remember xue chenzi, right? it¡¯s all my fault. last time, you could clearly have killed that scoundrel, but i disrupted you. sigh.¡±


    ¡°i didn¡¯t expect this scoundrel to gain an opportunity and become the follower of the tenth ruler. now, he has spread his name in the west demon feather. damn it!¡±


    ¡°but don¡¯t worry, i¡¯ll definitely help you kill this scoundrel and take his measly life!¡±


    the luxuriously-dressed youth swore.


    yue dong blinked and was stunned. during this time, someone had helped her deal with the power seizure of the immortal arts hall, so she focused on studying the immortal arts she had obtained.


    she didn¡¯t know what was happening in the west demon feather.


    hearing these words, yue dong¡¯s heart skipped a beat.


    ¡°little qing actually snuck to the empress¡¯ side? he even made a name for himself?¡±


    at the thought that his junior brother¡¯s limelight had overshadowed him again, ermu took a deep breath. he felt immense pressure and inexplicably felt aggrieved.


    ¡°weren¡¯t they acting alone? how come they¡¯re together now, leaving me behind?¡±

 Chapter 1505 - Chapter 1505: Taking Shelter Under the Tiger’s Skin

    chapter 1505: taking shelter under the tiger¡¯s skin


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    xu qing naturally didn¡¯t know about erniu¡¯s bitterness.


    during this half a month, he perfectly executed the decree given by the empress.


    challenging all of the west demon feather¡¯s soul accumulation experts.


    however, his challenge wasn¡¯t about fighting but about defense.


    hence, as half a month passed, the news that xue chenzi had grasped great emperor nether flame¡¯s secret technique, the underworld lotus, spread to all directions.


    this also caused xue chenzi¡¯s name to possess illustrious might in the entire demon feather holy land.


    some people had doubts about how he obtained great emperor nether flame¡¯s secret art. however, considering that he became lu lingzi¡¯s subordinate and was the only one brought the west demon feather, it was evident that this secret art was taught to him by lu lingzi.


    xu qing¡¯s challenge continued.


    after walking past the ninth and eighth rulers¡¯ mountains, he arrived at the foot of the seventh ruler¡¯s mountain.


    a large number of cultivators had gathered around the mountain. most of these cultivators were natives of the west demon feather while some of them had rushed over from the east demon feather.


    the moment xu qing appeared, there was an uproar.


    some rebuked angrily, while others cheered, causing an uproar outside the seventh ruler mountain.


    however, compared to the liveliness outside the mountain, the seventh ruler mountain was silent.


    just like that, under everyone¡¯s gazes, xu qing walked to the front of the seventh ruler mountain.


    it was still the same words as before. he still sat cross-legged on the steps of the ruler mountain with his eyes closed, waiting for someone to appear and break his defense.


    however, this time was different from before.


    under xu qing¡¯s challenge and the public opinion that surrounded it, a soul accumulation cultivator eventually decided to break the rules, either by personal choice or through subtle suggestion.


    he wanted to end this farce that caused the west demon feather to continue losing face.


    the instant xu qing sat down, a cold snort rang out from the seventh ruler mountain.


    ¡°xue chenzi, don¡¯t be arrogant!¡±


    as his voice echoed, a figure flew over from the mountain, heading straight for xu qing.


    the person looked like a youth. the seven great worlds on him shone with resplendent light, forming a vast might that could topple mountains and overturn seas. he arrived above xu qing with a destructive force.


    he didn¡¯t stop at all. a cold glint flashed in his eyes as he raised his right hand and pressed it toward xu qing.


    a huge palm print rapidly formed in front of him, enveloping the sky as it landed on xu qing.


    although the attacks of other soul accumulation cultivators also displayed such a huge palm print, this palm print was very different from the soul accumulation cultivators xu qing had faced before.


    this palm print was even clearer, even the lines on it were clear. most importantly, the rules and laws that formed this palm were even more terrifying than what xu qing had encountered before.


    what was even more astonishing was that¡­ there were fluctuations of authority!


    although the source of this bizarre fluctuation was the soul accumulation seven worlds¡¯ youth, upon closer inspection, one could see that the true source was his raised palm.


    on his palm was a glove as thin as a cicada¡¯s wing.


    this was¡­ a ruler treasure!


    it could erupt with power comparable to a ruler¡¯s attack.


    the price of using it in the soul accumulation stage was definitely not small. however, determination appeared in the eyes of this youth as he circulated all his cultivation to activate the power of the glove.


    this caused the palm print to emit a terrifying and astonishing aura, shattering the void and enveloping xu qing.


    xu qing slowly opened his eyes and looked at the palm print that was growing larger and larger above his head.


    the emperor sword in his body was trembling. with a thought from him, it would rush out and slash at the palm.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t use it. regardless of his expression or heart, he wasn¡¯t surprised by such a situation.


    someone eventually breaking the rule was within his expectations.


    he didn¡¯t need to make a move.


    he would deal with those below the ruler level. however, if a ruler-level power appeared, xu qing believed that¡­ there was a high chance that this was what the empress wanted.


    his challenge was just a catalyst.


    the empress had come to the west demon feather to see the demon feather great emperor. the great emperor making her wait naturally contained another deeper meaning.


    this wait could be a day, a month, or even an indefinite period.


    hence, in the face of the provocations of the other rulers, the empress didn¡¯t choose to attack. instead, she let xu qing challenge their people. this was because¡­ the empress didn¡¯t like to be passive. she wanted to take the initiative.


    how to strike, when to strike, and in what manner and for what reason to strike all needed to follow her rhythm.


    everything was to let the demon feather great emperor issue a decree for a meeting.


    xu qing had analyzed the clues very thoroughly. he also believed that those people from the west demon feather weren¡¯t stupid. they must have also analyzed this matter carefully.


    therefore, when a cultivator with a ruler¡¯s treasure appeared, he couldn¡¯t judge the intention of this cultivator.


    there was a certain possibility that¡­ a ruler was doing this on purpose.


    for some unknown reason, they were lending the empress a hand, giving her a reason to take the initiative.


    hence, at the next instant, when the palm print formed by the ruler¡¯s glove was a thousand feet away from xu qing, the palm print suddenly shook and actually stopped in mid-air, motionless.


    under the palm print, lu lingzi¡¯s figure silently appeared just as xu qing had expected. he lifted his hand and waved it gently. immediately, the majestic and huge palm print instantly dissipated.


    the surroundings fell silent.


    xu qing stood up and bowed to lu lingzi.


    that youth from the soul accumulation seven worlds also seemed to heave a sigh of relief inwardly and immediately lowered his head to greet.


    lu lingzi¡¯s gaze landed on the ruler mountain in front of him. he didn¡¯t speak but a hint of pressure rose from his body.


    the sky changed color.


    immediately after, a majestic figure appeared on the ruler mountain. it was an old woman with a cold expression. she looked at lu lingzi.


    the ground rumbled.


    two ruler-level forces were colliding from the aura, gaze, and pressure.


    this collision tore through the void and spatial cracks appeared in all directions. there was also a storm that appeared out of thin air and surrounded the surroundings, forming a vast vortex.


    countless rubble rose into the air. even the ruler mountain trembled slightly.


    at the same time, the confrontation here immediately attracted the attention of the other rulers of the west demon feather. many divine senses gathered here, causing the spacetime here to feel even more chaotic.


    the threads formed by the rules and laws continued to reveal themselves and shatter.


    the oppression also enveloped the hearts of all the cultivators here, causing their hearts to tremble. the voice of the empress who had transformed into lu lingzi echoed.


    ¡°xue chenzi, take out the token i gave you.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he immediately took out the token and raised it high.


    as the empress waved her hand, the token emitted a hint of the aura of a ruler. in everyone¡¯s perception, this jade slip clearly contained the power of a ruler.


    ¡°have you used this token when sparring with those of the west demon feather?¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he replied in a resonant voice.


    ¡°no.¡±


    the empress continued.


    ¡°have you killed anyone from the west demon feather race when you sparred with them?¡±


    xu qing shook his head.


    ¡°the fight was only to determine victory or defeat, never to endanger life.¡±


    the empress¡¯ gaze landed on the seventh ruler mountain.


    ¡°the competition between the eastern and west demon feather is a spar between members of the same race. the ancient teachings all prioritize fairness.¡±


    ¡°xue chenzi has a ruler¡¯s treasure but he has never used it. the spar only determines victory and defeat, not life and death. moreover, other than the first battle, he hasn¡¯t taken the initiative to attack since.¡±


    ¡°but the west demon feather secretly used a ruler¡¯s treasure. if i hadn¡¯t appeared, xue chenzi would have no chance of surviving.¡±


    ¡°what¡¯s the meaning of such brutality between clansmen?¡±


    the empress¡¯ cold voice spread in all directions.


    the surrounding void fluctuated and the divine senses of the various rulers froze. seeing that the surrounding atmosphere was becoming more and more frozen with lu lingzi¡¯s words, a calm voice rang out.


    ¡°lu lingzi, come and see me on the dao altar.¡±


    the appearance of this voice instantly corrected the chaotic spacetime, causing the collapsed nomological laws to return to normal. it also caused the frozen intent from before to instantly dissipate.


    all the rulers immediately appeared and bowed in the direction of the wing-like dao altar.


    this was because the person who said that was the current demon feather great emperor.


    the empress raised her head with her usual expression and took a step into the void.


    her goal had been achieved.


    as for the rulers who had sent their divine senses here, they looked at each other and had different thoughts before disappearing.


    very soon, even the figure of the old woman from the seventh ruler mountain disappeared. only the youth who had attacked xu qing earlier cupped his hands at xu qing and left.


    xu qing was still at the foot of the mountain. when he saw this scene, he knew that his mission was considered completed and there was no need for him to continue challenging.


    ¡°then¡­¡±


    a thought appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°since i¡¯m here in the west demon feather and have the protection of the


    empress, i¡¯ve caused some waves through sparring previously. then¡­ there¡¯s a place that i might be able to explore with these things.¡±


    xu qing had always remembered the information his eldest senior brother had told him. the two immortal arts halls of the demon feather holy land had each inherited an immortal art.


    ¡°five dogs, six thieves¡­¡±


    xu qing muttered inwardly. he had already mastered the six thieves delusions of the east demon feather. if it was any other time, xu qing understood that it would be almost impossible for him to view this five dogs sheltering immortal art of the west demon feather.


    but now¡­


    ¡°with the help of the empress¡¯ name and my momentum in the past half a month, i might be able to take a look!¡±


    xu qing fell silent. after confirming that there were no mistakes in his thoughts, he instantly rose into the air. under the gazes and discussions of a large number of cultivators in the surroundings, he quickly left.


    he was heading in the direction of¡­ the west demon feather immortal arts hall!


    the west demon feather immortal arts hall wasn¡¯t far from the seventh ruler mountain. it was built on a lake called the immortal shelter.


    the lake water was pitch black, while the immortal art hall, built of white stone, looked exquisite and luxurious, with light flowing around it.


    compared to the lake water, it gave off a strange sense of peace.


    on the surface of the lake, hundreds of cultivators were sitting cross-legged. there were men and women of all ages and their clothes were all white. they were cultivating with their eyes closed.


    waves of immortal art fluctuations spread in the surroundings.


    when xu qing arrived, he saw this scene and immediately recognized that these people were the immortal masters of the west demon feather!


    his arrival didn¡¯t attract the attention of the cultivators here. xu qing only swept his gaze over and focused on the white immortal arts hall in the center of the lake. he then cupped his fists and bowed before speaking in a deep voice.


    ¡°in the name of the ruler, i, xue chenzi, have come here to take a look at the five dogs sheltering immortal art!¡±

 Chapter 1506 - Chapter 1506: Bizarre Immortal Art

    chapter 1506: bizarre immortal art


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    on the black lake, those white-robed immortal masters who were meditating were all unmoved. they turned a deaf ear to xu qing¡¯s arrival and words.


    the white immortal arts hall was completely silent, giving no response as well.


    xu qing held the ruler¡¯s token and stood in the air. after waiting for thirty breaths of time, he calmly spoke again.


    ¡°before the ruler was summoned by the demon feather great emperor, he reminded me three times that it was inconvenient for him to come personally to avoid hurting the harmony. thus, he sent me to observe the immortal art. he will later view it through my memory.¡±


    ¡°if the immortal arts hall doesn¡¯t lend it, i can only tell it to the ruler. at that time, the ruler will come personally.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s voice was deep. after he finished speaking, he looked at the white immortal arts hall in front of him.


    he knew that this wasn¡¯t a place he could barge into casually. if bringing out lu lingzi¡¯s name didn¡¯t work, he could only think of other methods.


    after all, he was borrowing the tiger¡¯s skin to do things this time.


    lu lingzi¡¯s attitude was displayed clearly on the seventh ruler mountain. he had gained the initiative and was finally summoned by the great emperor.


    the attitude revealed by this series of events allowed the experts of the west demon feather to have a better understanding of this new ruler.


    a long time later, the gate of the immortal arts hall slowly opened. a man and a woman walked out, both dressed in white.


    the woman was behind, looking elegant and beautiful, while the man was in front, appearing handsome and striking.


    the moment they appeared, all the immortal masters who were comprehending opened their eyes and lowered their heads slightly to show their respect.


    xu qing also looked over.


    under his gaze, the youth who walked out of the immortal arts hall raised his head and looked at xu qing, speaking calmly.


    ¡°immortal arts can only be comprehended by an immortal master. however, since you have the ruler¡¯s order, my west demon feather immortal arts hall can give you a qualification.¡±


    ¡°however, those who seek immortal arts have to go through the five tribulations of life and death, during which their survival is of no concern.¡±


    here, at the immortal shelter lake, find any spot and submerge yourself. the five tribulations will befall you, equivalent to observing the art.¡±


    after saying that, the youth coldly looked at xu qing.


    xu qing pondered as he looked at the immortal shelter lake below.


    ¡°why? you don¡¯t dare?¡±


    outside the immortal arts hall, the youth calmly spoke.


    xu qing was unmoved and continued to observe. a while later, he headed straight down. after he landed on the surface of the lake, he directly sank into it and disappeared.


    as he disappeared, the gazes of all the immortal masters who were comprehending on the surface of the lake flickered. they looked at the place where xu qing had sunk. some shook their heads and some sneered.


    ¡°this xue chenzi really has a death wish.¡±


    ¡°there are countless five tribulation losers buried in the immortal shelter lake. even if he is lucky enough to survive, it¡¯s impossible for him to succeed.¡± after everyone¡¯s gaze swept over, they retracted their gazes and stopped paying attention.


    even though xue chenzi was famous during this time, to them, it was not as important as comprehending an immortal art.


    as for the youth standing outside the immortal arts hall, the corners of his mouth curled into a cold smile. however, the woman behind him revealed a hint of worry.


    ¡°senior brother, master hasn¡¯t returned from his travels, and the new ruler of the east demon feather is in the limelight. moreover, xue chenzi is not an ordinary person. in the past half a month, he has become quite famous.¡±


    ¡°you could have just rejected him according to the rules. why do you have to lure him into a situation where he has a slim chance of survival?¡±


    ¡°the five dogs heaven world is hidden in the immortal shelter lake. intruders rarely survive, and even if they do, they ultimately fail to comprehend it. after all¡­ to comprehend the five dogs sheltering immortal art requires a special ritual.¡±


    the woman sighed softly.


    when the youth heard this, his gaze was still cold.


    ¡°before he entered, i already told him about the danger in front of so many witnesses. he was the one who wanted to go, i didn¡¯t force him.¡±


    ¡°he has a death wish. it has nothing to do with me.¡±


    with that, the youth flicked his sleeve and turned to enter the immortal arts hall.


    the woman looked at the surface of the lake and shook her head. she knew that it was meaningless to say anything more, so she didn¡¯t speak anymore and returned to the immortal arts hall.


    at that moment, xu qing didn¡¯t feel anything abnormal after entering the immortal shelter lake.


    although the lake water was pitch-black, there were no anomalous substances inside. instead, it had a sense of lightness, with only an obstacle to divine sense, making it difficult to perceive the entire lakebed with a single thought.


    xu qing sensed it and spread out his divine sense, searching the surroundings bit by bit.


    after fifteen minutes, xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    at this moment, when his divine sense was searching the bottom of the lake, he saw bones¡­


    as he investigated, more and more skeletons appeared.


    in the end, when xu qing searched the entire bottom of the lake, he saw a large number of bones, at least thousands of them.


    there were men and women, old and young.


    their eyes were open, their skin pale, even their eyes were the same, and their hair was also white.


    on their faces, there was a bizarre expression that was neither quite crying nor quite smiling.


    xu qing also saw a huge rune that was imprinted at the bottom of the lake.


    this rune was white and its range occupied more than half of the lakebed, emitting an ancient feeling. what xu qing paid the most attention to was that all the corpses were¡­ on this white rune.


    xu qing observed.


    a long time later, he carefully approached.


    while approaching it, his divine sense had already probed many times. after finding nothing, xu qing pondered. ten breaths later, determination appeared in his eyes.


    he directly stepped on the huge rune.


    the instant he landed, xu qing¡¯s mind trembled. he felt his mind continuously sinking. after that, his vision blurred. when everything became clear, he was no longer looking at the lakebed.


    he was looking at the sky!


    in the blue sky, white clouds filled the air. under his feet, the ground couldn¡¯t be seen. there was only a thousand-foot-thick white line that meandered into the distance¡­


    it was like a strand of white hair that had been magnified countless times.


    xu qing didn¡¯t act rashly. he spread out his divine sense and observed the thick white line under his feet.


    after using a wide perspective to check, xu qing immediately saw that this white line had formed a rune.


    this rune was exactly the same as the rune at the bottom of the lake.


    ¡°looks like this is the five tribulations that the youth mentioned. this person clearly has evil intentions. however¡­ since i chose to come here, i won¡¯t be afraid because of evil intentions.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly. he didn¡¯t move forward immediately on this white line. instead, the authority that belonged to the six thieves delusions flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°people can¡¯t live long because of the delusions of the six thieves. the eyes see wrong, the ears hear wrong, the nose smells wrong, the mouth tastes wrong, the body moves wrong, and the mind thinks wrong, ultimately unable to return to the true essence.¡±


    the dao mark circulated and the six thieves immortal art suddenly rose in xu qing¡¯s body.


    the threads of seven emotions and six desires spread out invisibly around xu qing.


    ¡°the six thieves and the five dogs were originally one¡­¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and walked forward on the white line. through his six thieves authority, he sensed everything.


    at the same time, the information about the five dogs sheltering immortal that eldest senior brother had told him back then appeared in his mind.


    ¡°the five dogs are miserliness, greed, delusion, evil, and precipice.¡±


    ¡°refusing to part with possessions is miserliness. insatiable desire is greed. creating false standards is delusion. winning arguments through deceit is evil. refusing to accept the truth and obstinately rejecting the three paths to liberation is the precipice.¡±


    as for the seven kills and eight sins, yue dong and her junior sister didn¡¯t understand either.¡±


    ¡°simply put, this immortal art states¡­ when the miserly dog enters, one loses treasures; when the greedy dog enters, one is bound; when the deluded dog enters, one falls into the cycle of life and death; when the evil dog enters, one falls into hell; when the precipice dog enters, one forever loses human form.¡±


    as he pondered, he used his perception and moved forward.


    however, as he walked, xu qing suddenly stopped in his tracks. the seven emotions and six desires threads in his surroundings were fluctuating intensely, as though they were blocking something. in fact, there were even concave bends.


    however, there was nothing in front of him.


    the next instant, the seven emotions and six desires threads returned to normal.


    xu qing was vigilant and observed carefully. however, no matter what, he didn¡¯t sense anything abnormal.


    after confirming that there was nothing wrong, he frowned and continued forward.


    however, after taking three steps, xu qing¡¯s expression darkened.


    ¡°that¡¯s not right.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s impossible for the seven emotions and six desires thread formed by the six thieves delusions to act so abnormal for no reason. then, where did a problem occur¡­¡±


    xu qing frowned even more, but he found nothing even after thinking for a while.


    however, an uneasy feeling continued to rise.


    hence, xu qing didn¡¯t continue forward. instead, he stayed where he was and recalled all his actions previously.


    in the end, he discovered that the abnormality of the seven emotions and six desires threads seemed to have appeared after the information his eldest senior brother had told him appeared in his mind.


    hence, he immediately recalled the memories that had surfaced earlier.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°there seems to be something wrong with that memory¡­¡±


    he faintly sensed that his memories earlier seemed a little abnormal but he couldn¡¯t find the reason no matter what. xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all and the ming fei¡¯s eye in his body suddenly opened.


    this eye could break through the void barrier!


    the instant it opened, xu qing instantly sensed the source.


    in his memory, yue dong somehow had a junior sister!


    however, yue dong didn¡¯t have a junior sister.


    lan yao wasn¡¯t yue dong¡¯s junior sister either.


    however, this junior sister¡¯s figure hid from xu qing¡¯s perception. it was as though she had fused into his memories.


    it even penetrated all the scenes in his memory of yue dong.


    for example, in the scene when feng lintao, lan yao, and yue dong first met xu qing, yue dong¡¯s junior sister was beside those three people.


    after that, when he and eldest senior brother captured yue dong alive, they also captured her junior sister along with her.


    however, because of his soul search, yue dong¡¯s junior sister¡¯s soul was destroyed.


    this memory caused xu qing¡¯s eyes to narrow.


    he felt that this was indeed his memory, as though this was the truth.


    however, in ming fei¡¯s eye, this memory was external!


    ¡°then who is this woman who appeared out of thin air in my memory?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression instantly darkened, especially when he discovered that


    even though he could tell that something was wrong with this memory, he could only recognize it and couldn¡¯t erase it. a cold glint flashed in his eyes and the divine authority of fate erupted in his body.


    the carving knife pierced through fate and slashed fiercely at yue dong¡¯s junior sister in that memory.


    there was a cracking sound.


    yue dong¡¯s junior sister¡¯s figure instantly shattered into pieces.


    however, xu qing¡¯s heart still sank.


    this was because the moment yue dong¡¯s junior sister¡¯s figure was destroyed, that memory scene turned into a withered white hair, piercing through half of his memory.


    in the memories that were penetrated, the white hair was merging and the number kept increasing and spreading.


    this feeling was extremely bizarre and hard to describe.


    it was as if a completed artwork had suddenly been altered, filled with countless strands of white hair.


    vaguely, a sentence from the five dogs sheltering immortal appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°refusing to part with possessions is miserliness¡­ when the miserly dog enters, one loses treasures.¡±


    these white hair that appeared seemed to have opened a door in a sealed secret chamber.


    this door was circular.


    at that moment, it suddenly opened up, emitting a white light.


    it was like a white eye.


    greedy dog had entered!

 Chapter 1507 - Chapter 1507: A Heart of Gratitude

    chapter 1507: a heart of gratitude


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    all things and beings were both a whole and individuals.


    this applied to mortals and cultivators alike.


    for mortals, the soul resided within the body, and their flesh and blood contained a circulatory system that resisted external harmful elements.


    this reduced the likelihood of illness and the danger to life.


    it was the same for cultivators. with the enhancement of spiritual energy in their bodies, everything in their bodies circulated according to a certain pattern.


    moreover, according to different cultivation levels and life levels, this circulation would become more and more perfect.


    after reaching a certain level, it would be very difficult for others to find any flaws. in the end, it would form a defense that belonged to oneself and resist external forces.


    if one wanted to kill such a cultivator, they had to be stronger. otherwise, if their cultivation was the same or even weaker than the other party, they had to have a special method to turn the tables.


    immortal arts were created based on this principle back then.


    its foundational method was in the words bizarre and special. it emphasized using special methods and the path of bizarre entity to bypass the opponent¡¯s defense and erupt with killing intent.


    human nature was complicated and unrealistic.


    therefore, it would often become a breakthrough point that some immortal arts exploited.


    for example, the six thieves delusions.


    the seven emotions and six desires contained within were all intents.


    using intent as a catalyst, it reversed the cycle and penetrated the defense, creating flaws that could be fatal.


    as for the five dogs sheltering immortal, its essence lay in one¡¯s nature.


    the word ¡®shelter[i.^ can mean shelter and abandon.]¡¯ could represent a dwelling place, like the body that housed the soul.


    thus, the art had a spell named possession.


    other than that, this character had another meaning: to let go.


    but it was very difficult for people to let go.


    therefore, that saying had emerged:


    not abandoning external possessions and all that existed became the flaw that bypassed one¡¯s external defenses.


    through this flaw, the immortal art was used.


    as for the memory of yue dong¡¯s junior sister, it was the uniqueness of the immortal art.


    only by using such a method could it hide and make it impossible for others to sense it immediately. the principle was to make someone deceive themselves.


    as long as they couldn¡¯t sense it immediately, it would give miserly intent a chance to grow.


    it was as though a door had opened out of thin air in a sealed room.


    this time was five breaths, and this was the true meaning of the miserly dog entering the house.


    overall, this immortal art relied on the bizarreness and borrowed the intent of the five dogs to unleash its lethality in a way that surpassed the traditional methods.


    if the door was opened, external evil would naturally invade.


    that white eye was the greed in the five dogs sheltering immortal.


    ¡°insatiable desires are known as greed; when the greedy dog enters, one is bound.¡±


    greed could bind one¡¯s mind and body.


    hence, the door opened and a white eye appeared. the moment it stared at xu qing, waves instantly surged in xu qing¡¯s mind and he fell into a daze for four breaths.


    a strange seal appeared from the inside out. it followed the gaze of the white eye and sealed everything about xu qing.


    these four breaths of time were the time when this seal was formed. if he couldn¡¯t break it in four breaths of time, then¡­


    ¡± creating false standards is delusion; when the deluded dog enters, one falls into the cycle of life and death.¡±


    a white vortex silently appeared in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness and under the white eye. it continued to spin, forming a separation force.


    what separated was the fusion of the body and soul.


    three breaths later, under the white vortex, a large white mouth appeared. when this mouth opened, it revealed endless evil.


    this was¡­


    ¡°winning arguments through deceit is evil; when the evil dog enters, one falls into hell.¡±


    the white mouth swallowed fiercely.


    what it devoured was the soul!


    finally, in the surroundings of the eye, vortex, and mouth, the fifth intent of the five dogs sheltering immortal appeared.


    it was a white face skin.


    as it appeared, in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness, the five dogs sheltering immortal art was completely complete. the thing formed¡­ was a complete face.


    its white hair fluttered in the wind and it had a bizarre expression that was neither quite crying nor quite smiling.


    it fused into xu qing¡¯s body.


    ¡°refusing to accept the truth and obstinately rejecting the three paths to liberation is the precipice; when the precipice dog enters, one forever loses human form.¡±


    the world in front of xu qing turned pitch-black.


    outside, at the bottom of the immortal shelter lake, on the huge white rune where the countless corpses were, there was an additional one.


    it was xu qing.


    his hair had turned white, and his skin was even more so. when he opened his eyes, they emitted a white glow that seemed to have become one with all the corpses in the surroundings.


    his expression was the same.


    however, at the next instant, a sudden change occurred.


    outside xu qing¡¯s body, a large number of seven emotions and six desires threads suddenly appeared in the void. these threads emitted the immortal art fluctuations of the six thieves delusions which xu qing had set up in advance. at that moment, they were activated and instantly approached xu qing.


    the moment they came into contact, a portion of the threads broke through xu qing¡¯s body and entered it, heading straight for the white face skin.


    the other part surrounded his body. under the entanglement, xu qing was quickly wrapped into a human-shaped cocoon.


    this cocoon contained a seal.


    it sealed the white face skin in xu qing¡¯s body, preventing it from leaving.


    this was xu qing¡¯s plan.


    he wanted to personally experience the five dogs sheltering immortal art. although this art was bizarre and astonishing, xu qing was confident.


    the source of this confidence came from the six thieves delusions.


    after all, the five dogs sheltering immortal and the six thieves delusions were originally from the same immortal art.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    under the immortal shelter lake, it was completely silent.


    it was as though even the lake water didn¡¯t flow anymore. two hours later, among the many corpses, the cocoon xu qing had transformed into suddenly emitted a cracking sound.


    this sound was light at first but very soon, it became more and more intense. finally, cracks appeared on the cocoon.


    after more and more cracks accumulated, the cocoon shattered into pieces, revealing xu qing inside.


    his hair was no longer white and had returned to its original color. his eyes were the same, but they revealed some emotional fluctuations.


    ¡°so this is the five dogs sheltering immortal.¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    ¡°this technique is even more bizarre than the six thieves delusions¡­ no, it¡¯s because yue dong¡¯s strength wasn¡¯t enough, so the six thieves she used on me could be broken.¡±


    ¡°the source of the immortal arts here is this rune¡­¡±


    xu qing lowered his head and stared at the huge white rune under his feet.


    he could sense that this rune was extremely ancient. there was a high chance that it originated in the ancient sovereign mystic nether era.


    in fact, it was very likely that this rune was the foundational rune of the five dogs sheltering immortal¡¯s immortal art.


    ¡°if i hadn¡¯t grasped the six thieves delusions first and transformed it into an authority dao mark that completely fused with my body, it would have been very difficult for me to awaken so quickly from this immortal art.¡±


    xu qing looked at the corpses in the surroundings.


    at that moment, he understood that these were all those who had come here to comprehend the art but had met their deaths in failure.


    ¡°this immortal art¡­¡±


    xu qing retracted his gaze and looked at his right hand.


    at that moment, the shattered cocoon transformed into threads again and gathered. very soon, a faint mark slowly appeared in xu qing¡¯s palm.


    the appearance of this mark was exactly the same as the white rune under the immortal shelter lake. it was just that it had shrunk countless times.


    upon closer inspection, one could see that the totem of this mark was actually an abstract mask.


    this was the white mask formed by xu qing after extracting the white face from his body using the six thieves delusions immortal art. he then forcibly retained it by using the art¡¯s inherent resonance.


    at that moment, xu qing¡¯s divine sense fused into it. it was as though he had walked through the five dogs sheltering immortal again and finally confirmed the essence of this immortal art.


    ¡°the miserly dog hides within the memory of the person being targeted by using a method to continue a segment of memory. due to its special nature and concealment, it is difficult to detect. if the person being targeted does not erase it within five breaths, the greedy dog will appear.¡±


    ¡°the role of the greedy dog is to seal and prevent the person from escaping. this seal takes four breaths to form. if it is not erased within this time, the seal will be established, and the delusional dog will appear.¡±


    ¡°the power of the delusional dog is a vortex, aimed at separating the target¡¯s soul from their body. once a flaw appears, the flaw is torn wider. if it is not extinguished within three breaths, the evil dog will come.¡±


    ¡°the evil dog devours souls. if it is not extinguished within two breaths, the precipice dog will arrive.¡±


    ¡°the precipice dog merges with the body, allowing only one breath to kill it. if it cannot be moved within that breath, then¡­ the five dogs sheltering immortal art will succeed.¡±


    ¡°once this immortal art is successfully activated, it can erupt with astonishing lethality. to a certain extent, it uses the target¡¯s body to kill the target!¡±


    ¡°therefore, not only can it defeat the strong despite being weaker, but the damage to the soul caused by this technique is even greater.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s just that there¡¯s something i don¡¯t understand¡­¡±


    xu qing pondered.


    ¡°sheltering immortal, abandoning immortal. what is the meaning of this?¡±


    ¡°letting go of immortal? giving up immortal? or is it oneself becoming a shelter for immortals?¡±


    xu qing had a faint feeling that these words were another level of this immortal art and contained an extremely important meaning.


    because he hadn¡¯t learned this immortal art, he couldn¡¯t completely understand it at this moment.


    xu qing felt some regret.


    however, he also understood that this art was vast and definitely couldn¡¯t be learned in a short period. the current him had only grasped the basics.


    this was only because of the six thieves immortal art.


    ¡°therefore, it¡¯s both a foundation and qualification.¡±


    ¡°only those with the qualifications have the possibility of mastering it.¡±


    xu qing put away the regret and looked up. his body swayed and he headed straight for the surface of the lake.


    as he left, the immortal shelter mark at the bottom of the lake dissipated a little, as though it was no longer complete.


    at the same time, in the immortal arts hall in the outside world, in the depths of it was a secret chamber restricted area that was sealed layer by layer.


    in the secret chamber, there was a black stone with an ancient rune on it. it was exactly the same as the mark at the bottom of the lake.


    this was the true immortal shelter rune.


    however, now, even it had dimmed a little, as though a portion of it had been separated.


    because the great immortal master of the west demon feather hadn¡¯t returned from his travels, no one knew about this scene.


    at that moment, on the immortal shelter lake, those immortal masters from the west demon feather were still meditating and comprehending. it had only been less than four hours since xu qing sank to the bottom of the lake.


    hence, when xu qing¡¯s figure broke through the surface of the lake and appeared, not many immortal masters noticed this scene.


    as for those who saw it, they were all stunned. however, they soon reacted and guessed that the other party hadn¡¯t really comprehended it. he should have retreated out of fear, so they each looked down on him.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care about these. he looked at the white immortal arts hall and recalled what his master had once taught him. one had to be grateful when doing things. hence, after some thought, he cupped his fists and bowed to the immortal arts hall.


    this way, his heart would be at ease and he wouldn¡¯t owe anyone anything. when he saw them in the future, he could be at ease and kill them.


    after that, he turned and sped away.


    when the youth in the immortal arts hall saw this scene, he couldn¡¯t help but sneer.


    ¡°arrogant when arriving, and bowing when leaving¡ªsuch behavior of being haughty at first and respectful later is something i have seen often.¡±


    ¡°some always think of themselves as geniuses, believing they are capable of anything. but after enduring the torment of the immortal arts in my hall, they all turn out to be nothing more than common fools.¡±


    ¡°this xue chenzi is even more of a coward. looking at the time, this person was clearly scared off.¡±


    ¡°he¡¯s nothing to worry about!¡±

 Chapter 1508 - Chapter 1508: West Demon Child

    chapter 1508: west demon child


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    when xu qing left the immortal shelter lake, fluctuations were spreading out from the war teleportation arrays at the edge of the west demon feather.


    the number of teleportation arrays in this place was considerable, distributed separately, each leading to different regions of the wangu continent. they were the gateways of the demon feather holy land during the wartime.


    hence, this place was usually heavily guarded by the various forces of the west demon feather.


    at that moment, outside the seventeenth teleportation array, more than a hundred cultivators from the seventeenth ruler mountain were waiting respectfully.


    the person in the lead was a boy in a daoist robe.


    they didn¡¯t say a word and were all staring at the seventeenth formation that was emitting fluctuations.


    the array formation gradually rumbled with intense teleportation energy. finally, a resplendent light appeared. after enveloping the entire range of the array formation, a tall figure gradually formed in this light.


    even though it was only an outline, the murderous bloody aura from this person spread out first, causing the hearts of everyone waiting here to tremble.


    vaguely, it was as though they could smell the stench of blood.


    awhile later, as the light on the array formation gradually dissipated, the figure inside became increasingly clear. finally, when the light completely disappeared, what was revealed in front of everyone was a youth in black armor.


    there were two shocking scars on his face that formed the shape of a cross. the flesh was turned outward, looking extremely terrifying.


    with such a scar, he should clearly be ugly. however, it formed a unique feeling on this youth¡¯s face, adding a dense killing intent.


    in contrast to his flowing red hair, it seemed to become the source of the bloody aura.


    as for the armor he wore, it was covered with numerous traces of battle, indicating that he had experienced countless fights.


    the moment he appeared, outside the array, the people from the seventeenth ruler mountain, led by that young boy, immediately knelt before him.


    ¡°greetings, your highness!¡±


    this person was the third disciple of the seventeenth ruler.


    although he was ranked third, this didn¡¯t represent strength or potential. in reality, not only was his reputation astonishing on the seventeenth ruler mountain, but it was the same for the entire west demon feather.


    even within the east demon feather, his name was illustrious.


    west demon child!


    the reason for this was because his aptitude had once been praised by the demon feather great emperor.


    when he was at the nihility realm, he could fight against early-stage soul accumulation. after he broke through and stepped into the soul accumulation realm, he even obtained authority. he was the second person in the past thousand years in the west demon feather to obtain authority in the soul accumulation realm.


    moreover, his authority was both special and terrifying.


    it was focused on killing!


    with his current cultivation of the soul accumulation seven worlds, his strength was above the soul accumulation nine worlds. in fact, when he erupted with all his might, he could display power close to that of a ruler.


    on the human race¡¯s battlefield, with his strength, he had achieved monstrous battle merits. in fact, on the human race¡¯s kill list, he was ranked along with the other three heaven¡¯s chosen, second only to the rulers.


    he had originally stayed on the battlefield until he received a secret letter from his fellow disciples.


    hence, he chose to return.


    at that moment, as the smell of blood spread and the murderous intent spread, west demon child¡¯s expression was cold. he stepped out of the array formation and stood in front of the kneeling people.


    ¡°where is he now?¡±


    west demon child calmly spoke.


    his arrival caused the hearts of most of the kneeling cultivators to tremble. as fellow cultivators, they were very clear that this person had a hobby of killing that bordered on paranoia.


    cruelty was his nature.


    however, he was also a great heaven¡¯s chosen who was the center of attention in the entire demon feather holy land. he was recognized by the demon feather great emperor and his master was a ruler. such a person might not be able to blot out the sky with one hand but he was about the same.


    hence, their heads lowered even more.


    even the boy in the lead, an attendant of the great emperor, didn¡¯t dare to be negligent at all. he respectfully told him everything he knew.


    ¡°that xue chenzi headed to the immortal shelter lake and left four hours later. he headed east and stopped at the eastern sky mountain.¡±


    west demon child nodded. a cold glint flashed in his eyes as he took a step forward and appeared in the sky, locking onto a direction. with a wave of his hand, a large number of black clouds enveloped five hundred kilometers and swept his figure into the distance.


    wherever he passed, the world rumbled. in the black clouds, he was like a heavenly demon.


    he returned this time for¡­ xue chenzi.


    after knowing that xue chenzi had challenged his mountain but no one could do anything to him, west demon child planned to remove his head and place it where the other party had sat.


    as for killing from the same race and fighting between the east and west, it didn¡¯t matter to west demon child.


    while west demon son was heading straight for eastern sky mountain, xu qing had indeed stopped here.


    he had already finished everything he had to do in the west demon feather.


    the empress successfully met the demon feather great emperor, so he didn¡¯t need to continue the challenge.


    xu qing¡¯s trip to the immortal arts hall was also filled with gains.


    what he needed to do now was to wait for the meeting between the empress and the demon feather great emperor to end before leaving the west demon feather with the empress.


    ¡°after returning to the east demon feather, it will be almost time for the opening of the seclusion place of the great emperor nether flame.¡±


    xu qing pondered. on the way here with the empress, he had been thinking about the empress¡¯ motive.


    the most obvious goal was great emperor nether flame.


    however, it was obvious that the goal definitely contained many details and secrets. xu qing lacked key information and couldn¡¯t analyze too much at this moment.


    however, he remembered one thing. in the seclusion place of great emperor nether flame, there was an opportunity that could increase his cultivation greatly.


    ¡°there¡¯s also yue dong¡¯s previous plan¡­¡±


    ¡°i wonder how eldest senior brother¡¯s harvest is now. i think he should have many benefits in the immortal arts hall of the east demon feather.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s thoughts flowed. after that, he put everything away and stopped thinking about this. instead, he focused on the things he needed to study.


    firstly, it was the wish mask.


    xu qing had studied this mask many times when he was free during this period. however, he restrained himself every time and didn¡¯t make a wish. however, through his research, he roughly judged something.


    ¡°the wish of this item should be a type of divine authority!¡±


    ¡°moreover, its level is so high that it is quite terrifying¡­¡±


    ¡°therefore, i can use it as my trump card, and it¡¯s better to not make a wish unless it¡¯s absolutely necessary.¡±


    ¡°as for the white dust, it has formed a little more during this period, but the amount isn¡¯t enough¡­¡±


    xu qing sensed his fate divine authority.


    ¡°the activation of this divine authority doesn¡¯t necessarily have to be monotonous. in reality, there are many ways. whether by enveloping it with my own soul or enhancing it with divine abilities, various approaches can be tried.¡±


    ¡°as for the ability to carve fate, there¡¯s a backlash.¡±


    ¡°the fate engraved will replace the original trajectory. in that case, the obstacles encountered during this period will have to be endured by me.¡±


    xu qing raised his right hand and the carving knife formed by the divine authority of fate appeared in his palm. he stared at it for a long time before putting it away. after that, he closed his eyes and sensed his back.


    over there, there was a set of totem patterns.


    the extinguished red candle.


    xu qing¡¯s expression turned a little gloomy as he sensed this totem.


    the imprinting action of this item in the world source secret realm wasn¡¯t under his control. in fact, he wasn¡¯t very sure why it became like this.


    perhaps it was because of the candle itself. after all, it had its own consciousness.


    or maybe it was because of the uniqueness of his body.


    however, no matter what, xu qing didn¡¯t like this totem. in his opinion, this totem represented hidden dangers.


    although it had been in the state of being extinguished, xu qing could faintly sense that there was an aura of recovery forming in this red candle.


    when he thought of the terrifying power contained in the flames of the red candle, a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°i won¡¯t let you revive in an uncontrollable state and reignite the flame.¡±


    xu qing let out a cold snort inwardly. the erase authority in his eyes flickered and spread to his back, enveloping the candlewick.


    as he wiped away the divine authority again and again, the aura of recovery gradually weakened but it didn¡¯t completely disappear. hence, xu qing called out to little shadow.


    ¡°swallow it!¡±


    xu qing ordered.


    little shadow was unwilling but it didn¡¯t dare to refuse. hence, it braced itself and rushed over. after enveloping the candle, it devoured it in large mouthfuls.


    little shadow¡¯s specialness caused its actions to have a good effect. the candle¡¯s aura of recovery was clearly weaker.


    just like that, time flowed by and dusk arrived.


    as the afterglow of the setting sun scattered down from the horizon, with the many eruptions of the erase authority and the cooperation with little shadow, it finally caused the aura of recovery to become almost undetectable.


    ¡°although it¡¯s still there, it can be controlled.¡±


    after xu qing used his perception, he left a sealing technique on it. after that, he was about to study the five dogs sheltering immortal art while waiting for the empress.


    however, at this moment, a sense of palpitations suddenly rose in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    his eyes narrowed and his body instantly turned blurry as he retreated.


    at the same time, the sky rumbled like thunder and the afterglow of the setting sun shattered.


    the surroundings instantly distorted.


    a pitch-black spear that could destroy the world broke through the sky and the void, heading straight for xu qing from the sky.


    the spear was extremely long and the spearhead was as terrifying as a mountain peak.


    with the might of destruction, it carried the momentum of overturning the sea and instantly arrived in front of xu qing.


    at this critical moment, xu qing¡¯s speed erupted to the extreme as he quickly dodged.


    this spear swept past him. with it passing by so close, xu qing¡¯s heart trembled and he felt an intense threat. this strike was already infinitely close to the ruler realm.


    at the same time that he dodged, the spear directly blasted onto the eastern sky mountain.


    the spear landed and the eastern sky collapsed!


    the mountain shattered into pieces.


    the black spear directly penetrated and stabbed diagonally into the ground.


    the huge spearhead penetrated deep into the ground, and the long spear¡¯s body buzzed and swayed.


    the land for 5,000 kilometers instantly shattered and caved in. black flames erupted from the point of the spearhead and rose along the cracks on the ground.


    it turned this area of 5,000 kilometers into a sea of fire.


    countless souls appeared in the sea of fire and wailed.


    those souls were all human cultivators. they had clearly been killed by this spear on the battlefield and their souls couldn¡¯t enter the cycle of reincarnation. they were bound and became a part of the spear¡¯s might.


    on the handle of the long spear that was slanted toward the sky, a demonic figure stood.


    his long red hair fluttered in the wind, his black armor was sinister, and the phantom of a heavenly demon appeared behind him. this phantom was majestic and occupied half of the sky, looking down at xu qing.


    ¡°you are xue chenzi?¡±

 Chapter 1509 - Chapter 1509: Demon Spirit Shattering Decay

    chapter 1509: demon spirit shattering decay


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the ground within a radius of 5,000 kilometers was like a mirror with cracks.


    black fire rose from the cracks, turning the surroundings into a sea of fire.


    as it burned, countless human souls inside let out mournful cries.


    they couldn¡¯t break free and could only be bound in the sea of fire that surrounded the spear.


    eastern sky mountain was no longer there.


    at the place where the mountain used to be, there was only the shocking spear that pierced into the ground.


    the figure standing on the long spear looked like a demon descended upon the world. as his red hair fluttered, seven flames blazed brightly within him.


    it was none other than west demon child.


    what xu qing was paying attention to was the heavenly demon phantom behind west demon child!


    that was the cause of his vigilance and sense of danger.


    although this heavenly demon was illusory, its tall and imposing body, dark and gorgeous armor, gave off an extremely intense sense of oppression. also, in its deep and cold eyes, there was an evil glint that seemed to be able to see through people¡¯s minds.


    its hair was long and curly, like flames in the night, emitting a strange light.


    its fingers were slender and sharp, as though they could easily tear through everything.


    its body was covered in complicated runes. not only did they represent the source of its power, but they also seemed to hide some mysterious curse.


    with its descent, darkness invaded the void, storm rumbled and formed, and lightning flickered violently.


    everything displayed its dignity and strength.


    ¡°authority¡­¡±


    a sharp glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he looked at the demonic shadow. on it, he could sense the dense fluctuations of the dao mark of authority.


    he immediately realized that this wasn¡¯t an ordinary authority!


    ¡°my authority is called demon spirit shattering decay.¡±


    west demon child calmly spoke as he looked down at xu qing.


    ¡°as for whether you are xue chenzi or not, it¡¯s meaningless.¡±


    ¡°i am here to fight on behalf of the seventeenth ruler mountain. to avoid bullying the weak, i¡¯ll only use three divine abilities in this battle. if you die, lu lingzi can¡¯t blame me. if you survive, it will be considered your fortune, and 1 will spare your life.¡±


    after saying that, he pointed at xu qing.


    in an instant, the void in front of xu qing broke open. a spear that was several feet thick and hundreds of feet long rushed out, tearing through the void and heading straight for xu qing.


    the rules and laws collapsed where it passed, causing changes in the world and showcasing the power of authority.


    it destroyed everything along the way and locked onto xu qing¡¯s mind, emitting a terrifying power that was infinitely close to that of a ruler.


    it instantly got close.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    this west demon child¡¯s strength surpassed all the soul accumulation cultivators he had encountered before. it could be said that he was the number one person in the soul accumulation realm among the enemies he had encountered.


    xu qing stared at the spear that was rapidly approaching and retreated, maintaining a similar speed.


    however, the instant xu qing retreated, a second spear appeared in another direction and rushed toward xu qing with the same might.


    as for the killing momentum, it didn¡¯t end. on the contrary, it increased.


    in the blink of an eye, the third, fourth, fifth¡­


    a total of nine earth-shattering terrifying spears appeared in different directions around xu qing. they formed a killing aura and sealed off all of xu qing¡¯s locations.


    it was obvious that west demon child didn¡¯t know much about xu qing. or to be precise, even though he knew about xue chenzi, he knew nothing about xu qing.


    hence, in this strike, although each of the nine spears contained a power close to that of a ruler and sealed off all directions, forming something similar to a seal,¡­ he didn¡¯t seal sounds.


    hence, in that instant, when the nine spears erupted with monstrous power and all of them landed amidst the deafening booming sounds, they passed through xu qing¡¯s location.


    xu qing¡¯s figure was already blurry. what was pierced was only the afterimage left behind.


    his true body had already fused with the sound and disappeared.


    when he reappeared, he was already in mid-air, standing behind west demon child. he didn¡¯t stop at all and raised his hand to press down with his palm.


    however, west demon child¡¯s combat experience was extremely rich and his reaction was also astonishingly fast. almost at the instant xu qing appeared and attacked, his figure also turned blurry.


    xu qing¡¯s palm missed and he abruptly looked up at the sky.


    in the sky, the figure of west demon child appeared. he lowered his head and stared at xu qing with a strange glint in his eyes.


    ¡°interesting.¡±


    the instant he spoke, he raised his right hand again and pointed at xu qing.


    immediately, the black sea of fire that covered 5,000 kilometers below erupted. the fire rose into the air and the human souls inside distorted, transforming into spears.


    there were ten thousand of them. they flew out together with the sea of fire and headed straight for xu qing like a rain of spears.


    what was even more terrifying was that the moment these tens of thousands of spears rushed out, they actually split up again, causing the number of spears to increase by ten times to more than 100,000.


    they flew up from below and enveloped the area of 5,000 kilometers.


    moreover, although their speed was fast, they were controlled to not make any sound.


    although their individual power was not as great as before, the sheer quantity made its damage surpass that of earlier. now, silently and imperceptibly, it formed the second killing move of west demon child.


    they instantly blasted into xu qing¡¯s body.


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. he didn¡¯t dodge. as the vitality in his body churned, he closed his eyes.


    at the next moment, the 100,000 spears continued to blast over from all directions. waves of earth-shattering sounds spread and the place where xu qing was in the air shone.


    all the laws collapsed and all the rules dissipated. the void shattered and shocking flames erupted.


    however, xu qing¡¯s figure was as usual.


    one could even see the spears that landed on his body. after each of them came into contact with him, although they let out rumbling sounds and formed lethal force, they would collapse first under the rebounding force.


    they couldn¡¯t break through xu qing¡¯s physical defense.


    this scene caused west demon child to squint his eyes. however, he wasn¡¯t too surprised. after all, he had long heard that the person in front of him was good at defense. there was a reason why he still attacked after knowing about it.


    after those shattered spears collapsed, they erupted with even more black flames. this fire was bizarre and actually attached itself to xu qing¡¯s body.


    it wasn¡¯t burning but forming small fire vortexes that spun rapidly.


    upon seeing this, killing intent flashed in west demon child¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°the time has come.¡±


    he rushed into the sky, heading straight for xu qing.


    the moment he got close, he raised his right hand and the heavenly demon phantom behind him also raised its hand. at the same time that his eyes revealed a dark glint, a complicated incantation echoed from the mouth of the heavenly demon phantom.


    every letter was clear but when they were voiced, one couldn¡¯t understand its meaning.


    however, all the black fire vortices on xu qing¡¯s body swam as the incantation echoed, heading straight for xu qing¡¯s forehead. the spears that hadn¡¯t collapsed also exploded on their own.


    this caused more black flames and more fire vortices to appear.


    all of them gathered on xu qing¡¯s forehead. after they instantly overlapped, they formed a pitch-black extreme vortex.


    as the vortex rotated on xu qing¡¯s forehead, west demon child¡¯s right hand stretched out.


    in his palm was a wisp of his soul!


    he activated his final killing move.


    this killing move wasn¡¯t killing!


    all of his previous words and actions were just to lay the groundwork and confuse his opponent. what he was preparing was this move.


    soul substitute!


    to be precise, what he wanted wasn¡¯t to defeat xu qing. he didn¡¯t rashly rush back from the battlefield to save face for the seventeenth ruler mountain.


    he was doing this for the nether flame secret art!


    he wanted to take the secret art from xu qing.


    for anyone else, achieving this would be incredibly difficult. however, his authority was unique. the so-called demon spirit shattering decay, with its contained slaughter, was merely an expression of the essence of this authority.


    this authority had another ability that he hid very deeply. that was the soul substitute.


    this was a forced transaction.


    he used a wisp of his soul to exchange for the other party¡¯s secret art.


    as for this soul, it wouldn¡¯t be controlled by the other party. it would return on its own the instant the transaction was successful.


    this was a transaction of the heavenly demon!


    however, in this world, things were often relative. when you were plotting against others, others might also be plotting against you.


    just like at this moment, when the vortex on xu qing¡¯s forehead rumbled and the west demon child held his soul in his right hand, xu qing¡¯s closed eyes suddenly opened.


    a cold light was revealed!


    the authority of the six thieves delusions instantly erupted, enveloping the surroundings. at the same time, the threads of seven emotions and six desires that only xu qing could see appeared on the west demon¡¯s body.


    they instantly connected to his body.


    the six thieves became the path.


    this path connected the soul.


    xu qing¡¯s soul took a step forward in his sea of consciousness and followed this path, directly flying out of his forehead and facing the right hand of the west demon child!


    there was also a black carving knife surrounding xu qing¡¯s soul body.


    at this moment, the carving knife slashed, disregarding what transaction or what method the other party had.


    with a single slash, the soul in west devil¡¯s right hand let out a heart-rending cry and instantly split into two.


    as for xu qing, his attack wasn¡¯t over. his soul carried the knife as it rushed into west demon child¡¯s body and into his sea of consciousness.


    west demon child¡¯s sea of consciousness was vast and filled with black flames. seven great worlds surrounded it and above the flames sat a heavenly demon holding a spear.


    the moment he saw this heavenly demon, xu qing¡¯s killing intent was intense. he raised his knife and rushed over.


    the heavenly demon suddenly opened its eyes and stood up to take a step down. the spear in its hand erupted with all its might as it resisted xu qing¡¯s attack.


    the carving knife and spear directly collided.


    the carving knife was fine but the spear collapsed and shattered into pieces.


    the heavenly demon was also forced back.


    xu qing was about to chase after it when a sense of danger appeared in his soul.


    behind the retreating heavenly demon, an ancient bell covered in rust was rising. as it swayed, a terrifying power was on the verge of appearing.


    xu qing¡¯s soul eyes flashed. he didn¡¯t hesitate and retreated.


    the moment he left west demon child¡¯s sea of consciousness and returned to his body, that terrifying power spread out and erupted in the outside world.


    xu qing and west demon child¡¯s bodies were forced back in the air, widening the distance by a thousand feet.


    a thousand feet away, west demon child¡¯s expression was ugly. recalling the danger earlier, he felt his heart palpitate. at that moment, he stared at xu qing and coldly spoke.


    ¡°you knew my plan long ago!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was calm as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°although i don¡¯t know the details, from your previous actions and words, it¡¯s not difficult to guess that it wasn¡¯t a killing method.¡±


    when the west demon child heard this, he glanced at xu qing. his eyes were sinister as he turned and left.


    xu qing raised his hand and the void instantly trembled. a storm appeared in front of the west demon child, blocking his path.


    west demon child paused and looked at xu qing, his expression turning even more gloomy.


    ¡°the three strikes have passed. i said i would spare your life. do you intend to bring about your own doom?¡±


    xu qing shook his head.


    ¡°i didn¡¯t say that i would spare your life.¡±


    as he spoke, xu qing walked over!


    killing intent erupted..

 Chapter 1510 - Chapter 1510: Demon Transformation

    chapter 1510: demon transformation


    translator: atlas studios | editor atlas studios


    with this step, xu qing erupted with his sound authority and used it as a catalyst to enter the sound.


    with this step, the speed of the thousand-foot-long distance was crossed faster than teleportation.


    even though west demon child¡¯s reaction was swift and astonishing and he retreated rapidly the moment xu qing spoke, xu qing¡¯s figure still appeared behind him as though he had traveled through time and space.


    the moment he arrived, dao marks flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes and the power of his authority erupted completely.


    the might of the erase authority shook everything. it was as though an invisible large hand had descended, wanting to erase everything.


    coupled with the sound damage that gathered from all directions, it formed an incredibly terrifying energy that completely enveloped west demon child.


    this was xu qing¡¯s counterattack.


    at this moment, the attack landed.


    the world rumbled.


    west demon child¡¯s expression changed and his entire body trembled. the first thing he sensed was that the sounds in the surroundings had all disappeared at this moment.


    after they were all snatched away, they became xu qing¡¯s weapons and erupted in unison.


    the sound waves swept out and bombarded west demon child¡¯s entire body.


    this caused west demon child to cough up blood. his body seemed to be about to shatter. even the sound of his heartbeat seemed to have become a knife that destroyed his body.


    as for the might of the erase authority, it also formed a terrifying force at this moment that was wiping away all traces of west demon child.


    traces of his life, traces of karma, traces of his existence¡­


    this scene caused west demon child¡¯s breathing to become hurried. as great waves churned in his heart, he once again felt an intense life-and-death crisis. previously, when xu qing¡¯s soul invaded his sea of consciousness, that was the first time he felt a sense of life and death.


    now, this feeling appeared again.


    the token given by the empress was indeed astonishing. xu qing¡¯s attacks were all actually concealed even in front of west demon child.


    this silent change in perception caused xu qing to have no scruples when attacking.


    however¡­ as a heaven¡¯s chosen and with extremely rich combat experience, even though he was in a passive state when facing xu qing¡¯s attack, west demon child had the ability to counterattack.


    hence, the instant the sound authority erupted and the power of erase churned, west demon child didn¡¯t hesitate at all. a hint of black light appeared in his eyes.


    this black light was only a point at the start but it instantly covered all his pupils, even filling his sea of consciousness.


    this caused the lights of the seven great worlds in his body to be instantly extinguished.


    the moment they were extinguished¡­ the phantom of the heavenly demon behind him seemed to have truly revived. it suddenly raised its head and a sinister smile appeared on its lips. it took a step down, merging with west demon child in the blink of an eye.


    west demon child let out a deep roar that didn¡¯t sound human.


    the weather changed and an astonishing demonic aura erupted from his body in all directions, sweeping through everything.


    the power of sound authority was also suppressed, and the erase authority couldn¡¯t display its effect.


    the appearance of west demon child changed drastically at this moment.


    he had transformed into the heavenly demon!


    clad in fearsome black armor, his body towering thousands of feet tall, with fingers that seemed capable of tearing through time and space. his once-red hair turned black, spreading out to cover the sky.


    the black flames in the surroundings burned even more intensely.


    this was the divine power of authority that west demon child didn¡¯t easily display.


    heavenly demon transformation.


    the reason why he didn¡¯t use it easily was because there was a flaw in this authority. the more times he used it and the longer the fusion lasted, the more he would lose himself.


    unless he could maintain a high-speed increase in his cultivation, he would eventually be completely assimilated and become a heavenly demon with no self-awareness.


    however, at this critical moment, he couldn¡¯t care less.


    after transforming into the heavenly demon, he waved his hand and the seven great worlds in his body appeared outside his body, blocking xu qing.


    the moment they appeared, rumbling sounds rang out from the seven great worlds as they lined up.


    a bizarre scene appeared.


    the seven great worlds continued to enlarge, causing the distance between xu qing and west demon child to distort.


    the two of them clearly didn¡¯t retreat, but the space of the seven great worlds lengthened, causing the distance between the two to become very far.


    this dao mark of authority caused xu qing¡¯s heart to turn solemn and his vigilance to intensify. however, his killing intent was the same. as he performed a series of hand seals with both hands, his divine authorities and authority surged again. with a sway of his body, he charged toward west demon child.


    west demon child, who had transformed into the heavenly demon, had a deep look in his pitch-black eyes. he raised his huge right hand and grabbed at the spear that had pierced into the ground.


    immediately, the spear rumbled and flew up from the ground. after it shrunk a little, it was grabbed by west demon child and ruthlessly swept toward xu qing.


    a sharp whistling sound rang out. xu qing dodged immediately and teleported by using the sound before appearing beside the heavenly demonic version of west demon. he suddenly pressed down.


    west demon child¡¯s expression was gloomy as he quickly counterattacked. however, at the next instant, xu qing disappeared again and appeared on the other side.


    using this method, he continuously teleported and appeared in any direction in front, behind, left, and right of west demon child. even though west demon child didn¡¯t make a sound, xu qing still controlled his blood flow, heartbeat, and even the invisible sound of his life burning.


    this caused west demon child¡¯s spear to be unable to effectively land on xu qing¡¯s body.


    this scene caused west demon¡¯s heart to sink even more.


    this was because the longer his heavenly demon transformation lasted, the greater the risk of assimilation. not only did this xue chenzi have astonishing defense, but his escape technique was also bizarre.


    its speed wasn¡¯t slow either.


    it was very difficult to kill him.


    hence, determination appeared in west demon child¡¯s eyes. he tossed the spear into the sky. at the same time, he performed a series of hand seals with both hands and pressed down on his chest as he spat out five words.


    ¡°seven prisons heavenly demon realm!¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, he spat out five mouthfuls of blood and his body instantly became much more dispirited.


    the might of this technique was indeed astonishing. the world rumbled and the demonic energy in his entire body erupted in all directions, directly enveloping an area of 50,000 kilometers.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he was enveloped in this range.


    at the same time, the first great world of west demon child descended.


    it landed on the ground and formed the first level of the prison, sealing xu qing inside.


    this wasn¡¯t the end. in an instant, the second world, third world, fourth world¡­


    this lasted until all seven great worlds landed and the seven worlds overlapped, forming the heavenly demon prison.


    it suppressed and sealed everything.


    as for west demon child, his body sank down as he sat cross-legged on top of the heavenly demon prison. the demonic energy in his body spread out and fused into the prison, transforming into heavenly lightning and earthly fire that erupted explosively in the prison.


    he wanted to refine xu qing.


    in the heavenly demon realm, flames towered into the sky, lightning flashed, the ground burned, and the sky fell into flames.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was cold. after sensing his surroundings, he looked at the sky.


    through the sky, he could see west demon child in the outside world. he could also sense that the latter was weak after using this divine art.


    he understood that this was west demon child¡¯s trump card.


    he was about to attack when his expression suddenly changed. he sensed the candle totem on his back.


    the instant he sensed it, the flames in the surroundings were actually attracted by the red candle totem and gathered over.


    signs of recovery appeared again.


    xu qing frowned. although he didn¡¯t know why this place would cause the red candle to show signs of revival, as long as he broke through this place as soon as possible, he would be able to resolve everything.


    a cold glint flashed in his eyes. from his forehead, the carving knife formed by the divine authority of fate flew out and shone in front of him.


    he wanted to use the true power of the carving knife to carve the scene of the other party¡¯s fate of certain death!

 Chapter 1511 - Chapter 1511: Carving Your Fate

    chapter 1511: carving your fate


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the black sea of fire burned intensely and its heat distorted the world, forming a seal.


    over this 50,000-kilometer-long plain, the seven great worlds from the west demon child overlapped, forming seven layers of prisons.


    with the enhancement from the sea of fire, it was the strongest ability of this strange authority that the west demon child could display now¡­ the seven prisons heavenly demon realm.


    the sky in this realm was pitch-black.


    the land was crimson-red.


    the heavenly demon¡¯s flames burned crazily, as though they wanted to burn the bodies and souls of the criminals imprisoned in the realm to death.


    west demon child sat cross-legged outside the heavenly demon realm and the movements of the heavenly demon phantom behind him were the same as him. it was also sitting cross-legged but its figure was much more illusory.


    west demon child¡¯s expression was dispirited and his aura was weak. this was the price he had to pay for using the heavenly demon transformation and also the price he had to pay for activating the seven prisons heavenly demon realm.


    however, at this moment, he didn¡¯t care about these. the only thing he cared about was refining xu qing.


    xu qing was a really troublesome opponent. he felt like he was hitting cotton.


    he clearly only needed to bombard the other party a few times to heavily injure him. however, the other party¡¯s figure changed strangely and his agility reached an abnormal level. he could silently appear anywhere in his surroundings.


    if that was all, it wouldn¡¯t be so bad. it wasn¡¯t like he didn¡¯t have any defensive methods, but the other party¡¯s dissolving divine art was equally disgusting. each touch would dissolve his aura, traces, defense, and even his life.


    if it was any other time, it wouldn¡¯t matter. however, since his heavenly demon transformation couldn¡¯t be maintained for too long, such a battle style made him feel extremely aggrieved.


    his killing intent also continued to intensify.


    hence, he spared no expense and used his trump card. he wanted to erase the other party¡¯s advantage and change the battlefield to a state that was suitable for him.


    this was what was happening now.


    his demonic qi rumbled and continuously augmented his state. also, the spear he had thrown into the air earlier landed at this moment and stabbed into the heavenly demon realm.


    this caused the refinement of the demon fire in the heavenly demon realm to instantly skyrocket.


    in the heavenly demon realm, a dark glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he didn¡¯t bother with the red candle on his back devouring the demonic fire in the surroundings crazily, nor did he care that its aura of recovery was becoming increasingly intense.


    at that moment, all his attention was focused on the carving knife formed by the divine authority of fate in front of him.


    this would be his first time truly displaying the power of his fate divine authority,


    after several times of research and the empress¡¯ guidance, xu qing already had a preliminary understanding of his fate divine authority.


    he took a deep breath and grabbed with his right hand.


    immediately, the carving knife shook and landed in his hand; it shone with waves of vast and astonishing fluctuations, affecting the surroundings and distorting this world.


    the west demon child couldn¡¯t see clearly either. wariness rose in his heart. he gritted his teeth and burned his heart blood to increase the speed of refinement.


    at this moment, xu qing¡¯s expression froze.


    his heart stopped beating.


    his world turned black and white.


    what was black was time, and what was white was space.


    between the black and white were countless gray threads.


    this was the fate of all lives.


    xu qing¡¯s emotions also stopped with his heartbeat and he became extremely calm as though his human nature was gone.


    what was left was divinity.


    and this divinity held no mercy, no regard for life or death, only a grasp over fate.


    ¡°west demon child.¡±


    xu qing used the might of the divine authority to call out this name.


    the moment his voice rang out, the body of the west demon child in the outside world trembled. an indescribable palpitation caused his breathing to become hurried.


    in the heavenly demon realm, as xu qing called out, the countless gray threads he saw instantly disappeared, leaving only one floating in front of him.


    it continued to distort and magnify. in the end, what appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes was the west demon child¡¯s past, present, and future.


    the past had already become a mark.


    the present was still maturing.


    the future was fixed.


    countless scenes about the future of west demon child appeared in front of xu qing¡¯s eyes. he understood that these futures were all possible.


    if it was purple green, he would choose one and make the future he chose to be the only one.


    however, xu qing¡¯s control over fate wasn¡¯t an influence on fixed numbers but the creation of variables.


    hence, he fused his intent into the carving knife in his hand and made the first stroke in front of him.


    this stroke required no artistic talent, for whether the drawing resembled anything or not was unimportant. what mattered was what the person wielding the knife at that moment had in their mind.


    xu qing¡¯s first intent.


    ¡°this person must die.¡±


    hence, the first stroke he carved formed the scene of the west demon child¡¯s death.


    he died miserably. his head was decapitated and his flesh and blood dried up.


    this was the effect.


    after that, xu qing raised his hand and carved the second intent. he added the cause to this effect.


    ¡°his corpse was slashed by the emperor sword!¡±


    the carving knife landed and revealed the scene in front of xu qing. the emperor sword appeared behind the decapitated west demon child.


    as soon as the scene appeared, xu qing¡¯s body trembled and his mind churned. he spat out a large mouthful of blood and the entire heavenly demon realm trembled.


    a great terror descended invisibly.


    that was a change in fate!


    this was because before this, in the countless futures of west demon child, although he died, he didn¡¯t die in xu qing¡¯s hands, let alone under the emperor sword.


    these didn¡¯t exist in the first place.


    however, now, with the appearance of the scenes imprinted in the gray thread of fate of west demon child, his future had gained an additional possibility.


    moreover, it was the only future related to the emperor sword.


    this meant that as long as the emperor sword appeared, west demon child¡¯s future could not produce any other possibilities.


    this was the power of a god.


    this was divine authority!


    however, the price was extremely huge.


    just carving these scenes caused xu qing¡¯s internal organs to churn and his soul to feel a piercing pain. after he spat out a large mouthful of blood, he seemed to be unable to stop and coughed up seven to eight more times in a row.


    his powerful body actually showed signs of weakening.


    a feeling of weakness grew from the depths of his soul and spread to his entire sea of consciousness.


    however, the secret repository where the emperor sword was located in his body¡­ erupted violently.


    the repository door that was already open spat out monstrous sword qi.


    in the emperor sword¡¯s secret repository, the emperor soul fused with the emperor sword that had been nurtured until now. as the sword qi rumbled and the sword swayed intensely, it¡­ rushed out.


    it leaped through the repository door and the sea of consciousness, passing through the void and rushing out of xu qing¡¯s body.


    in an instant, the heavenly demon realm swayed. the power of the emperor sword suppressed everything and headed straight for the sky of this world.


    it was enhanced by the emperor soul and fate. it couldn¡¯t be stopped!


    one strike¡­ broke through the realm!


    it stabbed toward the west demon child whose expression had changed unprecedentedly.


    west demon child¡¯s mind rumbled and all the flesh in his body seemed to be screaming. the extremely intense sense of danger caused him to retreat abruptly and raise his hand to block it desperately.


    he controlled the heavenly demon spear and blasted it at the emperor sword.


    the instant the sword and spear came into contact, the spear shattered!


    without losing any momentum, the emperor sword continued toward the extremely terrified west demon child, heading straight for his neck!


    just as it was about to land, at this critical moment of life and death, west demon child let out a deep roar. it was a roar that wasn¡¯t willing to be controlled by fate.


    an ancient bell suddenly appeared. after enveloping west demon child, it came into contact with the emperor sword.


    there was a loud explosion.


    cracks appeared on the bell but it didn¡¯t shatter.


    it blocked the emperor sword!


    xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged in the heavenly demon realm, was now vomiting blood continuously, mouthful after mouthful.


    this was the price of bearing fate!


    the fate he had etched had to be borne by himself. in the process of aligning with this destined trajectory, he had to endure the backlash caused by the opponent¡¯s every action that violated this fate.


    if he managed to endure it all, the fate would be established.


    if he failed to endure, the fate carving would fail.


    he would then have to pay an even heavier price.


    just like the current xu qing, his soul had weakened and the cracks that had disappeared from his body had reappeared.


    there was ultimately a gap in combat strength between him and west demon child.


    it was astonishingly difficult to kill him.


    as for the west demon child in the air, his breathing was hurried at this moment. he stared fixedly at the emperor sword outside the bell. after sensing that his ancient treasure had successfully resisted it, his fear finally left.


    what followed was coldness.


    ¡°you¡¯re not xue chenzi!¡±


    ¡°this sword isn¡¯t of my race. this power¡­ shook my fate. this is the power of a god!¡±


    ¡°your identity¡­¡±


    a glint of comprehension flashed in west demon child¡¯s eyes. after that, ecstasy rose. he could faintly guess xu qing¡¯s identity and had doubts about lu lingzi as well.


    this matter was significant, but for him, even if it ultimately turned out to be a false guess, it would not matter. however, if it proved to be true, he would gain greater merit than on the battlefield!


    hence, he immediately tried to think of a way to leave the battlefield. at the same time, he took out a jade token to transmit this message to his master.


    however, just as he moved and took out the jade token, suddenly¡­ a change that wasn¡¯t in his original fate appeared.


    the heavenly demon that had been floating behind him, which had formed after he comprehended authority years ago and accompanied him in battles across the lands, suddenly no longer acted in harmony with him.


    this was the first time it had acted like this since it was formed.


    it lowered its head and looked at the west demon child who had his back facing it.


    his eyes revealed a hint of greed.


    after that, it pounced forward!


    at this instant, west demon child¡¯s mind rumbled. he didn¡¯t have time to transmit his voice. when he suddenly turned his head, his face was filled with disbelief. he wanted to dodge but it was too late.


    the heavenly demon that suddenly rebelled pounced on him.


    a mournful wail immediately rang out from west demon child¡¯s mouth. he wanted to struggle, counterattack, and suppress it. however, against the heavenly demon which formed from the same source as him and was clearly stronger, these struggles were useless.


    he could only allow the heavenly demon to devour crazily in his body.


    at that moment, in the heavenly demon realm below, xu qing¡¯s face was pale, his body was weak, and his soul was dispirited. however, his eyes revealed a hint of coldness.


    there were no surprises.


    if the gray thread of fate of west demon child in front of him was magnified countless times, one could see that the scene of the heavenly demon rebelling also appeared in the fate scene drawn by xu qing!


    this was because what xu qing had carved earlier wasn¡¯t two intents.


    there was also another intent.


    this thought was the rebellion of the heavenly demon!


    xu qing was aware of his combat strength. it was too difficult to kill a strong expert like west demon child.


    however, just because he couldn¡¯t kill him didn¡¯t mean that the other party wouldn¡¯t die.


    hence, the fate of true death he carved for the other party wasn¡¯t the emperor sword but the backlash from the heavenly demon!


    he was solving the big issue with little effort.


    in his first intent, in the scene of the carving, not only was west demon child¡¯s head separated from his body, but his body had withered as though his life had been sucked out.


    this effect could only be formed in two ways. the emperor sword decapitated him and his body withered due the heavenly demon devouring him.


    hence, xu qing¡¯s second intent was, ¡°his corpse was slashed by the emperor sword.¡±


    what it slashed was the corpse!


    this was because xu qing couldn¡¯t bear the fate of the emperor sword killing west demon child by itself.


    however, xu qing could endure the fate of causing the heavenly demon to rebel.


    hence, after he spat out another mouthful of blood, outside the heavenly demon realm, the screams of the west demon child suddenly paused. his body withered and all his life was sucked away by the heavenly demon inside.


    this included the bell that blocked the emperor sword.


    as for the emperor sword, after it passed through without any obstruction, the head of the west demon child, who had become a corpse, was separated from its body!


    this completed xu qing¡¯s carved scenes¡­


    exactly the same!


    ¡°the one who killed the west demon child wasn¡¯t me.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s the heavenly demon.¡±


    xu qing stood up. the surrounding heavenly demon realm collapsed..

 Chapter 1512 - Chapter 1512: Protecting the Young

    chapter 1512: protecting the young


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    the black flames were extinguished at this moment.


    i he heavenly demon prison formed by the seven great worlds collapsed. the sky returned and the ground recovered. the mountains and rivers were still the same.


    xu qing stood on the spot. his face was pale and his soul was weak. in front of him was the blood he had spat out earlier. regardless of whether it was on the soil or his clothes, it was a shocking sight.


    in fact, he still couldn¡¯t suppress the rising blood. the instant he stood up, drops of blood flowed out of the corner of his mouth.


    xu qing took a deep breath. this was the first time he had used the divine authority of fate. through this use, he had a better understanding of this supreme divine authority.


    the more he understood, the more his heart palpitated.


    this divine authority was extremely terrifying.


    the price¡­ was equally terrifying.


    he was aware that if he hadn¡¯t put the third intent, the price of wanting to make the carved fate come true would have exceeded his tolerance. in the end, there was a high chance that he would perish as well.


    even though he had relied on the third intent, engraving the fate of the heavenly demon¡¯s betrayal to indirectly kill west demon child, he still paid such a price.


    his soul had weakened.


    his body was filled with cracks.


    the cultivation power in his body was mostly exhausted. even his authority and divine authorities were dimming.


    ¡°i can¡¯t use this divine authority rashly¡­¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath and wiped away the traces of his blood here. his body swayed as he wanted to leave this place quickly.


    this was because the death of west demon child would definitely cause a storm. the risk of staying here was too great.


    however, when xu qing only took a step forward, his body paused and he frowned, his expression gloomy.


    at that moment, the red candle on his back started to light up! an intense heat erupted behind him, distorting the surroundings. the revival intent from the red candle seized this opportunity and recklessly lit up.


    if it was ignited, although xu qing didn¡¯t know the specific danger, the sense of danger from the depths of his heart erupted intensely.


    this danger was like a sea of fire, wanting to burn xu qing inside.


    this made it impossible for xu qing to leave now. the most important thing now was to deal with the red candle.


    hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. he didn¡¯t care about his injuries and forcefully used the erase divine authority. at the same time, he sent a thought to little shadow.


    at the next instant, his erase divine authority headed straight for the red candle on his back. at the same time, little shadow also trembled and pounced over.


    at the center of the red candle, the kindling flickered¡­


    it was about to become a fire!


    the divine authority and little shadow continuously suppressed and extinguished the kindling.


    they were suppressing the red candle¡¯s awakening that had formed from absorbing the demonic fire earlier.


    fortunately, xu qing had broken through the realm quickly and didn¡¯t waste much time. moreover, the demonic fire absorbed by the red candle was limited. hence, even though it had seized the opportunity to revive, under the all-out efforts of the erase authority and little shadow, the momentum of recovery was gradually restrained.


    finally, as the flames disappeared, an unwilling roar echoed in xu qing¡¯s ears. the fluctuations of recovery were completely suppressed.


    however, the sense of danger didn¡¯t dissipate. it came from the sky and from the withering corpse of the west demon child not far away.


    i he former was terrifying, while the latter was heart-palpitating. as the corpse withered to the extreme, black fog rose.


    this fog rapidly gathered and transformed into the phantom of the heavenly demon. it didn¡¯t look at xu qing but the horizon.


    after that, it instantly dissipated, leaving some words behind.


    ¡®the fruit that is the west demon child was not yet ripe, but you disturbed his fate, causing me to consume him prematurely. hence, you must compensate for the ensuing consequences. i hope you can survive the upcoming death tribulation. if you do not die, in the future¡­ 1 will come for you.¡± if it was any other time, the words of this heavenly demon would definitely cause xu qing¡¯s thoughts to rise. however, compared to this heavenly demon, he was more concerned about the danger from the sky.


    this danger surpassed the danger from the heavenly demon and west demon child. it could even be said that it surpassed all the hostile cultivators xu qing had encountered so far!


    it gave him the feeling that he was facing a god!


    this was because it was the power of a ruler that could fight against gods! it wasn¡¯t a new ruler like transient evil, but a true almighty who had reached a certain level in the realm of the ruler.


    hence, at that instant, xu qing¡¯s soul trembled. his thoughts rumbled and his authorities fluctuated.


    the feeling of danger was crazily rising. the shadow of death had already enveloped his mind and drowned everything.


    he wanted to escape but he had nowhere to run.


    this was because the sky distorted and a huge mirror silently appeared. its range was a whole 500,000 kilometers, as though it had become the sky here! this mirror was circular and pitch-black.


    under its envelopment, it was as though the ground was covered by the night.


    after that¡­ snowflakes drifted out from the mirror.


    this snow was also black.


    there was no wind in the world, but the black snow naturally fell, replacing the rules and overriding the laws, causing everything here to form its own realm.


    xu qing was in this realm.


    the black mirror which was the sky of this realm descended slowly. the scene looked like the sky was falling or collapsing.


    when it sank by an inch, the mountain ranges within the 500,000 kilometers blurred and disappeared.


    in this black mirror, the outlines of all the disappearing mountain ranges appeared.


    they were absorbed into the mirror and no longer existed in reality.


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled and cracks appeared rapidly. the feeling of life and death caused his eyes to turn red. he wanted to struggle but he couldn¡¯t. only blood gushed out.


    from all parts of his body.


    in the end, he still couldn¡¯t face a ruler.


    under the attack of a ruler, his divine authorities and authority were all useless.


    i he black mirror that replaced the sky sank another inch.


    there were lakes and rivers within 500,000 kilometers. now, they disappeared and appeared in the mirror, forming an outline.


    after that, it was the ground.


    the land distorted and rapidly dissipated.


    everything in its range had appeared in the black mirror, and xu qing¡¯s figure was also rapidly forming in it.


    death was approaching.


    it only needed to sink another inch.


    xu qing trembled and he was covered in blood. however, what appeared in his eyes wasn¡¯t despair but madness.


    he was indeed not a match for a ruler. regardless of whether it was transient evil back then or this cultivator who hadn¡¯t revealed their figure yet, even though he had obtained opportunities and his combat strength had increased greatly, he was still not someone who could shake a ruler.


    however¡­ this didn¡¯t mean that he didn¡¯t have a way to make the other party pay the price.


    under this madness, xu qing roared at the sky. just as he was about to erupt, the black mirror in the sky¡­ sank again.


    the situation was about to undergo a shocking change.


    at that moment, a tall figure walked over from the void and silently crossed this range. he walked into the realm formed by the black mirror and arrived in front of xu qing.


    he was like a majestic mountain standing tall on the stormy battlefield.


    lu lingzi!


    or more accurately, it was the empress who had transformed into lu lingzi! she appeared at this instant and blocked the storm in front of xu qing, causing all the pressure that descended on xu qing to instantly disappear.


    xu qing relaxed. he knew that he didn¡¯t need to risk his life anymore.


    as xu qing bowed, the empress raised her head and looked at the black mirror in the sky.


    as her gaze landed, it seemed as if thousands of riders were charging, beacon fires were raging, mountains and rivers were being shattered, and everything converged¡­ at the center of the mirror¡¯s surface.


    this gaze contained power, causing the black mirror in the sky to reverberate. it also held profound mysteries, and at the center of the black mirror where the empress¡¯ gaze was focused, a white dot suddenly appeared.


    this white dot was like the sun in the dark night.


    the moment it appeared, it shone with endless white light. this light spread out and tore through the night, sweeping through the mirror with an unstoppable aura.


    wherever it passed, the outlines that were imprinted in the mirror instantly dissipated.


    the mountains, rivers, lakes, even the ground, as well as xu qing¡¯s blurry figure were forcefully erased at this instant.


    the black mirror also turned white!


    as all the outlines disappeared, the scene reversed in the 500,000 kilometers of area and all the mountains and rivers returned!


    this was a battle between lu lingzi and that unknown ruler.


    no one asked for an explanation.


    almost at the instant the mirror surface turned white, a cold snort echoed in the sky. the huge mirror shattered into pieces. the whiteness of each mirror fragments instantly turned black again and the figure of a middle-aged man appeared in each of them.


    under the refraction from countless mirror fragments, this figure gathered in the sky.


    that was¡­ the seventeenth ruler of the west demon feather!


    he was also the master of west demon child.


    he stared at the empress. after that, he flicked his sleeve and endless black snow appeared around him.


    the empress¡¯ expression was as calm as ever. her forehead split open, revealing a blood eye.


    the instant this eye appeared, the sky churned and a blood-red sun rose behind the seventeenth ruler.


    immediately after, the empress calmly spoke.


    xue chenzi, my authority is the wind. do you know what the next level of the wind authority is like?¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath and shook his head.


    the empress calmly answered.


    ¡°qi has weight. so does the wind.¡±


    ¡°just like this.¡±


    the empress raised her hand and pressed down.


    immediately, the blood-red sun behind the seventeenth ruler turned blurry. after that, all the air in this 500,000-kilometer area was controlled at this instant and came from all directions.


    the range was still spreading. in the blink of an eye, it exceeded 500,000 kilometers, reaching 5 million¡­ and their flow formed wind.


    in an instant, the whole area was filled with a terrifying storm. however, the true killing power wasn¡¯t the storm but¡­ the weight of air. these weights all pressed down on the seventeenth ruler, causing his expression to change drastically. he couldn¡¯t resist or dodge. under this absolute power and the deeper level of authority, his body actually was forcibly pushed to the ground.


    as the ground trembled, his body fell as though it was being suppressed. no matter how he struggled, he couldn¡¯t move at all.


    an even more astonishing scene appeared at this moment.


    under this extreme effect, the air that gathered on his body actually forcefully broke through his defense and entered his body, causing the seventeenth ruler to let out a heart-rending cry.


    countless wounds instantly appeared on his body but no blood flowed out. all the blood was gushing inwards.


    it was incomparably miserable.


    lu lingzi displayed terrifying might.


    this was the first time he showed his might in the west demon feather!


    it shocked everyone!

 Chapter 1513 - Chapter 1513: Turn Around

    chapter 1513: turn around


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    the rumbling of the ground was still echoing.


    no matter how the seventeenth ruler struggled, he couldn¡¯t retaliate at all. in terms of understanding of authority, the seventeenth ruler was clearly much inferior to lu lingzi.


    countless wounds appeared on his body and blood gushed out, and the air from a range of five million kilometers permeated everything, as though it wanted to fill all the gaps in his body and even his soul.


    once it was completed, the seventeenth ruler¡¯s body and soul would be destroyed.


    the commotion caused by this scene was too astonishing. hence, many vast figures descended one after another.


    some had solemn expressions, some had surprise in their eyes, and some were deep in thought. they had different thoughts but the waves in their hearts were the same!


    ¡°lu lingzi¡¯s understanding of his authority has actually reached such a level!¡± ¡°no wonder he was valued by great emperor nether flame. no wonder the lan family¡¯s scheme against him had failed so miserably!¡±


    ¡°and xue chenzi¡­ is also extraordinary. however, other than the nether flame secret art, he must have other secrets. it¡¯s a pity that his battle with the west demon child was concealed by lu lingzi.¡±


    ¡°however, from the traces of the heavenly demon escaping, i can make a judgment. he should have used an unimown method to make the heavenly demon rebel.¡±


    ¡°although the heavenly demon authority¡¯s killing prowess is astonishing and can allow those who comprehend it to advance by leaps and bounds, the drawback is still difficult to resolve. there¡¯s always the risk of betrayal and backlash.¡±


    while everyone was shocked, xu qing also had various thoughts.


    the empress¡¯ arrival made him heave a sigh of relief. at the same time, he knew that his previous guess was correct. the empress came to the west demon feather to take the initiative.


    now, she had clearly obtained the initiative. hence, with a raise of her hand, she made air in the range of five million kilometers gather and descend upon the seventeenth ruler.


    this was establishing might.


    it was also displaying her stance.


    xu qing understood this. from this matter, he also learned some ways to deal with things.


    this was knowledge he hadn¡¯t learned from old master seventh.


    his gaze then landed on the seventeenth ruler. looking at his struggle and the distortion of his face, he could imagine the terrifying weight on him.


    the empress looked calm from the start. she didn¡¯t choose to kill. instead, the instant the seventeenth ruler was about to be unable to withstand the weight, the blood eye on her forehead closed.


    she retracted her authority.


    the sun that appeared in the sky because of her also closed at this instant and disappeared.


    the air that landed on the seventeenth ruler dispersed with the wind.


    after losing the weight, the injuries on the seventeenth ruler¡¯s body rapidly recovered. his body blurred and disappeared from the spot. when he reappeared, he was already in mid-air. he looked at the empress with a complicated expression and didn¡¯t speak at all.


    he wasn¡¯t the only one. the various rulers who were watching this battle also fell silent.


    this method of subtly and gently taking significant action showed the understanding of authority and the attitude of an expert.


    ¡°can you still move?¡±


    the empress turned her head and glanced at xu qing.


    xu qing hurriedly nodded.


    ¡°then let¡¯s go. we¡¯re returning to the east demon feather.¡±


    after the empress finished speaking, she walked toward the horizon.


    xu qing didn¡¯t dare to hesitate. he quickly rose into the air and followed behind.


    just like that, under the gaze of the various rulers of the west demon feather, the empress brought xu qing and calmly walked in the sky, gradually disappearing into the horizon.


    from the start to the end, no one appeared to stop them.


    as for the west demon child, he seemed to have been forgotten.


    if he died, so be it.


    only the seventeenth ruler had an even more complicated expression as he looked at the withered corpse formed by the backlash from the heavenly demon.


    in the end, he sighed and put it away before turning to leave.


    this journey to the west ended here.


    the wind was returning, blowing across millions of kilometers and the gaze carried by the wind was also returning.


    on the wing-like dao altar of the west demon feather, the demon feather great emperor retracted his gaze.


    ¡°interesting.¡±


    ¡°are you so sure that i¡¯ll let you do whatever you want?¡±


    the demon feather great emperor muttered with a deep gaze.


    as his voice rang out, sinister laughter echoed above him.


    this laughter came from the black-robed man who was being burned by the iron chains.


    ¡°of course she? is sure!¡±


    when the demon feather great emperor heard this, he raised his head and looked at the black-robed person. after a while of silence, he suddenly laughed.


    at that moment, at the intersection of the east and west demon feather, the empress was strolling in front with xu qing following behind.


    the empress didn¡¯t speak, so xu qing couldn¡¯t say anything.


    he was recalling his journey to the west this time, trying to find more points to learn from.


    ¡®ever since the empress came to the west demon feather, the demon feather great emperor issued a decree, setting the tone.¡¯


    ¡®after that, the various rulers more or less spread the thought of challenging.¡¯


    xu qing pondered.


    coupled with the situation with the east and west demon feather, it wasn¡¯t difficult for him to understand this matter. this was a battle between the east and west demon feather.


    especially since lu lingzi¡¯s identity was very sensitive. not only was he the disciple of great emperor nether flame, but he was also a peerless genius of the east demon feather. he had even broken through the lan family¡¯s plan and obtained enough bloodline power to advance to the ruler realm.


    after that, he displayed his outstanding methods and threw out the secret of great emperor nether flame¡¯s seclusion, sharing it with everyone. he joined forces with the other rulers of the east demon feather and took over all the forces and resources of the lan family with the least obstruction.


    during this time, he even released several spots to enter the seclusion place of great emperor nether flame. it even vaguely showed the intention of sowing the seed of conflict. this broke down the barriers between the east and the west, making it possible for the west demon feather to have the possibility of getting a share of it.


    after xu qing recalled carefully, he learned a little from this. at the same time, he also understood the attitude of the west demon feather.


    this was because with such a background, identity, and methods, coupled with his domineering rise, lu lingzi naturally attracted the attention of many people in the demon feather holy land.


    however, some things clearly couldn¡¯t be judged so easily. hence, after the demon feather great emperor set the tone, for the west demon feather, suppressing lu lingzi to a certain extent was a mission that didn¡¯t need to be spelled out.


    ¡®however, the empress didn¡¯t accept the challenge. instead, she arranged for me to challenge them to take the initiative.¡¯


    xu qing concluded inwardly and knew that he had completed this mission perfectly.


    hence, after the seventeenth ruler descended, the empress chose to attack domineeringly.


    ¡®then, there¡¯s a key point here. did the demon feather great emperor really not see through it? or is it because of some unknown reasons that he deliberately let it go?¡¯


    xu qing looked at the empress¡¯ back view. after some thought, he had a guess.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    under the unhurried pace of the empress, when the afterglow of the setting sun scattered on the tenth ruler mountain, the rogue cultivators surrounding this place saw the two people who had returned from the sky.


    all of them lowered their heads excitedly and respectfully. xu qing followed the empress back to the tenth ruler mountain.


    after stepping into the main hall, xu qing bowed and hesitated for a moment before telling the empress about the red candle totem on his back.


    when the empress heard this, she calmly spoke.


    ¡°i thought you were going to continue hiding.¡±


    ¡°turn around and take off your clothes.¡±


    xu qing immediately took off his clothes. his back was facing the empress, revealing the candle totem on his back.


    the empress¡¯ gaze landed and she took a few careful glances. a hint of surprise appeared on her face.


    a long time later, she calmly spoke.


    ¡°the source of this candle isn¡¯t wanggu but an ancient organization in the ninth star ring.¡±


    ¡°before this, i never heard that it could be transferred to a cultivator. if it¡¯s ignited, it can burn the soul.¡±


    ¡°i can help you seal it, but for you, this item is both a blessing and a curse.


    everything depends on how you use it.¡±


    ¡°therefore, it¡¯s up to you to decide if you want to seal it or not.¡±


    after the empress finished speaking, she retracted her gaze.


    xu qing finished putting on his clothes and pondered. after pondering over the empress¡¯ words, he didn¡¯t request for the seal immediately. instead, he planned to study it himself. hence, he cupped his fists in gratitude and was about to turn to leave.


    the empress¡¯ voice echoed again.


    ¡°you can¡¯t leave the mountain.¡±


    ¡°five days later, take my token and make a trip to the immortal arts hall of the east demon feather.¡±


    xu qing blinked when he heard this. eldest senior brother¡¯s figure instantly appeared in his mind. hence, he turned his head and looked at the empress.


    ¡°your majesty, the east demon feather immortal arts hall¡­¡±


    the empress snorted coldly.


    ¡°yesterday, the east demon feather immortal arts hall issued an announcement inviting all the dominant forces of the east demon feather to send people to witness their great immortal master ceremony.¡±


    ¡°also, they informed everyone that the disciple of the original great immortal master of the immortal arts hall, yue dong, failed to compete with the great elder for the position of this generation¡¯s great immortal master and was captured alive by the great elder.¡±


    ¡°in five days, the immortal arts hall¡¯s inheritance ceremony will start, refining and stripping yue dong¡¯s six thieves delusions immortal art.¡±


    ¡°this ritual requires the approval of all the ruler mountains, so we have obtained the invitation.¡±


    when the empress¡¯ voice landed in xu qing¡¯s ears, his expression instantly turned strange.


    he knew that¡­ the empress definitely knew yue dong¡¯s identity.


    as for the fact that eldest senior brother had failed to get the position of the great immortal master, xu qing¡¯s first reaction was that eldest senior brother had done it on purpose.


    he understood his unreliable and crazy eldest senior brother too well.


    ¡°go and see how that yue dong will be deprived of her immortal art.¡±


    the empress glanced at xu qing.


    xu qing took a deep breath and agreed.


    seeing xu qing like this, the empress raised her hand and rubbed her forehead. back then, what she was most worried about was that an uncontrollable variable would appear. hence, she sent xu qing and erniu away. however, they still came.


    moreover, each of them was more troublesome than the other.


    ¡°the ruler mountains¡¯ attitude towards the immortal arts hall is to support the victor and not to interfere in their internal affairs. when you go there, don¡¯t make the situation worse.¡±


    ¡°also, tell your senior brother that the sun god of the flame moon¡¯s three gods mentioned that they wanted to conscript him into flame moon¡¯s war, but i declined on his behalf.¡±


    the empress added.


    xu qing could hear the threat in her words. he hurriedly bowed and bade farewell.


    after watching xu qing leave, the empress shook her head.


    ¡°no wonder their master chose to let them roam freely rather than keeping them by his side¡­¡±


    five days passed in the blink of an eye.


    early in the morning, as the light of dawn scattered down, xu qing flew out on the tenth ruler mountain, heading straight for the east demon feather¡¯s immortal arts hall.


    he wasn¡¯t anxious at all. instead, he felt some anticipation.

 Chapter 1514 - Chapter 1514: Tragic Bull

    chapter 1514: tragic bull


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    xu qing felt that there was no need for him to worry about his eldest senior brother.


    in their journey till now, he hadn¡¯t seen his eldest senior brother suffer much. basically, the ones who suffered losses were others.


    among those victims, there were divine creatures of the forbidden sea, the three heaven, earth, and human souls. as for the powerful ones¡­ there was crimson goddess. even the fragmented-face desolate was bitten by erniu.


    hence, in xu qing¡¯s opinion, it was impossible for such a maniac to encounter any accidents in the immortal arts hall of the demon feather holy land.


    after all, eldest senior brother was the one who took the initiative to head to the immortal arts hall, and before leaving, he was utterly confident.


    therefore, for xu qing, this visit on behalf of the tenth ruler was partly to bear witness and mostly to observe the spectacle.


    it should be noted that in the past, he always acted alongside his senior brother, and this was the first time he experienced observing the performance from a higher position.


    ¡°however, i have to do my best to control the situation.¡±


    since the empress had requested it, xu qing felt that there was a need for him to not let the situation become too chaotic.


    however, when he thought of how troublesome eldest senior brother was, xu qing wasn¡¯t too confident about this.


    ¡°i will try persuading him.¡±


    at the thought of this, xu qing felt at ease and sped up in the sky.


    he sped all the way.


    four hours later, he saw the city where he had parted ways with his eldest senior brother from afar.


    the location of the east demon feather immortal arts hall was five hundred kilometers north of the city.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze swept over the city but he didn¡¯t stop. he flew past the city, and soon, crossed 500 kilometers. there, he saw a white lake!


    just like the immortal arts hall of the west demon feather, the immortal arts hall of the east demon feather was also built on a lake. the difference was that the lake of the west demon feather immortal arts hall was black, and the lake of the east demon feather immortal arts hall was white.


    its name was delusions lake.


    in the center of the lake stood a temple-like palace, entirely pitch black, as if it were made of black jade.


    it formed a clear contrast with the white lake.


    the lake was different from the one xu qing had seen in the west demon feather where it was filled with numerous meditating immortal masters. here it was desolate, perhaps due to the somber atmosphere or because of the ceremonial observation today. no immortal masters were meditating, leaving it vast and empty.


    in fact, there were even some traces of damage left on the black immortal arts hall, appearing not as if they had been there for a long time but rather as if it had recently sustained impact from spells.


    looking at this, xu qing fell into deep thought. his figure crossed the lake and appeared in the air above the immortal arts hall. he stopped and placed his hands behind his back, calmly speaking.


    ¡°the immortal master in charge of this place, come out and see me.¡±


    these words were like thunder that exploded in all directions, causing the void to distort. the lake below rippled, stirring up waves.


    seven to eight figures immediately flew out of the immortal arts hall and headed straight for xu qing.


    the person in the lead was a middle-aged immortal master. the instant he saw xu qing clearly, his eyes narrowed and his expression was even more respectful than before. he quickly approached and cupped his fists from dozens of feet away, bowing deeply.


    ¡°greetings, fellow daoist xue chenzi.¡±


    ¡°welcome, fellow daoist. earlier, we were receiving previous guests, so please forgive any lapses in our hospitality.¡±


    this middle-aged immortal master had a sincere expression. the immortal masters behind him also had solemn expressions and lowered their heads to greet him.


    the reason for this was because during this time, xue chenzi¡¯s name had risen in the entire demon feather holy land.


    everyone knew about his challenge at the west demon feather and his final battle with west demon child.


    this caused his name to be even more illustrious when it came to the east demon feather.


    coupled with the tenth ruler behind him, the now-declining immortal arts hall didn¡¯t dare to show any neglect.


    xu qing was expressionless as he nodded slightly.


    ¡°fellow daoist xue chenzi, please!¡±


    seeing that xu qing didn¡¯t mind, the middle-aged immortal master heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. he had heard that xue chenzi had a violent personality and possessed blood-related divine abilities.


    at that moment, he was extremely cautious and was about to guide xu qing.


    however, xu qing, who was in the air, turned his head and looked at the horizon.


    the middle-aged immortal master was stunned. when he looked over, laughter rang out from the horizon.


    ¡°is the person in front fellow daoist xue chenzi?¡±


    as the laughter echoed, a burly man walked over from the horizon.


    this burly man wore a blue dress. his eyes were bright and sharp like lightning. at this moment, he stepped forward in the air. wherever he passed, his cultivation of soul accumulation nine worlds formed a huge pressure that affected the area around him.


    the middle-aged immortal master hurriedly lowered his head and greeted. ¡°greetings, venerable one!¡±


    xu qing was calm. in xue chenzi¡¯s memories, there was a figure like this. he knew that the other party was the eldest son of the fifth ruler, lin kun.


    but the two were not acquainted, and it could even be said that before xu qing¡¯s arrival, this person likely had only a vague memory of xue chenzi, not enough to catch his attention.


    but now, it was clearly different.


    xu qing only cupped his fists slightly. lin kun laughed even louder.


    ¡°fellow daoist xue chenzi, there¡¯s no need for such formality between us. your exploits in the west demon feather have been an inspiration to me, earning my admiration and applause many times.¡±


    lin kun laughed heartily, the sincerity in his eyes indiscernible. his expression and words were filled with a sense of closeness.


    ¡°now that i see you, you¡¯re indeed an outstanding hero.¡±


    however, human nature decided that one couldn¡¯t look at good and evil on the surface. hence, xu qing naturally wouldn¡¯t have a good impression of him just from a few words. he shook his head.


    ¡°it¡¯s due to the protection of the ruler. i¡¯m just following the ruler and was lucky to obtain some reputation on this trip. if fellow daoist lin goes, you¡¯ll definitely be able to increase our east demon feather¡¯s reputation even more.¡±


    seeing that xu qing was speaking earnestly, lin kun¡¯s smile grew wider. he exchanged a few more pleasantries, subtly introducing some probing remarks into the conversation.


    after enduring so many trials, xu qing was adept at this kind of conversation. he responded flawlessly, not only without any slip-ups but also skillfully elevating the other person in the process.


    hence, on the surface, the two looked harmonious. under the lead of the middle-aged immortal master, they walked toward the immortal arts hall together.


    on the way, looking at the marks of spells on the immortal arts hall, lin kun smiled and looked at xu qing.


    ¡°brother xue chenzi, during the time you were in the west demon feather, a few major events happened in this place.¡±


    ¡°the disciple of the former great immortal master, yue dong, returned and wanted to fight for the position of the great immortal master. she was stopped by many elders of the immortal arts hall, leading to numerous conflicts.¡±


    ¡°yue dong is also quite resourceful and charismatic. not only did she win over the support of some immortal masters, but she also brought in external help at the critical moment. she brought in the eldest grandson of the yun family¡¯s current generation who killed many elders for her.¡±


    ¡°originally, the situation seemed to be developing toward yue dong¡¯s victory and her eventual promotion to great immortal master. however, unexpectedly, at the last moment, the great elder of the immortal arts hall, who had been in seclusion for many years, emerged and took decisive action. he suppressed all sides, captured yue dong, and settled the matter.¡±


    lin kun spoke as he moved forward. at the same time, he observed xu qing¡¯s expression.


    upon hearing yue dong¡¯s name, xu qing¡¯s eyes turned cold.


    lin kun chuckled.


    ¡°i¡¯ve also heard about the enmity between you and yue dong. although you aren¡¯t going to be doing it personally, witnessing her demise firsthand should, 1 believe, provide you with some clarity.¡±


    xu qing shook his head.


    ¡°i hope that yue dong can win, so that i can kill her personally in the future. relying on others¡¯ power ultimately does not align with my heart.¡±


    lin kun nodded and understood xu qing¡¯s words. if it was him, he would also want the same.


    it was fine if he was powerless to take revenge on the enemy, but since he had the power to take revenge, he would naturally kill them personally. that way, it would be even more satisfying.


    as they spoke, under the lead of the middle-aged immortal master, they passed through a long corridor in the immortal arts hall. when they appeared, they were already in a vast circular square.


    this square was majestic. countless ancient mutated beasts were carved in the surroundings and there were also portraits of heroes of the various races who had performed meritorious deeds with immortal arts during the ancient sovereign mystic nether era.


    as for the person in midair, they were suspended in a ¡®x¡¯ shape by six iron chains.


    it was yue dong.


    her hair was disheveled and she was motionless. her entire body was covered in blood and she looked extremely miserable.


    moreover, from the looks of it, it looked like her blood was about to run dry.


    her aura was almost indistinct.


    there were ten huge chairs floating around her.


    every one of them was made of immortal jade and shone with resplendent light like ten suns.


    at this moment, six of them already had cultivators present.


    among them, there were men and women. all of their cultivation levels were at the soul accumulation nine worlds.


    they all represented different ruler mountains.


    when xu qing and lin kun appeared, the gazes of the six people instantly gathered. their main focus¡­ was xu qing.


    what each of them truly thought was known only to themselves. as for what they showed outwardly, unless they had a purpose to deliberately reveal it, they either behaved as usual or nodded in acknowledgment.


    xu qing was the same. after receiving the attention of the six people, he flew up with lin kun and landed on his seat.


    xu qing was in the tenth seat.


    the moment he sat down, he looked at yue dong, who was hanging in the air.


    with just a glance, xu qing knew that erniu was fine.


    this was because in his impression, erniu¡¯s blood was endless.


    how could he look like he was about to lose all his blood?


    ¡®is eldest senior brother pretending to be weak on purpose?¡¯


    ¡®or maybe he wants to borrow someone else¡¯s power?¡¯


    ¡®no matter what, the goal of such a situation should be to make a reversal at the most critical moment.¡¯


    ¡®the prerequisite to do this is to make that grand elder of the immortal arts hall completely believe his judgment and think that he has no chance of turning the tables.¡¯


    ¡®it¡¯s a pity that i don¡¯t know the details. i wonder how eldest senior brother will accomplish this.¡¯


    just as xu qing was in deep thought, yue dong¡¯s body trembled slightly. she seemed to have sensed something and wanted to wake up from her unconsciousness. however, it was obvious that the seriousness of her injuries caused her to lack the strength to even open her eyes.


    as time passed bit by bit, when the representatives of the last two rulers arrived and sat down, the main character of this ceremony walked over step by step from the void above the square.


    this was an old man wearing a black robe with a head full of white hair. his entire body was withered and he looked like a skeleton.


    the strange thing was that there were several phantoms behind him, representing his middle-aged, youthful, and adolescent selves.


    he held a huge staff and his entire body emitted an astonishing aura, giving xu qing the feeling that it was as vast as the sea.


    different from the soul accumulation cultivators he had encountered, this old man emitted dense immortal art fluctuations.


    his arrival instantly caused the hall to fall silent. everyone, including xu qing, stared over.


    ¡°according to the ancient agreement, the appearance of every great immortal master of the immortal arts hall has to be witnessed by all the ruler mountains.¡±


    ¡°therefore, we invited you all.¡±


    the black-robed old man spoke hoarsely. after he finished speaking, he waved the staff in his hand and pointed at yue dong, who was hanging in the air.


    ¡°yue dong, i¡¯ve invited all parties here to witness the ceremony of the great immortal master and the refinement of the six thieves immortal art.


    everyone, please take out your tokens and allow my immortal arts hall to begin the immortal refinement ceremony!¡±

 Chapter 1515 - Chapter 1515: Ancient Giant Sins

    chapter 1515: ancient giant sins


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    in the east demon feather immortal arts hall, the black-robed great elder¡¯s voice was like metal rubbing against each other, spreading throughout the entire square.


    moreover, his voice seemed to overlap. this was because it wasn¡¯t just the old him who spoke. the middle-aged, youthful, and adolescent selves behind him were all speaking as well.


    this scene was very bizarre.


    it could be seen that although this great elder didn¡¯t have the inheritance immortal art of the six thieves delusions, the immortal art he grasped was also astonishing.


    after he finished speaking, the staff in his hand struck the void below.


    the sound of a bell instantly rang out and echoed.


    it was like thunder but also seemed to contain the roars of all living beings, forming an overwhelming force that distorted the void and blurred the surroundings, stirring up vast might.


    there was also a rumbling sound on the ground of the square that the staff pointed to. a huge vortex suddenly appeared there.


    it continued to spin, forming a black hole that pointed to an unknown place.


    this scene caused the representatives of the various ruler mountains to stare. although xu qing¡¯s expression was calm, a deep look appeared in his eyes. the other nine envoys were also deep in thought. clearly, they had a new understanding of this great elder who had come out of seclusion not long ago. ¡°everyone, in accordance with the ancient agreement, please take out your tokens and allow my immortal arts hall to raise the immortal refining cauldron!¡±


    the great elder raised his head and looked at everyone.


    everyone fell silent. after looking at each other, the envoy from the fifth ruler mountain raised his hand. immediately, a token flew out and floated above his head, shining.


    next was the representatives of the other ruler mountains. all of them had tokens flying out.


    according to the agreement between the immortal arts hall and the ruler mountains, the immortal arts hall was in principle controlled by the ruler mountains. hence, every grand immortal master of every generation needed the consent of the ruler mountains.


    this was especially so for the ancient treasure of the immortal arts hall, the immortal refining cauldron. there were even more restrictions. only the rulers¡¯ tokens could activate it.


    after all, this ancient treasure had an extraordinary origin and was the only one in the entire demon feather holy land.


    it was also where the authority and orthodoxy of the east demon feather back then was located. even though the east demon feather immortal arts hall was on the decline now, no matter how the west demon feather immortal arts hall schemed to get this treasure, it was to no avail.


    although the east demon feather immortal arts hall was restrained, in reality, the various rulers fully respected the internal affairs of the immortal arts hall and almost never interfered.


    hence, after the other envoys raised their tokens, xu qing thought about it and also took out the token.


    when the ten tokens appeared, the flickering light gathered into a sea of light that fused into the vortex below.


    this caused the vortex to instantly be filled with various colors. as it dazzled, the rumbling sound was even more astonishing than before. as it continuously echoed, an item rose from the vortex.


    the first thing that was revealed was a skull!


    there was no flesh and blood, only bones, emitting an astonishing ferocity.


    after that, there was a thousand-foot-long lid¡­


    next was a huge cauldron.


    finally, what appeared in everyone¡¯s eyes was a thousand-foot-long cauldron!


    this cauldron was white and was actually made of bones. the surface of the cauldron was engraved with countless ancient runes. as the entire cauldron churned with ferocity, it also felt like time was flowing on it.


    the moment it was completely revealed, it was as though an ancient wind had blown an unwilling and crazy roar into the main world.


    it attracted everyone¡¯s attention and moved them.


    among the people here, only a few had seen this immortal refining cauldron rise many years ago. as for the others, although they had heard of the legend of this cauldron, this was the first time they had seen it with their own eyes.


    xu qing also couldn¡¯t take his eyes off it. however, the focus of his gaze was on the skull.


    the more he looked at it, the more he felt that¡­ it looked familiar!


    xu qing¡¯s heart stirred. just as an unbelievable thought rose in his mind, an envoy slowly spoke.


    ¡°great elder, is this cauldron one of the six bone cauldrons personally forged by the immortal arts great emperor?¡±


    when the great elder of the immortal arts hall heard this, he nodded slowly as a dark glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°the immortal arts great emperor is a human and chose to be forgotten by history later on, causing the world to not know his name, even we, the immortal arts lineage, have no idea.¡±


    ¡°however, my immortal arts lineage will definitely not forget the deeds of the great emperor.¡±


    ¡°this cauldron is one of the six bone cauldrons refined by the great emperor who founded the immortal arts when the ancient sovereign mystic nether fought in wanggu in the early years. he personally killed the six giant sins at that time and used their bones as materials!¡±


    ¡°this skull is a giant sin skull that was refined.¡±


    ¡°as for this bone cauldron in front of you, its race is unknown. according to rumors, this giant sin looks like a human but also doesn¡¯t seem to be a human.¡± ¡°there are ancient ruins left behind in my immortal arts hall. it describes that the cultivation of this cauldron¡¯s giant sin is monstrous and is comparable to a great emperor. in particular, its madness intimidates the surroundings. its greed is heinous.¡±


    ¡°back then, while the ancient sovereign mystic nether was fighting against the myriad races, this sin infiltrated the myriad races and stole all kinds of treasures. this was especially so for the last time. this sin actually wanted to steal the crown of the ancient sovereign mystic nether. after he failed, the mystic nether was furious and sent the immortal art great emperor to pursue him.¡±


    ¡°after that, it was lured by the peerless array formation set up by the immortal art great emperor and was killed.¡±


    ¡°if you refine this greedy cauldron, you can use the greed of this cauldron to refine an immortal art.¡±


    the voice of the first elder of the immortal arts hall echoed in everyone¡¯s ears, causing the expressions of the envoys to change.


    although they knew of the existence of this cauldron, this was the first time they had heard of such a specific origin.


    as for xu qing¡­


    a strange feeling rose in his heart and that unbelievable guess became increasingly intense. hence, his gaze rose from the cauldron¡¯s skull and looked at yue dong, who was hanging in the air.


    ¡®could it be that eldest senior brother¡¯s goal¡­ is this cauldron?¡¯


    while xu qing was pondering, the great elder raised his hands after introducing the bone cauldron.


    ¡°in the name of the great immortal master, i will conscript the ruler mountains¡¯ tokens of the ten directions. now, i activate the bone cauldron to refine the traitor yue dong into a¡­ six thieves immortal pill!¡±


    ¡°cauldron, burn!¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, the huge bone cauldron instantly buzzed and vibrated.


    the white lake where the immortal arts hall was located churned at this moment. it actually transformed from the lake water into a white sea of fire. as for this fire, it gathered and surged into the immortal arts hall, the square, and the bone cauldron.


    it was burning fiercely.


    this scene was majestic, and the eyes of the immortal arts hall¡¯s great elder gleamed. he pointed his staff and shouted.


    ¡°cauldron, open!¡±


    in an instant, the lid of the cauldron emitted an even louder sound and slowly opened to the side. endless flames erupted from the cauldron, enveloping yue dong, who was hanging above.


    the iron chains around yue dong¡¯s body instantly melted in the flames.


    hence, yue dong¡¯s body fell and was swept up by the flames, swallowed into the cauldron!


    xu qing hesitated and resisted the urge to attack. he chose to believe in his eldest senior brother.


    at the same time, the great elder of the immortal arts hall also arrived above the cauldron with a step. his black robe swelled. under the gazes of everyone, he took a deep breath and lifted his left hand, grabbing at the middle-aged man behind him.


    with this grab, the middle-aged man¡¯s figure directly shattered. his flesh and blood transformed into a gust of wind that landed in the great elder¡¯s hand. ¡°draw from the wind of shattered stars within the cosmos, and use it to destroy her body!¡±


    the wind¡¯s appearance caused howling sounds in the surroundings .it contained terrifying power that caused everyone to focus their gazes at it.


    the great elder waved his left hand and the wind of the shattered stars flew into the cauldron.


    the cauldron rumbled.


    at this moment, with the cauldron open, everyone could see that yue dong, who was inside, was being torn to pieces by the wind of the shattered stars. after that, the youthful self behind the great elder also shattered under his grab, and its flesh and blood turned into black liquid.


    ¡°take the undying water in the black hell and fuse it with your soul!¡±


    this black water landed in the cauldron.


    yue dong¡¯s destroyed body was splattered by the black water. her expression instantly distorted, as though she was enduring unimaginable pain.


    it was the pain of her soul melting.


    xu qing¡¯s expression darkened. after staring at it carefully, he still held it in.


    the great elder¡¯s ritual continued. he had clearly prepared for this day for a long time.


    he used the flesh and blood of different selves transformed from his immortal art to carry immortal refinement materials.


    as he used them, the adolescent self¡¯s body behind him collapsed.


    it transformed into a roar.


    ¡°i¡¯ll use the roar of unwillingness from ancient times to call the immortal!¡±


    this roar entered the cauldron.


    yue dong trembled. the threads of seven emotions and six desires turned from invisible to tangible and were forcefully summoned.


    the staff in the great elder¡¯s withered hand shone with lightning.


    in an instant, the staff shattered into pieces, spilling out flesh and blood.


    this staff was actually formed from the flesh of the great elder¡¯s immortal art.


    at that moment, all his flesh and blood transformed into lightning that headed straight for the cauldron.


    ¡°take the eternal lightning in the chaos and condense it into a seal!¡±


    this wasn¡¯t the end. the great elder¡¯s eyes revealed madness as he used his last move.


    it was still fire!


    the ground trembled and eight scales flew out of the vortex of the cauldron. each of them had shining patterns that looked the same but the color they emitted was different.


    when combined, they formed eight colors.


    after the seven colors, there was an additional black color!


    coupled with the white fire on the white lake, there were a total of nine colors.


    when the nine multiple colored fires entered the cauldron, its burning momentum instantly soared!


    this was the immortal snatching fire. it had an ancient origin and was used to punish traitors in the immortal arts hall.


    as for the great elder¡¯s ritual, it was wind, rain, lightning, and fire!


    now that everything was completed, he raised his right hand.


    ¡°cauldron, close!¡±


    he wanted to close the bone cauldron and begin the final refinement.


    when xu qing saw this, even though he was originally very sure that eldest senior brother was doing this on purpose, he was still a little uncertain now. everything seemed real.


    ¡®i can¡¯t let this great elder continue!¡¯


    xu qing made up his mind and was about to attack.


    however, at this moment, a shocking change suddenly occurred!


    in the cauldron that was about to close, the remaining head of yue dong that had been refined suddenly opened its eyes.


    his eyes revealed monstrous madness.


    ¡°old thing, i¡¯ve been waiting for this moment!¡±


    as yue dong spoke, she actually spat out a mouthful of blood.


    this blood didn¡¯t come from yue dong but from the great elder.


    it was secretly obtained by yue dong during her battle with the great elder.


    now, with this blood added to the flesh of the middle-aged, youthful, and the adolescent selves, along with the flesh from the great elder¡¯s staff¡­


    at that moment, in this cauldron, it was equivalent to having five items related to the great elder.


    this compounded a secret technique of erniu!


    ruthless dao of great five bulls tracing the origin


    this secret art could drag the other party in front of him!


    at the next instant, a vortex formed in the cauldron. with a rumbling sound, the suction force increased greatly. at the same time, the cauldron¡¯s skull shone with a dark light, as though it was resonating and augmenting it.


    hence, outside the cauldron, the instant the expression of the immortal arts hall¡¯s great elder changed, his body suddenly disappeared under the enhancement of the secret art.


    when he appeared¡­ he was in the cauldron!


    at the next instant, the lid of the cauldron closed!


    this scene caused waves in the hearts of everyone outside. a few envoys¡¯ expressions changed and they stood up..

 Chapter 1516 - Chapter 1516: This Is My Bone! (1)

    chapter 1516: this is my bone! (1)


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    at this moment, the bone cauldron in the square of the east demon feather immortal arts hall rumbled, surrounded by nine-colored flames, continuously erupting and burning intensely.


    the runes on the surface of the cauldron shone rapidly, causing the flames to grow larger. at the same time, the refinement¡­ officially began!


    among the envoys of the ruler mountains, three had stood up with gloomy expressions.


    as for the others, all of them were bewildered.


    this reversal was too sudden.


    they never expected that the great elder of the immortal arts hall, who had initiated the ritual, would actually fail despite having such an advantage.


    after all, if he didn¡¯t have a certain level of confidence, the great elder wouldn¡¯t have invited the various ruler mountains to bear witness.


    although it was also because of the activation of the immortal snatching ceremony that the great elder had no choice but to invite the rulier mountains, no matter what, he must have made sufficient preparations to prevent any accidents.


    however¡­ an accident still happened in the end.


    although no one knew how yue dong managed to hide it from the great elder and reversed the situation at the end, there was no doubt that the position of the great immortal master was now in suspense.


    the benefits for the various factions would change depending on who became the great immortal master.


    some were more in favor of the great elder, some in favor of yue dong, and some were neutral.


    hence, after seeing this change, the envoys of the third ruler mountain and the seventh ruler mountain, who had been in contact with the great elder before, rushed out to help.


    however, just as the two sides stood up, the envoys from the fourth ruler mountain and the sixth ruler mountain blocked their path.


    they stared at each other without saying anything. this was because their actions had already expressed their stance. hence, the intention to confront each other instantly emerged.


    the instant the four faced off, whistling sounds rang out from outside the immortal arts hall.


    a group of black-robed cultivators rushed in from the outside with some immortal masters. the person in the lead was a youth in a luxurious robe.


    this person¡¯s killing intent was intense. he led the group of cultivators behind him and fought against the immortal masters who belonged to the great elder.


    his speed was astonishing, and he quickly made way to above the bone cauldron.


    the moment he appeared, the void around him distorted and three trusted immortal masters of the great elder appeared, heading straight for the youth. these three immortal masters were all extraordinary. the moment they attacked, their strange immortal arts formed three pitch-black fangs that were surrounded by black fog as they headed straight for the luxuriously-dressed youth.


    however, the luxuriously-dressed youth was unmoved. he endured their bombardment and took out a bell, ruthlessly smashing it down on the cauldron below.


    the sound of the bell instantly echoed. the bell instantly expanded to thousands of feet in size, completely enveloping the cauldron.


    the aura it emitted swept in all directions.


    all of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in the blink of an eye.


    after the bell rang, the attacks of the three immortal masters also blasted onto the luxuriously-dressed youth¡¯s body. his body rolled back and blood spurted out. a cold voice rang out at this moment.


    ¡°this bell is the stance of my yun family!¡±


    ¡°my yun family fully supports yue dong in becoming the great immortal master!¡±


    the expressions of the immortal masters who belonged to the great elder in the surroundings were gloomy as they stared fixedly at the luxuriously-dressed youth and the others who had rushed in. the envoys from the various rules also cast their gazes over.


    ¡°cloud heaven bell!¡±


    this bell was quite famous in the east demon feather. it was a supreme treasure of the yun family, which was as famous as the lan family.


    as for the luxuriously-dressed youth, his reputation wasn¡¯t ordinary either. he was the young master of the yun family¡¯s current generation!


    at that moment, as they recognized him, the expressions of the envoys became strange.


    clearly, the matter of the yun family¡¯s young master pursuing yue dong wasn¡¯t a secret in the east demon feather. previously, this yun family¡¯s young master had helped yue dong in the immortal arts hall.


    however, no matter what, this was originally his individual decision.


    moreover, following yue dong¡¯s capture, the other party was also expelled from the immortal arts hall. but now¡­ not only did he arrive at a precise time, but he also displayed the yun family¡¯s supreme treasure.


    this was different.


    in the former, he only represented himself.


    now, he represented the yun family.


    this caused the battle for the great immortal master to be even more suspenseful.


    what really controlled this battle wasn¡¯t the yun family or the immortal masters here, but the ten ruler mountains.


    they had this authority.


    hence, a middle-aged immortal master walked out and cupped his fists and bowed to the various envoys.


    ¡°yue dong is a traitor of my immortal arts hall and this yun family¡¯s young master was also deceived. as for the yun family¡¯s support, unless the yun family¡¯s ancestor comes, my immortal arts hall won¡¯t believe it.¡±


    ¡°1 hope that all the envoys can help me resolve the chaos. in the future, my immortal arts hall will definitely repay you for your help!¡±


    hearing this person¡¯s words, the expression of the yun family¡¯s young master darkened. he also looked at the various mountain envoys and cupped his fists. everyone, this is an internal matter of the immortal arts hall. miss yue dong isn t a traitor of the immortal arts hall. as the only disciple of the previous great immortal master who has mastered the six thieves delusions immortal art, she is the proper successor.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s that great elder with ill intentions. he ignored the traditions of the immortal arts hall and wanted to become the great immortal master. he¡¯s extremely vicious!¡±


    ¡°everyone, please stick to your previous stances and don¡¯t interfere with the internal affairs of the immortal arts hall.¡±


    after the young master of the yun family finished his bow, he felt both anxious and hopeful. he knew his family all too well; the smooth process of taking the supreme treasure indicated the ancestor¡¯s stance.


    if he succeeded, the support of the yun family would be real..

 Chapter 1517 - Chapter 1517: This Is My Bone! (2)

    chapter 1517: this is my bone! (2)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    if he failed, it would be considered as him stealing the supreme treasure without permission. the yun family would completely dissociate themselves from this matter.


    hence, he looked at the rulers¡¯ envoys, especially at the envoys of the fourth and sixth rulers. this was because these two sides had chosen to support yue dong.


    the envoys of the fourth and sixth rulers were also thinking at this moment. they had already done their best by stopping the third and seventh rulers¡¯ envoys. if they spoke now, they would be doing too much.


    it would surpass their gains.


    as such, there was a slight imbalance.


    just as everyone was pondering, a deep voice rang out from the envoy of the first ruler mountain.


    ¡°fellow daoist yun, when did the yun family have a say on the matters of the immortal arts hall?¡±


    on the seat of the first ruler mountain sat an old man. this old man¡¯s eyes were closed. at this moment, although he still didn¡¯t open his eyes, his voice carried weight as it rumbled through the place.


    ¡°in the ancient agreement, matters of the immortal arts hall were to be decided jointly by the ruler mountains. our non-intervention is out of respect, but it does not mean we cannot intervene -only that we do so at necessary moments.¡±


    ¡°now, it¡¯s time. everyone, i suggest that we open the cauldron and help the great elder to calm the chaos. anyway, it¡¯s time for this farce to end.¡±


    the expression of the yun family¡¯s young master changed. as for the immortal masters under the great elder, they were excited. they knew that the authority of the first ruler mountain was extremely high.


    the other envoys were deep in thought. even the fourth and sixth rulers¡¯ envoys who were leaning toward yue dong hesitated. the scales began to tilt. everything was about to be decided.


    at this moment, xu qing¡¯s voice was like a cold wind sweeping over, echoing in the square.


    ¡°i object!¡±


    his voice instantly attracted everyone¡¯s attention.


    the old man who originally had his eyes closed suddenly opened them and looked at xu qing.


    xue chenzi had a lot of weight.


    the weight of the tenth ruler¡¯s power was even heavier.


    hence, even the heart of the old man from the tenth ruler mountain skipped a beat.


    being stared at by everyone, xu qing was calm as usual. after seeing eldest senior brother make a move, he knew that his guess was correct. all of this was done on purpose by eldest senior brother.


    he naturally couldn¡¯t let anyone ruin eldest senior brother¡¯s plan.


    ¡°before i came here, the ruler said that my tenth ruler mountain won¡¯t participate in the internal disputes of the immortal arts hall. my mountain¡­ only supports the victor!¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke. his gaze swept over and he looked at the old man from the first ruler mountain in a domineering manner, not giving in at all.


    the other ruler envoys fell silent. their gazes swept past xu qing and the old man.


    the old man from the first ruler mountain looked at xu qing and spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°i¡¯m curious. xue chenzi, you clearly have a grudge against yue dong. why are you behaving like this?¡±


    ¡°compared to personal grudges, i naturally prioritize the orders of the ruler.¡± xu qing calmly spoke. after that, his voice revealed coldness.


    ¡°also, i really hope that yue dong can become a great immortal master. that way, i¡¯ll have the satisfaction of personally killing her.¡±


    the old man from the first ruler mountain narrowed his eyes. after carefully sizing up xu qing a few times, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°if i still insist, what will you do?¡±


    when xu qing heard this, his expression didn¡¯t change at all.


    ¡°you can try.¡±


    as the three words spread out, an oppressive atmosphere instantly formed. two storms vaguely spread out from xu qing and the old man from the first ruler mountain, coming into contact with each other.


    however, it was obvious that xue chenzi¡¯s deeds in the west demon feather had spread widely, especially with the death of the west demon child which had shocked many.


    hence, in the face of xu qing¡¯s domineeringness, even the old man from the first ruler mountain felt waves in his heart.


    in the cauldron, the heart of the immortal arts hall¡¯s great elder also fluctuated.


    he had checked many times before and even destroyed yue dong¡¯s meridians, drained her blood, and set up many restrictions to ensure that nothing went wrong.


    however, he didn¡¯t expect that at the last moment, the other party would use this bizarre way to teleport him into the cauldron, turning him into a situation where he was refined together.


    he still had arrangements and had once communicated deeply with the first ruler mountain and obtained their support. he was also certain that the people outside would open the cauldron and save him very soon.


    but he understood that being rescued and escaping on his own would require different costs to be paid in the future.


    however, he was completely confident that he could escape.


    this confidence was based on his understanding and control of this bone cauldron!


    although his authority over this cauldron wasn¡¯t as high as the great immortal master¡¯s, he was confident that yue dong couldn¡¯t compare to him in terms of understanding or exploring it.


    according to the rules of the immortal arts hall, only the great immortal master and the great elder were qualified to use this cauldron.


    now that the great immortal master had died, as the great elder, he was naturally filled with confidence.


    ¡°yue dong, you don¡¯t understand this cauldron at all. from the moment you entered this place, your outcome was already decided.¡±


    ¡°so, all your schemes are meaningless.¡±


    the great elder calmly spoke and performed a series of hand seals. immediately, the cauldron trembled.


    after that, his body swayed and he headed straight up. as he performed a series of hand seals, he activated a specific immortal art to control the cauldron, wanting to seep out of the cauldron.


    the cauldron shook even more intensely and was controlled by the great elder¡¯s authority. a blurry intent appeared above and it looked like he was about to escape.


    however, at this moment, yue dong, who only had her head left, revealed a mocking smile.


    ¡°i don¡¯t understand this cauldron?¡±


    ¡°die!¡±


    erniu roared.


    in an instant, the vortex above the cauldron disappeared and countless flesh emerged out of nowhere, spreading in all directions. they completely fused the lid and the body of the cauldron together.


    moreover, they seemed to come from the same source and were inseparable.


    no matter how the great elder circulated his control over the cauldron, it was useless. it was as though his control¡­ had become a decoration!


    the great elder was instantly bewildered. previously, when he was sucked here, there were only waves in his heart. however, now the waves had become so chaotic that it could be described as a stormy sea.


    ¡°how is this possible! you¡¯re not yue dong. yue dong can¡¯t do this. you¡­ who are you?!¡±


    erniu laughed sinisterly.


    ¡°what¡¯s impossible?¡±


    ¡°the material of this cauldron originally belonged to me!¡±


    ¡°as for who i am, i already told you that i was the one who refined this cauldron. who do you think i am?¡±


    erniu¡¯s head floated up with a proud expression.


    he sighed with emotion in his heart and recalled the scene of him, his master, and xu qing seeing the statue of the immortal art great emperor in the pavilion below fenghai county.


    ¡®at that time, the old man asked me to pay my respects to this immortal art great emperor. i bow to that geezer? i will bow to anyone but him!¡¯


    ¡®it¡¯s this damned great emperor who used my third life¡¯s body to refine the cauldron back then.¡¯


    ¡®that was my third life!¡¯


    ¡®at that time, i was still very innocent and didn¡¯t know how sinister the human heart was. didn¡¯t i just borrow some treasures from the various races? didn¡¯t i just want to borrow the crown from mystic nether to play with? it¡¯s nothing much. even mystic nether didn¡¯t say anything, but this damned great emperor actually killed me.¡¯


    it¡¯s fine if he beat me to death, but he even refined my corpse into a cauldron. the worst thing is that he even embedded my skull on it. he went too far!¡¯ ¡®fortunately, i saw this cauldron from yue dong¡¯s memories. otherwise, i probably wouldn¡¯t be able to find my pitiful and innocent third-life¡¯s skeleton in my entire life.¡¯


    erniu gritted his teeth and shouted inwardly..

 Chapter 1518 - Chapter 1518: Xu Qing: You Steal Everything, Don’t You?

    chapter 1518: xu qing: you steal everything, don¡¯t you?


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    in the immortal arts hall of the east demon feather, the scene in the bone cauldron was so special that no one in the outside world could sense it. they could only see that the cauldron was shaking.


    the nine-colored fire burned intensely as the refinement continued.


    hence, the immortal masters on the grand elder¡¯s side who had the advantage earlier all looked at the first ruler mountain¡¯s envoy anxiously.


    as for the young master of the yun family, this luxuriously-dressed youth was also worried about the situation. he knew about the conflict between xue chenzi and yue dong and understood that the other party¡¯s objection might contain even greater killing intent.


    however, no matter what, at least the other party¡¯s words were beneficial to yue dong now.


    hence, he could only place his hopes on xue chenzi.


    the other envoys remained silent as they watched xu qing and the old man from the first ruler mountain.


    these two: one was a rising star recently in the spotlight, while the other was highly esteemed with long-standing credentials.


    it was the same for the tenth and first rulers behind them.


    hence, the confrontation between these two became the key point that decided everything.


    ¡°young man, this old man admires what you did at the west demon feather, but trying to pressure east demon feather with this shows a bit too much arrogance.¡±


    under everyone¡¯s gazes, the old man from the first ruler mountain calmly spoke.


    however, he sighed inwardly. he didn¡¯t want to make a move either, but he represented the ruler. it was naturally inappropriate to let the matter rest just like that.


    right now, he was in a dilemma, so he slowly stood up from his seat.


    as he stood up, the fluctuations of the perfected soul accumulation realm and the phantoms of great worlds stacked on top of him, forming an overwhelming force that rumbled in all directions.


    he took a step forward.


    with this step, the immortal arts hall shook. the weather changed and an intense pressure descended.


    xu qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. although he didn¡¯t have the confidence to defeat soul accumulation nine worlds, unless the other party was like west demon child who had a huge hidden danger.


    however, this time around, he didn¡¯t need to win and only needed to stall for time.


    hence, he also stood up. his long hair and blood-red robe fluttered in the wind. a dense blood mist spread out from his body, transforming into blood dragons that circled around his body, roaring with violence.


    at the same time, the sound divine authority also activated, and the carving knife formed by the fate divine authority emitted a chilling intent.


    black lotuses materialized around xu qing, forming an extreme defense.


    all of this caused everyone¡¯s expressions to change. the news of xue chenzi¡¯s actions in the west demon feather appeared in their minds.


    ¡°great emperor nether flame¡¯s secret art.¡±


    ¡°with just its own defense, it can resist soul accumulation nine worlds. it¡¯s difficult for anyone below the ruler realm to break through it!¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s also the death of west demon child. although the exact reason is unknown, it¡¯s obvious that xue chenzi has an astonishing trump card.¡±


    almost at the instant everyone¡¯s thoughts rose, the body of the old man from the first ruler mountain disappeared. when he reappeared, he was in the air.


    xu qing¡¯s figure also turned blurry and materialized in the air, ready to fight.


    however, at that moment, laughter rang out between the two of them.


    lin kun, the son of the fifth ruler whom xu qing had met outside, appeared between xu qing and the old man. the aura of the nine worlds erupted from his body, forming a barrier.


    ¡°can the two of you listen to me?¡±


    ¡°according to the ancient agreement, although the ruler mountains have the right to interfere and make the final decision, since ancient times, the various rulers have never exercised this right.¡±


    ¡°brother zhang, are you sure that during this time of war and with the opening of the great emperor nether flame¡¯s seclusion place imminent, you still want to represent the first ruler mountain and forcibly intervene in the immortal arts hall¡¯s matters, even as xue chenzi, the emissary of the tenth ruler, expresses his opposition?¡±


    lin kun stared at the old man from the first ruler mountain with a deep gaze. ¡°brother zhang, the consequences of this matter are very great. moreover, before i came, my father had ordered me to support the decision of the tenth ruler mountain.¡±


    ¡°so, i¡¯ll ask you to think twice.¡±


    the expression of the old man from the first ruler mountain darkened. he looked at lin kun and then at xu qing. after a moment of silence, he let out a cold snort.


    ¡°since fellow daoist lin has said so, let¡¯s forget about this matter.¡±


    with that, he returned to his seat and closed his eyes to meditate.


    this dispute ended with him stopping.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care about this. he could also tell that although the old man from the first ruler mountain looked aggressive on the surface, he actually didn¡¯t have any battle intent.


    hence, it was good that they didn¡¯t fight.


    he nodded at lin kun, who had resolved this matter.


    lin kun smiled. he had his own intentions for doing this.


    on one hand, he sensed that the old man from the first ruler mountain needed a reason to step back. hence, he provided this reason, which would benefit himself.


    on the other hand, he also used this opportunity to express his goodwill to xue chenzi.


    one act and two gains.


    at the same time, he cleverly highlighted the fifth ruler¡¯s authority in deciding the great immortal master of the immortal arts hall.


    he killed three birds with one stone.


    hence, with a smile, he and xu qing returned to their seats.


    however, this scene caused the faces of the immortal masters under the great elder to turn pale and unwillingness rose in their hearts. however, the ten ruler mountains had already reached a consensus, so they couldn¡¯t do anything.


    they could only tacitly agree.


    the yun family¡¯s young master heaved a sigh of relief and turned to look at the cauldron that was undergoing refinement in the center of the square.


    at that moment, there was much more commotion in the cauldron than in the outside world.


    faced with the cauldron being sealed shut and yuetong¡¯s severed head speaking, the great immortal master of the immortal arts hall experienced an overwhelming roar in both his mind and heart.


    he was in disbelief.


    yue dong¡¯s words had really exceeded his imagination.


    you¡­ this cauldron was refined from your bones? you¡¯re that¡­ giant sin who was killed by the immortal arts great emperor back then?¡±


    ¡°how is this possible!¡±


    the great elder panted. his first reaction was naturally disbelief, but the loss of his control over the cauldron and the fact that it had truly fused shut with flesh and blood at the other¡¯s words left him shaken.


    all of this made it impossible for him not to believe it.


    ¡°it isn¡¯t important even if what you said is true. your insufficient strength is the key. if you really had crushing strength, why would you use such methods?¡±


    a cold glint flashed in the eyes of the immortal arts hall¡¯s great elder. he understood that the truth was no longer important. what was important was¡­ how he could obtain the final victory here.


    hence, his killing intent soared to the sky.


    ¡°if i kill you, everything will be resolved!¡±


    the great elder¡¯s body swayed as he headed straight for yue dong¡¯s vigilant head.


    with his cultivation in the soul accumulation nine worlds and his bizarre immortal art, he instantly arrived beside yue dong¡¯s head.


    no matter how the head flew away, it was meaningless. the great elder ruthlessly struck it.


    with a boom, yue dong¡¯s head directly shattered into pieces.


    however, the expression of the great elder became even gloomier.


    this was because¡­ after yue dong¡¯s head collapsed, the scattered flesh and blood instantly gathered together again and the head¡­ reappeared.


    however, it no longer looked like yue dong but erniu.


    old thing, you have no hope of killing me in your life!¡±


    the great elder didn¡¯t say a word and attacked again. this time, he used an immortal art.


    a strange gray hand appeared in front of erniu and stretched in, piercing through the head as though it was taking away erniu¡¯s soul.


    as for the remaining flesh and blood, they instantly corroded and turned into black water droplets.


    however¡­ in the blink of an eye, a blue worm flew out of the black water and exploded in mid-air, turning into blood mist. after it gathered, erniu¡¯s head appeared again.


    however, his face was clearly pale.


    however, his shouts became even more arrogant.


    f*ck you. come, come, come. let¡¯s see whether you will kill me or i kill you first!¡±


    ¡°let¡¯s see whose life is tougher!¡±


    you covet my immortal art? let me tell you clearly, your immortal arts¡ªi¡¯m taking them!¡±


    ¡°i won¡¯t learn immortal arts bit by bit. i will directly refine you and eat your immortal arts in one go.¡±


    erniu roared.


    the anxiety in the heart of the great elder grew increasingly intense. this was because the refinement in this cauldron was effective on him now.


    hence, he attacked again without hesitation. however, every time erniu¡¯s head collapsed, the other party would strangely form again. no matter what he did, it only made the face of the head formed by erniu turn paler and paler.


    the other party was like a monster that couldn¡¯t be truly killed no matter what.


    moreover, during this gap, erniu¡¯s trump cards were also being displayed crazily.


    you use wind, rain, lightning, and fire; i¡¯ll use metal, wood, water, fire, and earth!¡±


    ¡°summoning the eternal icy water from my previous life!¡±


    erniu roared and spat out a large mouthful of blue ice water that landed in the cauldron, causing the refinement of the cauldron to be even more intense.


    the great elder gasped and intense anxiety appeared on his face as he attempted to kill again.


    amidst the rumbling, erniu revived and roared.


    ¡°summoning the inextinguishable fire of life from my present life!¡±


    with a bang, erniu shattered again. after he formed again, he shouted.


    ¡°summoning the coffin that contained the corpse of the northern emperor!¡±


    ¡°summoning the soil that buried the northern emperor of the immortal world!¡±


    every time he opened his mouth, he would spit out an item. as the fire of life descended, the coffin wood and the soil that buried the emperor caused the refinement might of this cauldron to becoming terrifying.


    after all, these four items were each extraordinary, encompassing past lives and the present. using the northern emperor¡¯s coffin and soil to enhance the refining process elevated its power to an earth-shattering level.


    even someone as powerful as the great elder¡¯s body began to burn and his soul was being tormented. at this critical moment of life and death, his killing intent reached its limit and attacked erniu again.


    erniu collapsed and gathered again. the madness in his eyes also reached the peak and he let out a hysterical roar.


    ¡°fire, water, earth, and wood are here, now 1 only lack metal!¡±


    ¡°summoning the bone metal imbued with great karma, and harness the power of endless karma to break your immortal art¡¯s edge!¡±


    erniu let out a deafening roar and spat out a bone the size of a fingernail. this bone was golden in color. the moment it appeared, it shone with a dazzling golden light. the karmic power inside was incomparably dense and erupted completely.


    the great elder¡¯s expression changed drastically.


    as for erniu, other than being crazy and weakened, he was also smug.


    ¡°this is a metal treasure refined from the bones of my junior brother, who self-destructed in the human imperial capital years ago. his spiritual energy burned, and his flesh was consumed, ultimately leading to the complete fragmentation of his bones to produce this bone!¡±


    ¡°i secretly took it away back then.. today¡­ i¡¯ll use it deal with you!¡±

 Chapter 1519 - Chapter 1519: Flashy

    chapter 1519: flashy


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    on the square of the immortal arts hall, xu qing, who was sitting there, frowned slightly. he sensed his surroundings and his gaze finally landed on the bone cauldron.


    at that instant earlier, for some reason, a strange feeling rose in his heart. it was as though something that belonged to him had appeared.


    however, the feeling was blurry.


    it was also difficult to sense the source.


    ¡®what¡¯s going on?¡¯


    xu qing pondered.


    he couldn¡¯t figure it out no matter how he thought about it, so he buried this matter in his mind and continued to stare at the cauldron.


    ¡®eldest senior brother should be succeeding soon. i wonder what method he is using to reverse refine that great elder.¡¯


    ¡®this cauldron should be the key.¡¯


    after this matter is over, the date of the empress opening great emperor nether flame¡¯s seclusion place will be approaching.¡¯


    a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    he was aware that his cultivation realm was stopped by this body. for this, he had thought of many ways. right now, there were only two ways that could work.


    one was the white dust he had prepared and the wish mask.


    however, this was an alternative method.


    the second was the opportunity to increase his cultivation in the great emperor¡¯s seclusion place.


    ¡°i hope that the great emperor¡¯s seclusion place really has nutrients that can allow me to break through!¡±


    ¡°if it still doesn¡¯t work, then after leaving the demon feather holy land, i have to return to the nanhuang continent immediately to enter seclusion. i will rely on the wish mask to condense a clone and use the white dust to erase the karma.¡±


    with such thoughts in mind, time slowly passed.


    in the square, just like xu qing, regardless of whether it was the envoys or those immortal masters, they were all staring at the cauldron with different thoughts.


    anxiety slowly rose in the hearts of the immortal masters from both sides.


    some hoped that the great elder would succeed, while others hoped that yue dong would win.


    regardless of who succeeded in the end, it would represent¡­ that the east demon feather immortal arts hall had chosen this generation¡¯s great immortal master.


    the sense of anxiety inside the cauldron was even more intense than outside.


    the great elder was anxious, struggling, and roaring while continuing to attack erniu.


    erniu¡¯s head collapsed and gathered again and again. he was equally anxious.


    however, his anxiety revealed more madness.


    ¡°i¡¯ll kill you, i¡¯ll kill you, i¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    erniu gritted his teeth.


    the five elemental substances¡ªmetal, wood, water, fire, and earth¡ªthat he spat out were melting and enhancing the refining process. meanwhile, under his will, the entire cauldron was intensely boiling and burning from within.


    the intent of refinement became more and more astonishing.


    to the great elder, this was a life-and-death situation.


    he gradually couldn¡¯t hold on any longer.


    especially when erniu used all kinds of ancient methods. regardless of whether they were useful or not, he took them all out.


    there were some ancient incantations that even the great elder didn¡¯t understand and was shaken.


    for example, at this moment, he had already shattered the other party dozens of times in a row. moreover, the bones and dust were scattered, and his flesh and blood were destroyed. however, they still gathered and formed erniu who let out a crazy roar.


    ¡°the great dao was born naturally, from the limitless to the ultimate. the dao is hidden in the formless, from the ultimate to the heavens and earth. the dao manifests in the tangible, hence¡­ the intention of the dao, come to my being!¡±


    as erniu chanted an ancient incantation, a mysterious power instantly appeared in the cauldron.


    just as the great elder¡¯s heart was shaken, this mysterious intent instantly disappeared, as though it was an illusion.


    it was as though the person chanting the incantation didn¡¯t have the strength to display it. or perhaps¡­ had incanted wrongly.


    ¡°this isn¡¯t working? it¡¯s fine, 1 still have more!¡±


    erniu¡¯s expression distorted as he let out another low roar.


    ¡°from yin and yang arise the five elements; within the five elements, one nature is conceived. this nature, governed by creation, takes form to establish heaven and earth. thus, the human body is understood. this is the refining of the five elements. refine for me!¡±


    erniu roared.


    at the next instant, a different mysterious intent appeared again. the great elder¡¯s heart rumbled again, and even the premonition of death appeared in his mind.


    however, very soon, the intent dissipated.


    the grand elder¡¯s face turned pale, and his heart pounded with fear. his doubts about the true origins of this enemy had greatly diminished, and he now believed that the enemy was very likely indeed the giant sin.


    only with this identity could he shout out such an ancient incantation that he had never heard of but vaguely contained terrifying might.


    ¡°i can¡¯t let him continue!!¡±


    the great elder gritted his teeth fiercely. as he resisted the refinement from the cauldron, he quickly stepped forward and attacked erniu.


    amidst the rumbling, erniu¡¯s head collapsed.


    when he formed again, his declining state was also revealed.


    after all, his recovery after the collapse wasn¡¯t infinite. at this moment, the gathering speed was getting slower and slower.


    however, the degree of madness soared.


    ¡°i don¡¯t believe it, old thing. let¡¯s see if i¡¯ll kill you first or if i¡¯ll refine you first!¡±


    erniu roared. during the intervals between life and death, his voice rang out intermittently and heart-rendingly.


    ¡°radiant and resplendent, the sun rises in the east. those who hear this curse shall die; those who encounter it shall perish!¡±


    although the incantation was poisonous, it was¡­ ineffective.


    ¡°one severs the path of the heavenly plague, two severs the gate of the earthly plague, three severs the road of humanity, four severs the door of spirits, five severs¡­¡±


    ¡°call upon the stars in the morning, summon the immortals at dusk. the divine turtle embodies virtue, commanding thousands of spirits. left and right assistants, stand before the altar. follow my command and go¡­ f*ck, 1 forgot the rest!¡±


    ¡°dim and obscure, heaven and earth are born together. dispersed, they become energy; gathered, they take form. ancestor of the five elements, essence of the six shells!¡±


    as erniu went crazy, rumbling sounds continued to ring out from the cauldron. mystical intents would appear one moment and disappear the next. it was the same for the feeling of killing and the might of refining.


    this method had already tortured the great elder¡¯s mind to the extreme.


    he even suspected that this damn person in front of him was doing this on purpose.


    as for the refinement of the cauldron, it became increasingly intense. it burned his body, his soul, and everything else.


    ¡°damn it, why hasn¡¯t the first ruler mountain opened the cauldron?!¡±


    the great elder was anxious. his hair was disheveled and his eyes were red as he rushed toward erniu again.


    erniu stared fixedly at the great elder and let out a wild roar.


    ¡°the art of the fallen fang clan, the way of heaven ends. three and five become one, sun and moon together perish!¡±


    ¡°dark night, i summon the messenger of death. descend into this cauldron, devour the flesh before me!¡±


    ¡°moon flame divine technique, those who see me shall be blind, those who hear me shall be deaf!¡±


    ¡°the dao of ghosts is ancient, further from the divine, closer to spirits. now i recall my true name, so let it be known. first, knowing the ghost¡¯s name, evil dares not approach; second, shouting the ghost¡¯s name, all spirits shall vanish, including heavenly and earthly ghosts; third, calling the ghost¡¯s name, ten thousand ghosts heed the command!¡±


    ¡°ancient spirit race¡¯s method, enter the obscurity, spread the path with breath. anyone who dares to scheme against me shall suffer its consequences.¡±


    ¡°i possess a decree: favor to those who are loyal, enmity to those who are treacherous. those who fall under the latter shall undoubtedly face death!¡±


    erniu went crazy.


    at this critical moment, he used all the incantations he could remember. this included dao techniques, divine techniques, immortal arts, nonhuman race techniques, and even ghost techniques.


    there were also the methods he had secretly developed.


    now that it had erupted all at once, the shock and torture it brought to the great elder of the immortal arts hall was incomparably intense.


    the rumbling continued in the cauldron. the great elder¡¯s breathing was hurried and there was even a moment when confusion rose in his heart.


    this was because he had never encountered such an opponent in his entire life¡­


    if all these spells were effective, it would be fine, but some of them were actually ineffective. however, when he let his guard down, suddenly one of them became effective.


    it was impossible to guard against and extremely exhausting.


    at that moment, erniu¡¯s voice was still echoing.


    ¡°green represents the eastern wood, red represents the southern fire, white represents the western metal, black represents the northern water. metal, wood, water, and fire correspond to the four seasons¡¯ winds, combined into a cauldron, with earth added in the center.¡±


    ¡°refine! refine! refine!¡±


    ¡°refine for me!!¡±


    the nine-colored fire in the cauldron instantly soared. after adding erniu¡¯s eternal fire, it became ten-colored and churned with a terrifying momentum.


    as the flames swept out, erniu¡¯s head burned on its own without needing the great elder to do anything. the great elder also let out a wail as his flesh continued to disintegrate.


    however, erniu was laughing wildly.


    ¡°want to refine me? come, come, come! in my lifetime, i haven¡¯t seen many who are braver than me!¡±


    ten hours later.


    in the square and outside the cauldron, when anxiety filled the minds of the yun family¡¯s young master and the immortal masters, and when their respective uneasiness and killing intent were about to rise again¡­


    the cauldron that continued to tremble suddenly emitted a deafening boom.


    as soon as this sound rang out, the envoys from the various ruler mountains, who had their eyes closed while waiting, immediately opened their eyes and focused their gazes.


    xu qing was among them. there was a hint of anticipation in his eyes. the instant he looked over¡­ the rumbling of the cauldron became even more intense.


    at the next instant, the lid of the cauldron was suddenly lifted.


    ten-colored flames erupted from within and headed straight for the dome above the square. they gathered there and formed a fire vortex that spread in all directions.


    at the same time, a blurry figure slowly rose into the air from the open cauldron!


    the moment he completely walked out, his blurry state turned clear. it was yue dong, who was wearing a long red dress!


    her long hair fluttered in the wind and she looked extremely beautiful. the flames in the surroundings seemed to be dancing for her.


    all the immortal masters in the surroundings were incomparably shocked. this was because they saw that behind yue dong, the middle-aged, youthful, and adolescent selves of the great elder appeared.


    as for the great elder¡¯s main body, there was no sign of it.


    it was as though he had been devoured and replaced by yue dong!


    at this moment, yue dong opened her eyes.


    the instant she opened her eyes, everyone¡¯s emotions were like the strings of a zither, plucked by an invisible force.


    that was the six thieves delusions immortal art!


    as the emotions spread, yue dong coldly waved her right hand. immediately, the cauldron below rose into the air and became smaller and smaller. finally, it became the size of a fist and floated on yue dong¡¯s right hand, rotating slowly.


    the pressure was spreading.


    xu qing¡¯s heart calmed down. at the same time, he confirmed that the cauldron should have some connection with his eldest senior brother¡¯s previous life. he was about to retract his gaze when he suddenly frowned and stared at yue dong¡¯s forehead.


    although everything was normal there, xu qing kept feeling that there was something extremely familiar hidden there.


    it was as though they came from the same source.


    at that moment, the yun family¡¯s young master took a deep breath. his eyes were gentle and filled with infatuation. he immediately bowed to yue dong and spoke loudly.


    ¡°greetings, great immortal master!¡±


    the immortal masters who supported yue dong also came back to their senses. all of them bowed excitedly. yue dong¡¯s success meant that they would be the dominating power in the immortal arts hall.


    as for the immortal masters who belonged to the great elder, they felt bitter now and understood that the situation was set. hence, they had no choice but to lower their heads and greet her as well.


    only the ten envoys didn¡¯t need to bow. however, out of respect for the new great immortal master, everyone stood up and nodded slightly at yue dong. yue dong slowly spoke.


    ¡°thank you all for coming to witness the ceremony. now that the formalities are over, please feel free to go as you wish.¡±


    ¡°however, it would be best if one person stayed behind.¡±


    her gaze swept over and finally landed on xu qing. a hint of coldness rose in her eyes.


    ¡°xue chenzi, it¡¯s time to settle the matter between us.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, his expression was calm. he glanced at yue dong¡¯s forehead and calmly spoke.


    ¡°i was thinking the same thing..¡±

 Chapter 1520 - Chapter 1520: Back Then, You Self-Destructed…

    chapter 1520: back then, you self-destructed¡­


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    as xu qing spoke, a murderous intent spread out from his body. it was as though a cold wind swept across the square, scattering the coldness in everyone¡¯s hearts.


    regardless of their previous standpoint, since yue dong was in charge now, the immortal masters here naturally shared a common enemy and revealed hostility toward xu qing.


    killing intent rose in the yun family¡¯s young master¡¯s heart as well. he wouldn¡¯t allow anyone to hurt yue dong.


    the envoys had long heard of the grudge between xue chenzi and yue dong. there was no reason for them to interfere in this. moreover, they didn¡¯t think that the two sides would really fight to the death here.


    at most, they would have a battle.


    in addition, even if life and death were to be decided, it would have nothing to


    do with them.


    hence, after yue dong finished speaking, the envoy from the first ruler


    mountain left first while looking gloomy.


    the other envoys also left. the last to leave was lin kun from the fifth ruler mountain.


    before he left, his gaze landed on xu qing.


    after xu qing nodded slightly, lin kun smiled and walked out of the immortal


    arts hall.


    as the various parties left, xu qing was the only envoy left. facing the hostility of these immortal masters and the yun family¡¯s young master, xu qing s expression was as calm as ever.


    a cold glint flashed in yue dong¡¯s eyes as she calmly spoke.


    ¡°you guys can leave too. you¡¯re not allowed to enter without my orders.¡±


    the immortal masters here lowered their heads. despite their inner thoughts, they had to comply with yue dong¡¯s decree, so they all stepped back.


    only the young master of the yun family didn¡¯t leave. instead, he walked toward yue dong, looking like he wanted to confront xu qing with her.


    even erniu felt helpless against this person.


    the other party¡­ had given him too much.


    whether it be due to the items or help, erniu felt that it wasn¡¯t good to treat


    him coldly. hence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°this is a private matter between xue chenzi and me.¡±


    the yun family¡¯s young master stopped in his tracks. after seeing yue dong s determination, he took a deep breath and chose to respect her.


    ¡°alright, i¡¯ll be outside. dong¡­ you just have to shout and 1¡¯11 come in immediately.¡±


    his gaze was filled with ferocity as he stared at xu qing. only then did he leave reluctantly.


    when xu qing saw this scene, a strange feeling rose in his heart. after the yun family¡¯s young master left, only he and yue dong were left here. moreover, after yue dong raised her hand and set up an isolation barrier¡­ the strange feeling in xu qing¡¯s heart surfaced on his face.


    ¡°little qing, what kind of expression is that!¡±


    noticing the expression on xu qing¡¯s face, an awkward feeling rose in erniu¡¯s heart as he glared.


    xu qing shook his head.


    ¡°it¡¯s nothing. congratulations, eldest senior brother, for snatching the east demon feather immortal arts hall and becoming the great immortal master!¡±


    as xu qing spoke, he cupped his fists and bowed.


    seeing xu qing like this, erniu didn¡¯t care about his previous expression. at this moment, his heart was filled with pride and smugness as he lifted his chin.


    ¡°your eldest senior brother is merely testing the waters. the position of great immortal master is something i don¡¯t really care about.¡±


    although he said that, his expression and the way he lifted his chin told xu


    qing¡­ come and praise me more.


    xu qing knew erniu¡¯s thoughts very well. hence, after his gaze swept across the other party¡¯s forehead, he thought about it and spoke softly.


    ¡°looking across the entire east demon feather, countless people desire to become the great immortal master, but they can only look up in awe, unable to achieve it.¡±


    ¡°from this, it can be seen how outstanding eldest senior brother is. no one can compare to you in the demon feather holy land.¡±


    upon hearing this, erniu burst with joy. to him, being praised by xu qing was incomparably comfortable.


    seeing this, xu qing glanced at erniu¡¯s forehead and continued to speak.


    ¡°after all, that great elder is a soul accumulation expert. in particular, wind, rain, lightning, and fire elements are quite powerful¡­¡±


    at this point, xu qing deliberately paused and looked at erniu.


    erniu spoke proudly and disdainfully.


    ¡°that¡¯s nothing. mine is even more impressive. that old thing uses wind, rain, lightning, and fire, while i use metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. every one of the five elements is a supreme treasure!¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought and continued without showing anything.


    ¡°i think eldest senior brother should have used the five elements wood to


    become the key for the fusion and refinement.¡±


    erniu sneered with a knowledgeable posture.


    ¡°you don¡¯t understand, right? wood won¡¯t do. i mainly used metal!


    ¡°metal?¡± xu qing shook his head and put on a questioning expression.


    seeing xu qing¡¯s doubts, erniu couldn¡¯t help but speak.


    ¡°little qing, you¡¯re ignorant. the metal i used isn¡¯t simple. when you


    self-destructed back then¡­¡±


    when erniu said this, he suddenly paused. he realized that he had misspoken and his heart trembled. he immediately changed his words.


    ¡°after 1 reported my identity, um¡­ this¡­¡±


    sweat broke out on erniu¡¯s forehead. as for xu qing, his eyes were shining as he looked at erniu¡¯s incomprehensible appearance and calmly spoke.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, 1 self-destructed back then and?¡±


    erniu smiled awkwardly and took a few steps back.


    xu qing took a step forward and instantly tore through the air, appearing in front of erniu and staring at his forehead.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, the thing hidden in your forehead has been giving me the feeling that it comes from the same source as me. this is the metal you mentioned, right?¡±


    erniu broke out in even more cold sweat. he knew that he couldn¡¯t hide it anymore, so he rolled his eyes and spoke righteously.


    ¡°since you discovered it, i¡¯m also relieved. back then, when you self-destructed in the human capital, your body turned into ashes, leaving only a little bone dregs. 1 was the one who helped you collect them bit by bit. i went through so much trouble and originally planned to give them to you.¡±


    ¡°however, i was worried that you would feel sad when you saw your remains. hence, 1 considered not making you sad and planned to keep it as a memento¡­¡±


    as he spoke, erniu became more righteous.


    ¡°is it wrong for me to keep it as a memory?!¡±


    xu qing looked at erniu and couldn¡¯t speak for a long time. in the end, his expression looked unsightly as he shook his head.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, this cauldron was refined from your previous life, right? no wonder you got beaten to death back then, you take everything.


    erniu felt guilty and was about to speak.


    outside the plaza, there were ripples from the restrictions. it was the yun family¡¯s young master who was worried and created the fluctuations to ask.


    it was only after erniu transmitted his voice to comfort him that the fluctuations stopped.


    xu qing glanced in the direction the yun family¡¯s young master had left in and thought of his eldest senior brother¡¯s actions. hence, he spoke earnestly.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, you have to treat this person¡­ well.¡±


    erniu¡¯s skin was thick enough, so he pretended not to understand and raised his large hand.


    ¡°let¡¯s not talk about this. little qing, there are still a few days before the opening of great emperor nether flame¡¯s seclusion place. some time ago, you and¡­ that person went all the way to the west demon feather. in that case, that person is that person?¡±


    erniu hurriedly asked.


    xu qing nodded.


    erniu took a deep breath.


    ¡°as expected, i guessed it. she clearly wanted to monopolize everything from the start. however, little qing, you guys went to the west demon feather, don¡¯t tell me you only went to challenge and make a name for yourself?


    erniu looked at xu qing suspiciously.


    ¡°this isn¡¯t the style you and 1 have honed over the years. shouldn¡¯t you be doing some private work at such a good opportunity?¡±


    xu qing blinked.


    ¡°i made a trip to the west demon feather immortal arts hall.


    erniu¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡°and?¡±


    ¡°after that, i took a mark.¡±


    xu qing flipped his hand and the mark of the five dogs sheltering immortal appeared in his palm.


    erniu¡¯s eyes instantly widened as he stared at xu qing¡¯s palm. his eyes were even brighter than before.


    ¡°haha, you are indeed my little junior brother. your style is the same as mine. 1 knew it. if you didn¡¯t know how to make use of such an opportunity, you would really be an idiot.¡±


    ¡°this mark¡­ is a treasure!¡±


    erniu licked his lips.


    xu qing shook his head.


    ¡°unfortunately, according to my research, that five dogs sheltering immortal requires a specific ritual and inheritance to obtain it. 1 only have this mark, so 1 can¡¯t grasp it with ordinary methods.¡±


    ¡°oh? let me try.¡± as erniu spoke, he raised his hand and grabbed at the mark on xu qing¡¯s palm. he seemed to have cast an immortal art and the three phantoms behind him raised their hands at the same time.


    with this grab, he truly took the mark and pressed it onto his forehead.


    after that, under xu qing¡¯s attention, erniu and the phantoms behind him trembled at the same time and closed their eyes.


    clearly, he had sunk into this weakened version of the five dogs sheltering immortal art.


    after a long moment, erniu finally opened his eyes, revealing a look of lingering fear. he let out a long breath and handed the mark to xu qing.


    ¡°impressive!¡±


    ¡°however, it indeed requires some special inheritance rituals. otherwise, i can only sense it and not grasp it¡­¡±


    erniu frowned and looked at xu qing.


    ¡°you just said that it¡¯s difficult to master this immortal art using ordinary methods. then¡­ do you mean that there are abnormal methods?¡±


    a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he stared at the mark in his hand and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°after i returned to the east demon feather, i used morning glow to simulate it but 1 failed.¡±


    ¡°however, after that, i had an idea. that is, i have to constantly sense the weaker version of the immortal art in this mark and let it erupt on me time and time again. this will allow my body to slowly withstand it and produce the corresponding antibodies.¡±


    ¡°the principle of antibodies is to remember the characteristics of the invader. the more they understand it, the more comprehensive the antibodies produced.¡±


    ¡°i lack inheritance and a specific ritual, so i can¡¯t take the initiative to learn this immortal art.¡±


    ¡°however, if i use this mark to erupt this immortal art on my body again and again, it will cause my body to have more and more antibodies to this immortal art. when there are enough, my antibodies will gradually gain a comprehensive understanding of this immortal art and memorize it, like an instinctive memory.¡±


    ¡°through the antibodies, i can instinctively remember this immortal art. in that case, it¡¯s equivalent to me indirectly mastering this art and successfully bypassing the restrictions.¡±


    ¡°as for how i should use it after engraving it to my instincts, the method is to use morning glow.¡±


    ¡°i can use the morning glow to truly display the might of this immortal art because the core would be real.¡±


    after xu qing finished speaking, he looked at erniu.


    erniu¡¯s eyes were wide open as he stared blankly at xu qing. after a long time, he took a deep breath and couldn¡¯t help but praise xu qing¡¯s thoughts.


    ¡°ingenious and unbelievable.¡±


    ¡°however, it sounds like¡­ it really works!¡±


    xu qing nodded and glanced at the restrictions on the square.


    ¡°however, the prerequisite for all of this is to ensure that i¡¯m fine under these repeated immortal art eruptions. although it¡¯s a weakened five dogs immortal art, this technique is truly bizarre.¡±


    ¡°so, eldest senior brother, 1 have a request.¡±


    ¡°i need you to protect me. also, if 1 sink into oblivion, at the critical moment, use your authority of the six thieves to awaken me from the five dogs immortal art.¡±


    when erniu heard this, he nodded with a solemn expression. after that, the two of them discussed. xu qing left on the surface while erniu explained to the outside world. after that, he chose to enter seclusion.


    that night, xu qing returned.


    just like that, time flowed by as the two of them studied and experimented with immortal arts.


    five days passed.


    the major event that was the focus of the entire demon feather holy land was about to begin as the demon feather great emperor brought people over from the west. under the watchful eyes of the rulers of the east demon feather, lu lingzi left the mountain¡­


    it was the day of the opening of great emperor nether flame¡¯s seclusion place!

 Chapter 1521 - Chapter 1521: The Emperor’s Tomb, Open! (1)

    chapter 1521: the emperor¡¯s tomb, open! (1)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the bell from the east demon feather dao altar rang this morning. its sound was vast and mighty, sweeping through the entire east demon feather like a storm.


    in the east demon feather, whether it was the various families, rogue cultivators, or the ruler mountains, all the cultivators heard the bell chime, and looked at the east demon feather dao altar.


    they knew that¡­ the day of the opening of the great emperor nether flame¡¯s seclusion place had arrived.


    great emperor nether flame was a glorious and terrifying name in the demon feather holy land.


    he was not orthodox.


    in his early years, he mysteriously disappeared. when he returned several years later, he was already a great emperor.


    at his peak, although he presided over the east demon feather, his terrifying power had already unified both east and west demon feather.


    even the other black-level holy lands had to lower their heads to him.


    this great emperor nether flame had already reached the peak of the great emperor realm and was only half a step away from the summer immortal.


    even the current demon feather great emperor had to bow before him; despite inheriting the name of demon feather, he could only be a puppet.


    that period of time was when the demon feather holy land was at its peak. it could be said to be the number one black-level holy land.


    logically speaking, it was impossible for a great emperor of such status to die so easily. in fact, it wasn¡¯t difficult for him to extend his lifespan.


    however, the bizarre thing was that the peak period of this great emperor nether flame was extremely short. after he failed to break through to the summer immortal realm, it was only a few thousand years before he seemed to have completed his entire life.


    no one knew the reason.


    most of them guessed that it might have something to do with the way he obtained the cultivation base of the great emperor.


    hence, there was this seclusion place by great emperor nether flame a thousand years ago.


    a thousand years had passed since then, and it was unknown if he was dead or alive.


    because of the great emperor¡¯s closed-door cultivation, the situation of the demon feather holy land gradually changed.


    only then did the current demon feather great emperor, who had always been a puppet, have a chance to rise.


    today, for the cultivators of the demon feather holy land, perhaps everything would have an ending.


    hence, there were countless people paying attention.


    even the war against the human race was no longer important.


    the demon feather army had retreated and were prioritizing defense. at the same time, the demon feather holy land also activated the holy land¡¯s array formation to prevent any accidents.


    the focus of everything was on the east demon feather dao altar.


    this was because that was the place where great emperor nether flame was in seclusion.


    as the bell rang, one figure after another teleported away. one could see all colors of lights approaching from the west.


    at the same time, the bell chime also reached the immortal arts hall.


    it penetrated even the secret chamber that was isolated from the outside world, landing in xu qing and erniu¡¯s minds.


    xu qing opened his eyes and ended his attempt at the five dogs sheltering immortal.


    erniu heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡°you¡¯re finally awake. if you still didn¡¯t wake up, i was thinking of carrying you out.¡±


    during these few days, xu qing¡¯s attempt at the five dogs sheltering immortal caused him to produce antibodies that had a deeper memory of this immortal art. during this time, there were a few times when there were dangers. fortunately, xu qing had erniu protecting him, so he successfully passed them.


    ¡®it¡¯s a pity i don¡¯t have enough time.¡¯


    xu qing felt some regret. if it was another half a month, he was confident that he could completely simulate that immortal art. right now, he could only simulate half of it.


    however, he also knew that compared to the immortal art, the place of great emperor nether flame¡¯s seclusion was the main target of his and the captain¡¯s trip.


    ¡®i hope i can obtain an opportunity to break through there!¡¯


    xu qing took a deep breath and stood up, looking at erniu.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, let¡¯s go?¡±


    a look of anticipation appeared in erniu¡¯s eyes. he licked his lips, rubbed his hands, and chuckled.


    ¡°before we leave, i¡¯ll give you a treasure.¡±


    as he spoke, erniu raised his hand and took out an egg filled with cracks from his storage bag, handing it to xu qing.


    as soon as the egg appeared, a mysterious intent circulated in it, causing the surrounding void to distort. one could see that it was extraordinary.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze froze. he recognized it at a glance.


    ¡°why is it with you?¡±


    this was none other than the golden rat¡¯s egg. back then, after the two of them obtained the eggs, they felt that wu jianwu was very good at incubating, so they handed the eggs to him.


    on their trip to the outer seas with jade flowing dust, they encountered the terrifying old man who claimed that he was from the fifth star ring, and saw an extremely powerful golden rat with him.


    at that time, he and erniu realized the value of the golden rat.


    ¡°previously, after we returned to the human race¡¯s imperial city, you kept an eye on feng lintao every day. as for me, i went to look for wu jianwu.¡±


    erniu was proud.


    ¡°this golden rat is such a treasure. i was worried that once they are hatched by wu jianwu, the first thing they will see is that kid and they¡¯ll become his pets.¡± ¡°so i took them back from him and incubated them myself.¡±


    ¡°after all my hard work during this time, they are about to break out of their shells.¡±


    erniu had a smug expression.


    ¡°i don¡¯t know how long we will be in the nether flame¡¯s seclusion place. take that one of yours. i estimate that it will break out of its shell in a few days.¡±


    ¡°although i don¡¯t know the specific abilities of this golden rat, it is bound to be good.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he carefully kept the egg in his hand.


    after that, the two of them looked at each other and saw the persistence and anticipation in each other¡¯s expressions.


    ¡°little qing, i have an additional goal in this trip to the nether flame¡¯s seclusion place. it¡¯s related to my previous life¡­¡±


    ¡°but i¡¯m not so sure yet. once i am, you¡¯ll have to help me.¡±


    erniu spoke solemnly.


    xu qing nodded without asking for details.


    erniu grinned and patted xu qing¡¯s shoulder. they stepped forward at the same time and disappeared from the secret chamber.


    when they reappeared, erniu was outside the immortal arts hall.


    xu qing was in the air some distance away from the immortal arts hall. after looking in the direction of the immortal arts hall, xu qing headed straight for the east demon feather dao altar..

 Chapter 1522 - Chapter 1522: The Emperor’s Tomb, Open! (2)

    chapter 1522: the emperor¡¯s tomb, open! (2)


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    outside the immortal arts hall, erniu, who had transformed into yue dong, calmly spoke.


    ¡°immortal arts hall, listen up. follow me to the great emperor dao altar.¡±


    as soon as erniu finished speaking, a large number of immortal masters rose into the air.


    the yun family¡¯s young master wasn¡¯t here. three days ago, he was summoned by his ancestor and had no choice but to return.


    just like that, the group of people quickly sped through the sky.


    at that moment, on the great emperor nether flame¡¯s dao altar, the wing-shaped huge dao altar was already surrounded by east demon feather cultivators in all directions, sealing the way in and out.


    only specific people could enter.


    there were already three people sitting cross-legged in the air, waiting silently.


    if xu qing arrived now, he would be able to clearly recognize the two of them.


    one was none other than the son of the fifth ruler, lin kun.


    the other was actually the young master of the yun family.


    these two were obviously chosen to accompany the tenth ruler during the internal discussions of the east demon feather.


    as for the third person, he had the appearance of a youth. his appearance was ordinary but his cultivation was already at the soul accumulation realm.


    this person came from the ninth ruler mountain.


    they were the first batch of people to arrive here. the instant the third bell chime rang out after fifteen minutes¡­ a rift appeared in the sky.


    lu lingzi, who was the empress¡¯s incarnation, walked out of the rift and landed here with a step.


    lin kun and the other two hurriedly stood up to greet him.


    the empress nodded slightly and sat cross-legged in the air. she closed her eyes and didn¡¯t speak.


    after the fourth bell chime, the empress slowly opened her eyes. opposite her, five figures walked over from the void.


    the person in the lead wore an emperor¡¯s robe and crown. the moment he appeared, the color of the sky changed and a storm brewed. whether it was lin kun and the others, the surrounding cultivators, or even the various rulers of the entire east demon feather who were secretly paying attention to this place¡­


    everyone¡¯s hearts trembled and they lowered their heads.


    ¡°greetings, great emperor.¡±


    the person who came was none other than the current demon feather great emperor.


    five people followed behind him.


    there were three men and two women.


    a red-faced middle-aged man, a hunchbacked old man, a jade-faced youth, and two women in palace clothes and green robes.


    they were naturally the ones who had entered from the west demon feather¡¯s side.


    ¡°is everyone here?¡±


    the demon feather great emperor, who had arrived, calmly spoke.


    facing the pressure from him, everyone instinctively felt their hearts skip a beat. only the empress¡¯s expression was calm.


    ¡°there are two more.¡±


    when the demon feather great emperor heard this, he looked at the empress meaningfully and smiled.


    ¡°they¡¯re here too.¡±


    as these words were spoken, celestial music echoed from the horizon. a group of immortal masters, carrying an enormous palanquin with great pomp, appeared in the sky.


    inside the palanquin sat a woman.


    originally, she had a proud expression, but at the next instant¡­


    ¡°come here.¡±


    the empress spoke.


    the woman¡¯s body trembled and she immediately flew out, heading straight for the empress. after she got close, she obediently stood at the side.


    at the same time, xu qing, who was covered in blood mist, flew through the sky and instantly arrived, standing beside the empress.


    at that moment, there were six people on both sides.


    at the forefront were the empress and the demon feather great emperor, each accompanied by five individuals.


    ¡°great emperor nether flame is the supreme authority of our demon feather holy land.¡±


    after his gaze swept past xu qing and erniu, the demon feather great emperor slowly spoke.


    ¡°i originally didn¡¯t agree with opening his place of seclusion.¡±


    ¡°however, lu ling is his disciple and the other disciples of great emperor nether flame also agree with this matter, so it¡¯s not good for me to refuse.¡± ¡°but i have one requirement that you must adhere to! when you enter, your primary goal is to investigate, and you must not disturb the great emperor¡¯s cultivation.¡±


    ¡°if the great emperor has unfortunately fallen¡­ then all of you will bow three times to him and refrain from further disturbances.¡±


    as the demon feather great emperor spoke, his voice became sharp.


    everyone cupped their fists as a sign of compliance.


    seeing everyone like this, the demon feather great emperor¡¯s expression softened. he turned and stared at the huge dao altar, his eyes revealing a hint of reminiscence. after a long time, he sighed softly.


    ¡°the place where great emperor nether flame is in seclusion looks like a dao altar, but in reality, it¡¯s a mysterious heaven beyond the heavens. the great emperor obtained it from the starry sky.¡±


    ¡°if he truly has fallen, then due to the closure of the heaven beyond the heavens, his entire life¡¯s memories will transform into realms, filling the space within.¡±


    ¡°it might contain the great emperor¡¯s inheritance.¡±


    ¡°before the great emperor returned, his cultivation and experiences in the starry sky were shrouded in mystery, and thus no one knew about his memories.¡±


    ¡°out of respect for the great emperor, i hope that if you see anything, you will not disclose a single word about it.¡±


    as he spoke, the demon feather great emperor shook his head and walked over. when he reached the top of the dao altar, he sat down cross-legged and waved his hand. immediately, the entire dao altar rumbled and the originally dim light instantly shone.


    ¡°feel free to proceed as you wish. during this time, i will act as your protector here.¡±


    at that moment, the dao altar shone brightly. the demon feather great emperor¡¯s voice echoed and the world trembled.


    all the rulers of the east demon feather opened their eyes and stared at this place.


    it was the same for the west demon feather¡¯s side.


    all rogue cultivators and families were the same.


    it could be said that this was the center of attention in the entire demon feather holy land.


    under the convergence of countless gazes and divine senses, the empress walked toward the dao altar. there was no gorgeous opening or complicated ritual. the third eye on her forehead shone.


    after that, drops of blood seeped out of her body.


    that was the blood of the lan family that came from the same source as the great emperor.


    they emitted a profundity that contained rules and laws.


    these drops of blood gathered in front of the empress and landed on the dao altar. under her third eye, they slowly formed a blood-colored vortex. as it rumbled, it seemed to have opened a path.


    without hesitation, the empress took a step forward and disappeared.


    xu qing and erniu also didn¡¯t hesitate. they followed closely behind and quickly rushed in.


    next was the young master of the yun family, lin kun, the youth from the ninth ruler mountain, and everyone from the west demon feather. after they all stepped in, the blood that formed the vortex dissipated into fog.


    the vortex also disappeared.


    ¡®a grand performance where everyone harbors their own schemes¡­¡¯


    at the top of the dao altar, the demon feather great emperor opened his eyes and lowered his head to stare as he muttered inwardly.


    inside the seclusion place of the great emperor nether flame, xu qing didn¡¯t know what situation the others were in but he was frowning at the moment.


    the instant he entered the vortex earlier, he felt his vision blur. when everything became clear, he heard music, smelled rouge, and saw singing and dancing¡­


    he found himself in a massive and opulent palace, adorned with intricate carvings and jade railings. inside, there were at least a thousand women dressed in sheer, gauzy skirts, their clothing so thin that it was mostly translucent.


    their skin was partially visible, exuding an enticing allure that stirred the heart.


    in the palace, there was either singing and dancing or intimate encounters, making the entire hall seem extravagant, with the sounds of merriment filling the air.


    moreover, these women were from various races and had different physiques, but each was extraordinarily beautiful. individually, any one of them was strikingly gorgeous.


    now, each one of them gazed at him cautiously yet with eager anticipation. the fire in their eyes seemed capable of burning through everything.


    xu qing¡¯s heart skipped a beat.


    looking in all directions outside the hall, this was an unknown land. within the range of xu qing¡¯s divine sense¡­ he actually didn¡¯t see a second man other than himself.


    it was as though this was a country of women.


    as for himself, he wasn¡¯t in his original appearance. instead, he was a youth, sitting upright on the throne at the top of the hall, looking like an emperor.


    there were cups of nectar, immortal fruits, and spirit meat placed before him.


    ¡°this is a world formed from a portion of great emperor nether flame¡¯s memories?¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    the same muttering also came from erniu¡¯s mouth on a desolate ancient star.


    erniu was somewhat stunned.


    he looked around.


    this was a barren and desolate planet. the sky was gray and the ground was black. there was no vegetation at all.


    as far as the eye could see, there was rotting flesh everywhere. not only were there bones everywhere, but he also saw countless excrement and even many huge maggots. some of them were crawling toward him.


    the stench filled the surroundings, making one feel nauseous.


    it was like purgatory on earth.


    as for himself, he was a half-rotten corpse. at that moment, his eyes were wide open as he stared blankly at his surroundings.


    ¡°this is¡­ a world formed by the memory fragments of great emperor nether flame? why are his memories like this¡­¡±


    ¡°are the others here too?¡±


    erniu was shocked. after that, his gaze instinctively landed on the maggots crawling toward him, wanting to see if little qing was among them.

 Chapter 1523 - Chapter 1523: Parting Present

    chapter 1523: parting present


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    on the desolate star, erniu sighed with some regret.


    he didn¡¯t find little qing on those maggots¡­


    hence, his gaze landed on the corpses in the surroundings.


    as he continued his unwilling search, in another fragment of the nether flame¡¯s memory, a war was breaking out.


    it was in the starry sky.


    clad in pitch-black armor, resembling someone who had crawled out of death, nether flame led his army into a frenzied and brutal battle against the alien races in the starry sky.


    the sound of spells and heart-rending sounds continued to rise and fall here.


    this lasted until a person walked over from afar, emitting a monstrous divine might. they ignored both sides and swept through everything, heading straight for nether flame like a sharp blade.


    after they got close, a finger landed on nether flame¡¯s forehead, shattering his body, the starry sky, and this memory realm.


    as the countless fragments scattered, this person¡¯s figure also became clearer.


    it was the empress.


    unlike xu qing and erniu who appeared as nether flame in the realms of memories, she appeared as herself.


    ¡°did you really die and your memories spread out to create realms, or did you use many memories as the first barrier? nether flame, are you dead or alive?¡±


    the empress calmly spoke and walked forward.


    the various parties who had entered great emperor nether flame¡¯s seclusion were all in different realms. some were exploring, some were indifferent, and others were deeply immersed in their surroundings.


    they each used different methods for different purposes.


    for example, on a pitch-black plain, the old man among the five people who came from the west demon feather was currently advancing.


    the ground seemed to be shrinking under his feet, so much so that he didn¡¯t seem to be walking fast, but in reality, with every step he took, the distance he crossed was shockingly large.


    as he advanced, the sound of clinking chains echoed from his body, as if iron chains were bound under his black robe.


    after a long while, a fault appeared ahead of him, revealing a massive chasm.


    standing by the chasm, the old man looked down, a raspy laugh echoing from him.


    ¡°as expected, it¡¯s here.¡±


    ¡°demon feather great emperor said that if a realm formed by memories appears, it means that great emperor nether flame has fallen?¡±


    in the main hall where countless women were present, xu qing sat at the head of the table and swept his gaze across everyone.


    he didn¡¯t act rashly. instead, he analyzed his current situation.


    ¡°however, i can¡¯t believe too much of the words of the demon feather great emperor.¡±


    ¡°but no matter what, there¡¯s a high chance that this is great emperor nether flame¡¯s memory realm. in that case¡­ what¡¯s the meaning of this memory realm? inheritance? or are there many similar realms that we have to pass through one by one?¡±


    xu qing was in deep thought when his gaze suddenly turned cold. he retracted his gaze from afar and stared to his right.


    to his right, there was a seductive woman wearing a nearly half-removed thin gauze dress. her cheeks were flushed, her eyes filled with sultry allure, and she crawled toward him like a pet.


    her crawling posture made her figure even more enchanting.


    xu qing didn¡¯t speak but his gaze turned even colder.


    this cold gaze caused the woman who was crawling over to tremble. terror appeared on her face and she didn¡¯t dare to step forward, slowly retreating.


    when xu qing saw this, he was about to retract his gaze. however, at that moment, he instantly frowned.


    a tearing sensation suddenly emerged in this realm, within the grand hall, and on his body.


    this feeling was as though this realm was rejecting him and was accompanied by danger. it was as though his actions had attracted the attention of this realm.


    what made xu qing¡¯s heart freeze was the pressure that accompanied it. it was as though a mountain was pressing down on his body.


    fortunately, the tearing sensation was light and not serious. it was as though it was just a warning.


    ¡°interesting¡­¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes, slowly stood up, and walked towards the high platform. he moved through the grand hall, heading for the main entrance.


    on the way, the women in the hall all sensed xu qing¡¯s actions. terror appeared on their faces, accompanied by confusion about xu qing¡¯s actions.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care. he was investigating and verifying the reason for the tearing sensation.


    as he got closer to the entrance of the hall, the expressions of the women in the hall fluctuated even more. even their voices gradually became softer. in the end, when xu qing was only a step away from walking out of the hall¡­


    the hall suddenly fell silent.


    the music disappeared and the lewd sounds stopped. even their breathing stopped. everyone turned their heads at the same time. their eyes were cold and filled with death as they stared at xu qing in unison.


    the tearing sensation intensified intensely at this moment.


    xu qing stopped in his tracks and turned to look at the women in the hall. he finally confirmed the reason for the tearing feeling.


    ¡°this realm is formed from a fragment of great emperor nether flame¡¯s past memories. my current appearance is him, so my actions have to match great emperor nether flame¡¯s back then.¡±


    ¡°if it doesn¡¯t match, i will be considered an invader and this tearing feeling will appear. i will be suppressed by the hostility of the entire realm, attracting a great terror.¡±


    ¡°therefore, if i want things to go smoothly, i have to find out how great emperor nether flame acted back then.¡±


    after xu qing pondered, he didn¡¯t leave forcefully. instead, he walked back.


    as he returned, the music resumed again and the expressions of those women returned to normal. at the same time, many of them moved closer to xu qing. they lowered their heads and acted coquettishly, their bodies twisting. the expressions on their faces were filled with desire.


    however, xu qing¡¯s brows were still furrowed.


    this was because he discovered that the tearing sensation still existed. it didn¡¯t decrease at all because of his return.


    ¡°leaving is not right, and staying is not right either.¡±


    ¡°then, what did nether flame do back then?¡±


    a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he made a decision. the moment the women in the surroundings got close to him, he clenched his right hand into a fist.


    the sound authority erupted.


    at this moment, the tearing feeling disappeared.


    xu qing immediately understood that back then, nether flame¡¯s choice was to attack.


    awhile later, the door slowly opened and xu qing walked out.


    the wind blew over, bringing with it the fragrance of flowers, lifting xu qing¡¯s long hair. it also pushed open the door even more.


    following xu qing¡¯s body, one could see the hall behind him¡­ there were no corpses or living women. there were only withered stamens.


    moreover, they were becoming illusory.


    the moment xu qing walked out of the hall, the entire country of women underwent a drastic change.


    the ground quaked, the sky dimmed, and the wind and clouds changed.


    one by one, the buildings collapsed in an instant. thick branches burst forth from within, each swaying and splitting at the ends, sprouting countless smaller branches, blooming flowers, and scattering stamens.


    every stamen was a woman.


    as the entire country of women collapsed, thousands of such huge branches spread in all directions, and the number of stamens that split out was dozens of times greater.


    after they appeared, they all let out lustful sounds and looked at xu qing from all directions.


    as for the center of the country of women, as the ground collapsed, a huge flower that was a hundred thousand feet large rose.


    this was the main flower. as the petals spread out, the sole stamen inside transformed into the queen.


    ¡°joyflower!¡±


    a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    he recognized this flower. he had seen it in the morning glow province and had even saved ning yan, who was being absorbed by it¡­


    however, the one back then was very small, but the one in front of him now was astonishingly terrifying.


    almost at the instant xu qing stared at it, the laughter of the countless stamen-women who looked at him echoed. as the branches whistled, they headed straight for xu qing from all directions.


    xu qing was expressionless. with a sway of his body, he instantly rose into the air. as he dodged the sweep of the branches, he raised his right hand and pressed down.


    immediately, the power of the poison restriction transformed into a thick black fog that spread out abruptly.


    it headed straight for the branches.


    wherever it passed, the women¡¯s laughter would become heart-rending and their bodies would rot.


    however, at xu qing¡¯s side, the dissipating tearing sensation appeared again. moreover, it was incomparably intense, causing him to feel his heart skip a beat.


    it was as though the great terror he couldn¡¯t resist was descending with his previous attacks.


    the more he attacked, the more intense this feeling became.


    ¡°that¡¯s not right!¡±


    xu qing immediately put away the poison restriction and retreated, rapidly analyzing in his heart. at the same time, the branches whistled and the stamen queen on the ground pointed.


    immediately, countless flowers bloomed in the void around xu qing. all the petals exploded in unison and shot out into the entire area.


    although xu qing retreated and dodged, there was still a petal that landed on his body, creating a wound.


    to be precise, what cut open was the body of the nether flame he had transformed into in the memory realm.


    however, from what xu qing knew, he also felt injured.


    ¡°this is a memory-level attack!¡±


    after realizing this, xu qing also felt the tearing intent. as he was injured, it actually decreased. the great terror that arrived also seemed to pause for a moment and began to disappear.


    ¡°all of this points to one path.¡±


    ¡°that is, if you can¡¯t resist it, you¡¯ll be killed by this flower!¡±


    ¡°back then, nether flame was killed by this flower?¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t believe it.


    however, that tearing feeling made him understand that if he didn¡¯t follow the instructions, something even more terrifying would definitely happen.


    ¡°there¡¯s another method that can break this situation!¡±


    a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. the carving knife formed by the divine authority of fate rose in his sea of consciousness. however, at this moment, cracking sounds suddenly rang out from xu qing¡¯s storage bag.


    xu qing retreated and focused his gaze, revealing a hint of surprise.


    it was unknown if the golden rat egg in his storage bag had sensed xu qing¡¯s carving knife but it actually completely shattered at this moment.


    a beam of golden light shot out of the shattered egg and surrounded all the eggshells. after devouring crazily, it flew out of the storage bag on its own.


    it landed on xu qing¡¯s hand and transformed into a little golden rat.


    it tried its best to keep its eyes open and squeaked at xu qing. it even rubbed against xu qing¡¯s fingers, emitting friendly emotions.


    the instant it appeared, the realm formed by the memories also underwent a huge change.


    the sounds disappeared.


    all the stamens were motionless.


    even the stamen queen seemed to have frozen, maintaining her expression.


    it was as though everything had stopped.


    xu qing¡¯s heart fluctuated. this was a change he hadn¡¯t expected.


    before this, he knew that the golden rat was extraordinary. after all, the old man of the fifth star ring had one himself. moreover, his rat could move in time to escape.


    therefore, he was also quite expectant of his golden rat.


    however, no matter how much he looked forward to it, xu qing¡¯s heart still trembled fiercely when he saw the rat appearing and the surroundings falling silent.


    at the same time, in the depths of great emperor nether flame¡¯s seclusion place, there was a mystical world.


    the sky was made of flesh with countless fine fur.


    on every strand of fur, there were several realms formed by memory fragments.


    as for the ground, it was a completely transparent sea.


    on the sea, countless flesh and blood piled up, forming a huge sarcoma.


    a middle-aged cultivator sat cross-legged in the sarcoma.


    his expression was dignified and majestic. his body emitted an ancient feeling, accompanied by a terrifying aura.


    his eyes were originally closed.


    however, at this instant, his eyes suddenly opened. his gaze pierced through the void and looked at a memory fragment realm in the distance.


    ¡°there¡¯s actually a parting present great beast!¡±

 Chapter 1524 - Chapter 1524: Initial Signs

    chapter 1524: initial signs


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    back then, the speed of the golden rat of the old man of the fifth star ring surpassed the flow of time. it came and went without leaving a trace and hid in spacetime. unless one was a supreme expert, it would be difficult to find it.


    from this, one could see how terrifying this beast was.


    however, if a juvenile golden rat wanted to reach adulthood and reach the realm of the golden rat of the old man from the fifth star ring, there would be many calamities and less than one in a hundred would survive. the difficulty was incredibly high.


    however, its value wasn¡¯t small.


    the moment the beast was born, the mysterious middle-aged cultivator wasn¡¯t


    the only one who noticed this scene.


    outside the demon feather holy land, in the cave of the liaoxuan holy land on the wanggu, the sleeping night mill suddenly opened its eyes.


    its eyes revealed an intense golden light as it raised its head and looked in the direction of the demon feather.


    through the connection of its bloodline, it sensed the birth of its descendant.


    a hint of complexity and relief appeared in its eyes.


    back then, when droz personally extinguished its divine fire and captured it, it didn¡¯t have an heir.


    the two eggs after that were actually a last-ditch attempt to save itself.


    with its innate ability, it forcefully separated its bloodline and used time to hide the eggs from karma and droz¡¯s perception. in the end¡­ the eggs were taken away by xu qing and erniu.


    what happened back then seemed to be a coincidence, but in reality, only it knew if it was really the case.


    a long time later, night mill closed its eyes. at this moment, its vitality began


    to dissipate.


    only a low murmur echoed from its mouth.


    ¡°parting present, parting present, away from today, piercing through time, breaking through endless voids, escaping without a trace¡­¡±


    in the demon feather holy land, the seclusion place of great emperor nether flame, in the fragment world where the country of women was located, xu qing¡¯s mind stirred.


    he looked at the little golden rat in his hand and then at the gigantic joyflower.


    the instant the golden rat was born, the latter fell into a state of stillness.


    it wasn¡¯t just the flower that was motionless, but this space as well.


    everything stopped moving at this instant.


    only xu qing and golden rat were in a normal state.


    as for this little golden rat, after it squeaked and rubbed against xu qing¡¯s finger, it emitted hungry thoughts. after that, golden light flashed and it actually flew out of xu qing¡¯s palm. it opened its mouth and snapped at the void in the air.


    a crack appeared in the void. it actually bit through the space and swallowed a piece of spatial fragment here.


    however, it was obvious that it was a little difficult for it to do this. hence, after taking a bite, it was clearly much weaker. however, the feeling of hunger made it unable to help but take another bite.


    at the same time, the spatial rift also broke the stillness of this place. at the next instant, this place recovered and the joyflower swayed intensely.


    what caused xu qing¡¯s heart to tremble even more was that as the space here recovered, an earth-shattering and terrifying will seemed to have come from nothingness and was descending on the joyflower.


    xu qing only sensed this will for a moment before his heart skipped a beat. he


    felt as though he would be drowned by the sea of death.


    so, he didn¡¯t have the time to think too much. without any hesitation, he grabbed the little golden rat who seemed to be going all out and wanted to take a third bite. his body transformed into a stream of light as he brought the little golden rat straight for the spatial gap it had bitten and charged over.


    as the terrifying will behind him rapidly descended, xu qing instantly entered


    and disappeared.


    as he left, a vast and resplendent starry sky was reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    although he didn¡¯t know why the starry sky was outside the realm of memory fragments, xu qing knew that he was in danger. hence, he didn¡¯t slow down and moved forward, speeding into the distance.


    a long time later, the sense of danger from the terrifying will disappeared.


    however, xu qing¡¯s anxious heart didn¡¯t relax at all.


    this was because in this vast and endless starry sky that contained an indescribable beauty, there was also danger.


    it was a storm stirring up in the starry sky.


    it swept out in all directions. wherever it passed, the stars would be destroyed and black holes would appear.


    it was like a terrifying mouth that was devouring everything.


    the place xu qing was at was the edge of the storm.


    at the critical moment, xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate and waved his hand. immediately, the holy heaven pagoda appeared in front of xu qing.


    he stepped in and controlled the pagoda to stay away from the storm.


    this was the item xu qing thought of that could cross the starry sky. after all, the origin of this pagoda was mysterious.


    the holy heavenly vine on it was born in the starry sky.


    just like that, an hour later, as the pagoda continued to move rapidly, they finally left the range of the starry sky storm.


    when xu qing saw this, he heaved a sigh of relief in his heart. at the same time, he sensed the desire emitted by the holy heavenly vine.


    it was a desire for the starry sky, as though it was begging xu qing to let it leave the pagoda and gallop through the starry sky.


    after xu qing thought about it, he sensed his surroundings and discovered that the storm was already far away. hence, he spread out his divine sense.


    the holy heavenly vine let out a cheer and its body rapidly left the pagoda. it expanded in the surroundings and became a hundred thousand feet in size. one end curled around the pagoda and the other swayed in front of it.


    when xu qing saw this, he also walked out of the pagoda. the moment he appeared, the heavenly vine swam around him, emitting joy.


    finally, the front end landed under xu qing and carried him. with a mighty tremor, it emanated an inexplicable power, parting the starry sky as it sped forward, like a fish swiftly swimming through water.


    if cultivators saw this scene, they would definitely be shocked.


    in this scene, xu qing¡¯s robe fluttered as he sat on the heavenly vine. as for the heavenly vine, it was a hundred thousand feet long and had a glorious aura. its entire body shone with starlight and all its leaves were swaying. it even moved through the starry sky like a dragon.


    there was a strange glint in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he sensed the joy of the heavenly vine and its speed, understanding that the starry sky was the world of the heavenly vine.


    as he moved through the starry sky, xu qing gradually saw fragments of various sizes shining like stars in the starry sky.


    on those fragments, images were flowing.


    they were all realms formed by memories!


    however, after experiencing the joyflower realm just now, xu qing was wary of these memory fragments. he naturally wouldn¡¯t enter them easily. hence, he sent a message to the heavenly vine to avoid these fragments.


    at the same time, his gaze swept over, searching for the realm where the empress and eldest senior brother were.


    ¡°after all, this is the place where the great emperor is in seclusion and there are many dangers. hence, finding the empress as soon as possible is the most correct thing to do now.¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and sped up.


    at the same time, while he was searching outside the memory fragments, in the blood-red world and the sarcoma formed by flesh and blood on the transparent sea, the middle-aged cultivator who had muttered parting present beast raised his head again.


    his gaze landed on the fur in the flesh sky. at the next instant, his pupils suddenly constricted, as though he had seen something unbelievable.


    after a long time, his breathing became slightly hurried as he closed his eyes and pondered.


    a while later, when he opened his eyes again, a dark glint appeared in them. he slowly raised his right hand and pointed at the sky.


    the fur in the flesh sky paused in unison. after that, they swayed and intertwined, as though they were rearranging themselves.


    at the same time, in the space xu qing was in, in an area far away that he couldn¡¯t sense, there were originally seven to eight memory fragments.


    however, at that moment, these fragmented worlds suddenly blurred and silently disappeared. following that, a huge fragmented memory realm appeared, replacing everything.


    moreover, it slowly moved forward and used some mysterious method to appear on the path xu qing would definitely arrive on.


    as the heavenly vine carried xu qing forward for a while, xu qing immediately noticed the memory fragment in front of him.


    the scene in this fragment was an underground palace.


    moreover, the size of the fragment exceeded everything he had seen on the way.


    he didn¡¯t hesitate and was about to control the heavenly vine to move away from it. however, at this moment, golden light flashed in his storage bag. the little golden rat¡¯s expression revealed intense desire and it actually instinctively rushed out.


    it transformed into a golden light and headed straight for the fragmented world at an astonishing speed.


    xu qing¡¯s expression darkened. it was too late to stop it. hence, he frowned and controlled the heavenly vine to fly toward the fragment.


    it entered the fragment.


    the sensations of being in a daze, blurred vision, and traversing through space resurfaced in xu qing¡¯s perception, identical to the experience he had when entering the realm where the joyflower resided.


    at the next instant, when everything in front of him became clear, a vast underground palace appeared in front of xu qing.


    in front of him, there was a blue water pool emitting a gentle fragrance that spread throughout the underground palace.


    as for the little golden rat, it was currently breathing excitedly and happily in the pool. the aura on its body clearly strengthened as it breathed in and out.


    other than that, there was nothing else in the underground palace.


    xu qing sensed his body and discovered that it was still the appearance of nether flame. however, there were a large number of injuries on his body and a sense of weakness surfaced in xu qing¡¯s understanding.


    it was as though he had experienced a cruel battle.


    almost at the same time that xu qing noticed all of this, a divine sense that didn¡¯t contain any emotions suddenly echoed slowly in the underground palace.


    ¡°nether flame, you¡¯re the first cultivator in the past 30,000 years to pass the


    931 tests of my creation heavenly race.¡±


    ¡°following the previous agreement, you have the qualifications to cleanse your body once. the time limit is fifteen minutes.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart froze as he looked at the pool.


    after a while, he took a step forward and arrived at the edge of the pool. gazing at the golden mouse breathing in and out within, many thoughts emerged in his mind.


    ¡°this memory fragment realm is a little strange.¡±


    ¡°after entering, 1 didn¡¯t have to go through an assessment or experience any hardships; instead, i directly reached the segment that contained opportunities.¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and spread out his divine sense to investigate this pool.


    however, the instant his divine sense came into contact with the pool, xu qing¡¯s expression changed and a strange glint appeared in his eyes.


    he didn¡¯t know what the liquid in the pool was but¡­ at that instant earlier, this water actually nourished his body and soul through his divine sense in a way that xu qing didn¡¯t understand.


    he could clearly sense that most of his soul injuries from the battle with west demon child had recovered at this moment.


    the most important thing was his body!


    he could clearly sense that his body seemed to have¡­ been replenished.


    to be precise, vitality had been injected, transforming the seemingly normal yet inherently fragmented body into one with much more vigor.


    ¡°to be able to make a body formed from the flesh and blood of desolate feel this way, what is this liquid?¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath and pondered. he first observed the pool and then stared at the little golden rat. after discovering that it was still normal, determination appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he squatted down and touched the pool with his right hand.


    the instant his hand came into contact with the pool, a dense and vast amount of vitality surged in.


    xu qing¡¯s mind rumbled. his cultivation and aura were erupting. most importantly, the vitality of his body soared at this moment.


    it became increasingly flawless!


    at the same time, with a fragmentary realm of memory of the great emperor nether flame, a battle between the main body and its avatar was unfolding.


    on top of the ruins, nether flame, who was wearing a purple robe, raised his hand and pinched his other self.


    a white aura was emitted from the other party¡¯s seven orifices and was absorbed by him.


    as he inhaled, the other party¡¯s body trembled and let out a heart-rending wail. his body was also slowly melting and he lost the appearance of nether flame, revealing the figure of a woman.


    this woman was one of the two women from the west demon feather who had entered this seclusion place.


    the absorption continued. a while later, the woman¡¯s appearance dissipated, revealing an old woman!


    if xu qing was here, he would definitely be able to recognize at a glance that this old woman¡­ was the seventh ruler of the west demon feather!


    at that moment, the seventh ruler¡¯s eyes revealed despair and resentment.


    ¡°who¡­ are you¡­¡±


    the purple-robed nether flame was expressionless and didn¡¯t say a word. after a long time, as the seventh ruler completely withered and turned into ashes, he licked his lips and turned to walk into the distance.


    as he moved forward, the appearance of nether flame gradually dissipated, revealing a tall and straight figure, pitch-black long hair, and a young appearance.


    it was the young master of the yun family who was extremely fanatical about yue dong!


    however, although he looked like the young master of the yun family, his eyes revealed the vicissitudes of time. he walked to the top of this world and knelt down to the sky, letting out a deep voice.


    ¡°as per the great emperor¡¯s decree back then, i¡¯m here to see you.¡±


    ¡°in the past thousand years, everything was as the great emperor had expected. the children rebelled and the lan family harbored ill intentions. in the end, under the open and covert struggles of both sides, they pushed for the opening of the grotto-heaven.¡±


    a vortex rose in the sky and amidst the changing weather, a pair of cold eyes could be seen staring at this place.


    a while later, the yun family¡¯s young master lowered his head and bowed.


    ¡°as you command!¡±

 Chapter 1525 - Chapter 1525:I Have Conquered This Star!

    chapter 1525:i have conquered this star!


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    in the realm formed by the great emperor nether flame¡¯s memory of the creation heavenly race.


    the grand underground palace had a dark color scheme, with totems carved into the surrounding walls, but upon closer inspection, they appeared blurry.


    the specifics were unclear; one could only sense that the totems seemed like liquid, flowing and transforming into countless images.


    this underground palace was empty. other than the green pool in the center, there was only xu qing and the golden rat.


    there were no other sounds as well.


    only time slowly passed.


    nearly seven minutes had passed.


    xu qing stared at the pool in front of him. he sensed that the terrifying vitality in it was continuously gushing into his body through his right hand, repairing his injuries and nourishing his body.


    the feeling of power and flawlessness was becoming intense.


    ¡°creation heavenly race¡­¡±


    xu qing had never heard of this race before. however, feeling the astonishing effects of this pool, he could tell how powerful this race was.


    after all, this was the only thing xu qing had encountered that could supplement his body like this.


    in addition, with the little absorption just now, he was very sure that this pool of water was harmless!


    ¡°unfortunately, it came too suddenly.¡±


    xu qing mumbled as a dark glint flashed in his eyes. he then looked at the little golden rat in the pool.


    the little golden rat¡¯s absorption continued. this strange pool water clearly had an extreme attraction to it, causing it to be unwilling to waste the slightest bit of time as it frantically replenished itself.


    xu qing fell into deep thought. however, he still didn¡¯t completely enter the pool like the golden rat.


    even though he sensed that the pool water was beneficial to him, he instinctively felt that there was a problem with this sudden fortune.


    hence, when his right hand came into contact with the pool water, his actions were restrained.


    awhile later, when xu qing had replenished his energy to a certain extent, the little golden rat¡¯s stomach swelled up and it had already absorbed to the limit. it reluctantly returned to xu qing¡¯s side.


    a look of hesitation appeared on xu qing¡¯s face. in the end, he still chose to retract his hand and end this opportunity.


    at the same time, he took out many bottles that could hold a large amount of liquid from his storage bag and tried to take the water away.


    ¡°the origin of this opportunity is unknown. i have to think about it more before i can decide if i should use this water to cleanse my body.¡±


    ¡°if i can¡¯t take it away, it¡¯s best not to continue touching this good fortune. i hope i can take it away.¡±


    xu qing mumbled. his voice echoed softly in the underground palace. moreover, all his previous actions showed caution.


    very soon, he shook his head slightly and sighed. his expression revealed hesitation and regret.


    the pool water couldn¡¯t be taken away.


    ¡°what a pity, what a pity¡­¡±


    xu qing thought about it and revealed an unwilling expression. he tried to use many methods to collect it again but no matter how he tried, he failed in the end.


    the pool water seemed to have entered the bottle but then would dissipate on its own.


    xu qing let out a long sigh and stood up to leave the pool. at the same time, he called for the little golden rat to bite through this space.


    the little golden rat burped and had a joyous expression. it opened its mouth and fiercely bit down in mid-air. with a cracking sound, the scene that was like the world the joyflower was in appeared once again.


    it bit open a crack in the space, revealing a gap.


    however, this time around, the little golden rat didn¡¯t seem to fancy the spatial fragment. it didn¡¯t eat it but returned and lazily lay on xu qing¡¯s shoulder.


    xu qing took a deep breath. with a sway of his body, he transformed into a stream of light and headed straight for the spatial gap.


    in an instant, he disappeared.


    everything was normal.


    most of the fifteen minutes had passed.


    at the next instant, xu qing¡¯s figure actually returned from the gap. his eyes were bright and it was completely different from his previous hesitation.


    ¡°previously, regardless of my words or actions, i expressed caution, doubt, and regret about this opportunity. in the end, i chose to leave.¡±


    ¡°i was able to actually leave without any issues.¡±


    ¡°then there are a few possibilities.¡±


    ¡°first possibility is there was no secret mastermind luring me here. everything was a coincidence, and it was just me being too suspicious.¡±


    ¡°after all, if there¡¯s really someone who set me up with an unknown goal and gave me this opportunity, they would have let me take the water and use it in peace.¡±


    ¡°however, the act of taking it away still failed. moreover, when i chose to leave, i didn¡¯t encounter any obstructions. this doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±


    ¡°second possibility is that there is indeed a mastermind in the dark. the other party didn¡¯t let me take the pool water, but let me leave; if so, their motive¡­¡±


    a sharp glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°if that¡¯s the case, there¡¯s a high chance that it¡¯s just a casual move.¡±


    ¡°no matter what, if there¡¯s really a schemer plotting against me, whether i take this opportunity or not will be the same in the end. the other party will still make a move when it¡¯s time.¡±


    determination appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. even though he still had doubts about this opportunity in his heart, the value of this fortune was too great. after probing earlier, he gritted his teeth fiercely.


    with a sway of his body, he instantly stepped into the pool and sat cross-legged inside to absorb it with all his might.


    the entire pool instantly rumbled and a vortex formed.


    under xu qing¡¯s absorption and guidance, it rapidly surged into various parts of his body.


    the feeling of nourishment was a hundred times greater than before.


    the vitality in them was still as strong as before.


    when it was fifteen minutes, xu qing opened his eyes.


    the nourishment of his body had reached saturation.


    in the end, this pool of water couldn¡¯t match the body formed by desolate¡¯s flesh and blood, but it was still extremely nourishing.


    at the same time, the world in front of him began to blur and dissipate.


    the divine sense that didn¡¯t contain emotions earlier echoed here again.


    ¡°fifteen minutes have passed. your fortune has ended.¡±


    as the voice spread out, the world dissipated completely. xu qing¡¯s figure also appeared in the starry sky again.


    the holy heavenly vine flew out and landed at his feet.


    xu qing stared at his surroundings and carefully recalled the details of the underground palace of the creation heavenly race. in the end, he kept his vigilance up while moving into the distance on the heavenly vine.


    time slowly passed.


    several days later, in the starry sky, xu qing, who was constantly checking the scenes in the memory fragment realms, suddenly felt a thought transmission.


    the holy heavenly vine beneath his feet conveyed an emotional wave of discovering a kindred source.


    the source of this emotional wave was naturally erniu.


    after xu qing sensed it, he immediately transmitted his divine sense. the heavenly vine changed its direction and headed straight for the location it sensed the kindred source in.


    it found it very quickly.


    what reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes was a very small memory fragment. the scene inside was a desolate star that was filled with filth and decay.


    erniu¡­ was there.


    the moment he saw the scene clearly, xu qing¡¯s expression was strange. he didn¡¯t hesitate and controlled the heavenly vine to enter the realm.


    however, at the next instant, his eyes gleamed as he was forced back.


    he couldn¡¯t enter this realm!


    ¡°could it be that no one is allowed to enter the memory fragment realms where others are in?¡±


    ¡°because there¡¯s only one nether flame in each of these memory fragment realm, it¡¯s difficult for others to enter¡­¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought. after glancing at the fragment where erniu was, he waved his hand and the golden rat flew out.


    ¡°bite it open!¡±


    on the desolate star, erniu was jumping with all his might on one leg.


    he only had one leg.


    as he jumped, he couldn¡¯t help but curse.


    ¡°what kind of godforsaken place is this? it¡¯s fine if it lacks spiritual energy, but why is there so much pressure, and there is even a terrifying seal¡­¡±


    ¡°i actually can¡¯t display my cultivation base at all here.¡±


    ¡°even that¡¯s okay. however, the nether flame i transformed into was almost on the verge of death and my body lacked some parts¡­¡±


    ¡°these maggots are the most outrageous!!¡±


    ¡°why are there so many maggots here, and all of them actually have powerful divinity. f*ck¡­ maggots have divinity. what kind of ghostly place is this! the world of maggot god?¡±


    erniu roared angrily.


    he had been jumping here for a long time, wanting to find a way to leave and find nether flame¡¯s choice back then. however, he discovered that no matter what he chose, it was wrong.


    at that moment, seeing that maggots were everywhere, erniu¡¯s eyes revealed madness.


    ¡°there¡¯s another choice. since you guys want to eat me, i¡¯ll eat you guys too. let¡¯s see who eats who first!¡±


    however, at the thought of eating these maggots, he, who had always thought that he wasn¡¯t picky about food, couldn¡¯t help but feel the urge to be picky.


    however, the current situation left him with no choice. hence, he roared and was about to disregard everything.


    however, at this moment, a shocking thunder suddenly rang out from the gray sky.


    when the rumbling sound streaked across the sky, a depression appeared in the sky. it was as though something was ruthlessly colliding behind the sky.


    however, it quickly recovered.


    erniu was stunned and looked up.


    ¡°what¡¯s going on?¡±


    the instant he spoke, the thunderous sound rang out again. this time, it wasn¡¯t a rumbling sound but a cracking sound.


    the sky that had recovered seemed to have been bitten by something at the back, revealing a fine crack.


    accompanying the crack was a small gap. after that, cracking sounds rang out continuously and the gap actually widened from the bite.


    erniu¡¯s heart skipped a beat.


    immediately after, under his widened eyes that were filled with disbelief, he saw starlight.


    endless starlight surrounded a huge heavenly vine.


    the leaves of this vine stretched out, following the crack in the sky and crawling in like a long dragon.


    this scene was majestic and imposing.


    on the astonishing vine stood a person.


    this person¡¯s long hair fluttered in the wind and his blood-red robe fluttered in the wind. he was none other than xu qing, who had transformed into xue chenzi.


    the moment he appeared, the heavenly vine became a foil, and the starlight also became the background that dyed everything. coupled with the eruption of a terrifying aura, it suppressed this place.


    due to the shattering of the sky, the sealing power here also began to dissipate. hence, under the sweeping of xu qing¡¯s aura, the countless maggots beside erniu seemed to be sent flying by a storm.


    only erniu, who was in a sorry state, stood there. he stared blankly at the god-like xu qing, gasping.


    he quickly reacted and puffed out his chest, speaking proudly.


    ¡°junior brother, you¡¯re too late. this star has been completely conquered by your eldest senior brother!¡±


    at the same time, in the starry sky, the empress was also moving. she was different from xu qing.


    she walked all the way. as long as a memory fragment realm appeared in front of her, it would tremble on its own the instant she got close. finally, it silently disintegrated and turned into specks of crystal light that dissipated.


    as for the empress, she clearly had a perception of the path ahead and knew the correct direction.


    hence, after she walked all the way, finally¡­


    an extremely special memory fragment was reflected in her eyes.


    moreover, even as she got close, it didn¡¯t disintegrate.


    this fragmented realm was dark and filled with the aura of death.


    it was raining there¡­

 Chapter 1526 - Chapter 1526: Graveyard in the Rain

    chapter 1526: graveyard in the rain


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    in the unknown memory fragment realm of great emperor nether flame, there was a massive chasm on the pitch-black plain.


    it was like an abyss.


    in the depths, an old man in a black robe was moving forward.


    his appearance was no longer that of nether flame but an aged face.


    it was the black-robed man who had appeared on the dao altar of the demon


    feather great emperor.


    the iron chains on his body rustled as he moved forward and emitted intense burning. however, these didn¡¯t cause him any pain. instead, excitement filled him.


    ¡°almost there¡­¡±


    the black-robed old man¡¯s breathing became hurried. he quickened his pace and his speed became faster and faster. finally, after fifteen minutes, he paused.


    in front of him was the end of the abyss.


    there was actually a well here.


    standing beside the well, the old man revealed an excited expression as he looked down.


    there was water in the well and the surface of the water reflected a blurry


    world.


    that world was filled with darkness and death.


    it was raining there¡­


    ¡°this is the place!¡±


    the old man took a deep breath. his eyes were filled with determination as he headed straight for the well.


    at the same time, in a memory fragment world that was like a fairyland with birds singing and fragrance of flowers, white clouds floated in the sky and immortal cranes flew gracefully.


    celestial mountains stood tall on the ground, shrouded in mist, revealing countless immortal palaces.


    outside the gate of the seventeenth immortal palace, the young master of the


    yun family stood there, turning his head to gaze at the world, his voice hoarse as he murmured softly.


    ¡°it¡¯s going to rain.¡±


    with that, he pushed open the gate of the immortal palace in front of him.


    the instant the gate opened, the wind stirred in the sky of this world.


    vaguely, there seemed to be humidity permeating the world.


    inside the open immortal palace, it was dim and raining.


    the yun family¡¯s young master walked in with a respectful expression as though he was on a pilgrimage.


    at the same time, everyone from the west demon feather and lin kun from the


    east demon feather used their own methods to leave the memory fragment realms they were teleported to.


    they also used different methods to explore other memory fragment realms.


    during this exploration, the same weather changes appeared in different memory fragments realms.


    the clouds churned and rain fell.


    ¡°is it raining?¡±


    a drop of rain landed in front of xu qing and on the leaf of the holy heavenly


    vine.


    in the dark gray sky, the crack was slowly healing. only in other areas, clouds gathered, and raindrops began to fall.


    the rain soaked xu qing, the ground, and the hair of the proudly speaking


    erniu.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, let¡¯s go.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke. his next target was to find the empress.


    after experiencing all the things in this bizarre place, xu qing felt that following the empress was the safest.


    however, it was obvious that erniu didn¡¯t think so.


    he knew how tragic his state was on this star.


    moreover, after being stimulated by xu qing¡¯s gorgeous appearance, the speed and intensity of erniu¡¯s heartbeat surpassed the past.


    ¡®if i can¡¯t take anything away from this godforsaken place, i¡¯ll have suffered in


    vain.¡¯


    he thought to himself but on the surface, he maintained a proud posture and calmly spoke.


    ¡°little qing, we don¡¯t have to be in a hurry to leave. this star has already been conquered by your eldest senior brother. next is the time to pluck the fruits of fortune.¡±


    ¡°you¡¯re quite lucky; your timing is perfect. as your senior brother, i won¡¯t hold


    it against you. i¡¯ll let you witness my rise firsthand!¡±


    erniu raised his chin and swung his empty sleeve.


    he put on a look of disdain.


    however, his leg and hand, as well as his disheveled hair and his body that was riddled with holes, made him look a little miserable no matter how one looked at him.


    xu qing sighed inwardly. he knew that his eldest senior brother¡¯s desire to win had appeared again.


    he leaped down from the heavenly vine and stood in front of erniu, asking


    cooperatively.


    ¡°what opportunity?¡±


    ¡°of course it¡¯s the greatest fortune great emperor nether flame obtained here


    back then!¡±


    erniu¡¯s eyes were bright as he licked his lips. his gaze swept across the surroundings and looked at the barren planet that was filled with corpses and maggots. his voice was low.


    ¡°little qing, you just arrived and don¡¯t know my experiences. i¡¯ve already understood this place and analyzed the cause and effect.¡±


    ¡°although the environment here is very bad, in reality, according to my judgment, the more ordinary-looking a place is, the greater the opportunities hidden.¡±


    ¡°after all, for this memory fragment of great emperor nether flame to be able to form a realm, it can be seen that he had an extremely deep impression of this place back then¡­¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve also analyzed during this period of time that the great emperor nether flame i transformed into was heavily injured and on the verge of death here. in that case, how did he recover? how did he leave this place?¡±


    ¡°under normal circumstances, he would definitely die. however, he was able to leave.¡±


    ¡°this is enough to show that a huge opportunity is hidden here, and great emperor nether flame obtained this opportunity!¡±


    ¡°because i¡¯ve transformed into nether flame here, i¡¯m the only one who can obtain this opportunity!¡±


    erniu¡¯s words were precise. after listening, xu qing understood the cause and effect, and a gleam appeared in his eyes.


    hence, he also looked around and pondered.


    seeing that xu qing agreed with his judgment, erniu increasingly felt that his guess was correct. hence, he coughed.


    ¡°therefore, my current sorry state and the fact that i was chased by those maggots earlier were all intentional. i was trying to experience the despair of the great emperor nether flame back then.¡±


    erniu moved around in a big circle and finally got to the point.


    it had to be said that this wasn¡¯t easy for erniu. moreover, his words seemed to make sense.


    xu qing raised his brows and looked at erniu.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, have you found that opportunity?¡±


    erniu blinked.


    ¡°just a little more. after many attempts, i only have two things that i didn¡¯t


    do.¡±


    ¡°one is to eat the maggots here, and the other is to die once!¡±


    ¡°originally, it would have been very difficult for me to attempt the second choice. this is because i¡¯ve analyzed that if nether flame obtained opportunities through death, he must have some rare treasure that can allow him to revive after death.¡±


    ¡°but i don¡¯t have such a treasure¡­¡±


    ¡°however, after you came, i think there¡¯s a method that can achieve a similar


    effect¡­¡±


    erniu looked at xu qing.


    xu qing met his gaze and instantly understood.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, are you talking about the seven emotions and six desires threads formed by the six thieves delusions that we share?¡±


    erniu nodded.


    ¡°that¡¯s right. the authority of the six thieves is one, so the seven emotions and six desires threads can also be connected. we can see them as a rope.


    ¡°this rope can hang onto my greed and become a rope that can pull me out of death.¡±


    ¡°let¡¯s do it!¡±


    at this point, erniu¡¯s eyes revealed madness. as the six thieves authority shone, the seven emotions and six desires threads appeared.


    seeing that eldest senior brother was so decisive, xu qing thought about it and also circulated the six thieves authority, spreading out his seven emotions and six desires threads to fuse with erniu¡¯s.


    the moment these threads overlapped and connected, an extremely intense greed and madness surged over from the erniu¡¯s threads.


    his competitive spirit surged over as well.


    ¡°are you sure?¡± xu qing asked.


    ¡°i¡¯m sure. don¡¯t worry, my desire to survive might not be that strong, but my greed is enough. as long as my greed exists, nothing else will be a problem.¡± erniu took a deep breath and gritted his teeth. at the same time, he shot xu qing a look.


    xu qing saw the determination of his eldest senior brother and sensed that the threads of the seven emotions and six desires could indeed tug at the last shred of greed. most importantly, he noticed this subtle look. without showing any abnormality, he sat cross-legged.


    erniu also quickly sat down. he raised his single hand and ruthlessly slapped the top of his head.


    with a boom, the top of his head caved in and he fell to the ground.


    however, he didn¡¯t die.


    just as he was on the verge of death, erniu spoke weakly.


    ¡°little qing, help me. i can¡¯t beat myself to death¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was strange. he raised his right hand and pointed, landing on erniu¡¯s chest.


    at the next moment, erniu¡¯s chest rumbled and his life force rapidly depleted.


    xu qing focused and paid close attention to the seven emotions and six desires threads that were connected to erniu. he was prepared to pull him out of death at the critical moment.


    time slowly passed.


    erniu¡¯s body that had transformed into nether flame didn¡¯t have much life force left. the instant it completely disappeared,


    xu qing¡¯s authority suddenly shone and he tugged with force.


    immediately, erniu¡¯s body trembled and greed erupted. his vitality was stimulated. as he took a breath, his eyes suddenly opened, revealing a dazed expression. after he quickly recovered, he was incomparably excited.


    ¡°i can sense the power of death¡­ my previous analysis wasn¡¯t wrong. only by dying can we sense the opportunities here!¡±


    ¡°little qing, again. save me a bit later this time.¡±


    as erniu spoke, he looked at xu qing expectantly.


    xu qing was helpless. he raised his hand and slapped down.


    erniu fell to the ground and didn¡¯t move.


    this time, the moment his vitality dissipated, xu qing restrained his instinctive actions of pulling him out. instead, he paid attention to the seven emotions and six desires threads. when even his greed dimmed, xu qing knew that he couldn¡¯t wait anymore.


    hence, his authority erupted and he tugged fiercely. at the same time, the fate carving knife shone in his body.


    with this tug, erniu¡¯s greed surged, trying to revive him.


    however, at this moment, an aura of death spread out from this star and gushed over from erniu¡¯s body.


    what manifested in the threads of the seven emotions and six desires was the appearance of gray fog, wanting to drown everything about erniu.


    a glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he knew that the thing his eldest senior brother was waiting for had appeared.


    he understood erniu¡¯s previous look well.


    without any delay, the fate carving knife flew out and slashed at the gray fog!


    at the same time, erniu¡¯s previously dim greed seemed to have shed its concealment and erupted intensely at this instant. his greed soared into the sky and seemed to have transformed into a heavenly dog. it roared without making any sound and devoured the gray fog.


    at the next instant, the color of the world changed.


    the sky rumbled and the ground quaked.


    on this desolate star, all the corpses opened their eyes in unison.


    countless maggots let out heart-rending cries. they trembled and continued to collapse.


    as for erniu, xu qing could clearly see that the gray fog in his body was rapidly returning to this star. however, in the end, there was still a wisp that was directly swallowed by erniu¡¯s greed.


    at the same time, he looked inwardly at the fate carving knife he had retracted. there was also a wisp of gray fog on it. it was swept back after the carving knife slashed down earlier and was currently being absorbed by the carving knife.


    this scene caused a strange glint in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    immediately after, an aura of death erupted from erniu¡¯s body, pushing him into the air.


    the moment he floated in the air, the corpses on the planet lowered their heads and knelt down.


    the maggots that didn¡¯t die also curled up into a ball, emitting the thought of submission.


    in the sky, erniu¡¯s eyes suddenly opened and turned gray.


    at the next instant, the gray color disappeared and was replaced by greed. erniu laughed wildly.


    ¡°i¡¯ve conquered this star!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart calmed down. just as he was about to speak, a sudden change occurred.


    in this world, the rain from the sky poured down like a downpour, increasing by countless times compared to before, forming a rain line that transformed into an endless curtain of rain.


    amidst the rain, a world could be vaguely seen.


    this world was dark and countless tombs were faintly discernible¡­


    it was raining outside but it was also raining inside.


    at this moment, the rain seemed to have become a medium, merging with everything. this included erniu, who was laughing wildly in the air, and xu qing, whose expression had changed.


    it devoured them all.

 Chapter 1527 - Chapter 1527: Awaken, My Warriors

    chapter 1527: awaken, my warriors


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    at this moment, it was raining in the countless worlds formed by the fragmented memories of great emperor nether flame.


    it landed on all the people who entered.


    whether it was lin kun or cultivators of the west demon feather, none of them could escape the rain.


    as time passed, the rain intensified, pouring down in torrents, turning every realm into a realm of rain.


    within these rain-formed veils, the dark and deathly grave world emerged in every realm.


    this lasted until it replaced everything.


    it was like devouring.


    it caused all the memory fragments to transform into¡­ tombs one after another!


    when xu qing opened his eyes, he had no idea where he was. he lay there, surrounded by darkness and a pervasive dampness. at the same time, it felt as if his cultivation senses had vanished.


    he could only make a judgment based on the sense of touch.


    when he touched around, he felt cold wood.


    it was the same for his surroundings and his body.


    it was narrow and long, and he couldn¡¯t sit up.


    ¡°this is a coffin!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart was solemn.


    ¡°it started raining heavily on the desolate star where eldest senior brother was. that rain was bizarre. after it formed a curtain of rain, a dim world appeared inside.¡±


    ¡°in this world, countless tombstones are faintly discernible¡­¡±


    ¡°then at this moment, am i in one of the tombs?¡±


    ¡°both cultivation base and cultivation senses are suppressed.¡±


    ¡°then, my current image is nether flame?¡±


    xu qing placed his right hand on his face, and after feeling around, his pupils contracted.


    it wasn¡¯t nether flame, nor was it xue chenzi.


    what he touched was the face of his main body!


    ¡°this world is bizarre.¡±


    xu qing mumbled and punched fiercely at the coffin lid above.


    when this punch landed, the coffin shook and a crack appeared.


    however, as soon as this crack appeared, a sealing power gathered on it, causing the crack to instantly close.


    xu qing used his fingers to sense this. he couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste his stamina. in the sea of consciousness in his body, the divine authority of fate shone and transformed into a carving knife that flew out of his body, slashing at the coffin above.


    with this slash, the sound of a mirror shattering echoed.


    after that, the feeling of being sealed instantly dissipated by a huge extent. as for xu qing, his perception and cultivation base that were sealed also mostly returned.


    with its status as the supreme divine authority, there were very few seals in the world that the fate carving knife couldn¡¯t affect.


    after the knife slash, xu qing punched again.


    a muffled sound rang out.


    it echoed in the coffin and also passed through, echoing in the outside world.


    boom!


    boom!


    boom!


    the rain continued to fall and the muffled rumbling from the ground became the only sound in this originally silent scene.


    the ground was pitch-black and the space between heaven and earth was also endless black.


    one could only vaguely see endless grave mounds on the ground.


    this was a graveyard.


    a cold intent permeated the air and a sinister feeling spread.


    it was only when the muffled rumbling sounds from one of the tombs grew increasingly intense that the tomb suddenly trembled and caved in.


    immediately after, a hand stretched out from the mud that was scattered by the rain!


    if this scene was seen by the timid mortals outside, they would definitely be shaken, but it was somewhat common in the cultivation world.


    very soon, xu qing crawled out of the mud.


    the moment he appeared, xu qing felt a strong sense of vigilance. he looked around the graveyard in the rain.


    what he saw was all black, all gravestones and mounds.


    the darkness here was bizarre. even his divine consciousness couldn¡¯t penetrate too far and could only see a thousand feet in the surroundings.


    those grave mounds were like malicious ghosts, emitting an ominous aura.


    all of this caused xu qing¡¯s vigilance to rise to the extreme.


    just as he was observing his surroundings closely, a muffled boom echoed in the distance.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he carefully moved closer to the source of the sound. he only stopped when he reached the edge of the range of his divine consciousness and stared at it carefully.


    a long time later, under his attention, an even louder sound echoed from the tomb. after that, the soil of the tomb caved in and a golden light rushed out.


    within the golden light was a little golden rat!


    however, it wasn¡¯t xu qing¡¯s one. it seemed to have just been born and was trying to devour this space.


    however, it was obvious that it was very difficult for the newborn to bite through the space here. hence, after biting a few times, the little golden rat became a little anxious.


    the moment he saw this rat, xu qing heaved a sigh of relief inwardly and headed straight for the sunken grave.


    when he got close, xu qing saw erniu¡¯s main body struggling to crawl out.


    ¡°what kind of place is this?!¡±


    as erniu crawled, he spat out soil. he, who had returned to his original appearance, was still in a sorry state and felt incomparably depressed.


    it had not been easy for him to conquer that star and obtain the inheritance of death. however, just as he was laughing wildly and proudly, he was actually devoured by the rain.


    in the past, he was the one doing the devouring, and the times he was devoured were few.


    let alone by rain¡­


    this made erniu very unhappy. as he crawled out, he also noticed xu qing approaching. hence, he climbed out even faster.


    before xu qing got close, he had completely crawled out. after tidying his hair, he lifted his chin and was about to speak.


    however, at this moment¡­ erniu¡¯s expression suddenly changed.


    xu qing, who was speeding over, also stopped in his tracks. his expression also changed. together with erniu, he abruptly raised his head.


    a terrifying pressure silently and extremely abruptly descended at this moment.


    as the pressure descended, the surrounding tombstones all rumbled. all of them seemed to be squeezed and even the rain couldn¡¯t fall, as though it was blocked.


    xu qing and erniu¡¯s minds stirred greatly.


    this was because the strength of this pressure had already surpassed the soul accumulation realm and reached the ruler realm.


    moreover, it wasn¡¯t an ordinary ruler.


    hence, under this pressure, xu qing and erniu¡¯s breathing became hurried, as though they were frozen on the spot.


    and above them, there was something floating.


    it was an astonishing head that was a hundred thousand feet large!


    from its appearance, it looked similar to humans but its skin was gray. when it opened its eyes, they revealed coldness.


    at that moment, it was floating above xu qing and erniu, blocking the rain as it stared at them.


    compared to it, xu qing and erniu were too small, like ants. very soon, this bizarre head that made them feel horror retracted its gaze and looked at this graveyard.


    a scene that caused xu qing and erniu¡¯s scalps to turn numb appeared.


    the head actually opened its mouth and sucked fiercely at the ground.


    under this suction, an indescribably terrifying suction force spread out, enveloping the surroundings.


    countless soil and rain rose into the air, heading straight for the mouth of the head.


    it was as though it was eating.


    as the soil continued to rise into the air, some coffins were revealed. they also flew up and fell into the large mouth, crushed by the bizarre head and swallowed.


    although it was only a head, as it swallowed, nothing leaked out. it was as though there was a bottomless pit hidden in the head.


    as for xu qing and erniu, their hearts were pounding. they could only try their best to resist this suction force with all their might and stabilize their bodies.


    however, gradually, they couldn¡¯t hold on anymore.


    at this critical moment, xu qing looked at erniu. erniu also understood xu qing¡¯s thoughts and shouted without hesitation.


    ¡°awaken, my warriors!¡±


    the instant he spoke, gray fog erupted from erniu¡¯s body and the power of death descended invisibly.


    at the next instant, the tombs on the ground that were in a mess from the suction suddenly rumbled. corpses broke through the coffins and crawled out.


    there were many of them.


    the instant they appeared, under the suction force, before these corpses could greet erniu, they were sucked into the air and headed straight for the head¡¯s mouth.


    within a short timespan, more than ten thousand corpses were devoured.


    as though this amount had made the head full, as it chewed, the suction dissipated very quickly. the head also became blurry and gradually disappeared.


    xu qing heaved a sigh of relief and looked at erniu.


    there was still lingering fear in erniu¡¯s eyes as he looked at xu qing.


    the two of them looked at each other and could see the shock in each other¡¯s eyes.


    that moment earlier was truly dangerous.


    as soon as they entered this world, they encountered such a bizarre and terrifying existence. this was enough to show that this rain world filled with tombs was extremely dangerous.


    ¡°although the more dangerous a place is, the more treasures there are, but¡­ little qing, i think we should find the empress as soon as possible.¡±


    even the crazy captain couldn¡¯t help but mention this.


    xu qing deeply agreed. after nodding, the two of them were about to leave this place.


    however, at this moment, that terrifying pressure suddenly descended again.


    the head returned.


    it floated above the two of them.


    this time, it got closer than before.


    it stared at the two of them.


    before xu qing and erniu could make a move, the head suddenly inhaled. moreover, this time, the suction force didn¡¯t spread out in all directions but focused on the two of them.


    hence, in the blink of an eye, xu qing and erniu were directly sucked over without being able to resist.


    however, the head didn¡¯t devour them. instead, it bound xu qing and erniu in front of it, preventing them from moving. only then did it slowly fly into the distance under the shocked gazes of the two.


    as it moved, rain fell on it which it ignored.


    xu qing and erniu couldn¡¯t move at all. they could only stare at each other. their pupils contracted and countless escape methods emerged in their minds.


    however, under the absolute strength of that head, their methods had no chance of success.


    just as the two of them were getting increasingly anxious, the head arrived at another graveyard. it stopped here and blew.


    xu qing and erniu¡¯s bodies were pushed by a huge force and were thrown into the graveyard.


    immediately after, the head opened its mouth and emitted a suction force everywhere. its cold eyes stared at the two of them.


    it was as though it was reminding them that it was time to eat..

 Chapter 1528 - Chapter 1528: Good Family (1)

    chapter 1528: good family (1)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    xu qing and erniu didn¡¯t have any combat strength to resist. they had been restrained on the way and had thought of many ways to escape.


    but they all failed.


    at that moment, when he was thrown down, they noticed the other party¡¯s expression and gasped.


    ¡°that¡­ it¡¯s telling us to prepare food?¡±


    xu qing also sensed the goal of this head. he guessed that the other party must have noticed the eldest senior brother summoning corpses, causing it to not have to expend so much effort to absorb the soil and be able to directly eat the food in one go.


    hence, he restrained the two of them.


    the reason why it included him was probably because when eldest senior brother summoned the corpses earlier, the gray fog on his fate carving knife had also taken effect.


    ¡®there¡¯s a high chance that¡¯s the case¡­¡¯


    xu qing glanced at erniu.


    at the same time, the large head in the sky saw that its two servants weren¡¯t working. hence, the suction force emitted from its mouth instantly increased and enveloped xu qing and erniu, as though it was a warning.


    under this suction force, xu qing and erniu¡¯s hearts trembled. they didn¡¯t hesitate at all. the gray fog on xu qing¡¯s fate carving knife spread out and erniu also worked extremely hard, summoning loudly.


    ¡°wake up!¡±


    at the next instant, the tombs here shook and a large number of tombs collapsed. corpses crawled out one after another under the summoning of the two of them.


    immediately after, they rapidly rose into the air under the suction force and were continuously devoured by the large head.


    this process lasted for fifteen minutes. with xu qing and erniu working hard, the suction force gradually dissipated. the large head revealed a satisfied expression.


    it was as though it had not eaten such clean food for a long time.


    after all, in the past, it had to eat a lot of soil.


    and now, someone was peeling the shell for it.


    however, compared to its comfort, erniu and xu qing had a frown on their faces. this passive experience really made it difficult for them to grasp the development of the situation.


    however, before they could think of a way to deal with it, the suction force appeared again. the two of them couldn¡¯t control their bodies and returned to the side of the big head, and held there¡­


    the large head moved forward, leaving this graveyard far behind. a while later, it had already brought xu qing and erniu across the endless range of this place.


    right now, it was in a place filled with mountains.


    the world was still pitch-black and the rain was still falling. as for this mountain range, xu qing and erniu saw it in their narrowed pupils¡­ it was a combination of large burial mounds.


    previously, although the burial mounds were boundless, they were all of normal size.


    but here, on those mountain-like large graves, there were also many small graves, even more numerous.


    after arriving here, the large head in the air suddenly opened its mouth. it didn¡¯t emit a suction force but let out a low roar.


    this roar was like thunder, rumbling in all directions in the rain.


    at the next moment, a scene that caused xu qing and erniu to be even more shocked appeared.


    as the roar echoed, in the distance at the edge of his sight, there were similar roars faintly responding. it wasn¡¯t just one, but many coming from all directions.


    after that¡­ a head that was slightly smaller than the one that bound the two of them tore through the sky at an astonishing speed and headed straight for this place.


    at a glance, this seemed to be a female. the fluctuations emitted by its body were also at the ruler realm.


    at the same time, seven to eight smaller heads flew over from all directions like little cubs.


    they were much weaker but were at nihility realm.


    seeing this, xu qing¡¯s heart sank.


    erniu¡¯s heart trembled.


    ¡°this is a family?¡±


    this was indeed a family.


    at that moment, they gathered together and sensed xu qing and erniu. all of them moved closer and their gazes landed. some even opened their mouths, as though they wanted to devour them.


    at that moment, the largest head that brought xu qing and erniu here let out a low roar.


    it seemed to be telling its partner and children.


    after that¡­ the eyes of the mother head and all the small heads instantly lit up.


    this scene caused xu qing and erniu to heave a sigh of relief.


    although they were helpless, under the coercion of this family, they had no choice but to strive to prepare food for them.


    as for the dining ground, it was this large graveyard.


    under the summoning of the two of them, corpses appeared rapidly. they tried to summon for the existences in the large graves as well but failed.


    as for this family¡­ at the start, they each emitted a suction force that devoured everything within a range.


    some of the grave soil would still be absorbed.


    however, in the end, they simply floated in the air and didn¡¯t emit suction force at all times. they waited for the corpses to crawl out before absorbing them into their mouths.


    during the process, they would occasionally let out low roars, as though they were having an intimate conversation during dinner.


    this caused xu qing and erniu to feel exhausted.


    after all, continuous summoning expended their energy as well.


    however, their appetites were too big.


    ¡®they have already eaten several mountains. why aren¡¯t they full yet?!¡¯


    erniu sighed inwardly and gave xu qing a look.


    xu qing understood tacitly. the two of them fused the gray fog into a large grave. although they couldn¡¯t summon the existence inside, they had probed earlier and felt that it could form a certain level of stimulation.


    there was a certain possibility that the existence would awaken from this stimulation.


    as for what would happen when it woke up, the two of them couldn¡¯t care less.


    at this moment, as they went all out, the large grave rumbled.


    as the ground trembled, a huge hand stretched out from the mountain grave.


    the instant the large hand appeared, the eyes of the large head in the sky suddenly flickered..

 Chapter 1529 - Chapter 1529: Good Family (2)

    chapter 1529: good family (2)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    it actually had a spurious smile, as though it knew xu qing and erniu¡¯s thoughts like the back of its hand.


    it wasn¡¯t surprised by the appearance of this large hand at all. instead, it charged over with its partner and ruthlessly collided with the hand.


    the large hand shook as though it was afraid and began to retract.


    the two heads emitted a ferocious aura and charged into that mountain, breaking through the soil and rushing in.


    seeing this, xu qing and er niu did not hesitate and sped off at full speed, taking advantage of this moment to move swiftly.


    those small heads wanted to stop them but they were much slower than the two of them. very soon, xu qing and erniu disappeared into the horizon.


    they fled for fifteen minutes without stopping and at full speed.


    however, at the next moment, a familiar pressure descended.


    the huge head appeared in front of the two of them again. it first looked at the graves on the ground before looking at the two of them with a spurious smile.


    xu qing and erniu stopped in their tracks, their scalps turning numb.


    at the same time, the large head¡¯s family members also caught up and surrounded the two of them.


    while his heart was pounding, xu qing suddenly spoke seriously.


    ¡°there are more corpses here.¡±


    erniu also nodded rapidly, revealing a fawning expression.


    ¡°that¡¯s right, that¡¯s right. we were not escaping but exploring places with more corpses. this place is very good.¡±


    as he spoke, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all and immediately started summoning with xu qing.


    at the next instant, the ground rumbled and the graves collapsed one after another. a large number of corpses indeed crawled out and became food, causing the anger of this family to somewhat subside.


    as for xu qing and erniu, they only felt more helpless. they didn¡¯t dare to have any other thoughts in the short term and could only try their best to summon the corpses.


    but sometimes, when one intentionally tried to create an accident, it did not succeed. yet, often, it was the unintentional actions that brought about unexpected events.


    at that moment, as they continued to summon, there were fewer and fewer corpses. just as they were about to give up, a loud shout suddenly rang out from the ground.


    ¡°who is disturbing this old man¡¯s cultivation?!¡±


    as the sound rang out, the ground rumbled and countless soil splattered in all directions, forming a huge vortex.


    an old man walked out of the vortex with a cold expression.


    this old man was one of the cultivators from the west demon feather.


    to be able to form such an aura, it was obvious that he was the same as the old woman who had been killed by the yun family¡¯s ancestor, a ruler.


    his authority was related to death, so after entering the rain world and sensing the dense aura of death here, he was elated.


    for him, this was the best place to cultivate.


    hence, he chose an underground place to meditate and absorb the death energy.


    just now, when he was absorbing, he felt that something was amiss. only then did he walk out coldly.


    when xu qing and erniu saw him, their expressions instantly became strange. as the old man¡¯s voice echoed, his footsteps suddenly paused and his countenance instantly turned pale. he saw xu qing and erniu and recognized their identities but he wasn¡¯t in the mood to care. this was because he saw a group of terrifying heads behind the two of them.


    his heart skipped a beat. previously, when he was underground, he didn¡¯t sense these terrifying things. he only sensed xu qing and erniu.


    otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have dared to walk out.


    but now¡­ his heart started racing and his breathing also became hurried.


    this was because the gazes of the head¡¯s family were all on him.


    this scene caused erniu¡¯s eyes to light up. he suddenly felt that his current situation wasn¡¯t that bad. hence, he raised his chin and calmly spoke.


    ¡°who¡¯s barking?¡±


    when the old man heard this, he was furious but he could only hold it in. he cautiously stared at the two huge heads and tried to retreat.


    ¡°and what is the dog barking?¡±


    how could erniu give up on such an opportunity? he looked proudly at the ruler.


    the old man was aggrieved. in his entire life, he had never experienced being addressed like this. he gritted his teeth inwardly but he was helpless. just as he continued to try to retreat, xu qing narrowed his eyes and suddenly spoke. ¡°leave your storage bag!¡±


    the old man¡¯s expression darkened. at the same time, the pressure from the large head erupted.


    faced with such pressure, the old man¡¯s heart trembled. he endured his grievances and took out his storage bag. after placing it to the side, he retreated.


    erniu licked his lips and immediately spoke.


    ¡°leave the bracelet, leave your hairpin, and your belt as well, it is a treasure too.¡±


    ¡°by the way, leave the jade pendant.¡±


    ¡°the robe isn¡¯t bad either. take it off!¡±


    when the old man heard this, he was furious and shouted.


    an even louder roar rang out from the mouth of the large head behind xu qing and erniu.


    the old man was so aggrieved that his entire body trembled. he gritted his teeth and took off the bracelet, hairpin, belt, jade pendant, and outer robe¡­ before fleeing rapidly.


    the large head lazily swept its gaze over but didn¡¯t pursue. as for the things the old man left behind, it didn¡¯t take them away either. instead, it turned its head and continued eating.


    xu qing and erniu felt some regret in their hearts.


    however, their harvest was also very great. they quickly kept the items and looked at each other.


    ¡°this family is quite good.¡±


    at the same time, in the depths of the rain world that was filled with graveyards, there was a shocking mountain that towered into the clouds.


    this mountain was also a grave.


    the mountain was silent, with only the empress walking through the core burial chamber of the great tomb within the mountain.


    countless corpses in the surroundings were turning into ashes, and it was the same for the huge coffin in the middle. even the terrifying being inside the coffin, which hadn¡¯t yet revived, was eternally dissipating.


    the empress was expressionless as she walked to the end of the chamber.


    there was a stone gate there.


    the empress¡¯ gaze seemed to be able to penetrate it.


    it was an even more majestic underground chamber.


    the underground chamber was filled with bones, piled up like the sea.


    at the center, an altar formed by corpses was formed.


    on the altar sat a corpse that shone with silver light.


    immortal energy spread out from its body, emitting the pressure of a great emperor.


    unfortunately, it had already died.


    inheritance marks of various colors floated around it. the fluctuations from them were powerful and every mark contained an extraordinary divine ability.


    at the same time, there were also dao marks that were faintly discernible. these dao marks were all formed by authorities and contained terrifying might. there were also great emperor¡¯s treasures that flickered with light, hibernating here.


    any item placed outside would be enough to make rulers go crazy.


    in particular, there was a black crystal in the hands of the corpse. fog lingered in it, faintly revealing the face of the demon feather great emperor!


    around the chamber were eight huge and sealed stone gates. it seemed that these were the eight entrances that led to this place.


    at that moment, the empress was standing behind one of the stone gates.


    she didn¡¯t immediately push open the stone gate. instead, after staring at it for a moment, a look of contemplation appeared in her eyes.


    ¡°the inheritance marks are real, so are the dao marks of authorities. those treasures are also real.¡±


    ¡°as for this immortal skeleton, it indeed matches the aura of nether flame.¡±


    ¡°the corpses around also perished due to their life force being drained, consistent with the state of nether flame¡¯s seclusion.¡±


    the empress¡¯ gaze landed on the black crystal on the withered hands of the skeleton.


    ¡°that¡¯s the life soul of this generation¡¯s demon feather great emperor that was taken away by the nether flame during his peak. whoever possesses it will control the fate of the demon feather great emperor, and it is now the most coveted object for him to reclaim..¡±

 Chapter 1530 - Chapter 1530: There Are Supreme Treasure Here

    chapter 1530: there are supreme treasure here


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the empress pondered and retracted her gaze from the skeleton.


    she then looked at the other seven stone gates in the surroundings.


    after sweeping through them one by one, when her gaze landed on the third stone gate, her eyes narrowed slightly. after that, she closed her eyes and sat cross-legged, waiting silently.


    and beyond the third closed stone gate, which she was gazing upon, the black-robed figure, wrapped in iron chains, who had been moving mysteriously ever since arriving at great emperor nether flame¡¯s seclusion site¡­ was standing there.


    his eyes stared fixedly at the stone gate in front of it, as though his gaze could penetrate it as well, observing the chamber behind the gate and the black crystal in the immortal skeleton¡¯s hands.


    he didn¡¯t act rashly but his expression was gloomy. he chose to sit cross-legged and wait as well.


    at the same time, in the rain world, the other parties also used their own understanding and different methods to approach the location of the burial chamber.


    they searched for the stone gates that led there.


    in terms of searching, they had the advantage. on one hand, they each had information and had some understanding of the great emperor nether flame¡¯s seclusion site.


    on the other hand, because of their cultivation, it was easier for them to sense the location of the gates.


    it could be said that everyone who came to the great emperor nether flame¡¯s seclusion site, other than xu qing and erniu, were all scheming experts.


    only xu qing and erniu were like headless flies. in this rain world, they had no idea about the gates or the underground chamber.


    moreover, their fates were filled with misfortune. after watching the old ruler leave, the two of them summoned corpses dozens of times before they finally finished feeding the family of the head.


    during this time, they didn¡¯t even have the time to check the old ruler¡¯s storage bag.


    such repeated consumption made xu qing and erniu physically and mentally exhausted.


    however, there were also benefits. they had gone from being rough and unfamiliar with the gray fog at the start to becoming much more proficient in it.


    this was especially so for erniu. as the person who controlled the summoning, under this passive training, he was already close to mastering the gray fog.


    as for freedom¡­ although they still didn¡¯t have it, as this family ate their fill, they dragged xu qing and erniu along. after moving in the sky for some time, they returned to their lair.


    their lair was located in a majestic tomb!


    this tomb was like a mountain.


    on their way here, xu qing and erniu had never seen such a vast mountain. it was so tall that it seemed to touch the sky and go beyond. its range was like a huge city and it stood there like the summit of this world.


    it had many underground palaces and numerous restrictions. however, upon the return of this family, all these restrictions became mere decorations.


    after returning to their lair, the family dispersed. the two large heads went to the main palace and closed their eyes to sleep.


    the small heads also returned to their respective palaces and fell asleep.


    this time, they ate too much and were now digesting the food.


    in just an instant, thunderous breathing rose and fell in the tomb.


    xu qing and erniu regained their lost freedom.


    ¡°only such a large tomb can accommodate this family¡­¡±


    ¡°from the looks of it, this family should have been corpses in the past. however, for some reason, they gained intelligence later on and revived to a certain extent.¡±


    erniu glanced at xu qing. the two of them looked at each other. after waiting for a while and confirming that this family was sleeping soundly, they carefully retreated, wanting to find a way to leave.


    however, very soon, the two of them sighed.


    their freedom was only to a certain extent.


    they could walk around normally in this tomb, but were unable to leave it.


    restrictions were one of the issues, but they could be neutralized. the main issue was that they would feel their hearts palpitating when they moved too far.


    the thunderous snoring would stop, as though that large head would awaken at the next instant.


    ¡°damn it, they¡¯re not letting us escape at all.¡±


    ¡°it must be that they¡¯ve never been this full before, so now they¡¯re addicted!¡±


    erniu was furious. he checked the items he had obtained from the ruler. it seemed that only by calculating his harvest could he feel a little more calm.


    xu qing, on the other hand, had a contemplative look in his eyes. he didn¡¯t look at the items but looked around. after his gaze swept past the locations of the underground palaces, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, according to your theory on the desolate star previously¡­¡±


    ¡°you judged that nether flame must have had a fortuitous encounter there, so the more barren the place, the more opportunities there are.¡±


    ¡°then¡­ what about here?¡±


    a dark glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°i observed the number of underground palaces here and it perfectly matches this family. moreover, when they returned, the restrictions were intact and didn¡¯t stop them at all.¡±


    ¡°then, there¡¯s a high chance that this place is really this family¡¯s tomb.¡±


    ¡°if these judgments are correct, how did they revive? could it be that there are some opportunities here that caused them to undergo different changes from the other corpses?!¡±


    as xu qing spoke, he looked at erniu.


    erniu fell into deep thought. when he heard the last part, his eyes lit up.


    ¡°not bad, little qing. your analysis is exactly the same as mine!¡±


    ¡°i wanted to say that we have to search this place properly.¡±


    erniu rubbed his hands and surveyed his surroundings.


    xu qing naturally wouldn¡¯t argue with erniu about whose thoughts it was. seeing that his eldest senior brother agreed, they didn¡¯t hesitate and spread out, searching for anything suspicious.


    time slowly passed.


    very soon, seven days passed.


    this family was still in a deep sleep. clearly, they wouldn¡¯t take the initiative to wake up in a short time. as for xu qing and erniu, they had searched almost everywhere they could in these seven days.


    even in the vassal palaces where those small heads were sleeping, the two of them split up to investigate.


    however, they couldn¡¯t even see a hint of fortune.


    everything in the underground palace was empty. even some items had decayed and lost their meaning.


    in the end, the two of them appeared outside the tomb of the main palace where the two large heads were sleeping.


    this place was the only place that they hadn¡¯t checked.


    ¡°could it be inside?¡±


    erniu¡¯s breathing hastened slightly.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    although there was danger in stepping into the main palace where the two large heads were sleeping in, since things had already come to this point, even if it was dangerous, it wouldn¡¯t be more dangerous than their current situation.


    hence, after they looked at each other, they gritted their teeth and stepped into the main palace.


    the moment they entered, thunderous snores rang out deafeningly.


    the two large heads were sleeping together.


    the palace was similar to the outside. it was empty and there were no miscellaneous items. only¡­ at the end, there was a stone gate.


    this gate exuded ancientness and the imprints carved on it also emitted the aura of time, as though they had existed for a very, very long time.


    the moment they saw this gate, xu qing and erniu¡¯s hearts stirred.


    they had searched everywhere, and only this stone gate gave them a strange feeling.


    hence, after the two of them looked at each other, they looked at the two large heads again. after that, they carefully moved forward and finally arrived in front of the gate.


    the instant they stood there, xu qing and erniu¡¯s pupils contracted.


    at such a close distance, the ancient intent from this gate was even more intense. at the same time, there was a dense aura of death that seemed to be slowly seeping through the gate.


    ¡°there are supreme treasures inside!!¡±


    erniu¡¯s breathing was hurried. after sniffing a few times, the light in his eyes crazily surged.


    ¡°according to my premonition and my intuition when searching for treasures in the past, little qing, the treasures inside must be amazing!!¡±


    erniu licked his lips and quickly stepped forward. as he touched the stone gate, he felt his heartbeat speeding up. he was even more certain of his judgment and pushed it forcefully.


    the gate didn¡¯t budge.


    even xu qing helped, but the stone gate only shook a few times and didn¡¯t open.


    erniu was anxious.


    a blue glint flashed in his eyes as he gave xu qing a look. xu qing immediately turned around and looked at the two large heads that were sleeping.


    his gaze finally landed on the head that had captured them. he cupped his fists and bowed.


    ¡°senior, thank you for taking care of us on this journey.¡±


    ¡°senior, you brought the two of us here. if you said that you didn¡¯t have the intention of letting us open this gate, i wouldn¡¯t believe it.¡±


    ¡°since that¡¯s the case, senior, please help us.¡±


    on the way, although the large head didn¡¯t say anything and everything seemed to be instinctive, that spurious smile from before still surfaced in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    also, their tacit agreement to extort the ruler¡­


    hence, xu qing didn¡¯t believe that the other party¡¯s intelligence wasn¡¯t high. based on this judgment, there was a reason why it brought the two of them here and allowed them inside the building and try to push the gate open.


    this was also erniu¡¯s analysis. hence, when xu qing turned and bowed, erniu also bowed deeply.


    the snoring instantly disappeared.


    the two heads slowly opened their eyes and stared at xu qing and erniu.


    after that, they shifted their gazes away. when their gazes landed on the stone gate, their expressions became solemn and they even seemed to be fearful.


    however, in the end¡­ perhaps xu qing and erniu¡¯s judgment was correct, or maybe it was for other reasons, the two large heads looked at each other and blew at the same time.


    these two breaths silently landed on the stone gate.


    the stone gate instantly rumbled. xu qing and erniu seized the opportunity and erupted with their full strength to push.


    finally, amidst the intense shaking of the stone gate, a gap was pushed open.


    the instant the gap appeared, the aura of death spread out, accompanied by the fluctuations of dao marks of authorities.


    xu qing and erniu¡¯s hearts trembled. this was because through this gap, they saw a scene¡­ a storm formed in their minds as they saw the vast underground chamber.


    countless skeletons were piled up, forming an altar.


    there were a large number of inheritance marks and dao marks of authorities within the chamber, and an immortal skeleton was sitting on the altar.


    there were also¡­ great emperor-level treasures floating in the surroundings.


    ¡°great emperor nether flame¡¯s seclusion site!¡±


    these words instantly appeared in xu qing and erniu¡¯s minds.


    at the same time, they also noticed the other stone gates in the chamber.


    some were shut, while others¡­ were opened.


    behind the opened stone gates, there were figures sitting cross-legged.


    there were a total of three of them.


    they were none other than the cultivators from the west demon feather who had entered the dao altar with them!


    the instant xu qing and erniu looked at them, the three parties also raised their heads. their gazes instantly penetrated the gap in the stone gate where xu qing and erniu were.


    both sides exchanged glances..

 Chapter 1531 - Chapter 1531: On the Verge of Eruption

    chapter 1531: on the verge of eruption


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    among these three people, one of them was a youth.


    he was around fourteen or fifteen years old, sitting cross-legged by the stone gate. his face was delicate, and his hair was bound with a simple silk ribbon. as he gazed through the gap in the stone gate at xu qing and er niu, his lips curved, revealing a row of neat, white teeth, giving him an innocent and pure appearance.


    next to him was a massive black silkworm, its size far surpassing that of the boy, covered in tentacles, and looking quite menacing.


    it was spitting out silk threads, forming a black line that connected to a jade bottle-like supreme treasure among the surrounding skeletal remains in the chamber. the silkworm was strenuously pulling the thread.


    the silk thread was taut, but the treasure was evidently resisting. although there was a tendency to be drawn towards the silkworm, the process was extremely slow.


    in the other direction, a woman was standing at the stone gate.


    this woman had delicate features, with eyebrows like new moons, a high-bridged nose, and lips the color of fresh cherries. however, her overall demeanor was rather cold, and her gaze reflected the same.


    moreover, she was wearing a palace robe with large sleeves which gave off a sense of superiority.


    she looked at xu qing and erniu, and frowned slightly, but she retracted her gaze and focused her attention on the mirror in front of her again.


    it was an octagonal mirror, floating in the air, with its surface facing the chamber, reflecting everything within it.


    this included the immortal skeleton, as well as the inheritances, authorities, and supreme treasures around it.


    as for the woman, her jade-like hand was stretched into the mirror as though she was grabbing what was reflected in it.


    however, the difficulty was clearly huge. so far, she had yet to succeed.


    as for the last person, it was a youth.


    he wore a green robe and was dressed like a scholar. his hair was tied up on his head and fastened with a simple hairpin.


    his expression was calm, exuding a composed and gentle demeanor. as for his physique, he was slender and upright, resembling bamboo or pine. his face was delicate, and his eyes were bright and piercing.


    he paid the least attention to xu qing and erniu. he only swept his gaze over them and didn¡¯t look anymore.


    all his attention was on the burning incense stick in front of him.


    this incense stick was as thick as a finger and completely red. while burning, it emitted waves of red smoke. when the scholar blew gently, the smoke flew into the chamber and landed on the inheritance marks.


    this smoke was bizarre. under its continuous dyeing, the inheritance marks actually began to flicker, as though they had been given life and grew tiny limbs.


    as though they were being guided, they lined up and slowly walked toward the youth.


    when xu qing and erniu saw these scenes, their thoughts kept surging.


    after meeting the old ruler earlier, the two of them had long guessed the identities of everyone who had entered nether flame¡¯s seclusion site.


    now that they saw it with their own eyes, they realized their guesses were true.


    ¡°they are all rulers who have hidden their cultivation levels and identities!¡±


    ¡°this bizarre chamber contains dangers and unknown factors!¡±


    ¡°these rulers of the west demon feather are clearly extremely cautious and have discerned certain clues. therefore¡­ they aren¡¯t stepping into the chamber, and are using different methods to try to obtain fortune from behind the gates!¡±


    ¡°moreover¡­ since they are all here, this means that they already had some understanding and preparations for this chamber!¡±


    xu qing and erniu immediately understood.


    the two of them looked at each other and could see the solemn gaze in each other¡¯s eyes.


    after all, according to the situation, they were definitely in a weaker position here.


    any one of the rulers could easily take them out.


    ¡°fortunately, with this family¡­¡±


    erniu took a deep breath and couldn¡¯t help but turn around to look at the two large heads ingratiatingly. after that, he gritted his teeth fiercely.


    ¡°junior brother, we can¡¯t care less about being exposed now. you and i are both in our main bodies now, and they¡¯ve seen almost everything there is to see¡­¡±


    ¡°so, we¡­¡±


    at this point, erniu didn¡¯t continue but xu qing could clearly sense his intentions.


    ¡°let¡¯s give it a shot!¡± xu qing said firmly.


    a hint of madness appeared in erniu¡¯s eyes. they acted at the same time and ruthlessly pushed the stone gate that had opened a gap in front of them.


    they erupted with their full strength.


    as rumbling sounds echoed, the stone gate was slowly pushed open. in the end, it completely opened.


    even the rulers didn¡¯t dare to rashly step into the chamber. although xu qing and erniu were crazy, there was a difference between recklessness and suicide ¡ªat least for now, they had not reached that point.


    hence, after the gate opened, when they arrived at the edge and swept their gaze across the chamber, they stared at the corpses that covered the ground. erniu and xu qing immediately made a decision.


    at the next instant, gray fog appeared in erniu¡¯s eyes.


    the fate carving knife in xu qing¡¯s body also emitted wisps of gray fog.


    the power of both sides gathered together and surged into the chamber without hesitation.


    in the blink of an eye, a skeleton¡¯s eyes suddenly flashed with a gray light and it actually got up unsteadily from the large number of skeletons in the surroundings.


    after that, it used its hands and feet to crawl toward the altar where the immortal skeleton was.


    its movements were a little shaky at the start, but everything was normal soon afterwards. xu qing and erniu¡¯s control over it exuded extreme familiarity with no sign of awkwardness, and its speed increased steadily.


    if it was when they had just obtained the power of death, it would be quite difficult for them to control it so accurately.


    however, as they prepared food for that family, under the repeated tempering, their control was infinitely close to perfection.


    hence, they were very familiar with controlling this corpse.


    very soon, the corpse crawled to the altar and arrived beside the immortal skeleton. it then jumped up and ruthlessly knocked into a great emperor treasure that looked like a shield.


    the direction of the collision was the stone gate where xu qing and erniu were at.


    however, the instant it came into contact, the great emperor treasure rejected it. with a bang, the corpse directly collapsed and turned into ashes.


    this treasure didn¡¯t even budge.


    the other three parties ignored this.


    xu qing and erniu¡¯s eyes flashed. at the next moment¡­ seven to eight corpses jumped up at the same time and headed straight for the shield, colliding again.


    banging sounds rang out continuously as the corpses turned into ashes.


    however, very soon, dozens of corpses flew up.


    after that, there were a hundred¡­


    in the end, hundreds of corpses got up and charged forward. after continuous collisions, they finally knocked the shield that was floating in the air away.


    this continued, and the shield was pushed closer and closer to the stone gate where xu qing and erniu were at.


    although the speed of its arrival was slow due to the existence of the pull from the chamber, this was relative.


    compared to the other three parties, this speed could be considered fast.


    this scene was naturally seen by the three rulers. they all stared over.


    at the same time, two other parties also watched this scene¡­


    on one side was the black-robed man who hadn¡¯t pushed open the stone gate.


    he frowned as he saw this with his perception.


    on the other side was the empress.


    her expression was strange. she sighed as she looked at the corpses charging forward and the desire on xu qing and erniu¡¯s faces.


    time slowly passed.


    two hours passed.


    two more people arrived.


    the first to arrive was the son of the east demon feather¡¯s fifth ruler, lin kun.


    however¡­ it wasn¡¯t difficult to guess his true identity.


    he was the fifth ruler of the east demon feather and one of great emperor nether flame¡¯s disciples!


    after he arrived, his gaze didn¡¯t land on the other items. instead, he stared at the authority dao marks with a fleeting, intense desire.


    his method was also different from the others. he only sat there cross-legged and emitted a similar energy fluctuation as the authority. the dao mark of the authority actually slowly approached him.


    as for the last to arrive, he was xu qing and erniu¡¯s acquaintance.


    the old man they had extorted.


    he saw the chamber and also looked around. fie also saw xu qing and erniu.


    the moment he saw them, intense killing intent clearly rose from his body. however, he swept his gaze across the chamber and behind xu qing and erniu.


    in the end, he suppressed the killing intent in his heart.


    ¡°no rush. if they manage to get out alive, i will grind their bones to dust!¡±


    finally, he let out a cold snort and sat there, turning his aura of death into a rope. like fishing, he hooked a dao mark of authority.


    just like that, another fifteen minutes passed.


    the harvesting attempts of the various parties continued and it was almost time for them to harvest. this was especially so for xu qing and erniu. the shield that was continuously knocked over was less than a hundred feet away from them.


    what made them regretful was that the large head clearly didn¡¯t send out a suction force because of fear.


    ¡°however, if this continues, this treasure will be ours in fifteen minutes at most.¡±


    erniu licked his lips, feeling excited.


    however, no one stepped into the chamber. this didn¡¯t seem to be in line with the plan of the person who set it up. hence, it was inevitable that accidents would happen.


    at this moment, just as all parties were about to reap their rewards, a previously sealed stone gate suddenly rumbled and directly opened.


    a figure actually rushed out of the opened stone gate.


    their speed was astonishing. under the changing expressions of everyone, they directly entered the chamber.


    it was an old woman!


    in one of the memory fragment realms of the great emperor nether flame, the old woman had clearly died in the hands of the yun family¡¯s ancestor.


    but she had somehow appeared here.


    with a raise of her hand, a wave of ruler-level energy erupted from her body, creating a storm that swept through the surroundings.


    this energy shattered the silken threads, repelled the mirror, severed the death rope, obstructed the reviving legacy, interrupted the path of the authorities, and pulled back the shield that was nearing xu qing and erniu.


    all of this happened instantly.


    after that, amidst the sharp glints in the eyes of everyone, she walked in front of the immortal skeleton and sat down, saying coldly.


    ¡°since you guys aren¡¯t willing to take the risk, don¡¯t come in.¡±


    with that, the old woman closed her eyes and performed a series of hand seals with both hands. she opened her mouth and sucked fiercely at the immortal skeleton in front of her.


    with this suction, an invisible connection instantly seemed to connect her to the immortal skeleton.


    it was unknown what astonishing method the old woman used but the immortal skeleton actually began to dissipate. as the old woman absorbed it, her aura started rising visibly.


    it was getting stronger and stronger.


    it was as though she was absorbing the status of the great emperor nether flame.


    as she absorbed, the inheritances and authorities in the surroundings actually shook. it was as though they had sensed their master and moved closer to her, wanting to fuse with her.


    those great emperor treasures also showed signs of artifact spirit awakening.


    this drastic change instantly broke the balance here!


    this was an open scheme!


    whether the various parties noticed the issue with the old woman or not, it didn¡¯t matter. this was because if they didn¡¯t stop her, once the old woman succeeded, they would gain nothing. at the same time, if they allowed this to happen, an even greater crisis and variables would definitely descend.


    most importantly, what the old woman absorbed also included¡­ the black crystal formed by the life soul of the demon feather great emperor!


    everyone¡¯s expression darkened. a cold glint flashed in lin kun¡¯s eyes as he rushed out first and headed straight for the old woman. fie immediately got close and interrupted the other party¡¯s absorption.


    the two of them directly started a fight.


    the other rulers were still hesitating.


    xu qing and erniu glanced at each other and gritted their teeth fiercely. the gray fog in their bodies instantly erupted with all their might.


    in that instant, the countless corpses in the chamber trembled and woke up.


    taking advantage of the chaos, they pounced toward the inheritances, authorities, and great emperor treasures..

 Chapter 1532 - Chapter 1532: Taking Chestnuts From the Fire

    chapter 1532: taking chestnuts from the fire


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the entire chamber was in a state of chaos.


    on the ground, countless corpses opened their eyes and scrambled to jump up, pouncing toward all the inheritances, authorities, and great emperor treasures indiscriminately.


    they displayed a determined attitude as if they believed that grabbing one would be a gain and grabbing two would be an immense gain.


    after the old woman¡¯s absorption was stopped by lin kun, both sides started fighting. the light of spells flashed and the aura of the ruler realm erupted, forming an even more terrifying lethal force.


    moreover, their authorities were affecting the laws here and colliding invisibly.


    booming sounds continued.


    the energy waves shattered a large number of corpses. however, there were too many corpses here, so some still took this opportunity to pounce on the inheritances, authorities, and treasures.


    they tried to knock them into the stone gate where xu qing and erniu were.


    the old woman was extraordinary. although she was fighting against the fifth ruler who had transformed into lin kun, she wasn¡¯t at a disadvantage. in fact, even while counterattacking, her absorption wasn¡¯t completely interrupted.


    it was still ongoing.


    the immortal skeleton was still dissipating.


    however, the speed was much slower. moreover, under the collision of the corpses controlled by xu qing and erniu, the inheritances, authorities, and great emperor treasures were starting to move again.


    all of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in the blink of an eye.


    the previously balanced situation was directly disrupted with the appearance of the old woman and the intervention of the fifth ruler.


    the situation became volatile in an instant.


    as for the other parties, their expressions were gloomy. some revealed looks of contemplation, and some had cold expressions. however¡­ as rulers, their minds weren¡¯t simple, so their thoughts couldn¡¯t be seen through their expressions.


    moreover, those who could come here were naturally prepared.


    hence, all the appearances might be intentional.


    only they themselves knew the details.


    however, no matter what, the change in the situation ultimately had a huge impact on this place. under the chain effect, more accidents might happen.


    hence, a few breaths later, another ruler entered the chamber.


    the person who rushed out was the woman in palace clothes who held the octagonal mirror.


    with a step, she moved past the stone gate and entered the chamber. her figure turned blurry and when her appearance was clear, she was already behind the old woman. one of her hands reached out to a dao mark authority beside her and the other pressed down on the old woman¡¯s body.


    her appearance caused the intensity of the situation here to rise again.


    the old woman let out a shout. at this moment, she decisively gave up on absorbing the immortal skeleton. at the same time, the extreme black light on her body suddenly erupted.


    it formed a huge black sphere that was like a black hole.


    wherever it spread, it would cut through everything.


    the expressions of the fifth ruler who had transformed into lin kun and the woman in palace clothes changed and they retreated separately. however, they didn¡¯t forget to raise their hands to grab their target items.


    at this moment, another ruler entered the chamber.


    it was the youth who had smiled at xu qing and erniu and had tried to obtain a treasure with silk.


    his speed was astonishing. in the blink of an eye, he entered the chamber. his target wasn¡¯t the old woman but an inheritance mark in the surroundings.


    immediately after, a cold snort echoed out. the body of the scholarly-looking youth overlapped and dissipated like a bubble. when he reappeared¡­ he was already near a great emperor treasure that looked like a compass. he raised his hand and grabbed it.


    the instant he grabbed it, a black shadow moved past him.


    it was the old man who had a conflict with xu qing and erniu.


    he also chose to rush in. however, what was different from the others was that¡­ his first choice wasn¡¯t to attack the old woman or grab the treasures here. instead, he flicked his sleeve.


    immediately, the death energy formed a storm that swept through this place.


    this storm didn¡¯t have much effect on the rulers but to the corpses controlled by xu qing and erniu, it was fatal.


    in the blink of an eye, a rumbling sound echoed as though they had been purified. all the corpses that pounced on the inheritance marks, authorities, and treasures turned into ashes in the storm.


    this was clearly a targeted attack.


    after doing this, the old man sneered and began to snatch the treasures here.


    seeing this scene, a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. the hatred in erniu¡¯s heart grew intense and his expression turned malevolent.


    ¡°is he certain we won¡¯t dare to enter?¡±


    ¡°f*ck, he is blocking our gains. this is an irreconcilable life-and-death grudge!!¡±


    erniu shouted and madness appeared in his eyes. he saw so many treasures but couldn¡¯t obtain them. this feeling was enough to drive him crazy.


    hence, he did something even crazier.


    he actually raised his hand and slashed down, cutting off his head¡­


    he then threw the head to xu qing.


    a shout came out from the mouth of the head.


    ¡°little qing, help me keep it safe!¡±


    after saying that, erniu¡¯s headless body exploded, transforming into countless blue worms that emitted intense greed and madness. with extreme malevolence, it directly rushed past the stone gate and into the chamber.


    it pounced toward the shield-like great emperor treasure that he and xu qing had their eyes on the earliest.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t surprised by eldest senior brother¡¯s actions and immediately cooperated. almost at the instant erniu transformed into worms and rushed over, xu qing¡¯s six thieves delusions authority activated.


    it transformed into countless seven emotions and six desires threads that connected to the head of the eldest senior brother in his arms.


    this was to help eldest senior brother resist the damage from the soul level together.


    at the same time, he took out a mask.


    the expression of this mask was compassionate. it was none other than the compassion mask xu qing had obtained in the immortal arts hall back then.


    the effect of this human skin mask was that after wearing it, one could share half of the damage suffered by the person they were looking at.


    xu qing wore it on his face without the slightest hesitation. after that, he stared at erniu.


    at this moment, the scene in the chamber was extremely chaotic.


    the black sphere formed by the old woman erupted outwards.


    the fifth ruler who had transformed into lin kun and the woman in palace clothes were retreating to collect the inheritances.


    as for the youth, the scholar, and the old man, they were also on guard against each other while trying to take their target items.


    everyone¡¯s expression was one of distrust and selfishness.


    hence, the blue worms that pounced on the great emperor treasure first faced the pressure and aura emitted by many rulers. after that, they suffered the damage from the aftershocks of their fight.


    finally, they faced the threat of the old man who had a grudge against them rapidly approaching.


    hence, at the next instant, under the shared damage effect, xu qing¡¯s body trembled violently and blood spurted out, flowing down the mask.


    his body felt like it was about to shatter and his soul was in intense pain.


    his body staggered and he held onto the wall at the side to barely steady himself. his body emitted a clear sense of weakness.


    erniu¡¯s head also bled from all seven orifices and began to rot.


    at this moment, most of the worms formed by his body had collapsed. the remaining worms were also destroyed by the old man¡¯s storm.


    the difference in their cultivation levels caused xu qing and erniu to have no way to gain anything in such a chaotic situation.


    however¡­ just like the appearance of a person, it couldn¡¯t be used as a basis to judge people¡¯s thoughts.


    sometimes, it was the same for chaotic situations.


    perhaps, the more chaotic it was, the more order there was.


    at that moment, amidst the chaos where it seemed everyone was acting out of self-interest and pursuing their own gains, they suddenly turned in unison. it was as if they had coordinated their positions perfectly despite being spread out.


    in that instant, their auras surged far beyond what they had been before, all targeting a seemingly empty space that they had secretly sealed off under the cover of chaos. as if prearranged, they all struck simultaneously.


    the youth¡¯s attack formed a huge red hammer.


    the scholar¡¯s killing intent transformed into an ancient book. his authority erupted and the pages flipped.


    the old man raised his hand and gathered countless auras of death, forming a gate of death. when the gate opened, a large black hand stretched out and grabbed fiercely.


    there was also the fifth ruler who had transformed into lin kun and the woman in palace clothes.


    at this moment, they all unleashed their trump cards.


    the instant they attacked, the eyes of the weak xu qing flashed and the feeling of weakness dissipated. the holy heavenly vine quickly rushed out of his body and headed straight for the underground palace, wrapping around the shield-like great emperor treasure.


    he ruthlessly tugged.


    in the underground palace, one of the blue worms that had been destroyed earlier was still alive. at this moment, it suddenly jumped up and rapidly split into hundreds and thousands of little worms. they gathered together and charged toward the shield treasure.


    previously, it looked like erniu was the one snatching the treasure but in reality, this was just on the surface. when he and xu qing looked at each other, they would know each other¡¯s intentions.


    hence, it would be best if his appearance could act as a disguise. even if it didn¡¯t work, it would still be a help.


    it would be xu qing¡¯s turn to make a move.


    at that moment, rumbling sounds filled the sky.


    in the empty space where the various rulers had bombarded, the void distorted and a figure appeared. he quickly retreated as though he wanted to dodge but it was too late.


    finally, before blood gushed out, the figure used an unknown method to disintegrate on its own. by paying a huge price, it finally escaped death.


    when it reappeared, it had already teleported out of the trap and appeared on the altar.


    it was the yun family¡¯s ancestor.


    his expression was gloomy. he knew that his plan had been seen through by these people and he also knew that all their previous actions were just a disguise. in reality, they had long secretly joined forces.


    at the same time, his gaze swept past the stone gate where xu qing and erniu were at.


    he saw that the shield treasure was pulled over by the vine under the crazed collision of the blue worms earlier.


    however, it was obvious that the focus now wasn¡¯t the great emperor treasure but these rulers.


    hence, the yun family¡¯s ancestor retracted his gaze and looked around.


    everyone naturally noticed xu qing and erniu¡¯s actions. other than the old man who frowned, the other rulers were all paying attention to the yun family¡¯s ancestor.


    they had indeed joined forces.


    the moment the old woman had appeared, they determined that there was something wrong with her. some even sensed that she was a living dead.


    however, this was an open plan. even if they saw through it, they still had to intervene. hence, they decided to beat the mastermind at his own game and take advantage of the chaos to set up a trap. they wanted to force the hidden person out and kill him.


    ¡°as expected, it¡¯s you.¡± the fifth ruler, who had transformed into lin kun, stared at the yun family¡¯s ancestor and spoke coldly.


    ¡°there¡¯s no point in saying anything else. just kill him!¡± killing intent rose in the eyes of the woman in palace clothes beside him. she was the first to make a move and headed straight for the yun family¡¯s ancestor.


    however, the instant everyone rushed out¡­


    the expression of the yun family¡¯s ancestor revealed a bizarre expression. he then slapped his forehead in front of everyone.


    he committed suicide on the spot.


    the instant he died, his body collapsed and a large amount of blood splattered on the immortal skeleton.


    at the same time, the old woman also closed her eyes. her body collapsed, turning into ashes.


    wind blew in the chamber.


    in the wind, all the inheritances trembled.


    all the dao mark authorities fluctuated intensely.


    the great emperor treasures started awakening!


    as for the immortal skeleton, after it was dyed in blood, its withered eyelids slowly¡­ opened.


    a terrifying aura erupted from it!

 Chapter 1533 - Chapter 1533: Immortal Skeleton Revival

    chapter 1533: immortal skeleton revival


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    this aura dyed the sky in the outside world black, causing the original darkness to become even deeper and completely pitch-black.


    the rain was also affected, forming a resonance.


    as far as the eye could see, all the raindrops in the entire rain world seemed to have gained life at this instant and submitted in the direction of the immortal skeleton.


    the tombs also rumbled and collapsed one after another. countless corpses crawled out. when they were alive, they fought as warriors. after they died, they had been waiting for their master.


    at this moment, it was as though their master had returned and summoned


    them.


    hence, they returned.


    waves of roars rang out in the world.


    the source of all this was the immortal skeleton that was awakening in the underground chamber.


    all the dao marks floating in the surroundings emitted joy at this moment and headed straight for the immortal skeleton from all directions. there was no obstruction and they didn¡¯t stop at all. the moment they touched the immortal skeleton, they fused into it.


    as the authorities returned and the dao marks appeared, the intent of revival became even more intense.


    the color of the world changed. as wind and clouds surged, all the inheritance marks also flowed into the sea and headed straight for the immortal skeleton.


    as they returned one by one, the great emperor treasures also began to sway.


    as clanking sounds echoed, the artifact spirits of these supreme treasures finally woke up from their slumber. the moment they woke up, they sensed their master¡¯s aura and gathered together.


    hence, armor appeared on the immortal skeleton¡¯s body, a spear appeared on its right hand, and the left hand¡­ was empty.


    a compass appeared under its feet, and the sun, moon, and stars appeared above its head. there were also several rings on its back that surrounded it layer by layer.


    its aura was filled with majesty.


    the expressions of the various rulers in the underground chamber changed drastically. they were shocked and the horror on their faces was incomparably intense.


    as cultivators of the demon feather holy land, they were aware of the great emperor nether flame¡¯s terror. they had also experienced the era when they were suppressed by him a thousand years ago.


    it could even be said that many of them had personally witnessed the rise of nether flame.


    they also understood the cruelty of the great emperor nether flame and revered him as if he were a god.


    it was only after repeatedly confirming the death of the great emperor nether flame, and with the passage of these years, combined with a solemn promise made by someone, that they gathered the courage to undertake this journey.


    and the reason they still decided to come, despite being so cautious, was because of their greed.


    due to the mysteriousness of great emperor nether flame, there were many rumors about him outside.


    it was said that he joined a supreme organization within this starry sky, receiving cultivation and resources from them.


    there were also people who said that he had obtained an inheritance that surpassed the summer immortal¡¯s foundation.


    some even said that noble blood flowed in his body.


    some even said that he hid an extraordinary technique that allowed him to break through his shackles!


    all of this was what made nether flame reach the peak of the great emperor realm years ago. he was only at the soul accumulation realm before he disappeared.


    no matter what, it was widely agreed that the dramatic rise and fall he experienced were interconnected through a cause-and-effect relationship.


    therefore, for the various rulers of the demon feather holy land, uncovering this secret and seizing this opportunity would be crucial to breaking through the shackles of their cultivation.


    even if there were similar extremes of rise and fall, the path of cultivation was no longer solely about seeking immortality. instead, reaching the pinnacle had become the ultimate goal, leaving no regrets in life.


    however, the most dangerous probability still appeared before them.


    nether flame wasn¡¯t dead!


    at that moment, as the inheritances, authorities, and supreme treasures returned and nether flame¡¯s aura rose, the entire chamber rumbled.


    they wanted to escape, but under the cold gaze of the immortal skeleton, their dao marks trembled. their bodies were bound and their souls dimmed, losing the ability to escape.


    as for xu qing and erniu, the feeling was even more intense.


    they weren¡¯t rulers. facing this aura, their hearts churned incomparably intensely. fortunately, they hadn¡¯t stepped into the chamber and didn¡¯t face the pressure directly, so they could still barely hold on.


    previously, as the shield supreme treasure was taken away, the worm formed by erniu¡¯s body also weakly returned and fused with his head, forming a young boy¡¯s body.


    hence, at this moment, he had the body of a boy and the head of an adult, looking strange.


    as for his expression, it was one of madness.


    this was because under this aura, not only did they have to resist the pressure with all their might, but the shield-like great emperor treasure they had just obtained was also awakening, as though it was about to be summoned back.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t willing to return the treasure they had paid such a huge price for¡­


    ¡°i sacrificed my body to obtain it, and you want to take it away just like that?¡±


    in a moment of desperation, with bloodshot eyes, erniu opened his mouth wide and swallowed the shield he was tightly gripping.


    at the next instant, his stomach swelled up as though it was about to explode.


    however, erniu persisted with all his might, looking like he wouldn¡¯t give it away even if he died.


    three breaths later, his stomach tore open. the shield was about to break through and rush out.


    xu qing immediately took out a needle.


    that was the great emperor¡¯s needle he had obtained from transient evil back


    then.


    he immediately sutured erniu¡¯s stomach.


    with the needle stitching up the karma, erniu¡¯s ripped stomach was finally stitched up.


    at the same time, xu qing took out the great emperor¡¯s scissors and ruthlessly cut the karma.


    he was trying to cut off the connection between this shield supreme treasure and the immortal skeleton.


    however, the effect wasn¡¯t perfect.


    the connection was still there and erniu¡¯s stitched belly showed signs of ripping open again¡­


    at this moment, the large head behind them suddenly opened its mouth and sucked gently.


    under this suction, a suction force erupted, landing on xu qing and erniu.


    the two of them trembled. with the help of this force, they finally managed to suppress the awakening force on the shield supreme treasure in erniu¡¯s stomach to a certain extent.


    the various rulers in the chamber didn¡¯t notice this scene. they didn¡¯t have the energy to pay attention to other things when facing the immortal skeleton.


    however, the immortal skeleton sensed it.


    hence, when he opened his eyes, his gray eyes moved and his gaze landed on the stone gate where xu qing and erniu were. he only took a glance before retracting his gaze. when he looked at the various rulers again¡­


    he opened his mouth and exhaled deeply.


    after that, the sound of a heartbeat suddenly rang out from his chest.


    thump, thump.


    this sound contained astonishing might, like a heavy hammer smashing into one¡¯s mind.


    xu qing and erniu spat out blood, feeling as though their ears were ringing and their souls were trembling. they staggered backward, weakened. meanwhile, within the chamber, the various rulers bore the brunt of the impact, their hearts shaken, and blood spilled from each of them.


    they struggled with all their might.


    the youth¡¯s body was torn apart, and he was trying to escape with his soul.


    at the scholar¡¯s side, the dao marks shone as he tried to flip the pages.


    the woman in palace clothes and the old man also used their trump cards, disregarding the cost.


    the fifth ruler, who had transformed into lin kun, had a bitter expression. he opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but in the end, he didn¡¯t say a word to his master¡¯s immortal skeleton.


    all their attempts to escape were completely useless in front of the immortal skeleton.


    all of the attempts failed.


    if it were anywhere else, things might have been different, but the underground chamber was the territory of the immortal skeleton.


    absolute strength and the absolute difference in status caused everyone to lose their luster.


    as for him, he didn¡¯t seem to be in a hurry. his gaze swept past them one by one and finally landed on the fifth ruler.


    after a while, his right hand slowly lifted amidst the despair of everyone.


    black flames suddenly spread out from under him, burning the altar and the surroundings. after it completely spread to the ground of the underground chamber, it formed a black fire lotus!


    the appearance of this black fire lotus increased the danger here by countless times. at the same time, the same lotus flower instantly appeared on the bodies of the rulers and bloomed.


    amidst the rumbling, the cultivators who were bound there could only let out mournful cries.


    their screams filled the entire chamber.


    just as everyone was about to turn into ashes, one of the two stone gates that hadn¡¯t been opened suddenly opened.


    streaks of black iron chains rushed in. black flames burned on them, as though they came from the same source as the fire lotus.


    the speed of these iron chains was astonishing. they ignored the power of the fire lotus and headed straight for the immortal skeleton.


    they also seemed to contain some kind of causal law, instantly entangling the immortal skeleton. the instant they bound the skeleton, they started burning.


    the appearance of the iron chains was extremely abrupt. the moment they coiled around the skeleton, the black fire lotuses here also showed signs of being suppressed.


    the various rulers took the opportunity to unleash their own methods and escape.


    at the same time, a black figure stepped into the chamber.


    it was none other than the black-robed man.


    after he appeared, he crossed a vast distance and appeared beside the immortal skeleton in a single step. he raised his right hand and grabbed fiercely, snatching the black crystal formed by the life soul of the demon feather great emperor from the immortal skeleton.


    the black-robed man was not happy at obtaining it so smoothly; instead, his expression turned gloomy as he suddenly retreated.


    as for the various rulers, they were trying to escape.


    however, the instant they retreated, a hoarse voice slowly rang out from the mouth of the bound immortal skeleton.


    ¡°seal.¡±


    as soon as the word rang out, the fire lotuses in the underground palace suddenly rotated, forming a shocking suction force.


    at this moment, creaking sounds rang out from all the open gates in the surroundings, and they instantly closed.


    they stopped them from leaving.


    xu qing and erniu found themselves unable to evade the pull. their bodies were dragged into the underground chamber by the suction force, and behind them, the stone gate slammed shut with a loud bang.


    as their expressions changed, the appearance of the entire underground chamber also changed drastically.


    the dome above disappeared, replaced by a wrinkled surface. the walls on all sides also transformed into wrinkles, and the ground of the chamber began to rumble and collapsed directly.


    it revealed a cave.


    there was another world under the cave.


    a transparent sea could be seen, accompanied by a crimson glow. floating above the sea appeared to be a massive, embryo-like flesh sphere!


    inside the flesh sphere, a terrifying figure could be faintly seen sitting cross-legged!


    before they could see clearly, a blood-red vortex blocked their view, appearing between the underground chamber and the world below, spinning with a thunderous roar.


    a blood-red hand covered with crimson tentacles suddenly extended from the vortex.


    an aura that was even more astonishing than the immortal skeleton¡¯s erupted from this arm and grabbed at the black-robed man..

 Chapter 1534 - Chapter 1534: Everyone Is Here

    chapter 1534: everyone is here


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the hand was thick, with bulging veins, entirely blood-red, and covered in rotting tendrils. it looked hideously grotesque, yet exuded a terrifying aura. its strength seemed to be able to hold up the sky, affecting the surroundings and tearing through the void.


    its size was astonishing.


    it also gave off the feeling of a god, distorting everything and invading all things.


    the moment it appeared, in the eyes of everyone here, time seemed to have stopped and space was destroyed.


    everything seemed to have become a foil in front of the blood-red hand.


    only this hand was the focus of attention here.


    the violence and cruelty contained in it formed a will that could crush everything, causing the hearts of all the rulers here to tremble. their souls fluctuated and their bodies were suppressed to the point of being unable to move at all.


    it was the same for xu qing and the captain. faced with the power of the blood hand, they bled from all seven orifices, their world turned upside down, and their senses became confused, as if they were a lone boat in a raging storm, constantly on the verge of being capsized.


    at the critical moment, xu qing endured the feeling of collapse and quickly took out the token given by the empress, squeezing it ruthlessly.


    immediately, the token emitted a gentle force that enveloped the two of them, neutralizing the storm of pressure from the blood-red hand.


    the person with the greatest emotional fluctuations was the black-robed man in the air.


    at that moment, his pupils contracted. the instant the large hand appeared, he immediately retreated.


    at the same time, he performed a series of hand seals. as clanking sounds rang out, a large number of black iron chains appeared out of thin air. they were like black snakes that headed straight for the blood-red hand.


    these iron chains were all burning, emitting terrifying flames. they rapidly got close to the hand and coiled around it.


    in an instant, they tied the blood-red hand.


    they pulled fiercely, trying to stop the momentum of the large hand.


    however, a bizarre scene appeared.


    the black iron chains that showed a powerful effect on the immortal skeleton earlier had clearly encountered an even stronger existence at this moment. after entangling it, they were actually unable to restrain it.


    that large hand was like the stars in the sky, unable to be restrained. as it continued to move forward, the iron chains binding it emitted ear-piercing cracking sounds.


    one by one, they collapsed and shattered.


    in the blink of an eye, they were all destroyed.


    the aura of the blood-red hand that had lost the restraints was even stronger. it carried destructive force as it headed straight for the black-robed man.


    the black-robed man¡¯s expression changed drastically. he spared no expense in using a secret art and spat out a mouthful of blood, wanting to retreat from the large hand¡¯s grab.


    however, he was still a step too late.


    the blood-red hand directly shattered space and sealed everything. with an aura that couldn¡¯t be dodged or resisted, it arrived in front of the black-robed man.


    no matter how bizarre this black-robed man was previously, all his actions were ineffective in front of this blood-red hand.


    in the end, with a pale face and a low growl, his body was finally grabbed by the bloody hand!


    the hearts of the cultivators in the surroundings shook.


    when they thought of the previous scene, the layout of the underground chamber, and the method of the yun family¡¯s ancestor¡¯s sacrifice to awaken the immortal skeleton to suppress the various rulers, it was clearly to lure¡­


    the black-robed man to appear and plunder his life soul.


    this was clearly a trap and bait specially prepared for him.


    after the bait had been set and the prey had fallen into the trap, the large hand appeared.


    the black-robed man¡¯s expression was sinister as his body emitted black flames and seals, trying to struggle and counterattack.


    however, it was useless.


    the blood-red hand swayed and was about to return to the vortex with the black-robed man.


    at this critical moment, the eyes of the black-robed man who was grabbed by the blood-red hand suddenly flickered with a dark light as he shouted in a deep voice.


    ¡°separate!¡±


    as soon as he said this, overlapping scenes appeared on his body.


    in an instant, this overlap transformed into a double image.


    vaguely, another figure seemed to have appeared on the black-robed man¡¯s body.


    the appearance of this figure was entirely different from the man in the black robe. this person had a square face, thick eyebrows, and large eyes, exuding an aura of authority and a natural, imposing presence. he also emanated a terrifying pressure.


    the moment he saw this person clearly, xu qing¡¯s heart stirred.


    this person¡­ was actually the person who had brought people to the dao altar earlier. moreover, when the seclusion site was opened, he was sitting cross-legged at the top of the dao altar, waiting for everyone to return¡­ the demon feather great emperor!


    clearly, the demon feather outside wasn¡¯t his main body.


    what appeared here was his true body.


    as for the black-robed man, he was only the first layer of defense that covered his true body.


    this was because as the double image became obvious and the moment the large hand pulled him back, demon feather¡¯s figure swayed and he directly left the black-robed man¡¯s body like a cicada escaping its shell.


    the moment he appeared, the cultivation fluctuations of the great emperor erupted from his body. his body also rapidly condensed and transformed into his true body.


    great emperor treasures appeared around him, and dao marks of authorities flickered on his body. there were also rings of black fog spinning behind him, and the might of a great emperor spread out.


    his gaze was even more astonishingly sharp, as if containing lightning, and he stared intently at the giant hand.


    ¡°you¡¯ve finally appeared!¡±


    as the demon feather great emperor spoke, the black-robed man let out a mournful cry and was pulled into the vortex by the blood-red hand, disappearing.


    the surrounding people were even more shaken.


    the demon feather great emperor continued to speak.


    ¡°nether flame, 1 knew long ago that you weren¡¯t dead but were struggling at death¡¯s door.¡±


    ¡°the memory fragment realms from before were just a method you used to confuse others.¡±


    ¡°in fact, even this place is your smokescreen.¡±


    ¡°however, there¡¯s something that surprised me: nether flame, you¡¯re truly bold. to lure me into your trap, you actually placed your true life soul here.¡± ¡°you made me watch as your life soul was absorbed and refined, forcing me to intervene and break the situation.¡±


    the demon feather great emperor coldly stared at the blood-colored vortex below, his voice hoarse and filled with intense killing intent.


    the vortex was still spinning, emitting rumbling sounds. there was no response.


    ¡°however, how could i come here without making any preparations?¡±


    after the demon feather great emperor finished speaking, he didn¡¯t look at anyone here. instead, he raised his head and looked at the closed stone gate. ¡°empress, since you¡¯re here, are you still not planning to show yourself?¡± as soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of the various rulers changed drastically. they all looked in the direction the demon feather great emperor was looking at.


    this was because in their understanding, there was only one person who had the title of empress.


    that was the human emperor, parting summer, who had become a god!


    the instant they looked over, the empress¡¯ figure slowly appeared from where great emperor nether flame was looking.


    first, it was lu lingzi¡¯s body. after that, it slowly faded, revealing the empress¡¯ main body!


    fortune churned in the surroundings, transforming into countless human figures that gathered from all directions, forming a dazzling imperial robe around her body and a magnificent imperial crown on her head.


    at this moment, outside the demon feather holy land, the will of the human race was rising. it fused with fortune and augmented the empress.


    hence, a terrifying aura rose from the empress¡¯ body.


    the various rulers here shook under this aura. all of them were breathing heavily, especially those who had thought of sparring with lu lingzi.


    they were both surprised and unsurprised.


    it was normal for them to be surprised, but they were unsurprised because of the appearance of xu qing and erniu.


    however, no matter what, at this moment, the various rulers were extremely solemn.


    the empress was as calm as ever. she took a step forward and arrived in front of xu qing and erniu.


    she blocked the storm and neutralized the pressure.


    xu qing heaved a sigh of relief inwardly and erniu also relaxed.


    the two of them immediately greeted.


    the empress didn¡¯t turn around. instead, she raised her head and looked at the demon feather great emperor in the air. she had expected her identity to be called out, so she calmly spoke.


    ¡°demon feather holy land shall leave the human race¡¯s territory and the soul of the nether flame belongs to me.¡±


    the demon feather great emperor smiled.


    he knew that it would be difficult to hide the fact that he had recognized the other party¡¯s identity, and although they were currently in a state of war, he understood very well that for him¡­ what was important wasn¡¯t the outcome of the war but nether flame¡¯s life and death.


    he hoped that nether flame would die and he could take back his life soul.


    this point didn¡¯t conflict with the empress¡¯ goal.


    hence, after he suspected lu lingzi¡¯s identity back then, he didn¡¯t interfere. instead, he allowed the other party to return and open this seclusion site of nether flame. at the end of the day, he hoped that the empress would probe for him first and join forces at the critical moment.


    and the empress¡¯ request was also within his expectations.


    ¡®my life soul has two parts. i have already obtained the first part, and i can sense that the other part is below.¡¯


    determination appeared in the demon feather great emperor¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°you and i will join forces. you take nether flame, and i will take the life soul. we each get what we need, and after that, the demon feather holy land will leave the human race¡¯s territory¡­¡±


    ¡°deal!¡±


    after demon feather finished speaking, he took a step forward and arrived outside the vortex, looking at the empress.


    the empress¡¯ gaze swept past the rulers here, especially the old man adept in death energy. under her gaze, the old man shuddered and immediately bowed in respect.


    even though they were enemies, he didn¡¯t have the courage to look at the divine platform.


    this was especially so since¡­ he was aware that this gaze was a warning.


    the empress retracted her gaze. with a step, she arrived beside demon feather and stood above the vortex.


    the two of them entered the vortex at the same time.


    the others hesitated on whether they should follow. however, before everyone could think about it, the space formed by the chamber emitted the intent of extermination and the surroundings started to decay.


    it was disappearing.


    seeing this, these rulers gritted their teeth and rushed out, flying toward the vortex below.


    they entered one by one.


    the old man who had a conflict with xu qing and erniu seemed to be worried that he would be misunderstood and didn¡¯t dare to be the last to enter. instead, he beat lin kun to it and flew into the vortex.


    very soon, all these rulers disappeared.


    xu qing and erniu looked at each other.


    they could see the determination in each other¡¯s eyes.


    after that, they took a deep breath and instantly rushed over.


    they also stepped into the vortex. amidst the rumbling sounds, their figures disappeared.


    when they reappeared, they were in a blood-red world!


    the sky was made of flesh with countless fine fur.


    the ground was a completely transparent sea.


    on the sea, countless flesh and blood piled up, forming a huge sarcoma.


    a middle-aged cultivator sat cross-legged in the sarcoma.


    his body emitted an ancient feeling, accompanied by a terrifying aura. his eyes slowly opened as he stared at everyone who had descended from the sky and grinned.


    ¡°everyone is here. i welcome you to witness my rebirth..¡±

 Chapter 1535 - Chapter 1535: Washing Vegetables

    chapter 1535: washing vegetables


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    on the transparent sea, inside the terrifying purplish red sarcoma, as the voice rang out and the aura spread out¡­


    a storm rose in the entire transparent sea, transforming into a tsunami.


    the rumbling sound was earth-shattering, forming a huge wave that swept over, as though it wanted to overturn the world.


    the sky formed by flesh also squirmed. the countless fleshy tentacles on it swayed. as for the flesh gap that everyone had entered from, it abruptly closed. this made this place a dangerous land.


    only the mocking voice echoed in the dangerous land, lingering for a long time.


    when the various rulers heard this, their expressions darkened and regret rose in their hearts.


    they shouldn¡¯t have come here.


    greed didn¡¯t decrease with the growth of one¡¯s cultivation. everything depended on whether the value was enough.


    these ruler-level experts didn¡¯t lack the heart to fight; otherwise, it would be very difficult for them to reach this point.


    hence, it was only natural for them to come here after thinking that they had a chance.


    at this moment, all of them instinctively retreated and activated powerful barriers. as they searched for a way to break through the situation, they also placed their hopes on the demon feather great emperor.


    among them, other than the fifth ruler who had transformed into lin kun and decided to come on his own, the others had decided to come under the persuasion of the demon feather great emperor and the promise of a dao oath.


    nothing was set in stone.


    this was especially so when the empress and demon feather joined forces.


    it wasn¡¯t impossible for them to obtain the authorities, inheritances, or great emperor treasures they were targeting.


    as for xu qing and erniu¡­


    they also had their own goals.


    xu qing¡¯s goal was relatively simple. he wanted to break through the shackles of his cultivation. although the power emitted by the transparent sea here wasn¡¯t spiritual energy or divine power, the life force contained in it allowed him to see hope.


    this place is extremely suitable for improving my cultivation!¡¯


    as for erniu, what he was looking at was the sarcoma.


    looking at the figure inside, he couldn¡¯t help but lick his lips. his initial goal in coming here was to control a great emperor¡¯s corpse.


    it was obvious that this goal was very difficult to achieve.


    however, he still had a second goal, and that was to activate the bone cauldron of his previous life and find the memories of his second life.


    he lacked the memories of his second and first lives.


    he had a feeling that only by grasping the memories of his second life would he have a chance to pursue the source of the first life.


    the instant everyone retreated with their own goals in mind, the empress and the demon feather great emperor headed straight for the sarcoma¡­


    on the transparent sea, in the huge sarcoma, great emperor nether flame, who was sitting cross-legged, raised his right hand.


    the sky shook and fell.


    this scene caused a commotion.


    it was as though the sky wanted to destroy the earth!


    it crushed everything.


    its aura was world-shaking!


    at the same time, the void in the surroundings fluctuated in unison. it was as though it had materialized and suddenly squeezed toward the center with vast power.


    the sea below was the same. it rose into the air and welcomed the sky and the surrounding void.


    the entire world seemed to be rapidly shrinking together, forming a seal.


    in xu qing¡¯s perception, he only felt that the world was blurry and the pressure was endless. the surroundings were being repelled but after his mind shook, everything he saw was normal.


    the sky was still the flesh sky.


    the ground was still the transparent sea.


    there weren¡¯t many changes in the surroundings either.


    only the empress and the demon feather great emperor¡­ were enveloped by a layer of purplish-red flesh sphere.


    it was formed by the sky and sea as well as the void.


    this was because at that instant just now, the center of the gathering point of the world and the surroundings was the empress and the demon feather great emperor!


    it was very difficult for xu qing to clearly describe this scene.


    he only had a strong feeling that this world was like a fruit.


    and everyone was located at the core of this fruit, where just a moment ago, the great emperor nether flame had used unimaginable power to hollow out the fruit from within.


    and then, the excavated portion was compressed into a sphere!


    i he empress and the demon feather great emperor were sealed inside. before xu qing¡¯s perception could clear, the same scene appeared again. it wasn¡¯t until it happened twenty-three times that everything finally came to an end!


    the surroundings were normal and so was the world.


    however, they seemed¡­ somewhat thin.


    everyone was shaken.


    nether flame continued.


    1 ve set up this trap for a thousand years. i was only waiting for the demon feather to arrive at the crucial moment, so that i could possess him to make it my new body.¡±


    in the sarcoma, great emperor nether flame calmly spoke.


    ¡°and you guys are nutrients for me to complete my new life.¡±


    ¡°the appearance of a divine platform was unexpected, but¡­ it is also a pleasant surprise.¡±


    nether flame spoke as his gaze fell upon the sarcoma that sealed the empress and the demon feather great emperor. after scanning it, he looked towards the group of cultivators whose expressions had drastically changed.


    ¡°my world has 33 layers. i separated 23 layers and turned them into seals.¡±


    ¡°now, there are still ten layers left which are for you all.¡±


    after he finished speaking, nether flame slightly lowered his raised right hand.


    at the next instant, no matter how everyone struggled, resisted, or evaded, it was useless. in an instant¡­ the world rumbled.


    one of the layers turned into flesh and blood, enveloping the woman in palace clothes.


    another layer turned into a cage that sealed the fifth ruler.


    there was also the scholar, the youth, and the old man who had a grudge against xu qing and erniu. they couldn¡¯t escape their fate and were enveloped by the layers that nether flame had stripped away from the world.


    they turned into sarcomas that floated in the air.


    there was also a sarcoma that sealed xu qing and erniu inside.


    after doing this, nether flame closed his eyes and his chest heaved as he breathed evenly.


    he inhaled and all the sarcomas floating in the air shook in unison and began to shrink.


    as soon as he breathed out, all the sarcomas shook again and swelled.


    in the process of inhaling and exhaling, the life force and cultivation of everyone within the sarcomas were dispersed.


    an intense sense of danger descended.


    at this critical moment, the sarcoma, formed from 23 layers of world, where the empress and the demon feather great emperor were sealed in, suddenly trembled. a muffled rumble echoed from within, and the sarcoma itself began to reverse its state.


    when nether flame inhaled, the sarcoma was affected from within, preventing


    it from contracting. instead, it expanded with full force.


    when nether flame exhaled, the process reversed, essentially borrowing nether flame¡¯s own power to create a contradictory force of impact. this caused the massive sarcoma sealing the empress and demon feather to continually reverberate, eventually leading to the appearance of cracks.


    nether flame frowned slightly.


    at the next instant, more cracks appeared on the sarcoma that sealed the empress and the demon feather. streaks of divine light flooded out, accompanied by the power of the demon feather¡¯s authority.


    in just the time of three breaths, the sealed sarcoma formed by 23 layers of the world suddenly exploded.


    the empress¡¯ figure rushed out and headed straight for the sarcoma where nether flame was at.


    wherever she passed, the void shattered.


    the demon feather great emperor¡¯s killing intent soared as they attacked together.


    their momentum was unstoppable.


    in the blink of an eye, the two of them broke through the sarcoma where


    nether flame was and stepped in to fight him.


    the entire sarcoma instantly swelled up and the inside was badly mangled.


    outsiders couldn¡¯t see the details.


    moreover, they didn¡¯t have the space to pay attention to that place now. right now, all the rulers were using this opportunity to unleash all their trump cards, wanting to break through the sarcomas that sealed them.


    they all used different methods. some used secret techniques, while others used hidden great emperor treasures.


    they were using everything disregarding the cost.


    on xu qing and erniu¡¯s side, they were also attacking with all their might.


    while using the empress¡¯ token to resist the pressure, xu qing slashed with the fate carving knife.


    however, this sarcoma was bizarre. it was as though it was in the gaps of fate.


    after cutting open a layer, there was actually another layer, and it seemed to be endless.


    erniu opened his mouth wide, attempting to swallow the sarcoma in reverse,


    but it was all to no avail.


    it was the same for the other parties. no matter what method they used, they could not break through it at all¡­ even if they broke through it, they would discover that there were still more layers left.


    this scene caused everyone to have a misconception.


    ¡°is this seal really formed from one layer? it¡¯s fine if we can¡¯t open it, but i can sense those rulers using their trump cards. some even used great emperor treasures but none of them succeeded in breaking through the sarcomas.¡±


    erniu took a deep breath.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes flashed.


    ¡°but why did nether flame say that¡­ maybe these seals aren¡¯t formed from one layer!¡±


    erniu hesitated when he heard this.


    ¡°if that¡¯s the case, i don¡¯t understand why nether flame would do that. what¡¯s the point of lying to us? or rather, putting multiple seals on us is clearly not as effective as placing them on the empress and demon feather.¡±


    ¡°after all, we aren¡¯t the ones who pose the greatest threat to him.¡±


    similar doubts not only appeared in xu qing and erniu¡¯s minds but also in the minds of the other rulers.


    as erniu spoke, a drastic change suddenly occurred!


    almost all of the sarcomas squirmed intensely, rapidly contracting before suddenly expanding. they used this force to form pressure that landed on every ruler.


    the strength of this pressure exceeded the limit of what a ruler could withstand.


    hence, at the next instant, mournful cries rang out from the mouths of the various rulers.


    lheir bodies were collapsing and then being refined, their lives forcefully sucked away.


    it was the same for cultivation. under the absorption of the pressure, it was cruelly extracted.


    there were also souls and authorities.


    even the magic treasures couldn¡¯t escape.


    they continued to collapse under this pressure and were being absorbed, as though they had turned into spirit stones!


    absolute power caused them to be unable to resist. they could only wail in pain amidst despair and helplessness.


    the reason why it was only almost all of the sarcomas¡­ was because among these sarcomas, the one xu qing and erniu were in was different from the others!


    the sarcoma they were in didn¡¯t shrink. it only expanded, causing the internal space to expand¡­


    such a change caused erniu¡¯s breathing to become hurried. xu qing also felt endless danger.


    at the next instant¡­ endless life force rumbled over from all directions and directly¡­ gushed in through the sarcoma where xu qing and erniu were!


    these life forces were extracted from those rulers.


    under the control of a certain mysterious hand, they were all sent to the sarcoma where xu qing and erniu were.


    the previous swelling of the sarcoma was clearly to accommodate it.


    in the blink of an eye, all the life essence absorbed from those rulers gathered into a liquid that flowed past xu qing¡¯s ankle and nourished his entire body through his flesh.


    the focus was on nourishing the physical body.


    this scene caused erniu to gasp.


    as for xu qing, his mind rumbled intensely as he thought of something.


    he recalled the scenes that happened in the memory fragment realm containing the creation heavenly race.


    ¡°someone is pushing my body to grow!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart skipped a beat. he recalled that before, he felt that although


    the cleansing of the creation heavenly race seemed to be a blessing, the most


    fundamental reason seemed to be¡­ washing vegetables!


    before eating, they were washed clean..

 Chapter 1536 - Chapter 1536:I Want Your Body

    chapter 1536:i want your body


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    back then, in the memory fragment realm containing the creation heavenly race, xu qing had judged that there was something fishy.


    he also probed many times. although he still absorbed the pool water in the end, after getting that fortune, he had judged that even if someone had really set a trap, it was only a casual move.


    at this moment, his expression was gloomy.


    ¡°that wasn¡¯t a casual move. it was a trap specifically targeted at me!¡±


    ¡°the motive of the mastermind¡­¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t need to think further. he had already understood. after all, from what he knew, great emperor nether flame¡¯s first target was demon feather.


    in reality, this place of seclusion was to lure demon feather over at a critical moment.


    clearly, his appearance¡­ had caused nether flame¡¯s plan to change.


    i just don¡¯t know if i¡¯ve become his first choice or a backup.¡¯


    ¡®after all, there¡¯s great karma in my body. would he dare to ignore the future karma and really plunder it?¡¯


    as xu qing¡¯s mind raced, the wails from the sarcomas in the surroundings became increasingly heart-rending.


    regardless of whether it was the woman in palace clothes, the youth, the scholar, the old man, or the fifth ruler who had transformed into lin kun, they were all shaking violently as their bodies rapidly withered.


    their life force, cultivation bases, and even their origins were rapidly sucked away uncontrollably, turning into liquid that gushed into the sarcoma xu qing was in.


    it only reached his ankles before, but now, it reached his knee.


    moreover, the liquid seemed to possess a will of its own, madly surging into xu qing¡¯s body. as it coursed through his flesh, it nourished his body while also preparing for some sort of transformation.


    the intense pain he felt during this process was as though something was piercing his heart.


    xu qing instinctively resisted.


    after the will in the liquid sensed xu qing¡¯s resistance, it tried to erase xu qing¡¯s soul in a tyrannical manner.


    this caused xu qing¡¯s consciousness to feel unfocused. the connection between his soul and his body was being separated.


    all of this couldn¡¯t be reversed.


    xu qing could only use his fate carving knife to protect his soul. he was like a lone boat in the raging waves, barely holding on.


    at the same time, he tried all kinds of methods to escape this predicament.


    however, they all failed.


    ¡®since that¡¯s the case¡­¡¯


    xu qing¡¯s expression was ugly. a cold glint flashed in his eyes and determination rose in his heart. he directly sat down cross-legged and took the initiative to absorb the liquid, no longer resisting.


    because he no longer resisted, the will contained in the liquid also reduced its exterminating intent on xu qing¡¯s soul. his body instantly rumbled and a large amount of essence gushed in. the nourishment of his body rose to the peak.


    at the side, erniu also sensed that something was amiss. he gasped and was about to help, but when he sensed that the liquid here possessed unbelievable power, he blinked.


    he also discovered that xu qing was absorbing it with all his might.


    hence, a strange glint appeared in his eyes as he spoke loudly.


    ¡°junior brother, 1¡¯11 help you!¡±


    as he spoke, he actually sat down cross-legged and assumed the posture of helping xu qing absorb it together.


    however, his actions were clearly not allowed. hence, the instant he tried to absorb it, a huge repulsive force suddenly erupted from the sarcoma.


    as the sarcoma rumbled, erniu¡¯s body was actually spat out under the repulsive force.


    xu qing abruptly opened his eyes and tried to escape with erniu.


    however, the suction force erupted at this moment, instantly enveloping xu qing and pulling him fiercely, causing him to be unable to leave.


    just like that, erniu became the third person to escape from the sarcoma after the empress and the demon feather great emperor.


    after being expelled, killing intent followed.


    this force suddenly rumbled and swept through erniu¡¯s entire body. as cracking sounds rang out, erniu¡¯s wails spread in all directions. all the bones in his body shattered and his flesh was crushed. he continued to collapse and turned into a large amount of minced meat that fell into the transparent sea below.


    it sank to the bottom of the sea.


    xu qing heard erniu¡¯s screams and also saw his collapse. however, he couldn¡¯t divert his attention to pay attention at this moment. moreover, from what xu qing knew, it wasn¡¯t easy to kill erniu.


    in addition, he understood that he was about to face the greatest life-and-death crisis in his life.


    he might not be able to get any help in this matter.


    hence, if he wanted to escape, he could only rely on himself.


    xu qing gritted his teeth fiercely. as a cold glint flashed in his eyes, he continued to take the initiative to absorb the liquid in the surroundings. as he continued to absorb it, the liquid continued to surge rapidly.


    the liquid formed by the vitality of the various rulers already reached his neck and was still rising.


    very soon, it drowned his head and completely enveloped xu qing.


    this wasn¡¯t the end. as more vitality was absorbed from the various rulers and the wails of those rulers became weaker, the amount of liquid in the sarcoma xu qing was in had already reached 80%.


    such a dense and astonishing amount of life essence nourished xu qing¡¯s body to an unbelievable level.


    his body was pieced together from the fragmented-face¡¯s flesh and blood. it looked like a whole but it wasn¡¯t.


    thus, over the years, xu qing had been diligently working to fully integrate it. most importantly, he aimed to strengthen his soul at the same time, buying himself more time.


    this required a balance. it was the safest to do both of them at the same time.


    regardless of whether it was the immortal silver at the start or the dao marks of authorities, their purpose was for this outcome.


    however, this process was very slow.


    this lasted until he entered nether flame¡¯s seclusion site and into the memory fragment realm containing the creation heavenly race, where the pool nourished his flesh. his incomplete body had finally begun to attain completeness. now, with the essence liquid, derived from absorbing the lives, cultivation, and even the souls of multiple rulers, his body was on the path to true wholeness.


    his vitality rose rapidly, breaking through the shackles of the soul accumulation and advancing to the ruler level.


    if xu qing¡¯s soul could keep up with this outcome, it would naturally be the best.


    however, doing this before his soul matured was like a kid wearing a thousand-kilogram armor. the outcome would be either his soul being crushed or his body strongly rejecting it.


    however, if he tried to resist, the will in the liquid would erupt with soul extermination power. as his body became stronger, his soul wouldn¡¯t be able to stay inside.


    it looked like he had no choice.


    xu qing¡¯s choice was still to take the initiative to absorb it!


    even though his soul felt like it was being torn apart and was being rejected, he still didn¡¯t hesitate and continued to absorb it. at the same time, his closed eyes contained a cold glint.


    he was waiting.


    waiting for the rejection of his soul to reach the extreme.


    just like that, time slowly passed.


    the wails of the various rulers were almost gone.


    all the minced meat of the erniu on the transparent sea had also completely sunk into the sea.


    at this moment, a drastic change erupted.


    an earth-shattering explosion suddenly rang out from the sarcoma that the empress and the demon feather great emperor had rushed into.


    immediately after, the sarcoma rapidly expanded, growing larger and larger as though the resistance inside had reached the extreme. in the end, the sarcoma itself couldn¡¯t withstand it and split into pieces amidst continuous sounds, bursting from within.


    a large amount of flesh and blood splattered everywhere, landing on the transparent sea and melting.


    the figures of the empress and the demon feather great emperor flew out. when they were in the air, their expressions were cold. when they stared at the collapsed sarcoma, they also noticed the changes in the outside world during this time.


    they saw the withering of those rulers and also the soaring aura on xu qing¡¯s side.


    the empress frowned.


    after the demon feather great emperor swept his gaze past the sarcoma where xu qing was, his eyes narrowed, revealing a strange glint.


    at the same time, as the sarcoma shattered and the empress and the demon feather flew out, the figure of great emperor nether flame was clearly revealed.


    the corners of his mouth curled into a meaningful smile as he looked at the empress.


    ¡°you came here not just for my soul, but likely for this secluded cultivation realm of mine. let me guess, do you have someone you want to resurrect?¡±


    the empress coldly spoke.


    ¡°you¡¯re not a complete nether flame.¡±


    nether flame smiled but didn¡¯t answer. instead, he looked at the transparent sea.


    at the next instant, a vortex appeared in the entire transparent sea. as rumbling sounds echoed, a terrifying aura spread out, blotting out the sky and clouds.


    a bizarre figure slowly rose from the vortex.


    the figure¡¯s left side had a newly formed human body, while the right side couldn¡¯t achieve full regeneration. it lacked skin, with strands of blood weaving together, spreading out in a horrifying sight.


    the feeling of incompleteness was especially obvious.


    seeing this figure, the demon feather great emperor¡¯s breathing became hurried and his pupils constricted.


    as this bizarre figure appeared, countless bolts of lightning swam around it. the sky trembled and the seawater churned. a pressure infinitely close to the summer immortal was erupting.


    ¡°as expected of the omniscient gods.¡±


    a deep voice rang out from the figure. after that, he raised his head and his gaze was like laws as it landed on the empress.


    ¡°he¡¯s indeed not the complete me. to be precise, he¡¯s one of my two avatars.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s some karma between him and your two human heaven¡¯s chosens, as before changing his appearance, he held his own identity in the demon feather holy land as the great immortal master of east demon feather.¡±


    ¡°in order to welcome you, not only did i prepare that immortal puppet in the underground chamber, but this avatar also died in the outside world with the excuse that it had passed on the six thieves delusions.¡±


    ¡°now, to show my respect, 1 have personally come.¡±


    the half-human, half-blood-threaded nether flame smiled slightly.


    ¡°then, it¡¯s time for this grand event to end.¡±


    ¡°demon feather, have you considered what i told you?¡±


    nether flame looked at demon feather.


    demon feather¡¯s expression was gloomy. he turned his head and glanced at the sarcoma where xu qing was. after that, determination appeared in his eyes. he suddenly moved and headed straight for the empress.


    at the same time, nether flame¡¯s avatar that had attacked them earlier also emitted killing intent, rushing toward the empress.


    the three fought immediately.


    in an instant, the void shattered and this world fragmented like a shattered mirror.


    only nether flame¡¯s main body calmly spoke as it walked toward the sarcoma xu qing was in.


    ¡°i swear by the dao, after this matter, i will return your life soul, demon feather, unconditionally, and we will never attack each other.¡±


    ¡°avatar, after this, i¡¯ll grant you the freedom you dreamed of.¡±


    ¡°empress¡­ after this matter, this cultivation realm will be yours. you can revive the person you want to revive.¡±


    ¡°what i need is for you guys not to disturb my new life.¡±


    nether flame¡¯s voice echoed as his gaze landed on xu qing. it revealed a hint of admiration and greed, as though he was looking at a supreme treasure.


    his original plan was to possess the demon feather and use the other party¡¯s great emperor body to complete the rebirth of the other half of his body and advance to the summer immortal realm.


    though there were flaws, he was confident that, given some time, he could fully repair these imperfections.


    this lasted until he saw xu qing!


    the shock in his heart was earth-shattering. hence, he changed his plan. not only did he give up on possessing the demon feather, but he also secretly communicated with the latter.


    it allowed the situation to develop perfectly.


    ¡°such a body is unbelievable. so what if i get implicated by its karma¡­¡±


    nether flame mumbled and walked step by step to the sarcoma where xu qing was. he looked at xu qing, who had his eyes closed, and licked his lips. the greed in his heart couldn¡¯t be suppressed at this moment.


    ¡°i want your body.¡±


    he raised his right hand and penetrated the sarcoma in front of him, pressing it toward the top of xu qing¡¯s head..

 Chapter 1537 - Chapter 1537: Entering the Residence and Becoming an External Evil

    chapter 1537: entering the residence and becoming an external evil


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the flesh sky was like a shattered mirror with countless cracks.


    in each fragment, there was an independent world.


    in one of the fragments, the empress, the demon feather great emperor, and the great immortal master of the east demon feather were fighting.


    as for the various rulers who had been drained into skeletons, they were now on the verge of death, each located within different fragments.


    as for the fragment where nether flame¡¯s main body and xu qing were, it was located in the center.


    xu qing sat cross-legged and closed his eyes. it was as though he had lost all perception of the outside world and wasn¡¯t moving at all.


    in front of him stood the incomplete and eerily formed nether flame, half composed of flesh and half of blood threads.


    at that moment, the greed and anticipation on nether flame¡¯s face turned sinister.


    his right hand penetrated the sarcoma and pressed down on the top of xu qing¡¯s head. a terrifying aura suddenly rushed into xu qing¡¯s body.


    a hoarse voice echoed through the world.


    ¡°i have two avatars. one of them is the great immortal master of the east demon feather, and the other is¡­ the great immortal master of the west demon feather.¡±


    ¡°you have immortal arts, but you don¡¯t know that the immortal arts of the demon feather holy land were originally passed down by me.¡±


    ¡°so, little fellow, i know that you are implicated by karma and i know that you have a powerful restriction on you. however, my possession of your body isn¡¯t a simple invasion or crude devouring, but¡­¡±


    ¡°immortal art, six thieves delusions!¡±


    nether flame¡¯s voice rose and fell. accompanied by his aura, what gushed into the top of xu qing¡¯s head were countless threads of seven emotions and six desires. they spread out and enveloped xu qing¡¯s entire body, entering every magic aperture.


    it fluctuated xu qing¡¯s seven emotions and xu qing¡¯s six desires that came from the same source, causing his body to become a hotbed.


    immediately after¡­


    ¡°immortal art, five dogs sheltering immortal!¡±


    when the miserly dog entered, one lost treasures; when the greedy dog entered, one was bound; when the deluded dog entered, one fell into the cycle of life and death; when the evil dog entered, one fell into hell; when the precipice dog entered, one forever lost human form.


    although this art had become a bizarre spell that was similar to killing spells, in reality, the true purpose of it being created back then¡­


    it was to possess another body!


    hence, at the next instant, nether flame¡¯s memories became like dogs that entered xu qing¡¯s house and domineeringly covered xu qing¡¯s memories, forming countless white hairs that gathered into a door.


    this door was the entrance to the residence!


    as the door in xu qing¡¯s body opened, it also formed in the nether flame¡¯s body.


    they were connected at the same time!


    nether flame¡¯s soul transformed into a bizarre white eye. it followed the door that appeared in his body and rushed out, entering the opened door in xu qing¡¯s body.


    the external evil invaded and spun into a vortex.


    ¡°insatiable desires are known as greed; when the greedy dog enters, one is bound.¡±


    ¡°creating false standards is delusion; when the deluded dog enters, one falls into the cycle of life and death.¡±


    the power of separation erupted.


    the terrifying soul of nether flame forcefully and domineeringly stripped away xu qing¡¯s soul that was already rejected by his body.


    this caused xu qing¡¯s body to be a body and his soul to be a soul. they were no longer connected.


    after that, a large white mouth appeared in the vortex.


    ¡°winning arguments through deceit is evil; when the evil dog enters, one falls into hell.¡±


    it swallowed fiercely.


    what it devoured was the soul!


    at this critical moment, xu qing¡¯s soul¡¯s closed eyes suddenly opened, revealing a hint of determination and madness.


    from the very beginning, when faced with a life-or-death situation, xu qing was acutely aware that under the overwhelming power of nether flame, he stood no chance of resisting the malevolence and attempted possession.


    no matter what, a direct counterattack was meaningless.


    hence, he didn¡¯t choose to resist. in fact, he had even taken the initiative to absorb the essence liquid in the sarcoma and nourish his body, allowing it to recover more and more completely.


    from there, his body¡¯s rejection of his soul continued to rise until it reached the extreme!


    this was his goal!


    however, during this process, he had to endure the pain of his soul being crushed.


    the protection of the fate carving knife became the main reliance.


    now, nether flame¡¯s five dogs immortal art had already caused his body to strongly reject his soul. it broke through the limit and reached an unprecedented level.


    it was like they were chasing his soul away.


    to xu qing, this was the most important chance of survival!


    hence¡­


    ¡°five dogs, sheltering immortal!¡±


    the immortal art also erupted in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    he didn¡¯t stop nether flame¡¯s possession and didn¡¯t resist at all.


    it was as though this body wasn¡¯t his and he¡­ gave up on it without hesitation!


    he then used the help of five dogs sheltering immortal¡¯s possession effect and his body¡¯s endless rejection of his soul.


    the former was a pulling force, while the latter was a pushing force.


    after the two sides fused, they augmented each other, causing xu qing¡¯s soul to rush out before it was devoured.


    following the door opened by nether flame¡­


    giving up his body!


    the instant the other party¡¯s soul possessed him, he didn¡¯t hesitate to burn his soul or draw the fate totem. he even activated the restrictions left behind by his master and other arrangements.


    he paid an endless price and stepped into the possession door opened by nether flame the instant his soul was about to collapse.


    with one step, he left his body.


    he followed the passageway¡­ and took a step forward, entering the main body that nether flame had abandoned!


    he stepped through the opened door in nether flame¡¯s body!


    he had become a greedy dog of the five dogs sheltering immortal.


    entering the residence and becoming an external evil!


    he became the white eye beyond the door in nether flame¡¯s body.


    he swapped bodies with nether flame!


    if it was any other time, xu qing wouldn¡¯t be able to do it.


    but now, the other party¡¯s possession attempt had opened a path.


    the other party¡¯s abandonment became the cause.


    as for xu qing¡¯s five dogs, they became a pulling force.


    the repulsion from his body became a pushing force.


    hence, this scene that was extremely rare¡­ became reality at this instant.


    of course, the most important thing was the arrangements xu qing had set up beforehand!


    xu qing¡¯s actions, though causing a sense of surprise for nether flame, were actually intended to obstruct the process.


    however, the sudden explosion of xu qing¡¯s physical body¡¯s restrictions, along with the unexpected malice emanating from behind, caused instability in the takeover attempt, leading nether flame to momentarily reconsider.


    killing xu qing wasn¡¯t the main point.


    completing the last step of five dogs sheltering immortal and controlling this body was the most important thing now.


    compared to this matter, everything else was secondary.


    as for the body he had abandoned¡­


    ¡°that physical body is incomplete and lacks the part of the demon feather. i relied on my soul to barely support and balance it. now that my soul has left, it¡¯s already at the end of its rope. it won¡¯t be long before it collapses.¡±


    nether flame sneered and didn¡¯t bother with it. at this moment, his soul completely erupted, instantly forming the fifth intent of the five dogs sheltering immortal.


    it was a white face skin.


    as it appeared, the five dogs sheltering immortal art was completed, forming a face.


    its white hair fluttered in the wind and it had a bizarre expression that was neither quite crying nor quite smiling.


    its might suppressed the restraints, and its power enveloped what was behind.


    achieving balance.


    ¡°refusing to accept the truth and obstinately rejecting the three paths to liberation is the precipice; when the precipice dog enters, one forever loses human form.¡±


    in the sarcoma, ¡®xu qing¡¯, who was sitting cross-legged, suddenly muttered.


    as he said this, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly and he slowly opened his eyes.


    although he still looked like xu qing, the vicissitudes in his eyes and his terrifying aura caused his entire aura to undergo a drastic change.


    his physical strength was also rising.


    he released the power of a ruler first before quickly displaying the power of a great emperor.


    sensing this feeling of perfection, nether flame revealed a look of admiration.


    ¡°kid, this body was really wasted on you previously. your soul can¡¯t support this body to erupt with its might.¡±


    at the same time, the body he had abandoned outside the sarcoma suddenly trembled and staggered back. moreover, it was constantly withering and collapsing.


    it was as though its inner strength couldn¡¯t support the balance of this body.


    at that moment, its eyes barely opened, revealing xu qing¡¯s gaze.


    nether flame shook his head and swept his gaze over as though he was looking at an ant. he was about to raise his right hand.


    however, at this moment¡­


    in the body he had possessed, the restriction power he had suppressed with the five dogs sheltering immortal earlier had reached a critical point due to the increasing strength of the soul.


    the balance was broken.


    it erupted again!


    there were two restrictions left behind by old master seventh back then.


    one was to restrict rulers, and the other was to restrict great emperors.


    the former was balanced by nether flame¡¯s five dogs sheltering immortal, but now¡­ the second restriction was triggered.


    in an instant, countless silver threads appeared on the body, forming numerous intricate patterns. these markings flowed like water, intertwining and constantly crossing each other.


    in a split second, the silver threads formed a large net that covered the entire body. the threads of the net transcended the rules and shone with a dazzling silver light, with all the markings radiating brilliantly.


    under the all-out eruption, the restriction tried to suppress the rising strength of the body.


    this was the protection old master seventh had arranged on xu qing back then.


    seeing this, nether flame¡¯s eyes revealed a dark glint and he frowned slightly. however, he wasn¡¯t too surprised.


    after all, it was impossible for that junior to complete such a body himself. clearly, he had the help of an almighty figure. in that case, it was normal for them to leave some backup plans.


    ¡°the person who left this restriction seal isn¡¯t simple.¡±


    nether flame narrowed his eyes and pressed his right hand on his forehead. at the next moment, a black lotus appeared under him. as it spun rapidly, the essence in the sarcoma rapidly decreased and was absorbed by him.


    at the same time, a black lotus bloomed, with iron chains like flower stamens dancing out from within. under his control, these chains wrapped around his body.


    it formed a suppression.


    ¡°although i can¡¯t erase this restriction immediately, 1 can still balance it out.¡±


    ¡°in the future, i only need some time to erase it!¡±


    ¡°so, little fellow, what else did you leave on this body? the candle on your back?¡±


    nether flame calmly spoke.


    a loud bang rang out from behind him. the candle totem of the candle instantly burned, illuminating the world behind nether flame.


    ¡°i¡¯ve studied this candle longer than you.¡±


    nether flame waved his hand and directly cut off a portion of his soul, separating it and enveloping the candle totem on his back, forming a lantern cover.


    ¡°by doing this, not only can 1 restrict it, but i can also borrow its strength to a certain extent.¡±


    ¡°now, little fellow, do you have any other arrangements?¡±


    nether flame smiled slightly.


    however, the instant he said this, before xu qing could respond, an earth-shattering roar rose into the sky from the transparent sea below.


    ¡°old thing, if you want to harm my junior brother, you have to ask me first!¡±


    the moment the sound appeared, the transparent sea directly boiled. large waves rumbled, forming a tsunami that rumbled and rolled in all directions.


    at this moment, the entire transparent sea seemed to be dyed blue!


    countless blue worms rushed out of the sea amidst the tsunami.


    there were so many of them that it was earth-shattering.


    they gathered together and formed a large blue hand that seemed to be able to hold the sky.. it held an ancient bone cauldron and headed straight for nether flame!

 Chapter 1538 - Chapter 1538:I Wish…

    chapter 1538:i wish¡­


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    this bone cauldron was formed from the bones of erniu¡¯s second life. it was refined by the immortal art great emperor back then. its might was terrifying and it used greed to refine everything.


    at that moment, the hand formed by countless blue worms broke out of the sea. as the large waves churned, it directly landed on the sarcoma where


    nether flame was.


    nether flame was sitting cross-legged in the sarcoma. he looked calm but in reality, only he understood how vast this body was and how difficult it was to completely control it.


    on one hand, this difficulty came from the karma of the body. on the other hand¡­ it was the restriction left behind by old master seventh!


    although he had suppressed this restriction, in reality, he had only barely reached a balance.


    at that moment, he couldn¡¯t completely control this body!


    the instant a cold glint flashed in his eyes, the lid of the huge bone cauldron that was rapidly approaching opened, enveloping the sarcoma and ruthlessly suppressing it.


    ¡°refine!!¡±


    deep roars rang out from the mouths of the countless blue worms at the same


    time.


    a shocking sound rang out and the large hand formed by the blue worms also disintegrated at this moment, turning into a sea of worms that surrounded the bone cauldron and rotated rapidly.


    its aura was imposing and earth-shattering, forming a blue vortex in the sky.


    moreover, as they spun crazily, these worms each exhaled extreme cold air.


    the cold air surged toward the bone cauldron but it didn¡¯t freeze. instead, it transformed into ice flames that fused into the cauldron and began to refine the sarcoma.


    booming sounds instantly filled the sky.


    erniu didn¡¯t dare to be careless. all his energy was focused in controlling and augmenting the bone cauldron, refining it recklessly. however, he was also clear that the possibility of success in the end wasn¡¯t high.


    after all, that was great emperor nether flame.


    however, at this critical moment, buying time was the best choice.


    he wanted to give the empress and xu qing enough time.


    this allowed the empress to arrive as soon as possible and allowed xu (ling to have a chance to unleash his remaining trump cards.


    hence, he went all out.


    amidst the continuous rumbling, the vortex sea formed by the blue worm spun faster, causing the refinement to continue to grow more intense.


    the empress also saw these scenes. her expression was gloomy and the golden light in her body flickered, distorting the surroundings and blurring the void, as though she wanted to forcefully break through everything.


    the expression of the demon feather great emperor, who was fighting with


    her, changed. seeing the divine majesty of the empress at this moment, he had the thought of retreating.. however, determination appeared in the eyes of the nether flame avatar beside him. with a sway of its body, it transformed into a black lotus flower.


    black flames rose and enveloped everything. at the same time, they also completely sealed the fragmented space.


    in an instant, the place they were at was completely blurry and couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. there was only a rumbling sound that resonated with the sound of the cauldron.


    xu qing also took this opportunity to complete the final possession of the


    great emperor¡¯s body.


    the outside world was extremely chaotic. inside the bone cauldron, flames were burning fiercely.


    the sarcoma was burning and the essence from the various rulers began to


    boil.


    nether flame, who was sitting cross-legged, opened his eyes and revealed a gloomy glint.


    this was the first time he had miscalculated.


    a small cultivator whom he didn¡¯t value much actually interfered at such a crucial moment.


    ¡°what makes me surprised is that 1 didn¡¯t sense any clues from this person, didn¡¯t see his foundation, and didn¡¯t sense the existence of the bone cauldron¡­¡± ¡°either someone is interfering with me, or¡­ there¡¯s a huge issue with this person.¡±


    ¡°interesting. this pair of fellow disciples is so extraordinary.¡±


    ¡°then their master¡­¡±


    great emperor nether flame narrowed his eyes and snorted coldly.


    even if some accidents happened, he was still confident that he could suppress


    everything.


    -i¡¯ve been preparing for this new life for a long time. moreover, this cultivation


    site doesn¡¯t come from wanggu.¡±


    ¡°with this cultivation site around, the outside world can¡¯t disturb me at all.


    ¡°although 1 changed my plan at the last minute because i saw this body¡­ everything is still under my control.


    nether flame was calm. facing the refining power at that moment, he took a deep breath. in an instant, the liquid surrounding his body decreased by more than thirty percent. then, he exhaled gently.


    immediately, a second black lotus flower appeared above his head, emitting terrifying black flames. a large number of iron chains spread out and coiled around the one under him.


    they rotated together, causing the iron chains to penetrate the sarcoma and bombard the bone cauldron from the inside.


    accompanied by endless black flames, it suppressed the ice flames.


    the appearance of the two black lotuses also caused nether flame¡¯s aura to skyrocket again. as he refined the ice flames that were trying to suppress him, he resisted old master seventh¡¯s restrictions while extinguishing the candle on his back.


    it allowed the balance that had been broken previously to return.


    ¡°this cauldron also has benefits. it can help me block other interferences to a greater extent, allowing me to have more time to grasp this body.¡± ¡°i should be able to grasp most of its strength in an hour at most. at that time¡­¡±


    nether flame opened his eyes, and a hint of purple flashed in the depths of his


    eyes.


    at the next instant, his pupils suddenly contracted.


    ¡°there¡¯s purple light in my eyes?¡±


    nether flame¡¯s heart sank. to an almighty like him, the unknown represented accidents and variables. this was the second time he was surprised.


    just as nether flame¡¯s mind trembled, more purple light uncontrollably erupted from his body. the instant it spread throughout his body, the source was revealed.


    the source was in the flesh on his chest.


    there was something that great emperor nether flame couldn¡¯t sense


    previously.


    it was a purple crystal!


    the instant he sensed this crystal through the source, great emperor nether


    flame¡¯s expression changed drastically.


    what caused his emotions to fluctuate was that this item was actually beyond his understanding!


    in the previous deduction, he didn¡¯t sense the existence of this item. in fact, after the possession, although the purple crystal was clearly in his body, he actually didn¡¯t sense it at all until it emitted purple light.


    it was as though the level of this item had exceeded his imagination.


    if it didn¡¯t want you to sense it, you would never be able to sense it.


    such an accident caused his heart to tremble even more than erniu¡¯s appearance earlier.


    moreover, there seemed to be a faceless black shadow sitting cross-legged inside the purple crystal, as though it was just a shadow.


    almost at the instant he looked over, the shadow opened its eyes.


    at the next instant, the purple crystal seemed to be activated and a monstrous light erupted, forming a sea of light that suddenly covered all the areas of his body and nether flame¡¯s soul.


    after going into seclusion, this was the first time in the past thousand years nether flame experienced a loss of control, feeling an intense life-or-death crisis.


    his breathing became hurried.


    ¡°this thing isn¡¯t within my range!¡±


    ¡°what is it!!¡±


    uneasiness erupted in nether flame¡¯s heart. he didn¡¯t hesitate at all and immediately tried to seal the purple crystal with all his might.


    however, the spread of this purple light brought an impact beyond the light itself; it also activated old master seventh¡¯s restriction.


    nether flame¡¯s suppression on the restriction immediately collapsed.


    the candle on his back burned again.


    even erniu¡¯s bone cauldron erupted more intensely under the purple light. nether flame was horrified. he suddenly opened his mouth and absorbed with all his might, absorbing the remaining seventy percent of the essence in the sarcoma in one go. he borrowed this majestic power to resist with all his might.


    he gritted his teeth fiercely and the soul in his body suddenly fluctuated as he took out an item he had hidden there, an object as vital to him as his life.


    this item was his greatest secret.


    as his soul flickered, a golden light appeared.


    it was a drop of water.


    a drop of golden water.


    precisely speaking, it was a drop of golden river water.


    the instant this drop of water appeared, a vast golden river manifested in nether flame¡¯s soul.


    ¡°mother river¡­¡±


    nether flame called out.


    as his voice echoed, outside the demon feather holy land, outside the wanggu, in the endless starry sky, in the north of the ninth star ring¡­


    there was a boundless golden river.


    countless stars could be seen in this river. one could see all living beings and lotuses.


    countless figures were sitting on those lotuses. there were nonhumans, humans, cultivators, and gods¡­


    at that moment, one of the human-looking cultivators suddenly opened his eyes, revealing a sharp glint as he looked at the starry sky.


    after that, he stood up and bowed to the long river.


    ¡°mother river, one of the pawns sent to the land of desolate has sent out a


    distress signal.¡±


    the river water fluctuated. after a long time, a trace of an indescribably terrifying vast will revived in the river.


    although it was only a trace, it affected the billions of stars in the river, causing the hearts of all living beings here to palpitate and tremble.


    ¡°it isn¡¯t time yet¡­¡±


    when the cultivator heard this, he lowered his head and sat down again, muttering.


    ¡°then, let him fend for himself with the drop of mother river¡¯s water.¡±


    in the place where nether flame was in seclusion, no one else could sense what was happening in the cauldron.


    only xu qing could sense it with his connection with the purple crystal.


    this was xu qing¡¯s arrangement!


    before leaving his body, he activated old master seventh¡¯s first layer of restrictions and removed the seal on the candle, allowing the restrictions to erupt and the candle to ignite.


    this would affect nether flame.


    at the same time, he didn¡¯t take the purple crystal!


    instead, he left it in his body and put little shadow inside as well, so that at the critical moment, it would unleash the power of the purple crystal.


    as for what the outcome would be, he couldn¡¯t judge.


    however, on xu qing¡¯s journey till now, he had discovered something. that was¡­ it seemed that other than him, no one he met had sensed his purple crystal at all.


    old master seventh, the empress, and even the old man from the fifth star ring didn¡¯t sense it.]


    hence, in this desperate situation, xu qing chose an even more desperate path.


    he didn¡¯t care about the outcome.


    according to his plan, the moment the purple crystal erupted would be the time he launched the last part of this plan.


    once this part of the plan was launched, if nether flame sensed it, he would definitely come and stop it. the other party wouldn¡¯t allow him to do this.


    and he couldn¡¯t be disturbed.


    that was why there was the meaning of the purple crystal¡¯s activation.


    it was to stall nether flame!


    at the thought of this, xu qing sensed his current body.


    the feeling this body gave him was that it contained an incomparably dense and terrifying origin. however, he felt like a mortal child wearing a thousand-kilogram armor.


    he couldn¡¯t control it.


    moreover, this body had a significant issue; it seemed to have been forcibly balanced and sustained in the past. now that balance was broken¡­


    the support was gone.


    it began to collapse and wither.


    ¡°but it¡¯s enough¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled as determination appeared in his eyes. his voice was hoarse as he transmitted his divine sense.


    ¡°i wish¡­¡±


    at the next instant, a strange mask silently passed through all the barriers, the void, and spacetime, appearing in front of xu qing.


    it was as though it had been waiting.


    it stared at xu qing.


    xu qing looked at it.


    ¡°i wish to use this body as nutrients to reconstruct my body!¡±

 Chapter 1539 - Chapter 1539: Path of the Extreme Immortal

    chapter 1539: path of the extreme immortal


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    almost at the instant the wish mask appeared¡­


    in another fragmented space, the demon feather great emperor, who was cooperating with the nether flame avatar to restrict the empress, seemed to have sensed something and abruptly turned his head to look at xu qing.


    his mind rumbled.


    he naturally knew what that mask was!


    over the years, in order to find this mask, he had searched almost the entire demon feather holy land. however, just as the black-robed man had said, this mask¡­ couldn¡¯t be found.


    the more one wanted to find it, the more elusive it became.


    ¡°he actually has it!¡±


    the demon feather great emperor¡¯s breathing was hurried. his body moved and he was about to use all his strength to try to steal it. however, at this moment¡­ the eyes of the empress, who was restricted by him and the nether flame avatar, revealed a cold glint.


    with a single step, she reversed everything, instantly turning from being restricted to restricting the other party.


    this caused the demon feather great emperor to be unable to leave.


    on the other side, as xu qing made the wish, the corners of the mask in front of him curled up. its smile covered almost all of its face, making it look even more strange.


    a faint voice rang out in this world.


    ¡°the wish shall be fulfilled.¡±


    ¡°as for the price¡­¡±


    the mask¡¯s smile became increasingly bizarre. before it could finish speaking, it turned into dust and dissipated in the wind.


    the instant it dissipated, xu qing¡¯s body also rumbled. an indescribable force that surpassed gods, cultivators, stars, and the cosmos descended at this moment.


    it turned into a wisp of aura that blew onto xu qing¡¯s current body.


    at the next moment, the void disintegrated and everything separated.


    it was unstoppable and couldn¡¯t be blocked.


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled all over, and his physical form visibly began to disintegrate.


    first, his face, losing its cohesion and integrity, peeled away during the disintegration, becoming a patch of crystalline light.


    next, the half-blood-thread body also succumbed to this irresistible disintegration force, first collapsing, then shattering, and eventually turning into a patch of crystalline light.


    this lasted until the other half of his body also collapsed under this unimaginable wish power¡­


    the vitality and everything in this body completely dissipated.


    it was as though the essence that supported life had been sucked away at this moment. hence, his flesh, blood, and everything separated. under this shocking power, they all returned to their original state.


    as for the crystalline light, it was formed by countless tiny transparent crystals that couldn¡¯t be seen by the naked eye.


    these crystals had no color. the color of the outside world was their color.


    this was because the impurities in them had been wiped out and the remaining consciousness inside had also shattered.


    what they had was the original source of life.


    it was also the most primitive source!


    as for xu qing¡¯s soul, it floated in these crystal lights. as his divine sense spread out, the countless tiny crystals in the surroundings surrounded him in circles and collided with each other¡­


    after absorbing xu qing¡¯s color and aura, the crystals finally bloomed with the life spark that belonged to xu qing.


    within these sparks, there were xu qing¡¯s memories, the reversal of time, the transformation of space, and the intertwining of dao arts. there, based on xu qing¡¯s soul, the soul source of his life was emanated.


    it was also guidance.


    xu qing¡¯s soul source guided those crystals to reshape his body.


    this process was usually very slow and could be considered creating something out of nothing.


    hence, xu qing¡¯s soul suddenly opened its eyes and looked at the surroundings of the huge cauldron in the air. a large number of blue worms were moving around it.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, give me my remains.¡±


    almost at the instant xu qing transmitted his divine sense, those blue worms shone with blue light and a wisp of gray light flew out from their foreheads.


    when this light gathered together, it formed bone metal!


    this bone metal was the last thing left from xu qing¡¯s self-destruction back then.


    it was also his corporeal source item!


    the instant it returned and fused with xu qing¡¯s soul, the reconstruction of his body in his wish had an even more perfect condition.


    in that instant, under the guidance of his soul, the countless tiny crystals in the surroundings headed straight for the bone metal and became nourishment. with the original source of life, this bone metal¡­ began to grow!


    gradually, it became a piece of bone.


    slowly, it became an entire set of bones.


    from there, meridians, flesh, and skin appeared¡­


    finally, amid erniu¡¯s excitement and the witness of the world, a body that xu qing was incredibly familiar with¡­ took shape!


    a tall figure, with flowing purple hair and a handsome face, radiated an unparalleled perfection.


    as for its aura, it wasn¡¯t that of an immortal or a god but that of a mortal!


    the most primitive mortal!


    just like a newborn baby.


    a sense of purity permeated the air.


    the meaning of purity was contained in this body.


    xu qing¡¯s soul fused perfectly with it. his perception told him that this¡­ was his body.


    his soul told him that this¡­ was its most comfortable state.


    xu qing opened his eyes.


    a sense of rebirth, accompanied by the thought of belonging that he had not felt for a long time, rose in xu qing¡¯s heart.


    ¡°this is my true body. as for the body formed from desolate¡¯s flesh and blood, it¡¯s my divine avatar.¡±


    xu qing mumbled and raised his head.


    he didn¡¯t look at the bone cauldron or where the empress was. at that moment, there was only the crystal light in the surroundings in his eyes.


    rebuilding his body only consumed half of the original life source formed by nether flame¡¯s body.


    as for this body, it had no cultivation at that moment.


    hence, the thoughts that had been circling in his mind all these years also had a possibility of being implemented at this moment.


    ¡°i¡¯ve already walked the path of combining immortal and god systems. there are too many restrictions and my growth is slow. every step i take has shackles.¡±


    ¡°therefore, this path shouldn¡¯t be taken like this.¡±


    ¡°if it¡¯s possible, i¡¯ll definitely snatch back the divine avatar¡­ and use it to walk the path of pure god.¡±


    ¡°as for my main body, it will walk¡­ the path of pure immortal!¡±


    ¡°this is the path that belongs to me!¡±


    determination appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he no longer hesitated and suddenly inhaled.


    immediately, the tiny crystals that emitted the origin energy in the surroundings headed straight for him and fused into his body, transforming into pure spiritual energy.


    this spiritual energy flowed through his meridians, instantly pushing his current mortal body from mortal to cultivator.


    first level of qi condensation!


    in the blink of an eye, as the origin energy fused into him, his cultivation base rose at an unbelievable speed.


    he directly reached the tenth level of qi condensation.


    to other cultivators, the tenth level was the limit of the qi condensation realm. however, xu qing¡¯s body had been reconstructed using the origin energy.


    hence, the limit of others wasn¡¯t his limit.


    in an instant, he reached the 19th level!


    after that, he broke through and stepped into the foundation building realm.


    all 121 magic apertures were instantly opened. after that, there were 26 magic apertures hidden in his body that were directly opened by the origin power.


    this was unprecedented!


    amidst the rumbling, 14.7 magic apertures shone brightly in xu qing¡¯s entire body, forming his life fire.


    it wasn¡¯t five balls of fire but nine!


    immediately after, under the nine fire, xu qing¡¯s life lanterns appeared.


    the life lantern was formed from bloodline and xu qing¡¯s life lantern was in the shape of a sundial. as the life lanterns appeared one after another, they propped up the life fire, causing the flames to surge into the sky.


    this scene caused erniu¡¯s heart to tremble.


    he had lived for so many lives but he had never seen such a thing.


    ¡°however, i think i¡¯ve heard rumors of¡­ a path of the extreme immortal that is circulated in the profound earth¡¯s star ring¡­¡±


    while erniu was in a state of shock, xu qing¡¯s cultivation continued to rise.


    nine flames erupted and then the heavenly palaces emerged.


    according to the legends of the profound earth, there were 33 skies.


    now, this legend became reality in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    the 33 heavenly palaces rumbled and materialized. one could see a nascent soul shining with silver light sitting cross-legged in each of the heavenly palaces.


    they were like immortals.


    xu qing¡¯s every step was done to the extreme.


    this was the path of pure immortal he wanted to take, and also the path of extreme immortal that erniu recalled.


    as for the spirit repository after the nascent soul realm, under the push of the most primitive origin crystals, it also reached its peak.


    the nine great spirit repositories were like nine vast and monstrous volcanoes that began to erupt.


    rumbling sounds spread in all directions from xu qing¡¯s body.


    however, upon closer inspection, one could see that even though the nine great spirit repositories were erupting like a furnace, the interior was empty. there were no divine powers or dao arts.


    xu qing fell silent and recalled all the divine arts in his life. with a thought, a dandelion appeared in a spirit repository.


    this dandelion was imprinted with a divine art that xu qing had grasped the source of!


    that was¡­


    fishing the moon from the well!


    ¡°the essence of fishing the moon from the well¡­ is the transformation between reality and illusion, the creation of something from nothing, the dao of space.¡±


    ¡°use this to imprint my secret repository.¡±


    ¡°as for the second one¡­¡±


    as xu qing¡¯s thoughts raced, he suddenly sensed something and abruptly stared at the dandelion where fishing the moon from the well was.


    at that moment, this dandelion gave off an overlapping sensation and rapidly separated, transforming into countless dandelions that scattered in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    looking at these dandelions that suddenly appeared, xu qing¡¯s heart sank.


    at the same time, the voice of a woman with an ancient feeling was transmitted to xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness through these illusory dandelions.


    ¡°there¡¯s no need to be shocked. i used a secret art to transmit my divine sense to you.¡±


    ¡°you have finally stepped onto the path of the profound earth¡¯s extreme immortal. back then, i gave you ten breaths of time to comprehend the profound earth dao source. today, i will follow the ancient agreement. anyone who steps on the profound earth¡¯s extreme immortal path will be given thirty breaths of time.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s a technique in the profound earth called the eight extremities. if you¡¯re fated, you can obtain it.¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s all.¡±


    the voice gradually dissipated.


    at the same time, outside the demon feather holy land, in the human capital of the wanggu continent, there was an ancient temple in a prosperous place.


    it stood there but the people who passed by couldn¡¯t sense it at all. it was as though it didn¡¯t exist in reality.


    at that moment, in the temple, an old man was leaving.


    his back view looked bleak.


    as for the palace master of the summer immortal palace whom xu qing had seen here back then, she was sitting cross-legged with a mournful expression as she stared at the departing figure.


    a small butterfly fluttered at the side and asked in confusion.


    ¡°master, who is that old man? also, why are you helping that hateful fellow? also, why do you look so sad?¡±


    the palace master sighed softly.


    ¡°he is my old friend, and with the coming change in the world, i wonder if his umbrella will be able to hold up¡­¡±

 Chapter 1540 - Chapter 1540: Who Is That Person?

    chapter 1540: who is that person?


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the sighs in the summer immortal palace echoed in the lonely passage of time.


    only the little butterfly could hear it.


    however, at that moment, she didn¡¯t understand the meaning behind this sigh.


    she was still fixated on her master, wondering why she always called her stupid and why she would help the person she despised.


    she didn¡¯t notice that there was a hint of determination in her master¡¯s eyes.


    xu qing also didn¡¯t hear this sigh.


    at that moment, in nether flame¡¯s seclusion site, he stared at the dandelions floating in his sea of consciousness. after a few breaths of silence, he made up his mind.


    ¡°eight extremities¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled. his divine sense suddenly spread out and fused into those dandelions.


    in an instant, xu qing¡¯s mind roared, as if the primordial sound of creation exploded within his soul.


    this sound shattered the fabric of time, creating a guiding force that led xu qing¡¯s soul into the profound earth immortal source he had once visited.


    it was an endless void filled with bloody flesh.


    above the minced flesh, what grew was still the huge dandelion.


    its stem was imprinted with countless runic marks, and every one of them emitted a terrifying and astonishing might. when gathered together, these marks made the dandelion extraordinarily divine and unique.


    the meat paste below that provided nutrients for it was made up of corpses of countless gods.


    it provided eternal power to the dandelion.


    the divine souls of these gods were also restricted here. they were forced to kneel and scream. their divine sounds could better promote the operation of the dandelion.


    this was the land of immortal source.


    it was the immortal source created by the nine summer immortals, formed by burying a divine world!


    even though he had been here once before and this was his second time here, his heart still stirred as he set his eyes on the dandelion.


    it was blooming, emitting countless furry seeds that continued to drift further and further away.


    at the same time, some seeds were returning from the void, integrating into the dandelion, being absorbed, transformed, and then dispersing once again.


    it formed a cycle.


    xu qing¡¯s divine sense fused into them at the next instant.


    there, his countless divine thoughts exploded outward, splitting into hundreds of thousands, millions, and even tens of millions of threads, following all the seeds, covering the void, the starry sky, and all the inheritances.


    countless dao arts appeared before his eyes, and innumerable blurred figures emerged in his perception.


    they were practicing and cultivating.


    time seemed to have lost its effect here and space also lost its mark.


    the only thing that existed was the endless inheritance records.


    it was like a vast library.


    after staring at these and sensing everything, xu qing silently chanted the words ¡®eight extremities¡¯ in his soul.


    almost at the instant this divine sense was transmitted, the endless inheritances in the immortal source land suddenly blurred. only three seeds slowly appeared at an extremely deep location.


    ¡°this is the inheritance scene of three of the eight extremities dao.¡±


    ¡°your time is only enough to comprehend two.¡±


    ¡°i can¡¯t help you with your choice.¡±


    the moment xu qing looked at the three seeds, the ancient voice of the summer immortal palace¡¯s palace master echoed in the immortal source.


    xu qing fell silent and his gaze landed.


    in the first seed sphere, he could vaguely see a figure meditating and comprehending.


    in the second seed sphere, there were two figures staring at each other but their appearances were blurry.


    as for the third seed sphere, there were three figures who seemed to be passing down their inheritance.


    he only had two chances.


    choices¡­


    after xu qing swept his gaze across all of them, his gaze first locked onto the second seed sphere with a decisive expression.


    the reason why he chose the second seed was because he could faintly sense that although the two figures in the sphere were blurry, they seemed to come from the same source.


    ¡°an avatar and the main body?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought. with a step, he gushed his divine sense into the second dandelion seed.


    at the next instant, the world rumbled.


    a scene recorded in the history of the profound earth was reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    in the scene, there was an unfamiliar continent. in xu qing¡¯s eyes, this continent couldn¡¯t be compared to wanggu but it had some distinct features of its own.


    underneath, many ferocious beasts were sealed.


    it was as though these ferocious beasts were being used to become the driving force for the operation of this continent.


    what drew xu qing¡¯s attention the most was a particular palace on this continent.


    the sky there seemed to be cut off from the surroundings and was independent.


    night and day were alternating!


    when xu qing looked down, a soft cry rang out from the palace.


    this sound wasn¡¯t ordinary. it shattered the world, causing flickering runes to be born.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. he could tell that those runes contained origin power.


    ¡°it¡¯s a restriction.¡±


    xu qing mumbled and his interest was piqued. he wanted to take a look at the cultivators in the palace but he was stopped.


    what stopped him wasn¡¯t the restriction but the power of the dandelion.


    xu qing fell into deep thought. he understood that he was only a spectator and could only see the scene reflected in his eyes.


    just like that, time slowly passed. more and more restriction runes appeared in the sky above the palace, but they showed signs of instability and began to dissipate.


    at this moment, a heaven-shattering long cry rang out from the palace. immediately after, five streams of light rushed into the palace.


    although xu qing¡¯s vision was still blurry, the moment these five figures appeared, he immediately sensed¡­ the power of the five elements contained in them.


    ¡°that¡¯s metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.¡±


    xu qing couldn¡¯t take his eyes off them and continued to watch.


    he saw the five lights in the sky each emitting the ultimate intent of the five elements. after that¡­ the five lights fused into one and condensed into a true body of the five elements.


    this true body stood between heaven and earth. with a deep breath, its body suddenly swelled up and transformed into a ten-thousand-foot-tall giant!


    it began to stabilize the unstable restriction origin runes in the surroundings.


    under its action, the countless runes slowly calmed down. however, at this moment, a cruel roar rang out from the depths of the ground.


    a malevolent soul body manifested along with the roar.


    it was a round meatbail with only one huge eye on it, revealing cruelty and madness.


    the moment he saw this beast, xu qing¡¯s eyes flashed.


    this beast looked very similar to ming fei.


    what was most similar was the earth-shattering ferocity.


    after it appeared, it stared fixedly at the true body of the five elements in the sky above the palace. a hint of greed flashed in its huge eye.


    it then rushed over.


    as it got closer, the roars became increasingly sharp.


    however, the instant it got close, a calm voice echoed through the world.


    ¡°freeze!¡±


    as the word rang out, everything fell silent and motionless.


    the illusory body of the ferocious soul that was charging over stopped moving and was frozen between heaven and earth. there was still cruelty in its eye but that cruelty was also frozen.


    when xu qing saw this, a strange glint appeared in his eyes as he continued to observe.


    after the evil soul froze, all the restriction origin runes in the surroundings rushed over crazily as though they had been hungry for countless years and had finally seen food.


    they charged into the evil soul.


    this evil soul trembled and its body emitted a dim light as it was devoured, started dissipating.


    the cruelty in its eyes disappeared and was replaced by an illusory figure.


    it took a step out of the eye and stood between the heavens and the earth. its entire body contained majestic origin power of restrictions.


    this scene caused xu qing¡¯s heart to stir.


    ¡°is this to mold the origin true body of restrictions? using the true body of the five elements to lure the evil soul over and borrow its body as special nutrients to complete the molding!¡±


    while xu qing was pondering, the molding continued.


    in the alternating black and white sky, daylight transformed into the rising sun, becoming a stream of light that instantly merged into the evil soul¡¯s body, which had been suspended there.


    as the evil soul trembled, its body shrunk a little more, and a second figure walked out of its eye.


    this figure¡¯s entire body emitted a bright light like the sun. after it walked out of the eye, it stood beside the origin true body of the restriction.


    after that, the remaining night swept up the darkness between heaven and earth and also fused into the body of the evil soul.


    the evil soul trembled and its eye collapsed as a third origin true body walked out!


    the instant this body appeared, extreme killing intent erupted from within.


    it shook everything.


    xu qing¡¯s heart fluctuated intensely as he stared at the third origin body.


    at the next instant, the true body of the five elements also absorbed the power of the evil soul.


    xu qing immediately realized what was happening.


    ¡°after the soul is torn apart, there is an innate desire for it to become whole again. this instinct transforms into a force of attraction. the fiercer the soul, the stronger this instinctive pull becomes. using this instinct as a medium, all true bodies can merge through this bridge!¡±


    at the same time that xu qing sensed all of this, a black bolt of lightning suddenly rose from the palace.


    accompanying it was a cold voice.


    ¡°return to one!¡±


    almost at the instant the voice rang out, a huge divine sense rumbled out, enveloping the world.


    all bodies became one!


    it formed a black-haired fiendish body!


    an extreme aura spread out from his body. it was the origin power of slaughter that wanted to destroy all living beings and destroy the world!


    ¡°from now on, you will act as the instrument of punishment, spreading the will of destruction and slaying malevolent souls!


    you shall be named slaughter and your dao name is punishment!¡±


    a mighty voice rang out from the palace.


    at the same time, the scene ended.


    the world directly collapsed in front of xu qing. his divine sense also returned to the immortal source the moment the world was destroyed.


    the second dandelion seed in front of him dissipated.


    ¡°this is a precious record of the eight extremities dao, the fusion and unity.¡±


    ¡°whether you can grasp it will depend on your luck.¡±


    the voice of the palace master of the summer immortal palace echoed in the immortal source.


    xu qing fell silent as the scenes he had seen earlier surfaced in his mind. after a long time, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°senior, that person¡­ who is he?¡±


    the palace master didn¡¯t answer xu qing¡¯s question immediately. she fell silent for a while before speaking in a low voice.


    ¡°perhaps, you can meet him in the passage of time.¡±


    ¡°you guys are the same type of people.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze landed on the location where the second dandelion had dissipated earlier. a long time later, he looked at the first dandelion seed and his divine sense surged in.


    at the next instant, an even more ancient scene appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    on the scene was a dignified-looking middle-aged cultivator. he wore an imperial robe and looked like the ancestor of a race. he was worshiped by countless clansmen and was called the immortal ancestor.


    at this moment, he was kneeling in front of a fragment of a stone, which was engraved with a blurred totem.


    the totem depicted a crystal shattered into ten pieces. among these pieces, five contained elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth; one contained space, one contained time, and the remaining three pieces were unknown.


    surrounding the crystal were infants and stars, seemingly representing the creation of the world.


    as the immortal ancestor worshiped the stone, he seemed to have comprehended some cultivation art from the shattered crystal fragments.


    after that, the totem completely blurred and ceased to exist.


    when xu qing saw all of this, an even greater commotion stirred in his heart. he didn¡¯t know if that immortal ancestor realized it but when he stared at it just now, he seemed to have seen the birth of a star ring.


    as for the power contained in the crystal that had shattered into ten pieces, it was clearly¡­ the eight extremities dao.


    ¡°the source¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    he returned to the immortal source.


    he fell silent for a long time and closed his eyes. his divine sense spread out and he began to analyze and comprehend everything he had seen on this trip.


    time flowed by.


    it was unknown how many years had passed in this land of the dandelion.


    it felt like a thousand years had passed, but in reality, it was only 30 breaths of time.


    ¡°it¡¯s time.¡±


    the voice of the summer immortal palace¡¯s palace master rang out.


    xu qing opened his eyes.


    there were five elements in his eyes.


    he stood up and bowed..

 Chapter 1541 - Chapter 1541: Immortal Accumulation

    chapter 1541: immortal accumulation


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    xu qing bowed to thank the palace master for guiding him.


    this guidance had arrived the moment he molded his immortal body, so it was extremely helpful to the pure immortal path he wanted to take.


    it would make his path even more correct.


    after bowing, the immortal source dissipated and transformed into dandelions. as for the dandelions, they were also blurry. finally, they completely dissipated in xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    only the nine great secret repositories were still erupting with rumbling sounds. in one of the secret repositories, the fishing the moon from the well divine ability was circulating, emitting the power of void and the intent of space.


    xu qing¡¯s soul also returned to his consciousness at this moment. the moment he opened his eyes, the five elements in his eyes erupted.


    he already knew how to walk the rest of the way.


    ¡°the so-called eight extremities dao¡­¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s the original rule needed for the birth of the star ring.¡±


    ¡°the first five extremities are relatively simple. after that, the three extremities¡­ due to the limitations of understanding of the cultivator known as the immortal ancestor, who could not trace space and time, the eight extremities passed down after him required self-completion after the first five extremities.¡±


    ¡°therefore, there were different eight extremities dao.¡±


    ¡°however, in reality, the true eight extremities dao have metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, time and space.¡±


    ¡°this is the seven extremities.¡±


    ¡°as for the other three extremes¡­¡±


    ¡°xu qing recalled the totem he had seen earlier, which seemed to depict the birth of the star ring. in the crystal shattered into ten pieces, the last three pieces remained vague even to him.¡±


    ¡°therefore, the true name of this cultivation art should be called the ten extremities.¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    what made him feel that this path was the correct one was¡­ the irregular crystal that had shattered into ten pieces.


    ¡°when they are pieced together, the complete crystal formed¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s soul stirred as he fell into deep thought.


    its complete shape was exactly the same as his purple crystal!


    however, xu qing knew that now wasn¡¯t the time to think deeply about the source of his purple crystal.


    the most important thing now was to complete the final molding of his body.


    as for time, he actually didn¡¯t waste it. although the period of comprehension was long, in reality, the time spent in the immortal source was only thirty breaths.


    as for the main world, only an instance passed.


    at the next instant, xu qing¡¯s soul power surged, his divine sense formed a sound that emerged from his nose and seemed to echo in his sea of consciousness.


    ¡°metal!¡±


    this wasn¡¯t wanggu.


    this seclusion site of nether flame was isolated from the outside world. it was a separate existence and was completely sealed off.


    even the five elements were different from the ones in the vast external world.


    therefore, if one wanted to borrow the power of heaven and earth here to complete their five elements, there would be flaws. for example, if one reached the dao in this cultivation site, they would be restricted here.


    this wasn¡¯t what xu qing had chosen.


    what he chose was the five elements corresponding to his own organs!


    by using his own five organs, he became the source of the five elements. in the future, whether it was secluded realms, wanggu, or the starry sky, no matter where or when, he would not be restrained.


    because he was using his own body, he would be free.


    only then would it be the path of pure immortal and the dao of extreme immortal.


    metal corresponded to the lungs. the lungs had the properties of purification and contraction, aligning with the attributes of metal. the lungs governed qi, controlled breathing, and were related to the emotion of worry, opening at the nose.


    at this moment, as the sound rang out, the seven emotions and six desires were activated, serving as a guide. the metal power of his physical lungs, emitting pure metal energy, was integrated into a secret repository furnace, refined internally, and in the blink of an eye, it transformed into the metal dao!


    this secret repository erupted shockingly.


    immediately after, extreme anger rose in xu qing¡¯s emotions. he let this anger erupt, forming a bridge and transforming his divine sense into a voice.


    ¡°wood!¡±


    wood corresponded to the liver. the liver had the properties of growth, development, regulation, and smoothness, aligning with the attributes of wood. the liver governed the smooth flow of qi and was related to the emotion of anger.


    at that moment, his liver trembled and the intent of growth erupted, merging into a secret repository furnace.


    wood dao!


    after that¡­


    ¡°water!¡±


    water corresponded to the kidneys. the kidneys had the properties of nourishment, downward movement, coolness, and storage, aligning with the attributes of water. the kidneys governed water metabolism and were the place where essence was stored, related to the emotion of fear, opening at the ears.


    the moment it was transmitted, the sound of the world¡¯s creation echoed in the secret repository and the water dao was formed inside.


    at that moment, three out of the five elements were formed. xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he chanted the fourth sound of the five elements.


    ¡°fire!¡±


    xu qing pressed his tongue against the roof of his mouth and spoke.


    his heartbeat rang out like thunder.


    fire corresponded to the heart. the heart had the properties of propulsion, warmth, and upward movement, aligning with the attributes of fire. the heart was the ruler of the organs, corresponding to the emotion of joy, opening at the tongue.


    it fused into the secret repository and formed the fire dao.


    ¡°earth!¡±


    earth corresponded to the spleen. the spleen had the properties of transformation, support, and reception, aligning with the attributes of earth. the spleen was the source of the body¡¯s transformation, transforming the essence of water and transporting it throughout the body, corresponding to the emotion of thinking, opening at the mouth.


    earth dao formed!


    at this instant, all five elements appeared.


    reflected in xu qing, his five orifices¡ªnose, eyes, ears, tongue, and mouth¡ª were all open, as if five immortals were presiding over them. external evil could not invade even slightly.


    the names of these five immortals were worry, anger, fear, joy, and thought.


    however, the five elements were only five elements now and not the extreme!


    hence, xu qing took a deep breath.


    immediately, the origin energy crystals that had decomposed from the great emperor¡¯s body under his wish became the best nutrients at this instant.


    they gathered together and fused into xu qing¡¯s body, nourishing his organs.


    this caused the power of his five internal organs to continue rising.


    as the power of his five internal organs rose, the five elements also strengthened, connecting to the secret repositories and burning crazily inside.


    in an instant, the crystals outside decreased rapidly and continuously transformed into endless nutrients, causing the five elements to become increasingly dense and extreme. finally, under the monstrous eruption and refinement of the secret repositories]¡­


    lightning exploded!


    metal became extreme metal, wood became extreme wood, water became extreme water, fire became extreme fire, and earth became extreme earth!


    the five extremities of the five elements were completed!


    an astonishing aura towered into the sky from xu qing¡¯s body, shaking the world.


    as for the sea of consciousness in his body, six of the nine secret repositories were burning.


    ¡°metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. these are the five extremities. the space formed by fishing the moon from the well is the sixth extremity, the extreme space dao.¡±


    ¡°as for the seventh extremity¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. at this moment, the sundial gnomons moved in unison. in an instant, the nine sundials aligned, and the time scales reached unity, suddenly appearing within the seventh secret repository.


    they formed time!


    that was the extreme time dao!


    ¡°the seventh extremity has been formed!¡±


    xu qing mumbled. his soul body stood up in his sea of consciousness and stood on the secret repository.


    two of his secret repositories were still empty.


    ¡°i¡¯ll perfect it in the future.¡±


    ¡°these seven extremes are enough for me to break through the spirit repository and step into nihility.¡±


    xu qing squinted, not paying attention to the two empty secret repositories inside. his mind recalled the scene in the second dandelion he had seen in the immortal source land, where that person¡¯s true bodies had become one.


    ¡°it¡¯s not difficult to form true bodies.¡±


    ¡°as for the unity, that person¡¯s method was indeed ingenious; what is needed is an evil soul.¡±


    ¡°as for the evil souls, although i have them, they aren¡¯t in my current body.¡±


    ¡°but i have formed the five elements with my five organs, which are inherently one with me. why would i need to rely on the guiding force of an external soul?¡±


    xu qing raised his head.


    ¡°then¡­ return to one!¡±


    the instant he spoke, all the secret repositories under him instantly burned to the extreme. an unprecedented rumbling sound erupted like a volcano.


    repository gates formed.


    and they all opened!


    what erupted wasn¡¯t pure fire but the power of the five elements, time, and space.


    seven extremities, unity!


    a silver light formed, propelled by the secret repositories, breaking through xu qing¡¯s sea of consciousness. it shook his physical body, roared in his mind, and reverberated through his soul.


    finally, a scene similar to the totem xu qing had seen in the first dandelion seed appeared.


    that was the creation of the world, the formation of the star ring.


    it was¡­ the opening of the heavens and the splitting of the earth!


    it opened the heavens to return and split the earth of the spirit void.


    it turned the void into ruins!


    like a grand tomb, it buried the mundane past and nurtured the immortal future!


    the silver light divided into seven extremities, scattering traces within the ruins. as the thoughts arose, infinite laws evolved, forming endless rules, traversing all realms of the nihility.


    everything was natural.


    everything fell into place.


    it was as if, by walking on the right path, the results obtained would inevitably be correct.


    after that¡­ xu qing made up his mind. he borrowed the remaining initial origin crystals outside his body and began his final sprint.


    the sky in his body had opened and the ground had been split.


    the grand tomb had buried the mundane and was nurturing the immortal.


    next¡­ it was time to break open the earth within his body and shatter the sky within, as if breaking through the shackles of life!


    it allowed the immortals contained in it to revive from the tomb and form the great world!


    hence, the great tomb erupted and the nihility land surged with power, forming an extreme impact that shook the sky in his body.


    the sky collapsed!


    xu qing¡¯s physical body reverberated with a booming sound. corresponding to the location of his lungs, a vortex manifested externally, within which a vast grand world suddenly took shape!


    he was finally advancing to the soul accumulation realm!


    or rather, to be precise, this realm on xu qing¡¯s body could also be called immortal accumulation!


    as for the first great world that appeared, this world represented extremity, with metal as the extreme element.


    it could be called the extreme metal world!


    after the first great world appeared, xu qing¡¯s breakthrough continued.


    a world with wood as the extreme element appeared outside his liver.


    it was the extreme wood world.


    this wasn¡¯t the end. next was the extreme water world, the extreme fire world, the extreme earth world-


    outside his five internal organs, five worlds opened!


    as for the sixth world, the extreme space world, formed on his left shoulder!


    the seventh world, extreme time world, formed on his right shoulder!


    at this moment, the seven great worlds all rumbled. a formidable aura erupted from these seven worlds and fused into xu qing¡¯s body.


    above the transparent sea, xu qing¡¯s eyes suddenly opened!


    his body emitted an immortal aura. coupled with his peerless appearance, it was as though he had interpreted the true meaning of the word ¡®immortal¡¯.


    staring around, xu qing felt as though a lifetime had passed.


    he sensed his current body and cultivation. after he was in a daze, a hint of intense battle intent appeared in his eyes.


    this time, he had experienced danger and lost his divine avatar. however, danger was often accompanied by opportunity. if one could grasp it, they would be able to soar into the sky.


    and he had grabbed it.


    finally, he bypassed the restrictions of the divine body and walked his own path.


    moreover, he pushed the seven extremities to an unprecedented peak.


    there were still some origin energy crystals outside his body. with a wave of


    xu qing¡¯s hand, he swept these crystals toward the countless worms surrounding the bone cauldron.


    ¡°eldest senior brother?¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    the worms let out sounds of laughter and unceremoniously sucked the origin energy crystals.


    at the same time, the battle between the empress and the two in the distance seemed to have come to a conclusion.


    as for nether flame in the bone cauldron, he seemed to have sensed the drastic changes in the outside world. at the next instant, the bone cauldron rumbled and an inhuman shout rang out with madness.


    ¡°myriad mystical life secluded realm, spin!¡±


    as the voice echoed, the entire world of the seclusion site shook.


    an even greater drastic change appeared at the east demon feather dao altar outside.


    cracks appeared on the dao altar that was surrounded by countless demon feather cultivators. after that, it collapsed and turned into dust.


    a thick and withered tree branch soared into the sky from under the collapsed dao altar.


    under the shocked gazes of everyone, they saw a withered fruit at the end of the branch!


    it released an immense and boundless dao essence.


    within the fruit, one could see the blurry figures of xu qing and the others.


    this fruit was none other than the secluded realm of nether flame!

 Chapter 1542 - Chapter 1542: Obsession About Life and Death, Difficult to Let Go

    chapter 1542: obsession about life and death, difficult to let go


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    the surroundings of the dao altar in the east demon feather were in an uproar.


    countless demon feather cultivators in the surroundings watched as the dao altar that had great symbolic meaning to them collapsed. they looked at the withered branch that soared into the sky and the fruit on it.


    all of their hearts were in turmoil.


    this was especially when¡­ the demon feather great emperor, who had been sitting in the air above the east demon feather dao altar, blurred and dissipated.


    it was actually a phantom image.


    with his status as a great emperor, no one could see through the illusion.


    now, with the collapse of the dao altar and the impact of the dao fruit¡¯s aura, others saw through this illusion.


    all of this transformed into an invisible storm, sweeping in all directions. at the same time, a strong sense of unease, stemming from the instincts of life, began to surge intensely.


    on one hand, this unease came from the drastic changes here. on the other hand¡­ it came from the bell chime that echoed throughout the entire demon feather holy land.


    the ancient bell rang out, echoing through the world.


    it was the bell of war.


    this was because the collapse of the dao altar seemed to have become a signal.


    the human race and the flame moon mystic heaven race rose into the air and launched a decisive battle against the two holy lands floating in the air.


    in an instant, chaos descended.


    the outside world was in chaos, and the world inside the dao fruit was also in chaos.


    as nether flame shouted in the bone cauldron, the cauldron emitted a monstrous rumbling sound and trembled intensely. as for the worms formed by erniu outside the bone cauldron, they collapsed one after another after enduring the struggle in the bone cauldron.


    in the bone cauldron, it was as though nether flame had mobilized the might of the dao fruit, achieving balance once more. he displayed a formidable force that was on the verge of erupting.


    with a rumbling sound, the lid of the bone cauldron showed signs of opening.


    at the next instant, the lid of the bone cauldron suddenly shook and lifted slightly, revealing a narrow gap. as the golden and purple lights intertwined, they penetrated through the gaps around the lid.


    great emperor nether flame was about to escape.


    at the critical moment, the fragmented space where the empress was in the distance suddenly erupted.


    at the same time, outside the bone cauldron, the remaining blue worms all revealed madness in their eyes. they quickly digested the crystals xu qing had sent over and shouted.


    ¡°f*cking geezer, do you think i¡¯m afraid of you?!¡±


    ¡°third life!!¡±


    as they roared, the transparent sea below directly exploded. endless seawater stirred up monstrous waves, turning the entire transparent sea into a huge vortex.


    an ancient aura rose from the vortex.


    previously, after his body shattered and he fell into the sea, erniu had actually found the memory fragments of his third life in the depths of the sea. however, on one hand, there was a time limit and on the other hand, his current ability wasn¡¯t enough.


    hence, he couldn¡¯t absorb them completely immediately.


    this lasted until xu qing sent over the origin energy crystals¡­


    for xu qing, this origin energy could mold an immortal body. for erniu, it was similarly incredibly precious.


    it could nourish his body, allowing him to undo more seals and rapidly absorb the memories of his third life.


    now that he had absorbed them, he possessed the ability to preliminarily summon his third life.


    hence, at the next instant, the entire transparent sea erupted and ice flames swept out of the vortex. cold air instantly filled the surroundings.


    immediately after, a large black hand rose into the air from the vortex of the transparent sea.


    this hand was illusory, but the aura it emitted wasn¡¯t only ancient but also carried a peerless ferocity that shook the heavens and the earth.


    its appearance was also bizarre.


    it appeared to be a hand, but in reality, a head grew on the middle finger, while the ring and index fingers bent down to form arms.


    the pinky and thumb drooped down like two legs.


    as for the palm, a fissure opened up, revealing a gaping mouth.


    countless black hairs covered it.


    it looked incomparably sinister and shocking.


    this was the projection of erniu¡¯s third life and also the peerless giant sin that was suppressed by the immortal art great emperor back then.


    after being summoned by erniu, it headed straight for the sky and arrived above the bone cauldron in the blink of an eye. it then pressed down on the bone cauldron that was shaking intensely.


    ¡°refine!¡±


    erniu roared.


    the bone cauldron shook before immediately turning quiet. however, before erniu could be arrogant, an even more intense explosive force emitted from the bone cauldron at the next moment.


    the rumbling sounds were deafening.


    the projection of erniu¡¯s third life immediately turned blurry and showed signs of collapse.


    in the end, this wasn¡¯t his third life¡¯s true body and was only a projection. facing the terrifying nether flame in the bone cauldron, its suppression power wasn¡¯t completely effective.


    the projection of erniu¡¯s third life was on the verge of collapsing¡­


    at the critical moment, xu qing completed the final fusion of the seven great worlds in his body. he immediately made a move.


    in an instant, he appeared beside the projection of erniu¡¯s third life. his eyes gleamed as he raised his right hand and pressed down on the shaking bone cauldron below.


    ¡°extreme metal, extreme wood, extreme water, extreme fire, extreme earth!¡±


    heavenly sounds rang out from his mouth.


    at the next instant, five out of the seven worlds behind him suddenly landed, vaguely forming five broken crystals that erupted with the power of the five elements, surrounding the bone cauldron and suppressing it.


    after that, the remaining two worlds also landed rapidly.


    extreme space, extreme time!


    a heart-rending sound rang out from the bone cauldron. however, at the next instant, xu qing and erniu¡¯s expressions changed drastically at the same time. an incomparably terrifying impact surged from the bone cauldron.


    the strength of this impact was like a hot knife through butter, as though all obstructions were meaningless.


    at the next instant, it erupted!


    the lid of the bone cauldron was pushed back. xu qing and erniu were also forced back violently, and nether flame flew up from the bone cauldron.


    although they were strong, the gap between them and nether flame wasn¡¯t small.


    ¡°you guys¡­¡±


    when a hoarse voice rang out from the figure¡¯s mouth, the fragmented space the empress was in collapsed.


    a god¡¯s aura erupted from it.


    the fluctuations formed were so great that they swept through this world, causing the color of the world to change. at the same time, the empress¡¯ figure took a step forward and teleported beside the bone cauldron, pressing down fiercely.


    everything distorted.


    the peak strength of the divine platform rose completely without reservation.


    xu qing and erniu immediately retreated and moved aside from the battlefield.


    they understood that the situation here was no longer something they could control.


    faced with the empress¡¯ attack, nether flame¡¯s eyes were bloodshot. he raised his hand and waved it, wanting to break through the empress¡¯ power.


    however, at the next instant, an ancient planet rose behind the empress.


    as soon as this planet appeared, the wind and clouds surged, and its vast aura covered the sky and the earth.


    on the planet, five figures were sitting cross-legged.


    these five figures were gods and also the past human emperors.


    eastern triumph, holy heaven, mirror cloud, dao world, and mystic war.


    their divine power erupted completely and pushed the ancient planet, suppressing nether flame.


    as for the collapsed fragmented space in the distance, it was no longer blurry at this moment, revealing the thousands of holes formed from the battle earlier as well as the heart-rending death of the nether flame avatar.


    there was also the demon feather great emperor who was heavily injured.


    at that moment, demon feather looked at the departing figure of the empress and this world. his face was pale as he muttered.


    ¡°this cultivation realm is actually formed from the extremely rare myriad mystical life dao fruit!¡±


    ¡°myriad mystical life dao fruit can allow any existence below the true god realm to have the possibility of reviving. one dao fruit can be used three times, but each user can only use it once in their lifetime.¡±


    ¡°this fruit is quite withered, so it should have been used by nether flame. there¡¯s only one last use left before it dissipates.¡±


    ¡°so, this was the reason for nether flame¡¯s revival!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s also the empress¡¯ greatest plan this time!¡±


    demon feather spat out a mouthful of blood and staggered back. from above the bone cauldron, the empress looked at nether flame who was in the bone cauldron.


    at that moment, fifty percent of nether flame¡¯s body was purple, thirty percent golden, and twenty percent blue.


    she couldn¡¯t see the source of the purple color, but the source of the golden color was a drop of river water. as for the blue color¡­ it came from the dao fruit, which was also the main focus of the empress.


    on this trip, she had been hiding her strength!


    she didn¡¯t use her full strength.


    on one hand, the cultivation of her opponent this time was almost at the peak.


    on the other hand, her plan was too important, and she would only have one chance.


    she wouldn¡¯t allow herself to fail.


    in her original plan, xu qing and erniu, these two variables, weren¡¯t calculated. in that case, the situation here should be that nether flame wanted to possess demon feather, and she would cooperate with demon feather to achieve her goal.


    although nether flame was powerful, she also had a backup plan.


    however, plans couldn¡¯t keep up with changes. the appearance of xu qing and erniu, these two variables, caused a huge change in the situation. nether flame changed his mind and gave up on possessing demon feather. instead, he cooperated with the latter.


    the target of his possession was changed to xu qing.


    hence, the empress was watching and waiting for an opportunity.


    as for the variables, in the subsequent events, the empress increasingly felt that it wasn¡¯t a bad thing.


    regardless of whether it was erniu¡¯s third life or the strangeness of xu qing¡¯s body, they allowed her to have more confidence than before.


    hence, she continued to wait.


    in order to escape, nether flame took the initiative to reveal the power of the myriad mystical life dao fruit. the empress¡­ had finally found an opportunity!


    what she wanted was for nether flame to reveal the dao fruit.


    hence, the empress immediately used the backup plan she had prepared for this trip without hesitation.


    her backup plan was the human race¡¯s ancient sovereign planet.


    it was also the number one supreme treasure of the human race.


    moreover, with the enhancement of the five human gods, this supreme treasure could display astonishing power.


    at that moment, amidst the rumbling, the ancient sovereign planet suppressed down.


    nether flame¡¯s shouts echoed intensely.


    he wanted to break out of the cauldron, but with the empress unhesitatingly using her divine blood again to enhance the suppression, as well as the eruption of her divine platform realm, he was unable to escape.


    immediately after, a vortex appeared in the falling ancient sovereign planet.


    it pushed down.


    with the power of this planet, the power of the five human emperors, and the might of the empress¡¯ divine platform, the vortex swallowed the bone cauldron along with nether flame!


    it sealed nether flame inside the planet.


    after completing all of this, the empress¡¯s eyes unexpectedly revealed a resolute determination that was unmistakably human.


    she? had become she.


    from the start, her goal wasn¡¯t to kill nether flame, nor was it nether flame¡¯s soul.


    what she had been waiting for was nether flame to reveal the dao fruit, then she would rely on the ancient sovereign planet to isolate him from the outside world!


    this caused this myriad mystical life dao fruit to lose its connection with nether flame.


    for a short time, it would become an item with no karma.


    only then would she have a chance to achieve her ultimate goal!


    ¡°great emperor¡­¡±


    the empress mumbled. with a raise of her hand, a vast statue flew out of her body. it grew larger and larger and landed on the sea below.


    the seawater trembled.


    that statue was of the sword holding great emperor!


    xu qing¡¯s heart fluctuated and his breathing became hurried with excitement as he stared at this scene.


    he guessed the empress¡¯ motive.


    as for the empress, her eyes, which had been calm since she became a god, now gazed at the statue, filled with deep longing and reverence for her elder.


    she spoke softly.


    ¡°return¡­¡±


    she wanted to revive the sword holding great emperor!

 Chapter 1543 - Chapter 1543: Echoes of the Past

    chapter 1543: echoes of the past


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    she was originally a mortal and had no possibility of cultivating.


    yet, relying on her own talents, she completed the final piece of the sun of dawn for humanity, providing them with a supreme treasure for their race from then on.


    she was a great sage.


    however, she was hidden in the history of the human race. very few people knew about her and all the halos landed on her husband.


    she, exalted as the empress, had two sons. her heart was solely devoted to her husband, sharing his worries and considering his concerns. for the sake of her offspring and her husband, she was willing to give everything, with a single- minded focus.


    but in the end, she faced the tragic outcome of being separated from her children and being brutally targeted for annihilation by her own husband.


    everything was just because her husband wanted to become a god and wished to sever all emotional ties.


    she didn¡¯t know what she had done wrong, nor did she understand why her path would be like this.


    hence, the sorrow and helplessness that accompanied the first half of her life were engraved in her soul.


    she had once knelt under the sky and prayed to the holy land.


    however, the holy land didn¡¯t respond.


    she once knelt before the nobles, seeking assistance from fate.


    but the nobles remained silent.


    she had cried, she had been angry, she had been sad and she had been silent.


    until, in the most despairing moment of her life, in that twilight within the palace, she weakly looked at the statue of the sword holding great emperor. as she approached her final moments, she shed her last tear.


    as the tear flowed down her cheek and landed on the ground, she heard the sound of it bursting and a sigh that echoed in fate.


    ¡°humans shouldn¡¯t be like this¡­ child, humanity has wronged you¡­¡±


    she then saw an old figure that she would never forget walking past her.


    behind her, a sword landed on the source of her sorrow.


    this slash broke fate and changed everything.


    ¡°the great emperor is like a father to me.¡±


    the empress mumbled.


    at the darkest moment of her life, it was the sword holding great emperor who saved her.


    in the most sorrowful moment of her life, it was the sword holding great emperor who gave her hope.


    in her confusion about the meaning of life, it was also the sword holding great emperor who imparted his cultivation to her.


    he also gave the human race to her.


    hence, she transformed into mystic war and led the rise of the human race. under the final protection of the great emperor, she took off her mask and achieved godhood, becoming the only empress of the human race in history.


    ¡°however, protecting the human race wasn¡¯t my wish originally. this was your lifelong wish, great emperor. hence, this became my wish.¡±


    the empress looked at the statue and mumbled to herself. the longing in her eyes grew increasingly intense and revealed determination.


    she wanted to revive the great emperor who was like her father!


    back then, you were the one who saved me from despair.


    today, i will help you return from death.


    an intense glint appeared in the empress¡¯ eyes. under the gaze of the trembling demon feather, the rumbling of the ancient sovereign planet, erniu¡¯s incredulous gaze, and xu qing¡¯s excitement¡­


    she took a step forward and stood between heaven and earth.


    ¡°i am the human emperor!¡±


    ¡°i bear the fates of countless humans of wanggu. now¡­¡±


    the empress¡¯ gaze seemed to be able to penetrate this world and land on wanggu and the human race.


    ¡°summon the memories of the sword holding great emperor in the hearts of the human race and become the human soul of the great emperor!¡±


    as soon as she finished speaking, it was like heavenly lightning had erupted, exploding on the human race¡¯s territory and echoing in the minds of every human.


    it stimulated the memories of all the humans in the grand imperial capital region and their regions. and within this immense tide, all memories related to the sword holding great emperor emerged.


    as long as someone remembered, there was a possibility of returning.


    as for the sword holding great emperor, who could forget him¡­


    it was he who, after the departure of the ancient sovereign mystic nether, chose to stay behind and protect humanity, shielding them from the encroachment of other races.


    it was he who, in countless battles to protect humanity, continued to slay gods and bring peace even after his true body had perished, with only his avatar remaining.


    the innumerable life-and-death battles he had taken part in shook countless forces.


    even in his final years, he still retained the power of a single sword slash, causing foreign races to be extremely wary.


    it could be said that without him, the human race would have been exterminated long ago.


    his life was accompanied by a rain of blood. he was also the history of the human race after mystic nether left.


    no one could forget such a great emperor!


    at this moment, the memories of him turned into specks of crystal light that appeared in the minds of every human. they floated up and gathered toward the demon feather holy land from everywhere, heading toward the fruit.


    finally, after the memories gathered, these countless crystal specks transformed into a wisp of the great emperor¡¯s human soul and fused into the statue.


    ¡°throughout his life, the great emperor guarded the people and the territory. today, summon the spirits of all our regions and lands to become the great emperor¡¯s earth soul!¡±


    the empress¡¯ voice was like a law, roaring across wanggu. all human territories felt the tremor: mountains shook, rivers quivered, and every piece of soil and every building resonated with the thunderous sound.


    the sky had a spirit, the ground also had a spirit.


    at this moment, the spirit, awakened, transformed into shimmering crystal specks and ascended into the sky, becoming a wondrous sight. amid the astonishment of countless cultivators in the demon feather holy land and the excitement of human cultivators, it merged into the fruit and into the statue of the great emperor.


    ¡°soul has three aspects: human, earth, and heaven. summon the essence of humanity from the time of the eastern triumph, through countless years of rise and fall, to reach the pinnacle of fortune at the moment of my ascension. transform it into the great emperor¡¯s heaven soul!¡±


    as soon as these words were spoken, the world of the human race rumbled. the fortune of the human race rose and soared into the sky, ignoring the obstructions of the demon feather cultivators and all the obstacles. it was filled with determination, domineeringness, and its own weight¡­


    it rushed into the dao fruit and into the sword holding great emperor¡¯s statue.


    the statue shook.


    at this moment, the memories of the race were the human soul, the mountains and rivers were the earth soul, and the fortune of countless years was the heaven soul.


    the three souls were gathered!


    this resurrection was a huge matter for the empress and the entire human race!


    moreover, it was also the matter of the human emperor!


    ¡°soul has three aspects, and the spirit has seven!¡±


    the empress suddenly turned her gaze towards the five former human emperors, who were meditating on the ancient sovereign planet. at the moment she looked, they all simultaneously opened their eyes and met her gaze.


    ¡°it is difficult for ordinary beings to form the great emperor¡¯s spirit. since the great emperor devoted his life to humanity, we, the human race, will shape the three souls with our memories, mountains and rivers, and fortune. the human emperors will shape his spirit!¡±


    ¡°first spirit, the sky piercing, formed from my past!¡±


    the empress suddenly spoke. she raised her right hand and slashed fiercely at her body.


    under this slash, her body clearly became a little illusory. she slashed down her past and transformed it into the first spirit, merging it into the statue of the great emperor.


    ¡°second spirit, the spirit of wisdom, human sovereign mirror cloud!¡±


    on the ancient sovereign planet, the human sovereign mirror cloud rushed up and transformed into a dark light that fused into the great emperor¡¯s statue.


    ¡°third spirit, the spirit of qi, human emperor dao world!¡±


    dao world stood up and walked into the statue.


    ¡°fourth spirit, the spirit of strength, human emperor eastern triumph!¡±


    the divine might of eastern triumph soared into the sky as he transformed into a spirit and fused into the statue.


    ¡°fifth spirit, the central spirit, tempered with my future!¡±


    the empress was determined. after slashing her past, she was slashing her future, using her boundless future to become the central spirit of the great emperor!


    ¡°sixth spirit, the spirit of essence, human emperor holy heaven!¡±


    holy heaven closed his eyes and transformed into a white light, becoming the essence spirit of the great emperor.


    ¡°seventh spirit, the spirit of heroism, human emperor mystic war!¡±


    mystic war raised his head and there was a hint of guilt in the depths of his eyes. he slowly stood up, willing to become the seventh spirit.


    at this moment, the three souls and seven spirits were complete.


    the statue of the great emperor rumbled, this world rumbled, and the demon feather holy land rumbled.


    meanwhile, the demon feather great emperor, observing all of this from afar, had already guessed the next step. his expression changed, becoming one of sorrow, but in the end, he chose to retreat and move out of the realm within the dao fruit.


    he let out a long sigh. he knew that there was nothing he could do. he could only use his fastest speed to take some of the direct descendants away from the holy land.


    the moment he retreated, the expression of the empress, who was standing in the realm of the dao fruit, turned cold. her cold gaze looked at the entire demon feather holy land and she raised her right hand.


    ¡°i won¡¯t allow failure and this dao fruit has withered, so¡­¡±


    ¡°sacrifice all living beings in the demon feather holy land!¡±


    ¡°become nutrients for this myriad mystical life dao fruit!¡±


    the empress¡¯ words were like heavenly sounds, echoing through the dao fruit realm and erupting in the entire demon feather holy land.


    at the same time, the tenth ruler mountain, where the empress used to stay, erupted.


    this mountain shed all concealment and transformed into a divine mountain. it activated a divine technique that the empress had stored here for a long time!


    this divine technique stripped away the concept of night, causing light to become everything.


    it was like a ray of light blooming in the demon feather holy land.


    wherever the light passed, everything distorted and blurred. in an instant, everything was covered in the light.


    this place became like a divine realm.


    if the demon feather great emperor left, all living beings in the demon feather holy land would be unable to stop this calamity.


    against the peak of the divine platform, those below the great emperor realm were like ants.


    at this moment, the flickering light in the demon feather holy land was like the eruption of a new star, attracting the attention of all living beings in wanggu.


    at the same time, the empress¡¯s divine power at the peak of the divine platform rose completely and unreservedly at that moment. it surged into the realm of the dao fruit, replacing its meridians and circulation, becoming an ultimate force of absorption. this force thunderously expanded, enveloping the entire demon feather holy land.


    it absorbed all life, all souls, and all flesh and blood.


    under the light of the divine platform and the absorption of the dao fruit, countless demon feather cultivators who were abandoned by the demon feather great emperor were instantly destroyed in body and soul, turning into endless flesh and blood paste. they were guided by the suction force emitted by the dao fruit and fused into it.


    as more and more flesh and blood gathered and the calamity of the entire demon feather holy land continued, the dao fruit also changed from its withered state. it gradually gained a luster and was gradually filled.


    such methods showed how ruthless the empress was!


    the empress didn¡¯t hesitate at all. she raised her hand and pointed, connecting the dao fruit to the great emperor¡¯s statue.


    a murmur came from her mouth.


    ¡°myriad mystical life!¡±


    as soon as she spoke, the dao fruit that had absorbed countless flesh and blood suddenly trembled. innumerable runic marks appeared and circulated around each other. it was as though it had opened the gate of reincarnation, as though it had opened the path of life and death.


    the sky changed color.


    the void rumbled.


    after that, this dao fruit visibly withered again. the nutrients inside all surged into the great emperor¡¯s statue.


    this statue now possessed three souls and seven spirits. its life seemed to be brewing and the arrival of nutrients caused it to undergo a mysterious change.


    the statue¡¯s clay body shone with a resplendent light and was gradually turning into a body of flesh and blood.


    at the same time, a sense of recovery erupted from within, and the familiar aura of the sword holding great emperor¡­ appeared.


    this aura was getting stronger and stronger!


    it broke through the realm of the dao fruit, the demon feather holy land, and shocked everyone in the wanggu.


    it attracted countless gazes.


    the empress was excited, and so was xu qing.


    however¡­ the instant countless gazes landed, the statue suddenly shook. this aura that had climbed to the peak actually became unstable and began to collapse!


    ¡°noo!!¡±


    the empress¡¯ eyes turned bloodshot.

 Chapter 1544 - Chapter 1544: Letting Go Is Rebirth

    chapter 1544: letting go is rebirth


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    many things in life were difficult to let go of.


    because one could not let go, they became obsessed.


    this was especially true for matters of life and death.


    whether their own or others¡¯.


    the obsession with life and death made it hard to let go, and there was always hope in their hearts.


    however, having hope did not necessarily mean that despair would not come.


    regret, in many cases, was the dominant theme of this world.


    the world was cold, and the heavens and earth were indifferent.


    just like the moment when the life flame of the sword holding great emperor¡¯s statue was about to be ignited, it collapsed.


    the oil in the lantern had run out.


    it couldn¡¯t truly burn.


    even when the demon feather holy land was sacrificed.


    even though the myriad mystical life dao fruit was awakened.


    it was still the same.


    only the voice of the empress, filled with obsession, echoed through the heavens and earth, carrying a deep sense of unwillingness.


    she was a god, but gods¡­ weren¡¯t omnipotent.


    she even bit the tip of her tongue and used her divine blood.


    turning the divine blood into life force.


    as she performed a series of hand seals, the life force fused into the great emperor¡¯s statue.


    even xu qing used all his might to spread out his life force. he used his strength, his dao, and everything he had to help the great emperor.


    erniu sighed softly and sent out his own strength.


    however, the outcome¡­ didn¡¯t change much.


    it was as though there was a ravine that separated death and life.


    the aura of the collapse of the great emperor¡¯s statue was still ongoing.


    at this moment, this resurrection ritual was inevitably moving toward failure.


    hence, bitterness became everything in this world.


    ¡°why is it like this¡­¡±


    the empress raised her head. she still hadn¡¯t given up. even though all the outcomes pointed to failure, she still erupted with the might of the divine platform at this instant.


    she tried to stimulate more of her strength to reverse everything.


    just as she was about to overdraft everything, an ancient sigh echoed softly in the dao fruit realm.


    ¡°idiot.¡±


    this familiar voice caused xu qing¡¯s body to tremble and his heart to stir. countless memories surfaced in his mind.


    the empress¡¯ breathing suddenly became hurried. this voice was the source of her humanity.


    hence, the two of them looked at the great emperor statue at the same time.


    the life essence of the statue that used the memories of the human race, mountains and rivers, and fortune as the three aspects of the soul, and the human emperors as the seven aspects of spirit, suddenly paused amid its collapse.


    its aura rose again.


    this time, there was no obstruction at all and it directly returned to its peak. the aura that belonged to the sword holder and the aura of a great emperor erupted in this realm.


    the color of the sky changed and the wind and clouds churned intensely!


    the realm trembled, the holy land rumbled, and the wanggu resonated.


    as for the statue¡¯s body, it rapidly faded away. finally, it turned into flesh and blood, transforming into a figure that had been gone for a long time.


    he opened his eyes.


    sword holding great emperor.


    he stood on the transparent sea, his figure aged and surrounded by the aura of death, yet his back was straight and his posture erect.


    his gaze was gentle as he stared at everything in front of him. his gaze pierced through this world and past the demon feather holy land. what he saw¡­ was the human race.


    he looked at the current territory of the human race, the people, the mountains and rivers, the fortune, and everything.


    at this moment, everything that happened in wanggu after he died surged into his mind from the heavenly dao and all living beings.


    he knew that after he died, the holy lands had descended.


    he knew that after he died, war broke out.


    he knew everything.


    a hint of sharpness rose from his body with his perception and understanding, resounding through the world.


    however¡­ xu qing and the empress, who weren¡¯t far away, looked at the great emperor¡¯s figure and couldn¡¯t help but feel intense sorrow.


    this was because¡­ the great emperor¡¯s body was filled with extreme death energy.


    tears flowed down from the corners of the empress¡¯ eyes.


    she knew that she¡­ had still failed in the end.


    the great emperor hadn¡¯t been completely revived. the power of life from the dao fruit and the three souls and seven spirits of the human race only allowed him to return for a short time.


    xu qing felt as though his heart had been grabbed. an indescribable emotion made his heart feel bitter and empty.


    ¡°you guys¡­¡±


    the great emperor shook his head lightly. he retracted his gaze from the world and it landed on the empress and xu qing. his expression also became gentle.


    ¡°xia¡¯ero.¡±


    as this word rang out, the empress trembled as she looked up.


    at this moment, she wasn¡¯t a god or the empress but the fragile woman who had been saved back then.


    her sight was blurry from the tears as she looked at the father-like figure of the old man in front of her.


    ¡°you¡¯ve done very well and it¡¯s enough.¡±


    the great emperor spoke hoarsely and took a step forward, standing in front of the empress and patting her head. his eyes revealed love as though he was looking at his daughter.


    ¡°it¡¯s just that¡­ although you know everything, you don¡¯t know me.¡±


    the great emperor said softly.


    ¡°the history of humanity only recorded my efforts to protect the race with an avatar after my true body perished. the reason behind it was not recorded; i erased that part.


    the truth is, when i battled the gods from the central region of wanggu, i averted the threat of humanity¡¯s enslavement. however, the cost was great¡ª both my true body and my avatar perished in that battle.¡±


    ¡°an old friend revived me with a myriad mystical life dao fruit on the battlefield after i died.¡±


    ¡°that resurrection failed but it also succeeded.¡±


    ¡°the failure is because this fruit merely provides an opportunity for resurrection, not a guarantee of success. hence, my true body did not successfully return.


    the success lies in the fact that, in the end, my avatar, which perished along with my true body, was resurrected through this opportunity.¡±


    ¡°so, i¡¯ve already used this myriad mystical life dao fruit once back then.¡±


    ¡°i can¡¯t use it a second time.¡±


    ¡°so, the failure of today¡¯s resurrection has nothing to do with you, xia¡¯er.¡±


    the great emperor spoke softly and slowly to calm parting summer¡¯s emotions. he didn¡¯t want this child he had saved to regret her failure in reviving him for the rest of her life.


    hence, he had to tell her the reason. he had to let her know that it wasn¡¯t her fault. she had already done enough.


    the empress bit her lower lip and silently listened to everything.


    the great emperor sighed softly and stroked the empress¡¯ head again. after that, he looked at xu qing, who had a bitter expression.


    ¡°xu qing, you didn¡¯t disappoint me either.¡±


    xu qing lowered his head and the sorrow in his heart intensified. he then bowed deeply.


    the great emperor laughed.


    he looked at the empress and xu qing in front of him. these were the successors he had chosen. one had inherited his cultivation and the other had inherited his emperor sword.


    he was satisfied with these two and had no regrets.


    only¡­ he still missed the human race.


    he missed this race that he had protected for his entire life.


    ¡°i already know what happened.¡±


    ¡°although this dao fruit can¡¯t revive me, it allowed me to return temporarily.¡±


    ¡°it also let my returned body no longer be shackled by the star ring and return to the peak of my life.¡±


    ¡°this is good enough.¡±


    the great emperor laughed.


    it had been a very, very long time since he had such a relaxed feeling. when he recalled it, he only felt this way when his main body was still around back then.


    in his later years, he had always endured injuries and slept for most of the time.


    even after he woke up and made a move, he had to endure the fatigue of his soul.


    moreover, he couldn¡¯t slash to his heart¡¯s content.


    he had to be careful and restrain himself so that he could restrain the last sword slash forever.


    this was even more exhausting for him.


    even though he wanted to have a good time in the last battle back then, he was unable to do it. hence, he felt regret.


    the duty of protection and responsibility weighed on him like a mountain, pressing down on him his entire life.


    if possible, he wanted to truly let go once, just like when he was a youth.


    ¡°then, in this last period¡­¡±


    the great emperor smiled and raised his right hand, pointing at the ancient sovereign planet in the air.


    under this gesture, the ancient sovereign planet instantly rumbled. as it trembled, it erupted completely and continued to spin, revealing the bone cauldron that had been devoured and sealed.


    the lid of the bone cauldron was also opened.


    a distorted figure flew out. it was none other than nether flame.


    the instant he appeared, his expression was sinister. just as he was about to speak, his expression changed drastically. he suddenly stared at the sword holding great emperor. his pupils narrowed and all the hairs on his body stood on end.


    even with his current combat strength, he still felt extreme danger from the sword holding great emperor.


    ¡°he¡¯s clearly not a summer immortal, but why does he give me such a strong and terrifying feeling?!¡±


    nether flame¡¯s scalp went numb and he retreated abruptly, wanting to escape.


    however, it was too late.


    the great emperor¡¯s calm gaze landed.


    a peak sword aura suddenly erupted from the body containing nether flame, accompanied by a whistling sound that spread across the world.


    nether flame was overwhelmed with horror. at the next instant, the sword aura soared into the sky and shattered the clouds.


    that was¡­ the emperor sword!


    this sword shone and emitted a might that caused nether flame to be in a daze. it instantly landed.


    it didn¡¯t slash but hung above the top of nether flame¡¯s head and came into contact with his body.


    nether flame¡¯s entire body shook and a terrifying force swept out from the sword like a huge wave, rushing into his body with an overwhelming force and ruthlessly attacking his soul.


    ¡°this is comparable to the power of a summer immortal!!¡±


    this was the last of nether flame¡¯s consciousness. after that, his soul collapsed and he was forcefully shaken out of the body by this force.


    before he could gather again, the great emperor raised his hand and grabbed. immediately, nether flame¡¯s perception turned pitch-black and was grabbed by that hand.


    the great emperor waved his hand and gave the soul to the empress.


    ¡°this soul is good. it has absorbed a lot of karma from xu qing¡¯s body. you can use it as a sacrifice in the future.¡±


    the great emperor smiled and flicked his sleeve, returning the body to xu qing.


    ¡°xu qing, your body now contains immortal path and this body contains divine repositories. from now on, you will walk the path of immortals and gods together. i¡¯ve never walked this path but i can see its infinite potential.¡±


    ¡°therefore, it¡¯s also a good thing. the two of them take different paths. one is the extreme of immortality and the other is the extreme of divinity. as long as the latter succeeds in comprehending the divine authority, you can instantly ignite your divine fire and become a god. there¡¯s a high chance that you¡¯ll become a truly strong god.¡±


    xu qing put away the divine body. he looked at the great emperor and the sorrow in his heart intensified.


    he owed the great emperor too much.


    ¡°the two of you don¡¯t need to have such expressions. i¡¯m happy. so, xia¡¯er, xu qing, are the two of you willing to accompany this old man on a journey across the world?¡±


    the great emperor smiled.


    the empress took a deep breath and nodded her head strongly.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was also firm as he bowed.


    ¡°i¡¯m willing to travel with senior!¡±


    the great emperor laughed heartily and waved his hand. the sky opened and the demon feather holy land rumbled.


    after that, he brought xu qing and the empress, his two descendants, and left the demon feather in a single step. he tore through the sky and walked toward the three holy lands above the flame moon mystic heaven race at an astonishing speed.


    ¡°i have a sword that can slash the sky and the earth!¡±


    the great emperor¡¯s bold words resounded through wanggu.


    at that moment, on the wanggu, some extremely ancient gods slowly opened their eyes from their slumber and looked at the familiar figure in the sky.


    it also included jade flowing dust.


    vaguely, they seemed to see the figure of that young man from tens of thousands of years ago, who journeyed across the world with a sword, fighting gods.


    ¡°sword holder¡­¡±

 Chapter 1545 - Chapter 1545: No Regret, No Guilt, No Remorse

    chapter 1545: no regret, no guilt, no remorse


    translator: atlas studios i editor: atlas studios


    the length of life was unpredictable for many people.


    especially in this cruel world, perhaps an accident or a single act of violence could end it.


    even someone as powerful as a god might die. even the sword holding great emperor eventually came to an end.


    but¡­ judging whether a life was brilliant, length was never the most important criterion.


    just like how the world was the guest house of all living beings, and time was merely a passerby from ancient to present.


    the most important aspect had always been the breadth of life experiences.


    it was about how one chose to walk the path of their own life.


    this was the only freedom that could be grasped by all beings.


    just like the sword holding great emperor, who had protected humanity for countless years. even though the outcome could not be changed, the breadth of his life had already spread into the memories of every member of the human race.


    this was what grandeur truly was.


    this was what greatness truly meant.


    and today, in the final gleam of the life flame, he finally let go of everything, feeling a sense of rebirth, experiencing a long-lost ease and boundless freedom.


    the sparks of life, colliding within his journey, became even more brilliant.


    before him, scenes from years past, full of his youthful vigor, seemed to reappear.


    ¡°xia¡¯er, xu qing, this old man won¡¯t tell you what your future lives should be like¡­¡±


    ¡°however, as someone who has experienced it before, i want to share with you a realization of mine.¡±


    outside the demon feather holy land, in the world of the wanggu, the sword holding great emperor walked in front and sighed with emotion at the empress and xu qing behind him.


    ¡°no regrets, no guilt, no remorse.¡±


    the sword holding great emperor spoke softly.


    ¡°all the experiences of this life, having been pursued with all my effort, can be considered without regret, regardless of the outcome.¡±


    ¡°if one can remain true to their own heart through everything encountered in life, then no matter how the path unfolds, if one¡¯s own light shines, this life can be deemed without guilt.


    ¡°if these two points can be achieved, then the people one meets and the choices one makes can be considered without remorse.¡±


    ¡°by living these six words, this life becomes clear, and it is not in vain to have lived it.¡±


    the sword holding great emperor¡¯s voice echoed through the world.


    when it landed in the ears of the empress and xu qing, it transformed into waves that didn¡¯t dissipate for a long time.


    the great emperor had indeed lived by these six words.


    he had done his best to protect the human race for tens of thousands of years, so he had no regrets about the future.


    in this life, he had remained true to his own heart in all circumstances, and the light within him had never been tainted. it shone brightly on the path he walked, making him free of guilt towards anyone.


    regarding the choices of life, he had conveyed them to the empress and xu qing through his words and actions.


    he had no remorse.


    at that moment, laughter echoed through the world.


    it also spread to the three holy lands above the flame moon mystic heaven race that were fighting against the three gods.


    there were a total of sixteen black-level holy lands that had descended upon wanggu. there were four in each direction.


    among them, in the eastern part of wanggu, one of these four black-level holy lands landed above the human race. the other three¡­ were all in the flame moon mystic heaven race¡¯s territory.


    at this moment, the three holy lands shook in unison.


    the expressions of the three gods changed. they didn¡¯t hesitate to immediately retreat with their race, giving a path to the three holy lands.


    in the three holy lands, the hearts of the great emperors rumbled. their expressions were unprecedentedly solemn as they instinctively looked over¡­


    they saw the empress, xu qing, and the tall figure in front of them who was holding a longsword and wearing a wide robe.


    in their eyes, the aura of death on this old man¡¯s body was extremely dense. however, the light emitted by his soul couldn¡¯t be drowned by the aura of death. it shone on his body and rose in the entire wanggu, illuminating the sky.


    ¡°summer immortal!!¡±


    the hearts of the great emperors of the three holy lands rumbled with shock and their faces turned extremely pale.


    they weren¡¯t the only ones shocked. even the holy lands they were in shook. as lightning exploded in the minds of countless cultivators from the holy lands, the sword holding great emperor raised the sword in his hand and casually waved it forward.


    in his youth, his dream while holding the sword was to traverse the world with joy, slaying demons and eliminating evil.


    after becoming a great emperor, he, who was in his prime, journeyed across the heavens with his sword, cutting down gods and eradicating calamities, leaving his mark on the world with just one sword and himself.


    in his old age, whenever he reflected on his life, the most vivid memories were still from that period.


    at this moment, as he casually swung his sword, it seemed to overlap with his past self, as if the scenes from his memories were blending with the present world.


    so, with this swing, he moved with grace, with freedom, and with a sense of liberation.


    with this slash, the sword light replaced the heavenly light in the sky. the sword aura became the void of this world and the sword intent transformed into heaven¡¯s will.


    with an incomparably domineering aura, it could shatter the heavens, collapse the earth, and annihilate all enemies!


    it landed on the holy land closest to him.


    this holy land looked like a planet.


    at that moment, a monstrous rumbling sound rang out, as though it was swept away by an irresistible storm. under the gaze of the three gods, the shock of the flame moon mystic heaven race, xu qing and the empress¡­


    a loud explosion rang out in the planet-like holy land at the front, and a huge gully appeared on its surface. after that, this gully continued to sink. in the span of a few breaths, the entire holy land was penetrated by this gully.


    it directly split into two from the middle!


    the lives inside were destroyed by the sword light and everything inside was destroyed by the sword aura!


    the holy land fell!


    countless vitality was swept up by the sword intent from the falling holy land and headed straight for the sword holding great emperor, surging into his body¡­ it wasn¡¯t to suppress the death aura but to become nutrients that pushed his combat strength.


    without the shackles of the star ring, not only did the sword holding great emperor recover to the peak of his combat strength, but he also had the ability to erupt to a higher level.


    even though this eruption was short-lived.


    however¡­ hearing the dao in the morning, and dying in the evening was acceptable!


    gasps rang out in all directions, and the three great emperors¡¯ faces were extremely pale. they immediately retreated, giving up everything.


    although they were great emperors, they were completely unable to resist the might of a summer immortal.


    the sword holding great emperor didn¡¯t even glance at the three of them. instead, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°xia¡¯er, xu qing, as my successors, i only gave you my cultivation and the emperor sword. i haven¡¯t had the time to teach you divine techniques of the sword.¡±


    ¡°today, i¡¯ll teach you.¡±


    ¡°my entire life¡¯s dao is about the sword.¡±


    ¡°in this life, i created sword techniques at different times, totaling five forms.¡±


    ¡°the first form is called¡­ earth depository.¡±


    as the sword holding great emperor spoke, he raised his right hand and pressed down slightly at the remaining two holy lands in front of him.


    immediately, the two holy lands rumbled and the distance between them swayed.


    the color of the sky changed and the ground seemed to be stirred, emitting muffled rumbling sounds.


    this rumbling sound shocked the mind.


    the sword holding great emperor¡¯s voice still echoed amidst the rumbling of the ground.


    ¡°earth depository is a sword technique i created to slay a ruthless murderer skilled in earth dao. this technique primarily stimulates the earth¡¯s energy, using sword intent to replace earth intent, transforming earth energy into sword energy.¡±


    ¡°after gathering, condense it into an earth sword!¡±


    in his detailed explanation, xu qing and the empress saw that amidst the continuous tremors of the two holy lands, wisps of smoke began to rise. this smoke was the earth energy spoken of by the sword holding great emperor.


    increasingly, in an instant, the land of the two holy places cracked open as if all its nutrients had been drawn out, transforming into countless wisps of smoke. these wisps swirled in the high sky, rapidly converging with each other¡­


    it transformed into a shocking sword!


    the moment this sword appeared, not only did the holy lands shake, but even the ground of the flame moon mystic heaven race below stirred like the sea.


    it was as though they were being pulled.


    after that¡­ the large sword formed by the earth energy landed!


    it was as easy as crushing dry weeds!


    in everyone¡¯s eyes, the two holy lands directly collapsed. the ground turned into ashes and even all living beings in the holy lands couldn¡¯t escape or stop it.


    in an instant, their bodies and souls were destroyed.


    even the holy lands themselves were destroyed by this sword and turned into nothingness.


    countless vitality was swept up and gushed into the sword holding great emperor¡¯s body. his aura soared again.


    he raised his hand and pointed. immediately, the earth depository sword scattered on its own at this moment, transforming into countless sharp sword energy that swept up the aura of the ground and headed straight for the three fleeing great emperors.


    no matter how the three great emperors struggled, it was useless.


    the absolute difference in strength made death inevitable.


    when the sword energy passed, the three great emperors were dead!


    their everything became nutrients for the sword holding great emperor. after they fused into his body, his combat strength erupted explosively.


    the wind and clouds surged violently.


    flame moon was silent. even the three gods lowered their heads.


    the figure of the sword holding great emperor evoked their memories as well.


    when the fragmented-face descended and mystic nether left, it was the bloodiest, cruelest, and darkest period in the entire wanggu.


    with gods everywhere, enslavement and killing were the norm.


    all the races had to either lower their heads or be destroyed.


    the sword holding great emperor was the only remaining great emperor in wanggu back then. the human race was still the number one race.


    hence, the human race attracted the gazes of many gods.


    thus, in those years, the scenes of the sword holding great emperor battling all the gods who sought to enslave the human race became a focal point for the gaze of countless races.


    this lasted until he fell in the battle with the gods from the central region of wanggu.


    his main body had fallen and only his avatar existed.


    however, these repeated battles ultimately caused the central region¡¯s thoughts of enslaving the human race to dissipate. this caused many gods to have no choice but to put away their greed.


    it was as though as long as the great emperor existed, this thought wouldn¡¯t surface again.


    this allowed the human race to survive the initial darkness.


    the three gods controlled the flame moon mystic heaven race long after this event.


    at that time, the main body of the sword holding great emperor had already died. only his avatar was guarding the human capital, threatening the gods with the power of a single sword slash.


    hence, there were subsequent events.


    now, looking at the figure of the sword holding great emperor, the three gods couldn¡¯t help but have complicated thoughts.


    similar thoughts didn¡¯t just surface in the hearts of the three gods. the sword holding great emperor¡¯s attack attracted the attention of the gods in the entire wanggu just like back then.


    this was especially so for the central part of the wanggu, the only place where no holy lands had descended. at this moment, a gaze was looking toward the east.


    at the same time, on the outer sea, jade flowing dust sat on a lone boat and looked at the void in the distance. his expression was filled with emotions.


    ¡°others might not know, but according to my story, this guy chose to stay in wanggu most likely because he had a dream of showing off since he was young.¡±


    ¡°therefore, he¡¯s a f*cking poser!¡±


    ¡°it was like that back then, and now, on the verge of death, it is clear he feels he hadn¡¯t shown off enough in this life, so he is aiming for a grand finale!¡±


    jade flowing dust felt a pang of envy and frustration, then¡­ let out a soft sigh.

 Chapter 1546 - Chapter 1546: Gazing at Each Other Across the Sky

    chapter 1546: gazing at each other across the sky


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    in that sigh, there was a mix of regret and reflection, accompanied by a sense of admiration.


    however, immediately after, he sensed that something was wrong with his thoughts. after all¡­ he could be considered his former enemy.


    towards enemies, he definitely couldn¡¯t feel admiration.


    ¡°it¡¯s fine if you die; to die twice is something else entirely.¡±


    jade flowing dust snorted coldly and retracted his gaze from the distant horizon.


    ¡°however, in this era where true gods are rare and the lord gods are in deep slumber, your story is about to end and my story¡­ is about to begin.¡±


    at this moment, the sky of the eastern wanggu was empty.


    three of the four black-level holy lands that had floated there collapsed under the sword holding great emperor¡¯s sword.


    the remaining demon feather holy land also fell with a wave of his hand and was given to the empress.


    only the demon feather great emperor had already escaped long ago.


    after that, the sword holding great emperor held his sword and walked toward the south of the sky.


    the empress and xu qing followed behind.


    it was originally an endless distance, but under the astonishing aura of the sword holding great emperor, it seemed to have shortened. in just fifteen minutes, he brought the two of them across various regions and appeared in the southern wanggu.


    in the distance were three shining holy lands.


    the battlefield in the south wasn¡¯t protected by the peerless array formation like in the east. the empyrean crimson land race in the south turned the entire south into a sea of fire.


    fire was an environment that was suitable for them.


    using the sea of fire, the empyrean crimson land could unleash all their strength.


    during this period, the war between them and the holy lands was extremely intense.


    standing in the sky, xu qing could see the land below engulfed in a sea of flames, filled with charred corpses and countless shattered buildings and treasures. some of these fragments were from the local races¡¯ territories, while others were from the collapse of a holy land.


    the south destroyed a holy land and killed a great emperor.


    this left only three of the original four holy lands here.


    the arrival of the sword holding great emperor immediately attracted the gazes of both sides. the pupils of the empyrean crimson land cultivators contracted. under the decree of their gods, they retreated like a tide.


    as for the holy lands, they fully deployed their protective array formations. the three great emperors inside didn¡¯t dare to appear.


    what happened in the east had long been sensed by other forces.


    facing such a person who clearly possessed the combat strength of a summer immortal, not only were the holy lands intensely wary, but even the empyrean crimson land race was extremely vigilant.


    however, to the sword holding great emperor, whether the empyrean crimson land was vigilant or not had nothing to do with him. what he had to do now was impart his sword techniques.


    hence, when his gaze landed on the three holy lands, his voice echoed in the empress and xu qing¡¯s minds.


    ¡°the second move of the sword i comprehended is called¡­¡±


    ¡°space split!¡±


    the sword holding great emperor calmly spoke. he raised his right hand and gently pressed down on the three holy lands in front of him that were prepared for battle.


    with this push, as the empyrean crimson land cultivators¡¯ minds churned, under the dimness of the sky at this moment, the sea of fire on the ground was instantly extinguished¡­


    the three holy lands floating in the air, as well as the large area around them, suddenly blurred.


    a terrifying force seemed to have descended from the sky and landed in that area, isolating it from the outside world.


    after that, this force erupted as though it was extracting the energy in that area!


    as for the sword holding great emperor¡¯s voice, it was explaining his move.


    ¡°this technique was created during my battles for the ancient sovereign, designed to eliminate enemies on a large scale. it needed to retain its destructive power while covering a vast area¡­ so its principle is to extract all the energy from a specific area.¡±


    ¡°turn that place into a vacuum.¡±


    ¡°by using the vacuum¡¯s own contraction and compressive force, it shatters the void and everything within it. the traces of this destruction are the sword marks.¡±


    ¡°these sword marks are boundless and, when gathered together, they form the space split sword!¡±


    as the sword holding great emperor¡¯s voice rang out, the three holy lands and the isolated area around them suddenly collapsed.


    as all the energy was extracted and the compressive force erupted in full force, combined with the sword holding great emperor¡¯s willpower, the expressions of all beings within that area changed drastically.


    the first to show signs of cracking were the protective arrays of the three holy lands.


    under the compressive pressure of this vacuum, the array formations trembled intensely and more and more cracks appeared on them. in the end, the array formations couldn¡¯t withstand it and shattered into pieces.


    hence, an even greater pressure from the vacuum erupted in the three holy lands.


    it was extremely cruel.


    however, the wails couldn¡¯t be heard and were isolated.


    the experts of the three holy lands like the great emperors and rulers used all their trump cards in an attempt to resist.


    however¡­ it was meaningless.


    the collapse continued and more cracks appeared.


    the appearance of those cracks turned into sword marks.


    in the end, countless sword marks rose and gathered into a shocking sword. in the isolated vacuum, sword light spread out, sword energy rampaged, and sword intent suppressed the world.


    after a long time, the isolation disappeared and countless pieces of the holy lands scattered on the ground.


    there was no flesh and blood. what fell along with the pieces was the dust formed by life.


    all the lifeforce became nutrients that pushed the sword holding great emperor forward and surged into his body, causing his combat strength to rise again.


    under the sweeping of this aura, the gods of the empyrean crimson land also chose to retreat, unwilling to fight.


    ¡°without a true god, we cannot face a summer immortal.¡±


    a long time later, after the sword holding great emperor left with xu qing and the empress, a calm voice slowly rang out from the empyrean crimson land.


    at the same time, the destruction of many holy lands and the deaths of many great emperors spread like a storm throughout wanggu.


    this caused the hearts of countless races in wanggu to tremble. many gods chose to remain silent.


    the former glory of the human race also surfaced in the minds of all races at this moment.


    at the same time, this storm brought extreme horror to the black-level holy lands that had descended in the west and north of wanggu.


    hence, the holy lands in these two regions contacted each other. they activated all of their defensive measures and sought help from the starry sky outside wanggu.


    they left their places to gather together.


    after arriving at wanggu, they couldn¡¯t leave. at this moment, the path in front of them was to group up.


    only by gathering the strength of many holy lands could they hold on and wait for the arrival of the only heaven-level holy land in the starry sky.


    however, it was impossible for their actions to go smoothly.


    the underworld origin corpse race in the west and the northern fate royal family in the north would naturally grasp such an opportunity with all their might.


    hence, at the next instant, the war in the west and north erupted even more intensely.


    the cultivators of the two races moved out in full force to stop the holy lands from leaving.


    just like that, the moment the sounds of slaughter rang out in all directions, the figure of the sword holding great emperor appeared in the sky in the western wanggu.


    ¡°the third move of my sword¡­¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s called the heavenly palace.¡±


    ¡°this move was comprehended by me during my battles with the myriad races before ancient sovereign mystic nether unified wanggu. its intent is extremely murderous and its methods are cruel, specifically targeting cultivators. because of this, i have never used it since the gods descended.¡±


    the sword holding great emperor looked at the holy lands in front of him and spoke softly.


    after that, he raised his hand and waved it forward.


    with this wave, a scene that caused xu qing¡¯s eyes to narrow appeared.


    previously, although xu qing was shocked by the collapse of the eastern holy lands and the southern holy lands, it wasn¡¯t like now.


    the heavenly palace sword, as the sword holding great emperor described, was indeed cruel and specifically targeted cultivators.


    this was because¡­ this so-called heavenly palace wasn¡¯t a palace in the sky but a heavenly palace formed in the bodies of every cultivator at the golden core stage and above!


    their heavenly palaces collapsed as if controlled, transforming into illusory swords that erupted from their bodies!


    it was extremely tragic.


    there were countless wails.


    it was like a killing move that continuously accumulated, forming a sea of swords that roared through the heavens and earth, engulfing all the holy lands in the west.


    this was a calamity for cultivators above the golden core realm.


    as for those below the golden core realm, it was even more difficult for them to escape death. as the sea of swords swept past, they were all killed.


    this lasted until the holy lands shattered under the destructive power of the sea of swords.


    everything collapsed and all living beings were destroyed.


    only the voice of the sword holding great emperor broke the silence and echoed in xu qing and the empress¡¯ ears.


    ¡°using the enemy¡¯s heavenly palaces as swords. this is the sword of the heavenly palace.¡±


    ¡°as for the fourth sword move¡­¡±


    ¡°its name is starlight!¡±


    the moment he finished speaking, the sky rumbled. it was as though the sky had opened. at this moment, the day dispersed on its own and it became night.


    in the dark night, countless stars shone.


    endless starlight appeared in the world, transforming into sword lights that scattered into the world.


    the sword holding great emperor took a step forward and stepped on a beam of starlight, sweeping up xu qing and the empress as he borrowed the starlight to descend onto the ice plain in the northern part of wanggu.


    against the backdrop of white snow, the starlight shone beautifully. it contrasted with the snow and shone brightly, drowning out the holy lands here.


    from afar, a huge vortex of starlight appeared and devoured everything.


    at this point, wanggu was speechless.


    the myriad races fell silent and the gods stared.


    the sword holding great emperor became the most dazzling star in the entire wanggu.


    as countless vitality gushed in, his aura continued to soar, pushing his combat strength to the peak of the summer immortal realm.


    the sky trembled and the ground rumbled.


    however, the death aura on his body also became extremely dense at this instant.


    his voice also became hoarse.


    ¡°as for the last move¡­ i want to leave it there.¡±


    he held his sword and raised his head. his gaze seemed to be able to penetrate the sky and look at the starry sky.


    at that moment, in the starry sky above wanggu, five astonishing holy lands had already arrived.


    there were four at the front.


    regardless of size or aura, they far surpassed the black-level holy lands.


    they were earth-level holy lands.


    as for the last one¡­ it was shaped like a huge heart. as it beat, it erupted with an incredibly terrifying might that surpassed all others.


    that was¡­ the only heaven-level holy land!


    on this heaven-level holy land, on an ancient tower stood an old man in black robes.


    with his hands behind his back, his face full of wrinkles, and an expression of deep age, he seemed to have walked through countless years and witnessed all of history, and was now returning.


    his gaze landed on wanggu.


    he met the gaze of the sword holding great emperor.

 Chapter 1547 - Chapter 1547: Leaving the Sword in the Human Realm

    chapter 1547: leaving the sword in the human realm


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    across the sky was the ancient summer immortal.


    he had reached the peak of the profound earth and walked his own dao. to the profound earth, he was like a hero. he had once led the cultivators of the profound earth to pioneer wanggu.


    he suppressed the wanggu¡¯s brilliant heaven god race, raised the heavenly daos in wanggu, and led countless cultivators of the profound earth to the peak of their lives.


    in order to protect the profound earth, push the immortal path further, and open up a higher level in the cultivation system, he and his companions had no choice but to venture into this unfamiliar starry sky.


    they wanted to seek comprehension and opportunities.


    this trip lasted for tens of thousands of years.


    now, one of them had returned.


    and under the sky was a newly-promoted summer immortal!


    he was weaker than the former but he also had walked his own path. to the human race, he was also a hero!


    after the ancient sovereign mystic nether left, he killed the gods and suppressed the other races, fighting for the human race and guarding the peace of the human race.


    he had dedicated his entire life to the human race.


    in his heart, the profound earth wasn¡¯t important, nor were the myriad races. only the human race mattered; it was his sole priority!


    at that moment, the gazes of the new and old summer immortals met across the sky¡­


    the sky seemed to collapse.


    the sky rumbled, first with a ripple resembling fish scales. these ripples quickly turned into patches, and then, amidst deafening noise, all the patches shattered.


    it affected the entire sky.


    it was as if enormous mandala flowers were blooming in the sky.


    accompanying the blooming was an ancient and cold voice that rang out from beyond the sky and echoed in wanggu.


    the sea of wanggu churned. the hearts of the wanggu¡¯s races trembled.


    the gods below the true god realms were shaking.


    even the rarely-seen true gods¡­ at this instant, their divine intents rumbled in their respective resting places.


    this was because¡­ the pressure that accompanied the voice surpassed the peak of the summer immortal. it was as though there was only a trace of fog between him and the immortal lord realm above the summer immortal, which was at the same level as the lord god realm.


    ¡°it¡¯s not impossible for you to revive.¡±


    the instant these words were spoken, xu qing¡¯s breathing became hurried. the empress suddenly raised her head and looked at the sky. her heart, which had been on the verge of collapsing, fluctuated at this moment.


    ¡°submit to me, and once i obtain what i need from wanggu, i will clear the fog before me and fully grasp the immortal lord¡¯s position. then, i will help you truly resurrect.¡±


    the voice rang out again in the sky.


    all living beings fell silent.


    the sword holding great emperor spoke softly.


    ¡°i grew up listening to the stories of the nine of you seniors. i have a deep impression of your names. your legends are the source of light in my heart.


    i respect you guys. even now, i still respect you.¡±


    ¡°lord ji zun.¡±


    as he spoke, the sword holding great emperor bowed. upon straightening, his eyes gleamed sharply, and in that instant, his voice carried a piercing intensity. ¡°but are you¡­ really lord ji zun¡¯s main body?¡±


    ¡°i absolutely refuse to believe that among the nine esteemed predecessors who emerged from the profound earth, suppressed the brilliant heaven god race, and pioneered wanggu, there would be anyone who would fall to such a level. they would never, for their own selfish gain, raise the butcher¡¯s knife against their descendants.¡±


    ¡°i don¡¯t believe you.¡±


    the sword holding great emperor¡¯s voice was resolute.


    the black-robed old man standing on the tall tower in the heaven-level holy land was expressionless as he looked down at wanggu. his gaze landed on the sword holding great emperor, calmly speaking.


    ¡°seeing that it wasn¡¯t easy for you to reach this stage, this old man will say a few more words to you.¡±


    ¡°for wanggu and profound earth, me gaining the position of the immortal lord will be a breakthrough for the cultivation system.¡±


    ¡°this matter has extraordinary meaning. all the sacrifices in the process are for a beautiful future.¡±


    ¡°so, young one, your heart, your thoughts, your aspirations¡ªdo not let them be so narrow-minded.¡±


    ¡°great dao is indifferent; if you wish to keep moving forward, then you must keep your eyes on the path ahead.¡±


    his voice was like thunder, echoing in wanggu.


    all living beings heard it.


    some people agreed with this logic, and some didn¡¯t. however, through this, the myriad races finally made a judgment about the sudden arrival of the holy lands.


    what the other party needed had to be carried out through suppression and war. one could imagine that what he needed¡­ might not be material items.


    it was life, blood sacrifice, death¡­ anything was possible.


    however, the only thing they could be sure of was that this matter had nothing to do with the gods.


    moreover, the other party couldn¡¯t be in wanggu for too long.


    the existence of the fragmented-face was far from something he could go against.


    hence¡­ the descent of the holy lands this time, combined with the actions of the yellow and black levels, further confirmed this judgment.


    the sword holding great emperor shook his head. he retracted his gaze from the sky and looked in the direction of the human race, speaking softly.


    ¡°my heart is narrow because it encompasses only the human race.¡±


    he raised his hand and pointed the emperor¡¯s sword to the sky, causing the sky to tremble.


    ¡°my thoughts are simple because they concern only the human race.¡±


    wind and clouds surged as a violent wind blew over, forming a storm. it transformed into a vortex with the sword holding great emperor as the center that covered the surroundings and rapidly spread.


    the commotion was huge.


    ¡°my aspirations are naive because they are focused solely on the human race.¡±


    the sword holding great emperor¡¯s eyes revealed a deep glint that was filled with determination. he gripped the emperor sword tightly.


    the aura on his body was erupting.


    the weather became violent and the rumbling sound of muffled thunder echoed throughout wanggu.


    ¡°the great dao is indifferent but there are emotions in the world.¡±


    ¡°on the path of constant progress, one must not only gaze forward¡­ but also appreciate the scenery along the way and cherish the companions by one¡¯s side.¡±


    ¡°if this path requires walking over the corpses of one¡¯s own race and drinking the blood of one¡¯s own people¡­ then i refuse to tread it!¡±


    the instant the sword holding great emperor said the last six words, his eyes erupted with intense light. he suddenly raised his head and locked onto the sky.


    the aura on his body soared violently at this moment.


    the power transformed from the lives of all the great emperors and enemies he had absorbed continued to burn and erupt. even though the aura of death on his body had reached its limit, this rising and burning continued.


    in an instant, the range of the vortex around the sword holding great emperor soared and filled many regions. his figure also became extremely large at this moment, like a giant.


    the emperor sword that had grown larger in his hand was lifted slightly.


    a majestic voice rang out.


    ¡°my life¡¯s sword techniques were created through insights gained at different ages and stages.¡±


    ¡°there are a total of five swords.¡±


    ¡°earth depository, space split, heavenly palace, starlight¡­¡±


    ¡°as for this final sword, it was realized during the battle to protect xia¡¯er, in the midst of my life¡¯s extinguishment. i thought i would never have the chance to display it.¡±


    ¡°today, this sword will appear for the first time in wanggu.¡±


    ¡°this sword is named¡­ human realm!¡±


    the sword holding great emperor muttered. old memories vaguely surfaced in his mind.


    in his memory, he saw a prosperous world.


    there were no wars or gods. under the lead of the ancient sovereign, countless races walked to the peak.


    that was the prosperous human realm before the fragmented-face arrived.


    the sword holding great emperor sighed softly. he then raised his right hand and swung the sword toward the sky.


    a human realm sword, imbued with the essence of mortal life and vibrant flames, soared into the sky.


    after that, in the eyes of the sword holding great emperor, the darkest period after the fragmented-face descended and the ancient sovereign mystic nether left appeared.


    corpses were everywhere, and mournful wails could be heard everywhere.


    the dim sky and the despairing human race.


    that was¡­ the human realm in despair.


    the sword holding great emperor swung the sword bitterly. a human realm sword that contained the despair of all living beings headed straight for the sky!


    next was the human realm in hardship after the defeat of the human emperor eastern triumph.


    it was the struggling human realm during the holy heaven era.


    it was the human realm recovering under the rule of the mirror cloud.


    it was the unyielding human realm when the dao world was in power.


    it was the chaotic human realm when the mystic war ruled for over 10,000 years.


    the human realm at every stage in the memories of the sword holding great emperor became a sword that shone in the sky.


    in the end, what appeared in the eyes of the sword holding great emperor was empress parting summer¡¯s figure.


    it was the human realm that had risen after she ascended the throne!


    the sword holding great emperor smiled.


    ¡°this is the human realm i protect.¡±


    his body began to blur and the aura of death enveloped everything. when it drowned him completely, the sword formed by the rising human realm rose up in a breathtaking manner.


    in the sky, all the swords transformed from the human history experienced by the sword holding great emperor suddenly overlapped and gathered into the true human realm sword.


    with the last of his strength, the sword holding great emperor slashed at the sky, beyond the heaven, and¡­ the holy land!


    this sword tore through the sky and destroyed everything, causing the entire world to rumble.


    it was peerlessly stunning and could be said to be the only resplendent light in the present world.


    if the ancient immortals were the will of the heavens, then this sword strike was the will of humans, fighting against the heavens!


    in an instant, it rushed out of wanggu and collided with the four earth-level holy lands blocking the way.


    the voices outside the wanggu seemed to be swallowed by nothingness, but the scene reflected in the eyes of all living beings became an absolute sound that was enough to shake their entire life¡¯s memories.


    the four earth-level holy lands¡­ shook violently. their descent was directly interrupted and they were sent back forcefully, unable to withstand a single blow!


    a hint of regret appeared in the ancient immortal¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°this sword is extraordinary. if you weren¡¯t in your current state but a true summer immortal, this sword strike could make me wary.¡±


    ¡°but now¡­¡±


    the ancient immortal shook his head and raised his right hand, gently pressing down on the sword.


    he was going to destroy it.


    however, at the next instant, his eyes suddenly narrowed. he actually missed.


    because¡­


    the target of this strike wasn¡¯t him!


    instead, it was the seal in the sky of wanggu that restricted all living beings from entering and exiting!


    the sword light flickered and landed on the seal. with the intents of the human realm and the sword holding great emperor, it fused into the seal and one end locked onto the fragmented-face desolate.


    if the sword light was agitated, this fragmented-face would be the first to bear the brunt and would definitely open its eyes.


    as for what would happen after it opened its eyes, everything was unknown.


    however, it was definitely an uncontrollable variable.


    the expression of the ancient immortal instantly darkened.


    he could tell that the integration of this human realm sword was specially set up for him. others wouldn¡¯t be able to detonate it when they came into contact with it, but if he got close, it would explode.


    his gaze was deep as he looked at the sword holding great emperor through the seal.


    ¡°what a good junior. you originally had a chance of truly reviving, but you gave it up to slow down my descent. forget it, your sword intent can only last for thirty years¡­ i¡¯ll give it to you. i¡¯ll wait for your sword intent to dissipate.¡±


    the ancient immortal slowly spoke. his body then blurred and he left together with the heaven-level holy land and the four earth-level holy lands that had finally stabilized themselves.

 Chapter 1548 - Chapter 1548: Promise in the Storm (1)

    chapter 1548: promise in the storm (1)


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    from this moment on, the sky of the wanggu was shrouded in a layer of smoke.


    it was the smoke of the human world, the human realm of the human race.


    it was the sword holding great emperor¡¯s sword intent that painted it with its hue.


    he had fought for thirty years for all living beings in wanggu.


    of course, it was only the mortal beings who felt it.


    for the gods, this was just a war between cultivators and had nothing to do with them.


    some of them chose to interfere because they didn¡¯t want their incense offerings to diminish.


    for example, the three gods of the flame moon were one of them.


    there was no god who was like the empress.


    moreover, the gods who chose to absorb the incense offerings of the wanggu races were only a portion of the gods in the entire wanggu.


    most of the gods were sleeping in their own places.


    they didn¡¯t make a move.


    at the end of the day, this war between cultivators was all a game.


    the gods didn¡¯t care about how it was carried out.


    and the sword holding great emperor, in truth, did not care how the gods viewed this. his thoughts and intentions were fully contained within that one sword.


    at that moment, a rain of blood fell from the sky, falling onto the world.


    it was the rain of the summer immortal¡¯s death.


    amidst the rain, the sword holding great emperor stood between heaven and earth. he turned his head and took one last look at the human world. after that¡­ he smiled.


    ¡°it¡¯s hard to let go of obsessions with life.


    but letting go is rebirth.¡±


    his smile was eternal.


    the death aura on his body drowned his entire body and his flesh and blood body faded rapidly, returning to the clay statue.


    his three souls¡ªheaven, earth, and human¡ªdeparted from his body.


    the human soul returned to the memories of the human race, the earth soul returned to the human race¡¯s land and territories, and the heaven soul similarly merged into the fortunes of the world.


    there were also the seven spirits.


    the spirits formed from the five human emperors were returned, and they woke up.


    the spirits formed from the past and future of the empress were also sent back with the sword holding great emperor¡¯s smile.


    his emperor sword was also released.


    he let go and the emperor sword drew an arc, landing in front of xu qing.


    the rain became even heavier.


    xu qing and the empress stood in the rain and watched this scene. the sorrow in their hearts rose and didn¡¯t dissipate for a long time.


    this lasted until the wind blew over from afar, passing through thousands of mountains and colliding with the blood rain. it became an echo that they couldn¡¯t forget and echoed in their hearts.


    in the end, it turned into a soft sigh.


    xu qing lowered his head and bowed deeply to the statue of the great emperor.


    the empress also silently bowed to bid farewell.


    this scene was like a painting that was imprinted in the minds of all the cultivators who were watching this place.


    a month later.


    the war in the wanggu came to an end as the black-level holy lands collapsed. that ancient summer immortal couldn¡¯t descend, nor did he request the other four earth-level holy lands to descend.


    this was because it would be meaningless.


    hence, those yellow-level holy lands that existed in wanggu became abandoned lone troops. just like how their ancestors abandoned wanggu back then.


    under the eruption of the myriad races, the choice of these yellow-level holy lands to even surrender was erased.


    what awaited them was death.


    as for the struggle before death, it was only delaying time. however, no matter how much time they delayed, they couldn¡¯t drag it out for thirty years.


    as for the human race¡­


    it had completely risen.


    whether it was the current empress or the magnificent feat of the sword holding great emperor, they caused the human race to shine with glory again among the wanggu races and become a beam of light in the darkness.


    under such a background, on this day a month later, in the human race¡¯s grand imperial capital region, amidst the endless rain, the gate of an ancient temple opened.


    two figures walked out.


    one was xu qing.


    the other one was erniu.


    a hint of confusion appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    on the other hand, erniu¡¯s face was filled with gloom. in the depths of his eyes, there was worry.


    behind them, a sigh rang out from the temple.


    ¡°i¡¯ve told you all. the summer immortal palaces all over wanggu will be closed.¡±


    ¡°the summer immortal palace will make all the preparations before every wanggu calamity. strong individuals and heaven¡¯s chosens would be invited to slumber in the immortal source with us.¡±


    ¡°these experts and heaven¡¯s chosens are the seeds of the various races civilizations.¡±


    ¡°after the calamity passes, we will wake up. if the world has changed, our mission will be to rebuild the cultivator¡¯s civilization. it was like this in the previous calamities.¡±


    ¡°others have already been sent. xu qing, chen erniu, how you choose is up to you. give me your answer as soon as possible.¡±


    that was the voice of the summer immortal palace¡¯s palace master.


    as the voice rang out, the door of the temple slowly closed. the entire temple also gradually blurred in the rain and was disappearing. the moment it disappeared, it would be time for it to fall asleep.


    there wasn¡¯t much time left.


    xu qing and erniu fell silent under the rain.


    half a month ago, after the end of the war, they received a summon from the palace master of the summer immortal palace and came here to meet her.


    in the past half a month, the summer immortal palace master had given them opportunities.


    xu qing¡¯s immortal body was even more stable. his divine body also fused with his consciousness again with the help of the summer immortal palace master and became perfect.


    as for erniu, his fortuitous encounters were mainly focused on the third-life skull and memories he had obtained.


    under the guidance of the summer immortal palace master¡¯s unknown method, erniu seemed to recall more memories.


    however, these weren¡¯t the main points of their confusion and gloom.


    the reason why they had such expressions after leaving the summer immortal palace was because of something the summer immortal palace master had told them recently.


    ¡°xu qing, the reason why 1 helped you the moment you walked the path of the extreme immortal and molded your immortal body was because¡­ your master came..¡±

 Chapter 1549 - Chapter 1549: Promise in the Storm (2)

    chapter 1549: promise in the storm (2)


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    ¡°your master paid a price to let me help you once.¡±


    ¡°even though i summoned you here to help you stabilize your immortal body and recover your divine body, all of this is because of your master. your master¡­ has sacrificed a lot.¡±


    ¡°chen erniu, it¡¯s the same for you.¡±


    ¡°your origins are mysterious. your master came to the summer immortal palace before for you. after paying a sufficient price, he checked the history. however, the summer immortal palace has records of you only after your third life.¡±


    ¡°as for your second life and the first life, there are no records of them in the summer immortal palace. perhaps only you know.¡±


    ¡°we don¡¯t know much about your third life either. there seems to be a force that erased it, and this part of the content was never meant to be opened to anyone by the summer immortal palace.¡±


    ¡°but your master sacrificed a portion of his origin energy and even used his authority to obtain this opportunity for you from the immortal source.¡±


    ¡°this allowed you to merge with the history of the summer immortal palace and remember more about who you truly are.¡±


    ¡°you guys have a good master.¡±


    in the rain, xu qing raised his head and looked in the direction of the nanhuang continent.


    ¡°eldest senior brother, master¡­ is arranging the final affairs.¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    erniu fell silent. after a long time, he slowly spoke.


    ¡°i¡¯ll go back and ask the old man what¡¯s going on.¡±


    as he spoke, erniu¡¯s body swayed as he headed straight for the teleportation array in the human capital.


    xu qing nodded and walked over with erniu.


    at this moment, they put everything else aside. the most important thing now was to return to the nanhuang continent and meet their master.


    they wanted to ask about everything.


    not long later, the array formation in the human capital rumbled and xu qing and erniu disappeared.


    several days later, on the forbidden sea between the nanhuang continent and the yinghuang province, a pagoda shattered the void and crossed the forbidden sea at an astonishing speed.


    at dusk, it appeared above the seven blood eyes. after that, the pagoda disappeared. at the top of the seventh peak of the seven blood eyes, outside old master seventh¡¯s closed-door cultivation cave abode, xu qing and erniu¡¯s figures suddenly appeared.


    they both knelt down.


    after a long time.


    a sigh echoed out from the cave abode.


    ¡°why aren¡¯t the two of you following the summer immortal palace to the land of immortal source to sleep? what are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°master.¡±


    xu qing raised his head and looked at the cave abode. a feeling of worry rose in his heart.


    as for erniu, his expression had been gloomy these few days. at this moment, he raised his head and spoke loudly.


    ¡°old man, what¡¯s going on?!¡±


    the cave abode¡¯s gate opened with a boom and old master seventh¡¯s figure walked out, glaring at erniu.


    ¡°are you itching for a beating?!¡±


    seeing that old master seventh looked like normal, erniu heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. he hurriedly put on a fawning expression and chuckled.


    old master seventh snorted. his gaze landed on xu qing and he nodded slightly.


    ¡°your molding is quite good.¡±


    after that, he raised his head and looked at the sky. just as xu qing and erniu were about to ask, his voice echoed.


    ¡°i know what you two want to ask.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s nothing more than asking me about the arrangements for the aftermath.¡±


    xu qing and erniu¡¯s hearts trembled.


    ¡°although 1 did pay the price for everything the summer immortal palace did for you, i¡¯m your master. this is what i should do.¡±


    ¡°not only you guys, but many people from the seven blood eyes and that good-for-nothing third have also been sent to the immortal source to sleep by me.¡±


    ¡°as for second, she has her own choice. 1 don¡¯t want to interfere.¡±


    ¡°and the reason i did this was just in case.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s karma between me and the ancient immortal in that heaven-level holy land.¡±


    ¡°however, it¡¯s not that i¡¯m not confident. the sword slash of the sword holding great emperor also bought me time, so the two of you should hurry up and scram now. don¡¯t waste my cultivation time.¡±


    old master seventh glared at erniu and nodded at xu qing.


    after that, before the two of them could say anything, he flicked his sleeve and sent them away. only then did he return to his cave abode with his hands behind his back.


    with a boom, the gate to the abode slammed down.


    in the cave abode, old master seventh stood there in silence for a long time before sighing softly.


    ¡°the world is going to change. can my umbrella¡­ cover it¡­¡±


    old master seventh slowly sat down and closed his eyes.


    whether it could or not, he was determined to fight for it, so that his umbrella could continue to shield his disciples from the storm.


    outside the seven blood eyes, a strong wind howled in the sky.


    xu qing and erniu¡¯s figures were swept up here. they didn¡¯t speak to each other and suppressed emotions filled their hearts.


    although old master seventh had made it sound like nothing earlier, xu qing and erniu were no longer children. they had their own judgment.


    ¡°old man¡­ has gotten old, but he is still doing so much¡­¡±


    erniu mumbled a few words and looked at xu qing.


    ¡°little qing, go to the summer immortal palace and sleep. you don¡¯t have to worry about this matter. i¡¯ll handle the old man.¡±


    ¡°isn¡¯t he just an ancient immortal? he¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve already found a clue to my second life from the memories of the third life. the source of that clue is related to the brilliant heaven god race.¡±


    ¡°so i¡¯m going to make a trip to the place where the brilliant heaven god race is sealed.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll find my second life there. at that time¡­ as the eldest senior brother, i¡¯ll support the sky!¡±


    erniu proudly patted xu qing¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°it¡¯s too dangerous for you there. after all, if you die, you¡¯ll really die, unlike me.¡±


    ¡°so this time, i won¡¯t take you with me.¡±


    ¡°little qing, be obedient and go to the summer immortal palace. believe me, in thirty years, master and i will wake you up.¡±


    erniu looked into xu qing¡¯s eyes and spoke seriously.


    ¡°if you don¡¯t go, i¡¯ll be worried.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. after a long time, he nodded.


    ¡°i¡¯ll send you off first. it¡¯s on the way anyway.¡± erniu thought about it and didn¡¯t give xu qing any time. he pulled him straight to the teleportation array and used the array formation to return to the human capital.


    the seal on the brilliant heaven god race he was going to was just below the human capital.


    on the way, xu qing remained silent until erniu forcefully sent him to the temple of the summer immortal palace. after that, he sent out a greeting. the gate opened and after seeing the summer immortal palace master, erniu spoke loudly.


    ¡°senior, i won¡¯t go. my junior brother will go.¡±


    as he spoke, he pushed xu qing in.


    through the gate of the temple, xu qing looked at erniu.


    erniu laughed.


    ¡°alright, junior brother, see you in 30 years.¡±


    as he spoke, erniu¡¯s body blurred and disappeared.


    as for the gate of the temple, it silently closed and the temple became blurry.


    several days later, when the temple completely disappeared, erniu withdrew his concealed state and his heart finally calmed down.


    ¡°he is finally obedient for once, i can be at ease now.¡±


    as he mumbled, erniu took a deep breath and madness appeared in his eyes. he turned and headed straight for the entrance of the seal of the brilliant heaven god race.


    he had his own way to head to the brilliant heaven god race through there.


    just as erniu was on his way, the temple that had disappeared reappeared in the rain.


    it was extremely blurry, as though it would dissipate at any moment.


    the gate opened.


    xu qing¡¯s figure walked out.


    behind him, the voice of the summer immortal palace master echoed.


    ¡°are you sure you don¡¯t want to go to the immortal source to sleep?¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m not going.¡±


    xu qing spoke softly.


    the summer immortal palace master stared at xu qing and didn¡¯t persuade him anymore. the gate closed and the temple completely disappeared.


    only xu qing stood in the rain.


    he knew that everyone was preparing for the thirty years period that the sword holding great emperor had fought for.


    his master was cultivating in seclusion.


    eldest senior brother headed to brilliant heaven to risk his life.


    after the empress returned a month ago, she went to the ghost cave in the yinghuang province.


    it wasn¡¯t just the human race. the other races were the same.


    all the capable people were making their own preparations.


    ¡°thirty years¡­¡±


    xu qing raised his head and looked in the direction of the outer sea.


    his eyes revealed a hint of determination..

 Chapter 1550 - Chapter 1550: Xu Qing’s Destination

    chapter 1550: xu qing¡¯s destination


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the death of the sword holding great emperor, his master¡¯s seclusion, the empress¡¯s cultivation, and erniu¡¯s departure. all of these were like the needle of a huge sundial that was slowly spinning.


    after thirty years, the world would change.


    the ancient immortal outside wanggu became an executioner¡¯s blade that hung above the heads of all living beings, transforming into a life-and-death crisis.


    moreover, one could imagine that as time passed, this sense of danger would become increasingly intense.


    after all, thirty years wasn¡¯t too long for mortals, let alone for cultivators.


    perhaps after one secluded cultivation, thirty years would have passed.


    the great danger became oppression that weighed heavily on the world.


    every race was making final preparations.


    however, the only path in front of them seemed to be to pray for the god¡¯s protection.


    hence, some places became more peaceful than before, but there were also places that became more chaotic.


    the chaos continued.


    as for the gods, they indifferently watched everything.


    to them, this would be a rather interesting show in their long lives.


    as for the sorrows of all living beings¡­


    living in the wanggu under the fragmented-face was originally filled with sorrow and bitterness. however, in the past, sorrow and bitterness liked the common people more, but now they faced everyone.


    ¡°this can be considered fair.¡±


    in the desert of the moon offering region, in xu qing¡¯s small apothecary, nether fairy was boiling water.


    the heir sat there, sipping tea and speaking softly.


    third grandma sat at the side and shook her head slightly. her gaze then landed on xu qing, who was pouring tea for the heir.


    ¡°have you thought it through?¡±


    xu qing put down the teapot and sat opposite the two of them, nodding.


    after he left the human race¡¯s grand imperial capital region, the first place he stopped at was the moon offering region.


    he wanted to see ling¡¯er, the heir and others before he left.


    however, ling¡¯er¡¯s seclusion wasn¡¯t over. with ninth grandpa guarding her, after xu qing checked on her, he didn¡¯t disturb her. instead, he bid farewell to the heir and others.


    ¡°it¡¯s good to go out and train when young.¡±


    ¡°however, there¡¯s some chaos in the outer sea. although with your current cultivation and combat strength, you¡¯ll be fine if you are careful, remember¡­ don¡¯t go deep.¡±


    the heir put down the teacup and looked at xu qing. after some thought, he suddenly raised his right hand. at the next instant, dao marks circulated and a mark formed out of thin air in front of him.


    ¡°this is transformed from my authority to change cognition. it can be used three times. take it for self-defense.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t tell the heir his true destination. at that moment, he looked at the mark and knew that this was the heir¡¯s concern. hence, he silently took it.


    third grandma¡¯s gaze was deep as she looked at xu qing. after a long time, she sighed softly. with a wave of her hand, a long river manifested and landed in a jade bottle which she then handed to xu qing.


    ¡°this is a wisp of the river of time i refined.¡±


    xu qing took it and stood up to bow deeply to the heir and third grandma.


    ¡°junior will leave now. eldest grandpa, third grandma, you guys¡­ take care.¡±


    xu qing spoke softly. after that, he turned and walked out, leaving the apothecary and the mountain range, disappearing into the desert.


    looking at his departing figure, third grandma spoke softly.


    ¡°the final place this kid is going to isn¡¯t the outer sea.¡±


    the heir fell silent and sighed.


    ¡°we knew about the legend of the outer sea back then. the place he is going to is related to this legend.¡±


    ¡°as for thirty years later¡­¡±


    ¡°father is on his way back. he should be back around that time.¡±


    ¡°i hope that the old man is still our father, so it¡¯s good for this kid to leave now.¡±


    the heir mumbled.


    third grandma looked at the sky in silence.


    at that moment, on the moon offering region, xu qing moved forward silently.


    before he left, he had to make a trip to fenghai county to take a look at zi xuan.


    after that, he would shed all his tethers and set out on the path he had chosen.


    ¡°thirty years¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled as he moved through the sky. at the next instant, the sky suddenly fluctuated and turned into a huge mirror.


    in the mirror, a huge mountain filled with temples appeared.


    an old woman walked down from the mountain peak.


    beside the old woman was a tall old man with a white beard.


    after seeing these two, xu qing stopped in his tracks and respectfully greeted them.


    ¡°fifth grandma, eighth grandpa.¡±


    fifth grandma looked at xu qing with a benevolent expression. after nodding, she didn¡¯t speak. she raised her hand and used the power of her authority to mold a petal.


    after this petal was formed, fifth grandma¡¯s body clearly showed an aura of aging.


    ¡°take it. as long as you still have a breath left in you, consume this petal and it will allow you to recover instantly.¡±


    xu qing knew that this was fifth grandma¡¯s special authority. every time she used it, it would consume her life force.


    hence, he hesitated.


    ¡°take it!¡±


    at the side, eighth grandpa glared and waved his hand. he also formed a mark with his anger authority and sent it out together.


    ¡°this mark can allow your combat strength to increase explosively. the price is that you will be weak for some time after the battle.¡±


    they were gifts from the elders. with warmth in his heart, xu qing silently accepted them and was about to speak. at that moment, a sword light suddenly surged from the earth, closing in instantly.


    the color of the world changed and the wind blew. this sword light also transformed into a mark in front of xu qing.


    ninth grandpa¡¯s voice echoed in the world.


    ¡°this is my sword intent. when it erupts with all its might, it can kill a ruler!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression changed. a long time later, he took the mark and took a deep breath. he then bowed deeply in the direction of fifth grandma, eighth grandpa, and the ground from where the sword intent came from.


    finally, under the gazes of the three elders, he left the moon offering region.


    a day later.


    in the sky above fenghai county, a pagoda that shone with starlight materialized in the clouds. xu qing walked out of the pagoda.


    the next instant, he appeared in the catacombs below fenghai county.


    in the former ancient sovereign¡¯s palace, outside the phoenix hall where zi xuan was in seclusion, xu qing stood there and looked at the palace in front of him.


    the surroundings were empty. no sound could be heard, nor were there any traces of humans.


    this place had been completely sealed under xu qing¡¯s orders back then.


    moreover, the array formation was augmented at all times, allowing zi xuan¡¯s seclusion to not be disturbed at all.


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor instantly appeared outside the palace after sensing xu qing¡¯s presence and greeted excitedly.


    ¡°greetings, master. i¡¯ve missed you so much. but rest assured, master, i have been diligently guarding this place. there haven¡¯t been any incidents during this time.¡±


    ¡°even a trace of dust wouldn¡¯t dare to land under my guard!¡±


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor spoke loudly.


    he wanted to show that he was useful. moreover, although it was boring here, he was extremely satisfied.


    this was because the outside world was too dangerous and following xu qing was even more dangerous. he had to be careful at all times that he would be used as cannon fodder¡­


    this was especially so now that he was more powerful than before. this meant that once he went out, he would probably be used in at least nine out of ten battles¡­


    for the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor, this was extremely dangerous.


    according to the books he had read before, it would be a great merit as long as the protagonist¡¯s woman was protected.


    hence, he was showing that he would be very useful here.


    xu qing nodded and his gaze landed on the phoenix hall.


    zi xuan¡¯s comprehension time exceeded xu qing¡¯s expectations.


    after a while, xu qing retracted his gaze and looked around. he pondered for a moment, and then, under the cautious scrutiny of the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor, he suddenly raised his hand and waved.


    immediately, a god¡¯s aura erupted in front of him.


    it was controlled within a hundred-foot range, causing the hundred-foot range to be blurry and distorted.


    one could faintly see a figure forming inside. after that, it sat down cross-legged and sank deeper into the ground.


    seeing all of this, the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor, who didn¡¯t have any news about the outside world, widened his eyes.


    earlier, he seemed to have seen another xu qing¡­


    moreover, that xu qing gave him an incredibly cold and extremely terrifying feeling.


    ¡°master, that¡¯s¡­¡±


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s heart trembled.


    ¡°that¡¯s my divine avatar.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    with the heir and the others around, xu qing didn¡¯t have to worry too much about ling¡¯er¡¯s safety for the next thirty years.


    however, he was worried about zi xuan.


    hence, he chose to leave his divine avatar here. he would comprehend divine authorities while protecting zi xuan.


    he wasn¡¯t going to bring his divine avatar along with him on this trip.


    this was because the place he was going to¡­ might not welcome gods.


    however, because the divine avatar was going to stay in wanggu, xu qing¡¯s immortal body couldn¡¯t use the divine authorities.


    for example, sound authority, fate carving knife, and the poison restriction could only be used by the divine avatar.


    ¡°however, with my current extreme immortal cultivation, my combat strength hasn¡¯t decreased.¡±


    as xu qing pondered, he sensed his chest.


    the purple crystal was there.


    after gaining the divine avatar, he had already transferred the purple crystal and fused it into his immortal body.


    after doing this, xu qing took one last look at the phoenix hall. he then took a deep breath and walked out under the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s loud farewell, disappearing from the catacombs.


    when he appeared, he was already outside the holy heaven pagoda in the sky. the heavenly vine swayed and the golden rat stuck its head out. xu qing stood there and looked at fenghai county¡­


    a few breaths later, his eyes were filled with determination as he stepped into the holy heaven pagoda.


    the pagoda rumbled and instantly disappeared.


    it transformed into a beam of light and streaked across the sky, heading straight for¡­ the outer sea!


    ¡°back then, that old man who appeared in the outer sea said that the outer sea was also known as the primordial sea.¡±


    ¡°as for the strange primordial sea, wherever it exists, it¡¯s a strategic place and a prosperous place. this is because the primordial sea can connect to all the star rings in the universe.¡±


    ¡°therefore, the outer sea is actually the path to the other star rings. as for this primordial sea in wanggu, it¡¯s extremely special. it¡¯s sealed now and only has gaps to enter and exit.¡±


    ¡°moreover, he said that one needs the cultivation of a summer immortal to pass through those gaps.¡±


    xu qing sat cross-legged inside the pagoda. as the pagoda moved toward the outer sea, he raised his hand and took out a white scale.


    this scale was like a token.


    it was the primordial sea pass token he had exchanged for when he left the summer immortal palace, using the forfeiture of his own place as a condition to obtain it.


    with this token, he could travel to other star rings without reaching the summer immortal realm.


    however, the danger would be even greater.


    this token was precious and the summer immortal palace only had three of it.


    xu qing stared at the token. a while later, he raised his head and the last words of the old man back then appeared in his mind.


    ¡°that place is a world dominated by humans and also a world of immortals.¡±


    ¡°that place is the fifth space ring. its name is¡­ the immortal capital.¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath and kept the token. he then closed his eyes and meditated.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    four hours later, as the holy heaven pagoda rushed above the forbidden sea, the boundary between the outer and inner seas¡­ got closer and closer.


    at this moment, an extremely charming laughter suddenly rang out from outside the holy heaven pagoda.


    ¡°kid, your yang essence is actually back..¡±

 Chapter 1551 - Chapter 1551: You Know How to Repay Sister, Right?

    chapter 1551: you know how to repay sister, right?


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    on the inner sea, in an area not far from the border.


    in the sky, the dazzling holy heaven pagoda suddenly stopped.


    the surface of the sea rumbled and huge waves swept out, as though a tsunami had formed. as it rumbled and spread in all directions, a huge statue that seemed to be as tall as the sky rose from the bottom of the sea.


    the statue shone with divine light and the golden color became everything.


    it was a god.


    it stood on the sea and existed between heaven and earth. compared to it, the holy heaven pagoda was like a small toy.


    as for the shape of the statue, it was a fox.


    however, it was no longer clay but solid stone. its entire body was fiery red, making this fox lifelike.


    what emitted from its body was no longer the flawless divine fire from back then but¡­ the aura of the divine platform!!


    or to be precise, it had stepped into the divine platform for the most part. right now, it could barely be considered to have the combat strength of the divine platform.


    as soon as the divine platform appeared, the color of the world changed.


    the terrifying divine might caused the sea and the sky to form a vast vortex.


    the vortex in the sky rotated clockwise and the vortex in the sea rotated counterclockwise. this caused the space between the two vortices to distort.


    laughter rang out from the fox statue at this moment.


    in the paused holy heaven pagoda, xu qing opened his eyes.


    he sighed inwardly.


    whenever it came to star flame high god, he always felt an urge to avoid her.


    he didn¡¯t expect to see her now.


    at this moment, he had no choice. xu qing took a deep breath and walked out of the holy heaven pagoda. he stood in the air and looked at the vast statue in front of him before bowing.


    ¡°greetings, high god.¡±


    as for the other party¡¯s cultivation that was extremely close to the divine platform, xu qing wasn¡¯t surprised. with the ritual back then, it was inevitable that the three gods would advance to the divine platform realm sooner or later. moreover, they experienced many large battles with the arrival of the holy lands.


    although all living beings in the holy lands were absorbed by the sword holding great emperor, under the stimulation of his sword energy and the power of the starry sky contained in the collapsed holy lands, the three gods were able to speed up their growth.


    ¡°why, you conscientious little fellow. from the look on your face, it seems you¡¯re not very happy to see your big sister.¡±


    ¡°sister has been worried about you during this time. i miss you day and night.¡±


    star flame¡¯s voice carried a teasing and sultry tone, entering xu qing¡¯s ears like strands of hair, brushing against his ear bone, sliding across his cheek, and settling in his heart.


    as she spoke, her statue visibly shrank until it was the size of a normal person. the texture rapidly transformed into flesh, and eventually, she became a stunningly beautiful woman. through the bubble covering the pagoda, she looked at xu qing with a teasing smile.


    xu qing didn¡¯t know how to answer her. hence, he chose to remain silent like he was used to.


    seeing xu qing like this, star flame licked her lips. her gaze that seemed to be able to penetrate the clothes sized up xu qing¡¯s body and a charming light gradually appeared in her eyes.


    she took a deep breath.


    she was in high spirits.


    her voice became even more delicate.


    ¡°forget it, forget it. you heartless kid. who asked your yang essence to be so sweet? even though i¡¯m angry, looking at you¡­ my anger will naturally dissipate.¡±


    ¡°so, are you going to the outer sea now?¡±


    star flame chuckled.


    xu qing was already used to star flame¡¯s gaze. when he heard this, he nodded.


    ¡°what a coincidence.¡±


    star flame blinked.


    ¡°sister is also going to the outer sea. let¡¯s go together. however, why do you look so vigilant? you don¡¯t even open the bubble or come out.¡±


    ¡°could it be that you¡¯re afraid that i¡¯ll eat you up? to think that i¡¯ve helped you so much all these years, but you¡¯re actually so distant to me.¡±


    star flame¡¯s expression revealed a hint of hidden bitterness.


    xu qing felt helpless and knew he couldn¡¯t refuse. moreover, over the years, the other party had indeed helped him many times, especially since they were currently allies with the human race.


    xu qing sighed again. he then raised his hand and dispersed the bubble. he put the holy heaven pagoda away and walked to star flame¡¯s side.


    ¡°that¡¯s more like it.¡±


    star flame pinched xu qing¡¯s face at a speed that xu qing couldn¡¯t dodge and laughed happily. a divine wind rose and brought xu qing straight to the border between the inner and outer seas.


    this place wasn¡¯t far to begin with.


    hence, in the blink of an eye, they arrived at the place where the inner and outer seas intersected.


    the color of the sea was clearly separated here.


    on one side was purple.


    on the other side was black.


    between the purple and black, there was a lone boat in the middle.


    on the lone boat, a handsome and elegant middle-aged man was sitting cross-legged and fishing.


    it was jade flowing dust.


    facing xu qing and star flame¡¯s arrival, he didn¡¯t even look up. however, star flame¡¯s expression was somewhat solemn when she saw jade flowing dust.


    they were both gods but the difference between them was like heaven and earth.


    the current jade flowing dust was walking toward the true god realm.


    star flame immediately sensed this. her heart fluctuated and she took a step forward, standing in front of xu qing. she then bowed to jade flowing dust.


    jade flowing dust indifferently spoke.


    ¡°you¡¯re blocking my vision.¡±


    star flame silently moved aside.


    only then did jade flowing dust slowly raise his head and look at xu qing.


    xu qing took a step forward and bowed respectfully.


    ¡°greetings, senior.¡±


    jade flowing dust didn¡¯t speak immediately. instead, he continued to observe xu qing. after a long time, his gaze moved away from xu qing and looked at the sky.


    he calmly spoke.


    ¡°did he laugh when he left?¡±


    xu qing naturally understood that he was referring to the sword holding great emperor.


    xu qing didn¡¯t know much about the past between the sword holding great emperor and jade flowing dust. however, in the battle in the human capital back then, jade flowing dust cooperated with the great emperor. the ultimate goal of this cooperation was to let the sword holding great emperor deliver his final sword strike.


    all of this meant that the sword holding great emperor and jade flowing dust had a friendship.


    the friendship between immortals and gods was an unbelievable thing in xu qing¡¯s previous understanding.


    however, after seeing the empress¡¯ actions after she became a god and the actions of the star flame high god blocking in front of him earlier, xu qing had his own understanding of gods.


    hence, he spoke softly.


    ¡°he laughed. he laughed very happily and contentedly.¡±


    jade flowing dust fell silent.


    a long time later, his gaze landed on xu qing again and snorted.


    ¡°on account of that fellow who likes to posture¡­¡±


    as he spoke, jade flowing dust raised his hand and lifted the fishing rod. the line pulled up a three-headed, nine-colored fish.


    with a loud bang, the strange fish exploded mid-air. its blood and flesh gathered together, forming a flesh ball.


    ¡°there¡¯s a little poser named xu qing who went out to train. a few years later, this little poser returned safely.¡±


    this was jade flowing dust¡¯s story.


    it was also his blessing.


    after saying that, his story fused into the meatbail. the meatbail instantly squirmed and the nine-colored light inside flickered before disappearing one by one. finally, it turned into a lump of rotten flesh.


    as for the rotten flesh, it disintegrated into dust and dissipated into the world.


    xu qing clearly felt an additional warmth on his body. a look of gratitude appeared in his eyes as he bowed.


    jade flowing dust retracted his gaze and continued fishing.


    a while later, following the indication from the star flame high god, xu qing flew past jade flowing dust and stepped into the outer sea.


    it was as though he had walked into an isolated world. the familiar chaos and violence blew over with the sea breeze.


    they had arrived at the outer sea.


    ¡°he actually gave you a blessing. little fellow, this blessing is profound. you have to know that it¡¯s only a matter of time before he steps into the true god realm.¡±


    ¡°this blessing will always accompany you. the moment he steps into the true god realm, it will be equivalent to having the protection of a true god on your body.¡±


    star flame frowned and felt a little unhappy. however, she still told xu qing how precious this blessing was.


    the reason why she was unhappy was that after the blessing, she was unable to see through xu qing¡¯s body at a glance like before¡­


    ¡°alright, what¡¯s your destination? although i don¡¯t know, i know that it¡¯s definitely not the outer sea.¡±


    star flame glanced at xu qing.


    ¡°also, you have the aura of a pass token on you.¡±


    ¡°the vast majority of people don¡¯t know about the matters in the outer sea, but how could the gods not know?¡±


    ¡°however, using the outer sea to head to the other star rings is quite difficult.¡±


    ¡°although you have a pass token that can exempt you from the cultivation restriction, but¡­¡±


    ¡°the token doesn¡¯t mean that you will be able to pass through smoothly.¡±


    star flame looked at xu qing meaningfully.


    xu qing fell silent and was about to speak.


    however, star flame smiled and licked her lips, not giving xu qing a chance to speak.


    ¡°however, it¡¯s different with me here.¡±


    ¡°if you want to use the outer sea to head to the other star rings, you have to open the passageway first.¡±


    ¡°there are two ways to open it. the first is to rely on a ritual. this requires at least three divine platforms to take action at the same time and a large number of divine creatures as nutrients.¡±


    ¡°i can help you. after all, i have almost fully entered the divine platform, and it¡¯s even more so for my two sisters. if i help you, i can barely open a path for you.¡±


    ¡°however, this consumes a lot of my energy, so you know how to repay me, right?¡±


    star flame¡¯s fiery gaze became even more intense.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever as he asked.


    ¡°isn¡¯t there a second method?¡±


    star flame raised her brows.


    ¡°the second method? it requires star ring grass. ignite it, and the passage will open, as star ring grass was born specifically to open passages!¡±


    ¡°this grass looks ordinary, like straw, but it contains a faint starlight. however, this grass is almost extinct and does not exist in wanggu. it is said that only in the outer seas at the intersections of various star rings can you occasionally find a small seedling.¡±


    ¡°therefore, it¡¯s better for you to choose the first method.¡±


    xu qing silently took out a straw from his storage bag.


    star flame¡¯s eyes widened as she looked at the grass.


    this straw was the item that fell from the mouth of the golden rat he had encountered in the outer sea.


    in the summer immortal palace, when he exchanged for the pass token, he had also asked about the method of passage. it was the same as what star flame had said. hence, he had taken it out at that time and confirmed that the straw was none other than the star ring grass.


    just now, he wanted to tell star flame but was interrupted by her.


    seeing that star flame was staring at the straw in a daze, xu qing silently lit it. at the next instant¡­ smoke rose into the air.


    soon after, the smoke became incredibly dense. after covering the sky, it suddenly sank and landed on the surface of the outer sea.


    at the next instant, the surface of the sea rumbled.


    as the seawater churned, thirty-five huge vortexes rumbled and appeared on the sea. they continued to spin, emitting waves of majestic, ancient aura..

 Chapter 1552 - Chapter 1552: Leaving Wanggu, Stepping Into Immortal Capital

    chapter 1552: leaving wanggu, stepping into immortal capital


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the appearance of the vortexes caused the sky above the wanggu outer sea to flicker with lightning.


    the red lightning was like red snakes that extended in the sky, enveloping all the range one could see.


    it was as though countless red cracks had appeared in the sky, as if the sky would collapse and shatter at the next moment.


    and these cracks seemed to hide ancient seals that kept changing and forming, as if an inconceivable existence was performing hand seals.


    as for the thunder coming from all directions, they were even more shocking. every sound formed an extreme explosion sound.


    boom, boom, boom!


    a strong wind blew over at this moment. it seemed to be endless and extremely violent.


    the storm swept in all directions.


    other than that, under this shocking change, the seawater of this primordial sea churned intensely under the lightning and the strong wind.


    it then surged endlessly.


    the sound of waves hitting the surface of the sea was also earth-shattering and deafening, as though the sea was roaring at the sky.


    at the same time, many gods in this outer sea opened their divine eyes in their respective resting places.


    they all stared at this scene.


    however, they didn¡¯t stop it or reveal themselves.


    they instinctively restrained all their auras.


    this was because to them, the vastness of this outer sea surpassed the level of life. this scene was the supreme divine authority of the primordial sea.


    anyone who interfered would have to withstand the power of the star ring.


    and the drastic changes weren¡¯t just formed in the outer sea.


    at this moment, the inner sea and even the entire wanggu shook. if there was a pair of eyes that looked down on the entire wanggu, they could clearly see¡­


    the large regions rumbled, countless mountains swayed, and rivers rolled back. all living beings were shaken.


    it had been too many years since the opening of the primordial sea passage.


    if the method told by the clay fox was used, it would definitely not cause such a world-shaking commotion. the range would be much smaller.


    only by igniting the star ring grass and activating it in the most orthodox way would it cause the primordial sea¡¯s divine authority to activate.


    the star ring grass was extremely rare. hence, this scene caused the clay fox¡¯s eyes to widen and her emotions to fluctuate.


    xu qing didn¡¯t expect such a commotion either.


    however, at this moment, his attention wasn¡¯t on the fluctuations caused by the opening of the passage but on the thirty-five huge vortexes on the outer sea.


    his mind fluctuated.


    every vortex he looked at was about the size of a city and they were exactly the same.


    regardless of whether it was the range, aura, or even the speed and frequency of rotation, they were all exactly the same.


    it made it impossible to tell which star ring the vortexes contained.


    at the same time, what caused xu qing¡¯s mind to fluctuate even more was that these thirty-five vortexes actually each emitted the power of time and space.


    if it was any other cultivator, they might not be able to sense such details. however, xu qing was different.


    his current immortal body cultivated the ten extremities dao.


    the top five extremities were the five elements, and the sixth extremity was the intrinsic power of fishing the moon from the well. that was space.


    the seventh extremity was the time formed by the sundials.


    as such, his perception of space and time far surpassed that of others. hence, at this instant, he could sense that space and time were constantly surging in these thirty-five vortexes.


    vaguely, they formed a slight resonance with his sixth and seventh extremities.


    this resonance caused the time and space in xu qing¡¯s body to feel a tug. the fluctuations formed echoed in xu qing¡¯s body.


    all of this caused xu qing¡¯s breathing to become slightly hurried.


    he had a feeling that these thirty-five vortexes contained the secrets of time and space.


    just as he was in deep thought, the clay fox at the side let out a long breath. she glanced at xu qing and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°not bad, little fellow. you even have the star ring grass. that was somewhat unexpected.¡±


    ¡°however, the star ring grass only opens the passage. your pass token only provides a certain level of protection and guidance for you when you move forward, preventing you from getting lost inside.¡±


    ¡°but, upon entering the passage, the dangers that lie ahead are not just about getting lost; there is also the tearing force formed during the traversal of the star rings.¡±


    ¡°so, if you want to pass through safely, you still need a cosmic treasure. although you have the holy vine, but¡­¡±


    before the clay fox could finish speaking, xu qing silently took out his holy heaven pagoda.


    he pointed at it.


    immediately, the pagoda shook and emitted a dense aura of the starry sky.


    this scene caused the clay fox¡¯s eyes to widen again.


    ¡°your pagoda is quite interesting. it actually blocked my perception and made me unable to sense its essence¡­ its origin¡­ is acceptable.¡±


    the clay fox¡¯s heart churned but she only blinked on the surface. her gaze swept across the pagoda and she put on a calm expression as she continued to speak.


    ¡°what i said earlier isn¡¯t the main point. little fellow, you will have to choose accurately to use the primordial sea to head to the other star rings.¡±


    ¡°since you¡¯re so well-prepared, you must have a star ring that you¡¯re going to.¡± ¡°however, these thirty-five passageways are chaotic and aren¡¯t arranged in order. hence, if you want to find the correct passageway, you have to deduce it based on countless clues.¡±


    ¡°this consumes a lot of mental energy. i can help you, but¡­¡±


    as the clay fox spoke, she licked her lips and her gaze turned intense.


    xu qing glanced at the clay fox and silently took out the golden rat from his storage bag.


    ¡°i have a mutated beast. this beast is extremely rare, and the place i¡¯m going to has its kind.¡±


    the instant the golden rat appeared, under xu qing¡¯s divine sense, it immediately looked at the thirty-five vortexes below. its nose twitched and its body transformed into a golden light that rapidly flew above the thirty-five vortexes.


    it only glanced at them, so it didn¡¯t notice anything. it stood there and looked at xu qing blankly.


    the clay fox smiled.


    ¡°it doesn¡¯t seem capable.¡±


    xu qing transmitted his divine sense.


    the golden rat¡¯s fur stood on end, glowing with a radiant golden hue. its entire body surged with bloodline power, and around it, there appeared a distortion and blur, as if space was warping and time was slipping away.


    this scene caused the beautiful eyes of the clay fox to narrow.


    xu qing fell into deep thought and also gave some help with his extreme space dao and extreme time dao.


    at the next instant, the golden rat¡¯s body trembled and its eyes revealed an unprecedented resplendent golden light as it stared at all the vortexes.


    soon, its body rushed over.


    it paused on the third, fifteenth, twenty-third, and thirty-first vortexes respectively.


    after that, it squeaked at xu qing for praise.


    it returned in an instant and landed in xu qing¡¯s arms, revealing a tired and dispirited expression.


    xu qing quickly asked.


    ¡°which one gives the strongest feeling?¡±


    the golden rat thought about it and looked at the thirty-five vortexes. it then raised its claws and pointed at the twenty-third vortex, letting out a few squeaks.


    this scene caused a cold glint to rise in the eyes of the clay fox as she coldly glanced at the golden rat.


    the golden rat shuddered and hurriedly returned to the storage bag.


    xu qing stared at the twenty-third vortex and determination appeared in his eyes.


    at that moment, all the conditions were met. although he wasn¡¯t completely sure that the twenty-third vortex was the fifth star ring, at the very least¡­ the possibility of it being there was the greatest.


    after all, the golden rat beside the old man back then was extremely powerful.


    hence, xu qing took a deep breath and was about to bid farewell to the clay fox before setting off on his way.


    however, at this moment, the clay fox laughed again.


    ¡°oh my, you enchanting little demon, fine, fine¡­¡±


    as she laughed, her body shone with golden light as she exhaled softly.


    this breath churned in the world and finally transformed into a palm-sized little fox.


    that was her clone.


    moreover, she didn¡¯t give xu qing a chance to refuse at all. she landed on xu qing¡¯s shoulder at an extremely fast speed and stuck out her little tongue to lick xu qing¡¯s neck, revealing an intoxicated expression as she said seductively. ¡°oh, you rascal, what are you standing there for? let¡¯s go.¡±


    whether it was the arrival of the clay fox or the soft touch on his neck, it caused xu qing¡¯s body to stiffen.


    a long time later, he turned his head and looked at the fox on his shoulder.


    ¡°senior¡­¡±


    ¡°why are you calling me senior? you have to call me big sister.¡±


    the little fox corrected him. after that, she patted xu qing¡¯s neck and laughed coquettishly.


    ¡°i originally didn¡¯t plan to go with you. who asked you not to let me succeed? so, i¡¯ve decided to leave my main body in wanggu and my clone will go with you.¡±


    ¡°little brother, i don¡¯t believe i can¡¯t find an opportunity for you to willingly give away your yang essence.¡±


    ¡°what are you waiting for? let¡¯s go.¡±


    the little fox urged.


    xu qing frowned and spoke softly.


    ¡°senior, the place i¡¯m going to might not be friendly to the gods.¡±


    when the little fox heard this, she laughed.


    ¡°are you saying the myriad of races in the wanggu are friendly to the god? i don¡¯t care. it¡¯s fine as long as you¡¯re friendly. besides, it¡¯s just a clone. it¡¯s fine.¡± xu qing fell silent. a few breaths later, he sighed inwardly. he knew that he couldn¡¯t refuse. the only thing he needed to consider was the attitude of the fifth star ring toward gods.


    however, now wasn¡¯t the time to think about it, so he decided not to consider this matter anymore.


    in addition, with the clay fox following him, this trip would probably be smoother.


    at the thought of this, xu qing¡¯s body swayed and he walked into the holy heaven pagoda. the holy heavenly vine on it shone with starlight, augmenting the pagoda.


    the pagoda buzzed and headed straight for the twenty-third vortex below.


    it instantly got close and entered.


    dense spatial power suddenly erupted.


    the tearing feeling in the vortex was also intense.


    time flowed by in a chaotic manner as it spun in the vortex.


    it was as though space had been stretched out, and so was time¡­


    faintly, a voice arrived from the outside, slipping into the space and flowing through time. in this way, it masked external perception, leaving no trace as it fell into xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°you owe me the cost of making a wish¡­¡±


    ¡°this price¡­ i don¡¯t need you to pay anything else. i only want one item.¡±


    ¡°i want that statue of desolate in the imperial city of crown prince purple green¡­¡±


    ¡°give me that statue and the karma between you and me will be settled..¡±

 Chapter 1553 - Chapter 1553: Unknown World (1)

    chapter 1553: unknown world (1)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    the world spun until it felt like heaven and earth had become one.


    the space seemed endless, yet in the next moment, it was exceedingly small.


    time felt stretched, yet in the next moment, it became fleeting.


    they fused together, forming a huge and unfathomable vortex that devoured the holy heaven pagoda.


    terrifying power erupted from within, forming a vast pulling force that surpassed the extreme of the storm and destroyed everything.


    when it landed on the holy heaven pagoda, it also affected the holy heaven pagoda and its path forward.


    compared to it, the holy heaven pagoda was like a lone boat in a raging wave, on the verge of collapsing.


    in the blink of an eye, the few layers outside the holy heaven pagoda that zhang san added later collapsed and shattered, exploding into countless fragments that scattered in all directions.


    those fragments were pulled and shattered again, turning into dust that finally dissipated into the vortex of time and space.


    only the original damaged pagoda that had lost all the modifications wasn¡¯t destroyed in this vortex. it was spinning rapidly under the power of the vortex.


    the broken pagoda was spinning on its own. at the same time, it also circled with the guidance of the vortex, forming a sense of chaos.


    in fact, if one took a closer look, they would be able to see that the rotation speed of the broken pagoda was much faster than the rotation speed of the vortex.


    this was caused by the difference in the essence of the two.


    this different rotation speed formed a terrifying pulling force, causing xu qing, who was in the holy heaven pagoda, to feel an extreme impact.


    although he was sitting cross-legged in the pagoda, he was floating and spinning.


    he couldn¡¯t control himself.


    moreover, he was spinning much faster than the pagoda.


    as for the reason, it was similarly determined by the difference in their essence.


    hence, at this moment, to be precise, the vortex, the broken pagoda, and xu qing were all spinning, each with different speed.


    the resulting tension was naturally extreme.


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled as though it was about to tear.


    what caused him even more pain was his soul.


    it was hard to describe his current state of perception. he felt that everything he sensed was clear one moment and blurry the next, even the colors appeared similarly indistinct under the scope of his consciousness.


    at times, the colors would alternate between two hues, creating a nine-colored spectrum; other times, they would be colorless, or in a state of chaos.


    these were the scenes that appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    his eyes remained closed throughout this.


    this was something the palace master of the summer immortal palace had warned xu qing about when he asked about the way to pass through the primordial sea.


    because xu qing¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t high enough, she warned him not to open his eyes when moving through the passage.


    hence, xu qing kept his eyes closed.


    this passage seemed to last for an extremely long time, as though this path was an endless abyss.


    after an unknown period, the pain xu qing endured continued to increase. his body was almost unable to feel the pain, as though it was about to not belong to him.


    it was the same for his soul. under the change in his understanding, it fell into extreme chaos.


    the torture brought about by all of this caused xu qing to feel an intense life-and-death crisis.


    ¡°continuing like this is not feasible. the differing rotation speeds between the vortex, the damaged pagoda, and myself are causing a strain that could lead to one of two outcomes: either the tower will collapse, or my body and soul will collapse. the latter possibility is the greatest.¡±


    ¡°and i¡¯ve had a similar experience before!¡±


    when his body was almost torn apart and his soul was about to go crazy, xu qing suddenly bit his tongue and used the pain to forcefully stimulate his body to stabilize his mind.


    the effect wasn¡¯t obvious and it only lasted for an instant.


    although it was only for an instant, xu qing still used this instant to find the source of the similar experience in the past.


    that was¡­ the scene in the moon offering region when his human nature, divine nature, and beastly nature erupted.


    at that time, he had also fallen into this chaos and his soul was about to collapse due to the imbalance.


    his solution was to find an anchor!


    this allowed him to achieve balance and calm his mind.


    ¡°anchor¡­ balance¡­¡±


    back then, amidst the chaos of human nature, divine nature, and beastly nature, xu qing¡¯s anchor was his obsession and regret about the heavenfate flower.


    ¡°so now¡­¡±


    a few breaths later, xu qing made up his mind and gave up on listening to the summer immortal palace master¡¯s warning. this was because if he continued, he would be too passive and his life and death would be unknown.


    since that was the case, he decided to control it himself.


    hence, he opened his eyes.


    the moment he opened them, he saw the holy heaven pagoda and felt an even more intense dizziness.


    the pagoda spun rapidly in his eyes, especially since he was also spinning. the feeling of chaos was incredibly intense.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes turned bloodshot and the cultivation base in his body continued to erupt. he performed a series of hand seals with both hands and kept waving them in all directions, borrowing the power of his cultivation to adjust the speed of his rotation.


    in the end, after dozens of attempts and the cost of spitting out several mouthfuls of blood, he finally managed to slow his own rotation speed, gradually aligning it with that of the pagoda.


    the instant they rotated at the same speed, most of the tearing sensation in his soul and body dissipated.


    he achieved balance with the pagoda, aligning their rotation direction and speed perfectly, becoming one with it.


    as such, the pulling force naturally decreased.


    this was what xu qing thought of. anchor!


    xu qing let out a long breath.


    ¡°my body, the pagoda, and the vortex outside needs to rotate in the exact same direction and speed, creating perfect balance. this is the anchor!¡±


    ¡°now, it¡¯s time for me and the pagoda to move at the same speed as the vortex outside.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t dare to relax at all. after analyzing, he relied on his control over the heavenly vine to try to indirectly control the damaged pagoda and slowly adjust its speed..

 Chapter 1554 - Chapter 1554: Unknown World (2)

    chapter 1554: unknown world (2)


    translator: atlas studios editor: atlas studios


    time passed, and after an unknown period, under xu qing¡¯s careful control, both he and the damaged pagoda he was in began to reduce their rotation speed.


    they gradually reached a balance with the speed of the vortex.


    at the moment they balanced each other, although the three sides seemed to be spinning, because the rotational speed was the same as the direction, in xu qing¡¯s perception¡­ it was as though he, the damaged pagoda, and the vortex had all stopped.


    the instant this feeling of stillness appeared in his mind, xu qing saw his surroundings.


    he saw the vast vortex and time that seemed to be flowing inside.


    he saw countless spaces alternating with each other.


    he even saw blurry historical scenes appearing in the vortex, intertwining with the future scenes.


    vaguely, he seemed to see himself¡­


    however, before he could see clearly, time and space completely fused together under the power of the vortex.


    a rumbling sound rang out from the vortex, the damaged pagoda, and xu qing¡¯s mind.


    at the next moment, the damaged pagoda and him completely fused into the vortex.


    they disappeared.


    as for xu qing, as the rumbling in his mind grew intense, he couldn¡¯t suppress it anymore and fell into a deep sleep.


    in an unknown star ring, within an unknown world.


    the ground was desolate and parched, covered in spider-web-like cracks, stretching in all directions.


    the sky was pitch black, with three malevolent eyes hanging high above, gazing down upon the land.


    this world had little light, only the faint glow emitted by those three eyes in the sky, resembling moons, casting a dim illumination over the entire world.


    while the world was hazy, it was also deathly silent.


    time flowed by and a day passed.


    there was an additional eye in the sky.


    not long after the fourth eye appeared, a vortex appeared on the dry and cracked ground in this world.


    this vortex only existed for a breath of time before dissipating.


    it left behind a damaged pagoda.


    a long time later, in the damaged pagoda, xu qing slowly opened his eyes. at first, his gaze was blank but at the next instant, it became clear and vigilant. he looked around and sensed his surroundings.


    a while later, xu qing frowned.


    he didn¡¯t know if this was the fifth star ring.


    although it was likely, the appearance of the surroundings made him hesitate.


    according to his understanding, he had passed through the primordial sea, so the location he appeared in should be the primordial sea of the star ring he was in.


    he instinctively looked at his shoulder.


    for some reason, the clay fox really became a statue and didn¡¯t move at all on his shoulder.


    xu qing fell silent and sensed his injuries.


    he didn¡¯t choose to leave immediately. instead, he closed his eyes and meditated.


    two days later, as most of his injuries recovered, xu qing opened his eyes.


    after pondering for a while, he got up and walked out of the damaged pagoda. the instant he stood outside, he looked at the six eyes in the sky.


    ¡°one more a day?¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    the surroundings were quiet. there was no wind and no energy.


    it was as though this world had withered to the extreme.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with this feeling.


    before he entered the seven blood eyes, he had lived like this in the wilderness of the nanhuang continent for several years.


    the difference was that at that time, he was still a mortal.


    ¡°firstly, i have to see what state this world is in. after that, i have to search for life and see if this place is the fifth star ring.¡±


    ¡°if it is, i have to head to the immortal capital as soon as possible¡­¡±


    ¡°if it isn¡¯t¡­¡±


    xu qing thought about it and put the damaged pagoda away.


    after experiencing the vortex, this pagoda was now more damaged. since it would be used when he returned to the ninth star ring in the future, it was not good to continue using it.


    ¡°after i confirm which star ring i am in, i need to find a place to repair this pagoda.¡±


    after doing all this, xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate. with vigilance, he moved forward and instantly disappeared from the spot.


    he began his search.


    a day later, the seventh eye appeared in the sky.


    the light it emitted gradually revealed the color of blood.


    as for xu qing, he wasn¡¯t in the blood light; he had appeared underground in this world.


    over there, he saw a huge coffin.


    it was buried deep in the ground.


    countless marks, runes, and iron chains bound the coffin. there was also a huge array formation around the coffin.


    this array formation was constantly operating, extracting the life force of the existence in the coffin and nourishing this world.


    after staring at it for a long time, xu qing¡¯s pupils slowly narrowed.


    ¡°inside the coffin is a god¡­¡±


    xu qing slowly retreated.


    another day passed and the eighth eye appeared in the sky. the blood light it emitted became even denser.


    amidst the blood light, xu qing¡¯s figure appeared at the top of a mountain.


    at the foot of the mountain, there was a city.


    under the blood light, this city looked bizarre and ominous.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes revealed contemplation as he stared at the city.


    in the past two days, he had traveled to many places.


    it wasn¡¯t just the underground where the coffin was located. he also saw the lives outside.


    they weren¡¯t humans but a race that was similar to humans. their skin was blue and the pupils in their eyes were triangular.


    the vast majority of them were cultivators.


    however, whether they were mortals or cultivators, they were all skinny and didn¡¯t have strong vitality. their eyes were listless and they looked like walking corpses.


    in addition, the highest level of cultivators here was only at the nascent soul realm.


    even in the city xu qing was looking at now, in his perception, the three people with the strongest cultivation levels were also nascent souls.


    ¡°could this be a minor world?¡±


    ¡°however, according to the nutrients absorbed from that coffin to nourish this world, this shouldn¡¯t be the case.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought and stepped into the city.


    as he walked in the city, the cultivators here couldn¡¯t sense that there was a stranger beside them. the difference in cultivation between them caused them to be unable to sense xu qing if he didn¡¯t want to.


    just like that, xu qing continued to walk through the city. he saw pedestrians, shops, and cultivators. without exception, they were all skinny and dispirited. the aura they emitted the most was despair.


    xu qing remained silent. he raised his head and glanced at the four eyes in the sky. after that, he found an ancestral hall where people of this city went to worship.


    there were the most cultivators here, and the luxurious, exquisite architecture caught xu qing¡¯s attention.


    walking into the hall, the first thing that caught his eye was the altar.


    on it were nine bloody eyes.


    the surroundings were carved with murals that described myths and legends.


    this was the information xu qing needed.


    hence, he immediately looked over and gradually saw the story of this world from these murals.


    this was originally a peaceful world. however, countless years ago, an evil sun suddenly appeared in the sky.


    its arrival brought decay and death, plunging the world into misery.


    finally, amidst this suffering and despair, nine heroes emerged. they defeated the evil sun but were mortally wounded in the process.


    thus, the nine heroes transformed into heavenly daos, becoming nine eyes that protected all living beings.


    however, because of their severe injuries, they required sustenance to maintain the protection.


    every nine days, the inhabitants of this world willingly offered their own life force to nurture the eyes when they appeared together in the sky


    ¡°nine eyes, nine heroes.¡±


    ¡°the god underground should be the legendary evil sun.¡±


    ¡°then who are these nine heroes¡­¡±


    xu qing withdrew his gaze from the mural. to him, this so-called legend was merely a beautified tale meant to better harvest the life forces.


    ¡°however, there are clues.¡±


    xu qing took a step forward and his figure disappeared. when he reappeared, he was already on the mountain peak outside the city.


    xu qing sat there cross-legged. as he recovered from the injuries caused by his passage through the vortex, he looked at the eight bloody eyes in the sky, silently waiting for the ninth eye to appear.


    he believed that the moment the ninth eye appeared, he would be able to understand this world more clearly.

 Chapter 1555 - Chapter 1555: Heaven of the Minor World (1)

    chapter 1555: heaven of the minor world (1)


    translator: atlas studios | editor: atlas studios


    ¡°based on my observations over the past few days, a day in this world is about thirty-four hours long, which is longer than in wanggu.¡±


    xu qing looked at the eight blood-red eyes in the sky and muttered inwardly.


    ¡°there are still eight hours before the ninth eye appears.¡±


    ¡°while i wait¡­¡±


    xu qing closed his eyes and sensed his current cultivation and combat strength.


    he was very familiar with his former divine body; whether it was divine authority or other aspects, he could integrate them into combat, turning them into powerful methods of attack.


    however, with his current immortal body¡­


    in reality, up until now, xu qing hadn¡¯t truly fought with this body.


    when he fought with great emperor nether flame before, he only suppressed the other party with eldest senior brother. he didn¡¯t use any powerful techniques or spells.


    so at this moment, while waiting for the ninth eye to appear, xu qing focused on organizing the techniques of his body.


    ¡°my extreme immortal body cultivates the ten extremities. because i have nine spirit repositories, my nihility lands are also nine, so my current limit is nine extremities dao¡­¡±


    ¡°among them, the top five extremities, metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, are the foundation of cultivation and also the rules of the operation of the world.¡±


    ¡°back then, i used my five visceral organs as the basis and cultivated with myself as the cycle, not relying on the source of the world i was in. this way, my combat power is not limited to any particular place or realm.¡±


    ¡°i can release the power of the five elements that belong to me anywhere.¡±


    after xu qing thought about it, he raised his right hand and opened it slightly. his gaze then gathered inside.


    at the next moment, a dense metal attribute power gathered in his palm. after it gradually reached the extreme, a sharp glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°the dao of extreme metal can control all metal in the world. it has no fixed techniques; how it is used depends entirely on a single thought!¡±


    ¡°wood, water, fire, earth, the same.¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. in his perception, the dao of the five elements was like building blocks¡ªwhat shape they formed depended entirely on his own intentions.


    ¡°in theory, the limit of the might of the five elements is my imagination.¡±


    ¡°in other words, the next divine ability of the five elements dao requires me to comprehend and create it myself.¡±


    ¡°and most importantly¡­ a single element of the five elements can become a divine ability. when intertwined, they too can form a divine ability.¡±


    he displayed the dao of the five elements one by one in his hand. after slowly exploring them, xu qing fell into deep thought.


    ¡°other than that, the abilities of the shadow are not restricted by the divine body or the immortal body.¡±


    xu qing waved his hand and the shadow under him instantly spread out, covering the ground. after it enveloped the entire mountain, xu qing saw the shadow¡¯s main body.


    the large tree with the coffin hanging on it and the numerous eyes.


    they were all emitting fawning emotions.


    ¡°and the emperor sword.¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    the emperor sword belonged to the category of immortal cultivators, so it naturally couldn¡¯t continue to stay in the divine body. hence, it was taken away by xu qing and fused into the immortal body.


    after sensing the emperor sword in his body, the sword moves taught by the sword holding great emperor appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°earth depository, space split, heavenly palace, starlight, and¡­ the human realm.¡±


    xu qing recalled these five sword moves. a long time later, his thoughts continued forward.


    ¡°my spells also include the golden crow refines all life and immortal arts.¡±


    black flames flashed on xu qing¡¯s forehead and the shadow of the golden crow appeared behind him. the flames spread in all directions, and under the control and enhancement of his extreme fire dao, the might of the flames instantly soared.


    even the golden crow gained a large number of tails and let out a cheerful cry.


    after staring at it for a while, xu qing sensed his immortal arts.


    immortal arts were a type of forbidden art. xu qing didn¡¯t master many of them. one was the six thieves delusions and the other was the five dogs sheltering immortal.


    the former was an authority dao mark, while the latter relied on his own comprehension.


    ¡°they can be used.¡±


    after xu qing pondered, his right eye suddenly revealed a dark glint. it was the power of his erase authority.


    ¡°as for magic treasures¡­¡±


    xu qing raised his hand and three beams of light shone, transforming into three supreme treasures.


    one was a needle that could suture karma.


    one was a scissors that could cut through cognition.


    one was a shield that could protect him.


    the first two came from transient evil, and the last one was obtained by xu qing from the demon feather holy land.


    looking at these three treasures, xu qing opened his mouth and inhaled. immediately, these three great emperor-level treasures transformed into streams of light that entered through his mouth and were nurtured in his body.


    ¡°as for the trump cards¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    ¡°the extreme space path represented by fishing the moon from the well is one of them. the extreme time path represented by the influence of the sundials is another. there¡¯s also a trump card that should be able to manifest as well, though it will be pieced together by the five elements.¡±


    ¡°that is the god slaying platform, or more accurately, it should be called the five elements god slaying platform!¡±


    ¡°and finally¡­¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath and his expression became much more solemn.


    ¡°other changes of the extreme space and extreme time daos.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s mind recalled the scenes he had sensed and seen when he opened his eyes in the vortex passage.


    ¡°space, infinitely large and infinitely small.¡±


    ¡°time, infinitely long and infinitely short.¡±


    xu qing furrowed his brow but quickly relaxed. he understood that there was much he needed to comprehend in his current state, and the potential within this immortal body he had yet to fully explore was just as vast.


    this was actually the reason why he chose to come to the fifth star ring¡¯s immortal capital; it was to learn and train.


    ¡°i can¡¯t be too hasty.¡±


    xu qing slowly calmed down. he closed his eyes and silently comprehended.


    just like that, time slowly passed. the instant eight hours passed, the sky suddenly fluctuated. there was the sound of thunder that instantly tore through the sky and exploded in this world.


    this caused the hearts of all living beings in this world to tremble. when they instinctively raised their heads, the ninth eye¡­ appeared in the sky.

 Chapter 1556 - Chapter 1556: Heaven of the Minor World (2)

    chapter 1556: heaven of the minor world (2)


    editor atlas studios


    the moment it opened, the black sky turned red!


    the dim land and the entire world was dyed red by this red light.


    a terrifying aura descended from the sky and the terrifying pressure transformed into a storm that swept through all areas.


    there was also a murmur that was like the voice of the heavenly dao that echoed in the ears of all living beings.


    it became thunder.


    after that, all living beings in this world, whether they were mortals or cultivators, whether they were in villages or cities, even in the wilderness¡­


    the instant the voice of the heavenly dao rang out, they all knelt down.


    their expressions, regardless of what they had been before, turned fervent in an instant under the influence of that murmuring voice. even though their bodies were emaciated and their lives on the brink of withering, they still gave everything they had with all their might.


    children, elders, and all beings alike acted the same way.


    in this selfless and voluntary sacrifice, their life force transformed into wisps of white smoke, rising into the sky from all comers of the world, converging at the nine blood-red eyes.


    it was absorbed by the nine eyes!


    xu qing¡¯s eyes opened at this moment. he coldly looked at all of this. the cultivation base in his body circulated and his visceral organs sent energy.


    seven great worlds rose and emitted dense spiritual energy that flowed into his eyes.


    what he saw weren¡¯t nine eyes at all!


    they were nine array formations.


    in every array formation, there was a skeleton sitting cross-legged!


    ¡°there¡¯s still life. they are not dead.¡±


    xu qing stared at the nine skeletons. through their appearances, he could tell that they weren¡¯t from the races of this world but humans!


    ¡°uniform clothes. is this from a faction?¡±


    ¡°they¡¯re healing?¡±


    in xu qing¡¯s eyes, the vitality in this world was gathered in these nine skeletons. however, at the next instant, vitality actually spread out from the top of their heads and floated higher than xu qing could see¡­


    ¡°they¡¯re not healing. they¡¯re filtering the impurities and condensing the vitality!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    at the same time, a weak aura revived on xu qing¡¯s shoulder. immediately after, the clay fox¡¯s body slowly changed from the state of the statue, revealing some fleshy texture.


    the moment she opened her eyes, a grumbling voice entered xu qing¡¯s ears. ¡°what the hell kind of place is this, little guy? which star ring did you come to?¡±


    ¡°why is the suppression of gods here to such an astonishing extent¡­


    ¡°it completely rejects all the power of gods!¡±


    ¡°it wasn¡¯t easy for me to wake up.¡±


    the clay fox spoke weakly. after that, before xu qing could respond, the first thing she saw was the ground.


    her eyes narrowed.


    ¡°there¡¯s a flawlessness god sealed below!¡±


    she then swept her gaze across the world and then looked at the nine eyes in the sky. she was stunned for a while before taking a deep breath.


    ¡°god refinement array!¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he spoke softly.


    ¡°senior, i told you before that the place i¡¯m going to might not welcome gods.¡±


    the clay fox shrunk her head and weakly spoke.


    ¡°the suppression on me here is too great. moreover, it¡¯s more than unwelcoming¡­ using a minor world to set up the god refinement array and absorb the power of the god below to nourish all living beings.¡±


    ¡°this is the first layer of filtering. after that, it extracts life from all living beings and uses the nine cultivators to refine it. this is the second layer of filtering.¡±


    ¡°after experiencing these two layers of filtering, the power extracted is extremely pure and can be absorbed by others.¡±


    ¡°how ruthless. this is even more ruthless than your wanggu. i just don¡¯t know if this arrangement is just done in this place or many others¡­


    regarding this place, fear rose in the clay fox¡¯s heart. after some thought, her body swayed and transformed into an earring that hung on xu qing¡¯s earlobe.


    ¡°it¡¯s safer this way.¡±


    the clay fox mumbled and stuck out her little tongue from the earring, licking xu qing¡¯s ear to sense xu qing¡¯s yang essence aura.


    it was as though this could calm her mind a little.


    xu qing felt a little uncomfortable but when he noticed the clay fox¡¯s state, he didn¡¯t stop her. at that moment, he looked at the nine eyes in the sky and pondered.


    ¡°they probably haven¡¯t noticed your presence. aren¡¯t you going to take action and cut this place open?¡±


    the clay fox asked listlessly.


    xu qing shook his head.


    ¡°it¡¯s simple to break through this place but with such a setup, there must be other arrangements outside. i haven¡¯t completely recovered yet. in the face of an unknown situation, i need to be at my peak before i can make a move.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    his personality had always been calm and patient. this was a habit he had developed when he was young and hadn¡¯t changed throughout his journey.


    now, in this unfamiliar place, he was very aware that if he didn¡¯t take action, he should remain still. but once he did decide to act, he needed to ensure he had enough confidence to face the unknown that would follow.


    ¡°alright, i can¡¯t help you for the time being. the suppression here is too great. 1 need to sleep and slowly adapt.¡±


    the clay fox spoke weakly but she felt helpless inwardly, thinking to herself that she was really risking it, coming to such a wretched place for yang essence.


    xu qing nodded and continued to observe.


    just like that, the night passed.


    for all living beings in this world, every time the nine eyes appeared at the same time, it would be the time of offering. when dawn broke, the offering would end and what awaited them would be extreme weakness.


    in order to maintain the continuous supply of lifeforce, the nine eyes didn¡¯t absorb too much.


    it left some life behind.


    making hope last for a long time, only then could it become true despair. and in the sky, eight of the eyes had vanished, leaving only one remaining. in the next few days, xu qing sat cross-legged on the mountain peak. when the fourth eye appeared in the sky, the injuries caused by his passage through the primordial sea vortex finally completely recovered and he was also at his peak.


    in the next few days, xu qing didn¡¯t waste any time. his focus was on comprehending the five elements dao and combining it with the god slaying platform.


    other than that, he also divided some of his attention to comprehend the changes in space and time he had sensed in the vortex passage.


    he vaguely felt that the space and time within the vortex held great significance for him in validating himself and finding his path.


    time flowed by.


    the world became increasingly red. the ninth day arrived.


    the ninth eye that represented terror slowly appeared in the sky.


    the blood light enveloped the surroundings and all living beings offered their vitality, causing the world to turn dark.


    xu qing stood up at the top of the mountain.


    ¡°it¡¯s time to leave.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke and took a step toward the sky!


    the moment he stepped out, the sky suddenly rumbled. bolts of lightning erupted under xu qing¡¯s feet, spreading to the sky and continuing to explode. he walked over step by step. every step he took caused the world to tremble and lightning to rumble, causing the sky to change color as though he was competing with the sky for brilliance!


    as for the nine eyes in the sky, their absorption instantly stopped.


    the nine blood eyes moved in unison and looked at xu qing, who had suddenly appeared in their perception!

 Chapter 1557 - Chapter 1557: God Refining Spirit Mine

    chapter 1557: god refining spirit mine


    editor: atlas studios


    the moment they looked over, the pupils of the nine huge blood eyes suddenly constricted.


    the skeletons, which were sitting cross-legged inside those eyes to refine the absorbed spiritual energy, also trembled.


    clearly, xu qing¡¯s appearance was extremely unexpected to these nine skeletons.


    they didn¡¯t sense him at all before, and only sensed him when he walked out.


    the meaning behind this caused the hearts of the skeleton cultivators sitting cross-legged in the nine eyes to stir.


    ¡°excuse me.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°i want to leave this place. i wonder if you can make way.¡±


    it was naturally good if he could leave without a fight.


    however, xu qing¡¯s words clearly weren¡¯t of much use.


    the nine blood-red eyes were filled with intense hostility.


    in the eyes of the nine cultivators, although they didn¡¯t know how this person who suddenly appeared entered their clan¡¯s minor world, they couldn¡¯t allow anything to happen here.


    hence, killing intent rose in them. without any hesitation, they immediately tried to spread the news.


    however¡­ xu qing had prepared for a long time before choosing to appear, so he was naturally fully prepared.


    he knew that these nine eyes were strange but it wasn¡¯t too difficult to break through them. in fact, it wouldn¡¯t be difficult for him to deal with the cultivators in these nine eyes as well.


    what he really had to be wary of was the interference outside this world.


    xu qing believed that, based on the layout of this small world, there was likely a guardian outside of this world.


    if they intervened while he was breaking through the world, it could easily lead to unexpected complications. therefore, the best approach was to ensure a smooth exit. once he had successfully exited and the guardian detected his presence, he would find it much easier to handle the situation.


    hence, as he stepped into the sky, he suddenly waved his right hand. at the end of the sky, above the nine eyes, the void distorted and the world rumbled. a huge pair of scissors suddenly appeared.


    this pair of scissors was so large that it seemed to be able to replace the sky. the moment it appeared, the aura of a great emperor-treasure swept in all directions like a storm.


    it was a great emperor treasure that could cut through all traces and karma.


    after it appeared, it ruthlessly snipped.


    there was clearly no sound but in the ears of all living beings and the perception of the cultivators in the nine eyes, there was a cracking sound that entered their souls and shook them endlessly.


    the information they transmitted to the outside world was directly cut off at this moment!


    it wasn¡¯t over.


    at the next moment, the great emperor needle shone and stitched up the karma that had been cut, connecting the scenes xu qing had seen nine days ago.


    as such¡­


    on one hand, there was no longer any information going out or fluctuations spreading out. to a certain extent, the event here was hidden and isolated.


    on the other hand, with the great emperor needle stitching up the karma, everything was covered.


    after this was done, unless someone fused their divine sense into this world, they wouldn¡¯t be able to sense any abnormalities in this place for some time.


    after doing this, a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he walked up to the sky step by step.


    ¡°since communication is impossible, then¡­¡±


    xu qing took the last step.


    with this step, he stepped into the void and the sky instantly rumbled. lightning rose from under his feet and pounced at the nine eyes like countless red snakes.


    the nine eyes shook and red light flashed from them. at the same time, the nine cultivators inside quickly raised their hands. all of them had solemn expressions. they could tell that the two great emperor treasures were extraordinary and also sensed that the information was isolated.


    hence, all of them made up their minds and immediately performed hand seals.


    at the next instant, the nine eyes shone with resplendent red light, activating a powerful protective array formation. at the same time, the nine cultivators also rapidly changed from their withered states. they used the life force they absorbed to recover at full speed.


    it seemed that for them, the sudden crisis at that moment forced them to race against time, as it was their only chance for survival.


    xu qing was expressionless. no matter what cultivation level those nine cultivators had, as long as they hadn¡¯t reached the ruler realm, it was useless even if they revived.


    ¡°this is also an opportunity to test my immortal body.¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and suddenly raised his right hand, pointing lightly at the first eye in the sky.


    in the next moment, the golden power from his lungs erupted violently with his breath, sweeping across all directions and instantly permeating the entire minor world.


    it affected all the metals, all the weapons, and all those in this realm related to the element of metal. in the blink of an eye, the heavens and the earth roared¡­


    at that moment, the element of metal in this minor world was replaced!


    xu qing¡¯s extreme metal power, with its formidable presence, became the dominant dao of this world!


    he could sense that at this moment, he could control the metal element of this world with a thought.


    his gaze flashed¡­


    in the next instant, the metal element of this world erupted simultaneously, gathering from the earth, the void, and the heavens. it formed a torrent, becoming a vast finger composed of metal power.


    the finger pointed at the first eye in the sky.


    with just a light touch, the array formation that was crazily activating shattered, including the eye and the cultivator who was recovering inside.


    he couldn¡¯t escape at all.


    a rumbling sound echoed as the eye collapsed and fell from the sky.


    the cultivator inside screamed miserably. under the envelopment of the metal power of this world, his body and soul were destroyed!


    the other cultivators in the eight eyes were all horrified, and used all their strength to recover.


    ¡°is this the extreme immortal?¡±


    xu qing mumbled. at that moment, he had a strong feeling that the moment he replaced the metal dao of this world, he seemed to have transformed into the heavenly dao here.


    in the next breath, he softly spat out a word.


    ¡°wood.¡±


    the power of the wood in his liver followed xu qing¡¯s voice and instantly spread throughout the entire minor world.


    all the vegetation, all wood-element cultivators, and all materials related to wood in this world trembled.


    after that, the world¡¯s original wood dao was replaced!


    a vast finger formed from extreme wood gathered from the void. it carried dense vitality and endless horror as it landed on the second eye.


    a scene that shocked all living beings in this world appeared.


    another one of the nine eyes fell.


    the color of the world changed and the wind surged. xu qing¡¯s voice became a tide and was the only sound in this world.


    ¡°water.¡±


    the water elemental power from his kidneys replaced the water element of this world, rising into the sky, turning into rain, rivers, and oceans, becoming the foundation of all living things.


    this world was too small, and after its heavenly dao was replaced by xu qing, he could control all beings with a single thought.


    ¡°fire.¡±


    the heartbeat of the heart resonated like thunder, and the fire erupted within this thunder, shining before the eyes of all beings, igniting all flames.


    finally¡­


    ¡°earth.¡±


    the ground rumbled, as though all the lands in this minor world had their own will at this moment. they emitted anger that had been suppressed for countless years.


    the three fingers they transformed into also soared into the sky.


    another three eyes collapsed!


    three more cultivators died!


    in that moment, the power of the five elements was entirely controlled by xu qing, replaced by him, and transformed into the heavenly dao.


    in the remaining four blood eyes, the four cultivators recovered from their withered state. all of them stood up in shock and grabbed at the huge eyes.


    the four huge eyes instantly shrunk. after they were each pressed to their foreheads, under their enhancement, a powerful aura instantly erupted from their bodies.


    soul accumulation seven worlds!


    at that moment, their eyes were gloomy and intense fear rose in their hearts. one of them stared at xu qing and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°no matter what sir¡¯s purpose for appearing here is, if you want to leave, there is only one way.¡±


    ¡°that is, we must go out and open the path out of this world for you from the outside.¡±


    ¡°if you don¡¯t believe me, one of the four of us can go out and do it.¡±


    ¡°we, at our current level of cultivation, do not need to resort to fighting and killing. does this arrangement suit you?¡±


    as the person spoke, the other three showed no abnormal expressions. they were all acutely aware that unless the person before them had an extraordinary background, intruding into their clan¡¯s secret land would result in certain death.


    now that they were facing a situation that they weren¡¯t confident in, they didn¡¯t want to lose their lives.


    therefore, they had to go out immediately and contact the elder of the secret land outside.


    as long as the elder made a move, the person in front of them would definitely die.


    hence, they nodded and spoke.


    ¡°what happened before was all a misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s also us who overreacted.¡±


    as they spoke, the four of them slowly retreated with vigilance in their hearts.


    hearing their words, xu qing looked at the four of them and shook his head.


    he raised his right hand.


    immediately, the world shook and rumbled. in the sky, xu qing raised his hand and grabbed at the four cultivators.


    the expressions of these four cultivators changed and their cultivation bases erupted, wanting to resist.


    however, these five fingers were the heavenly daos formed by the five elements of this minor world and contained the will of this world. as xu qing¡¯s killing intent spread out, killing intent erupted from the heaven of this world.


    wherever those fingers passed, the space would collapse.


    no matter how the four cultivators struggled or counterattacked, it was useless. at the next instant¡­ as the five fingers of the heavenly daos burst forth, heart-rending sounds echoed.


    the four cultivators turned into blood and flesh that scattered everywhere.


    ¡°i trust myself more.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke and looked at the sky. he then clenched his right hand.


    immediately, a shocking sword energy erupted from xu qing¡¯s body, forming the emperor sword. after he held it in his hand, he mobilized the power of the five elements here and circulated the might of the heavenly daos of this world to augment the emperor sword.


    he slashed at the sky!


    sword energy overflowed into the sky, sword light destroyed the void, and sword intent shattered the sky.


    in the blink of an eye, the void shattered and the sky rumbled. a huge crack was forcefully torn open in the sky, revealing the sky outside!


    at this moment, all the living beings in this minor world felt as though their minds were rumbling with countless thunderbolts. they raised their heads in a daze and looked at the rift in the sky.


    for the vast majority of them, this was a subversive and explosive scene.


    there was another sky outside the sky.


    ¡°then what are we¡­¡±


    countless people watched this scene in confusion and shock. as they mumbled, xu qing, who was in the air, took a step forward.


    as the sky rumbled and the world trembled, xu qing had already arrived before the rift.


    he lowered his head and glanced at this minor world. after that, he took a step into the rift. when he reappeared¡­ he found himself in a strange realm.


    a massive dome, like a canopy, covered the area.


    this place didn¡¯t have the slightest hint of the anomalous substances of gods. there was only dense spiritual energy.


    through this dome, the outer sky could be seen, bathed in a reddish light that flowed like the aurora, resembling a long river.


    as for the land beneath the dome, it was a vast swamp, as if it had formed from dried-up seawater.


    countless bubbles protruded from the swamp, and xu qing¡¯s mind jolted as he noticed that these bubbles were, in fact, minor worlds themselves.


    and gods were being suppressed in these minor worlds.


    this place seemed to be a prison for gods!


    this scene caused xu qing¡¯s breathing to quicken slightly. at the same time, he also saw countless threads rising from these minor worlds. they were like smoke that curled into the air and fused into the center of the dome.


    there was a vortex there that sucked everything away.


    ¡°this is a prison for gods¡­ the true sky is beyond the dome.¡±


    a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he finally had a rough judgment of his current location. after that, he retracted his gaze and looked into the distance.


    almost at the instant he looked over, the aura of a ruler erupted at the end of his vision. after that, an ear-piercing sound spread in all directions.


    a ruler was approaching.


    a cold voice filled with intense killing intent echoed in this place.


    ¡°interesting.¡±


    ¡°an unusual jailbreak has occurred in the clan¡¯s spirit mine that i am overseeing..¡±

 Chapter 1558 - Chapter 1558: Fighting a Ruler

    chapter 1558: fighting a ruler


    editor: atlas studios


    ¡°spirit mine?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    he had expected there to be a guardian here. hence, xu qing wasn¡¯t too surprised by the appearance of this ruler.


    he had also expected the cultivation base of the guardian.


    after all, this place was suspected to be the fifth star ring and could suppress flawlessness gods.


    what really surprised him was what the guardian called this place.


    mines generally referred to resources. from xu qing¡¯s previous understanding, spirit mines should be mineral veins formed by spirit stones. however, looking at it now¡­


    the mine in question was a process of refining gods. the essence of the gods was extracted, and then absorbed by the beings of the minor worlds. the essence was filtered by these beings, and then further filtered by the cultivators themselves¡­


    as such, the spiritual energy extracted became extremely pure.


    from this perspective, it indeed matched the theory of the spirit mine.


    ¡°combining the information from the previous cultivators about the clan and the implication from this one, it seems that this place¡­ belongs to the clan they are associated with.¡±


    ¡°a clan that has a ruler overseeing its spirit mines¡ªwhat level of cultivation would the ancestor of this clan have? what status does this clan have in their world?¡±


    a sharp glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he was increasingly certain that he hadn¡¯t taken the wrong path and had indeed arrived at the fifth star ring.


    ¡°however, i came through the primordial sea. why did i appear in that minor world? arc there other unknown situations and interferences?¡±


    ¡°i should be able to obtain some answers from this ruler.¡±


    at the thought of this, xu qing stared at the sky where the sonic booms were coming from.


    although the ruler was powerful, xu qing was well-prepared for this trip. he also had a trump card that could kill rulers. hence, against the ruler¡­


    ¡°it¡¯s not that i can¡¯t kill him, but the ruler won¡¯t stand there without struggling. so¡­ i need an opportunity to ensure that my killing move doesn¡¯t miss.¡±


    ¡°of course, it would naturally be better if i can resolve it without making a move.¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. the rumbling sounds in the sky were deafening, and the barrier that enveloped this place also distorted.


    at the next instant, the void was directly torn apart by the other party¡¯s extreme speed. from afar, it looked like an eye had opened in the air.


    in the eye formed by the crack, a figure suddenly appeared.


    he stood in the air.


    he was a middle-aged cultivator with a stern appearance. his gaze was cold and his body was thin, not particularly imposing.


    dressed in a black long robe, he exuded an aura of gloom, with a red mist swirling around him like a river, creating a terrifying sight.


    what was most astonishing was the aura on his body.


    it made the heavens and earth change color, suppressing the void in all directions. the surroundings echoed with the sound of thunder, and the persistent rumbling only highlighted his majesty.


    even the muddy water from the ground was drawn into the air, swirling around him.


    it was as though the appearance of this middle-aged cultivator was like a black hole that could pull everything.


    even the light that fell upon him was distorted.


    at that moment, when xu qing looked at the middle-aged ruler, this person¡¯s gaze also landed on xu qing. he sized him up and calmly spoke.


    ¡°you are not of the slave races within the spirit mines nor a god, and there are no signs of intrusion from outside.¡±


    the middle-aged cultivator looked down at xu qing from above. as he watched, a strange feeling suddenly rose in his heart.


    he then glanced at the minor world that xu qing had slashed open. he narrowed his eyes and suppressed his killing intent as his deep voice echoed.


    ¡°it seems that you appeared out of thin air in the spirit mine due to some accident. as for killing a few spirit refinement slaves, that¡¯s of no consequence.¡±


    ¡°however, what i need to know is your identity, goal, and how you appeared here!¡±


    his voice carried an inexplicable sense of oppression that enveloped the surroundings.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. to be able to see through the way he arrived at a glance, it could be seen that the other party¡¯s insight was sharp.


    ¡°this person¡¯s words contain some clues, as they are probing for information. in this case, i can also indirectly investigate,¡± xu qing thought, and after a moment, he slightly cupped his hands in salute.


    ¡°i¡¯m flame mystic. i appeared in your distinguished land due to a special accident¡­¡±


    ¡°what accident?¡± the middle-aged cultivator interrupted xu qing. a dark glint flashed in his eyes as he asked.


    xu qing frowned slightly and his voice remained calm.


    ¡°exploration of the spatial fissure.¡±


    when the middle-aged cultivator heard this, he suddenly laughed. the way he looked at xu qing contained a strange glint.


    ¡°exploration? i don¡¯t think so.¡±


    ¡°the minor worlds where the spirit mines are located drift outside the large world and are not on the same spatial plane, so the probability of arriving here through a fissure by accident is extremely low.¡±


    ¡°with your soul accumulation seven worlds cultivation, it¡¯s logical for you to kill those slaves who couldn¡¯t recover in time, but¡­ to be able to slash open the boundary of the world from within¡­¡±


    ¡°such a thing is rare. only some peerless heaven¡¯s chosen can do it.¡±


    the strange glint in the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s eyes grew denser.


    ¡°however, how can a heaven¡¯s chosen¡­ not know the rules regarding the spirit mines and how sensitive such matters are? so, under my previous inquiries, they would inevitably reveal their background.¡±


    ¡°but you don¡¯t seem to know anything.¡±


    ¡°in addition, the aura of the foreign star ring on your body hasn¡¯t completely dissipated. from the looks of it¡­ you¡¯re not a local cultivator, right?¡±


    the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s words echoed. xu qing was expressionless as he looked at the other party and continued to speak.


    ¡°i have heard¡­ that since this place was once the primordial sea before it dried up, occasionally, cultivators from other star rings, while traveling through the primordial sea, come to my fifth star ring.¡±


    ¡°however, their cultivation levels are at least lower immortals¡­ of course, there are occasionally some heaven¡¯s chosens who use other means to travel here, and such heaven¡¯s chosens often have dao protectors by their side.¡±


    the middle-aged cultivator smiled and looked at xu qing with a hint of greed.


    ¡°and you, despite my inquiries, are still concealing your information, indicating that you have concerns and are unwilling to reveal everything, which also means you do not have a dao protector by your side¡­¡±


    ¡°an unfamiliar cultivator from a foreign star ring?¡±


    ¡°the information you have about your star ring is quite valuable to me.¡±


    the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s laughter grew even louder and the strange glint in his eyes became more intense. he raised his right hand and pointed at xu qing-


    the moment he pointed, a huge finger formed by rules and laws manifested in the air. the finger was incredibly distinct, with visible fingerprints, and as it descended, the fingerprints grew larger, looking like deep grooves and ridges.


    the finger replaced the sky and headed toward xu qing with an imposing aura.


    the aura of a ruler erupted completely, forming an astonishing suppression.


    looking at the finger, xu qing narrowed his eyes and suddenly retreated.


    to be able to analyze so much information through a few sentences, it could be seen that the other party¡¯s intelligence was extraordinary. however, at the same time, xu qing also obtained the answer he wanted from this person¡¯s reaction.


    this was indeed the fifth star ring.


    there were no mistakes in his teleportation process.


    this was what xu qing was worried about previously.


    from the looks of it, the answer was that this place used to be the primordial sea but now, it was dry.


    then, there was a reasonable explanation for teleporting here.


    other than that, xu qing also confirmed another thing through the other party¡¯s reaction. that was¡­ other than this middle-aged cultivator in front of him, there was a high chance that there were no other experts from his clan here.


    in fact, it was very likely that this place wasn¡¯t close to the location of his clan.


    otherwise, the other party wouldn¡¯t care so much about whether he had a dao protector beside him.


    this was because if there were still experts from his clan here or if the spirit mine was in his clan¡¯s territory, then there was no need to care so much.


    after all, in xu qing¡¯s judgment, the one guarding the spirit mine was a ruler, so the clan¡¯s ancestor must be even stronger.


    these thoughts flashed through xu qing¡¯s mind and he made a decision. facing this incoming finger, his eyes erupted with sharpness. the five elements in his body erupted and resonated with the five elements in this god prison. at the same time, he raised his hand and waved it.


    immediately, a rumbling sound rang out from the minor world that had been slashed open below. the dao of the five elements inside was guided by xu qing to rush out through the rift in the boundary.


    after merging with the five elements outside the minor world, the hand of the heavenly dao appeared.


    the instant the ruler¡¯s finger pressed down on xu qing, the heavenly dao hand headed straight for the finger and grabbed it.


    it ruthlessly broke it.


    an earth-shattering boom rang out.


    the materialized ruler¡¯s finger suddenly shook as it came into contact with the five elements¡¯ hand. the laws inside resisted and collided, forming a series of rumbling sounds that swept in all directions.


    the middle-aged ruler wasn¡¯t surprised by this. he could tell that xu qing wasn¡¯t ordinary. at this moment, he raised his right hand and no longer pointed. instead, his five fingers formed a seal and pressed toward xu qing.


    with this press, his fingers instantly transformed into nine worlds and the nine worlds turned into nine demons.


    the nine monstrous demons had different appearances.


    one had an enormous belly and was carrying a colossal mountain on its back, one had two ferocious heads and was holding the sea, one was covered in bone spurs and was standing atop a world, and one was surrounded by the continuous wailing of countless beings.


    these nine demons suddenly appeared. they let out menacing roars and rushed toward xu qing.


    xu qing remained unfazed by this. his body, propelled by the previous impact, staggered backward once more. at the same time, he performed hand seals with body hands. the six thieves delusions dao mark appeared in his eyes and the five dogs sheltering immortal art in his body circulated.


    he was using the forbidden arts of immortals from the ancient sovereign mystic nether era, unique to the cultivation system of wanggu!


    moreover, he was using them with his extreme immortal body. in xu qing¡¯s nine days of research in the minor world, he had realized that the might of the immortal arts was more powerful and bizarre when used by the immortal body than by the divine body.


    after all, this was a terrifying technique specially developed by the immortal art great emperor for cultivators.


    the instant they were used, the six desires were no longer illusory emotions. instead, they formed a sea of six desires in front of xu qing!


    the sea formed by the six desires directly covered all the range, forming a vortex that spun rapidly.


    the six desires inside alternately overlapped and erupted completely.


    humans had desires, and demons had even more intense desires.


    hence, in the blink of an eye, the nine demons trembled as they were drowned by the six desires sea. at the same time, xu qing¡¯s five dogs sheltering immortal art was also instantly activated.


    with an invisible intent, it landed in the middle-aged man¡¯s sea of consciousness.


    it tampered with his memories and hid inside, hiding itself from his perception. after that, white hair appeared in his sea of consciousness, forming a vortex.


    the door opened.


    greedy dog had entered.


    all of this caused the middle-aged ruler¡¯s heart to tremble and he frowned.


    he had never seen such spells before.


    ¡°interesting.. are these special dao arts of the star ring you came from?¡±

 Chapter 1559 - 1559 Treasure Light, Blade Light, Sword Light

    1559 treasure light, blade light, sword light


    during the unification of wanggu by ancient sovereign mystic nether, the role of the immortal art great emperor was extremely special.


    the immortal arts created by him greatly enhanced the combat power of human cultivators, leading to massive destruction and possessing an eerie, unpredictable nature.


    among them, there was no lack of cruel and bloody arts.


    the other races in wanggu, who were enemies with mystic nether back then, harbored immense hatred for these immortal arts, but they were powerless to stop them.


    however, after the unification, due to the fact that immortal arts harmed the harmony of the world, all the immortal arts were sealed and no longer passed down.


    as for the immortal art great emperor himself, for various reasons, he was ultimately concealed in history.


    he became the only great emperor in the human race who was largely unknown to future generations.


    because the fragmented-face arrived and the gods descended, most of the myriad races left and established holy lands, using those immortal arts again.


    as for wanggu¡¯s immortal arts, they were also indirectly grasped by the myriad races because of the discovery of the immortal arts halls.


    however, in the fifth star ring, this was the first time an immortal art was displayed.


    when it landed in the perception of the middle-aged ruler, his mind naturally shook intensely.


    whether it was the six desires sea that enveloped the nine demons or the vortex that appeared in his sea of consciousness, it caused the middle-aged ruler¡¯s gaze to be solemn.


    especially the latter, where that hidden coldness, lurking unnoticed in memories, suddenly surged forth as white hair twisted into a vortex, transforming into a door. the chilling intent that followed revealed the inescapable nature of the immortal art, impossible to defend against.


    the ruler felt an intense sense of danger spreading throughout his body, as though it wanted to drown everything. even his memories showed signs of not belonging to him.


    it was as though everything in his memories had become his enemy at this moment.


    at this critical moment, he made a prompt decision. one of his hands touched his forehead and the other touched his chest, pressing down in unison.


    a rumbling sound echoed. with his robust cultivation, the hand that landed on his forehead affected his soul and memories, causing the strange changes in his memories to stop.


    the hand that landed on his chest sealed his sea of consciousness, forcefully suppressing the eruption inside.


    after doing this, his eyes flickered with a red light. he suddenly opened his mouth and inhaled.


    immediately, the nine demons, who were surrounded by the six desires sea, roared. their bodies collapsed and transformed into dense demonic energy that rolled back and flew into the middle-aged ruler¡¯s opened mouth.


    he swallowed them all.


    at this instant, thunder rang out from his body. his originally skinny appearance expanded explosively at the next instant. his flesh swelled and his skin turned red. his entire person directly grew from a normal height to a thousand feet tall.


    the baleful aura on his body overflowed into the sky and demonic flames spread out from his feet, enveloping the surroundings. an earth-shattering violent intent erupted from his body.


    he used this baleful aura and combined it with the violent intent to sweep through his body, searching for the places that were invaded by the immortal arts and tearing them ruthlessly!


    this was one of the middle-aged ruler¡¯s trump cards, the baleful demonic descent.


    vaguely, there seemed to be a faint cracking sound. xu qing¡¯s expression turned grim as he realized that his immortal arts were being forcibly torn apart. along with it, the segment of memory that had been invaded by the immortal art was also being shredded.


    they were all violently torn apart by the middle-aged ruler.


    after doing all this, the middle-aged ruler, who had transformed into a baleful demon, revealed madness in his blood-red eyes. his body flickered as he charged directly toward xu qing.


    as the storm spread, its momentum was overwhelming. xu qing merely sensed it, and immediately, his entire body felt as though his flesh and blood were being pierced with pain.


    the ruler was so fast that he left behind afterimages. he instantly got close and slammed down with his palm.


    xu qing¡¯s reaction was also very fast. his cultivation base circulated fully as he retreated. however, he was still hit by the palm strike. his entire body shook and the bones in his body emitted the sound of shattering as he spat out a mouthful of blood.


    the power of a ruler was terrifying.


    if it was any other soul accumulation cultivator, not only would their bones shatter, but their bodies and souls would also be destroyed.


    however, xu qing¡¯s immortal body was extraordinary. although he was injured, he borrowed the force of this palm strike to retreat further.


    he didn¡¯t continue fleeing. instead, as the distance between them widened and the ruler rushed over again under his berserk state, a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    he raised his right hand and slammed it down on the middle-aged ruler.


    metal became the blade, earth the platform, wood the groove, water the connecting axis, and fire the force of the strike.


    it was the god slaying platform that xu qing had reconstructed using his five elements!


    the instant his right hand landed, the vast and shocking five elements god slaying platform appeared in front of xu qing, above the middle-aged ruler.


    it enveloped him.


    ¡°slash!¡±


    xu qing shouted.


    immediately, the aura of the god slaying platform locked onto the ruler, sealing his surroundings and all trajectories. under the violent power and the flickering of the blade light, the blade landed.


    crack!


    the blade landed on the middle-aged ruler¡¯s neck. however, the god slaying platform that had always succeeded couldn¡¯t separate the middle-aged ruler¡¯s head.


    it only cut halfway before it was forcefully stopped by a huge impact.


    as blood flowed, the middle-aged ruler let out a monstrous roar. overlapping shadows immediately appeared on his body. they were the nine demons he had absorbed.


    these nine demons were translucent and appeared from the ruler¡¯s body like souls. they rushed toward the god slaying platform and directly exploded the moment they came into contact with it.


    using such an explosive method to bombard the god slaying platform.


    in the blink of an eye, as nine explosions rang out, the god slaying platform continued to tremble. in the end, it couldn¡¯t resist and collapsed, shattering into pieces.


    xu qing¡¯s mind churned and he spat out a mouthful of blood as he retreated again.


    as for the baleful demon ruler, after the god slaying platform collapsed and the nine demons left his body, his body rapidly shrunk and he instantly transformed into the middle-aged man from before.


    there was a bloody mark on his neck and a few streams of blood flowed out. however, the wound was healing rapidly.


    ¡°as expected of a heaven¡¯s chosen. with the cultivation of the soul accumulation seven worlds, the spells you cast are each more bizarre and powerful than the last.¡±


    the middle-aged ruler¡¯s voice echoed.


    he seemed to have spoken normally and his words were normal. however, the moment he heard it, a sense of danger rose in xu qing¡¯s heart.


    the next instant, the void around xu qing fluctuated and array formations actually appeared out of thin air.


    first, it was 3,300 array formations, then 33,000 array formations, then 330,000 array formations!


    countless array formations blasted out from the void. they were densely packed and blotted out the sky. they suppressed xu qing at an astonishing speed.


    this was another technique of the middle-aged ruler!


    three-three forbidden array!


    the so-called ¡®three-three¡¯ meant that if the words he spoke contained exactly thirty-three characters, he could instantly unleash the full force of these formations with just a single thought.


    it was very difficult for those who didn¡¯t know about this technique to sense it in advance.


    this was the first time xu qing had encountered one. he couldn¡¯t dodge at all. there were array formations everywhere around him. at this critical moment, his right eye suddenly flickered and dao marks circulated inside.


    the erase authority was activated.


    he was trying to erase all the array formations he saw!


    at the next instant, a large number of the array formations were erased but more continued to appear. xu qing was trapped on the spot. booming sounds continued to ring out in his surroundings as light shone.


    ¡°you finally used your authority. i guessed earlier that it was impossible for you to not have any authority.¡±


    the middle-aged ruler coldly spoke when he saw this scene.


    he had never underestimated xu qing, whether it was earlier or now.


    he understood that a person who came from another star ring alone definitely had few trump cards.


    moreover, from the other party¡¯s calmness, there was a high chance that this trump card could injure a ruler.


    hence, from the start, he looked like he was attacking but in reality, he was on guard.


    even though the battle had reached this point, with xu qing already revealing what seemed to be his trump card¡ªthe blade technique¡ªand the middle-aged ruler having employed the powerful three-three forbidden array, the ruler remained cautious. his eyes gleamed, showing that he hadn¡¯t let down his guard for a moment.


    hence, when xu qing revealed the authority to destroy the array formations, he suddenly waved his hand.


    he took out a treasure.


    it was a seed.


    the moment it appeared, this seed instantly sprouted. in the span of a breath, it grew explosively and became a sapling, a tree, a huge tree!


    490 feet tall!


    its entire body was crystalline. it was the same for its leaves. it looked dazzling and peerlessly beautiful.


    as for its effect, it was to absorb.


    it actually absorbed all the energy from xu qing and the traces of spells on the surrounding battlefield in an unbelievable way.


    after that, three marks appeared on the tree trunk.


    one was xu qing¡¯s five elements heavenly dao hand.


    one was an immortal art.


    one was the god slaying platform from earlier.


    after these three marks appeared, they fused together and formed a figure on the tree trunk.


    from the outline, this figure¡­ was exactly the same as xu qing.


    killing intent erupted from this figure and locked onto xu qing in the distance.


    xu qing, who was using his erase authority to destroy the array formations, felt his heart tremble.


    ¡°this treasure¡­¡±


    not only could this treasure absorb energy, but it could also form a corresponding body.


    at this moment, the figure that looked identical to xu qing was struggling fiercely, trying to break free from the tree trunk. the trunk was tearing apart, and it seemed that the figure was about to emerge into the world.


    the sense of danger grew even more intense. xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate and transmitted his thoughts.


    ¡°little shadow!¡±


    the instant his thought spread, the shadow under xu qing¡¯s feet suddenly erupted. it was like extreme darkness. after it enveloped the surroundings, sinister laughter echoed and a large black tree rose from the ground.


    the tree¡¯s crown and trunk were pitch black, with a black coffin hanging like a pendulum and countless eerie eyes opening simultaneously. all of them locked onto the crystalline treasure tree, lunging towards it.


    ¡°not going to use it yet?¡±


    the middle-aged ruler sneered but didn¡¯t get close. instead, he grabbed fiercely at the sky.


    ¡°ghost gate opens, and heaven¡¯s wrath descends!¡±


    with this grasp, the world plunged into darkness. a massive black bone gate appeared between heaven and earth.


    this ancient gate, projected by a powerful spell, stood tall, and as it did, countless wails and screams echoed from within.


    a giant bone claw then emerged from the gate, gripping the frame, unleashing a deathly aura that erupted in a torrent of malevolent spirits, circling around the outside of the gate.


    within, a terrifying presence was crawling out.


    it wasn¡¯t over.


    the ruler had clearly used the three-three forbidden array to trap xu qing and even opened this ghost gate to summon the so-called heaven¡¯s wrath.


    however, a cold glint still flashed in his eyes. he raised his hand and took out a purple incense stick.


    the first beam of light was a shield that headed straight for the ghost gate in the sky. its target was the heaven¡¯s wrath that had crawled out of the gate at this moment. at the same time, it was growing larger, as though it wanted to block the ghost gate.


    14:26


    the second beam of light was a huge pair of scissors, emitting the aura of a great emperor. it ruthlessly cut at the void between xu qing and the burning incense!


    ¡°life-seizing incense burns, binding with your fate. when the incense extinguishes, so shall you!¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, this incense was suddenly lit.


    at the next instant, xu qing seemed to have been cursed and his life started flowing away.


    ¡°i forgot to tell you that the reason why this old man was appointed by the clan to guard this spirit mine isn¡¯t because of how strong my cultivation is but because when i do things, my first consideration has always been stability.¡±


    in the air, the middle-aged ruler calmly spoke.


    ¡°so, if you¡¯re still not going to use your trump card, then¡­ you won¡¯t have a chance anymore!¡±


    a sharp glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. at the next instant, a loud and clear sound suddenly rang out from the area enveloped by the array formations. black flames bloomed like flowers and a golden crow soared into the sky from within, burning the aura of death and those malicious ghosts that spread over.


    at the same time, three beams of light erupted from within!


    the first beam of light was a shield that headed straight for the ghost gate in the sky. its target was the heaven¡¯s wrath that had crawled out of the gate at this moment. at the same time, it was growing larger, as though it wanted to block the ghost gate.


    the second beam of light was a huge pair of scissors, emitting the aura of a great emperor. it ruthlessly cut at the void between xu qing and the burning incense!


    cut off karma!


    the third light was a sword light.


    it wasn¡¯t ninth grandpa¡¯s sword but xu qing¡¯s emperor sword!


    he held the emperor sword and slashed at the world, breaking through the countless array formations. he stirred up the power of the earth and used the earth depository move, heading straight for the middle-aged ruler!


    ¡°this sword and this technique¡­¡±


    the middle-aged ruler¡¯s eyes narrowed and he suddenly retreated. at the same time, his heart boiled.


    ¡°human race¡¯s supreme treasure!¡±

 Chapter 1560 - 1560 Killing the Ruler, One Strike Kill! (1)

    1560 killing the ruler, one strike kill! (1)


    the fifth star ring, the god prison.


    powerful techniques and spells were colliding with each other.


    in the distance, the large tree that the shadow had transformed into was entangled with the crystalline treasure tree. they enveloped each other, wanting to suppress the other.


    little shadow also manifested and was fighting against the figure who walked out of the treasure tree.


    the rumbling, thunderous sounds continued.


    nearby, in the three-three formation restriction, the erase authority erupted. inside, the treasure light transformed by xu qing¡¯s shield soared into the sky to seal the ghost gate.


    this shield came from great emperor nether flame and contained a wisp of the power of the black lotus. as it emitted the flames of the underworld, it expanded by several times, reaching the height of the ghost gate and colliding with it.


    they both shook.


    below, the blade light formed by the great emperor¡¯s scissors carried the aura of a great emperor. it shone with a piercing light and ruthlessly cut, cutting off the karma of life-seizing incense.


    finally¡­ xu qing moved with the emperor sword in his hand.


    he seemed to be able to slash through the sky and split the earth as he charged toward the middle-aged ruler.


    at this moment, the words imparted by the sword holding great emperor echoed in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°earth depository is a sword technique i created to slay a ruthless murderer skilled in earth dao. this technique primarily stimulates the earth¡¯s energy, using sword intent to replace earth intent, transforming earth energy into sword energy.¡±


    ¡°after gathering, it will condense into an earth sword!¡±


    even though xu qing¡¯s comprehension ability had shocked old master seventh, the heir, and the others, he only had some comprehension of the sword holding great emperor¡¯s first sword move. he had yet to touch the other sword moves.


    at that moment, in this unfamiliar fifth star ring, xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all when facing this ruler.


    as the emperor sword shone and the power of earth depository spread, the surroundings trembled.


    all the swamps in the surroundings were shaking. it was the same for the minor worlds in the bubbles on the swamp.


    wisps of smoke rose from the ground and the minor worlds.


    this smoke didn¡¯t come from the nutrients in the minor worlds but was instead the earth energy induced by the sword energy of the earth depository move.


    more and more smoke accumulated.


    in an instant, the swamp churned and the bubble worlds shook intensely.


    countless strands of smoke headed straight for xu qing.


    all of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in the blink of an eye. almost at the instant xu qing rushed out with the emperor sword in his hand, countless wisps of smoke gathered from all directions.


    outside xu qing¡¯s body, a shockingly large sword formed!


    it enveloped xu qing!


    it was as though xu qing had become this sword strike!


    the sword might swept out, the sky churned, and the ground rumbled. the entire god prison rippled like the sea.


    as the middle-aged ruler¡¯s heart trembled and he retreated, the large sword formed by the earth energy got close to him with an unparalleled speed and astonishing might!


    everything was destroyed in its path!


    ¡®i want this sword!¡¯


    the middle-aged ruler¡¯s eyes narrowed. he didn¡¯t say this but greed rose in his heart. at this moment, he no longer hesitated and a vortex directly appeared in his left eye.


    dao marks manifested and his authority finally erupted!


    the first thing to change was the red gas-shaped fog river that kept flowing outside his body.


    this fog river was formed by his authority. at this moment, as the dao marks circulated, it suddenly swayed and spread out in all directions from his body.


    at the next instant¡­


    xu qing could clearly sense the changes in the world.


    there seemed to be a resistance in the air in front of him. this resistance instantly intensified, causing his speed to involuntarily slow down. although the earth depository sword still emitted the momentum to break through everything¡­


    however, the resistance also increased.


    in fact, after the resistance reached a certain level, it became the other party¡¯s defense!


    not only did it block xu qing¡¯s speed, but it also resisted his sword energy.


    if that was all, it would be fine. however, when the air in this area landed on xu qing, it formed resistance toward him. however, in front of the ruler, the air resistance was clearly weak.


    reducing all air resistance and the flow of the air.


    under this situation, xu qing¡¯s speed and actions became slower and slower. as for the middle-aged ruler, his speed reached an extreme level.


    he instantly dodged xu qing¡¯s earth depository sword and arrived beside him. the greed in his eyes was intense as he grabbed at the emperor sword in xu qing¡¯s hand.


    he was incredibly precise and his timing was extremely cunning.


    he didn¡¯t give xu qing any chance to counterattack.


    he grabbed it!


    however, before the excitement in his heart rose, the emperor sword he grabbed turned into an illusion. even xu qing, who was slowed down in front of him, turned into an illusion.


    this scene caused the middle-aged ruler¡¯s expression to sink.


    ¡°changing cognition?¡±


    almost at the instant the middle-aged ruler reacted, the earth depository sword that xu qing had transformed into erupted fully at this moment.


    at that moment just now, he had used the power to change the cognition given by the heir. at the critical moment, he borrowed the greed of this middle-aged ruler for the emperor sword and finally changed his extremely stable perception.


    this allowed him to obtain this opportunity.


    however, the duration of this cognition shift was too short and this person¡¯s authority was special. hence, xu qing¡¯s thoughts spun at that instant. he wasn¡¯t confident that he could use the earth depository sword to kill him.


    even if he used ninth grandpa¡¯s sword energy, xu qing still felt that an accident might happen.


    he didn¡¯t know if the other party still had any trump cards or special methods.


    he needed to create a situation that forced the other party to use all his methods.


    the reason for this was because what he wanted was to kill in one move!


    it wasn¡¯t to heavily injure the other party.


    he couldn¡¯t let the other party escape.

 Chapter 1561 - Chapter 1561: Killing the Ruler, One Strike Kill! (2)

    chapter 1561: killing the ruler, one strike kill! (2)


    editor: atlas studios


    due to these, xu qing instantly made a decision.


    hence, the target of the emperor sword¡¯s eruption wasn¡¯t the middle-aged ruler but to make use of this short opportunity to attack the ground!


    to be precise, it blasted toward those¡­ bubble worlds on the ground!


    since the other party prioritized stability, xu qing was going to mess up the other party¡¯s mind first.


    only when the heart is unsettled will there be a fatal flaw that can be exploited.


    for a guardian, the method of chaos was naturally the large-scale collapse of the thing they were guarding.


    hence, xu qing¡¯s sword strike seemed to be targeting the ruler but his true goal was most of the small bubble worlds here.


    at that moment, the sword energy landed and the ground collapsed. a large number of small bubble worlds seemed to have been sliced apart.


    one after another, they exploded into pieces!


    the skies of those minor worlds collapsed. the refiners who didn¡¯t have time to recover in time died in their slumbering state.


    without the world boundary, all the living beings in these minor worlds seemed to have woken up from a dream. while all of them were at a loss and shocked, it also caused chaos in this god prison.


    as a result, the amount of spiritual energy extracted was greatly reduced.


    at this moment, the vortex that was absorbing spiritual energy in the sky couldn¡¯t absorb anything.


    ¡°how dare you!!¡±


    this scene finally caused the middle-aged ruler¡¯s mind to rumble. his expression changed drastically and he instinctively looked at the vortex in fear.


    he wanted to stop xu qing but it was too late.


    originally, such a situation wouldn¡¯t have happened under his control. everything was an opportunity formed by the change in his cognition earlier.


    right now, seeing that the spirit mine had collapsed and the spiritual energy absorbed by the vortex had decreased greatly, his heart couldn¡¯t help but fluctuate intensely.


    such a drastic change had happened in the spirit mine he was guarding. the killing intent in his eyes instantly became even more intense. as he let out a loud shout, the dao marks in his eyes circulated again.


    his dao marks were special and terrifying in power, but due to his cultivation level, each use came at a cost. using them on a larger scale or more profound level would incur an astonishing price.


    hence, unless it was absolutely necessary, he wasn¡¯t willing to use them frequently.


    but now, he had no choice.


    he raised his right hand and pressed down on the ground below.


    immediately, the power of his authority descended, becoming a resistance, then thickening into a protective shield, and ultimately transforming into a form of suppression.


    it enveloped all the collapsing spirit mines, slowing their collapse, and continued to envelop them to reduce damage and create a chance for recovery. as this happened, his body grew even more emaciated, and his eyes shone with a cold gleam.


    at this moment, he couldn¡¯t afford to continue with caution, because his reliance on the authority to suppress the spirit mines couldn¡¯t last much longer.


    he had to quickly end the battle and repair those minor worlds. otherwise, if the vortex above continued to deplete for an extended period, he would be unable to bear the consequences.


    hence, he gritted his teeth fiercely and pointed at xu qing, disregarding the price of his authority.


    his authority activated once again.


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled. he felt suffocated.


    all the spiritual energy and air around him were siphoned away in an instant, creating a pressurized environment. even inside his body, this was happening.


    red, swollen bumps erupted on his skin, making him look quite horrifying.


    they seemed like they would erupt at any moment.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t panic.


    ¡®the opportunity i want is almost here.¡¯


    xu qing glanced at the middle-aged ruler and suddenly raised his right hand. the extreme space dao in his body circulated explosively.


    during those days in the minor world, xu qing had been recalling the vortex passage he had seen when passing through the primordial sea. other people might not be able to comprehend anything about the use of space through this.


    however, for him, who already possessed the power of space, the scene in the vortex was like a master imparting dao arts.


    it was telling him how to use space.


    hence, at the next instant, as the extreme space dao in xu qing¡¯s body spread out, the area around him immediately distorted, stretching and expanding into what seemed to be an infinite expanse.


    next was cutting and isolation!


    the space within the cutting zone was severed, and the authority of the air was isolated, creating a boundary within a hundred-feet radius around xu qing.


    it had become a grid-like confinement.


    this grid existed independently, controlled by xu qing¡¯s extreme space path.


    they multiplied rapidly, numbering a hundred in a moment, densely and irregularly enclosing xu qing within.


    even as all the air was being extracted, each additional layer of the grids equated to an additional world.


    finally, it all reversed.


    xu qing stared at the middle-aged ruler. at the next instant, the sound of a mirror shattering echoed in all directions.


    ¡°your air authority has an explosive might, but no matter how it explodes, it¡¯s still inferior to the collapse of space.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    in that instant, the hundred grids shattered. under the series of sounds, a spatial storm swept through countless spatial fragments and rose around xu qing.


    a portion of it swept in all directions, causing the ruler¡¯s efforts to save the spirit mines to be ineffective. this caused his anxiety, panic, and anger to intensify.


    a portion of them headed straight for the ruler.


    this scene caused the dao mark light in the middle-aged ruler¡¯s eyes to flicker intensely.


    ¡°it¡¯s actually the dao of space!¡±


    his mind shook, and he immediately pointed at the sky.


    the world experienced a sensation of cold and warmth!


    this was the temperature formed by the air, and its intertwining created a roaring wind.


    the wind howled, even producing thunderstorms. mixed together, it resembled the wrath of heaven, striking against the spatial storm.


    a deafening sound erupted.


    after their collision, the world fell into chaos, with space cracking and the power of the heavens intertwining, resulting in chaos and blurriness.


    in this blur, the wind howled.


    blood flowed out of the corner of the middle-aged ruler¡¯s mouth. after he activated his authority to such an extent, the price had finally arrived. however, the killing intent in his eyes didn¡¯t decrease at all.


    amidst the strong wind, xu qing didn¡¯t feel good either. his flesh and skin were being peeled off and his body was badly mangled.


    however, his eyes were still sharp.


    at this critical moment, the extreme time dao in his body suddenly erupted.


    the power of time rose from his body, transforming into a vast sundial that locked onto the ruler and reversed time, freezing the scene of blood flowing out of the corner of his mouth earlier!


    after that, the killing intent in xu qing¡¯s eyes erupted explosively. in order to ensure a one-hit kill, he raised his right hand. the power of fishing the moon from the well also activated at this moment.


    the sky transformed into the surface of a well, and the world began to ripple like water.


    the middle-aged ruler stood on the surface of the water. his possessions including all of his spells were reflected in the water.


    the sundial fixed his body in one place.


    the well fixed his soul.


    coupled with the chaos caused by xu qing¡¯s previous attack¡­


    at this moment, the opportunity xu qing had been waiting for finally arrived!


    at the next instant, an earth-shattering sword energy that shook the ruler rushed out from his body.


    that was ninth grandpa¡¯s sword energy that could kill rulers.


    as soon as this sword appeared, the sky lost color and the ground rumbled. many of the swords in the minor worlds in this god prison were trembling and resonating.


    they erupted in unison and rushed out of the shattered world boundaries. they gathered outside and filled the void here, occupying all the areas. finally, they fused into ninth grandpa¡¯s sword energy, causing it to shine and increase its strength.


    it continued to accumulate strength.


    the killing power contained in the sword energy was also accumulating strength.


    after accumulating strength for a few breaths, this world-shaking killing intent suddenly erupted. at this moment, the world shone and only the sword was supreme.


    the sky descended, the sword descended, and the killing intent descended¡ªall aimed at the middle-aged ruler.


    with an overpowering force, it dominantly replaced everything in the middle-aged ruler¡¯s sight and perception.


    there was no way to dodge, no way to escape, and no way to block it!


    when the sword energy landed, his body and soul collapsed!


    one-strike kill!!

 Chapter 1562 - 1562 Huge Harvest (1)

    1562 huge harvest (1)


    in the fifth star ring, in an unknown area, in the spirit mine.


    in the sky above, the dome that existed there continued to cover all directions, isolating the inside from the outside, making it difficult for the external world to detect any of the disturbances occurring within.


    the swamp was filled with deep pits. those were the traces of the battle between xu qing and the middle-aged ruler.


    other than that, there were also countless small bubble worlds that were shattering.


    xu qing was standing in the air. his face was pale and his entire body was badly mangled.


    however, he didn¡¯t care about these. what he was looking at was the decapitated body of the ruler.


    at the same time, he performed a one-handed hand seal while maintaining his vigilance for any unexpected situations.


    if there was the slightest abnormality, he would slash out again.


    this lasted until he saw that the ruler¡¯s aura was completely gone. under the destructive sword energy, his corpse rapidly dissipated.


    when it turned into ashes completely, xu qing¡¯s heart finally calmed down.


    this battle wasn¡¯t easy.


    perhaps due to the differences in star rings and growth histories, xu qing could sense that the ruler he had just fought was superior in both combat strength and techniques compared to the rulers of the holy lands he had encountered.


    ¡°there are three possibilities. one, the one i met is a special case.¡±


    ¡°second, the environment of the fifth star ring is even more dangerous than i imagined, so the rulers here aren¡¯t simple.¡±


    ¡°third, the rulers of the holy lands have grown complacent over time, leading to a decline in their combat strength.¡±


    it was difficult for xu qing to make an accurate judgment at this moment because the fifth star ring was still unknown to him. however, his eyes were calm and the baleful aura on his body grew increasingly dense after this battle.


    at that moment, his gaze swept in all directions. with a step, he arrived at the place where the middle-aged ruler¡¯s corpse had dissipated.


    there was a storage bag there.


    xu qing grabbed it. after that, he appeared at the location of the shield and ghost gate.


    the ghost gate art was a powerful technique. with the death of the ruler, the ghost gate had collapsed and disappeared.


    xu qing took a look and put away his shield. he then took a step forward and arrived near the life-seizing incense.


    this incense only burned a little before xu qing¡¯s great emperor scissors severed the karma and extinguished it.


    ¡°this thing isn¡¯t bad.¡±


    xu qing made a grabbing gesture; the incense quickly flew into his hand. he wiped away the imprint on it and left his own mark. then, he looked up toward where the shadow was.


    little shadow¡¯s main body was still fighting against the crystalline tree.


    originally, little shadow was at a disadvantage and it couldn¡¯t put up any fight. if not for its bizarre characteristics and regeneration, it would have died long ago.


    however, when the middle-aged ruler died, the crystalline treasure tree seemed to have lost its support. little shadow seized the opportunity to counterattack.


    at that moment, amidst the rumbling sounds, xu qing looked at the treasure tree and the figure that looked exactly like him.


    ¡°you should possess a certain level of intelligence, so¡­ either i destroy you or submit to me.¡±


    when xu qing¡¯s voice entered the battlefield, little shadow was in high spirits. he immediately emitted emotional fluctuations and helped xu qing threaten the tree.


    the crystalline treasure tree trembled, while the figure it manifested sensed how terrifying xu qing was. hence, after a short silence, this figure lowered its head and bowed to xu qing before dissipating.


    as for the crystalline treasure tree, after a few times of flickering, it dimmed and stopped attacking.


    when xu qing saw this, he grabbed through the air.


    immediately, the treasure tree flew straight toward xu qing without struggling. it allowed xu qing to erase the imprint on its body and leave a new mark.


    little shadow also returned at this moment, revealing deep fatigue.


    ¡°you did well.¡±


    xu qing praised.


    little shadow¡¯s spirits were lifted. being commended by xu qing seemed to be extremely meaningful to it. hence, its mood immediately became cheerful.


    ¡°lord¡­ i am¡­ useful¡­¡±


    xu qing nodded. his gaze then landed on the crystalline treasure tree.


    the might of this tree wasn¡¯t ordinary, especially the method of absorbing the enemy¡¯s aura and traces of spells to form a figure.


    if he used it together with the life-seizing incense, unless the other party had a similar check and balance method as him, it could be considered a trump card.


    ¡°i gained quite a lot from this battle. other than these two treasures¡­¡±


    xu qing looked at the ruler¡¯s storage bag he had obtained.


    a hint of anticipation rose in his heart.


    ¡°however, before i investigate this storage bag, there¡¯s a small situation that needs to be resolved.¡±


    xu qing raised his head and gazed into the distance, calmly speaking.


    ¡°if you don¡¯t show yourself within three breaths of time, i¡¯ll make sure you remain permanently hidden.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s voice echoed in the spirit mines. two breaths later, on the distant swamp, the emptiness warped and a figure quickly appeared from its transparent state.


    this was a pale-faced youth with dense fear in his eyes. the moment he appeared, he immediately knelt down in front of xu qing.


    large beads of sweat flowed down his forehead and his entire body was covered in sweat.


    he was the servant of the ruler xu qing had killed.


    his cultivation level was only at the spirit repository.


    originally, he was satisfied to be able to become the servant of the ruler. moreover, when he saw the ruler taking action earlier and xu qing being in danger, he had thought disdainfully of xu qing.


    however, things shifted too quickly. after seeing the death of the ruler with his own eyes, he went from astonishment to bewilderment to horror. his heart was already rumbling.


    hence, he didn¡¯t dare to move. he wanted to rely on the talisman given by the ruler to attempt to hide himself. although he knew that the possibility wasn¡¯t high, in the life-and-death crisis earlier, he could only pray that he could muddle through.


    at that moment, xu qing¡¯s words caused the youth¡¯s body to tremble uncontrollably. he knelt there and kept kowtowing.


    after his gaze scanned over the person, xu qing did not kill him. in fact, during the previous fight with the ruler, he had already sensed this individual¡¯s presence. now, keeping him alive served another purpose.

 Chapter 1563 - 1563 Huge Harvest (2)

    1563 huge harvest (2)


    hence, xu qing retracted his gaze and checked the storage bag with his divine sense. after checking, he raised his brows.


    the items inside were incredibly abundant.


    just the spirit stones alone caused xu qing to be quite surprised.


    there were so many of them that they piled up like a mountain.


    crystalline light shone resplendently.


    soon, xu qing discovered that these spirit stones were different from the spirit stones in wanggu. each of them contained some power of laws.


    ¡°formed from god refinement? so it contains the rules of heaven and earth?¡±


    xu qing took out a piece and held it in his hand to check.


    besides these, the storage bag contained something even more precious than spirit stones: immortal jade.


    they were gathered into a flowing river of immortal energy within the storage bag.


    this caused xu qing¡¯s heart to tremble.


    upon careful examination, he realized that the rules contained within these immortal jades were far more concentrated than those in spirit stones. in fact, under xu qing¡¯s perception, he sensed that these immortal jades had a quality almost akin to the origin energy he had absorbed when he made the wish back then.


    it was just that it was extremely thin.


    but, being able to do this was already astonishing.


    ¡°having such items means that this fifth star ring is even more complicated than i thought.¡±


    ¡°this person is really rich.¡±


    xu qing muttered inwardly. even though he had killed a lot and snatched treasures, he was still shaken by this storage bag.


    hence, the anticipation in his heart intensified. his divine sense quickly moved away from the spirit stones and immortal jade and sensed the other items in the storage bag.


    soon, he saw a large number of bottles and jars filled with medicinal pills.


    their grades were different.


    with his dao of medicine, xu qing made a preliminary judgment that many of the pills were quite potent. there were also some that were outside his scope of knowledge.


    after a simple check, xu qing¡¯s heart was continuously stirred by the items in the storage bag. at that moment, his divine sense spread out in a large area, wanting to search for jade slips, books, and magic treasures.


    unfortunately, although there were magic treasures, their levels were much inferior.


    this was understandable. after all, in the previous battle, with the steady personality of the ruler, he had already taken out all the magic treasures he could use.


    for example, the incense stick and the crystalline treasure tree.


    however, there were still two items that caused xu qing¡¯s divine sense to fluctuate.


    a roll of beast skin that shone with black light and a token flew out of the storage pouch and floated in front of xu qing.


    the first thing he checked was the beast skin.


    this beast skin was only the size of a palm. within the black light, he could see densely-packed runes. as they shone, they also intertwined and moved, as though they were alive.


    after taking a look, xu qing thought about it and used his divine consciousness to carefully examine the inscriptions on the beast skin, carefully sensing them.


    a long time later, xu qing¡¯s expression changed.


    ¡°four-nine formation restriction!¡±


    the origin of this beast skin was unknown. it recorded a dao art called the four-nine formation restriction.


    this reminded xu qing of the middle-aged ruler¡¯s three-three formation restriction.


    this array formation was extremely powerful. it could gather the power of the laws of heaven and earth and erupt with countless array formations. whether it was to kill or seal, it was extremely extraordinary.


    however, the disadvantage was that to use it, he had to accumulate array formations in advance.


    as for the advantage¡­ it was that after using this technique and saying forty-nine words, it could erupt out of thin air and be impossible to guard against.


    moreover, as one comprehended and cultivated this power, they could reduce the number of words they spoke.


    the dead middle-aged ruler had clearly cultivated till thirty-three words.


    according to the description within the beast skin, if one could cultivate to the final stage, the activation of the formation could be shortened to any two words, and it wouldn¡¯t be limited to oneself; it could be triggered by the enemy¡¯s words too .


    the reason it was limited to two words was because the formation was divided into yin and yang, and the restriction was divided into life and death; it couldn¡¯t be singular.


    as he grasped the beast skin, the scenes of the middle-aged ruler activating the formation appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind. a thought suddenly surfaced in his mind.


    ¡°this dao art is intriguing. it can be integrated into words. so, if the final two words of this dao art were my name¡­¡±


    ¡°as long as someone uttered my name, it could trigger the formation restriction¡¯s explosion with a single thought. this way¡­ it would be even more intangible.¡±


    xu qing pondered and felt that it wasn¡¯t impossible.


    if it was really integrated into the name, it would really be impossible to guard against.


    for instance, when the enemy cursed at him, the formation restriction would automatically activate as soon as they spoke.


    or if he encountered someone who maliciously asked for his name, the moment he answered, the killing formation would directly descend.


    ¡°if used properly, it will also be a trump card!¡±


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. after some thought, he kept the beast skin, planning to incorporate this dao art into his regular training.


    after that, his gaze landed on the token.


    this token was peculiar and the baleful aura was extremely intense. in fact, as it floated in the air, the surrounding temperature was dropping.


    its color was red, as though it was dyed in blood.


    the back was empty, and the front had the totem of an eye.


    xu qing stared at it. this token could be uttered to be the most special item he had found in the ruler¡¯s storage bag.


    hence, he didn¡¯t touch it. instead, after checking it, he turned his head and looked at the youth who was kneeling not far away and didn¡¯t dare to leave.


    ¡°your life or death depends on your value.¡±


    ¡°tell me what this item is.¡±


    when xu qing¡¯s voice landed in the young man¡¯s ears, he endured the fear of death and raised his head to look at the token, and replied while stuttering.


    ¡°senior, this is¡­ the qualifying token¡­ of the immortal capital.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was calm. however, when he heard the words ¡®immortal capital¡¯, his mind shook a little.


    ¡°continue.¡±


    the youth took a deep breath. facing someone who could kill his master, he didn¡¯t dare to hide anything at all. even though he knew that the other party wanted to get the information about the star ring he was in, he couldn¡¯t care less.


    he then elaborated everything meticulously and, in order to explain the immortal capital token and to satisfy xu qing, he even recounted the history of the fifth star ring.


    firstly, this was indeed the fifth star ring and there was indeed a place called the immortal capital.


    in the past, the fifth star ring was filled with gods until the immortal capital rose to power, suppressing the gods and destroying everything related to them.


    under the attack of the supreme venerable immortal of the immortal capital, the starry sky was flattened, and the immortal capital was established right in the center of the fifth star ring.


    from then on, it was considered a sacred place.


    surrounding the immortal capital, the flattened universe no longer had the idea of a starry sky. instead, it became a land, a residence for the cultivators.


    as time passed, the number of cultivators here had reached an astonishing level. there were countless sects and clans.


    moreover, almost all cultivators had a dream.


    that was to ascend to the immortal capital!


    once they did so, it would be like a carp leaping through the dragon gate; their identity, status, and future would be completely different.


    the people of the immortal capital were the masters of the fifth star ring.


    however, the immortal capital was high and mighty, isolated from the outside world.


    ¡°everyone wants to ascend to the immortal capital, and the way to do so is to compete!¡±


    the youth spoke in a low voice. when he mentioned the immortal capital, his eyes instinctively gleamed with desire.


    ¡°the reason why it¡¯s a contest is because the immortal capital will start a great hunt every so often!¡±


    ¡°the immortal capital will issue ten thousand qualifying-tokens, causing hundreds of millions of cultivators across the fifth star ring to fight for them.¡±


    ¡°the process is extremely brutal, and the slaughter is shocking.¡±


    ¡°because, possessing one of these ten thousand qualifying-tokens only grants eligibility. the final number of ascendants allowed by the immortal city will depend on rankings. at most, around a thousand may be admitted, but sometimes only the top hundred are accepted!¡±


    ¡°senior, the token in your hand is an immortal capital qualifying-token!¡±

 Chapter 1564 - 1564

    1564


    karma outside ¡°this qualifying token, as far as i know, was obtained by ruler lingdu after selling several incredibly powerful treasures and leveraging a significant amount of personal connections to trade for it from others.¡±


    ¡°his goal should be to give it to others as a gift¡­ so, he only kept it and didn¡¯t activate it.¡±


    ¡°otherwise, if he had died, his ghost mark would have appeared on the token.¡±


    the young man spoke carefully, divulging everything he knew without the slightest concealment. he completely repressed all his resentment and thoughts of betrayal.


    he knew that such an existence would easily sense even the slightest trace of ill will, potentially leading to his utter ruin.


    hence, he was extremely cautious.


    xu qing listened to the youth¡¯s words and pondered as he looked at the token in front of him.


    there was indeed no ghost mark on it.


    xu qing expressionlessly glanced at the youth and calmly spoke.


    ¡°continue.¡±


    the youth¡¯s heart trembled. he couldn¡¯t tell from xu qing¡¯s expression if the other party was satisfied with his answer. the feeling of death was still intense. hence, he racked his brains and searched through all his memories before speaking again.


    ¡°senior, immortal capital qualifying-token is quite rare compared to the number of cultivators in the entire fifth star ring. some consider themselves fortunate to obtain one, while others view it as an ill omen.¡±


    ¡°if you have enough strength, you can naturally use this opportunity to soar into the sky. however, if your strength isn¡¯t enough, holding this qualifying-token¡­ is equivalent to taking half a step onto the path of death.¡±


    ¡°because possessing a token not only means facing the greed of those without one but also the predatory intentions of other token holders.¡±


    ¡°after all, the criteria for entry into the immortal capital are only revealed at the end, so unless one can rank in the top hundred¡­ otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t feel secure.¡±


    ¡°therefore, the slaughter and plunder are naturally intense, and the ranking is determined by the number of tokens acquired.¡±


    ¡°by killing a token holder, one can obtain their token and all the marks on it.¡±


    at this point, the youth paused. he had basically told xu qing everything he knew about the immortal capital qualifying-token.


    ¡°is this the only way to enter the immortal capital?¡±


    when the youth heard this, he hurriedly responded respectfully.


    ¡°there¡¯s another way.¡±


    ¡°when those outside of the imperial capital cultivate to the level of a great emperor, they are not allowed to participate in the hunt. they will be granted a temporary entry quota, and if they can break through to become a summer immortal within five hundred years, they will be granted permanent residence in the imperial capital.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°in that case, in all the areas outside the fifth star ring¡¯s immortal capital, the highest cultivation is the great emperor?¡±


    the youth shook his head.


    ¡°that¡¯s not the case. my fifth star ring has countless sects and clans, and there¡¯s no lack of lower immortals among them. not all of these lower immortals, after ascending to the immortal capital, choose to reside there permanently.¡±


    ¡°many people from the immortal capital will be arranged to patrol the sky.¡±


    ¡°these lower immortals, other than some lone wolves, are mostly the ancestors of the various large sects and clans.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. he now had a better understanding of the fifth star ring.


    although he had long known how powerful the cultivators of the fifth star ring were, his heart was still stirred. after a long time, he analyzed the youth¡¯s words and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°in other words, the killing and fighting between those holding the qualifying-tokens¡­ doesn¡¯t allow the interference of the great emperors and lower immortals?¡±


    when the youth heard xu qing¡¯s words, he hurriedly nodded.


    ¡°according to the rules, they can¡¯t help directly. however, i heard that the immortal capital allows indirect help to a certain extent. as for the details, it is not something i can know.¡±


    the youth replied nervously.


    xu qing pondered for a while before his gaze landed on the youth.


    the youth¡¯s body trembled and a bad feeling erupted in his heart. he was about to beg for mercy.


    xu qing had already grabbed the youth.


    he pressed his palm on the other party¡¯s head and began to soul search to verify the authenticity of his words.


    the youth was extremely nervous and his breathing was hurried. he knew that his life or death would be decided now.


    in order not to be injured by the soul search, he endured his fear and tried his best to not struggle, allowing xu qing to check his memories.


    a while later, xu qing fell into deep thought.


    because the difference in their cultivation levels was huge and the other party didn¡¯t struggle at all, the process of soul searching was extremely smooth and did not cause much damage.


    after completing the soul search, xu qing thought for a moment and decided not to kill the man. instead, he sealed his soul, cutting off all senses, and then placed him inside a storage bag.


    for xu qing, this person was still somewhat useful. moreover, his answer the entire time was quite honest which showed that he was a smart person.


    ¡°when i leave the fifth star ring, i¡¯ll give you your freedom back, but during this time¡­ you will be my guide.¡±


    xu qing transmitted his divine sense and ended the conversation. his gaze then landed on the token in front of him.


    after pondering for a while, he didn¡¯t choose to activate the token immediately. instead, he kept it and decided he would consider whether to participate in the competition for the immortal capital after he left.


    ¡°then, let¡¯s leave this place first.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly. after that, his divine sense swept over and landed on the shattered small bubble worlds in the spirit mine.


    about seventy percent of the small bubble worlds here had collapsed. hence, the spiritual energy inside spread out and filled this place. it was extremely dense and looked like fog.


    all of it was being absorbed by the vortex on the dome.


    however, because most of the minor worlds had collapsed, this absorption became a one-time thing. the spiritual energy couldn¡¯t be extracted endlessly like before.


    after the minor worlds collapsed, the living beings inside no longer had their vitality absorbed. hence, to a certain extent, they could be considered to have gained freedom.


    however, most of these living beings were at a loss now. they were still in a state of panic and adaptation. moreover, due to their cultivation levels, it was difficult for them to fly out under the pressure from the inside and outside.


    they didn¡¯t know about the world beyond their skies.


    however, this wouldn¡¯t last long. after some time, there would be heaven¡¯s chosens in the minor worlds who would attempt to rush out of their worlds and come outside to see the true sky.


    xu qing didn¡¯t interfere in this matter.


    ¡°there¡¯s no karma between us. that¡¯s their fate.¡±


    at the same time, as his divine sense swept over, xu qing once again confirmed his judgment that this was a god prison. this was because in every small bubble world, there was a god sealed and suppressed.


    some were already dead, and some were on the verge of death. moreover, they had all lost their intelligence.


    however, it was obvious that the quality of this god prison, or rather, these spiritual mines, wasn¡¯t high.


    this was because the gods suppressed by the seals here were all at the divine fire realm.


    xu qing didn¡¯t sense the existence of the divine platform.


    ¡°however, before i leave, instead of letting the vortex absorb the spiritual energy, why don¡¯t i absorb it?¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth, inhaling hard.


    immediately, the dense spiritual energy here churned and surged toward xu qing. he absorbed it through his mouth and his entire body absorbed it. while nourishing his body, it also nourished his seven extremities dao.


    however, the vortex on the dome that sealed this place was also absorbing it.


    xu qing raised his head and took a look. after some thought, he didn¡¯t destroy it.


    after all, the fear contained in the gaze of the middle-aged ruler when he looked at the vortex before he died was still fresh in xu qing¡¯s memories.


    ¡°he was worried that the collapse of these spirit mines would affect the absorption of the vortex. in that case, the source of this vortex¡­¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. after some thought, he sat down cross-legged and circulated the five elements in his body. time and space also erupted, forming an even greater suction force.


    immediately, the spiritual energy here split into two. one portion gushed into the vortex and the other portion was pulled away, gushing into xu qing¡¯s body.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    as the spiritual energy in the spirit mines gradually decreased and xu qing¡¯s cultivation base slowly rose, the spiritual energy absorbed by the vortex on the dome that sealed this place also became thinner and thinner.


    its influence also began to appear in a certain place in the fifth star ring.


    in that world, lightning filled the sky and the ground was crimson. two figures were fighting intensely in the air.


    these two figures were both youths. one had red hair and the other had white hair. both of them had killing intent in their eyes. every strike they made contained great dao and authority.


    the red-haired youth had dozens of vortex tattoos on his body. every vortex tattoo emitted dense spiritual energy, providing him with endless enhancement to his cultivation.


    10:54


    however, at that moment, one of the vortex tattoos suddenly dimmed and the spiritual energy it provided was extremely low.


    if it was any other time, he wouldn¡¯t care if a spirit mine vortex was exhausted.


    however, now that he was in a life-and-death battle, as heaven¡¯s chosen, he had to do his best to deal with the other party. once he killed the other party, the number of his token marks would skyrocket.


    hence, he couldn¡¯t afford to lose.


    however, an accident happened.


    ¡°damn it, what happened to that spirit mine? at such a critical moment¡­¡±


    the red-haired youth¡¯s expression turned gloomy.


    however, he was in the midst of a fight and had no time to check. he could only suppress this matter and use his forbidden arts to fight with all his might.


    at the same time, outside the spirit mine, in the dim sky, a black boat with a white flag was swiftly approaching.


    its speed was astonishing.


    there were eight to nine figures on the boat. all of them had relaxed expressions as they chatted and laughed.


    the totem on their boat was distinctive, taking the shape of a circle, as if it had a specific meaning.


    at that moment, as the flag fluttered, the sounds of laughter drifted in the wind.


    ¡°in front is the clan¡¯s spirit mine guarded by senior ling du. when we get there, we can take a good rest.¡±


    ¡°on this mission, we¡¯ve gathered satisfactory results and uncovered critical information¡ªenough to report back to the clan. now, i plan to visit a minor world in the spirit mine for some fun. this journey has been exhausting, and i need a break.¡±


    at the mention of going to the minor world for fun, everyone on the boat laughed. all of them revealed looks of anticipation.


    for elites like them, the minor worlds in the spirit mine were a place of relaxation where they could have fun as they pleased.


    as they chatted and laughed, a huge dorm seal appeared before them. that was their destination.


    ¡°we¡¯re here.¡±


    the boat stopped in mid-air and headed straight for the spirit mine.

 Chapter 1565 - Chapter 1565: Boundless Sea and Sky

    chapter 1565: boundless sea and sky


    editor: atlas studios


    the sounds of laughter spread with the wind.


    the black boat moved rapidly.


    it quickly approached the spirit mine on the ground.


    from afar, this spirit mine looked like a huge pit with a range of 500 kilometers.


    around the deep pit, there was a barrier that shone with black light, sealing this place.


    as for the surroundings of the spirit mine, they could only see the wilderness and few signs of living beings.


    as the black boat got closer, among the eight to nine cultivators on the boat, a handsome youth coughed lightly.


    he was clearly the leader of everyone on this boat in terms of status. hence, everyone immediately looked over.


    after gathering everyone¡¯s attention, the youth calmly spoke.


    ¡°let¡¯s take some time to relax. this mission was tough on everyone. who would have thought those remnants were hiding among the common folk? but we managed to find traces of them, so we¡¯ve successfully completed the family¡¯s task.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s just that i have some regrets. in order to find their tracks, we had no choice but to destroy several mortal cities. this matter can be seen as small, or it could be seen as something much bigger¡­¡±


    the youth sighed.


    when the surrounding cultivators heard this, they immediately spoke.


    ¡°brother haishan, you have a kind heart.¡±


    ¡°those innocent mortals¡¯ deaths are ultimately the fault of those heretical remnants. the killing wasn¡¯t our intention, and even the clan will understand this.¡±


    ¡°indeed. hunting down the heretical remnants has long been the decree of the immortal capital. we can all testify that we were just carrying out our duty. the responsibility doesn¡¯t lie with us.¡±


    the youth nodded to express his regret. his gaze swept over and he looked at a beautiful woman beside him with a faint smile.


    ¡°let¡¯s not talk about this. among the thirty-five spirit mines of the clan, this place is the most peaceful. to be honest, it¡¯s my first time here, but now that we¡¯re here, we¡¯ve entered junior sister ling¡¯s territory.¡±


    when the others beside him heard this, they also smiled and nodded before speaking.


    ¡°indeed. the guardian of this spirit mine, elder lingdu, is one of the family¡¯s revered figures and also the ancestor of junior sister ling¡¯s lineage. when we meet elder lingdu later, i hope junior sister ling can put in a good word for us so that he might offer us some guidance.¡±


    ¡°though he¡¯s an honorary elder from an outside family, with elder lingdu¡¯s cultivation, even a slight piece of advice from him would be immensely beneficial to us.¡±


    amidst the waves of laughter, the woman who was being looked at smiled slightly.


    ¡°brother haishan, you¡¯re exaggerating. i¡¯m merely benefiting from the protection of my ancestor. how could i possibly compare to any of you?¡±


    ¡°the ancestor could be the guardian of this place thanks to the opportunity provided by your esteemed clan.¡±


    ¡°however, since brother haishan has spoken, when i see the ancestor later, i¡¯ll definitely beg him to give everyone more spots to enter the minor worlds to absorb spiritual energy.¡±


    ¡°1 hope that my esteemed senior brothers can relax and enjoy yourselves here.¡± the woman spoke softly. although her tone was humble, she quite enjoyed the words of these cultivators.


    just like that, as they chatted and laughed, the boat they were on arrived outside the spirit mine.


    as everyone flew out one by one, the woman surnamed ling stood behind the youth named haishan. she was the first to walk out and used a jade slip to transmit her voice to the ancestor.


    the others had relaxed expressions and were looking forward to the relaxation as they waited for the spirit mine¡¯s forbidden formation to be opened.


    however, as time passed, the formation of the spirit mine showed no signs of being activated. that woman surnamed ling also frowned slightly.


    there was also no reply to her voice transmission to the ancestor.


    ¡°strange¡­¡±


    the woman surnamed ling thought about it and looked at the people accompanying her.


    ¡°the ancestor should be cultivating. brother haishan, you¡¯re a direct descendant of the clan, so you should have the right to activate the spirit mine¡¯s formation. why don¡¯t you open it?¡±


    the youth in the lead glanced at the formation in front of him.


    with the obstruction of the formation¡¯s light, he couldn¡¯t see the situation inside.


    he thought about it and shook his head.


    ¡°although i have the authority, this place is still guarded by senior ling after all. it¡¯s not polite to enter without permission.¡±


    ¡°since senior ling is cultivating, we¡¯ll wait a while.¡±


    when the others heard this, they nodded in agreement.


    the woman surnamed ling nodded and continued to transmit her voice and even tried to transmit her voice to the ancestor¡¯s servant, but there was no response.


    this was the first time she had encountered such a situation. gradually, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a little flustered and worried that an accident had happened. however, when she thought of the ancestor¡¯s cultivation and personality, she felt that the possibility of an accident happening was minimal. these people didn¡¯t notice that at that moment, through the array formation, a cold gaze was sweeping over.


    it swept past them.


    ¡°three are at the fourth stage of nihility, four are at the soul accumulation two worlds, one has three worlds, and the strongest has four worlds.¡±


    in the spirit mine, xu qing, who was absorbing the spiritual energy here, slowly opened his eyes. after looking outside, he mumbled.


    it would be easy for him to kill these people.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t want to kill if there was no need. after all, if he killed too many, it would ultimately cause some trouble in the future.


    by not killing these individuals, although they might report the anomaly here, the anomaly would likely be dismissed as merely the sealing of the spirit mine. since they wouldn¡¯t know the specifics, even if their clan sent someone to investigate, it wouldn¡¯t be immediate; it would most likely take some time.


    however, if he killed these people, due to bloodline and other spells, their clan would probably discover what happened in the spirit mine.


    as such, before the other party looked for death, xu qing wouldn¡¯t attack. instead, he continued to absorb the spiritual energy.


    the spiritual energy here was very thin now. xu qing estimated that he would be able to finish absorbing it in about two hours.


    although absorbing spiritual energy could help his cultivation increase to a certain extent, xu qing¡¯s main focus was to use the spiritual energy here to enhance his seven extremities dao.


    among them, he mainly focused on space and time.


    in xu qing¡¯s judgment, he hadn¡¯t developed enough of these two extremities.


    therefore, his main focus was to try to comprehend the vortex passage while absorbing the spiritual energy.


    he had already done this in the small bubble world. now, he borrowed the spiritual energy to continue to comprehend.


    during this time, he also absorbed the liaoxuan holy liquid.


    this would allow his comprehension to be smoother.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    often, even though xu qing didn¡¯t want to create complications, the winds of change would come on their own.


    an hour later, outside the array formation, doubts gradually rose in haishan¡¯s mind. he then spoke to the woman surnamed ling.


    ¡°junior sister ling, even if senior ling is immersed in cultivating, he should have a servant by his side. have you contacted the servant?¡±


    the uneasiness in the woman¡¯s heart was now even more intense than before. she nodded.


    ¡°i did, but¡­ there was also no response.¡±


    when the others heard this, their expressions also changed. all of them instinctively looked at haishan.


    haishan narrowed his eyes and slowly spoke.


    ¡°since senior lingdu is cultivating, it¡¯s not good for us to continue disturbing him. we will leave for now.¡±


    with that, he flew back to the black boat.


    the others hesitated but they also flew over one by one. however, the uneasiness in the heart of the woman surnamed ling deepened. she opened her mouth and wanted to say something but after seeing haishan¡¯s serious expression, she didn¡¯t dare to speak.


    just like that, everyone boarded the boat and quickly left.


    after flying to a certain range, the boat stopped. haishan narrowed his eyes and turned his head to look at the spirit mine in the distance while pondering.


    ¡®the ling family ancestor and his servant haven¡¯t sent any word. either they¡¯re truly engaged in cultivation or other matters, or perhaps they¡¯ve gone out. but if they had gone out, it shouldn¡¯t prevent them from sending a message. so, it¡¯s possible that due to some reason, they¡¯re unable to divert their attention.¡¯


    ¡®of course, there¡¯s another possibility and that is that an accident has happened.¡¯


    ¡®however, the formation¡¯s seal is still intact and there are no signs of it shattering. this means that even if an accident happened, it hasn¡¯t spread out.¡¯ ¡®moreover, we were so close just now and stayed for an hour but we weren¡¯t attacked. there was also no obstruction when we left¡­¡¯


    ¡®all of this¡­¡¯


    after some thought, haishan suddenly spoke to the woman surnamed ling.


    ¡°junior sister ling, does your ancestor have any enemies? when was the last time you two contacted each other?¡±


    when the woman surnamed ling heard this, she hurriedly replied.


    ¡°the ancestor does things with caution and stability as priority. he has basically dealt with all his enemies, and he has almost never gone out ever since he was stationed here.¡±


    ¡°the last time we contacted each other was a few days ago. after we completed the mission, i contacted the ancestor to tell him that we were going to visit him.¡±


    haishan pondered thoughtfully, realizing that the probability of something going wrong was low. even if an issue did arise, it would likely be in the initial stages. such a problem, which could distract senior lingdu, would certainly be at the level of a ruler.


    however¡­ this represented merit!


    ¡®if i report the abnormality here and it turns out everything is normal here, the clan will definitely be dissatisfied with me.¡¯


    ¡®so¡­¡¯


    after a moment of silence, haishan thought to himself, ¡®i¡¯m only taking a rough look from afar. it should be fine.¡¯


    at the thought of this, he stood on the boat and suddenly took out a jade slip. he squeezed it fiercely and used the authority as a direct descendant to lock onto the spirit mine array in the distance. a blood-red light flashed in his eyes as he looked over.


    with this glance, as his authority locked onto the spirit mine, the blurry scene inside the formation immediately became a little clearer in his eyes.


    after seeing the scene inside through the array formation, his expression changed drastically.


    he saw ruins everywhere and a pair of eyes that were as cold as death!


    with just a glance, his entire body trembled and he spat out a mouthful of blood. his cultivation base also shook.


    ¡°leave!¡±


    without any hesitation, haishan crazily activated the boat and left. at the same time, he tried to take out his family¡¯s jade slip and report for help.


    the others didn¡¯t know the details but seeing haishan like this, their expressions changed drastically.


    however¡­ before haishan could take out the jade slip, a cold voice echoed through the sky.


    ¡°you shouldn¡¯t have looked.¡±


    as the voice rang out, in the eyes of haishan and the others, the sky was replaced by a large hand. the surrounding space became gridded and the flow of time seemed to be lengthened.


    finally, it was pitch-black.


    the large hand clenched fiercely.


    their bodies and souls were destroyed, and even the black magic boat turned to dust.


    the surroundings instantly fell silent.


    a while later, waves appeared in the array formation of the spirit mine. xu qing, who had ended his absorption of spiritual energy, appeared and walked out.


    he looked at the sky.


    ¡°the fifth star ring¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    he disappeared from the spot..

 Chapter 1566 - Chapter 1566: The Fifth Star Ring

    chapter 1566: the fifth star ring


    editor: atlas studios


    a red aurora, like a long river, flowed across the sky, covering a vast expanse.


    the light, in constant motion, did not disperse evenly, casting a flickering glow on the muddy ground below.


    not only was the spirit mine filled with mud, but even the world outside the deep pit of the mine was dominated by the same muddy terrain.


    xu qing had some understanding of this from the memories of the ruler¡¯s servant.


    this place was the southern part of the fifth star ring and was in a remote outer area.


    a long time ago, there was an ocean here.


    that was the primordial sea of the fifth star ring.


    under the power of the venerable immortal, the starry sky of the fifth star ring was flattened, along with the primordial sea where countless gods lived.


    hence, this place became a place where cultivators could stay.


    it was just a little more barren.


    however, there were no anomalous substances.


    in the entire fifth star ring, all the gods were suppressed. to a certain extent, it could be said that the gods were forbidden from moving here.


    hence, the anomalous substances formed by the god¡¯s aura that were harmful to cultivators naturally wouldn¡¯t exist. instead, under the process of refining the gods, it was transformed into vitality, turning into spiritual energy that could be absorbed by cultivators.


    as he walked through this world, xu qing felt this transformation intensely.


    the hairs on his body stood on end as his body instinctively absorbed the spiritual energy of the heavens and earth, much like parched land welcoming spring rain.


    as for the spiritual energy, it was endless. although it wasn¡¯t as dense as in the spirit mine, it was still dense.


    ¡°such an environment doesn¡¯t exist in wanggu.¡±


    xu qing mumbled. under the instinctive absorption of spiritual energy, his divine sense spread out as well. while sensing the world, he also sensed the rules and laws here.


    this was an ability unique to soul accumulation cultivators.


    through the rules and laws here, he could indirectly sense this world.


    in his divine sense, translucent threads appeared in the world. these threads connected to all things, and each of them was a law.


    when one¡¯s cultivation reached a certain level, they could use and control it.


    under xu qing¡¯s divine sense, what he focused on was the source of these rules and laws¡­


    shortly after, a look of contemplation appeared on xu qing¡¯s face. at the same time, the sense of vigilance rose in his heart.


    this was because during the process of sensing the world, he could clearly sense numerous majestic wills at the source of the rules and laws in this vast world.


    ¡°the sources of many rules and laws have been occupied.¡±


    xu qing retracted his divine sense and looked at the sky.


    he didn¡¯t directly probe those powerful wills. instead, he indirectly used the laws and rules to sense them.


    doing this wasn¡¯t offensive.


    ¡°the rules and laws of this world seem orderly but there¡¯s an inexplicable chaos under them¡­¡±


    xu qing silently looked around.


    through the feedback of the world¡¯s rules and laws, he sensed blood and slaughter.


    ¡°looks like not only is this place a place where the strong prey on the weak, but the intensity is probably even more dramatic.¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    his feeling was verified a day later.


    it was a massacre.


    on one side was a majestic caravan in the sky.


    the group consisted of thousands of people, using giant beasts resembling rhinoceroses as their means of transportation. these beasts carried goods that were unknown to xu qing, but clearly could not be stored in a spatial storage device, as they were being transported through the sky.


    based on the surrounding aura, it was evident that both inside and outside the caravan, there were powerful beings providing protection and escorting the convoy.


    such a strength was clearly extraordinary. in xu qing¡¯s opinion, very few people would provoke them.


    however, a massacre still occurred.


    as the ground suddenly rumbled, tens of thousands of people rushed out like bandits and attacked the caravan.


    it was extremely tragic and death tolls increased rapidly. the heart-rending cries of the cultivators and the roars of the beasts echoed endlessly.


    the smell of blood permeated the surroundings.


    in this massacre, divine creatures that were enslaved were mobilized.


    what was even more astonishing was that in the end, the merchant group actually used a god.


    it was a huge eye that was bound like a slave.


    there were originally many tentacles in this eye, but now, most of them were broken and there were seals in the eye.


    this was a divine fire realm god.


    it seemed to have become a trump card and was like a tool in this massacre.


    as for the final outcome of this battle, xu qing didn¡¯t know.


    he had been watching from far away. when he sensed that both sides sent divine senses toward him, xu qing chose to leave.


    this massacre had nothing to do with him. he naturally didn¡¯t plan to be implicated.


    as for his departure, it didn¡¯t go smoothly at the start. the two powerful divine senses approached with a certain degree of hostility. however, the instant they got close to xu qing, a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes and he ruthlessly spread out his divine sense.


    sometimes, if one wanted to avoid trouble, they couldn¡¯t be too low-key.


    letting others know that he wasn¡¯t someone to be trifled with was the best way to avoid trouble.


    whether it was here or wanggu, it was the same.


    at the next instant, the divine senses came into contact.


    lightning flashed and colorful rules and laws appeared. amidst the rumbling sounds, even the space fluctuated intensely.


    the wind, snow, and heavy rain fell at the same time.


    after that¡­ the two divine senses retracted. clearly, they were afraid and no longer stopped him.


    xu qing was expressionless as he walked far away.


    xu qing had seen such things three times in the following days.


    these repeated killings allowed xu qing to have a better understanding of the blood and killings in this world.


    ¡°is it like raising gu?¡±


    ¡°using the entire fifth star ring as the stage, to cultivate warriors who emerge from seas of blood and mountains of corpses.¡±


    xu qing mumbled and lowered his head to look below.


    at that moment, there was a canyon on the ground.


    in the canyon, it was obvious that a massacre had just ended.


    corpses were everywhere and the dense aura of death dispersed the spiritual energy.


    among the corpses, there was a small hill of flesh. on it sat a black-robed youth.


    his expression was cold as he absorbed the aura of death here.


    at the next instant, he opened his eyes and raised his head to look at xu qing.


    ¡°this is my spirit field.¡±


    after announcing the ownership of this place, the eyes of the black-robed youth suddenly flashed. the next instant, a figure that was also hiding outside the valley was forced out.


    this was a young girl with a coquettish appearance. she was about to speak but it was too late.


    a flying sword rushed out from the head of the black-robed youth. it carried a cold light and sharpness as it headed straight for the girl.


    in just an instant, it pierced through her forehead.


    the young girl¡¯s corpse fell to the ground and the flying sword returned, shining with blood light in front of the black-robed youth. at the same time, the tip of the sword pointed at the sky, locking onto xu qing.


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. he naturally sensed the young girl earlier. after sensing the black-robed youth¡¯s hostility, xu qing didn¡¯t say anything and retreated.


    seeing that xu qing had left, the black-robed youth continued to look at the sky, not daring to relax at all.


    after a long time, after confirming that the mysterious expert had really left, the youth heaved a sigh of relief.


    ¡°that person¡­ gives me an extremely dangerous feeling.¡±


    at the same time, in the sky, xu qing was also recalling the biack-robed youth¡¯s sword strike earlier.


    ¡°although he hasn¡¯t reached the ruler realm and is also at the soul accumulation realm, he has authority and it is related to death.¡±


    ¡°also, his body doesn¡¯t look like that of a living person.¡±


    there was no enmity between them, so after a brief contemplation, what lingered in xu qing¡¯s heart was a deeper understanding of the cultivators of the fifth star ring.


    ¡°there are very few weaklings in this world.¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    ¡°what 1 saw on the way was indeed as described in the memories of the ruler¡¯s servant. there seem to be rules in the fifth star ring but in reality, the rules are called the immortal capital. it is high and mighty.¡±


    ¡°as long as one doesn¡¯t challenge it, beneath the surface of these rules, there is actually an undercurrent of danger and chaos.¡±


    ¡°additionally, that ruler¡¯s servant only has a general understanding of matters due to his low cultivation. for more detailed information about this fifth star ring, such as the complete map of the region and the various forces at play, 1 can¡¯t simply rely on his memories.¡±


    xu qing had a cautious personality. he naturally knew that he couldn¡¯t completely believe in soul search.


    if he trusted the results of the soul search too much, and if the other party had wrong information, he would pay the price of the mistake if he didn¡¯t verify the information.


    ¡°therefore, i still have to follow my original plan and find a city to verify it.¡±


    xu qing moved toward the location in the memories of the ruler¡¯s servant.


    at the same time, in the core of the southern part where xu qing was.


    this place was known as the great immortal mountain by the cultivators in the southern part of the fifth star ring.


    it was called a mountain, but in reality, it was an endless mountain range, with peaks rising and falling, and towering summits standing tall. the sheer number of these peaks was likely in the hundreds of thousands.


    the area was perpetually shrouded in white mist, within which the faint silhouettes of immortals could occasionally be seen. on rare occasions, when the wind howled and the mist thinned slightly, glimpses of luxurious palaces with intricate jade carvings and ornate railings would emerge, barely visible through the haze.


    it gave off the feeling of a fairyland.


    as for the immortal aura, it surpassed the other areas in the south and was the leader of the entire southern part of the fifth star ring.


    at that moment, in the middle of the great immortal mountain range surrounded by countless mountain peaks¡­


    there was a silver palace there.


    this grand palace was surrounded by steps on all four sides, numbering in the tens of thousands, giving the entire structure a majestic and elevated appearance, akin to a sacred altar.


    the palace itself was vast, constructed primarily from sixteen thousand immortal blue sandalwood, with a roof tiled in golden spiritual glaze. tall dragon-entwined osmanthus trees stood on either side, and intricately carved railings of immortal jade adorned the platform, their exquisite details beyond description.


    the plaza below was paved with jade stones, and a hundred and sixty statues, each glowing with radiant light, stood in two rows, exuding an aura of grandeur.


    at this moment, within the palace steeped in millennia of history, a silver-robed elder sat upon a sacred throne.


    though he appeared ordinary, an occasional flash of sharpness in his eyes hinted at a commanding presence that seemed to look down upon the world.


    below the throne, the atmosphere was one of harmony and celebration.


    sleeves fluttered as dancers performed, bells and chimes rang out, and music filled the air


    the incense burning on the platform sent tendrils of smoke curling through the hall, adding an air of mystery and reverence. as the scene unfolded, someone entered from outside the hall.


    the newcomer was a middle-aged man dressed in a robe adorned with cloud patterns. as he walked, the patterns seemed to shift like rolling clouds, reflecting his extraordinary presence. he moved through the dancers and the mist, making his way to the foot of the throne.


    the middle-aged man bowed respectfully.


    ¡°i pay respects to the immortal.¡±


    ¡°the immortal capital¡¯s hunt has started. i wonder how many disciples from our great immortal mountain should be sent out for this trial?¡±


    the middle-aged man¡¯s voice echoed through the grand hall. after a brief pause, the elder on the throne, shrouded in mist and only faintly visible, seemed to nod slightly.


    ¡°thirty percent should be sufficient. let¡¯s hope we find some promising talents.¡±


    ¡°also, you all have to remember not to make the same mistake as last time and break the rule that great emperors can¡¯t directly interfere.¡±


    ¡°immortal capital wants heaven¡¯s chosens who killed their way up fairly, not flowers.¡±


    his voice was calm but his words contained a hint of warning.


    the middle-aged man named lan yun respectfully agreed.


    the old man swept his gaze across the middle-aged man below and calmly spoke.


    ¡°lan yun, there¡¯s no need for such formalities between us.¡±


    lan yun shook his head.


    ¡°immortal is supreme; decorum must not be neglected.¡±


    with that, he took his leave.


    the old man didn¡¯t say anything else.


    the singing and dancing continued.


    as the incense smoke spiraled from the platform, it wound its way through the hall, shrouding the vividly painted murals on the walls in a veil of mist. the once vibrant and lifelike images became hazy and indistinct.


    coupled with the light emitted by the eight-sided palace lantern hanging in the center of the hall, the entire chamber was enveloped, growing increasingly mysterious..

 Chapter 1567 - Chapter 1567: Ferryman

    chapter 1567: ferryman


    editor: atlas studios


    the time in the fifth star ring was measured by the formation of small vortices within the red auroras flowing across the sky.


    when the number of these auroral vortices reached one thousand, it marked the completion of a year in the fifth star ring.


    afterward, all the vortices would dissipate, becoming streams of light, signaling the beginning of a new year.


    at present, the 753rd vortex was forming within the red aurora.


    in the air, xu qing raised his head, gazing at the scene from afar.


    this marked the thirtieth vortex day since he had begun his journey at full speed.


    with his current speed, had he been in wanggu, this amount of time would have been sufficient for him to fly from the imperial capital¡¯s region back to fenghai county.


    however, here, he was still at the southern edge of the fifth star ring.


    the ground was still a swamp.


    the fifth star ring was truly too vast.


    however, i have finally arrived at my destination.


    xu qing retracted his gaze and looked at the ground.


    far away from the swamp stood a vast and majestic city.


    this city was completely black. under the aurora, it looked like a sleeping behemoth.


    it looked a little dim and the end couldn¡¯t be seen with the naked eye.


    the range was so large that in xu qing¡¯s perception, it was comparable to an entire province.


    in the memories of the ruler¡¯s servant, this city¡­ was actually just an ordinary small city in the south of the fifth star ring.


    there were many cities like this in the south, and many were even more majestic than it.


    for example, his clan¡¯s city was much larger than this.


    as for the other large cities, due to his status and cultivation, the ruler¡¯s servant had never seen them before.


    he had actually spent his entire life in this remote place in the south.


    as for his owner, which was the clan that the ruler was from, xu qing gained a better understanding of it through soul searching and his observation of the outside world.


    this clan, though it controlled a significant territory in the southern outer region, and despite their ancestor having reached the level of a quasi-immortal great emperor, was not considered a dominant power in the area.


    there were also some similar clans in the southern periphery.


    it seems my previous judgment had some discrepancies.


    xu qing looked at the city in front of him as he pondered.


    in the beginning, because he didn¡¯t know much about spirit mines, after seeing that the guardian was actually a ruler, he thought that the strongest person in the other party¡¯s clan was probably the legendary summer immortal.


    this made him extremely vigilant.


    however, it was obvious that the summer immortal, no matter where it was, was not a common level.


    however, i have to be careful. there are too many experts in the fifth star ring.¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath and headed straight for the city ahead.


    he changed his figure and aura to hide his cultivation and transformed into the servant of that ruler. moreover, he used his identity token to step into the city. the process was naturally smooth.


    he didn¡¯t encounter any obstacles.


    soon, xu qing¡¯s figure appeared in this huge city.


    there were countless people in the surroundings and almost all of them were cultivators.


    there were a lot of shops.


    the sound of clamor continued to echo around him.


    even with xu qing¡¯s experience, he was still in a daze when he saw so many cultivators after entering the city.


    he had never seen such a scene even in the human race¡¯s imperial city in the wanggu continent.


    there were really too many cultivators here.


    the feeling of unfamiliarity also unknowingly surfaced in xu qing¡¯s heart.


    human nature was such that not only did emptiness make one feel unfamiliar, but also a vast crowd without any familiar faces could create a profound sense of estrangement.


    however, xu qing had been to too many places since he was young. hence, his thoughts calmed down soon after. he walked forward and slowly blended into the crowd.


    while walking, he also observed the passersby in the surroundings.


    he sought out the differences between himself and them in terms of speech and behavior, and made adjustments accordingly.


    thus, after half a vortex day had passed, it was difficult to distinguish xu qing from the local cultivators in terms of accent or demeanor.


    through the discussions of the surrounding cultivators, xu qing gained a better understanding of this fifth star ring and this city.


    although this information was all fragments, at least it was enough to find the shops he needed.


    right now, xu qing was standing outside a shop.


    the shop had a three-story pavilion design, with an opulent and grand exterior. many cultivators came and went.


    inside, rows of shelves displayed various magic treasures, each sealed and not easily accessible, but accompanied by jade slips describing their effects.


    the items sold here were magic treasures.


    as he walked on the first level, xu qing¡¯s gaze landed on those magic treasures.


    after staring at it for a moment, he sighed with emotion.


    in wanggu, magic treasures were rare. they were often the supreme treasures of a sect.


    for example, the seven blood eyes¡¯ blood-red eye treasure.


    it was even rarer for it to be circulated outside. moreover, even a magic treasure fragment was treated as a precious item.


    the most commonly available items were only magic artifacts.


    however, here, magic treasures were everywhere.


    the shattering of the magic treasures in the wanggu was mainly due to the gods.¡±


    xu qing pondered.


    if the fragmented-face didn¡¯t appear, the difference between wanggu and this place wouldn¡¯t be so great.¡±


    there¡¯s another important reason why wanggu¡¯s development isn¡¯t as good as here¡­¡±


    that is, there is no path above the summer immortal in wanggu.


    here, it¡¯s obvious that the fifth star ring found the path above the summer immortal a long time ago. that¡¯s why it¡¯s so prosperous now.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze swept over and didn¡¯t stay for too long. although magic treasures were good, at his current level, he no longer needed them.


    hence, soon, xu qing walked toward the second floor.


    there, he found what he needed.


    it was a map of the fifth star ring.


    there¡¯s a huge difference in the value of items like maps. the more detailed they are, the more expensive they are.¡±


    on the second floor, there was a maidservant. after noticing that xu qing had stopped beside a jade slip containing the map of the fifth star ring, she quickly walked over and smiled.


    senior, the map in front of you is very detailed regarding the southern area. however, i have to remind you that we only sell copies of the maps. moreover, there are restrictions that forbid you from copying them again.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he retracted his gaze from the jade slip in front of him and calmly spoke.


    just the south isn¡¯t enough.


    as soon as he finished speaking, the woman¡¯s eyes instantly lit up and she gave a sweet smile.


    there are also more detailed maps. my immortal treasure hall has countless branches in the entire fifth star ring, so we are naturally comprehensive about maps.


    may i know what level of map senior requires?¡±


    xu qing thought about it and looked at the maid beside him as he slowly spoke.


    it should include the entire fifth star ring, as well as information on the various forces and heaven¡¯s chosens. the more comprehensive the better.


    when the woman heard this, she narrowed her eyes and carefully sized up xu qing. she thought to herself that there was a high chance that this person was going to participate in the hunt of the immortal capital. only such a person would buy such a map.


    this was because they wouldn¡¯t only have to face the qualified opponents but also the entire fifth star ring.


    such people were all people who had blood on their hands.


    at the thought of this, the woman¡¯s attitude became more respectful.


    my immortal treasure hall has such a map. however, the price has to be settled by immortal jade. moreover, the quantity¡­¡±


    xu qing waved his hand and a small pile of immortal jade instantly appeared in front of him. after showing them, he put them away and calmly looked at the maidservant.


    the maid immediately spoke.


    senior, please follow me to the third floor.


    xu qing nodded and walked toward the third floor.


    on the third floor, there were even fewer cultivators. moreover, it was divided into cubicles that protected the customers¡¯ privacy.


    after following the woman into a cubicle, the woman bowed and left. not long later, she returned with a tray in her hand.


    there was a white jade slip on it.


    xu qing made a grabbing gesture; the jade slip instantly flew over. after it landed in his hand, he swept it with his divine sense.


    immediately, a huge map appeared in his mind.


    this map contained the north, south, east, and western territories. at the same time, there were also signs of various clans and sects. even some local customs were mentioned.


    moreover, it also introduced heaven¡¯s chosens from all over the world.


    it was extremely detailed.


    however, much of the key information was blurry.


    clearly, there was a restriction and it could only be seen clearly after buying it.


    xu qing was satisfied. after he retracted his divine sense, he didn¡¯t waste any time. he used a vast amount of immortal jade to exchange for the qualifications to make copies.


    after that, under the respectful gaze of the woman, he left the pavilion and walked into the crowd, disappearing from sight.


    in the crowd, xu qing changed his figure and aura multiple times. after confirming that there was no one following him because of this purchase, he transformed into an ordinary cultivator and checked the information on the map as he moved forward.


    the immortal capital is right in the center. it¡¯s sacred and cannot be probed.


    the surrounding areas are divided into four major regions: east, south, west, and north.¡±


    these four major regions can actually be viewed as four large starfields. each of these starfields is further divided into east, south, west, and north. however, because the entire area is within the fifth star ring, people generally refer to them by their star ring classification.¡±


    each of these four large starfields contains numerous sects and clans¡­


    the most orthodox are the four great forces: great immortal mountain in the southern starfield, sword immortal sect in the northern starfield, star ring tower in the eastern starfield, and dao immortal sect in the western starfield.¡±


    these four major forces are considered orthodox because each has a lower immortal ancestor stationed there who is responsible for the duties of patrolling the sky of the immortal capital.¡±


    in the entire fifth star ring, outside the immortal capital, there are a total of sixteen patrolling lower immortals!¡±


    apart from the four in the major forces, the remaining twelve take on the form of stars, moving within the aurora to guard various regions.¡±


    after perceiving the map information in his mind, xu qing had gained a general understanding of the overall layout of the fifth star ring.


    at the same time, he also had a clear understanding of his location.


    ¡°i¡¯m at the edge of the southern starfield of the fifth star ring. it¡¯s extremely close to the western starfield and almost borders it. there¡¯s only a god blood river in the middle¡­¡±


    in the description of this river, there is a legend suggesting that it was formed from the blood of the gods.¡±


    there are dangers and bizarre entities on it. unless one has the cultivation of a great emperor, they can¡¯t cross it.¡±


    hence, this god blood river became a formidable chasm between the western and southern starfields.¡±


    ordinary cultivators can only travel between the two places by boat¡­


    and there is a special profession on this river known as the ferryman¡­ only ferrymen can safely guide people across the god blood river.¡±


    each ferryman is said to come from the immortal capital. they seem to be sinners punished by the immortal capital, sent here to serve as ferrymen.¡±


    and crossing the river requires a fee. this fee isn¡¯t spirit stones or immortal jade but life.¡±


    the fee for crossing the river for the first time is six days of life of the person crossing the river. this is because the time to cross the river also requires six days.¡±


    ¡°as for the second crossing, the fee will skyrocket. it will require sixty years of life.¡±


    there¡¯s no third time.


    because the third time cost the whole lifespan.


    when xu qing saw this, his heart stirred.

 Chapter 1568 - Chapter 1568: Stars Appear in the Blood Sky

    chapter 1568: stars appear in the blood sky


    editor: atlas studios


    the cost of crossing the river is in such a manner¡­


    so expensive, it doesn¡¯t hold much meaning if it is merely for crossing.


    most likely, there¡¯s something else hidden within this.


    xu qing continued to check the information recorded in the map jade slip. soon, he confirmed his judgment.


    this god blood river doesn¡¯t just exist between the south and the west; it also appears at the junctions of the other two starfields.¡±


    moreover, the crossing of the river is completely safe!


    xu qing¡¯s gaze froze.


    as long as one steps onto the ferryman¡¯s boat, during the six-day journey, the ferryman will be responsible for the passenger¡¯s safety, and no external interference will be allowed.¡±


    the strength of the ferrymen is unfathomable. after all, they are all criminals from the immortal capital and were punished to work here.¡±


    xu qing fell silent as he thought of a possibility.


    according to what i know about the hunting trials of the immortal capital, everyone who obtained a qualifying token is like insects raised in a jar, slaughtering and robbing each other. so, this so-called ferrying¡­¡±


    it will give every possessor of the token two times of protection and respite!¡±


    no matter what kind of danger they face, as long as they step into the ferryman¡¯s boat at a critical moment, they will have six days of rest.¡±


    if the enemy is given six days to recuperate and prepare, the final outcome of the battle between experts will become unknown.


    a sharp glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    from this perspective, this opportunity to cross the river was extremely valuable.


    the main point is when to use it. moreover, if i can realize this, most of the other cultivators in the fifth star ring probably realize it as well.¡±


    this hunting trial of the immortal capital is interesting.


    xu qing pondered for a while and analyzed and digested these contents one by one. after confirming that there were no more doubts, he walked through the bustling city and began to check the information on the heaven¡¯s chosens from all over the world recorded in the jade slip.


    there were many heaven¡¯s chosens recorded in it.


    about a hundred of them from each of the four starfields were listed.


    some came from sects and clans, while some were rogue or lone cultivators¡­


    every one of them had extraordinary strength. moreover, those who could be recorded on the map by the immortal treasure hall were naturally famous people.


    therefore, in xu qing¡¯s view, the information about the heaven¡¯s chosens of the fifth star ring contained in this map could, to some extent, be seen as a ranking list.


    among them, eight were highlighted in the map.


    among the hundreds of heaven¡¯s chosens in the entire fifth star ring, they were the brightest stars and were looked up to by countless people.


    the first thing xu qing paid attention to was the southern starfield he was in.


    among the eight stars, two existed in the southern starfield.


    the first was from the orthodox great immortal mountain. he was the disciple of a quasi-immortal great emperor named lan yun.


    it was said that this quasi-immortal lan yun had extremely high seniority. he was the junior brother of the sky patroller of the great immortal mountain.


    it was said that back then, he could have broken through to the lower immortal realm very early but due to some accidents, it was delayed. now, he was only half a step away from breaking through.


    the disciple of such a person was naturally extraordinary.


    his disciple¡¯s name was jiang fan. he had cultivated for less than five hundred years and was already at the early-stage ruler realm. moreover, he had grasped seven authorities and had once killed a peak ruler realm expert at the price of serious injuries.


    that battle happened thirty years ago and shocked the entire southern


    starfield. even the heaven¡¯s chosens from the other starfields heard about this through their respective information sources.


    it was also because of this that jiang fan¡¯s reputation as the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of this generation of the southern starfield was established.


    apart from this person, another one of the eight great stars from the southern starfield did not come from a sect but was a cultivator from the yuanshan clan, which ranked among the top three clans in the southern starfield.


    this person¡¯s name was yuanshan su. she was a female cultivator. because she liked to wear blue clothes, she was known as fairy qingsu?.


    her cultivation was mid-stage ruler realm which was slightly higher than jiang fan¡¯s, but she didn¡¯t grasp as many authorities as jiang fan and only had four.


    even so, she had experience fighting against a peak ruler. although she failed, she still successfully escaped.


    looking at the information about the heaven¡¯s chosens in the south, a sharp glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    an early-stage and a middle-stage¡­


    the former has seven authorities and has killed a peak ruler; the latter has four authorities and has survived a fight with a peak ruler.¡±


    they can indeed be considered peerless.


    as he pondered, xu qing continued to check the information of the great stars of the other three starfields.


    the two great stars in the northern starfield are both from the orthodox sword immortal sect!¡±


    these two are twin brothers, and it¡¯s said that their birth was accompanied by heavenly phenomena related to sword,and possess an innate sword body. they were personally taken as disciples by the current sword immortal sect¡¯s sky patroller!¡±


    they were given the names qianjun and piyi.


    since they began cultivating, they have dominated their generation, gaining endless fame and becoming prominent figures in the northern starfield.¡±


    currently, they both are at the initial stage of the ruler realm, with each possessing four authorities. individually, they can contend with a late-stage ruler, and together, they can challenge a quasi-immortal great emperor!¡±


    because of their astounding battle results, they are listed as two of the eight stars of this generation of the fifth star ring.¡±


    when xu qing saw these, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of yearning. after that, he looked at the introduction of the great stars of the east.


    the heaven¡¯s chosens of the east caused xu qing¡¯s eyes to narrow.


    the eastern starfield was ranked at the top of the four major starfields of the fifth star ring.


    it wasn¡¯t just because three of the eight great stars were in the east but also because the number of heaven¡¯s chosens in the east far surpassed the other three regions.


    among the three stars in the east, one was a rogue cultivator, one came from a clan, and the other came from the orthodox star ring tower.


    among them, that rogue cultivator heaven¡¯s chosen known as xie lingzi rose to prominence through life-and-death battles. using a devouring technique, he slaughtered countless beings and practiced the demonic dao.


    when he was still a young cultivator, he joined a sect but later betrayed it. for over sixty years, he was relentlessly hunted but vanished without a trace.


    several years later, he reappeared, joined another sect, and once again betrayed it, leading to another pursuit with the same outcome: failure to capture him.


    in the following years, similar things happened a total of seven times.


    he had become a disciple seven times and betrayed the sect seven times, and eventually, under endless pursuits, he rose against the odds. at the moment he achieved the rank of a ruler, he slaughtered everyone in the sects he had once joined.


    he had accomplished his dao of slaughter amidst mountains of corpses and seas of blood.


    after that, he fought against another star, who came from a clan in the east, and was evenly matched.


    hence, he was listed among the great stars.


    as for that heaven¡¯s chosen from the clan, he was also extraordinary. he was at the mid-stage ruler realm and had five authorities. he had a battle record of defeating a late-stage ruler realm cultivator.


    his name was zhou zhengli?, and his clan was the number one clan in the east. his reputation matched his name; he was known for his chivalry, benevolence, and was revered by countless cultivators in the east.


    it could be said that he and xie lingzi belonged to the two extremes, so they both wanted to kill each other.


    as for the third person, the star from the star ring tower was the number one heaven¡¯s chosen in the entire eastern starfield.


    this person was given the title of star ring. he was the star ring son of this generation. his cultivation had reached the late-stage ruler realm and he possessed nine great authorities. his strength was unfathomable, and he rarely made a move.


    there was only one public battle where he challenged a quasi-immortal great emperor.


    he won the battle.


    his name spread throughout the world.


    any one of these seven stars could be said to be peerless.


    as for the last one, he was from the western starfield.


    the western starfield was the weakest of the four starfields. not only was there only one star, but the orthodox dao immortal sect in the western region was also in dire straits.


    on one hand, it was because the sky patroller of the west had a transcendent mindset and was not particularly concerned with the development of the sect, resulting in a small number of disciples within the sect, with most of the sect members showing indifference towards this issue.


    on the other hand, the clan forces in the western starfield were more numerous than in the other three starfields. upon noticing the dao immortal sect¡¯s attitude, they chose to compete and encroach upon each other, expanding and growing stronger.


    even the star of the west came from a clan. however, because of his own efforts and the foundation of his clan, he finally entered the dao immortal sect and became the disciple of the dao immortal sect¡¯s sky patroller.


    this person was called li mengtu.


    his clan had a special characteristic. all direct descendants had the word ¡®tu¡¯ in their names.


    he was only at the early-stage ruler realm and had four authorities. however, his combat strength, together with a set of bizarre spells inherited from his clan and his master, allowed him to have the battle record of killing a mid- stage ruler.


    it was also because of this that he was barely listed as a star.


    otherwise, there would be no other suitable candidates in the entire western starfield.


    after all, the standard to be listed as a star was to have cultivated for less than a thousand years.


    after reading the information of these eight stars, xu qing had already gleaned much about the prosperity of the fifth star ring.


    he couldn¡¯t help but feel a strong battle intent.


    i have to work hard to reach such a height here!


    xu qing took a deep breath and searched the crowd for the shop he was going to next.


    during this trip to the city, other than purchasing the map, he also wanted to buy some medicinal pills and magic treasures that were suitable for him.


    in order to prevent any accidents, xu qing didn¡¯t buy them in the same shop. instead, he spread out and bought everything he needed in different shops.


    finally, when the new aurora small vortex was about to appear in the sky, he began to walk out of the city.


    ¡°i¡¯ll find a desolate mountain to enter seclusion.


    i have to comprehend the dao of time and space, and try to realize the eighth extremity as soon as possible¡­¡±


    it will allow my cultivation to break through and become soul accumulation eight worlds.¡±


    the information from the map gave xu qing a stronger sense of urgency regarding his own strength.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    when xu qing wasn¡¯t far from the city gate, a new small vortex appeared in the aurora in the sky.


    this meant that a new day had arrived.


    the instant this small vortex appeared, the sky changed drastically.


    the blood color in the aurora instantly erupted. the light enveloped the entire sky of the southern starfield.


    in the blood light, stars appeared!


    there were about 1,000 to 2,000 stars in the sky. some were very close, some were very far from each other, some were shining, and some were dim.


    the instant they appeared, countless cultivators in the south instinctively raised their heads.


    xu qing frowned.


    he realized that the immortal capital qualifying token in his storage bag was shaking. it emitted a power that even his storage space couldn¡¯t block and was connected to a star in the sky.


    that star was dim.


    beside this star, there was another star that was shining.


    in just an instant, the scene in the sky dissipated and the commotion in the surroundings immediately rang out.


    the immortal capital¡¯s hunt has entered the second stage!¡±


    all the tokens have been revealed¡­ and they can sense each other.


    i don¡¯t know how the other starfields are doing, but the south¡­ will definitely be covered in blood.¡±


    when the voices in the crowd entered xu qing¡¯s ears, the scene he had seen earlier appeared in his mind. there were other stars near his star.


    the reason why i didn¡¯t activate the token is because i had some thoughts about this situation.¡±


    however, from the looks of it now, even if it hasn¡¯t been activated, the token will still appear in the sky during the second stage.¡±


    however, i¡¯m not sure if the other token holders can precisely lock onto the unactivated token.¡±


    xu qing muttered to himself, his expression returning to normal. he didn¡¯t reveal anything unusual among the crowd nor did he immediately accelerate. instead, he maintained his previous pace and headed towards the city gate.


    meanwhile, at the spiritual mine where xu qing had appeared over thirty vortex days ago, a young man with crimson hair, emanating the aura of dozens of vortex tattoos, stood there, gazing at the sky.


    a long time later, he retracted his gaze from the sky and looked at the damaged small bubble worlds in the surroundings, sensing the thin spiritual energy here.


    his expression was gloomy.


    lingdu once said that he wanted to give me a qualifying token as a gift.


    now¡­ he¡¯s dead and the token is gone.


    the collapse of this place also indirectly affected my battle¡­


    courting death!

 Chapter 1569 - Chapter 1569: Who Is the Master of the Rain

    chapter 1569: who is the master of the rain


    editor: atlas studios


    at that moment, in the city, on the second floor of a pavilion not far away from where xu qing was.


    a middle-aged man in a white robe was standing beside the railing with his hands behind his back. he retracted his gaze from the aurora in the sky and glanced at the crowd below, looking into the distance.


    killing intent flashed in this person¡¯s eyes.


    he was looking in xu qing¡¯s direction.


    the middle-aged man was of average height but slightly portly, though he still maintained a certain robustness.


    his hair had turned slightly white, showing signs of age, but it was neatly groomed.


    the crow¡¯s feet at the corners of his eyes and the faint wrinkles on his forehead bore witness to the hardships he had endured, crafting a pair of steady and composed eyes.


    although his cultivation base wasn¡¯t specifically revealed, the surrounding laws and the glint of the dao marks in his eyes revealed his power as a ruler.


    ¡°i didn¡¯t expect there to be a second qualifying token in my city.¡±


    ¡°however, it¡¯s dim. clearly, it hasn¡¯t been activated¡­¡±


    ¡°it seems that the person¡¯s either someone who¡¯s afraid of death, or they are giving it to someone.¡±


    ¡°if it¡¯s the former, it¡¯s fine if i kill them, but the latter¡­¡±


    the middle-aged cultivator fell silent, unable to make up his mind.


    the qualifying tokens allowed the holders to sense each other within a certain range during the second stage of the hunt.


    however, this so-called perception was actually relative.


    only those who had activated the token could sense the other tokens. even if the token wasn¡¯t activated, they would still be able to sense it.


    on the other hand, those who didn¡¯t activate the tokens wouldn¡¯t be able to sense other tokens.


    hence, in the second stage of the hunt, it was disadvantageous to hold an unactivated token.


    very few people would do this.


    hence, this middle-aged man had no choice but to think too much.


    after all, although he was a ruler, he was only at the early-stage. this cultivation was still fine in this remote city but against those powerful clans and sects, he had to lower his head.


    offending someone for a token would probably bring about more calamities.


    ¡°however, after i accidentally obtained the token back then, since i chose to activate it, i¡¯m already staking everything.¡±


    ¡°such a life is truly monotonous. rather than staying in one corner, constrained by other forces and seeing the end of my life from a single vantage point¡­ i would rather take a gamble!¡±


    ¡°moreover, my cultivation has been shackled for a long time. under normal circumstances, it¡¯s almost impossible for me to advance.¡±


    at the thought of this, a cold glint flashed in the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s eyes as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°follow me to suppress the enemy.¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, sounds of agreement rang out in the surroundings. after that, illusory figures appeared beside him.


    at the next moment, the middle-aged cultivator took a step forward and dozens of figures followed him. he directly stepped into the air and sped toward the other token that his token had locked onto.


    at that moment, xu qing was also speeding.


    he walked toward the city gate.


    previously, the stars in the sky made him feel that a storm was coming. moreover, there was actually a star near his star. this made him understand that danger could descend at any time.


    when he was about to approach the city gate, he noticed that there were much more guards at the city gate than when he arrived. moreover, the city gate was closing.


    this city had array formations that prohibited flight.


    if he didn¡¯t want to be trapped inside and use other methods to break the formation, the city gate would be the best exit.


    but now, there were more guards and the city gate was closing.


    at the same time, a feeling of being locked onto also faintly rose in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    all of this allowed xu qing to make a clear judgment.


    ¡°someone ordered the gate to be closed. moreover, the person who gave the order must be the star in the sky i saw earlier, the person with the token, or someone related.¡±


    ¡°no matter what, it means that this person¡¯s status in this city is extremely high.¡±


    ¡°also, i can¡¯t sense the other party but i feel like i¡¯m being locked onto. clearly, the other party can sense me.¡±


    ¡°in other words, even if i didn¡¯t activate that qualifying token, other token holders can still sense it during the second stage of the hunt.¡±


    ¡°in other words¡­ the other party can sense me but i can¡¯t sense them.¡±


    ¡°if i still don¡¯t fuse with the token, it will be extremely disadvantageous for me.¡±


    all these thoughts instantly appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    at the next instant, he decisively took out his qualifying token and squeezed it ruthlessly.


    the qualifying token immediately shook. it didn¡¯t shatter but turned into liquid that melted in xu qing¡¯s hand and fused into his body through his palm.


    in the blink of an eye, a scarlet aurora appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    as the aurora flowed, it reflected the scene of the stars that had appeared in the southern starfield¡¯s sky!


    however, this scene was slightly different from what he had seen earlier.


    the stars he saw earlier were scattered in the south and rarely overlapped.


    but now, many of them overlapped¡­


    many of them were moving.


    one could imagine that every overlap meant that there was a fight and massacre.


    at the same time, his ranking appeared in his mind.


    i>733rd place.


    this was not a ranking in the fifth star ring but his ranking in the southern starfield.


    at the next instant, this scene disappeared.


    it was as though only by merging with the qualifying token for the first time could one see the starry scene.


    after the scene disappeared, xu qing immediately sensed the benefits brought by merging with the token.


    he could sense other tokens within a radius of 50,000 kilometers.


    xu qing could clearly sense that there were two stars nearby!


    one of them was a little far away, at the edge of the 100,000-meter range. it seemed to have sensed something and quickly left, disappearing from the range xu qing could sense.


    as for the other one, it was extremely close.


    it was rapidly approaching him.


    at the same time that he sensed this, the cultivation base in xu qing¡¯s body erupted. the power of the five elements spread out and enveloped the surroundings, augmenting his speed as he rushed toward the closing city gate.


    the other party was aggressive and a battle was unavoidable.


    without knowing the other party¡¯s cultivation, xu qing could only think of the worst case scenario.


    in that case, it was important to choose a favorable battlefield.


    staying within the city posed a disadvantage for xu qing due to the city¡¯s formation restrictions. being trapped there, whether he focused on breaking the array or fighting back, would put him in a very passive position.


    if he could rush out of this city, then there would be an opportunity for him to take the initiative.


    hence, xu qing moved quickly, even using the dao of space.


    the space in front of him shrunk.


    the space behind him stretched.


    xu qing¡¯s figure instantly arrived at the city gate.


    those guards didn¡¯t have time to stop him at all. they only felt a strong wind blowing at their faces. at the next instant, xu qing had already rushed out of the city gate.


    after that, he calmly raised his hand and pinched behind him!


    right at this moment, the middle-aged cultivator and his followers had caught up. however, under the obstruction of xu qing¡¯s spatial technique, the distance between them became even longer.


    as a result, he missed the best time to stop xu qing.


    under xu qing¡¯s gesture, the space they were in immediately fluctuated and collapsed.


    a deafening sound erupted at this moment.


    one could see that on the streets inside the city gate, the space shattered and the surroundings collapsed. a storm swept over.


    chaos ensued.


    amidst the chaos, a cold snort rang out.


    following that, heavenly lightning rumbled in the sky. dark clouds appeared in the sky and rain instantly fell. the area it covered wasn¡¯t small, enveloping the inside and outside of the city gate.


    xu qing was also enveloped.


    the moment he sensed the rain, xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°this rain is formed by the dao marks of authority!¡±


    ¡°the other party¡¯s authority is rain¡­¡±


    almost at the instant xu qing sensed it, the rainwater that landed in his surroundings transformed into sharp blades that pierced toward xu qing.


    within the city, the collapse of space was not hindered by the rain. however, the illusory figures accompanying the middle-aged cultivator vanished into the rain in an instant.


    when they reappeared, they had crossed the collapsed space and surrounded xu qing. each of them unleashed their cultivation bases, radiating the power of soul accumulation, and launched a frenzied assault on xu qing, combining their attacks with the rain¡¯s assault.


    ¡°puppets? death warriors? and they¡¯re composed mainly of rainwater!¡±


    a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he quickly retreated. at the same time, his gaze passed through the rain in front of him and looked at the white figure standing in the rain in the city.


    the other party didn¡¯t step out but stood there, staring coldly at him.


    ¡°he¡¯s also a cautious person. even though he can tell i¡¯m not a ruler, because he doesn¡¯t know my strength, he still chose not to approach me personally. instead, he used his authority from a distance and arranged for his puppets to attack.¡±


    ¡°but caution is both a virtue and a flaw. at crucial moments, it can cause one to miss opportunities.¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and retreated. as for his gaze, although he retracted it, he didn¡¯t look at the puppet figures. instead, he stared at the rain that was coming at him like sharp blades.


    looking at the rain, a thought appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°i have authorities as well as divine authorities.¡±


    ¡°authority and divine authority. the former belongs to cultivators, while the latter belongs to gods.¡±


    ¡°authority comes from rules and laws, while divine authority is a trace within the unseen.¡±


    ¡°they share similarities but differ fundamentally. both have sources, but their modes of existence are different.¡±


    ¡°rules and laws are created by cultivators, evolve from the heavenly dao, and are comprehended by cultivators, forming a cycle.¡±


    ¡°divine authority, on the other hand, originates from a more ancient source, which remains unknown to me.¡±


    ¡°erase, immortal arts, rain, and air¡­ they can all become authority.¡±


    ¡°then, are the extremes of my five elements¡­ also authorities?¡±


    ¡°however, their source isn¡¯t the heavenly dao but me.¡±


    during the thirty vortex days that he spent coming to this city, xu qing had been pondering this question.


    looking at the sharp blades formed by the rain, he suddenly retracted all his spells and only displayed his extreme water dao.


    at the next instant, an unbelievable scene appeared.


    the sharp blades formed by the rain instantly stopped in front of xu qing.


    they weren¡¯t the only ones. all the falling rain in the surroundings suddenly stopped in mid-air.


    even those puppets stopped in mid-air.


    after that, when xu qing raised his hand¡­


    those sharp blades changed directions.


    those puppets turned around.


    all the rain in this area shook at this moment. after that¡­ they transformed into sharp blades that faced the horrified middle-aged cultivator in the city.


    in the eyes of the middle-aged cultivator, the young man in front of him was clearly enveloped and surrounded by the rain formed from his authority but he was the one who was shaken.


    the young man seemed more like the master of the rain than him..

 Chapter 1570 - Chapter 1570: Source of Authority (1)

    chapter 1570: source of authority (1)


    editor: atlas studios


    outside the city, xu qing and the middle-aged cultivator looked at each other.


    the raindrops floated in the air, emitting sharp killing intent.


    in the rain curtain, the two figures formed a stark contrast.


    one was exceptionally handsome, floating in the rain, with long hair fluttering and eyes glowing with a strange light.


    the other had grayish-white hair and a dignified face, but his expression was quite unpleasant.


    in the middle was the city gate.


    all the raindrops were like sharp blades. when xu qing raised his hand, they pointed at the middle-aged cultivator in the city.


    time seemed to have frozen at this moment. only killing intent rose from both sides.


    neither side chose to attack immediately.


    xu qing was observing. this was his first time trying to control someone else¡¯s


    dao marks. he needed the other party to do more to verify his thoughts.


    the middle-aged cultivator was also observing.


    not only was he observing xu qing, but he was also observing the rain in the surroundings.


    the authority of the rain came from his dao marks. as a person of the fifth star ring, he had engaged in many fights before he advanced to the ruler realm.


    he had fought many battles, relying on his prowess and ferocity to advance.


    yet, despite a difficult break through to the ruler realm and before he could nurture it, he encountered a powerful enemy.


    in that battle, he was heavily injured and luckily escaped. however, his injuries were so serious that his path forward was cut off.


    after that, he was disheartened and settled down in this corner of the world.


    this time, it took him a long time to make up his mind to participate in the hunt.


    however, he didn¡¯t expect to encounter such a thing in his first battle.


    however, even though he hadn¡¯t engaged in many battles since becoming a


    ruler, he had heard of similar situations where one lost control of their authority dao marks.


    typically, such a loss of control occurred when facing an enemy who possessed the same type of authority, but with a deeper understanding and mastery over it than his own.


    ¡°authority originates from the immortal dao that accompanies the formation of an immortal embryo.¡±


    ¡°this immortal dao is similar to the heavenly dao, but it is not tangible; it is ethereal, representing a way in which cultivators seize the power of star rings that rightfully belong to gods.¡±


    ¡°every star ring contains unique, mystical traces that are inherently tied to the gods. when these traces are perceived by a god, they manifest as divine authority.¡±


    ¡°normally, cultivators cannot wield this power, but during the formation of the immortal embryo, they naturally absorb it, integrating it as part of their origin.¡±


    ¡°thus, it¡¯s not uncommon to encounter others who possess the same authority.¡±


    as the middle-aged cultivator pondered, his mind calmed down and a sharp glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°though i have never experienced this before, such a situation¡­ is not unbreakable! after all, this person is merely in the soul accumulation, not a ruler! even if he is a heaven¡¯s chosen, there is a limit to what he can do!¡±


    at the next instant, the middle-aged cultivator moved first.


    he suddenly raised his right hand and ruthlessly struck his chest.


    thunder-like rumbling sound rang out. his entire body shook and blood erupted from the pores on his body.


    as soon as this blood appeared, it immediately fused into the rain, turning the rain into a rain of blood.


    at the same time, his will was also augmented by the blood mist. he used the blood mist as a medium to control the blood rain, attempting to dispel xu qing¡¯s control and regain his authority.


    however, he didn¡¯t fully succeed.


    xu qing¡¯s water element seemed to be even more special. even with the enhancement of his will, the middle-aged cultivator could only reclaim half of his control.


    at the next instant, the curtain of rain split into two between xu qing and the middle-aged cultivator.


    inside the city gate, blood rain filled the air and the stench of blood spread.


    outside the city gate, the rain was sparkling and pure.


    in the blink of an eye, the two sheets of rain suddenly erupted and transformed into sharp swords, puppets of the rain, and water spells.


    from afar, it looked like two armies were fighting, and right now, they were charging at each other.


    the rumbling sound directly shook the world.


    the sky changed color and the ground rumbled. countless cultivators in the city were shocked. as for the city gate, it bore the brunt and directly shattered into pieces, turning into dust.


    as for xu qing and the middle-aged cultivator, the two of them also suffered from the backlash and shockwaves from their respective eruptions.


    they were both forced back.


    however, their expressions were different.


    the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s expression turned even uglier.


    as for xu qing, his gaze was filled with spirit.


    the reason why he didn¡¯t act immediately earlier was to obtain more information to verify and judge.


    at that moment, he was able to confirm something.


    he could sense that the idea of treating his seven extremities as authorities was correct.


    also, from the rain earlier, he could sense the instinctive desire emitted by the water of the five elements.


    ¡°i can devour this person¡¯s authority over the rain and use it to strengthen my water element!¡±


    a sharp glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    he also determined that this middle-aged cultivator in front of him was clearly weaker compared to the ruler he had encountered when he appeared in the spirit mine.


    according to xu qing¡¯s judgment, the ruler guarding the spirit mine should be infinitely close to the mid-stage ruler realm and could be said to be the peak of the early-stage ruler realm.


    as for this person, he seemed to have old injuries in his body and the combat strength he displayed was quite low.


    ¡°either this person has just stepped into the ruler realm not long ago, or it s caused by his old injuries.¡±


    ¡°then this person¡­ i don¡¯t need ninth grandpa¡¯s sword energy to kill him!¡±


    at the thought of this, the killing intent in xu qing¡¯s heart grew intense. with a sway of his body, he headed straight for the middle-aged cultivator.


    the dao of the five elements in his body instantly erupted.


    in that instant, strange phenomena appeared around him.


    the ground churned and the power of earth surged crazily. it was as though the earth had awakened at this moment. the ground quaked and the mountains shook..

 Chapter 1571 - 1571 Source of Authority (2)

    1571 source of authority (2)


    trees swayed violently, and the grass and plants in all directions seemed to transform into malevolent spirits. all the vegetation was stimulated, growing madly, causing the power of wood to surge in an instant.


    the city roared as everything associated with metal was affected. whether it was magical artifacts, treasures, or anything made of metal, they all suddenly trembled and were forcibly controlled, rising into the air from their respective places.


    from afar, the scene in the sky was utterly shocking as these elements converged abruptly.


    the sky rippled, and an immense heavenly fire appeared out of nowhere, its crimson flames spreading, covering the auroras, and burning wildly like a flowing sea of fire, pressing downward.


    its aura was majestic.


    at the same time, the surroundings twisted, and from the air, the bodies of countless cultivators, and even all things¡­ anything connected to water began to ooze out, enveloping everything like a swampy sea emerging into the world.


    this was no longer like the battle with lingdu where xu qing the elements descended in the form of the heavenly dao. instead, under xu qing¡¯s will, they erupted in the form of dao marks of authorities.


    the instant they were displayed, a storm brewed.


    in the eyes of that middle-aged cultivator, this scene transformed into an internal roar of disbelief and a sense of shock far greater than when his authority had previously been wrested from him.


    ¡°five authorities!!¡±


    ¡°impossible!¡±


    waves surged in the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s mind, as though millions of lightning bolts were erupting at the same time.


    from what he knew, five authorities were enough to be listed among the eight great stars.


    most importantly, he had never heard of anyone at the soul accumulation realm possessing five authorities.


    ¡°who the hell are you?!¡±


    the middle-aged cultivator was thoroughly shaken. however, he clearly wouldn¡¯t receive an answer and xu qing was already approaching.


    at the next instant, a rumbling sound erupted near the city gate.


    the surroundings were chaotic and it was difficult for outsiders to see the battle clearly.


    if one¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t high enough, they might even collapse from just a glance. even if their cultivation was good, if they hadn¡¯t reached this level, what they saw would only be abstract scenes.


    because they couldn¡¯t understand.


    the inability to comprehend led to a chaotic mind, making it difficult to form coherent images.


    as a result, they couldn¡¯t perceive that amidst the abstract, distorted scene, beyond the five elements, space was shifting, and time itself was freezing in place.


    a long time later.


    as a sword light flashed, the abstract scene of chaos and distortion returned to normal.


    in the scene that appeared, the middle-aged cultivator stood on the spot with blood flowing from his mouth and disheveled hair.


    a sword impaled through the top of his head and through his body.


    blood pooled all around him.


    xu qing stared at the middle-aged cultivator from mid-air.


    the middle-aged cultivator raised his head with great difficulty and looked at xu qing.


    he seemed like he wanted to say something, but as he opened his mouth, blood blocked his words.


    xu qing didn¡¯t have the desire to listen to him. with a raise of his hand, he withdrew the emperor sword.


    the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s body shook and the light in his eyes dimmed.


    under xu qing¡¯s grab, the other party¡¯s authority over the rain transformed into crystalline water that flew out of his body and fused into xu qing¡¯s five elements.


    the water element of the five elements suddenly strengthened.


    even xu qing¡¯s aura was slightly more powerful than before the battle.


    other than that, he also took the storage ring of the middle-aged cultivator.


    additionally, xu qing clearly sensed that his perception of the other tokens had increased tenfold at that moment.


    at the same time, a new ranking emerged in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    1,145th in the southern starfield!


    the surroundings were completely silent.


    xu qing glanced at the corpse standing there. with a raise of his hand, everything collapsed. even the traces of the battlefield here were erased by his authority.


    ¡°if i had such a change in thoughts when i fought with the person guarding the spirit mine, then perhaps i wouldn¡¯t have to waste ninth grandpa¡¯s sword energy.¡±


    after xu qing thought about it, he still felt that even if he had comprehended it back then, there was a high chance that he would still have to use sword energy.


    under the situation where he didn¡¯t know about the outside situation, grasping the opportunity to kill in one strike was the best choice.


    at the thought of this, xu qing no longer thought about the past. instead, he stared into the distance.


    ¡°i can¡¯t stay here for long.¡±


    his body swayed and he instantly left.


    ¡­


    crimson auroras flowed in the sky.


    in the world, the rainbow that xu qing had changed into was rushing at an extremely fast speed.


    while he was vigilant of his surroundings, he was also thinking about this battle.


    at the end of the day, the main focus of this battle was the transformation of his five elements into authorities and grasping the other party¡¯s authority.


    this matter was very helpful to xu qing¡¯s understanding.


    this allowed xu qing to verify his previous judgment. hence, he had more ideas about the ruler realm.


    before this, xu qing knew that in the cultivator system, the nihility realm was the process of comprehending the rules and laws of heaven and earth.


    the four stages within it all followed this principle, advancing progressively until the nihility cultivator could master all the rules of their world¡¯s heavenly dao, enabling them to form their own great world.


    xu qing understood that the mastery referred to did not mean becoming the source of the rules, but rather understanding them and obtaining the right to use them.


    in other words, it was about comprehending the world they were in and using that understanding to weave their own great world.


    overall, it was like a process of accumulation.


    xu qing¡¯s direct advancement to the soul accumulation realm from the nihility realm also fell within this scope.


    on one hand, he had accumulated enough understanding back then. on the other hand, the origin essence of nether flame¡¯s body contained everything and was extremely pure.


    hence, after combining the comprehension of the ten extremities from the profound earth, xu qing made use of these accumulations and the nourishment of the origin essence to break through to the soul accumulation realm.


    even forming seven great worlds.


    soul accumulation was a term used in wanggu. in other places, this realm was also known as the immortal accumulation.

 Chapter 1572 - 1572 Source of Authority (3)

    1572 source of authority (3)


    the name was different but the meaning was the same.


    this was because the soul accumulation wasn¡¯t about harboring the divine, but the primordial spirit.


    as for the essence of the soul accumulation realm, xu qing had probed it before he left wanggu.


    he understood that the foundation of this realm was to form one¡¯s great world after comprehending enough laws and rules.


    in the end, there were nine great worlds.


    these nine great worlds could be uniform or inconsistent. they were determined by the thoughts and experiences of the cultivator.


    however, no matter what kind of world it was, these were ultimately nutrients.


    they were nutrients to push the cultivator to the ruler realm.


    however, the path of ruler had already been severed in wanggu. unless one possessed a special bloodline that could reconnect this path and sustain them during the breakthrough process, it was nearly impossible to step into this realm.


    one reason for this was that there was an issue with the heavenly daos formed by the summer immortals in wanggu back then.


    however, the greatest reason was the influence of the fragmented-face on the wanggu.


    the god¡¯s aura was too strong, so it was difficult for immortals to emerge.


    this was because¡­ the realm of ruler was special.


    it was the process of merging the nine great worlds to form the immortal embryo.


    it was also a watershed between cultivators and immortals.


    once the immortal embryo was formed, one would be a quasi immortal, which was also the great emperor realm.


    for example, back then, the empress inherited the bloodline of mystic war and received the support of the human race¡¯s fortune through the help of the sword holding great emperor, and was able to step into the ruler realm. however, that was her limit.


    she could only advance so far, and ultimately, she could never reach the realm of the great emperor in her lifetime.


    moreover, after the god¡¯s fragmented-face appeared, no new great emperor emerged in wanggu.


    hence, she had no choice but to switch to cultivating the divine dao. she used the ritual to ignite the divine fire and used the immortal embryo she had never been able to form as fuel, causing the divine fire to erupt and burn bright. finally, she stepped onto the divine platform.


    from then on, she was cut off from the path of immortality.


    this was what xu qing learned about the path of the ruler and quasi-immortal great emperor in the summer immortal palace before he left wanggu.


    as for authorities, in the records of the summer immortal palace, this phenomenon had never appeared in the profound earth.


    it only manifested after they arrived in wanggu.


    initially, the summer immortal palace believed it to be a form of origin essence, but the origin essence had already been evident among the cultivators of profound earth for a long time.


    and there were clear differences between the two. the authority dao marks were significantly more powerful.


    the way it emerged was through the process of forming the immortal embryo within the ruler realm, where it transformed into immortal dao.


    this so-called immortal dao was an intangible force that surpassed the heavenly dao, and it manifested as authority dao marks.


    the summer immortal palace didn¡¯t understand why it appeared.


    it was generally believed that the dao marks of authority only emerged at the ruler realm.


    however, there were also exceptions. for example, some heaven¡¯s chosens could manifest their authorities while still at the soul accumulation realm.


    the timing of this manifestation became a benchmark in wanggu for measuring the potential of these heaven¡¯s chosens before the fragmented-face arrived.


    as for the summer immortal, it was also called lower immortal¡­


    they were beings who emerged from the transformation of the immortal embryo after reaching its peak and eventually breaking through to become immortals.


    in the records of the summer immortal palace, the realm of the summer immortal was the limit of the profound earth star ring.


    it was also known as the ninth step in the profound earth.


    however, the battle prowess of the summer immortals was very different in the profound earth and wanggu.


    in the profound earth star ring, the summer immortal could envelop the entire star ring with a mere thought. other than not being able to collapse the star ring, they were almost omnipotent.


    however, in wanggu, they couldn¡¯t achieve this.


    this discrepancy was analyzed and explained by the summer immortal palace.


    they understood that wanggu was located in the ninth star ring and recognized that such supreme celestial bodies numbered thirty-six in total.


    the ninth star ring, also known as the brilliant heaven star ring, was just one of these.


    according to the understanding of the summer immortal palace, these thirty-six star rings could be considered upper star rings.


    to a certain extent, they could also be considered a higher realm.


    in contrast, the profound earth was part of the lower star rings or a lower realm.


    the summer immortal palace believed that there were not only thirty-six such lower star rings corresponding to the upper star rings, but potentially more.


    however, above the profound earth was brilliant heaven.


    this was only the summer immortal palace¡¯s judgment, and there was no conclusive evidence.


    however, it was because of this judgment that they had an answer to the discrepancies in the summer immortal¡¯s combat strength.


    the suppression in upper and lower star rings was different, so the combat strength displayed was also different.


    it was like the difference between a large world and a small world.


    in the small world, without any suppression, one could naturally command the weather.


    however, in the large world, it was impossible.


    under the research of the summer immortal palace, they believed that the thirty-six upper star rings were the land of gods.


    the source of the divine authority, the dao marks in the void, exerted a significant suppressive force across all thirty-six of the upper star rings.


    this suppression affected both gods and cultivators.


    xu qing actually didn¡¯t feel much about this. this was because he had never been to the profound earth, so he didn¡¯t know how terrifying his current cultivation would be in the profound earth.


    up until now, his entire life had been on the upper star ring.


    ¡°as for why the authorities formed by my five elements are special¡­¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and instinctively touched his chest.


    over there, a purple crystal was shining.


    ¡°what exactly is it¡­¡±


    ¡°when i was comprehending the ten extremities, in the totem i saw, there was an intact crystal that had shattered into ten fragments.¡±


    ¡°and this one of mine isn¡¯t shattered. it¡¯s intact.¡±

 Chapter 1573 - 1573 Darkness as Before

    1573 darkness as before


    ¡°my ranking in the southern starfield is 1,145th¡­¡±


    in the sky, under the aurora, xu qing flew forward.


    however, his expression was solemn and he didn¡¯t relax because he had killed the middle-aged cultivator. instead, he became even more vigilant.


    this was because after activating the qualifying token and fusing it into his body, he could be considered to have truly entered this hunt of the immortal capital.


    moreover, he deeply sensed that danger could descend at any moment.


    everything was because the sensing range between the tokens could increase.


    the qualifying token was very special. if one didn¡¯t fuse with it, they wouldn¡¯t have any perception of other tokens. even if there were other qualifying tokens beside them, their divine sense wouldn¡¯t be able to sense them at all.


    there was only one way to detect other qualifying tokens, and that was to fuse with a token.


    they could use the power of their token to sense the other qualifying tokens.


    to a certain extent, this qualifying token was both a qualification and a tool for specific perception.


    when xu qing had just fused with his qualifying token, he sensed that the perception range of the token was 50,000 kilometers.


    within 50,000 kilometers, if any other qualifying tokens appeared, he would sense them immediately.


    he originally thought that the others were the same.


    however¡­ after he killed the middle-aged cultivator who also held a qualifying token, xu qing could sense that not only did his ranking increase, but even his qualifying token seemed to have changed.


    it was as though it had advanced to the next level.


    the most direct manifestation was that its sensing range had increased by ten times.


    it reached a range of 500,000 kilometers.


    this was the reason for xu qing¡¯s solemnity.


    ¡°i only obtained one more, but the perception range of the qualifying token has increased by so much.¡±


    ¡°i can conclude that after absorbing more qualifying tokens, the perception range will increase explosively again.¡±


    ¡°then the others¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s pupils constricted slightly. this outcome wasn¡¯t good for him.


    this meant that the more someone killed and the more tokens they obtained, the greater their perception range.


    hence, the advantages and disadvantages due to the perception range would naturally appear.


    the strong were stronger, and the weak were weaker.


    there would definitely be situations where the enemies with more tokens sensed xu qing from afar, while xu qing had no awareness of them.


    this would be fatal during the hunt.


    08:05


    this was because having more tokens meant that the other party¡¯s ranking in the southern starfield was higher, and his cultivation was naturally powerful as well.


    moreover, as time passed, the stronger participants would have a terrifying perception range.


    it made it impossible for their prey to escape.


    ¡°no wonder my ranking increased so much just by killing one.¡±


    ¡°with the onset of the second stage, massacres like what i just carried out should be erupting throughout the entire southern starfield.¡±


    ¡°this is the second stage of the hunt¡­¡±


    ¡°it truly deserves the name ¡®hunt¡¯.¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    through the increase in the sensing range of the qualifying token, xu qing could clearly and deeply sense the cruelty and intensity of the hunt.


    he also had a basis for his judgment that the immortal capital¡¯s competition was akin to raising gu.


    clearly, the immortal capital didn¡¯t want a flower. they wanted the wolf king, a true heaven¡¯s chosen who had fought his way out of mountains of corpses and seas of blood.


    hence, although the difference in perception range was a little unfair, it was also fair from another perspective.


    it was fair for everyone initially.


    as for how to move forward, it depended on the individual¡¯s ability.


    life and death were unpredictable.


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and licked his lips as a cold glint appeared in his eyes.


    he suddenly felt that this was very interesting.


    at the very least, it made him feel immense pressure.


    this place wasn¡¯t wanggu. here, he didn¡¯t have his master to save him, the empress to assist him, or his eldest senior brother to help him.


    even the clay fox was weakened and had fallen into a slumber in this fifth star ring that rejected gods.


    ¡°i have to rely on myself for everything.¡±


    ¡°the consequences of any decision i make will have to be faced alone.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s vigilance was raised to the extreme. after that, he put away all his thoughts before moving forward rapidly.


    at the same time, he began to organize his gains from the previous battle.


    the authority transformation of the extreme five elements was one of them.


    ¡°my authorities aren¡¯t only limited to the five elements but also space and time. however, i still need some more realizations to transform these two into authorities.¡±


    ¡°next is the erase authority and the immortal art, six thieves delusions.¡±


    ¡°so, to be precise, if i transform all of them into authorities, then i will have nine.¡±


    ¡°and in my next phase of cultivation, i must focus on elevating the power of my five elements authorities, while also exploring the dao of time and space. from there, i will strive to deduce my eighth extremity.¡±


    xu qing pondered.


    the enhancement of the token¡¯s perception range was another benefit.


    the third gain¡­ was a storage ring.


    the imprint on it had already dissipated with the death of its original owner. hence, after xu qing took it out, he swept it with his divine sense and checked all of its content.


    it had to be said that in the fifth star ring, those who could reach the ruler realm had abundant resources.


    xu qing could roughly guess the reason.


    the guardian of the spirit mine guarded it all year round, so he basically had all the items by his side.


    as for the second person xu qing killed¡­


    those who dared to fuse with the qualifying tokens were naturally prepared for a bloody storm. such people were either extremely confident or prepared to risk their lives.


    it was hard to say about the former, but the latter would definitely bring their precious items with them.


    this storage ring was just like this.


    whether it was spirit stones or immortal jade, there was a vast amount of them.


    but there was only one treasure¡ªa compass, and it was severely damaged, clearly showing signs of heavy destruction. even now, it was still in the process of being repaired.


    even so, xu qing still gained something.


    those were medicinal pills.


    that middle-aged cultivator had focused on gathering medicinal pills.


    hence, there were a lot of medicinal pills.


    however, it was obvious that¡­ xu qing¡¯s attack was extremely fast and domineering. he used his authorities to suppress and even sealed the other party with space.


    therefore, even if the middle-aged cultivator took out the medicinal pills, he wouldn¡¯t be able to reverse the situation.


    xu qing identified these medicinal pills and kept the ring. he then rushed through the sky at full speed.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    five vortex days passed.


    perhaps it was because this place was a remote place in the southern starfield, or perhaps it was because although xu qing was speeding, he was vigilant and avoided all the dangers he sensed. over the course of five days, he didn¡¯t encounter anyone else.


    this caused the sense of danger he had been feeling to ease a little.


    finally, before the aurora in the sky formed a new vortex, xu qing found a deserted mountain and opened a cave abode. he then sat cross-legged inside.


    it was night.


    the cave abode was also pitch-black.


    the surroundings were silent.


    xu qing also gradually fused into the darkness. he concealed his aura and silently cultivated.


    he wanted to comprehend his dao and explore his path.


    time flowed in the dark night and the aurora vortexes in the outside world appeared one after another.


    another seven vortex days passed.


    in the dark cave abode, xu qing slowly opened his eyes.


    ¡°it feels¡­ like i¡¯m back to my childhood.¡±


    looking at his surroundings, xu qing mumbled to himself.


    this feeling of being all alone in a vast and perilous world, as if walking through a treacherous forest, was something xu qing was not unfamiliar with.


    he had lived like this every day when he was young.


    the experiences xu qing had after leaving peerless city, up until he truly became a disciple of old master seventh, were essentially like walking on the edge of a knife, akin to an assassin, avoiding the spotlight and staying out of view.


    in fact, even when walking, he would choose to move in the dark.


    because darkness provided protection, it allowed him to feel as if he merged with it, becoming part of the darkness itself, and thus able to remain hidden.


    just like now.


    it was captain lei¡¯s appearance back then that gave him a feeling of kinship that he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time.


    it was eldest senior brother¡¯s appearance that brought a ray of sunlight to his life.


    it was old master seventh¡¯s protection that made him feel the care of an elder.


    it was ling¡¯er who made his heart relax.


    it was zi xuan who made him experience a nervous excitement, though he wasn¡¯t sure if it was love.


    it was the old palace master of the sword holding palace in fenghai county who made him understand the meaning of sword holder.


    it was the empress who made him see that gods also had humanity.


    it was the sword holding great emperor that allowed him to understand that a person could be remembered by others for a lifetime.


    these experiences were all part of his growth, enriching his life and becoming an inseparable part of who he was today.


    now, after gathering all these experiences, he found himself in the unfamiliar fifth star ring, once again alone and facing dangers from all directions.


    ¡°this is also my experience.¡±


    xu qing instinctively touched the place where he used to place the iron stick.


    it was empty.


    as though it could sense the fluctuations of his emotions, little shadow slightly emitted its presence. even the heavenly vine crawled out of xu qing¡¯s body and gently swept past his face.


    during the journey to the primordial sea, the heavenly vine and the pagoda were severely damaged and had yet to recover.


    xu qing smiled as he sensed their existence. after that, he was about to close his eyes and continue cultivating.


    however, his eyes opened immediately after and he turned his head to look at the south.


    he instantly became vigilant.


    within the perception range of his qualifying token, a star that represented a token appeared in the direction he was looking at.


    this person seemed to be passing by but the instant they entered the perception range of xu qing¡¯s token, they actually changed their direction and were rapidly approaching xu qing.


    ¡°this person has the same perception range as me!¡±


    a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    countless thoughts immediately rose in his mind.


    ¡°i can¡¯t escape now. once i move, the other party will immediately determine that i have the same perception range as them.¡±


    ¡°that would be like a gamble.¡±


    ¡°gambling on whether the other party will continue to pursue. it¡¯s fine if they don¡¯t, but if they do, it¡¯s inevitable that we¡¯ll fight.¡±


    ¡°that¡­ would be too passive!¡±


    ¡°so, i will pretend not to know and make arrangements, turning this place into a battlefield suitable for me.¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s the best choice!¡±


    xu qing made up his mind. he waved his hand and the four-nine formation restriction from the guardian of the spirit mine, lingdu, was taken out.


    he was still exploring this item and had already come up with some ideas. at that moment, it was just the right time to set it up.


    little shadow spread out in the surroundings under xu qing¡¯s divine sense.


    after that, xu qing set up many more arrangements.


    he made the earth¡¯s power dense in the area while also relocating the vegetation.


    he also took out an incense stick and placed it in front of him. he could light it at any time.


    finally, after making all the preparations, xu qing waved his hand and took out the crystalline treasure tree. he made it face himself and activated it while emitting his aura.


    soon, the crystalline treasure tree swayed and materialized a figure that was exactly the same as xu qing. even the aura was the same.


    ¡°sit cross-legged here.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    the figure nodded and immediately sat cross-legged.


    xu qing sank into the ground, staying close to the materialized figure. if he were to distance himself too much, it would reveal that the token was not there.


    as their distance wasn¡¯t far, their auras naturally overlapped.


    after doing all this, killing intent rose in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he waited silently.

 Chapter 1574 - Chapter 1574: Troll Meets Troll (1)

    chapter 1574: troll meets troll (1)


    editor: atlas studios


    xu qing¡¯s cave abode was more than 450,000 kilometers away. in the sky, under the crimson aurora, a youth in a bright yellow robe was speeding.


    he tore through the air at a speed so fast that he was almost undetectable by the naked eye.


    moreover, his target was clear. it was xu qing¡¯s location.


    as he moved forward, the aura of his cultivation base, which was close to the mid-stage ruler realm, was restricted to a thousand feet of his body. moreover, as he sped forward, his aura became increasingly dense.


    as for his appearance, it was rather ordinary, with a faint birthmark on the right side of his face, giving him a somewhat eerie look.


    however, his eyes gleamed with cunning, clearly indicating he was not a simple person.


    at that moment, his gaze flickered.


    ¡°not moving at all?¡±


    ¡°interesting¡­¡±


    ¡°this person either really didn¡¯t notice because the perception range of his qualifying token is only at the initial stage, or he is setting up a trap!¡±


    ¡°of course, there¡¯s a third possibility. this person is extremely confident¡­¡±


    the youth narrowed his eyes as he pondered, but his speed didn¡¯t decrease at all.


    ¡°but i¡¯m not afraid of traps!¡±


    ¡°even if it¡¯s the third possibility, there¡¯s still room for maneuver.¡±


    as he thought of this, he suddenly raised his hand and retrieved one of a pair of specially crafted spatial storage rings. he then tossed one of them downwards.


    below him was a swamp.


    the ring quickly fell and sank into the swamp.


    this action seemed to be done casually and didn¡¯t waste the youth¡¯s time at all as he kept on moving forward.


    typically, a storage ring contains a storage space, with the ring itself acting as the doorway to that space.


    generally speaking, there was only one way to open this door.


    however, this youth had crafted two such doors.


    the reason for this was unknown to outsiders¡ªit was his secret. nearly everyone who had discovered this secret had been killed by him.


    the youth¡¯s killing intent accumulated as he moved.


    time seemed to respond to the palpable killing intent and urgency, flowing rapidly.


    he was getting closer and closer.


    350,000 kilometers, 25,000 kilometers, 150,000 kilometers¡­


    it lasted until 50,000 kilometers!


    at this distance, the youth¡¯s already astonishing speed suddenly soared.


    he made a decisive decision, determined to follow his plan regardless of which possibility his opponent fell into according to his analysis.


    his plan was to teleport in this 50,000 kilometers initial perception range of the qualifying token, not giving the other party any chance to react.


    at this moment, above xu qing¡¯s cave abode, the sky suddenly churned, and a deafening roar erupted, shaking the heavens. in an instant, a blue light source appeared, its radiance sweeping across all directions.


    it momentarily overshadowed the red auroras in the sky. a colossal stone mace emerged from this light.


    the mace exuded an ancient aura, as if it had existed for countless ages. without any delay, it descended rapidly, aiming directly at the desolate mountain below.


    suppress!


    the heavens and earth trembled as a circular shockwave, accompanied by the blue light, rapidly spread outwards. wherever it passed, it seemed to carry a tangible force, crushing everything in its path effortlessly.


    however, the stone mace itself was not solid.


    as it descended, it penetrated the desolate mountain as if it were an illusion, and suddenly appeared right above xu qing¡¯s head, just as he opened his eyes within the cave abode.


    it was fast and majestic.


    it didn¡¯t give xu qing the slightest chance to catch his breath as it directly enveloped him and smashed down ruthlessly.


    at the same time, the youth with the birthmark on the right side of his face also displayed terrifying speed as he followed closely behind the stone mace.


    his killing intent spread out shockingly.


    at this critical moment, xu qing¡¯s expression changed. he performed a series of hand seals with both hands. immediately, the formation restrictions around him emerged.


    the four-nine formation restriction was activated, and hundreds of thousands of formation restrictions appeared from all directions, covering all the ranges in sight. they formed numerous array threads that gathered into a fist.


    it attacked the falling stone mace with all its might.


    at this moment, a loud explosion shook the world and spread in all directions.


    the desolate mountain instantly turned into dust. even the nearby ground turned into dust and scattered in all directions.


    even the void distorted, forming spatial cracks.


    the fist formed by hundreds of thousands of formation restrictions was ultimately too thin, and began to collapse inch by inch.


    however, with the help of the power of the formation restrictions and the eruption formed by the collapse, the momentum of the falling stone mace was still stopped.


    however, the immense impact seemed to be taking its toll on xu qing as well.


    his face turned pale, his whole body trembling, but in this moment of crisis, xu qing couldn¡¯t afford to waste any more time. he was about to use the opportunity to escape.


    however, in the next instant, the young man who had appeared after the stone mace was already closing in. his eyes flashed with dao marks, and he waved his right hand.


    in an instant, a strong wind blew!


    his authority was the wind.


    at that moment, the wind in the sky instantly transformed into a storm that surrounded this place, sweeping through everything, and even sealing it.


    it blocked xu qing¡¯s path.


    at the same time, within the storm, there were waves of low growls. in the next moment, thousands of troops emerged from all directions, charging towards xu qing.


    also, above him, the youth with the birthmark on the right side of his face also radiated intense killing intent, heading straight for xu qing.


    seeing that escape was impossible, xu qing¡¯s eyes revealed a hint of madness. with a desperate determination, he raised his hand and waved it fiercely.


    immediately, the erase authority activated.


    it fought against the authority of the wind.


    after that, xu qing rushed into the air. he performed a series of hand seals and numerous spells and powerful arts were displayed one after another, surrounding him as he attacked the youth.


    both sides immediately collided..

 Chapter 1575 - Chapter 1575: Troll Meets Troll (2)

    chapter 1575: troll meets troll (2)


    editor: atlas studios


    booming sounds echoed.


    xu qing¡¯s madness intensified, as though he would risk his life. he attacked without caring about himself, seemingly to push back the enemy.


    in an instant, intense sounds of collisions echoed.


    however, it was obvious that the difference between them wasn¡¯t small. after more than ten breaths, xu qing¡¯s body trembled and the youth¡¯s palm strangely appeared above his head.


    it was filled with cruelty, not giving xu qing the slightest chance. moreover, since the start, the other party kept on attacking without saying anything.


    with a boom, xu qing¡¯s head shattered into pieces.


    however, the instant before his head shattered, xu qing chose to self-destruct without hesitation, wanting to stop the other party. at the same time, he left a wisp of his soul behind, as though he wanted to escape.


    the resulting force was earth-shattering.


    the power of the self-destruction formed a terrifying vortex. however, the youth sneered. after that, the aura of dao marks emerged from his body, forming a sea of fire.


    he had two authorities.


    one was wind, and the other was fire.


    moreover, his combat style was also different from the guardian of the spirit mine and the city lord whom xu qing had killed. he directly attacked using his authorities and trump cards.


    the sea of fire churned and swallowed the vortex created by the self-destruction.


    after neutralizing the vortex, the fiery sea surged and merged with the surrounding winds, intensifying rapidly. this overwhelming force intercepted xu qing¡¯s escaping soul and shattered it completely.


    right at this moment!


    under the ground, the real xu qing opened his eyes.


    the figure from before was materialized by the crystalline treasure tree. it had to be said that the figure¡¯s aura was the same as xu qing¡¯s, and it could even manifest a soul.


    although it was fake, it was hard to tell in a short time.


    it also made the enemy show the power of the fire authority, causing the other party to reveal an opening.


    a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    the authority of the five elements erupted fully.


    in an instant, the ground that had turned into dust in the surroundings churned. at this moment, the power of the ground rapidly gathered from the surroundings.


    the earth quaked and the mountains shook. the soil surged like an ocean, engulfing the wind and suppressing the youth¡¯s fire authority.


    after that, xu qing¡¯s fire of the five elements appeared in the sky. a sea of fire spread and heavenly fire flowed.


    there were also countless water vapors forming in the world. xu qing¡¯s figure appeared in each of them with a majestic aura.


    there was also wood power coiling around him, forming countless wooden scabbards that filled the surroundings.


    and in every scabbard, there was the power of metal emitting light.


    the authority of the five elements was displayed at the same time. at this moment, its lethality could be said to be terrifying.


    xu qing was still worried and lit the life-seizing incense without hesitation.


    incense smoke rose with the power to seize life. the incense burned and life burned.


    moreover, as the authorities of the five elements descended, xu qing also decisively rushed out from under the ground.


    like a rock shattering the sky, he held the emperor sword and headed straight for the youth.


    all of this took a long time to describe but it happened in an instant.


    in fact, under xu qing¡¯s will, little shadow also activated its darkness domain, enveloping the surroundings. it controlled all the shadows under the aurora in the area to assist in the attack.


    this was the killing trap xu qing had prepared!


    the expression of the youth finally changed drastically. he suddenly retreated. at the same time, he circulated the authority of wind and fire again and used his magic treasures.


    he also used his dao arts in an attempt to avoid this attack.


    however, it was clearly too late.


    although he had determined that xu qing had made arrangements, he didn¡¯t notice that the figure materialized by the crystalline treasure tree was fake, leading to the current situation.


    amidst the fury of the five elements¡¯ authorities, the earth surged forth, the firestorm extinguished, metal rays urged the soul, wood energy severed life, and water ended lives!


    shadow entangled and the sword destroyed.


    the rumbling sound spread out intensely and there were endless echoes.


    the youth¡¯s body collapsed amidst the lingering sounds, shattering into countless pieces of minced meat, leaving behind a storage ring.


    the battle ended.


    little shadow was extremely excited and emitted emotions of joy. it happily rolled up the minced meat and the ring and walked toward xu qing, preparing to take credit.


    however¡­ xu qing¡¯s expression instantly darkened. he suddenly raised his hand and pressed forward, immediately blocking the arrival of the flesh and the ring that little shadow had swept up.


    little shadow was stunned.


    a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he didn¡¯t sense the other party¡¯s authority being absorbed, nor did he sense the increase in perception range of the qualifying token or a change in his ranking.


    the other party wasn¡¯t dead!


    due to the close proximity and the overlapping of the star positions, xu qing was unable to immediately detect the whereabouts of the youth through his token. he would need to quickly distance himself to make such a detection possible.


    these thoughts instantly flashed through xu qing¡¯s mind. he suddenly raised his hand.


    at the next instant, the void rippled and turned into a water surface!


    the realm of heaven and earth was likened to a well.


    it was fishing the moon from the well!


    xu qing was extremely decisive. the range of fishing the moon from the well also enveloped all the surrounding areas.


    this decisiveness was extremely crucial.


    the instant it was used, a reflection appeared!


    on the water¡¯s surface, the authorities and spells previously displayed by xu qing appeared, like reflections in a mirror.


    these were the reflections xu qing had chosen.


    in addition, spells and authorities of wind and fire were reflected on the location of the minced meat and storage ring.


    even the items in the storage ring were reflected.


    xu qing noticed the abnormality at this moment!


    there were two doors in this storage space!


    at the same time, he also discovered that there was a shadow stuck to the space of the storage ring.


    it didn¡¯t seem to be merely attached.


    in xu qing¡¯s perception, the word that best described it was: adhered..

 Chapter 1576 - Chapter 1576: Troll Meets Troll (3)

    chapter 1576: troll meets troll (3)


    editor: atlas studios


    the shadow seemed to be clinging to the walls of the storage space in an extremely covert manner.


    moreover, it appeared to be in motion.


    however, under fishing the moon from the well, everything was frozen, including the shadow¡¯s movements, which, though not completely halted due to its ruler realm, had significantly slowed down.


    this scene caused xu qing¡¯s expression to freeze.


    he immediately analyzed that this was the other party¡¯s main body!


    previously, he had killed a clone!


    the other party couldn¡¯t see through his body formed by the crystalline treasure tree, but he also couldn¡¯t see that the other party wasn¡¯t using his main body.


    both he and the other party had chosen this method to confuse each other.


    the main body of both had used close-range methods to conceal themselves by overlapping the sensing tokens.


    however, the opponent¡¯s method of sticking to the storage space walls was even more concealed and unique.


    this adhering seemed almost integrated with the storage space walls.


    in some respects, it could be considered a blend of the tangible and the intangible.


    it was difficult for external forces to injure him.


    xu qing didn¡¯t know how the other party achieved this.


    however, now was not the time to think about it.


    without any hesitation, he unleashed all the spells he had displayed in fishing the moon from the well again.


    ¡°even if you hide inside and are in a state of illusion, 1 can still injure you!¡±


    fishing the moon from the well was a spatial technique to begin with.


    not to mention that the other party was stuck to the spatial wall, even if they were really integrated, the power of fishing the moon from the well could still affect him!


    without hesitation, xu qing unleashed all the techniques he had previously displayed, causing them to erupt once more within the fishing the moon from the well technique.


    this time, his target was that shadow!


    in an instant, everything collapsed.


    at the same time, 450,000 kilometers away, in the swamp, the storage ring that the youth had thrown down earlier suddenly flashed.


    a figure appeared.


    it was the youth with the birthmark on the right side of his cheek.


    however, at that moment, his face was pale. after he appeared, he spat out a large mouthful of blood and abruptly looked in the direction xu qing was in.


    his expression was solemn.


    his authorities were wind and fire.


    two authorities already made him a heaven¡¯s chosen, but he wasn¡¯t satisfied.


    however, due to his aptitude, he was unable to form the third authority.


    thus, he sought an alternative path, using a rare and special substance imbued with spatial power. he burned this substance into a paste using his fire authority and then mixed it with a specific amount of immortal liquid to maintain its fluid state.


    when needed, he would use his wind authority to rapidly disperse the immortal liquid.


    the substance would solidify again, thus creating an adhesive effect.


    with this technique, before he fought to the death with others, he would stick his main body to the storage space wall of his storage ring, allowing his physical body to almost become one with space.


    this method was extremely concealed. usually, when the other party thought that they had killed him and took out his storage ring to investigate, he would suddenly attack.


    he had succeeded in every endeavor.


    however, during the hunting competition of the immortal capital, because the qualifying token would be absorbed after the token holder¡¯s death, this imperceptibly caused his usual concealment technique to have a flaw.


    ¡°the plundering rules between these damn qualifying tokens have affected my concealment effect¡­ but to be able to instantly sense it and not give me a chance to launch a sneak attack, this person isn¡¯t simple either.¡±


    ¡°moreover, after sensing me, he even has a way to injure me. moreover, his authorities¡­¡±


    at the thought of this, the youth¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°also, with this person¡¯s previous arrangements, i can see his intelligence and talent. he is also decisive. with all of this in one person¡­ this person is a rare peerless heaven¡¯s chosen!¡±


    ¡°he should be concealing his cultivation as well.¡±


    he felt fearful and planned to leave.


    he felt that it wasn¡¯t worth it to fight to the death with such an opponent at the early stages of the second stage of the hunt.


    moreover, the other party had injured him, so his state wasn¡¯t good currently.


    he needed to find a place to heal his injuries.


    ¡°i also have to be careful of being chased by the other party¡­¡±


    the youth sighed. however, just as he was about to leave, his expression suddenly changed. he took out a voice transmission token and after sensing it, his eyes flickered.


    ¡°i have one here. maybe it¡¯s the person you¡¯re looking for.¡±


    he thought about it and transmitted his voice in response..

 Chapter 1577 - Chapter 1577: Adhesive Rain Seals the World

    chapter 1577: adhesive rain seals the world


    editor: atlas studios


    at the same time, at the place where the battle had happened earlier.


    this place was in ruins.


    the desolate mountain had collapsed and everything was destroyed, leaving behind dense spell fluctuations.


    xu qing stood in the air with a cold expression. he looked into the distance and his eyes flickered.


    ¡°wind and fire are this person¡¯s authority¡­¡±


    ¡°this is the first time i¡¯ve encountered someone with two authorities in the fifth star ring. he should be a heaven¡¯s chosen!¡±


    ¡°especially since this person is adept at concealment and possesses a sharp mind¡ªhe¡¯s a formidable opponent!¡±


    xu qing recalled how the other party had stuck to the wall of the storage space, almost becoming one with the void. this was extremely novel to xu qing.


    ¡°i wonder how he did it.¡±


    ¡°it might be with the help of some treasure that contains spatial abilities¡­¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    ¡°if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the qualifying tokens can sense each other, it would probably be very difficult for me to see through this person¡¯s methods immediately.¡±


    xu qing was vigilant.


    he felt that his caution was still a little flawed.


    ¡°in the future, when i kill them and take their storage items, i have to pay more attention.¡±


    xu qing quickly reviewed the situation. after that, he kept the incense and the treasure tree.


    the incense was extinguished with the death of the other party¡¯s clone. the remaining portion could still be used.


    as for the treasure tree, it had been damaged by the self-destruction earlier, and xu qing didn¡¯t have a way to repair it.


    ¡°however, it can still barely self-destruct once more.¡±


    after xu qing kept these two items and the beast skin of the four-nine formation restriction, he was about to leave this place.


    he didn¡¯t think that the other party would come again after escaping.


    after all, the opponent was smart. in the early stages of the second stage of the hunt, it was highly likely that upon realizing the enemy wasn¡¯t weak, no one would recklessly attack at the risk of paying a heavy price.


    at this moment, preserving strength and avoiding injury was the optimal strategy.


    unless neither side had the chance to escape and there was a deep-seated enmity between them, it wouldn¡¯t be wise to engage recklessly.


    otherwise, xu qing felt that if he were in the same situation, he wouldn¡¯t continue either.


    however, the instant xu qing was about to leave, he suddenly stopped in his tracks and a hint of surprise appeared on his face.


    ¡°again?¡±


    within the perception range of his token, the star mark that was hundreds of thousands of kilometers away, contrary to his expectations, did not leave.


    instead, it was rapidly approaching him.


    xu qing frowned slightly. this phenomenon made him feel that something was amiss.


    a cold glint flashed in his eyes and killing intent rose in his heart.


    ¡°since you are coming again, let¡¯s¡­ continue this battle.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t move forward toward the enemy. instead, he sped backward.


    all the arrangements in the wasteland under his feet had already been used. now, it wasn¡¯t the best battlefield. hence, as he flew away, xu qing quickly locked onto a mountain filled with greenery.


    this mountain soared beyond the clouds and had abundant vegetation.


    xu qing stood at the top of the mountain and waited silently.


    the opponent¡¯s arrival was somewhat suspicious, so xu qing wouldn¡¯t rush in blindly.


    he had to be wary of this being a trap.


    to avoid entering the opponent¡¯s trap, xu qing decided to find a location where the opponent hadn¡¯t been since their appearance.


    this mountain had a wide field of vision. at the same time, there was fog lingering below, making it suitable for a battlefield.


    xu qing didn¡¯t waste time. with a raise of his hand, his five elements authorities spread out.


    fire spread across the sky like a canopy, water concealed itself within the misty clouds, earth infused the mountain peak, metal flowed within his body, and wood nourished all the vegetation around him.


    this time, xu qing didn¡¯t have to wait long. it was evident that the young man with the birthmark on his face, having experienced xu qing¡¯s tactics, wasted no time and used teleportation to travel all the way.


    he traveled rapidly, crossing close to a 500,000 kilometers range with astonishing speed. since xu qing hadn¡¯t distanced himself further, the youth soon appeared on the horizon, within xu qing¡¯s line of sight.


    in the sky, under the red aurora, the sound of howling wind and lightning rang out.


    after that, what entered xu qing¡¯s vision was five-colored light other than the aurora¡¯s scarlet!


    black, green, yellow, blue, purple!


    these five colors emanated from five massive banners, each thousands of feet long.


    they stretched across the sky. wherever they passed, it seemed as though they absorbed the colors of the world, dividing the landscape into segments dominated by these five hues.


    the five colors consumed everything in sight.


    from within them, a vast and overwhelming power surged forth, specifically targeting the five elements in all directions.


    it was clear that after their previous battle, while xu qing had gained some understanding of his opponent, the latter had also come to comprehend xu qing¡¯s methods.


    hence, the instant the youth arrived, he first suppressed xu qing¡¯s five elements.


    almost in the same instant that xu qing laid eyes on them, the five banners roared to life. they swept through the sky, trailing streams of multicolored light, and in the blink of an eye, they appeared directly above the peak where xu qing stood.


    five colors erupted, emitting the power to invert the five elements, enveloping this mountain peak and rapidly circling it.


    from afar, it looked like a five-colored storm.


    the deafening roar once again shook the heavens and earth, reverberating with an earth-shattering intensity.


    killing intent flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. with a raise of his hand, the five elements he had set up in the surroundings still erupted violently.


    water rose from the clouds and wood energy emerged from tens of thousands of plants.


    fire appeared in the sky and soil collapsed from the mountain.


    as xu qing¡¯s killing intent rose, the five elements moved at the same time.


    even though the five large banners were extraordinary and formed a five-colored storm that could reverse the power of the five elements¡­ they couldn¡¯t shake xu qing¡¯s five elements too much.


    this was because xu qing¡¯s five elements were from his visceral organs and didn¡¯t originate from the rules and laws of the outside world.


    thus, in the next moment, the sound became even more intense, with the roaring thunder echoing through the vast expanse.


    the clash between xu qing¡¯s five elements authorities and the five-colored storm was fierce, but it was clear that xu qing held the upper hand. the five colors of the storm quickly began to fade, indicating that it would not be long before xu qing subdued it.


    however, xu qing¡¯s opponent was far from ordinary.


    the young man, who had emerged from the five-colored storm, did not directly engage in battle. instead, he remained at the edge of the battlefield, watching from afar with a cold, sinister smile on his lips.


    he raised his hand and pointed.


    he silently chanted a dao incantation.


    ¡°the sky as the boundary, the void as the curtain, five colors rendered, all laws painted in one stroke!¡±


    as his finger fell, the five large banners that were barely withstanding xu qing¡¯s five elements authority suddenly trembled. in the blink of an eye, each of the banners exploded.


    the five colors erupted in a storm.


    they merged together!


    from afar, the five colors, which had previously been light, now materialized into a tangible substance. they seemed like five types of paint, mixing together and being splattered across the sky by the storm.


    the sky seemed to have transformed into¡­ a colorful painting!


    xu qing was in this painting.


    as for the painter, it was the wind!


    the wind was also sealed!


    the wind, which was sealed within the five colors, exploded completely at this moment, unleashing a power that could seal the five elements.


    ¡°i¡¯ll let you know that although your five elements are formidable, the wind surpasses them!¡±


    ¡°with the rise of the great wind, it can stir the earth, extinguish water, wither wood, grind metal, and quell fire!¡±


    ¡°seal, seal, seal, seal!¡±


    the youth performed a series of hand seals with both hands, pointing out five times in a row.


    the five colors of dye, now in chaos and fusion, enveloped xu qing completely, forming a seal around him.


    this seal not only disrupted and extinguished but also isolated him.


    it isolated xu qing¡¯s visceral organs and cut off his control over the five elements.


    xu qing¡¯s expression changed.


    ¡°this person¡¯s authority¡­ has been developed to the extreme!¡±


    ¡°however, i¡¯ve used the dao of space before and it¡¯s impossible for him not to know. so, what¡¯s the point of doing this?¡±


    as xu qing pondered, he waved his hand.


    immediately, fishing the moon from the well appeared again.


    it reflected everything around.


    this time around, xu qing didn¡¯t fish out the other party but himself.


    in that instant, as the fishing the moon from the well technique activated, xu qing had already pulled himself out of the five-colored seal.


    he appeared outside the painting, outside the five colors, and outside the mountain peak!


    the moment he appeared, the sky rumbled and blue light erupted. a huge stone mace appeared and smashed fiercely at xu qing.


    the emperor sword appeared in xu qing¡¯s hand.


    the ground quaked, the mountain peak collapsed, and the energy of the earth surged.


    first move, earth depository.


    slash the stone mace.


    the world distorted and the void blurred. a deafening sound exploded.


    the earth sword¡¯s energy soared into the sky, and the descending mace shook violently, revealing several cracks before it was sent flying.


    the earth sword, affected by the shockwave, gradually dissipated in the sky, transforming back into earth energy that spread across all directions.


    xu qing rushed toward the youth.


    seeing that both of his methods had been thwarted by xu qing, the youth with the birthmark on the right side of his face narrowed his eyes, becoming more convinced of his previous assessment.


    he rapidly retreated and waved his hand.


    he threw out something.


    this item was like a lump of soil that seemed to contain some spatial ability. wherever it passed, it would leave a ripple in the air.


    after that, under the youth¡¯s will, his authority activated.


    first, the fire authority instantly landed on the lump of soil that contained spatial power.


    this item was clearly sensitive to fire and instantly melted, emitting an explosive force.


    it directly exploded, enveloping the surroundings and falling from the sky like rain.


    this rain was viscous.


    as the rain of soil fell, the youth¡¯s second authority was also displayed.


    a strong wind blew.


    this caused the viscous rain to rapidly dry and solidify at this moment, turning into¡­ glue!


    everything in the surroundings, as long as it was within the rain, was rapidly solidifying.


    this was also a seal.


    with the stickiness it created, it sealed the world.


    xu qing now understood how the other party had glued his main body to the storage space wall.


    his judgment wasn¡¯t wrong. the other party had indeed used a special item.


    however, he didn¡¯t expect this.


    the way the other party had used this special item!


    ¡°by combining two types of authority and an external object, he achieved the effect of the third authority!¡±


    ¡°this person is indeed a genius!¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath as his thoughts fluctuated. this battle¡­ was quite meaningful to him.


    it gave him many insights.


    ¡°if applied to my five elements, the transformations i could achieve would be even more diverse!¡±


    however, xu qing knew that now was not the time for deep contemplation. the series of actions taken by his opponent had already revealed an important piece of information.


    ¡°he doesn¡¯t want to fight me head-on and doesn¡¯t want to be injured either. he only wants to restrict and seal me!¡±


    ¡°he has acted like this since he returned. in fact, in order to achieve this goal, he didn¡¯t hesitate to expose his secrets¡­¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s only one answer to all of this.¡±


    ¡°he¡¯s stalling for time!¡±


    as this judgment rose, an intense sense of danger rose within xu qing.


    ¡°he has helpers on the way and they¡¯re even stronger than him!¡±


    a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°if this continues, it¡¯ll be difficult to end this in a short time. in that case¡­ i can¡¯t withhold the sword energy. i need to resolve this quickly!¡±


    at the same time, some distance away from the battlefield, a figure that was emitting a terrifying aura was using a teleportation technique to approach this place.


    this figure was none other than the red-haired youth who had appeared in the spirit mine!


    a late-stage ruler realm cultivation base energy erupted from his body.


    ¡°he destroyed my spirit mine and killed the guardian as well, causing me to lose that battle. he even took the qualifying token that lingdu was going to offer as tribute!¡±


    ¡°i want to see what kind of dragon heart and phoenix gallbladder you consumed to act so boldly!¡±

 Chapter 1578 - Chapter 1578: Shedding Skin

    chapter 1578: shedding skin


    editor: atlas studios


    at the border between the southern and western starfields of the fifth star ring.


    under the crimson aurora in the sky, the sticky rain scattered down, enveloping the surroundings.


    strong wind blew violently, causing sticky rain to dry rapidly and turn into glue. the sealing power rose greatly.


    in fact, the edges had completely glued together.


    even the void couldn¡¯t escape. it was as though this space was about to become one under this glue.


    its might was astonishing, and its lethality was bizarre and terrifying.


    xu qing was within its range.


    all around him, the sticky rain had enveloped him, creating rapidly solidifying sticky threads that connected with the earth, the void, and all directions.


    they clung tightly to his skin.


    the surrounding glue was accelerating in its solidification, growing thicker and denser.


    if he couldn¡¯t escape quickly, once this place completely dried, he would become trapped like an amber-encased object.


    he wouldn¡¯t be able to break free anymore.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t look anxious.


    he already had a way to break this glue trap.


    so his focus at this moment was not on the battle itself but on the external factors beyond this fight and the thoughts of the youth before him.


    while this might seem unrelated to the battle, it was actually the core of this battle.


    normally, one wouldn¡¯t act so recklessly at the beginning of the second stage of the hunt.


    after all, such actions would be more harmful than beneficial.


    if he was injured, it would be dangerous for him to progress further in the hunt.


    due to the injuries, the situations he would have to face afterward would become even more challenging.


    moreover, xu qing¡¯s token was only at the second level and wasn¡¯t enough for others to persist in obtaining it.


    according to the youth¡¯s combat strength, he should be able to obtain other tokens easily.


    it wasn¡¯t worth going all out like this.


    this wasn¡¯t the doing of a smart person.


    ¡°so, something is very wrong.


    ii


    after these thoughts flashed through xu qing¡¯s mind, he glanced at the distant sky.


    the guess in his mind became more and more confirmed.


    determination rose as well.


    the sticky rain that was rapidly drying due to the violent wind had already turned into glue. it was sealing the surroundings.


    ii


    can¡¯t worry about too much now. even if it means suffering some injuries, i must end this battle quickly.¡±


    a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. with a thought, all the blood in his body circulated faster.


    then, with a sudden shudder, under his control, his own blood burst forth from every pore on his body.


    the blood spread rapidly, forming a dense mist that enveloped the surroundings.


    blood mist spread out, moistening the world.


    this method was something xu qing had learned from that middle-aged city lord. by using his own blood as a catalyst, infused with his will, the blood mist spread in all directions, merging with the rapidly drying adhesive rain.


    the lost moisture in the drying rain was instantly replenished.


    as a result, the process of the adhesive rain solidifying slowed down considerably, turning the rain into a crimson substance.


    the drying process, which should have been quick and deadly, was now hindered.


    this adhesive rain art was indeed peculiar and powerful, but it had a fatal flaw.


    that was, its stickiness could only truly erupt and become glue after it was dried.


    this flaw was clearly known to the youth, so he rarely used this technique in front of his enemies.


    more often, he employed it as a hidden method or as a surprise attack.


    now, he had resorted to it because he didn¡¯t want to engage xu qing in a direct battle, intending instead to stall for time.


    seeing that xu qing had identified this flaw and even found a way to counter it, the young man with the birthmark on his right face looked grim, though not entirely surprised.


    in his understanding, this enemy before him was terrifying in both intellect and reflexes¡ªa formidable opponent.


    he didn¡¯t think he could seal the other party easily using the glue method.


    hence, although he still felt some regret, he didn¡¯t hesitate and retreated. at the same time, he performed a series of hand seals with both hands. the color of the sky changed and a storm brewed.


    he didn¡¯t hesitate to expend his own cultivation, bolstering his wind authority to enhance his sweeping technique, attempting to achieve a balance against xu qing¡¯s countermeasures.


    one aimed to dry everything out, while the other sought to keep it moist.


    it didn¡¯t matter as long as it reached the balance¡­


    in that case, even if it didn¡¯t form a seal, this stalemate had already reached the effect of sealing and stalling.


    especially with the glue covering his opponent¡¯s body¡ªthough it had gained moisture from the blood mist and hadn¡¯t fully solidified, the stickiness still remained.


    the constraints continued.


    this method demonstrated that the young man¡¯s talent and tactics were exceptional. under normal circumstances, his plan would likely have succeeded.


    he had even prepared a countermeasure against xu qing¡¯s fishing the moon from the well technique. so, upon arrival, he first unleashed the five-colored painting, intending to exhaust xu qing¡¯s spatial technique.


    in his understanding, such a spatial technique would be difficult to perform multiple times.


    whether it could be used repeatedly or not, making the opponent expend their energy was never wrong.


    moreover, the adhesion of his glued world included space. it had a certain level of resistance to spatial techniques.


    ii


    if he still managed to break through it, then at worst, i won¡¯t continue this battle. in any case, i¡¯ve already told that person the location of this place. if he arrives too late, there¡¯s nothing i can do.¡±


    at the thought of this, the youth augmented the wind while emitting the authority of fire. he retreated and made all the preparations.


    however¡­ an unexpected scene that caused his heart to tremble suddenly appeared at this instant.


    xu qing, who was bound by countless sticky threads from, actually emitted an earth-shattering sword energy at this instant.


    this sword energy¡­ came from the emperor sword.


    it wasn¡¯t to cut the sticky threads in the surroundings. this was because under the youth¡¯s continuous replenishment, it would be difficult for the emperor sword to break them all in an instant. it would be another stalemate.


    hence, this sword might erupted from xu qing¡¯s body.


    what it cut off was¡­ xu qing¡¯s skin!


    in the blink of an eye, the sharp power from the emperor sword instantly wrapped around xu qing¡¯s flesh.


    it completely separated the skin from his body!


    at the same time, the sword light gathered in front of him and erupted outwards.


    immediately, xu qing¡¯s body seemed to have split into two.


    a long mark started from the top of his head and slashed across his forehead, face, chest, and even his entire body¡­


    his skin was like a piece of clothing that directly split open.


    a bloody flesh figure with no skin rushed out at this moment!


    his speed was extremely fast. the instant he appeared, before the sticky threads in the surroundings could entangle him, he activated his spatial art.


    at the next instant, xu qing directly teleported out.


    seeing this fleshy figure rushing out, the pupils of the youth with the birthmark on the right side of his face constricted fiercely. his mind rumbled as intense horror rose.


    he had seen ruthless people before but this was the first time he had seen someone as ruthless as this person in front of him.


    he actually cut off his skin!


    amidst the shock, the youth retreated crazily. an intense life-and-death crisis erupted in his heart like never before, causing his breathing to become hurried. this was because he understood that the other party¡¯s goal couldn¡¯t be just to escape.


    however, although he sensed danger and quickly retreated, it was still too late!


    almost at the instant xu qing rushed out, the dao of space erupted.


    it formed grids and overlapped, transforming into sealing power that suppressed the youth.


    there was also an ancient sundial that appeared behind xu qing. as the gnomon on it circulated, the dao of time descended.


    it used the time statis power!


    using space to suppress his escape route.


    using time to condense time.


    these caused the youth¡¯s body to pause in mid-air!


    his body and soul paused. his space was locked and his time was condensed.


    next¡­ was the sword energy.


    the second of the three streams of sword energy from ninth grandpa erupted from xu qing.


    the color of the sky changed and the wind blew.


    the sword energy rushed out and slashed at the youth.


    this youth wasn¡¯t ordinary. even though his time was fixed and the space was locked, at this critical moment, his body emitted the aura of self-destruction.


    he wanted to borrow the might of self-destruction to shake space and time and escape from this stillness.


    immediately, xu qing¡¯s spatial grid rumbled and shattered. the sundial on his back swayed and cracks appeared on it.


    it was as though it was about to collapse.


    after all¡­ his opponent was a ruler infinitely close to the mid-stage and a heaven¡¯s chosen who had developed his authority to the extreme.


    at this moment, a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. even though the space was trembling and there were more cracks on the sundial, he still didn¡¯t put it away. instead, he continued to activate the sword energy.


    at the next instant, sword energy swept out.


    the world lit up like heavenly lightning.


    with a boom¡­ the sword energy directly landed on the youth¡¯s forehead and rushed into his body, destroying everything.


    his body and spirit were destroyed!


    all of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in the blink of an eye.


    in that instant, xu qing¡¯s qualifying token¡¯s perception range suddenly increased to five million kilometers.


    he didn¡¯t have the time to check these as he spat out a large mouthful of blood.


    his entire body was badly mangled.


    what was difficult in this battle wasn¡¯t fighting but an instant kill that ended the battle quickly.


    even though he used space and time, the other party almost broke free. if it wasn¡¯t for the space and time restrictions, there was a high chance that xu qing wouldn¡¯t have succeeded even if he suddenly used the sword energy.


    if he failed and the other party escaped the fatal danger, it would be almost impossible for him to end the battle quickly again.


    xu qing took a deep breath. at that moment, he didn¡¯t have the time to treat his injuries. after quickly tidying up the battlefield, he endured the intense pain due to having no skin and the backlash from the damage to time and space.


    with a sway of his body, he headed straight for the distance.


    i!


    this battle shouldn¡¯t have been so tragic.


    ii


    as he sped forward, xu qing thought to himself with regret. if it weren¡¯t for the opponent¡¯s unusual behavior, he wouldn¡¯t have needed to pay such a heavy price and resort to using the second of his three sword energies to end the battle swiftly.


    now, there was only one stream of sword energy.


    n


    moreover, ninth grandpa¡¯s sword energy has a limit and can kill early-stage


    rulers. however, looking at these two times, it can¡¯t kill mid-stage rulers¡­¡±


    xu qing fell silent. after that, he activated the purple crystal and swallowed a large number of medicinal pills to speed up the recovery of his injuries.


    he was recuperating as he sped. he also sensed his surroundings and pondered over the scenes after he arrived at the fifth star ring.


    the fifth star ring was an unified star ring!


    this was completely different from the ninth star ring where the wanggu was located.


    back then, xu qing had seen the ninth star ring through the map in the demon feather holy land. there were many forces inside and they all surrounded the wanggu fragmented-face.


    as for the fifth star ring, it had been unified.


    the gods inside were captured and forbidden from moving.


    all races cultivated.


    moreover, it adhered to the principle that cultivators were supreme.


    hence, there were many experts.


    now, even though xu qing was only in a remote corner at the southern and western border, he had already encountered several rulers. this alone was enough to reveal the vast and magnificent landscape of the fifth star ring.


    to xu qing, this was a challenge but also an opportunity.


    ever since he arrived at the fifth star ring, he had experienced several battles with experts.


    every time, xu qing would gain new comprehension. while he had a better understanding of the ruler level, he also gained more and more understanding of his dao.


    the battle with the guardian of the spirit mine, lingdu, made him understand that what limited the strength of his dao wasn¡¯t just his cultivation but also his imagination.


    the five elements were vast and there were endless changes.


    after that, his battle with the city lord verified this point, allowing him to understand that his dao could transform into authority.


    today¡¯s battle with this youth allowed xu qing to see what kind of might it would have after developing his authority to a certain extent.


    in the other party¡¯s hands, the single authority of wind could actually shake the five elements.


    moreover, it could also combine with external objects to achieve an effect similar to the third authority.


    all of this stirred xu qing¡¯s heart.


    he originally wanted to continue this battle because in his judgment, although the battle with that person was intense, it was also a form of tempering for him.


    however¡­ all of the other party¡¯s reactions indicated that danger was approaching.


    an hour later, xu qing¡¯s judgment was confirmed.


    through the perception of the qualifying token, he saw that a shining star had appeared five million kilometers away!


    this star was resplendent, surpassing everything xu qing had seen before.


    the moment he sensed the star, an intense life-and-death crisis rose in xu qing¡¯s heart.


    moreover, the other party seemed to have locked onto this place long ago and was rushing over with an imposing aura.

 Chapter 1579 - Chapter 1579: God River’s Ferryman

    chapter 1579: god river¡¯s ferryman


    editor: atlas studios


    moreover, the other party seemed to have locked onto this place long ago and was rushing over with an imposing aura.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes instantly narrowed and his breathing became slightly hurried. the life-and-death crisis in his heart completely erupted.


    before this, he had only glimpsed the countless star marks of the token holders across the entire southern starfield when he was integrating the qualifying token.


    although the stars shone with different intensities, they were just a blur in his mind.


    but now, this particular star had appeared, and xu qjng immediately felt the difference.


    it was merely a mark, yet it caused his heart to race with anxiety.


    even though the resplendent light was so far away, it actually passed through his perception and reached a piercing level.


    this person¡­ is extremely strong!


    his cultivation shouldn¡¯t be at the mid-stage ruler realm. there¡¯s a high chance that he¡¯s already at the late-stage ruler realm!¡±


    the person i killed earlier was waiting for this person!¡±


    coupled with his previous analysis, xu qjng felt a lingering fear.


    it was clear that if he hadn¡¯t decisively broken free from the situation earlier- risking injury to avoid being entangled and delaying his actions¡ªand if he hadn¡¯t killed the youth with the birthmark on his right cheek¡­ he wouldn¡¯t have been able to detect the situation unfolding five million kilometers away with his qualifying token at this very moment.


    moreover, had he been entangled, the opponent would have inevitably closed in on him.


    at that time, only death awaited him.


    in fact, he wouldn¡¯t even have the possibility of escaping.


    now, although his injuries weren¡¯t light, at least¡­ he wasn¡¯t so passive and had more choices.


    hence, xu qing took a deep breath and displayed his full speed without any hesitation.


    he spared no expense and instantly teleported into the distance, trying to distance himself.


    he was very clear that with his current combat strength, he could kill an early- stage ruler. coupled with ninth grandpa¡¯s sword energy, if he risked injuries, he could instantly kill an early-stage ruler.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t think that he could win against a middle stage ruler with the last remaining stream of sword energy.


    not to mention this terrifying existence that he suspected to be at the late-stage ruler realm.


    moreover, his current injuries made it unsuitable to continue fighting.


    however, although xu qing was fast, that pursuer was even faster than him.


    moreover, the pursuer¡¯s token¡¯s perception range must have reached an astonishing level, far exceeding five million kilometers.


    hence, xu qjng¡¯s every move was clearly within the other party¡¯s perception. his current speed was so fast that xu qjng felt that the latter was like a shooting star.


    the distance between them was visibly shortening.


    a sense of danger erupted from every inch of xu qing¡¯s flesh, soul, and subconscious. it became a storm that rumbled endlessly.


    whether it was his blood, bones, or everything else, they seemed to have become independent existences at this moment, each emitting danger.


    although i was decisive when i attacked earlier, from the looks of it, i was still too slow.¡±


    xu qjng¡¯s breathing was hurried as he tried his best to calm down.


    he understood that the more critical the life-and-death moment, the more he couldn¡¯t afford to panic.


    with my current speed, i¡¯ll be caught in about eight minutes at most¡­


    with the enhancement of my authorities, i can buy some more time, but even then, it will only be fifteen minutes at best¡­¡±


    fifteen minutes¡­


    he recalled the map. under the instant scan of his inner divine sense, he instantly locked onto a location.


    god blood river!


    the ferryman!


    this is my first time crossing the river, so i only have to pay six days of lifespan, and i will gain absolute safety!¡±


    xu qing immediately adjusted his direction and sped away.


    at the same time, he performed a series of hand seals with both hands. at the next instant, blood immediately spurted out of his skinless body.


    the blood turned into fog and burned.


    this was the blood-ignition technique. it was a speed enhancement technique xu qing had learned from erniu back then.


    however, he couldn¡¯t use this method too much as it caused considerable damage to the body.


    however, now that he was in a life-and-death crisis, xu qjng naturally couldn¡¯t care less. in the blink of an eye, his speed soared and the range of his teleportation also increased greatly, directly disappearing from the spot.


    when he appeared, he was already 500,000 kilometers away.


    however, although this area was at the border between the west and south, it was relative to the overall southern starfield. in reality, there was still a vast distance between this location and the god blood river.


    hence, after he appeared, xu qjng immediately spat out another mouthful of blood.


    he teleported again.


    just like that, after using it more than ten times in a row, he moved over five million kilometers. his injuries were even more serious, and the weakness emitted by his body was also intense.


    fortunately, it was effective and barely controlled the distance between him and his pursuers to about four million kilometers.


    however, although this distance would take a long time for low-level cultivators to cross, it was not much to experts.


    thus, when the blood-burning technique could no longer be sustained, xu qing¡¯s five elements techniques erupted with a thunderous force. first, water and fire clashed, creating an explosive power through the opposition of yin and yang.


    the explosion transformed into impact, increasing his speed.


    after that, with a raise of xu qing¡¯s hand, the ground churned. many high walls rose from the ground, directly reaching the sky as a blockade.


    in the blink of an eye, the world rumbled and the number of high walls raised reached 100,000.


    it was astonishingly vast.


    next was the wind!


    xu qing originally didn¡¯t have wind authority.


    however, in the battle with the youth earlier, in that life-and-death crisis, his comprehension ability was also stimulated.


    the characteristics of wood were similar to those of wind.


    both possessed vitality and adaptability.


    therefore, the power of wood ascended and flowed like the wind.


    this was¡­ wood as wind in the sky!


    at the next instant, with the enhancement of this force, xu qing¡¯s speed soared again.


    as everything intertwined, his speed reached the extreme of his body. the world rumbled as he produced a powerful sonic boom.


    however, xu qjng was still not satisfied. this was because the pursuer had clearly determined xu qjng¡¯s path of retreat and had also increased his speed accordingly.


    he actually closed the distance between them to 2,500,000 kilometers.


    even at such a large range, xu qjng felt the dense baleful aura behind him and the piercing pain in his back. it was as though there was a blazing sun behind him that wanted to burn everything.


    at this moment, the feeling of weakness was suppressed by danger. xu qing¡¯s eyes were red as he activated his spatial art.


    overlapping and grids appeared in the sky. relying on this technique, his speed became even more terrifying, surpassing the burden of his body, causing his entire body to crack.


    however, xu qjng didn¡¯t care about these. with a boom, he teleported another 500,000 kilometers.


    at the same time, the time art enveloped his entire body and locked down the flow of time in his body. this was to solidify his body so it didn¡¯t collapse.


    as for the walls behind him, rumbling sounds rang out. the power of fire that was buried by xu qing was also erupting.


    they obstructed the pursuer.


    although the effect was average, even if they delayed the pursuer for just a breath of time, it was incredibly precious to the current xu qing.


    finally, in the race against time and with all his effort, xu qjng, using his utmost abilities, crossed an endless expanse and saw in the distance a vast blood river that seemed boundless.


    the river was so immense that it could be described as reaching the heavens.


    it even surpassed the size of the ocean.


    the stench of blood spreading from it was incredibly intense, permeating all around.


    the moment xu qing saw the river, his vision blurred between weakness and intensity, but it didn¡¯t prevent him from immediately spotting a lone black boat anchored at the riverbank!


    that lone boat looked ordinary. it was docked on the shore and there was a person sitting on it.


    this person wore a straw rain cape and a conical bamboo hat. he held a pipe in his hand and was smoking.


    xu qing had never seen what the ferry boat looked like; the map only provided an introduction without specific details. however, he didn¡¯t have time to verify it. the moment he saw the lone boat, xu qing activated the last blood ignition teleportation he had been holding.


    at the next instant, his figure directly appeared above the lone boat.


    however, at this moment, the feeling of life-and-death crisis erupted violently. a terrifying force suddenly rose and affected the entire sky. at the same time, a figure that emitted endless heat had caught up.


    he punched out at xu qing.


    the great emperor shield instantly appeared.


    the great emperor scissors was also shining.


    there was no need to hold back ninth grandpa¡¯s sword energy at this moment.


    xu qing even took out the emperor sword.


    he resisted with all his might.


    the might of the late-stage ruler realm was fully displayed at this moment. the great emperor shield rumbled and a crack appeared on it that sent it flying back.


    it was the same for the great emperor. because there were many cracks to begin with, it directly shattered into pieces under this punch.


    as for ninth grandpa¡¯s sword energy, although it was powerful, when combined with the shield and scissors, it merely weakened the power of that punch.


    finally, xu qing¡¯s emperor sword blocked the remaining force of the punch.


    amid the rumbling, xu qing¡¯s body trembled, his flesh tearing apart in large chunks as if it were being sliced. however, he didn¡¯t disintegrate. instead, he used the force of the impact to fall onto the boat.


    the moment he landed, the boat shook. xu qjng, who was lying there, was already on the verge of death.


    however, he held onto the emperor sword tightly.


    as for the figure in the sky, it didn¡¯t stop. at this moment, it approached and lifted its palm¡­ grabbing at xu qjng.


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and was about to swallow the item in his mouth.


    but just at the moment when his hand reached out to grab xu qjng, the ferryman on the boat, dressed in a straw cape and wearing a conical bamboo hat, who was exhaling smoke, gently tapped his smoking pipe on the deck of the boat.


    without a sound, the figure who had struck from the heavens suddenly trembled all over. his outstretched right hand instantly blurred and vanished, and his form quickly rolled back in mid-air, dissipating all its aura, transforming into a red-haired young man.


    he looked at the ferryman with fear and bowed.


    senior, i haven¡¯t broken any rules. although this person has boarded the ferry, he hasn¡¯t paid yet. according to the rules¡­ before he pays, he is not a river traveler and can be killed by me!¡±


    bullsh*t!¡± the ferryman snorted.


    this word was like a world-destroying thunder when it landed in the red- haired youth¡¯s ears. his entire body trembled and he spat out blood as he was forced back again.


    i have the final say on my boat.


    after saying that, the ferryman slowly turned his head and glanced at xu qing, casually sweeping his gaze past the emperor sword in xu qing¡¯s hand. after that, he calmly spoke.


    pay up!¡±


    xu qing immediately nodded and released his vitality.


    the ferryman was satisfied. he raised his hand and grabbed. after taking out a certain amount of vitality, he stood up and stretched. he then took out an oar from somewhere and paddled across the blood river.


    immediately, ripples appeared on the river as the boat sailed away from the shore.


    only the gloomy-looking red-haired youth was left in the sky.


    after staring in the direction of the boat for a long time, a cold glint flashed in the red-haired youth¡¯s eyes. he pondered if he should wait for the ferryman to appear and cross the river to the west before continuing to pursue.


    however, he felt that doing this wasn¡¯t worth it.


    on one hand, i will waste the ferrying opportunity. on the other hand, my family is in the south. going to the west and returning will waste sixty years of my lifespan¡­¡±


    also, that person¡¯s injuries are so serious that he¡¯s at the end of his life. it will be extremely difficult for him to recover from such injuries.¡±


    the youth weighed the pros and cons before turning to leave.


    at the same time, on the blood river, in the boat, the ferryman¡¯s gaze landed on xu qing who was lying there and slowly spoke.


    the thing in your mouth can clearly heal your injuries instantly after swallowing it. however, you brat, you can actually resist not swallowing it. all to make it look like you¡¯re about to die so that kid won¡¯t pursue you. you really went to great lengths.¡±


    after his secret was exposed, xu qing hurriedly struggled to stand up and bowed respectfully.


    thank you for saving me, senior.


    shut up. i don¡¯t like chatty people, especially those who carry the stench of a god.¡±


    the ferryman¡¯s gaze landed on xu qjng¡¯s empty shoulder. he then ignored him and continued to smoke.


    xu qjng silently bowed again. he then moved toward the end of the boat and sat cross-legged there, silently recuperating.

 Chapter 1580 - Chapter 1580: The Boundless Immortal Path

    chapter 1580: the boundless immortal path


    editor: atlas studios


    the river wind howled, stirring the divine blood and turning ripples into waves, spreading in all directions across the boundless divine river.


    the black ferry boat, though it moved at what seemed like a slow pace, was unaffected by the fierce winds and waves, which couldn¡¯t impede it in the slightest.


    the waves instantly calmed after the boat arrived.


    the blood rain settled in the same manner.


    it was as if this ferry was the supreme treasure of the god river, and the ferryman was the master of the endless blood river.


    however, compared to this grand world, here¡­ it was merely a prison.


    the ferryman was neither singular nor fixed; there was always a release from punishment and departure.


    after all, they were those who had committed great crimes within the immortal capital and were sent here to face their punishment.


    yet, in the entire fifth star ring, few truly viewed them as criminals. clans and sects dared not challenge them.


    gradually, the ferry, with its unique fees and absolute safety, became a precious refuge for cultivators hanging by a thread.¡±


    just like xu qing at this moment.


    he sat cross-legged at the end of the ship. what was contained in his mouth was the recovery mark that grandma five had given him before he left wanggu¡¯s moon offering region.


    this mark could instantly heal all his injuries.


    it could only be used once and the price was grandma five¡¯s life force.


    this was the elder¡¯s blessing.


    hence, unless it was absolutely necessary, xu qing wouldn¡¯t use this item.


    ¡®fifth star ring is filled with dangers¡­ with my current cultivation and combat strength, i have to be cautious.¡¯


    xu qing silently meditated. with the help of the purple crystal¡¯s recovery powers, the skin he had lost gradually grew back.


    for his overall injuries, the loss of skin was relatively minor.


    therefore, within just a day, xu qing had recovered some of his original appearance from that terrifying state.


    at least he no longer looked so ragged.


    however, the wealmess caused by the burning of his blood and the dao injuries inflicted by the final strike from the red-haired young man could not be healed in such a short time.


    ¡®i need a month¡­¡¯


    xu qing¡¯s heart sank.


    if he was in the wanggu continent and needed a month to heal his injuries, although there would be danger, xu qing had many ways to avoid and resolve it.


    however, in this unfamiliar and powerful fifth star ring, there were countless variables and dangers that could emerge during the one-month recovery period.


    hence, on this boat, xu qing did his best to recover as much as possible in these six days.


    after all, this was six days that he had bought with his life.


    this kind of absolutely safe environment probably wouldn¡¯t exist for some time in the future.


    just like that, three days passed.


    during these three days, xu qing was recuperating. other than occasionally sliding the oar, the ferryman spent the rest of his time sitting at the bow of the boat, smoking.


    there was not a word exchanged by both sides.


    however, his gaze would often look at the distant sky.


    it was unknown if he was looking at the aurora in the sky, the existence in the aurora, or¡­ the void outside the aurora.


    this lasted until the fourth small vortex appeared after xu qing boarded the boat.


    the fourth day arrived.


    the ferryman exhaled a ring of smoke and retracted his gaze from the distant sky. he lowered his head and looked at the blood river before suddenly speaking.


    ¡°kid, what¡¯s your name?¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he opened his eyes and was about to say flame mystic.


    ¡°don¡¯t give me a fake name.¡±


    the ferryman said calmly.


    xu qing paused and honestly spoke.


    ¡°senior, my name is xu qing.¡±


    when the ferryman heard this, he closed his eyes and didn¡¯t speak again.


    xu qing also remembered the other¡¯s previous displeasure with his excessive talking, so he refrained from speaking more. he was well aware that the ferryman in front of him was likely the strongest person he had ever encountered.


    according to his understanding of the ferrymen from the map, there was a high chance that the people who were punished by the immortal city were lower immortals.


    a lower immortal was right in front of him¡­


    although from the outside, he didn¡¯t look like it¡­


    however, the other party could sense the clay fox on him at a glance.


    moreover, the clay fox was originally only in a deep sleep, but after he boarded the boat, she seemed to have instinctively hidden herself.


    this revealed something.


    as xu qing¡¯s thoughts began to stir, the ferryman¡¯s eyes opened once more. he looked up at the sky and spoke again.


    ¡°where did you come from?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart trembled.


    he tried his best not to reveal any flaws on his face and maintained a calm state of mind. he respectfully spoke and fabricated a location according to the map he had seen earlier.


    when the ferryman heard this, he sneered but he didn¡¯t continue inquiring about xu qing¡¯s background. instead, he turned his head and sized up xu qing a few times.


    ¡°soul accumulation seven worlds, but you have many authorities and even have space and time. quite extraordinary. your cultivation method is also unique, making it difficult to achieve the eighth and ninth worlds.¡±


    xu qing lowered his head. he was naturally not surprised that someone had seen through his dao arts. hence, he remained silent.


    the ferryman continued.


    ¡°from the traces of your time and spatial technique, you should have an idea of your eighth world.¡±


    ¡°therefore, even if it¡¯s difficult to succeed, it¡¯s only a matter of time for you.¡±


    ¡°so, do you know what a ruler is?¡±


    the ferryman calmly spoke.


    xu qing¡¯s heart trembled again. he was very surprised.


    the other party¡¯s words clearly contained hints of guidance¡­


    xu qing had some guesses but they weren¡¯t conclusive. however, although he didn¡¯t know the exact reason, he naturally wouldn¡¯t let go of this opportunity.


    hence, xu qing took a deep breath and stood up to bow respectfully.


    ¡°senior, please enlighten me.¡±


    ¡°the ruler realm is the process of forming an immortal embryo.¡±


    ¡°in this process, the immortal dao will accompany it. the immortal dao surpasses the heavenly dao, manifesting as authority and dao marks.¡±


    ¡°you should already know this.¡±


    the ferryman¡¯s voice was calm without the slightest fluctuation.


    xu qing listened attentively and nodded.


    ¡°however, there are some things that require the cultivators of the fifth star ring to reach a certain level before they arc told by the sect, clan, or ciders.


    the ferryman glanced at xu qing.


    ¡°that is the core of the ruler realm!


    ¡°immortal embryo?¡± xu qing asked.


    the ferryman nodded slightly.


    ¡°the immortal embryo is also known as the imperishable illusion of truth.¡±


    ¡°illusion represents your soul, while true represents your physical body.¡±


    ¡°the entire ruler realm involves a process of alternating and blending these aspects.¡±


    this was the first time xu qing had heard of these things. at this moment, he was listening very seriously.


    the ferryman continued.


    ¡°according to this process, the ruler realm is divided into three smaller stages: early, middle, and late.¡±


    ¡°the first stage involves projecting your soul outside of your body to form a new physical body, which is the illusion of truth.¡±


    ¡°at this stage, a ruler is both powerful and vulnerable.¡±


    ¡°the power comes from the illusion gradually replacing the truth, leading to an extraordinary understanding of authority and control over all things.¡±


    ¡°the vulnerability arises because the truth is hidden by the illusion; thus, if someone has the means to damage the truth, it¡¯s not difficult to kill a ruler. for example, the sword energy you used before primarily aimed to destroy the truth.¡±


    ¡°that sword energy was quite interesting; while it will be hard for it to injure a mid-stage ruler, the one who gave it to you is not a simple character.¡±


    at this point, the ferryman paused slightly, giving xu qing some time to digest his words.


    xu qing¡¯s heart stirred. previously, he had intuitively sensed that ninth grandpa¡¯s sword energy might have limited effect on mid-stage rulers, and now, he received confirmation from the ferryman¡¯s words.


    next, he recalled the rulers he had killed before, who were all similar, though he hadn¡¯t understood it well at the time due to limited knowledge, and thus hadn¡¯t deeply felt it during the battles.


    a long time later, the ferryman took a puff of his pipe and exhaled the smoke as he continued.


    ¡°once you achieve the illusion of truth and master it, you can explore the second stage.¡±


    ¡°in the second stage, you will dissolve the originally concealed physical body into the soul. this step is called the imperishable.¡±


    ¡°in this stage, the ruler can instantly switch between reality and illusion, with almost no flaws, hence the name imperishable.¡±


    ¡°the third stage requires authority and dao marks. dao marks are like lines that weave together the truth and illusion, allowing them to fully merge. one can then pluck the stars and become unique, achieving the immortal embryo!¡±


    ¡°the moment you succeed, you¡¯ll be a quasi immortal which is also the great emperor.¡±


    the ferryman slowly spoke.


    upon hearing this, xu qing combined his own understanding with what he had learned, and he had gained a thorough insight into the ruler realm.


    however, such an opportunity was very rare. hence, xu qing couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°senior, what about the quasi-immortal great emperor and even the summer immortal above it?¡±


    the ferryman¡¯s gaze glanced at the emperor sword beside xu qing. he fell silent for a bit before slowly speaking.


    ¡°the quasi immortal realm is similar to the god¡¯s divine platform realm. it is characterized by the concept of ¡®ordinance¡¯.¡±


    ¡°ordinance is the sublimation of the dao marks of authority; it encompasses power, will, and origin, and represents the commanding force before the true birth of an immortal.¡±


    ¡°as for the lower immortal¡­¡±


    the ferryman exhaled a mouthful of smoke. in the smoke, his face, which was already covered under the bamboo hat, became even more blurry.


    only a calm voice echoed on the blood river.


    ¡°that¡¯s the peak of the lower star ring.¡±


    ¡°every individual in this realm is flawless and omnipotent.¡±


    ¡°however, within the upper star ring, in the higher levels of ordinance, they also have their own limitations.¡±


    xu qing drew in a deep breath as waves surged in his heart. he then bowed to the ferryman again.


    ¡°senior, above the lower immortal realm is¡­¡±


    this time, the ferryman fell silent for even longer. his voice also became a little hoarse.


    ¡°above the lower immortal is the immortal lord!


    ¡°lord of the immortals!


    upon hearing this, xu qing recalled that his eldest senior brother had told him back then that he didn¡¯t believe that there was no path above the lower immortal and said there might be immortal lord and venerable immortal¡­


    ¡®eldest senior brother actually knew at that time.¡¯


    xu qing recalled the past and muttered inwardly.


    the ferryman continued.


    ¡°the difficulty of reaching this realm can be called ¡®unreachable,¡¯ as there have only been eleven immortal lords in the entire fifth star ring over countless years.¡±


    ¡°they each govern one of the eleven immortal palaces in the immortal city, with each palace being a source of ordinance.¡±


    with that, the ferryman suddenly smiled.


    ¡°since we are discussing this, i will also reveal the level above the immortal lord.¡±


    ¡°above the immortal lord is the sole venerable immortal!¡±


    ¡°the venerable immortal governs the star ring and holds a position equivalent to the venerable god. currently, the fifth star ring has the sole venerable immortal among the entire upper thirty-six rings.¡±


    ¡°before he became a venerable, he was also known as the fifth human ancestor..¡¯1

 Chapter 1581 - Chapter 1581: First Divine God

    chapter 1581: first divine god


    editor: atlas studios


    the vast god blood river surged with turbulent waves.


    the river was wide, stretching endlessly, as if it connected with the horizon, its immense presence inspiring awe.


    it was unimaginable how many gods had been slain to gather such a vast amount of divine blood, creating this terrifyingly immense blood river.


    especially under the aurora in the sky, the crimson waters glimmered with dim light, like countless drops of blood dancing on the surface.


    they seemed to be vying with the aurora for brilliance


    this scene formed a magnificent and grand painting.


    this painting was heavy with history, embodying the passage of time, bearing witness to the tales of gods and immortals, and marking the transformation of the fifth star ring¡¯s landscape.


    its significance was profound.


    at this moment, within this blood-red painting, the solitary boat cut through the waves, advancing forward.


    the voice of the ferryman also echoed between heaven and earth.


    every word and every sentence was like the sound of the dao, rumbling like thunder in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°the sole venerable immortal.¡±


    ¡°fifth human ancestor.¡±


    all these words rapidly gathered in xu qing¡¯s mind until they transformed into the figure of an old man.


    that old man was the old man sitting cross-legged in the fifth star ring that xu qing had seen on the map in the demon feather holy land. he was also the one he had seen in the outer sea of wanggu.


    ¡°senior, why is venerable immortal¡­ known as the fifth human ancestor?¡±


    a long time later, xu qing took a deep breath and asked.


    the ferryman picked up his pipe and took a puff. he then exhaled the smoke and calmly spoke.


    ¡°the upper thirty-six star rings belong to the higher realm. each of them has a different number of lower star rings, which is the lower realm.¡±


    ¡°some lower star rings have names, and some don¡¯t.¡±


    at this point, the ferryman glanced at xu qing. this glance seemed to have a deeper meaning.


    ¡°the lower realm of the fifth star ring doesn¡¯t have a name. a long time ago, when the gods of the upper realm were roaming the fifth star ring, its lower star ring was known as the fifth lower realm.¡±


    ¡°within it, countless races existed, enslaved by the gods, with each race needing to worship the gods to survive.¡±


    ¡°then came wars, rebellions, suppression, and eventual resurgence¡ªworlds crumbled as battles were fought against the gods.¡±


    ¡°each time, they were defeated. after every defeat, the fifth realm was wiped clean, and everything began anew, continuing as food for the gods.¡±


    as the ferryman¡¯s voice rose and fell, his words seemed to have become the runes of time, interweaving into a river of time that flowed into xu qing¡¯s understanding.


    ¡°until the final time, when the human emperor of the fifth realm led a brilliant uprising, unmatched in its splendor, bringing the war between immortals and gods, the lower and the upper, to its peak.¡±


    ¡°during the war, as the human emperor of the fifth realm ascended to the venerable immortal realm, the original venerable god of the fifth star ring encountered an unexpected event, leading to the ultimate overthrow of the fifth star ring and altering the balance of power.¡±


    ¡°for this reason, he became known as the fifth human ancestor.¡±


    after the ferryman finished speaking, he raised his head and looked at the sky with a hint of emotion.


    xu qing listened silently, reflecting on how history often bore striking similarities.


    the fifth star ring resembled wanggu to a certain extent.


    however, it was obvious that the development here was much more smooth.


    ¡°then, about the other upper star rings¡­¡± xu qing instinctively asked.


    ¡°most of them failed. there was only one place that could have succeeded. however, due to some accidents, it also failed.¡±


    the ferryman¡¯s voice was filled with reminiscence as he shook his head.


    ¡°that¡¯s because the thirty-six upper star rings don¡¯t belong to cultivators or immortals. this place¡­ is the domain of gods.¡±


    ¡°god and immortal. on these two paths, immortal¡­ has a limit and is one step behind the gods.¡±


    the ferryman¡¯s tone was a little low.


    ¡°to be precise, immortals have no future after reaching the venerable immortal realm. for countless years, the venerable immortal in the fifth star ring has reached a standstill.¡±


    ¡°as for gods¡­ above the venerable god, there are divine gods!¡±


    ¡°divine god isn¡¯t a legend. it truly exists.¡±


    ¡°there has only been one such existence since ancient times, and this being is known as the first divine god. it is said that their emergence was what created the upper and lower realms.¡±


    ¡°the tale of this creation is hard to verify. the history is too ancient, with no concrete evidence to confirm it.¡±


    the ferryman¡¯s words gave xu qing a shock that was even more dramatic than his previous words.


    ¡°that first divine god¡­¡± xu qing¡¯s breathing was hurried. before he could finish speaking, the ferryman already knew what he wanted to ask.


    ¡°they went to an unknown land and never returned.¡±


    ¡°after that, countless eras passed and no second divine god appeared in the thirty-six upper star rings until desolate in the ninth star ring.


    ¡°after the first divine god, it had the greatest hope of becoming a divine god. what¡¯s worth rejoicing about is that it failed in the end.¡±


    ¡°otherwise¡­¡±


    the ferryman didn¡¯t mention the consequences but xu qing could already imagine it.


    if desolate had succeeded, the divine might of the entire thirty-six upper star rings would soar by countless times. immortals¡­ would have no possibility of survival from then on.


    xu qing quietly digested the words of the ferryman.


    in the span of a day, the ferryman had spoken of many things¡ªfrom the core and divisions of the ruler realm to the ability of the quasi immortal, and even the entire worldview. it seemed as though nothing was held back, as everything was revealed to him.


    this had clearly exceeded the range of the ferryman¡¯s job.


    there was no need for the other party to tell him these things.


    recalling back to when he was being chased and the other party¡¯s actions¡­


    given all this information, it would be unrealistic for xu qing not to have any thoughts. in his mind, numerous thoughts had already begun to form.


    he suspected that this ferryman¡­ might have an old connection with wanggu.


    as for whether he came from wanggu or was familiar with some cultivators from wanggu, xu qing couldn¡¯t figure it out. however, he noticed that the other party¡¯s gaze had swept past his sword many times.


    hence, after a while, xu qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°senior, do you know wanggu¡­¡±


    the ferryman narrowed his eyes but didn¡¯t speak.


    xu qing waited for a long time and sighed inwardly.


    although the other party didn¡¯t respond, this lack of response actually represented some answers.


    ¡°senior, there¡¯s a drastic change in wanggu¡­¡±


    the ferryman still didn¡¯t speak. he smoked his pipe and exhaled smoke.


    xu qing fell silent.


    he didn¡¯t choose to ask further.


    just like that, time flowed by and the sixth day¡­ gradually arrived.


    the cost of crossing the river was six days of the traveler¡¯s life. this was because the time to cross the river was fixed at six days.


    at that moment, as the sixth day continued to pass, xu qing finally saw the end of the vast god blood river in his sight.


    that was the western starfield of the fifth star ring.


    as they approached the end, the river¡¯s waters calmed, with the waves gradually subsiding. only the boat continued its steady journey. a few hours later, as the sixth day was about to come to an end¡­


    they finally reached the western shore.


    the soil here was different from the southern marshes; there were no swamps in sight, and the land was a reddish hue, as if imbued with fiery energy.


    ¡°get off. if you need to cross the river again, the cost won¡¯t be just six days of life, but a full sixty years.¡±


    the ferryman calmly spoke.


    xu qing took a deep breath. after he stood up and bowed, he stepped out of the lone boat without saying anything.


    stepping on the land in the west, xu qing turned and looked at the boat.


    the ferryman was smoking the pipe. the smoke he exhaled made his figure even more hazy.


    recalling these six days, xu qing lowered his head and bowed again.


    ¡°thank you, senior.¡±


    although the other party didn¡¯t respond to his questions during the last few days and didn¡¯t speak again, the things he told him previously were very meaningful.


    it was equivalent to opening up xu qing¡¯s understanding of the world.


    hence, according to xu qing¡¯s way of doing things, this was a great kindness.


    hence, his bow was incomparably sincere.


    after bowing, xu qing turned and quickly left into the distance.


    it was only when his figure disappeared from the shore that the ferryman slowly raised his head and looked in the direction xu qing had left in.


    ¡°sword holder, has that stubborn fellow died¡­¡±


    he mumbled, his tone filled with reminiscence.


    after a while, he sighed softly.


    ¡°wanggu¡­ it¡¯s been a long time since i heard this name. the myriad of races in wanggu have probably long forgotten my name¡­ it has been erased from history.¡±


    as he mumbled, the ferryman raised his right hand and looked at his palm.


    at that moment, runes that looked like human faces flickered in his palm, emitting a bizarre aura.


    if xu qing was here, he would definitely be able to recognize it at a glance¡­


    those runes that shone like human faces were¡­ immortal arts!


    at the same time, in the air of the western starfield, xu qing, who had already left the shore, heard the sigh of relief of the clay fox.


    ¡°the person before¡­ was a bit frightening. i felt like he had the thought of grabbing me and cruelly tormenting me the moment he saw you.¡±


    ¡°xu qing, the place you came to isn¡¯t fun at all!¡±


    the clay fox¡¯s heart skipped a beat, especially when she recalled the god blood river.


    ¡°forget it, i¡¯d better continue sleeping¡­¡±


    the clay fox mumbled and quickly retracted her aura again.


    seeing star flame acting like this, xu qing couldn¡¯t say anything. he had already reminded the other party that the place he was going to might not welcome gods.


    however, it was obvious that star flame didn¡¯t believe him at that time.


    ¡°it might get even more dangerous ¡­¡±


    xu qing hesitated but ultimately reminded her again.


    in an instant, the aura of the clay fox was restrained to a greater extent.


    she rarely did this in wanggu. one could imagine how intimidating that ferryman was to star flame.


    as xu qing pondered, the figure of the ferryman couldn¡¯t help but appear in his mind.


    ¡°who exactly is he¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    he had no answer to this.


    a long time later, xu qing drew in a deep breath. after burying this matter in his mind, the map and information of the western starfield appeared in his mind.


    compared to the other three starfields, the western starfield was weaker overall. its orthodox dao immortal sect was also in decline.


    the fundamental reason was the sky patroller of the west, who maintained a transcendent and detached mindset, showing little concern for the development of the sect or the opinions of the outside world.


    most of the cultivators in the sect also didn¡¯t seem to care.


    because of this, the clans here had more influence than in the other three starfields. they fought with each other and devoured each other, expanding and developing.


    looking at this information, xu qing thought of the star of the west.


    he was the weakest among the eight stars, and was a disciple of the dao immortal sect¡¯s sky patroller.


    ¡°li mengtu¡­¡±


    ¡°his clan had a special characteristic. all direct descendants had the word ¡®tu¡¯ in their names.¡±


    ¡°his cultivation level is at the early-stage ruler realm and has four authorities. with his combat strength, together with a set of bizarre spells inherited from his clan and his master, he has the battle record of killing a mid-stage ruler.¡±


    as he pondered, xu qing stared at the world of the west.


    ¡°this place is much more peaceful than the south, making it suitable for healing, but not for challenges or self-improvement.¡±


    ¡°however, for me now, the most important thing is to find a place to recuperate as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°as for what to do later¡­ i¡¯ll act according to the situation.¡±


    determination appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he moved forward rapidly..

 Chapter 1582 - Chapter 1582: Cloud Gate

    chapter 1582: cloud gate


    editor: atlas studios


    several days later.


    ¡°this western starfield is indeed quite different from the south.¡±


    high in the sky, xu qing sped along, his expression thoughtful.


    during these past few days, while searching for a secluded place to heal, xu qing encountered two other holders of the qualifying tokens.


    the first time, the other person was over 4,500,000 kilometers away and clearly didn¡¯t notice xu qing, allowing him to easily avoid them.


    however, during the second encounter, just as xu qing sensed the presence of the other person through his token, the other person immediately sensed xu qing as well.


    to have a token that could sense such a large range, the other party must be an expert.


    however, just as xu qing¡¯s vigilance rose, the other party chose to evade.


    this was very different from the southern starfield.


    it seemed that avoiding trouble, or rather not creating trouble unless absolutely necessary, was a principle that many people in the western starfield adhered to.


    xu qing encountered this situation again in the following eight days.


    and he finally acknowledged it.


    ¡°western starfield¡­ is much less intense compared to the south. most of the unnecessary conflicts will be avoided.¡±


    ¡°but that doesn¡¯t mean that the people here don¡¯t kill.¡±


    xu qing raised his head and looked ahead.


    ahead of him, there was a circular barrier, shimmering with flowing light, forming a formation that prevented outsiders from entering.


    inside the array formation, several cultivators sat cross-legged.


    outside the array formation, not only was xu qing standing there, but there were also dozens of cultivators scattered around.


    some of them were like xu qing, being stopped when they were passing by this place. some were already within the range of the array formation and were chased out.


    ¡°the cloud gate clan and the earth spirit clan are going to start a war of extermination.¡±


    ¡°these two large clans are powerful clans in the vicinity. they jointly occupy this spirit dust mountain range. it¡¯s normal for such a thing to happen.¡±


    ¡°however, other than this place, these two clans also have other territories. if they really want to exterminate each other, it will be very difficult for them to succeed overnight.¡±


    discussions echoed in the surroundings.


    at that moment, xu qing had long changed into a rough hemp robe. he also imitated the ferryman and wore a bamboo hat. moreover, his appearance was also covered.


    standing in the air and listening to the sounds in his surroundings, xu qing spread out his divine sense and enveloped the area ahead.


    this was the location he had originally chosen for his secluded cultivation based on the map.


    that endless mountain range was filled with dense spiritual energy and was very suitable for healing injuries.


    however, now¡­ the fluctuations of the battle were echoing intensely.


    there were many people fighting in that mountain range.


    through the conversations in the surroundings, xu qing understood that one clan was invading another.


    the conflict was intense.


    there were also experts among them. xu qing could clearly sense the might of rulers.


    in fact, both sides also had token holders.


    however, it was obvious that the objective of this battle wasn¡¯t the tokens, it was to devour the enemy clan.


    the process was brutal, with ruthless methods, and it was clear that neither side would rest until the other was completely eradicated, down to the last trace.


    after xu qing used his perception, his understanding of the western starfield increased a little.


    ¡°the cultivators here rarely choose to engage in meaningless battles. most of them have a laid-back demeanor, but at the same time, they have a very strong sense of family loyalty. as a result, conflicts are more likely to occur between clans rather than individuals.¡±


    ¡°this aligns with the information recorded on the map. due to the dao immortal sect¡¯s indifference, there is little control over the western starfield, allowing for near-total autonomy. as a result, numerous cultivation clans have sprung up, growing unchecked, and their numbers far exceed those in the other three starfields.¡±


    xu qing slowly retreated.


    millions of kilometers away, xu qing finally found a desolate swamp. after a brief moment of consideration, he flickered and entered the swamp.


    in the depths of the swamp, he set up a small cave dwelling, reinforced the surroundings, placed restrictive formations, and isolated his aura before sitting cross-legged to begin his healing.


    perhaps due to the ongoing battle between the two nearby families, many cultivators, upon learning of the conflict, chose to leave the area. those who had originally planned to pass through also revised their routes to avoid the vicinity.


    hence, the next half a month of xu qing¡¯s closed-door cultivation was quite peaceful.


    on this day, as the swamp caved in, xu qing¡¯s figure walked out and stood in the air.


    as he stood there, he felt a pressure in his chest and a feeling of coughing surfaced.


    he frowned.


    although his injuries couldn¡¯t be seen from the outside, his aura was still much weaker than before.


    ¡°dao injury¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    after one¡¯s cultivation reached a certain level, not all injuries could be treated by medicinal pills.


    when experts attacked, they would often cause dao injuries.


    xu qing had never encountered such an injury in wanggu. however, in the fifth star ring, he received it and realized how difficult it was to recover from it.


    ¡°my initial estimate of one month was too optimistic.¡±


    ¡°these kinds of injuries require several years to slowly heal. although i have the purple crystal that can shorten this process, if there¡¯s dense spiritual energy, it can further shorten the recovery time.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was gloomy. he lowered his head and looked at the swamp under him before raising his head to look at the spirit dust mountain range. at the same time, the map of the west appeared in his mind.


    although the spiritual energy here far surpassed that of wanggu , it was still thinner than the southern starfield, unless one was in certain special locations¡­


    ¡°as long as i don¡¯t encounter a ruler, facing a soul accumulation won¡¯t hinder the recovery of my injuries.¡±


    combining the map with his current situation, xu qing made his decision. a cold gleam flashed in his eyes as he took a step forward, vanishing in an instant.


    the aurora in the sky flowed and small vortices rose and fell, increasing in number.


    unknowingly, a year passed.


    during this year, the war between the cloud gate clan and the earth spirit race continued.


    in the large-scale battle at the start, the cloud gate¡¯s ancestor was heavily injured. the ancestor of the earth spirit lineage was also injured.


    after that, the battle between the two sides mainly focused on carrying out small scale massacres.


    moreover, the cloud gate clan had gradually lost their territory in this year of war. from their original thirty-seven mountains, they were no down to only eleven mountains.


    now, everyone was in a state of panic.


    at that moment, on the ninth peak of the cloud gate clan, outside the array formation, three cultivators were sitting cross-legged.


    these three people were all cultivators with three or four worlds in the soul accumulation realm. as they meditated, they would occasionally open their eyes and look at the figure in the array formation. their expressions unknowingly revealed reverence.


    not long later, one of them took out a voice transmission jade slip. after checking it, he immediately stood up and bowed respectfully to the figure in the array formation.


    ¡°array lord, there¡¯s a message from spirit dust city. although the items you described earlier still don¡¯t exist in this batch of supplies¡­¡±


    ¡°however, there are clues. the caravan has already gone to search. it¡¯s expected that it will appear in the next batch of supplies.¡±


    not only did this person have a respectful expression, but his words were also the same.


    following his gaze, one could see a person sitting cross-legged in the array formation of the ninth peak, flipping through ancient books.


    this person had a middle-aged appearance but his hair was grayish-white and his face was pale. his body was skinny and he gave off a sickly feeling. occasionally, he would cough.


    even so, the three soul accumulation cultivators outside the array formation didn¡¯t dare to underestimate him at all.


    as external guest elders of the cloud gate clan, the three of them initially looked down upon flame mystic, who had joined a year ago and had the same cultivation level as them.


    however, they didn¡¯t expect that in the many battles with the earth spirit race in this year, every time this person attacked, he would be like lightning, killing the enemy¡¯s soul accumulation in one strike.


    his methods were brutal, and he directly aimed at the throat.


    in a year, twelve soul accumulation cultivators had died in this person¡¯s hands.


    moreover, there were two of them who had reached the level of the soul accumulation six world. however, this person only needed to move and cut a few more times to kill them.


    as such, amidst the decline of the cloud gate clan, flame mystic¡¯s battle merits could be considered eye-catching. hence, he was appointed as the array guardian of the ninth peak.


    he was known as the array lord.


    ¡°got it.¡±


    in the array formation, xu qing raised his head and calmly spoke.


    after that, his gaze landed in the distance as thoughts rose in his mind.


    ¡°my injuries are almost healed. i originally planned to leave in the near future¡­¡±


    a year ago, after checking the map and discovering that the most suitable place to heal in the vicinity was the spirit dust mountain range he had chosen first, xu qing made a decision.


    this was because if he didn¡¯t choose this place and headed to other suitable places, the time needed would be very long.


    so, xu qing decided to join in while the cloud gate clan was at a disadvantage in the war and was recruiting powerful individuals from all directions with substantial rewards.


    although as external guest elders, they were unlikely to be trusted and would not have access to the core, they would mostly serve as cannon fodder.


    however, what xu qing needed was to enter the spirit dust mountain range and make use of the dense spiritual energy here to shorten the healing time.


    as for the subsequent actions, on one hand, it was because the other party was seeking death; on the other hand, it was due to the denser spiritual energy within the formation. additionally, another reason was that xu qing knew that the rights of guest elders included access to the clan¡¯s merchant convoys, allowing them to purchase certain special items.


    moreover, his status determined the size of this authority.


    hence, xu qing chose to kill a few more. however, he also controlled his targets to within the soul accumulation seven worlds.


    if he killed the seven worlds, it would be too conspicuous.


    he wanted to borrow the power of the cloud gate to find the item with spatial abilities that looked like a lump of soil that the youth with the birthmark had taken out.


    back then, the other party used this item to glue the world and consume it.


    it didn¡¯t exist in the storage ring either.


    ¡°a month is still a little too long.¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes.


    in this year, as the guest elder of the cloud gate clan, although he wasn¡¯t trusted too much and didn¡¯t come into contact with the core disciples, with his cultivation and vision, he could still see the outcome of the cloud gate clan that was difficult to change.


    ¡°there¡¯s a high chance that the cloud gate¡¯s ancestor is about to die. i estimate it to be in about half a month.¡±


    ¡°the final battle with the earth spirit race will definitely erupt in half a month.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze landed on the horizon. in the entire spirit dust mountain range, even under the aurora, the sky was still pitch-black and a large amount of death aura was gathered.


    all kinds of bizarre entities appeared from time to time.


    this scene didn¡¯t have the combat strength of a ruler and was very difficult to detect.


    during this year, xu qing wasn¡¯t only recuperating but also cultivating his own arts.


    whether it was the five elements or time and space, his current comprehension level was much greater than a year ago.


    this enhancement to combat strength would be even more obvious.


    this was especially so for space and time. they were the focus of his exploration.


    vaguely, he also had an idea of the eighth extremity.


    a long time later, determination appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°forget it. it¡¯s not impossible to find an item that contains spatial abilities if i spend more effort elsewhere.¡±


    at the thought of this, xu qing closed his eyes.


    ¡°in three days, my injuries will completely heal and i¡¯ll leave!¡±

 Chapter 1583 - Chapter 1583: Yunmen Qianfan

    chapter 1583: yunmen qianfan


    editor: atlas studios


    three days passed in the blink of an eye.


    cloud gate clan, ninth peak, inside the array formation.


    after a year of healing, with the help of the dense spiritual energy in this place and the power of the purple crystal, xu qing finally fully recovered from the dao injury within his body.


    the moment he opened his eyes, the pallor of his skin was replaced by a healthy flush.


    the sickly aura that had plagued him vanished completely.


    the persistent cough that had lingered for a year finally ceased, and the feeling of clarity in his body with each breath made xu qing¡¯s once-clouded eyes clear again.


    along with this came the vigorous surge of his cultivation within, and a profound sense of understanding and depth from the past year¡¯s reflection on his dao arts.


    compared to a year ago, the changes were extremely great.


    if xu qing from a year ago was like a sharp dagger, then after a year of healing and reflection, he had transformed into a heavy sword.


    moreover, it had a scabbard!


    it could hide the edge.


    ¡°it¡¯s time to leave.¡±


    xu qing looked at the sky.


    everything was normal. the three cultivators outside the array formation were still meditating.


    in the final three days, there were no sudden decisive battles between the two clans, nor did any unexpected powerful figures appear.


    in xu qing¡¯s perception, the cloud gate clan¡¯s ancestor was still struggling at death¡¯s door.


    as for xu qing¡¯s true combat strength and the fact that he had a qualifying token, it wasn¡¯t exposed.


    ¡®the purple crystal is truly a huge help.¡¯


    xu qing sensed the purple crystal and muttered inwardly.


    when he was recuperating in the swamp, he had tried to use the purple crystal to shield his qualifying token from being detected by others.


    in reality, after he fused with the qualifying token, he had tried to do that many times but he had failed.


    both sides seemed to reject each other.


    the material of the immortal capital¡¯s token was extremely unique, seemingly having a mysterious connection with the fifth star ring.


    finally, in the swamp, xu qing came up with a barely satisfactory method.


    the principle was the relationship between little shadow and the purple crystal.


    he turned little shadow into a thin membrane that covered his skin. after that, he used the suppression power of the purple crystal.


    in this way, suppressing little shadow meant suppressing him as well.


    with the continuous suppression, he indirectly achieved the effect of preventing others¡¯ perception.


    however, there were also flaws. on one hand, little shadow kept on sending crying emotional fluctuations every day.


    on the other hand, it was consumption.


    continuing to activate the purple crystal consumed a lot of xu qing¡¯s soul energy.


    if the other token¡¯s perception range was inferior to his token, xu qing could still withstand this consumption.


    however, if the other token¡¯s perception range surpassed his own, it would be difficult for him to maintain it. even if he forcefully maintained the perception block, xu qing wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand the instant consumption and little shadow wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand it either.


    he was still too weak in the end.


    fortunately, the range of xu qing¡¯s token wasn¡¯t small. although there were people who had tokens with higher perception range, in this laid-back western starfield, most cultivators tended to avoid getting too close unless a confrontation was absolutely necessary.


    after all, it wasn¡¯t time for the second stage to be intense yet.


    as for the cloud gate and the earth spirit clans, the perception range of their token holders was inferior to xu qing¡¯s. hence, under the perception blocking shield, they couldn¡¯t sense that xu qing was a token holder as well.


    it was also because of this that xu qing chose to join the cloud gate clan when they were recruiting outsiders.


    the battle between the two clans also caused the number of outsiders here to be low and most of them avoided coming near this battlefield.


    this allowed xu qing to have a relatively safe period of time.


    today, he had completely healed the dao injuries on his body.


    ¡°although there were no accidents in these three days, there was a mission that came from the cloud gate clan¡­¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and retracted his gaze from the sky, landing on a jade slip in front of him.


    this jade slip had arrived yesterday.


    it assigned a mission to xu qing.


    escort a cloud gate clansman to black cloud city. the sooner they set off, the better.


    ¡°this mission arrived when the final battle of the cloud gate clan is about to start¡­¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    ¡°this is bait.¡±


    ¡°however, the conditions given are pretty good.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s divine sense landed on the jade slip. it told him that the reward for completing this mission was the soil that contained spatial ability that he had been searching for this past year.


    for there to be such a coincidence, it was natural the clan had already planned this.


    clearly, the merchant group of this clan hadn¡¯t only found clues of the item but had long found the item itself. it was just that they didn¡¯t tell xu qing.


    if his injuries hadn¡¯t recovered, xu qing wouldn¡¯t have accepted this mission even if he really wanted to obtain that item.


    but now¡­


    xu qing thought about it and pointed at the jade slip.


    as the jade slip shone with a halo, an hour later, a rainbow rushed toward the ninth peak from the core mountain of the cloud gate clan.


    its speed wasn¡¯t slow, emitting the fluctuations of a third stage nihility cultivator.


    soon, they arrived at the top of the ninth peak.


    the three people sitting cross-legged here had strange expressions as they stared over.


    the person who came was a woman.


    the woman, dressed in white, exuded an aura of purity. her clothes also bore gray patterns that subtly shimmered, emanating the energy of a formation.


    as for her appearance, it was quite beautiful, with a fresh and delicate quality, like petals in the early morning light.


    there was also a gentle aura in her brow, as if her eyes could speak with countless unspoken words.


    as she moved with a graceful step, her liveliness became even more apparent. upon arriving at the ninth peak, she quickened her pace and respectfully bowed to xu qing, who was within the formation.


    ¡°yunmeno qianfan greets senior flame mystic.¡±


    ¡°the person i have to escort is you?¡± within the array formation, xu qing¡¯s gaze was like lightning as it landed on the woman.


    under xu qing¡¯s gaze, the woman felt a pang of nervousness in her heart.


    ¡°sorry to trouble you, senior.¡±


    xu qing was expressionless. just as he was about to retract his gaze, he saw the woman¡¯s chest and his eyes narrowed.


    ¡°interesting. come in for a while.¡±


    xu qing raised his hand and waved it, opening a gap in the array formation.


    the woman became even more nervous when she heard this. however, she knew that this matter concerned her life and death in the future. hence, she took a deep breath and walked toward the array formation through the gap and arrived in front of xu qing.


    looking at the middle-aged man in front of her, all kinds of information about him in the past year appeared in the woman¡¯s mind. she sighed inwardly and wondered if her choice was right.


    according to the clan¡¯s arrangement, she had three possible escorts to choose from, but she ultimately gave up the other two and chose flame mystic.


    the reason for this was her unique constitution and her lifelong practice of divination.


    after learning about the task she was about to face, she repeatedly attempted to divinate her fate, searching for a chance of survival. ultimately, she found a glimmer of hope only in the presence of flame mystic.


    however, this trace sometimes appeared and sometimes disappeared.


    yet, she was a decisive person. since she had already made her choice, she displayed a resolute expression, bit her white teeth, and, before xu qing could ask, she quickly bowed to him and spoke.


    ¡°senior, there is something important i need to inform you. this mission from our cloud gate clan is not solely assigned to you.¡±


    ¡°in reality, a total of fourteen assignments have been issued!¡±


    ¡°each assignment designates a guest elder to escort a core clansman to different cities.¡±


    ¡°the reason for this is that among us, someone is carrying a secret key with a special method, which is crucial to the clan¡¯s future rise.¡±


    ¡°however, even we don¡¯t know who it is on. it might be with me, it might be with others, or it might be with none of us.¡±


    ¡°but no matter what, other than the person who really carries the secret key, everyone else is bait to attract the earth spirit clan.¡±


    having finished speaking, yunmen qianfan let out a long breath. she knew she was taking a gamble, and since she was gambling, she had to go all in. she then raised her hand and retrieved a box from the spot xu qing had previously looked at.


    she opened it.


    inside the box was a lump of fist-sized soil!


    waves of spatial energy spread out, distorting the surroundings.


    this was what xu qing wanted.


    according to the mission on the jade slip, he would only obtain it after completing the mission.


    but now, the other party had taken it out in advance. moreover, xu qing could tell that this item wasn¡¯t sealed.


    however, there were traces of a seal. it should have been unsealed not long ago and there was some blood. it seemed that the method to unseal it was through blood.


    ¡°this spatial soil is what senior has been searching for this year. when i obtained it from the clan, it was sealed, and this seal is bound to my life and death. it can only be opened with my origin blood if i willingly choose to do so.¡± ¡°after some thought, i wasn¡¯t willing to use this method to threaten senior and removed the seal.¡±


    with that, yunmen qianfan respectfully handed it over. after that, she lowered her head and knelt down.


    she had already told him what she shouldn¡¯t say and destroyed the arrangement her family had set up for her survival.


    she didn¡¯t hide anything and didn¡¯t guard herself either. she was completely honest as she knelt down and allowed xu qing to examine the item.


    xu qing was calm as he looked at the soil. after confirming that there was no mistake with this item, he put it away and glanced at the woman kneeling there.


    he calmly spoke.


    ¡°a person with a normal thought process would not act as you have.¡±


    yunmen qianfan took a deep breath and replied in a low voice.


    ¡°my physique is unique, and i practice the way of divination. however, i did not attempt to divine your fate, nor did i dare to. instead, i divined where i had to request help from, and the result pointed to nine.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze darkened.


    ¡°what do you want?¡±


    ¡°junior wants¡­ to survive and reach black cloud city alive.¡±


    the woman raised her head and spoke softly.


    xu qing didn¡¯t give an answer immediately. instead, he pondered for a while before slowly standing up and walking out of the array formation.


    with every step he took, the array formation would ripple.


    yunmen qianfan was feeling uneasy. just as she lowered her head and was worrying about gains and losses, xu qing had already walked past her.


    ¡°follow me.¡±


    as the voice rang out and landed in yunmen qianfan¡¯s ears, her mind fluctuated intensely. she immediately stood up and followed behind xu qing.


    the entire ninth peak suddenly shook.


    as the array formation rippled, xu qing walked out of the array formation under the respectful gazes of the three cultivators.


    with a step, he landed in the void, forming a ring-shaped energy that surged in all directions.


    with the second step, he rose to the sky and advanced toward the distance.


    yunmen qianfan followed closely behind, behaving like a maid. this would be her position for the journey ahead.


    for her, having staked everything, she could only place her hope in this flame mystic, whom her divination had guided her to.

 Chapter 1584 - Chapter 1584: Obedient Little Maid

    chapter 1584: obedient little maid


    editor: atlas studios


    ¡°senior, according to the route provided by the family, it will take about half a month to reach black cloud city. however, my previous divination suggested that this route might be exposed.¡±


    ¡°therefore, i¡¯ve planned an alternate route. we will pass through the heavenly water lake, the nine bends mountain, and then traverse the time desert. this will lead us to an ancient teleportation array.¡±


    ¡°once we reach that point, i have the means to activate the array, allowing us to teleport directly to the great cloud plain that is closest to black cloud city.¡± ¡°it¡¯s just we will use up about five more days¡­¡±


    in the sky, a wooden boat was rushing under the aurora.


    the middle-aged xu qing sat cross-legged on the wooden boat and flipped through an ancient book.


    opposite him, the beautiful yunmen qianfan spoke softly.


    this was six hours after they left the spirit dust mountain range.


    during these six hours, xu qing had been reading while yunmen qianfan observed carefully.


    she was aware that flame mystic was the key to her survival on this journey. her life depended on him.


    however, she also understood that the other party¡¯s combat strength wasn¡¯t at the peak. if he encountered an expert he couldn¡¯t defeat, it was impossible for him to fight to the death for her.


    hence, she had to plan her route and find a safe path for herself.


    however, the change in route would consume even more time.


    hence, as she spoke, she was also perturbed and paid attention to xu qing¡¯s expression.


    ¡°you arrange it.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t mind the change in route. although he was confident in his current combat strength, it would naturally be good if he didn¡¯t have to make a move.


    hearing xu qing¡¯s answer, yunmen qianfan heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. after that, she focused her attention on xu qing while controlling the boat.


    when she noticed xu qing deep in thought while reading ancient texts, she would carefully adjust the speed of the wooden boat and enhance its soundproofing to maintain a quiet environment inside.


    observing that xu qing continued reading, she would place spirit fruits beside him with great care, paying attention to which type he picked first, and silently memorizing it.


    she also kept track of time, preparing spirit liquid and spirit wine.


    upon realizing that xu qing preferred spirit wine, she made sure the wine pot was never empty, constantly refilling it.


    if xu qing set aside the ancient text, she would take out a zither and gently strum it. seeing that he didn¡¯t seem displeased, she would continue playing softly.


    additionally, when they passed through areas with distinctive landscapes, if xu qing¡¯s gaze lingered on them, she would immediately share any information she knew about those areas.


    throughout the journey, she acted much like a maidservant, meticulously attending to every detail.


    although these actions were still very unfamiliar at the start, it could be seen that she rarely did this since she was young.


    however, she was serious and worked hard to make xu qing¡¯s journey more comfortable.


    it could be said that she completely treated xu qing as her master.


    xu qing saw these details and didn¡¯t stop her.


    just like that, three days passed.


    a blue lake appeared on the distant land.


    from the sky, this lake was like a mirror. the surface of the water was calm and the spiritual energy was dense, emitting a sense of purity.


    ¡°senior, the heavenly water lake is ahead.¡±


    ¡°according to ancient legends, during the war between gods and immortals, the dao companion of immortal lord miaoqi, named tianshuiq, fell here. after the war ended, immortal lord miaoqi visited this place, and overcome with grief, her tears formed this blue lake.¡±


    as soon as yunmen qianfan finished speaking, xu qing put down the ancient text in his hand and his gaze landed on the heavenly water lake.


    seeing that xu qing was interested in this legend, yunmen qianfan immediately controlled the wooden boat, causing it to slow down and float above the heavenly water lake.


    this location allowed xu qing to observe more clearly.


    ¡°this lake¡­¡±


    a dark glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he raised his hand and made a grabbing motion; immediately, a drop of lake water rose into the air and headed straight for xu qing.


    it landed in his palm.


    this water looked normal but through xu qing¡¯s dao of the five elements, he sensed that this lake seemed to have life and contained will.


    ¡°there are still some differences¡­¡±


    the immortal art authority circulated in xu qing¡¯s eyes and the intent of the seven emotions and six desires spread out. coupled with his five elements, he discovered that what was contained wasn¡¯t will.


    it was emotions.


    in this lake, there was intense sorrow.


    this discovery caused xu qing¡¯s heart to stir. his thoughts spread and he fell into deep thought.


    ¡°the fusion of the five elements and emotions might bring about more changes.¡±


    ¡°this point is somewhat similar to the essence of immortal arts¡­¡±


    yunmen qianfan, who was at the side, noticed this scene and didn¡¯t dare to disturb him. she was vigilant of her surroundings and guarded xu qing.


    time slowly passed. an hour later, xu qing was still pondering when yunmen qianfan¡¯s expression changed drastically. she abruptly raised her head and looked at the sky.


    in the sky, a beam of light was rushing over at an extremely fast speed.


    within it was an old man in a gray robe. the fluctuations of the soul accumulation seven worlds caused the weather to fluctuate.


    the sky rippled and the ground rumbled, affecting everything.


    yunmen qianfan immediately recognized the old man.


    ¡°xiao zheng!¡±


    her heart trembled.


    ¡°earth spirit clan¡¯s guest elder!¡±


    being a core member of the cloud gate clan, yunmen qianfan was naturally well-informed about the powerful figures of the earth spirit clan. recognizing xiao zheng at that moment, her breathing quickened, and an intense sense of life-threatening danger overwhelmed her.


    at the same time, bitterness and despair rose uncontrollably in her heart.


    she never expected that she would be stopped so quickly even though she had changed her route. moreover, the cultivation of the person who arrived was quite high.


    ¡°the most powerful enemy senior flame mystic has killed was only at six worlds level¡­¡±


    just as yunmen qianfan was feeling anxious, xiao zheng swept his gaze across the sky and locked onto the wooden boat. his expression was cold, as though he was looking at an ant. he didn¡¯t say anything and instantly walked over.


    his mission wasn¡¯t just to kill one core disciple but two.


    even though the other party was smart and guessed that she had become bait and changed her route¡­


    ¡°i guessed wrong.¡±


    ¡°this isn¡¯t bait. this is a gamble.¡±


    xiao zheng¡¯s face remained expressionless as his gaze bypassed the despairing and trembling yunmen qianfan, settling directly on xu qing. with a single motion of his hand, the sky rumbled in response.


    a huge palm appeared out of thin air, sweeping through the world as it grabbed fiercely at the wooden boat.


    the terrifying aura and powerful pressure caused yunmen qianfan¡¯s body and soul to feel as though they had frozen. she fell into a state of suffocation and couldn¡¯t move at all. she could only watch helplessly as the large hand descended.


    it was also at this moment that xu qing raised his head and looked over calmly.


    this glance¡­


    the large hand suddenly paused.


    it actually couldn¡¯t move down.


    after that, with a boom, it collapsed.


    at the same time, the oppressive intent that enveloped yunmen qianfan instantly shattered into pieces.


    the suffocating feeling instantly disappeared.


    the moment her perception recovered, yunmen qianfan, who was panting heavily, saw xiao zheng quickly looking horrified.


    following this, to yunmen qianfan¡¯s astonishment, xiao zheng abruptly retreated at high speed. his expression shifted from shock to one of pale fear, as if he intended to flee.


    at that moment, xiao zheng¡¯s mind shook as though countless bolts of lightning had exploded in his mind.


    before he came, he knew that the escort was flame mystic. he also understood the other party¡¯s information and combat strength and his abilities.


    however, in his opinion, although flame mystic wasn¡¯t bad, it was impossible for him to fight him.


    he never expected that the other party¡­ seemed to have changed into a different person. just a gaze from him actually destroyed his spell.


    ¡°this combat strength, this person¡­ this person¡­¡±


    xiao zheng¡¯s body trembled and his scalp went numb. at this moment, he was already escaping with all his might.


    however, as he fled, his mind rumbled again.


    he discovered that even though he had activated his secret art to increase his speed, nothing in front of him changed.


    it was as though the space he was in had become infinite.


    below him was still the heavenly water lake. his surroundings were still the same as before.


    this scene caused his mind to stir. he suddenly felt that his vision was blurry and there was something else on his face.


    they were tears.


    drops of tears actually flowed out of the corners of his eyes uncontrollably.


    more and more¡­


    his tear ducts dried up as his tears drenched his entire body.


    after that, they began to bleed.


    his face was covered in blood and tears!


    his blood quickly dried up as well and his life began to flow out.


    in the end, his body and soul withered, turning into ashes.


    it scattered between heaven and earth.


    this scene was extremely bizarre!


    when yunmen qianfan saw it, she was stunned.


    she couldn¡¯t believe what she had just seen. even though all she could see now was dissipating ashes, the scene earlier was already imprinted in her memory.


    she watched in disbelief as the elder from the earth spirit clan wept in mid-air.


    after that, blood flowed out and life also flowed out.


    he cried until he turned into ashes.


    this scene in her memory caused her to be in a daze.


    her breathing turned hurried and her mind stirred with unprecedented waves.


    every wave contained disbelief.


    there was even a moment when she thought she had seen wrongly.


    xu qing retracted his gaze and shook his head lightly.


    ¡°it¡¯s indeed similar to an immortal art but its might is ordinary. it works against soul accumulation, but has little effect on a ruler, and is somewhat too flashy.¡±


    from the start, he didn¡¯t stand up from the wooden boat. he only raised his head to take a look. at that moment, he picked up the ancient scroll at the side and lowered his head to continue flipping through it.


    a while later, xu qing noticed that yunmen qianfan was still in a daze. he tapped the scroll on the deck.


    when the sound landed in yunmen qianfan¡¯s ears, her distracted mind recovered again.


    ¡°let¡¯s go.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    yunmen qianfan took a deep breath and tried her best to remain calm. however, it was obvious that the waves in her heart couldn¡¯t calm down so quickly.


    it took her a while to barely recover. she immediately controlled the boat and flew into the distance.


    the gaze she used to look at xu qing changed a little as she asked.


    ¡°senior¡­ how should we proceed from here?¡±


    ¡°you arrange it.¡±


    xu qing continued reading.


    ¡°alright!¡±


    yunmen qianfan nodded obediently.

 Chapter 1585 - Chapter 1585: Enslaving Gods

    chapter 1585: enslaving gods


    editor: atlas studios


    seven days later.


    by the side of nine bends mountain, the woman¡¯s voice, as melodious as a nightingale, echoed softly like a clear stream flowing through the surroundings.


    ¡°emerald peaks hide the traces of immortals, nine bends winding into the clouds. clear waters murmur between the stones, the evening glow untouched by the pine forest breeze.¡±


    as her voice spread, the entire nine bends mountain came into view from a distance. it was shrouded in mist, with a stream cascading from the mountain¡¯s peak, winding its way down through nine curves, eventually merging into a clear river at the foot of the mountain.


    boats floated on the stream like fallen leaves.


    ¡°senior, this is nine bends mountain. the mountain¡¯s stream flows in nine bends, and as it winds its way down, the sound of immortal melodies can be heard, which is how it got its name.¡±


    inside the boat, incense burned gently, and a bright lantern stood tall.


    yunmen qianfan played the zither, her music filling the air as she glanced at xu qing, who was gazing intently at nine bends mountain in the distance. as they journeyed together, the ripples in her heart had grown into ever-increasing waves.


    even though seven days had passed, the strange way that the guest elder of earth spirit race died still occasionally appeared in her mind.


    to make a cultivator of the soul accumulation seven worlds cry to death with just one glance¡­ in her opinion, this was something that only the perfected soul accumulation nine worlds cultivators could do.


    this made her realize even more clearly that what this flame mystic had displayed in the spirit dust mountain range was only the tip of the iceberg. as long as they didn¡¯t encounter a ruler on the way, she would be safe.


    it was because of this that the feeling of life-and-death danger in her heart was much less. what followed was a strange feeling, and it made this journey a true leisurely voyage.


    because of her relaxed mood, she smiled much more than usual.


    it blended seamlessly into the tune. the drifting sound of the zither intertwined with the flowing river.


    complemented by the burning incense and the soft glow of the lantern, it truly evoked a sense of ¡®flowing springs accompany the journey, all worldly concerns forgotten.¡¯


    listening to the celestial melodies and gazing at the winding nine bends mountain, xu qing took a sip from his wine flask.


    however, unlike yunmen qianfan¡¯s relaxed state, xu qing found it difficult to forget the world¡¯s troubles, even amidst the soothing notes of the celestial music.


    the wine xu qing drank, though it blended smoothly in his mouth, seemed to evaporate into the memories of the past.


    faint recollections surfaced¡ªit was a ship and a pair of people as well, and music that once flowed through his heart.


    sensing xu qing¡¯s current mood, qianfan lowered her head, and the sound of the zither, accompanied by her gentle singing, drifted across the serene river.


    ¡°flying birds in graceful search of old dreams,


    the heart finds peace with mountains and streams.


    i wish to stay here by your side,


    not asking when the years will chime.¡±


    the river water was sparkling as the wooden boat sailed past the nine bends mountain.


    ¡°i have a tune i haven¡¯t heard in a long time. would you be willing to play it?¡±


    xu qing suddenly asked.


    ¡°qianfan is willing.¡±


    yunmen qianfan quickly looked up, her eyes meeting xu qing¡¯s back. she responded softly, her tone filled with a quiet obedience.


    xu qing raised his hand, and a jade slip, imprinted with a musical score, floated gently before her.


    qianfan¡¯s delicate fingers lifted it, placing it in her palm as she closed her eyes to concentrate.


    moments later, the melody from the zither shifted.


    the familiar tune resonated through the air.


    the long river, the lone boat, slowly drifted away.


    on the boat, the woman played while the man gazed into the distance.


    amidst the landscape, he sought an old dream.


    the meaning of the martial world lingered in the wind.


    the zither¡¯s melody seemed to recount the joys and sorrows of a lifetime.


    in the end, everything turned into a pot of turbid wine.


    in his solitude, xu qing drank it all down in one go.


    ¡°senior¡­ this melody carries a profound meaning, embodying a lifetime of deep obsession. though there is sadness, there is also a sense of freedom. the composer must have been an extraordinary individual. may i ask, what is the name of this piece?¡±


    yunmen qianfan looked at xu qing and asked softly.


    xu qing didn¡¯t answer. instead, he glanced at the river and then at the horizon.


    a strong wind blew over, causing his long hair to flutter. as his clothes fluttered, a hint of coldness rose in the wind.


    hence, the wind stopped.


    the river¡¯s shimmering surface suddenly fell silent.


    in the next moment, the water ahead of the wooden boat began to churn violently.


    the river sank as a massive head abruptly emerged from the depths.


    it was serpent-like, covered in scales, and pitch black, oozing a viscous liquid.


    its eyes, like glowing red flames, were filled with malice.


    the creature¡¯s immense size, stretching thousands of feet, made the wooden boat seem like a child¡¯s toy in comparison.


    accompanying it were waves of murmurs that echoed in the listener¡¯s mind.


    the sound, laced with an unsettling energy, threatened to drive them mad, causing their souls to tremble and their bodies to quake.


    simultaneously, the surroundings began to warp and distort, the atmosphere growing increasingly hazy and surreal.


    moreover, after their gazes met, yunmen qianfan¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t help but race, as though it wanted to break through her chest.


    her mind felt like it was about to be torn apart as a sense of madness invaded her domineeringly from the outside.


    her entire body trembled. she could clearly sense that at this moment, it was as though all her flesh and blood had a will. they formed an intense rejection with her, as though they were about to separate.


    the spiritual energy in the surroundings was also swept back at this moment and invaded by an aura that was completely different from spiritual energy. as the two forces collided, the spiritual energy began to be tainted.


    that was divine aura, that was anomalous substances!


    that was¡­ a god!


    just as yunmen qianfan¡¯s mind was about to collapse under the pressure, her cultivation suppressed, and both her body and soul on the verge of breaking, a gentle force emanated from xu qing and enveloped her.


    he blocked the outside world.


    after that, xu qing raised his right hand and grabbed forward.


    immediately, the distorted and blurry void in front of him rumbled and shattered into pieces.


    under this grab, the river water suddenly swept up, forming an overwhelming force that transformed into a palm that grabbed the god¡¯s head.


    he ruthlessly tugged upward.


    the world trembled.


    a heart-rending roar rang out from the god¡¯s mouth. its body was shaken by the great force and was forcefully pulled out of the river.


    as the river water splattered everywhere, it revealed a complete and strange body.


    the creature¡¯s body was overwhelmingly dominated by its massive head, which took up ninety-nine percent of its total size.


    beneath this enormous head was a relatively slender body, with grayish skin slick with oozing, viscous fluid.


    the surroundings were surrounded by spheres of light that kept spinning and flickering, emitting mysterious and strange light.


    a sense of chaos and madness rose intensely.


    within its body, a flame burned steadily, but it was encased within a lantern formed by runes.


    this lantern sealed and controlled the flame, preventing it from spreading or intensifying.


    there was also a special jade slip on this lantern.


    the jade slip seemed almost alive, with countless tendrils extending from it. these tendrils spread across the massive head, latching onto its brain as if parasitically, firmly binding it in place.


    ¡°divine slave!¡±


    ¡°senior, this belongs to the earth spirit clan. back then, they spent resources to buy divine slaves from the daoist immortal sect¡­ divine slaves possess the combat strength of a ruler. senior, you¡­¡±


    yunmen qianfan quickly recovered after xu qing blocked the external energy for her. but her heart was shaking as she didn¡¯t expect that the pursuers would mobilize the divine slaves to kill her.


    at the thought of how terrifying the divine slave was, yunmen qianfan trembled and instinctively reminded xu qing.


    however, halfway through her sentence, her eyes were wide open and she couldn¡¯t speak.


    this was because she saw that the terrifying and malevolent god earlier was now being grabbed by an illusory large hand in the air. no matter how much it struggled, it couldn¡¯t escape.


    xu qing calmly sized up the god as though he was studying it.


    this scene caused yunmen qianfan¡¯s breathing to become hurried. the image of the guest elder who had cried to death earlier appeared in her mind.


    ¡°a god of the divine fire realm.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze swept across the flames surrounding the lantern cover in the god¡¯s body.


    the lantern was composed of countless densely packed runes, each unique and numbering in the billions. the arrangement of these runes constantly shifted, with multiple configurations in play.


    additionally, the jade slip on the lantern, which seemed almost alive, added another layer of mystery. this peculiar item was unlike anything xu qing had encountered before, making it impossible for him to identify its origin or nature at a glance.


    this wasn¡¯t the first time he had seen a god in the fifth star ring. he had already seen gods being used by cultivators as magic treasures or spirit beasts.


    however, from yunmen qianfan¡¯s words, he realized the source of these divine slaves.


    ¡°they are controlled by the orthodox sects of the various starfields and sold to others?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought. he was quite interested in this method of controlling gods to become slaves. moreover, through observation, he discovered that this method was extremely ingenious.


    if one didn¡¯t understand the inner substance, it would be extremely difficult to break through it.


    forcefully breaking it would extinguish the enslaved god¡¯s divine fire and cause its mind to collapse. it might even cause its soul and body to disintegrate.


    ¡°however, since it¡¯s a slave and was sold, there will naturally be a way to control it.¡±


    xu qing retracted his gaze and looked at the horizon.


    under the red aurora, the place xu qing was looking at was filled with void waves. four figures were forced to appear.


    the moment she saw these four people, yunmen qianfan immediately recognized them.


    three of them were guest elders of the earth spirit clan and one was a core elder.


    the former three people had soul accumulation seven worlds cultivation bases, while the latter¡­ had already reached the nine worlds of soul accumulation.


    she immediately told xu qing.


    at that moment, the four of them stood in the sky with shocked expressions. they were incomparably terrified and waves of emotions surged in their hearts.


    one of them even held a small drum in his hand. however, no matter how he beat the drum, the god connected to this drum couldn¡¯t break free from xu qing¡¯s illusory palm.


    when xu qing¡¯s gaze landed on them, the four of them instantly felt their hearts tremble and their scalps turned numb. they didn¡¯t hesitate at all to retreat.


    however, it was clearly too late.


    almost at the same time they fled, xu qing took a step toward the sky.


    at the next instant, the color of the world changed.


    in qianfan¡¯s eyes, it was as though there was a vast painting spreading out in the sky, covering everything and blurring everything.


    a few breaths later, the painting dissipated and the four cultivators disappeared. only xu qing returned.


    he held a wine flask in one hand and a head in the other.


    this head was of the core elder of the earth spirit clan.


    he wasn¡¯t dead. his eyes revealed intense horror and despair as his soul was being searched.


    the moment he returned to the wooden boat, the soul search was completed.


    xu qing also knew the truth about this mission.


    ¡°the cloud gate clan has a secret key to enter a certain place of fortune. this is the foundation of the war between the two clans. however, this secret key is special and seems to be difficult to snatch.¡±


    ¡°hence, after suppressing the cloud gate clan to the extreme, the earth spirit clan proposed a bet that the cloud gate clan couldn¡¯t refuse.¡±


    ¡°cloud gate will send out fourteen core disciples and the earth spirit clan will chase after them. if all fourteen of them die in the end, cloud gate will lose. if anyone survives and reaches their destination, earth spirit will lose.¡±


    ¡°the stakes were the key and the survival of the cloud gate clan.¡±


    xu qing wasn¡¯t interested in this secret key.


    hence, with a squeeze, the head in his hand turned into ashes. at the same time, the small drum that controlled the god also appeared in xu qing¡¯s hand. he gently flicked it.


    amidst the thumping sounds, the god in front of him transformed into a stream of light that fused into the drum and a totem appeared on the drum.


    after putting it away, xu qing turned his head and looked at yunmen qianfan, who was panting and looking with shocked gaze.


    ¡°the wine is finished.¡±


    xu qing spoke and threw the wine flask over.


    ¡°ah¡­¡± qianfan instinctively caught it and held it. her entire body trembled as she hurriedly took out another flask and quickly handed it to xu qing..

 Chapter 1586 - Chapter 1586: Ever-Flowing Nature

    chapter 1586: ever-flowing nature


    editor: atlas studios


    the blue sand dunes sparkled with countless radiant lights, as if every grain of sand within them was a gem.


    they stretched endlessly and gathered together in an endless stream.


    like the vast waves of an ocean, frozen in the stillness of the world.


    the intense heat from all directions spread through this silence, making everything seem even more blurred.


    only the brilliance emitted by the sand grains remained clear, resembling stars or the countless intertwining moments of time, weaving endless dreams within this place.


    it felt like an illusion.


    a dazzling mirage.


    ¡°senior, this is the time desert. once we cross this desert, we¡¯ll reach the ancient teleportation array.¡±


    ¡°through the array formation, we can teleport to the area near black cloud city.¡±


    at the edge of the time desert, on the floating wooden boat, yunmen qianfan¡¯s eyes were entirely focused on xu qing, who was reading in front of her.


    she knelt beside him, carefully peeling a fresh fruit, her voice soft and gentle as she spoke.


    throughout this journey, her heart had mirrored the undulating waves of the desert; her emotions had been in constant flux, her thoughts as elusive and dreamlike as the desert itself.


    each time she reflected on these events, she found them incredibly surreal.


    his single glance made a soul accumulation seven worlds weep to death.


    he killed four elders in a few breaths.


    he suppressed a god with just one hand.


    these scenes made her clear that this senior flame mystic in front of her was definitely a ruler!


    she had seen other rulers before. whether it be the clan¡¯s ancestor or that heaven¡¯s chosen, they were both rules.


    she had also seen rulers of other clans from afar.


    however, they were all high and mighty.


    no one had ever been so close to her and accompanied her for so long.


    the feeling of being protected from all dangers was a rare experience for yunmen qianfan, one that etched itself deeply into her soul.


    over the past few days, she occasionally took advantage of moments when xu qing drank his wine to ask him questions about her cultivation. xu qing was not stingy and offered her guidance.


    his insights greatly benefited her, resolving many of her previous doubts regarding her cultivation path.


    in fact, she felt that the understanding and clarity this senior possessed surpassed even that of her own clan¡¯s ancestor.


    as for why a ruler would hide his cultivation and become a guest elder of her clan, she didn¡¯t want to think too deeply about it, nor did she care.


    after all, with her family in such dire straits, none of it mattered to her anymore.


    ¡°senior flame mystic must have his own reasons, perhaps even secrets he doesn¡¯t wish others to know.¡±


    yunmen qianfan thought to herself. then, she picked up another immortal fruit, carefully peeling it. noticing that xu qing¡¯s wine flask was nearly empty, she skillfully replaced it with a full one.


    there were many items in her storage bag, with only a portion of food and drinks but they were quite abundant.


    this wasn¡¯t the result of her divination skills, but rather a decision she made after carefully considering her situation. she had resolved to fully embrace the role of an all-encompassing maid, striving to ensure xu qing¡¯s comfort throughout the journey, thereby increasing her chances of survival.


    xu qing didn¡¯t pay much attention to her intentions.


    but he had to admit that yunmen qianfan had performed remarkably well in her role as an attendant.


    she was indeed clever, particularly in how she had proactively informed him of crucial details and even unlocked the seal on the spatial soil ahead of time, displaying a decisive nature.


    because of this, xu qing was willing to fulfill the promise he had made earlier.


    as he picked up the flask and took a sip, his gaze landed on the desert ahead of him.


    he observed the brilliance, the haze, and the countless moments of time that seemed to be encapsulated in this place.


    the closer parts of the desert appeared like a painting, as if the very laws of nature were being inscribed by a divine hand.


    in the distance, the outlines of sand dunes were blurred, as if concealing ancient secrets.


    the desert was sparse in vegetation, with only a few plants visible, their leaves reduced to needle-like shapes. this transformation in the plants was an adaptation to minimize water loss and slow the passage of time, extending their lifespans in this harsh environment.


    the tenacity of life was reflected here.


    this was the case for everything.


    it was the same for all living beings.


    in the sky, a few eagles soared, their silhouettes standing out vividly under the aurora¡¯s glow.


    the silence of the desert was broken by the distant cries of the eagles, echoing through the heavens. rather than feeling out of place, these cries added an extra layer of mystery and desolation.


    ¡°why is this place called time?¡±


    the wooden boat flew into the desert and xu qing slowly spoke.


    yunmen qianfan, who seemed to know everything about the various places they passed by, hesitated at this moment.


    a long time later, she spoke in a low voice uneasily.


    ¡°senior, the reason for the name of this desert isn¡¯t recorded in any ancient books. it was passed down by word of mouth by the people who lived in this desert.¡±


    ¡°so, junior also doesn¡¯t know why it is named as such¡­¡±


    xu qing nodded, his gaze briefly sweeping over yunmen qianfan before he spoke in a calm tone.


    ¡°the places you¡¯ve chosen along the way have been quite interesting, like the heavenly water lake and this time desert. how many more places do you know with special names or ancient legends?¡±


    upon hearing this, yunmen qianfan quickly retrieved a bamboo scroll from her storage pouch and respectfully placed it before xu qing.


    ¡°senior, it¡¯s all here. i¡¯ve always been fond of stories tied to various landscapes and environments, so i¡¯ve been collecting them.¡±


    ¡°besides a few places within the family¡¯s territory that i¡¯ve visited personally, most of the others i¡¯ve only heard about, and haven¡¯t had the chance to visit myself.¡±


    ¡°so there might be some inaccuracies.¡±


    xu qing took the bamboo scroll and, after scanning it with his divine sense, a hint of intrigue flickered in his eyes.


    the scroll contained geographic descriptions, including various landscapes, mountain ranges, lakes, and rivers, along with their names and associated stories. there were also rough locations marked on it.


    ¡°fallen evil pool, sky wind cave, fire hollow mountain range, immortal¡¯s fall plain, main dao cliff, earth rule pond, cloudy mud basin¡­¡±


    looking at these names, xu qing¡¯s interest rose.


    ¡°even if only some of these places are as special as the heavenly water lake and this time desert, they will be of great help to me.¡±


    at the thought of this, xu qing kept the bamboo scroll.


    in his opinion, the value of this bamboo scroll wasn¡¯t inferior to the soil that contained spatial energy.


    xu qing looked at yunmen qianfan.


    ¡°are you in a hurry to head to black cloud city?¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s no hurry, no hurry at all.¡±


    seeing that xu qing was satisfied, yunmen qianfan felt even more encouraged. for her, as long as she could be of help to xu qing, it validated her own worth moreover, the guidance she had received on her way here made her feel that it would be even better if the journey was longer.


    hence, when she heard xu qing¡¯s question, she hurriedly replied happily.


    xu qing nodded slightly and took a step forward on the boat, instantly disappearing and reappearing on the desert dune.


    xu qing sat down cross-legged and his eyes gleamed.


    ¡°time here is chaotic, or rather, there are countless timelines flowing at different rates, yet they merge, making everything appear normal.¡±


    as he mumbled, xu qing spread out his divine sense, enveloping the surroundings.


    yunmen qianfan was already used to xu qing¡¯s constant comprehension. when she saw xu qing sitting cross-legged, she immediately put away the wooden boat and landed beside xu qing, starting to get busy.


    quickly, yunmen qianfan set up a shelter around xu qing, laying out a mat woven from spiritual grass, and then sat nearby, resting her chin on her hand. her large, beautiful eyes never left xu qing.


    even though xu qing now appeared middle-aged, showing signs of wear and tear, to her, he exuded a unique charm.


    ¡®senior must have been quite handsome and dignified in his younger days.¡¯


    ¡®moreover, he carries many stories¡­¡¯


    ¡®he often gazes into the distant sky, lost in memories. is he remembering his family, his old friends?¡¯


    ¡®and that tune¡­ so full of wanderlust, unparalleled and free, yet tinged with sadness. when i played it, i could almost see the silhouette of a woman in my mind¡­¡¯


    ¡®is she¡­ senior¡¯s dao companion?¡¯


    as she pondered, a warm breeze blew through, causing xu qing¡¯s long hair to flutter and his robe to sway.


    the wind also brushed against yunmen qianfan, pressing her dress against her slender figure, accentuating her graceful curves.


    the scene was picturesque.


    it was as if some divine artist had begun sketching in the desert, creating sand paintings that captured fleeting moments in time.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    five days passed.


    xu qing¡¯s divine sense had already covered an endless range. as it enveloped this desert, it also seeped into every grain of sand.


    five days ago, when he first saw this desert, xu qing could sense the chaotic time here.


    as for the specific reason, xu qing wasn¡¯t certain at first. he only noticed that his sundial¡¯s needle experienced irregularities¡ªsometimes speeding up, sometimes slowing down, and sometimes coming to a complete stop.


    additionally, his extreme time dao felt more turbulent than usual.


    after five days of observation and study, coupled with his own understanding of time, he began to form a vague hypothesis.


    ¡°the endless sands here seem vast and countless, but¡­ they give me the feeling of being a single entity.¡±


    ¡°this singularity isn¡¯t about the desert being a whole, but rather¡­ a uniformity within each grain of sand.¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    ¡°to be precise, though the grains of sand here appear to have subtle differences in their external wear and size, in reality, they might have all started the same.¡±


    ¡°no matter the size, no matter the wear, down to every tiny detail, they are all the same.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s as if they were copied or replicated.¡±


    this was a realization he had obtained after five days of observation, research, and exploration.


    xu qing scooped up a palmful of sand and stared at it.


    ¡°it¡¯s as if¡­ there was once only a single grain of sand here.¡±


    ¡°the wind passing by, or perhaps the influence of some external force, caused that single grain to move. with every movement, the time acting upon it shifted.¡±


    ¡°each change was like the creation of a new timeline, and with it, another grain of sand appeared.¡±


    ¡°as the years passed, under the caress of wind or some mysterious power, the number of timelines grew, and so did the number of sand grains.¡±


    ¡°each grain started from the same point, but they quickly developed their own unique timelines, experiencing different friction and paths within their respective time streams.¡±


    ¡°in the end, it formed this desert.¡±


    ¡°this is also why there are so many timelines here, all intersecting with each other.¡±


    xu qing lifted his head, gazing toward the desert¡¯s horizon.


    ¡°this place is extraordinary. or perhaps¡­ this place itself is a supreme treasure tied to time.¡±


    ¡°however, few can take it away because the method to do so requires aligning the time of every single grain of sand here, returning the desert from its chaotic state to its original form, reducing the sands one by one until only the very first grain remains.¡±


    ¡°right now, i can¡¯t accomplish that.¡±


    ¡°but¡­ this place has shown me a deeper manifestation of the power of time.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes flashed.


    ¡°time branching!¡±

 Chapter 1587 - Chapter 1587: Direction of the Eighth Extremity

    chapter 1587: direction of the eighth extremity


    editor: atlas studios


    time is not just about accelerating its passage, reversing the years, or freezing moments.¡±


    there¡¯s a deeper manifestation¡­


    as xu qing gazed at the vast desert before him, he came to a profound realization about the nature of this place. even though he possessed the power of time, his heart was stirred by the way time manifested here, leading to a flood of thoughts.


    time can be seen on a macro scale, affecting all the star rings, or rather, everything that exists. anything that exists falls within its scope.¡±


    the river of time is omnipresent.


    but it is not fixed or unchanging. whether influenced by external forces or other alterations, time can undergo various changes.¡±


    this desert demonstrates the concept of time branching.


    xu qing took a deep breath and the feeling of comprehension became increasingly clear.


    each grain of sand, with every movement, forms a new timeline, and on that timeline, a second grain of sand appears.¡±


    the first grain and the second grain are essentially the same, but their timelines differ.¡±


    through this process, more and more timelines are generated, leading to chaos¡ªjust like this desert. if, in the end, they could be unified, it would be akin to walking within time yet standing outside of it, which could be called mastery.¡±


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    but unfortunately, with my current abilities, i cannot achieve unification¡ªi can only bring about chaotic creation.¡±


    and this disorderly creation of timelines, based on the changes in an object¡¯s essence, is somewhat like the emergence of¡­ different fates?¡±


    each new timeline creates a new grain of sand, and the path of this grain after its creation no longer has any connection to the original, becoming an independent journey.¡±


    xu qing recalled the divine authority of fate possessed by his god body and a strange feeling gradually surfaced in his heart.


    this was because he realized that the authority and the divine authority seemed to have the same effect at this moment.


    but there is a subtle difference. my divine authority of fate uses a carving knife to inscribe new threads of fate, making them stand out and become dominant.¡±


    but the branching of time, on the other hand, causes the object itself to evolve into numerous different timelines¡­¡±


    when i return to wanggu in the future and my immortal body fuses with my god body, i should have a clearer understanding of the specific difference.¡±


    ¡°and now¡­¡±


    a dark glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he was thinking about how to use this time branching ability in battle.


    at the same time, he took out a bottle of liaoxuan holy liquid and drank it in one gulp.


    over the past few days, he had drunk two bottles. at this moment, he took out the third bottle.


    as the liaoxuan holy liquid spread throughout his body, xu qing got an influx of insights.


    i could apply it to myself, allowing each of my actions, even every heartbeat, to form different timelines.¡±


    though i can¡¯t unify them, i could use my sundial to unleash them all at once into the world, creating a sea of chaotic time!¡±


    anyone entering this chaotic sea would be overwhelmed by the power of time, lost in the confusion of countless timelines, leading either to death or madness!¡±


    and if used on an enemy¡­ the effect would be the same!¡±


    every action they take would create a disordered timeline. as these timelines multiply, the enemy, unable to control the changes, would be forced to face them passively, disrupting their own existence!¡±


    it might even cause the sensation like that of a deity, where a mere glance could make all their flesh and blood seem to separate and act independently.


    even rulers can¡¯t avoid this ability!


    a cold glint rose in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    in such a sea, all will suffer, facing endless calamities. with no end to time, it will be called¡­ seamless.¡±


    xu qing formed a hand seal, channeling his power to envelop the entire desert. within his mind, he condensed his thoughts, solidifying them into a profound understanding, which he then engraved into his seventh extremity.


    as he completed this process, his thoughts continued to expand.


    the effects of the liaoxuan holy liquid further amplified his already remarkable insight, enhancing his comprehension even more.


    also, there should be other better ways to display the ability of the time branching. i¡¯ll need to study it in detail in the future.¡±


    for example¡­ combining it with the power of space?¡±


    xu qing pondered. a long time later, he suddenly had a thought.


    if the additional time lines are paired with a space unique to each one, what emerges is¡­¡±


    aversion of myself identical in essence but diverging in future outcomes¡­ a different fate, perhaps?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s breathing instantly hastened. he had a faint feeling that he seemed to have grasped something.


    or to be precise, it should be called¡­ spacetime?¡±


    a spacetime birthed from my essence?¡±


    an infinite number of spacetimes, each with infinite versions of me¡­


    xu qing abruptly raised his head. at this moment, his mind stirred intensely and he immediately began to experiment.


    time flowed by and three days passed.


    xu qing was still immersed in his comprehension, exploring the method to fuse time and space.


    during this period, he deduced and executed all the ideas he had thought of. however, the results were all failures without exception.


    hence, he decided to change his thoughts and focus on the disorderly formation of the timelines. he tried to turn his spatial ability into a box to accommodate the timelines.


    this process was very slow.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t care about these. all his energy was focused on it.


    however¡­ to yunmen qianfan, the shock in her heart rose with xu qing¡¯s cultivation!


    her cultivation was at the nihility realm. although whether she could break through to the soul accumulation realm depended on opportunities, as one of the core members of the clan, she had a lot of knowledge.


    however, even though she was knowledgeable and had come into contact with other rulers, the scene of xu qing cultivating in the past few days still caused an endless storm in her heart.


    the formation of this storm, as perceived by yunmen qianfan, erupted in stages with xu qing¡¯s growing understanding of the desert.


    in the beginning days, she noticed that every grain of sand in the entire desert was gradually starting to shine, until the desert before her eyes transformed into a resplendent starry sky.


    this sight stirred her heart deeply.


    next, she observed that all the grains of sand were trembling, and there was even a brief moment when every grain of sand within her view rose into the air.


    the dreamlike, illusory sensation had already begun to influence her perception, turning her inner turmoil into a tempest.


    but compared to these initial disturbances, what happened afterward truly shattered her understanding of reality.


    she noticed that xu qing¡¯s form started to distort and blur, almost as if he was overlapping with himself. for a brief moment, she even thought she saw countless xu qing!


    though these visions vanished in the blink of an eye, leaving her to wonder if they were mere illusions, what followed was undeniable¡ªthe trembling of her body and a sudden wave of intense dizziness.


    the world seemed to spin around her.


    to her horror, she found herself rapidly aging, then regressing to a child¡¯s form, and then returning to normal in quick succession.


    it was as if she were experiencing one life after another.


    each filled with its own joys, sorrows, loves, and hatreds.


    fortunately, xu qing sensed the disturbances at the critical moment and ended them with a swift hand seal. he also enveloped her in a gentle force that shielded her from further effects.


    otherwise, she would have become a skeleton now.


    this scene caused yunmen qianfan to be extremely shaken.


    ¡®even the ancestor didn¡¯t give me such a feeling¡­¡¯


    yunmen qianfan gasped repeatedly and hurriedly retreated a distance, not daring to get close to xu qing.


    while she was in awe, she also felt a sense of security that was even more intense than before.


    she was once again certain that her divination was fully correct.


    she didn¡¯t know about the lives of the other core members, but she understood that she should be fine in this journey.


    at the same time, she vaguely felt that her divination skill seemed to have changed after experiencing these scenes.


    the changes caused by senior flame mystic¡¯s cultivation are in line with the dao of divination to some extent?¡±


    yunmen qianfan fell into deep thought and sat cross-legged in the distance, carefully sensing.


    just like that, another two days passed.


    the entire desert grew increasingly radiant as countless grains of sand rose into the air, drawn together by an unseen force. these sands swirled around, forming a massive storm within the desert.


    as the thunderous roar of the storm echoed in all directions, a figure approached from beyond the desert.


    it was a woman.


    she was dressed in a long, black gauze dress and carried a black spear. her face was delicate and beautiful, but her expression bore a cold, murderous intent, with an aura that radiated an icy chill.


    she stopped at the edge of the desert storm and took a single step forward into the desert.


    but that one step was all she managed before coming to a halt.


    after a moment, she slowly withdrew her foot, remaining stationary. she stood there like an immovable iceberg, her presence so intense that the air around her seemed to freeze. an invisible pressure emanated from her, spreading outwards in all directions.


    it was as though any living being would be devoured by the cold air if they got close.


    however, all this icy aura only appeared for a few breaths. as she retracted her foot and stared, it began to melt.


    everything was quickly replaced by a solemn intent.


    time desert¡­


    time authority!


    no wonder the elders and guest elder met such strange deaths, causing me to be summoned to stop him. not only is this guest elder of the cloud gate clan a ruler, but he is most likely at mid-stage!¡±


    he must have been hiding in the cloud gate clan for that secret key as well¡­


    the woman pondered.


    as a peerless heaven chosen of the earth spirit clan and the possessor of a qualifying token, she had fought countless people in her life. her experience and insight surpassed ninety-nine percent of her clansmen.


    she was confident that she could fight against all those at the same realm.


    but now¡­ the solemn expression on her face was gradually turning into an increasingly intense sense of danger.


    in that step just now, she felt death.


    i¡¯m no match for this person.


    i!ti


    after a short silence, the woman took a deep breath and slowly retreated.


    after three steps, her body suddenly paused and her expression instantly changed.


    she realized that she had retreated a little too late.


    she had been standing here for a long time. moreover, during this time, her heartbeat, her thoughts, and the movements of her body were too much.


    most importantly, she shouldn¡¯t have taken that step into the desert.


    hence, unknowingly, timelines had already formed on her body, causing her body to distort, blur, and overlap.


    however, as a ruler, she was naturally extraordinary. the moment she sensed something was amiss, she did not hesitate to circulate her cultivation base. with unwavering decisiveness, she unleashed her full power, even at the cost of shattering her own secret treasure. utilizing its force to augment her authority, she erupted with tremendous energy.


    in an instant, a vast and imposing ice mountain formed around her, with her at its center. the colossal structure roared into existence, standing tall at the edge of the desert, its icy presence radiating outward in all directions.


    everything was frozen, including her body and time!


    several days later, the ice mountain still stood tall.


    as for the storm on the desert, it slowly dissipated and the entire desert returned to normal.


    xu qing opened his eyes.


    he didn¡¯t look at the ice mountain in the distance but sighed inwardly about his comprehension.


    after this period of testing, he discovered that because his understanding wasn¡¯t enough, he still couldn¡¯t fuse time and space.


    however, this is a direction, the direction of the eighth extremity!


    xu qing took a deep breath and waved his hand. the desert immediately churned and all the sand shook. countless timelines intertwined here, creating resplendent light.


    in the end, they gathered in front of xu qing and formed a dazzling path.


    let¡¯s go.


    xu qing stood up and spoke to yunmen qianfan.


    at that moment, yunmen qianfan was staring at the ice mountain that had suddenly appeared within her perception. her eyes were particularly focused on the figure sealed within the icy structure. recognizing the woman inside, she instinctively turned her gaze toward xu qing.


    senior, she¡­¡±


    she tried to freeze time but failed. she¡¯s not dead yet but it¡¯s not much different from death.¡±


    ah, um¡­ the things on her?¡± yunmen qianfan blinked.


    xu qing shook his head, choosing not to speak further.


    the seamless sea sealed within the ice mountain was something he had triggered, but he lacked the ability to unify it. if he were to step inside, he too would become trapped.


    of course, this was something xu qing would never reveal.


    at that moment, he took a step forward, walking along the radiant path before him. as he moved, he crossed through time, traversed the desert, and when he reappeared¡­ he stood before an ancient stone formation.


    behind him, yunmen qianfan followed obediently.

 Chapter 1588 - Chapter 1588: We Don’t Have to Be Adversaries

    chapter 1588: we don¡¯t have to be adversaries


    editor: atlas studios


    the time desert was ancient.


    what was even older than it was this western starfield teleportation array built by the dao immortal sect.


    the entire western starfield was too vast. if there wasn¡¯t such a large-scale teleportation array, even strong individuals would have to spend a long time to travel to distant places.


    hence, after the western starfield was leveled and transformed from a starry sky into solid land, the dao immortal sect, recognized as the orthodox force of the western starfield, carried out the decrees of the immortal capital. they constructed a total of 108 teleportation arrays across the western starfield.


    it was also because of this that no clan or faction in the western starfield dared to cause the slightest damage to the ancient teleportation array.


    at that moment, the teleportation array reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes was one of the 108 array formations.


    it consisted of thirty-six towering, massive stone gates that stood silently on the desolate plains.


    standing before the array, one could see that both sides of each stone gate were intricately carved with complex runes. these runes, initially dull and dim, began to glow as yunmen qianfan placed a series of immortal jades into the array. instantly, a wave of energy surged through the formation.


    this energy didn¡¯t radiate outward but rather inward.


    the surrounding earth trembled as if an ancient power was being awakened, a force from within the ground opening its massive jaws, ready to devour everything from the outside world.


    what followed was a rumbling sound that spread out from the teleportation array.


    at first, it wasn¡¯t loud but very soon, this sound was like thunder. it vaguely resonated with the sound of air breaking in the distant sky.


    the surrounding air seemed to have become heavy.


    xu qing looked at the sky.


    over there, someone was teleporting over from the void at an astonishing speed!


    meanwhile, completely unaware of the approaching figure, yunmen qianfan placed the final immortal jade into position. the runes carved on both sides of the stone gates began to glow, emitting an increasingly intense blue light. however, the light that spread out gave xu qing a sense of distortion.


    the aurora in the sky above also bent as it flowed through this area, as if the location of the teleportation array had become a sinkhole.


    everything that passed through this area was drawn toward it, bending in the process.


    whether it was the five elements, space, time, or even light itself


    it seemed as though the very forces of nature were making way for this mysterious ritual.


    such an array formation surpassed all the teleportation arrays xu qing had seen in wanggu.


    however, compared to the ancient passage vortex of the primordial sea, this formation still seemed somewhat insignificant.


    ¡°but the principle is the same.¡±


    xu qing thought as his gaze fell upon the center of the array. he was no longer the same person he had been before; his understanding of both space and time had deepened significantly. with his focused gaze, he could clearly sense the forces of space and time emanating from the formation.


    he could also vaguely see its essence.


    ¡°the so-called long-distance teleportation relies on the method of spatial folding to shorten distances and even time itself.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s like there are two holes in a piece of paper that are folded and overlapped.¡±


    ¡°you can then pass through one and emerge from the other.¡±


    ¡°if i can deepen my comprehension of space and time, then perhaps, for me, this world, this starfield, even this entire star ring¡­ could be moved at my will with just a single thought.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. however, the abnormality in the sky caused his thoughts to pause.


    even yunmen qianfan, who was about to chant a specific incantation for teleportation, could sense the drastic change in the sky. the moment she looked over, her heart trembled.


    in the sky, although the aurora was bent by the array formation, a huge crack was instantly torn open in the void.


    as the sound spread, a figure walked out of the crack.


    the moment he appeared, his aura erupted. the color of the sky changed and clouds surged.


    the terrifying pressure of the mid-stage ruler realm poured down from the sky like an avalanche, enveloping the surroundings.


    it was an old man in a black robe, his sparse white hair fluttering in the wind like dried grass.


    his face was etched with deep lines, carved by the passage of time, and his sunken eyes resembled two black holes, emitting a chilling and ominous gleam.


    at that moment, he was standing in the sky and coldly looking at xu qing.


    ¡°earth¡­ earth spirit ancestor¡­¡±


    yunmen qianfan trembled and instinctively hid behind xu qing, telling him the identity of the person in a low voice.


    xu qing looked over calmly.


    their gazes met, causing the void to instantly tear apart. a deafening boom erupted at this moment, and countless bolts of lightning spread.


    their respective auras exploded in full force.


    they intertwined and obliterated each other!


    at the next instant, xu qing took a step back.


    as for the earth spirit ancestor, the sleeves and edges of his robe turned to ash.


    the initial confrontation between the two sides resulted in a draw.


    ¡°you don¡¯t have any battle intent.¡±


    xu qing shook his head and calmly spoke.


    before this, he had never fought against a mid-stage ruler. moreover, before he came to the western starfield, his judgment of his combat strength was below the mid-stage ruler realm.


    however, after coming to the western starfield, during this year of recuperation, he had a greater understanding of his dao. although he hadn¡¯t formed the eighth extremity, his cultivation had reached a level where his comprehension of his own dao significantly enhanced his combat power. however, at this moment, he didn¡¯t sense any battle intent from the other party.


    in the air, the earth spirit ancestor turned his head and looked at the location of the ice mountain on the other side of the desert. he was silent for a few breaths of time. when he retracted his gaze, he spoke in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°i¡¯ve already obtained that secret key.¡±


    ¡°the battle between us would inevitably result in someone¡¯s demise. but we have no enmity, so it¡¯s unnecessary.¡±


    ¡°moreover, the capacity of that key can accommodate both of us simultaneously, which is why i¡¯m here¡ªto see if you¡¯re qualified.¡±


    ¡°we don¡¯t have to be adversaries; we could be future collaborators.¡±


    after saying that, the earth spirit ancestor cast a deep glance at xu qing. he then slowly retreated and walked into the crack, disappearing.


    he hadn¡¯t glanced at yunmen qianfan from the start.


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    a formidable opponent of this caliber was not someone he wished to engage in a life-and-death battle with unless absolutely necessary.


    especially at this moment, when the principles behind the teleportation array had sparked deeper thoughts within him.


    so, with a calm demeanor, xu qing withdrew his gaze from the old man and refocused on the array, continuing the line of thought he had paused earlier.


    to him, understanding the dao was paramount.


    ¡°i wonder, when my eighth extremity is finally formed, will i be able to achieve what i envision¡ªto move star rings with just a single thought?¡±


    but very soon, he shook his head.


    ¡°i might not be able to do it.¡±


    he recalled that the ferryman had told him that after a cultivator reached the quasi immortal realm, they would possess a special ability.


    that was the sublimation of the dao mark authority. it was called¡­ ordinance!


    ¡°back then, he said that a higher-level ordinance enveloped the upper thirty-six star rings, causing the immortals who were omnipotent in the lower star rings to be unable to display the same battle achievements in the upper star rings.¡±


    ¡°although i don¡¯t feel it deeply now and don¡¯t understand what the ordinance is, there¡¯s a high chance that when i explore space and time to a certain extent, i¡¯ll clearly sense the existence of the ordinance.¡±


    while xu qing was pondering, yunmen qianfan, who was at the side, completely calmed down. she knew that she was truly safe this time.


    hence, she took a deep breath and took a few steps forward. she stood at the edge of the array formation and chanted an ancient incantation in a low voice.


    the incantations echoed across the desolate plain, pushing the ritual to awaken the long-dormant power of the teleportation array to its peak.


    the runes emitted an even more dazzling light, and the distortion of space reached its zenith at that moment.


    in the next instant, all thirty-six stone gates roared to life.


    beams of light shot forth from each gate, converging to form an even more massive column of light that pierced the heavens.


    this luminous beam carved a magnificent trajectory across the night sky, connecting heaven and earth, engulfing the figures of xu qing and yunmen qianfan within it.


    a day later, outside black cloud city.


    this city was quite different from typical cities, as it was not built in the open but rather within a hollowed-out giant mountain.


    it was like a hidden realm.


    a massive light source created by spells circulated inside, simulating day and night.


    the city¡¯s name, ¡®black cloud city,¡¯ came from the appearance of the mountain walls, which were made of black stone. the uneven surfaces of the stone gave the impression of cloud-like formations, resembling dark clouds under the light source.


    as they approached the city, the aurora outside was blocked from view. at this moment, the light source within the city resembled a sunset, indicating that it was likely dusk.


    the light from black cloud city shone on xu qing and yunmen qianfan.


    xu qing¡¯s footsteps were normal but qianfan¡¯s footsteps became slower and slower.


    however, no matter how long the road was, there would eventually be an end. gradually¡­ the city was reflected in her eyes.


    xu qing stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°the mission from the cloud gate clan was to bring you here. i believe your clan has made arrangements in black cloud city.¡±


    ¡°so, we part ways here.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    yunmen qianfan¡¯s emotions were tumultuous. the journey had been both thrilling and wondrous for her, and now that they had reached their destination, the joy she should have felt was overshadowed by a sense of melancholy and indescribable reluctance.


    ¡°senior, there aren¡¯t many arrangements made by the cloud gate clan in black cloud city. this place is primarily where my mother¡¯s family resides¡­ i wonder if you would be willing to become a guest elder here?¡±


    ¡°but if you don¡¯t wish to, that¡¯s alright. you could still stay here, and i¡­¡±


    before yunmen qianfan could finish speaking, xu qing shook his head.


    ¡°i have other things to do.¡±


    with that, he turned around to leave.


    as yunmen qianfan watched xu qing¡¯s departing figure, a deep sense of loss welled up in her heart. she bit her lip, hesitating for a moment, before suddenly quickening her pace to catch up with him.


    ¡°senior.¡±


    ¡°thank you for escorting me. i have nothing to repay you with, so please accept this item.¡±


    my cultivation is weak, and i cannot assist you in battle, but¡­ this jade slip was crafted with my life essence, containing the power of a single divination. i hope it might be of some use to you in the future.¡±


    as she spoke, she took out a jade slip and looked at xu qing.


    xu qing stopped in his tracks and turned to glance at her. his gaze landed on the jade slip and he nodded slightly. with a simple gesture, he reached out through the air, and the jade slip floated into his hand.


    without another word, he turned back around and continued walking, his figure gradually fading into the distance, bathed in the glow of the setting sun. behind him, the soft sound of a zither gradually began to play.


    the sunset was like a dream.


    nature was ever-flowing.


    filled with joys and sorrows.


    it all eventually distilled into a single, simple pot of turbid wine.


    the moment he walked out of black cloud city¡¯s range and the glow of the red aurora in the outside world landed on xu qing, xu qing took the wine flask out and drank it.


    he took a step toward the sky.


    with the end of the song, qianfan¡¯s soft sigh echoed in silence..

 Chapter 1589 - Chapter 1589: Vast Heavens, Boundless Earth

    chapter 1589: vast heavens, boundless earth


    editor: atlas studios


    south of the center of the western starfield, precisely 1.98 billion kilometers away, stood a mountain named inkstone.


    within the mountain lay a hidden valley, and in that valley, there was a deep, emerald-green pool whose depths were unfathomable.


    at times, malevolent spirits wandered through the area, their forms resembling drifting smoke, dispersing upon contact.


    the valley¡¯s walls were made of jagged rocks, interlocking like the teeth of a beast, and ancient trees towered overhead, their dense foliage blocking out the sun.


    beside the pool, there was a stone platform with an ancient script carved upon it, which read: ¡°the place of fallen evil, only the adept may enter.¡±


    this place was rarely visited, even by those passing by who often soared through the skies outside the mountain, careful not to intrude.


    only those who required the aid of malevolent energy in their cultivation dared to enter the mountain during the peak of the aurora, limiting their stay to no more than an hour.


    ¡°it¡¯s rumored that this place was where a powerful and malevolent demonic cultivator from ancient times buried his sword upon his death. his sword was named inkstone, and over time, it transformed into the mountain. the sword¡¯s malevolent intent seeped into the land, forming the pool of fallen evil.¡±


    at this moment, outside the inkstone mountain, a young man in a black robe was gazing at the dark mountain before him while muttering to himself.


    this youth was none other than xu qing, who had left black cloud city.


    after sending yunmen qianfan to black cloud city, xu qing decided to wander around the western starfield. the place he wanted to go to was the various peculiar places like the time desert mentioned in the jade slip yunmen qianfan had given him.


    the fallen evil pool was the closest to him, so it was his first stop.


    he stood outside the mountain and stared for a long time. at the moment when the aurora was at its thickest, xu qing walked into inkstone mountain.


    he stepped over the mountain rocks, passed by the bushes, and entered the valley. he saw the pool and the stone platform as well as the words on it.


    he also saw the so-called malevolent spirits.


    he observed for a long time.


    during this time, malevolent spirits emerged, transforming into eerie specters that howled with murderous intent, ready to devour any living being. they swarmed towards xu qing, but the moment they touched him, they dissipated into mist, swirling around the area.


    ¡°this place may not have the power to instantly kill a cultivator, but it can corrupt the soul and consume the flesh. if one lingers too long, their soul could be scattered to the winds.¡±


    ¡°and it seems the intensity of these spirits is tied to the time of entry¡ªwhen the aurora in the sky dims, the malevolence of these spirits will likely surge.¡±


    xu qing scanned his surroundings with his perception and his gaze eventually landed on the pool water.


    a dark glint flashed in his eyes and ripples appeared in the water. through the ripples, he seemed to see a stone coffin in the depths of the pool.


    ¡°this coffin can¡¯t be touched.¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. the fact that this coffin had remained here for so long indicated that it was far from ordinary. moreover, as he sensed the area, he detected a vague yet unmistakable danger lurking within the surroundings.


    ¡°it¡¯s also not something i need to comprehend.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. seeing that half an hour had passed, he retreated and was about to leave.


    however, just as he was about to leave the valley, a cold wind blew over from the pool, causing all the vegetation in the valley to rustle.


    these sounds, though seemingly ordinary, would have been nothing more than the rustling of wind and leaves to an average person. however, to xu qing¡¯s heightened senses, they were unmistakably eerie whispers.


    ¡°slender grass in an empty forest, strands of cold rain catch the breeze.¡±


    ¡°small and lonely soul, accompanying a person.¡±


    ¡°in the desolate spring platform, i call out your name.¡±


    ¡°dimly seen, a line of light, revealing a face like peach blossoms¡­¡±


    the voice was chilling, reverberating through the silent, gloomy valley, as if a lonely soul was calling out to someone from the dark depths of the underworld.


    at the same time, ripples formed on the surface of the pond, and a woman¡¯s head slowly emerged, revealing only half of her face above the water.


    her pale skin contrasted starkly with the dark water, her black hair submerged beneath the surface, and her equally pale eyes locked onto xu qing.


    in just an instant, the surroundings began to freeze. the ground, vegetation, and rock walls instantly turned cold. the moment the coldness spread, the entire valley distorted.


    after that, the figure in the pool disappeared and appeared above the pool as though she had teleported.


    she was dressed in white.


    immediately after, the distortion appeared again. when the figure reappeared, she was already outside the pool.


    just as she was about to continue, a huge pair of scissors appeared above xu qing¡¯s head.


    it directly cut an invisible thread.


    as the thread broke, the woman¡¯s strange movements also stopped.


    she stood on the spot, a thousand feet away from xu qing as she stared at him.


    from the start to the end, xu qing¡¯s expression was calm.


    ¡°i¡¯m not the person you¡¯re looking for. if you continue to pester me, i don¡¯t mind making you lose your ability to wait.¡±


    after saying that, xu qing slowly retreated until he left the range of the valley. the temperature in the surroundings gradually returned.


    there were no more abnormalities in the valley.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. he teleported out of inkstone mountain and stood outside the mountain. he then glanced at the mountain.


    he could vaguely sense that the strange woman from earlier had disappeared from the valley. only the murmurs from before still echoed faintly.


    ¡°the legends are fake.¡±


    ¡°this isn¡¯t a place where a sword is buried but a seal. it is sealing a god.¡±


    ¡°moreover, to be able to taint a mountain under this seal and in this world which restricted gods, this god¡¯s true strength back then was at least at the peak of the divine platform.¡±


    xu qing retracted his gaze and turned to leave.


    half a month later.


    south of the western starfield¡¯s center, about eight hundred million kilometers away, there was a plain called the sky wind.


    there was a cave in the eastern part of the plains with an entrance of 5,000 kilometers.


    down the cave, it became increasingly narrow. finally, it formed a long and narrow tunnel that was unfathomable.


    there was an inexplicable wind in the passageway. the wind was extremely strong, as though an immortal who controlled the wind lived here.


    and along the descending midsection of the cavern, the walls were covered in intricate totems.


    ¡°legend has it that these totems were left by an immortal who mastered the power of the wind. they are said to be incantations, recording the secrets of how to guide and control the wind¡¯s force.¡±


    ¡°furthermore, rare and exotic beasts frequently roamed within the cavern, moving through the wind with an ethereal, almost illusory presence.¡±


    after a half-month journey to reach this place, xu qing stood there, gazing downward as the description from yunmen qianfan¡¯s jade slip surfaced in his mind.


    he spread out his divine sense and after sensing for a while, his eyes revealed a strange light.


    ¡°this place is wonderful. it contains the dao marks of the authority of wind and is a publicly open comprehension site. there are hundreds of cultivators meditating¡­¡±


    ¡°the deeper one goes, the fewer the people. the wind below is stronger and there are more dense totem imprints.¡±


    xu qing had encountered the authority of wind before. he had also used his wood path to simulate it to some extent.


    hence, with a sway of his body, he stepped down the sky wind cave.


    as he descended, he could see many cultivators sitting cross-legged on the way. he didn¡¯t pay attention to them and those cultivators didn¡¯t pay attention to him either. both sides didn¡¯t disturb each other.


    ten days later, xu qing left.


    in the next few months, his figure appeared in the fire hollow mountain range and on the main dao cliff.


    the fire hollow mountain range was located to the west of the western starfield. crimson flames scorched the sky above it, and it spanned forty-five million kilometers.


    it was a continuous mountain range with overlapping peaks. the mountains were composed mostly of igneous rocks, their color resembling crimson gold, with fierce flames burning perpetually, never extinguished throughout the year.


    occasionally, fire phoenixes would soar, spewing fire and mist, their cries echoing across the land.


    amidst the mountains, there were numerous hot springs, with steam rising like clouds and mist.


    it was said that within the fire hollow mountain range, there existed a place known as the fire hollow immortal palace, which served as the palace of the fire hollow immortal lord, one of the eleven immortal lords of the fifth star ring.


    those fortunate enough to find this palace could ascend to the heavens in a single step and become a disciple of the fire hollow immortal lord.


    however, throughout history, this remained merely a legend, as no one had ever possessed the fortune to find the palace.


    during his half-month stay in the fire sky mountain range, xu qing traversed every part of the region but did not encounter the legendary immortal palace. nevertheless, his understanding of the fire of the five elements had significantly deepened in this flame-filled mountain range.


    however, what followed was doubt.


    ¡°where did the fire here come from¡­¡±


    he had no answer.


    even though he went deep into the mountain range to explore, he still didn¡¯t gain anything. this fire seemed to have been born on this mountain range.


    the word ¡®born¡¯ might not be suitable but xu qing felt that it was the case.


    hence, he decided to sit cross-legged and attempt to comprehend it.


    after an unknown period of time, it was as though a palace that was like the sun rose in his mind and resonated with him.


    however, at the next instant, his vision blurred. an ethereal voice echoed in his mind.


    ¡°your karma isn¡¯t with me.¡±


    as the voice appeared, his body was unknowingly sent out of the fire hollow mountain range by a mystical force.


    xu qing remained silent for a long time but didn¡¯t ask further. he bowed and left, heading for the main dao cliff.


    the main dao cliff was also located to the west of the center of the western region. its range was elusive, and xu qing had to search for some time before finding it.


    the cliff stood like a severed giant blade in the middle of a desolate desert.


    it was solitary and abrupt.


    its sheer walls appeared as if they had been carved by a massive blade, towering into the clouds, so high that when one stood on the edge, the clouds lay beneath.


    on the cliff¡¯s face were ancient characters that read: ¡°the path of the main dao reaches heaven and earth.¡±


    in addition, a unique flower known as the ¡®main dao flower¡¯ grew on the cliff.


    this flower was pure white, with golden veins running through its petals, seemingly symbolizing the supreme dao of the universe. its medicinal properties were equally extraordinary¡ªit could not be consumed but only smelled.


    it was as if it was meant to allow one to smell the dao.


    the flower bloomed once every hundred years, and when it did, its fragrance was overwhelming, spreading across five million kilometers. during this time, cultivators would come to the cliff, seeking to receive inspiration from the flower¡¯s scent in hopes of breaking through their cultivation bottlenecks.


    when xu qing arrived, it was unfortunate timing¡ªit was not the blooming season for the main dao flower. the next bloom was still more than forty years away.


    hence, there weren¡¯t many cultivators around the main dao cliff.


    however, here, xu qing felt that his thoughts seemed to be enhanced by an invisible force and he had more insights.


    hence, having wandered for half a year, he chose to stay here for some time.


    on one hand, he summarized his comprehension along the way. on the other hand, he calmed his mind and studied the lump of soil that contained the spatial ability.


    using this, he attempted to form the glue he had seen before.


    during this time, he took out the divination jade slip that yunmen qianfan had given him before he left.


    not only did this jade slip contain qianfan¡¯s divination power, but it also contained a¡­ fragment of the secret key.


    it was a rune that xu qing didn¡¯t understand. it exuded ancientness and mystery. moreover, it seemed to have a life of its own but it was dim and illusory, as though it hadn¡¯t reached the opportunity to shine.


    xu qing fell into deep thought as he stared at this secret key.


    the mission he had received back then was to escort a core disciple of the cloud gate clan to the designated place. the information he knew was that one of these people carried a secret key.


    after that, he learned that this was actually a bet.


    as for what the truth was, xu qing didn¡¯t probe further. however, he was very sure of one thing.


    ¡°when yunmen qianfan gave me this jade slip back then, i had checked it. this secret key¡­ wasn¡¯t present at that time.¡±


    ¡°this secret key was automatically condensed in the jade slip during this period.¡±


    xu qing put the jade slip away. no matter what this secret key was and what place it opened, it wasn¡¯t his main focus at this moment.


    he was going to cultivate on this main dao cliff for some time before setting off for the earth rule pond, the cloudy mud basin, and finally the immortal¡¯s fall plain, which was rumored to be the source of the aurora.


    however, many times, plans couldn¡¯t keep up with changes.


    at this moment, the second stage of the immortal capital¡¯s hunt had reached a critical point!


    this was also the moment countless cultivators who knew the inside story had been waiting for and dreaming of!


    on this day, the aurora in the sky disappeared.


    on this day, the four stars became the most dazzling lights in the entire fifth star ring..

 Chapter 1590 - Chapter 1590: Four Immortals

    chapter 1590: four immortals


    editor: atlas studios


    the crimson aurora of the fifth star ring¡¯s sky was far from ordinary, filled with unparalleled mystery.


    after all, it covered the entire fifth star ring!


    beyond the extraordinary nature of the aurora itself, twelve patrollers from the immortal capital resided within it year-round.


    these twelve were all lower immortals.


    however, they didn¡¯t appear easily. they only descended when there was a calamity that affected the fifth star ring.


    at that moment, the aurora disappeared and the patrollers were hidden.


    this was because¡­ the second stage of the immortal capital¡¯s trial had reached a critical point¡­


    a point that required the guardians of four starfields to emerge.


    in the pitch-black sky, the four stars that had appeared were rising from the eastern, western, southern, and northern starfields of the fifth star ring.


    in the south was the great immortal mountain!


    within the grand silver palace on the mountain, an elder in silver robes emerged. this elder, radiating an aura of immortal grandeur, was surrounded by a mysterious mist that moved with him as he ascended towards the clouds.


    his cultivation that shook the world and stirred time merely spread out slightly, but it caused the sky to surge, displaying the might to split the world apart.


    this old man was none other than the ancestor of the great immortal mountain, the azure peak immortal lord!


    he was also the appointed guardian of the southern starfield¡­ his cultivation base was lower immortal!


    as he ascended, his figure grew taller, and the silver light emanating from him grew ever brighter.


    eventually, it illuminated the entire southern starfield.


    he became the sole source of light in the dark night without the aurora, visible to all beings in the south, who looked up in awe and reverence.


    simultaneously, similar awe-inspiring events were unfolding in the northern starfield¡¯s sword immortal sect and eastern starfield¡¯s star ring tower.


    in the north, a sword aura erupted, seemingly capable of slashing through the heavens and annihilating gods. this sword aura, a radiant beam, shot straight into the sky, cutting through all in its path with an unstoppable force, like a mountain-crushing, sea-parting wave of destruction.


    under this overwhelming sword energy, even quasi-immortals bowed their heads, rulers trembled, and soul accumulation lost their spirit.


    the endless sword light eventually coalesced into an immortal.


    his sword was called blue teal, so people called him the blue teal sword immortal.


    dressed in blue, with gray hair and an ancient sword by his side, he ascended to the peak of the sky.


    in the east, instead of a sword, a woman emerged. she had eyebrows like distant mountains, and eyes like autumnal water.


    she wore an intricately embroidered palace robe, adorned with gold and silver threads that depicted lifelike dragons and phoenixes


    the jade belt around her waist accentuated her graceful figure, and her long, jet-black hair cascaded like a waterfall, gently swaying in the wind and emitting a faint, delicate fragrance.


    her every movement, every smile, seemed to pluck the deepest strings of one¡¯s heart.


    as she walked, her skirt fluttered lightly, and the beings of the eastern starfield bowed their heads, murmuring her name but daring not to gaze directly at her.


    star luan? immortal lord.


    finally, it was the western starfield.


    when the astonishing figures from the other three directions had emerged, an unremarkable old man stepped out from within the dao immortal sect in the west.


    he wore coarse, mud-stained clothes, looking every bit like an old farmer, as if he had been interrupted while tending to his fields.


    reluctantly, he stepped forward, still holding a rough wooden staff.


    it was his companion through years of toil.


    the staff was covered in cracks, bearing witness to endless days of labor from dawn to dusk.


    he shook his head as he ascended into the sky.


    his steps were slow and laborious, as if each one crossed a lifetime.


    there were no dazzling lights, no grand displays, just an ordinary, unassuming journey.


    the afterglow of the radiance from the other three figures cast shadows across his wrinkled face.


    when he walked step by step to the edge of the sky and looked at the east, south, and north, a resonant voice came from the south¡ªthe voice of azure peak immortal lord.


    ¡°poison monarch, you¡¯re late!¡±


    ¡°every time, you¡¯re the last to arrive. what, were you busy tending to your flowers and plants again?¡±


    star luan of the east also chuckled.


    as for the blue teal sword immortal of the north, he didn¡¯t say a word.


    hearing the dao voices and looking at the three people who were separated by an endless distance, the old man looked a little impatient.


    this was especially so when he saw that the bodies of these three parties were all shining like stars. the old man let out a cold snort and black light instantly spread out from his body, spreading out in the sky.


    just like the supreme star, just like the other three parties, the light he emitted spread through the sky.


    however, compared to the other three parties which were either gentle, sharp, or cold, his light fused with the night sky and emitted a dense evil.


    it was the complete opposite of the temperament he had displayed earlier. his voice was also cold.


    ¡°i don¡¯t have time to chat with you, and i don¡¯t like the way you address me. if any of you dare to call me those two words i despise again, i won¡¯t hesitate to add a few more poison-related ordinances to your jurisdiction.¡±


    the old man spoke sinisterly.


    he had many names.


    virtue viscount, vast immortal lord, elder great immortal, and the poison lord.


    the first three were names he gave himself, while the last one was bestowed upon him by others.


    upon hearing the old man¡¯s words, the azure peak immortal lord smiled slightly, while the star luan was deep in thought. however, the blue teal sword immortal slowly raised his head and stared at the western starfield before suddenly speaking.


    ¡°you¡¯ve reached the critical point?¡±


    as soon as these words were spoken, azure peak¡¯s expression froze and star luan¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint.


    when it came to the blue teal sword immortal, the poison lord of the dao immortal sect, who resembled an old farmer, clearly had more patience. upon hearing the other¡¯s words, he slowly nodded.


    ¡°i¡¯ve already touched that line, but i¡¯m still missing a part of the karma.¡±


    it was as though he wasn¡¯t willing to say anything more. however, after saying this, the poison lord¡¯s expression became impatient.


    ¡°hurry up. don¡¯t waste time.¡±


    the blue teal sword immortal narrowed his eyes but didn¡¯t ask further.


    seeing this, as the person who opened the liner duty this time, the azure peak immortal lord of the southern region slowly spoke.


    ¡°since everyone is here, according to the rules of the immortal capital, it¡¯s time to activate the inheritance segment of the second stage of the trial. this way, the hunt will be more intense.¡±


    ¡°if we can eventually select promising candidates, it would be a great achievement for us, allowing us to shorten our time as guardians and return to the immortal capital sooner.¡±


    with that, the azure peak immortal lord raised his hand. immediately, a huge mountain peak formed by laws and rules materialized beside him.


    in an instant, it became a majestic peak, floating in the sky of the southern starfield.


    all the people with tokens in the southern starfield could see and sense it!


    blue teal sword immortal in the north also raised his hand. sword energy permeated the air, transforming into countless sword intent that gathered in the sky of the northern starfield, forming a sword rain that spread in all directions.


    it was the same for the east. the inheritance from the star luan was a green ring.


    its ancient aura and inherent mystery made the ring appear simple at first glance, but all those in the eastern starfield who held a token experienced a resounding shock in their minds upon seeing it.


    the gazes here have swept over the eastern, southern, and northern starfields.


    the poison lord of dao immortal sect also raised his hand. instead of displaying any divine abilities, he took out a black bamboo slip and crushed it in his palm.


    in an instant, black light spread from the bamboo slip.


    the sky, already black after the disappearance of the aurora, became even darker as his previously emitted light was also black, merging into the surrounding darkness.


    however, the black light released from the shattered bamboo slip surpassed all else, as if it was the truest essence of blackness¡ªthe very source of darkness. compared to it, the previous night sky seemed almost bright.


    now, as it spread, the entire western starfield was completely pitch-black.


    all the light in the world was about to be extinguished and they couldn¡¯t exist during this time.


    it was the same even for spells and dao arts that formed light.


    this scene was completely different from the other three starfields. all living beings could see the inheritances of the other three starfields.


    however, in the west, all one could see when they raised their heads was pitch-black.


    this scene also attracted the attention of the other three guardians. all of them had strange expressions.


    they were well aware that there was actually an unspoken mutual understanding in the inheritance segment of the second stage of the immortal capital¡¯s hunting trial.


    this was because the inheritance that spread out had to be unique. in other words, after taking it out, if someone successfully comprehended it, even they wouldn¡¯t be able to continue possessing it.


    although it was called an inheritance, it was actually the same as the dao mark authority and contained a trace of ordinance!


    hence, it was self-evident how precious it was.


    hence, most of these inheritances were prepared for their disciples. only those they acknowledged could easily comprehend the essence.


    however, on the surface, the token holders in guardian¡¯s starfield could comprehend it. it was just that they weren¡¯t recognized, so the difficulty was naturally astonishing. the possibility of success was extremely small.


    they couldn¡¯t comprehend the essence.


    this unspoken mutual understanding had continued for countless years.


    however, they still needed a pretense.


    but now¡­ the poison lord here had even discarded the pretense.


    the inheritance within the black light emitted by the bamboo slip required not only the token but also possessing specific attributes to comprehend it.


    other than specific people, the others didn¡¯t even have a chance.


    ¡°forget it, this old guy has always been protective of his own. his western


    starfield also has a shortage of talents. such a method¡­¡±


    azure peak shook his head and ignored this. with a sway of his body, he disappeared without a trace.


    the other two sides were the same.


    as for the poison lord of the dao immortal sect, he had long left.


    at that moment, the sky of the fifth star ring rumbled and the inheritances shone in the three regions.


    only the western region was pitch-black.


    in this darkness, to the east of the center of the western region, on the vast land, there was a restricted area of the li family.


    there were 9,000 tall towers here.


    it formed an astonishing ancient array formation.


    the tall tower in the center was a million feet high, piercing through the night and extending deep into the sky.


    there was a person sitting cross-legged on it.


    it was the only star in the west among the eight stars of the fifth star ring.


    li mengtu.


    at that moment, he raised his head and stared at the night sky.


    he knew that this was an opportunity given by his master.


    only he could comprehend this.


    ¡°once i succeed, i will have five authorities. moreover, this one contains a trace of ordinance. this will increase my chances of becoming an immortal in the future!¡±


    at the thought of this, he took a deep breath and determination appeared in his eyes.


    he was very clear that with his combat strength, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem for him to enter the immortal realm. once he became an immortal in the future, his family would completely rise!


    his family had produced a summer immortal before. that was the ancestor.


    it was rumored that his ancestor wasn¡¯t a native cultivator of the fifth star ring but someone from another star ring.


    in the end, he perished here in obscurity.


    his descendants continued his legacy, extending it to the present day.


    li mengtu was clear that this rumor¡­ was true.


    his clan was already in a poor state. yet, through sheer talent and relentless effort, he fought and struggled through battles, ultimately joining the sect of the west¡¯s lower immortal.


    ¡°i want to continue walking!¡±


    at the thought of this, li mengtu stared at the sky and began to comprehend.


    at the same time, on the main dao cliff, xu qing was also looking at the sky.


    he stared at the night that suddenly descended.


    vaguely, he seemed to have seen a huge flower.


    on each petal was the face of a peerlessly beautiful woman.


    ¡°this is¡­¡±

 Chapter 1591 - Chapter 1591: Dao Erosion Flower

    chapter 1591: dao erosion flower


    editor: atlas studios


    in the sky of the western starfield, the flower that was reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes seemed to have taken root in nothingness. as it swayed, a chilling wind, reminiscent of weeping, could be faintly heard.


    it was eerie and unsettling.


    its stem twisted like a serpent, covered with sharp, glimmering thorns that cast a mysterious and terrifying aura over everything around it, as if its malevolent presence could be felt even in the darkness.


    the leaves were narrow and deep purple, with edges jagged as if scorched by flames, marked by dark veins that seemed to flow from the abyss.


    the flower itself was even more unnerving¡ªits petals were a deep crimson with blackened edges, resembling a bloom straight from the underworld.


    twelve petals adorned the flower, each one bearing the face of an extraordinarily beautiful woman.


    some smiled, some wept, some teased, and others scowled¡­


    each one was an exquisite beauty, almost otherworldly.


    their long hair spread across the petals, extending from the edges into countless fine tendrils.


    they swayed and writhed as if searching for prey.


    as the flower bloomed, it exuded a fragrance reminiscent of a woman¡¯s scent, but prolonged exposure to this scent would transform it within the body into a nauseating stench, thick and putrid.


    gazing at the flower, xu qing¡¯s eyes glimmered with a dark light.


    at that moment, across the entire fifth star ring, the skies of the east, south, and north each shone with their respective totems, which were the manifestations of their inheritances. these totems became the sole sources of light in the sky.


    for those who lacked the necessary qualifications, no matter how hard they stared, all they would see was darkness. only the cultivators holding the qualifying tokens could perceive them.


    as a result, every bearer of a qualifying token, whether through their own power or by relying on magic treasures, elixirs, or other methods, began to bolster themselves and attempt to comprehend the totems.


    they knew this was the most crucial part of the second phase of the immortal capital¡¯s trial.


    this segment was a gift for the participants.


    . after this stage, the differences in strength among the participants would widen dramatically based on the insights they gained.


    even grasping just a fraction of the essence of the inheritance would lead to significant personal advancement, and truly comprehending the core would be akin to a carp leaping over the dragon gate¡ªa sudden, massive rise in power. after all, these inheritances contained a trace of ordinance!


    though not everyone in the fifth star ring was aware of the significance of ordinance, those possessing the qualifying tokens were not ordinary individuals. they might not know all the details, but they had certainly heard of it.


    thus, the desire of all the token holders grew overwhelmingly intense at that moment.


    even knowing that in past trials, these inheritances were almost always successfully acquired by disciples of orthodox sects¡ªand that there were rumors of predetermined successors for this stage¡ªcould not diminish their eagerness.


    accidents could always happen.


    hence, they naturally had to fight.


    however, while the token holders in the eastern, southern, and northern starfields fiercely competed to gain insights, the western starfield remained peaceful and serene.


    the sky over the western starfield was pitch black.


    here, for those cultivators without a token, there was nothing to see when they looked up. even for those who did possess a token, the result was the same.


    they couldn¡¯t see anything.


    blackness had overtaken everything.


    despite the frustration, confusion, and some dissatisfaction, the overall lethargy of the western region meant that most of the cultivators there lacked the fighting spirit to push forward.


    except for a few who were unwilling to give up and continued to try, the majority had already resigned themselves to their fate.


    since the immortal of the dao immortal sect didn¡¯t allow outsiders to comprehend during this phase, then they simply wouldn¡¯t attempt it.


    after all, they couldn¡¯t see anything anyway.


    as for xu qing, standing on the main dao cliff, he gazed at the pitch-black sky. his eyes were fixed on the strange flower that had appeared in the sky, and the dark light in his gaze grew even more intense.


    to him, this flower wasn¡¯t just a vague image¡­


    it was fully clear!


    ¡°this is an inheritance!¡±


    after xu qing stared at it, he immediately understood and his expression changed.


    this was because on this flower, he sensed an aura that was even more supreme than authority dao marks.


    ¡°that is¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s pupils contracted and his breathing became slightly hurried.


    but as his divine sense spread out, he noticed that the few cultivators around him on the main dao cliff, who were also meditating there, only glanced at the sky before withdrawing their gaze. seeing this, xu qing hesitated.


    ¡°among these people, two have tokens, but their perception range isn¡¯t as large as mine, so they can¡¯t sense me.¡±


    ¡°the others didn¡¯t stare. it¡¯s the same for the two of them¡­¡±


    ¡°can¡¯t see it? or is there something strange about this flower?¡±


    as he pondered, xu qing spread out his divine sense and permeated the surroundings of the cultivators who couldn¡¯t sense his existence, carefully observing their expressions.


    this was especially so for those cultivators who weren¡¯t alone but were in groups of two or more.


    soon, he found the answer from the expressions of these people and the conversations they had.


    ¡°inheritance segment!¡±


    ¡°all those with tokens can comprehend it!¡±


    ¡°they can¡¯t see¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s thoughts raced. suddenly, his heart stirred and he raised his head to look at the flower again.


    in his eyes, a thin strand of deep red rose from the eerie and sinister flower, drifting toward the eastern horizon.


    it was as though there was an existence in the east absorbing it!


    according to this absorption speed, it should take ten days for the flower to disappear.


    seeing this, determination appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°although i don¡¯t know the details, it will be a pity if i give up on this flower of inheritance like this!¡±


    at the thought of this, xu qing no longer hesitated. he stared at the flower in the sky and focused all his attention on it.


    the first thing he saw was the faces of the women on the flower petals.


    at the next instant, waves of murmurs filled with bewitchment echoed in his ears and fused into his mind.


    moments later, a purplish-red hue spread across xu qing¡¯s entire body as his flesh began to writhe, uncontrollably bulging into grotesque faces.


    these faces were twisted and menacing, as if they were trying to devour him.


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled violently, and the power of his authority erupted from within, surging through him and pulling him out of his trance.


    the moment he opened his eyes, he spat out a large mouthful of blood.


    as the blood splattered on the ground, it blossomed into flowers identical to the one on the night sky, only to quickly wither and crumble into ash. comprehension failed.


    ¡°my method is wrong. i tried to understand the essence of this flower, but that exceeds my current capabilities. moreover, this inheritance is different from the legendary places i¡¯ve visited along the way.¡±


    xu qing pondered. after about fifteen minutes, the five elements circled in his body and time and space rose. the erase authority and immortal art authority in his eyes were all shining.


    he used the power of his authorities to augment himself and stared at the flower again.


    this time, he used different authorities to simulate this flower.


    an hour later, xu qing¡¯s body suddenly trembled and withered, turning into skin and bones. after that, blood spurted out from the pores of his entire body. after landing, it formed a sea of flowers.


    the sea of flowers quickly withered. xu qing barely opened his eyes. he had a splitting headache and his body was extremely weak.


    he failed again.


    ¡°the method is still wrong.¡±


    ¡°then¡­ i can only use the method i used to imprint the ghost emperor mountain back then.¡±


    ¡°move this flower into my sea of consciousness!¡±


    xu qing wiped away the blood and swallowed some medicinal pills. after a few breaths of silence, he took out the liaoxuan holy liquid and drank several bottles in one go. his gaze gradually became ethereal.


    time flowed by. after fifteen minutes, xu qing was as usual. an hour later, he was still normal.


    two hours later¡­


    in the sky, the swaying flower, which initially only released a single thread drifting toward the east, suddenly produced a second thread. this one headed straight toward the main dao cliff where xu qing was located.


    it instantly arrived between xu qing¡¯s brows!


    xu qing¡¯s forehead suddenly shone; vaguely, there seemed to be a mark of a petal slowly forming on it.


    at the same time, in the eastern part of the western starfield, within the restricted area of the li family, at the center of the 9,000 towering towers, li mengtu sat cross-legged. a similar glow shone from his forehead.


    flower petals had also formed there, and since his enlightenment began earlier than xu qing¡¯s, the first petal had already fully appeared.


    the second petal was also forming.


    however, at the next instant, his expression suddenly changed. he instantly opened his eyes and looked into the distance.


    ¡°someone is plundering!¡±


    ¡°this is impossible!¡±


    li mengtu¡¯s breathing became rapid, and his face darkened significantly as he fixated intensely on the direction of his perception.


    previously, his comprehension of the flower had been in a state of solitary absorption, progressing swiftly


    however, at that moment, his absorption rate suddenly slowed, and through his own petals he sensed the emergence of another sharer in that direction.


    when this happened, his first reaction was disbelief.


    this was because before this inheritance segment, his master had told him that this time¡­ although the inheritance in the western starfield couldn¡¯t directly specify him due to the rules of the immortal capital, some specific conditions could be added.


    these were three special conditions crafted specifically for him.


    only those who met these three conditions could see the dao erosion flower!


    in theory, it was impossible for there to be a second person who perfectly met these three conditions like him.


    ¡°how could this be!¡±


    the appearance of the sharer caused li mengtu¡¯s emotions to instantly tense up. killing intent rose in his eyes.


    he was determined to obtain this dao erosion flower¡¯s inheritance and couldn¡¯t allow any accidents to happen.


    this was because he was well aware how precious and powerful the inheritance his master had specially given him was.


    this dao erosion flower transformed into a powerful dao art once successfully comprehended. its effects were extraordinary, capable of corroding others¡¯ authorities, representing a high-level form of poison.


    if it had been merely this, it would still have been remarkable but not excessively rare.


    after all, there were many methods to counteract corrosive dao marks.


    however¡­ after the ordinance was added, it became a different story.


    if the origin was compared to local administrative regulations, then authority was akin to the six ministries¡¯ laws, while ordinance¡­ stood above everything, like an imperial decree!


    this dao erosion flower contained a trace of ordinance!


    its manifestation was not just the corrosion of authority dao marks, but rather¡­ cutting the dao!


    it would permanently sever the opponent¡¯s authority and dao marks. with the ordinance in place, this severance was irreversible!


    unless the opponent also possessed spells and arts with ordinance, it was unstoppable!


    li mengtu was naturally anxious about such a precious opportunity. however, in this crucial moment of comprehension, he couldn¡¯t afford to be distracted. so, he immediately messaged his master through voice transmission.


    western starfield, dao immortal sect.


    within this area lay vast fields of fertile land, filled with countless plants, each one a rare and extraordinary specimen.


    any one of these would incite fierce competition in the outside world.


    at that moment, the poison lord, dressed like an old farmer, was meticulously watering two particular plants with precious nine heavens immortal elixir.


    his expression was focused, entirely ignoring any transmissions from the outside world.


    the two plants he was tending to were positioned closely together, and both possessed a certain level of sentience. they were fiercely competing for the nutrients from the soil and the immortal elixir that was being poured upon them.


    ¡°interesting¡­¡±


    ¡°who among you is my karma?¡±


    the poison lord muttered in a hoarse voice..

 Chapter 1592 - Chapter 1592: Li Clan’s Foundation

    chapter 1592: li clan¡¯s foundation


    editor: atlas studios


    in the sky of the western region, the huge flower that others couldn¡¯t see suddenly swayed.


    it had turned a little blurry.


    two of the twelve petals had completely disappeared and two of the remaining ten petals were blurring!


    the two missing petals had appeared on li mengtu¡¯s forehead!


    as the disciple of the poison lord, and given that this particular inheritance had been made for him, li mengtu had naturally made extremely thorough preparations in advance.


    he knew what the inheritance was this time before everyone else.


    in fact, he had seen several similar totems well in advance.


    he had carefully comprehended each one.


    it could be said that he had completed all the necessary groundwork.


    moreover, he had spent a lot of effort in comprehending the dao of poison.


    all of this was accumulated and unleashed at this moment, causing him to have a huge advantage in this comprehension.


    meanwhile, xu qing had already fallen behind due to earlier trial and error, which had cost him some valuable time.


    he found the correct way in the end and his comprehension speed was also astonishing, but he was still too slow.


    this kind of comprehension required not only preparation but also a deep understanding.


    it wasn¡¯t merely about imprinting.


    one had to truly grasp the essence of the inheritance to fully absorb it.


    li mengtu had already completed this process in advance, while xu qing was just beginning to explore.


    as a result, in these initial stages of comprehension, there was a considerable gap between xu qing and li mengtu.


    this scene was quickly sensed by li mengtu from the way the essence of the flower in the sky flowed.


    his heart relaxed.


    ¡°although i don¡¯t know the reason, there has been an unexpected variable, allowing this person to gain the same qualification to comprehend the inheritance as i have.¡±


    ¡°but¡­ the weak will always be weak.¡±


    ¡°this inheritance was specifically tailored for me by my master. without the necessary prior preparation, it¡¯s naturally difficult for an outsider to comprehend it. compared to me, the difference is as vast as that between mud and clouds.¡±


    li mengtu¡¯s gaze was cold. at that moment, the third petal was forming rapidly on his forehead.


    meanwhile, on the main dao cliff, xu qing¡¯s expression was calm.


    at that moment, only about 20% of a petal had gathered on his forehead. it was still very far from completion.


    even though he sensed that the flower of the inheritance in the sky had turned blurry and that the threads scattered to the east were becoming denser and the petals had decreased, he wasn¡¯t anxious.


    he knew that he wasn¡¯t the only person with astonishing comprehension in this world, so it was normal for someone¡¯s comprehension to surpass his.


    moreover, the comprehension of this inheritance was originally competition.


    it would naturally be good if he could win. if he couldn¡¯t, there was no need to be angry.


    ¡°it¡¯s good that my method is correct.¡±


    ¡°this inheritance in the sky is different from the mystical places i¡¯ve been to before. what i need to do is to move it into my sea of consciousness.¡±


    ¡°just like when i comprehended the ghost emperor mountain back then.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart was clear as he stared fixedly at the sky. he visualized it over and over again in his mind. moreover, through this process, he understood the essence of this inheritance.


    according to his past experiences, the more he understood, the smoother the comprehension process would be.


    however, very soon, during the process of probing the essence, xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed and his thoughts fluctuated.


    ¡°this inheritance is¡­¡±


    so, he decided to pause the transfer and instead focused on the part he had already comprehended. after carefully analyzing and sensing it, his expression gradually became a bit peculiar.


    ¡°poison?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    he was proficient at poison.


    after all, back then, the poison restriction in him had already transformed into a divine authority.


    although the poison restriction wasn¡¯t within his immortal body but instead remained in his divine body, poison was still the dao of plants and vegetation.


    this dao was knowledge.


    xu qing had memorized it in his mind, regardless of the body.


    ¡°this is a part of the dao of plants and vegetation¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s thoughts expanded rapidly, and knowledge of various plants resurfaced in his mind. as he revisited the details of the flower associated with this inheritance, he began to discern more nuances.


    ¡°this flower has narrow, serrated leaves, rooted in the void, resembling the perennial herbaceous plants, similar to the large mountain orchid, which is known for its illusory properties.¡±


    the twelve petals, each adorned with the face of a woman, express different emotions, embodying the power of desire, akin to the seven emotions grass.¡±


    ¡°its breath carries a poisonous intent, the tendrils secrete venom, and the leaves are etched with toxic patterns. even the roots and stems are permeated with poison¡­¡±¡±


    ¡°this is a poisonous plant¡­¡±


    ¡°from top to bottom, it contains a hundred poisons. though it may not seem like much individually, when combined, these poisons blend into thousands of variations, creating something astonishingly potent. the mixture of poisons throughout the entire plant seems even more peculiar.¡±


    ¡°an outsider might not see this, but when i analyze it through my dao of plants and vegetation, this poisonous plant clearly appears to be artificially cultivated.¡±


    ¡°it must have been developed from over ten million different plants, each contributing unique properties, ultimately creating this. moreover, something special has been infused into it, raising its level significantly!¡±


    ¡°such skill is truly astonishing!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart raced and his expression changed.


    the more he understood, the more astonished he became.


    ¡°to be able to nurture such poisonous grass, the other party¡¯s dao of plants has already reached an unbelievable level.¡±


    xu qing pondered for a moment, his interest surging to its peak.


    ¡°simply comprehending it won¡¯t be enough; trying to understand it as it is would also fall short. the best method¡­ is to analyze its poison!¡±


    ¡°and poison¡­¡±


    a dark glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    in an instant, countless pieces of botanical knowledge surfaced in his mind.


    he methodically matched them, arranging and integrating them.


    he transformed this knowledge into tools.


    he used these tools to simulate similar poisons, calculating their toxicity while internalizing the insights in his mind. at the same time, he compared them to the flower in the sky.


    in this way, he planned to transfer and imprint the essence of this flower into his sea of consciousness.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    in the li family¡¯s restricted area, on a tall tower, li mengtu, who was completely focused on comprehending the inheritance, finally formed the third petal on his forehead.


    this process was slower than before.


    this was because the further he went, the more difficult it would be to progress. although he was fully prepared and his comprehension ability was extraordinary, he couldn¡¯t succeed at once.


    ¡°master had said that it will take me about ten days to comprehend this inheritance.¡±


    ¡°from the looks of it now, that¡¯s indeed the case.¡±


    li mengtu took a deep breath and was about to continue.


    however, at this moment, the inheritance flower in the sky suddenly shook and blurred again.


    one of the nine remaining petals¡­ suddenly disappeared!


    ¡°hmm?¡±


    li mengtu¡¯s pupils constricted and his killing intent instantly soared. he looked in the direction of the main dao cliff and his expression darkened.


    on the main dao cliff, the first petal had already appeared on xu qing¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°the method is correct!¡±


    sensing the flower petal on his forehead, xu qing felt an immense joy, a happiness he hadn¡¯t experienced in a long time.


    this elation came from two sources: the acquisition of the inheritance and the realization that his botanical knowledge was also stirring after a long time.


    through the flower in the sky, he gained a greater understanding of plants and vegetation.


    he could finally see a portion of the source of the aura contained in this inheritance that seemed to surpass the power of authority dao marks.


    ¡°this poisonous plant, being artificially cultivated, is unprecedented. therefore, the moment it was created, it was as if something new was brought into existence!¡±


    ¡°then, it was fortified, making it so that no second plant like it could ever exist in this world, not even by its creator. thus, it became unmatched.¡±


    ¡°this uniqueness allowed the plant to become the sole specimen in existence. combined with its extraordinary level¡­¡±


    ¡°with the unique dao, it draws upon the mysterious, forming that aura which surpasses even the power of authority dao marks?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s mind rumbled.


    his eyes shone intensely as he stared at the flower in the sky and mumbled a word.


    ¡°ordinance?¡±


    the instant this word came out of his mouth, xu qing¡¯s mind suddenly became clear.


    after that, he progressed rapidly!


    after fifteen minutes, a second petal appeared on his forehead.


    an hour later, the third petal formed!


    such a speed was shocking.


    he had clearly fallen behind at the start, but now¡­ he was about to catch up to li mengtu.


    other than the two of them, no token holders in the entire western starfield could sense this scene. otherwise, if they had been aware, a storm of disbelief would have erupted in their minds.


    xu qing¡¯s imprinting progress was too fast.


    li mengtu¡¯s heart trembled violently.


    at that moment, there were only three petals on his forehead, while the fourth had only gathered by 40%.


    ¡°who is this person?!¡±


    ¡°he was slow earlier but suddenly, he has become so fast!¡±


    li mengtu¡¯s mind roared as his breathing grew rapid. the feeling of watching his own opportunity being taken by someone else ignited a fierce killing intent within him, while an overwhelming sense of urgency surged uncontrollably.


    ¡°this can¡¯t go on!¡±


    determination appeared in li mengtu¡¯s eyes.


    he still had a trump card that he hadn¡¯t used. originally, this trump card was planned to be used for progressing ahead after he obtained eight petals.


    but now¡­


    li mengtu immediately raised his hands, forming a series of hand seals before pressing down on his surroundings.


    instantly, the tower he was on trembled violently, emitting a blinding red light that shot straight into the sky.


    this light formed a circular wave, expanding outward with a thunderous roar. one by one, the towers within the li family¡¯s restricted area erupted, sending red beams of light surging towards the sky.


    there were 9,000 tall towers here, and every tower seemed to be enhanced by something that could magnify li mengtu¡¯s comprehension.


    now that all of them had erupted, the fourth petal was about to form on his forehead.


    with such a speed of comprehension, li mengtu still felt that it wasn¡¯t safe. this was because there were only twelve petals. if he was late, the outsider would comprehend even more. he couldn¡¯t accept this.


    hence, li mengtu gritted his teeth and took out an item.


    it was a scroll!


    it emitted an ancient aura. the moment it appeared, the color of the sky changed and wind surged.


    this item was his li clan¡¯s legacy supreme treasure and it was the only one!


    it was brought over by their ancestor from his hometown back then. after he passed away, he left a message for his descendants.


    ¡°this painting can be used three times. for those below the level of a quasi immortal, opening a sliver will seal them. if half of the painting is revealed, a quasi immortal will fall. if the entire painting is unveiled, it can mark a lower immortal!¡±


    countless years had passed. for some reason, this painting was strangely not stolen or demanded. it had actually remained in the li clan¡¯s residence all this time.


    generations of li descendants attempted to activate the scroll, trying to open it, but all attempts failed.


    only li mengtu, whose bloodline seemed to revert to that of the ancestor, could use the scroll. when he gave it his all, he could open it just a sliver.


    this was his true foundation for becoming a star!

 Chapter 1593 - Chapter 1593: Dao Battle

    chapter 1593: dao battle


    editor: atlas studios


    ¡°even though i exerted all my strength to open a sliver of this scroll, its coverage only extends to 500 kilometers¡­¡±


    in the li clan¡¯s restricted area, li mengtu narrowed his eyes and waved his hand. immediately, the scroll in his hand flew out and floated above his head.


    it didn¡¯t spread out but emitted a gentle light that scattered on li mengtu¡¯s body, augmenting him.


    this scroll painting, even when not fully unfurled, had a remarkable effect-it could clear the mind of the holder, significantly aiding in comprehension. that¡¯s why he always carried it with him.


    at the same time, it was also the trump card he had prepared for such crucial moments.


    coupled with the li clan¡¯s 9,000 towers, his comprehension ability instantly increased.


    ¡±1 originally planned to use it at later stages, but now¡­ i can only use it ahead of schedule!¡±


    li mengtu took a deep breath. he was well aware that the inheritance his master had specifically tailored for him was somewhat different from those in the other three starfields.


    this inheritance was special and unique. only one person could obtain it!


    if the comprehension was divided, neither would fully grasp it.


    ¡°no matter who this person is, such an action is already a fight for the dao.¡±


    ¡°even if there was no prior enmity, from this moment on¡­ it is an irreconcilable conflict!¡±


    at the thought of this, li mengtu¡¯s eyes flickered with a resplendent light, as though ancient runes were flickering within. when he looked at the inheritance flower in the sky, insights surged in his mind.


    the fourth petal was instantly formed. the fifth petal also rapidly gathered.


    he needed to strive for more and obtain an advantage. after that, he would leave this place and find the person who fought with him for the dao.


    he wanted to take back his inheritance!


    there was only one way to take it back.


    kill!


    li mengtu then put this thought in the back of his mind, and completely immersed himself in his comprehension. with the help of the 9,000 tall towers and the mysterious painting scroll that was passed down in his family, his comprehension speed improved by leaps and bounds.


    very soon, the fifth petal formed on his forehead!


    however, there were only four petals left in the flower in the sky.


    at the next instant¡­ one petal disappeared. there were only three petals left.


    the missing piece appeared on xu qing¡¯s forehead.


    four petals spun on his forehead as the dao of plants and vegetation flowed in xu qing¡¯s mind. his understanding of the poison in this inheritance flower also continued to rise as he verified them one by one.


    he instinctively raised his hands and performed a series of hand seals in front of him. illusory medicinal herbs were weaved by him and surrounded each other, sometimes fusing and sometimes separating.


    just like that, time passed again.


    after fifteen minutes.


    the fifth petal appeared on xu qing¡¯s forehead.


    however, at the same time, far in the east, the sixth petal formed on li mengtu¡¯s forehead.


    at that moment, the inheritance flower in the sky was completely blurry, and the last petal could only be vaguely seen.


    in an instant, two red threads spread out from the remaining petal. one landed on the main dao cliff and the other landed in the li clan¡¯s restricted area.


    xu qing and li mengtu were competing across an endless range.


    both sides relied on their respective methods to comprehend and absorb. the remaining petal rapidly dissipated.


    after about eight minutes, a thunderous sound echoed throughout the entire western starfield.


    the flower of inheritance in the sky completely disappeared.


    as it disappeared, the darkness in the sky gradually dissipated and the hidden red aurora emerged again.


    this scene fell into the eyes of the other token holders in the western starfield. they understood that the inheritance segment¡­ was over.


    ¡°this inheritance segment doesn¡¯t give others a chance to comprehend at all. 1 think only li mengtu has the qualifications.¡±


    this matter is understood by all; there¡¯s no need for further discussion. this inheritance was prepared specifically for him. the other three sides are the same¡ªjust with an extra layer of pretense.¡±


    this is the hierarchy; there¡¯s nothing we can do about it.¡±


    heh, best not to speak of it, best not to speak of it.¡±


    as the murmurs filled with complex emotions echoed throughout the western starfield, the light emanating from the 9,000 towers in the li clan¡¯s restricted area gradually dimmed. when all the light had finally vanished and the scroll descended, li mengtu abruptly stood up.


    there were six and a half petals on his forehead!


    the six petals were complete. as for the additional half, it was the seventh petal that hadn¡¯t been formed.


    at that moment, it was blurry and seemed to have only reached 50%.


    he raised his hand and touched his forehead.


    a murderous intent erupted from his body and enveloped the surroundings, causing the space to be frozen.


    black snowflakes appeared out of thin air and scattered in the surroundings.


    ¡°i want to see¡­ who exactly you are!¡±


    the killing intent in li mengtu¡¯s eyes was intense. as the only star of the entire western starfield, he was confident that no one in his generation was his match.


    even if he encountered a late-stage ruler, he had the ability to seal and kill them by using his family¡¯s inheritance treasure.


    at the thought of this, li mengtu¡¯s body swayed and the sky exploded, as though it was about to collapse. he displayed terrifying might and swept up a vast aura, stirring up a cold wind as he headed in the direction of the main dao cliff.


    there was no need to go through a teleportation array.


    although the distance from here to the main dao cliff was extremely far, as a star and a lower immortal¡¯s disciple, he had too many treasures on him.¡¯


    among them, there was one that could allow him to borrow the power of the ancient teleportation array to carry out a greater teleportation without touching the array.


    while he was rushing toward the main dao cliff, xu qing opened his eyes.


    there were five and a half petals spinning on his forehead.


    a feeling of comprehension surfaced in his heart, and what followed was an intense life-and-death crisis.


    this sense of danger caused xu qing to sigh inwardly.


    this was within his expectations.


    he had seen threads of the inheritance flower spreading to the east. at that moment, he had understood that there was a high chance that there would be a fight after the comprehension ended.


    he could guess the other party¡¯s identity.


    ¡°in the entire western starfield, there are only two threads. this means that there are only two people who comprehended it.¡±


    ¡°the others can¡¯t see the flower and can¡¯t comprehend it. this means that¡­


    there are certain conditions to comprehend it.¡±


    ¡°others don¡¯t fulfill this condition. although i don¡¯t know why i meet the requirements, my existence must be an accident to that person.¡±


    ¡°based on these, this person¡¯s identity¡­ is already very obvious. he is¡­¡±


    ¡°among the eight stars of this generation in the fifth star ring, the only star in the western starfield, li mengtu!¡±


    xu qing stood up and the information of li mengtu that he had read in the map appeared in his mind.


    ¡®li mengtu came from the li clan and later entered the dao immortal sect. his master is the dao immortal sect¡¯s sky patroller.¡±


    ¡°because of his rise, his clan grew stronger from its original decline. this clan has a characteristic. all direct descendants have the word ¡®tu¡¯ in their names.¡±


    ¡°as for his cultivation, although he¡¯s only at the early-stage ruler realm, he has four authorities. his combat strength, together with a set of bizarre spells inherited from his clan and his master, allowed him to have the battle record of killing a mid-stage ruler.¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. this information wasn¡¯t new, so it could only be used as a reference. he couldn¡¯t completely believe it.


    the real situation would definitely be more serious than the information records.


    xu qing fell silent. after he looked into the distance, determination appeared in his eyes.


    since he had obtained this inheritance, he naturally couldn¡¯t give up because of danger.


    once one gave up on the battle for the great dao, it was equivalent to falling behind.


    one step behind would cause one to fall behind repeatedly.


    xu qing took a deep breath and instantly left.


    he didn¡¯t choose to stay here.


    as a star, the other party definitely had many trump cards and his combat strength must be outstanding.


    facing such an opponent, even if he set up a trap here, it still wouldn¡¯t be of much effect.


    ¡°if i can form my own eighth extremity¡­¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and sped through the sky at full speed, heading for the nearest ancient teleportation array.


    the place he wanted to go to was the god blood river.


    ¡°that place is the best battlefield!¡±


    ¡°if i win, it will be ideal. but if i lose, i still have a way to avoid the worst case scenario.¡±


    xu qing sped up, creating vast ripples in the sky.


    several days later.


    on the main dao cliff, the sky suddenly rumbled and a large black hand appeared. even the aurora was covered, causing the surroundings to be pitch-black.


    while the few cultivators on the cliff were horrified, a figure walked out of the black hand.


    he wore a black robe, had long black hair, a cold expression, and there were six and a half petals on his forehead. he was none other than li mengtu.


    his gaze swept over and landed on the place where xu qing had been meditating earlier. he then calmly spoke.


    ¡°decree, ask the wind!¡±


    ¡°what cultivation level has the cultivator here reached?¡±


    with that, he raised his hand and grabbed. immediately, the wind in the surroundings stirred and gathered into an illusory body.


    ¡°decree, ask the sky!¡±


    ¡°what kind of authorities does the cultivator here have?¡±


    his words echoed and the ripples in the sky gathered into spirits.


    ¡°decree, ask the laws!¡±


    ¡°where is the cultivator here heading?!¡±


    the laws descended and gathered into an eye.


    it formed a mysterious existence that stared at li mengtu.


    the dao sound rang out.


    ¡°cultivation base is soul accumulation, nine authorities. the foundation is the five elements, time and space surround it, and contains erase and bizarre.


    battle power is a mid-stage ruler. he is heading south!¡±


    as soon as this sound rang out, li mengtu¡¯s eyes glowed.


    ¡°such an existence¡­¡±


    he fell silent for a while. when he looked into the distance again, his killing intent became even more intense.


    with a sway, he sped toward the south. at the same time, his immortal capital token¡¯s perception range erupted with all its might.


    wherever he passed, as long as he sensed any light spots, he would instantly approach and investigate.


    if someone could look upon the entire western starfield from high above, they would see that the distance between li mengtu and xu qing was rapidly ¡® shortening.


    closer and closer!


    at the same time, in the dao immortal sect in the western starfield, the poison lord, who was like an old farmer, was still watering the two poisonous plants in front of him with the nine heavens immortal elixir.


    at this moment, the spirituality of these two poisonous plants was even denser than before. in order to obtain more nutrients, they were interweaving.


    they each spread out their poison spikes and pierced into the other party¡¯s body.


    as they intersected, they devoured each other.


    a smile appeared on the poison lord¡¯s face.


    ¡°it doesn¡¯t matter which one of them dies. the one who ultimately receives my inheritance is my karma..¡±

 Chapter 1594 - Chapter 1594: No Grudge, Only Life and Death

    chapter 1594: no grudge, only life and death


    editor: atlas studios


    several days passed in a flash.


    in the sky of the western starfield, xu qing was leaving behind afterimages as he sped ahead.


    at this moment, his location was still some distance away from the god blood river and would require the maximum range of an ancient teleportation array to reach it. as for the location of the nearest ancient teleportation array¡­


    ¡°at my current speed, i¡¯ll need at least two days!¡±


    xu qing muttered inwardly and restrained all his aura, including hiding the petal marks on his forehead. at the same time, he activated a secret art and headed straight for the ancient teleportation array.


    time slowly passed.


    the sense of danger grew increasingly intense.


    this life-and-death crisis that came from the dark made xu qing even more certain of his previous judgment.


    this was because it was not possible for someone who was one of the stars and a disciple of the lower immortal to not have qualifications to participate in the comprehension.


    hence, xu qing judged that the person who had comprehended it like him was most likely the only star in the western starfield, li mengtu.


    ¡°although the other party¡¯s information says that he has the combat strength of a mid-stage ruler, there¡¯s a possibility that the map¡¯s information is outdated and there¡¯s also the possibility of him hiding his combat strength.¡±


    xu qing quickly analyzed inwardly. he continued to move at full speed.


    a day and a half later.


    the aurora in the sky had long since returned to its usual state, with crimson light flowing endlessly like a river. beneath this aurora, xu qing, who was rushing forward, suddenly felt a sense of heaviness. his expression turned serious as he abruptly turned his head to gaze into the distant horizon.


    his qualifying token was concealed, but it only prevented those with tokens of a lesser range from sensing it. for those with a range greater than his, it couldn¡¯t be hidden.


    at this moment, within the range of his token¡¯s perception, a brilliant light suddenly appeared on the edge, five million kilometers away.


    this light moved at an astonishing speed¡ªone moment it was five million kilometers away, and in the next, the distance had halved.


    in the blink of an eye, the sky on the horizon, where xu qing¡¯s gaze was fixed, suddenly erupted with endless lightning. countless lightning bolts, numbering in the millions, burst forth, tearing through everything as they roared toward him.


    in an instant, lightning danced chaotically and thunder rumbled.


    in an instant, it swept through the sky, enveloping the surroundings in lightning.


    this caused this range of five million kilometers to turn into an apocalyptic scene with sky shattering, thunder rumbling, and a terrifying aura filling everything.


    immediately after, a person walked over from the terrifying sea of lightning.


    this person was a young man dressed in a black robe, with black hair cascading down.


    his eyes shone like stars, and his appearance was strikingly handsome, yet there was an unsettling, eerie aura about him. the most prominent feature was the lightning that flickered in his eyes, radiating a formidable presence.


    there were six and a half flower petals spinning at his forehead.


    he was li mengtu.


    the moment he walked over, it was as though he had replaced the sun and moon, as though he had become the master of this world.


    every step he took caused xu qing¡¯s heart to tremble.


    accompanied by an intense sense of oppression, it swept through like a storm, lifting xu qing¡¯s long hair and causing the corners of his robe to flutter.


    li mengtu didn¡¯t say anything. almost at the instant he appeared and saw xu qing, he directly erupted with an earth-shattering might.


    this might was a manifestation of the dao marks and the aura of authority.


    it surpassed the authority of all the rulers xu qing had seen before. if the authority of others was compared to starlight, then the dao might coming from li mengtu at this moment was the light of the bright moon.


    now that it erupted, it formed a huge mark in front of li mengtu.


    this seal emitted an extremely dense aura of death.


    the moment it was formed, a cold word came out of li mengtu¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°death!¡±


    as soon as this word appeared, wind and clouds surged. at this moment, an astonishing aura of death surged in the entire world. demons, ghosts, and monsters manifested, as though this area had changed into the netherworld.


    wailing sounds echoed everywhere.


    a terrifying and irresistible feeling of death also erupted from xu qing¡¯s body at this instant.


    he seemed to have been locked onto by an invisible force that couldn¡¯t be resisted or dodged.


    it was as though this word and this authority had become inevitable, the rules, the heavenly dao, and everything.


    this was one of li mengtu¡¯s four great authorities.


    death curse!


    he had immediately used one of his trump cards!


    the primary reason for his actions was that he had previously used another of his authorities, employing the ¡®decree to reveal the truth¡¯ method, to uncover information about xu qing.


    he knew that the enemy he was facing couldn¡¯t be underestimated at all.


    so, he either wouldn¡¯t make a move, but if he did, he aimed for a single, decisive strike, ensuring that the opponent would have no chance to display their own abilities!


    hence, although he didn¡¯t see any petals on xu qing¡¯s forehead and wasn¡¯t sure if the person in front of him was the person he was looking for, he knew that according to the information he had, there was a high chance that the other party had the ability to hide the mark.


    hence, on the way, as long as he encountered a token holder, he used his killing moves.


    if they died, so be it.


    if they were the one he was looking for, the inheritance could naturally return after they were killed.


    however, if the token holder could resist his killing moves, there was a high chance that the other party¡­ was the person he was looking for!


    he would rather kill the wrong person than let them off.


    this moment was also no exception.


    xu qing¡¯s expression changed drastically. under the power of this authority that couldn¡¯t be dodged or resisted, his body instantly withered. his life dimmed and his aura was disappearing.


    it was as if he had been cursed, becoming a part of death itself, triggering the collapse of his fate.


    moreover, the opponent¡¯s authority was extremely bizarre, rendering many of xu qing¡¯s methods ineffective.


    at this moment, the feeling of death surged through his entire body.


    if it was anyone else, they wouldn¡¯t be able to escape death. after all, the person who came was¡­ li mengtu.


    however, although most of xu qing¡¯s methods were ineffective¡­ the time methods could naturally reverse the situation.


    in an instant, the sundial appeared behind him. the aura of time fluctuated in all directions, distorting everything.


    as the gnomon on the sundial reversed, time flowed backward on his body.


    the intent of death had to give way in the face of time.


    in the blink of an eye, xu qing¡¯s withering body, fading soul, and diminishing aura suddenly reversed, returning to their state from just a few moments before!


    after using this method to resolve the death tribulation, xu qing immediately retreated. he circulated his cultivation and his authority erupted. his expression was unprecedentedly solemn.


    this was the first time he had encountered someone who, upon meeting, immediately resorted to a killing move.


    the other party¡¯s actions also exposed a possibility.


    ¡®it¡¯s impossible for him to be unharmed after using such a powerful trump card!¡±


    ¡°so, either this is his usual tactic, or¡­ this person has some method to probe my information. not wanting to give me any chance to counterattack, he went straight for the killing blow, regardless of the cost, aiming for a one-hit kill!¡±


    these thoughts instantly surfaced in xu qing¡¯s mind, but it didn¡¯t prevent him from counterattacking.


    almost at the instant the time on the sundial reversed, xu qing¡¯s counterattack started.


    and similarly, there was no probing, no gradual setup.


    when he attacked, it was with his trump card!


    the world rumbled and a strong wind whistled. as the sea of lightning was shaken, the five elements on xu qing¡¯s body erupted violently, forming five shocking auras that permeated the world.


    there was also time and space.


    in the blink of an eye, metal became the divine seal, earth formed the platform, wood served as the blade groove, water manifested as blood marks, fire refined everything, time became the axis, and space turned into the blade!


    it was the seven extremes battle god platform formed by xu qing after he arrived in the western starfield and deduced it from the five elements god slaying platform, incorporating the elements of time and space,


    as far as the eye could see, everything in the surroundings was replaced by the huge god slaying platform.


    the world shone and trembled.


    the god slaying blade slashed down at li mengtu!


    right now, li mengtu looked a little pale.


    every one of his authority was extraordinary. although they were astonishingly powerful and bizarre, it was also because of this that when he used them, he had to endure a certain degree of backlash.


    however, now that he saw that the person in front of him had reversed the flow of time and displayed astonishing dao art, he narrowed his eyes, emitting a cold and indifferent light.


    ¡°it¡¯s you!¡±


    as he spoke, li mengtu sensed the pressure of this dao art and instantly saw its profundity.


    however, he didn¡¯t dodge. instead, he raised his right hand and performed a series of hand seals in front of his chest as he muttered.


    ¡°mirror flower!¡±


    as soon as these words were spoken, a bizarre scene emerged.


    huge black mirrors appeared around li mengtu, enveloping his entire body.


    these mirrors looked ancient and each of them emitted a terrifying aura of curses. they seemed to be refined from a minor world or condensed from li mengtu¡¯s spells.


    after encircling him, the mirror reflected xu qing¡¯s figure.


    as for the god slaying blade that landed, it looked like it was slashing at li mengtu but¡­ xu qing¡¯s heart sank.


    the danger of life and death actually rose intensely in his mind.


    at this critical moment, ruthlessness appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he didn¡¯t choose to retract the power of the god slaying platform but augmented it, increasing its might.


    at the same time, his left hand formed a seal and pressed down. immediately, water ripples appeared under his feet and spread in all directions.


    the realm of heaven and earth was likened to a well.


    at the next instant, the god slaying blade landed on the mirrors outside li mengtu¡¯s body. however, the damage erupted and landed on xu qing.


    amidst the rumbling, the fishing the moon from the well spell was formed at the same time.


    what it caught was not only li mengtu but also xu qing himself.


    he had fished out the former to move him away from the mirrors.


    he had fished himself out to avoid the god slaying blade!


    in an instant, the world and the void collapsed, and the sea of lightning rolled back.


    the mirrors outside li mengtu¡¯s body were still there, but his soul was floating outside. the god slaying blade caused his soul to emit a heart-rending sound and erupt with self-protection methods.


    although he wasn¡¯t completely killed, his soul was still forced back and it was injured.


    xu qing also trembled. the god slaying blade slashed across the surface of the well, affecting him as well.


    at that moment, blood gushed out and he retreated. his expression was gloomy as he looked at li mengtu.


    this battle had just begun but it was already so intense.


    this matter caused xu qing¡¯s fighting spirit to soar. he decided not to hide the petals on his forehead anymore and lifted his hand to rub it. in an instant, five and a half petals appeared on his forehead.


    as for li mengtu, his soul returned to his body and he was also retreating. blood flowed from the corners of his mouth. as the mirrors surrounded his body, what was reflected was no longer xu qing but li mengtu¡¯s figure.


    after that, these figures all raised their heads. just like their main bodies, their eyes were filled with killing intent and their expressions were cold as they looked at xu qing.


    this was especially so when they stared at the petals on xu qing¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°you are indeed qualified to fight with me for the dao!¡±


    ¡°as for the battle of the great dao, it has nothing to do with grudges. if i kill you today, you should have no grudges. if you kill me, i have no grudges either.¡±

 Chapter 1595 - Chapter 1595: Endless Aurora, Like an Immortal Flood Descending!

    chapter 1595: endless aurora, like an immortal flood descending!


    editor: atlas studios


    li mengtu spoke word by word seriously.


    his expression was also solemn, as though these words were very important to him.


    this was a struggle for the dao, where neither grudges nor life and death mattered.


    the life of a cultivator, in truth, always followed this path: in the early stages, it was about survival; in the middle stages, it was about becoming stronger; but once reaching the higher realms, the dao became the core focus.


    his dao couldn¡¯t be tainted.


    ¡°i am li mengtu, a disciple of the vast immortal lord of the dao immortal sect.¡±


    ¡°i disdain scheming, and i disdain relying on the power of my clan or sect. today, i will act alone and with my full strength, swearing to kill you to fulfill my dao!¡±


    li mengtu spoke in a deep voice.


    at that moment, he was standing in the air. his black clothes swayed in the wind and his long hair fluttered. his eyes were bright as he looked at xu qing.


    xu qing fell silent.


    in his life, he had seen many kinds of people. although there weren¡¯t many people like li mengtu, there were still some.


    flame mystic was essentially the same as li mengtu.


    at the same time, he also saw the determination to fight for the dao in the other party¡¯s eyes. hence, he slowly spoke.


    ¡°xu qing.¡±


    li mengtu nodded and didn¡¯t say anything else or ask further. the killing intent in his eyes instantly soared. he raised his right hand and pointed at the sky.


    ¡°lightning!¡±


    at the next instant, a deafening sound rang out from the sky. the sea of lightning that had dissipated under the fluctuations of the two people¡¯s spells reappeared with a magnitude hundreds of times greater than before.


    the rumbling sounds reverberated in all directions as silver lightning swept across the sky, covering a span of 500,000 kilometers in a heartbeat, then extending to five million kilometers, and continuing to expand.


    it seemed infinite.


    the lightning within this vast area converged into a massive sphere, enveloping the entire sky.


    thunder rumbled everywhere and the world changed color. it was as if the fury of the heavens had descended, and the roar of the great dao echoed through the cosmos.


    the sea of lightning arrived again.


    moreover, it wasn¡¯t just the sky. at this moment, lightning rose from the ground and tore through the void, appearing on everything.


    after they gathered together, a sea of lightning vortex appeared in the area of tens of millions of kilometers. the thunder was even more astonishing, like a heavenly tribulation!


    its aura was peerless.


    it was li mengtu¡¯s second authority, lightning!


    lightning embodied the essence of destruction and annihilation!


    at that moment, amidst the rumbling, li mengtu, who was covered in lightning, was like the lightning lord of this world. lightning also appeared on his body and connected to the sea of lightning. he pointed at xu qing.


    immediately, the sea of lightning roared and swept through the world, heading straight for xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s pupils contracted.


    he had seen many rulers but he had never met someone with such a vast aura like li mengtu.


    ¡°as expected of a star!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was solemn but he didn¡¯t have the slightest intention of retreating. the other party had already said that this was a struggle for the dao¡­


    ¡°then, let¡¯s fight!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. from the moment peerless city disappeared, the path he had walked was one of relentless struggle!


    fighting for survival, seizing opportunities, and contending for the dao of heaven and earth.


    hence, the pupil of his right eye turned blurry and was replaced by dao marks!


    the erase authority¡¯s dao marks erupted from his right eye. everything in the range of his vision was wiped out!


    the ground became blurry, the sky distorted, and ripples appeared in the void. the sea of lightning that flooded over was directly affected!


    however, the lightning authority was an extreme form of destruction. even with the presence of the erase authority, it still couldn¡¯t be completely erased.


    as it churned, it shone with a piercing light and emitted terrifying killing intent.


    the dao marks in xu qing¡¯s right eye instantly dissipated. his pupils stung and blood flowed out.


    even so, the power of erase authority still caused waves in the surging sea of lightning.


    at that moment, its aura was weakened. although it was still heading straight for xu qing, at the critical moment, a wisp of sword intent rapidly emerged in xu qing¡¯s body.


    it was the emperor sword.


    the emperor sword flew out of the top of xu qing¡¯s head and he took a step forward, grabbing it with his right hand.


    the moment he held the emperor sword, the aura on his body also rose, forming a might that shook the starry sky, causing the lightning that was about to arrive to suddenly pause.


    xu qing held the emperor sword and slashed forward.


    the blurry ground emitted a roar. endless earth energy rose and gathered in xu qing¡¯s sword.


    it transformed into the sword of earth!


    earth depository move!


    the sword slashed through the sea of lightning.


    the power of the earth was also like the sea, rumbling with the sea of lightning.


    an intense fluctuation suddenly erupted the instant the two sides came into contact.


    amidst it all, numerous lightning spheres wove through the sword energy, appearing in front of xu qing. they rapidly approached and exploded one by one, forming lethal force.


    xu qing performed a series of hand seals with both hands and continued to neutralize them, retreating amidst a series of rumbling sounds.


    on the other side, the sword energy also penetrated the sea of lightning and appeared in front of li mengtu. when it rushed over, all the mirrors around li mengtu¡¯s body were shining.


    as he neutralized them one after another, he also performed a series of hand seals to block the sword might. during the process, he had to keep on retreating.


    from afar, this scene seemed to be evenly matched.


    in the midst of the battle, the sea of earth and the sea of lightning clashed against each other, forcing both of them to retreat.


    however, li mengtu, whose cultivation was at the early stage of ruler, as a star from the li clan and a disciple of the poison lord, possessed methods far surpassing those of most ruler. thus, as he retreated, his eyes suddenly gleamed with silver light.


    it was as though he had transformed into heavenly might as he spoke.


    ¡°asking your soul, who is your master?¡±


    ¡°asking you, spirit, where are you from?¡±


    ¡°asking your body, do you have any internal injuries?¡±


    ¡°asking your mind, what are your backup plans?!¡±


    this was his third authority, truth decree!


    this authority could question the heavens, the earth, the dao, and all things in the world, posing any inquiry.


    this authority exerted a deterrent power like a stern teacher¡¯s ruler.


    under its interrogation, all must reveal the truth.


    refusal would result in a punishment from the dao.


    whether one responded or not, one would be immobilized in that very moment¡ªthis immobilization encompassing the body, the soul, and the will.


    when the decree landed, xu qing¡¯s entire body trembled.


    there seemed to be a terrifying force of intimidation, falling upon him, causing his body to become rigid, his soul to lose its function, and his memories to stir.


    almost in the instant when xu qing¡¯s body and soul were affected, a cold glint flashed in li mengtu¡¯s eyes. as he retreated, he swiftly formed seals with his hands.


    he didn¡¯t really want to ask xu qing these questions.


    he didn¡¯t care about the answers.


    regardless of where the person in front of him came from, who his master was, whether he had hidden injuries or had any backup plans, he didn¡¯t care. what he wanted was the immobilization effect of his authority.


    this would create an opportunity for him to kill!


    now, this opportunity had appeared.


    hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate and directly used the trump card he had inherited from his master!


    ¡°endless aurora, like an immortal flood descending!¡±


    his master had many names, virtue viscount, vast immortal lord, immortal flood elder1, and the poison lord.


    these names were not conjured out of thin air. to be precise, each name corresponded to a specific dao art of the poison lord.


    the title ¡®immortal flood elder¡¯ represented the very technique that li mengtu now unleashed.


    at that moment, as li mengtu performed a series of hand seals and spoke, the sky trembled.


    the crimson aurora that flowed across the sky, even higher than the sea of lightning and spanning the entire limitless expanse of the fifth star ring, was unexpectedly affected.


    it wasna€tmt the entire aurora, but for the fifth star ring, where the aurora reigned supreme, even influencing a portion of it required an astounding level of ability.


    at that moment, the aurora surged!


    the range was fifty kilometers!


    then, it separated.


    the range was still the same.


    the affected area was fifty kilometers wide. the aurora in this region seemed to be under control, as if it had been severed, and began to descend from the heavens.


    it fell with overwhelming weight, carrying a pressure that shook the heart and mind, crashing down directly.


    like a flood, like a waterfall, like an ocean pouring from the sky.


    the crimson light plummeted in an instant, and wherever it passed, the sea of lightning collapsed, and the sword intent disintegrated.


    with just one strike, xu qing¡¯s qi and blood churned. his entire body rumbled and he spat out a large mouthful of blood. his body then fell to the ground with great force.


    his injuries weren¡¯t light.


    even so, this injury allowed his body and soul, which had been affected by the decree earlier, to recover from the immobilization.


    as his gaze fixed upon the scene, he saw the aurora within the fifty kilometers radius being pulled down, descending towards him with the intent to crush. the surroundings were engulfed in crimson light, resembling a sea of blood.


    li mengtu was fifty kilometers away and didn¡¯t get close. clearly, even he was wary of this ability that guided the aurora.


    xu qing felt an intense sense of life-and-death crisis at this time.


    at the critical moment, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all. the five elements authorities in his body erupted with all their might.


    a year¡¯s worth of recuperation, exploration, and the insights he had gathered from various places all manifested in an instant.


    first, the element of wood surged forth, transforming into countless trees and plants that appeared out of thin air, covering the sky and blocking the aurora.


    the wood realm collapsed in an instant, and as the aurora descended once more, xu qing formed hand seals. the collapsed wood element ignited, giving birth to towering flames that rose to block the aurora.


    when the fire, bolstered by his power, reached its limit, xu qing¡¯s thoughts shifted again. the fire transformed into earth, forming a domain to further resist the falling light.


    the eruption of the earth element didn¡¯t last long, so at its peak, it transformed into metal.


    metal power surged up, as though it wanted to break through the sky.


    however, the aurora was astonishing, causing the metal power to fail.


    after metal reached its limit, it produced water.


    the force of water surged to unprecedented levels, surrounding him with a vast ocean that spanned five million kilometers. this immense sea, beyond the comprehension of mortals, roared with turbulent waves.


    as the waters spread out, the surface of the sea mirrored the sky above, creating a breathtaking and formidable scene.


    as for the crimson aurora falling from the sky, what was reflected on the water surface was none other than the aurora.


    this was to block it.


    finally, when the sea weakened, xu qing¡¯s wood element emerged once again.


    the five elements complemented each other, forming a cycle. in the end, the falling aurora was blocked layer by layer and couldn¡¯t continue falling.


    at the same time, the killing intent in xu qing¡¯s eyes was intense. with a raise of his hand, he took out the remaining life seizing incense and branded it with li mengtu before lighting it. with the enhancement of the power of time, he opened his mouth and blew.


    immediately, the incense burned rapidly and was instantly exhausted.


    li mengtu¡¯s expression changed and he spat out a mouthful of blood. he couldn¡¯t help but retreat and his heart was gloomy.


    xu qing seized this opportunity and rushed forward. his spatial ability erupted and his speed was terrifying as he headed straight for li mengtu.


    at the same time, the immortal art dao mark in his left pupil circulated.


    the power of the six thieves delusions was directly formed.


    five dogs sheltering immortal spell also activated.


    after that, the golden crow rushed out and augmented xu qing, and the shadow also immediately moved to support xu qing.


    this was still not enough for xu qing.


    without any hesitation, he took out the last sword energy from ninth grandpa.


    he charged toward li mengtu!


    li mengtu¡¯s expression was incomparably solemn as he rapidly retreated.

 Chapter 1596 - Chapter 1596: Everyone Has Schemes

    chapter 1596: everyone has schemes


    editor: atlas studios


    at that moment, the aurora immortal flood was still suppressing it, forming a stalemate with xu qing¡¯s five-element cycle.


    however, xu qing knew that this stalemate was only temporary.


    at most, it would last for dozens of breaths!


    there was only one way to completely neutralize this aurora immortal flood, and that was to kill li mengtu.


    as long as the other party died, the spell would disperse on its own.


    hence, the instant li mengtu retreated¡­


    xu qing¡¯s entire person transformed into an afterimage as he rushed over at an incomparably astonishing speed, creating a sharp sonic boom.


    his speed was so fast that it was as though time had slowed down.


    the coldness in his eyes grew even more. his left hand formed a seal and pressed down.


    immediately, spatial power appeared.


    the world changed color, wind blew, and clouds surged. the void churned and grids appeared one after another.


    these grids formed a separate space and appeared around li mengtu, sealing his escape path, isolating his teleportation, and suppressing his counterattack.


    li mengtu¡¯s heart trembled.


    he knew that the person before him, xu qing, was anything but ordinary. the previous use of the decree authority on the main dao cliff had already revealed the formidable strength of his opponent, and he had prepared himself accordingly. yet, even with all his precautions, he still found the situation difficult to handle.


    in a battle with xu qing, absolute focus was necessary¡ªthere was no room for the slightest lapse. just one moment of carelessness could give xu qing the opportunity to unleash a devastating onslaught, just like the overwhelming surge he was facing now.


    to make matters worse, xu qing was exceptionally skilled at seizing such moments.


    this made the mental strain of the fight even greater than in li mengtu¡¯s past battles that had earned him his reputation.


    these thoughts flashed through li mengtu¡¯s mind, but they didn¡¯t hinder his immediate response. even though the surrounding space was sealed off, he decisively bit down on his tongue, spitting out a mouthful of blood in retaliation.


    he used his blood to cast a spell, forming blood-colored runes that erupted forward.


    at the same time, mirror flowers surrounded his body. each of them shone, wanting to resist the violent storm that was about to descend upon him.


    however, the same tactic rarely succeeded against xu qing more than once unless it was flawless.


    and the mirror flower technique was far from perfect.<segment 125357 ?>


    while it had the element of surprise the first time it was used, xu qing had already discerned its underlying mechanism.


    the technique was not a manipulation of cause and effect but rather a powerful ability that harnessed the power of space.


    it harnessed the power of space, creating overlapping dimensions through a method of refraction. this allowed it to silently and imperceptibly direct lethal force.


    though the flaws in this technique were deeply hidden, they still existed.


    the main vulnerabilities lay in the refraction itself and the invisible overlapping space it created.


    xu qing had already countered the latter by using his own spatial abilities to isolate the overlapping dimensions.


    as for the former, he summoned little shadow precisely to exploit this weakness.


    little shadow¡¯s body turned pitch-black and instantly enlarged, forming a cover.


    as such, what the mirror flowers reflected was pitch-black. moreover, its overlapping space was also isolated and couldn¡¯t spill over or materialize fully.


    all of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in the blink of an eye.


    in that instant, the mirror flowers were restricted and xu qing¡¯s immortal art activated.


    first was the six thieves delusions.


    the seven emotions and six desires transformed by this immortal art erupted in li mengtu¡¯s mind like a demon, tainting his emotions, devouring his will, and tainting his dao heart.


    next was five dogs sheltering immortal.


    the dogs entered the house and mixed into his memories.


    it formed a gate that opened, causing the greedy dog to rush in.


    it bound his soul.


    after that, the deluded dog was formed, trying to send him into the cycle of life and death. the evil dog arrived and tried to send him to hell.


    and once the cliff dog appeared, he would forever lose his human form!


    a heart-rending voice rang out from li mengtu¡¯s mouth.


    his expression was distorted and his body trembled violently. in all the battles he had fought, he had never encountered such a spell. to be precise, this was no longer a spell.


    this was more like a strange curse!


    this caused him to bleed from his seven orifices and the three souls and seven spirits in his body to wail. his memories also fell into chaos.


    xu qing¡¯s killing move wasn¡¯t over. it had only just begun.


    the mirror flowers were restricted and the immortal arts caused chaos. after that, a shocking sword energy erupted.


    the last of the three streams of sword energy that old ninth had given xu qing was activated.


    this sword energy shone in the sky, forming a destructive might, transforming into a sharp sword image that pierced through everything and slashed at li mengtu.


    li mengtu¡¯s body trembled and a wound appeared on his chest, causing blood to gush out.


    immediately after, the golden crow stirred up monstrous black flames, forming a black spear. xu qing, who instantly rushed out of the black flames, grabbed it.


    all the cultivation in his body erupted, and time and space were activated at the same time.


    they gathered on his body and fused into the spear.


    he stabbed out with his spear!


    a rumbling sound echoed. this spear had pierced into the place where old ninth¡¯s sword energy had broken through.


    it entered the flesh, touched the heart, and penetrated it!


    the aurora dissipated and the five elements returned.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t reveal the slightest hint of relaxation. on the contrary, his pupils constricted. he didn¡¯t hesitate to give up on the thought of destroying the corpse and retreated abruptly.


    his speed was extremely fast, so he instantly left.


    the instant his body retreated, a terrifying eruption suddenly spread out from li mengtu¡¯s corpse.


    it covered five hundred kilometers.


    it caused everything in this range to be directly annihilated!


    xu qing¡¯s expression was solemn. at that moment, even from a thousand miles away, he could sense the terrifying explosive force in front of him.


    if he had been a little slower earlier, he would have been heavily injured even if he didn¡¯t die.


    at the same time, a hoarse voice slowly rang out from the annihilated place in front of xu qing.


    ¡°to be able to make me have no choice but to use the third authority once, you¡¯re indeed extraordinary!¡±


    as the voice echoed, li mengtu¡¯s figure walked out of the land of destruction step by step.


    his clothes were torn but the injuries on his body¡­ had all disappeared.


    regardless of whether it was his aura, state, or cultivation, he was still at his original peak.


    this was his third authority. this authority was heaven-defying and was called regeneration!


    as he walked, li mengtu looked at xu qing. his eyes revealed a solemn expression, and there was also a hint of complexity.


    ¡°before i met you, i thought that my aptitude was already at the peak. even if someone surpassed me, it¡¯s impossible for them to surpass me by much.¡±


    ¡°until today¡­ my cultivation base is at early stage ruler, and you are at the soul accumulation realm, yet our combat strength is evenly matched. so, in terms of talent, i am inferior to you. but this world only offers relative fairness, never absolute.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s no need to talk so much nonsense,¡± xu qing calmly said.


    after experiencing the ruler who relied on words to activate a formation restriction back then, xu qing was quite vigilant against this method. hence, while interrupting the other party, the erase authority also flickered in his eyes.


    he erased all traces in the surroundings.


    when li mengtu heard this, his gaze was deep. he suddenly raised his right hand and waved it forward.


    immediately, the fragrance of flowers filled the air. with li mengtu as the center, countless flowers appeared out of thin air and spread out for millions of kilometers.


    it transformed this endless range into a sea of flowers.


    as for the flowers inside¡­ some were beautiful, some were ugly, some seemed to be rotting, and some were extremely sinister.


    moreover, they were all¡­ poisonous flowers and poisonous grass!


    the fragrance of the flowers was the aura emitted by countless poisonous grass which then mixed to form a powerful poison!


    this poison instantly erupted, enveloping xu qing.


    if it were anyone else, they would undoubtedly be facing a life-and-death crisis at this moment. however, xu qing¡¯s mastery of the dao of plants and vegetation was already profound. although he didn¡¯t have any herbs on him, he did have a large supply of medicinal pills.


    medicinal pills were all refined from plants and vegetation, containing the very substance he needed.


    with a swift motion, xu qing took out a handful of carefully selected medicinal pills. as each one appeared, he immediately crushed it, extracting the necessary substances within. he then dispersed these around him, blending and adjusting them with his own deep understanding.


    this was to neutralize the poison here.


    although he couldn¡¯t completely resolve it due to time, he could still maintain his combat strength in this sea of flowers.


    however, the instant xu qing¡¯s medicinal pill dissolved the poison in the surroundings, li mengtu took a step forward, creating a sonic boom. he crossed a thousand miles and arrived in front of xu qing.


    he punched.


    xu qing raised his head and counterattacked.


    a deafening boom immediately rang out. li mengtu¡¯s attacks were like a storm, not stopping at all. with no regards to defense, he used his body and spells.


    this method was completely different from what he did before.


    facing these attacks that was like a storm, xu qing went all out. the black spear in his hand shone and the five elements authorities intertwined and erupted. time and spatial power fluctuated.


    the two sides exchanged numerous powerful blows instantly.


    the rumbling didn¡¯t stop for even a moment.


    as for the injuries, they appeared on xu qing¡¯s body and even soul.


    this caused his entire body to be covered in blood, and more blood kept gushing out of his mouth.


    however, the strange thing was that¡­ li mengtu was completely unscathed!


    to be precise, every time his injuries appeared, they would immediately recover as though he had regenerated!


    it was as though the current him was within the authority of regeneration and could recover infinitely.


    this scene caused xu qing¡¯s heart to sink.


    the authority of regeneration was heaven-defying to begin with, and now, it looked like this authority could actually be maintained¡­


    this ability could no longer be described as heaven-defying.


    xu qing had never seen it before.


    it also didn¡¯t match his understanding.


    however, he had a similar ability, which was time reversal. hence, he had his own understanding of this authority.


    ¡°my time reversal is also heaven-defying, so i can¡¯t use it a second time within a short period. then li mengtu¡­¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s impossible for his authority to not have a price.¡±


    ¡°he can¡¯t maintain this for long. moreover, after it loses its effect, the price will definitely appear!¡±


    at the thought of this, xu qing gritted his teeth and changed from attacking to defending. under the other party¡¯s violent storm, he kept retreating.


    although it delayed time, li mengtu¡¯s attacks became increasingly sharp, causing xu qing¡¯s injuries to increase and continue to worsen. in the end, he was completely soaked in blood.


    seeing this, li mengtu¡¯s eyes flashed.


    his regeneration authority was extraordinary and it could be maintained for some time. however, there was a huge price to pay. once this state disappeared, he would suffer a backlash.


    moreover, it couldn¡¯t be used again within a short time.


    xu qing¡¯s previous use of time reversal hadn¡¯t seemed to concern li mengtu too much, but inwardly, he was highly vigilant. as a result, his current actions had two purposes.


    first, although his words at the start wasted his time, they also delayed xu qing¡¯s time.


    based on his assessment, the time reversal ability xu qing used must have a limit¡ªlikely lasting no more than fifteen minutes, and perhaps even just a matter of tens of breaths.


    second, given his understanding of the time reversal¡¯s limitations, li mengtu refrained from unleashing his most devastating killing techniques. instead, he chose to continuously attack, causing xu qing¡¯s injuries to accumulate.


    this way, even if xu qing could still reverse time, if he hesitated because he believed his injuries weren¡¯t yet fatal, he might miss the optimal moment. as a result, he wouldn¡¯t be able to revert to his peak state, but would instead return to a point in time where his injuries had already started to accumulate.


    this was a vicious cycle.


    ¡°now, i can verify if he has that ability!¡±


    ¡°if he has, i might have no choice but to use that method¡­¡±


    ¡°if not, this battle is over!¡±


    at the thought of this, li mengtu estimated the remaining time he had in the regeneration authority. he then took out a wooden carving.


    this wooden carving was pitch-black and emitted an evil aura. the carving was of an old man.


    it was lifelike.


    the old man¡¯s features were twisted in extreme agony, his face was contorted with pain, and his body bent unnaturally as if on the brink of death.


    the instant he took out this wooden carving, li mengtu did something that caused xu qing to suddenly turn gloomy.


    li mengtu held the wooden carving in one hand and his other hand directly pierced into his chest. with a fierce grip, he yanked out his heart and then crushed it with a powerful squeeze!

 Chapter 1597 - Chapter 1597: Opening a Sliver (1)

    chapter 1597: opening a sliver (1)


    editor: atlas studios


    with a squeeze, the bloody heart shattered instantly.


    its flesh and blood splattering everywhere.


    despite being in a state of regeneration, the intense pain still caused li mengtu to cough up blood, and the gaping wound in his chest continued to gush with fresh blood.


    his body instantly became covered in blood like xu qing.


    moreover, this pain caused his body to twist unconsciously.


    however, the strange thing was that¡­ he was actually smiling.


    the wooden carving of an old man in his hand was also smiling.


    their bodies were twisted and their expressions were filled with pain, yet they were smiling.


    their postures looked exactly the same.


    xu qing¡¯s heart suddenly trembled. at this instant, his chest actually split open on its own, as though it had been pierced by an invisible hand. a bloody hole appeared, revealing his heart.


    his heart¡­ seemed to be grabbed by that invisible hand and began to be crushed.


    ¡°the law of karma!¡±


    the dao marks in xu qing¡¯s eyes suddenly flickered. he immediately saw karma threads connecting him to the wooden carving and the wooden carving to li mengtu.


    it was as though this wooden carving had become a medium that connected xu qing and li mengtu!


    due to this connection, the damage was not transferred but rather mirrored between them.


    li mengtu crushed his own heart, so xu qing¡¯s heart was likewise doomed to destruction.


    xu qing¡¯s expression turned gloomy. seeing that his heart was about to be crushed, he immediately manifested a huge pair of scissors.


    this naturally wasn¡¯t the great emperor¡¯s treasure from back then but the manifestation of erase authority¡¯s dao marks.


    although its might wasn¡¯t as great as before, as xu qing¡¯s cultivation level increased, it became extremely powerful. after it appeared, it snipped the karma threads between him and the wooden carving.


    with snapping sounds, all the karma threads were severed.


    he resolved the danger of his heart shattering!


    xu qing took a step forward and was about to attack li mengtu.


    however, at the next instant, li mengtu¡¯s hoarse voice echoed out.


    ¡°from the moment i saw that you possessed this special authority, i guessed that you might have a way to break the karma. since i displayed it, how could i not be prepared?!¡±


    ¡°the digging of my heart was just to verify if you really have the method to break the karma.¡±


    as he spoke, li mengtu¡¯s right hand, which was holding the wooden carving, ruthlessly bent it. immediately, the wooden carving rumbled and the old man¡¯s head was broken by li mengtu.


    this wooden carving had a mysterious origin and was extremely bizarre. although the karma threads it emitted were cut, the backlash it erupted with was extremely ferocious.


    moreover, the moment the head was broken, the karma threads that were cut seemed to have been given life. they were like pythons that coiled around xu qing¡¯s erase authority scissors.


    with the help of this entanglement, they were connected again.


    xu qing¡¯s pupils contracted.


    at the same time, li mengtu laughed loudly and took out a dagger with his left hand. he stared at xu qing and slashed ruthlessly at his neck without hesitation!


    a large amount of blood spurted out. the wound was so deep that even his bones were cut.


    the same injury instantly appeared on xu qing¡¯s neck.


    as blood spurted out, xu qing¡¯s entire body trembled violently. already plagued by numerous injuries, his physical body now suffered further severe damage, causing his cultivation to become chaotic and his vitality to rapidly drain away.


    he could only forcefully press down on his wound with one hand and retreat rapidly.


    however, the dizziness was drowning him like tidal waves.


    on the other hand, li mengtu put away the wooden carving and borrowed the power of his regeneration authority in its last few moments of duration to regenerate his lost heart. the terrifying wound on his neck also recovered visibly.


    by the time the power of the regeneration authority completely dissipated, he had returned to his uninjured state.


    however, at the next instant, the price of his regeneration authority finally arrived. in the blink of an eye, half of his hair turned white, his body withered, and his aura weakened significantly.


    however, its eyes were shining as it locked onto xu qing¡¯s retreating figure.


    ¡°it seems that your time reversal is just as i judged. you won¡¯t be able to activate it a second time within a short period.¡±


    as he spoke, his killing intent soared as he rushed toward xu qing.


    he was certain xu qing couldn¡¯t use time reversal anymore.


    his speed was so fast that he instantly teleported and appeared in front of xu qing, who was retreating rapidly. killing intent overflowed into the sky as he raised his right hand and ruthlessly pressed down.


    he wanted to kill xu qing on the spot.


    at this critical moment, xu qing, whose neck was about to break, no longer hesitated at all. what appeared in his eyes wasn¡¯t panic but killing intent.


    he ruthlessly bit down on the item he had placed in his mouth before the battle.


    it was a special rune!


    it contained recovery power given to him by grandma five from the moon offering region!


    unless it was absolutely necessary, xu qing didn¡¯t want to use this power.


    this was because although using this power could instantly heal him, it would consume grandma five¡¯s vitality.


    but now¡­ he had no choice but to use it.


    the instant he crushed the rune, a gentle force instantly erupted in xu qing¡¯s body. in the blink of an eye, it filled his entire body, allowing the flesh and bones on his chest to recover. all the injuries on his body recovered and his neck, which was about to fall off, also suddenly recovered.


    immediately after, the fury rune formed by eighth grandpa¡¯s power was also crushed by xu qing.


    in an instant, extreme anger erupted from xu qing¡¯s body. accompanying the anger was even more intense killing intent and the enhancement of the cultivation base in his body.


    even his physical body was enhanced by the power of anger.


    xu qing¡¯s entire body swelled up and the veins on his body bulged. his eyes were bloodshot and his breath also contained power that could affect emotions.

 Chapter 1598 - Chapter 1598: Opening a Sliver (2)

    chapter 1598: opening a sliver (2)


    editor: atlas studios


    in the instant when li mengtu¡¯s expression drastically changed, xu qing immediately charged forward.


    when his punch landed, the space collapsed.


    li mengtu was currently in a weakened state after enduring the price of the regeneration authority. facing xu qing¡¯s punch, he was sent flying and coughed large mouthfuls of blood.


    xu qing rushed over furiously and punched out again.


    xu qing continued to chase and attack, while li mengtu was forced to retreat again and again. he spat out mouthfuls of blood and the ripples in his mind were even greater.


    seeing that he was in danger, li mengtu raised his right hand and pointed at the sky.


    immediately, the sky churned and illusory towers suddenly appeared. there were a total of 9,000 of them!


    the appearance of these 9,000 illusory towers was majestic. as li mengtu¡¯s right hand landed, the 9,000 illusory towers descended like rain.


    they headed straight for xu qing and blocked him.


    xu qing¡¯s cultivation surged. his right hand grabbed at the air and the emperor sword appeared. one person and one sword headed straight for the towers.


    the sword energy along the way was shocking and destructive.


    from a distance, one could see the towers in front of him collapsing into ruins.


    the rumbling sound was deafening.


    this battle, up to this point, had been extremely challenging for xu qing


    li mengtu¡¯s techniques were the most numerous among any rulers he had ever encountered, and his authorities were particularly uncanny. even with all of xu qing¡¯s trump cards unleashed, the fight remained a deadlock.


    a similar feeling surfaced in li mengtu¡¯s heart, especially since he was currently in a weak state. determination appeared in his eyes.


    taking advantage of the moment when the 9,000 illusory towers blocked xu qing, he swiftly formed hand seals and repeatedly tapped various points on his own body.


    with every tap, a rune would appear on his body.


    every rune was extremely complicated, as though it was formed by tens of thousands of tiny runes.


    after 108 times, 108 rune marks appeared on his body. when they flowed through his entire body, they arranged themselves to form an array formation.


    ¡°seal, open!¡±


    li mengtu roared.


    immediately, the array formation formed by runes on his body erupted and appeared in front of his body. the runes inside rapidly rotated and expanded.


    it directly expanded by ten times.


    after it rotated again, it instantly spread out and was magnified by a hundred times.


    after that, it was a thousand times, ten thousand times.


    finally, what appeared between heaven and earth was an earth-shattering array formation that emitted a resplendent golden light. at the same time, the power of a god actually seeped out from inside and outside the array formation.


    this power surpassed the flawless realm and had reached the divine platform!


    this array formation was actually an array formation that sealed gods.


    with the formation now unraveled, the divine aura suddenly descended. along with it, a colossal hand emerged within the vast array!


    to be precise, this was a divine platform realm god. its severed right hand was sealed in li mengtu¡¯s body and became his trump card!


    the hand that appeared was rough and purplish-red, covered in tiny tentacles and eyes, looking exceedingly grotesque and terrifying.


    as it emerged, the sky and earth seemed to change color, and a strange aura began to rise, with faint whispers spreading in all directions.


    outsiders couldn¡¯t understand these murmurs but xu qing had the body of a god. when these murmurs landed in his ears, they gradually became clearer.


    what it said was two words.


    ¡°human pill!¡±


    li mengtu also said the same words.


    the instant the words echoed through the world, the huge god¡¯s severed hand grabbed at xu qing!


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled. the might of the divine platform erupted from the god¡¯s hand and landed on xu qing¡¯s body, causing the cracking sounds of bones to ring out from his entire body.


    his body distorted, his soul distorted, and everything was distorted.


    it was as if he was being grasped tightly in a giant palm, with the intent to crush him into a sphere, transforming him into a¡­ blood-flesh human pill!


    during this process, li mengtu suffered as well, but killing xu qing was incredibly difficult. therefore, unsealing the god¡¯s hand was the option he chose after careful consideration, as it was the method that required the least sacrifice on his part.


    however, at this moment, a change suddenly occurred on xu qing¡¯s body!


    the one who acted wasn¡¯t the star flame, but rather¡­ a lazy voice, seemingly sealed within xu qing¡¯s body, which echoed out at this critical moment.


    ¡°there was a little poser named xu qing who went out to train. a few years later, this little poser returned safely.¡±


    that was jade flowing dust¡¯s story.


    it was also jade flowing dust¡¯s blessing.


    the severed hand came from a divine platform, and jade flowing dust¡­ was also a divine platform.


    at this moment, the voice echoed, creating a confrontation between gods. in the next instant, the severed hand released by li mengtu¡¯s sealing formation suddenly trembled, loosened its grip, and slowly retracted.


    jade flowing dust¡¯s voice also dissipated.


    the distortion that happened to xu qing no longer continued. as blood gushed out, xu qing raised his head with difficulty and stared fixedly at li mengtu, whose expression was extremely gloomy.


    he charged over.


    li mengtu¡¯s breathing became rapid as an intense sense of life-and-death crisis exploded within him. yet, instead of diminishing, his killing intent only grew stronger at this critical juncture.


    ¡°this is what a life-and-death battle truly is¡ªexcellent, excellent!¡±


    as he spoke, li mengtu raised his hand, and an ancient scroll exuding a primordial aura appeared in his grasp.


    ¡°xu qing, you¡¯re worthy of me sacrificing 30% of my lifespan permanently to unfurl this ancestral painting!¡±


    the ancestral painting was something that only li mengtu could open within the entire li clan, but it was also the item he was most reluctant to use.


    if he didn¡¯t use it, it would have been fine, but once unfurled, the cost was too immense, exceeding all other prices he could pay.


    even to open just a sliver of it required sacrificing 30% of his lifespan.


    years ago, he had used it once, and now¡­ he had no choice but to use it a second time!


    at that moment, as li mengtu retrieved the scroll, in the instant when xu qing¡¯s mind was violently stirred, li mengtu hesitated no longer. he raised his hand and fiercely pulled, partially unrolling the scroll¡­


    just a sliver!


    there was no way to resist it.


    there was no way to dodge.


    from that narrow opening in the scroll, a black light burst forth.


    this light¡­ instantly enveloped the heavens and the earth, covering everything, encompassing all.


    in the blink of an eye, li mengtu snapped the scroll shut. his heavy breathing could no longer be suppressed, echoing all around, as mouthfuls of blood gushed uncontrollably from his mouth.


    as for his surroundings¡­


    other than him, there was no other figure.


    xu qing had disappeared without a trace and was sealed in the scroll!


    ¡°it¡¯s over¡­¡±


    ¡°this battle has been the most difficult one since i embarked on the path of the dao!¡±


    li mengtu wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and endured the weakness of his body and soul. he lowered his head and looked at the scroll in his hand.


    ¡°the fact that the inheritance didn¡¯t return to my body means that he¡¯s not dead yet¡­¡±


    although he couldn¡¯t see the inside, according to the last words of the clan¡¯s ancestor back then, this scroll came from the origin land of their bloodline.


    ¡°that place is called profound earth.¡±


    li mengtu mumbled and fell silent.


    ¡°his death is inevitable and it shouldn¡¯t be long before he dies. however, in order to prevent any accidents, i will suppress him in the clan¡¯s restricted area and use the enhancement of the bloodline to make him die as soon as possible!¡±


    li mengtu took a deep breath and turned to fly toward the horizon.

 Chapter 1599 - Chapter 1599: The World Is the Guest House of All Living Beings

    chapter 1599: the world is the guest house of all living beings


    editor: atlas studios


    western starfield, dao immortal sect.


    amidst the vast expanse of fertile fields, the struggle between the two plants also came to an end.


    one stood tall, blossoming with vibrant life, its leaves swaying gently as they reflected starlight.


    beside it, the other herb lay withered and fallen, its leaves dried up and its flowers wilted, seemingly merging with the muddy earth.


    however¡­ the poison lord was still staring.


    he wasn¡¯t looking at the seemingly victorious herb, but at the one gradually merging with the mud.


    ¡°reborn through death?¡±


    the poison lord murmured, a strange light flickering in his eyes.


    ¡­


    at the same time, in the sky of the western starfield, li mengtu¡¯s face was pale as he sped through the air, his internal injuries surging uncontrollably. occasionally, he would cough up blood, and no matter how hard he tried to suppress it, his condition had reached a critical point.


    this battle was the most intense life-and-death battle in his life.


    though he had narrowly won, his injuries were more severe than ever before.


    ¡°even against other stars, this would be the worst the battle can reach.¡±


    li mengtu mumbled. even though he had won now, he still had lingering fears when he recalled the battle.


    it was also this mentality that caused him to not relax at all.


    ¡°there will always be variables in this world, and variables¡­ especially love heaven¡¯s chosen.¡±


    li mengtu took a deep breath. he wouldn¡¯t allow variables to appear in this incident, so he was aware that his speed was still too slow.


    in the next instant, he raised his right hand and pressed it against his forehead. with a roar, his face turned unnaturally flushed as if he had triggered his potential, burning a portion of his authority.


    this exchange granted him an even faster speed, allowing him to teleport in the blink of an eye.


    just like that, in three days, he borrowed the power of his teleportation and the ancient teleportation array to finally return to the li clan before the fourth aurora vortex day arrived.


    he didn¡¯t go to the restricted area to the east but the true ancestral land of the li clan.


    li city!


    this city was majestic, prosperous, and there were countless cultivators.


    below the city, in the depths of the ground, there was an astonishing underground palace.


    this underground palace was like a separate world.


    to be precise, this was indeed a minor world.


    there was sky and earth inside but no living beings.


    the entire world was silent. only the wind whistled here, blowing past the river, the plains, and a mountain peak.


    at the top of the mountain, there was a wooden hut.


    the door was tightly shut.


    in the courtyard stood a cauldron, with incense burning and its smoke spiraling upward. the fragrant tendrils rose steadily into the air, unwavering in the wind.


    a long time later, the sky of this small world silently rippled as li mengtu¡¯s figure walked out.


    after arriving here, he took a deep breath and walked to the courtyard of the wooden hut. looking at the closed wooden door, his expression revealed a solemn expression.


    he knelt down.


    this place was their li clan¡¯s sacred land and the residence of the ancestor in his later years.


    after the ancestor passed away, it became the ancestral hall of their li clan.


    according to the clan rules, unless it was the day of the ancestral worship, clansmen were usually not allowed to come here.


    ¡°descendant li mengtu from later generations disturbs the peace of his ancestor.¡±


    li mengtu spoke in a low voice, then touched his forehead to the ground, solemnly bowing his head in reverence.


    after a long while, li mengtu stood up, his gaze shifting from the hut to the cauldron in front of him.


    this cauldron was the main point of his trip here.


    with a wave of his hand, the scroll painting that sealed xu qing flew out and headed straight for the cauldron.


    the moment it fell into the cauldron, the entire cauldron trembled violently, causing the minor world to quake with a thunderous roar.


    endless flames surged up from the depths of the earth, illuminating the world while the formation began to glow.


    the entire world became part of the formation, with the earth¡¯s fire serving as the boundary, channeling power into the cauldron. the cauldron transformed into a smelting furnace, amplifying the power of the scroll, and its refining might surged dramatically.


    ¡°in this way, there will be no variables. that xu qing will have no possibility of turning the tables¡ªhis death is certain!¡±


    looking at everything in front of him, li mengtu¡¯s heart finally relaxed.


    after bowing once more to the wooden hut, he ascended into the sky, preparing to leave this place and return to dao immortal sect, where he could heal his wounds with the sect¡¯s abundant immortal energy.


    ¡°when i recover from my injuries and return to this place, xu qing¡¯s souls will have already scattered in the profound earth. the inheritance that belongs to me will also return.¡±


    li mengtu lowered his head and glanced at the scroll in the cauldron again.


    the li clan¡¯s ancestor left behind this scroll before he passed away. the contents of it were unknown to most descendants.


    they only knew that this scroll was the clan¡¯s supreme treasure and came from a place called profound earth.


    that was the ancestor¡¯s hometown.


    it was said that the scroll could seal even a lower immortal.


    only li mengtu, who paid the price of his lifespan to open the scroll a crack, knew more about it.


    ¡°body withered and hollow, soul goes through reincarnation, gradually eroded, and ultimately¡­ spirit scattered into profound earth.¡±


    as he muttered, li mengtu¡¯s body swayed and he disappeared.


    as he left, after the peace of the small world was broken, it fell into endless rumbling flames. this sound¡­ echoed for a long time.


    ¡­


    boom!


    boom!


    boom!


    the sound of heavenly lightning seemed to come from the distant sky, passing through the real world and landing in the illusory sky, becoming muffled thunder.


    it exploded in the ears of countless people sleeping in the capital.


    it woke up all the living beings in this city.


    it also woke up an old man. he silently opened his eyes and coughed softly.


    to a certain extent, this voice seemed to surpass heavenly lightning, causing the old man¡¯s residence to be instantly lit up. countless servants immediately rushed over.


    they didn¡¯t dare to delay at all.


    this was because the lightning in the sky killed people based on fate.


    while the old man killed based on his mood.


    hence, his cough surpassed the heavenly lightning.


    the old man wore a luxurious silk inner robe, indicating his high status.


    despite his head full of white hair, wrinkles on his face, and prominent age spots, his long-standing high position endowed him with an aura of authority. this presence was so commanding that it made one forget the fact that he was nearing the end of his life.


    people only remembered the thunderous decisiveness he had demonstrated throughout his life.


    ¡°what time is it?¡±


    the old man spoke hoarsely.


    one of the several servants who had hurried over, speaking cautiously, replied.


    ¡°master, it¡¯s the fourth watch of the night1.¡±


    the old man fell silent. after a long time, he lay down again and calmly spoke.


    ¡°all of you can leave.¡±


    all the servants heaved a sigh of relief inwardly and carefully left.


    the room fell silent again. only the muffled thunder in the sky occasionally echoed.


    in the pitch-black darkness, the old man didn¡¯t close his eyes. he looked into the darkness and felt the withering of his life, the weakness he wasn¡¯t willing to accept, and the approaching death.


    ¡°i¡¯m old¡­ but i keep feeling like i¡¯ve forgotten something important.¡±


    the old man mumbled. after a long time, he finally closed his eyes.


    in the 79th year of the noble sky era of the great ning dynasty. great ning¡¯s capital city, heavenly treasure city.


    the chancellor xu jinfeng, who wielded immense power, assisted emperor noble sky in ascending the throne, waged wars against twenty-five nations, and established an unprecedented foundation for the great ning dynasty¡­ has passed away.


    that night, lightning continued to strike.


    it was like the cycle of reincarnation, continuous and unbroken.


    yet in the cycle of time, some people are remembered by history, while others remain mere ripples.


    on this very night, in another world, xu hong was born.


    his father, a merchant, spent his life striving to become a prosperous businessman.


    thus, the eldest son born into the family that night was named hong1.


    xu hong dedicated his life to fulfilling his father¡¯s dream, abandoning his studies to take over the family business and pursue his ideals.


    day after day, year after year.


    in this journey, he became known for his kindness and generosity, earning the reputation of a great benefactor among others.


    unfortunately, a deception set up by someone close to him shattered his family¡¯s dreams.


    a plague then dashed his own hopes.


    the wealth that had once been vast became nothing but emptiness.


    his family was torn apart, and he was left in extreme misery. in his final moments, he was wrapped in a mat and discarded among the piles of corpses in the city, where he was reduced to ashes by a fire.


    regrets¡­


    xu shan wasn¡¯t sure; he only felt a deep sense of gloom. trying to suppress his headache, he glanced at the burning remains ahead and spat out a mouthful of bloody phlegm.


    surrounding him were broken-down carts on the official road, scattered gold ingots, trembling women, and, amid the flames, eyes filled with greed.


    he, too, was one of them.


    as a bandit on yunlai mountain, he was unwilling to live this way. after all, third master xu shan had always enjoyed a carefree life; he was a wanderer who valued freedom.


    while staying on this mountain, he robbed the passing caravans, and occasionally faced life and death situations. but in the end¡­ others got the meat while he got the soup.


    he was growing increasingly impatient with such days.


    the main issue was that his head was hurting more and more.


    it was an old problem from his childhood; his mother used to say it was because he was growing his brain.


    at that time, he believed it.


    however, as he grew older, his headache became increasingly intense. however, his brain didn¡¯t seem to have grown much.


    he was always deceived and wronged. his mother was also killed by someone. he seemed to have taken revenge for it¡­


    he didn¡¯t remember. he only remembered that he hadn¡¯t killed enough.


    so, he gave his head a hard knock and then bandaged the wound on his leg. thinking about how the escort guard had nearly cut off his vital parts before dying, xu shan felt even more unlucky.


    ¡°i need to find a time to leave this place and better yet, find a physician to see what¡¯s wrong with my head.¡±


    just then, a laugh came from afar, followed by a trembling woman being thrown in front of xu shan.


    ¡°foolish third, you did well today. how about i reward you with a woman?¡±


    xu shan¡¯s whole body shook at the words. the sentence seemed to make his headache vanish, and he breathed more quickly, staring intently at the trembling woman. suddenly, he thought that being a bandit here didn¡¯t seem so bad after all.


    he hurriedly spoke to the second leader who had offered him the reward.


    ¡°ah, thank you¡­¡±


    a stone flew swiftly, landing squarely on xu shan¡¯s head.


    the force was considerable, causing him to stumble back in pain. as he looked up, he saw the second leader sneering at him.


    ¡°you really want it?¡±


    accompanying this sentence were countless laughter from the surroundings.


    ¡°no, no¡­¡±


    xu shan also smiled. under his nonchalant appearance, there was an intense pain several times worse than his headache.


    it was so painful that he wanted to kill someone, or¡­ kill himself.


    hence, on the way back to the stronghold, he pounced in front of the second leader and stabbed him amidst the other party¡¯s ridicule.


    unfortunately, he missed.


    what greeted him was a storm of pain, leaving him like a ragdoll with countless wounds, drenched in blood.


    however, even while dying, he had a smile on his face.


    under the shocked gazes of the second leader in front of him and amidst the gasps of the surrounding people, he swallowed the meat in his mouth.


    that piece of meat was the flesh on the second leader¡¯s throat.


    the world became blurry.


    amidst this blurriness, xu shan suddenly realized that his head no longer hurt. a sentence that didn¡¯t seem to be in his memory appeared in his mind.


    ¡°the world is the guest house of all living beings¡­¡±


    ¡°what does it mean?¡±


    xu shan had never studied before. he didn¡¯t understand the meaning behind this sentence, and when he tried to figure it out¡­ his life had already withered.

 Chapter 1600 - Chapter 1600: Time Is a Passerby From Ancient Times Until Now

    chapter 1600: time is a passerby from ancient times until now


    editor: atlas studios


    in the closed hut in the minor world where li clan¡¯s ancestral hall was located.


    the furnishings were simple: a table, a chair, and a wooden bed.


    aside from these, there was only a single scroll of calligraphy hanging on the wall.


    ¡°he is like a devout pilgrim, forever searching for a temple that may not exist.¡±


    ¡­


    outside, the flames were still burning.


    under the refinement of the sea of fire, the scroll painting in the cauldron slowly shone with a dark light.


    faintly, it seemed as though a voice was echoing from within the scroll.


    ¡°i¡­ have forgotten something?¡±


    ¡°is it regret?¡±


    ¡°or was it that sentence?¡±


    ¡°perhaps¡­ i should have someone deliver it for me.¡±


    the voice gradually dissipated and was burned by the sea of fire.


    ¡­


    the fire burned brighter and stronger.


    the earthen pot hanging above it was red hot. the medicinal liquid inside grew thick under the intense heat.


    it occasionally bubbled and released bursts of medicinal aroma that filled the small, simple room.


    the room was modest, with shelves lining the walls, holding various herbs.


    in the center sat an old man and a young boy.


    the old man wore a dark blue long robe, his hair completely white, his face marked by the passage of time, his expression numb. he sat in a rocking chair, gazing out at the setting sun, lost in thought.


    the young boy looked at the old man and softly asked.


    ¡°master, what happened next?¡±


    ¡°what next?¡± the old man asked.


    ¡°earlier, you spoke about forgetting something. is it regret? or was it that sentence? what is that sentence? who do you need it sent to? i can help you send it!¡±


    when the old man heard this, his gaze landed on the medicine pot.


    ¡°this medicine is almost ready. take it out and divide it into portions, then deliver them one by one.¡±


    the young boy, upon hearing this, quickly grabbed a ladle and scooped the thick medicine from the pot into a small medicine box, then hurried out.


    just as he stepped outside the apothecary, he paused, turning back to look at his master. he couldn¡¯t help but speak up.


    ¡°master, after i finish delivering the medicine, will you tell me what that sentence was? i promise i¡¯ll pass it on. i¡¯m really curious! if you tell me, i¡¯ll share a secret with you too.¡±


    the old man nodded.


    the youth was filled with anticipation. he carried the medicine box and ran into the distance.


    seeing the youth¡¯s figure disappear from his vision, the old man¡¯s eyes became a little unfocused.


    ¡°what is that sentence¡­ i can¡¯t remember.¡±


    the old man mumbled.


    the night passed.


    the young man didn¡¯t return.


    someone said that an immortal saw him and took him away.


    someone said that the night had devoured him.


    and for the rest of his life after that day, the old man never saw him again.


    it was as though everything was just an illusion.


    ten years later, when he was about to pass away, he would occasionally think of his little disciple back then but he didn¡¯t have a deep impression of him.


    this was because he had been recalling that sentence his entire life.


    that sentence seemed to be in his memory but he couldn¡¯t find it no matter what.


    finally, on the day he passed away, his memories turned into ashes and dissipated into the human world. only then did he remember those words.


    ¡°the world is the guest house of all living beings¡­¡±


    ¡°what¡¯s the next part of the sentence?¡±


    the old man didn¡¯t have an answer.


    time had taken away his life and spirit. only a corpse was left of him in this world and was buried in the soil.


    as time passed, the corpse and the soil were completely mixed together.


    the world continued to change. the small city had become ruins and a wasteland.


    an unknown period of time passed¡­


    until one day, a hoe was raised and struck the soil of this barren land.


    here, fields were cultivated, crops were planted, and a village was established.


    the farmer, living an unremarkable life, aged from a young man to middle-aged and finally became an old man.


    on his deathbed, he suddenly told his family something surprising. he said he had once been a high-ranking official, a wealthy merchant, a mountain bandit, and even a physician. all of these past selves were buried right here, in this land.


    thus, in this life, he too wanted to be buried here, hoping to extend some time for his future self and slow the dispersal of his soul.


    his final words, tinged with fantasy, were heard by some in their hearts, but most didn¡¯t take them seriously.


    however, no matter what, his corpse was buried in this land.


    he was too ordinary, like a drop of water in the sea, gradually forgotten after many years.


    as spring gave way to autumn, the village grew and transformed into a county town.


    many years later, in the winter, at dusk, a middle-aged cultivator rode the wind and arrived.


    he was a rogue cultivator who didn¡¯t belong to any sect or faction. by a coincidence, he entered a secret realm and obtained an inheritance.


    this inheritance was a remnant soul.


    if he wanted to obtain the inheritance, he had to satisfy the remnant soul¡¯s last wish.


    hence, under the guidance of the remnant soul, he arrived here.


    in front of the soil, the remnant soul walked out of his body and transformed into a youth who stared at this land and this county town.


    things were the same but people had changed.


    the small city back then had become even larger. the former apothecary had become an academy.


    as he gazed at the scene, the youth seemed to glimpse that night from long ago, in that very shop, with his first master and the master¡¯s tale.


    it had been so long ago that he thought he¡¯d forgotten.


    after being taken away and stepping into the world of cultivation, he too had his moments of brilliance, his own life filled with joy and sorrow, love and hatred.


    he had once reached certain heights, only to eventually fall and become a remnant soul. over the years, he realized that the most enduring memory within him was still that scene from the past.


    he wanted to know what the sentence his master didn¡¯t say was.


    because¡­


    the secret he never had the chance to share back then was that the words his master had spoken were ones he had already heard in a dream, even before he became an apprentice at the apothecary.


    he didn¡¯t know the reason, but now¡­ he wanted to pursue it.


    moreover, he felt that what his master didn¡¯t say was very important.


    ¡°a lot of my soul has dissipated. this remnant soul of mine can¡¯t hold on for long¡­ however, i have a strong feeling that if i can¡¯t find an answer before i dissipate, then¡­ there will be no future.¡±


    as he mumbled, his gaze landed on the academy.


    in the academy, there was a teacher and seven students.


    at this moment, the sky was a dark red hue. in the twilight, the students bade their farewells one by one.


    as for the teacher, he also tidied his clothes and was about to leave when a schoolboy who had originally left returned and stood at the door.


    the teacher stopped in his tracks and looked over.


    the schoolboy lowered his head and bowed.


    ¡°sir, i have a question. since time is running out and i can¡¯t find the answer, i am asking you now as i encountered you before i fade away. please, help me with this.¡±


    the teacher was silent for a while before he slowly spoke.


    ¡°go ahead.¡±


    ¡°sir, do you know what reincarnation is?¡± the boy raised his head, his eyes pitch-black.


    the teacher frowned.


    ¡°you¡¯re extraordinary, but i¡¯m a mortal. why are you asking me what reincarnation is?¡±


    the boy shook his head. his pitch-black eyes were a little unfocused and dazed.


    ¡°i understand and perceive reincarnation as a cycle of rebirth, where each lifetime only begins after one ends. but i increasingly feel that reincarnation might not be like that. is it possible that many of the people i¡¯ve encountered are actually different versions of myself from different cycles of reincarnation?¡±


    ¡°this has left me confused. please, sir, help me understand. even if it¡¯s just a casual thought, anything would be appreciated.¡±


    the boy mumbled.


    the teacher closed his eyes and didn¡¯t say a word.


    time flowed on, and half an hour later, as dusk was about to give way to night, the darkness in the boy¡¯s eyes had mostly faded. the teacher finally opened his eyes.


    ¡°i don¡¯t know what reincarnation truly is, but if i were to interpret this word, i would say it is like a journey across a deep abyss, a process of searching for light in the darkness.¡±


    ¡°this process cannot come without a price, so the cost of repeated reincarnations should be a form of self-erasure.¡±


    ¡°as for your situation, where you feel that many people you encounter are yourself in different reincarnations, it seems to me that this could be a form of self-rescue amidst self-erasure.¡±


    ¡°choosing to abandon each cycle of erasure and opting for a single, complete blossoming in an attempt to find light.¡±


    ¡°in the end, if you still can¡¯t find the light, your spirit will turn to ashes.¡±


    the boy trembled and he was stunned. after a long time, understanding appeared in his eyes. everything in the past appeared in his mind. vaguely, he seemed to have heard the murmurs of his first master.


    hence, he lowered his head and bowed before speaking softly.


    ¡°thank you, i understand now. so my meaning is to link time together and pass a sentence to you.¡±


    ¡°the world is the guest house of all living beings¡­¡±


    ¡°what¡¯s the next line? please, sir¡­ reflect on it yourself. this is our final chance. fortunately¡­ you still have enough time left in your life.¡±


    as the boy spoke, the darkness in his eyes completely disappeared.


    the remnant soul dissipated.


    the boy woke up, feeling a little confused. when he saw the teacher, he felt nervous and hurriedly greeted him before quickly escaping.


    only the teacher stood on the spot with a blank look in his eyes. it was as though some scenes of reincarnation that originally belonged to him were gradually awakening.


    the chancellor of the great ning dynasty felt that he had forgotten something as he neared death.


    merchant xu, before his death, was filled with regret¡ªnot for the trials of his life, but for not recalling what he had forgotten.


    this regret became a profound pain, lingering in the mind of the bandit xu shan until his death, when he finally thought of a phrase.


    unfortunately, he didn¡¯t have the time to ponder over it.


    he could only leave it to the physician.


    the physician spent his life searching, but only recalled the phrase at the moment of his own death, due to interference from some force.


    fortunately, he was prepared.


    hence, the youth became the thread connecting time and reincarnation.


    meanwhile, the farmer who tilled the fields willingly became nourishment to buy time for his future self.


    finally, the youth came.


    before the youth died, he also understood and completed his mission, passing on those words.


    they were given to the teacher.


    this year, the teacher had turned thirty-seven.


    he had enough time.


    time flowed by and in the blink of an eye, 30 years passed.


    the teacher, now nearing the end of his life, remained in the county town.


    as for the schoolchildren, they had long gone their separate ways.


    when he was on his deathbed, no one returned.


    the old man did not mind. lying on his bed, he gazed out at the dusk, as scenes seemed to unfold across the twilight sky before his eyes.


    ¡°official, merchant, bandit, physician, commoner, cultivator¡­ different reincarnations, different experiences, different lives.¡±


    ¡°as expected¡­ the world is the guest house of all living beings. time is a passerby from ancient times until now.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m still a passerby in the time, but no longer with closed eyes.¡±


    the teacher was calm. a beam of purple light erupted from his chest and spread throughout his body, enveloping the world.


    the spirit that had dissipated bloomed again.


    the teacher closed his eyes.


    xu qing woke up.


    the cycle of reincarnation continued.


    but it was no longer a solitary boat drifting aimlessly in the abyssal sea. it had gained a helmsman, becoming a ferryman.


    guiding in an orderly direction, with time as the oar, it charted a course through the flow of ages.


    it headed to the source of the painting.

 Chapter 1601 - Chapter 1601: Birth of the Eight Extremities Dao (1)

    chapter 1601: birth of the eight extremities dao (1)


    editor: atlas studios


    in the void, his body became a boat, and the soul its passenger, sailing upstream against the current.


    this path stretched long and endless.


    looking back upon his past lives: official, merchant, bandit, physician, commoner, youth¡­


    they seemed like ordinary experiences, mere cycles of reincarnation, fragments of life.


    but that was only because he had been within them, unable to see through the fog.


    now, awakened, and looking back, it was clear.


    they were the five elements.


    the life of xu jinfeng, once a grand chancellor, though a civil official, upheld the dynasty with thunderous methods, bearing in his heart legions of soldiers, banners of war. his life embodied metal.


    wealth was metal, power was metal, warfare was metal¡ªhis very fate was forged in metal.


    xu hong, who dreamt of becoming a great merchant, spent his life generous and kind. he once amassed great wealth, yet also wandered and struggled, only to be drained by the cruelties of fate. his life embodied water.


    wealth flowed like water, with extremes of drought and flood, and his fate, too, was governed by water.


    the bandit xu shan, whose mountain1 was not of earth but symbolized wood, had a life adrift like duckweed. as a child, he was like decayed wood, and as an adult, he became a bandit, blending into the mountain forests¡ªa decayed wood fate.


    lacking wisdom and prone to anger, he was easily swayed by external forces. he preferred to die standing rather than live kneeling in humiliation.


    xu yu, the physician, carried the heart of a compassionate doctor. he wished to be the furnace of heaven and earth, refining the medicinal herbs of life. his being and his fate burned like fire.


    he was like the vermillion bird¡¯s heart flame, protecting life with its brilliance.


    yet in this life, fire and wind consumed his heart, extinguishing it until his death, when it was rekindled, and fire returned to wind.


    xu kun, the commoner, led a simple, unremarkable life. honest and taciturn, he toiled under the sun, enduring the heat without complaint, but lamented the long summer days.


    with the sky above his head and his feet touching the soil, he extended the time of the future, accumulating the fate of earth.


    as for the youth and the fragmented soul of the cultivator, they were one and the same.


    he was entrusted with a legacy, like a long thread.


    he began with the fire of the physician, passed through the earth of the commoner, and finally encountered his true self.


    he transcended the bounds of time.


    this was the fate of time.


    ¡°the only thing missing is space¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    ¡°the reason it¡¯s like this is because this path isn¡¯t perfect yet.¡±


    reincarnation was in front, and the origin was behind. hence, he observed as he walked.


    he would no longer sink.


    just like a passerby, seeing the myriad changes in life.


    the dao he saw was formless, so there were men and women, old and young, shrines, and martial arts worlds.


    scenes appeared before his eyes.


    time continued to pass.


    as he walked and watched on this path, xu qing finally stopped in his tracks.


    what he saw and what his mind focused on was his self in the reincarnation cycle, transformed into¡­ a performer.


    ¡­


    the life of a performer, full of countless roles.


    day before yesterday, the clang of gongs and drums echoed through the air, as painted faces took the stage with flowing sleeves.


    today, banners unfurled, the winds blew from all directions, determining the fates of characters¡ªloyalty and betrayal, good and evil.


    the same face, with different paints, transformed into either man or woman, became the embodiment of lives within the threads of time.


    there was joy in playing out life¡¯s stories, and little regret in enacting death.


    truly, life was but a play, and the myriad affairs of the world were all sung and spoken upon this stage.


    yet, who could know what kind of true heart lay beneath the layers of painted faces?


    and if, over time, the line between the real and the imagined began to blur?


    only at the final curtain, when the audience dispersed and the paint was wiped away, did the performer step out, their thoughts tinged with melancholy. reflecting on the joy and sorrow of past and future roles, they realized that life was but a fleeting dream, a stream of time that quietly faded away, leaving no trace behind.


    finally, a sigh echoed.


    ¡°in this world, sorrow and joy play many roles; one must not say that those who fall are forlorn¡­¡±


    ¡°they can¡¯t be distinguished¡­¡±


    indeed, joyful songs were often viewed through drunken eyes, with time passing in a haze.


    every fragment of memory became like ripples, and upon waking from the great dream, it had turned out to be a fleeting encounter with plum blossoms, spanning a thousand or ten thousand years.


    thus, the play ran from prologue to curtain.


    that life went from life to death.


    and that dream, from deep slumber to awakening.


    xu qing woke up.


    in the void, he muttered softly.


    ¡°how can this be called a play? this is life within time¡­¡±


    ¡°and just as people experience birth and death, so too does a play have a beginning and an end. the difference between life and death is akin to the difference between dreams and waking, full of endless transformations and impossible to pin down.¡±


    ¡°then, having crossed the cycle of reincarnation and walked out of life, what awaits me at the end of this scroll, after waking from the dream?¡±


    the answer was already there.


    this was because he had walked all the way up to the end of the reincarnation scroll and finally saw the origin of the scroll.


    it was also the dao foundation that supported the reincarnation cycle of the scroll.


    it was originally a painting.


    what li mengtu opened was only a sliver, but right now, xu qing saw the full appearance of this painting.


    it was a crystal.


    falling into the chaos, it appeared in the boundless void, radiating an incredibly brilliant light, and then shattered into ten irregular pieces.


    they were scattered everywhere.


    then, the profound earth appeared.


    this was the painting of the formation of profound earth, the same scene that xu qing had seen on the meteorite, depicted through the gaze of the immortal ancestor when he comprehended the eight extremities dao.


    creation of heaven and earth.


    moreover, it was even clearer!


    ¡°i didn¡¯t expect this scene to be painted on this scroll.¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    ¡°that¡¯s a purple crystal.¡±


    it was exactly the same as his one.


    hence, xu qing fell silent.


    at that moment, he could sense a way to leave.


    he had passed the reincarnation cycle of the painting and reached the end.


    now, he only needed to take a step forward to leave the painting.


    however, his gaze swept across the ten shattered crystals.


    after a long time, his eyes revealed an intense sharpness.


    ¡°being sealed within this scroll, it¡¯s both danger as well as good fortune!¡±


    ¡°the dao of my immortal body originated from the ten shattered crystals. now that i¡¯m seeing it again, and with even greater clarity than before, i can¡­ reaffirm my dao!¡±


    with this thought, xu qing did not hesitate. he sat down cross-legged, and his divine consciousness, along with his very soul, suddenly dispersed, like a shooting star, directly heading toward those ten shattered crystal fragments.


    at the next instant, the cycle of reincarnation began again.


    however, this time, he was no longer a human.


    ¡­


    i¡¯m a meteor falling from the sky.


    landing upon a star named heavenly mandate.

 Chapter 1602 - Chapter 1602: Birth of the Eight Extremities Dao (2)

    chapter 1602: birth of the eight extremities dao (2)


    editor: atlas studios


    i didn¡¯t know where i had come from.


    as time passed, i gradually developed a faint consciousness and vaguely recalled fragments of the past.


    however, it wasn¡¯t specific and was very blurry.


    i only remembered a desert.


    most of the time, i gazed at this star, witnessing the fates of all beings upon it, while trying to remember where i had come from and the story of that desert.


    but, no matter how hard i tried, i couldn¡¯t recall much. the most i could remember was a bit of dust and a river.


    who were they?


    i was at a loss.


    during the time i was thinking, i was often discovered by the people here on this heavenly mandate star.


    sometimes, they think that i¡¯m just ordinary, but sometimes, they think that i¡¯m ominous.


    similarly, there was also a period of time when i was regarded as a holy object by the people here and was worshiped.


    time flowed by.


    these scenes didn¡¯t matter to me.


    i thought the rest of my life would be the same.


    until one day, a cultivator from beyond the heavenly mandate star came here and saw me.


    he seemed overjoyed and lifted me from the heavenly mandate, taking me away to a place called the heavenly fire.


    this place seemed to have no end and was incomparably vast.


    i would always remember this continent because there was a vast volcano there. this mountain¡­ occupied 90% of the heavenly fire land.


    i was brought there and thrown into the burning volcano. endless magma and heat enveloped me, burning and refining me.


    until i became a piece of iron.


    the cultivator who brought me here harnessed the power of the volcano and ultimately forged me into a sharp sword.


    he then traveled to a place called the primordial forest, where he cut down the oldest tree


    it seemed to be an act of vengeance.


    severely wounded, the cultivator fled with me, but years later, he succumbed to his injuries. over the long years, other people found me, but without exception, they all met untimely deaths.


    without exception, they all died in the end.


    an unknown explanation landed on me again.


    hence, the last sword bearer brought me to a dark yin river that was filled with death. he erased my spirit and threw me down.


    i landed in the river and sank. my spirit was dissipating.


    it was buried in the mud at the bottom of the river.


    however, the aura i carried seemed to provide ultimate nourishment to the river, making it grow more immense and surge even more powerfully.


    and before i died, i heard someone saying.


    ¡°gire overcomes metal, yet metal gives birth to water.¡±


    ¡­


    i wasn¡¯t originally named guyiding sanyue.


    this name came from a vision i had of the future, in march of the guyiding year, when i saw a single raindrop fall.


    it wandered aimlessly until one day someone called it ¡°guyiding sanyu.¡± gaining consciousness, it became a lake, and countless years later, it turned into the northern sea.


    i saw everything and felt that it wasn¡¯t bad, so i used this name before it was born.


    ¡°when you are born, i will return it to you.¡±


    as for my life, it could be considered a tumultuous one. i had once swallowed an iron sword that had killed a lot.


    the baleful aura of this sword nourished me greatly, causing me to cover the starry sky as i flowed, extinguishing a shocking and magnificent volcano and drowning it.


    however, fate was like this most of the time. there were causes and effects. one day, a group of almighties came. they boarded a special ship and entered my life.


    that ship was fated with me.


    therefore, i couldn¡¯t bear to let it be destroyed. seeing its lingering spirit about to dissipate, i nourished it, giving it a chance for revival.


    however, i didn¡¯t expect that the goal of this group of almighty beings was to send it into the volcano i had extinguished and burn it as the price to revive the volcano.


    the eruption of the volcano originally couldn¡¯t bury me, but the volcanic ash that spewed out was my calamity. it turned me into qi, rain, and nurtured all things.


    vaguely, i thought i heard a voice.


    ¡°earth counters water, and water gives birth to wood.¡±


    ¡­


    i was born on a desert.


    a sudden heavy rain gave me vitality and intelligence. however, it was also the appearance of intelligence that allowed me to understand what loneliness was.


    hence, i changed some karma and separated myself at the cost of weakening myself, causing more of my kind to appear in the surroundings.


    gradually, the river disappeared and an endless forest occupied everything.


    this place also gradually gained a name. it was known as the forest of origin.


    my tribe also grew stronger and stronger. they came into contact with the outside world and comprehended the heavens and earth. hence, there was cultivation.


    but i grew increasingly weak, choosing to sleep for longer periods. on the rare occasions i awoke, i would observe the passage of time, witnessing the grudges and conflicts of the tribes, their rise and fall, and one by one, i watched as my tribe wiped out other species and civilizations.


    this lasted until one day, when a cultivator who had once been exterminated came for revenge with a special sword.


    the person that killed me stood in front of me.


    i stared at the sword and understood that it was the calamity in my fate.


    hence, i chose to comply and died under the sword.


    during the ten thousand years when the spirit dissipated, my corpse was used and refined into a boat.


    i would have refused.


    however, they said that only a boat made of me could sail in a river called guyiding sanyue. moreover, it could absorb the power of the river while sailing.


    it could give me the possibility of reviving.


    i believed them, but in the end, they used my broken body to reignite a dead volcano.


    at that time, i heard a sentence.


    ¡°metal restrains wood, and wood gives birth to fire.¡±


    ¡­


    i was born in the starry sky, igniting a black hole, transforming into a body, and becoming a volcano.


    people called me heavenly fire.


    fire was both my life and my temperament, so i roared for years, shaking the world in all directions.


    one day, someone came in front of me and threw a meteorite.


    i refined it into iron and turned it into a sword.


    i thought that the brilliance of my life would be like the fire on my body, eternal.


    however, a black river filled with death and baleful aura arrived from the starry sky and enveloped me, extinguishing me.


    this is my tribulation. no matter how i roar or resist, it¡¯s useless.


    after endless years, a boat arrived. it ignited itself and woke me up. the eruption, dormant for countless ages, sent clouds of ash billowing across the skies.


    that was my anger, covering everything.


    accompanying this anger was a sentence that came from an unknown source.


    ¡°water restrains fire, and fire gives birth to earth.¡±


    ¡­


    i am the ash from a volcanic eruption, settling to form land.


    at the moment of my birth, i filled an expansive river.


    that¡¯s what i¡¯m proudest of.


    there was an iron sword in the silt of the river.


    i gazed at the sword, unaware of the passage of time.


    thus, my life was monotonous.


    as time flowed by, i gradually fell into slumber. when i finally awakened, i had already become a vast desert.


    the arrival of the rain nourished the vegetation, but my life was sucked away bit by bit.


    as for that sword, i nurtured it over the endless years. it gradually settled down and finally became a meteorite.


    finally, when my life was sucked away and i was about to die, i used my last bit of strength to send this meteorite to the starry sky.


    if it became a shooting star, who knew where it would go?


    but i am gratified.


    because it carried my reincarnation, my revival.


    in my next life, i don¡¯t want it to be so monotonous.


    as i mumbled, i closed my eyes.


    however, in my blurry consciousness, there seemed to be a sentence echoing.


    ¡°wood restrains earth, and earth gives birth to metal.¡±

 Chapter 1603 - Chapter 1603: True Self Emerges, Creating Space-Time!

    chapter 1603: true self emerges, creating space-time!


    editor: atlas studios


    ¡°this is the eight extremities!¡±


    in the void, xu qing opened his eyes. his physical body remained above, while his soul ascended from within the shattered crystal painting. as it returned, a deep understanding spread through his mind.


    he recalled the moment he comprehended the eight extremities dao back then. he had seen a white-haired cultivator in spacetime.


    the other party¡¯s eight extremities dao was different from his but the five elements were the same. moreover, they had formed dharma idol bodies.


    now, the reincarnated forms became the foundation of the five elements, and then the five elements transformed into the form of rules.


    hence, the five extreme elements were already at the completion stage.


    the moment this thought appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind, five dharma idol bodies walked out of the void outside his body.


    the first was an old man wearing an official¡¯s robe and holding an iron sword. his expression was dignified and his aura was majestic.


    wealth, power, and the clashing of weapons converged on him, manifesting as a metal fate, transforming into the dharma body of metal.


    it was chancellor xu jinfeng!


    then came the second form, the merchant xu hong, dressed in a merchant¡¯s robe, with a gentle expression. around him swirled a black river, rolling in all directions, forming an awe-inspiring momentum.


    with his water fate, he was the dharma body of water!


    following was the third form, the bandit xu shan, exuding a fierce aura of the martial world. he grinned wildly, standing atop a massive tree, one hand pressing down, his eyes filled with a savage gleam, his expression manic.


    the wood fate emitted by him was dense and fluctuated in the void. he was the dharma body of wood!


    finally, the fourth and fifth bodies appeared one after another.


    the fourth form emerged as xu yu, the physician, with a volcano in his palm, unleashing a world-ending fire that constantly erupted, engulfing his entire body. his fire element gathered, forming the dharma body of fire.


    the fifth form, xu kun, the commoner, appeared as a figure composed of grains, with a body of desert sand and dust, emanating a powerful sense of weight. the moment he appeared, the void trembled.


    his earth element became a foundation, solidifying into the manifestation of the dharma body of earth.


    at this moment, all five forms of the eight extremes dao stood tall, each exuding immense power. the pressure they emitted was nearly equal to xu qing¡¯s own.


    xu qing turned his head to take a look. the five dao bodies were also staring at him.


    understanding rose in their minds at the same time.


    ¡°the five elements mutually reinforce and counteract each other, forming a cycle of reincarnation.¡±


    ¡°as for reincarnation, it can become the eighth extremity¡­¡±


    however, after xu qing pondered over it he shook his head.


    ¡°although reincarnation is mysterious, there¡¯s still one more path that encompasses reincarnation and surpasses it. that¡¯s the eighth extremity i decided at the start!¡±


    determination appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he gave up on using reincarnation as his dao and his gaze landed on¡­ the sixth and seventh pieces of the ten shattered crystals.


    they were time and space!


    his soul moved and headed straight for the crystal fragments that represented time and space.


    it instantly fused.


    it was¡­


    as the cycle of reincarnation completed, all beings were born, causality would descend, and time would continue to flow.


    ¡­


    ¡®i¡¯m searching. though i¡¯m not sure what, it seems to be my mission, for i am incomplete.


    perhaps it exists, or perhaps it does not.


    i exist within the stars, the world, in all things, among all beings¡ªi am everywhere.


    the eternal motion of all things, the continuity of change, the order of it all, is the evidence of my existence. it is the way i allow beings to perceive me.


    thus, i am like a river, flowing through everything known and unknown.


    i flow between many things and events, across the past, present, and future of all beings. even stars and galaxies need me to move forward.


    whether night or day, whether reincarnation or karma, whether laws or rules, they are all me.


    if i fall silent, everything stands still.


    if i rise, epochs shift.


    yet, at the same time, i do not exist.


    i can be felt, but never truly seen. in many states, i am born from thought alone.


    i am considered a beginning, starting from an unknown moment, and before that, no description exists.


    thus, before that moment, i was said not to exist, without meaning.


    it was the emergence and existence of all things that gave rise to me, and granted me meaning.¡¯


    some believed that i was not truly a rule existing within the universe, but merely a concept formed from the movement of all things and beings, a way to describe speed and flow.


    others went even further, thinking that i was just an illusion created by sentient beings.


    so, many tried to determine whether i truly existed. they attempted to sense me, to explore me, to reach out and touch me.


    no matter what, regardless of whether i existed or not, i didn¡¯t care.


    this was because their ultimate goal was none other than control.


    along with that came many names for me. some called me ¡®time,¡¯ others called me ¡®moment,¡¯ and still, others referred to me as ¡®point¡¯¡­


    there were too many of them.


    all of these were their names for me.


    none of them were truly mine.


    i didn¡¯t care.


    and i kept searching, seeking something unknown to me.


    i had thought this endless, monotonous search would never bring anything significant to catch my attention.


    this lasted until i met a few people, a few very special people.


    they were powerful, powerful enough to truly see me, strong enough to form a bond, becoming friends of sorts.


    one visited me occasionally, holding a flower in hand, asking if it was beautiful.


    one sailed by in front of me, letting out a quiet sigh.


    one asked me about fate.


    while another wanted me to write him a debt note.


    but the one who stayed with me the longest was someone who liked wearing black. he often sat in front of me, quietly gazing into the distance.


    together, we watched all of existence unfold, witnessing the infinite.


    at one moment, he lifted his hand and with a single gesture, changed everything, resetting time, letting it all start again.


    over and over, countless times.


    i didn¡¯t understand.


    he told me he was reviving his wife.


    i wished him well.


    later, they all disappeared.


    only i continued to flow.


    there was no beginning or end.


    i kept searching.


    until i saw a butterfly.


    the butterfly said that its name was harmonious morus alba.


    in truth, the butterfly had appeared before, but i hadn¡¯t noticed. this time, however, it flew directly in front of me.


    it told me about an existence named the universe, which had been endlessly searching for time.


    universe and i had crossed paths countless times, stood face to face countless times, and yet, missed each other just as often. finally, the universe understood¡ªit and i were one.


    if i existed, it existed; if i perished, so would it.


    yet, we were like water and ink¡ªforever intertwined. but unable to meet.


    no one could find the other party.


    only this butterfly, who could see both the universe and me, could serve as the bond that would bring us together.


    the butterfly asked me to land on it, for the universe was also within.


    i chose to land.


    in that instant¡­ i finally saw the universe.


    universe also saw me.


    it was¡­


    time surged, all beings flourished, the harmonious morus alba appeared, the universe emerged.


    in that moment, time and space intertwined, becoming whole.


    hence, space-time was formed!


    this was¡­


    universe was established, time arose, true self emerged, and space-time was created.


    xu qing woke up.


    the eighth extremity emerged in his body!


    a deafening boom reverberated through his body.


    ¡­


    after a long time, xu qing opened his eyes.


    the moment he opened his eyes, everything he saw was distorted and unclear.


    however, when he closed his eyes and viewed with his mind, everything became crystal clear.


    in his thoughts, he could see everything: the past, present, and future of all things, even their essence.


    everything was transparent and fully revealed, from birth to death, from beginning to end.


    the beings in the cycle of reincarnation each had countless overlapping appearances, formed by the convergence of time and space.


    everything was in a state of transparency, with no obstruction.


    he could see the essence, the bones, the souls, and the cycle of reincarnation.


    even the items in the storage space were completely clear.


    it was like omniscience.


    he could even control the thoughts of all living beings and make them make choices that suited his needs.


    he could also see the space-time formed by the other party¡¯s countless choices.


    it was similar to fate.


    this feeling was as though he was looking at a sketchbook that could be modified by him at any time.


    along with this perception came the realization that any place could be reached with just a thought.


    whether it was the past or the future, all of time and space could be traversed in an instant.


    there was nothing he couldn¡¯t do.


    the instant this perception appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind, he raised his head and his thoughts spread.


    everything was transparent.


    he saw the fire outside the scroll painting, the cauldron, the minor world he was in, the city outside the minor world, and even the fifth star ring where the minor world was located.


    after that, he saw all living beings and all things.


    he seemed to be able to fiddle with everything.


    at that moment, xu qing saw twelve figures amidst the crimson aurora waves in the sky.


    they appeared in the aurora at the same time and looked at xu qing from afar.


    above them, xu qing saw eleven vast immortal palaces. there were figures in each of them that shone with resplendent light.


    further up¡­ was a supreme existence sitting cross-legged and meditating, his presence enveloping the entire fifth star ring.


    immediately after, a voice rang out from nothingness.


    ¡°the ordinance is the root of immortals and the foundation of killing gods. if you want to control the ordinance, you have to uphold it first!¡±


    at the next instant, xu qing¡¯s body trembled.


    he sensed an indescribably terrifying force coming from all directions, from nothingness, and from the entire thirty-six upper star rings.


    it landed on his body.


    at this moment, xu qing truly understood why the omnipotent immortals were no longer omnipotent in the upper star rings.


    this was because those in charge of the ordinance must first uphold it!


    clearly, such a thing wouldn¡¯t have happened to him so quickly.


    the reason for this was because, at the very moment his eighth extremity was born, the ordinance was born alongside it!


    it was his own ordinance!


    the ordinance of space-time.


    xu qing understood. the next instant, he retracted his gaze. the formation of the eighth extremity in his body stirred up an overwhelming force. as xu qing¡¯s body continued to rumble, the eighth world was formed.


    space-time world!


    at the same time, in the dao immortal sect in the western starfield.


    on the fertile land, in front of the poison lord, the once-withered poisonous plant suddenly bloomed, resurrecting from death to life in an instant. in the blink of an eye, it grew to its peak.


    it then detached itself and vanished without a trace before the poison lord.


    as for the other plant beside it, it withered away at that very moment.


    a peculiar glint flashed in poison lord¡¯s eyes and his breathing became slightly hurried.


    ¡°you are the karma i¡¯ve been waiting for!¡±

 Chapter 1604 - Chapter 1604: What Is Ordinance!

    chapter 1604: what is ordinance!


    editor: atlas studios


    xu qing raised his head and gazed beyond the scroll.


    what he saw was the direction of the dao immortal sect.


    for the events happening at the dao immortal sect, his body and senses didn¡¯t sense anything at all.


    however, his mind was different.


    in that moment, a subtle feeling, surpassing the level of his physical body, emerged in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°borrowing the dao?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought and retracted his thoughts after a while.


    for him, the most important thing now was to stabilize his eighth extremity.


    although the appearance of the eighth extremity was in line with his previous plan, it had to be said that the birth of the ordinance had broken his previous understanding to a certain extent.


    it was also destined to overturn the traditional methods of combat.


    this extremity was his latest height, propelled by the convergence of the previous seven extremities.


    the first five extremities served as the foundation, with time and space as the fuel. once ignited and unleashed, they forged what he had envisioned as the eighth extremity.


    a dao that encompassed reincarnation, karma, and everything in between, forming the dao of space-time.


    at the moment this dao manifested, a profound realization filled his mind.


    ¡°it is akin to an ascension.¡±


    ¡°one unrelated to the physical body, but rather an elevation on the level of thought and soul.¡±


    xu qing closed his eyes and sensed the eighth extremity in his body.


    ¡°this is a state of time and space that can be entered at any moment!¡±


    ¡°once inside, while the physical body remains outside, the mind transcends beyond the past limits, reaching an omniscient level.¡±


    ¡°in that state, everything¡ªliving beings and objects¡ªappears as if they are a painting, easily modified at will.¡±


    ¡°i can influence, manipulate, and control.¡±


    as he pondered, the eighth extremity within xu qing spread abruptly, and in the next moment¡­ the sensation of space-time reappeared.


    gazing into the distance, his perception deepened.


    ¡°in this state, combat surpasses the conventional expectations.¡±


    ¡°all beings, in my eyes, have no secrets. whether it¡¯s their techniques, their bodies, even their thoughts, fates, reincarnations, past, and future¡ªall are laid bare.¡±


    ¡°i can, without my opponent¡¯s awareness, influence their choices. whether they err or live or die is within my single thought.¡±


    ¡°i can alter their spells, from the source to their very essence, all in a single moment.¡±


    ¡°i can traverse any time, any place, even appearing at the moment of my opponent¡¯s birth to erase them.¡±


    ¡°this¡­ is the power of the ordinance? though i still won¡¯t be considered an immortal in the lower realms, this power is not far from one.¡±


    ¡°however, this is the upper thirty-six star rings. there are higher ordinances that restrict me.


    xu qing fell silent.


    ¡°ordinance¡­¡±


    the appearance of his ordinance and the voice from the void earlier allowed him to have an innate understanding of the ordinance.


    part of it came from himself, and the other part came from the additional information contained in every word of that sentence.


    ordinance transcended rules and laws, representing an unknown yet supreme source of power within the upper thirty-six star rings.


    these upper thirty-six star rings belonged to gods.


    thus, the gods more easily tapped into this supreme, unknown source, wielding it in their hands.


    the manifestation of this power began with divine authority, eventually transforming into true divinity, becoming their very divine aspect.


    they had innate qualifications to access it.


    this was also the reason why the gods were so powerful.


    after all, they were born in the upper thirty-six star rings.


    as outsiders, cultivators didn¡¯t have this qualification.


    hence, this qualification was broken down into several steps.


    first came the origin, followed by dao fate. then, during the formation of the immortal embryo, they would instinctively absorb the power of the star rings as nourishment, producing something akin to divine authority¡ªauthority dao marks.


    only in this way could they embark on the path.


    however, though authority dao marks resembled divine authority, they were still inferior in nature.


    it was only when these authority dao marks ascended, evolving into ordinance, that a cultivator could truly obtain a status equivalent to that of the gods.


    ordinance was on the same level as divine aspect!


    using such a cumbersome method to obtain the qualifications to become a god showed how difficult it was for cultivators in the upper thirty-six star rings.


    hence, at the end of the day, the ordinance was the known final manifestation of immortals plundering the power of the source of the 36 star rings.


    it was also because the birth process was cumbersome that generally speaking, only cultivators who had reached the quasi-immortal realm could have an ordinance because the immortal embryo in their bodies was forming.


    however, this possibility was also very slim. it depended on opportunities.


    under normal circumstances, only when the immortal embryo reached the large success stage and transformed into an immortal would the ordinance¡­ appear.


    other than that, there were two other methods that could bring forward the formation of the ordinance or allow people who didn¡¯t have an ordinance to use it.


    they were inheritances and magic treasures.


    the former was like the flower of inheritance in the hunt.


    a higher-level cultivator would strip one of their own ordinances from the many they possessed and pass it on.


    the latter was an ordinance treasure.


    however, the latter often contained incomplete ordinances and insufficient law power.


    and the power of law was the measurement of the ordinance.


    therefore, the process of forming ordinance, extending it to its full potential, and ultimately becoming a source, was one of the three key elements to becoming an immortal lord.


    because of this, ordinance, which typically required immense opportunities and could only be obtained by quasi immortal-level cultivators¡­ created an extreme difference when it fell into the hands of a ruler. the gap between those who possessed ordinance and those who did not was vast, almost insurmountable.


    even if their cultivation levels were the same, the difference in combat strength was definitely the difference between heaven and earth.


    this was also the reason why li mengtu fought a life or death battle with xu qing in order to snatch back the inheritance.


    this was because possessing an ordinance was equivalent to standing at the peak of the ruler realm.


    only cultivators who also possessed ordinances could fight someone with ordinance.


    if the opponent did not have ordinance, they were not of the same level and would inevitably be suppressed by it.


    it was also because of this that the three major laws of ordinance appeared.


    firstly, ordinance belonged solely to cultivators and was one of the marks of immortals.


    secondly, the clash between two ordinances was a process of mutual erasure, where the side that eroded first would determine life and death.


    thirdly, ordinance was the highest known force, and only ordinance or a god¡¯s divine aspect, which was on the same level, could mutually erase each other.


    furthermore, ordinance was not defined by how many daos one possessed.


    it could be numerous or few, and had no bearing on one¡¯s rank or status. even mastering many ordinances did not depend on one¡¯s rank.


    instead, it was solely connected to combat prowess.


    therefore, while the pursuit of more ordinances could increase one¡¯s strength, the true foundation for advancing one¡¯s realm lay in the completeness of a single ordinance.


    these thoughts appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    a long time later, he retracted his thoughts.


    ¡°it¡¯s time to leave.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t do anything and just glanced at the void in front of him.


    the void instantly fluctuated. after that, a storm rose and silently spread in all directions, instantly engulfing the entire world on the scroll.


    everything turned blurry and dissipated.


    what appeared in front of xu qing was no longer the painting but a cauldron and raging flames.


    this fire instantly stopped.


    it lost the ability to cause damage.


    or to be more precise, if this fire possessed a spirit, then at this moment, even though xu qing stood directly in front of it, he had become an entity beyond its comprehension.


    it could only burn pointlessly.


    even the cauldron was blurry under xu qing¡¯s gaze, as though it didn¡¯t exist.


    they dissipated.


    xu qing stood in the minor world of the li clan, facing the wooden hut.


    in his eyes, this world contained countless pasts and futures. it was the same for everything, including the hut and the calligraphy inside.


    only¡­ in the past of this wooden hut, he saw a person.


    this person was different from this world.


    he only had the past, but had no present or future.


    even the past was blurry and in the midst of collapse.


    he wore blue clothes and stood in front of the table in the wooden hut with a brush in his hand.


    he was deep in thought, as though he didn¡¯t know how to begin.


    ¡°i don¡¯t know how to write my last words. since fellow daoist came from the fabric of time and space, could you teach me?¡±


    gazing steadily, the middle-aged man in the blue robe, existing in the distant past, spoke softly.


    he didn¡¯t raise his head or look while speaking.


    xu qing fell silent and looked at the other party¡¯s collapsing past. he saw the profound earth, wanggu, and the other party¡¯s identity.


    he sighed inwardly.


    the blue-robed man didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    after a long time, xu qing slowly spoke.


    ¡°he¡¯s like a devout devotee, always searching for a temple that might not exist.¡±


    with that, xu qing cupped his fists and bowed. he then retracted his gaze and everything dissipated.


    the world was as usual.


    xu qing raised his head and his gaze landed on the sky. only time and space changed there, isolating it from the surroundings.


    very soon, in that separate area, the figure of li mengtu who had arrived here in the past and sent the scroll into the cauldron appeared.


    xu qing grabbed. that figure transformed into a beam of light that landed in xu qing¡¯s hand.


    immediately, all the trajectories regarding li mengtu appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    following the trajectory, xu qing took a step forward.


    the world melted, the void became a path, and he vanished into the distance without a trace.


    ¡­


    the minor world was silent.


    only a soft sigh echoed in the space-time of this place after xu qing left.


    ¡°every generation, even every individual, seeks a different temple. when we parted ways all those years ago, each of us went our own path. i traveled a long road and once thought i had found it here, but in reality, i never did. i can see that path, but i lack the strength to walk it.¡±


    ¡°however, his appearance made me feel¡­


    he might be the temple.¡±


    his voice gradually dissipated.


    the words on the calligraphy in the wooden hut were blurry and gradually changed.


    it became another sentence.


    ¡°i think i found it.¡±


    the moment this sentence appeared, there seemed to be fluctuations of fate in the entire fifth star ring. the range of influence was limited, affecting only the surviving members of the li clan.


    these individuals, including li mengtu, found their memories of the ancestral hall¡¯s writing shifting.


    the aurora in the sky also fluctuated.


    in the aurora, the eyes of the twelve sky patrollers shone with a strange light, emitting invisible threads as though they were calculating something.


    above them, in the higher reaches of the sky, eleven immortal palaces hovered. nine remained as usual, but two shone brilliantly, their radiating runes on the verge of forming.


    then, a calm and vast voice descended from the highest point.


    ¡°space-time is fixed, unchangeable.¡±


    ¡°yet, this ordinance possesses immense potential, beyond even the deduction of the immortals.¡±


    as soon as the voice finished speaking, the twelve sky patrollers in the aurora lowered their heads and the threads instantly broke.


    the two shining immortal palaces also chose to disperse after weighing the pros and cons.


    as for the calligraphy in the wooden hut, it became blurry again and returned to its original state. even the memories of the li clan members returned to before without them noticing.

 Chapter 1605 - Chapter 1605: Space-Time Xu Qing Descends

    chapter 1605: space-time xu qing descends


    editor: atlas studios


    the aurora in the sky of the western starfield flowed like a river, evoking a sense of rippling waves.


    its crimson hue, reminiscent of blood, painted the heavens while simultaneously creating a dazzling beauty.


    ¡°that¡¯s also an ordinance.¡±


    xu qing looked at the aurora.


    before this, in his eyes, the aurora was just an astronomical phenomenon in the fifth star ring. but now¡­ it was different.


    that aurora clearly contained countless marks and runes. they intertwined and were faintly discernible, forming rules and laws, transforming into traces of origin and dao source.


    they interwove into one authority after another.


    nourishing all living beings and guiding the path of cultivation.


    ¡°that¡¯s an existence that¡¯s similar to the heavenly dao but surpasses it.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s the manifestation of the ordinance.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s also the guardian of the cultivator system of the fifth star ring.¡±


    ¡°if the fifth star ring chooses to expand and fight other star rings, then there will definitely be this aurora flowing wherever the battlefield covers.¡±


    ¡°because it has become the symbol of the fifth star ring.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes were clear. he couldn¡¯t see this essence previously but now, they were very clear.


    at the same time, he also saw twelve stars in the aurora!


    those were twelve vast figures.


    they couldn¡¯t be seen clearly and couldn¡¯t be described.


    ¡°twelve sky patrollers.¡±


    xu qing knew their identities and their cultivation levels. they were twelve lower immortals. they had transformed into stars and were moving in the aurora, guarding various places and patrolling the world.


    in the entire fifth star ring, outside of the immortal capital, there were sixteen known immortals.


    the orthodox forces in the north, south, east, and west each had one, and the remaining twelve were all in the aurora.


    however, this did not mean that there were only sixteen lower immortals within the fifth star ring.


    whether it was the ferryman or those guarding other regions of the fifth star ring, there were indeed more lower immortals. the place with the highest concentration of them was, evidently, the immortal capital.


    that place that everyone in the fifth star ring yearned to enter.


    after a long time¡­


    xu qing withdrew his gaze, lowered his head, and looked at the earth below. his steps were unhurried, his mind calm.


    he walked across the plains.


    on the plains, the flow of time surged. grass and trees grew wildly in an instant, only to wither the next. all things followed this pattern, and the birds and beasts on the plains experienced various sensations in that brief moment.


    some with sudden fear, others with fleeting confusion.


    after xu qing left, everything returned to normal.


    he flew past mountains.


    the mountains blurred, as though erased and then reformed. cracks on the rocks mirrored this phenomenon, with time and space becoming distorted wherever xu qing passed.


    all the cultivators from the sects and clans felt their hearts palpitating.


    xu qing clearly didn¡¯t move fast as he flew past them.


    however, they couldn¡¯t see xu qing. no matter how they raised their heads and probed, they couldn¡¯t see xu qing¡¯s existence.


    they could only see a vast black shadow that seemed to blot out the sky passing by the mountain range.


    it was like they were in a painting and xu qing had walked across the painting, his shadow flashing past the painting.


    he exceeded their understanding.


    ¡°my integration into the state of space-time elevated my status to a point where they could no longer perceive me¡­ just as, before i attained the state of space-time or possessed my own ¡®ordinance,¡¯ i could only gaze at the aurora without seeing its true essence, nor the stars within it.¡±


    ¡°because at that time, i was the same as them. i couldn¡¯t understand higher levels.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s the space-time state and the ordinance, allowing me to have the qualifications to ¡®see¡¯.¡±


    xu qing pondered and continued forward.


    he passed through many areas, causing everyone to be horrified.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t interfere. it was also because of this that after he left, the places he passed by returned to normal.


    these scenes caused xu qing¡¯s thoughts to spread and he gradually familiarized himself with his current state.


    gradually, he felt that in this state of space-time, his soul and mind felt more at ease.


    though still bound by higher-level ordinance, compared to before, he was far more liberated.


    however, at the same time, he also sensed that he couldn¡¯t maintain this state for too long.


    it wasn¡¯t that the strength of his space-time form was insufficient, but because of his physical body.


    he could sense that if he didn¡¯t have a physical body, then the current him could forever be immersed in the space-time state of the eighth extremity.


    however, because of his body, he couldn¡¯t stay in the space-time state for too long.


    his body seemed to have become a burden.


    moreover, as the mind and soul remained in the space-time state for an extended period, the physical body would gradually wither, vitality would dissipate, and the connection between the body and oneself would become increasingly faint.


    this caught xu qing¡¯s attention.


    hence, he thought about it and used the space-time state to look at his own body.


    a long time later, xu qing retracted his mind.


    he saw the many futures of his body.


    in most of them, this body slowly ceased to belong to him.


    it withered away into the vastness of the heavens and earth.


    ¡°however, i see that all immortals have physical bodies. they didn¡¯t abandon their bodies and leave only their consciousness.¡±


    ¡°also¡­ if i want to advance to the ruler realm, i need a body, and i need to mold an immortal embryo to advance to the quasi-immortal realm. only then can i become an immortal.¡±


    ¡°then¡­ what¡¯s the reason for my current state? i should have an answer.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s my eighth extremity. under the eruption of my accumulation, it almost transcended and reached an extremely high level. my body can¡¯t keep up, so it¡¯s like this.¡±


    xu qing pondered as he walked.


    ¡°the solution is to increase my cultivation base as soon as possible. the moment i step into the ruler realm, i should be able to resolve it. even if it¡¯s not enough, it should at least alleviate my situation.¡±


    ¡°i need to advance to soul accumulation nine worlds to reach the ruler realm.¡±


    ¡°then, my ninth extremity¡­¡±


    xu qing silently walked toward li mengtu¡¯s direction step by step.


    he wasn¡¯t in a hurry to appear in front of li mengtu.


    if he was in a hurry, he could arrive in one step.


    however, he chose to slow down the process.


    on one hand, he needed to adapt to the eighth extremity and think about his current path and the future path.


    on the other hand, it was because xu qing had seen from li mengtu¡¯s traces that the other party was currently engaged in an intense hunt.


    to be precise, it was a battle between two clans.


    both sides were going all-out and suffered many casualties.


    the decisive battle was taking place in li mengtu¡¯s side.


    his enemy was an old man at the late-stage ruler realm. the intensity of the conflict made the outcome uncertain, as the hunt could be reversed at any moment, with the hunter potentially becoming the prey in an instant.


    xu qing did not interfere in this battle.


    compared to the various sordid battles xu qing had witnessed in the past, the dao fight between li mengtu and him could be considered honorable.


    hence, xu qing also treated the other party with integrity.


    it wasn¡¯t until the battle neared its conclusion that xu qing finally arrived, unhurried.


    he entered the valley where the two great clans were fighting in a way that the vast majority of cultivators didn¡¯t understand.


    his soul fused with space-time, concealing his body.what descended upon this scene was merely his consciousness.


    in this state, his mind existed within the space-time, manifesting in the valley without a discernible form¡ªunseen and unperceived by others. the only sensation of his presence was a shadow.


    this shadow did not fall upon the ground. instead, it enveloped everything, spanning across space and time, touching the past, present, and future of all living beings.


    it enveloped life itself.


    as it swept through, every member of the clans locked in battle trembled. a sudden and inexplicable sense of dread surged through their hearts, uncontrollable fear taking root deep within them.


    li mengtu¡¯s expression instantly changed drastically.


    the pupils of the late-stage ruler old man who was fighting with him suddenly constricted. his breath quickened in an instant, and he was overwhelmed with terror, causing his body to retreat rapidly.


    he spared no expense to flee.


    like others, he didn¡¯t have the ability to understand the specifics of this scene and could only sense the shadow. however, he wasn¡¯t an ordinary cultivator after all. even though he didn¡¯t understand, he knew about the ordinance.


    just like a blind person who couldn¡¯t recognize or understand colors but knew the existence of colors.


    the difference was that color wasn¡¯t dangerous to the blind but ordinance could decide life and death for the old man.


    hence, he chose to escape without hesitation.


    he was very clear that for those mighty figures with ordinances, his life and death could be decided with a single thought. facing such an existence, all he could do was instinctively retreat.


    at that moment, li mengtu¡¯s expression changed rapidly. he looked at the omnipresent shadow and took a deep breath.


    he naturally knew what kind of existence had arrived.


    when he had no ordinance, although he couldn¡¯t understand it, he knew what it was just like the old man.


    now, although the inheritance on his forehead was incomplete and he couldn¡¯t grasp it, this inheritance gave him a certain extent of ¡®sight¡¯.


    for example, right now, what the other cultivators here saw and sensed was the omnipresent shadow. however, in his eyes, amidst the blurriness and distortion, he could vaguely see an indistinct outline.


    it was as though they were staring at him from outside the world.


    hence, he suppressed his palpitations and bowed.


    ¡°i¡¯m li mengtu. may i ask which senior has arrived and what brings you here?¡±


    ¡°fellow daoist li, the dao contest between us isn¡¯t over yet.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s voice echoed in this space-time, causing a storm and the mountains to sway like heavenly rhythm.


    the moment it landed in li mengtu¡¯s ears, thunder rumbled in his mind. his expression briefly showed disbelief, followed by confusion and ultimately, complexity.


    a hoarse voice rang out from his mouth.


    ¡°xu qing?¡±


    almost at the instant he shouted xu qing¡¯s name, xu qing stirred spacetime.


    the power of space-time silently circulated around li mengtu. in just an instant¡­ li mengtu¡¯s state went from being injured from the battle with the old man to before the battle.


    his injuries were completely healed.


    ¡°you once said that in our dao fight, life or death, there would be no grievances or regrets, and the formation of my ordinance has a karmic connection with you.¡±


    ¡°so, should we continue now?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s voice seemed to come from beyond the skies.


    li mengtu bitterly closed his eyes. a few breaths later, his eyes opened, revealing determination and persistence.


    ¡°ordinance¡­ i know it¡¯s supreme, but i¡¯ve never experienced it firsthand. the inheritance is incomplete, so i have never truly felt it.¡±


    ¡°however, in this life, i don¡¯t fear death. i only fear not hearing the dao!¡±


    ¡°this dao contest¡­ even if i die, i still want to fight!¡±


    li mengtu¡¯s voice echoed with extreme determination. his figure sped toward the blurry outline in the void like a moth to the fire!

 Chapter 1606 - Chapter 1606: Great Dao, Blue Sky

    chapter 1606: great dao, blue sky


    editor: atlas studios


    there were no spectators for the dao contest in the valley.


    at that moment, the li clan members were enveloped by the shadow and everything they saw was pitch-black.


    it was the same for space and time, rendering them like blind men unable to perceive color.


    however, an existence was observing this battle from a distance.


    in the dao immortal sect, on the fertile field, the poison lord looked down at the empty space in front of him.


    there, once stood two poisonous plants¡ªone had transformed into light and dissipated, while the other had withered into ashes.


    yet, in the eyes of the poison lord, what he saw was not merely the surface. his gaze seemed to pierce through the barriers, glimpsing space-time, and witnessing the scene within the valley.


    the corners of his mouth revealed a meaningful smile.


    ¡°by comprehending my inheritance, you have entangled yourself in my karma. once you sever the life of my disciple, when the inheritance is fully realized, this karma will be truly sealed.¡±


    ¡°from that moment onward, your dao will be bound to this karma, and i may claim it without returning it.¡±


    ¡°even though the venerable immortal doesn¡¯t allow divination, my result comes before the cause.¡±


    ¡­


    the voice of the poison lord couldn¡¯t be heard in the valley. only the battle intent from li mengtu continued to burn at this moment, becoming increasingly intense.


    it became a sea of fire that wanted to burn the surroundings.


    his entire being transformed into a reverse-flowing star, soaring from the earth towards the sky. he became a sharp, radiant streak of light, seemingly poised to cleave through the void, embodying the brilliance of life as he charged relentlessly toward the faint silhouette he ¡®saw¡¯ in his vision, unstoppable and unwavering.


    his speed was getting faster and faster!


    the burning also became more intense. not only did it burn his body, but it also burned his cultivation and life.


    only his dream remained¡­ becoming the sole purpose, the driving force, and the obsession.


    li mengtu, though not one to claim a life of brilliance, had always acted with integrity, especially when it came to the way of the dao.


    this was because he respected the dao.


    hence, he didn¡¯t allow his dao heart to be tainted by dust, nor did he allow himself to lower his head.


    for this, he had been cultivating diligently since he was young. he wanted to walk higher, to see the scenery in the sky, to grasp the ordinance that represented a higher level.


    he wanted to prove it to his clan, his master, and the world¡­


    though his ancestry and bloodline did not originate from the fifth star ring, his heart in pursuit of the dao was no less than any other.


    he was no lesser than the native cultivators of the fifth star ring or any other stars.


    he could elevate his family to greatness, he could ascend to the peak, and he could step into the long-dreamed-of immortal capital!


    even though he knew that the current him might be as laughable as a moth in the eyes of some people.


    but so what?


    death was not scary.


    the scary thing was not being able to hear dao.


    the measure of life was never its length.


    hence, even though he was bound to be burned, he still chose to fight to the last moment.


    the deprivation of the inheritance was related to his life. he was clear that the moment xu qing appeared, his outcome was already decided.


    since that was the case¡­ dying along the path would still have been worthy of the blood and sweat shed along the way, worthy of the persistence of half a lifetime, worthy of the expectations of his clan, and worthy of the opponents who had fallen in his pursuit of dao.


    with a roar, he surged forward!


    he bloomed like a flower in the sky.


    unfortunately¡­


    dreams often left a sigh in the heart, and whenever the pen was lifted, it mostly wrote of regrets.


    in the end, his spells, dao arts, and all his efforts couldn¡¯t touch the figure in the eye at all.


    xu qing stood there as though he was standing beyond the skies in a different time and space.


    no matter how li mengtu attacked, he still couldn¡¯t touch him.


    his death curse authority could cause the weather to change and cause an astonishing death aura to surge in the surroundings.


    it could manifest evil spirits and monsters, turning the area into an underworld.


    this made wails ring out incessantly.


    however¡­ at this moment, it was empty.


    if he couldn¡¯t touch his opponent, the other party wouldn¡¯t be tainted by karma.


    it was as though in this lonely world, the only voice he heard was the echo of his own voice.


    his lightning authority could only roar beside him. even though it transformed into a sea of lightning that poured down, it was still meaningless.


    even though he used the truth decree and questioned the person in front of him, he couldn¡¯t obtain the slightest answer. it was as though the person he was asking about wasn¡¯t in the world.


    the immortal flood was drawn in, and the aurora descended. yet, what could be drawn in was ultimately mere appearance, and what could descend was mostly illusion.


    against cultivators who didn¡¯t have an ordinance, all of this could be considered incisive. however, against cultivators who had an ordinance, it was just a puppet show.


    the mirror flowers couldn¡¯t reflect xu qing.


    it was also futile to undo the array formation that sealed a god¡¯s right hand.


    the god¡¯s hand that looked terrifying, purple-red, and covered in tentacles and eyes was ultimately just a broken hand. the divine authority it contained wasn¡¯t a divine aspect.


    therefore, it was no longer powerful.


    the anomalous substances and murmurs also lost their strangeness.


    only bitterness was left.


    all of li mengtu¡¯s efforts and eruptions, even after burning his life, couldn¡¯t hit xu qing at all.


    he could vaguely ¡®see¡¯ but couldn¡¯t touch him.


    this was dao.


    it was like a figure within a painting¡ªno matter how high they leaped, how furious they became, or how fiercely they struck, they could never touch the presence outside the painting.


    in the end¡­ the great dao was like the blue sky, and i could not break free.


    he could only repeat it again and again, trying, working hard, and erupting.


    he wanted to break through the ¡®painting¡¯ in front of him and blast open the invisible barrier in front of him.


    in the end¡­ he couldn¡¯t make it.


    in the end, only bitterness remained as he returned to the starting point in his exhaustion. in the valley, he raised his head and looked at the blurry outline in the sky, silently in a daze.


    after a long time¡­ li mengtu closed his eyes.


    when he opened his eyes again, he swallowed the bitterness and took a deep breath, trying his best to calm himself down.


    ¡°i lost my composure just now.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s fine,¡± xu qing calmly said.


    from the start to the end, he didn¡¯t make a move. at this moment, he deeply understood that to a certain extent, ordinance could also be considered a qualification.


    the qualification to walk out of the painting.


    ¡°the dao contest ends here.¡± after a short silence, li mengtu said calmly.


    ¡°in my life, i¡¯ve encountered different opponents in different realms. every time i win, i¡¯ll ask the other party if they have any last wishes and i¡¯ll complete them.¡±


    ¡°you don¡¯t have to be like me, but i do have two last wishes.¡±


    li mengtu didn¡¯t care if xu qing agreed or not and continued speaking.


    ¡°one is related to daoist qingyang, the one who just fought with me. his qingyang lineage has held a grudge against my li clan for generations. there was a time in the li clan¡¯s history when we nearly faced extinction, and it was the qingyang lineage that caused it.¡±


    ¡°therefore, for many years, i¡¯ve been searching for the remnants of qingyang. i¡¯ve found them now, but unfortunately¡­ he escaped.¡±


    ¡°if possible, please help me kill him.¡±


    as he spoke, li mengtu sat down and took out a flask of wine. he took a sip and continued to speak.


    ¡°my second wish is to go somewhere.¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s a secret realm.¡±


    ¡°legend has it that there should be twelve immortal lords in the fifth star ring, not the current eleven. this is because when the fifth star ring was first established by cultivators, the immortal lord, who was ranked first, chose to rebel for some reason.¡±


    ¡°this immortal lord¡¯s name is aurora. he was once known as the aurora immortal lord.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s said that the aurora in the fifth star ring is also related to him. back then, this immortal lord rebelled and was personally killed by the venerable immortal. hence, his soul landed on the ground and his ordinance transformed into the aurora in the sky.¡±


    ¡°as for the place where his soul fell, it¡¯s known as the immortal¡¯s fall. it¡¯s in my western territory.¡±


    ¡°the spirit tide there rises irregularly and the secret keys are spat out and scattered in the west. when the number of secret keys accumulates to 49, the tide will rise to its peak.¡±


    ¡°for all the cultivators in the fifth star ring, that is a blessing and opportunity. according to the judgment from decades ago, it will open soon.¡±


    ¡°at that time, each of the 49 secret keys can accommodate two people holding them to obtain opportunities.¡±


    ¡°i once wanted to go there to obtain opportunities, but i can¡¯t do it now. i hope you can do it and go further.¡±


    ¡°thus, i can be considered a stepping stone for your path to dao, and my death will have meaning.¡±


    with that, li mengtu opened his left hand and a jade carving of a fish appeared in his palm which he then placed in front of him.


    ¡°this is the secret key i obtained.¡±


    after doing this, li mengtu took a deep breath and looked at the blurry outline in the sky again.


    ¡°fellow daoist, i wish you success!¡±


    as he spoke, he raised his left hand, forming a claw, and suddenly pressed it against the petals on his forehead. his five fingers pierced through his skull, through his soul, and through his life, connecting with the half-bloomed inheritance flower that was intricately tied to himself¡­


    he plucked them off in one go!


    the moment he took the petals out, a hole appeared on his forehead and he was covered in blood, his life force rapidly withering.


    ¡°take it!¡±


    the half inheritance flower flew into the sky and floated in front of xu qing.


    as for li mengtu, he was currently sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed. he lowered his head and felt death drowning him.


    in the sky, xu qing looked at the half inheritance flower in front of him. after a moment of silence, he raised his right hand but didn¡¯t grab the flower. instead, it landed on his forehead.


    he gently tugged.


    immediately, the petals on his forehead were erased and appeared in his palm.


    with the support of the eighth extremity¡¯s space-time ordinance, the stripping of this inheritance flower wouldn¡¯t cause any waves for xu qing. with a wave of his hand, his half of the inheritance flower flew toward the flower li mengtu had given him.


    the moment they came into contact, they fused smoothly.


    the twelve petals were completed, forming a full and complete legacy.


    after that, he flicked it lightly.


    this inheritance flower transformed into a beam of light that headed straight for li mengtu¡¯s forehead and instantly fused into it.


    li mengtu¡¯s entire body trembled. his life force that had already dissipated instantly reversed and his aura rose. his eyes suddenly opened and he looked at xu qing in disbelief.


    ¡°you¡­¡±


    ¡°this dao is useless to me. it¡¯s also your karma. since you want to know the meaning of the ordinance, i¡¯ll give it to you.¡±


    ¡°as for the people you want to kill, kill them yourself.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke and turned to walk toward the sky.


    in the valley, li mengtu fell silent.


    looking in the direction xu qing had left in, he suddenly pressed his chest, extracting the extremely precious life source related to his life.


    he then sent it to the sky.


    ¡°xu qing, this is my life. you can use it anytime!¡±


    in the sky, the life source flew over. xu qing kept it and didn¡¯t stop walking. his back was facing li mengtu as he waved his hand.


    he walked further and further away.


    only li mengtu was left in the valley. he looked around and muttered as though a lifetime had passed.


    ¡°this is the grace of the great dao.¡±


    ¡­


    at the same time, in the dao immortal sect, the expression of poison lord, who was watching this scene, suddenly turned cold.


    as his aura spread out, the flowers and plants in the fertile field silently collapsed, turning into ashes and turning into a storm.


    it swept in all directions.


    in the storm, the poison lord closed his eyes.


    a long time later, the storm dissipated. poison lord, who was standing there, calmed down. he looked at the horizon and narrowed his eyes as he mumbled.


    ¡°not greedy or does not fancy it?¡­¡±


    ¡°using this method to break the situation, making me unable to claim the dao. on the contrary¡­ he used my arrangement and achieved his own dao!¡±


    ¡°interesting, interesting.¡±

 Chapter 1607 - Chapter 1607: Land of Immortal’s Fall

    chapter 1607: land of immortal¡¯s fall


    editor: atlas studios


    the moment he removed the mark of the inheritance flower on his forehead, a sense of relaxation from his consciousness transformed into invisible ripples that spread in xu qing¡¯s heart.


    the sensation enveloped his entire being, extending beneath his feet and dissipating into the void.


    dao was not distant, but within him, where all things are empty in form, yet not in nature.


    severing the karmic connection with the inheritance flower caused xu qing¡¯s dao to no longer diffuse outward.


    through his actions, he conveyed to the being who sought to borrow his dao¡­


    ¡®i refuse to lend it!¡¯


    afterward, he ascended into the sky, treading across the heavens. his long black hair billowed in the wind, and his blue robe fluttered. with every step, he moved farther and farther away.


    ¡°although the number of ordinances can affect one¡¯s combat strength, there must be a limit. otherwise, there wouldn¡¯t be such a thing as cutting off one¡¯s additional ordinance and giving it away as an inheritance.¡±


    ¡°those lower immortals who gave away the inheritance of the ordinance naturally know that what truly determines their realm is the completeness of the ordinance, not the number.¡±


    ¡°so, to me, i don¡¯t need those additional ordinances.¡±


    ¡°what i need¡­ is to walk further and make my space-time ordinance more complete!¡±


    xu qing looked into the distance where there were endless crimson auroras.


    ¡°the ordinance of space-time was founded upon the five elements, with time and space forming the platform. upon this foundation, it soared to new heights, a testament to its profound and solid base.¡±


    ¡°throughout history, it¡¯s impossible for me to be the only one to comprehend the space-time ordinance. in fact, the moment this ordinance was formed¡­ i had already gained clarity.¡±


    ¡°on the path ahead, there are others who pursue the same ordinance, but their numbers are extremely few, and¡­ none have reached the end.¡±


    ¡°some stopped, and some changed directions.¡±


    ¡°this path doesn¡¯t have a source yet.¡±


    xu qing pondered as he moved forward.


    he had a feeling that when he comprehended the space-time ordinance to a deeper level, whether he could form the ninth extremity or not, his cultivation would definitely make a breakthrough level under the influence of the ordinance.


    it would form the ninth world and he would advance to the ruler realm!


    ¡°then what¡¯s the deeper level¡­¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    he walked between heaven and earth, in space-time. sometimes, his soul would descend to search for clues, and sometimes, his soul would extend to the future to search for answers.


    seven days later, his footsteps stopped and space-time also transformed into waves.


    he raised his head and looked ahead.


    there was a mountain range ahead with seventeen mountains, and on each peak, a pool.


    the water in these pools was clear, round like a full moon, and beside each stood a stone platform with a pavilion.


    the pavilion had eight corners, and on the surface of the inner platform appeared carvings of geographic totems.


    this place was known as the seventeen pools of earth rule, where the rules of the earth resided.


    by the edges of the pools, many rare flowers and exotic plants grew, absorbing and exuding the energy of immortal energy. over the years, the spiritual aura had become dense and potent.


    occasionally, the spiritual energy would manifest into the forms of various beings, playing out the myriad phases of life.


    this created a strange and wondrous spectacle.


    for countless years, if any ordinary mortal accidentally wandered into this place, they would often experience it as a fleeting dream. upon waking, they would be left bewildered.


    however, this place held no malice toward anyone who entered.


    this was why it had survived until now and cultivators often came to search for the dao.


    as he stared at these, xu qing thought of the description of this geographical pool in the ancient scroll recorded by yunmen qianfan.


    other than those from before, there was also a legend about the stone platform¡¯s totems.


    legend had it that this place was left behind by a great cultivator from ancient times, who had traveled across the entirety of the fifth star ring. his path was one of measurement, and he had mapped out the geography of the entire fifth star ring.


    that was why this place was known as the earth rules.


    however, as time passed, people gradually couldn¡¯t see the totem clearly. they could only see blurry graffiti and it was difficult to see its true meaning.


    because its true intent was absorbed by the pool water all year round, it had already fused into the pool water.


    hence, every time the two aurora vortex suns alternated, if someone stared at the pool water, they would be able to reflect the desires and obsessions in their hearts, allowing them to see through their inner world.


    this was also one of the reasons why many cultivators cultivated here.


    it hoped to purify the mind and reach the sublimation of the mind.


    as his thoughts filled the air, xu qing strode forward.


    he walked up a peak and walked toward the prosperity of all living beings that had manifested beside the peak pool.


    that place was like the world. life, old age, illness, death, joy, separation, and reunion.


    the moment they got close, the living beings transformed from plants instantly stopped moving. after that, they lowered their heads in unison and knelt down in front of xu qing.


    ¡°the fruit is dense in spirituality.¡±


    xu qing nodded and walked to the stone platform, looking at the geographical totems on it.


    a long time later, he shook his head slightly.


    ¡°it¡¯s not my dao.¡±


    after that, he continued to look at the dao shadow in the water.


    at first glance, it was a blur.


    at the second glance, his body was reflected.


    it was incomparably clear.


    xu qing fell silent. after a long time¡­ he still shook his head and didn¡¯t look at it a third time.


    this place indeed contained the dao, but unfortunately¡­ it wasn¡¯t what he had found.


    hence, xu qing took a step and walked to the second peak. he looked at all the seventeen peaks along the way but to no avail. after that, he left and continued south.


    over a month later, they arrived at the cloud mud basin.


    this basin was located south of the geodesic pool and was surrounded by mountains.


    there were many clouds and mist inside, like smoke.


    the medium-sized soil was as fine as fat and was suitable for planting.


    moreover, it grew a strange flower called the cloud soil lotus.


    the flower petals were like clouds and emitted an endless fragrance.


    in yunmen qianfan¡¯s records, it was said that this lotus flower could purify one¡¯s soul, causing one¡¯s mind to be pure and understand the dao of heaven and earth.


    hence, there were red-crowned cranes guarding this place. they would occasionally dance, attracting the attention of hundreds of birds.


    it was a scene of the immortal land.


    xu qing arrived and walked into the cloud mud. he gently stroked the immortal crane and plucked the petals of a cloud mud lotus amidst the surrounding birds.


    when it landed in his hand, this petal was illusory and ethereal, like a cloud.


    it indeed possessed some power to purify one¡¯s mind. however, to xu qing, his heart was firm and didn¡¯t need to be purified.


    even if there was an obsession, it couldn¡¯t be melted by this flower.


    hence, he only stayed for three days before walking into the sky.


    further south, mortals wouldn¡¯t be able to reach it even in a hundred lifetimes. it would also take the sovereign more than a month.


    the plains of the fallen immortals.


    the plains were vast and covered in green grass.


    there was a rainbow crossing the sky. the colorful clouds were ethereal, like a dream.


    it attracted xu qing¡¯s attention.


    this scene was almost impossible to see in other places in the fifth star ring. the auroras were all red.


    only this place was surrounded by seven colors.


    hence, in yunmen qianfan¡¯s records, there was a legend about the aurora.


    legend had it that this place was the source of the aurora.


    xu qing fell into deep thought as he stared at the plains and the rainbows.


    he thought of the aurora immortal lord that li mengtu had mentioned.


    this immortal lord was once the leader of the immortal lords. because he rebelled, he was killed by the venerable immortal. he took his ordinance and transformed it into an aurora, landing his spirit here.


    hence, the plains were known as the immortal fall.


    on the plains, there were not only plants but also countless meteors.


    the large ones were like mountains, while the small ones were like beans. all of them shone brightly and there were thousands of auspicious auras.


    its aura was ancient.


    they didn¡¯t come from outer space and contained legends.


    legend had it that these meteors were leftovers from when he filled up the fifth star ring¡¯s starry sky.


    it contained a mysterious power.


    looking at these, a dark glint slowly appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    his body didn¡¯t sense much about this place but as his thoughts spread, he sensed something different.


    ¡°there are resentments here¡­¡±


    ¡°this thought waves the spirit qi and transforms it into an invisible sea.¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    he continued forward and walked on the plains beside the meteors.


    he had also raised his hand to touch it, covered it with his divine sense, and looked at it in spacetime.


    however, what he touched was empty air!


    his thoughts were empty!


    even if one looked at spacetime, it was empty!


    this scene caused xu qing to suddenly stop in his tracks.


    ¡°as expected, it¡¯s the place where the immortal master died¡­¡±


    ¡°there might be a dao i need here.¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and continued forward.


    he sensed his surroundings and sensed the wind blowing past, sensing the peace here.


    his heart was also immersed and became ethereal.


    after a long time, when he was about to reach the center of the immortal meteor plains, a resistance suddenly arrived. it landed on xu qing¡¯s body and became an obstruction, preventing him from moving forward.


    when it landed in his soul, it became a rumbling bell that echoed through space and time.


    it caused its ethereality to shatter and its thoughts to awaken.


    he lifted his head and saw a huge stone tablet in the distance.


    it was engraved with ancient runes.


    he didn¡¯t know its origin.


    however, one could sense how vast it was.


    after a long time, xu qing retracted his gaze.


    ¡°this place isn¡¯t in spacetime.¡±


    xu qing sat cross-legged and closed his eyes outside the barrier.


    he tried to explore.


    just like that, the wind blew and the aurora flowed.


    a few months later, some people arrived on the immortal meteor plains.


    they arrived from different directions and their destination was the stone tablet in the center of the plains.


    moreover, unlike xu qing, the obstacles they encountered were brought forward.


    hence, they surrounded the stone tablet and sat cross-legged at different distances.


    during this time, he also noticed xu qing.


    at a glance, their expressions changed and their hearts palpitated intensely.


    on one hand, he saw xu qing¡¯s location. on the other hand, he had a faint feeling.


    among these people, one of them felt his heart churning even more intensely. in fact, his face even turned pale and he wanted to choose to retreat¡­


    however, before his figure could express his thoughts through his actions, xu qing opened his eyes and calmly looked over.


    ¡°come.¡±


    this glance caused that person¡¯s mind to rumble and his breathing to become hurried, as though the sky was collapsing.


    at the same time, it also formed a path that cut through the obstacles between xu qing and the person he was looking at.


    hence, a word came out of his mouth and it became heaven¡¯s will, a command.


    this caused that person to not dare to retreat.


    he could only walk toward xu qing with difficulty step by step. he barely got close and bowed respectfully.


    ¡°long time no see, earth spirit ancestor.¡±


    xu qing slowly spoke.


    the person who walked over was none other than the ancestor of the earth spirit lineage who had appeared in the time desert and agreed to share the key when xu qing was sending yunmen qianfan off earlier.


    the earth spirit ancestor smiled bitterly.


    it had indeed been a long time since they last met, but no matter what, he never expected that when they met again, the other party already had an ordinance.


    that glance made him feel as though he was walking on thin ice. his life and death were uncontrollable.


    at that moment, when he recalled seeing the other party in the time desert back then, he seemed to have some signs.


    those who could control the time storm weren¡¯t ordinary people.


    the statue formed by the heaven¡¯s chosen in his family was still standing outside the desert.


    it wasn¡¯t injustice.


    ¡°if fellow daoist doesn¡¯t like it, i can give up on the key.¡±


    the earth spirit took a deep breath and calmly spoke. after saying that, he lifted his hand and took out a jade bottle.


    it contained a drop of blood.


    that was the blood of the cloud sect¡¯s ancestor, containing the key.


    after placing this jade bottle in front of xu qing, the earth spirit lowered its head and waited for an answer.


    a long time later, xu qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°what¡¯s the origin of that stone tablet?¡±


    when the earth spirit heard this, it lifted its head and glanced at the vast stone tablet in the distance. it didn¡¯t dare to hide it from xu qing and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°this is the place where the aurora immortal master¡¯s spirit fell and also the place where his immortal palace collapsed back then.¡±


    ¡°that stone tablet¡­ is the gate-guarding stone of the aurora immortal palace!¡±

 Chapter 1608 - Chapter 1608: Enemies Meet

    chapter 1608: enemies meet


    editor: atlas studios


    the spiritual energy on the immortal¡¯s fall plains gradually thickened.


    as it rose into the sky, it rippled across the skies, causing the crimson aurora flowing over the plains to merge with the spiritual energy.


    this fusion produced other colors.


    they blended together into a radiant spectrum.


    the unique nature of the spiritual energy made this blend distinct, thus giving rise to the seven-colored aurora that illuminated the skies above the immortal¡¯s fall plains.


    this light was gorgeous and resplendent, constantly changing.


    vaguely, it was as though some vast consciousness was awakening.


    this recovery process affected the stone tablet in the center of the plain that xu qing was staring at, causing it to slowly shine.


    the runes on it also turned into flowing water that flowed on the stone tablet.


    ¡°gate guarding stone¡­¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    the reason for the formation of the seven-colored aurora and the faint recovery of consciousness was noticed by xu qing using his ordinance during this time.


    although the earth spirit ancestor only said a few sentences, combined with xu qing¡¯s current understanding, there was a lot of information inside.


    at the start, xu qing only knew that this was the place where the aurora immortal lord, who had been killed by the venerable immortal, had fallen. however, now, he knew that this place was also the place where his immortal palace had collapsed.


    ¡°in that case, that immortal lord¡­ isn¡¯t completely dead?¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes.


    he recalled that back in the wanggu continent, jade flowing dust had said that a true god couldn¡¯t be completely destroyed, and they could return as long as their true name existed.=


    however, the person who returned might not be the same as before.


    however, no matter what, the source was the same.


    ¡°since a true god can do it, an immortal lord who is comparable to a lord god should naturally be able to do it.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    the voice of the earth spirit ancestor continued.


    ¡°therefore, every time the immortal¡¯s fall opens, opportunities can be divided into two categories.¡±


    ¡°the first type is the spiritual essence of the aurora immortal lord, containing his dao and insights. as the number one immortal lord back then, his understanding holds immense significance to cultivators like us.¡±


    ¡°someone awakened an ordinance here, while others have deepened their understanding of ordinances.¡±


    ¡°this kind of opportunity is even attractive to the summer immortals. however, due to some reasons, summer immortals can¡¯t enter.¡±


    ¡°however, it¡¯s said that every time it opens, quasi immortals will enter and search for an opportunity to advance to the immortal realm.¡±


    ¡°as for the second category, it is the treasures left behind in the immortal palace.¡±


    ¡°though this place has opened many times, the immortal palace is vast, nearly boundless, and each time it opens, a different region appears.


    ¡°within the palace, if one has fortune, they might obtain a supreme treasure. there are even accounts of individuals acquiring treasures imbued with ordinance.¡±


    ¡°therefore, every time the immortal¡¯s fall plain opens, cultivators flock here without distinction¡ªwhether or not they possess an immortal capital token, regardless of region or age.¡±


    ¡°the only thing they need is the key!¡±


    ¡°49 keys and 98 spots.¡±


    at this point, the earth spirit ancestor paused and carefully looked at xu qing.


    xu qing nodded. with a wave of his hand, he sent the jade bottle that contained the key back.


    after holding the jade bottle, the earth spirit ancestor heaved a sigh of relief. he knew that this person didn¡¯t mind sharing the slot with him.


    hence, after some thought, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°fellow daoist, there¡¯s another important piece of information about this immortal¡¯s fall land.¡±


    ¡°after the immortal¡¯s fall land is opened, the world inside is said to be divided into eight layers.¡±


    ¡°the flow of time at each layer is different.¡±


    the expression of the earth spirit ancestor was solemn.


    ¡°this information is useless to me because the first and second layers are merely legendary. few who enter ever return, especially from the first layer, where death is almost certain.¡±


    ¡°thus, nearly all the cultivators who come here choose to start from the third layer, and most¡­ are limited to, and ultimately halted at, the third layer.¡±


    ¡°only those with ordinances can enter the fourth layer.¡±


    at this point, earth spirit whispered.


    ¡°to me, this information isn¡¯t important but for you, fellow daoist¡­ it might be useful.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he knew that the earth spirit ancestor was expressing goodwill. hence, he nodded and gestured for the other party to continue.


    noticing xu qing¡¯s nod, the earth spirit ancestor understood that the other party had seen his goodwill. his heart relaxed. this was his goal.


    hence, he immediately spoke.


    ¡°the first two layers remain unclear, but in the third layer, for each day in the outside world, fifty days pass within.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s said that in the fourth layer, one day outside equals two hundred and fifty days in there.¡±


    ¡°as for the fifth layer and up to the final eighth layer, only quasi immortals may enter; thus, i do not know the flow of time, but based on the pattern from the third and fourth layers¡­¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s highly likely that for the fifth layer, one day outside equates to one thousand two hundred and fifty days, for the sixth, over six thousand days, the seventh over thirty thousand, and the eighth¡­ one hundred sixty thousand days.¡±


    ¡°if that¡¯s true, then tracing backward, the second layer¡ªwhere few have ventured and survived¡ªlikely has a time ratio of ten days for each day outside, and for the first layer, where no one has ever returned, it¡¯s two days.¡±


    a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    with the flow of time and the fact that the influence was divided into so many levels, he made even more judgments.


    ¡°this aurora immortal lord possessed the power of time when he was alive? in that case, why is his ordinance light¡­¡±


    xu qing fell silent. he felt even more curious about the place where aurora immortal lord¡¯s spirit had landed.


    the earth spirit ancestor, who was at the side, noticed xu qing¡¯s contemplative expression and didn¡¯t speak anymore. at that moment, there were also waves in the sky and more cultivators had arrived.


    almost everyone who could obtain a key was extraordinary. hence, those who came here¡­ were naturally experts.


    they were at least at ruler realm.


    moreover, it wasn¡¯t limited to the west.


    there were people from the east, south, and north.


    their arrival caused the world to rumble and the aurora became increasingly resplendent.


    among them, a few became the center of attention the instant they appeared.


    on one hand, they stood out due to the resonance of their immortal capital tokens, but on the other, it was their aura¡ªan overwhelming presence that seemed to dominate all directions with a sharp, oppressive energy.


    what truly set them apart, though, was an inexplicable sense of fear that hovered around them, a fear that could not be understood or grasped.


    even for xu qing, who had been deep in thought, their presence stirred a response. he lifted his head, his gaze drawn toward them.


    the first person he saw was a youth in a white daoist robe from the south.


    this youth had a handsome appearance and his eyes were like the stars. however, the most obvious characteristic was that his ears were very large.


    ¡°he¡¯s jiang fan. i heard that during the inheritance segment of immortal capital¡¯s trial some time ago, he obtained the inheritance and an ordinance¡­¡±


    the earth spirit ancestor spoke in a low voice.


    xu qing nodded slightly. he had never seen this person with his own eyes before but he had seen a portrait of him in the information on the map.


    jiang fan¡¯s master was quasi-immortal lan yun of the southern starfield¡¯s great immortal mountain.


    he had cultivated for less than five hundred years and grasped seven authorities in his early-stage sovereign realm.


    at the price of serious injuries, he had once killed a peak ruler.


    this established him as the number one heaven¡¯s chosen in this generation of the southern starfield.


    at the moment when xu qing looked over, jiang fan, who had appeared from the horizon, was walking and chatting with a woman beside him, laughing as they strolled. in the next instant, as if sensing something, he turned his head, and his gaze fell directly on xu qing.


    the moment his gaze met xu qing¡¯s, jiang fan¡¯s eyes instantly narrowed. after that, a smile appeared on his face and he nodded slightly.


    at the same time, the woman beside him also sensed it and looked at xu qing.


    the woman was dressed in a blue robe, with delicate features, but when she looked over, mountains seemed to rise within her eyes, giving her gaze an immense and terrifying weight.


    that was a manifestation of an ordinance.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was calm. he didn¡¯t need the earth spirit ancestor to introduce her. he already had an answer to this person¡¯s identity.


    yuanshan su. because she liked to wear blue clothes, she was known as fairy qingsu.


    she was another member of the eight great stars from the southern starfield. her cultivation was slightly higher than jiang fan¡¯s, having reached the mid-stage ruler realm.


    however, according to the information on the map, she only had four authorities.


    after this information appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind, he retracted his gaze and looked to the north.


    on the northern horizon, two young cultivators whose appearances were almost indistinguishable from one another walked over.


    their auras fused together and as they walked, they emitted a chill that caused everyone¡¯s hearts to tremble, sweeping through the world.


    wherever it spread, it created a suffocative feeling.


    ¡°qianjun¡­ biyi¡­¡±


    the earth spirit ancestor spoke in a low voice.


    these two were none other than stars of the northern star field and were from the sword immortal sect.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. the description of them on the map appeared in his mind. it was said that their birth was accompanied by heavenly phenomena related to sword,and they possess an innate sword body. they were personally taken as disciples by the current sword immortal sect¡¯s sky patroller!


    ever since they started cultivating, they had suppressed their peers in the north and were prominent.


    clearly, after experiencing the inheritance segment, they were stronger than before!


    at that moment, as they walked over, the coldness that emitted could intimidate the mind, but couldn¡¯t be seen by outsiders. however, with xu qing¡¯s mind in the space-time state, he could naturally ¡®see¡¯ it clearly.


    behind these two, an ancient large sword was floating floating.


    this sword was dignified, like the leader of ten thousand swords. it was high and mighty and followed the two of them in a way that ordinary cultivators wouldn¡¯t sense.


    that was formed from an ordinance!


    the instant he saw it, xu qing heard the sword hum of the emperor sword in his body.


    it seemed unconvinced.


    xu qing comforted. at the side, the earth spirit ancestor spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°there are already four out of the eight stars here. there are also three from the east who will descend soon. the last one is li mengtu from my western starfield¡­¡±


    the earth spirit ancestor took a deep breath. he was in awe of these eight stars. almost as soon as he finished speaking, another person appeared on the horizon.


    he wore a black robe, had long black hair, a cold expression, and the twelve petals on his forehead.


    it was li mengtu.


    the moment he appeared, this place seemed to have fallen into pitch-black darkness for an instant.


    that was his ordinance power!


    his appearance immediately attracted the attention of jiang fan and the others.


    ¡°my western star, li mengtu!¡±


    born in the west, the earth spirit ancestor naturally had a sense of fellowship with the star of the west, so his tone was different from before.


    however, almost as soon as he finished speaking, his heart suddenly trembled. this was because he saw¡­ li mengtu looking at him from the air.


    after that¡­ he actually walked over.


    finally, amidst the waves in the earth spirit ancestor¡¯s heart, li mengtu walked to xu qing¡¯s side. he first bowed before sitting down.


    ¡°i guessed you were here.¡±


    li mengtu looked at xu qing.


    xu qing nodded and was about to speak. however, at the next instant, a cold glint flashed in his eyes as he looked at the horizon.


    fire clouds moved over from the horizon. the moment they got close, they transformed into a red-haired youth.


    it was the person who had forced xu qing to flee all the way in the southern starfield back then. in the end, he relied on the ferryman to enter the west and dodged the life-and-death tribulation!


    as the red-haired youth walked toward jiang fan, his gaze swept across everyone.


    however, his gaze suddenly stopped on xu qing. his footsteps also paused for a moment!

 Chapter 1609 - Chapter 1609: Opening of the Immortal Palace

    chapter 1609: opening of the immortal palace


    editor: atlas studios


    in that moment, as his gaze swept across, this figure¡ªsecond only to the eight great stars¡ªimmediately recognized xu qing!


    scenes from the past, when he had once hunted him down and xu qing escaped into the ferry boat, quickly resurfaced in his mind.


    however, what followed next was disbelief and extreme shock.


    he naturally¡­ sensed that xu qing was different!


    he couldn¡¯t sense the ordinance and couldn¡¯t understand it. however, with the spiritual perception formed by his cultivation, he felt an indescribably intense life-and-death crisis the moment he looked over.


    this sense of danger was so intense that describing it as a needle pricking his back would be insufficient. as a result, it wasn¡¯t just his footsteps that came to a halt.


    there was also his heartbeat, his sea of consciousness, and his thoughts.


    at this moment, it was as though they were facing their natural enemy!


    his expression changed drastically.


    xu qing was calm. only the coldness in his eyes affected space, fluctuating time and sealing space-time.


    the conflict with li mengtu was a battle of the dao. his opponent was upright, and killing him would result in his own path being borrowed. moreover, his own space-time ordinance was entangled in the karma of li mengtu¡¯s ancestor.


    considering this, along with li mengtu¡¯s background, xu qing ultimately chose to give up.


    however, this red-haired youth was different!


    hence, killing intent rose and spacetime opened!


    the world turned blurry and everything distorted. under the spread of xu qing¡¯s thoughts in the spacetime state, he was clearly still sitting cross-legged but a shadow descended in this spacetime.


    the red-haired youth¡¯s pause seemed to have become eternal. everything was incomparably clear in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    it was like a painting.


    regardless of the past or the future, everything¡­ was ¡®seen¡¯ clearly.


    after that, xu qing lifted his hand and poked gently.


    it was as though the person outside the painting had reached out and poked a hole in the canvas, shattering the person in the painting and the surroundings.


    in reality, the space around the red-haired youth instantly collapsed and time became chaotic.


    at this instant, his body was directly suppressed by an indescribable vast force that exceeded his endurance.


    his soul couldn¡¯t escape either and let out a mournful wail.


    no matter how hard he tried, no matter how he struggled, no matter how he erupted¡­ he couldn¡¯t dodge or resist!


    his body and soul were about to be destroyed.


    at this moment, jiang fan, who was also from the southern starfield, coughed lightly.


    ¡°fellow daoist, why are you so angry?¡±


    ¡°if there¡¯s something to discuss, feel free to speak. there¡¯s no need to harm others with ordinance.¡±


    as his voice rang out, fog appeared out of thin air around the red-haired youth, enveloping his entire body and concealing everything.


    it was as though he had painted the canvas black.


    those who didn¡¯t have an ordinance wouldn¡¯t be able to see this scene.


    only those possessing the power of ordinance could perceive the true essence, able to see the fog that obscured the red-haired youth.


    this fog was extraordinary and possessed ordinance power.


    this caused xu qing to ¡®not see.¡¯


    it was the rise of earth¡¯s energy, unacknowledged by the heavens, called ¡®fog¡¯¡ªand fog was known as obscuration.


    jiang fan¡¯s ordinance was obscuration, manifesting as fog.


    under the cover of this fog, it was as if the red-haired youth ceased to exist, as though he had been plucked from xu qing¡¯s space-time ordinance.


    only ordinance could resist ordinance!


    this was also the first time xu qing personally experienced the confrontation between ordinances.


    the fog surged with hidden depths, concealing murderous intent and harboring death, displaying a terror that would cause outsiders to feel dread. yet, in xu qing¡¯s mind¡­


    although the ordinance of obscuration was extraordinary and bizarre, it felt somewhat thin.


    hence, xu qing sat cross-legged and spoke calmly.


    ¡°this time is my space, and this space is my time¡ªdisperse!¡±


    as the words left his mouth, xu qing raised his hand, unconcerned by the spreading fog, and reached out to grab it.


    the moment he did, the space-time in that area began to tremble violently.


    this disturbance came from the past, causing the past to collapse, the future to turn into foam, and the present to dissolve into dust.


    time and space were affected, with waves rippling from different points in time.


    these waves converged, ultimately forming a¡­ space-time storm.


    in the storm, jiang fan¡¯s obscuring fog lasted for a few breaths before it couldn¡¯t continue and dissipated.


    the energy of the earth, unacknowledged by the heavens, formed fog.


    but if the heavens responded, this fog couldn¡¯t exist!


    hence, the hidden red-haired youth was revealed again.


    he was still in xu qing¡¯s spacetime, not changing at all.


    moreover, as the fog dissipated, xu qing¡¯s raised hand no longer had any obstructions and landed.


    it grabbed hold of the red-haired youth¡¯s past, future, and present!


    he ruthlessly squeezed!


    a cracking sound echoed in the ears of all living beings.


    the red-haired youth trembled violently, his unwilling thoughts becoming eternal, while his despairing emotions faded into nothingness.


    his past¡ªeverything that had once existed¡ªcompletely collapsed in this moment, shattered into fragments.


    his future¡ªeverything yet to come¡ªinstantly burst like bubbles, utterly annihilated.


    what remained was his present self, existing alone in this isolated fragment of space-time.


    however, without the support of the past and the guidance of the future, now¡­ it had become a rootless tree.


    it couldn¡¯t exist.


    hence, in everyone¡¯s eyes, the red-haired youth¡¯s body and even his soul silently dissipated into pieces. when they scattered down, they turned into dust.


    when the wind blew, it dissipated into the world.


    the surroundings were completely silent.


    everyone present, especially those cultivators who lacked the power of ordinance, felt their hearts tremble. this was a slaughter beyond their comprehension, something they could neither understand nor grasp.


    however, it made them understand once again¡­ how terrifying the ordinance was.


    fortunately, there were extremely few ruler realm cultivators with ordinance in the entire fifth star ring.


    amid everyone¡¯s silence, jiang fan narrowed his eyes and stared at xu qing.


    his earlier intervention wasn¡¯t due to any deep bond with the red-haired youth. in reality, the two were merely acquaintances, with no strong connection between them.


    the reason why he intervened was mainly because they were both from the south.


    if he hadn¡¯t witnessed it, it might have been different. but seeing a fellow southern starfield cultivator being slaughtered right in front of him would stir displeasure deep within his heart.


    however, xu qing¡¯s ordinance¡­ caused fear to rise in his heart. he had never heard of such a person appearing in the west.


    moreover, he had seen li mengtu bowing to xu qing previously.


    he fell into deep thought.


    yuanshan su, who was beside him, also had a strange glint in her eyes as she looked at xu qing.


    her ordinance was mountains, and it also embodied weight.


    facing their gazes, xu qing¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change at all. he calmly meditated.


    however, li mengtu, who was beside him, coldly looked at jiang fan and yuanshan su. his gaze already expressed his standpoint.


    jiang fan, who was already afraid, slowly smiled. his expression was gentle, as though he hadn¡¯t interfered previously.


    ¡°fellow daoist¡¯s ordinance is quite extraordinary.¡±


    with that, he closed his eyes.


    yuanshan su smiled. other than the weight, there was also a hint of interest in her gaze when she looked at xu qing.


    xu qing ignored this.


    the others were in awe of this scene. earth spirit ancestor was even more excited.


    compared to the eight great stars, the earth spirit ancestor knew that regardless of status or identity, he was far inferior. as for the battle between the ordinances, even though he couldn¡¯t see it, his location allowed him to see it more directly than others.


    at this moment, he felt a sense of relief.


    he was glad that he hadn¡¯t fought with xu qing in the time desert back then.


    otherwise¡­


    the earth spirit ancestor took a deep breath and his mind suddenly stirred. he felt that this might be an opportunity for him.


    an opportunity that others could only dream of.


    hence, the earth spirit ancestor lowered his voice and spoke respectfully.


    ¡°lord, i just remembered that there¡¯s another important piece of information about this aurora immortal palace¡­¡±


    the way he addressed xu qing also changed unknowingly.


    when xu qing heard this, he looked at the earth spirit ancestor and waited for him to speak.


    ¡°lord, i said before that there are layers of world in this aurora immortal palace.¡±


    ¡°the reason i could determine the number of levels is that each level has a boundary stone that marks the layer¡¯s number.¡±


    ¡°generally speaking, rulers enter the third layer of the world and can only access the third layer. only those with ordinance or quasi immortal cultivation can enter the fourth layer and above.¡±


    ¡°in doing so, they seek to obtain more opportunities and fortunes. it is said that if one can reach the eighth layer, they may gain the chance to become a summer immortal.¡±


    ¡°this is precisely what draws quasi immortals to this place!¡±


    ¡°when the immortal¡¯s fall land opens, everyone will be in the same area. that¡¯s the reception square of the immortal palace.¡±


    ¡°everyone has to choose the path they want to take here, and there are three paths.¡±


    ¡°the first path is ahead. it¡¯s said that there¡¯s a bridge there.¡±


    ¡°the second path is on the left. that¡¯s a quiet path.¡±


    ¡°as for the right, there¡¯s a black river with no end in sight. that¡¯s the third path.¡±


    ¡°since ancient times, there have only been these three paths to enter the aurora immortal palace.¡±


    ¡°lord, remember not to step on the bridge. according to the records, 50% of those who step on it will die.¡±


    ¡°although the path on the left is also dangerous, there¡¯s an 80% chance of survival. it¡¯s the best choice.¡±


    the earth spirit ancestor didn¡¯t hide anything and told him the truth.


    ¡°what about the right?¡±


    xu qing asked.


    the person who replied wasn¡¯t the earth spirit ancestor but li mengtu.


    ¡°there¡¯s no chance of survival.¡±


    with that, li mengtu looked at xu qing.


    ¡°what this person said is indeed true. there are three paths, and only the left one is the safest, but the differences are significant.¡±


    ¡°taking the left path leads directly to the third-layer, with no possibility of entering the first or second layers.¡±


    ¡°walking the bridge takes you to the second-layer. though dangerous, it offers more opportunities and fortunes. however, by choosing this path, you can¡¯t access the first layer.¡±


    ¡°as for the right path, it¡¯s the most complete, leading to the first-layer, but so far, no one has been known to survive after taking that route.¡±


    xu qing nodded. just as he was about to speak, his mind suddenly stirred and he looked at the core of the plain where the stone tablet was located.


    spiritual energy gushed out, echoing with a deafening sound. amidst the rumbling, the spiritual energy surged like a tide, causing that place to be like an eye of the sea.


    a strong wind blew.


    the spiritual tide appeared.


    it instantly swept in all directions, covering the entire plain.


    from afar, the spiritual energy was like a rising tide, spreading past everyone¡¯s bodies. it was as though they were in the sea.


    at the same time, a vast and majestic immortal palace slowly appeared on the spirit sea.


    in an instant, multicolored and gorgeous light spread out.


    everyone looked insignificant compared to it, as though they had entered a kingdom of giants.


    more figures rushed over from afar.

 Chapter 1610 - Chapter 1610: Come In!

    chapter 1610: come in!


    editor: atlas studios


    this immortal palace contained multiple realms within it.


    every realm was independent.


    they existed there, and how far one could travel or how many realms one could enter depended on their cultivation, fortune, and destiny.


    from outside the immortal palace, looking down at the area, two realms seemed to be hidden beneath the spiritual tide. they appeared as faint ripples, unclear, with only black and white colors faintly visible beneath the water, blurred and indistinct.


    the clearest sight to those observing was the third realm of the immortal palace, floating above the spiritual tide.


    vast and seemingly boundless, it gave off an overwhelming sense of grandeur, filled with countless structures and buildings.


    surrounding it were radiant clouds of light, with thousands of auspicious beams stretching across the sky.


    one could also see numerous spirit crystals made from immortal jade, glittering under the multicolored light of the heavens.


    it was as if countless earthly gemstones were embedded within the scene, shimmering magnificently.


    in the third realm of the immortal palace, celestial cranes circled gracefully. though their presence seemed ethereal, they let out clear, melodious calls.


    these sounds blended with the roaring surges of the spiritual tide, together creating a symphony as if nature itself was performing divine music.


    strange and exotic flowers bloomed everywhere, competing in beauty and brilliance. occasionally, faint images of immortals appeared, reflected as if from the ripples of time itself, catching the eyes of those observing the realm.


    although their forms were hazy, the spiritual energy swirling around them as they moved was extraordinary.


    further in the distance, a colossal figure sat cross-legged, its immense presence seeming to support the grandeur of the entire third realm of the immortal palace.


    its gaze was like a blazing torch, as though it could see through all the disturbances of the world.


    in front of this figure, many cultivators could be seen, each with a posture of reverence, as if learning immortal arts and dao principles.


    the entire third realm of the immortal palace was filled with the harmonious sounds of zithers and the clear recitations of books, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.


    there was a mountain range to the rear.


    it was also a part of the third realm of the immortal palace.


    shrouded in mist, one could faintly see pavilions and towers hidden within.


    it was as if some reclusive masters resided there, deep in meditation, striving for higher realms of cultivation.


    time flowed gently in this place, and soon the multicolored light faded as the night descended, stars twinkling in the sky.


    the brilliance of the immortal palace intertwined with the glow of the stars, creating a breathtaking scene.


    it was like a paradise on earth.


    ¡­


    as they stared at everything in front of them, shock surged to varying degrees in the hearts of everyone outside the immortal palace.


    this was the first time in their lives¡­ they had seen such an immortal palace.


    xu qing was the same.


    as the spiritual tide surged and the immortal palace manifested, starlight similar to that of the palace began to rise from the bodies of many present.


    this light came from the secret keys on them!


    xu qing¡¯s key was a bamboo slip gifted by yunmen qianfan, and at this moment, it shimmered with brilliance.


    however, his gaze didn¡¯t stay on the immortal palace for too long. instead, he looked at the distant sky.


    the moment the immortal palace opened, a large number of figures rushed over.


    many of them didn¡¯t have a qualifying token. after all, the condition to enter the aurora immortal palace was only secret keys. it didn¡¯t require one to have the immortal capital¡¯s token.


    hence, many ruler cultivators who hadn¡¯t participated in previous hunts had also arrived here.


    there was no lack of famous people among them.


    however, their former glory paled in comparison to the brilliance of the current generation¡¯s stars.


    particularly those from the eastern starfield!


    the eastern starfield ranked first among the four starfields of the fifth star ring.


    it wasn¡¯t just because three of the eight great stars were in the east but also because the number of heaven¡¯s chosens in the east far surpassed the other three starfields.


    these three stars had also arrived. the way they descended also stirred everyone¡¯s hearts.


    first, an overwhelming killing intent arose within every cultivator who lacked the power of ordinance.


    within moments, it became so intense that it affected both mind and body, spreading outward and filling the surroundings with a dense murderous aura. this aura was drawn by a tremendous force, forming into an ancient black wooden door.


    as the door slowly opened, a young man dressed in black stepped out.


    the moment he appeared, the minds of everyone present roared with shock. the killing intent was under his control, constantly churning, as though the person who had appeared had become its master.


    he stood there, gazing at the immortal palace. though he uttered not a word, his presence, under the gathering of killing intent, transformed him into a sharp blade.


    he was capable of battling even those who wielded the power of ordinance!


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    such characteristics combined with the details in the map allowed xu qing to immediately recognize the other party¡¯s identity without needing others to tell him.


    this person was xie lingzi from the eastern starfield.


    according to the description in the map, this person was a rogue cultivator who rose to prominence through life-and-death battles. using a devouring technique, he slaughtered countless beings and practiced the demonic dao.


    when he was still a young cultivator, he joined a sect but later betrayed it. for over sixty years, he was relentlessly hunted but vanished without a trace.


    several years later, he reappeared, joined another sect, and once again betrayed it, leading to another pursuit with the same outcome: failure to capture him.


    in the following years, similar things happened a total of seven times.


    he had become a disciple seven times and betrayed his sects seven times, and eventually, under endless pursuits, he rose against the odds. at the moment he achieved the rank of a ruler, he slaughtered everyone in the sects he had once joined.


    he had accomplished his dao of slaughter amidst mountains of corpses and seas of blood.


    after that, he fought against another star in the east and was evenly matched.


    hence, he was listed among the stars.


    ¡°his ordinance didn¡¯t come from cultivation but from an ordinance treasure!¡±


    xu qing gazed at xie lingzi, and faintly within him, he could see a broken blade.


    ¡°yuanshan su¡¯s ordinance comes from her clan¡¯s ancestor. her family, being the foremost clan in the south, has profound foundations. although her ancestor isn¡¯t a summer immortal, they are at the peak of the quasi immortal level and possess their own ordinance.¡±


    ¡°as for jiang fan, like me, he inherited it from his master.¡±


    li mengtu spoke in a deep voice at this moment.


    ¡°and this one, i¡¯ve heard of him before. his cultivation in the demonic path required betraying his sect to activate a supreme treasure imbued with an ordinance. this act was tacitly permitted by the eastern sky patroller.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he nodded slightly. after that, his gaze landed on the sky.


    the sky rippled and the light spread. amidst the light, a person walked over.


    this person had a kind and gentle appearance, exuding an air of refinement. as he approached, a warm and soothing presence emanated from him, enveloping the area. the cultivators who had been affected by the overwhelming killing intent immediately regained their composure, as if waking from a dream.


    it was zhou zhengli, one of the three stars in the east.


    he came from the zhou clan in the east and his reputation matched his name; he was chivalrous and benevolent, respected by countless cultivators in the east.


    at this moment, when he walked over, the first thing he saw was xie lingzi.


    his dao was the opposite of xie lingzi¡¯s, so they both wanted to kill the other party.


    xie lingzi let out a cold snort and ignored him. at that moment, he took a step forward and directly stepped into the immortal palace, his figure instantly disappearing.


    zhou zhengli calmly retracted his gaze and cupped his fists slightly at everyone. he smiled at jiang fan and the others and nodded at li mengtu. he also noticed xu qing.


    after nodding slightly, he also walked toward the immortal palace.


    however, just as he was about to step forward, zhou zhengli suddenly stopped and bowed to the sky.


    at the same time, xu qing and the other stars also sensed something and looked at the sky.


    in the pitch-black night sky, where there had already been stars, nine new ones had appeared.


    these nine stars circled one another, forming a star ring.


    as they shimmered, starlight descended, gradually shaping a figure from nothing into existence.


    this figure wore a ceremonial garb, his attire plain, with long hair cascading down his shoulders. his appearance was handsome, yet his expression was cold, as though there was little to no emotion flowing through him.


    as he appeared, he stepped into the air and walked toward the immortal palace.


    he walked to zhou zhengli¡¯s side.


    zhou zhengli lowered his head.


    star ring walked past him.


    only then did zhou zhengli step in.


    the solemnity caused by the appearance of star ring exceeded everything. jiang fan, yuanshan su, qianjun, and piyi all had solemn expressions.


    they also stood up and walked toward the immortal palace.


    the other qualified people had determined expressions as they stepped in one after another.


    not far away, li mengtu also took a deep breath. his expression was unprecedentedly solemn.


    ¡°star ring!¡±


    ¡°he is the first of the eight stars and is publicly acknowledged as¡­ the strongest ruler of the fifth star ring!¡±


    ¡°he comes from the east¡¯s star ring tower and was given the title of star ring. he is the star ring son of this generation. his cultivation has reached the late-stage ruler realm and he possesses nine great authorities. his strength is unfathomable, and he rarely made a move.


    there was only one public battle where he challenged a quasi immortal great emperor.


    he won the battle and his name spread throughout the world.¡±


    ¡°this is his battle record before the inheritance segment. xu qing¡­ you should be able to see something, right?¡±


    li mengtu¡¯s voice was low.


    ¡°he already comprehended his ordinance before the inheritance segment.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    li mengtu nodded with a fluctuating expression.


    ¡°he¡¯s the first person i¡¯ve seen among my peers who didn¡¯t rely on inheritance to comprehend the ordinance. brother xu, you¡¯re the second.¡±


    ¡°moreover, i heard that he rejected the inheritance given by his master in the inheritance segment. he said that he doesn¡¯t like things that have been used by others. names are symbols, so he accepts them. however, ordinance¡­ he prefers his own.¡±


    ¡°his ordinance is covered in mystery and i don¡¯t know either. however¡­ to be able to defeat a quasi immortal, it can be seen how powerful it is!¡±


    ¡°after all, among quasi immortals, even though some have indeed not formed their own ordinances, most of them will spare no expense to obtain an ordinance treasure.¡±


    ¡°otherwise, in this dazzling fifth star ring, there¡¯s no need to talk about quasi immortals.¡±


    li mengtu drew in a deep breath and stood up to look at xu qing.


    ¡°brother xu, shall we go in as well?¡±


    ¡°the immortal palace has opened, and although quasi immortals have entered, their entry method is different from ours¡ªthey enter directly into the fourth realm. so, theoretically, we won¡¯t see them, and it¡¯s unlikely that we¡¯ll cross paths.¡±


    ¡°even if we possess ordinance and eventually reach the fourth realm step by step, by that time, most of them will have already moved on to higher realms.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he nodded slightly.


    ¡°might as well.¡±


    with that, he stood up and walked toward the immortal palace with li mengtu.


    the earth spirit ancestor followed behind the two of them. very soon, the three of them stepped into the immortal palace.


    slight ripples spread in the void before they disappeared.


    ¡­


    at the same time, in the second realm that was hidden under the spiritual tide in the immortal palace.


    there was a peculiar area there. everything was white with no sense of space or time.


    in the whiteness, a small figure gradually emerged, holding a sword in hand. turning back with one hand on its hip, it spoke arrogantly.


    ¡°great demon king, if you¡¯ve got the guts, come in! come on, come after me!¡±


    after shouting for a while with no response, the small figure grew smug and was about to leave. suddenly, its expression shifted as it looked into the distance, a puzzled voice escaping its lips.


    ¡°huh, a son has arrived?¡±

 Chapter 1611 - Chapter 1611: In the Fairy Tale

    chapter 1611: in the fairy tale


    editor: atlas studios


    the wind blew in from afar, stirring the mist formed by immortal energy, which spread throughout the immortal palace.


    eventually, it settled on the immortal welcoming platform within the palace.


    it flowed around the gathered cultivators.


    this platform was a massive black stone slab, with moss growing across its surface, exuding an ancient aura and a sense of time¡¯s passage. standing upon it felt like stepping into the flow of time itself.


    in the center of the platform stood a stone monument, inscribed with information about three paths, though the writing had become blurred from the countless years that had passed.


    at this moment, dozens of figures stood upon the immortal welcoming stage.


    all cultivators who entered the immortal palace from the outside world would appear here first.


    it was from this point that they would choose their path forward.


    when xu qing, li mengtu, and the earth spirit ancestor appeared, the cultivators here were flying toward the left.


    as they approached, it seemed they lost the ability to remain airborne and gradually descended to the ground. one by one, they moved forward cautiously, keeping some distance from one another.


    the area they headed toward had thinner mist, yet the space there appeared different, much darker compared to the immortal welcoming platform.


    at the same time, a gentle drizzle was falling, softly soaking everything around.


    the ground had become muddy.


    but it was evident that many had walked this path before, as a faint trail had formed through the mud.


    it was quiet and dark.


    only the light rain continued to fall, gradually devouring all the cultivators who had walked far away in this direction.


    xu qing didn¡¯t move immediately. instead, he retracted his gaze and observed the other directions in the surroundings.


    firstly, xu qing checked the stone platform and discovered that it really existed.


    the fog was the same. when it landed on his body, he could clearly sense it. when it touched his robe, it condensed into tiny water droplets.


    immortal energy was also real.


    at this place, xu qing could sense that his cultivation base was improving much faster than in the external world.


    in addition to this, faint sounds of music drifted toward him.


    it seemed to be coming from the direction of the dao discussion area deep within the immortal palace, which he had observed earlier from the outside.


    xu qing raised his head.


    from his position on the immortal welcoming platform, due to the vastness of the immortal palace, his gaze couldn¡¯t reach the far end. all he could see was the thick, pervasive mist that shrouded the void ahead, concealing what lay beyond.


    amidst the blurriness, there seemed to be a bridge.


    on the bridge, there appeared to be a figure, walking forward through the dense mist.


    ¡°that¡¯s star ring. just a moment ago, when he appeared, i saw that he was heading toward this bridge.¡±


    li mengtu spoke in a deep voice.


    at that moment, other than them, there was no one else on the welcoming immortal platform they were on. all other entrants had already chosen their paths into the immortal palace.


    ¡°i wonder what path brother xu will choose. if you opt for the small path, we can travel together.¡±


    after li mengtu finished speaking, the earth spirit ancestor immediately looked over expectantly.


    xu qing fell silent and looked at the figure walking further and further away on the foggy bridge. the words of the earth spirit about these three paths surfaced in his mind and he slowly spoke after a long time.


    ¡°i want to walk across this bridge.¡±


    the earth spirit ancestor was shocked.


    li mengtu wasn¡¯t too surprised. he only cast a deep glance at xu qing. after cupping his fists and bowing, he walked toward the small path on the left.


    he sighed softly inwardly.


    he wasn¡¯t sighing at xu qing but at himself.


    as a star, he naturally wanted to go further. however, he knew that¡­ even though he had inherited an ordinance, he still wasn¡¯t confident that he could survive that bridge.


    ¡°since ancient times, those who could take that path are extremely rare. as for those who survived¡­ all of them comprehended their own ordinance and didn¡¯t rely on the passed down inheritances.¡±


    li mengtu gradually walked away.


    earth spirit ancestor wanted to say something but hesitated. in the end, he bowed and chose to walk into the small path.


    very soon, the two of them disappeared.


    xu qing was the only one left on the immortal welcoming platform.


    but instead of walking toward the path ahead, xu qing turned his head, his eyes flickering with a strange light as he looked toward the right side.


    to the right, the mist was so thick that it had reached its peak¡ªhis gaze could not penetrate it, revealing nothing inside.


    all he could see was the churning fog, and the sound of flowing water coming from within


    there, on the right, lay a black river. it was said that anyone who entered faced certain death.


    although the writing on the immortal welcoming platform¡¯s stone monument had faded over time, the information recorded on it had not vanished. through generations of word-of-mouth, it had become one of the vital clues regarding the aurora immortal palace.


    this was how the earth spirit ancestor had come to know of it.


    ¡°there, i feel the pull of an ordinance¡­¡±


    the instant he appeared on the immortal welcoming platform earlier, xu qing had already sensed his space-time ordinance resonating with the direction on the right.


    it was like a call.


    this resonance, this pull, this calling gathered in xu qing¡¯s heart, giving him a deep, instinctual feeling.


    in that thick mist, within the black river, lay a dao that shared the same origin as his own dao.


    ¡°the earliest feeling this immortal¡¯s fall land gave me was that it wasn¡¯t within spacetime.¡±


    ¡°and once it opened, that sensation only intensified.¡±


    ¡°this place clearly¡­ contains the same space-time ordinance as mine!¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. normally, encountering this situation in another place would be extremely dangerous because it was hard for two similar powers to coexist.


    it often led to the stronger dao devouring the weaker.


    however, with the aurora immortal lord having already perished, the situation was different.


    ¡°but his ordinance was clearly the ordinance of aurora. could it be that the deeper one progresses in the space-time ordinance, it eventually becomes aurora? or perhaps¡­ this aurora immortal lord changed his dao?¡±


    xu qing pondered for a moment, considering that the space-time ordinance he sensed had no clear source. in his view, it was highly likely that the aurora immortal lord had once changed his dao.


    after a brief contemplation, a decisive look appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    if he wanted his space-time ordinance to go further, he needed to understand its essence fully. one way was through comprehension, and another was by tracing the remnants of others who had walked this path before him.


    both were opportunities.


    hence, at the next instant, xu qing stepped into the dense fog on his right.


    in the blink of an eye, he disappeared.


    only the fog continued to surge.


    it became everything in front of xu qing.


    it concealed the senses of his body, including the perception of his cultivation. in fact, as xu qing moved forward, even the sound of the river gradually disappeared.


    everything was pitch-black.


    he couldn¡¯t tell if it was fog or if he had already walked into the river.


    everything was pitch-black.


    there was also no sense of danger.


    however, this darkness had no beginning or end.


    time seemed to have no meaning here. after maintaining his vigilance for an unknown period of time, xu qing finally reached the end.


    it was still pitch-black.


    the reason why it was the end was because there was an invisible barrier in the darkness.


    it stopped him from moving forward.


    spells couldn¡¯t penetrate.


    even dao arts couldn¡¯t break it.


    even the physical body was completely blocked.


    at this point, standing before the invisible barrier, xu qing tried various methods but to no avail. after a brief moment of silence, he closed his eyes. in the next instant, the eighth extremity within his body, the space-time state¡­ was activated.


    his state of mind ascended.


    it was as if xu qing had transcended the darkness, stepping out from within the painting to see the world from an external perspective. with this space-time ordinance, he reexamined his surroundings¡­


    here, it turned out to be just a black dot.


    however, this dot was incredibly vast.


    moreover, there was more than one.


    moreover, it was not a single dot.


    countless black dots existed, arranged together to form a line.


    an invisible pull enveloped him, making xu qing realize that in this space, movement was seemingly restricted to forward or backward, with no possibility of lateral motion.


    in xu qing¡¯s perception, he discovered that the line composed of these countless black dots lacked a concept of height.


    the dots themselves were similarly formless.


    the sides of this line seemed to lack any concept of void or nothingness, as if the supreme rule here only allowed for the existence of this line.


    attempting to look to the sides resulted in distortion, which in turn affected him.


    even though xu qing had the time and space ordinance and could see some variations, such as countless space-time fragments, prolonged observation led to increasing discomfort.


    only by sensing the forward and backward directions did everything feel normal.


    this was an extraordinarily strange and fundamentally simple world.


    after some time, xu qing¡¯s thoughts returned, and he opened his eyes within the black dot.


    ¡°the space-time ordinance allows my thoughts to leave this black dot, but my physical body cannot.¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    his body could be said to be his greatest weakness when he was in the ordinance state.


    given this, he had devised a few strategies.


    for instance, during brief skirmishes, he could forcibly cover his body, though it would become withered; as long as the battle ended quickly, the impact was manageable.


    however, exploring this place would clearly take more time than a short skirmish could handle.


    thus, after careful consideration, xu qing decided to place his physical body within the holy heaven pagoda and then send it to a safe temporal location.


    this method had its drawbacks. safety was only relative, not absolute.


    the time spent away couldn¡¯t be too long.


    otherwise, the withering would still occur.


    after completing these preparations, xu qing¡¯s space-time ordinance mind was freed from any constraints. he gently swayed toward the end barrier.


    he instantly shuttled through.


    reappearing in this strange world, he followed the line, allowing the force of this realm to pull him forward in an endless continuation.


    he wanted to see the end of this place.


    in this realm, time indeed lost all meaning, or more accurately, time did not exist.


    space itself had become a thing of the past.


    continuing forward was the only path here.


    fortunately, xu qing was not alone in this realm; others with similar states of existence were also present.


    along the way, he encountered a figure resembling his state..


    it was a peculiar creature, a medicine jar with limbs and a white beard.


    it looked strange, almost grotesque.


    standing on the line, it occasionally released some elixirs from the jar, which fell onto the black dots forming the line, darkening their color further.


    upon noticing xu qing, the medicine jar smiled gently and spoke softly.


    ¡°welcome to the fairy tale.¡±


    after saying this, it pointed toward the distance and fell silent.


    xu qing gazed for a moment before continuing forward. he soon encountered another bizarre figure.


    it was an octopus, with each of its eight tentacles bearing a different face, all of which were cursing and shouting.


    upon sensing xu qing, the faces exhibited strange expressions and gradually began to weep.


    xu qing remained silent, observing the weeping octopus, unable to understand it. he continued on his way.


    further along, he saw a finger with the head of a lion.


    it called out to him.


    ¡°run, run¡­¡±


    there was also a frog that identified itself as a fish, swimming back and forth. upon encountering xu qing, it trembled and became immobile with fear.


    ¡­


    on the way, xu qing encountered ten grotesque creatures who showed different reactions upon seeing him.


    finally, he saw the eleventh one.


    it was an old woman dressed in black, leaning on a cane. it had an enormous face, with a small body and limbs, and a fierce expression. occasionally, it would grab a black dot and swallow it.


    upon seeing xu qing, it grinned widely and said.


    ¡°good death, good death!¡±


    xu qing remained silent and eventually moved on.


    he didn¡¯t encounter any other bizarre entities for a long time after that.


    finally, he saw a mirror.


    that was the end of the line.


    countless small black dots were queuing up and disappearing into the mirror.


    as xu qing gazed at the mirror, he pondered.


    ¡°a line composed of countless black dots has turned into this first realm with only forward and backward directions. i think i might have understood something about the state of the aurora immortal lord¡¯s space-time ordinance.¡±


    ¡°as for the eleven grotesque entities¡­¡±


    coupled with the identity of the aurora immortal lord, xu qing could only think of the current eleven immortal lords in the fifth star ring.


    ¡°there¡¯s a high chance that they were formed from aurora immortal lord¡¯s thoughts upon his death!¡±


    ¡°the reason why they are so bizarre¡­¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t understand but he recalled that aurora immortal lord had been killed by the venerable immortal.


    ¡°is it possible that it has something to do with the venerable immortal¡¯s ordinance?¡±


    ¡°then what is the venerable immortal¡¯s ordinance¡­¡±


    xu qing suddenly recalled the words spoken by the first bizarre thing he encountered, the medicine jar.


    ¡°fairy tale?¡±

 Chapter 1612 - Chapter 1612: It’s Him…

    chapter 1612: it¡¯s him¡­


    editor: atlas studios


    ¡°welcome to the fairy tale.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly as he sensed this world.


    he didn¡¯t know about the ordinance of the venerable immortal. everything just now was based on what he had seen and heard.


    what was the truth¡­


    ¡°the moment i enter the immortal capital, i should have the opportunity to find out.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. after burying all kinds of questions in his mind, his perception landed on the mirror in front of him.


    this mirror was ordinary and didn¡¯t have the slightest hint of luxury or anything abnormal. it was like something casually placed in a mortal house.


    all the black dots continued to move endlessly into the mirror, disappearing without a trace.


    the line they formed seemed eternal, as each dot vanished upon reaching the mirror¡¯s surface.


    as for the mirror itself, it showed no reflection. instead, it was filled with an empty, pure white expanse.


    ¡°is this the exit of the first layer realm?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    after observing for a while, his thoughts stirred and he headed straight for the mirror.


    he instantly fused and passed through.


    there were no obstructions at all.


    however¡­


    the instant he passed through the mirror, xu qing¡¯s thoughts stirred.


    this was because the place he appeared at was still filled with countless black dots that formed a long line.


    he was still in the first realm.


    he didn¡¯t leave.


    moreover, he seemed to have returned to the starting point.


    looking over¡­ the mirror was no longer there. only the long line stretched ahead.


    it was the same at the back.


    in order to confirm the answer, xu qing moved forward again.


    he encountered those strange things again, saw the mirror again, and passed through it again, sensing every detail. in the end¡­ he still returned to the starting point.


    this was a cycle.


    in order to break this cycle, xu qing tried to modify his actions but to no avail.


    in fact, he even chose to sink into the black dots in front of the mirror, turning into a black dot and entering the mirror.


    however, he still returned to the starting point.


    ¡°aurora immortal lord must have the space-time ordinance. he walks the same path as me. however, the formation of his space-time ordinance is different from mine.¡±


    xu qing pondered.


    ¡°i relied on the five elements to fuse time and space, forming space-time.¡±


    ¡°as for him, he seemed to take a different route, evolving it layer by layer, from nothing into something.¡±


    ¡°then¡­ there might be another way for me to leave this place.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s thoughts settled on the long line.


    ¡°at this origin point, i can become one of the many black dots that make up the line, or rather, truly transform into a black dot, like someone outside the painting stepping into the painting.


    and then, by adopting the mindset of this world, i will experience everything firsthand¡­¡±


    ¡°in doing so, i will become part of the cycle.¡±


    ¡°this way, it will be a true experience, not just a superficial observation.¡±


    ¡°although it¡¯s dangerous, i can give it a try!¡±


    xu qing, after weighing the thought in his mind, did not hesitate any longer. his consciousness descended from a higher level, merging into the only long line in this world, becoming one of the countless black dots that made up the line.


    he had become a part of this world.


    in that instant, he had an unprecedented feeling.


    the concept of up and down was deprived.


    the concept of left and right was also deprived.


    they no longer existed.


    in fact, they were forgotten so quickly as if the power to move up, down, left, and right had never existed.


    only the pull from ahead drove his singular fate forward endlessly.


    as the concepts of direction disappeared, the notion of height naturally faded too. at that moment, xu qing lost the ¡®sight¡¯ granted by the ordinance.


    he became ¡®flat.¡¯


    the black dot was also ¡®flat.¡¯


    thus, his thoughts flattened as well.


    and with that, he could no longer see.


    all that remained were the faint sensations of what lay ahead and behind.


    this newfound experience felt constraining compared to before.


    now, xu qing could only move forward under the constant pull.


    gradually, even his thoughts began to dissipate.


    as though even the ability to think was not permitted here.


    hence, they had to be slowly erased and assimilated with the world.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t resist.


    he relaxed his thoughts and allowed everything to happen. he followed the trajectory of this world and continued to move.


    an unknown amount of time passed.


    time had long lost its meaning.


    in the gradual dissipation of his thoughts, the constant pull of movement, and the endless world in which xu qing had now become one of the black dots, he encountered the strange beings once more.


    however, the sequence and his perception of them were now different.


    with his faint ability to sense what lay ahead and behind, he ¡®saw¡¯ countless circles.


    these circles were each smaller than the other and looked like they were circling each other. they were like fingerprints but they had no beginning or end. however, they were everywhere and occupied the entirety of xu qing¡¯s perception.


    this was what he sensed after lowering his own existence to match this realm¡¯s level.


    he couldn¡¯t sense anything more comprehensive.


    the limitations of his current state prevented him from seeing the true nature of higher-level beings.


    thus, beings of a higher level naturally gave the impression of creators or deities, simply because those on a lower level were incapable of perceiving their true form.


    the shock and waves it brought were like tempestuous waves that could overturn everything. in fact, the voices it emitted also became the source of chaos and collapse.


    ¡°run, run¡­¡±


    as the sound descended, a sense of collapse emerged within xu qing¡¯s transformed black dot and all other black dots that passed by these strange beings.


    it was as if they were walking in the midst of death.


    some of the black dots indeed shattered completely, only to be replaced by new ones.


    xu qing was somewhat fortunate, as he did not disintegrate entirely.


    this lasted until the chaotic and crumbling sounds slowly dissipated as he left. he then continued forward.


    after that¡­ he heard crying sounds.


    this time, he didn¡¯t see anything.


    only the sound of crying fell into xu qing¡¯s remaining thoughts.


    amidst the crying, xu qing felt that he was about to melt.


    however, the strange thing was that there was no fear or regret. emotions had unknowingly disappeared.


    ¡°it turns out, that wasn¡¯t luck, but rather a matter of cost and offset.¡±


    xu qing weakly pondered¡­


    after many black dots dissipated amidst the cries, he continued forward.


    this lasted until he heard the sound of running water and the croaking of frogs.


    at the moment the voice arrived, xu qing¡¯s perception lost more ground, and his thoughts, too, were becoming increasingly vague. his existence was on the brink of dissolving into oblivion.


    in this state, he passed this stretch of path and walked further.


    ¡­


    afterward, xu qing couldn¡¯t recall his experiences clearly. he vaguely felt that everything he had was exchanged for the smooth progress he made, becoming the cost of moving forward.


    what followed was growing more and more powerless and exhausted.


    fortunately¡­ gradually, the concept of powerlessness and fatigue ceased to exist.


    finally, he seemed to hear a voice.


    ¡°good death, good death¡­¡±


    the voice came with an irresistible force, stripping away his very name.


    originally, the nameless him should have continued forward.


    continuing toward the nearby mirror.


    he should have merged into it and left this realm.


    however, the force that took away his name defied this trajectory and forcefully returned.


    it emanated an evil aura that intensified the invasion. it descended upon him, seeking to completely erase him.


    it also wanted to take away the faint remnants of his thoughts.


    but at this critical moment, just as he was on the verge of complete dissolution¡­


    an ancient sigh echoed through his space-time.


    ¡°night corpse leading ox, this medicinal herb¡­¡±


    ¡°kid, you answer.¡±


    the appearance of this voice disrupted the flow of time and space, creating a tempest of space-time that roared within xu qing¡¯s thoughts.


    it restored to him a name that had been buried deep within his memory.


    kid!


    this name became a support, an anchor.


    thus, kid¡¯s weak thoughts no longer dissipated. the deafening sound, layer by layer, escalated and ultimately erupted into a world-shaking explosion.


    it became lightning, exploded, and became heavenly sounds.


    this caused his thoughts to tremble intensely and continue to spread.


    like a tsunami.


    after that, kid instinctively spoke words that he could never forget, deeply rooted in his cognition.


    ¡°night corpse leading ox, also known as poison mountain root spotted chrysanthemum. it is the root and stem of the vine of the chrysanthemum plant, the thin-veined turtledove chrysanthemum. it is a wooden vine that grows in ravines with yin energy, cold streams, or jungles. its taste is astringent and slightly warm when it enters the mouth. it also has the feeling of rotting. it has the miraculous effect of reducing wind. however, it is excessively poisonous. it belongs to the typical extreme endpoint of yin and yang grass.¡±


    as he spoke, kid¡¯s dissipating state was reversing at this moment.


    the lost cognition began to reappear, one by one.


    what was once unseen now surged back, transitioning from loss to restoration.


    the aged voice continued.


    ¡°what are the symptoms of an overdose?¡±


    the storm in xu qing¡¯s mind grew increasingly intense as he voiced his thoughts.


    ¡°the symptoms of poisoning are abdominal pain, dizziness, and hallucinations. if they aren¡¯t saved in 15 minutes, they will die.¡±


    ¡°how to detoxify the poison.¡±


    ¡°you can use the method to induce vomiting and stomach lavage, supplemented by egg white and red-thorn stamens to treat the illness when the sun is strong at noon. the treatment time cannot exceed an hour and it will last for three consecutive days.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s voice trembled a little. the moment he finished speaking, he seemed to have returned to the outside of the tent back then.


    ¡°good!¡±


    the old voice carried a hint of a smile as it echoed softly.


    at this moment, xu qing wanted to ¡®see¡¯ but the pull from the front was incredibly strong, drawing his thoughts ever closer to the mirror ahead.


    despite the mirror being so close, his thoughts wavered. he would rather forgo this opportunity and, even if it meant starting over, he was determined to re-enter this space-time ordinance realm to ¡®see¡¯ the familiar figure from the voice.


    ¡°idiot, don¡¯t be like this.¡±


    ¡°do you remember what i told you¡­¡±


    ¡°the world is the guest house of all living beings. time is a passerby from ancient times until now. as long as we don¡¯t die, we will meet again.¡±


    ¡°now, you¡¯ve become accomplished.¡±


    the voice dissipated and a gentle force appeared out of thin air, landing on the black dot that xu qing had transformed into and pushing it forward.


    this caused xu qing, who was close to the mirror, to enter¡­ the mirror.


    the moment he fused into the mirror, xu qing turned his head. in his hazy vision, he seemed to see the medicine jar with a white beard, smiling at him from outside the mirror.


    the smile was gentle. the features and the smile were like a distant memory, yet as if it were just yesterday.


    scenes from the past unfolded before him, vivid and familiar, as if reliving the old times.

 Chapter 1613 - Chapter 1613: I Am Aurora

    chapter 1613: i am aurora


    editor: atlas studios


    xu qing smiled.


    despite the many questions he had, despite the multitude of doubts lingering in his heart.


    for example, why had grandmaster bai appeared in the fifth star ring?


    what kind of mystery surrounded grandmaster bai¡¯s death?


    how did he become the medicine jar in immortal master aurora¡¯s thought world?


    also¡­ why, in the world created upon the death of the aurora immortal lord, did the grandmaster bai conjured by this illusion possess memories of wanggu and an independent will?


    there was no answer to all of this.


    but it wasn¡¯t important anymore.


    what mattered most was¡­ what the elderly figure in xu qing¡¯s life had once said: ¡°as long as we don¡¯t die, we will meet again.¡±


    now, they met again in this realm.


    hence, xu qing was very happy.


    it had been a long time since he was so happy. unknowingly, this joy seemed to have been magnified by a lot¡­


    hence, he instinctively stretched his body and laughed as he ¡®looked¡¯ in all directions.


    following that, he discovered that the concept of left and right was allowed here.


    this allowed xu qing to sense his surroundings in his current low-level state.


    it was just that¡­ his ¡®vision¡¯ was distorted and still chaotic.


    this was because in this world, although there were concepts of right and left, everything was still flat.


    viewing flatness from within flatness, all that could be seen was vast emptiness.


    the concept of height had not yet emerged.


    despite that, an uncontrollable surge of happiness grew stronger and stronger, filling all of xu qing¡¯s awareness until it seemed like it would become the only sensation.


    ¡°this state isn¡¯t right¡­¡±


    as the overwhelming happiness spread throughout his body, xu qing sensed something was wrong. he tried to suppress this emotion, but it seemed that in this strange world, such an action was not permitted.


    hence, he could only immerse himself in joy while trying his best to control himself. in the end¡­ xu qing chose to activate the space-time ordinance.


    he wanted to see the appearance of this world clearly.


    only then could he gain a comprehensive understanding and find a way to leave.


    at the next instant, the eighth extremity activated.


    this newfound clarity elevated his consciousness to a higher realm, causing his thoughts to ascend.


    this world was truly reflected in xu qing¡¯s thoughts.


    it became extremely clear.


    ¡­


    this was a white world.


    it existed in the mirror.


    all the black dots that entered the mirror rapidly grew in the world of the mirror.


    they were no longer a dot, no longer forming a line, but returning to an individual entity. moreover¡­ they had a body, four limbs, and a head¡­


    they became shadows.


    these shadows were not solely black.


    in xu qing¡¯s field of vision, the world before him, though still predominantly white, was filled with a myriad of colors.


    the shadows, painted in every hue imaginable, wove together to create a vibrant and brilliant world.


    in this world, every shadow was brimming with joy. there seemed to be no troubles, no sorrows¡ªonly carefree freedom, as they moved about, uninhibited and full of life.


    some were singing, some were jubilant, some were sleeping, and some were running.


    however, there was no orange shadow.


    however, no shadow seemed to care about this. they were all immersed in their own joy.


    other than that, there were no mountains, rivers, or anything else in this world¡­


    there were only countless shadows of various colors in all directions.


    xu qing fell into deep thought as he looked at all of this. he checked his body and saw that his color was blue.


    ¡°the first layer realm is a line formed by countless black dots. there¡¯s no concept of left, right, up, and down.¡±


    ¡°in this second layer realm, there are left and right as if a portion of the restrictions have been undone but¡­ there¡¯s still no concept of up and down.¡±


    ¡°because this is the world in the mirror, and the mirror itself¡­ is flat.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s like a painting.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m in the painting.¡±


    ¡°so, from the perspective of the me inside the painting, everything i see in all directions is desolate and vast. but for those outside the painting, this place is an entire world.¡±


    ¡°the reason why there is only joy here is because it is the theme of this painting, so all living beings in the painting can¡¯t be unhappy.¡±


    ¡°then¡­ what¡¯s the way to leave this place?¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    after a long time, he made a judgment.


    he dispersed his space-time ordinance to a certain extent and lowered his thoughts, becoming a blue shadow again. in this simple world, he was immersed in joy.


    he was waiting for the orange color to appear.


    time flowed by and it was unknown how much time had passed. when the joy grew increasingly intense and the number of shadows in the entire world seemed to have reached a certain critical point¡­


    xu qing saw orange.


    ¡°the great demon king is here.¡±


    at this moment, a sharp voice rumbled through the entire world. it was deafening and earth-shattering, spreading to all areas and falling into the perception of every shadow.


    in an instant, it was as though the theme of this painting had been tampered with, turning from joy to fear.


    orange descended.


    it continued to spread and get closer.


    the emotions in xu qing¡¯s heart were also reversed, and endless fear rose. he didn¡¯t hesitate to activate the space-time ordinance again, allowing him to have the ability to ¡®see¡¯ it.


    he saw¡­ in this white world filled with all kinds of shadows, a huge figure appeared. this figure wore an orange robe and a sinister mask on its face. his entire body emitted endless evil.


    he held a bucket in one hand and a brush in the other.


    the bucket was orange in color and contained orange paint, but the brush was colorless.


    he rapidly arrived and pounced at the other shadows.


    his speed was so fast that the shadows in this world couldn¡¯t dodge or resist. the instant he caught them, the demon king waved the brush and took away the colors of the shadows.


    it caused those shadows to lose their color and become blank.


    after that, they fused with this world, turning into countless dots that dissipated.


    it was as though¡­ they had returned to the first level!


    from the understanding of this world, he was indeed a great demon king.


    his arrival took away the color and life, returning everything to square one.


    however, not all shadows would be like this.


    there were a few shadows that seemed to possess some characteristics, so the devil king didn¡¯t take away their colors. instead, he dipped his brush into the orange bucket and smeared the shadows¡­


    he painted the shadows orange.


    these orange shadows then landed in the bucket.


    xu qing was one of them.


    his space-time ordinance was instantly suppressed the moment he was smeared!


    there was no way to resist, no way to struggle, but he was allowed to exist.


    this scene caused xu qing¡¯s heart to tremble intensely.


    and in the bucket was a city.


    an orange-colored city.


    there were also shadows inside. they were all orange like xu qing.


    the moment he landed in the city, xu qing seemed to have become a resident of this city. at the same time, he felt drowsy.


    this feeling exceeded his ordinance, causing him, who had basically maintained the space-time ordinance all the time, to find it difficult to resist the drowsiness.


    this was because¡­ in this orange-colored city, all the shadows who were sent here were only allowed to do one thing.


    that was to sleep and create dreams.


    the various dreams were like fairy tales that eventually gathered together to form a complete fairytale world.


    xu qing was no exception.


    in this orange-colored city, he had no choice but to close his eyes and immerse himself in the dream.


    one dream after another was formed in his mind and then greedily absorbed.


    it became a cycle with no end.


    he couldn¡¯t wake up.


    only occasionally in his dreams would xu qing try his best to think about the reason for all of this.


    gradually, he imagined himself as the aurora immortal lord. from the perspective of the aurora immortal lord, he experienced what the world formed by the other party¡¯s thoughts upon his death wanted to express.


    hence, xu qing had a guess.


    there was a high chance that this orange city was a metaphor for the immortal capital.


    then who was the great demon king referring to¡­


    it should be referring to someone.


    just like that, time passed.


    it was unknown how much time had passed or which year it was. in xu qing¡¯s dream that had no beginning or end, a little white person appeared.


    this little figure was outlined by simple lines. it had a disproportionately large head, taking up half of its body, and on its forehead were written four characters.


    besides that, its entire form appeared incredibly simple, carrying a bundle of multicolored dyes on its back. cautiously and sneakily, it entered xu qing¡¯s dream.


    it said nothing, but right in front of xu qing, it snapped its fingers.


    snap!


    this sound was like thunder, landing in xu qing¡¯s mind and rumbling endlessly.


    this caused xu qing¡¯s consciousness to suddenly surge and he regained consciousness for a short time.


    seeing xu qing wake up, the little figure grinned, pointed at the characters on its face, then pointed toward the distance, and finally gestured toward the multicolored dyes on its back. it looked at xu qing with anticipation.


    xu qing remained silent, but in this brief moment of clarity, he quickly organized the scattered thoughts from his dream and tried to connect them with the figure¡¯s expressions and actions.


    an answer was reflected in his understanding.


    ¡°there¡¯s a high chance that this little person is really the last wisp of consciousness of the aurora immortal lord before he died.¡±


    xu qing glanced at the little person and the four characters on its head.


    ¡®i am aurora1.¡¯


    xu qing didn¡¯t know what to say. the words on the little figure¡¯s face ultimately left him feeling a bit unsettled.


    ¡°maybe it¡¯s because i have the space-time ordinance that it appeared. or maybe it will appear in front of every outsider who enters the second layer.¡±


    ¡°however, no matter what, the method to leave this second realm created by aurora immortal lord has been given.¡±


    ¡°it lies in smearing myself with the multicolored dyes, choosing a path different from the colors here, as if¡­ rebelling.¡±


    as though he could see through xu qing¡¯s thoughts, the anticipation on the little guy¡¯s face became even more intense.


    xu qing shook his head secretly.


    ¡°if this person is really the aurora immortal lord, then¡­ his resentment for venerable immortal has reached the extreme. so much so that the method of leaving this world he created has to be the same as his choice back then¡­¡±


    ¡°however, from the looks of it, there¡¯s indeed no other way.¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and no longer hesitated. he raised his right hand and grabbed forward, immediately grabbing the dyes on the little person¡¯s back and smearing them on his body.


    at the next instant, his entire body trembled. the color of his body instantly changed from orange to multicolored.


    the entire city also rumbled at this moment, as though the earth was quaking and the mountains were shaking. a deep roar also rang out from the void, causing the world to lose color.


    immediately after, the endless orange color transformed into a large hand that descended from the sky, heading straight for xu qing!


    ¡°the great demon king is here. son, run quickly.¡±


    the little guy was excited and spoke for the first time with its sharp voice.


    as it spoke, it raised its hand and drew a circle in front of it, quickly entering it.


    xu qing immediately entered as well.


    this circle also disappeared instantly.


    almost at the instant they left, the large orange hand arrived. it grabbed the place xu qing was at earlier, but missed.


    a furious roar rang out.


    all the sleeping orange figures in the entire city were awakened.


    at the next moment, they soared into the sky one after another and flew out of the orange buckets, appearing outside and spreading in all directions.


    pursuit!


    they wanted to dye this world orange.

 Chapter 1614 - Chapter 1614: Escaping the Fairy Tale

    chapter 1614: escaping the fairy tale


    editor: atlas studios


    the picturesque second realm seemed to have been divided into two parts at this moment.


    the orange part was rapidly spreading, wanting to completely dye the white part.


    it was also like a pursuit¡­


    the orange sea churned and roared. the figure of the great demon king within carried monstrous evil as he swept up the orange sea and rapidly spread out, getting closer and closer to the multicolored shadow that was fleeing ahead.


    the multicolored shadow was xu qing.


    right now, he was using all his strength to escape.


    a roar rang out from the orange sea behind him, emitting extreme danger. it was as though if he was a little slower, he would be devoured by the orange sea.


    the little person was also fleeing. however, it was clearly calm, and with its speed that remained slightly faster than xu qing¡¯s, it spoke loudly.


    ¡°run quickly, the great demon king is here.¡±


    ¡°hey, demon king, if you have the ability, hurry up and devour my son. i¡¯ll consider you powerful then!¡±


    ¡°come on, use your strongest ability. beat my son to death.¡±


    ¡°son, why are you running so slowly? let me tell you, if you¡¯re captured, daddy won¡¯t save you this time.¡±


    the little person¡¯s voice continued to echo, causing xu qing to feel vexed. the demon king also roared furiously.


    it was being provoked.


    in the next instant, the orange sea pursuing xu qing surged with greater intensity. its form shifted dramatically, transforming into a grotesque and ferocious turtle-snake1. it looked hideous, yet radiated a terrifying ferocity as it lunged forward violently.


    xu qing¡¯s expression changed as he narrowly dodged, barely avoiding being crushed by the massive, charging orange turtle-snake.


    the little person whimpered.


    ¡°look, look, i knew it. demon king, you¡¯re an old turtle1!¡±


    these words completely infuriated the demon king.


    in the next moment, the orange turtle-snake transformed once again, this time into an orange toad.


    the toad¡¯s body oozed with orange sludge, and thunderous sounds echoed from its mouth. it leaped from time to time and spat out orange mud, not only surpassing the previous turtle-snake form in ugliness but also in ferocity.


    xu qing, who was fleeing rapidly, already felt an unprecedented pressure. there were even a few times when he almost couldn¡¯t dodge.


    however, in the eyes of the little person, his crisis was stimulating.


    ¡°haha, exactly, you old turtle, now you¡¯re an ugly toad, disgusting and hideous! what else can you do besides spitting? if you¡¯re so tough, spit even farther!¡±


    upon hearing these words, xu qing felt a chill down his spine, and in an instant, the orange sea behind him surged once again. the toad disappeared, replaced by¡­ a massive sea cucumber.


    it then spewed out a long, orange thread, covering the sky as it enveloped xu qing¡¯s position.


    the little person was thrilled.


    ¡°you headless, faceless thing, this time your form suits you perfectly! all those spikes, but they¡¯re just soft!¡±


    ¡°the worst part is, you¡¯re even peeing now. son, quick, dodge! this old turtle¡¯s gone mad and is aiming his piss right at us!¡±


    seeing that they could no longer dodge and was about to be drowned by the orange light, the little person suddenly raised its hand and drew a circle before entering it.


    xu qing also immediately entered.


    when they appeared, they were already in another direction. that little person had its hands on its waist and its large head swayed as it spoke proudly.


    ¡°son, don¡¯t be afraid. this fellow can¡¯t shoot accurately!¡±


    xu qing was speechless. at that moment, he could tell that the appearances of the orange sea demon king behind him were either ugly or disgusting. this clearly represented the hatred and resentment the little person had for the venerable immortal.


    that was why it made a fool of him here.


    as for the other party calling him son, xu qing couldn¡¯t be bothered. at that moment, he realized that there was something wrong with this little person¡¯s brain.


    at the same time, the orange sea roared, surging with waves that reached the sky. this time, there was no more shape-shifting. instead, the true form of the great demon king stepped out from within the sea, unleashing a storm of blood and carnage that sent shockwaves across the entire world.


    it chased after xu qing.


    the little person screamed.


    ¡°he¡¯s angry. he¡¯s angry.¡±


    as soon as it finished speaking, the demon king viciously swung the bucket in his left hand, sending a torrent of orange paint flying across the sky.


    it covered all of xu qing¡¯s locations, making it impossible for him to dodge. in fact¡­ the little person tried to draw a circle again but failed.


    the space itself was affected, unable to be opened like before.


    after that, the great demon king, who was filled with monstrous anger, swung the brush in his right hand, aiming directly at xu qing in a forceful stroke.


    seeing the danger, the little person¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°the demon king actually used a big move!¡±


    with that, its body suddenly turned blurry.


    being composed of mere lines, it began to dissolve and scatter, fading away in a manner that xu qing could not comprehend.


    xu qing furrowed his brows, but soon relaxed and raised his head calmly. he gazed at the orange paint falling from the sky and the brush that was sweeping toward him with a howling force.


    he didn¡¯t believe that the little person had appeared just to let him be captured halfway through the escape.


    this didn¡¯t match the resentment of aurora immortal lord.


    ¡°therefore, there must be a chance of survival.¡±


    hence, xu qing didn¡¯t move at all. at the next instant, his judgment was confirmed.


    as the brush and the orange paint fell, a vertical line suddenly appeared in the empty space in front of him. after that, someone cut it open and a head crawled out.


    it was the little person who had left.


    it looked at xu qing and drew.


    it actually drew a¡­ sundial in front of xu qing!


    after that, it gestured an anti-clockwise gnomon needle rotation to xu qing. after doing this, its face was filled with anticipation.


    this was clearly a test.


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. at that moment, the brush and the orange paint were almost upon him. xu qing didn¡¯t have time to think further. his space-time ordinance erupted. he raised his right hand and touched the sundial¡¯s needle, abruptly reversing it.


    if one didn¡¯t have an ordinance related to space-time, it was impossible to do this.


    only those who possessed the space-time ordinance, or at the very least, treasures with the space-time ordinance, could fiddle with this sundial.


    at the next instant, as xu qing moved the gnomon¡­


    everything was reversed!


    the brush and the orange paint suddenly retreated.


    seeing this scene, the little person revealed an excited expression.


    ¡°son, you¡¯re indeed my son!¡±


    almost at the same time that the little person¡¯s voice rang out, the great demon king¡¯s roar rang out as well.


    this roar carried some astonishing power that directly shattered space-time, causing the sundial to shatter into pieces.


    the brush and orange paint arrived again.


    this time, the little person didn¡¯t leave.


    it laughed loudly.


    ¡°haha, son, don¡¯t be afraid.¡±


    as it laughed, it appeared in front of xu qing, blocking the space between the demon king and xu qing. its expression changed from excitement to pride.


    it had one hand on its waist and a cloak had appeared behind it.


    a sword also appeared in its right hand.


    this sword was strange. there were many vertical lines in its surroundings, as though they represented the radiance of this sword.


    as for the cloak on its body, it fluttered despite there being no wind. vaguely, there was also an impassioned tune echoing¡­


    everything was expressing¡­ that this little person represented justice!


    ¡°the glory of justice shines on my son!¡±


    the little person spoke loudly and raised its sword of light, slashing at the void.


    using justice to open up this world.


    after that, it lifted its chin and threw an item formed by simple lines at xu qing.


    ¡°son, if you escape from here, you¡¯ll be free from the demon king¡¯s pursuit. from then on, the world will be your oyster, and you can venture anywhere!¡±


    xu qing took the jade slip and headed straight for the rift without any hesitation.


    however, the moment he stepped into the rift, the voice of the little person rang out behind him.


    ¡°go!¡±


    ¡°if you insist on leaving, how could i possibly make you stay?¡±


    ¡°go on, from now on, no one will watch over you. whether you live or die, it¡¯s your own fate¡­¡±


    ¡°from now on, you¡¯ll walk your own path¡­ when you fall, no one will be there to pick you up, smile, and pat your head to encourage you.¡±


    ¡°from now on, no one will protect you. you must learn to protect others.¡±


    ¡°from now on, you¡­ have grown up.¡±


    ¡°from now on, you will no longer be fond of fairy tales¡­¡±


    the little figure, though smiling, spoke with a voice that grew increasingly tearful¡­


    the giant brush and the orange paint stopped descending. the great demon king appeared in the sky, watching it all with a demeanor that was no longer angry but filled with tenderness.


    finally, a soft sigh echoed.


    it was unclear whether it was the voice of the great demon king, the little figure, or a combination of both, merging into a single utterance.


    ¡°so, what is defiance? my son¡­¡±


    ¡­


    the voice behind him gradually became blurry and couldn¡¯t be heard clearly.


    after entering the spatial rift, xu qing felt a difference in his perception.


    he had gained height.


    and the world in front of him had become the world he was familiar with.


    the sky was a spectrum of colors, with spiritual energy rippling all around. in the distance, the sound of celestial music was faint, while nearby, the immortal pavilions glittered with radiant light.


    this place¡­ was none other than the immortal palace!


    xu qing¡¯s appearance was no longer the multicolored shadow. he had retrieved his body from time and opened his eyes.


    this was the third layer realm.


    xu qing took a deep breath and recalled his experiences in the first two realms. he had gained many insights, regardless of whether it was the essence of the composition of those two realms or the fairy tale hidden in them.


    there was also grandmaster bai and the words he heard before he left the second realm.


    xu qing lowered his head. there was a jade token in his palm.


    this jade token was given to him by that little person in the second realm.


    originally, this jade slip was only formed by the simple lines in the second realm. however, at that moment¡­ in xu qing¡¯s hand, it gradually gained height and a sense of touch. it gradually transformed into a true jade token!


    xu qing swept his divine sense across the jade token.


    there was nothing inside. this was a blank jade token.


    he didn¡¯t know why the other party had given this item to him. his thoughts also returned to the words he had heard before he left the second realm.


    ¡°the great demon king represents the venerable immortal. the little person represents aurora. on the surface, it is a rebellion of aurora, causing the venerable immortal to give chase and kill.¡±


    ¡°but why are those last words expressing another meaning¡­¡±


    ¡°they give me the feeling of father and son.¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    ¡°there must be another story between aurora and the venerable immortal. as for this jade slip, it shouldn¡¯t be simple for it to materialize from a low-level world.¡±


    a long time later, xu qing took a deep breath and was about to put the jade slip away.


    however, at this moment, suddenly¡­ a despicable voice rang out from the jade slip.


    ¡°haha, son, you actually believed it?¡±

 Chapter 1615 - Chapter 1615: Let Me Finish My Words!

    chapter 1615: let me finish my words!


    editor: atlas studios


    xu qing was calm.


    the voice from the jade slip, with its sly and mischievous tone, seemed to carry a mysterious power that formed a vivid image in his mind.


    in the image, the little person with words on its forehead was smiling proudly.


    ¡°senior, using me as a medium to step out from the second realm¡­ surely it wasn¡¯t just to tease me?¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    the jade token flashed.


    the sound of the little person coughing could be heard from inside.


    ¡°sigh, why are you still angry?¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m a manifestation of the remnant consciousness of aurora immortal lord before he died. to be precise, i am but a fleeting notion, lingering in the second realm and appearing in the present through you. my time here is limited, and there are many things i need to accomplish.¡±


    ¡°so, of course, i didn¡¯t do it to tease you.¡±


    ¡°don¡¯t worry, son.¡±


    ¡°i won¡¯t borrow your strength for nothing. look, if it wasn¡¯t for me, you might not have been able to come out of the second realm, right?¡±


    ¡°also, i¡¯ll resolve one of your doubts. take it as a payment for bringing me out.¡±


    ¡°what you¡¯re most concerned about is your ordinance, right? let me resolve your doubts. um¡­ i¡¯ve progressed in your space-time ordinance before, but i only walked till halfway. it was too difficult to progress further, and i couldn¡¯t continue in that path.¡±


    ¡°i told you this because i hope you can continue on. that¡¯s all. goodbye, son.¡±


    with that, cracks appeared on the jade token.


    more and more cracks appeared and filled the entire jade token in the blink of an eye.


    finally, under xu qing¡¯s gaze, this jade token collapsed. after it shattered into pieces, it turned into dust.


    it was as though the current world didn¡¯t allow its existence.


    xu qing frowned, sensing a strong feeling of dismissal from those words.


    as for the disappearance of the jade token¡­


    xu qing carefully sensed his surroundings but didn¡¯t find any abnormalities in the vicinity. the shattering of this jade token wasn¡¯t caused by him either.


    ¡°then what¡¯s his goal?¡±


    xu qing swept his gaze across the surroundings. at this moment, his mind suddenly stirred and he looked at his palm.


    he saw that¡­ the jade token that had disappeared earlier had silently gathered again.


    as the jade token formed, that despicable voice of the little person appeared again.


    ¡°hahaha, are you feeling frustrated? are you cursing me in your heart? do you think i¡¯m just brushing you off, and now you¡¯re incredibly disappointed, thinking after everything you¡¯ve been through, all you get is this one sentence from me, right?¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t reply.


    ¡°not talking anymore? i guessed correctly. hahahaha.¡±


    ¡°and then let me guess again. now that you see me reappear and say these things, are you thinking i¡¯m about to give you some special inheritance or reveal some hidden secrets?¡±


    ¡°ahem, let me tell you: you¡¯re wrong!¡±


    ¡°in fact¡­ there¡¯s nothing! hahaha, goodbye, son.¡±


    the jade token shattered again and disappeared without a trace.


    upon hearing this, xu qing¡¯s frown relaxed.


    he was certain that there was something wrong with this aurora immortal lord¡¯s brain.


    venerable immortal did nothing wrong in killing him.


    hence, he no longer cared and his gaze landed on the side hall in front of him.


    earlier, when viewing the immortal palace from the outside, everything seemed peaceful¡ªheavenly music filled the air, and the surroundings exuded an aura of prosperity.


    but now that he was inside, what he saw was completely different.


    this hall was in ruins, radiating desolation, with the unmistakable marks of time lingering everywhere.


    some areas had even completely collapsed.


    ¡°with the immortal palace having been opened multiple times, and wave after wave of cultivators entering, most of them entering this third realm, it stands to reason that many of the treasures and inheritances here have likely already been taken, probably seventy to eighty percent of them.¡±


    ¡°however, because the immortal palace is so vast and each opening grants access to different areas, there are still hidden opportunities, which continue to attract people here.¡±


    ¡°but for me, this third realm is not the focus. the real focus is¡­ the fourth realm, which can only be accessed by those with ordinance!¡±


    xu qing silently walked forward.


    he was going to explore the third realm and find the entrance to the fourth realm.


    as for the jade token that had disappeared, he couldn¡¯t be bothered with it.


    his disregard seemed to have a special effect. after taking less than ten steps, his palm felt a chill. the jade token that had dissipated returned.


    the voice inside also rang out¡­


    ¡°haha, i¡¯m here again. let me guess. are you saying that there¡¯s something wrong with my brain and badmouthing me? did you think it¡¯s okay for venerable immortal to kill me? i¡­¡±


    xu qing ruthlessly clenched his right hand.


    with a cracking sound, the jade token turned to dust and the unfinished words stopped abruptly.


    xu qing continued forward and walked past the side hall, looking into the distance.


    after that¡­ the jade token appeared in his palm again.


    this time, before the little person could say anything, xu qing crushed the jade token again.


    he then flew to the air and sensed his surroundings.


    although this was only a portion of the immortal palace, the range was still very large. even if it wasn¡¯t comparable to a large world, it was comparable to a small world.


    in xu qing¡¯s perception, countless halls, pavilions, and spirit gardens appeared¡­


    there were also mountains and rivers.


    however, most of the buildings were dilapidated with traces of damaged restrictions scattered everywhere.


    the mountains had also collapsed and most of the rivers had dried up.


    however, there were some places that weren¡¯t damaged.


    but there were clearly restrictions around them. moreover, within the void between heaven and earth, black threads occasionally appeared, unpredictable and erratic, vanishing as quickly as they came.


    these threads could slice through anything in their path.


    additionally, the weather in that place was unusual.


    in some areas, it rained; in others, the ground churned, lightning cracked, or storms howled.


    at times, parts of the space would suddenly vanish, only to reappear just as abruptly.


    these chaotic forces overlapped and intertwined, creating great disorder.


    one moment, a person might have been standing in one location, and with the next step, they would find themselves somewhere entirely different.


    overall, this area was constantly changing.


    xu qing sensed some cultivators as well.


    some of them were alone, while others were moving in groups. they were scattered in this vast eastern area, searching for their own opportunities.


    in his simple perception, xu qing did not find several of the stars, including li mengtu, anywhere in this place.


    the people here were basically cultivators who didn¡¯t have an ordinance.


    ¡°there¡¯s something wrong with the number of people. it¡¯s much fewer¡­¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. he didn¡¯t sense the aura of the earth spirit ancestor among these people.


    hence, he looked further away.


    ¡°therefore, before i came up, there might have been intense killings and battles here.¡±


    ¡°or perhaps, there was some method that allowed people to reach other areas. after all, the immortal palace has been opened many times, and it is normal for those who enter to possess means to access regions that have not yet been revealed.¡±


    ¡°as for the eight great stars, they have likely gone to the fourth realm.¡±


    at the same time, through the details and the few relatively intact buildings, xu qing recalled the immortal palace he had observed from the outside. after comparing them, he recognized that this time, the immortal palace that had opened was likely located in the eastern section.


    ¡°at that time, i saw a place for dao lectures in the eastern part of the immortal palace.¡±


    just as he was thinking, xu qing clenched his right hand again and crushed the jade token that had formed on his palm. after that, his body swayed and he flew forward.


    on the way, the jade token was incomparably persistent, and xu qing crushed it again and again.


    as a result, its words were intermittent.


    ¡°you¡¯re going too far. son, you¡­¡±


    crack!


    ¡°ah, let me say something. i¡­¡±


    crack!


    ¡°arghh¡­ let me finish speaking¡­¡±


    crack!


    two hours later, when xu qing was investigating this place, the jade token formed again.


    this time around, xu qing squeezed a little slower.


    the screams of the little people immediately rang out from the jade token.


    ¡°stop squeezing, stop squeezing! if you continue squeezing, i¡¯ll die. i¡¯ll give you one chance for guidance! how about that? anytime in this secret realm, just call out ¡®daddy aurora,¡¯ and i¡¯ll give you one piece of counsel regarding the ordinance!¡±


    xu qing was expressionless and was about to crush it.


    ¡°senior, just call me senior, is that okay?!¡±


    xu qing thought about it and nodded slightly.


    ¡°deal.¡±


    the jade token let out a sigh of relief and said resentfully.


    ¡°but you have to promise me, no more squeezing! seriously, my head¡¯s already swollen. you¡­ you¡¯re way too good at this! it feels like you¡¯ve been trained for this kind of thing before.¡±


    xu qing ignored him. at that moment, he shuttled through the ruins here and finally arrived at the place where he had seen the dao lecture hall before.


    unfortunately, this place was in ruins and there was nothing left.


    it couldn¡¯t be considered a pity.


    its destruction was also within xu qing¡¯s judgment. hence, after investigating, xu qing planned to find someone and ask how to enter the fourth realm.


    however, just as he was about to head over, the little person in the jade token sneered.


    ¡°what¡¯s the use of searching like this? you don¡¯t even know the meaning of this third realm!¡±


    when the first half of this sentence landed in xu qing¡¯s ears, he had the thought of squeezing the jade token.


    it was the latter half of the sentence that saved the jade token.


    ¡°oh, what¡¯s the meaning of this place?¡±


    xu qing asked.


    the little person in the jade token was arrogant.


    ¡°if you beg me, i¡¯ll tell you.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate and calmly spoke.


    ¡°please tell me.¡±


    ¡°whaa?¡± the little person was stunned.


    ¡°you¡ªyou¡ªyou¡­ where¡¯s your dignity? your backbone? how can you give in so easily?¡±


    xu qing calmly looked at the jade token.


    he was already used to this little person.


    the method he used to deal with eldest senior brother was enough to deal with this little person.


    hence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°you have to keep your word.¡±


    as he spoke, he squeezed the jade token.


    the little person pursed its lips.


    ¡°alright, i¡¯ll tell you.¡±


    ¡°to cultivators who don¡¯t have an ordinance, this third realm is a land of opportunities and fortune. however, that¡¯s all superficial.¡±


    ¡°the good things are all in the latter realms. you have to reach the fourth realm at least!¡±


    ¡°however, only those with ordinances can enter the fourth realm! for cultivators who want to enter the fourth realm, this third realm has other uses.¡±


    ¡°this is the realm where you find an identity!¡±


    ¡°because the fourth realm is a space-time realm and it has been frozen in the past.¡±


    ¡°the identity you obtain in the third realm will be your identity after you enter the fourth realm.¡±


    ¡°to put it simply, entering the fourth realm is actually you returning to the aurora immortal palace of the past and experiencing your opportunities there.¡±


    ¡°so, identity is extremely important!¡±


    when xu qing heard this, his heart stirred.


    ¡°how can i obtain an identity?¡±


    the little person was incomparably smug as it spoke proudly.


    ¡°i won¡¯t tell you!¡±

 Chapter 1616 - Chapter 1616: There’s a Treasure in the Southern Sky

    chapter 1616: there¡¯s a treasure in the southern sky


    editor: atlas studios


    hearing the little figure¡¯s voice once again slipping into its cheeky tone, xu qing clenched his right hand tightly.


    there was a crack.


    the jade token shattered.


    after that, he sat cross-legged in this dilapidated dao lecture hall and waited patiently.


    after a moment, as the sensation in his palm returned, the jade slip¡ªalready crushed countless times¡ªreappeared in his grasp once again.


    throughout the jade slip¡¯s reappearance, xu qing kept a close eye on the process.


    initially, a single dot emerged in his palm.


    then, more dots appeared, connecting into lines.


    these lines twisted and multiplied, gradually forming a surface. it then formed the shape of the jade token from the second realm.


    finally, it seemed to have absorbed some profound rules of the main world, allowing it to achieve true height.


    hence¡­ it formed a real jade token.


    xu qing had been observing this process very seriously since the start.


    with several examinations, he gained enough understanding.


    ¡°indeed, this jade token, manifesting from nothing, relies on a form of space-time ordinance. however, the direction of this space-time ordinance differs from mine.¡±


    ¡°it seems to contain an additional element¡­ perhaps the power of imagination?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    his space-time state was formed from the foundation of the five elements, fusing time and space. hence, in terms of performance, it focused on the macroscopic aspect of space-time.


    as for the aurora immortal lord, the ability to material objects from a lower-dimensional realm seemed fundamentally more aligned with the microscopic aspect.


    as he pondered, the little person¡¯s exasperated voice rang out from the jade token that appeared in his palm again.


    ¡°you¡¯re too much. can you let me finish speaking?!¡±


    ¡°i didn¡¯t say that i wouldn¡¯t tell you!!¡±


    ¡°can you give me some face? aren¡¯t you ashamed by doing this? after all, i helped you leave the second realm!!¡±


    ¡°you heartless man!¡±


    hearing the little person¡¯s words, xu qing seriously thought about it and felt that what the other party said made sense. hence, he put down the jade token and took a few steps back. he tidied his clothes and cupped his fists respectfully, bowing deeply.


    this bow stunned the little person again.


    after xu qing bowed, he walked back and picked up the jade token. he exerted a little force and calmly spoke.


    ¡°please inform me!¡±


    this scene caused the little person to fall silent.


    it sensed the force in xu qing¡¯s palm, realizing that with just a little more pressure, the jade token would completely shatter.


    ¡®why do i feel that after he bowed, he became even more calm¡­¡¯


    the little person felt that his head was a little big. the actions and thoughts of the person in front of him really made him feel that it wasn¡¯t good to fool or brush him off.


    ¡°this person doesn¡¯t care about his prestige at all. he begged just like that and bowed just like that¡­¡±


    ¡®this person really has no regard for pride, begging outright and bowing when needed¡­ it¡¯s clear that in his heart, he follows a personal logic¡­ after a single bow, he can then proceed with ease to kill, and his thoughts remain clear?¡¯


    ¡®this person really makes me speechless, especially since he clearly thinks so. ahhh, how annoying!¡¯


    the little person felt helpless but, fearing being crushed again, angrily spoke up.


    ¡°damn it, damn it, damn it!¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°i¡¯m not talking about you!¡±


    the little person hurriedly explained.


    ¡°i¡¯m talking about those brats who barged into my house. look at how greedy those brats have been all these years. they demolished my house and took away all my things¡­¡±


    ¡°they didn¡¯t even spare the flowers and plants. they even took the floor tiles and roof tiles, and some even tried to smash the house itself to take it away¡­¡±


    ¡°but luckily, there¡¯s still one of my childhood toys that hasn¡¯t been stolen. here¡¯s the deal: you go fetch it for me, and in return, i¡¯ll tell you how to obtain a great identity.¡±


    ¡°what do you think?¡±


    the little person¡¯s large face appeared on the jade token and looked at xu qing expectantly.


    ¡°that treasure is on the southern sky mountain.¡±


    ¡°although it¡¯s not in this area, i have a way to get you there.¡±


    ¡°hurry up and decide. i can vaguely sense a few thieves approaching the location!¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°fellow daoists, we¡¯re almost there.¡±


    on the southern sky mountain, near the top of the mountain, there were four figures moving forward with great difficulty.


    the person who spoke was someone at the back.


    this man was a middle-aged figure dressed in black, holding a silver compass. his features were sharp and stern, wearing a brocade robe and a golden crown.


    as he walked on the rocky terrain, though positioned behind, his gaze was as sharp as a hawk¡¯s, sweeping over the three people ahead of him.


    while observing their actions, his fingers occasionally tapped lightly on the compass, producing a crisp sound that echoed outward, distorting the surrounding void.


    it was as though he was declaring his authority.


    at the same time, the three people in front also trembled.


    among these three, there were two men and one woman.


    one of the men was of medium build, slightly overweight, with thinning hair and a weary expression. his face bore the marks of hardship, giving him a weathered appearance.


    beside him stood the woman, also middle-aged, with a well-proportioned figure and a somewhat delicate face. however, her skin had a slight yellow tint, and her eyes were orange.


    despite her hair being neatly tied into a bun and her daoist robe orderly, the unsettling hue of her eyes made her look strange.


    the last person was an elderly man, thin and slightly hunched, with a head full of white hair.


    once vigorous and alert, he now appeared tired, his face etched with even deeper lines of time, making the marks of his age all the more pronounced.


    if xu qing was here, he would definitely be able to recognize at a glance that this old man¡­ was the earth spirit ancestor.


    at that moment, the three of them had ugly expressions and their hearts were gloomy.


    clearly, they weren¡¯t willing to walk here.


    they wanted to struggle but were powerless.


    this was because three threads were connected to their souls and were controlled by the compass. they couldn¡¯t control themselves and could only be used as tools for the other party to scout the way.


    recalling his experience, the earth spirit ancestor gritted his teeth.


    after he entered the third realm, things were quite smooth at the start. even though li mengtu had left, he had his own plans and arrangements.


    everything was originally fine, and he gradually got close to his goal.


    that was the information he had obtained from the cloud gate. it was a medicinal herb that hadn¡¯t been taken away by anyone and could increase the chance of breaking through.


    the location of this medicinal herb was a secret. back then, the ancestor of the cloud gate lacked the necessary preparations to take away the medicinal herb. hence, he could only regretfully leave this information behind.


    in the end, this information was obtained by the earth spirit ancestor.


    however, just as he was about to succeed, a ruler with an ordinance treasure arrived.


    not only did this person take away that stalk of medicinal herb, but he also suppressed him and tied his soul.


    after that, the other party suppressed seven cultivators, including himself. in the end, he used some special method to bring them away from the eastern area and near to this mountain.


    the earth spirit ancestor and the other seven people were all coerced to scout the way for him as they climbed up the mountain.


    in the end, four died.


    only he and the man and woman beside him were left, but with severe injuries.


    ¡®we¡¯re about to reach the mountain peak and that¡¯s where the other party¡¯s target is. the moment we reach the peak, it will definitely be the time for this person to silence us!¡¯


    the earth spirit ancestor was anxious but there was nothing he could do.


    the two people beside him were the same.


    what they could do was to stall for time. however, stalling¡­ didn¡¯t seem to have any meaning here.


    as for the black-clothed middle-aged man who was holding the compass behind them, he knew what the three of them were thinking. however, he didn¡¯t care at all.


    from what he knew, among the people who entered this immortal palace, other than the stars and those few cultivators who possessed ordinance treasures like him, the rest¡­ were no longer in the same realm.


    hence, no matter how the three people in front struggled, it was useless.


    ¡°i¡¯m almost there!¡±


    the black-clothed middle-aged man gradually couldn¡¯t suppress the excitement in his heart. it scattered in his gaze and landed on the mountain peak, revealing heat.


    this wasn¡¯t his first time entering the immortal palace.


    to be precise, this was the second time.


    the last time, many years ago, the southern area of the immortal palace had opened.


    at that time, his cultivation was only at the early-stage ruler realm and was very inconspicuous. he was very careful on the way and accidentally obtained an opportunity.


    he entered the realm where the mountain was located.


    while descending, he vaguely caught sight of a lake atop a mountain, and within that lake, there was a paper boat floating.


    however, he had no choice but to land at the foot of the mountain. but there were many restrictions on this mountain and it was filled with endless dangers, so he couldn¡¯t ascend this mountain.


    in the end, he could only leave unwillingly.


    however, in the following years, he couldn¡¯t forget this mountain and that paper boat. hence, through his meticulous investigation and flipping through the historical records about the aurora immortal lord, he gained a better understanding of that paper boat.


    he also confirmed one thing.


    the paper boat was an ordinance treasure!


    moreover, it was powerful!


    hence, he began to make preparations until he arrived again. his goal was the paper boat.


    for this, he paid a huge price to borrow an ordinance treasure from a powerful figure. at the same time, he also relied on that ordinance treasure to control many people to scout the way for him.


    now, he had finally reached this step.


    at the thought that he was about to reach the peak, the black-clothed middle-aged man took a deep breath and smiled at the three cultivators in front of him.


    ¡°thank you for your help on the way. now, i¡¯ll have to ask you to work harder. you don¡¯t have to think too much. after i reach the peak and obtain what i want, i¡¯ll return you your freedom.¡±


    the three of them fell silent.


    they naturally didn¡¯t believe these words.


    however, as the black-clothed middle-aged man spoke, he spun the compass in his hand, causing the bodies and souls of the three people to tremble. they could only speed up and use their lives to pave the way.


    just like that, time slowly passed.


    at this moment, if one¡¯s vision were to elevate, rising higher and higher, clouds would begin to flow across the horizon, gradually filling the entire view.


    the people in the mountain, along with the mountain itself, would grow smaller and smaller in sight, until the entire world surrounding the mountain came into view.


    astonishingly, it would reveal that this vast realm only held a single mountain.


    its surroundings were filled with fog.


    if the perspective continued to ascend, once it crossed a certain critical point, it would break through the limitations of this realm.


    then, the world where the mountain stood would become nothing more than a vibrant mural.


    it was carved onto a wall, in a chamber located in the southern part of the immortal palace.


    this palace hall was relatively well-preserved, with enormous totem murals visible on its inner walls.


    it depicted a mountain that reached into the clouds.


    the mountain¡¯s name was the southern sky.


    xu qing appeared inside the hall and stood before the mural, staring at it.


    ¡°do you see that paper boat? that¡¯s my toy.¡±


    the little person hurriedly spoke.


    xu qing nodded slightly and walked into the mural.

 Chapter 1617 - Chapter 1617: Identity in the Fourth Realm

    chapter 1617: identity in the fourth realm


    editor: atlas studios


    before him, the endless clouds were dense, completely obscuring all sight.


    the heavy mist disoriented the senses, making it instinctively difficult to find direction or distinguish between the four cardinal points. it felt impossible to discern the correct path forward.


    this was the world within the mural.


    however, xu qing was calm.


    after entering the mural and appearing in the fog, he wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with this feeling.


    ¡°it¡¯s similar to the second realm but it also contains some characteristics of the third level. to be precise¡­ this place exists between the second and third realms, forming a complete world of its own¡ªheaven within heaven, a realm within realms.¡±


    xu qing lowered his head and looked down. activating the space-time ordinance of his eighth extremity, his thoughts instantly ascended to a higher level, pulling his physical body downward.


    as he traversed through the fog, an indeterminate amount of time passed. the fog gradually thinned until, finally, it could no longer obscure his vision¡­


    a shockingly tall giant mountain appeared in front of xu qing.


    the mountain was pitch black, with no man-made steps, exuding a sense of desolation. its surface was completely barren, devoid of any vegetation, standing bare and stark¡ªa spine of this realm.


    however, waves of energy spread out from the restrictions hidden on this mountain. when xu qing scanned the area with his heightened perception, the sheer number of these restrictions seemed endless.


    moreover, the might of these restrictions was astonishing. if one didn¡¯t have an ordinance, it would be extremely difficult to climb this mountain safely.


    ¡°it¡¯s here, it¡¯s here.¡±


    ¡°son, hurry up. my treasure is at the top of the mountain.¡±


    the little person spoke excitedly, its tone filled with urging.


    xu qing was well aware that it would be difficult to change the little person¡¯s manner of speaking. after all, he had crushed the jade token over a hundred times, and at most, the other party would behave for a short while before reverting to the same attitude.


    hence, xu qing only frowned and didn¡¯t bother too much with the other party¡¯s nonsense.


    at this moment, he observed carefully before taking a step forward. he instantly crossed the distance and was already at the foot of the mountain when he appeared.


    ¡°hmm?¡±


    the moment he appeared at the foot of the mountain, a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    he had taken that step with the intention to get to the top of the mountain but he was stopped by a force, causing him to only be at the foot of the mountain when he appeared.


    ¡°this mountain is quite interesting.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly.


    the little person sneered.


    ¡°this is my secret place. although the methods i left behind have weakened after so many years, it¡¯s still impossible for you to reach the top of the mountain in one step.¡±


    ¡°hurry up and climb it. with your space-time ordinance, even if you can¡¯t reach the top in one step, there won¡¯t be any obstacles on the way.¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t bother with the little person. at the foot of the mountain, he still observed carefully first. only after he saw all the hidden restrictions in the mountain clearly with his space-time ordinance did he walk over.


    he stepped onto this mountain.


    the moment his feet came into contact with the mountain rock, a ripple spread out from under his feet. the entire mountain also trembled. restrictions arose, forming heavenly fire that rushed toward xu qing.


    however, the moment it landed on his body, it passed through him as though xu qing didn¡¯t exist.


    xu qing sensed it and continued forward.


    as he walked step by step, the tremors of the mountain became increasingly intense. however, the difference in levels caused it to be impossible for the restrictions on the mountain to truly touch xu qing no matter how they erupted.


    hence, his footsteps became faster and faster as he headed straight for the top of the mountain.


    as he sped, the mountain trembled, causing countless restrictions to erupt, forming furious waves, storms, seas of fire, and even void swords and spatial tears.


    moreover, it was accompanied by some chaos in time.


    the power of these restrictions gathered like an avalanche.


    xu qing calmly moved forward, as though he was walking in his backyard.


    the intense fluctuations formed by his arrival naturally attracted the attention of the black-clothed middle-aged man near the mountain peak.


    with just a glance, the black-clothed middle-aged man¡¯s expression changed drastically.


    he couldn¡¯t see xu qing clearly and could only see the chaos formed by the continuous eruption of the restrictions below. however, this scene still caused his pupils to contract and his mind to churn. his heart was filled with anxiety and horror.


    ¡°there¡¯s actually someone else who entered this place and caused such a commotion¡­¡±


    ¡°which star is it?¡±


    the black-clothed middle-aged man¡¯s breathing was hurried. he could sense through his ordinance treasure that a terrifying aura was rapidly shuttling over from the eruption of the restrictions below.


    there was no time to weigh the pros and cons. the black-clothed middle-aged man immediately controlled the compass in his hand. on one hand, he enhanced the earth spirit ancestor and the other two to control their bodies and speed up the scouting process.


    on the other hand, he relied on this ordinance treasure to form a pitch-black thread that was thrown into the waves of restrictions below.


    at the same time, earth spirit ancestor and the other two had also sensed the fluctuations of the mountain¡¯s restrictions and saw the terrifying eruption. however, because they didn¡¯t have any ordinance treasures, they couldn¡¯t ¡®see¡¯ or sense the aura that was rapidly approaching amidst the waves.


    in reality, there was no need to sense it. the three of them had already guessed what this scene represented.


    ¡°someone¡¯s coming!¡±


    ¡°judging from dao feizi¡¯s expression and actions, as well as the fluctuations of the restrictions, the person who came is extremely strong!¡±


    ¡°the chance for survival has appeared!¡±


    the three of them were injured but they were excited. this was because no matter who the person was or what the outcome would be, at least from the looks of it, this was a variable.


    variables were the only chance in a deadlock.


    almost at the very moment when hope arose in the hearts of the three, the black-clothed middle-aged man had already flung out the black thread from the compass he controlled. at terrifying speed, the thread shot into the range of the rippling restrictions.


    this black thread came from his ordinance treasure.


    so although it appeared ordinary, the power of that black thread could, in some sense, be described as real.


    only an ordinance could resist an ordinance.


    hence, the level of an ordinance treasure was extremely important.


    however, at the next instant¡­ a scene that caused the black-clothed middle-aged man¡¯s expression to change drastically again appeared.


    a cracking sound that echoed through the entire area suddenly rang out from the location of the fluctuations in the restrictions.


    the appearance of this sound caused the bodies of the earth spirit ancestor and the other two to tremble. a flaw appeared in the control over their souls. the three of them seized the opportunity and erupted separately, immediately breaking free.


    the black-clothed middle-aged man spat out a mouthful of blood with a horrified expression. he could sense that a terrifying aura was rushing over.


    and he had no other choice.


    he could either lower his head, but if he did so, he might not be able to survive. he was also unwilling to let his many years of preparation go to waste.


    or¡­ give it a try!


    madness appeared in his eyes. he couldn¡¯t care less about the escape of the three people. he suddenly turned around and erupted with all his strength, rushing toward the top of the mountain.


    ¡°controlling the second ordinance treasure is where the reversal lies!¡±


    ¡°with two ordinance treasures, even if i face the stars, i can still have a chance to escape!¡±


    at the thought of this, his speed was extremely fast, forming afterimages as he got closer and closer to the mountain peak.


    however¡­ xu qing who was moving in space-time was faster than him.


    hence, while the restrictions on the mountain were still erupting on a large scale. xu qing¡¯s figure had already passed through the countless restrictions and rushed out.


    they exploded into nothingness.


    after passing by the earth spirit ancestor and the other two, he appeared in front of the black-clothed middle-aged man!


    with a step, he walked to the top of the mountain.


    this scene couldn¡¯t be seen by others.


    only the black-clothed middle-aged man who held the ordinance treasure could ¡®see¡¯ him.


    the black-clothed middle-aged man¡¯s breathing grew rapid, and his eyes turned bloodshot in an instant. that feeling of having prepared for so long, endured countless hardships, only to have success snatched away just as it was within reach, made him desperate. he was ready to risk everything.


    hence, he held the compass in one hand and performed a series of hand seals with the other, pointing at xu qing.


    immediately, five black threads rose from the compass, each of them as thick as a finger. the moment they formed, they moved like five black snakes.


    they caused the surroundings to distort. their level gave off a feeling that they didn¡¯t belong to this world. after that, they headed straight for xu qing.


    xu qing turned his head and coldly looked over.


    the space-time ordinance erupted.


    time fluctuated and divided the five black threads.


    it affected space and imposed isolation.


    if the five black threads were compared to streams, xu qing¡¯s space-time ordinance was like a river that instantly blocked them.


    this lasted until¡­ the stream was obliterated in the vastness of space-time.


    the five black threads disappeared without a trace.


    a crack appeared on the compass.


    the black-clothed middle-aged man¡¯s body shook and blood flowed from his seven orifices as he continued to retreat.


    it seemed like he was about to attack again but at the next instant¡­ the compass suddenly emitted a black light, forming a huge human face. after staring at xu qing, it suddenly turned its head and devoured the black-clothed middle-aged man in one bite.


    miserable cries spread in all directions.


    after devouring, the black light face disappeared.


    the crack on the compass instantly recovered and landed on the ground.


    it was motionless.


    only a sentence rang out from the void, echoing in xu qing¡¯s spacetime.


    ¡°bring this item to the fourth realm. i¡¯ll come and collect it personally.¡±


    these words contained terrifying might that others couldn¡¯t hear but in xu qing¡¯s mind, it was like a large bell.


    his figure was revealed from the space-time ordinance. he raised his head from the mountain peak and looked at the sky.


    at the same time, as xu qing¡¯s figure was revealed, an excited call rang out from below.


    ¡°lord!¡±


    the earth spirit ancestor, who recognized xu qing, was very excited.


    when xu qing heard this, he retracted his gaze from the sky and turned his head to sweep his gaze across the earth spirit ancestor. he then raised his hand and sent a gentle force over.


    after that, he turned and looked at the lake at the top of the mountain and the paper boat on the lake.


    this paper boat was white and floated quietly on the lake, motionless.


    ¡°how do i collect it?¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°hehe, you¡¯re quite cautious. i thought you would collect it with your bare hands immediately.¡±


    the little person coughed. at the next instant, the jade token floated to the air and disappeared. when it reappeared, it was already on the paper boat.


    following that, the jade token flashed.


    the paper boat shook slightly and turned blurry at a speed visible to the naked eye. finally, it transformed into lines that fused into the jade token.


    in the blink of an eye, the jade token returned and appeared in xu qing¡¯s hand. the little person inside let out a satisfied voice.


    ¡°not bad, not bad. after so many years, this toy is still not broken. it can be used.¡±


    ¡°now that i have the item, it¡¯s time for you to tell me about the identity i will have in the fourth realm.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    although that paper boat wasn¡¯t a simple ordinance treasure, xu qing wasn¡¯t greedy. to him, his space-time ordinance was where his dao was.


    when the little person heard this, it coughed and transformed into a figure on the jade token. it placed its hands on its waist and spoke despicably.


    ¡°didn¡¯t i tell you the first time i saw you?¡±


    ¡°your identity is my son.¡±

 Chapter 1618 - Chapter 1618: Young Master of the Immortal Palace

    chapter 1618: young master of the immortal palace


    editor: atlas studios


    xu qing¡¯s expression darkened.


    he crushed the jade token.


    after that, he flicked his sleeve and swept the earth spirit ancestor and the others out of the mural where the southern sky mountain was located, sending them back to the outer hall of the palace.


    in the palace, the three of them were overcome with relief and gratitude. each of them expressed their thanks with deep reverence.


    ¡°i¡¯m ling yuezi, a member of the heavenly moon clan in the northern starfield. i owe my life to you, fellow daoist. should you ever come to the northern starfield, you have but to call on me, and i shall obey without question!¡±


    the female cultivator among the three spoke seriously.


    the middle-aged man among them also took a deep breath and spoke solemnly.


    ¡°zhang shiyi of the southern starfield¡¯s spirit enlightenment sect. today¡¯s life-saving grace will never be forgotten. no matter the time or place, should you need anything, i, zhang, will answer your call with all my strength!¡±


    having barely escaped a deadly fate, they knew all too well that, without xu qing¡¯s intervention, death had been inevitable.


    so, this gratitude was sincere.


    finally, there was the earth spirit ancestor.


    he was incomparably excited.


    ¡°lord, i finally met you.¡±


    after saying this, he suddenly recalled something more important, so he hurriedly transmitted his voice.


    ¡°lord li mengtu once searched for you here but was unsuccessful. in the end, he ventured into the fourth realm. before he left, he entrusted me with a few words to pass on to you should i see you.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he looked at the earth spirit ancestor.


    ¡°lord, the message from lord li mengtu is to inform you of the location of the entrance to the fourth realm and to alert you that an unknown disturbance has arisen here this time.¡±


    ¡°in the past, cultivators only needed to display their ordinance to be able to enter the fourth realm.¡±


    ¡°but this time, there are special conditions. according to lord li mengtu¡¯s research and exploration, he discovered that what is needed is identity!¡±


    ¡°so, aside from the location, what he wanted me to tell you is how to obtain an identity here, as well as the identity he holds in the fourth realm.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°the entrance to the fourth realm is located beyond the northern region, where there is a sea, called the northern sea.¡±


    the earth spirit ancestor spoke very quickly and told xu qing everything he knew without hiding anything.


    ¡°in the northern sea, there is a gateway.¡±


    ¡°as for how to obtain an identity in this third realm, it involves diving into the northern sea to retrieve an identity token¡ªthis depends on fate.¡±


    ¡°and as for lord li mengtu, his identity is¡­ the study companion of the son of the aurora immortal lord.¡±


    ¡°lastly, he asked me to tell you that he will be waiting for you in the fourth realm.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    from the little person, he knew that one needed an identity to enter the fourth realm.


    coupled with li mengtu¡¯s message, it could be judged that such a situation where one needed an identity had never appeared before.


    then¡­ why did it appear this time?


    xu qing lowered his head and glanced at his empty palm.


    ¡°because of it?¡±


    xu qing muttered to himself and bade farewell to the earth spirit ancestor and the others. he then entered space-time and left the southern region.


    he headed north.


    at that moment, the jade token reformed in xu qing¡¯s palm and the little person¡¯s voice rapidly rang out.


    ¡°don¡¯t be angry. i didn¡¯t scold you!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s really this identity!¡±


    xu qing was expressionless. just as he was about to crush the jade token again, the little person hurriedly materialized and waved its hand. immediately, the paper boat that it had kept earlier appeared in the air.


    ¡°stop squeezing. your identity is here!¡±


    xu qing paused and looked at the paper boat.


    under the control of the little person¡¯s hands, the paper boat was gradually dismantled and turned into a huge piece of white paper.


    on the paper were large silver words.


    21st day of the sixth month, predawn hours1.


    as it gazed at these characters, an expression appeared on the little person¡¯s face that had never been seen before¡ªa rare emotional ripple.


    it then raised its hand and drew a colorful figure on the paper, the figure being an image of xu qing from the second realm.


    the image fused with the words on the paper.


    after completing this, the little person folded the paper again, but instead of folding it back into the shape of a boat, it wrapped it around the jade token.


    ¡°with this paper wrapped around the jade token, the token can become real by using the power of the second realm. this way, your destiny will align, turning the illusion into reality!¡±


    as it wrapped the paper around the jade token, it looked towards xu qing, its tone solemn, devoid of any trace of its usual cheekiness. instead, it was full of earnest concern, like an elder giving advice.


    ¡°kid, remember these words. after you enter the fourth realm, recite them silently and you will obtain an identity.¡±


    ¡°i indeed need your help to bring me to the fourth realm.¡±


    ¡°in the fourth realm, you go comprehend your dao while i do my thing¡­¡±


    ¡°also, i have to remind you of something.¡±


    ¡°you will be going to the past, but even with the space-time ordinance, do not attempt to alter history, for history cannot and must not be changed!¡±


    ¡°unless you want to die.¡±


    ¡°so after you enter¡­ you will be a spectator of history.¡±


    at this point, the little person had completely wrapped the paper around the jade token. after that, its figure flashed and it returned to the jade slip.


    it coughed and said the last sentence in a despicable manner.


    ¡°son, hurry up and head to the fourth realm. go back to the past and witness how your father was so mighty and invincible, how i stood tall and glorious¡­ in a grand battle against your grandpa!¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he squeezed the jade token.


    however, this time, he couldn¡¯t crush the jade token¡­ the paper protected it.


    the despicable voice of the little person echoed again.


    ¡°haha, you can¡¯t crush it, right? alright, you should save your strength. i know you¡¯re annoyed with me, but this is the last thing i¡¯ll say to you in this lifetime.¡±


    ¡°kid¡­ we¡¯ll meet again in the fourth layer!¡±


    after he finished speaking, the jade token burned on its own in xu qing¡¯s hand and instantly turned into dust that dissipated with the wind.


    xu qing remained silent.


    he analyzed the little person¡¯s words and weighed the pros and cons of this identity.


    clearly, no matter how one looked at it, this identity had an advantage over other identities.


    according to the information he had, xu qing could also determine that in the fourth realm, identity¡­ was extremely important.


    it would determine opportunities, fortune, and the degree of exploration.


    it even determined his authority in the fourth realm.


    most importantly, the moment the little person drew the colorful figure on the paper, xu qing felt a mysterious attraction land on his body.


    it seemed to be connected to his fate.


    at the same time, this world seemed to have changed.


    it gave him a sense of kindness.


    a long time later, xu qing looked toward the north.


    his body swayed as he moved forward in space-time.


    he moved forward without stopping, moving across the north until he saw a vast sea.


    the waves roared, stretching endlessly into the horizon.


    the crashing waves against the shore¡¯s rocks echoed with thunderous sounds, as if whispering ancient tales.


    the radiant sunlight, filtering through the cracks in the clouds, bathed the ocean in a shimmering glow, scattering colorful reflections across the surface.


    it seemed to decorate the ancient stories with the hues of time.


    occasionally, massive phantom seabirds soared in the sky, diving to catch fish in the sea below before flying back into the distant sky.


    however, these were only normal sights.


    in the space-time ordinance, what xu qing saw was completely different.


    the vibrant sunlight had seemingly never existed.


    the waves and seabirds had never stirred.


    it was nighttime.


    a pale moon hung high in the sky, and the ocean below had turned crimson, resembling a sea of blood, or perhaps a sea of death, with countless corpses floating upon its surface.


    a thick, suffocating aura of death formed a thin layer of mist over the water.


    in the depths of that mist, two towering figures, as tall as the heavens, were locked in a fierce battle.


    one of them held a broken sword, exuding an overwhelming killing intent. every movement radiated destructive power capable of obliterating everything in its path. the broken sword itself seemed as if it could sever anything it touched.


    it was xie lingzi!


    the other person was naturally zhou zhengli.


    beyond his garments, countless bolts of lightning crackled and blazed, outlining an immense figure that looked like the master of the heavens.


    in his hand, he held a long halberd, and wherever the weapon pointed, all was deemed evil.


    once he declared something as evil, his strike would contain the power to shatter ordinance.


    this was his ordinance¡­ evil punishment!


    the two figures, upon encountering each other in the fourth realm, immediately began a fierce battle. their clashes swept across the eastern regions, continuing into the northern territories, and even now, at the very entrance to the fourth realm, they were still locked in combat.


    the thunderous roars of their strikes echoed like heaven¡¯s thunderclaps, sending ripples through the void. these ripples transformed into violent winds, sweeping across the ocean and reaching the shore, halting just before xu qing.


    xu qing lifted his head, his gaze fixated on the battle between the two figures over the sea.


    the waves of conflict he had sensed upon entering the third realm¡ªthe source of the immense tremors¡ªnow had an explanation.


    it was the aftershocks of the clash between the two combatants.


    after looking at it for a while, xu qing retracted his gaze and walked over, stepping on the surface of the sea.


    the battle in the sky had nothing to do with him.


    he didn¡¯t care whether they lived or died.


    this was the entrance to the fourth realm, and that was enough.


    hence, xu qing¡¯s expression was calm as he walked forward step by step.


    sword energy fell from the sky, but he raised his hand and waved it away.


    lightning rained down, but they were distorted and slashed by his space-time.


    he continued to move forward and continuously dispersed the aftershock of the battle.


    his expression was calm and his heart was calm.


    his appearance naturally attracted the attention of xie lingzi and zhou zhengli.


    although at the start, their attention was more on killing each other, gradually, they both looked at xu qing on the surface of the sea at the same time.


    xu qing¡¯s age was very young compared to many people.


    his appearance was also peerless.


    hence, when walking on the surface of the sea, the young peerless cultivator looked like he was walking in his own garden.


    for some reason, he felt like the master of this palace.


    this feeling caused the two of them to have solemn expressions.


    they had seen xu qing before but they clearly remembered that when they were outside previously, the other party didn¡¯t give them the feeling of the master of the immortal palace.


    they saw different things.


    ¡°this person¡¯s killing intent¡­ is extremely dense!¡±


    xie lingzi narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°this person¡¯s dao is resonating with this world¡­¡±


    zhou zhengli¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint.


    their exchange of blows came to a rare end.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care about this. he walked his own path, just like the dao.


    step by step, he walked to the center of the sea.


    there, he saw an ancient stone gate.


    outside the gate, he paused for a few breaths.


    after that, he stepped in!


    he mumbled softly.


    21st day of the sixth month, predawn hours.

 Chapter 1619 - Chapter 1619: Aurora Era

    chapter 1619: aurora era


    editor: atlas studios


    in the first year of the immortal calendar, the fifth star ring¡¯s venerable god fell, and the venerable immortal rose to prominence.


    following this, twelve immortal lords established twelve eras. each era spanned 12,000 years, forming one grand cycle.


    within each era, there were four stages: dao beginning, dao radiance, dao heaven, and dao end.


    each stage lasted 3,000 years, with the four stages forming a smaller cycle within the grand one.


    a rule was set: for every new immortal lord that appeared in the future, an additional era would be added to the immortal calendar.


    due to the venerable immortal¡¯s prolonged cultivation, it was also decreed that the ruling immortal lord of any given era would preside over the fifth star ring for the duration of that era.


    today, it was the year 2999 of dao end within the nine shores era, in the eleventh month.


    only one more month remained before the arrival of the next era, the aurora era.


    the transition of eras held immense significance for the cultivators of the fifth star ring.


    both the immortal lord of the next era and the current one acknowledged its importance.


    therefore, within the aurora immortal palace¡ªthe designated ruling seat of the upcoming era¡ªlanterns and decorations abound, creating an atmosphere filled with the joy of bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new.


    everything was prepared and the handover was almost complete.


    years prior, most of the immortals under the aurora immortal lord had already spread throughout the fifth star ring, gradually assuming critical positions in preparation for the transfer of power.


    particularly, the four disciples of the aurora immortal lord had taken on essential roles. aside from the fourth disciple, who remained stationed at the immortal palace, the other three had been sent out to take over leadership of the three great immortal armies from under the command of the nine shores immortal lord.


    this was something that would happen every change of an era.


    now, everything was set; all that remained was for the final month to pass.


    the entire fifth star ring was about to usher in a new era.


    the aurora immortal lord would take control of the star ring for the next 12,000 years.


    however, amidst the anticipation and excitement filling the entire aurora immortal palace, a piercing wail echoed from the thunder punishment cliff in the east of the immortal palace.


    the agonizing cries spread far and wide, catching the attention of many within the palace.


    yet, most of the immortal palace cultivators chose to ignore it. even when some glanced in the direction of the cliff, they merely sighed and shook their heads before returning to their business.


    at most, some would make a few teasing remarks when they noticed a hurried youth flying toward the thunder punishment cliff.


    ¡°is the young lord being punished again?¡±


    ¡°what did he do this time?¡±


    ¡°zhong chi, no need to rush. come, tell us what happened this time.¡±


    faced with everyone¡¯s questions on the way, the youth named zhong chi smiled bitterly and greeted them one by one. however, his figure didn¡¯t stop as he headed straight for the thunder punishment cliff.


    as he got closer, thunder rumbled intensely and the screams and wails grew louder and louder.


    finally, just as the youth was about to step into the restriction of the thunder punishment cliff, the tragic cry suddenly stopped.


    the youth was stunned. he quickly took a few steps forward and stepped into the restriction. as his vision blurred, when everything became clear in the next instant, what greeted his eyes was blue lightning that filled the sky.


    endless lightning flashed in the sky and continuously blasted at a figure hanging in the air.


    that figure was wrapped in lightning, his clothes tattered and his hair disheveled.


    now, for some reason, he no longer wailed. however, under the endless bombardment of lightning, one could see that his body continued to tremble and his breathing was hurried. there were many wounds all over his body and he was dripping with blood.


    blood from the corners of his mouth as well.


    seeing that the young lord was still breathing, zhong chi revealed a relieved expression and bowed to the air.


    ¡°young lord¡­ the hundred flowers palace has been sealed as per your orders. no one will be able to enter while you¡¯re undergoing the thunder punishment.¡±


    the thunder continued and the lightning continued.


    the figure hanging in the air didn¡¯t seem to hear zhong chi. at that moment, he closed his eyes.


    no matter how fiercely the lightning struck, he kept his eyes shut.


    within his closed eyes, a whirlwind of emotions swirled¡ªconfusion, helplessness, and a sense of disorientation.


    ¡°why am i being punished as soon as i appeared?¡±


    the intense pain of being whipped caused xu qing¡¯s heart to sink.


    he clearly remembered that a few breaths ago, he had walked into the gate of the northern sea in the third realm. as he chanted those words of the identity, he appeared here the next instant.


    this body wasn¡¯t his.


    in fact, even the soul wasn¡¯t his.


    only the consciousness belonged to him!


    it was as though he had transmigrated. at the next instant¡­ the memories of the host became countless pieces of information that rumbled in his consciousness.


    a long time later, everything about the host appeared in xu qing¡¯s perception.


    this time around, the little person didn¡¯t deceive him.


    the host¡¯s identity was indeed the only son of the aurora immortal lord.


    this was the fourth realm.


    it was a fragment of the past.


    just as xu qing was digesting the memories of the host, the lightning that was continuously whipping him suddenly paused.


    the lightning wasn¡¯t the only thing that stopped. the sky and even space and time also stopped.


    his study companion, zhong chi, was also motionless.


    a figure emerged from nothingness in the sky, appearing before the suspended xu qing.


    the figure was blurry, difficult to discern, but the overwhelming sense of its presence was undeniable¡ªlike the embodiment of heavenly will, the world itself, or the master of this star ring, capable of suppressing everything.


    he coldly looked at xu qing.


    after a while, he slowly spoke.


    ¡°unfilial son!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ve tolerated your debauchery on most days, even turning a blind eye to you creating the hundred flowers palace, allowing you some level of indulgence.¡±


    ¡°however, you¡­ dared to provoke the daughter of the nine shores immortal lord!¡±


    ¡°you deceived her heart, and even her body!¡±


    ¡°even that, i could have overlooked, thinking you had some skills. but you abandoned her without a second thought, with such cruelty and finality!¡±


    ¡°now, the nine shores immortal lord is here, with his daughter in tow, demanding i give an explanation!¡±


    xu qing remained silent. he was nervous and extremely vigilant.


    he knew that the person in front of him was none other than aurora immortal lord.


    he was worried that he would be seen through, even though this method of returning to the past was guided by the immortal palace and was in line with the rules.


    however, the immortal lord was the immortal lord after all!


    in addition, he wasn¡¯t sure if the little person was the same as him and had a host here.


    if it had a host, then the aurora immortal lord was naturally the most suitable choice.


    that little person was originally the remnant will of aurora .


    however, xu qing couldn¡¯t be sure.


    in addition, he was currently digesting the host¡¯s memories, so he could only remain silent in the face of the aurora immortal lord¡¯s angry rebuke.


    ¡°now you know how to remain silent?¡±


    the aurora immortal lord¡¯s voice was cold. with a swift wave of his hand, he intensified the power of the lightning, causing the previously suspended lightning in midair to instantly double in size.


    after doing this, he turned and took a step away from the thunder punishment cliff.


    a lingering sound rang out.


    ¡°if you remain silent, then continue your silent repentance. i¡¯ve already arranged the marriage for you¡ªwhether you like it or not, you¡¯ll wed the daughter of the nine shores immortal lord!¡±


    ¡°as for that disgraceful hundred flowers palace of yours, i¡¯ll give you half a month to disband it!¡±


    ¡°zhong chi, although you¡¯re just a study companion, this time, you are responsible for keeping an eye on him!¡±


    his voice echoed and landed on the world, causing the still lightning to instantly resume. it then rumbled toward xu qing with an even sharper aura.


    the surroundings also resumed their operations at this instant, including the youth, zhong chi.


    he took a deep breath and respectfully raised his head. he was also nervous.


    he had never seen aurora immortal lord.


    this was because every time aurora immortal lord appeared, the surroundings would fall still.


    this time around, his senses had recovered because aurora immortal lord mentioned him.


    although he had been in this fourth realm for some time and had verified his identity, he knew that the people in this past timeline would not be aware of his presence.


    however, facing the immortal lord, he was still instinctively nervous.


    as for this young lord¡­


    it was often said that a tiger¡¯s father would not raise a dog of a son, but in zhong chi¡¯s memory, this was not the case with this father and son pair.


    the young lord clearly possessed excellent cultivation talent, yet he was a slave to his desires, achieving nothing. according to the history he knew, this young lord would die in a month.


    on the day of his wedding to the daughter of the nine shores immortal lord, before the ceremony could even be completed, the entire aurora immortal palace would plunge into catastrophe.


    ¡°a month from now, it won¡¯t just be him who dies, but the entire immortal palace; no one will survive, all will be erased by the venerable immortal¡­¡±


    ¡°so, i just need to play my role well and complete my dao here!¡±


    ¡°furthermore, the identities of the others are deeply hidden. i can only roughly identify them for now¡­ but as long as they don¡¯t obstruct me, i have no need to look for them.¡±


    at the thought of this, zhong chi looked up at the young lord who was hanging in the air and sighed.


    ¡°young lord, the immortal lord has made up his mind this time. why don¡¯t¡­ you just comply?¡±


    the voice that fell into xu qing¡¯s ears felt as if it had traveled through the ages, somewhat blurred.


    at this moment, he was gradually absorbing the host¡¯s memories completely, and the life of this son of aurora left xu qing unsure how to evaluate it.


    it couldn¡¯t be said that he didn¡¯t take cultivation seriously, nor could it be said that he was entirely hedonistic.


    at over three hundred years old, he had reached the ruler realm, not far from becoming a quasi immortal.


    in his daily actions, he generally presented himself as gentle and elegant, possessing a certain charm, and he had an attractive appearance.


    yet there was one notable flaw¡­


    that was amorousness.


    if described according to this young lord¡¯s self-deprecating thoughts from the memories, it was as if his heart had shattered into countless fragments, with each fragment falling for a different person.


    thus, his memories essentially resembled erotic paintings.


    xu qing frowned. after digesting his memories, zhong chi¡¯s voice became clearer. hence, he opened his eyes and looked at the youth below.


    in the host¡¯s memory, he only had one study companion.


    in that case, xu qing had roughly guessed the true identity of this youth. there was a high chance that it was li mengtu.


    however, he naturally wouldn¡¯t reveal it.


    hence, with just a glance, xu qing spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°i¡¯m a little tired.¡±


    zhong chi blinked. he felt that the young lord seemed a little different from the past, but there was one thing he was sure of.


    in this period of history, there were three people whose roles couldn¡¯t be played.


    one was the venerable immortal, one was the immortal lord, and the other was the young lord.


    there was no need to say anything about the venerable immortal and the immortal lord.


    as for the young lord, he was protected by the immortal lord.


    the reason for this certainty was related to the process through which they obtained their identities in the third realm. therefore, this understanding was not only his own, but also a shared recognition among the other stars.


    ¡®it should have something to do with this thunder punishment and the reprimand from the immortal lord just now.¡¯


    with this thought, zhong chi spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°young lord, when i came, i asked the thunder pavilion. they said that the thunder punishment will last for seven days.¡±


    ¡°in seven days, it will be the day of your battle with that heaven¡¯s chosen li. do you want me to inform the other party to postpone it?¡±


    upon hearing this, xu qing recalled from the host¡¯s memories that the host had previously had a conflict with a prodigy from the heaven¡¯s net sect named li shaofeng. the cause of their disagreement was a peerless beauty, who was the incarnation of a thousand-year-old enchanting fox.


    that fox beauty belonged to heaven¡¯s chosen li.


    hence, both sides secretly arranged a battle. the beauty would belong to whoever won.


    ¡°what kind of battle is this¡­¡±


    xu qing frowned.


    just as he was about to speak, he suddenly fell into deep thought and thought of the clay fox.


    ¡®don¡¯t tell me she arrived as well?¡¯

 Chapter 1620 - Chapter 1620: Getting to the Bottom

    chapter 1620: getting to the bottom


    editor: atlas studios


    xu qing wasn¡¯t sure if it was possible for the clay fox to enter the fourth realm with him.


    right now, his body and soul weren¡¯t his own.


    only his consciousness descended on aurora¡¯s son, replacing everything about him, to play out a fate that seemed impossible to alter.


    history couldn¡¯t be changed.


    this was what the little person formed by the remnants of aurora¡¯s consciousness had said to xu qing back then.


    it had told xu qing that upon entering the fourth realm, all he needed to do was follow the course of history¡ªobserve, listen, and experience everything as it unfolded.


    but xu qing didn¡¯t see it that way.


    simply observing and experiencing things as they unfolded held little value for him or the other stars who had come to this place.


    if the goal was merely to witness the past, then both fortune and opportunity might not necessarily be the best. after all, the march of time often brought forth the new and discarded the old.


    therefore, in xu qing¡¯s judgment, the greatest opportunity in this fourth realm must be linked to the hidden benefits within this particular time period.


    ¡°so, what exactly is it?¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly and observed while enduring the lightning.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    five days passed.


    during these five days, zhong chi came every day to accompany him.


    as a study companion, this was his mission, at least on the surface.


    and secretly, while the young lord was being punished, zhong chi found himself with a rare moment of freedom. during this time, he could pursue certain matters¡ªhidden, private undertakings that were exclusively tied to his own path of fortune.


    therefore, as far as the young lord being strung up and punished was concerned, zhong chi was indifferent.


    he even hoped that the punishment would last longer.


    xu qing would occasionally casually sweep his gaze over, well aware of zhong chi¡¯s intentions.


    however, there was no need to expose him. just like how he didn¡¯t want others to know his identity, everyone who came to the fourth realm had their own plans.


    as for himself, during the days when he was receiving his punishment on the thunder punishment cliff, he learned more about this world through the lightning that landed on his body.


    ¡°the spiritual energy, lightning, and even the aura of the world here¡­ all contain a faint sense of time.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s a slight difference between it and the real world.¡±


    ¡°the true history is extremely difficult to change. moreover, there are even higher ordinance restrictions that won¡¯t allow history to be modified. from there, it will form a spacetime storm that will affect the entire fifth star ring.¡±


    ¡°however, there¡¯s a high chance that the time i¡¯m in¡­ might not be true history!¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and guessed as the lightning bombarded his body.


    it wasn¡¯t that this period of history didn¡¯t really exist but with xu qing¡¯s understanding of space-time, he felt that the scenes of the past displayed in the fourth realm were more like¡­ mirror images.


    ¡°this point still needs to be verified.¡±


    other than pondering, xu qing would occasionally wail a few times, allowing his act to match the past.


    he was also thinking about something else during these five days.


    that was¡­ was there anyone else who entered this world like li mengtu other than those stars?


    also, the roles of those who entered here.


    ¡°this is something i have to observe after leaving the thunder punishment cliff.¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    he didn¡¯t have the thought of becoming an obstacle for others. however, if he could know the identities of others, it would undoubtedly give him a huge advantage in his judgment of the world and his situation.


    ¡°knowing how they pursue their fortunes will further prove my guess.¡±


    ¡°if my guess is correct, this world is just a mirror image¡­¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes as he pondered.


    ¡°then, attempting to stir the waters of this time, like creating waves in a dead sea, observing the changes within time and space, will deepen my understanding of the space-time ordinance.¡±


    ¡°only then can i become a ruler of space-time!¡±


    ¡°also, i wonder if that aurora immortal lord will come again in the next few days¡­¡±


    xu qing looked into the distance. previously, when the aurora immortal lord appeared, xu qing had just arrived and didn¡¯t understand this place yet. in order to prevent any accidents, he didn¡¯t observe the immortal lord.


    but now, after these few days of exploration, he had gained a lot of information.


    unfortunately, with the passing of the sixth day and only half a day left before the punishment was to end, someone finally arrived¡ªbut it wasn¡¯t the immortal lord.


    the one who came was seated in a grand carriage pulled by nine phoenixes, their figure obscured by a veiled curtain.


    the golden, resplendent carriage shone brilliantly under the flashes of lightning, as if its light could illuminate every corner of the entire immortal palace.


    the nine phoenixes pulling the carriage let out cries that made the very heavens and earth tremble. their feathers blazed like fire, seemingly capable of burning the universe itself.


    the countless gemstones embedded in the carriage glittered with each subtle sway, resembling the brightest stars in the firmament, drawing all eyes to their brilliance.


    surrounding the carriage were over a hundred guards, each donned in pitch-black armor and wielding long spears. the terrifying aura they emitted was palpable.


    their movements were perfectly synchronized as they followed the majestic carriage.


    they exuded a solemn air that seemed to embody their unwavering resolve to protect this supreme figure of unmatched dignity and power.


    the carriage and the guards slowly flew toward the thunder punishment cliff.


    they stopped three hundred feet from xu qing, who was suspended mid-air.


    then, from behind the rainbow-hued curtain within the carriage, a jade-like hand emerged. the hand, smooth and radiant like polished jade, exuded a gentle, warm glow.


    after pausing briefly in the air, it lifted slightly, tracing a graceful arc before gently pulling aside the curtain.


    revealed was an elegant figure and a breathtakingly beautiful face.


    under the flashes of lightning, her exquisite features seemed to be bathed in a soft silver sheen, adding a touch of ethereal purity and dreamlike allure.


    everything around her dimmed in comparison.


    her eyes were deep and bright, her nose finely sculpted, with smooth lines and naturally pink lips. the corners of her mouth, which should have curled into a gentle smile, were restrained, as she tried to maintain an air of feigned anger.


    as she stepped forward, her long, glossy black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, brushing her shoulders. the motion softened her feigned anger, infusing her appearance with even more tenderness and charm.


    she took a few steps forward, stopping in front of xu qing, and softly parted her crimson lips.


    ¡°heartless man!¡±


    xu qing raised his head and looked at the peerlessly beautiful woman in front of him.


    through the host¡¯s memories, he naturally recognized the other party¡¯s identity at a glance.


    this woman was none other than the daughter of the nine shores immortal lord, zhou linshan.


    she was also the one the aurora immortal lord had arranged for him to marry in a month¡¯s time.


    it had to be said that the daughter of the nine shores immortal lord was perfect in all aspects.


    on her, there seemed to be an ethereal beauty that transcended the mortal realm, a kind of sanctity and purity that made people yearn for her while also hesitating to approach.


    especially with the gentle breeze tousling her hair, she appeared as if her figure intertwined with the wind, creating a breathtaking scene.


    her visage and aura resembled a fairy stepping out of an ancient painting, or perhaps a treasure bestowed upon the world by the heavens.


    even though her tone carried a hint of anger, her voice still sounded like a celestial melody.


    unfortunately, xu qing wasn¡¯t the son of aurora.


    his gaze was calm as he glanced at the woman in front of him. after that, he closed his eyes and didn¡¯t bother with her.


    ¡°heartless scoundrel!¡±


    the woman¡¯s eyes were filled with sorrow as she scolded him again. yet, as her gaze fell upon the wounds on xu qing¡¯s body, a trace of tenderness seemed to surface despite her anger.


    though she was berating him, she couldn¡¯t help but take out a handkerchief and gently wipe the blood from his wounds.


    that delicate hand seemed to carry boundless tenderness, as if it could soothe all the turmoil and restlessness in the world. as she carefully tended to him, she spoke softly.


    ¡°you once spoke so sweetly, full of charming words, and now you¡¯re like this¡­ i know you¡¯re unwilling to let go of your hundred flowers palace, so why did you lead me on in the first place?¡±


    ¡°your father has already proposed marriage for you, and our marriage is set for a month from now. i know your heart is not¡­¡±


    as the woman spoke, before she could finish speaking, xu qing suddenly opened his eyes. his right hand that was tied up by the lightning instantly lifted and grabbed the woman¡¯s wrist.


    the woman paused but didn¡¯t struggle. instead, she looked at xu qing.


    ¡°you¡¯ve already wiped it clean. how can i express my regret to father?¡±


    after saying that, xu qing let go.


    the woman snorted softly but didn¡¯t continue wiping.


    ¡°is this your way of clinging to your hundred flowers palace? using your pitiful state to soften the aurora immortal lord¡¯s heart?¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll tear down your hundred flowers palace now!¡±


    as she spoke, the woman turned around angrily and walked back to the carriage. a maidservant lifted the curtain for her, allowing her to step back inside without any pause


    the carriage then turned and left the thunder punishment cliff under the escort of the surrounding guards.


    only then did zhong chi lift his head and speak in a low voice.


    ¡°young lord, why are you doing this¡­¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t say anything and closed his eyes.


    a strange glint appeared in his eyes that no one saw.


    the scene of the daughter of the nine shores appearing until she left repeatedly appeared in his mind.


    he was focusing on a few details.


    one was the action of her lifting the curtain when she walked out of the carriage.


    this felt slightly out of place because, based on the memories that xu qing had absorbed, her status and upbringing made it unlikely that she would ever lift the curtain herself.


    of course, there could be an explanation¡ªperhaps she was in a rush or emotionally driven.


    however, there was another, more subtle detail. when he had suddenly grabbed her hand, while she appeared calm and composed, there was an almost imperceptible flash of instinctive rejection deep within her.


    although it was extremely light, xu qing still sensed it slightly.


    this was strange.


    after all, the host and the other party had already had skin-to-skin contact.


    however, this too was not definitive, as there were possible explanations for such behavior.


    yet, the key detail didn¡¯t lie in just these two points¡ªthere was something else.


    when she felt his sudden grip on her arm, alongside the rejection, she also exhibited a heightened sense of external vigilance.


    given her status, such a reaction was unusual and unnecessary.


    any one of these three points wouldn¡¯t be a problem if one looked at them alone, but when considered together, they painted a different picture in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    because of these three details, xu qing made a guess that would make all these unreasonable things sensible.


    this guess was¡­


    she was an outsider.


    thus, there would be moments of neglect in the finer details, an instinctual rejection, and upon entering this fourth realm, a sudden reflexive response would cause her to become alert to her surroundings.


    finally, xu qing mumbled inwardly.


    ¡®there¡¯s a high chance that she¡¯s not the real zhou linshan!¡¯


    ¡®which star is it? among those stars, only one of them is a woman. of course, i can¡¯t rule out others as well.¡¯


    xu qing opened his eyes and looked into the distance.


    ¡®if she¡¯s a star, then¡­ what¡¯s her motive?¡¯

 Chapter 1621 - Chapter 1621: Each Has Their Own Path (1)

    chapter 1621: each has their own path (1)


    editor: atlas studios


    the immortal palace¡¯s young lord, whose body xu qing had taken over, had already been suspended on the thunder punishment cliff for seven days.


    there were six hours left before he would be released.


    in the last six hours, the aura of the lightning was even stronger than usual. as rumbling sounds echoed, even those outside the thunder punishment cliff could hear it clearly.


    this vast lightning seemed to be telling everyone the authority of the thunder punishment cliff.


    however, the figure amidst the lightning, though appearing battered, was now, in these final six hours, being subtly nourished by the vast heavenly lightning, which contained a deeply hidden energy of rejuvenation.


    it was exactly as they said: all thunder and no rain.


    the vast display of lightning was merely a performance for outsiders, while in reality, the dazzling strikes of lightning were secretly nourishing his body, his soul, soothing the toll of the seven-day punishment.


    outsiders didn¡¯t know about this but in the host¡¯s memories that xu qing absorbed, it had always been like this.


    regardless of the punishment, the one carrying it out would, in the final moments, quietly lend a helping hand, unwilling to let the young lord truly suffer in body and soul.


    after all, he was the only son of the aurora immortal lord.


    ¡®overindulgent father raises spoiled son!¡¯


    zhong chi glanced upward quickly, his face showing a pained expression, but inside he was sneering.


    the hidden truth behind this situation might be unknown to others, but there was no way he was unaware of it.


    nonetheless, he maintained his outwardly concerned demeanor, calling out with a pained voice,


    ¡°young lord, hang in there, only six hours left!¡±


    ¡°that heaven¡¯s chosen li is already at the arena, waiting for you!¡±


    his voice was filled with emotions.


    xu qing couldn¡¯t help but open his eyes and look at zhong chi.


    he hadn¡¯t noticed before, but li mengtu actually had some talent for acting.


    now, with this expression and words, if he hadn¡¯t already known the other¡¯s true identity, it would be difficult to suspect anything at first glance.


    noticing xu qing¡¯s gaze, zhong chi¡¯s performance became even more exaggerated, as if he were trying to compete for attention with the thunder.


    but clearly, he was no match.


    the thunder roared louder and louder, its momentum growing more terrifying, filling the sky and earth around the thunder punishment cliff. the dazzling light made the area seem like a pool of lightning.


    the rumbling sounds echoed continuously.


    not only in this place but also at the sword furnace located in the northern part of the immortal palace.


    to the north of the palace stood a furnace.


    it was massive like a cauldron, with flames surging inside, resembling the stampede of ten thousand beasts. the intense glow from the fire illuminated the entire area.


    even the air seemed to be ignited.


    on the surface of the furnace, runes flowed, glowing brightly amidst the crackling of the flames. it was as though ancient incantations were being chanted.


    each rune contained the mysteries and powers of the heavens and earth.


    this was the furnace of heaven and earth that aurora immortal lord had forged by refining 100,000 small worlds.


    capable of refining all things, it could transform useless into miracles.


    at this moment, it stood in a transcendent stance, harnessing the fire of the heavens and earth to continuously smelt various rare metal-based heavenly materials and earthly treasures.


    some of these materials turned into wisps of smoke, while others melted into liquid, and with each transformation, waves of spiritual energy surged through the air.


    in the fiery blaze intertwined with spiritual energy, a sharp and formidable power was being nurtured.


    that was the sword embryo!


    over the ages, ten immortal swords had been birthed from this furnace, each becoming a weapon wielded by the aurora immortal lord, famed throughout the star ring.


    according to the immortal lord¡¯s plan, he needed twelve swords in total to form a sword array.


    now, the final two swords were taking shape.


    it was for this reason that the thunderstorm had arrived, exploding upon the sword furnace, fusing the power of lightning into the process to assist in forging the swords.


    at that moment, as the lightning surged in, as the flames of heaven and earth burned and as the heavenly materials and earthly treasures melted, two sword embryos could be vaguely seen being forged in the sword furnace.


    their auras continued to rise and their sharpness was also constantly tempered.


    for these two sword embryos, this process was like transforming from a cocoon into a butterfly, like a carp leaping through the dragon gate.


    for the two external souls who resided within these sword embryos, it was also an unprecedented great fortune!


    qianjun and piyi were from the sword immortal sect in the northern starfield. the fourth realm identities they had painstakingly obtained in the third realm were these two swords!


    this was related to their own dao.


    they were each born with an innate sword body, carrying a sword within them from birth. in this furnace, they experienced the process of the immortal swords¡¯ forging. it was as though they were also being forged, and the benefits were huge.


    hence, staying in these two sword embryos was the best path.


    however, the two immortal swords they now embodied were still incomplete. according to this timeline, the swords would fully form in a month¡ªbut before they could emerge, the impending disaster that would destroy the entire aurora immortal palace would claim the swords as well.


    hence, they had no masters in their lives.


    these ownerless swords that hadn¡¯t been born had no karma, which was perfect for qianjun and piyi.


    the two were extremely satisfied with their identities and full of anticipation about the benefits they would obtain.


    no matter how others outside chose their paths, laid the groundwork for their own opportunities, or sought out their fortunes, the chance before qianjun and piyi was right in front of them


    there was no need to fight or compete; they could simply cultivate here in peace, being nurtured and refined.


    even if unexpected visitors arrived, they were completely unconcerned, as their opportunity did not interfere with the paths of other stars.


    just like at this moment¡­ amidst the refinement of lightning and fire, a calm voice rang out from outside the sword furnace.


    ¡°not only can this furnace refine swords, but it can also refine one¡¯s mind.¡±


    ¡°therefore, the dao of forging the sword is, in fact, the way of cultivating the mind.¡±


    the voice echoed in the furnace, stirring the spirits of qianjun and piyi, prompting their consciousness to extend outward.


    outside the sword furnace stood a tall and upright young man, resembling a green pine, with a calm expression as he spoke softly.

 Chapter 1622 - Chapter 1622: Each Has Their Own Path (2)

    chapter 1622: each has their own path (2)


    editor: atlas studios


    he wore a purple-gold robe that gently swayed in the residual waves of lightning and fire, as if dragons and phoenixes danced among the flowing fabric, showcasing his nobility and mystery.


    on his head rested a purple-gold crown adorned with gemstones, intricately carved with dragons and phoenixes, lifelike and awe-inspiring.


    the aura emanating from his brows revealed an extraordinary presence that could not be overlooked.


    as he spoke, he lifted his foot and stepped forward.


    his footsteps were steady and powerful, seeming to tread upon the very rhythm of time itself.


    heaven and earth shifted their colors, and the winds and clouds surged wildly.


    the lightning and fire here swayed.


    as he took several steps forward, his figure entered the sword furnace.


    he appeared before the two sword embryos


    the sword embryos emitted a humming sound.


    they emitted a sharp aura.


    however, the young man remained unfazed. his gaze was deep and bright, as if he could perceive all things in the world, yet it carried an air of indifference and chill as he looked at the two sword embryos and spoke softly.


    ¡°in this furnace, you both not only await your final formation, but every transformation of the metal within this process serves as a trial of your minds.¡±


    ¡°this furnace is like a cauldron, containing the essence of heaven and earth; your minds are like mirrors, reflecting the vastness of the universe.¡±


    as the youth finished speaking, the flames in the furnace seemed to be even more exuberant. waves of powerful spiritual energy fluctuations emitted from the furnace, causing the entire space to tremble.


    under the baptism of this power, the nourishment received by the two sword embryos became even greater.


    ¡°this opportunity is very good.¡±


    the young man¡¯s voice was calm, yet it carried an undertone of authority.


    ¡°but history cannot be altered, and events cannot be replaced. everything that has happened, whether this history is a mirror image or not, cannot be changed in the slightest!¡±


    ¡°i allow you to ride the waves of history, to gain opportunities as the current flows.¡±


    ¡°however, if you harbor any thoughts of altering history, i will personally erase you, stripping you of your qualifications in this fourth realm.¡±


    ¡°remember, maintain order!¡±


    qianjun and piyi fell silent for a few breaths when they heard this before emitting a sword hum that contained obedience.


    they could tell who the person was and the path he was taking.


    this was a matter of allegiance and trade.


    their choice was to uphold order anyway, so there was no conflict.


    the young man¡¯s figure became blurry, and he eventually left the sword furnace, reappearing outside the raging flames.


    there, his follower was waiting.


    seeing the youth appear, the follower lowered his head and followed behind.


    the two of them walked out of the area where the sword furnace was located and into the immortal palace.


    on the way, all the immortal palace cultivators who saw this youth had respectful expressions as they greeted him.


    ¡°greetings, true monarch.¡±


    in the aurora immortal palace, the title of ¡®true monarch¡¯ was exclusive to the four direct disciples of the aurora immortal lord.


    this title carried a unique prestige.


    while three of the disciples were outside, the only one remaining in the aurora immortal palace was the fourth disciple!


    this young man was indeed the fourth disciple of the aurora immortal lord. although his identity and status seemed to be just below that of the young lord, in the hearts of the people, he held an even higher regard.


    thus, the fourth true monarch, after smiling in response to everyone, led his follower back to his own true monarch hall.


    the moment he stepped in, the follower took a deep breath and respectfully spoke.


    ¡°sir, qianjun and piyi?¡±


    ¡°they are upholding order.¡±


    the youth calmly spoke.


    the follower wasn¡¯t too surprised.


    his true identity was zhou zhengli!


    after coming to the fourth realm, he was actually the first to recognize star ring¡¯s identity. this was because not only did the two of them come from the eastern starfield, but they also chose the same path.


    they wanted to maintain the history of this fourth realm and allow this history to progress normally.


    however, to maximize the benefits gained from this process, they needed rebels to suppress.


    maintaining order to perfect their ordinance.


    ¡®qianjun and piyi are easy to find, but xie lingzi and li mengtu are hidden quite deeply¡­ and as for jiang fan and yuanshan su, there are currently no leads.¡¯


    zhou zhengli looked at star ring.


    star ring, who had taken the identity of the fourth true monarch, had a calm expression. he looked at the sky outside the hall and calmly spoke.


    ¡°in this period of history, there are two people who are the focus.¡±


    ¡°one is the immortal lord, and the other is his son.¡±


    ¡°those who wish to change history will surely focus on them.¡±


    ¡°the former can¡¯t be touched, so we should focus our efforts on that young lord.¡±


    ¡°he is like bait, destined to attract many fish, gathering towards him¡­¡±


    ¡°for example, the daughter of the nine shores immortal lord.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s also that heaven¡¯s chosen li who challenged him.¡±


    ¡°even the study companion.¡±


    star ring slowly spoke.


    zhou zhengli fell into deep thought. a smile appeared on his face and he was about to speak.


    star ring shook his head.


    ¡°i actually don¡¯t care about any of them, but there¡¯s someone you¡¯ve neglected, and so had i.¡±


    ¡°it was only when this person made a move in the third realm and ruined one of my arrangements that he entered my eyes.¡±


    ¡°i wonder what his identity is in this fourth realm?¡±


    ¡­


    six hours passed.


    at the thunder punishment cliff, the lightning that surrounded the heavens and the earth was incredibly punctual, as if fearing even a moment¡¯s delay might cause misunderstanding.


    in an instant, it dissipated.


    the restraints binding xu qing in midair also vanished in that moment, and he stumbled slightly before landing on the ground.


    he stood in front of zhong chi.


    his clothes were tattered, and his injuries appeared quite severe; however, these were merely superficial wounds, looking more exaggerated than they actually were.


    zhong chi put on a pained expression and hurriedly helped his young lord put on the clothes he brought.


    after that, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°young lord, heaven¡¯s chosen li made a bold statement in the arena. he said that such an unfair victory can wait for you to recover before going.¡±


    ¡°also, that fox demon beauty is also there¡­¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°there¡¯s no need. i¡¯ll go now!¡±


    as he spoke, he took a step forward.


    zhong chi shook his head inwardly, thinking that this fellow was indeed a flirt; even after such punishment, he still wanted to rush over at the mention of a beauty.


    though he thought this in his heart, the words that came out of his mouth carried a different tone.


    ¡°young lord is mighty, wise, and exceptionally talented; his courage is astonishing, and his immortal arts are profound.¡±


    ¡°in the future, when the young lord ascends the throne, he will surely bring prosperity to the star ring, ensuring the people live in peace and harmony, ushering in an eternal era of tranquility and stability.¡±


    as these words reached xu qing¡¯s ears, he couldn¡¯t help but pause in his tracks and glance back at zhong chi.


    zhong chi blinked, secretly wondering if xu qing was dissatisfied with hearing these familiar praises.


    with a sigh, he reflected on the character he inhabited, known for his knack for flattery, which he found challenging. his mind raced, and he spoke again.


    ¡°although the young lord has yet to voice his thoughts, the intent in his eyes is clear to me; i am deeply moved!¡±


    ¡°thanks to your generous praise and kindness, i am immensely grateful and will do my utmost to serve you. however, i must express a heartfelt sentiment: even with your grievous injuries, you still intend to fight to fulfill your promise. such bravery indeed commands respect far and wide, shining like the stars, truly a hero of this age!¡±


    xu qing no longer bothered with him. he retracted his gaze and his body swayed¡­


    he walked out of the thunder punishment cliff.


    when he appeared, he was already in the immortal palace.


    gazing into the distance, the sky was brilliant, and all was harmonious. the sky bore the sun and moon, and there was no crimson aurora.


    a prosperous scene was reflected in his eyes.


    ¡°this is the spacetime of the aurora immortal palace in the past!¡±

 Chapter 1623 - Chapter 1623: Who Else Could She Be If Not Her?

    chapter 1623: who else could she be if not her?


    editor: atlas studios


    there were auspicious clouds in the sky and colorful lights on the ground.


    the immortal fog he saw nourished all living beings.


    immortals were everywhere, passing by with smiles on their faces.


    immortal beasts were calm and peaceful, and lotus flowers bloomed wherever they walked.


    the entire immortal palace was boundless, with grand and magnificent halls.


    nearby, immortal flowers and plants filled the air with fragrant aromas.


    in the distance, immortal pavilions and towers stood tall, and the solemn toll of bells echoed.


    witnessing all of this, and sensing it fully, there was a fleeting moment when xu qing felt as though he were in a dream, with a sense of timelessness arising within him, as if he could no longer distinguish today from any other day.


    as he walked through this dreamlike immortal realm, absorbing the immortal energy around him, relying on his sight, smell, and hearing, he gradually became one with the place.


    eventually, using the memories of the host as ripples, a wave of familiarity began to spread.


    it spread through his consciousness, allowing both body and mind to return to normal.


    xu qing let out a breath.


    he walked calmly in the direction of the battle arena.


    as he walked, he adjusted his aura and familiarized himself with his current body and cultivation.


    he had been doing this for the past seven days.


    by this point, he had made some notable progress.


    after all, this was a peak ruler¡¯s body and soul.


    it was only half a step away from quasi immortal.


    hence, the process of familiarizing himself with this body was an extremely rare experience for xu qing, and could be considered a fortuitous opportunity.


    this allowed him to have a more comprehensive grasp of the ruler realm.


    after all, although his combat strength was extraordinary, his true cultivation was only at the soul accumulation eight worlds.


    he hadn¡¯t stepped into the ruler realm.


    however, in terms of understanding, due to his vast experience with killing, xu qing was now able to observe the greater whole.


    the primary difference between a ruler and someone at the soul accumulation stage wasn¡¯t just the level of combat power¡ªit was the formation of the immortal embryo.


    ruler was the process of fusing the nine great worlds and forming an immortal embryo. it was also the process of alternating and blending illusion and reality.


    ¡°back then, on the god¡¯s blood river, the ferryman said that the immortal embryo was also known as the imperishable illusion of truth.¡±


    xu qing pondered as he walked.


    ¡°illusion represents the soul and true represents the body.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s also because of this that the ruler realm is divided into the early, middle, and late stages.¡±


    ¡°the early stage is to release the soul and form a new body outside the body. this is illusion of truth.¡±


    xu qing looked into his body to verify the information he understood.


    ¡°this body has passed this stage.¡±


    xu qing flipped through the host¡¯s memories and carefully observed the comprehension the host had when he was at this stage.


    ¡°as expected, at this time, ruler realm cultivators are both powerful and weak.¡±


    ¡°the strong ones are because illusions are outside and gradually replace reality. hence, their understanding of authority and control over all things have reached an unbelievable level.¡±


    ¡°the vulnerability arises because the truth is hidden by the illusion; thus, if someone has the means to damage the truth, it¡¯s not difficult to kill a ruler.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    he understood that this was the way a strong ruler killed a weak ruler.


    they couldn¡¯t escape the word ¡®truth annihilation¡¯.


    ¡°after mastering illusion of truth, the cultivator will advance to the second stage.¡±


    ¡°in the second stage, the cultivator will dissolve the originally concealed physical body into the soul. this step is called the imperishable.¡±


    ¡°rulers at this stage can instantly switch between truth and illusion. to a certain extent, there are almost no flaws, so it¡¯s indestructible.¡±


    ¡°it represents the meaning of alternating and blending.¡±


    ¡°however¡­ this kind of indestructibility is only a method against rulers. if it¡¯s against an ordinance, it¡¯ll be like a bubble that will burst with a poke!¡±


    xu qing recalled the rulers he had killed and his comprehension deepened.


    ¡°the third stage requires authority and dao marks. dao marks are like lines that weave together the illusion of truth and imperishable, allowing them to fully merge. one can then have the qualifications to pluck the stars, forming the immortal embryo!¡±


    ¡°the stars here represent the ordinance. this is an opportunity to comprehend your own ordinance.¡±


    ¡°regardless of whether it succeeds or not, it won¡¯t affect the advancement. it will only affect the cultivator¡¯s combat strength after they advance!¡±


    ¡°the moment they succeed, they will be a quasi immortal great emperor.¡±


    ¡°therefore, for a heaven¡¯s chosen, possessing an ordinance in advance is equivalent to plucking the stars in advance. the moment they step into the quasi immortal realm, they won¡¯t be weak among those at the same level.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly.


    these past days of studying this body had been immensely helpful to him.


    as for this body, it was at the mastery level of the second stage and halfway through the third stage.


    the nine great dao marks each transformed into lines and were compiling the imperishable illusion of truth.


    ¡°moreover, this young lord has his own ordinance.¡±


    ¡°however, his ordinance is a little strange!¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. as he moved forward, he could already see the battle arena in front of him.


    however, his thoughts continued.


    this was because this young master¡¯s ordinance had withered before!


    ¡°he comprehended his ordinance on his own. from this, it can be seen that this young lord¡¯s aptitude and comprehension are excellent!¡±


    ¡°moreover, the ordinance he comprehended is also extraordinary. that¡¯s the mirror ordinance!¡±


    ¡°however, later on, for some reason, his ordinance withered strangely and inexplicably transformed into¡­ seal ordinance!¡±


    xu qing instinctively smelled something unusual about this matter.


    as for the exact reason for the ordinance¡¯s withering and change, it was unknown in the young lord¡¯s memories.


    in the memories of this young lord, he only remembered that he had told the immortal lord about this immediately.


    when the immortal lord found out, his expression was unprecedentedly gloomy.


    he seemed to know something and left angrily.


    however, when he returned a month later, it was as though nothing had happened.


    the memory of this time had been erased. xu qing had no idea what it contained; he only knew that from that day onward¡­ this young master, once filled with brightness and determination, suddenly changed. he founded the hundred flowers palace and became deeply engrossed in indulgence, drowning himself in wine and women.


    as for the name of his withered and changed ordinance¡­


    three karma, ten evils seal!


    it was an ordinance of sealing evils.


    as xu qing¡¯s thoughts rippled, a wave of sadness buried deep within the memories of that time began to surface.


    xu qing could feel the bitterness and confusion this young master once endured.


    though the cause remained unclear, the sadness ran deep.


    yet, despite the weight of it, there was no sense of resentment. instead, there was a strange sense of acceptance.


    ¡°what exactly happened?¡±


    ¡°why did his ordinance change?¡±


    ¡°to be able to make even aurora immortal lord unable to resolve it¡­¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    he could guess who had changed this young lord¡¯s ordinance.


    because there was a secret¡ªone known only to a select few, whose status and cultivation were of the highest level. for the vast majority of the cultivators within the fifth star ring, about ninety-nine percent of them, this truth remained hidden and unknown.


    the relationship between aurora and the venerable immortal.


    ¡°or rather, their relationship has been hidden by some power in history.¡±


    ¡°aurora is the son of the venerable immortal, and the young lord i¡¯m inhabiting is¡­ the grandson of the venerable immortal.¡±


    as he pondered, laughter suddenly filled the air, interrupting xu qing¡¯s train of thought.


    he raised his head.


    the arena was already close.


    this was an ancient and solemn arena surrounded by towering stone walls.


    carved into the walls were various totems and fierce beasts, some soaring across the sky, others roaring within the forests. these carvings were so lifelike that they seemed ready to leap off the stone at any moment.


    sunlight filtered through the sparse clouds, casting a mottled glow over the platform, lending an air of dignity and mystique to the ancient site.


    at the heart of the arena stood a circular platform, forged from an unknown material, exuding an aura of timeless strength. around its edges, a ring of gleaming blades was embedded, each one reflecting the sunlight in sharp flashes.


    under the sunlight, these sharp blades reflected a dazzling light, causing one to involuntarily feel awe.


    as for the surrounding stands, they were already packed with spectators from all corners, each eagerly awaiting the event. most of these onlookers had been invited by heaven¡¯s chosen li himself, brought here to serve as witnesses.


    at that moment, their gazes all turned to xu qing.


    there was another person in the air.


    he was a young man, dressed in a crimson daoist robe, with strikingly handsome features and deep-set eyes. his brow exuded an undeniable aura of heroism, making him hard to overlook.


    the fiery red of his robe gave him the appearance of a blazing flame, one that could burn everything in its path.


    as soon as he spotted xu qing, a proud smile spread across his face.


    ¡°no need to rush, young lord. the academy is on break today, and i¡¯ve got plenty of time. you can rest here for a while so that when i defeat you, you won¡¯t make excuses for your loss.¡±


    ¡°and as for the wager, i¡¯ve brought it.¡±


    with that, he waved his hand, and a gentle light emerged from his sleeve. in mid-air, it transformed into a captivating woman.


    she wore a light, flowing dress, and at first glance, appeared like a sweet and gentle maiden. but on closer look, she also exuded the allure of a seductive, mature woman.


    her appearance blended purity and sensuality.


    and her gaze was brimming with endless charm and cunning. her long hair was casually tied into a low ponytail, with a few loose strands gently falling over her forehead, as she looked coyly at xu qing.


    xu qing swept his gaze over.


    with just a glance, he sighed inwardly.


    such a gaze, such a posture, and that inexplicable familiarity¡­


    he no longer had any doubts about his guess.


    if this fox beauty wasn¡¯t the clay fox, who else could she be¡­


    almost at the same time that xu qing looked at the fox beauty, heaven¡¯s chosen li took a step forward and stood in front of the fox beauty, blocking xu qing¡¯s gaze as he spoke provocatively.


    ¡°when you defeat me, you can take her back and admire her however you like. i can guarantee she remains untouched.¡±


    ¡°now, young lord, i think our bet is a little unreasonable.¡±


    ¡°after all, this fox beauty is mine to begin with. how about this: if i win, i get to visit your hundred flowers palace for a month!¡±


    ¡°and if you win, not only is the fox beauty yours, but i will willingly be your study companion for a hundred years. during that time, i¡¯ll follow your every command¡ªwhether you want me to scour the world for beauties, i won¡¯t even bat an eye!¡±


    ¡°so, what do you say? do you dare accept?¡±


    heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s expression was clearly provocative and his posture was full of arrogance.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    zhong chi, who had been following behind him, was also stunned.


    this wasn¡¯t part of history.


    ¡°there¡¯s something wrong with this person. is he an outsider?! on the surface, he seems to be fighting with the young lord but in reality, he¡¯s trying to get close?¡±


    just as zhong chi¡¯s thoughts rose, xu qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°alright!¡±


    almost at the instant he spoke, a deep feeling was reflected in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    it was the fluctuations of space-time.


    it was just an inconspicuous wave in the long river of history.


    however, this wave still fluctuated in the end, causing xu qing¡¯s ordinance to ripple!


    at the same time, a deafening drumbeat suddenly rang out, as though the will of the world had erupted at this moment.


    heaven¡¯s chosen li laughed. his battle intent was intense as he strode toward xu qing.


    at this moment, the gazes of all the audience were instantly ignited.

 Chapter 1624 - Chapter 1624: Three Incenses and Three Karmas

    chapter 1624: three incenses and three karmas


    editor: atlas studios


    ¡°peak ruler realm!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was calm.


    this was in line with the young lord¡¯s attitude. although he was despised by many cultivators for being lecherous, almost everyone had to admit one thing.


    in terms of cultivation, combat strength, and aptitude, he had never tarnished his status as the son of aurora.


    his cultivation was only half a step away from the quasi immortal realm. as for his combat strength¡­ it was even more astonishing.


    many years ago, he had fought against a quasi immortal.


    due to his lack of effort, his cultivation had stalled for a long time.


    however, xu qing was fully aware that the perception others had of this young lord was far from the truth he knew.


    although the young lord always appeared indolent to outsiders, the unseen efforts and dedication he had once put forth far surpassed those of many cultivators.


    it was only due to that unknown accident that he lost his purpose and will to advance.


    as a result, his outward demeanor gradually aligned with his true state.


    nevertheless, his identity remained unshaken, and while he may have halted his progress, his combat strength could not be underestimated. as he took a step forward, the skies thundered, and the earth trembled in response.


    the sound of the battle drums around the entire arena was suppressed.


    terrifying waves of energy reverberated from xu qing¡¯s body, unleashing a mountain-crushing momentum that transformed into an endless black flame, enveloping the heavens and earth.


    this fire was fundamentally different from any ordinary flame.


    even immortal fire paled in comparison.


    in truth, it wasn¡¯t a fire at all. it merely borrowed the concept of fire to manifest itself within the perception of the crowd.


    its true name was karmic fire!


    at this moment, the karmic flames spread, directly enveloping heaven¡¯s chosen li on all sides, poised to descend and incinerate him. the audience¡¯s gaze gathered intensely, all watching without blinking.


    amidst their attention, heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s eyes flashed with a brilliant light as he suddenly raised his right hand, pointing toward the sky.


    with that gesture, the heavens instantly dimmed, plunging the world into complete darkness.


    within this darkness, a great sun suddenly rose, forming the force of dawn and dusk, wielding the might of heaven and earth. the light exploded outward with a deafening roar, scattering the fire and sky¡¯s radiance in all directions.


    the majestic sun that ascended into the sky was especially awe-inspiring, with an overwhelming momentum that suppressed the karmic fire.


    this scene looked astonishing.


    whether it was the young lord¡¯s karmic fire or heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s sun, both displayed an unparalleled level of awe-inspiring power.


    if one were unaware of their cultivation levels, at first glance¡­ it would seem as though they already possessed the might of a quasi immortal.


    deafening sounds continued to explode like thunder.


    when the karmic fire came into contact with the sun, karma and heavenly light intertwined.


    amidst the endless rumbling, heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s laughter suppressed all sound and spread in all directions.


    ¡°interesting. it seems you haven¡¯t completely let indulgence in wine and women drain you.¡±


    ¡°then, there¡¯s no need for us to probe each other. why don¡¯t we¡­ end the battle quickly!¡±


    with those words, heaven¡¯s chosen li took a single step forward. in an instant, his figure surpassed the shroud of karmic fire, rising above it and looking down from a greater height. as he gazed at the battlefield below, his right hand formed incantation signs, and his fingers pressed against his forehead.


    these ripples extended beyond him, affecting the void behind his figure.


    the void, too, transformed into a vast lake which then turned into a boundless sea.


    from the roaring waves of this sea, thirteen ancient altars slowly emerged!


    each one radiated the essence of the passage of time and exuded an ancient aura. the design of the altars was simple and archaic, distinctly different from the architectural styles of modern cultivation times.


    they also emitted golden light.


    in an instant, some people recognized the origin of the altars.


    meanwhile, xu qing was no stranger to the shape and aura of these structures either.


    those were¡­ altars of the gods.


    within mere moments, the thirteen altars that had risen from the illusory sea began to tremble, and as they shook, radiant golden light, carrying the aura of gods, burst forth from them.


    anomalous substances filled the air, blurring the sky and distorting the ground.


    one god after another broke out of the altar and appeared in the air.


    it was a shocking sight.


    they were all at the flawlessness stage!


    they were beyond mortal comprehension!


    after they descended, they actually turned around and bowed toward heaven¡¯s chosen li!


    the thirteen gods bowed to him!


    these gods were personally killed by heaven¡¯s chosen li over the years. there was a huge karma between them.


    gods were born to enjoy the worship of the world, but right now, they were bowing to someone.


    hence, the person they worshiped would ascend to a new level of existence, his very being transformed by the bow of the gods.


    those who were worshiped by gods were naturally extraordinary.


    the power surged like a tidal wave, an overwhelming force that made the hearts and minds of all present tremble with intensity. as the thirteen gods bowed in reverence, a magnificent energy erupted around heaven¡¯s chosen li.


    that was heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s ordinance!


    its level would increase with the bow from gods. the act of worshiping was like becoming a believer, so it generated incense offerings.


    hence, the fundamental power of heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s ordinance was the incense offerings gathered from the gods as his believers!


    in theory, the more gods he killed and the more gods worshiped him, the greater the might of his ordinance.


    to be able to comprehend such an ordinance¡­ was enough for him to hold up the title of heaven¡¯s chosen in this era.


    but this was only the foundation of his ordinance. heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s ability didn¡¯t stop here. he had already created¡­ an ordinance technique that belonged to him!


    ¡°ordinance manifested in the twenty-four incense ritual, with hidden knowledge to foretell fortune and misfortune!¡±


    ¡°the first incense: the life-ending incense!¡±


    ¡°before me stands one whose life is at its end!¡±


    heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s voice echoed across the heavens like a dao voice. as his ordinance power churned, incense gathered in front of him, forming three sticks of incense!


    two long and one short!


    life-ending ignition!


    in that instant, the surroundings churned, and an eerie curse erupted upon xu qing.


    his appearance began to wither, his features aging rapidly¡ªsymbolizing the end of worldly splendor.


    as the smell faded, it represented the inevitable fading of all worldly temptations and pleasures.


    next came the fading of taste, marking the gradual detachment from the experiences of life.


    then the fading of touch, weakening the connection with the world, as if one¡¯s fingertips, chilled by winter, could no longer feel the warmth of a spring breeze.


    finally, the fading of sound, not just the loss of hearing, but the silencing of the inner voice¡ªthe quieting of the soul.


    with the five decays upon him, death was but a breath away.


    in the battle arena, everyone¡¯s hearts were in turmoil, especially zhong chi¡¯s. his heart churned as he sighed with emotion.


    ¡®such an ordinance is indeed extraordinary. it¡¯s a pity that¡­ in history, this person has also died in the immortal palace calamity a month later. the incense ordinance he created has also been lost.¡¯


    ¡®then¡­ i wonder if i can have a chance to comprehend this ordinance in this period of history?¡¯


    zhong chi was tempted.


    xu qing was even more tempted.


    although the number of ordinances one possessed wouldn¡¯t increase their realm, heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s ordinance was clearly suitable for the environment of the wanggu.


    however, now wasn¡¯t the time to explore it. the moment he sensed that his life was being urged to end, xu qing raised his right hand and gently wiped his mouth.


    with this smear, his ordinance¡­ activated!


    what appeared was thunder. countless bolts of lightning appeared out of thin air and formed a hand in the air.


    that seemed to be the hand of an old man.


    it formed a seal.


    as soon as this hand appeared, the world resonated and all laws trembled. the rules and laws of the entire world responded.


    as soon as this art was used, the expressions of cultivators and immortals changed. the thoughts of all living beings were in turmoil.


    heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s ordinance was extraordinary. as the son of aurora, the young lord¡¯s ordinance was even more astonishing.


    three karmas ten evil seals!


    karmic fire was only the foundation. he also had this ordinance-specific technique.


    the so-called three karmas were of speech, body, and mind.


    at that moment, in the face of the life-ending incense, the first thing xu qing used¡­ was the seal of speech karma!


    by refraining from false speech, the karma of speech became pure!


    when the karma of speech was purified, body and soul found peace!


    with body and soul at peace, the whole being was without worry!


    when the whole being was free of worry, all thoughts flourished!


    sealing his own speech solidified his own fate!


    no matter how strange the life-ending incense was, it could not shake this in the slightest.


    as the life-ending failed to take effect¡­ a backlash was inevitable.


    the expression of heaven¡¯s chosen li changed. his entire body trembled and he spat out a mouthful of black blood. his aura also weakened a lot but this battle wasn¡¯t over.


    at the next instant, a cold glint flashed in his eyes as he pointed again.


    immediately, the incense gathered again and formed the second incense stick!


    as the saying went, fortune and calamity depended on the person, and both are guided by cause and effect.


    cause rested on the left, effect on the right, and thus the left stood higher than the right.


    at the center was misfortune, occupying the lowest position to bear calamity.


    this was the incense of malevolent deeds and was mainly used for killing!


    it was also known as the threefold incense of left, right, and center, capable of extinguishing the countless sins!


    as the incense burned, all the malice from the heavens, the earth, and humanity¡ªalong with the rules, laws, and every will in existence¡ªwere affected to varying degrees, each harboring ill will toward xu qing.


    the thickening malevolence sought to manifest as disaster, surging from all directions.


    thus, the sky darkened, winds howled, and countless sources of malice gathered an unknown force¡­ descending upon xu qing.


    the sensation of life and death rose sharply.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. his ordinance ability also circulated.


    the seal made by the lightning hand changed.


    the second of the three karmas descended on xu qing himself.


    that was the body karma seal!


    if the body did not tread on evil paths, if it refrained from harming life¡ªby abstaining from killing, stealing, and indulgence¡ªthen the body remained pure.


    once the body was purified, nothing could taint it, and no evil could attach to it.


    it was as though he existed outside of cause and effect, leaving the maleficent incense without a target.


    it seemed as though he was not part of the world, giving the malevolent incense nothing to cling to.


    with no direction and no anchor, the malice that had descended upon the world could only¡­ recoil!


    heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s expression changed drastically again.


    his face twitched, his mind trembled, and as the sensation of life and death descended upon him, he did not hesitate for a moment. he immediately waved his hand, summoning the third incense.


    this incense was peace.


    it neither targeted life nor brought calamity, its purpose was solely to protect peace!


    the threefold incense of left, right, and center, fully displayed for all to see, was heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s limit. after unleashing it, he began retreating rapidly.


    this was because he could sense a terrifying fluctuation coming from the body of the young lord ahead.


    this fluctuation was the last of the three karmas.


    mind karma!


    the lightning hand changed again and the mind karma seal descended!


    thoughts shaped actions, some good, some evil.


    good karma included freedom from greed, hatred, and false views. it empowered the self, growing infinitely great, shining with radiant brilliance, manifesting as auspicious signs.


    evil karma consisted of greed, hatred, and false views. it descended upon enemy deities, becoming a darkness akin to demons, where the light of life dimmed, and misfortune inevitably followed.


    this seal did not bind the body, nor did it restrain the mouth¡ªit bound the ordinance itself!


    as it descended, heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s peace incense instantly burned out, turning to ash.


    peace had failed!


    blood gushed from his mouth, his life teetering on the brink.


    at this critical moment, heaven¡¯s chosen li shouted anxiously.


    ¡°young lord, i admit defeat!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m willing to hand over the fox beauty and follow the young lord to be his study companion for a hundred years!¡±

 Chapter 1625 - Chapter 1625: Different Paths

    chapter 1625: different paths


    editor: atlas studios


    zhong chi¡¯s heart skipped a beat. he narrowed his eyes and stared at the heaven¡¯s chosen li who was shouting anxiously.


    the other party¡¯s actions didn¡¯t match history!


    in history, although the young lord indeed won this battle and obtained the fox beauty, that heaven¡¯s chosen li never lowered his head. instead, he returned to the academy and turned this defeat into motivation, entering seclusion to attempt to break through his realm.


    unfortunately, he didn¡¯t succeed even until his death a month later.


    however, now, a different situation had occurred.


    zhong chi didn¡¯t know if such a thing had indeed happened in history or if someone had rewritten it later on, so he wasn¡¯t sure.


    however, he was certain of one thing.


    he was the young lord¡¯s only study companion.


    hence, the young lord¡¯s answer was extremely important.


    if he nodded, history would definitely be changed.


    if he refused, everything would return to its original direction.


    this scene caused zhong chi¡¯s thoughts to surge.


    ¡®this heaven¡¯s chosen li is very likely to be an outsider like me.¡¯


    ¡®it doesn¡¯t matter who he is. the main point is that this might be a very good opportunity to see how others will pry open this fragment of history. by using their path as a reference, it will make things easier for me to follow later!¡±


    as zhong chi¡¯s mind raced with thoughts, he gazed intently at xu qing.


    in this place, it wasn¡¯t just his eyes focused on xu qing¡ªalmost all the spectators around the battle arena were doing the same.


    on one hand, the battle between the two of them was at a truly high level.


    on the other hand, it was rare for the arrogant heaven¡¯s chosen li to lower his head like this.


    hence, everyone was waiting to see what the young lord would choose.


    however, xu qing didn¡¯t speak immediately. instead, his gaze swept past heaven¡¯s chosen li and he narrowed his eyes.


    he was thinking.


    ¡®if history were truly so easy to change, it would lose all meaning.¡¯


    ¡®even though i suspect that the timeline i¡¯m in now is likely just a mirror image of the real history, the fact that it involves the immortal lord means, in theory, any alteration should be immensely difficult.¡¯


    ¡®so, where is the difficulty?¡¯


    he pondered deeply, his eyes scanning heaven¡¯s chosen li. the height, the build, the demeanor of the man¡ªall seemed to make him a fitting subject for testing. testing whether there were hidden forces of resistance before any real change to history could be made.


    as for heaven¡¯s chosen li, under xu qing¡¯s gaze, he instantly felt anxious.


    he had indeed intentionally said that he was willing to be a study companion if he lost before the battle.


    he naturally knew that this didn¡¯t match history.


    however, this was related to his ordinance.


    his ordinance was fog.


    it wasn¡¯t fog in the conventional sense but came from the void, the known , and the passage of time.


    to be precise, it came from history.


    the fog of history was the origin of his ordinance.


    hence, developing his ordinance was related to understanding the history.


    the more comprehensive his knowledge, the more he could peel back the shrouds of fog covering the past.


    as those veils were lifted, the fog became his to control, allowing his ordinance to advance further.


    he was fully aware that his path¡¯s endpoint was the complete omniscience of true history.


    thus, in his battle against the young lord, half of his effort was genuine, while the other half was intentional¡ªa calculated defeat that allowed xu qing to claim victory, like pushing the current of fate.


    it was all for the sake of having an opportunity to get close to this young lord¡¯s identity!


    in order to ensure success and make his actions seem logical, he specially created momentum to attract a large number of spectators.


    in that case, it would be reasonable for him to choose to lower his head after losing in front of everyone.


    after all, everyone here was a witness.


    as for the character he inhabited, he also attached great importance to promises.


    this was the only opportunity he had, using the identity of his host, to follow the course of history and get close to the young lord.


    hence, it was incomparably important to him.


    ¡®in this segment of history, two figures are key: one is the aurora immortal lord, and the other is this young lord. only by staying close to them can one fully grasp the history and uncover the hidden details.¡¯


    ¡®and since it involves the venerable immortal, the so-called rebellion that was publicly declared to have been eradicated must have hidden truths!¡¯


    ¡®otherwise, there¡¯s no way the aurora immortal palace would have, during this recent opening, suddenly turned the fourth realm into an unprecedented window into the past.¡¯


    ¡®clearly, certain secrets are meant to be unveiled¡­ it¡¯s just a matter of whether they can be found.¡¯


    ¡®therefore, to fully understand the entire history and gain sufficient insight, one must remain by the side of a key figure. only in doing so can the broader picture come into focus.¡¯


    heaven¡¯s chosen li mumbled inwardly and looked at xu qing, waiting for an answer.


    unfortunately, before he got xu qing¡¯s answer, a bright ray of light rushed over from the distant sky.


    this light was like the most gorgeous brush stroke in the world, cutting through the sky, leaving behind a mark that would never fade.


    it was filled with endless dignity and power. it was like the most primitive roar of the heavenly dao or the deepest sigh in the world.


    it instantly got close.


    everything trembled and the mountains and rivers in the immortal palace paled in comparison.


    after the light dissipated, it transformed into a tall and straight figure that walked into the battle arena.


    the moment he appeared, all the spectators in the battle arena stood up and bowed respectfully to the person who had arrived.


    ¡°greetings, true monarch!¡±


    the person who came was aurora immortal lord¡¯s fourth disciple.


    the fourth true monarch was a renowned figure, whose early life was filled with legends. from a young age, he displayed extraordinary intelligence, particularly in strategy and chess. by chance, he caught the attention of the aurora immortal lord.


    the two played five games of chess, with the immortal lord winning four and losing one.


    impressed by the boy¡¯s exceptional talent, the immortal lord took him in as a direct disciple.


    this true monarch lived up to the immortal lord¡¯s teachings, demonstrating remarkable wisdom and talent in his cultivation.


    with extraordinary aptitude, combined with relentless dedication, sharp insight, and unparalleled creativity, he quickly earned the recognition of the immortal palace.


    his gentle temperament and approachable demeanor made others feel at ease in his presence.


    and he became widely beloved within the palace


    at this moment, they all greeted.


    xu qing also smiled. in the host¡¯s memories, he had an extremely good impression of this person. the relationship between the two of them was also very close. moreover, the other party was like a biological brother most of the time and doted on the host very much.


    hence, seeing the other party, xu qing smiled and spoke.


    ¡°fourth senior brother, why are you free today?¡±


    the fourth true monarch first smiled warmly at the crowd, nodding slightly before turning to look at xu qing with a brotherly gentleness in his expression.


    ¡°little junior brother, master has gone out to find a suitable betrothal gift for you. before leaving, he instructed me to keep an eye on you and make sure you don¡¯t cause any more trouble.¡±


    as he spoke, the fourth true monarch shook his head with a lighthearted smile, a look of helplessness on his face.


    ¡°though to be honest, no matter what trouble you get into, your senior brother here can always smooth things over for you. my main concern is keeping away anyone with ill intentions who might try to approach you with malice.¡±


    ¡°for example¡­ heaven¡¯s chosen li.¡±


    as the fourth true monarch spoke, his tone became cold and his gaze became sharp. it was like a sword as it landed on heaven¡¯s chosen li.


    it was just a glance.


    heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s body trembled and he retreated. he felt his body and soul trembling intensely at this instant. he even felt that his consciousness was about to be expelled from this body.


    this scene instantly caused heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s expression to change.


    he could truly sense that this fourth true monarch in front of him had the strength to strip his identity away.


    ¡°junior brother, master specified your study companion, so it¡¯s not good to add another one.¡±


    the fourth true monarch retracted his gaze and his expression regained its gentleness as he looked at xu qing.


    ¡°especially not someone with unclear intentions.¡±


    ¡°after all, in just one month, it will be our master¡¯s turn to oversee the star ring. during this time, there will inevitably be some cultivators with ulterior motives trying to get close to you.¡±


    ¡°so, heaven¡¯s chosen li, how dare you!¡±


    ¡°now, scram back to the academy immediately. i¡¯ll punish you with 30 years of closed-door cultivation as a warning to others!¡±


    the fourth true monarch calmly spoke.


    his gaze and words gave heaven¡¯s chosen li a tremendous pressure. at this moment, he couldn¡¯t help but retreat again. he even felt suffocated and wanted to say something but couldn¡¯t.


    when xu qing heard this, he smiled and nodded. he didn¡¯t stop him.


    on one hand, this little wave of history couldn¡¯t truly stir space-time.


    on the other hand, xu qing¡¯s harvest was enough.


    the appearance of the fourth true monarch, whether intentional or not, made his purpose and significance quite clear.


    on the other hand, it was also because heaven¡¯s chosen li was clearly frightened and had lost his fighting spirit.


    if he forced it, it would be somewhat meaningless.


    hence, xu qing nodded happily.


    ¡°fourth senior brother makes sense. i was negligent.¡±


    when the fourth true monarch heard this, the smile on his face became even gentler. he took out a flask of wine and handed it to xu qing.


    ¡°yesterday, i sent someone to black sky city outside the palace to get a jug of heaven¡¯s dew from that wine shop you like the most. this wine is only available once a month, and i thought you might have missed your chance to buy it after being punished by master, so i bought it for you and was just about to deliver it.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he was in high spirits. he took it and thanked him brightly.


    the fourth true monarch also smiled and was about to speak.


    however, at this moment, zhong chi, seeing that heaven¡¯s chosen li had lost his chance due to the shock, felt a surge of unwillingness in his heart.


    he also wanted to see the results of the other party stirring up history, and he was even thinking about how he could obtain the other party¡¯s ordinance.


    it would be a pity if the latter went into seclusion just like that.


    hence, he quickly weighed the pros and cons in his heart and made a decision.


    ¡®if this fourth true monarch isn¡¯t an outsider, it doesn¡¯t matter what i say. on the contrary, if he¡¯s an outsider, even if i keep quiet, i¡¯ll still face him in the future. it¡¯s even possible that my identity is no longer a secret to him.¡¯


    at the thought of this, zhong chi suddenly spoke softly to xu qing.


    ¡°young lord, this heaven¡¯s chosen li is quite amusing. before the battle, he was all fierce and full of bravado, claiming he would be a study companion for a hundred years if he lost. but now he¡¯s silent and looking utterly dejected¡ªsuch talk of keeping promises is nothing but nonsense.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll spread the word about this matter throughout the academy soon, so everyone knows how ridiculous heaven¡¯s chosen li is!¡±


    as soon as zhong chi finished speaking, xu qing immediately sensed the fluctuations of space-time.


    the fourth true monarch suddenly turned his head and looked at zhong chi with a cold gaze.


    at the same time, when the shocked heaven¡¯s chosen li heard this, a hint of struggle appeared in his eyes. after that, he seemed to have thrown caution to the wind and suddenly stopped in his tracks. he turned and knelt down in front of xu qing.


    ¡°please, young lord, spare my reputation. li here acknowledges the bet and accepts defeat. if i leave like this today, there will be a lingering regret in my heart!¡±


    his words echoed, causing a space-time ripple that no one other than xu qing could sense to become even more intense.


    the fourth true monarch turned gloomy and was about to speak.


    xu qing laughed and looked like he didn¡¯t care as he casually spoke.


    ¡°that makes sense.¡±


    ¡°however, it¡¯s impossible for you to be my study companion. if you really want to fulfill your promise, go to my myriad beast garden and take care of the spirit beasts for a hundred years.¡±


    after saying that, xu qing looked at the fourth true monarch.


    ¡°fourth senior brother, what do you think?¡±


    the fourth true monarch revealed a speechless expression and shook his head with a smile.


    ¡°forget it, i still have other things to deal with. i¡¯ll leave this matter to you.¡±


    as he spoke, his gaze casually swept past zhong chi. with a step, he left the arena and stepped into the void, disappearing from sight.


    from the start to the end, xu qing¡¯s expression was filled with a smile. at that moment, he looked in the direction the fourth true monarch had left in. most of his guesses had been confirmed.


    ¡®this person must be an outsider!¡¯


    ¡®and his actions¡­ are somewhat interesting. to stop all actions that change history?¡¯

 Chapter 1626 - Chapter 1626: Reflection on the Ice Lake

    chapter 1626: reflection on the ice lake


    editor: atlas studios


    the eastern part of the aurora immortal palace.


    behind the academy, there was a hall called the junior aurora hall.


    this hall covered a large area and was protected by an array that blocked divine sense detection, which remained active throughout the year.


    from the outside, the architecture seemed simple, with only an endless sea of flowers spreading across the surroundings.


    because of this, it was also known as the hundred flowers hall or hundred flowers palace.


    however, inside¡­


    there truly existed a place called the palace of hundred flowers.


    this palace was located in the south of the junior aurora. it was brightly lit even at night, illuminating the surroundings as though it was daytime.


    the outer walls were woven from all kinds of flowers and vines.


    it was colorful and fragrant.


    every time the breeze blew, those flowers would sway gently, emitting waves of fragrance.


    the interior was decorated like a paradise, luxurious and dazzling.


    all around, vibrant flowers were in full bloom, each vying for attention. some were delicately dewy, others fresh and refined, some regal and elegant, while others were alluring and seductive. it seemed as if all the beauty in the world had gathered in this place.


    at the center of the palace stood a massive pool of water.


    within it, exotic flowers and rare herbs danced and played, creating mesmerizing ripples that stirred the heart.


    the most eye-catching of all was an exotic peony, blooming in radiant clusters, exuding a regal charm as if it were the queen of all flowers, radiating boundless allure.


    at this moment, dressed in a thin veil, the peony shyly nestled beside xu qing, her delicate fingers placing a peeled lychee into his mouth with a soft, seductive grace.


    xu qing quietly ate the lychee, then lifted his gaze to take in the sea of flowers around him.


    lotus blossoms radiated purity, while roses burned with passion.


    nearly every flower was a vision of unmatched beauty.


    their skin was as pale as snow and their features as delicate as a painting.


    some of these women not only possessed extraordinary beauty but also remarkable talent, skilled in music, dance, and the art of poetry. at that moment, they gracefully danced before xu qing, their movements synchronized with the elegant music that filled the air.


    amidst this realm of tenderness, one could easily lose track of time, forgetting the present. as xu qing gazed upon the scene before him, a sense of dreamlike detachment washed over him.


    it was as if the beauties stood like flowers beyond the clouds.


    above was the vast expanse of the clear sky, while below, the ripples of crystal-clear waters gently surged.


    ¡°no wonder the immortal lord demolished the hundred flowers palace¡­¡±


    xu qing sighed softly.


    in order to act as the young lord, he had no choice but to come to the hundred flowers palace and personally experience the young lord¡¯s daily life.


    what gave xu qing the most headache wasn¡¯t the hundred flowers surrounding him, but rather the peony by his side¡ªthe one who had just fed him the lychee.


    this peony was naturally the fox beauty.


    since xu qing had won the competition, the fox beauty followed beside xu qing.


    ¡°young lord, how was the taste of the lychee i fed you?¡±


    peony asked, her tone laced with shy affection. biting her lower lip, her voice dripped with an irresistible allure, as if it could melt into one¡¯s heart and draw out their soul.


    xu qing sighed inwardly once again. he withdrew his gaze from the distant view and focused on the woman before him¡ªone moment as demure and radiant as a peony, the next as dangerous and seductive as a poisonous datura flower.


    ¡°aren¡¯t you worried about being discovered by appearing here?¡±


    xu qing frowned.


    the current him was already different from when he was in wanggu in terms of combat strength. his improvement was so great that it could be said to be the difference between heaven and earth.


    as long as it wasn¡¯t a divine platform god or a quasi immortal cultivator,


    he could fight them.


    this clay fox was at the peak of the flawlessness stage and was only half a step away from the divine platform. it was like the perfected peak of the ruler realm among cultivators.


    although she was indeed very strong, he had the strength to fight her.


    it was hard to say who would win.


    ¡°why are you looking at me like that? you look like you want to hit me.¡±


    the fox spirit¡¯s face flushed a deep red, and even her neck showed a hint of rosy blush. she spoke softly, her voice barely above a whisper, as she subtly twisted her waist, lifting half of her full, rounded butt toward xu qing.


    ¡°how about you hit it?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze turned cold.


    the fox beauty chuckled.


    ¡°i like your cold appearance. alright, i know you¡¯re worried about me, right?¡±


    ¡°but if i don¡¯t come out, i¡¯ll be too bored. also, i¡¯m worried that young lord will forget about me.¡±


    xu qing was unmoved and calmly spoke.


    ¡°never mind, your true intentions¡ªif you¡¯re unwilling to share them, there¡¯s no need to say anything. but when you insisted on coming here with me back then, the words i spoke to you¡ªyou likely haven¡¯t forgotten them, have you?¡±


    xu qing glanced at the fox beauty.


    the fox beauty blinked her eyes.


    ¡°what are you talking about? i don¡¯t remember.¡±


    ¡°then i¡¯ll say it again. this land forbids gods and enslaved gods exist everywhere here. your life and death¡ªyou must take responsibility for it yourself.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    when the fox beauty heard this, she laughed charmingly.


    ¡°isn¡¯t it just enslavement? i¡¯ve already called myself ¡®your servant1,¡¯ haven¡¯t i? that means i¡¯m already enslaved by you.¡±


    xu qing remained silent and no longer bothered with her. he stood up and was about to leave.


    he was only here to act. he still had his own things to do.


    seeing that xu qing was about to leave, the fox beauty¡¯s beautiful eyes swirled as she laughed coquettishly.


    ¡°alright, i will tell you. the reason i appeared here is naturally because i have a certain level of confidence that i won¡¯t be discovered.¡±


    ¡°after all, this isn¡¯t true history. it¡¯s just a mirror image refracted from the memories of this immortal palace.¡±


    ¡°however, if handled properly, the benefits can be astonishing. for example, here, if you can alter this mirrored history and stir the waves of time, you¡¯ll essentially be controlling and comprehending it firsthand.¡±


    ¡°and as for my purpose, it¡¯s to secure an identity within this process. in doing so, if you truly manage to cause a ripple in this mirrored space-time, then my identity will effectively be validated.¡±


    ¡°if that happens, i might be able to retain it, allowing me to avoid being rejected by the will of the fifth star ring in the future.¡±


    ¡°of course, whether this succeeds hinges not only on your power but also on whether that venerable immortal ultimately permits this mirrored history to be altered.¡±


    ¡°alright, i¡¯ve told you everything. you can go and handle your own matters. you don¡¯t have to worry about me. don¡¯t worry.¡±


    the fox beauty smiled charmingly.


    xu qing turned his head and glanced at the fox beauty. after that, he left the hundred flowers palace.


    as he walked in the junior aurora hall, xu qing pondered over what he had to do next.


    ¡°fourth true monarch is likely inhabited by an outsider, appearing the moment history starts to change to prevent it¡­¡±


    ¡°in that case, he and i are on opposite paths.¡±


    ¡°and those stars that have come to this place, each of them has their own purpose. through the actions of li mengtu and that heaven¡¯s chosen li, it¡¯s clear¡ªthey hope for the history to be altered.¡±


    ¡°then there¡¯s a certain chance that there are two camps!¡±


    ¡°one camp is upholding the order of history, and the other camp wants to disturb the history.¡±


    ¡°as for the specifics, i¡¯m not certain yet. i need more clues to make a final judgment.¡±


    ¡°if it turns out my assumptions are correct, then gathering all those aligned with the faction that seeks to stir historical waves and secretly aiding them in achieving their goals could trigger one wave after another.¡±


    ¡°in the end, it will culminate in the massive ripple i desire!¡±


    ¡°thus, my next step is to identify which cultivators are being played by the other stars.¡±


    as he pondered, the sky gradually changed.


    it was nighttime now and dawn wasn¡¯t far away.


    the moon in the sky was displaying the coldness of this night to its heart¡¯s content.


    xu qing sensed something and raised his head to look at the sky.


    in this period of history, there was no blood-like crimson aurora in the sky.


    there was still the moon and the sun.


    it was similar to the sun and moon in wanggu back then. the sun and moon here weren¡¯t simple celestial bodies either. they were two lives with miraculous powers.


    according to the host¡¯s memories, the moon that was about to set was called ¡®clear brilliance¡¯.


    it was relatively small and covered in a mystical silver glow that bathed the world in tranquility and harmony.


    ¡°in one month¡¯s time, the moon will vanish, and the sun will follow.¡±


    as xu qing mumbled inwardly. dawn was about to arrive.


    the moon in the sky was slowly disappearing, and the first rays of the sun gradually appeared on the pitch-black horizon.


    the sun in the fifth star ring was called ¡®blaze¡¯.


    its surface burned with raging flames that were scorching and resplendent.


    its strength was strong and warm, providing the necessary light and heat for all life in the entire ring.


    at that moment, it rose into the air.


    the sky was bright.


    the morning sun sent light, and also¡­ a figure approaching with the light.


    it was a middle-aged man in a plain white robe.


    the robe was embroidered with elegant cloud patterns. as he got closer, the sleeves of his robe swayed gently in the wind, as though they had fused with the aura of the world.


    as for his appearance, it was ordinary and extraordinary. his nose bridge was high and his lips were tightly shut, as though he would never smile.


    his expression was cold, like a snow mountain that didn¡¯t melt all year round. he looked mysterious and unfathomable, emitting a dignity that couldn¡¯t be ignored.


    his eyes were as deep as the sea and flickered with a cold glint, as though they could see through all the hypocrisy and reality in the world.


    as he walked over, every step he took felt as though he was stepping in time, giving off an extremely profound feeling.


    this lasted until he arrived in front of xu qing.


    ¡°father.¡±


    xu qing lowered his head.


    the person who came was none other than aurora immortal lord!


    he stood there, his aura restrained and deep, like a sleeping volcano. once it erupted, it would definitely shake the world.


    as for his coldness, it was as though he had long seen through the prosperity and illusions of the human world. he was no longer overly obsessed with the emotions of the mortal world.


    a cold voice rang out from his mouth.


    ¡°i¡¯ll bring you somewhere.¡±


    the moment the voice rang out, everything in xu qing¡¯s surroundings turned blurry. the world seemed to have reversed and everything had changed.


    he was no longer in the immortal palace.


    instead, he appeared on an ice lake.


    ¡°follow me. this is the last thing i¡¯ll do for you as your father.¡±


    aurora immortal lord calmly spoke and walked forward.


    xu qing¡¯s thoughts surged but he forcefully suppressed them and silently followed.


    the ice lake here was very special. the surface of the ice was like a mirror that could refract the heavenly light and also gradually reflect the human heart.


    hence, as he walked on it, the lake showed different reflections.


    xu qing¡¯s slowly revealed reflection was of his main body!


    this scene caused xu qing¡¯s heart to tremble. however, it was as though the immortal lord in front of him didn¡¯t see it. there was nothing abnormal.


    xu qing hesitated. his gaze then landed on the reflection of the aurora immortal lord on the ice lake.


    the moment he saw it clearly, his eyes narrowed.


    although that reflection indeed looked like aurora, the color of his clothes was actually black.


    his expression¡­ was also filled with evilness and gloom.


    a long time later, xu qing retracted his gaze. there were thousands of thoughts in his mind but the immortal lord didn¡¯t speak again on the way, so xu qing remained silent.


    just like that, time slowly passed.


    on the ice layer, the white-robed aurora polaris and his son moved forward.


    under the ice layer, the black-clothed aurora and xu qing were head to tail.

 Chapter 1627 - Chapter 1627: Time Separates the Two

    chapter 1627: time separates the two


    editor: atlas studios


    above and below the ice, it was as if two separate worlds existed.


    the figures above and underneath continued moving forward.


    they were all silent, evoking a sensation of stark black and white


    it was indescribable, beyond words.


    only the fearless wind, whether sweeping through the heavens and earth or stirring as an undercurrent in the icy river, surged forth.


    it lifted the long hair of the ¡®four¡¯.


    the figures swayed with the wind and water.


    there was nothing to say on the way.


    the immortal lord remained silent and so did xu qing.


    after a long time, as the sun in the sky gradually rose completely, illuminating the world, causing the ice layer to shine with resplendent light¡­


    the father and son on the ice surface had already walked to the center of the ice lake.


    here, aurora immortal lord stopped in his tracks and calmly spoke.


    ¡°we¡¯re here. you shouldn¡¯t be unfamiliar with this place.¡±


    xu qing was unfamiliar with this place but the memories from the young lord surfaced in his mind, bringing familiarity and understanding.


    nine shores grotto-heaven!


    there was still a month before the era ended¡­ and the location of the palace of the nine shores immortal lord whose ruling period was going to end was here!


    it was different from the aurora immortal lord¡¯s immortal palace. in the eyes of the world, the nine shores immortal lord¡¯s immortal palace appeared simply as this frozen lake.


    it lay quietly between mountain ranges, like a brilliant gemstone embedded in the snow-covered land.


    the mirror-like surface of the lake reflected the blue of the sky and the white of the surrounding snowy peaks, while also encompassing the depths of the human heart that had sunk to its bottom.


    thus, beneath the frozen surface, as the undercurrents surged, the lake appeared in the daylight in dazzling, dreamlike hues. amid the ethereal beauty, the hearts submerged within it transformed into endless secrets.


    hidden inside.


    just like the nine shores immortal lord.


    secrets!


    everyone had their secrets, and every piece of history held its own mysteries.


    even a mountain or a river contained untold stories.


    the source of all hidden truths in the fifth star ring had already been seized.


    that source was¡­ none other than the nine shores immortal lord, whose ordinance was secrecy and who had made it their foundation for ascending the dao!


    thus, when someone walked upon the frozen surface, beneath the ice their reflection took the form of the secrets they carried.


    occasionally, strange bubbles rose slowly from the depths of the lake, and when they touched the ice, they burst, leaving behind perfect circles.


    they couldn¡¯t exit the icy layer.


    these secrets were tightly bound by the ice.


    ¡°kneel!¡±


    aurora immortal lord calmly spoke.


    xu qing lowered his head. at that moment, his body no longer seemed to be under his control. as the word echoed, he silently knelt on the ice.


    the moment his knee came into contact with the ice, there seemed to be a sigh. it was unknown if it came from the sky or from the lake under the ice.


    aurora¡¯s expression was calm as he spoke softly.


    ¡°dao brother nine shores, i¡¯ve brought my unfilial son here.¡±


    ¡°aurora, there¡¯s no need to be so involved in the matters of the younger generation.¡±


    an ancient voice rang out from under the lake after aurora spoke.


    the voice was hoarse and carried an indescribable sense of melancholy.


    as the voice emerged, ripples spread through the waters beneath the ice. through the frozen surface, xu qing vaguely saw a colossal figure, as vast as a god, appearing at the lake¡¯s bottom.


    the figure was immense, and though its entirety couldn¡¯t be seen, its ethereal face alone dominated most of the lake.


    its eyes, under the sunlight, shimmered with a silvery glow.


    staring at this figure, the aurora immortal lord shook his head and spoke solemnly.


    ¡°this matter, from beginning to end, is entirely his karma!¡±


    ¡°half a year ago, i merely sent him here to cultivate. who would¡¯ve thought this rascal¡¯s mind wasn¡¯t on cultivation at all but on pursuing your daughter, dao brother!¡±


    ¡°but fortunately, the two of them seem to have mutual feelings. there was no coercion. though they¡¯ve had some misunderstandings due to their personalities clashing, we, as their elders, should not interfere too much.¡±


    ¡°although my son may be somewhat inept, he is a man of responsibility. that¡¯s why today i¡¯ve brought him here to formally propose a marriage.¡±


    ¡°i hope that these two young ones will move forward in life together from now on, not only as dao companions but as dao friends, hand in hand on their immortal journey, and one day, under our eyes, ascend to the rank of immortals.¡±


    ¡°this would be a fine tale.¡±


    aurora immortal lord¡¯s voice was low and deep. as it echoed in all directions, he raised his right hand and waved it forward.


    four items instantly appeared out of thin air.


    ¡°there are four betrothal gifts.¡±


    ¡°first, the divine blood of the former fifth star ring¡¯s lord gods, royin and mengni, who perished long ago. this blood contains a trace of their intent to return in the future, as well as the secrets they once held.¡±


    ¡°this is the item you were longing for back then. i found it for you a few days ago.¡±


    aurora immortal lord calmly spoke.


    these words sounded casual but in reality, something that could make an existence at the level of the immortal lord yearn for but couldn¡¯t obtain would have definitely cost a significant price.


    hence, as soon as this item appeared, the eyes of the ethereal face under the ice lake flashed with silver light.


    ¡°the second and third gifts are two blank jade tokens infused with my soul blood. dao brother nine shoes can inscribe anything in one jade token a month from now, and it will be considered as my sealed command.


    the second jade token pertains to external materials. you may inscribe anything from the aurora immortal palace that you desire. whatever it is, no matter who it belongs to, its karma will be erased, and you will become its final owner!¡±


    xu qing was moved.


    the first item had already surpassed the level of his understanding.


    and the first of the two jade tokens later was like an imperial edict.


    a month later, nine shores would step down and aurora would ascend the throne.


    in the coming aurora era, having this blank imperial edict would be of huge significance.


    moreover, the second jade token would allow nine shores to take any item in the immortal palace, and there was no time limit.


    this gift showed extreme sincerity!


    at this moment, nine shores at the bottom of the lake opened his mouth and wanted to say something.


    however, aurora immortal lord continued.


    ¡°the fourth gift isn¡¯t worth much, just my son¡¯s eight characters of birth time1.¡±


    aurora immortal lord spoke softly, raising his hand. a red piece of paper floated out, drifting beside him, inscribed with eight characters.


    xu qing swept his gaze over. it was indeed the birth information of the host he inhabited.


    yet, despite the casual tone, what unfolded in xu qing¡¯s heart was an unspoken, profound fatherly love wrapped within these gestures.


    after doing this, aurora immortal lord lowered his head and¡­ bowed deeply to the ice lake!


    such a betrothal gift, such an identity, and such a bow.


    all the words nine shores wanted to say were stopped in his throat, turning into a sigh.


    as the sigh echoed, countless threads rose from the ice lake.


    they were formed from the secrets of the world and were formless. at this moment, they pierced through the ice and appeared on the ice. after they gathered together¡­ they transformed from formless to tangible.


    they turned into a sage-like middle-aged cultivator in a blue daoist robe.


    he stood in front of aurora and met his gaze.


    a long time later, he raised his right hand and kept the blood, the jade tokens, and the birth characters. however, he flicked the blank jade token that could seize any item in the immortal palace.


    it flew toward xu qing.


    xu qing grabbed it.


    ¡°a month later, you and my daughter will get married. from then on, your identity will not only be the son of aurora but also my son-in-law!¡±


    xu qing lowered his head and bowed respectfully.


    the aurora immortal lord smiled, as if the heavy burden weighing him down had lightened by more than half at that moment. a rare smile appeared on his face, one that hadn¡¯t surfaced for a long time.


    he stared at nine shores, his best friend.


    they grew up together, cultivated together, and killed enemies together. during this time, they faced life and death together too many times. as for the friendship formed by the fusion of iron and blood¡­


    they could hand over their lives to each other. when they were young, they had joked that if their children were of the same gender in the future, they would also be brothers.


    if the genders were different, they would become dao companions.


    his thoughts surged in his heart, and in the end, he silently clasped his fists in respect, then turned and departed.


    xu qing also stood up from the ground. after he bowed, he left with aurora with a complicated expression.


    nine shores silently bore the moment, watching as the father and son duo gradually walked farther away across the frozen lake.


    after a long time, he muttered inwardly.


    ¡°i know you¡¯re going to do something earth-shattering¡­¡±


    ¡°aurora, oh aurora, to the venerable immortal, you are a dutiful son, and to this child, you are a loving father!¡±


    ¡°but you, who is in the middle, are deeply bitter.¡±


    ¡°perhaps, from the day lancy fell, you no longer had any attachment to this world.¡±


    nine shores sighed softly. his body blurred and transformed into countless threads of secrecy again which sank into the ice.


    ¡­


    after leaving the nine shores grotto-heaven, the father and son continued to walk.


    the breeze blew up aurora immortal lord¡¯s hair and also caused waves in the body xu qing was in.


    they walked silently.


    xu qing didn¡¯t know if it was an illusion, but the cold feeling on the aurora immortal lord¡¯s body seemed to be gradually blown away by the wind and gradually lessened.


    that feeling of estrangement also dissipated with the coldness and was silently erased.


    as for the reason¡­ it was the moment the nine shores immortal lord nodded.


    in that moment, the burden lifted might have weighed more than a thousand tons.


    right now, they weren¡¯t moving in the direction of the immortal palace.


    instead, they gradually got closer to a place that xu qing was familiar with even in reality.


    this lasted until a vast golden sea of sand entered xu qing¡¯s vision.


    it was like a real sea, sparkling and glistening under the sunlight.


    that was the desert xu qing had been to before.


    however, the one he had visited was in the present day, after endless ages had passed. now, he found himself in the desert of a distant past.


    what separated the two was the name of the desert itself.


    time.


    ¡°when you were young, the thing you asked me the most was about your mother.¡±


    as he walked on the time desert, aurora immortal lord¡¯s figure seemed to have lost his immortal aura. it was as though this desert had huge meaning to him.


    thus, in this moment of return, his presence appeared imbued with a sense of age, as though touched by the weight of passing years.


    as he walked, he spoke softly.


    ¡°in the past, i didn¡¯t tell you much.¡±


    ¡°now, you¡¯ve grown up and are about to get a wife, so¡­ i brought you here.¡±


    ¡°this is the place where your mother¡¯s life soul treasure dissipated. it¡¯s also the only trace she left in this world.¡±


    aurora immortal lord spoke softly.

 Chapter 1628 - Chapter 1628: That Sea of Flowers

    chapter 1628: that sea of flowers


    editor: atlas studios


    ¡°mother¡­¡±


    xu qing looked at the desert in front of him and listened to aurora immortal lord.


    perhaps it came from the fluctuations in his body, or perhaps it was the meaning behind this word.


    unknowingly, his consciousness rippled with memories.


    wanggu and peerless city appeared in front of him.


    the peerless city and his parents in his memory.


    the beauty in his memories and the blood rain that couldn¡¯t be dispersed.


    he recalled his parents.


    perhaps it was because he had traversed too many landscapes, or experienced too many events, that when xu qing now tried to recall his parents, he realized that all that remained were mere outlines.


    yet, the tenderness emanating from those outlines was an indelible mark¡ªone that no mountains, no experiences, and no memories could ever erase.


    it was eternally imprinted on his heart.


    much like how people may not know who they would see in their final moments.


    but when they first entered the world, their parents were always there, surrounding them.


    ¡°mother¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    at the same time, the body in which xu qing¡¯s consciousness resided instinctively brought forth memories from its original host.


    in those memories, the image of the mother had also faded into a vague silhouette, blurred and indistinct¡­ hard to recall clearly.


    just like xu qing¡¯s memories.


    the two of them resonated at this moment.


    this resonance, like ripples, stirred the heart and consciousness, causing time to waver and flow. it spread across the desert, rising and falling.


    it had become a part of the desert.


    aurora immortal lord¡¯s voice slowly echoed in the time desert.


    ¡°your mother and i met in our hometown.¡±


    ¡°she was my junior apprentice sister and your grandfather¡¯s seventh disciple.¡±


    ¡°back then, the sky also had a sun and moon, but they were not as we see them today.¡±


    aurora immortal lord spoke softly as he moved forward.


    he seemed to be talking to xu qing and also seemed to be reminiscing.


    as his words echoed, the aura on his body became more ancient and reminiscent.


    ¡°at that time, my hometown was actually just one of the countless small worlds reared by the gods in the fifth star ring.¡±


    ¡°living there, we had to worship the gods, enslaved by them, dwelling within a web of bones.¡±


    ¡°therefore, even the sun and moon above our heads were naturally gods. to be precise, the light of that sun and moon invaded all the small worlds.¡±


    ¡°and the supreme gods whose names echoed across all the small worlds were royin and mengni.¡±


    ¡°those years were filled with suffering, but because of your mother¡¯s presence, for me, they were also filled with happiness.¡±


    aurora immortal lord¡¯s voice was gentle.


    xu qing followed behind and listened silently.


    he knew that, in this moment, what the aurora immortal lord needed was simply someone to listen.


    ¡°we cultivated together and grew up together. later on, we met nine shores.¡±


    aurora immortal lord shook his head, and the reminiscence on his body intensified.


    ¡°back then, nine shores¡¯ personality wasn¡¯t much different from what it is now. he liked silence, observation, and keeping records.¡±


    ¡°your mother used to call him ¡®the great historian,¡¯ and he embraced the title. for many years after that, he referred to himself as the historian.¡±


    ¡°foolish, really.¡±


    aurora chuckled.


    ¡°just like that, time passed¡­¡±


    ¡°what happened afterward, you already know from the historical records.¡±


    ¡°in the final days of the gods, under your grandfather¡¯s leadership, all the small worlds of the fifth star ring rose against the gods in a war of uprising.¡±


    ¡°that battle was unimaginably brutal¡­¡±


    ¡°you were born during that chaotic time, but your mother and i didn¡¯t want you to witness such a world.¡±


    so we sealed you, with the promise that once the war was over, once this world became beautiful, we would lift the seal. we wanted your first sight of the heavens and earth to be vibrant, peaceful, free of gods.¡±


    ¡°we wanted you to live in a beautiful world.¡±


    aurora¡¯s voice echoed in the time desert.


    however, that voice was slowly tainted with sadness as he reminisced.


    ¡°and after many long years, that war finally came to an end. we cultivators rose up completely and overthrew the gods who once stood so high above us.¡±


    ¡°the sun and moon in the sky fell as well, replaced by the yin and yang of our dao.¡±


    ¡°but¡­ there was one figure missing by my side.¡±


    ¡°your mother¡­ she had fallen.¡±


    xu qing listened silently.


    it was clearly someone else¡¯s story but regardless of whether it was the waves caused by this body or the resonance in his consciousness, xu qing could sense this sadness from the host and aurora.


    ¡°i fell into a deep sleep due to some special reasons.¡±


    ¡°this sleep lasted for ten thousand years.¡±


    ¡°when i awoke, everything had changed beyond alteration, and the ordinance of space-time had reached its ultimate limit¡­¡±


    ¡°3,333 years¡ªthat¡¯s the space-time boundary for all star rings in this universe.¡±


    ¡°so, when we sealed you, it was both your mother and i. but when the time came to break your seal, only i remained.¡±


    a low voice drifted through the world and aurora¡¯s footsteps stopped.


    a vast sea of flowers entered xu qing¡¯s vision.


    it was a dreamlike sea, filled with countless vibrant and colorful orchids blooming in the desert.


    stunningly beautiful.


    it was hard to imagine such a spectacle¡ªan ocean of orchids thriving in the heart of the barren desert.


    at the very least, when xu qing came here before, he hadn¡¯t seen it.


    it was as though this was a secret hidden in the depths of the desert.


    as xu qing gazed out, he saw that the orchids took on a variety of beautiful forms and colors. some resembled butterflies gracefully dancing, while others looked like cranes spreading their wings. each bloom exuded a unique fragrance.


    at that moment, as xu qing and the aurora immortal lord arrived, rays of sunlight broke through the scattered clouds, casting a golden glow over the orchid sea. the light added a touch of mystery and romance to the scene.


    with a gentle breeze, the sea of flowers swayed like a dream.


    in the hazy distance, it seemed as if a celestial maiden stood in the flower sea, her gaze resting on the father and son.


    a soft whisper echoed, and a tender smile appeared on her face.


    aurora immortal lord, seeing the flower sea and the familiar figure from his memory, also smiled.


    as he smiled, he slowly walked to the edge of the flower sea, knelt down, and took out a handful of seeds from his pocket.


    in this moment, he was not the future ruler of the fifth star ring, nor the almighty lord of ten thousand immortals. he was simply a man lost in the memory of his late wife.


    he planted those seeds in the desert.


    they would definitely bloom.


    ¡°your mother¡¯s name has the word ¡®lan1¡¯ in it, and she had a deep fondness for immortal orchids.¡±


    ¡°these flowers cannot bear the touch of divine aura. it causes them to wither quickly¡­ yet, in our small world, even though it was filled with anomalous substances, this flower never vanished.¡±


    ¡°even when it wilted, it always bloomed again.¡±


    ¡°we once dreamed that when the war ended, when everything became peaceful and beautiful, we would find a place to plant immortal orchids, until they covered the land like a sea, blooming year after year without end.¡±


    ¡°all these years, every time i came over, i would plant some.¡±


    ¡± gradually, it truly became a sea.¡±


    aurora immortal lord smiled and muttered. he gently patted the place where the seeds were buried.


    after that, he sat at the side and looked at the sea of flowers without saying anything else.


    however, the smile on his face became even gentler.


    xu qing looked at all of this and silently walked to the aurora immortal lord¡¯s side. he also sat down and accompanied him to look at the sea of flowers.


    time slowly passed.


    when the sun started setting, aurora immortal lord spoke softly.


    ¡°you¡¯ve grown up and are about to get married.¡±


    ¡°in the future, when i am busy, you must remember to come here each year and plant orchids for your mother.¡±


    ¡°let there always be a sea of flowers here.¡±


    xu qing had mixed feelings.


    he knew that in a month, aurora immortal lord wouldn¡¯t be the only one to die. it would also include his host.


    hence, in the future, orchids were destined to not appear here.


    perhaps this was the reason why when he had traveled the desert before, he didn¡¯t see any sea of flowers.


    this sea of flowers had long withered with time.


    however, he still nodded.


    aurora smiled and stroked xu qing¡¯s head.


    ¡°remember this¡­¡±


    ¡°parents cannot accompany you throughout your entire life, and your children will not always be by your side. only your dao companion¡­ that person is the only one who can stay with you for a lifetime.¡±


    ¡°so, protect her well. don¡¯t end up like me¡­ losing the one you love.¡±


    aurora stood up and looked at xu qing.


    ¡°do you remember the story i told you about the night when you were young?¡±


    xu qing nodded and replied softly.


    ¡°when the night falls, i should not go to see you.¡±


    this sentence was deeply engraved in the memories of this young lord.


    in his memory, aurora immortal lord had told him this more than once.


    this reminded xu qing of the reflection under the ice lake¡­


    in his memory, every time aurora immortal lord appeared, it would be around dawn.


    aurora smiled and nodded, looking at the setting sun.


    ¡°it¡¯s getting dark. let¡¯s go back.¡±


    as he spoke, aurora took a step forward.


    the world became blurry.


    at the next instant, the desert was gone, and the sea of flowers was gone.


    xu qing¡¯s figure appeared in the junior aurora hall, in the exact spot where he had left earlier.


    it was as if everything he had experienced along the way was nothing more than an illusion.


    aurora immortal lord was also gone.


    only the sky¡­


    previously, when xu qing left, it was the moment dawn broke.


    now, it was the moment night fell.


    night enveloped the land, and the bright moon rose into the sky.


    ¡­


    at that moment, under the immortal palace, in a brightly lit mysterious catacomb.


    aurora immortal lord was moving forward step by step.


    however, as he moved forward, the lights behind him would be extinguished one by one.


    as night fell outside, the white clothes on his body were slowly invaded by the black color until they were completely dyed black.


    the gentleness on his face was also replaced by malevolence and evil.


    his body shook slightly but his footsteps were still very steady.


    finally, he walked step by step into the depths of the catacomb.


    he stepped into a sealed cell.


    the moment he entered, countless iron chains formed by runes appeared out of thin air and coiled around his entire body, sealing him.


    lights completely disappeared at this instant and the whole catacomb fell into darkness.


    in this extremely dark space, only low groans and the intense pulling of the iron chains could be heard.

 Chapter 1629 - Chapter 1629: A Schemer’s Means

    chapter 1629: a schemer¡¯s means


    editor: atlas studios


    at night, the junior aurora hall was brightly lit.


    as he walked, xu qing recalled his experiences on the way with aurora immortal lord.


    along the way, aurora¡¯s identity kept on shifting. when they left, he was the master of the immortal palace.


    before the nine shores grotto-heaven, he was a father.


    in the time desert, he was a lonely soul who had lost his beloved.


    but when the dark of night fell and they returned to the immortal palace, he seemed once again to become the immortal lord.


    before this, to xu qing, aurora immortal lord was just a symbol.


    although the little person who came out of the second realm claimed to be the remnant will of the aurora immortal lord, whether it was true or not was still unknown.


    xu qing didn¡¯t completely believe it from the start.


    hence, the name aurora immortal lord was only a name to him.


    yet, as the different scenes and shifting identities along the journey intertwined, the image of the aurora immortal lord in xu qing¡¯s mind slowly took on flesh and color.


    ¡°he clearly has a premonition of what will happen in a month¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly.


    otherwise, it would be impossible to explain his entrusting me to the nine shores and the instructions in the time desert.


    yet, as this realization dawned in xu qing¡¯s mind, an even greater sense of doubt began to spread.


    ¡°aurora immortal lord possesses the space-time ordinance and has delved deeply into it, so it¡¯s not surprising that he knows about the future.¡±


    ¡°but what exactly happened a month later that caused the venerable immortal to make a move?¡±


    ¡°is it really the rebellion recorded in history?¡±


    ¡°also, what¡¯s the reason why i can¡¯t see him at night? is it related to the sinister figure in black under the ice lake?¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    ¡°also, since he was already prepared and entrusted his son, why did the young lord still die in a month?¡±


    ¡°moreover, everyone in the entire immortal palace perished as well.¡±


    ¡°why did the venerable immortal destroy all the beings in this immortal palace¡­¡±


    ¡°after he killed them, why did he let this place remain¡­¡±


    too many doubts flowed through xu qing¡¯s mind.


    however, there was no answer.


    ¡°i¡¯ll know everything in a month!¡±


    xu qing raised his head and glanced at the moon. he then walked into the main hall and sat down cross-legged.


    he decided not to dwell further on matters concerning the aurora immortal lord. instead, his thoughts shifted to the intricacies of how to stir the waves of space-time within the fourth realm.


    in the eyes of others, this space-time was just people and scenery.


    however, in xu qing¡¯s space-time ordinance¡¯s perception, it was completely different.


    in his perception, this space-time seemed to have frozen like a pool of stagnant water.


    it was tranquil with no ripples, and it was difficult to create any ripples, let alone waves.


    it was impossible for xu qing to shake it directly with his space-time ordinance.


    ¡°so, i need more catalysts¡ªmore triggers to throw in, like one stone after another, each striking this stagnant pond¡­¡±


    xu qing murmured to himself.


    ¡­


    time flowed by.


    in the dark night, the sound of music and coquettish laughter rang out from the hundred flowers palace.


    the sounds inside blended into the night and drifted away.


    even xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged in the main hall, could faintly hear it.


    especially the fox beauty¡¯s laughter.


    clearly, whether xu qing was around or not, the fox beauty was very happy.


    this lasted until dawn.


    the sun rose and scattered its rays.


    just as the sounds dissipated, a new voice emerged from outside the hall.


    ¡°welcome back, young lord!¡±


    following the voice was zhong chi¡¯s figure.


    he quickly took a few steps forward and stepped into the hall. he then bowed to xu qing with many thoughts in his mind. he hadn¡¯t seen this young lord the entire day yesterday.


    he had even searched the entire junior aurora palace.


    this caused some curiosity to rise in his mind as he didn¡¯t know where the young lord had gone to yesterday.


    although he knew the history of this period, he only had a general understanding and didn¡¯t know the details. naturally, it was impossible for him to know everything that happened every day.


    ¡°you are greeting too late, i returned last night.¡±


    xu qing raised his head and glanced at zhong chi.


    when zhong chi heard this, he asked carefully.


    ¡°young lord, you¡­ yesterday?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. he didn¡¯t clear zhong chi¡¯s doubts. instead, he stood up and casually spoke.


    ¡°follow me to the scripture transmission pavilion.¡±


    as he spoke, xu qing walked out of the main hall.


    since he had arrived in this space-time, xu qing naturally had to go to the immortal palace¡¯s scripture transmission pavilion to take a look at the spells of this era.


    when zhong chi heard this, he hurriedly followed behind.


    in the early morning light, xu qing¡¯s figure moved gracefully through the immortal palace.


    along the way, any cultivators xu qing encountered, though not holding him in particularly high regard in their hearts, still showed him the respect his noble status demanded.


    zhong chi, who was following behind, wanted to say something but hesitated.


    when the scripture transmission pavilion was in sight, xu qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°zhong chi, your recent behavior seems a bit different from before.¡±


    these words, falling into zhong chi¡¯s ears, immediately put him on alert, though outwardly, he displayed a foolish grin.


    ¡°young lord, you are truly perceptive. as expected, whenever i have something on my mind, i can¡¯t hide it. the moment i try, my actions are spotted by you at a glance.¡±


    ¡°what¡¯s the matter?¡± xu qing asked calmly.


    zhong chi hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°it¡¯s that heaven¡¯s chosen li!¡±


    ¡°young lord, it¡¯s not that i¡¯m complaining, but heaven¡¯s chosen li is really shameless.¡±


    ¡°didn¡¯t young lord ask him to go to the myriad beast garden the day before yesterday? however, not only did he not go, but he even hid himself. we couldn¡¯t find him at the academy.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, his expression didn¡¯t change at all. he only turned his head and glanced at zhong chi.


    ¡°tell me the conclusion.¡±


    his glance caused zhong chi¡¯s heart to skip a beat. in reality, he had already finished investigating. the reason why he didn¡¯t say it immediately was because he couldn¡¯t grasp the young lord¡¯s attitude on this matter. he also had the thought of seeing the young lord¡¯s reaction.


    at that moment, when xu qing¡¯s gaze swept over, his heart suddenly palpitated. hence, he didn¡¯t dare to hide it.


    ¡°i heard that after he returned to the academy that day, he had a conflict with a teacher from the academy.¡±


    ¡°he was then punished by that teacher to enter closed-door cultivation for three months.¡±


    zhong chi said in a low voice.


    the reason why he told xu qing these was because of personal motive.


    he could tell that there was a high chance that heaven¡¯s chosen li was an outsider like him. although he didn¡¯t know his exact identity, the other party¡¯s goal was to try to change history.


    this was something in common with his goal.


    hence, fundamentally speaking, he hoped that the other party would succeed. only then could he use it as a reference.


    heaven¡¯s chosen li had indeed made a change. his outcome was originally to enter seclusion after the defeat but it had changed to becoming the caretaker of the young lord¡¯s myriad beast garden.


    however, it was obvious that someone had interfered and corrected everything.


    in history, heaven¡¯s chosen li had gone into seclusion during this period, and right now, it was the same.


    there were differences in causes, but the result was the same.


    as for who the interferer was, the first person zhong chi thought of was the fourth true monarch!


    however, the other party¡¯s status was too high and the advantage he had was too great.


    this time, he could make heaven¡¯s chosen li fail. next time, he could also make zhong chi fail.


    hence, zhong chi wanted to make use of the young lord to try and change history.


    if it was really the young lord, it was impossible for him to understand these thoughts because he lacked an important understanding. however, xu qing¡¯s comprehensive understanding made him very clear about this.


    ¡®li mengtu is trying to use me.¡¯


    ¡®as for the matter regarding heaven¡¯s chosen li, although it doesn¡¯t completely affirm to the history, at least in this period of history, it has been placed back on the right track.¡¯


    ¡®the person who is inhabiting fourth senior brother does have some tricks up his sleeves.¡¯


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    in reality, he and the other party could be considered to have used the matter of heaven¡¯s chosen li to exchange a move.


    each had their own victory and defeat.


    ¡®however, i can¡¯t interfere in this matter anymore. i¡¯ve already placed my piece on heaven¡¯s chosen li. there¡¯s no need for me to cause an issue immediately.¡¯


    ¡®after all, relatively speaking, hiding my identity is the key to this fortune.¡¯


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and walked toward the scripture transmission pavilion.


    soon, he stepped in and pondered as he flipped through the scrolls inside.


    ¡®my identity is very important. moreover, under my observation, whether it¡¯s zhong chi, heaven¡¯s chosen li, the daughter of the nine shores, or fourth senior brother, none of them seem to have any doubts about my identity.¡¯


    ¡®it seems that in their understanding, it¡¯s impossible for someone to possess my identity.¡¯


    ¡®moreover, other than quasi immortals, only those with ordinances or ordinance treasures can enter the fourth realm.¡¯


    ¡®in that case, excluding the few outsiders i have found out, there should be more than four to five or even more outsiders hiding among the people in this immortal palace.¡¯


    ¡®among them, there should be some who are similar to heaven¡¯s chosen li, trying to change the history.¡¯


    ¡®they are my stones to create ripples in this stagnant pool!¡¯


    xu qing put down the jade slip in his hand and walked to the other end. he picked up a new jade slip and continued to check while pondering.


    ¡®therefore, this can be seen as a game.¡¯


    ¡®fourth senior brother is trying to suppress the rebels, while i¡­ have to secretly urge and protect these rebels. at the same time, these stones have to protect themselves.¡¯


    ¡®heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s failure was because he was a little anxious. of course, this was also decided by his identity. if he didn¡¯t do that back then, he wouldn¡¯t have had a chance.¡¯


    ¡®however, these people have hidden themselves too deeply, so it¡¯s very difficult for me to find them and i can¡¯t urge them or protect them.¡¯


    ¡®so, how is fourth senior brother searching for them?¡¯


    xu qing pondered.


    time passed very quickly as he checked and pondered.


    when the sun started to set, xu qing left the scripture transmission pavilion and returned to the junior aurora hall. he had found a solution.


    ¡®i don¡¯t need to find all the stones. i just need to make them more cautious or even vigilant and raise a sense of danger.¡¯


    ¡®as for fourth senior brother¡­¡¯


    ¡®i am in the dark, while he is in the light. but this light is not yet complete. in that case, let his clarity become absolute. if i can lead him into a state of self-verification, it would be even more perfect!¡¯


    xu qing closed his eyes in the main hall of the junior palace hall and transmitted his divine sense to someone in the hundred flowers palace.


    in the hundred flowers palace, the fox beauty, who was lying lazily and chatting with the surrounding women, raised her brows and chided inwardly.


    ¡°bad man, now that you have grown up, you¡¯re even giving me orders¡­ but, this domineering side of you¡­ why does it make me like you even more?¡±


    the fox beauty licked her lips and chuckled.


    ¡­


    a few days later, two rumors spread like a storm within the once peaceful aurora immortal palace.


    the first rumor claimed that outsiders had taken over the bodies of immortal palace cultivators, concealing themselves within the palace, and they harbored malicious intentions¡ªfurthermore, there were quite a few of them!


    the second rumor pointed to the fourth true monarch.


    the content was¡­


    ¡°the fourth true monarch is the leader of the outsiders!¡±

 Chapter 1630 - Chapter 1630: Fishing!

    chapter 1630: fishing!


    editor: atlas studios


    xu qing¡¯s goal was simple.


    these outsiders had all hidden themselves well, and none of them were simple individuals; each was quite cunning.


    unless due to some unavoidable circumstances, like heaven¡¯s chosen li, who had no choice but to act at the risk of being exposed, finding them would have been like searching for a needle in a haystack


    after all, each of them had different objectives, which made it very hard to discern any clear patterns or distinctive traits among them.


    as for the descent of consciousness, if they had the intention to remain hidden, it would be even harder to distinguish.


    among them, those whose objectives would cause ripples in time were easier to handle; xu qing had some confidence that he could slowly find them, because in this segment of history, his identity was like a torch in the night.


    it would naturally draw attention.


    like heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s approach, zhong chi¡¯s following, and the appearance of nine shores¡¯ daughter.


    they were all using his identity as an anchor point.


    however, this would require time.


    moreover, among these outsiders, it was uncertain how many had chosen a path contrary to disrupting the flow of history. for instance, some of them were likely order-keepers, opting to let history unfold as it was meant to.


    if such individuals continued to remain low-profile, merely acting as spectators, they would leave almost no flaws to exploit in the short term.


    they would be almost impossible to find.


    if that was the case¡­


    ¡°since i can¡¯t immediately locate those hidden outsiders, i¡¯ll use the first rumor to inform them to be more cautious in their actions going forward.¡±


    ¡°this way, even though i may not be able to find them, it will also make it harder for star ring to find them and attempt to correct the history.¡±


    ¡°as for the second rumor¡­¡±


    in the junior aurora hall, xu qing raised his head and looked at the sky.


    ¡°let those in the light become even more visible. through the spread of rumors, i will directly expose his identity.¡±


    a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    as for whether the people of this era believed it or not, it wasn¡¯t important.


    what was important was that those outsiders like him would evaluate this rumor.


    this was a signal sent to them.


    at the same time, it was also a ripple in this segment of history.


    ¡°during the first round with heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s matter, i won the first half, while the fourth true monarch claimed the second half.¡±


    ¡°now, as for this second round, i wonder how the fourth true monarch will respond. if he falls into a cycle of self-verification, that would be ideal.¡±


    xu qing pondered.


    he knew that what he needed to do now was to hide himself and quietly observe.


    he wanted to see what kind of upheaval the immortal palace would experience amidst the storm of rumors.


    ¡°other than my advantage of being in the dark, i have another advantage in this game of history¡­¡±


    xu qing looked at the hundred flowers palace.


    the clay fox wasn¡¯t within anyone¡¯s understanding!


    everyone who entered the fourth realm left traces. in the eyes of those who were attentive, careful observation could reveal clues to follow.


    only the clay fox was different.


    there were no traces of her before this, so her existence was quite useful to xu qing.


    ¡­


    several days later.


    the effect of rumors varied from person to person.


    although they spread throughout the immortal palace, the people of this era just smiled at those so-called rumors and dismissed them.


    after all, this was the aurora immortal palace!


    although the immortal lords of the fifth star ring were not entirely harmonious due to their origins from different small worlds and had some conflicts, they shared a common ideology in the larger context.


    moreover, there was the venerable immortal who was high and mighty, so it was impossible for there to be too many problems between the immortal lords.


    hence, it didn¡¯t matter much whether there really were outsiders or not.


    moreover, in the eyes of smart people, there must be a motive for the rumors, especially since the fourth true monarch was mentioned.


    hence, most of the cultivators from the immortal palace were watching.


    compared to them, the outsiders hidden in the crowd were all abnormally vigilant.


    the difference in their understanding naturally allowed them to guess the reason immediately and see the issue.


    at that moment, among a group of cultivators in the immortal palace, zhong chi, who was curiously listening to everyone¡¯s discussions about the matter, nodded in agreement while also feeling vigilant in his heart.


    ¡°there is a sense of competition¡­ the fourth true monarch is indeed an outsider, but i don¡¯t know who spread this news to remind everyone¡­¡±


    ¡°also, i wonder if xu qing saw the message i asked earth spirit to transmit and whether he came to the fourth realm.¡±


    in the guest hall in the southern part of the immortal palace, the daughter of nine shores was meditating. as she listened to the report from the maid beside her, she appeared indifferent on the surface, but a sense of caution arose within her heart.


    ¡°fourth true monarch? no wonder he appeared in the battle between heaven¡¯s chosen li and the young lord. heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s identity is already clear.¡±


    ¡°from the looks of it, the fourth true monarch¡¯s actions are to prevent changes to history. this doesn¡¯t conflict with my goal.¡±


    ¡°however, i have to be careful.¡±


    the daughter of the nine shores pondered.


    similar thoughts appeared in different places in the immortal palace.


    the sword furnace was naturally no exception.


    the concealment of qianjun and piyi could be said to be almost flawless. hence, after being discovered by the fourth true monarch, the two brothers continuously analyzed their flaws.


    they more or less had some answers.


    now, they had sensed the rumors¡­


    ¡°someone is targeting that person.¡±


    ¡°let them fight. it has nothing to do with us. we just have to quietly wait for time to pass and the moment the sword embryos completely shine.¡±


    in the sword furnace, the two sword embryos collided slightly and emitted divine sense.


    ¡°i wonder what that person is thinking at this moment.¡±


    qianjun and piyi sneered.


    ¡­


    ¡°there¡¯s a certain possibility that this was done by that heaven¡¯s chosen li. there¡¯s also a possibility that it was done by xie lingzi, whom we haven¡¯t found yet!¡±


    ¡°no matter what, we are in a passive state.¡±


    in the fourth hall, zhou zhengli spoke in a low voice and looked at star ring, who was sitting cross-legged not far away.


    when star ring heard this, he spoke calmly.


    ¡°there¡¯s no need to panic. your current state is exactly what the person behind this rumor wants. also¡­ you still missed out on someone.¡±


    ¡°this matter does not align with the positions of the others; it must be the actions of that person.¡±


    zhou zhengli fell silent as the figure beside li mengtu outside the immortal palace appeared in his mind.


    ¡°you¡¯re talking about the person at the entrance of the immortal palace who isn¡¯t a star but still has an ordinance?¡±


    ¡°yes.¡±


    star ring raised his head and his gaze followed the entrance of the hall to the sky outside. a cold glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°if one pays too much attention to the rumors, it is inevitable that they will end up incriminating themselves.¡±


    ¡°with my current status, there¡¯s no need to care about this.¡±


    ¡°so, the main thing isn¡¯t the rumors but to find this person!¡±


    ¡°moreover, this person¡¯s actions have revealed something about their identity, and i already have a rough direction in mind.¡±


    star ring¡¯s gaze landed on¡­ the junior aurora hall in the east!


    ¡°i hope it¡¯s the identity i guessed. this will be interesting.¡±


    as he mumbled, star ring stood up and walked out with a calm expression.


    zhou zhengli, who was at the side, saw that the star ring was about to head out, so he spoke softly.


    ¡°lord, how should we deal with this matter?¡±


    star ring didn¡¯t turn his head. the moment he walked out of the main hall, his voice rang out.


    ¡°i originally planned to intimidate those people in the near future. it¡¯s naturally better to use this opportunity.¡±


    ¡°and you don¡¯t need to hide your abilities in front of me all the time. with your intellect, you surely know how to handle this matter properly, so you can go ahead and do what i instructed you to do earlier.¡±


    as he spoke, star ringzi¡¯s figure disappeared.


    in the main hall, zhou zhengli smiled slightly.


    ¡°rumors belong to the realm of conspiracy, and the way to counter a conspiracy is through straightforwardness.¡±


    ¡°however, when dealing with someone so overtly sharp, it is only wise to keep one¡¯s strengths hidden.¡±


    ¡­


    it was noon.


    star ring appeared outside the sword furnace and calmly spoke.


    ¡°since someone is restless, then tonight i¡¯ll expel one person to serve as a warning to others.¡±


    his calm tone contained powerful confidence. after he said this, he didn¡¯t care about the waves in the sword furnace. he turned and left.


    when he appeared again, he was already in the academy¡¯s seclusion area, where heaven¡¯s chosen li was.


    he said the same thing in a calm tone.


    next was the hall where the daughter of the nine shores was at. the two of them didn¡¯t meet. the fourth true monarch only stood outside the hall and calmly spoke.


    the voice couldn¡¯t be heard by others but it clearly entered the mind of the daughter of the nine shores.


    as her heart shook, the fourth true monarch had already left.


    it wasn¡¯t just these few people. on zhong chi¡¯s way to the junior aurora hall, the fourth true monarch appeared from thin air and his cold gaze landed on zhong chi.


    zhong chi¡¯s heart sank and he revealed a respectful expression. just as he was about to greet him, the fourth true monarch¡¯s voice echoed.


    after that, he left and headed to other places.


    in a short period, everyone in the entire immortal palace who had their identities confirmed by star ring heard this sentence one after another and sensed the killing intent in it.


    this was clearly telling others what he, the fourth true monarch, wanted to do.


    it was going to be tonight!


    noon passed and the sun set.


    amidst the peace, there were undercurrents moving.


    finally, night fell.


    the stars in the sky shone and a bright moon slowly rose, scattering gentle silver light.


    it was like a thin veil that enveloped the immortal palace.


    in this deep night, it added a hint of mystery and ethereality to the immortal palace, making it faintly discernible, like a phantom in a dream.


    amidst this illusion, the immortal music from within the junior aurora hall floated in the air and fairies danced gracefully.


    in the sword furnace, qianjun and piyi remained vigilant.


    in southern guest hall, the daughter of the nine shores was on guard.


    in the junior aurora hall, zhong chi didn¡¯t return to his residence tonight but waited in front of the hall.


    the night gradually deepened.


    the bright moon became even more luminous, the intricate carvings and jade tiles of the immortal palace shimmered, resembling countless brilliant stars.


    in the thunder punishment palace, a punishment enforcer who was meditating slowly opened his eyes.


    his face was stern and authoritative, and as he stood up, he flipped his palm, revealing a jade token.


    this jade token contained information on the operations of the immortal palace, the guard rotation schedules of the various halls, intelligence on the immortal palace¡¯s formations, and most importantly, the specific movements of the first three true monarchs.


    staring at the jade token, a dark glint flashed in the punishment enforcer¡¯s eyes as he muttered.


    ¡°having this information is enough for me to create ripples from the act of betraying the immortal palace.¡±


    ¡°once i betray this palace, the ensuing turmoil will surely satisfy the broken sword within me even more.¡±

 Chapter 1631 - Chapter 1631: Who Is the Pawn? Who Is Orchestrating the Game?

    chapter 1631: who is the pawn? who is orchestrating the game?


    editor: atlas studios


    the night shimmered like flowing silver light, blanketing the immortal palace in its gentle glow.


    yet, it could not suppress the ethereal melodies and the sounds of laughter and song drifting from the hundred flowers palace.


    these beautiful melodies floated through the air, falling upon zhong chi¡¯s ears outside the junior aurora hall, and reached inside, where xu qing sat, listening.


    xu qing raised his head, his gaze settling on the figure standing just beyond the hall¡¯s entrance.


    ¡°zhong chi is acting a little strange¡­¡±


    a hint of contemplation appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    normally, this study companion would leave once night fell, unless specifically instructed otherwise. it was rare for him to stay so late without being asked, which made tonight¡¯s behavior unusual.


    xu qing took out a chessboard and calmly spoke.


    ¡°zhong chi.¡±


    zhong chi immediately turned his head when he heard this and quickly walked a few steps closer to the hall¡¯s gate.


    ¡°young lord, i¡¯m here.¡±


    ¡°come and play chess with me.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze landed on the chessboard as he casually spoke.


    ¡°alright.¡±


    zhong chi hurriedly nodded. when he ran to xu qing, xu qing took a piece and placed it on the chessboard.


    the chess piece landed and the wind blew.


    ¡­


    the cold wind in the night howled through the thunder punishment palace.


    in the wind, the middle-aged punishment enforcer quickened his pace.


    ¡°there¡¯s a high chance that my identity has been discovered by someone. everything that happened today in thunder punishment palace, combined with the information i just obtained about the movements of the three true monarchs, fills me with a sense of urgency.¡±


    as he walked, his expression was calm but his thoughts were racing.


    ¡°it seems as if, if i don¡¯t act tonight, the opportunity will slip away forever.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s something strange about this¡­¡±


    the middle-aged punishment enforcer narrowed his eyes, a dark gleam flashing within them.


    ¡°someone has set me up as bait, forcing me to act tonight.¡±


    ¡°because the information i have is indeed time-sensitive. if it¡¯s too late, its effect won¡¯t be enough to support the act of betraying the palace and the waves it will cause won¡¯t meet my needs.¡±


    ¡°no matter how i look at it, tonight seems to be my last chance.¡±


    ¡°and with those recent rumors¡­¡±


    the middle-aged punishment enforcer fell into deep thought.


    ¡°the fisherman¡ªis it the one who spread the rumors, or is it the person mentioned in those rumors?¡±


    ¡°if the latter is truly the fourth true monarch, then the aim would naturally be to fish out the former.¡±


    ¡°but there¡¯s also the chance that the one spreading the rumors is the fourth true monarch as well. by doing so, he might confuse others, leading them to believe there¡¯s an opposing force at play.¡±


    ¡°the moment people fall into that false assumption, bigger mistakes will inevitably follow.¡±


    at the thought of this, a cold glint flashed in the middle-aged punishment enforcer¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°but no matter what, since you schemed against me, xie lingzi, then¡­¡±


    at the next instant, his thoughts were interrupted and he stopped in his tracks.


    his expression instantly turned solemn as he lowered his head and bowed.


    ¡°master.¡±


    in front of him, a person walked out from the darkness.


    this person was an old man. he wore the daoist robe of the thunder punishment palace and exuded a dignified aura. after he walked out, his gaze landed on the middle-aged punishment enforcer and he slowly frowned.


    ¡°why are you in such a hurry at this late hour?¡±


    the middle-aged punishment enforcer¡¯s heart tightened. the person in front of him was none other than his host¡¯s master. moreover, he was a deacon of the thunder punishment palace and held a lot of power. though usually indifferent towards him, the memory of this person¡¯s imposing presence remained strong.


    especially after a few past incidents, where it seemed that the other had begun to harbor suspicions about his true identity.


    he had to be careful now.


    at the thought of this, the middle-aged punishment enforcer spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°master, this disciple has recently found that my yang energy is excessive. i plan to visit the thunder pool to gather some night thunder light in order to balance my thunder art.¡±


    when the old man heard this, his gaze was like lightning as it swept past the disciple in front of him.


    under his piercing gaze, which seemed capable of seeing through everything, he confirmed that the disciple did indeed have an excess of yang lightning in his body. only then did he slightly nod, his words carrying a deeper meaning.


    ¡°recently, there have been some rumors within the immortal palace, but since the immortal lord, the palace masters, and the elders have given no instructions, i have not investigated too deeply.¡±


    ¡°as for you, if you come across any information, you may inform me.¡±


    with that, the old man¡¯s figure merged with the darkness, vanishing without a trace.


    the middle-aged punishment enforcer lowered his head in acknowledgment and waited a moment longer before stepping away, gradually disappearing into the distance.


    it wasn¡¯t until his figure had completely vanished that the deacon reappeared in the darkness.


    he stared into the distance with a deep gaze.


    ¡­


    the gaze behind him made the middle-aged punishment enforcer feel a lot of pressure.


    fortunately, it wasn¡¯t long before the gaze dissipated.


    this made him heave a sigh of relief inwardly and he walked faster and faster.


    his destination was a long-distance teleportation array beside the thunder pool.


    he had already grasped the conditions needed to activate the array formation.


    therefore, tonight, as long as he entered the teleportation array and successfully activated it, he would be able to transmit the news.


    using this matter as the foundation for the rebellion against the palace.


    this was his path. he wanted to rebel against the palace here. even if it violated history, as long as he succeeded, it didn¡¯t matter even if this history was a mirror image.


    the broken ordinance sword in his body would be nourished to an extremely great extent and begin to grow larger.


    ¡°however, the prerequisite is that i have to leave alive!¡±


    as he pondered, he got closer and closer to the thunder pool.


    as he got closer, a space-time fluctuation that could only be sensed by someone with the space-time ordinance continued to strengthen intensely.


    it was like a torch in the dark night.


    it was reflected in xu qing¡¯s perception.


    xu qing calmly placed the chess piece in his hand on the chessboard.


    he didn¡¯t know what the fourth true monarch was going to do tonight but li mengtu¡¯s abnormality made him ponder.


    in addition, he had been waiting for the fourth true monarch¡¯s reaction to the rumors for the past few days.


    at this moment, such space-time fluctuations appeared¡­


    xu qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°zhong chi, have you encountered something? you seem uneasy.¡±


    upon hearing this, zhong chi hesitated for a moment, then noticing the young lord¡¯s eyes briefly pass over him, he let out a bitter smile.


    ¡°as expected, i can¡¯t hide anything from you, my lord. sigh¡­ yesterday, i confessed to xiao hui from the spirit grasping palace. although she didn¡¯t refuse outright, she said she needed time to consider it. since then, i can¡¯t stop thinking about it.¡±


    xu qing smiled and waved his hand.


    ¡°alright, since you have something on your mind, you don¡¯t need to continue playing chess. go and invite the fourth true monarch, it is more interesting to play chess with the fourth senior brother.¡±


    zhong chi hesitated a little, but didn¡¯t think too much about it because in his memory, the young lord had a good relationship with the fourth true monarch and they often played chess together in the past.


    however, with the aurora immortal lord¡¯s ruling period approaching, there was only one true monarch left in the entire immortal palace. hence, there were more things to do, so they couldn¡¯t play chess like before.


    ¡®this might be an opportunity¡­ if i can get him to participate in destroying the fourth true monarch, it will be interesting.¡¯


    a thought flashed in zhong chi¡¯s mind and he showed his hesitation.


    ¡°what¡¯s wrong now?¡±


    xu qing frowned.


    ¡°young lord, the true monarch might not have time today¡­¡± zhong chi hurriedly spoke.


    xu qing looked at zhong chi.


    zhong chi¡¯s thoughts raced as he continued.


    ¡°young lord, i heard that the true monarch is going to do something big tonight.¡±


    xu qing started.


    ¡°who did you hear this from? what big thing?¡±


    ¡°aren¡¯t there rumors among disciples recently? after that, there was news from the true monarch¡¯s residence that the true monarch is going to capture someone tonight.¡±


    zhong chi carefully organized his words.


    when xu qing heard this, his smile slowly retracted and a hint of sharpness rose in his eyes.


    ¡°rumors are all illusory. how can you believe them! moreover, the person who spreads the rumors is usually the one who benefits the most!¡±


    ¡°especially when the rumor involves my fourth senior brother.¡±


    ¡°the fourth senior brother is handling matters for the immortal palace, so it¡¯s inevitable that some people are dissatisfied and slandered him! i originally thought that everyone would just laugh it off, but i didn¡¯t expect them to still be discussing it!¡±


    ¡°pass down my directive tomorrow. no more of these rumors are to spread within the immortal palace. especially you¡ªmind your own tongue!¡±


    xu qing reprimanded.


    zhong ling sighed inwardly. with his usual insight and understanding, he could easily tell that the person before him was genuinely thinking this way.


    hence, he understood that it was too difficult to use the young lord to ruin the fourth true monarch.


    he hurriedly nodded in agreement.


    only then did xu qing¡¯s expression ease a little. his gaze swept past zhong chi as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°however, you¡¯re quite well-informed. do you like to gather information so much?¡±


    zhong chi was shocked and hurriedly spoke.


    ¡°i have to be comprehensive when doing things for the young lord!¡±


    xu qing smiled when he heard that.


    ¡°alright, you¡¯ve followed me for many years, and i know your temperament well. you¡¯ve indeed been working hard lately, and i see that your complexion has grown increasingly pale. go and rest properly. as for xiao hui, i¡¯ll have someone lend you a hand with that tomorrow.¡±


    zhong chi put on a touched expression and bowed deeply. after that, he left regretfully.


    looking at zhong chi¡¯s departing view, xu qing narrowed his eyes and shifted his gaze in the direction of the thunder pool.


    that was the area where the space-time fluctuation in his perception was becoming increasingly chaotic.


    at that moment, in xu qing¡¯s eyes, these waves were like a monstrous sea of fire.


    ¡°looks like this is the response the fourth true monarch gave me.¡±


    ¡°someone is changing history there.¡±


    ¡°then, should i go or not¡­¡±


    ¡°if i don¡¯t go, if the fourth true monarch successfully stops that person and maintains the order, it will be equivalent to one less stone in my hand.¡±


    xu qing glanced at the unfinished chess game.


    he picked up a chess piece and placed it down.


    the night wind outside howled even louder.


    in a hidden chess game, someone¡­ was also placing a piece.


    the middle-aged punishment enforcer was speeding through the wind.


    his speed became faster and faster until he flashed past the thunder pool and sped toward the teleportation array.


    in an instant, he was already close.


    however, the instant he entered the range of the array formation, the surroundings trembled, as though there was an invisible seal enveloping this place.


    a chill instantly gushed out from his body and spread throughout his body in the blink of an eye, turning into a sharp killing intent that sealed his mind.


    accompanying it was a calm voice.


    ¡°xie lingzi, i¡¯ve been waiting for you for a long time.¡±


    from the void, chains that represented order appeared out of thin air and enveloped the surroundings. in the center of these chains, the figure of the fourth true monarch was walking over step by step.


    as he got closer, a terrifying pressure shook the heavens and the earth.


    the iron chains shook and clanked.


    these sounds were like the words of order in this world, stabilizing the turbulent space-time and causing everything that was out of order to return to its original path.


    ¡°star ring!¡±


    the middle-aged punishment enforcer spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°even if your ordinance is similar to the fourth true monarch¡¯s, so what?!¡±


    almost at the moment the middle-aged punishment enforcer spoke, a sharp sword energy erupted from his body. a broken iron sword appeared behind him.


    in that instant of appearance, an unparalleled killing intent surged forth.


    at the same time, as the two acted, in the thunder punishment palace, the master of the middle-aged punishment enforcer¡­ the deacon¡¯s eyes flashed as he looked in the direction of the teleportation array.


    a cold smile appeared at the corner of his mouth as he murmured softly, ¡°star ring, you are fishing; little do you know, i am fishing for you!¡±

 Chapter 1632 - Chapter 1632: You Really Appeared

    chapter 1632: you really appeared


    editor: atlas studios


    at this moment, all attention was focused on the location of the teleportation array.


    from the outside, everything appeared normal; the formation was still intact, and neither the middle-aged punishment enforcer nor the fourth true monarch could be seen.


    this place was isolated by the unique formation of the fourth true monarch and the ripples of space-time.


    even if someone could sense the anomaly here, those qualified to perceive it had already been informed by the fourth true monarch before his arrival, ensuring a proper safeguard for his mission.


    therefore, the calmness perceived from the outside was merely an illusion. if anyone were to step into this area at that moment, they would immediately hear the sound of order like thunder in their ears.


    above the formation, the figure of the fourth true monarch emanated an imposing aura, exuding an overwhelming authority. wherever his gaze fell, it seemed that any deviation from the original path must inevitably return to its rightful trajectory.


    the voice he emitted transformed into a tangible force, manifesting as shimmering silver runes that arranged themselves around him, instantly forming a vast and magnificent formation.


    the radiant silver light illuminated this space.


    this was¡­ the sound of the dao manifesting as order!


    as the formation operated and the radiance intensified, the fourth true monarch¡¯s will erupted with a thunderous sound, suppressing everything and reversing the tide of momentum and authority.


    it crashed down like a heavenly ocean to subdue the earth.


    it headed straight for¡­ the middle-aged punishment enforcer.


    the overwhelming pressure and tidal force made the middle-aged punishment enforcer feel as if he were a solitary boat adrift in a furious sea, on the brink of capsizing amidst the tsunami.


    yet, his eyes revealed no hint of retreat; instead, a fierce battle spirit surged within him. the massive broken sword manifesting behind him exuded an even more menacing aura.


    at the moment when the vast silver formation descended, veins bulged on his face, forming a grotesque visage that appeared eerie and sinister.


    he raised his hand towards the falling array and suddenly released it.


    in the blink of an eye, the unparalleled broken sword emitted a thunderous sword cry, its broken area shimmering with flowing light as if attempting to repair itself.


    in an instant, the sword regained its form, and with the punishment enforcer¡¯s hand, it slashed towards the heavenly formation that represented order.


    the array formation and the broken sword instantly collided.


    a deafening rumbling sound echoed out.


    although the order formation was strong, the broken sword was even more ferocious. it was like an outlaw. no matter how the order enveloped it, it would break through it!


    the array formation shattered, turning into countless fragments that rolled back.


    the punishment enforcer trembled and spat out a large mouthful of blood. he had weakened greatly, as though his life and even his soul had been sucked away by the broken sword.


    this was the price of activating the broken sword.


    however, at that moment, he clearly couldn¡¯t care less. taking advantage of the instant the sword broke through the array formation, he rushed forward and finally approached the edge of the array formation.


    he was about to step on it¡­


    however, how could the fourth true monarch only have these methods?


    earlier, he had only casually said those words.


    the fourth true monarch in the air had a calm expression and waved his right hand.


    with this wave, the iron chains in all directions moved like silver snakes. as they intertwined in this world, they formed an even more vast array formation.


    regardless of aura, pressure, resplendence, or complexity, they all far surpassed the former.


    this was the iron chains forming the order.


    after it appeared, it headed straight for the punishment enforcer.


    the punishment enforcer¡¯s expression shifted drastically.


    though he had never crossed swords with star ring, he was well aware of the latter¡¯s strength¡ªafter all, star ring was the number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the eastern starfield in this generation.


    but to witness such overwhelming power firsthand caused an uncontrollable turbulence within him.


    yet now, there was no other choice.


    a fierce gleam flashed in the punishment enforcer¡¯s eyes, his expression twisted. veins bulged on his face, fully forming the ghastly visage that now completely replaced his original features, as though he had become an entirely different person. a terrifying aura erupted from his body.


    with a guttural roar, as the formation bore down upon him, the punishment enforcer raised both hands and seized the broken sword behind him. using all his strength, he allowed the sword to drain his life force. he swung the sword once again towards the descending formation.


    the sky darkened.


    the energy unleashed by the broken sword surged to its peak, and at the moment it collided with the formation, the two forces locked in a brief but intense stalemate.


    however, very soon, the tip of the sword shone and penetrated the array formation.


    however¡­ it was only the tip of the sword.


    it wasn¡¯t that the broken sword was not powerful, but that the one holding it couldn¡¯t withstand its power. the punishment enforcer spat out a mouthful of blood and his body rapidly withered.


    the fourth true monarch was still calm.


    he coldly glanced at the punishment enforcer and waved his hand.


    a majestic force erupted from the array formation.


    the punishment enforcer¡¯s body shook and his body rolled back under the force. he fell to the ground and blood flowed from his seven orifices.


    the broken sword in his hand also flew out uncontrollably and stabbed the ground, emitting a sword hum that seemed to contain regret.


    everything was over.


    ¡°with such combat strength, it¡¯s no wonder he¡¯s been able to contend with zhou zhengli for so many years. it seems zhou zhengli¡¯s ability to conceal his true power has reached a level of absolute mastery.¡±


    the fourth true monarch calmly spoke. his gaze landed on the punishment enforcer on the ground and waved his hand.


    no matter how the punishment enforcer struggled, it was useless. his body was grabbed by the force and floated in the air.


    at the same time, iron chains of order arrived from all directions and completely wrapped around him.


    there were also ordinance characters formed by the sounds flowing through his entire body, forming runic marks one after another.


    ¡°since you¡¯re not obedient, i¡¯ll strip away your consciousness that descended into this world and send you back.¡±


    the fourth true monarch calmly spoke and the ordinance of order erupted.


    his ordinance was unique, and after arriving in this fourth realm, he wasn¡¯t sure if it was a reward from the lawful side or a result of sharing the same ordinance as his host.


    this gave him the power of annihilation!


    with his ordinance of order, he could shatter the consciousness of his opponents.


    at this moment, as he unleashed his strength, it was like a purification.


    immediately, the middle-aged punishment enforcer who was tied up in mid-air spasmed violently and let out a heart-rending wail.


    the ordinance of order circulated in his body, rapidly destroying all traces of xie lingzi.


    this process didn¡¯t last long.


    in just a moment, the purification was completed and his consciousness was destroyed.


    the middle-aged punishment enforcer died and his body landed on the ground.


    the iron sword at the side also dissipated at this moment.


    this scene caused star ring¡¯s expression, which hadn¡¯t changed at all, to suddenly change.


    ¡°my order ordinance carries no intent to kill. after xie lingzi¡¯s consciousness was driven away and shattered, the host should have returned to normal. but this person¡­ actually died?¡±


    star ring fell silent for a moment, then lifted his head, gazing into the distance. a cold gleam flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°there¡¯s only one explanation.¡±


    ¡°this person is xie lingzi, yet also not xie lingzi!¡±


    ¡°to be precise, this is someone who believed themselves to be xie lingzi, a belief so deeply rooted that it became their reality. the iron sword within him was real, which further confused perception.¡±


    ¡°even up to the moment of death, he still thought he was xie lingzi. so, when i expelled him, ¡®xie lingzi¡¯ died¡ªand so did he.¡±


    ¡°because the traces of xie lingzi that were driven away¡­ included him!¡±


    ¡°the real xie lingzi is still here!¡±


    the fourth true monarch¡¯s expression instantly darkened.


    many people were playing the game.


    just as in a pond, it wasn¡¯t possible for there to be only one person fishing.


    in this grand chessboard, xu qing was making his moves, the fourth true monarch was also playing, and others were similarly involved.


    at their level of cultivation, it was rare to find someone with a truly simple mind. even if such individuals existed, their simplicity was usually just a fa?ade, a protective layer, nothing more.


    if anyone truly believed in that fa?ade, their demise was not far off.


    ¡­


    however, regardless of whether it was a conspiracy or an open plan, regardless of whether it was chess or fishing, there were ways to deal with it.


    a dark glint flashed in star ring¡¯s eyes.


    although each of them wasn¡¯t simple, he could still suppress them.


    even if there was a mistake, he had the ability to correct it.


    hence, he raised his hand and grabbed at the place where the iron sword had disappeared.


    immediately, a wisp of aura that was different from order rapidly arrived.


    this was the aura of the broken sword. through this aura, he could instantly lock onto the location of the owner of the broken sword and find the true xie lingzi.


    however, this aura was already dissipating and wouldn¡¯t remain for long.


    ¡°there¡¯s enough time. i¡¯ll just kill him again!¡±


    killing intent surged in the fourth true monarch¡¯s eyes and he was about to rush toward a direction. however, at that moment, a change occurred!


    the color of the sky changed.


    in the space surrounding the teleportation array, a storm appeared in the sky, and out of nowhere, sand and soil emerged from the ground. they intertwined with the tempest, forming a sandstorm battlefield.


    it instantly got close and stopped the fourth true monarch from leaving.


    a rumbling sound surged into the sky and the fourth true monarch stopped in his tracks. he stood in mid-air, his long hair and his clothes fluttering as a sharp glint appeared in his eyes.


    what he saw was a figure walking out of the sandstorm that filled the entire space.


    this person wore a black robe and his blurry face was covered. one could only see from his figure that he was a man.


    however, everything could be faked. it was difficult for his appearance to explain anything.


    ¡°you really appeared.¡±


    gazing at the figure before him and sensing the unfamiliar aura, the fourth true monarch¡¯s eyes flickered with a cold gleam as he spoke slowly.


    his original plan for this confrontation had two objectives: one was to suppress xie lingzi and restore order, and the other was to lure out the mastermind behind the rumors.


    since the opponent had targeted him, it was likely they were not aligned with the forces of order. thus, if they didn¡¯t come here to interfere with him, it would mean he had won this round.


    if they did come, they would leave behind traces, allowing him to lock onto their identity and confirm it.


    it was meant to be a dilemma for his opponent.


    however, while the adversary had indeed shown up, the timing was off. it was right when the fourth true monarch needed to focus on finding and subduing xie lingzi.


    with a sharp glint in his eyes, he prepared to leave. he had to deal with xie lingzi first.


    after all, the aura of the broken sword was fading, and more crucially, it was clear that xie lingzi was also fishing, using a decoy body to lure him.


    the goal was to seize an opportunity to betray the palace, knowing that the fourth true monarch would be unable to immediately rectify the situation.


    time, therefore, could not be wasted.


    yet, while the fourth true monarch had no desire to engage in combat, the black-clothed figure hovering in midair had no intention of letting him go that easily.


    almost at the instant the fourth true monarch moved, the black-clothed man waved his hand. immediately, a monstrous rumbling sound rang out from the sandstorm in the sky and a pair of huge eyes appeared.


    those eyes were gray.


    the instant they stared at the fourth true monarch with coldness and ruthlessness¡­


    the fourth true monarch¡¯s body stiffened.


    the moment he was stared at by this gaze, his body was unharmed, yet his own consciousness began to experience a sense of separation, as if it were turning into countless grains of sand.


    each grain contained an independent will that was emerging.


    ¡°interesting¡­¡±


    the fourth true monarch¡¯s eyes flashed as he raised his right hand, pressing it forward. instantly, iron chains materialized, swirling into a vortex before him. from within that vortex, thirteen silver coffins of varying sizes emerged.


    as they appeared, a dense aura of order burst forth from inside them.


    however, the coffins remained sealed, unmoving.


    it seemed that even with him inhabiting the fourth true monarch, relying solely on his consciousness wasn¡¯t enough to fully control them.


    this was the handiwork of the true fourth true monarch!

 Chapter 1633 - Chapter 1633: Unsolvable!

    chapter 1633: unsolvable!


    editor: atlas studios


    the fourth true monarch cultivated the ordinance of order, and over the years, he followed the resonance of similar dao and eliminated all those who walked the same path.


    thereby, refining his own ordinance, and ensuring its uniqueness.


    unless he were to die, no one in the world could seize the ordinance of order.


    at this moment, as the thirteen laws manifested, only three distinct melodies resonated from within the coffins, echoing through the heavens and the earth.


    ¡°this place shall have no wind!¡±


    as this sound echoed, all the wind in the heavens and earth vanished in an instant!


    countless grains of sand fell from the sky.


    ¡°this place shall have no sand!¡±


    the words reverberated, and in the blink of an eye, the sand and soil dissolved into nothingness, ceasing to exist.


    only the figure in black remained, standing in midair, his pupils contracting.


    ¡°no one from outside this space-time shall exist here, except for me!¡±


    this was the third and final sentence.


    the instant it spread out, a terrifying force descended from the sky, as though it wanted to purify and expel everything.


    when it landed on the black-clothed man¡¯s body, his entire body trembled. as his body trembled, he felt his consciousness being stripped away.


    this feeling caused his eyes to turn red and he laughed.


    his laughter was sinister and filled with disdain.


    ¡°you are neither the true fourth true monarch nor the master of this immortal palace. your decrees can¡¯t take effect.¡±


    as the black-clothed figure spoke, his body exploded with a thunderous sound, shattering into pieces and transforming into forbidden sand that shouldn¡¯t exist. as the sand forced its way into existence, the surrounding world seemed to twist and shift in response.


    at the same time, within the junior aurora hall, xu qing overturned the chessboard, causing countless pieces to scatter across the floor.


    the crisp sound of the chess pieces hitting the ground echoed throughout the hall.


    it was as if the world had turned upside down.


    the independent realm of the teleportation array had transformed into a desert!


    yellow sands surged, stretching endlessly in every direction.


    in the distance, it seemed as though an invisible hand was sketching upon the desert.


    in an instant, a majestic eagle soared into the air, spreading its wings and letting out a piercing cry as it swooped towards the fourth true monarch.


    in another moment, a mighty rhinoceros emerged, throwing its head back in a thunderous roar as it charged forward.


    then, countless silhouettes appeared, like heavenly soldiers summoned from the heavens, emerging one after another, ready for battle, their presence exuding overwhelming violence.


    this scene unfolded like a sand painting, cascading forth relentlessly!


    in the next moment, a blazing sun appeared, painting the desert as its canvas, revealing a divine figure within¡ªit was the sun god.


    following this, a bright moon ascended, with the moon goddess gazing down upon the world.


    words then emerged on the sands, telling a story that, like a thread, outlined a figure.


    not only that, but the sand painting transformed again.


    a figure wielding a sword materialized within, emanating overwhelming sword intent that shook the very corners of the world.


    eventually, another person emerged.


    this individual wore an imperial robe and a crown, representing the primordial source of the sun, moon, and stars.


    the emperor of the human race from a world beyond wanggu!


    all shone brilliantly, all exuded oppressive power.


    as a result, the desert roared, the fourth true monarch staggered backward, and the entire desert realm collapsed and dissipated.


    it returned to the original scene of the teleportation array!


    however, at this moment, star ring¡¯s expression darkened, for alongside the dissipating visions, the aura of xie lingzi¡¯s broken sword had vanished as well!


    time had passed.


    in the air, the black-clothed man¡¯s aura was weak. he retreated and was about to step into the void and leave.


    ¡°since you¡¯re here and insist on messing with my order, then¡­¡±


    the coldness in star ring¡¯s eyes intensified. he lifted his right hand and grabbed at the black-clothed man.


    instantly, his voice transformed into the sound of order, becoming a vast array formation. iron chains surged forth, forming an even more imposing array of order, each shining with silver light, as the two arrays intertwined.


    as they spun together, a tremendous power of order erupted, manifesting as a force of stripping and purification that enveloped the black-clothed figure.


    in an instant, the iron chains shot out from the array, wrapping around the black-clothed figure. accompanied by the runes formed from the sound of order, they flowed across his entire body.


    the intent to peel away surged forth in full force.


    however, the black-clothed figure was not to be underestimated. even in his weakened state, he possessed a trump card.


    in the next moment, a flash of golden light suddenly radiated from the black-clothed figure.


    then, the world shifted again, transforming into a realm of sky and sea.


    however, the sky was below, the sea was above, with fish swimming in between.


    it was inverted.


    a colossal clay statue, seated in the sea, reflected in the sky, suddenly opened its eyes simultaneously.


    one genuine, one false.


    this represented truth and falsehood.


    this was the divine authority of the clay fox, inverting truth and false!


    in the next instant, everything vanished, including the figure of the black-clothed man.


    only the iron chains remained, spinning aimlessly in mid-air, producing a ringing sound as they clashed together.


    the stripping had succeeded yet failed.


    success was that the stripping method had shown its effect.


    the failure stemmed from the fact that what had been stripped away was false, an illusion.


    however, against star ring, it was impossible for the black-clothed man not to expose his identity.


    ¡°fox beauty!¡±


    star ring turned his gaze toward the direction of the junior aurora hall, his expression dark as a storm cloud. however, he quickly returned his focus because a more troublesome matter, delayed by the fox beauty¡¯s earlier actions, was inevitably about to unfold.


    and it was unsolvable.


    for in the sky above, there was a figure filled with boundless fury, rushing toward this location, accompanied by an overwhelming lightning storm.


    the figure in the lightning was none other than the master of the dead middle-aged punishment enforcer!


    that old deacon from the thunder punishment palace!


    his expression was extremely ugly and his anger was intense. however, he was sneering inwardly.


    he was the real xie lingzi!


    after coming to the fourth realm, because he arrived late, he focused more on concealment.


    hence, he used a secret art to gradually alter his disciple¡¯s perception, transforming the other into himself.


    he also quietly fused the ordinance iron sword into the disciple¡¯s body. this way, he made a nearly flawless substitute and bait.


    after that, he hid in the dark and didn¡¯t create any additional karma with his disciples.


    his disciple, believing himself to be xie lingzi, instinctively did some things that xie lingzi should do.


    for example, betraying the palace.


    he had initially planned to use his disciple as a decoy in a light-and-dark strategy tonight to distract the fourth true monarch, while he himself would take the opportunity to betray the palace.


    he had made ample preparations for this.


    however, the subsequent developments caused him to change his mind.


    he conceived of an even more brilliant plan!


    thus, amidst the thunderclaps, he moved with incredible speed, not hiding his presence at all. instead, he intentionally created a spectacle that drew the attention of countless individuals, and directly appeared at the location of the teleportation array, crashing into it.


    at this moment, his voice spread through the entire immortal palace like a loud bell chime.


    ¡°lord true monarch, why did you kill my disciple!¡±


    as soon as he spoke, the immortal palace was in an uproar.


    countless divine senses instantly surged over.


    the array formation here instantly shattered, revealing the fourth true monarch and the furious deacon of the thunder punishment palace in the air.


    also, on the ground¡­ was the corpse of the middle-aged punishment enforcer.


    ¡°my disciple only went to get the thunder light but he was killed here. the marks of order on his body are clearly your doing, true monarch!¡±


    ¡°true monarch, please tell me what mistake my disciple made and why he was killed. did he do something to harm our immortal palace?!¡±


    ¡°if he really did something that goes against the interests of the immortal palace, this old man will have no objections!¡±


    ¡°however, if true monarch can¡¯t say it, then even if you¡¯re a true monarch, you have to give an explanation for killing for no reason. the lightest punishment is imprisonment, and the heaviest punishment is detention or even a life-and-death punishment.¡±


    in the sky, xie lingzi¡¯s voice contained endless anger as he spoke word by word.


    star ring fell silent.


    he understood that this was a highly calculated move.


    even if the body had already been disposed of, it was of no use. a simple rewind of time would reveal everything.


    the person had indeed been killed by him, and once time was reversed, the events leading to this moment would also be exposed¡ªsomething he couldn¡¯t allow anyone to witness.


    now, the core of the issue before him was this: was the dead disciple at fault or not?


    if the disciple was in the wrong, he could justify the killing.


    but any fault could easily be interpreted as treason against the palace. and if that charge of treason came from his own mouth, then the disciple¡¯s rebellion would be deemed successful, causing significant space-time upheaval.


    order would have already failed if that happened.


    but if the disciple had committed no wrong, he would be unable to explain why he had killed him.


    whether it was personal revenge or some other grievance, the fact that the so-called xie lingzi had exposed himself and came forward showed his determination. if star ring admitted to negligence or past enmity, then, under the scrutiny of the public, he would inevitably face punishment¡ªlikely confinement.


    if that happened, for the next half-month, he would lose his freedom and be unable to stop other outside forces from disturbing space-time.


    it was equivalent to losing the entire game.


    therefore, he could only choose the lesser of the two evils.


    that was to say that this person had done something to harm the immortal palace¡¯s interests.


    too ruthless.


    star ring sighed inwardly.


    everything was because of the fox beauty¡¯s obstruction. otherwise, he would have had enough time to deal with xie lingzi, and wouldn¡¯t be in his current predicament.


    in addition, he could actually say that this person had been possessed. however, xie lingzi had already put on a show. if he wasn¡¯t satisfied, he would definitely blow things up and make him take out evidence.


    and even if possession was a valid claim, it would be difficult to explain why he had resorted to killing.


    such an action had the appearance of silencing a witness.


    interrogation would have been the more logical choice.


    if there hadn¡¯t been rumors recently, he might have had more room to maneuver. but with the ripples of rumors still spreading, and himself caught in their midst, claiming possession would only worsen the situation. the fallout could be enormous, forcing him to enter a spiral of proving his innocence.


    in the end, star ring lifted his head. his gaze first locked onto xie lingzi in mid-air, then slowly shifted toward the direction of the junior aurora hall.


    after a long time, he expressionlessly took a step forward and stepped into the void. the moment he left, his cold voice echoed.


    ¡°this person betrayed the palace and had a confidential jade token on him, which is why i executed him!¡±


    as soon as these words were spoken, xie lingzi¡¯s entire body trembled and his breathing clearly became hurried. he could feel his broken sword fiercely rejoicing, and in that moment, his connection with the sword became tighter than ever before.


    simultaneously, a space-time storm surged, forming a vortex of time and space. this vortex, invisible and imperceptible to others, began to rotate with a thunderous roar.


    it resulted in unprecedented waves!


    at the same time, in the junior aurora hall, xu qing, who had been quietly picking up the scattered chess pieces from the ground, lifted his head.


    he smiled slightly.


    in his right hand, a handful of sand appeared out of thin air.


    they were space-time sand. each grain contained the profound laws of space-time.


    if xu qing were to merge it into his body, his mastery over the space-time ordinance would increase significantly.


    this was the reward xu qing had gained, a result of the space-time ripples successfully stirred by xie lingzi.

 Chapter 1634 - Chapter 1634: I Want a Reward

    chapter 1634: i want a reward


    editor: atlas studios


    this night caused quite a commotion in the entire immortal palace.


    a disciple from the thunder punishment palace had attempted to defect but was killed by the fourth true monarch at the teleportation array, raising doubts from that disciple¡¯s master, gongsun qingmu.


    ultimately, the matter was confirmed after a secret message jade token was really found on the disciple.


    however, in the eyes of the astute people, the incident was riddled with inconsistencies. nevertheless, since the fourth true monarch had spoken, his status brought the matter to a close.


    with the young lord¡¯s wedding imminent and the immortal lord¡¯s ruling period approaching, it was a consensus among everyone that minimizing major issues and trivializing minor ones was crucial.


    no matter the circumstances, nothing was more important than these two events.


    even if there were doubts, they could be addressed after these two matters were settled.


    there was no rush in the next half month.


    hence, an hour later, before dawn, the entire immortal palace returned to peace.


    however, in the hearts of those outsiders, the storm created by this incident lingered for a long time.


    each of them was extraordinary, possessing sharp analytical skills and considerable cunning. their identities and insights allowed them to clearly grasp the underlying causes and effects of the situation.


    ¡°although the deacon from the thunder punishment palace could have been deliberately disguised as xie lingzi, the possibility that he truly is xie lingzi is also quite high.¡±


    ¡°if he¡¯s really xie lingzi, then tonight was a battle among him, star ring, and that mysterious person who spread the rumors!¡±


    ¡°clearly, star ring suffered a significant loss!¡±


    ¡°he not only failed to kill xie lingzi but also had to personally acknowledge the disciple¡¯s defection, solidifying this matter!¡±


    ¡°xie lingzi is quite skilled! that mysterious person is equally clever!¡±


    ¡°i wonder how star ring will respond next¡­¡±


    amidst the swirling undercurrents, within the true monarch hall, the figure of the fourth true monarch emerged from the void, expressionless as he walked into the high pavilion. there, in the howling night wind, he gazed far into the distance at the junior aurora hall.


    at this moment, the sky was sparse with moonlight, dark clouds enveloped the heavens, and the brilliance was swallowed by the night, making the world increasingly dark and indistinct.


    just like the fourth true monarch¡¯s heart right now.


    tonight, he had lost.


    for him, failure was already a rare occurrence, and such a significant defeat was something long forgotten and unfamiliar in his memory.


    hence, he stood there and silently looked at the junior aurora hall. a dark glint gradually flickered in his eyes.


    time flowed by.


    perhaps it was because of the dark clouds, dawn arrived late.


    before dawn, zhou zhengli¡¯s figure appeared behind the fourth true monarch and bowed.


    ¡°zhong chi stayed in the junior aurora hall for the first half of the night. after that, he returned to his residence and didn¡¯t go out again.¡±


    ¡°the young lord was in the junior aurora hall the whole time. and the string music from the hall of hundred flowers continued uninterrupted.¡±


    ¡°as for anyone else, unless they possess special means that can evade my perception, otherwise¡­ no one should have left the junior aurora hall before this.¡±


    zhou zhengli spoke softly.


    he naturally knew about star ring¡¯s defeat and his old opponent¡¯s counterattack. he was originally going to make a move together with star ring.


    however, the other party was too confident and thought that he could resolve everything on his own. hence, he didn¡¯t let him accompany him. instead, he asked him to wait outside the junior aurora hall and observe closely.


    ¡®i wonder if this is confidence or arrogance. is he looking down on the other stars¡­¡¯ zhou zhengli sneered inwardly.


    those who could become stars were never ordinary people.


    ¡°i indeed underestimated them.¡±


    star ring suddenly spoke.


    as soon as he said this, zhou zhengli¡¯s pupils constricted. he knew star ring¡¯s pride more clearly than others. to be able to make such a proud person admit his mistake¡­ was very difficult.


    at the same time, he could tell that the enemy who was hiding wasn¡¯t as simple as he thought.


    ¡°however, i already know this person¡¯s identity.¡±


    star ring slowly spoke. as his voice rang out, the dark clouds in the sky collided, forming lightning. accompanied by rumbling thunder, lightning illuminated the world.


    it also made his blurry eyes become clearer.


    ¡°there¡¯s just one thing. although all the signs point to this person being the one who has been hiding, i won¡¯t make the mistake of underestimating them again. so¡­ i¡¯m wondering if this might only be their first layer of identity.¡±


    ¡°the true mastermind might still be hidden in the dark.¡±


    star ring¡¯s voice echoed. the lightning in the world flashed and disappeared, and the world was once again enveloped by darkness.


    zhou zhengli didn¡¯t respond to this. he knew that what the other person was saying wasn¡¯t meant for him, but rather for himself.


    hence, after some thought, he continued to talk about his harvest tonight.


    ¡°apart from that, through my observation of zhong chi tonight and combining it with your previous judgment of his motives, i finally confirmed that there¡¯s a high chance that your guess is true.¡±


    ¡°zhong chi¡¯s goal should be to plant the ordinance of poison he has grasped in this space-time.¡±


    ¡°however, he isn¡¯t trying to change history immediately. instead, he is using this time period to allow his poison to accumulate the weight and depth of history.¡±


    ¡°ultimately, he¡¯s likely planning to intervene just before his host body¡¯s fated death in the calamity, poisoning himself in advance.¡±


    ¡°this way, his poison ordinance will have karma and historical depth!¡±


    ¡°regardless of whether this ripple in history impacts reality, it can still serve as the foundation for his ordinance¡ªand this foundation will manifest in history before even that of his master.¡±


    zhou zhengli said softly.


    ¡°we just need to stop him at the critical moment.¡±


    star ring calmly spoke.


    zhou zhengli nodded, remaining silent. after appropriately revealing some brilliance, he took a few steps back, choosing to conceal his abilities once more.


    at this moment, the sun finally broke through the black clouds, causing light to instantly cascade down. hence¡­ dawn arrived.


    the sky was bright.


    amidst the light, star ring¡¯s voice muttered.


    ¡°the side of order has rather few chess pieces¡­¡±


    ¡­


    in the junior aurora hall, xu qing had long picked up the chess pieces that had scattered on the ground and placed them on the chessboard again.


    he arranged them according to their previous positions one by one, causing the chess game to not be over.


    at that moment, after he put down the last chess piece, a delicate laugh rang out from behind him.


    ¡°young lord is wise.¡±


    the voice was irresistibly seductive, captivating, and as it echoed by xu qing¡¯s ears, the fox beauty, dressed in sheer silk, revealed her graceful, curvaceous figure. she stepped forward, sitting directly in front of xu qing.


    her snow-white skin, highlighted by the delicate fabric, became even more alluring. after sitting down, she raised her slender jade-like fingers, gracefully picking up a chess piece between two of them and placing it on the board.


    then, she looked up, her enchanting eyes filled with sultry allure, casting a mesmerizing glance at xu qing. as she did so, she teasingly licked her red lips.


    ¡°fourth true monarch indeed set up a trap. i was injured and almost couldn¡¯t return.¡±


    ¡°moreover, there are actually spies outside the junior aurora hall. i spent some effort to come silently.¡±


    ¡°so¡­ i want a reward!¡±


    as the fox beauty spoke, she pressed down on the chessboard with one hand and leaned her upper body forward. amidst the waves, she moved her beautiful and coquettish face closer to xu qing.


    she blew gently.


    ¡°young lord, can you reward me once?¡±


    xu qing fell silent and lifted his head. his gaze shifted away from the chessboard. after meeting the fox beauty¡¯s gaze, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°have you taken a liking to my host¡¯s body? if you¡¯re not afraid that your soul will be destroyed by the immortal lord tomorrow, i can subconsciously avoid it for a day and give you a chance.¡±


    the fox beauty was speechless for a moment. she originally thought that xu qing would reply like before but she didn¡¯t expect his answer to be so tricky.


    this caused her to be stunned for a moment.


    she couldn¡¯t help but curse the wooden man inwardly. after that, she moved back and flicked her hair.


    seeing that the other party was normal, xu qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°your identity has been exposed tonight. are you prepared to deal with it?¡±


    ¡°no!¡± the fox beauty snorted angrily.


    xu qing lifted his hand and picked up the chess pieces on the chessboard one by one as he spoke calmly.


    ¡°i know you¡¯ve thought about it long ago. in fact, it¡¯s in line with your plan for me to let you go there tonight. so, i don¡¯t care what you want, but let me remind you that the next target of star ring is definitely you!¡±


    when the fox beauty heard this, she blinked.


    ¡°young master, are you concerned about me? can you give me some pointers?¡±


    xu qing kept the chessboard and casually spoke.


    ¡°it¡¯s not suitable to look for xie lingzi today. remember to go tomorrow. as for whether you can obtain the identity, it¡¯s up to you.¡±


    the fox beauty covered her mouth and laughed.


    ¡°xu qing, do you know that what i actually like the most is your intelligence?¡±


    xu qing closed his eyes and didn¡¯t speak again.


    the fox beauty¡¯s smile was still the same. she stretched her slender waist and revealed her beautiful curves before turning to leave.


    unknowingly, a day passed.


    xu qing didn¡¯t leave the junior aurora hall. he was studying the sand of time he had obtained.


    this item was incomparably profound but there were too few of them.


    hence, he had two choices.


    one was to fuse it now.


    the other choice¡­


    ¡°using this sand as the foundation, i¡¯ll create an even bigger space-time disturbance, and obtain more!¡±


    xu qing gradually had an answer.


    as for the external world, it was as though nothing had happened last night. it was still peaceful and people came and went without any abnormalities. in fact, the sensitivity of this matter even exceeded the rumors from before.


    hence, there were almost no discussions.


    everyone had an unspoken mutual understanding and didn¡¯t mention it.


    just like that, the night came and went. the next morning, knocking sounds echoed through the residence of gongsun qingmu, the deacon of the thunder punishment palace, who had lost his beloved disciple.


    at the next instant, the door silently opened and a man in black with a blurry face walked in.


    in the room, gongsun qingmu was expressionless. he coldly looked at the person in front of him and didn¡¯t speak first.


    after sizing up the surroundings, the black-clothed man smiled and spoke.


    ¡°xie lingzi, are you satisfied with the gift from the night before?¡±


    gongsun qingmu calmly looked at the person in front of him. after a long time, he spoke in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°what do you want?¡±


    ¡°you¡¯ve lost a disciple. it¡¯s time for you to take in a disciple.¡±


    the man in black smiled.


    when gongsun qingmu heard this, his mind instantly fluctuated. he never expected that the other party wanted this!


    ¡°identity?¡±


    gongsun fell silent and looked at the person in front of him before speaking again.


    ¡°who exactly are you?¡±


    the black-clothed man smiled but didn¡¯t answer this question. instead, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°who i am isn¡¯t important. what¡¯s important is that you need an ally during this period, and we¡­ can continue to help each other. for example, we can help you complete an even larger rebellion against the palace.¡±


    gongsun fell silent.


    after a while, he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°i need to think about it.¡±


    the man in black smiled and didn¡¯t say anything else. his body retreated and gradually became blurry.


    ¡­


    at the same time, similar words echoed in the guest hall in the south of the immortal palace.


    ¡°i will consider the true monarch¡¯s invitation.¡±


    the daughter of the nine shores looked at the fourth true monarch in front of her and said softly.


    when the fourth true monarch heard this, he was expressionless as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°the price you paid for your current identity isn¡¯t small, right? your goal is to follow the development of history with this identity and marry that young lord. from there, you can create karma with this immortal palace and become half the master of the immortal palace.¡±


    ¡°of course, you might have a deeper motive, but no matter what, it doesn¡¯t conflict with me.¡±


    with that, he turned and walked out. however, when he reached the entrance of the hall, he stopped in his tracks. his back was facing the daughter of the nine shores.


    ¡°only with this identity of yours can you legitimately disperse the hundred flowers palace and all the songbirds within it, including that fox beauty.¡±


    ¡°after you disperse them, i will protect your path for you!¡±

 Chapter 1635 - Chapter 1635: What a Good Morning Glory

    chapter 1635: what a good morning glory


    editor: atlas studios


    the nine shores era, the twelfth month of the year 2999 of dao end was about to pass.


    there was only half a month left until the nine shores immortal lord resigned.


    on the same day, the wedding day of the young lord of the aurora immortal palace and the daughter of the nine shores immortal lord was set to take place.


    under normal circumstances, this wedding would not only cause a sensation throughout the entire fifth star ring but also attract countless cultivators to come in a pilgrimage-like manner.


    one could even say that all the immortal lords, if not attending in person, would send their eldest disciples as representatives to show their respect.


    however, due to the current sensitive period, the aurora immortal lord declined all foreign guests under the pretext of avoiding extravagance, keeping the wedding strictly within the immortal palace.


    despite this, the expected gifts and arrangements were, of course, still in place.


    thus, the entire immortal palace was adorned with lanterns and vibrant decorations, with red attire and festive ornaments everywhere.


    especially the junior aurora hall.


    these events were meant to happen in history, creating little more than minor ripples, and would not affect future developments. thus, xu qing didn¡¯t interfere, allowing the ceremonial officers of the immortal palace to bustle about the junior aurora hall as they handled the wedding preparations.


    he sat cross-legged in the main hall and continued to study the sand of time he had obtained.


    the affairs of the outside world were left to zhong chi to coordinate and manage.


    time flowed quietly, and soon the evening glow from the setting sun spread across the sky. the rays of the sunset illuminated the junior aurora hall as the ceremonial officers finished the decorations.


    meanwhile, zhong chi was gazing up, carefully inspecting the placement and arrangement of the decorations.


    he pointed to a decorative silk ball hanging from the eaves, frowning as he addressed the nearby ceremonial official.


    ¡°the color of this silk ball is off. it¡¯s obvious it¡¯s not entirely made from winter immortal roses. on an ordinary day, it might not be noticeable, but now, with the red glow of the sunset, the impurities are showing.¡±


    ¡°the number is also inauspicious. it should be an even number. replace them quickly!¡±


    ¡°and that red silk drapery over there¡ªthe luster is lacking, and the flow of the immortal power within its embedded spell is unnatural.¡±


    ¡°change it!¡±


    ¡°also¡­¡±


    zhong chi could be said to be dutiful. he felt that he had to perform well. after all, the young lord had helped him put in some good words to fairy xiao hui from the spirit grasping palace yesterday.


    according to his host¡¯s nature, he was naturally incomparably grateful for this.


    zhong chi sighed inwardly. he knew the direction of history and understood that this wedding was actually¡­ a bloody ceremony.


    ¡°this young lord will die here in half a month¡­ including everyone here, no one will be spared.¡±


    ¡°speaking of which, during this time spent with the young lord, this person, both in character and essence, is actually quite good. although he has a bit of a lecherous side, considering his identity, being merely lecherous¡­ is almost perfect.¡±


    zhong chi sighed with emotion. during this period,he had a feeling that there was no pressure in his life in the immortal palace. he just had to protect the young lord well.


    on the contrary, in reality, he had too much on his shoulders. regardless of whether it was his clan¡¯s or his own fate, he had to struggle to reverse it.


    at the same time, as a star, he naturally saw some clues about his master¡¯s ulterior motives. however, he couldn¡¯t reveal it on the surface.


    he could only secretly search for a way to counterattack.


    hence, with such a comparison, he had no choice but to admit that he actually preferred¡­ zhong chi¡¯s identity.


    at that moment, as thoughts rose in his mind, he swept his gaze and saw a flaw in the green brick on the ground. he frowned and was about to speak.


    however, at this moment, the red glow in the sky instantly shone brightly.


    there was a phoenix cry from the sky.


    it guided the multicolored light from all directions to gather in the air above the junior aurora hall, illuminating the nine phoenixes carriage as it floated over.


    one could see that the dazzling carriage shone with a dazzling light under the multicolored light, as though it could illuminate every corner of the junior aurora hall.


    as for the nine phoenixes pulling the carriage, it set off a red fire, as though it wanted to burn the sunset. its cry caused the color of the sky to change, and the might of the phoenix was fully displayed.


    as for the surroundings of the carriage, there were still a hundred guards. all of them were solemn. they wore pitch-black armor and held spears in their hands. their auras were extraordinary.


    they were the ceremonial guards of the daughter of the nine shores and also guardians.


    as the imperial carriage descended, all the ceremonial officials within the junior aurora hall bowed their heads in unison to offer their respects.


    zhong chi¡¯s eyes narrowed but his face was still filled with respect. he quickly stepped forward and greeted loudly.


    ¡°greetings, fairy spirit phoenix.¡±


    a cold snort rang out from the carriage. soon, after the maids on both sides of the carriage lifted the curtain, a peerlessly beautiful and noble woman walked out.


    the person who came was none other than the daughter of the nine shores. her name was spirit phoenix!


    however, today, she wasn¡¯t like before when she appeared at thunder punishment cliff, using anger to hide her gentleness. instead¡­ her eyes were deep and sharp, as though they could see through the most hidden thoughts in the depths of one¡¯s heart.


    her face was calm, but it seemed to hide a storm.


    her clothes were also different from before.


    she was dressed in a blue palace attire that was incomparably gorgeous. coupled with the anger rising under her expression, she exuded an inviolable dignity.


    it was as though her existence itself was a form of intimidation, causing others to not dare to act rashly in front of her.


    she walked out of the carriage step by step and into the junior aurora hall. when she stood there, the dignity she exuded became even more intense.


    this was because she was clearly aware of her value and status and knew how to use this power to protect her dignity and rights.


    hence, her gaze, which seemed to be able to see through all hypocrisy and lies, swept past everything here and finally landed on zhong chi.


    ¡°has the hundred flowers palace been demolished?¡±


    her voice was low and powerful. every word was like a heavy hammer striking the heart, causing one to involuntarily feel reverence.


    everyone lowered their heads in silence. even zhong chi could sense the pressure coming from the woman¡¯s words.


    ¡®after not seeing her for a few days, this person has completely adapted to her identity. if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that i saw some clues back then, it would probably be very difficult to discover that she¡¯s an outsider.;


    zhong chi quickly thought about it and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°the young lord instructed many days ago to get someone to tear down the hundred flowers palace. it¡¯s because i was dealing with the decorations for the wedding between the young lord and you that i neglected the small matter of demolishing the palace¡­¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll deal with it tomorrow.¡±


    fairy spirit phoenix¡¯s expression darkened as she calmly spoke.


    ¡°there¡¯s no need for tomorrow. let¡¯s tear it down today.¡±


    as she spoke, she walked forward.


    zhong chi hurriedly pretended to try to explain. however, just as he stepped forward, he was immediately forced back by the ceremonial guard beside fairy spirit phoenix. hence, he could only quickly transmit his voice to the young lord. at the same time, he hurriedly caught up and shouted.


    ¡°young madam, let me do such rough work.¡±


    the hundred flowers palace was already in sight as fairy spirit phoenix moved forward angrily. the arrival of her group was like black clouds pressing down, causing the setting sun in the sky to darken.


    vaguely, a strong wind rose out of thin air and blew into the hundred flowers palace, causing the flowers and plants inside to flutter.


    however¡­ the peony inside was lying at the location where the young lord should have been. she was dressed in a thin veil and her figure was faintly discernible. coupled with her lazy expression, she looked very charming.


    she didn¡¯t care about the storm outside the palace at all and let out a soft sound.


    ¡°sisters, continue playing music and singing and dancing.¡±


    the hundred flowers laughed and immortal music rose again.


    outside the palace, zhong chi¡¯s eyes narrowed when he saw this scene. hence, he took a few steps back and no longer obstructed fairy spirit phoenix.


    fairy spirit phoenix¡¯s eyes were filled with killing intent as she coldly spoke.


    ¡°erase this filthy building from my eyes!¡±


    as soon as she finished speaking, the black-armored guards beside her all emitted cold air. as their auras surged, they stepped forward.


    there was no need to make a move. the cold air from their bodies followed them and instantly froze everything in the surroundings. after it was frozen, it collapsed and turned into dust.


    as they moved forward, the destruction followed.


    moreover, whether it was the ceremonial officers, zhong chi, or the guards of the junior aurora hall¡­ none of them stepped forward.


    this was because¡­ in the entire aurora immortal palace, only aurora immortal lord was qualified to tear down the hundred flowers palace. even his four disciples didn¡¯t have the qualifications.


    but now¡­ there was one more person who had the qualifications.


    that was the young madam who was about to get married to the young lord!


    in matters concerning the dismantling of the hundred flowers hall, her authority was even more legitimate than that of the immortal lord. moreover, the immortal lord had indeed previously mentioned the intention to dismantle the hall.


    hence, no one had the qualifications to stop the actions of fairy spirit phoenix.


    they allowed her ceremonial guards to continue moving forward.


    the rumbling continued.


    the hundred flowers palace shattered into pieces and layers of dust under the ceremonial guards¡¯ advancement.


    fairy spirit phoenix walked behind with a cold expression.


    seeing this, zhong chi could only sigh inwardly and think to himself, ¡®young lord, i have no choice in this matter.¡¯


    while zhong chi was sighing, the ceremonial guards in front of him had already arrived in the depths of the hall.


    that pool, the hundred flowers, and the fox beauty were reflected in everyone¡¯s eyes.


    they were also reflected in fairy spirit phoenix¡¯s sight.


    all around was a dazzling display of colorful sheer fabrics, a scene reminiscent of indulgence and excess. the sights were overwhelming, with countless alluring curves, graceful and striking. jade-like legs caught the eye, and the styles were vastly different.


    some were delicate and charming, others were sultry and seductive. some had a pure and innocent look, while others exuded mature and unparalleled beauty. there were also those who were vibrant and full of life.


    there were even nonhuman races¡­


    ¡°filthy words and obscene behavior, corrupting hearts and minds. such shameless flaunting, a disgrace to decency, utterly without honor, the epitome of vulgarity!¡±


    looking at these, fairy spirit phoenix gritted her teeth and spoke word by word.


    when the hundred flowers heard this, they all glared angrily.


    the fox beauty was calm and composed. her jade-like hand picked up the grape at the side and placed it in her small mouth. her gaze landed on fairy spirit phoenix and she chuckled.


    ¡°sister, you¡¯re also a beauty. it¡¯s a pity that fate makes fools of people. if not for the fact that you¡¯re the daughter of the nine shores immortal lord, i¡¯m afraid you would have the fate of becoming sisters with us. you would have been the morning glory, looking after the master¡¯s morning glory1, serving alongside us loyally.¡±


    the fox beauty sighed softly with a regretful expression.


    when fairy spirit phoenix heard this, her eyes instantly turned sharp. regardless of whether it was her host or herself, she had never heard such sarcasm, metaphors, and even vulgar words since she was young.


    the morning glory didn¡¯t seem to be morning glory anymore.


    hence, she stared at the fox beauty as the words the fourth true monarch had said to her surfaced in her mind.


    after that, she coldly spoke.


    ¡°such a filthy place and such a dirty person, remove them from the immortal palace immediately!¡±

 Chapter 1636 - Chapter 1636: Palace Master of the Hundred Flowers Palace

    chapter 1636: palace master of the hundred flowers palace


    editor: atlas studios


    fairy spirit phoenix¡¯s eyes were filled with killing intent and her expression was gloomy.


    those dirty words made her extremely uncomfortable.


    although her identity wasn¡¯t as noble as the true spirit phoenix, she was still a lady of noble upbringing. from a young age, those she had interacted with had always been of refinement and grace. never had she encountered someone as vulgar in speech as this brazen fox before her.


    hence, at this moment, killing intent rose in his heart.


    of course, what she wanted to kill wasn¡¯t the hundred flowers or the fox beauty, but¡­ the consciousness in the fox beauty¡¯s body!


    the fourth true monarch had already told her that this person was an outsider like them.


    as for who it was, she wasn¡¯t sure but she believed that she would definitely be able to find out after she got out.


    as soon as the decree was issued, the black-armored guards in the surroundings were all filled with killing intent. they stepped forward and formed a baleful aura that spread in all directions.


    in an instant, it was as though a storm was howling here, sweeping through everything, wanting to destroy all things and shatter the hundred flowers.


    yet the delicate maidens of the hundred flowers palace, though they appeared fragile, were not ordinary beings. being favored by the young lord and kept within the palace, they were naturally exceptional.


    not only were they blessed with beauty, but they also possessed remarkable talents. their cultivation could not be weak either¡ªonly such individuals were worthy of the title ¡®hundred flowers.¡¯


    moreover, the fox beauty was guarding this place.


    hence, almost at the instant those black-armored cultivators¡¯ baleful auras erupted, the fox beauty¡¯s plump upper body sat up from the bed. her jade-like legs alternated and her almond-shaped eyes glared.


    ¡°which one of us sisters isn¡¯t a heaven¡¯s chosen and doesn¡¯t treat the young master sincerely? moreover, we only stay in the hundred flowers palace and don¡¯t fight with the world. how did it become dirt in your mouth!¡±


    ¡°and you¡¯re only engaged to the young master and haven¡¯t really gotten married yet. you came here to dispel it just like that?¡±


    ¡°i want to see how you dispel it. are you trying to kill us here?!¡±


    the fox beauty let out a cold snort. immediately, the cultivation bases of the hundred flowers rose and spells and divine arts were instantly formed.


    they faced off against fairy spirit phoenix and her guards.


    both sides were at daggers drawn and their killing intent was intense. just as they were about to erupt, zhong chi, who wasn¡¯t far away, suddenly trembled. xu qing¡¯s voice appeared in his mind.


    after hearing xu qing¡¯s instructions, zhong chi hurriedly rushed out. the instant the two sides were about to attack, he arrived in the middle and shouted.


    ¡°the young lord has sent a decree!¡±


    his figure and voice instantly attracted everyone¡¯s attention.


    as they gathered, zhong chi took a deep breath and immediately spoke.


    ¡°young lord¡¯s dictum: i feel deep shame, and am unable to personally face you all. i fondly recall the past years, when immortal melodies graced my ears, and the company of the hundred flowers was my solace. yet fate bears its regrets, and all songs must one day come to an end¡­¡±


    ¡°i cannot disobey the will of my father¡­¡±


    ¡°however, the hundred flowers bear no fault in this matter; the mistake lies with me alone. thus, no one is permitted to harm even a single blossom of this palace. each of the hundred flowers shall be bestowed with a hundred million immortal essences, a hundred thousand immortal pills, a hundred immortal treasures, and ten reasons threads of immortal fate¡­¡±


    ¡°i hope that the hundred flowers will have a good future.¡±


    ¡°leave immediately.¡±


    zhong chi¡¯s voice was low. after he finished speaking the entirety of the young master¡¯s decree, his heart churned.


    he knew history.


    in this period of history, the hundred flowers palace had indeed been torn down. as for the hundred flowers, they had left before the wedding, so to a certain extent, they had escaped this calamity.


    as for whether they died later or not, because they were separate and not important, they were not recorded in the official history.


    hence, zhong chi also knew the final outcome.


    however, in this period of history, the day the hundred flowers palace was demolished was the fourth day before the young master and spirit phoenix¡¯s wedding.


    now, it was obvious that someone had deliberately brought it forward.


    at that moment, as zhong chi¡¯s lingering voice echoed, hundred flowers fell silent.


    very soon, sadness filled the air.


    finally, the fox beauty sighed and looked at the hundreds of flowers in the surroundings as she spoke softly.


    ¡°young master has treated us well and we are sincere to him. since his wedding is imminent and it¡¯s the immortal lord¡¯s order, you guys¡­ can leave this sad place.¡±


    ¡°according to our previous agreement, there is no hundred flowers palace here but there will be a true hundred flowers palace in the fifth star ring from now on!¡±


    as soon as the fox beauty spoke, the space-time here fluctuated.


    in history, the hundred flowers palace only existed in the junior aurora hall. it didn¡¯t exist in the future.


    however, it was obvious that with the fox beauty¡¯s methods, since she had appeared here and had interacted with these flowers for a long time, how could she not grasp this point?


    hence, during this period, she and the hundred flowers had long come to an agreement.


    if there was a day when the hundred flowers palace in the junior aurora hall had no choice but to be demolished, then they wouldn¡¯t really give up just like that. instead, they would establish their own sect in the outside world.


    the name of the sect would be¡­ hundred flowers palace.


    it would forever be the hundred flowers palace that belonged to the young lord!


    as for the fox beauty, she would be recorded in the hundred flowers palace and become the first generation palace master of the hundred flowers palace!


    her name would be passed down for eternity!


    such actions naturally caused space-time fluctuations. although spirit phoenix couldn¡¯t sense the spatial fluctuations due to the ordinance, she was clear about this history, so she understood the meaning of this sentence.


    her expression instantly turned solemn.


    at the same time¡­


    in the junior aurora hall, xu qing stood beside the window with his hands behind his back and looked at the outside world. a melancholic expression appeared on his face.


    however, his heart was calm.


    his understanding of this history wasn¡¯t as good as zhong chi and spirit phoenix¡¯s but he could sense the space-time fluctuations.


    from the moment the daughter of the nine shores arrived, space-time had been fluctuating. this meant that history had changed, but not to a great extent.


    at that time, he already understood that there was a high chance that this was the actions of the fourth true monarch.


    he would rather allow minor space-time fluctuations to attack in advance.


    his goal was naturally the fox beauty.


    now, the fluctuations in space-time instantly increased.


    xu qing knew that this was the fox beauty¡¯s method.


    she clearly wouldn¡¯t place all her hopes on xie lingzi.


    ¡°interesting¡­¡±


    a calm voice suddenly rang out from behind xu qing, echoing in the main hall.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t surprised and turned to look.


    a figure gathered in the void and finally appeared.


    this person had sword-like brows and starry eyes. he wore a purple-gold robe and his figure was tall and straight like a pine tree.


    he wore a purple-gold crown adorned with gemstones, intricately carved with dragons and phoenixes, lifelike and awe-inspiring. he gave off an extraordinary aura. he was none other than the fourth true monarch!


    ¡°fourth senior brother, why are you here? i¡¯ve embarrassed myself.¡±


    xu qing smiled bitterly.


    ¡°junior brother, this is master¡¯s decree from before. i can¡¯t stop it either. i came here to accompany you and was worried that you would be agitated.¡±


    the fourth true monarch looked at xu qing with a gentle expression. there was no sharpness in his eyes at all. instead, there was a hint of friendliness.


    however, he was observing secretly.


    this was his instinctive action.


    xu qing¡¯s expression became increasingly melancholic. he shook his head and didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°however, junior brother, the fox beauty you won from heaven¡¯s chosen li is quite interesting¡­¡±


    the fourth true monarch slowly spoke and his gaze landed on xu qing¡¯s eyes unintentionally.


    he had long made a judgment and knew that outsiders would gather around this young lord in front of him, and it wasn¡¯t strange for the fox beauty to appear here.


    moreover, he also knew that it was impossible for the young lord and aurora immortal lord to have external consciousnesses.


    however, after experiencing his previous failure, he couldn¡¯t help but have some thoughts. hence, he said this.


    xu qing was stunned. his gaze then sized up the fourth true monarch.


    his actions also caused the fourth true monarch to be stunned. just as he was about to speak, xu qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°fourth senior brother, you¡¯ve never paid attention to anyone in my hundred flowers palace before. now that you suddenly say such words¡­¡±


    xu qing spoke softly.


    his words immediately made the fourth true monarch vigilant. before the aftershock of the rumors dissipated, he couldn¡¯t let the people of this space-time suspect him. hence, he was about to speak.


    however, xu qing laughed.


    ¡°could it be that fourth senior brother has developed a mortal heart? forget it. if it was any of the hundred flowers, i wouldn¡¯t be able to bear to part with them even if they were dismissed, since they have accompanied me for so long. as for that fox beauty, she just arrived not long ago. if senior brother likes her, i¡¯ll give her to you as a maid.¡±


    xu qing made it sound casual but how could the fourth true monarch dare to accept it?


    once he accepted, it wouldn¡¯t match his identity. also, the fox beauty¡¯s fate wasn¡¯t like this.


    however, he still couldn¡¯t help but be tempted.


    once the fox beauty became his maid, he could naturally drive her consciousness away and resolve the great calamity.


    however, just as this thought rose, he suddenly saw a hint of scrutiny in the eyes of the young lord in front of him¡­


    this gaze caused the fourth true monarch¡¯s heart to skip a beat.


    ¡®in the host¡¯s memories, this young lord isn¡¯t as simple as he appears on the surface. he¡¯s suspecting me¡­¡¯


    ¡®my actions indeed don¡¯t match the true monarch¡¯s character.¡¯


    at the thought of this, the fourth true monarch smiled.


    ¡°don¡¯t mention this matter again.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he also smiled.


    ¡°there was a moment when i thought¡­ fourth senior brother, you were really prepared to take her.¡±


    ultimately, he was the young lord!


    as for the fourth true monarch, he was only a fourth true monarch.


    at the same time, in the hundred flowers palace, after the young lord¡¯s decree, everything was set in stone.


    there were naturally internal officials of the junior aurora hall who followed the contents of the oral decree and sent out the bestowed items. under the comfort of the fox beauty, the hundred flowers¡¯ emotions mostly stabilized.


    they left together.


    in the end, only the fox beauty was left in the dilapidated hundred flowers palace. she still sat there with a lazy expression and didn¡¯t leave.


    fairy spirit phoenix frowned and coldly looked at the fox beauty.


    ¡°get out of the immortal palace within ten breaths, or else, you will be forcefully expelled!¡±


    when the fox beauty heard this, she laughed charmingly.


    ¡°sister morning glory, you look a little cute when you¡¯re angry. no wonder the young lord ignored us because of you.¡±


    the baleful aura in the spirit phoenix¡¯s eyes grew denser. she waited quietly for ten breaths before turning to walk out and uttering a decree.


    ¡°send her out!¡±


    the black-armored guards immediately stepped forward and the suppression erupted at this moment. they were about to attack.


    however, at this moment, a cold voice suddenly rang out from outside the junior aurora hall, accompanied by rumbling heavenly lightning.


    ¡°what are you trying to do to my disciple?!¡±


    along with the voice, gongsun qingmu¡¯s figure appeared in the sky.


    his expression was filled with anger. the moment he appeared, his voice was still echoing.


    ¡°this spirit fox is a new disciple i¡¯ve taken in. this is her identity token. i¡¯ve already reported it to the thunder punishment palace for registration!¡±


    the fox beauty smiled and stood up to bow to the sky.


    ¡°master.¡±


    spirit phoenix stopped in her tracks.


    the surrounding black-armored cultivators instantly stopped.


    they had no right to expel a person with an official identity in the immortal palace!


    the fluctuations in space-time became even greater.


    xie lingzi, who was attached to gongsun qingmu, lifted his head and looked towards the junior aurora hall.


    ¡°true monarch, i know you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°you just killed one of my disciples and now you want to make things difficult for my new disciple?!¡±


    ¡°true monarch, have you been targeting me from the start?¡±


    as soon as these words were spoken, xu qing was a little surprised. after that, he looked at the fourth true monarch beside him.


    the fourth true monarch was expressionless but his thoughts were fluctuating intensely.


    he suddenly felt that xie lingzi was unprecedentedly disgusting.


    ¡®when this matter is over and i return to the east, i¡¯ll hunt down this person personally!¡¯

 Chapter 1637 - Chapter 1637: Mi Ming

    chapter 1637: mi ming


    editor: atlas studios


    the incident at the hundred flowers palace ended when the sun set.


    the hundred flowers inside were all dismissed and they set off on a long journey with their new dreams.


    only the fox beauty¡­ was still there.


    she had the identity of gongsun qingmu¡¯s disciple, the token of the thunder punishment palace, and was also the next palace master of the hundred flowers palace.


    this double identity allowed the fox beauty¡¯s goal to be more or less completed.


    as for her staying in the junior aurora hall, it was her personal freedom.


    as a cultivator of the immortal palace, it was entirely normal for visitors to come here unless xu qing himself refused them. furthermore, everyone knew that the young master was sentimental, so under these circumstances, the spirit phoenix fairy ultimately had no choice but to leave in a huff, shaking her sleeve as she went.


    furthermore, everyone knew that the young lord was sentimental, so under these circumstances, fairy spirit phoenix ultimately had no choice but to leave in a huff, shaking her sleeve as she went.


    though she appeared angry, in reality, her emotions were half genuine and half feigned.


    the genuine part stemmed from the words of the fox beauty, which had truly irked her.


    the feigned part, of course, was a deliberate act; after all, this was simply part of her agreement with the fourth true monarch.


    it was just a transaction.


    regardless of the outcome, according to the agreement, the fourth true monarch had to protect her path in the future.


    the fact that the fourth true monarch didn¡¯t achieve his goal had nothing to do with her.


    as for the fourth true monarch, after a short silence, he emitted a hint of danger. after that, he smiled faintly and left the hundred flowers palace as well.


    he seemed to have put this matter aside for the time being.


    hence, this turbulent space-time formed the sand of time and appeared in front of xu qing.


    ¡°there aren¡¯t many.¡±


    looking at the sand of time in front of him, xu qing put them away. after that, he looked in the direction the fourth true monarch had left in and a dark glint appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°i should get rid of this person as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°otherwise, with his intelligence, after suffering two consecutive setbacks, it will be very difficult to deal with him the third time.¡±


    ¡°if i wait until the day of the grand wedding, his presence might bring about some unnecessary complications.¡±


    ¡°however, it won¡¯t be easy to deal with this person.¡±


    xu qing kneaded the sand of time as he pondered.


    ¡°how can i chase away the outsider¡¯s consciousness on his body¡­¡±


    ¡­


    time flowed by and five days passed.


    there were only ten days left until the wedding.


    as the end of the month approached, the sky of the fifth star ring no longer displayed evening hues only at dusk, nor did it darken solely in the evenings.


    sometimes, it would appear that the sun had just risen, only for it to set in the next moment.


    at other times, it could be high noon, yet the red clouds would obscure the sky and sun, evoking a sense of dusk.


    at this moment, a strange phenomenon unfolded in the heavens, revealing an odd scene of equal parts darkness and brightness, with no moon visible in the darkness and no sun seen in the brightness.


    the cycles of day and night were no longer regular.


    the changes in weather reflected this chaos as well.


    mortals would be struck with shock, confusion, and terror.


    but for cultivators, even if not everyone had experienced this, many texts contained descriptions of such phenomena.


    during the transition of eras, as the immortal lords took their turns, the star ring would also shift before resuming its operation. this period would last for seventeen days.


    the first ten days appeared as chaos, where thoughts could not be grasped and the intent of the dao was elusive.


    the following seven days represented the reopening of heaven and earth, where all beings enjoyed the blessings of creation, cleansing themselves as if receiving auspicious signs.


    this change in the heavens and earth signified that the cycle was altering, and the handover was reaching its conclusion.


    the dao of the nine shores immortal lord was being severed from the fifth star ring, while the dao of the aurora immortal lord was merging in.


    it was precisely this convergence that resulted in such peculiar changes in the world.


    during these seventeen days, all methods of divination were weakened, and all perceptions also diminished.


    even omniscience couldn¡¯t be perfect.


    ¡°this is also the reason why outsiders aren¡¯t able to know the secrets hidden in this period of history.¡±


    at this moment, qianjun and piyi in the sword furnace, the daughter of the nine shores in the southern guest hall, the fourth true monarch in the true monarch palace, gongsun qingmu in the thunder punishment palace, zhong chi, and heaven¡¯s chosen li heaven who was forced to enter seclusion, along with other outsiders who had hidden themselves and not been discovered all looked at the sky.


    they could sense the blurriness of the heavenly secrets.


    they could also clearly sense that the wheel of history was crushing over with an irreversible aura.


    the fourth true monarch laughed.


    he had been waiting for this day.


    the power of order would rise.


    in front of the junior aurora hall, xu qing stood there and looked at the black and white sky.


    he could sense that with the chaos of the heavenly secrets and the inevitable passage of history, the lake water of this space-time had become much more heavy than before.


    if he wanted to cause waves in it, a stone could no longer do it. he would need a strong wind to blow at it.


    this was because what stopped the waves was no longer external forces but the lake itself.


    ¡°after coming to this place and sensing and probing during this period, i¡¯ve roughly gained some understanding of this space-time.¡±


    xu qing muttered to himself.


    ¡°some parts of history aren¡¯t difficult to change and can be rewritten¡­¡±


    ¡°however, there are some parts that can¡¯t be shaken at all. once you touch it, you will definitely suffer a backlash!¡±


    ¡°the most important thing here¡­ is the matter on the day of the wedding!¡±


    xu qing retracted his gaze and opened his palm, staring at the sand of time accumulated in his palm. after that, he turned around and was about to ask the fox beauty to come see him. however, at this moment, a dignified voice suddenly echoed in his mind.


    ¡°come to the aurora palace!¡±


    xu qing stopped in his tracks and lowered his head respectfully.


    ¡°yes.¡±


    the voice was from aurora immortal lord!


    the aurora palace was located at the center of the immortal palace, beneath the aurora grand hall. it served as the sleeping quarters and seclusion chamber of the aurora immortal lord. on ordinary days, no one could step inside without permission.


    not even the immortal lord¡¯s four disciples or his son.


    hence, when he heard that the immortal lord wanted him to go to the aurora palace, xu qing¡¯s heart also froze.


    however, he knew that he couldn¡¯t delay. hence, his body swayed and he left the junior aurora hall, heading straight for the aurora palace.


    not long later, a cluster of buildings appeared in front of xu qing.


    the first thing he saw was a huge plaza. the ground was covered in neat bluestone slabs that were as smooth as a mirror.


    on both sides of the plaza, the jade buildings were well-arranged, like an exquisite painting.


    as he walked along the center axis, magnificent buildings appeared one after another. they were layered and had a majestic aura.


    among them, the most vast one was located in the center.


    its style was unique, majestic, and magnificent. the towering red walls and golden tiles shone brightly under the sunlight.


    it was the aurora grand hall.


    numerous terrifying auras rose in all directions. xu qing took a deep breath and quickly got close.


    those auras only swept past his body before spreading out. they didn¡¯t stop him.


    however, one could imagine that if the person who came wasn¡¯t xu qing, it would probably be difficult for him to take a single step forward.


    just like that, xu qing walked all the way in until he reached the entrance of the aurora grand hall. he then bowed.


    at the next instant, a mysterious force descended. xu qing¡¯s vision blurred. when it became clear, he was no longer in front of the hall but in a long passageway.


    on both sides of the passageway, there were rows of flickering candles that were silently burning.


    under the illumination of the fire, one could see a greenish-black path on the steps that extended into the depths below.


    there was also the sound of metal knocking and hammering echoing in his ears.


    this place was the aurora palace.


    through the host¡¯s memories, xu qing wasn¡¯t particularly unfamiliar with this place. in the host¡¯s memories, he often came here when he was young. it was just that he rarely came here after he grew up.


    hence, xu qing took a deep breath and walked down the steps.


    the knocking sounds became clearer and louder.


    after about fifteen minutes, the knocking sound was like heavenly lightning and heat waves gushed over. xu qing finally reached the end.


    it was an underground palace.


    earth fire erupted in the center.


    aurora immortal lord was forging with the earth fire!


    the huge hammer shone with a silver light as it continuously landed on a metal plate the width of a palm.


    every time it landed, a rumbling sound would echo and heat waves would spread out.


    moreover, aurora immortal lord didn¡¯t use any cultivation base. he only relied on his physical strength to forge it again and again with an incomparably serious expression.


    xu qing looked at these and walked closer. he didn¡¯t say anything. as he silently watched, he was also hesitating inwardly.


    he didn¡¯t know why the aurora immortal lord had called him, nor did he know what the other party was doing at this moment. in his perception, there was nothing too strange about this iron plate.


    at most¡­ it was very sturdy.


    as he forged, a golden light slowly appeared.


    however, as time passed, the light of the iron plate became increasingly intense until it completely turned golden. its appearance also gradually changed from the irregularity from before.


    what appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes was like a piece of gold plate.


    aurora immortal lord also stopped forging at this moment. he picked up this golden iron plate and placed it in front of him. after examining it carefully, his expression gradually revealed satisfaction.


    after some thought, he lifted his finger and began to write on the golden iron plate.


    ¡°two families unite in marriage, a solemn bond is forged. from this moment, a good union is formed, a perfect couple bound together, to grow old in harmony, enduring until the seas dry up and the stones crumble. they vow as lovers first, foretelling long years of prosperity and growth, to flourish and thrive.¡±


    ¡°with this vow of everlasting union, it is written upon this scroll, and by the pact of red leaves, inscribed in the records of lovers.¡±


    ¡°this vow is made, and this is the proof.¡±


    these words, under the graceful movement of the aurora immortal lord¡¯s fingers, were written boldly. in that instant, each character seemed to come alive, celebrating and rejoicing.


    they would be stripped from the mortal world from now on. the sentences they formed would become law and ordinance.


    it became a certificate that only belonged to his son and daughter-in-law!


    this was the marriage contract!


    xu qing understood.


    it was also at this moment that aurora immortal lord lifted his head and looked at xu qing.


    ¡°you have to put your name on the marriage contract. are you going to write your name yourself, or do you want me to help you write it?¡±


    when these simple words landed in xu qing¡¯s ears, he instantly fell into a daze. this was because he suddenly realized something unbelievable!


    he didn¡¯t know or remember the name of the young lord he was in!


    in his memory, there was actually no such thing!


    what caused xu qing¡¯s heart to tremble even more was that before this, he actually didn¡¯t notice this at all. moreover, he had never heard anyone mention it.


    this involuntarily caused xu qing to fall silent.


    the aurora immortal lord cast a meaningful glance at xu qing before calmly speaking.


    ¡°i¡¯ll help you.¡±


    as he spoke, he raised his hand and wrote two words on the golden iron plate.


    mi ming


    the instant he saw these two words, xu qing¡¯s mind churned and a strange feeling gushed into his heart. this was because his perception of the host¡¯s memories had a name at this moment.


    moreover, this name gave him an extremely heavy feeling.


    it was so heavy that the ground under his feet cracked as though it couldn¡¯t hold on anymore.


    even his body was trembling.


    the profundity of this matter caused xu qing to involuntarily speak.


    ¡°father, this¡­¡±


    ¡°the marriage contract implicates one¡¯s entire life. it¡¯s naturally like this.¡±


    aurora immortal lord calmly spoke. after that, he took out a jade box and placed it inside the marriage contract, hanging it above the earth fire.


    after that, he seemed to want to say something but the flames here suddenly dimmed a little.


    aurora immortal lord frowned and waved his hand.


    ¡°leave. i called you here because i know about your hundred flowers palace, so i¡¯m here to witness the oath of this marriage contract.¡±


    ¡°this book is hanging here. other than you and me, no one can touch it.¡±


    ¡°when you get married in ten days, i¡¯ll take it out.¡±


    as he spoke, xu qing¡¯s vision blurred and his body dissipated as he was sent out of the underground palace.


    almost at the instant he left, the flames in the underground palace instantly dimmed. waves of black gas spread out from aurora immortal lord¡¯s body.


    more and more of them gathered in front of him, forming a pitch-black figure.


    if xu qing was here, he would definitely be able to recognize at a glance that this black figure was none other than the reflection of aurora immortal lord under the ice lake back then!


    ¡°during the change of the eras, when the heavenly secrets of the fifth star ring are in chaos, you seized the opportunity to remove the names of the sun and moon, leaving the world utterly unaware that they have forgotten their true names.¡±


    ¡°with your abilities combined with the chaotic heavenly secrets, even the immortal lords or the venerable immortal won¡¯t be aware of this for some time.¡±


    ¡°the most ingenious part is how you¡¯ve hidden and replaced the names of the sun and moon within your offspring¡¯s name.¡±


    ¡°this is going to be quite the grand surprise for your venerable immortal father.¡±


    that dark aurora glanced at the place xu qing was at earlier and spoke hoarsely.


    aurora was expressionless as he coldly stared at the dark aurora.


    ¡°you used the wrong term of address. you¡¯re me and i¡¯m you. that¡¯s our father.¡±

 Chapter 1638 - Chapter 1638: Fanning the Flames

    chapter 1638: fanning the flames


    editor: atlas studios


    time flowed by.


    six days passed. there were only four days left until the day of the wedding!


    as time passed, the changes in the heavenly secrets became even greater.


    the rotation of the sun and moon became increasingly chaotic as the day of the handover drew closer.


    within a single day, dozens of night and day cycles could alternate, causing waves of disruption throughout the world.


    gradually, the night no longer revealed the moon, and the day no longer showed the sun.


    occasionally, the two would be mixed, leading to scenes where a pale moon appeared in broad daylight, and a dark sun rose in the middle of the night!


    it was hard to understand.


    just like zhou zhengli¡¯s emotions.


    inside the true monarch palace, within the highest sky pavilion, zhou zhengli stood with his head lowered, respectfully addressing the fourth true monarch, who stood with hands clasped behind his back, gazing out at the sky as the black-and-white rotation unfolded.


    ¡°previously, in the east, because you stood too high up and were aloof from worldly affairs, you focused on the dao. as for xie lingzi, he was like an ant, so his despicable and vile actions escaped your attention.¡±


    ¡°however, i had many fights with him, so i naturally know more about this person.¡±


    ¡°since you asked about this person, i¡¯ll tell you about my understanding of him.¡±


    ¡°he didn¡¯t comprehend his own ordinance. his ordinance comes from an evil broken sword in his body.¡±


    ¡°this sword is called betrayal!¡±


    ¡°so, all his actions revolved around the word ¡®betrayal¡¯.¡±


    betraying sects, betraying doctrines, betraying everything¡­¡± zhou zhengli seemed to hint at something deeper, his gaze falling upon the fourth true monarch. his voice paused, as if giving the monarch time to contemplate the significance of his words.


    the fourth true monarch turned his head and looked down at zhou zhengli who was bowing.


    ¡°in other words, his betrayal also includes allies! this is because his dao is betrayal, so for him, betraying anyone is the same!¡±


    hearing the fourth true monarch¡¯s words, zhou zhengli¡¯s expression was filled with emotions as he praised.


    ¡°lord is indeed worthy of being the number one star. with just a sentence from me, lord immediately understood. i only figured this out after fighting with him for many years.¡±


    when the fourth true monarch heard this, he looked into zhou zhengli¡¯s eyes.


    zhou zhengli maintained a respectful expression and didn¡¯t meet the other party¡¯s gaze. he lowered his head and bowed.


    the sky pavilion fell silent.


    a long time later, the fourth true monarch calmly spoke.


    ¡°zhou zhengli, i know that you¡¯re talented and cunning. how can you, who has fought with xie lingzi for many years and is regarded as his natural enemy, be mediocre?¡±


    ¡°your concealment might be your dao or you are deliberately doing it.¡±


    ¡°but¡­ if you continue in this manner, i won¡¯t hesitate to expel you first. from what has transpired so far, it seems that your presence, or absence, doesn¡¯t make much of a difference.¡±


    ¡°therefore, it¡¯s just information about xie lingzi. it¡¯s not enough. you still have to give me a reason not to expel you immediately.¡±


    the fourth true monarch lifted his head and looked at the sky. his voice was calm.


    this was what it meant by one strength defeating ten schemes.


    no matter how much cunning or calculation zhou zhengli employed, if no reason was given today, as his words implied, he truly would not hesitate to send the other away.


    this way, all your plans would fail.


    zhou zhengli smiled bitterly and sighed.


    ¡°my lord, you have misunderstood me. it¡¯s not that i lack effort; rather, your brilliance is so overwhelming that i fear being scorched by it¡­¡±


    ¡°since you inquired today, i would like to share my humble thoughts. if there are any misjudgments, please feel free to criticize and correct me.¡±


    ¡°in this battle between us and the other party, they should have been the ones in a passive position. however, now, it has become us in a passive position. i feel that the main point of this matter should be that we aren¡¯t standing in the supreme position.¡±


    ¡°we were originally standing there, but through the scheming of the petty, we have unknowingly ended up on the same level as them.¡±


    ¡°this illustrates the treachery of the thieves, who are difficult to guard against. after all, we walk the righteous path, while they tread the wicked one. i only realized this recently, and it was through our conversation today that it became clear to me.¡±


    ¡°while it seems we have fewer people, i believe we should actually be the side with the greatest numbers.¡±


    ¡°other than outsiders, isn¡¯t everyone in this immortal palace¡­ law-abiding?¡±


    ¡°they are people from history. they don¡¯t know the fate of the future and they will follow the trajectory of this space-time¡­ isn¡¯t this lawful?¡±


    ¡°my lord, i know you understand all of this. however, you require me to articulate it¡­ as if you want to bind the karma, implying that i am unwilling to follow you.¡±


    ¡°you have misunderstood me. following you has always been my greatest desire. it¡¯s just that my thoughts are limited, and i fear that my incorrect judgments might influence your reasoning.¡±


    at this point, zhou zhengli lowered his head and fell silent.


    the fourth true monarch closed his eyes. a long time later, when he opened them again, his eyes gleamed as he cast a meaningful glance at zhou zhengli.


    ¡°after this matter is over, when you return to the east, you can come to the star ring tower to look for me.¡±


    with that, he left.


    ¡°thank you, lord!¡±


    zhou zhengli bowed deeply and looked at the void where the fourth true monarch had left. he narrowed his eyes and muttered inwardly.


    ¡°star ring¡¯s advantage lies in his strength, but his weakness is that he¡¯s a little headstrong. under my influence, what should have been a gradual escalation to the decisive battle has instead unfolded prematurely. do not let me down.¡±


    ¡­


    thunder rumbled in the sky.


    one moment, the sky was clear for thousands of miles. at the next moment, as thunder rumbled, heavy rain poured down.


    however, no matter how the rain fell on this part of the space-time lake, it couldn¡¯t cause any waves.


    as the heavenly secrets were in chaos and the day of the handover was approaching, this space-time had almost completely frozen.


    xu qing could clearly sense this with his space-time ordinance.


    he understood that it would be even more difficult than usual to cause waves.


    this wasn¡¯t a sudden accident. this was a natural development of history.


    ¡°this is likely the opportunity the fourth true monarch has been waiting for.¡±


    in the junior aurora hall, xu qing looked at the pitch-black sky that instantly turned into daytime. the falling rain quickly turned into hail.


    it smashed down with crackling sounds.


    the chill spread, becoming oppressive, and soon transformed into a fierce wind that howled past, lifting xu qing¡¯s long hair.


    in the wind, xu qing felt the unstoppable force of the torrent of history cascading down.


    ¡­


    the torrent had arrived.


    accompanying this was a small matter that caused a stir throughout the immortal palace!


    it was considered a small matter because it could easily be dismissed with a single sentence, reduced to a misunderstanding and therefore negligible.


    however, the reason this small matter was able to create such a commotion in the immortal palace was that it originated from the mouth of the fourth true monarch.


    he personally presented the doubts and his own judgments regarding gongsun qingmu, heaven¡¯s chosen li, the fox beauty, and zhong chi to the law enforcement palace.


    he judged that the deacon of the thunder punishment palace, gongsun qingmu, wanted to betray the immortal palace and had ulterior motives.


    the evidence was his disciple¡¯s jade token, origins, and details. all the directions pointed to his master.


    hence, the fourth true monarch suspected that this person was behind the betrayal of the disciple!


    as for the fox beauty, the fourth true monarch made her experiences before she joined the immortal palace public. coupled with the fact that she had become gongsun qingmu¡¯s disciple, although her intentions remained unclear, the fourth true monarch asserted that this demonic woman¡¯s goal was the young lord!


    to get close to the young lord and avoid being expelled, she sought to secure her identity. however, according to her trajectory, she had no prior acquaintance with gongsun qingmu and was far from being at a level where she could be accepted as a disciple.


    all of this pointed to the fact that she harbored malicious intentions toward the young lord!


    as for heaven¡¯s chosen li, he deliberately introduced the fox beauty to the young lord. he knew that he would definitely lose but he still made a bet. his goal was naturally to send the fox beauty to the young lord¡¯s side.


    he was an accomplice!


    as for zhong chi, although he had followed the young lord for many years and had always appeared loyal, he had inexplicably developed sinister intentions.


    the evidence lay in the poison within him, which he had injected into himself!


    no one would attempt to poison themselves without a purpose, leading the fourth true monarch to conclude that he intended to use this poison through secret methods to harm the young lord.


    the fourth true monarch¡¯s announcement naturally caused a commotion in the entire immortal palace.


    in an instant, it attracted the attention of countless people.


    this was an open scheme.


    he revealed everything, causing the gazes of the entire immortal palace to be used for enforcing order.


    their gazes exposed everything to the light.


    this way, if what the fourth true monarch said really happened, the people in the list would be immediately suppressed, completing the order.


    if nothing ultimately transpired, the fourth true monarch would only need to offer an apology, attributing it to a misunderstanding, thus diffusing the situation. the resulting ripples in history would be minimal at best.


    after all, this didn¡¯t affect the direction of history.


    however, for xie lingzi and the others, this matter could be said to be a direct and ruthless stab. it was difficult to resist and impossible to stop.


    in particular, the daughter of the nine shores, fairy spirit phoenix, immediately took an interest in this matter. she positioned herself in the junior aurora hall with indisputable reasons, asserting her authority.


    like a vigilant guardian, she expelled the fox beauty from the palace, and forced zhong chi to retreat to clear his name.


    before leaving, he offered a final bow to the still-silent xu qing.


    recalling his experiences during this time, zhong chi¡¯s heart stirred. looking at the young lord in front of him, he felt a little reluctant.


    he couldn¡¯t forget this experience.


    after bowing, he decided to do something.


    ¡°young lord, i had a strange dream yesterday¡­¡±


    ¡°i dreamed of your wedding with young madam in a few days.¡±


    ¡°that wedding was very lively and the entire immortal palace was filled with joy. it¡¯s just that¡­ the moment you and young madam were about to bow to the heaven and earth, a calamity occurred.¡±


    ¡°before your bow finished¡­ the world became blood-colored.¡±


    zhong chi spoke softly. after he finished speaking, he bowed again and left the junior aurora hall.


    in the main hall, xu qing looked in the direction zhong chi had left in and a dark glint appeared in his eyes.


    he was naturally not surprised by the fourth true monarch¡¯s counterattack.


    this was because this dispute between order and change determined their respective paths. hence, xu qing was clear that the reason why he won the first few matches was because he had completely hidden himself.


    only then was he able to win ingeniously.


    this caused the other party¡¯s attention to be on xie lingzi and the fox beauty.


    however, this kind of victory obtained in the dark was ultimately only a partial victory. it couldn¡¯t truly determine the world¡¯s trajectory.


    the development of history didn¡¯t change much. it was just a side event.


    the advantage had always been in the other party¡¯s hands. it was just that his series of actions earlier had blurred the other side¡¯s thoughts causing them to momentarily forget this fact.


    however, ultimately, they would remember.


    ¡°i was waiting for this moment when you guys remembered and took the initiative.¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    he was playing a very big game of chess, a game of chess about how to stir up a storm.


    however, his own strength wasn¡¯t enough for this chess game. even if he added allies, it wouldn¡¯t be enough. he still needed the order-abiding side to participate.


    only then could the momentum be formed!


    for every action taken by the lawful side, no matter how small, was still a ripple in the grand scheme. though seemingly insignificant¡­


    it was still the wind!


    ¡°the wind is blowing.¡±


    at that moment, the sky in the outside world rumbled and the wind turned into a storm, stirring up dust that howled in all directions.


    a cold glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    he wanted to borrow the wind to ascend to the heavens!

 Chapter 1639 - Chapter 1639: One Piece Placed, the Whole Board Comes Alive (1)

    chapter 1639: one piece placed, the whole board comes alive (1)


    editor: atlas studios


    tonight, the heavenly secrets caused the heavens and earth to change color, the wind grew fiercer, accompanied by the roar of thunder, with occasional flashes of lightning streaking across the night sky.


    the thunderous booms echoed through the heavens, landing in the immortal palace, ringing in the ears of the cultivators, and striking deeply into the heart of gongsun qingmu within the thunder punishment palace.


    inside the grand hall where he stood, as the lightning illuminated the surroundings, the figure of the fourth true monarch emerged from the void.


    the moment he appeared, his killing intent was so overwhelming and cold that it froze the entire hall, plunging it into a bitter winter.


    snowflakes drifted through the air, while ice crystals formed inside gongsun qingmu¡¯s body, as if they were about to pierce through every bit of his flesh and blood, intent on destroying his consciousness.


    ¡°leave or stay?¡±


    ¡°will you choose to stand against me completely, or lay down arms and make peace?¡±


    ¡°you¡¯ve already achieved your purpose, so what will you choose?¡±


    the fourth true monarch calmly spoke.


    each word he uttered transformed into a blade of icy cold, imbued with the weight of order, appearing around gongsun qingmu in all directions.


    chains of ice clattered through the hall, swirling around as they formed a mysterious array, radiating a magnificent, imposing power.


    gongsun qingmu slowly raised his head, gazing at the figure before him. gradually, a wicked smile spread across his face.


    ¡°it must have been my old rival, zhou zhengli, who told you something, right, lord?¡±


    ¡°he¡¯s always understood me best. in truth, ever since i left junior aurora hall, i¡¯ve been waiting for your arrival.¡±


    ¡°as for my choice¡­¡±


    gongsun qingmu raised his right hand and a jade token appeared in his hand.


    that was the fox beauty¡¯s identity jade slip!


    the moment he took it out, a dark glint flashed in gongsun qingmu¡¯s eyes as he clenched his right hand.


    with a crack, the jade token instantly shattered into pieces.


    ¡°through investigation, it has been found that qiu lingshan harbored malicious intentions, entering the immortal palace with sinister motives. this old man failed to perceive it and is willing to punish himself as an apology. as for her identity, i hereby revoke it. from now on, her life and death are yours to decide, true monarch.¡±


    qiu lingshan was the fox beauty¡¯s real name in this space-time.


    as the jade token shattered, her identity was also stripped away.


    this was gongsun qingmu¡¯s dao.


    the word ¡®betrayal¡¯ could not only betray the palace but also betray allies.


    for him, betraying anyone was the same.


    in this game of space-time, everyone was scheming. the fox beauty was scheming against him and he was also scheming against the fox beauty.


    the moment she was given an identity and became an ally, he had the foundation to betray. it was indeed as he had said. he was waiting for the fourth true monarch to arrive.


    at the next instant, the coldness in the hall dissipated, the ice swords dissipated, and the iron chains returned.


    the fourth true monarch turned and walked out.


    his goal had been achieved.


    however, the moment he stepped out of the main hall, gongsun qingmu suddenly spoke.


    ¡°my lord, zhou zhengli and i have battled for many years. he knows me well, and i know him just as well.¡±


    ¡°so, i must warn you¡­ this man is not simple. he does great good like evil, and great evil like good.¡±


    beside the hall gate, the fourth true monarch remained indifferent, speaking calmly.


    ¡°those stars rose about countless people, which one would not grow into a formidable figure in the outside world?¡±


    ¡°so i look at people, not their hearts.¡±


    ¡°as long as i remain the strongest, it doesn¡¯t matter what their hearts intend. if they obey, that¡¯s enough. if they don¡¯t, i will simply destroy them.¡±


    with that, the fourth true monarch¡¯s footsteps landed and his figure flashed with a bolt of lightning in the sky, disappearing without a trace.


    in the main hall, gongsun qingmu smiled.


    ¡°it seems that the journey to the fourth realm has given this star ring, who previously had little contact with the outside world in the eastern starfield, a profound understanding of the true nature and challenges posed by the other stars.¡±


    ¡°thus, prideful as he is, even in his words, he has now added the qualifier ¡®as long as i remain the strongest.¡¯¡±


    ¡°interesting, truly interesting.¡±


    gongsun qingmu laughed. his laughter became even more sinister and even carried a hint of madness.


    however, what was strange was that the laughter didn¡¯t come from his mouth but from the broken sword hidden in his consciousness.


    ¡­


    ¡°both are madmen, consumed by delusions, thinking they have seen through something, and believing they can use me to their advantage. yet, they remain unaware of the true reason their stars shine in the eastern starfield.¡±


    ¡°they are nothing more than future nourishment for my path of order.¡±


    the fourth true monarch had a calm expression as he appeared in front of a courtyard outside the thunder punishment palace.


    this courtyard was arranged by the thunder punishment palace for its disciples.


    in the whirlpool of events during the day, with the daughter of nine shores assuming her place in junior aurora hall, the fox beauty had been the first to be driven out and resided here.


    at the moment the fourth true monarch appeared, the door to the residence within the courtyard opened. the fox beauty leaned against the doorframe, wearing her usual languid expression as she looked at the true monarch.


    ¡°my dear master, as expected, is unreliable. the identity given to me shattered so easily, selling me out completely.¡±


    ¡°so, is the true monarch here to kill me or drive me away now?¡±


    she chuckled lightly.


    ¡°the true monarch truly has impressive methods. speaking of which, without an identity, i am now an unnecessary person within this immortal palace. even if i were to be slain, it would cause no ripple, for in this chapter of history, i was never meant to still be in the palace.¡±


    ¡°in that case, true monarch, make a move. i¡¯ve already completed my goal. so be it if i leave.¡±


    the fox beauty smiled, as though she wasn¡¯t surprised by the arrival of the true monarch at all.


    however, the fourth true monarch didn¡¯t attack. his expression was calm as he took a step forward and calmly spoke.


    ¡°you¡¯re right, but since you¡¯ve completed your goal, why didn¡¯t you leave earlier?¡±


    ¡°you have other motives, i suppose.¡±


    the fourth true monarch took another step forward.


    ¡°also, you probably discovered that you couldn¡¯t leave.¡±


    the moment he finished speaking, the fourth true monarch had already stepped into the courtyard and stopped 20 feet in front of the fox beauty.


    the fox beauty smiled, her expression calm, but a sense of danger surged within her. she had indeed noticed that ever since the moment the fourth true monarch revealed everything today, her consciousness and this body had become inextricably bound. she was unable to separate herself from it or leave at will.

 Chapter 1640 - Chapter 1640: One Piece Placed, the Whole Board Comes Alive (2)

    chapter 1640: one piece placed, the whole board comes alive (2)


    editor: atlas studios


    it felt as though an invisible force had enveloped her, preventing her from choosing to leave this world at will.


    however, with her scheming nature, how could she show it just because of a few words from the other party? she was about to speak.


    however, before she could speak, the fourth true monarch said softly.


    ¡°am i right, unknown god?!¡±


    this last sentence was like thunder that rumbled down.


    the fox beauty¡¯s heart skipped a beat.


    previously, when she exchanged moves with the other party, she had carefully concealed this point, and by all measures, she believed she had done well. after all, she was already half a step into the divine platform and had her own secret techniques.


    moreover, after verifying what happened later, the other party indeed didn¡¯t seem to notice.


    but now¡­


    ¡°if it were anyone else, they naturally wouldn¡¯t have noticed. but do you truly know why the eastern star ring tower has the name ¡®star ring¡¯? you don¡¯t really believe that after crossing blades with me, i wouldn¡¯t be able to detect the divine aura you¡¯ve been desperately trying to conceal, do you?¡±


    the fourth true monarch calmly spoke.


    ¡°i didn¡¯t say it earlier because¡­ i wanted to see if there was anyone else behind you!¡±


    as he spoke, he waved his hand and a silver token suddenly appeared.


    on this token was qiu lingshan¡¯s name.


    ¡°this is the god searing token. it was specially made to seal gods in the fifth star ring since ancient times. naturally, it exists in the immortal palace.¡±


    ¡°under the suppression of this token, if your consciousness wants to leave, you will need my permission!¡±


    the fourth true monarch flicked the token lightly.


    immediately, a sealing power that was specifically targeted at gods erupted and landed here, causing the fox beauty¡¯s body to tremble and her breathing to become hurried.


    ¡°you can stay here for the time being.¡±


    ¡°let¡¯s see if there¡¯s anyone behind you and if they¡¯ll come to save you tonight. if no one appears by dawn¡­¡±


    ¡°let¡¯s see if i can use this token on your main body.¡±


    ¡°so, you can start transmitting your voice to the outside world for help now.¡±


    the fourth true monarch smiled and sat down cross-legged, waiting for dawn.


    beside him, the fox beauty¡¯s body trembled even more. the power of the god searing caused her eyes to slowly turn red as she resisted with all her might.


    ¡­


    the wind tonight grew stronger and stronger.


    it blew into the immortal palace and curled up in the junior aurora hall.


    it lifted xu qing¡¯s long hair.


    in the strong wind, xu qing walked forward.


    many things happened today.


    first, the fourth true monarch revealed everything.


    after that, the fox beauty was expelled from the junior aurora hall. before she left, she told him about the fact that her consciousness suddenly couldn¡¯t leave.


    after that, it was zhong chi¡¯s turn to leave to avoid suspicion.


    finally, it was the entry of the daughter of the nine shores into the palace.


    if this was a chess game, then the other party had already placed several pieces and trapped his major piece, rendering it unable to break free, and leaving it to be slowly devoured.


    ¡°and this movement finally¡­ allowed me to see everything clearly!¡±


    xu qing lifted his head and his gaze landed on the area where the sword furnace was located. after that, he retracted his gaze and looked at where the fox beauty was.


    ¡°as for this chess game¡­¡±


    ¡°there is a piece within it, and once it is placed, it can revitalize everything.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s figure instantly disappeared. he didn¡¯t leave the junior aurora hall but appeared outside a side hall.


    that place was also the hall where the daughter of the nine shores lived after entering this palace!


    the moment he stepped in, the auras of the black-armored guards from fairy spirit phoenix immediately gathered in the surroundings of the hall.


    ¡°stand down!¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    the might of the young lord spread out with this sentence, suppressing everything.


    this caused those auras to have no choice but to retreat.


    they could only allow xu qing to take a step forward and bring the wind and rain into the hall. their gazes then met.


    the moment their eyes met, spirit phoenix¡¯s heart trembled for no reason. however, her expression didn¡¯t reveal anything as she spoke.


    ¡°what, you want to question me since i dispelled your fox beauty?!¡±


    xu qing turned a deaf ear and walked to the window in the hall. he looked at the sky outside and spoke after a while.


    ¡°before zhong chi left, he said something. he said that he had a dream. in the dream, we didn¡¯t succeed in the wedding ceremony in the end. a calamity descended, turning everything into bloodshed.¡±


    ¡°such devilish words, this person deserves to die!¡± spirit phoenix scoffed coldly.


    ¡°speaking of devilish words, i recall the rumors some time ago. it said that many people are outsiders. then¡­ are you one?¡± xu qing didn¡¯t turn around. his back was facing spirit phoenix as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°your words today are very strange.¡± spirit phoenix¡¯s heart fluctuated and she frowned.


    xu qing smiled but he still didn¡¯t turn around. however, what he said next was like thunder that blasted into spirit phoenix¡¯s mind.


    ¡°i don¡¯t care if you¡¯re yuanshan su. your goal is nothing more than to get involved with karma with my host and become half the master of the immortal palace.¡±


    ¡°so, do you want the wedding to be a success or a failure?¡±


    as xu qing spoke, he turned around. his eyes gleamed as he looked into spirit phoenix¡¯s eyes.


    it was like lightning, penetrating spirit phoenix¡¯s mind and seeing through everything about her.


    his words were like millions of lightning bolts that rumbled and exploded.


    spirit phoenix¡¯s whole body trembled as she suddenly stood up, instinctively taking a few steps back.


    her heart was in turmoil, and her breath quickened in an instant. a tidal wave of consciousness surged within her, leaving her frozen in shock, staring at xu qing as if she had seen a ghost.


    the churning in her body had reached the limit.


    her scalp was already numb!


    ¡°you¡­ who are you?!¡±


    spirit phoenix was shocked.


    she really couldn¡¯t imagine that this young lord in front of her would actually point out everything and even call out her real name!


    all of this made something extremely obvious.


    he was an outsider!


    the young lord was actually an outsider!


    the surreal feeling drowned her entire body like a tide.


    this subverted her understanding and exceeded her imagination. it even exceeded the scope of thunder. however, the truth was right in front of her.


    ¡°you¡­¡±


    spirit phoenix¡¯s face instantly turned pale and her thoughts fell into incomparable chaos. she opened her mouth wanting to say something but didn¡¯t know what to say.


    looking at spirit phoenix with such an expression, xu qing was indifferent.


    ¡°i think you¡¯d prefer a successful wedding ceremony. this will allow you to complete your goal even better.¡±


    ¡°so, cooperate with me and i¡¯ll make your wedding a success.¡±


    ¡°if you refuse to cooperate, i will publicly reject this grand wedding, thereby altering history and creating waves!¡±


    ¡°tell me your answer before i walk out of this hall.¡±


    after xu qing finished speaking, he turned and walked toward the entrance of the hall.


    step by step, he got closer and closer.


    spirit phoenix¡¯s breathing didn¡¯t calm down. she looked at xu qing¡¯s back and the shock in her heart was still intense.


    when xu qing was about to walk out of the hall, spirit phoenix let out a long breath with a complicated expression.


    ¡°i¡¯ll cooperate!¡±


    she couldn¡¯t refuse.


    this was because at the end of the day, all her goals were pinned on the young lord.


    the young lord was the source.


    hence, from the start to the end, it was impossible for her to be an ally of the fourth true monarch.


    as long as the young lord said something, she had no choice but to obey!


    upon hearing spirit phoenix¡¯s answer, xu qing, who was standing beside the hall gate, felt no emotions.


    he was clear that after he revealed his identity, the other party had no choice at all.


    her purpose determined her standpoint.


    hence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°very good. tonight, i don¡¯t care how you do it. go and protect the fox beauty.¡±


    with that, xu qing took a step out of the main hall. in the wind, he looked in the direction of the fox beauty and muttered inwardly.


    ¡°fourth senior brother, since you want to fight a decisive battle, i¡¯ll fight a decisive battle with you tonight!¡±


    at this moment, a strong wind howled, blotting out the sky.


    it became a storm!

 Chapter 1641 - Chapter 1641: No More Pretending; It’s Time to Lay the Cards on the Table

    chapter 1641: no more pretending; it¡¯s time to lay the cards on the table


    editor: atlas studios


    a fierce wind howled, sweeping through the immortal palace.


    in the darkness, amidst the thunder and lightning, xu qing¡¯s figure pressed forward within the storm.


    though the heavenly secrets were in disarray, his heart remained steady.


    though the skies changed color, his spirit stood unwavering.


    the matter tonight was almost completely clear. the piece transformed from the daughter of the nine shores was the horn that signaled xu qing¡¯s turnaround, yet after this horn sounded, he still needed a spear.


    thus, his figure appeared outside the central area of the immortal palace, at the entrance of the cluster of halls surrounding the aurora palace. despite the terrifying divine senses scanning him, his pace did not slow in the slightest. he crossed the plaza directly, and when he finally halted, he stood before the aurora palace itself.


    the wind and rain here were even heavier. the rain poured down and fluttered in the wind, washing away the void and the limestone slabs on the ground.


    water splashed endlessly.


    amidst the lightning and thunder, xu qing lowered his head and bowed to the palace.


    ¡°father!¡±


    ¡°i have a few things to do tonight.¡±


    ¡°i want to use the marriage contract!¡±


    thunder rumbled but it couldn¡¯t shatter xu qing¡¯s voice.


    after this period of observation and judgment, he was very confident that his request could be satisfied.


    this was because the marriage contract originally belonged to the young lord!


    even though he had some hesitation at the start, after experiencing this, he didn¡¯t believe that¡­ as the immortal lord, aurora¡­ wouldn¡¯t know about what was happening within the immortal palace and about the outsiders!


    although this period of history was only a mirrored space-time, those existences in this space-time had extremely high levels. hence, xu qing didn¡¯t believe that those elders in the immortal palace wouldn¡¯t sense any abnormalities!


    however, from the start to the end, they chose to remain silent.


    they didn¡¯t interfere!


    regardless of whether it was the order or the changes, they didn¡¯t help or stop it.


    to a certain extent, silence meant tacit agreement!


    they tacitly allowed all actions to happen!


    hence, after combining his observations and judgment during this time, xu qing made this trip tonight!


    at that moment, his voice entered the palace and landed on the figure sitting cross-legged in the hall.


    the figure slowly opened its eyes. its left eye was pitch-black and its right eye was resplendent as it stared outside.


    a while later, the wind and rain stopped, the thunderclap stopped, and everything froze. a golden light slowly rose from under the aurora palace and floated in front of xu qing.


    it was a golden iron plate with the words ¡®marriage contract¡¯ engraved on it.


    it was the marriage contract between the young lord and fairy spirit phoenix.


    accompanying the marriage contract was aurora immortal lord¡¯s calm voice.


    ¡°there are some reasons why i can¡¯t help you with the matter you want to deal with.¡±


    ¡°you can handle it yourself.¡±


    ¡°after you¡¯re done, remember to go back early and rest.¡±


    xu qing lowered his head and agreed a moment later.


    he then took the marriage contract and turned to leave.


    the heavy rain was behind and the storm was in front.


    the storm tonight became even heavier as xu qing left. when the thunder rumbled for the third time, xu qing¡¯s figure had already appeared outside the academy in the immortal palace!


    xu qing was no stranger to the academy due to the young lord¡¯s memories.


    in his memory, the entire academy was composed of buildings made from immortal wood, with roofs covered in blue tiles. the surroundings were encircled by immortal trees, creating a serene environment. occasionally, there were small bridges and flowing streams, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.


    but now, in the dark night and the storm, the view was different.


    the trees were swaying violently, the flowing water was nowhere to be seen, and the small bridges were blurred by the rain. the buildings, however, emitted a gentle glow, as if isolated from the world.


    staring at the academy, xu qing took a step forward.


    he walked into the haziness and the gentle light. all the restrictions here didn¡¯t exist to him.


    with the status of the young lord, there were only a few areas in the entire immortal palace that he was not permitted to enter, but the academy was not one of them.


    as xu qing moved forward, he soon arrived in front of a closed row house, stopping at number 37 house.


    this row of houses was reserved for students in seclusion and served as a place of reflection for those punished by the teachers.


    thus, it was imbued with the majesty of the immortal palace, making it impossible to break through with brute force.


    in number 37, a figure was sitting cross-legged and meditating in the darkness.


    the instant xu qing appeared, he seemed to have sensed something and abruptly opened his eyes. he then turned his head and looked outside with a bewildered expression.


    ¡°you¡­¡±


    almost at the same time that his voice rang out, lightning flashed, instantly illuminating the ground and illuminating the two people separated by the door to varying degrees.


    xu qing was outside the door.


    the person inside was heaven¡¯s chosen li.


    ¡°young lord!¡±


    heaven¡¯s chosen li blinked and revealed a bitter expression.


    during this time, he was incomparably anxious and hated the fourth true monarch even more.


    the other party¡¯s obstruction caused him to fail in getting close to the young lord. according to his original plan, getting close to the young lord was only the first step. in the future, he would need to constantly pay attention to the young lord¡¯s actions and see the true history.


    this was the direction of his ordinance.


    his ordinance was fog, and this fog was bizarre. it wasn¡¯t fog in the conventional sense but came from history.


    the fog of history was the essence of his ordinance.


    the clearer he saw history, the more he could dispel the fog. as for the fog that was dispelled, it would be absorbed by his ordinance and become his law.


    unfortunately, he was restrained in the very first step.


    now, he could only watch helplessly as he was sealed here and wait for this time period to end.


    he could leave early but he was unwilling.


    hence, when he saw the young lord¡¯s figure, his bitter voice rang out.


    ¡°young lord, it¡¯s not that i don¡¯t want to go to the myriad beast garden, but i was schemed against and was punished to stay here¡­ i¡­¡±


    ¡°heaven¡¯s chosen li.¡±


    xu qing calmly interrupted the other party¡¯s explanation.


    he didn¡¯t have time to listen to the other party¡¯s words. his words were like sharp blades, breaking through heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s mental barrier.


    ¡°previously, you would rather cause waves in space-time to get close to me, attempting to disrupt your predetermined path of seclusion. that was also the first step of your plan, wasn¡¯t it?


    i don¡¯t care who you are or what your motive is.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m only asking you. do you want to succeed? do you want to come out?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s calm voice instantly surpassed the rumbling of heavenly lightning in the outside world in heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s ears, exploding in his mind.


    his pupils instantly constricted and the bitterness he displayed earlier instantly dissipated completely, transforming into disbelief.


    ¡°who are you!¡±


    heaven¡¯s chosen li took a deep breath and tried his best to calm down. he stared at xu qing and asked in a low voice.


    xu qing didn¡¯t answer. instead, he turned and walked out. at the same time, he waved his hand and the door that sealed heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s escape route silently opened.


    the wind and rain surged in, accompanied by xu qing¡¯s voice.


    ¡°no matter what your goal is in the fourth realm, i can make you succeed or fail.¡±


    ¡°now, i want you to do something.¡±


    ¡°go and assassinate the fourth true monarch and get him to personally break one of your arms.¡±


    xu qing left.


    thunder rumbled. in house 37, heaven¡¯s chosen li fell silent.


    after a while, he slowly lifted his head. the waves in his heart were still intense. the young lord was actually an outsider. this answer shocked him and at the same time, he felt a strong sense of powerlessness.


    the underlying threat in the other party¡¯s words, if spoken by someone else, would be just a threat, with no guarantee of being carried out.


    however, if it came from the young lord¡­


    ¡°i can only believe it¡­¡±


    heaven¡¯s chosen li took a deep breath. a cold glint flashed in his eyes as he stepped out of the open door!


    ¡­


    space-time fluctuated!


    in history, he was someone who should have entered closed-door cultivation until the calamity descended and died in his closed-door cultivation.


    now, he became the young lord¡¯s helper.


    he also became the caretaker of the myriad beast garden.


    he was no longer in seclusion, and would attempt to assassinate the fourth true monarch.


    his arm would even be cut off by the fourth true monarch.


    such waves would completely change the trajectory of this character¡¯s history.


    ¡°this is the first layer of waves tonight!¡±


    ¡°next is li mengtu.¡±


    in the dark night, in the wind and rain, xu qing¡¯s figure moved forward and left the academy. when he reappeared¡­ he was already outside zhong chi¡¯s residence.


    at the same time, outside the thunder punishment palace, in the courtyard of the fox beauty.


    the fox beauty¡¯s entire body trembled and her eyes were bloodshot. the suppression from the god searing token allowed her to sense the terrifying power emitted by it.


    this token was an item specially used in the fifth star ring to suppress gods. it contained incomparably astonishing power.


    even though she was infinitely close to the divine platform, her soul still trembled under this god searing token.


    she could even sense that this power of the god searing seemed to really be able to affect her main body.


    in front of her, the fourth true monarch had a calm expression as he sat cross-legged.


    he coldly looked at the struggling fox beauty and calmly spoke.


    ¡°we¡¯re almost halfway through the night. i¡¯m very curious. is there really someone behind you that i guessed¡­ hmm?¡±


    before he could finish speaking, his eyes suddenly flashed as he turned his head and looked in the direction of the academy.


    the chaotic commotion there attracted his attention. however, his gaze only landed there for a moment before he retracted it and looked at¡­ the gate of the courtyard.


    thunder rumbled in the sky as the carriage of the daughter of the nine shores arrived amidst the wind and lightning.


    fairy spirit phoenix stepped out with a grim expression. as soon as she revealed herself, before the fourth true monarch could speak, she had already seized the initiative and spoke first.


    ¡°true monarch, why are you treating my senior sister like this!¡±


    as soon as she finished speaking, the black-armored guards behind her had already stepped into the courtyard, enveloping the surroundings.


    a strange glint appeared in the fourth true monarch¡¯s eyes, and an unexpected emotion arose in his heart.


    ¡°i¡¯m very surprised that it¡¯s you.¡±


    the spirit phoenix¡¯s eyes were filled with killing intent as she spoke resolutely.


    ¡°fox beauty is my master¡¯s disciple and also my senior sister. since she encountered this matter, i naturally have to come!¡±


    ¡°when was this identity decided?¡± the fourth true monarch slowly spoke.


    he had used xie lingzi¡¯s betrayal to shatter the fox beauty¡¯s identity. however, now, she was given a new identity by spirit phoenix.


    ¡°it was decided long ago. if you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask my father. anyway, if i say it is true, then it is true.¡±


    spirit phoenix took a step forward and arrived in front of the fox beauty. with a wave of her hand, she helped move the power of the god searing token away a little.


    the fox beauty heaved a sigh of relief and chuckled.


    ¡°i almost thought the lord wasn¡¯t going to save me.¡±


    spirit phoenix stood proudly, ignoring her.


    looking at everything, the fourth true monarch fell silent. in the end, he smiled and looked at spirit phoenix meaningfully.


    ¡°i really didn¡¯t expect that you would save her!¡±


    ¡°however, your appearance finally allowed me to see through the enigma of this matter clearly.¡±


    ¡°either you¡¯re the mastermind i¡¯m waiting for, or if you¡¯re not, then i can roughly guess who the true mastermind is.¡±


    ¡°unexpected, truly unexpected¡­¡±


    ¡°an identity that can¡¯t be obtained was actually obtained¡­¡±


    the fourth true monarch slowly stood up and muttered hoarsely with a dazed gaze.

 Chapter 1642 - Chapter 1642: Young Lord’s Might

    chapter 1642: young lord¡¯s might


    editor: atlas studios


    the answer had always been obscured by a thin layer of mist.


    the arrival of the nine shores¡¯ daughter stirred the winds, causing the mist to churn, and thus the truth became easier to glimpse, naturally.


    yet, the mist had not fully dispersed, so everything still appeared like a flower seen through fog.


    even though he knew it was a flower, because the matter concerned his own ordinance, he couldn¡¯t help but hold onto a sliver of wishful thinking.


    this was caused by human nature.


    star ring was no exception.


    this was the reason why his eyes were dazed and his voice was hoarse.


    he was also aware that if the truth was what he saw at this moment, he had no chance of winning this battle.


    he understood that since the other party had revealed their cards tonight, it meant that the final battle had begun!


    ¡°i can¡¯t win, but i have a certain possibility¡­ of not losing!¡±


    a dark glint flashed in the fourth true monarch¡¯s eyes as killing intent churned within. he didn¡¯t bother with fairy spirit phoenix or the fox beauty.


    his body swayed as he walked forward.


    to him, these two were no longer important.


    time was the most important factor to him now, so he couldn¡¯t waste the little time on others.


    the fox beauty¡¯s gaze froze. she wanted to stop him, but the pressure from the god searing token forced her to stop. hence, she looked at fairy spirit phoenix.


    ¡°junior sister, this person seems to be in a hurry. why don¡¯t we stop him?¡±


    when fairy spirit phoenix heard this, her eyes flickered. however, in the end¡­ she didn¡¯t stop him.


    ¡°the mission that person gave me was only to protect the fox beauty.¡±


    spirit phoenix narrowed her eyes and allowed the fourth true monarch¡¯s figure to walk out of the courtyard and disappear into the storm.


    thunder rumbled.


    its sound spread in all directions.


    ¡­


    boom boom boom!


    xu qing¡¯s figure appeared outside zhong chi¡¯s residence. he listened to the sound of thunder and walked in.


    in an instant, this residence became blurry. the array formations and restrictions inside could stop others but they couldn¡¯t stop xu qing at all.


    in the blink of an eye, xu qing had already appeared in the residence and was standing in front of zhong chi, who was sitting cross-legged and meditating.


    lightning flashed outside, illuminating the world and also the residence. when zhong chi suddenly opened his eyes, it revealed a hint of confusion in them.


    ¡°young lord?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s appearance surprised zhong chi. at that moment, he instinctively stood up and was about to bow when a gentle force spread out from xu qing¡¯s body, causing him to be unable to bow.


    amidst his bewilderment, xu qing walked to the window of the house and looked at the storm outside. he listened to the thunder and felt the strong wind blowing over. his expression was calm as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°li mengtu!¡±


    the instant these words came out of xu qing¡¯s mouth, it was also when the thunder outside was at its loudest. hence, it seemed like the thunder in the outside world landed in zhong chi¡¯s heart.


    it shook his consciousness and rumbled in his mind.


    this caused his expression to change drastically and waves of emotions surged in his heart. just as he was about to speak, xu qing¡¯s voice was still echoing like thunder.


    ¡°i¡¯ve seen through your goal.¡±


    ¡°you are using your ordinance to subtly and gradually poison the body you inhabit, aiming to kill it.¡±


    ¡°however, because this is a mere consciousness descending and the body you occupy is no ordinary one, it has been difficult to meet the conditions for poisoning prematurely. so, you planned to use a pivotal moment in history, leveraging the turbulence of its waves, to trigger your ordinance¡¯s poison.¡±


    ¡°your goal was to change the inevitable death that should have come from the calamity, and instead make it so that your host is killed by your poison.¡±


    ¡°by doing this, you would embed your poison within the weight of history itself, allowing it to emerge even before your master in the course of events.¡±


    ¡°in doing so, regardless of how this historical mirror-image unfolds, you would have gained a weapon for your future battle with your master.¡±


    ¡°if history becomes reality, your poison will have gained a true foundation. if history remains a mere mirror-image, then even so, you will have forged a phantom foundation.¡±


    ¡°this would serve to aid you in refining your mind from here on.¡±


    ¡°it is a good idea!¡±


    xu qing turned his head with a calm gaze and looked at zhong chi.


    his words caused the rumbling in zhong chi¡¯s heart to continue rising. in the end, it reached its peak and became a deafening sound.


    his breathing instantly became hurried and the respect in his eyes from before was replaced by a hint of sharpness.


    however, in the depths of that sharpness, the disbelief was still extremely obvious.


    at that moment, he was the same as fairy spirit phoenix and heaven¡¯s chosen li. at the same time, his thoughts were the same as the fourth true monarch¡¯s.


    a character that couldn¡¯t be replaced was actually replaced¡­


    he was in a daze and shock.


    in the blink of an eye, the might of the poison ordinance rose from his entire body. he stared fixedly at xu qing and suppressed the waves in his heart, quickly calming down.


    a myriad of thoughts ran through his mind as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°who are you!¡±


    ¡°the moment i called out your name, you should have guessed it.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    zhong chi fell silent. he indeed had some guesses because of his identity. he had once told the earth spirit ancestor to pass on his message to xu qing.


    but now, as he recalled scene after scene with this young lord before him, he found it increasingly difficult to distinguish between them.


    his own true identity wasn¡¯t that hard to guess. the poison¡­ was the most obvious clue.


    he was about to speak.


    however, at this moment, thunder rumbled outside again.


    xu qing sensed it and looked outside.


    he had many things to do tonight. it would take time for him to explain everything to zhong chi, so he spoke decisively.


    ¡°i have a better way to let you complete your goal!¡±


    as he spoke, xu qing lifted his hand and took out a special jade token. just as he was about to engrave it, he thought of something and looked at zhong chi.


    ¡°give your poison ordinance the most primitive name!¡±


    zhong chi¡¯s eyes narrowed. as the young lord¡¯s study companion, he naturally recognized that jade token and knew that it was the young lord¡¯s decree token.


    his heartbeat instantly sped up as he vaguely guessed what the other party wanted to do.


    this conjecture was something he had dreamed of before, but because of his status, he couldn¡¯t do it.


    hence, although he was surprised by the person in front of him, he still spoke immediately.


    ¡°dreamsoil poison!¡±


    xu qing nodded. after that, he imprinted the jade token with his divine sense.


    ¡°immortal palace¡¯s disciple zhong chi, through the creation of his dreamsoil poison ordinance, has safeguarded the life of the young lord and performed meritorious deeds in his rescue!¡±


    ¡°thus, he is granted special permission to establish the poison dao department in the junior aurora hall, to promote and develop his unique poison. his poison will become a regular item of the immortal palace¡¯s disciples, and this decree shall be announced to the world!¡±


    as his divine sense echoed, zhong chi¡¯s mind rumbled like never before.


    he was clear¡­


    this was a formal conferment!


    it was the recognition and legitimization of his identity and the foundation of his poison ordinance. this method was far more direct, grand, and profound than his previous plan to poison himself.


    the two approaches were simply incomparable.


    as the decree was branded, the waves of space-time instantly surged here and exploded together with the lightning in the outside world.


    ¡°after tonight, remember to come to junior aurora hall and build your poison dao department.¡±


    xu qing sensed the space-time fluctuations here and threw the jade token in his hand toward zhong chi.


    zhong chi grabbed it. at that moment, the trance in his heart was even more obvious. he wanted to say something but didn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°lastly, release a portion of your poison to me. remember¡­ make it potent, intense. after all, how else are you going to guard me?¡±


    throughout the entire time, xu qing¡¯s expression remained calm. after speaking, he looked at zhong chi.


    without hesitation, zhong chi raised his hand and slashed across his chest, causing a gush of blood to spurt out.


    the blood was black.


    he then infused it with a trace of his own consciousness, connecting it to his poison ordinance, making the poison within the blood reach a potent level.


    only then did he pass it to xu qing.


    xu qing took it and took a look.


    ¡°it seems that your understanding of vegetation is far from complete. even though i returned the poison ordinance to you long ago, it hasn¡¯t grown much since.¡±


    xu qing shook his head as he took a step outside, his figure vanishing into the wind and rain.


    inside the house, zhong chi exhaled deeply, gazing outside as xu qing¡¯s words echoed in his mind. after a long while, he let out a bitter laugh.


    ¡°xu qing, you¡¯ve hidden well¡­ very well.¡±


    ¡­


    in the immortal palace, the storm became even heavier. as the rain poured down, the waves in the sky caused by the chaos of the heavenly secrets appeared again.


    half of it suddenly turned red.


    half of it was still pitch-black!


    in the pitch-black area, the fourth true monarch¡¯s figure rushed forward. his target was none other than zhong chi. the waves there were like torches in his eyes.


    however, just as his figure shuttled through, a patch of fog that had fused into the night silently spread out and blocked in front of him!


    the fourth true monarch stopped in his tracks.


    from the fog ahead, heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s figure slowly walked out. his eyes flickered with battle intent as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°star ring, where are you going in such a hurry?¡±


    ¡­


    in the pitch-black darkness, the fighting was intense.


    amidst the red glow, xu qing moved forward.


    he could sense that the entire space-time of the immortal palace was forming waves with his actions.


    at the start, by changing the trajectory of heaven¡¯s chosen li, some ordinary waves were formed.


    however, with the existence of the fox beauty, the waves increased a little.


    after that, li mengtu¡¯s changes and the decree gave more momentum to these waves.


    ¡°next, heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s severed arm will become a fixed reality.¡±


    ¡°then, the decree¡¯s content will take effect, increasing the waves in space-time.¡±


    ¡°but¡­ it¡¯s still not enough.¡±


    as xu qing moved forward, his divine sense landed on the poisonous blood in his hand.


    in this world, other than li mengtu and his master, there was someone else who understood li mengtu¡¯s poison ordinance. in fact, to a certain extent, he understood it better than li mengtu.


    this person was naturally xu qing.


    at that moment, he was fusing his comprehension into the poisonous blood. he also relied on his host body to augment it again, causing the poison¡­ to be even more potent.


    after that, he appeared in the thunder punishment palace outside gongsun qingmu¡¯s hall.


    the moment he appeared, gongsun qingmu, who was sitting cross-legged and meditating in the hall, suddenly opened his eyes. his eyes were bright and carried a hint of surprise. through the door of the hall, he sensed outside.


    he could sense who the person outside the door was.


    on this night, he had been prepared for someone to come looking for him at any time. he also had full confidence in dealing with everything.


    however, he never expected that the person who came looking for him¡­ was actually the young lord!


    at this moment, just like the others, his mind churned.


    the wind and rain howled, and red clouds scattered its light. thunder rumbled.


    xu qing, who was outside the door, didn¡¯t stand on ceremony and took a step forward.


    the door of the hall shattered. when countless broken pieces of wood flowed in with the wind and rain, xu qing¡¯s figure also stepped into the hall and stood in front of gongsun qingmu.


    he looked down, speaking calmly.


    ¡°betrayal is your dao.¡±


    ¡°but it won¡¯t work with me!¡±

 Chapter 1643 - Chapter 1643: Gongsun’s Death, Sword Furnace Shocked

    chapter 1643: gongsun¡¯s death, sword furnace shocked


    editor: atlas studios


    the sound of wind and rain, accompanied by the mournful wail of the storm and the constant patter of raindrops hitting the eaves, echoed through the silent hall.


    it served as the backdrop to xu qing¡¯s words, amplifying the weight and authority in his voice.


    as the lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the earth, its brightness also flooded the hall, casting light on xu qing¡¯s towering figure.


    his shadow stretched long and vast, completely enveloping gongsun qingmu.


    it became an overwhelming pressure!


    gongsun qingmu¡¯s mind fluctuated and his expression instantly turned solemn.


    under this pressure, he slowly lifted his head and stared at the young lord.


    the other party¡¯s arrival was beyond his expectations. he had anticipated the appearance of many others this night, but never could he have imagined that it would be the young lord, who had always shown no signs of anything out of the ordinary.


    the other party¡¯s words were like a sharp blade that stabbed into his heart and didn¡¯t dissipate for a long time.


    countless thoughts churned in his mind and finally condensed into a hoarse voice.


    ¡°young lord, i don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying.¡±


    the moment the words were spoken, a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes, locking onto the figure before him.


    ¡°you don¡¯t understand?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was calm. he didn¡¯t care about the glint in gongsun qingmu¡¯s eyes at all and calmly spoke.


    ¡°gongsun qingmu received a secret decree from the young lord to act as necessary. everything you have done, before and after, has a reason, and all of it has a foundation.¡±


    ¡°all your acts of betrayal will be attributed to tasks assigned by me.¡±


    ¡°you disclosed the secrets of the immortal palace¡ªthat was done at my behest, to draw out all hidden enemies.¡±


    ¡°you stole treasures from the immortal palace¡ªthat was also my order, to test the palace¡¯s defenses.¡±


    ¡°even if you go on a mad killing spree within the immortal palace, i can find justification for that as well.¡±


    ¡°so, do you want to give it a try?¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, gongsun qingmu¡¯s entire body trembled and his expression turned extremely unsightly.


    for him, this move was like a fatal blow.


    this would cause his betrayal to have no foundation.


    after all¡­ the young lord¡¯s personal testimony would be the most direct evidence!


    in this way, all of his actions could no longer be considered betrayal!


    at the same time, a shocking realization began to take shape in gongsun qingmu¡¯s mind¡ªa storm of suspicion that perhaps the young lord before him was an outsider.


    yet the pressure from xu qing did not relent. at that moment, xu qing leaned slightly forward, locking eyes with gongsun qingmu.


    ¡°in front of me, your betrayal will become a meritorious deed.¡±


    ¡°and if i say you have made a contribution, then your betrayal becomes meaningless!¡±


    ¡°if this were a continuation of a millennium, i might not have the time to waste. but in this fourth realm, only a few days remain.¡±


    ¡°in these few days, tell me¡­ can i make it so that your past betrayals, present betrayals, and future betrayals all fail?¡±


    with each of xu qing¡¯s words, they landed heavily on gongsun qingmu¡¯s heart, intensifying the dangerous aura surrounding him.


    behind him, the void distorted. in a blur, an iron sword that contained a terrifying aura slowly formed. sword intent seemed to be about to erupt at any moment.


    xu qing¡¯s expression remained calm, showing no concern for gongsun qingmu¡¯s aura and actions, which hinted at a potential attack. instead, he shifted his gaze away from his opponent and focused on the broken sword.


    ¡°are you planning to assassinate me and thus create a betrayal?¡±


    ¡°unless you have the ability to instantly kill me, otherwise¡­ this is just a ruse i ordered you to carry out.¡±


    ¡°of course, to protect you, i will next order your confinement until the wedding calamity arrives.¡±


    ¡°so whether your betrayal is successful or not depends on whether i allow it.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    gongsun qingmu¡¯s expression was gloomy and he remained quiet.


    the sense of oppression continued to spread in his heart and came out hoarsely again.


    ¡°young lord didn¡¯t come here just to say this, right?¡±


    at that moment, thunder rumbled outside. xu qing lifted his hand and grabbed at the iron sword that had manifested behind gongsun qingmu.


    gongsun qingmu hesitated for a moment but didn¡¯t stop him.


    hence, that sword instantly headed straight for xu qing. xu qing clamped on its edge with two fingers of his right hand.


    after taking a closer look, his voice rang out amidst the lingering sounds of thunder from the outside world, as though it was continuing the intent of thunder.


    ¡°this sword¡ªif stained with my blood and paired with my testimony accusing you of assassination¡­ would you say that such an act is not the greatest betrayal within the palace, second only to plotting against the immortal lord?¡±


    ¡°such a treacherous act of attempting to assassinate the young lord should bring you quite some benefit, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±


    as he spoke, xu qing¡¯s finger slid across the blade and a drop of blood flowed out of the wound. the instant it landed on the sword, it instantly buzzed.


    it was clearly excited.


    moreover, the space-time waves here were also rumbling at this moment. they were even more intense than before.


    however, it was only an illusion and didn¡¯t succeed. it still needed¡­ permission and verification.


    however, gongsun qingmu¡¯s mind was churning intensely. this was because he could sense the intensity of this betrayal and also felt that once this betrayal was successful, it would be greatly beneficial to him.


    hence, his breathing hastened slightly as he looked at xu qing.


    ¡°this is the betrayal i prepared for you, one that could have allowed you to succeed while also securing your own survival.¡±


    ¡°but you took the wrong path.¡±


    xu qing coldly looked at gongsun qingmu.


    gongsun qingmu fell silent. he naturally knew what the other party was referring to by saying that he had taken the wrong path.


    that was the act of him taking back the identity of the fox beauty.


    however, he also felt helpless. after all, who would have thought that an identity that couldn¡¯t be obtained would be obtained by someone?


    he already understood that the person in front of him was an outsider and also understood that the possibility of star ring¡­ succeeding was slim.


    hence, he became decisive and stood up without hesitation, bowing deeply to xu qing.


    ¡°young lord, how should i make up for it?¡±


    xu qing lifted his hand and threw the pill bottle containing li mengtu¡¯s poison over.


    after that, he took out a jade token and imprinted it with his divine sense.


    ¡°gongsun qingmu of the thunder punishment palace colluded with foreign enemies, betraying the immortal palace and attempting to assassinate me. zhong chi used his self-created poison to protect me, causing gongsun qingmu¡¯s assassination to fail. he even poisoned gongsun qingmu to death!¡±


    ¡°nevertheless, gongsun qingmu had prepared for years and left a clone outside. therefore, i hereby issue a warrant across the entire fifth star ring¡ªgongsun qingmu is now a wanted man!¡±


    after the decree was imprinted, xu qing let go of the blood-stained iron sword and allowed it to return. he then walked out and didn¡¯t look at gongsun qingmu again.


    as for gongsun qingmu¡¯s choice¡­


    he had no choice.


    hence, the instant xu qing walked out of the main hall and stepped into the wind and rain, in the main hall behind him, gongsun qingmu let out a long sigh. there was a complicated look in his eyes as he swallowed the poison in his hand in one gulp.


    he indeed had no choice.


    facing the identity of the young lord, if he didn¡¯t comply, the other party had too many ways to make his trip fail.


    even if the fourth true monarch personally told his disciple¡¯s betrayal, if the young lord so wished¡­


    he could instantly turn the tables.


    as such, it was impossible for him to resist.


    hence, there was only one path in front of him.


    as the poison spread, gongsun qingmu¡¯s body trembled and his face gradually turned pitch-black.


    this poison was originally li mengtu¡¯s ordinance. after being augmented by xu qing, its might was already astonishing. in addition, gongsun qingmu had given up on resisting and saving himself.


    hence, this eruption was incomparably smooth and violent.


    a while later, when xu qing¡¯s figure completely disappeared into the wind and rain, lightning flashed. gongsun qingmu, who was meditating cross-legged in the main hall, lowered his head.


    he died!


    dao vanished, soul fallen!


    xie lingzi¡¯s consciousness was instantly driven out of the fourth realm!


    just as xu qing had said, he could have continued to stay but the path he chose was wrong. hence, he could only swallow poison.


    the instant he died¡­


    two space-time waves had fully formed in this immortal palace!


    space-time rumbled and transformed into a storm that shook the surroundings.


    first wave came from what happened here; the betrayal of gongsun qingmu¡¯s assassination. with a foundation, it was a foregone conclusion.


    hence, a vast wave appeared.


    as for the other one, it was from zhong chi.


    the decree xu qing had left for zhong chi had become a closed loop at this moment!


    the guarding was successful!


    hence, the space-time storm became increasingly intense, transforming into a vortex that was like a space-time flower that bloomed resplendently in this thunderous night.


    within the stamen, xu qing walked forward in the vortex.


    the direction he headed in was the¡­ sword furnace where qianjun and piyi were at!


    that was xu qing¡¯s last destination tonight!


    as he got closer, space-time waves continued to form from everyone.


    the space-time wave from heaven¡¯s chosen li suddenly stirred. space-time had changed and the wave had formed!


    xu qing turned his head and looked into the distance.


    ¡°heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s arm is broken.¡±


    at that moment, a large amount of space-time sand began to form around xu qing. with him as the center, it shone with a dazzling light, causing xu qing¡¯s figure to reveal an illusory intent.


    xu qing retracted his gaze and continued forward.


    it was as though he was walking in time. step by step, he arrived at the sword furnace.


    he saw the sword furnace!


    that sword furnace stood in the array formation. its entire body was pitch-black and emitted an inexplicable might.


    there was even more lightning here than elsewhere. bolts of lightning descended continuously like heavenly tribulations, bombarding the sword furnace.


    every time it landed, it would form countless electric arcs and a portion of them would fall like a waterfall.


    from afar, this scene could be described as vast and incomparably profound.


    the array formation on the ground was drowned by the electric arcs like a thunder pool.


    there was also a sharp sword energy that erupted from the sword furnace, as though it was about to transform and break out of its cocoon!


    ¡°compared to others, your concealment method is simple and extraordinary. you actually hid it in the sword embryos.¡±


    ¡°if it wasn¡¯t for the many waves during this time, it wouldn¡¯t have been easy to find you.¡±


    ¡°what¡¯s even more interesting is that the two of you actually took this opportunity to form early.¡±


    xu qing stared at the sword furnace and calmly spoke.


    when his voice entered the sword furnace, qianjun and piyi inside instantly trembled. what shocked them even more was xu qing¡¯s next sentence.


    ¡°that¡¯s good too. it¡¯ll be more convenient for you to recognize a master!¡±


    as qianjun and piyi¡¯s minds shook upon hearing those words, lightning flashed in the distant sky like a silver snake.


    amidst the countless bolts of lightning, the fourth true monarch¡¯s figure transformed into a rainbow that rushed toward the sword furnace.


    amid the lightning, his expression was gloomy and the killing intent in his eyes had reached its peak!

 Chapter 1644 - Chapter 1644: Measure Square Rule Compass

    chapter 1644: measure square rule compass


    editor: atlas studios


    amidst the flashes of lightning and roars of thunder, the figure of the fourth true monarch tore through the sky, shattering the void.


    his speed was astonishing, like a spear capable of piercing the heavens and earth, wrapped in endless lightning.


    he surged forward with an overwhelming force.


    in the midst of the thunderous boom, he shattered the barriers of the sword furnace with ease. as the cracks spread and the barrier crumbled with a crackling sound, his figure suddenly appeared, standing resolutely within the storm and rain.


    he stood beside the sword furnace!


    he stood in front of xu qing!


    the aura he stirred swept in all directions, as though it was stirring up a storm here.


    xu qing¡¯s clothes and long hair fluttered in the storm. however, his figure was like a mountain and he didn¡¯t take half a step back.


    he calmly looked at the fourth true monarch who had appeared in front of him and spoke.


    ¡°fourth senior brother is in such a good mood tonight.¡±


    ¡°as expected, it¡¯s you!¡±


    a hoarse voice filled with complicated thoughts slowly rang out from the fourth true monarch¡¯s mouth.


    as his voice echoed, a large amount of lightning swam around the fourth true monarch¡¯s body. finally, it spread to the ground through his legs and spread in all directions.


    his eyes instantly¡­ locked onto xu qing. the last shred of hope in his heart shattered completely.


    as turbulent thoughts surged within him, his expression grew increasingly grim, and the murderous intent in his gaze reached an unprecedented intensity.


    ¡°in terms of hiding yourself, you have indeed surprised me greatly¡­¡±


    the fourth true monarch lifted his foot and took a step toward xu qing.


    ¡°the rumors from before were spread by you!¡±


    ¡°after that, i used xie lingzi to set up a trap to lure you out, but you threw the fox beauty out.¡±


    the fourth true monarch took another step.


    ¡°i arranged for yuanshan su to make a move and you relied on your alliance with xie lingzi to grant the fox beauty an identity, causing me to fail in driving her away.¡±


    ¡°after that, i unveiled everything, successfully inciting xie lingzi to rebel, while you¡­ forced yuanshan su to bow, allowed zhong chi to succeed, compelled xie lingzi to take his own life, and had heaven¡¯s chosen li obstruct me.¡±


    ¡°i admit that your methods are indeed ingenious!¡±


    ¡°after all, an identity that cannot be obtained being overturned means that in this decisive battle, i have already lost any chance of victory.


    ¡°even at this moment, as long as i make a move here¡­ it will create waves!¡±


    ¡°i think this is also within your calculations.¡±


    the fourth true monarch took his third step.


    he knew very well that in this fourth realm, his identity and that of the other party were not meant to clash in normal history. therefore, once he made a move, waves would inevitably arise.


    moreover, as the battle continued and injuries appeared, the waves would only grow larger.


    ¡°but¡­ in this game, i also have an option that won¡¯t lead to defeat!¡±


    the moment the fourth true monarch¡¯s fourth step landed, his aura rumbled and heavenly lightning exploded in all directions. a terrifying aura suddenly rose.


    the killing intent in his eyes erupted explosively as he headed straight for xu qing!


    his option to avoid defeat was to expel xu qing¡¯s consciousness!


    as long as he could achieve that, even though he had already failed in maintaining order, expelling his opponent would mean he hadn¡¯t truly lost.


    moreover, there was still a chance to turn the tide later on!


    after all, the key moment in this fourth realm was the day of the grand wedding!


    as his voice echoed, his aura rose and his figure rushed out. chains formed by his ordinance of order appeared out of thin air.


    there were tens of thousands of iron chains densely packed together.


    it filled the world and emitted a resplendent light, causing the night sky where the sword furnace was to become brighter and the lightning to dim. everything paled in comparison to the order.


    not only that, but behind the fourth true monarch, layers upon layers of formations rumbled into existence.


    there were a total of nine layers, each more complex and vast than the last, shining with different colors of light.


    among them were the seven colors of the rainbow, as well as black and white.


    the nine colors and nine formations spun in unison, emanating terrifying pressure that shook the heavens and earth.


    coupled with the countless iron chains and the fourth true monarch¡¯s own power, all of it surged toward xu qing, seeking to suppress him.


    he went all out!


    at the same time, in the sword furnace, qianjun and piyi who were shocked by xu qing¡¯s words clearly sensed the changes in the outside world.


    ¡°whether the young lord is an outsider like us¡­¡±


    ¡°for us, now is the last and best opportunity!¡±


    ¡°while they are fighting, let¡¯s go all out and activate the immortal swords to take shape!¡±


    ¡°afterward, whatever happens here will have nothing to do with us. even if they shatter time and space or cause chaos among themselves, we will bear no consequence or karma from it!¡±


    ¡°the fortune of the fourth that belongs to us is about to be within our grasp!¡±


    in the sword furnace, qianjun and piyi communicated with their divine senses. after that, they seized the opportunity and erupted with all their might. they spared no expense to urge the formation of the immortal swords, causing its speed to increase dramatically.


    in an instant, the sword furnace rumbled and the sword energy inside surged into the sky.


    the immortal swords were about to be born!


    a sharp glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he naturally saw the changes in the sword furnace and understood that the other party wanted to take advantage of the battle between him and star ring to take form in advance and avoid karma.


    at the same time, he was even more clear that if he were outside, he wouldn¡¯t be a match for star ring.


    as the number one star, the ordinance he had self-comprehended was profound. he was also a peak ruler and was half-step into the great emperor realm.


    he even had the battle record of defeating a great emperor¡­


    however, this was the fourth realm.


    the host¡¯s body could make up for the weakness of his insufficient cultivation.


    even though the other party was in the fourth true monarch¡¯s body and could unleash strength that surpassed his own, the space-time waves in the surroundings were also xu qing¡¯s weapons.


    being in these waves was also the most suitable battlefield for him.


    in addition¡­ the host¡¯s identity was also a weapon.


    hence, in the face of the incoming fourth true monarch, xu qing lifted his right hand and waved it. immediately, an invisible space-time storm rumbled and exploded in front of him.


    this caused the iron chains that rushed over to turn blurry.


    at the same time, space-time sand floated in front of xu qing, enveloping his entire body, allowing his existence to fuse into space-time.


    he became blurry.


    ¡°your plan is indeed exquisite, but your weakness¡­ is that you¡¯re too weak!¡±


    the fourth true monarch stared at xu qing and pointed at the sky.


    immediately, the speed of the nine-layer array formations that had appeared earlier increased greatly. a vortex formed with a rumbling sound and an ancient aura spread out from the vortex.


    a cyan stone tablet was drawn out of the vortex.


    the moment it appeared, it gave off a dense feeling of time and vastness.


    there were unknown, profound words flowing like runes on the stone tablet.


    the surrounding chains of order trembled even more. the power of order soared at this moment.


    it was as though this stone tablet was one of the origins of order!


    at that moment, it was drawn out by the fourth true monarch and became the core of the array formation. it then pressed down toward xu qing.


    ¡°with order as law, expel!¡±


    heaven and earth changed color, winds surged, and the cyan stone tablet roared, spiraling with the vortex of formations. carrying the might of order, it emanated the power of expulsion, pressing down on xu qing with overwhelming force.


    the space-time waves also showed signs of dissipating in front of it.


    even if xu qing fused into space-time, he wouldn¡¯t be able to hide.


    he was about to be completely suppressed.


    xu qing suddenly lifted his head and spoke softly.


    ¡°fourth senior brother, your actions upon arriving here¡­ have been too much. you¡¯ve already stepped into the chaotic sea of my space-time.¡±


    as he spoke, he lifted his hand and waved it gently forward.


    it stirred the sand of time that permeated the surroundings, causing the sand to drift away.


    they collided and swayed, forming different timelines.


    they were disordered timelines.


    time didn¡¯t just speed up the passage of time, reverse the flow of time, or freeze moments.


    there was also a deeper manifestation.


    it was like a long river of nothingness, omnipresent.


    however, it wasn¡¯t fixed or unchanging. whether influenced by external forces or other alterations, time could undergo various changes.


    for example, the time desert formed by aurora immortal lord¡¯s wife¡¯s life soul treasure.


    what was displayed was time branching.


    ¡°those who enter my chaotic sea will have to withstand the power of time. every move of yours will form a disordered timeline. in the countless timelines, you will either die or go crazy!¡±


    a cold glint rose in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°entering the sea is bitter, so much so that there¡¯s no end to calamities. hence, it¡¯s called¡­ seamless!¡±


    the moment his voice echoed, on every iron chain in the surroundings, on every rune of the array formation, even on the cyan stone tablet that was descending, and even the fourth true monarch¡¯s main body.


    at this moment¡­ as the space-time sand spread and collided, countless time threads appeared.


    it wrapped around them all, causing the iron chains, array formations, cyan tablet, and the fourth true monarch to distort and blur until they overlapped.


    the chaotic sea of space-time erupted.


    using chaos to fight order!


    facing this chaotic sea, the fourth true monarch, who was surrounded by countless timelines, stared at xu qing with a sharp glint in his eyes.


    ¡°such a method to break the order¡­¡±


    ¡°if it¡¯s in the outside world, it will indeed cause some trouble for me.¡±


    ¡°however, do you know why i inhabited the fourth true monarch¡¯s body?¡±


    the fourth true monarch lifted his foot and took a step forward. as a rumbling sound rang out, ripples appeared in the chaotic space-time sea.


    the chaotic sea was chaotic but the ripples that appeared were all orderly!


    ¡°that¡¯s because the fourth true monarch was the founder of my star ring tower!¡±


    ¡°although he died in the calamity of the immortal palace, the order tower he created has continued outside the immortal palace until now. however, its name has been changed to star ring tower!¡±


    ¡°i inherited the name of star sing and i also comprehended the order. hence¡­ here, i have the same order as the fourth true monarch and can display the fourth true monarch¡¯s source of order!¡±


    the fourth true monarch lifted his head and starlight shone in his eyes.


    two seas of stars appeared in his eyes at this moment!


    in every sea of stars, there were billions of stars that shone and arranged themselves¡­


    there was also a vast voice that echoed in the world.


    ¡°order is the rule.¡±


    ¡°without rules, one cannot form a square or a circle.¡±


    ¡°the ¡®rule¡¯ refers to the compass, while the ¡®measure¡¯ refers to the square.¡±


    ¡°the so-called straight measure aligns with the right string, the inclined measure observes the height, the inverted measure gauges the depth, the horizontal measure knows the distance, the circular measure forms a circle, and the combined measure forms a square.¡±


    as the voice echoed word by word, the fourth true monarch¡¯s left eye revealed a sea of stars, the constellations aligning to form a square ruler!


    his right eye spun, forming a wheel of heaven and earth!


    he was¡­ defining life and death with the square, and delineating the cycle of life with the circle!

 Chapter 1645 - Chapter 1645: Two Excited Swords

    chapter 1645: two excited swords


    editor: atlas studios


    at this moment, star ring finally displayed the power that truly belonged to the fourth true monarch.


    although, much like the thirteen coffins, it was still impossible to fully harness this power, it nevertheless manifested a vast and awe-inspiring force.


    his voice transcended the heavenly sound and surpassed even the dao sound, as if it embodied the very order of the cosmos and the stars.


    when it resounded, the square ruler formed by the gathering of billions of stars in his left eye materialized externally, displaying the power of order across the firmament!


    with the straight measure, the boundary was formed.


    with the inclined measure, the upper limit was sketched.


    with the inverted measure, the bottom was established.


    with the horizontal measure, the expanse was mapped.


    all these forces gathered together, forming a perfect square that enveloped xu qing on all sides. it became¡­ the boundary of the realm.


    this realm was isolated, surrounded by flowing chains of order, like a prison, completely cutting him off from the outside world.


    this was separating xu qing from this space-time!


    it made him have no foundation!


    using this method, he broke through the chaotic sea!


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he sensed that this order was unstoppable.


    he also felt an intense discomfort in his consciousness. it was like a mortal gasping for air.


    this was because he was isolated from the space-time of the fourth realm. without the enhancement of this space-time, the consciousness he fused into the young lord had no foundation for existence.


    in an instant, overlapping shadows appeared on his body.


    this shadow was blurry. that was the consciousness he had fused into the young lord¡¯s body after descending here.


    now¡­ as he was isolated, his consciousness was being separated.


    not only that, but at the next instant, the fourth true monarch¡¯s right eye that contained the circular wheel manifested outward as well. round and resplendent. above xu qing, it began to rotate, drawing a perfect circle!


    as soon as this circle appeared, the world rumbled and the great dao churned.


    within this circle, countless smaller circles spiraled endlessly, layer upon layer, without a clear beginning or end.


    they contained life and death, just like reincarnation.


    each of these circles rotated at varying speeds, generating a terrifying suction force.


    this force, aimed at xu qing, descended with overwhelming power. combined with the isolation created by the realm square boundary, it transformed into a staggering force of expulsion.


    it wanted to completely expel xu qing¡¯s consciousness from the young lord¡¯s body and this space-time.


    with such might, xu qing couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of awe. in history, the fourth true monarch was indeed a person who possessed the ability to manipulate heaven and earth.


    he knew that this wasn¡¯t something he could resist, but his thoughts didn¡¯t fluctuate much. the moment he decided to fight a decisive battle with star ring, he was already prepared.


    at that moment, as his body overlapped and his consciousness was drifting away, xu qing lifted his right hand and gently wiped his mouth.


    with this smear, thunder rumbled in the sky and countless lightning bolts suddenly gathered in the air. amidst crackling sounds, the lightning formed an old man¡¯s hand.


    with the appearance of this hand, everything fell silent.


    after that, it slowly stretched out in the air and formed a seal.


    as soon as this seal was formed, the heavens resonated and all laws of the world trembled and responded, and order and rules were no exception.


    that was none other than the young lord¡¯s ordinance¡­ the three karmas ten evil seals!


    black karmic fire erupted from xu qing¡¯s body and swept in all directions.


    this fire was so intense that it seemed to be able to burn everything. in an instant, the isolated ground turned into a sea of fire.


    after that, it instantly rolled back and returned to xu qing¡¯s body, enveloping it and turning into a seal!


    by refraining from false speech, the karma of speech became pure, body and soul found peace, the whole being was free of worry, and all thoughts flourished!


    it sealed his mouth and sealed his fate!


    this was the seal of speech karma!


    with this seal, he could resist the isolation of the realm boundary!


    at the next instant, the realm boundary rumbled. xu qing, who was enveloped by the black karmic fire, lifted his head and looked at the fourth true monarch. a dark glint flashed in his eyes.


    immediately, the mark of the heavenly lightning hand changed again.


    thunder rumbled.


    if the body did not tread on evil paths, if it refrained from harming life¡ªby abstaining from killing, stealing, and indulgence¡ªthen the body remained pure.


    this body was cleansed. nothing was tainted and no evil was touched.


    it was the second of the three karmas, body karma seal!


    if the body didn¡¯t move, the body was outside of karma, rendering the isolation meaningless.


    if it didn¡¯t exist in the world, the expelling force had no target to act on.


    resisting reincarnation with this karma!


    standing there, xu qing was like a reef amidst raging waves, enduring the howling winds and pouring rain, steadfast and unwavering.


    ¡®let¡¯s see how your cycle of reincarnation expels me!¡¯


    at that moment, the realm boundary was in turmoil and the cycle of reincarnation surged violently.


    a rumbling sound spread in all directions.


    seeing this, the fourth true monarch became decisive. he knew that this battle was his last chance.


    his eyes gleamed as he lifted his right index and middle fingers and placed them on his pupils respectively.


    he pressed inward!


    his eyes instantly turned red, as though the sea of stars in his eyes was dyed red by blood.


    in the blood-colored star sea, the power of order emanated in a crimson hue, transforming into a form of punishment, thundering toward xu qing.


    ¡°punish!¡±


    in an instant, the realm boundary and reincarnation were enhanced by this force. as blood light surged into the sky, its might also soared. it forcefully isolated and circulated.


    xu qing¡¯s entire body trembled. at this moment, the overlapping shadows on his body also sped up and separated, becoming clearer than before. in fact, most of the shadow drifted out of the young lord¡¯s body.


    above it¡­ formed his shadow!


    ¡°as expected, it¡¯s you!¡±


    the moment he saw the shadow of xu qing¡¯s consciousness clearly, the killing intent in the fourth true monarch¡¯s eyes surged violently. he was about to spare no expense to expel xu qing from this realm.


    however, at this moment, the shadow of xu qing¡¯s consciousness lifted its hand. young lord also raised his hand with his body. as for the lightning hand in the sky, it changed again under this resonance.


    mind karma seal, the third karma among the three karmas ten evil seals, descended!


    the thoughts were pretentious. there were good and evil.


    good must be kept, and evil must be expelled!


    good karma included freedom from greed, hatred, and false views. it empowered the self, growing infinitely great, shining with radiant brilliance, manifesting as auspicious signs.


    evil karma consisted of greed, hatred, and false views. it descended upon enemy deities, becoming a darkness akin to demons, where the light of life dimmed, misfortune inevitably followed, and enmity would arise.


    this seal didn¡¯t bind one¡¯s body or mouth. it bound one¡¯s ordinance!


    if the first two karmas acted upon himself, the third karma acted upon the enemy!


    the moment it descended, it bound order and rules.


    it even enveloped the fourth true monarch.


    the fourth true monarch¡¯s body trembled and overlapped. the shadow of star ring¡¯s consciousness was classified as evil karma. therefore¡­ under the mind karma seal, it showed the intention of being expelled!


    this was the two of them expelling each other away!


    if one looked over, they would see the figures of star ring and xu qing¡¯s consciousness clearly.


    xu qing was suppressed by reincarnation and the realm boundary.


    star ring was burned by karmic fire. moreover, because he was determined to be evil karma, the world rejected him.


    they were resisting each other¡¯s expulsion force!


    this was a confrontation between ordinances, a confrontation between the fourth true monarch and the young lord, a confrontation between order and eternity, and also a battle between xu qing and star ring!


    in this confrontation, the isolation of the boundary began to show signs of deviation, and the expulsion by the reincarnation became sluggish.


    however, it didn¡¯t dissipate.


    even though it slowed down, it was like a flood that was pouring down. it could be blocked for a while but it couldn¡¯t be completely reversed.


    seeing this, star ring slowly raised his hand while enduring the karmic fire and suppressing the expulsion force. his eyes revealed determination.


    even if he had to pay the price, he had to expel this person.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes also gleamed. he was about to take out the marriage contract¡­


    that was the final trump card he had prepared for this battle. when the time was right, he would use it and decide the situation.


    however, just as xu qing and the fourth true monarch were about to reveal their trump cards that they thought could determine the outcome¡­


    the sword furnace below suddenly rumbled!


    a peerless, sharp intent erupted from the sword furnace!


    that was a sign that the immortal swords were about to be born!


    the sword embryos which had qianjun and piyi¡¯s consciousnesses were meant to naturally emerge on the day of the wedding according to the history.


    however, the situation in the outside world gave them too much pressure.


    especially when xu qing and the star ring were fighting right in front of them¡­ this made them even more anxious.


    hence, they spared no expense to emerge tonight, changing history and causing waves.


    even though appearing early would cause trouble for some outsiders, they didn¡¯t care.


    the victory or defeat of star ring had nothing to do with them.


    neither did they care about xu qing¡¯s life or death.


    even if the two killed each other or overturned space-time, it had nothing to do with them.


    what they cared about was their own goal!


    space-time waves became intense at this moment.


    the early birth of the immortal swords would change the history¡­ by quite a bit!


    hence, the fourth true monarch¡¯s expression changed.


    ¡°he chose this place to force them!¡±


    however, at this moment, it was a critical moment in the battle between him and xu qing and he was powerless to stop it.


    in an instant, the sky changed color and lightning swept over from all directions, heading straight for the sword furnace.


    bolts of lightning accompanied it and blasted onto the sword furnace.


    at that instant, the sword light in the sword furnace erupted, forming a sword rainbow that soared into the sky.


    a vortex rose in the sky and rumbled.


    accompanying the sword rainbow were two immortal swords, each shining in black and white!


    the immortal swords were born!


    the moment they burst forth, the surrounding lightning also transformed into black and white. the thunderous sounds of the swords echoed through the heavens, their overwhelming might shaking the world. the fierce aura they emanated seemed capable of shattering the very fabric of reality.


    within it, there were also the invigorated laughter of qianjun and piyi.


    ¡°star ring and that unknown detestable cultivator, we brothers really have to thank you.¡±


    ¡°if it wasn¡¯t for your game and your stimulation, the two of us wouldn¡¯t have much confidence in our insights or control over the moment of the immortal swords¡¯ birth.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s very likely that we would have failed to grasp it.¡±


    ¡°however, with your mutual assistance, not only did we emerge ahead of schedule, but our comprehension has also become far more profound!¡±


    ¡°after this matter is over, our ordinances will strengthen greatly!¡±


    laughter echoed.


    qianjun and piyi were extremely excited. they were going to leave this realm and not stay any longer.


    their voices were still echoing before they left.


    ¡°you two kids, take your time to play. we won¡¯t accompany you anymore!¡±


    ¡°if there¡¯s a chance in the future, when you come to the north, you¡¯ll definitely be able to see our outstanding charm. this is all thanks to you two!¡±


    ¡°especially that unknown despicable and unreasonable villain who inhabited the young lord. just you wait, how dare you try to be our master!¡±


    ¡°dream on!¡±


    these two were really too excited at this moment.


    as for xu qing, he watched the birth of the immortal swords and narrowed his eyes when he heard the two of them.


    at the next instant¡­ a blank jade token flew out of his host¡¯s body!


    this jade token was one of the betrothal gifts that aurora immortal lord had given to the nine shores immortal lord back then. it was blank, allowing one to imprint their divine sense onto it to determine ownership of treasures within the immortal palace!

 Chapter 1646 - Chapter 1646: Marriage Contract, Sixteen Characters!

    chapter 1646: marriage contract, sixteen characters!


    editor: atlas studios


    back then, nine shores accepted the other betrothal gifts but he passed this blank jade token that could determine the ownership of the immortal palace¡¯s treasures to xu qing.


    after all, he was going to marry off his daughter. moreover, with his character, he wouldn¡¯t covet the belongings of his close friend¡¯s family.


    hence, this blank jade token became xu qing¡¯s trump card now.


    and originally¡­ for xu qing, whether or not to use this jade token, which could determine the ownership of the immortal palace¡¯s treasures, didn¡¯t really matter.


    previously, when he chose to fight the fourth true monarch near the sword furnace, his first goal wasn¡¯t to make those two swords recognize him as their master.


    his fundamental goal was to make use of the battle with the fourth true monarch to bring enough pressure to the two swords in the sword furnace under the collision of order and change.


    under this pressure, qianjun and piyi would have almost no other choice.


    there was only one path in front of them. if they didn¡¯t take this opportunity to emerge, they would remain in a passive state.


    if star ring won, then if they wanted to succeed in the future, they would need star ring¡¯s permission. after all, suppressing them was also an act of order.


    if the young lord won¡­ the first thing he said when he came was that he wanted them to recognize him as their master. this was a huge blow to qianjun and piyi.


    this way, they had no choice.


    they could only risk everything and take this opportunity to catalyze their bodies to appear in advance.


    this was to break through the situation.


    only then would they have a chance of survival.


    this was what xu qing wanted.


    this was an open scheme.


    according to his plan, as long as these two swords were born in advance, they would form space-time waves. this would be beneficial to his subsequent moves.


    however¡­ the two swords were too excited when they left.


    hence, xu qing felt that if he made them recognize him as their master, the waves in history would be even greater. it was also good.


    hence, as the divine sense of the two excited swords echoed and their consciousness fluctuated, trying to leave the fourth realm¡­


    xu qing took out the blank jade token.


    at this moment, he raised his right hand and waved.


    the jade token rose into the air.


    brilliant light shone, auspicious rays beamed, and boundless radiance filled the air.


    hovering in the sky for a moment, xu qing¡¯s divine sense surged forth at the critical instant, just as qianjun and piyi¡¯s consciousnesses were about to depart¡­ he imprinted words within the jade token.


    ¡°with the emergence of these immortal swords, i hereby bestow upon them their names: one shall be called qianjun, and the other piyi¡­ they shall serve as my personal swords!¡±


    as soon as his divine sense spread, the world rumbled.


    it was as though the sound of the great dao was echoing, as though the laws of heaven and earth were circulating and a decree was forming!


    these imprinted words could be said to be a fatal blow!


    not only did it decide the ownership of these two swords, but it also gave them names¡­


    moreover, the names were qianjun and piyi. this way, it could form an extremely intense karma!


    under this karma, the two immortal swords that were shining in black and white in the sky instantly trembled. countless immortal words instantly manifested and surrounded their sword bodies.


    they were born in the immortal palace and were forged by the immortal palace. they were also born in the sword furnace. these two swords could be said to be items of the immortal palace from the inside out.


    as such, under the immortal words on the blank jade token, they instantly formed an extremely dense connection with xu qing.


    they couldn¡¯t resist, couldn¡¯t evade, couldn¡¯t refuse!


    qianjun and piyi, who could be considered artifact spirits, didn¡¯t react at all.


    they were still enjoying their success when xu qing¡¯s attack arrived.


    hence, the moment xu qing imprinted the swords, qian jun and piyi were completely stunned as the swords trembled.


    at the next instant, a vast might erupted from the immortal palace and the immortal swords, directly surging into their consciousnesses¡­


    the two¡¯s divine senses stirred up monstrous waves.


    this was because the force descending upon them was meant to seal the artifact spirit and make it recognize a master.


    however, in their current state, they themselves had become the artifact spirits.


    hence, this seal that was originally used on artifact spirits naturally¡­ landed on them.


    it was also because of the names xu qing had given them¡­ that not only could the karma of this token be used in this space-time, but there was also a high chance that it would always exist in the outside world!


    as such, the shock in qianjun and piyi¡¯s mind surpassed everything. they only felt thunder rumbling in their minds.


    this was extreme joy turning into sorrow!


    ¡°this¡­ this¡­¡±


    ¡°about this¡­ i¡­¡±


    their actions of wanting to leave the fourth realm were forcefully interrupted.


    the implication of karma, the ownership of the master, and the imprinting of the bestowed names¡­


    they formed a pulling force that exceeded their resistance.


    hence, their consciousnesses couldn¡¯t leave!


    the two of them felt their hearts churning intensely. as a storm swept through their minds, xu qing lifted his left arm.


    he waved his hand at the sky.


    ¡°come.¡±


    immediately, the two black and white immortal swords that soared into the sky vibrated even more intensely, and the sound of sword hums rang out with cheers¡­


    immediately after, against the frantic efforts of qianjun and piyi, the two swords they inhabited suddenly reversed direction, swiftly twisting in mid-air as if they were leaping, and rushed straight towards xu qing!


    they were extremely obedient.


    the two people inside were on the brink of tears. they wanted to go crazy but they couldn¡¯t do it.


    this was because they could sense that in the depths of their consciousness, there was actually joy rising uncontrollably along with the swords.


    at the same time, as the immortal swords were born in advance and xu qing forcefully imprinted them, making them recognize him as their master, the space-time waves instantly increased greatly!


    the waves before were like waves on the sea, wave after wave. after they overlapped, they formed¡­ an earth-shattering tsunami!


    at that moment, the level of fluctuations in this spacetime was a tsunami!


    the waves from heaven¡¯s chosen li, gongsun qingmu, the fox beauty, zhong chi, and now these two swords¡­


    the tsunami instantly overflowed into the sky and continued to spin and churn on the viscous lake of space-time.


    as for xu qing, his consciousness had already returned to his host body. at that moment, he was standing on the tsunami!


    he could clearly sense that order was being suppressed!


    immediately after, as he waved his hand, two swords whistled over. after they surrounded his body, no matter how qianjun or piyi tried to stop the swords, it was useless.


    they could only follow xu qing¡¯s divine sense and activate the swords they were inhabiting, forming an extremely sharp peerless sword energy that headed straight for the reincarnation and boundary above!


    an earth-shattering boom echoed.


    the boundary and the cycle of reincarnation collapsed!


    the cracking sound of order shattering echoed in the void.


    the fourth true monarch¡¯s body trembled and two streams of blood instantly flowed out of his eyes.


    the sea of stars formed by the countless stars in his eyes collapsed and the square and circle inside also turned to dust.


    more importantly, his ordinance was wavering!


    as for those two swords, their auras were still intense. after destroying the boundary and reincarnation, they soared into the sky. as the black and white colors alternated, they headed straight for the fourth true monarch.


    killing intent overflowed into the sky.


    under this helplessness and madness, qianjun and piyi inside decided to go all out and activated the swords with all their might.


    this was because in their hearts, their anger toward star ring wasn¡¯t small either.


    the fourth true monarch¡¯s expression changed dramatically, and he quickly retreated, his mind racing with countless thoughts, each one filled with intense anger directed at xu qing.


    as these myriad thoughts converged, the fourth true monarch took a deep breath, suddenly raised his right hand, and pressed his index finger against his forehead!


    as he raised his hand, a brilliant golden chain shimmered with radiant light, directly pulled from his brow.


    this golden chain was not long, consisting of only ninety-nine links¡ªjust one short of a hundred.


    each link bore numerous markings, and every marking represented order.


    at the moment of its appearance, the power of order was incredibly evident on the chain, resonating strongly with the consciousness of star ring.


    this was because this golden chain didn¡¯t belong to the fourth true monarch but star ring¡­ the very foundation of his ordinance!


    once this chain reached a hundred links, he would be able to break through the ruler realm and advance to the quasi immortal realm.


    this was his goal in this fourth realm.


    however, at this moment, he had already thrown caution to the wind. the instant he took out his ordinance, 13 coffins appeared around him.


    these coffins were of different sizes and were made of different materials. however, the aura of order on them was all dense.


    the instant they appeared, the color of the world changed.


    they were the ordinance corpses that the fourth true monarch had refined after killing all his competitors.


    originally, with star ring¡¯s ability, he could only use three of them. however, it was very clear that the power of three corpses couldn¡¯t shake the immortal swords, let alone xu qing, who was in the space-time tsunami.


    hence, he used his ordinance foundation to forcefully control it. he wanted to attempt to reverse everything!


    as he performed a series of hand seals, his expression distorted. the golden chain emitted golden light that coiled around the 13 coffins and fused into them.


    at the next instant, the 13 coffins trembled in unison.


    although the lids of the coffins didn¡¯t open, the sound of thunder rang out from the 13 coffins at the same time.


    booming sounds and popping sounds spread in all directions.


    there were also 13 different voices that rumbled out from the coffin in a deep voice. they gathered together and formed a sentence that surpassed the heavenly sound!


    ¡°judgment of order, a thousand years of treachery, digging towards the yellow springs, execution on the spot!¡±


    these fifteen characters1, each one transformed into a judgment of order, took the shape of an ancient stone tablet and crashed towards xu qing who was standing on the space-time tsunami.


    xu qing lifted his head. his expression was as calm as ever, but his eyes revealed unprecedented sharpness.


    ¡°the space-time waves turned into a tsunami. it¡¯s enough to cover the words. in that case¡­ it should end.¡±


    the instant the calm voice rang out from xu qing¡¯s mouth, a golden iron plate flew out of xu qing¡¯s arms and floated in front of him.


    the moment it appeared, the world fell silent. space-time didn¡¯t move and the waves stopped. everything was still.


    only auspicious signs fluctuated inside and only auspicious signs rose!


    this item was the marriage contract.


    it was personally forged by aurora immortal lord and condensed his will, his thoughts, and his blessings.


    it contained all the beauty he wanted to give his son.


    the words inside were also written by him personally!


    it represented his will!


    ¡°two families unite in marriage, a covenant formed in one hall. from this day forth, a beautiful bond is established, promising to be lifelong partners, together until the end of time. let the vows be made before the eternal sea and withstanding the decay of stone. we seek each other as mates, to foresee a future of prosperity, may you thrive and shine.


    with this white-haired promise inscribed on the fine paper, we aim to make clear the pact of red leaves1. thus, this agreement is established, as proof of our commitment.¡±


    at that moment, xu qing lifted his hand and stirred up the power of space-time that had finally gathered into a tsunami, concealing the vast majority of these words, making them blurry. however, there were 16 characters1 that were incomparably clear.


    when those 16 characters were grouped together, they formed a sentence.


    ¡°establish the contract, connect the prior fate; you shall last forever, fine leaves rot.


    thus, this serves as proof.¡±


    xu qing lifted his hand and pointed at the fourth true monarch!


    the 16 characters of the marriage contract shone monstrously and a vast might surged along with the space-time tsunami!


    in an instant, the predestined fate of star ring being able to inhabit the fourth true monarch ended!


    his consciousness was withering!


    it was like a fine leaf was rotting!


    star ring¡¯s expression changed drastically!

 Chapter 1647 - Chapter 1647: Star Ring Expelled!

    chapter 1647: star ring expelled!


    editor: atlas studios


    at this moment, waves of emotions surged in star ring¡¯s heart. it was as though countless bolts of lightning had exploded in his heart, causing his breathing to become hurried and his pupils to contract¡­


    he could clearly feel that his connection with the host was rapidly being severed under an unstoppable and irresistible force.


    this severing was irreversible!


    the so-called predestined fate was the very foundation that allowed him to inhabit the fourth true monarch.


    but now, that foundation was continuously collapsing!


    moreover, his consciousness, under this unstoppable force, began to wither, exuding decay.


    it even extended into the main world, as if he truly was like a leaf, rotting rapidly.


    be it his order or the rules, they were both collapsing.


    this included the golden chain formed by his ordinance¡¯s foundation.


    this chain was¡­ breaking as star ring¡¯s consciousness withered!


    every crack in it caused an indescribable pain to appear in star ring¡¯s consciousness. all of this caused him to feel fear for the first time in his life.


    as for the judgment he summoned¡­


    the moment the marriage contract appeared, the judgment couldn¡¯t proceed!


    the 13 coffins shook and the voices retracted¡­


    it was as if everything was reversing; the words spoken and the ordinance formed at that moment materialized, all rolling back and ceasing to exist.


    the might of the immortal lord was above the cosmos!


    at this moment, star ring wasn¡¯t the only one whose expression changed.


    there were also the two immortal swords.


    qianjun and piyi also trembled. the scene that happened in front of them had really exceeded their imagination.


    there were too many things that exceeded their imagination today, wave after wave.


    an identity that should have been unattainable was obtained by a mysterious person.


    the immortal swords recognizing the master shouldn¡¯t have happened, but it happened inconceivably.


    and now¡­ the marriage contract had appeared!


    the character inside could actually be used like this.


    all of this shook qianjun and piyi to their cores.


    the status and meaning of this marriage contract was at least one of the highest in this space-time!


    it contained all of aurora immortal lord¡¯s blessings for his son.


    this blessing was will.


    this will fused into the words of the marriage contract, causing every word on it to become the ordinance of this space-time!


    it was also the law!


    under its flow, order had to lower its head and the rules had to change.


    once one went against it, it was equivalent to going against the will of the aurora immortal lord.


    in the entire immortal palace, only the aurora father and son could possess this item.


    hence, the moment this marriage contract appeared, the color of the world changed. all the outcomes were already decided and couldn¡¯t be changed.


    the reason why xu qing could hide the words on it and make the words on the marriage contract appear according to his wishes¡­


    it was because the name of the young lord he inhabited was on the marriage contract!


    hence, he was qualified.


    even so, it still required time. this time¡­ was the space-time waves.


    moreover, these waves had to reach a certain level before they were effective.


    this was also the reason why xu qing wanted everyone to complete their goal tonight and change history, forming space-time waves.


    he needed these space-time waves to erupt with a tsunami-like momentum!


    by harnessing this power, he could draw from the natural flow of time¡¯s passage, using it to obscure the words of the marriage contract.


    although this scene appeared simple, in reality, completing it required a complex series of steps. only after fulfilling all the preconditions could the eruption occur!


    the difficulty of triggering such an eruption made the outcome all the more astonishing to everyone witnessing it.


    at this moment, thunder roared through the sky, shattering the void.


    the deafening sound, carrying an overwhelming might, spread across every corner of the sword furnace.


    looking up, the heavens were veiled by a web of lightning, intertwined with the tsunami-like space-time waves.


    standing atop the surging waves, xu qing¡¯s hair flowed and an earth-shattering aura spread out from him. the piercing sharpness in his eyes seemed as though it could penetrate all things in existence.


    he was staring at the fourth true monarch.


    on the marriage contract in front of him, 16 clear characters appeared. they were even more resplendent and boundless. auspicious colors filled the surroundings.


    under the light, the fourth true monarch¡¯s expression distorted and his entire body emitted black gas.


    this black gas gathered above his head and formed a blurry shadow of star ring that was dissipating!


    all the unwillingness was meaningless.


    all his struggles were useless.


    under the light of the 16 characters of the marriage contract and the unstoppable might, even the powerful number one star in the outside world didn¡¯t have the ability to overturn it.


    he could only¡­ be expelled!


    his predestined fate with the fourth true monarch had completely severed. the power of the withered leaf invaded him and caused great damage.


    once the one who was meant to drive out others, he himself was now being driven away.


    moreover, his very foundation of ordinance had been shattered.


    in this fourth realm, not only did he fail to gain anything, but his losses reached deep, damaging his foundation.


    all of this caused him to emit intense killing intent when he looked at xu qing before he dissipated.


    ¡°this time, i admit that you won, but¡­ the battle between you and me isn¡¯t over.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll head to the fifth realm that you can¡¯t step into and advance to the quasi immortal realm there!¡±


    ¡°and in order to repay you for making me unable to achieve ordinance perfection¡­ when the fortune of this immortal palace ends and you lose the identity of this space-time, the moment you appear outside will be the time i kill you!¡±


    his voice echoed.


    the shadow of star ring¡¯s consciousness turned into ashes.


    it was driven out of this space-time.


    the order-abiding side in this game completely failed.


    there was no possibility of turning the tables.


    as for star ring¡¯s words before he was chased away, although his killing intent was limitless, since his stand had been decided, xu qing naturally wouldn¡¯t be shaken by the other party¡¯s killing intent.


    ¡°when the opportunity in this immortal palace ends, i¡¯ll definitely not be at my current cultivation level!¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly and turned to look at the fourth true monarch¡¯s main body.


    after losing star ring¡¯s consciousness, the fourth true monarch¡¯s main body disappeared into thin air like a bubble.


    this scene caused xu qing to fall into deep thought. however, at the next instant, his expression was as calm as ever.


    at that moment, after the failure of order, space-time rumbled.


    it was as though a wild horse had lost its reins and a flood had lost its dam. at this moment, the waves of space-time surpassed the past and erupted endlessly.


    a vast amount of space-time sand emerged from the void, materializing from the myriad beings within the immortal palace, gathering around xu qing like rain falling from the sky.


    the sheer amount of sand was a hundred times more than what he had possessed before!


    these shimmering grains fell incessantly, continuously gathering until they ultimately formed an hourglass!


    it floated in front of xu qing!


    the moment the hourglass appeared, the heavens trembled, the immortal palace shook, and the world itself quaked; its brilliant radiance seemed to overshadow everything else.


    this was a space-time supreme treasure!


    xu qing stared at it. at this moment, his mind fluctuated intensely. through his ordinance, he could clearly sense that the time contained within this hourglass was equivalent to fifteen minutes.


    to be precise, it was an extra fifteen minutes that transcended this particular space-time!


    this hourglass could be activated at any moment, in any past history or time, forcibly extending an additional fifteen minutes worth of time.


    moreover, it couldn¡¯t be erased!


    it was as though¡­ it existed beyond space-time, outside the flow of time itself!


    at the same time, as xu qing comprehended the hourglass, his own ordinance was also growing.


    countless insights about time emerged within his consciousness, filling and nurturing his ordinance, allowing it to evolve as if it had traversed countless years in this brief moment.


    it reached the pinnacle of the eighth extremity!


    as his ordinance grew, xu qing¡¯s aura, combat strength, and cultivation all surged dramatically in an instant.


    he was only a trace away from the nine worlds soul accumulation!


    ¡°because my foundation is fully enough, the moment i break through this trace and form nine worlds is also the moment i advance to the ruler realm!¡±


    ¡°my ruler cultivation will not only be stronger than that of ordinary people, but with the depths of my accumulation, ruler realm will also only be a transition!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s only a matter of time before i reach the quasi immortal realm!¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath and lifted his head, looking at the horizon.


    at that moment, although the sky was blurry due to the chaos of the heavenly secrets, one could vaguely see the rising sun.


    the sky turned bright.


    the sunlight penetrated the clouds and landed on the sword furnace as well as xu qing.


    xu qing, who was under this beam of sunlight, retracted his gaze from the horizon and looked at the exit of the sword furnace.


    he calmly spoke.


    ¡°come out.¡±


    at the exit, the void distorted and a figure appeared.


    this was a youth dressed in white. his appearance was ordinary but the expression on his face was gentle and his smile was warm, as though he didn¡¯t pose any danger. he bowed to xu qing.


    ¡°zhou zhengli greets the young lord.¡±


    ¡°in this battle, whether it¡¯s your plan or your attacks, you were peerlessly stunning. your immortal might is world-shaking and you are a dragon among men!¡±


    this youth was none other than zhou zhengli, who had been following star ring previously!


    right now, his expression was calm and his gaze was sincere. his smile was filled with emotion and admiration.


    a hint of coldness appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    this person entered the sword furnace the moment star ring was chased away. he seemed to be hiding but in reality, he also revealed his aura, as though he was taking the initiative to give others a chance to expose him.


    any star wasn¡¯t a simple person. however, this zhou zhengli, who had always been beside star ring, didn¡¯t seem to have much of a presence from the start to the end of this battle.


    it was very easy for people to ignore him.


    however, even though star ring had been driven away, he¡­ still existed safely.


    this in itself explained the problem.


    in addition, after understanding xie lingzi and interacting with him, xu qing saw xie lingzi¡¯s scheming nature. in that case, he also had an indirect judgment of zhou zhengli, who had been fighting with xie lingzi.


    this person was good at hiding. not only did he hide himself, but he also hid his thoughts and goals!


    ¡°you¡¯re not following the order. i believe you have contributed to the outcome of star ring today.¡±


    xu qing slowly spoke.


    if star ring was still around, his heart would definitely tremble intensely if he heard this.


    xu qing¡¯s tone was very firm.


    this was because if zhou zhengli followed the order, then after star ring left, the waves in space-time wouldn¡¯t be so great. the perception that the order-abiding side had completely failed wouldn¡¯t be established either.


    then, there was only one answer.


    ¡°young lord is wise.¡±


    zhou zhengli put on a humble posture and spoke softly.


    ¡°i have no intention of becoming enemies with you, whether it¡¯s here or outside.¡±


    ¡°to be able to obtain an identity that can¡¯t be obtained means a lot. you¡­ aren¡¯t a simple person. i naturally want to befriend such an existence.¡±


    ¡°star ring is headstrong and self-opinionated. actually, i didn¡¯t do much either. i only pushed him a little when the time was right.¡±


    zhou zhengli said gently.


    ¡°this is my goal. when i sensed that something was wrong with your identity, i only had this goal¡­ to be on good terms with you.¡±


    ¡°as for this fourth realm, i can maintain order or sit neutrally and watch any changes and developments in history. i can also choose to create disturbances.


    this is my ordinance, my dao.¡±


    zhou zhengli lowered his head, his posture still humble.


    a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he slowly spoke.


    ¡°why are you telling me in such detail?¡±


    ¡°i want to be friends with you and also want to stay, but if you don¡¯t fully understand me, the likelihood is that you won¡¯t be friends with me and won¡¯t let me stay.¡±


    zhou zhengli spoke calmly while maintaining his bow.

 Chapter 1648 - Chapter 1648: Ancient Wedding Robe

    chapter 1648: ancient wedding robe


    editor: atlas studios


    ¡°that¡¯s not enough reason.¡±


    xu qing stood in mid-air, looking down calmly at zhou zhengli, who maintained a humble posture below.


    the person before him might appear harmless, but beneath that innocent facade was a venomous snake.


    it was zhou zhengli who had subtly pushed star ring to his downfall, and while zhou zhengli¡¯s role in star ring¡¯s defeat wasn¡¯t the only factor, it certainly played a part.


    even though xu qing didn¡¯t see himself falling into the same trap as star ring, his cautious nature dictated how he acted.


    so, even though zhou zhengli had spoken his reasons, expressed a desire for friendship, and adopted a low stance, unless there was a very compelling reason, xu qing had no intention of letting him stay.


    given the momentum xu qing had swept up, if he didn¡¯t want this person to remain, it was impossible for him to stay.


    hence, the wind in the surroundings gradually turned cold. even the sunlight couldn¡¯t dispel the chill at all.


    zhou zhengli fell silent. in the cold wind, he lifted his head and looked at xu qing.


    he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°my lord, there are only four days left until the grand wedding, and zhong chi¡¯s poison needs to be tested and then spread for it to create waves in such a short time.¡±


    ¡°heaven¡¯s chosen li also requires someone to keep an eye on him to prevent any treacherous intentions, ensuring you peace of mind over the next few days. i understand jiang fan, and i can manage this.¡±


    ¡°moreover, the identity of fox beauty needs someone to write her story, establishing her legend as part of public knowledge. my role in the immortal palace as a scribe guard is perfect for this.¡±


    ¡°additionally, you need another study companion by your side.¡±


    ¡°most of these tasks maintain existing waves, but in four days, i can do much more for you than just preserve them¡ªi can trigger even more waves.¡±


    ¡°lastly, there are three old fellows hiding here, watching everything. i have identified them, and without requiring you to split your attention, i can leverage the situation to deal with one each day.¡±


    ¡°i can make sure that on the day of the wedding, there are no uncontrollable factors.¡±


    ¡°lastly, at any time, if you feel that the space-time waves are not significant enough, just give the word, and i can openly die, altering history with my own actions.¡±


    ¡°of course, living another day is beneficial to me.¡±


    ¡°these are the reasons why i begged to stay.¡±


    after saying that, zhou zhengli lowered his head again and waited for xu qing¡¯s decision.


    xu qing coldly looked at zhou zhengli in front of him. a while later, he waved his hand; immediately, the marriage contract that shone with resplendent light flew over and was kept in his arms.


    after that, with a wave of his hand, the extremely unwilling qianjun and piyi arrived beside xu qing amidst the excited sword hums. as they shone with sword light, the sword hums continued.


    after that, xu qing no longer looked at zhou zhengli. he took a step forward and walked past him, stepping into the exit of the sword furnace.


    however, the moment he left, his voice echoed behind zhou zhengli.


    ¡°have you eaten snakes before?¡±


    ¡°the more venomous a snake is, the more tender its flesh is.¡±


    xu qing left.


    zhou zhengli didn¡¯t move at all. after a long time, as the surroundings fell silent, zhou zhengli slowly straightened his body and turned his head to look at the direction xu qing had left in.


    his expression revealed a hint of seriousness.


    ¡°he and star ring have some similarities but also some differences. he¡¯s more cautious and far more ruthless¡­¡±


    ¡°moreover, in his eyes, i am the venomous snake. but¡­ in my eyes, or in star ring¡¯s eyes, isn¡¯t he also a venomous snake¡­¡±


    after a long time, he took a deep breath.


    the thought of not becoming enemies with the other party grew even stronger.


    ¡­


    as the wedding day arrived and the aurora era approached, the heavenly secrets became increasingly chaotic.


    the alternation between the black sky and day naturally caused the weather to change. there were always strong winds.


    however¡­ no one seemed to care about what happened last night. it was as though it had been blown away by the wind.


    the fourth true monarch who had disappeared also appeared again and met xu qing on his way back.


    the moment they met, he was chatting and laughing. that familiar tone was normal and it also matched xu qing¡¯s memories.


    it was as though this fourth senior brother didn¡¯t have any understanding of what had happened before and didn¡¯t know that he had been possessed by someone else¡¯s consciousness.


    this scene caused xu qing to fall into deep thought again.


    he had personally seen the other party¡¯s figure dissipate in the sword furnace.


    ¡°this matter¡­¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and looked at the sky. after that, he bade farewell to fourth senior brother and returned to the junior aurora hall.


    he didn¡¯t head out again.


    four days passed day by day.


    zhou zhengli did indeed do his utmost during these four days.


    he wrote documents for the fox beauty, embedding her identity not only as a disciple of nine shores but also with other layers deeply ingrained in this history.


    he supervised heaven¡¯s chosen li¡¯s actions, ensuring that heaven¡¯s chosen li, who was somewhat reluctant in his heart, had no chance of behaving unusually, and persuaded him to choose to go along with it.


    he personally tested the poison for zhong chi and actively promoted the establishment of zhong chi¡¯s poison dao department, allowing the dreamsoil poison to spread throughout the immortal palace.


    moreover, he mobilized the power of the immortal palace, initiating three waves during these four days, driving away three hidden old-timers by leveraging the immortal palace¡¯s strength.


    the method was to cut off their bodies.


    it increased the amount of space-time sand for xu qing.


    aside from that, he made no other moves and took no actions that might lead to misunderstandings with xu qing.


    he was respectful and reverent.


    thus, the last four days leading up to the wedding in this history passed smoothly.


    there were no hiccups.


    finally, the day of fairy spirit phoenix and young lord¡¯s wedding arrived.


    from the morning onwards, the heavenly dao ceased to operate, and the heavenly secrets were frozen; thus, both the sun and the moon shone brightly in the sky, illuminating the world with their combined radiance.


    looking up, it appeared like an auspicious sign, with endless brilliance filling the heavens.


    in the immortal palace, the scene was no different, with colorful decorations everywhere, and everyone wore smiles on their faces.


    the atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and praises that echoed continuously.


    as xu qing emerged from the junior aurora hall, surrounded by a group of officiating officials, the cheers from outside the palace surged into a crescendo.


    today, xu qing¡¯s attire was naturally different from usual. he wore a vibrant robe embroidered with nine golden dragons, each one vividly depicted, as if ready to soar into the sky at any moment.


    the collar and cuffs of the robe were adorned with exquisite immortal jade and spiritual shells, showcasing the honor and status of the son of the immortal lord.


    on his head rested a spirit crown encrusted with immortal treasures, shimmering brilliantly in the heavenly light.


    wherever he passed, joyful laughter and congratulatory voices rose and fell like waves.


    ¡°congratulations, young lord!¡±


    ¡°haha, today is young lord¡¯s wedding. young lord and young madam are really a match made in heaven.¡±


    ¡°young lord, after the wedding, don¡¯t be like before. we watched you grow up and are seeing you get married. we want to see you succeed the position of immortal lord.¡±


    ¡°wishing the young lord that every day in your future journey is filled with love and laughter, and may you and the young mistress grow old together, united forever!¡±


    one blessing after another, filled with goodwill and expectations, echoed in xu qing¡¯s ears.


    although he was mentally prepared, xu qing was still in a daze when faced with this matter.


    finally, amidst the increasing crowd and the echoing sound of bells, xu qing arrived at the front of the aurora grand hall.


    today, a grand feast had been laid out here. though there were no outsiders, all the cultivators of the immortal palace had gathered for the occasion.


    the level of excitement and grandeur was just as vibrant.


    xu qing glanced around and saw zhong chi grinning widely, saw the one-armed heaven¡¯s chosen li wearing a stern expression, and noticed the still humble zhou zhengli standing aside.


    he also saw the fox beauty looking with a bitter expression.


    at the highest point stood aurora immortal lord, whose face, usually stern, now wore a rare smile. his gaze met xu qing¡¯s, and after a brief moment of eye contact, he waved his hand.


    today, the immortal lord was dressed impeccably, in an extremely formal and ceremonial attire.


    clearly, he attached great importance to this day.


    seeing this, xu qing took a deep breath and suppressed the thoughts in his heart before walking over quickly.


    the moment he stood in front of the immortal lord, aurora immortal lord¡¯s gaze softened. she then helped xu qing tidy his red wedding robe.


    ¡°if your mother could see this scene, she would definitely be as gratified as me.¡±


    as he sighed with emotion, xu qing wanted to say something. however, young lord aurora polaris stroked xu qing¡¯s head and a benevolent expression appeared on his face.


    ¡°let¡¯s not talk about this anymore. your wife is here.¡±


    in the distance, a crimson glow filled the sky, cascading down like a waterfall of light. fairy spirit phoenix, donned in her bridal attire, appeared from the void, accompanied by her maidens.


    her wedding dress, made of exquisite deep red silk, was embroidered with golden phoenixes and clouds, as if draped in the morning glow. it symbolized her forthcoming role as the principal wife of the young lord, noble as a phoenix.


    her dark hair was elegantly arranged, adorned with a phoenix coronet and a long, flowing veil that shimmered with the light of countless spirit pearls.


    as she walked, the hem of her dress swayed gently, like a blooming peony, graceful and majestic with each step as she approached xu qing.


    xu qing hesitated for a moment, but the immortal lord gave him a gentle push from behind, nudging him forward.


    with each step xu qing took, cheers of joy erupted from the crowd, and auspicious signs rose in all directions, marking the momentous occasion.


    countless gazes gathered on the two people who were constantly approaching.


    at the same time, outside the space-time of the immortal palace, or to be precise, on the god blood river in the main world, which was extremely far away from the land of immortal¡¯s fall.


    the river churned.


    a dilapidated black ferry was moving on the river.


    it was unknown how many boats there were on the god¡¯s blood river.


    however, one thing was certain. those who had ridden it twice rarely encountered the same ferryman.


    at that moment, there were no passengers on this ferry. there was only the ferryman in the straw rain cape. they used their old hands to slide the oar alone and silently moved forward on the blood river.


    for them, time seemed to pass without a beginning or an end.


    however, today, at this moment, there seemed to be something different.


    the wind blew over from the river, causing waves on the surface of the river. it also stirred the almost desolate heartstrings of the ferryman¡­


    she slowly lifted her head.


    the aurora in the sky flowed and shone on her body, revealing her face under the bamboo hat¡­


    it was an old woman with a wrinkled face that showed endless vicissitudes of life.


    she silently looked in the direction of the land of immortal¡¯s fall. her eyes gradually filled with reminiscence and deep complexity. finally, she muttered softly.


    ¡°you are back¡­¡±


    a gust of wind blew over, causing the straw rain cape to flutter. under the straw rain cape, one could vaguely see¡­ an ancient wedding robe that was suffused with red.

 Chapter 1649 - Chapter 1649: Wedding Outside of Time

    chapter 1649: wedding outside of time


    editor: atlas studios


    under the vast sky where both sun and moon shone together, their radiant lights intertwined, creating a magnificent glow.


    this dazzling light spread across the land and on the immortal palace, as if the heavens themselves had bestowed an immortal wedding robe.


    the brilliance reflected upon the two figures that countless cultivators gazed at.


    one was standing in the east, the other was in the west, and they were getting closer with each step.


    the woman in the radiant wedding attire looked like a blazing flame.


    her smile carried a trace of shyness, and her expression hinted at hope and dreams of the future.


    as she walked forward, her delicate face, flushed either from the hue of the skies or from her own emotions, took on a rosy tint.


    however, to those observant enough, her expression seemed forced, her smile insincere. deep within her eyes, a coldness lingered.


    however, there was no lack of anticipation for today¡¯s wedding.


    coldness and anticipation weren¡¯t contradictory.


    after all, she wasn¡¯t spirit phoenix.


    her feelings for the young lord weren¡¯t born from her either.


    as for her anticipation, it was for the wedding itself. even though the historical records indicated that the wedding ceremony had never been completed, it still implicated karma!


    one could say that the very moment she appeared here smoothly, she had already achieved most of her goal.


    for her, as long as she continued forward, no matter how history unfolded, it would not matter much.


    thus, she quickened her pace.


    as for the man, his robe adorned with nine dragons fluttered in the wind, and the golden crown atop his head gleamed brilliantly under the heavenly light, radiating splendor. yet, beneath this brilliance, as he faced his fiery bride approaching, his heart was stirred by waves of emotion.


    these ripples came from his understanding of this pivotal moment in history.


    ¡°yuanshan su will act as spirit phoenix. i¡¯ll act as mi ming to carry out the wedding according to history.¡±


    ¡°and in history, this wedding can¡¯t be considered a true success¡­ this is because it wasn¡¯t completed in the end.¡±


    ¡°the marriage contract¡­ didn¡¯t have her name either.¡±


    whether it was through zhong chi¡¯s information or zhou zhengli¡¯s report later, the direction of history had become unmistakably clear to xu qing.


    the key turning point lay in the first bow.


    once they bowed to the heavens, the world would drastically change. the immortal lord would rebel, the venerable immortal would descend, and everyone in the immortal palace¡­ would be reduced to ashes, dying completely.


    and now¡­


    ¡°there¡¯s only fifteen minutes left.¡±


    xu qing moved forward silently. the waves in his heart grew larger and larger.


    this was because in 15 minutes, it would be one of the largest storms in this historical scene.


    at the same time, it was also the final eruption of everything he had prepared!


    as the side who wanted to change history, he needed to make use of the waves of history to increase his space-time ordinance. he wouldn¡¯t end the waves in history just because he expelled star ring.


    on the contrary, expelling star ring and resolving all the external uncertainties were all for today!


    xu qing wasn¡¯t satisfied with fifteen minutes in the hourglass that existed outside of time!


    he wanted more.


    he wanted to completely master his space-time ordinance in this realm.


    he wanted to make the hourglass last longer.


    in this moment of history, there were two pivotal events¡ªeither of which, if altered, could help xu qing achieve his goals.


    however, these two events were incredibly difficult to change, nearly impossible.


    the first was the inevitable fate of death for aurora and everyone present.


    the second was the failure of the wedding itself, which had become a lingering regret second only to death.


    xu qing knew that the first event, the inescapable death, was beyond his power to shake or rewrite.


    however¡­ the second thing was that because of his identity, it was possible. xu qing had been given this identity by the little person who he suspected to be aurora immortal lord¡¯s remnant soul.


    there was a high chance that its goal was to make up for this regret.


    of course, this was only xu qing¡¯s guess. there was no conclusive evidence.


    however, this didn¡¯t conflict with his goal.


    as for the hourglass outside of time, it was his trump card today!


    his plan was to use this extra fifteen minutes worth of time to alter the course of history of this wedding.


    he would ensure the wedding was successful!


    with this, it would completely shake this historical space-time and form a true space-time storm!


    this was xu qing¡¯s plan!


    at that moment, as the process progressed, his thoughts became increasingly firm and scattered into his body. it was the same for his footsteps. finally, amidst the cheers and blessings, the two figures clad in wedding attire stood together, suspended in mid-air!


    in an instant, the heavens shone brilliantly, auspicious light surged forth, and vibrant colors erupted, all centered around the newlyweds, creating a magnificent wave that rippled outward in all directions.


    they were the center of attention.


    in the crowd, zhong chi sighed softly, the fox beauty snorted, heaven¡¯s chosen li glared coldly, and zhou zhengli¡¯s eyes revealed a strange glint.


    the fourth true monarch was also in the crowd, standing beside aurora immortal lord. looking at everything in front of him, a smile appeared on his face and his eyes were filled with blessings.


    ¡°junior brother, you¡¯ve grown up.¡±


    the fourth true monarch turned his head and looked at aurora immortal lord.


    aurora immortal lord didn¡¯t seem to hear him. at that moment, he had a gratified expression as he looked at the two people under the auspicious sign in the sky. however, at this moment, there was a faint black gas emitted from his body.


    however, the strange thing was that no one here could see this black gas.


    at the same time, the voice of the grand elder of the immortal palace echoed.


    ¡°the auspicious hour has arrived. please let the officiants each take their roles, the facilitators each handle their duties, and the witnesses assist in the festivities and observe as the sounds of drums and flutes play the auspicious melodies.¡±


    as these words were spoken, cheers echoed, and the music began, resounding grandly, as if all of heaven and earth, along with countless beings, were offering their blessings.


    an immortal phoenix flew over and accompanied the heavenly dragon. with a red ribbon in its mouth, it danced around young lord and fairy spirit phoenix, tying the red silk around the two of them, causing the embroidered ball to drift between them.


    then, with a joyful tone, the officiant¡¯s voice rang out again across the sky.


    ¡°according to the ancient rites, for the wedding, the couple shall first bow to heaven and earth!¡±


    ¡°the newlyweds, face the heavens, and bow together.¡±


    the officiant¡¯s voice resonated, and xu qing took a deep breath, turning to gaze at yuanshan su, who was filled with anticipation beside him, as they looked up at the sky.


    at this moment, the heavens were ablaze with brilliant colors, while the sun and moon were hidden. the heavenly secrets were churning.


    the old times were fading away, and a new era was descending.


    the radiant clouds were not only omens of good fortune but also a symbol¡­


    ¡°to honor the heavens, a match made in paradise.¡±


    the officiant¡¯s voice rose and fell, resonating in harmony with the heavens and the earth.


    xu qing lowered his head and bowed to the sky with yuanshan.


    the sky rumbled!


    ¡°to honor the earth, may you be united in matrimony.¡±


    the two bowed once more!


    the sky shook and the multicolored light grew even brighter.


    ¡°to honor heaven and earth, may your bond last as long as the sky and the land.¡±


    as these words were spoken, the colors of heaven and earth shifted dramatically. winds began to rise, and clouds swirled as the sun and moon nearly vanished from sight, as if a colossal hand were reaching down to pluck them from the sky!


    the aurora era was about to truly arrive!


    yuanshan su took a deep breath. she knew that change was coming!


    the black gas on aurora immortal lord¡¯s body also became extremely dense at this instant. this drastic change in history was at this moment!


    however, at that moment, an hourglass suddenly flew out from xu qing¡¯s body!


    the instant the hourglass appeared, it emitted endless resplendent light, like flames in the night, illuminating everything!


    as the sand fell, a vast and astonishing force landed in this space-time with a majestic might that surpassed all others.


    it was like an unstoppable flood!


    that was time outside of time. it was fifteen minutes of time that transcended this space-time and couldn¡¯t be changed!


    it descended here and forcefully and domineeringly connected to this time node!


    hence, the light in the sky seemed to have been stopped, and the shaking of the ground seemed to have been contained. no one in the surroundings moved. even the wind, spiritual energy, and heavenly secrets¡­ froze at this instant.


    only the resplendent light emitted by the sand enveloped xu qing and yuanshan su. only they were not frozen.


    yuanshan su was in a daze. his eyes were wide open, revealing disbelief and horror. she abruptly turned her head to look at xu qing and was about to say something¡­


    xu qing took a deep breath and let out a low voice.


    ¡°no chattering, let¡¯s continue!¡±


    as soon as xu qing spoke, spirit phoenix¡¯s body suddenly trembled, her eyes slowly closing. with a gentle flutter of her eyelashes, she softly began to speak.


    ¡°according to tradition, we must bow to the sun and moon next.¡±


    ¡°to honor the brilliance of the sun and moon, which separate the creation of yin and yang.¡±


    xu qing lowered his head and bowed together with spirit phoenix.


    ¡°to honor the red thread of fate, which has brought us this perfect match.¡±


    spirit phoenix¡¯s voice trembled slightly.


    as the two of them continued to pay their respects and the waves of space-time rumbled like a storm.


    ¡°third, bow to your parents.¡±


    spirit phoenix¡¯s voice echoed in the waves and the trembling was even more obvious. there was a hint of complexity, reminiscence, and endless¡­ waiting.


    when it landed in xu qing¡¯s ears, he was stunned. he instantly lifted his head and looked at fairy spirit phoenix beside him.


    with this glance, xu qing¡¯s heart instantly trembled.


    when he saw this spirit phoenix¡­ he knew something was wrong. the difference in her gaze from before was too great. there was no longer coldness or fakeness. there was only vicissitudes, reminiscence, complexity, and¡­ gentleness.


    it was as though she had waited for thousands of years or even longer for this day and this moment.


    yuanshan su¡¯s consciousness had already dissipated at an unknown time.


    this scene caused xu qing¡¯s pupils to narrow. at the next instant, a familiar soft sigh echoed in his consciousness.


    that was actually¡­ the sound of the little person!


    the waves formed by this soft sigh spread throughout his entire body and also took over his body from xu qing¡¯s consciousness.


    ¡°he¡¯s not aurora immortal lord¡¯s remnant soul. he¡¯s¡­ the young lord himself!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart churned. at that moment, he became a spectator.


    the young lord looked at spirit phoenix with a gentle gaze. he raised his hand and grabbed spirit phoenix¡¯s hand, speaking softly.


    ¡°to honor our parents for their nurturing grace, as vast as the eastern sea.¡±


    ¡°to thank our parents for their teachings, as heavy as a mountain.¡±


    ¡°may our parents enjoy the joy of family, and may their lives be long and peaceful.¡±


    tears streamed down spirit phoenix¡¯s cheeks as she tightly grasped the hand of the young lord, the most important person in her life. together, they spoke the final vows in unison.


    ¡°for the fourth bow, the couple bows to each other¡­¡±


    ¡°with one heart and one mind, may we grow old together, sharing the same bed and pillow.¡±


    ¡°with mutual affection, may we be loving partners, like the phoenix and the dragon in harmony.¡±


    ¡°with the fortune of three lifetimes, may our hearts be forever united, through life and death¡­ together.¡±


    ¡°the ceremony¡­ is finished¡­¡± spirit phoenix¡¯s tears flowed down her face and landed on the ground.


    ¡°the ceremony¡­ is finished!¡± young lord lifted his hand and wiped spirit phoenix¡¯s tears as he spoke softly.


    after that, he took out the marriage contract and¡­ wrote the name of spirit phoenix on it.


    space-time fluctuated unprecedentedly at this moment. the world trembled and waves were like a storm, transforming into a huge vortex that surrounded the entire immortal palace.


    with a rumbling sound, it churned violently.

 Chapter 1650 - Chapter 1650: I Have Someone I Miss

    chapter 1650: i have someone i miss


    editor: atlas studios


    love often stirred hearts and enchanted souls.


    countless men and women dreamed of meeting the right person, walking together through every phase of life.


    as ancient marriage vows once said: ¡°like the phoenix and the dragon in harmony, may our hearts be forever united, growing old together, and sharing life and death.¡±


    yet, in this world, some fates left the vows unbroken, but the messages undelivered.


    some people spent their entire lives lamenting the regrets of missed opportunities.


    and so, one ferried across the god blood river, with wedding robe growing old over millennia.


    another, lost in solitude, fell into madness, hiding their inner bitterness with laughter and curses, becoming a sword-wielding little person.


    ¡­


    immortal couples were ultimately a minority.


    the vast majority of love was struggling bitterly in the vortex.


    those regrets of love that could not be obtained were like stars that could not be reached; they may have shone beautifully, but in the end, they faded into darkness.


    he could only stay in the immortal palace in time and see that the curtains were still there. he mumbled that he owed someone in front of the hall.


    recalling last year¡¯s day at that door, where human faces and peach blossoms reflected each other¡¯s red¡­


    with a light sigh, i thought of the one i missed, separated in a distant land.


    bitterly, i felt the matters of the heart, tangled deep within.


    these people and matters were self-evident.


    it was indeed the harshness of the east wind, and the fleeting joy of affection, a heart full of sorrow, and years of separation.


    mistake, mistake, mistake.


    as the peach blossoms fell, in the idle pavilion, though the vows remained, the messages were undelivered.


    do not, do not, do not.


    but¡­ the river of time had two ends, and the path of reincarnation had its cycles.


    what one could not forget ultimately echoed back.


    that sentence on the god blood river caused waves.


    ¡°you¡¯re back.¡±


    the face of the person had disappeared, yet the peach blossoms still smiled in the spring breeze.


    while things had remained the same, the people had changed; yet, coming with the spring wind was the figure that had lived in memory.


    after millennia of waiting, the long-awaited reunion had finally occurred outside of time.


    the bond that had been severed on one side of time had been restored today by xu qing, who had walked on the other side of time.


    ¡­


    ¡°these past years, i often thought¡­ meeting someone who stirs your heart is a kind of fate, and even more, a kind of fortune.¡±


    fairy spirit phoenix looked at the young lord, whispering softly.


    the winds of space-time outside had formed a storm, turning into a vortex, while inside, they lifted strands of fairy spirit phoenix¡¯s hair, each thread telling a tale of longing.


    brilliant grains of time¡¯s sand fell, swirling around the young lord and spirit phoenix.


    from a distance, this moment within the vast waves looked like a dream, unreal yet vivid.


    ¡°back then, we didn¡¯t finish our wedding ceremony¡­ in the midst of the catastrophe, my father came to take us away.¡±


    ¡°you, using the fact that we had not completed the wedding vows, that we weren¡¯t yet officially husband and wife, refused to leave with my father. you said that because i hadn¡¯t written my name in the marriage contract, you didn¡¯t want to burden me.¡±


    ¡°so, you chose to stay behind, to repay the debt in your father¡¯s place.¡±


    ¡°i chose to punish myself at the river of blood, to atone for you.¡±


    ¡°so, today¡­ does this count? have we completed our vows? and my name¡­ has it finally left its mark on our marriage contract?¡±


    fairy spirit phoenix muttered softly.


    ¡°the debt has been repaid. the sin has been atoned for¡­¡±


    ¡°can we¡­ go home now?¡±


    young lord fell silent.


    at that moment, the fluctuations in space-time became increasingly intense, forming a vortex that rumbled deafeningly in the immortal palace, bringing with it more and more space-time sand.


    the sand swirled around the two of them, gradually gathering together. once again, these sands coalesced into an hourglass that existed outside of time.


    it wasn¡¯t just fifteen minutes.


    the amount of sand could last¡­ for two hours.


    this was the limit of what could be achieved in this mirror space-time.


    the young lord didn¡¯t answer spirit phoenix¡¯s question.


    he lifted his head and looked¡­ at the location of his father, the aurora immortal lord.


    the instant his gaze landed, the fifteen minutes of time xu qing had extended for him ended.


    the world rumbled and the surroundings trembled. at this moment, everything that had frozen¡­ returned to normal.


    hence, cheers and laughter rang out once again.


    it was as though no one noticed that the time had been extended for fifteen minutes.


    it was the same for the waves in the sky. the sun and moon were dimming at this moment.


    the chaos of the heavenly secrets had also reached its peak, indicating the trend where fortune came after extreme misfortune!


    then, a beam of white light, so brilliant that it illuminated the entire fifth star ring, burst forth in the heavens.


    like the sea, it swept through everything!


    the aurora era arrived after being delayed for fifteen minutes.


    infinite power converged at this moment, surging into the body of the aurora immortal lord, forming an imperial robe around him.


    countless perceptions and acknowledgments etched the name of aurora into the cosmos, manifesting as an imperial crown.


    aurora immortal lord had ascended the throne!


    from this moment forward, he would preside over the new era, becoming the ruler of the fifth star ring.


    as the sun and moon, once dim, now blazed in brilliance.


    they radiated endlessly.


    the immortal lord¡¯s gaze swept over the world, finally resting upon his child. in his eyes, there was warmth, blessing, and¡­ a hint of farewell.


    then, he lifted his foot and, with a single step, ascended into the sky.


    walking across the heavens, standing before the sun and moon, as the power of the star ring¡¯s throne surged within him, his hand grew immeasurably vast.


    it obscured the sky, traversed the nine realms, and appeared above the sun and moon.


    he waved it gently.


    it was as though it had penetrated a bubble-like barrier and removed the sun and moon inside!!


    at that moment, the world plunged into utter darkness. the sun and moon vanished from the sky, and the light of the aurora immortal lord himself turned into darkness.


    hence, the entire fifth star ring was devoid of light!


    only within the palm of the immortal lord¡¯s hand did the sun and moon still shine, and with a single press, they were mysteriously sent into the body of his son!


    everything proceeded flawlessly. the merging of the sun and moon into his son occurred without resistance, as if it were the natural order.


    this was because, during the initial chaos of the heavenly secrets, the immortal lord had discreetly stripped the names of the sun and moon from existence, causing all living beings to unconsciously forget their names.


    he had hidden the names of the sun and moon within the name of his son.


    mi ming, to ¡®seek the light.¡¯


    in the absence of light, mi ming held the meaning of seeking it¡ªthe sun and moon embodying brightness.


    and thus, his son¡¯s name became mi ming.


    ¡°from now on, you are the sun and moon of the fifth star ring. within you lies boundless light, untarnished by anything. and with divine protection before you, divine calamity shall never befall you.¡±


    ¡°my child, this is the wedding gift your father gives you.¡±


    ¡°now, go live the life you¡¯ve always dreamed of.¡±


    aurora immortal lord spoke softly. after that, he lifted his head and looked at the pitch-black world. at this moment, the black gas in his body erupted and spread in all directions.


    his voice echoed throughout the entire fifth star ring.


    ¡°there are seven colors in the world. i¡¯ll take the redness!¡±


    ¡°merge into my aurora light and turn it red!¡±


    ¡°with this¡­ i shall forge my divine path and change the ordinance into a divine aspect!¡±


    his voice echoed in the ears of all beings, exploding in countless minds, forming a thunderous sound. then¡­ an endless sea of red was drawn by him, appearing in the heavens and merging with his light.


    it formed¡­ a red aurora!


    that aurora was earth-shattering and destructive. it instantly covered the sky and the heads of all living beings¡­


    the sky had changed!


    in the future, the red aurora would become the only sunlight that all living beings in the fifth star ring could see!


    the strange thing was that such a drastic change that had never happened after the entire fifth star ring became a land of cultivators was enough to affect all living beings.


    however, everyone in the immortal palace, including the fourth true monarch, was actually smiling.


    the singing and dancing continued. the blessings were still there and the laughter didn¡¯t stop at all.


    it was as though no one in the outside world noticed the changes.


    this scene created a strong sense of disconnection from the changes in the sky.


    all of this fell into xu qing¡¯s perception. looking at the familiar crimson sky light, his heart trembled.


    ¡°this is the truth?¡±


    ¡°but why is the immortal lord like this? why are the people in the surroundings¡­ like this?¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s also young lord¡­ his ultimate goal¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s consciousness churned and he vaguely had an answer.


    almost at the instant this answer appeared, the voice of the aurora immortal lord echoed again.


    this time, it was even sharper than before!


    ¡°venerable immortal, did you hear that?!¡±


    as the sound of heavenly lightning spread, an ancient sigh rang out from the sky, the earth, the void, everything, all living beings, and every corner of the entire fifth star ring¡­


    it spread out.


    they gathered together and transformed into an ancient voice.


    this sound echoed and the sky distorted. the red light was expelled, revealing the vast starry sky that was filled with stars.


    the starry sky was also distorting.


    amidst the distortion, the countless stars turned into bubbles of different sizes.


    the color was also different, but it lacked redness.


    there were an endless number of these bubbles.


    and in each bubble, there was a scene.


    if the scenes in all the bubbles were pieced together, it would be¡­ the entirety of the fifth star ring!


    at that moment, an aged hand appeared in the starry sky with a sigh. it lifted two fingers and gently squeezed one of the bubbles.


    the bubble popped.


    in an instant, the entire immortal palace was destroyed like the bubble.


    all living beings were reduced to ashes.


    no matter what cultivation base they had, they seemed to be unable to resist and dissipated into the vastness.


    whether it was the fourth true monarch, the great elder, or almost everyone, including the cultivators who were inhabited by the outsiders, there was no exception.


    only the young lord and fairy spirit phoenix existed in the ruins formed by endless ashes.


    it was as though they were originally alive!


    in the sky, aurora immortal lord¡¯s figure was also dissipating. however, it was filled by endless red light that gathered on his body, using this power to break through the sky.


    he appeared in the starry sky, above the countless bubbles, fighting against that aged hand.


    below, in the destroyed ruins, the young lord fell silent.


    he looked at the figure in the starry sky and wanted to take that step.


    he originally thought that he could do it.


    after all, this was an opportunity he had planned for countless years. it was the closest he had come to what he yearned for.


    he originally thought that he could be decisive.


    however¡­ his gaze couldn¡¯t help but look at spirit phoenix beside him. the two of them were holding hands and the other party was holding onto his hand tightly.


    he knew that she was waiting for an answer.


    an answer that had been awaited for countless years.


    in a fleeting moment, he seemed to see the old boat on the god blood river, the aged figure clad in a raincoat, and beneath that raincoat, the ancient wedding attire.


    the wind and rain danced, the years flowed by, year after year¡­


    compared to this, no matter how many reasons he had, he couldn¡¯t say them out loud.


    his determined footsteps lacked the strength to move forward.


    he knew that he owed her too much, too much, too much¡­


    hence, after remaining silent until now, he let out a deep breath and suppressed his countless years of obsession with great difficulty.


    he lifted his hand and gently tucked the hair on spirit phoenix¡¯s forehead behind her ear.


    he said softly.


    ¡°let¡¯s go home¡­¡±


    spirit phoenix had waited for this sentence for countless years.


    and at this moment, it had finally arrived.


    she stared blankly at the incomparably familiar figure in front of her, unable to forget it at all.


    tears streamed down her face.


    she tightened her grip on his hand.


    finally, she spoke softly.


    ¡°i know that you aren¡¯t able to let go. you don¡¯t understand and you can¡¯t forgive the venerable immortal¡­ i know that you want to clarify the true secrets and karma that happened here. i also know that everything you did was to try to save¡­ your father.¡±


    ¡°your goal in this arrangement wasn¡¯t me originally¡­¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s this hourglass. it¡¯s this two hours of time that is outside of time.¡±


    ¡°you want to use this to head to true history and not the mirror image here.¡±


    ¡°you want to go there and try to change it!¡±


    ¡°now, you¡¯ve given it up for me, then¡­¡±


    spirit phoenix looked into her lover¡¯s eyes and lifted her jade-like hand to grab the hourglass floating at the side. with a pinch, the hourglass shattered.


    countless grains of time sand suddenly surrounded it, forming a¡­ time door that led to true history!


    young lord¡¯s heart stirred.


    in front of the door, fairy spirit phoenix spoke softly.


    ¡°i¡¯ll accompany you. we¡­ will live and die together.¡±

 Chapter 1651 - Chapter 1651: True History

    chapter 1651: true history


    editor: atlas studios


    in the mirrored sky of this historical plane, twisted stars and blurred constellations flickered with bubbles that sparkled in every color but red.


    and red¡ªit was in the light.


    the crimson aurora surged, as if locked in battle with the vibrant spectrum!


    in this play of light and shadow, the aurora immortal lord and that ancient hand drew ever closer.


    witnessing this, xu qing suddenly recalled the demon king he had seen in the second realm¡­


    everything in the sky was somewhat similar to the second realm.


    as for the space-time door that was standing on the ruined land, it was also flickering.


    however, the light wasn¡¯t colorful. there was only black and white.


    hence, it looked like a door but also like a mirror.


    just like what he saw in the first realm.


    a wisp of comprehension spread out like ripples in xu qing¡¯s consciousness.


    at the same time, he also discovered that the black and white light emitted by the space-time wasn¡¯t streaming out in individual rays but instead drifted like shimmering particles of light powder.


    these particles diffused around the young lord and fairy spirit phoenix, continually merging with the young lord and resonating with his consciousness.


    this didn¡¯t surprise xu qing.


    the space-time sands were born through him, the waves of space-time stirred by his actions.


    thus, the space-time door, formed in connection with his own space-time ordinance, became a bridge for the young lord and fairy spirit phoenix, weaving their ancient memories into a link between past and present.


    and so, this journey through true history required xu qing¡¯s presence as a witness.


    ¡°young friend, is that okay? accompany us husband and wife.¡±


    the young lord murmured softly, his voice falling into the void, reaching spirit phoenix¡¯s ears and also in xu qing¡¯s consciousness.


    his tone was gentle, and beside him, spirit phoenix¡¯s gaze softened as she made a promise.


    ¡°young friend, you are our benefactor. no matter what becomes of us in this journey, we will ensure your safety and peace.¡±


    xu qing remained silent, sensing the young lord, feeling spirit phoenix¡¯s sincerity, and, finally¡­


    ¡°alright!¡±


    ¡°thank you¡­¡±


    young lord and fairy spirit phoenix said softly.


    after that, the two of them held hands and stared at each other before stepping toward the space-time door!


    it was like xu qing had returned to the moment before entering the first realm.


    a step toward¡­ the true history!


    ¡­


    history existed within the flow of time; it was not only the sand and silt left by the river of passing years.


    it was also a record and reflection of time itself.


    time, in turn, provided the backdrop and framework for history¡¯s unfolding.


    hence, people could interpret past events through the lens of time. yet, as history evolved, it revealed the motion and transformation of time itself.


    for ordinary people, this was an abstract concept, but for those who wielded space-time ordinance, it became an unparalleled opportunity to deepen their understanding.


    as for the mirror image, it was like placing a mirror over a segment of this river. the mirror naturally reflected the scenes from that part of the river.


    these scenes were the mirrored version of history.


    ¡°it was formed by my ordinance in the past.¡±


    in the mirror, the figures of the young lord and fairy spirit phoenix slowly emerged, standing upon the river of time.


    in a gentle tone, he spoke to xu qing.


    deep inside, xu qing felt an affirmation of his understanding, a more profound comprehension of the space-time ordinance. he then projected his thoughts.


    ¡°so everything here takes form subjectively. because people imagine space-time as a river, thus it becomes one.¡±


    when the young lord heard this, he smiled.


    ¡°my father said the same thing.¡±


    as he spoke, young lord held fairy spirit phoenix¡¯s hand and walked into the river below. they descended until their feet rested on the sandy silt at the riverbed.


    they began to walk forward, moving against the current.


    each step they took caused the sand and silt beneath them to glow and shift.


    yet, once their footsteps passed, the particles naturally settled back into place, without the slightest deviation from their original positions.


    this phenomenon attracted xu qing¡¯s attention.


    ¡°my father had his own explanation for this.¡± this time, the person who answered xu qing wasn¡¯t young lord but his wife, fairy spirit phoenix.


    she spoke softly.


    ¡°because the past is like pages turned, fading with the passage of time, no longer existing in the same way, all traces left behind hold a secret. these secrets create their own order.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    the ordinance of the nine shores immortal lord was secret, which clearly reflected the history perceived from his perspective.


    different angles would present a more comprehensive view of history and time.


    as xu qing walked along the river of space-time, treading on the historical sands, this extraordinary opportunity allowed him to gain numerous insights. it also completely spread his own space-time ordinance throughout this river of space-time.


    gradually, his ordinance began to stir.


    these ripples grew larger, forming a vortex that absorbed the understanding of space-time.


    ultimately, it transformed into an unprecedented surge, radiating in all directions, like a dark current stirring the sands.


    the flickering of each grain of sand contained a scene of spacetime.


    at this moment, they were all reflected in his heart.


    for xu qing, who cultivated the space-time ordinance, there was no opportunity more profound than being situated within time itself, yet transcending it simultaneously.


    young lord and fairy spirit phoenix naturally sensed the changes in their surroundings.


    they looked at each other and then¡­ their footsteps slowed down by a lot.


    they had an obsession to complete and hoped to reach there faster.


    however¡­ since this was a peerless opportunity for xu qing, they were willing to fulfill it.


    just like how the other party was willing to fulfill their wish.


    hence, on the way, this personal experience of returning to mirror history and walking from mirror history to the true past caused xu qing¡¯s understanding of time and space to be supreme.


    when this replenishment reached the extreme, an inexplicable shattering sound echoed in xu qing¡¯s consciousness.


    it was the sound of a lock on the space-time ordinance opening.


    countless space-time sand churned intensely the instant the lock was opened. they gathered from all directions and surrounded the surroundings, gushing into xu qing¡¯s consciousness.


    the quantity far exceeded the hourglass from before!


    this lasted until the young lord and fairy spirit phoenix¡¯s footsteps approached their destination in the river of space-time and stepped to the point where their memories originated¡­


    a soft sigh echoed in this time.


    it stirred up sand and stirred up the river. with the help of xu qing¡¯s space-time ordinance, scenes from the young lord¡¯s own history began to manifest, unfolding like pages of a vast chronicle before them, replacing everything else in sight.


    the long river of space-time dissipated and the former immortal palace was reflected in front of them.


    yet, it was as if a veil hung over their vision¡ªblurring everything, allowing them only a hazy glimpse, like trying to see flowers through a mist or the moon¡¯s reflection upon water.


    everything was somewhat blurry.


    amidst this blurriness, xu qing saw a figure.


    it was the aurora immortal lord.


    he wore white clothes and had white hair. he stood alone in front of an ice mountain.


    his expression was bitter, blank, and even more so, it hid dense sorrow. these emotions gathered together and transformed into loneliness.


    ¡°in the future, there will only be the two of us, father and son¡­ i will accompany you as you grow up.¡±


    there was a baby sealed in the ice mountain.


    the baby¡¯s identity was obvious.


    ¡­


    the scene grew increasingly blurred, as though someone had hastened the river of years, causing memories to flow past swiftly. amidst this flowing tapestry of time, faint images of a child growing up alongside the aurora immortal lord emerged.


    there were moments filled with warmth as the child babbled their first words.


    the joy of being lifted into the air by a loving father.


    the laughter of climbing mountains hand-in-hand.


    in the dawn light, a moment stood still¡ªthe young boy sitting on his father¡¯s shoulders, pointing toward the heavens with a voice that echoed in the cool morning air.


    ¡°father, i want the sun and the moon to always be there. i like them.¡±


    the aurora immortal lord smiled then, a softness in his eyes, as if these precious moments of companionship were a balm to his own soul.


    as for the originally empty immortal palace, there were gradually more people.


    they had servants, followers, and disciples. in fact, xu qing even saw the fourth true monarch. they appeared one after another with smiles on their faces.


    they respected the immortal lord and loved the young lord. they accompanied him and watched him grow.


    the immortal palace was filled with light.


    ¡­


    however, beauty was only temporary.


    as the pages of history flipped and time flowed, the light of the immortal palace dimmed on this day. suddenly¡­ it disappeared.


    black filled the world of the immortal palace and every corner there.


    the immortal lord who walked out of the darkness was no longer wearing a white robe.


    he wore black clothes and his black hair fluttered in the entire immortal palace. with a cold gaze, he guided the descent of slaughter.


    he personally¡­ crushed his servants to death and erased his followers. he also cruelly killed his disciples.


    all four disciples died tragically.


    the entire immortal palace was filled with blood.


    blood flowed on the ground, and the crushed flesh stuck to the buildings.


    after the immortal palace fell silent, there was only a youth curled up in the sea of blood. he was trembling and had a terrified expression as he fell into endless despair.


    in front of him, under the convergence of black, his father¡¯s figure floated and slowly lifted his hand.


    however, this hand was trembling and the black color was churning.


    his expression was also intensely distorted, as though he was struggling and restraining himself. in the end¡­ the moment his hand landed, he gently stroked the youth¡¯s head.


    and the light of the rising sun, accompanied by tears, landed on the youth¡¯s face.


    ¡°i¡¯m sorry, i¡¯m sorry, i¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    the immortal lord¡¯s robe turned white and his black hair turned white. he hugged the trembling youth and muttered bitterly.


    after that, he erased the youth¡¯s memories and the bloodshed in the immortal palace.


    the moment the youth woke up, the sun was shining brightly. everyone in the immortal palace was present. their smiles didn¡¯t change at all and their actions weren¡¯t abnormal at all.


    just like when they were alive, they accompanied the youth and continued walking amidst the joy.


    the only difference was that from this day onwards, the aurora immortal lord told the youth not to come and see him when night fell.


    under the immortal lord¡¯s palace, there was an underground palace and chains. every time night fell, low roars of pain that no one could hear would echo there.


    just like that, day after day, year after year¡­


    when the youth grew up, he comprehended his own ordinance. it was a special ordinance known as the mirror.


    however, this ordinance¡­ was changed.


    on the night when he sensed that the ordinance of his child had been changed, the pain in the underground palace exceeded the past until¡­ the black color dyed the entire immortal palace again.


    after that, at dawn, everything was as usual.


    originally, time would flow like usual, permeating the illusory living beings and the world that only the father and son were in.


    this lasted until one day, when a young girl arrived with obsession.


    hence, there were three living people.


    hence, the wedding was reflected in front of them.

 Chapter 1652 - Chapter 1652: From Now on, Im No More in Reincarnation!

    chapter 1652: from now on, i¡¯m no more in reincarnation!


    editor: atlas studios


    the red curtain of memory lifted within the historic scene, just like the turbulence in the young lord¡¯s heart.


    it came from the depths of his sealed memories.


    though this recollection had gradually loosened over endless years, and despite his countless years of silent, frenzied waiting within the immortal palace, part of him had already pieced together an answer.


    yet¡­ at this moment, facing the true history before his very eyes, he still could not find peace.


    hence, spirit phoenix held his hand more firmly.


    at this moment, xu qing, sharing an integrated state with the young lord, could clearly feel the turbulence in the other¡¯s heart.


    he could understand it, yet he could only remain silent.


    a life intertwined with truths and illusions, years of despair and hope, the mingling of cries and laughter¡ªall of it, ultimately¡­ was the essence of a father¡¯s love.


    but the one who had once delivered that love had long since faded into the sands of time.


    raising his hand, xu qing watched as the grains slipped through his fingers like sand from the riverbed.


    so all that was left to do was to continue traversing through time, undaunted by the vast chasm between life and death. with dreams and wandering souls, heavy with sorrow and helplessness, he carried boundless longing, crossing the boundaries of existence, walking through the time.


    how many times did he think about his closed ones¡¯ well-being?


    xu qing sighed softly.


    he thought of peerless city and his parents¡¯ figures that were a little blurry in his memory but would never dissipate.


    he also thought of the seven blood eyes, his master, captain lei, and grandmaster bai.


    finally, these figures transformed into an ancient voice that echoed in his consciousness.


    ¡°endlessly onward! without end!¡±


    ¡­


    the scenes of history continued to flow in time.


    the red curtain was lifted but it didn¡¯t take away the redness. hence, the color of the wedding was dyed red in history.


    like blood.


    on the scene, aurora immortal lord was smiling in relief.


    young lord and fairy spirit phoenix were paying their respects.


    it was just that¡­ in this true history, no one at this end of the river extended fifteen minutes of time for them.


    as for the changes in the world, the waves of the sea of light¡­ descended with a bang the instant the first bow ended.


    the sun and moon were taken down.


    red became the property of the aurora immortal lord. hence, the sky¡­ lost the sun and moon. from then on, the red aurora became the only sky light.


    under the sunlight, countless bubbles appeared again.


    at the same time, an aged hand appeared.


    he crushed the bubble, and the sound of its shattering echoed, taking with it the splendor of the immortal palace. in the aftermath, the two newlyweds standing amidst the ruins were left dazed, their minds awash in a storm of confusion and blurred consciousness.


    it was as if, regardless of the immortal lord or venerable immortal, both had chosen to keep certain secrets from these two.


    hence, they were isolated and fell into unconsciousness.


    before he fainted, the last thing the young lord in the scene saw when he lifted his head was his father choosing to rebel and change the ordinance to divine aspect. he was currently rushing into the starry sky.


    he would rather be suppressed than to yield without a fight!


    after that, the young lord in the scene lost consciousness.


    and the scenes of history continued.


    young lord and spirit phoenix, who had walked over from the mirror image, were still staring at the truth in history.


    so they saw it.


    even though the aurora immortal lord¡¯s entire body shone with a resplendent red light, he¡­ didn¡¯t have the slightest battle intent!


    he was laughing, he was crying, he was shouting at that aged hand.


    ¡°father, kill me!¡±


    these words were like millions of bolts of lightning that rumbled in the young lord¡¯s mind.


    this wasn¡¯t a suppression battle because of rebellion at all.


    this was¡­


    ¡°father is¡­ asking for death¡­¡± young lord¡¯s body trembled. as he muttered bitterly, an ancient sigh echoed in history.


    all the bubbles were shining and the light gathered, forming a vast figure.


    it appeared in the starry sky, in front of aurora immortal lord, occupying everything.


    it was as though he was the starry sky.


    his gaze was complicated. there was guilt, helplessness, and sorrow. a hoarse voice slowly rang out from his mouth.


    ¡°do you resent me¡­ for sealing the divine calamity within you?¡±


    aurora immortal lord lifted his head and looked at the familiar figure in front of him.


    that was his father, the supreme existence in the entire fifth star ring.


    venerable immortal!


    he was the one who led the cultivators of the minor worlds to counterattack!


    he was the one who overthrew the rule of the gods and ended the suffering of all living beings.


    he was the one who flattened the fifth star ring and made this place the land of cultivators.


    his achievements were unprecedented in the fifth star ring.


    he was also an irreplaceable hero whom countless people had admired since they were young.


    ¡°i don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°i know that your battle with the venerable god back then looked like a victory, but in reality, the venerable god left behind a divine calamity before he died and tainted your body.¡±


    ¡°gods¡­ they are, after all, part of the upper star rings¡¯ essence, born from the core of the upper star rings. at the level of a lord god, they are eternal and indestructible. as long as they are remembered¡ªeven if countless eras pass¡ªas long as someone calls upon them, they can return.¡±


    ¡°not to mention¡­ the venerable god.¡±


    aurora immortal lord looked at the venerable immortal in front of him. his red light rippled and his voice echoed.


    ¡°and with the power of his shattered divinity, the venerable god gathered his boundless divine might to form the ultimate curse¡ªa calamity so formidable that even someone as powerful as you could not completely erase it; a trace remained, becoming an indelible mark.¡±


    ¡°so, after that battle, you chose to enter closed-door cultivation.¡±


    ¡°i understand that you did so because you discovered the venerable god¡­ sought to use this calamity to¡­ resurrect himself through you.¡±


    ¡°although this resurrection would require an incredibly long time, if left unresolved, it would become a certainty. the moment of resurrection would also mark the annihilation of the fifth star ring¡¯s cultivators, turning them to ashes.¡±


    ¡°to prevent such a situation, you drifted between the upper and lower rings of all star realms, transforming into countless forms, seeking a way to break the curse until you finally found a solution.¡±


    at this point, aurora paused for a moment and bitterness appeared in his tone.


    ¡°that means your main body fell into slumber to evade the will of the calamity, thereby transferring it!¡±


    ¡°and this transfer technique has stringent conditions; you cannot disperse its essence, and only your direct descendant, the sole bloodline, can inherit it. hence, you could only have one son, and i too can only have one son, and so on.¡±


    ¡°after 4,900 generations, it can be neutralized.¡±


    ¡°and the further in time we go, the weaker this calamity becomes, until it completely dissipates.¡±


    ¡°thus, in the end, for the sake of the fifth star ring, you chose to transfer this calamity to me in this manner, allowing your main body to fall into slumber.¡±


    ¡°this is also why there is a rotation of eras in the fifth star ring; because your main body is asleep, even your clones often have to sleep alongside you.¡±


    ¡°i know this was your sacrifice for the fifth star ring, sealing the calamity through your lineage, transferring it from generation to generation, and gradually diminishing its power.¡±


    ¡°i understand all of this and tried to agree.¡±


    aurora immortal lord mumbled.


    ¡°but¡­ father, the integration of the divine calamity was the cause of ming¡¯er¡¯s mother¡¯s death. she¡­ died when i lost control over the divine calamity the first time.¡±


    ¡°i¡­ tore her apart¡­ with my own hands.¡±


    ¡°i¡­ killed the love of my life¡­¡±


    ¡°do you know? she didn¡¯t flee or resent me. before she died, she looked at me gently. she used her life to wake me up from losing control.¡±


    ¡°i couldn¡¯t face the truth, so i fell into a slumber.¡±


    tears streamed down aurora immortal lord¡¯s eyes. he looked at the venerable immortal in front of him with a pained expression. he couldn¡¯t bear the scene back then, couldn¡¯t accept it, and found it even more difficult to forgive himself.


    however, he couldn¡¯t help but understand his father, this venerable immortal who sacrificed his lineage for the sake of the fifth star ring.


    however, the more he tried to understand, the more he blamed himself. this self-blame had become a black hole that was devouring everything about him at all times.


    hence, in this endless pain, he chose to seal himself.


    this was because he was worried that in this state, he might hurt even more people.


    this was the reason why aurora had fallen into a deep sleep in history.


    ¡°ten thousand years later, when i woke up, i originally thought that i had successfully suppressed it, so i unsealed ming¡¯er¡¯s seal¡­ i wanted to spend the rest of my life watching him grow.¡±


    ¡°for me, ming¡¯er¡¯s growth has become a form of healing¡­¡±


    ¡°but father, i didn¡¯t expect that i had never succeeded in suppressing it. that day¡­ i lost control again.¡±


    aurora immortal lord¡¯s body trembled and so did his voice.


    ¡°that day, i almost¡­ tore him apart. just a little more, just a little more¡­¡±


    ¡°after that, i chose to build the catacombs and seal myself. i told ming¡¯er not to come and see me when night falls.¡±


    ¡°i originally wanted to¡­ make my seal stronger.¡±


    ¡°until¡­ i sensed that ming¡¯er¡¯s ordinance had been changed. i know that it was you who changed his ordinance from the mirror to¡­ the three karmas ten evil seals that are used to transfer and seal the divine calamity!¡±


    ¡°you wanted me to transfer the source of this pain to ming¡¯er when i can¡¯t take it anymore.¡±


    ¡°however, how can i let him be like me, enduring this pain day and night, enduring the intense pain of killing his loved one by his own hands!¡±


    aurora immortal lord laughed crazily and pointed at the venerable immortal.


    ¡°father, as a venerable immortal, you have made great contributions to the fifth star ring! i don¡¯t blame you for sacrificing your lineage!¡±


    ¡°but¡­ i¡¯m also a father!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m not as great as you. i¡¯m unwilling and can¡¯t pass my pain to my descendants!¡±


    ¡°i also know that there¡¯s actually another way to neutralize this divine calamity. there¡¯s no need to go through so much trouble.¡±


    ¡°actually, after you transferred the divine calamity to me back then, you could use the method you planned to completely destroy it.¡±


    ¡°that is to kill me when the time is right!¡±


    ¡°now¡­ the divine calamity and i have fused into one. the time has arrived!


    ¡°i have already rebelled and changed my ordinance to divine aspect. the will of god is about to awaken. father, you¡­ don¡¯t have much time left!


    so¡­ kill me!!


    ¡°grind my flesh, shatter my bones, extinguish my soul, break everything about me, so that there will be no trace of my will in the past, present, and future! let all beings and all things have no memory of me!¡±


    ¡°let all living beings no longer have any traces of me in their memories!


    let this cycle of reincarnation be without me, as if i never existed in the future.¡±


    ¡°for example, you never had me!¡±


    aurora immortal lord rose!


    the red aurora dyed the entire history¡­


    that was the color of the wedding and also the color of blood!


    it was also fatherly love.


    vaguely, there seemed to be a sentence echoing in history.


    ¡°from now on, you are the sun and moon of the fifth star ring. within you lies boundless light, untarnished by anything. and with divine protection before you, divine calamity shall never befall you.¡±


    ¡ª new chapter is coming soon ¡ª


    write a review

 Chapter 1653 - Chapter 1653: Memories

    chapter 1653: memories


    editor: atlas studios


    the scenes of history stirred within that crimson hue, creating ripples.


    countless grains of sand swayed and flowed, emitting resplendent flowing light in the undercurrents of the river of time.


    outside the light, the young lord stared blankly at everything in front of him.


    back then, because his consciousness was isolated, he couldn¡¯t hear the words. at this moment, as the historical scenes flashed, he heard them all.


    it turned out that everything about his childhood in the immortal palace was fake.


    it turned out that his father¡¯s rebellion was to seek death.


    it turned out that the reason for seeking death was to protect him.


    his body trembled and tears streamed down his face as he looked at his father rushing toward the venerable immortal.


    in the past, he didn¡¯t understand why his father did such a thing, and he couldn¡¯t forgive his grandfather, the venerable immortal.


    however, at this moment, after seeing the truth, there was only bitterness left.


    at the side, fairy spirit phoenix sighed softly and didn¡¯t let go of his hand at all.


    as a spectator, xu qing¡¯s heart also fluctuated.


    this truth didn¡¯t seem to have any wrong sides.


    was the immortal lord wrong? in order not to continue the pain, he chose to rebel and seek death. this was to cut off the divine calamity from himself so that his child wouldn¡¯t suffer as much as he did.


    this was a manifestation of fatherly love, so he wasn¡¯t wrong.


    and was the venerable immortal wrong? for the sake of the entire fifth star ring, he sacrificed his bloodline, forsaking his self to protect the greater whole¡ªthis, too, was without fault.


    in watching this history unfold, it became clear that the method the aurora immortal lord proposed was something the venerable immortal, with his powers, had likely foreseen long ago.


    he knew that, when the right moment came, he could personally end the aurora immortal lord¡¯s life, resolving everything without the need to slowly wear down the curse through generations.


    and with his ability, he could easily have brought that moment forward, avoiding this prolonged waiting.


    yet, even as he sacrificed nearly everything for the fifth star ring, he chose to ignore that option.


    the emotions contained in it were also fatherly love.


    he didn¡¯t want to lose his son.


    hence, even though he had a simpler and more direct method long ago, he would rather choose to wear it down for generations.


    at the very least, that way, aurora immortal lord¡¯s life would continue.


    ¡°he loved his son, unable to bring himself to kill him, and his son, too, loved his own, choosing his own end rather than to pass on this curse.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly.


    at this moment, the scenes of history were still flowing.


    the venerable immortal, vast as the starry sky, had from beginning to end spoken only that one sentence at the start.


    after that, there was silence.


    even though aurora immortal lord¡¯s eyes shone with a red light and he wanted to die, he remained silent.


    even though the ordinance from the aurora immortal lord was corroding everything, he still chose to remain silent.


    he allowed the immortal lord to attack.


    this lasted until aurora immortal lord¡¯s white hair gradually turned black.


    this lasted until his white clothes slowly turned into black robes.


    this lasted until the gods¡¯ aura began to erupt from aurora immortal lord¡­


    a maniacal laughter grew louder, a hysterical roar thundered throughout the heavens.


    cries of ¡®kill me!¡¯ reverberated through the historic scene, distorting everything, and all turned into a blur.


    it seemed as though the venerable god was on the verge of returning, through the body of the aurora immortal lord.


    the venerable immortal closed his eyes and slowly lifted his hand.


    it landed gently.


    just as he had done in that minor world so long ago, when he lovingly patted his child¡¯s head, saying with a smile, ¡°when you grow up, i¡¯ll take you to see the stars beyond.¡±


    and he did.


    with a resounding crash, his hand descended, and the aurora immortal lord¡¯s body faded away like ash, until he became nothing but tiny red specks, merging with the boundless aurora above.


    he disappeared, leaving no trace.


    form and soul, entirely extinguished.


    from now on, he was no more in the cycle of reincarnation.


    in the fading light, the venerable immortal kept his eyes closed.


    he stood there silently, his figure looking bleak.


    after a long time, he turned and walked into the distance.


    that lonely figure¡¯s originally straight back seemed to have bent a lot as he left.


    it was as though he was no longer the venerable immortal of the fifth star ring.


    he was just a lonely old man who had lost his beloved son and was immersed in bitterness.


    his figure gradually blurred and finally¡­ fused into the starry sky.


    in the starry sky, low murmurs echoed.


    ¡°aurora¡­ he did it to give you, the venerable immortal, and all beings a justified reason for the venerable immortal to kill him.


    in this way, he freed himself¡­


    free you¡­


    and he freed the venerable immortal¡­¡±


    ¡°he helped everyone.¡±


    as the voice swayed, fine threads appeared in the scene.


    these threads flowed between the sand. that was the secret of history.


    they slowly gathered together, forming a figure in the scene of history¡­ in front of the young lord and fairy spirit phoenix.


    nine shores immortal lord.


    the young lord was silent and spirit phoenix lowered her head.


    ¡°and this history¡­¡±


    nine shores shook his head.


    ¡°this part of history cannot be seen or known by anyone below the immortal lord realm. for though the divine calamity is eradicated, if anyone learns of it, there exists the possibility of karma arising with it, leaving traces.¡±


    ¡°immortal lords can still avoid it, but the risk is enormous for those below the immortal lord realm.¡±


    ¡°this is also the reason why your father and i isolated the two of you.¡±


    nine shores spoke softly.


    ¡°now, however, you have seen it, you have learned of it¡­ therefore, for the venerable immortal, erasing you both would indeed be the best and safest choice for the future of the fifth star ring.¡±


    ¡°yet, on one hand, one of you is my daughter, his granddaughter-in-law.¡±


    ¡°on the other, his grandson, who carries within him the undying sun and moon born with the fifth star ring¡¯s essence when it became the realm of cultivators¡ªthese cannot be destroyed.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s another reason. it¡¯s¡­¡±


    the nine shores immortal lord paused.


    ¡°his heart has softened.¡±


    ¡°the old man who gave up everything for the sake of the fifth star ring, ultimately softened his heart.¡±


    ¡°he chose to shoulder the karma of both of you himself.¡±


    ¡°now, leave.¡±


    nine shores lifted his hand and waved it gently forward.


    immediately, the waves of history churned and the waves of the river of time rose. an irresistible force swept over, wanting to send the young lord and spirit phoenix out of this place¡­


    his figure also turned and walked toward the starry sky. everything behind him was blurry.


    everything was about to dissipate.


    young lord suddenly lifted his head.


    ¡°venerable immortal can bear the karma of me and spirit phoenix, but there¡¯s still a wisp of consciousness in my body. it¡¯s my benefactor. he¡­¡±


    ¡°he¡¯s fine,¡± the distant nine shores immortal lord calmly said.


    ¡°the venerable immortal can¡¯t withstand the karma on his body, while the divine calamity¡­ doesn¡¯t dare to.¡±


    as the words echoed, a great wave rose from the river of time, swallowing everything in its path. the wave swept away grains of sand that didn¡¯t belong, lifting them above the river¡¯s surface and casting them into the mirror above.


    then, the mirror itself dissolved.


    ¡­


    when everything became clear again, the immortal palace appeared before them.


    it was not the ruin they had left behind; everything remained as it was at the moment of the wedding.


    however, the joyous crowd had vanished.


    only the figures of the young lord and the spirit phoenix remained, along with a faint, blurry form shaped by consciousness.


    that was xu qing.


    at the moment of return, he had already detached from the body of the young lord, now floating in mid-air, gazing at the immortal palace and the figures of the young lord and spirit phoenix.


    the events that had unfolded here felt like a dream.


    and everything within the river of time seemed even more dreamlike.


    at this moment, the dream was about to awaken.


    for xu qing, the gains were monumental.


    after experiencing all of this, his understanding of the space-time ordinance had been nearly completely supplemented.


    he could sense that he was about to break through¡­


    he was only missing a direction.


    he had to choose this direction.


    the moment it was set would be when he would make a breakthrough.


    as for the truth he knew in the dream and the karma it inflicted, xu qing didn¡¯t care.


    even if the nine shores immortal lord didn¡¯t say that, xu qing didn¡¯t care.


    this was because the karma of the god¡¯s fragmented-face was enough to suppress everything.


    if the divine calamity really found him and wanted to bring the venerable god back through him, then¡­ xu qing felt that fragmented-face desolate might be even happier.


    however, after knowing the truth of history, the emotions that flowed in his heart were still spreading.


    hence, xu qing looked at the young lord and fairy spirit phoenix.


    the two of them continued to remain silent.


    a long time later, the young lord raised his hand and waved it. time sand flew out and gathered in front of xu qing, forming an hourglass.


    the sand inside exceeded what it was before.


    it was no longer two hours but a day.


    ¡°young friend, thank you¡­ for this journey.¡±


    the young lord looked at xu qing and spoke softly.


    ¡°i no longer have any regrets. now, i¡¯ll leave and follow my father¡¯s wishes to walk my own life¡­¡±


    at this point, he looked at fairy spirit phoenix beside him.


    spirit phoenix¡¯s gaze was gentle as she nodded gently.


    a smile appeared on the young lord¡¯s face. this smile contained melancholy about the past and also relief.


    after that, they stepped into the void.


    as they left, the entire world began to blur. it was as though time had flowed here for tens of millions of years, wanting to weather everything.


    xu qing lifted his head and looked at the two people in the sky. the voice from the sky echoed in his ears.


    ¡°young friend, i can¡¯t help you much with your space-time ordinance.¡±


    ¡°but i remember my father once said that beyond space-time¡­ is parallel!¡±


    the instant these words rang out and landed in xu qing¡¯s consciousness, it was as though countless thunderbolts were rumbling, causing xu qing¡¯s eyes to reveal an extremely intense light.


    it was as though he had been enlightened.


    he understood!


    the voice from the sky still echoed.


    ¡°i¡¯ll give you the ownership of the immortal palace and leave everything here to you.¡±


    ¡°with your current understanding of space-time, you should be able to understand it.¡±


    ¡°we¡¯ll meet again if fate allows it.¡±


    ¡°young friend, thank you for helping me and my husband. you can make a trip to the god blood river in the future. i¡­ left a gift for you there.¡±


    the last sentence was said by fairy spirit phoenix.


    as their voices rang out and their figures left, the weathering of the entire immortal palace sped up.


    in just a few breaths of time, while xu qing comprehended the direction in his mind, countless years passed in this place.


    in the end, all the buildings, including the realm itself, turned into ashes and drifted away.


    the space-time waves from the fourth realm also dissipated.


    however, in xu qing¡¯s heart, the water formed by his space-time ordinance was already as majestic as a river.

 Chapter 1654 - Chapter 1654: The Ninth Extremity!

    chapter 1654: the ninth extremity!


    editor: atlas studios


    the river surged, with a roaring sound rising along with the waves, echoing in all directions.


    xu qing sat cross-legged on the river¡¯s surface, surrounded by the ashes of the fourth realm that were drifting and scattering.


    it was like snow falling from the sky, spreading out around him.


    however¡­ this realm didn¡¯t shatter or disappear.


    all the buildings in the immortal palace, including the sky and earth, had vanished into thin air.


    however, this realm still existed.


    this was because xu qing was here!


    the young lord gave him the ownership of the immortal palace.


    he had the authority to govern it.


    his space-time ordinance had already fully developed, manifesting as a river of space-time, sustaining the fourth realm that would have otherwise shattered.


    at the same time, he also understood that he could leave at any time. he could even return to any of the first three realms with a thought.


    whether it be the present world in the first realm, the scene on the second realm, or the lines on the first realm, as long as he wanted to, he could descend instantly.


    however¡­ if he wanted to go up, he would be restricted.


    what restricted him wasn¡¯t his authority and identity but his ordinance level.


    to enter the fourth realm, one only needed to possess an ordinance or an ordinance treasure. as for the fifth realm, the requirement was higher.


    their ordinance had to be at a certain level, causing the force of law to surge, or have the power of a quasi immortal great emperor.


    at this moment, xu qing could sense that he was just a step away from entering the fifth realm.


    ¡°i have to increase the space-time ordinance by another level and i can break through everything!¡±


    ¡°this higher level is my ninth extremity!¡±


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    he had a strong intuition that the moment the ninth extremity appeared would be when the ninth world of his soul accumulation was formed.


    with the help of the ninth extremity, he could step into the fifth realm that only great emperors or those with a certain level of ordinance could enter.


    once he reached there, he was confident that he could absorb the power of the fifth realm¡­


    ¡°just a step away from ruler and a combat strength that can fight the great emperor!¡±


    xu qing drew in a deep breath. as his thoughts churned, he mumbled.


    ¡°as for my ninth extremity¡­ after space-time¡­ it¡¯s parallel¡­¡±


    the parting words of the young lord left an unparalleled impact on him, resonating like thunder that still echoed within.


    this profound sense of enlightenment grew stronger and stronger.


    finally, as xu qing sat cross-legged upon his own river of time, he lowered his gaze to the water¡¯s surface.


    his reflection was there.


    he stared at his reflection for a long time¡­ and then, xu qing on the river¡¯s surface closed his eyes.


    in that instant, however, his reflection in the water opened its eyes!


    then, the reflection sank downward, drifting to the riverbed, descending into the sand and silt, sinking deeper and deeper until it finally vanished.


    only xu qing on the river¡¯s surface remained, seated cross-legged and motionless.


    ¡­


    a wind blew from afar, carrying with it thick, mystical fog that swirled and drifted past numerous cultivators, eventually spreading over the stone tablet on the immortal welcoming platform of the immortal palace.


    the tablet was black, overgrown with moss, exuding a sense of antiquity and the passage of countless years.


    the inscriptions on it were faint and weathered, detailing the three paths available upon entering the immortal palace.


    this was the entrance of the immortal palace and also the first place all cultivators saw upon entering, where each of them would decide on their path within the immortal palace.


    at that moment, li mengtu, earth spirit ancestor, and a blurry figure were rushing over from afar.


    as they reached the immortal welcoming platform, the vast majority of the cultivators who were originally on the platform were rushing to the left.


    that was the first path to enter the immortal palace. the fog inside wasn¡¯t thick but the space seemed to be different. compared to the immortal welcoming platform, it was much dimmer.


    there was also a gentle drizzle, softly soaking everything around. the ground was muddy.


    as for the second path, right in front, dense fog covered it. one could only vaguely see that there seemed to be a bridge there.


    a person seemed to be walking forward on the bridge.


    ¡°that¡¯s star ring. the moment he appeared just now, i saw that he was going to this bridge.¡±


    li mengtu, who was at the side, spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°i wonder what brother xu will choose. if you choose the small path, we can go together.¡±


    after li mengtu finished speaking, the earth spirit ancestor beside him also turned his head and looked at xu qing expectantly.


    the person standing beside them was xu qing!


    at this moment, it was the moment everyone entered the land of immortal¡¯s fall. however, the strange thing was that whether it was li mengtu or the earth spirit ancestor, they showed nothing abnormal.


    it was as if they were entirely unaware that they had been here before.


    or, more precisely, versions of them from different points in space-time had walked these same grounds.


    even stranger was that xu qing, now standing at this very place, seemed to have no recollection of it either. he appeared exactly as though he were entering for the first time, lifting his gaze to study the three entrance paths ahead.


    a small path, a wooden bridge, and a river.


    ¡°i want to take a walk around this bridge.¡±


    the earth spirit ancestor glanced at li mengtu.


    li mengtu nodded and cupped his fists and bowed to xu qing, walking toward the small path on the left.


    the earth spirit ancestor hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn¡¯t persuade him. instead, he bowed to xu qing and chose the same path as li mengtu.


    very soon, the two of them disappeared.


    xu qing was the only one left on the immortal welcoming platform.


    he stood there and first looked at the right!


    after pondering for a while, he finally retracted his gaze and looked at the bridge in front of him. his body swayed as he headed there¡­ taking a step in.


    time flowed by.


    the world behind the bridge was the second realm. the moment he appeared in that scene, xu qing was immersed in it and experienced many things. it was just that¡­ he didn¡¯t encounter the little person holding a sword.


    instead, he slept in the demon king¡¯s bucket.


    finally, with an unknown commotion, the demon king roared angrily and splashed everything in the bucket out, spreading it all.


    in that turmoil, for reasons he could not comprehend, xu qing narrowly escaped.


    he entered the third realm.


    there, he met li mengtu and joined forces with him to obtain the identity to enter the fourth realm.


    they then stepped into the fourth realm together.


    he was no longer the young lord but a guarding disciple of the scripture pavilion.


    he tried to change history and create waves, but couldn¡¯t because the star ring had completed the order.


    with the appearance of the wedding and the descent of the calamity, everything flowed in line with history.


    the bubbles in the starry sky shattered and all the living beings in the immortal palace dissipated, including him.


    the instant he dissipated, xu qing opened his eyes.


    around him flowed a gentle stream, while in the distance, as if separated by the fabric of time and space, he saw another version of himself.


    that other self was surrounded by a vast river, immense and awe-inspiring.


    ¡°so this is how it is¡­¡±


    this xu qing mumbled. he sat cross-legged on his stream and closed his eyes.


    the reflection continued to sink.


    after that¡­ the scene on the immortal welcoming platform appeared again.


    this time, xu qing, who had appeared there and was still unknown about this, recognizing the dangers of the area, chose to enter the rainy path with li mengtu and the earth spirit ancestor.


    as he walked along this path, he did not experience the first and second realms. instead, he encountered xie lingzi and became embroiled in conflict.


    in the end, he forged a bond with zhou zhengli.


    the three of them, including li mengtu, found the identity required to access the fourth realm. there, they experienced the shifting tides of history.


    when everything came to an end, as the fourth realm began to dissipate, xu qing opened his eyes and saw¡­ two versions of himself.


    after a moment of silence, he fell into a daze.


    ¡°so this is how it is¡­¡±


    he closed his eyes. there was very little river water beside him.


    however, the reflection was still sinking.


    it stirred up a series of undercurrents that created layers of ripples, transforming into one xu qing after another that appeared at the entrance of the immortal palace in different space-times.


    they made their respective choices.


    just like the most primitive sand in the time desert. every time the wind blew, it would form a different timeline and give rise to different experiences.


    some versions even died on the way!


    the space-times they were in turned into nothingness.


    some versions¡¯ way of dealing with problems overturned xu qing¡¯s framework.


    killing, bloodshed, plundering¡­


    they were different.


    the experiences were naturally built on this. some forged a bond with xie lingzi, some befriended qianjun and piyi, and some didn¡¯t even enter the fourth realm.


    there was also a version of xu qing who became friends with star ring and chose to follow the order.


    the various changes and experiences ultimately manifested externally in the vast river, where xu qing found himself surrounded by an increasing number of rivers. though the waters varied in volume, each flowing river held a version of himself.


    in the end, it was majestic and densely packed.


    countless versions of xu qing, alongside innumerable rivers, filled all of the void.


    until a wind blew, stirring the original sands, and the original xu qing opened his eyes.


    he muttered softly.


    ¡°return to one!¡±


    the instant he opened his eyes¡­ the instant he spoke¡­


    countless space-times in the surroundings and countless him suddenly opened their eyes. all of them¡­ looked at him!


    all gazes gathered and intertwined at this moment. at this moment¡­ they fused.


    immediately after, countless long rivers instantly churned and gathered toward the original xu qing!


    the river water became increasingly turbulent and an intense and endless rumbling sound rang out in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    it was as though his mind had been opened!


    it was like his eyes were no longer covered!


    countless selfs became one.


    countless rivers merged into a sea!


    the ninth extremity was born at this instant!


    it was parallel extremity!


    it was as though the world had been split open. as the world shook, xu qing¡¯s ninth world also appeared.


    his cultivation base soared explosively!


    from eight worlds to nine worlds now, he had reached the extreme of the soul accumulation.


    his ordinance directly broke through!


    the moment he broke through, xu qing stood up on the sea of space-time. he raised his head and looked up. he then lifted his feet¡­ and took a step toward the void!


    he wanted to go to the fifth realm that only quasi immortal great emperor-level battle strength could go to and complete the final breakthrough!


    the moment his foot landed, his surroundings turned blurry and distorted. it was as though he had broken the shackles and walked out of the barrier.


    he stepped into¡­ the fifth realm!


    looking in all directions, a splendid scene unfolded.


    one after another, vortices of varying sizes resembled star systems or strange eyes, stretching infinitely.


    yet, at the moment of observation, despite the vastness, xu qing felt that he could ¡®see¡¯ all the vortices and their intricate details.


    in this mystical experience, he also noticed several figures seated in meditation within these vortices.


    among them were star ring and some cultivators he had never seen before, their auras clearly indicating they were quasi immortals.


    surrounding each of these individuals were unique and fantastical illusions flowing around them.


    star ring seemed to be making a breakthrough.


    after being stared at by xu qing, star ring seemed to have sensed something and abruptly opened his eyes, sweeping his gaze over.


    the instant he saw xu qing, his expression suddenly changed and disbelief uncontrollably surfaced.


    ¡°how are you here!!¡±

 Chapter 1655 - Chapter 1655: One Step to Ruler, Wanggu Resonates

    chapter 1655: one step to ruler, wanggu resonates


    editor: atlas studios


    it was extremely difficult to enter the fifth realm!


    this was a place that only quasi immortal great emperors could enter.


    rulers would only have a chance if their ordinance level reached a certain point.


    however, such cultivators were extremely rare.


    in the entire fifth star ring, in this generation¡­ it was publicly acknowledged that only star ring, who was the number one star, could do this.


    this was one of the reasons why star ring was high above in the eyes of other stars.


    at the same time, it was also where star ring¡¯s ambition lay.


    his ordinance of order had reached the level where he could break through to the quasi immortal realm a long time ago.


    as for the reason why he had been suppressing it, his goal was to accumulate 999 chains of order.


    now, in this fifth realm¡ªreachable only by quasi immortals¡ªhis plan was to absorb the vast energy of this realm, using its aura as a foundation and drawing upon the power of the immortal palace. this would enable him to resonate with the fourth true monarch¡¯s ordinance.


    from there, he could trigger a breakthrough that would allow him to continue along the path of the fourth true monarch.


    if he truly managed to break through in this way, at the moment he stepped into the quasi immortal realm, his starting point and accumulated foundation would be astonishing, even among other quasi immortals.


    in terms of combat power, his strength would surge exponentially.


    he would become a powerful quasi immortal!


    moreover, his future would be limitless!


    it was almost certain that he would become a lower immortal in the future.


    this was the reason why he came to this land of immortal¡¯s fall!


    however, though the ideal was promising, reality proved somewhat different. the setbacks he experienced in the fourth realm, along with his failure to uphold order, meant that his chains of order not only failed to reach the planned count of nine hundred and ninety-nine¡­


    there were even several broken ones.


    this affected him quite a bit.


    however, as the number one star, after the failure, he quickly adjusted his mentality and chose to enter the fifth realm. he wanted to continue on his path here.


    moreover, he was about to succeed.


    not only had his order chains completely recovered, but the 999th chain had also been molded by more than half.


    if he was given some more time, he would be able to complete it.


    after that, he could break through the ruler realm and step into the quasi immortal realm.


    although there were twists and turns in the process, the outcome was the same.


    this was all of star ring¡¯s plan.


    and in his understanding, among those peers who had entered this immortal palace, none but himself should be able to appear on this fifth realm.


    hence, no one would stop him.


    as for the quasi immortal great emperors here, before he stepped into the quasi immortal realm, unless he took the initiative to fight, they wouldn¡¯t attack him.


    this was the special law of the fifth star ring for the protection of the stars.


    anyone who violated it would have to pay a huge price.


    hence, he originally thought that there wouldn¡¯t be any deviations from his breakthrough.


    until this moment when he saw xu qing¡­


    xu qing¡¯s appearance caused star ring¡¯s heart to rumble. this was because the significance of this scene was too great.


    he could see that the other party also had traces of a breakthrough on his body. he understood that the other party¡¯s goal in coming here was the same as his. they were both here to break through.


    it was also this discovery that caused the fluctuations in star ring¡¯s heart to be intense.


    ¡°so, your cultivation level¡­ is soul accumulation!¡±


    he wasn¡¯t the only one who was shocked. at that moment, those quasi immortal great emperors who were cultivating here also opened their eyes and stared at xu qing with different expressions.


    there were waves in their hearts.


    xu qing¡¯s cultivation base¡­ caused the waves in their hearts to be even bigger.


    ¡°soul accumulation?¡±


    ¡°his ordinance¡­¡±


    ¡°with his soul accumulation cultivation, he actually comprehended such an ordinance¡­¡±


    ¡°interesting. looks like the number one star of this generation is going to change its name.¡±


    at this moment, the wind in the fifth realm seemed to have stirred up.


    in the wind, star ring¡¯s unsightly expression returned to normal and he slowly stood up.


    as he stood up, dense killing intent continued to erupt from his body. in just a few breaths, this killing intent formed a storm that rumbled in all directions, transforming into vast pressure.


    the instant he saw xu qing, while he was shocked, he naturally recognized xu qing¡¯s identity.


    even though he hadn¡¯t seen xu qing¡¯s true appearance in the fourth realm, xu qing¡¯s gaze left an incomparably deep impression on him.


    hence, when their gazes met, he had already guessed everything.


    the person in front of him was the cultivator who possessed the body of the young lord in the fourth realm!


    the person in front of him was the cultivator who had hidden in the dark and caused endless waves!


    the person in front of him was the cultivator who had used the words on the marriage contract to drive him away!


    ¡°since you¡¯re here¡­¡±


    ¡°wanting to break through here¡­¡±


    ¡°i won¡¯t allow it!¡±


    killing intent erupted from star ring. the moment he stood up, his cultivation strength, which was only a trace away from breaking through, was also rumbling.


    he was clear that, regardless of whether the other party might try to prevent his breakthrough, he absolutely couldn¡¯t allow him to break through in front of him.


    xu qing had previously brought him quite a bit of trouble with just the soul accumulation realm. while he was confident he could still suppress him if a breakthrough occurred, the thought unsettled him deeply.


    so, as he stood up, star ring¡¯s figure blurred, swiftly moving towards xu qing..


    the quasi immortal great emperors in the surroundings were observing this scene.


    to them, these two could no longer be simply regarded as juniors; after all, reaching this point meant they had earned the qualification to stand alongside them.


    however, no matter who won, it had nothing to do with them.


    so in the midst of their monotonous cultivation, watching these two clash was naturally exciting.


    however, just as star ring rushed over with monstrous killing intent and these quasi immortal great emperors looked over, xu qing, who had appeared on the fifth level and saw his surroundings clearly, frowned slightly.


    he was clear that his current state wasn¡¯t suitable for battle.


    right now, the parallel ordinance in his body was fluctuating and the ninth world was reaching perfection.


    hence, xu qing understood that the most important thing to him now¡­ was to borrow the aura here to break through the soul accumulation in one go and step into the ruler realm.


    moreover, he was 100% confident.


    however, if he attacked or was disturbed during this process, it would be difficult for him to ensure this confidence.


    according to his original plan, he wouldn¡¯t interfere with star ring¡¯s breakthrough. since they were both here, they could just break through together. it wouldn¡¯t be too late to fight after the breakthrough was completed.


    however¡­ star ring didn¡¯t allow it.


    ¡°then, i won¡¯t allow it either.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze turned cold. the instant he looked at star ring, he lifted his right hand and waved it gently at star ring who was charging toward him with monstrous killing intent.


    he spoke calmly.


    ¡°expel him!¡±


    as soon as the words were spoken, the fifth realm erupted in a thunderous roar. storms intensified to their peak, stirring waves that reverberated across the entire realm. the swirling vortices also began to rotate with a booming force, echoing throughout the world.


    it was as though countless eyes had opened at the same time.


    a terrifying repulsive force erupted.


    it landed on¡­ star ring!


    star ring was stunned and wanted to struggle, but against this terrifying power, he couldn¡¯t resist at all. at the next instant¡­ his figure became blurry.


    in the blink of an eye, he disappeared without a trace.


    he was expelled from the fifth realm!


    as star ring was driven away, the repulsion here dissipated and everything returned to normal.


    the observing mindset of the surrounding quasi immortals instantly vanished, replaced by an overwhelming solemnity in their hearts.


    ¡°authority?¡±


    ¡°qualification!¡±


    ¡°this person has the authority of the immortal palace!¡±


    as for what others thought, xu qing had no time to pay attention to it now. before leaving, the young lord had granted him the authority of the entire immortal palace, so theoretically, he could expel everyone at the level he was able to enter.


    hence, after expelling star ring, xu qing sat cross-legged and closed his eyes, sinking into his ninth extremity!


    the ninth extremity, extreme parallel.


    in xu qing¡¯s understanding, this extremity was like the most primitive sand in the time desert, shifting repeatedly to form one timeline after another, transforming into countless space-times.


    these space-times were theoretically infinite, and their variations were likewise limitless.


    they could be real or fake.


    similarly, they could also be doors.


    through these doors, one could connect to their bodies in all space-times.


    this unification was the ninth extremity.


    ¡°it can also be called overlapping universes.¡±


    as xu qing muttered inwardly, the fifth realm fluctuated again. star ring¡¯s figure formed from nothingness and shouted.


    ¡°you¡­¡±


    however, he only roared one word. xu qing didn¡¯t even look at him. he waved his hand, expelling star ring again.


    the waves instantly dissipated. star ring, who had stepped into the fifth realm, dissipated again. together with his grievance and anger, he was thrown away.


    only the lingering sound of his word still echoed.


    xu qing closed his eyes and circulated the ninth extremity in his body. in this space-time connection, he gradually grew stronger. the ninth world was also like a blooming flower, becoming increasingly resplendent.


    after that, it was the fusion!


    the nine worlds fused together at this instant. xu qing¡¯s cultivation also rose. his aura became increasingly majestic, and so did his aura.


    the fluctuations he caused seemed to have formed a vortex of its own.


    it spun violently.


    in this vortex, xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged and meditating, began to release the soul in his body!


    the ruler realm was the process of forming an immortal embryo. the moment the immortal embryo was completed, the cultivator would be a quasi immortal!


    hence, it was divided into three levels. they were illusion of truth, imperishable, and immortal embryo!


    the illusion of truth stage was when one¡¯s soul emanated outward, enveloping the body and forming a new one. because it was derived from the soul, it was considered illusory; yet because it represented the true form, it was named¡­ illusion of truth.


    at that moment, xu qing¡¯s entire body shone. as his soul emanated outwards, it was as if a divine statue was shining.


    sitting in a meditative posture, he resembled a giant, and amidst the flowing light, he gradually radiated a resplendent glow, embodying a sense of divinity!


    ruler realm corresponded to the realm of divine fire.


    however, unlike other rulers at this level, xu qing¡¯s illusion of truth swiftly transformed from a blur to clarity the moment it emerged, until it reached perfection.


    a vast power that surpassed the soul accumulation erupted from xu qing¡¯s body.


    one step, ruler!


    at the same time, outside the immortal palace and the fifth star ring, in the ninth star ring that was separated by endless space!


    on wanggu, under fenghai county, outside the phoenix hall in the underground palace where zi xuan was in seclusion¡­


    a figure sitting cross-legged there also had divine light flowing through his body.


    that was xu qing¡¯s divine body.


    the instant his immortal body stepped into the ruler realm, the connection between them caused the divine authority in this god¡¯s body to shine.


    god and immortal resonated!


    the diamond sect¡¯s ancestor was shaken.


    in the phoenix hall, zi xuan¡¯s eyelashes fluttered.


    the human emperor parting summer also lifted her head in the human palace and looked at fenghai county.


    at the same time, in the ancient realm beneath wanggu, where the brilliant heaven god race was sealed, erniu was sprinting with all his might, cradling a head the size of a small mountain.


    he looked disheveled, but his eyes sparkled with mischief as he ran, laughing uproariously.


    ¡°i¡¯ve hit the jackpot! this thing looks absolutely delicious, though it¡¯s a bit tough. i need to find a place to get it open!¡±


    at that moment, as he raced along, he swallowed hard and was about to scan his surroundings for a good place when he suddenly sensed something above. he looked up in astonishment, his eyes nearly popping out of his head.


    ¡°damn, did little qing eat some treasure? how did he break through so quickly?¡±

 Chapter 1656 - Chapter 1656: Stubborn Star Ring

    chapter 1656: stubborn star ring


    editor: atlas studios


    ruler realm was the process of forming an immortal embryo.


    once the immortal embryo was formed, coupled with the corresponding level of ordinance, one could step into the quasi immortal realm.


    after that, the immortal embryo would transform into an immortal and the ordinance would form tributaries. quasi immortals would advance to lower immortals!


    these three grand stages were the lifelong aspiration of countless cultivators, though only a rare few truly managed to traverse them all.


    each of these stages represented a brutal test, a filter that weeded out all but the most exceptional. advancing through each step required fortune, fortuitous encounters, and a profound accumulation of foundation.


    thanks to the suppression of the gods in the fifth star ring, cultivators had been spared catastrophic threats, allowing their numbers to swell, which led to a seemingly high count of ruler- level cultivators.


    yet, proportionally, they remained few.


    on wanggu, where gods rampaged and anomalous substances pervaded, mere survival was arduous. even in its prime, the population of cultivators there had never been able to match the fifth star ring¡¯s vast numbers.


    thus, up to this point, there had been only a handful of true rulers.


    progressing through these three stages required not only the continual strengthening of one¡¯s ordinance but also an immense amount of star ring energy to nourish and ultimately form the immortal embryo. only then could one transform into an immortal.


    not a single one could be missing.


    xu qing already knew about these beforehand.


    at the moment of his breakthrough, he became acutely aware of both his strengths and weaknesses.


    just as in the soul accumulation realm, where his ordinance was formidable but his physical body was a vulnerability, he now found a similar situation in the ruler realm.


    ¡°the reason why i couldn¡¯t step into the fifth realm is because of my ordinance.¡±


    ¡°the ninth extremity¡¯s overlapping universes is already comparable to the perfected ordinance of a quasi immortal. it¡¯s not much different from a tributary.¡±


    ¡°therefore, for me, what i lack in the ruler realm, or even the realm of quasi immortals¡­ is only the birth and growth of the immortal embryo.¡±


    ¡°in that case, my focus now should be to obtain more power of the star ring, which is the source energy of the upper star rings. i¡¯ll use it as nutrients to speed up the birth and growth of my immortal embryo.¡±


    ¡°i can¡¯t ignore the ordinance either. this is because if i want to step into the lower immortal realm, my current ordinance is still a level away.¡±


    ¡°in other words¡­ the tenth extremity!¡±


    xu qing sat cross-legged. as he sensed the fluctuations of his current cultivation, he muttered inwardly, summarizing the past and analyzing the future.


    xu qing didn¡¯t know what the tenth extremity was and didn¡¯t have a direction yet.


    however, he already understood how strong he was at this moment.


    ¡°my current combat power can fight against quasi immortals. however, because my body is in the process of forming the immortal embryo, its strength is only that of a ruler. when facing the power of a quasi immortal, this is a flaw.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    a dark glint appeared in his eyes and he ended his thoughts. he then lifted his head and looked at the void.


    where he was looking at, the void fluctuated and a sharp fluctuation erupted. it was as though someone was forcefully entering from outside.


    xu qing naturally knew the identity of the person who came.


    however¡­


    ¡°he broke through outside?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was indifferent. when he looked over, the waves in the void had already become vast and star ring was suddenly revealed.


    the moment he appeared, his aura spread out and the might of a quasi immortal erupted.


    ¡°xu qing!!¡±


    a furious roar shook the sky and rumbled in all directions.


    at this moment, star ring¡¯s eyes were even redder as he stared fixedly at xu qing.


    he had indeed broken through!


    he had no choice but to break through. after being expelled many times, he already understood that it was impossible to advance in the fifth realm like planned.


    hence, he could only decisively choose to break through his cultivation outside and step into the quasi immortal realm.


    this breakthrough was naturally not perfect.


    the killing intent in his heart had long surpassed the killing intent he had for xu qing previously.


    after sensing this killing intent and seeing star ring¡¯s red eyes, xu qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°i¡¯ve been waiting for you for a long time.¡±


    these words caused waves in the fifth realm. it was like a storm whistling and thunder exploding, forming a series of space-time fluctuations.


    these ripples echoed around star ring, resonating in every direction¡ªbefore him, behind him, to his left and right. they reverberated across his past, his present, and his future, present everywhere and inescapable!


    in xu qing¡¯s eyes, resplendent stars appeared, shining with the flowing light of time and space.


    under this gaze, star ring in his eyes no longer existed alone.


    he saw¡­ countless space-times and star rings in different states in these space-times!


    some were crazed, some sneered, some were silent, some were sinister, and some were bitter¡­


    in countless space-times, xu qing saw countless star rings.


    ¡®seeing¡¯ was only the first step, and the second step was influence.


    at that moment, xu qing could clearly sense that he couldn¡¯t only affect the star ring in the main world but also the other party in other space-times.


    in fact, if his ordinance power was enough, then¡­ he could truly kill him.


    he would erase the other party in all space-times, regardless of cause and effect, regardless of fate, regardless of reincarnation¡­


    this feeling reminded xu qing of the true god that jade flowing dust had mentioned back then.


    the reason why true gods could return was because their true names weren¡¯t destroyed. hence, even if they died, as long as they were remembered, the names could become a mark of return.


    back then, when xu qing heard these words, he didn¡¯t understand but he felt that it was impressive. he only felt that the true god was terrifying.


    but now¡­ he understood.


    the one who returned might not be the same being¡­ it was possible that the being who appeared after death was a manifestation of the god from another space-time.


    the moment these realizations rose in his heart, star ring¡¯s heart also fluctuated intensely.


    ¡°unfortunately, because my immortal embryo is only an illusion of truth now and i haven¡¯t reached the end of the ninth extremity, the current me can¡¯t affect all the space-times.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly. he then lifted his right hand and faced star ring, opening it slightly.


    at that moment, star ring was looking at xu qing. the charm emitted by xu qing¡¯s eyes caused his heart to tremble and his scalp to feel a little numb.


    at the same time that his breathing stopped, an intense sense of danger erupted.


    it was a feeling of being seen through.


    his karma, fate, and reincarnation were seen through. hence¡­ the feeling of danger instinctively arose.


    at the next instant, iron chains of order appeared beside star ring. as they surrounded him, the terrifying power from his quasi immortal cultivation erupted violently.


    just as he was about to attack¡­


    xu qing lifted his open palm facing star ring and clenched it gently.


    a calm voice rang out.


    ¡°seamless!¡±


    the instant this word echoed and he clenched his fist¡­ the space-times around star ring in xu qing¡¯s eyes all rumbled and fluctuated, erupting in a disorderly manner.


    this eruption became extremely intense in the blink of an eye, transforming into a space-time storm that rumbled on star ring¡¯s body.


    before this, xu qing couldn¡¯t control seamless and could only let it activate chaotically. however, at this moment¡­ after mastering the ninth extremity, it was no longer the same.


    as xu qing opened his fist and waved it, the chaotic space-time storm was instantly drawn over and swept out like an angry wave¡­ engulfing nine space-times where star ring existed, excluding the present.


    in an instant, star ring of those timelines found themselves within the heart of the storm. their bodies decayed swiftly, and every chain of order they held disintegrated under the relentless passage of time.


    all of this seemed to be telling¡­


    any order would become the past with time.


    three of the star rings in the nine space-times let out heart-rending cries. their bodies turned to ashes over the years. only the immortal embryo was still there, as though it was molting.


    however, it didn¡¯t seem like it could hold on for long and was trembling.


    the other six space-time bodies also began to collapse during these years.


    their experiences also affected the main world. hence, star ring in the main world spat out blood and his body began to decay!


    this was the combat strength of a quasi immortal!


    it could affect the immortal embryo!


    on the contrary, no matter how gorgeous the ordinance¡¯s performance was, if it couldn¡¯t shake the immortal embryo, it couldn¡¯t be considered the combat strength of a quasi immortal.


    different ordinances had different manifestations.


    in the parallel space-times, what caused waves was the overlapping universes. it relied on destroying many space-times to cause waves to appear.


    if it was li mengtu, after his poison reached such a level, the one being corroded would be the main body.


    as for star ring, it was the same, especially since his cultivation had already broken through and become a quasi immortal.


    even though this breakthrough wasn¡¯t perfect in his opinion, his combat strength was still extraordinary.


    hence, even though he couldn¡¯t see his other space-times now, after sensing that his immortal embryo was damaged, his counterattack¡­ also began!


    countless iron chains of order shone with golden light. after they gathered together, they seemed to form a weighing tool!


    it was a scale.


    on one end was him and on the other was xu qing!


    and above order¡­ was balance!


    in the instant this scale appeared, an unseen force linked them together.


    at that moment, xu qing¡¯s unleashed space-time storm pressed heavily upon one side of the scale, tilting it off-balance.


    yet as the balance was disrupted, a vast power from the void descended upon star ring, pouring into him with an unstoppable force. this immense energy continued to gather, its magnitude increasing until it restored equilibrium to the unsteady scale.


    it was like borrowing strength!


    this was the law formed by the change in star ring¡¯s ordinance after he stepped into the quasi immortal realm.


    the stronger the enemy was, the greater the external force he could leverage. in the end, it could form a vast expanse and suppress everything!


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed with wonder at such an ordinance.


    ¡°interesting¡­ then let¡¯s see if your limit comes first or mine.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    he flicked the ninth extremity in his body as though he was plucking the strings of a zither.


    immediately, the space-time storm that was created soared and swept toward the other space-times of star ring. in the blink of an eye, it swallowed the eleventh space-time, followed by twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth¡­


    the imbalance formed once again, and the balance continued to arrive.


    xu qing narrowed his eyes. a storm surged into the sky and the space-times affected increased to eighteenth.


    he planned to use this battle to temper his ordinance.


    star ring¡¯s limit gradually appeared. the moment the space-times xu qing swept up reached twenty, it arrived with a bang.


    that scale¡­ collapsed.


    xu qing stood up.


    twenty worlds of space-time wasn¡¯t his limit. from what he knew, if he opened the ninth extremity fully, the number of space-time waves he could cause could reach about fifty.


    star ring was vomiting blood at this moment. a large number of cracks appeared on his immortal embryo and he was sent flying.


    however, he didn¡¯t have too many distracting thoughts.


    he was clear that the reason why he was at a disadvantage was partly because the other party¡¯s ordinance was extremely strong and partly because his breakthrough wasn¡¯t perfect.


    ¡°xu qing, you¡¯re indeed very strong but your weakness is equally obvious. your immortal embryo¡­ is only in the illusion of truth stage!¡±


    star ring forcefully stopped and lifted his head, killing intent flickering in his eyes.

 Chapter 1657 - Chapter 1657: Space-Time Immortality

    chapter 1657: space-time immortality


    editor: atlas studios


    while xu qing and star ring were fighting¡­


    outside the immortal palace, beyond the western starfield of the fifth star ring, at the peak of the eastern starfield.


    there stood a million towering towers.


    from afar, they seemed to stretch endlessly into the distance.


    each tower shone with the brilliance of starlight, positioned as if mirroring the principal stars of the vast heavens.


    iron chains of order connected these towering constructs.


    at the heart of this formation stood a single tower, rising far above the others. its radiance was so intense that it bathed the sky in a magnificent glow.


    this tower was one of the main towers of the star ring tower.


    in the tower, an old man in a daoist robe was looking toward the west with his hands behind his back.


    this old man had a sage-like demeanor and his white hair fluttered in the wind. his entire body exuded a sense of transcendence and it was as though the universe was spinning in his eyes.


    he was the tower master of the star ring tower!


    he was the guardian of the entire eastern starfield and a lower immortal!


    he was also¡­ the master of star ring!


    ¡°a formidable calamity has appeared in star ring¡¯s fate!¡±


    ¡°this calamity wasn¡¯t destined, yet it emerged suddenly a few years ago, challenging the core of his fate!¡±


    ¡°if he overcomes this trial, he shall ascend like the rising sun.¡±


    the old man muttered softly and raised his right hand to perform a series of hand seals in front of him. a long time later¡­ there was a strange glint in his eyes.


    ¡°if the calamity is not reversed, how can ultimate fortune reveal itself?¡±


    ¡°star ring must face this calamity!¡±


    ¡­


    the calamity had arrived!


    in the fifth realm of the immortal palace, star ring¡¯s body trembled and his internal organs churned. he spat out a mouthful of blood and retreated again. this time, he retreated seven steps.


    with every step he took, starlight shone.


    even more determination erupted in his heart.


    star ring, as the foremost heaven¡¯s chosen of the eastern starfield, was widely acknowledged as the number one talent of his generation across the fifth star ring.


    his life could be said to be radiant.


    regardless of his background or cultivation, they shone with a brilliance akin to the stars.


    in fact, he had even inherited the name of the star ring of the star ring tower. even xie lingzi and zhou zhengli were whetstones arranged by his master for him.


    it could be said that before he met xu qing, his life, his momentum, and his path were remarkably smooth, without any twists or obstacles. but from the moment he met xu qing, everything changed.


    he faced continuous suppression.


    whether in trying to maintain order in the fourth realm or in his breakthrough attempts in the fifth realm, he encountered relentless resistance.


    in fact, he even had a faint feeling of fate being at play.


    however, the instant this thought appeared¡­


    a cold glint flashed in star ring¡¯s eyes. there was a sharp blade in his heart that could cut through thoughts, break through inner demons, and crush fate!


    ¡°my fate is mine to command!¡±


    star ring looked at xu qing. the aura of a quasi immortal rose from his body and the aura of a great emperor burst forth. countless iron chains appeared out of thin air, circling around him.


    the intent of order was incomparably intense at this moment.


    he still had one more move¡­


    this was a law he had drawn from his own fate at the moment he ascended to quasi immortal, during the elevation of his order to balance¡ªa single grain of law.


    this law was named¡­


    ¡°heaven¡¯s law!¡±


    star ring raised his right hand and grabbed at the void.


    a celestial sound rang out from his mouth.


    ¡°come!¡±


    as soon as this sound rang out, the fifth realm stirred. xu qing¡¯s footsteps also paused.


    his eyes gleamed as he looked at star ring. at this moment, xu qing could sense that star ring had become a little different from before.


    if the previous star ring gave the feeling of being visible, now he felt¡­ blurred.


    this blur encompassed not only the present world but also the space-times surrounding star ring.


    the past, present, future, and all parallel existences became indistinct in that instant.


    a sense of impending crisis arose in xu qing¡¯s heart at that moment.


    the source¡­ came from the hand of star ring as it reached out toward the void!


    a speck of dust appeared in his hand!


    the moment he saw it, xu qing¡¯s heart stirred. he felt as though he was facing the entire starry sky.


    it couldn¡¯t be disobeyed or snatched!


    the expressions of the quasi immortal great emperors who were watching this battle changed at this moment.


    ¡°this is¡­¡±


    ¡°heaven¡¯s law!!¡±


    ¡°what a remarkable star ring!¡±


    the order ordinance¡¯s higher level was balance. it could support star ring to complete the path of a quasi immortal.


    as for breaking through the quasi immortal realm and stepping into the lower immortal realm, just balance was not enough. this required star ring to reach the peak of his order ordinance.


    after balance¡­ was heaven¡¯s law!


    however, it was impossible for the current star ring to comprehend his ordinance to the level of heaven¡¯s law.


    he needed to explore the quasi immortal realm and comprehend it during the process of transforming his immortal embryo into a true immortal.


    only then could he complete this transformation and become a part of heaven¡¯s law!


    at that moment, he would be a lower immortal!


    this was his future path.


    the current him couldn¡¯t achieve it.


    however, as the number one star, he was also the only one among all the stars who had chosen to forgo the ordinance bestowed by his elders, relying solely on his own insights to become the unparalleled prodigy of this generation.


    thus, even though heaven¡¯s law was difficult to grasp, he still managed, at the moment of his breakthrough, to pluck a grain of¡­ heaven¡¯s law¡¯s dust!


    this dust, this drifting particle, was the source of the crisis that made xu qing feel uneasy.


    as star ring waved his hand, the dust¡­ suddenly landed!


    with an unmatched force, it descended upon xu qing!


    the dust of heaven¡¯s law would bury everything, leaving no room for survival!!


    xu qing¡¯s pupils constricted, and in that instant, his sense of crisis surged to an extreme. his body rapidly retreated.


    but it was still too late.


    that grain of dust, as it fell, suddenly appeared in xu qing¡¯s world, right above him.


    it descended.


    although it was merely a particle of dust, the weight it contained felt infinite. no matter how xu qing resisted, he could not counter it in the slightest.


    in an instant, his mind roared, and his body felt as if it would shatter under the strain. his soul suffered similarly, developing cracks beneath the weight of the falling dust.


    xu qing¡¯s breathing quickened, and the sensation of death surged within him, like a tide overwhelming everything. but there was no time to think further. as he retreated, he directly left the fifth realm, escaping the immortal palace.


    when he appeared, he was already on the immortal¡¯s fall plains outside the immortal palace. however¡­ the dust was still sinking.


    it followed fate and still landed.


    xu qing¡¯s body couldn¡¯t withstand it and finally collapsed at this moment. his soul drifted away, sweeping up his ordinance as he sped through the immortal¡¯s fall plains with all his might.


    however, under heaven¡¯s law, everything was over.


    at the next instant¡­ xu qing¡¯s soul collapsed.


    before he dissipated, he felt bitter. he thought of his life. he thought of how although it didn¡¯t go smoothly in the fourth realm of the immortal palace, he joined forces with star ring and finally succeeded in maintaining order.


    he had obtained the qualifications to enter the fifth realm.


    however, in the face of the opportunities in the fifth realm, he still had to fight the final battle with star ring, who could be considered friends with him.


    this was fate.


    xu qing sighed softly and dissipated.


    the space-time he was in also shattered and finally collapsed, as though it had been erased.


    outside this collapsed space-time, it was still the fifth realm of the immortal palace. another xu qing was retreating.


    dust was landing on him as well.


    in the end¡­ his body and soul were destroyed.


    this battle continued because the third xu qing was also retreating.


    this scene was displayed in the eyes of the surrounding quasi immortal great emperors. their expressions were strange.


    ¡°this person¡­ has space-time ordinance!¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s the higher law after the space-time ordinance has advanced.¡±


    ¡°using other space-time bodies as substitutes for the true body!¡±


    in their eyes, the moment heaven¡¯s law¡¯s dust of star ring fell, a large amount of space-time waves appeared outside xu qing¡¯s body. after that, different space-times appeared one after another.


    these space-times were being used to wear down the dust of heaven¡¯s law.


    in the blink of an eye, three space-times collapsed.


    after that, seven more space-times collapsed.


    after that, another 12 space-times were destroyed¡­


    as these space-times were destroyed, the speck of dust gradually became lighter and blurry. in the end, after a total of 46 space-times were destroyed¡­ that speck of dust finally disappeared.


    the remaining space-times shone at this moment. xu qing, who was in one of them, raised his head and looked at star ring, his eyes revealing a strange glint.


    ¡°what a remarkable heaven¡¯s law¡­¡±


    he was tempted.


    star ring felt bitter. he looked at xu qing before shifting his gaze away and looking at the other party¡¯s surroundings.


    the space-times there fluctuated endlessly. he didn¡¯t know how many space-times existed or where the other party¡¯s limit was. it was even very difficult to determine if the person talking to him was the other party in the other space-times or the true body in the present world.


    this was the parallel ordinance.


    overlapping universes could use the bodies of other space-times to substitute for the user¡¯s death.


    in theory, it was infinite.


    however, xu qing currently had his own limit. due to the immortal embryo and his grasp of the ordinance, his current limit was 54!


    this method of substitution for death, due to the merging of his other selves from different space-times with his true body in the present world, established a distinction between primary and secondary.


    therefore, the death of his other selves in different space-times, while having some impact on his true body, could still be endured without affecting his foundation.


    thus, to truly kill xu qing, it was necessary to completely shatter all the space-times he could manipulate and annihilate all his other selves within them.


    only then could the connection be severed!


    ¡°i wonder if that grain of heaven¡¯s law will separate from your life if i kill you¡­¡±


    xu qing slowly spoke and his voice rang out from space-time.


    after that, he raised his hand. at the next instant, monstrous sword intent emerged from his hand and transformed into¡­ the emperor sword!


    moreover, it wasn¡¯t just from one space-time. at that moment, xu qing, who was in the other space-times in the surroundings, raised their hands at the same time and took out the emperor sword.


    all of them slashed down!


    it was impossible to discern which was the true xu qing and which of the sword energies held real power or was merely an illusion.


    all these sword energies tore through their respective space-times and, upon gathering in this fifth realm, formed a single, awe-inspiring killing sword that charged directly at star ring.


    in an instant, they slashed through his body!


    after they pierced through, the remaining force landed in the void, causing a shocking crack to appear in the void.


    star ring¡¯s body trembled and started collapsing until he turned into ashes.


    after that, space-times dissipated one after another, including xu qing, who had spoken earlier.


    xu qing¡¯s true body walked out from a deeper space-time and stood at the place where star ring had died.


    his gaze paused.


    he didn¡¯t sense the increment in his immortal capital qualifying token¡¯s perception range.


    ¡°he didn¡¯t die?¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes but wasn¡¯t too surprised.


    after all, the other party was the number one star and his cultivation had already broken through. he naturally had some unbelievable life-saving methods.


    ¡°however, that grain of heaven¡¯s law¡­¡±


    xu qing wanted it.


    hence, he raised his hand and grabbed. under the enhancement of space-time, waves appeared in the place of star ring¡¯s death. finally, a wisp of aura flew out and landed in xu qing¡¯s hand.


    this was the other party¡¯s mark.


    after sensing it, a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°not far!¡±


    ¡ª new chapter is coming soon ¡ª


    write a review

 Chapter 1658 - Chapter 1658: Number One Star: Xu Qing

    chapter 1658: number one star: xu qing


    editor: atlas studios


    he was indeed not far.


    the moment star ring was killed in the fifth realm, at the entrance of the immortal palace, in front of the immortal welcoming platform¡­


    a blurry figure appeared there.


    this place was one of the three paths leading into the immortal palace. xu qing had seen it from a distance before; it was a bridge shrouded in fog.


    at this moment, the fog churned, and after the figure materialized, it abruptly retreated, appearing on the immortal welcoming platform in an instant.


    as it stepped onto the bluestone, the figure stumbled, coughing up a mouthful of fresh blood.


    its chest heaved, breath quickened, and its expression carried the look of one who had narrowly escaped disaster.


    he was star ring.


    however, his current aura was fluctuating heavily and his body emitted a sense of weakness. one could even see half of his body intertwined between illusion and reality.


    ¡°xu qing¡­¡±


    star ring¡¯s expression was gloomy. with a sway of his body, he sped toward the exit of the immortal palace.


    at the next instant, he left the immortal palace.


    the moment he flew out, he saw several people sitting cross-legged and meditating outside the land of immortal¡¯s fall.


    with a quick glance, he saw li mengtu and zhou zhengli.


    almost at the same time that his gaze landed, the cultivators sitting cross-legged also sensed it, especially li mengtu and zhou zhengli. they immediately raised their heads and their gazes landed on star ring.


    li mengtu¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    zhou zhengli fell into deep thought.


    star ring didn¡¯t stop. he took a step into the void and stepped onto the horizon, speeding away.


    he used his fastest speed.


    it was only when he reached the edge of the immortal¡¯s fall that he turned his head and looked in the direction of the immortal palace.


    as for his half-ethereal, half-real body, it gradually shed its illusionary state with each breath, becoming fully tangible.


    this was his life-preserving technique, a secret art of the star ring tower.


    through the dao of sacrifice, he could shape his own star tower, which he could use to substitute for his death.


    this could resolve the life-and-death crisis.


    over the years, he had molded seven of these star ring towers.


    ¡°i didn¡¯t expect to lose one here¡­¡±


    reflecting on the scene in the fifth realm, star ring felt a surge of wariness. he had to admit one thing: the other¡¯s understanding of ordinance surpassed his own by a fair margin.


    ¡°whether it¡¯s killing, hiding, or even his ordinance, all of them are honed to a terrifying level!¡±


    ¡°therefore, if i want to suppress him, i need to strengthen my ordinance to the point where i can destroy all the space-times he controls. otherwise¡­ it will be almost impossible to kill him.¡±


    ¡°unless¡­¡±


    a dark glint flashed in star ring¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°i need to find his hidden true body under my heaven¡¯s law!¡±


    ¡°this person¡¯s greatest weakness¡­ is his true body!¡±


    ¡°his cultivation is at the ruler realm and his immortal embryo is still in the process of forming. so, as long as i can find his true body¡­¡±


    ¡°then, it¡¯s not like i don¡¯t have a chance to kill him!¡±


    star ring fell silent and finally shook its head.


    theory, in the end, was just theory.


    star ring knew that the current him couldn¡¯t accomplish it.


    hence, he took a deep breath and disappeared.


    he wasn¡¯t sure if the other party would continue to pursue him, but the sense of danger in his heart still existed.


    hence, he knew that he had to leave the western starfield and return to the east as soon as possible.


    only when he reached the east would the crisis be averted.


    ¡­


    at the same time, in the fifth realm of the immortal palace, xu qing looked at the wisp of aura in his palm and squeezed it, keeping it in space-time. after that, he raised his head and swept his gaze across the quasi immortal great emperors in the surroundings.


    he didn¡¯t say anything and took a step forward.


    his body instantly turned blurry.


    however, at the next instant, his figure became clearer from the blurry state.


    ¡°i indeed can¡¯t go up to the sixth realm.¡±


    he was trying to enter the sixth realm.


    although he knew that the sixth realm of the immortal palace was a place that only lower immortals could enter with their combat strength, since he had already reached the fifth realm, he naturally had to give it a try.


    after verifying it, xu qing took another step forward. this time¡­ he didn¡¯t insist on heading to the sixth realm but returned.


    his figure instantly disappeared.


    when he appeared, he was already on the immortal welcoming platform at the entrance of the immortal palace.


    ¡°the fortune from the immortal palace this time has ended for me.¡±


    standing on the immortal welcoming platform, xu qing looked at the immortal palace.


    the series of experiences appeared in his mind. the scenes were like the churning of the river of time, stirring up the sand at the bottom of the river and flowing in his eyes.


    in his daze, xu qing seemed to have seen a youth in white.


    he stood at the end of the river of time, holding the marriage contract. beside him was a young girl in a wedding dress. the two of them looked at him and smiled at him before bowing together.


    that smile contained an indescribable past.


    perhaps it was youth, or suffering, or beauty, or piercing pain.


    the waves of the flowing water stirred up the scene.


    xu qing turned his head and saw himself standing at the other end of the river of time.


    after that, he smiled lightly and bowed toward the other end.


    the storm yesterday echoed today.


    the flowing water dissipated, and the sand turned into starlight that gradually disappeared.


    xu qing stood up and walked down the immortal welcoming platform. with a step¡­ he reached the exit of the immortal palace.


    the moment he stood at the immortal¡¯s fall land, the red aurora that he had not seen for a long time landed on his body. all the scenery in front of him was as dim red as ever in the aurora.


    however, it was different from before.


    this light became gentler to him.


    it contained fatherly love.


    xu qing closed his eyes and silently sensed. after a long time, when he opened his eyes, he saw everyone outside the immortal palace.


    the earth spirit ancestor, li mengtu, zhou zhengli, and some cultivators he didn¡¯t know.


    these individuals were all returnees from the immortal palace. the majority of them had chosen not to leave, opting instead to remain in this place. they waited for the moment when the entire immortal palace would come to an end, dissipating like the retreat of the tides, hoping to use this final surge to cultivate and gain new insights.


    after all, for most of them, this trip was only up to the third realm. although they had gained something, it wasn¡¯t much.


    however, it was obvious that those who had such plans didn¡¯t include li mengtu and zhou zhengli.


    the former looked at xu qing with a complicated expression. he opened his mouth as though he wanted to say something.


    it was as though everything in the fourth realm had a deep impact on him, causing him to feel that he was still zhong chi when he looked at xu qing¡­


    as for zhou zhengli, who stood beside him, he was clearly much calmer than li mengtu and didn¡¯t bother contemplating the mirrored history and the present.


    for him, the priority was seizing the opportunity to continue a previous connection, ensuring it wouldn¡¯t fade within the mirror world but would instead persist into the future.


    this intention only solidified further in his mind after he witnessed the obviously wounded star ring hastily departing just moments before.


    hence, the moment his gaze met xu qing¡¯s, zhou zhengli quickened his pace.


    when he arrived in front of xu qing, his posture was exactly the same as in the fourth realm, incomparably respectful.


    ¡°young master.¡±


    ¡°congratulations, young master. your cultivation base has broken through and your realm has climbed. you are now the number one star in the fifth star ring!¡±


    xu qing looked at zhou zhengli.


    ¡°this is no longer the mirrored history.¡±


    zhou zhengli shook his head.


    ¡°the one who convinced me wasn¡¯t young lord aurora either.¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he looked at zhou zhengli with a profound gaze. earth spirit ancestor quickly arrived and bowed deeply to xu qing, speaking excitedly.


    ¡°with your return, senior, this junior¡¯s anxious heart can finally be at ease. previously, having been saved by you, i was constantly concerned about your safety within the fourth realm.¡±


    ¡°during these days, i felt restless and filled with worry, regretting that my own cultivation was insufficient to enter the fourth realm to assist you, to be of any service by your side.¡±


    ¡°only yesterday did i finally gain a bit of insight that allowed me some peace of mind.¡±


    ¡°what i came to realize was that, with your extraordinary talent, far-reaching vision, and meticulous planning, every move is within your control. though the fourth realm may be fraught with turbulent waves, surely they were all foreseen by you.¡±


    ¡°all i need to do is wait here patiently, because the outcome will undoubtedly be one of great fortune and success.¡±


    ¡°lastly, my deepest gratitude for saving my life within the immortal palace. i celebrate your triumphant journey there and wish that your path among the stars will continue to shine brilliantly across the heavens!¡±


    the earth spirit ancestor spoke loudly.


    this caused zhou zhengli, who was at the side, to glance sideways for the first time.


    it also caused the shadow under xu qing¡¯s feet to sway.


    even the sky seemed to have stirred because of the earth spirit ancestor¡¯s words.


    the red aurora shone even more brightly. waves of thunder that seemed to come from the sky rumbled endlessly. in fact, it didn¡¯t only affect the sky here¡­


    the entire western sky was rumbling.


    it was the same for the east, south, and north.


    the sky of the fifth star ring seemed to have been parted by an invisible hand, revealing the starry sky.


    those stars had different lights. some were resplendent, and some were dim.


    moreover, they corresponded to the specific cultivators in the fifth star ring!


    that was¡­ the reflection of the qualifying tokens!


    this scene instantly caused the expressions of everyone outside the immortal¡¯s fall land to change and they all raised their heads.


    it wasn¡¯t just them. at this moment, the vast majority of cultivators in the entire fifth star ring were the same.


    because¡­


    ¡°the third and final stage of the immortal capital¡¯s hunt has begun!¡±


    zhou zhengli¡¯s eyes gleamed as he spoke in a low voice.


    this segment was slaughter and elimination!


    its arrival represented the final choice!


    after that, the token light on all the cultivators with the immortal capital qualifying tokens shone.


    xu qing was no exception. the light was dazzling. at the same time as the starlight shone, drumbeats of killing intent spread in the world.


    it echoed like thunder.


    the expressions of the cultivators who were originally cultivating outside the immortal¡¯s fall land changed. they immediately stood up and left.


    zhou zhengli took a deep breath and bowed to xu qing again.


    ¡°young master, entering the immortal capital is a sure thing for you. i still have to work hard and strive to be able to meet with you¡­ in the immortal capital after the hunt ends!


    everyone with the immortal capital¡¯s token will focus on this trial.¡±


    with that, zhou zhengli¡¯s body swayed as he headed straight for the starry sky.


    seeing that zhou zhengli had left and most of the people in the surroundings had left, li mengtu slowly walked forward.


    ¡°um¡­ qianjun and piyi, after those two swords came out earlier, they ran faster than anyone else¡­ but i could sense that their aura wasn¡¯t much different from what i felt in the fourth realm. i anticipate that the master recognition established there will have an impact in the present world.¡±


    ¡°the ordinance on my body is also different.¡±


    ¡°as for xie lingzi, i didn¡¯t see him. i think he was the first to come out, so he left early.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s also yuanshan su. i saw her leaving quickly with a complicated expression.¡±


    ¡°i¡­ i¡¯m also going to temper myself and increase my qualifying token¡¯s ranking. young lo¡­ do you want to join me?¡±


    li mengtu¡¯s words were a little awkward.


    xu qing smiled when he heard this. after that, he shook his head and lifted his right hand. the aura of star ring flowed in his palm.


    li mengtu¡¯s gaze froze.


    ¡°you want to¡­¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s something on star ring that belongs to me. i¡¯ll go and retrieve it.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke and walked toward the horizon.

 Chapter 1659 - Chapter 1659: The Gift on the God Blood River

    chapter 1659: the gift on the god blood river


    editor: atlas studios


    the spiritual tides in the immortal¡¯s fall land were still fluctuating, not yet fully dissipated.


    this was because the fortuitous opportunities brought by the immortal palace had not entirely concluded.


    what concluded was only those below the fifth realm.


    for those quasi immortal great emperors, the sixth realm was the place they longed for and desired to step into.


    so, when xu qing ascended to the edge of the sky, standing atop the heavens and gazing down at the earth, he saw the immortal palace before him. in the midst of that hazy landscape, faint sounds of waves echoed through the heavens and earth.


    at this moment, there were waves in his heart.


    the authority from the immortal palace gave him a faint understanding.


    ¡°someone has entered the sixth realm!¡±


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    the sixth realm was a place that only those who had the combat strength of a lower immortal could enter.


    and because of the level of the immortal palace, even for lower immortals, it was an opportunity.


    ¡°either an unknown lower immortal entered the immortal palace, or¡­ someone among the quasi immortals broke through.¡±


    ¡°unfortunately, though i possess the authority of the immortal palace, my cultivation limitations and the insufficiency of my current level of ordinance prevent me from entering the sixth realm.¡±


    xu qing shook his head. he wasn¡¯t in a hurry.


    after grasping the authority of the immortal palace, he no longer needed to wait for a specific time to enter; he could step in at any moment he wished.


    ¡°when my immortal embryo is formed and i gain some understanding of the tenth extremity, i can come here.¡±


    ¡°i wonder what the sixth realm is like¡­¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath and disappeared in an instant.


    when he appeared, he was already outside the immortal¡¯s fall land.


    at this moment, the star map corresponding to the qualifying tokens gradually faded, once more shrouded by the crimson aurora.


    however, the initiation of the third segment made the cultivators who possessed a qualifying token much more attuned to each other¡¯s presence than before. by merging their divine senses into the token, the hidden star map would emerge in their minds.


    it was convenient for killing and plundering!


    this was the cruelty of the third segment.


    it wasn¡¯t impossible to hide the presence of the qualifying token. it was just that not many people could do it.


    however, it was obvious that star ring could do it.


    hence, even though xu qing¡¯s divine sense had fused into the qualifying token, he couldn¡¯t find the star corresponding to star ring on this star map.


    this was also within his expectations.


    it was impossible for star ring to make such a mistake.


    the purple crystal in xu qing¡¯s body circulated and emitted an aura, enveloping his qualifying token. he also chose to conceal his token.


    only then would this pursuit be smoother.


    ¡°as for traces¡­¡±


    a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he lifted his right hand.


    immediately, the aura of star ring that he had absorbed from the space-time rose in his palm. as it continually shifted, it fused into xu qing¡¯s divine sense.


    soon, he sensed a direction and sped off in pursuit.


    time flowed by.


    xu qing¡¯s speed was very fast but star ring¡¯s speed was equally astonishing.


    although star ring son¡¯s cultivation realm surpassed xu qing¡¯s, he had been killed once and had reformed his body using a secret technique, which left him somewhat weakened.


    as a result, he couldn¡¯t create much distance in terms of speed and found it difficult to truly escape from xu qing¡¯s tracking based on his aura.


    just like that, three days passed.


    far away, a vast desert appeared in xu qing¡¯s perception amidst his rapid pursuit.


    that was¡­ the time desert.


    this was the third time xu qing had seen this desert.


    the first time occurred in the past, with yunmen qianfan by his side.


    the second was within the mirrored history, accompanied by the aurora immortal lord.


    this was the third time.


    staring at the desert, xu qing¡¯s heart stirred. after a moment of silence, he walked into the desert.


    the sandstorm howled ahead, as though it was telling an ancient story.


    sand churned in the world, wanting to kick off this story.


    xu qing, who was walking in the desert, sensed the changes in space-time in the desert and listened to the story in the sandstorm as he silently moved forward.


    with his current ordinance level, he could see the space-time in the desert more clearly than before.


    this lasted until the area the aurora immortal lord brought him to was reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    xu qing stopped in his tracks.


    looking over¡­


    in the mirrored history, this place had been a sea of orchids with all kinds of beautiful shapes and colors.


    some resembled butterflies gracefully dancing, while others looked like cranes spreading their wings. each bloom exuded a unique fragrance.


    they¡­ were personally planted by aurora immortal lord.


    this was because his wife¡­ liked orchids.


    it was here, moreover, that the aurora immortal lord had told his son that, in the future¡­ he must plant a flower in this place every year.


    until the entire time desert became a sea of flowers.


    but now¡­


    xu qing looked over and saw that it was withered.


    the sea of flowers had long ceased to exist in the years.


    however, xu qing smiled.


    this was because the focus of his gaze wasn¡¯t the withered scene but the two small flowers that seemed to have been planted not long ago in the center of the withered sea of flowers.


    the two orchids grew in the withered sea of flowers. as the breeze blew past, they swayed slightly and gently touched each other, emitting the fragrance of flowers that belonged to them.


    vaguely, the figures of the young lord and fairy spirit phoenix appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    they had planted two flowers here.


    the voice from the aurora immortal lord in the mirrored history seemed to have followed the wind and echoed in xu qing¡¯s ears.


    ¡°in the future, you must remember to come here every year and plant orchids, so that there will always be a sea of flowers here.¡±


    after a long time, xu qing withdrew his gaze, crouched down, and took the flower seeds from the space-time, planting them in the ground.


    after that, he bowed.


    he believed that every year from now on, there would be more flowers here. after a few years, this time desert would finally become a sea of flowers again.


    the light from the crimson aurora became gentle at this moment and scattered on the orchids.


    although it wasn¡¯t as golden as back then, it still added a dream-like romance to this place.


    it also left a lingering fragrance on xu qing.


    it was unknown if it was because of the blessing brought by the lingering fragrance, but on the third day after xu qing left the desert, he found star ring, who was hiding underground and recuperating.


    it was as though star ring¡¯s injuries couldn¡¯t support his continued escape. hence, he had no choice but to set up many array formations and restrictions to suppress his injuries.


    unfortunately, xu qing¡¯s appearance interrupted this process.


    hence, a huge battle began again in the wilderness.


    even star ring at his peak had been killed by xu qing, let alone now in his injured state.


    hence, this battle didn¡¯t last long.


    star ring died for the second time!


    however, this time around, after killing him, xu qing frowned.


    he looked at the place where star ring had turned into ashes. after a long time, he muttered.


    ¡°he was deliberately waiting here for death¡­ this eliminated my lock on him.¡±


    following the death of star ring, the aura in xu qing¡¯s hand dissipated.


    there were also no traces of star ring in space-time.


    he couldn¡¯t continue pursuing or lock onto star ring.


    ¡°as expected of the number one star. even in such a difficult situation, he can still use such a method to cut off my pursuit.¡±


    xu qing lifted his head and looked into the distance.


    ¡°however¡­¡±


    ¡°you¡¯ll have to return to the east after all.¡±


    ¡°although there are many paths to leave the western starfield and return to the east, there is one¡­¡±


    ¡°no matter how anyone looks at it, it¡¯s the safest.¡±


    a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he looked in the direction of the god blood river.


    the uniqueness of the god blood river lay in the ferryman.


    as long as someone stepped onto the ferry, they would be absolutely safe under the rules of the ferryman.


    the person in charge of this safety was the ferryman.


    even if there were pursuers, they would be stopped by the ferryman under the protection of these rules.


    in addition, because the fee for using the ferry was a lifetime only during the third crossing, cultivators could afford the first and second crossings.


    at the same time, during the journey on the ferry across the river, the safe environment was also very suitable for healing.


    ¡°if i can think of it, he can definitely think of it too.¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    in the end, he still chose to head to the god blood river.


    on one hand, it was because the god blood river was indeed one of star ring¡¯s escape paths. since he had lost track of the other party, rather than searching other paths, he might as well wait at a place.


    it would be best if he came. if he didn¡¯t¡­ then he would leave it for later.


    they would meet eventually.


    on the other hand, xu qing remembered that fairy spirit phoenix had said that she had left a gift for him at the god blood river.


    xu qing had a guess about this gift.


    but he wasn¡¯t sure.


    ¡°if it¡¯s really the gift i guessed¡­ then it will be interesting if star ring chooses to escape through the god blood river.¡±


    at the thought of this, xu qing made the decision. his body swayed and he teleported over.


    half a month later.


    xu qing¡¯s figure appeared on the shore of the god blood river.


    the god blood river was vast but the location of the ferry was fixed at only one location.


    the riverbank, eroded by the ancient currents, had turned a deep crimson, and the wooden walkway built there showed the same signs of decay, its wood weathered by the relentless washing of the river water.


    as the wind blew, it howled like a ghostly wail, chilling the soul.


    standing on the red riverbank and walking on the rotting walkway, xu qing listened to the sound of the wind, inhaled the blood scent carried by it, and gazed at the blood river that stretched like an ocean before him.


    there was no end to it.


    one could only see the boundless waves churning, the color of the river reflecting the aurora in the sky.


    in this ominous scene, where the red water melded with the sky, amidst the howls and wails echoing through the air, an ancient, worn, pitch-black ferry was slowly approaching from the distance.


    the turbulent waters calmed in its presence, and the fierce winds grew gentle. it moved silently, as if a ghost were drawing near, until it finally docked beside the walkway, right in front of xu qing. this was the ferry.


    however¡­ there was no ferryman on it.


    there was only a straw rain cape, a bamboo hat, and a jade token.


    the jade token shattered the moment xu qing¡¯s gaze landed on it. fairy spirit phoenix¡¯s voice echoed in the world.


    ¡°this is a gift from me to you.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s no karma, no restraints. this is because i¡¯ve severed all karma. i¡¯ve taken away all the restraints and even the mission of the ferryman.¡±


    ¡°this is a ferry that completely belongs to you and does not require you to fulfill its mission.¡±


    ¡°it was personally forged by my father.¡±

 Chapter 1660 - Chapter 1660: Calamity

    chapter 1660: calamity


    editor: atlas studios


    the god blood river was formed from the blood of numerous gods who were slain during the war in the fifth star ring. within it, there were not only many divine platforms but also numerous true gods who had fallen, aside from those in the divine fire realm.


    there were even a few lord gods!


    hence, this river contained extremely dense anomalous substances and monstrous divine resentment and death aura.


    the entire blood river was suppressed on both sides of the riverbank like a vengeful dragon being locked up, completely imprisoned here.


    this caused the anomalous substances and resentment inside to be unable to spread outside and invade the external world. however¡­


    if cultivators barged into the range of the river, they would definitely be invaded.


    this could taint their body and soul, and might even plant the seeds of divine karma, greatly impacting their future.


    unless one had the cultivation of a quasi immortal great emperor, they wouldn¡¯t have the qualifications to cross the god blood river without relying on the ferry.


    however, it was only qualifications.


    this was because there was a huge danger in such a crossing.


    on one hand, this danger came from the invasion of the god¡¯s aura in the blood river. on the other hand, it came from the strangeness of the blood river.


    too many gods had died here. after countless years of precipitation, no one knew if a divine sinner had been born in the blood river.


    or perhaps, an even more terrifying existence had appeared.


    therefore, even a quasi immortal great emperor had to be careful and vigilant when crossing this river.


    unless they had to cross the blood river, a quasi immortal great emperor wouldn¡¯t take this path easily.


    of course, if they really had to cross the river, it would naturally be best to take the ferry.


    hence, there was the ferrymen.


    however, although they were ferrymen, they were actually patrollers.


    and the ferry was their tool!


    every one of them was a supreme treasure that was specially targeted at gods.


    when used on the blood river, it naturally emitted a suppressive aura.


    to ferry this boat, patrol the blood river, and suppress the gods. this was the meaning of the ferryman on this river.


    it was also their way of penitence.


    at that moment, the ferry that appeared in front of xu qing was a gift that fairy spirit phoenix had left for xu qing!


    it was forged by fairy spirit phoenix¡¯s father, the nine shores immortal lord, for his daughter back then.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was deep as he stared at the boat.


    he understood the true meaning of fairy spirit phoenix giving him this ferry.


    ¡°giving me a way out¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly.


    this ferryboat represented an identity, an identity for ferrying and atoning for sins.


    although xu qing wasn¡¯t a ferryman, if there was a day in the future when xu qing committed a major crime in the fifth star ring¡­


    in that case, the retreat path brought by this ferry forged by the nine shores immortal lord would become an opportunity for him to survive.


    a long time later, xu qing took a deep breath and bowed to the sky.


    after that, he took a step forward and stepped onto the pitch-black and dilapidated ferry.


    the moment he stood there, the ferry trembled and emitted dense black gas, enveloping xu qing.


    after fifteen minutes, the boat and the person seemed to be one.


    so, xu qing picked up the rain cape and put it on, then took the bamboo hat and placed it atop his head.


    afterward, he sat down cross-legged.


    the aura of time emanated from the rain cape and hat, blending with the dark mist, enveloping xu qing and obscuring everything around him.


    from afar, the current him really looked like a ferryman.


    he remained motionless.


    he was waiting to see if the fish would really take the bait.


    at the same time, he was also sensing the essence of this boat.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with boats.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    ten days passed.


    on the shore of the god blood river, a rainbow rushed over at an astonishing speed¡­


    within the rainbow was a youth.


    this youth¡¯s face was pale and his body was weak. he was none other than¡­ star ring!


    in the end, he still chose to cross this god blood river.


    the god blood river wasn¡¯t the only path to get to the east.


    however, he had a premonition that crossing the god blood river was the safest and most stable.


    so, here he was.


    as he got closer, the sense of safety and stability grew increasingly intense, especially when he saw a ferry docked on the riverbank. a slight relief washed over him.


    throughout this journey of escape, he felt utterly exhausted, whether it was his body, cultivation, or spirit.


    although he had used star tower to substitute for his death twice, he would become weaker every time he revived.


    moreover, he had arranged the second death on purpose.


    at that time, he suspected that he had been locked onto by xu qing in some way, so he decisively chose to pay the price of a life to sever the karma, thus erasing any traces.


    in order to implement this, the price he had to pay that time was even greater.


    even though ten days had passed, he still hadn¡¯t recovered.


    ¡°although i have the qualifications to cross this god blood river with my cultivation, my current weakness makes it hard for me to resist the invasion. moreover, if i encounter danger from the blood river, i will also lack the power to suppress it.¡±


    ¡°therefore, taking the ferry is the best choice.¡±


    ¡°fortunately, i¡¯ve never ridden one before.¡±


    as he pondered, star ring¡¯s speed didn¡¯t decrease. in an instant, the rainbow he transformed into crossed the void and appeared directly on the wooden bridge at the riverbank. with a single step, he stepped onto the ferry.


    the instant he boarded the ferry, the feeling of absolute safety filled his entire body, causing him to let out a long breath.


    he then respectfully bowed to the figure seated cross-legged in front of him, cloaked in a straw rain cape and shrouded in black mist.


    ¡°i pay my respects to you, senior. please, may you set sail.¡±


    the figure in the rain cape remained silent, but the ferry swayed slightly and slowly glided away from the shore, entering the blood river.


    gradually, they moved away from the bridge.


    the ferry entered deep into the blood river.


    the scenery along the shore vanished completely.


    amid the swirling crimson waves, amidst the howling winds outside the boat, and under the pervasive presence of the anomalous substances, star ring¡¯s mind finally relaxed completely.


    he sat there and turned his head to look in the direction of the western starfield. a hint of sharpness appeared in his eyes.


    he muttered.


    ¡°xu qing, there will still be a battle between us!¡±


    ¡°you¡¯re right.¡±


    the figure in the straw rain cape who was rowing the boat calmly spoke.


    as soon as these words were spoken, star ring was stunned. after that, he turned his head abruptly and his expression changed drastically. disbelief and horror surged in his heart.


    he abruptly stood up from his cross-legged state.


    ¡°your voice, you¡­ you¡­¡±


    the figure in the straw rain cape took off his bamboo hat. the black mist on his body surged in all directions, revealing his face.


    ¡°i¡¯ve been waiting for you for a long time.¡±


    at that moment, a thunderous roar echoed in star ring¡¯s mind, drowning out all sounds¡ªthe crashing waves and the howling winds vanished, leaving only the deafening noise of what felt like countless thunderclaps exploding simultaneously.


    he couldn¡¯t believe it, nor could he accept it; an absurd feeling washed over him.


    the person in front of him was actually xu qing!


    the premonition that he would be safe on the way to the god blood river appeared again.


    however, this time¡­ in this premonition, there seemed to be an old and incomparably familiar voice echoing in his mind.


    ¡°calamity.¡±


    ¡­


    a month later.


    at the riverbank of the god blood river on the southern starfield.


    an ancient, weathered ferry, dark as pitch, arrived silently and docked alongside the wooden bridge.


    xu qing was the only one who walked out.


    vaguely, one could see a grain floating beside him.


    that was¡­ the dust of heaven¡¯s law.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 1661 - Chapter 1661: It’s Not Shameful to Lose to Him

    chapter 1661: it¡¯s not shameful to lose to him


    editor: atlas studios


    the waves of the god blood river churned violently, sending the thick scent of blood wafting through the air, carried by the wind to the riverbank of the southern starfield.


    this eerie red mist intertwined with the aurora above, merging into a single crimson expanse.


    amidst this blood-colored haze, a lone ferry, empty of any passengers, drifted slowly into the boundless depths of the river until it vanished from sight.


    xu qing stood on the pier, watching the departing ferry disappear into the distance.


    the gift given by fairy spirit phoenix couldn¡¯t be taken away.


    it could only stay on the god blood river,


    awaiting xu qing¡¯s summons.


    after a long time, xu qing retracted his gaze and looked at the speck of dust floating beside him.


    ¡°heaven¡¯s law¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled softly.


    this was the item he had obtained after killing star ring!


    ¡°it¡¯s like an ordinance or a law, yet neither an ordinance nor a law, more like something imagined, existing and yet not existing.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought as he stared at the speck of dust.


    he didn¡¯t fuse this item into his body but planned to use it as an external tool. during the time on the god blood river, he had studied it to some extent.


    as for star ring¡­


    in this special environment like the god blood river, he could only revive on the boat, and each time he revived, he became progressively weaker.


    hence, xu qing only needed to sit there and wait.


    in the end, after the seventh death, star ring¡¯s body and soul were destroyed.


    ¡°although i have obtained star ring¡¯s qualifying token, his death still has to be verified.¡±


    ¡°after all, there is something fishy about him really arriving at the blood river.¡±


    at the thought of this, a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. after that, he waved his hand and kept the heaven¡¯s law¡¯s dust away before leaving the bridge.


    far away from the blood river, he moved against the wind in the southern starfield.


    as he sped, xu qing removed the cover on his qualifying token. at the next instant, a terrifying aura erupted from his body, transforming into a red pillar of light that soared into the sky.


    when it landed in the aurora, it formed a vortex that could be seen by the naked eye.


    as it rumbled, xu qing¡¯s aura became astonishingly majestic. it distorted the void and blurred the surroundings.


    part of this aura came from himself, and the other part came from the qualifying token.


    the eruption even triggered the star map beyond the southern sky, revealing it for an instant.


    in that instant, the star map corresponding to the southern starfield and the qualifying token displayed countless brilliant stars, among which three shone the brightest. one belonged to xu qing, while the other two¡­ represented the two stars of the southern starfield!


    one of them came from xu qing, and the other two¡­ were the two great stars in the south!


    one was jiang fan, and the other was yuanshan su!


    ¡°star ring¡¯s qualifying token doesn¡¯t contain many marks, so after killing him, my ranking only entered the top 100.¡±


    ¡°currently, i am 73rd in the entire fifth star ring.¡±


    xu qing was a little surprised about his ranking after absorbing star ring¡¯s qualifying token but he soon had a guess.


    presumably, it was because star ring had placed most of his energy and focus on cultivation previously, so he didn¡¯t collect the tokens of others too early.


    he should have been planning to do it after he successfully stepped into the quasi immortal realm in the aurora immortal palace.


    xu qing raised his head and looked at the sky.


    ¡°unlike these two, their choices differed from those of star ring. before reaching the third segment, they had already gathered enough marks. and now, in this third segment, they stand out even more.¡±


    ¡°the cultivators of the fifth star ring have two ways to enter the immortal capital.¡±


    ¡°one is to enter the top 100 in the immortal capital¡¯s trial, which would almost certainly secure their advancement. ¡±


    ¡°the second method applies to those who have not participated in the trial. for them, the path is even more challenging¡ªthey must not only reach the level of quasi immortal but also ascend to lower immortal within five hundred years of becoming a quasi immortal.¡±


    ¡°this second method has nothing to do with me.¡±


    ¡°for me, there¡¯s only one way¡­¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°although there¡¯s a high chance that everyone in the top 100 can advance, the difference in ranking will affect the resources they obtain after entering the immortal capital!¡±


    xu qing was very clear that the focus of his next cultivation would no longer be the improvement of the ordinance but the plundering of the star ring¡¯s origin essence!


    ¡°a sufficient amount of origin essence can allow my immortal embryo to mature quickly. after reaching maturity, if i want the immortal embryo to be complete, i¡¯ll still need more origin essence!¡±


    ¡°therefore, my goal¡­ is to be first!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll step into the immortal capital as number one!¡±


    as xu qing made his decision, his aura surged through the heavens and earth. after a moment, he gazed into the distance.


    he was looking in the direction of the great immortal mountain.


    among the two stars of the south, jiang fan¡­ was there!


    ¡°eliminate all the stars one by one and plunder their tokens. then, i¡¯ll naturally be first. this is the simplest path.¡±


    ¡°then, heaven¡¯s chosen li¡­¡±


    a sharp glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he rushed toward the location of the great immortal mountain.


    ¡­


    ten days later, xu qing¡¯s figure appeared at the core of the southern starfield.


    from afar, xu qing beheld an endless expanse of awe-inspiring mountains stretching across the horizon.


    peaks upon peaks rose within the range, towering in vast numbers¡ªpossibly in the hundreds of thousands.


    a perpetual veil of white mist shrouded the area, faintly revealing silhouettes of immortals within. occasionally, as fierce winds swept through and thinned the mist, glimpses of opulent palaces with jade railings and carved stone walls flickered in and out of sight, their grandeur barely perceptible but breathtaking.


    it gave off the feeling of an immortal land.


    the immortal aura here surpassed the other areas in the south and was the strongest area in the entire south.


    this place was none other than the orthodox great immortal mountain of the southern starfield!


    it was also jiang fan¡¯s sect!


    xu qing didn¡¯t barge in. he knew that although his combat strength was powerful among his peers and he could fight against quasi immortals, there were many auras of quasi immortals in this great immortal mountain.


    there was also an aura that gave the feeling of extreme terror.


    that was the might of a lower immortal.


    ¡°however, according to the rules of the immortal capital¡¯s trial, quasi immortal great emperors who aren¡¯t participants can¡¯t interfere. it¡¯s the same for lower immortals. therefore, this battle¡­ must be fought honorably.¡±


    xu qing muttered to himself, then stood between heaven and earth. his aura surged like a tidal wave, and the aura of the qualifying token exploded, merging and intertwining into a formidable, earth-shaking battle intent.


    it enveloped the great immortal mountain and issued a challenge!


    a cold voice rang out from his mouth.


    ¡°jiang fan, let¡¯s fight.¡±


    his voice echoed and his battle intent churned at the same time, rumbling in all directions.


    in an instant, streams of divine sense rose from the great immortal mountain. as they locked onto xu qing, there was also a sense of scrutiny.


    among these divine senses, there was no lack of quasi immortals.


    however, none of them stopped him.


    xu qing¡¯s challenge was fair and square. under the witness of countless people, the rules of the immortal capital¡¯s trial couldn¡¯t be shaken.


    this was a trial battle, a battle for the immortal capital!


    xu qing was as calm as ever. he allowed those divine senses to sweep over and stood in the sky, waiting for jiang fan¡¯s answer.


    at that moment, in a palace on the great immortal mountain, jiang fan sat cross-legged in silence.


    he sensed the aura of the outside world and also heard xu qing¡¯s voice. he also sensed xu qing¡¯s challenge.


    in the sect, no one urged him to fight. he could choose to shrink his head and not accept the challenge.


    this was because he knew that he wasn¡¯t xu qing¡¯s match.


    however, he still stood up. his eyes gleamed and the aura on his body continued to rise, forming a majestic momentum. the moment he walked out of the hall, he saw a person standing outside.


    jiang fan bowed.


    ¡°master.¡±


    this middle-aged man had an extraordinary appearance. he wore a long cloud robe and stood there like a heavenly mountain.


    it was none other than¡­ lan yun, whose status was only inferior to immortal lords in the great immortal mountain!


    he was also jiang fan¡¯s master.


    ¡°you¡¯re no match for him.¡±


    lan yun calmly spoke.


    ¡°with your current ranking, you can choose to stay in the sect. after the third segment ends, you will have one spot in the immortal capital.¡±


    when jiang fan heard this, he fell silent for a moment before shaking his head.


    ¡°master, i can lose, but i can¡¯t accept that i don¡¯t even dare to fight.¡±


    ¡°although entering the immortal capital is incomparably important to me¡­ relying on avoiding battle to enter isn¡¯t what i want!¡±


    with that, he bowed again and took a step forward, walking into the sky and out of the great immortal mountain.


    when he appeared, he was between heaven and earth, in front of¡­ xu qing!


    looking at xu qing, jiang fan felt as though he had returned to the fourth realm of the immortal palace. the scenes were reflected in his mind. after that, he took a deep breath and waved his right hand.


    immediately, the qualifying token that belonged to him separated from his body under the guidance of his ordinance and flew out, landing at the side.


    ¡°if you defeat me, this is yours!¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, an astonishing aura rose from jiang fan¡¯s body. thick fog appeared out of thin air around him and continued to churn and sweep in all directions. after it enveloped the surroundings, it suddenly headed toward xu qing with the momentum to sweep through the world and suppress the universe.


    jiang fan¡¯s ordinance was clearly much stronger than before he entered the immortal palace. at this moment, the might of the fog could devour everything and hide all living beings.


    in an instant, it enveloped xu qing. in fact, it even began to penetrate his space-time.


    this caused the space-time xu qing was in to be occupied by the fog.


    however¡­ at the next instant, when jiang fan was about to attack, he couldn¡¯t help but stop in his tracks. bitterness rose in his heart.


    this was because what he saw¡­ in the sky, on the ground, in the surroundings, the entire world in his eyes was xu qing¡¯s space-time.


    it was as though it had become a kaleidoscope!


    among the countless space-times, there was only one that was filled with fog. as for xu qing, who existed in the other space-times, he was calmly looking at him.


    this lasted until xu qing, who was in one of the space-times, took a step forward and stood behind jiang fan. he then lifted his right hand and touched jiang fan¡¯s shoulder.


    he only patted it lightly.


    at the next instant, jiang fan¡¯s body rumbled and the sound of shattering came from under his feet. it wasn¡¯t the sound of the void shattering or the ground shattering. it was¡­ the shattering of time and space.


    he didn¡¯t continue, nor did he need to continue.


    xu qing walked past the stiff jiang fan and picked up the qualifying token. with a wave of his hand, he dissipated all the space-times and walked into the distance.


    he didn¡¯t say a word.


    this lasted until he was far away.


    in the great immortal mountain, on the highest peak, in the hall that shone with silver light and was as holy as an altar, everything remained peaceful and joyous.


    the incense from the sandalwood burner still lingered in the air, curling in wisps, while the octagonal palace lantern hanging in the center of the hall continued to shine as brightly as before.


    sitting at the highest position, an elderly figure in a silver robe smiled faintly.


    ¡°first, comprehending space-time, then grasping the parallel, using the realm of ruler to achieve the ordinance of a great emperor.¡±


    ¡°this kid¡­ isn¡¯t an ordinary person. no wonder the venerable immortal values him.¡±


    ¡­


    jiang fan was silent.


    he knew that he wasn¡¯t xu qing¡¯s match but the difference was so great that he couldn¡¯t even resist. this point caused the bitterness in his heart to be extremely intense.


    after a long time, amidst the fluctuations in the void beside him, his master, lan yun, walked out and stood beside jiang fan. he glanced in the direction xu qing had left in and calmly spoke.


    ¡°it¡¯s not shameful for you to lose to him.¡±

 Chapter 1662 - Chapter 1662: It’s Not Shameful to Lose to Him

    chapter 1662: it¡¯s not shameful to lose to him


    editor: atlas studios


    the waves of the god blood river churned violently, sending the thick scent of blood wafting through the air, carried by the wind to the riverbank of the southern starfield.


    this eerie red mist intertwined with the aurora above, merging into a single crimson expanse.


    amidst this blood-colored haze, a lone ferry, empty of any passengers, drifted slowly into the boundless depths of the river until it vanished from sight.


    xu qing stood on the pier, watching the departing ferry disappear into the distance.


    the gift given by fairy spirit phoenix couldn¡¯t be taken away.


    it could only stay on the god blood river,


    awaiting xu qing¡¯s summons.


    after a long time, xu qing retracted his gaze and looked at the speck of dust floating beside him.


    ¡°heaven¡¯s law¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled softly.


    this was the item he had obtained after killing star ring!


    ¡°it¡¯s like an ordinance or a law, yet neither an ordinance nor a law, more like something imagined, existing and yet not existing.¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought as he stared at the speck of dust.


    he didn¡¯t fuse this item into his body but planned to use it as an external tool. during the time on the god blood river, he had studied it to some extent.


    as for star ring¡­


    in this special environment like the god blood river, he could only revive on the boat, and each time he revived, he became progressively weaker.


    hence, xu qing only needed to sit there and wait.


    in the end, after the seventh death, star ring¡¯s body and soul were destroyed.


    ¡°although i have obtained star ring¡¯s qualifying token, his death still has to be verified.¡±


    ¡°after all, there is something fishy about him really arriving at the blood river.¡±


    at the thought of this, a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. after that, he waved his hand and kept the heaven¡¯s law¡¯s dust away before leaving the bridge.


    far away from the blood river, he moved against the wind in the southern starfield.


    as he sped, xu qing removed the cover on his qualifying token. at the next instant, a terrifying aura erupted from his body, transforming into a red pillar of light that soared into the sky.


    when it landed in the aurora, it formed a vortex that could be seen by the naked eye.


    as it rumbled, xu qing¡¯s aura became astonishingly majestic. it distorted the void and blurred the surroundings.


    part of this aura came from himself, and the other part came from the qualifying token.


    the eruption even triggered the star map beyond the southern sky, revealing it for an instant.


    in that instant, the star map corresponding to the southern starfield and the qualifying token displayed countless brilliant stars, among which three shone the brightest. one belonged to xu qing, while the other two¡­ represented the two stars of the southern starfield!


    one of them came from xu qing, and the other two¡­ were the two great stars in the south!


    one was jiang fan, and the other was yuanshan su!


    ¡°star ring¡¯s qualifying token doesn¡¯t contain many marks, so after killing him, my ranking only entered the top 100.¡±


    ¡°currently, i am 73rd in the entire fifth star ring.¡±


    xu qing was a little surprised about his ranking after absorbing star ring¡¯s qualifying token but he soon had a guess.


    presumably, it was because star ring had placed most of his energy and focus on cultivation previously, so he didn¡¯t collect the tokens of others too early.


    he should have been planning to do it after he successfully stepped into the quasi immortal realm in the aurora immortal palace.


    xu qing raised his head and looked at the sky.


    ¡°unlike these two, their choices differed from those of star ring. before reaching the third segment, they had already gathered enough marks. and now, in this third segment, they stand out even more.¡±


    ¡°the cultivators of the fifth star ring have two ways to enter the immortal capital.¡±


    ¡°one is to enter the top 100 in the immortal capital¡¯s trial, which would almost certainly secure their advancement. ¡±


    ¡°the second method applies to those who have not participated in the trial. for them, the path is even more challenging¡ªthey must not only reach the level of quasi immortal but also ascend to lower immortal within five hundred years of becoming a quasi immortal.¡±


    ¡°this second method has nothing to do with me.¡±


    ¡°for me, there¡¯s only one way¡­¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°although there¡¯s a high chance that everyone in the top 100 can advance, the difference in ranking will affect the resources they obtain after entering the immortal capital!¡±


    xu qing was very clear that the focus of his next cultivation would no longer be the improvement of the ordinance but the plundering of the star ring¡¯s origin essence!


    ¡°a sufficient amount of origin essence can allow my immortal embryo to mature quickly. after reaching maturity, if i want the immortal embryo to be complete, i¡¯ll still need more origin essence!¡±


    ¡°therefore, my goal¡­ is to be first!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll step into the immortal capital as number one!¡±


    as xu qing made his decision, his aura surged through the heavens and earth. after a moment, he gazed into the distance.


    he was looking in the direction of the great immortal mountain.


    among the two stars of the south, jiang fan¡­ was there!


    ¡°eliminate all the stars one by one and plunder their tokens. then, i¡¯ll naturally be first. this is the simplest path.¡±


    ¡°then, heaven¡¯s chosen li¡­¡±


    a sharp glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he rushed toward the location of the great immortal mountain.


    ¡­


    ten days later, xu qing¡¯s figure appeared at the core of the southern starfield.


    from afar, xu qing beheld an endless expanse of awe-inspiring mountains stretching across the horizon.


    peaks upon peaks rose within the range, towering in vast numbers¡ªpossibly in the hundreds of thousands.


    a perpetual veil of white mist shrouded the area, faintly revealing silhouettes of immortals within. occasionally, as fierce winds swept through and thinned the mist, glimpses of opulent palaces with jade railings and carved stone walls flickered in and out of sight, their grandeur barely perceptible but breathtaking.


    it gave off the feeling of an immortal land.


    the immortal aura here surpassed the other areas in the south and was the strongest area in the entire south.


    this place was none other than the orthodox great immortal mountain of the southern starfield!


    it was also jiang fan¡¯s sect!


    xu qing didn¡¯t barge in. he knew that although his combat strength was powerful among his peers and he could fight against quasi immortals, there were many auras of quasi immortals in this great immortal mountain.


    there was also an aura that gave the feeling of extreme terror.


    that was the might of a lower immortal.


    ¡°however, according to the rules of the immortal capital¡¯s trial, quasi immortal great emperors who aren¡¯t participants can¡¯t interfere. it¡¯s the same for lower immortals. therefore, this battle¡­ must be fought honorably.¡±


    xu qing muttered to himself, then stood between heaven and earth. his aura surged like a tidal wave, and the aura of the qualifying token exploded, merging and intertwining into a formidable, earth-shaking battle intent.


    it enveloped the great immortal mountain and issued a challenge!


    a cold voice rang out from his mouth.


    ¡°jiang fan, let¡¯s fight.¡±


    his voice echoed and his battle intent churned at the same time, rumbling in all directions.


    in an instant, streams of divine sense rose from the great immortal mountain. as they locked onto xu qing, there was also a sense of scrutiny.


    among these divine senses, there was no lack of quasi immortals.


    however, none of them stopped him.


    xu qing¡¯s challenge was fair and square. under the witness of countless people, the rules of the immortal capital¡¯s trial couldn¡¯t be shaken.


    this was a trial battle, a battle for the immortal capital!


    xu qing was as calm as ever. he allowed those divine senses to sweep over and stood in the sky, waiting for jiang fan¡¯s answer.


    at that moment, in a palace on the great immortal mountain, jiang fan sat cross-legged in silence.


    he sensed the aura of the outside world and also heard xu qing¡¯s voice. he also sensed xu qing¡¯s challenge.


    in the sect, no one urged him to fight. he could choose to shrink his head and not accept the challenge.


    this was because he knew that he wasn¡¯t xu qing¡¯s match.


    however, he still stood up. his eyes gleamed and the aura on his body continued to rise, forming a majestic momentum. the moment he walked out of the hall, he saw a person standing outside.


    jiang fan bowed.


    ¡°master.¡±


    this middle-aged man had an extraordinary appearance. he wore a long cloud robe and stood there like a heavenly mountain.


    it was none other than¡­ lan yun, whose status was only inferior to immortal lords in the great immortal mountain!


    he was also jiang fan¡¯s master.


    ¡°you¡¯re no match for him.¡±


    lan yun calmly spoke.


    ¡°with your current ranking, you can choose to stay in the sect. after the third segment ends, you will have one spot in the immortal capital.¡±


    when jiang fan heard this, he fell silent for a moment before shaking his head.


    ¡°master, i can lose, but i can¡¯t accept that i don¡¯t even dare to fight.¡±


    ¡°although entering the immortal capital is incomparably important to me¡­ relying on avoiding battle to enter isn¡¯t what i want!¡±


    with that, he bowed again and took a step forward, walking into the sky and out of the great immortal mountain.


    when he appeared, he was between heaven and earth, in front of¡­ xu qing!


    looking at xu qing, jiang fan felt as though he had returned to the fourth realm of the immortal palace. the scenes were reflected in his mind. after that, he took a deep breath and waved his right hand.


    immediately, the qualifying token that belonged to him separated from his body under the guidance of his ordinance and flew out, landing at the side.


    ¡°if you defeat me, this is yours!¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, an astonishing aura rose from jiang fan¡¯s body. thick fog appeared out of thin air around him and continued to churn and sweep in all directions. after it enveloped the surroundings, it suddenly headed toward xu qing with the momentum to sweep through the world and suppress the universe.


    jiang fan¡¯s ordinance was clearly much stronger than before he entered the immortal palace. at this moment, the might of the fog could devour everything and hide all living beings.


    in an instant, it enveloped xu qing. in fact, it even began to penetrate his space-time.


    this caused the space-time xu qing was in to be occupied by the fog.


    however¡­ at the next instant, when jiang fan was about to attack, he couldn¡¯t help but stop in his tracks. bitterness rose in his heart.


    this was because what he saw¡­ in the sky, on the ground, in the surroundings, the entire world in his eyes was xu qing¡¯s space-time.


    it was as though it had become a kaleidoscope!


    among the countless space-times, there was only one that was filled with fog. as for xu qing, who existed in the other space-times, he was calmly looking at him.


    this lasted until xu qing, who was in one of the space-times, took a step forward and stood behind jiang fan. he then lifted his right hand and touched jiang fan¡¯s shoulder.


    he only patted it lightly.


    at the next instant, jiang fan¡¯s body rumbled and the sound of shattering came from under his feet. it wasn¡¯t the sound of the void shattering or the ground shattering. it was¡­ the shattering of time and space.


    he didn¡¯t continue, nor did he need to continue.


    xu qing walked past the stiff jiang fan and picked up the qualifying token. with a wave of his hand, he dissipated all the space-times and walked into the distance.


    he didn¡¯t say a word.


    this lasted until he was far away.


    in the great immortal mountain, on the highest peak, in the hall that shone with silver light and was as holy as an altar, everything remained peaceful and joyous.


    the incense from the sandalwood burner still lingered in the air, curling in wisps, while the octagonal palace lantern hanging in the center of the hall continued to shine as brightly as before.


    sitting at the highest position, an elderly figure in a silver robe smiled faintly.


    ¡°first, comprehending space-time, then grasping the parallel, using the realm of ruler to achieve the ordinance of a great emperor.¡±


    ¡°this kid¡­ isn¡¯t an ordinary person. no wonder the venerable immortal values him.¡±


    ¡­


    jiang fan was silent.


    he knew that he wasn¡¯t xu qing¡¯s match but the difference was so great that he couldn¡¯t even resist. this point caused the bitterness in his heart to be extremely intense.


    after a long time, amidst the fluctuations in the void beside him, his master, lan yun, walked out and stood beside jiang fan. he glanced in the direction xu qing had left in and calmly spoke.


    ¡°it¡¯s not shameful for you to lose to him.¡±

 Chapter 1663 - Chapter 1663: Useless Thing

    chapter 1663: useless thing


    editor: atlas studios


    the immortal capital¡¯s trial was divided into three segments.


    the first segment involved the immortal capital distributing ten thousand tokens for the billions of cultivators from the four starfields to compete over.


    this segment was very cruel and the tokens changed owners the most in this.


    however, at the very least, cultivators still had a choice. they could choose not to fight or not to participate.


    in the second segment, the inheritances given by the four immortal lords could be comprehended by all participants. this accelerated the trial.


    in this segment, cultivators who had an advantage would see their strengths magnified, while those who didn¡¯t would face natural elimination.


    slaying opponents in this segment allowed participants to seize both tokens and inheritances, progressively empowering themselves.


    this incentive drove the intensity of the trial to new heights.


    finally, it was the third segment.


    this segment was the final phase of elimination and choice.


    the main focus of this segment was hunting and plundering.


    after entering this decisive third segment, the total number of cultivators with qualifying tokens in the fifth star ring would steadily decrease as they continued to kill each other.


    only those with a complete ordinance could separate the token.


    otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t be able to take out the token that had fused into their body. losing the token meant losing their life.


    this was inevitable.


    every time the immortal capital¡¯s trial started, the moment one decided to walk that path, their fate was sealed.


    they must either succeed in entering the immortal capital or¡­ face complete annihilation, body and soul, becoming mere sustenance for others.


    a few, with extraordinary luck, might survive, but such survival diverged from the true purpose of the trial.


    therefore, the number of qualifying tokens in the southern starfield was decreasing almost every day. now, there were less than 500 of them left.


    thus, in the southern starfield, the number of qualifying tokens dwindled almost daily, now numbering fewer than five hundred. among these remaining cultivators with qualifying tokens, a great many felt a ripple through their minds, a subtle stirring that urged them to merge their consciousness with their tokens and check the star map.


    on the star map of the southern starfield, it was clearly visible: the star once shining brilliantly from the great immortal mountain, symbolizing jiang fan, had dimmed abruptly from its former dazzling brightness.


    it was absorbed by another star.


    hence, a vast star that was brighter than all the other stars appeared in the southern starfield!


    the only person who could barely compare to this star was the one from the yuanshan clan.


    other than that, there were no other stars that could compete with it.


    in an instant, this scene caused waves in the hearts of those cultivators who had the qualifying tokens.


    ¡°jiang fan lost?¡±


    ¡°who was able to defeat the number one star in our southern starfield?¡±


    ¡°if it¡¯s not yuanshan su, could it be that stars from other starfields have arrived?¡±


    an uproar surged in the hearts of those cultivators possessing the qualifying tokens, as they watched that radiant star streaking at an astonishing speed¡ªheading straight for the yuanshan clan!


    this scene immediately shocked the entire yuanshan clan.


    as the number one family in the south, the yuanshan clan didn¡¯t lack experts. it was just that according to the rules of the immortal capital¡¯s trial, they didn¡¯t have the qualifications to challenge. hence, amidst their anxiety, yuanshan su walked out of the clan.


    she, who was wearing a long white dress, stood on sky spirit mountain outside her family and looked into the distance.


    the surroundings were filled with her clan cultivators. all of them had solemn expressions.


    if at first she had been uncertain about the identity of that third star appearing in the southern starfield, her doubts vanished when she noticed it had merely reached great immortal mountain¡ªand already absorbed the star representing jiang fan¡­


    she had already guessed the other party¡¯s identity.


    ¡°there are only two people who can do this¡­ one is star ring, and the other is that person.¡±


    ¡°there¡¯s news from the east that star ring¡¯s star has fallen.¡±


    ¡°then this must be that person.¡±


    yuanshan su¡¯s expression was a little complicated. after leaving the fourth realm, she was one of the first to walk out of the immortal palace. during the time she returned, every time she thought of the trip to the immortal palace, the figure of a person appeared the most in her mind.


    although she had obtained many benefits from achieving her goal and her cultivation base had also increased, that person¡¯s figure was like a huge mountain, causing her to feel immense pressure.


    her emotions were quite complicated.


    after all, she and that person had once performed the wedding rites together.


    though it had been a pragmatic alliance within the mirrored history, the ripples of it still lingered in the present.


    just as yuanshan su¡¯s thoughts kept fluctuating, thunder suddenly rumbled in the distant sky and strong wind howled in the sky. as the clouds surged, a person walked over from the horizon.


    he was dressed in black and had black hair. as he walked in the sky, it was as though he was walking through time, stirring up waves of time.


    it was xu qing.


    the moment he appeared, the expressions of the surrounding cultivators of the yuanshan clan changed. among them, a few quasi immortal ancestors of the yuanshan clan spread out their auras, causing the surroundings to distort as though they were facing a great enemy.


    however, xu qing ignored their show of might.


    his expression was as calm as ever as he moved forward in the sky.


    step by step, he walked past the cultivators from the yuanshan clan and ignored the gazes of the ancestors. he arrived at sky spirit mountain and stood in front of yuanshan su, raising his hand.


    ¡°hand it over.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    these simple words contained an irrefutable meaning.


    yuanshan su was silent. the few ancestors of her clan in the surroundings emitted obvious energy fluctuations. as they watched coldly, a soft sigh rang out from yuanshan su¡¯s mouth.


    as she sighed, she lifted her right hand and slapped her forehead amidst the exclamations of the surrounding clan cultivators.


    there was a loud sound.


    the qualifying token that belonged to her was forcefully extracted from her body.


    after that, she waved her hand and her qualifying token carried a piercing light as it headed straight for xu qing.


    finally, it landed on xu qing¡¯s palm.


    xu qing didn¡¯t look at the token in his hand. instead, he stared at yuanshan su meaningfully and calmly spoke.


    ¡°is there a third way to enter the immortal capital?¡±


    the determination of yuanshan su to give the token made xu qing feel that there might be a third method to enter the immortal capital. hence, he asked.


    ¡°advance to the quasi immortal realm during the trial. this is a special method that belongs to the eight stars in the fifth star ring.¡±


    yuanshan su took a deep breath and slowly spoke.


    when xu qing heard this, he nodded.


    he could naturally tell that yuanshan su¡¯s aura was only a step away from stepping into the quasi immortal realm.


    the other party must have gained a lot from the immortal palace.


    however, this had nothing to do with him.


    at that moment, he clenched his fist. as the token in his palm disappeared, the sky churned and a resplendent light erupted from his body. this light rushed into the sky.


    at the next instant, the sky rumbled and the southern star map appeared in the sky again.


    on the star map, the star representing xu qing shone with an intensity that was unparalleled, standing out uniquely among all others!


    the first place in the south!


    there was also a vague sensation that spread out from the qualifying token, allowing xu qing to sense his ranking in the entire fifth star ring.


    fifth place!


    xu qing didn¡¯t care who the first four were.


    this was because as long as he followed his plan, no one would be able to fight with him for first place.


    ¡°then, see you in the immortal capital.¡±


    xu qing glanced at yuanshan sect before turning and walking to the horizon. under the helpless gazes of the yuanshan clan¡¯s cultivators, he gradually left.


    a long time later, the few ancestors of the yuanshan clan landed and stood beside yuanshan su.


    ¡°su¡¯er has disappointed the ancestors. i didn¡¯t even try to fight.¡±


    yuanshan su lowered her head and spoke softly.


    the ancestors remained silent. a few breaths later, one of them sighed.


    ¡°this person¡­ not to mention you, even we don¡¯t have the confidence to win if we fight against him.¡±


    ¡°how is he compared to that star ring?¡±


    yuanshan su shook her head.


    ¡°star ring has fallen. although i¡¯m not sure if he¡¯s completely dead, i think his failure should be caused by this person.¡±


    a few ancestors of the yuanshan clan sighed.


    ¡°it¡¯s difficult to live in the same generation as such a person¡­¡±


    when yuanshan su heard this, she smiled.


    ¡°this is more interesting.¡±


    ¡­


    the fifth star ring, northern starfield, sword immortal sect!


    unlike the sprawling peaks of the southern starfield¡¯s great immortal mountain or the boundless star ring tower in the east, the sword immortal sect was established atop a massive meteorite.


    this vast, mountainous stone was surrounded by a perpetual storm of sword energy, filling the heavens with the hum of countless swords.


    the meteorite itself was immense, towering into the sky, almost disappearing into the clouds when viewed from below.


    many legends surrounded its origin.


    some claimed it was not of the fifth star ring at all but had flown in from an outer star ring, acquired by sword immortal sect¡¯s blue teal sword immortal, who drew inspiration from its mysteries to establish the sect.


    others believed it was a leftover ¡®filling star stone,¡¯ a remnant from when the starry sky of the fifth ring was flattened.


    there were many theories from unknown sources.


    the sword immortal sect was indeed built on this huge meteorite.


    at that moment, on the surface of the huge meteorite, in the central square of the sword immortal sect, qianjun and piyi were carefully setting up various restrictions.


    as they set them up, the two of them communicated with their divine senses.


    ¡°he killed star ring!¡±


    ¡°jiang fan¡¯s token has been snatched!¡±


    ¡°that b*tch yuanshan su is the most spineless. she actually didn¡¯t even make a move!¡±


    ¡°that fellow is currently on his way to the north¡­¡±


    ¡°i feel that he isn¡¯t here just for our qualifying tokens¡­¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s right. i think that fellow is coming to subdue us!¡±


    ¡°to recognize a master in the fourth realm is the greatest humiliation in our lives!¡±


    ¡°we will never let this go!¡±


    ¡°we will never let this go!¡±


    ¡°according to our plan, as long as he comes, we¡¯ll teach him a lesson!¡±


    qianjun and piyi gritted their teeth and quickly cast all kinds of restrictions into the central square.


    it was only after setting up this place for a few days that they heaved a sigh of relief in their hearts and sat down cross-legged.


    ¡°now, we just wait for him to arrive!¡±


    at that moment, above the two of them, in the sky of the sword immortal sect, there was a person lying in the endless sword energy storm.


    this person wore blue clothes and had gray hair. a blue ancient sword danced beside him.


    the sword¡¯s name was blue teal, so the world called him the blue teal sword immortal.


    he lay on the sword energy, drinking as he watched his two disciples fussing around.


    a long time later, he sighed.


    ¡°i was blind to accept these two good-for-nothings back then.¡±


    ¡°they can¡¯t even defeat two against one and still want to set up restrictions. are they trying to launch a sneak attack?¡±

 Chapter 1664 - Chapter 1664: A Series of Quick Actions

    chapter 1664: a series of quick actions


    editor: atlas studios


    the fifth star ring was divided into the east, west, south, and north.


    unlike the northern lands of the wanggu, the northern region here had no snow.


    instead, the majority of its areas were dominated by intense heat.


    this heat seemed to intensify whenever significant events circulated, as if both the atmosphere and weather mirrored the excitement of the discussions among northern cultivators.


    at this moment, in a small city near the sword immortal sect within the northern starfield, a tea house buzzed with animated discussions.


    ¡°during this time, this place should be one of the most lively places.¡±


    ¡°whether it¡¯s the various large sects, families, or clans, they have arranged for their direct descendants to come here.¡±


    ¡°those two stars from the sword immortal sect have mastered the sword dao. their sword ceremony will naturally cause a commotion in the entire north.¡±


    ¡°those are the most dazzling heaven¡¯s chosens in our entire north and the two most admired by this generation of cultivators in the north!¡±


    ¡°such a monumental event naturally draws onlookers from all regions to pay their respects.¡±


    ¡°looks like the trip to the immortal¡¯s fall was extremely helpful to these two heaven¡¯s chosen.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s said that in the land of immortal¡¯s fall, they successfully imbued their sword spirits with immortal intent, as if their blades were sharpened!¡±


    in the teahouse, discussions about qianjun and piyi rose and fell.


    seated by the window, xu qing quietly took up the teacup before him, inhaling the delicate aroma. his expression remained calm and untroubled, seemingly unaffected by the excited chatter around him.


    the northern cultivators didn¡¯t like wine. instead, they enjoyed this kind of spirit tea very much.


    hence, the teahouses were the most common establishments in the various cities.


    ¡°those two swords are quite interesting.¡±


    xu qing brought the tea cup to his lips, taking a small sip and savoring the unique bitterness of the spiritual tea. the faint astringency lingered on his tongue before gradually dissolving, leaving behind a subtle, fragrant sweetness that spread across his palate.


    this was the third day since xu qing arrived in the northern starfield.


    because he wasn¡¯t familiar with the north, xu qing instinctively hid the aura of his qualifying token on the way here, preventing the light of the star from appearing on the star map in the north.


    after he arrived, he heard about the sword ceremony of the two swords, qianjun and piyi.


    this ceremony would be held in three days.


    it would last a whole two months¡­


    the moment it ended was actually the end of the third segment.


    ¡°are they¡­ afraid?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought. although the things he did in the south hadn¡¯t completely spread, he believed that the two swords had paid attention to it.


    ¡°then, what makes them believe that this two-month grand ceremony will provide them with a sense of security?¡±


    ¡°it can¡¯t be their sect. the rules of the immortal capital¡¯s trial don¡¯t allow external interference. hence, there¡¯s a high chance that there are arrangements in this ceremony.¡±


    ¡°they are waiting for me to come?¡±


    xu qing thought about it and finished the spirit tea in one gulp.


    ¡­


    three days later.


    there were many cultivators in the surroundings of the meteorite where the sword immortal sect was located. the forces from the north had already gathered there, causing the atmosphere in the surroundings to be lively.


    they were all waiting to watch the ceremony.


    it was the same for the sword immortal sect on the meteorite.


    whether it was the cultivators of the sword immortal sect or those with some status in the external world, they were all surrounding the central square. as they chatted and laughed, they waited for the sword ceremony to start.


    this lasted until the auspicious time arrived and the world rumbled.


    two earth-shattering rainbows soared into the sky from the central square and their vast auras could be seen even from afar.


    the moment they landed on the aurora in the sky, crimson light shone resplendently and spread in all directions like the sea.


    it formed two huge vortexes.


    as it rumbled, even the meteorite where the sword immortal sect was located was attracted and emitted a blue light.


    these blue lights rose into the air and intertwined with the crimson.


    hence, crimson and blue light shone in the sword immortal sect, dyeing the surroundings.


    when the cultivators saw this scene, their thoughts fluctuated as they stared at it.


    the sect cultivators all smiled. they were filled with anticipation and also glanced sideways.


    however, under the gaze of everyone, amidst the monstrous sword energy, qianjun and piyi, who had appeared on the square, had their emotions fluctuating.


    the voice transmission between the two continued.


    ¡°that person didn¡¯t come?¡±


    ¡°i thought he would arrive before the ceremony, but he didn¡¯t appear!¡±


    ¡°does he plan to appear during the ceremony?¡±


    ¡°it doesn¡¯t matter. we¡¯ve already made our preparations. if he fears us and chooses not to come, so be it. but if he truly appears today¡­¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s the moment for us brothers to avenge our previous humiliation!¡±


    ¡°but¡­ what if we can¡¯t defeat him?¡±


    ¡°if we can¡¯t win, we surrender! after all, it¡¯s not us who¡¯ll be embarrassed¡ªit¡¯s our master! if he can¡¯t even protect his two disciples during their enlightenment, then his title of immortal lord will be utterly disgraced!¡±


    ¡°brother, you¡¯re right!¡±


    qianjun and piyi looked at each other and saw the courage in each other¡¯s eyes. after that, they took a deep breath at the same time and stepped forward. the sword energy on their bodies erupted.


    the moment they fused with the crimson and blue light, two immortal intents rose from their bodies.


    at the next instant, two blurry swords appeared above their heads!


    these two swords were filled with an ancient aura that contained the aura of time.


    the moment they appeared, they attracted countless gazes and also caused many people¡¯s hearts to fluctuate.


    if other stars were here, they would definitely be able to recognize at a glance that they¡­ were the immortal swords that had appeared in the sword furnace in the fourth realm.


    at this moment, the blue light from the meteorite and the crimson light from the aurora seemed to become the sands that sharpened the sword¡¯s edge, swirling around the two blurry immortal swords, flowing over them endlessly.


    it was as though they were being polished, causing the sword energy of the two swords to become denser and sharper!


    it was the same for the sword light.


    according to the process of the ceremony, this polishing would last for two months.


    as this process continued, with each refinement, the immortal swords would grow increasingly radiant, constantly emanating sword intent. this allowed those who came to witness the ceremony to gain insight and enlightenment from them.


    qianjun and piyi sat down cross-legged and closed their eyes, completely immersing themselves.


    in an instant, praises rang out from all directions.


    the gazes of admiration also continued to descend.


    within a sword pavilion of the sword immortal sect, mocking voices echoed through the hall.


    ¡°brother blue, these two disciples of yours are indeed extraordinary.¡±


    the speaker was a middle-aged man dressed in a red robe. his gaze swept across the square below, and he spoke with a smile.


    beside him was blue teal immortal lord.


    however, at this moment, lan fu shook his head helplessly.


    ¡°extraordinary my ass. right now, those two must be terrified! they might even blame me, thinking that if something goes wrong, it¡¯s not because of their incompetence, but because of me, their master.¡±


    the middle-aged man in the red robe smiled upon hearing the words. his gaze fell upon a figure in the crowd below, one that seemed to exist in a state between presence and absence.


    it was said to be absent because, standing amidst the crowd, the surrounding cultivators seemed to have no awareness of him.


    it was said to be present because, to those who could clearly see, his form stood out as strikingly clear and unique.


    ¡°they¡¯re afraid of this little fellow, right? no wonder the venerable immortal thinks highly of him. his ordinance reminds me of¡­ aurora immortal lord back then.¡±


    the red-robed middle-aged man sighed with emotion.


    ¡°brother blue, speaking of which, you were the disciple of the first true monarch of the aurora immortal palace back then¡­¡±


    when blue teal immortal lord heard this, he sighed.


    ¡°it¡¯s just a nominal title. that cheap master of mine hardly ever appeared, and he never took me to the aurora immortal palace. otherwise, i would be gone too.¡±


    ¡°but in the end, there¡¯s still karma,¡± said the red-robed middle-aged man softly.


    blue teal sighed again.


    ¡°do you know what i hate about you the most?¡±


    ¡°i know.¡±


    ¡°i despise you the most for always saying what i am about to say before i even get the chance!¡±


    ¡°i know. oh, look at that, that little fellow is looking at us.¡±


    the red-robed middle-aged man smiled and pointed down.


    ¡­


    in the crowd at the side of the square in the sword immortal sect, xu qing raised his head.


    he looked at the tallest pavilion in the sword immortal sect.


    he could faintly sense a sharp intent there. although he couldn¡¯t see it clearly, he already had a guess.


    xu qing thought about it and cupped his fists.


    after that, he walked out.


    he moved through the crowd, crossed the void, and walked onto the square. he moved past the two flowing sword energies and approached¡­ the two immortal swords that were being polished.


    he raised his hand and waved it gently.


    with this wave, the two swords that were being polished suddenly trembled.


    at the next instant¡­ amidst the disbelief of the surrounding people, the swords actually emitted cries of joy and directly left their tempering state.


    they headed straight for xu qing.


    at the same time, qianjun and piyi, who were sitting cross-legged and meditating below, suddenly opened their eyes.


    at this moment, an instinct for joy rose in their hearts. however, they forcefully suppressed it at the next moment.


    ¡°he¡¯s here!¡±


    ¡°those are our swords!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll fight it out with him!¡±


    qianjun and piyi¡¯s breathing hastened. they didn¡¯t hesitate at all and didn¡¯t care that everyone in the surroundings was watching. they performed a series of hand seals and suddenly slapped the ground of the square.


    the moment the four palms landed, the square rumbled and hundreds of rings of light rose with terrifying might.


    they headed toward xu qing layer by layer.


    qianjun and piyi stood up and performed hand seals. their expressions were solemn as they let out deep shouts.


    ¡°sword arise, sword descend!¡±


    at the next instant, the square rumbled. an illusory and huge sword rose from the square. it shone with flowing light and had a majestic aura.


    it rushed toward xu qing.


    at the same time, above them, a large sword formed from the sea of light and also landed on xu qing!


    this wasn¡¯t the end. after activating the hundreds of rings of light and the two illusory swords, qianjun and piyi performed hand seals again, each spitting out a mouthful of blood.


    ¡°meteor sword!¡±


    at the next instant, the meteorite where the sword immortal sect was located erupted with blue light. thousands of blue longswords flew out from the blue light and headed straight for xu qing. they circled around him and formed a sword array. coupled with the swords above and below and the hundreds of rings of light, their killing intent was monstrous.


    these were the restrictions qianjun and piyi had prepared for xu qing.


    their eyes were filled with determination as they activated these restrictions in one go. they performed another series of hand seals and their bodies swayed. they overlapped and rapidly fused together.


    they become one.


    they bled from their seven orifices and even used up their origin essence as they performed another series of hand seals and pointed at the two excited immortal swords that were approaching xu qing.


    these two immortal swords suddenly trembled and their joy was suppressed. their sharpness was awakened and they rushed toward xu qing as though they wanted to devour their master.


    all of this took a long time to describe but it all happened the instant xu qing appeared.


    facing these, xu qing¡¯s expression was as calm as ever. with a raise of his hand, a grain floated out.


    after that, it gently landed.


    the sky trembled, the earth roared, the void wavered, and space-time itself shook.


    that was¡­ the dust of heaven¡¯s law.

 Chapter 1665 - Chapter 1665: Good Brother, Charge Together!

    chapter 1665: good brother, charge together!


    editor: atlas studios


    the instant this grain of dust appeared, the world where the sword immortal sect was at rumbled.


    an extremely terrifying pressure appeared like heavenly might.


    the world shook, and the void began to collapse. most of the cultivators present felt a thunderous shock within, their expressions changing involuntarily.


    their bodies instinctively retreated swiftly, driven by an intense and overwhelming sense of dread.


    it was as if, in the face of this dust, all beings, whether humans or creatures, had no choice but to retreat.


    they couldn¡¯t go against it!


    this was because this was a tributary of the peak of balance after order. it was a trace of immortal power!


    it was a supreme treasure that the former number one star, star ring, had used his entire life¡¯s talents and fortune to pluck the moment he stepped into the quasi immortal realm!


    it could be said that this was star ring¡¯s future testament to the immortal dao!


    its vast and boundless aura spoke for itself.


    as it descended, the very heavens and earth seemed to shift in response.


    it gave everyone the feeling that they had seen the entire starry sky!


    especially remarkable was that this dust-like particle which had never before appeared in the northern starfield.


    only a few quasi immortals who had witnessed the clash between xu qing and star ring in the aurora immortal palace¡¯s fifth realm had truly seen it before.


    now, it had appeared in the north, in the sword immortal sect, and above qianjun and piyi¡¯s head.


    hence, the shock was even more intense, enough to shake everyone¡¯s souls.


    qianjun and piyi felt the same.


    this was because at this moment, any arrangement looked like a child¡¯s play.


    all their preparations became a joke.


    the first sword from the ground of the square and the second sword from the sky fell. they both trembled under the rumbling of the world and the sword might couldn¡¯t continue.


    the sword momentum was forcefully interrupted.


    they¡­ seemed to be wailing.


    at the next instant, the two swords reached their limits. after that¡­ they shattered inch by inch and collapsed.


    at the same time, the storm formed by the thousands of sword beams that surrounded xu qing also collapsed.


    facing the dust of the heaven¡¯s law, the sword beams stilled, their radiance dimmed, and the powerful storms they had generated were erased in an instant, as if wiped away entirely.


    they no longer existed.


    even the two immortal swords that were heading straight for xu qing after being forcefully controlled by qianjun and piyi suffered backlash. the moment they got close to xu qing, they trembled unprecedentedly.


    finally, they were sent flying.


    qianjun and piyi, who had merged into one by using a secret art, trembled and blood flowed out of their seven orifices. their killing intent instantly disappeared as they rapidly retreated.


    unstoppable, unbeatable!


    although the dust was light, in qianjun and piyi¡¯s eyes, it was as heavy as the suppression of the starry sky.


    the sense of danger in their heart was extremely intense at this moment.


    however, their retreat was meaningless under the dust of heaven¡¯s law.


    the dust of the heaven¡¯s law would bury everything, leaving no room for survival!


    in that instant, the two of them felt their minds rumbling. their bodies couldn¡¯t withstand it and dissipated. their combined state was directly interrupted.


    after separating, the two of them spurted out fresh blood and their bodies continued to shatter. it was the same for their souls. as the dust fell, cracks appeared on them.


    the feeling of life and death was like a monstrous wave that drowned everything.


    just as the dust was about to completely land and qianjun and piyi¡¯s body and soul were about to be completely destroyed¡­


    a soft sigh rang out from the pavilion of the sword immortal sect.


    ¡°give me some face¡­¡±


    this sigh stirred up a gust of sword energy that appeared under the speck of dust.


    with a gentle blow, the dust stopped in mid-air.


    taking advantage of this pause, qianjun and piyi¡¯s breathing became hurried. they spared no expense to unleash their full strength and sped toward the pavilion. they heard their master¡¯s voice and knew that he had made a move.


    the feeling of life and death earlier had long caused them to be incomparably shaken. they understood that their only chance of survival now was where their master was.


    hence, they fled extremely fast.


    however, just ahead of them, waves of space-time ripples suddenly emerged. blocked by these space-time waves, the pavilion seemed to transform into a nonexistent shrine.


    in the next moment, the overlapping waves intensified, forming a violent storm of space-time, manifesting as a chaotic current¡ªa wave of space-time itself. this surge rose, crashing down onto qianjun and piyi.


    as the spray scattered, the figures of both individuals vanished.


    they were swept into the wave and submerged within the flow of space-time, disappearing from the present reality!


    xu qing stepped into the dissipating waves and disappeared.


    he pursued them into the space-time!


    this entire sequence¡ªfrom xu qing¡¯s sudden step forward, through qianjun and piyi¡¯s desperate attempt to counterattack, their counter failing, their attempt to escape, and then being drawn into the depths of space-time with xu qing pursuing them¡ªunfolded within just a few brief breaths!


    however, the shock it brought to the various forces in the north was monstrous. it couldn¡¯t be said to be unforgettable for the rest of their lives, but it was almost the same.


    on one hand, it was because qianjun and piyi¡¯s reputation was too great, so this reversal was shocking.


    on the other hand, no one knew who the person who attacked was but they were shocked to see how terrifying his ordinance was.


    also, the intensity of this battle had surpassed the level of rulers.


    even at the quasi immortal realm, such a battle was astonishing.


    hence, it was inevitable that someone would treat xu qing¡­ as star ring.


    ¡°that person just now¡­¡±


    ¡°star ring?¡±


    ¡°but it doesn¡¯t seem like it¡­¡±


    everyone inside and outside the sword immortal sect was shaken. in the sword pavilion, blue teal immortal lord sighed and was about to walk forward. at the same time, he opened his mouth, wanting to say something¡­


    however, the red-robed middle-aged man beside him smiled and spoke first.


    ¡°young people these days¡­ truly formidable, showing no regard for the dignity of a dignified lower immortal.¡±


    blue teal immortal lord stopped in his tracks and turned to look at the red-robed middle-aged man in disgust. after some thought, he was about to speak when the red-robed middle-aged man spoke again.


    ¡°but after all, they are my disciples. although it¡¯s not proper to intervene, ensuring their survival is reasonable¡ªand it will also serve as a reminder to that young upstart that the dignity of a lower immortal must be respected.¡±


    blue teal immortal lord fell silent.


    he hated this person even more.


    he was frustrated because the other person had repeatedly said everything he wanted to say, leaving him unsure of what to say next.


    so, he furrowed his brows, and his breath was about to escape through his nose.


    the red-robed middle-aged man let out a cold snort.


    blue teal immortal lord was furious.


    ¡°you¡¯re going too far! you¡¯re even stealing my cold snort!¡±


    the red-robed middle-aged man smiled but didn¡¯t say anything.


    blue teal immortal lord felt even more disgust inwardly, so he decided not to speak. he took a step forward and instantly disappeared.


    ¡­


    at that moment, in a different space-time from the main world, on a desert.


    qianjun and piyi¡¯s figure was speeding there, trying to find an exit.


    under the sweeping of the space-time waves, they were separated from the main world by xu qing and sent into this space-time.


    the moment they appeared here, they couldn¡¯t tell if it was real or fake. the desert, the space, everything felt so incredibly real.


    however, the increasingly intense life-and-death crisis in the depths of their hearts caused the two brothers to have no time to think too much at this moment. their minds were completely occupied by anxiety and bitterness.


    ¡°damn it, damn it, it¡¯s all your fault!¡±


    ¡°why are you blaming me! it was your idiotic plan in the first place, setting up ambushes and traps, and now you¡¯re the one looking foolish!¡±


    ¡°looking foolish? it¡¯s because you said no one could help us, not even the master, so we had no choice but to lure that person here. if we could kill him, it would resolve the consequences of accepting the master!¡±


    ¡°you make it sound like i¡¯m the only one who has recognized a master. aren¡¯t you the same!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s all your fault!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s all your fault!¡±


    the two brothers, qianjun and piyi, glared at each other and argued as they sped. after complaining to each other, the two of them shouted.


    ¡°master is also rubbish!¡±


    ¡°that old thing is clearly an immortal, but he kept on watching while we were being hunted!¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s right. that person doesn¡¯t care about master¡¯s prestige at all!¡±


    ¡°therefore, master¡¯s prestige isn¡¯t high enough!¡±


    ¡°you are right. if our master was the venerable immortal, that person would definitely give him face.¡±


    ¡°so¡­¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s all master¡¯s fault!!¡±


    the two brothers shouted in unison. after finding an outlet to vent their anger, they were good brothers again.


    after venting their anger, the depression in their hearts actually eased. their speed increased and they were about to fly out of this desert.


    however, at this moment, the wind blew in the desert.


    the wind stirred up sand that instantly surged into the sky, spreading to the entire range of this world. it rumbled toward the two of them with an irresistible force.


    no matter how they attacked, shouted, or erupted, it was useless.


    finally, the sandstorm that filled the sky transformed into a huge face that occupied the sky.


    it was xu qing¡¯s face.


    it opened its mouth at the two of them and swallowed fiercely.


    in despair, qianjun and piyi looked at each other and gritted their teeth fiercely. resolve appeared in their eyes as they transmitted their voices.


    ¡°little brother, we will rather die than submit!¡±


    ¡°brother, even if we must die standing, we will never live on our knees!¡±


    ¡°next, we charge together, and self-destruct!¡±


    ¡°yes, together we charge, together we explode!¡±


    the two of them shouted and their bodies swayed as though they were about to rush out. but in the very next moment¡­ they both suddenly kneeled, quickly raising their voices in unison.


    ¡°young lord¡­¡±


    the moment they said this, the two of them instinctively looked at each other with a hint of surprise. just as they were about to speak, at the next instant¡­ blue light appeared in the sky of this space-time.


    this light was like an ocean as it swept over. after it filled this space-time, the face xu qing had transformed into paused slightly.


    a furious voice rang out from the blue light.


    ¡°two disgraceful things!¡±


    as soon as the voice rang out, qianjun and piyi were pleasantly surprised. just as they were about to get up, the blue light instantly landed and gathered into the figure of blue teal immortal lord, appearing in front of the two brothers in a single step.


    as though he couldn¡¯t be bothered to listen to them, blue teal immortal lord clapped his hands.


    immediately, the two brothers¡¯ bodies trembled and the qualifying tokens that belonged to them separated from their bodies.


    they were swept up by blue teal immortal lord and sent to the sky.


    after that, he waved his hand and his aura was fully released. the color of the world changed and space-time shattered. an indescribably terrifying aura rose from his body.


    it sent waves through the entire space-time!


    it was as though with a thought, all space-times would instantly turn to dust.


    after doing this, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°young man, how about giving me some face!¡±


    in the sky, xu qing¡¯s figure walked out. after he kept the two qualifying tokens that were sent over, he bowed.


    ¡°since senior has spoken, i will naturally comply.¡±


    after saying that, xu qing retreated and quickly disappeared.


    this space-time also disappeared.


    the surroundings turned blurry. when it was clear again, it was still the sword immortal sect. however, it wasn¡¯t the square but the sword pavilion.


    qianjun and piyi were in a daze. after that, they were overjoyed and were about to thank their master.


    blue teal immortal lord glared and stepped forward, delivering a kick to each of the brothers, sending them sprawling into a corner. not satisfied, he continued to kick them a few more times, all while the brothers cried out in pain.


    ¡°useless things!¡±


    ¡°what an embarrassment!¡±


    ¡°back in the day, i must have been drunk to think you two were promising talents!¡±


    ¡°you two aren¡¯t innate sword bodies, you¡¯re innate trash bodies!¡±


    after kicking, blue teal immortal lord snorted coldly and looked at the red-robed middle-aged man at the side without saying anything.


    the red-robed middle-aged man blinked but didn¡¯t speak.


    blue teal immortal lord frowned and waited.


    ¡°why aren¡¯t you saying what i want to say?¡±


    ¡°i don¡¯t want to say it.¡± the red-robed middle-aged man smiled.


    blue teal immortal lord was helpless. after a while, he sighed.


    ¡°senior brother¡­ no matter what, these two fools are still your martial nephews. you have authority in your hands now. why don¡¯t you¡­ give them two more tokens?¡±

 Chapter 1666 - Chapter 1666: Different East

    chapter 1666: different east


    editor: atlas studios


    the third segment of the immortal capital¡¯s trial was hunting and plundering.


    the duration varied. so far, during the many openings of the trials, this segment was sometimes long and sometimes short.


    this was decided by one key point.


    this key point was the number of the tokens.


    when there were only 1,000 qualifying tokens left out of 10,000¡­ the immortal capital¡¯s trial entered the final countdown, initiating a one-month period before the trial reached the end.


    the relevant rankings would be publicized throughout the fifth star ring and announced by the orthodox sects in their respective starfields.


    hence, not only could those with a token sense it, but even cultivators who didn¡¯t have a token could learn of it.


    and now¡­ the number of people with qualifying tokens was already 1,000.


    hence, the final countdown started.


    what followed was the ranking that shocked the entire fifth star ring.


    this ranking represented the combined standings from the vast regions of the four major starfields. barring any unforeseen events, it was very likely to determine the final rankings.


    the focus of everyone¡¯s attention was naturally the top 100. this was because the top 100 in the past immortal capital trials could basically be considered a safe position.


    they could enter the immortal capital!


    the top ten were heaven¡¯s chosen. they were the absolute outstanding talents of this generation of the fifth star ring.


    hence, after paying attention to the top 100, everyone¡¯s gazes instinctively landed on the top ten!


    however, in the top ten, there were only three stars. the other stars were all gone.


    the reason was no longer a secret.


    whether it was the commotion in the north or the news from the south, many people had heard about xu qing!


    others were plundering tokens, while this person was hunting stars.


    jiang fan lost to him.


    yuanshan su could only choose to lower her head.


    qianjun and piyi finally gave out the tokens.


    with their light, xu qing¡¯s star shone extremely brightly.


    as a result, after they withdrew, several previously unknown cultivators rose to fill the vacant ranks on the leaderboard. it wasn¡¯t until the fifth position that a familiar name finally appeared, recognized by everyone.


    li mengtu was ranked fifth!


    this star of the west had been rising domineeringly.


    above him was xie lingzi, ranked fourth!


    this ranking, as far as everyone was concerned, was hard to judge as either high or low¡ªbut at the very least, it was acceptable.


    the third place was none other than xu qing!


    it was a little low.


    although he had gathered many tokens from the stars, there was a considerable gap between the top ten. moreover, they were all seizing every moment to increase their rankings.


    hence, the current xu qing couldn¡¯t take the first place in one go.


    above him was zhou zhengli!


    second place!


    this ranking surprised many people. it had to be said that zhou zhengli¡¯s image had always been too confusing. although he was kind and righteous, his presence didn¡¯t seem to be strong enough.


    often, when xie lingzi was mentioned, they would mention zhou zhengli, who had a fateful entanglement with xie lingzi.


    as for first place¡­ under the attention of countless cultivators in the fifth star ring, they saw an unfamiliar name.


    chen batian!


    this name was a little tacky, but it had to be said that no matter how tacky a name was, when it was ranked first, it still carried an astonishing aura.


    at the same time, its unfamiliarity sparked widespread curiosity, and the discussions about chen batian began to overshadow even xu qing¡¯s action of hunting down stars.


    however, there was too little information about this person.


    most of them were rumors.


    it was rumored that this person came from the eastern starfield.


    there was also a rumor that this person had an extreme personality, and was extremely cruel and lecherous.


    it was rumored that before the third segment, this person¡¯s ranking was almost at the bottom. after the third segment started, he instantly rose.


    he was rumored to be bloodthirsty. anyone who fought against him didn¡¯t seem to have survived.


    everything was just rumors.


    hence, the mystery that enveloped this person became a fog.


    at the same time, as the rankings were publicized, everyone discovered something that shocked them.


    there was no star ring in the rankings!


    that number one heaven¡¯s chosen of the fifth star ring wasn¡¯t in the top ten or the top 100. in fact, his name wasn¡¯t even in the rankings!


    this scene caused many guesses.


    while everyone had different opinions, a quasi immortal who had been to the fifth realm of the aurora immortal palace spoke of the reason.


    in an instant, although the life-and-death battle between xu qing and star ring in the fifth realm of the aurora immortal palace was like the wind in the past, it still formed a storm in the main world.


    it swept through various places.


    the topic of xu qing instantly soared. while it was causing countless waves, xu qing left the north.


    with the help of the super-long-distance teleportation array in the star ring and many teleportations, on the 17th day of the countdown to the end of the immortal capital¡¯s trial and only 735 qualifying tokens remained, xu qing arrived in the east.


    he appeared at the foot of mount taia in the east.


    his expression was calm as he walked up the mountain.


    mount taia was the ninth mountain in the eastern starfield.


    it towered into the clouds and was astonishingly vast. the color of the mountain was pitch-black, like a sharp black blade that seemed to want to slash through the sky.


    upon closer inspection, one could see fine red threads hidden in the mountain rocks like blood vessels.


    it was rumored that this mountain¡­ was formed from a horn!


    this horn came from one of the nine god races under the venerable god in the fifth star ring, the star horn venerable god!


    that venerable god had a divinity of stars and was the number one lord god below the venerable god realm.


    this was a rumor. as for the details, very few people really knew.


    at that moment, on the peak of mount taia, there was a person sitting cross-legged.


    this person was a youth dressed in black.


    his appearance was cold and carried an evil aura. as he sat there, his entire body was filled with killing intent.


    in front of him was a broken sword.


    his aura seemed to be intertwined with this sword.


    it was xie lingzi.


    at that moment, he suddenly opened his eyes and stared down at xu qing who was walking over.


    xu qing was as calm as ever. with a step, he walked through 10% of the path on this huge mountain.


    his footsteps paused slightly.


    this was because in front of xu qing, there was a small white bottle on the rock.


    the opening of the bottle allowed the aura inside to spread out. this aura was like an immortal but not an immortal, like a god but not a god.


    the bottle was filled with flowing liquid.


    as xu qing¡¯s gaze landed, the illusion of truth formed by the scattering of his soul stirred at this moment. it was as though this liquid was an incomparably important nourishing item to the immortal embryo.


    ¡°origin essence¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    origin essence was the source power of the 36 star rings. it was the source of gods and the essence of the star rings. whether it was the god¡¯s divine authority or the authority of cultivators, in essence, they all came from this.


    this was the case even for divinity and the ordinance.


    this was the indispensable power to form the upper star rings.


    it was also the best supplement for cultivators to mold their immortal embryo and even allow the immortal embryo to become an immortal!


    this was because at the end of the day, the process of forming an immortal embryo and giving birth to an immortal was actually plundering and absorbing this essence!


    this small bottle could directly increase xu qing¡¯s immortal embryo by a step. although it couldn¡¯t reach the level of imperishable, it would still be of great help.


    ¡°interesting.¡±


    xu qing waved his hand and kept the small bottle. he then raised his head and looked in the direction of the mountain peak. he took the second step and when he appeared¡­ he was already halfway up the mountain.


    there, on the rock, was a blue bowl.


    in the bowl, there was a fist-sized piece of mud.


    it was crimson in color.


    this item was known as the divine mud. it was one of the many methods cultivators in the fifth star ring used to control gods. one could mold the god¡¯s appearance and control it with this mud.


    hence, its value was astonishing.


    xu qing kept it and took the third step.


    when he landed, he was already close to the peak of the mountain. in front of him was a blade of grass. it looked ordinary but it contained faint staright.


    this was a stalk of grass that xu qing was familiar with.


    ¡°star ring grass!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    star ring grass grew at the boundary of the outer sea between the various star rings. there were very few of them.


    by lighting it, one could open the passageway between star rings. back then, xu qing came to the fifth star ring because he had a star ring grass.


    the one in front of him was much smaller than the one he had back then but its value was still astonishing.


    xu qing pondered. after a while, he kept the grass. after some thought, he took his fourth step.


    he appeared at the top of the mountain and in front of xie lingzi!


    the moment he appeared, xie lingzi, who was sitting cross-legged, suddenly raised his hand. immediately, the broken sword that had sunk into the ground in front of him stabbed down fiercely. the entire mountain rumbled at this instant.


    countless fine red threads flickered on the mountain and finally gathered at the top of the mountain.


    they seemed to have been absorbed by the broken sword.


    this lasted until the broken sword turned red and a drop of¡­ red blood gradually flowed out of the sword!


    the moment the blood appeared, the sky rumbled and wind surged. waves of heavenly lightning roared over and echoed endlessly.


    the surroundings also distorted and everything became blurry.


    as for the mountain itself, all the red threads rapidly dimmed until they completely disappeared. it was as though the last trace of foundation had been sucked away.


    only the drop of blood on the broken sword became the only color in this world!


    staring at the blood, xu qing could hear a hurried breathing in his mind.


    it was the emotions of the clay fox fluctuating intensely.


    ¡®the blood of a lord god! moreover, it¡¯s a lord god whose authority is similar to mine!!¡¯


    ¡®xu qing, i need this drop of blood!¡¯


    ¡®if i absorb it, not only will i be able to advance to the divine platform in a short period, but the possibility of me becoming a true god in the future will also be infinitely great!¡¯


    almost at the same time that the clay fox spoke anxiously, xie lingzi raised his right hand and waved it.


    immediately, the drop of blood on the broken sword headed straight for xu qing.


    ¡°fellow daoist xu has helped me a lot in the fourth realm. the first three gifts are my repayment.¡±


    ¡°as for this drop of lord god¡¯s blood¡­ i broke my promise to lord fox in the fourth realm, so i am using this gift as compensation.¡±


    with that, xie lingzi stood up and bowed to xu qing.


    xu qing didn¡¯t speak.


    a long time later, xie lingzi slowly retreated and walked out of the mountain. the broken sword also flew up and accompanied him.


    in the air, xie lingzi bowed again. after that, he transformed into a rainbow and entered the sky.


    looking at xie lingzi¡¯s figure, xu qing didn¡¯t stop him.


    the four valuable gifts were said to be gratitude and compensation but in reality, xu qing naturally understood that this was the money xie lingzi had used to buy the qualifying token.


    ¡°after taking these gifts, it won¡¯t be good to take the token again.¡±


    xu qing shook his head and stood at the top of the mountain. he didn¡¯t leave. instead, he turned his head and looked at the void on the other side of the horizon as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°what do you think, zhou zhengli?¡±


    as xu qing¡¯s words echoed, the waves in the sky seemed to spread layer by layer and zhou zhengli¡¯s figure was revealed.


    gradually, it became clear that he was carrying an unconscious burly man.


    the vitality of the burly dude was weak and contained an aura of death, making him look like a puppet.


    after that, zhou zhengli walked over from the horizon.


    with a step, he arrived at the top of the mountain and in front of xu qing. after throwing the burly dude to the side, he respectfully and humbly bowed.


    ¡°greetings, young master.¡±


    after that, he pointed at the burly dude.


    ¡°this person¡¯s name is chen batian.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a gift i personally forged for you in the east after i left the immortal¡¯s fall.¡±


    ¡°i present it to you, so you may use it in your path to become the top contender in the immortal capital¡¯s trial!¡±

 Chapter 1667 - Chapter 1667: Stepping on the Rainbow, Surveying the Mountains

    chapter 1667: stepping on the rainbow, surveying the mountains


    editor: atlas studios


    xu qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with the name chen batian.


    after all, this figure had appeared on the immortal capital trial¡¯s starmap at the moment the one-month countdown began, catching the eyes of countless cultivators across the fifth star ring. few in the region were unaware of him.


    rumors and speculations about chen batian grew, each tale more imaginative than the last.


    yet, for all the theories, none came close to the truth.


    how could anyone have imagined that the so-called top contender of the immortal capital trial was, in fact, a crafted creation¡ªa gift, meticulously designed and brought into existence by another¡¯s hand?


    now, the one who had fashioned this ¡®gift¡¯ stood humbly before xu qing, bent in deference, wearing a smile of servile satisfaction.


    this was the terrifying thing about zhou zhengli.


    before, under the suppression of star ring, zhou zhengli had always kept a low profile, careful not to reveal his edge. xu qing suspected that perhaps the rivalry between zhou zhengli and xie lingzi was not as intense or fated as it appeared.


    it all might have been an act¡ªa deliberate conflict, a carefully crafted persona that both zhou zhengli and xie lingzi maintained because they understood the need for it.


    their staged antagonism served a purpose: it entertained those in high places.


    even if those individuals knew it was merely an act, the willingness to perform, to become actors in the eyes of their superiors, was itself a form of submission.


    xu qing didn¡¯t think of himself as a big shot, let alone a second star ring.


    this was because he had no need to subdue others.


    the fifth star ring or even the immortal capital he was going to next were simply stops on his life¡¯s journey.


    in each of these places, he remained cautious by nature, yet moved according to his own will.


    as for zhou zhengli¡¯s hidden motives, they were of little concern to him.


    after all, a snake, when it didn¡¯t show its fangs, could appear quite beautiful.


    and should those fangs emerge, xu qing remembered what he¡¯d once told zhou zhengli¡­


    he enjoyed eating snakes, especially the venomous ones¡ªthose had the best flavor.


    his past when he was young, his experiences in wanggu, the inheritance from his master, as well as what he had seen and heard when he followed erniu, all made xu qing¡­ even more venomous.


    hence, his gaze only glanced at zhou zhengli before looking at chen batian.


    ¡°i carefully chose this chen batian. he bears no deep karmic ties,¡± zhou zhengli said softly.


    ¡°besides, he¡¯s long been steeped in sin, most of it rooted in his lustful nature.¡±


    zhou zhengli understood well that presenting a gift required considering the recipient¡¯s comfort.


    his choice had been someone without karmic entanglements, and someone who was morally corrupt¡ªa person whose death would be effortless for the recipient to accept.


    to make things even more reassuring, he bowed and then stepped back, ensuring he stood farther from chen batian than xu qing did.


    chen batian, now on the verge of death, had his life¡¯s flame flickering, nearing its end.


    zhou zhengli had taken measures on the way here to ensure chen batian would pass naturally and very soon, eliminating any cause for misunderstanding.


    this arrangement was to prevent xu qing from thinking he had hidden a trap within the gift.


    the man¡¯s death was something he had arranged indirectly, leaving the recipient untainted by any ties to the act.


    moreover, when a cultivator died like this, their qualifying token would be released at the moment of death and be absorbed by the nearest person.


    that was why he stepped back.


    xu qing didn¡¯t speak.


    just like that, dozens of breaths later, chen batian¡¯s last breath dissipated.


    the instant he died, a qualifying token flew out of his body, shining brightly.


    the moment it rose, it headed straight for xu qing. the instant it fused into his body, the entire sky rumbled. as the star map appeared, the rankings inside changed.


    the first place changed to xu qing!


    zhou zhengli bowed to xu qing.


    after that, he slowly retreated until he retreated out of mount taia and flew into the sky, disappearing.


    xu qing didn¡¯t stop him. he stared at the horizon for a while before retracting his gaze. his body then turned blurry as he walked into space-time.


    with the space-time art, he left silently and without any traces of karma.


    a long time later, the sky shook and the departing zhou zhengli appeared again. he lowered his head and looked at mount taia in deep thought.


    ¡°he¡¯s indeed very different from the star ring.¡±


    ¡°if it were star ring, after grasping such an advantage and possessing such strength, his sense of caution would have decreased greatly. there¡¯s even a high chance that he would stay here and wait for the trial to end.¡±


    ¡°as for this xu qing¡­ he clearly has such an advantage and suppressed all the stars. moreover, xie lingzi and i gave him gifts one after another and humbled ourselves, but he¡¯s still so cautious.¡±


    ¡°this doesn¡¯t seem to be intentional. it¡¯s more like¡­ its instinct!¡±


    zhou zhengli sighed softly.


    ¡°he¡¯s not to be trifled with.¡±


    after that, his body swayed and he disappeared again.


    ¡­


    as time passed, only seven days remained in the countdown to the end of the immortal capital¡¯s trial.


    during this period, as the rankings on the star map shifted and the standings from various sects updated, xu qing¡¯s name stirred an earth-shattering storm throughout the fifth star ring.


    chen batian disappeared and xu qing became first!


    hence, the rumors about xu qing also increased during this time.


    after he became first place, the influence he brought to those cultivators who had interacted with him wasn¡¯t small.


    in the western starfield, li mengtu was still working hard.


    even though he was now ranked fifth and it was inevitable that he would enter the immortal capital, after sensing the rankings, he chose to continue collecting qualifying tokens.


    ¡°although it¡¯s impossible to surpass him, i can¡¯t be too far behind.¡±


    in the southern starfield, similar voices echoed as well.


    it came from the yuanshan clan and


    from the great immortal mountain.


    yuanshan su was in seclusion. she wanted to break through her cultivation and step into the quasi immortal realm before the trial ended. this was the only way she could enter the immortal capital now.


    ¡°i can definitely do it!¡±


    as for jiang fan, he had chosen the same path as yuanshan su and was going all out.


    as for qianjun and piyi, because of their master, it was much easier for them compared to jiang fan and yuanshan su.


    they obtained new tokens and started all over again.


    relying on their cultivation and combat strength, this process wasn¡¯t difficult but they needed to fight again and again. moreover, time was tight, so the two brothers could be said to be extremely busy during this period.


    every time their rankings increased, they would curse xu qing to increase their motivation.


    as for the eastern starfield, it was different from other places.


    xie lingzi and zhou zhengli¡¯s rankings were stable. one was second and the other was third.


    moreover, the two of them had already given up on advancing. they only needed to wait for the immortal capital¡¯s trial to end.


    however, in their respective places, the direction they looked in the most¡­ was the star ring tower!


    if it was said that there were still final variables in this immortal capital trial, then in the eyes of the two of them, it would definitely be in the celestial ring tower!


    in the star ring tower, within its vast, unending towers, the central and tallest tower radiated with boundless starlight.


    this light, drawn from the heavens, cascaded down within the tower, merging with a highly intricate formation etched on the floor.


    at the center of the formation sat a young man in meditation.


    as the starlight descended and channeled through the formation, it surged into his body, illuminating meridians formed entirely of starlight across his form.


    his very being seemed to merge with the tower itself in this process.


    a dense, immortal aura rose from him, emanating from an¡­ immortal embryo embedded within his body.


    that was an immortal embryo that had reached completion after experiencing illusion of truth and imperishable.


    it was also the symbol of a quasi immortal.


    this was using starlight as meridians, the star tower as skeleton, and the immortal embryo as flesh and blood!


    star ring was reconstructed!


    ¡°without the turmoil of calamity and reversal, how could the transformation from despair to prosperity occur?¡±


    a hoarse voice echoed in the tower.


    ¡°disciple, you have encountered your tribulation, and perished within it. that was your fate.¡±


    ¡°thus, i shall reconstruct your body for you, allowing you to subsequently traverse the cosmos and embark upon a smooth immortal path!¡±


    as the voice echoed, star ring, who was sitting cross-legged on the array formation, suddenly opened its eyes. endless starlight emitted from his eyes, causing the tower to be resplendent.


    ¡°he¡¯s waiting for you outside.¡± the hoarse voice rang out again.


    star ring fell silent. after a long time, he shook his head.


    ¡°i¡¯m not going.¡±


    ¡°why aren¡¯t you going?¡±


    ¡°i still can¡¯t defeat him now, and if i fight against him, i¡¯ll lose the name of star. there¡¯s no need to force it. my battle with him¡­ will be in the immortal capital!¡±


    ¡°alright!¡±


    ¡­


    outside the star ring tower, there was a mountain.


    its name was nine heavens.


    on the peak of the nine heavens mountain, xu qing sat cross-legged. in front of him was the endless star ring tower.


    under the crimson aurora, the starlight attracted by these tall towers was especially obvious. the point where the starlight gathered was where xu qing was looking at.


    he was waiting for star ring.


    the moment he arrived at the eastern starfield, he vaguely sensed the other party¡¯s aura.


    he already knew that star ring¡­ had returned.


    hence, he arrived outside the star ring tower and sat here, waiting for the other party to come and fight.


    however, it was a pity that even now, there was still no sign of star ring.


    xu qing was calm.


    since star ring didn¡¯t come, he naturally wouldn¡¯t force it.


    hence, he closed his eyes.


    he allowed the days to pass.


    this lasted until the last day of the immortal capital¡¯s trial, the last two hours, the last 15 minutes¡­


    time flowed by!


    thunder rumbled in the sky of the fifth star ring.


    the thunder wasn¡¯t loud at first, but it quickly spread throughout the east, to everyone, and to the entire fifth star ring.


    the thunder rumbled through the heavens, shaking the world to its core. at this moment, the billions of cultivators, regardless of what they were doing, instinctively stopped and fell silent, their eyes turning upward in unison.


    a dignified voice echoed amid the thunder.


    ¡°the immortal capital¡¯s trial has ended. the top 100 shall enter the immortal capital!¡±


    as the voice rang out, amidst the excitement and anticipation of countless cultivators in the fifth star ring and the envy of countless gazes, colorful rainbows fell from the aurora in the sky.


    there were a total of 99 of them and they landed in different places. they were scattered in the four great starfields and corresponded to those who had obtained the qualifications to enter the immortal capital.


    they landed in front of them!


    this was the receiving rainbow!


    this was what all the cultivators in the fifth star ring dreamed of in their lives, the path to the immortal capital!


    at that moment, in front of those rainbows, the hearts of those cultivators who had experienced slaughter, calamity, and successful advancement in blood and slaughter stirred and their breathing became hurried to varying degrees.


    everything they had done was for this moment!


    they all lifted their feet and stepped onto the rainbow in front of them.


    the instant they were about to walk up, lightning flashed in the sky again, and the entire fifth star ring rumbled.


    under the gazes of countless people, they saw a huge rainbow that surpassed all the rainbows. it was earth-shattering like a long river.


    in comparison, the other rainbows could only be considered a trickle.


    this long river shone with a piercing light with a vast might.


    it fell from the sky.


    it landed in the east and on nine heavens mountain.


    all living beings were shocked.


    xu qing opened his eyes and looked at the dazzling path in front of him. he then stood up and walked over.


    he stepped on the rainbow and walked toward the sky.


    together with the other qualified cultivators in different places, they rose into the air like they had ascended.


    beyond the sky¡­ was the supreme immortal capital.

 Chapter 1668 - Chapter 1668: Originally in the Immortal Capital

    chapter 1668: originally in the immortal capital


    editor: atlas studios


    this was the most sacred moment in every immortal capital¡¯s trial!


    this was a moment that countless cultivators in the fifth star ring dreamed of.


    those who obtained the qualifications would ascend to the immortal capital under the gaze of all living beings!


    xu qing¡¯s figure strode resolutely along the grandest of rainbows, pressing forward step by step, ever upward.


    behind him, in different parts of the four starfields, ninety-nine other cultivators who had earned the right to ascend to the immortal capital also advanced on their respective rainbows.


    at this moment, they were the focus of the four great starfields.


    at this moment, they were undoubtedly stars.


    the four starfields were also relatively quiet, countless gazes gathering upon the sky.


    even though most people could only see a small part of the sky, the grandest rainbow was unmistakable to the powerful figures across the four starfields.


    under the watchful gaze of countless beings, those on the rainbows climbed ever higher, drawing closer to the aurora. finally, they each disappeared one by one into the aurora, tinged red by its hue.


    above this aurora, however, was not a starry sky but a vast shroud of mist, large enough to conceal the stars themselves.


    rising distinctly from this fog stood a hundred ancient, timeworn pillars, their forms creating a stepped pattern. the central pillar was the tallest, with each subsequent one on either side slightly shorter, forming a shape reminiscent of ¡®ÈË1¡¯.


    all the pillars were colorful.


    it was as though they had existed for countless years and witnessed countless glory, emitting endless dignity.


    the light they emitted formed rainbows.


    they landed in the four starfields under the aurora.


    they became a guide that manifested in the eyes of all living beings.


    as for the tallest platform in the center, the rainbow light it emitted was the most resplendent. xu qing¡¯s figure was walking out of the aurora on this rainbow!


    he was the first person among the hundred cultivators to walk out of the aurora.


    as the aurora flowed beside him and continued forward, it was as though he had walked from the bottom of the river to the surface of the river.


    the moment he left the river, xu qing saw the endless fog here and the hundred colorful pillars.


    his steps did not falter; with each stride, he approached the high platform and finally arrived at the central pillar.


    he stood there.


    after that, he turned and looked down.


    below him was the vast aurora that was like a crimson sea.


    ninety-nine rainbows descended, each one bearing the figure of a cultivator stepping forward, moving toward their respective high platform.


    among the crowd, xu qing saw zhou zhengli.


    zhou zhengli smiled humbly.


    he saw xie lingzi.


    xie lingzi lowered his head slightly.


    he saw yuanshan su.


    yuanshan su avoided xu qing¡¯s gaze.


    he saw li mengtu.


    li mengtu looked a little excited.


    he saw qianjun and piyi.


    the two brothers were originally arrogant, but at this moment, they instinctively cowered.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze swept past them one by one.


    he was unfamiliar with the vast majority of them. among the few familiar figures, there was one less jiang fan and one more¡­ a black-clothed youth!


    that youth¡¯s entire body emitted an aura of order and was surrounded by iron chains formed by starlight. when xu qing¡¯s gaze landed on him, his gaze also landed on xu qing.


    star ring!


    xu qing¡¯s heart was calm.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t too surprised that these people would appear on the rainbows.


    he had also already sensed that star ring had revived.


    he had even waited outside the star ring tower before, but the other party didn¡¯t come.


    hence, when he saw him again, xu qing¡¯s heart didn¡¯t fluctuate at all. after his gaze swept over, he calmly retracted it.


    xu qing didn¡¯t pay attention to the cultivators who were gradually walking onto their respective high platforms. he raised his head and looked at the fog above.


    he had felt that the fifth star ring didn¡¯t seem very vast.


    his sense of its ¡®size¡¯ emerged from comparing it to the wanggu.


    fifth star ring had four major starfields¡ªeast, west, south, and north¡ªeach far surpassing the wanggu in scale


    moreover, even if most of the cultivators used their entire lives to fly, they might not be able to fly out of many of the territories in the starfields.


    however, xu qing still felt that it was lacking.


    according to the star map of the 36 star rings he had seen back then, any star ring should be infinitely large.


    however, after coming to the fifth star ring, everything was different.


    of course, xu qing understood that this might have something to do with the fifth star ring being flattened.


    after all, the cosmos was layered, a boundless space of overlapping dimensions.


    yet the flattened fifth star ring had taken on the form of a continent, which naturally altered one¡¯s perception of its true vastness.


    however, at the end of the day, these were only one of the reasons, and not the main reason.


    why was it like this? this question lingered in xu qing¡¯s heart, a puzzle that had only deepened after he journeyed across the four starfields.


    and now, standing atop this ancient platform, staring into the boundless mist, his thoughts stirred with a rising tide of anticipation.


    he had a premonition.


    the true form of the fifth star ring¡­ was about to reveal itself.


    he was looking forward to it.


    the other cultivators who came here were also looking forward to it. they didn¡¯t have to wait for too long. the moment the last person walked onto their platform¡­


    the fog suddenly churned.


    an indescribable pressure seemed to permeate the fog. it was like an invisible hand was gently waving.


    the thick fog that covered xu qing and the others instantly dispersed like the ebbing tide and disappeared in the blink of an eye.


    the vast starry sky appeared in their eyes!


    this starry sky seemed boundless and there was a huge vortex that occupied 90% of the starry sky.


    it seemed to be motionless, but upon careful perception, it also seemed to be spinning.


    the high platforms xu qing and the others were on were insignificant compared to this majestic vortex.


    everyone could sense that in this astonishing vortex that occupied the starry sky, there were a large number of stars, lives, and dense immortal auras.


    however, just as everyone was immersed in it, suddenly¡­ it was as though a force had shrunk the starry sky.


    the vortex before xu qing and the others shrank rapidly.


    as it contracted, an even more vast star vortex emerged within the starry expanse.


    the initial vortex seemed to have vanished¡ªnot because it disappeared, but because it became a minuscule fragment, merely one of billions within this larger, unfathomable star vortex.


    xu qing¡¯s heart trembled.


    yet, this was not the end. in the next instant, this colossal vortex itself began to shrink.


    xu qing and the others then saw countless such awe-inspiring star vortices, each one coalescing into an even larger star map.


    to be precise, this was a starfield!


    at first glance, its size might have seemed incomprehensible, but after watching the layers upon layers of contraction, the vastness of this starfield seemed beyond description.


    and still¡­ it was not the final form.


    in another instant, this starfield shrank again, revealing countless similar starfields around it, all converging to form a complete universe.


    as this universe settled into their view, the stars blurred for a heartbeat¡ªbefore even more universes came into focus, multiplying in their perceptions.


    within this overwhelming scene, these endless universes once more began to shrink.


    the starry sky rumbled.


    finally¡­ a majestic figure appeared in front of everyone.


    this figure was not a true body but an awe-inspiring form made up of countless small galaxies, massive star systems, unending starfields, and boundless universes!


    its face was indistinct, but its supreme presence could be felt unmistakably.


    however, this being was not the venerable immortal of the fifth star ring.


    for as this majestic form, composed of countless universes, appeared, the cosmos itself seemed to contract further, revealing ten additional towering figures alongside it!


    eleven in total!


    they were like heavens beyond heavens!


    they were the eleven immortal lords of the fifth star ring!


    they were all resplendent.


    the moment they appeared, a tidal wave of shock surged in the hearts of all present.


    the thunderous roar of emotions resonated through their beings as they all gazed at the towering forms before them.


    although xu qing couldn¡¯t see one of them¡¯s appearance clearly, his experience from the immortal palace allowed him to recognize the figure at a glance!


    that was¡­ the nine shores immortal lord!


    the figure of the nine shores immortal lord was a little special compared to the other immortal lords.


    in front of him, there was a ring formed by starlight.


    the moment xu qing saw this ring, a hint of understanding rose in his heart.


    it was the ring of the era.


    this present age was the nine shores era!


    xu qing took a deep breath and suppressed the fluctuations in his heart. he endured the piercing feeling and looked at the other immortal lords. he wanted to find¡­ grandmaster bai!


    this lasted until he saw the ninth one.


    that majestic figure seemed to be of an old man. xu qing couldn¡¯t see the details but the medicinal pot in the figure¡¯s hand was incomparably familiar to him.


    the old man lowered his head slightly, as though his gaze had landed on xu qing. a smile appeared on his face.


    xu qing also smiled and bowed.


    after xu qing¡¯s bow, the starry sky once again blurred, and the sensation of shrinking returned.


    as the heaven¡¯s beyonds where the eleven immortal lords were at grew smaller, a more colossal figure appeared behind them. this figure, exuding supreme divinity and unparalleled pressure, took over the entire expanse of the starry sky.


    that was the source of immortals!


    it was the sovereign of the fifth star ring.


    that was the¡­ venerable immortal who had suppressed the venerable god!


    the eleven heaven¡¯s beyonds surrounded his body.


    this was the true fifth star ring!


    after being occupied by cultivators and undergoing the process of being flattened, it had been divided. nearly all regions were now encompassed within the heaven¡¯s beyonds.


    as for the remaining four major starfields to the north, south, east, and west, they were the homeland!


    they were the origin, the birthplace.


    in truth, there was no real ¡®immortal capital¡¯ because that¡­ was the immortal capital.


    it was also the place of the direct descendants of the fifth star ring!


    all the slaughter and suffering were to nurture the direct descendants.


    it was all for the future of the fifth star ring.


    because the cultivators who came from there were of pure bloodline!


    their future carried a mission.


    as for the beings in the eleven heaven¡¯s beyonds, in a certain sense, they were merely collateral branches.


    in fact, the vast majority of them were not even of the human race; they were simply bestowed with a fragment of human bloodline.


    at that moment, there was no need to say anything. the instant everyone, including xu qing, saw this vast scene, they all had a realization.


    ¡°i see¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled.


    at the same time, in the eleven heaven¡¯s beyonds, the nine shores immortal lord, who was the ruler of this era, opened his eyes.


    ¡°this batch of ascendants will enter my heaven¡¯s beyond.¡±

 Chapter 1669 - Chapter 1669: Nine Shores Heavens Rewards!

    chapter 1669: nine shores heaven¡¯s rewards!


    editor: atlas studios


    entering the immortal capital from the land of origin was a tradition and glory for countless cultivators.


    it wasn¡¯t that no one knew the true secrets. the immortals of the four orthodox sects or some quasi immortals who had come into contact with the core information knew of it.


    the immortal capital was just a plan that had been ongoing ever since the cultivators from the fifth star ring took over.


    a plan to nurture the direct descendants.


    this plan was carried out in the past and would continue in the future.


    in the eyes of the fifth star ring¡¯s upper echelons, true cultivators were not raised in comfort; they emerged by fighting fiercely, surging upstream through endless competition.


    just like when the fifth star ring was still dominated by gods, they fought their way up from minor worlds.


    they couldn¡¯t lose this spirit!


    hence, what they wanted wasn¡¯t a flower in a greenhouse but a kindred spirit with killing intent and unyielding spirit.


    only cultivators like these could be worthy of being true descendants, capable of shouldering the future, and continue to exist while surrounded by gods.


    only they deserved to earn recognition.


    as for loyalty, lower-level cultivators might need guidance to ensure it, but for those able to ascend, this was unnecessary.


    anyone who reached this position was invariably resolute, with their own insights and understanding.


    those who shared the path would walk together.


    those who did not would not be forced to stay.


    the fifth star ring had this confidence.


    however, in the entire thirty-six upper star rings, other than this place, almost every star ring was a land of gods. for those who didn¡¯t follow the same path¡­ unless they changed their cultivation to divine, where else could they go?


    their allegiances were already set.


    thus, there came trial after trial for entry into the immortal capital.


    and so came the ascensions spoken of by the nine shores immortal lord.


    for those who rose from their homeland, it was an ascension in truth.


    according to the rules of the fifth star ring, whichever immortal lord was in charge of the era would welcome all ascendants into their immortal palace.


    and now, it was the nine shores era.


    hence, as the nine shores immortal lord¡¯s vast voice echoed, the hundred people, including xu qing, seemed to be guided and flew out of the high platforms they were on.


    they each rose from their respective high platforms, drawn directly toward the nine shores immortal lord¡¯s heaven¡¯s beyond formed from countless stars, galaxies, vortices, starfields, and universes.


    as they entered, an endless expanse of stars and innumerable star maps unfolded before xu qing and the others.


    the vastness seemed eternal, without beginning or end.


    in comparison to this grandeur, they felt infinitesimal¡ªlike ants stepping into a world built for giants.


    ¡°this is¡­ the nine shores heaven, comprising 10% of the fifth star ring!¡±


    a dignified voice echoed in the void.


    however, it was not spoken by the nine shores immortal lord.


    in front of xu qing and the others, as the voice rang out, a person walked out of the void.


    an elder appeared before xu qing and the others, dressed in a white daoist robe, holding a dust whisk, his demeanor ethereal and transcendent as he walked upon the stars and the universe itself.


    ¡°i am xu daoyun, the elder responsible for guiding and explaining matters for the nine shores immortal palace.¡±


    the old man calmly spoke as his calm gaze swept past everyone.


    everyone felt a profound shock.


    those possessing an ordinance treasure found their treasures dimmed, subdued and unable to shine, instantly suppressed by the elder¡¯s presence.


    those with their own ordinances fared slightly better, but even these ordinances were heavily restrained, difficult to activate under his gaze.


    regardless of xu qing or star ring, the instant the old man¡¯s gaze fell upon them, they felt a surge ripple through their souls, accompanied by a sense of inescapable power.


    xu qing had experienced this feeling before!


    back then in wanggu, when he stood beside the sword holding great emperor and saw the lower immortal who was about to step into wanggu, he had felt a similar feeling.


    however, the feeling at this moment was even more intense.


    ¡°immortal¡­¡±


    xu qing drew in a deep breath.


    star ring also lowered his head. his feeling was the same as xu qing¡¯s. the old man made him feel as though he was facing his master.


    as the two strongest people among the hundred people, if they could sense it, there was no need to mention the others.


    at that moment, all of them quickly bowed and greeted.


    the old man¡¯s expression was as calm as ever as his voice continued to echo.


    ¡°in the nine shores heaven, stars are limitless¡ªnew ones are born at every moment, and old ones fall; star vortices are not eternal, nor are starfields unchanging. even within these universes, there is both creation and decay.¡±


    ¡°this, barring unforeseen disruptions, will be your future place of cultivation.¡±


    ¡°and as cultivators who have ascended from our homeland, you will be granted due rewards!¡±


    ¡°each of you shall receive a universe within the nine shores heaven as your own cave abode!


    the starfields, star vortices, star systems, and even every star within it¡ªall of it will belong to you!¡±


    as soon as these words were spoken, everyone¡¯s mood fluctuated again.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes also revealed a strange glint. he could sense the generosity of the fifth star ring and the importance they attached to ascenders!


    this was using the resources of an entire universe to nourish a person!


    one could imagine that even in the most barren universe, there would definitely be a vast amount of immortal qi.


    at the same time, all living beings inside would also be a part of the resources.


    it could be said that the moment one obtained the reward, the person being rewarded would become the¡­ supreme being in the universe they obtained!


    such a reward moved xu qing as well.


    hence, the anticipation in his heart grew increasingly intense.


    because in any ranking, the one who achieved first place was never given the same rewards as the others.


    this principle held true once again.


    the white-robed old man¡¯s words echoed like heavenly music.


    ¡°universes are the first level of rewards. but for the first place¡­¡±


    at this point, the old man¡¯s gaze landed on xu qing.


    ¡°in nine shores heaven, there exist a few special universes¡ªeach one a strategic resource. the first-place reward this time¡­ is the ink yang grade one universe!¡±


    ¡°as for what¡¯s special about it, you can explore it yourself after you head there.¡±


    ¡°for your second level of rewards¡­¡±


    ¡°all of you are granted one opportunity for an ordinance baptism for your treasures. those without an ordinance treasure may use this chance to gain one, while those with an ordinance treasure can strengthen it, increasing their potency. you may even request to remove the treasure¡¯s ordinance and merge it into yourself!¡±


    ¡°how you choose to use this opportunity is entirely up to you.¡±


    ¡°as for those ranked in the top ten, beyond these rewards, you will also receive an opportunity to receive a personally forged item by a lower immortal. at any time, you may proceed to the dao forge universe!¡±


    ¡°this opportunity is rare¡ªuse it wisely.¡±


    the old man¡¯s gaze swept past xu qing and the other top ten cultivators before landing on xu qing again.


    ¡°as for first place, you will be granted access to the immortal heroes tomb for enlightenment!¡±


    ¡°the immortal heroes tomb is the eternal resting place for all the lower immortals who perished in battle throughout nine shores heaven¡¯s history. it contains ordinance-based fortunes and the remnants of immortal treasures. what you can retrieve and the extent of it will depend entirely on your fate.¡±


    as the old man¡¯s voice rang out, xu qing felt the gazes of the other cultivators landing on him.


    these gazes contained deep envy.


    especially the gazes from qianjun, piyi, and other stars. these stars didn¡¯t lack the guidance of lower immortals or weapons made by lower immortals.


    after all, their masters or elders were lower immortals.


    hence, other than the universes, the other rewards weren¡¯t too tempting for them.


    however, after hearing the old man¡¯s words and the qualification to comprehend in the immortal heroes tomb, they couldn¡¯t help but be tempted.


    this was because even if they had lower immortals as their masters, what their masters had taught them were ordinance inheritances that they didn¡¯t need.


    the treasures given were definitely not their most powerful treasures.


    after all, they were still alive.


    however, the immortal heroes tomb was different. that was the place where the lower immortals who had died in battle were buried. the ordinance they left behind no longer had an owner.


    as for the treasures¡­ if they had withstood the destruction of their master¡¯s death, the treasures that remained were undoubtedly extraordinary.


    it was the same for good fortune.


    hence, the opportunities in the immortal heroes tomb could be said to be an inheritance of their legacies!


    even star ring sighed inwardly.


    xu qing naturally understood how precious this opportunity was. hence, he lowered his head and bowed.


    the old man retracted his gaze and continued speaking.


    ¡°the nine shores heaven is not only the location of your future cave abodes but also your place of employment. therefore, make good use of your rewards. this is because you only have a year to rest and recuperate.¡±


    ¡°one year from now, you all will be summoned to gather in the reception universe, where you will meet those assigned to provide you with your official roles and responsibilities.¡±


    ¡°now, let¡¯s disperse.¡±


    the old man waved his hand, and tokens made of immortal wood immediately flew toward everyone.


    the vast majority of them had two tokens. one was a token of their universe, and the other was the qualification to undergo the ordinance baptism for magic treasures.


    there were only a few people who had three tokens. the additional token was an opportunity to have a lower immortal refine an artifact.


    only xu qing had four!


    after distributing the wooden tokens, the old man didn¡¯t speak anymore. his body turned blurry and gradually dissipated.


    after he left, everyone¡¯s emotions surged. however, most of them didn¡¯t leave immediately. instead, they flew toward xu qing.


    they were from the same batch. although they didn¡¯t know where they would be assigned in the future, they could still be considered colleagues. moreover, xu qing was ranked first, so his starting point would definitely be higher.


    hence, it was naturally best to get to know him now.


    however, not everyone was like this. while the vast majority of people were exchanging pleasantries with xu qing, star ring flew past expressionlessly. he maintained his arrogance and transformed into a lonely rainbow that headed straight for the distance.


    after that, he teleported and disappeared.


    yuanshan su was a little hesitant but in the end, she still chose to leave.


    there was even less to say about qianjun and piyi.


    these two brothers fled almost immediately, as though they were afraid that if they left too late, xu qing would notice them.


    in front of so many people, they truly didn¡¯t want to reveal the excitement they could hardly contain¡­ just imagining the scene made them feel utterly self-conscious.


    hence, they left immediately.


    xu qing naturally wouldn¡¯t care about this. after exchanging pleasantries with everyone and leaving behind his contact, these new ascenders left separately.


    as for zhou zhengli and xie lingzi, after the two of them ascended to the nine shores heaven, their relationship didn¡¯t seem to be as incompatible as before.


    although they weren¡¯t standing together, the fact that they would stay behind together also explained the problem.


    ¡°brother xu, see you in a year!¡±


    xie lingzi cupped his fists and turned to leave.


    zhou zhengli and li mengtu remained till the end.


    the former smiled as humbly as ever.


    ¡°young master, i suspect¡­ a year from now, when our roles are assigned, all of us will likely be stationed together.¡±


    with that, zhou zhengli respectfully left.


    li mengtu sighed with emotion. after exchanging glances with xu qing, he also chose to leave. however, before he left, he left a sentence.


    ¡°whenever you need anything, just say the word. my life still belongs to you¡ªand now, even more so.¡±


    xu qing watched as everyone left. after that, he smiled and his eyes revealed anticipation as he walked into the distance.


    his divine sense fused into the teleportation token and his figure¡­ instantly disappeared.


    heading toward what belonged to him¡­


    ink yang universe!

 Chapter 1670 - Chapter 1670: Ink Yang Universe

    chapter 1670: ink yang universe


    editor: atlas studios


    just how big was the ink yang universe¡­


    xu qing couldn¡¯t precisely grasp the full scope of the ink yang universe, even as its supreme ruler. with a single thought, he held the power to annihilate entire star systems, yet his divine sense couldn¡¯t encompass the entire universe.


    however, during his teleportation to this place, he caught a glimpse of its form.


    the whole ink yang universe resembled two curved ram¡¯s horns, made up of countless galaxies and swirling star vortices. beneath the two horns, where they joined together, lay an irregular oval shape¡ªsomewhat like the body of a fish.


    it could be said that the ink yang universe looked like a great fish with ram¡¯s horns.


    vast and endless, its insides were densely filled with stars, galaxies, star vortices, and whole starfields. and amidst it all, endless lights shone brilliantly everywhere he looked.


    those¡­ were the suns.


    some possessed life, while some had already died.


    xu qing¡¯s teleportation was gradually coming to an end.


    he couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the profound principles and knowledge embedded in the teleportation token granted by the nine shores heaven. this token clearly reflected the sophisticated research conducted within the fifth star ring¡¯s cultivation systems.


    the teleportation it enabled could span numerous universes, allowing one to reach a designated starry sky in a single step¡ªan achievement that defied conventional spatial limits.


    it was indescribable, beyond ordinary comprehension.


    ¡°it gives me the feeling of a civilization¡­ this is the civilization of immortals.¡±


    xu qing mumbled. as the ink yang universe in his perception grew larger and larger, xu qing was also thinking about the uniqueness of this universe.


    according to the guide immortal from the nine shores heavenly immortal palace, he had to figure it out himself.


    however, in reality, as one of the special universes with strategic value in the nine shores heaven, xu qing felt that high-level lifeforms in this universe should have some understanding of the characteristics of the ink yang universe.


    as the ink yang universe grew larger and larger in his eyes, after countless galaxies flowed like rain in front of him, he saw the place where he had descended!


    it was an immortal palace!


    this palace was crafted from a pitch-black meteorite. though it seemed vast, in comparison to the boundless universe, it was infinitely small.


    yet, within this universe, authority and status were no longer measured by the size or grandeur of structures.


    despite its modest scale, it commanded reverence from all beings¡ªeverything and everyone bowed before it.


    it was the most sacred existence in the ink yang universe¡ªancient, solemn, and majestic.


    surrounding it were countless figures, each bowing, each kneeling.


    most of these figures bore human-like forms, though with subtle differences, while others were entirely of nonhuman races, varied in appearance.


    some even included enormous beasts exuding terrifying auras.


    their numbers were vast, stretching endlessly, with most at the soul accumulation realm, and numerous rulers among them.


    they were all the masters of their respective starfields in the ink yang universe.


    the fifth star ring was too large, and the human race was a minority here at the start. even though it had become a civilization of cultivators and the number of humans had soared as they reproduced,


    compared to the countless vast universes in the star ring, they were just a drop in the ocean.


    however, such a drop in the ocean became the ruler of the entire fifth star ring, ruling countless nonhuman races!


    basically, these nonhuman races¡¯ ancestors were once gods.


    they were actually descendants of gods.


    but now, they had been enslaved. over countless years, the fifth star ring¡¯s rulers had etched seal upon seal onto the bloodlines of these once-divine progeny, embedding each generation of these nonhuman races with indelible marks.


    their growth had been strictly controlled, with everything about them molded to serve humanity¡¯s dominance, steering them down the path of cultivation.


    under the weight of these bloodline seals and restrictions, their power was capped, with their utmost potential confined to the level of ruler.


    nonhumans weren¡¯t allowed to become immortals!


    unless¡­ it was a strategic need. only then could the seals be undone and allow these nonhuman races to fight and die for the fifth star ring.


    hence, in the current fifth star ring, the generations of ascenders who had left the land of origin were nobility in front of these nonhuman races!


    as the master of the universe, xu qing¡¯s descent naturally meant that the slaves in the ink yang universe had to come and worship him.


    thus, amidst the reverent worship of powerful beings from each starfield, the immortal palace, carved from meteoric stone, began to radiate with a brilliant, divine light at the precise moment of xu qing¡¯s silent arrival via teleportation.


    all kinds of colors formed a vast ocean of radiance that swept swiftly across the surrounding starscape.


    the sky shook, and all beings lowered their heads in reverence.


    the gate of the immortal palace slowly opened.


    xu qing¡¯s figure walked out!


    that immortal token with the ability to teleport also fused into xu qing¡¯s body at this moment. its function wasn¡¯t only teleportation but also¡­ the ultimate proof of supremacy over the ink yang universe!


    at this instant, the immortal palace resonated, the stars echoed in unison, and countless starfields vibrated in harmony. the entire universe seemed to answer this call.


    countless nonhuman cultivators in the surroundings knelt down.


    ¡°greetings, master!¡±


    ¡°greetings, master!¡±


    ¡°greetings, master!¡±


    the waves of voices reverberated endlessly, like mountains crashing into the sea, booming through the vastness of the starry expanse.


    the momentum surged higher with each echo, shaking the very soul.


    xu qing remained calm amidst it all.


    standing at the threshold of the palace, he closed his eyes.


    from the moment he had arrived, from the instant he opened the immortal palace¡¯s door and the token merged into him, the ink yang universe had accepted him as its rightful master.


    with this recognition, the entire universe was now in his grasp.


    with a single thought, his presence surged outward like a tidal wave, sweeping across all starfields, galaxies, and stars, unstoppable and all-encompassing.


    within, a dense concentration of immortal energy filled the air, saturating every corner.


    part of this energy emanated naturally from the countless stars themselves, while another part came from the lives residing here, as if their very essence contributed to the immortal energy abundance.


    this was a universe dedicated to nourishing a heaven¡¯s chosen.


    after a long pause, xu qing opened his eyes.


    as he withdrew his divine sense, a thousand figures from the gathered masses of nonhuman races flew closer to the immortal palace where he stood. each knelt reverently, approaching one after another, paying their respects in low, deferential voices.


    ¡°master, in the ink yang universe, there exist nearly seven hundred quadrillion star systems, each containing¡­¡±


    ¡°master, the ink yang universe hosts a variety of races numbering¡­¡±


    ¡°master, among the countless resources in the ink yang universe, the most renowned is the ink yang..¡±


    ¡°master, there are also various secret realms and treasure lands in the ink yang universe. they¡­¡±


    one after another, these representatives reported to xu qing as if fulfilling their official duties, providing a detailed account of the universe¡¯s vast structure and resources.


    as xu qing listened, he suddenly turned his head and his gaze landed in the distance. he interrupted the cultivators and pointed.


    ¡°there¡¯s a cultivator there. who is it!¡±


    his gaze fell upon the source of the connection between the two points of the ink yang universe¡ªthe very head of the universe fish form.


    this area, in xu qing¡¯s divine perception, was the only darkened zone within the universe, a space cloaked from senses and emanating an aura of dread. the place felt like a black hole, seemingly capable of consuming all.


    upon closer inspection, it looked like an incomparably huge black sun that emitted black light and fire.


    it was profoundly unique.


    and a wisp of his divine sense had disappeared there.


    however, what had severed his sense wasn¡¯t the black-hole-like or dark-sun-like astral form, but rather a figure seated at its edge.


    this person, emitting the powerful energy of a quasi immortal, had crushed xu qing¡¯s divine sense with an overwhelming force, as if grabbing and squeezing it to pieces.


    ¡­


    at that moment, beside the immortal palace, as xu qing spoke, the cultivators here looked at each other and hesitated.


    one of them reported in a low voice.


    ¡°master, that¡¯s the ink land, formed from the first sun born in this universe after it extinguished. it has since become a restricted area, the remnant of the immortal palace. we are forbidden from approaching it.¡±


    ¡°as for the person inside¡­¡±


    at this point, the cultivator became even more hesitant.


    xu qing stared at him.


    the cultivator immediately lowered his head.


    ¡°that is lord kunwu. like you, master, he is of the human race. before your arrival, lord kunwu served as the acting master of the ink yang universe. he alone holds the privilege to cultivate within the immortal palace restricted area.¡±


    ¡°acting master?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze turned cold.


    * * *

 Chapter 1671 - Chapter 1671: I’ll Use It for 300 Years (1)

    chapter 1671: i¡¯ll use it for 300 years (1)


    editor: atlas studios


    the term ¡®acting master¡¯ spoke for itself¡ª


    it signified the role of a temporary manager entrusted with governing authority.


    as a human and a quasi immortal, this responsibility matched him.


    ¡°master, we have some speculations about your identity. for the nine shores immortal palace to arrange your descent into this universe and immediately designate it as your private domain¡­¡±


    before the immortal palace, an elder with a third eye on his forehead bowed deeply to xu qing and spoke respectfully.


    ¡°such occurrences, throughout history, have only been reserved for the human lineage direct descendants who ascended from the immortal capital.¡±


    ¡°i presume, master, you are one of this cycle¡¯s ascendants from the immortal capital.¡±


    ¡°as for lord kunwu¡­ he, like you, is said to be one of the ascendants from a previous cycle of the immortal capital. he also has his own universe, but it seems that this place is particularly conducive to his cultivation.¡±


    ¡°so, after he arrived a thousand years ago, he didn¡¯t leave¡­¡±


    ¡°he¡¯s a human and the nine shores heaven is too big¡­¡±


    at this point, the old man glanced at xu qing, who stood within the meteorite immortal palace.


    ¡°in the nine shores heaven, any universe without a master is considered an unclaimed domain. such universes often harbor human cultivators and others cultivating within them.¡±


    ¡°in the case of the ink yang universe, prior to lord kunwu¡¯s arrival, it too had other human cultivators occupying it. however, over the past millennia, they were expelled by lord kunwu.¡±


    the old man carefully spoke. he didn¡¯t want to offend either kunwu or the person in front of him. hence, he could only hint.


    when xu qing heard this, he fell into deep thought.


    ¡°so, in other words, the title acting master is just a designation and doesn¡¯t actually mean authority?¡±


    the old man hesitated before finally nodding.


    ¡°yes.¡±


    ¡°it has been countless years since there was a master of the immortal palace in the ink yang universe. with this position vacant, many have come and gone over time¡­ it has always been this way. thus, over the past thousand years, everyone has simply followed lord kunwu¡¯s arrangements.¡±


    at this point, the old man revealed a bitter smile.


    ¡°in reality¡­ there are many universes in the nine shores heaven, so even when every ascender is rewarded with a universe, the likelihood of being assigned to the ink yang universe is quite low.


    ¡°we were surprised by master¡¯s arrival this time. presumably, lord kunwu was also surprised.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze gradually turned cold.


    at this moment, he already understood some of the underlying rules within the nine shores heaven.


    given the vastness of the nine shores heaven and the sheer number of universes within it, it was impossible for each universe to have specific arrangements. as a result, there were many unclaimed universes.


    these unclaimed universes naturally became targets, and once someone entered them, they could roam freely by leveraging their status as humans.


    ¡°this is perhaps a practice tacitly approved by the nine shores immortal palace. after all, the fifth star ring has always adhered to the principle of selecting the strong through competition!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s natural selection.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze landed on the peculiar ink land area.


    ¡°however, these nonhumans all know of my arrival. it¡¯s unlikely that this person doesn¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°knowing this yet choosing not to leave, and instead crushing that wisp of my divine sense¡ªthis is an unwelcome guest.¡±


    ¡°since he is an unwelcome guest, i just have to chase him away.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart was calm. he didn¡¯t bother with the kneeling cultivators and walked out of the immortal palace, out of the meteorite it was on, and into the starry sky.


    space and time flowed under his feet, and the void rippled around him.


    xu qing stepped upon space-time and the void. amid the astonished and trembling minds of the various nonhuman leaders in this place, his divine sense became the medium, drawing forth the threads of space-time of the ink yang universe.


    weng!


    he disappeared.


    although xu qing had left, the nonhuman cultivators who were kneeling around him felt their hearts tremble with intense fluctuations, as if a raging storm were surging within them.


    especially the ones at the peak of the ruler realm; their minds were reverberating with deafening roars.


    they were no ordinary beings. in fact, if it weren¡¯t for the limitations imposed by the fifth star ring, they would have become immortals long ago. as such, each of them possessed extraordinary insight.


    and the greater their understanding, the more tumultuous the shock in their hearts became at this moment.


    ¡°space-time?¡±


    ¡°this master¡¯s ordinance¡­ is actually space-time!¡±


    ¡°although his cultivation is only at the ruler realm and the immortal embryo is only in the illusion of truth stage, the feeling he gave off just now was definitely not at the ruler realm!¡±


    ¡°this person¡­ what rank is he in this batch of ascenders?¡±


    while the hearts of the nonhumans were trembling, at the edge of the area where the fish head was located that was like a black hole but also like the sun¡­


    a middle-aged cultivator sat cross-legged.


    his expression was cold and indifferent. he wore a luxurious robe, and his long blue hair swayed gently. at this moment, he had his eyes closed.


    he held a fishing rod in his hand!


    the fishing line was submerged into the black hole-like abyss ahead, as he calmly fished.


    at the next instant, he frowned slightly and suddenly opened his eyes, looking at the distant starry sky.


    almost at the instant he looked over, the starry sky wrinkled!


    it was as though it had turned into a piece of paper that instantly folded countless times. after that, it became a gate and xu qing¡¯s figure walked out.


    the moment he appeared, xu qing¡¯s expression remained emotionless. his gaze fell upon the middle-aged cultivator who was fishing, and then he glanced at the black hole in the ink land, where the fishing line had descended.


    the starry sky behind him had returned to normal.


    ¡°origin essence?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze froze.


    previously, he had only sent a wisp of his divine sense over but it was quickly crushed. his attention was all on that unwelcome guest, so he didn¡¯t sense the profundity of the ink land¡¯s black hole.


    now that he was here personally, he instantly sensed that there was actually origin essence energy in the black hole.


    maybe it was because the ink land was special, or maybe the black hole itself had a suction force, so the origin essence inside couldn¡¯t overflow. it could only be drawn out in this way, by using the method of fishing.


    however, it still caused xu qing¡¯s spirits to be lifted.

 Chapter 1672 - Chapter 1672: I’ll Use It for 300 Years (2)

    chapter 1672: i¡¯ll use it for 300 years (2)


    editor: atlas studios


    although the aura of this origin essence was restrained and it didn¡¯t seem easy to extract, the origin essence was the root of the upper star rings. it could even be said to be the core force within the entire upper star river.


    it was also the key to the completion of the immortal embryo!


    such energy was extremely precious!


    ¡°is this the reason why the ink yang universe is listed as a strategic resource?¡±


    xu qing prepared to study it properly later. after that, he retracted his gaze from the black hole and looked at the middle-aged cultivator who was staring at him.


    ¡°get out of here.¡±


    xu qing said in a low voice.


    the middle-aged cultivator was none other than kunwu.


    he looked at xu qing and his expression darkened as he calmly spoke.


    ¡°you¡¯re an ascendant from this batch?¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t say anything. he only calmly looked at kunwu.


    kunwu narrowed his eyes, carefully sizing up xu qing. he found it difficult to see through him, and he could also sense that although xu qing was not yet a quasi immortal, he possessed combat strength on par with one. what stood out even more was the space-time fluctuations around xu qing, which kunwu keenly detected.


    this made him vigilant. hence, after some thought, he slowly spoke.


    ¡°i come from a great immortal sect. this universe, though once special, has now become ordinary¡­ so i will borrow it for a while.¡±


    ¡°not for long, just three hundred years.¡±


    ¡°as for the payment¡­¡±


    before kunwu could finish speaking, xu qing had already lifted his right hand. the space-time ordinance in his body suddenly spread out.


    to control the time of all living beings in the ink yang universe!


    if it was any other universe, with xu qing¡¯s current cultivation base, he naturally wouldn¡¯t be able to do this. after all, any universe was almost endless.


    however, the ink yang universe was different.


    the moment he descended, he was already the immortal palace master of this universe. there was a master-slave karma between him and the ink yang universe. this place¡­ had become his private world.


    it was like the god¡¯s divine kingdom in the god system.


    hence, his divine sense could use this karma to cover the entire universe.


    now, it was the same for his space-time ordinance.


    in an instant, the time within the entire ink yang universe surged and twisted, seized by xu qing¡¯s ordinance, emerging from the formless void.


    hence, the sound of water flowing echoed.


    the noise of crashing waves followed.


    a vast river of time began to form, winding and expanding until it grew into a colossal river of time. in the blink of an eye, the river appeared in xu qing¡¯s raised right hand!


    the river, awe-inspiring and boundless, contained the reflections of all living beings and the spirits of countless entities. it seemed to have existed since the dawn of time, a cradle of civilization nourishing the vast expanse of the starry sky and innumerable living creatures.


    at that moment, it was controlled by xu qing¡¯s ordinance.


    the instant xu qing lowered his right hand, it pressed down.


    the starry sky trembled and the void distorted.


    all the nonhuman cultivators who sensed this scene were shocked. as kunwu, who was sitting cross-legged and fishing, his expression changed drastically.


    an intense sense of danger suddenly rose in his heart. in the blink of an eye, his quasi immortal cultivation erupted completely. in an instant, flowers bloomed, grass sprouted, and trees grew around him.


    endless plants materialized out of thin air, growing at an astonishing rate, rapidly spreading and covering everything in the surrounding void.


    it was as if a boundless, primordial jungle was drawn within the starry sky.


    it surged toward the falling river of time.


    it spread in the river of time and grew in the river, as though it wanted to turn that vast water vein into a part of the jungle!


    it wanted to envelop it!


    this was kunwu¡¯s ordinance!


    plant lord.


    xu qing was expressionless. his right hand instantly performed a series of hand seals.


    immediately, the countless stars in the ink yang universe trembled. the time that belonged to them was also extracted and transformed into¡­ grains of sand within the long river of time!


    each grain of sand was a star.


    by using stars as grains of sand, the river gained a ¡®foundation¡¯ and a ¡®weight¡¯.


    it continued to descend.


    the vegetation in the river instantly collapsed and the jungle outside the river showed signs of withering.


    however, as a quasi immortal, kunwu was naturally extraordinary.


    hence, the collapse was recovering and the withering was attempting to reverse.


    he was no longer sitting cross-legged. instead, he stepped back, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.


    he could tell that xu qing wasn¡¯t weak.


    ¡°ruler cultivation base but possessing the combat strength of a quasi immortal.¡±


    ¡°no wonder you¡¯re unwilling to lend me this place. however¡­ you¡¯re still not a quasi immortal after all!¡±


    as he spoke, a sharp glint appeared in kunwu¡¯s eyes. he waved his hands fiercely.


    ¡°reverse heaven and earth!¡±


    the moment he finished speaking, all the plants here collapsed and withered on their own.


    in an instant, the endless plants all died.


    their deaths formed a dense aura of death that instantly gathered amidst kunwu¡¯s voice.


    ¡°borrowing the death ordinance, slaying the life!¡±


    the aura of death condensed and formed a grayish canvas. xu qing¡¯s figure was being outlined.


    this canvas was like a death seal. those drawn on it would lose their lives.


    this was kunwu¡¯s trump card. it was the development and expansion of his ordinance.


    facing this ordinance, a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he sensed danger and waved his hand.


    immediately, the river of time rumbled and transformed into a vortex. as it rumbled, it attracted the wind and formed¡­ a space-time storm!


    seamless.


    the painting screen shook and instantly became chaotic. xu qing¡¯s figure also rapidly blurred and couldn¡¯t be outlined.


    as for the storm formed by seamless, it headed straight for kunwu.


    seeing that his killing move had been neutralized, kunwu¡¯s expression changed again. he rapidly retreated and his mind fluctuated intensely as he suddenly spoke.

 Chapter 1673 - Chapter 1673: I’ll Use It for 300 Years (3)

    chapter 1673: i¡¯ll use it for 300 years (3)


    editor: atlas studios


    ¡°to be able to control the ordinance to such an extent, what rank are you among the ascenders in this batch?¡±


    xu qing didn¡¯t answer. although he hadn¡¯t fought many quasi immortals, he was aware that any quasi immortal had their own strengths. especially the person in front of him who was an ascender from the previous batches and was also a heaven¡¯s chosen.


    such a quasi immortal was naturally stronger.


    hence, the parallel ordinance in his body circulated.


    in an instant, layers of space-time descended.


    it was like a kaleidoscope!


    there was even the grain of heaven¡¯s law!


    kunwu¡¯s pupils constricted and an intense sense of danger instantly erupted in his heart. he immediately took out the immortal token that was bound to his universe and activated the teleportation.


    he didn¡¯t want to fight anymore!


    he had originally chosen to remain as an unwelcome guest, relying on his cultivation and the knowledge that most of the new ascenders were merely at the ruler realm.


    back when he had first ascended, he had been one of the sixty-odd ascenders, but now, as a quasi immortal, it was only natural for him to exert some dominance over these newcomers.


    after all, he himself had gone through the same process.


    hence, he was prepared to forcefully suppress the new ascender.


    after all, in his understanding, although this ink yang universe had once been glorious, it was only ordinary now.


    however, he didn¡¯t expect the person who took over this universe to be so difficult to deal with. moreover, his combat strength was astonishing.


    this was especially so for the scene of the kaleidoscope. it caused his sense of life-and-death crisis to instantly become extremely intense.


    it was as though he would die if he was a step too late.


    this caused him to be incomparably shaken. at that moment, his figure instantly blurred and he teleported.


    he instantly disappeared!


    however, the heaven¡¯s law followed him.


    xu qing coldly looked over. after a while, he lifted his hand and heaven¡¯s law returned. it was stained with blood.


    at the same time, all the nonhuman experts in the ink yang universe who were paying attention to this battle were shocked. they lowered their heads and worshiped xu qing.


    just like the doubts in kunwu¡¯s heart before he left, these nonhuman experts were all shocked as well. in their hearts, they had a guess about xu qing¡¯s rank¡­


    ¡­


    at the same time, not far from the mo yang universe, in a starry space that was separated by just seven or eight other universes, there existed a universe called sky pocket.


    at this moment, in the immortal palace of sky pocket universe, kunwu¡¯s figure appeared from the teleportation.


    as soon as he appeared, he spat out a large mouthful of blood, his eyes still filled with horror.


    his face was even paler, his blue hair turned gray, and an aura of withering seemed to emanate from him.


    even his aura was unstable. despite immediately sitting down in meditation, consuming his immortal embryo to stabilize himself, his cultivation fluctuated up and down, unable to settle at the quasi immortal realm.


    instead, he began to wither and decay.


    fortunately, he did not deteriorate further and managed to stabilize at the peak of the ruler realm.


    a long time later, he opened his eyes and smiled bitterly.


    recalling the sudden appearance of that speck of dust during the teleportation process, his heart still palpitated.


    ¡°this person is definitely not an ordinary person. among the new ascenders this time, he must be a famous person!¡±


    kunwu took a deep breath. he felt some regret for staying in the ink yang universe earlier. hence, he sighed and transmitted his voice to ask his good friend about the top ten of this batch of ascenders.


    after a long time, kunwu¡¯s body trembled and his eyes widened.


    ¡°first place¡­¡±


    kunwu was stunned for a moment, then he sighed in resignation, muttering inwardly, ¡°what bad luck¡­¡±


    ¡°no wonder he¡¯s so strong!¡±


    however, at the next instant, he frowned again.


    ¡°that¡¯s not right. normally speaking, such a person should have obtained a special universe. although the ink yang universe was once special, it has become ordinary now. is there something about the ink yang universe that i don¡¯t know about?¡±


    kunwu hesitated but in the end, he still shook his head and dispelled the thought of exploring again.


    if xu qing was just an ordinary ascender, he wouldn¡¯t have cared. even if he was in the top ten, he could still call out to his friends. after all, he, who came from the great immortal mountain, had some connections in the nine shores heaven.


    however, he was very clear that he couldn¡¯t afford to offend the first place.


    ¡°the number one ascender will always attract the attention of the nine shores immortal lord¡­ i can¡¯t afford to offend such a person.¡±


    * * *

 Chapter 1674 - Chapter 1674: Little Brother, Youre So Naughty

    chapter 1674: little brother, you¡¯re so naughty


    editor: atlas studios


    time slowly passed just like that.


    in the nine shores heaven, a month went by.


    this ¡®month,¡¯ however, was measured relative to nine shores heaven¡¯s universes and not specific to individual starfields, vortices, or star systems.


    in truth, the boundless nine shores heaven, with its countless universes, experienced differing flows of time. each civilization and races within its domains recorded time according to their unique cultural contexts.


    however, this wasn¡¯t important.


    any race residing within nine shores heaven inherently followed multiple parallel systems for measuring time.


    in addition to the time flow of their own star, they also recorded the cycles of their star system.


    larger races further incorporated the rotations of star vortices, starfields, and even universe time into their measurements.


    thus, while xu qing spent a single month in ink land, for many beings who lived among the countless stars scattered like grains of sand, this translated to decades or even centuries.


    the longer their perceived time span, the smaller their corresponding star systems, which often reflected incomplete natural laws, fragmented rules, and a scarcity of absorbable energies like immortal energy.


    likewise, the beings who inhabited these slower time regions often bore inherent flaws¡ªwhether in their souls, bloodlines, or karmic ties.


    even after hundreds of years, their progress remained staggeringly slow in absolute terms.


    in a sense, this phenomenon embodied a form of equality and balance.


    xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged in ink land and chose to fish like kunwu, could sense this very clearly.


    during this month, through the space-time ordinance, he gained a deeper understanding of the operation of the universe.


    at the same time, he had also attempted to enter the black hole. however, he managed to descend less than a hundred feet before being forced to halt due to the terrifying repulsive force within.


    despite this, he did not leave the area. instead, he settled down cross-legged outside the black hole, alternating between fishing and conducting research.


    his divine sense could only penetrate so far and the energy essence within the black hole proved difficult to extract, so it left xu qing with a distinct feeling¡ªlike sitting atop a treasure mountain yet struggling to claim its riches.


    however, when he cultivated here, he could sense that his immortal embryo was clearly growing faster than when he cultivated elsewhere.


    ¡°even though the origin essence doesn¡¯t spew out, some of the stray, rising emanations of it are still effective.¡±


    ¡°kunwu¡¯s fishing method should also have reference value.¡±


    xu qing fell silent and lowered his head to look at the fishing rod in his hand.


    during this month, he learned how to fish like kunwu. although he didn¡¯t manage to fish out the origin essence, xu qing felt that this action shouldn¡¯t be useless.


    ¡°maybe because it hasn¡¯t been long. fishing requires patience¡­¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought. his gaze moved from the fishing rod to the black hole in front of him.


    ¡°since the old man from the immortal palace called the ink yang universe a strategic resource, there must be something precious about it¡­¡±


    originally, xu qing thought that the special thing about the ink yang universe was that there was origin essence here.


    however, in the battle with kunwu a month ago, xu qing saw some clues from the other party¡¯s words and reaction.


    firstly, the other party had said that this universe that was once glorious had now become ordinary.


    secondly, it seemed that he didn¡¯t know about the rankings of the trial.


    the latter could be explained by the fact that kunwu was immersed in cultivation and didn¡¯t have much information about the outside world.


    however, if he included the premise that the other party was also an ascender, it was impossible for him not to know that the previous first place would be rewarded with a strategic resource universe.


    hence, through these few conditions, xu qing obtained an answer.


    kunwu didn¡¯t think that the ink yang universe had strategic resources. even with the origin essence, his thoughts were still the same.


    hence, he didn¡¯t expect that the person who obtained this universe would be the number one among the ascenders in this batch!


    ¡°he doesn¡¯t know much about this universe.¡±


    ¡°then what exactly is special about this ink yang universe?¡±


    xu qing looked at the black hole in ink land and had a faint guess.


    ¡°perhaps the answer lies in this black hole!¡±


    ¡°other than the origin essence, there might be other things in the black hole that can surprise me¡­¡±


    ¡°unfortunately, i can only descend a hundred feet for now. maybe if i have another quasi immortal beside me, working in coordination, we might be able to explore further.¡±


    xu qing pondered while fishing. at the same time, he was organizing his future path.


    ¡°first, the short-term goal: one year from now, i must head to the reception universe to obtain a role within this nine shores heaven.¡±


    ¡°as for the long-term goal, i require vast quantities of origin essence. with it, i can fully mold my immortal embryo, step into the quasi immortal realm, and continue refining it even after reaching that stage. this will hasten the embryo¡¯s complete maturation, allowing me to comprehend the tenth extremity and become an immortal!¡±


    ¡°finally, i will return to wanggu!¡±


    ¡°there are only 20 years left¡­ i wonder if i can make it in time.¡±


    xu qing raised his head and looked into the distance.


    ¡°unknowingly, i¡¯ve been in the fifth star ring for nearly ten years.¡±


    wanggu was too far away from here and xu qing couldn¡¯t confirm its exact location. he could only vaguely judge the general direction through his subconscious senses.


    ¡°no matter what, i have to return when the time is up. it would naturally be best if i can become an immortal. if i can¡¯t¡­ i can also borrow some external forces!¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    ¡°therefore, i need to repair my holy heaven pagoda. i can make use of the reward opportunity i obtained this time.¡±


    xu qing decided on the plan before focusing on the origin essence.


    origin essence determined the level of his future cultivation.


    ¡°actually, there¡¯s another way to obtain origin essence¡­¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes as a dark glint appeared in them.


    ¡°gods. gods are inherently the primary beings of the upper star rings, born from the origin essence itself. their very process of growth involves absorbing origin essence.¡±


    ¡°and because they are native to the upper star rings, they are far better suited and more efficient in absorbing origin essence than cultivators.¡±


    ¡°their bodies contain origin essence to begin with!¡±


    ¡°so, devouring gods is also a method. however, it¡¯s not pure. on one hand, the process requires consuming more gods and comes with great risks. on the other hand, their influence might linger.¡±


    ¡°but¡­ this is also the fastest path.¡±


    ¡°especially since i possess a divine clone, such influence¡­ is not something i cannot dispel.¡±


    xu qing pondered, his mind drifting to the memory of the god prison he encountered when he first arrived at the fifth star ring.


    ¡°in that prison, gods were continually suppressed and converted through formations, forcing them to release spiritual energy. this was a method of utilization, aimed at enhancing the concentration of spiritual energy to facilitate the cultivation of lower-tiered cultivators.¡±


    ¡°and as the number of cultivators increased, the spiritual energy they emitted also grew, gradually forming a virtuous cycle.¡±


    ¡°when the spiritual energy becomes sufficiently dense, it transforms into immortal energy. this, i imagine, is the purpose and value of the various nonhuman races within the universe.¡±


    ¡°relying on the endless nonhumans to nourish the path of cultivators.¡±


    ¡°at the same time, the more lives that tread this path of cultivation, the more majestic and boundless it becomes.¡±


    xu qing recalled all that he had seen and heard, and a profound understanding settled in his heart.


    ¡°however, the level of the gods imprisoned in the god prisons in the four starfields isn¡¯t high. in that case, high-level gods¡­ must have their own prisons. there¡¯s a high chance that the method to make use of them is to squeeze out the origin essence.¡±


    ¡°i can find an opportunity to try this path.¡±


    ¡°as for now, the most important thing is still this ink land!¡±


    xu qing looked at the black hole in front of him again.


    ¡°the origin essence contained here¡­¡±


    a hint of hesitation appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. a thought rose in his heart and he gradually closed his eyes.


    a long time later, when he opened his eyes again, they revealed determination. he raised his left hand and waved it, causing a green bowl to fly out.


    in the bowl, there was a fist-sized lump of mud.


    it was crimson in color.


    this item was one of the treasures xie lingzi had given xu qing back then, the divine mud!


    it was one of the many methods cultivators in the fifth star ring used to control gods. one could mold the god¡¯s appearance and control it with this mud.


    staring at the mud, xu qing raised his hand and grabbed. immediately, the blood-colored mud flew out and floated in front of xu qing. under the integration of his divine sense, the shape of the mud changed.


    slowly, it was molded into the shape of a fox!


    after doing this, xu qing spoke.


    ¡°why aren¡¯t you coming out!¡±


    as his words echoed, a soft, delicate voice reverberated across the surroundings.


    ¡°hmph, you heartless man! you used to call me high god, but now? not even a title!¡±


    ¡°as if the lack of a title weren¡¯t enough, you didn¡¯t even give me your yang essence. worse yet, you want to use this item to control me! you ungrateful person, after everything i¡¯ve done for you¡ªhmph!¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m not coming out.¡±


    xu qing was calm. he flicked his sleeve and a pill bottle flew out. there was a drop of blood in it.


    the moment it appeared, the starry sky rumbled and thunder seemed to roar in the void.


    the surroundings instantly distorted and everything became blurry.


    this was the drop of lord god¡¯s blood that had a power similar to the clay fox¡¯s divine authority!


    the clay fox¡¯s breathing immediately became hurried.


    xu qing¡¯s voice rang out at this moment.


    ¡°this fifth star ring prohibits the presence of gods. it was fine when you were in the divine fire realm, but once you absorb this blood and break through to the divine platform realm¡­ i can¡¯t guarantee you won¡¯t draw attention. there¡¯s even a chance that at the moment of your breakthrough, obstructions could descend.¡±


    ¡°even though you obtained an identity and gained a foundation in the aurora immortal palace, i¡¯m not sure if the degree of recognition this identity gives you can be perfect.¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s why i shaped your form using this divine mud. on the surface, it seems like i am controlling you, but in truth, it¡¯s just a contingency¡ªsomething to explain your existence should any accidents arise.¡±


    ¡°this way, your advancement can proceed with minimal risk of interference.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m asking you to endure this inconvenience for now.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    the clay fox was clearly tempted but she still snorted.


    ¡°call me sister and i¡¯ll listen to you.¡±


    xu qing fell silent. he thought of the companionship of the clay fox along the way and the support in the aurora immortal palace¡­ after a long time, he sighed.


    ¡°sister.¡±


    as this word rang out, the clay fox clearly felt comfortable and let out a coquettish laugh.


    her figure transformed into strands of starlight that flew into the fox formed from the divine mud.


    this fox statue was still inanimate a moment ago, but in the blink of an eye, it seemed to have come alive and colors appeared on it. immediately after, it came alive and became a charming woman.


    she walked toward xu qing.


    her ample bosom responded to the waves, and her hourglass figure, with its incredibly slender waist and curvaceous hips, instinctively made people gasp and their hearts race.


    her figure could be considered perfect.


    her translucent skin and shapely figure, moving gracefully, exuded a tantalizing allure that seemed to plant a seed of desire in anyone¡¯s heart, ready to take root and grow.


    she got close to xu qing and spoke in a soft and coquettish voice.


    ¡°little brother, you¡¯re so naughty¡­ when you were molding my body, why didn¡¯t you make me some clothes?¡±

 Chapter 1675 - Chapter 1675: The Unambitious Fox Beauty

    chapter 1675: the unambitious fox beauty


    editor: atlas studios


    xu qing sighed.


    helplessness rose in his heart.


    from the first time he met the clay fox until now, the tone of her voice hadn¡¯t changed.


    she was always so forthright, always so unexpectedly shocking, and always so brazen.


    whether he had been weaker than her or had grown stronger, she remained the same.


    it seemed as though no matter the circumstances, she always found a way to tease him in her own unique style¡­


    xu qing shook his head and waved his hand.


    immediately, a long robe appeared on the clay fox¡¯s body, draping over her breathtaking figure.


    ¡°hmm, the clothes feel a bit tight. so, little rascal, you like them snug, huh?¡±


    the clay fox touched her chest and teased xu qing with a playful pout.


    ¡°you can absorb the god¡¯s blood now and attempt to break through.¡± xu qing ignored her and calmly spoke.


    the clay fox covered her mouth and laughed. the more she thought about it, the more interesting it was. he deliberately stepped forward and let out a soft cry.


    ¡°oh my, young lord~ how would you like me to break through?¡±


    her voice was sweet and tender, laced with a bewitching allure. that single ¡®young lord¡¯ carried a resonating charm, as if time rewound to the aurora immortal palace, where she had become the fox beauty.


    xu qing sat cross-legged at the side and closed his eyes. he continued to fish and calmly spoke.


    ¡°time is limited. consider it yourself.¡±


    when the fox beauty heard this, she laughed coquettishly. however, she naturally knew that the most important thing now was to absorb the divine blood. hence, she stretched lightly and lifted her chin, looking at the pill bottle floating in the air.


    the charm in her phoenix eyes gradually dissipated and was replaced by a wisp of golden light.


    she made a grabbing motion; immediately, the pill bottle shattered. the blood of the lord god inside emitted an earth-shattering aura.


    countless divine runes floated within the droplet, intertwining and merging.


    the blood pulsed violently, shifting in size and form. though alive, its movements erratic yet terrifying


    a silent roar seemed to echo within the void, emanating an oppressive force that stirred the soul.


    if one looked closely, they would see stars encapsulated in the droplet¡ªa vast field of crimson stars, innumerable and burning with intense light.


    it was as though they were the essence of this drop of blood. the reason why the blood was crimson was because of the crimson light emitted by the countless stars.


    the fox beauty took a deep breath, her gaze fixed intently on the droplet. as she steadied herself, a powerful divine aura erupted from her being. in an instant, the surrounding space blurred, and a palpable surge of anomalous substances began to spread.


    a sea surface appeared with her divine aura. everything inside was reversed.


    the sea was in the sky and the starry sky was below.


    hence, the sky reflected endless starlight, forming a vast statue of a god that stood between the sea and the sky.


    the statue opened its mouth and sucked at the drop of lord god¡¯s blood.


    immediately, the drop of blood headed straight for the statue and entered the mouth of the statue.


    at the next instant, the statue trembled and its expression revealed pain.


    after the blood was devoured, its color faded, revealing the golden color that belonged to the gods!


    it was like a ball of fire that rumbled and burned in the body of the clay fox statue. the fire was huge, as though it wanted to completely burn the statue from the inside out and burn the surrounding sea and starry sky to ashes.


    there was also an astonishing aura that emitted from the statue.


    previously, the pressure of the drop of blood was contained and didn¡¯t spread out too much. it was as though it was sealed and was a dead object.


    but now, after the clay fox swallowed the blood, it seemed to have been activated.


    hence, a terrifying aura erupted from the clay fox statue, bringing with it incomparable waves. it was like a storm that swept through the universe, directly enveloping all the starfields, galaxies, and stars in the ink yang universe!


    all the stars shook.


    the expressions of all the living beings changed.


    in fact, everything was swaying.


    countless nonhumans were shocked.


    the expressions of all the experts changed drastically.


    numerous gazes from various areas in the ink yang universe shot toward where xu qing was.


    this scene even moved xu qing.


    this aura was too astonishing.


    under its suppression, the trembling of the ink yang universe was incomparably obvious.


    as for the clay fox, cracks appeared on the statue and golden flames spread out. her sea and sky were disappearing and her mark was turning blurry.


    it was as though she couldn¡¯t withstand it.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze froze. he knew that the clay fox that had followed him to the fifth star ring was only a clone. clearly, it was difficult for the clone to withstand that drop of lord god¡¯s blood.


    he was about to try to help her suppress the divine blood.


    he was going to wear down the power of the divine blood and lower its level to the point where it could be absorbed by the clay fox.


    but if he did this, the effect and the value of the lord god¡¯s blood would decrease.


    however, seeing that the clay fox couldn¡¯t withstand it, xu qing couldn¡¯t watch helplessly as the other party burned.


    just as xu qing was about to make a move, the clay fox¡¯s voice rang out hoarsely.


    ¡°i can do it!¡±


    at the next instant, the statue of the clay fox that was about to collapse suddenly shook and a starry sky appeared above its head.


    that wasn¡¯t the starry sky of the fifth star ring.


    that was¡­ the starry sky of the wanggu, and also the starry sky of the ninth star ring!


    strands of starlight scattered from this starry sky like a meteor shower. they landed on the statue of the clay fox and fused into it, suppressing the golden flames.


    they continued to fuse.


    however, it was still a little lacking. the golden flames gradually gained the upper hand again, causing the burning momentum to make a comeback.


    at this critical moment, determination appeared in the clay fox¡¯s eyes. she opened her mouth and took a deep breath as her divine voice echoed.


    ¡°primary and secondary, reverse!¡±


    at this moment, the statue that was about to shatter seemed to have gained new strength. this surge of energy poured in continuously, wave after wave, relentless and unyielding, regardless of the cost.


    the statue¡¯s radiance grew brighter and brighter, its brilliance intensifying until the light became blinding.


    the starlight falling from the starry sky became endless at this moment.


    it was no longer rain but a sea of starlight.


    it fell furiously.


    the continuous nourishment finally caused the golden flames to slowly stabilize and stop spreading out. it began to gradually fuse with the clay fox statue.


    the pressure that spread through the entire universe gradually retracted.


    the starry sky above the statue also blurred and slowly disappeared.


    a vast and astonishingly huge shrine that seemed to be able to support the starry sky and was incomparably holy gradually rose from under the statue, wanting to lift it high.


    the shrine was filled with divine runes and emitted an ancient feeling. it was as though it had existed since the creation of the world, as though it was a part of the upper star ring. at that moment, it emitted an astonishingly dense god aura.


    it surpassed the divine fire.


    that was¡­ the divine platform!


    the moment it was completely formed, it meant that the clay fox had stepped into the divine platform realm!


    xu qing saw this scene clearly.


    he could vaguely sense that the divine technique the clay fox had unleashed in that critical moment came at an immense cost¡ªsacrificing her true form in wanggu.


    only then could she truly absorb that drop of divine blood!


    at this moment, she was about to break through.


    at the same time, xu qing also felt the love the upper star rings had for the gods.


    the divine platform was equivalent to a quasi immortal in the cultivator system.


    in contrast, while the celestial phenomena triggered by a cultivator breaking through from ruler to quasi immortal were significant, they were absolutely incomparable to the spectacle unfolding at this moment with the clay fox¡¯s ascension.


    it was as though in the rules of the upper star rings, this¡­ was the orthodox.


    in fact, xu qing could vaguely sense that this universe and this starry sky seemed to be helping the appearance of the divine platform at this moment!


    ¡°gods are indeed the favorite of the upper star rings¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly.


    ¡°with such a commotion, the law enforcers of the nine shores immortal palace must have sensed it.¡±


    almost at the instant this thought emerged in xu qing¡¯s mind, the starry sky trembled.


    an indescribable force silently arrived. the moment it landed, all living beings in the ink yang universe instantly stopped moving.


    the light of the sun and the circulation of the stars also froze at this moment.


    even time seemed to be frozen.


    the entire ink yang universe was enveloped by a huge bubble.


    everything inside was isolated.


    this included the advancement of the clay fox, the molding of the divine platform, and the doting and help from the upper star rings to the god. all of them stopped.


    motionless.


    a pair of eyes appeared in the starry sky, replacing everything ink yang had.


    they stared at the place xu qing was at.


    it was as though with a thought, regardless of whether it was xu qing or the clay fox, the entire universe could be destroyed instantly and no longer exist.


    xu qing suppressed his palpitations and bowed.


    ¡°sir, this is my divine slave.¡±


    that pair of eyes looked at the clay fox.


    in that instant, the clay fox statue became blurry and the experiences of her life surfaced.


    it began with the image of a human emperor, confronting the invasion of gods and choosing to split into three souls, each becoming a divine incarnation. the story then moved to her encounter with xu qing, a meeting that bound their fates and led them both into the fifth star ring.


    what followed was the hundred flowers dispersing, establishing her root in the fifth star ring.


    finally, with divine mud as the body, her life was under xu qing¡¯s control.


    all the secrets were clear.


    ¡°if it makes a mistake, you shall bear its sin!¡±


    a cold voice echoed in the starry sky and entered xu qing¡¯s mind.


    xu qing bowed. he already had an answer to this person¡¯s identity.


    the pair of eyes in the starry sky closed and the bubble outside the ink yang universe disappeared. the stars, all living beings, all things, and even the clay fox¡¯s breakthrough resumed!


    no one sensed anything.


    the clay fox, now having fully established her divine platform, stood tall as the divine statue rose. the aura of the divine platform emanated from it.


    in the next moment, the clay fox opened her eyes, golden light flashing, and a multitude of stars seemed to shine behind her, radiating boundless brilliance. with a simple gesture, the strange phenomena around her were retracted, and she walked toward xu qing with a light chuckle.


    ¡°little brother, you were so cautious before, even using mud to mold my body. but now, looking back, it seems there were no surprises after all.¡±


    the clay fox spoke casually, clearly satisfied with her gains.


    not only had she advanced to the divine platform, but she had also absorbed the divine authority from the drop of blood, turning the path to becoming a true god from a distant and uncertain possibility into one that now had clear direction.


    xu qing cast a meaningful glance at the clay fox and calmly spoke.


    ¡°the nine shores immortal lord came just now.¡±


    as soon as xu qing finished speaking, the clay fox¡¯s eyes widened and her pupils contracted.


    she knew xu qing¡¯s personality, so she understood that what xu qing said must be true. moreover, she didn¡¯t notice anything the entire time¡­


    she sighed and muttered to herself.


    ¡®this star ring¡­¡¯


    ¡°who cares? whether it¡¯s gods or immortals, none of that concerns me. the future is none of my business; as long as i¡¯m happy, that¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    the clay fox saw things through very clearly. at this moment, she blinked and shook off these matters, about to tease xu qing again.


    xu qing didn¡¯t give her a chance. his gaze landed on the black hole.


    ¡°since you¡¯re already a divine platform, enter this place with me and investigate. let¡¯s see what¡¯s so special about ink yang!¡±


    with that, he took a step forward.


    looking at xu qing¡¯s back view, the clay fox licked her lips.


    ¡°little brother, the more you act all serious like this, the more i like it.¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 1676 - Chapter 1676: Primordial Upper Star Nail

    chapter 1676: primordial upper star nail


    editor: atlas studios


    ink land was like a black hole.


    however, there were also differences.


    there were no whirlpools within, nor any pulling force.


    it seemed like merely a hole in the starry sky, and it was a perfectly regular circle.


    as for where it led or how deep it went, few people knew.


    only its external range could be clearly seen through xu qing¡¯s divine sense.


    it was comparable to a starfield.


    compared to the ink yang universe, this range was actually not very large, but standing at its edge, the sense of vastness remained overwhelming.


    especially the traces of origin essence wafting out, like mist or floating fibers, added an extra layer of mystery to the ink land¡¯s black hole.


    at that moment, in this mysterious ink land, xu qing¡¯s figure moved forward with difficulty, like a fish swimming through a black hole.


    the clay fox behind him also spread out her divine power. while she augmented xu qing, they also relied on each other for support.


    every 100 feet, they would alternate roles: first, xu qing would surge ahead, then the clay fox would take the lead.


    the reason for this 100 feet was that within the ink land¡¯s black hole, not only was there no pulling force, but as they descended deeper, a repelling force emerged¡ªand it grew stronger the further they went.


    when xu qing had tried it alone before, he found that 100 feet was his limit.


    now, relying on mutual cooperation with the clay fox, they managed to break past that limit, alternating their efforts. however, after several exchanges, as the repelling force grew stronger, xu qing¡¯s progress became increasingly difficult, and the clay fox faced the same struggle.


    finally, when they reached a depth of 2,000 feet, they could go no further.


    it was as though this was the limit of the quasi immortal realm.


    at the same time, a strange scent faintly wafted from the depths.


    it seemed to carry the scent of rust, mixed with a faint tang of blood, making it hard to identify precisely.


    ¡°something¡¯s off here¡­ this scent¡­ it stirs some ancient memory of mine¡­¡±


    at the edge of the 2,000 feet beneath the ink land, the clay fox¡¯s expression shifted. she scanned her surroundings and gazed into the endless abyss below, speaking rapidly.


    xu qing¡¯s entire body emitted crackling sounds¡ªthe noise of his flesh being compressed. though his ordinance was powerful, his physical body had only reached the level of illusion of truth.


    thus, against the repelling force within the black hole, he struggled to endure. he could only rely on his ordinance to shield himself, slowly wearing down the pressure.


    this depth of 2,000 feet was merely a fraction of the total depth of the ink land.


    however, the amount of origin essence energy here was slightly more than on the surface.


    ¡°though we can¡¯t continue exploring, fishing here should yield better results. at this depth, even though kunwu is a quasi immortal, his ordinance likely wouldn¡¯t allow him to reach this point.¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and, after a moment of contemplation, gestured for the clay fox to stand guard. sitting cross-legged and floating in place, he raised his hand to take out a fishing rod. with a swift cast, the fishing line dropped down, sinking into the deeper abyss.


    ¡°this fishing rod from kunwu isn¡¯t ordinary¡­¡±


    with such thoughts in mind, xu qing calmed his mind and waited slowly.


    while guarding xu qing, the clay fox frowned as she tried to recall.


    she was certain she had never been to this place before and equally certain that, during her mortal life, she had no memories related to this location. the sense of familiarity seemed to stem from the moment she ascended to godhood, when she had gained an innate understanding and absorbed vast amounts of information about gods.


    just like that, time slowly passed.


    half a month passed.


    as the clay fox¡¯s thoughts became clearer, xu qing¡¯s xu qing¡¯s fishing in and around the ink land finally yielded its first catch on this day, thanks to the depths.


    the fishing line was moving.


    xu qing suddenly opened his eyes.


    he saw a colorful orb of light!


    the glowing orb appeared beneath the black hole. though it was only the size of a head, its radiant light illuminated the surrounding darkness, making it particularly conspicuous.


    it seemed like pure light, but it was actually liquid, clinging to the fishhook. as the fishing line quivered and xu qing flicked the rod, the glowing liquid orb was violently pulled upward and brought closer to xu qing.


    the moment it drew near, an intense aura of origin essence spread in all directions. just by sensing it slightly, xu qing¡¯s forming immortal embryo stirred with ripples.


    his eyes turned bright.


    the clay fox at the side also felt an instinctive desire.


    origin essence was the source power of the thirty-six upper star rings. it was the origin of gods and the essence of the star rings. whether it was the divine authority of gods or the authority of cultivators, in essence, it all stemmed from this.


    this was the case even for the divine aspect and the ordinance.


    this was the indispensable power to form the upper star ring.


    it was also the best supplement for cultivators to mold their immortal embryo and even allow the immortal embryo to become an immortal!


    the clay fox understood that this item was extremely precious to xu qing. hence, she restrained herself.


    at the next instant, xu qing raised his hand and grabbed the colorful orb of light. after that, he fell silent for a few breaths before squeezing it.


    immediately, the orb of light changed its form in his hand and flowed down his arm until it spread throughout his body. xu qing¡¯s manifested illusion of truth body was like a sponge.


    it quickly absorbed the colorful liquid.


    as the liquid from the glowing orb diminished and its radiance faded, the moment it completely vanished, xu qing¡¯s aura erupted with a roar.


    the illusion of truth body created by his unleashed soul rippled continuously, now just a step away from reaching the imperishable stage.


    xu qing opened his eyes. after sensing his body, he raised his hand and grabbed. immediately, the small white bottle that xie lingzi had given him back then appeared. with a wave of his hand, the bottle turned into dust and dissipated.


    as the small bottle dissipated, the liquid inside also appeared in front of xu qing.


    it was the size of a head and also colorful.


    it was also origin essence!


    ¡°it¡¯s exactly the same¡­¡± xu qing narrowed his eyes and no longer hesitated. he grabbed it.


    the scene from earlier appeared once again.


    as his illusion of truth body absorbed it, his aura became increasingly intense. the strength of his body also rose steadily. in the end¡­ xu qing¡¯s entire body shone with boundless light.


    a rumbling sound like heavenly lightning rang out.


    at this moment, the true body inside his illusion of truth body became illusory and transparent. it was as though it had melted or undergone a qualitative change!


    the process of imperishable illusion of truth was the release of the soul first. the illusion of truth body would hide the true body and gradually replace the true body!


    when this stage was fully mastered, one¡¯s original true body, hidden within the illusory form, would dissolve, transforming from tangible to intangible and becoming part of the soul.


    this realm was called imperishable.


    however, it wasn¡¯t true indestructibility.


    at this level, both the physical body and soul had been completely reshaped and alternated seamlessly, as if the soul contained the body and the body contained the soul, laying the groundwork for complete fusion.


    thus, it was extremely difficult for cultivators of this realm to kill each other, unless they were at a higher stage.


    at this moment, xu qing¡¯s cultivation was about to reach this level.


    his true body, hidden within the illusion, grew increasingly transparent until, at last, it underwent a complete reversal¡ªfrom tangible to intangible. the true body became the soul, and the illusion of truth became real!


    inside was true, and outside was true as well!


    at the next instant, xu qing¡¯s aura rose. his ordinance shone and circulated throughout his body.


    his eyes suddenly opened.


    in his calm eyes, a sharp intensity quietly spread. the so-called aura of commanding respect without anger often stemmed from one¡¯s gaze.


    at the side, the clay fox¡¯s heart trembled.


    at this moment, xu qing gave her a feeling that he was much stronger than before.


    ¡°the next step is the final fusion of the imperishable and illusion of truth. that is the complete fusion of the inside and outside, transforming the body into¡­ an immortal embryo!¡±


    ¡°i need more origin essence.¡±


    xu qing sensed his body. after a rough analysis, if he wanted to reach that step, he would need about a hundred orbs of origin essence of the same size as before.


    at the thought of this, xu qing lowered his head and looked down. just as he was about to make use of the strengthening of his body to see if he could continue descending, the clay fox raised her hand and stopped him.


    xu qing turned his head and looked at the clay fox.


    the clay fox had a solemn expression. such an expression was extremely rare on her.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°during the time you were cultivating, i kept recalling the moment i became a god back then, the knowledge i obtained and the information about the gods¡­ and finally, amidst the vast inheritance, i found an answer as to why this place feels familiar.¡±


    ¡°to be precise, what i¡¯m familiar with is the smell here.¡±


    the clay fox¡¯s voice was low.


    ¡°this is the rusty smell of the primordial upper star iron.¡±


    ¡°according to the information i obtained back then, the size of the thirty-six star rings isn¡¯t fixed. after a long period of time, they will expand once, increasing their range.¡±


    ¡°this is the inherent nature of the thirty-six upper star rings.¡±


    ¡°during these multiple expansions, cracks occasionally appear in certain locations while the rings are in their expanded state.¡±


    ¡°whenever a crack appears, the highest god of the corresponding star ring will use a very special substance to forge a nail with all their power, driving it into the fractured area to prevent the crack from spreading and allow it to slowly heal.¡±


    ¡°that special substance is called the primordial upper star iron!¡±


    at this point, the clay fox looked around.


    ¡°and the smell that exists here should be the aura of the primordial upper star iron.¡±


    ¡°so¡­¡± xu qing slowly spoke.


    ¡°so, this ink land, resembling a black hole, if my guess is correct, must be the place where a crack appeared in ancient times. to prevent the crack from spreading, it was the location where the fifth star ring¡¯s venerable god drove in a nail!¡±


    ¡°and now, that terrifying nail, which could withstand the force of the star ring¡¯s fracture and stop the crack from spreading, has been removed!¡±


    ¡°however, to nourish this substance and ensure its longevity, it must periodically return to this place.¡±


    ¡°thus, the ink yang universe is probably a strategic resource because of its role in nurturing that primordial upper star nail!¡±


    ¡°as for below¡­¡±


    the clay fox lowered her head and looked at the pitch-black abyss.


    ¡°perhaps only the venerable god knows what lies behind the upper star ring that was pierced by the nail.¡±


    ¡°we don¡¯t have the qualifications or the ability to know.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m very curious. this universe that nourishes the primordial upper star nail is an extremely important place in any star ring. why was it given to us?¡±


    ¡°so, i don¡¯t recommend continuing to explore.¡±


    the clay fox¡¯s expression became even more solemn. although she didn¡¯t say it explicitly, her words revealed her suspicion.


    she instinctively felt that there was some unknown driving force behind this matter.


    ¡°also, when the primitive upper star nail is removed, no sacrifice is required. however¡­ when it returns, all living beings in this universe will become¡­ offerings.¡±


    the clay fox whispered.

 Chapter 1677 - Chapter 1677: Dao Refinement Universe

    chapter 1677: dao refinement universe


    editor: atlas studios


    ¡°offerings¡­¡±


    hearing the clay fox¡¯s words, xu qing¡¯s gaze landed on the abyss as he fell into deep thought.


    a while later, he retracted his gaze and calmly spoke.


    ¡°since i can¡¯t explore it, i¡¯ll put it aside for now.¡±


    with that, xu qing¡¯s body swayed and he rose from the ink land, flying out.


    behind him, the clay fox heaved a sigh of relief inwardly.


    after recalling what kind of place this was, she felt extreme unease about continuing to explore. she even felt her heart palpitating when she smelled the rust.


    after all, no one knew when the primordial upper star nail was going to return¡­


    if it returned while they were still exploring, the instant it was forced back into that place would spell complete annihilation for both xu qing and her¡ªbody and soul alike.


    of course, the clay fox also knew that the probability of such a thing happening wasn¡¯t high.


    hence, what truly caused her heart to palpitate was the unknown under the ink land.


    that was a mystery and danger that surpassed everything she knew.


    seeing that xu qing had given up, the clay fox heaved a sigh of relief and immediately followed.


    just like that, she and xu qing left the ink land. the moment they appeared outside, xu qing threw the fishing rod to the clay fox.


    after the clay fox caught it, she already had a guess. hence, a hint of hidden bitterness appeared on her face.


    ¡°little brother, are you going out to play on your own? you want me to fish for you at home?¡±


    xu qing nodded.


    that was indeed his plan.


    ¡°there are still ten months before i head to the reception universe. time is limited, so i have to go take the rewards for ascending.¡±


    ¡°if it finishes fast, it¡¯ll be a few months. if it¡¯s slow, it¡¯ll be half a year before i return.¡±


    ¡°during this time, i¡¯ll have to trouble you to help me continue fishing here. the more origin essence you fish, the better.¡±


    with that, xu qing left without waiting for the clay fox to agree.


    the clay fox snorted and curled her lips as she looked at xu qing¡¯s departing figure.


    ¡°he sounds polite but his tone carries an undeniable firmness, and his actions are the same. this kid¡­ has truly grown up.¡±


    ¡°how dare he speak to me like that!¡±


    ¡°however, i like him even more now.¡±


    after pouting, the clay fox couldn¡¯t help but lick her lips. with a wave of her jade-like hand outside the black soil, a sea of flowers appeared out of thin air around her. within the blooming flowers, countless enchanting women emerged, each exuding unparalleled charm.


    these were all created by the clay fox¡¯s divine technique.


    amidst the chatter and laughter of the women, melodic music echoed through the air.


    it was as though she had returned to the hundred flowers palace.


    naturally, soft couches appeared as well, accompanied by immortal fruits and spirit wine.


    the clay fox, ever the connoisseur of indulgence, reclined on the couch like an imperial concubine. with a flick of the fishing rod, the line fell into the ink land. at the same time, she nibbled on immortal fruits, sipped spirit wine, and listened to the delightful music, her mood utterly blissful.


    ¡°life¡­ should never shortchange oneself.¡±


    ¡­


    xu qing sensed this scene from outside the ink land.


    everyone¡¯s preferences and perceptions were different.


    the clay fox liked to enjoy life and the bustle, while xu qing liked peace and the silence.


    what the former felt boring might be a kind of peace in the latter¡¯s heart.


    hence, no matter what the process was, it was just a different choice. in the end, she just had to fish out the origin essence.


    with such thoughts in mind, xu qing used his immortal token to leave the ink yang universe and head to¡­ the dao refinement universe!


    regardless of whether it was the ordinance baptism of magic treasures or the opportunity to have a weapon forged by a lower immortal, it was all carried out in the dao refinement universe.


    the dao refinement universe was naturally special. it was even reasonable to say that it was a strategic resource universe.


    this was because this universe was already the core of the entire nine shores heaven in terms of artifact refinement.


    the artificial changes inside were also huge and shocking.


    in the dao refinement universe, there were no starfields, galaxies, or stars.


    what was there was only a vast furnace!


    this furnace occupied seventy percent of the dao refinement universe¡¯s expanse, and from this alone, one could imagine the unimaginable magnitude of its size.


    as for the dao refinement fire in the furnace, it came from¡­ countless stars!


    all the stars of the dao refinement universe had been relocated here to fuel and strengthen the fire of this place.


    however, the stars in this universe weren¡¯t the only ones who formed this refinement fire.


    there was also a portion that was plucked from other universes and sent over to increase the intensity of the dao refinement fire.


    another portion came from the god¡¯s fire.


    all of this gathered together to form this terrifying dao refinement furnace that could accommodate billions of artifact masters.


    from afar, this furnace wasn¡¯t much different from the sun. it was just that it was even more astonishing and vast, becoming the only celestial body in this universe.


    at the same time, countless ethereal ribbons spread out from the dao refinement furnace, drifting in all directions.


    each of these ribbons was teeming with countless cultivators coming and going.


    in the entire nine shores heaven, anyone with the need for artifact refinement and the qualifications to enter would come here. as a result, the dao refinement universe was bustling with activity at all times.


    when xu qing¡¯s figure appeared, it was on an ethereal ribbon. the sights before him, the sounds echoing around him, and the waves of heat surging toward him all made xu qing momentarily dazed.


    ¡°such a furnace¡­¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly but his footsteps didn¡¯t stop, even speeding forward.


    he followed the ribbon he was on and walked past the people coming and going before reaching the end.


    he queued up and waited in front of the black altar.


    due to the huge demand for refining in the dao refinement universe, there were quite a lot of people waiting on any of the ethereal ribbons. fortunately, the number of refiners inside was also astonishing, so the queue wasn¡¯t too long.


    most of them sat cross-legged with their eyes closed, cultivating as they waited. when it was their turn, they stepped onto the altar, crushed a jade token, and transformed into a beam of light, teleporting into the surface layer of the dao refinement furnace.


    just like that, several days passed in the blink of an eye.


    during these few days, xu qing was carefully observing the refinement furnace.


    this furnace was divided into nine levels: upper, middle, and lower. the lower the level, the more abundant the artifact refinement entrances. only the uppermost level had a limited number of entrances.


    as for the cultivators who were coming over from everywhere, the vast majority of them entered the entrances in the lower three levels. it wasn¡¯t very common for them to enter the middle three levels.


    as for the upper levels, xu qing didn¡¯t see anyone going there.


    hence, he more or less made a judgment inwardly.


    a few hours later, when the cultivator in front of him also walked onto the altar and the teleportation disappeared, it was finally his turn.


    xu qing took a deep breath and stepped onto the altar, taking out the immortal token he had obtained as a reward for ascending.


    according to the actions of the others in the past few days, xu qing crushed this immortal token.


    with a bang, the shattered immortal token spread out and fused into the altar, forming a catalytic force. with a boom, it transformed into a beam of light that rose.


    the pillar of light headed toward¡­ the second floor of the upper three levels of the dao refinement furnace!!


    the appearance of this pillar of light immediately attracted the attention of the surrounding cultivators. many surprised gazes were cast over.


    there were also discussions among the cultivators.


    ¡°i am actually seeing a cultivator who can enter the upper levels!¡±


    ¡°the upper three levels of the dao refinement furnace are related to immortal artifact refinement!¡±


    ¡°generally speaking, only those who have made great contributions can obtain such qualifications¡­¡±


    ¡°he should be the new ascender of this batch. he can obtain this honor by ranking in the top ten!¡±


    most of these discussions were filled with envy.


    it was truly a rare opportunity to have a lower immortal personally refine artifacts.


    xu qing didn¡¯t care about the discussions. at that moment, he was teleported along with the pillar of light. when he appeared, he was already at an entrance in the upper levels.


    the heat surrounded his face and in front of him was a huge fire pit.


    an old man in a red robe sat cross-legged on the fire pit. his entire body emitted an extremely terrifying aura. after xu qing sensed it, his expression turned solemn.


    he immediately determined that this person was an immortal!


    hence, he bowed.


    ¡°what treasure do you want to refine?¡±


    the red-robed old man didn¡¯t open his eyes. he was still sitting cross-legged on the fire pit but his divine sense echoed.


    xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate. he immediately took out the ordinance treasure compass he had obtained back then. he also took out the dust of heaven¡¯s law.


    after some thought, he placed his holy heaven pagoda at the side.


    he then respectfully spoke.


    ¡°senior, i want to refine this compass. with the material it is made of, coupled with heaven¡¯s law and my own ordinance, i want to forge it into a treasure that can resonate with my ordinance!¡±


    ¡°what style?¡±


    the red-robed old man transmitted his divine sense.


    ¡°make it into a stick!¡±


    xu qing lifted his hand and waved it, materializing the iron stick he often used back then to determine the form of the treasure he was about to refine.


    after that, he pointed at the compass.


    ¡°as for the ordinance in this compass, senior, please help me take it out and fuse it into my holy heaven pagoda.¡±


    this time around, the red-robed old man on the fire pit opened his eyes slightly. a terrifying pressure spread out from his eyes and landed on xu qing.


    ¡°you only have one chance at the refinement.¡±


    xu qing lowered his head and calmly spoke.


    ¡°i have another chance at the ordinance baptism.¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s not my job.¡± the red-robed old man said calmly. after that, he carefully sized up xu qing and suddenly spoke again.


    ¡°you¡¯re xu qing?¡±


    xu qing nodded.


    the red-robed old man laughed.


    ¡°since you¡¯re the first in this batch¡­ forget it, i¡¯ll help you once.¡±


    after the old man finished speaking, he raised his hand and pointed. immediately, a shocking might spread out from his fingertip and landed on the compass.


    the compass shook and rapidly melted, dissipating the impurities, leaving behind its essence. as for the ordinance inside, it was taken out without any damage. with a move of the red-robed old man¡¯s fingertip, the ordinance of the compass headed straight for the star tower at the side.


    in the next instant, a burst of flames shot out from the furnace, surrounding the holy heaven pagoda. as the ordinance integrated with it, even its own shattered form was reforged within the flames.


    not only did it recover, but the might it emitted was clearly stronger.


    after doing this, the old man began to refine the magic treasure for xu qing. he purified the compass and quickly fused it with the heaven¡¯s law¡¯s dust. after some thought, he took out a palm-sized bluestone and placed it inside with a wave of his hand.


    the flames in the entire fire pit rose and burned. as they continued to refine, an iron stick¡­ was faintly discernible in the sea of fire.


    the moment it was about to take shape, the red-robed old man suddenly spoke.


    ¡°your ordinance!¡±


    when xu qing saw the scene of the old man casually refining weapons, he knew that the person in front of him must be a master. in his excitement, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all to spread out his parallel ordinance.


    it fused into the sea of fire and the iron stick.


    the iron stick suddenly trembled, as though it had become a kaleidoscope, and countless illusory bodies appeared.


    ¡°it¡¯s done!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes lit up.

 Chapter 1678 - Chapter 1678: Material Procurer

    chapter 1678: material procurer


    editor: atlas studios


    this iron stick was different from the one xu qing had left in the wanggu continent.


    firstly, it was its appearance.


    the iron stick left in wanggu had turned into something like a demon-subduing staff.


    it was quite different from its original look.


    this stick looked exactly like the iron stick at the start.


    its entire body was slender and its tip was extremely sharp.


    purely in terms of power, it was hard to say which was stronger. after all, the previous iron stick had undergone multiple refinements, especially with old master seventh personally intervening, and it also possessed an artifact spirit.


    it had many abilities but due to xu qing¡¯s cultivation back then, he was unable to display them.


    however, in terms of suitability¡­ the one in front of him was naturally more suitable for xu qing to display his ordinance.


    after all, xu qing¡¯s current focus lay primarily in his ordinance. this iron stick that had fused with his ordinance was the most suitable ordinance treasure for him.


    it could follow his laws, entering overlapping universes and countless space-times, resonating with him completely!


    most importantly, its true existence allowed it to not only amplify its power during resonance but also to synchronize with xu qing, enabling him to diversify his methods and approaches in the manifestation of his ordinance.


    furthermore, because it contained the dust of heaven¡¯s law, this iron stick held an exceptionally high status, possessing ¡®weight.¡¯


    this weight commanded reverence from quasi-immortals!


    hence, this iron stick could be considered the strongest ordinance supreme treasure xu qing currently possessed!


    moreover, others couldn¡¯t activate it!


    in fact, if they touched it, they would be trapped in space-time, as though it inherently carried seamless.


    they needed to be a lower immortal to forcefully suppress it.


    ¡°this treasure is not bad.¡±


    ¡°at the very least, it can increase your combat strength by a few times.¡±


    above the furnace, the red-robed old man gazed at the iron stick he had refined. satisfaction filled his heart as he admired the treasure.


    with a wave of his hand, the iron skin emitted a resonant hum, soaring out of the furnace and flying straight toward xu qing.


    it paused in front of xu qing and floated motionlessly.


    xu qing¡¯s emotions surged. he raised his hand and grabbed the iron stick.


    the familiar feeling of wielding the iron stick from the past surged through his palm, connecting with his mind and spirit. as this iron stick, which displayed kaleidoscopic space-times, resonated with him, it slowly faded from sight.


    it fused into xu qing¡¯s palm and was hidden in his space-time ordinance, constantly resonating and being nourished at all times.


    after using his perception, xu qing was extremely satisfied. he then bowed to the red-robed old man.


    ¡°thank you, senior. may i ask for your esteemed name so that this junior may remember your kindness?¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gratitude to this lower immortal old man came from the bottom of his heart. not only did the other party make an exception and repair his holy heaven pagoda, but he also refined such a supreme treasure for him.


    moreover, during the process, the old man had taken out his own items and added them.


    xu qing understood that these were all favors.


    ¡°no need for such formality. this was rightfully yours. you may call me true monarch nine thoughts.¡±


    at this point, the red-robed old man smiled and spoke again.


    ¡°i¡¯m linshan¡¯s second senior brother.¡±


    xu qing was stunned for a moment before he understood.


    lower immortals were all called monarchs.


    as for the term true monarch, it was even more special. only the disciples of the immortal lords could be called true monarchs.


    hence, xu qing already understood the background of the person in front of him.


    zhou linshan was the real name of fairy spirit phoenix!


    ¡°junior sister once sent a message to us senior brothers and asked us to take good care of you.¡±


    ¡°so, if you need anything in the future, you can come here to look for me.¡±


    ¡°you can go now.¡±


    true monarch nine thoughts¡¯ gentle voice echoed. he raised his hand and waved it gently, causing the surroundings to turn blurry. when xu qing¡¯s vision cleared again, he was no longer in the dao refinement furnace. instead, he had appeared on a huge ethereal ribbon.


    although there were many cultivators on it, it was different from the ethereal ribbons from before. the people on this ethereal ribbon were all people who were leaving after completing the refinement of magic artifacts.


    standing there, xu qing turned his head and looked at the dao refinement furnace in the distance.


    he bowed again.


    he sighed with emotion inwardly.


    the trip to the aurora immortal palace continued the severed marriage between young lord aurora and fairy spirit phoenix. the lingering traces of this union were now gradually spreading throughout the nine shores heaven.


    ¡°i wonder where they are now¡­¡±


    the scenes in the aurora immortal palace appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind. while giving his blessings to them, xu qing turned around and followed the ethereal ribbon.


    originally, xu qing had allocated ample time for this journey, but its smooth progression had saved him far more time than anticipated.


    ¡°next, i have to make a trip to the immortal heroes tomb!¡±


    xu qing decided. just as he was about to take out the immortal heroes tomb¡¯s teleportation immortal token, a familiar voice rang out from afar.


    after xu qing heard this, he raised his brows but didn¡¯t teleport away immediately. instead, he flew toward the source of the voice.


    those voices were still continuing and they were becoming increasingly intense.


    ¡°this is too much. do you really think the two of us are made of clay?!¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s right! to insult the two of us is to insult all the ascenders of this generation. it is to insult our master, the blue teal sword immortal, and to disgrace the entire lineage of our sword immortal sect!¡±


    the ones who spoke were none other than qianjun and piyi, the pair of sword cultivators!


    ¡°so¡­ as long as the sword lives, so do we!¡± the two roared in unison.


    their expressions were filled with fury, their voices resolute and powerful as they drew on every connection they could muster, boldly facing the three figures blocking their path!


    those three, clad in identical gray robes, each adorned with over a hundred sewn pockets, presented an unusual sight.


    the so-called ¡°hundred pockets¡± were literal¡ªeach pouch stitched onto their garments seemed to contain its own microcosm, exuding an extraordinary aura.


    at the same time, a faint deathly aura swirled around them. it wasn¡¯t emanating from within but rather clung to them as a residue from some external force.


    though their appearances varied, a certain quality bound them together¡ªa resemblance to stray dogs. greed, malice, and a sinister air seemed ingrained in their very essence, as if it had become their second nature.


    among these three, two were at the peak of the ruler realm, and the one in the middle was a quasi immortal.


    faced with qianjun and piyi¡¯s intense voice, the three of them grinned and didn¡¯t care at all.


    the quasi immortal raised a pinky finger, casually picked at his ear, and then blew on it in front of them, letting out a chuckle.


    ¡°of course i know that you¡¯re all ascenders from this batch, but¡­ who isn¡¯t an ascender? we¡¯re also ascenders from the previous batches.¡±


    ¡°and besides, once you¡¯re outside, while the sects in the immortal capital each have their own connections¡­ who doesn¡¯t have connections these days?¡±


    ¡°moreover, we were merely negotiating with you, intending to purchase your swords. if you don¡¯t wish to sell, so be it; we won¡¯t force you.¡±


    ¡°however¡­ our duties grant us the authority to issue a conscription.¡±


    ¡°if we conscript you two for cooperation, and you choose to refuse, well, then there¡¯s nothing we can do about it.¡±


    the middle-aged quasi immortal shook his head.


    qianjun and piyi¡¯s expressions turned even uglier.


    there were also many cultivators paying attention to this place. at that moment, they were also discussing among themselves.


    ¡°these three, from their attire, are clearly those greedy material procurers!¡±


    ¡°hmph, the material procurers are nothing but a bunch of stray dogs, roaming through multiple universes under the guise of gathering supplies for the battlefield. everyone who encounters them despises them!¡±


    ¡°especially these procurers. each team usually has dozens, even hundreds, of cultivators, all corrupted and unified in their schemes. the average person truly doesn¡¯t dare to provoke them.¡±


    ¡°isn¡¯t that exactly what¡¯s happening today? these three stray dogs have their eyes on the swords of those two brothers. since the deal fell through and they realized the brothers are newly ascended, they plan to conscript them into their ranks.¡±


    ¡°if they really get conscripted, their lives may not be directly targeted, but their immortal swords will certainly be lost.¡±


    the surrounding crowd discussed spiritedly. however, it was obvious that they didn¡¯t interfere due to the infamy of the material procurers.


    qianjun and piyi were also anxious. they had just arrived and hadn¡¯t had the time to find their fellow sect members who had ascended in the past. moreover, they understood that leaving the nine shores heaven was equivalent to walking into the sea from the river.


    the rule in the fifth star ring had always been that competition was allowed.


    hence, if they didn¡¯t have the ability, then the snatching of the immortal swords would be in line with the law of the jungle.


    hence, the anxiety grew even more intense.


    as both sides seemed on the verge of a violent clash, with tension and conflict about to erupt¡­ xu qing, hidden in the crowd at a distance, scanned the scene with a distant gaze, contemplating in his heart whether or not to intervene.


    after all, those two swords could be considered his in name.


    however, before xu qing could think about it, a rainbow rushed over in a domineering manner.


    the figure in the rainbow wore a black robe and had black hair. his expression was cold and his entire body emitted the aura of a quasi immortal. there were also faint chains of order echoing in the surroundings.


    wherever he passed, he attracted countless gazes.


    he was star ring.


    his target wasn¡¯t this place, nor was he here to save anyone. he was just here after refining his magic treasure.


    however, the moment he got close, because of his unconcealed aura and domineeringness, qianjun and piyi¡¯s eyes lit up. the two of them didn¡¯t hesitate at all and quickly flew out as they shouted.


    ¡°greetings, senior brother!¡±


    ¡°senior brother, save us!!¡±


    they were from the same batch, so it could be considered somewhat appropriate for them to call him senior brother.


    moreover, qianjun and piyi were growing anxious, so they even performed a deep bow, causing star ring to pause.


    he frowned.


    he hadn¡¯t been paying attention to the situation here, but after casting a quick glance, he had a rough understanding of what was happening. he hadn¡¯t planned to intervene, yet with qianjun and piyi now hiding behind him¡­


    if he left like this, it would be like he was cowering.


    hence, although star ring was impatient, his gaze still turned cold. he looked at the three cultivators who were chasing after qianjun and piyi and suddenly released the aura of a quasi immortal.


    the three of them stopped in their tracks. the two peak rulers looked solemn while the quasi immortal narrowed his eyes..


    they didn¡¯t continue forward.


    seeing this, star ring retracted his gaze and flew forward.


    qianjun and piyi heaved a sigh of relief inwardly and quickly followed behind.


    just like that, the three of them gradually left.


    the gazes of the surrounding people also revealed strange glints.


    as for the three material procurers, they were all looking at the place where the star ring trio had left. the quasi immortal among them suddenly spoke.


    ¡°the first place among the ascenders in this batch shouldn¡¯t be this person!¡±


    ¡°looks like we underestimated this batch. this person is definitely not an ordinary person. go and investigate who he is!¡±

 Chapter 1679 - Chapter 1679: What Is a God

    chapter 1679: what is a god


    editor: atlas studios


    the scene on the journey back from the dao refinement universe was merely a minor interlude for xu qing.


    since star ring had stepped in, xu qing didn¡¯t reveal himself.


    whether it was qianjun and piyi or star ring, in xu qing¡¯s eyes, they were nothing more than passersby.


    at most, those two swords¡ªwhen the time was right¡ªhe would simply take them away.


    as for the three cultivators who had ill intentions toward qianjun and piyi, they did catch xu qing¡¯s attention.


    among these three people, two were sovereigns and one was a quasi immortal.


    the greed and arrogance evident in their words and actions were unmistakable.


    xu qing had never believed that those with profound cultivation were inherently noble in character. in this vast world filled with countless cultivators and strong individuals, personalities naturally varied.


    people¡¯s actions and behavior followed this same diversity.


    there were those with a gloomy disposition, others who were transcendent and extraordinary, some like the sword holding great emperor with broad-minded magnanimity, and, of course, there were also those with dark, greedy, and malicious intent.


    even those who had reached the quasi immortal realm were no exception.


    after all, they were human, and human nature was vast and varied, never identical.


    on the fifth star ring, quasi immortals were numerous due to differing circumstances and environments.


    it was unlike the wanggu, where its barrenness made even rulers extremely rare, let alone quasi immortals.


    the higher one climbed, the more peaks one would see.


    the farther one traveled, the broader the landscape revealed itself.


    this was only natural.


    ultimately, however, personality and character were closely tied to time and experience.


    unless they were beings who had lived for thousands or tens of thousands of years, enduring countless cycles of worldly joys and sorrows until they became numb, saw through it all, and returned to simplicity, they could not escape the hues painted by human nature.


    moreover, some matters couldn¡¯t be judged by appearances alone.


    thus, xu qing wasn¡¯t surprised that these three, despite being powerful¡ªone of them even a quasi immortal¡ªwould stoop to such acts of plunder.


    what surprised him was the identities of these three people.


    ¡°material procurer¡­ war¡­¡±


    xu qing, who had left the ethereal ribbon, pondered.


    the main point was war.


    ¡°preparing supplies for war¡­ does that mean the fifth star ring is at war?¡±


    ¡°with the other star rings?¡±


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    some matters couldn¡¯t be fully understood or viewed comprehensively until one reached a certain position. this truth was particularly evident in this situation.


    before this, xu qing didn¡¯t know that the fifth star ring was at war.


    however, now, from the discussions of those around him, he caught the scent of conflict.


    ¡°when the summoning from the reception universe arrives, everything should become clear.¡±


    with this thought in mind, xu qing crushed the immortal token from the immortal heroes tomb. his body dissipated, vanishing as he was transported away.


    at the next instant, the starry sky became blurry in xu qing¡¯s perception.


    ¡­


    immortal heroes tomb.


    it wasn¡¯t just the nine shores heaven.


    in reality, every heaven¡¯s beyond had a similar place.


    these were the burial grounds for all the immortals who had fallen in battle throughout history within their respective heaven¡¯s beyond.


    some were laid to rest as whole corpses, but the vast majority consisted of mere remnants.


    some even existed only as memorial plaques created by descendants.


    the immortal heroes tomb of nine shores heaven was located within the immortal heroes starfield in the immortal ode universe.


    this place was completely isolated, accessible only through a single ancient bronze gate of immense proportions.


    outside the gate stood a black, weathered stone platform.


    on it sat a black-robed elderly man.


    his appearance was unremarkable, his aura faint and elusive.


    xu qing¡¯s figure appeared outside the giant gate and under the stone platform amidst waves of void distortion.


    he raised his head to look at the towering bronze gate, then shifted his gaze toward the elder.


    there was a strong sense of death on this old man, as well as loneliness and bleakness.


    the moment xu qing looked over, the ordinance in his body actually fluctuated. it was as though it was being guided, allowing him to sense more information.


    a peculiar feeling arose in xu qing¡¯s mind¡ªthe impression that this elder should no longer exist, yet somehow, he persisted.


    the sensation was faint and fleeting, fading almost as quickly as it emerged.


    xu qing¡¯s heart skipped a beat. he lowered his head and bowed.


    after that, he walked past the stone platform and toward the giant gate, disappearing inside.


    only when xu qing¡¯s figure completely vanished did the elder slowly open his eyes.


    ¡°it¡¯s been some time since anyone has come.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s a good thing, though. though fewer people come to pay their respects, the absence of visitors means there are no new dead.¡±


    ¡°everyone is doing well, still alive¡­ still living well.¡±


    the elder raised a flask to his lips, took a swig of wine, and glanced back at the giant gate, his voice rough as he mumbled to himself.


    ¡°you all left so decisively, leaving only me to guard the tombs here¡­¡±


    the old man sighed softly and reminisced.


    in the giant gate, when the starry sky in front of xu qing turned from blurry to clear, he saw clusters of star systems.


    those were all tombs!


    every star system in the immortal heroes starfield was a burial site.


    each one was marked by a massive stone tablet, upon which were engraved the lives of the buried¡ªsome filled with detailed accounts, others with only a few brief words.


    the latter often reflected the feelings or thoughts of the deceased, used as epitaphs.


    as for the overall number, there weren¡¯t many, only a hundred.


    however, these were the resting places of immortals.


    it represented that since ancient times, a hundred immortals of nine shores heaven had died in battle.


    even though the length of its history could reach countless years, xu qing was still shocked when he entered the giant gate and saw these star systems and the towering stone tablets.


    vaguely, he seemed to hear a sigh echoing in the starry sky.


    it was as if the courageous cries of the fallen warriors swirled around the star systems.


    it felt like ancient blessings, immortal even in death.


    they had protected their homeland.


    they had protected their descendants.


    they fought bravely for the human race and for the star ring!


    they gave their lives without hesitation, selflessly offering themselves.


    although he wasn¡¯t a native cultivator of the fifth star ring, xu qing¡¯s mood inevitably became much heavier as he stood there.


    he felt deep respect for the outstanding heroes here.


    the stone tablets before his eyes transformed into enduring symbols of greatness in his heart.


    a while later, xu qing moved forward silently. he walked past one star vortex after another and looked at the stone tablets.


    ¡°i cultivated for 9,000 years and came from the great immortal mountain. i cultivated ethereal arts to achieve the immortal position. i was hailed as the immortal lord, slaying seven true gods in my life¡ªwhat joy!¡±


    ¡°i was a rogue cultivator, driven by an unyielding spirit to ascend to the immortal position. in the star ring war, i participated in the siege of a lord god. though i perished, i hold no regrets.¡±


    ¡°spirits ascend to gods, beasts attain sentience, and ghosts become monstrosities. but¡­ what defines an immortal? to stand as a mountain for humanity, to shield our kind¡ªbeing human is being immortal!¡±


    ¡°i lived too long, nearly losing my humanity. i couldn¡¯t kill true gods, but i wished to leave a mark. this mission was my hunt. i sought to slaughter countless divine prodigies, striving to sever the lineage of the gods!¡±


    ¡°to future cultivators, do not come empty-handed to pay respects. i delight in god-blood¡ªbring me god-blood as tribute!¡±


    as xu qing¡¯s gaze swept over the stone tablets, the inscriptions seemed to take form.


    laughter echoed, tears welled, madness surged, and serenity lingered. these figures emerged vividly before him, their indomitable spirits forever engraved in the river of time.


    through this place, the stone tablets, and the epitaphs, the past, present, and future intertwined, forming an eternal mark of their legacy.


    this allowed everyone who came here to sense it.


    the green hills buried loyal bones, and history recorded their valor.


    the spirit of heroes endured in the heavens and earth, and the names of martyrs echoed through eternity.


    after some time, xu qing finished reading all the inscriptions. he sat cross-legged in the center of the area, gazed at the surrounding stone tablets, and softly murmured:


    ¡°seniors, although this junior, xu qing, isn¡¯t a native cultivator of the fifth star ring, i promise to uphold the ideals for which you sacrificed.¡±


    ¡°if any of you were willing to entrust your relics to me, i promise to remain true to my convictions and your legacy.¡±


    xu qing took a deep breath and spoke solemnly.


    the surroundings were completely silent. there were no ripples at all.


    xu qing closed his eyes and calmed his breathing, attempting to comprehend it.


    after a long time, he didn¡¯t gain anything.


    xu qing frowned. after some thought, he decided not to comprehend anymore. instead, his thoughts spread out and everything from the past gradually surfaced in his heart.


    the hardships of his youth.


    the bloodshed as he grew older.


    the loathing he felt when he first encountered a god.


    the fury when he faced another.


    and finally, the complex emotions¡ªtinged with a faint understanding¡ªhe experienced when the empress ascended to godhood.


    in the end, he seemed to have returned to heart inquisition.


    a voice asked.


    what was a god?


    in the past, xu qing¡¯s answer was one sentence.


    now that he thought of the answer again, xu qing fell silent. he thought of the empress and calmly spoke after a long time.


    ¡°the vast majority of gods are sons of b*tches!¡±


    ¡°however, among them, there are some who are still humans!¡±


    all the stone tablets shook in unison.

 Chapter 1680 - Chapter 1680: More Human Than Many Humans

    chapter 1680: more human than many humans


    editor: atlas studios


    those stone tablets only shook slightly.


    however, there was no light in the hundred star systems.


    it seemed that xu qing¡¯s words fell far short of reaching a level that could truly resonate across the fifth star ring.


    at the same time, as the stone tablets shook, wisps of divine senses emerged from the stone tablets scattered across the star systems, echoing faint murmurs in the void.


    ¡°ridiculous!¡±


    ¡°gods are gods!¡±


    ¡°how can they be a human!¡±


    ¡°whether they were born as gods or became gods later, the moment they took the path of the gods, they will lose all humanity!¡±


    ¡°what you see and feel is nothing more than a facade, a false persona crafted by the gods during their journey of cultivation to advance further!¡±


    ¡°you are not the first to be deceived by the gods, and you will certainly not be the last.¡±


    ¡°junior, let me give you a piece of advice¡­ don¡¯t be deceived by them!¡±


    ¡°since ancient times, those who were friends with gods ultimately regretted it!¡±


    ¡°now, take back your words. i can give you my relic!¡±


    numerous divine senses transformed into lingering sounds that continuously echoed in the starfield, entering xu qing¡¯s mind.


    xu qing fell silent.


    a look of reminiscence appeared in his eyes.


    he reflected, deliberated, and weighed his thoughts.


    the beings buried in this place, these immortals who had perished in battle, were not souls. what emanated from them could no longer be called divine sense as well.


    it was the unyielding obsessions of the slain immortals.


    their entire existence had been dedicated to combating the gods, and from the beginning of their lives to the very end, their stance had remained unwavering. to them, all gods were the same¡ªenemies to be confronted without exception.


    xu qing used to have the same thoughts as them.


    this lasted until he witnessed the empress becoming a god.


    it changed his worldview!


    hence, xu qing calmly spoke.


    ¡°seniors, in my homeland, there are holy lands and gods wreaking havoc. my family and my childhood were tormented by the gods¡¯ anomalous substances¡­ the holy lands heartlessly fled wanggu, abandoning the human race.¡±


    ¡°they sat high above, indifferent to the life and death of the human race, scheming from the shadows to continue exploiting and manipulating the world.


    ¡°meanwhile, the human race dwindled. many human emperors poured their hearts and souls into rekindling the fire of the human race, and a sword holding great emperor continued to protect our human race.¡±


    ¡°yet still, the human race could not rise.


    ¡°countless humans¡­ became fodder for nonhuman races, enduring extreme suffering. what i witnessed was more harrowing than parents consuming their children out of desperation.


    ¡°the entire race crumbled in darkness, falling apart until it was barely recognizable, teetering on the brink of extinction.


    ¡°in that moment, amidst calamity and destruction, one person stepped forward.


    ¡°she is the emperor of the human race in my homeland!


    yet all her hopes had been severed, and all her paths had been blocked. before her, there were only two choices:


    either the extinction of her people¡­


    or to become a god!¡±


    ¡°in the end, she chose to become a god!¡±


    ¡°she bore all the stigma brought by betraying traditions and defying ancestral teachings.¡±


    ¡°she declared that if the holy lands would not care for the human race, she would! she vowed to single-handedly ensure the continuation of wanggu¡¯s human race!¡±


    ¡°she declared that if heaven and earth would not bless the human race, she would! she offered her own being to bring peace to wanggu¡¯s human race!¡±


    ¡°she declared that she sought not eternal existence for herself but to rebuild the glorious legacy of wanggu¡¯s great human race, paving the way for human race¡¯s prosperity for generations to come!¡±


    ¡°she declared that she would not ascend to godhood alone but would lead all the past human emperors to ascend together.¡±


    ¡°she declared that henceforth, the five emperors would become corpse gods. though lacking spirit and wisdom, they would carry divine might, embody the will of the human race, and follow the guidance of human fortune to protect the foundation of our people and strike fear into our enemies.¡±


    ¡°she declared herself a human god, vowing to safeguard her people and usher in an era of peace for countless generations!¡±


    ¡°in the end, she stated that the spear of karma her actions created, the calamities spanning eternity they would provoke¡­ she alone would bear them all!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s voice echoed in the starfield.


    every sentence contained his memories and every word represented his emotions.


    he used these words and his voice to describe the scene of the empress becoming a god to all the heroic spirits.


    finally, xu qing raised his head and looked at the stone tablets.


    he spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°in my opinion, such a god is more human than many humans!¡±


    ¡°i also know that not all gods are like this.¡±


    ¡°just like how humans are divided into good and evil.¡±


    ¡°among the gods, there exist those like her, no matter how rare they may be, they do exist.¡±


    ¡°therefore, i won¡¯t change my words!¡±


    xu qing lowered his head and bowed!


    after this bow, all the star systems in the starfield emitted coldness. all the stone tablets stopped shaking and the words on them became hidden.


    the relics and inheritances¡­ didn¡¯t fly over!


    they¡­ didn¡¯t agree with xu qing¡¯s words, so they no longer transmitted their thoughts.


    after a long time, xu qing silently turned.


    this time, he gained nothing, but xu qing felt no sense of loss.


    life was a journey one had to walk alone; the scenery needed to be experienced firsthand. by continually moving forward and witnessing all that the world had to offer, one¡¯s perspectives were gradually shaped¡ªviews on life, understanding of the world, and perceptions of all beings.


    in the end, these elements came together, converging into a unique and personal way of thinking.


    this was a human.


    xu qing would still kill gods, plunder them, and remain cold-blooded.


    however, for certain gods, like the empress, he would fight for them!


    in his heart, the empress wasn¡¯t a god.


    she was a human.


    compared to many people, she was even more human.


    with such thoughts in mind, xu qing didn¡¯t have any regrets. he calmly walked toward the giant gate.


    he was prepared to leave and return to ink yang to wait for summoning.


    however, just as he got close to the giant gate and was about to step out, suddenly¡­ the giant gate rumbled and shook violently.


    a murderous intent spread out from the gate.


    xu qing stopped in his tracks. when he looked over, his eyes suddenly narrowed.


    someone was coming from outside the giant gate!


    there wasn¡¯t just one person but a hundred.


    each of them wore distinctive armor, their bodies stained with blood¡ªsome from gods, some their own.


    fatigue was evident in their demeanor, though hidden beneath it was a deeper sorrow.


    silently, they advanced.


    in the center of their formation, a massive coffin was borne by more than ten cultivators.


    draped over the coffin was a flag of the fifth star ring.


    xu qing observed this scene and silently stepped aside, standing quietly to let them pass.


    the group of cultivators paid him no mind as they sorrowfully continued on their way until they disappeared into the distance.


    from their back views, xu qing could clearly sense that, even amidst their sorrow, an instinctive aura of killing intent lingered around this group.


    it wasn¡¯t the kind of killing intent cultivated from mere skirmishes among cultivators. xu qing recognized it.


    it was the chilling, oppressive presence that came from being steeped in the atmosphere of the battlefield¡ªa soldier¡¯s killing intent forged through countless clashes.


    these people had come from the battlefield!


    as for the existence in the coffin¡­ xu qing already had an answer.


    there must be the remains of an immortal inside.


    immortals who died in battle were sent to the heroes¡¯ tomb for burial!


    xu qing was solemn.


    he watched those figures fade into the distance. he saw them pause in an empty space and deliver the coffin. they all knelt, their sorrowful voices rising in an ancient chant.


    the chant resonated like a guide for souls, like a hymn of praise.


    within its melody, stars began to appear in the void, increasing in number like grains of sand, like layers of soil, covering the coffin.


    gradually, the coffin was buried beneath the starlight and stardust, until it transformed into a new star system, marked by the emergence of a solemn stone tablet.


    the group of cultivators slowly stood. at the lead, the foremost among them raised a hand, and together, they shouted in unison:


    ¡°immortal lord, receive our offerings!¡±


    their voices echoed, carrying both a sense of reverence and unyielding spirit.


    finally, the battle-worn cultivators turned and departed, their steps imbued with a quiet resolve.


    looking at all of this, xu qing didn¡¯t return immediately. instead, he walked to that heroic immortal¡¯s tomb and bowed, looking at the stone tablet.


    ¡°life is but a dream, time a song, the stars and seas¡ªeventually, all must part.¡±


    ¡°i am spirit stone immortal lord. i killed a true god and drank its blood. my imprint remains. in the future¡­ when it returns, will it be it or me?¡±


    ¡°if it is it, my remains will scatter into golden light; future generations can erase it to sever the god¡¯s lingering will. if it is me, silver light will blaze forth, and i shall slay the gods once more!¡±


    this person seemed very different from those xu qing had seen before.


    he seemed to want to borrow the rules of the true god¡¯s indestructibility to attempt to return with it!


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. just as he was about to take a closer look, a sigh echoed behind him.


    when xu qing heard this, he turned and saw a hunchbacked old man walking over from the starry sky.


    it was the tomb guard outside the giant gate.


    he walked over step by step and stood in front of the stone tablet.


    ¡°the war has entered the next stage.¡±


    ¡°the heroic spirits here have increased again, and this one, i have heard of his name. throughout his life, he explored the principle of the indestructibility of true gods.¡±


    the old man sighed.


    xu qing took a few steps back. when he heard this, he pondered for a moment before bowing and asking.


    ¡°senior, what is this war?¡±


    the old man turned his head and looked at xu qing with a deep gaze.


    ¡°the storms of the world fall upon all living beings equally. if one side cannot feel it, it means that someone has blocked the storms that should belong to you.¡±


    ¡°immortal lord zhan lu, is that person. he sits at the frontier, defending against the invasion from the fourth star ring. that is the star ring war, a war between gods and immortals.¡±


    with that, the old man retracted his gaze and looked into the distance.


    he then raised his hand and took out a bronze bell that no longer had its clapper.


    the bell appeared plain at first glance, but the moment it emerged, it stirred ripples across the starry sky, with faint, otherworldly colors flowing inside.


    ¡°in the past, a good friend of mine died in the hands of a lord god in the fourth star ring. however, his treasure melted but it didn¡¯t disappear and became like this.


    it contains a hint of the might of a lord god. i was asked to find a destined person and pass it on in his stead.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he looked at the old man.


    the old man waved his hand and made the bell float to the side. after that, he turned and walked into the distance.


    however, a voice echoed through the starry sky.


    ¡°i heard what you said.¡±


    ¡°i admire that empress.¡±


    ¡°this world is complicated, just like human nature. so, don¡¯t care about what others think.¡±


    ¡°i believe that if my old friends were still alive, with their intelligence, they would have understood.¡±


    ¡°however, now, all they have left is their obsession and determination to fight against the gods.¡±


    ¡°you¡¯re very outstanding. you shouldn¡¯t have gained nothing.¡±


    ¡°this item is for you.¡±


    the old man walked far away and gradually disappeared. only his last sentence rang out leisurely.


    ¡°i¡¯ve encountered such a god before¡­ they were more human than many humans.¡±

 Chapter 1681 - Chapter 1681: Forbid!

    chapter 1681: forbid!


    editor: atlas studios


    when he left the immortal heroes tomb, xu qing followed the guidance of his heart to guide him and gazed toward the imagined location of the ninth star ring.


    amid the vast and boundless sea of stars, xu qing couldn¡¯t be certain if what he looked toward was truly the ninth star ring.


    even though his divine avatar resided in wanggu, and his heart faintly guided him, the immense distance rendered everything obscure and unclear.


    despite this uncertainty, despite not being able to see anything at all, and even though he wasn¡¯t entirely sure if that was the precise location of the ninth star ring, he understood the reason for this thought.


    he missed home.


    he missed wanggu, the people within it, the places, and everything else¡­


    ¡°there will definitely be a day when wanggu, like the fifth star ring, has no anomalous substances and is filled with immortal energy.¡±


    ¡°the surviving gods might change their path and cultivate immortality!¡±


    a long time later, xu qing retracted his gaze.


    it wasn¡¯t time to go back yet.


    he wasn¡¯t strong enough.


    nor could he yet change or protect anything.


    ¡°soon¡­¡±


    xu qing remained silent for a long time. finally, he collected all his thoughts and took out the immortal token of the ink yang universe. with a squeeze, his figure instantly blurred. waves of energy spread outward from him as he was teleported away in an instant.


    the teleportation between the universes involved an immense power of spatial energy, bolstered by the support of higher ordinances, each indispensable.


    only then could the cultivators in the nine shores heaven teleport as usual.


    even with xu qing¡¯s current cultivation, even though he had a deep understanding of space, he could only see a little of it. he couldn¡¯t see the exact essence.


    ¡°there are secrets¡­¡±


    ¡°i think it has something to do with the nine shores immortal lord.¡±


    xu qing mumbled inwardly. he couldn¡¯t understand the level of the immortal lord.


    right now, he could only see a blurry corner.


    the space in front of him distorted and the void changed. the starry sky¡­ changed at a slow speed and was gradually replaced.


    in the end, when everything recovered, what entered xu qing¡¯s eyes was no longer the heroes¡¯ tomb but the interior of the immortal palace in the ink yang universe!


    the moment he pushed open the immortal palace¡¯s door, the ink yang universe appeared in front of xu qing.


    he took a step forward and instantly disappeared.


    when he appeared again, xu qing was outside of the ink land.


    he saw the alluring fox-woman reclining there in a leisurely pose, enjoying herself as she clapped rhythmically for the flock of enchanting beauties dancing gracefully before her.


    noticing xu qing¡¯s return, the fox beauty was a little surprised and pouted.


    ¡°hey, you rascal, back so soon?¡±


    ¡°couldn¡¯t you let me know ahead of time so i could get ready? is this a surprise inspection?¡±


    ¡°oh well, big sis won¡¯t hold it against you. so, how did it go this time? smooth sailing?¡±


    xu qing was already immune to the clay fox¡¯s teasing. hence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°yes, it went smoothly. you can continue.¡±


    with that, xu qing sat down cross-legged and ignored the fox beauty. instead, he took out the item given by the tomb keeper in heroes¡¯ tomb. he placed it in front of him and fused his divine sense into it to study it carefully.


    seeing that xu qing wasn¡¯t paying much attention to her, the fox beauty chuckled but didn¡¯t take it to heart. xu qing was used to their relation, and she was also used to it.


    she just enjoyed teasing him, relishing the way xu qing responded with firm rejection.


    from it, she rediscovered a kind of joy she had once thought was slipping away, a joy that eventually returned¡ªone tied to the essence of humanity.


    this happiness made her feel truly alive.


    so, she chose to ignore her divine nature, fully immersing herself in the human experience. glancing at the graceful dancers nearby and then at xu qing, who sat cross-legged in meditation, she suddenly laughed.


    on one side were beautiful women, and on the other, a handsome man.


    ¡°these are the spoils of my conquest!¡±


    the fox beauty was happy.


    she understood all too well that she was different from those innate gods.


    her humanity had not entirely faded, nor did she wish for it to completely vanish. each time she teased xu qing, that lingering humanity seemed to stir and come alive.


    ¡°this is quite good.¡±


    the fox beauty took a bite of the immortal fruit beside her and her eyes narrowed into crescent moons. she was satisfied.


    time slowly passed.


    very soon, several months passed.


    during these few months, the fox beauty enjoyed her life, while xu qing was completely immersed in his research on that bell.


    the material of this bell was quite peculiar.


    xu qing tried many methods but he couldn¡¯t leave the slightest mark on the bell.


    even his parallel ordinance was ineffective against this item.


    this item couldn¡¯t appear in other space-times!


    there seemed to be a force surrounding it, stopping it from leaving this space-time!


    ¡°this should be what that senior guarding the tomb said¡­ a trace of the might of a lord god!¡±


    ¡°although the previous owner of this item died at the hands of the lord god, this treasure wasn¡¯t destroyed. moreover, it left safely¡­ it wasn¡¯t taken by that lord god.¡±


    ¡°if we exclude the deliberate action of that lord god, it¡¯s enough to show that this item is extraordinary!¡±


    ¡°however, there¡¯s no clapper in this bell.¡±


    ¡°but i¡¯ve made some gains in the past few months!¡±


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    during these few months, although no external force could leave a mark on the bell, through the nourishment of his immortal embryo, he still formed a connection with the bell.


    originally, this connection could have been deeper.


    this was because this bell no longer had an owner. it could be said that it didn¡¯t reject xu qing¡¯s nourishment at all. instead, it was extremely cooperative. rather than saying that xu qing was nourishing it, it was more like it was like dry land taking the initiative to search for water.


    however, xu qing had always been cautious when it came to things he couldn¡¯t see through.


    hence, he controlled the rhythm of this nourishment. moreover, he had also firmly grasped the initiative of this connection.


    if the situation wasn¡¯t good, he would directly cut it off.


    ¡°now, the way to display the might of this treasure should be sound!¡±


    xu qing raised his right hand and waved it. immediately, the iron stick refined in the dao refinement universe flew out, shining with sharpness in front of xu qing.


    xu qing pondered as he stared at the bell.


    after confirming that there were no mistakes in his thoughts, his expression was decisive. he controlled the iron stick and knocked fiercely on the bell.


    the moment the iron stick touched the bell, the entire bell trembled violently.


    a crisp and long bell chime suddenly rang out.


    this sound was ethereal. the moment it appeared, the fine wine the fox beauty picked up instantly disintegrated. the bed under her and the surrounding beauties that she materialized were the same.


    they instantly disappeared.


    the fox beauty was so shocked that she suddenly stood up and retreated repeatedly. her body turned blurry and the divine platform was revealed. she revealed a shocked expression.


    ¡°what is this!¡±


    it wasn¡¯t just the fox beauty. the starry sky in the surroundings trembled.


    this sound continued to echo and the range it covered was endless. it seemed to echo in the minds of all living beings and the lingering sound penetrated everything.


    this caused the area covered by the bell in the ink yang universe to instantly fall silent.


    in this silence, all illusion spells disappeared, all spells disintegrated, and all divine arts collapsed.


    xu qing was shaken.


    he finally understood the specific function of this bell treasure!


    ¡°forbidding all spells!¡±


    ¡°judging from the clay fox¡¯s appearance, even gods can be affected by it!¡±


    unfortunately, at the next instant, as the sound of the bell disappeared, the surroundings returned to normal.


    the beauties beside the fox beauty appeared again, and the missing wine also appeared in her hand again.


    however, the fox beauty was no longer in the mood to taste it.


    she looked at xu qing solemnly and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°this treasure¡­ can restrain gods!¡±


    xu qing nodded.


    ¡°it¡¯s a killing weapon!¡±


    after saying that, xu qing focused and continued to study the bell.


    the fox beauty looked at it for a long time and sighed.


    this fifth star ring once again made her feel terror.


    ¡®i wonder how much of a commotion this little xu will bring to the gods when he returns to wanggu.¡¯


    ¡®forget it, it has nothing to do with me.¡¯


    at the thought of this, the fox beauty continued to enjoy herself.


    time passed again.


    xu qing¡¯s research stopped a few months later. in the following days, he immersed himself in cultivation to stabilize the immortal embryo and build a solid foundation for his previous advancements.


    this caused his state to become increasingly stable.


    this lasted until the agreed-upon day of summoning finally arrived.


    on this day, a dignified voice echoed from xu qing¡¯s universe immortal token and entered his mind.


    ¡°this batch¡¯s ascenders, all of you are required to report to the reception universe within twenty-four universe hours and await orders.¡±


    ¡°you will be assigned duties and truly integrate into nine shores heaven.¡±


    this voice did not merely echo in xu qing¡¯s mind¡ªit resonated in the hearts of every ascender of this batch.


    those people scattered in the various universes, no matter what they were doing, had solemn expressions and anticipation in their hearts.


    xu qing also slowly opened his eyes.


    his eyes gleamed.


    ¡°it¡¯s finally time.¡±


    xu qing stood up. the fox beauty also retracted all her illusions and walked to xu qing¡¯s side, stretching her back.


    ¡°enough lounging around; it¡¯s time to stir things up a bit. i¡¯m really looking forward to the future.¡±

 Chapter 1682 - Chapter 1682: Guiding Star River

    chapter 1682: guiding star river


    editor: atlas studios


    all newly ascended cultivators, upon entering the heaven¡¯s beyond and being assigned to their respective universes, were granted a one-year period of rest and adjustment.


    this year was to let these new ascenders familiarize themselves with heaven¡¯s beyond, the universe they were in, and the rewards they had obtained.


    once the rest period concluded, they would be summoned by the reception universe of nine shores heaven.


    what awaited them next would be the allocation of their future responsibilities.


    at the same time that this information appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind, he had already returned to the immortal palace in the ink yang universe.


    standing on the teleportation array in the center of the immortal palace, xu qing didn¡¯t hesitate to activate the teleportation.


    as for the fox beauty, she transformed into a mark and stuck to xu qing¡¯s arm.


    soon, the immortal palace started shaking and a terrifying energy spread in all directions from it.


    amidst the rumbling, the power of teleportation erupted completely.


    the teleportation this time around was much longer than xu qing¡¯s previous experience. clearly, the reception universe was extremely far from the ink yang universe.


    after an unknown period of time, xu qing felt as though he had a colorful dream.


    in the dream, everything was blurry. countless colors weaved into distorted light.


    this lasted until the light gradually dissipated and his vision became clear.


    a vast golden river was reflected in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    this river had countless starfields, star vortices, and stars.


    each star emitted a unique golden light.


    the stars within the golden river appeared stationary, yet the flow of their radiance gave an impression of the river itself cascading from above.


    this was xu qing¡¯s first time witnessing such a golden stellar river.


    this place was the reception universe!


    it was one of the seventy-two governing authorities within nine shores heaven, second only to the immortal palace.


    it belonged to the operational framework of nine shores heaven and served as the headquarters overseeing all heaven¡¯s beyond-related reception systems within its era.


    its responsibilities extended beyond receiving newly ascended cultivators¡ªit also included guiding the minor worlds under the fifth star ring and managing the allocation of nonhuman races across all universes within the fifth star ring.


    in a sense, it was both a boot camp for newcomers and a personnel administration office.


    the overseers of this place were naturally lower immortals, and their numbers were not few.


    looking at all of this and sensing the majesty of the golden river, xu qing¡¯s mind stirred. a wisp of starlight separated from the astonishing golden river and headed straight for xu qing.


    compared to the entire golden river, this wisp was insignificant. however, in xu qing¡¯s eyes, because of the distance, this wisp of golden starlight that arrived was also vast.


    it quickly enveloped him and formed a pulling force.


    the golden starlight guiding xu qing originated from a location downstream in this magnificent golden river. its source was within a starfield¡ªa single star within a star vortex.


    such beams of starlight were common throughout this entire reception universe.


    every cultivator transported here experienced the same process.


    depending on their purpose for arriving, different regions sent out corresponding rays of starlight.


    in the next instant, under the guidance of the golden light, xu qing¡¯s body was rapidly pulled toward the designated star.


    the force was immense, dragging him like a falling meteor.


    in an instant, he was pulled from outside the star river, drawn into its flow, and toward the specific star emitting its light amidst countless others.


    everything in front of him changed rapidly.


    this lasted until a rumbling sound echoed.


    xu qing¡¯s body landed in the sea on this star.


    this was a black sea that was incomparably viscous like jelly.


    his body was pulled down to the surface of the sea violently.


    fortunately, xu qing¡¯s cultivation was strong and he could withstand it.


    if it was a low-level cultivator, their souls would probably fly out. when they landed, their bodies would also be destroyed.


    however, even though xu qing¡¯s cultivation was high enough, the moment his body smashed down, under the terrifying impact, he directly entered the jelly black sea, forming a deep pit on the surface of the sea.


    a long time later, xu qing flew out of the deep pit he had created. the sky was golden and the ground was filled with a black jelly sea that was endless.


    in midair, golden beams of starlight could be seen continuously guiding cultivators toward their destinations.


    hence, the rumbling sounds of falling into the sea continued.


    on the surface of the sea, there were dozens of deep pits.


    some cultivators flew out of the deep pit one after another, most of them looking rather disheveled.


    a few even had traces of blood at the corners of their mouths, their expressions revealing lingering fear.


    in the crowd, xu qing saw zhou zhengli, xie lingzi, li mengtu, yuanshan su, qianjun, and piyi.


    these people were all ascenders like xu qing.


    at that moment, they were all guided to this place.


    star ring was also among them.


    however, compared to the sorry states of the others, star ring was clearly much more relaxed. when xu qing¡¯s gaze landed on him, he also turned his head and glanced at xu qing.


    the two of them looked at each other and retracted their expressionless gazes.


    time passed, and people continued to arrive one after another. some came alone, while others arrived in groups. gradually, based on their past connections and the interactions they had during the past year, several distinct factions began to form.


    xie lingzi remained solitary as always.


    yuanshan su also clearly preferred to avoid joining any groups. though she intended to stay on her own, some female cultivators among the ascenders naturally gravitated toward her.


    qianjun and piyi stood by star ring¡¯s side, joined by dozens of other cultivators who made the same choice.


    xu qing naturally had the most people.


    the title of first place caused even more people to come to his side.


    zhou zhengli and li mengtu were among them. they walked to xu qing¡¯s side. the former bowed with a humble smile as usual.


    the latter had a solemn expression as he spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°brother xu, this batch¡¯s numbers are short by eleven!¡±


    ¡°i did some calculations. so far, only eighty-nine have arrived!¡±


    xu qing nodded slightly. zhou zhengli, who was beside him, smiled.


    ¡°they died.¡±


    ¡°although this year is meant as a period of rest, it is also a time for adaptation. our star ring, as it has been since ancient times, functions much like raising gu.¡±


    ¡°therefore¡­¡± zhou zhengli glanced at xu qing. over the past year, he had gathered plenty of information about heaven¡¯s beyond, making him more cautious about the future.


    this growing vigilance deepened his resolve to foster a good relationship with xu qing.


    hence, he spoke again.


    ¡°not just in the four great starfields; in heaven¡¯s beyond, things are even more cruel and intense.¡±


    ¡°and for those in positions of power, only those at the quasi immortal level truly garner their attention. figures like the young master, star ring, or yuanshan su¡ªperhaps only the three of you from this generation are valued.¡±


    the higher-ups wouldn¡¯t care too much about rulers.


    ¡°thus, unless one has deeper connections, if one wishes to progress smoothly and gain more resources, it¡¯s naturally best to align with a quasi immortal.¡±


    zhou zhengli didn¡¯t hide his voice when he said these last words. hence, the ascenders surrounding xu qing heard it very clearly.


    all of them began to ponder.


    xu qing glanced at zhou zhengli.


    zhou zhengli smiled humbly.


    xu qing retracted his gaze. the words zhou zhengli had said before he left a year ago surfaced in his mind.


    ¡®he guessed that the assignment of roles would have everyone together¡­¡¯


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    as everyone slowly waited, time gradually passed.


    other than them, there were no other cultivators on the vast sea.


    no guide appeared either.


    they weren¡¯t ordinary people, so they naturally wouldn¡¯t get impatient after waiting for such a short time. hence, they each sat cross-legged.


    another two hours passed.


    when the wind blew, xu qing and star ring each sensed something and raised their heads to look at the sky.


    yuanshan su was the third person to look up.


    the others also sensed something and started looking above.


    the sky fluctuated and suddenly shone with golden light.


    those golden lights were also guiding lights. there were a total of 70 to 80 rays of them. a few of them were in the lead and the rest descended after them.


    at the next moment, the world trembled.


    among these golden lights, only a few bodies smashed a deep pit on the surface of the sea. the vast majority of them stood steadily on the surface of the sea the instant they landed.


    it was as though they had come here many times and had mastered their landing techniques.


    they were all wearing the same attire: gray robe with a hundred pockets, an attire that xu qing had seen in the dao refinement universe.


    it was the distinctive garb of the notorious material procurers.


    among them, there were seven or eight with the strength of a quasi immortal, and others looked to them as leaders.


    as they descended, xu qing remained his usual self, but many of the newly ascended cultivators observed them with solemn expressions.


    the cultivators who were the focus of their gaze, in turn, looked back.


    their gazes swept past xu qing and the others.


    their eyes were sharp and cold, like those of wolves, filled with indifference and cruelty toward life.


    without speaking a word, the leader among them took a step, and the group swiftly flew off toward the distance.


    ¡°young master, they are material procurers¡­ looks like the star we are being guided to is most likely related to gathering materials.¡±


    zhou zhengli spoke in a low voice.


    xu qing nodded.


    the descent wasn¡¯t over.


    after about fifteen minutes, golden light appeared in the sky again.


    there were also dozens of them and they were also wearing hundred pockets attire. after they landed, they immediately headed straight for the distance.


    just like that, as time passed, batches of material procurers arrived one after another.


    they mostly ignored xu qing and the other newbies.


    after xu qing saw their auras many times, he also felt the coldness and greed. moreover, the stronger they were, the heavier the corpse aura and death aura on their bodies.


    the stench of blood on them was the same.


    they seemed to have dealt with corpses and death all year round.


    when night fell and the golden light in the sky dimmed, dozens of golden lights rushed down and transformed into figures on the surface of the sea.


    among them, one emitted an extremely terrifying aura.


    it was an old man, resembling a vulture, whose immortal embryo had already reached the verge of perfection.


    he was only a step away from becoming an immortal!


    after he landed, he was about to leave¡­


    suddenly, among the people behind the old man, a middle-aged cultivator stopped in his tracks. he turned and swept his gaze across xu qing and the others. finally, he looked at¡­ star ring then at qianjun and piyi.


    this person smiled.


    xu qing had seen this person before. he was none other than the quasi immortal cultivator who wanted to recruit qianjun and piyi back then in the dao refinement universe!


    at this moment, the focus of his gaze was on star ring. his pause also caused the other companions beside him to stop one after another.


    after that, he quickly walked a few steps and arrived beside the old man. he then whispered something.


    the old man frowned slightly but still nodded.


    after obtaining the old man¡¯s agreement, the middle-aged cultivator smiled and walked toward star ring.


    ¡°my team has lost several members in battle. we need to replenish, and now i am enlisting the three of you to join my team!¡±

 Chapter 1683 - Chapter 1683: Unexpected Person

    chapter 1683: unexpected person


    editor: atlas studios


    qianjun and piyi¡¯s expressions changed drastically!


    star ring frowned. his gaze was cold as he looked at the person and spoke coldly.


    ¡°scram!¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, a cold wind blew.


    killing intent gathered in all directions.


    star ring¡¯s personality had always been like this. even though he had been killed by xu qing before, he was still the same after his rebirth.


    pride and coldness were already engraved in his soul.


    even though they were also facing a quasi immortal, even though the other party had the advantage in numbers and there was also the old man who was almost at the peak of the quasi immortal realm, the order he cultivated would rather be broken than bent!


    hearing star ring¡¯s reply, the middle-aged cultivator smiled.


    ¡°you have quite a temper.¡±


    a dark glint flashed in his eyes as he turned and bowed to his leader.


    the old man frowned but eventually nodded.


    at the next moment, the aura of the middle-aged cultivator surged dramatically.


    it was as though he had borrowed strength!


    the middle-aged cultivator raised his hand and pressed downward, causing the black sea to surge violently. from the surface, countless black flying insects emerged.


    they were grotesque in appearance and exceedingly hideous, their forms seemingly intangible.


    the sheer number of these creatures was overwhelming, and in an instant, they blanketed the area, rising endlessly from the black sea and rushing toward star ring.


    a cold glint flashed in star ring¡¯s eyes. in the next moment, countless iron chains materialized around him, their clattering echoes reverberating as they whirled into a vortex before abruptly scattering outward.


    the might of order suppressed everything.


    the dao of balance extinguished everything.


    qianjun and piyi also joined the fray, unleashing sword energy that coordinated with star ring¡¯s attacks.


    wherever their divine powers passed, the black insects collapsed rapidly.


    especially under the tempestuous power of star ring¡¯s vortex formed by chains of order, the grotesque black insects seemed fragile and utterly incapable of withstanding the assault.


    they continued to collapse.


    however, these collapsed insects did not completely vanish. instead, they left behind countless black dust particles, resembling fine powder and mist, drifting and spreading in all directions.


    under the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s hand seals and pointed gesture,


    the scattered black dust surged violently. like a tide, it converged entirely upon him, enveloping his entire body layer by layer, until he was completely shrouded in its dark veil.


    his face was the same.


    it was as though his body had been reconstructed.


    in the blink of an eye, the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s features vanished, as if he had donned a mask-like, faceless garment.


    after that, the location of his face distorted and his facial features reappeared at the next instant. however, his appearance had changed drastically.


    he actually looked like star ring!


    regardless of appearance, expression, or even aura and soul, they were exactly the same.


    black ash still gathered on both sides of his head, instantly forming two more heads.


    they looked like qianjun and piyi.


    this scene caused the hearts of those ascenders to sink.


    the middle-aged cultivator, now in his horrifying three-headed, single-bodied form, turned toward star ring and the two, offering them a sinister smile.


    he no longer bothered with star ring and turned to walk toward his companions.


    his companions weren¡¯t surprised at all when they saw this change. clearly, they were used to it. as for their leader, the old man, he didn¡¯t even look and turned to walk into the distance.


    the group of people was leaving just like that.


    at this moment, a bizarre scene appeared.


    the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s walk actually pulled star ring, qianjun, and piyi.


    this caused the three of them¡­ to seem to be controlled and lose control of their bodies as they moved forward at the same time.


    qianjun and piyi¡¯s expressions also became dazed, as though even their souls had been snatched away.


    as for star ring, although he was moving forward, his eyes revealed a sharp glint. with every step he took, cracking sounds echoed from his body, as though his control was continuously slipping away.


    this scene caused the middle-aged cultivator to exclaim softly. his leader, the old man, also turned his head and looked at star ring in deep thought.


    ¡°not bad. take him away.¡±


    the old man calmly spoke.


    as soon as he finished speaking, three of his team members immediately walked out and flew toward star ring.


    seeing this, zhou zhengli fell into deep thought. xie lingzi licked his lips and yuanshan su frowned. as for the other ascenders, all of them were silent with a hint of sharpness in their eyes.


    every cultivator who could ascend from killing had their own pride.


    watching helplessly as their companions were treated like this, even though¡­ with their relationship, they didn¡¯t seem to need to help, they still felt very uncomfortable.


    however, that group of people was clearly stronger. moreover, there were several quasi immortals and there was also that terrifying old man.


    the difference was huge.


    hence, many times, even though there were waves in their hearts, no one walked out at this moment.


    xu qing also felt uncomfortable.


    those two swords were his.


    as for star ring¡­


    xu qing thought about it and felt that something was amiss.


    it would be fine if it was in the outside world, but this was the reception star.


    they were waiting for their duties to be arranged.


    if they were recruited like this, then this so-called reception was too childish.


    ¡®this is abnormal!¡¯


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and stepped forward.


    the moment he landed, his aura erupted. the space-time ordinance enveloped the world and a bell flew out from his forehead.


    the next instant, the bell rang.


    the clanging sound was ethereal and echoed through the world, echoing in the minds of everyone here.


    everyone¡¯s expressions instantly changed.


    whether it was xu qing¡¯s peers or the group of cultivators, their expressions all changed.


    the sound of the bell echoed in their ears like a thunderclap, shaking their spirits, sending shockwaves through their bodies, causing their cultivation to stagnate and rendering all their spells¡­ ineffective!


    at the next instant, many people fell from the air.


    the three cultivators who were rushing toward star ring also trembled. their eyes were filled with horror and they couldn¡¯t continue forward.


    qianjun and piyi trembled at this moment. amidst the ringing of the bell, they showed signs of waking up.


    star ring had already been on the verge of waking up, and now, he instantly woke up under the bell chime!


    the killing intent in his eyes was incomparably intense.


    compared to them, the one who was affected the most was the middle-aged cultivator.


    his three heads instantly collapsed. the body formed by the black ashes also shattered into pieces. endless black ashes scattered in all directions, revealing his true body.


    this true body¡¯s pupils contracted sharply as it suddenly turned to look at xu qing, its expression exceedingly solemn, as though facing a great enemy, while its heart surged with the stormy relief of having narrowly escaped death.


    this was because an iron stick had appeared in front of him at some point in time!


    this iron stick was extremely sharp and emitted a chill that suppressed the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s soul.


    he didn¡¯t know when the iron stick had appeared but he was just a step away from having his forehead pierced by it.


    but now, two fingers clamped the iron stick, stopping its sharpness.


    the person who clamped the iron stick was his leader, the old man who was infinitely close to the peak of the quasi immortal realm!


    the old man slowly turned his head and his gaze landed on xu qing.


    xu qing calmly looked over and spoke.


    ¡°those are my swords and my people.¡±


    there was a deep meaning in the old man¡¯s eyes. after that, he retracted his gaze and looked at the sky before bowing.


    ¡°upper immortal, my team has completed your additional mission arrangements. can we leave now?¡±


    as soon as he spoke, the hearts of everyone in the surroundings stirred and they all raised their heads.


    xu qing also looked at the sky.


    the calm sky rippled. the originally dim sky now had color again.


    those colors were very bright and colorful. moreover, after they appeared, they quickly intertwined, forming patches of multicolored lights.


    amidst the multicolored lights, a figure gradually appeared and walked over.


    this was an ordinary-looking old man.


    he wore a burlap shirt and looked like an old farmer. he also held a rough wooden staff in his hand.


    the wooden staff was covered in cracks, very similar to the wrinkles on his face.


    the moment he appeared, the old man, who was infinitely close to the peak of the quasi immortal realm, immediately lowered his head. everyone in his team was the same.


    the instant he saw this person, li mengtu¡¯s expression changed drastically. his eyes suddenly widened, revealing a hint of disbelief. it was unknown if it was intentional or not, but he cried out involuntarily.


    ¡°master!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s heart trembled.


    he felt a sense of familiarity from this old man.


    it came from the ordinance he had given up on back then!


    the person who came was none other than li mengtu¡¯s master, the immortal of the dao immortal sect in the western starfield!


    poison lord!


    at this moment, the vigilance in xu qing¡¯s heart rose to the extreme.


    he was very clear that this person was definitely not a good person. the ordinance he had given him in the past wasn¡¯t kind either. that ordinance contained the karma of borrowing and returning.


    back then, if he hadn¡¯t comprehended the space-time ordinance, there would probably be endless trouble in the future.


    his dao would have been borrowed.


    this was also the reason why he decisively abandoned it at the time.


    however, no matter what, xu qing didn¡¯t expect to encounter the other party here.


    moreover, from the identity¡­ it was obvious that this poison lord wasn¡¯t just a patroller of the dao immortal sect. he also had other responsibilities!


    ¡°i¡¯m the head of the material procurement division.¡±


    the poison lord calmly looked at the crowd and spoke hoarsely.


    ¡ª new chapter is coming soon ¡ª


    write a review

 Chapter 1684 - Chapter 1684: Open and Hidden

    chapter 1684: open and hidden


    editor: atlas studios


    as the poison lord¡¯s words echoed, his voice transformed into countless multicolored butterflies. these vibrant creatures scattered and materialized into unique jade slips before xu qing and the other newly ascended cultivators.


    they turned into special jade slips.


    with every flutter of their wings, strands of information about the material procurement division flowed into the minds of all present.


    the material procurement division was one of the 324 divisions within the reception universe.


    its primary duty was the preparation and collection of specialized resources for battle. at set intervals, it ventured to designated regions to gather standardized materials.


    once collected, the materials were delivered back to the division, then handed over to the transportation division, which ensured their dispatch to the frontlines.


    due to the ongoing war, every action of the material procurement division prioritized resource collection above all else.


    and the sole material it dealt with was none other than origin essence, the invaluable resource fervently sought by all cultivators at the level of ruler and beyond.


    the demand for origin essence in a battlefield was clearly greater.


    therefore, the methods of collection employed by the material procurement division were vastly different from the fishing-like techniques xu qing had used in the ink yang universe.


    the division¡¯s primary focus lay on the nonhuman races scattered across the entirety of the fifth star ring.


    origin essence was extracted and refined directly from their bloodlines and life forces.


    moreover, the division¡¯s operations extended to the numerous god prisons distributed throughout all heaven¡¯s beyonds.


    these prisons varied greatly in nature¡ªsome belonged to their respective universes, others to the heaven¡¯s beyonds themselves, while a portion were privately owned by influential families and clans.


    the suppressed gods inside were also the source of origin essence refinement.


    after this information appeared in xu qing¡¯s mind, his eyes narrowed. he finally understood why the material procuring teams he had seen earlier were all filled with death aura.


    this was because of killing and refining.


    additionally, their domineering conduct and habitual reliance on such methods naturally led them to be imbued with a pervasive hostility in their daily demeanor.


    this information also told xu qing and the others about the poison lord¡¯s identity.


    because the poison lord had made a great contribution in his early years, his position was not only the guardian of the dao immortal sect in the western starfield of the immortal capital but also the head of the material procurement division.


    after merging the information into the butterflies, allowing everyone to have a certain understanding of the material procurement division, the poison lord, who was in the air, calmly spoke to the team that had a conflict with xu qing and the others.


    ¡°all of you, go and hand over your origin essence.¡±


    when the old man who was almost at the peak of the quasi immortal realm heard this, he and the cultivators in his team bowed and rose into the air, leaving this place.


    before leaving, the middle-aged cultivator who had narrowly avoided having his forehead pierced by xu qing¡¯s iron stick turned back and gave xu qing a long, piercing look.


    that gaze held lingering fear but also a tinge of resentment.


    xu qing noticed it, and his expression turned icy as he silently committed the man¡¯s face to memory.


    after they left, only xu qing and the others were left on the black jelly sea. moreover, after all of them digested the information about the material procurement division, their expressions became solemn.


    although xu qing was vigilant and li mengtu was also apprehensive, the others didn¡¯t have any previous interactions with the poison lord. hence, in their eyes, he was an immortal and their future superior.


    regardless of cultivation or status, they had to treat him respectfully.


    after all, in the fifth star ring, disrespecting immortals was one of the serious crimes.


    ¡°from now on¡­¡±


    the poison lord slowly spoke. after saying these words, he didn¡¯t continue but paused.


    his gaze swept across everyone below with an inexplicable pressure.


    he spared not even a glance for his disciple, li mengtu, nor did he pay any more attention to xu qing.


    it was as though he didn¡¯t care about what had happened in the past.


    even the provocation arranged previously seemed to be only a normal assessment.


    under his gaze, everyone instinctively lowered their heads.


    a long time later, the hoarse voice of the poison lord rang out again.


    ¡°you new ascenders have the responsibility of gathering materials for the war. since you¡¯re of the same batch, you can form your own material procuring team.¡±


    ¡°as for the captain¡­¡±


    the poison lord looked at xu qing, then at star ring. finally, he looked at yuanshan su and¡­ zhou zhengli.


    among the four of them, two were quasi immortals and one had the combat strength of a quasi immortal. as for zhou zhengli¡­


    when the gaze landed on him, zhou zhengli¡¯s face immediately filled with dread. he stepped back hastily, his stance making it clear he had no intention of vying for the position.


    star ring, on the other hand, remained calm and composed. he had already discerned the underlying intent of the situation. everything that had occurred earlier was, in essence, a test. however, beneath the surface, there was an unmistakable attempt at division.


    yet, xu qing¡¯s intervention disrupted this division, rendering it unsuccessful.


    one could imagine that if the division had succeeded, they wouldn¡¯t have been put into one team.


    they would have been divided into two or even more teams.


    xu qing¡¯s help was something star ring hadn¡¯t expected. hence, after a moment of silence, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°i¡¯m not interested in the role of captain.¡±


    almost at the same time that star ring spoke, yuanshan su silently took a step back.


    her personality in the past was different from now. after experiencing everything on the trip to the aurora immortal palace, she had instinctive reverence for xu qing.


    on one hand, she had seen xu qing¡¯s methods. on the other hand¡­ as someone who had stayed in that realm until the end before dissipating, she had obtained much more information than everyone else.


    she also guessed a little.


    for example, the identity of the aurora immortal lord, the fact that¡­ the young lord wasn¡¯t dead, or the fact that¡­ the person whose identity she had possessed was still alive!


    all of this caused her to have many thoughts after she left the aurora immortal palace.


    right now, she naturally wasn¡¯t willing to take the position of the team¡¯s captain.


    the poison lord was expressionless as his gaze landed on xu qing.


    ¡°xu qing.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression was solemn. he raised his head and bowed to the poison lord.


    the more he understood the potential malice of the other party, the more careful he had to be. he couldn¡¯t afford to show any flaws that could be exploited¡ªsuch as being disrespectful to an immortal.


    ¡°i hereby appoint you as the leader of this team. proceed immediately to the designated location to gather the required materials. your mission will last¡­ five months!¡±


    with that, the poison lord raised his hand and a storage ring flew out, floating in front of xu qing.


    ¡°within it, you will find the uniform of material procurers, your official identifications, and the details of your upcoming mission.¡±


    ¡°and now, the others will wait outside the reception universe. xu qing, you stay behind.¡±


    as he spoke, the poison lord flicked his sleeve and the world instantly rumbled. everything became blurry, as though the world had changed. in an instant, everyone here other than xu qing disappeared.


    they were directly teleported out of this star by this monstrous power.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed imperceptibly but his expression was still normal. he stood there and remained respectful.


    between him and the poison lord, one was on the sea and the other was in the sky.


    the atmosphere fell into dead silence.


    both sides remained silent.


    after a long time, the poison lord took a step forward. his figure distorted and he appeared in front of xu qing.


    having an immortal with ill intentions standing before him was a huge pressure for xu qing.


    especially when he could vaguely sense that this immortal in front of him was definitely not ordinary. even among the lower immortals, he should be among the top.


    with just a thought, such an existence could destroy his body and soul.


    fortunately¡­ this was the reception universe, nine shores heaven¡¯s beyond, and this was the fifth star ring.


    if xu qing didn¡¯t make any mistakes, these would be his protective amulets.


    hence, the attitude xu qing displayed was still respectful.


    ¡°you are clearly extremely vigilant and uneasy, but you don¡¯t reveal it at all¡­¡±


    ¡°xu qing, although this is the first time i¡¯ve seen you, you really surprised me.¡±


    the poison lord slowly spoke.


    ¡°thank you for your recognition, immortal. i¡¯m honored to receive your praise.¡±


    xu qing replied in a low voice.


    when the poison lord heard this, his gaze was filled with deep meaning. he then walked forward.


    xu qing silently followed behind and walked on the black sea.


    a gust of wind blew over, and the surface of the sea rose and fell.


    a long time later, the poison lord¡¯s voice echoed.


    ¡°xu qing, i once wanted to borrow your dao to break through to the immortal realm and step into the immortal lord realm.¡±


    xu qing remained silent.


    ¡°there has been no new immortal lord since the death of the aurora immortal lord.¡±


    ¡°and yet, the pace of the war is accelerating, its momentum steadily growing¡­¡±


    the poison lord¡¯s voice drifted away, revealing helplessness and a hint of sigh.


    ¡°the key reason lies in the fourth star ring, where, in recent years, a new lord god has emerged!¡±


    ¡°their overall strength has now reached the threshold for igniting a life-and-death battle between the star rings!¡±


    ¡°at such a time, xu qing, do you understand? if the fifth star ring were to gain one more immortal lord, it would be a matter of monumental significance for everyone!¡±


    ¡°and me¡­¡±


    the poison lord stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°in the entire fifth star ring, i am the one with the highest chance of breaking through the immortal realm and becoming one of the immortal lords!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression turned solemn as he bowed again.


    ¡°i wish you an early breakthrough to immortal lord!¡±


    poison lord turned his head and glanced at xu qing.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was sincere.


    after a long time, the poison lord shook his head and smiled again.


    ¡°although i didn¡¯t manage to borrow it, you can be considered fated with me¡­¡±


    ¡°today, i¡¯ll assign a special job for you alone.¡±


    ¡°many years ago, the nine shores immortal lord tasked the material procurement division with finding a piece of mystical nine-colored ice capable of extinguishing a lord god¡¯s flame. this mission has always been under my charge and has not been passed on to anyone else.¡±


    ¡°today, i entrust it to you. would you be willing to take on this search?¡±


    the poison lord calmly spoke as he looked into xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    he wanted to see if xu qing could understand the meaning in his words.


    when xu qing heard this, a strange glint appeared in his eyes. he looked at the poison lord in front of him and thoughts rose in his mind.


    he could tell the meaning behind these words.


    this was giving him benefits!


    there was tacit approval for the collection of origin essence. after meeting the material procurement division¡¯s required quantity, any surplus could be kept for personal use. as long as it was done cleverly and without being overly greedy, no one would challenge such an action.


    moreover, with the immortal lord¡¯s task¡ªespecially the order from the ruling nine shores immortal lord¡ªit became an unparalleled excuse, a prestigious token that could be used as a justification for anything!


    with this pretext¡­ and with the identity of a material procurer, in theory, he could do whatever he wanted and plunder as he pleased.


    anything could be justified with a simple statement: claiming that the place contained the nine-colored ice required by the immortal lord.


    that was enough.


    with those extra origin essence, he could speed up his cultivation!


    however, at the same time, it was also a double-edged sword!


    this was because the drawbacks were also extremely serious.


    that was, he would be controlled!


    the poison lord could punish him anytime and anywhere for not being able to find this item.


    therefore, once he accepted it, it was equivalent to letting others control him.


    this was an open scheme and also a conspiracy.


    if he understood, it would be an open scheme.


    if he didn¡¯t understand, it was a conspiracy.


    xu qing fell silent.


    ¡ª new chapter is coming soon ¡ª


    write a review

 Chapter 1685 - Chapter 1685: Aurora Heavens Beyond

    chapter 1685: aurora heaven¡¯s beyond


    editor: atlas studios


    this was a poisonous immortal fruit!


    xu qing raised his head and looked at the poison lord. after a long time, he bowed.


    ¡°i accept!¡±


    he wanted this poisonous fruit!


    the poison lord wasn¡¯t surprised.


    in his judgment, xu qing was someone much like himself.


    in order to become stronger, in order to break through, in order to walk higher, they could ask a tiger for its skin!


    to xu qing, the poison lord was the tiger.


    but from the poison lord¡¯s perspective, xu qing bore his own tiger skin as well¡ªafter all, this was someone the venerable immortal had personally cautioned against involving in karmic entanglements.


    ¡®however, this is more interesting.¡¯


    the poison lord smiled and waved his sleeve as he walked forward.


    his figure gradually blurred, as though it had fused with the world. finally, he disappeared.


    only his voice echoed in the world.


    ¡°xu qing, do your best.¡±


    as he left, the world returned to normal. a wisp of golden starlight floated over from the sky and landed on xu qing¡¯s body, forming a pull that caused xu qing¡¯s body to rise into the air.


    he rose into the sky and was about to be sent out of the star where the material procurement division was located.


    xu qing didn¡¯t reject it and allowed the starlight to guide him. as he rose into the air, this star became smaller and smaller in his eyes. his thoughts grew larger and larger.


    although the immortal fruit was poisonous, its flesh was extremely delicious.


    the pros and cons were incomparably clear.


    moreover, xu qing didn¡¯t think that if he didn¡¯t eat this immortal fruit, the other party would really put away all his ill intentions.


    such intent was deeply tied to the poison lord¡¯s aspirations for advancement; future confrontations seemed inevitable.


    thus, rather than pinning his hopes on the slim chance of the poison lord abandoning his schemes, xu qing preferred to seize control of the situation himself.


    especially since he was very clear that what he lacked now was time and resources for cultivation.


    he desperately needed this pretext to bolster his cultivation.


    since that was the case, rather than dwelling on the potential repercussions of the poison manifesting in the future, he might as well consume it now to accelerate his growth.


    it was akin to his choice back in the city where the fragmented-face opened its eyes¡ªwhen he had yet to embark on the path of cultivation. back then, despite knowing that cultivating would hasten the accumulation of anomalous substances, he still resolutely chose to cultivate.


    his mentality was exactly the same.


    to a certain extent, the poison lord¡¯s judgment was correct.


    xu qing and him were indeed the same type of people in this aspect.


    ¡°as for the poison acting up, it¡¯s not impossible to neutralize it¡­¡±


    xu qing squinted, his eyes narrowing as the stars reflected within them grew smaller. the vastness of the reception universe gradually receded from his gaze, shrinking into clarity. finally, when the entirety of the reception universe revealed its full appearance before him, he was already carried away by the guiding starlight.


    when he reappeared, he was in the starry sky and outside the reception universe. he saw star ring and other ascenders.


    they were waiting.


    the instant they saw xu qing¡¯s figure and their gazes gathered over, xu qing paused in the starry sky.


    after that, he waved his hand and the storage ring that the poison lord had given him opened in front of him. the identification items of material procurers flew out one after another.


    they were gray jade slips.


    each cultivator took one, immersing their divine sense into it. with a burst of light, their forms shimmered and transformed, each donning the distinctive gray hundred pockets robe.


    xu qing¡¯s figure also blurred briefly, and when it became clear again, he was clad in his own hundred pockets robe.


    from a distance, the uniform attire of the 89 cultivators created a striking visual unity. together, they radiated an unspoken aura of authority.


    zhou zhengli¡¯s expression was solemn. he took a step forward and bowed to xu qing, transmitting his divine sense.


    ¡°greetings, captain!¡±


    regardless of what they thought inside, the other ascenders bowed as well.


    it was the same for yuanshan su. qianjun and piyi hesitated and were about to greet when they realized that star ring didn¡¯t move. the two brothers also became arrogant.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze swept across the assembled cultivators. he paid little attention to their unified attire and instead focused on retrieving the mission jade slip.


    they had received their first mission as material procurers. the place they were arranged to be was called the chaotic sky universe.


    they had to go there to gather supplies!


    however, this chaotic universe was somewhat special.


    it wasn¡¯t in the nine shores heaven!


    the location was another heaven¡¯s beyond in the past.


    moreover, he wasn¡¯t among the 11 immortal lords!


    to be precise, that heaven¡¯s beyond had become an ownerless realm because of the death of its immortal lord¡­


    as for the name of heaven¡¯s beyond, it had also been erased.


    xu qing¡¯s heart stirred when he saw this scene on the mission jade slip.


    it wasn¡¯t just him. among these ascenders, the former stars like star ring also had strange expressions.


    this was because in the entire fifth star ring, there was only one place that fulfilled these conditions¡­


    that was the former aurora heaven¡¯s beyond!


    hence, li mengtu and zhou zhengli instinctively looked at xu qing. even qianjun, piyi, yuanshan su, and star ring¡­ couldn¡¯t help but look at xu qing.


    it was really because of everything they had experienced in the aurora immortal palace in history and xu qing¡¯s identity as the young lord of the aurora immortal palace.


    it left an extremely deep impression on them.


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and continued to check the mission jade slip.


    the jade slip detailed that traveling to the chaotic sky universe required the mission slip to access the designated teleportation site for transfer.


    it explained that this particular heaven¡¯s beyond was an abandoned realm, having lost its ruling master. as a result, it had become a shared and contested space. the local nonhuman races, shaped by this historical vacuum, had developed defiant attitudes and behaviors.


    after all, there was an absence of direct dominion over them.


    furthermore, with other heaven¡¯s beyond forces intruding over time, the realm had fragmented, giving rise to factions backed by various powers.


    in essence, compared to other heaven¡¯s beyonds, the chaotic sky universe resembled a chaotic frontier¡ªa lawless haven akin to the unruly wilderness, where hidden depths and unseen dangers loomed large.


    it had many nonhuman races with complicated power structures. at the same time, it also had the highest number of god prisons among all of heaven¡¯s beyonds.


    after all, the aurora immortal lord back then could be said to have the peak combat strength among all immortal lords.


    as for this trip to the chaotic sky universe, the jade slip also introduced it. this universe was located at the edge of this heaven¡¯s beyond. it was managed by the chaotic sky royal family and there were 31 god prisons.


    among these 31 prisons, the largest was prison a29, which primarily detained divine platform gods.


    once the jade slip¡¯s information was fully transmitted to the group, xu qing put it away. his sharp gaze swept across the crowd before him, noting their reactions and composure. without a word, his figure flickered. following the jade slip¡¯s guidance, he began moving swiftly toward the nearest teleportation site.


    zhou zhengli and li mengtu looked at each other and immediately followed behind.


    the others also had strange gazes as they moved forward together.


    just like that, their group transformed into 89 rainbows that sped through the starry sky.


    their speed was extremely fast, causing most of the cultivators who passed by to frown when they noticed them. they moved aside and circled around them.


    clearly, the material procurers were infamous. they were like beasts. if they could avoid provoking him, they would be unwilling to come into contact with him.


    just like that, half a month later.


    in the nine shores heaven, on a teleportation platform built on an ancient star, xu qing and the others landed one after another. as xu qing took out the mission jade slip, the teleportation platform rumbled.


    at the next instant, the power of teleportation erupted, and vast might formed rings of ripples that spread in all directions.


    everyone, including xu qing disappeared from the teleportation platform.


    this teleportation took a full five days to end.


    when they reappeared, they were already in an unfamiliar starry sky, on a red stone platform that was filled with cracks and was filled with an ancient feeling.


    this stone platform emitted a high temperature and was rapidly cooling down.


    clearly, teleportation between heaven¡¯s beyonds consumed a lot of energy for teleportation arrays.


    this unprecedented teleportation also had extremely high requirements for cultivators. if their cultivation was insufficient, they might even be destroyed in this teleportation. moreover, there couldn¡¯t be any flaws in their minds. otherwise, they would lose themselves in the special state of teleportation and be destroyed.


    the moment they appeared, dozens of people spat out blood and immediately sat cross-legged to recuperate.


    there were also some who had dazed expressions and their souls seemed to be in turmoil.


    even xu qing and star ring felt uncomfortable.


    fortunately, those who could ascend were all people who had trained comprehensively. in the outside world, their cultivation and mind were top-tier among their peers.


    hence, even though the teleportation affected them, they gradually recovered and spread out their divine senses one after another to observe their surroundings.


    there wasn¡¯t much light in the starry sky here.


    the starlight here was dim.


    moreover, the spirit energy was much thinner.


    this was a desolate land.


    ¡°this place is the chaotic sky universe.¡±


    xu qing stood on the stone platform and looked into the distance. after that, he glanced at zhou zhengli.


    zhou zhengli instantly understood. he stepped forward and bowed to xu qing before speaking.


    ¡°young master, this mission and the standards for the origin essence have been made clear to everyone.¡±


    ¡°i suggest that we all spread out.¡±


    ¡°regardless of the methods employed, we¡¯ll return with our respective shares at the end.¡±


    ¡°should we encounter obstacles along the way, we can seek assistance nearby by offering a portion of the origin essence as payment.¡±


    ¡°of course, if a situation arises that cannot be resolved, we will have to trouble you, young master. however, in such cases, it goes without saying that the amount of origin essence provided must be sufficient to justify your intervention.¡±


    ¡°young master, what do you think?¡±


    zhou zhengli looked at xu qing.


    xu qing nodded, showing no objection. he had no interest in micromanaging the group and understood that everyone had their own needs for source essence, making personal motives inevitable.


    since that was the case, it was better to let them search and collect on their own terms.


    ¡°i¡¯ll be in charge of prison a29. you guys can negotiate among yourselves for the other places.¡±


    after xu qing finished speaking, his body swayed and he headed straight for the distant starry sky.


    the a29 he went to was the largest god prison in the chaotic sky universe.


    after he left, everyone looked at each other and transmitted their voices to each other. some chose to move alone, and some chose to stay in groups of three to five. very soon, they spread out like locusts and rushed into different places.


    at the same time, in the depths of the chaotic sky universe, in a star system, an extremely luxurious huge palace floated.


    singing and dancing filled the palace.


    seated on a resplendent throne at the center of the palace was a colossal figure, its body entirely crimson, with two faces¡ªone on the front and one on the back. resting its head on a single hand, the giant appeared lost in contemplation.


    suddenly, a jade slip streaked through the void outside the palace, entering with a sharp whistle and shattering in front of the giant with a resounding crack. from the fragmented jade, a spectral image emerged, bowing low in utter submission before the double-faced giant.


    ¡°king, there¡¯s a team from nine coasts¡¯ heaven¡¯s beyond that has barged into my chaotic sky universe!¡±


    the double-faced giant¡¯s expression remained indifferent as its gaze lingered on the dancers below, the vibrant performances seemingly holding its interest. after a long pause, it finally spoke, its deep voice carrying an air of casual authority.


    ¡°as usual, arrange for some origin essence and let them find it. if this pack of stray dogs knows their place, they¡¯ll gnaw on the bones and leave quietly.¡±


    ¡°but if they fail to recognize the rules of the game, we can always remind them who truly rules the chaotic sky universe.¡±

 Chapter 1686 - Chapter 1686: Divine Food

    chapter 1686: divine food


    editor: atlas studios


    in the vast expanse of the starry sky, xu qing streaked forward like a shooting star.


    wherever he passed, he would stir ripples in the surrounding space, distorting the starlight.


    this was not only a natural reaction brought about by the cultivation base but also the power contained in the immortal embryo.


    to a certain extent, it was already similar to gods.


    this was inevitable after cultivating to a certain extent.


    weakness could take countless forms, but the ultimate expression of power was always singular¡ªan absolute unity.


    at this moment, with his direction firmly set, xu qing refrained from unleashing his speed to its full extent.


    while he sensed his immortal embryo, he also sensed this universe and this heaven¡¯s beyond.


    ¡°although everything that happened in the immortal¡¯s fall land is a mirror image of history, but¡­¡±


    ¡°the master recognition by qianjun and piyi continued into the main world. li mengtu¡¯s poison ordinance also has a portion of the source¡­ also, the clay fox materialized the hundred flowers palace outside the ink land.¡±


    ¡°all of this indicates that the experiences within the mirrored history are not without consequence. they subtly leave traces in the present, though faint and not deeply entrenched.¡±


    ¡°however, in the mirrored history, i have already obtained the authority of the aurora immortal palace!¡±


    ¡°in the heaven¡¯s beyond, the immortal palace is the center and a supreme existence. what appeared in the land of immortal¡¯s fall was merely its projection amidst the ebb and flow of spiritual tides. as for the true location of the immortal palace, it is highly likely still within this heaven¡¯s beyond.¡±


    ¡°then, with the authority of my immortal palace, in heaven¡¯s beyond¡­¡±


    a strange glint appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. this was what he was most curious about now.


    hence, on the way, he also tried to spread out his divine sense and perception.


    however, it was a pity. perhaps it was because too much time had passed, or perhaps the immortal palace was silent.


    hence, xu qing didn¡¯t gain anything.


    after a long time, he sighed inwardly and temporarily gave up, speeding up.


    his target was prison a29.


    that was the largest god prison in the entire chaotic sky universe. at the same time, it was also the mine with the most origin essence on the surface.


    as the captain of the team, he could naturally take the most delicious slice of cake first.


    as for his so-called subordinates,x xu qing didn¡¯t care about their lives.


    xu qing also didn¡¯t care about how they obtained origin essence in the chaotic sky universe, whether they collected it from other prisons or from the nonhuman races.


    even if those people encountered obstacles during the harvesting process or had conflicts with the nonhuman races here, there would naturally be others who would deal with them in order to obtain more origin essence.


    unless they encountered an extreme situation, xu qing didn¡¯t plan to interfere.


    his goal was incomparably clear.


    ¡°absorb the origin essence and advance the immortal embryo!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. his thoughts were firm and his speed was even faster. during this time, he also borrowed the help of the teleportation array here many times. ten days later, he crossed half of the chaotic sky universe and appeared at his destination!


    this was a red starry sky!


    the redness did not originate from starlight but rather emanated from an enormous, awe-inspiring red seaweed. it spanned an expanse so vast that it could only be described as boundless.


    it had nineteen leaves!


    each leaf was long enough to encircle an entire star.


    at the junction of these nineteen leaves, where the seaweed¡¯s roots converged, a dense network of fine tendrils extended.


    these tendrils coiled around an exceptionally massive sun, penetrating its blazing surface and delving deep within. they continuously siphoned energy and nutrients, sustaining the seaweed¡¯s existence.


    looking at the seaweed in front of him, xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    ¡°such a cosmic plant¡­ i wonder if my heavenly vine will be able to grow to this extent in the future.¡±


    xu qing sensed his pagoda. the divine vine that had fused with this pagoda was still sleeping. however, according to its aura, it wasn¡¯t far from awakening.


    xu qing retracted his perception and looked at the seaweed in front of him.


    he clearly saw that on each of the nineteen enormous leaves of the seaweed, there were numerous spots of varying sizes.


    ¡°every speck is a minor world and also a prison!¡±


    ¡°and the largest prison is in that sun.¡±


    almost at the same time that xu qing was observing, the red light of this seaweed flickered. after that, a terrifying divine sense spread out from the seaweed.


    it locked onto xu qing.


    that terrifying sensation made xu qing feel as though he was facing an immortal.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed. he knew that other than being a prison, this seaweed also shouldered the mission of suppression.


    he took out his material procurer token and the mission jade slip and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°i¡¯m here on the orders of the nine shores heaven to collect origin essence!¡±


    the seaweed¡¯s divine sense instantly enveloped xu qing and swept across his identity token and mission jade slip.


    after a moment, as if having confirmed something, the seaweed¡¯s divine sense lazily withdrew, lifting one of the leaves and slowly bringing it to rest in front of xu qing.


    glancing at the leaf, then at the sun enveloped by the seaweed¡¯s roots, xu qing pondered for a moment before stepping forward, heading straight for the leaf.


    locking onto a particular spot on the leaf, he rapidly approached it.


    in xu qing¡¯s eyes, the spot grew larger and larger, eventually transforming into an entire world. he traversed through the void and pierced through barriers, descending amidst a cacophony of roaring sounds.


    he landed on a black land.


    this place was filled with decay and death, and it seemed to be endless.


    there was no wind in the surroundings, no spiritual energy, and no anomalous substances. it was desolate and dead silent.


    xu qing looked at his surroundings and then at the ground. he lifted his foot and stomped down fiercely while saying lightly.


    ¡°wake up!¡±


    as xu qing¡¯s foot touched the ground, a rumble spread across the earth. winds stirred, spiritual energy surged, and traces of anomalous substances arose, unleashing a storm.


    the tempest erupted from the ground, sweeping in all directions. black soil was lifted and scattered across the skies, instantly engulfing xu qing¡¯s figure.


    had someone been observing from above, from a vantage point high in the sky, they would have seen it clearly¡ª a deep scar appeared on the earth below. starting from this mark, the soil surged like ocean waves, rolling outward in a single direction.


    and then, an enormous, bloodshot eye emerged from the earth.


    it opened!


    buried beneath the black soil was a sleeping eye, and xu qing¡¯s arrival had forced it to awaken.


    hence, a storm rose and xu qing remained motionless in the storm. the place he was standing at was above the pupil of the colossal eye!


    it stared at xu qing, revealing coldness, devoid of joy or sorrow.


    ¡°lower race, slave.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s expression remained calm.


    this was an eye of a flawlessness god.


    ¡°the so-called flawlessness is only relative.¡±


    xu qing looked at the god¡¯s eye under his feet and calmly spoke.


    not long ago, xu qing had encountered similar god eyes in wanggu.


    each time he laid eyes on them, his entire body would tremble, his mind would roar, and a dense aura of anomalous substances would surge within him. under their gaze, it felt as though every part of his flesh and blood sought to separate, as if striving to exist independently from his body.


    that was caused by the difference in life level.


    but now, he calmly stared at it and was unaffected.


    the god¡¯s eye gradually distorted and blurred. more and more blood vessels appeared across it.


    not to mention that the current it was no longer the same as before, even if it had returned to its peak now, it could not do anything to the current xu qing.


    xu qing raised his right hand and the token that represented his status as a material procurer flew out.


    this token was both an identity qualification and a special item to collect origin essence.


    xu qing held this token and pressed it in the air.


    the distortion of the god¡¯s eye became even more intense. one could faintly hear a low roar that towered into the sky.


    waves of golden origin essence were emitted from the eye.


    every bit of retraction caused the god¡¯s eye to feel incomparable pain.


    after a long time, when 49 fine threads were extracted, the god¡¯s eye had already turned gray. it seemed to have reached its limit and was slowly about to close and fall into a deep sleep.


    however, xu qing frowned.


    ¡°there are too few.¡±


    the origin essence in front of him was only the size of a baby¡¯s fist.


    moreover, in terms of purity, it was far inferior to what was produced in ink land. hence, he would naturally need more of it.


    a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he didn¡¯t put away the identity token. instead, he ruthlessly pressed down from the suspended state earlier and directly pressed the token on the divine eye that was about to close.


    it touched the eye!


    at the next instant, the god¡¯s eye widened. for the first time, its expression revealed a different fluctuation.


    that was the fear that all intelligent lifeforms had of death!


    however, this fear didn¡¯t exist for long. as xu qing spared no expense to extract the origin essence, more golden threads instantly erupted from the eye.


    this was no longer extracting origin essence. this was extracting its life!


    hence, the roar turned into a wail. not long later, the wail also stopped abruptly. the god¡¯s eye turned into ashes, its body and soul destroyed.


    and its death also contributed more origin essence.


    looking at the origin essence in front of him, xu qing could feel the clay fox mark on his arm trembling.


    hence, xu qing scattered some of the origin essence he extracted and sent it to the mark.


    ¡°do you want it?¡±


    the clay fox¡¯s trembling stopped. at the next instant, the mark emitted a suction force and the origin essence instantly fused into it. after that, a soft voice rang out in xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°thank you, young master. you¡¯re the best.¡±


    xu qing remained calm as he also began to absorb the origin essence.


    as the origin essence fused into his body, his immortal embryo instantly shone and his aura continued to rise. a while later, a sharp glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes as he licked his lips.


    ¡°too little, i need more¡­¡±


    as he spoke, his body swayed and he sped toward the next minor world where the gods were imprisoned!


    just like that, time flowed by.


    xu qing¡¯s figure appeared in the minor worlds on this leaf. the gods were sacrificed for their origin essence.


    this caused xu qing¡¯s immortal embryo to shine even more brightly.


    for xu qing, keeping these gods for the future wasn¡¯t the best choice.


    there was no rule in the mission jade slip that said the gods had to be kept alive.


    hence, his harvesting became increasingly thorough.


    at the same time, the other ascenders also used their own methods to do their best to collect origin essence in different places.


    part of it was for missions, but most of it¡­ was for their own cultivation!


    from a different perspective, one might indeed see them as nothing more than jackals.

 Chapter 1687 - Chapter 1687: Embezzlement

    chapter 1687: embezzlement


    editor: atlas studios


    their standpoints were different, so their mentality and actions were naturally different.


    it couldn¡¯t be simply divided into good and evil.


    this was because good and evil would only happen between people of the same race most of the time.


    hence, the nonhuman races could feel hatred, anger, and helplessness. after all, their ancestors were once gods. if there hadn¡¯t been the change to immortal in the fifth star ring, they would be the orthodox ones now.


    the human race was just a slave race that could be exploited however they wanted.


    but now, the gods had been slaughtered, reared, and imprisoned. these nonhuman races had also become meat on the chopping block.


    to a certain extent, it was like a cycle of reincarnation.


    right or wrong became irrelevant; what truly mattered was that¡ªbe they immortals or gods¡ªtheir stances inherently dictated everything.


    the weak were destined to be devoured by the strong.


    those who fell behind lost the right to stand as equals.


    thus, cultivators were not becoming the gods of old; rather, this was the very law of existence for the upper star rings and for all beings within creation.


    one could not demand that the victim remain perpetually victimized, nor expect the aggressor to forever act as the aggressor.


    ultimately, it was a cycle.


    xu qing had already understood these principles when he was in wanggu.


    after coming to the fifth star ring, the things he experienced and the way they dealt with the gods here made him understand this law even more.


    for example, the persistence of those remnant thoughts in the immortal heroes tomb.


    this was actually the entire fifth star ring¡¯s attitude toward gods and nonhuman races.


    xu qing agreed with this.


    however, he had his own judgment. among the many cold gods, there were some gods who were more human than humans.


    however, this didn¡¯t include the gods in this prison.


    xu qing lacked the benevolence to delve deeply into each of them, evaluating and choosing selectively.


    thus, when it came to draining the pond for fish, his heart remained utterly unshaken. at this moment, he had arrived at the final spot of a world on that leaf.


    the environment here was a vast, viscous black sea.


    its surface lay calm, yet devoid of any sense of peace. from the stench of the seawater emanated a thick, oppressive anomalous substance that permeated the surroundings, seeking to influence everything in its reach.


    beneath the sea, a massive head lay buried.


    shaped like a bird¡¯s, it was covered with long tendrils and constantly secreted a viscous fluid.


    over time, this fluid had given birth to the black sea itself.


    the moment xu qing descended, the anomalous substances surged wildly between the sky and sea. the tranquil surface erupted into towering waves, while the colossal head beneath trembled violently, and its eyes suddenly snapped open.


    the golden light penetrated the sea and looked at the sky.


    a strange, mind-shaking sound echoed through the air, piercing directly into xu qing¡¯s ears. in an instant, it transformed into countless alien thoughts, foreign to him, sprouting uncontrollably in his mind.


    in the next moment, these intangible thoughts began to take shape, manifesting as black, mucus-secreting threads that sought to entwine his brain.


    simultaneously, the surrounding anomalous substances erupted into a violent storm, surging toward xu qing from all directions.


    the waves of the sea grew larger, and the entire world seemed to invert.


    the sea ascended to become the heavens above, while the sky descended to replace the ground below.


    with this reversal, the black sea surged downward like a torrential downpour.


    this included the head inside. with the help of the reversal power, it broke out of the sea!


    at the next instant, the world blurred and rumbled, covering everything.


    a few breaths later, a dense immortal energy erupted from this blur, transforming into a rumbling sound. it was earth-shattering and destructive. as it spread layer by layer, it forcefully drove everything in the surroundings away.


    it returned the clarity of the world.


    the anomalous substances melted in the immortal energy and the viscous sea vaporized, revealing xu qing¡¯s figure.


    he raised his right hand and grabbed a god¡¯s head that was much larger than his body.


    his five fingers exerted force and pierced into the flesh.


    the difference in size between the two sides was clearly huge from the perspective of the eyes, but the one who was afraid was the huge head!


    it was trembling!


    traces of golden origin essence were being extracted from it and fused into the jade slip in xu qing¡¯s palm.


    a long time later, a heart-rending voice rang out.


    the god¡¯s head trembled and turned gray, turning into dust that dissipated into the world.


    in the air, xu qing stood there alone. his gaze was cold as he stared in all directions.


    ¡°the seal here is about to be worn down¡­ this is why this god can take the initiative to attack.¡±


    ¡°however, this seal doesn¡¯t seem to be worn down by it. it¡¯s more like there are other existences that helped it wear down most of the seal first, giving it a chance to continue wearing it down. what these other beings are waiting for is for it to break out of prison.¡±


    ¡°then, is this the action of the nonhuman races outside, or¡­ is the prison itself embezzling?¡±


    xu qing pondered deeply. having served as a warden before, he was well acquainted with the petty scheming and underhanded dealings that often took place in such environments.


    as he pondered, xu qing narrowed his eyes. with a sway of his body, he left this world and appeared in the starry sky, looking at the red seaweed.


    he carefully observed the other leaves.


    the seaweed swayed.


    after a while, xu qing suddenly spoke.


    ¡°on the other leaves, more than half of the gods imprisoned should have died. they were¡­ devoured by you!¡±


    as soon as the sound rang out, the swaying speed of the seaweed suddenly sped up. all the leaves spread out and slowly approached xu qing from all directions.


    xu qing was unmoved and continued to speak.


    ¡°that leaf you provided earlier was likely something you deliberately set aside, making it convenient to account for when someone came to collect, all while concealing your own acts of embezzlement. am i correct in my assessment?¡±


    the terrifying will became sharp at this moment and an astonishing pressure spread out.


    cracking sounds rang out from the surrounding starry sky as strange marks appeared in all directions, sealing this place.


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and spoke again.


    ¡°young lord aurora has a good relationship with me. you can sense my aura and my authority over the aurora immortal palace.¡±


    ¡°the nine shores immortal lord attaches great importance to me. you should be able to sense the aura on this item.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯m the number one ascender in this batch. if i die here, you won¡¯t be able to escape.¡±


    xu qing took out a wooden token. this item was the guide item for the ferry on the god blood river.


    the seaweed paused. at the next moment, the terrifying will contained in it instantly arrived and enveloped the wooden token xu qing took out. after that, this will clearly fluctuated.


    immediately after, this will moved away from the wooden token and enveloped xu qing.


    it was as though it was checking at a deeper level.


    xu qing¡¯s expression remained calm.


    after the trip to the mirror image of the aurora immortal palace ended, it stood to reason that since others experienced continuation in the present world, there was no reason he wouldn¡¯t have the same.


    although in this heaven¡¯s beyond, xu qing had previously been unable to sense it, he deduced that this was due to the true aurora immortal palace remaining concealed.


    his inability to sense it didn¡¯t necessarily mean that this colossal seaweed, which thrived in this heaven¡¯s beyond, couldn¡¯t detect it.


    hence, he was trying to use an indirect method to prove his identity!


    it was fine even if he failed. the nine shores immortal lord and the title of number one ascender were enough to save his life.


    hence, xu qing allowed the other party¡¯s will to check.


    a long time later, when he sensed that there were even greater fluctuations in the will of the seaweed and even the seaweed itself was trembling, xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    he knew that his guess was correct!


    the seaweed¡¯s aura became chaotic as it trembled, as though it had fallen into a decision.


    under this deep inspection, it indeed sensed that the authority of the aurora immortal palace was hidden in this human¡¯s body. moreover, there was a huge karma.


    this authority made it wary.


    after all, it belonged to the aurora immortal palace!


    although aurora heaven¡¯s beyond had lost its master, its identity was still there!


    however, its actions were already a serious crime, so it was in a dilemma now¡­


    at that moment, xu qing¡¯s voice echoed again.


    ¡°you¡¯ve suppressed these god prisons for countless years. it¡¯s normal for you to eat something when you are hungry occasionally.¡±


    the seaweed paused.


    ¡°even though you almost finished eating all of them, you still left a leaf of prison. this shows your loyalty!¡±


    the seaweed¡¯s will stirred.


    ¡°after all, it was me who came late. you¡¯re not at fault.¡±


    all the leaves of the seaweed swayed rapidly and the pressure in the surroundings dissipated greatly.


    it could sense that what the person in front of it said wasn¡¯t fake but that he really thought so.


    ¡°so, what happened in the past is in the past. as for now, let me ask you, do you¡­ want to eat it?¡±


    xu qing pointed at the sun enveloped by the seaweed roots.


    all the leaves of the seaweed instantly trembled. after that, a low-pitched divine sense echoed in xu qing¡¯s surroundings.


    ¡°want!¡±


    xu qing nodded.


    ¡°let me in and guard me. i¡¯ll see if i can¡­ get some out and we¡¯ll split them!¡±


    the seaweed was a little hesitant. after checking xu qing¡¯s aura again, its roots suddenly swayed and quickly spread out a portion, as though it wanted to open a path.


    however, before this path could be completely activated, the seaweed¡¯s divine sense suddenly spread out and swept toward the outside.


    ¡°there¡¯s no need to be nervous. it is my people. open a path and let him in.¡±


    xu qing calmly spoke.


    the seaweed fell silent. after a while, it sealed this place and opened a gap. at the next instant, zhou zhengli¡¯s figure rushed in from the outside.


    after appearing here, he quickly surveyed his surroundings. he then acted as though he hadn¡¯t realized anything and bowed to xu qing.


    ¡°what is it?¡±


    xu qing asked.


    ¡°young master, some had a smooth harvest during this period, while others faced difficulties, but overall, the issues are manageable.¡±


    ¡°however, there has been an incident with the chaotic sky royal family. thus, i have come to request your presence, hoping that with your status within this aurora heaven¡¯s beyond, you might suppress those who believe this heaven¡¯s beyond is truly without a master.¡±


    of course, if you prefer not to use your status to intervene, i could ask star ring to handle it on your behalf.¡±


    zhou zhengli said respectfully.


    xu qing glanced at zhou zhengli.


    he couldn¡¯t help but admit that zhou was clever. if not for the potential of rebellion lurking within him, using this person would certainly be very comfortable.


    ¡°let star ring handle it.¡±


    xu qing slowly spoke.


    ¡°i obey aurora¡¯s order!¡±


    zhou zhengli respectfully retreated and left through the exit.


    the moment his figure disappeared, the exit was sealed again. the will from the seaweed enveloped the surroundings again.


    xu qing didn¡¯t bother with these. he turned his head and looked at the roots.


    ¡°alright, you can open it now. i¡¯m hungry. i think you¡¯re hungry too.¡±


    when the seaweed heard this, it no longer hesitated. in an instant, its roots spread out, revealing the entrance to the sun!


    xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed as he stepped forward!


    ¡ª

 Chapter 1688 - Chapter 1688: The Essence of Bull Sect

    chapter 1688: the essence of bull sect


    editor: atlas studios


    a surge of heat greeted him, scorching and relentless.


    all around, his gaze was met with blazing fire.


    the heavens and earth were painted in a vivid crimson, blindingly radiant and overwhelmingly intense.


    the ground itself was formed of searing flames, slowly churning and shifting. occasionally, torrents of fiery liquid would erupt skyward, scattering into the air.


    amid the explosions, the fiery liquid would break apart and transform into ancient, mysterious runes.


    from a distance, it appeared as though an eternal rain of runes was descending upon here.


    however, upon touching the scorched earth, these runes would morph into vibrant red seaweed, struggling to take root and grow.


    yet, under the oppressive heat, in mere moments, most would turn to ash, sinking back into the fiery liquid and becoming part of its ceaseless flow.


    only by sheer chance, or through the rarest of probabilities, could one or two pieces of seaweed persist in this inferno, managing a tenuous existence.


    even so, their survival was precarious.


    the relentless flames continued to burn them, leaving them brittle and on the brink of annihilation. as xu qing¡¯s gaze swept across the vast expanse, he could only discern a few scattered remnants of these seaweeds.


    dry and withered, they teetered on the edge of destruction, poised to crumble into ash and fade from existence at any moment.


    ¡°although this is but a small section of the sun¡¯s expanse, extrapolating from the numbers here suggests that even across the entirety of the sun, the surviving seaweed must be scarce.¡±


    xu qing looked into the distance. after getting used to the temperature here, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°where is the place of imprisonment?¡±


    he was asking the seaweed in the outside world.


    a long time later, a blurry will echoed in his mind.


    ¡°center¡­ immortal oath, i can¡¯t go too deep. the seaweed here¡­ my will, can assist¡­¡±


    this will was intermittent.


    clearly, the terrifying seaweed was afraid of this sun.


    the essence of this fear might have come from some immortal oath it mentioned or something else.


    ¡®means of checks and balances? or is it deliberate?¡¯


    xu qing fell into deep thought. recalling the scenes from before, he felt that the former was more likely. naturally, his vigilance against the latter wouldn¡¯t decrease.


    with that thought, his figure flickered, shooting forward like a streak of light.


    he wanted to see the full appearance of this sun.


    as well as finding the core place where the god was sealed.


    he would make the decision then.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    several days later, xu qing¡¯s speed gradually slowed down.


    even with his cultivation, he felt increasingly uncomfortable here. at this moment, every time he moved forward for a distance, he had to stop and rely on the seaweed to adjust his body before he could continue forward.


    finally, after half a month, xu qing reached his limit.


    he had no choice but to stop in front of a seaweed.


    fortunately, although he hadn¡¯t truly stepped on the core of this place, with his divine sense, he could still vaguely sense the location of the center.


    the instant his perception probed over, xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    with his perception, he ¡®saw¡¯ a shockingly large sword!


    this huge sword pierced through the sun.


    the part that was exposed on the ground was the hilt of the sword that was like a giant mountain.


    one could imagine that on the opposite side of the sun, there would definitely be a sword tip that pierced through its surface.


    the instant he sensed this scene, xu qing suddenly understood.


    ¡°that god isn¡¯t imprisoned in this sun, but¡­ it is this sun!¡±


    ¡°this sun is that god!¡±


    ¡°a true god like a lower immortal!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s pupils contracted as he slowly lowered his head. he looked at the ground under his feet and the withered seaweed beside him as his heart fluctuated.


    ¡°that sword is the source of this true god¡¯s suppression and also the main body of the seal!¡±


    ¡°it pierced this god, causing this true god to be in a state that looks like death but isn¡¯t. as such¡­ it¡¯s impossible for it to rely on its true name to return!¡±


    ¡°the seaweed is indeed a prison to those gods on its leaves.¡±


    ¡°but to this true god, it¡¯s just a warden!¡±


    ¡°it wants to make use of this true god to cultivate even more than i do. that¡¯s why it persistently scattered seeds, allowing the seaweed to take root here.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s for the sake of absorbing! this is because those scattered seaweed are actually trying to absorb the origin essence from this true god¡­¡±


    ¡°however, due to the environment and level of the god, few seaweed can survive and they cannot absorb much origin essence either.¡±


    xu qing pondered. he then lifted his right hand and took out the wooden token used to collect anomalous substances, pressing it against the ground below.


    his cultivation surged in and completely erupted.


    however, it was different from when he had absorbed other gods. this time, xu qing¡¯s harvest didn¡¯t cause the ground to tremble at all. the sun itself was also normal.


    even though there were a few golden threads formed by origin essence that seemed to rise from the ground, there were too few of them.


    there seemed to be a heavy obstruction, causing the harvesting to be less than satisfactory.¡±


    a long time later, xu qing stopped harvesting. he raised his head and looked at the huge sword hilt in his perception with a strange glint in his eyes.


    ¡°this ground is like a shell. it¡¯s very difficult to collect origin essence here.¡±


    ¡°the place that¡¯s truly suitable for collection should be the place where the sword pierced through!¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s the wound of this true god!¡±


    xu qing narrowed his eyes and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°so, if we truly want to devour it, you must give it your all¡­ either you choose to exhaust all the preparations you¡¯ve made so far, and i will also hold nothing back, as we gamble everything for this chance and indulge to our heart¡¯s content.


    ¡°otherwise, we can only absorb some scattered origin essence.¡±


    after xu qing finished speaking, he waited silently.


    a long time later, the withered seaweed in front of him suddenly swayed, as though it had made some kind of determination. in an instant, the seaweed reversed from its withered state and turned red.


    it wasn¡¯t the only one. at that moment, all the surviving seaweed on the sun changed from their withered states. they instantly turned red and rose into the air.


    from afar, they looked like red amaryllis that were moving toward xu qing from all directions.


    even though many seaweeds were turned to ashes by the impact of the flames on the way, they still moved forward.


    in that instant, the void around xu qing distorted and seaweed appeared out of thin air, rapidly gathering toward him.


    xu qing didn¡¯t dodge and allowed the seaweed to arrive, covering his body layer by layer. the entire process lasted for dozens of breaths.


    after that, xu qing¡¯s appearance changed drastically.


    a set of crimson grass armor formed by seaweed enveloped his entire body, causing his height to increase to thousands of feet.


    he stood there like a giant.


    boundless vitality erupted from these seaweed and gushed into xu qing¡¯s entire body, forming an astonishing protective barrier.


    this was the seaweed¡¯s accumulation of all its foundation, gathered over countless years on this sun through its painstaking, incremental efforts and repeated endeavors!


    a sharp glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    he could sense that the seaweed was indeed going all out.


    thus, he did not hesitate in the slightest. the five extremities transformation surged forth, employing the principle of mutual restraint within the five elements to maximize his resistance. following this, the space-time ordinance erupted, intertwining with the overlapping universes.


    this was to disperse the pressure from the path ahead.


    after that, the immortal embryo shone. his entire person was like a bolt of lightning as he charged forward fiercely.


    he instantly moved forward by a large distance.


    he headed straight for¡­ the location of the large sword he had sensed earlier!


    the closer he got, the heavier the pressure from this place. as a result, the flames became increasingly terrifying. even though xu qing had the seaweed armor, it still burned at a speed visible to the naked eye and continued to turn into ashes.


    xu qing was very clear that if he relied on himself, it was impossible for him to reach this place. once the seaweed dissipated, his entire body would probably burn to ashes in an instant.


    after all, this was a true god!


    however, these couldn¡¯t dispel xu qing¡¯s thoughts.


    his speed was even faster!


    his eyes revealed madness!


    if erniu was here and saw this scene, he would definitely praise it greatly and think that little qing had already grasped the true essence of the bull sect.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    finally, as xu qing sped with all his might in his madness, with the support of the seaweed armor, his figure crossed a large area and appeared at the core of the sun.


    in the distance, that large sword truly appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    the moment he saw the large sword, xu qing¡¯s breathing hastened. his entire body was trembling and his soul and body were about to burn.


    however, the madness in his eyes couldn¡¯t be burned at all. instead, when he saw the large sword, it became even more intense!


    at the next instant, xu qing bit the tip of his tongue without hesitation and spat out a large mouthful of blood.


    he used this to stimulate his body and used the blood escape technique to charge forward.


    amidst the rumbling, after the seaweed armor outside his body disappeared for the most part, xu qing¡¯s figure finally rushed over from this extreme heat and arrived in front of the huge sword!


    the moment he got close, he could see this place clearly, but entire body began to burn.


    this was an astonishing ravine. one could see that bloody flesh was trying to grow on the ground at the edge of the sword, as though they wanted to heal the wound and squeeze out the large sword.


    however, the penetration of the large sword was incomparably firm and unshakable, causing this recovery to be unable to be completed since its existence.


    the two of them were in a deadlock.


    the moment he got close, xu qing¡¯s heart also erupted with the feeling of life and death.


    he was very clear that perhaps at the next instant, the seaweed wouldn¡¯t be able to hold on and all his resistance would collapse.


    ¡®but¡­¡¯


    at the same time he was in this life-and-death crisis, he also sensed a dense origin essence in the flesh!


    the density of this origin essence was unprecedented in xu qing¡¯s eyes!


    if he really compared it, perhaps only the depths of ink land that he couldn¡¯t enter would be like this.


    such an opportunity, such good fortune¡­


    xu qing¡¯s madness intensified and he immediately transmitted his divine sense.


    ¡°fox, be on guard!¡±


    the fox beauty mark on his arm instantly emitted a chill. the divine power from her erupted completely at this moment, augmenting xu qing again.


    this way, he could exchange for time. at the same time, he could also guard against any malice that might or might not exist from the seaweed.


    after doing this, xu qing immediately sat down cross-legged. he raised his right hand and pressed down with the harvesting wooden token.


    immediately, the ground rumbled and golden threads erupted from the wound on the ground.


    it was like a fountain!


    it gushed out shockingly!


    at this moment, the clay fox was shocked.


    seaweed was excited.


    xu qing was going crazy!


    ¡ª

 Chapter 1689 - Chapter 1689: Snatching Food From the Tiger’s Mouth

    chapter 1689: snatching food from the tiger¡¯s mouth


    editor: atlas studios


    the amount of origin essence had reached a shocking level.


    after all, this was a true god!


    in any upper star ring, a true god was the darling of the ring¡ªan embodiment of all the rules and laws of the upper realm.


    thus, the inherent distinction from lower immortals lay in their unique gift: the trait of immortality.


    as long as their true name remained, as long as they remained remembered, a true god could never truly die.


    this was the essence of the upper star ring¡ªan immutable truth that could not be shaken.


    even a venerable immortal couldn¡¯t change it.


    even though he could suppress countless true gods with a raise of his hand, he couldn¡¯t stop them from returning.


    after all, this was the realm of the gods!


    innately, immortals¡­ were inferior to gods.


    and there was only one venerable immortal.


    moreover, there was the legendary divine god after the venerable god. however, in the immortal system¡­ the venerable immortal realm was already the end.


    there was no path above the venerable immortal realm.


    or rather, it might exist but no one had found it yet.


    hence, to truly destroy a true god from the core, the only way was if the venerable immortal found a path in the immortal system and successfully stepped forward, reaching the legendary immortal realm that was on par with the divine god realm.


    only then could he do it!


    it was precisely due to this innate ability tied to the essence of the upper realm that the method of suppression was devised to imprison true gods.


    this approach left true gods trapped in a state between life and death¡ªdeprived of freedom yet never truly dead¡ªthus eliminating the possibility of resurrection.


    through such means, the number of true gods present in the world gradually diminished.


    and so, at this moment, three lower-level beings, who in this true god¡¯s prime could have been crushed like insects with a mere gesture, were frantically absorbing its origin essence like parasites!


    the clay fox gasped.


    she felt that all of this was too stimulating!


    before this, she had never truly faced a true god!


    the inheritance of gods in her soul was imprinted with reverence and desire for the true god. all of this made her instinctively choose to lower her head.


    she wouldn¡¯t even think about plundering.


    just like back then, when xu qing and erniu plundered the flesh and blood of the fragmented-face, the three gods, sun, moon, and star, were shaken but didn¡¯t dare to snatch it away and inflict karma.


    it was the same now.


    the difference was that this true god was imprisoned, so even if there would be karma, it wouldn¡¯t be a big problem.


    the other difference was that the clay fox was no longer in the divine fire flawlessness stage. she had already stepped into the divine platform realm. she only needed to advance by another major realm for her to potentially achieve the status of a true god!


    also¡­ xu qing was absorbing as well!


    with someone demonstrating in front of her, the clay fox gritted her teeth fiercely after taking a deep breath and chose to ignore the reverence for true gods imprinted in her soul inheritance.


    her eyes also turned crazy.


    she started devouring.


    in an instant, dense origin essence surged straight into the clay fox¡¯s body, replenishing her divine form, nourishing her divine soul, and refining her divine authority. this continuous enhancement elevated her level, pushing her divine authority closer to divine aspect.


    that comfortable feeling, the feeling of her body becoming stronger, the feeling of her life level advancing, caused the clay fox to involuntarily moan a few times.


    it was resonant.


    yet, neither xu qing nor the seaweed showed even the slightest ripple of reaction to this display.


    the seaweed was excited.


    its life was very special. although it was a nonhuman, it was the only one of its race in the entire fifth star ring.


    in other words, it was a race by itself.


    moreover, there was no need for it to cultivate. from the moment it was born, it would instinctively absorb the origin essence drifting in the cosmos to grow.


    it didn¡¯t know how far it could grow.


    it only knew that the origin essence it needed was incomparably huge. over the years, even though it had been stealing origin essence, it had never reached maturity.


    in its understanding, its mature form was comparable to a lower immortal or a true god.


    thus, it had persevered tirelessly, striving without cease until this very moment. now, it beheld hope¡ªimmersed in it, surrounded by its glimmering promise.


    hence, it devoured with all its might.


    compared to them, xu qing was already going all out.


    he was aware that time was short!


    even with the strength of the three parties, they wouldn¡¯t be able to stay here for too long. hence, how much they could absorb in this short period depended on their respective abilities.


    at the next instant, the space-time ordinance was fully activated outside xu qing¡¯s body. in the overlapping universes, he, who came from various space-times, appeared together with xu qing from this space-time¡­


    absorb!


    using this space-time as a node, it connected to the other space-times and guided all the space-time. this way¡­ xu qing¡¯s absorption speed instantly reached an astonishing level.


    in an instant, 70% of the origin essence that spurted out of the sun¡¯s wound that the large sword stabbed into rushed toward xu qing.


    he absorbed it.


    although he couldn¡¯t digest so much in an instant, xu qing was already prepared. the origin essence that couldn¡¯t be immediately absorbed were sent to his bodies in other space-times.


    they cooperated and continued to devour.


    such dense origin essence nourished xu qing¡¯s immortal embryo in an unprecedented manner.


    his mind instantly rumbled as his soul and body advanced. his immortal embryo also pushed forward!


    his immortal embryo was in imperishable stage. at this moment, under this extreme rise, it became increasingly corporeal at a speed visible to the naked eye. it was filled with dense origin essence and shone with a resplendent light.


    as this light circulated, the imperishable aura on the immortal embryo rose even more.


    it directly completed the imperishable stage!


    xu qing shuddered with excitement.


    he was fully aware that the next step after the immortal embryo¡¯s imperishable stage was the complete integration of illusion of truth and imperishable. this fusion required an immense amount of origin essence to sustain and complete.


    once the fusion was successfully fused into one, it would allow the immortal embryo to be truly molded.


    that meant that¡­ xu qing¡¯s true cultivation would break through the ruler realm and step into the quasi immortal realm!


    this opportunity and fortune made xu qing even crazier.


    with the completion of the imperishable stage, xu qing¡¯s space-time ordinance became even fuller. the parallel space-times it formed increased even more.


    in an instant, it reached a hundred space-times!


    a hundred space-times, a hundred versions of himself.


    this caused the devouring to become even faster.


    everything became a positive cycle.


    the clay fox and the seaweed grew even more frenzied, giving everything they had to seize as much as they could.


    just like that, under the efforts of the three parties, the first wave of origin essence that gushed out gradually thinned out a little. seeing this, a glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he tried his best to move the harvesting wooden token in his right hand deeper.


    it attracted even more origin essence, causing it to be drawn forth once again, on the verge of surging out in torrents.


    the clay fox and seaweed excitedly waited to be fed.


    however, just as the second wave of origin essence was drawn out and gushed upward¡­ suddenly, a silver light flickered at the wound where the large sword had pierced.


    this light instantly became piercing and monstrous, forming a ring-shaped halo. with the large sword as the center, it sealed the wound below.


    under this seal, the origin essence that gushed out was instantly blocked.


    a rumbling sound echoed out. the origin essence¡­ couldn¡¯t rush out!


    at the same time, a deep and angry voice rang out from the silver light like an avalanche.


    ¡°who dares to be so audacious as to covet this immortal¡¯s divine food?¡±


    as soon as this voice rang out, killing intent rose, forming a destructive force that swept in all directions.


    this scene caused xu qing¡¯s eyes to narrow.


    he could tell that the silver light was a seal. moreover, after sensing it with his perception, he realized that this seal didn¡¯t come from the same source as the large sword. it was more like it had been added later.


    however, now wasn¡¯t the time to think too much. the instant the killing intent erupted, he had already retreated.


    he was protected by the space-time ordinance in front and parallel ordinance in rear.


    the mark formed by the fox beauty went all out and augmented xu qing, causing xu qing¡¯s speed to be so fast that he almost brushed past the edge of the killing intent and rolled back.


    although he had only touched the edges, the terror of this killing intent still instantly destroyed many of xu qing¡¯s space-time bodies.


    he spat out mouthfuls of blood.


    xu qing didn¡¯t waste the blood he spat out. with every mouthful, he activated the blood escape art and continued to teleport. after a series of rumbling sounds, he finally retreated to a relatively safe area.


    here, xu qing¡¯s breathing was hurried as he fled again.


    this lasted until he exited through the entrance.


    the moment he stood in the starry sky, xu qing¡¯s mind finally relaxed a little. he first checked his body and then checked the storage of origin essence in his parallel space-times.


    ¡°if i digest all of this, i should be able to barely complete the immortal embryo and step into the quasi immortal realm!¡±


    ¡°however, it¡¯s only barely. if i can get more, i can ensure that there¡¯s nothing wrong¡­¡±


    ¡°after stepping into the quasi immortal realm, my combat strength will also soar!¡±


    xu qing licked his lips and looked at the sun with a deep gaze.


    that killing intent just now was definitely not something a quasi immortal could possess.


    ¡°that¡¯s a lower immortal¡­¡±


    ¡°this place once bore the mark of a lower immortal¡¯s design, serving as their source for harvesting origin essence¡ªa prison drawn within boundaries¡­ my arrival, akin to plucking a ripe fruit, has thus provoked the latent power of the seal.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s thoughts spun. after that, he turned his head and his gaze moved away from the sun, landing on the huge seaweed.


    after the absorption earlier, there was now an additional leaf on the seaweed. although it was only a new leaf, its aura was clearly denser than before.


    ¡°you knew long ago, right?¡±


    xu qing suddenly spoke.


    the seaweed fell silent. after a long time, its divine sense echoed.


    ¡°he was the last warden overseeing this cosmic prison within the aurora heaven¡¯s beyond. back then, he was a quasi immortal, later stepping into the realm of lower immortal and switching allegiances. however, during his ascension to immortal, something went awry, leaving him unable to depart from his place of seclusion.¡±


    the seaweed answered truthfully. after taking a bite of the origin essence, it also wanted to continue, so it didn¡¯t hide anything.


    xu qing fell into deep thought.


    although the death of the aurora immortal lord caused the aurora immortal palace to lose its brilliance and also caused the upper echelons of aurora heaven¡¯s beyond to face the calamity, it was only limited to immortals.


    there were still many people who weren¡¯t qualified to attend the wedding and witness the change of the hand duty.


    ¡°therefore, if i don¡¯t resolve this seal, it will be extremely difficult for me to continue absorbing the origin essence. i don¡¯t want to give up just like that.¡±


    a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    although the other party was an immortal, the fifth star ring wasn¡¯t chaotic.


    ¡°gather everyone and leverage the authority of the material procurer¡­ in the orderly confines of the fifth star ring, even an immortal cannot act with impunity!¡±


    ¡°moreover, with more people, the burden of the sealing force can be shared. yuanshan su and star ring will also be required¡ªtheir cultivation levels will provide significant support.¡±


    at the thought of this, xu qing made a decision and was about to summon others.


    suddenly, the seaweed stirred and the jade slip on xu qing¡¯s body transmitted a message.


    the person who transmitted the voice was star ring!


    ¡°the chaotic sky royal family harbors secrets, and within them lies something i urgently need. however, they possess a spirit light heaven¡¯s beyond exemption token.


    ¡°this token shields them from being affected by the material procuring efforts. moreover, experts dwell within their ranks!¡±


    ¡°now, they are using this token as their external shield and their internal experts as a deterrent. xu qing, i will offer you half of what i acquire.¡±


    ¡°do you dare to come along?¡±


    this message was clearly a request for help.


    such a stiff request for help suited star ring¡¯s arrogant personality.


    xu qing raised his brows.


    what he was thinking about was that since the star ring had chosen to seek help, it meant that there was indeed something he urgently needed. on the other hand, it also meant that the experts he mentioned should really be very strong!


    hence, after some thought, xu qing transmitted his voice.


    ¡°i also have something that requires your cooperation in the future.¡±


    ¡°deal!¡± star ring didn¡¯t ask about the details and replied decisively.


    ¡°deal!¡± xu qing put away the jade slip and was about to leave. however, after some thought, he turned his head and looked at the seaweed. a strange glint appeared in his eyes as he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°can you leave this place?¡±


    ¡ª new chapter is coming soon ¡ª

 Chapter 1690 - Chapter 1690: The Relic of the Fourth True Monarch

    chapter 1690: the relic of the fourth true monarch


    editor: atlas studios


    the chaotic sky universe was home to the chaotic sky royal family.


    this clan was extraordinarily gifted. members of their clan had skin that was half crimson and half azure and possessed four heads¡ªfront, back, left, and right.


    their physical stature was immense, with newborns towering at a thousand feet, adults starting at ten thousand feet, and the truly exceptional reaching a hundred thousand feet in height.


    equally remarkable was their overwhelming population compared to other races.


    their cultivation required no external techniques or methods. by relying solely on the inheritance embedded in their souls and bloodlines, they could instinctively absorb the origin essence of the upper star ring.


    all of this was because the source of the race was a true god!


    hence, back then, this clan had unified the chaotic sky universe. within the ancient divine hierarchy of the fifth star ring, they were counted among its illustrious members.


    however, with the war between immortals and gods that swept through the fifth star ring, the tide shifted. as the gods were subdued and the immortals rose to dominance, all the glory that belonged to this clan became a thing of the past.


    their true god was suppressed.


    their people, having chosen to avoid the conflict and being among the earliest groups to surrender, were allowed to survive after the war.


    as a reward, they were granted the authority to oversee the chaotic sky universe and bestowed the title of ¡®chaotic sky royal family,¡¯ a mark of honor.


    such royal families were numerous across the fifth star ring, each granted their status for meritorious service.


    however, for such clans, the fifth star ring¡­ put some necessary restrictions in their bloodlines.


    as a result, the clan¡¯s original dual-tone skin was reduced to a single hue.


    their four heads were reduced to two, and their towering physiques were redefined, capped at a maximum height of a thousand feet.


    their cultivation was also similarly restrained.


    the restriction imposed on their bloodline¡¯s inheritance stripped them of their innate talent, forcing them to abandon divinity and take up cultivation. they were restricted from achieving immortality and outright forbidden from becoming gods.


    over generations, the double-faced feature began to fade entirely, and issues with reproduction emerged. the population of the clan gradually dwindled, leading to its decline.


    in the end, in the so-called chaotic sky royal family, most of them were about a hundred feet tall and they only had one head.


    this lasted until the aurora immortal palace dimmed.


    this caused this heaven¡¯s beyond to lose its owner and also allowed the chaotic sky royal family to see a trace of hope. hence, a clansman experienced atavism, gaining two heads and becoming the emperor.


    at this moment, in the depths of the chaotic sky universe, outside the huge chaotic sky palace, star ring stood amidst the starry void, his body encircled by countless chains of order, gazing into the distance at the grand palace.


    his expression was cold and his gaze sharp.


    around him were countless members of the chaotic sky clan. they were all a hundred feet tall and were covered in black armor, exuding thick, oppressive killing intent. their cold gazes were fixed on star ring.


    in front of the star ring and between the palace were three figures.


    these three were all 700 to 800 feet tall. one of them held a spear, one held a pagoda, and the last one had a massive banner unfurled behind him.


    the auras emitted by their bodies were all quasi immortals!


    this was something impossible in other heaven¡¯s beyonds.


    the nonhuman races were not allowed to become immortals. even quasi immortal realm was not allowed for them!


    these three not only emitted the aura of quasi immortals, but their bodies also contained the fluctuations of gods, as if they cultivated both immortal and god system.


    at that moment, their gazes met with star ring¡¯s. among the three, the chaotic sky clan member with the huge banner on his back spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°you¡¯ve already fought against the three of us several times and it has always been a draw. why continue?¡±


    ¡°also, you must have already gathered the required origin essence in this universe. now, even after knowing that my clan has an exemption token, you still chose to force your way through. isn¡¯t this¡­ going too far?¡±


    ¡°my chaotic sky royal family has a bottom line. i hope, sir¡­ you do not bring about your own undoing!¡±


    star ring¡¯s expression remained indifferent. he had been here for quite some time, cutting his way through, only to be halted at this point.


    of the three before him, star ring was confident that if he faced any one of them alone, he could take their life.


    even if there were two of them, he could still kill them at some cost.


    however, there were three of them¡­ and their cooperation was perfect, causing him to be unable to continue.


    he replied coldly.


    ¡°whether enough has been collected has nothing to do with me.¡±


    ¡°your clan breaking its limits has nothing to do with me. whether you ascend to become immortals or gods also has nothing to do with me. whoever is backing and protecting you from the shadows is equally irrelevant to me.¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s the same for the exemption token.¡±


    ¡°i only want¡­ that clump of soil you worship within your imperial palace!¡±


    star ring pointed at the distant palace.


    as his finger pointed, the radiance of the imperial palace intensified, and a clump of yellow soil floated outward, emerging into the starry void. it exuded an overwhelming aura of heaven¡¯s law!


    ¡°you want this?¡±


    a deep voice that carried a hint of mockery echoed out from the palace.


    within the imperial palace, the towering figure of the chaotic sky emperor¡ªstanding a thousand feet tall, his entire body a fiery crimson and bearing two heads, one in the front and one in the back¡ªlet out a soft chuckle.


    ¡°i can¡¯t give you the fourth true monarch¡¯s relic.¡±


    as he spoke, the chaotic sky emperor waved his hand and the clump of soil that emitted the might of the heaven¡¯s law returned.


    after that, his voice carried a hint of coldness as it echoed outside.


    ¡°chase him away.¡±


    the instant these words were spoken, the auras of the three clansmen who stopped star ring erupted violently. this time, not only did they display immortal cultivation, but the intent of the gods was also even more obvious.


    they moved toward star ring.


    at the same time, the other clansmen in the surroundings also emitted intense baleful auras. as their auras fused, eighteen colossal phantom statues wielding massive halberds rose around star ring.


    each of these statues towered at a hundred thousand feet, emanating waves of terrifying power. together, they brought their halberds crashing down toward star ring, the momentum akin to a mountain collapsing and a sea overturning.


    a deafening roar erupted.


    faced with such formidable opponents, star ring¡¯s eyes burned with intense killing intent. yet, his body ultimately retreated slightly. however, in his entire life, he had only been defeated once. even now, confronted by so many powerful foes, his fighting spirit remained undiminished.


    the chains of order surrounding his body instantly expanded outward, radiating with an unstoppable force. simultaneously, the ordinance of balance erupted, its immense power spreading across the battlefield. with this, star ring forcibly stood his ground, using his strength alone to contend against the multitude of adversaries.


    they were evenly matched.


    those eighteen colossal statues and the three quasi immortals were unable to suppress star ring!


    this was the strength of star ring.


    his ordinance of order could impose boundaries and enforce rules on himself and his enemies alike. meanwhile, his ordinance of balance held an even more terrifying power¡ªit could forcibly equalize the disparity between strength and weakness.


    the stronger his enemies were, the more his ordinance of balance would amplify his own combat power.


    back then, when xu qing faced this balance ordinance, he also had to rely on the multiple versions of himself in his parallel space-times to erupt at the same time to make star ring lose the balance.


    from this, it could be seen how strong star ring was.


    exclamations of admiration rang out from the palace.


    ¡°you should be the strongest material procurer here, right? to possess such combat strength at such an age, you¡¯re indeed a heaven¡¯s chosen. if you become an immortal in the future, you¡¯ll definitely be a powerful immortal!¡±


    ¡°no wonder you wanted the fourth true monarch¡¯s belongings¡­ your ordinance is indeed in line with him. however, so-called balance is inherently unstable and difficult to maintain for long.¡±


    ¡°thus, for someone like you, leveraging your balance to unleash your peak strength is clearly the combat strategy you¡¯ve tailored for yourself.¡±


    ¡°unfortunately, your peak strength lacks a robust foundation. i assume that if this heaven¡¯s law were handed to you, it would perfectly fill that missing link in your strength.¡±¡±


    star ring didn¡¯t say anything.


    he originally had it¡­


    that voice was still echoing.


    ¡°giving it to you is not impossible. if you form an alliance with my chaotic sky clan, become a guest elder, and assist my clan three times, then¡­ the fourth true monarch¡¯s relic can be yours!¡±


    when star ring heard this, he coldly looked at the palace. that gaze was like looking at an ant.


    ¡°a mere nonhuman race with a sinful bloodline dares to speak of an alliance with me?¡±


    as soon as these words were spoken, anger appeared in the eyes of all the surrounding clansmen of the chaotic sky clan. their murderous aura also became stronger.


    in the palace, the emperor of the chaotic sky royal family chuckled.


    ¡°i¡¯m not worthy?¡±


    he raised his right hand and pointed out gently.


    with this gesture, the starry sky outside the palace instantly distorted and everything became blurry. moreover, all the colors seemed to have been forcefully stripped away, leaving only black and white.


    amidst the black and white, a huge ink finger appeared out of thin air and pressed down toward star ring with a vast might.


    wherever it passed, the void shattered and the starry sky withered.


    star ring¡¯s expression instantly turned solemn as he rapidly retreated. he performed a series of hand seals with both hands and was about to go all out.


    at this moment, a familiar voice echoed through the starry sky.


    ¡°he¡¯s right. you¡¯re indeed not worthy.¡±


    as the sound appeared, a red light appeared. endless red light came from nothingness and penetrated the black and white, causing the area where the color was stripped to instantly turn red!


    those red leaves were actually the leaves of the seaweed.


    a total of 20 pieces rapidly intertwined with each other, forming a whip that lashed out at the finger.


    there was a snap.


    a destructive force erupted. wherever it passed, the void collapsed and cracks appeared in the starry sky. the finger paused for a moment before dissipating.


    the eighteen colossal statues in the surroundings also shook and shattered into pieces.


    the expressions of the three experts from the chaotic sky changed drastically and they retreated one after another. however, they were still affected and spat out blood.


    in the palace, the expression of the originally calm chaotic sky emperor froze. his divine sense rumbled and gathered outside the palace, forming a huge face that stared at the huge seaweed that had appeared in the starry sky!


    and¡­ the black-clothed youth standing on the seaweed!


    the youth stood with his hands behind his back. his eyes were like the stars and his expression was calm.


    the chaotic sky emperor naturally recognized the seaweed!


    but it was precisely because of this recognition that the waves in his heart were immense at this moment.


    ¡°a29¡­ it actually followed this person here!¡±


    ¡°moreover, this person¡¯s aura is clearly stronger than that order ordinance cultivator. is he the leader of these material procurers?!¡±


    due to the separation between different heaven¡¯s beyonds, this chaotic sky emperor wasn¡¯t that well-informed about the events that happened in nine shores heaven¡¯s beyond.


    as the chaotic sky emperor gazed, star ring¡¯s heart did not settle at xu qing¡¯s appearance. on the contrary, it was filled with even more turbulence.


    this was because he could tell¡­


    ¡°xu qing has become even stronger!¡±


    xu qing had indeed become stronger.


    on the way here, he had been absorbing the origin essence stored in other space-times. the current him was only a trace away from fusing the imperishable and illusion of truth!


    the increase in his realm and immortal embryo also allowed xu qing¡¯s ordinance to erupt with greater might.


    at that moment, he stood on the seaweed and looked at the huge face formed by the chaotic sky emperor.


    ¡°take it out.¡±

 Chapter 1691 - Chapter 1691: The Ice Is Here

    chapter 1691: the ice is here


    editor: atlas studios


    xu qing, who was standing on the seaweed, said these words very calmly.


    they seemed as natural as breathing, as if they were an unshakable truth.


    they required no additional grandeur or pretense, even though, apart from star ring, everyone present was a chaotic sky clansman.


    the calmer he was, the more oppressive the atmosphere became for the chaotic sky clan.


    this was because this was the fifth star ring.


    human race reigned supreme!


    outside the palace, many members of the chaotic sky royal family had solemn expressions.


    their hearts sank as though they were facing a great enemy.


    star ring was already extremely powerful. now that another one had appeared, it shocked them even more.


    especially that seaweed!


    they naturally knew that this was the main body of prison a29.


    to be able to control this seaweed and bring it here to fight¡­ this scene represented a profound meaning.


    the mental fluctuations it caused were naturally dramatic.


    especially for these people from the chaotic sky clan. they were no longer in their glory days back then and there were no clansmen among them who had personally witnessed their glorious past.


    from the moment they were born, the human race was their sky.


    even though aurora heaven¡¯s beyond had lost its master, they were still filled with reverence for the human race.


    the imposing authority of the chaotic sky emperor had merely suppressed this reverence temporarily. however, in the presence of a true human powerhouse, such suppression ultimately proved futile.


    at this moment, xu qing¡¯s tranquil demeanor, his domineering arrival, and the echo of his words resonating across the heavens caused these chaotic sky clansmen to recall their innate awe for humanity.


    some had already instinctively lowered their heads.


    this was the servility engraved in their blood.


    it was an important method for the humans in the fifth star ring to control the nonhuman races.


    all of this was clearly seen by the huge face formed by the chaotic sky emperor.


    hence, he fell silent.


    he stared at xu qing.


    following this, a gentle glow flashed between his brows, and a token flew out.


    the token radiated a soft white light. on its front was engraved the word ¡®exempt¡¯, while the back carried a faint, lingering sound of spirit light.


    ¡°our clan received the favor of spirit light heaven¡¯s beyond many years ago. we pledged our allegiance to a great figure from spirit light and were granted this token. with it, we are exempt from all forms of collection.¡±


    the chaotic sky emperor slowly spoke.


    as his voice echoed, the white light emitted by the exemption order suddenly spread out, enveloping the palace and isolating it from the external world.


    this chaotic sky clan¡¯s imperial palace that floated in the starry sky was actually the entrance to the chaotic sky clan¡¯s land!


    xu qing had heard star ring mention this exemption token before. although he didn¡¯t know the details, he thought that since it could be bestowed and could be taken out by the chaotic sky emperor like this, this token was meaningful.


    moreover, on the way here, he had transmitted his voice to zhou zhengli and asked him a few questions.


    zhou zhengli had a lot of information and told xu qing everything he knew.


    in the fifth star ring, there were some races that would obtain different exemption orders from heaven¡¯s beyonds for various reasons. generally speaking, when material procurers encountered such races, they could only choose to retreat.


    however¡­ a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. facing the exemption order, he raised his right hand and took out the special mission jade slip given by the poison lord.


    ¡°on the orders of the nine shores immortal lord!


    find the mystical nine-colored ice capable of extinguishing a lord god¡¯s flame.¡±


    at this point, xu qing coldly looked at the chaotic sky emperor and calmly spoke.


    ¡°this matter concerns a huge matter. i suspect that your clan has this item and want to investigate it now.¡±


    as soon as xu qing finished speaking, the special mission jade slip in his hand instantly flickered, emitting waves of light that swept out. after the white light of the exemption token came into contact with this light, it instantly distorted.


    at the next instant, the white light from the exemption order actually disappeared, no longer enveloping the palace.


    the surrounding clansmen of the chaotic sky clan might not have reacted immediately, but the expression of the chaotic sky emperor changed.


    this scene exceeded his judgment.


    normally speaking, the exemption token their race possessed was enough to make the material procurers retreat, so he didn¡¯t expect this human in front of him to have such a mission.


    this made him feel that it was a little absurd!


    what kind of existence was the nine shores immortal lord? he actually let a quasi immortal cultivator collect mystical ice that could destroy a lord god¡¯s flame¡­


    he didn¡¯t believe it!


    however, that mission jade slip contained a special mark and was real!


    the reaction of the exemption order also proved its authenticity¡­


    this caused a huge commotion in the mind of the chaotic sky emperor.


    this was because even though his clan had an exemption token, the authority of this token was obvious when facing the nine shores immortal lord¡¯s mission!


    not only did the expressions of the chaotic sky royal family members change, but even star ring¡¯s eyes narrowed as he looked at the mission jade slip in xu qing¡¯s hand.


    clearly, even he was extremely surprised.


    xu qing stepped down from the seaweed and walked toward the chaotic sky palace.


    every step he took caused the starry sky to ripple.


    every time he got close, it would cause the expression of the chaotic sky emperor on the palace to change.


    after xu qing took seven to eight steps, the huge face transformed by the chaotic sky emperor disappeared. his main body walked out of the palace and stood in the starry sky.


    he was a thousand feet tall, had a red body, and had two heads. the moment he appeared, an astonishing cultivation fluctuation suddenly spread out, transforming into an obstruction that landed in front of xu qing.


    xu qing stopped in his tracks and calmly looked at the chaotic sky emperor.


    ¡°you want to obstruct my investigation?¡±


    the chaotic sky emperor stared at xu qing and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°my race doesn¡¯t have nine-colored ice!¡±


    ¡°we¡¯ll know after we investigate!¡± the person who said this wasn¡¯t xu qing but star ring.


    the chaotic sky emperor fell silent before sighing. he admitted that he had miscalculated this time. hence, he raised his hand and grabbed. immediately, the fourth true monarch¡¯s relic flew out of the palace behind him and landed in his palm.


    he planned to make peace. since the other party wanted this item, he would just give it away.


    although this item was extremely precious, compared to what the clan was doing¡­ he could only choose to give it away.


    he was about to speak.


    however, at this moment, his expression suddenly changed.


    xu qing¡¯s eyes narrowed as he looked at the palace.


    the seaweed sensed something almost at the same time as xu qing. its leaves immediately swayed and its aura became sharp.


    in the palace, there were teleportation fluctuations spreading out.


    someone was teleporting over!


    the chaotic sky emperor narrowed his eyes and clenched his right hand, putting away the clump of heaven¡¯s law soil that he had planned to give away. the words he originally wanted to say also changed.


    ¡°an emissary of my lord has descended on our race.¡±


    ¡°regarding the matters here, my chaotic sky clan will listen to the lord¡¯s arrangements.¡±


    as he spoke, the chaotic sky emperor turned and bowed to the palace.


    all the surrounding clansmen lowered their heads and bowed.


    immediately after, the teleportation fluctuations became stronger and stronger. amidst the rumbling, a huge pillar of light descended from the void above the palace, stirring up layers of waves.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with this scene. it was exactly the same as the teleportation he used to return to his universe.


    at the next instant, as the pillar of light landed, an aura infinitely close to that of a lower immortal rose from the palace.


    this aura was extremely terrifying, causing the starry sky to crease. everything in the surroundings was occupied by dense immortal energy.


    everything related to gods was rejected by this immortal energy.


    that was the dispersion of the immortal embryo.


    this person¡­ was just a trace away from transforming into an immortal!


    star ring¡¯s expression was solemn, and xu qing frowned.


    after that, the gate of the palace that everyone was looking at suddenly opened.


    an earth-shattering force erupted from within.


    it was like magma gushing out of a volcano.


    amidst the rumbling, a middle-aged cultivator in a red robe walked out with a cold expression.


    every step he took caused the starry sky to tremble.


    the moment he completely walked out, the chaotic sky emperor solemnly bowed. his clansmen were also incomparably respectful.


    ¡°greetings, your excellency!¡±


    the person¡¯s aura was terrifying and with the entire chaotic sky clan paying their respects, they instantly gathered into an astonishing aura.


    at the same time, the seaweed was also instinctively swaying. its divine sense quickly entered xu qing¡¯s mind.


    ¡°he has the aura of the warden who left a seal on the true god¡¯s wound!¡±


    when xu qing heard this, he narrowed his eyes.


    as for the red-robed middle-aged man who had walked out of the palace, he swept his gaze across the surroundings with inexplicable dignity. his gaze landed on the seaweed and a strange glint appeared in his eyes.


    after that, he looked at xu qing who was in front of the seaweed.


    ¡°you¡¯re the one who colluded with this b*stard plant to steal my master¡¯s divine food?¡±


    as soon as he said this, the chaotic sky emperor, who had his head lowered, blinked as he fell into deep thought.


    star ring¡¯s expression was gloomy as he stared at the middle-aged cultivator. the ordinance of order on his body began to circulate.

 Chapter 1692 - Chapter 1692: Same Paths

    chapter 1692: same paths


    editor: atlas studios


    however, just as the ordinance of order circulated on star ring¡¯s body and iron chains pierced through the void, xu qing¡¯s eyes suddenly narrowed, and he let out a low shout.


    ¡°forward!¡±


    at the same time, he pointed at star ring.


    almost at the exact moment xu qing¡¯s words echoed out, star ring¡¯s reaction was lightning-fast. all the chains of order moved in unison, positioning themselves in front of him to block the impending force.


    however, he was still a little too slow.


    an immense, terrifying force erupted before the chains¡ªa force akin to the explosion of stars and the upheaval of galaxies.


    the sound was deafening. star ring¡¯s face turned deathly pale as blood spurted from his mouth. his body was hurled backward like a kite with a broken string, and all the chains of order before him shattered entirely, fragmenting link by link.


    at the place where the iron chains shattered, a figure appeared.


    the figure was indistinct, shrouded in haze. as it flickered, it made a move to pursue star ring. however, as xu qing¡¯s finger descended, an invisible ordinance of space-time surged forth, transforming into a sealing force to obstruct the figure


    the space-time seal, though powerful, was unable to completely restrict the terrifying speed of this entity. yet, combined with the earlier obstruction from star ring¡¯s chains of order, it managed to buy star ring a crucial moment.


    this moment was enough for the retreating and blood-spitting star ring to activate his balance ordinance, exchanging it for the speed necessary to temporarily evade the life-and-death crisis he faced!


    the figure paused in the starry sky.


    his full appearance was revealed.


    it was the middle-aged cultivator in red robes who was still outside the palace gate!


    however, the figure now standing outside the palace was merely an afterimage, blurry and faint.


    his true body had moved with such extreme speed that, moments earlier, it had appeared directly in front of star ring, shattering everything in its path. if not for xu qing¡¯s timely warning and intervention, star ring would either be gravely injured or dead by now.


    ¡°you could actually perceive my speed. no wonder you dared to steal my master¡¯s divine food.¡±


    the middle-aged cultivator turned his head and looked at xu qing, calmly speaking.


    xu qing narrowed his eyes, and a cold glint appeared in them. the person in front of him was the strongest quasi immortal he had encountered. his ordinance wasn¡¯t something strange, but extremely simple.


    it was speed!


    that was an extreme speed that even surpassed time!


    ordinance wasn¡¯t inherently strong or weak; it all depended on who had advanced further and delved deeper into their mysteries.


    ¡°i originally intended to kill him, to make you realize the futility of resistance and force you to relinquish the stolen item.¡±


    ¡°but since you stopped me¡­ then i¡¯ll just kill you.¡±


    the middle-aged cultivator looked at xu qing. his voice was still echoing but his figure had already appeared thirty feet away from xu qing!


    his speed was so fast that it exceeded perception. he raised his right hand and was about to press down on xu qing when the starry sky around xu qing suddenly transformed into a vortex. a tearing force was about to erupt.


    the middle-aged cultivator raised his brows and exclaimed softly.


    he didn¡¯t advance but retreated instead.


    at that moment, a surge of killing intent erupted from xu qing¡¯s eyes. he had been prepared all along. as the red-robed cultivator spoke, xu qing¡¯s space ordinance had already layered upon itself multiple times, his time ordinance weaving chaos into the fabric of reality. together, they merged seamlessly, forming the space-time ordinance and seamless.


    thus, when the red-robed figure arrived, accompanied by the sudden emergence of a vortex imbued with terrifying tearing power, it clashed directly with xu qing¡¯s space-time distortion.


    silently, the vortex was annihilated.


    xu qing¡¯s body trembled and blood flowed out of the corner of his mouth. however, he performed a series of hand seals in front of him.


    ¡°suppress, condense, seal!¡±


    space was suppressed, time was condensed, and space-time was sealed!


    in the next instant, the figure of the red-robed middle-aged cultivator froze in the starry sky. the timeline surrounding him abruptly solidified, forming a space-time seal that encased both his body and the surrounding void, rendering him and the space around him akin to an amber sculpture.


    at the same time, xu qing¡¯s body radiated a dazzling silver light. the immortal embryo, nearing perfection, unfolded in that moment, transforming his form into something akin to a divine being. his immense true form stood tall in the cosmos, exuding an overwhelming presence.


    raising his right hand, xu qing¡¯s fingers spread wide, embodying the power of the five elements.


    metal, wood, water, fire, and earth¡ªthe transformation of five extremities¡ªwere like five blazing stars. his hand seemed to encompass the vastness of a star system.


    they were more like five gods!


    with this unparalleled might, xu qing brought his hand down decisively, aiming to crush the red-robed cultivator trapped within the space-time seal!


    star ring also didn¡¯t hesitate. his balance ordinance circulated fiercely, causing the starry sky to transform into a scale.


    it wasn¡¯t to enhance his body but¡­ to enhance xu qing.


    he used his body as the price to augment xu qing, causing xu qing¡¯s combat strength to skyrocket, closing the gap between him and that peak-stage quasi immortal.


    immediately after, a piercing boom immediately spread out from the seaweed. all the leaves quickly left, completely stimulating the innate power of its race.


    its race¡¯s talent was sealing.


    what it sealed wasn¡¯t space but¡­ origin essence!


    at that moment, they all made their moves. one augmented xu qing, while the other augmented the seal.


    as a result, xu qing¡¯s five fingers that were lifted had already landed like heavenly might.


    as for the middle-aged cultivator who was sealed, he slowly raised his head and looked at xu qing. a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes that contained deep meaning as he spoke hoarsely.


    ¡°i think i know who you are now. you¡¯re that¡­ xu qing!¡±


    as he spoke, the middle-aged cultivator licked his lips and similarly raised his right hand, placing it in front of him and clenching it ruthlessly.


    with this clench, cracking sounds rang out.


    space shattered.


    time shattered.


    space-time collapsed.


    after that, his palm slowly relaxed and clenched again.


    this time, star ring¡¯s body trembled and he spat out a mouthful of blood. the balance was also collapsing. however, star ring wasn¡¯t an ordinary person. lines of starlight immediately appeared around his body.


    the source of each line was a star ring tower!


    at that moment, he activated them all, their brilliance surging forth in dazzling radiance, slowing the collapse of the balance.


    this allowed its enhancement on xu qing to continue.


    as for the seaweed, all its leaves were torn. as its entire body trembled, countless crimson tendrils immediately grew from the torn leaves.


    they coiled around the middle-aged cultivator.


    change the seal to a restriction!


    not only that, but the clay fox also appeared in the starry sky. the golden light manifested by the divine platform formed a huge statue and erupted with all its might.


    this caused the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s body to turn into clay. countless stars shone above his head and were also suppressing him.


    they were all creating opportunities for xu qing!


    the speed and combat strength of this middle-aged cultivator were simply too astonishing.


    this was the peak of the quasi immortal realm, only a step away from the summer immortal!


    although this step was extremely difficult to cross, it had to be said that when a cultivator reached the peak of the quasi immortal realm, they were already a being that ordinary power could not obstruct or destroy.


    especially when this person¡¯s ordinance was a simple and terrifying speed ordinance.


    the reason why this ordinance was simple was because it could connect to many ordinances and had many directions. right now, this middle-aged cultivator had clearly only displayed a portion of it.


    since they were already fighting, xu qing, who had the highest combat strength among them, was naturally the sharp blade.


    creating opportunities for the sharp blade was the way to fight.


    all of this took a long time to describe but in reality, it happened in the blink of an eye. at the next instant, xu qing¡¯s five fingers completely landed while star ring, the seaweed, and the clay fox spared no expense to restrain him.


    the starry sky rumbled and the surroundings trembled.


    the five fingers, resembling gods and blazing like celestial stars, descended with the momentum of a star system, carried forth by the immense force of the palm.


    yet, as they pressed down upon the spot where the middle-aged cultivator was sealed, there was no earth-shattering explosion, no deafening roar of destruction.


    instead, the moment the fingers and palm made contact, the five elemental forces instantly intertwined.


    this palm strike that looked like a killing move wasn¡¯t a killing move!


    this was also a seal!


    this was xu qing¡¯s battle tactic.


    with the five elements that were core of the lower star rings, coupled with time, space, balance, order, and the restraint of origin essence, the ultimate seal was formed.


    this scene caused the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s pupils to constrict for the first time.


    he instinctively sensed danger, so his body turned blurry. the ordinance of speed was displayed to another level without any hesitation.


    that was¡­ a path that surpassed time, space, and space-time¡­ it wasn¡¯t a parallel dimension!


    to a certain extent, his ordinance was similar to xu qing¡¯s!


    however, what he chose wasn¡¯t a complicated parallel but to press forward!


    it could be understood by the lower immortals. below the lower immortals, only xu qing, who was heading in the same direction, realized something. moreover, the waves in his heart were like a storm rumbling.


    ¡°his path, his path¡­¡±


    xu qing¡¯s breath quickened. he had been tirelessly searching for his tenth extremity, but no matter how hard he tried, he had never found the right direction. yet, in this moment, it felt as though a glimmer of light pierced through the darkness of his world!


    unfortunately, the current situation didn¡¯t allow him to think too much. he could only bury this wisp of insight.


    his true killing move finally erupted at this moment!


    that was the bell chime.


    it contained a trace of the might of a lord god, a chime that could break all spells!


    as soon as this sound rang out, the starry sky went blank!


    the middle-aged cultivator at the peak of the quasi immortal realm also trembled.


    next was an iron stick that contained the heaven¡¯s law, parallel dimensions, and xu qing¡¯s ordinance, perfectly aligned with his immortal embryo.


    these iron sticks moved out from one parallel space-time after another.


    a total of 479!


    they were like shooting stars, turning from illusory to real!


    finally, they appeared in the main world. with a raise of xu qing¡¯s hand, 479 became one.


    they formed a fatal killing move!


    it rushed toward the middle-aged cultivator!


    the middle-aged man was retreating.


    his speed reached the extreme, retreating not only through space, but also through time, past and future, fate, cause and effect, traces, and even memory¡ªhe was retreating from every possible dimension!


    however, under the guidance of the bell, the iron stick destroyed everything in its path!


    it broke space!


    it shattered time!


    it destroyed the past and future!


    it pierced through fate, cause and effect!


    it swept through traces and even memories!


    it chased from every direction!


    it finally caught up and stabbed.


    however, the instant the iron stick came into contact with the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s forehead, ripples appeared between his brows. it was as though it had transformed into water and a blurry reflection appeared.


    to be precise, it was a back view. the moment it appeared, an aura that surpassed that of a quasi immortal immediately caused the entire universe to rumble.


    that was an immortal!


    it was a life-preserving image planted by the middle-aged cultivator¡¯s master.


    this back view slowly turned its head.


    it glanced at the iron stick.


    this glance sent the iron stick flying.


    blood gushed out of star ring, and the clay fox¡¯s divine platform was about to become unstable. the seaweed continued to shatter.


    xu qing¡¯s mind also echoed with heavenly lightning.


    taking advantage of this opportunity, the middle-aged cultivator finally avoided death. he immediately retreated and distanced himself, staring fixedly at xu qing, fear rising in his heart.


    he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°chaotic sky emperor, i order you and your clan to help!¡±


    the chaotic sky emperor¡¯s expression changed and he hesitated inwardly. if it was just fighting the human race, he would dare to. however, it was obvious that today¡¯s matter wouldn¡¯t be as simple as attacking.


    this was killing!


    just as the chaotic sky emperor was feeling conflicted, xu qing had already dispersed the rumbling in his mind and coldly looked at the middle-aged cultivator.


    ¡°you don¡¯t have a chance.¡±


    after saying that, xu qing looked at the starry sky.


    almost at the instant he looked over, the starry sky rumbled and a huge rift split open. figures rushed out from the rift.


    at the front was none other than zhou zhengli!


    yuanshan su, li mengtu, xie lingzi, and the others were all there.


    all the ascenders had arrived!


    this was the order that xu qing had given to zhou zhengli on his way here, as a precaution and also to break the seal on the true god later. xu qing had instructed zhou zhengli to gather everyone here!


    now, under zhou zhengli¡¯s lead, they tore through the starry sky.


    one by one, they descended!

 Chapter 1693 - Chapter 1693: It Really Is Here?

    chapter 1693: it really is here?


    editor: atlas studios


    the moment the rift tore open, a storm erupted from within and swept in all directions.


    it was like an invisible hand was creating ripples.


    this caused the void where the chaotic sky palace was located to tremble intensely.


    as for the cultivators who descended, every one of them was filled with a baleful aura. moreover, the origin essences on them were seeping out to varying degrees.


    clearly, xu qing wasn¡¯t the only one who had gained a lot during this period. the other cultivators had also been nourishing themselves.


    their cultivation bases were slightly better than when they first arrived here.


    it was the same for the increase in overall combat strength.


    this was especially so for xie lingzi and zhou zhengli. these two people were originally at the peak of the ruler realm. now, they were only a breath away from breaking through.


    although li mengtu was not close to their level, he was much stronger than before.


    qianjun and piyi were also in high spirits.


    however, the one who improved the most was yuanshan su.


    it was unclear where she had ventured this time, but her current aura revealed that her immortal embryo had grown significantly more profound.


    all of this allowed these cultivators to possess the power to stir up the wind and clouds.


    moreover, as ascenders of this world, all of them had fought their way out from countless competitions. hence, even when alone, they were like wolves and didn¡¯t lack powerful methods.


    after they arrived, the aura on their bodies fluctuated and the ruthlessness in their eyes was obvious.


    no one would dare underestimate them.


    they all looked at the chaotic sky race members and¡­ the middle-aged cultivator at the peak of the quasi immortal realm!


    this scene caused the hearts of all the members of the chaotic sky race to rumble. all of them felt uneasy and an intense sense of uneasiness continued to rise.


    even the chaotic sky emperor¡¯s expression was ugly. this was the situation he didn¡¯t want to encounter the most.


    generally speaking, the probability of encountering such a thing was very small, almost zero.


    in reality, that was indeed the case. for the chaotic sky royal family, who had the exemption token, they weren¡¯t worried about the arrival of the material procurers. this was because the material procurers would at most plunder in the outside world and wouldn¡¯t implicate their race.


    this was also the reason why this chaotic sky emperor was fearless previously.


    however, he could have never predicted that xu qing had the immortal lord¡¯s mission!


    this was the key.


    moreover¡­ his combat strength was also astonishing. he wasn¡¯t afraid even when the envoy appeared!


    in fact, he almost killed the envoy just earlier!


    ¡°moreover, each of those who have descended, whether it¡¯s their aura or the impression they give me, feels like a heaven¡¯s chosen¡­ this group of material procurers is by no means ordinary!¡±


    this thought was intense in the chaotic sky emperor¡¯s mind.


    the middle-aged cultivator at the peak of the quasi immortal realm sighed inwardly.


    from the moment he recognized xu qing, he already understood the situation.


    moreover, the difference in the identities allowed him to have more real-time information about the outside world than the chaotic sky emperor.


    hence, he understood that not all ascenders became material procurers.


    in heaven¡¯s beyonds, many human cultivators had already been living there long before. their numbers were much greater than those of the ascenders, and they made up the majority of the lower-tier workforce in various divisions.


    generally speaking, within small squads like this one, ascenders accounted for, at most, only one-tenth of the members. even that was often due to subsequent replacements after multiple rounds of elimination.


    after all, ascenders were different.


    hence, in the past, most ascenders were deliberately scattered across different divisions, assigned to varied duties.


    it was very rare for them to arrange for everyone to be in the same place.


    thus, xu qing¡¯s squad was, in fact, the only team within the entire material procurement division composed entirely of ascenders from the same batch.


    the middle-aged cultivator sighed inwardly as he observed the descending figures.


    this was also the reason why he had wanted to attack immediately and forcefully sought the chaotic sky¡¯s help.


    he knew that he couldn¡¯t delay. it was best to end the battle quickly.


    this was because although he had a strong background, he was well aware of one undeniable truth: every ascender had their own extraordinary background. those without it before ascension would inevitably acquire it after arriving in heaven¡¯s beyond, through connections, opportunities, and alliances.


    therefore, although he was a quasi immortal and his master was a lower immortal, he was very clear that he¡­ could provoke a few of them and kill a few for the dao, but if he killed all of them¡­ even his master wouldn¡¯t be able to bear the consequences!


    hence, at this moment, he retreated and returned to the outside of the palace. he took a step back, wanting to borrow the teleportation array here to leave this place.


    he could no longer take care of the matters here.


    as for the contest of dao¡­ he sighed in his heart and knew that he wouldn¡¯t be able to fight for it in the short term.


    moreover, the other crucial reason that led him to choose an immediate retreat was his own self-assessment of the situation. the current circumstances were overwhelmingly unfavorable to him, and he knew it well. he had no confidence in suppressing this group through sheer force.


    moreover, if he was not careful, he might die!


    hence, he didn¡¯t hesitate in retreating.


    xu qing wasn¡¯t surprised by this person¡¯s actions.


    unless he was a fool, it was impossible for him not to choose to retreat when faced with the appearance of these people.


    this was especially so after he had narrowly escaped death earlier.


    ¡°however, you want to leave just like that?¡±


    a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he then lifted his right hand and pointed.


    ¡°send him on his way!¡±


    zhou zhengli¡¯s aura immediately erupted as he let out a sharp cry.


    ¡°i respect the decree!¡±


    at the next instant, li mengtu also attacked without hesitation.


    xie lingzi blinked. he knew xu qing¡¯s methods. this situation didn¡¯t affect his life or death, so he also chose to attack.


    yuanshan su didn¡¯t hesitate and moved forward.


    also, this matter originally started due to star ring, so he naturally attacked with all his might.


    when qianjun and piyi saw this, based on their gratitude to star ring and their reverence for xu qing, they immediately attacked as well.


    as a result, despite the varied emotions and thoughts swirling in the minds of the other descendents, the sheer weight of numbers gave them confidence.


    at this moment, each of them unleashed their cultivation bases with a resounding surge, manifesting their respective trump cards. the collective force was like a tidal wave, surging forward with overwhelming pressure.


    it headed toward the chaotic sky palace with an avalanche.


    it destroyed everything along the way. no matter how good the material of the palace was, it was ultimately unable to resist. in an instant, the palace collapsed and shattered, turning into dust that scattered in the space.


    it revealed the entrance to the chaotic sky race¡¯s territory and the middle-aged cultivator who had already activated the teleportation array.


    his blurry face seemed to have changed drastically as he spat out a mouthful of blood. his form contorted unnaturally due to the teleportation being thrown into chaos.


    he could only rely on his master¡¯s mark to forcefully teleport despite being injured.


    in an instant, he disappeared.


    xu qing coldly looked at all of this but he didn¡¯t have any regrets.


    if he left, so be it.


    after all, he was a peak-level quasi immortal.


    ¡°the next time we meet, we¡¯ll just kill him.¡±


    xu qing¡¯s gaze swept over and landed on the chaotic sky emperor.


    the material procurers behind also looked over.


    being stared at by these people, the chaotic sky emperor¡¯s heart trembled. without any hesitation, he immediately discarded all pretenses and knelt before xu qing.


    he lifted the fourth true monarch¡¯s relic with both hands and spoke loudly.


    ¡°the lower race is at fault. i am willing to offer this item to extinguish the fire of the higher race.¡±


    the chaotic sky emperor was anxious but there was nothing he could do. just as he was about to continue speaking, xu qing had already lifted his hand.


    immediately, the heaven¡¯s law soil that the chaotic sky emperor lifted high flew into xu qing¡¯s palm.


    after playing with it, xu qing divided it in half and sent a portion to star ring, then spoke calmly.


    ¡°thank you all for your assistance. i have a task from my immortal lord, to search for the nine-colored ice that can extinguish the flames of the lord god. upon coming to this clan, i discovered there may be a connection.¡±


    ¡°i¡¯ll have to trouble everyone to investigate on my behalf.¡±


    as soon as xu qing spoke, everyone¡¯s eyes instantly lit up.


    they naturally understood the meaning in his words. hence, all of them immediately became excited and agreed one after another, heading straight for the entrance of the chaotic sky royal family.


    xu qing didn¡¯t step in. instead, he continued to play with half of the heaven¡¯s law soil in his hand.


    at the side, the chaotic sky emperor¡¯s face was greenish-red. clearly, he was even more anxious.


    however, in this situation, he was powerless to reverse the situation.


    very soon, a scene that caused his expression to change again appeared.


    star ring walked out of the entrance of the chaotic sky royal family with a strange expression and looked at xu qing.


    ¡°there are some special items inside. they do seem to be nine-colored¡­¡±


    ¡°so, do you want to come and take a look?¡±


    xu qing was stunned when he heard that.


    ¡°it really is here?¡±


    star ring hesitated and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°i don¡¯t know if it¡¯s the same thing or not but it¡¯s related to the aurora immortal palace.¡±

 Chapter 1694 - Chapter 1694: Ambition and Position

    chapter 1694: ambition and position


    editor: atlas studios


    a day later.


    the chaotic sky emperor was kneeling outside the shattered chaotic sky imperial palace with a bitter expression.


    behind him, the gathered chaotic sky clan members all had pale faces, their bodies exuding obvious signs of weakness. among them, the three clan powerhouses who had previously tried to obstruct star ring were particularly haggard, with blood seeping from the corners of their mouths, their energy utterly depleted.


    their cultivation levels had already fallen!


    they were no longer at the quasi immortal realm but had directly fallen to the ruler realm.


    upon closer inspection, one could see that it wasn¡¯t just the three of them. the other members of the chaotic sky clan had their cultivation levels drop to varying degrees.


    in fact, if one observed carefully from the fluctuations of their souls, they would discover that¡­ this drop was permanent.


    it came from the soul and also from the bloodline!


    their bloodlines were cut off and their souls were restrained!


    the bitter chaotic sky emperor was also affected.


    he silently knelt there. although his cultivation realm was still at the quasi immortal realm, he could only barely maintain it.


    moreover, this state would always exist and he wouldn¡¯t be able to change it.


    this was because the second head behind him had already withered.


    his atavism had been interrupted!


    however, all the members of the chaotic sky clan, including him, chose to lower their heads at this moment. they didn¡¯t have much resentment.


    in front of them, in the starry sky, a group of departing figures could be seen.


    they were ascenders.


    the leader was xu qing.


    they had left.


    ¡­


    the vast amount of source essence accumulated during the chaotic sky clan¡¯s ritual to purify their bloodline had already been taken by the group. moreover, it was in line with xu qing¡¯s judgment.


    under zhou zhengli¡¯s leadership, everyone voluntarily handed over 20% of their acquired share.


    li mengtu and the others were the same.


    as for the treatment of the chaotic sky royal family¡­ star ring joined forces with others in the name of order and used the ordinance of balance.


    with this, he used the law of balance to extract the bloodline, causing the bloodline of this race to be mixed.


    given that the chaotic sky clan had acted improperly in the first place¡ªif not for the involvement of other heaven¡¯s beyond¡ªreporting this incident could have justified exterminating the clan outright.


    now, without any bloodshed but through the weakening of their bloodline, any reports of this matter would still align with the broader interests of the human race in the fifth star ring.


    no one could find fault with it.


    at the same time, such handling aligned well with the reputation of the material procurer¡­


    it could be said that every aspect, both inside and out, had been carefully considered.


    moreover, the chaotic sky clan also agreed with this.


    this was because they knew that in the face of this team filled with ascenders¡­ regardless of combat strength, background, or anything else, they were inferior.


    they were just too unlucky to encounter these people.


    if the other party was really determined to destroy their clan, they could only walk into a dead end.


    after all, this was the fifth star ring, where the human race reigned supreme.


    hence, this outcome actually caused them to heave a sigh of relief in their hearts.


    as long as their clansmen were still alive, it was already the greatest blessing for them.


    like this, the matter here could be considered to have come to an end.


    after that, xu qing led everyone back to the location of a29.


    on the way, he told everyone about his investigation and plan regarding the true god sun.


    upon hearing that the seaweed in prison a 29 was actually the jailer of a true god and that this true god could have his origin essence extracted, everyone became excited.


    although they had completed their harvesting missions and even had made a lot of extra gains, their need for origin essence was even greater.


    hence, everyone¡¯s gazes were burning.


    moreover, after spending these days together, venturing into a clan as a group, and dividing the spoils, everyone had grown more accustomed to one another, fostering a greater sense of camaraderie and teamwork.


    they also agreed with xu qing¡¯s lead.


    this was especially so since xu qing let everyone have a share of the origin essence and he also had the highest combat strength among them, so they naturally approved of his leadership.


    just like that, everyone sped all the way.


    they arrived at the location of the prison a29.


    that true god sun was still at its original location. although the seaweed that left with xu qing was its main body, it didn¡¯t dare to leave its post unauthorized. hence, before it left, it made a clone and monitored the true god prison at all times.


    after returning to this place, xu qing suppressed the anticipation in his heart. he first observed and after confirming that there was nothing wrong, he looked at the people beside him.


    ¡°then, let¡¯s follow the plan and collect the origin essence here!¡±


    xu qing slowly spoke.


    in the surroundings, all the material procurers, including star ring, already knew of the plan on the way. after seeing it with their own eyes and sensing it, their eyes revealed a bright glint.


    a long time later, they looked at each other and saw their respective decisions.


    seeing this, xu qing said nothing further. he moved first, heading straight for the true god sun.


    the roots of the seaweed clone swayed and opened the entrance. at the same time, its main body returned, providing a certain degree of support for everyone. following closely behind xu qing, star ring also stepped forward.


    zhou zhengli, xie lingzi, yuanshan su, li mengtu and others followed one after another.


    the group rushed in like a pack of hungry wolves.


    ¡­


    time flowed by.


    three days later, the true god sun trembled and the seaweed outside swayed intensely.


    this tremor lasted for seven to eight days before a loud boom rang out. even in the starry sky, one could sense a terrifying origin essence spreading out from the sun.


    it was as though the seal had been opened.


    several days later, the fire and heat of the true god sun actually decreased. its overall size seemed to have withered, and it was as though an even denser origin essence was about to erupt.


    however, at this moment, a powerful divine sense suddenly soared into the sky from the true god sun.


    it transformed into a voice.


    ¡°you guys¡­ enough!!¡±


    ¡°i will take this food away. you guys can scram within ten breaths of time. if you exceed the time limit and die here, your master and the forces behind you can¡¯t blame me!¡±


    this sound was like heavenly lightning, rumbling through the entire chaotic sky universe.


    it caused countless star systems and stars in the universe to shake in unison and all living beings to shiver.


    xu qing and the others, who had barged into the true god sun, felt their hearts palpitate as well.


    their figures spat out blood and their expressions fluctuated as they quickly left.


    finally, at the tenth breath, the true god sun flew out.


    the instant it appeared in the starry sky, a huge vortex appeared under the true god sun.


    this vortex was extremely large and looked like a mouth. an incomparably huge palm stretched out and grabbed the true god sun, pulling it into the vortex.


    the seaweed had no choice but to let go of its tendrils. otherwise, it would also be dragged into it.


    all of this seemed to take a long time to describe but in reality, after everyone appeared, the vortex and large hand instantly appeared and took away the true god sun. the vortex and large hand instantly disappeared.


    it was as though they had never appeared.


    in the empty starry sky, only the trembling seaweed, xu qing, and the other cultivators watched with gloomy looks.


    no one knew what to say about this scene.


    previously, after they entered the true god sun, although the process of breaking the first two seals was somewhat difficult, it was still considered smooth overall. moreover, they had also absorbed a lot of origin essence from the true god.


    however¡­ when they broke the third seal, an accident happened.


    the third seal actually contained an eye!


    it was the eye of an immortal, left there as the core of the seal imprisoning this true god sun.


    when they saw the eye, it suddenly opened and emitted a terrifying will that swept out like a storm, rendering everyone powerless to resist.


    as for its identity, it was self-evident¡ªit belonged to none other than the hidden lower immortal behind it all.


    clearly, this former official of the aurora heaven¡¯s beyond, having learned of the intruders¡¯ identities through his disciple, chose to hold back his wrath despite his fury.


    he gave them ten breaths of time.


    subsequently, unwilling to leave the true god sun behind, he chose to forcibly take it away at any cost.


    clearly, this action was a decision born of helplessness for the lower immortal.


    otherwise, there was no need for him to do this now¡­


    xu qing and the others could only express their frustration.


    yet in the face of a lower immortal, they were truly powerless to intervene.


    at this moment, they could only sigh inwardly and choose to leave.


    seaweed was at a loss.


    the prison it guarded¡­ was gone.


    the gods in the leaves were completely plundered by it.


    right now, in this vast world, it suddenly lost its mission¡­


    hence, under xu qing¡¯s persuasion, it chose to leave with them.


    thus, upon reaching a meteorite field, everyone dispersed, each choosing a meteorite to sit cross-legged upon, preparing to first digest their respective gains.


    they decided to leave this universe in a month.


    after all, although they had only absorbed the origin essence under the two layers of seals, the total amount was quite a lot.


    half a month passed in the blink of an eye.


    this silent meteorite field drifted quietly in the vast expanse of the starry sky, and its inhabitants remained equally tranquil.


    over the past half month, everyone sat cross-legged on their respective meteorites, diligently transforming the harvested origin essence into their own cultivation and combat power.


    the auras from their bodies also increased day by day and became increasingly sharp.


    on the seventeenth day¡­ the serene void was suddenly shattered as a vast and boundless aura erupted skyward.


    this overwhelming aura shook the surrounding space, causing the meteorites to veer chaotically, scattering in all directions under the impact.


    in that instant, space and time twisted, the five elements manifested in harmony, and the rules of the universe in this region converged from all directions. a dazzling display of five-colored brilliance illuminated the universe.


    there were also waves of deafening heartbeats that pounded at this moment.


    it was as though heavenly lightning was echoing.


    this scene immediately caused everyone¡¯s hearts to tremble. all of them woke up from their meditative state and opened their eyes, looking in the direction of the vast fluctuations in unison!


    it was an oval-shaped meteorite. the person sitting cross-legged on it wore a black robe and had long hair that fluttered in the wind. his entire body emitted a hazy light and there was dense immortal energy on his body that continued to erupt in waves.


    he was xu qing!


    ¡°he¡¯s breaking through to the quasi immortal realm!¡±


    star ring¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    ¡°such a momentum and commotion¡­¡±


    xie lingzi¡¯s expression was solemn and yuanshan su was a little dazed. li mengtu immediately paid attention to his surroundings and guarded xu qing.


    qianjun and piyi¡¯s hearts palpitated as they knew that the situation wasn¡¯t good.


    they had a feeling that after xu qing successfully advanced to the quasi immortal realm, he only needed to raise his hand and the two of them would involuntarily transform into immortal swords and cheer¡­


    thinking of that scene, the two brothers became anxious.


    at this moment, zhou zhengli narrowed his eyes, pondered for a moment, and then, with a decisive glint in his gaze, stood up. in a flash, he moved to the meteorite closest to xu qing, sat down cross-legged, and adopted a solemn expression before speaking in a deep tone.


    ¡°everyone, if you don¡¯t stand guard now, then when will you?¡±


    ¡°additionally, regardless of whether any of you harbor other thoughts, allow me to remind you of one thing¡­¡±


    at this point, zhou zhengli¡¯s eyes revealed a dark glint.


    ¡°don¡¯t forget this place¡­ what was the name of the heaven¡¯s beyond in the past?¡±


    ¡°as for the other heaven¡¯s beyonds, most of the higher seats are already taken.¡±


    ¡°you all understand this, so no matter what you might be considering, my goal is clear¡ªto secure a place beside the future lord of this heaven¡¯s beyond ahead of time!¡±


    ¡°although the possibility isn¡¯t high, or even negligible, but¡­ compared to the huge gains, i¡¯m willing to gamble!¡±


    ¡°therefore, everyone who might make me lose this gamble is my enemy!¡±


    this was the first time zhou zhengli spoke of his ambitions. although no one knew if his words of ambition were his true goal¡­


    it had to be said that his words indeed caused many people¡¯s thoughts to stir.


    qianjun and piyi¡¯s hearts no longer palpitated. instead, after being stunned for a moment, their eyes revealed a bright glint.


    ¡°position?¡±


    ¡ª new chapter is coming soon ¡ª


    write a review

 Chapter 1696 - Chapter 1696: Unprecedented Quasi Immortal

    chapter 1696: unprecedented quasi immortal


    editor: atlas studios


    qianjun and piyi were clearly moved.


    the brothers exchanged a glance before simultaneously turning to look at star ring.


    noticing that star ring, despite maintaining a neutral expression, had chosen to position himself with his back to xu qing¡¯s meteorite as a gesture of protection, the brothers immediately became invigorated.


    in an instant, sword energy shot into the void.


    they transformed into two ancient immortal swords. radiating brilliance, they hovered in the starry sky, their tips pointing outward in all directions, exuding an air of unwavering loyalty.


    this sight brought a faint smile to zhou zhengli¡¯s face, his eyes reflecting both admiration and a sense of camaraderie.


    as for xie lingzi, he internally scoffed, thinking, ¡®these two swords must have damaged their brains during cultivation. how else could such individuals be accepted as disciples of a lower immortal and rise to the same level as me?¡¯


    despite his silent derision, when he noticed zhou zhengli¡¯s gaze shift toward him, xie lingzi narrowed his eyes, pondered for a moment, and then decided to simply close them.


    seeing this, zhou zhengli continued to smile. his gaze swept over and landed on yuanshan su.


    he held yuanshan su in high regard. this woman didn¡¯t seem to have a strong presence and was far inferior to xie lingzi and star ring. however, in reality, her combat strength was extraordinary.


    whether it was from past observations or her performance in the mirrored history of the aurora immortal palace, it was clear that she was no simple figure.


    in fact, analyzing the events of the aurora immortal palace, excluding xu qing, yuanshan su was the only one who had survived until the end.


    moreover¡­ she was a female cultivator¡­ a beautiful female cultivator.


    in zhou zhengli¡¯s opinion, it wasn¡¯t impossible for such a person to truly become the wife.


    hence, zhou zhengli¡¯s gaze contained a hint of respect.


    yuanshan su silently chose to protect.


    only then did zhou zhengli withdraw his gaze. meanwhile, the other material procurers, noticing the stance taken by the strongest among them, began to solidify their own attitudes. after all the experiences they had shared, xu qing had already earned a measure of acknowledgment in their hearts.


    very soon, even those who really had other thoughts suppressed those thoughts.


    they guarded together.


    just like that, time flowed by.


    the immortal energy fluctuations emitted by xu qing¡¯s body grew stronger and stronger. in the end, this immortal energy spread out into the starry sky, illuminating the laws of the universe.


    at the same time, his immortal embryo also manifested outside like a dharma idol.


    it was a thousand feet long and looked like a god.


    it looked vast as it sat cross-legged on the meteorite.


    a terrifying aura also erupted, shaking everything, forming a space storm that swept in all directions.


    this caused the surrounding cultivators to immediately retreat. while avoiding the storm, they also paid close attention.


    since ancient times, the advancement of a ruler to the quasi immortal realm had always been a grand event.


    after all, a quasi immortal¡­ was also an immortal!


    with the word ¡®immortal¡¯ in it, they were destined to be extraordinary.


    therefore, although most of the people here had a good understanding of the advancement process, they still couldn¡¯t take their eyes off it.


    this was because¡­ through the process of a cultivator advancing to the quasi immortal realm, one could basically judge how far their future path could go.


    although it wasn¡¯t absolute, there was at least a range.


    ¡°the key to advancing to the quasi immortal lies in the nine releases and one immortal foundation!¡±


    star ring¡¯s perception of xu qing¡¯s advancement carried a hint of scrutiny. he wanted to see how xu qing, who had made him taste defeat for the first time in the immortal capital and even killed him before, would do during the process of advancing to the quasi immortal realm.


    ¡°the nine releases mark the pinnacle¡ªhow far can he go?¡±


    as star ring pondered, the same thought rose in everyone¡¯s hearts.


    this was especially so for zhou zhengli.


    he could be said to be the person who paid the most attention to this among these people.


    after sensing everyone¡¯s thoughts, xie lingzi suddenly spoke.


    ¡°everyone, why don¡¯t we place a bet? how many releases can xu qing complete? zhou zhengli, since you seem so confident in him, will you wager?¡±


    the others had different expressions. xie lingzi blinked and laughed.


    ¡°although i haven¡¯t advanced yet, i understand that the moment a ruler breaks through and steps into the quasi immortal realm, they have to release their immortal embryo. for an average quasi immortal, managing three releases is already typical. reaching five is rare, and achieving seven marks one as a true heaven¡¯s chosen.¡±


    ¡°those who achieve eight releases are as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns. as for nine¡­ anyone capable of such a feat is destined to become a lower immortal!¡±


    ¡°i wonder, fellow daoist yuanshan, how many releases have you achieved?¡± xie lingzi looked at yuanshan su.


    ¡°eight!¡± yuanshan su calmly said.


    xie lingzi smiled and looked at star ring.


    star ring ignored him.


    xie lingzi didn¡¯t mind. he turned his head and looked at zhou zhengli.


    ¡°of course it¡¯s nine.¡± zhou zhengli smiled.


    ¡°let¡¯s see.¡± xie lingzi smiled.


    li mengtu, who was at the side, frowned when he saw this. just as he was about to say something, he fell into deep thought. he glanced at zhou zhengli and suddenly spoke.


    ¡°compared to the few releases, the most important thing is actually that immortal foundation!¡±


    ¡°releases can determine the density of the immortal embryo, and the immortal foundation determines how far the immortal path is!


    ¡°every cultivator ascending to become a quasi immortal requires an immortal foundation, the cornerstone for later becoming an immortal!¡±


    ¡°this foundation must be tangible and cannot rely on one¡¯s own ordinance to fabricate. some prepare theirs early, while others aim for something greater¡­ i wonder, what might xu qing¡¯s immortal foundation be?¡±


    li mengtu¡¯s words echoed in the starry sky.


    when everyone heard this, they fell into deep thought.


    for them, this immortal foundation concerned their future, so it was naturally extremely important.


    even though star ring didn¡¯t participate in these discussions and bets, when he looked at xu qing in the distant storm, he couldn¡¯t help but recall his advancement back then.


    at that time, he could have reached the ninth release. however, the conflict with xu qing caused him to be unable to complete it on the fifth realm.


    in the end, he could only choose to advance outside.


    he had reached eight releases.


    finally, he used his rebirth after death to exchange for the last release to perfect his immortal foundation. however, when he recalled it, his heart still stirred.


    ¡®however, the main reason why i chose the fifth realm back then wasn¡¯t all because of the environment there, allowing me to reach the ninth release. my goal was the final immortal foundation.¡¯


    ¡®i chose the path of the fourth true monarch, so i found his skeleton in the fifth realm and stored it as my own immortal foundation.¡¯


    ¡®what will xu qing¡¯s immortal foundation be?¡¯


    star ring thought of the bell xu qing had used during the battle and that sharp iron stick¡­


    qianjun and piyi shuddered and quietly retreated a little. however, they felt that it wasn¡¯t safe, so they retreated a little more.


    they suddenly felt a little afraid.


    the instant they retreated, xu qing, who was meditating on the meteorite in the center of the storm surrounded by everyone, suddenly shook.


    a deafening sound spread in all directions. the thousand-foot-long immortal embryo that was exactly the same as him suddenly shone.


    ¡°it¡¯s starting!¡±


    li mengtu was filled with anticipation and everyone stared over.


    at the next instant, the light instantly became piercing. xu qing¡¯s thousand-foot-long immortal embryo seemed to contain a monstrous force that erupted terrifyingly.


    a shocking rumbling sound rang out.


    the thousand-foot-long immortal embryo expanded by ten times to ten thousand feet in size. the aura it emitted shook the surroundings and the pressure it emitted made one¡¯s heart palpitate.


    this was the first release!


    this wasn¡¯t the end. immediately after, the ten thousand-foot-long immortal embryo rumbled again. an even more terrifying fluctuation than before rose and its size increased by ten times to a hundred thousand feet!


    next was the third release, a million feet!


    after that, the fourth release, ten million feet!


    it continued. not only did the energy not decrease, but it also became even denser. at the next instant, a body that was a hundred million feet tall appeared, enough to cause megalophobia.


    ¡°xu qing¡¯s release is ten times greater!¡±


    ¡°ten times¡­ generally speaking, it¡¯s only two to three times. this is ten times!¡±


    ¡°moreover, it¡¯s already the fifth release!¡±


    ¡°although it¡¯s just the fifth release¡­ it has surpassed the limit of most of the quasi immortals!¡±


    everyone¡¯s thoughts rose¡­ and the release continued!


    in an instant, the sixth release erupted, forming a body of a billion feet.


    this was enough to see xu qing¡¯s foundation.


    everyone retreated one after another. when they looked over, xu qing¡¯s immortal embryo was truly like a god. he sat cross-legged in the starry sky, giving off a holy feeling. even their minds shook.


    the seventh release appeared.


    the eighth release arrived in an instant.


    a hundred billion feet!


    although his size was still inferior to a star system, the stars surrounding it were already like rice grains.


    as for those ascenders, they had long retreated extremely far away and looked at xu qing¡¯s immortal embryo in the starry sky. all of their hearts fluctuated intensely.


    xie lingzi was dumbfounded.


    zhou zhengli was excited and the strange glint in his eyes was intense.


    star ring¡¯s expression was still normal, but his pupils had already contracted.


    yuanshan su remained silent.


    as for the others, they felt as though there was a storm brewing in their hearts.


    just as everyone was feeling different degrees of shock, xu qing¡¯s releases paused for a moment.


    however, it was only for a moment. after that¡­ a loud sound that split the sky and earth shattered the starry sky. xu qing¡¯s already terrifying immortal embryo was released again!


    the ninth release!


    the starry sky darkened.


    a vast body that was the size of a star system stood in the starry sky.


    the stars around it were no longer the size of rice grains but like dust.


    the ascenders were in a daze.


    at the next instant, this galactic-sized immortal embryo instantly shrunk. its speed was so fast that afterimages appeared in the starry sky.


    in the end, this immortal embryo returned to normal and fused with xu qing¡¯s true body.


    this was its true appearance, and the releases¡­ were the range of the immortal embryo¡¯s power.


    in other words, the current xu qing¡¯s divine sense¡­ was comparable to the size of a star system.


    ¡°unprecedented¡­¡± star ring mumbled, and his scalp felt a little numb.


    the others were also stunned.


    ¡°that¡¯s not right. under normal circumstances, it¡¯s impossible for it to be like this. this tenfold release¡­ and nine releases. there¡¯s no record of it in the books at all!¡±


    ¡°no matter how deep xu qing¡¯s foundation is, it¡¯s impossible for him to do this!¡±


    ¡°this has already exceeded the scope of normal!¡±


    ¡°there must be other karma!¡±


    as the former number one star and born in the star ring tower, star ring¡¯s experience was definitely extraordinary. after a short moment of distraction, he immediately saw that something was wrong.


    he acknowledged that there was a gap between him and xu qing, but he didn¡¯t think the gap would be so great!


    at the next instant, his heart trembled as a guess suddenly appeared in his mind. this guess made him turn his head abruptly and look at zhou zhengli.


    xie lingzi also reacted. yuanshan su and the others also felt waves in their hearts and looked at zhou zhengli in unison.


    they thought of the words zhou zhengli had said!


    at that moment, zhou zhengli was excited.


    ¡°that¡¯s because this place¡­ is aurora heaven¡¯s beyond!¡±


    ¡°that¡¯s because there¡¯s a huge karma between him and aurora heaven¡¯s beyond. someone¡­ once gave this heaven¡¯s beyond to him!¡±


    ¡°so¡­ it¡¯s this ownerless heaven¡¯s beyond that¡¯s cheering!¡±


    ¡­


    at that moment, in the fourth star ring, in this place filled with gods, a boat was floating past the starry sky.


    the boat was strange and could obstruct the perception of gods. as for the two people on the boat, their cultivation levels were also astonishing. as long as they were careful, they wouldn¡¯t have any problems in the fourth star ring.


    ¡°he got it.¡±


    a gentle voice rang out from the ship.


    the person who spoke was none other than young lord aurora. the woman beside him was his wife, fairy spirit phoenix.


    hearing her husband¡¯s words, fairy spirit phoenix smiled.


    ¡°at that time, i could tell that what you gave him wasn¡¯t just an immortal palace.¡±


    young lord aurora looked at his wife beside him with love in his eyes.


    ¡°how can an immortal palace be enough for such a great kindness? i also gave that piece of heaven¡¯s beyond to him.¡±

 Chapter 1697 - Chapter 1697: The Strongest Team

    chapter 1697: the strongest team


    editor: atlas studios


    the saint-pacifying divine prison.


    located within the void zone between the aurora heaven¡¯s beyond and the spirit light heaven¡¯s beyond,


    its exterior appeared as a massive spider statue.


    inside the statue lay the prison, while its exterior was adorned with numerous grand halls.


    from a distance, these halls had an unusual design, resembling nails, and exuded a sealing power.


    the statue itself was entirely pitch-black and massive, comparable in size to a celestial body.


    it was concealed within a star vortex formed by void dust and constantly absorbed free-floating origin essence from the void zone through its eight legs, which were covered with countless fine hairs.


    this divine prison had existed for thousands of years.


    back then, it was constructed with the joint efforts of seventeen universes¡¯ royal families from the spirit light heaven¡¯s beyond.


    thus, this divine prison essentially served as a private prison for these seventeen clans. the gods confined within it were mostly those whom they had either plundered or purchased by various means and ultimately gathered there.


    in fact, many of these gods were originally imprisoned within the aurora heaven¡¯s beyond but were later treated as commodities and cunningly seized by these clans from spirit light.


    the reason for choosing to build the prison in the void zone was due to the unique nature of this divine prison. the gods imprisoned within needed to maintain a certain degree of vitality.


    they couldn¡¯t fall into a deep sleep.


    hence, it couldn¡¯t be built in heaven¡¯s beyond that was filled with the aura of immortal spirits. if that was the case, the god¡¯s slumber would fall into a deeper state.


    the stated purpose of this arrangement was to conduct research on the immortality of gods.


    this justification was formally reported to spirit light heaven¡¯s beyond and also filed within nine shores heaven¡¯s beyond for official records.


    at the same time, the prison accepted joint jurisdiction from both heaven¡¯s beyonds.


    it was only under these conditions that its construction had been permitted.


    moreover, due to the joint oversight of the two heaven¡¯s beyonds and the unique focus of this prison¡¯s research, it was excluded from the jurisdiction of the material procurement division.


    over the years, no material procurers had received any tasks related to requisitioning resources from this area.


    as time passed, this place became somewhat peaceful.


    the wardens within, aside from the two chief wardens, were all cultivators from the seventeen families, numbering in the thousands.


    at this moment, within the central and highest grand hall of the enormous spider statue, the sound of melodies echoed.


    nonhuman slaves performed songs and dances, while divine slaves with remnants of divine blood flowing in their veins played ancient instruments.


    chains-bound servants carried trays of fine wine infused with origin essence.


    surrounding the hall were dozens of cultivators. among them, only two in the center were human, while the others were powerful beings of various nonhuman races.


    each of them sat with expressions of appreciation, immersed in their indulgence and enjoyment.


    as for the two humans, one was an old man and the other was a middle-aged man.


    the former was from the spirit light heaven¡¯s beyond, while the latter came from the nine shores heaven¡¯s beyond.


    the two of them were the chief wardens of this divine prison.


    ¡°day after day, year after year, brother, you and i here truly live quite a pleasant life.¡±


    ¡°an inexhaustible supply of origin essence, the devoted service of slave races, and a life far removed from war¡ªit¡¯s like a paradise apart from the world.¡±


    ¡°haha, finding peace in a small corner of the universe is, indeed, a way of life.¡±


    the two men clinked their cups together, their laughter filling the grand hall.


    they had been stationed here for three hundred years, their duties uneventful, and during this time, they had both gained considerable benefits. their cultivation had advanced to the mid-stage of quasi immortal, and they were each only a step away from reaching the late stage.


    ¡°however, everything must come to an end. in just sixty years, our terms will be over. when that time comes, we¡¯ll each have our own paths to follow. who knows how long it will be before we meet again?¡±


    ¡°don¡¯t think about the future. just enjoy the present.¡±


    the two of them laughed and clinked their cups again. as for the nonhuman prison guards in the surroundings, all of them were filled with smiles as they flattered the two and raised their glasses.


    everyone was about to drink.


    however, at this moment, a gust of wind suddenly swept into the hall, sending a few strands of coldness to the lively atmosphere.


    in the cold wind, an illusory nonhuman cultivator came with the wind and gathered in the air to form a graceful female cultivator. she bowed and quickly spoke.


    ¡°sirs, we have detected the presence of nearly a hundred human cultivators approaching the vicinity of the divine prison. the outer wardens have already issued verbal warnings and activated the protective barrier.¡±


    ¡°but¡­¡±


    before the female cultivator could finish her report, a deafening roar, like the sound of heaven and earth being split apart, suddenly erupted outside.


    the protective barrier was broken!


    at the next instant, the aura that belonged to the outside world filled this place.


    the expressions of the cultivators in the hall changed. as for the two human quasi immortals, they frowned and their bodies turned blurry.


    in an instant, they appeared outside the hall. the moment they raised their heads and recognized the clothes of the intruders, their expressions darkened.


    following their gazes, one could see numerous rainbows that were like shooting stars, sweeping up extraordinary auras and stirring up monstrous waves as they descended toward the divine prison.


    they destroyed everything along the way.


    in the blink of an eye, seven to eight of them smashed onto the statue in front of the two wardens with an overwhelming force.


    the statue trembled.


    the ground stirred up a storm that swept in all directions. as the violent wind wreaked havoc, more meteors fell and the tremors on the ground continued.


    the nonhuman cultivators in the surroundings were all on guard.


    the intruders were overwhelming be it in numbers or cultivation bases.


    what made them even more gloomy was that after these human cultivators stood up, they all looked indifferent and prideful.


    among them, one figure shrouded in overwhelming evil energy was particularly terrifying.


    yet even this fearsome individual fell silent and stepped aside after arriving.


    looking closer, it became evident that these defiant figures, despite their unruly appearances, were aligning themselves in an organized formation, as if awaiting someone.


    even the one brimming with evil energy adhered to this silent protocol.


    moments later, more meteors streaked across the sky, roaring as they descended. each one landed and similarly joined the formation.


    finally, when nearly all the meteors had fallen, the heavens trembled as the last meteor blazed with a dazzling, blinding light. it radiated an aura comparable to that of a lower immortal, shaking the void as it manifested with unparalleled might.


    the moment it got close, all the nonhuman cultivators were shocked. even the expressions of the two chief wardens changed drastically.


    their bodies involuntarily retreated under this overwhelming aura, and they were horrified.


    ¡°lower immortal?¡±


    ¡°doesn¡¯t feel like it¡­ but this aura¡­¡±


    while the two of them were panting, the terrifying meteor had already landed on the ground.


    it then transformed into a youth.


    his clothes were pitch-black, his long hair was pitch-black, and his aura was monstrous and shocking.


    the entire prison trembled violently.


    while the prison guards and the two chief wardens were feeling their hearts palpitate, the evil cultivator who descended the earliest in the crowd slowly stepped forward and glanced at the cultivators from the corner of his eyes before speaking in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°i¡¯m xie lingzi.¡±


    ¡°my lord received a secret letter saying that some gods are trying to break out of prison here, so we came here to suppress them.¡±


    as soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of the prison guards turned ugly. as for the two chief wardens, they looked fearfully at the black-clothed youth who was the last to arrive and was surrounded by these defiant cultivators. they hesitated.


    one of them spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°material procurers, this place is under the jurisdiction of the nine shores heaven and the spirit light heaven. there is no rebellion.¡±


    as soon as he finished speaking, zhou zhengli, who was standing beside xu qing, smiled gently.


    ¡°sir is the chief warden? don¡¯t panic. we¡¯re just checking. if there¡¯s really no rebellion, we¡¯ll leave.¡±


    when the two chief wardens heard this, they wanted to flare up. however, when their gazes landed on xu qing, they couldn¡¯t help but hesitate.


    at the same time, star ring, who was in the crowd, erupted with a murderous aura and walked out.


    a cold voice echoed in all directions.


    ¡°duty calls; there¡¯s no need for unnecessary chatter. everyone, follow me inside and conduct a thorough inspection!¡±


    as he spoke, he ignored those prison guards and headed straight for the interior of the statue. the dozens of cultivators behind him immediately followed and sped away after xu qing nodded.


    the prison guards¡¯ auras spread out one by one. the two chief wardens gritted their teeth and were about to stop them.


    at this moment, zhou zhengli coughed lightly.


    at the next instant, everyone followed the agreement they had made when they arrived. all of them either emitted special fluctuations, took out precious tokens, or spoke.


    ¡°our master, blue teal, is a lower immortal!¡±


    ¡°my master is the head of the material procurement division. some people call him the poison supreme.¡±


    ¡°the source of my bloodline, old man talisman saint.¡±


    ¡°i have an agreement with the chen family¡ªto serve as an external dao seed for them!¡±


    ¡°the human immortal sect has given me the status of a disciple.¡±


    ¡°i have an agreement with qishan tian!¡±


    ¡­


    one sentence after another echoed as the light of tokens shone, shaking the starry sky, causing the expressions of the two chief wardens to change drastically.


    ¡ª new chapter is coming soon ¡ª


    write a review

 Chapter 1698 - Chapter 1698: Sealing the Heaven

    chapter 1698: sealing the heaven


    editor: atlas studios


    the heavens.


    there was a voice of admiration and praise, saying, ¡°excellent.¡±


    there was a profound and unfathomable gaze, harboring mysteries.


    there was an aloof will, observing indifferently.


    and there was an authoritative presence, calmly watching, ultimately transmitting a secret that only it could perceive:


    ¡°turn the pages of the history book beyond the ultimate heavens, and unfold a new era belonging to the future generation.¡±


    ¡°aurora, your talent is unparalleled, capable of relinquishing everything. and your son, with a heart of unmatched magnanimity, could also abandon it all¡­ father and son, both alike. i¡­ am indeed inferior to you.¡±


    ¡­


    outsiders didn¡¯t know about the thoughts of the heavens. at this moment, in the qing heaven, as the aurora immortal palace transformed into xu qing¡¯s immortal foundation and merged into his immortal embryo, his aura erupted skyward with terrifying intensity.


    it grew stronger and stronger, until it became a breathtaking phenomenon, leaving an indelible mark across the entire heaven¡¯s beyond.


    then, amidst the collective shock of everyone present, an indescribable pressure naturally emanated from xu qing. it was a presence that, at first glance, instinctively stirred a sense of reverence deep within their hearts.


    this was a sensation akin to facing a god¡ªa manifestation of origin essence that had become extremely dense. more than that, it was the innate authority carried by one who had ascended to become the master of a heaven¡¯s beyond.


    under this majesty, star ring instinctively lowered his head.


    he, who had the fourth true monarch¡¯s inheritance, also had karma with aurora heaven¡¯s beyond. this karma lasted until now and gathered on xu qing.


    yuanshan su¡¯s delicate body trembled. she wanted to restrain herself but she couldn¡¯t.


    the scenes from the mirror image appeared in her mind. vaguely, in her eyes, xu qing seemed to have become that¡­ young lord aurora again.


    li mengtu also had a blank expression. he thought of his identity in the mirror image of the aurora immortal palace.


    xie lingzi instinctively took a few steps back and put away all his disloyal thoughts.


    if they were all like this, there was no need to mention the other ascenders. at this moment, all of them were in turmoil.


    among them, the storm in zhou zhengli¡¯s heart grew even greater.


    a strange light appeared in his eyes and an iron plate appeared in his hand. he squeezed it fiercely, causing the iron plate to pierce his palm. as blood splashed around, he bit the tip of his tongue.


    more blood flowed out and flowed back into his eyes, dyeing his pupils red.


    this wasn¡¯t the end. the ordinance in his body erupted at this moment.


    connecting the blood from the tip of his tongue and palm, the former gushed into his eyes while the latter was sent into the iron plate to circulate its ultimate secret art.


    with this secret art, he looked at xu qing again!


    what he had said earlier was all true.


    he indeed wanted to assist xu qing. he was indeed gambling and knew some secrets.


    at the same time, he really wanted to follow and obtain a huge harvest in the future.


    however, amidst these thoughts, he had another motive.


    that was, he wanted to see xu qing clearly!


    he wanted to see xu qing in his foresight.


    even if it was abstract.


    even if it was blurry.


    even if it was just a little¡­


    he thought of a way to see that trace!


    this was his dao.


    from the moment he first saw xu qing, a premonition took root in his mind. this premonition grew increasingly profound and increasingly intense, until it ultimately transformed into an unshakable obsession.


    ¡°to see is to witness the dao.¡±


    ¡°with this, my ordinance can transcend, and my cultivation can break through as well!¡±


    however, zhou zhengli understood that under normal circumstances, his foresight couldn¡¯t do this, so he had been waiting.


    at this moment, when xu qing broke through, a storm rose, the world rang out, the starry sky trembled, and the qing heaven shone!


    the moment the ruler advanced to the quasi immortal realm, it was like a closed door had opened.


    although only a gap had been opened, it was enough to see through the gap outside the door!


    hence, zhou zhengli seized this opportunity. in the gap, he¡­ saw it!


    the moment he saw it, zhou zhengli¡¯s entire body trembled. a sound that surpassed heavenly lightning erupted in his mind.


    blood gushed out of his eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears¡­


    however, he was laughing.


    his laughter was full of excitement.


    amidst his excitement, there was also extreme horror.


    ¡°unfamiliar star ring¡­ the indescribably terrifying fragmented-face¡­ and the throne that sits on that fragmented-face¡­¡±


    ¡°also, the person on the throne¡­¡±


    ¡°he¡¯s looking at me. he¡¯s¡­¡±


    zhou zhengli¡¯s body rumbled and his aura soared. his ordinance instantly advanced.


    his cultivation had only been a step away from the quasi immortal realm.


    what was lacking wasn¡¯t his origin essence but his ordinance.


    thus, in this instant, as his ordinance advanced, his immortal embryo immediately erupted with power.


    he advanced to the quasi immortal realm here.


    dense fog rapidly enveloped his body. this was formed by his ordinance. just like how his dao was veiled in secrecy, his advancement¡­ was impenetrable to outsiders.


    the other ascenders around him, upon sensing this scene, experienced yet another wave of inner turbulence.


    yet, xu qing paid this no heed.


    he opened his eyes.


    in them, the vast expanse of the starry skies shimmered, encapsulating the mysteries of the cosmos.


    between his brows, a stellar vortex spun endlessly, boundless and profound to the extreme.


    at this moment, the entire heaven¡¯s beyond rumbled.


    countless races instinctively knelt down in their respective territories.


    they all trembled.


    this was because¡­ a pair of eyes appeared in heaven¡¯s beyond as xu qing opened his eyes. they appeared above the heads of all living beings and above all things.


    looking at qing heaven!


    that was xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    with the authority of the immortal palace in his body, he looked at all living beings.


    this gaze was omniscient.


    at that moment, xu qing saw countless traces.


    these traces contained all the universes, all races, and the god¡¯s prisons in the heaven¡¯s beyond, as well as the resources that originally belonged to this heaven¡¯s beyond.


    a long time later, xu qing sighed inwardly.


    he retracted his gaze.


    because the aurora heaven¡¯s beyond had been without a master for many years, the various races here had descended into chaos and entanglement. the weaker races had long been eradicated, while the stronger ones each carried the karmic ties of other heaven¡¯s beyonds behind them.


    as for the divine prisons¡­ cases of the wardens plundering its resources were rampant. essentially, there was hardly any left.


    for example, prisons that contained true gods were gone.


    after all, such origin essence resources were usually the first to be plundered.


    either the wardens stole them or they were taken away by the other heaven¡¯s beyonds.


    to a certain extent, the chaotic sky universe was a miniature version of the entire heaven¡¯s beyond.


    ¡°thinking about it, the true god prison in the chaotic sky universe was also left behind because that lower immortal wasn¡¯t willing to pay a huge price to take it away previously due to his own reasons.¡±


    xu qing pondered.


    he was aware that it wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t take these back.


    however, he needed strength and a lot of time to deal with it at the same time.


    the current xu qing didn¡¯t have either.


    hence, after he fell silent, a dark glint flashed in his eyes.


    he calmly spoke and the term ¡®qing heaven¡¯ echoed!


    ¡°an hour from now, this heaven will be sealed. during this time, if any race wishes to leave, i will not stop them!¡±


    ¡°however, while the races may leave, the resources that belong to this heaven shall not be taken!¡±


    for those races tied to other heaven¡¯s beyonds, their continued presence here held little value for xu qing. moreover, the events of the past had their own historical causes and bore no connection to him.


    what he wanted wasn¡¯t a chaotic heaven¡¯s beyond either.


    if those races left, it would cause there to be almost no heaven¡¯s beyond¡¯s life to be almost empty.


    however¡­ it would also become clean.


    since that was the case, rather than forcing those races to stay, it was better to open the gate and let them out.


    thus, even if the departure of these races would leave the heaven¡¯s beyond nearly devoid of life, it mattered not.


    hence, very soon, many races immediately contacted the forces behind them and began to migrate.


    just like that, time passed bit by bit.


    although an hour was a little rushed for the various races, they still did their best to leave in this time limit.


    the time limit arrived.


    the immortal palace in xu qing¡¯s body trembled.


    his voice echoed.


    ¡°heaven, seal.¡±


    at the next instant, streams of light instantly rose across this heaven. with xu qing as the center, they spread to all the universes at a speed that exceeded understanding.


    after they enveloped the entire heaven¡¯s beyond, the permission to leave was closed and the starry sky was sealed.


    from now on, no one could enter or leave this heaven¡¯s beyond without xu qing¡¯s permission!


    after doing this, the fog around zhou zhengli gradually dissipated, revealing his figure. he walked out step by step. the moment he stood in the starry sky, he was no longer a ruler.


    he was a quasi immortal.


    however, his face was as humble as ever as he bowed deeply to xu qing.


    ¡°congratulations, lord qing!¡±


    regardless of their faction or background, the others here also bowed.


    this was respect for the heaven¡¯s beyond and also recognition.


    xu qing stared at zhou zhengli.


    a long time later, he calmly spoke.


    ¡°we should leave.¡±


    although the immortal palace was the foundation and he had this heaven¡¯s beyond, these were only xu qing¡¯s foundation. he still had the duty as a material procurer.


    after saying that, xu qing raised his hand and waved it at the starry sky.


    the fluctuations of the starry sky formed a path of departure.


    xu qing walked on this path. the others also suppressed their emotions and walked over one after another.


    zhou zhengli was the same. however, as he walked behind xu qing and looked at xu qing¡¯s back view in front of him, the storm in his heart was still intense.


    he couldn¡¯t help but recall what he had seen earlier.


    ¡®that person sitting on the throne and looking down at me¡­ is him!¡¯


    zhou zhengli lowered his head and quickened his pace with determination.


    ¡­


    just like that, the group of them walked on the path to the starry sky. with the enhancement of this path, every step they took crossed many universes. finally, they reached the end of the heaven¡¯s beyond and stepped out.


    the moment they left, an unfamiliar starry sky entered their vision.


    this place was the boundary between heaven¡¯s beyonds and was also known as the heavenless zone.


    generally speaking, such a zone was mostly barren and desolate. however, here, perhaps it was because aurora heaven¡¯s beyond had once lost its owner, causing the influence of the neighboring heavens to spread.


    as a result, a certain degree of prosperity emerged, and within this area, star systems with life and civilizations can still be found.


    not only that, but even the seaweed sent its divine sense.


    ¡°there¡¯s a divine prison inside with dense origin essence!¡±


    as soon as this divine sense appeared, xu qing turned his head. behind him, star ring and the others were also staring at each other. all of their eyes revealed a strange glint.


    they weren¡¯t full yet.


    they were still unsatisfied with this trip.


    hence, after sensing this divine prison, their gazes flickered. after that, some people looked at xu qing.


    this place wasn¡¯t within the scope of their collection mission.


    xu qing fell silent.


    ¡°there¡¯s quite a lot of origin essence here, the nine-colored ice could be here.¡± star ring suddenly spoke.


    when everyone heard this, they were even more tempted.


    xu qing thought about it and calmly spoke.


    ¡°it¡¯s not appropriate to use this excuse many times.¡±


    everyone fell silent.


    zhou zhengli¡¯s eyes flashed as he spoke softly.


    ¡°then¡­ we are going to quell the rebellion of gods trying to break out of the prison?¡±

 Chapter 1699 - Chapter 1699: Unexpected

    chapter 1699: unexpected


    editor: atlas studios


    any system, after undergoing the test of time, would inevitably form a rigid framework and numerous branches that upheld it.


    within this framework, unless an individual¡¯s strength was heaven-defying, they had to adhere to its rules, making it nearly impossible to shake those supporting branches.


    after all, the branches that composed this framework were themselves figures of considerable power.


    moreover, these branches often represented the accumulation of dozens, hundreds, or even more generations of consolidation, forming factions that had become an integral part of the system¡¯s rules.


    in the fifth star ring, the eleven heaven¡¯s beyonds were the largest branches of this framework.


    within these heaven¡¯s beyonds existed countless forces, which acted simultaneously as the protectors, beneficiaries, and integral parts of the framework.


    they functioned like immense vortices, radiating powerful pulling forces that influenced all living things and phenomena within the fifth star ring.


    thus, for the average cultivator, how could they ever hope to shake such a structure?


    so, when zhou zhengli coughed and spoke, the words uttered by this group of individuals were like divine spells of unmatched sharpness, falling upon heaven and earth¡ªand landing directly within the minds of the prison wardens.


    it was like a meteor falling into the sea!


    every sentence caused their hearts to tremble.


    coupled with the light of those tokens, the waves of emotions in the hearts of the nonhuman prison guards naturally rose one after another and finally became a storm.


    such a background, such a lineup¡­


    a sense of powerlessness rose in the hearts of the two chief wardens.


    they could tell¡ªthis group was clearly nothing more than a bunch of wastrels!


    and yet, they were wastrels whose cultivation and natural talents far surpassed those of ordinary people.


    generally speaking, such existences were mostly ascenders from the immortal capital!


    within the immortal capital, there appeared to be only a few orthodox sects in dominance. however, in reality, the place was a tangled web of hidden agendas and competing interests. as a breeding ground for future prodigies, every heaven¡¯s beyond had either overt or covert arrangements within its bounds.


    even those individuals who had not yet drawn the attention of these forces would, upon naturally maturing and stepping out of the immortal capital, become subjects of immediate scrutiny and eventual recruitment by various factions.


    these two wardens understood this.


    however, what puzzled them was¡­


    the ascenders were usually scattered. there wasn¡¯t a situation where they were all gathered into a team.


    and now¡­


    the two wardens looked at the people in front of them and the sense of powerlessness in their hearts intensified.


    the combat strength was clearly incomparable.


    there was no need to mention the background.


    ¡°moreover, they are material procurers¡­¡±


    the two of them felt bitter.


    at the same time, star ring had already led dozens of ascenders and barged into the prison inside the statue to begin this mission.


    after that, xie lingzi, yuanshan su, qianjun, and piyi also spread out. some entered the prison alone and some entered with others through the other entrances.


    li mengtu was among them.


    the division of labor was clear.


    only a dozen or so stayed outside.


    xu qing naturally didn¡¯t need to go personally. after some thought, zhou zhengli also chose to stay by xu qing¡¯s side.


    as for the seaweed¡­ it didn¡¯t enter the prison either.


    it surrounded the prison statue and replaced the original defense of the prison. it spread out its pressure and used its divine sense to assist everyone, allowing the exploration of the prison to be more comprehensive.


    when the prison guards and the two wardens saw this familiar scene, they felt that this was clearly not the first time this group of people had done this.


    after what had happened in the chaotic sky universe, xu qing and the others had a certain degree of tacit understanding in their cooperation.


    just like now, seeing that the others had already entered the prison, xu qing simply sat down cross-legged. as he nourished his cultivation, he was also thinking about how to deal with the aftermath of this matter.


    doing such a thing would naturally cause a backlash and he would definitely be held accountable in the future.


    as for how to deal with it, although there were several ways, the simplest method was still to find the nine-colored ice.


    ¡°however, once they all revealed their backgrounds, this matter was no longer solely my responsibility¡ªit became a collective decision shared by everyone.¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    time slowly passed just like that.


    zhou zhengli was also meditating. beside him, the dozen or so ascenders who hadn¡¯t entered the prison sat cross-legged. however, they would occasionally open their eyes and look at the entrance of the prison.


    clearly, they also wanted to enter.


    however, according to the plan, there had to be a contingent left outside to stand guard, so they would proceed in batches.


    as they frequently cast their gazes toward the entrance and the expressions of the guards and the two wardens grew increasingly grim, suddenly, from one of the entrances, a figure shot out at high speed.


    the person who appeared wasn¡¯t a cultivator from xu qing¡¯s team but a nonhuman prison guard. after he appeared, he immediately knelt in front of the two wardens and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°sir, they¡­ after they entered the prison, they indeed pretended to search at the start. however, after seeing the imprisoned gods¡­¡±


    ¡°they began to interrogate the gods and extracted their origin essence under the pretext of interrogation. now, the origin cores of dozens of imprisoned gods have shattered.¡±


    ¡°if this continues¡­¡±


    the guard hesitated.


    when the two wardens heard this, their expressions turned even uglier. hence, they lifted their heads and looked at xu qing and the others.


    among them, the old man spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°fellow daoist, this is the private prison of seventeen races of spirit light heaven¡¯s beyond. while it is under shared jurisdiction, such blatant plundering will undoubtedly be pursued and punished!¡±


    ¡°moreover, we have guarded this place for years and are intimately familiar with its workings¡ªthere is absolutely no so-called rebellion or prison break. your excuse for such actions is laughably clumsy!¡±


    xu qing remained silent. after all, this excuse had been something zhou zhengli had improvised on the spot.


    as for the other ascenders who remained outside, none of them were the type to be easily embarrassed. their purpose in coming here had been clear from the start: to acquire origin essence. at this moment, their expressions remained composed and unaffected.


    zhou zhengli solemnly nodded.


    ¡°the two sirs are right. the actions of my teammates are indeed a little rough. i¡¯ll dissuade them now.¡±


    ¡°fellow daoists, i¡¯ll have to trouble you to make a trip down and supervise them.¡±


    as zhou zhengli spoke, he looked at the ascenders who had been waiting impatiently outside.


    when everyone heard this, their expressions turned solemn and they stood up one after another.


    ¡°that¡¯s right!¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s indeed too much!¡±


    ¡°we¡¯ll go and dissuade them now!¡±


    as they spoke, the dozen or so ascenders immediately flew out and headed straight for the entrance of the prison.


    how could the two wardens not see that there was something fishy about this scene? the anger in their hearts intensified. however, they also knew that their combat strength wasn¡¯t enough. hence, after looking at each other, they saw the determination in each other¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°this group of people is too brazen! we have to report this matter!¡±


    ¡°the material procurement division has offended many people in the past. their actions this time are even more overboard!¡±


    ¡°this matter shall be jointly reported by you and the seventeen lords to the spirit light immortal palace. meanwhile, i will gather support from other factions to report it to the nine shores immortal palace. even if these individuals possess profound backgrounds, such behavior must be met with due punishment!¡±


    after making a decision, the two wardens immediately took out jade tokens and recorded the whole thing.


    as for the harvesting, it continued.


    in the prison, as a large number of ascenders barged in, the range of the collection of origin essence became larger and larger. the prison guards here couldn¡¯t stop them at all.


    after all, the array formation here was targeted at gods. it wasn¡¯t of much use against cultivators, especially human cultivators.


    however, at this moment, in the depths of this prison, in an area that star ring and the others hadn¡¯t explored yet, anomalous substances filled the air. moreover, there were divine runes flickering in the surroundings, causing this place to seem to be isolated.


    all one could see was a thick fog.


    in the depths of the thick fog, there was an altar!


    the material of this altar was actually god¡¯s bones. moreover, there were four distorted figures sitting cross-legged on it.


    their eerie bodies swayed with writhing tentacles, while the faint divine energy emanating from them spread out covertly.


    ¡°our plan is exceedingly secretive. the lower races here have long been veiled, completely unaware of anything¡­¡±


    ¡°even those two human quasi immortals¡¯ cognitions were secretly blocked by master.¡±


    ¡°so¡­ how did the outside world notice it?!¡±


    the divine voices of these four gods echoed within each other¡¯s divine authority.


    ¡°at this point, the humans likely haven¡¯t fully sensed the truth, and are likely just puzzled!¡±


    ¡°they haven¡¯t located this place yet, but their search is getting deeper and deeper.¡±


    ¡°indeed, my divine sense has already detected many of our people. they are being interrogated, and their origin is being drained dry.¡±


    ¡°if this continues, it¡¯s inevitable that they will find this place!¡±


    ¡°so, should we¡­ observe silently or¡­ act up in advance!¡±


    the four gods fell silent.


    a long time later, the divine voice rang out again.


    ¡°however, the lord has not fully returned yet; at this moment, there is only a trace of connection. we are not yet prepared. if we act prematurely, even if the lord returns, he will be in a weakened state.¡±


    ¡°but if we don¡¯t act now, we may lose the chance for the lord¡¯s return altogether.¡±


    ¡°we¡¯ve been preparing for many years¡­ what exactly happened? how did we get discovered?!¡±


    the four gods fell silent again.


    the sudden search from the outside world caught them off guard. moreover, they had also heard about the prison break and rebellion when the humans were interrogating the other gods.


    hence, their hearts were stirred.


    this was because if they were given more time to follow the plan, nothing would go wrong. at that time, not only would their lord be able to come over, but they could also teleport out of the fifth star ring through the guidance of the star ring from their lord¡¯s return.


    but now¡­


    ¡°there¡¯s no point in thinking too much about this matter. i agree to act up in advance!¡±


    ¡°seconded!¡±


    the four gods¡¯ bodies shone with golden light. under the fusion of their divine voices, they came to an agreement. after that, they moved at the same time and pressed down on the altar.


    at the next instant, the altar rumbled and a terrifying might suddenly erupted from the altar, forming a golden storm that spread toward the prison above.


    at that moment, in the middle section of the prison, star ring and the others were harvesting a god until it was about to be squeezed dry.


    however, at this moment, rumbling sounds filled the prison and anomalous substances instantly filled the air, causing the entire world in the prison to darken.


    low roars rang out.


    the gods had rebelled!


    star ring immediately sensed it. he was stunned for a moment before his expression instantly turned solemn. he spread out his perception and swept in all directions, looking at golden pillars of light that soared into the sky.


    there were also waves of auras of recovery!


    ¡°is there really a rebellion?¡±


    star ring¡¯s heart trembled in disbelief.


    however, he also knew that this matter was serious, so he immediately got some people to go out and report this matter.


    ¡­


    after the amount of time it took for an incense stick to burn out.


    on the statue where the god¡¯s prison was located, the two wardens were recording and preparing to report to heaven¡¯s beyonds to punish xu qing and the others.


    as for xu qing, he sat cross-legged and closed his eyes.


    however, at the next instant, his eyes suddenly opened, revealing a puzzled expression. he lowered his head and looked down.


    almost at the instant xu qing looked over, two figures flew out at the same time. one was a guard and the other was an ascender.


    these two people¡¯s movements were similar. after they flew out, they headed straight for their respective camps. when they got close, their voices echoed solemnly.


    ¡°sir, the gods are indeed trying to break out of the prison!¡±


    when xu qing heard this, his eyes narrowed. he instinctively turned his head and looked at zhou zhengli.


    zhou zhengli was also stunned.


    as for the prison guards who were originally angry at xu qing and the others, they were all stunned at this moment.


    their minds rumbled.


    as for the two wardens, their minds were also churning as though they had been struck by lightning. at that moment, they no longer recorded. cold sweat flowed down their foreheads and disbelief rose in their hearts.


    there was really a prison break!


    before they could do anything, the ground suddenly trembled intensely. golden pillars of light pierced through the ground and soared into the sky.


    the anomalous substances also became denser at this moment.


    the two wardens¡¯ breathing was hurried and they instinctively looked at xu qing. all the dissatisfaction and anger in their hearts earlier had disappeared now.


    they were all too aware of the severity of the matter for the two of them personally when it came to the escape of the gods.


    ¡°sir!¡±


    these two people were anxious and spoke at the same time.


    even though they didn¡¯t completely believe in the motive of xu qing¡¯s group, the fact had already occurred. whether they believed in it or not, it no longer mattered.


    the most important thing was how to resolve the situation!


    xu qing¡¯s gaze darkened and he slowly stood up.


    at this moment, his cultivation erupted completely, forming an earth-shattering pressure that suddenly suppressed the golden light and anomalous substances emitted by the statue.


    the statue rumbled.


    at the same time, xu qing¡¯s voice rang out in a deep voice.


    ¡°we will temporarily take over this prison!¡±


    ¡°zhou zhengli, inform everyone¡­ to suppress the gods who are rebelling!¡±


    ¡ª new chapter is coming soon ¡ª


    write a review

 Chapter 1700 - Chapter 1700: True God Revival

    chapter 1700: true god revival


    editor: atlas studios


    the spider-shaped statue housing the divine prison roared and shook violently.


    a total of thirty-three golden beams of light burst forth from the ground, carrying with them dense anomalous substances and the overwhelming might of divinity, surging into the heavens.


    because this place was within the void zone, where immortal spiritual energy did not exist, the emergence of this anomalous substance and divine aura encountered no resistance, sending tremors across the surroundings.


    at the same time, even more divine fluctuations erupted from within the statue.


    the world was in chaos.


    however, xu qing¡¯s expression was calm and his voice was like a cold wind that blew over from the abyss, enveloping the entire god prison. as it swept through the starry sky in all directions, his voice also calmed the hearts of the prison guards and the two chief wardens.


    to the two chief wardens, regardless of what xu qing and his group¡¯s original intentions had been, at least in this moment, xu qing¡¯s calm demeanor instilled confidence in them.


    thus, they did not hesitate at all. stepping forward immediately, they bowed deeply to xu qing and, without the slightest reluctance, presented their jade tokens containing their authority over the prison.


    they agreed with xu qing¡¯s words of taking over the prison.


    xu qing wasted no time. raising his hand, he seized the jade tokens and, without pause, utilized their permissions to activate all of the prison¡¯s internal sealing formations.


    he looked at the wardens.


    ¡°is there a true god imprisoned here?¡±


    if it was earlier, these two wouldn¡¯t have given the slightest response to this question. however, now, they didn¡¯t dare to hide anything and answered truthfully.


    ¡°there¡¯s a cleansed remnant body¡­¡±


    ¡°it¡¯s this statue itself¡­¡±


    the words of the two made xu qing¡¯s eyes narrow, and he turned his gaze to the colossal statue.


    when he had arrived earlier, he had already taken note of the statue. now, after hearing their report, he immediately changed his mind about entering the prison directly and issued a series of clear commands.


    ¡°you two, report this matter to your respective heaven¡¯s beyond immediately. at the same time, take all the prison wardens and guard every single exit¡ªdo not allow a single god to escape!¡±


    ¡°seaweed, suppress all the light of divine aura and lock your roots in the prison to assist in the suppression. also, spread out your main body and envelop the prison statue to form the second defense line!¡±


    ¡°zhou zhengli, enter the prison and contact all the fellow daoists. while suppressing the gods, you also have to investigate the specific rebellion clearly. with your strength, as long as you don¡¯t face a true god, you guys can suppress them.¡±


    ¡°as for this true god statue¡­¡±


    a cold glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°i¡¯ll handle it!¡±


    zhou zhengli immediately acknowledged the command, his figure flickering as he dashed straight into the prison. as per xu qing¡¯s orders, he began coordinating with all the ascenders present. the exact methods and strategies to suppress the rebellion were left to him.


    xu qing had no doubt in zhou zhengli¡¯s competence, having witnessed his capabilities firsthand. unless zhou zhengli intentionally faltered, xu qing knew he would resolve the matter effectively.


    at the same time, the two chief wardens dutifully obeyed xu qing¡¯s commands. while relaying the situation to their respective heaven¡¯s beyond, they led the prison wardens to disperse across the area to guard and fortify the exits.


    in the sky above, the seaweed¡¯s twenty leaves rapidly expanded until they seemed to blot out the heavens. these colossal leaves descended like vast curtains, shrouding the golden beams of light.


    they sealed the golden light.


    at the same time, the seaweed¡¯s enormous true body emerged in the starry void, its immense form stretching out to enclose the entire spider-shaped statue. countless roots cascaded downward like torrents, dividing into two distinct tasks. some roots enveloped the remaining golden beams, further reinforcing their suppression, while others snaked into the prison entrances and burrowed deep inside.


    every individual moved according to their assigned role.


    just like that, time slowly passed.


    the outer layers continued their gradual suppression, while the interior, under zhou zhengli¡¯s command, quickly began showing tangible results.


    however, occasional disruptions still rippled through the operation. at that very moment, the spider-shaped statue¡ªoriginally showing signs of stabilization¡ªsuddenly trembled violently. an indistinct yet oppressive roar echoed through the minds of all the cultivators present.


    it was not just one roar but a series of consecutive divine cries, stirring the origin essence and causing the divine authority to converge in this area.


    it was as though the suppression of the rebellion in the prison had reached a critical point.


    a sharp glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes. he took a step into the sky and sat cross-legged in the air. he lowered his head and looked down at the god statue below. after that, he circulated the cultivation base in his body and the power of a quasi immortal erupted.


    it formed a terrifying pressure that enveloped the surroundings.


    it distorted the void and blurred everything, changing the rules and affecting space-time.


    after that, as his thoughts fluctuated, the immortal embryo suddenly manifested outside his body.


    at first, it was only dozens of feet tall, but it quickly expanded, growing larger and larger until what unfolded before this world was a vast and boundless form!


    its size was the same as the statue itself, giving off a holy feeling.


    especially striking was the core light flowing within, empowering the immortal embryo and magnifying its immortal might several fold in that moment.


    and within that core light existed none other than an immortal palace!


    the palace exuded an ancient and timeless aura, carrying an unmatched majesty and supreme nobility, while also connecting to¡­ an entire heaven¡¯s beyond!


    it was supreme!


    at this moment, it was shining.


    that was the aurora immortal palace!


    its emergence caused xu qing¡¯s immortal embryo to radiate a sense of brilliance, as though it was no longer illusory but nearly tangible. at the same time, the aura emanating from him surged like a tidal wave, overwhelming and unstoppable.


    it landed on the statue.


    the statue emitted cracking sounds and all the anomalous substances that were spreading out were suppressed at this instant.


    they couldn¡¯t spread out at all.


    even the divine roars were erased at this moment.


    at the same time, xu qing¡¯s might also seeped into the statue and swept through the prison, pushing it from top to bottom.


    however, his attacks had just begun. at that moment, xu qing¡¯s eyes gleamed. the immortal embryo raised its right hand and performed a series of hand seals, accumulating strength.


    dense origin essence came from all directions and the power of the immortal embryo also rose to the extreme.


    at the same time, an iron stick appeared beside xu qing. it emitted a buzzing sound and was also accumulating strength.


    it emitted an increasingly sharp intent, as though it could pierce through everything.


    the parallel ordinance also erupted, forming countless space-time dimensions that overlapped and appeared around xu qing.


    this scene was nothing short of a mystical phenomenon.


    looking up at it evoked the feeling of gazing upon the heavens themselves.


    in every fragment of the space-time formed, there existed a vast, majestic manifestation of xu qing¡¯s immortal embryo. at this moment, as seen from the starry sky, it was as if countless celestial immortal spirits had descended upon the world.


    the pressure was terrifying.


    the prison guards and the two chief wardens who were suppressing the entrances were all trembling violently.


    the bodies of the guards trembled. as nonhuman races, they were already ruled by the human race. now that they were faced with xu qing¡¯s vast aura, it was as though they had seen an immortal.


    the two chief wardens¡¯ breathing was hurried. their feelings were deeper than those of the prison guards.


    the feeling of facing a lower immortal was incomparably intense.


    ¡°he¡¯s not a lower immortal but this pressure is infinitely close¡­¡±


    the two of them were in awe and heaved a sigh of relief.


    they had already realized that the gods¡¯ rebellion, under the dual suppression from xu qing and his team, both inside and out, was no longer a significant threat.


    and indeed, this was the case. the gods here had been imprisoned for a long time. while they harbored rebellious thoughts, they had not fully prepared for such a revolt.


    their sudden outburst now revealed numerous inadequacies.


    gradually, the god¡¯s aura began to dissipate, and peace slowly returned.


    however, xu qing¡¯s expression remained unchanged, his focus undeterred. instead of relaxing due to the calm, his demeanor grew even more serious, and his intent to gather strength remained unwavering, if not intensifying further.


    this was because he could sense an incomparably obscure sense of recovery rising from the statue.


    this wasn¡¯t the first time he had sensed this scene!


    ¡°back then, in the outer sea of the wanggu continent, eldest senior brother and i became bait under jade flowing dust¡¯s request and went out to the outer sea to help him fish¡­¡±


    ¡°at that time, what he wanted to catch was a true god who was about to return!¡±


    ¡°the feeling now is the same as back then!¡±


    almost at the instant xu qing¡¯s thoughts rose, the statue where the divine prison was suddenly rumbled. it was as though there was an irresistible force erupting from within.


    it towered into the sky!


    streaks of golden light rushed out of the statue. even the leaves of the seaweed couldn¡¯t block them. wisps of divine aura also soared into the sky.


    they formed a pillar of anomalous substances and guided it upwards.


    strange, maddening whispers echoed from within the prison, reverberating in the air. those who heard them felt their minds twist, and a sense of dread spread among them.


    at the same time, the ground churned and figures rushed out of the entrances one after another.


    the people who appeared were none other than the ascenders. star ring, xie lingzi, li mengtu, yuanshan su, qianjun, and piyi were all among them.


    all of them had solemn expressions and many of them bore injuries. zhou zhengli was also among them. the moment he flew out, his voice quickly rang out.


    ¡°lord, the vast majority of the rebellious gods below have been suppressed. however, their ritual was already completed and can¡¯t be reversed.¡±


    ¡°they are reviving a true god!¡±


    almost at the instant zhou zhengli finished speaking, the trembling force of the spider-shaped statue rose again, emitting a deafening rumbling sound.


    the surface of the ground shattered, revealing ravines. the eyes of the spider statue that were originally closed seemed to be about to open as the ground churned.


    at the same time, some kind of guiding force also arrived from the void and transformed into the true name, merging into the murmur, causing it to become clearer and clearer as it called out a name!


    ¡°bimos!¡±


    ¡°bimos!!¡±


    ¡°bimos!!!¡±


    as long as a true god¡¯s name endures, as long as there are those who remember, even if they fall, they will ultimately return!


    now, a true god of the fifth star ring who was suppressed by cultivators back then¡­


    it was returning!


    the spider statue continued to shatter. all the cultivators on it had already flown up and their expressions changed to varying degrees.


    xu qing¡¯s expression was also solemn.


    what he was thinking about was jade flowing dust back then¡­


    at that moment, at the outer perimeter of the prison, the star vortex formed by the void dust was also rumbling. the sky in all directions was distorted and anomalous substances grew. the divine aura rose and transformed into a cold voice that entered the hearts of all the cultivators here.


    ¡°i, bimos¡­¡±


    the voice caused the cultivators in the area to lose focus, their minds becoming chaotic, as if they were being corrupted by the very sound itself.


    there were also some who directly bled from their seven orifices and their flesh and blood seemed to be about to separate, as though they were producing countless distracting thoughts that wanted to be independent.


    this was the might of a true god!


    however, before the voice of the true god ended, xu qing¡¯s eyes were already filled with battle intent.


    ¡°back then, jade flowing dust was able to scheme against a true god at the divine platform realm¡­¡±


    ¡°if he can do it, then with my current combat strength, it¡¯s not impossible for me to face this weakened true god!¡±


    the killing intent in xu qing¡¯s heart was intense.


    he raised his hand and pressed down!


    his immortal embryo instantly shone, and the iron stick caused space-time to stir. all the accumulated strength earlier¡­ erupted completely!

 Chapter 1701 - Chapter 1701: God of Pain: Bimos (1)

    chapter 1701: god of pain: bimos (1)


    editor: atlas studios


    in the void zone, the divine prison rumbled. the moment the god¡¯s aura soared¡­


    in the starry sky in all directions, there were already many senses that couldn¡¯t be detected unless one was an immortal.


    they were patrolling immortals from spirit light heaven¡¯s beyond and nine shores heaven¡¯s beyond!


    the moment the anomaly appeared in this place, they had already sensed it. thus, they were about to arrive, intending to restore order and rectify the chaos.


    however, the instant their senses were about to take form¡­


    a calm voice rang out, landing in these immortal senses.


    ¡°let him give it a try and let their generation have a sense of what a true god is.¡±


    the senses that were about to descend here trembled. after that, a unified voice rang out.


    ¡°we obey the decree of the nine shores.¡±


    ¡­


    at this moment, the god¡¯s aura in the void zone surged continuously, growing increasingly intense.


    above the prison, whether it was the two chief wardens or star ring and the others, all retreated rapidly. their expressions turned grave as they unleashed their cultivation bases, forming comprehensive defenses.


    it was the same for seaweed.


    they were well aware that what they were facing now wasn¡¯t an ordinary god. it was¡­ a true god in a state of return!


    true god was the same as a lower immortal!


    in fact, in terms of bizarreness, they were even more astonishing than a lower immortal.


    after all, gods were the original inhabitants of the upper star rings and were the natural absorbers of the origin essence of the upper planet ring. they were more used to existing in the upper world than cultivators!f


    moreover, they were eternal.


    hence, when facing a true god, the pressure on the cultivators was naturally immense.


    they also knew very well that in the current fifth star ring, the revival of a true god wasn¡¯t a big deal overall. it wasn¡¯t difficult to suppress it.


    it wouldn¡¯t even require the intervention of an immortal lord; a single decree to dispatch a lower immortal would be enough to subdue it.


    yet¡­ being present at the scene of such a revival was an entirely different experience.


    even knowing that, for the fifth star ring, this wasn¡¯t a monumental event, witnessing firsthand the return of a true god, and directly feeling the terrifying aura emanating from it, was something else entirely.


    the dreadful ripples, the soul-twisting eeriness, shook the minds of everyone present.


    as a result, all those present maintained their defenses at full strength while retreating as quickly as possible.


    there was only xu qing left at the scene!


    at this moment, not only did he not retreat, but his combat strength also overflowed into the sky. a cold glint flashed in his eyes as he faced the spider statue directly¡­


    he unleashed all his strength.


    in an instant, the iron stick that had been accumulating strength for a long time shone. the layers of space-time in the surroundings rumbled and the immortal embryo behind him became increasingly resplendent.


    he was trying to slay a god!


    the moment xu qing attacked, the huge spider statue trembled!


    the intent to revive increased greatly!


    the statue¡¯s eight spider legs shone with a piercing golden light and actually moved.


    the golden light that was emitted was none other than the divine light that belonged to the gods. as it shot in all directions, its legs were like eight golden rainbows that blocked in front of it.


    they formed a layer of golden light barrier!


    in the light barrier, behind the spider legs, the statue¡¯s eyes suddenly opened.


    it revealed coldness and an even denser golden light erupted that instantly enveloped the starry sky like the sea.


    the god¡¯s aura became even denser.


    it was the same for mumbling.


    the voice calling the name of bimos was deafening and shook one¡¯s soul.


    it sped up its return!


    at the same time, xu qing¡¯s raised hand also landed.


    in an instant, his iron stick was the first to rush out. its speed was so fast that it shuttled through the starry sky. immortal light flickered inside along with waves of terrifying might!


    this was an attack from the artifact refined by a lower immortal and contained xu qing¡¯s power as a quasi immortal!


    this was an attack that contained his ordinance!


    this was an attack that contained the might of the aurora immortal palace and even heaven¡¯s beyond!


    this was also an attack that contained heaven¡¯s law!


    whether it was the materials or the accumulation of power earlier, it caused this iron stick to show its peak strength.


    at that moment, wherever it passed, the void shattered and a series of black holes appeared in the starry sky. its sharpness seemed to be unstoppable!


    in an instant, it appeared before the golden barrier in front of the spider statue.


    it pierced fiercely!


    a rumbling sound rose into the sky!


    however¡­ it wasn¡¯t able to pierce through and was blocked.


    that statue was the remnant body of the returning true god and also a carrier. at that moment, this true god wasn¡¯t sleeping but was in the midst of returning. hence, the golden barrier it created was equally terrifying.


    not only did the iron stick not penetrate it, but the barrier was actually about to devour it.


    at the next instant, a bell chime rang out.


    xu qing¡¯s body swayed. as he strode forward, he also took out his bell. this bell contained a hint of the lord god¡¯s intent. now that it rang out, the starry sky trembled.


    whether they were cultivators or gods, all of their circulation stopped to varying degrees amidst the ringing of the bell.


    it was the same for the golden barrier!


    there was a momentary pause.


    the might of the iron stick erupted even more intensely at this instant, forming an overwhelming force that swept up endless destructive intent. it suddenly penetrated the golden barrier and headed straight for the statue¡¯s forehead.


    it was extremely fast.


    it directly pierced through!


    the spider statue shook¡­


    as the minds of the cultivators in the distance rumbled, they saw that after the spider statue shook, it actually shattered.


    it shattered into pieces.


    however, no one felt relaxed. this was because after the statue shattered, the gods¡¯ aura didn¡¯t disappear. the feeling of returning still existed. in fact, the divine murmurs were still echoing.


    it was as though what shattered was only the superficial appearance of this true god who was returning.


    at the next instant, an even more terrifying force suddenly descended from the void.


    the starry sky distorted and all living beings trembled.


    that was the power of a god!

 Chapter 1702 - Chapter 1702: God of Pain: Bimos (2)

    chapter 1702: god of pain: bimos (2)


    editor: atlas studios


    this immense power, vast as a sea of stars and surpassing heavenly might, swept through the area. as it surged, the divine whispers grew louder, and this entire region¡­ began to fold like a sheet of paper!


    however, this folding was perceived within consciousness rather than occurring physically in the starry sky.


    it was as though the space in this area had split into two layers.


    the lower layer was where everyone was located, while an additional upper layer emerged, containing only the shattered remnants of the statue.


    the folding occurred exclusively in this upper layer.


    it did not include any living beings, only the fractured debris of the statue.


    what¡¯s more, the folding was not a singular event; it happened countless times in an instant.


    in the next moment, the fragments of the shattered statue disappeared from everyone¡¯s sight. everything concealed itself¡ª the previously surging divine aura, the power of the god¡¯s return, and even the whispers¡ªall vanished alongside the folding.


    it was as though nothing had happened!


    the starry sky was tranquil.


    the expressions of everyone changed.


    this scene was too bizarre, and it even caused one to involuntarily make guesses. could it be that an immortal had arrived invisibly and resolved the matter of the true god¡¯s revival?


    ¡°that¡¯s not right. it wants to escape!¡±


    soon, someone realized that something was wrong!


    because xu qing was the one to act, his discovery came faster than any other cultivator. almost at the exact moment the folding began, the layers of space-times he had summoned around him descended in unison.


    the power of the space-time ordinance and overlapping universes spread out.


    space-times directly suppressed this place.


    they reversed the flow of time within the starry sky, creating ripples in the fabric of space.. after that¡­ xu qing, who was in these space-times, performed hand seals and circulated his ordinance.


    he began¡­ reversal!


    every fold that had occurred was unfolded.


    he would unfold it as many times as the foldings!


    hence, in his senses, everything here seemed to flow backward. the god¡¯s aura that had disappeared appeared again and the god¡¯s murmurs that had fallen into silence echoed again.


    the power of return also appeared once again!


    the hidden statue fragments¡­ were revealed again!


    however, their appearance had changed drastically.


    they were no longer the material of the statue but had transformed into clusters of white, pulsing masses!


    they looked like chunks of flesh that had sprouted long, white hair. these strands were so lengthy that they resembled flowing white threads, swaying and undulating like writhing tendrils extending outward.


    every fragment of the shattered statue shared this grotesque transformation.


    moreover, an excruciating sensation that pierced directly into the soul emanated from each of these white masses. in that instant, all beings who were not divine felt as though their very souls were being torn apart, waves of agonizing pain surging through their consciousness.


    xu qing¡¯s face turned pale and his soul fluctuated intensely.


    however, at the next instant, the immortal embryo behind him suddenly walked out. after enveloping his body, the immortal embryo¡¯s body expanded again and it raised its hand.


    this hand was like a starry sky!


    with the accumulated momentum, supreme might, and its vast body¡­ it brought its palm down!


    it slammed it ruthlessly!


    within the immortal embryo, the aurora immortal palace shone intensely.


    the light it emitted shuttled through the entire immortal embryo, causing it to be incomparably holy at this moment.


    as for the hand of the immortal embryo that lifted its hand, it was equally vast.


    the moment it landed, it seemed to cover the void and stop everything.


    even the swaying clusters of white hair formed by the statue fragments paused.


    how was this the hand of an immortal embryo? this was clearly using the aurora immortal palace to suppress it!


    at the next instant, the large hand descended!


    however, the instant the large hand slammed down, another change occurred.


    the hair of the shattered statue that had become clusters of hair suddenly expanded and connected to each other. after that, they scattered out at an astonishing speed.


    as the hair was connected and the clusters of hair spread out, a huge spider web formed in the starry sky and appeared under xu qing¡¯s immortal embryo¡¯s palm!


    this spider web was astonishingly huge.


    it was spread out in the starry sky.


    that spider silk was white hair!


    as for the fragments of the statue where each node was located, their appearances also changed at this moment, turning into heads with pained expressions!


    there were men and women, old and young, cultivators and gods among these heads.


    they were all people who had been killed by this true god.


    although the lifeforms killed by it died, their souls couldn¡¯t escape. they would be controlled by it forever and become a part of it!


    after they appeared, they blocked xu qing¡¯s immortal embryo palm.


    the moment they came into contact, there was no rumbling sound but there was a sense of resonance that penetrated the void, forming a storm in the starry sky that swept through everything.


    wherever this storm passed, the stars collapsed and meteors instantly turned to dust.


    at the same time, there was also a counterattack.


    this caused xu qing¡¯s immortal embryo¡¯s hand to instantly withstand two fluctuations. at the same time, it collapsed.


    this scene caused everyone¡¯s expressions to change drastically!


    xu qing also spat out a mouthful of blood as a sharp glint appeared in his eyes.


    he saw that most of this bizarre entity¡¯s vast spiderweb was golden!


    he also realized that when everything was golden, it meant that the return was complete.


    ¡°i¡¯ve already displayed my strongest power but i¡¯m still unable to suppress this true god who is in a weak state¡­¡±


    xu qing fell silent.


    he understood that back then, jade flowing dust had only schemed against a true god who hadn¡¯t returned. it was ultimately different from the situation he was facing now.


    he was also clear that even if he gave up now, it would be fine.


    even if this true god really returned, it wouldn¡¯t be able to cause much trouble in the fifth star ring. moreover, according to the time, a lower immortal would arrive very soon and suppress it.


    in fact, xu qing even felt that there was a high chance that there were lower immortals in the surroundings!


    however, they hadn¡¯t intervened¡­


    hence, xu qing wanted to try again.


    he needed origin essence!


    if he could suppress this returning true god, he would be able to continuously extract origin essence. it was equivalent to adding a pool of origin essence to his future cultivation!


    at the thought of this, a dark glint flashed in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°there¡¯s another way!¡±


    at the thought of this, the origin essence in xu qing¡¯s body erupted with all its might and the immortal energy soared fiercely, augmenting his immortal embryo. this caused the hand of the immortal embryo that was bounced up to become even denser and larger at this instant.


    he even used his authority to activate the aurora immortal palace.


    this caused the power of the immortal palace to rise even more in the immortal embryo. in the end, the palm that appeared in the starry sky was ten times larger than before.


    it was astonishingly vast.


    after that, it landed again!


    this time, it wasn¡¯t a slap but the five fingers of the immortal embryo opened. those five fingers were like pillars of the starry sky as they grabbed fiercely at the spider web!


    the instant they came into contact, xu qing spat out a mouthful of blood. the immortal embryo¡¯s palm rebounded and continued to collapse at a speed visible to the naked eye. moreover, it wasn¡¯t just its palm. even its arm and the entire body were affected.


    however, madness appeared in xu qing¡¯s eyes. even though his immortal embryo was in turmoil, he still fully activated the aurora immortal palace in the immortal embryo, causing the immortal light to shine unprecedentedly. it transformed into a sea of light that filled all the collapsed places and spread out, illuminating the entire star system.


    the power of authority over aurora heaven¡¯s beyond was also completely activated by xu qing at this moment.


    it formed¡­ an unprecedented large-scale teleportation!


    its range caused waves in the entire star system!


    xu qing was going to change the battlefield!


    he wanted to move this true god carrier that was returning to his heaven¡¯s beyond.


    over there, he would make use of the might of the entire heaven¡¯s beyond to suppress this true god!


    at the next instant!


    the power of teleportation rose completely amidst deafening rumbling. after enveloping everything, xu qing and the spiderweb that was grabbed by the immortal embryo instantly disappeared!


    ¡­


    at the same time, in the void zone, those immortal thoughts that were undetectable by non-immortals also fluctuated. they all stared at¡­ the former aurora heaven¡¯s beyond!


    in the nine shores heaven¡¯s beyond, in the core nine shores immortal palace, above the highest nine shores immortal tower among the countless buildings, a majestic figure was standing there.


    he wore a dark blue robe and had his hands behind his back as he looked into the distance.


    ¡°bimos, the once-renowned god of pain of the fifth star ring, wields a divine authority capable of manifesting the ultimate agony of all souls, turning it into the source of its power. the venerable immortal once remarked that the illusions created by this god were not entirely false but carried a trace of truth!¡±


    ¡°now, xu qing, this time, i have given you a chance. whether you can seize it will depend on your own fortune.¡±

 Chapter 1703 - Chapter 1703: Missed a Thousand Years

    chapter 1703: missed a thousand years


    editor: atlas studios


    the former aurora heaven¡¯s beyond!


    the current qing heaven!


    within it lay countless vast universes and boundless starry skies, holding an innumerable number of stars.


    these stars had once shone brightly, each radiating its own unique light.


    but in this instant, the entirety of the heaven¡¯s beyond dimmed simultaneously.


    it was as though all the light had been drawn away.


    at the very center of this nearly infinite heaven¡¯s beyond¡ªwithin a region so vast that neither mortals nor even low-level cultivators could traverse it in a lifetime¡ªthere existed a massive black hole.


    this black hole emerged silently, without warning or sound!


    above this black hole stretched a web¡ªa colossal spider¡¯s web¡ªspreading outward, its threads ever expanding!


    white strands of hair served as spider silk, and the heads became the node. as the web continued to expand, the aura of the true god within surged intensely.


    at the same time, accompanying the eruption of divine energy, every head on the spider web opened its mouth in unison, emanating whispers of summoning.


    ¡°bimos!¡±


    ¡°bimos!¡±


    ¡°bimos!¡±


    sound, inherently formless, was imbued with divine will on this spider web. it transformed into strands of divine authority, converging at the very center of the spider web.


    hence, a figure gradually appeared there!


    half-human, half-spider!


    70% of its body was golden!


    as it appeared, the murmuring became even more intense. the aura of its return also reached the extreme. the might of a true god also filled the starry sky at this moment.


    as for the spider web and the starry sky, xu qing¡¯s immortal embryo stood there, imposing and majestic. the face of the immortal embryo exuded stern authority, its eyes gleaming with a cold, sharp light.


    its right hand was raised, and above its head hovered a colossal immortal palace, resplendent with dazzling celestial radiance.


    xu qing¡¯s gaze was fixed firmly on the figure at the center of the spider web¡¯s core.


    while looking, xu qing¡¯s right hand suddenly landed.


    the immortal palace rumbled.


    coupled with the black hole under the spider web, the combined attack even affected the entire heaven¡¯s beyond.


    he wanted to suppress it!


    the half-human, half-spider figure suddenly lifted its head and opened its golden eyes, meeting xu qing¡¯s gaze.


    this was the fusion of gazes, the staring of souls, and also the contact at the origin essence level.


    the instant they connected¡­ everything in front of xu qing seemed to flash.


    however, at the next instant, they recovered.


    there were no unnecessary changes. the immortal palace landed and suppressed the spider web.


    this half-human, half-spider figure struggled but it, who hadn¡¯t completely returned, seemed to be helpless against the weight of heaven¡¯s beyond.


    however, it was clearly unwilling. hence, whether it was divine authority or divine might, they both erupted in unison.


    xu qing¡¯s entire body trembled and he spat out a mouthful of blood. his body and soul were being torn apart but in the end¡­ what he displayed now was the power of the entire heaven¡¯s beyond using his body as a base point.


    hence, after paying a huge price, he succeeded.


    he pushed the spiderweb and the half-human, half-spider figure into the huge black hole below.


    this allowed this suppression to end.


    his fatigue also surged deeply at this moment. xu qing immediately sat cross-legged on the black hole that suppressed the true god and absorbed the endless origin essence from the black hole.


    while recuperating, his immortal embryo also continued strengthening.


    he seemed to have forgotten the time and the mission of the material procurer, immersed in this cultivation.


    his harvest was huge.


    his cultivation base continued to rise from the early-stage quasi immortal realm¡­


    ten years passed.


    when xu qing opened his eyes, his cultivation had already reached the perfected quasi immortal realm.


    that feeling of being at the peak and being almost omnipotent caused xu qing to be in a daze for a moment.


    however, he quickly recovered. he also recalled the scene ten years ago and the experience of the material procurer. after all, for cultivators, especially cultivators like him, ten years of cultivation was only a short period.


    ¡°there¡¯s still time. if i take another step forward, i can return to wanggu!¡±


    at the thought of this, xu qing¡¯s eyes revealed anticipation. he took a step out of heaven¡¯s beyond and when he appeared, he was already at the statue prison where he had left back then.


    the loss of the statue and the disappearance of the prison caused the prison guards, wardens, and other cultivators to have already left.


    however, star ring and the others hadn¡¯t left. they continued to wait here.


    the moment they saw xu qing, their expressions fluctuated.


    they left together and returned to the material procurement division to hand over the missions. after that, as they completed a series of other missions, the reputation of their team gradually spread throughout the entire nine shores heaven¡¯s beyond.


    in the end, they were arranged to head to the battlefield.


    the battlefield was between the fourth and fifth star ring. on the battlefield, their team frequently made contributions and even captured a goddess alive.


    that was the offspring of a lord god!


    with this credit, xu qing¡¯s reputation soared. at the same time, the news that aurora heaven¡¯s beyond belonged to him had also spread.


    in an instant, xu qing¡¯s name resounded in the ears of all cultivators.


    all of this clearly passed very slowly in xu qing¡¯s experience. however, unknowingly, it passed very quickly.


    this lasted until he encountered a lord god from the fourth star ring on the battlefield on a mission!


    in that battle, even he, who could fight against lower immortals, was ultimately not a match.


    all the other members of the team died in that battle.


    he was heavily injured and barely survived. even after escaping into space-time, he was pursued. in the end, he could only choose to enter the chaotic space-time sea and hide his tracks in the endless chaos.


    however, although he had dodged the death tribulation, his injuries were too serious in the chaotic space-time sea. he also lost his way and followed the turbulence until he fell into the depths of time and space.


    after an unknown period of time, he finally woke up.


    after that, he struggled to return.


    with his luck and his understanding of space-time, after experiencing repeated failures and countless hardships, he found a direction.


    finally, on a certain day, he found the node to return.


    he walked out of there and returned to the main world.


    after he returned, he saw that the war was still ongoing. however¡­ a terrifying truth was reflected in his perception after he returned to the cultivator camp.


    this truth caused him to tremble in disbelief.


    because a thousand years had passed since he disappeared!


    this truth caused xu qing to tremble, causing intense anxiety and fear to rise in him. he chose to leave the battlefield immediately and use the method he had used to come to the fifth star ring to return to wanggu.


    on the way back, he didn¡¯t dare to ponder what wanggu had turned into. a thousand years¡­ he had missed a thousand years.


    this lasted until he stood in the sky above wanggu.


    his eyes lost their luster.


    wanggu was already very different from before he left.


    gods were everywhere.


    the human race had been destroyed.


    there was no sign of the empress parting summer.


    he went to the ancient land of the human race and the entrance to brilliant heaven. that place¡­ had collapsed.


    he went to the nanhuang province, which had already sunk into the endless sea.


    huang yan had already died.


    xu qing silently sensed all of this.


    this lasted until a sigh echoed in his ears.


    that sigh was somewhat familiar.


    xu qing silently turned and looked at an old woman who had appeared beside him.


    this old woman¡¯s appearance was somewhat familiar. there was a withered butterfly circling her.


    ¡°before teacher died, she said that you asked her how to leave back then and said that you would return on time.¡±


    ¡°a thousand years have passed, you are already too late¡­


    ¡°you are back¡­ but what¡¯s the point?¡±


    the old woman spoke hoarsely.


    she was the disciple of the palace master of the summer immortal palace back then, that¡­ little butterfly.

 Chapter 1704 - Chapter 1704: Xu Qing Is Furious!

    chapter 1704: xu qing is furious!


    editor: atlas studios


    the wind of the wanggu continent carried a familiar humidity, evoking memories of the past.


    that was from the vast endless sea and also the anomalous substances in this world.


    it was completely different from the fifth star ring.


    after sensing all of this, xu qing opened his mouth but he was unable to say anything.


    the surrounding world was a little blurry in his eyes. perhaps the anomalous substances had distorted the space, or perhaps the gods of wanggu had influenced everything.


    only¡­ the old woman before him, clad in a black robe and weathered by time, stood out vividly in xu qing¡¯s eyes.


    each wrinkle on her face was like a canyon carved by the years, etched with storms and perhaps intertwined with the threads of fate.


    xu qing naturally still remembered the little butterfly back then.


    in his memories, she was once a young girl, someone with whom he¡¯d had conflicts. later¡­ it was also she who had brought him to the summer immortal palace for the first time, where he had laid eyes on that aged palace master of the human race.


    yet, these fragmented memories, intertwined with the reality of what he now saw and felt, gave xu qing a persistent sense of unreality.


    ¡°before my teacher passed, she once said that those who haven¡¯t endured extreme pain can never truly comprehend it. it¡¯s a kind of¡­ feeling where you don¡¯t want to believe, where instinct drives you to deceive yourself, pretending as if nothing ever happened.¡±


    ¡°because, after extreme pain, there is only void.¡±


    the old woman let out a bitter laugh.


    ¡°and after i witnessed the catastrophe with my own eyes, after i saw loss with my own eyes¡­ only then did i understand my teacher¡¯s words. i truly felt it all. and for the thousand years since, i¡¯ve never been able to move on.¡±


    ¡°today, seeing you¡­ i hope that one day, you can move past it.¡±


    her voice carried a deep sorrow as she spoke, her tone laden with weariness. slowly, she turned and began to walk away into the distance. her figure was desolate, shrouded in a boundless loneliness that seemed impossible to dispel.


    xu qing slowly raised his head, his gaze fixed on the old woman¡¯s retreating figure. suddenly, he spoke.


    ¡°what about my master¡­ my senior brother¡­ zixuan and ling¡¯er? and¡­ my friends, my fellow disciples, and¡­ everyone else? what happened to them?¡±


    the voice that came from his mouth was so rough and hoarse that anyone familiar with him might not have recognized it. it was as if it had been scraped out by countless grains of sand grinding against each other.


    xu qing didn¡¯t dare to ask this question but he still asked. his voice was hoarse and trembling.


    the old woman¡¯s steps halted, her back still turned to xu qing. she remained silent for a long moment before her voice, heavy with the weight of time, emerged, carrying the echoes of history like a mournful tune from an ancient flute.


    ¡°a thousand years ago, the ancient immortal descended into this world, searching for something.¡±


    ¡°he first went to the human race, visiting the statue of the sword holding great emperor. then, with a mere gesture, the entire human race was annihilated.¡±


    ¡°even someone as powerful as the empress, in the presence of the ancient immortal, was ultimately nothing more than a junior. she was stripped of her mind and turned into a divine slave by his side.¡±


    ¡°your master did not intervene at first. to him, the fate of humanity was unimportant. he only cared about what was within his reach.¡±


    ¡°the ancient immortal never stepped foot in nanhuang continent. perhaps some karmic tie between him and your master kept it safe for a time.¡±


    ¡°but in the end, your master still emerged from seclusion to confront the ancient immortal. he stood before him to prevent his search because¡­ the thing the ancient immortal sought was your eldest senior brother.¡±


    ¡°your master fought for him. your senior brother returned from brilliant heaven to stand by his side, showing the pinnacle of quasi immortal strength. but the outcome¡­ remained unchanged.¡±


    ¡°in that battle, your master died. your senior brother, driven to madness, became a sacrificial offering for the ancient immortal¡¯s dao.¡±


    ¡°afterward, your sect was utterly destroyed. none of your other senior brothers or sisters survived. nanhuang continent sank into the endless sea, and flame phoenix itself became a corpse.¡±


    ¡°following this, the ancient immortal departed. brilliant heaven was thrown into chaos and later revived anew, while the ancient spirit emperor seized the moment to rise to power, plunging all of wanggu into turmoil.¡±


    ¡°as for zixuan¡­ i recall her vaguely. she perished during her struggles to survive, becoming food for a newly risen god.¡±


    ¡°and ling¡¯er¡­ i remember her as well. she was devoured by the ancient spirit emperor, her fate and fortune returned to him.¡±


    ¡°as for everyone else you knew¡­ most of them have also fallen over the past millennium, each meeting their end in their own way.¡±


    xu qing lowered his head.


    the old woman didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    this was everyone¡¯s ending.


    the wind blew over from afar with a whistling sound.


    it stirred up dust and xu qing¡¯s long hair but it couldn¡¯t take away the silence in his heart.


    this was everyone¡¯s ending.


    the old woman¡¯s sigh blended into the wind as she spoke softly.


    ¡°if it wasn¡¯t for the thing you left behind in wanggu, i would have thought that you had died in another realm.¡±


    with that, she silently shook her head and walked into the distance with loneliness and bleakness.


    it was as though although her teacher had left, she still had to shoulder the mission of the summer immortal palace. even though¡­ she didn¡¯t know if there was any meaning to this mission.


    however, this was her teacher¡¯s last wish.


    she slowly left until she disappeared into the distortions of the world.


    time passed.


    xu qing stood there. he didn¡¯t know what state he was in now. he only knew that at that moment, his thoughts seemed to have frozen and everything about him seemed to have been suspended.


    including his soul.


    only the sound of the wind continued.


    however, as he listened, the whistling sound seemed to have become a whimper.


    after that, endless pain suddenly drowned him like a tide.


    everything in front of him turned blood-colored.


    blood dyed his eyes red.


    he opened his mouth and wanted to mutter, but blood couldn¡¯t stop flowing out of his mouth.


    all he could do was stagger back.


    ¡°so when pain reaches an extreme, it becomes void¡­¡±


    he couldn¡¯t shed any tears, as though he had lost them all.


    the emptiness in his heart was like a black hole that drowned everything.


    there was no beginning or end to this black hole.


    xu qing felt that he should be familiar with this feeling. it was similar to when he was in the chaotic time sea. however, he couldn¡¯t recall his state back then.


    in his heart, only the old woman¡¯s voice before she left echoed again and again.


    gradually, some of the words in these voices became sparks that slowly gathered in his eyes.


    ¡°your senior brother, driven to madness, became a sacrificial offering for the ancient immortal¡¯s dao.¡±


    ¡°ling¡¯er was devoured by the ancient spirit emperor, her fate and fortune returned to him.¡±


    ¡°parting summer was stripped of her mind and turned into a divine slave.¡±


    ¡°if it wasn¡¯t for the thing you left behind in wanggu¡­¡±


    sparks of fire lingered.


    xu qing¡¯s head moved slightly.


    ¡°eldest senior brother might not be dead.¡±


    ¡°ling¡¯er¡­ perhaps her essence can still be separated from the ancient spirit emperor.¡±


    ¡°there might still be hope for the empress parting summer.¡±


    ¡°there might be an afterlife for zixuan¡­¡±


    ¡°i still have a long path to walk¡­ also, all of this is just what someone else said. it might not be the full truth!¡± xu qing¡¯s eyes burned with flames at this instant.


    ¡°and i still have something left behind.¡±


    xu qing abruptly raised his head. his gaze seemed to pierce through everything as his divine sense perception spread in all directions.


    looking at the ruins, the familiar yet unfamiliar world, the gods everywhere¡­ his heart was calling out and his soul was in turmoil.


    after a long time, a weak and almost extinguished response came from the direction of the endless sea.


    at the next instant, xu qing¡¯s body suddenly disappeared.


    ¡­


    under the endless sea, in a deep silt, many ferocious sea snakes were squirming in the silt.


    dense divinity fluctuated on their bodies. upon closer inspection, one could see that each of these sea snakes had a sinister and strange ghost face.


    in the depths of the silt, there was a skeleton buried there.


    this skeleton only had half of its body left. everything below its waist was gone.


    the remaining upper body was also riddled with holes and there wasn¡¯t much flesh and blood. no matter how one looked at it, it was no different from a corpse.


    it seemed to be sealed here. even though it was just a fragment, one could sense the divine technique fluctuations in its body. under the effect of the divine technique, its body also continued to degenerate from its god state. now, it didn¡¯t seem far from becoming an ordinary body.


    the snakes in the surroundings would occasionally come here and devour the remaining flesh.


    originally, if nothing unexpected happened, everything here would continue for a long time until the skeleton completely dissipated.


    however, at this moment, waves suddenly appeared at the calm and pitch-black bottom of the sea.


    it was as though space had shattered!


    whether it was the anomalous substances or the pressure here, they all seemed to have been directly erased at this instant.


    what appeared next was a figure walking over out of thin air!


    it was xu qing.


    he walked over step by step. wherever he passed, everything at the sea would tremble. even if there were gods, they would choose silence.


    this lasted until he reached the sea snake sludge.


    the instant he looked over, all the sea snakes trembled one after another. the silt also churned on its own, revealing the buried bones in the depths.


    the moment he looked at this skeleton, xu qing¡¯s heart stirred.


    this skeleton was his divine avatar.


    however, the soul that was left in this body was already a candle in the wind and would be extinguished at any moment.


    however, through the injuries on this skeleton, xu qing could tell that his god body had suffered a huge injury back then. this also meant that¡­ his god body had experienced the calamity back then.


    ¡°by fusing this divine body into my body and using the same origin method, i can sense everything that happened to this clone and verify everything!¡±


    an intense impulse rose in xu qing¡¯s heart. with a sway of his body, he approached the broken body and raised his right hand, wanting to fuse it into his body.


    however, the instant his hand was about to land, xu qing¡¯s body suddenly paused. looking at the remnant god body in front of him, his expression suddenly became strange.


    ¡°my divine body came from the fragmented-face¡­ even though my soul can be destroyed, how can my body be shattered to this extent? how can i be easily sealed by divine techniques!¡±


    xu qing¡¯s pupils contracted as he abruptly raised his head and looked up. his gaze penetrated the endless sea and looked at the sky.


    there¡­ was no fragmented-face there!


    he actually didn¡¯t have any doubts about this before.


    at the same time, he recalled all his previous experiences, be it on the battlefield or when he encountered the lord god. he only recalled the process but didn¡¯t have any details. even wanggu was a blur.


    all these thoughts were like mirrors. just as xu qing¡¯s thoughts were flashing, he suddenly spoke.


    ¡°aurora immortal palace, heaven¡¯s beyond!¡±


    ¡°suppress!¡±


    as soon as his voice rang out, the color of the world changed and the endless sea rumbled. wanggu trembled.


    cracking sounds rose into the sky!


    it was as though a heavenly palace was coming from another realm!


    at the next instant, everything in front of xu qing was like a bubble that had been squeezed. with a boom, everything shattered!


    everything was replaced by the starry sky and illuminated by starlight. at this moment, the might of the immortal palace erupted.


    it erased the illusion and revealed the truth!


    the world changed drastically!


    xu qing saw everything clearly.


    how was this wanggu? this was clearly within heaven¡¯s beyond!


    as for the skeleton in front of him, it wasn¡¯t his divine body either. it was clearly¡­ that half-human half-spider true god!


    this true god wanted xu qing to take the initiative to fuse with it!


    from there, it could transfer the carrier and borrow the shell to return!


    however, xu qing had woken up!


    his awakening caused an intense backlash to the true god, especially with the suppression of the immortal palace and the enhancement of heaven¡¯s beyond.


    this caused the expression of this true god to twist and a large amount of golden blood flowed out of his body. there were also cries of pain that spread in all directions.


    ¡°how did you wake up?!¡±


    however, xu qing, who was facing it, had extreme anger burning in his eyes.


    his anger had rarely reached this peak!

 Chapter 1705 - Chapter 1705: Time Amber

    chapter 1705: time amber


    editor: atlas studios


    xu qing¡¯s childhood was marked by turmoil and hardship, enduring countless trials of human suffering. yet, he overcame it all through sheer determination to survive, giving everything he had to push forward.


    these experiences shaped his cautious nature, his unwavering tendency to seek revenge for any wrongs, and his cold-blooded efficiency in killing. at the same time, they also kindled an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a longing for beauty, which became an unextinguishable light within his heart.


    however, his inner self had long been locked away, rarely opening up to the outside world.


    the path of his life thereafter was marked by both twists and smooth stretches. on the whole, it was far better than his childhood. gradually, his heart began to open and close, like a door easing on its hinges.


    along this journey, though there were moments of blooming, there were also instances of withering.


    as xu qing grew older and began to open his heart to the world, more and more figures found their place within him¡­


    his heart began to ripple,


    and within it, a storm brewed¡ªone that could only be described as fury at its most extreme!


    the first time he was so furious was because of captain lei¡¯s death.


    after that, it was grandmaster bai¡¯s death.


    after that, it was lord sixth¡¯s head that was thrown in front of him by his big brother and he learned the truth about peerless city.


    as for the fourth time, it was the death of the sword holding great emperor.


    this was the fifth time.


    everything in the illusion, when examined upon awakening, was riddled with flaws. yet, while immersed within it, his senses deceived him entirely¡ªhe felt as if he had truly lived through it all. he experienced the agony of seeing everyone he held dear vanish, the profound pain, and the void that consumed his spirit.


    and now, as xu qing awakened, the depth of the pain he had endured mirrored the sheer magnitude of the wrath that now consumed him.


    thus, when faced with the voice of the returning, half-formed true god, xu qing offered no verbal reply.


    the aura emanating from his body, the bloodshot intensity in his gaze, and the furious energy radiating from every fiber of his being¡ªthese had already fused with his immortal embryo and the auroral immortal palace within him.


    together, they erupted!


    the starry sky trembled, waves rippled through the heaven¡¯s beyond, and in this vast starry expanse, xu qing¡¯s immortal embryo stood supreme. the auroral immortal palace, now fully revealed, carried earth-shattering power as it descended with unrelenting might upon the half-human, half-spider god!


    the rumbling sound was even louder than before.


    the auroral immortal palace radiated infinite immortal light. at the moment it descended, the returning true god attempted to evade, but¡­


    in this state of incomplete return, the god was exceptionally weak.


    moreover, the backlash from its divine art weighed heavily on its very soul, causing excruciating pain at a spiritual level. its agonized wails escaped uncontrollably from its mouth, reverberating across the void.


    in addition, the suppression from a heaven¡¯s beyond wasn¡¯t something that a mere weakened true god could resist.


    these factors accumulated together, causing its evasion to be unable to succeed.


    the vast immortal palace directly smashed onto its body.


    under this strike, the true god¡¯s entire body trembled intensely and its body sank uncontrollably. golden blood spurted out and cracks appeared on its vessel. an even greater pain swept through it like a storm.


    it wanted to counterattack.


    however, how could xu qing, who was at the peak of his anger, give it a chance?


    the light of the aurora immortal palace rose again. the dazzling light shot into the starry sky, attracting more power and smashing down again!


    a rumbling sound echoed along with the heart-rending voice of the true god.


    this true god¡¯s physical form was riddled with even more cracks, especially the half that was its spider body. at this moment, it was on the verge of shattering completely, emanating dense, pure origin essence.


    however, it was still struggling and even trying to use the dispersed origin essence to form a divine technique.


    however, xu qing had already narrowly escaped death previously, so how could he not be on guard? at that moment, he had already entered the aurora immortal palace and sat in the main hall.


    the aurora immortal palace was illusory in the outside world but in the heaven¡¯s beyond, it was real.


    sitting inside, with the authority he had, xu qing was the master of this heaven¡¯s beyond.


    although his cultivation wasn¡¯t high enough and his methods weren¡¯t effective against true gods¡­ this immortal palace itself was the best killing tool!


    he didn¡¯t need divine arts. at this moment, no dao art could completely vent the anger in xu qing¡¯s heart. what he wanted to inflict was only¡­ pure violence!


    hence, with a thought, the aurora immortal palace smashed toward the true god again!


    once, twice, thrice¡­


    xu qing was venting!


    a deafening rumbling sound drowned out the heart-rending screams of the true god.


    its body was already packed with cracks. in the end, amidst its wails, its spider-part of the body collapsed and split into pieces.


    the light in the eyes of its human half had also become much weaker.


    however, the pain in its soul and body wasn¡¯t the source of this true god¡¯s greatest fear.


    what it was truly afraid of was¡­ the black hole below!


    that was a cage formed by the power of the entire heaven¡¯s beyond. it was a prison of oblivion. once it fell into it, it would be almost impossible for it to return in this life!


    as the immortal palace smashed down again and again, its body was constantly getting closer to the black hole.


    at this critical moment, the light in its eyes suddenly transformed into golden fire that spread outwards. it didn¡¯t burn the surroundings but flowed through its entire body.


    it had chosen to burn itself!


    it wanted to destroy itself!


    the destruction of the vessel would mean the failure of its current return, but it would also erase all traces of its existence in this form.


    in such a scenario, the possibility of a future return, however distant, still remained.


    however, if the vessel were alive and suppressed within the black hole, then its existence would be fully sealed, and any chance of revival would be forever lost.


    hence, at this moment, it didn¡¯t hesitate. not only did it burn the vessel, but it also burned half of the divine aspect that had returned to its body, wanting to destroy it as well.


    that was a huge price and it would need a long time to recover.


    however, what gods didn¡¯t lack the most was time.


    it could continue to wait!


    it was incomparably decisive and extremely fast in trying to burn itself.


    in the blink of an eye, it was about to burn completely. at this moment, it was also the instant when it was extremely weak.


    however, it had underestimated xu qing!


    xu qing, who was sitting cross-legged in the immortal palace, stared fixedly at the true god who had chosen to burn itself. the coldness in his eyes was still intense.


    he knew that true gods were indestructible.


    hence, his goal in attacking this time was naturally not to kill. he wanted the other party to suffer extreme pain!


    so, how could he allow the other party to successfully leave and return¡­


    it wasn¡¯t something that could end just because you wanted to!


    at the next instant, xu qing suddenly raised his right hand and spoke.


    ¡°seal!¡±


    the qing heaven trembled, and within an infinite expanse, countless stars, star systems, and universes¡ªall under xu qing¡¯s dominion through his immortal palace¡¯s authority and his mastery over this heaven¡¯s beyond¡ª


    were sealed in an instant!


    this heaven¡¯s beyond was instantly isolated, completely cutting off the inside and outside!


    this transformed the heaven¡¯s beyond into a vast prison!


    however, heaven¡¯s beyonds were a part of the upper star rings, and as long as the true god wasn¡¯t destroyed, it could return in the future. this was the affection of the upper star rings towards the gods, akin to fish weaving freely through the vast sea.


    hence, this isolation wasn¡¯t complete. it was like a fishing net. although it enveloped the area, there were gaps.


    however, xu qing¡¯s methods naturally wouldn¡¯t be limited to these.


    at the same time, an item on xu qing¡¯s body suddenly flew out of the immortal palace!


    it floated in the starry sky outside the immortal palace!


    it was an hourglass!


    that was¡­ a space-time supreme treasure he had obtained from the mirrored history of the aurora immortal palace!


    it contained two hours of time that transcended this space-time!


    no matter what time it was, it could forcefully add additional two hours of time.


    moreover, it couldn¡¯t be erased!


    it existed outside of space, outside of time!


    it wasn¡¯t restricted by any space-time!


    however, those who grasped the space-time ordinance could use it as they pleased¡ªwhether allowed to flow naturally, accelerated, or delayed.


    the limit was two hours!


    after it appeared, the hourglass shattered with a cracking sound. the sand inside emitted a colorful light that suddenly spread out. the instant the burning true god¡¯s body and divine aspect were about to dissipate¡­


    this lump of sand enveloped it!


    for it, this additional two hours were extended!


    this time didn¡¯t have any karma and didn¡¯t belong to this space-time!


    under the control of xu qing¡¯s space-time ordinance, the effect was to forcefully extend its departure and burning of its body, slowing it down.


    he wanted that breath of time to become the extra two hours in the main world!


    if the closing of heaven¡¯s beyond was like a fishing net falling into the sea, then the appearance of this space-time sand would slow down the fish that was about to escape from the fishing net!


    this caused its departure to no longer be swift and violent!


    this made it continue to remain in a weak state!


    this scene caused waves in the starry sky. there was a faint thought of its true name that echoed in the unseen world with disbelief.


    xu qing also stood up from the immortal palace at this moment. with extreme coldness in his eyes, he took a step forward and appeared in the starry sky, in front of the true god who was in an extremely weak state and was dragged for two hours in a breath.


    ¡°like other people¡¯s pain?¡±


    xu qing slowly spoke. this was the first time he had spoken since they fought.


    this sentence contained coldness.


    ¡°then, you can have a taste too.¡±


    xu qing raised his hand and a huge ice coffin suddenly appeared.


    this coffin emitted cold air and contained nine colors.


    it was the ice coffin xu qing had obtained from the chaotic sky royal family back then, the ice coffin of young lord aurora!


    this ice coffin was something the aurora immortal lord and his wife had prepared for their child. they had once sealed young lord aurora within, keeping him in a perpetual infant state.


    not only was his body frozen, but his soul was also frozen. even time was also frozen.


    after all, it was an item of an immortal lord, so its might was naturally astonishing.


    at that moment, xu qing took it out. with a raise of his hand, the coffin headed straight for the burning true god, enveloping it. as the lid of the coffin slammed down, it completely froze!


    this sealed the true god who was still burning and hadn¡¯t completely returned to his state.


    it also sealed time together!


    this way, to a certain extent, this true god was frozen in the state of return.


    it couldn¡¯t truly leave or return.


    it was like¡­ a piece of time and space amber!


    from now on, it would be immersed in the endless burning pain and sink into no beginning or end.


    as long as the true god wasn¡¯t destroyed, the blessing of the upper star rings would become a curse for it!


    at the same time, under this state, there was an endless stream of origin essence that continued to spread out like spirit stones!

 Chapter 1706 - Chapter 1706: This Illusion Has Truth

    Chapter 1706: This Illusion Has Truth


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    Life, no entrance.


    Death, no path.


    Departure, impossible.


    Return, unachievable.


    This was the God of Pain at this moment.


    It was frozen in the ice coffin, sealed in time by the space-time hourglass, and ensnared by the web of cause and effect spun across the Heaven¡¯s Beyond.


    It was stuck between returning and leaving, becoming a special spirit stone that constantly emitted origin essence.


    It could only immerse Itself in the pain of Its body burning, in the reincarnation cycle of Its soul being torn apart, in the torture of Its divinity and even origin essence being slowly absorbed.


    In the starry sky, Xu Qing stared at the ice coffin in front of him with a cold gaze.


    His anger was gradually suppressed. The current outcome of this True God was already the best torture.


    Since It liked pain, let It personally experience it.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that I don¡¯t have the divine authority to tell stories like Jade Flowing Dust¡­¡±


    Xu Qing muttered to himself.


    If he had the divine authority of Jade Flowing Dust, he could exert it now and fabricate one painful story after another for this True God, causing It to sink into the story in the ice and experience even more mental torture.


    This way, not only could it make this True God suffer even more, but it could also make use of the stories to enrich the origin essence It emitted.


    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry.¡±


    Xu Qing retracted his gaze and took a step forward. He then sat cross-legged on the ice coffin and slowly closed his eyes. He breathed in and out and the pores on his body opened.


    He was absorbing the origin essence emitted from the ice coffin.


    Not only was this origin essence dense, but it was also pure. As Xu Qing breathed, it fused into his entire body.


    After that, it fused with the immortal embryo in his body, nourishing it.


    At the next instant, Xu Qing¡¯s immortal embryo shone with a gentle light, illuminating the pitch-black Heaven¡¯s Beyond. This caused the countless universes, star systems, and stars in Heaven¡¯s Beyond to no longer be as pitch-black as before.


    They recovered one after another.


    Xu Qing¡¯s immortal embryo also gradually grew under the waves of light. It was the same for the immortal foundation formed by the immortal palace inside.


    Just like that, time flowed by.


    Very soon, a month passed.


    Xu Qing opened his eyes.


    A dark glint flashed in his eyes. After a while, he lowered his head and looked at the ice coffin under him.


    At the start, the origin essence emitted by the ice coffin was extremely dense, but it gradually decreased. It went from a surging force to a trickle.


    This was normal.


    This kind of divine spirit origin stone¡¯s effect was unending.


    It didn¡¯t erupt all at once.


    Hence, for Xu Qing, gradually absorbing it was the best method now.


    During this month of cultivation, the improvement he gained wasn¡¯t small either. His immortal embryo became even more condensed. Whether it was the pressure or aura, it surpassed the past.


    Especially when his immortal foundation was the immortal palace. Coupled with his identity as the master of Heaven¡¯s Beyond, Xu Qing¡¯s aura was getting closer and closer to that of an immortal.


    In terms of realm, he wasn¡¯t far from the peak of the early-stage Quasi Immortal Realm.


    If this cultivation speed was placed outside, it would be enough to make people envious. It was already incomparably fast.


    After all, the Quasi Immortal realm was the process of an immortal embryo transforming into an immortal figure. The amount of origin essence needed for this process could be said to be terrifying.


    And the immortal figure was one of the signs of the Lower immortal realm!


    However, Xu Qing still felt that it was too slow.


    ¡°If I can get a few more True God Origin Stones like this¡­¡±


    Xu Qing licked his lips and stood up from the ice coffin. When he looked into the distance, he recalled the illusion he had fallen into earlier.


    ¡°That illusion realm was a little strange¡­¡±


    A dark glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    He remembered that in the illusion, he had been in seclusion here for ten years and his cultivation had reached the peak of the Quasi Immortal Realm. Although there weren¡¯t many details in his memory, Xu Qing still remembered the feeling at the peak of the Quasi Immortal Realm.


    This was especially so¡­


    ¡°If I really choose to enter seclusion here for ten years, according to the amount of origin essence emitted by this ice coffin, it¡¯s still hard to say if my cultivation can increase to the peak of the Quasi Immortal Realm. However, it should be possible for me to reach the late-stage.¡±


    ¡°Therefore, that illusion has logic and is not baseless¡­¡±


    After this thought appeared, a haze involuntarily rose in Xu Qing¡¯s heart.


    He instinctively didn¡¯t want to take this path, didn¡¯t want to choose to stay here and enter closed-door cultivation.


    On one hand, it was because he didn¡¯t want to be in line with the illusion. On the other hand, he felt that his cultivation speed was still too slow.


    There was also another reason. Xu Qing was very clear that if he wanted to break through the Quasi Immortal Realm and step into the Lower Immortal realm, he didn¡¯t only need origin essence to let the immortal embryo transform into an immortal figure.


    He still needed his Ordinance to reach a higher level!


    ¡°In other words, my tenth extremity!¡±


    Xu Qing still didn¡¯t have a direction for the tenth extremity. Even in the illusion, he hadn¡¯t explored it¡­


    Xu Qing fell silent. He raised his hand and suppressed the ice coffin under him in the black hole in Heaven¡¯s Beyond. He then used the black hole to absorb and store the origin essence at all times.


    After that, he pondered and was about to leave.


    However, just as he raised his foot and was about to land, Xu Qing¡¯s body suddenly paused.


    A strange glint suddenly appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s not right!¡±


    ¡°In the illusion, it felt as if I had grasped the tenth extremity, because when I returned to Wanggu within the illusion, the level of cultivation I displayed seemed¡­ beyond that of a Quasi Immortal.¡±


    ¡°As for the details, I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Xu Qing frowned. Regarding the illusion earlier, the doubts in his heart deepened.


    However, he lacked effective information. Xu Qing could only suppress all his doubts again. His footsteps landed and he walked out of the Qing Heaven.


    ¡­


    At the same time, the hidden immortal thoughts that had arrived outside the Qing Heaven also dissipated at this moment. . Before leaving, each gaze lingered with a myriad of emotions as they observed Xu Qing stepping out of the Qing Heaven.


    They remembered Xu Qing.


    It was impossible not to.


    The master of the Aurora Heaven¡¯s Beyond, a Quasi Immortal wielding power that nearly rivaled that of an immortal, had suppressed a returning True God.


    This illustrious battle result was enough to make everyone raise their eyebrows.


    After that, they left one by one.


    In the Nine Shores Heaven¡¯s Beyond, in the immortal palace, the figure on the supreme immortal tower nodded slightly.


    ¡°Since you grasped this opportunity¡­ and also completed the collecting mission, then¡­¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no longer much meaning in staying in the star ring.¡±


    ¡°Convey the decree to the Material Procurement Division and let this group of ascenders join the transport team. Together with the other squads, they are to personally deliver the collected materials to the battlefield.¡±


    ¡°There is no need for them to return¡ªproceed immediately to the Star Ring God Sealing Array.¡±


    As soon as the Nine Shores Immortal Lord finished speaking, the tall tower shook slightly. After that, the decree from him instantly spread throughout the entire Nine Shores Heaven. It also reached the Poison Lord who was meditating in the Material Procurement Division.


    In an instant, his eyes suddenly opened and he instantly sensed the decree from the Nine Shores Immortal Lord.


    His expression changed slightly.


    He raised his head and looked into the distance. After a long silence, he finally sighed softly.


    ¡°I wonder if this kid is lucky or unlucky¡­¡±


    The Poison Lord shook his head. Although he was unwilling, he naturally didn¡¯t dare to disobey the Nine Shores Immortal Lord¡¯s decree.


    He could only sigh and arrange this matter.


    At the same time, Xu Qing¡¯s figure left the Qing Heaven. When he reappeared, he was already in the void zone.


    The prison here had already disappeared. However, be it the guards, the wardens, or Star Ring and the others, none of them left. They were all waiting for the outcome.


    Even though a month had passed, their hearts were mostly at peace. After all, after the matter of the returning True God was exposed, it was impossible for it to last for a month.


    However, the moment they saw Xu Qing, they still felt relieved.


    This was especially so after they sensed that Xu Qing¡¯s aura was clearly stronger than before. Zhou Zhengli immediately stepped forward and bowed.


    ¡°Congratulations, Master. You suppressed a True God, your merit is immeasurable!¡±


    When everyone heard this, they all bowed.


    There were also waves in their hearts.


    They had personally seen Xu Qing advance to the Quasi Immortal Realm and sense the vast immortal embryo before he became the master of a Heaven¡¯s Beyond.


    Moreover, they could sense that his combat strength was close to a Lower Immortal.


    At the same time, they also witnessed Xu Qing teleporting with the True God and returning safely.


    This feeling of watching the other party grow step by step until he reached a certain height caused these heaven¡¯s chosen to have thousands of thoughts in their minds.


    This was especially so for Star Ring. He silently looked at Xu Qing and sighed inwardly.


    The gap was getting larger and larger.


    However, this thought didn¡¯t exist for long before it became his motivation.


    Xu Qing looked at everyone in front of him. When he saw that the prison guards and wardens were still around, his heart calmed down.


    After all, it was different from the illusion.


    In the illusion, after he walked out, the guards and wardens were no longer around.


    However, this thought had almost just appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s mind and before he could respond to everyone¡¯s greetings¡­


    At the next instant¡­ the identity tokens of all the ascenders trembled. The decree from the Nine Shores Heaven¡¯s Beyond¡¯s Material Procurement Division suddenly echoed in the minds of all the ascenders.


    ¡°Due to changes in the Star Ring¡¯s outer war, origin essence is urgently needed. All procurement teams are hereby ordered to personally transport their gathered origin essence to the frontlines immediately without delay!¡±


    The voice of the decree carried an undeniable authority, causing all ascenders¡¯ expressions to shift.


    ¡°Personally transport it¡­ to the battlefield?¡±


    Qianjun and Piyi¡¯s bodies trembled. A storm brewed in the minds of these two brothers.


    Yuanshan Su frowned. Li Mengtu¡¯s expression changed and Xie Lingzi¡¯s pupils constricted.


    The expressions of the other ascenders changed to varying degrees.


    The battlefield was originally a faraway place for all of them.


    However, they didn¡¯t expect that at this moment¡­ they would be going so close to it!


    Especially considering their cultivation bases. On the battlefield, they were like a drop in the sea, and their lives and deaths could be reversed at any moment. A calamity could arrive at any time, and the cultivation levels of the enemies they faced were not fixed.


    They might encounter Divine Fire, Divine Platform, and even a True God!


    Moreover, according to everyone¡¯s previous understanding, the war with the fourth star ring was an all-out war between the Lord God and the Immortal Lord level.


    That was a battle between gods and immortals, a battle between factions, and even a battle of racial extermination!


    Zhou Zhengli had a solemn expression as he looked at Xu Qing.


    Star Ring¡¯s heart also sank as his gaze landed on Xu Qing.


    The other cultivators were the same.


    As for Xu Qing, who was being stared at by everyone, he was in a daze.


    He once again thought of the illusion displayed by that True God.


    In the illusion, he also went to the battlefield!


    However, the difference was that in the illusion, he would go to the battlefield ten years later.


    However, he was going there right now.


    It was brought forward by ten years.


    ¡°Then, what was the True God¡¯s illusion based on?¡±


    ¡°Is it a coincidence¡­¡±


    Xu Qing¡¯s eyes darkened.


    ¡ª New chapter is coming soon ¡ª


    WRITE A REVIEW

 Chapter 1707 - Chapter 1707: Anomalous substances Taint the Soul, Immortal Energy Disgusts Gods

    Chapter 1707: Anomalous substances Taint the Soul, Immortal Energy Disgusts Gods


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    The thirty-six upper star rings were vast and relatively independent star maps, each harbored endless expanses of grandeur within.


    However, when viewed as a whole, these thirty-six upper star rings were interconnected, forming an awe-inspiring, irregularly shaped colossal ring.


    At the center of this massive ring lay a boundless, black sea shrouded in dense anomalous substances¡ªa sea so vast it dwarfed everything else.


    Its name was the Origin Sea.


    Mysterious and unfathomable, it defied imagination and eluded understanding. Even Venerable Gods dared not venture lightly into its core region.


    The Origin Sea had thirty-six main currents, each leading to one of the thirty-six upper star rings. Within each ring, these currents branched further, forming countless tributaries that cultivators and gods alike referred to as the ¡®outer seas.¡¯


    The war between the Fourth Star Ring and the Fifth Star Ring took place in the borderlands where the two rings intersected.


    Part of the region belonged to the Fifth Star Ring, and part to the Fourth.


    The conflict, rooted in the irreconcilable nature of the immortals and the gods, had persisted for countless ages. For a long time, it had reached a stalemate, with neither side able to overcome the other. As a result, both exercised restraint, avoiding confrontations at the level of Lord Gods.


    This balance shifted when a new Lord God appeared in the Fourth Star Ring!


    Under the leadership of this Lord God, who personally took to the field, the pace of the war accelerated, becoming far fiercer than ever before.


    Immortal Lord Zhan Lu who guarded the borders faced what would become the greatest rival of his lifetime.


    A battle of that level was no longer purely about Dao arts and divine techniques. The battle between them was far from what ordinary gods and cultivators could see clearly.


    Even if one had reached the level of a True God and a Lower Immortal, they would not be able to fully figure out the battle between the Lord God and Immortal Lord. They could only vaguely sense it.


    This was because at the level of the Lord God and Immortal Lord, the core of their battle involved momentum!


    For the cultivators on the battlefield, Immortal Lord Zhan Lu was the general trend of cultivators. He was an existence that far surpassed the heaven¡¯s law and was a part of the will of the Fifth Star Ring. He was also the peak of the battlefield.


    Wherever he was, he could diffuse the immortal energy that was unique to cultivators in all directions, dispelling all the anomalous substances!


    If he could expel all the anomalous substances here, leaving only the immortal energy, the situation of the war would completely change.


    If one day, all the anomalous substances in the Fourth Star Ring were also replaced by immortal energy, then¡­


    Without the anomalous substances and divine aura, gods were like a fish outside of water. Even if it could still struggle, the outcome wouldn¡¯t be much different from the original gods in the Fifth Star Ring.


    This was also a method to suppress gods that the Fifth Star Ring had developed along the way.


    Divine aura anomalous substances were a poison for cultivators that corrupted their souls.


    Conversely, immortal energy was inherently repulsive to gods, damaging them by its mere presence.


    This interplay of opposites created an overarching force¡ªthe momentum of dominance.


    The Lord God, of course, understood the critical importance of this dynamic. Thus, when the Lord God appeared on the battlefield, an immense surge of divine aura manifested, flooding the surroundings with an overwhelming tide of anomalous substances.


    Using anomalous substances to drown everything, including the immortal energy.


    Hence, the war between the Fourth and Fifth Star Ring was a battle between the Lord God and the Immortal Lord, and also a confrontation between the anomalous substances and the immortal energy.


    At the same time, it also created momentum for their respective affiliations!


    Even if the god¡¯s side didn¡¯t follow the rules and attacked forcefully, the outcome wouldn¡¯t change. This was because if they wanted to suppress the other party from the root, it would ultimately become a clash of anomalous substances and immortal energy.


    After all, the density of anomalous substances in the Fourth Star Ring and the immortal energy in the Fifth Star Ring was the same. If any party stepped into the other party¡¯s star ring, they would be imperceptibly weakened.


    Hence, nibbling step by step and occupying the overall situation became the key to the war.


    The role of gods and cultivators below the lord level on the battlefield became incomparably important.


    They had to stabilize and fight for their respective lords.


    This was because the battle between the Lord God and the Immortal Lord that the low-level cultivators couldn¡¯t understand would all be reflected in the immortal energy and the flow of anomalous substances.


    For cultivators, their role was clear: whenever the Immortal Lord gained the upper hand, causing immortal energy to surge and dispel the anomalous substances in a specific area, they were to immediately advance. At the boundary of the cleansed zone, they had to quickly erect a special Dao Banner unique to the Fifth Star Ring.


    The Dao Banner¡¯s purpose was to stabilize the immortal energy in that region, anchoring it and turning it into a part of the Fifth Star Ring¡¯s territory.


    Simultaneously, following their orders, cultivators would venture deeper into divine territories to destroy the god¡¯s bases.


    This process mirrored a snowball effect: by claiming more and more territory, the Fifth Star Ring¡¯s influence would grow exponentially, creating an overwhelming momentum that would, in turn, bolster the Immortal Lord. This would tilt the balance of the high-level clash in the Immortal Lord¡¯s favor.


    On the other hand, the gods had their own countermeasures. Their primary objective was to consolidate the Lord God¡¯s gains, securing areas of anomalous substances. They also had to prevent cultivators from planting Dao Banners and work to destroy them wherever they were erected, ensuring the spread of anomalous substances across the battlefield to engulf all opposition.


    From a higher vantage point, the battlefield became a clear spectacle of black and white.


    Black was anomalous substance.


    White was immortal energy.


    It was like a black-and-white ink painting. They were moving at all times, fighting for every inch of land.


    This was the battle between gods and immortals.


    The battle between the Lords centered around momentum, with every move they made influencing the battlefield below, while the armies clashing on the ground, in turn, fed back into their respective Lords¡¯ struggle.


    Hence, it was intense.


    Death was ever-present.


    It was common for the weak to encounter the strong.


    At that moment, on the battlefield that spanned countless universes, at the rear left of the cultivator area, a hundred teams from the Material Procurement Division were teleporting over one after another.


    Among them was the team that had a conflict with Star Ring and Xu Qing on the star of the Material Procurement Division.


    The instant they appeared, their expressions changed and their expressions were solemn. Under the cold gazes of the army guarding this teleportation area, they sped into the distance.


    All the cultivators whose roles had shifted from Material Procurers to Transport Envoys, upon arriving at this place, had a singular task: to divide into smaller units, traverse the battlefield, and deliver the gathered origin essence to the left-wing warzone with the utmost speed.


    That place urgently needed origin essence!


    As the light of the teleportation dissipated, Xu Qing¡¯s team also teleported over.


    The instant they appeared on the formation platform, an unfamiliar starry sky, a chillingly oppressive atmosphere, the noticeably thin immortal energy, and the faint traces of drifting anomalous substances in the void immediately surged into their senses.


    This made many ascenders feel very uncomfortable.


    Before now, war was far away from them.


    In this life, although they had fought many individual battles, they had almost never participated in a war.


    The occasional distant rumbles, the inexplicable roars that seemed to echo across multiple universes, the chaotic spatial distortions from all directions, and the chilling aura formed by countless deaths all flooded their senses.


    These overwhelming elements caused most of the ascenders to experience varying degrees of mental disorientation, instinctively leading them to observe their surroundings.


    However, before they could carefully take in the details of their new environment, a deep shout abruptly echoed from the direction of the vast army of cultivators guarding this region.


    ¡°You guys, hurry up and transport the origin essence!¡±


    This voice surpassed thunder and exploded in everyone¡¯s minds, transforming into a monstrous boom.


    The aura it contained was even more overwhelming, as though it had transformed into a storm that could destroy anything.


    This caused everyone¡¯s expressions to change again.


    That was the voice of a Lower Immortal!


    Xu Qing¡¯s pupils contracted. However, he wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with war. Although he had never participated in a battle of such a scale, his mentality was naturally much better than others.


    Hence, his body swayed and he immediately flew out.


    The small team of cultivators behind him also flew up and followed behind Xu Qing.


    The closer they got to the battlefield and the deeper they ventured into the perilous environment, the more cohesive their small team became.


    This was a natural reaction of human nature.


    After all, Xu Qing¡¯s combat prowess was unparalleled among them, and his status was exceptional. Staying close to him undoubtedly offered the greatest chance of survival on the battlefield.


    However, Xu Qing¡¯s heart was gloomy.


    He sped all the way and looked into the distance, sensing his surroundings.


    He was more sensitive to anomalous substances than others, so he could sense that the anomalous substances in this area seemed to be growing denser almost imperceptibly as he moved forward.


    ¡®If they really needed origin essence urgently¡­ teleportation or arranging for experts to transport it would be a smoother and time-saving option.¡¯


    ¡®Why are they making these people who have almost never been to the battlefield transport them?¡¯


    On the way here, this doubt had surfaced in Xu Qing¡¯s mind.


    Now that he was on the battlefield and had sensed the anomalous substances drifting here, this doubt grew deeper and deeper in his mind.


    Vaguely, a guess appeared.


    The instant this guess arose, whistling sounds rang out from behind Xu Qing. Star Ring, Zhou Zhengli, Xie Lingzi, Yuanshan Su, and the others headed straight for Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing paused for a moment. After letting them catch up to him, he narrowed his eyes and looked over.


    Star Ring¡¯s expression was solemn as he immediately transmitted his voice.


    ¡°Xu Qing, my Ordinance senses that the order here is shattering. The sense of chaos is becoming increasingly obvious. Something is wrong!¡±


    Xie Lingzi licked his lips and also transmitted his voice.


    ¡°You guys also know that I¡¯m different from you guys. I didn¡¯t comprehend the Ordinance on my own but I have a special Ordinance treasure. My broken sword emits excitement. According to my understanding of this sword, it will be like this every time I encounter a life-and-death crisis.¡±


    ¡°At this moment, the excitement it emits is unprecedented!¡±


    Zhou Zhengli, who was at the side, also had an incomparably solemn expression. After Star Ring and Xie Lingzi spoke one after another, he looked at Xu Qing and spoke in a low voice.


    ¡°Master, our coming here is actually unreasonable, so I have a guess¡­¡±


    ¡°Is it possible that we¡­¡±


    Zhou Zhengli¡¯s gaze swept across everyone.


    ¡°are baits!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just targeting our team, but all the transport teams that have come here. The origin essence we carry¡­ will become the bait!¡±


    As soon as Zhou Zhengli finished speaking, everyone fell into deep thought, each considering the implications of his words.


    A dark glint appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes. The guess that appeared in his mind earlier was the same!


    ¡°To throw us out as bait in an area that currently belongs to the cultivators¡¯ camp, this means¡­¡± Xu Qing slowly spoke.


    After his voice rang out, Yuanshan Su replied softly.


    ¡°This means that this area is going to change!¡±


    ¡°Therefore, they are trying to lure out the gods hidden in this war zone in advance and increase our chances in stabilizing this area after the drastic change!¡±

 Chapter 1708 - Chapter 1708: Unexpected

    Chapter 1708: Unexpected


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    Yuanshan Su¡¯s voice fell into everyone¡¯s ears.


    They looked at each other and made their own judgments.


    However, no matter what, Xu Qing understood one thing in his heart. That was, since he integrated into the Fifth Star Ring and obtained resources for his growth, then¡­


    He had to follow the rules of the Fifth Star Ring.


    As both a Material Procurer and a Transport Envoy, being on this battlefield meant he had to complete his mission.


    That said, gaining a deeper understanding of the battlefield¡¯s dynamics would not only make the task smoother but also provide better means to protect himself.


    At the thought of this, Xu Qing slowly spoke.


    ¡°Stay alert. Split into several smaller teams, keep intervals between groups, and assign scouts to maintain constant coordination.¡±


    ¡°Zhou Zhengli, you handle the arrangements.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhengli immediately complied. His familiarity with the team members surpassed Xu Qing¡¯s, so he quickly divided the group of over eighty people into five sections, arranging them into battle formations.


    Additionally, he designated more than ten individuals skilled in stealth and speed to spread out in all directions¡ªfront, rear, left, and right¡ªkeeping a close watch on any changes in the surroundings.


    Following that, Xie Lingzi and others took out their respective treasures to shroud the group¡¯s aura. Xu Qing also unfurled a banner, concealing their presence and ensuring that the group¡¯s movements remained as hidden as possible.


    After doing this, everyone began to move forward.


    Their caution proved to be well-founded along the way.


    Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.


    Overall, the half-month journey, which included multiple teleportations, proceeded relatively smoothly. Whenever they encountered areas that felt unknown or slightly off, they managed to identify potential dangers in advance and opted to detour around them.


    At the same time, their efforts in concealment grew increasingly effective as layers of protective measures were continuously enhanced.


    During the journey, Xu Qing finally witnessed the Dao Banner firsthand.


    Since the region they traveled through was part of the rear-left wing of the overall battlefield and fell within the cultivators¡¯ domain, every universe in the vicinity had a Dao Banner stationed within it.


    These banners took the form of colossal altars, each comparable in size to a star. Suspended above the altar was a silver war flag¡ªthe Dao Banner of the Fifth Star Ring.


    The banner radiated a dense, overwhelming aura of immortal energy, which erupted continuously.


    It emitted a suppressive might that made all living beings tremble.


    With the existence of the Dao Banner, the immortal energy of the universe would continue to exist endlessly. The anomalous substances couldn¡¯t invade it at all. Everything that belonged to the gods would be suppressed wherever the Dao Banner was.


    Hence, there were quite a number of cultivators stationed around the Dao Banner.


    As for Xu Qing and the others, they passed through a hundred universes. There were also a hundred Dao Banners that they directly saw and indirectly sensed.


    There were large ones and small ones, depending on the range of the suppression.


    In addition, this banner had another use. It could allow the cultivator army to maintain a smooth connection with each other, allowing communication to be smooth.


    Hence, as Xu Qing and the others moved forward, Zhou Zhengli took on the role of communicator and communicated with the outside world. The main contact was with the other teams who had the same transportation mission as them.


    Another half a month passed.


    As they pressed forward, Xu Qing and his group traversed numerous universes at a rapid pace, skimming through them as if merely passing sights along the way. Gradually, they moved from the rear of the left-wing war zone to its central region.


    If they could cross this vast area composed of hundreds of universes, they would arrive at their destination¡ªthe front lines of the left-wing war zone.


    However, within this central region of the left-wing zone, several notable changes became apparent. The excitement emanating from the broken sword of Xie Lingzi grew stronger, while the concentration of anomalous substances Xu Qing detected had significantly increased compared to earlier.


    It was during their silent advance that Zhou Zhengli¡¯s expression suddenly shifted, and he immediately sent a transmission.


    ¡°Master, a transport team I previously contacted has lost all traces in this central war zone¡­ Either their external communication has been inexplicably cut off, or¡­ they¡¯ve encountered a life-and-death crisis!¡±


    As soon as these words were spoken, everyone¡¯s hearts became even more solemn.


    ¡°The bait has worked. A fish has taken the bait.¡±


    Xu Qing narrowed his eyes. Without needing to issue an order, his group instinctively grew even more cautious in their movements. They meticulously minimized any fluctuations of spiritual energy, increased the distance between individuals, and enhanced their overall concealment to the utmost.


    This heightened vigilance became particularly evident before and after each teleportation.


    At times, if something felt amiss, they would decisively opt to use alternative teleportation arrays, even if it meant taking a more circuitous route. They did so without the slightest hesitation, prioritizing safety above all else.


    Moreover, their respective cultivation bases were also circulating in their bodies, maintaining a state where they could erupt with their peak strength at any time.


    This lasted until a month passed.


    Though their journey so far had been smooth¡ªperhaps due to luck, or perhaps thanks to their caution and concealment¡ªthe information Xu Qing received from Zhou Zhengli painted a far grimmer picture. Reports of crises came in one after another.


    Of the hundreds of transport teams involved in this operation, nearly half had encountered enemy ambushes!


    Some teams had been wiped out so swiftly that they hadn¡¯t even had the chance to send out a distress signal before being completely annihilated.


    There were also those who could persist and seek help from the outside world but the final outcome¡­ was still unknown.


    However, the identity of the enemy attacking was also clear.


    Naturally, they were gods!


    Yet, these were not forces from the frontline but rather covert agents secretly embedded within the left-wing battle zone by the gods¡¯ faction.


    Originally, these hidden agents had concealed themselves remarkably well, with no apparent need to reveal their presence.


    But now, for reasons unknown, they had taken the initiative to strike, targeting the various transport teams.


    Like an invisible web of shadow, they had cast their net across the entirety of the central region of the left-wing battle zone.


    Even though Xu Qing and the others were extremely cautious, after several months of safety, they still encountered a god.


    The first to sense the abnormality was the scout, Xie Lingzi, who was on the right side of the team.


    Xie Lingzi¡¯s cultivation was already at the peak of the Ruler Realm, only a step away from the Quasi Immortal Realm. However, with his broken sword, he was confident that he could fight a Quasi Immortal.


    At the same time, he also had some puppet methods. Right now, he wasn¡¯t alone. He had two puppets by his side.


    Thus, entrusting him with scouting the right flank was undoubtedly the most prudent choice.


    As for his broken sword, its origins remained a mystery. Within it seemed to reside a life-and-death karmic connection intricately tied to Xie Lingzi himself. So when, in an instant, the sword radiated an overwhelming surge of excitement, it caused Xie Lingzi to tremble involuntarily.


    Without any hesitation, he suddenly retreated.


    Almost at the instant he retreated, waves of gods¡¯ aura tore through the void and appeared out of thin air. The moment They appeared, They directly erupted with monstrous might.


    It formed an earth-shattering storm that swept over with destructive force, containing dense anomalous substances and divine might.


    The two puppets following Xie Lingzi, despite their utmost efforts to evade and unleashing their full strength, were still unable to withstand the sudden assault from the gods.


    In the blink of an eye, their bodies trembled violently, withering entirely as their forms and souls were utterly annihilated.


    Xie Lingzi spat out seven to eight mouthfuls of blood and relied on the broken sword to barely avoid the first wave of destruction from the gods.


    As he retreated, his pupils contracted and he immediately sent a message to Zhou Zhengli.


    ¡°I encountered the gods. Seven Divine Platforms, 23 Flawlessness!¡±


    The instant he transmitted his voice, Xie Lingzi rapidly retreated. Behind him, anomalous substances churned and terrifying divine fluctuations erupted, forming a vast force that swept toward him.


    It was about to devour him.


    Xie Lingzi¡¯s eyes turned red. He was in a life-and-death crisis.


    At the next instant, a figure appeared behind Xie Lingzi at an undetectable speed. He grabbed Xie Lingzi¡¯s shoulder and pulled him back.


    The figure directly pulled him out of the devouring. After that, the figure raised his left hand and pressed down on the churning divine aura storm in front of him.


    ¡°Suppress!¡±


    As the word left his mouth, the Space-Time Ordinance rumbled over. Layers of overlapping universes appeared, forming space-time suppression.


    It blocked the divine aura storm.


    After they came into contact with each other, violent fluctuations erupted, transforming into an impact that swept in all directions. The person who came stood tall and motionless. As for the divine aura storm, it trembled and shattered into pieces.


    It revealed thirty gods with different appearances but all of them contained terrifying power.


    Their eyes locked onto the person in front of Them in unison.


    This person had long hair and wore a black robe. His appearance was peerlessly beautiful, surpassing the light of the stars. As he stood there, an aura infinitely close to that of a Lower Immortal rose from his body.


    This aura caused all the Flawlessness gods¡¯ hearts to fluctuate. Even the eyes of the seven Divine Platform cultivators flickered with golden light.


    At the same time, whistling sounds rang out from behind Xu Qing.


    Chains of order surged forth, instantly enveloping the surroundings. Within these chains, Star Ring stepped forward with resolute determination.


    Massive trees began to grow autonomously in the starry sky, as if they intended to form an endless forest. Among them, on one colossal tree, Yuanshan Su stood coldly and imposingly.


    Additionally, a colossal eye materialized in the vast expanse of space, gazing intently at the scene below.


    Within this eye, Zhou Zhengli sat cross-legged.


    Meanwhile, poison spread relentlessly, and an overwhelming killing intent surged outward, saturating the battlefield.


    There were also Ordinances of other ascenders that fused together, forming a pressure.


    In the further periphery, a huge seaweed had completely stretched its body and formed a blockade.


    It didn¡¯t look like the gods were launching a surprise attack. It was more like Xu Qing and the others were hunting the gods!


    Very soon, the seaweed began to contract rapidly, and the ascenders inside used their trump cards. Star Ring and the others also didn¡¯t hold back and fought with all their might.


    As Qianjun and Piyi¡¯s sword energy howled, the hearts of those gods trembled.


    They were extremely unsettled by Zhou Zhengli¡¯s Ordinance, which manifested as a bizarre and otherworldly eye. This eye seemed to predict the gods¡¯ attacks and divine powers, interfering with Their actions while simultaneously sharing this knowledge with the others.


    What caused Their souls to tremble the most was Xu Qing!


    His bell could seal everything.


    Wherever his iron stick passed, gods would die!


    The layers of space-time around him also contained the will of the heavens, shocking everything.


    Just like that, after about fifteen minutes, when the seaweed opened, Xu Qing and the others walked out. As for the gods who had attacked them¡­ They had already disappeared.


    However, if one used their perception carefully, they would discover that the auras of these people had increased to varying degrees.


    It was as if they had been nourished greatly.


    ¡°As expected of living gods, Their origin essence is the most delicious and densest.¡±


    Li Mengtu licked his lips.


    ¡°But unfortunately, the battle situation here is uncertain. If we stand out too much, we will inevitably attract the attention of the gods¡¯ side¡­¡±


    Xie Lingzi¡¯s injuries had already recovered. At this moment, he was also regretful.


    Yuanshan Su fell into deep thought while Qianjun and Piyi were eager to give it a try.


    However, Star Ring was expressionless.


    As for Zhou Zhengli, he shook his head.


    ¡°That¡¯s because of Master¡¯s existence, that¡¯s why we¡¯re so relaxed. However, with my foresight just now, I know that the leader of this god¡¯s surprise attack is a True God and there are also some at the peak of the Divine Platform.¡±


    ¡°If we encounter Them¡­¡±


    Li Mengtu fell silent.


    Xu Qing glanced at them and calmly spoke.


    ¡°Just like before, maintain caution and concealment as we continue forward!¡±

 Chapter 1709 - Chapter 1709: Ignite the Blood Lantern

    Chapter 1709: Ignite the Blood Lantern


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    Zhou Zhengli¡¯s words dispelled many people¡¯s thoughts of baiting the gods.


    Although origin essence was good, their lives were clearly more important.


    After all, the other party had a True God and peak Divine Platform gods. If they acted too conspicuously, it was inevitable that they would be targeted.


    At that time¡­


    Life and death would no longer be under their control.


    At the same time, the path ahead was arduous. Maintaining caution and concealment like they were doing before was also the best choice.


    Just like that, Xu Qing and the team quickly disappeared from this universe.


    ¡­


    At the same time, in the left-wing battlefield of the cultivator faction, there were numerous god squads similar to the one encountered by Xu Qing and his group.


    Their concealment methods, previously unseen, seemed to have the support of external forces, making it difficult for the cultivators to detect them promptly.


    The manner of Their appearance was also unusual, further complicating rapid detection.


    Within Them was the power of a new divine aspect.


    Moreover, these gods were not ordinary gods; They wielded strong divine authorities, making Them particularly formidable.


    As a result, Their ambushes proved highly effective, causing the central area of the left-wing battlefield to descend into scattered chaos.


    This, in turn, forced the cultivator armies stationed there to split up in an attempt to suppress and contain the disruptions.


    For a time, the central region of the left-wing battlefield fell into a state of disorder.


    Amidst this chaos, in the Qianyuan Universe, one of the many universes in the central region of the left-wing battlefield, within an unremarkable small galaxy, lay what seemed to be an ordinary star.


    The star appeared to have a dull, earthy-yellow hue.


    However, in the next instant, as seen from the void of space, the surface of the star seemed to churn violently, gradually revealing a massive fissure.


    The crack grew larger and larger until it suddenly opened wide!


    It was as though an eye had just opened¡ªor more precisely, it became clear that this was no ordinary celestial body. It was, in fact, a godly eye disguised as a star. Now, that eye had awakened!


    Within its golden pupil, a vast army of gods, numbering no less than ten thousand, was revealed!


    These gods may have been hiding there all along, or perhaps They had transported here through some unique method. But regardless of how, at this moment, They had arrived.


    All of them were at the Divine Fire realm. The number of Divine Platforms was also astonishing and there were also many peak-level Divine Platform gods. As for the commanders of this god army¡­


    They were three True Gods!


    One was like fog, and Its exact form couldn¡¯t be seen clearly. However, the divine might from It caused the starry sky to distort.


    One of Them was surrounded by golden flames and emitted an incomparably holy intent, like a heavenly god.


    The last one looked to be of the same height as the human race. It wore a black robe that covered Its head. An aura of boundless mystery emanated from Its form, shrouding it in an enigmatic presence.


    The instant this army of gods descended¡­ the entire battlefield underwent a sudden change!


    The battlefield between the Fourth and Fifth Star Ring was a battle of momentum. It was a black and white ink painting with black flowing and white churning inside.


    They devoured and rejected each other.


    Originally, in this vast area in the center of the left-wing war zone, one could see that it was filled with white immortal energy.


    But now, with the void resonating from the intricate machinations and exchanges between the Lord God and the Immortal Lord¡ªstrategies that defied comprehension by any being below their level¡ªan unmistakable shift in momentum had taken place.


    In one section of the battlefield, heavily shrouded in the black miasma of divine energy, the oppressive darkness thinned in an instant. The anomalous substances dissipated, replaced by the roaring eruption of radiant white immortal energy, falling upon the area like a decisive chess move.


    Conversely, in another section enveloped in white immortal energy, a sudden upheaval occurred. The white energy was swiftly dispelled, replaced by the overwhelming presence of concentrated black miasma, an oppressive fog formed from anomalous substances, appearing out of nowhere.


    This location was none other than¡­ the central region of the left-wing battlefield!


    This was the shift¡ªthe mutation!


    As a result, the anomalous substances in the center of the entire left-wing war zone instantly overflowed into the sky. Countless cultivator armies trembled and those with low cultivation levels were rapidly contaminated.


    As the black miasma surged and divine aura erupted, sweeping through the battlefield, the massive altars bearing the Dao Banners across every universe within the central region trembled violently.


    As cracking sounds echoed, it seemed like they were about to collapse.


    Once they collapsed, it meant that the cultivators had lost control of this place.


    The left-wing war zone would be cut down and the front line would become a lone army.


    Hence, the cultivators immediately used all their strength to protect the Dao Banners, trying to stall for time.


    At the same time, the gods who had attacked the transport teams no longer hid. They revealed Themselves and borrowed the anomalous substances here to erupt with even stronger divine might, stirring up a divine aura storm.


    They rushed toward the nearest Dao Banner altar.


    Additionally, within multiple universes, there existed objects similar to yellow stars, which now also began to open their eyes one by one, revealing vast armies of gods within.


    The war broke out completely.


    It was unclear whether these divine armies had been stationed there long ago or if They had used the prior chaos to divert the attention of the cultivators¡¯ forces, allowing Them to descend and conceal Their arrival.


    However, judging from the fact that the transport teams had been ambushed, the latter was the most likely.


    No matter what, from the timing of Their attack, it could be seen that this was a precise and proactive attack from the gods!


    Otherwise, it was impossible for Them to appear quickly and accurately the moment the situation between the Lord God and the Immortal Lord changed. They had clearly grasped the initiative.


    Their goal was naturally to destroy all the Universe Dao Banners in the center of the left-wing war zone.


    This place would become the land of the gods!


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, in the central region of the left-wing¡¯s war zone, divine forces bloomed and emerged one after another, igniting a full-scale outbreak.


    At the heart of this region lay a universe named Cloud Platform. Here, cultivator armies were abundant, spread across the vast expanse.


    Every star system within this universe resembled a regiment of soldiers, and every star seemed like a military camp.


    Now, a thick atmosphere of killing intent permeated the area.


    This was the core hub of the left-wing¡¯s war zone, the very nerve center¡ªthe command base!


    All battle commands for the left-wing were issued from this location.


    At its heart, suspended within the starry sky, stood a colossal immortal platform radiating boundless immortal light. There, cross-legged, sat an entity of incomprehensible vastness.


    He was the first commander of the left-wing war zone¡ªthe illustrious Immortal Monarch Silent Dao, whose renown echoed throughout the Fifth Star Ring!


    He was Immortal Lord Zhan Lu¡¯s chief disciple!


    His cultivation was at the peak of the Lower Immortal realm!


    Moreover, he specialized in killing. Among the peak Lower Immortals, he was an absolute expert.


    Moreover, he had walked his Dao to almost the great circle of perfection.


    At this moment, he slowly opened his eyes, a deep and intense killing intent surging within them, as he spoke softly.


    ¡°They¡¯ve taken the bait.¡±


    This was a battle between gods and cultivators. Both sides had their own grand plan!


    Not only were the transport teams the bait, but those Dao Banners, the cultivators guarding the surroundings of the Dao Banners, and even the entire center of the left-wing war zone¡­


    Even he himself was bait!


    The goal was to turn the center of the left-wing war zone into a huge vortex of flesh and blood.


    It was like a lantern in the dark night, attracting the god army to the greatest extent.


    This would conceal their true plan¡­


    A mysterious cultivator would act as an assassin, approaching the battlefield from the direction of the Fourth Star Ring, targeting the commander of the god¡¯s right-wing army¡ªa peak True God.


    ¡®Let¡¯s see whether your side isolates my region and kills me, or¡­ my side¡¯s mysterious cultivator successfully assassinates your commander!¡¯


    Silent Dao squinted his eyes, gazing into the distance.


    ¡®Who could this mysterious cultivator be¡­ Someone my master trusts and is willing to coordinate with, someone capable of assassinating a peak True God¡ªthere aren¡¯t many such figures¡­¡¯


    ¡­


    In the center of the left-wing war zone, anomalous substances surged into the sky and were everywhere, becoming increasingly dense.


    The hearts of the transport team members who were among them rumbled when they suddenly encountered this matter. All of them were in a tragic state.


    ¡°According to my judgment, at least 70% of them¡­ will definitely die!¡±


    ¡°The remaining ones should have chosen to head to the location of the nearest Dao Banner. However, they will also have to face the battle of the gods next.¡±


    In the starry sky, among the anomalous substances, the expressions of everyone in Xu Qing¡¯s team were incomparably solemn. Zhou Zhengli continued in a low voice.


    ¡°Therefore, we have to make a choice now.¡±


    ¡°Should we search for the nearest Dao Banner altar or¡­ continue forward?¡±


    Zhou Zhengli looked at Xu Qing.


    He wasn¡¯t the only one. All the ascenders here looked at Xu Qing.


    Xu Qing looked around.


    He was also caught off guard by the sudden change previously.


    In an instant, the starry sky had reversed.


    The immortal energy disappeared and the anomalous substances erupted violently.


    That situation had somewhat shocked Xu Qing.


    Right now, he sensed the anomalous substances here.


    He wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with this environment and was familiar with the feeling of anomalous substances permeating the air.


    Just like Wanggu.


    He understood that even though cultivators could resist anomalous substances due to their powerful cultivation, if they stayed in this environment for a long time, they would eventually be imperceptibly invaded.


    Especially when¡­ they needed to replenish their energy when circulating their cultivation bases.


    The anomalous substances would occupy all the energy of heaven and earth they absorbed.


    At that time, mutation would appear.


    It was also because he knew these that Xu Qing was very clear that it wasn¡¯t safe to search for the location of the Dao Banner. Moreover, a single misstep could leave life and death entirely out of his control.


    As for continuing forward¡­


    It was also unknown if they could leave this range and enter the frontline battlefield.


    One aspect was the uncertainty of the situations that might arise along the way; another was the unknown status of the frontline battlefield¡ªwhether it, too, was shrouded in anomalous substances or even already lost, remained unclear.¡±


    ¡®However, it¡¯s precisely because of the unknown that there¡¯s a possibility of survival, and to some extent, I can control my fate!¡¯


    ¡®Staying here, searching for the banner, and integrating into it¡ªif trapped there, everything will fall into passivity.¡¯


    Hence, a while later, determination appeared in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    His voice echoed.


    ¡°I will choose to continue forward and pass through the war zone to enter the frontline of the left wing!¡±


    ¡°You guys¡­ If you have any other choices, I won¡¯t stop you.¡±


    After speaking, Xu Qing headed straight ahead.


    Li Mengtu and Zhou Zhengli followed immediately. While Xie Lingzi and Yuanshan Su were hesitating, Star Ring took a step forward and followed Xu Qing.


    Qianjun and Piyi gritted their teeth and followed as well.


    Seeing this, Yuanshan Su followed.


    Xie Lingzi sighed inwardly and chose to tag along.


    As for the other ascenders, they quickly made their judgments. Most of them chose to continue. However, there were also some who made different judgments and chose to leave.


    Thus, after going through various events, the group of more than eighty people, for the first time, split up.


    More than fifty continued forward.


    While thirty or so chose to leave.


    There was no way to tell whose decision was correct.

 Chapter 1710 - Chapter 1710: A New God Descends

    Chapter 1710: A New God Descends


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    War erupted across all universes in the central region of the left wing battlefield!


    Legions of divine armies descended from all directions, like unstoppable blades carrying the tide of corruption. They launched relentless assaults on every universe where the Dao Banners stood.


    In some universes, the towering altars were reduced to ashes in an instant, with the Dao Banners succumbing to divine might, corrupted into nothing but dust.


    The cultivator armies guarding these locations faced no escape¡ªeither twisted into slaves of the divine or meeting tragic, agonizing deaths.


    Yet, in some universes, the altars still stood, and the Dao Banners continued to radiate immortal spiritual energy. The cultivators stationed there fiercely held their ground, refusing to yield.


    The price was that the battlefield became even more bloody.


    Viewed as a whole, the central region of the left wing battlefield was awash in unending slaughter. The death toll soared relentlessly.


    At critical junctures, reinforcements from the central command of the left wing arrived, bolstering the defenders. They clashed with the divine armies, creating a tangled frontline where both sides locked in a vicious cycle of annihilation.


    The symphony of war echoed unceasingly. Death loomed everywhere.


    The entire left wing battlefield became a cruel, blood-soaked grinder¡ªan unrelenting machine of destruction.


    In its unceasing rotation, it ground gods, cultivators, and all who stood between into fragments, crushing their bones, shredding their flesh, and obliterating their souls.


    This caused the color of blood to gradually taint it.


    It was as though it had become a blood-colored lantern that shone in the war between the Fourth and Fifth Star Ring. Gradually¡­ it attracted some attention.


    However, it was obvious that just this light and this attention wasn¡¯t enough.


    The light had to be brighter. There had to be more blood.


    Hence, even more divine armies descended.


    More cultivators stationed in formation at the central command also charged out one after another.


    Both sides were taking the initiative to increase the intensity of the war in the left-wing warzone based on different motives.


    Life was not respected in war.


    Only ideals and standpoints were the source of motivation for the two sides to fight like this.


    To the gods, the appearance of cultivators was seen as an act of rebellion¡ªa challenge to divine authority, an attempt to overthrow the divine order. If they had been farther away, it might have been tolerable, but the Fourth Star Ring and the Fifth Star Ring were simply too close.


    As for the Sixth Star Ring, it was special.


    Moreover, with the emergence of a new Lord God, sacrifices were required.


    Hence, for the Fourth Star Ring, war was inevitable.


    But for the cultivators, this was not rebellion; it was a fight for freedom¡ªa struggle to avoid enslavement.


    Because as humans, there was an inherent persistence deep in their bones.


    It was the resolve that, once they stood upright, they would never bow down again.


    Thus, the eruption of slaughter knew no peak, continuing endlessly.


    ¡­


    And the existence of slaughter, along with the evolution of war, made the flow of time in the starry sky take on a peculiar form.


    After all, when celestial bodies and universes were used as reference points, their trajectories often did not exhibit clear changes within mere days.


    Thus, most of the time, when traversing the starry sky, even in the absence of war, one might still feel an illusion of eternal stillness.


    However, due to the presence of war, the dangers it carried became the singularity that prevented the illusion of stillness from persisting.


    Zhou Zhengli¡¯s ability displayed its value at this moment.


    His foresight didn¡¯t only include living beings but also stars.


    ¡°This universe is dying¡­¡±


    Zhou Zhengli¡¯s voice was solemn and low.


    Star Ring, who was at the side, also had a solemn expression. His order, his balance, and the Heaven¡¯s Law he had obtained again in the Chaotic Sky Universe were originally a part of the rules.


    Hence, he had the same feeling.


    ¡°Order is also rapidly dissipating. Disorder is rising!¡±


    As the two of them spoke, in the starry sky, the sense of danger in the hearts of Xu Qing¡¯s group of over 50 people couldn¡¯t be suppressed.


    ¡°The bloody intent here¡­ death is erupting.¡±


    Xie Lingzi also spoke solemnly. Through his broken sword, he could smell the increasingly dense aura of death.


    Hence, everyone instinctively looked at Xu Qing.


    A dark glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes.


    He didn¡¯t know how to foresee, and his understanding of order wasn¡¯t as good as the Star Ring¡¯s. However, his sensitivity to anomalous substances surpassed everyone here.


    After all, that had been the norm for him since he was young.


    Moreover, there was also the clay fox for whom the anomalous substances were the same as spiritual energy was to the cultivators.


    Thus, after sensing this, Xu Qing spoke calmly.


    ¡°The anomalous substances are even denser than before. The activity inside¡­ is rising.¡±


    After saying that, Xu Qing didn¡¯t explain much. His speed became even faster as he sped forward.


    As for everyone here, when they looked at Xu Qing¡¯s figure, their solemnity increased.


    Although Xu Qing didn¡¯t explain, the sentence he said already explained the trend!


    The density of anomalous substances meant that many of the Dao Banners had been destroyed, and the increase in activity meant that the number of gods descending was increasing.


    Hence, there was only one path in front of everyone.


    To rush out of this war zone!


    This thought grew increasingly firm in each person¡¯s heart, as the crisis here and the tension in their minds became more pronounced. Time flowed on, and their speed was pushed to its utmost.


    Through concealment and caution, they steadily closed in on the edge of the left wing battlefield¡¯s center and frontline.


    Along the way, they encountered several obstacles. However, with Xu Qing leading the charge and the rest of them following closely behind, they cut through the challenges swiftly. Some were injured, but they managed to push forward rapidly.


    Perhaps it was luck, or perhaps the gods were more focused on the Dao Banners, so the outer defenses weren¡¯t as tightly arranged.


    This allowed them, with their skills and early warning, to get closer to the edge.


    However¡­ good luck couldn¡¯t last forever.


    Just as they were only three universes away from the edge of the left wing battlefield¡¯s central area, a sudden encounter interrupted Xu Qing and his group¡¯s progress.


    It was a team of gods. There were about 200 of them. There were a lot of Divine Fire, Divine Platforms, and even two peak Divine Platform leaders.


    Their target hadn¡¯t been Xu Qing¡¯s team.


    Their original mission was to provide reinforcements.


    They were passing by this place and going to the designated area where the Dao Banner was located to reinforce the team there in destroying the Dao Banner.


    However, after the two peak-stage Divine Platform cultivators sensed the fluctuations of the anomalous substances, They clearly didn¡¯t mind spending some time taking care of Xu Qing¡¯s team.


    ¡°A transport team that has entered such a range?¡±


    Among this group of gods, the two at the peak of the Divine Platform, who were from the same race, were both tall, Their bodies covered in dark purple-black scales, with six arms and a diamond-shaped flame-like mark on Their foreheads.


    At this moment, as the marks on Their foreheads flickered, They turned Their heads simultaneously, Their expressions emotionless as They gazed in the same direction.


    ¡°To have penetrated this far into such a range, this group of cultivators is somewhat unusual.¡±


    They exchanged a glance, and in the next moment, with Their divine thoughts sent out, Their path shifted immediately, heading toward the location of Xu Qing and his group, stepping through the void.


    At the same time, Xu Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly narrowed as he sensed the activity of the anomalous substances. Star Ring, Zhou Zhengli, Xie Lingzi, and the others also sensed it one after another.


    ¡°Gods have locked onto this place!¡±


    ¡°The killing intent in the vicinity is intense!¡±


    ¡°The starry sky is being sealed!¡±


    The instant their expressions changed, Xu Qing shouted.


    ¡°Speed up!¡±


    As he spoke, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate and sped up. The others also didn¡¯t hesitate to use their methods and their speed instantly increased greatly.


    However, the anomalous substances from all directions were surging intensely at this moment. It was as though a storm was about to erupt and form an obstruction.


    There were also special murmurs from the gods that echoed in the void.


    It could distort one¡¯s mind, blur one¡¯s flesh and blood, and reverse one¡¯s understanding.


    This caused everyone to be affected to different degrees.


    As their expressions changed, Xu Qing suddenly raised his hand. His eyes were filled with determination as he immediately called out to the clay fox inwardly.


    ¡°Lend me your divine body!¡±


    The clay fox also knew that they were in danger. Hence, She didn¡¯t hesitate and instantly opened Her mind completely, allowing Xu Qing¡¯s divine sense to surge in.


    Although Xu Qing had a pure immortal body now, he had a divine body as well. In fact, before he came to the Fifth Star Ring, his divine body had comprehended many divine authorities.


    Whether it was the divine authority of sound, blood, poison, or that wisp of luck divine authority.


    Hence, Xu Qing wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with gods and was quite familiar with using divine techniques.


    It was just that his current body wasn¡¯t suitable to display them.


    He lacked a medium to control anomalous substances!


    However¡­ it was a different story with the body of the clay fox.


    This body was the medium!


    It could allow Xu Qing to indirectly control the anomalous substances.


    As for the divine techniques, his Variant Immortal School technique was the best method. He could completely simulate it.


    After all, what he simulated wasn¡¯t anyone else¡¯s technique but his divine body technique. He was naturally incomparably familiar with it.


    At the next instant¡­


    As Xu Qing¡¯s eyes flashed with a sharp gleam, he raised his hand and gripped the air. The divine techniques he had never revealed in the Fifth Star Ring erupted violently in that instant.


    The surrounding anomalous substances instantly paused and no longer churned. Instead, they fused into Xu Qing¡¯s will.


    At that moment, the sounds of the surrounding area¡ªthose murmurs belonging to the gods¡ªwere abruptly silenced, stolen away, and transformed into Xu Qing¡¯s divine technique. The direction of the sound reversed, and in an instant, it became a deadly counterattack toward the source of the divine voice.


    Not only that, but the anomalous substances around Them began to change at this moment, making the blood inside Their bodies boil.


    There was also the divine curse poison. In an instant, with an overwhelming force, it spread outward with Xu Qing¡¯s team as the center!


    It was as though a new god had descended!

 Chapter 1711 - Chapter 1711: Immortal and God Shines Together

    Chapter 1711: Immortal and God Shines Together


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    All gods possessed their own unique anomalous substances, which constantly emanated from them.


    The anomalous substance was the manifestation of their divine aura. In the middle region of the left-wing battlefield, the anomalous substances that had suffused the area originated both from the exalted Lord God and from all the gods who had descended there.


    To enable the gods to coordinate more effectively, that Lord God had stripped away the will inherent in their own anomalous substances, allowing it to become universally accessible to all gods.


    Thus, every god who had descended to this place drew upon these anomalous substances to enhance themselves, amplifying their divine might to awe-inspiring levels.


    Just as the gods had such an advantage, Xu Qing¡ªthrough the divine body of the clay fox¡ªachieved the same!


    Thus, in the void, at the very moment when the two peak Divine Platform gods and their nearly two hundred subordinate gods were following Xu Qing and his group¡¯s trail, piercing through space¡­


    The divine authority that came from Xu Qing had already erupted.


    This divine authority¡¯s strength was rooted in the clay fox as its foundation, guided by Xu Qing¡¯s will, and subsequently unleashed.


    While Xu Qing¡¯s divine techniques had been constrained by the limits of the divine body back then, restricted to the Divine Fire level, the clay fox had already ascended to the Divine Platform realm. As a result, when combined with Xu Qing¡¯s control through the techniques of the Variant Immortal School, the divine techniques unleashed naturally reached the level of a Divine Platform!


    At that moment, amidst the rumbling, Xu Qing¡¯s divine voice instantly echoed in the hearts and souls of the gods who were speeding over.


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    The moment this word was spoken, the expressions of the gods who were moving through the void toward Xu Qing and the others changed slightly.


    This was a divine voice. Only gods could hear it. Cultivators wouldn¡¯t be able to understand its meaning, and all they would be able to hear were terrifying murmurs that could distort the soul and body.


    At the same time, the instant Xu Qing¡¯s divine voice rang out, the divine blood in the bodies of these gods also fluctuated non-stop.


    The Divine Fire Realm cultivators all trembled, while the divine authorities of those in the Divine Platform Realm showed signs of being suppressed.


    This phenomenon immediately alerted the gods to the presence of a powerful entity.


    Moreover, within the surging anomalous substances of the surrounding void, the emanating divine curses grew increasingly ferocious, causing many of the gods to sense an intense and ominous danger.


    They understood clearly that all of this pointed to one undeniable truth:


    Ahead of them¡­ lay a terrifying Divine Platform god!


    They were unfamiliar with this Divine Platform.


    However, they were certain of one thing¡ªit was no illusion. The divine voice was authentic, and the divine authority was genuine.


    Moreover¡­ this god¡¯s divine might was extraordinary.


    Hence, the gods slowed down. The gazes of the two peak-stage Divine Platform gods also froze.


    After that, They released Their divine might without hesitation and enveloped the area.


    Their divine auras, carried through the pervasive mists of anomalous substances, made contact with the unfamiliar Divine Platform they had sensed ahead.


    In that instant, They received a response.


    ¡°These humans are my slaves.¡±


    The divine voice echoed in the perceptions of all the gods. Upon hearing it, many gods immediately chose to halt, refraining from advancing further.


    This was because the god¡¯s faction had its own rules.


    For example, slavery was considered a private property in the rules.


    No matter how many They captured, it would be the god¡¯s own assets.


    Hence, even the two peak-stage Divine Platform gods paused. Their mission was to provide support, not to plunder.


    If those humans They sensed weren¡¯t captured, They would naturally destroy them. However, if those humans were slaves of a god, the meaning would be different.


    However, since the battle with the Fifth Star Ring began, They had witnessed instances of gods being enslaved. Thus, at this moment, it occurred to Them that the group of cultivators might include someone using an enslaved god to create this display.


    Although such acts of god enslavement rarely manifested with such purity, one of the peak stage Divine Platform gods still took a step forward, preparing to traverse the void for a closer investigation.


    Through the fluctuations of the anomalous substances, Xu Qing sensed everything and sighed inwardly.


    He didn¡¯t have too many regrets. He used the clay fox body to unleash his divine authority. Although his goal was to try to muddle through and avoid a fight, he was also prepared to fail.


    Hence, the instant that peak-level Divine Platform¡¯s step landed, a cold glint flashed in Xu Qing¡¯s eyes in the starry sky outside the void.


    He made up his mind and shouted.


    ¡°Attack!¡±


    As his voice rang out, Xu Qing didn¡¯t hesitate at all. He directly unleashed all his scattered divine authorities!


    In order to ensure lethality and accuracy, Xu Qing¡¯s target wasn¡¯t the two peak-stage Divine Platform gods but¡­ the Divine Fire under Their command and the Divine Platforms!


    At the exact moment when the peak stage Divine Platform god was about to step out of the void, the surrounding void erupted with a deafening roar of anomalous matter.


    The murmurs of the gods that had resonated earlier, the divine echoes that followed Xu Qing¡¯s actions, the rumbling of the anomalous matter, and even the inaudible sounds of blood coursing through the veins and the energy flowing within these gods¡ªall of it was seized by Xu Qing in that instant!


    Xu Qing became the master of sound.


    The area fell into sudden silence, but moments later¡­ it was shattered by the rise of thunderous divine echoes.


    Like a torrential downpour, the divine sounds surged forth under his control, crashing violently toward the Divine Fire and Divine Platform gods!


    In an instant, the Divine Fire and the Divine Platforms trembled. After that, the divine blood in Their bodies reversed and was about to explode.


    Immediately after, the divine curse of the Poison Restriction erupted completely as the anomalous substances churned. Wherever it passed, everything would melt. The poison contained in it could make the hearts of cultivators palpitate and also shake the gods.


    At the same time, the void shattered and a huge gap was directly torn open. Seaweed rushed out and headed straight for the Divine Fire and the Divine Platforms.


    After that, chains of order whistled as Star Ring¡¯s figure descended with killing intent.


    There were also huge mountains that contained endless weight falling from the sky.


    Yuanshan Su stood on a huge mountain.


    Additionally, Zhou Zhengli, having recently broken through to the Quasi-Immortal realm, unleashed the massive eye manifesting from his Ordinance at this moment, its aura shaking the souls of the gods.


    Li Mengtu also released his poison in a full-scale eruption.


    As for Xie Lingzi, he fought with everything he had¡ªhis entire body emanating a crimson glow. The broken sword in his hand exuded overwhelming killing intent as it fused with his body, transforming into a streak of blood that charged directly at the gods.


    Other than that, the remaining ascenders in Xu Qing¡¯s team also knew that they were in a life-and-death crisis. Hence, they all used their trump cards and charged toward those gods.


    In an instant, huge waves stirred up in the void.


    A bloody battle instantly erupted.


    However, the two peak-stage Divine Platform gods didn¡¯t show any emotional fluctuations.


    They watched all of this coldly. They watched as the cultivators appeared and the gods under Them fell into a disadvantage because of the divine technique at the start.


    It was as though the death of Their subordinates weren¡¯t important to Them, nor were They interested in paying more attention.


    What truly interested Them was what They were looking at now¡­ the void rift that had been torn open.


    Inside the rift¡­


    Xu Qing¡¯s figure was walking out step by step.


    The god¡¯s aura was incomparably dense on his body. It transformed into a divine figure that seemed to be able to support the sky. His body flickered with divine authority and emitted an extremely pure divine aura.


    Fluctuations of immortal spirit also completely erupted from his body, forming an immortal embryo. It was huge and astonishing, emitting the will of a pure cultivator.


    God and immortal appeared on his body at the same time!


    He walked out of the rift step by step.


    His appearance had fully attracted the gazes of the two peak-stage Divine Platform gods.


    After that, Their eyes revealed golden light, as though They wanted to see everything inside and outside Xu Qing¡¯s body clearly.


    ¡°So he enslaved a Divine Platform and displayed the authority of our god race.¡±


    ¡°However, it¡¯s rare for divine authority to be so pure.¡±


    ¡°Even though I heard that many low-level races are exploring merging with the Divine Dao, the divine authority on you is a little different.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s actually the same as our god race. You also have the blessing of the upper star ring.¡±


    ¡°Were you¡­ a god in the past?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll know his origin at a glance.¡±


    These two peak-stage Divine Platform gods calmly spoke. There was still no fluctuation in Their emotions.


    Their gazes were cold and high and mighty.


    This was in line with Xu Qing¡¯s usual understanding of those innate gods. He had interacted with many gods and understood what They relied on.


    That was¡­ omniscience.


    It was indeed as Xu Qing had judged. The instant he walked out, the golden light emitted by the eyes of these two peak-stage Divine Platform gods grew brighter and brighter. The omniscience that belonged to Them had already been activated!


    What They were looking at wasn¡¯t only the state of Xu Qing¡¯s body but also his past¡­


    They wanted to look at his origin!


    Xu Qing had been waiting for this moment!


    This was also the reason why he walked out so ostentatiously.

 Chapter 1712 - Chapter 1712: Slaying God!

    Chapter 1712: Slaying God!


    Editor: Atlas Studios


    In the next instant, the omniscient power of the two peak Divine Platforms, combined with Their divine might, surged forth. This overwhelming force, carrying an almost supreme pressure, manifested as a tangible light that enveloped Xu Qing entirely.


    The divine might erupted!


    Omniscience was unleashed!


    Xu Qing¡¯s entire body trembled. He could feel his being, from the outside to the very core, laid bare in this moment. Not only was his physical body fully exposed, but even his immortal embryo was rendered transparent. His soul, too, was unable to conceal itself under Their gaze.


    Even his past was completely visible to Them!


    Thus, although the chaotic battle around them clearly continued, it seemed to be completely isolated, as if a boundary had been drawn. The actions of everyone else appeared to slow, the entire world¡¯s operations, and even the trajectories of the stars, seemed to decelerate in that moment.


    Only the omniscient power of the two peak Divine Platforms remained unimpeded, layer by layer peeling away Xu Qing¡¯s essence.


    They stripped away the shell of his present reality, turning over the fragments of his past thoughts and memories.


    They wanted to see Xu Qing clearly.


    Once They did it, it would be equivalent to knowing everything about Xu Qing. This also meant that¡­ Xu Qing would no longer have the strength to resist.


    This was the god¡¯s omniscience.


    Moreover, this was activated by two peak-stage Divine Platforms at the same time, so it was extremely difficult for Xu Qing to resist.


    Hence, They naturally successfully saw through Xu Qing¡¯s origin!


    From Xu Qing¡¯s transparent body and soul, They saw Wanggu!


    In this world that was unfamiliar to Them, They saw cultivators and gods. At the same time, They also saw Fenghai County and a cluster of palaces in a cave.


    There, They sensed the phoenix hall and¡­ a figure sitting cross-legged in front of the phoenix hall, emitting an intent of eternity.


    It was a god that looked exactly the same as Xu Qing.


    ¡°The source is here?¡±


    On the battlefield, in the starry sky, the two peak-stage Divine Platforms fell into deep thought. At the same time, an inexplicable sense of danger rose in Their understanding.


    ¡°There¡¯s¡­ something wrong with this god!¡±


    The divine souls of these two Divine Platforms fluctuated slightly. That unfamiliar world, that unfamiliar star ring, and that god caused the sense of danger in Their hearts to become even more intense.


    This was especially so when they saw darkness behind this god.


    Endless darkness.


    This darkness caused the sense of danger to continue rising.


    This was because darkness was a taboo to omniscience!


    Out of instinct, They immediately chose to give up and retracted Their omniscience.


    However, at this moment, the eyes of the god sitting cross-legged suddenly opened!


    Golden light overflowed!


    A divine voice transmitted into the souls of the two Divine Platforms in the way of fate.


    ¡°Since you want to see the source, please take a closer look.¡±


    ¡­


    Gods were omniscient.


    However, this omniscience was only relative.


    To a certain extent, this was a form of protection for gods in the rules of the upper star rings.


    This prevented Them from being tainted by higher existences.


    After all, higher existences didn¡¯t belong to the scope of Their omniscience. They couldn¡¯t be seen, sensed, or understood.


    What the gods saw would be darkness like a mortal in a dark room.


    Hence, it was naturally impossible for Them to see the higher existences enveloped in darkness.


    Unless They were like the lives in Wanggu, who lived in the dark and were a part of the darkness. Hence, they could see the terror in the sky when they raised their heads.


    The foreign gods wouldn¡¯t be able to see or sense that terror, so no karma would be created.


    Hence, in theory, even if these two peak-stage Divine Platforms spread out their omniscience and enveloped Xu Qing, attempting to peer into his past or trace his origins, They could only perceive the surface of his divine body.


    The source itself remained obscured, shrouded in impenetrable darkness under the protective veil of Their own relative omniscience.


    However¡­


    But then¡­ someone lit up the darkness.


    At that moment, as Xu Qing¡¯s divine body spoke and the ripples of fate divine authority surged forth, the totem behind his seated figure suddenly burst into brilliance.


    That totem was a candle!


    At this moment, the candle suddenly burned!


    Its flame, in that fleeting instant, erupted from Xu Qing¡¯s divine body, spreading outward like an ocean of light. It surged across the void, illuminating the world, piercing through the darkness, and even forcing itself upon the omniscience of the two peak Divine Platforms.


    It compelled their omniscience to light up as well, forcibly making Them see it all.


    It forcefully continued Their exploration of Xu Qing!


    It forced Them to see the source!


    Just like Xu Qing¡¯s words earlier!


    ¡®Since you want to see the source, then¡­ please take a closer look!¡¯


    The hearts of the two peak Divine Platforms shook. Their souls seemed to have been struck by an endless tribulation. As They trembled intensely, the incomparably supreme fragmented-face¡­ appeared in Their omniscience!


    This revelation bypassed Their protective barriers and dragged Them into a severe transgression.


    They had connected to an even higher existence through Their omniscience!


    Even though this higher existence had Its eyes closed, the divine might emanating from Its being surpassed anything they had encountered in Their entire existence.


    A piercing, soul-shaking wail erupted from the depths of Their divine souls.


    ¡°This¡­ this is¡­¡±


    Their godly forms twisted and distorted, Their divine souls were shredded apart, and Their divine authorities began to melt as if dissolving into nothingness.


    Their sanity unraveled into madness.


    Driven by primal instinct, They abandoned all reason and caution, desperately seeking to flee from this place at any cost.


    They even began to burn Their own divine essence, frantically severing the threads of Their presence that had become entangled with this place.


    This was because They had subconsciously realized that They couldn¡¯t stay here. They couldn¡¯t let the fragmented-face open Its eyes!


    The fragmented-face¡¯s eyelashes moved as though It was about to open Its eyes!


    As a result, these two peak Divine Platforms from the fourth star ring became even crazier. The wills that landed here began to shatter at the price of destroying Their divine authorities and cutting Their souls.


    However, just as their thread-like senses were about to sever¡­


    A golden light shone intensely on the forehead of Xu Qing¡¯s divine body. A golden carving knife rushed out.


    That carving knife contained fate!


    As it flew, it hurtled directly toward the faster-shattering divine sense, and slashed!


    It was clearly a slash, but the moment it came into contact, it became an enhancement!


    With the power of fate, it strengthened the divine sense, locking It into place by carving a page of inevitable death from the countless possibilities of Its future.


    In an instant, the targeted divine sense swelled violently, halting Its disintegration and becoming even more firmly tethered. The result was that It could no longer escape!


    ¡°You!!!¡±


    A voice filled with unparalleled terror and anguish resounded through the void. One of the divine senses had managed to shatter completely and vanish without a trace, but the other remained, ensnared.


    Only this one was left behind.


    Above the sky of Wanggu, the distant visage of the fragmented-face¡ªhung high upon the heavens¡ªslowly opened Its eyes.


    Outside the phoenix hall, Xu Qing lowered his head and spoke softly.


    ¡°I offer this to you!¡±


    The ensnared divine sense writhed in unimaginable agony, Its screams filled with venomous hatred and desperation. It attempted a final, frenzied charge toward Xu Qing.


    Yet before It could come close, It was transformed into golden light and drawn irresistibly upward by an incomprehensible force to the fragmented-face¡¯s mouth.


    The fragmented-face closed Its eyes.


    Xu Qing raised his head.


    ¡°Unfortunately, with my current strength, I can only make one stay behind.¡±


    ¡­


    At the border of the Fifth Star Ring.


    In the center of the left-wing war zone, near the frontline.


    In the starry sky, wails spread in all directions.


    At this moment, all the gods here saw a scene that caused intense waves in Their souls!


    Among the two peak-stage Divine Platforms, the golden light on one of them instantly disappeared. At the same time, Its body seemed to have been erased and dissipated.


    What dissipated wasn¡¯t just Its divine body but also Its soul, Its sense, and¡­ the memories of everyone who had seen It.


    In the past, the present, and the future, every trace of Its existence vanished in this moment.


    The cultivators who had seen It in the Fifth Star Ring and the gods in the Fourth Star Ring would never remember It again, as if It had never appeared.


    This was a true death.


    Even though these gods had seen it with their own eyes and even the ascenders here had seen it, they forgot everything in a flash.


    As for the other Divine Platform, Its entire body fluctuated intensely with divine light. As the light flickered, Its eyes revealed defeat. It rapidly retreated, wanting to pierce through the void and escape.


    It didn¡¯t remember having a companion, nor did It remember what It had seen with Its omniscience. Its survival instinct made It choose to escape without hesitation.


    However, Xu Qing remembered!


    Xu Qing, who was standing outside the rift in the starry sky, looked coldly.


    ¡°Slash!¡±


    As soon as he spoke, according to the arrangement they had made beforehand, the ascenders here immediately emitted shocking killing intent.


    The vast majority of them spared no expense to kill those gods.


    The seaweed¡¯s body instantly stretched out in all directions. More than ten huge leaves formed layered barriers, creating an impenetrable wall that divided the battlefield, isolating the interior from the exterior.


    Inside this enclosure was the peak Divine Platform,


    while outside lay the other gods!


    Its mission was to cooperate with the ascenders who chose to attack. Its role was clear¡ªto work in tandem with those outside, delaying the external gods while sealing the battlefield within.


    Within the barrier, a cold glint flashed in Yuanshan Su¡¯s eyes. The endless mountain peaks in the surroundings erupted with an unprecedented weight, suppressing the peak Divine Platform who wanted to escape and blocking Its path.


    Zhou Zhengli followed suit, his Ordinance Eye surging with blood-red threads, unleashing an unparalleled soul-suppressing power. Its gaze became a boundary that severed all soul pathways, leaving no room for the divine soul to retreat.


    Next was Star Ring. Countless chains of order swept out with the Heaven¡¯s Law and whipped at that Divine Platform.


    It formed the might of judgment!


    Xie Lingzi¡¯s eyes were bloodshot as they burned with unrestrained killing intent. Controlled by the broken sword, he exuded an air of insatiable greed and madness. A blinding red glow headed straight for that Divine Platform.


    As for Xu Qing, with the help of the clay fox body, his divine authorities completely erupted.


    The Poison Restriction turned into a curse.


    All the sounds turned into powerful weapons.


    Blood authority surged.


    ¡­


    The divine authorities coordinated with everyone and landed.


    At this critical moment, the peak Divine Platform wanted to forcefully activate a divine technique, but It had already paid an extreme price to retract Its omniscience. Its injuries were seriously grave, so It couldn¡¯t immediately activate the technique, resulting in a pause.


    And this pause¡­


    Killing intent rose!


    The sound of a bell rang out from Xu Qing and spread in all directions.


    The moment everything was silenced, a black iron stick suddenly appeared!


    With the silence of the bell, Xu Qing¡¯s current immortal embryo¡¯s might, and the might of his immortal palace, he fused them with the trump cards of all cultivators and formed¡­ a peak power!


    It instantly flew over!


    This strike could kill gods!


    It broke through the void, space-time, and everything.


    It directly arrived in front of the peak Divine Platform and pierced into his forehead!!